bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of salt‐affected soil in Indo‐Gangetic Plain of Uttar Pradesh and prediction using regression model
Authors: Hiranmai R. Y. , Neeraj Ajay
Published: November 2023

In the present study, multiple sites in the Indo‐Gangetic Plain (IGP) were examined, and most of the sites were found to be non‐saline, with electrical conductivity (EC) values below 4.0 dSm−1. The highest value of EC 8.5 dSm−1 was reported for samples collected from JAN‐2, which, followed by site RBL‐3, also shows a high value of EC 6.5 dSm−1. The highest CEC (cmolkg−1) was reported in samples collected from site JAN‐1 (8.4), JAN‐2 (8.2), and JAN‐3 (8.21), and the lowest at RBL‐2 (3.99). The highest exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) value of 34.07% was observed at RBL‐3, indicating a potential salinity risk associated with elevated sodium contents. The analysis showed that salt was present at all study sites, and there were strong correlations between the variables examined. The relationship between measured ESP and predicted ESP shows a strong correlation with an r2 value of 0.91, indicating the applicability of ESP–sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Paired samples t‐test results p‐value = 0.27 indicated no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the soil ESP values predicted by the soil ESP–SAR model and those obtained through laboratory testing. The statistical results of the study suggested that the soil ESP–SAR model was reliable for predicting ESP values. The soil ESP differences between the two methods were normally distributed, and the 95% limits of agreement were calculated as −7.79 and 5.55. The mean difference between the ESP–SAR model and the “Measured” method was calculated as 2.24, representing the average deviation between the two. The study presents the ESP–SAR model as a cost‐effective and efficient method for estimating soil ESP and assessing soil salinity. By analyzing soil properties and validating the model, it provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in combating agricultural land degradation in the IGP. The novelty lies in its comprehensive evaluation of soil salinity indices, reinforcing the applicability of the ESP–SAR model for future research and agricultural management.
Model studies for enzyme inhibition. Part III: Kinetics and thermodynamics of the reaction of diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate with α‐cyclodextrin in aqueous alkaline media
Authors: van Hooidonk C. , Breebaart‐Hansen J.C.A.E.
Published: November 2023

The temperature‐dependency of the reaction rate of diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate with α‐cyclodextrin has been determined in aqueous alkaline media.

The dissociation constant (Kdiss) of the prereaction I : I inclusion complex increases from 0.078 at 5° to 0.46 M at 45°. The changes in enthalpy and entropy involved in the dissociation are 7.3 kcal · mole−1 and 21 e.u., respectively.

The rate constant for the nucleophilic reaction (k2) increases from 0.109 at 5° to 1.65 min−1 at 45°; the activation energy involved is 11.6 kcal · mole−1.

The thermodynamic data are discussed in relation to similar data from the literature for the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate.

The results suggest that polar interactions are important in the formation of an inclusion complex between the organophosphorus compound and the cyclodextrin.

The α‐cyclodextrin mimics an enzyme in certain aspects: however, its simple molecular structure limits its value as an enzyme model.
Adaptive MPC for multi‐player systems with parametric uncertainties: The noncooperative game case
Authors: Xu Yang , Yuan Yuan , Wang Zhen
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the distributed adaptive model predictive noncooperative game problem is proposed for the discrete‐time multi‐player systems (MPSs) with parametric uncertainties and undirected graph. The state and input constraints are considered along with the parametric uncertainties. An adaptive parameter estimator is proposed for the parametric uncertainty based on a nonlinear scheduling function. Furthermore, the cost function is constructed based on the estimated parametric uncertainties, which is used to replace the cost function of the MPSs with parametric uncertainties. An iterative algorithm is developed such that the adaptive model predictive dynamic game (AMPDG) could converge to the so‐called ‐Nash equilibrium in a distributed manner. We establish sufficient conditions to guarantee the convergence of the proposed algorithm. In addition, the easy‐to‐check conditions are also provided to ensure the uniform boundedness of the studied MPSs. Finally, a numerical example of a group of spacecrafts is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Separation and quantification of organic‐related impurities of beta‐adrenergic receptor blocking agent propranolol in pharmaceutical solid dosage forms: Impurity profiling using stability‐indicating HPLC method
Authors: Pasham Mohan , Haridasyam Sharath Babu , Vadagam Niroja , Boppy N. V. V. D. Praveen , Chinnakadoori Sanjeeva R. , Lakka Narasimha S.
Published: November 2023

Propranolol hydrochloride (PPH) is a medication of beta‐adrenergic receptors. It is used to treat pediatric hemangiomas that are growing and need systemic therapy. A reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was made to separate and estimate the amounts of ten known organic impurities of propranolol in bulk drugs, tablets, and capsule dosage forms. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column (100 × 4.6 mm, 2.7 μm) using a binary gradient mixture of pH 2.3 phosphate buffer and organic modifiers of acetonitrile, methanol, and isopropyl alcohol as the mobile phase. The stability‐indicating character of the proposed method was proven using stress testing study. The test method was validated for specificity, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. For the propranolol and its ten organic impurities, the limit of quantitation, linearity, and recoveries were found in a range of 0.0123–0.4266 μg/mL (R2 > 0.9982) and 89.2–98.9%, respectively. The proposed liquid chromatography method is found to be highly suitable for impurity profiling of propranolol in bulk drugs and pharmaceutical formulations (tablets and capsules).
Nonlinear analysis of the impact of openings on punching shear strength
Authors: Vieira Pedro H. S. M. , Díaz Rafael S. , Marques Marília G. , Liberati Elyson A. P. , Trautwein Leandro M.
Published: November 2023

Reinforced concrete flat slab projects usually require openings close to the columns for electrical and hydraulic installations. Since such openings reduce the punching shear of slabs, a comprehensive study is needed. In this paper, numerical models of slabs tested in literature were elaborated upon, using the commercial software in finite elements DIANA. The physical nonlinearity of the materials was considered. After the calibration and validation of the numerical parameters related to concrete and reinforcement, 62 numerical models were created for performing a parametric analysis. The numerical analysis aimed to study the effect of openings close to the columns and verify the punching resistance reduction. In this parametric study, the main variables were the compressive strength of the concrete, the bending reinforcement ratio, the number of openings, and the distance from the openings to the column's face. Finally, the numerical results obtained were compared with the punching strength values provided by the main structural design codes, viz., NBR 6118 (2014), Eurocode 2 (2004), ACI 318 (2019), fib Model Code (2010), and the next generation of Eurocode 2, which are constantly questioned in academic papers regarding their safety.
Revolutionizing peptide‐based drug discovery: Advances in the post‐AlphaFold era
Authors: Chang Liwei , Mondal Arup , Singh Bhumika , Martínez‐Noa Yisel , Perez Alberto
Published: November 2023

Peptide‐based drugs offer high specificity, potency, and selectivity. However, their inherent flexibility and differences in conformational preferences between their free and bound states create unique challenges that have hindered progress in effective drug discovery pipelines. The emergence of AlphaFold (AF) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents new opportunities for enhancing peptide‐based drug discovery. We explore recent advancements that facilitate a successful peptide drug discovery pipeline, considering peptides' attractive therapeutic properties and strategies to enhance their stability and bioavailability. AF enables efficient and accurate prediction of peptide‐protein structures, addressing a critical requirement in computational drug discovery pipelines. In the post‐AF era, we are witnessing rapid progress with the potential to revolutionize peptide‐based drug discovery such as the ability to rank peptide binders or classify them as binders/non‐binders and the ability to design novel peptide sequences. However, AI‐based methods are struggling due to the lack of well‐curated datasets, for example to accommodate modified amino acids or unconventional cyclization. Thus, physics‐based methods, such as docking or molecular dynamics simulations, continue to hold a complementary role in peptide drug discovery pipelines. Moreover, MD‐based tools offer valuable insights into binding mechanisms, as well as the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of complexes. As we navigate this evolving landscape, a synergistic integration of AI and physics‐based methods holds the promise of reshaping the landscape of peptide‐based drug discovery.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Interactions

Software > Molecular Modeling
Genome-Wide Resources for Genetic Locus Discovery and Gene Functional Analysis in Wheat
Authors: Cockram James
Published: November 2023

Future wheat production faces considerable challenges, such as how to ensure on-farm yield gains across agricultural environments that are increasingly challenged by factors such as soil erosion, environmental change and rapid changes in crop pest and disease profiles. Within the context of crop improvement, the ability to identify, track and deploy specific combinations of genes tailored for improved crop performance in target environments will play an important role in ensuring future sustainable wheat production. In this chapter, a range of germplasm resources and populations are reviewed can be exploited for genetic locus discovery, characterisation and functional analysis in wheat. These include experimental populations constructed from two or more parents, association mapping panels and artificially mutated populations. Efficient integration of the knowledge gained from exploiting such resources with other emerging breeding approaches and technologies, such as high-throughput field phenotyping, multi-trait ensemble phenotypic weighting and genomic selection, will help underpin future breeding for improved crop performance, quality and resilience.
The Wheat Transcriptome and Discovery of Functional Gene Networks
Authors: Andleeb Tayyaba , Milson James , Borrill Philippa
Published: November 2023

Gene expression patterns have been a widely applied source of information to start understanding gene function in multiple plant species. In wheat, the advent of increasingly accurate and complete gene annotations now enables transcriptomic studies to be carried out on a routine basis and studies by groups around the world have compared gene expression changes under an array of environmental and developmental stages. However, associating data from differentially expressed genes to understanding the biological role of these genes and their applications for breeding is a major challenge. Recently, the first steps to apply network-based approaches to characterise gene expression have been taken in wheat and these networks have enabled the prediction of gene functions in wheat but only for a handful of traits. Combining advanced analysis methods with better sequencing technology will increase our capacity to place gene expression in wheat in the context of functions of genes that influence agronomically important traits.
Application of the ITA approach to analyze spatio-temporal trends in monthly maximum rainfall categories in the Vu Gia-Thu Bon, Vietnam
Authors: Benzater Benali , Elouissi Abdelkader , Łupikasza Ewa , Pham Quoc Bao , Harizia Abdelkader , Fellah Sahnoun
Published: November 2023

This study aims to investigate the trend behavior of monthly maximum in daily rainfall categories in the Vu Gia-Thu Bon river basin located in central Vietnam. Daily maximum rainfall series from 12 rainfall stations for the period 1979–2018 were utilized to characterize six categories of the intensity of daily maximum rainfall: light (0–4 mm/day, category A), mild-moderate (4–16 mm/day, category B), moderate-heavy (16–32 mm/day, category C1), heavy (32–64 mm/day, category C2), heavy-torrential (64–128 mm/day, category D1), and torrential (≥ 128 mm/day, category D2). The new approach of the Innovative Trends Analysis was then applied to the six classified categories. The results revealed that category B had a dominant increasing trend (32% of rain events) for all the stations in January (5.85%) and February (3.44%). In March and April, category A was dominant with 45% and 20%, respectively. In July, category C1 was dominant with 25%, while in August and September, category C2 prevailed over all stations with 45% (all stations) and 20%, respectively. The categories D1 and D2 were observed at all stations in December and November, with 26% and 31% of events, respectively. These results indicate an increasing trend in the categories B, C1, C2, and D1.
Physical and mechanical properties of particleboard mixed with waste ACQ-treated wood
Authors: Yang Seungmin , Galih Nuridansyah Muhammad , Kim Junho , Lee Hyunjae , Kang Seoggoo
Published: November 2023

In this study, we recycle alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) -treated wood used as a material for pyrolysis and gasification. The physical and mechanical properties of particleboards manufactured according to the mixing ratio and resin type (phenol–formaldehyde resin; PF, urea–melamine formaldehyde resin; UMF) were compared as materials for particleboard, which are used for wood recycling. According to the increase of ACQ particle input ratio, the PF particleboard did not differ in density; however, the thickness welling rate (TSR) and water absorption rate (WAR) decreased. The density of the UMF particleboard increased and the TSR and WAR also decreased. Although the bending strength (BS) of the PF particleboard increased, the internal bond strength (IB) did not show a difference. The UMF showed no difference in BS, but the IB improved. Through physical and mechanical properties, the mixing ratio of ACQ particle and untreated particles was 70:30 as the optimal mixing ratio. The surface was activated by the copper ions of the ACQ treated, which affected the improvement of adhesion and physical and mechanical properties. When ACQ-treated wood, which is classified as waste, was reused as a particleboard, its properties were superior to that of a board manufactured with untreated particles.
Link between the internal variability and the baroclinic instability in the Bohai and Yellow Sea
Authors: Lin Lin , von Storch Hans , Chen Xueen , Jiang Wensheng , Tang Shengquan
Published: November 2023

A regional ocean ensemble simulation with slightly different initial conditions demonstrates that internal variability is formed (not only) in the Bohai and Yellow Sea. In this paper, we analyze the relationship between the internal variability and the baroclinic instability, (represented by the Eady predicted theoretical diffusivity $${K}_{t}$$

K
t

; the larger the $${K}_{t}$$

K
t

, the stronger the baroclinic instability level). In the ensemble, with tidal forcing, the spatial correlation between the Eady predicted theoretical diffusivity $${K}_{t}$$

K
t

and the internal variability amounts to 0.80. Also, the time evolution trends of baroclinic instability and internal variability are similar. Based on this evidence, baroclinic instability may be a significant driver for internal variability. This hypothesis is validated using an additional ensemble of simulations, which is identical to the first ensemble, but this time, the tides are inactivated. This modification leads to an increase in internal variability, combined with the strengthening of baroclinic instability. In addition, the baroclinic instability level and internal variability variation co-vary consistently when comparing summer and winter seasons, both with and without tides. Our interpretation is that a stronger baroclinic instability causes more potential energy to be transformed into kinetic energy, allowing the unforced disturbances to grow.
Analysis of data from the PALOMA-3 trial confirms the efficacy of palbociclib and offers alternatives for novel assessment of clinical trials
Authors: Yeh Celine , Zhou Mengxi , Bapodra Neil , Hershman Dawn , Espinal Edward , Moran Marina , Rivero Maria , Fojo Antonio Tito , Bates Susan E.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

There remains a need for novel therapies for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We explore the use of a novel biomarker of survival that could potentially expedite the testing of novel therapies.

Methods

We applied a tumor regression-growth model to radiographic measurement data from 393 women with MBC enrolled in PALOMA-3 examining efficacy of palbociclib in disease that had progressed on previous endocrine therapy. 261 and 132 women were randomized to fulvestrant plus palbociclib or placebo, respectively. We estimated rates of regression (d) and growth (g) of the sensitive and resistant fractions of tumors, respectively. We compared the median g of both arms. We examined the relationship between g and progression-free and overall survival (OS).

Results

As in other tumors, g is a biomarker of OS. In PALOMA-3, we found significant differences in g among patients with tumors sensitive to endocrine therapy but not amongst resistant tumors, emulating clinical trial results. Subgroup analysis found favorable g values in visceral metastases treated with palbociclib. Palbociclib efficacy demonstrated by slower g values was evident early in the trial, twelve weeks after the first 28 patients had been enrolled.

Conclusion

Values of g, estimated using data collected while a patient is enrolled in a clinical trial is an excellent biomarker of OS. Our results correlate with the survival outcomes of PALOMA-3 and argue strongly for using g as a clinical trial endpoint to help inform go/no-go decisions, improve trial efficiency, and deliver novel therapies to patients sooner.
Environmental justice: geostatistical analysis of environmental hazards and socioeconomic factors—the case of Italy
Authors: Bernardini Papalia Rosa , Scognamiglio Giorgia
Published: November 2023

The analysis of environmental issues and the pursuit of environmental justice have gained significant attention in modern times. While progress has been made in understanding environmental impacts and establishing the right to access environmental information, the need to examine environmental inequalities persists. This study aimed to propose a methodology to identify and analyse potential ‘sacrifice zones’ within a region of interest using: (i) Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA), (ii) Municipal Risk Indicators, and (iii) Spatial Autoregressive (SAR) models. The relationship between environmental hazards and social disadvantage in the Campania region of Italy was estimated and the findings of this preliminary study in this area are presented. Our preliminary results: (i) reveal a non-random distribution of contaminated sites and waste management plants (ii) localize the ‘sacrifice zones’ that are predominantly located in municipalities between the provinces of Naples and Caserta, (iii) show a disproportionately burdened with higher environmental risk and greater social vulnerability in some specific areas. Further investigations are required to replicate the results of this study under different environmental conditions. Additionally, enabling more precise identification of affected populations and areas subjected to heightened environmental pressures that would enhance the potential of the proposed approach. The proposed methodology can be adapted to different spatial contexts and data sources.
Flax for seed or fibre use? Flax capsules from ancient Egyptian sites (3rd millennium BC to second century AD) compared with modern flax genebank accessions
Authors: Karg S. , Spinazzi-Lucchesi C. , Diederichsen A.
Published: November 2023

In order to determine whether ancient Egyptians had already selected and cultivated very specialized flax types according to their purpose for textile or oil production, respectively, we compared archaeobotanical flax finds with nearly 3000 diverse genebank accessions kept at the Plant Gene Resources of Canada (PGRC). The main result was that fibre flax was most probably already cultivated during the 3rd millennium BC, whereas in later periods an intermediate flax and/or oil type was in use. The collaboration between archaeobotanists and genebank curators shows how our knowledge about ancient usage of plants can be improved by interpreting observations made on ancient findings using recent characterization data obtained from diverse genebank material.
Maternal Body Mass Index and Recommended Gestational Weight Gain in a Middle Eastern Setting
Authors: Olukade Tawa , Salama Husam , Al-Obaidly Sawsan , AlQubaisi Mai , Al-Rifai Hilal
Published: November 2023

Objective

Maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are modifiable risk factors that influence pregnancy outcomes. We examined the association between the two factors in pregnant women in Qatar with regard to the GWG recommendations by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2009.

Methods

We performed a population-based retrospective cohort analysis of 3547 singleton births, using routinely collected data from a Middle Eastern hospital database.

Results

The mean maternal age was 29.7 ± 5.5 years, prepregnancy BMI was 27.5 ± 5.8 kg/m2, GWG was 9.58 kg ± 6.87 kg and gestational age at birth was 38.5 ± 1.9 weeks. In line with IOM recommendations, we found that higher BMI was correlated with decreased GWG and BMI was significantly associated with GWG even after adjusting for maternal age, parity, and infants’ gestational age at birth. Nonetheless, GWG in more than one-third of women who were overweight or obese exceeded the IOM recommendation.
Integrating genome-wide association study into genomic selection for the prediction of agronomic traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Mengchen , Ye Junhua , Xu Qun , Feng Yue , Xu Siliang , Hu Dongxiu , Wei Xinghua , Hu Peisong , Yang Yaolong
Published: November 2023

Accurately identifying varieties with targeted agronomic traits was thought to contribute to genetic selection and accelerate rice breeding progress. Genomic selection (GS) is a promising technique that uses markers covering the whole genome to predict the genomic-estimated breeding values (GEBV), with the ability to select before phenotypes are measured. To choose the appropriate GS models for breeding work, we analyzed the predictability of nine agronomic traits measured from a population of 459 diverse rice varieties. By the comparison of eight representative GS models, we found that the prediction accuracies ranged from 0.407 to 0.896, with reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) having the highest predictive ability in most traits. Further results demonstrated the predictivity of GS is altered by several factors. Moreover, we assessed the method of integrating genome-wide association study (GWAS) into various GS models. The predictabilities of GS combined peak-associated markers generated from six different GWAS models were significantly different; a recommendation of Mixed Linear Model (MLM)-RKHS was given for the GWAS-GS-integrated prediction. Finally, based on the above result, we experimented with applying the P-values obtained from optimal GWAS models into ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction (rrBLUP), which benefited the low predictive traits in rice.
Bats as indicators of ecological resilience in a megacity
Authors: Gutiérrez-Granados Gabriel , Rodríguez-Zúñiga María Teresa
Published: November 2023

Urbanization has transformed more than 50% of the land area and brought the emergence of a new humanized-based ecosystem. In answer to this, urban systems have looked for become resilient. Thus, urban landscapes must enhance their resilience capacities; robustness, adaptability, and transformability. However, there is a necessity of a well performing and easy gathering indicators. In this paper, we propose that bats are a good indicator of city’s capacity to be resilient. We used bat permanence, species diversity, and activities to analyze Mexico City resilience capacities. We used citizen science to register bat sounds around the city. From these data we identified bat species and two main activities: passes and hunting buzzes. Data showed that the east and center area of the city had the lower species richness and relative abundance, while south was the richest. This diversity patterns were in response to different habitat characteristics, mainly those related to landscape. However, activities and permanence were strongly related with human presence. The bat permanence modeled, indicated that bat community structure could be shaped under changing scenarios. Due to their differential sensitivity bats are good indicators of habitat changes in urban landscapes. Cities seeking resilience should perform planned-habitat management to achieve a bat-friendly status and promote the ecosystem services that bats can provide.
Whole brain irradiation–induced endothelial dysfunction in the mouse brain
Authors: Kiss Tamas , Ungvari Anna , Gulej Rafal , Nyúl-Tóth Ádám , Tarantini Stefano , Benyo Zoltan , Csik Boglarka , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Mukli Peter , Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Zoltan
Published: November 2023

Whole brain irradiation (WBI), also known as whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), is a well-established treatment for multiple brain metastases and as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of recurrence after surgical removal of a cerebral metastasis. However, WBI has been found to lead to a gradual decline in neurocognitive function in approximately 50% of patients who survive the treatment, significantly impacting their overall quality of life. Recent preclinical investigations have shed light on the underlying mechanisms of this adverse effect, revealing a complex cerebrovascular injury that involves the induction of cellular senescence in various components of the neurovascular unit, including endothelial cells. The emergence of cellular senescence following WBI has been implicated in the disruption of the blood-brain barrier and impairment of neurovascular coupling responses following irradiation. Building upon these findings, the present study aims to test the hypothesis that WBI-induced endothelial injury promotes endothelial dysfunction, which mimics the aging phenotype. To investigate this hypothesis, we employed a clinically relevant fractionated WBI protocol (5 Gy twice weekly for 4 weeks) on young mice. Both the WBI-treated and control mice were fitted with a cranial window, enabling the assessment of microvascular endothelial function. In order to evaluate the endothelium-dependent, NO-mediated cerebral blood flow (CBF) responses, we topically administered acetylcholine and ATP, and measured the resulting changes using laser Doppler flowmetry. We found that the increases in regional CBF induced by acetylcholine and ATP were significantly diminished in mice subjected to WBI. These findings provide additional preclinical evidence supporting the notion that WBI induces dysfunction in cerebrovascular endothelial cells, which in turn likely contributes to the detrimental long-term effects of the treatment. This endothelial dysfunction resembles an accelerated aging phenotype in the cerebrovascular system and is likely causally linked to the development of cognitive impairment. By integrating these findings with our previous results, we have deepened our understanding of the lasting consequences of WBI. Moreover, our study underscores the critical role of cerebromicrovascular health in safeguarding cognitive function over the long term. This enhanced understanding highlights the importance of prioritizing cerebromicrovascular health in the context of preserving cognitive abilities.
Sertraline Pre-Treatment Attenuates Hemorrhagic Transformation Induced in Rats after Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion via Down Regulation of Neuronal CD163: Involvement of M1/M2 Polarization Interchange and Inhibiting Autophagy
Authors: Mohamed Shimaa K. , Ahmed Amany A. E. , Elkhoely Abeer
Published: November 2023

Cerebral ischemia reperfusion (I/R) is one of the neurovascular diseases which leads to severe brain deterioration. Haemorrhagic transformation (HT) is the main complication of ischemic stroke. It exacerbates by reperfusion, causing a more deleterious effect on the brain and death. The current study explored the protective effect of sertraline (Sert) against cerebral I/R in rats by inhibiting HT, together with the molecular pathways involved in this effect. Forty-eight wister male rats were divided into 4 groups: Sham, Sert + Sham, I/R, and Sert + I/R. The ischemic model was induced by bilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery for 20 min, then reperfusion for 24 h. Sertraline (20 mg/kg, p.o.) was administrated for 14 days before exposure to ischemia. Pre-treatment with Sert led to a significant attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, Sert attenuated phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinases and nuclear factor kappa—p65 expression, consequently modulating microglial polarisation to M2 phenotype. Moreover, Sert prevented the hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke as indicated by the notable decrease in neuronal expression of CD163, activity of Heme oxygenase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 levels. In the same context, Sert decreased levels of autophagy and apoptotic markers. Furthermore, histological examination, Toluidine blue, and Prussian blue stain aligned with the results. In conclusion, Sert protected against cerebral I/R damage by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptotic process. It is worth mentioning that our study was the first to show that Sert inhibited hemorrhagic transformation.

Graphical Abstract

The protective effect of sertraline against injury induced by cerebral ischemia reperfusion via inhibiting Hemorrhagic transformation.
A facile Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method for the model unicellular green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Quach Truyen N. , Sato Shirley J. , Behrens Mark R. , Black Paul N. , DiRusso Concetta C. , Cerutti Heriberto D. , Clemente Tom Elmo
Published: November 2023

A reliable and simple Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system for the unicellular green algae model organism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been developed. The protocol has been successfully employed with both neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) and the phleomycin resistance (bleI) genes coupled with the selective agents paromomycin and zeocin, respectively. A set of binary vectors were assembled that carry the selectable marker cassettes under control either of the Rbcs2 alone or fused to the HSP270A leader sequence, PsaD, or ß-tubulin2 promoters. The corresponding T-DNA elements also harbored a cassette with a codon-optimized version of yellow fluorescence protein (YFP) under control of the Rbcs2 promoter in which the YFP open reading frame was interrupted with the first intron of Rbcs2 to prevent expression in Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The resultant binary vectors were introduced into A. tumefaciens strain C58C1/pMP90, and the derived transconjugants were used for transformation studies with the walled C. reinhardtii strain CC124. Estimated transformation frequencies ranged from 0.09 to 2.86 colonies per 106 cells inoculated. Molecular characterizations on a subset of the transgenic lineages revealed that most of the transgenic events harbored single locus insertions. Moreover, sequencing of captured junction fragments about the T-DNA insertion site showed that minimal disruption of the C. reinhardtii genome occurred. However, the transgenic lineages often harbored truncated T-DNA regions within the non-selectable marker gene cassettes.
Influence of Austempering Conditions on Hardness and Microstructure of Bainite in Low-Alloyed Steel
Authors: Ståhlkrantz Adam , Hedström Peter , Sarius Niklas , Borgenstam Annika
Published: November 2023

The influence of austempering temperature and time on the microstructure and hardness of a low-alloyed bainitic steel is investigated in the temperature range 275 °C to 375 °C for up to 24 hours. It is shown that the dislocation density and coarseness of the bainitic microstructure are affected by the austempering temperature, while only the dislocation density is significantly affected by the austempering time. The hardness of the steel is estimated based on microstructure–property relations and is in good agreement with the measured hardness. In conclusion, the decrease in dislocation density is the main reason for loss in hardness upon increasing austempering temperature and/or time for the studied temperature range.
Distinct immune escape and microenvironment between RG-like and pri-OPC-like glioma revealed by single-cell RNA-seq analysis
Authors: Xian Weiwei , Asad Mohammad , Wu Shuai , Bai Zhixin , Li Fengjiao , Lu Junfeng , Zu Gaoyu , Brintnell Erin , Chen Hong , Mao Ying , Zhou Guomin , Liao Bo , Wu Jinsong , Wang Edwin , You Linya
Published: November 2023

The association of neurogenesis and gliogenesis with glioma remains unclear. By conducting single-cell RNA-seq analyses on 26 gliomas, we reported their classification into primitive oligodendrocyte precursor cell (pri-OPC)-like and radial glia (RG)-like tumors and validated it in a public cohort and TCGA glioma. The RG-like tumors exhibited wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase and tended to carry EGFR mutations, and the pri-OPC-like ones were prone to carrying TP53 mutations. Tumor subclones only in pri-OPC-like tumors showed substantially down-regulated MHC-I genes, suggesting their distinct immune evasion programs. Furthermore, the two subgroups appeared to extensively modulate glioma-infiltrating lymphocytes in distinct manners. Some specific genes not expressed in normal immune cells were found in glioma-infiltrating lymphocytes. For example, glial/glioma stem cell markers OLIG1/PTPRZ1 and B cell-specific receptors IGLC2/IGKC were expressed in pri-OPC-like and RG-like glioma-infiltrating lymphocytes, respectively. Their expression was positively correlated with those of immune checkpoint genes (e.g., LGALS33) and poor survivals as validated by the increased expression of LGALS3 upon IGKC overexpression in Jurkat cells. This finding indicated a potential inhibitory role in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and could provide a new way of cancer immune evasion.
Reference guide for the diagnosis of adult primary immune thrombocytopenia, 2023 edition
Authors: Kashiwagi Hirokazu , Kuwana Masataka , Murata Mitsuru , Shimada Naoki , Takafuta Toshiro , Yamanouchi Jun , Kato Hisashi , Hato Takaaki , Tomiyama Yoshiaki ,   Committee for Reference Guide for diagnosis of adult ITP Research Team for Coagulopathy and Other Intractable Diseases supported by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Science Research Grant Project: Research on Health Care Policy for Intractable Diseases
Published: November 2023

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia due to accelerated platelet destruction and impaired platelet production. Diagnosis of ITP is still challenging because ITP has been diagnosed by exclusion. Exclusion of thrombocytopenia due to bone marrow failure is especially important in Japan because of high prevalence of aplastic anemia compared to Western countries. Hence, we propose a new diagnostic criteria involving the measurement of plasma thrombopoietin (TPO) levels and percentage of immature platelet fraction (RP% or IPF%); 1) isolated thrombocytopenia with no morphological evidence of dysplasia in any blood cell type in a blood smear, 2) normal or slightly increased plasma TPO level (< cutoff), 3) elevated RP% or IPF% (> upper limit of normal), and 4) absence of other conditions that potentially cause thrombocytopenia including secondary ITP. A diagnosis of ITP is made if conditions 1-4 are all met. Cases in which criterion 2 or 3 is not met or unavailable are defined as “possible ITP,” and diagnosis of ITP can be made mainly by typical clinical course. These new criteria enable us to clearly differentiate ITP from aplastic anemia and other forms of hypoplastic thrombocytopenia and can be highly useful in clinical practice for avoiding unnecessary bone marrow examination as well as for appropriate selection of treatments.
Increasing multi-hazard climate risk and financial and health impacts on northern homeowners
Authors: Schwoerer Tobias , Schmidt Jennifer I. , Berman Matthew , Bieniek Peter , Farquharson Louise M. , Nicolsky Dmitry , Powell James , Roberts Rachel , Thoman Rick , Ziel Robert
Published: November 2023

Currently, more than half of the world’s human population lives in urban areas, which are increasingly affected by climate hazards. Little is known about how multi-hazard environments affect people, especially those living in urban areas in northern latitudes. This study surveyed homeowners in Anchorage and Fairbanks, USA, Alaska’s largest urban centers, to measure individual risk perceptions, mitigation response, and damages related to wildfire, surface ice hazards, and permafrost thaw. Up to one third of residents reported being affected by all three hazards, with surface ice hazards being the most widely distributed, related to an estimated $25 million in annual damages. Behavioral risk response, policy recommendations for rapidly changing urban environments, and the challenges to local governments in mitigation efforts are discussed.
Advances and Challenges in the Assessment of Executive Functions in Under 36 Months: a Scoping Review
Authors: Escobar-Ruiz Valeria , Arias-Vázquez Pedro I. , Tovilla-Zárate Carlos A. , Doval Eduardo , Jané-Ballabriga Maria C.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Neurodevelopmental disorders present deficits in executive functions (EFs). Before 36 months old, EFs act as basic abilities that allow adequate executive functioning at later ages. Three basic EFs are assessable before the child reaches 36 months old: working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. This review aims to provide an overview of the progress and difficulties in assessing these three basic executive functions before children reach 36 months old.

Methods

Four databases were systematically searched without time or language limitations. The selection process was done using a PRISMA flowchart for scoping reviews. Sixteen studies were included, all in English and published between 2004 and 2021.

Results

Out of 277 studies, 16 met the inclusion criteria. The general data of the studies were summarized, such as sample age, type of study, measurement features, types of EFs assessed, task names, internal structure, reliability, and main contributions. The findings on available tasks and scales, factor structure, biological and environmental factors, and the variables influencing EFs before 36 months old are described.

Conclusions

Multiple factors influenced the evolution of EFs. The unidimensional model seems to better explain EFs before 36 months old. Expanding psychometric research with large samples and studying samples of children with symptoms at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders may help to improve the measurement of EFs before 36 months old.
Maleic acid and malonic acid reduced the pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by inhibiting mycelial growth, sclerotia formation and virulence factors
Authors: Fei Yu-chen , Cheng Qin , Zhang Huan , Han Chuang , Wang Xu , Li Yan-feng , Li Shi-qian , Zhao Xiao-hu
Published: November 2023

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungus with broad distribution and host range. Bioactive compounds derived from plant extracts have been proven to be effective in controlling S. sclerotiorum. In this study, the mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum was effectively inhibited by maleic acid, malonic acid, and their combination at a concentration of 2 mg/mL, with respective inhibition rates of 32.5%, 9.98%, and 67.6%. The treatment of detached leaves with the two acids resulted in a decrease in lesion diameters. Interestingly, maleic acid and malonic acid decreased the number of sclerotia while simultaneously increasing their weight. The two acids also disrupted the cell structure of sclerotia, leading to sheet-like electron-thin regions. On a molecular level, maleic acid reduced oxalic acid secretion, upregulated the expression of Ss-Odc2 and downregulated CWDE10, Ss-Bi1 and Ss-Ggt1. Differently, malonic acid downregulated CWDE2 and Ss-Odc1. These findings verified that maleic acid and malonic acid could effectively inhibit S. sclerotiorum, providing promising evidence for the development of an environmentally friendly biocontrol agent.
Estimating the observation errors of FY-3C radio occultation dataset using the three-cornered hat method
Authors: Zhang Jiman , Xu Xiaohua , Luo Jia
Published: November 2023

This study uses the three-cornered hat (3CH) method to estimate the observation error variances (ErrVars) of FY-3C RO refractivity, temperature, and specific humidity for the first time. The FY-3C RO data was compared to the three reference datasets including radiosonde observations and NCEP and ERA-Interim reanalyses. The ErrVars of FY-3C RO data are estimated at 18 globally distributed radiosonde stations by using the three reference datasets and are compared to corresponding gridded ErrVars estimated using only the two model datasets as references. The two types of estimates show good correlations at different heights, while the gridded estimates are generally the smaller ones, which may be attributed to the neglection of error correlations among the datasets when applying the 3CH method. Due to the lack of radiosonde data in oceanic and polar regions, the global distributions of FY-3C RO observation errors are presented based on the estimated 5° × 5° gridded ErrVars. The global distribution of the FY-3C RO fractional error standard deviations (ErrSDs) demonstrates that the observation error varies greatly at different pressure levels and latitudes. Specifically, the refractivity ErrSDs at 200 hPa and 50 hPa are significantly higher around 30°N and 30°S than in other areas. The specific humidity ErrSDs generally increase as pressure levels decrease. In addition, statistics show that the fractional ErrSDs of refractivity are generally the lowest between 45° N–75° N and 45° S–75° S at all pressure levels, and land-sea differences exist in the fractional ErrSDs for all three types of RO data.
Ricci Bi-Conformal Vector Fields on Homogeneous Gödel-Type Spacetimes
Authors: Azami Shahroud , Jafari Mehdi
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we consider the homogeneous Gödel-type spacetimes and we completely classify the Ricci bi-conformal vector fields on these spaces. Also, we show that all Ricci bi-conformal vector fields on homogeneous Gödel-type spacetimes are Killing vector fields and Ricci collineation vector fields.
Exploring reproductive biology in Eucalyptus globulus clones under distinct climatic conditions
Authors: Anjos Andreia , Jesus Joana G. , Marques Cristina , Borralho Nuno , Valente Carlos , Araújo José Alexandre , Máguas Cristina , Correia Otília , Chozas Sergio
Published: November 2023

Despite the great economic benefits, one of the major threats of introducing species into exotic ranges is their ability to regenerate and spread to novel environments. For example, Eucalyptus globulus plantations have been established in many parts of the world, using seedlings or clonal material, the latter often from advanced generation tree improvement programs. However, major concerns exist about this species’ ability to invade non-native areas. Therefore, it is necessary to study whether breeding programs affect this species’ reproductive biology to assess the risk of invasiveness of these improved trees. In this sense, this work compared the E. globulus phenological behaviour and reproductive structures production of three clonal and one seedling-based stand across two distinct climatic zones (mesic and xeric) in Portugal. Through binocular observation, four different stands (seedlings descending from open-pollinated crosses and three clonal-stands) were monitored every three weeks for different reproductive phenological stages, namely the presence of flowers and capsules. Clonal stands presented a shorter flowering season, less abundant reproductive structures, and higher phenological variability across sites than seedling-based stands. Phenological patterns and fructification abundance also varied between the three clonal stands. These results suggest that clones with decreased reproductive ability can be chosen during the breeding process, lowering the dispersal risk while enhancing productivity. Thus, understanding the phenological behaviour of E. globulus is critical to more sustainable agroforestry by reducing the spread risks.
Ethical power: a supplement to the trade union’s power resources approach
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Jalal
Published: November 2023

Is the current Power Resources Approach (PRA) of trade unions capable enough to cope with the global socio-economic and geopolitical structural transformation resulting from automation, pandemic-induced economic fallout, and the Russia-Ukraine war? If so, then why are millions of workers living in extreme poverty, and why do we have a double-digit rate of global job gaps? To survive in this challenging period of the global labour market, trade unions have to trigger the fifth power’s resources, denoted as ‘ethical power’. This new dimension of PRA might facilitate the trade unions’ efforts to secure decent industrial relations and social justice in the workplace. Historically, gaining ‘institutional power’ and ‘societal power’ was subject to ethical confrontation, which is rightly omitted while defining the PRA. Therefore, this study coined the term ‘ethical power’ as a supplement to existing power resources theory and found that the application of ethics to the attainment and exercise of PRA is not something new but rather unrecognised.
Legal research and the public good: the current landscape
Authors: Conaghan Joanne
Published: November 2023

This paper is a revised version of a plenary lecture delivered at the SLS Annual Conference held at Oxford Brookes University in June 2023. It adopts an auto-ethnographic approach, drawing on the author's long experience of participating in the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF), to assess the current state of legal research in the UK and consider the implications of the increasing importance in the research landscape of engaging in research that serves the public good. The paper explores what falls within the scope of ‘legal research’, particularly for REF purposes, and reflects on how REF-focused research sits within the broader scope of legal scholarly activities. Ideas of the public good are examined and their relation to measures of research impact probed. The paper concludes by painting a broad-brush picture of the current research landscape, identifying key elements and engines of change, and speculating on the direction in which things are going and what should most concern legal scholars going forward. Although primarily focused on legal research in the UK, the paper should be of interest to legal scholars beyond the UK, particularly those in jurisdictions where research assessment exercises are a feature of academic life.