bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrospun (K,Na)NbO3 Piezoceramic Fibers for Self‐Powered Tactile Sensing Application
Authors: Ichangi Arun , Derichsweiler Christina , Mathur Sanjay , Clemens Frank
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the electrical properties of electrospun ceramic fiber mats based on potassium sodium niobate ((K,Na)NbO3;KNN) for potential applications in soft‐robotic tactile sensors. The rheological studies of electrospinning solutions exhibit shear thinning behavior, with a viscosity plateau between shear rates of 1–100 s−1. The thermal decomposition behavior of the KNN samples is analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis; the samples show multistep decomposition processes leading into a phase pure perovskite structure. For the electrospun KNN fiber mats, the electrical characterization reveals ferroelectric hysteresis loops with a high leakage current of ≈270 nA at 20 kV cm−1 and switching current behavior. The ferroelectric results indicate that a full polarization of KNN‐fiber mats is not possible due to their electrical breakdown at high electrical fields. The integration of KNN short fibers into a soft‐bending actuator demonstrates successful tactile sensing capabilities. The experimental findings reported here highlight the potential of electrospun KNN fiber mats for flexible and autonomous device applications in soft robotics.
Bioactive Fe Foam for Degradable Bone Graft Cages
Authors: Rabeeh Vilayapoyil Muhammad , Surendramohan Karalparambil Surendran , Tharayil Hanas
Published: November 2023

Fe foams when combined with a proper surface coating can be effectively used as a biodegradable metal with improved biocompatibility and bioactivity. Herein, Fe foams prepared via powder metallurgy route coated with two different bioactive coatings namely polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/bioglass (BG) and polylactic acid (PLA)/BG are investigated. The effect of hydrophilic PVA and hydrophobic PLA, in conjunction with BG, has been examined. The study of biomineralization, degradation, and weight loss of the composite‐coated material over a period of 28 days is compared with that of the uncoated Fe foam samples in simulated body fluid. The composite coatings on the Fe foam effectively tailor the degradation with enhanced biomineralization. The composite‐coated material exhibits viability toward the L929 fibroblast cell line. The work reveals the great potential of Fe foams to be used as a biodegradable metallic material for temporary implant applications such as bone graft cages.
Electrically Tunable Polymer Stabilized Chiral Ferroelectric Nematic Liquid Crystal Microlenses
Authors: Perera Kelum , Haputhantrige Nilanthi , Himel Md Sakhawat Hossain , Mostafa Md , Adaka Alex , Mann Elizabeth K. , Lavrentovich Oleg D. , Jákli Antal
Published: November 2023

Tunable optical lenses are in great demand in modern technologies ranging from augmented and virtual reality to sensing and detection. In this work, electrically tunable microlenses based on a polymer‐stabilized chiral ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal are described. The power of the lens can be quickly (within 5 ms) varied by ≈500 diopters by ramping an in‐plane electric field from 0 to 2.5 V µm−1. Importantly, within this relatively low‐amplitude field range, the lens is optically isotropic; thus, its focal length is independent of the polarization of incoming light. This remarkable performance combines the advantages of electrically tuned isotropic lenses and the field‐controlled shape of the lens, which are unique properties of chiral ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals and have no counterpart in other liquid crystals. The achieved lens performance represents a significant step forward as compared to liquid lenses controlled by electrowetting and opens new possibilities in various applications such as biomimetic optics, security printing, and solar energy concentration.
Multidisciplinary Approaches in the Treatment of Retinal Degenerative Diseases: A Review
Authors: Chen Jianqi , Zhuo Xiaohua , Zhu Yingting , Zhuo Yehong
Published: November 2023

Retinal degenerative diseases (RDDs) cause irreversible blindness and affect ≈285 million individuals worldwide. The unavailability of treatment to stop the progression of RDDs or restore normal visual function necessitated development of novel therapeutic strategies. In recent years, multidisciplinary approaches have shown great potential for the treatment of RDDs, including intraocular delivery systems, retinal scaffolds for cell therapy, and visual prostheses with different stimulation strategies. This review focuses on the development prospects and shortcomings of various multidisciplinary treatment approaches for RDDs. The results of this review will hopefully inspire further innovation in the design of novel multidisciplinary approaches for RDD treatment and accelerate their commercialization.
A Quenched Disorder in the Quantum‐Critical Superconductor CeCoIn5
Authors: Jung Soon‐Gil , Jang Harim , Kim Jihyun , Park Jin‐Hong , Lee Sangyun , Seo Soonbeom , Bauer Eric D. , Park Tuson
Published: November 2023

Emergent inhomogeneous electronic phases in metallic quantum systems are crucial for understanding high‐Tc superconductivity and other novel quantum states. In particular, spin droplets introduced by nonmagnetic dopants in quantum‐critical superconductors (QCSs) can lead to a novel magnetic state in superconducting phases. However, the role of disorders caused by nonmagnetic dopants in quantum‐critical regimes and their precise relation with superconductivity remain unclear. Here, the systematic evolution of a strong correlation between superconductive intertwined electronic phases and antiferromagnetism in Cd‐doped CeCoIn5 is presented by measuring current–voltage characteristics under an external pressure. In the low‐pressure coexisting regime where antiferromagnetic (AFM) and superconducting (SC) orders coexist, the critical current (Ic) is gradually suppressed by the increasing magnetic field, as in conventional type‐II superconductors. At pressures higher than the critical pressure where the AFM order disappears, Ic remarkably shows a sudden spike near the irreversible magnetic field. In addition, at high pressures far from the critical pressure point, the peak effect is not suppressed, but remains robust over the whole superconducting region. These results indicate that magnetic islands are protected around dopant sites despite being suppressed by the increasingly correlated effects under pressure, providing a new perspective on the role of quenched disorders in QCSs.
Genome‐wide identification and expression analysis of salinity stress–related protein kinase in cotton
Authors: Ur Rahman Shafeeq , Shehzad Muhammad , Qin Anzhen , Zain Muhammad , Shahzad Sher Muhammad , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali
Published: November 2023

Salinity stress is a worldwide problem that damages crop growth and development. As a principal regulatory component in eukaryotic cells, protein kinase is key to regulating crop tolerance to salinity stress. However, it is still unclear about the responses of protein kinase to salinity stress across different upland cotton species in China. This study was conducted to evaluate the functional expression of protein kinase genes in three cotton species (Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium raimondii, and Gossypium arboretum) under salinity stress. A total of 134 genes that encode the protein kinase were recognized in cotton species. The results indicated that 67 genes belonged to G. hirsutum, 34 genes belonged to G. arboretum, and 33 genes belonged to G. raimondii, respectively. Protein kinase genes were unequally distributed on the chromosomes of the three cotton species. Based on the syntenic analysis, 58 protein kinase genes were duplicated in G. hirsutum, G. raimondii, and G. arboretum. The results of synonymous (Ks), non‐synonymous (Ka), and Ka/Ks values for orthologous genes showed that the top 10 G. hirsutum protein kinase genes were mostly expressed. Co‐expression network analysis of protein kinase genes confirmed their function in improving crop tolerance to salinity stress for different cotton species. It was concluded that protein kinase genes were stress‐inducible and were linked to stress‐responsive miRNAs in cotton species. The findings can be used for breeding new salt‐tolerant cotton varieties in China.
Paleoserological detection of Coronavirus antigens in dental calculus of human remains dating from the beginning of the 19th century, French Ardennes
Authors: Merrouche N. , Edouard S. , Oumarou Hama H. , Gucker D. , Thiol S. , Orain N. , Aboudharam G. , Drancourt M. , Terrer E.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Vanishing viral RNA restricts our ability to detect ancient pathogens, so, we used paleo serological approaches to trace the dynamics of the Coronavirus in ancient populations.

Materials and Methods

We investigated 10 ancient dental calculus samples collected from a cemetery dated to the beginning of the 19th century and excavated in Charleville‐Mézières. After paleoserum samples were extracted from dental calculus, paleoserology using mini‐line‐blot incorporating one alpha‐Coronavirus (Coronavirus 229 E) and two beta‐Coronavirus (Coronavirus OC 43, SARS‐CoV‐2) antigens and controls was completed by an automated Western blotting assay.

Results

Once appropriate controls had validated the data, mini‐line‐blot detected antibodies against the two beta‐Coronavirus antigens in individuals US1300 and US1339, automated Western blotting confirming one beta‐Coronavirus antigen for individual US1300 and an additional individual US1326.

Discussion

Combing mini‐line blot and automated Western blot assays made it possible to detect immunoreactive immunoglobulin tracing circulation of Coronavirus in France at the very beginning of the 19th century.
The placebo effect in randomized‐controlled trials of medical treatments for chronic rhinosinusitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pipaliya Royal M. , Duckett Kelsey A. , Monaghan Neil P. , Miller Emma Marin , Young Gabrielle , Brennan Emily A. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Soler Zachary M. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: November 2023

Background

The placebo effect observed in clinical trials evaluating medical treatments for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is not well understood. This systematic review and meta‐analysis sought to characterize the placebo effect present within CRS outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Cumulated Index in Nursing and Allied Health Nursing (CINAHL) was performed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating medical treatments for CRS versus placebo were included. We assessed patient‐reported (sino‐nasal outcome test 22 [SNOT‐22], nasal obstruction, sense of smell, nasal obstruction visual analogue score [VAS], sense of smell VAS, anterior rhinorrhea, and postnasal drip) and objective (Lund–Mackay Computed tomography (CT) score, peak nasal inspiratory flow [PNIF], nasal polyp scores, 40‐item Smell Identification Test, serum IgE, and blood eosinophil levels) outcomes.

Results

Twenty‐one RCTs were included, comprising 1437 patients (mean age 49.2 years). Biologics were the most common treatment investigated (n = 9). Eleven studies administered background steroids along with placebo. Following placebo administration, multiple patient‐reported outcomes significantly decreased, including SNOT‐22 (mean difference −9.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−11.26, −7.73]), nasal obstruction (−0.33 [−0.54, −0.13]), sense of smell (−0.22 [−0.33, −0.11]), nasal obstruction VAS (−2.47 [−2.87, −2.06]), and loss of smell VAS (−2.31 [−4.14, −0.47]) scores. For objective measures, significant changes occurred in Lund–Mackay CT score (−0.82, [−1.48, −0.16]) and PNIF (4.70, [4.76, 24.64]) with placebo. Placebo arms had the greatest impact when no background medications were used.

Conclusions

Placebo treatments have a statistically and potentially clinically significant effect on patient‐reported and some objective CRS outcomes. Further investigation is required to fully understand placebo effect, which could improve assessment of RCTs and impact patient care.
Microglial immunometabolism endophenotypes contribute to sex difference in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hou Yuan , Caldwell Jessica Z. K. , Lathia Justin D. , Leverenz James B. , Pieper Andrew A. , Cummings Jeffrey , Cheng Feixiong
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

The molecular mechanisms that contribute to sex differences, in particular female predominance, in Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevalence, symptomology, and pathology, are incompletely understood.

METHODS

To address this problem, we investigated cellular metabolism and immune responses (“immunometabolism endophenotype”) across AD individuals as a function of sex with diverse clinical diagnosis of cognitive status at death (cogdx), Braak staging, and Consortium to Establish a Registry for AD (CERAD) scores using human cortex metabolomics and transcriptomics data from the Religious Orders Study / Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP) cohort.

RESULTS

We identified sex‐specific metabolites, immune and metabolic genes, and pathways associated with the AD diagnosis and progression. We identified female‐specific elevation in glycerophosphorylcholine and N‐acetylglutamate, which are AD inflammatory metabolites involved in interleukin (IL)‐17 signaling, C‐type lectin receptor, interferon signaling, and Toll‐like receptor pathways. We pinpointed distinct microglia‐specific immunometabolism endophenotypes (i.e., lipid‐ and amino acid‐specific IL‐10 and IL‐17 signaling pathways) between female and male AD subjects. In addition, female AD subjects showed evidence of diminished excitatory neuron and microglia communications via glutamate‐mediated immunometabolism.

DISCUSSION

Our results point to new understanding of the molecular basis for female predominance in AD, and warrant future independent validations with ethnically diverse patient cohorts to establish a likely causal relationship of microglial immunometabolism in the sex differences in AD.

Highlights

Sex‐specific immune metabolites, gene networks and pathways, are associated with Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and disease progression.

Female AD subjects exhibit microglial immunometabolism endophenotypes characterized by decreased glutamate metabolism and elevated interleukin‐10 pathway activity.

Female AD subjects showed a shift in glutamate‐mediated cell‐cell communications between excitatory neurons to microglia and astrocyte.
Tailored Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (TSC‐ZIF) for water purification: Evaluating TSC‐ZIF affinity towards heavy metal ions in multi‐metal solutions
Authors: Jaafar Amani , Youness Fatima , Bilbeisi Rana A.
Published: November 2023

In response to the growing concerns surrounding water pollution and the presence of multiple metal ions in environmental matrices, we conducted a comprehensive study to explore the potential of a thiosemicarbazone Schiff base in the Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (TSC‐ZIF‐1) as an efficient adsorbent for removing harmful metal ions from aqueous solutions. Our investigation assessed the adsorption capacity and efficiency of TSC‐ZIF 1 towards three key metal ions—Hg(II), Ag(I), and Pb(II)—in homo‐ionic, tertiary, and multi‐metal ion systems. TSC‐ZIF 1 exhibited unprecedented adsorption behavior towards all three metal ions in the homo‐ionic system, with the Langmuir isotherm models fitting well (R2 ~ 0.98 to 0.99). The maximum adsorption capacities were found to be 1,667 mg/g for Hg(II), as previously reported; 285 mg/g for Ag(I); and 769 mg/g for Pb(II); these values serve as baseline values. Subsequently, we conducted a comparative analysis for a tertiary system, Hg(II)/Ag(I)/Pb(II), where the three metals co‐existed in one solution. The adsorption capacity for each metal ion was reduced to varying extents; notably, the adsorption capacity for Pb(II) experienced the most significant reduction, reaching a qm value of 57 mg/g, representing an ~93% decrease compared to the homo‐ionic metal system. Conversely, the adsorption capacity for Ag(I) exhibited a minor decrease of ~3%. Despite a decrease in the adsorption capacity for Hg(II) by approximately 34%, the removal capacity remains the highest among the other metals. Our investigation of the competitive adsorption among the metal ions in the Hg(II)/Ag(I)/Pb(II) system revealed an antagonistic effect, indicating strong adsorption competition for available sites on TSC‐ZIF 1. When extending this study to a more complex multi‐metal ion system containing six metal ions, TSC‐ZIF 1 exhibited high selectivity (higher than 60% removal) towards Hg(II), Ag(I), and Pb(II) in a multi‐ionic system, including Hg(II), Ag(I), Pb(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), and Mg(II).
Structural, photoluminescence, and photocatalytic performances of Ce3+‐activated orthovanadate oxides M3(VO4)2 (M: Mg or Zn) synthesized by solution combustion route
Authors: Sharma Nikita , Sahay Pradosh Prakash
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a research investigation into the synthesis of vanadate oxides M3(VO4)2 (M: Mg or Zn) using the solution combustion method and investigates their structural, photoluminescence, and photocatalytic properties after introducing cerium (Ce) as a dopant. The resulting synthesized samples all display an orthorhombic crystalline structure with crystallite sizes ranging from 71 to 110 nm. Morphological diversity among the samples is revealed through field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) imagery. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy discloses that the introduction of Ce3+ as a dopant leads to an increase in the band gap energy. Notably, when excited at a wavelength of 340 nm, the photoluminescence emission intensity reaches its peak across all samples. This intensity undergoes enhancement due to Ce3+ doping, causing a slight shift toward shorter wavelengths attributable to the augmented band gap resulting from the dopant. Markedly, among the investigated materials, Ce3+‐activated Mg3(VO4)2 stands out with the most pronounced emission intensity, positioning it as a highly promising luminescent material. Additionally, the incorporation of Ce3+ has a positive effect on the photocatalytic performance of Mg3(VO4)2, resulting in notable improvement.
Development and optimization of a frequency mixing sensor for adjacent samples quantitative detection on a lateral flow assay
Authors: Li Tangan , Zheng Chujun , Xu Hao , Ning Qihong , Sun Qingwen , Yu Ruoyao , Cui Daxiang , Wang Kan
Published: November 2023

Frequency‐mixing technology has been widely used to precisely identify magnetic nanoparticles in applications of quantitative biomedical detection in recent years. Examples include immune adsorption, lateral flow assays (LFAs), and biomagnetic imaging. However, the signals of magnetic response generated by adjacent magnetic samples interfere with each other owing to the small spacing between them in applications involving multi‐sample detection (such as the LFA and multiplexing detection). Such signal interference prevents the biosensor from obtaining characteristic peaks related to the concentration of adjacent biomarkers from the magnetic response signals. Mathematical and physical models of the structure of sensors based on frequency‐mixing techniques were developed. The theoretical model was verified and its key parameters were optimized by using simulations. A new frequency‐mixing magnetic sensor structure was then designed and developed based on the model, and the key technical problem of signal crosstalk between adjacent samples was structurally solved. Finally, standard cards with stable magnetic properties were used to evaluate the performance of the sensor, and strips of the gastrin‐17 (G‐17) LFA were used to evaluate its potential for use in clinical applications. The results show that the minimum spacing between samples required by the optimized sensor to accurately identify them was only about 4–5 mm, and the minimum detectable concentration of G‐17 was 11 pg mL−1. This is a significant reduction in the required spacing between samples for multiplexing detection. The optimized sensor also has the potential for use in multi‐channel synchronous signal acquisition, and can be used to detect synchronous magnetic signals in vivo.
E and M SARS‐CoV‐2 membrane protein expression and enrichment with plant lipid droplets
Authors: Gissot Lionel , Fontaine Florent , Kelemen Zsolt , Dao Ousmane , Bouchez Isabelle , Deruyffelaere Carine , Winkler Michèle , Costa Anais Da , Pierre Fabienne , Meziadi Chouaib , Faure Jean‐Denis , Froissard Marine
Published: November 2023

Plants are gaining traction as a cost‐effective and scalable platform for producing recombinant proteins. However, expressing integral membrane proteins in plants is challenging due to their hydrophobic nature. In our study, we used transient and stable expression systems in Nicotiana benthamiana and Camelina sativa respectively to express SARS‐CoV‐2 E and M integral proteins, and target them to lipid droplets (LDs). LDs offer an ideal environment for folding hydrophobic proteins and aid in their purification through flotation. We tested various protein fusions with different linkers and tags and used three dimensional structure predictions to assess their effects. E and M mostly localized in the ER in N. benthamiana leaves but E could be targeted to LDs in oil accumulating tobacco when fused with oleosin, a LD integral protein. In Camelina sativa seeds, E and M were however found associated with purified LDs. By enhancing the accumulation of E and M within LDs through oleosin, we enriched these proteins in the purified floating fraction. This strategy provides an alternative approach for efficiently producing and purifying hydrophobic pharmaceuticals and vaccines using plant systems.
Identification of disordered profiles of gut microbiota and functional component in stroke and poststroke epilepsy
Authors: Wei Duncan , Chen Xiaopu , Xu Jing , Yin Yongling , Peng Xiaotang , Li Shunxian , He Wenzhen
Published: November 2023

Aims

It is estimated that 11.5% of patients with stroke (STR) were at risk of suffering poststroke epilepsy (PSE) within 5 years. Gut microbiota is shown to affect health in humans by producing metabolites. The association between dysregulation of gut microbiota and STR/PSE remains unclear. The aim of this study was to identify potential gut microbiota and functional component in STR and PSE, which may provide a theoretical foundation for diagnosis and treatment of STR and PSE.

Methods

The fresh stool samples were collected from 19 healthy controls, 27 STR patients, and 20 PSE patients for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Analysis of amplicon sequence variant and community diversity was performed, followed by the identification of dominant species, species differences analysis, diagnostic, and functional analysis of species in STR and PSE.

Results

Community diversity was decreased in STR and PSE. Some disordered profiles of gut microbiota in STR and PSE were identified, such as the increase of Enterococcus and the decrease of butyricicoccus in STR, the increase of Escherichia Shigella and Clostridium innocuum‐group and the decrease of Faecalibacterium in PSE, and the decrease of Anaerostipes in both STR and PSE. Moreover, potential diagnostic biomarkers for STR (butyricicoccus), PSE (Faecalibacterium), STR, and PSE (NK4A214_group and Veillonella) were identified. Several significantly dysfunctional components were identified, including l‐tryptophan biosynthesis in STR, fatty acid biosynthesis in PSE, and Stress_Tolerant and anaerobic in both STR and PSE.

Conclusion

The disturbed gut microbiota and related dysfunctional components are closely associated with the progression of STR and PSE.
Greater socioenvironmental risk factors and higher chronic pain stage are associated with thinner bilateral temporal lobes
Authors: Antoine Lisa H. , Tanner Jared J. , Mickle Angela M. , Gonzalez Cesar E. , Kusko Daniel A. , Watts Kristen Allen , Rumble Deanna D. , Buchanan Taylor L. , Sims Andrew M. , Staud Roland , Lai Song , Deshpande Hrishikesh , Phillips Brandis , Buford Thomas W. , Aroke Edwin N. , Redden David T. , Fillingim Roger B. , Goodin Burel R. , Sibille Kimberly T.
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Previous research indicates ethnic/race group differences in pain and neurodegenerative diseases. Accounting for socioenvironmental factors reduces ethnic/race group differences in clinical and experimental pain. In the current study sample, we previously reported that in individuals with knee pain, ethnic/race group differences were observed in bilateral temporal lobe thickness, areas of the brain associated with risk for Alzheimer's disease, and related dementias. The purpose of the study was to determine if socioenvironmental factors reduce or account for previously observed ethnic/race group differences and explore if a combined effect of socioenvironmental risk and chronic pain severity on temporal lobe cortices is evident.

Methods: Consistent with the prior study, the sample was comprised of 147 adults (95 women, 52 men), 45–85 years of age, who self‐identified as non‐Hispanic Black (n = 72) and non‐Hispanic White (n = 75), with knee pain with/at risk for osteoarthritis. Measures included demographics, health history, pain questionnaires, cognitive screening, body mass index, individual‐ and community‐level socioenvironmental factors (education, income, household size, marital and insurance status, and area deprivation index), and brain imaging. We computed a summative socioenvironmental risk index. Results: Regression analyses showed that with the inclusion of socioenvironmental factors, the model was significant (p < .001), and sociodemographic (ethnic/race) group differences were not significant (p = .118). Additionally, findings revealed an additive stress load pattern indicating thinner temporal lobe cortices with greater socioenvironmental risk and chronic pain severity (p = .048).

Implications: Although individual socioenvironmental factors were not independent predictors, when collectively combined in models, ethnic/race group differences in bilateral temporal lobe structures were not replicated. Further, combined socioenvironmental risk factors and higher chronic pain severity were associated with thinner bilateral temporal lobes.
Effect of adenosine and cordycepin on recombinant antibody production yields in two different Chinease hamster ovary cell lines
Authors: Jarusintanakorn Salinthip , Rangnoi Kuntalee , Yamabhai Montarop , Mastrobattista Enrico
Published: November 2023

In this study, we investigated the effect of adenosine and its derivative cordycepin on the production yield of a recombinant human monoclonal antibody (adalimumab) in two commonly used Chinese Hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines that have different gene amplification systems, namely CHO‐DHFR− and GS‐CHO knockout (GS‐KO CHO) cells and that were grown in batch culture, with and without glucose feeding. The results showed that adenosine suppressed the cell growth rate and increased the fraction of cells in S phase of the cell cycle for both CHO cell lines. Different concentrations and exposure times of adenosine feeding were tested. The optimal yield of adalimumab production was achieved with the addition of 1 mM adenosine on day 2 after start of the batch culture. Adenosine could significantly improve antibody titers and productivity in both CHO cell lines in cultures without glucose feeding. However, upon glucose feeding, adenosine did not improve antibody titers in CHO‐DHFR− cells but extended culture duration and significantly increased antibody titers in GS‐KO CHO cells. Therefore, adenosine supplementation might be useful for antibody production in GS‐KO CHO cells in medium‐ to large‐scale batches. In case of cordycepin, a derivative of adenosine, CHO‐DHFR− cells required higher concentration of cordycepin than GS‐KO CHO cells around 10 times to display the changes in cell growth and cell cycle. Moreover, cordycepin could significantly increase antibody titers only in CHO‐DHFR− cell cultures without glucose feeding.
Solving boundary value problems in heterogeneous catalysis with orthogonal collocation and arc‐length continuation
Authors: Von‐Held Soares André , Binous Housam , Peixoto Fernando Cunha , Bellagi Ahmed
Published: November 2023

An important part of the education of chemical engineers involves the design and assessment of heterogeneous catalytic reactions. They pose fundamental phenomena and constitute invaluable industrial processes. Progressing in this field, especially in graduate‐level courses, entails solving nonlinear differential equations systems, which can only be achieved by using efficient and reliable numerical techniques. In this work, we solve nonisothermal one‐dimensional reaction‐diffusion BVP considering convection in the boundary conditions, by applying orthogonal collocation and arc‐length continuation. Particularly, we predict the effectiveness factor as a function of the Thiele modulus for the main three particle geometries: plane slab, cylinder, and sphere. For chemical engineering students, such problems are at the zenith of the discipline, and the results of such calculations can elucidate basic and advanced concepts of mass and heat transfer as well as chemical reaction engineering. Both Chebyshev and shifted Legendre polynomials were used to transform the boundary value problem into a set of algebraic nonlinear equations. In addition, we also compare our findings against the available analytic solutions whenever possible. Codes in Scilab, Matlab®, and Mathematica© were developed for the solution of such problems and are available in the Supporting Information. There are two possible approaches to compute effectiveness factors: (a) integration as per definition versus (b) differentiation and nonlinear system. It is demonstrable that software performance is dependent on the approach, and that the differentiation approach yields better results.
Effects of Acute and Repeated Dose Toxicity Profiling of Chelidonic Acid in Rats: in Silico and in Vivo Evidence
Authors: Khairnar Shraddha I. , Kulkarni Yogesh A. , Murugesan S. , Singh Kavita
Published: November 2023

Chelidonic acid is a phytoconstituent found in rhizomes of the perennial plant celandine. The current study aims to evaluate the acute and repeated dose oral toxicity study of chelidonic acid as per the OECD guidelines 425 and 407. The pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile of chelidonic acid was predicted using online servers and tools. A single dose of chelidonic acid (2000 mg/kg) was administered to female Wistar rats in an acute toxicity study, and the animals were monitored for 14 days. We studied the toxicity profile of chelidonic acid at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg doses in Wistar rats for repeated dose toxicity (28 days). Clinical biochemistry, haematological, and urine parameters were estimated. A gross necropsy and histopathology were performed. A single oral dose of chelidonic acid (2000 mg/kg) showed no signs of toxicity or mortality. The Administration of chelidonic acid showed no significant alterations in haematological, biochemical, and urine parameters. The histopathology showed normal structure and architecture in all the vital organs. A gross necropsy of vital organs showed no signs of toxicity. The chelidonic acid was found to be safe at all selected dose levels in the acute and repeated dose toxicity study in rats.
Transformation of Single‐Use Plastics into Lighter Hydrocarbons via an Economical Coal Fly Ash based Zeolite Catalyst
Authors: Hossein Nazarloo Nik , Zabihi Omid , Shirvanimoghaddam Kamyar , Ahmadi Mojtaba , Naebe Minoo
Published: November 2023

A mixture of zeolite X and A, derived from coal fly ash (CFA), was protonated and utilized as an acid catalyst to decompose single‐use plastics (SUP) waste into lighter hydrocarbons. Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) was selected as the source of SUP, and this study aimed to investigate the catalytic effects of the protonated CFA‐derived zeolite (H‐XA) as an economical option on the LDPE pyrolysis temperature and output. CFA converted into H‐XA through the conventional alkali fusion, followed by sonication and simplified hydrothermal and protonation processes. The impact of the alkali agent ratio on the resulting product was investigated, and outcomes were evaluated. The product with optimum properties was then selected for investigation in the LDPE pyrolysis studies. Finally, the results were compared with commercial Protonated Zeolite Socony Mobil‐5 (H‐ZSM5) and thermal decomposition without catalysts. Regarding LDPE degradation temperature, H‐XA could lower that by 97 °C compared to thermal degradation, which was almost the same as commercial H‐ZSM5 with 110 °C. The pyrograms obtained through the Pyrolysis‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (Py‐GCMS) analysis indicated the elimination of heavier hydrocarbons in the presence of H‐XA and the product spectra laid in the range of C3 to C9, which was entirely different from the LDPE with hydrocarbons of varying lengths. Moreover, kinetic studies on the LDPE decomposition reactions in this work have revealed that LDPE conversion occurs at a lower activation energy level in the presence of H‐XA, which is comparable to the energy level observed when H‐ZSM5 is used as the catalyst. The synthesis of H‐XA with desirable catalytic activity, such as the ability to lower the LDPE degradation temperature and make lighter hydrocarbons as the pyrolysis output, suggests the great potential of the CFA‐based acid catalyst for use in SUP recycling. This represent a game of waste versus waste within the framework of the circular economy, where the environment is the ultimate winner.
Electrosynthesis of Artificial Peptides and Nucleosides via the Nitromethane–Lithium Perchlorate Electrolyte System: A Review
Authors: Okamoto Kazuhiro , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: November 2023

Remarkable advances have recently been achieved in the application of electrochemical methodology in synthetic chemistry area. In the past few decades, various oxidative electrochemical reactions have reportedly been enhanced using a nitromethane–lithium perchlorate electrolyte system. Herein, we summarise our efforts toward the skeletal modification of proline residue and nitrogen‐containing nucleoside analogues (azanucleosides) via electrosynthesis.
Reductive Metallation of Dendralenes and Myrcene Using Dimagnesium(I) Compounds: A Facile Route to Unsaturated Organomagnesium Compounds
Authors: Mullins Jeremy C. , Yuvaraj K. , Sowden Madison J. , Sherburn Michael S. , Jones Cameron
Published: November 2023

The two‐electron reduction of 2,3‐dimethylbuta‐1,3‐diene (DMB) with β‐diketiminate and guanidinate substituted dimagnesium(I) compounds has given complexes in which two bidentate amido‐magnesium fragments are bridged through the π‐system of the DMB dianion, viz. [(LMg)2(μ‐DMB)] (L=XylNacnac, [HC(MeCNXyl)2]−, Xyl=2,6‐xylyl; or Priso=[(DipN)2CNPri2]−, Dip=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl). Similar double reductions of [4]dendralene (4dend) have afforded the complexes, [(LMg)2(μ‐4dend)] (L=ArNacnac, Ar=Xyl or mesityl (Mes); or Priso) in which the 4dend dianion is π‐coordinated to the bidentate amido‐magnesium fragments. Treatment of several such complexes with THF leads to Z‐ to E‐isomerization of the dendralene fragment, and formation of purely σ‐bonded Mg−C interactions in the THF coordinated products [{(ArNacnac)(THF)Mg}2(μ‐4dend)] (Ar=Xyl, Mes or Dip). Reaction of myrcene (Myr) with [{(XylNacnac)Mg}2] proceeds via reductive coupling of Myr to give a previously unknown acyclic, branched C20 tetra‐olefin dianion complex [{(XylNacnac)(THF)Mg}2(μ‐Myr)2]. Preliminary reactions of [(LMg)2(μ‐DMB)] with H2 and/or CO yielded a series of products, including novel magnesium hydride compounds, products derived from couplings of CO with the reduced DMB fragment (viz. magnesium dimethylcyclohexadienediolates), and one magnesium cyclopropanetriolate complex from the magnesium(I) induced coupling of DMB with H2 and CO.
Divergent Cascade Ring‐Expansion Reactions of Acryloyl Imides
Authors: Orukotan Will E. , Palate Kleopas Y. , Pogrányi Balázs , Bobinski Philipp , Epton Ryan G. , Duff Lee , Whitwood Adrian C. , Grogan Gideon , Lynam Jason M. , Unsworth William P.
Published: November 2023

Macrocyclic and medium‐sized ring ketones, lactones and lactams can all be made from common acryloyl imide starting materials through divergent, one‐pot cascade ring‐expansion reactions. Following either conjugate addition with an amine or nitromethane, or osmium(VIII)‐catalysed dihydoxylation, rearrangement through a four‐atom ring expansion takes place spontaneously to form the ring expanded products. A second ring expansion can also be performed following a second iteration of imide formation and alkene functionalisation/ring expansion. In the dihydroxylation series, three‐ or four‐atom ring expansion can be performed selectively, depending on whether the reaction is under kinetic or thermodynamic control.
Efficient task scheduling on the cloud using artificial neural network and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Nayak Pritam Kumar , Singh Ravi Shankar , Kushwaha Shweta , Bevara Prasanth Kumar , Kumar Vinod , Medara Rambabu
Published: November 2023

A difficult problem in the service‐oriented computing paradigm is improving task scheduler policy or resource provisioning.In order to increase the performance of cloud applications, this article primarily focuses on tasks for resource mapping policy optimization. With the aim of reducing makespan and execution overhead and increasing the average resource utilization, we suggested an efficient independent task scheduler employing supervised neural networks in this paper. The suggested ANN‐based scheduler uses the status of the cloud environment and incoming tasks as inputs to determine the optimal computing resource for a given assignment as a result that assembles our goal. We proposed a novel algorithm in this paper that uses a hybrid methodology based on a swarm intelligence algorithm (PSO) in combination with a machine learning technique (ANN). PSO is used to prepare the train and test dataset for the neural network. Results clearly state that suggested work achieves significant improvement to considered algorithms in makespan (45%–55%), average VM utilization (15%–20%), and execution overhead(20%–30%).
Grazing in the Western United States Under Climate Change
Authors: May DJ
Published: November 2023

Directional climate change and climate variability are making it harder for producers to graze cattle on rangeland and make a living. New research in Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment highlights ways producers can tweak their operations to keep cattle on America’s valuable rangeland.
Distribution grid reconfiguration sensitive to transmission cost allocation
Authors: Nicoletti Felipe , Sperandio Mauricio , Machado Santos Moises , Benetti Marcelo A. , Kommers Gabriel , Zanghi Eric
Published: November 2023

The reconfiguration of electrical distribution systems has been addressed in numerous scientific studies. Thus, several techniques and models are considered, especially to reduce electrical losses and improve the voltage profile. However, it is clear that even with the increase in research, which has been accentuated since the last decade, the locational pricing and the transmission costs allocation is little explored. In this regard, the proposed method is a distribution system reconfiguration (DSR) optimization problem focused on minimizing the use of the transmission system. In order to validate the meta‐heuristic employed for the DSR, the IEEE 33 and 69 node test systems are used as a proof of concept. In addition, case studies with four substations, three different transmission cost allocation techniques, and transmission system capacity scenarios are analyzed. Numerical results showed an important transmission expansion deferral with consequent decrease in overall costs compared to the classic DSR. The transmission network use of system (TNUoS) charges can play a crucial role in reducing the total cost of the electrical system, promoting distributors to change their feeder patterns so that a larger share of loads access substations with lower charges.
Antibodies internalization mechanisms by dendritic cells and their role in therapeutic antibody immunogenicity
Authors: Lteif Maria , Pallardy Marc , Turbica Isabelle
Published: November 2023

Internalization and processing by antigen‐presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs) are critical steps for initiating a T‐cell response to therapeutic antibodies. Consequences are the production of neutralizing antidrug antibodies altering the clinical response, the presence of immune complexes, and, in some rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the knowledge of cellular uptake mechanisms of antibodies in DCs. The uptake of antibodies could be directly related to their immunogenicity by regulating the quantity of materials entering the DCs in relation to antibody structure. Here, we summarize the latest insights into cellular uptake mechanisms and pathways in DCs. We highlight the approaches to study endocytosis, the impact of endocytosis routes on T‐cell response, and discuss the link between how DCs internalize therapeutic antibodies and the potential mechanisms that could give rise to immunogenicity. Understanding these processes could help in developing assays to evaluate the immunogenicity potential of biotherapeutics.
Characterization of white chocolate enriched with co‐encapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus (La‐5) and rose hip shell fruit extract: Characterization, probiotic viability during storage, and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Didar Zohreh
Published: November 2023

This research focused on the production of a new kind of probiotic chocolate containing co‐encapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus (La‐5) bacteria and rose hip shell fruit extract. Several properties of chocolate samples, including rheological, textural, thermal properties, particle size distribution, color indices, total phenolic and anthocyanin magnitude, antioxidant potential, and Raman spectroscopy were performed. The prepared white chocolates were assessed for the survival of the probiotic cell and the stability of anthocyanins and phenolic components in different storage times (until 90 days) and different storage temperatures (at 4 and 25°C). Observations imply that both temperature and duration of storage had an impact on the extent of survival of probiotics as well as stability of total phenolic content (TPC) and anthocyanin content (p < .05). During in vitro gastrointestinal circumstances, the extent of survival of L. acidophilus, in two chocolate matrixes, was assessed. At the end of gastric and intestinal condition, the log of viable cells was 7 and 6, respectively. The magnitude of the bioaccessibility of anthocyanin and phenolic components was 81% and 78%, respectively. Sensory evaluation affirmed that there was no remarkable variation between samples in terms of overall acceptance.
A Solar to Chemical Strategy: Green Hydrogen as a Means, Not an End
Authors: Diab Gabriel A. A. , da Silva Marcos A. R. , Rocha Guilherme F. S. R. , Noleto Luis F. G. , Rogolino Andrea , de Mesquita João P. , Jiménez‐Calvo Pablo , Teixeira Ivo F.
Published: November 2023

Green hydrogen is the key to the chemical industry achieving net zero emissions. The chemical industry is responsible for almost 2% of all CO2 emissions, with half of it coming from the production of simple commodity chemicals, such as NH3, H2O2, methanol, and aniline. Despite electrolysis driven by renewable power sources emerging as the most promising way to supply all the green hydrogen required in the production chain of these chemicals, in this review, it is worth noting that the photocatalytic route may be underestimated and can hold a bright future for this topic. In fact, the production of H2 by photocatalysis still faces important challenges in terms of activity, engineering, and economic feasibility. However, photocatalytic systems can be tailored to directly convert sunlight and water (or other renewable proton sources) directly into chemicals, enabling a solar‐to‐chemical strategy. Here, a series of recent examples are presented, demonstrating that photocatalysis can be successfully employed to produce the most important commodity chemicals, especially on NH3, H2O2, and chemicals produced by reduction reactions. The replacement of fossil‐derived H2 in the synthesis of these chemicals can be disruptive, essentially safeguarding the transition of the chemical industry to a low‐carbon economy.
Needs assessment of basic gastrointestinal endoscopy training: A qualitative study in Indonesia
Authors: Maulahela Hasan , Annisa Nagita G , Simadibrata Marcellus , Syam Ari F , Findyartini Ardi , Indriatmi Wresti , Soetikno Roy
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim

Gastointestinal endoscopy is a complex practical skill, and training and experience are required to ensure the accuracy and safety of the procedures. Therefore, proper endoscopy training is needed to provide highly skilled endoscopists. This study explores the learning experience and assesses the need for endoscopy training in Indonesia from an endoscopy trainee's point of view. Limitations from the current training model and the trainees' suggestions hopefully will become a foundation for the future endoscopy training model in Indonesia.

Methods

A total of 132 current endoscopy trainees and graduates of endoscopy training from various centers in Indonesia completed an online qualitative survey regarding their endoscopy training experience, their satisfaction with the current training method, barriers to achieving competency, and their suggestions for future training. Data were subjected to descriptive and qualitative analysis using content analysis.

Results

We found variations in the trainee's learning experience regarding the training supervision, feedback, and assessment methods. The most common endoscopy training methods were observation and direct practice with supervision. There was only a low proportion of simulator use (25%). The most found concept in barriers to achieving competency was “insufficient number of patients.” Meanwhile, the most found concept in suggestions for future training methods was “increasing the variety of cases and procedures.”

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that there are still variations in endoscopy training methods in Indonesia. Therefore, we propose to design a standardized endoscopy training program to ensure the competence of endoscopy trainees and better care for endoscopic patients. Simulators might be used to increase the trainees' competence in settings with low numbers of patients or cases.