bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Belong anywhere’: Focusing on authenticity and the role of Airbnb in the projected destination image
Authors: Garay‐Tamajón Lluís Alfons , Morales‐Pérez Soledad
Published: September 2022

There is little research that analyses the contribution of tourism‐related digital platforms, and particularly Airbnb, to the creation and projection of international destinations' images. This study seeks to address this gap by developing a content analysis of the Airbnb Guides to more than 500 global urban neighbourhoods (globalhoods). We analysed Airbnb users' descriptions posted in the period following the Great Recession up to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Content analysis shows how Airbnb projects the images of these globalhoods through a narrative based on creating a perception of authenticity but that finally projects a commodified image of destination identities and their communities.
Estimating soil salinity under sunflower cover in the Hetao Irrigation District based on unmanned aerial vehicle remote sensing
Authors: Cui Xin , Han Wenting , Zhang Huihui , Cui Jiawei , Ma Weitong , Zhang Liyuan , Li Guang
Published: September 2022

Soil salinization is one of the important factors limiting the sustainable development of agriculture and causing land degradation. In order to explore the effect of growth stage division on the estimation accuracy of soil salt content (SSC) in fields cropped with sunflower, multiple time‐series unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were used to monitor SSC in the Hetao Irrigation District, Inner Mongolia, China. Aerial and field campaigns for four growth stages of sunflowers in six study areas were conducted from July to September in 2021. The ground samplings of electrical conductivity (EC), leaf area index (LAI), plant height (H), and leaf chlorophyll content (CHL) were taken simultaneously with (UAV) multispectral images. The correlation between six vegetation indices (VIs), four salinity indices (SIs), three crop parameters (LAI, CHL, H) and SSC was investigated. The optimal parameters were determined and used as input variables to establish SSC estimation model using artificial neural network (ANN), random Forest (RF), multiple linear regression (MLR) algorithm, respectively. The results show that the division of growth stages could improve the correlation between spectral index, growth parameters and SSC, and the estimation model by each growth stage was more accurate than that of the whole growth period. Among the spectral indices, the VIs showed a higher correlation with SSC than the SIs. Among the crop parameters, the LAI was the most sensitive to the degree of soil salinization. The nonlinear regression algorithm (ANN, RF) performed better than the linear regression model (MLR) in the application of SSC estimation, and the best estimation models for the four growth stages of sunflower were the ANN_SSC models. This study proposed a fast and low‐cost method to monitor the soil salinization of sunflower‐cropped fields in time‐series and provided a reference for the quick perception and prevention of soil salinization.
Facile, Direct, De Novo Synthesis of an Alkyl Phosphoric Acid‐Decorated Covalent Organic Framework
Authors: Wang Shengdong , Tang Xiaohui , Yang Kaijie , Chen Bin , Zhang Kun , Xu Hong , Wang Weitao , Zhang Gen , Gu Cheng
Published: September 2022

The development and understanding of proton conductors based on phosphoric acid are critical for the field of chemistry, biology, and energy. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), featuring highly crystalline structures and controllable pore sizes, are suitable for constructing phosphoric acid‐based proton conductors. However, because of tedious and intricate synthesis, how to develop COFs based on phosphoric acid remains a substantial challenge. Herein, a side‐chain decorated strategy is contributed to construct a phosphoric acid‐functionalized, imine‐linked COF by de novo synthesis. The phosphoric acid side chains with vigorous motion integrating with 1D nanochannels endow the resulting COF with intrinsic proton conductivity. This work expectantly provides a competitive alternative for producing phosphoric acid‐functionalized COFs with high intrinsic proton conductivity.
To comply or not to comply? How a UEFA wage‐to‐revenue requirement might affect the sport and managerial performance of soccer clubs
Authors: Garcia‐del‐Barrio Pedro , Agnese Pablo
Published: September 2022

This paper evaluates the soccer clubs' compliance with a potential wage‐to‐revenue requirement by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and studies the effect on sport achievements resulting from sports and managerial skills. The empirical analysis uses data on first division teams of the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1, from seasons 2009/2010 to 2018/2019. We measure the teams' quality through the annual wages and use the wage‐to‐revenue ratio as a proxy measure for financial responsibility. Our results reveal that a more prudent financial performance, which is generally linked to good management practices, implies better sport performance and higher chances of qualifying for UEFA competitions.
Information and communication technologies and sustainable development in ECOWAS subregion: Evidence from a panel cointegration analysis
Authors: Onuoha Favour Chidinma , Uzoechina Benedict I. , Emekaraonye Chukwunenye Ferguson , Ochuba Onyinye Ifeoma , Inyang Nora Francis
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the causal linkage between information and communication technologies (ICT) and sustainable development (environmental—CO2, economic—RGDP, and social—HDI) in the ECOWAS subregion categorized into low‐income and lower‐middle‐income countries for the period 1995–2020. Cointegrating regression and causality methods were employed to estimate the dynamic linkage among variables in panel fully modified ordinary least squares (PFMOLS) and Dumitrescu–Hurlin causality models. The results of the study support the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis for low‐income countries while it rejects EKC for lower‐middle‐income countries. The study recommends policy formulations targeted at incentivizing the use of environmentally friendly technologies that minimizes positive impact on the environment and enhance sustainable development.
Diet Quality is Associated with Prodromal Parkinson's Disease Features in Chinese Adults
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Xu Jipo , Liu Yesong , Chen Shuohua , Wu Shouling , Gao Xiang
Published: September 2022

Background

The prodromal phase of Parkinson's disease (PD) is a critical window for prevention by modifying lifestyle factors. However, there is limited knowledge on how diet quality is associated with prodromal PD symptoms in Asian populations.

Objective

To examine the association between overall diet quality and prodromal PD features.

Methods

A total of 71,640 Chinese participants who were free of PD were included in this cross‐sectional study. Diet quality was assessed using the modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (mAHEI) and alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED). Five prodromal features including probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (pRBD), hyposmia, excessive daytime sleepiness, constipation, and depressive symptom were measured using validated questionnaires. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for having a combination of prodromal PD symptoms (1 and 2+ symptoms vs. 0 symptoms), adjusting for age, sex, lifestyle factors, total energy intake, and other potential confounders.

Results

In the multivariable‐adjusted model, the OR for having 2+ versus 0 prodromal PD features was 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49, 0.85) comparing the highest versus the lowest mAHEI diet quality quartiles with a significant inverse trend (P‐trend = 0.003). For individual prodromal PD features, better diet quality, as assessed by the mAHEI, was associated with lower odds of having excessive daytime sleepiness and constipation (P‐trend < 0.05 for both). We observed a marginally significant association between aMED and prodromal PD features (adjusted OR comparing the extreme quartiles = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.98; P‐trend = 0.09).

Conclusion

Better diet quality, as assessed by the mAHEI and the aMED, was associated with lower probability of having prodromal PD features in Chinese adults. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Qualitative analysis of solutions to a nonlocal Choquard–Kirchhoff diffusion equations in ℝN$$ {\mathbb{R}}^N $$
Authors: Li Lijuan , Zhou Jun
Published: September 2022

This paper deals with a nonlocal Choquard–Kirchhoff diffusion equations involving the fractional
‐Laplacian in
, and the conditions on global existence, polynomial and exponential decays, and finite time blow‐up of solutions are studied. The results improve the recent studies on this model.
Asymptotic analysis of spectral problems in thick junctions with the branched fractal structure
Authors: Mel'nyk Taras A.
Published: September 2022

A spectral problem is considered in a domain
that is the union of a domain
and a lot of thin trees situated
‐periodically along some manifold on the boundary of
The trees have finite number of branching levels. The perturbed Robin boundary condition
is given on the
th branching layer;
are real parameters. The asymptotic analysis of this problem is made as
, that is, when the number of the thin trees infinitely increases and their thickness vanishes. In particular, the Hausdorff convergence of the spectrum to the spectrum of the corresponding nonstandard homogenized spectral problem is proved, the leading terms of asymptotics are constructed, and the corresponding asymptotic estimates are justified for the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions.
Betaine Ameliorates Acute Sever Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress Induced Inflammatory Pyroptosis
Authors: Chen Ling , Liu Dandan , Mao Mingli , Liu Wenjia , Wang Yajuan , Liang Yue , Cao Wenyu , Zhong Xiaolin
Published: September 2022

Scope

Betaine rich in beet is used as an important source of human nutrition. Here this study aims to explore whether betaine supplementation can protect against acute sever ulcerative colitis (ASUC) and the underlying mechanism

Methods and results

ASUC model is induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and effects of betaine as a methyl donor on ASUC are evaluated. Betaine mitigates the changes, for example, elevated DAI, weight loss, spleen enlargement, colon shortening, and disordered colonic mucosa. The protective effects of betaine on colonic barrier integrity in ASUC are then verified through examining tight junction proteins by western blot and immunofluorescence. Spectrophotometry method and western blot confirm that betaine can decrease levels of oxidative markers (MDA, MPO, NOS, and COX2), and promote expressions of antioxidant proteins (GSH, NRF2, CAT, and SOD1). Further, betaine prevents colonic inflammatory pyroptosis by blocking expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome complex (NLRP3, ASC, and cleaved‐caspase 1), N terminal‐GSDMD, and release of relevant inflammatory factors.

Conclusion

Betaine inhibits colonic oxidative stress induced inflammatory pyroptosis to alleviate ASUC, which shows therapeutic potential against colitis and other acute inflammatory disorder.
Poly(lactic acid) composites with few layer graphene produced by noncovalent chemistry
Authors: Peixoto Tânia , Nunes Joana , Lopes Maria A. , Marinho Elina , Proença M. Fernanda , Lopes Paulo E. , Paiva Maria C.
Published: September 2022

In recent years, significant attention has been given to “green” product innovation and related manufacturing processes. This work reports the preparation of few‐layer graphene (FLG) and respective PLA‐based composites by an eco‐friendly, efficient, and cost‐effective approach. FLG was produced in a scaled‐up process, based on the noncovalent functionalization of a micronized graphite with a pyrene derivate (PY), in aqueous solution. The exfoliation degree, morphology, and thermal stability of the exfoliated material were evaluated. Then, the influence of the pristine graphite and FLG on the morphology, crystallinity, thermal and mechanical properties of PLA composites produced by melt mixing is reported for the first time. The composites prepared with the lowest loading of 0.05 wt% demonstrated suitability for further processing for potential applications where product safety is crucial, such as in biomedicine.
Components of thermal protection mechanism of carbon/phenolic composites exposed to severe aerodynamic heat
Authors: Huang Jie , Guo Jin , Huang Haiming , Wang Qing , Li Weijie
Published: September 2022

In order to improve the thermal protection efficiency of carbon/phenolic (C/Ph) composites used as the heatshield of hypersonic vehicles, it is essential to find out the components of its thermal protection mechanism. In this study, a pyrolysis layer model considering pressure is established to simulate the percentages of heat dissipated by different thermal protection mechanisms. Numerical results reveal that the thermal protection mechanism of C/Ph composites mainly comprises of surface radiation, the heat absorbed by the heat capacity and thermal blockage effect (TBE) of pyrolysis gas, but the TBE weakens as heating time increases. Furthermore, the evolution laws of different thermal protection mechanisms of C/Ph composites with resin content are given. Based on the components of thermal protection mechanisms, both reducing the thermal conductivity of the resin matrix composites and increasing the material emissivity are effective approaches to enhancing the thermal protection efficiency of C/Ph composites exposed to severe aerodynamic heat.
Improvement of dielectric constant and mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethanes using surface modified strontium titanate
Authors: Wondu Eyob , Lule Zelalem Chernet , Kim Jooheon
Published: September 2022

Recently, the focus of research in electronic industry has shifted toward obtaining high‐charge‐storing materials. Inspired by the trends in recent technological advancements, we proposed to fabricate a promising composite with a high‐dielectric constant, high‐thermal stability, good mechanical property, and excellent resistance to stiffness. We used thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as the matrix and strontium titanate (SrTiO3) particles as a filler to obtain the required properties. To address the incompatibility between the TPU matrix and SrTiO3 particles, the surface of SrTiO3 particles was functionalized with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). The functionalization of SrTiO3 particles with IPDI molecules was confirmed through various investigations: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis were performed. Low‐speed melt extrusion methods were used to fabricate the composite materials. The composite materials possessed higher thermal stability, high‐dielectric constant (three times that of neat TPU at 1 MHz), and mechanical properties with high stiffness.
Impact of variation in practice in the prenatal reporting of variants of uncertain significance by commercial laboratories: Need for greater adherence to published guidelines
Authors: Cornthwaite Melissa , Turner Kelly , Armstrong Linlea , Boerkoel Cornelius F. , Chang Caitlin , Lehman Anna , Nikkel Sarah M. , Patel Millan S. , Van Allen Margot , Langlois Sylvie
Published: September 2022

Objective

To evaluate the impact of implementing commercial whole exome sequencing (WES) and targeted gene panel testing in pregnancies with fetal anomalies.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 124 patients with sequencing performed by commercial laboratories.

Results

The diagnostic yield of WES and panel testing was 21.5% and 26%, respectively, based on likely pathogenic (LP) or pathogenic (P) variants. Forty‐two percent of exomes and 32% of panels analysed had one or more variants of uncertain significance (VUS) reported. A multidisciplinary in‐depth review of the fetal phenotype, disease phenotype, variant data, and, in some patients, additional prenatal or postnatal investigations increased the diagnostic yield by 5% for exome analysis and 6% for panel analysis.

Conclusions

The diagnostic yield of WES and panel testing combined was 23% based on LP and P variants. Although the reporting of VUS contributed to a 5% increase in diagnostic yield for WES and 6% for panels, the large number of VUS reported by commercial laboratories has significant resource implications. Our results support the need for greater adherence to the recommendations on the prenatal reporting of VUS and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that brings together clinical and laboratory expertise in prenatal genetics and genomics.
Prenatal diagnosis with chromosome microarray and pregnancy outcomes of fetuses with biliary tract system abnormalities
Authors: Qian Yanping , Xiao Like , Zhang Lijuan , Hu Ting , Wang Jiamin , Hu Rui , Liao Na , Liu Zhushu , Wang He , Liu Shanling , Zhang Zhu
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To investigate the prenatal diagnostic value of chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) in fetuses presenting with ultrasound‐based biliary tract system (BTS) anomalies.

Methods

Amniocentesis was performed and CMA was applied in 271 pregnant women carrying fetuses with BTS abnormalities between April 2015 and December 2020. Pregnancy outcomes and fetal prognosis were followed from 1 to 6 years.

Results

Sixteen cases (5.9%, 16/271) of chromosomal anomalies were detected. The detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities was significantly higher for fetuses with nonisolated BTS anomalies than for those with isolated BTS anomalies (9.0% vs. 0%, p = 0.0017). Follow‐up results were obtained from 267 fetuses, including 25 cases of termination of pregnancy (9.4%), 237 live births (88.8%), and 5 (1.9%) neonatal demises. The incidence of congenital biliary atresia in the small gallbladder and nonvisualized gallbladder groups was 3.0% (1/33) and 9.5% (7/74), respectively; however, none was detected on postnatal ultrasound reexamination in the gallbladder enlargement or the other BTS groups.

Conclusions

An isolated BTS abnormality is not an indication for invasive prenatal chromosomal analysis. When combined with other ultrasonographic abnormalities, prenatal CMA should be provided. When a small or nonvisualized gallbladder is found prenatally, ultrasonography is limited in the differential diagnosis of congenital biliary atresia.
Morphology, structure and properties of nonwoven materials obtained by melt electrospinning of polypropylene–polystyrene blends
Authors: Malakhov Sergey N. , Chvalun Sergei N.
Published: September 2022

Melt electrospinning is a convenient method for producing nonwoven materials from polymers with limited solubility, such as polyolefins and its blends. In this work, we investigated the process of electrospinning from melt of blends of thermodynamically immiscible polymers: polypropylene and polystyrene. Nonwoven materials with an average fiber diameter of 1.5–4 μm have been obtained. Typically, morphology of blended nonwoven material can be further modified by selective removal of one of the components. However, it was found that after removal of polystyrene from the produced materials, the fibers do not undergo significant changes in the surface morphology. At the same time, fiber fragments having a length of 5–100 μm appear and their number grows as the content of polystyrene in the initial material increases. According to X‐ray data, the supramolecular structure of polypropylene changes in the electrospinning process: a transition from a stable α‐form to a low‐ordered mesophase occurs. On the other hand, a reverse transition to crystallites of the α‐form of polypropylene was observed after polystyrene was removed with hot chloroform. All materials exhibit superhydrophobic properties and their wetting occurs according to the Wenzel model. Sorption capacity of the resulting materials is up to 90 g/g for motor oil.
Comparison of 24‐hour urinary creatinine clearance and estimated glomerular filtration rate based on a panel of filtration markers in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Iversen Esben , Boesby Lene , Hansen Ditte , Houlind Morten Baltzer
Published: September 2022

Diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires accurate assessment of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In practice, GFR is typically estimated by equations based on creatinine concentration in blood, but creatinine is affected by non‐GFR factors such as age and sex. Alternative filtration markers such as cystatin C, beta‐trace protein (BTP), and beta‐2 microglobulin (B2M) may be less dependent on age and sex, but equations combining these markers have not been investigated in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this cross‐sectional study of 50 patients with CKD stage 3–4, we compared kidney function estimates based on creatinine, cystatin C, BTP, B2M, or a combination of markers. Compared to the creatinine/cystatin C combination equation, the panel equation yielded a mean difference of only 2.8 ml/min/1.73 m2, indicating that switching to the panel equation would be unlikely to affect management.
Assessment of oxyfluorfen‐tolerant rice systems and implications for rice‐weed management in California1
Authors: Galvin Liberty Baker , Becerra‐Alvarez Aaron , Al‐Khatib Kassim
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Weeds are a significant barrier to rice production in California, exacerbated by lack of chemical control options and herbicide‐resistance in persistent aquaphilic species. Oxyfluorfen‐tolerant rice, created at the Rice Experiment Station (RES) in Biggs, California, was developed to provide an agronomic program for managing problematic grass and sedge rice‐weeds including Oryza sativa f. spontanea Roshev. (weedy ‘red’ rice). Hand‐pulling is the most common removal method for O. sativa spontanea because there are no herbicides registered for this pest in California. Oxyfluorfen was used in combination with oxyfluorfen‐tolerant rice in 2019 and 2021 field studies to evaluate rice injury and weed control efficacy on prevalent rice‐weed species. Additional studies were conducted in 2021 on University of California Davis campus to determine pre‐emergent oxyfluorfen efficacy on four California O. sativa spontanea accessions.

RESULTS

Fields studies indicated minimal crop injury in the first 28 days after seeding (DAS), but no observable injury at 60 DAS in both years. Weed control with oxyfluorfen alone was 87% or greater for all weeds rated with the exception of Schoenoplectus mucronatus (L.) Palla (ricefield bulrush), and Leptochloa fascicularis (Lam.) A. Gray (bearded sprangletop) in both years. All O. sativa spontanea exposed to soil‐applied oxyfluorfen successfully emerged through the soil surface, but became completely necrotic 28 days after flooding.

CONCLUSION

Oxyfluorfen‐tolerant rice system was demonstrated to be a viable management strategy for California rice growers who struggle with grass‐ and sedge‐weed control as well as provide a novel herbicide option for California O. sativa spontanea management. © 2022 University of California, Davis. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
QSPR models to predict quantum chemical properties of imidazole derivatives using genetic algorithm–multiple linear regression and back‐propagation–artificial neural network
Authors: Moshayedi Shiva , Shafiei Fatemeh , Momeni Isfahani Tahereh
Published: September 2022

Imidazole derivatives are the foundation of different types of drugs with a wide range of biological activities. In this study, the genetic algorithm–multiple linear regression (GA–MLR), and backpropagation–artificial neural network (BP–ANN) were applied to design QSPR models to predict the quantum chemical properties like the entropy (S) and enthalpy of formation (∆Hf) of imidazole derivatives. In order to draw molecular structure of 84 derivative compounds Gauss View 05 program was used. These structures were optimized at DFT‐B3LYP/6‐311G* level with Gaussian09W. The Dragon software was used to calculate a set of different molecular descriptors, and the genetic algorithm procedure and backward stepwise regression were applied for the selection of descriptors. The resulting quantitative GA–MLR model of ∆Hf, showed that there is good linear correlation between the selected descriptors and ∆Hf of compounds. Also the results show that the BP–ANN model appeared to be superior to GA–MLR model for prediction of entropy. Different internal and external validation metrics were adopted to verify the predictive performance of QSPR models. The predictive powers of the models were found to be acceptable. Thus, these QSPR models may be useful for designing new series of imidazole derivatives and prediction of their properties.
Kinetic oxygen isotope fractionation upon acid liberation of CO2 from artificial and natural norsethite (BaMg(CO3)2), a mineral analogue of dolomite
Authors: Böttcher Michael Ernst , Vennemann Torsten W.
Published: September 2022

Rationale

The analytical method to determine the stable oxygen isotope (18O/16O) composition of carbonates via phosphoric acid digestion leads to temperature‐ and solid‐dependent kinetic isotope fractionation. Values for the double carbonate norsethite (BaMg(CO3)2) have been unknown so far.

Methods

The temperature dependence of kinetic oxygen isotope fractionation during the reaction of synthetic and natural BaMg(CO3)2 with orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4) according to the overall reaction

BaMg(CO3)2 + 2H3PO4 = Ba2+ + Mg2+ + 2HPO42– + 2CO2 + 2H2O

has been examined for the first time using separate carbonate decomposition via fluorination or phosphoric acid digestion, with the resulting gases analyzed by isotope ratio monitoring mass spectrometry.

Results

In the temperature range between 25 and 70°C the kinetic fractionation factor between acid‐generated CO2 and artificial and natural norsethite is described by (T in K):

with A = 4.15 and B = 6.47 for natural norsethite, and A = 4.77 and B = 5.94 for synthetic norsethite. The fractionation factor measured for a poorly crystallized synthetic carbonate agrees with those for the other samples at 25°C, but is slightly lower at 50 and 70°C. No carbon isotope fractionation was found during the unidirectional acid dissolution.

Conclusions

The kinetic oxygen isotope fractionation during phosphoric acid liberation of CO2 from BaMg(CO3)2 is quantified. Based on published results for endmember carbonates, the results at 25°C for other double carbonates are estimated.
Development of native mass spectrometry with nanoelectrospray ionization coupled to size exclusion chromatography for proteins
Authors: Saikusa Kazumi , Kinumi Tomoya , Kato Megumi
Published: September 2022

Rationale

Native mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique used to determine the molecular mass of protein complexes without cross‐linking. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with native MS using conventional electrospray ionization (ESI) has been reported to allow online buffer exchange. To detect a wide variety of protein complexes without a collapse in the ionization process, it is important to build an online system that enables robust analysis with a low flow rate.

Methods

We created an online native MS system equipped with nanoESI connected to the SEC component (online SEC/nanoESI system) and optimized several parameters for SEC separation and ionization. The constructed system was used to measure a solution consisting of a protein mixture of various molecular masses (10–300 kDa) to verify characteristics such as the measurable molecular mass range, reproducibility, and online buffer exchange.

Results

The optimal flow rates for SEC separation and nanoESI analysis using this system were 200 and 1 μL/min, respectively. This system was able to analyze proteins in the ranges of 10–300 and 20–300 kDa for protein samples in ammonium acetate and nonvolatile buffer, respectively. Furthermore, the results of consecutive measurements showed that the relative standard deviations of the retention times and observed masses for each protein were sufficiently small.

Conclusions

We created an online SEC/nanoESI system and evaluated its utility for the analysis of various proteins in conventional measurement solvent and nonvolatile buffer. As a result, the structural stability and resolution of the proteins were found to be sufficient when using online buffer exchange. Therefore, this online SEC/nanoESI system would be a useful technique for obtaining mass spectra of various proteins automatically with good resolution, simply by loading samples into an autosampler.
Host factors associated with either VP16 or VP16‐induced complex differentially affect HSV‐1 lytic infection
Authors: Ding Xiuyan , Neumann Donna M. , Zhu Liqian
Published: September 2022

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) is an important human pathogen with neurotropism. Following lytic infection in mucosal or skin epithelium, life‐long latency is established mainly in sensory neurons, which can periodically reactivate by stress, leading to recurrent disease and virus transmission. During the virus's productive infection, the tegument protein VP16, a component of HSV‐1 virion, is physically associated with two cellular factors, host cell factor‐1 (HCF‐1), and POU domain protein Oct‐1, to construct the VP16‐induced complex, which is essential to stimulate immediate early (IE)‐gene transcription as well as initiate the lytic programme. Apart from HCF‐1 and Oct‐1, VP16 also associates with a series of other host factors, making a VP16‐induced regulatory switch to either activate or inactivate virus gene transcription. In addition, VP16 has effects on distinct signalling pathways via binding to various host molecules that are essentially related to innate immune responses, RNA polymerases, molecular chaperones, and virus infection‐induced host shutoff. VP16 also functionally compensates for given host factors, such as PPAR‐γ and ß‐catenin. In this review, we provide an overview of the updated insights on the interplay between VP16 and the host factors that coordinate virus infection.
Low flows in a regulated river system are associated with reduced breeding bird abundance and diversity in Yosemite National Park, California
Authors: Desrosiers Michelle A. , Schofield Lynn N. , Jackson Breeanne K. , Stock Sarah S.
Published: September 2022

River regulation can alter the magnitude, frequency, duration, and timing of flows, which influences the function of downstream ecosystems. Bird communities can be useful indicators of ecosystem function as individual species respond to varied changes in habitat structure and food availability. We examined the relative importance of different aspects of a regulated flow regime (average daily flow, the number of days flows fell below the 25th percentile, the timing and magnitude of maximum flows, and the inter‐annual duration of flows below the historical median) on predicted bird abundance and diversity using 11 years of data collected within a floodplain meadow system located downstream of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park, California. We found that prolonged periods of low flows were negatively associated with the number of breeding birds detected, as well as the species richness of the breeding bird community. Species richness was also negatively correlated with delays in spring runoff delivery. We opportunistically looked at the same hydrologic variables in a parallel unregulated system, the Merced River through Yosemite Valley, and did not find the same strong relationship with bird community data. This suggests that the dam may be exacerbating the effects of drought.
Groundwater input drives large variance in soil manganese concentration and reactivity in a forested headwater catchment
Authors: Bourgault Rebecca R. , Ross Donald S. , Bailey Scott W. , Perdrial Nicolas , Bower Jennifer
Published: September 2022

In headwater catchments, surface groundwater discharge areas have unique soil biogeochemistry and can be hot spots for solute contribution to streams. Across the northeastern United States, headwater hillslopes with surface groundwater discharge were enriched in soil Mn, including Watershed 3 of Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire. Soils of this site were investigated along a grid to determine extent of Mn‐rich zone(s) and relationships to explanatory variables using ordinary kriging. The O and B horizons were analyzed for total secondary Mn and Fe, Cr oxidation potential, total organic C, moisture content, wetness ratio, and pH. Two Mn hot spots were found: a poorly drained, flowing spring (Location A); and a moderately well‐drained swale (Location B). Both had ∼6,000–9,000 mg Mn kg–1 soil. However, Location A had high Cr oxidation potential (a measure of Mn reactivity), whereas Location B did not. Location C, a poorly drained seep with slow‐moving water, had lower Mn content and Cr oxidation potential. Manganese‐rich soil particles were analyzed using X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure and micro‐X‐ray diffraction; the dominant oxidation state was Mn(IV), and the dominant Mn oxide species was a layer‐type Mn oxide (L‐MnO2). We propose input of Mn(II) with groundwater, which is oxidized by soil microbes. Studies of catchment structure and response could benefit from identifying hot spots of trace metals, sourced mainly from parent material but which accumulate according to hydropedologic conditions. Small‐scale variation in Mn enrichment due to groundwater and microtopography appears to be more important than regional‐scale variation due to air pollution.
Facile synthesis methodology and characterization studies of silica‐decorated hybridized anisotropic nanotubes and nanosheets
Authors: Swain Suchhanda S. , Unnikrishnan Lakshmi , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K.
Published: September 2022

Carbonaceous nanomaterials and their derivatives have been inspired tremendous enthusiasm in the scientific community. They have been excogitated as the encouraging attributes and the qualified dispersed phase to develop multi‐functional composites. Particularly, graphene and carbon nanotube (anisotropic fillers) have gained substantial research interest owing to their promising characteristics. This highlights an innovative technique to synthesize hybridized nanotube and nanosheet. Initially, parent materials have been synthesized: The pristine CNT has been modified by acid mixture solution, and reduced graphene oxide has been prepared by chemical reduction method. Henceforth, the self‐assembly in situ sol–gel technique has been endorsed here. The synthesized nanohybrids have been characterized by different spectroscopic techniques: FTIR, Raman, UV, and XPS to confirm the attachment of multifunctionalities; meanwhile, the composition and stability have been investigated from XRD and TGA plots. The magnitude of surface charge and particle size distribution have been evaluated for the parent and hybridized products; further, morphology of all the samples has been authenticated from FESEM and TEM.
Ligand Effect in 1‐Octanethiol Passivation of InP/ZnSe/ZnS Quantum Dots—Evidence of Incomplete Surface Passivation during Synthesis
Authors: Kim Jiyong , Kim Yohan , Park Kyoungwon , Boeffel Christine , Choi Hyung‐Seok , Taubert Andreas , Wedel Armin
Published: September 2022

The lack of anionic carboxylate ligands on the surface of InP/ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), where zinc carboxylate ligands can be converted to carboxylic acid or carboxylate ligands via proton transfer by 1‐octanethiol, is demonstrated. The as‐synthesized QDs initially have an under‐coordinated vacancy surface, which is passivated by solvent ligands such as ethanol and acetone. Upon exposure of 1‐octanethiol to the QD surface, 1‐octanethiol effectively induces the surface binding of anionic carboxylate ligands (derived from zinc carboxylate ligands) by proton transfer, which consequently exchanges ethanol and acetone ligands that bind on the incomplete QD surface. These systematic chemical analyses, such as thermogravimetric analysis‐mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, directly show the interplay of surface ligands, and it associates with QD light‐emitting diodes (QD‐LEDs). It is believed that this better understanding can lead to industrially feasible QD‐LEDs.
Fluorous‐Tagged Peptide Nanoparticles Ameliorate Acute Lung Injury via Lysosomal Stabilization and Inflammation Inhibition in Pulmonary Macrophages
Authors: Wang Kun , Rong Guangyu , Gao Yixuan , Wang Muyun , Sun Jiaxing , Sun He , Liao Ximing , Wang Yuanyuan , Li Qiang , Gao Wei , Cheng Yiyun
Published: September 2022

Acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common respiratory critical syndrome that currently has no effective therapeutic interventions. Pulmonary macrophages play a principal role in the initiation and progression of the overwhelming inflammation in ALI/ARDS. Here, a type of fluorous‐tagged bioactive peptide nanoparticle termed CFF13F is developed, which can be efficiently internalized by macrophages and suppress the excessive expression of cytokines and the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The cytoprotective effect of CFF13F may be attributed to the lysosomal‐stabilization property and regulation of the antioxidative system. Moreover, intratracheal pretreatment with CFF13F can effectively reduce local and systematic inflammation, and ameliorate pulmonary damage in an LPS‐induced ALI murine model. The therapeutic efficacy of CFF13F is affected by the administration routes, and the local intratracheal injection is found to be the optimal choice for ALI treatment, with preferred biodistribution profiles. The present study provides solid evidence of the potent immunomodulatory bioactivity of the fluorous‐tagged peptide nanoparticles CFF13F in vitro and in vivo, and sheds light on the development of novel efficient nanodrugs for ALI/ARDS.
Fast and High‐Yield Anhydrous Synthesis of Ti3C2Tx MXene with High Electrical Conductivity and Exceptional Mechanical Strength
Authors: Oh Taegon , Lee Seungjun , Kim Hyerim , Ko Tae Yun , Kim Seon Joon , Koo Chong Min
Published: September 2022

2D transition metal carbides or nitrides (MXenes) have attracted considerable attention from materials scientists and engineers owing to their physicochemical properties. Currently, MXenes are synthesized from MAX‐phase precursors using aqueous HF. Here, in order to enhance the production of MXenes, an anhydrous etching solution is proposed, consisting of dimethylsulfoxide as solvent with its high boiling point, NH4HF2 as an etchant, CH3SO3H as an acid, and NH4PF6 as an intercalant. The reaction temperature can be increased up to 100 °C to accelerate the etching and delamination of Ti3AlC2 MAX crystals; in addition, the destructive side reaction of the produced Ti3C2Tx MXene is suppressed in the etchant. Consequently, the etching reaction is completed in 4 h at 100 °C and produces high‐quality monolayer Ti3C2Tx with an electrical conductivity of 8200 S cm−1 and yield of over 70%. The Ti3C2Tx MXene fabricated via this modified synthesis exhibits different surface structures and properties arising from more F‐terminations than those of Ti3C2Tx synthesized in aqueous HF2T. The atypical surface structure of Ti3C2Tx MXene results in an exceptionally high ultimate tensile strength (167 ± 8 MPa), which is five times larger than those of Ti3C2Tx MXenes synthesized in aqueous HF solution (31.7 ± 7.8 MPa).
An empirical study of the Python/C API on evolution and bug patterns
Authors: Hu Mingzhe , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2022

Python is a popular programming language, and a large part of its appeal comes from diverse libraries and extension modules. In the bloom of data science and machine learning, Python frontend with C/C++ native implementation achieves both productivity and performance and has almost become the standard structure for many mainstream software systems. However, feature discrepancies between two languages such as exception handling, memory management, and type system can pose many safety hazards in the interface layer using the Python/C API. In this paper, we carry out an empirical study of the Python/C API on evolution and bug patterns. The evolution analysis includes Python/C API design in CPython compilers and its usage in mainstream software. By designing and applying a static analysis toolset, we reveal the evolution and usage statistics of the Python/C API and provide a summary and classification of 9 common bug patterns. In Pillow, a widely used Python imaging library, we find 48 bugs, 19 of which are undiscovered before. Our toolset can be easily extended to access different types of syntactic bug‐finding checkers, and our systematical taxonomy to classify bugs can guide the construction of more highly automated and high‐precision bug‐finding tools.
OntoSuSD: Software engineering approaches integration ontology for sustainable software development
Authors: Zada Islam , Shahzad Sara , Ali Shaukat , Mehmood Raja Majid
Published: September 2022

Different software development approaches (SDAs) are developed with broad portfolios of development processes. Each of the approaches has certain exclusive principles, practices, thinking, and values, which are informally represented, implemented, and improperly institutionalized. Ontologies are developed for the representation, assessment, and adaptation of SDAs separately without having a shared terminology which may lead to terminological conflict and confusion affecting the simultaneous representation and implementation in software development industry and academia. The software engineering approaches does not consider and support sustainability as priority concern. However, the approaches have capabilities of supporting sustainable software development in different sustainability aspects. This research article aims for the designing and development of an integrated ontology of software engineering approaches (i.e., agile, lean, and green) named OntoSuSD (ontology for sustainable software development) to support sustainable software development knowledge, awareness, and implementation. The goal of OntoSuSD is to propose, design and develop a formal, generic, consistent, and shared knowledge base containing semantic terminology and description of concepts and relationships generated around the representation and implementation of lean, agile, and green approaches in software development processes, which will facilitate their simultaneous implementation and assessment for sustainable software development. The OntoSuSD is developed using practical ontology engineering methodology by reusing relevant ontologies and explicit concepts and properties are defined to fulfill knowledge requirements and representations of the domain. The OntoSuSD is evaluated, and results infer OntoSuSD has high ontological design, good domain coverage, potential applications and achieves purpose of the ontology development.
An Improved YOLOX Model for Detecting Strip Surface Defects
Authors: Yi Cancan , Xu Biao , Chen Jun , Chen Qirui , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2022

During the process of producing hot‐rolled strips in the metallurgical industry, various defects inevitably appear on its surface due to harsh environments and complex manufacturing, consequently bringing about quality problems and economic loss. However, the existing detection methods are difficult to meet the actual requirements of commercial production due to their problems, such as low efficiency and low accuracy. Herein, an improved You only look once X (YOLOX) model for detecting strip surface defects is proposed. Based on the existing YOLOX model, herein, the MobileViT block is introduced to enhance the capability of feature extraction of the backbone network output. The feature pyramid networks through efficient channel attention (ECA) module to strengthen important channel weights are improved, and finally, the original positioning loss function by efficient intersection over union (EIOU) to increase the locating accuracy is replaced. The experimental results show that the improved YOLOX model can obtain 80.67 mAP and 75.69 mAP detection effects on the Northeast University dataset and Xsteel surface defect dataset, respectively. Compared with the original YOLOX, the model increases by 3.95 mAP and 4.02 mAP, respectively. The data fully show that the improved YOLOX model proposed herein is more effective for strip surface defect detection.
Experimental study on seismic behavior of T‐shaped steel fiber reinforced concrete columns
Authors: Li Wei , Ye Heng , Sun Linzhu
Published: September 2022

Six T‐shaped columns in which steel fiber concrete is integrated with a high‐strength stirrup (SFRC) and two control specimens are tested under a cyclic lateral load and constant axial load. The effectiveness of the steel fiber concrete and high‐strength stirrup to enhance its ductility and earthquake resistance is described at high‐and low‐axial compression ratios. The failure patterns, hysteresis response, backbone curves, ductility, and strain behavior analysis of the columns are studied systematically in the test. The effects of the stirrup strength, stirrup spacing, steel fiber content, and axial load ratio were investigated. The test results demonstrated that all specimens exhibited flexural failure. Steel fibers could prevent the cracked concrete from spalling. Specimens with high‐strength stirrups, close stirrup spacing, and steel fiber exhibited a higher lateral bearing capacity, energy dissipation capacity, initial stiffness, and displacement ductility. A new strength model for predicting the lateral ultimate capacity of T‐shaped concrete columns strengthened with SFRC subjected to cyclic loading is proposed. The calculated results agree well with the test results. Eight T‐shaped column specimens were simulated using ABAQUS finite element analysis software. A comparison of the results of the numerical study with the experimental results demonstrates that the finite element model can accurately predict the structural behavior.
Effects of aggregate type, aggregate pretreatment method, supplementary cementitious materials, and macro fibers on fresh and hardened properties of high‐strength all‐lightweight self‐compacting concrete
Authors: Liu Huiyuan , Elchalakani Mohamed , Sadakkathulla Mohamed Ali , Yehia Sherif , Pham Thong M. , Yang Bo
Published: September 2022

In this research, a new high‐strength all‐lightweight self‐compacting concrete (HALSCC) was developed with a density less than 1760 kg/m3 and a compressive strength of more than 40 MPa. The effects of different parameters were investigated: pretreatment methods, binders, type of aggregates, and hybrid steel fibers on the properties of HALSCC. The experimental investigation evaluated the properties of fresh, mechanical, and microstructure of several concrete mixtures that incorporate low‐C3A cement, silica fume, metakaolin, and hybrid steel fibers. The results show that HALSCC can be developed. The binder pretreatment method could improve the compressive strength by 14.1% compared with the water pretreatment method through the strengthening of Zone 1 and Zone 2 of interfacial transition zone. Also, the mixes incorporating stalite could improve the compressive strength by 40.8% and 106% compared to the mixes with scoria and leca respectively. Hybrid length steel fibers could increase the mechanical properties when compared to a single type of fiber.