bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The deubiquitinase Ubp3/Usp10 constrains glucose-mediated mitochondrial repression via phosphate budgeting
Authors: Vengayil Vineeth , Niphadkar Shreyas , Adhikary Swagata , Varahan Sriram , Laxman Sunil
Published: November 2023

Many cells in high glucose repress mitochondrial respiration, as observed in the Crabtree and Warburg effects. Our understanding of biochemical constraints for mitochondrial activation is limited. Using a
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
screen, we identified the conserved deubiquitinase Ubp3 (Usp10), as necessary for mitochondrial repression. Ubp3 mutants have increased mitochondrial activity despite abundant glucose, along with decreased glycolytic enzymes, and a rewired glucose metabolic network with increased trehalose production. Utilizing
Δubp3
cells, along with orthogonal approaches, we establish that the high glycolytic flux in glucose continuously consumes free Pi. This restricts mitochondrial access to inorganic phosphate (Pi), and prevents mitochondrial activation. Contrastingly, rewired glucose metabolism with enhanced trehalose production and reduced GAPDH (as in
Δubp3
cells) restores Pi. This collectively results in increased mitochondrial Pi and derepression, while restricting mitochondrial Pi transport prevents activation. We therefore suggest that glycolytic-flux dependent intracellular Pi budgeting is a key constraint for mitochondrial repression.
Secreted dengue virus NS1 from infection is predominantly dimeric and in complex with high-density lipoprotein
Authors: Chew Bing Liang Alvin , Ngoh An Qi , Phoo Wint Wint , Chan Kitti Wing Ki , Ser Zheng , Tulsian Nikhil K , Lim Shiao See , Weng Mei Jie Grace , Watanabe Satoru , Choy Milly M. , Low Jenny G. , Ooi Eng Eong , Ruedl Christiane , Sobota Radoslaw M. , Vasudevan Subhash G. , Luo Dahai
Published: November 2023

Severe dengue infections are characterized by endothelial dysfunction shown to be associated with the secreted nonstructural protein 1 (sNS1), making it an attractive vaccine antigen and biotherapeutic target. To uncover the biologically relevant structure of sNS1, we obtained infection-derived sNS1 (isNS1) from DENV-infected Vero cells through immunoffinity purification instead of recombinant sNS1 (rsNS1) overexpressed in insect or mammalian cell lines. We found that isNS1 appeared as an approximately 250 kDa complex of NS1 and ApoA1 and further determined the cryoEM structures of isNS1 and its complex with a monoclonal antibody/Fab. Indeed, we found that the major species of isNS1 is a complex of the NS1 dimer partially embedded in a High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) particle. Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) studies confirmed that the isNS1 interacts with the major HDL component ApoA1 through interactions that map to the NS1 wing and hydrophobic domains. Furthermore, our studies demonstrated that the sNS1 in sera from DENV-infected mice and a human patient form a similar complex as isNS1. Our results report the molecular architecture of a biological form of sNS1 which may have implications for the molecular pathogenesis of dengue.CryoEM structures of secreted dengue virus NS1 protein reveal dimers in complex with high-density lipoprotein.
Tuning apicobasal polarity and junctional recycling in the hemogenic endothelium orchestrates the morphodynamic complexity of emerging pre-hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Torcq Léa , Majello Sara , Vivier Catherine , Schmidt Anne A
Published: November 2023

Hematopoietic stem cells emerge in the embryo from an aortic-derived tissue called the hemogenic endothelium (HE). The HE appears to give birth to cells of different nature and fate but the molecular principles underlying this complexity are largely unknown. Here we show, in the zebrafish embryo, that two cell types emerge from the aortic floor with radically different morphodynamics. With the support of live imaging, we bring evidence suggesting that the mechanics underlying the two emergence types rely, or not, on apicobasal polarity establishment. While the first type is characterized by reinforcement of apicobasal polarity and maintenance of the apical/luminal membrane until release, the second type emerges via a dynamic process reminiscent of trans-endothelial migration. Interfering with Runx1 function suggests that the balance between the two emergence types depends on tuning apicobasal polarity at the level of the HE. In support of this and unexpectedly, we show that Pard3ba – one of the four Pard3 proteins expressed in the zebrafish – is sensitive to interference with Runx1 activity, in aortic endothelial cells. This supports the idea of a signaling cross talk controlling cell polarity and its associated features, between aortic and hemogenic cells. In addition, using new transgenic fish lines that express Junctional Adhesion Molecules and functional interference, we bring evidence for the essential role of ArhGEF11/PDZ-RhoGEF in controlling the HE-endothelial cell dynamic interface, including cell-cell intercalation, which is ultimately required for emergence completion. Overall, we highlight critical cellular and dynamic events of the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition that support emergence complexity, with a potential impact on cell fate.
Illuminating T cell-dendritic cell interactions in vivo by FlAsHing antigens
Authors: Akkaya Munir , Al Souz Jafar , Williams Daniel , Kamdar Rahul , Kamenyeva Olena , Kabat Juraj , Shevach Ethan , Akkaya Billur
Published: November 2023

Delineating the complex network of interactions between antigen-specific T cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs) is crucial for effective precision therapies against cancer, chronic infections, and autoimmunity. However, the existing arsenal for examining antigen-specific T cell interactions is restricted to a select few antigen-T cell receptor pairs, with limited in situ utility. This lack of versatility is largely due to the disruptive effects of reagents on the immune synapse, which hinder real-time monitoring of antigen-specific interactions. To address this limitation, we have developed a novel and versatile immune monitoring strategy by adding a short cysteine-rich tag to antigenic peptides that emits fluorescence upon binding to thiol-reactive biarsenical hairpin compounds. Our findings demonstrate the specificity and durability of the novel antigen-targeting probes during dynamic immune monitoring in vitro and in vivo. This strategy opens new avenues for biological validation of T-cell receptors with newly identified epitopes by revealing the behavior of previously unrecognized antigen-receptor pairs, expanding our understanding of T cell responses.
Large-scale analysis of the integration of enhancer-enhancer signals by promoters
Authors: Martinez-Ara Miguel , Comoglio Federico , van Steensel Bas
Published: November 2023

Genes are often regulated by multiple enhancers. It is poorly understood how the individual enhancer activities are combined to control promoter activity. Anecdotal evidence has shown that enhancers can combine sub-additively, additively, synergistically, or redundantly. However, it is not clear which of these modes are more frequent in mammalian genomes. Here, we systematically tested how pairs of enhancers activate promoters using a three-way combinatorial reporter assay in mouse embryonic stem cells. By assaying about 69,000 enhancer-enhancer-promoter combinations we found that enhancer pairs generally combine near-additively. This behaviour was conserved across seven developmental promoters tested. Surprisingly, these promoters scale the enhancer signals in a non-linear manner that depends on promoter strength. A housekeeping promoter showed an overall different response to enhancer pairs, and a smaller dynamic range. Thus, our data indicate that enhancers mostly act additively, but promoters transform their collective effect non-linearly.
Distinct transcriptomic profile of satellite cells contributes to preservation of neuromuscular junctions in extraocular muscles of ALS mice
Authors: Li Ang , Yi Jianxun , Li Xuejun , Dong Li , Ostrow Lyle W. , Ma Jianjie , Zhou Jingsong
Published: November 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive weakness of almost all skeletal muscles, whereas extraocular muscles (EOMs) are comparatively spared. While hindlimb and diaphragm muscles of end-stage SOD1G93A (G93A) mice (a familial ALS mouse model) exhibit severe denervation and depletion of Pax7 + satellite cells (SCs), we found that the pool of SCs and the integrity of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are maintained in EOMs. In cell sorting profiles, SCs derived from hindlimb and diaphragm muscles of G93A mice exhibit denervation-related activation, whereas SCs from EOMs of G93A mice display spontaneous (non-denervation-related) activation, similar to SCs from wild-type mice. Specifically, cultured EOM SCs contain more abundant transcripts of axon guidance molecules, including Cxcl12 , along with more sustainable renewability than the diaphragm and hindlimb counterparts under differentiation pressure. In neuromuscular co-culture assays, AAV-delivery of Cxcl12 to G93A-hindlimb SC-derived myotubes enhances motor neuron axon extension and innervation, recapitulating the innervation capacity of EOM SC-derived myotubes. G93A mice fed with sodium butyrate (NaBu) supplementation exhibited less NMJ loss in hindlimb and diaphragm muscles. Additionally, SCs derived from G93A hindlimb and diaphragm muscles displayed elevated expression of Cxcl12 and improved renewability following NaBu treatment in vitro . Thus, the NaBu-induced transcriptomic changes resembling the patterns of EOM SCs may underlie the beneficial effects observed in G93A mice. More broadly, the distinct transcriptomic profile of EOM SCs may offer novel therapeutic targets to slow progressive neuromuscular functional decay in ALS and provide possible “response biomarkers” in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Enhancing wheat production and quality in alkaline soil: a study on the effectiveness of foliar and soil applied zinc
Authors: Khan Farhat Ullah , Khan Adnan Anwar , Qu Yuanyuan , Zhang Qi , Adnan Muhammad , Fahad Shah , Gul Fatima , Ismail Muhammad , Saud Shah , Hassan Shah , Xu Xuexuan
Published: November 2023

Cultivation of high-yield varieties and unbalanced fertilization have induced micronutrient deficiency in soils worldwide. Zinc (Zn) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and its deficiency is most common in alkaline and calcareous soils. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of Zn applied either alone or in combination with foliar application on the quality and production of wheat grown in alkaline soils. Zn was applied in the form of zinc sulfate (ZnSo4) to the soil and as a foliar spray during the sowing and tillering stages, respectively. Results showed that Zn fertilization of wheat, irrespective of modes of application, significantly increased grain and biological yield, grain per spike, and 1,000 grains weight over control; however, its effect was more noticeable when applied as 7.5 kg ha−1of soil Zn combined with foliar Zn at 2.5 kg ha−1. Zn application significantly increased the grain protein content from 9.40% in the control to a maximum of 11.83% at soil Zn of 10 kg ha−1. Similarly, Zn application improved Zn, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations in wheat grains. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that the grain Zn concentration was positively correlated with the grain P concentration. The correlation between P concentration in wheat grains and 1,000 grain weight was not significant. A total of 1,000 grains weight was positively correlated with tillers per plant, grain yield, and biological yield. There were positive correlations between protein content, biological yield, grain yield, and tillers per plant. Therefore, soil-applied Zn + foliar application in alkaline soils with limited Zn availability is crucial for improving wheat yield and grain quality.
Topical Nonprescription Pain Medications for Adults
Authors: Vordenberg Sarah E.
Published: November 2023

This JAMA Patient Page describes the types of topical nonprescription pain medications and tips for using them.
Review: Retention is better with methadone than buprenorphine
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2023

In “Buprenorphine versus methadone for the treatment of opioid dependence: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized and observational studies,” authors Louisa Degenhardt and colleagues reviewed studies to compare the effectiveness of methadone with buprenorphine. Their study, published in the June 2023 issue of Lancet Psychiatry, found that treatment retention was better with methadone than buprenorphine. The study was a meta‐analysis that identified 32 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of 5,800 participants and 69 observational studies of 323,340 participants. Primary outcomes were.
Mid‐IR Light‐Activatable Full Spectrum LaB6 Plasmonic Photocatalyst
Authors: Hwang Kuo Chu , Banerjee Payal , Shanmugam Munusamy
Published: November 2023

Photocatalysts as long‐lasting, benign reagents for disinfection of bacteria in hospitals and public areas/facilities/transportation vehicles are strongly needed. A common limitation for all existing semiconductor photocatalysts is the requirement of activation by external UV–vis‐near‐infrared (NIR) light with wavelengths shorter than ≈1265 nm. None of the existing photocatalysts can function during nighttime in the absence of external light. Herein, an unprecedented LaB6 plasmonic photocatalyst is reported, which can absorb UV–vis‐NIR light and mid‐IR (3900 nm) light to split water and generate hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals for the decomposition of organic pollutants, as well as kill multidrug‐resistant Escherichia coli bacteria. Mid‐IR light (≈2–50 µm) is readily available from the natural environments via thermal radiation of warm/hot objects on the earth including human bodies, animals, furnances, hot/warm electrical devices, and buildings.
Laser Writing of Multilayer Structural Colors for Full‐Color Marking on Steel
Authors: Zhang Shuhuan , Wang Yuying , Wang Hailin , Zhong Lijing , Zhu Xiao , Zhu Guangzhi , Qiu Jianrong , Zeng Xiaoyan
Published: November 2023

Laser‐induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) can form structural color on the metal surfaces with high production efficiency and thermal stability, and has been used in various industrial applications such as unfaded color marking and anti‐counterfeiting. Herein, a novel fabrication scheme of multilayer LIPSS is proposed by multiple writing in situ with changing the laser polarization direction, to exhibit an effect of color superposition. To verify this approach, the color formation mechanism of LIPSS on the stainless‐steel surface is analyzed by finite‐element numerical calculation and reveals that the high‐angular dispersion of LIPSS is mainly the result of optical diffraction occurring on the surface of periodic structures. The relationship between the angular dispersion of multilayer LIPSS and laser‐processing parameters is established. Through the proposed multilayer LIPSS coloring technology, vivid full‐color patterns on the steel surface are demonstrated, and the in situ superposition of three‐layer graphs is realized, which can greatly enrich the color levels and be competitive in industrial applications.
Percutaneous coronary intervention for ventricular fibrillation in the setting of an anomalous right coronary artery
Authors: Saleh Danish , Cantey Eric P. , Marogi Emily P. , Freed Benjamin H. , Knight Bradley P. , de Freitas Roger A. , Sweis Ranya N. , Flaherty James D.
Published: November 2023

Key Clinical Message

We present a case of a quadriplegic male who developed ventricular fibrillation associated with an anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery. Successful revascularization was achieved with percutaneous coronary intervention. This case highlights the application of an unconventional approach to resolve ischemia in a patient with prohibitive surgical risk.
Adult's Epstein–Barr virus‐associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A case report
Authors: Sun Yi , Yao Han , Yu Xiaofeng , Chen Yunzhao , Chai Chen
Published: November 2023

Key Clinical Message

Adult's Epstein–Barr virus‐associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare and life‐threatening condition characterized by atypical initial symptoms and rapid disease progression. To facilitate early diagnosis and prompt treatment, it is imperative to implement early multidisciplinary intervention and prioritize pathogen detection, as these measures significantly contribute to enhancing patient prognosis.
Endoscopic removal of sinonasal hemangioma using vessel sealing device without tumor embolization
Authors: Kim Hong Jin , Lee Ye Hwan , Lee Seung Hoon , Seo Min Young
Published: November 2023

Key Clinical Message

When massive bleeding is anticipated during endoscopic sinonasal tumor removal, a vessel sealing device is useful for successful tumor removal.
Plant diversity and soil legacy independently affect the plant metabolome and induced responses following herbivory
Authors: Ristok Christian , Eisenhauer Nico , Weinhold Alexander , van Dam Nicole M.
Published: November 2023

Plant and soil biodiversity can have significant effects on herbivore resistance mediated by plant metabolites. Here, we disentangled the independent effects of plant diversity and soil legacy on constitutive and herbivore‐induced plant metabolomes of three plant species in two complementary microcosm experiments. First, we grew plants in sterile soil with three different plant diversity levels. Second, single plant species were grown on soil with different plant diversity‐induced soil legacies. We infested a subset of all plants with Spodoptera exigua larvae, a generalist leaf‐chewing herbivore, and assessed foliar and root metabolomes. Neither plant diversity nor soil legacy had significant effects on overall foliar, root, or herbivore‐induced metabolome composition. Herbivore‐induced metabolomes, however, differed from those of control plants. We detected 139 significantly regulated metabolites by comparing plants grown in monocultures with conspecifics growing in plant or soil legacy mixtures. Moreover, plant–plant and plant–soil interactions regulated 141 metabolites in herbivore‐induced plants. Taken together, plant diversity and soil legacy independently alter the concentration and induction of plant metabolites, thus affecting the plant's defensive capability. This is a first step toward disentangling plant and soil biodiversity effects on herbivore resistance, thereby improving our understanding of the mechanisms that govern ecosystem functioning.
Tyloxapol and nanoliposomes induce selective delivery of 5‐fluorouracil into hepatic tissues via VLDL/LDL‐mediated pathway
Authors: Harisa Gamaleldin I. , Alanazi Saleh A. , Badran Mohamed M. , Sherif Abdelrahman Y. , AlQahtani Saeed A. , Alanazi Fars K.
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to enhance the hepatic targeting of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) by tyloxapol (TYL) and nanoliposomes to promote drug efficacy and safety. The lipophilicity of 5‐FU was increased by cholesterol conjugation (5‐FUC). Nanoliposomes were prepared, characterized, and loaded with 5‐FU and 5‐FUC and injected into TYL‐treated male Wistar albino rats. After 4 h, LDL and hepatic homogenate were isolated, and the concentrations of 5‐FU and 5‐FUC were investigated in both specimens. The pharmacokinetic parameters of 5‐FU‐ and 5‐FUC‐loaded liposomes were also investigated. The present results revealed that the prepared liposomes have a nanoscale size, negative zeta potential, and prolonged drug release. TYL injection significantly elevated the plasma levels of nonhigh‐density lipoproteins, triacylglycerol (TAG), and total cholesterol (TC). The isolated LDL nanoparticles had a nanosized homogenous vesicle structure and a negative zeta potential. 5‐FUC‐loaded liposomes and TYL augmented 5‐FUC loading into LDL and hepatic tissues compared to that for 5‐FU. Moreover, the present results indicated that 5‐FUC‐loaded liposomes significantly improved the Cmax, Tmax, AUC, MRT, and t1/2 compared to those for the 5‐FUC solution and 5‐FU‐loaded liposomes. This study concluded that the triple approach of a lipophilic shift, nanoliposomes, and TYL is promising for enhancing drug bioavailability, LDL loading, and selective hepatic drug targeting.

Practical Applications: 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is a hydrophilic anticancer medicine that elicits multiple side effects due to high doses, short half‐life, and nonspecific tissue distribution. In this study, 5‐FU was shifted into a lipophilic form (5‐FUC) by cholesterol conjugation. The 5‐FUC was loaded into a nanoliposome. Rats were injected with tyloxapol (TYL) to induce a temporary hyperlipidemia that produces a lipophilic milieu. The hyperlipidemia was confirmed physically by plasma milky appearance and biochemically by marked elevation of non‐HDL lipoproteins. Hyperlipidemia promotes 5‐FUC loading into VLDL‐LDL in vivo. The 5‐FUC level was determined in isolated LDL and liver tissues using HPLC analysis. The lipophilic shift, liposomal loading, and TYL improve pharmacokinetic parameters and bioavailability of 5‐FU with sustained action and hepatic targeting. This study opens a new avenue for endogenous drugs loading into lipoproteins as an approach for selective hepatic drug targeting.
Scalable Preparation of 1‐Aminoethyl Substituted Chromanes
Authors: Diethelm Stefan , Schmidt Gunther , Sifferlen Thierry , Boller Amandine , Cornu Laurent , Schmitt Christine
Published: November 2023

Chromanes and chromanones are structural motives found in many bioactive compounds. To support structure‐activity‐relationship (SAR) studies in a medicinal chemistry program, we developed two alternative synthetic strategies to access 1‐aminoethyl chromane building blocks. Our strategies involve a C(sp2)−C(sp3) coupling for late‐stage introduction of the aminoethyl side chain. In addition, an optimized process was developed to enable decagram scale preparation of one building block.
Management of status epilepticus in dogs
Authors: Ryan Daniel , de Stefani Alberta
Published: November 2023

Background: Status epilepticus (SE) is a common neurological emergency with high mortality, and is often the first manifestation of a seizure disorder. When faced with a patient in SE (or severe cluster seizures) our priority should always be to stop the seizure activity; however, this should not distract us from assessing our seizuring patient as a whole. Neglecting to do so could lead to severe complications and could dramatically affect the patient's short‐term outcome. Management of dogs in SE requires a swift, coordinated response from all members of the veterinary team to improve chances of survival.

Aim of the article: This article aims to provide a step‐by‐step guide for the management of dogs in SE with a focus on strategies to best monitor, stabilise and treat this neurological emergency.
Theraphosid medicine: what to do when something is peculiar with the tarantula
Authors: Kennedy Benjamin
Published: November 2023

Background: With over 1060 species reported and a considerable number of these kept in captivity, theraphosid spiders, also known as tarantulas, have become a significant part of private and zoological collections, hence necessitating a greater demand for veterinary expertise.

Aim of the article: This comprehensive review addresses the unique challenges in tarantula care. It delves into the application of diagnostic tools like histology, radiography, haematology and microbiology in tarantulas, and discusses how to gather clinically relevant data for effective treatment planning of common conditions. It also outlines adaptations to cater treatments to tarantulas' unique anatomy, and offers guidance on drug selection and veterinary procedures, as well as covering humane euthanasia methods.
Green synthesis and biological activity investigation of new derivatives of spiroisatins
Authors: Ahmadi Sajjad , Hossaini Zinatossadat , Zareyee Daryoush , Soleimani Amiri Somayeh , Arshadi Sattar
Published: November 2023

In this research, the synthesis of novel derivatives of spiroisatins in high yields was investigated. These new compounds were synthesized using a multicomponent reaction (MCR) of isatin, malononitrile, acetophenone derivatives, diethyl oxalate, primary amines, and Et3N in aqueous media. Under similar conditions, spiropyrroloisatins were prepared using MCRs of synthesized spiroistins. The antioxidant activity of newly synthesized spiroisatins is due to having an NH group which was evaluated by two procedures. Also, the antimicrobial activity of newly generated spiroisatins was evaluated by a disk distribution process utilizing two kinds of Gram‐negative bacteria and Gram‐positive bacteria and bacterial growth was stopped using these compounds. The advantages of this method are short reaction times, high yields of products, and the easy separation of catalyst and product using simple procedures.
Synthesis and characterization of novel polyurethanes, polypyridazine, and polyamide based on s‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine
Authors: Sayed Abdelwahed R. , Wiggins Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2023

The synthesis and analysis of new polymeric materials based on 1,2,4,5‐tetrazine are discussed in this study. Tetrazine was mixed with thermoplastic polyurethane in dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent and dibutyl tin dilaurate as catalyst at 50°C for 24 h to create brush polyurethane‐urea, which was then reacted with an unsaturated center in dimethyl sulfoxide as solvent at 60°C for 48 h made of either polyenol or thermoplastic polyurethane through π–π interaction. Because 1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (red color) is known to act as an electron‐deficient dine in inverse electron demand Diels–Alder reactions and can be easily converted to pyridazine (peach color) via [4 + 2] cycloaddition with suitable followed by expulsion of molecular nitrogen (cycloreversion), we observed a highly colored red shift to peach and this monitor for this reaction. Additionally, polyamide was prepared via reaction of 3,6‐diamino‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine with terephthaloyl chloride in DMF as a suitable solvent and triethylamine as basic catalyst at 0°C for 3 h and then 36 h at room temperature. The new polymers that were produced were elucidated by spectral data.
Bill to help seniors avoid cost, concerns with ‘ghost networks’
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2023

Observing that one in four seniors covered by Medicare lives with mental illness and less than half receive treatment, bipartisan lawmakers last month introduced a bill that helps seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage avoid the consequences of inaccurate provider directories, also known as “ghost networks.”
Predicting high‐risk periods for weight regain following initial weight loss
Authors: Ross Kathryn M. , You Lu , Qiu Peihua , Shankar Meena N. , Swanson Taylor N. , Ruiz Jaime , Anthony Lisa , Perri Michael G.
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a predictive algorithm of “high‐risk” periods for weight regain after weight loss.

Methods

Longitudinal mixed‐effects models and random forest regression were used to select predictors and develop an algorithm to predict weight regain on a week‐to‐week basis, using weekly questionnaire and self‐monitoring data (including daily e‐scale data) collected over 40 weeks from 46 adults who lost ≥5% of baseline weight during an initial 12‐week intervention (Study 1). The algorithm was evaluated in 22 adults who completed the same Study 1 intervention but lost <5% of baseline weight and in 30 adults recruited for a separate 30‐week study (Study 2).

Results

The final algorithm retained the frequency of self‐monitoring caloric intake and weight plus self‐report ratings of hunger and the importance of weight‐management goals compared with competing life demands. In the initial training data set, the algorithm predicted weight regain the following week with a sensitivity of 75.6% and a specificity of 45.8%; performance was similar (sensitivity: 81%–82%, specificity: 30%–33%) in testing data sets.

Conclusions

Weight regain can be predicted on a proximal, week‐to‐week level. Future work should investigate the clinical utility of adaptive interventions for weight‐loss maintenance and develop more sophisticated predictive models of weight regain.
Find Big Leaks That Are Hard to Find
Authors: Walski Tom
Published: November 2023

Medium or large leaks are usually easy to find because they find you! Chlorinated, pressurized water bubbles up or violently launches itself through the street or soil. You know where to dig.
Optimize Granular Media Filtration
Authors: Charles Matt
Published: November 2023

Effective filtration depends on a combination of complex physical and chemical mechanisms. It's important for operators to know how granular media filters work, the basics of how they are designed, and strategies for successful operation.
Pebax/poly(vinyl alcohol) mixed matrix membrane incorporated by amine‐functionalized graphene oxide for CO2 separation
Authors: Kheirtalab Mina , Abedini Reza , Ghorbani Mohsen
Published: November 2023

Graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO) were firstly functionalized using p‐phenylenediamine and then utilized as nanofillers to prepare poly(ether‐block‐amide) (Pebax®‐1657)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA‐60000)‐based mixed‐matrix membranes. The modified GO as well as the fabricated mixed matrix membranes underwent some characterization analyses, including FTIR, TGA, XRD, FESEM, and EDX. The influence of amine‐modified nanoparticles content (2, 4, and 6 wt%), and feed pressure on CO2, CH4, and N2 permeabilitis and ideal CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 selectivities values of the MMMs were investigated. The permeation experiments demonstrated that Pebax/PVA (10 and 15 wt%) blend membranes caused an increase in CO2 permeability owing to the high affinity of polar CO2 molecules to polar PVA segments. Moreover, the incorporation of 6 wt% amine‐functionalized GO into the Pebax/PVA (10 wt%) and Pebax/PVA (15 wt%) blend polymer raised the CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 selectivity by nearly 43%, 28%, and 37%, respectively, due to the higher CO2 adsorption capacity of the amine‐functionalized GO.
Effect of aging on damage properties and reaction characteristics of typical 2,4‐dinitroanisole (DNAN)‐based melt‐cast explosives under low‐velocity impact
Authors: Ma Teng , Yang Nian , Luo Yimin , Wang Yanru , Guo Guangfei , Wu Sanzhen , Xu Sen , Wu Xingliang
Published: November 2023

The effects of aging degradation on the safety performance of typical 2,4‐dinitroanisole (DNAN)‐based melt‐cast explosives (MCEs) were studied. An in‐house‐designed low‐velocity impact device and a closed bomb were used to study the effects of aging on the fragmentation and reactivity of DNAN‐based MCEs under impact damage. The test results showed that after artificially accelerated aging of the bare grain, the mass decreased, volume increased, and compressive strength increased, resulting in physical defects such as cracks and debonding occurring inside the explosive. The degree of damage to the DNAN‐based melt‐cast explosive increased with an increase in the impact velocity. Artificial aging increases the degree of damage and impact sensitivity of explosives. The relationship between the degree of fragmentation and the impact velocity under different aging times was revealed through the frangibility factor (FFE) and dynamic activity (L). The microcracks formed by DNAN sublimation and aging significantly affected the sample reaction violence.
How to Reduce Char Formation in the Lignin Degradation Process: A Review
Authors: Ma Jiayue , Ma Xiuyuan , Li Mengzhu , Sun Yumiao , Wang Ting
Published: November 2023

As the most abundant biomass resource in nature, the utilization of renewable aromatic rings contained in lignin has always been the focal point for materials science and chemistry. Many of the current lignin degradation methods need to be carried out under harsh conditions such as extremely high temperatures or high pressures. This leads to the cross‐linking reaction between lignin and depolymerization intermediates to produce solid char. The milder method also requires the use of heating, which may also lead to the polymerization of some intermediates in the reaction to form char. It has been a difficult problem for researchers to find a way to reduce the solid char. This review discusses different methods to avoid or reduce char formation and sedimentation, including thermal degradation, electrochemical catalysis, fungal degradation, and mechanochemical methods. The aim of the review is to help reduce char formation during lignin degradation and to increase the rate of lignin biomass degradation.
Nitrogen Radiofrequency Plasma Treatment of Graphene
Authors: Bident Antoine , Caillault Nathalie , Delange Florence , Labrugere Christine , Aubert Guillaume , Aymonier Cyril , Durand Etienne , Demourgues Alain , Lu Yongfeng , Silvain Jean‐François
Published: November 2023

The incorporation of nitrogen (N) atoms into a graphitic network such as graphene (Gr) remains a major challenge. However, even if the insertion mechanisms are not yet fully understood, it is certain that the modification of the electrical properties of Gr is possible according to the configuration adopted. Several simulations work, notably using DFT, have shown that the incorporation of N in Gr can induce an increase in the electrical conductivity and N acts as an electron donor; this increase is linked to the amount of N, the sp2/sp3 carbon configuration, and the nature of C−N bonding. Nitrogen radiofrequency (RF) plasma has been used to incorporate N into Gr materials. The RF plasma method shows the possibility to incorporate N‐graphitic nitrogen into Gr after a pre‐treatment with nitric acid. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectrometry were used to quantify the functionalized groups. The modifications of the graphene surface chemistry along the amount of N inside the Gr change the chemical environment of N. This method, enabling the incorporation of N inside Gr matrix, opens up a route to a broad range of applications.
Morphological, Thermal, and Physicochemical Characteristics of Nano Starch from Cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen)
Authors: Pumacahua‐Ramos Augusto , Demiate Ivo Mottin , Travalini Ana Paula , Granza Andressa Gabardo , Farias Fabiane Oliveira , Schnitzler Egon , Lopes‐Filho José Francisco
Published: November 2023

The objective of the study is to determine some physical and thermal properties of Cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) starch of variety Ramis grown at high altitude. Starch is extracted after hydration of the grains in a solution containing 0.2% SO2 and 0.55% lactic acid for 12 h at 30 °C. Particle Analyzer, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X‐Ray Diffractometry (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Thermogravimetry (DTG), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Rapid Viscosity Analyzer (RVA) are used for characterization. The results show that the starches have a polyhedral shape and 85% have diameters in the range 712–955 nm. Surface agglomerated starches have low roughness values. The XRD shows the characteristic peaks of the starches type A, relative crystallinity of 28.52%, and the transmittance ratio (1045/1022 cm−1) of 1.33 from the FT‐IR. DTG shows three peaks of decomposition (203, 354, and 512 °C) and thermal stability of 251 °C. The temperature and enthalpy change of gelatinization are 62.7 °C and 3.64 J g−1, respectively. The RVA analysis shows viscosity with pasting temperature of 60.2 °C, limited peak viscosity at 95 °C, low breakdown (537 mPa s), and high setback (774.7 mPa s) during cooling. This small granule starch shows potential for applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, and food industries.
Balancing generalism and specialism: what can the vet profession learn from human medicine?
Authors: Swire Cleodie , Brown Honoria
Published: November 2023

Cleodie Swire and Honoria Brown argue that the current trends of promoting generalism in human medicine to provide holistic care to patients should prompt the veterinary profession to do the same and create a rewarding career pathway for GP vets.
Ian Robert Macintosh Kennedy
Authors: Duncanson Graham
Published: November 2023

A great vet, a marvellous father, a sportsman and traveller, he loved adventure.
Orthogonal ring patterns in the plane
Authors: Bobenko Alexander I. , Hoffmann Tim , Rörig Thilo
Published: November 2023

We introduce orthogonal ring patterns consisting of pairs of concentric circles generalizing circle patterns. We show that orthogonal ring patterns are governed by the same equation as circle patterns. For every ring pattern there exists a one parameter family of patterns that interpolates between a circle pattern and its dual. We construct ring patterns analogues of the Doyle spiral, Erf and $$z^\alpha $$

z
α

functions. We also derive a variational principle and compute ring patterns based on Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions.
Synthesis of Pd-Cu/TPPCu electrocatalyst for direct ethanol fuel cell applications
Authors: Irazoque S. , López-Suárez A. , Zagal-Padilla C. K. , Gamboa S. A.
Published: November 2023

In this study, the electro-oxidation reaction of ethanol over Pd–Cu supported on Cu porphyrin (TPPCu) was investigated. The catalyst was synthesized using the microwave-assisted polyol method and physicochemically characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, EDS, TEM, EDAX, UV–Vis, FTIR, and RBS. A Cu-enriched catalyst with Cu3Pd, Pd,Cu, and TPPCu phases was identified using XRD and XPS. However, according to the RBS results, the catalytic surface was enriched with Pd, indicating that the interaction between TPPCu and Pd–Cu allowed the presence of Pd on the surface, thus enhancing the catalytic response of the material. This synthesis prevented the deprotonation of porphyrin on the electrocatalyst, as confirmed by XPS analysis. Electrochemical studies based on cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the response of the catalyst to variations in the scan rate and increasing ethanol concentration. The electrochemical response of PdCu/TPPCu improved with an increasing number of cycles, indicating improved mass transport, thus improving its electrochemical response and tolerance to CO contamination. This catalyst exhibited a high electroactive surface area of 49.4 m2/g, which could be related to the presence of TPPCu as a support. The behavior of the catalyst on the anode of a fuel cell fed with ethanol, bioethanol, and bioethanol residues was evaluated.

Graphical Abstract
Geometric-algebraic approach to aqueous solutions of diprotic acids and its buffer mixtures
Authors: Morales Juan C. , Arango Carlos A.
Published: November 2023

A closed-form analytical expression for $${[\hbox {H}_{3}\hbox {O}^{+}]}$$

[

H
3

O
+

]

has been obtained for aqueous solutions of diprotic acids and its soluble salts. This formula allows to calculate the pH of aqueous solutions of diprotic acids, their buffer solutions, and the titrations of these two by a strong base, from the values of p$$K_1$$

K
1

, p$$K_2$$

K
2

, and the effective concentrations of the acid and the base, $$\bar{C}_\textrm{a}$$

C

¯

a

and $$\bar{C}_\textrm{b}$$

C

¯

b

respectively. It is shown that a strong base titration of an acid, or its buffer solutions, is always a linear path in the $$\bar{C}_\textrm{a}$$

C

¯

a

–$$\bar{C}_\textrm{b}$$

C

¯

b

plane, which allows a simple analysis of the pH stability of buffer solutions. The mathematical analysis of the equilibrium equations of the dissolution of a diprotic acid in water and the physical constraints allowed to obtain two approximate equations for the diprotic acids. One of the approximations is useful for acids with $$\textrm{p}K_2-\textrm{p}K_1\le \log _{10}4$$

p

K
2

-
p

K
1

≤

log
10

4

, the other for acids with $$\textrm{p}K_2-\textrm{p}K_1\le -\log _{10}4$$

p

K
2

-
p

K
1

≤
-

log
10

4

.
Rib remodelling changes with body size in fossil hippopotamuses from Cyprus and Greece
Authors: Miszkiewicz Justyna J. , Athanassiou Athanassios , Lyras George A. , van der Geer Alexandra A. E.
Published: November 2023

Large species that are isolated for thousands of years on islands often evolve extreme degrees of dwarfism. Very little is known about physiological processes that accompany such extreme transitions in extinct dwarf species. We tested whether physiological cycles of bone maintenance (remodelling) in dwarf adult hippopotamuses correlate with insularity-driven body mass shifts that may occur due to variables such as ecological release from predation pressure and change in access to resources. We hypothesised that hippopotamuses with the smallest body size should show higher values of osteocyte lacunae, proxies for osteoblast proliferation during cycles of remodelling, when compared to relatively larger dwarf forms, as well as much larger mainland common hippopotamuses. We examined 20 ribs from three extinct PleistoceneHippopotamusspecies spanning a gradient in body size:H. minor(~132 kg, Cyprus),H. creutzburgi(~398 kg, Crete), andH. antiquus(~3200 kg, mainland Greece). Ribs were selected because they reflect bone metabolic rates that are not completely clouded by factors such as biomechanics. Densities of osteocyte lacunae (Ot.Dn) were examined in 864 individual secondary osteons observed in histology sections. We found the highest average Ot.Dn in theH. minorribs, intermediate Ot.Dn in theH. creutzburgiribs, and the lowest Ot.Dn in theH. antiquusribs. It appears that Ot.Dn distinctly separated these three species, possibly signifying a gradient in bone remodelling such that bone tissue optimises maintenance in the face of insularity-driven reduction of body size. We discuss hippopotamus rib bone microstructure and the utility of Ot.Dn in palaeontological analyses for elucidating intricate biological processes occurring in bone of insular fossil mammals.
Work Difficulties in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ponzio Michela , Podda Jessica , Pignattelli Elena , Verri Anna , Persechino Benedetta , Vitturi Bruno Kusznir , Bandiera Paolo , Manacorda Tommaso , Inglese Matilde , Durando Paolo , Battaglia Mario Alberto
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study identifies potential predictors of unemployment and describes specific work difficulties and their determinants in a subgroup of employed people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The specific work difficulties were evaluated using a validated tool that measures the impact of respondents’ symptoms and of workplace features.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Italy during 2021–2022. The subjects included were adults (18–65 years) with a diagnosis of MS, currently employed or unemployed. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association between each potential determinant and employment status, while linear regression models were used to determine the association between determinants and specific work difficulties.

Results

The main risk factors associated with a higher risk of being unemployed were being older, living in the South of Italy/islands, and having a higher disability level, while protective factors against unemployment were having a high level of education and ‘stable’ employment (an open-ended contract). Fatigue was found to be associated with all work difficulties analyzed; mood disorders emerged as the main predictors of mental health-related work difficulties; level of disability and comorbidity significantly impacted physical health-related ones, and a good quality of life was found to improve both workplace-related and mental health-related difficulties at work.

Conclusion

Identifying the most significant difficulties is a crucial step in the development of vocational rehabilitation interventions tailored to maximize the ability of PwMS to handle their job-related duties and demands.
New Arguments for a pure lottery in Research Funding: A Sketch for a Future Science Policy Without Time-Consuming Grant Competitions
Authors: Roumbanis Lambros
Published: November 2023

A critical debate has blossomed within the field of research policy, science and technology studies, and philosophy of science regarding the possible benefits and limitations of allocating extramural grants using a lottery system. The most common view among those supporting the lottery idea is that some form of modified lottery is acceptable, if properly combined with peer review. This means that partial randomization can be applied only after experts have screened the pursuit-worthiness of all submitted proposals and sorted out those of lowest quality. In the present paper, I will argue against the use of partial lotteries or partial randomization and instead promote use of a pure lottery in combination with a radical increase in block funding. The main reason for holding this position is that a partial lottery cannot solve the problems inherent in the current funding system, which is based on grant competitions and peer review. A partial lottery cannot decrease the enormous time-waste, reduce the uneven distribution of time between researchers, neutralize expert biases or mitigate academic power asymmetries. Instead, we need a stronger focus on improving general time management in academia by implementing a more holistic model for organizing research opportunities in the future.
Spectral warping based data augmentation for low resource children’s speaker verification
Authors: Kathania Hemant Kumar , Kadyan Virender , Kadiri Sudarsana Reddy , Kurimo Mikko
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we present our effort to develop an automatic speaker verification (ASV) system for low resources children’s data. For the children’s speakers, very limited amount of speech data is available in majority of the languages for training the ASV system. Developing an ASV system under low resource conditions is a very challenging problem. To develop the robust baseline system, we merged out of domain adults’ data with children’s data to train the ASV system and tested with children’s speech. This kind of system leads to acoustic mismatches between training and testing data. To overcome this issue, we have proposed spectral warping based data augmentation. We modified adult speech data using spectral warping method (to simulate like children’s speech) and added it to the training data to overcome data scarcity and mismatch between adults’ and children’s speech. The proposed data augmentation gives 20.46% and 52.52% relative improvement (in equal error rate) for Indian Punjabi and British English speech databases, respectively. We compared our proposed method with well known data augmentation methods: SpecAugment, speed perturbation (SP) and vocal tract length perturbation (VTLP), and found that the proposed method performed best. The proposed spectral warping method is publicly available at https://github.com/kathania/Speaker-Verification-spectral-warping.