bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomato and human health: A perspective from post‐harvest processing, nutrient bio‐accessibility, and pharmacological interaction
Authors: Yong Ke Tian , Yong Phaik Har , Ng Zhi Xiang
Published: July 2023

Solanum lycopersicum, which is commonly known as tomato, not only serves as a dietary fruit vegetable but also a functional food that protects humans against chronic degenerative illnesses such as diabetes microvascular complications, viral diseases, and cancers. The nutritional benefit of tomato is largely attributed to its phytonutrient composition. The influence of post‐harvest processing methods, digestion process, and compounds interaction on the bio‐accessibility of phytonutrients are key aspects to consider when investigating the potential impact of tomato on human health. Besides, information on the underlying mechanism of tomato phytochemicals’ interaction and pharmacological action with other food components could pave the way for novel functional research study. To date, the impact of different processing methods and digestion effect on the extraction of phytochemicals from tomato showed contradictory findings. Although thermal processing and the application of spices and/or condiments like olive oil on tomato are common practices in domestic cooking, understanding of the changes in bioactivity in the processed tomato products is still limited. This paper aimed to summarize the current post‐harvest processing methods that maximize the health benefits of tomato and offer additional insight into the development of tomato and its related products with optimal pharmacological values. This study also reviewed several major phytochemicals in tomato with functional values and their possible interaction with other food components. The impact of in vitro digestion on the bio‐accessibility and functional activity of tomato phytochemicals were critically discussed, alongside selected post‐harvest processing methods that could maximize the health benefit and commercial values of tomato.
Diagnosing and treating diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs and cats
Authors: Scudder Chris , Roberts Emma
Published: July 2023

Background: Patients in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a complication of diabetes mellitus, will often present with a multitude of electrolyte and fluid balance abnormalities which require immediate treatment. Although historically considered to be associated with a poor prognosis, if sufficient owner finances are available then most patients can be successfully treated with an approach tailored to the individual patient, owner and practice.

Aim of the article: This article outlines the aetiology and clinical presentation of DKA in cats and dogs and discusses the treatment options available when presented with these patients.
Analysis of lncRNAs profiles associated with ferroptosis can predict prognosis and immune landscape and drug sensitivity in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zong Huantao , Li Anning , Huang Yongjin , Che Xuanyan , Zhang Yong , Ma Guikai , Zhou Zhongbao
Published: July 2023

Ferroptosis is a novel kind of iron‐ and reactive oxygen‐induced cell death, investigation into ferroptosis‐associated long noncoding RNAs (FALs) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is scarce. The goal of the research was to look at FALs' possible predictive significance, as well as their interaction with the immune microenvironment and therapeutic responsiveness of ccRCC. The Cancer Genome Atlas database was employed to retrieve RNA sequencing data from 530 individuals with ccRCC. Patients with ccRCC were randomly assigned to one of two groups: training or testing. Pearson's correlation analysis through the identified ferroptosis‐related genes was implemented to screen for FALs. Finally, a FALs signature composed of eight lncRNAs was discovered for predicting survival outcomes in ccRCC patients. ccRCC patients in the training, testing, and overall cohorts were separated into low‐risk and high‐risk groups based on their risk score. The FALs signature was identified to be an independent factor for overall survival in the multivariate Cox analysis (hazard ratio = 1.013, 95% confidence interval = 1.008–1.018, p < 0.001). A clinically prognostic nomogram was created depending on the FALs signature and clinical characteristics. The nomogram provides greater clinical practicability and may reliably estimate patients' overall survival. The FALs signature may additionally precisely represent ccRCC's immunological environment, immunotherapy reaction, and drug sensitivity. The eight FALs and their signature provide precise and reliable methods for evaluating the clinical effects of in ccRCC patients, and they could be biological markers and targets for therapy.
Characteristics of genotype, drug resistance, and molecular transmission network among newly diagnosed HIV‐1 infections in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Li Minchao , Zhou Jiasheng , Zhang Kechun , Yuan Yue , Zhao Jiacong , Cui Mingting , Yin Di , Wen Ziyu , Chen Zhonghe , Li Linghua , Zou Huachun , Deng Kai , Sun Caijun
Published: July 2023

The HIV‐1 pandemic has persisted for four decades, and poses a major challenge to global public health. Shenzhen, a city with large number of migrant populations in China, is suffering HIV‐1 epidemic. It is necessary to continuously conduct the molecular surveillance among newly diagnosed HIV‐1 patients in these migrant population. In this study, plasma samples of newly diagnosed and ART‐naive HIV‐1 infections were collected from Shenzhen city in China. The partial genes of HIV‐1 gag and pol were amplified and sequenced for the analysis of genotype, drug resistance, and molecular transmission network. Ninety‐one sequences of pol gene were obtained from newly diagnosed HIV‐1 infections in Shenzhen, and seven HIV‐1 subtypes were revealed in this investigation. Among them, the circulating recombinant form (CRF) 07_BC was the mostly frequent subtype (53.8%, 49/91), followed by CRF01_AE (20.9%, 19/91), CRF55_01B (9.9%, 9/91), unique recombinant forms (URFs) (8.8%, 8/91), B (3.3%, 3/91), CRF59_01B (2.2%, 2/91), and CRF08_BC (1.1%, 1/91). The overall prevalence of pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) was 23.1% (21/91), and 52.38% (11/21) of the PDR was specific for the nonnucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Furthermore, a total of 3091 pol gene sequences were used to generate 19 molecular transmission clusters, and then one growing cluster, a new cluster, and a cluster with growth reactivation were identified. The result revealed that more sexual partner, CRF_07BC subtype, and seven amino acid deletions in gag p6 region might be the influencing factors associated with the high risk of transmission behavior. Compared with CRF01_AE subtype, CRF07_BC subtype strains were more likely to form clusters in molecular transmission network. This suggests that long‐term surveillance of the HIV‐1 molecular transmission should be a critical measure to achieve a precise intervention for controlling the spread of HIV‐1 in China.
Synergistic Approaches in the Design and Applications of UCST Polymers
Authors: Nan Yi , Zhao Chuanzhuang , Beaudoin Guillaume , Zhu X. X.
Published: July 2023

This review summarizes recent progress in the synergistic design strategy for thermoresponsive polymers possessing an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) in aqueous systems. To achieve precise control of the responsive behavior of the UCST polymers, their molecular design can benefit from a synergistic effect of hydrogen bonding with other interactions or modification of the chemical structures. The combination of UCST behavior with other stimuli‐responsive properties of the polymers may yield new functional materials with potential applications such as sensors, actuators, and controlled release devices. The advances in this area provide insight or inspiration into the understanding and design of functional UCST polymers for a wide range of applications.
Diallyl trisulfide inhibits gastric cancer stem cell properties through ΔNp63/sonic hedgehog pathway
Authors: Ge Miaomiao , Zhu Jianyun , Yi Kefan , Chen Yue , Cao Wanshuang , Wang Menghuan , Xie Chunfeng , Li Xiaoting , Geng Shanshan , Wu Jieshu , Zhong Caiyun , Cao Hui , Jiang Zhiwei , Han Hongyu
Published: July 2023

Gastric cancer is one of the deadliest malignant tumors, and half of the patients develop recurrences or metastasis within 5 years after eradication therapy. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to be important in this progress. The sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway plays an important role in the maintenance of gastric CSCs characteristics. The p63 proteins are vital transcription factors belonging to the p53 family, while their functions in regulating CSCs remain unclear. The preventive effects of dietary diallyl trisulfide (DATS) against human gastric cancer have been verified. However, whether DATS can target gastric CSCs are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of ΔNp63/SHH pathway in gastric CSCs and the inhibitory effect of DATS on gastric CSCs via ΔNp63/SHH pathway. We found that ΔNp63 was upregulated in serum‐free medium cultured gastric tumorspheres compared with the parental cells. Overexpression of ΔNp63 elevated the self‐renewal capacity and CSC markers' levels in gastric sphere‐forming cells. Furthermore, we found that ΔNp63 directly bound to the promoter region of Gli1, the key transcriptional factor of SHH pathway, to enhance its expression and to activate SHH pathway. In addition, it was revealed that DATS effectively inhibited gastric CSC properties both in vitro and in vivo settings. Activation of SHH pathway attenuated the suppressive effects of DATS on the stemness of gastric cancer. Moreover, DATS suppression of gastric CSC properties was also diminished by ΔNp63 upregulation through SHH pathway activation. These findings illustrated the role of ΔNp63/SHH pathway in DATS inhibition of gastric cancer stemness. Taken together, the present study suggested for the first time that DATS inhibited gastric CSCs properties by ΔNp63/SHH pathway.
Meteorological conditions during periods of low wind speed and insolation in Germany: The role of weather regimes
Authors: Mockert Fabian , Grams Christian M. , Brown Tom , Neumann Fabian
Published: July 2023

Renewable power generation from wind and solar energy is strongly dependent on the weather. To plan future sustainable energy systems that are robust to weather variability, a better understanding of why and when periods of low wind and solar power output occur is valuable. We call such periods of low wind speed and insolation “Dunkelflauten”, the German word for “dark wind lulls”. In this article, we analyse the meteorological conditions during Dunkelflauten in Germany by applying the concept of weather regimes. Weather regimes are quasi‐stationary, recurrent and persistent large‐scale circulation patterns that explain multi‐day atmospheric variability (5–15 days). We use a regime definition that allows us to distinguish four different types of blocked regimes, characterized by high‐pressure situations in the North Atlantic‐European region. We find that Dunkelflauten in Germany occur mainly in winter when the solar power output is low due to the seasonal cycle of solar irradiance and wind power output drops for several consecutive days. A high‐pressure system over Germany, associated with the European Blocking regime, is responsible for most of the Dunkelflauten. Dunkelflauten during the Greenland Blocking regime are associated with colder temperatures than usual, causing higher electricity demand, and would present a particular challenge as space heating becomes electrified in the future. Furthermore, we show that Dunkelflauten occur predominantly when a weather regime is well established and persists longer than usual. Our study provides novel insight into the occurrence and meteorological characteristics of Dunkelflauten, which is essential for planning resilient energy systems and supporting grid operators to prepare for potential shortages in supply.
Sound speed and attenuation of human pancreas and pancreatic tumors and their influence on focused ultrasound thermal and mechanical therapies
Authors: Gray Michael D. , Spiers Laura , Coussios Constantin C.
Published: July 2023

Background

There is increasing interest in using ultrasound for thermal ablation, histotripsy, and thermal or cavitational enhancement of drug delivery for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Ultrasonic and thermal modelling conducted as part of the treatment planning process requires acoustic property values for all constituent tissues, but the literature contains no data for the human pancreas.

Purpose

This study presents the first acoustic property measurements of human pancreatic samples and provides examples of how these properties impact a broad range of ultrasound therapies.

Methods

Data were collected on human pancreatic tissue samples at physiological temperature from 23 consented patients in cooperation with a hospital pathology laboratory. Propagation of ultrasound over the 2.1–4.5 MHz frequency range through samples of various thicknesses and pathologies was measured using a set of custom‐built ultrasonic calipers, with the data processed to estimate sound speed and attenuation. The results were used in acoustic and thermal simulations to illustrate the impacts on extracorporeal ultrasound therapies for mild hyperthermia, thermal ablation, and histotripsy implemented with a CE‐marked clinical system operating at 0.96 MHz.

Results

The mean sound speed and attenuation coefficient values for human samples were well below the range of values in the literature for non‐human pancreata, while the human attenuation power law exponents were substantially higher. The simulated impacts on ultrasound mediated therapies for the pancreas indicated that when using the human data instead of the literature average, there was a 30% reduction in median temperature elevation in the treatment volume for mild hyperthermia and 43% smaller volume within a 60°C contour for thermal ablation, all driven by attenuation. By comparison, impacts on boiling and intrinsic threshold histotripsy were minor, with peak pressures changing by less than 15% (positive) and 1% (negative) as a consequence of the counteracting effects of attenuation and sound speed.

Conclusion

This study provides the most complete set of speed of sound and attenuation data available for the human pancreas, and it reiterates the importance of acoustic material properties in the planning and conduct of ultrasound‐mediated procedures, particularly thermal therapies.
Dorsal striatal response to taste is modified by obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Dunn Julia P. , Lamichhane Bidhan , Smith Gordon I. , Garner Amy , Wallendorf Michael , Hershey Tamara , Klein Samuel
Published: July 2023

Objective

In preclinical models, insulin resistance in the dorsal striatum (DS) contributes to overeating. Although human studies support the concept of central insulin resistance, they have not investigated its effect on consummatory reward‐induced brain activity.

Methods

Taste‐induced activation was assessed in the caudate and putamen of the DS with blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging. Three phenotypically distinct groups were studied: metabolically healthy lean, metabolically healthy obesity, and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO; presumed to have central insulin resistance). Participants with MUO also completed a weight loss intervention followed by a second functional magnetic resonance imaging session.

Results

The three groups were significantly different at baseline consistent with the design. The metabolically healthy lean group had a primarily positive BOLD response, the MUO group had a primarily negative BOLD response, and the metabolically healthy obesity group had a response in between the two other groups. Food craving was predicted by taste‐induced activation. After weight loss in the MUO group, taste‐induced activation increased in the DS.

Conclusions

These data support the hypothesis that insulin resistance and obesity contribute to aberrant responses to taste in the DS, which is only partially attenuated by weight loss. Aberrant responses to food exposure may be a barrier to weight loss.
Blind photovoltaic modeling intercomparison: A multidimensional data analysis and lessons learned
Authors: Theristis Marios , Riedel‐Lyngskær Nicholas , Stein Joshua S. , Deville Lelia , Micheli Leonardo , Driesse Anton , Hobbs William B. , Ovaitt Silvana , Daxini Rajiv , Barrie David , Campanelli Mark , Hodges Heather , Ledesma Javier R. , Lokhat Ismael , McCormick Brendan , Meng Bin , Miller Bill , Motta Ricardo , Noirault Emma , Parker Megan , Polo Jesús , Powell Daniel , Moretón Rodrigo , Prilliman Matthew , Ransome Steve , Schneider Martin , Schnierer Branislav , Tian Bowen , Warner Frederick , Williams Robert , Wittmer Bruno , Zhao Changrui
Published: July 2023

The Photovoltaic (PV) Performance Modeling Collaborative (PVPMC) organized a blind PV performance modeling intercomparison to allow PV modelers to blindly test their models and modeling ability against real system data. Measured weather and irradiance data were provided along with detailed descriptions of PV systems from two locations (Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, and Roskilde, Denmark). Participants were asked to simulate the plane‐of‐array irradiance, module temperature, and DC power output from six systems and submit their results to Sandia for processing. The results showed overall median mean bias (i.e., the average error per participant) of 0.6% in annual irradiation and −3.3% in annual energy yield. While most PV performance modeling results seem to exhibit higher precision and accuracy as compared to an earlier blind PV modeling study in 2010, human errors, modeling skills, and derates were found to still cause significant errors in the estimates.
Safety and usability of the MAK exoskeleton in patients with stroke
Authors: Cumplido‐Trasmonte C. , Barquín‐Santos E. , Garcés‐Castellote E. , Gor‐García‐Fogeda M. D. , Plaza‐Flores A. , Hernández‐Melero M. , Gutiérrez‐Ayala A. , Cano‐de‐la‐Cuerda R. , López‐Morón A. L. , García‐Armada E.
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability in adults worldwide, and one of the main objectives in the rehabilitation of these patients is to recover the gait. New technologies have emerged to cope with this issue, complementing conventional therapy with the use of devices such as exoskeletons. The Marsi Active Knee (MAK) exoskeleton (Marsi Bionics SL, Madrid, Spain) has already been tested, but an updated version was improved to allow the patients to perform functional exercises. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and usability of the MAK in the stroke population as well as its potential clinical effects.

Methods

A single‐group open label intervention trial was conducted. The device was used twice a week for 5 weeks during 1 h per visit. During the visits, sit‐to‐stand transitions, walking, stair climbing, trunk rotations, and weight‐transfer exercises were performed using the device. Adverse events were collected from participants and therapists to assess safety. The Quebec User Evaluation of the Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) was used by both therapists and participants to assess usability. To evaluate its clinical effects, active range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength were assessed in the lower limb.

Results

Six participants with stroke were recruited. The device was shown to be safe since no serious adverse events were reported neither by patients nor by therapists. Every proposed exercise was performed. Regarding clinical effects, overall muscle strength showed an increase after the treatment, although ROM measurements did not show any difference.

Discussion

Our results suggest that the MAK device is safe for stroke patients. Nevertheless, further changes to enhance usability are recommended, such as an improvement of the attachment system and an adaptation for the drop foot. Beneficial effects regarding increases in muscle strength were obtained. Further trials with a larger sample size, longer intervention periods, and a control group are needed to verify these results. Also, future research should focus on the usability of the MAK as an assistive technology.
Downregulation of EZH2 inhibits epithelial–mesenchymal transition in enzalutamide‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhuangzhuang , Wang Xinyi , Kim Miyeong , He Daheng , Wang Chi , Fong Ka Wing , Liu Xiaoqi
Published: July 2023

Background

Androgen signaling inhibitors (ASI) have been approved for treatment of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, the limited success of ASI in clinic justifies an urgent need to identify new targets and develop novel approaches for treatment. EZH2 significantly increases in prostate cancer (PCa). Little is understood, however, regarding the roles of EZH2 in Enzalutamide‐resistant (EnzR) mCRPC.

Methods

We firstly investigated the levels of EZH2 and the altered pathways in public database which was comprised with primary and metastatic PCa patient tumors. To elucidate the roles of EZH2 in mCRPC, we manipulated EZH2 in EnzR PCa cell lines to examine epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). To dissect the underlying mechanisms, we measured the transcription levels of EMT‐associated transcription factors (TFs).

Results

We found that EZH2 was highly expressed in mCRPC than that of primary PCa tumors and that EnzR PCa cells gained more EMT characteristics than those of enzalutamide‐sensitive counterparts. Further, loss of EZH2‐induced inhibition of EMT is independent of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Mechanistically, downregulation of EZH2 inhibits transcription of EMT‐associated TFs by repressing formation of H3K4me3 to the promotor regions of the TFs.

Conclusion

We identified the novel roles of EZH2 in EnzR mCRPC. EnzR PCa gains more EMT properties than that of enzalutamide‐sensitive PCa. Loss of EZH2‐assocaited inhibition of EMT is PRC2 independent. Downregulation of EZH2 suppresses EMT by impairing formation of H3K4me3 at the promotor regions, thus repressing expression of EMT‐associated TFs.
Biodegradable electrospun fibers as sustained‐release carriers of insect pheromones for field trapping of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Shangguan Wen‐Jie , Mei Xiang‐Dong , Chen Hui‐Ping , Hu Shuai , Xu Chun‐Li , Wang Lin , Lv Kai‐Fei , Huang Qi‐Liang , Xu Hong‐Liang , Cao Li‐Dong
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Insect pheromones are highly effective and environmentally friendly, and are widely used in the monitoring and trapping of pests. However, many researchers have found that various factors such as ultraviolet light and temperature in the field environment can accelerate the volatilization of pheromones, thus affecting the actual control effect. In recent years, electrospinning technology has demonstrated remarkable potential in the preparation of sustained carriers. Moreover, the utilization of biodegradable materials in electrospinning presents a promising avenue for the advancement of eco‐friendly carriers.

RESULTS

In this study, homogeneous and defect‐free pheromone carriers were obtained by electrospinning using fully biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate materials and pheromones of Spodoptera litura. The electrospun fibers with porous structure could continuously release pheromone (the longest can be ≤80 days). They also had low light transmission, hydrophobic protection. More importantly, the pheromone‐loaded electrospun fiber carriers showed stable release and good trapping effect in the field. They could trap pests for at least 7 weeks in the field environment without other light stabilizers added.

CONCLUSION

Sustained‐release carriers constructed by electrospinning and green materials could improve the efficacy of pheromones and ensure environmental friendliness, and provided a tool for the management of S. litura and other pests and sustainable development of agricultural. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Tuning of Electronic and Optical Properties of PtS2 Monolayer Using Stacking Engineering
Authors: Priyanka  , Kumar Ramesh , Chand Fakir
Published: July 2023

The present study investigates the influence of layer thickness and stacking engineering on the electronic, structural, and optical properties of monolayer PtS2 using the density functional theory calculations. The monolayer PtS2 (m‐PtS2) is found to possess an indirect bandgap, 1.73 eV, which reduces to 0.67 eV for bilayer PtS2 (b‐PtS2). Impact of stacking engineering on the electronic and optical properties is explored through six different stacking patterns and the AA1 configuration is found to be most stable displaying the highest reflectance and refractive index values. Moreover, this PtS2 bilayer structure demonstrates promising light absorption capability over a wide range (2–12 eV) with the position of absorption edge showing a redshift as the layers number increases. These computed electronic and optical properties of monolayer PtS2 validate it as a prospective material for future optoelectronic devices.
The Visible Light Absorption Mechanism for Cubic Zirconia by Cobalt‐Ion Implantation
Authors: Cao Dongyu , Zhao Xiaoqing , Tang Miao , Lu Wenting , Weng Jingyan , Yu Xier , Yu Jie
Published: July 2023

To investigate the effect of Co ions on the visible light absorption mechanism of cubic zirconia, Co ions are doped into colorless cubic zirconia with an ion implantation method and related heat treatment is performed. The elemental content, the role of Co, and the types of O elements in cubic ZrO2 are also analyzed utilizing the data from UV–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Based on the experimental results, the contribution of Co implantation on the visible light absorption of cubic zirconia is calculated from the electronic structure and related optical properties according to the density functional theory. The study results show that the colorless cubic ZrO2 is blue in color after ion implantation and then fades after 1400 °C heat treatment. Thus, the visible light absorption and the spectroscopic characteristics are related to the oxygen vacancy and the d‐orbital transition of Co ions.
Tumor Vascular Destruction and cGAS‐STING Activation Induced by Single Drug‐Loaded Nano‐Micelles for Multiple Synergistic Therapies of Cancer
Authors: Gu Jingyu , Liu Xinpei , Ji Zhongfang , Shen Mengling , Zhu Minqian , Ren Yuanyuan , Guo Li , Yang Kai , Liu Teng , Yi Xuan
Published: July 2023

Cancer and its metastasis/recurrence still threaten human health, despite various advanced treatments being employed. It is of great significance to develop simple drug formulations to enhance the efficacy and synergistic integration of various monotherapies. Herein, DMXAA, a vasodestructive agent with cGAS‐STING stimulation capacity, is integrated with polyethylene glycol grafted poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid co‐polymer (PLGA‐PEG), obtaining PLGA‐PEG/DMXAA (PPD) nanoparticles to induce the tumor‐specific vascular destruction for multiple synergistic therapies of cancer. PPD could induce the formation of blood clots in the tumor after intravenous injection, which subsequently mediate photothermal therapy and further promote the release of oxygen for enhanced radiotherapy. Meanwhile, the enhanced vascular injury can induce perfect starvation therapy of tumor. More importantly, PPD‐mediated therapies could trigger potent systemic anti‐tumor immunity via inducing the immunogenic death of tumor cells and activating the cGAS‐STING pathway. Together with anti‐PD‐L1, PPD‐mediated therapies could not only remove the primary tumors, but also effectively eliminate the distant tumors, metastasis, and recurrence. Therefore, the modulation of tumor composition induced by a single drug‐loaded nano‐micelle could be utilized to enhance the therapeutic effect of multiple treatments for synergistic and systemic antitumor response, providing a practical strategy for cancer therapy.
Applied research of high-strength steel utilization for a track of demining machine in terms of mechanical properties
Authors: Blatnický Miroslav , Dižo Ján , Bruna Marek , Sága Milan
Published: July 2023

The aim of this paper is to investigate welded joints of high-strength steel S960 QL manufactured by using three different welding technologies, namely the electron beam, the laser beam, and the metal active gas (MAG) technologies. The experimental part included tensile strength evaluation, microstructural analysis of welded joints, and hardness measurement. Welded joints (WJ) have consisted of the identical steels and the identical thickness (10 mm). Destructive tests confirmed that welded joints are characterized by the tensile strength similar to the base material. Upon further observation, we can conclude that microhardness was characterized by the lowest value in the softening zone (SZ) and the highest value in the hardening zone (HZ). The degree of softening was 11% for the electron welding, 13% for the laser welding, and up to 27% for the conventional MAG welding. This also corresponds with the size of the SZ, which was the widest in welds made with the MAG technology. The laser beam weld produced up to 50% lower heat-affected zone (HAZ) compared to the conventional MAG technology. In case of the electron beam, this number is even higher. On the contrary, highest hardness was observed for the electron beam technology, where the hardness in the hardening zone increased by up to 40% when compared with the base material. Tests show the possibility of production of reliable welded joints, which meet the complex requirements for lifetime and quality (according to the standard EN 6520–1 focusing on defects categorization and EN 5817 dealing with defects tolerance).
Diagnosing eyewitness identifications with reaction time‑based Concealed Information Test: the effect of viewpoint congruency between test and encoding
Authors: Sauerland Melanie , Geven Linda , Bastiaens Astrid , Verschuere Bruno
Published: July 2023

Mistaken eyewitness identifications continue to be a major contributor to miscarriages of justice. Previous experiments have suggested that implicit identification procedures such as the Concealed Information Test (CIT) might be a promising alternative to classic lineups when encoding conditions during the crime were favorable. We tested this idea by manipulating view congruency (frontal vs. profile view) between encoding and test. Participants witnessed a videotaped mock theft that showed the thief and victim almost exclusively from frontal or profile view. At test, viewing angle was either congruent or incongruent with the view during encoding. We tested eyewitness identification with the RT-CIT (N = 74), and with a traditional simultaneous photo lineup (N = 97). The CIT showed strong capacity to diagnose face recognition (d = 0.91 [0.64; 1.18]), but unexpectedly, view congruency did not moderate this effect. View congruency moderated lineup performance for one of the two lineups. Following these unexpected findings, we conducted a replication with a stronger congruency manipulation and larger sample size. CIT (N = 156) showed moderate capacity to diagnose face recognition (d = 0.63 [0.46; 0.80]) and now view congruency did moderate the CIT effect. For lineups (N = 156), view congruency again moderated performance for one of the two lineups. Capacity for diagnosing face recognition was similar for lineups and RT-CIT in our first comparison, but much stronger for lineups in our second comparison. Future experiments might investigate more conditions that affect performance in lineups vs. the RT-CIT differentially.
Operationalizing One Health: Environmental Solutions for Pandemic Prevention
Authors: Caceres-Escobar Hernan , Maiorano Luigi , Rondinini Carlo , Cimatti Marta , Morand Serge , Zambrana-Torrelio Carlos , Peyre Marisa , Roche Benjamin , Di Marco Moreno
Published: July 2023

Human pressure on the environment is increasing the frequency, diversity, and spatial extent of disease outbreaks. Despite international recognition, the interconnection between the health of the environment, animals, and humans has been historically overlooked. Past and current initiatives have often neglected prevention under the One Health preparedness cycle, largely focusing on post-spillover stages. We argue that pandemic prevention initiatives have yet to produce actionable targets and indicators, connected to overarching goals, like it has been done for biodiversity loss and climate change. We show how the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response framework, already employed by the Convention on Biological Diversity, can be repurposed to operationalize pandemic prevention. Global responses for pandemic prevention should strive for complementarity and synergies among initiatives, better articulating prevention under One Health. Without agreed-upon goals underpinning specific targets and interventions, current global efforts are unlikely to function at the speed and scale necessary to decrease the risk of disease outbreaks that might lead to pandemics. Threats to the environment are not always abatable, but decreasing the likelihood that environmental pressure leads to pandemics, and developing strategies to mitigate these impacts, are both attainable goals.
Economic disasters and inequality: a note
Authors: Ćorić Bruno , Gupta Rangan
Published: July 2023

This paper analyzes the dynamic effects of economic disasters, captured by cumulative decline in output of at least 10% over 1 or more years, on disposable income inequality of a sample of 99 countries over the annual period of 1960–2017. Based on impulse response functions derived from a robust local projections method, we find that economic disasters increase inequality by 4%, with the overall effect being statistically significant and highly persistent over a period of 20 years following the shock. When we repeat the analysis by categorizing the 99 countries based on income groups and regions, we find that the strongest effects are felt by high-income countries (8%), and in Europe, Central Asia and North America (16%) taken together, as primarily driven by ex-socialist economies. Though of lesser magnitude, statistically significant increases in inequality are also observed for low-, and upper-middle-income economies, and the regions of Latin America and Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and South Asia, and to some extent also for Sub-Saharan Africa. Our findings have important policy implications. Our findings suggest that the avoidance of economic crises is of paramount importance to ensure the sustainability of the welfare state, which in turn would allow for sound redistributive policies to reduce inequality, which can also help in indirectly reducing the negative impact of rare disasters on asset markets. In other words, our results have both economic and financial implications.
The role of root carboxylate release on rare earth element (hyper)accumulation in plants – a biogeochemical perspective on rhizosphere chemistry
Authors: Wiche Oliver , Pourret Olivier
Published: July 2023

The paper of van der Ent et al. (Plant Soil 485:247–257, 2023), published in the previous issue, reports the hyperaccumulation of rare earth elements (REE) in plant species from the Proteaceae for the first time. Indeed, the high REE accumulation in Proteaceae is not completely unexpected, given that the plants release large amounts of carboxylates to acquire phosphorus and micronutrients. However, it is somewhat questionable that the efficiency of element mobilization alone sufficiently explains the large variability in REE accumulation among different taxa of Proteaceae or other P-efficient species that typically show low concentrations of REE. Given that REE3+ share chemical similarities to Ca2+ but form stable complexes with ligands similar to Al3+, it is reasonable that uptake and accumulation of REE depend not solely on element mobility but also on the dynamics of element speciation governed by the formation, stability, and fate of carboxylate-REE-complexes in the rhizosheaths. The rationale behind this contention is that for elements with low mobility in soil, changes in chemical speciation may increase the availability only if the complex stabilities that depend on rhizosphere pH allow a breakdown during uptake. In this commentary, we explore the idea that REE accumulation depends on rhizosphere processes related to nutrient acquisition and element exclusion that overlap in time, space, and function depending on the composition of metal-chelating ligands released by plant roots in concert with rhizosphere pH. Based on data from greenhouse and field experiments, we propose a model where plants with a P-mining strategy (hyper)accumulate REE when rhizosphere pH is below a critical value shifting the REE speciation to available forms.
THE FALERII NOVI PROJECT
Authors: Andrews Margaret , Bernard Seth , Dodd Emlyn , Fochetti Beatrice , Kay Stephen , Liverani Paolo , Millett Martin , Vermeulen Frank
Published: July 2023

The Falerii Novi Project represents a newly formed archaeological initiative to explore the Roman city of Falerii Novi. The project forms a collaboration of the British School at Rome with a multinational team of partner institutions. Thanks to a rich legacy of geophysical work on both the site and its territory, Falerii Novi presents an exceptional opportunity to advance understanding of urbanism in ancient and medieval Italy. The Falerii Novi Project employs a range of methodologies, integrating continued site-scale survey with new campaigns of stratigraphic excavation, archival research and environmental archaeology. The project aims to present a more expansive and holistic urban history of this key Tiber Valley settlement by focusing on long-run socio-economic processes both within Falerii Novi and as they linked the city to its wider landscape.
Three‐Dimensional Electrical Structure Beneath the Epicenter Zone and Seismogenic Setting of the 1976 Ms7.8 Tangshan Earthquake, China
Authors: Cai Juntao , Chen Xiaobin , Dong Zeyi , Zhan Yan , Liu Zhongyin , Cui Tengfa , Jiang Feng
Published: July 2023

Based on magnetotelluric array data and the three‐dimensional (3D) inversion algorithm, we obtain the 3D electrical structure of the 1976 Ms7.8 Tangshan earthquake zone. The seismogenic structure comprised a thick resistive anomaly located east of the Tangshan fault (TSF), a thin resistive belt extending westward, and the TSF zone. A geodynamic model is proposed based on the 3D electrical model and the other research findings. The model indicates that the primary cause of the Tangshan earthquake was the almost EW‐trending horizontal pushing from the west. The local uplift of deep thermal materials on the west side of TSF produces tensile deformation superimposed on the existing shear deformation. The combined effect of these two forces controls the Tangshan earthquake deformation characteristic. Prevailing horizontal pushing from the west and local uplift of hot material may be associated with the Tibet Plateau's eastward escape and the subduction of the Pacific plate.
Deconstructing Future AMOC Decline at 26.5°N
Authors: Asbjørnsen Helene , Årthun Marius
Published: July 2023

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is frequently used to diagnose the state of the North Atlantic circulation, but as an integrated quantity the AMOC strength does not necessarily mirror changes in the individual circulation components. Here, we investigate future circulation changes in the subtropical North Atlantic (26.5°N) in CMIP6 models, diagnosing the relationship between the Gulf Stream, Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC), gyre recirculation, and the integrated AMOC response. Under continued high emissions, we find a multi‐model mean Gulf Stream weakening of 29% (11.2 Sv) and a DWBC weakening of 47% (8.5 Sv) by the end of the century. However, 33% (3.7 Sv) of the Gulf Stream weakening is due to changes in wind stress and therefore not simply a compensating effect for reduced high‐latitude water mass transformation and a weaker DWBC. Our findings have implications for how we understand the dynamics of future North Atlantic circulation changes.
Destroying pathogen-tumor symbionts synergizing with catalytic therapy of colorectal cancer by biomimetic protein-supported single-atom nanozyme
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Chen Qian , Zhu Yefei , Wang Kairuo , Chang Yongliang , Wu Xiawei , Bao Weichao , Cao Tongcheng , Chen Hangrong , Zhang Yang , Qin Huanlong
Published: July 2023

The crucial role of intratumoral bacteria in the progression of cancer has been gradually recognized with the development of sequencing technology. Several intratumoral bacteria which have been identified as pathogens of cancer that induce progression, metastasis, and poor outcome of cancer, while tumor vascular networks and immunosuppressive microenvironment provide shelters for pathogens localization. Thus, the mutually-beneficial interplay between pathogens and tumors, named “pathogen-tumor symbionts”, is probably a potential therapeutic site for tumor treatment. Herein, we proposed a destroying pathogen-tumor symbionts strategy that kills intratumoral pathogens,F. nucleatum, to break the symbiont and synergize to kill colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. This strategy was achieved by a groundbreaking protein-supported copper single-atom nanozyme (BSA-Cu SAN) which was inspired by the structures of native enzymes that are based on protein, with metal elements as the active center. BSA-Cu SAN can exert catalytic therapy by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depleting GSH. The in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that BSA-Cu SAN passively targets tumor sites and efficiently scavengesF. nucleatumin situ to destroy pathogen-tumor symbionts. As a result, ROS resistance of CRC through elevated autophagy mediated byF. nucleatumwas relieved, contributing to apoptosis of cancer cells induced by intracellular redox imbalance generated by BSA-Cu SAN. Particularly, BSA-Cu SAN experiences renal clearance, avoiding long-term systemic toxicity. This work provides a feasible paradigm for destroying pathogen-tumor symbionts to block intratumoral pathogens interplay with CRC for antitumor therapy and an optimized trail for the SAN catalytic therapy by the clearable protein-supported SAN.
Non-contact heart vibration measurement using computer vision-based seismocardiography
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Muntasir , Cook Jadyn , Taebi Amirtahà
Published: July 2023

Seismocardiography (SCG) is the noninvasive measurement of local vibrations of the chest wall produced by the mechanical activity of the heart and has shown promise in providing clinical information for certain cardiovascular diseases including heart failure and ischemia. Conventionally, SCG signals are recorded by placing an accelerometer on the chest. In this paper, we propose a novel contactless SCG measurement method to extract them from chest videos recorded by a smartphone. Our pipeline consists of computer vision methods including the Lucas–Kanade template tracking to track an artificial target attached to the chest, and then estimate the SCG signals from the tracked displacements. We evaluated our pipeline on 14 healthy subjects by comparing the vision-based SCG$$^\mathrm{{v}}$$vestimations with the gold-standard SCG$$^\mathrm{{g}}$$gmeasured simultaneously using accelerometers attached to the chest. The similarity between SCG$$^\mathrm{{g}}$$gand SCG$$^\mathrm{{v}}$$vwas measured in the time and frequency domains using the Pearson correlation coefficient, a similarity index based on dynamic time warping (DTW), and wavelet coherence. The average DTW-based similarity index between the signals was 0.94 and 0.95 in the right-to-left and head-to-foot directions, respectively. Furthermore, SCG$$^\mathrm{{v}}$$vsignals were utilized to estimate the heart rate, and these results were compared to the gold-standard heart rate obtained from ECG signals. The findings indicated a good agreement between the estimated heart rate values and the gold-standard measurements (bias = 0.649 beats/min). In conclusion, this work shows promise in developing a low-cost and widely available method for remote monitoring of cardiovascular activity using smartphone videos.
Spontaneous flows and dynamics of full-integer topological defects in polar active matter
Authors: Rønning Jonas , Renaud Julian , Doostmohammadi Amin , Angheluta Luiza
Published: July 2023

Polar active matter of self-propelled particles sustain spontaneous flows through the full-integer topological defects.
Decoding chirality in circuit topology of a self entangled chain through braiding
Authors: Berx Jonas , Mashaghi Alireza
Published: July 2023

Circuit topology is extended to facilitate engineering topological circuits with desired chirality and their chirality characterization.
A polarization‐insensitive ultra‐wideband absorber based on hybrid structure
Authors: Xue Kun , Sun Haoliang , Qin Yifeng , Zhu Hongyi , Dong Shaohua
Published: July 2023

With the continuous improvement of detection technology, the survivability of targets on the battlefield is facing great challenges. Consequently, microwave absorbers with stealth characteristics are of important research value to modern military. Aim at solving the problems of narrow bandwidth or complex structure, an implementation model of ultra‐wideband (UWB) absorber based on hybrid structure is proposed. In this letter, a polarization‐insensitive ultra‐wideband absorber (PIUWA) is designed, manufactured, and characterized, which has a good absorptivity of more than 90% ranges from 4 to 24.53GHz (the fractional bandwidth [FBW] is 144%) by triggering multiple resonance peaks in the hybrid structure. In addition, the subwavelength periodicity of the PIUWA is theoretically beneficial to the angular stability under full‐wave polarizations. The operating mechanism of the PIUWA is demonstrated by the equivalent circuit model and the correctness of the design is verified by experimental measurements. This letter contributes to the approach of designing and fabricating UWB microwave absorbers with high absorptivity, good angular stability, and simpler assembly procedure.
Fundamental‐mode EMSIW for miniaturized differential antenna with high CM rejection
Authors: Fu Xuedong , Sun Mingyu , Chen Aixin
Published: July 2023

This letter proposes a novel miniaturization approach for differential antennas using fractional‐mode substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) fundamental‐mode. Symmetrically arranging dual miniaturized cavities, in‐phase DM magnetic currents are constructed to superimpose differential‐mode (DM) E‐fields for enhanced radiation while simultaneously constructing reverse common‐mode (CM) magnetic currents to cancel the CM E‐fields and suppress the CM signal. Three kinds of eighth‐mode SIW differential antennas with boundary symmetry are designed to verify the approach. Analysis of the equivalent circuit models reveals that the DM resonant frequency is lower than the CM resonant frequency, effectively suppressing CM signal within the DM passband through impedance mismatch reflection and radiation E‐fields cancellation. The measured and simulated results show good agreement. The size of the miniaturized antenna is 0.460.012 , with a high CM rejection of 31.4 dB achieved.