bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aortoesophageal fistula complicated by mycotic aneurysm secondary to endoscopic procedures: A case report
Authors: Hafezeftekhari Shokrollah , Khoroushi Farzaneh , Bozorgi Hossein
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding that often receives little attention in the emergency department. The classic presentation includes the Chiari triad of central chest pain, sentinel arterial bleeding, and subsequent evacuation after an asymptomatic period. For patients suspected of having AEF, a CT scan with IV contrast is the preferred diagnostic modality. In our patient, the presence of an aortic wall outpouching, ectopic gas, periaortic fat stranding, and leukocytosis, even in the absence of fever and positive blood culture, suggested mycotic aneurysm with AEF. The unique aspect of this case report is the occurrence of AEF as a rare complication of endoscopic procedures, which should be considered. Treatment options for AEF include surgery and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). TEVAR is a good option for stabilizing the patient's condition and reducing mortality in the short term. Once the patient's condition is suitable for AEF repair surgery, surgical intervention can be performed.
Influence of nitrogen rate on yield and profitability of rye grain production
Authors: Szuleta Elżbieta , Shockley Jordan M. , Knott Carrie , Phillips Timothy , Van Sanford David A.
Published: July 2023

Rye (Secale cereale L.) grain production in Kentucky is insufficient to meet the needs of distillers and bakers, in part because there is a knowledge gap about rye management that discourages farmers from choosing this crop. We conducted an economic study to develop recommendations for profitable rye grain production. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of two different nitrogen (N) rates (35 lb N acre−1 and 70 lb N acre−1) on yield and profitability of winter rye grain production. Experiments were conducted in 2020–2021 season at three Kentucky locations: Lexington, Princeton, and Adairville. Twenty‐four rye entries were planted in a split plot design experiment and the two N rates (35 lb N acre−1 and 70 lb N acre−1) were assigned to main plots. There was no significant difference in mean yield between 35 and 70 lb N acre−1. This indicates that less investment in N fertilizer will not adversely affect grain yield level, will enhance profitability of production, and will benefit distillers due to the higher alcohol yield associated with higher starch and lower protein levels.
A hybrid ensemble machine learning model for detecting APT attacks based on network behavior anomaly detection
Authors: Saini Neeraj , Bhat Kasaragod Vivekananda , Prakasha Krishna , Das Ashok Kumar
Published: July 2023

A persistent, targeted cyber attack is called an advanced persistent threat (APT) attack. The attack is mainly launched to gain sensitive information, take over the system, and for financial gain, which creates nowadays more hurdles and challenges for the organization in preventing, detecting, and recovering from such attacks. Due to the nature of APT attacks, it is difficult to detect them quickly. Therefore machine learning techniques come into these research areas. This study uses deep and machine learning models such as random forest, decision tree, convolutional neural network, multilayer perceptron and so forth to categorize and effectively detect APT attacks by utilizing publicly accessible datasets. The datasets used in this study are CSE‐CIC‐IDS2018, CIC‐IDS2017, NSL‐KDD, and UNSW‐NB15. This study proposes the hybrid ensemble machine learning model, a mixed approach of random forest and XGBoost classifiers. It has obtained the maximum prediction accuracy of 98.92%, 99.91%, 99.24%, and 97.11% for datasets CSE‐CIC‐IDS2018, CIC‐IDS2017, NSL‐KDD, and UNSW‐NB15, with a false positive rate of 0.52%, 0.12%, 0.62%, and 5.29% respectively. These results are compared to other closely related recent studies in the literature. Our experiment's findings show that our model has performed significantly better for all datasets.
Understanding Refractive Index Changes in Homologous Series of Unbranched Organic Compounds Based on Beer's Law
Authors: Mayerhöfer Thomas G. , Spange Stefan
Published: July 2023

Changes of the refractive index for homologous series of hydrocarbons are usually plotted versus the density. While there is a clear linear dependence for alkanes and alkenes, the linearity deteriorates for homologous series with functional groups involving heteroatoms. The slope can even become negative, e. g., for carboxylic acids. For gaining a deeper understanding and to establish a more general correlation, we reinvestigate the corresponding theories starting with the Newton‐Laplace, Gladstone‐Dale and the Lorentz‐Lorenz rules. We revisit the concept of molar refractivity pioneered by Landolt and Brühl and show that it is closely connected with a twin of Beer's law. We conclude that the refractive index of homologues series should better be plotted versus the molar concentration of the main UV‐chromophore, the C−H bond, which actually causes the refractive index changes. This new approach is not limited to alkanes and alkenes but holds for homologous series with functional groups including heteroatoms.
HSF4/COIL complex‐dependent R‐loop mediates ultraviolet‐induced inflammatory skin injury
Authors: Feng Yi‐qian , Zhang Heng , Han Jing‐xia , Cui Bi‐jia , Qin Lu‐ning , Zhang Lei , Li Qing‐qing , Wu Xin‐ying , Xiao Nan‐nan , Zhang Yan , Lin Ting‐ting , Liu Hui‐juan , Sun Tao
Published: July 2023

Intense ultraviolet (UV) exposure can cause phototoxic reactions, such as skin inflammation, resulting in injury. UV is a direct cause of DNA damage, but the mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation within cells after DNA damage are unclear. The bioinformatics analysis of transcriptome sequencing data from UV‐irradiated and non‐UV‐irradiated skin showed that transcription‐related proteins, such as HSF4 and COIL, mediate cellular response to UV irradiation. HSF4 and COIL can form a complex under UV irradiation, and the preference for binding target genes changed because of the presence of a large number of R‐loops in cells under UV irradiation and the ability of COIL to recognize R‐loops. The regulation of target genes was altered by the HSF4–COIL complex, and the expression of inflammation and ageing‐related genes, such as Atg7, Tfpi, and Lims1, was enhanced. A drug screen was performed for the recognition sites of COIL and R‐loop. N6‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐adenosine can competitively bind COIL and inhibit the binding of COIL to the R‐loop. Thus, the activation of downstream inflammation‐related genes and inflammatory skin injury was inhibited.
Considerations on effort, precision and accuracy for long‐term monitoring of African lions (Panthera leo), when using Bayesian spatial explicit capture–recapture models, in fenced protected areas
Authors: Ball Isabella A. , Marneweck David G. , Elliot Nicholas B. , Gopalaswamy Arjun M. , Fritz Herve , Venter Jan A.
Published: July 2023

Intensive management is frequently required in fenced wildlife areas to reduce deleterious effects of isolation. Decisions on how best to manage such wildlife are ideally informed by regular and reliable estimates of spatiotemporal fluctuations in population size and structure. However, even in small, fenced areas, it is difficult and costly to regularly monitor key species using advanced methods. This is particularly the case for large carnivores, which typically occur at low density and are elusive yet are central to management decision‐making due to their top–down effects in ecosystems and attracting tourism. In this study, we aimed to provide robust estimates of population parameters for African lions (Panthera leo) and use the data to inform a resource‐efficient long‐term monitoring programme. To achieve this, we used unstructured spatial sampling to collect data on lions in Pilanesberg National Park, a small (~550 km2) fenced protected area in South Africa. We used Bayesian spatial capture–recapture models to estimate density, abundance, sex ratio and home range size of lions over the age of 1 year. Finally, to provide guidance on resource requirements for regular monitoring, we rarefied our empirical data set incrementally and analysed the subsets. Lion density was estimated to be 8.8 per 100 km2 (posterior SD = 0.6), which was lower than anticipated by park management. Sex ratio was estimated close to parity (0.9♀:1♂), consistent with emerging evidence in fenced lion populations, yet discordant with unfenced populations, which are usually ~2♀:1♂ in healthy, source populations. Our rarefied data suggest that a minimum of 4000 km search effort needs to be invested in future monitoring to obtain accurate and precise estimates, while assuming similar detection rates. This study demonstrates an important utility of Bayesian spatial explicit capture–recapture methods for obtaining robust estimates of lion densities and other important parameters in fence‐protected areas to inform decision‐making.
Having cake and eating too: The benefits of an intermediate larval form in a brittle star Amphiodia sp. opaque (Ophiuroidea)
Authors: Nakata Nicole N. , Emlet Richard B.
Published: July 2023

Most marine invertebrate larvae either obligately feed or depend on maternally provided reserves during planktonic development. A small number of species have the capacity to do both, in a mode of development known as facultative planktotrophy. We describe facultative feeding in a larva from the Oregon coast, and identify it as being an undescribed species in the genus Amphiodia, which we refer to as Amphiodia sp. opaque. We quantified the effects of food on larval and juvenile quality by culturing larvae, collected as embryos, with and without microalgal food at 15°C. The resulting juveniles were monitored under conditions of starvation. A cohort of juveniles of larvae caught as plankton was subjected to the same starvation treatment for comparison with our laboratory‐reared larvae. We observed benefits to offspring that received food: larvae provided with microalgae developed more quickly and metamorphosed at higher rates. Furthermore, juveniles resulting from fed larvae were larger and were able to avoid starvation for longer after metamorphosis. Our results varied across two experimental years, suggesting that provisions provided by parents vary between populations and years. Juveniles from planktonic larvae exhibited sizes not statistically different from larvae cultured in the absence of food, but died from starvation more quickly.
A wolf in sheep's clothing: The perils of exploitative leadership
Authors: Majeed Mehwish , Fatima Tasneem , Irshad Muhammad
Published: July 2023

Despite extensive scholarly inquiry into destructive leadership, research on leaders’ self‐serving and exploitative behaviour is in its initial stages. This multi‐study investigation contributes to this body of literature. Study 1 was conducted to test the serial mediation of state suspicion (SS) and supervisor‐based cynicism between exploitative leadership and employee procrastination. It involved collecting single‐source time‐lagged data from textile industry employees in Pakistan. Study 2 replicated the findings of study 1 in the information technology (IT) industry by using multi‐source time‐lagged data. It extended the suggested model by proposing negative workplace gossip about supervisors as an outcome of exploitative leadership and employee procrastination. The results of study 1 (N = 279) and study 2 (N = 244) supported the serial mediation of SS and supervisor‐based cynicism between exploitative leadership and employee outcomes.
Cause analysis and suppression method of the vortex at the impeller outlet of the multiblade centrifugal fan
Authors: Lei Jian , Jia Cheng , Cui Qin , Cheng Weiguo , Qin Guoliang
Published: July 2023

Indoor air conditioning systems play a crucial role in regulating the environmental conditions of enclosed spaces. The noise generated by such systems can significantly impact human comfort. The multiblade centrifugal fan, as a crucial component of indoor air conditioners, has a significant impact on the performance of the air conditioner. The vortex, which is the primary noise source inside the fan, hinders the aerodynamic noise reduction of the indoor unit. During experimental research and numerical simulation of the indoor unit, the researchers identified the presence of a vortex flow at the outlet of the multiblade centrifugal fan. By analyzing the velocity vector of different cross‐sections in the fan, the researchers determined the formation mechanism and influencing factors of the vortex at the fan's outlet. The addition of fairing sheet plates on the volute wall was explored as a vortex suppression method, which proved effective in weakening and suppressing the vortex. The test results showed that under the same air volume, the noise reduction amplitude of the fan equipped with fairing sheet blades was 1.2 dB at an outlet static pressure of 30 Pa and 0.7 dB at an outlet static pressure of 100 Pa. The research findings suggest that the addition of the fairing sheet can effectively reduce the vortex's intensity, improve the performance of the multiblade centrifugal fan, and reduce the noise.
Enhancing the performance of consolidated voltage–frequency control of multi‐area hybrid interconnected power systems using electric vehicles
Authors: Dekaraja Biswanath , Saikia Lalit Chandra
Published: July 2023

Electricity consumers desire a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for their equipment. Frequency and voltage are fluctuated due to the increase in intermittent renewable sources in the power systems. To mitigate these problems, a novel multi‐term fractional‐order PID (MFOPID) controller is proposed for improving the combined voltage‐frequency control of a three‐area hydrothermal system (THS) that incorporates a realistic dish‐Stirling solar thermal system (RDSTS). Suitable nonlinearity constraints are considered in both thermal‐hydro units. The proposed controller parameters are optimized using the artificial flora algorithm. Electric vehicle (EV) fleets have been introduced for the first time into the system under consideration. The MFOPID controller outperforms the PID with filter coefficient (PIDN) controller, according to a comparative assessment of the system dynamic responses under various investigations. Investigations exhibit that the system dynamic performance marginally degrades after the incorporation of the RDSTS into all control area of the three‐area THS. The analysis reveals that the assimilation of EVs into the considered system provides better system damping and reduces oscillations and peak deviations. The efficiency of electric vehicles is influenced by battery state‐of‐charge (SOC). The system performance deteriorates when the SOC of the EVs is more than 80% charging and less than 50% discharging at the time of disturbance. Moreover, the MFOPID controller provides a faster injection of EV power into the system during perturbation compared to the PIDN controller. Sensitivity analysis validated the MFOPID controller's sturdiness against numerous physical system conditions.
Development and demonstration of a data visualization platform of short-term guidelines for ambient air levels of benzene during disaster response in Houston, Texas
Authors: Danforth Cloelle G. , Portier Christopher , Ensor Kathy B. , Hopkins Loren , Evans Bryan , Quist Arbor J. L. , McGraw Katlyn E. , Craft Elena
Published: July 2023

Industrial disasters have caused hazardous air pollution and public health impacts. Response officials have developed limited exposure guidelines to direct them during the event; often, guidelines are outdated and may not represent relevant elevated-exposure periods. The 2019 Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) fire in Houston, Texas led to large-scale releases of benzene and presented a public health threat. This incident highlights the need for effective response and nimble, rapid public health communication. We developed a data-driven visualization tool to store, display, and interpret ambient benzene concentrations to assist health officials during environmental emergencies. Guidance values to interpret risk from acute exposure to benzene were updated using recent literature that also considers exposure periodicity. The visualization platform can process data from different sampling instruments and air monitors automatically, and displays information publicly in real time, along with the associated risk information and action recommendations. The protocol was validated by applying it retrospectively to the ITC event. The new guidance values are 6–30 times lower than those derived by the Texas regulatory agency. Fixed-site monitoring data, assessed using the protocol and revised thresholds, indicated that eight shelter-in-place and 17 air-quality alerts may have been considered. At least one of these shelter-in-place alerts corresponded to prolonged, elevated benzene concentrations (~1000 ppb). This new tool addresses essential gaps in the timely communication of air pollution measurements, provides context to understand potential health risks from exposure to benzene, and provides a clear protocol for local officials in responding to industrial air releases of benzene. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:533–546. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Visual Lean planning tools in the construction industry: A Norwegian case study
Authors: Witte Caroline Saatvedt , Kokkula Satyanarayana , Muller Gerrit
Published: July 2023

Despite being the world's most significant contributor to the global Gross Domestic Product, the construction industry has untapped potential in its productivity, with frequent project delays and conflicts. Thus, a growing number of contractors implement visual Lean tools, such as the Last Planner® System (LPS). The paper explores the essential visual Lean planning elements to increase the cohesion between planning and production in construction projects through a project case study and lessons learned in the industry. The research indicates that look‐ahead plans, soundness checks, early phase planning, BIM models, and applying visual Lean planning in both the design and production phases are critical success factors when using the LPS.
Illustrating Business Relevance of Systems Engineering via Storytelling
Authors: Siviy Jeannine , Stolzar Lauren , McKinney Dorothy , Sheard Sarah
Published: July 2023

Many software‐centric organizations do not embrace Systems Engineering, whether lacking awareness or perceiving it too onerous for value delivered. While some embrace Digital Engineering, Design, and Innovation to advance their market position, some continue to experience sub‐optimal results and downstream consequences.

These realities show Systems Engineering becoming inconsequential in today's business settings, to the detriment of success and customer value. Effective storytelling, showcasing situational implementation of the right elements of Systems Engineering, can address this.

Stories engage, inspire, and create connection. When layered with multiple dimensions and meaning, they become timeless.

This paper describes four vignettes about enhancing success in software‐intensive enterprises by leveraging Systems Engineering in context, flexibly and fit for use, and compatibly with other disciplines. The vignettes illustrate how Systems Engineering strengthens performance and positions for flexibility, adaptability, and resilience in a fast‐changing, complex world.

The paper concludes with implications for Systems Engineering outreach, leadership, and influence.
An Introduction to Semantic Threat Analysis for Systems Security Engineering
Authors: Potember Richard S. , Balhana Carlos d'Aragona , Obrst Leo J.
Published: July 2023

The objectives of this paper are (a) to motivate the adoption of semantic graphical models of threat relations and countermeasures in the design and operation of cyber‐physical systems (CPS), and (b) to raise awareness of the various benefits which systems security engineers (SSEs) stand to gain by adopting such practices. Specifically, we propose that a Semantic Threat Analysis (STA) can endow SSEs with a comprehensive, extensible, machine‐readable, and logically inferable model of system features. An STA shaped to the specific architecture and security requirements of a CPS environment can support the identification and visualization of system interdependencies and process flows among network, computing, mechanical, security, and access control components. The proposed STA process presupposes a team‐oriented systems engineering approach employing a combination of subject matter experts (SMEs) and ontologists who can bring their respective expertise together to bear on the task.
Practical Experience Applying Feature‐based Product Line Engineering in a DevOps Environment: Achieving the Best of Both Worlds
Authors: Pedone Chris , Hartley David , Darbin Rowland , Clements Paul
Published: July 2023

Systems and Software Product Line Engineering (PLE) is an engineering discipline to produce and maintain a family of similar products in an efficient manner. It has long been known that managing a product portfolio as a single entity, as opposed to a multitude of separate products, can bring substantial improvements in schedule, cost, and quality. DevOps is an engineering discipline, practiced within an infrastructure of test and deployment automation, that seeks to minimize the time that a change to a product is made, and the product is built, validated, deployed, and made available to the end users. Many organizations find themselves willing to employ both disciplines – that is, to employ DevOps for products in a product line. This paper shows how that can be done, relates a case where it was done, and reports on the substantial benefits that were realized.
Empowering Engineers in a Digital Engineering Transition: Applying organizational psychology and systems thinking approaches to define the problem and to develop recommended actions
Authors: Dawson Sandra , Batchelor Ann
Published: July 2023

As an organization implements an enterprise organizational change: transition from Traditional Document‐based Systems Engineering (TDSE) to Digital Engineering (DE), engineers are critical in accepting and implementing the change. The DE transition impacts established engineering tools, processes, and practices in which the engineers have confidence and know well. Engineers have spent their careers developing a level of competence in TDSE. Uncertainty associated with this organizational change increases stress, decreases job satisfaction, and impacts commitment among engineers. The engineering culture reflects attitudes of resistance and uncertainty.

This paper analyzes the DE transition from organizational psychology and systems thinking approaches. The combination of these two approaches enables the identification of an intervention and recommended actions to empower engineers in the DE transition. With consideration of the research findings in the organizational psychology literature search and applying systems thinking tools, three actions of the intervention are proposed focusing on knowledge transfer, training, and communication.
The ISO‐15288 technical processes, system maturity, and conceptual gaps
Authors: Collyer Keith , Wright Liz , Hill Alexander
Published: July 2023

ISO 15288 and the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook define technical (and other) processes but do not really explain why we need all of them. This paper formalizes the technical processes specifically in terms of the changes in maturity that each enacts and why these particular changes are necessary. This in turn clarifies the need for each process and places the processes on a sound philosophical footing.
A Data‐Centric System Architecture Model Development Process Emphasizing Rapid Tempo and Quality
Authors: Swickline Chris , Jugovic Heidi
Published: July 2023

For years the system engineering community has been armed with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and a host of vendor provided tools to facilitate requirements, architecture and design development. Nonetheless, teams repeatedly struggle to apply MBSE in part because they do not have a method to complement the language and the tools. This paper seeks to offer elements of method focusing on process, a powerful style to enable teamwork in a model, and set of flexible approaches to guide work which is consistent with that style. This paper focuses on an easy to use process for building a System Architecture Model (SAM), allowing for tailoring to meet program‐specific needs. The paper identifies and encourages the use of a variety of SAM development approaches which are focused on the themes of data centricity, consistency, commonality in style, and efficiently creating content that will answer most engineering questions related to architecture. This process is implemented in SysML as a “One Page Process”, and made openly available for download. Furthermore, automated validation via a rules‐based engine is leveraged to catch and correct defects nearly as quickly as they are generated as well as scale SAM development across a large diverse team of contributors. By leveraging and tailoring this process to meet program needs, one may improve the quality, development tempo, and rigor of their SAM.
Prioritization of Best Practices in the Implementation of Model‐Based Systems Engineering
Authors: Ploeg Cacia , Lai Kimberly , Olechowski Alison
Published: July 2023

Model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) is a form of systems engineering that is reported to lead to many benefits; yet few companies have successfully implemented MBSE, partly due to a predominance of guidance for adoption that does not recognize differences in organizational context. This paper uses a combination of a literature review and semi‐structured interviews to evaluate the hypothesis that the applicability of best practices varies on a case‐by‐case basis due to factors such as company size, industry, and location. A list of best practices is compiled from existing works and validated with interviews, ultimately resulting in a more complete and accurate list of best practices, along with a recommendation that each company should uniquely assess their circumstances and prioritize this list of best practices accordingly. The findings presented in this paper provide improved guidance towards the use of best practices for successful MBSE implementation.
The WHO abortion care guideline: Law and policy—Past, present, and future
Authors: Erdman Joanna N.
Published: July 2023

In the 2022 Abortion Care Guideline, the World Health Organization (WHO) undertook systematic evidence reviews of seven law and policy interventions to assess their health and social impacts. Distinct recommendations were formulated for each. The present article highlights how the Guideline reconceptualizes abortion regulation as a complex structural intervention that shapes clinical care and service delivery and distributes risks and resources within these systems and in the care relations that define them. It then presents the Guideline recommendations and summarizes their evidence base, drawing on recent legal and policy developments to emphasize their real‐world significance. The article concludes by anticipating the future of abortion law and policy, focusing on service delivery innovations and diverse care models, drug regulation and the supply of abortion pills, and protective interventions crafted in the context of political crisis and immediate need that serve policy objectives and take regulatory forms different from the past.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Brexpiprazole to Support its Indication and Dose Selection in Adolescents With Schizophrenia
Authors: Wang Yanlin , Wang Xiaofeng , Larsen Frank , Cahill Dana , Zoubroulis Argie , Ward Caroline , Kohegyi Eva , Raoufinia Arash
Published: July 2023

Due to the customary delay between medication approvals in adult and adolescent populations, adolescents with schizophrenia may receive off‐label antipsychotic treatment, without empirically justified dosing recommendations. In order to accelerate pediatric drug development, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a general advice letter to sponsors permitting the effectiveness of atypical antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults to be extrapolated to adolescents based on a pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis to support dose selection, plus a safety study. The aim of the present article is to describe the population PK analysis that was submitted to the FDA to inform brexpiprazole dose selection in adolescents with schizophrenia. Using a population PK model with brexpiprazole clearance and volume of distribution allometrically scaled by body weight, PK simulations showed comparable brexpiprazole dose–exposure between adults and adolescents aged 13‐17 years following oral daily doses of brexpiprazole 1‐4 mg, indicating that the target brexpiprazole dose of 2‐4 mg/day in adults with schizophrenia is also suitable for adolescents. Based on this population PK analysis, together with a safety study in adolescents, the FDA approved brexpiprazole for the treatment of schizophrenia in adolescents aged 13‐17 years, via extrapolation of the efficacy of brexpiprazole from adults to adolescents.
The effect of obesity on uterine receptivity is mediated by endometrial extracellular vesicles that control human endometrial stromal cell decidualization and trophoblast invasion
Authors: Galio Laurent , Bernet Laetitia , Rodriguez Yoann , Fourcault Camille , Dieudonné Marie‐Noëlle , Pinatel Hélène , Henry Céline , Sérazin Valérie , Fathallah Khadija , Gagneux Anissa , Krupova Zuzana , Vialard François , Santos Esther Dos
Published: July 2023

The objectives of the present study were to determine whether obesity impacts human decidualization and the endometrial control of trophoblast invasion (both of which are required for embryo implantation) and evaluate the potential involvement of endometrial extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the regulation of these physiological processes. Using primary human cell cultures, we first demonstrated that obesity is associated with significantly lower in vitro decidualization of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). We then showed that a trophoblastic cell line's invasive ability was greater in the presence of conditioned media from cultures of ESCs from obese women. The results of functional assays indicated that supplementation of the culture medium with EVs from nonobese women can rescue (at least in part) the defect in in vitro decidualization described in ESCs from obese women. Furthermore, exposure to endometrial EVs from obese women (vs. nonobese women) was associated with significantly greater invasive activity by HTR‐8/SVneo cells. Using mass‐spectrometry‐based quantitative proteomics, we found that EVs isolated from uterine supernatants of biopsies from obese women (vs. nonobese women) presented a molecular signature focused on cell remodelling and angiogenesis. The proteomics analysis revealed two differentially expressed proteins (fibronectin and angiotensin‐converting enzyme) that might be involved specifically in the rescue of the decidualization capacity in ESCs from obese women; both of these proteins are abundantly present in endometrial EVs from nonobese women, and both are involved in the decidualization process. In conclusion, our results provided new insights into the endometrial EVs’ pivotal role in the poor uterine receptivity observed in obese women.
Apoptosis pathways and osteoporosis: An approach to genomic analysis
Authors: Huang Hsiao‐Ling , Wu Chung‐Ken , Wu Dai‐Jia , Liu Wen‐Hsiu , Lee Ying‐Shiung , Wu Chi‐Ling
Published: July 2023

Background

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone system that causes a decrease in skeletal density and degrades skeletal tissue. Decreased bone quality, so that bones are easily broken, damaged and fractured, is an important public health problem. Previous studies have shown that the maintenance of adult bone mass is not only due to changes in bone marrow and bone cells. By regulating apoptosis, they change the lifespan of each individual. This study influences understanding of the function of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and the importance of controlling the mechanisms of osteoporosis.

Methods

On the National Institute of Biotechnology Information website, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray data and GSE551495 GEO profiles were collected. The gene set enrichment analysis tool was used to confirm the enrichment of genetic sets in relation to the gene set. The collection of C2 gene sets is compiled from the KEGG (https://www.gsea-msigdb.org/gsea/msigdb/human/search.jsp and https://www.kegg.jp/kegg/) online database and REACTOME (https://www.gsea-msigdb.org/gsea/msigdb/human/search.jsp and https://reactome.org/) pathway analysis. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interaction Genes (STRING) website was used to construct and select proteins and genes. The comparative toxicological genomic database (CTD) tools can be used to predict the relationship between apoptosis, osteoporosis‐related genes and interactions between central genes and osteoporosis.

Results

These results generally expand our understanding of the path of apoptosis in osteoporosis. We have discovered genes CASP9, CASP8, CASP3, BAX and TP53 associated with osteoporosis. In activation of KEGG apoptosis and REACTOME, caspase activation through the extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway is characterized by the identification of a subcollection of C2. Other STRINGs show the formation of protein networks and central gene selection, and CTD can accurately predict the relationship between these apoptosis pathways and central genes.

Conclusions

Our research has highlighted the importance of the osteoporosis pathway associated with osteoporosis apoptosis with several analytical approaches. These results have broadened our understanding of the pathways of osteoporosis apoptosis. It is particularly possible to predict the sensitivity and vulnerability to osteoporosis.
Arginine Methylation Regulates Self‐Assembly of Peptides
Authors: Song Jinyan , Mo Xiaowei , Liu Xin , Hu Binbin , Zhang Zeyu , Yu Zhilin
Published: July 2023

Bio‐inspired design of peptides represents one facile strategy for development of supramolecular monomers for self‐assembly into well‐defined nanostructures. Inspired by methylation of arginine during post‐translational modification for manipulating protein functions, herein, the controllable self‐assembly of peptides via rational incorporation of methylated arginine residues into bola‐amphiphilic peptides is reported. A series of bola‐amphiphilic peptides are designed and synthesized either containing natural arginine or methylated arginine and investigate the influence of arginine methylation on peptide assembly. This study finds that incorporation of symmetrically di‐methylated arginine into oppositely charged hexapeptide hex‐SDMAE leads to distinct assembling performance compare to natural peptide hex‐RE. The findings demonstrate that the methylation of rationally designed peptide sequences allows for regulation of self‐assembly of peptides, thus implying the great potential of arginine methylation in establishing controllable peptide assembling systems and creating in situ formulation of biomedical materials in the future.
Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata Projections to the Pedunculopontine Nucleus Modulate Dyskinesia
Authors: Hu Yong , Ma Thong C. , Alberico Stephanie L. , Ding Yunmin , Jin Lingjing , Kang Un Jung
Published: July 2023

Background

Long‐term use of levodopa for Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment is often hindered by development of motor complications, including levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID). The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) and globus pallidus internal segment (GPi) are the output nuclei of the basal ganglia. Dysregulation of SNr and GPi activity contributes to PD pathophysiology and LID.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine whether direct modulation of SNr GABAergic neurons and SNr projections to the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) regulates PD symptoms and LID in a mouse model.

Methods

We expressed Cre‐recombinase activated channelrhodopsin‐2 (ChR2) or halorhodopsin adeno‐associated virus‐2 (AAV2) vectors selectively in SNr GABAergic neurons of Vgat‐IRES‐Cre mice in a 6‐hydroxydopamine model of PD to investigate whether direct optogenetic modulation of SNr neurons or their projections to the PPN regulates PD symptoms and LID expression. The forepaw stepping task, mouse LID rating scale, and open‐field locomotion were used to assess akinesia and LID to test the effect of SNr modulation.

Results

Akinesia was improved by suppressing SNr neuron activity with halorhodopsin. LID was significantly reduced by increasing SNr neuronal activity with ChR2, which did not interfere with the antiakinetic effect of levodopa. Optical stimulation of ChR2 in SNr projections to the PPN recapitulated direct SNr stimulation.

Conclusions

Modulation of SNr GABAergic neurons alters akinesia and LID expression in a manner consistent with the rate model of basal ganglia circuitry. Moreover, the projections from SNr to PPN likely mediate the antidyskinetic effect of increasing SNr neuronal activity, identifying a potential novel role for the PPN in LID. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Decomposition of plate displacements via Kirchhoff–Love displacements
Authors: Griso Georges
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we show that any displacement of a plate is the sum of a Kirchhoff–Love displacement and two terms, one for shear and one for warping. The plate is then loaded so that bending and shear contribute the same order of magnitude to fiber rotation.
Endowment building and use by nonprofits: An integration of theory and practice
Authors: Ely Todd L. , Katz Juniper , Calabrese Thad D.
Published: July 2023

This paper explores issues concerning endowment building, endowment management, and the general perceptions of endowment through the views of leaders of nonprofits that built an endowment. We find that endowment is generally considered meaningful to nonprofit leaders when it provides at least 5% of an organization's annual budget. The initiative for building endowment largely comes from boards of directors, executive directors, or some combination of both. However, external actors—especially foundations—play critical roles. The source of funds for endowments mostly come from major gifts including bequests, even though these gifts often were not solicited. Endowments serve a range of functions for organizations and do seem to alter organizational behavior and outcomes as suggested by the existing literature. Endowment aids organizational sustainability by supporting some reasonable level of annual operating costs. Many nonprofits use the flexibility and freeing up of resources provided by endowment funds for innovation, program enhancement, capacity building, and risk taking. For better or worse, endowments become a key part of a virtuous cycle of legitimacy where the nonprofits' accomplishments, relationships, and reputation attract resources to support activities in perpetuity, thus creating a more capable, stable, and accomplished organization to which additional support is more easily drawn.
Silver Nanoparticles Incorporated PVA‐MC Blends: A Systematic Approach To Understand Its Properties For Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Amrutha N. R. , Dhale Mohan A. , Job Ahina , Divyalakshmi K. , Jeevan Prasad Reddy D. , Keshava Murthy P. S.
Published: July 2023

Hither‐to‐unknown one‐pot method for the synthesis and stabilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate (AgNO3) through uncross‐linked and cross‐linked polyvinyl alcohol/methyl cellulose (PVA/MC) blend using solution casting method is discussed in detail. The formed films were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and analyzed for its physical, mechanical, biodegradable and antibacterial properties (particle size, water vapour transmission rate, water contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV‐Vis spectroscopy and migration). SEM and TEM results indicated that the formation of silver nanoparticles are spherical in shape as well as nano in size. FTIR spectroscopic analysis indicates the existence of hydrogen bonds in cross‐linked blend and complex of silver (Ag) in uncross‐linked blend. Further, enhanced mechanical, water barrier, and thermal properties are observed for the films containing AgNPs. Antibacterial test by disc diffusion method showed that, uncross‐linked and cross‐linked blend with AgNPs have more inhibition (mm) against L. Monocytogenes (10.33), Klebsiella (9.67) (Gram‐positive) and Salmonella (9.33), E. Coli (8.33) (Gram‐negative) strains respectively. Migration studies demonstrated that the developed films could be suitable for fatty food packaging.
Cyanide Recognition and Phase‐Selective Removal of Toxic Cationic Dyes from Water Using a New Naphthalimide‐coupled Poly (aryl ether) Gelator
Authors: Ghosh Subhasis , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: July 2023

In the work, a new naphthalimide‐linked poly(aryl ether) gelator 1 has been designed and synthesized. It forms gels in various organic and aquous organic solvents and exhibits aggregation‐induced enhancement of emission (AIEE) through the tuning of gelling solvent. Gels are of good viscoelastic nature showing higher magnitude of G′ over G′′ and exhibit fibrous morphology. Among the different gels, DMSO : H2O (7 : 3, v/v) gel with considerable rigidity selectively detects CN− over the other anions via deprotonation mechanism and involves a gel‐to‐sol colour change. In addition, n‐butanol : H2O (9 : 2, v/v) gel shows the same property. The water in gelling medium has the pertinent role in anion recognition selectivity, aggregation and AIEE. While in solution F− interferes in CN− sensing, there is no interference of it in the gel state. Besides sensing, n‐butanol gel of 1 removes the toxic cationic dyes from wastewater to the extent of 98–99 % in phase selective manner.
Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Selective Separation Genistein from the Extract ofFlemingia philippinensisMerr. et Rolfe
Authors: Zhang Gaorong , Wei Yunjiao , Lu Junyu , Cao Lixian , Wei Zheng , Lai Hongfang
Published: July 2023

In this work, a kind of genistein magnetic imprinted polymers (Gen‐MMIPs) was successfully synthesized via surface molecular imprinting technique, in which genistein (Gen) and Fe3O4were used as the template molecule and the carrier, respectively. The obtained Gen‐MMIPs were characterized by TEM, VSM, FT‐IR, and XRD. The adsorption capacity of Gen‐MMIPs for Gen is 33.23 mg/g, with the kinetic adsorption of Gen‐MMIPs reaching equilibrium in 30 min. The imprinting factor (α) is 2.15, which indicated that the Gen‐MMIPs had good selectivity, high binding capacity. The Gen‐MMIPs were evaluated to separate genistein from the crude sample ofFlemingia philippinensisMerr. et Rolfe, which showed that the Gen‐MMIPs can be applied to separate genistein from complicated samples of natural products. These results indicated that the Gen‐MMIPs have great potential for efficient separation and enrichment of genistein in complicated samples.
The octopus that shrank: A historical analysis of how multinationals address policy and contractual uncertainty in a global value chain
Authors: Bucheli Marcelo , Ciravegna Luciano , Sáenz Luis Felipe
Published: July 2023

Research Summary

We analyze how the evolution of the broad institutional environment influences the vertical integration strategy of a multinational corporation (MNC) leading a global value chain (GVC). We develop a history‐to‐theory study based on the evolution of the banana GVC between 1899 and 1991. We argue that when a MNC's bargaining power vis‐à‐vis the host government is strong, it will choose a governance structure that addresses contractual uncertainty. When the MNC's bargaining power declines because of changes in the institutional environment, it will prioritize a governance structure that protects its assets. We analyze the evolution of MNC's bargaining power as a result of the interaction of three levels of the institutional environment: global, home country, and host country.

Managerial Summary

Our study examines vertical integration decisions in a global value chain (GVC) throughout its historical evolution. Using historical sources, we show that when MNC managers perceive their bargaining power to be sufficient to protect them from hostile government actions in host countries, their main concern is that of governing their activities as efficiently as possible by amongst others vertically integrating asset‐specific transactions. When their bargaining power declines, MNCs become more concerned with shielding their assets and rents from expropriations by host‐country governments, thus retreating from vertical integration. We illustrate that the bargaining power of MNCs changes as events at the global, home, and host country levels unfold. For example, MNCs' bargaining power declines in periods featuring economic nationalism, such as the 1960s–1970s.
In Situ Loading of Cu Nanocrystals on CsCuCl3 for Selective Photoreduction of CO2 to CH4
Authors: Zhao Hai‐Bing , Huang Jia‐Nan , Qin Qi , Chen Hong‐Yan , Kuang Dai‐Bin
Published: July 2023

Rational design and facile synthesis of efficient environmentally friendly all‐inorganic lead‐free halide perovskite catalysts are of great significance in photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Aiming at photogenerated charge carrier separation and CO2 reaction dynamics, in this paper, a CsCuCl3/Cu nanocrystals (NCs) heterojunction catalyst is designed and synthesized via a simple acid‐etching solution process by using Cu2O as the sacrificed template. Due to the disproportionation reaction of Cu2O induced by concentrated hydrochloric acid, Cu NCs can be deposited onto the surface of CsCuCl3 microcrystals directly and tightly. As revealed by photoelectrochemical analysis, in situ Fourier transform infrared spectra, etc., the Cu NCs contribute a lot to extracting photoelectrons of CsCuCl3 to improve the charge separation efficiency, regulating the CO2 adsorption and activation, and also stabilizing the reaction intermediates. Therefore, CsCuCl3/Cu heterojunction exhibits a total electron consumption rate of 58.77 µmol g−1 h−1, which is 2.9‐fold of that of single CsCuCl3. Moreover, high CH4 selectivity of up to 92.7% is achieved, which is much higher than that of CsCuCl3 (50.4%) and most lead‐free halide perovskite‐based catalysts. This work provides an ingenious but simple strategy to rationally design cocatalysts in situ decorated perovskite catalysts for manipulating both the catalytic activity and the product selectivity.