bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘That's the bloodline’: Does Kinship and care translate to Kinship care?
Authors: Beaufils James
Published: October 2022

Kinship for First Nations people is a fundamental, yet complex, element of one's culture, enabling both belonging and relationality, and extending beyond blood family and relations. Kinship is also recognized as important within out‐of‐home care (OOHC) systems, with kinship care being the predominant OOHC placement type in Australia (AIHW, 2021). However, when First Nations children and young people are removed by the state, and placed into OOHC, it is important to interrogate whether kinship placements enable cultural connection and continuity with First Nations ways of understanding Kinship. This article begins by contextualising current OOHC policy and practice in Australia where a westernised and homogenised concept of kinship care is touted as similar to First Nations notions of Kinship. Here, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle (ATSICPP) has become oversimplified by equating kinship care with relative care, thus creating ambiguity in care and placements in OOHC, voiding First Nations traditions and ways of understanding Kinship while a young person is in care. This article then reports the findings of qualitative interviews with 37 First Nations and non‐Indigenous people concerning the use of the term ‘Kinship’ in OOHC in New South Wales (NSW), how it is operationalised and how it is understood. Wide‐ranging experiences by participants concerning Kinship within OOHC were evident, thus demonstrating the imperative for a broader understanding of Kinship. This understanding needs to be applied within OOHC in ways that are consistent with First Nations notions of Kinship, as kinship care placements on their own are not enough to keep children connected in culture. The findings from this study show that the term Kinship is applied problematically within OOHC in NSW by equating legal and policy definitions of kinship care with Aboriginal ways of understanding Kinship. Ensuring First Nations traditions, practices and notions of Kinship are applied for First Nations children and young people in OOHC contexts is paramount.
Upconversion Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Yang , Chen Guanying
Published: October 2022

Lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are anti‐Stokes emitters, which can produce higher‐energy ultraviolet/visible and near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence when excited with low‐energy NIR light. They are featured with nonphotobleaching, sharp emission peaks, superstability, low toxicity, low imaging background, and functional multimodality. These characteristics endow them to be useful as nanoprobes for diagnostic applications and imaging‐guided cancer therapy. Importantly, the ability to convert tissue‐penetrating NIR light into visible and ultraviolet range can expedite Fenton‐ or Fenton‐based processes in chemical dynamic therapy (CDT), activate photosensitizers (PSs) to produce singlet oxygen in photodynamic therapy (PDT), and regulate light‐controlled drug delivery processes for efficacious cancer therapy. The past decade witnessed fast progress of UCNPs as agents in single‐mode therapy or combined therapies in the forefront researches on fighting cancer. This review summarizes the fundamental roles of UCNPs in cancer therapy, highlights types of cell deaths induced by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), and showcases cutting‐edge applications in combined cancer therapies as well as imaging‐guided cancer therapy. Challenges and outlook on the use of UCNPs for future directions in cancer therapy are also discussed.
Mechanism‐Guided Computational Design of ω‐Transaminase by Reprograming of High‐Energy‐Barrier Steps
Authors: Yang Lin , Zhang Kaiyue , Xu Meng , Xie Youyu , Meng Xiangqi , Wang Hualei , Wei Dongzhi
Published: October 2022

ω‐Transaminases (ω‐TAs) show considerable potential for the synthesis of chiral amines. However, their low catalytic efficiency towards bulky substrates limits their application, and complicated catalytic mechanisms prevent precise enzyme design. Herein, we address this challenge using a mechanism‐guided computational enzyme design strategy by reprograming the transition and ground states in key reaction steps. The common features among the three high‐energy‐barrier steps responsible for the low catalytic efficiency were revealed using quantum mechanics (QM). Five key residues were simultaneously tailored to stabilize the rate‐limiting transition state with the aid of the Rosetta design. The 14 top‐ranked variants showed 16.9–143‐fold improved catalytic activity. The catalytic efficiency of the best variant, M9 (Q25F/M60W/W64F/I266A), was significantly increased, with a 1660‐fold increase in kcat/Km and a 1.5–26.8‐fold increase in turnover number (TON) towards various indanone derivatives.
Synthesis and Application of Alkali Metal Antimonide—A New Approach to Antimony Chemistry
Authors: Dollberg Kevin , Schneider Selina , Richter Roman‐Malte , Dunaj Tobias , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: October 2022

Alkali metal dihydrogen‐antimonides [M(L)xSbH2], short: alkali metal antimonides (M=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs; 1: L=pmdta; 2: L=crown‐ether), were prepared from stibine and n‐Butyllithium, M(hmds) (hmds=hexamethyldisilazane) or MOtBu, respectively. We developed a generally applicable synthesis route for these compounds and the obtained compounds were examined on their stability depending on the alkali metal and stabilizing additives used, whereby the use of appropriate crown‐ethers allowed their isolation and characterization at room temperature. Moreover, the 1,4‐dioxane adduct [Na(dioxane)xSbH2] was the appropriate starting compound for the synthesis of the first primary silylstibane (Me3Si)3SiSbH2 (3) which was characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy. Reaction of 3 with (Dipp2NacNac)Ga (Dipp2NacNac=HC{C(Me)N(Dipp)}2; Dipp=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) resulted in the formation of (Dipp2NacNac)GaH(SbHSi(SiMe3)3) (4) which was furthermore characterized by single crystal x‐ray diffraction.
Improving Perioperative Nursing Care for Transgender and Gender‐Diverse Patients
Authors: Neira Paula M. , Bowman RothLauren C.
Published: October 2022

Ignorance, stigma, and discrimination have contributed to persistent and well‐documented disparities and inequities in the United States health care system with regards to meeting the needs of transgender and gender‐diverse (TGD) people. Only recently has the collective understanding of this marginalized community increased, along with actions to address its health concerns. Nurses want to provide high‐quality care for all patients. However, many nurses may feel anxious or uncertain about interacting with TGD people because of a lack of education and training. Perioperative nurses may encounter TGD patients and family members in their clinical settings for many reasons and should know how to provide appropriate care, including gender‐affirming care. This article presents foundational cultural competency information about TGD people and the health concerns they face. Additionally, it provides actionable communication approaches that perioperative nurses can employ, as well as organization‐level strategies that can be implemented to provide a welcoming, supportive, and affirming environment.
Clinical Issues—November 2022
Authors: Wood Amber
Published: October 2022

THIS MONTH

Reuse of single‐use bronchoscopes

Key words: single use, bronchoscope, contamination, time limit, instructions for use (IFU).

Endoscope processing room workflow

Key words: one‐room design, decontamination sink, droplets, clean storage, transport.

Simethicone use during endoscopy

Key words: adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing, defoaming agent, water bottle, borescope inspection, residue.

Implementing borescope inspection of flexible endoscopes

Key words: visual inspection, cleaning verification, high‐risk endoscopes, competency verification, prepurchase evaluation.
InDelGT: An integrated pipeline for extracting indel genotypes for genetic mapping in a hybrid population using next‐generation sequencing data
Authors: Pan Zhiliang , Zhang Jinpeng , Bai Shengjun , Li Zhiting , Tong Chunfa
Published: October 2022

Premise

Although several software packages are available for genotyping insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms in genomes using next‐generation sequencing data, simultaneously calling indel genotypes across many individuals for use in genetic mapping remains challenging.

Methods and Results

We present an integrated pipeline, InDelGT, for the extraction of indel genotypes from a segregating population such as backcross or F2 lines, or from an F1 cross between outbred species. The InDelGT algorithm is implemented in three steps: generating an indel catalog, calling indel genotypes, and analyzing indel segregation. We demonstrated the use of the pipeline with an example data set from an F1 hybrid population of Populus and successfully constructed the two parental genetic linkage maps.

Conclusions

InDelGT is a practical tool that can quickly genotype a large number of indel markers within a population following Mendelian segregation. The InDelGT pipeline is freely available on GitHub (https://github.com/tongchf/InDelGT).
UV‐Light‐Induced Surface Reconstruction of Cubic Cu2O Promotes CO2 Electroreduction to C2 Products
Authors: Ning Hui , Jiao Zhenmei , Lu Peifang , Wang Mingwang , Wang Yani , Wang Li , Zhao Yan , Fei Xiang , Song Dewen , Wu Mingbo
Published: October 2022

Carbon dioxide electroreduction has been considered as one of the most appealing ways to reducing the CO2 emission but raising the selectivity of high‐value added products like C2+ still faces great challenge. Herein, we report a convenient way to modify the cubic Cu2O particles through UV‐light irradiation induced reduction in a solution containing H2O2 and i‐propanol. The plane surface of Cu2O was reconstructed to roughness shell composed of abandant grain boundaries, in which the ration of Cu+/Cu0 can be easily regulated by controlling the irradiation time. At the same time, the increasing electrochemical active surface area facilitated the exposure of active sites. Combining of above factors, the Faradaic efficiency of C2 (ethylene and ethanol) from CO2 electroreduction was greatly increased to 62.56% with a high partial current density of 145 mA cm−2. Our work put forward a facile method for the fine control of the surface structure of cuprous oxide and a novel platform to elucidate the synergistic effects of Cu+/Cu0 on CO2 electroreduction.
Nonlinear Bayesian filtering via holonomic gradient method with quasi moment generating function
Authors: Iori Tomoyuki , Ohtsuka Toshiyuki
Published: October 2022

A symbolic‐numeric method is proposed for addressing the Bayesian filtering problems of a class of discrete‐time nonlinear stochastic systems. We first approximate the posterior probability density function to be Gaussian. The update law of the mean and variance is formulated as the evaluation of several integrals depending on certain parameters. Unlike existing methods, such as the extended Kalman filter (EKF), unscented Kalman filter (UKF), and particle filter (PF), this formulation considers the nonlinearity of system dynamics exactly. To evaluate the integrals efficiently, we introduce an integral transform motivated by the moment generating function (MGF), which we call a quasi MGF. Furthermore, the quasi MGF is compatible with the Fourier transform of differential operators. We utilize this compatibility to decrease the number of computations of Gröbner bases in the noncommutative rings of differential operators, which reduces the offline computational time. A numerical example is presented to show the efficiency of the proposed method compared to that of other existing methods such as the EKF, UKF, and PF.
Fatty acid amide hydrolase C385A polymorphism affects susceptibility to various diseases
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Anvar Leila , Ahmadalipour Ali
Published: October 2022

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is an important neuromodulatory system with its extensive network of receptors throughout the human body that has complex actions in the nervous system, immune system, and all of the body's other organs. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an important membrane‐bound homodimeric degrading enzyme that controls the biological activity of N‐arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) in the eCB system and other relevant bioactive lipids. It has been shown that several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FAAH are associated with various phenotypes and diseases including cardiovascular, endocrine, drug abuse, and neuropsychiatric disorders. A common functional and most studied polymorphism of this gene is C385A (rs324420), which results in the replacement of a conserved proline to threonine in the FAAH enzyme structure, leads to a reduction of the activity and expression of FAAH, compromises the inactivation of AEA and causes higher synaptic concentrations of AEA that can be associated with several various phenotypes. The focus of this review is on evidence‐based studies on the associations of the FAAH C385A polymorphism and the various diseases or traits. Although there was variability in the results of these reports, the overall consensus is that the FAAH C385A genotype can affect susceptibility to some multifactorial disorders and can be considered a potential therapeutic target.
Understanding the motivations of food bank volunteers: Applying self‐determination theory and functional motivations theory
Authors: Sheldon Kennon M. , Titova Liudmila , Osin Evgeny , Bratcher Benjamin
Published: October 2022

We assessed the motivations, commitment, and subjective well‐being (SWB) of 441 food bank volunteers, using motivation scales derived from self‐determination theory and functional motives theory. Replicating the findings of Sheldon, Wineland, Venhoeven, and Osin's (2016) study of environmental activists, all motivation scales could be located on the autonomous or controlled motivation factors specified by self‐determination theory (SDT). In addition, SDT's intrinsic motivation construct was the best predictor of volunteer commitment and SWB. As a novel angle, we compared food bank volunteerism to a second free time activity, that was focused on the self rather than helping others. Participants reported less self‐determined motivation and lower SWB in the food bank activity, suggesting that volunteerism may impose costs, compared to self‐focused activities. We interpret the latter results via the Eudaimonic Activity Model (Martela & Sheldon, 2019), concluding that activities that sound eudaimonic, based on their virtuous aims, are not necessarily so, based on their underlying motivations.
Plasma‐induced Mo‐doped Co3O4 with enriched oxygen vacancies for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution in water splitting
Authors: Huang Yujie , Li Meng , Pan Fei , Zhu Zhuoya , Sun Huamei , Tang Yawen , Fu Gengtao
Published: October 2022

Heteroatomic substitution and vacancy engineering of spinel oxides can theoretically optimize the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) through charge redistribution and d‐band center modification but still remain a great challenge in both the preparation and catalytic mechanism. Herein, we proposed a novel and efficient Ar‐plasma (P)‐assisted strategy to construct heteroatom Mo‐substituted and oxygen vacancies enriched hierarchical spinel Co3O4 porous nanoneedle arrays in situ grown on carbon cloth (denoted P‐Mo‐Co3O4@CC) to improve the OER performance. Ar‐plasma technology can efficiently generate vacancy sites at the surface of hydroxide, which induces the anchoring of Mo anion salts through electrostatic interaction, finally facilitating the substitution of Mo atoms and the formation of oxygen vacancies on the Co3O4 surface. The P‐Mo‐Co3O4@CC affords a low overpotential of only 276 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for the OER, which is 58 mV superior to that of Mo‐free Co3O4@CC and surpasses commercial RuO2 catalyst. The robust stability and satisfactory selectivity (nearly 100% Faradic efficiency) of P‐Mo‐Co3O4@CC for the OER are also demonstrated. Theoretical studies demonstrate that Mo with variable valance states can efficiently regulates the atomic ratio of Co3+/Co2+ and increases the number of oxygen vacancies, thereby inducing charge redistribution and tuning the d‐band center of Co3O4, which improve the adsorption energy of oxygen intermediates (e.g., *OOH) on P‐Mo‐Co3O4@CC during OER. Furthermore, the two‐electrode OER//HER electrolyzer equipped with P‐Mo‐Co3O4@CC as anode displays a low operation potential of 1.54 V to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2, and also exhibits good reversibility and anticurrent fluctuation ability under simulated real energy supply conditions, demonstrating the great potential of P‐Mo‐Co3O4@CC in water electrolysis.
A Relative Entropy and a Unique Continuation Result for Ricci Expanders
Authors: Deruelle Alix , Schulze Felix
Published: October 2022

We prove an optimal relative integral convergence rate for two expanding gradient Ricci solitons coming out of the same cone. As a consequence, we obtain a unique continuation result at infinity and prove that a relative entropy for two such self‐similar solutions to the Ricci flow is well‐defined. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A certificateless ring signature scheme based on lattice
Authors: Dong SongShou , Zhou YiHua , Yang YuGuang , Yao Yanqing
Published: October 2022

For the problems that ring signature needs key escrow, has some security risks, and cannot avoid malicious key generation center (KGC) in the post‐quantum era, we design a certificateless ring signature scheme based on lattice (L‐CRSS). In our scheme, the bimodal Gaussian distribution is used to improve the security and efficiency. Compared with the previous ring signature scheme based on lattice, our design does not need key escrow, does not disclose the signer's identity, can avoid malicious KGC, achieves the constant signature size, and has higher security and efficiency in the post‐quantum era. Finally, under random oracle model (ROM), we prove that our scheme is anonymous against the full‐key exposure, and existentially unforgeable against adaptive chosen message attacks (EUF‐CMA).
Using the Sleeping Beauty (SB) Transposon to Generate Stable Cells Producing Enveloped Virus‐Like Particles (eVLPs) Pseudotyped with SARS‐CoV‐2 Proteins for Vaccination
Authors: Pszenny Viviana , Tjhin Erick , Alves‐Ferreira Eliza V.C. , Spada Stephanie , Bouamr Fadila , Nair Vinod , Ganesan Sundar , Grigg Michael E.
Published: October 2022

The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system is an efficient non‐viral tool for gene transfer into a variety of cells, including human cells. Through a cut‐and‐paste mechanism, your favorite gene (YFG) is integrated into AT‐rich regions within the genome, providing stable long‐term expression of the transfected gene. The SB system is evolving and has become a powerful tool for gene therapy. There are no safety concerns using this system, the handling is easy, and the time required to obtain a stable cell line is significantly reduced compared to other systems currently available. Here, we present a novel application of this system to generate, within 8 days, a stable producer HEK293T cell line capable of constitutively delivering enveloped virus‐like particles (eVLPs) for vaccination. We provide step‐by‐step protocols for generation of the SB transposon constructs, transfection procedures, and validation of the produced eVLPs. We next describe a method to pseudotype the constitutively produced eVLPs using the Spike protein derived from the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus (by coating the eVLP capsid with the heterologous antigen). We also describe optimization methods to scale up the production of pseudotyped eVLPs in a laboratory setting (from 100 µg to 5 mg). © Published 2022. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Basic Protocol 1: Generation of the SB plasmids

Basic Protocol 2: Generation of a stable HEK293T cell line constitutively secreting MLV‐based eVLPs

Basic Protocol 3: Evaluation of the SB constructs by immunofluorescence assay

Basic Protocol 4: Validation of eVLPs by denaturing PAGE and western blot

Alternate Protocol 1: Analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein oligomerization using blue native gel electrophoresis and western blot

Alternate Protocol 2: Evaluation of eVLP quality by electron microscopy (negative staining)

Basic Protocol 5: Small‐scale production of eVLPs

Alternate Protocol 3: Large‐scale production of eVLPs (up to about 1 to 3 mg VLPs)

Alternate Protocol 4: Large‐scale production of eVLPs (up to about 3 to 5 mg VLPs)

Support Protocol: Quantification of total protein concentration by Bradford assay
Vascular Transcriptomics: Investigating Endothelial Activation and Vascular Dysfunction Using Blood Outgrowth Endothelial Cells, Organ‐Chips, and RNA Sequencing
Authors: Mathur Tanmay , Kumar Ankit , Flanagan Jonathan M. , Jain Abhishek
Published: October 2022

Vascular organ‐chip or vessel‐chip technology has significantly impacted our ability to model microphysiological vasculature. These biomimetic platforms have garnered significant interest from scientists and pharmaceutical companies as drug screening models. However, these models still lack the inclusion of patient‐specific vasculature in the form of patient‐derived endothelial cells. Blood outgrowth endothelial cells are patient blood–derived endothelial progenitors that have gained interest from the vascular biology community as an autologous endothelial cell alternative and have also been incorporated with the vessel‐chip model. Next‐generation sequencing techniques like RNA sequencing can further unlock the potential of personalized vessel‐chips in discerning patient‐specific hallmarks of endothelial dysfunction. Here we present a detailed protocol for (1) isolating blood outgrowth endothelial cells from patient blood samples, (2) culturing them in microfluidic vessel‐chips, (3) isolating and preparing RNA from individual vessel‐chips for sequencing, and (4) performing differential gene expression and bioinformatics analyses of vascular dysfunction and endothelial activation pathways. This method focuses specifically on identification of pathways and genes involved in vascular homeostasis and pathology, but can easily be adapted for the requirements of other systems. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of blood outgrowth endothelial cells from patient blood

Basic Protocol 2: Culture of blood outgrowth endothelial cells in microfluidic vessel‐chips

Basic Protocol 3: Isolation of RNA from autologous vessel‐chips

Basic Protocol 4: Differential gene expression and bioinformatics analyses of endothelial activation pathways
Establishment of mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa) on a glacial outwash plain: Spatial patterns and decadal processes
Authors: Óskarsdóttir Guðrún , Thórhallsdóttir Thóra Ellen , Jónsdóttir Anna Helga , Birkisdóttir Hulda Margrét , Svavarsdóttir Kristín
Published: October 2022

Most of the Earth's surface has now been modified by humans. In many countries, natural and semi‐natural ecosystems mostly occur as islands, isolated by land converted for agriculture and a variety of other land‐uses. In this fragmented state, long‐distance dispersal may be the only option for species to adapt their ranges in response to changing climate. The order of arrival of species may leave a lasting imprint on community assembly. Although mostly studied at and above the species level, such priority effects also apply at the intraspecific level. We suggest that this may be particularly important in subarctic and arctic ecosystems. Mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa) is characterized by great intraspecific variation. We explored spatio‐temporal patterns of the first two mountain birch generations on a homogeneous, early successional glacial outwash plain in SE Iceland that was the recipient of spatially extensive long‐distance dispersal ca. 30 years ago. We evaluated the decadal progress of the young population by remeasuring in 2018, tree density and growth form, plant size, and reproductive effort on 30 transects (150 m2) established in 2008 at four sites on the plain and two adjacent sites ca. 10 km away. All measured variables showed positive increases, but contrary to our predictions of converging dynamics among sites, they had significantly diverged. Thus, two of the sites (only 500 m apart) could not be distinguished in 2008, but by 2018, one of them had much faster growth rates than the other, a higher growth form index reflecting more upright tree stature, greater reproductive effort, and much greater second‐generation seedling recruitment. We discuss two hypotheses that may explain the diverging dynamics, site‐scale environmental heterogeneity, and legacies of intraspecific priority effects.
Increasing flower species richness in agricultural landscapes alters insect pollinator networks: Implications for bee health and competition
Authors: Doublet Vincent , Doyle Toby , Refoy Isobel , Hedges Sophie , Carvell Claire , Brown Mark J. F. , Wilfert Lena
Published: October 2022

Ecological restoration programs are established to reverse land degradation, mitigate biodiversity loss, and reinstate ecosystem services. Following recent agricultural intensification that led to a decrease in flower diversity and density in rural areas and subsequently to the decline of many insects, conservation measures targeted at pollinators have been established, including sown wildflower strips (WFS) along field margins. Historically successful in establishing a high density of generalist bees and increasing pollinator diversity, the impact of enhanced flower provision on wider ecological interactions and the structure of pollinator networks has been rarely investigated. Here, we tested the effects of increasing flower species richness and flower density in agricultural landscapes on bee‐plant interaction networks. We measured plant species richness and flower density and surveyed honeybee and bumblebee visits on flowers across a range of field margins on 10 UK farms that applied different pollinator conservation measures. We found that both flower species richness and flower density significantly increased bee abundance, in early and late summer, respectively. At the network level, we found that higher flower species richness did not significantly alter bee species' generality indices, but significantly reduced network connectance and marginally reduced niche overlap across honeybees and bumblebee species, a proxy for insect competition. While higher connectance and niche overlap is believed to strengthen network robustness and often is the aim for the restoration of pollinator networks, we argue that carefully designed WFS may benefit bees by partitioning their foraging niche, limiting competition for resources and the potential for disease transmission via shared floral use. We also discuss the need to extend WFS and their positive effects into spring when wild bee populations are established.
Fifty years of data show the effects of climate on overall skull size and the extent of seasonal reversible skull size changes (Dehnel's phenomenon) in the common shrew
Authors: Taylor Jan R. E. , Muturi Marion , Lázaro Javier , Zub Karol , Dechmann Dina K. N.
Published: October 2022

Global climate change affects many aspects of biology and has been shown to cause body size changes in animals. However, suitable datasets allowing the analysis of long‐term relationships between body size, climate, and its effects are rare. The size of the skull is often used as a proxy for overall body size. Skull size does not change much in fully grown vertebrates; however, some high‐metabolic small mammals shrink in winter and regrow in spring, including their skull and brain. This is thought to be a winter adaptation, as a smaller brain size reduces energy requirements. Climate could thus affect not only the overall size but also the pattern of the size change, that is, Dehnel's phenomenon, in these animals. We assessed the impact of the changes in climate on the overall skull size and the different stages of Dehnel's phenomenon in skulls of the common shrew, Sorex araneus, collected over 50 years in the Białowieża Forest, E Poland. Overall skull size decreased, along with increasing temperatures and decreasing soil moisture, which affected the availability of the shrews' main food source, earthworms. The skulls of males were larger than those of females, but the degree of the decrease in size did not differ between sexes. The magnitude of Dehnel's phenomenon increased over time, indicating an increasing selection pressure on animals in winter. Overall, climate clearly affected the common shrew's overall size as well as its seasonal size changes. With the current acceleration in climate change, the effects on the populations of this cold‐adapted species may be quite severe in a large part of its distribution range.
Matrixed modeling method and entropy generation minimization analysis of heat supply system based on standard thermal resistance
Authors: Ju Chenzhi , Tian Liang , Hao Junhong , Yang Yunxi , Ge Zhihua , Du Xiaoze
Published: October 2022

Complex implicit expressions and many intermediate parameters are not conducive to the application of entropy generation optimization to the performance of thermal and energy systems from component and system perspectives. In this paper, we derived matrix heat transport equations of three primary heat exchanger networks according to the heat current method. Based on the matrix equations, we established the matrixed model of a typical heat supply system and obtained the corresponding matrix equation reflecting the power topology structure of the system. Moreover, we derived and reconstructed a single heat exchanger's entropy generation rate expression based on the standard thermal resistance, which was only related to inlet temperatures, structural parameters, and operating parameters. The total system entropy generation rate was then derived and minimized by the Lagrange multiplier method. The optimization results provided the optimal distribution of the mass flow rate of each fluid. Besides, the influence of the heat transfer rate and outer loop inlet temperature on the optimization results revealed that local equipment parameters and conditions could affect the system's minimum entropy generation. The total entropy generation rate decreases by 17.5% when the outer loop inlet temperature was increased from 274 to 280 K. In conclusion, the matrixed modeling and entropy generation analysis are feasible for thermal system modeling and optimization.
Energy‐efficient and sustainable supply chain in the manufacturing industry
Authors: Beheshtinia Mohammad Ali , Fathi Masood
Published: October 2022

This study aims at reducing energy consumption in supply chain networks by providing optimal integrated production and transportation scheduling. The considered supply chain consists of one main manufacturing center, multiple production units (i.e., suppliers), and multiple heterogeneous vehicles as the transportation fleet. To schedule this complex supply chain network in an energy‐efficient way, several decisions should be made concerning the assignment of orders to suppliers and determining their production sequence, splitting orders, assigning orders to vehicles, and assigning delivery priority to orders. To cope with the problem, a mixed‐integer linear programming model is presented. Due to the complexity of the problem, a novel development of the genetic algorithm named the Multiple Reference Group Genetic Algorithm (MRGGA) is also proposed. Four objectives are considered to be optimized to meet both suitability and energy‐efficiency aspects in the supply chain network. These optimization objectives are to minimize the total orders' delivery times to the manufacturing center, fuel consumption by the vehicles, energy consumption at supplies, and maximize orders' quality. To analyze the performance of the proposed algorithm, a real case and a set of generated instances are solved. The results obtained by the proposed algorithm are compared with an existing genetic algorithm in the literature. Moreover, the results are also compared with the optimal solutions obtained from the mathematical model for small‐size problems. The results of the comparisons show the efficiency of the proposed MRGGA in finding energy‐efficient solutions for the considered supply chain network.
New approach combining food value with nutrient budgeting provides insights into the value of alternative farming systems
Authors: Willoughby Catriona , Topp Cairistiona F. E. , Hallett Paul D. , Stockdale Elizabeth A. , Stoddard Frederick L. , Walker Robin L. , Hilton Alex J. , Watson Christine A.
Published: October 2022

Sustainable farming systems provide food for humans while balancing nutrient management. Inclusion or exclusion of livestock has nutrient management implications, as livestock produce food from otherwise inedible crops and their manure is a valuable soil conditioner. However, plant‐based diets are becoming more widespread due to perceived environmental benefits. We measure both food production in terms of nourishment to humans (in this study measured by protein, fat, starch and sugar production) and nutrient sustainability in terms of fertiliser use of six rotational farming systems with differences in nutrient management approaches. The arable practices included were the application of synthetic fertilisers, a range of organic amendments, incorporation of crop residues and legume cultivation. Livestock and associated products were included in some systems but excluded in others. The production of protein, fat, starch and sugar was combined with the balance of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) into an overall measure of nutrient use efficiency of human macronutrient production. Across all systems considered, N use efficiency (5–13 kg protein/kg applied N) was lower than P (84–772 kg protein/kg applied P) or K (63–2060 kg protein/kg applied K), and combining synthetic fertiliser use with organic amendment applications raised production significantly while balancing P and K management, regardless of which organic amendment was used. Legume‐supported rotations without livestock produced more protein, starch and sugar per unit area than those with livestock. Nutrient balances and nutrient use efficiencies were more sensitive to management changes than purely food production. Using this approach allowed us to identify areas for improvement in food production based on the specific nutritional value of offtakes as opposed to yield overall.
Diagnostic efficacy of positron emission computerized tomography scans in suspicious laryngeal findings postorgan preservation treatment
Authors: Warshavsky Anton , Holan Ariel , Muhanna Nidal , Oestraicher Yael , Nachalon Yuval , Kampel Liyona , Nard‐Carmel Narin , Chaushu Hen , Shapira Udi , Ungar Omer , Gutfeld Orit , Ospovat Inna , Oz Yasmin Natan , Even‐Sapir Einat , Horowitz Gilad
Published: October 2022

Background

Larynx preservation protocols (LPP) for glottic primary squamous cell carcinoma has gained popularity worldwide. Direct laryngoscopy (DL) with biopsy is mandated when recurrence is suspected. The efficacy of 18Fluoro‐deoxy‐glucose positron emission computerized tomography (PET‐CT) as alternative first‐line diagnostic investigation in suspected recurrence was evaluated.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients with suspicious fiber‐optic findings at more than 12 weeks after LPP. Sensitivity, specificity, and the negative predictive value (NPV) of DL and PET‐CT were compared.

Results

Seventy‐two patients presenting 105 cases of suspicious events were included in this study. Fifty‐two events were initially investigated by DL and 53 events by PET‐CT. The sensitivity of DL and PET‐CT was 56.25% and 100%, respectively. The NPV was 84% for DL and 100% for PET‐CT (p = 0.015).

Conclusion

Negative PET scans after LPP are highly accurate in ruling out recurrent/persistent disease and may spare the patient from negative biopsies.
Postoperative analysis of osseous midface reconstructions: The value of imaging and a novel scoring system for complexity and operative success
Authors: Swendseid Brian , Philips Ramez H. W. , Carey Ryan M. , Cannady Steven B. , Sweeny Larissa , Wax Mark K. , Luginbuhl Adam J. , Curry Joseph M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Few standardized methods exist for evaluating the postoperative outcomes of osteocutaneous free flaps. We propose an anatomic‐based scoring system for midface free flap reconstruction.

Methods

One hundred and twelve patients across four institutions underwent osteocutaneous reconstruction of the midface. Postoperative scans were scored based on the number of independent osseous subunits reconstructed (Subunit Score), the number of different bony appositions with bony contact (Contact Score), and the number of osseous segments in anatomic position (Position Score). These were added together to create a Total Score.

Results

Osteocutaneous radial forearm flaps had the lowest Subunit Score (p = 0.001). Fibula flaps had the highest Contact Score (p = 0.0008) and Position Score (p = 0.001). Virtual surgical planning was associated with an increased Subunit Score (p = 0.02) and Total Score (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

We propose a novel scoring system for osseous midface reconstruction based on postoperative imaging scans. This can help guide management decisions and create a common language to compare outcomes.
CFD analysis of a flat tube with semi‐circular fins using graphene nanofluid and to compare performance with square type of fins
Authors: Konni Ravi Raj , Kumar Ashutosh , Chand Prabha
Published: October 2022

CFD analysis on a flat tube with semi‐circular fins under laminar flow conditions was performed with graphene‐based nanofluids considering the nanofluids as incompressible. Different simulations were performed at four different concentrations of nanofluids (0.01%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%) and at different volume flow rates (4, 6, 8, and 10 LPM) and at four different forced convective heat transfer coefficients at different wind velocities at 300 K (50, 100, 150, and 200 W/m2 K). It was observed that with an increase in the concentration of nanoparticles in nanofluids, the thermal conductivity of base fluid water was increased (at 353 K the nanofluid of 0.4% volume concentration, the thermal conductivity of nanofluid increased by 200% with respect to base fluid). Graphene‐based nanofluids have higher effectiveness than most nanofluids hence it is considered for the analysis, at 0.4% concentration of nanofluid the effectiveness observed was 36.84% at 4 LPM, and for water, the effectiveness was 28.22% under similar conditions. The effect of flow rate on temperature drop was significant. At 4 LPM and at 0.4% of nanofluid, an outlet coolant temperature of 333 K was observed whereas the water outlet temperature at 10 LPM is 346.13 K. The effect of forced convective air heat transfer coefficient was significantly high. At h = 50 W/m2 K the outlet temperature of 0.4% nanofluid at 4 LPM was 345.25 K and at h = 200 W/m2 K, the outlet coolant temperature was 333.47 K. A single tube of the radiator was considered for the analysis whereas the original radiator consists of 50 tubes due to problems of Ansys in meshing.
Warming soil temperature and increasing baseflow in response to recent and potential future climate change across northern Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Lilhare Rajtantra , Déry Stephen J. , Stadnyk Tricia A. , Pokorny Scott , Koenig Kristina A.
Published: October 2022

This study investigates the impacts of climate change on the hydrology and soil thermal regime of 10 sub‐arctic watersheds (northern Manitoba, Canada) using the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model. We utilize statistically downscaled and bias‐corrected forcing datasets based on 17 general circulation model (GCM) ‐ representative concentration pathways (RCPs) scenarios from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) to run the VIC model for three 30‐year periods: a historical baseline (1981–2010: 1990s), and future projections (2021–2050: 2030s and 2041–2070: 2050s), under RCPs 4.5 and 8.5. Future warming increases the average soil column temperature by ~2.2°C in the 2050s and further analyses of soil temperature trends at three different depths show the most pronounced warming in the top soil layer (1.6°C 30‐year−1 in the 2050s). Trend estimates of mean annual frozen soil moisture fraction in the soil column show considerable changes from 0.02 30‐year−1 (1990s) to −0.11 30‐year−1 (2050s) across the study area. Soil column water residence time decreases significantly (by 5 years) during the 2050s when compared with the 1990s as soil thawing intensifies the infiltration process thereby contributing to faster conversion to baseflow. Future warming results in 40%–50% more baseflow by the 2050s, where it increases substantially by 19.7% and 46.3% during the 2030s and 2050s, respectively. These results provide crucial information on the potential future impacts of warming soil temperatures on the hydrology of sub‐arctic watersheds in north‐central Canada and similar hydro‐climatic regimes.
The role of inflammatory miRNA–mRNA interactions in PBMCs of colorectal cancer and obesity patients
Authors: Gholami Morteza , Zoughi Marziyeh , Larijani Bagher , Abdollahzadeh Rasoul , Taslimi Reza , Rahmani Zeinab , Kazemeini Alireza , Behboo Roobic , Razi Farideh , Bastami Milad , Hasani‐Ranjbar Shirin , Amoli Mahsa M.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Inflammation is a critical hallmark in obesity and colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to investigate effective microRNA (miRNA)–messenger RNA (mRNA) interactions on inflammatory networks involved in obesity and CRC.

Methods

The literature searches were applied to identify genes expression reported on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and/or blood of CRC subjects and to find inflammatory miRNA  in blood samples. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis was utilized to find inflammatory miRNA:mRNA interactions of the genes. Finally, a case‐control study was set to investigate the expression of LAMC1 and GNB3 genes besides miR‐10b, miR‐506‐3p, miR‐150‐5p, and miR‐124‐3p in CRC and control subjects.

Results

The expression of LAMC1 gene in healthy control groups was associated with body mass index (BMI) (p < .05). The level of miR‐10b (p < .001), miR‐506 (p < .001), and miR‐124 (p <. 001) were significantly increased in PBMCs of CRC patients, while they were not associated with BMI. The level of miR‐150 was associated with BMI in healthy subjects (p < .05).

Conclusions

The changes in the level of miR‐506 and miR‐124 in CRC patients may be associated with the regulatory role of these miRNAs on LAMC1 expression. The LAMC1 may be related to BMI, however, more observational studies on other populations are needed.
Effect of regulating macrophage polarization phenotype on intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Hou Xuefeng , Shen Yucheng , Sun Minli , Zhang Bing , Dai Jiuming , Chen Dong , Liu Zhidong
Published: October 2022

Background

Macrophages are the only inflammatory cells that can penetrate the closed nucleus pulposus and their polarization plays an important role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). This paper attempted to investigate the pathogenesis of IVDD by altering the polarization state of macrophages.

Methods

Macrophage RAW264.7 cells were induced by interferonγ (IFN‐γ) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The polarization of RAW264.7 cells was estimated by western blot and immunofluorescence. The expressions of inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA. Subsequently, RAW264.7 cells were treated with different concentrations of minocycline (Mino) and sinomenine (Sino), followed by the assessment of cell viability with cell counting kit‐8 kit. Then, RAW264.7 cell culture medium was collected for the culture of human nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Toluidine blue staining and type II collagen staining were applied to assay the level of type II collagen. The cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide (NO) level were appraised by TUNEL, oxidative stress kits and NO kit, respectively. Western blot was employed to test the levels of apoptosis‐ and oxidative stress‐related proteins.

Results

IFN‐γ and LPS could induce M1 polarization of RAW264.7 cells. Mino and Sino could reduce the polarization of RAW264.7 cells toward M1. M1‐polarized medium inhibited LPS‐induced activity, inflammation, and damage of NPCs, which were enhanced by Mino and Sino in medium.

Conclusion

M1 polarization of macrophages promoted LPS‐induced inflammation and damage of NPCs.
Immune cell C/EBPβ deficiency is associated with hepatic mononuclear defects and spontaneous hepatitis but not steatohepatitis induced liver fibrosis
Authors: Moshkovits Itay , Kaminitz Ayelet , Reuveni Debby , Pasmanik‐Chor Metsada , Brazowski Eli , Mildner Alexander , Leutz Achim , Zigmond Ehud
Published: October 2022

Background

CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein β (C/EBPβ) is a transcription factor known to be involved in macrophage differentiation and function, steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis.

Methods

Immune restricted C/EBPβ deficient and control mice were investigated in steady‐state and in the CDA‐HFD steatohepatitis model. Mice were assessed for weight change, liver biochemical profile, histology and hepatic phagocytes composition.

Results

Flow cytometry analysis of hepatic nonparenchymal cells revealed reduced numbers of hepatic monocytes and Kupffer cells and an increase in hepatic MHC class II positive myeloid cells in immune cells restricted C/EBPβ deficient mice. Immune‐restricted C/EBPβ deficiency resulted in decreased weight gain and appearance of mild spontaneous liver inflammation. Nevertheless, In the CDA‐HFD steatohepatitis model, immune restricted C/EBPβ deficient and proficient mice exhibit similar grade of hepatic steatosis, liver enzymes levels and fibrosis stage.

Conclusions

Immune‐restricted C/EBPβ deficiency leads to significant alteration in hepatic mononuclear phagocytes composition associated with spontaneous mild hepatitis. Steatohepatitis associated fibrosis is not dependent on C/EBPβ expression by immune cells.
Tranexamic acid at cesarean delivery: Drug‐error deaths
Authors: Moran Neil F. , Bishop David G. , Fawcus Susan , Morris Edward , Shakur‐Still Haleema , Devall Adam J. , Gallos Ioannis D. , Widmer Mariana , Oladapo Olufemi T. , Coomarasamy Arri , Hofmeyr G. Justus
Published: October 2022

The use of tranexamic acid for postpartum hemorrhage has entered obstetrical practice globally with the evidence‐based expectation of saving lives. This improvement in the care of women with postpartum hemorrhage has come at a price. For the anesthetist, having tranexamic acid ampoules close at hand would seem an obvious strategy to facilitate its use during cesarean delivery, an important setting for severe hemorrhage. Tragically, we have identified a number of recent instances of inadvertent intrathecal administration of tranexamic acid instead of local anesthetic for spinal anesthesia. Reported cases of this catastrophic error seem to be increasing. The profound neurotoxicity of tranexamic acid causes rapid‐onset convulsions, with mortality of 50%. How can these tragic errors be averted? Drug safety alerts have been issued by the US Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization, but that is not enough. We recommend extensive dissemination of information to raise awareness of this potential hazard, and local hospital protocols to ensure that tranexamic acid is stored separately from anesthetic drugs, preferably outside the operating room and with an auxiliary warning label. Implementation of safety strategies on a very large scale will be needed to ensure that the life‐saving potential of tranexamic acid is not eclipsed by drug‐error mortality.