bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Small Proteins Adjust the Metabolism of Cyanobacteria Under Stress
Authors: Kraus Alexander , Hess Wolfgang R.
Published: December 2024

Several recently discovered small proteins of less than 100 amino acids control important, but sometimes surprising, steps in the metabolism of cyanobacteria. There is mounting evidence that a large number of small protein genes have also been overlooked in the genome annotation of many other microorganisms. Although too short for enzymatic activity, their functional characterization has frequently revealed the involvement in processes such as signaling and sensing, interspecies communication, stress responses, metabolism, regulation of transcription and translation, and in the formation of multisubunit protein complexes. Cyanobacteria are the only prokaryotes that perform oxygenic photosynthesis. They thrive under a wide variety of conditions as long as there is light and must cope with dynamic changes in the environment. To acclimate to these fluctuations, frequently small regulatory proteins become expressed that target key enzymes and metabolic processes. The consequences of their actions are profound and can even impact the surrounding microbiome. This review highlights the diverse functions of recently discovered small proteins that control cyanobacterial metabolism. It also addresses why many of these proteins have been overlooked so far and explores the potential for implementing metabolic engineering strategies to improve the use of cyanobacteria in biotechnological applications.
Systematic Investigations of the Solid Solution Zr(V1–xAlx)2 Adopting the Laves Phase Structures
Authors: Gießelmann Elias C. J. , Schumacher Lars , Matar Samir F. , Engel Stefan , Kickelbick Guido , Janka Oliver
Published: December 2024

Laves phases are an interesting field of research when it comes to structural chemistry and physical properties. Investigations of the ternary system Zr–V−Al showed, in contrast to the system Hf–V−Al, that no superstructures can be observed within the solid solution Zr(V1–xAlx)2. High values of x form aluminum rich phases that adopt the hexagonal MgZn2 type structure while low values of x lead to vanadium rich phases that adopt the cubic MgCu2 type. All samples were investigated by powder X‐ray diffraction experiments. Single crystal studies indicated that no superstructure formation is present in the investigated samples. 27Al MAS NMR investigations confirmed these findings. For ZrAl2, quantum‐chemical calculations helped with the analysis of the 27Al NMR spectrum of the binary endmember of the solid solution. Some of the prepared samples were investigated with respect to their magnetic properties. The investigated compounds show Pauli‐paramagnetism, in Zr(V0.875Al0.125)2 in addition superconductivity with a critical temperature of TC=4.17(1) K was observed. Investigations of compositions that do not belong to the Laves phase regime clearly indicate that the MgZn2 type structure is still the dominant phase. Regardless of the starting composition chosen, the hexagonal Laves phase was mostly present.
Optimization of process parameters in supercritical CO2 extraction of rose essential oil: Evaluation of phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant profiles
Authors: He Aimin , Suharmiati Suharmiati , Putra Nicky Rahmana
Published: December 2024

This study explores the optimization of supercritical CO2 extraction parameters (pressure, temperature, and flow rate) to maximize the yield and bioactive content in rose essential oil. Experiments covered a pressure range of 20–30 MPa, temperatures of 40–60°C, and flow rates from 2 to 6 mL/min, aiming to elucidate the effects of these variables on extraction outcomes. Findings indicate that a pressure of 20 MPa, temperature range of 40–50°C, and flow rate of 2–4 mL/min achieved optimal extraction, enhancing both yield and bioactive compound solubility. These specific conditions preserved high levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, directly boosting the antioxidant potency of the oil. The non‐linear interaction of each parameter highlights the critical balance needed for efficient extraction. This optimized process not only improves the economic viability of rose essential oil production by maximizing bioactive yields but also supports applications in therapeutic and cosmetic fields due to the oil's enriched antioxidant profile.
A Yeast‐Based Assay for Inhibitors of l‐Lactate Transport Utilizing Fluorescent Biosensors
Authors: Tiedjens Finn , Menzel Maike , Stahnke Pauline , Grotewold Hanna , Uzun Cane , Yildirim Derya , Beitz Eric
Published: December 2024

Inhibitors of ʟ‐lactate transport are in development as a novel mode of action in antitumor therapy and malaria. Previously, we used radiolabeled ʟ‐lactate to assay transport via the human monocarboxylate transporter 1, MCT1, and the structurally unrelated malaria parasite's transporter, PfFNT. We encountered a sensitivity limit at IC50 around 100 nM possibly resulting from the required high cell number per sample. Here, we describe a sensitive background‐free high‐throughput assay in yeast based on fluorescent iLACCO biosensors. We used iLACCO for co‐expression and fusions with the transporter protein. Uptake of ʟ‐lactate produced strong intensiometric fluorescent responses that could be monitored in cell suspensions using a fluorometer and in individual cells by fluorescence microscopy. The signal decreased dose‐dependently in the presence of specific MCT1 and PfFNT inhibitors. Re‐evaluation of 36 PfFNT inhibitors yielded IC50 values below 100 nM now matching previous data on Ki compound affinity to isolated transporter protein.
Population Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic and Exposure‐Response Modeling Analyses of Sotatercept in Healthy Participants and Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Ait‐Oudhia Sihem , Jaworowicz David , Hu Ziheng , Gaurav Mitali , Barcomb Heather , Hu Shuai , Bihorel Sébastien , Balasubrahmanyam Budda , Mistry Bipin , de Oliveira Pena Janethe , Wenning Larissa , Gheyas Ferdous
Published: December 2024

Sotatercept is a breakthrough, first‐in‐class biologic, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Exposure‐response (E‐R) analyses and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling were performed for sotatercept after intravenous and subcutaneous (SC) administrations. Clinical endpoints included 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and probability of N‐terminal pro‐B natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentrations < 300 pg/mL for efficacy, and hemoglobin (Hgb) for safety from two Phase 1 studies, two Phase 2 studies, and one Phase 3 study. E‐R models using nonlinear mixed effect modeling approach were developed for 6MWD and PVR, while Cox proportional hazards model and semi‐mechanistic PK/PD model were used for NT‐proBNP and Hgb. Covariate analyses were conducted to identify significant predictors of variability for each of these clinical endpoints. Modeling results showed that increasing sotatercept average concentration (Cavg) at week 24 is associated with increased predicted 6MWD, increased probability of NT‐proBNP concentration < 300 pg/mL, decreased predicted PVR, and increased Hgb which was clinically manageable. All these responses approached their corresponding plateaus at a Cavg range associated with the dose of 0.7 mg/kg Q3W SC. Statistically relevant covariates included age and iron supplementation which slightly increased Hgb‐mediated effect for 6MWD, PAH disease duration, and baseline therapy infusion with prostacyclin for PVR, and WHO functional class for NT‐proBNP. The magnitudes of the impact of these covariates are not clinically meaningful. Taken together, these results support an appropriate benefit–risk profile for the FDA‐approved target dose for sotatercept of 0.7 mg/kg Q3W SC.
Establishing Immortalized Brown and White Preadipocyte Cell Lines from Young and Aged Mice
Authors: Wu Xiangdong , Elsaid Salaheldeen , Levet Florian , Li Winson , Tee Sui Seng
Published: December 2024

Studying adipogenesis and adipocyte biology requires the isolation of primary preadipocytes from adipose tissues. However, primary preadipocytes have a limited lifespan, can only undergo a finite number of divisions, and often lose their original biological characteristics before becoming senescent. The repeated isolation of fresh preadipocytes, particularly from young pups or aged animals, is costly and time consuming. Immortalization of these cells offers a solution by overcoming cellular senescence and maintaining proliferative capacity, allowing for long‐term studies without the continuous need to isolate new cells from animals. Immortalized cell lines thus provide a consistent and reproducible experimental model, significantly reducing variability across different animals. However, successfully establishing immortalized preadipocyte cell lines presents challenges, including selecting appropriate adipose tissue depots, isolating primary preadipocytes, and choosing an effective immortalization strategy. In this article, we present optimized protocols and share first‐hand experiences establishing immortalized brown and white preadipocyte cell lines from young and aging mice. These protocols offer a valuable resource for researchers studying adipogenesis and metabolism. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Support Protocol 1: Retrovirus production

Basic Protocol 1: Isolation and culture of primary brown and white preadipocytes from mouse interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) in the same region

Basic Protocol 2: Immortalization of mouse brown and white preadipocytes

Basic Protocol 3: Selection of immortalized preadipocytes

Basic Protocol 4: Selection of single‐cell clones of immortalized mouse preadipocytes

Basic Protocol 5: Single‐cell sorting in a 96‐well plate using a flow cytometer for the selection of single‐cell clones of immortalized preadipocytes

Support Protocol 2: Cryopreservation of immortalized mouse preadipocytes

Support Protocol 3: Thawing and culture of cryopreserved immortalized mouse preadipocytes

Support Protocol 4: Subculture and expansion of immortalized mouse preadipocytes

Basic Protocol 6: Differentiation of immortalized mouse brown and white preadipocytes

Support Protocol 5: Identification of differentiated white and brown adipocytes
Is Transformative Dialogue a Possible and Justifiable Intervention for Resolving Intractable Conflicts?
Authors: Bekkers Florian
Published: December 2024

The world is suffering from intractable conflicts. Societies and families are torn apart and individuals are threatened in their existence. In this article, three controverses are explored about how to deal with intractable conflicts. In taking a closer look, these intractable conflicts can be understood as “identity‐related.” It can be shown that this identity dimension of a conflict is not sufficiently addressed by argumentation and negotiation. Still, accepting that some differences in value and belief seem so fundamentally incompatible that we should give up striving for a solution need not be the conclusion. There are decades of positive reports of practical experience with various transformative methods on a microscale available that can be taken on to develop interventions to solve intractable conflicts on a societal level. Is it possible and justifiable to develop and institutionalize “transformation” as a third general approach next to argumentation and negotiation? Can interventions aiming at a transformation of self‐understanding and identity be introduced without manipulation and infringement of autonomy?
Fezolinetant: A Non‐hormonal NK3R Antagonist for the Treatment of Hot Flushes and Vasomotor Symptoms
Authors: Yadav Arpita , Verma Manoj K. , Sharma Arun K. , Chaudhary Anu , Bhartiya Sudha
Published: December 2024

Background

Menopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flashes (also known as night sweats), are experienced by 70% of women. These symptoms may be debilitating and last for many years. For 10%–20% of women, these symptoms are almost unbearable. Several pharmacotherapeutic approaches have been evaluated, and more are continually being developed. Although hormone therapy (HT) is often considered the most effective treatment, it is frequently accompanied by significant adverse effects. Consequently, there is a concerted effort to explore non‐hormonal alternatives.

Objectives

The present study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key milestones and development trajectory of Fezolinetant from the preclinical stages to its FDA approval for the treatment of VMS.

Method

Fezolinetant's development trajectory was undertaken, employing a multifaceted information retrieval strategy. This approach leveraged scientific databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, alongside authoritative resources including DrugBank and clinicaltrials.gov. Additionally, peer‐reviewed journals and the official website of Astellas Pharma were meticulously examined to find the relevant information. The present study delves into various stages of Fezolinetant's development, including its medicinal chemistry, synthesis, mechanism of action, and pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies, as well as clinical data, and safety profiles.

Result

On May 12, 2023, the FDA approved Fezolinetant, a non‐hormonal, selective neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist, for treating mild to severe VMS marked on by menopause. It has been developed by Astellas Pharma under the brand name Veozah and is taken orally once a day, with or without meals, at a dose of 45 mg.

Conclusion

Fezolinetant represents a promising non‐hormonal treatment option for women experiencing VMS. The key findings from the studies include the effectiveness of Fezolinetant in alleviating VMS symptoms and its favorable safety profile compared to hormonal therapy.
Plasticity in Hydraulic Architecture: Riparian Trees Respond to Increased Temperatures With Genotype‐Specific Adjustments to Leaf Traits
Authors: Garthwaite Iris J. , Lepp Catherine , Maldonado Zyled S. R. , Blasini Davis , Grady Kevin C. , Gehring Catherine A. , Hultine Kevin R. , Whitham Thomas G. , Allan Gerard J. , Best Rebecca J.
Published: December 2024

Climate means and variability are shifting rapidly, leading to mismatches between climate and locally adapted plant traits. Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of a plant to respond to environmental conditions within a lifetime, may provide a buffer for plants to persist under increasing temperature and water stress. We used two reciprocal common gardens across a steep temperature gradient to investigate plasticity in six populations of Fremont cottonwood, an important foundation tree species in arid riparian ecosystems. We investigated two components of leaf hydraulic architecture: Leaf venation and stomatal morphology, both of which regulate leaf water potential and photosynthesis. These traits will likely affect plant performance under climate stressors, but it is unclear whether they are controlled by genetic or environmental factors and whether they respond to the environment in parallel or independent directions. We found that: (1) Populations had divergent responses to a hotter growing environment, increasing or decreasing vein density. (2) Populations showed surprisingly independent responses of venation vs. stomatal traits. (3) As a result of these different responses, plasticity in hydraulic architecture traits was not predictable from historic climate conditions at population source locations and often varied substantially within populations. (4) Hydraulic architecture was clearly linked to growth, with higher vein and stomatal density predicting greater tree growth in the hottest growing environment. However, higher plasticity in these traits did not increase average growth across multiple environments. Thus, P. fremontii populations and genotypes vary in their capacity to adjust their leaf hydraulic architecture and support growth in contrasting environments, but this plasticity is not clearly predictable or beneficial. Identifying genotypes suitable for future conditions will depend on the relative importance of multiple traits and on both evolutionary and ecological responses to changing temperature and water availability.
Do parents agree about their infant's socioemotional adjustment?
Authors: Egmose Ida , Thode Krogh Marianne , Back Madsen Eva , Væver Mette Skovgaard
Published: December 2024

Parents serve as the primary informants about infant development, wherefore interparent agreement is essential for facilitating timely identification of children at risk. We studied interparent agreement about infant socioemotional adjustment among 323 mothers and fathers/co‐parents of 11‐month‐old infants living in Denmark using The Ages & Stages Questionnaires®: Social‐Emotional, Second Edition (ASQ®:SE‐2). Agreement was assessed through correlation, mean differences, and agreement on different risk levels. We also examined predictors of agreement including child gender, duration of paternity leave, parental educational level, and parenting stress. Finally, interaction effects between parents’ educational levels and parenting stress were also examined. Results showed moderate correlations and a small mean difference between parents’ total scores, with mothers reporting better infant socioemotional adjustment than fathers. There were also significant differences in terms of placing the child at different risk levels, emphasizing the practical implications of interparent disagreement for screening purposes. Interparent disagreement was predicted by an interaction effect between parents’ levels of parenting stress. Results showed that when fathers/co‐parents experience low levels of parenting stress, higher levels of parenting stress among mothers are associated with more disagreement. The study is limited as the sample primarily comprises parents of Danish origin with high educational levels.
A Femtosecond Fiber Laser‐Based Compact Label‐Free Multimodality Nonlinear Optical Microscopy and Its Ex Vivo Bioimaging
Authors: Chen Jia , Li QingZhu , Zhang ZhanQin , Bratchenko Ivan A. , Su Hui , Wang Shuang
Published: December 2024

Nonlinear multimode imaging is a versatile tool to realize complex structural and compositional information of biological samples. In this study, we presented a novel integrated multimode nonlinear optical microscopy system by using an Er3 + −doped femtosecond fiber laser. The system could perform second harmonic generation (SHG), third harmonic generation (THG), and three‐photon fluorescence (3PEF) imaging modes simultaneously. Using this imaging system, we detected signals from plant cell walls, as well as starch particles in potatoes, chloroplasts in leaves, and onion cells wall‐to‐membrane linkers: Hechtian strands. Visualizations of skin structures such as stratum corneum, epidermal intercellular structures, hair follicles, and collagen were also achieved by a spatial resolution of 1.67 μm for 3PEF, 1.5 μm for THG, and 2.67 μm for SHG modalities, respectively. After spatial resolution improved by changing a high N.A objective, the system could be used for a variety of biological applications, including in vivo label‐free imaging of living animals and deep microscopic imaging.
Global Frictions: Foreign Aid, Donor–Recipient Relations and LGBT+ Rights in Tanzania
Authors: Brown Stephen
Published: December 2024

In 2018, a Tanzanian government official announced a crackdown on homosexuality. International actors rapidly expressed their disapproval and temporarily suspended some foreign aid, which elicited a negative response from the Tanzanian government and soured donor–recipient relations. The incident was short‐lived, however, and expressed mainly at the symbolic level and does not appear to have achieved any change in policies or practices either among the donors or in Tanzania. How should one interpret this sudden eruption of frictions and its lack of impact and what are its implications? I argue that international actors felt pressure to take quick, visible action, regardless of how ineffective those steps could be expected to be. Politicians from Tanzania's ruling party seized this occasion to ramp up anti‐LGBT+ and anti‐donor rhetoric, attempting to strengthen their standing domestically. Both sides used the opportunity to express their identity as either defenders or opponents of LGBT+ rights. This case shows how donor–recipient frictions can be primarily performative and reflect both sides' desire to please their own constituencies without implementing any lasting changes to aid flows or domestic policy in the recipient country.
Improvement of cereal‐ and legume‐derived protein quality with selenium and sulfur for plant food production
Authors: Abdalla Muna Ali , Sumon Munshi Mohammad , Mühling Karl Hermann
Published: December 2024

Selenium (Se) is essential for human and animal health and nutritional status. As humans cannot produce Se, it must be obtained from the diet. Adequate Se supplementation improves innate immunity, increases antioxidant capacity and helps prevent various disorders. Sulfur (S) is an indispensable nutrient that affects plant growth, performance and yield. Cereals and legumes are global staple foods, and their proteins are considered sustainable plant‐based meat alternatives, which are increasingly popular. Owing to their physicochemical similarities, the crosstalk between Se and S influences cereal and grain‐legume derived proteins. Modifications induced by Se and S might improve the protein quality of harvested cereal and legume grains. This timely review not only identifies the knowledge gaps in this research area focusing on Se and S enrichment in cereals and legumes but also emphasizes the potential of this unexplored area for new applications. S enrichment resulted in better quality properties in the bread of wheat flour and stimulated the expression of S‐rich globulins and albumins in legumes. Se supplementation enhanced the emulsifying capacity of legumes (e.g. chickpeas). The improvement of protein fractions in cereal and legume grains has the potential to revolutionize protein processing to offer new alternatives to produce an array of S‐ and Se‐enriched cereal and legume products. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Rice with lower amylose content could have reduced starch digestibility due to crystallized resistant starch synthesized by linearized amylopectin
Authors: Sahoo Upasana , Biswal Monalisha , Nayak Lopamudra , Kumar Ravinder , Tiwari Rahul Kumar , Lal Milan Kumar , Bagchi Torit Baran , Sah Rameswar Prasad , Singh Nihar Ranjan , Sharma Srigopal , Nayak Amaresh Kumar , Kumar Awadhesh
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

High resistant starch (RS) rice with a low glycemic index (GI) is digested more slowly, resulting in a slow increase in the postprandial blood glucose level. People with milled rice as a staple diet, and with sedentary lifestyles, are more prone to acquire type 2 diabetes in the long term. With an increasing population of diabetics worldwide, one possible solution is the development of rice‐based, low‐GI foods with high RS content rice. In addition to amylose content (AC), linear chains of amylopectin also affect the rate of starch digestibility.

RESULTS

The values of GI (52.49–63.0), RS (0.64% to 2.28%), and AC (3.82% to 24.52%) were found to vary widely in 110 rice genotypes. Genotypes IG 23 and IG 40, with contrasting AC (15.65% and 24.52%, respectively), revealed that amylose alone did not affect digestion rate. Starch morphology, bioaccessibility, and pasting properties differed noticeably among genotypes. A starch debranching enzyme pullulanase assay indicated the role of the linear amylopectin chain in crystallized RS formation within the grains of lower AC genotype IG 23.

CONCLUSION

Enhanced activity of the starch‐debranching enzyme pullulanase produced linearized amylopectin resulted into reduced starch digestibility in low‐amylose rice. This is probably the first report on the natural presence of high RS (crystallized) in rice with lower AC (IG 23). Development of rice‐based food with low GI and high RS could be a promising strategy for lowering the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Preparing for 2025
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: December 2024

Well, it's that time of year again. A new year ahead, resolutions to be made and business plans to formalize. It is also an opportune time to consider the challenges that likely lie ahead in the next 12 months for employers seeking to protect their union‐free status and discuss ideas to help address those concerns. This month, Management Report dusts off the proverbial crystal ball to help you successfully tackle the upcoming year.
Quantifying Social Connectedness in Parkinson's Disease: Reliability and Validity of a Clinical Assessment Toolkit
Authors: González David Andrés , Tosin Michelle Hyczy de Siqueira , Warner‐Rosen Tila , Goetz Christopher G.
Published: December 2024

Background

Loneliness and isolation impact health detrimentally but are understudied in Parkinson's disease (PD). Outcome measurement properties for social connection remain unexplored in PD.

Objective

To evaluate the measurement properties of six social connection outcomes in PD.

Methods

We evaluated internal consistency, structural validity, and construct validity for measures of loneliness (brief UCLA Loneliness Scale [ULS3], short and long de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale [dJGLS], social isolation [Cohen Social Network Index–SNI total people, SNI high contact networks], and social support brief Perceived Social Support Scale [PSS]).

Results

We administered measures to 178 PD participants (Mage = 67.9; 81.5% at Hoehn & Yahr stage 2). There was strong internal consistency, content validity across outcomes, and a 1‐factor structure (PSS, ULS3) and a 2‐factor structure (dJGLS) for two measures each.

Conclusions

We provide a toolbox for clinicians and researchers studying social connection in PD.
How to Achieve Cooperative Emission Reduction in Low‐Carbon Service Supply Chains: An Evolutionary Game‐Theoretic Study
Authors: Xu Yingying , Wang Jinshi , Cheng Ao , Wang Lijing
Published: December 2024

In a low‐carbon service supply chain, consisting of a carbon‐dependent manufacturer and a low‐carbon service company, a dual contract for revenue sharing and guaranteed carbon reduction promotes sustainable collaboration and emission reduction. However, adjusting contract terms and collaborative relationships when negative cooperative behavior occurs or a collaboration impasse arises remains underexplored. Thus, we constructed an evolutionary game model to analyze cooperative behaviors between carbon‐dependent manufacturers and low‐carbon service companies. Through stability analysis, we identify conditions for active commitment. Importantly, potential negative strategies may hinder optimal cooperative emission reduction, leading to a cooperative deadlock. Numerical simulations reveal the following: (1) Higher guaranteed carbon reduction targets or moderate liquidated deposit can prevent negative behaviors. (2) Changing the allocation ratio of carbon trading revenue or government subsidies helps the chain move towards cooperation. (3) Service innovation facilitates positive cooperation; however, low‐carbon service companies must possess the capability to translate their level of service innovation into carbon reduction performance. Furthermore, the mechanisms through which utilitarian and exploratory service innovations influence cooperative decision‐making differ. (4) When supply chain members find themselves in a decision‐making impasse, in addition to moderately increasing the carbon reduction guarantee amount or the penalties for failing to meet carbon reduction targets, enhancing the distribution ratio of carbon trading revenues for carbon‐dependent manufacturers, increasing the allocation of government subsidies, and implementing service innovations can also help break the deadlock. (5) Combined carbon trading policies and government subsidies effectively promote sustainability compared to singular adoption. These findings impact cooperative emission reduction in low‐carbon service supply chains and policy formulation. The conclusions of this paper have implications for the maintenance of cooperative emission reduction relationships among members in the operation of low‐carbon service supply chains and the formulation of policies.
Thermoset and thermoplastic polymer composites reinforced with flax fiber: Properties and application—A review
Authors: Islam Shahidul , Hasan Md. Byzed , Karim Fahmida‐E‐ , Kodrić Marija , Islam Md. Redwanul , Khatun Mst. Mohini , Motaleb K. Z. M. Abdul
Published: December 2024

Flax fibers are a viable material for creating sustainable composites since they have mechanical qualities similar to those of synthetic fibers. Because of their unique hydrophilicity and strong mechanical properties, flax fibers should be taken into specific attention while creating composite materials. Vegetable fibers like flax are highly versatile and are frequently utilized in structural composites. Additionally, flax has shown potential in a variety of other uses, including as shipping, automotive, aerospace, and construction. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of advancement in flax fiber reinforcement composite research. The most important research on thermoset and thermoplastic composites reinforced with flax fiber is compiled and analyzed in this article. This article also summarizes the main properties of flax fibers, discusses chemically enhancing their qualities, explains the process of making and analyzing flax fiber composites, and identifies areas that require more research. The article concludes with a few critical ideas and future directions that emphasize the challenges that need to be handled in more in‐depth research and probable composites industrialization.

Highlights

Flax fibers: Structure, composition, and extraction techniques explored.

Polymer matrices in flax fiber composites: Types and processing methods.

Mechanical properties of thermoset and thermoplastic flax fiber reinforced composites.

Applications of flax fiber composites in automotive, construction, and aerospace.

Future potential of flax fiber and hybrid composites in advanced materials.
MuGger Toxins: Exploring the Selective Binding Mechanism of Clostridial Glucosyltransferase Toxin B and Host GTPases
Authors: Camli Damla Nur , Iscil Haci Aslan Onur , Acuner Saliha Ece
Published: December 2024

(a) Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) bacterium can cause severe diarrhea and its over‐colonization in the host's intestinal tract lead to the development of pseudomembranous colitis, generally due to antibiotic usage. The primary exotoxins involved are toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB), the latter being more pathogenic. TcdB has glucosyltransferase activity and mediates monoglycosylation by targeting host cell enzymes (mainly Rho and Ras family of GTPases) with differential selectivity. Here, we aim to provide structural and dynamic insights into how TcdB impacts the host's intestinal epithelial cells focusing on the glycosylation mechanism of Rho GTPases, Cdc42, and Rac1, at the molecular level. To this aim, we modeled the unknown TcdB‐host protein complex structures, based on the available experimental structures of TcdB, through protein–protein docking. Then, we elaborated on TcdB‐Rho GTPase models as TcdB is known to selectively interact with GDP‐bound inactive states of Rho GTPases, over the GTP‐bound active ones, but the mechanism is unclear. Through a total of 6 μs‐long molecular dynamics simulation of TcdB and GTP/GDP‐bound Rac1 and Cdc42 complexes, TcdB's selective binding mechanism was revealed for Rac1. TcdB‐Rac1 complexes were further analyzed with enhanced sampling techniques such as well‐tempered metadynamics simulations and umbrella sampling to reveal selective binding mechanism between TcdB and GDP‐bound Rac1. Our results show that TcdB selectively binds to GDP‐bound Rac1, over the GTP‐bound one, driven by its affinity for the Mg2+ ion. A destabilized Mg2+ ion incapable of coordinating GDP disrupts Rac1's GTPase function, shedding light on the molecular basis of TcdB's pathogenic effects.
Adaptive Fixed‐Time Non‐Smooth Stabilization of Switched Systems With Output Constraints
Authors: Huang Jingxin , Cheng Jiani , Lin Xiangze , Park Ju H.
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the adaptive non‐smooth fixed‐time state feedback stabilization problem of output‐constrained switched systems are investigated. In order to well deal with the output constrains and uncertain parameters, a common barrier Lyapunov function which includes a tangent‐type term of the system state and a quadratic term of the uncertain parameter estimation error is constructed. Adaptive fixed‐time state feedback controllers and parameter update laws are designed by virtue of adding a power integrator technique with some mild assumption imposed on the subsystem's nonlinear terms. Simulation results of a numerical example and a two‐tank liquid‐level system presented in this paper explicitly demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in this paper. Subsystems powers considered in this article only need to be greater than zero, regardless of odd or even numbers, which make the structure of switched systems more general. The proposed method provides us to perform the design of the adaptive fixed‐time stabilizers for switched systems with/without output constraints simultaneously with the same controller structure, which means it has a unified nature.
Second‐Shell Coordination Environment Modulation for MnN4 Active Sites by Oxygen Doping to Boost Oxygen Reduction Performance
Authors: Lin Xuanni , Liu Dong , Shi Lei , Liu Feng , Ye Fenghui , Cheng Ruyi , Dai Liming
Published: December 2024

As a category of transition metal−nitrogen−carbon (M−N−C) catalysts, Mn‐based single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are considered as promising non‐precious metal catalysts for stable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) due to their Fenton‐inactive character (versus Fe) and more abundant earth reserves (versus Ni, Co). However, their ORR activity is unsatisfactory. Besides, the structure‐activity relationship via tuning the coordination environment of the second coordination shell for transition metal single sites is still elusive. Here, a Mn SAC with O doping in the second‐shell of atomically dispersed Mn centers (MnSAC‐O/C) as highly efficient and stable ORR catalyst is developed. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculations verifies the O doping in the second‐shell of Mn center, and reveals the distortion of local environment of Mn center in the MnSAC‐O/C. The MnSAC‐O/C exhibits high ORR performance with a half‐wave potential of 0.898 V, superior to MnSAC‐C, commercial Pt/C and most reported non‐noble metal‐based SACs. More importantly, MnSAC‐O/C based zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) deliver outstanding durability with stable operation exceeding 930 h. Theoretical calculations confirm that O doping breaks the symmetry of charge distribution of MnN4 active center and facilitates OH* desorption, thus attributing to the promoted ORR activity.
Metaphors as Windows into Academic Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Chung Edsoulla , Newton Jonathan
Published: December 2024

Although teachers have access to a great deal of scholarship on teaching academic vocabulary (AV), much less is known about the experiences and perceptions of English language learners regarding AV. To address this gap, we used an online metaphor elicitation survey and follow‐up interviews to collect data from 432 undergraduates at a Hong Kong university on their experience of learning AV. For this paper, we focus on the 199 students whose metaphors related to difficulties or challenges. A thematic analysis of this data showed that about two‐thirds of this subgroup perceived AV to be inherently difficult, while for the other third, the challenge primarily concerned their negative perceptions of their experience or abilities. We conclude by arguing for the value of understanding learner perspectives and proposing specific teaching strategies for addressing each of the perceived challenges.
Feline funny: what's the difference between working in shelter medicine and standup…
Authors: Roberts Maggie
Published: December 2024

Watch this space! After a varied career and many happy years at Cats Protection, Maggie Roberts took a new turn and, not one to shy away from a challenge, she started a new venture and did a standup comedy course.
Dynamics of variable thermal conductivity and multiple slip conditions in a Carreau hybrid nanofluid flow past a stretching sheet
Authors: Sharma Ram Prakash , Badak Kirnu , Khan Umair , Ishak Anuar , Sherif El‐Sayed M. , Wróblewski Piotr
Published: December 2024

The influence of thermal radiation, multiple slip boundary conditions, and binary chemical reaction on the three‐dimensional circulation of unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) natural convection Carreau hybrid nanofluid () across a stretching sheet comprised of heat source/sink (H‐SS) and variable thermal conductivity are investigated. Runge‐Kutta‐Fehlberg 4th‐5th order (RKF‐45), in conjunction with the shooting approach, is utilized for numerical computation. Computed solutions indicate that the volume fraction of silicon dioxide and velocity slip parameters tends to retard the velocity profile. It is inferred from the graphs that temperature profile upsurges with enhancing the magnitude of thermal Grashof number, H‐SS parameter, mass Grashof number, variable conductivity parameter, and radiative parameter, whereas converse effects for thermal slip parameter. The chemical reaction parameter and solutal slip constraint tend to decrease the concentration profile. Furthermore, the heat transfer phenomenon uplifts with the consideration of radiative effects, while the mass transfer rate diminishes with enhancing the magnitude of magnetic parameters and activation energy.
§ 6 Das Unternehmen gehört sich selbst – die Gesellschaft mit gebundenem Vermögen
Authors: Harke Jan Dirk
Published: December 2024

Auf Initiative der Stiftung „Verantwortungseigentum“ legte eine Arbeitsgruppe von Wissenschaftlern im Jahr 2020 den ersten Entwurf für eine Ergänzung des Gesetzes betreffend die Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung vor. Sie enthielt Bestimmungen für eine Variante dieser Rechtsform, die zunächst nach dem Namen der Stiftung „GmbH in Verantwortungseigentum“ heißen sollte. Mit ihr wollte die Arbeitsgruppe den passenden Rahmen für die Tätigkeit von Unternehmern schaffen, denen es statt um die Maximierung des eigenen Profits allein um den Erhalt eines leistungsfähigen Unternehmens geht. Diese dem Credo der Nachhaltigkeit folgende Zielsetzung verleiht der Arbeit der Gesellschafter aus Sicht der Arbeitsgruppe einen treuhänderischen Charakter: Sie wollten das Unternehmen nicht im eigenen finanziellen Interesse, sondern für die Mitarbeiter und die kommenden Unternehmergenerationen führen. Einen gesetzlichen Ausdruck sollte dies darin finden, dass den Gesellschaftern ungeachtet ihrer Leitungsmacht der Zugriff auf das Gesellschaftsvermögen und den Unternehmensgewinn versagt bleibt. Umsetzbar ist ein solches Konzept schon nach geltendem Recht, wenn man sich des Instituts der Stiftung bedient. Dieser Weg erschien den Mitgliedern der Arbeitsgruppe aber deshalb schwergängig, weil Stiftungen nicht auf eine Unternehmensträgerschaft angelegt und in ihrer Leitung weniger flexibel als eine GmbH seien. Wo sie doch als Unternehmensträger eingesetzt werden, seien die Konstruktionen zu schwierig und ihre Errichtung zu kostenintensiv, als dass sie sich für mittelständische Unternehmen oder gar für start ups eigneten.
§ 7 Die Natur als Eigentümerin – Anthropozäne Eigentumsordnung und konviviales Nachhaltigkeitsprinzip
Authors: Kersten Jens
Published: December 2024

Im Anthropozän sind die Menschen – genauer: die Menschen des Globalen Nordens – selbst zu einer Naturgewalt geworden. Das exponentielle Artensterben, die dynamische Klimakatastrophe und die globale Vermüllung sind der sichtbarste Ausdruck dieser anthropozänen Entwicklung. Für die besondere Dynamik dieser Entwicklung ist vor allem auch die Eigentumsordnung der Gesellschaften des Globalen Nordens verantwortlich. Die Unterwerfung der Natur kommt in dem eigentumsrechtlichen Grundsatz „Natur hat man zu haben“ zum Ausdruck. Deshalb ist es an der Zeit, eine anthropozäne Eigentumsordnung zu entwickeln, in der die Natur eine Eigentümerin ist.
The Effects of Thermomagnetic Treatment on the Magnetic Properties of Nanocrystalline Fe–O and Fe-Co–O Pressed Compacts
Authors: Lileev A. S. , Kargin J. , Konyukhov Y. V. , Zhukov D. G. , Cornejo H. Sanchez , Seo Ji Won , Holmes S. N. , Aguiar J. Albino , Barnes C. H. W. , De Los Santos Valladares L.
Published: December 2024

The influence of thermal and thermomagnetic treatment on the magnetic properties of iron—cobalt oxides compacts fabricated by powder metallurgy is studied. The influence of magnetic pulse processing (MPP) on the formation of the phase composition and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline α-Fe (50%) + Fe2O3 (50%); α-Fe (50%) + Fe2O3 (40%) + Co3O4 (10%) and α-Fe (50%) + Fe2O3 (30%) + Co3O4 (20%) pressed powder compacts during synthesis in a high-energy mill and subsequent annealing have been investigated. According to the X-ray diffraction analysis, annealing α-Fe (50%) + Fe2O3 (50%) pressed samples at 250 ℃ in air, promotes the oxidation of α-Fe and FeO to magnetite (Fe3O4). Additional annealing of the compact in vacuum at 250 ℃ increases its remnant magnetization and magnetic anisotropy. Whereas, increasing the concentration of Co3O4 oxide has no strong effect on the coercivity and residual magnetization of the compacts. Eventually, thermomagnetic treatment of the α-Fe (50%) + Fe2O3 (30%) + Co3O4 (20%) system does not improve its magnetic properties.
Regulation of the blood-brain barrier function by peripheral cues in health and disease
Authors: Devraj Kavi , Kulkarni Onkar , Liebner Stefan
Published: December 2024

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is formed by microvascular endothelial cells which are ensembled with pericytes, astrocytes, microglia and neurons in the neurovascular unit (NVU) that is crucial for neuronal function. Given that the NVU and the BBB are highly dynamic and regulated structures, their integrity is continuously challenged by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Herein, factors from peripheral organs such as gonadal and adrenal hormones may influence vascular function also in CNS endothelial cells in a sex- and age-dependent manner. The communication between the periphery and the CNS likely takes place in specific areas of the brain among which the circumventricular organs have a central position due to their neurosensory or neurosecretory function, owing to physiologically leaky blood vessels. In acute and chronic pathological conditions like liver, kidney, pulmonary disease, toxins and metabolites are generated that reach the brain via the circulation and may directly or indirectly affect BBB functionality via the activation of the immunes system. For example, chronic kidney disease (CKD) currently affects more than 840 million people worldwide and is likely to increase along with western world comorbidities of the cardio-vascular system in continuously ageing societies. Toxins leading to the uremic syndrome, may further lead to neurological complications such as cognitive impairment and uremic encephalopathy. Here we summarize the effects of hormones, toxins and inflammatory reactions on the brain vasculature, highlighting the urgent demand for mechanistically exploring the communication between the periphery and the CNS, focusing on the BBB as a last line of defense for brain protection.
Desire and Motivation in Predictive Processing: An Ecological-Enactive Perspective
Authors: Kiverstein Julian , Miller Mark , Rietveld Erik
Published: December 2024

The predictive processing theory refers to a family of theories that take the brain and body of an organism to implement a hierarchically organized predictive model of its environment that works in the service of prediction-error minimization. Several philosophers have wondered how belief-like states of prediction account for the conative role desire plays in motivating a person to act. A compelling response to this challenge has begun to take shape that starts from the idea that certain predictions are prioritized in the predictive processing hierarchy. We use the term “first priors” to refer to such predictions. We will argue that agents use first priors to engage in affective sense-making. What has been missing in the literature that seeks to understand desire in terms of predictive processing is a recognition of the role of affective sense-making in motivating action. We go on to describe how affective sense-making can play a role in the context-sensitive shifting assignments of precision to predictions. Precision expectations refer to estimates of the reliability of predictions of the sensory states that are the consequences of acting. Given the role of affect in modulating precision-estimation, we argue that agents will tend to experience their environment through the lens of their desires as a field of inviting affordances. We will show how PP provides a neurocomputational framework that can bridge between first-person phenomenological descriptions of what it is to be a desiring creature, and a third-person, ecological-enactive analysis of desire.
The entrepreneur’s well-being: current state of the literature and main theories
Authors: Barbosa Rodrigo Morency Arouca , Pérez-Nebra Amalia Raquel , Villajos Esther , González-Ladrón-De-Guevara Fernando
Published: December 2024

This study aims to identify the main trends, theories, and possible future research directions on entrepreneurs’ well-being, a topic related to venture performance and exit intentions. To achieve this, we proceeded with a scoping review of the entrepreneurs’ well-being. We first identified articles that discussed the entrepreneur’s well-being and used bibliometric tools to analyze trends. Secondly, we used scientific mapping to identify distinct research clusters and qualitatively analyze the main theories used in each cluster. We identified four main theoretical models on this growing subject: (a) job-demand resource model, (b) self-efficacy model, (c) stress models, and (d) entrepreneurship models. As future research directions, we identified the need to use more theories that consider contextual variables, more studies from and about developing countries, and an expansion of studies on possible interventions to improve entrepreneurial well-being.
Cross-Cultural Collaboration in Popular Music
Authors: Martin Toby , Beladi Seyed MohammadReza , Lan Đăng
Published: December 2024

Cross-cultural collaboration in popular music represents opportunities for the audibility of multiple voices and the creation of new sounds, but it also presents many challenges. These challenges are both musical – that is, how to technically match voices – and ethical – that is, how to negotiate historically entrenched power discrepancies. Practice-based research has recently developed as a field in popular music studies. This burgeoning area has much to offer in terms of new knowledge, based on embodied insights, lived experience, and an arts practice. Through a practitioner-centred account of three projects involving traditional Persian and Vietnamese musicians, and western folk/rock musicians, this Element suggests pragmatic strategies and conceptual frameworks for making pop music with people of different cultural backgrounds.