bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival of environmental DNA in sediments: Mineralogic control on DNA taphonomy
Authors: Freeman C. L. , Dieudonné L. , Agbaje O. B. A. , Žure M. , Sanz J. Q. , Collins M. , Sand K. K.
Published: November 2023

The extraction of environmental DNA (eDNA) from sediments is providing ground‐breaking views of past ecosystems and biodiversity. Despite this rich source of information, it is still unclear which sediments favor preservation and why. Here, we used atomic force microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the DNA‐mineral interaction to assess how mineralogy and interfacial geochemistry play a role in the preservation of environmental DNA on mineral substrates. We demonstrate that mineral composition, surface topography, and surface charge influence DNA adsorption behavior as well as preservation. Modeling and experimental data show that DNA damage can be induced by mineral binding if there is a strong driving force for adsorption. The study shows that knowledge of the mineralogical composition of a sediment and the environmental conditions can be useful for assessing if a deposit is capable of storing extracellular DNA and to what extent the DNA would be preserved. Our data adds to the understanding of eDNA taphonomy and highlights that, for some mineral systems, fragmented DNA may not represent old DNA.
Ecotoxicity and Risk to Zooplankton of a Novel Insecticide Used in Rice Paddies in a Simulated Ecosystem
Authors: Chen Lang , Yuan Shankui , Cai Leiming , Tang Baohua , Zhou Yanming , Zhou Xin Xin , Huang Chengtian , Zhao Yu , Yang Hairong , Lan Shuai
Published: November 2023

Diamide insecticides are widely used in rice paddies and pose a potential threat to aquatic organisms. However, the risk research related to their application in major rice-producing areas is very limited, especially mesocosm research to simulate the impact on aquatic ecosystems of long-term exposure, as well as exposure analysis based on local models and local scenarios. To assess potential risks from a novel diamide insecticide (tetrachlorantraniliprole) to aquatic nontarget organisms in the field over long-term exposure, an outdoor mesocosm study was performed, and the environmental concentrations were predicted by the multimedia paddy-pond model (TOPRICE). The mesocosm experiment showed that tetrachlorantraniliprole mainly stayed in the aqueous phase after entering the water body. Although the chemical dissipated quickly in the aqueous phase (half-life of 0.79–1.5 days), it showed toxic effects on zooplankton communities. Cladocerans, represented by Simocephalus vetulus, were most sensitive to tetrachlorantraniliprole stress. Significant short-term toxicity to cladocerans occurred in all treatment groups, but all recovered within 8 weeks except for the highest concentration group (30.0 µg /L). Based on the ecological recovery results, 7.74 µg tetrachlorantraniliprole/L (nominal concentration, 10.0 µg /L) is suggested to be the no-observed-ecological-adverse-effect concentration (NOEAEC) for the zooplankton community. When this NOEAEC was compared with predicted environmental concentrations (PECs; the PECs in natural ponds simulated by the TOPRICE model for 148 application scheme combinations in major rice-producing areas), a relatively high risk of applying tetrachlorantraniliprole during the rice tillering stage was found. The present study makes a positive contribution to the hypothesis that the current Tier 1 approaches for global acute risk assessment have a sufficient protective effect for assessing the risk of tetrachlorantraniliprole to aquatic organisms. Also, the present results should help us to gain a fuller understanding of the ecological risk of diamide insecticides in aquatic ecosystems and their rational application schemes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:429–439. © 2023 SETAC
Long‐term recruitment of peripheral immune cells to brain scars after a neonatal insult
Authors: Bolini Lukas , Campos Raquel Maria Pereira , Spiess Daiane Aparecida , Lima‐Rosa Frederico Luis , Dantas Danillo Pereira , Conde Luciana , Mendez‐Otero Rosalia , Vale Andre M , Pimentel‐Coelho Pedro Moreno
Published: November 2023

Although brain scars in adults have been extensively studied, there is less data available regarding scar formation during the neonatal period, and the involvement of peripheral immune cells in this process remains unexplored in neonates. Using a murine model of neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and confocal microscopy, we characterized the scarring process and examined the recruitment of peripheral immune cells to cortical and hippocampal scars for up to 1 year post‐insult. Regional differences in scar formation were observed, including the presence of reticular fibrotic networks in the cortex and perivascular fibrosis in the hippocampus. We identified chemokines with chronically elevated levels in both regions and demonstrated, through a parabiosis‐based strategy, the recruitment of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocyte‐derived macrophages to the scars several weeks after the neonatal insult. After 1 year, however, neutrophils and lymphocytes were absent from the scars. Our data indicate that peripheral immune cells are transient components of HIE‐induced brain scars, opening up new possibilities for late therapeutic interventions.
The influence of non‐financial enterprises' financialization on total factor productivity of enterprises: Promotion or inhibition?
Authors: Lyu Yanwei , Zhang Jinning , Qing Xinnian , Bai Yangyang
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the increasing trend of financialization of non‐financial enterprises and the improvement of total factor productivity (TFP) have attracted extensive attention. The research sample for this study covers non‐financial firms listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2008 to 2020. Then an econometric regression model is built to examine the impact of financialization of non‐financial enterprises on enterprises' TFP. The mediation effect model is used to investigate the mechanisms of non‐financial enterprises' financialization (NFEF) on TFP. The heterogeneity in investment efficiency, property rights and political affiliation is further discussed. The findings show that the NFEF has a considerable negative influence on enterprises' TFP, which still stands after endogenous treatment and a series of robustness tests. Moreover, NFEF significantly inhibits TFP by crowding out R&D investment and significantly promotes TFP by alleviating financing restrictions. Both the ‘crowding‐out effect’ and ‘reservoir effect’ of financialization of non‐financial enterprises are verified, and the former is greater. The influence of NFEF on TFP has the heterogeneity in investment efficiency and political affiliation, but the heterogeneity in property rights is insignificant.
Reducing the transcriptional read‐through rate of a lentiviral vector for β‐thalassemia gene therapy
Authors: Wu Jiahui , Chen Yuan , Shen Wenchen , Zhang Jingzhi , Zeng Fanyi
Published: November 2023

Background

LentiGlobin BB305 is a self‐inactivating lentiviral vector carrying a human β‐globin expressing cassette for treating β‐thalassemia. Initially, a 2 × 250 bp chicken Locus Control Region fragment of cHS4, functioning as an insulator, was placed at its ΔU3, which was removed after the first clinical trial led by a French team to avoid abnormal splicing, etc. This action could potentially lead to an increasing risk of the transcriptional read‐through rate driven by the β‐globin promoter to a significant level, posing a biosafety risk in clinical trials.

Methods

In the present study, a read‐through reducing agent (C‐U+ or WPRE) was designed to be placed at the 3′ UTR of the β‐globin gene. The Enhancer Activities and/or Transcriptional Read‐Through (EATRT) rate at the mRNA level and the protein expression level regarding lentiviral preparation titer were examined.

Results

We found that the insertion of the element (C‐U+ or WPRE) reduced the EATRT effectively by 53% or 41%, respectively. C‐U+ has less impact on virus package efficiency. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the protein expression level after the C‐U+ or WPRE insertion.

Conclusions

The results of the present study show that inserting C‐U+ or WPRE before the polyA sequence of the BB305 would reduce the EATRT rate at no cost of its expressing efficacy and viral preparation titers. Thus, we present an alternative improvement for a safer lentiviral vector for β‐thalassemia clinical trials.
Revisiting semistrong edge‐coloring of graphs
Authors: Lužar Borut , Mockovčiaková Martina , Soták Roman
Published: November 2023

A matching in a graph is semistrong if every edge of has an endvertex of degree one in the subgraph induced by the vertices of . A semistrong edge‐coloring of a graph is a proper edge‐coloring in which every color class induces a semistrong matching. In this paper, we continue investigation of properties of semistrong edge‐colorings initiated by Gyárfás and Hubenko. We establish tight upper bounds for general graphs and for graphs with maximum degree 3. We also present bounds about semistrong edge‐coloring which follow from results regarding other, at first sight nonrelated, problems. We conclude the paper with several open problems.
Synthesis and characterization of 4‐nitro benzaldehyde with ZnO‐based nanoparticles for biomedical applications
Authors: Indumathi Thangavelu , Kumaresan Inbavalli , Suriyaprakash Jagadeesh , Alarfaj Abdullah A. , Hirad Abdurahman Hajinur , Jaganathan Ravindran , Mathanmohun Maghimaa
Published: November 2023

Globally, cancer is the leading cause of death and morbidity, and skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis. Skin problems can be treated with nanoparticles (NPs), particularly with zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs, which have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer properties. An antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared in the presence of 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde (4NB) was also tested in the present study. In addition, the influence of synthesized NPs on cell apoptosis, cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, and cell adhesion was also examined. The synthesized 4‐nitro benzaldehyde with ZnO (4NBZnO) NPs were confirmed via characterization techniques. 4NBZnO NPs showed superior antibacterial properties against the pathogens tested in antibacterial investigations. As a result of dose‐based treatment with 4NBZnO NPs, cell viability, and MMP activity of melanoma cells (SK‐MEL‐3) cells were suppressed. A dose‐dependent accumulation of ROS was observed in cells exposed to 4NBZnO NPs. As a result of exposure to 4NBZnO NPs in a dose‐dependent manner, viable cells declined and apoptotic cells increased. This indicates that apoptotic cell death was higher. The cell adhesion test revealed that 4NBZnO NPs reduced cell adhesion and may promote apoptosis of cancer cells because of enhanced ROS levels.
The critical impact of traumatic muscle loss on fracture healing: Basic science and clinical aspects
Authors: Rahmati Maryam , Haffner Max , Lee Mark A. , Leach Jonathan Kent , Saiz Augustine M.
Published: November 2023

Musculoskeletal trauma, specifically fractures, is a leading cause of patient morbidity and disability worldwide. In approximately 20% of cases with fracture and related traumatic muscle loss, bone healing is impaired leading to fracture nonunion. Over the past few years, several studies have demonstrated that bone and the surrounding muscle tissue interact not only anatomically and mechanically but also through biochemical pathways and mediators. Severe damage to the surrounding musculature at the fracture site causes an insufficiency in muscle‐derived osteoprogenitor cells that are crucial for fracture healing. As an endocrine tissue, skeletal muscle produces many myokines that act on different bone cells, such as osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells. Investigating how muscle influences fracture healing at cellular, molecular, and hormonal levels provides translational therapeutic solutions to this clinical challenge. This review provides an overview about the contributions of surrounding muscle tissue in directing fracture healing. The focus of the review is on describing the interactions between bone and muscle in both healthy and fractured environments. We discuss current progress in identifying the bone–muscle molecular pathways and strategies to harness these pathways as cues for accelerating fracture healing. In addition, we review the existing challenges and research opportunities in the field.
Valorization of artichoke outer petals by using ultrasound‐assisted extraction and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) for the recovery of phenolic compounds
Authors: Ozkan Gulay
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

In the present study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as a novel green tool were used for the recovery of bioactive compounds with respect to the valorization of artichoke outer petals. NADES coupled with ultrasound‐assisted extraction was applied by varying the type of hydrogen bond acceptors (choline chloride or betain) and hydrogen bond donors (sucrose, lactic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid and glycerol) in the NADES mixtures. Thereafter, extraction efficacy was assessed in terms of total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and individual phenolic composition and their levels by comparing the results obtained by NADES with those for a reference methanolic extract.

RESULTS

Based on the results of the present study, the use of choline chloride and lactic acid mixtures was superior for obtaining extracts with high levels of phenolic compounds (12.96 g GAE kg−1 DW) and high antioxidant potential (60.68 g TE kg−1 DW). In addition, gallic acid, syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, luteolin, apigenin, rutin and quercetin were detected in all extracts by chromatographic evaluation. As major phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid were found to be maximum in lactic acid‐based NADES mixtures.

CONCLUSION

The present study reveals the potential treatment of various plants, wastes or by‐products with NADES combined with an ultrasonication method for the extraction of bioactive compounds with enhanced recovery and selectivity, with the aim of incorporating them into various food and pharmaceutical formulations. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
BUILDING ADAPTIVE RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Smith Diana McLain
Published: November 2023

According to Smith, executives live in a world of unprecedented adaptive challenges; a term she borrows from leadership expert Ronald Heifetz. Her article details a six‐step process to meet these challenges: (1) target key relationships, (2) define the work, (3) assess the relationships, (4) map repetitive patterns, (5) conduct action experiments, and (6) reflect and revise. She provides a chart of contrasting “archetypal patterns.” For instance, in the repetitive “Push‐Block,” one person pushes ideas only to be blocked by the other. However, in “Generate and Create,” each person challenges the other “so they can use their differences to see things each might otherwise miss.”
A Heteroatom‐Containing Functional Poly(Silylenevinylene): Synthesis, Anion Binding, and Sensing of Anion Extraction Processes
Authors: Garg Bhaskar , Bisht Tanuja , Ling Yong‐Chien
Published: November 2023

Catalytic hydrosilylation is one of the important synthetic approaches to prepare functional organosilicon polymers. Herein, a functional silicon copolymer is constructed by polyhydrosilylation reaction between a novel 3,7‐bis(dimethyl silane)‐10‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐10H‐phenothiazine monomer and a neutral tetrapyrrolic macrocycle, namely, 5,5,10,15,15,20‐hexamethyl‐10α, 20α‐bis(4‐[ethynylphenyl]) calix[4]pyrrole. The as‐constructed copolymer (Mn = 9609, PDI = 2.2) is investigated as an extractant for organic anions as their tetrabutylammonium salts under interfacial aqueous‐organic (water‐chloroform) conditions. In this context, a distinctive naked‐eye colorimetric as well as fluorescence detection method is developed based on anion‐directed hydrogen‐bonding interactions. This kind of color/fluorescence monitoring serves as a handy tool for rapid screening of anion extraction processes. The copolymer exhibits high selectivity toward extraction of chloride anion. This study augments the field of polycarbosilanes, poly(silylenevinylene)s in particular, allowing access to a new application window that can be further advanced with good grace in near future.
Human papillomavirus type 16 E6 promotes cervical cancer proliferation by upregulating transketolase enzymatic activity through the activation of protein kinase B
Authors: Hao Shiming , Meng Qingfei , Sun Huihui , Yang Xiangzhe , Liu Bin , Zhang Yanghe , Zhou Honglan , Xu Zhixiang , Wang Yishu
Published: November 2023

Over 99% of precancerous cervical lesions are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with HPV types 16 and 18 (especially type 16) found in over 70% of cervical cancer cases globally. E6, a critical HPV gene, triggers malignant proliferation by degrading p53; however, this mechanism alone cannot fully explain the oncogenic effects of HPV16 E6. Therefore, we aimed to investigate new targets of HPV oncogenic mechanisms. Our results revealed significant changes in nonoxidative pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) metabolites in HPV16‐positive cells. However, the role of nonoxidative PPP in HPV‐associated cell transformation and tumor development remained unexplored. In this study, we investigated the impact and mechanisms of HPV16 E6 on cervical cancer proliferation using the HPV‐negative cervical cancer cell line (C33A). HPV16 E6 was found to promote cervical cancer cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, activating the nonoxidative PPP. Transketolase (TKT), a key enzyme in the nonoxidative PPP, is highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues and associated with poor prognosis. HPV16 E6 promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation by upregulating TKT activity through the activation of AKT. In addition, oxythiamine (OT), a TKT inhibitor, hindered tumor growth, with enhanced effects when combined with cisplatin (DDP). In conclusion, HPV16 E6 promotes cervical cancer proliferation by upregulating TKT activity through the activation of AKT. OT demonstrates the potential to inhibit HPV16‐positive cervical cancer growth, and when combined with DDP, could further enhance the tumor‐suppressive effect of DDP.
Silver Hill Hospital launches trauma‐focused residential program
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: November 2023

One of the country's oldest and most prominent psychiatric hospitals has launched a residential program specializing in treating adults with severe trauma and dissociative disorders, with a recommended 12‐week stay to absorb an intensive therapeutic curriculum covering 60 topics.
An evaluation of the relative size, body condition, and survival of triploid Walleye in the wild
Authors: Farrell Collin J. , Hansen Adam G. , Brandt Mandi M. , Myrick Christopher A. , Johnson Brett M.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Natural dispersal or unauthorized introductions of nonnative predatory sport fish can undermine native species conservation and other fisheries management objectives. The use of reproductively sterile triploid fish may provide a lower risk stocking option (i.e., genetic and reproductive containment) for diversifying angling opportunities while possibly reducing angler motivation to illegally transplant fish. Management interest in triploid Walleye Sander vitreus is growing, and these fish are currently stocked by several fisheries agencies. However, little is known about the poststocking growth, body condition, and survival of triploid Walleye—information that is important for calibrating expectations and guiding policy regarding their use.

Methods

We compared the age-specific size, body condition, and survival of subadult (i.e., ages 0–3) triploid Walleye to those of normal diploid conspecifics in two eastern Colorado reservoirs. Paired stockings of triploid and diploid Walleye occurred over 3 years. Both fry and fingerlings were stocked each year.

Result

Triploids were generally smaller in length (6.6% smaller on average) and weight (20.6% smaller) compared to diploids across all age-classes. Despite being smaller, triploids had similar body condition relative to diploids. On average, the survival of triploids from spring stocking to their first fall was 6.3× lower than that of diploids, but no differences in survival were observed beyond this early life stage. This pattern was consistent across cohorts and reservoirs.

Conclusion

The present work provides a foundation for future studies that are designed to clarify patterns of survival from spring to the first fall by accounting for size at stocking and natural-origin fish and studies that are planned to assess the poststocking performance of triploid Walleye independent of diploids.
Phenotyping children and adolescents with obesity using behavioral, psychological, and familial data
Authors: St Fleur Ruth G. , Tanofsky‐Kraff Marian , Yanovski Jack A. , Horton Nicholas J. , Hirschhorn Joel N. , Field Alison E.
Published: November 2023

Objective

This prospective cohort study aimed to empirically derive phenotypes of children and adolescents with overweight and obesity.

Methods

Latent class analyses using Mplus were carried out in the Growing Up Today Study. Information on participants' weight status, disordered eating behaviors, body image and weight concerns, depressive symptoms, and pubertal timing, as well as and maternal weight status, were included in the latent class analyses, which were stratified by sex. Mixed‐effects regression was used to examine associations of the obesity phenotypes with adult weight gain, between age 20 and 35 years, independent of weight at beginning of follow‐up and duration of follow‐up.

Results

Among the girls, four obesity phenotypes were identified: 1) “early puberty”; 2) “mothers with obesity”; 3) “high weight concerns”; and 4) “mixed.” Only three phenotypes were identified among the boys: 1) “high weight concerns”; 2) “mothers with obesity”; and 3) “mixed.” Participants who had overweight or obesity in childhood or adolescence gained more weight in young adulthood than their leaner peers, but the patterns of weight gain in young adulthood varied by phenotype of obesity in childhood and adolescence.

Conclusions

These results support examining risk factors for and treatment outcomes by obesity phenotypes.
Pancreatic cancer: the insidious, deadly malignancy
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: November 2023

Unlike many other malignancies, mortality rates for pancreatic cancer have remained stubbornly stable, mainly reflecting the cancer's typically late presentation, ambiguous symptoms and a lack of research. However, scientists have now identified early biomarkers and patient risk factors that should help to detect this increasingly common malignancy while it remains curable.
Accessible Tetrathiafulvalene Moieties in a 3D Covalent Organic Framework for Enhanced Near‐Infrared Photo‐Thermal Conversion and Photo‐Electrical Response
Authors: Ma Tian‐Rui , Ge Feiyue , Ke Si‐Wen , Lv Sen , Yang Zhi‐Mei , Zhou Xiao‐Cheng , Liu Cheng , Wu Xue‐Jun , Yuan Shuai , Zuo Jing‐Lin
Published: November 2023

Redox‐active tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)‐based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) exhibit distinctive electrochemical and photoelectrical properties, but their prevalent two‐dimensional (2D) structure with densely packed TTF moieties limits the accessibility of redox center and constrains their potential applications. To overcome this challenge, an 8‐connected TTF linker (TTF‐8CHO) is designed as a new building block for the construction of three‐dimensional (3D) COFs. This approach led to the successful synthesis of a 3D COF with the bcu topology, designated as TTF‐8CHO‐COF. In comparison to its 2D counterpart employing a 4‐connected TTF linker, the 3D COF design enhances access to redox sites, facilitating controlled oxidation by I2 or Au3+ to tune physical properties. When irradiated with a 0.7 W cm−2 808 nm laser, the oxidized 3D COF samples (@TTF‐8CHO‐COF and Au NPs@TTF‐8CHO‐COF) demonstrated rapid temperature increases of 239.3 and 146.1 °C, respectively, which surpassed those of pristine 3D COF (65.6 °C) and the 2D COF counterpart (6.4 °C increment after I2 treatment). Furthermore, the oxidation of the 3D COF heightened its photoelectrical responsiveness under 808 nm laser irradiation. This augmentation in photothermal and photoelectrical response can be attributed to the higher concentration of TTF·+ radicals generated through the oxidation of well‐exposed TTF moieties.
Nanoplastic Stimulates the Amyloidogenesis of Parkinson's Alpha‐Synuclein NACore
Authors: Liang Xiufang , Andrikopoulos Nicholas , Tang Huayuan , Wang Yue , Ding Feng , Ke Pu Chun
Published: November 2023

Environmental plastic wastes are potential health hazards due to their prevalence as well as their versatility in initiating physical, chemical, and biological interactions and transformations. Indeed, recent research has implicated the adverse effects of micro‐ and nano‐plastics, including their neurotoxicity, yet how plastic particulates may impact the aggregation pathway and toxicity of amyloid proteins pertinent to the pathologies of neurological diseases remains unknown. Here, electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (ESI‐TOF‐MS) is employed to reveal the polymorphic oligomerization of NACore, a surrogate of alpha‐synuclein that is associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. These data indicate that the production rate and population of the NACore oligomers are modulated by their exposure to a polystyrene nanoplastic, and these cellular assays further reveal an elevated NACore toxicity in microglial cells elicited by the nanoplastic. These simulations confirm that the nanoplastic‐NACore association is promoted by their hydrophobic interactions. These findings are corroborated by an impairment in zebrafish hatching, survival, and development in vivo upon their embryonic exposure to the nanoplastic. Together, this study has uncovered the dynamics and mechanism of amyloidogenesis elevated by a nanoplastic trigger, shedding a new light on the neurological burden of plastic pollution.
Microcrystalline Nanofiber Electrode with Adaptive Intrinsic Structure and Microscopic Interface
Authors: Zhang Luwei , Qi Lu , Liu Jingyi , He Feng , Wang Ning , Li Yuliang
Published: November 2023

A strategy of microcrystalline aggregation is proposed to fabricate energy storage electrode with outstanding capacity and stability. Carbon‐rich electrode (BDTG) functionalized with benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene units and butadiyne segments are prepared. The linear conjugate chains pack as microcrystalline nanofibers on nanoscale, which further aggregates to form a porous interpenetrating network. The microcrystalline aggregation feature of BDTG exhibit stable structure during long cycling test, revealing the following advantage in structure and property. The stretchable butadiyne linker facilitates reversible adsorption and desorption of Li with the aid of adjacent sulfur heteroatom. The alkyne‐alkene transition exhibits intrinsic structural stability of microcrystalline region in BDTG electrodes. Meanwhile, alkynyl groups and sulfur heteroatoms on the surface of BDTG nanofibers participate in the formation of microscopic interface, providing a stable interfacial contact between BDTG electrodes and adjacent electrolyte. As a proof‐of‐concept, BDTG‐based electrode shows high capacity (1430 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1) and excellent cycle performance (8000 cycles under 5 A g−1) in half‐cell of lithium‐ion batteries, and a reversible capacity of 120 mAh g−1 is obtained under the current density of 2 C in full‐cell. This work shows microcrystalline aggregation is beneficial to realize adaptive intrinsic structure and interface contact during the charge‐discharge process.
ZIF‐Derived Co3O4 Nanoflake Arrays Decorated Nickel Foams as Stable Hosts for Dendrite‐Free Li Metal Anodes
Authors: Zhang Wanxing , Wang Jiajun , Zhang Hong , Dong Qiujiang , Zhang Shiyu , Sun Buwei , Chen Zanyu , Guo Hao , Han Xiaopeng , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin
Published: November 2023

Developing high‐performance anode current collectors with three‐dimensional structure and lithiophilic layers is of great importance to further advance the application of lithium metal batteries. However, relatively few research has focused on the transition of substrate and the intrinsic structure stability after electrodeposition of lithium on substrates, which leads to an incomplete understanding of the behavior of lithium deposition. Herein, a lithium metal anodes host with a highly stable and 3D structure has been effectively produced through in situ development of nanoflake arrays embedded with Co3O4 obtained from ZIF on nickel foams (Co3O4‐NF). And the actual lithium deposition sites and lithium deposition process on Co3O4‐NF are elucidated via a combination of characterization techniques and electrochemical analytical methods. Consequently, the resulting Co3O4‐NF@Li anodes could effectively inhibit lithium dendrite formation and mitigate volume expansion, demonstrating a significantly extended and consistent lifespan of 800 cycles (1600 h) at 1 mA cm−2 with low overpotential and insignificant voltage fluctuation for the process of lithium stripping and plating in symmetric cells. Herein, it is aimed to examine the transitions of metal oxides as a lithiophilic site for the lithium metal anode. It offers novel perspectives and approaches for the design of dendrite‐free lithium metal anodes.
Predicting the likelihood of gas bubble trauma in fishes exposed to elevated total dissolved gas in the lower Clark Fork River, Idaho
Authors: Kusnierz Paul C. , Bouwens Kenneth A. , Ransom Andrew L.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Gas bubble trauma (GBT) can occur in fish when water becomes supersaturated with gases, with effects ranging from minor tissue damage to death. Laboratory studies suggest that fish exposure to elevated total dissolved gas (TDG) at depths that compensate for gas supersaturation can result in reduced GBT incidence and that different fish species exhibit varying susceptibility to GBT. Elevated TDG levels associated with spill at Cabinet Gorge Dam in the lower Clark Fork River, Idaho, facilitated describing the incidence and severity of GBT, variables that affect GBT incidence, and the probability of observing GBT in different fish species.

Methods

Total dissolved gas and GBT data were collected during the typical spill period (i.e., April–July) in 2000, 2006, 2008, and 2017–2021.

Result

A total of 6985 fish was examined for GBT at TDG of 101–137% saturation. Incidences of GBT varied with TDG levels, and the greatest incidence of GBT was typically observed near the date with peak daily mean TDG. Logistic regression models indicated that the probability of observing GBT was affected by TDG exposure and temperature but not length. The probability of observing GBT on fish was < 0.01 when 7-day mean TDG was 110% saturation and < 0.04 when 7-day mean TDG was 120% saturation. The models also indicated that the probability of observing GBT at a given TDG value differed between fish species.

Conclusion

We suggest that species-specific behavior and habitat composition in the sampled area (i.e., access to compensatory depths and locations with less TDG) were factors in our observations. We advocate that fisheries managers use a similar process to develop site- and species-specific GBT probability curves where elevated TDG is an issue. These site-specific curves can help managers evaluate the potential for population-level effects to fisheries and need for TDG reduction or mitigation actions.
Selenium reduces acrylamide‐induced testicular toxicity in rats by regulating HSD17B1, StAR, and CYP17A1 expression, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and DNA damage
Authors: Yildirim Serkan , Sengul Emin , Aksu Emrah Hicazi , Cinar İrfan , Gelen Volkan , Tekin Samet , Dag Yusuf
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the effects of Selenium (Se) on testis toxicity induced by Acrylamide (ACR) in rats. In our study, 50 male adult rats were used, and the rats were divided into five groups; control, ACR, Se0.5 + ACR, Se1 + ACR, and Se1. Se and ACR treatments were applied for 10 days. On the 11th day of the experimental study, intracardiac blood samples from the rats were taken under anesthesia and euthanized. Sperm motility and morphology were evaluated. Dihydrotestosterone, FSH, and LH levels in sera were analyzed with commercial ELISA kits. MDA, GSH, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β levels and SOD, GPx, and CAT, activities were measured to detect the level of oxidative stress and inflammation in rat testis tissues. Expression analysis of HSD17B1, StAR, CYP17A1, MAPk14, and P‐53 as target mRNA levels were performed with Real Time‐PCR System technology for each cDNA sample synthesized from rat testis RNA. Testicular tissues were evaluated by histopathological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescent examinations. Serum dihydrotestosterone and FSH levels decreased significantly in the ACR group compared to the control group, while LH levels increased and a high dose of Se prevented these changes caused by ACR. A high dose of Se prevented these changes caused by ACR. ACR‐induced testicular oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, changes in the expression of reproductive enzymes, some changes in sperm motility and morphology, DNA, and tissue damage, and Se administration prevented these pathologies caused by ACR. As a result of this study, it was determined that Se prevents oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and DNA damage in testicular toxicity induced by ACR in rats.
The identification and functional analysis of CircRNAs in endometrial receptivity of mice with polycystic ovary
Authors: Zhao Ziwei , Li Dawei , Wang Nan , Xu Li , Weng Yujing , Zhou Weiqin , Pan Yanping
Published: November 2023

The disorders of endometrial receptivity and ovulatory dysfunction are both significant causes of infertility in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this study, we investigated the expression profile and functional implications of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the endometrial receptivity of PCOS‐affected mice. Twenty‐four female C57BL/6 mice were divided into PCOS and normal control groups. The PCOS group received subcutaneous DHEA treatment, while the control group remained untreated. Gene chip technology was utilized to analyze circRNA expression in endometrial tissues on the fourth day of gestation with subsequent bioinformatics analyses into circRNA functions. Furthermore, endometrial epithelial cells were used to determine represented circRNA functions. Results showed that the PCOS group exhibited 205 differentially expressed circRNAs, with 147 upregulated and 58 downregulated ones. qRT‐PCR confirmed differential expression of circRNAs, including circRNA_38548, circRNA_001686, circRNA_38550, and circRNA_27938. Predicted target genes and a circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA regulatory network were constructed. Additionally, four circRNAs (circRNA_38548, circRNA_38550, and circRNA_001686) were identified to contribute to abnormal endometrial receptivity by regulating genes such as Lifr, FOXK1, FOXO1, HOXA10, through interactions with miRNAs. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involving these circRNAs.
Global and regional climate in 2022
Authors: Dunn Robert J. H. , Sandford Caroline , Kendon Mike , Morice Colin P. , Kennedy John J. , Rayner Nick A.
Published: November 2023

Concentrations of greenhouse gases reached record levels in 2022 and energy continued to accumulate in the climate system. Despite the cooling influence of ongoing La Niña conditions, globally 2022 was the fifth or sixth warmest year on record. We give a summary of the global climate with a focus on the United Kingdom and Europe. Notably, the United Kingdom had its warmest year on record, including a brief record‐breaking heatwave in which multiple stations exceeded 40°C for the first time. The previous maximum temperature record of the United Kingdom was surpassed by the considerable margin of 1.6 degC on 19 July.
Principal component analysis of day‐ahead electricity price forecasting in CAISO and its implications for highly integrated renewable energy markets
Authors: Nyangon Joseph , Akintunde Ruth
Published: November 2023

Electricity price forecasting is crucial for grid management, renewable energy integration, power system planning, and price volatility management. However, poor accuracy due to complex generation mix data and heteroskedasticity poses a challenge for utilities and grid operators. This paper evaluates advanced analytics methods that utilize principal component analysis (PCA) to improve forecasting accuracy amidst heteroskedastic noise. Drawing on the experience of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), a leading producer of renewable electricity, the study analyzes hourly electricity prices and demand data from 2016 to 2021 to assess the impact of day‐ahead forecasting on California's evolving generation mix. To enhance data quality, traditional outlier analysis using the interquartile range (IQR) method is first applied, followed by a novel supervised PCA technique called robust PCA (RPCA) for more effective outlier detection and elimination. The combined approach significantly improves data symmetry and reduces skewness. Multiple linear regression models are then constructed to forecast electricity prices using both raw and transformed features obtained through PCA. Results demonstrate that the model utilizing transformed features, after outlier removal using the traditional method and SAS Sparse Matrix method, achieves the highest forecasting performance. Notably, the SAS Sparse Matrix outlier removal method, implemented via proc RPCA, greatly contributes to improved model accuracy. This study highlights that PCA methods enhance electricity price forecasting accuracy, facilitating the integration of renewables like solar and wind, thereby aiding grid management and promoting renewable growth in day‐ahead markets.

This article is categorized under:

Energy and Power Systems > Energy Management

Energy and Power Systems > Distributed Generation

Emerging Technologies > Digitalization
Impact of thermal radiations, heat generation/absorption and porosity on MHD nanofluid flow towards an inclined stretching surface: Non‐similar analysis
Authors: Farooq Umer , Jan Ahmed , Hussain Muzamil
Published: November 2023

Objective of this investigation is to provide a novel study of the flow of a magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) nanofluid over an inclined stretching surface in a permeable medium in a 2‐dimensional boundary layer. The convection model further incorporates heat radiation and heat sources/sinks. Nanomaterials include magnesium oxide and copper oxide . Using non‐similarity transformations, the set of governing equations is transformed into a set of dimensionless partial differential equations (PDEs). Using the local non‐similarity technique, the resulting system of dimensionless PDEs is treated as a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), and then solved with the help of the bvp4c MATLAB tools. This comprehensive research involves a thorough investigation of the significant starting physical characteristics and their impacts on the velocity and nanofluid temperature profiles. These profiles are shown using a set of graphical representations and numerical tables. It is worth noting that changes in the magnetic and porosity parameters result in a decrease in the velocity profile, but the Grashof number exhibits a reciprocal correlation. When we account for the effects of the Eckert number and the radiation parameters in a given flow regime, we also see an increase in the nanofluid's temperature profile. It has been shown that when the magnetic number and the Eckert number are augmented, the heat transmission rate decreases. The skin friction coefficient grows on a logarithmic scale when magnetic parameters and nanoparticle concentration are increased in estimation. The numerical calculations are checked for accuracy by comparing them to previously published findings, which guarantees an exact match in a constrained setting. Scientists investigating nanomaterials and their applications in manufacturing and thermal engineering may find this research instructive.
Conclusion
Authors: Hirsch Dennis , Bartley Timothy , Chandrasekaran Aravind , Norris Davon , Parthasarathy Srinivasan , Turner Piers Norris
Published: November 2023

This book began with a description of an ethical dilemma: whether an issuer of subprime credit cards should cut in half the credit limits of customers who use their card to pay for marital counseling. This Conclusion illustrates how an organization could use the data ethics management strategies described in the prior chapters to arrive at a responsible answer to this question.
What is Business Data Ethics Management?
Authors: Hirsch Dennis , Bartley Timothy , Chandrasekaran Aravind , Norris Davon , Parthasarathy Srinivasan , Turner Piers Norris
Published: November 2023

The law, including privacy law, lags the rapid development of advanced analytics and AI. As a result, compliance with the law is not sufficient to protect individuals or society from the threats that corporate use of these technologies can create. To protect people against these risks, and so to safeguard their own reputations and live by their values, companies need to do more than the law requires. As the interviewees described it, business “data ethics” management consists of the ways in which a company determines how far it wants to go beyond legal minimums, and how it seeks to achieve this goal. As a result, data ethics in the current period is largely a question of beyond compliance principles and assessments, even as legal norms continue to evolve. The literature has described such beyond compliance behavior with respect to corporate environmental performance. This Book documents beyond compliance behavior with respect to business governance of advanced analytics and AI.
Drawing Substantive Lines
Authors: Hirsch Dennis , Bartley Timothy , Chandrasekaran Aravind , Norris Davon , Parthasarathy Srinivasan , Turner Piers Norris
Published: November 2023

This chapter discusses the benchmarks and standards companies use to distinguish between ethical and unethical uses of advanced analytics and AI. In recent years scholars, governmental bodies, multi-stakeholder groups, industry think tanks, and even individual companies have issued model sets of data ethics and AI ethics principles. These model principles provide an initial reference point for setting substantive standards. However, the breath and ambiguity of these principles, and the conflicts among them, make it difficult for companies to operationalize them in all-things-considered decisions. In our study, most companies accordingly grounded their data ethics decisions, not on abstract ethical principles, but on intuitive benchmarks such as the Golden Rule or what “feels right.” Such gut-level standards, while potentially useful for approximating public expectations, are difficult to teach or apply consistently. Companies need substantive standards that are more actionable than high-level principles, and more standardized than intuitive judgment calls. They need generalizable policies that draw the line between ethical and unethical applications of advanced analytics and AI. How best to generate such company-specific policies remains an open question. One company said they did this by capturing past data ethics decisions and using them as “precedents” to guide future such decisions.
Complexities of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminated Sites
Authors: Alden David F. , García-Rincón Jonás , Rivett Michael O. , Wealthall Gary P. , Thomson Neil R.
Published: November 2023

This introductory chapter provides an overview of some challenges encountered during assessment and remediation of sites contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), especially due to the presence of petroleum non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL). PHC contamination of soil and groundwater has become recognized globally as an environmental concern. NAPL releases may go unnoticed for years and can be costly, time-consuming, and challenging to cleanup. Environmental investigations are required to assess the subsurface conditions, and, when necessary, appropriate remedial strategies are implemented. Remediation success depends on the development of a living conceptual site model, evaluation, and selection of potential treatment technologies followed by technology implementation and performance monitoring. This chapter outlines various challenges commonly found at PHC-contaminated sites associated to regulatory issues, multiphase flow mechanics, NAPL partitioning and biodegradation, and hydrogeological controls.
Incorporating Natural Source Zone Depletion (NSZD) into the Site Management Strategy
Authors: Palaia Tom , Park Sid
Published: November 2023

This chapter summarizes three petroleum remediation case study sites that incorporated natural source zone depletion (NSZD) into their site management strategy. The sites include: a light petroleum non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) pipeline release in an arid climate that transitioned to an NSZD-based monitored natural attenuation (MNA) remedy after several traditional remedial actions; a former refinery in a temperate climate that incorporated NSZD with phytoremediation; and a former industrial petrochemical facility in a tropical climate with waste dense petroleum hydrocarbon NAPL that transitioned to NSZD after several decades of groundwater extraction and treatment. The narratives provide examples of how NSZD was used as an effective and sustainable/resilient management option. Key points related to the use of NSZD on a broader range of site conditions are highlighted. The importance of acknowledging, accounting, and incorporating NSZD into remedies is emphasized because significant depletion rates are frequently observed to occur at petroleum NAPL release sites. The chapter demonstrates how NSZD can be incorporated into a conceptual site model and the implemented remedy. It provides details on the importance of site risk profile and regulatory framework as well as lines of evidence to support transition to a MNA remedy inclusive of NSZD.
In Situ Chemical Oxidation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Authors: Thomson Neil R.
Published: November 2023

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) is a mature treatment technology that involves the delivery of a chemical oxidant into a target treatment zone (TTZ) to destroy petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) compounds, and thereby reduce risk to human health and the environment. Commonly used chemical oxidants include hydrogen peroxide, sodium percarbonate, ozone, sodium or potassium permanganate, and sodium or potassium persulfate. All these oxidants can degrade environmentally relevant PHCs except that permanganate is non-reactive toward benzene. Ozone is delivered into the TTZ as a gas while the other oxidants are typically delivered as a concentrated liquid. ISCO should be considered part of integrated remediation strategy and not used in isolation. This chapter provides a reader with an introduction to key aspects of ISCO that are relevant to applications at sites contaminated with PHCs. Following a discussion of the TTZ, it then examines the fundamentals of the common oxidants used. Next the interaction of chemical oxidants with aquifer materials is explored, and a description of relevant transport considerations is provided. This is followed with an overview of methods that can be used to deliver an oxidant to treat PHCs in a TTZ. This chapter closes with a summary of the important takeaway messages.