bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between platelet‐derived growth factor‐B gene polymorphism and coronary heart disease
Authors: Lu Yaru , Liu Hui , Dong Bo , Yang Jingyu , Kou Lu , Qin Qin
Published: September 2022

Object

The aim of the present work was to investigate the correlation of plasma platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB level and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, rs1800817 and rs2285094) of PDGF‐B gene with the onset and stability condition of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Totally, 335 subjects were included in and divided into CHD (n = 247) and control group (n = 88) according to coronary angiography. Besides, the patients in the CHD group were divided into acute coronary syndrome (ACS) group (n = 165) and stable angina pectoria (SAP) group (n = 82), based on CHD stability condition. The plasma PDGF‐BB level was measured by ELISA, and the genotype of PDGF‐B was examined through qPCR assay.

Results

The PDGF‐BB level was positively correlated with hsCRP level (r = 0.149, p < 0.05). The genotype frequencies of SNP rs1800817 and rs2285094 match Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. There was weak linkage disequilibrium between SNP rs1800817 and rs2285094: D′ = 0.419, r2 = 0.04, which has no correlation with CHD. There was no statistical difference in plasma PDGF‐BB level among different genotypes in rs1800817 and rs2285094. There were no differences in the plasma PDGF‐BB level among patients with any genotype of SNP rs1800817 and rs2285094, no matter how it was grouped. Logistic regression results indicated that the plasma PDGF‐BB level was the independent risk factor of CHD onset (OR = 1.003, 95% CI 1.001–1.006, p = 0.014).

Conclusions

High plasma PDGF‐BB level is the risk factor of CHD and has correlation with instability of CHD. The plasma PDGF‐BB level change may be related to inflammatory response. PDGF‐B gene rs1800817 and rs2285094 polymorphisms are not correlated with CHD.
Comparative Risks of Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drugs on Cardiovascular Diseases: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Yu Esther Yee Tak , Chan Linda , Mok Anna Hoi Ying , Wang Yuan , Chan Esther Wai Yin , Wong Ian Chi Kei , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen
Published: September 2022

Through examining the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) users and nonusers, this study aims to compare the risks contributed by different NSAIDs in a Chinese population. The retrospective cohort including 4 298 368 adults without CVD from electronic health records between 2008 and 2017 in Hong Kong was adopted. A total of 4.5% of individuals received NSAIDs including celecoxib, etoricoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, mefenamic acid, or naproxen for ≥4 consecutive weeks at baseline. Cox regression, including NSAID use as a time‐dependent covariate and adjusted with patient's characteristics, was conducted to examine the association between NSAID exposure and incident CVD. After a median follow‐up of 6.9 years (30 million person‐years), a total of 258 601 cases of incident CVD was recorded. NSAID use was shown to be associated with a significantly higher risk of CVD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.32 [95%CI, 1.28–1.37]) compared to non‐NSAID use. Similar results in coronary heart disease (HR, 1.37 [95%CI, 1.31–1.43]), stroke (HR, 1.27 [95%CI, 1.21–1.33]), and heart failure (HR, 1.25 [95%CI, 1.16–1.34]) were obtained. Overall, similar CVD risk was observed across users of NSAIDs except for etoricoxib, which showed a higher risk (HR, 2.01 [95%CI, 1.63–2.48]). Considering that a higher CVD risk was consistently displayed among NSAID users, NSAIDs should be used cautiously, and the usage of etoricoxib in the Chinese population should be reviewed.
D3‐creatine dilution for skeletal muscle mass measurement: historical development and current status
Authors: McCarthy Cassidy , Schoeller Dale , Brown Justin C. , Gonzalez M. Cristina , Varanoske Alyssa N. , Cataldi Devon , Shepherd John , Heymsfield Steven B.
Published: September 2022

The French chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul discovered creatine in meat two centuries ago. Extensive biochemical and physiological studies of this organic molecule followed with confirmation that creatine is found within the cytoplasm and mitochondria of human skeletal muscles. Two groups of investigators exploited these relationships five decades ago by first estimating the creatine pool size in vivo with 14C and 15N labelled isotopes. Skeletal muscle mass (kg) was then calculated by dividing the creatine pool size (g) by muscle creatine concentration (g/kg) measured on a single muscle biopsy or estimated from the literature. This approach for quantifying skeletal muscle mass is generating renewed interest with the recent introduction of a practical stable isotope (creatine‐(methyl‐d3)) dilution method for estimating the creatine pool size across the full human lifespan. The need for a muscle biopsy has been eliminated by assuming a constant value for whole‐body skeletal muscle creatine concentration of 4.3 g/kg wet weight. The current single compartment model of estimating creatine pool size and skeletal muscle mass rests on four main assumptions: tracer absorption is complete; tracer is all retained; tracer is distributed solely in skeletal muscle; and skeletal muscle creatine concentration is known and constant. Three of these assumptions are false to varying degrees. Not all tracer is retained with urinary isotope losses ranging from 0% to 9%; an empirical equation requiring further validation is used to correct for spillage. Not all tracer is distributed in skeletal muscle with non‐muscle creatine sources ranging from 2% to 10% with a definitive value lacking. Lastly, skeletal muscle creatine concentration is not constant and varies between muscles (e.g. 3.89–4.62 g/kg), with diets (e.g. vegetarian and omnivore), across age groups (e.g. middle‐age, ~4.5 g/kg; old‐age, 4.0 g/kg), activity levels (e.g. athletes, ~5 g/kg) and in disease states (e.g. muscular dystrophies, <3 g/kg). Some of the variability in skeletal muscle creatine concentrations can be attributed to heterogeneity in the proportions of wet skeletal muscle as myofibres, connective tissues, and fat. These observations raise serious concerns regarding the accuracy of the deuterated‐creatine dilution method for estimating total body skeletal muscle mass as now defined by cadaver analyses of whole wet tissues and in vivo approaches such as magnetic resonance imaging. A new framework is needed in thinking about how this potentially valuable method for measuring the creatine pool size in vivo can be used in the future to study skeletal muscle biology in health and disease.
Necroptosis is associated with Rab27‐independent expulsion of extracellular vesicles containing RIPK3 and MLKL
Authors: Gupta Kartik , Brown Kyle A. , Hsieh Marvin L. , Hoover Brandon M. , Wang Jianxin , Khoury Mitri K. , Pilli Vijaya Satish Sekhar , Beyer Reagan S. H. , Voruganti Nihal R. , Chaudhary Sahil , Roberts David S. , Murphy Regina M. , Hong Seungpyo , Ge Ying , Liu Bo
Published: September 2022

Extracellular vesicle (EV) secretion is an important mechanism used by cells to release biomolecules. A common necroptosis effector—mixed lineage kinase domain like (MLKL)—was recently found to participate in the biogenesis of small and large EVs independent of its function in necroptosis. The objective of the current study is to gain mechanistic insights into EV biogenesis during necroptosis. Assessing EV number by nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed an increased number of EVs released during necroptosis. To evaluate the nature of such vesicles, we performed a newly adapted, highly sensitive mass spectrometry‐based proteomics on EVs released by healthy or necroptotic cells. Compared to EVs released by healthy cells, EVs released during necroptosis contained a markedly higher number of unique proteins. Receptor interacting protein kinase‐3 (RIPK3) and MLKL were among the proteins enriched in EVs released during necroptosis. Further, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from mice deficient of Rab27a and Rab27b showed diminished basal EV release but responded to necroptosis with enhanced EV biogenesis as the wildtype MEFs. In contrast, necroptosis‐associated EVs were sensitive to Ca2+ depletion or lysosomal disruption. Neither treatment affected the RIPK3‐mediated MLKL phosphorylation. An unbiased screen using RIPK3 immunoprecipitation‐mass spectrometry on necroptotic EVs led to the identification of Rab11b in RIPK3 immune‐complexes. Our data suggests that necroptosis switches EV biogenesis from a Rab27a/b dependent mechanism to a lysosomal mediated mechanism.
Clinical spectrum and outcome of nine patients with a novel genetic variant of galactosialidosis in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Alsahlawi Zahra , Aljishi Emtithal , Kheyami Ammar , Alekri Ahmed , Alwedaie Sayed Mohammed Jawad
Published: September 2022

Galactosialidosis (GS, OMIM #256540) is a systemic autosomal recessive disorder that is due to a mutation in the cathepsin A (CTSA) gene. Its worldwide prevalence is rare, accounting for ~146 cases reported cases globally. In Bahrain alone, nine cases have been confirmed. This article aims to shed a light on the clinical spectrum and outcome of these nine patients who share the same novel genetic mutation. The article was written retrospectively based on the review of patients' medical records, which included clinical notes, biochemical, radiological, and genetic assessments. Analysis of the data from all nine patients revealed that the diagnosis was most commonly made at the early years of life. As expected from any systemic disorder, the disease affects multiple organ systems with musculoskeletal and the gastrointestinal system being most commonly involved. Short stature, skeletal deformities, coarse facial features, and different degrees of hepatomegaly are among initial presentations of the disease. Notably, one of the patients described in this article, developed severe form of cardiomyopathy and another one, presented with nonimmune hydrops fetalis, both of which considered rare occurrences in the context of GS. Genetically, all patients had the similar genetic mutation confirmed by laboratory tests. A few patients have had their diagnoses made based upon family history alone.
Histomorphological stratification of blubber of three dolphin species from subtropical waters
Authors: Roussouw Natasha , van Vliet Tara , Naidoo Kristina , Rossouw Gideon , Plön Stephanie
Published: September 2022

Blubber is a highly specialized and dynamic tissue unique to marine mammals and presents a reflection of the individuals' nutrition, environment, and life history traits. Few studies have investigated the histomorphology of cetacean blubber in subtropical environments. The aim of this study was to investigate the blubber histomorphology of three different dolphin species off the subtropical KwaZulu‐Natal coast, South Africa, using adipocyte cell size, number, and density. Blubber tissue samples from the saddle area of 43 incidentally bycaught animals (four Sousa plumbea, 36 Tursiops aduncus, and three Delphinus delphis) were used to compare cell parameters between blubber layers. Samples were divided into the upper third (corresponding to the superficial layer closest to the epidermis), middle third, and lower third (corresponding to the deep layer). For T. aduncus, factors potentially affecting blubber histomorphology, such as sex, age class, and season, were also assessed. Our results showed that no stratification was present in S. plumbea, which could be ascribed to the species' warmer inshore habitat, large body size, and apparent lower mobility. For T. aduncus and D. capensis, however, blubber stratification was determined, characterized by a gradual transition of cell size, number, and density between layers rather than clearly defined layers. Significant differences in adipocyte cell number and density were found for different sexes and age classes of T. aduncus. However, there were no significant differences between seasons, which was attributed to the small temperature differences between seasons. This study represents the first investigation of odontocete blubber histomorphology in subtropical waters. It is recommended that future studies investigate blubber lipid content, while also taking into consideration the reproductive status of the females and the temperature range of their study area. It is hoped that our results, in conjunction with histopathology and other health indicators, could assist in assessing health and body condition.
Identification of steel corrosion associated with sulfate‐reducing bacteria by electrochemical noise technique
Authors: Permeh Samanbar , Lau Kingsley
Published: September 2022

Deterioration of steel structures in natural waters can result from microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) such as that caused by sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB). Corrosion pits associated with MIC have been recently observed in submerged steel bridge piles and there is renewed interest to assess their deterioration. Conventional electrochemical techniques to identify MIC have been complicated due to the effects of the surface films and the mechanism for charge transfer by the bacteria on the steel surface. An electrochemical noise (EN) technique to identify steel corrosion in an aqueous solution has been developed and the method ideally can identify the onset of local pitting, but complications and limitations relating to data acquisition, filtering, and interpretation exist. EN analysis was shown to differentiate SRB and corrosion activity including initial biofilm development, pitting corrosion development, and diminution of SRB activity. Electrochemical behavior, environmental characteristics, SRB activity, and corrosion modality provided consistent correlation to EN and localized corrosion development.
Dynamical behavior of prey–predator system with reserve area and quadratic harvesting of prey
Authors: Juneja Nishant , Agnihotri Kulbhushan
Published: September 2022

The present paper deals with mathematical modeling of a fishery resource system in an aquatic atmosphere consisting of two zones: a free fishing zone and a reserved zone, where fishing is strictly prohibited. The dynamics of the system is studied in the presence of bird predator. In this paper, the quadratic harvesting of the fish species in unreserved zone has been considered whereas bird predator species is subjected to linear harvesting. All the possible biological and bionomic equilibria of the system are studied extensively for their existence, local as well as global stability. We have found various ranges of harvesting parameter for maintaining the Sustainability in the proposed ecosystem. Optimal harvesting is discussed using Pontryagin's maximum principle. Numerical simulations are done to support the theoretical results obtained.
Pain perception during electrodiagnostic studies and the impact of learners
Authors: Paiz Freddy , Midroni Gyl , Kassardjian Charles D.
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Aims

Electrodiagnostic testing (EDX) may be perceived as painful, which may influence patient expectations and test completion. Our aim was to characterize which component of the EDX was more painful, and to determine if any factors, particularly performance by a learner, influenced this perception.

Methods

Participants were prospectively recruited and completed a brief questionnaire to rate their perception of pain before and after each component of the EDX. Demographic information and information about the test itself was collected.

Results

A total of 251 participants were recruited, 55.3% female, with a mean age of 52.9 y. Most participants rated pain after nerve conduction studies (NCS) and needle electromyography (EMG) as mild to moderate with a similar number rating each component as more painful than the other. There was no effect of sex on overall ratings, although females felt that the test was more painful than anticipated more often than males. If a learner performed the EMG, it was more likely that the test would be rated as moderately to severely painful, and more likely for the EMG to be rated as more painful than the NCS (p < .05).

Discussion

The finding that NCS and EMG perceived pain were similar may help accurately inform patients of test expectations, guide test planning and help reduce the likelihood of incomplete or canceled testing. More effort might be required to help mitigate EMG pain when learners are involved.
Large‐strain analysis for cylindrical cavity contraction in strain‐softening geomaterials
Authors: Li Chao , Sheng Yu‐ming
Published: September 2022

This study presents a large‐strain analysis for cylindrical cavity unloading–contraction problem in strain‐softening geomaterials. Based on the unified strength theory (UST) and non‐associated flow rule, the process of cavity contraction in cohesive‐frictional geomaterials is regarded as a large‐strain problem by introducing the UST parameters and the volumetric force of seepage into the conventional cylindrical cavity contraction analysis, the effects of strain‐softening characteristic, intermediate principal stress, large‐strain, and seepage are considered. Finally, according to the comparison of the results of the radius ratio with those in the published literature, the correctness and reliability of the theoretical method are proved. The results show that it is necessary to consider the effect of volume force of seepage in the stability of excavation problem in geomaterial, the larger the volume force of seepage, the smaller the plastic radius. The traditional two‐dimensional cavity contraction solution overestimates the plastic radius. The results provide a theoretical basis for the elasto‐plastic analysis of excavation in rich water geomaterial and have a certain reference value for engineering design.
Effects of reconsolidation degree on reliquefaction resistance under mainshock–aftershock sequences: A DEM investigation
Authors: Xie Xiaoli , Zhao Teng
Published: September 2022

Aftershock events may immediately follow mainshock events. In liquefiable deposits, the excess pore pressure caused by mainshock events may not dissipate completely in a short time interval between the mainshock and the aftershock. Sandy soil with different reconsolidation degrees (Ur) may present different reliquefaction resistances during the aftershock, which was not fully considered into the previous studies of reliquefaction. In this study, discrete element method (DEM) was employed to simulate a series of cyclic triaxial tests to evaluate the effects of Ur on reliquefaction resistance under mainshock–aftershock seismic sequence. The initially liquefied specimen was reconsolidated from two states with small and large residual shear strain respectively. Reconsolidated specimens reliquefied under different cyclic stress ratios (CSRs). Simulation results show that reliquefaction resistance increased gradually with increasing Ur, which was closely related to the previous residual shear strain during the first liquefaction event. Specimens that having large residual shear strain reliquefied easily, and the reliquefaction resistance of those specimens increased slightly with increasing Ur. On the contrary, reliquefaction resistance of the specimens that having small residual shear stain increased obviously with increasing Ur. The ratio of initial mechanical average coordination number to initial mesoscopic fabric anisotropy of reconsolidated specimens had a good correlation to the contraction potential and increased gradually with increasing Ur.
Investigation and elimination of nonlinear Poisson stiffening in 3d and solid shell finite elements
Authors: Willmann Tobias , Bieber Simon , Bischoff Manfred
Published: September 2022

We show that most geometrically nonlinear three‐dimensional shell elements and solid shell elements suffer from a previously unknown artificial stiffening effect that only appears in geometrically nonlinear problems, in particular in the presence of large bending deformations. It can be interpreted as a nonlinear variant of the well‐known Poisson thickness locking effect. We explain why and under which circumstances this phenomenon appears and propose concepts to avoid it.
Associations between low‐carbohydrate and low‐fat diets and hepatic steatosis
Authors: Li Xiude , Li Meiling , Xu Linsheng , Zeng Xueke , Zhang Tengfei , Yang Hu , Li Haowei , Zhou Zhihao , Wang Yu , Zhang Chenghao , Zhu Yu , Huang Yong , Zhang Zhuang , Yang Wanshui
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study assessed the cross‐sectional associations of low‐carbohydrate diets (LCDs) and low‐fat diets (LFDs) with hepatic steatosis in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Methods

Diet was measured using the 24‐hour recalls. Hepatic steatosis was defined by vibration‐controlled transient elastography. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression. Substitution analysis was performed using the leave‐one‐out model.

Results

Participants with higher adherence scores (comparing extreme tertiles) for an overall (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61‐0.96, ptrend = 0.049) or a healthful LCD (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.43‐0.87, ptrend < 0.001) exhibited lower odds of steatosis. Replacing 5% of the energy from carbohydrates with total fat and protein (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83‐0.99) or unsaturated fat and plant protein (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.84‐0.94) was associated with lower steatosis prevalence. High overall (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.13‐2.40, ptrend = 0.006) or unhealthful (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.10‐1.80, ptrend < 0.001) LFD scores were associated with increased likelihood of steatosis.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the associations between LCDs and LFDs and steatosis may depend on the quality and food sources of the macronutrients.
Carbon nanotube‐polybutadiene‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐based composite fibers: Role of cryogenic treatment on intrinsic properties
Authors: Gürbüz Remzi , Sarac Baran , Soprunyuk Viktor , Rezvan Amir , Yüce Eray , Schranz Wilfried , Eckert Jürgen , Ozcan Ali , Sarac A. Sezai
Published: September 2022

The low‐temperature response and the notion of crystallization kinetics are critical for developing elastomeric composite fibers, thus the crystallization and mechanical properties are essential for the application of composites of polybutadiene at low temperatures. Despite the high amount of fiber joining and entanglement due to polymers' low glass transition, a defect‐free micro‐scale electrospun carbon nanotube (CNT)‐containing poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and polybutadiene (PBu) composite elastomeric fibers with uniform fiber diameter and distribution are successfully fabricated. Thermomechanical behavior analyzed via frequency‐dependent dynamic mechanical analysis under cryogenic conditions shows a remarkable increase in decomposition temperatures (Tend) and storage and loss modulus at cryogenic temperatures, particularly when small amounts of CNTs are present. Dynamic mechanical treatment from 120 K to elevated temperatures yields a pronounced logarithmic increase in Tend by an increase of PEO content (from BEC1 to BEC4) compared to the treatment from 300 K. Through X‐ray diffraction, large shifts toward larger 2θ and formation of new crystals are observed, particularly for the BEC4 sample with high PEO content. Nanoparticles after cryo‐treatment linked with crystallinity are registered by ultra‐high resolution scanning electron microscopy. Improving the thermal and mechanical properties is critical in developing high‐performance composite fibers for cryogenic engineering applications, especially for future research to facilitate them in aerospace and low‐temperature medical and surgical treatments.
On Sidorenko's conjecture for determinants and Gaussian Markov random fields
Authors: Csikvári Péter , Szegedy Balázs
Published: September 2022

We study a class of determinant inequalities that are closely related to Sidorenko's famous conjecture (also conjectured by Erdős and Simonovits in a different form). Our main result can also be interpreted as an entropy inequality for Gaussian Markov random fields (GMRF). We call a GMRF on a finite graph homogeneous if the marginal distributions on the edges are all identical. We show that if is bipartite, then the differential entropy of any homogeneous GMRF on is at least times the edge entropy plus times the point entropy. We also show that in the case of non‐negative correlation on edges, the result holds for an arbitrary graph . The connection between Sidorenko's conjecture and GMRF's is established via a large deviation principle on high dimensional spheres combined with graph limit theory. It is also observed that the system we study exhibits a phase transition on large girth regular graphs. Connection with Ihara zeta function and the number of spanning trees is also discussed.
Decoding the Mechanisms of Phase Transitions from In Situ Microscopy Observations
Authors: Valleti Sai Mani Prudhvi , Ignatans Reinis , Kalinin Sergei V. , Tileli Vasiliki
Published: September 2022

Analysis of the temperature‐ and stimulus‐dependent imaging data toward elucidation of the physical transformations is an ubiquitous problem in multiple fields. Here, temperature‐induced phase transition in BaTiO3 is explored using the machine learning analysis of domain morphologies visualized via variable‐temperature scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging data. This approach is based on the multivariate statistical analysis of the time or temperature dependence of the statistical descriptors of the system, derived in turn from the categorical classification of observed domain structures or projection on the continuous parameter space of the feature extraction‐dimensionality reduction transform. The proposed workflow offers a powerful tool for the exploration of the dynamic data based on the statistics of image representation as a function of the external control variable to visualize the transformation pathways during phase transitions and chemical reactions. This can include the mesoscopic STEM data as demonstrated here, but also optical, chemical imaging, etc., data. It can further be extended to the higher dimensional spaces, for example, analysis of the combinatorial libraries of materials compositions.
VO4‐Modified Layered Double Hydroxides Nanosheets for Highly Selective Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to C1 Products
Authors: Bai Sha , Ning Chenjun , Wang Huijuan , Liu Guihao , Zheng Lirong , Song Yu‐Fei
Published: September 2022

The conversion of CO2 into high‐value added chemicals driven by solar energy is an effective way to solve environmental problems, which is, however, largely restricted by the competition reaction of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and easy electron–hole recombination, etc. Herein, VO4‐supported ultrathin NiMgV‐layered double hydroxide (V/NiMgV‐LDH) nanosheets are successfully fabricated, and the extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and density function theory (DFT) calculations reveal that VO4 species are located on the top of V atoms in the NiMgV‐LDH laminate. The V/NiMgV‐LDH is proved to be highly efficient for the photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2PR) with high selectivity of 99% for C1 products and nearly no HER (<1%) takes place under visible light. Contrast experiments using NiMgV‐LDH as the catalyst for CO2PR show a CO selectivity of 71.40% and a H2 selectivity of 28.11%. Such excellent performance of V/NiMgV‐LDH can be attributed to the following reasons: 1) the V/NiMgV‐LDH modulates the band structure and promotes the separation of electrons and holes; 2) strong bonding between V/NiMgV‐LDH and CO* and H* facilitates the hydrogenation to form CH4 and inhibits the formation of by‐product H2 at the same time.
Mo‐Incorporated Magnetite Fe3O4 Featuring Cationic Vacancies Enabling Fast Lithium Intercalation for Batteries
Authors: Guo Shasha , Koketsu Toshinari , Hu Zhiwei , Zhou Jing , Kuo Chang‐Yang , Lin Hong‐Ji , Chen Chien‐Te , Strasser Peter , Sui Lijun , Xie Yu , Ma Jiwei
Published: September 2022

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) as high‐capacity electrodes have several drawbacks owing to their inherent poor electronic conductivity and structural instability during the multi‐electron conversion reaction process. In this study, the authors use an intrinsic high‐valent cation substitution approach to stabilize cation‐deficient magnetite (Fe3O4) and overcome the abovementioned issues. Herein, 5 at% of Mo4+‐ions are incorporated into the spinel structure to substitute octahedral Fe3+‐ions, featuring ≈1.7 at% cationic vacancies in the octahedral sites. This defective Fe2.93▫0.017Mo0.053O4 electrode shows significant improvements in the mitigation of capacity fade and the promotion of rate performance as compared to the pristine Fe3O4. Furthermore, physical‐electrochemical analyses and theoretical calculations are performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. In Fe2.93▫0.017Mo0.053O4, the cationic vacancies provide active sites for storing Li+ and vacancy‐mediated Li+ migration paths with lower energy barriers. The enlarged lattice and improved electronic conductivity induced by larger doped‐Mo4+ yield this defective oxide capable of fast lithium intercalation. This is confirmed by a combined characterization including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. This study provides a valuable strategy of vacancy‐mediated reaction to intrinsically modulate the defective structure in TMOs for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries.
Surface Engineering Promoted Insulin‐Sensitizing Activities of Sub‐Nanoscale Vanadate Clusters through Regulated Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability
Authors: Chen Kun , Liu Shengqiu , Zhu Wei , Yin Panchao
Published: September 2022

The therapeutic application of vanadium compounds is plagued by their poor bioavailability and potential adverse effects. Herein, 1 nm polyoxovanadate (POV) clusters are functionalized with alkyl chains of various lengths and studied for the effect of surface engineering on their preclinical pharmacokinetics and typical insulin‐sensitizing activity. The concentrations of surface engineered POVs in plasma, urine, and feces are monitored after a single administration to rats. The POVs exhibit a two‐compartment profile of in vivo kinetics, and the surface engineering effect plays an important role in renal clearance of the POVs comparable to small molecules. POVs functionalized with long alkyl chains show much shorter elimination half timet1/2βand higher elimination fractions (50%) within 48 h than pristine POVs, suggesting favorable elimination kinetics to mitigate the possible side effects of vanadium. Meanwhile, long alkyl chain modification leads to a 76% increment of oral bioavailability in contrast to unmodified POVs. As suggested by glucose tolerance tests and sub‐chronic toxicity tests, the above two factors contribute to the enhanced therapeutic efficacy of POVs while mitigating their adverse effects. The surface engineering protocol provides a feasible approach to the optimization of the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties of POVs for promoted insulin‐sensitizing activities.
Photoelastic Organogel with Multiple Stimuli Responses
Authors: Gao Yiyang , Sun Danqi , Chen Jing , Xi Kai , Da Xinyu , Guo Haoyu , Zhang Dongyang , Gao Ting , Lu Tongqing , Gao Guoxin , Shi Lei , Ding Shujiang
Published: September 2022

The photoelastic effect has many uses in mechanics today, but it is usually disregarded in flexible materials. Using 2‐phenoxyethyl acrylate as a monomer and 4‐cyano‐4'‐pentylbiphenyl (5CB) as a solvent, a multiple responsive photoelastic organogel (PO) with strong birefringence but low modulus is created. 5CB is a liquid crystal molecule that does not participate in the polymerization process and is always present as tiny molecules in the polymer. It endows the PO low modulus and high birefringence, as well as the ability to drive the birefringence using an electric field. This PO not only has high sensitivity and fast response as a photoelastic strain sensor, but also has a very sensitive response to heat, especially in the range of human body temperature. It also has a high dielectric constant and a strong correlation between the interference color and the applied electric field, allowing for easy writing and erasure of encrypted data. This unique multisignal response feature and low modulus that mimics human skin bring up new opportunities in the potential applications such as multiple information encryption, anticounterfeiting, and multifunctional wearable sensors.
Market response to typhoons: The role of information and expectations
Authors: Yu Chin‐Hsien , McCarl Bruce A. , Zhu Jian‐Da
Published: September 2022

Damages from tropical storms are enormous and predicted to increase with climate change. This study uses high‐frequency data to investigate typhoons' effects through information channels on Taiwan's wholesale vegetable market during the 1996–2014 period. We first identify effects on prices and quantities during storms' striking periods and further separate price effects into those due, respectively, to supply and demand shifts. The results show that for typhoons that make landfall, prices rise significantly during the striking period, and the decomposition results indicate that most of the price effects during periods with warnings but no landfall are due to demand shifts, which supports evidence of precautionary purchases by consumers. However, during the landfall period, the price effect is mainly driven by decreased supply. In addition, we find that typhoon effects differ between specific vegetables, and the magnitude of precautionary purchase is correlated with expected damage to those vegetables. Consumers also make more precautionary purchases when they face higher‐intensity typhoons or learn typhoons will make landfall within 24 h, and such prior information related to intensity or landfall urgency can also amplify early harvest effects by farmers.
Effects of Potassium Carbonate on Quality Characteristics of Composite Starch‐Wheat Noodles and Its Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Mengtian , Xiong Zhouyi , Ahmad Ishtiaq , Chen Mengting , Xiong Hanguo
Published: September 2022

This study is to investigate the impact of potassium carbonate on quality characteristics of composite starch‐wheat noodles (CSW). The results show that low level of potassium carbonate (0.2–0.4%) enhances the storage modulus (G') of dough and improves gel strength. The peak viscosity of composite flour is increased at low level of potassium carbonate that is confirmed by pasting properties analysis. Cooking loss of noodles decreases significantly due to the increasing hardness and resilience. The thermodynamic analysis indicates that ΔH decreases by increasing the potassium carbonate. The disulfide bonds (9.604–10.399 µmol g−1), β‐sheet (26.9–31.4%), and starch order increases at low concentration of alkali. Based on the confocal laser scanning microscopic observation, the potassium carbonate (0.2–0.4%) causes a strong protein network in composite starch‐wheat noodles and with gelatinized starch granules being well embedded in the network structure. It is observed that 0.4% potassium carbonate promotes protein aggregation and starch stabilization to improve the elasticity of composite starch‐wheat noodles.
Experimental and numerical studies on flexural behavior of fiber continuous joints of precast UHPC decks
Authors: Zhao Qiu , Zhang Hao , Yang Jianping , Yang Xiaoqiang , Wang Ying , Lai Zhichao
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the flexural behavior of ultra‐high‐performance concrete decks with an innovative joint of fiber continuity at the joint interface. An experimental program with 21 specimens was designed and tested. Four types of joints were studied, that is, lap‐spliced rebar, fiber continuity, combination of fiber continuity and lap‐spliced rebar, and combination of additional reinforcement and lap‐spliced rebar. Finite element models were built and benchmarked using the test results. The influence of reinforcement ratio and interfacial fiber content was investigated. Experimental and numerical results showed that a joint with a combination of fiber continuity and lap‐spliced rebar achieved similar flexural performance as cast‐in‐place decks. In addition, the design theory of the Swiss code (SIA 2052‐2016) was recommended with promising accuracy in estimating the flexural capacity of precast ultra‐high‐performance concrete decks, based on the tensile strength of joint interface with various fiber contents.
Structural reliability of ultra‐high‐performance fiber reinforced concrete beams in shear
Authors: Simwanda Lenganji , De Koker Nico , Viljoen Celeste , Babafemi Adewumi John
Published: September 2022

A study on the shear model uncertainty and structural reliability of ultra‐high‐performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) beams with stirrups is presented. Model uncertainty for the shear models given in the JSCE, AFGC and ACI 544 standards are characterized by comparison to nonlinear finite element analyses (NLFEA). In comparison to other shear basic parameters, a notable negative correlation between model uncertainty the transverse shear reinforcement ratio (ρwfywm) is observed. When combined with stochastic descriptions of the remaining parameters that describe these analytical models, reliability values for beams designed to the JSCE and AFGC specifications are found to fall 6%, and 12%, respectively, below the target values of these standards, while reliability values for the ACI 544 exceed the target value specified for this standard by 8%.
Application of Raman spectroscopy in the hospital environment
Authors: Pistiki Aikaterini , Salbreiter Markus , Sultan Salwa , Rösch Petra , Popp Jürgen
Published: September 2022

The hospital environment is a field with unique microbiological characteristics. Pathogens evolve and spread in different areas of the hospital affecting patients and staff. In addition, a constant circulation of pathogens between the hospital and the outer environment is ongoing. In this context, an extensive management is required in order to minimize the harmful effect of hospital flora on humans as well as the natural environment. Raman spectroscopy has been shown to be an effective tool for this purpose since it is applicable in a variety of biological samples ranging from the patient samples to the hospital's wastewater. It enables the detection of infection, bacterial species identification, antimicrobial resistance determination, epidemiological typing as well as infection control, mandatory for hospital management. The biggest advantages of this analytical method are the limited time and minimal resources required in its workflow. In the current review the Raman‐based analytical methods that have been developed over years in the field of microbiology are presented and their applicability in the different areas of the hospital environment is discussed.
Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 is protective during acute kidney injury through its activation of autophagy in podocytes
Authors: Wang Jin‐Ping , Yan Ji‐Ping , Xiao Rui‐Ling , Li Rong‐Shan
Published: September 2022

Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a known regulator of autophagy in a range of cell types. Here, we investigated the role of LRRK2‐associated autophagy during acute kidney injury (AKI) and its underlying mechanism(s) of action. Male mice aged 8‐weeks were treated with the LRRK2 inhibitor MLi‐2 and exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) through intraperitoneal injection or ischemia–reperfusion (IR) surgery. Mice were sacrificed 12 or 24 h post‐LPS injection or IR operation and blood was collected for serum creatinine measurements. Kidney cortical tissues were collected for western blot analysis of podocyte‐specific markers and autophagy‐associated proteins. Renal histopathology was observed through hematoxylin‐eosin staining.

For cell‐based assays, immortalized mouse podocytes were silenced for LRRK2 through siRNA transfection and exposed to LPS or cobalt chloride. Changes in cell viability were investigated using cell counting kit‐8, flow cytometry and MTT assays. Expression of podocyte‐specific markers and autophagy‐associated proteins were analyzed by western blotting.

We observed an increase in LRRK2 expression at 12 h post‐LPS injection and IR surgery that was accompanied by enhanced autophagy. At 24 h post‐treatment, both LRRK2 expression and autophagy declined. Kidney injury was most pronounced in mice treated with MLi‐2. Podocytes silenced for LRRK2 showed a loss of cell viability, decreased levels of podocyte‐specific protein expression and a suppression of autophagy.

Together, these data reveal the protective effects of LRRK2 during AKI through enhanced podocyte autophagy and cell viability.
Domestic dogs carriers of Leishmania infantum, Leishmania tropica and Crithidia fasciculata as potential reservoirs for human visceral leishmaniasis in northeastern Iran
Authors: Fakhar Mahdi , Derakhshani‐nia Majid , Gohardehi Shaban , Karamian Mehdi , Hezarjaribi Hajar Ziaei , Mohebali Mehdi , Akhoundi Behnaz , Sharbatkhori Mitra
Published: September 2022

Background

In recent years, cases of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) have been reported in some districts of Golestan Province, northeastern Iran, particularly in rural areas. Recent epidemiological evidence in Leishmania infantum endemic regions of in Iran indicates approximately 50%–80% of seropositive dogs are asymptomatic for Leishmania infection.

Objectives

The goal in this study was to determine Leishmania species infecting domestic dogs in Golestan Province, Iran.

Methods

Between 2015 and 2016, blood samples were obtained from 100 domestic dogs in rural regions of Golestan Province, northeastern Iran. All samples were tested for anti‐Leishmania antibodies using a direct agglutination test (DAT), and for Leishmania spp. kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) using PCR.

Results

Seven (7%) dogs were antibody positive and 25 dogs (25%) were Leishmania spp. DNA positives by PCR positive for leishmaniasis. Four of the seven (71%) antibody‐positive dogs and 19 of the 25 (76%) PCR‐positive dogs were asymptomatic. The rate of infection detected by PCR was significantly higher in male dogs (21/75, 28%) than that in female dogs (4/25, 16%). The ITS1 PCR‐RFLP assay identified the presence of L. infantum, L. tropica or Crithidia spp. in the 25 PCR‐positive samples.

Conclusions

The high proportion of asymptomatic dogs in the study areas represent they act as potential reservoirs in the transmission cycle of Leishmania spp. and also Crithidia fasciculata as an emerging agent for the first time. Moreover, our data showed that PCR is a more reliable assay than DAT for detecting Leishmania spp. infection among asymptomatic dogs.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings in dogs with vaginal leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Tanaka Toshiyuki , Noguchi Shunsuke , Wada Yusuke , Yamazaki Hiroki , Nishida Hidetaka , Akiyoshi Hideo
Published: September 2022

Background

In humans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred over computed tomography (CT) for the assessment of pelvic lesions. Although CT findings of several pelvic tumours have been reported in veterinary medicine, MRI findings are limited.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare the CT and MRI findings in dogs with vaginal leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma.

Methods

This retrospective study of five dogs compared the CT and MRI findings of intrapelvic lesions, including vaginal leiomyoma (n = 4) and leiomyosarcoma (n = 1). No invasion of the surrounding tissue was detected on histopathological examination. In this retrospective study, the following parameters of CT and MRI were recorded for each dog: the border between the lesion and the adjacent pelvic organs, including the prostate, rectum or urethra; signal intensity (SI) of the lesion; enhancement pattern; presence of haemorrhage; necrosis or cystic areas and lymphadenopathy. Because SI on MRI is affected by cell density, tumour cell density was analysed using a microscope slide.

Results

In vaginal leiomyoma, the border between the lesion and the surrounding pelvic organ tends to be clearer on MRI than on CT. In vaginal leiomyosarcoma, the border was comparable between MRI and CT. Each lesion showed heterogeneous enhancement on CT and MRI scans. In each lesion, the assessment of haemorrhage, necrosis, cystic areas and lymphadenopathy was comparable between MRI and CT. The SI of the lesion on T2WI of the vaginal leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma were hyperintense in four cases (4/4; 100%) and mixed intense in one case (1/1; 100%), respectively. The cell density of leiomyosarcoma is higher than that of leiomyomas.

Conclusions

The SI on T2WI may be useful for differentiating leiomyoma from leiomyosarcoma. MRI may be useful to differentiate vaginal leiomyomas from leiomyosarcomas and evaluate margins.
Conserving biodiversity in the face of rapid climate change requires a shift in priorities
Authors: Schlaepfer Martin A. , Lawler Joshua J.
Published: September 2022

The field of conservation aims to protect biodiversity—the diversity of life on earth in all its forms. Traditional conservation objectives and measures have already been expanded and modified in response to shifting social values and climate‐related challenges. As climate change progresses, we argue that these changes will need to be accelerated. First, an even greater fraction of conservation objectives will need to prioritize the basic well‐being of humans, especially in areas where humans are strongly dependent on their natural surroundings. For example, urban biodiversity and low‐impact forms of agriculture and forestry that reconcile biodiversity and contributions to humans should increasingly be viewed as compatible with conservation objectives. Second, more conservation measures will need to allow for, and even foster, changes in biodiversity. Indeed, changing species' characteristics and biotic community composition are not only adaptive responses to inevitable climate change but will, in many instances, also be necessary to maintain functioning ecosystems. Conversely, attempts to maintain biodiversity in a historical state will likely become increasingly difficult, expensive, and possibly counterproductive. Finally, in addition to continuing climate adaptation work, conservation efforts will need to focus more on reducing atmospheric carbon concentrations. We explore how collectively these changes are transforming the field of conservation and how they have the potential to lead to a more just and sustainable world despite impending climate change.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Ecology, and Conservation > Conservation Strategies

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Comparative Environmental Values

Climate and Development > Sustainability and Human Well‐Being
Security
Authors: Duff Andrew
Published: September 2022

Affiliate membership should be underpinned by a new intergovernmental European Security Council, combining the best of the EU and NATO. Such a body would sharpen the strategic posture of the Union as well as keep the US involved in Europe—and the Russians out. Recent events necessitate the rapid development of the Union’s security and defence dimensions, especially if it is to play a central role in the peace process.
Higher Berry phase of fermions and index theorem
Authors: Choi Yichul , Ohmori Kantaro
Published: September 2022

Abstract

When a quantum field theory is trivially gapped, its infrared fixed point is an invertible field theory. The partition function of the invertible field theory records the response to various background fields in the long-distance limit. The set of background fields can include spacetime-dependent coupling constants, in which case we call the corresponding invertible theory a parameterized invertible field theory. We study such parameterized invertible field theories arising from free Dirac fermions with spacetime-dependent mass parameters using the Atiyah-Patodi-Singer index theorem for superconnections. In particular, the response to an infinitesimal modulation of the mass is encoded into a higher analog of the Berry curvature, for which we provide a general formula. When the Berry curvature vanishes, the invertible theory can still be nontrivial if there is a remaining torsional Berry phase, for which we list some computable examples.