bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Okra extract alleviates lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation response through the regulation of bile acids, the receptor‐mediated pathway, and gut microbiota
Authors: Zhou Shanshan , Yang Li , Qiu Xia , Li Bohui , Hu Liang , Tang Zizhong , Li Hua , Li Shanshan , Fang Zhengfeng , Chen Hong
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Okra contains flavonoids and vitamin C as antioxidants and it contains polysaccharides as immunomodulators. Flavonoids regulate the inflammatory response in mice and may be related to gut microbiota. This study therefore aimed to investigate the impact of okra extract (OE) on inflammation in mice and to elucidate its underlying mechanism.

METHOD

Forty male Kunming (KM) mice were categorized into four groups: the control (CON) group, the lipopolysaccharide stimulation (LPS) group, the 5 mg mL−1 OE intervention (LPS + OE) group, and the 5 mg mL−1 OE supplementation plus mixed antibiotics (LPS + OE + ABX) group.

RESULTS

The results showed that, compared with the OE group, the expression of inflammatory signaling pathway genes was upregulated and gut barrier genes were inhibited in the OE + ABX group. The Fxr receptor was activated and the abundance of Akkermansia was increased after OE supplementation, whereas the effect was reversed in the OE + ABX group. Meanwhile, Fxr was correlated positively with Akkermansia.

CONCLUSION

The OE supplementation alleviated the inflammatory response in mice under LPS stimulation, accompanied by changes in gut microbiota and bile acid receptors, whereas the addition of antibiotics caused a disturbance to the gut microbiota in the OE group, thus reducing the effect of OE in alleviating the inflammatory response. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
METTL3aggravates cell damage induced byStreptococcus pneumoniaevia theNEAT1/CTCF/MUC19axis
Authors: Ma Dong‐Bo , Zhang Hui , Wang Xi‐Ling , Wu Qiu‐Ge
Published: May 2024

Disruption of the alveolar barrier can trigger acute lung injury. This study elucidated the association of methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) withStreptococcus pneumoniae(SP)‐induced apoptosis and inflammatory injury of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). AECs were cultured and then infected with SP. Furthermore, the expression of METTL3, interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), long noncoding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), mucin 19 (MUC19), N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), and NEAT1 after m6A modification were detected by qRT‐PCR, Western blot, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent, m6A quantification, and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation‐qPCR analyses, respectively. Moreover, the subcellular localization of NEAT1 was analyzed by nuclear/cytosol fractionation assay, and the binding between NEAT1 and CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF) was also analyzed. The results of this investigation revealed that SP‐induced apoptosis and inflammatory injury in AECs and upregulated METTL3 expression. In addition, the downregulation of METTL3 alleviated apoptosis and inflammatory injury in AECs. METTL3‐mediated m6A modification increased NEAT1 and promoted its binding with CTCF to facilitate MUC19 transcription. NEAT1 or MUC19 overexpression disrupted their protective role of silencing METTL3 in AECs, thereby increasing apoptosis and inflammatory injury. In conclusion, this is the first study to suggest that METTL3 aggravates SP‐induced cell damage via the NEAT1/CTCF/MUC19 axis.
Mechanical shear flow regulates the malignancy of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Tseng Yu‐Ting , Tsai Ching‐Chung , Chen Ping‐Chen , Lin Bo‐Yan , Hsu Sodio C. N. , Huang Shu‐Ping , Huang Bin
Published: May 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is notable for its high mortality and high metastatic characteristics. The shear force generated by bloodstream provides mechanical signals regulating multiple responses of cells, including metastatic cancer cells, dispersing in blood vessels. We, therefore, studied the effect of shear flow on circulating CRC cells in the present study. The CRC cell line SW620 was subjected to shear flow of 12.5 dynes/cm2 for 1 and 2 h separately. Resulting elevated caspase‐9 and ‐3 indicated that shear flow initiated the apoptosis of SW620. Enlarged cell size associated with a higher level of cyclin D1 was coincident with the flow cytometric results indicating that the cell cycle was arrested at the G1 phase. An elevated phosphor‐eNOSS1177 increased the production of nitric oxide and led to reactive oxygen species‐mediated oxidative stress. Shear flow also regulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by increasing E‐cadherin and ZO‐1 while decreasing Snail and Twist1. The migration and invasion of sheared SW620 were also substantially decreased. Further investigations showed that mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly decreased, whereas mitochondrial mass and ATP production were not changed. In addition to the shear flow of 12.5 dynes/cm2, the expressions of EMT were compared at lower (6.25 dynes/cm2) and at higher (25 dynes/cm2) shear flow. The results showed that lower shear flow increased mesenchymal characteristics and higher shear flow increased epithelial characteristics. Shear flow reduces the malignancy of CRC in their metastatic dispersal that opens up new ways to improve cancer therapies by applying a mechanical shear flow device.
The road to sustainability: Examining key drivers in open access diamond journal publishing
Authors: Yoon JungWon , Ku Halin , Chung EunKyung
Published: May 2024

Despite the rising interest in open access (OA) diamond journals as a scholarly journal publishing model, their sustainability remains a pressing concern. Using the Open Access Diamond Journals Study (OADJS) Dataset, we examined the characteristics and factors of OA diamond journal publishing that are associated with high sustainability. From 1335 journals, 476 journals with low sustainability and 438 journals with high sustainability were selected and compared. Our analysis revealed that factors such as the region and official language of the publishing country and the discipline, ownership, and financial status of the journal were significantly associated with sustainability. Journals owned by government or national agencies, those with financial stability, and those promoting open practices like unrestricted text and data mining are more likely to be sustainable. This study also discusses the implications of these findings for the future of scholarly publishing and the open science movement. Ultimately, we emphasize the need for national and international support to enhance the sustainability of OA diamond journals and propose that a collective approach involving policymakers, funding agencies, and journal administrators is crucial for fostering a sustainable open access ecosystem.
Defining model complexity: An ecological perspective
Authors: Malmborg Charlotte A. , Willson Alyssa M. , Bradley L. M. , Beatty Meghan A. , Klinges David H. , Koren Gerbrand , Lewis Abigail S. L. , Oshinubi Kayode , Woelmer Whitney M.
Published: May 2024

Models have become a key component of scientific hypothesis testing and climate and sustainability planning, as enabled by increased data availability and computing power. As a result, understanding how the perceived ‘complexity’ of a model corresponds to its accuracy and predictive power has become a prevalent research topic. However, a wide variety of definitions of model complexity have been proposed and used, leading to an imprecise understanding of what model complexity is and its consequences across research studies, study systems, and disciplines. Here, we propose a more explicit definition of model complexity, incorporating four facets—model class, model inputs, model parameters, and computational complexity—which are modulated by the complexity of the real‐world process being modelled. We illustrate these facets with several examples drawn from ecological literature. Overall, we argue that precise terminology and metrics of model complexity (e.g., number of parameters, number of inputs) may be necessary to characterize the emergent outcomes of complexity, including model comparison, model performance, model transferability and decision support.
In situ temperature determination using magnetic resonance spectroscopy thermometry for noninvasive postmortem examinations
Authors: Zoelch Niklaus , Heimer Jakob , Richter Henning , Luechinger Roger , Archibald Jessica , Thali Michael J. , Gascho Dominic
Published: May 2024

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) thermometry offers a noninvasive, localized method for estimating temperature by leveraging the temperature‐dependent chemical shift of water relative to a temperature‐stable reference metabolite under suitable calibration. Consequentially, this technique has significant potential as a tool for postmortem MR examinations in forensic medicine and pathology. In these examinations, the deceased are examined at a wide range of body temperatures, and MRS thermometry may be used for the temperature adjustment of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols or for corrections in the analysis of MRI or MRS data. However, it is not yet clear to what extent postmortem changes may influence temperature estimation with MRS thermometry. In addition, N‐acetylaspartate, which is commonly used as an in vivo reference metabolite, is known to decrease with increasing postmortem interval (PMI). This study shows that lactate, which is not only present in significant amounts postmortem but also has a temperature‐stable chemical shift, can serve as a suitable reference metabolite for postmortem MRS thermometry. Using lactate, temperature estimation in postmortem brain tissue of severed sheep heads was accurate up to 60 h after death, with a mean absolute error of less than 0.5°C. For this purpose, published calibrations intended for in vivo measurements were used. Although postmortem decomposition resulted in severe metabolic changes, no consistent deviations were observed between measurements with an MR‐compatible temperature probe and MRS thermometry with lactate as a reference metabolite. In addition, MRS thermometry was applied to 84 deceased who underwent a MR examination as part of the legal examination. MRS thermometry provided plausible results of brain temperature in comparison with rectal temperature. Even for deceased with a PMI well above 60 h, MRS thermometry still provided reliable readings. The results show a good suitability of MRS thermometry for postmortem examinations in forensic medicine.
Enhancing T1 signal of normal‐appearing white matter with divided subtracted inversion recovery: A pilot study in mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Losa Letizia , Peruzzo Denis , Galbiati Sara , Locatelli Federica , Agarwal Nivedita
Published: May 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cognitive profiles in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are often discordant. Conventional MRI seldom captures the full extent of pathological changes in the normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM). The divided subtracted inversion recovery (dSIR) technique may enhance T1 differences in NAWM, making them easily visible. We aimed to implement dSIR on a clinical scanner and tested results in mTBI patients. To produce dSIR images, Inversion Recovery‐Turbo Spin Echo sequences were modified using six different inversion times (TI) on a 3‐T scanner in healthy participants and patients with mTBI. The multiple TIs determined normal white (TIshort) and gray matter (TIlong) nulling points in healthy subjects, which were used to create dSIR images. In one patient, the protocol was repeated at 3 months to identify changes after rehabilitation. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐derived mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps were aligned to dSIR images to ensure that signal was not artefactual. Ten healthy participants (five females; age 24 ± 3 [95% CI: 21, 26] years) were included. TIshort and TIlong were set at 450 and 750 ms, respectively. In both patients (one male, age 17 years; one female, age 14 years), dSIR images revealed areas with increased T1 in the NAWM not visible on conventional MRI. dSIR‐based hyperintensities corresponded to elevated MD and reduced FA. Substantial changes were found at follow‐up with improvement in DTI‐based parameters. dSIR images enhance subtle changes in the NAWM of patients with mTBI by amplifying their intrinsic T1 signal.
Management of paediatric monomorphic post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders with low‐intensity treatment: A multicentre international experience
Authors: Guerra‐García Pilar , Bomken Simon , Ling Rebecca , Lazareva Arina , Gupte Girish , Amrolia Persis , Andrés Mara , Diez‐Sebastián Jesús , Taj Mary M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Monomorphic post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (mPTLD) is a major cause of morbidity/mortality following solid organ transplant (SOT), with infection, mPTLD progression and organ rejection presenting equal risks. Balancing these risks is challenging, and the intensity of therapy required by individual patients is not defined. Although an increasing body of evidence supports the use of a stepwise escalation of therapy through reduction in immunosuppression (RIS) to rituximab monotherapy and low‐dose chemo‐immunotherapy, many centres still use B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) protocols, especially when managing Burkitt/Burkitt‐like (BL) PTLD. This study sought to define outcomes for children managed in the UK or Spanish centres using low‐intensity first‐line treatments.

Procedure

Retrospective data were anonymously collected on patients younger than 18 years of age, with post‐SOT mPTLD diagnosed between 2000 and 2020. Only patients given low‐intensity treatment at initial diagnosis were included.

Results

Fifty‐six patients were identified. Age range was 0.9–18 years (median 10.7). Most (62.5%) had early‐onset PTLD. Haematopathological analysis showed 75% were diffuse large B‐cell like, 14.3% were BL and nine of 33 (27%) harboured a MYC‐rearrangement. Stage III–IV disease was present in 78.6%. All but one had RIS, 26 received rituximab monotherapy and 24 low‐dose chemo‐immunotherapy, mostly R‐COP. Intensified B‐NHL chemotherapy was required in 10/56 (17.9%). There were a total of 13 deaths in this cohort, three related to PTLD progression. The 1‐year overall survival (OS), event‐free survival (EFS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 92.8%, 78.6% and 80.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

R‐COP provides an effective low‐dose chemotherapy option. Escalation to more intensive therapies in the minority of inadequately controlled patients is an effective strategy.
Insight into the relationship between interfacial structure and thermal conductivity in epoxy resin/Al2O3 composite
Authors: Qiao Jian , Lv Yang , Chen Yun , Yang Wei , Zhang Chong , Chen Xin , Wong Chunyu , Liu Qing , Lu Jibao , Zhang Tao , Zeng Xiaoliang , Sun Rong
Published: May 2024

The relationship between interfacial structure and thermal conductivity in epoxy resin/Al2O3 composite is important but is still elusive. Here, we illuminate this issue by investigating the role of four silane coupling agents in thermal conductivity for epoxy resin/Al2O3 composites. The results show that 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560) is the best silane coupling agent to modify Al2O3, resulting in the lowest viscosity and the highest thermal conductivity of the epoxy resin/Al2O3‐KH560 composite compared with alternative systems. This is attributed to the strong interfacial interaction between Al2O3‐KH560 and epoxy resin, as confirmed by the Fowkes model and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The interfacial thermal resistance between the epoxy resin and Al2O3 is also quantitatively measured via a photothermal radiometry technique. The epoxy resin/Al2O3‐KH560 also has the lowest interfacial thermal resistance (1.50 ± 0.02 × 10−6 m2 K W−1), compared with the other three systems. This study advances the understanding of the relationship between interfacial structure and thermal conductivity in polymer composites.

Highlights

The relationship between interfacial structure and thermal conductivity in epoxy resin/Al2O3 composite is understood.

The interfacial structure is characterized by broadband dielectric spectroscopy.

The interfacial thermal resistance is quantitatively measured via a photothermal radiometry technique.
Investigation on the blooming behavior of additives in nitrile butadiene rubber at elevated temperature
Authors: Wang Chuanfang , Xia Zhidong , Fu Peng
Published: May 2024

The degradation of rubber performance in service environments is closely associated with the blooming behavior of additives in the rubber. This study investigates surface precipitates and changes in tensile properties of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) after storage at 85°C in air. The morphology, elemental composition, phase composition, and functional groups of the precipitates were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Based on the morphology of internal rubber particles and precipitates and variations in the Zn/C mass ratio (ERZn), the reaction between zinc oxide and stearic acid in rubber under long‐term thermal environment was determined. Four stages of blooming for the mixture of zinc oxide and zinc stearate were inferred, and the impact of the blooming on the degradation of tensile properties of NBR was established. A dramatic decrease in the elongation at break (δk) of NBR was correlated with the blooming of zinc stearate and its correspondingly weakened plasticizing effect.

Highlights

The core‐shell structured mixture of ZnO and Zn(St)2 bloomed onto the surface of nitrile butadiene rubber.

The ratio of mass percentages of Zn to C evaluated the blooming process of additives.

The migration and blooming process of precipitates were divided into four stages.

The decrease in elongation of the rubber was attributed to the blooming of Zn(St)2.
Feasibility study on thin‐film PV laminates for road integration
Authors: Colberts Fallon , Kingma Aldo , Gómez Nicolás Héctor Carreño , Roosen Dorrit , Ahmad Serdar , Vroon Zeger
Published: May 2024

Integration of photovoltaics (PV) into the built environment (BIPV) and infrastructure (IIPV) is required to increase the installed capacity of PV worldwide, while still leaving sufficient area for other land uses. Although BIPV applications have proven to play a significant role in the energy transition, road integrated IIPV concepts are less developed and bring challenges in mechanical and electrical stability and safety that still need to be addressed. In this work, the feasibility of integrating thin‐film CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) modules into road tiles is investigated. PV road stacks were produced by gluing CIGS laminates onto concrete tiles and covering them with epoxy and glass granulates to form impact‐ and anti‐skid layers. IV (current–voltage) characteristics show that, respectively, a thin and thick epoxy layer results in 2% and 6.6% relative loss in power conversion efficiency. Although a thin protective layer would be beneficial to the power conversion efficiency of road modules, raveling tests show increased risk for electrical failure when a thin top layer is used. Pull‐off tests showed that the weakest adhesive strength (0.8 N/mm2) is between the thin‐film laminate and concrete, offering sufficient adhesive strength to at least withstand light traffic loading. Raveling and wheel tracking tests show no mass loss and only minor deformation of the stack, respectively, indicating no real risk of raveling or rutting. Thermal cycling and damp heat exposure of the PV road tiles show that yellowing of the top layers can significantly reduce performance over longer periods of outdoor operation. Damp heat exposure after mechanical loading shows no indication of moisture ingress on any of the tested configurations, suggesting the proposed CIGS laminate stack is able to withstand light traffic loading. From the measurement results, it can be concluded that thin‐film CIGS modules are mechanically and electrically suitable for road integration. Power conversion efficiencies over 12% can be attained with this technology, indicating its potential for renewable energy generation in road infrastructure. Performance stability can especially benefit from alternative top layer materials that maintain high transparency over long lifetimes. Additionally, pilot tests are required to demonstrate the potential of the technology in a controlled outdoor environment.
Insights on the G protein‐coupled receptor helix 8 solution structure and orientation using a neurotensin receptor 1 peptide
Authors: Bower James B. , Robson Scott A. , Ziarek Joshua J.
Published: May 2024

G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of membrane proteins encoded in the human genome with high pharmaceutical relevance and implications to human health. These receptors share a prevalent architecture of seven transmembrane helices followed by an intracellular, amphipathic helix 8 (H8) and a disordered C‐terminal tail (Ctail). Technological advancements have led to over 1000 receptor structures in the last two decades, yet frequently H8 and the Ctail are conformationally heterogeneous or altogether absent. Here we synthesize a peptide comprising the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTS1) H8 and Ctail (H8–Ctail) to investigate its structural stability, conformational dynamics, and orientation in the presence of detergent and phospholipid micelles, which mimic the membrane. Circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements confirm that zwitterionic 1,2‐diheptanoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine is a potent stabilizer of H8 structure, whereas the commonly‐used branched detergent lauryl maltose neopentyl glycol (LMNG) is unable to completely stabilize the helix – even at amounts four orders of magnitude greater than its critical micellar concentration. We then used NMR spectroscopy to assign the backbone chemical shifts. A series of temperature and lipid titrations were used to define the H8 boundaries as F376–R392 from chemical shift perturbations, changes in resonance intensity, and chemical‐shift‐derived phi/psi angles. Finally, the H8 azimuthal and tilt angles, defining the helix orientation relative of the membrane normal were measured using paramagnetic relaxation enhancement NMR. Taken together, our studies reveal the H8–Ctail region is sensitive to membrane physicochemical properties and is capable of more adaptive behavior than previously suggested by static structural techniques.
Mutual annotation‐based prediction of protein domain functions with Domain2GO
Authors: Ulusoy Erva , Doğan Tunca
Published: May 2024

Identifying unknown functional properties of proteins is essential for understanding their roles in both health and disease states. The domain composition of a protein can reveal critical information in this context, as domains are structural and functional units that dictate how the protein should act at the molecular level. The expensive and time‐consuming nature of wet‐lab experimental approaches prompted researchers to develop computational strategies for predicting the functions of proteins. In this study, we proposed a new method called Domain2GO that infers associations between protein domains and function‐defining gene ontology (GO) terms, thus redefining the problem as domain function prediction. Domain2GO uses documented protein‐level GO annotations together with proteins' domain annotations. Co‐annotation patterns of domains and GO terms in the same proteins are examined using statistical resampling to obtain reliable associations. As a use‐case study, we evaluated the biological relevance of examples selected from the Domain2GO‐generated domain‐GO term mappings via literature review. Then, we applied Domain2GO to predict unknown protein functions by propagating domain‐associated GO terms to proteins annotated with these domains. For function prediction performance evaluation and comparison against other methods, we employed Critical Assessment of Function Annotation 3 (CAFA3) challenge datasets. The results demonstrated the high potential of Domain2GO, particularly for predicting molecular function and biological process terms, along with advantages such as producing interpretable results and having an exceptionally low computational cost. The approach presented here can be extended to other ontologies and biological entities to investigate unknown relationships in complex and large‐scale biological data. The source code, datasets, results, and user instructions for Domain2GO are available at https://github.com/HUBioDataLab/Domain2GO. Additionally, we offer a user‐friendly online tool at https://huggingface.co/spaces/HUBioDataLab/Domain2GO, which simplifies the prediction of functions of previously unannotated proteins solely using amino acid sequences.
Adaptive evolution: Eukaryotic enzyme's specificity shift to a bacterial substrate
Authors: Latifah Emi , Ivanesthi Indira Rizqita , Tseng Yi‐Kuan , Pan Hung‐Chuan , Wang Chien‐Chia
Published: May 2024

Prolyl‐tRNA synthetase (ProRS), belonging to the family of aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases responsible for pairing specific amino acids with their respective tRNAs, is categorized into two distinct types: the eukaryote/archaeon‐like type (E‐type) and the prokaryote‐like type (P‐type). Notably, these types are specific to their corresponding cognate tRNAs. In an intriguing paradox, Thermus thermophilus ProRS (TtProRS) aligns with the E‐type ProRS but selectively charges the P‐type tRNAPro, featuring the bacterium‐specific acceptor‐stem elements G72 and A73. This investigation reveals TtProRS's notable resilience to the inhibitor halofuginone, a synthetic derivative of febrifugine emulating Pro‐A76, resembling the characteristics of the P‐type ProRS. Furthermore, akin to the P‐type ProRS, TtProRS identifies its cognate tRNA through recognition of the acceptor‐stem elements G72/A73, along with the anticodon elements G35/G36. However, in contrast to the P‐type ProRS, which relies on a strictly conserved R residue within the bacterium‐like motif 2 loop for recognizing G72/A73, TtProRS achieves this through a non‐conserved sequence, RTR, within the otherwise non‐interacting eukaryote‐like motif 2 loop. This investigation sheds light on the adaptive capacity of a typically conserved housekeeping enzyme to accommodate a novel substrate.
Urban boundary‐layer flows in complex terrain: Dynamic interactions during a hot and dry summer season in Phoenix, Arizona
Authors: Brandi A. , Martilli A. , Salamanca F. , Georgescu M.
Published: May 2024

Anthropogenic modification of natural landscapes to urban environments impacts land–atmosphere interactions in the boundary layer. Ample research has demonstrated the effect of such landscape transitions on development of the urban heat island (UHI), but considerably less attention has been given to impacts on regional wind flow. Here, we use a set of high‐resolution (1 km grid spacing) regional climate modeling simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled to a multilayer urban canopy scheme to investigate the dynamical interaction between the urban boundary layer of the Phoenix metro (United States) area and the thermal circulation of the complex terrain it resides within. We conduct paired simulations for the extremely hot and dry summer of 2020, using a contemporary urban representation and a pre‐settlement landscape representation to examine the effect of the built environment on local to regional‐scale wind flow. Analysis of our simulation results shows that, during the summer of 2020, (a) the thermo‐topographical circulation dominates over both urban and rural areas for a majority of the diurnal cycle; (b) the built environment obstructs wind flow in the inertial sublayer during the late afternoon and the nighttime, whereas more intense daytime urban sensible heat flux dampens the urban‐roughness‐induced drag effect through a deeper urban boundary layer and vigorous mixing; (c) the Phoenix metro UHI does not result in a well‐developed and clearly discernible induced circulation as observed in other urban areas and described in the scientific literature; (d) shortly before dawn, the local UHI is able to affect the local thermo‐topographical circulation through flow intensity modulation that results in an ~10 km eastward shift of the center of mass convergence. Our results highlight the need for future research—both observational and simulation based—into urbanizing regions where multiscale flows are dominant.
Preparing for pandemic response in the context of limited resources
Authors: Andrade Jair , Beishuizen Berend , Stein Mart , Connolly Máire , Duggan Jim
Published: May 2024

Pandemics are outbreaks of an infectious disease that increase morbidity and mortality over a wide geographic area. These events require large‐scale interventions from governments and health agencies to curtail transmission within a population. In assessing the impact of these interventions, policymakers avail themselves of simulations from compartmental models. However, it is commonplace that modellers employ fixed fractions to represent interventions, which implicitly assume that resources instantaneously and boundlessly adjust to the desired target and may predict overly optimistic outcomes. Here, we propose a model that integrates four crucial countermeasures subject to resource constraints. We present this structure utilising the concept of small models and frame the simulations in the context of a hypothetical spread of influenza in the Netherlands, drawing on empirical data. After incorporating resource constraints, we find that only a comprehensive response controls the disease. These findings highlight the need for improving strategic plans to support pandemic preparedness. © 2024 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
Bio Inspired CdO Nanoparticles: A Robust and Recyclable Catalyst Towards the Synthesis of Dihydropyrimidone Derivatives via One Pot Three‐Component Coupling Reaction
Authors: Bera Partha Sarathi , Mahato Jharna , Das Rima , Mondal Pallav , Adhikari Utpal , Saha Tanmoy Kumar
Published: May 2024

An innovative and environmentally sustainable approach is presented for the synthesis of cadmium oxide nanoparticles (CdONPs), leveraging the leaf extract of the pigeon pea plant (Cajanus cajan) as both reductive and capping agents. This environmentally friendly heterogeneous CdONPs was meticulously characterized through FT‐IR, PXRD, HR‐TEM, SEM‐EDAX, XPS and UV‐Vis spectroscopic analyses. These NPs were subsequently applied to facilitate the three‐component Biginelli reaction using ethyl acetoacetate, urea, and substituted benzaldehydes for producing dihydropyrimidone derivatives in good to excellent yield. The methodology was tested for different aldehydes containing electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating groups. The catalyst demonstrated consistent performance over approximately five cycles, exhibiting negligible loss in yield and catalytic potential. The proposed mechanistic pathway of the reaction was elucidated through intermediate mass analysis and further validated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and catalytic surface adsorption studies.
Synthesis of DHDK Derivatives and Study of their Activity
Authors: Wei Wenfeng , Hong Jing , Zhao Xinyan , Yu Xue , Yu Menglu , Yin Zuhui , Zhao Yunli , Yu Miao
Published: May 2024

DHDK is a novel diaryl heptanone analog isolated from mistletoe. (1 E, 4 E) 1,7‐bis (4‐hydroxyphenyl) hept‐1,4‐diene‐3‐one (DHDK) exhibits good antitumor activity and excellent stability, but it doesn't have good solubility or bioavailability. In order to improve this deficiency, the structure was modified and five new DHDK derivatives were successfully synthesized. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of DHDK derivatives against four cancer cell lines was determined by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay. The results show that DHDK derivatives exhibit excellent potential, especially for human multiple myeloma cells (KMS‐11) and triple‐negative breast cancer cell line (MDA‐MB 231). The equilibrium solubility and oil‐water partition coefficient of DHDK derivatives were better improved by structural modification.
DNA Nanoparticle Based 2D Biointerface to Study the Effect of Dynamic RGD Presentation on Stem Cell Adhesion and Migration
Authors: Zhang Xingzhen , van Veen Stijn , Hadavi Darya , Zhao Yuandi , Mohren Ronny , Habibović Pamela , Honing Maarten , Albertazzi Lorenzo , van Rijt Sabine
Published: May 2024

The native extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes constant remodeling, where adhesive ligand presentation changes over time and in space to control stem cell function. As such, it is of interest to develop 2D biointerfaces able to study these complex ligand stem‐cell interactions. In this study, a novel dynamic bio interface based on DNA hybridization is developed, which can be employed to control ligand display kinetics and used to study dynamic cell‐ligand interaction. In this approach, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) are functionalized with single‐strand DNA (MSN‐ssDNA) and spin‐coated on a glass substrate to create the 2D bio interface. Cell adhesive tripeptide RGD is conjugated to complementary DNA strands (csDNA) of 9, 11, or 20 nucleotides in length, to form csDNA‐RGD. The resulting 3 csDNA‐RGD conjugates can hybridize with the ssDNA on the MSN surface, presenting RGD with increased ligand dissociation rates as DNA length is shortened. Slow RGD dissociation rates led to enhanced stem cell adhesion and spreading, resulting in elongated cell morphology. Cells on surfaces with slow RGD dissociation rates also exhibited higher motility, migrating in multiple directions compared to cells on surfaces with fast RGD dissociation rates. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on dynamic ligand‐stem cell interactions.
Van der Waals Transition Metal Carbo‐Chalcogenides: Theoretical Screening and Charge Storage
Authors: Hu Tao , Wang Mengting , Cai Chenlin , Cheng Renfei , Wang Junchao , Guo Chunxian , Ren Lijun , Li Chang Ming , Wang Xiaohui
Published: May 2024

High‐rate lithium/sodium ion batteries or capacitors are the most promising functional units to achieve fast energy storage that highly depends on charge host materials. Host materials with lamellar structures are a good choice for hybrid charge storage hosts (capacitor or redox type). Emerging layered transition metal carbo‐chalcogenides (TMCC) with homogeneous sulfur termination are especially attractive for charge storage. Using density functional theory calculations, six of 30 potential TMCC are screened to be stable, metallic, anisotropic in electronic conduction and mechanical properties due to the lamellar structures. Raman, infrared active modes and frequencies of the six TMCC are well assigned. Interlayer coupling, especially binding energies predict that the bulk layered materials can be easily exfoliated into 2D monolayers. Moreover, Ti2S2C, Zr2S2C are identified as the most gifted Li+/Na+ anode materials with relatively high capacities, moderate volume expansion, relatively low Li+/Na+ migration barriers for batteries or ion‐hybrid capacitors. This work provides a foundation for rational materials design, synthesis, and identification of the emerging 2D family of TMCC.
Regulating “Tip Effect” and Zn2+‐Deposition Kinetics by In Situ Constructing Interphase for Low Voltage Hysteresis and Dendrite‐Free Zn Anode
Authors: Tao Zongzhi , He Xiaoyue , Yu Lai , Ma Xinyi , Ahmad Nazir , Zhang Genqiang
Published: May 2024

Metal zinc (Zn) is being explored as a possible anode for aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). However, unrestrained Zn dendrite caused by “tip effect” and chemical corrosion continue to plague the Zn deposition process, limiting the functionality of AZIBs and prohibiting their use at high current densities. This work presents an in situ approach for introducing homogeneous ZnO nanoarrays onto the surface of Zn foil (Zn@ZnO NAs) as a functional protective interphase. On the one hand, well‐distributed ZnO NAs protection layer can regulate the “tip effect” and confine the growth of Zn dendrite. On the other hand, the ZnO NAs layer can enhance the desolvation and diffusion process of Zn2+ on the surface of anode, attributing to low voltage hysteresis and exceptional electrochemical performance at high current densities. As a result, the Zn@ZnO NAs exhibits a low voltage hysteresis of 50.8 mV with a superb lifespan of 1200 h at a current density of 5 mA cm−2. Moreover, Zn@ZnO NAs||α‐MnO2 full‐cell shows a superior cycling performance after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g−1 with a capacity of 216.69 mAh g−1. This work is expected to provide ideas for designing other reversible zinc anode chemical systems, especially under a high current density.
Polysaccharide‐Modified SnO2 for Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: He Jingjing , Xu Xiaolei , Dai Yuanyuan , Xue Daxiang , Zhang Pengfei , Niu Qiang
Published: May 2024

Tin oxide (SnO2) has been demonstrated as a promising electron transport material for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its low‐temperature process and high charge extraction ability. However, the key to improving the internal performance of PSCs toward unity lies in the ability of enhancing bulk SnO2 quality and reducing the energy level mismatch between SnO2 and perovskite layer. Herein, a facile and effective strategy to simultaneously functionalize SnO2 structure by sodium alginate (SA) polysaccharide compound is reported. The investigations reveal that SA leads to the formation of nanosynapse structure of SnO2 films, which allows the aligned energy levels and suppressed charge recombination, significantly enhancing carrier extraction and transport. Consequently, CsMAFAPb(IxBr1−x)3 and CsPbI2Br solar cells achieve a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 24.11% and 16.90%, respectively, based on SnO2‐SA electron transport layers (ETLs). This work offers a facile and effective way to fabricate high‐performance SnO2 ETL in PSCs.
Optimization of microwave‐assisted extraction for quantification of cannabinoids in hemp tea by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Christodoulou Marios C. , Gonzalez‐Serrano Diego J. , Christou Atalanti , Stavrou Ioannis J. , Hadidi Milad , Moreno Andres , Kapnissi‐Christodoulou Constantina P.
Published: May 2024

Microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) of cannabinoids from hemp tea was optimized, for the first, using response surface methodology. The effect of temperature (50, 65, and 80°C), irradiation time (4, 7, and 10 min), and solvent‐to‐solid ratio (20, 30, and 40 mL of methanol/g of hemp tea) on cannabinoid extractability were investigated. The concentrations of five cannabinoids, namely Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabinol (CBN), were selected as response variables. For the quantitative analysis, a liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry method was developed and validated. The proposed analytical approach demonstrated satisfactory performance characteristics in terms of linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9998), precision (intra‐day: 1.99%–5.97% relative standard deviation [%RSD], inter‐day: 1.95%–6.08%RSD), sensitivity (limit of detection: 1.35–2.36 ng/g, limit of quantification: 4.05–7.08 ng/g) and carry‐over effect (signals ≤ 5.03%), with all cannabinoids eluting within 6 min. For comparison purposes, soxhlet extraction, ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE), and conventional‐stirring extraction were additionally performed. MAE proved to be a more effective technique for the extraction of CBD and CBN, while UAE managed to extract Δ9‐THC, CBG, and CBC at higher concentration levels.
Development and validation of stability indicating ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatographic method for assay and impurities of mexiletine hydrochloride and mexiletine hydrochloride capsules
Authors: Muppavarapu Venkatarao , Challa Gangu Naidu , Gande Mukteeshwar , Billa Praveen Reddy , Gogineni Sreenivasarao , Yarraguntla Srinivasa Rao
Published: May 2024

Mexiletine (MEX) is an antiarrhythmic drug used to treat acute and chronic ventricular arrhythmias. A simple isocratic, rapid, specific, stability‐indicating, and sensitive reverse‐phase ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method was developed and successfully validated to quantify the assay and impurities of MEX hydrochloride. The new UHPLC method showed the optimum separation of MEX and its seven impurities in 20 min by using sodium acetate buffer (0.14 mM) with 0.3% of glacial acetic acid (pH 4.8) and methanol in the ratio of 40:60 (v/v) as mobile phase. The method used an Acquity HSS T3 (100 × 3.0 mm, 1.8 µm) chromatographic column at a 0.2 mL/min flow rate. The injection volume is 2 µL, and 254 nm is the detection wavelength. Note that, 25°C is the column oven temperature. The method is linear over the concentration range of the quantification limit (0.03%) to 150% (0.3%) of the specification level (0.2%) for the impurities and 50%–150% for the assay method. The quality control lab of bulk drugs and finished dosage form successfully applied the new UHPLC method for quantification of assay and impurities of MEX hydrochloride.
In defense of the primacy of the Nomenclature Section in decision‐making in botanical nomenclature: A reply to the Rapporteurs’ comment on Proposal 193 to amend the Shenzhen Code
Authors: Moore Gerry , Smith Gideon F. , Figueiredo Estrela , Landrum Leslie R. , Gereau Roy E. , Prado Jefferson , Demissew Sebsebe , Applequist Wendy , Quintanar Alejandro , Fortunato Renée , Freire‐Fierro Alina , Wen Jun , Deng Yun‐Fei
Published: May 2024

A response is provided to the Rapporteurs’ comments on Proposal 193 to amend the Shenzhen Code. If adopted, Prop. 193 would amend Div. III, Prov. 5 of the Code so as to require a simple majority to approve—as opposed to the current 60% majority to reject (and thus 40% + 1 vote to approve)—General Committee recommendations on conservation, protection, or rejection of names, suppression of works, and binding decisions. We regard the requirement of a simple majority in the affirmative to approve recommendations of the General Committee to be the fairest and most easily understood procedure available. It is also one that is consistent with the compromise worked out and published in 2016 by the Special Committee on By‐laws that reported to the Nomenclature Section at Shenzhen and would restore the procedure used at all nomenclature sections prior to the Nomenclature Section at Vienna in 2005.
Higher‐order effect of axial force on free vibration and buckling of functionally graded sandwich beams
Authors: Sun Shi‐Lian , Li Xian‐Fang
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a novel higher‐order shear deformation beam theory for analyzing the stability and free vibration of functionally graded (FG) sandwich beams with emphasis on the effect of higher‐order moment (HOM) and cross‐sectional warping. The governing equation of axially loaded FG sandwich beams is derived from three‐dimensional equations of the theory of elastic waves in bodies with homogeneous initial stresses. The characteristic equations for typical end conditions are obtained exactly. The numerical results of the natural frequencies and critical loads are calculated and verified for special cases by comparing them with the existing solutions. The effects of gradient index, core thickness, HOM, and warping shapes on the natural frequencies and critical buckling loads are elucidated for different slenderness ratios and end constraints.
Introduction
Authors: Gruber Judith , Schüßler Michael , Bobrowicz Ryszard
Published: May 2024

Over the last few years, we have witnessed a surge in protest movements around the world. As planet Earth shows its vulnerability and a global pandemic has fundamentally recalibrated the textures of our individual and collective lives, a shared concern for survival triggers individuals and groups to contest the status quo and to call for alternative solutions to the pressing issues of our time. These problems confront us with irreducible complexity, and therefore trigger a wide variety of protest responses across the political spectrum, such as the global ‘Fridays for Future’ demonstrations, or the protests against coronavirus restrictions that have found strong support, particularly among the constituencies of right-wing, populist parties. Dissenting movements, thus, can take a range of forms. At their core, however, they share a common pattern, i.e. (1) they seek to manage the irreducible complexity of reality, (2) they make normative claims about what constitutes a good life, and (3) they offer visions of transformation and hope for a future. This is the stuff of theology, and, indeed, religious and theological messages are often explicitly present in protest movements. Yet, paradoxically, within religious communities, protest is often seen either as inherently intrinsic to, or simply antithetical to, religious loyalty (or ‘faithfulness’).
The Muslim Ban: The Racialization of Religion and Soteriological Privilege
Authors: Brecht Mara
Published: May 2024

Why do some racial and religious groups appear to be inseparably associated, what are the consequences of these associations, and how might new expressions of Christian theology resist them? This essay first theorizes a knot between the racialization of religion, on the one hand, and, on the other, Christian social hegemony in the US context. I argue that Christian theology has contributed to the network of power relations that racializes some religious groups, and call for a more conscientious approach to religious belonging. Finally, I propose interreligious encounter as a productive opportunity for deepening Christian theological perspectives on embodiment.
To Be Who We Are: A Dissenting Church: Two Proposals
Authors: Carvalhaes Cláudio
Published: May 2024

Dissidence and contestation are a fundamental part of the history of the Christian church. This chapter wrestles with the relation between normalcy and contestation, conflict and disagreement, inside and outside in the history of theological power of the church. This analysis carries a call for the church to inhabit two dissent places: the place of interreligious dialogues based on the notion of confluence from Antônio Bispo dos Santos and the dissent place of the earth, based on the affirmation of Bruno Latour that we have never landed. At the end, dissent must be at the heart of Christian faith.
Potentially Polluting Wrecks and the Legal Duty to Protect Our Ocean Heritage
Authors: Aznar Mariano J. , Varmer Ole
Published: May 2024

As said in the introduction to this book, the determination of a shipwreck as environmentally hazardous or potentially polluting does not negate its significance as a historic site (Brennan, Chap. 1, this volume). Practice shows how wrecks may be different things at the same time: a lost property, an artificial reef, a gravesite, an obstacle for navigation, or/and a historic site and a potentially polluting wreck. This makes them a complex object for regulation, both at the domestic and international level.