bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochar application in remediating salt-affected soil to achieve carbon neutrality and abate climate change
Authors: Liu Qiang , Meki Kudakwashe , Zheng Hao , Yuan Yanfei , Shao Mengying , Luo Xianxiang , Li Xiaoyun , Jiang Zhixiang , Li Fengmin , Xing Baoshan
Published: July 2023

Salt-affected soils urgently need to be remediated to achieve the goals of carbon neutrality and food security. Limited reviews are available on biochar performance in remediating salt-affected soils in the context of carbon neutrality and climate change mitigation. This work summarized the two pathways to achieve carbon neutrality during remediating salt-affected soils using biochars, i.e., biochar production from sustainable feedstock using thermal technologies, application for promoting plant productivity and mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. Converting biomass wastes into biochars can reduce GHG emission and promote carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and collection of halophyte biomass as biochar feedstocks, development of biochar poly-generation production systems with carbon neutrality or negativity could be promising strategies. Biochar can effectively improve plant growth in salt-affected soils, showing that the grand mean of plant productivity response was 29.3%, via improving physicochemical characteristics, shifting microbial communities, and enhancing plant halotolerance. Moreover, biochar can mitigate GHG emission via inducing negative priming effect, improving soil properties, changing microbial communities associated with carbon and nitrogen cycle, direct adsorption of GHG. However, biochar also may pose negative effects on plant growth because of stress of toxic compounds and free radicals, and deterioration of soil properties. The promoted GHG emission is mainly ascribed to positive priming effect, and provision of labile carbon and inorganic nitrogen fractions as microbial substrates. Finally, this review pointed out the gaps in the current studies and the future perspectives. Particularly, the development of “carbon neutral” or “carbon negative” biochar production system, balancing the relationship of biochar effectiveness and functionality with its environmental risks and costs, and designing biochar-based GHG adsorbents would be important directions for remediating salt-affected soils to achieve carbon neutrality and abate climate change.

Graphical Abstract
Ionic liquids: a new generation of efficient polyvinyl chloride thermal stabilizers
Authors: Akram Evon , Rashad Alaa , Ali Muataz , Zainulabdeen Khalid , Jasim Basma , Mohammed Salam , Yusop Rahimi , Al-Amiery Ahmed , Yousif Emad
Published: July 2023

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is one of the main synthetic materials used widely in many applications of our life aspects today. Though, the practical usage of it was always affected by some destructive factors like UV-light and heat. The optical and surface characteristics of pure and modified PVC thin films were compared throughout a temperature range of 25–55 °C. It was found that the intensity of the amine group in modified PVC varied with temperature. Surface morphology properties studied by AFM results; the ionic liquid was proven to comparably increases the stability of PVC surface while the roughness was less than pure PVC with increasing temperature. Optical microscope pictures, manifest PVC as drops at 55 °C, while, in modified PVC at the same temperature, the PVC surface was noticeably more stable. Finally, the energy gap of PVC pure and modified PVC thin films are studied. At 55 °C, the modified PVC's energy gap value increased from 3.64 eV at ambient temperature to 4.28 eV. This makes it more isolated when compared to pure PVC, which has an energy gap of 3.04 eV at ambient temperature and 3.1 eV at 55 °C and is a semiconductor.
Biological treatment solutions using bioreactors for environmental contaminants from industrial waste water
Authors: Chandran Preethy , Suresh Sneha , Balasubramain Balamuralikrishnan , Gangwar Jaya , Raj Asha S. , Aarathy U. L. , Meyyazhagan Arun , Pappuswamy Manikantan , Sebastian Joseph Kadanthottu
Published: July 2023

Human needs have led to the development of various products which are produced in the industries. These industries in turn have become a source of various environmental concerns. As industries release regulated and unregulated contaminants into the water bodies, it has become a serious concern for all living organisms. Various emerging contaminates from industries like pesticides, pharmaceuticals drugs like hormones, antibiotics, dyes, etc., along with byproducts and new complexes contaminate the water bodies. Numerous traditional approaches have been utilized for the treatment of these pollutants; however, these technologies are not efficient in most cases as the contaminants are mixed with complex structures or as new substances. Advanced technologies such as bioreactor techniques, advanced oxidation processes, and so on have been used for the treatment of industrial wastewater and have served as an alternative way for wastewater treatment. Overall, biological treatment techniques based on bioreactors provide a long-term and ecologically useful solution to industrial wastewater contamination. They play an important role in saving water resources and encouraging a greener sustainable future for mankind. The current review outlines the industrial effluents that are released into water bodies, contaminating them, as well as the numerous traditional and novel treatment procedures used for industrial wastewater treatment.

Graphical abstract
Mechanisms and Constraints Underpinning Ethically Aligned Artificial Intelligence Systems: An Exploration of Key Performance Areas
Authors: Treacy Stephen
Published: July 2023

The unpredictability of artificial intelligence (AI) services and products pose major ethical concerns for multinational companies as evidenced by the prevalence of unfair, biased, and discriminate AI systems. Examples including Amazon’s recruiting tool, Facebook’s biased ads, and racially biased healthcare risk algorithms have raised fundamental questions about what these systems should be used for, the inherent risks they possess, and how they can be mitigated. Unfortunately, these failures not only serve to highlight the lack of regulation in AI development, but it also reveals how organisations are struggling to alleviate the dangers associated with this technology. We argue that to successfully implement ethical AI applications, developers need a deeper understanding of not only the implications of misuse, but also a grounded approach in their conception. Judgement studies were therefore conducted with experts from data science backgrounds who identified six performance areas, resulting in a theoretical framework for the development of ethically aligned AI systems. This framework also reveals that these performance areas require specific mechanisms which must be acted upon to ensure that an AI system implements and meets ethical requirements throughout its lifecycle. The findings also outline several constraints which present challenges in the manifestation of these elements. By implementing this framework, organisations can contribute to an elevated trust between technology and people resulting in significant implications for both IS research and practice. This framework will further allow organisations to take a positive and proactive approach in ensuring they are best prepared for the ethical implications associated with the development, deployment and use of AI systems.
Innovation through Litigation: Prison Reform and the Legal Opportunity Structure in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Mao-hong
Published: July 2023

Drawing on the theory of the legal opportunity structure, this article traces the progress of prison reform in Taiwan by highlighting how a case of parole revocation in the beginning led to an overhaul of the prison system in the end. This article argues that, through four interpretations of the Constitutional Court and the legal opportunity structure shaped thereby, including the split between courts, creation and expansion of inmates’ access to court, and the support from allies, the prison reform was eventually achieved. Theoretically, this article makes two contributions to the literature: (1) the combination of inactive legislature and reactive executive branch as the political context is decisive to the openness of the legal opportunity structure for it increases the receptivity of a proactive judiciary; (2) the international human rights frame incorporated into the legal stock by the Constitutional Court made the prison reform an ongoing process rather than a done work.
State Capacity, Property Rights, and External Revenues: Haiti, 1932–1949
Authors: Palsson Craig
Published: July 2023

External revenues blunt investments in fiscal capacity. But how do external revenues affect investments in legal capacity? In a simple model of state capacity investment, external revenues should be positively correlated with investments in legal capacity. But this implication could flip if fiscal capacity lowers the cost of legal capacity investments. I test the model by looking at Haiti in 1942 when U.S. mobilization caused a negative shock to external revenues. Contrary to the basic model, the shock led to an increase in legal capacity. This puzzle is explained by institutions that tied fiscal and legal capacity investments.
Is the grass greener on the other side? Benchmarking Covid-19 vaccine procurement against the British experience
Authors: Reinl Ann-Kathrin , Katsanidou Alexia , Pötzschke Steffen
Published: July 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic placed responsibility on the European Union (EU) to effectively mitigate this common challenge. An important aspect of the common fight against the virus was the collective procurement of vaccines. The initially slow process of vaccine delivery may have caused overall frustration within societies and may also have had a profound effect on people’s assessment of their country’s EU membership. This paper examines this assumption via unique panel data collected in Germany in three waves between November 2020 and August 2021. We show that citizens evaluated their country’s EU membership negatively especially when the EU’s progress on vaccinations was in its early stages. In addition, public assessment was particularly negative when vaccination progress was compared to the situation in the United Kingdom (UK). Overall, our findings point to volatile levels of EU support depending on respondents’ perceptions of the success of the UK outside the EU.
Gender and Geographical Distribution of Editorial Board Members of Three Leading Suicide Journals
Authors: Yasir Arafat S. M. , Kar Sujita Kumar , Amin Rizwana
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Background: Despite the recent progress of women in academia, there is an underrepresentation of female editors in academic journals. Additionally, although suicide affects more low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than high-income countries, little is known about the geographical distribution of editors in suicidology journals. Aims: We aimed to determine the gender and geographical distribution of the editorial board members (EBMs) of leading suicide journals. Method: Data were collected between November 27 and 29, 2022. We purposively selected suicidology journals, searched the journal websites, and extracted data on the gender and affiliated country of the EBM to identify the continent and income category of the country. Results: The proportion of female EBMs was 32.37% with better representation in senior positions. Only six positions (3.47%) were occupied by four individuals affiliated with LMIC backgrounds. The highest number of EBMs was located in North America (58.38%) while one member was from Africa. Limitations: Only three purposively selected journals were scrutinized. Conclusion: This study reveals that approximately one third of the editorial positions were occupied by women and less than 4% of editors were from LMICs, where suicide represents a significant burden.
Tropical Pacific Influence on Summertime South African High‐Frequency Temperature Variability and Heat Waves
Authors: Martineau P. , Behera S. K. , Nonaka M. , Nakamura H. , Kosaka Y.
Published: July 2023

The dominant mode of interannual variability in summertime high‐frequency tropospheric temperature fluctuations over Southern Africa is found to be associated with tropical Pacific sea surface temperature variability, in such a manner that El Niño is typically accompanied by enhanced high‐frequency variability. This relationship is established via El Niño's teleconnection that contributes to shifting the midlatitude jetstream and associated baroclinic zone equatorward, into the vicinity of Southern Africa, which enhances the baroclinic conversion of energy from the seasonal‐mean flow to high‐frequency eddies. The enhanced temperature variance, combined with the overall warmer summertime‐mean temperatures induced by El Niño, results in more frequent warm extremes over Southern Africa.
How Bed Composition Affects Erosion by Debris Flows—An Experimental Assessment
Authors: Roelofs Lonneke , Nota Eise W. , Flipsen Tom C. W. , Colucci Pauline , de Haas Tjalling
Published: July 2023

A solid physical understanding of debris‐flow erosion is needed for both hazard prediction and understanding landscape evolution. However, the processes and forces involved in erosion by debris flows and especially how the erodible surface itself influences erosion are poorly understood. Here, we experimentally investigate the effects of bed composition on debris‐flow erosion, by systematically varying the composition of an erodible bed in a small‐scale debris‐flow flume. The experiments show that water and clay content of an unconsolidated bed significantly control erosion magnitude by affecting the transfer of pore pressure, loading conditions, and contraction‐dilation behavior of the bed. As the water content increases and the bed comes close to saturation, erosion increases rapidly, whereas for clay content an optimum for erosion exists around a clay content of 3%–4%. Our results show that small variations in bed composition can have large effects on debris‐flow erosion, and thus volume growth and hazard potential.
Temporal Variations in QP−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}$ and QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$ Above a Megathrust Following Episodic Slow‐Slip Events
Authors: Ito Yosuke , Nakajima Junichi
Published: July 2023

Recent observations beneath central Japan have shown that periodic fluid drainage occurs during slow‐slip events (SSEs) based on temporal variations in above the megathrust boundary of the subducting Philippine Sea slab. However, no previous studies have estimated associated . A comparison of and can provide clues to the mechanism of seismic attenuation because of different propagation characteristics of the two waves. We estimate temporal variations in and via spectral analyses of waveform data from November 2009 to August 2021 period. The results indicate that both and exhibit temporal variations at about 1‐year periodicity and there are systematic differences between and that have smaller values, less insignificant variation, and weaker correlations with SSEs. Furthermore, increases concurrent with SSEs. These differences suggest that attenuation is caused by the wave‐induced fluid flow. could be an important parameter for detecting the presence of fluid.
Topographic Response to Horizontal Advection in Normal Fault‐Bound Mountain Ranges
Authors: Hoskins A. M. , Attal M. , Mudd S. M. , Castillo M.
Published: July 2023

Tectonic displacements consist of vertical uplift or subsidence, and horizontal advection. We consider the effects of tectonic advection on mountain range topography, surface drainage patterns and drainage divides. Through numerically modeling a normal fault and uplifted footwall, we find that advection promotes the elongation of catchments and reduction in outlet spacing at mountain fronts. We demonstrate an erosional disequilibrium associated with the advection‐induced transfer of mass from the proximal mountain front toward the distal mountain front. Our modeling also demonstrates the development of an erosion rate disequilibrium around fixed geomorphic features such as drainage divides, that we deem characteristic of advection. In our model, steady‐state is achieved when the divide migration occurs at the same rate as advection; advection moves topography away from the fault, meaning drainage migration becomes a mechanism for balancing advection. Topographic observations in a mountain range bound by a low angle normal fault, the Sierra la Laguna (Mexico), are consistent with our modeling results when advection is included. These observations reveal a strong influence of advection on the development of the Sierra la Laguna's topography and suggest the main drainage divide is migrating toward the fault to counterbalance advection. Tectonic advection exerts a significant control on erosion rate distribution, topographic and drainage patterns and the stability of drainage divides. This work also highlights that the Gilbert metrics and across‐divide χ disequilibrium cannot always be interpreted in terms of growing or shrinking catchments in settings with a large advection component of tectonic displacement.
High molecular weight hyaluronic acid drastically reduces chemotherapy-induced mucositis and apoptotic cell death
Authors: Mohammed Ali I. , Celentano Antonio , Paolini Rita , Low Jun T. , Silke John , O’ Reilly Lorraine A. , McCullough Michael , Cirillo Nicola
Published: July 2023

Oral and intestinal mucositis (OIM) are debilitating inflammatory diseases initiated by oxidative stress, resulting in epithelial cell death and are frequently observed in cancer patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy. There are currently few preventative strategies for this debilitating condition. Therefore, the development of a safe and effective mucositis mitigating strategy is an unmet medical need. Hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations have been tentatively used in oral mucositis. However, the protective effects of HA in chemotherapy-induced mucositis and their underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to assess these mechanisms using multiple formulations of enriched HA (Mucosamin®), cross-linked (xl-), and non-crosslinked high molecular weight HA (H-MW-HA) in an oxidative stress-induced model of human oral mucosal injury in vitro and an in vivo murine model of 5-flurouracil (5-FU)-induced oral/intestinal mucositis. All tested HA formulations protected against oxidative stress-induced damage in vitro without inducing cytotoxicity, with H-MW-HA also significantly reducing ROS production. Daily supplementation with H-MW-HA in vivo drastically reduced the severity of 5-FU-induced OIM, prevented apoptotic damage and reduced COX-2 enzyme activity in both the oral and intestinal epithelium. In 5-FU-injected mice, HA supplementation also significantly reduced serum levels of IL-6 and the chemokine CXCL1/KC, while the serum antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase was elevated. Our data suggest that H-MW-HA attenuates 5-FU-induced OIM, at least partly, by impeding apoptosis, inhibiting of oxidative stress and suppressing inflammatory cytokines. This study supports the development of H-MW-HA preparations for preventing OIM in patients receiving chemotherapy.
GOLPH3 promotes endotoxemia-induced liver and kidney injury through Golgi stress-mediated apoptosis and inflammatory response
Authors: Dusabimana Theodomir , Je Jihyun , Yun Seung Pil , Kim Hye Jung , Kim Hwajin , Park Sang Won
Published: July 2023

Sepsis is a serious clinical condition characterized by a systemic inflammatory response, a leading cause of acute liver and kidney injury, and is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the acute liver and kidney injury is crucial for developing an effective therapy. Golgi apparatus plays important roles and has various substrates mediating cellular stress responses. Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3), linking Golgi membranes to the cytoskeleton, has been identified as an important oncogenic regulator; however, its role in endotoxemia-induced acute liver and kidney injury remains elusive. Here, we found that upregulation of GOLPH3 was associated with endotoxemia-induced acute liver and kidney injury. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment increased Golgi stress and fragmentation, and associated pro-inflammatory mediator (Tnfα, IL-6, and IL-1β) production in vivo and in vitro. Interestingly, the downregulation of GOLPH3 significantly decreased LPS-induced Golgi stress and pro-inflammatory mediators (Tnfα, IL-6, Mcp1, and Nos2), and reversed apoptotic cell deaths in LPS-treated hepatocytes and renal tubular cells. GOLPH3 knockdown also reduced inflammatory response in LPS-treated macrophages. The AKT/NF-kB signaling pathway was suppressed in GOLPH3 knockdown, which may be associated with a reduction of inflammatory response and apoptosis and the recovery of Golgi morphology and function. Taken together, GOLPH3 plays a crucial role in the development and progression of acute liver and kidney injury by promoting Golgi stress and increasing inflammatory response and apoptosis, suggesting GOLPH3 as a potential therapeutic target for endotoxemia-induced tissue injury.
ZIC2 induces pro-tumor macrophage polarization in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by activating the JUNB/MCSF axis
Authors: Liu Qian , Yang Ting , Zhang Yu , Hu Ze-Dong , Liu Yan-Min , Luo Yi-Ling , Liu Shang-Xin , Zhang Hua , Zhong Qian
Published: July 2023

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant epithelial tumor of the head and neck that often exhibits local recurrence and distant metastasis. The molecular mechanisms are understudied, and effective therapeutic targets are still lacking. In our study, we found that the transcription factor ZIC2 was highly expressed in NPC. Although ZIC family members play important roles in neural development and carcinogenesis, the specific mechanism and clinical significance of ZIC2 in the tumorigenesis and immune regulation of NPC remain elusive. Here, we first reported that high expression of ZIC2 triggered the secretion of MCSF in NPC cells, induced M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and affected the secretion of TAM-related cytokines. Mechanistically, ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analyses identified JUNB as a downstream target of ZIC2. Furthermore, ZIC2 was significantly enriched in the promoter site of JUNB and activated JUNB promoter activity, as shown by ChIP-qPCR and luciferase assays. In addition, JUNB and MCSF participated in ZIC2-induced M2 TAMs polarization. Thus, blocking JUNB and MCSF could reverse ZIC2-mediated M2 TAMs polarization. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier survival analyses indicated that high expression of ZIC2, JUNB, and CD163 was positively associated with a poor prognosis in NPC. Overexpression of ZIC2 induced tumor growth in vivo, with the increase of JUNB, MCSF secretion, and CD163. In summary, our study implies that ZIC2 induces M2 TAM polarization, at least in part through regulation of JUNB/MCSF and that ZIC2, JUNB, and CD163 can be utilized as prognostic markers for NPC and as therapeutic targets for cancer immunotherapy.
Elastin stabilization prevents impaired biomechanics in human pulmonary arteries and pulmonary hypertension in rats with left heart disease
Authors: Kucherenko Mariya M. , Sang Pengchao , Yao Juquan , Gransar Tara , Dhital Saphala , Grune Jana , Simmons Szandor , Michalick Laura , Wulsten Dag , Thiele Mario , Shomroni Orr , Hennig Felix , Yeter Ruhi , Solowjowa Natalia , Salinas Gabriela , Duda Georg N. , Falk Volkmar , Vyavahare Naren R. , Kuebler Wolfgang M. , Knosalla Christoph
Published: July 2023

Pulmonary hypertension worsens outcome in left heart disease. Stiffening of the pulmonary artery may drive this pathology by increasing right ventricular dysfunction and lung vascular remodeling. Here we show increased stiffness of pulmonary arteries from patients with left heart disease that correlates with impaired pulmonary hemodynamics. Extracellular matrix remodeling in the pulmonary arterial wall, manifested by dysregulated genes implicated in elastin degradation, precedes the onset of pulmonary hypertension. The resulting degradation of elastic fibers is paralleled by an accumulation of fibrillar collagens. Pentagalloyl glucose preserves arterial elastic fibers from elastolysis, reduces inflammation and collagen accumulation, improves pulmonary artery biomechanics, and normalizes right ventricular and pulmonary hemodynamics in a rat model of pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease. Thus, targeting extracellular matrix remodeling may present a therapeutic approach for pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease.
Obesity-associated changes in molecular biology of primary breast cancer
Authors: Nguyen Ha-Linh , Geukens Tatjana , Maetens Marion , Aparicio Samuel , Bassez Ayse , Borg Ake , Brock Jane , Broeks Annegien , Caldas Carlos , Cardoso Fatima , De Schepper Maxim , Delorenzi Mauro , Drukker Caroline A. , Glas Annuska M. , Green Andrew R. , Isnaldi Edoardo , Eyfjörð Jórunn , Khout Hazem , Knappskog Stian , Krishnamurthy Savitri , Lakhani Sunil R. , Langerod Anita , Martens John W. M. , McCart Reed Amy E. , Murphy Leigh , Naulaerts Stefan , Nik-Zainal Serena , Nevelsteen Ines , Neven Patrick , Piccart Martine , Poncet Coralie , Punie Kevin , Purdie Colin , Rakha Emad A. , Richardson Andrea , Rutgers Emiel , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Simpson Peter T. , Schmidt Marjanka K. , Sotiriou Christos , Span Paul N. , Tan Kiat Tee Benita , Thompson Alastair , Tommasi Stefania , Van Baelen Karen , Van de Vijver Marc , Van Laere Steven , van’t Veer Laura , Viale Giuseppe , Viari Alain , Vos Hanne , Witteveen Anke T. , Wildiers Hans , Floris Giuseppe , Garg Abhishek D. , Smeets Ann , Lambrechts Diether , Biganzoli Elia , Richard François , Desmedt Christine
Published: July 2023

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer (BC) and worse prognosis in BC patients, yet its impact on BC biology remains understudied in humans. This study investigates how the biology of untreated primary BC differs according to patients’ body mass index (BMI) using data from >2,000 patients. We identify several genomic alterations that are differentially prevalent in overweight or obese patients compared to lean patients. We report evidence supporting an ageing accelerating effect of obesity at the genetic level. We show that BMI-associated differences in bulk transcriptomic profile are subtle, while single cell profiling allows detection of more pronounced changes in different cell compartments. These analyses further reveal an elevated and unresolved inflammation of the BC tumor microenvironment associated with obesity, with distinct characteristics contingent on the estrogen receptor status. Collectively, our analyses imply that obesity is associated with an inflammaging-like phenotype. We conclude that patient adiposity may play a significant role in the heterogeneity of BC and should be considered for BC treatment tailoring.
Vertically grown ultrathin Bi2SiO5 as high-κ single-crystalline gate dielectric
Authors: Chen Jiabiao , Liu Zhaochao , Dong Xinyue , Gao Zhansheng , Lin Yuxuan , He Yuyu , Duan Yingnan , Cheng Tonghuai , Zhou Zhengyang , Fu Huixia , Luo Feng , Wu Jinxiong
Published: July 2023

Single-crystalline high-κ dielectric materials are desired for the development of future two-dimensional (2D) electronic devices. However, curent 2D gate insulators still face challenges, such as insufficient dielectric constant and difficult to obtain free-standing and transferrable ultrathin films. Here, we demonstrate that ultrathin Bi2SiO5 crystals grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) can serve as excellent gate dielectric layers for 2D semiconductors, showing a high dielectric constant (>30) and large band gap (~3.8 eV). Unlike other 2D insulators synthesized via in-plane CVD on substrates, vertically grown Bi2SiO5 can be easily transferred onto other substrates by polymer-free mechanical pressing, which greatly facilitates its ideal van der Waals integration with few-layer MoS2 as high-κ dielectrics and screening layers. The Bi2SiO5 gated MoS2 field-effect transistors exhibit an ignorable hysteresis (~3 mV) and low drain induced barrier lowering (~5 mV/V). Our work suggests vertically grown Bi2SiO5 nanoflakes as promising candidates to improve the performance of 2D electronic devices.
Synthesis of propenone-linked covalent organic frameworks via Claisen-Schmidt reaction for photocatalytic removal of uranium
Authors: Niu Cheng-Peng , Zhang Cheng-Rong , Liu Xin , Liang Ru-Ping , Qiu Jian-Ding
Published: July 2023

The type of reactions and the availability of monomers for the synthesis of sp2-c linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are considerably limited by the irreversibility of the C=C bond. Herein, inspired by the Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction, two propenone-linked (C=C–C=O) COFs (named Py-DAB and PyN-DAB) are developed based on the base-catalyzed nucleophilic addition reaction of ketone-activated α-H with aromatic aldehydes. The introduction of propenone structure endows COFs with high crystallinity, excellent physicochemical stability, and intriguing optoelectronic properties. Benefitting from the rational design on the COFs skeleton, Py-DAB and PyN-DAB are applied to the extraction of radionuclide uranium. In particular, PyN-DAB shows excellent removal rates (>98%) in four uranium mine wastewater samples. We highlight that such a general strategy can provide a valuable avenue toward various functional porous crystalline materials.
Dynamic in vitro culture of bovine and human ovarian tissue enhances follicle progression and health
Authors: Barbato Vincenza , Genovese Vincenzo , De Gregorio Vincenza , Di Nardo Maddalena , Travaglione Angela , De Napoli Luigi , Fragomeni Gionata , Zanetti Elisabetta M. , Adiga Satish K. , Mondrone Giuseppe , D’Hooghe Thomas , Zheng Wengijng , Longobardi Salvatore , Catapano Gerardo , Gualtieri Roberto , Talevi Riccardo
Published: July 2023

In vitro ovarian cortical tissue culture, followed by culture of isolated secondary follicles, is a promising future option for production of mature oocytes. Although efforts have been made to improve the culture outcome by changing the medium composition, so far, most studies used static culture systems. Here we describe the outcome of 7 days cultures of bovine and human ovarian cortical tissue in a dynamic system using a novel perifusion bioreactor in comparison to static culture in conventional and/or gas permeable dishes. Findings show that dynamic culture significantly improves follicle quality and viability, percentage and health of secondary follicles, overall tissue health, and steroid secretion in both species. Model predictions suggest that such amelioration can be mediated by an enhanced oxygen availability and/or by fluid-mechanical shear stresses and solid compressive strains exerted on the tissue.
Lifestyle practices that reduce seasonal PM2.5 exposure and their impact on COPD
Authors: Kim Hajeong , Huh Jin-Young , Na Geunjoo , Park Shinhee , Ra Seung Won , Kang Sung-Yoon , Kim Ho Cheol , Kim Hwan-Cheol , Lee Sei Won
Published: July 2023

Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant that has led to global health concerns and can cause and exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We asked patients with COPD to complete a detailed questionnaire about their lifestyle practices to reduce PM2.5 exposure and analyzed the relationship between ambient PM2.5 concentrations and lifestyle practices. We prospectively enrolled 104 COPD patients from four hospitals in different areas of Korea. They completed detailed questionnaires twice (at enrollment and the end of the study) and Internet of Things-based sensors were installed in their homes to continuously measure PM2.5 for 1 year. The relationship between PM2.5 concentrations, lifestyle practices, and COPD exacerbations were analyzed in each season. The PM2.5 concentration was higher outdoors than indoors in all seasons except summer, and the difference was largest in winter. The six lifestyle practices that significantly lowered the annual indoor PM2.5 concentration compared with the outdoors. The higher the economic status and educational level of patients, the lower the indoor PM2.5 concentration. Some lifestyle practices were associated with reduced small airway resistance, presented as R5–R20 determined by impulse oscillometry, and scores of the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire. Some lifestyle practices are associated with reduced indoor PM2.5 concentrations and can even affect clinical outcomes, including small airway resistance and quality of life of COPD patients.
Comparing clinical outcomes of ARB and ACEi in patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19
Authors: Hamada Seiji , Suzuki Tomoharu , Tokuda Yasuharu , Taniguchi Kiyosu , Shibuya Kenji
Published: July 2023

Continued receipt of Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone inhibitors in patients with COVID-19 has shown potential in producing better clinical outcomes. However, superiority between ACEi (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) and ARB (angiotensin II receptor blockers) regarding clinical outcomes in this setting remains unknown. We retrospectively collected data on patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19 using the nationwide administrative database (Diagnosis and Procedure Combinations, DPC). The DPC data covered around 25% of all acute care hospitals in Japan. Patient outcomes, with focus on inpatient mortality, were compared between patients previously prescribed ACEi and those prescribed ARB. Comparisons based on crude, multivariate and propensity-score adjusted analysis were conducted. We examined a total of 7613 patients (ARB group, 6903; ACEi group 710). The ARB group showed lower crude in-hospital mortality, compared to the ACEi group (5% vs 8%; odds ratio, 0.65; 95% CI 0.48–0.87), however not in the multivariate-adjusted model (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI 0.69–1.3) or propensity-score adjusted models (odds ratio, 0.86; 95% CI 0.63–1.2). ARB shows potential in reducing hospital stay duration over ACEi in patients admitted for COVID-19, but does not significantly reduce in-hospital mortality. Further prospective studies are needed to draw a definitive conclusion, but continuation of either of these medications is warranted to improve clinical outcomes.
Effect of bubble size on ultrasound backscatter from bubble clouds in the context of gas kick detection in boreholes
Authors: Indimath Shivanandan , Fiorentini Stefano , Bøklepp Bjarne Rosvoll , Avdal Jørgen , Johansen Tonni Franke , Måsøy Svein-Erik
Published: July 2023

Early detection of gas influx in boreholes while drilling is of significant interest to drilling operators. Several studies suggest a good correlation between ultrasound backscatter/attenuation and gas volume fraction (GVF) in drilling muds, and thereby propose methods for quantification of GVF in boreholes. However, the aforementioned studies neglect the influence of bubble size, which can vary significantly over time. This paper proposes a model to combine existing theories for ultrasound backscatter from bubbles depending on their size, viz. Rayleigh scattering for smaller bubbles, and specular reflection for larger bubbles. The proposed model is demonstrated using simulations and experiments, where the ultrasound backscatter is evaluated from bubble clouds of varying bubbles sizes. It is shown that the size and number of bubbles strongly influence ultrasound backscatter intensity, and it is correlated to GVF only when the bubble size distribution is known. The information on bubble size is difficult to obtain in field conditions causing this correlation to break down. Consequently, it is difficult to reliably apply methods based on ultrasound backscatter, and by extension its attenuation, for the quantification of GVF during influx events in a borehole. These methods can however be applied as highly sensitive detectors of gas bubbles for GVF $$\ge$$
≥
1 vol$$\%$$
%
.
Identification and validation of fusidic acid and flufenamic acid as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 replication using DrugSolver CavitomiX
Authors: Hetmann M. , Langner C. , Durmaz V. , Cespugli M. , Köchl K. , Krassnigg A. , Blaschitz K. , Groiss S. , Loibner M. , Ruau D. , Zatloukal K. , Gruber K. , Steinkellner G. , Gruber C. C.
Published: July 2023

In this work, we present DrugSolver CavitomiX, a novel computational pipeline for drug repurposing and identifying ligands and inhibitors of target enzymes. The pipeline is based on cavity point clouds representing physico-chemical properties of the cavity induced solely by the protein. To test the pipeline’s ability to identify inhibitors, we chose enzymes essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication as a test system. The active-site cavities of the viral enzymes main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (Plpro), as well as of the human transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), were selected as target cavities. Using active-site point-cloud comparisons, it was possible to identify two compounds—flufenamic acid and fusidic acid—which show strong inhibition of viral replication. The complexes from which fusidic acid and flufenamic acid were derived would not have been identified using classical sequence- and structure-based methods as they show very little structural (TM-score: 0.1 and 0.09, respectively) and very low sequence (~ 5%) identity to Mpro and TMPRSS2, respectively. Furthermore, a cavity-based off-target screening was performed using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as an example. Using cavity comparisons, the human carboxylesterase was successfully identified, which is a described off-target for AChE inhibitors.
Single-cell chromatin accessibility profiling of acute myeloid leukemia reveals heterogeneous lineage composition upon therapy-resistance
Authors: Fan Huihui , Wang Feng , Zeng Andy , Murison Alex , Tomczak Katarzyna , Hao Dapeng , Jelloul Fatima Zahra , Wang Bofei , Barrodia Praveen , Liang Shaoheng , Chen Ken , Wang Linghua , Zhao Zhongming , Rai Kunal , Jain Abhinav K. , Dick John , Daver Naval , Futreal Andy , Abbas Hussein A.
Published: July 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by high rate of therapy resistance. Since the cell of origin can impact response to therapy, it is crucial to understand the lineage composition of AML cells at time of therapy resistance. Here we leverage single-cell chromatin accessibility profiling of 22 AML bone marrow aspirates from eight patients at time of therapy resistance and following subsequent therapy to characterize their lineage landscape. Our findings reveal a complex lineage architecture of therapy-resistant AML cells that are primed for stem and progenitor lineages and spanning quiescent, activated and late stem cell/progenitor states. Remarkably, therapy-resistant AML cells are also composed of cells primed for differentiated myeloid, erythroid and even lymphoid lineages. The heterogeneous lineage composition persists following subsequent therapy, with early progenitor-driven features marking unfavorable prognosis in The Cancer Genome Atlas AML cohort. Pseudotime analysis further confirms the vast degree of heterogeneity driven by the dynamic changes in chromatin accessibility. Our findings suggest that therapy-resistant AML cells are characterized not only by stem and progenitor states, but also by a continuum of differentiated cellular lineages. The heterogeneity in lineages likely contributes to their therapy resistance by harboring different degrees of lineage-specific susceptibilities to therapy.
Upcycling rice yield trial data using a weather-driven crop growth model
Authors: Shimono Hiroyuki , Abe Akira , Kim Chyon Hae , Sato Chikashi , Iwata Hiroyoshi
Published: July 2023

Efficient plant breeding plays a significant role in increasing crop yields and attaining food security under climate change. Screening new cultivars through yield trials in multi-environments has improved crop yields, but the accumulated data from these trials has not been effectively upcycled. We propose a simple method that quantifies cultivar-specific productivity characteristics using two regression coefficients: yield-ability (β) and yield-plasticity (α). The recorded yields of each cultivar are expressed as a unique linear regression in response to the theoretical potential yield (Yp) calculated by a weather-driven crop growth model, called as the “YpCGM method”. We apply this to 72510 independent datasets from yield trials of rice that used 237 cultivars measured at 110 locations in Japan over 38 years. The YpCGM method can upcycle accumulated yield data for use in genetic-gain analysis and genome-wide-association studies to guide future breeding programs for developing new cultivars suitable for the world’s changing climate.
Functionalization of an ionic honeycomb KF monolayer via doping
Authors: Huy Huynh Anh , Nguyen Duy Khanh , Ha Chu Viet , Toan Dang Duc , Nguyen Hang Nga , Sanchez J. Guerrero , Hoat D. M.
Published: July 2023

The results presented herein introduce doping as an efficient approach to functionalize the ionic KF monolayer to obtain prospective d0 spintronic materials, a functionality that is not accounted for by the pristine monolayer.
Investigating AIE behaviors of amphiphilic AIEgen-based polymers through self-assembly architectures and hydrophobic core arrangements
Authors: Wang Liang , Khedr Ghada E. , Luo Lei , Zhang Shiling , Li Zhiying , Lin Shanmeng , Luo Jinyan , Xing Qi , Geng Jin
Published: July 2023

This research found that star-like polymers display stronger AIE emission due to tighter TPEE aggregation, but short hydrophilic chains led to weaker emission, underscoring the role of the polymer structure in AIE emission behaviour.
Combining native mass spectrometry and lipidomics to uncover specific membrane protein–lipid interactions from natural lipid sources
Authors: Zhu Yun , Odenkirk Melanie T. , Qiao Pei , Zhang Tianqi , Schrecke Samantha , Zhou Ming , Marty Michael T. , Baker Erin S. , Laganowsky Arthur
Published: July 2023

While it is known that lipids play an essential role in regulating membrane protein structure and function, it remains challenging to identify specific protein–lipid interactions.
Exceptionally high-temperature in-air stability of transparent conductive oxide tantalum-doped tin dioxide
Authors: Krause Matthias , Hoppe Mareen , Romero-Muñiz Carlos , Mendez Alvaro , Munnik Frans , Garcia-Valenzuela Aurelio , Schimpf Christian , Rafaja David , Escobar-Galindo Ramon
Published: July 2023

Optical and structural in-air stability of transparent conductive oxide SnO2:Ta (1.25 at% Ta) up to 800 °C is shown by a 12 hour lab furnace exposure. Raman spectra and DFT calculations reveal partially healing VSn- and Oi-type point defects.
In situ characterization of crystal phase evolution of the LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode at different current densities
Authors: Liu Yuhang , Lv Huanzhu , Mei Jun , Xia Yuanhua , Cheng Jianli , Wang Bin
Published: July 2023

By using in situ X-ray diffraction, phase evolution of NCM622 at different current densities was measured and compared, revealing the relationship between phase evolution and its electrochemical performance.
Solid oxide electrolyzer positive electrodes with a novel microstructure show unprecedented stability at high current densities
Authors: Ni Qing , Li Yu , Zhu Zongchao , Yu Zhexiang , Xu Dong , Hua Xiaoming , Zhen Yi , Ge Lin , Bi Lei
Published: July 2023

The fabricated anode with robust microchannels and a widely interconnected nanoelectrocatalyst coating exhibits high durability for 115 h at 3.4 A cm−2.
Textile-based electrophoretic electronic paper displays with machine-washable, tailorable, and thermostatic functions for truly wearable displays
Authors: Qiu Zhiguang , Gu Yifan , Zhu Simu , Wu Ziyi , Peng Lisha , Wang Ting , Yang Bo-Ru
Published: July 2023

The textile-based electrophoretic display has been created and exhibited high contrast ratio, a low voltage, and good stability. The static display clothing and a dynamic display wristband watch show the potential for truly wearable displays.
A strategy based on composition control and structural design to prepare 3DOM RFCo composites with a 3D ordered macroporous structure for enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Chen Jun , Ye Weiping , Wang Shuai , Cao Kunyao , Zhang Yue , Wen Jiayue , Hao Yili , Zhao Rui , Xue Weidong
Published: July 2023

3DOM RFCo composites are prepared by template method and an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.28 GHz is obtained.
Development of an Electronic Medical Record for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Its Role in a Multidisciplinary Team
Authors: Phelps Aimee , Cournoyer Kenneth , Kelting Tyler , DeNino Walter , Sauer William , Jara Claire
Published: July 2023

As the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program at our institution has grown and our staffing model has evolved into a multidisciplinary team, our method of ECMO charting has also evolved, using an electronic medical record (EMR) with electronic checklists, progress notes, and remote access. Using our EPIC charting platform, version 1 of our EMR was implemented in 2015. It has been revised three times, and remote access deemed necessary to properly support our staff and patients. Our current, yet still evolving, remotely accessible, ECMO EMR incorporates hourly charting and protocol-based checklists for procedures such as initiation of support, shift handoffs, circuit checks, and patient transport. Perfusionists are required to fill out thrice daily progress notes, notes for bedside/operating room procedures, and patient transport. We present a format for centers looking to implement a comprehensive EMR for ECMO patients. An expanding ECMO program required a change to our staffing model, and an EMR with electronic checklists and remote access facilitated the transition to a multidisciplinary team. Protocol-based checklists ensure consistency during procedures, transports, and shift changes. The remote access and required progress notes create a safer team approach and keep our perfusionists engaged when specialists are sitting ECMO.
Repurposing Drugs: An Empowering Approach to Drug Discovery and Development
Authors: Kumar Sahil , Roy Vandana
Published: July 2023

Drug discovery and development is a time-consuming and costly procedure that necessitates a substantial effort. Drug repurposing has been suggested as a method for developing medicines that takes less time than developing brand new medications and will be less expensive. Also known as drug repositioning or re-profiling, this strategy has been in use from the time of serendipitous drug discoveries to the modern computer aided drug designing and use of computational chemistry. In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic too, drug repurposing emerged as a ray of hope in the dearth of available medicines. Data availability by electronic recording, libraries, and improvements in computational techniques offer a vital substrate for systemic evaluation of repurposing candidates. In the not-too-distant future, it could be possible to create a global research archive for us to access, thus accelerating the process of drug development and repurposing. This review aims to present the evolution, benefits and drawbacks including current approaches, key players and the legal and regulatory hurdles in the field of drug repurposing. The vast quantities of available data secured in multiple drug databases, assisting in drug repurposing is also discussed.