bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participatory Modeling in Sustainability Science: The Road to Value-Neutrality
Authors: MacLeod Miles , Nagatsu Michiru
Published: February 2023

Participatory modeling in sustainability science allows scientists to take stakeholders’ interests, knowledge, and values into account when designing a model-based solution to a sustainability problem, by incorporating stakeholders in the model-building process. This improves the chance of generating socially robust knowledge and consensus on solutions. Part of what helps in this regard is that scientists, through involving stakeholders, limit their own values from influencing the outcome, thus achieving some level of value-neutrality. We argue that while it might achieve this to some extent, it comes at a cost to the reliability of the outcomes, which is ethically problematic.
Functionalism, Reductionism, and Levels of Reality
Authors: Lorenzetti Lorenzo
Published: February 2023

I consider a problem for functional reductionism based on the following tension. Say that b is functionally reduced to a. On one hand, a and b turn out to be identical, and identity is a symmetric relation. On the other hand, functional reductionism implies that a and b are asymmetrically related: if b is functionally reduced to a, then a is not functionally reduced to b. Thus we ask, how can a and b be asymmetrically related if they are the same thing? I propose a solution to this tension by distinguishing between ontological levels and levels of description.
Prognostic value of different cut-off points of the NRS-2002 tool to identify nutritional risk in critically ill patients: a longitudinal study
Authors: Stello Bruna Barbosa , Cattani Aline , Milanez Danielle Silla Jobim , Razzera Elisa Loch , Lima Júlia , Silva Flávia Moraes
Published: February 2023

The American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition recommends nutritional risk (NR) screening in critically ill patients with Nutritional Risk Screening – 2002 (NRS-2002) ≥ 3 as NR and ≥ 5 as high NR. The present study evaluated the predictive validity of different NRS-2002 cut-off points in intensive care unit (ICU). A prospective cohort study was conducted with adult patients who were screened using the NRS-2002. Hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital and ICU mortality, and ICU readmission were evaluated as outcomes. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic value of NRS-2002, and a receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine the best cut-off point for NRS-2002. 374 patients (61·9 ± 14·3 years, 51·1 % males) were included in the study. Of these, 13·1 % were classified as without NR, 48·9 % and 38·0 % were classified as NR and high NR, respectively. An NRS-2002 score of ≥ 5 was associated with prolonged hospital LOS. The best cut-off point for NRS-2002 was a score ≥ 4, which was associated with prolonged hospital LOS (OR = 2·13; 95 % CI: 1·39, 3·28), ICU readmission (OR = 2·44; 95 % CI: 1·14, 5·22), ICU (HR = 2·91; 95 % CI: 1·47, 5·78) and hospital mortality (HR = 2·01; 95 % CI: 1·24, 3·25), but not with ICU prolonged LOS (P = 0·688). NRS-2002 ≥ 4 presented the most satisfactory predictive validity and should be considered in the ICU setting. Future studies should confirm the cut-off point and its validity in predicting nutrition therapy interaction with outcomes.
Evaluating the effects of defoliant spraying time on fibre yield and quality of different cotton cultivars
Authors: Wang Liyuan , Deng Yongsheng , Kong Fanjin , Duan Bing , Saeed Muhammad , Xin Ming , Wang Xiaoge , Gao Liying , Shen Guifang , Wang Jinghui , Han Zongfu , Wang Zongwen , Song Xianliang
Published: February 2023

Chemical defoliants are widely used in cotton (GossypiumL.) to accelerate leaf abscission and boll maturation, as well as, to facilitate mechanical harvesting. The current study was conducted to determine the interactive effect of cotton cultivars and spraying time of defoliant on defoliation, boll opening, fibre yield and quality. An experiment was performed with four cultivars and three defoliant spraying time during 2019 and 2020 in split plot design with three replications. At harvest, the defoliation and boll opening rate of all treatments after spraying defoliant was 94.6 and 85.4%, while the blank control (water) was 73.9 and 79.1%, respectively. After spraying defoliant, the effects of defoliation rate, boll opening rate, fibre yield and quality were different among cultivars, indicating that different cultivars had different responses to defoliant. Among them, L7619 was the most sensitive to defoliant, with the average defoliation rate of 95.6% and a seed cotton yield reduction of 882.9 kg/ha. Among the different time of applications, late spraying (17 September, B3) of defoliant recorded the highest defoliation rate (97.3%), boll opening rate (89.8%), seed cotton yield (3991 kg/ha) and steadily increased the fibre strength by 0.59 cN/tex compared with the control. Late spraying of defoliant had little or even no adverse effect on the remaining fibre quality traits (length, uniformity, micronaire and elongation). In general, these results suggested that the appropriate time for spraying defoliant can be determined based on the sensitivity of the cotton cultivar, the weather conditions at the field and the harvest time.
Evaluation of gamma-aminobutyric acid content in Portuguese cheeses with protected designation of origin status
Authors: Sousa Rodrigo J. M. , Ribeiro Susana C. , Baptista José A. B. , Silva Célia C. G.
Published: February 2023

Health-conscious consumers are increasingly paying attention to healthy diets and focusing on natural bioactive compounds in foods and their effects on mental health. This opens new opportunities for the study of artisanal cheeses as biofunctional foods. In the work described in this Research Communication, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content of seven different Portuguese cheeses produced from unpasteurized cow, sheep, and goat milk and granted with protected designation of origin (PDO) status was analysed. The PDO cheeses made from cow milk analysed in this study were São Jorge (3, 4, 7, 12 and 24 months of maturation) and Pico cheeses. PDO cheeses made from sheep milk were Serra da Estrela, Serpa, Nisa and Azeitão. Cheeses made from sheep and goat milk included Beira Baixa yellow cheese. The GABA content in the Azorean PDO cheeses (made from cow milk) ranged from 1.23 to 2.64 g/kg of cheese. Higher variations in GABA content were observed in cheeses made from sheep and goat milk (0.73–2.31 g/kg). This study provides information on the GABA content in different Portuguese PDO cheeses and shows that hard or semi-hard ripened cheeses are a suitable matrix for GABA production by lactic acid bacteria.
Modified transseptal approach in endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery
Authors: Gan R , Stokes S , Bahl A , Jose J
Published: February 2023

Objective

Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is commonly performed via a direct transostial approach with a posterior septectomy. However, a technique via an endoscopic transseptal route has been described that avoids a posterior septectomy, but it comes with its own disadvantages.

Methods

This paper describes a modification, and discusses its pros and cons.

Results

The initial incision in the mucosa is placed level with the anterior middle turbinate. The mucoperichondrial flap is raised ipsilaterally until the sphenoid sinus ostium. An incision is made at the osseocartilaginous junction, and the contralateral mucoperichondrial flap is raised. The bony septum and posterior aspect of this flap is excised. The size and position of this window can be adapted. At the end of the operation, the lateralised intact mucoperichondrial flap is moved back to the midline.

Conclusion

Excision or deflection of the cartilaginous septum is not required. It maintains an intact septal mucosa on one side and avoids a septal perforation.
Primates unleashed
Authors: Amici Federica , Liebal Katja
Published: February 2023

Before claiming major differences between the communication systems of humans and other species, it is necessary to (1) overcome methodological limitations in the comparative study of communicative intentions; (2) account for mechanisms other than epistemic vigilance that may also sustain complex forms of communication; and (3) better differentiate between motivational and cognitive factors potentially affecting the emergence of open-ended communication.
Ostensive communication, market exchange, mindshaping, and elephants
Authors: Ross Don
Published: February 2023

Heintz & Scott-Phillips's hypothesis that the topic range and type diversity of human expressive communication gains support from consilience with prior accounts of market exchange as fundamental to unique human niche construction, and of mindshaping as much more important than mindreading. The productivity of the idea is illustrated by the light it might shed on why elephants seem to engage in continuous social communication for little evident purpose.
A game of cat and mouse: Human rights protection and the problem of corporate law and power
Authors: Villiers Charlotte
Published: February 2023

Human rights violations by corporations are widespread and have a broad spectrum: damage to people’s health through pollution, environmental accidents and health and safety failures, forced labour or child labour, underpaid workers, displaced communities, contaminated water sources, use of excessive force, and discrimination, for example by race, gender or sexuality. Corporate violence, resulting from a long history of corporate power and colonialism continues today as corporations have grown into powerful global conglomerates. Through complex and opaque multinational groups and supply chains, use of corporate law concepts such as the corporate veil, as well as other actions such as tax avoidance and lobbying of national and international political institutions, corporate actors remain free to pursue their goals. Despite efforts to combat corporate harm through the development of a business and human rights movement success has been limited and significant gaps remain in the global governance required to ensure protection. This article argues that, similar to a cat and mouse game, corporations find new ways to defend themselves against those seeking to dismantle their power or to prevent human rights infringements. The problem is rooted in structural and systemic inequalities within the international legal framework and in company laws that maintain corporate structures that obstruct the human rights movement’s progress. The current drive towards a more sustainable business agenda requires a just transition, including transformation of global and corporate structures to tackle human rights violations and the inequalities of power and wealth that facilitate such violations.
On the Development of the SAMI2 Ionosphere Model
Authors: Huba J. D.
Published: February 2023

The development of the ionosphere model SAMI2 at the Naval Research Laboratory is described. The genesis of the code and the adversities we faced in developing the model are described. The evolution of the numerical algorithms used is discussed as well as the decision to open‐source the code. An example of a new discovery made with the code, the formation of an electron “hole” in the nighttime, high‐altitude, low‐latitude ionosphere, is given.
The 2021 Antarctic Total Eclipse: Ground Magnetometer and GNSS Wave Observations From the 40 Degree Magnetic Meridian
Authors: Coyle S. E. , Hartinger M. D. , Clauer C. R. , Baker J. B. H. , Cnossen I. , Freeman M. P. , Weygand J. M.
Published: February 2023

On 04 December 2021, a total solar eclipse occurred over west Antarctica. Nearly an hour beforehand, a geomagnetic substorm onset was observed in the northern hemisphere. Eclipses are suggested to influence magnetosphere‐ionosphere (MI) coupling dynamics by altering the conductivity structure of the ionosphere by reducing photoionization. This sudden and dramatic change in conductivity is not only likely to alter global MI coupling, but it may also introduce a variety of localized instabilities that appear in both hemispheres. Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) based observations of the total electron content (TEC) in the southern high latitude ionosphere during the December 2021 eclipse show signs of wave activity coincident with the eclipse peak totality. Ground magnetic observations in the same region show similar activity, and our analysis suggest that these observations are due to an “eclipse effect” rather than the prior substorm. We present the first multi‐point interhemispheric study of a total south polar eclipse with local TEC observational context in support of this conclusion.
Recycled Carbonate‐Bearing Silicate Sediments in the Sources of Circum‐Mediterranean K‐Rich Lavas: Evidence From Mg‐Zn Isotopic Decoupling
Authors: Shu Zi‐Tan , Liu Sheng‐Ao , Prelević Dejan , Wang Yu , Foley Stephen F. , Cvetković Vladica , Li Shuguang
Published: February 2023

The high flux of subaerial volcanic CO2 emissions around the circum‐Mediterranean region requires the involvement of an unusually carbon‐rich reservoir, but the origin of which is still unclear. Here, we aim to resolve this problem by analyzing Mg and Zn isotopes for the widely distributed mafic potassic to ultrapotassic lavas in this region. These K‐rich lavas have lower δ26Mg but similar δ66Zn compared to mid‐ocean ridge basalts (MORB). No known magmatic processes can explain the isotopic data, which must therefore be characteristics of the mantle sources. Recycled carbonate sediments are capable of explaining the low δ26Mg, but they typically also have high δ66Zn. Thus, the low δ26Mg but unfractionated δ66Zn of these K‐rich lavas define “Mg‐Zn isotopic decoupling” which has not yet been observed for other types of mantle‐derived lavas. The carbonate‐bearing silicate sediments analyzed here possess low δ26Mg and MORB‐like δ66Zn, which can account for the Mg‐Zn isotopic decoupling. Therefore, the nature of recycled materials (carbonates vs. carbonate‐bearing silicate sediments) in the mantle can be distinguished by the coupling or decoupling of Mg and Zn isotopes of mantle‐derived magmas. The input flux of carbon from the sediments to the lithospheric mantle is estimated to be ∼8.1 Mt/yr, and ∼22.4 Mt/yr of CO2 emissions are predicted, which fit well with the observed output flux of 20.1 ± 13.4 Mt/yr. Our results demonstrate that recycled crustal carbon stored in the lithospheric mantle is an important source for the extensive subaerial volcanic CO2 emissions in the circum‐Mediterranean region.
Bridging Scales: An Approach to Evaluate the Temporal Patterns of Global Transpiration Products Using Tree‐Scale Sap Flow Data
Authors: Bittencourt Paulo , Rowland Lucy , Sitch Stephen , Poyatos Rafael , Miralles Diego G. , Mencuccini Maurizio
Published: February 2023

Transpiration is a key process driving energy, water and thus carbon dynamics. Global transpiration products are fundamental for understanding and predicting vegetation processes. However, validation of these transpiration products is limited, mainly due to lack of suitable data sets. We propose a method to use SAPFLUXNET, the first quality‐controlled global tree sap flow (SF) database, for evaluating transpiration products at global scale. Our method is based on evaluating temporal mismatches, rather than absolute values, by standardizing both transpiration and SF products. We evaluate how transpiration responses to hydro‐meteorological variation from the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM), a widely used global transpiration product, compare to in situ responses from SAPFLUXNET field data. Our results show GLEAM and SAPFLUXNET temporal trends are in good agreement, but diverge under extreme conditions. Their temporal mismatches differ depending on the magnitude of transpiration and are not random, but linked to energy and water availability. Despite limitations, we show that the new global SAPFLUXNET data set is a valuable tool to evaluate T products and identify problematic assumptions and processes embedded in models. The approach we propose can, therefore, be the foundation for a wider use of SAPFLUXNET, a new, independent, source of information, to understand the mechanisms controlling global transpiration fluxes.
Borealis: An Advanced Digital Hardware and Software Design for SuperDARN Radar Systems
Authors: McWilliams K. A. , Detwiller M. , Kotyk K. , Krieger K. , Rohel R. , Billett D. D. , Huyghebaert D. , Ponomarenko P.
Published: February 2023

The Borealis radar system is a hardware and software upgrade to the conventional Super Dual Auroral Radar Network radar system, which has been used since the early 1990s. The conventional system has hardware and software that is aging, and many components are no longer supported. Limitations of the conventional system limit radar and data techniques for scientific discovery. Using software defined radios, Borealis has improved the flexibility, capabilities, and security of the radar system. Borealis has improved system monitoring and diagnostics and enables more complex experiments. Borealis provides improvements in spatial and temporal resolution. The system can perform full field‐of‐view imaging, pulse phase encoding and simultaneous multi‐frequency operations. With Borealis, data quality and system reliability has been improved. New radar and signal processing techniques are in development to further improve the capabilities of the system and of the data quality.
Association between the extent of house collapse and urine sodium-to-potassium ratio of victims affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mikami Takahiro , Tanno Kozo , Sasaki Ryohei , Takanashi Nobuyuki , Kotozaki Yuka , Asahi Koichi , Tanaka Fumitaka , Omama Shinichi , Kogure Mana , Nakaya Naoki , Nakamura Tomohiro , Tsuchiya Naho , Narita Akira , Hozawa Atsushi , Hitomi Jiro , Sakata Kiyomi , Sasaki Makoto
Published: February 2023

People who experience natural disasters have a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the association between the extent of house collapse and urine sodium-to-potassium (UNa/K) ratio of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake victims. We used the baseline survey data of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Community-Based Cohort Study of 29 542 individuals (aged 20–74 years) residing in the affected areas. The UNa/K ratio was calculated using spot urinary electrolyte values. Analysis of covariance was used to calculate the multivariate-adjusted geometric means of the UNa/K ratio in the following groups stratified according to the self-reported extent of house collapse: total collapse (TC), half collapse (HC), partial collapse (PC), and no damage (ND). Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for a high UNa/K ratio were calculated using logistic regression. The TC, HC, PC, and ND groups comprised 5 359 (18.1%), 3 576 (12.1%), 7 331 (24.8%), and 13 276 (44.9%) participants, respectively. The TC (3.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.28–3.38), HC (3.37; 3.30–3.43), and PC (3.32; 3.28–3.37) groups had significantly higher multivariate-adjusted geometric means of the UNa/K ratio than the ND (3.24; 3.21–3.27) group. The multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for a high UNa/K ratio in the TC, HC, and PC groups vs. the ND group were 1.07 (0.99–1.15), 1.20 (1.11–1.31), and 1.20 (1.12–1.28), respectively. Similar associations between house collapse and UNa/K ratio were observed for both sexes. We report that victims of a natural disaster tend to have a diet with high sodium-to-potassium ratio.
Structural basis for clearing of ribosome collisions by the RQT complex
Authors: Best Katharina , Ikeuchi Ken , Kater Lukas , Best Daniel , Musial Joanna , Matsuo Yoshitaka , Berninghausen Otto , Becker Thomas , Inada Toshifumi , Beckmann Roland
Published: February 2023

Translation of aberrant messenger RNAs can cause stalling of ribosomes resulting in ribosomal collisions. Collided ribosomes are specifically recognized to initiate stress responses and quality control pathways. Ribosome-associated quality control facilitates the degradation of incomplete translation products and requires dissociation of the stalled ribosomes. A central event is therefore the splitting of collided ribosomes by the ribosome quality control trigger complex, RQT, by an unknown mechanism. Here we show that RQT requires accessible mRNA and the presence of a neighboring ribosome. Cryogenic electron microscopy of RQT-ribosome complexes reveals that RQT engages the 40S subunit of the lead ribosome and can switch between two conformations. We propose that the Ski2-like helicase 1 (Slh1) subunit of RQT applies a pulling force on the mRNA, causing destabilizing conformational changes of the small ribosomal subunit, ultimately resulting in subunit dissociation. Our findings provide conceptual framework for a helicase-driven ribosomal splitting mechanism.
Cholesterol esters form supercooled lipid droplets whose nucleation is facilitated by triacylglycerols
Authors: Dumesnil Calvin , Vanharanta Lauri , Prasanna Xavier , Omrane Mohyeddine , Carpentier Maxime , Bhapkar Apoorva , Enkavi Giray , Salo Veijo T. , Vattulainen Ilpo , Ikonen Elina , Thiam Abdou Rachid
Published: February 2023

Cellular cholesterol can be metabolized to its fatty acid esters, cholesteryl esters (CEs), to be stored in lipid droplets (LDs). With triacylglycerols (TGs), CEs represent the main neutral lipids in LDs. However, while TG melts at ~4 °C, CE melts at ~44 °C, raising the question of how CE-rich LDs form in cells. Here, we show that CE forms supercooled droplets when the CE concentration in LDs is above 20% to TG and, in particular, liquid-crystalline phases when the fraction of CEs is above 90% at 37 °C. In model bilayers, CEs condense and nucleate droplets when the CE/phospholipid ratio reaches over 10-15%. This concentration is reduced by TG pre-clusters in the membrane that thereby facilitate CE nucleation. Accordingly, blocking TG synthesis in cells is sufficient to strongly dampen CE LD nucleation. Finally, CE LDs emerged at seipins, which cluster and nucleate TG LDs in the ER. However, when TG synthesis is inhibited, similar numbers of LDs are generated in the presence and absence of seipin, suggesting that seipin controls CE LD formation via its TG clustering capacity. Our data point to a unique model whereby TG pre-clusters, favorable at seipins, catalyze the nucleation of CE LDs.
Antibiotic thermorubin tethers ribosomal subunits and impedes A-site interactions to perturb protein synthesis in bacteria
Authors: Parajuli Narayan Prasad , Emmerich Andrew , Mandava Chandra Sekhar , Pavlov Michael Y. , Sanyal Suparna
Published: February 2023

Thermorubin (THB) is a long-known broad-spectrum ribosome-targeting antibiotic, but the molecular mechanism of its action was unclear. Here, our precise fast-kinetics assays in a reconstituted Escherichia coli translation system and 1.96 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of THB-bound 70S ribosome with mRNA and initiator tRNA, independently suggest that THB binding at the intersubunit bridge B2a near decoding center of the ribosome interferes with the binding of A-site substrates aminoacyl-tRNAs and class-I release factors, thereby inhibiting elongation and termination steps of bacterial translation. Furthermore, THB acts as an anti-dissociation agent that tethers the ribosomal subunits and blocks ribosome recycling, subsequently reducing the pool of active ribosomes. Our results show that THB does not inhibit translation initiation as proposed earlier and provide a complete mechanism of how THB perturbs bacterial protein synthesis. This in-depth characterization will hopefully spur efforts toward the design of THB analogs with improved solubility and effectivity against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Sub-resolution contrast in neutral helium microscopy through facet scattering for quantitative imaging of nanoscale topographies on macroscopic surfaces
Authors: Eder Sabrina D. , Fahy Adam , Barr Matthew G. , Manson J. R. , Holst Bodil , Dastoor Paul C.
Published: February 2023

Nanoscale thin film coatings and surface treatments are ubiquitous across industry, science, and engineering; imbuing specific functional or mechanical properties (such as corrosion resistance, lubricity, catalytic activity and electronic behaviour). Non-destructive nanoscale imaging of thin film coatings across large (ca. centimetre) lateral length scales, crucial to a wide range of modern industry, remains a significant technical challenge. By harnessing the unique nature of the helium atom–surface interaction, neutral helium microscopy images these surfaces without altering the sample under investigation. Since the helium atom scatters exclusively from the outermost electronic corrugation of the sample, the technique is completely surface sensitive. Furthermore, with a cross-section that is orders of magnitude larger than that of electrons, neutrons and photons, the probe particle routinely interacts with features down to the scale of surface defects and small adsorbates (including hydrogen). Here, we highlight the capacity of neutral helium microscopy for sub-resolution contrast using an advanced facet scattering model based on nanoscale features. By replicating the observed scattered helium intensities, we demonstrate that sub-resolution contrast arises from the unique surface scattering of the incident probe. Consequently, it is now possible to extract quantitative information from the helium atom image, including localised ångström-scale variations in topography.
Hypothesis-free phenotype prediction within a genetics-first framework
Authors: Lu Chang , Zaucha Jan , Gam Rihab , Fang Hai , Ben Smithers  , Oates Matt E. , Bernabe-Rubio Miguel , Williams James , Zelenka Natalie , Pandurangan Arun Prasad , Tandon Himani , Shihab Hashem , Kalaivani Raju , Sung Minkyung , Sardar Adam J. , Tzovoras Bastian Greshake , Danovi Davide , Gough Julian
Published: February 2023

Cohort-wide sequencing studies have revealed that the largest category of variants is those deemed ‘rare’, even for the subset located in coding regions (99% of known coding variants are seen in less than 1% of the population. Associative methods give some understanding how rare genetic variants influence disease and organism-level phenotypes. But here we show that additional discoveries can be made through a knowledge-based approach using protein domains and ontologies (function and phenotype) that considers all coding variants regardless of allele frequency. We describe an ab initio, genetics-first method making molecular knowledge-based interpretations for exome-wide non-synonymous variants for phenotypes at the organism and cellular level. By using this reverse approach, we identify plausible genetic causes for developmental disorders that have eluded other established methods and present molecular hypotheses for the causal genetics of 40 phenotypes generated from a direct-to-consumer genotype cohort. This system offers a chance to extract further discovery from genetic data after standard tools have been applied.
Anticancer properties of curcumin-treated Lactobacillus plantarum against the HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Gholipour Faranak , Amini Mohammad , Baradaran Behzad , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad , Eskandani Morteza
Published: February 2023

Probiotic bacteria with functions of importance to the health and well-being of the host exhibit various medicinal properties including anti-proliferative properties against cancer cells. There are observations demonstrating probiotic bacteria and their metabolomics can be different in various populations with different eating habits. Here, Lactobacillus plantarum was treated with curcumin (the major compound of turmeric), and its resistance to the curcumin was determined. After then the cell-free supernatants of untreated bacteria (CFS) and bacteria treated with curcumin (cur-CFS) were isolated and their anti-proliferative properties against HT-29 colon cancer cells were compared. The ability of L. plantarum treated with curcumin to combat a variety of pathogenic bacterial species and its ability to survive in acidic conditions were evidence that the probiotic properties of the bacterium were unaffected by the curcumin treatment. L. plantarum treated with curcumin and intact L. plantarum were both able to live in acidic conditions, according to the results of the resistance to low pH test. The MTT result showed that CFS and cur-CFS dose-dependently decreased the growth of HT29 cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 181.7 and 116.3 µL/mL at 48 h, respectively. Morphological alteration of DAPI-stained cells also exhibited significant fragmentation in the chromatin within the nucleus of cur-CFS-treated cells compared to CFS-treated HT29 cells. Moreover, flow cytometry analyses of apoptosis and cell cycle confirmed DAPI staining and MTT assay results and stipulated the increased occurrence of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cur-CFS-treated cells (~ 57.65%) compared to CFS-treated cells (~ 47%). These results were more confirmed with qPCR and exhibited the upregulation of Caspase 9–3 and BAX genes, and downregulation of the BCL-2 gene in cur-CFS- and CFS-treated cells. In conclusion, turmeric spice and curcumin may affect the metabolomics of probiotics in intestinal flora which could subsequently influence their anticancer properties.
Multi-objective integrated optimization study of prefabricated building projects introducing sustainable levels
Authors: Peng Junlong , Feng Yue , Zhang Qi , Liu Xiangjun
Published: February 2023

As construction becomes greener, people have higher and higher requirements for engineering project management, which makes it necessary to deeply study the comprehensive optimization of schedule, cost and sustainability level. Adhering to the concept of low carbon and green, the article takes carbon emission factor into the total cost of building construction and improves the traditional cost objective of engineering projects; then quantitatively analyzes the economic, environmental and social impacts of assembled buildings from the perspective of sustainability, and introduces the sustainability objective into the traditional duration-cost problem study, taking the duration of each job in the double code arrow diagram as the independent variable to construct the duration -cost-sustainability level multi-objective optimization model. In order to solve the type effectively, a series of Pareto optimal solutions are obtained using the NSGA-II algorithm, and the efficacy coefficient method is used for program decision making. The results show that the Pareto solution set can provide effective support for the project manager’s decision making, and the NSGA-II algorithm is effective in solving the multi-objective optimization model.
Neuroprotective and antioxidant properties of new quinolylnitrones in in vitro and in vivo cerebral ischemia models
Authors: Chamorro Beatriz , Izquierdo-Bermejo Sara , Serrano Julia , Hadjipavlou-Litina Dimitra , Chioua Mourad , López-Muñoz Francisco , Marco-Contelles José , Martínez-Murillo Ricardo , Oset-Gasque María Jesús
Published: February 2023

Cerebral ischemia is a condition affecting an increasing number of people worldwide, and the main cause of disability. Current research focuses on the search for neuroprotective drugs for its treatment, based on the molecular targets involved in the ischemic cascade. Nitrones are potent antioxidant molecules that can reduce oxidative stress. Here we report the neuroprotective properties and the antioxidant power of the six new quinolylnitrones (QNs) 1–6 for their potential application in stroke therapy. QNs 1–4 are 2-chloro-8-hydroxy-substituted QNs bearing N-t-butyl or N-benzyl substituents at the nitrone motif located at C3, whereas QN5 and QN6 are 8-hydroxy QNs bearing N-t-butyl or N-benzyl substituents at the nitrone motif located at C2, respectively. In vitro neuroprotection studies using QNs 1–6 in an oxygen-glucose-deprivation model of cerebral ischemia, in human neuroblastoma cell cultures, indicate that all QNs have promising neuroprotective, anti-necrotic, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidant properties against experimental ischemia–reperfusion in neuronal cultures. QN6 stands out as the most balanced nitrone out of all tested QNs, as it strongly prevents decreased neuronal metabolic activity (EC50 = 3.97 ± 0.78 μM), as well as necrotic (EC50 = 3.79 ± 0.83 μM) and apoptotic cell death (EC50 = 3.99 ± 0.21 μM). QN6 showed high capacity to decrease superoxide production (EC50 = 3.94 ± 0.76 μM), similar to its parent molecule α-phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) and the well-known anti-oxidant molecule N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). Thus, QN6 demonstrated the highest antioxidant power out of the other tested QNs. Finally, in vivo treatment with QN6 in an experimental permanent stroke model elicited a significant reduction (75.21 ± 5.31%) of the volume size of brain lesion. Overall, QN6 is a potential agent for the therapy of cerebral ischemia that should be further investigated.
Chair squat performance as a potential predictor of nurses’ physical capabilities in ergonomic patient transfers
Authors: Brinkmann Anna , Kowalski Christian , Lau Sandra , Meyer Ole , Diekmann Rebecca , Hein Andreas
Published: February 2023

Muscle activation and movements performed during occupational work can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, one of the nursing profession's most significant health hazards. However, physical activity like exercise training tailored to the exposure and physical ability offers health prevention and rehabilitation. Professional nursing associations have advised squat training to promote occupational health because it strengthens lower limb and back muscles. Given that squatting is a fundamental part of many daily activities and various actions in caregiving processes, we hypothesized that chair squat performance is a potential predictor of nurses’ physical capabilities to perform occupational tasks. We conducted kinetic and electromyographic assessments of 289 chair squat repetitions and compared them to ergonomic patient transfer tasks. In this task, nurses transferred a supine patient to a lateral position in a care bed using similar movement characteristics of the squat task. This cross-sectional pilot study provides initial insights into nurses’ kinetic and muscle activation patterns of health-enhancing and compensational strategies. Highly asymmetric movements corresponded to distinct extremes in lower limb and spine muscle activity data—e.g., increased activity of the rectus femoris indicates increased hip flexion, including postural sway and, therefore, high torsional forces affecting the sacroiliac joints. The potential of the chair squat performance as a predictor of nurses’ physical capabilities in ergonomic patient transfers was quantified by a 2 × 2 contingency table resulting in an accuracy rate of 73%.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of human serum using tandem mass tags to predict cardiovascular risks in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Kim Na Young , Back Ji Hyun , Shin Jong Hwan , Ji Mi-Jung , Lee Su Jin , Park Yae Eun , Park Hyun-Mee , Gu Man Bock , Lee Ji Eun , Kim Jeong Eun
Published: February 2023

Although biomarker candidates associated with psoriasis have been suggested, those for predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) early in patients with psoriasis are lacking. We aimed to identify candidate biomarkers that can predict the occurrence of CVD in psoriasis patients. We pursued quantitative proteomic analysis of serum samples composed of three groups: psoriasis patients with and those without CVD risk factors, and healthy controls. Age/Sex-matched serum samples were selected and labeled with 16-plex tandem mass tag (TMT) and analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and subsequent verification with ELISA. Of the 184 proteins that showed statistical significance (P-value < 0.05) among the three groups according to TMT-based quantitative analysis, 98 proteins showed significant differences (> 2.0-fold) between the psoriasis groups with and without CVD risk factors. Verification by ELISA revealed that caldesmon (CALD1), myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA), and zyxin (ZYX) levels were significantly increased in the psoriasis group with CVD risk factors. Further network analysis identified pathways including integrin signaling, which could be related to platelet aggregation, and actin cytoskeleton signaling. Three novel candidates (MNDA, ZYX, and CALD1) could be potential biomarkers for predicting CVD risks in psoriasis patients. We expect these biomarker candidates can be used to predict CVD risk in psoriasis patients in clinical settings although further studies including large validation are needed.
RNA independent fragment partition method based on deep learning for RNA secondary structure prediction
Authors: Zhao Qi , Mao Qian , Zhao Zheng , Yuan Wenxuan , He Qiang , Sun Qixuan , Yao Yudong , Fan Xiaoya
Published: February 2023

The non-coding RNA secondary structure largely determines its function. Hence, accuracy in structure acquisition is of great importance. Currently, this acquisition primarily relies on various computational methods. The prediction of the structures of long RNA sequences with high precision and reasonable computational cost remains challenging. Here, we propose a deep learning model, RNA-par, which could partition an RNA sequence into several independent fragments (i-fragments) based on its exterior loops. Each i-fragment secondary structure predicted individually could be further assembled to acquire the complete RNA secondary structure. In the examination of our independent test set, the average length of the predicted i-fragments was 453 nt, which was considerably shorter than that of complete RNA sequences (848 nt). The accuracy of the assembled structures was higher than that of the structures predicted directly using the state-of-the-art RNA secondary structure prediction methods. This proposed model could serve as a preprocessing step for RNA secondary structure prediction for enhancing the predictive performance (especially for long RNA sequences) and reducing the computational cost. In the future, predicting the secondary structure of long-sequence RNA with high accuracy can be enabled by developing a framework combining RNA-par with various existing RNA secondary structure prediction algorithms. Our models, test codes and test data are provided at https://github.com/mianfei71/RNAPar.
Graphene-interfaced flexible and stretchable micro–nano electrodes: from fabrication to sweat glucose detection
Authors: Qureshi Anjum , Niazi Javed H.
Published: February 2023

Fabrication of flexible wearable sensors modified with specific bio-receptors for electrochemical biosensing of sweat analytes for disease diagnosis and vital health monitoring.
The development of neutron reflectometry as a probe of the nanoscale structure of polymer thin film systems – founded on the pioneering work of Professor Thomas P. Russell
Authors: Majkrzak C. F.
Published: February 2023

The pioneering work of Thomas Russell and colleagues helped establish neutron reflectometry as a valuable and often indispensable probe of the nanoscale structure of polymer thin film systems.
Highly water-stable, luminescent, and monodisperse polymer-coated CsPbBr3nanocrystals for imaging in living cells with better sensitivity
Authors: Kar Manav Raj , Kumar Shamit , Acharya Tusar Kanta , Goswami Chandan , Bhaumik Saikat
Published: February 2023

PVP and NIPAM-coated CsPbBr3NCs are highly luminescent and show excellent stability. These monodispersed NCs were successfully tested as a fluorescent probe for live cell imaging resulting in less cytotoxicity and high sensitivity.
The effective removal of Ni2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ from aqueous solution by adenine-based nano-adsorbent
Authors: Khorram Abadi Vahideh , Habibi Davood , Heydari Somayyeh , Ariannezhad Maryam
Published: February 2023

The presence of heavy metal ions in drinking and wastewater generates environmental and human health concerns as they are known as cumulative poisons.
Direct Z-scheme P–TiO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction for the photocatalytic degradation of sulfa antibiotics
Authors: Yongheng Dai , Huayu Yuan , Jiang Li , Qi Su , Qianwen Yi , Yuntao Zhang
Published: February 2023

The construction of direct Z-scheme heterojunctions with high photocatalytic degradation ability is important for wastewater treatment, but there are still many unsolved challenges.
Foam coarsening under a steady shear: interplay between bubble rearrangement and film thinning dynamics
Authors: Saint-Jalmes Arnaud , Trégouët Corentin
Published: February 2023

Above a given threshold, foam coarsening is reduced by an applied shear.
Active BaTaO2N photocatalysts prepared from an amorphous Ta2O5 precursor for overall water splitting under visible light
Authors: Nishimae Shinji , Vequizo Junie Jhon M. , Inoue Yasunobu , Yamakata Akira , Nakabayashi Mamiko , Higashi Tomohiro , Domen Kazunari
Published: February 2023

Barium tantalum oxynitride (BaTaO2N), a photocatalyst active during one-step-excitation overall water splitting under visible light, was synthesized by NH3-based nitridation of a mixture of BaCO3 and amorphous Ta2O5·3H2O.
Poisson–Nernst–Planck framework for modelling ionic strain and temperature sensors
Authors: Balakrishnan Gaurav , Song Jiwoo , Khair Aditya S. , Bettinger Christopher J.
Published: February 2023

A theoretical framework is presented to describe the electrochemical response of ionic conductors for use as strain and temperature sensors. This framework can be used to design sensors for in bioelectronics and soft robotics applications.
Development of a new heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) chromolith LC column to study the pH dependence binding of peptide vaccines to HSPG and role of human serum albumin on its binding
Authors: André Claire , Lethier Lydie , Adotevi Olivier , Guillaume Yves Claude
Published: February 2023

Heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) expressed on immune cell surface participate in antitumor T-cell responses generated in the acidic lymph node (LN) microenvironment.
Highly efficient Sn-modified Pt/KY catalyst for n-octane reforming: the synergistic effect of Pt in different electronic states
Authors: Yan Mengxia , Wu Baoshan , Yang Yong , Li Yongwang
Published: February 2023

The synergistic effect of Pt in different electronic states induces Sn-modified Pt/KY catalyst with high aromatization ability in n-octane reforming.
High-efficiency deep-red to near-infrared emission from Pt(ii) complexes by incorporating an oxygen-bridged triphenylborane skeleton
Authors: Zheng Wei-Qiong , Lu Kai-Yu , Gan Xiang-Qin , Zhang Hu , Yan Xiu-Qin , Yu Jun-Ting , Wang Ya-Fei , Wu Xiu-Gang , Zhu Wei-Guo
Published: February 2023

Two Pt(ii) complexes with high-efficiency deep-red to NIR emission are gained by incorporating BO skeleton into azacycles. The EQEmaxof (BOiqn)2Pt and (BOPy)2Pt doped OLED is 3.84% at 656/710 nm and 7.99% at 624/660 nm, respectively.
Effective-compound combination of Bufei Yishen formula III combined with ER suppress airway mucus hypersecretion in COPD rats: via EGFR/MAPK signaling
Authors: Xu Kexin , Ma Jindi , Lu Ruilong , Shao Xuejie , Zhao Yakun , Cui Lili , Qiu Zhiguang , Tian Yange , Li Jiansheng
Published: February 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the combined efficacy ofeffective-component compatibility of Bufei Yishen formula III (ECC-BYF III) and exercise rehabilitation (ER) in inhibiting airway mucus hypersecretion in a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rat model.

Methods: A total of 48 SD rats were divided into control, model, acetylcysteine (NAC), ECC-BYF III, ER, and ECC-BYF III + ER groups (n=8). COPD rats were exposed to cigarette smoke and bacteria for 8 weeks and administered various treatments over the next eight weeks. Rats were euthanized at week 17 after pulmonary function testing. Pathological examination of lung tissues was performed. IL-6 and IL-10 levels were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and protein levels of MUC5AC, MUC5B, AQP-5, EGFR, ERK, JNK, and p38 were measured in lung tissues.

Results: Improved pulmonary function and pathological changes were observed in ECC-BYF III, ECC-BYF III + ER, and NAC groups. ECC-BYF III and ECC-BYF III + ER had greater mean alveolar number (MAN) compared with NAC. Lung inflammation and goblet cell generation were reduced and MUC5AC, MUC5B and AQP-5 expressions were lower in all treatment groups. ECC-BYF III has more significant effect on MUC5AC than ER and NAC. ECC-BYFIII + ER had a greater effect on suppressing IL-6 in BALF compared with other treatments. ECC-BYFIII, ER, and ECC-BYF III + ER reduced EGFR, ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylated protein levels. ECC-BYFIII+ER had a greater effect on p-JNK and p-p38 than ECC-BYFIII and NAC.

Conclusion: ECC-BYF III, ER, and ECC-BYF III + ER have efficacy in inhibiting airway mucus hypersecretion with improved pulmonary function and pathological changes. ECC-BYF III had a greater effect in improving MAN and MUC5AC in lung tissue. ECC-BYF III+ER had a greater effect in alleviating pulmonary pathology and inflammation. These effects may be mediated by inhibition of the EGFR/MAPK pathway.
Factors Associated With Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Children Who Stutter
Authors: Bernard Ria Frances Louisa , Norbury Courtenay Frazier
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Children and adolescents who stutter may be at risk of elevated anxiety and depression symptoms, although studies have indicated variability in reported internalizing symptoms in this population. This study considers the association between anxiety and depression symptoms and stuttering, as well as child, family, and contextual factors that may affect this association.

Method:

Thirty-five school-age children who stutter completed the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale–Short Version. We fitted regression models to examine the association between anxiety and depression symptoms with bullying, stuttering severity, family history of adverse mental health, and age in children who stutter.

Results:

Family history of adverse mental health was found to significantly predict anxiety and depression scores. Age also predicted depression scores, with older children reporting higher scores.

Conclusions:

Family history of adverse mental health is associated with higher self-reported internalizing symptoms in children who stutter. The interaction between child, family, and contextual factors may change with age, and this requires further exploration in larger, longitudinal studies. The association between bullying and anxiety scores indicates the importance of anti-bullying initiatives in promoting psychosocial development in school-age children who stutter. This study also highlights the contribution of known risk factors for mental health, such as family history, to variability in symptom reporting.