bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of Baseline Reference Geochemical Values in Tropical Soils of Western Ghats: Assessment of Periyar Basin with Special Reference to Contaminant Geochemistry
Authors: Krishnakumar Appukuttanpillai , Aditya Sanal Kumar , Krishnan Krishnan Anoop , Vivekanandan Nandakumar , Kaliraj Seenipandi , Jose Jeenu
Published: December 2022

Based on the detailed geochemical studies of 184 soil samples from Periyar River Basin (PRB), a tropical monsoon dominated river basin (5398 km2) in the southern western Ghats (WGs) of India, a baseline reference data is established. The soils are mildly acidic with sandy loam and silt loam facies in non‐monsoon to sandy loam and sandy clay loam in monsoon. The mean metal concentrations follow the upper continental crust and world shale values. The Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) shows unpolluted to moderately polluted category, except for Cu, Zn, and Ba, while Enrichment Factor (EF) indicates no to minor enrichment for all elements. Contamination factor (Cf) indicates low to considerable contamination for V, Rb, Sr, Ni, and low to very high contamination for Cu, Zn, and Ba. Three significant components are extracted by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), explaining 78.09% and 74.10% of the total variance for monsoon and non‐monsoon seasons. Ti, Al, Fe, Ca, Na, K, V, Cr, Ni, Sr, and Ba exhibited common source of origin while anthropogenic origin is identified for Zn and Cu. The study will provide valuable information into the pedological characteristics of WGs river basins.
Using NeuroPAL Multicolor Fluorescence Labeling to Identify Neurons in C. elegans
Authors: Santiago Emerson R. , Shelar Ashish , Christie Nakeirah T.M. , Lewis‐Hayre Maya R. , Koelle Michael R.
Published: December 2022

NeuroPAL (Neuronal Polychromatic Atlas of Landmarks) is a recently developed transgene that labels each of the 118 classes of neurons in C. elegans with various combinations of four fluorescent proteins. This neuron‐type‐specific labeling helps identify neurons that could otherwise be confused with neighboring neurons. Neuron identification enables researchers to combine new data that they generate on a C. elegans neuron with existing datasets on that same neuron, such as its synaptic connections, neurotransmitters, and transcriptome. An impediment to using NeuroPAL, however, is overcoming the steep learning curve for interpreting three‐dimensional (3D) fluorescence images of crowded neural ganglia within which different neurons may be similarly colored, some neurons are only very faintly labeled, and the positions of some neurons are variable.

Here, we provide protocols that allow researchers to learn to accurately identify neurons within 3D images of NeuroPAL‐labeled animals. We provide 3D reference images that illustrate NeuroPAL labeling of each body region, and additional 3D images as training exercises to learn to accurately carry out C. elegans neuron identifications. We also provide tools to annotate images in 3D, and suggest that such 3D annotated images should be the standard for documenting C. elegans neuron identifications for publication. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Using Imaris software to view and annotate images of NeuroPAL‐labeled animals in 3D

Alternate Protocol: Using FIJI/ImageJ software to view and annotate images of NeuroPAL‐labeled animals in 3D

Basic Protocol 2: Identifying tail neurons—an introduction to identifying neurons

Basic Protocol 3: Identifying midbody neurons

Basic Protocol 4: Identifying anterior head neurons

Basic Protocol 5: Identifying posterior head neurons

Basic Protocol 6: Identifying ventral head and retrovesicular ganglion neurons
Rapid Synthesis of Diesel Precursors from Biomass‐Derived Furanics Over Aluminum‐Doped Mesoporous Silica Sphere Catalysts
Authors: Huang Yao‐Bing , Yan Xia‐Yun , Huang Zhi‐Hao , Shan Tian‐Xi , Geng Jing‐Yu , Cao Zi‐He , Lu Qiang
Published: December 2022

The condensation of biomass‐derived molecules has been increasingly utilized as a sustainable strategy for the preparation of high‐carbon precursors for high‐density fuels, thus stimulating the demand for more efficient catalysts. This study concerns the synthesis of an aluminum‐doped mesoporous silica sphere (Al‐MSS) catalyst for the conversion of biobased furfural and 2‐methylfuran into a C15 diesel precursor through a hydroxyalkylation/alkylation (HAA) reaction. A series of Al‐MSS catalysts with different Si/Al ratios and calcination temperatures is prepared and extensively characterized, among which Al‐MSS20‐450 (Si/Al=20 : 1, calcined at 450 °C) exhibits unprecedentedly high reaction efficiency in catalyzing HAA reaction, offering a 94 % product yield at 140 °C in 20 min. The catalyst also gives high product yields across a broad temperature range from 80 °C to 140 °C with varied reaction time. Reaction kinetics reveal that both competitive substrate adsorption and temperature‐dependent system viscosity affect the reaction efficiencies. Correlations between the catalytic activity and surface acid sites disclose that moderate and strong acid sites are primarily responsible for catalysis. Brønsted and Lewis acid sites are found by poisoning assays to work synergistically to catalyze the reaction, with the former being the primary sites. Finally, the catalyst displays good recycling performance, which further highlights its potential for industrial application.
Peri‐procedural management of transcatheter mitral valve replacement in patients with heart failure
Authors: Hungerford Sara L. , Dahle Gry , Duncan Alison , Hayward Christopher S. , Muller David W.M.
Published: December 2022

Over the past decade, transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) technologies have evolved with the objective of improving outcomes for patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) deemed unsuitable for conventional mitral valve surgery. Although the safety and efficacy of transcatheter edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair (TEER) is well‐established, there is a sense amongst innovators that a major advantage of TMVR may be to offer a more complete solution for the correction of MR in patients whose complex anatomy means that the likelihood of achieving grade 0 or 1 MR with TEER is low. However, abrupt correction of MR in a poorly prepared left ventricle poses a number of unique haemodynamic challenges, particularly when sudden elimination of regurgitant flow causes a relative increase in left ventricular (LV) afterload. Rapid reduction in LV cavity size following MR elimination may itself result in relative LV outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO), irrespective of the intrinsic risk of LVOTO associated with TMVR. Nevertheless, TMVR on a beating heart affords the opportunity to study real‐time invasive cardiac indices in high‐risk patients with acute reversal of severe MR.
Zinc oxide nanostructured platform for electrochemical detection of heavy metals
Authors: Belcovici Alexandra , Fort Carmen Ioana , Mureşan Laura Elena , Perhaiţa Ioana , Borodi Gheorge , Turdean Graziella Liana
Published: December 2022

ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO‐NP) were prepared by a facile precipitation technique using di‐isopropyl amine as precipitating agent. The morpho‐structure and porosity of the as‐prepared nano‐powder were investigated by FT‐IR analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and BET analysis. By drop‐casting, a composite film was deposited to obtain ZnO‐NP‐Nafion/GCE modified electrode. The modified electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) for the detection of Pb2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+, and it was successfully applied for the detection of Pb2+ and Cu2+ in real water samples.
A new analytical method for calculating the strain of oil and gas pipeline under a normal fault dislocation
Authors: Hu Wen‐jun , Zhao Yu , Hu Kai‐heng , Chen Gui‐yu , Fu Kai‐wei
Published: December 2022

Oil and gas pipelines that go through an active normal fault often deform largely and cause serious disasters. On the basis of the beam theory of the elastic foundation and assuming a shape function for the deformed pipeline, a new analytical method is proposed to calculate the pipeline strain under a normal fault. The length of the deformed pipeline is calculated by using a simplified structural mechanical model. Moreover, a three‐dimensional solid finite element model (3D FEM) is developed to calculate the pipeline strain under different working conditions. The developed analytical solution and the numerical results of 3D FEM are compared with the results of the two traditional methods (the dissipated energy method and the Karamitros method). The strain development law predicted by the proposed method and the 3D FEM is in good agreement with that of the dissipated energy method and the Karamitros method. Compared with the existing models, the new analytical method is simpler and more efficient.
Majority of Southern Ocean seasonal sea ice bloom net community production precedes total ice retreat
Authors: McClish Shannon , Bushinsky Seth M
Published: December 2022

The Southern Ocean Seasonal Sea Ice Zone (SSIZ) is characterized by the
development of spring phytoplankton blooms following retreating sea ice.
Until recently, assessing SSIZ bloom carbon export has been limited by a
lack of under ice observations. Here, we relate the timing of
phytoplankton growth to the drawdown of surface nutrients and sea ice
cover and estimate spring bloom net community production (bNCP) using
biogeochemical profiling float observations. The onset of biological
production follows initial sea ice breakup with 64% of bNCP under
partial sea ice cover. Estimates of bNCP range from <1 to
>4 mol C m bloom,
with earlier sea ice breakup associated with higher bNCP, and the
highest bNCP where micronutrient supply is likely enhanced by
topographic-driven mixing. These results indicate that satellite-derived
export estimates will underestimate bNCP in the SSIZ and have
implications for future carbon export in a changing Southern Ocean sea
ice regime.
Option features and price discovery in convertible bonds
Authors: Jin Liwei , Yuan Xianghui , Peiran Li , Xu Hailun , Lian Feng
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we investigate whether the option features in convertible bonds lead to price discovery. On the basis of minute‐level data from January 2019 to December 2021, we find that the convertible bond market contributes to the price discovery of the stock market by using the thermal optimal path method, and that the option features in convertible bonds are an important factor affecting the price discovery ability. Regression analysis shows that the effect of option features remains significant after controlling for a range of variables, such as the size of the convertible bond, the premium rate, information shock, and volatility. In addition, we further explore the impact of the difference in trading regimes between the convertible bond market and the equity market on price discovery.
Place cells are nonrandomly clustered by field location in CA1 hippocampus
Authors: Wirtshafter Hannah S. , Disterhoft John F.
Published: December 2022

A challenge in both modern and historic neuroscience has been achieving an understanding of neuron circuits, and determining the computational and organizational principles that underlie these circuits. Deeper understanding of the organization of brain circuits and cell types, including in the hippocampus, is required for advances in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, as well as for understanding principles governing brain development and evolution. In this manuscript, we pioneer a new method to analyze the spatial clustering of active neurons in the hippocampus. We use calcium imaging and a rewarded navigation task to record from 100 s of place cells in the CA1 of freely moving rats. We then use statistical techniques developed for and in widespread use in geographic mapping studies, global Moran's I, and local Moran's I to demonstrate that cells that code for similar spatial locations tend to form small spatial clusters. We present evidence that this clustering is not the result of artifacts from calcium imaging, and show that these clusters are primarily formed by cells that have place fields around previously rewarded locations. We go on to show that, although cells with similar place fields tend to form clusters, there is no obvious topographic mapping of environmental location onto the hippocampus, such as seen in the visual cortex. Insights into hippocampal organization, as in this study, can elucidate mechanisms underlying motivational behaviors, spatial navigation, and memory formation.
Knockdown of LINC01138 protects human chondrocytes against IL‐1β‐induced damage by regulating the hsa‐miR‐1207‐5p/KIAA0101 axis
Authors: Zhang Jiangtao , Lv Genbing
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA 1138 (LINC01138) plays a vital role in human cancers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of LINC01138 on the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and explore its potential mechanism of action.

Methods

The expression of LINC01138, hsa‐miR‐1207‐5p, and KIAA0101 in OA tissues and normal tissues was analyzed using GSEA datasets and confirmed in human specimens. Human chondrocytes were treated with interleukin (IL)‐1β to establish an OA cell model. Quantitative real time PCR(qRT‐PCR), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting analyses were performed to evaluate the role of LINC01138, hsa‐miR‐1207‐5p, and KIAA0101 during extracellular matrix (ECM) protein degeneration and cellular inflammatory response. The target relationship was predicted using DIANA‐TarBase and TargetScan. The binding effects were verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay.

Results

LINC01138 expression was higher in OA tissues than in normal controls. LINC01138 levels increased in chondrocytes treated with IL‐1β. Silencing of LINC01138 attenuated the IL‐1β‐induced decrease in Col2α1, aggrecan, and sulphated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG), and inhibited the IL‐1β‐induced increase in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐13, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. miR‐1207‐5p is weakly expressed in OA tissues and cell models. The inhibition of hsa‐miR‐1207‐5p, a target of LINC01138, attenuated the effects of LINC01138 silencing on chondrocyte ECM degeneration and inflammatory responses. Silencing KIAA0101, a target of hsa‐miR‐1207‐5p, alleviated the effect of hsa‐miR‐1207‐5p on chondrocyte ECM degeneration and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, silencing of KIAA0101 inhibited the JAK/STAT and Wnt signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Silencing LINC01138 protected chondrocytes from IL‐1β‐induced damage, possibly by regulating the hsa‐miR‐1207‐5p/KIAA0101 axis.
Extracurricular activities and adjustment among students at disadvantaged high schools: The mediating role of peer relatedness and school belonging
Authors: Bouchard Maxim , Denault Anne‐Sophie , Guay Frédéric
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Participation in extracurricular activities (ECAs) during high school is likely to be associated with higher intrinsic motivation, as well as lower externalizing problems and depressive symptoms, particularly for students in schools located in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. However, few studies have explored the processes underlying these positive associations. In this study, we examined whether peer relatedness and school belonging mediated the links between participation in these activities and adolescent academic and psychosocial adjustment and whether another indicator of poverty, namely material deprivation, moderated these links.

Methods

Canadian students (n = 638; 59% girls) at disadvantaged high schools were surveyed at two‐time points.

Results and Conclusions

Results show that peer relatedness can explain the associations between extracurricular activity participation and (a) school intrinsic motivation and (b) depressive symptoms. Results also revealed that the indirect effect involving the number of activities, peer relatedness, and depressive symptoms was only significant among students living in highly deprived areas. These results highlight the contribution of peer relatedness as a potential mediator of the positive association connecting extracurricular activity participation to adjustment among disadvantaged students.
DP‐coloring Cartesian products of graphs
Authors: Kaul Hemanshu , Mudrock Jeffrey A. , Sharma Gunjan , Stratton Quinn
Published: December 2022

DP‐coloring (also called correspondence coloring) is a generalization of list coloring introduced by Dvořák and Postle in 2015. Motivated by results related to list coloring Cartesian products of graphs, we initiate the study of the DP‐chromatic number, , of the same. We show that , where is the coloring number of the graph . We focus on building tools for lower bound arguments for and use them to show the sharpness of the bound above and its various forms. Our results illustrate that the DP‐color function of , the DP analogue of the chromatic polynomial, is essential in the study of the DP‐chromatic number of the Cartesian product of graphs, including the following question that extends the sharpness problem above and the classical result on gap between list‐chromatic number and chromatic number: given any graph and , what is the smallest for which ?
The female orgasm and the homology concept in evolutionary biology
Authors: Basanta Silvia , Nuño de la Rosa Laura
Published: December 2022

The definition of homology and its application to reproductive structures, external genitalia, and the physiology of sexual pleasure has a tortuous history. While nowadays there is a consensus on the developmental homology of genital and reproductive systems, there is no agreement on the physiological translation, or the evolutionary origination and roles, of these structural correspondences and their divergent histories. This paper analyzes the impact of evolutionary perspectives on the homology concept as applied to the female orgasm, and their consequences for the biological and social understanding of female sexuality and reproduction. After a survey of the history of pre‐evolutionary biomedical views on sexual difference and sexual pleasure, we examine how the concept of sexual homology was shaped in the new phylogenetic framework of the late 19th century. We then analyse the debates on the anatomical locus of female pleasure at the crossroads of theories of sexual evolution and new scientific discourses in psychoanalysis and sex studies. Moving back to evolutionary biology, we explore the consequences of neglecting homology in adaptive explanations of the female orgasm. The last two sections investigate the role played by different articulations of the homology concept in evolutionary developmental explanations of the origin and evolution of the female orgasm. These include the role of sexual, developmental homology in the byproduct hypothesis, and a more recent hypothesis where a phylogenetic, physiological concept of homology is used to account for the origination of the female orgasm. We conclude with a brief discussion on the social implications for the understanding of female pleasure derived from these different homology frameworks.
Insights into the interaction between the kusaginin and bovine serum albumin: Multi‐spectroscopic techniques and computational approaches
Authors: Huang Fengwen , Chen Chen
Published: December 2022

Kusaginin, as a phenylethanoid glycoside, which has exhibited wide antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The molecular mechanism underlying the broad biological activities of kusaginin has not yet been well documented. In this paper, the interaction of kusaginin with bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been explored by fluorescence spectra, UV‐vis absorption spectra, and circular dichroism (CD) spectra along with computational approaches. The fluorescence experiments showed that kusaginin could strongly quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA through both dynamic and static quenching mechanisms. The thermodynamic analysis suggested that hydrophobic force was the main force in stabilizing the BSA‐kusaginin complex. In addition, conformation changes of BSA were observed from three‐dimensional and synchronous fluorescence spectra, UV spectra, and CD spectra under experimental conditions. All these experimental results have been complemented and validated by the molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies, which revealed that kusaginin was bound on the hydrophobic cavity in subdomain IIA of BSA and formed a stable BSA‐kusaginin complex. Finally, density functional theory (DFT) calculation further implied that hydrogen bonds also support stabilizing the BSA‐kusaginin complex. This research may aid in understanding the pharmacological characteristics of kusaginin and provide a vital reference modeling for the design of analogues drugs.
Key mutations in the spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 affecting neutralization resistance and viral internalization
Authors: Wang Qiong , Ye Sheng‐Bao , Zhou Zhi‐Jian , Song A‐Ling , Zhu Xi , Peng Jia‐Mei , Liang Rui‐Min , Yang Chen‐Hui , Yu Xiao‐Wei , Huang Xun , Yu Jie , Qiu Ye , Ge Xing‐Yi
Published: December 2022

To control the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic, a variety of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccines have been developed. However, the rapid mutations of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S) protein may reduce the protective efficacy of the existing vaccines which is mainly determined by the level of neutralizing antibodies targeting S. In this study, we screened prevalent S mutations and constructed 124 pseudotyped lentiviral particles carrying these mutants. We challenged these pseudoviruses with sera vaccinated by Sinovac CoronaVac and ZF2001 vaccines, two popular vaccines designed for the initial strain of SARS‐CoV‐2, and then systematically assessed the susceptivity of these SARS‐CoV‐2 variants to the immune sera of vaccines. As a result, 14 S mutants (H146Y, V320I + S477N, V382L, K444R, L455F + S477N, L452M + F486L, F486L, Y508H, P521R, A626S, S477N + S698L, A701V, S477N + T778I, E1144Q) were found to be significantly resistant to neutralization, indicating reduced protective efficacy of the vaccines against these SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. In addition, F486L and Y508H significantly enhanced the utilization of human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2, suggesting a potentially elevated infectivity of these two mutants. In conclusion, our results show that some prevalent S mutations of SARS‐CoV‐2 reduced the protective efficacy of current vaccines and enhance the infectivity of the virus, indicating the necessity of vaccine renewal and providing direction for the development of new vaccines.
Possible transmission of COVID‐19 epidemic by a dog as a passive mechanical carrier of SARS‐CoV‐2, Chongqing, China, 2022
Authors: Zhou Chunbei , Wu Ailin , Ye Sheng , Zhou Zongliang , Zhang Hongjun , Zhao Xiyou , Wang Ya , Wu Huan , Ruan Dandan , Chen Shuang , Tang Wenge , Xu Shibin , Li Qin , Su Kun
Published: December 2022

An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) was reported in Yongchuan district of Chongqing, China in March 2022, while the source was unknown. We aimed to investigate the origin and transmission route of the virus in the outbreak. We conducted field investigations for all cases and collected their epidemiological and clinical data. We performed gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis for the cases, and draw the epidemic curve and the case relationship chart to analyze interactions and possible transmission mode of the outbreak. A total of 11 cases of COVID‐19, including 5 patients and 6 asymptomatic cases were laboratory‐confirmed in the outbreak. The branch of the virus was Omicron BA.2 which was introduced into Yongchuan district by a traveler in early March. Patient F and asymptomatic case G had never contact with other positive‐infected individuals, but close contact with their pet dog that sniffed the discarded cigarette butts and stepped on the sputum of patient B. Laboratory test results showed that the dog hair and kennel were positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), and the 10 isolates were highly homologous to an epidemic strain in a province of China. The investigation suggested that the contaminated dog by SARS‐CoV‐2 can act as a passive mechanical carrier of the virus and might transmit the virus to humans through close contact. Our findings suggest that during the COVID‐19 pandemic, increasing hygiene measures and hand washing after close contact with pets is essential to minimize the risk of community spread of the virus.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) gum: A functional ingredient with promising properties and applications in food and pharmaceuticals—A review
Authors: Dhull Sanju Bala , Bamal Pooja , Kumar Manoj , Bangar Sneh Punia , Chawla Prince , Singh Ajay , Mushtaq Waseem , Ahmad Mudasir , Sihag Sunita
Published: December 2022

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) is an annual plant belonging to the family Leguminosae or Fabaceae. The seeds of fenugreek contain 26.8% soluble fiber chemically identified as galactomannans with properties similar to soluble fiber of guar seeds and psyllium husk and so on. Galactomannans are biopolymers consisting of linear core poly (1,4)‐β‐D‐mannan backbone having varying degrees of D‐galactosyl substituents attached by 1,6‐glycosidic linkages. Different galactomannans derived from various legumes usually differ in molecular weight, ratio of mannose to galactose, and the mode and place of linkages of galactose moieties to the mannan backbone. Fenugreek gum has a galactose to mannose ratio of 1:1, showing the highest amount of galactose resulting in its highest water solubility compared with guar and locust bean gum. It suggested that the galactose and mannose moieties are linked uniformly in fenugreek gum resulting in maximum hydration and solubility. This M/G ratio affects the physicochemical properties of galactomannans and is inversely related to the solubility of gum. Galactomannans sterically stabilize the emulsions against flocculation and coalescence by getting adsorbed onto oil droplets. In addition to this, galactomannans are all found to exhibit some surface, interfacial, and emulsification activities. Because of these properties, it is preferred over other natural hydrocolloids as an excellent ingredient for various food applications. As a hydrocolloid, fenugreek gum provides texture, appeal, gelling, thickening, emulsifying, stabilizing, and encapsulating properties. In the present review, we summarized the extraction, purification, chemical, functional properties, molecular structure, thermal and rheological behavior of gum isolated from fenugreek seeds, and then vital application of this traditional source of hydrocolloids in food, pharmaceutical, and other industries.
Room‐Temperature Preparation of Covalent Organic Framework Membrane for Nanofiltration
Authors: Li Baoju , Nan Pihan , Gao Zhuangzhuang , Tang Bin , Qiu Shilun , Fang Qianrong
Published: December 2022

The uniquely tunable nature of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), whose pore size and stability can be controlled by choosing diverse organic building blocks and linkage types, makes COFs potential candidates for the membrane separation. Therefore, the preparation of membranes with effective separation efficiency based on COFs has aroused great interest among researchers. Although solvothermal approach has been the most popular method for the preparation of COF membranes, fabricating COF membranes at room temperature (RT) will provide a simple and captivating strategy for separation membranes. Herein, a P‐COF membrane on porous alumina substrate at RT, showing 99.7% rejection of rhodamine B and excellent water permeance up to 52 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, which can effectively purify wastewater is successfully obtained. P‐COF is directly grown on alumina to form the composite membrane, which enhances the mechanical strength of COF membrane and avoids the risk of damaging the membrane structure during the transfer process of self‐standing membrane. Moreover, P‐COF membrane is grown at RT, which is more energy efficient than the conventional solvothermal method. Thus, it is of great significance to obtain COF membranes with excellent nanofiltration performance in a simple and mild condition to alleviate environmental and energy concerns.
Commercial pure titanium – A potential candidate for cardiovascular stent
Authors: Mohanta M. , Thirugnanam A.
Published: December 2022

The most commonly used metal alloys for manufacturing coronary artery stents platforms are 316 L stainless steel, cobalt‐chromium, tantalum, and titanium alloys. Cobalt‐based alloys have several advantages: good flexibility, radial strength, and better radiopacity. But still, concern about their cytotoxicity exists. In comparison, commercially pure titanium possesses excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility properties. However, it faces a problem with its mechanical strength during the development of stents, thereby deteriorating its radial strength and making it a poor radiopaque element. This review illustrated the properties of titanium and strategies to overcome the disadvantages of commercially pure titanium: Surface treatment, polymer coating, and warm treatment. The importance of radiopacity and radial strength in post‐clinical imaging techniques and metals compatibility with the imaging devices are also introduced. The findings suggest that by controlling the springback effect via warm treatment, the elastic energy of commercially pure titanium decreases and hence, prevent the recoiling phenomenon. The reduction in the recoiling effect may improve the radial strength of titanium. This work has addressed the limitations of commercially pure titanium to overcome them in the future while developing as a cardiovascular stent.
Preparation and characterization of activated carbon modified by potassium for carbon dioxide/methane adsorption and separation
Authors: Song X. , Gong J. , Zeng Y. , Wang L.
Published: December 2022

In this study, potassium nitrate, which was confirmed feasible to improve the adsorption capacity of carbon dioxide and separation of carbon dioxide/methane mixture, was utilized to modify the commercial coconut shell activated carbon. Three parameters, including potassium ion concentration, modification temperature and modification time, were investigated. The best sample is obtained when impregnating in potassium nitrate solution of 0.1 mol L−1 at 55 °C for 12 h according to its adsorbed amount capacity and separation effect. The saturated adsorbed amount of carbon dioxide on the optimal sample reaches up to 12.25 mmol g−1. In addition, the selectivity for a binary mixture with volume ratio of 60/40, 50/50 and 40/60, which is considered in the range of typical landfill gas, are 6.86, 6.62 and 6.39, increasing by 45.9 %, 43.6 % and 41.4 %, respectively. The adsorbent obtained in this study is promising in the adsorption and separation of carbon dioxide and methane industrially. Moreover, the method of modifying by potassium ion provides a potential way in improving the property of the adsorbents.
Experimental characterization and numerical study on the interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon fibre reinforced polymer laminates reinforced with carbon nanotubes
Authors: Kumar M. , Kumar P. , Bhadauria S.S.
Published: December 2022

The present study is focused on the nanoreinforcement of carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates to evaluate its effect on delamination growth in double cantilever beam specimen. Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes were sprayed on the laminate interface using air‐brush spraying technique. Three nanofiller contents of 0.05 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, and 0.5 wt.% were examined to evaluate the mode I fracture toughness (GIC) in a double cantilever beam specimen and the results were compared with the base laminate (0.0 % carbon nanotubes). The average mode I fracture toughness of composite laminates increased from 180.6 J/m2 to 270.92 J/m2 due to the addition of 0.05 wt.% multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, and to 268.27 J/m2 for 0.1 wt.% multi‐walled carbon nanotubes. Mechanisms for the increase in GIC of the nanofiller reinforced laminates are discussed based on the experimental results and microscopic study of fractured specimen surfaces from scanning electron microscopy. Energy dissipation from carbon nanotube bridging ahead of the crack front is the major toughening mechanism resulting in improved fracture toughness. Numerical simulations of delamination growth were performed as well by using virtual crack closure technique analysis in Abaqus. The R‐curve behaviour from the experiments is implemented in the finite element modeling of delamination growth to validate the effect of nanoreinforcements.
Deciphering the role of host species for two Mycobacterium bovis genotypes from the European 3 clonal complex circulation within a cattle‐badger‐wild boar multihost system
Authors: Canini Laetitia , Modenesi Gabriela , Courcoul Aurélie , Boschiroli Maria‐Laura , Durand Benoit , Michelet Lorraine
Published: December 2022

Bovine tuberculosis is a common disease affecting cattle and wildlife worldwide. Mycobacterium bovis circulation in wildlife decreases the efficacy of surveillance and control programs in cattle. Strains of the European 3 clonal complex are the most frequent in France. The aim of our work was hence to investigate the role played by cattle and wildlife species in the circulation of two M. bovis European 3 strains circulation. WGS of M. bovis strains collected between 2010 and 2017 in two distinct areas (Nouvelle‐Aquitaine region, NAq, and Côte‐d'Or département, CdO), from badgers, wild boars, and cattle were used in an evolutionary model to infer the transition between the three species. We computed host species transition and persistence between two consecutive nodes and the average number of transitions per tree. In total, 144 and 218 samples were collected respectively in CdO and NAq. In CdO, three between‐species transition rates stood out: from cattle to badgers, from badgers to wild boars, and from wild boars to cattle. In NAq an additional fourth transition rate was identified: from badgers to cattle. However, host transition remained a rare event. Our results suggest that wild boars could be an intermediary host between badgers and cattle in the circulation of the studied strains in CdO and NAq. Our results also highlight the differences between these two areas, suggesting that the transition pattern does not only depend on the host species and other ecological, landscape and anthropic factors are important.
New era for emerging therapeutic targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER 3) in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer and metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Ahmed Yasar , Mahgoub Thamir , Sindi Maha Al , Berenguer‐Pina José J.
Published: December 2022

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) is a member of the transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase family. Upregulation of HER3 pathway has been implicated as a mechanism of resistance in solid tumors, particularly in estrogen receptor positive, HER2 positive breast cancer and epidermal growth factor (EGFR) mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer. Several studies suggest that HER3 overexpression represents a negative prognostic biomarker associated with poor survival. Preclinical and clinical studies of anti‐HER3 investigational therapies suggest that expression of the HER3 ligand, neuregulin, may predict response to treatment. Despite its emergence as a key cancer therapeutic target, HER3 cannot be targeted with traditional tyrosine kinase inhibitors therapy due to its weak kinase activity. Monoclonal and bispecific antibodies targeting HER3 have been developed and tested in early phase trials. Objective responses were limited when first‐generation HER3‐specific monoclonal antibodies were investigated as monotherapies in phase 1 and 2 clinical trials for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and metastatic breast cancer (MBC). MBC and NSCLC HER3 specific antibody‐drug conjugates have shown encouraging results in resistance in cancer cells, particularly in those that overexpress HER3. These agents have shown some promise in early phase trials in both NSCLC and MBC setting in heavily pretreated patients with varying degrees of response. It is unclear which subgroup of patients will truly benefit from targeting HER3 as these therapies are under investigation.
Alpha dose modeling in diffusing alpha‐emitters radiation therapy. Part II: Lattice studies
Authors: Heger Guy , Dumančić Mirta , Roy Arindam , Arazi Lior
Published: December 2022

Background

Diffusing alpha‐emitters radiation therapy (“DaRT”) is a new method, presently in clinical trials, which allows treating solid tumors by alpha particles. DaRT relies on interstitial seeds carrying μCi‐level 224Ra activity on their surface, which release a chain of short‐lived alpha emitters that spread throughout the tumor volume primarily by diffusion. Alpha dose calculations in DaRT are based on describing the transport of alpha emitting atoms, requiring new modeling techniques.

Purpose

A previous study introduced a simplified framework, the “diffusion–leakage (DL) model,” for DaRT alpha dose calculations, and employed it to a point source, as a basic building block of arbitrary configurations of line sources. The aim of this work, which is divided into two parts, is to extend the model to realistic seed geometries (in Part I), and to employ single‐seed calculations to study the properties of DaRT seed lattices (Part II). Such calculations can serve as a pragmatic guide for treatment planning in future clinical trials.

Methods

We employ the superposition of single‐seed solutions, developed in Part I, to study the alpha dose in DaRT seed lattices and investigate the sensitivity of the required seed activity and spacing to changes in the DL model parameters and to seed placement errors.

Results

We show that the rapid fall‐off of the dose, which guarantees sparing healthy tissue already 2–3 mm away from the tumor, strongly favors a hexagonal, rather than square, seed placement pattern. Realistic variations in the seed manufacturing parameters (224Ra activity and emission rate of its daughters) are shown to have a negligible effect on the required lattice spacing. On the other hand, tumor parameters (i.e., diffusion lengths and 212Pb leakage probability), as well as seed placement errors, have a significant effect.

Conclusions

In most cases, hexagonal lattice spacing on the scale of ∼3.5–4.5 mm using seeds carrying a few μCi/cm 224Ra will enable overcoming realistic uncertainties in measured tumor environment parameters, as well as seed placement errors, and result in therapeutically relevant alpha dose levels.
Efficacy of termoablative fractional CO2 laser (Monnalisa Touch) in stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Montera Roberto , Ficarola Fernando , Angioli Roberto , Terranova Corrado , Nardone Carlo De Cicco , Guzzo Federica , Plotti Francesco , Luvero Daniela
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Usually, in stress urinary incontinence (SUI), nonsurgical therapy such as pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and lifestyle changes are proposed before surgical treatment. Laser therapy has recently been recommended for the treatment of SUI, helping to reconstruct the collagen that supports the vagina and the pelvic floor. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of SUI treatment with a CO2 intravaginal laser in patients waiting for anti‐incontinence surgery (TVT‐O).

Methods

This is a prospective, case–control study. Fifty‐two patients have been included in our study and we divided them into two groups: atrophy and no atrophy. We also adopted a control group retrospectively identified from our database of patients undergoing PFMT. The subjective estimation of SUI symptoms before and after treatment was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale before and after 1, 6, and 12 months of treatment. The objective evaluation with the urodynamic study with the stress test and a 3‐day voiding diary to count the number of episodes of incontinence, before and after treatment.

Results

The intravaginal CO2 laser improved all the parameters considered for SUI in both groups. Its results were more relevant in the atrophy group, in comparison to the no atrophy group, even if they were both statistically significant. There were no statistically significant differences for all the parameters evaluated for SUI between laser treatment and PFMT in the control group.

Conclusion

The CO2 laser is well‐tolerated, minimally invasive, safe, and showing efficacy for SUI. More studies are needed to consider it as first‐instance therapy, like PFMT, or at least, as a bridge therapy to surgery.
Time‐restricted eating did not alter insulin sensitivity or β‐cell function in adults with obesity: A randomized pilot study
Authors: Bantle Anne E. , Lau Kheng Joe , Wang Qi , Malaeb Samar , Harindhanavudhi Tasma , Manoogian Emily N. C. , Panda Satchidananda , Mashek Douglas G. , Chow Lisa S.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Decreased insulin sensitivity and impairment of β‐cell function predate and predict development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Time‐restricted eating (TRE) might have a benefit for these parameters. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate this possibility.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing 12 weeks of TRE (8‐hour eating window) to unrestricted eating (non‐TRE) was performed. Participants were adults with overweight or obesity and without diabetes. Two‐hour oral glucose tolerance testing was performed at baseline and end‐intervention. Glucose tolerance test‐derived measures of insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and β‐cell function were compared between groups.

Results

Participants (17 women/3 men with mean [SD] age 45.5 [12.1] years and BMI 34.1 [7.5] kg/m2) with a prolonged eating window (15.4 [0.9] hours) were randomized to TRE (n = 11) or non‐TRE (n = 9). The quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), Stumvoll index, Avignon index, insulinogenic index, insulin area under the curve/glucose area under the curve, and oral disposition index did not differ between the TRE and non‐TRE groups at end‐intervention.

Conclusions

In adults with overweight or obesity and without diabetes, TRE did not significantly alter insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, or β‐cell function over a 12‐week intervention. Whether TRE is beneficial in adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus warrants further investigation.
The mechanisms underpinning lateral gene transfer between grasses
Authors: Pereira Lara , Christin Pascal‐Antoine , Dunning Luke T.
Published: December 2022

Societal Impact Statement

Lateral gene transfer (LGT) refers to the transmission of genetic material without sexual reproduction. LGT is widespread in a number of plant species, including grasses. But how these genes of foreign origin got there is presently unknown. In this review, we show that transformation techniques used to genetically modify organisms could occur in the wild and be responsible for the frequently observed grass‐to‐grass LGTs. The distinction between natural evolutionary processes and genetic engineering might be arbitrary, and its validity will be further debated as agricultural biotechnology becomes more widely used and examples of “natural genetic engineering” through LGT increase.

Lateral gene transfer (LGT) is the transmission of genetic material among species without sexual reproduction. LGT was initially thought to be restricted to prokaryotes, but it has since been reported in a wide range of eukaryotes, including plants. Grasses seem to be particularly prone to LGT and frequently exchange genes among species. However, the mechanism(s) facilitating these transfers in this economically and ecologically important group of plants are debated. Here, we review vector‐mediated, direct tissue‐to‐tissue contact, wide‐crossing and reproductive contamination LGT mechanisms and discuss the likelihood of each in light of recent studies. Of particular relevance are transformation approaches that require minimal human intervention to transfer DNA among grasses in the lab that could mimic the mechanisms facilitating grass‐to‐grass LGT in the wild. These approaches include relatively simple techniques, such as pollen tube pathway‐mediated transformation, that take advantage of the permeability of the reproductive process to introduce alien genetic material from a third individual into an embryo. This process could be easily mirrored in the wild where pollen from one species lands on the stigma of another, acting as a source of alien DNA that can ultimately contaminate the reproductive process. This contamination is likely to be prevalent in wind pollinated species such as grasses, where the rates of illegitimate pollination will be high. In conclusion, plant transformation methods requiring minimal intervention are likely paralleled in the wild where they act as the mechanism underpinning LGT between distantly related grass species.
Bleomycin‐induced lung injury: Revisiting an old tool to model group III PH associated with pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Santos‐Ribeiro Diana , Lecocq Marylène , de Beukelaer Michele , Bouzin Caroline , Palmai‐Pallag Mihaly , Yakoub Yousef , Huaux François , Horman Sandrine , Perros Frederic , Pilette Charles , Godinas Laurent
Published: December 2022

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic disorder of the pulmonary circulation that often associates with other respiratory diseases (i.e., group III PH), leading to worsened symptoms and prognosis, notably when combined with interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis (PF). PH may lead to right ventricular (RV) failure, which accounts for a substantial part of the mortality in chronic lung disease patients. The disappointing results of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)‐related therapies in patients with PF emphasize the need to better understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms that drive PH development and progression in this specific setting. In this work, we validated an animal model of group III PH associated with PF (PH‐PF), by using bleomycin (BM) intratracheal instillation and characterizing the nature of induced lung and vascular remodeling, including the influence on RV structure and function. To our knowledge, this is the first work describing this dose of BM in Sprague Dawley rats and the effects upon the heart and lungs, using different techniques such as echocardiography, heart catheterization, and histology. Our data shows the successful implementation of a rat model that mimics combined PF‐PH, with most features seen in the equivalent human disease, such as lung and arterial remodeling, increased mPAP and RV dysfunction.
Impediments of product recovery in circular supply chains: Implications for sustainable development
Authors: Agrawal Dindayal , Dwivedi Ashish , Patil Anchal , Paul Sanjoy Kumar
Published: December 2022

Product recovery has fascinated the concentration of organizations and is prominent among industry practitioners and researchers due to improved environmental concerns, social awareness, and economic benefits. Circular supply chain (CSC) compounds the concept of product recovery in global supply chain management to present a sustainable perspective. Therefore, this study aims to determine impediments of product recovery and CSC toward sustainable production and consumption in the background of manufacturing organizations. This study determines potential impediments from literature and in consultation with experts. Further, a fuzzy VIKOR approach is practiced to prioritize the impediments of product recovery and CSC. Then, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to verify the robustness of the framework attained. The results from the study reflect that “lack of collaboration from supply chain performers”, “lack of tax policies for facilitating CSC models” and “limited expertise, technology, information on CSC practices” are the critical impediments to product recovery in CSCs. The findings of the study could assist industry managers and practitioners in developing procedures and strategies to attain sustainable development.