bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natriuretic peptides, body mass index and heart failure risk: Pooled analyses of SAVOR‐TIMI 53, DECLARE‐TIMI 58 and CAMELLIA‐TIMI 61
Authors: Patel Siddharth M. , Morrow David A. , Bellavia Andrea , Berg David D. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Jarolim Petr , Leiter Lawrence A. , McGuire Darren K. , Raz Itamar , Steg P. Gabriel , Wilding John P.H. , Sabatine Marc S. , Wiviott Stephen D. , Braunwald Eugene , Scirica Benjamin M. , Bohula Erin A.
Published: December 2023

Aim

N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentrations are lower in patients with obesity. The interaction between body mass index (BMI) and NT‐proBNP with respect to heart failure risk remains incompletely defined.

Methods and results

Data were pooled across three randomized clinical trials enrolling predominantly patients who were overweight or obese with established cardiometabolic disease: SAVOR‐TIMI 53, DECLARE‐TIMI 58 and CAMELLIA‐TIMI 61. Hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) was examined across strata of baseline BMI and NT‐proBNP. The effect of dapagliflozin versus placebo was assessed for a treatment interaction across BMI categories in patients with or without an elevated baseline NT‐proBNP (≥125 pg/ml). Among 24 455 patients, the median NT‐proBNP was 96 (interquartile range [IQR]: 43–225) pg/ml and the median BMI was 33 (IQR 29–37) kg/m2, with 68% of patients having a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. There was a significant inverse association between NT‐proBNP and BMI which persisted after adjustment for all clinical variables (p < 0.001). Within any range of NT‐proBNP, those at higher BMI had higher risk of HHF at 2 years (comparing BMI <30 vs. ≥40 kg/m2 for NT‐proBNP ranges of <125, 125–<450 and ≥450 pg/ml: 0.0% vs. 0.6%, 1.3% vs. 4.0%, and 8.1% vs. 13.8%, respectively), which persisted after multivariable adjustment (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj] 7.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.16–17.66, HRadj 3.22 [95% CI 2.13–4.86], and HRadj 1.87 [95% CI 1.35–2.60], respectively). In DECLARE‐TIMI 58, dapagliflozin versus placebo consistently reduced HHF across BMI categories in those with an elevated NT‐proBNP (p‐trend for HR across BMI = 0.60), with a pattern of greater absolute risk reduction (ARR) at higher BMI (ARR for BMI <30 to ≥40 kg/m2: 2.2% to 4.7%; p‐trend = 0.059).

Conclusions

The risk of HHF varies across BMI categories for any given range of circulating NT‐proBNP. These findings showcase the importance of considering BMI when applying NT‐proBNP for heart failure risk stratification, particularly for patients with low‐level elevations in NT‐proBNP (125–<450 pg/ml) where there appears to be a clinically meaningful absolute and relative risk gradient.
Molecular Construction Using Formamide as a C1 Feedstock
Authors: Sacchelli Bruce A. L. , Rocha Bianca C. , Fantinel Mariane , Andrade Leandro H.
Published: December 2023

Formamide (HCONH2), a well‐known organic compound in chemistry and biology, can be employed for molecular construction. The chemistry of formamide, which involves condensation reactions, transamidation reactions, cross‐coupling reactions, and radical reactions, can be explored to synthesize more complex organic compounds. The focus of this review is to discuss the widespread use of formamide as a relevant C‐1 building block in organic synthesis.
Underground Hydrogen Storage in the Bunter Sandstone Formation in the North German Basin: Capacity Assessment and Geochemical Modeling
Authors: Alms Katharina , Berndsen Maximilian , Groeneweg Alicia , Graf Marieke , Nehler Mathias , Ahrens Benedikt
Published: December 2023

With planned hydrogen import terminals and production sites along the North and Baltic Seas, the German coast is likely to become the center of the hydrogen economy. Underground hydrogen storage in the sedimentary reservoirs of the region, particularly in the Bunter Sandstone Formation, could provide the required storage capacity for the future hydrogen economy due to its widespread occurrence and proven sealing system. Herein, the storage capacity is assessed using a probabilistic volume approach and possible reactions between the Bunter Sandstone and hydrogen based on geochemical simulations with PHREEQC are determined. This assessment gives an effective storage capacity of 0.84–4.14 PWh in the saline aquifers of the Bunter Sandstone, of which 0.52–2.57 PWh could be stored onshore. If production from currently operating fields are to cease, additional capacities of between 89.43 and 285.53 TWh could be found in its hydrocarbon fields. Mineralogical reactions are shown to be restricted to redox reactions, which do not affect the formation integrity of siliciclastic reservoirs. As a result, pore storage facilities in the Bunter Sandstone could provide an important storage option for the hydrogen economy, but will require further investigations in the lab and in the field.
Leveraging multiple approaches for the detection of pathogenic deep intronic variants in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: A case report
Authors: Nyaga Denis M. , Hildebrand Michael S. , de Valles‐Ibáñez Guillem , Keenan Ngaire F. , Ye Zimeng , LaFlamme Christy W. , Mefford Heather C. , Bennett Mark F. , Bahlo Melanie , Sadleir Lynette G.
Published: December 2023

About 50% of individuals with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are unsolved following genetic testing. Deep intronic variants, defined as >100 bp from exon–intron junctions, contribute to disease by affecting the splicing of mRNAs in clinically relevant genes. Identifying deep intronic pathogenic variants is challenging and resource intensive, and interpretation is difficult due to limited functional annotations. We aimed to identify deep intronic variants in individuals suspected to have unsolved single gene DEEs. In a research cohort of unsolved cases of DEEs, we searched for children with a DEE syndrome predominantly caused by variants in specific genes in >80% of described cases. We identified two children with Dravet syndrome and one individual with classic lissencephaly. Multiple sequencing and bioinformatics strategies were employed to interrogate intronic regions in SCN1A and PAFAH1B1. A novel de novo deep intronic 12 kb deletion in PAFAH1B1 was identified in the individual with lissencephaly. We showed experimentally that the deletion disrupts mRNA splicing, which results in partial intron retention after exon 2 and disruption of the highly conserved LisH motif. We demonstrate that targeted interrogation of deep intronic regions using multiple genomics technologies, coupled with functional analysis, can reveal hidden causes of unsolved monogenic DEE syndromes.

Plain Language Summary

Deep intronic variants can cause disease by affecting the splicing of mRNAs in clinically relevant genes. A deep intronic deletion that caused abnormal splicing of the PAFAH1B1 gene was identified in a patient with classic lissencephaly. Our findings reinforce that targeted interrogation of deep intronic regions and functional analysis can reveal hidden causes of unsolved epilepsy syndromes.
Validity of models for frictional heating in sliding isolators
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Myung , Constantinou Michael C.
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the validity of theories for the prediction of the temperature increase at the sliding interfaces of sliding isolators. The prevailing theory considers the isolator to be indefinite in depth and the heat flux generated at the sliding interface(s) to be infinite in extent. In reality, the depth is finite and small, and bounded by an insulating boundary, whereas the heat flux is bound by the circular area of contact. New theories are presented in which the restrictions of the past theory are relaxed. The resulting solutions have been implemented in program OpenSees for single and for triple friction pendulum isolators but are very complex and time‐consuming to be used in response history analysis with many isolators. Analysis of the response of sliding isolated structures with these models demonstrates that consideration of the finite depth of the isolators and of the limited extent of the heat flux does not have any important effects on the calculated isolator displacement demands in either short‐duration or long‐duration ground motions. It is shown that the finite depth has some effect on the peak temperature at the sliding interface and, more importantly, on the duration of the high temperature in long‐duration ground motions. This is of some importance in the use of these theories for the development of testing specifications for isolators with unusually thin end plates.
Multi‐rate real‐time hybrid simulation with adaptive discrete feedforward controller‐based compensation strategy
Authors: Tao Junjie , Mercan Oya , Calayir Muhammet
Published: December 2023

Real‐time hybrid simulation (RTHS) is an innovative experimental testing technique that tests only some structural components for which accurate numerical models do not exist (i.e., experimental substructure), while modeling the rest of the structure numerically (i.e., numerical substructure). Conventionally, the two substructures in RTHS are executed at the same rate and interact in real time. Multi‐rate real‐time hybrid simulation (mrRTHS) is a modification of RTHS where different time step sizes are applied to the numerical substructure computation and the actuator control. This configuration provides a larger allowance for real‐time execution, thereby enabling the use of higher‐fidelity numerical models in RTHS. However, it complicates the data transmission between the substructures and introduces an additional time delay. The increased delay consists of communication and computational delays, which are independent of actuator dynamics. This study compares the data transmission within RTHS and mrRTHS configurations and confirms that mrRTHS experiences a larger delay error. To improve the accuracy of mrRTHS, a time‐varying interpolation built with Chebyshev polynomials is used. Additionally, a compensation strategy based on an adaptive discrete feedforward controller is introduced to compensate for actuator‐induced tracking errors and the increased time delay in mrRTHS. A demonstrative experimental study is conducted to investigate the seismic behavior of a large‐scale base‐isolated structure equipped with gyromass dampers. The results indicate that the proposed mrRTHS compensation strategy facilitates a more realistic assessment of the dynamic performance of structural systems by employing higher‐fidelity numerical substructures in mrRTHS.
Green Coffee Bean Extract Assisted Facile Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Its Dye Removal Activity
Authors: Islam A.B.M. Nazmul , Saha Prianka , Hossain Md. Emran , Habib Md. Ahsan , Karim Kaykobad Md. Rezaul , Mahiuddin Md.
Published: December 2023

To discharge the colored effluents from industries there needs to be effective and affordable treatment options. Adsorption using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as an adsorbent is a prominent one. In this study, green coffee bean extract (GCBE) is utilized as a safe reducing agent for the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) to synthesize rGO. The formation of rGO is confirmed by a new peak in the UV–vis spectra at 275 nm and a diffraction peak in the XRD patterns at 22°. The effective formation of rGO is further substantiated by a change in the GO peak's properties in the FTIR, EDX, and Raman spectra and a weight loss change in TGA. The SEM and TEM analyses demonstrate the effective production of the nano‐sheets of rGO having exfoliated and segregated in a few layers. Furthermore, the obtained rGO exhibited outstanding efficacy in wastewater cleanup, effectively adsorbing MB as a prototype organic dye. The kinetics and isotherm study suggested that the adsorption leads by the chemisorption and monolayer formation on the homogeneous surface of rGO. The maximum adsorption capacity is found to be 89.3 mg g−1. This process offers a fresh opportunity for the economical and safe production of rGO for wastewater treatment.
Big Mistake: Knowing and Doing Better in Patient Engagement
Authors: Lynch Holly Fernandez
Published: December 2023

Pushing back on policies favored by dying patients is a challenging endeavor, requiring tact, engagement, openness to bidirectional learning, and willingness to offer alternative solutions. It's easy to make missteps, especially in the age of social media. Holly Fernandez Lynch shares her experience learning with and from the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) community, first as a caricature of an ivory tower bioethicist and more recently as a trusted advisor, at least for some. Patient‐engaged bioethics doesn't mean taking the view that patients are always right, but even when disagreement continues, progress is possible if academics and patients recognize the unique expertise each has to offer.
Lnc‐ANRIL modulates the immune response associated with NF‐κB pathway in LPS‐stimulated bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Lu Jinye , Gu Beibei , Lu Wei , Liu Jing , Lu Jiang
Published: December 2023

Background

The antisense noncoding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) has been confirmed related to multiple disease progression, but the role and exact mechanisms of lnc‐ANRIL in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation of bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC‐T) remain unclear.

Aims

This manuscript focused on expounding the functional role of lnc‐ANRIL through experiments performed in MAC‐T.

Methods

At the in vitro level, we established a Bovine mammary epithelial cell (BMEC) cell model of mastitis by LPS treatment. Transfection of siRNA was examined by immunofluorescence localization and RT‐qPCR. CCK8, clonogenic assay and EdU were used to detect the proliferation ability of the cells. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry and Western blot. The levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress markers were detected by ELISA kits.

Results

Cell Counting Kit‐8, colony formation, and 5‐ethynyl‐20‐deoxyuridine were adopted and the data illustrated that LPS could significantly suppress the cell proliferation, while knockdown of lnc‐ANRIL expression obviously promoted MAC‐T cell proliferation compared with LPS or LPS + si‐NC group. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that lnc‐ANRIL could induce MAC‐T cell apoptosis. In addition, downregulation of lnc‐ANRIL affected LPS‐induced immune response by regulating inflammatory factor expressions and modulating the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) axis in MAC‐T cells.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that lnc‐ANRIL is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, cell cycle, and cell apoptosis of MAC‐T cells, and plays an important role in the inflammatory and immune response of MAC‐T cells through the regulation of the NF‐κB pathway, proposing new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of innate immune response‐related disease such as bovine mastitis.
The establishment of a multiplex fluorescent polymerase chain reaction coupled with capillary electrophoresis analysis technology enables the simultaneous detection of 16 genotypes of human papillomavirus
Authors: Nie Lingling , Qin Haiyang , Li Sisi , Yu Zailiang , Huang Weijin , Zhang Li , Zhao Jian
Published: December 2023

Background

The detection and accurate genotyping of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is critical for preventing and effectively treating cervical cancer.

Methods

A multiplex fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with a capillary electrophoresis method was developed for the simultaneous detection of the 16 most prevalent HPV genotypes. Twenty‐five pairs of primers were ultimately selected to ensure that both E and L regions of nine HPV genotypes, as well as the E regions of seven HPV genotypes could be accurately amplified.

Results

This method enables the simultaneous detection and differentiation of 16 HPV genotypes in a single closed‐tube reaction, accurately distinguishing products with molecular weight differences >1 bp through capillary electrophoresis. This method demonstrated exceptional accuracy, specificity, and repeatability with a detection limit of 10 copies/μL for all 16 HPV genotypes. Furthermore, 152 cervical swab specimens were obtained to compare the disparities between this approach and Cobas 4800 HPV detection method. The concordance rate and κ value were 90.1% and 0.802, respectively, indicating a high level of agreement. The established detection method was successfully applied to cervical swab specimens for determining HPV genotypes across all levels of cervical lesions, HPV52, 56, 16, and 59 were found to be most prevalent with infection rates of 10.8%, 9.1%, 6.5%, and 6.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

This study has successfully established a detection method capable of simultaneously identifying 16 HPV genotypes. This approach can be further applied to HPV vaccine research and surveillance, with the potential for broad applications.
Identification of FDA‐approved drugs that increase mevalonate kinase in hyper IgD syndrome
Authors: Politiek Frouwkje A. , Turkenburg Marjolein , Koster Janet , Ofman Rob , Waterham Hans R.
Published: December 2023

Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) is an autoinflammatory metabolic disorder caused by bi‐allelic loss‐of‐function variants in the MVK gene, resulting in decreased activity of the encoded mevalonate kinase (MK). Clinical presentation ranges from the severe early‐lethal mevalonic aciduria to the milder hyper‐IgD syndrome (MKD–HIDS), and is in the majority of patients associated with recurrent inflammatory episodes with often unclear cause. Previous studies with MKD–HIDS patient cells indicated that increased temperature, as caused by fever during an inflammatory episode, lowers the residual MK activity, which causes a temporary shortage of non‐sterol isoprenoids that promotes the further development of inflammation. Because an increase of the residual MK activity is expected to make MKD–HIDS patients less sensitive to developing inflammatory episodes, we established a cell‐based screen that can be used to identify compounds and/or therapeutic targets that promote this increase. Using a reporter HeLa cell line that stably expresses the most common MKD–HIDS variant, MK‐V377I, C‐terminally tagged with bioluminescent NanoLuc luciferase (nLuc), we screened the Prestwick Chemical Library®, which includes 1280 FDA‐approved compounds. Multiple compounds increased MK‐V377I‐nLuc bioluminescence, including steroids (i.e., glucocorticoids, estrogens, and progestogens), statins and antineoplastic drugs. The glucocorticoids increased MK‐V377I‐nLuc bioluminescence through glucocorticoid receptor signaling. Subsequent studies in MKD–HIDS patient cells showed that the potent glucocorticoid clobetasol propionate increases gene transcription of MVK and other genes regulated by the transcription factor sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 2 (SREBP‐2). Our results suggest that increasing the flux through the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway by targeting the glucocorticoid receptor or SREBP‐2 could be a potential therapeutic strategy in MKD–HIDS.
Plaque Evolution and Vessel Wall Remodeling of Intracranial Arteries: A Prospective, Longitudinal Vessel Wall MRI Study
Authors: Guo Yin , Canton Gador , Baylam Geleri Duygu , Balu Niranjan , Sun Jie , Kharaji Mona , Zanaty Nadin , Wang Xin , Zhang Kaiyu , L. Tirschwell David , Hatsukami Thomas S. , Yuan Chun , Mossa‐Basha Mahmud
Published: December 2023

Background

Progression of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is associated with ischemic stroke events and can be quantified with three‐dimensional (3D) intracranial vessel wall (IVW) MRI. However, longitudinal 3D IVW studies are limited and ICAD evolution remains relatively unknown.

Purpose

To evaluate ICAD changes longitudinally and to characterize the imaging patterns of atherosclerotic plaque evolution.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

37 patients (69 ± 12 years old, 12 females) with angiography confirmed ICAD.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T/3D time‐of‐flight gradient echo sequence and T1‐ and proton density‐weighted fast spin echo sequences.

Assessment

Each patient underwent baseline and 1‐year follow‐up IVW. Then, IVW data from both time points were jointly preprocessed using a multitime point, multicontrast, and multiplanar viewing workflow (known as MOCHA). Lumen and outer wall of plaques were traced and measured, and plaques were then categorized into progression, stable, and regression groups based on changes in plaque wall thickness. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected. Culprit plaques were identified based on cerebral ischemic infarcts.

Statistical Tests

Generalized estimating equations‐based linear and logistic regressions were used to assess associations between vascular risk factors, medications, luminal stenosis, IVW plaque imaging features, and longitudinal changes. A two‐sided P‐value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Diabetes was significantly associated with ICAD progression, resulting in 6.6% decrease in lumen area and 6.7% increase in wall thickness at 1‐year follow‐up. After accounting for arterial segments, baseline contrast enhancement predicted plaque progression (odds ratio = 3.61). Culprit plaques experienced an average luminal expansion of 10.9% after 1 year. 74% of the plaques remained stable during follow‐up. The regression group (18 plaques) showed significant increase in minimum lumen area (from 7.4 to 8.3 mm2), while the progression group (13 plaques) showed significant decrease in minimum lumen area (from 5.4 to 4.3 mm2).

Data Conclusion

Longitudinal 3D IVW showed ICAD remodeling on the lumen side. Culprit plaques demonstrated longitudinal luminal expansion compared with their non‐culprit counterparts. Baseline plaque contrast enhancement and diabetes mellitus were found to be significantly associated with ICAD changes.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Oral contact stomatitis related to toothpaste use: A report of 15 cases
Authors: Vinant M. , Agbo‐Godeau S. , Plantier F. , Quilhot P. , Bertolus C. , Bernardeschi C.
Published: December 2023

Oral contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction that is not common in patients but can be caused using certain toothpastes. As a result, patients experience pain, ulceration, erythema, burning sensation, vesicles and so on. Stannous fluoride is an inorganic compound used in some toothpastes for its antimicrobial, anti‐hypersensitivity and anti‐decay benefits, among others. We present a case series of 15 patients with similar types of oral lesions who all used toothpaste containing stannous fluoride, which suggested a potential association between the use of toothpaste containing stannous fluoride and oral dermatitis.
Action science in practice: Co-production of a decision support tool visualizing effects of nutrient and hypoxia reduction goals on fisheries species
Authors: Shaffer Michelle , Marriott Sara , Lewis Kristy A. , Buszowski Joe , Mutsert Kim
Published: December 2023

Objective

The Gulf of Mexico hosts some of the most productive fisheries in the United States, whereas the same region is known to experience environmental stressors, such as summer hypoxia. Ecosystem models have been developed for the Gulf of Mexico to determine how hypoxia affects living marine resources, but these models and their output are not always easy to access or interpret by managers, thereby decreasing their implementation in a management setting. To help alleviate the gap between ecosystem model development and management utility, the current study focuses on co-produced, user-friendly tools that describe the effects of nutrient and hypoxia reductions on marine living resources.

Methods

Two decisions were made prior to the ecosystem model development to facilitate the transfer of model output: (1) to engage and consult fisheries and restoration managers throughout ecosystem model development to ensure that the output would provide relevant information; and (2) to provide an accessible visualization tool for making ecosystem model output readily available to support the needs of decision makers.

Result

Results from an advisory panel survey instrument and advisory panel meetings guided ecosystem model development and launched the development of a decision support tool. The iterative process of building a decision support tool incorporating feedback from survey instrument respondents resulted in an ESRI ArcGIS Dashboard that allows end-users to identify the effects of hypoxia and respondent-specified nutrient and hypoxia reduction goals on the biomass and distribution of fisheries species.

Conclusion

The intent is to aid managers who are actively working to address hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico with easy-to-access information on the effects of planned actions and to encourage future modelers to apply action science principles to best address the needs of decision makers.
Weak solutions for a degenerate phase‐field model via Galerkin approximation
Authors: Bian Xingzhi , Zhao Lixian
Published: December 2023

This paper is concerned with a phase‐field model driven by interface diffusion, which is an elliptic and nonlinear degenerate parabolic coupled system arising in a theory of interface motion in the elastically deformable materials. Spinodal decomposition is a typical example for this motion. We shall study the global existence of weak solutions to this model with a general polynomial potential function via the Galerkin method. Moreover, we perform the numerical simulations to investigate the spinodal decomposition process of binary alloy by applying this model.
Thermo‐electrohydrodynamic convection in the thermally driven spherical shell with differential rotation
Authors: Gaillard Yann , Szabo Peter S.B. , Egbers Christoph
Published: December 2023

This study investigates thermo‐electrohydrodynamics (TEHD) convection in the thermally driven spherical shell with differential shell rotation. The TEHD convection is induced by an electric tension applied at the inner spherical shell whereas the outer shell is grounded. Hence, an electric central force field is present similar to terrestrial gravity in a planetary system. Spherical rotation mimics planetary rotation and is used to investigate the convective nature of the spherical gap. The results demonstrate four main convective regimes that depend on the strength of the electric tension and rotational forcing. The convective pattern formation is investigated by a Hammer‐Aitov projection, the radial and meridional velocity components to indicate convective or advective fluid motion related to the individual forcing. The heat transfer is characterised by the Nusselt number and showed a strong dependence on the forcing.
Influence of fibre loading on the density, voids, dimensional resilience, tensile characteristics and thermomechanical behaviour of bamboo fibre and bio‐epoxy composites
Authors: Chandrasekar M. , Senthilkumar K. , Fouad Hassan , Jawaid Mohammad , Hashem Mohamed , Ismail Ahmad Safwan , Saba Naheed , Khiari Ramzi
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the influence of bamboo fibre loadings (30, 40, 50 and 60 wt%) on the physical, tensile and dimensional behaviour of short‐bamboo‐fibre‐reinforced bio‐epoxy matrix composites. Water absorption, thickness swelling, density, void content, tensile and thermomechanical analysis were determined. The findings indicated that higher fibre loading led to elevated water absorption and increased thickness swelling in bamboo fibre composites. The order of thickness swelling and water absorption behaviour was bio‐epoxy < B‐30 < B‐40 < B‐50 < B‐60. Similarly, the measured density of composites increased with respect to fibre loading. However, the void content decreased when the fibre loading was >40 wt%. Concerning tensile characteristics, it was observed that all composite materials displayed lower tensile strength compared to the bio‐epoxy matrix. However, there was a notable enhancement in the elasticity of the composites. As an example, B‐60 exhibited the highest Young's modulus at 7.33 GPa. The analysis of the fracture behaviour of tension‐tested samples was conducted using images obtained from SEM. The coefficient of thermal expansion was increased drastically as fibre loading increased. This indicated that the dimensional change was higher. Thus, it is desirable to have lower fibre loading to obtain better dimensional stability under the influence of temperature. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Differential expansion and retention patterns of LRR‐RLK genes across plant evolution
Authors: Kileeg Zachary , Haldar Aparna , Khan Hasna , Qamar Arooj , Mott G. Adam
Published: December 2023

To maximize overall fitness, plants must accurately respond to a host of growth, developmental, and environmental signals throughout their life. Many of these internal and external signals are perceived by the leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinases, which play roles in regulating growth, development, and immunity. This largest family of receptor kinases in plants can be divided into subfamilies based on the conservation of the kinase domain, which demonstrates that shared evolutionary history often indicates shared molecular function. Here we investigate the evolutionary history of this family across the evolution of 112 plant species. We identify lineage‐specific expansions of the malectin‐domain containing subfamily LRR subfamily I primarily in the Brassicales and bryophytes. Most other plant lineages instead show a large expansion in LRR subfamily XII, which in Arabidopsis is known to contain key receptors in pathogen perception. This striking asymmetric expansion may reveal a dichotomy in the evolutionary history and adaptation strategies employed by plants. A greater understanding of the evolutionary pressures and adaptation strategies acting on members of this receptor family offers a way to improve functional predictions for orphan receptors and simplify the identification of novel stress‐related receptors.
Evidence of plasma‐driven decomposition of common plastics exposed to an atmospheric nonthermal discharge
Authors: Walker Roxanne Z. , Gershman Sophia , Doughty Dorothy E. , Foster John E.
Published: December 2023

A nonthermal, pulsed spark discharge is applied to three polymer powders in Ar and Ar– gas mixtures. Hydrogen is introduced to assess plasma‐driven decomposition. Gaseous decomposition products, including methane, acetylene, and ethylene, are observed with Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR). Surface modifications are observed on the residual polymer via attenuated total internal reflection‐FTIR. Time‐averaged rotational, vibrational, and excitation temperatures are characterized in the discharge. The plasma density is found to be around , with rotational and vibrational temperatures ranging from 1500 to 2200 K and an excitation temperature of 1–2 eV. While spark properties did not change with either gas composition or polymer composition, it was determined that the addition of hydrogen promoted higher concentrations of gaseous phase products (promoting hydrogenolysis).
Decoding Nature with Nature's Tools: Heterotic Line Bundle Models of Particle Physics with Genetic Algorithms and Quantum Annealing
Authors: Abel Steve A. , Constantin Andrei , Harvey Thomas R. , Lukas Andre , Nutricati Luca A.
Published: December 2023

The string theory landscape may include a multitude of ultraviolet embeddings of the Standard Model, but identifying these has proven difficult due to the enormous number of available string compactifications. Genetic Algorithms (GAs) represent a powerful class of discrete optimisation techniques that can efficiently deal with the immensity of the string landscape, especially when enhanced with input from quantum annealers. In this letter, we focus on geometric compactifications of the heterotic string theory compactified on smooth Calabi‐Yau threefolds with Abelian bundles. We make use of analytic formulae for bundle‐valued cohomology to impose the entire range of spectrum requirements, something that has not been possible so far. For manifolds with a relatively low number of Kähler parameters, we compare the GA search results with results from previous systematic scans, showing that GAs can find nearly all the viable solutions while visiting only a tiny fraction of the solution space. Moreover, we carry out GA searches on manifolds with a larger numbers of Kähler parameters where systematic searches are not feasible.
Spray performance and control efficacy against pests in paddy rice by UAV‐based pesticide application: effects of atomization, UAV configuration and flight velocity
Authors: Wongsuk Supakorn , Qi Peng , Wang Changling , Zeng Aijun , Sun Fuyu , Yu Fengquan , Zhao Xu , Xiongkui He
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sprayers have emerged as valuable tools for pesticide application across various crops. Despite their increasing usage, the impact of several factors on spray performance and control efficacy in paddy fields warrants further investigation. This study examines atomization characteristics using a UAV spray test platform. Our evaluation of field spraying performance considers three UAV models, two nozzle types, two flight velocities, and adding methylated vegetable oil adjuvant (MVOA), in comparison with the electrical knapsack sprayer (EKS).

RESULTS

Atomization characteristics demonstrated consistency within the downwash airflow field, but were influenced by spray solution, nozzle type, and spray pressure. The eight‐rotor UAV sprayer excelled over the quad‐rotor model in terms of spray deposition across both upper and lower rice canopies. The six‐rotor UAV exhibited enhanced spray deposition, droplet density, and coverage at a flight velocity of 4 m s−1. The choice of nozzle was pivotal; the flat fan nozzle produced finer droplets with desirable deposition and coverage, whereas the air‐induction nozzle created larger droplets with consistent coverage at various flight velocities. Adding MVOA improved the physicochemical properties of the spray and its performance, yielding a more uniform distribution. When compared with the EKS, UAVs showed lower deposition but comparable spray penetration. Control efficacy with the UAV sprayer was less effective against Mythimna separata but achieved 81% efficacy against Laodelphax striatellus within 7 days.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that UAV sprayers, particularly when combined with tank‐mix adjuvants and nozzle types, can be highly effective for controlling rice pests. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identification, synthesis, and characterization of an unprecedented N‐(2‐carboxyethyl) adduct impurity in an injectable ganirelix formulation
Authors: Jadav Rohit , Kameriya Ramraj , Chatterjee Saurav , Gour Vinod , Purohit Parva , Bandyopadhyay Anupam
Published: December 2023

Ganirelix, a peptide‐based drug used to treat female infertility, has been in high market demand, which attracted generic formulation. A hitherto unknown impurity of ganirelix was observed in our formulation process, which reached ~0.3% in 6 months and led to a detailed investigation of its structure. In‐depth analysis of ESI‐MS/MS data of this impurity coupled with an artificial intelligence prediction tool led to a highly unusual putative structure, that is, N‐(2‐carboxyethyl)‐ganirelix (NCE‐GA), which was authenticated by chemical synthesis from ganirelix and NMR analysis and via corroborated HPLC and MS/MS data with the formulation‐derived impurity.
Effect of heat treatment on lupin reactivity against rabbit polyclonal antibodies after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Hashemi Negin , Bavaro Simona L. , Corredig Milena
Published: December 2023

Despite the growing interest in lupin as a source of protein, due to its potential to decrease the environmental footprint of food supply, its allergenic properties have not been fully explored. This study focused on lupin's potential to induce allergic reactions in food‐sensitized individuals. The antigenic properties of lupin proteins were investigated after exposing lupin protein isolate as well as lupin flours to an in vitro digestion. The effect of thermal treatment, on the digestibility and immunoreactivity of the proteins was also investigated. Protein breakdown was analyzed by SDS‐PAGE, but also by evaluating the distribution of peptide sizes and the extent of hydrolysis via quantifying the free N‐terminal amino acid content. Immunogenicity was assessed by Western blot analysis using a commercial antibody. The individual or combined effects of the food matrix and processing were noted after gastric digestion of the lupin flours, as some of the protein fractions showed resistance toward pepsin activity and caused responses to the commercial antibodies, particularly the fractions likely associated with α‐conglutin (20 kDa) and γ‐conglutin (17 kDa). Gastric digestion of lupin flours also revealed the possibility of formation of neo‐allergens, which warrants future identification. However, after the intestinal phase, lupin proteins underwent complete hydrolysis, with no observed responses toward the specific antibody used. Nevertheless, these findings underscore the need for further research employing sera from allergic patients to lupin in order to avoid potential false‐negative results.
FeNiCo|MnGaOx Heterostructure Nanoparticles as Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Zn−Air Batteries
Authors: Luo Liuxiong , Liu Yuren , Chen Siyu , Zhu Qinwen , Zhang Di , Fu Yue , Li Jiaqi , Han Jianling , Gong Shen
Published: December 2023

Driven by the pressing demand for stable energy systems, zinc−air batteries (ZABs) have emerged as crucial energy storage solutions. However, the quest for cost‐effective catalysts to enhance vital oxygen evolution and reduction reactions remains challenging. FeNiCo|MnGaOx heterostructure nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are synthesized using liquid‐phase reduction and H2 calcination approach. Compared to its component, such FeNiCo|MnGaOx/CNT shows a high synergistic effect, low impedance, and modulated electronic structure, leading to a superior bifunctional catalytic performance with an overpotential of 255 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and half‐wave potential of 0.824 V (ω = 1600 rpm and 0.1 m KOH electrolyte). Moreover, ZABs based on FeNiCo|MnGaOx/CNT demonstrate notable features, including a peak power density of 136.1 mW cm−2, a high specific capacity of 808.3 mAh gZn−1, and outstanding stability throughout >158 h of uninterrupted charge−discharge cycling. Theoretical calculations reveal that the non‐homogeneous interface can introduce more carriers and altered electronic structures to refine intermediate adsorption reactions, especially promoting O* formation, thereby enhancing electrocatalytic performance. This work demonstrates the importance of heterostructure interfacial modulation of electronic structure and enhancement of adsorption capacity in promoting the implementation of OER/ORR, ZABs, and related applications.
Application and prospect of the therapeutic strategy of inhibiting cellular senescence combined with pro‐regenerative biomaterials in regenerative medicine
Authors: Li Qianyi , Wang Zhenzhen , Shi Nuo , Qi Yang , Yao Wenfei , Yu Jie , Lu Yiming
Published: December 2023

Complete regeneration of damaged tissues/organs has always been the ultimate challenge in regenerative medicine. Aging has long been considered the basis of age‐related diseases, as senescent cells gradually accumulate in tissues with increasing age, tissues exhibit aging and normal physiological functions are inhibited. In recent years, in damaged tissues, scholars have found that the number of cells with features of cellular senescence continues to increase over time. The accumulation of senescent cells severely hinders the healing of damaged tissues. Furthermore, by clearing senescent cells or inhibiting the aging microenvironment, damaged tissues regained their original regenerative and repair capabilities. On the other hand, various biomaterials have been proved to have good biocompatibility and can effectively support cell regeneration after injury. Combining the two solutions, inhibiting the cellular senescence in damaged tissues and establishing a pro‐regenerative environment through biomaterial technology gradually reveals a new, unexpected treatment strategy applied to the field of regenerative medicine. In this review, we first elucidate the main characteristics of senescent cells from morphological, functional and molecular levels, and discuss in detail the process of accumulation of senescent cells in tissues. Then, we will explore in depth how the accumulation of senescent cells after damage affects tissue repair and regeneration at different stages. Finally, we will turn to how to promote tissue regeneration and repair in the field of regenerative medicine by inhibiting cellular senescence combined with biomaterial technology. Our goal is to understand the relationship between cellular senescence and tissue regeneration through this new perspective, and provide valuable references for the development of new therapeutic strategies in the future.
High‐Throughput 3D Imaging Flow Cytometry of Suspended Adherent 3D Cell Cultures
Authors: Yamashita Minato , Tamamitsu Miu , Kirisako Hiromi , Goda Yuki , Chen Xiaoyao , Hattori Kazuki , Ota Sadao
Published: December 2023

3D cell cultures are indispensable in recapitulating in vivo environments. Among the many 3D culture methods, culturing adherent cells on hydrogel beads to form spheroid‐like structures is a powerful strategy for maintaining high cell viability and functions in the adherent states. However, high‐throughput, scalable technologies for 3D imaging of individual cells cultured on the hydrogel scaffolds are lacking. This study reports the development of a high throughput, scalable 3D imaging flow cytometry platform for analyzing spheroid models. This platform is realized by integrating a single objective fluorescence light‐sheet microscopy with a microfluidic device that combines hydrodynamic and acoustofluidic focusing techniques. This integration enabled unprecedentedly high‐throughput and scalable optofluidic 3D imaging, processing 1310 spheroids consisting of 28 117 cells min−1. The large dataset obtained enables precise quantification and comparison of the nuclear morphology of adhering and suspended cells, revealing that the adhering cells have smaller nuclei with less rounded surfaces. This platform's high throughput, robustness, and precision for analyzing the morphology of subcellular structures in 3D culture models hold promising potential for various biomedical analyses, including image‐based phenotypic screening of drugs with spheroids or organoids.
Cerium Addition Improves Cleanliness and Refines Microstructure of As‐Cast High‐Nitrogen Stainless Bearing Steel
Authors: Lu Peng‐Chong , Feng Hao , Li Hua‐Bing , Zhang Peng‐Fei , Zhu Hong‐Chun , Zhang Shu‐Cai , Jiang Zhou‐Hua
Published: December 2023

High‐nitrogen stainless bearing steel (HNSBS) is the most representative third‐generation aviation bearing steel, and the cleanliness and microstructure characteristics of bearing steel are crucial to its high performance and long service life. In this work, the effect of cerium addition on the cleanliness and microstructure characteristics of as‐cast HNSBS was systematically studied by combining microstructural characterization and thermodynamic analysis methods. The results show that with increasing Ce content, the cleanliness of steel first improved and then decreased, and Ce2O2S, Ce2O3 and CeN inclusions were generated successively. The Ce content should be controlled to ≈0.012 wt% to ensure that all Al2O3, MgO · Al2O3, and MnS inclusions were modified, and minimize the formation of large‐size Ce‐bearing inclusions. Furthermore, cerium addition refined the dendrite structure due to more nucleation sites for γ‐Fe and the enrichment of Ce in the liquid phase at solidifying front. The finer and more dispersed distribution in precipitates was ascribed to the reduction of growth space and Cr segregation, as well as the increase in effective nucleation sites. These results can offer theoretical guidance for inhibiting the formation of harmful inclusions in high‐nitrogen alloy systems and refining the microstructure of alloy systems containing M23(C, N)6 and M2(C, N) precipitates.
Examination of Syringe Position Correction Support Function in MR Blood Sampling Training Simulator
Authors: Ito Akira , Saito Masachika , Kikuchi Yukiko , Kudo Yukiko , Mitobe Kazutaka
Published: December 2023

An MR blood collection learning support system has been developed to improve the simulator used by nursing students for blood collection training. In the system, a syringe reproduced by 3D‐CG is presented via HMD as a model. The model syringe reproduces the blood collection behavior of a teacher, and the learner can engage in blood collection training by imitating the movement of the syringe model. However, the learner may misinterpret the position of the CG presentation and place the syringe far from the blood vessel. Thus, we devised a method for presenting the misalignment of the needle tip relative to the blood vessel to support the correction of the syringe position and conducted an evaluation experiment. The experimental results showed that the approach of the needle tip to the blood vessel was improved significantly by presenting two arrows indicating the direction of the blood vessel to the needle tip. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Addressing Anti‐Black Racism in English Language Teaching: Experiences from Duoethnography Research
Authors: Wong Wales , Ortega Yecid
Published: December 2023

Anti‐Black racism can be difficult to discuss in English language teaching because teachers often feel unprepared. This article describes our experiences as researchers and educators from a duoethnographic self‐study to understanding the possibilities of addressing social justice issues in an adult English as a second language (ESL) classroom. Using the concepts of anti‐racism and solidarity, we explored how teachers can plan, deliver, and evaluate lessons that resonate with the students' academic needs, while also addressing discrimination against marginalized communities. We gathered data from conversations via Zoom and electronic communications as well as various classroom materials and analyzed them to find emerging themes. The data revealed that addressing anti‐Black racism in the ESL classroom comes with tensions about sparking trauma among students, a lack of time to prepare the content, and how to create safe spaces for students. This article proposes that despite the difficulties teachers might experience when addressing these topics, vigorous work must be done to actively challenge the privileges and oppression that are present not only in classroom practices but also in personal experiences.