bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profiling of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas in response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Sahni Sumit , Nahm Christopher , Ahadi Mahsa S. , Sioson Loretta , Byeon Sooin , Chou Angela , Maloney Sarah , Moon Elizabeth , Pavlakis Nick , Gill Anthony J. , Samra Jaswinder , Mittal Anubhav
Published: August 2023

Aim

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the lowest survival rate of all major cancers. Chemotherapy is the mainstay systemic therapy for PDAC, and chemoresistance is a major clinical problem leading to therapeutic failure. This study aimed to identify key differences in gene expression profile in tumors from chemoresponsive and chemoresistant patients.

Methods

Archived formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tumor tissue samples from patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy were obtained during surgical resection. Specimens were macrodissected and gene expression analysis was performed. Multi‐ and univariate statistical analysis was performed to identify differential gene expression profile of tumors from good (0%–30% residual viable tumor [RVT]) and poor (>30% RVT) chemotherapy‐responders.

Results

Initially, unsupervised multivariate modeling was performed by principal component analysis, which demonstrated a distinct gene expression profile between good‐ and poor‐chemotherapy responders. There were 396 genes that were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated (200 genes) or upregulated (196 genes) in tumors from good responders compared to poor responders. Further supervised multivariate analysis of significant genes by partial least square (PLS) demonstrated a highly distinct gene expression profile between good‐ and poor responders. A gene biomarker of panel (IL18, SPA17, CD58, PTTG1, MTBP, ABL1, SFRP1, CHRDL1, IGF1, and CFD) was selected based on PLS model, and univariate regression analysis of individual genes was performed. The identified biomarker panel demonstrated a very high ability to diagnose good‐responding PDAC patients (AUROC: 0.977, sensitivity: 82.4%; specificity: 87.0%).

Conclusion

A distinct tumor biological profile between PDAC patients who either respond or not respond to chemotherapy was identified.
Antibacterial, Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Assessment of New Sulfonamide Derivatives
Authors: Imène Becheker , Akram Melakhessou Mohamed , Eddine Marref Salah , Ismahene Grib , Amarouayache Mounia , Berredjem Malika , Berredjem Hajira
Published: August 2023

In the last few years, the interest in sulfonamides has expanded owing to their broad spectrum of biological activities. Their flexible structure turns them into amazing candidates to replace old drugs or develop modern multi‐target agents. In this study, a series of new sulfonamides (sul1‐5) was evaluated,in vitro, for the antibacterial, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. The antibacterial activity was investigated against 12 clinical and 4 reference strains. Cytotoxic activity was carried out by the brine shrimp bioassay and the genotoxicity was assessed in the Ames test. An interesting antibacterial activity was showed especially against Gram negative strains. The inhibition zones varied between 15 and 30 mm, and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC's) values between 0.5 and 256 μg/ml. No antibacterial activity was shown withS. aureusisolates. OnlySul1andSul4were active againstP. aeruginosa. CompoundsSul1andSul2showed a significant cytotoxicity with LC50equal to 18.29 and 18 μg/ml respectively, and a genotoxic effect against TA100 and TA1535Salmonellastrains. Only compoundsSul3,Sul4andSul5with an interesting antibacterial activity, no cytotoxicity and no genotoxic effects, could be exploited against resistant pathogens as new drugs.
Neonatal lupus erythematosus manifested as a complete heart block: A case report
Authors: Gyawali Siddinath , Rauniyar Suraj Prasad Gupta , Gyawali Bindu , Bhusal Tapasya , Basnet Srijana
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Fetal bradycardia and congenital complete heart block could be the presentation of neonatal lupus. A high index of suspicion of this condition helps to identify an asymptomatic mother.

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is a rare acquired autoimmune disease of newborns due to placental transfer of Ro/SSA or La/SSB autoantibodies. Though cardiac, cutaneous, hematological, and hepatobiliary abnormalities are detected, cardiac defects cause significant morbidity and mortality. We report a case of complete congenital heart block due to NLE.
Preoperative detection of functional somatostatin receptors in a patient with an insulinoma
Authors: Oguni Kohei , Fukushima Shinnosuke , Yamamoto Yukichika , Hasegawa Kou , Hagiya Hideharu , Inoshita Naoko , Otsuka Fumio
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Octreotide is used in patients with insulinomas to treat hypoglycemia, and somatostatin receptor (SSTR) 2 expression is important for its efficacy. We report a case of insulinoma in a 50‐year‐old woman that responded to an octreotide test, showed accumulation in somatostatin scintigraphy, and was positive for SSTR2A on immunostaining.
Two‐Dimensional Amorphous Iridium Oxide for Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yu Hao , Liao Fan , Zhu Wenxiang , Qin Keyang , Shi Jie , Ma Mengjie , Li Youyong , Fang Miaomiao , Su Jiaqi , Song Beibei , Li Lamei , Zairov Rustem R. , Ji Yujin , Shao Mingwang , Shao Qi
Published: August 2023

The increasing popularity of proton exchange membrane electrolysis technology for hydrogen production has brought attention to the electrolytic water reaction. However, the slow kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode have great influence on the overall efficiency of the reaction. While iridium oxide shows excellent stability under acidic conditions, its OER activity still needs to be improved. Here, we synthesized two‐dimensional amorphous iridium oxide (Am−IrO2) nanosheets with the thickness of only 6 nm by a mixed molten salt method. Such nanosheets show an ultralow overpotential of only 230 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 M H2SO4. The overpotential increases only 40 mV after 90 hours of the stability test at this current density. Am−IrO2 can maintain the current density of ~400 mA cm−2 after 120 hours of test at 1.8 V in the PEM device, demonstrating good industrial prospects. Density functional theoretical calculations show that the oxygen vacancies, together with the upshift of the O 2p band center, are responsible for the improvement of OER in Am−IrO2.
Ibuprofen Adsorption onto Olive Pomace Activated Carbon
Authors: Raupp Íris Nunes , Filho Alaor Valério , Arim Aline Lemos , Muniz Ana Rosa Costa , da Rosa Gabriela Silveira
Published: August 2023

Pharmaceutical compounds present in liquid effluents have great environmental impact. Thus, the development of alternative adsorbent materials from agro‐industrial activities has received attention. This work aimed to adsorb ibuprofen onto activated carbon from olive pomace and evaluate the parameters of the adsorption system. The experiments were performed in batch and continuous flow. The mathematical models that best described the experimental data were the pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir models for kinetic and isothermal studies. The fixed bed experiments showed a good fit for the Thomas model.
Organic Semiconductor Interfaces and Their Effects in Organic Solar Cells†
Authors: Wang Chuanfei , Li Weidong , Zeng Qi , Liu Xianjie , Fahlman Mats , Bao Qinye
Published: August 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Energy levels and energy level alignment at interfaces play a decisive role in designing efficient and stable organic solar cells (OSCs). In this review two usually used technologies in organic photovoltaic communities for measuring energy levels of organic semiconductors, photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical methods, are introduced, and the relationships between the values obtained from the corresponding techniques are compared. The energy level and energy level alignment across the interfaces involved in solution processed organic photovoltaics are described, and the corresponding integer charge transfer model for predicting and explaining energy level alignment is presented. The effects of the interface properties in designing efficient binary and ternary OSCs were discussed. The effects of environmental factors mainly including water vapor, oxygen gas and thermal annealing on energy levels and energy level alignment involved in photoactive layers, and the subsequent effects on the corresponding OSC properties are given.
Monochromatic design in a polychrome world. Why our cities have become increasingly gray: A dichotomy between production and reception in architectural color design
Authors: Weber Ralf
Published: August 2023

Color is a central component of human experience, yet when we narrow our focus to the practice of city planning and architecture, color only plays a marginal role in the initial phases of the design process. This paper reviews various approaches to using color on buildings: for example, the evolution of regional styles due to the availability of pigments and materials, the use of color as a form of decorative drapery, and the emphasis of a building's pure form without any additional color. Central to the paper is the analysis of the dichotomy between the reality of the process of actually experiencing a city and its buildings on the one hand and the design process on the other—a dichotomy between reception and production, thus, a contradiction between an “atmospheric world” of human perception and cognition and a professional world of  imaginative design, in which the spatial atmosphere created by color, material, and light often emerges only as a by‐product at the end of a conceptual and diagrammatic planning process. The paper proposes a different way of going about the architectural design process that encompasses holistic thinking in color, material, and light right from the start.
Fault diagnosis for wind turbines based on LSTM and feature optimization strategies
Authors: Feng Rongqiang , Du Hongwei , Du Tianchi , Wu Xueqiong , Yu Haiping , Zhang Kexin , Huang Chenxi , Cao Lianlian
Published: August 2023

High penetration of renewable energy is the development trend of the future power system. As one of the clean energy sources, wind power generation has an increasing share in the energy market. However, due to the harsh working environment, the high fault rate and poor accessibility of the wind farms, resulting in the difficult maintenance process and high cost. This article proposes a fault diagnosis (FD) method based on long short‐term memory (LSTM) and feature optimization strategies for wind turbines (WTs), thus reducing the operation and maintenance costs of WTs. First, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis is performed on the collected data features to remove redundant features, and wavelet transform is adopted to remove the redundant data, so as to optimize the fault features and fault data. Then the selected features samples are used to train LSTM‐based FD model. Finally, the actual production data is adopted to verify the proposed method. The proposed method can effectively locate the faults, and provide data support for wind farms, thus improving the reliability, safety, and economic benefits of wind farms.
Design and development of leaky least mean fourth control algorithm for single‐phase grid‐connected multilevel inverter
Authors: Mittal Sudhanshu , Singh Alka , Chittora Prakash
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes leaky least mean fourth (LLMF) algorithm for the control of five‐level series connected H‐bridge multilevel inverter (5L SCHB‐MLI). The SCHB multilevel inverter is a popular configuration due to its wide application for high‐power and medium‐voltage applications. The complete system comprising the grid, load, and compensator is modeled in MATLAB/SIMULINK. Prototype hardware is also developed in the laboratory for experimental validation. The 5L SCHB inverter is connected in a single‐phase power distribution system and controlled as a compensator. The voltage across both DC links of the H‐bridges is regulated to almost equal value by the proposed control algorithm. The closed loop system is designed to mitigate total harmonic distortion (THD) in the source current and improve the power quality of the proposed system. The system is analyzed under the steady state and dynamic state, and the results are also verified on the hardware prototype developed in the laboratory. The proposed algorithm is also compared with conventional least means square (LMS) algorithm and notch filter algorithm on several parameters. The paper discusses a detailed simulation and hardware analysis on the control of five‐level MLI topology.
Molecular genetics and quantitative traits divergence among populations of Eothenomys miletus from Hengduan Mountain region
Authors: Ren Yue , Jia Ting , Cai Yanfei , Zhang Lin , Zhang Hao , Wang Zhengkun , Zhu Wanlong
Published: August 2023

An important objective of evolutionary biology has always been to grasp the evolutionary and genetic processes that contribute to speciation. The present work provides the first detailed account of the genetic and physiological adaptation to changing environmental temperatures as well as the reasons causing intraspecific divergence in the Eothenomys miletus from the Hengduan Mountain (HM) region, one of the biodiversity hotspots. One hundred sixty‐one E. miletus individuals from five populations in the HM region had their reduced‐representation genome sequenced, and one additional individual from each community had their genomes resequenced. We then characterized the genetic diversity and population structure of each population and compared the phenotypic divergence in traits using neutral molecular markers. We detected significant phenotypic and genetic alterations in E. miletus from the HM region that were related to naturally occurring diverse habitats by combining morphometrics and genomic techniques. There was asymmetric gene flow among the E. miletus populations, indicating that five E. miletus populations exhibit an isolation‐by‐island model, and this was supported by the correlation between FST and geographic distance. Finally, PST estimated by phenotypic measures of most wild traits were higher than differentiation at neutral molecular markers, indicating directional natural selection favoring different phenotypes in different populations must have been involved to achieve this much differentiation. Our findings give information on the demographic history of E. miletus, new insights into their evolution and adaptability, and literature for studies of a similar nature on other wild small mammals from the HM region.
Investigating avian competition for surface water in an arid zone bioregion
Authors: Votto Simon E. , Schlesinger Christine , Dyer Fiona , Caron Valerie , Davis Jenny
Published: August 2023

Interference competition has the potential to alter avian assemblages at long‐lasting arid zone waterholes, particularly in a warming world, as more potentially aggressive species frequent these sites to drink. We used camera traps and observational surveys to investigate interference competition between terrestrial avian species at six long‐lasting waterholes across three sampling seasons (two summers and one winter) within the MacDonnell Ranges Bioregion in central Australia. The proportion of individuals drinking for each of four dietary classes (granivores, nectarivores, omnivores, and insectivores) was modelled in relation to their abundance in the immediate waterhole habitat, which informed the potential for competition in each season. We then used the temporal overlap estimators to quantify the degree of competition between species at waterholes with species grouped into families (Meliphagidae, Ptilonorhynchidae, Estrildidae, and Rhipiduridae). We found the proportion of individuals drinking at waterholes was greatest during hot and dry periods, suggesting the potential for interference competition is greatest during these times. This was particularly the case for nectarivores where, in hot and dry conditions, the proportion of drinking individuals increased significantly as their abundance also increased in the waterhole habitat. We predicted that subordinate species would alter their activity periods to avoid competitive interactions with meliphagids (honeyeaters), however, we found there was a high degree of temporal overlap between all families sampled across all seasons. These results suggest subordinate species are unlikely to be excluded from long‐lasting waterholes by potentially aggressive species, such as honeyeaters. However, some species may face trade‐offs between foraging and accessing waterholes to stay hydrated as they shift their activity to avoid the hottest parts of the day during the summer months. Under global warming, extended hot and dry periods will likely create conditions where balancing energy and hydration requirements becomes increasingly difficult and results in the loss of body condition.
Ecological dynamic regimes: Identification, characterization, and comparison
Authors: Sánchez‐Pinillos Martina , Kéfi Sonia , De Cáceres Miquel , Dakos Vasilis
Published: August 2023

Understanding ecological dynamics has been a central topic in ecology since its origins. Yet, identifying dynamic regimes remains a research frontier for modern ecology. The concept of ecological dynamic regime (EDR) emerged to emphasize the dynamic property of steady states in nature and refers to the fluctuations of ecosystems around some trend or average. Identifying and characterizing EDRs is of utmost importance in the current context of global change since they form the reference against which post‐disturbance dynamics must be compared to assess ecological resilience. However, the implementation of EDRs in empirical science is still challenging given the high dimensionality and stochasticity of ecological data and the large volume of data required to distinguish stochastic dynamics from general and predictable dynamics. The era of big data and the recent advances in quantitative ecology and data science offer an opportunity to study dynamic regimes using empirical approaches from a new perspective. This paper presents a novel methodological framework to describe EDRs from a set of ecological trajectories defined by the temporal changes of state variables in a multidimensional state space. In our framework, we formally define EDRs and include analytical tools to identify, characterize, and compare EDRs based on their geometric characteristics. More specifically, we propose different ways to identify EDRs from empirical data, develop a new algorithm to identify representative trajectories summarizing the main dynamic patterns, propose a set of metrics to describe the internal distribution of ecological trajectories, and define a dissimilarity index to compare two or more dynamic regimes based on their shape and position in the state space. We used artificial data to illustrate the different elements of our framework and applied our analyses to real data, using permanent sampling plots of Canadian boreal forests as an example. Overall, our framework contributes to filling the gap between theoretical and empirical ecology by providing robust analytical tools to assess ecological resilience and study ecosystem dynamics from a multidimensional perspective and considering the variability of natural systems.
Protocell Communication through the Eyes of Synthetic Organic Chemists
Authors: Rebasa‐Vallverdu Aina , Valente Stefano , Galanti Agostino , Sbacchi Maria , Vicentini Francesco , Morbiato Laura , Rosetti Beatrice , Gobbo Pierangelo
Published: August 2023

The bottom‐up fabrication of synthetic cells (protocells) from molecules and materials, is a major challenge of modern chemistry. A significant breakthrough has been the engineering of protocells capable of chemical communication using bio‐derived molecules and ex situ stabilised cell machineries. These, however, suffer from short shelf‐lives, high costs, and require mild aqueous conditions. In this Concept Article we analyse the chemistry at the heart of protocell communication to highlight new opportunities for synthetic chemists in protocell engineering. Specifically, we (i) categorise the main bio‐derived chemical communication machineries in enzyme cascades, DNA strand displacement, and gene‐mediated communication; (ii) review the chemistries of these signal transduction machineries; and (iii) introduce new types of bio‐inspired, fully synthetic artificial enzymes to replace their natural counterparts. Developing protocells that incorporate synthetic analogues of bio‐derived signal transduction machineries will improve the robustness, stability, and versatility of protocells, and broaden their applications to highly strategic fields such as photocatalysis and fine chemicals production.
A two‐dimensional multimaterial ALE method for compressible flows using coupled volume of fluid and level set interface reconstruction
Authors: Cheng Jian , Zhang Fan
Published: August 2023

In this work, we present a two‐dimensional multimaterial arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method for simulating compressible flows in which a novel coupled volume of fluid and level set interface reconstruction (VOSET) method is developed for interface capturing. The VOSET method combines the merits of both the volume of fluid method and the level set method by using a geometrical iterative operation. Compared to the original VOSET method, the novel VOSET method proposed in this work further improves the accuracy and fidelity in interface reconstruction procedure, especially in under‐resolved regions. Several typical two‐dimensional numerical experiments are presented to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed VOSET method and its performance when coupling with the multimaterial ALE solver. Numerical results demonstrate its good capability in capturing material interfaces during the simulation of compressible two‐material flows.
Numerical microstructural optimization for the hydrogen electrode of solid oxide cells
Authors: Prioux Manon , Da Rosa Silva Eduardo , Hubert Maxime , Vulliet Julien , Debayle Johan , Cloetens Peter , Laurencin Jérôme
Published: August 2023

A multiscale model has been used to optimize the microstructure of a classical hydrogen electrode made of nickel and yttria‐stabilized zirconia (Ni‐8YSZ). For this purpose, a 3D reconstruction of a reference electrode has been obtained by X‐ray nano‐holotomography. Then, a large dataset of synthetic microstructures has been generated around this reference with the truncated Gaussian random field method, varying the ratio Ni/8YSZ and the Ni particle size. All the synthetic microstructures have been introduced in a multiscale modeling approach to analyze the impact of the microstructure on the electrode and cell responses. The local electrode polarization resistance in the hydrogen electrode, as well as the complete cell impedance spectra, have been computed for the different microstructures. A significant performance improvement was found when decreasing the Ni particle size distribution. Moreover, an optimum has been identified in terms of electrode composition allowing the minimization of the cell polarization resistance. The same methodology has been also applied to assess the relevance of graded electrodes. All these results allow a better understanding of the precise role of microstructure on cell performances and provide useful guidance for cell manufacturing.
A database of detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic compositions from the Tarim, West Kunlun, Pamir, Tajik and Tianshuihai terranes
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Hu Xiumian , Zhang Jinrong , Li Qing , Xu Yiwei , Yu Yuyang , Han Liqin
Published: August 2023

With the development of detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope analysis as conventional sedimentological research methods, a large number of studies have been conducted in the Tarim, West Kunlun, Tajik, Pamir and Tianshuihai regions and abundant data have been accumulated. Summarizing these data to characterize sedimentary units and source regions is more important than local studies of specific geological epochs; therefore, we compiled a database of detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope analyses from the Tarim, West Kunlun, Pamir, Tajik and Tianshuihai terranes. The database contains data from 90 papers, including 35,281 individual U–Pb ages and 4,181 Hf isotope analyses. The database records the literature source, petrologic sample information, regional geological information, geographic coordinates and analytical parameters for each data point in as much detail as possible to allow readers to review, process, analyse and use the data. The database relies on the Deep‐time Digital Earth (DDE) platform and uses an open database update system to enable sharing and collaborative building. We encourage other researchers to contribute relevant published data to facilitate wider use.
Nutrient release in drainage discharge from organic soils under two different agricultural water management systems
Authors: Grenon Genevieve , Madramootoo Chandra A. , von Sperber Christian , Ebtehaj Isa , Bonakdari Hossein , Singh Bhesram
Published: August 2023

The release of available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from agricultural tile drainage contributes to eutrophication in water bodies. To mitigate the harmful impact of nutrient release, drainage water management (DWM) has been proposed as a beneficial management practice that will limit N and P in tile drainage discharge. This study, conducted in the organic soils of the Holland Marsh, Ontario, assessed the nutrient water quality for 2 years (2015–2016) under DWM systems: controlled drainage (CD) comprising a series of stackable gates to manually control the water table level; and pumped drainage (PD) which uses a submersible pump within a collector well that discharges effluent when activated. The latter is the common method of field drainage in the Holland Marsh, however, there is limited comparable research for either DWM system. The data were separated into growing and fallow seasons as well as winter, spring, and summer seasons for trend analysis (winter: October–February; spring: March–May; summer: June–September). The nitrate (NO3‐N) concentrations, under CD, were found to be on average higher during the winter season (7.64 mg L−1) compared to the growing season (3.76 mg L−1). Furthermore, total N concentrations are positively correlated to discharge (R > 0.55). The average total P concentration increased during the summer period following fertilization; however, there was no correlation between P and drainage discharge throughout the duration of the study. The P concentrations depended more on nutrient inputs, rather than the discharge under CD. The log regression statistical relationship showed significant differences in nutrient levels compared to the mean at both sites, however, greater differences were found under CD. Under PD, the NO3‐N concentrations showed significant seasonal trends between the spring and winter (Pr > t: 0.0061) and summer (Pr > t: <0.0001). Overall, both CD and PD can reduce the amount of tile drain discharge, but the concentrations of N and P are not significantly reduced.
Circular supply chain practices, big data implementation and firm performance: Mediating role of digital technology
Authors: Kiran Faiza , Sahin Bekir
Published: August 2023

The business practices such as supply chains have been transformed significantly due to technological advancement and digitalization. It helps enhance organizational efficiency in consumption, production, and overall operation. Additionally, big data within the supply chain management process has considerably assisted businesses in gathering accurate product information, easily tracing a product, maintaining track of distribution cycles and delivering goods as quickly as possible. The research investigates the impact of the circular supply chain (CSC) and big data implementation on firm performance, specifically in the Pakistan Manufacturing Sector. Further, it has investigated digital technologies' mediating role in the firm's performance in the Pakistan manufacturing sector. The research was conducted using quantitative data from the questionnaire survey from 400 participants (i.e., firm managers) working in the Pakistan manufacturing sector. The data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling comprising confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis using SmartPLS. Findings show a negative and significant influence of CSC practices on firm performance in the manufacturing sector of Pakistan. On the contrary, big data implementation positively and significantly impacts the firms' performance. Further, the mediating role of digital technology over firm performance through CSC practices and big data implementation was also found to be positive and significant. The research has contributed to the present state of literature in different ways. First, the research presented the mediating role of digital technologies in the relationship between CSC and big data implementation and firm performance.
The effect of ultrafine WO3 nanoparticles on the organization of thylakoids enriched in photosystem II and energy transfer in photosystem II complexes
Authors: Krysiak S. , Gotić M. , Madej E. , Moreno Maldonado A. C. , Goya G. F. , Spiridis N. , Burda K.
Published: August 2023

In this work, a new approach to construct self‐assembled hybrid systems based on natural PSII‐enriched thylakoid membranes (PSII BBY) is demonstrated. Superfine m‐WO3 NPs (≈1–2 nm) are introduced into PSII BBY. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements showed that even the highest concentrations of NPs used did not degrade the PSII BBY membranes. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), it is shown that the organization of PSII BBY depends strongly on the concentration of NPs applied. This proved that the superfine NPs can easily penetrate the thylakoid membrane and interact with its components. These changes are also related to the modified energy transfer between the external light‐harvesting antennas and the PSII reaction center, shown by absorption and fluorescence experiments. The biohybrid system shows stability at pH 6.5, the native operating environment of PSII, so a high rate of O2 evolution is expected. In addition, the light‐induced water‐splitting process can be further stimulated by the direct interaction of superfine WO3 NPs with the donor and acceptor sides of PSII. The water‐splitting activity and stability of this colloidal system are under investigation.

Research Highlights

The phenomenon of the self‐organization of a biohybrid system composed of thylakoid membranes enriched in photosystem II and superfine WO3 nanoparticles is studied using AFM and TEM.

A strong dependence of the organization of PSII complexes within PSII BBY membranes on the concentration of NPs applied is observed.

This observation turns out to be crucial to understand the complexity of the mechanism of the action of WO3 NPs on modifications of energy transfer from external antenna complexes to the PSII reaction center.
Reproductive decision‐making and the utilization of preimplantation genetic testing among individuals with inherited aortic or vascular disease
Authors: Patton Kaleigh , Wong Eugene K. , Cirino Allison L. , Dobson Lori J. , Harris Stephanie
Published: August 2023

Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT‐M) is a reproductive technology used in conjunction with in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) to reduce the risk of passing on a known genetic condition from parent to child. There is limited research describing the experience and emotional impact of PGT‐M among individuals with inherited aortic or vascular disease (IAVD). Our qualitative study aims to explore the factors that influence reproductive decision‐making and the uptake of PGT‐M within this population. Individuals diagnosed with IAVD who have considered PGT‐M, and/or their reproductive partner, were recruited using internal clinical databases and advocacy organizations. Virtual semi‐structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide that included questions related to participants' lived experience of their condition, risk perception, reproductive history, familiarity with PGT‐M/IVF, and financial/psychosocial considerations. A total of 17 interviews were completed (13 affected individuals, 4 unaffected partners) and analyzed using thematic analysis. Emergent themes included: (1) the lived experience and perceived severity of disease; (2) need for comprehensive, balanced, and timely information; (3) and impact of personal values and circumstances. When discussing the impact of lived experience on reproductive decision‐making, participants identified the physical and emotional impact of disease and variability of disease as factors influencing the uptake of PGT‐M. Many described PGT‐M as the only reproductive option presented to them by providers. Even so, participants expressed gaps in their understanding of PGT‐M, particularly regarding cost/insurance coverage and the experience of IVF. Finally, participants recognized that the decision to pursue PGT‐M primarily requires introspection and evaluation of one's values, but that cost remains a significant consideration. The findings from our study highlight the complexity of reproductive decision‐making for individuals with IAVD and provide insight into their psychological and informational needs when engaging in this process. Providers can use these findings to tailor their discussions about reproductive decision‐making with this patient cohort.
Identification of neutrophil‐related genes and development of a prognostic model for cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Xiong Jianhui , Wei Lin , Zhang Mengyang , Yi Jian , Liu Longzi
Published: August 2023

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma is a prevalent gastrointestinal tumor with limited effective early diagnostic methods. The role of neutrophils in the context of cholangiocarcinoma remains largely unexplored.

Methods

A comprehensive analysis was performed on a cohort of cholangiocarcinoma samples (TCGA‐CHOL) from the TCGA database to investigate the relationship between cholangiocarcinoma and neutrophils. Methodologies included single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), differential expression analysis, weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).

Results

The study identified a significant decrease of neutrophils in cholangiocarcinoma via ssGSEA. WGCNA and differential expression analysis led to the identification of a neutrophil‐related gene module comprised of 1059 genes. Cluster 1, showing a higher proportion of neutrophils, was linked to better survival outcomes. GSEA disclosed downregulation of complement, inflammatory response and interferon response pathways in Cluster 2, hinting at possible cholangiocarcinoma development triggers. A notable upregulation of PD1, PD‐L1 and CTLA4 was observed in Cluster 1, suggesting potential benefits from immunotherapy. A prognostic model was developed based on clinical data and expression levels of three prognostic genes (SOWAHD, TNFAIP8 and EBF3) showing satisfactory discrimination, calibration and clinical benefits. An overexpression of TNFAIP8 in cholangiocarcinoma cells was found, with its knockdown significantly inhibiting cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusions

This study elucidates a neutrophil‐related gene module and prognostic genes, offering insights into the role of neutrophils in cholangiocarcinoma development and progression. It also introduces a clinical prediction model for enhanced prognosis assessment. These findings may lay the groundwork for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies in cholangiocarcinoma treatment.
Difficult‐to‐treat patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: A review of clinical trial results
Authors: Raab Marc S. , Zamagni Elena , Manier Salomon , Rodriguez‐Otero Paula , Schjesvold Fredrik , Broijl Annemiek
Published: August 2023

Overall outcomes for multiple myeloma have improved due to the availability of new therapies, but patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma harbouring certain factors continue to pose a therapeutic challenge. These challenging features include high‐risk cytogenetics, renal impairment, patient characteristics such as age and frailty, and extramedullary disease. Prior refractory status and number of prior lines add further complexity to the treatment of these patients. While newer regimens are available and have suggested efficacy in these patient populations through subgroup analyses, differences in trial definitions and cut‐offs make meaningful comparisons difficult. This review aims to examine the available clinical trial data for patients with high‐risk cytogenetics, renal impairment, age and frailty and extramedullary disease.
Homogenization and interpolation of relative humidity hourly values with MASH and MISH software
Authors: Izsák Beatrix
Published: August 2023

To understand and study the climate, there is a need to create high‐quality climatological databases. At the Climate Department of the OMSZ (Hungarian Meteorological Service), we use MASH (Multiple Analysis of Series of Homogenization) and MISH (Meteorological Interpolation based on Surface Homogenized Data Basis) software to produce a spatially and temporally representative database. However, these systems were developed for daily and monthly data series, so some improvements were required when applying them to hourly relative humidity data. The problem relates to the issue of the daily cycle. The aim of this article is to show how the data set of hourly values of the relative humidity measurements was prepared. To construct the grid point database, a homogenized data set of 41 stations for the period 1961–2020 was used; this was then interpolated into to a regular grid with a resolution of 0.1°. At the end of the study, the hourly and daily data gridded series are compared.
Volatile compounds produced in smoked bacon inoculated with potential spoilage bacteria
Authors: Li Xinfu , Sun Yun , Xiong Qiang
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during meat storage are mainly derived from the decomposition of meat components and the metabolism of spoilage bacteria. VOCs produced in sterile bacon model substrate inoculated or un‐inoculated with spoilage bacteria, Staphylococcus xylosus (P2), Leuconostoc mesenteroides (P6), Carnobacterium maltaromaticum (P9), Leuconostoc gelidum (P16) and Serratia liquefaciens (P20), previously isolated, were identified by headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Furthermore, combinations of the strains (Pm) were also obtained.

RESULTS

In total, 54 volatile compounds, including aldehydes, alcohols, phenols, ketones, alkanes, alkanes, organic acids, esters and so forth, were determined after 45 days of storage in bacon inoculated with potential spoilage bacteria using the HS‐SPME/GC–MS method. VOC concentrations of alcohols and organic acids in groups inoculated with bacteria were remarkably higher (P < 0.05) compared to that in control samples. Specifically, some VOCs are closely related to the metabolic activity of the inoculated bacterial strains; for example, 2,3‐butanediol was associated with P2, P16 and P20, and acetic acid was mainly related to P6 and P9.

CONCLUSION

The results of partial least squares regression indicated that there was a high correlation between the electronic nose sensors and VOCs of smoked inoculated potential spoilage bacteria. These compounds are potentially important for predicting deterioration of smoked bacon. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Nutritional, chemical, and antioxidant screening of selected varieties of lentils (Lens culinaris spp.) from organic and conventional agriculture
Authors: Liberal Ângela , Almeida Daiana , Fernandes Ângela , Pereira Carla , Ferreira Isabel CFR , Vivar‐Quintana Ana María , Barros Lillian
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Lentils are an ancient legume established worldwide for direct consumption and with great potential for application in food processing. In addition, it is a sustainable crop owing to its ability to scavenge nitrogen and carbon, and it improves the nutrient status of the soil. A diet rich in lentils has been linked to significant health benefits. However, the composition of lentils can be influenced by both the lentil variety and the growing conditions. The aim of this work was to evaluate the nutritional profiles and antioxidant potential, as well as the impact that the type of cultivation (conventional or organic) and the variety could have on these parameters, in different lentil varieties.

RESULTS

Overall, carbohydrates are the major macronutrients in all varieties, with notable amounts of fibre (11.62–27.36%) and starch (41.98–50.27%). High amounts of protein and ash were also identified, particularly in the Beluga variety, with 21.9–23.3 and 1.38–1.82 g 100 g−1 fresh weight, respectively. Fructose and sucrose were detected (high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with refraction index detection), along with oxalic, quinic, malic, and shikimic acids (ultra‐fast liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection), and α‐ and γ‐tocopherol isoforms (HPLC with fluorescence detection). Fatty acid methyl ester assessment showed the prevalence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (33.5–46.3%). Good antioxidant capacity (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and oxidative haemolysis inhibition assay) was also noted.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained showed that all the varieties analysed are an excellent source of fibre and have a good antioxidant capacity. Lentil variety has a greater influence on its nutritional composition than the type of cultivation. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Response of bacterial community characteristics in the rhizosphere soil of Stellera chamaejasme L. to its expansion on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Hu Hanying , Sun Haoran , Wu Jinghui , Liu Jiayi , Jin Hong , Tao Ke
Published: August 2023

Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau is facing a serious environmental and ecological problem of Meadow degradation. Toxic weed invasion is a typical characteristic of grassland degradation. Soil microbial community composition is sensitive to environmental changes; however, the effects of poisonous weed expansion on soil bacterial communities are unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of Stellera chamaejasme L. expansion on the rhizosphere soil bacterial community structure and function using high‐throughput sequencing. The results showed that expansion of Stellera chamaejasme L. changed soil nitrogen(e.g., total nitrogen [TN, −39.02%], available nitrogen [AN, −32.95%]) and other soil nutrients. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and Variance partitioning analysis (VPA) showed that soil nutrients changed, leading to significant changes in the bacterial community structure. The expansion of Stellera chamaejasme L significantly reduced its rhizosphere bacterial alpha diversity, and the beta diversity had significant differences (p < 0.05). Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) indicated that the expansion caused significant variations in the rhizosphere bacterial community (R = 0.7037, p < 0.01). The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis identified 23 biomarkers, most of which were Proteobacteria, indicating that bacteria involved in soil nutrient cycling were better able to survive in the alpine grassland. The Biolog EcoPlate method was used to determine the soil microbial metabolic capacity in different S. chamaejasme expansions. The result showed that heavy expansion had higher carbon source usage ability and microbial diversity index values. Furthermore, it was also found that heavy expansion improved the usage rate of amino acid carbon sources. Tax4Fun prediction analysis further indicated that carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and membrane transport were central metabolic pathways of rhizosphere soil bacteria. Our study found that Stellera chamaejasme L. changed rhizosphere soil nutrient and bacterial community structure during expansion and helped it tolerate harsh conditions by enriching bacterial communities actively involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism and promoting plant growth. These findings provided evidence to propose effective restoration measures for poisonous grassland degradation.
Microstructure‐Driven Self‐Sorting of Chemically Indistinguishable Side Chains in Pre‐Programmed Alkyl Siloxanes Leading to Amplification of Mechanical Properties
Authors: Negi Lalit M.S. , Hebbar Raghavendra , Dalavoy Tulika , Lewis Kenrick M , Farhan Reema , V. Rohith , Gowd E. Bhoje , Vasimalai Nagamalai , Sarkar Alok , Dasgupta Debarshi
Published: August 2023

A unique microstructure‐driven self‐sorting of chemically indistinguishable side chains in alkyl siloxanes is reported for the first time. The difference in cooperativity among the side alkyl chains caused by the variation in backbone microstructure is the key to drive this self‐sorting. The study also reveals that while alkyl chains of random and fully blocked siloxane discriminate each other, the alkyl chains of partially blocked siloxane can form crystals with both polymers resulting in reinforcement of the mechanical property of the blends.
Hyaluronic Acid Based Azo Polymer: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photo‐Responsiveness
Authors: Li Heting , Qiao Grace , Zhang Wenlong , He Yaning
Published: August 2023

Hyaluronic acid based azo polymer (HA‐Azo‐COOH) is synthesized by post‐azo coupling reaction. Controllable grafting percent of azobenzene pendant is achieved by adjusting the feed ratio. In selective solvents (dimethyl sulfoxide/water), uniform colloidal aggregates of the prepared polymer can be obtained by self‐assembly process. The self‐assembled colloids can be elongated along the polarization direction of the irradiation laser light. The relationship between the deformation of colloids and the irradiation time is explored.
Weighted fractional Sobolev spaces as interpolation spaces in bounded domains
Authors: Acosta Gabriel , Drelichman Irene , Durán Ricardo G.
Published: August 2023

We characterize the real interpolation space between a weighted space and a weighted Sobolev space in arbitrary bounded domains in , with weights that are positive powers of the distance to the boundary.
Doping Engineering of Conductive Polymers and Their Application in Physical Sensors for Healthcare Monitoring
Authors: Guo Xin , Sun Yuqiong , Sun Xidi , Li Jiean , Wu Jing , Shi Yi , Pan Lijia
Published: August 2023

Physical sensors have emerged as a promising technology for real‐time healthcare monitoring, which tracks various physical signals from the human body. Accurate acquisition of these physical signals from biological tissue requires excellent electrical conductivity and long‐term durability of the sensors under complex mechanical deformation. Conductive polymers, combining the advantages of conventional polymers and organic conductors, are considered ideal conductive materials for healthcare physical sensors due to their intrinsic conductive network, tunable mechanical properties, and easy processing. Doping engineering has been proposed as an effective approach to enhance the sensitivity, lower the detection limit, and widen the operational range of sensors based on conductive polymers. This approach enables the introduction of dopants into conductive polymers to adjust and control the microstructure and energy levels of conductive polymers, thereby optimizing their mechanical and conductivity properties. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of doping engineering methods to improve the physical properties of conductive polymers and highlights their applications in the field of healthcare physical sensors, including temperature sensors, strain sensors, stress sensors, and electrophysiological sensing. Additionally, the challenges and opportunities associated with conductive polymer‐based physical sensors in healthcare monitoring are discussed.