bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enabling Single‐Cell Drug Response Annotations from Bulk RNA‐Seq Using SCAD
Authors: Zheng Zetian , Chen Junyi , Chen Xingjian , Huang Lei , Xie Weidun , Lin Qiuzhen , Li Xiangtao , Wong Ka‐Chun
Published: February 2023

The single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) quantifies the gene expression of individual cells, while the bulk RNA sequencing (bulk RNA‐seq) characterizes the mixed transcriptome of cells. The inference of drug sensitivities for individual cells can provide new insights to understand the mechanism of anti‐cancer response heterogeneity and drug resistance at the cellular resolution. However, pharmacogenomic information related to their corresponding scRNA‐Seq is often limited. Therefore, a transfer learning model is proposed to infer the drug sensitivities at single‐cell level. This framework learns bulk transcriptome profiles and pharmacogenomics information from population cell lines in a large public dataset and transfers the knowledge to infer drug efficacy of individual cells. The results suggest that it is suitable to learn knowledge from pre‐clinical cell lines to infer pre‐existing cell subpopulations with different drug sensitivities prior to drug exposure. In addition, the model offers a new perspective on drug combinations. It is observed that drug‐resistant subpopulation can be sensitive to other drugs (e.g., a subset of JHU006 is Vorinostat‐resistant while Gefitinib‐sensitive); such finding corroborates the previously reported drug combination (Gefitinib + Vorinostat) strategy in several cancer types. The identified drug sensitivity biomarkers reveal insights into the tumor heterogeneity and treatment at cellular resolution.
A Balance between Pro‐Inflammatory and Pro‐Reparative Macrophages is Observed in Regenerative D‐MAPS
Authors: Liu Yining , Suarez‐Arnedo Alejandra , Shetty Shamitha , Wu Yaoying , Schneider Michelle , Collier Joel H. , Segura Tatiana
Published: February 2023

Microporous annealed particle scaffolds (MAPS) are a new class of granular materials generated through the interlinking of tunable microgels, which produce an interconnected network of void space. These microgel building blocks can be designed with different mechanical or bio‐active parameters to facilitate cell infiltration and modulate host response. Previously, changing the chirality of the microgel crosslinking peptides from L‐ to D‐amino acids led to significant tissue regeneration and functional recovery in D‐MAPS‐treated cutaneous wounds. In this study, the immunomodulatory effect of D‐MAPS in a subcutaneous implantation model is investigated. How macrophages are the key antigen‐presenting cells to uptake and present these biomaterials to the adaptive immune system is uncovered. A robust linker‐specific IgG2b/IgG1 response to D‐MAPS is detected as early as 14 days post‐implantation. The fine balance between pro‐regenerative and pro‐inflammatory macrophage phenotypes is observed in D‐MAPS as an indicator for regenerative scaffolds. The work offers valuable insights into the temporal cellular response to synthetic porous scaffolds and establishes a foundation for further optimization of immunomodulatory pro‐regenerative outcomes.
Soft Mechanosensing via 3D Printing: A review
Authors: Cafiso Diana , Lantean Simone , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Beccai Lucia
Published: February 2023

Recently, 3D printing, or additive manufacturing (AM), is emerging as a unique tool to fabricate soft mechanical sensors. Advanced performances can be obtained owing to the inherent 3D structures that enable enhanced and anisotropic deformations, to the multi‐material approach, and to the seamless fabrication procedure leading to higher reliability. Nevertheless, despite the remarkable advantages, the printing of soft and conductive materials shows consistent challenges. This review provides an extensive analysis of the current progress of 3D printing of soft mechanical sensors, which mainly rely on resistive and capacitive transduction. First, the most common materials used are described, like soft matrixes, conductive fillers, and polymers. Then, the 3D printers that are most widely adopted for the fabrication of soft sensors are identified, and the specific advantages and the difficulties of each technology are examined. Finally, by reporting exemplary case studies from the literature, an overview of the scientific progresses on this topic is provided. The unique advantages led by 3D printing are highlighted, in terms of multiple materials, the feasibility of achieving complex geometries, and the advanced and programmed sensors properties.
Brain perfusion, cognition, and plasma Alzheimer's biomarkers in moyamoya disease
Authors: Zou Xiang , Liao Yujun , Jiang Conglin , Yuan Yifan , Zhao Fan , Ding Ding , Chen Liang , Xu Bin , Mao Ying
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION

Because growing interest has been focusing on cerebral blood flow (CBF) to predict, prevent, and treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is important to clarify the role of CBF in AD pathology and cognitive decline.

METHODS

In a moyamoya disease (MMD) cohort, we examined CBF, specific cognitive domains, and plasma AD biomarkers, as well as correlations among these variables.

RESULTS

CBF was significantly reduced in newly diagnosed MMD patients, while plasma phosphorylated tau181 was elevated and positively correlated with hypoperfusion accumulation. MMD patients scored significantly lower than controls in multiple cognitive tests. Revascularization increased CBF to the recipient brain territories as well as cognitive performance but produced no significant change in AD biomarker levels.

DISCUSSION

These data suggest a link between accumulated reductions in CBF and cognitive decline, as well as a possible role of AD‐like pathological burden. Further studies in MMD will provide opportunities to explore new treatment strategies.
Preparation of Na3V2(PO4)3 sodium‐ion battery cathode material
Authors: Shang Jianping , Ma Yuqin , Shawn Fan Hua‐Jun
Published: February 2023

The polyanionic sodium vanadium phosphate (Na3V2(PO4)3) cathode materials have many electrochemical applications because they have a stable lattice structure, high structural stability, good theoretical specific energy, a stable voltage plateau, and high thermodynamic stability. In this study, the sol–gel method was used to prepare carbon‐coated Na3V2(PO4)3/C (NVP/C) sodium‐ion cathode materials. The synthesis conditions of different ratios of sodium and carbon sources were investigated. In addition, extractable elements (B, Cl, etc.) from brine were doped into NVP/C to improve the electrical conductivity of the electrode materials. SEM, XRD, EDX, charge/discharge test, and cyclic voltammetry characterizations were used to evaluate the morphology, element distribution, and the electrochemical performance of the modified materials. The results showed that the prepared samples are pure phases with small and uniform particle sizes, which are more favorable for sodium‐ion de‐embedding and improving the electrochemical properties of the materials. The electrochemical properties of the experimentally prepared B‐NVP/C and Cl‐NVP/C were all improved compared to the pure phase NVP/C.
Association of Anti‐CCAR1 Autoantibodies With Decreased Cancer Risk Relative to the General Population in Patients With Anti–Transcriptional Intermediary Factor 1γ–Positive Dermatomyositis
Authors: Fiorentino David , Mecoli Christopher A. , Igusa Tak , Albayda Jemima , Paik Julie J. , Tiniakou Eleni , Adler Brittany , Mammen Andrew L. , Shah Ami A. , Rosen Antony , Christopher‐Stine Lisa , Casciola‐Rosen Livia
Published: February 2023

Objective

To describe the disease specificity, clinical phenotype, and risk of cancer in dermatomyositis (DM) patients with autoantibodies against cell division cycle and apoptosis regulator protein 1 (anti‐CCAR1).

Methods

The frequency of anti‐CCAR1 autoantibodies was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in the serum of DM patients from 2 independent cohorts (Johns Hopkins and Stanford), with patients with several other rheumatic diseases and healthy controls used as comparators. Clinical features and the risk of cancer incidence relative to that in the general population were determined in anti‐CCAR1–positive DM patients.

Results

Anti‐CCAR1 antibodies were significantly associated with anti–transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ (anti‐TIF1γ) antibodies present in the serum of patients with DM: 80 (32%) of 252 anti‐TIF1γ–positive DM patients versus 14 (8%) of 186 anti‐TIF1γ–negative DM patients were positive for anti‐CCAR1 antibodies (P < 0.001). Anti‐CCAR1 antibodies were not detected in any of the 32 serum samples from healthy controls, and were present at very low frequencies in the sera of patients with other rheumatic diseases: 1 (2.3%) of 44 patients with anti–hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase–positive necrotizing myopathy, 1 (2.3%) of 44 patients with inclusion body myositis, and 3 (6.5%) of 46 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were positive for anti‐CCAR1 antibodies. Upon examining data on occurrence of cancer from the onset of DM onward, the observed number of cancers diagnosed in anti–TIF‐1γ–positive DM patients was significantly greater than expected in both cohorts, with a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 3.49 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.39–4.92) in the Johns Hopkins cohort and a SIR of 4.54 (95% CI 3.04–6.52) in the Stanford cohort (each P < 0.001). DM patients who were both anti‐TIF1γ positive and anti‐CCAR1 positive had lower SIRs for cancer, with a SIR of 1.78 (95% CI 0.77–3.51) (P = 0.172) in the Johns Hopkins cohort and a SIR of 1.61 (95% CI 0.44–4.13) (P = 0.48) in the Stanford cohort.

Conclusion

Anti‐CCAR1 autoantibodies are specific for anti‐TIF1γ–positive DM. Their presence in anti‐TIF1γ–positive patients attenuates the risk of cancer to a level comparable to that seen in the general population.

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Low‐Molecular‐Weight J‐Aggregate Solid Red Emitter for Selective and Quantitative Detection of Cyanide
Authors: Padghan Sachin D. , Hu Jiun‐Wei , Wang Li‐Ching , Wang Fang‐Yu , Chen Kew‐Yu
Published: February 2023

A dimethylaniline (donor)‐indanedione (acceptor) conjugate (sensor 1) with a very low molecular weight of 277 g mol−1 and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) characteristics was synthesized. Sensor 1 shows weak ICT fluorescence in solution, but strong emission (Φ=16%) in the solid state owing to intramolecular and intermolecular C−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds that inhibit the free rotation of the exocyclic C−C single bond. Compared to yellow emitter 1Y, which has a similar donor‐acceptor structure, sensor 1 shows red fluorescence in the solid state owing to J‐aggregate formation. The colorimetric and fluorometric responses of sensor 1 to cyanide in both solution and solid state are due to the nucleophilic addition of cyanide to the β‐conjugated carbon of the indanedione group, which prohibits ICT. Additionally, inexpensive portable paper‐based test kits based on sensor 1 were easily prepared and could be used for fast and quantitative naked‐eye cyanide detection in real time.
Is the course of the cervicofacial division of the facial nerve consistent with the adjacent vessels?
Authors: Poutoglidis Alexandros , Paraskevas George K. , Anastasopoulos Nikolaos , Asouhidou Irene , Karamitsou Paraskevi , Forozidou Evropi , Lazaridis Nikolaos
Published: February 2023

Individual facial nerve branching patterns can be difficult to predict. The superficial course of its terminal branches poses them at risk of injury during head and neck surgeries. We report the rare course of a branch of the facial nerve deep into the posterior facial vein.
Correlation of the Vector Gradient of a Magnetic Field with the Kinetic Energy of Hard Magnetic Milling Beads in Electromechanical Mills
Authors: Kazak Oleg , Halbedel Bernd
Published: February 2023

This paper describes the experimental investigation and numerical simulation of a novel electromechanical milling principle: the direct transformation of energy into the movement of milling beads with special magnetic properties. The experimental results show that this principle is ideally suited for the finest grinding of organic agents. Anthraquinone particles with a median size of 25.5 µm were electromechanically ground to 1 µm and the magnetic field strength in the process chamber has the greatest influence on milling results. The developed model reveals that the distribution of the time‐ and location‐dependent vector gradient of the magnetic field in the process chamber determines the energy transfer from the exciter systems to the milling beads and hence the grinding results. With a suitable characterization of the vector gradient distribution, it is possible to establish a correlation between the vector gradient and specific milling beads power. This correlation is fundamental for the design of electromechanical milling machines.
A highly selective carbon paste electrode enhanced by Cu‐encapsulated poly(amidoamine) for the simultaneous detection of organic and inorganic contaminants
Authors: Noor Navid , Pajootan Elmira , Mirzaei Parisa , Bahrami S. Hajir
Published: February 2023

In this study, a copper/poly(amidoamine)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube/reduced graphene oxide (Cu/PAMAM/MWCNT/rGO) complex was synthesized for fabricating an electrochemical sensor to simultaneously detect nitrate and nitrite ions as inorganic contaminants, and 4‐chlorophenol (4‐CP) and 1,2,5,8 tetrahydroxy anthraquinone (THA) as organic pollutants. The prepared Cu/PAMAM/MWCNT/rGO electrode was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was performed to investigate the influence of the pH of the solution, concentration of anions, and scan rate on the analytical performance of the electrodes. The simultaneous determination of nitrite/nitrate ions using a Cu/PAMAM/MWCNT/rGO electrode showed sensitivities of 8.030 × 10−3 and 5.370 × 10−3 μA μM−1 mm−2, and limits of detection (LODs) of 0.081 and 0.115 μM, respectively. For the simultaneous determination of 4‐CP/THA, the sensitivities of the modified electrode were 0.0105 and 9.399 × 10−3 μA μM−1 mm−2, and detection limits were 0.062 and 0.070 μM respectively.
Emergence of Dielectric Properties by Doping of Semi‐Transition Metal in Semiconductor Complex Perovskite Oxide
Authors: Rai Vishnu Shankar , Prajapati Dinesh , Verma Manish Kumar , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Atendra , Das Tapas , Sahoo Kedar , Singh Narsingh Bahadur , Mandal Kamdeo
Published: February 2023

The effect of zinc substitution at the Cu2+ site and germanium substitution at the Ti4+ site in bismuth copper titanate, Bi2/3Cu3Ti4O12, is investigated. Composition with x = 0.05 is synthesized by semi‐wet route in the system Bi2/3Cu3Ti4−xGexO12 (BCTGO) and Bi2/3Cu3−xZnxTi4−xGexO12 (BCZTGO) that are sintered at 1123 K for 8 h. Crystal structure has remained cubic. The phase formations of these ceramics are confirmed by the X‐ray diffraction. The microstructural analysis of the samples is done by scanning electron microscopy and tunneling electron microscopy. Elemental analysis is performed by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests that all elements present in these ceramics are in proper oxidation states. The dielectric constant is found high for BCTGO‐0.05 ceramic. The specific capacitances of BCTGO‐0.05 and BCZTGO‐0.05 are found to be 13.05 and 15.7 F g−1, respectively. Optical band gap values (Eg) of BCTGO‐0.05 and BCZTGO‐0.05 ceramics are found as 1.77 and 1.91 eV.
Investigation of in vitro generated metabolites of GLPG0492 using equine liver microsomes for doping control
Authors: Karatt Tajudheen K. , Sathiq M. Anwar , Laya Saraswathy , Philip Moses , Karakka Kal Abdul Khader , Subhahar Michael Benedict
Published: February 2023

An effective alternative to testosterone therapy is selective androgen receptor modulators, a class of compounds that has a tissue‐specific effect on muscle and bone. These drugs, which enhance performance, pose a severe abuse risk in competitive sports. GLPG0492 is one of the selective androgen receptor modulators discovered in recent decades. This compound has a unique tissue‐specific action for muscle and bone against steroid receptors and acts as a partial agonist for androgen receptors. This study examined GLPG0492 and its metabolites in vitro using equine liver microsomes. Liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry was utilized to determine the probable structures of detected metabolites. This study identified 39 metabolites of GLPG0492 (21 phase I and 18 phase II). The hydroxylation of GLPG0492 results in monohydroxylated and dihydroxylated metabolites. Additionally, the study detected dissociated side chains (3‐methyl and 4‐(hydroxymethyl)) and corresponding hydroxylated metabolites. A series of glucuronic acid‐ and sulfonic acid‐conjugated analogs of GLPG0492 were detected during phase II of the study. The findings might help in the detection of GLPG0492 and the elucidation of its illegal use in equestrian sports.
Sandwiched cathodes kinetically boosted by few‐layered catalytic 1T‐MoSe2 nanosheets for high‐rate and long‐cycling lithium‐sulfur batteries
Authors: Xu Jun , Tang Heng , Cao Shoufu , Chen Xiaoyi , Chen Zhao , Ma Yuanming , Zhang Yan , Chen Junwei , Lu Xiaoqing , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: February 2023

An advanced electrocatalyst to accelerate the sluggish kinetics of multistep redox reactions and suppress the severe shuttle effects is desirable in Li‐S batteries (LSBs). Phase engineering can provide a fascinating way to modulate electronic structures and boost catalytic activity of electrocatalysts. In this study, few‐layered 1T‐MoSe2 nanosheets grown on carbon cloth (1T‐MoSe2/CC) are synthesized and employed as a multifunctional interlayer as well as a catalytic 3D current collector in LSBs to promote both physiochemical confinement and catalytic conversion toward lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that 1T‐MoSe2 has metallic properties beneficial for rapid electronic transport and exhibits a superior catalytic activity to reduce the Gibbs free energy barriers toward LiPS conversion. Significant improvements in chemisorption toward LiPSs, diffusion coefficients of Li ions, and Li2S deposition/decomposition reaction kinetics are realized by the 1T‐MoSe2/CC film. Consequently, the Al@S/AB@1T‐MoSe2/CC LSB, where 1T‐MoSe2/CC is used an interlayer, presents high rate capability of 1253 (1C), 1052 (2C) and 882 (4C) mAh g−1 and excellent long‐term cycling stability at a high rate (2000 cycles at 4C) with a low capacity fading rate (0.017% per cycle). Moreover, with a sandwiched cathode of 1T‐MoSe2/CC@S/AB@1T‐MoSe2/CC, where 1T‐MoSe2/CC works as both a catalytic 3D current collector and a multifunctional interlayer, the LSB at high S loading of 5.7 mg cm−2 and low electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 7.8 μL mg−1 exhibits a high initial areal capacity of 5.43 mAh cm−2 and remarkable rate‐cycling performance (200 cycles).

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Self‐reported expertise and confidence in diagnosing and treating avoidant restrictive food intake disorder among Swedish clinicians
Authors: Dinkler Lisa , Hedlund Elin , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To assess self‐reported knowledge and confidence regarding avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) diagnosis and treatment in Swedish clinicians from various disciplines.

Method

The study included 489 clinicians who attended educational lectures about ARFID. Participants responded to 20 ARFID‐related questions and statements using the online audience engagement platform Mentimeter. Items assessed ARFID‐related knowledge, education, and experience, as well as treatment methods offered to ARFID patients at clinicians' healthcare units.

Results

We found predominantly correct responses to three basic knowledge‐based items about ARFID. However, most participants (64.0%) reported never having received education about ARFID, and few participants reported feeling confident in their ability to diagnose (13.4%) and treat (10.7%) ARFID. Nearly half the sample reported either not knowing which ARFID treatments their unit offered (22.3%) or that no treatment was offered (21.3%).

Conclusion

Experience and confidence in diagnosing and treating ARFID are generally low in Swedish clinicians, and many individuals with ARFID do not receive treatment. We identify a pressing need for resources, clearer organisation, and structure, and for additional education and training opportunities for clinicians meeting individuals with ARFID.
Study on stress evolution law of upper coal seam in long‐distance advance mining of lower coal seam
Authors: Fang Shengjie , Liang Bing , Sun Weiji , Qin Maolong , Shi Zhanshan , Hao Jianfeng
Published: February 2023

With the shift of coal resources to deep mining, the occurrence of long‐distance coal seams has increased, and protective layer mining is facing new challenges. This paper attempts to explain the stress evolution law of the upper coal group in the long‐distance mining of the lower coal group in Pingdingshan No. 8 Coal Mine. A simulation model of advance mining of lower‐group coal long‐distance was established. The stress evolution law of the upper coal seam under the influence of advanced mining disturbance of the lower coal seam is studied. The following conclusions were obtained: The advance mining of the lower coal group had a positive or negative impact on the stress distribution of the upper coal seam group. With the recovery of the lower coal group of the F‐21030 working face, the overburden of the F‐21030 goaf finally formed a “Y” type pressure relief area. The pressure relief effect of the E‐21070 working face near the stopping line was obvious. The coal seam of Group E was divided into three areas affected by the advance mining of the lower coal seam. The maximum pressure relief value was 6.6% lower than the initial stress. According to the simulation results, the E‐21070 working face was divided into three regions, namely, the pressure relief region, the stress increase region, and the original stress region. According to the field drainage results of pressure relief gas, the extraction curve could be divided into three parts, namely, the stable area, pressure relief area, and stress recovery area. The maximum pure gas drainage volume could reach seven to eight times of the original area. The pressure relief extraction effect was remarkable, and the optimal extraction range was 22–210 m behind the coal face of the group.
Breaking law of overlying strata in shallow coal seam fire area under thermal–mechanical coupling effect
Authors: Zhu Hongqing , Gao Rongxiang , Hu Lintao , Qu Baolin , Liao Qi , Wang Haoran , Fu Mingfu
Published: February 2023

The cracks formed by the breaking and collapse of the overlying strata are the oxygen supply channels for the continuous combustion of coal fires. The development of cracks is of great significance for determining the scope of the fire area and controlling the fire efficiently and accurately. To study the development law of cracks, a breaking model of the overlying strata in the shallow coal seam fire area is established on the basis of beam theory considering the coupling effect of gravity load and temperature field. The physical model of the coal fire is established based on the similarity principle. The temperature data from rock strata in the model are monitored by the infrared thermal imager. The dynamic distribution function of the roof temperature field is obtained by fitting. According to the breaking model theory, the position of the maximum tensile stress on the roof of the shallow fire area is the middle of the lower surface. The theoretical calculation value of the first breaking distance of the roof is 0.575 m, which is consistent with the experimental results of the physical model. The maximum tensile stress of the roof under the thermal‐mechanical coupling is slightly less than that under the load only. For shallow coal seams, the thermal stress generated by the coal fire increases the first breaking distance of the roof.
4‐PBA inhibits hypoxia‐induced lipolysis in rat adipose tissue and lipid accumulation in the liver through regulating ER stress
Authors: Xiong Yanlei , Wang Yueming , Xiong Yanlian , Teng Lianghong
Published: February 2023

High‐altitude hypoxia may disturb the metabolic modulation and function of both adipose tissue and liver. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a crucial organelle in lipid metabolism and ER stress is closely correlated with lipid metabolism dysfunction. The aim of this study is to elucidate whether the inhibition of ER stress could alleviate hypoxia‐induced white adipose tissue (WAT) lipolysis and liver lipid accumulation‐mediated hepatic injury. A rat model of high‐altitude hypoxia (5500 m) was established using hypobaric chamber. The response of ER stress and lipolysis‐related pathways were analyzed in WAT under hypoxia exposure with or without 4‐phenylbutyric acid (PBA) treatment. Liver lipid accumulation, liver injury, and apoptosis were evaluated. Hypoxia evoked significant ER stress in WAT, evidenced by increased GRP78, CHOP, and phosphorylation of IRE1α, PERK. Moreover, Lipolysis in perirenal WAT significantly increased under hypoxia, accompanied with increased phosphorylation of hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) and perilipin. Treatment with 4‐PBA, inhibitor of ER stress, effectively attenuated hypoxia‐induced lipolysis via cAMP‐PKA‐HSL/perilipin pathway. In addition, 4‐PBA treatment significantly inhibited the increase in fatty acid transporters (CD36, FABP1, FABP4) and ameliorated liver FFA accumulation. 4‐PBA treatment significantly attenuated liver injury and apoptosis, which is likely resulting from decreased liver lipid accumulation. Our results highlight the importance of ER stress in hypoxia‐induced WAT lipolysis and liver lipid accumulation.
Effects of the dipeptides comprising leucine and lysine on lifespan and age‐related stress in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Yokoyama Issei , Setoyama Ou , Jia Yaqi , Fujita Nana , Waki Akane , Komiya Yusuke , Nagasao Jun , Arihara Keizo
Published: February 2023

The aging process is affected by various stressors. An increase in oxidative stress is related to the impairment of physiological functions and enhancement of glycative stress. Food‐derived bioactive peptides have various physiological functions, including antioxidant activities. Dipeptides comprising Leu and Lys (LK and KL, respectively) have been isolated from foods; however, their physiological properties remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant/antiglycation activity of dipeptides and their antiaging effects using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Both dipeptides showed antioxidant activities against several reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro. In particular, the scavenging activity of LK against superoxide radicals was higher than KL did. Moreover, dipeptides suppressed advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation in the BSA–glucose model. In the lifespan assays using wild‐type C. elegans, both LK and KL significantly prolonged the mean lifespan by 20.9% and 11.7%, respectively. In addition, LK decreased intracellular ROS and superoxide radical levels in C. elegans. Blue autofluorescence, an indicator of glycation in C. elegans with age, was also suppressed by LK. These results suggest that dipeptides, notably LK, show an antiaging effect by suppressing oxidative and glycative stress. Our findings suggest that such dipeptides can be used as a novel functional food ingredient. Food‐derived dipeptide Leu–Lys (LK) and Lys–Leu (KL) exert antioxidant and antiglycation activity in vitro. Treatment with LK prolonged the mean lifespan and maximum lifespan of C. elegans more than that of KL. Intracellular ROS and blue autofluorescence levels (indicator of aging) were suppressed by LK.
Computational constraints on the associative recall of spatial scenes
Authors: Ryom Kwang Il , Stendardi Debora , Ciaramelli Elisa , Treves Alessandro
Published: February 2023

We consider a model of associative storage and retrieval of compositional memories in an extended cortical network. Our model network is comprised of Potts units, which represent patches of cortex, interacting through long‐range connections. The critical assumption is that a memory, for example of a spatial view, is composed of a limited number of items, each of which has a pre‐established representation: storing a new memory only involves acquiring the connections, if novel, among the participating items. The model is shown to have a much lower storage capacity than when it stores simple unitary representations. It is also shown that an input from the hippocampus facilitates associative retrieval. When it is absent, it is advantageous to cue rare rather than frequent items. The implications of these results for emerging trends in empirical research are discussed.
Layer‐specific mitochondrial diversity across hippocampal CA2 dendrites
Authors: Pannoni Katy E. , Gil Daniela , Cawley Mikel L. , Alsalman Mayd M. , Campbell Logan A. , Farris Shannon
Published: February 2023

CA2 is an understudied subregion of the hippocampus that is critical for social memory. Previous studies identified multiple components of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) complex as selectively enriched in CA2. The MCU complex regulates calcium entry into mitochondria, which in turn regulates mitochondrial transport and localization to active synapses. We found that MCU is strikingly enriched in CA2 distal apical dendrites, precisely where CA2 neurons receive entorhinal cortical input carrying social information. Furthermore, MCU‐enriched mitochondria in CA2 distal dendrites are larger compared to mitochondria in CA2 proximal apical dendrites and neighboring CA1 apical dendrites, which was confirmed in CA2 with genetically labeled mitochondria and electron microscopy. MCU overexpression in neighboring CA1 led to a preferential localization of MCU in the proximal dendrites of CA1 compared to the distal dendrites, an effect not seen in CA2. Our findings demonstrate that mitochondria are molecularly and structurally diverse across hippocampal cell types and circuits, and suggest that MCU can be differentially localized within dendrites, possibly to meet local energy demands.
Ground‐based infrared thermometry reveals seasonal evapotranspiration patterns in semiarid rangelands
Authors: Hwang Kyotaek , Chandler David G. , Flerchinger Gerald N.
Published: February 2023

Detailed assessment of small‐scale heterogeneity in local surface water balance is essential to accurate estimation of evapotranspiration in semiarid climates. However, meteorological approaches are often impractical to implement in sites with sparse and diverse vegetation composition, especially with seasonally variable leaf canopy features. Ground‐based infrared thermometry (TIR) provides spatially and temporally continuous resolution of surface skin temperature that can be directly related to the land surface energy balance. We made repeated measurements with a portable TIR camera to capture seasonal replicates for patch scale heat images for four sagebrush communities. The heat images near peak foliage and near the end of the growing season were compared by computation of surface energy fluxes from TIR sensing to surface energy balance (SEB) and Bowen ratio (BR). Estimates of sensible (H) and latent heat flux (LE) were evaluated with eddy covariance measurements to disaggregate the expression of seasonal phenology of sagebrush species across wetness and elevation. Estimations showed reasonable agreement with ground‐based LE observations for most cases (r2 = 0.59–0.76 for SEB and 0.22–0.72 for BR; root mean squared error = 73.4–106.4 W m−2 for SEB and 109.9–204.0 W m−2 for BR). Predictability declined as the fraction of senescent foliage increased in dry conditions. The field trials suggest the methods have the potential for monitoring land surface energy fluxes and plant health at a very fine spatial scale. The ability to partition heat fluxes from various plant communities over a range of moisture availability will provide valuable information associated with the consumptive water use and phenological processes in the semiarid West.
Combined first trimester screening for trisomy 21: Assessment of excess risk in case of free ß‐human chorionic gonadotrophin between 5 and 10 multiples of the median
Authors: Atallah Anthony , Leport Hélène , Sault Corinne , De La Fournière Benoit , Huissoud Cyril , Cortet Marion
Published: February 2023

Objective

The first trimester combined risk of trisomy 21 is obtained by multiplying the risk related to maternal age by the likelihood ratios of nuchal translucency, free beta‐human chorionic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG) and placenta associated plasma protein‐A. Beyond five multiples of the median (MoM) of β‐hCG, the risk of trisomy 21 is truncated. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the evolution of the first trimester combined risk of trisomy 21 in individuals with first‐trimester free‐β‐hCG levels between 5 and 10 MoM.

Methods

We conducted a non‐interventional cohort study from a 6‐year database of combined first‐trimester trisomy 21 screening of all individuals who underwent the screening in a French specialized medical analysis center. We included all pregnant individuals who had a serum‐free β‐hCG between 5 and 10 MoM. Patients for whom the status of the fetus, with or without trisomy 21, was not identified by the outcome of the pregnancy or by a karyotype result were excluded from the study. The discriminatory capacity of free‐β‐hCG above 5 MoM was studied by a receiver operating characteristic curve. We used an orthogonal polynomial regression to represent the evolution of likelihood ratios according to free‐β‐hCG in MoM.

Results

Among 413 216 combined first‐trimester screens of trisomy 21, 2239 (0.5%) screens met the inclusion criteria. In the selected population, 801 (35.8%) were excluded from the study because of missing fetal or neonatal status, and 46 (3.2%) fetuses out of 1438 included were diagnosed with trisomy 21. For free β‐hCG values between 5 and 10 MoM, the area under the curve is 0.56 (0.46–0.65). The scatterplot of the likelihood ratio of β‐hCG showed an increasing parabolic pattern: the likelihood of trisomy 21 increases with the free‐β‐hCG threshold.

Conclusion

To override the truncated risk of trisomy 21 in case of free β‐hCG values between 5 and 10 MoM, the study has allowed us to estimate the adjusted risk of trisomy 21, enabling health professionals to offer appropriate prenatal counseling.
Development of a water‐energy‐food nexus model for multiscale studies
Authors: Mondal Krishna , Tantuway Raja Babu , Chatterjee Chandranath , Singh Rajendra
Published: February 2023

A spatially distributed water‐energy‐food (WEF) nexus model has been developed using the Pardee‐RAND WEF approach to analyse the WEF security of an area. The Pardee‐RAND equations have been modified to include the earlier neglected WEF indicators to tackle the WEF challenges holistically. The model is coded in Python and has an operating system‐independent graphical user interface (GUI). The model helps understand the WEF nexus by calculating water energy, food subindices and the WEF nexus index. We tested the model in the Kangsabati River Basin (distributed at the block level) and across India (states/union territory level). The result shows that the WEF nexus indices vary significantly over the country's small (block) to large (state) administrative units. The water energy and food subindices and WEF nexus index for the Kangsabati River Basin are 0.89, 0.73, 0.79 and 0.80, respectively, while for India, the corresponding values are 0.67, 0.53, 0.73 and 0.63, respectively. The blocks or states/union territories needing specific policy interventions are identified. The study will help influence policy and resource planning at different administrative levels to ensure better management of WEF resources holistically and equitably.
Using an intensive interdisciplinary telehealth model to treat pediatric feeding disorders
Authors: Patel Meeta R. , Rosenlund Kerri , Miller Stephanie E. , Andersen Ashley S. , Miles Aida
Published: February 2023

The necessity of treatment using telehealth was apparent during the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic, as many practitioners were forced to use telehealth as a primary mode of service delivery. Although the telehealth model has been studied for different populations, little is known about its success when applied with children with feeding disorders and complex medical histories. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using a telehealth model from the onset of treatment. All 5 children who participated engaged in low levels of acceptance and high levels of inappropriate mealtime behavior during baseline. Caregivers were taught to implement the treatment with high integrity using behavioral skills training. Procedural integrity increased posttraining, and as a result acceptance increased and inappropriate mealtime behavior decreased. Treatment gains maintained during follow up at 1 month and 1 year. These data are discussed in relation to alternative ways of providing treatment in locations where intensive feeding programs are not available.
Behavioral pharmacology of methocinnamox: A potential new treatment for opioid overdose and opioid use disorder
Authors: Maguire David R. , France Charles P.
Published: February 2023

Opioid overdose and opioid use disorder continue to be significant public health challenges despite the availability of effective medications and significant efforts at all levels of society. The emergence of highly potent and efficacious opioids such as fentanyl and its derivatives over the last decade has only exacerbated what was already a substantial problem. Behavioral pharmacology research has proven invaluable for understanding the effects of drugs as well as developing and evaluating pharmacotherapies for disorders involving the central nervous system, including substance abuse disorders. This paper describes a program of research characterizing a potent, selective, and long‐lasting mu opioid receptor antagonist, methocinnamox, and evaluating its potential for treating opioid overdose and opioid use disorder. Studies in rodents and nonhuman primates demonstrate that methocinnamox prevents and reverses opioid‐induced ventilatory depression and selectively blocks opioid self‐administration. This work, taken together with rigorous in vitro and ex vivo studies investigating methocinnamox neuropharmacology, lays a solid foundation for the therapeutic utility of this potentially life‐saving medication. Moreover, these studies demonstrate how rigorous behavioral pharmacological studies can be integrated in a broader drug discovery and development research program.
Team abusive supervision and team behavioral resistance to change: The roles of distrust in the supervisor and perceived frequency of change
Authors: Peng Jian , Nie Qi , Cheng Yucong
Published: February 2023

Why do teams exhibit behavioral resistance to change? It depends on the behavior of team supervisors who are in charge of change implementation. Drawing on social exchange theory and the norm of negative reciprocity, we expect that teams reciprocate team abusive supervision through behavioral resistance to change and that this relationship is explained by team distrust in the supervisor and contingent upon team perceived frequency of change. To test these hypotheses, we collected three‐wave data from 124 teams in four Chinese organizations that were implementing a pay system based on team performance. The results showed that team abusive supervision was positively related to team behavioral resistance to change. Both team cognitive distrust and affective distrust mediated the relationship between team abusive supervision and team behavioral resistance to change. Moreover, perceived frequency of change strengthened the relationship between team abusive supervision and team affective distrust (rather than team cognitive distrust) in the supervisor and the indirect relationship between team abusive supervision and team behavioral resistance to change via team affective distrust. By employing a team abusive supervision perspective, this study expands our knowledge of the drivers of team behavioral resistance to change and provides insights regarding how supervisors should lead their teams during organizational change.
Rapid detection and whole class control of quinolone antibiotics in pork based on surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐Bing , Liu Sheng‐Hong , Wen Bao‐Ying , Peng Wei , Li Hong‐Mei , Kathiresan Murugavel , Zhang Yue‐Jiao , Jin Shang‐Zhong , Li Jian‐Feng
Published: February 2023

The problem of excessive quinolone antibiotic residues in pork has stimulated great attention from the international community. However, due to the diversity and structural similarity of quinolone antibiotics, it is difficult to perform multi‐residue rapid detection at the same time. Currently, antibiotic multi‐residue detection methods include ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and colloidal gold immunochromatography. However, it cannot be widely used in on‐site rapid detection due to its shortcomings such as the need for high cost and low sensitivity. Herein, we report the use of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology for the study of similar structures of quinolone antibiotics. A method for whole class control and rapid quantitative detection of all quinolone antibiotics in pork was established. By using the above method, the detection limit of single standard quinolone antibiotics was 10 μg L−1, and the detection limit of the mixed standard was 1 μg L−1, meeting the international requirements for the detection limit of quinolone antibiotics in pork. At last, by adding a variety of quinolone antibiotics to pork, the real detection set‐up was simulated. The recovery of standard addition was 86.6%–95.3%, and the whole class control method has been well applied, which is of great significance for the detection of pork quinolone antibiotics. Compared with colloidal gold immunochromatography, our method has 2.5 times the detection speed, 1/60 times the cost, and can be quantitatively detected. The method is simple, economical, and efficient and has great application value with broad application prospects in the field of rapid detection of pork antibiotics in the future.
Quantifying recent trends in multifaceted cropland intensification in China: Cropping intensity, land productivity, and their effects on farmer livelihoods
Authors: Li Guoyu , Wang Jiayi , Cao Yu , Savage David , Chen Hang , Wu Qing , Sun Kaiying , Pijanowski Bryan C.
Published: February 2023

Assessing changes in the extent and intensity of cropland use is essential to understanding the processes underlying agricultural development. However, our knowledge of the spatiotemporal dynamics of cropland intensification, and how they connect to the livelihoods of rural households, is currently limited. This paper aims to quantify key components of cropland intensification in China through trend analysis of cropping intensity and land productivity over time. This information is then used to model the effects of cropland intensification on farmers’ livelihoods. We found that most croplands were under intensive use characterized by steady cropping frequency or multi‐cropping from 2001 to 2018, while the variation in cropping frequency exhibited a significant north–south spatial disparity. High cropping intensity increased land productivity. However, over 25% of the total cropland area experienced productivity improvements that were characterized as inconsistent. Our work suggests that the economic output of farming is greatly driven by land management intensity and that fertilizer use is the predominant driver of this. We also found that cropping intensity at the landscape scale showed no correlation with agricultural income, but land productivity correlated significantly with both land management intensity and rural livelihood metrics. The findings presented here highlight the importance of integrating the long‐term consistency of land productivity and rural livelihoods into the research framework of land use intensification. Doing so advances the current understanding of diverse cropland use change in China.
On the role of grain size variation on pitting corrosion and passive film behavior of Alloy 600H
Authors: Kaithwas Chandra K. , Bairi Lipika R. , Mozumder Yahya H. , Pradhan Sumanta K. , Mandal Sumantra
Published: February 2023

In this work, the effect of grain size variation on the pitting corrosion as well as the passivation behavior of the Alloy 600H has been critically assessed by various electrochemical techniques. The grain size modifications have been achieved by a series of thermal and thermo‐mechanical processing. The potentiodynamic polarization study has revealed that the coarse‐grained specimens exhibit higher corrosion and pitting resistance than the fine‐grained ones. This has been attributed to the greater extent of random high‐angle grain boundary (RHAGB) surface area in the fine‐grained specimens, which acted as favorable locations for pit initiation. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) result has indicated the formation of more imperfect (nonstoichiometric) passive layers in fine‐grained specimens due to the predominant presence of high energy and defective RHAGBs surface. Moreover, the Mott–Schottky analysis has revealed that the fine‐grained specimens generate higher defect densities at the interfaces, which leads to passive film instability due to increased mobility of cation interstitial and cation vacancies at the interfaces.
Improvement of Poly(lactide) Ductile Properties by Plasticization with Biobased Tartaric Acid Ester
Authors: Gomez‐Caturla Jaume , Dominguez‐Candela Ivan , Medina‐Casas Martha Patricia , Ivorra‐Martinez Juan , Moreno Virginia , Balart Rafael , Garcia‐Garcia Daniel
Published: February 2023

Diethyl l‐tartrate (DET) is used as a biobased plasticizer for poly(lactide) (PLA) formulations with improved ductile properties without compromising biodegradation. Different weight percentages (wt.%) of DET in the 0–50 wt.% range are added to PLA by melt compounding and subsequently processed by injection molding. The effect of wt.% DET on mechanical, thermal, thermo‐mechanical, morphology, biodegradation, and crystallinity is studied. Addition of 20 wt.% DET leads to a noticeable increase in elongation at break up to values of 567%, which is quite an interesting result considering the extreme brittleness of PLA. These results are verified by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images, where filament‐like structures are observed, indicative of an effective plasticization. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) show that the glass transition temperature of PLA is drastically decreased down to values of 23 °C for the sample with the highest amount of DET (50 wt.%), thus increasing its ductility and processability. Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra show that there exists chemical interactions between PLA and DET. Finally, the biodegradability analysis proves that the developed blends are fully biodegradable, achieving complete disintegration after 49 days. It is observed that DET enhanced the disintegration rate of PLA.