bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scanning electron microscopy imaging of insulin amyloid fibrils directly grown on silicon substrate: A suggestion for complementary imaging strategy
Authors: Thieu Minh Thu , Shin Jihoon , Ogawa Takashi , Park Eun Jin , Kwon Ji‐Hwan , Ha Tai Hwan , Kim Young Heon , Ahn Sang Jung
Published: September 2022

A new visualization method of insulin amyloid fibril has been presented via conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which can be applied to confirm the fibril formation and any effect of additives. We have demonstrated that native insulin amyloid fibrils can be imaged without any metal coating on the silicon substrate and were attributed to the attenuation effect upon the collected secondary electrons. The conventional SEM observations consistently showed distinct morphologies of the fibrils under the effects of three different molecules (citrulline, ectoin, and trehalose) and well coincident with atomic force microscopic (AFM) data. In spite of negative result for trehalose‐treated samples with conventional thioflavin T (Th‐T) assay, thin and long fibrils were thoroughly observed and it revealed a complementary capability of the present strategy. In addition, direct sampling of amyloid fibrils on silicon chips for SEM observations substantially expedites the sampling and searching efforts, thereby shedding a new light on inhibitor screening approach for diverse amyloid fibrillation.
Deciphering the chemical composition of Ganoderma lucidum from different geographical origins by mass spectrometry molecular networking coupled with multivariate analysis
Authors: Liu Jia , Chen Guobao , Yang Junhui , Sheng Leilei , Tang Xuexiao , Zhang Xiao , Hua Haibing
Published: September 2022

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal fungus that has been widely used in China and many Asian countries for thousands of years. This once rare macrofungus has now been artificially cultivated in a number of regions in China. However, detailed knowledge of its composition across different geographical origins is still lacking, as are analytical methods for comprehensive profiling of the diverse phytochemicals contained in G. lucidum. In this work, an on‐demand strategy based on high‐resolution MS and molecular networking is applied for natural product characterization, which led to the identification of 84 constituents in G. lucidum. Moreover, multivariate analysis, including hierarchical cluster analysis and orthogonal partial least squares‐discriminant analysis, was used to analyze the (dis)similarity of the G. lucidum samples collected from the three main production areas (i.e., Jilin, Henan and Shandong Province). The results revealed a significant variation in the chemical composition of samples from different provinces. Marker constituents corresponding to the differentiation were then screened in terms of the variable importance in projection value, P‐value and fold change. A total of 24 constituents were identified as geoherbalism markers, such as ganoderenic acid A for Henan, ganolucidic acid B for Jilin and ganodernoid D for Shandong. This proof‐of‐concept application demonstrates that combining MS molecular networking with meticulous multivariate analysis can provide a sensitive and comprehensive analytical approach for the quality assessment of traditional Chinese medicine ingredients. This study also suggests that the bioactivity and efficacy from different origins should be further evaluated considering the large difference in chemical compositions.
Two New C18‐Diterpenoid Alkaloids from Aconitum leucostomum Worosch.
Authors: Yang Hong‐Bo , Luo Yan‐Yan , Xu Jin‐Bu , Liu Yue , Gao Feng , Huang Shuai , Chen Lin , Zhou Xian‐Li
Published: September 2022

Two new lappaconitine‐type C18‐diterpenoid alkaloids, named as leucostosines C (1) and D (2), together with six known compounds (3–8), were isolated from the roots of Aconitum leucostomum Worosch. Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic analyses, including IR, HR‐ESI‐MS, NMR spectra and X‐ray experiments. Leucostosine C is the first diterpenoid alkaloid bearing the 7‐amino group. The isolated compounds were tested for the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effect and neuroprotective activity, none of them showed significant activities.
Refractory gastroduodenal ulcers: A rare complication with Bloom syndrome
Authors: Usami Masaaki , Ikawa Yasuhiro , Sakai Yuta , Fujiki Toshihiro , Wada Taizo
Published: September 2022

Bloom syndrome patients often develop severe gastrointestinal symptoms mainly caused by gastric tumors due to DNA repair disorder. Here, we report 31‐year‐old Bloom syndrome patient suffering persistent abdominal pain due to refractory gastroduodenal ulcers which required gastroduodenectomy. Various causes should be considered, and the accumulation of their reports is warranted.
Postpartum reversible cerebral vasoconstriction with cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome concomitant with vertebral artery dissection diagnosed by MRI MSDE method: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Sano Kenshi , Kuge Atsushi , Kondo Rei , Yamaki Tetsu , Homma Hiroshi , Saito Shinjiro , Sonoda Yukihiko
Published: September 2022

Headache is one of the most common symptoms encountered during the postpartum period. The cause may be unknown, or the following illnesses are possible: cervical artery dissection (CAD), reversible posterior cerebral encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), and reversible cerebral vasoconstrictor syndrome (RCVS). It is suggested that they are interrelated and share a similar mechanism such as small vessel endothelial dysfunction, deficiencies in self‐regulation, and decreased sympathetic innervation of the posterior circulation. However, there are few reports of neuroradiological findings. We experienced a rare case of multiple postpartum vascular disease occurring at the same time. A 38‐year‐old woman suddenly developed thunderclap headache after giving birth. She was clear and had no neuropathy. Computed tomography revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage, including the cortical surface of the frontal lobe. Magnetic resonance image fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery revealed high‐intensity area in the bilateral basal ganglia and right occipital cortex. Angiography showed “string sausage” and extracranial left vertebral artery stenosis, but no aneurysm. Based on the clinical course and neuroradiological findings, we diagnosed her as postpartum vascular disease including CAD, PRES, RCVS, and cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Three‐dimensional black blood T1‐weighted images using a motion‐sensitized driven equilibrium three‐dimensional turbo spin echo (MSDE) sequencing method revealed an intramural hematoma consistent with the extracranial vertebral artery. After 3 months, MSDE lost its abnormal signal. Our case was rare in that multiple phenomena of postpartum vascular disease occurred at the same time. In particular, we could reveal that this speculation was reversible in the MRI MSDE sequencing.
Deep subcutaneous cervical emphysema related to mastoid fracture in an adolescent patient ‐ case report
Authors: Paouris Dimitrios , Barkociová Jana , Pavlík Štefan , Šebová Irina
Published: September 2022

A fracture of the mastoid bone should be considered in the work‐up of a head and neck traumatic injury. A well‐pneumatized mastoid can absorb forceful impacts, protecting middle and inner ear structures. Fractures of the mastoid, followed by Valsalva maneuver can lead to subcutaneous cervical emphysema.
Progress of pulmonary hypertension and high manganese levels through congenital portosystemic shunt closure
Authors: Kakiuchi Toshihiko , Baba Yuta , Minematsu Nobuya , Doi Hirohito , Kumamoto Takashi
Published: September 2022

A 6‐year‐old girl with congenital portosystemic shunt presented with abnormal manganese levels and improving pulmonary hypertension even 1 year after shunt vascular ligation. As the progress after portal vein blood flow recovery varies among individuals, long‐term follow‐up of patients with congenital portosystemic shunt is needed.
Prolonged labor presenting as vulvar edema during pregnancy
Authors: Shrestha Anish Kumar , Rijal Ashes , Shrestha Anisha , Chaudhary Sharmila , Kafle Naresh
Published: September 2022

Isolated vulvar edema is a rare complaint during pregnancy with a long list of differential diagnosis. Here, we describe a case of vulvar edema due to obstructed labor presenting to a rural primary healthcare center in Nepal.
Revealing the Catalytic Role of Sn Dopant in CO2‐Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane over Pt/Sn‐CeO2 Catalyst
Authors: Wang Yehong , Wang Jiapei , Zhang Yuda , Guo Qiang , An Jie , Liang Yafei , Wang Yanan , Cao Pengfei , Heggen Marc , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Zhu Xiangxue , Li Xiujie , Wang Feng
Published: September 2022

CO2‐oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (CO2‐ODHP) provides a promising route for propylene production. Sufficient propane conversion and propylene selectivity remain a great challenge due to the difficulty in activating inert propane and CO2 simultaneously. Herein, a Sn doped CeO2 supported Pt (Pt/Sn‐CeO2) catalyst in CO2‐ODHP reaction is reported. Sn doping appears to kill two birds with one stone for propane and CO2 activation. On the one side, it increases the electron density of Pt species via PtSn alloy formation, promoting propane adsorption and C−H bond cleavage. On the other side, it enhances oxygen vacancy concentrations of CeO2 support, facilitating CO2 dissociation. A higher propylene selectivity (63.9 % vs 22.3 %) was obtained on 0.1 wt % Pt/1.0 wt % Sn‐CeO2 than that on 0.1 wt % Pt/CeO2 with a comparable propane conversion (15.1 % vs 14.3 %) at 550 °C after 240 min on stream. This work provides a reference for designing efficient catalysts.
Influence of High Pressure Drop Rates on Fatigue Crack Growth
Authors: Michiels Lukas , Geimer Marcus
Published: September 2022

Hydraulic components in mobile machines are subjected to varying conditions and loads, which limit their lifetime. In particular, high pressure drop rates are suspected to increase fatigue crack growth rates. Existing studies on the fluid‐structure interaction inside fatigue cracks during fast pressure drops do not explain increased crack growth in hydraulic systems. A laminar flow model was developed to simulate the fluid flow inside a crack under periodic pressure loads. The viscosity restrained the oil inside the crack, and the mechanical resistance of the closing crack led to a high pressure increase. Knowledge of the pressure profiles inside fatigue cracks helps to estimate the effective fatigue damage during transient loads.
Quantitative spatial analysis reveals that the local axons of lamina I projection neurons and interneurons exhibit distributions that predict distinct roles in spinal sensory processing
Authors: Kókai Éva , Luz Lilana L. , Fernandes Elisabete C. , Safronov Boris V. , Poisbeau Pierrick , Szucs Peter
Published: September 2022

Our knowledge about the detailed wiring of neuronal circuits in the spinal dorsal horn (DH), where initial sensory processing takes place, is still very sparse. While a substantial amount of data is available on the somatodendritic morphology of DH neurons, the laminar and segmental distribution patterns and consequential function of individual axons are much less characterized. In the present study, we fully reconstructed the axonal and dendritic processes of 10 projection neurons (PNs) and 15 interneurons (INs) in lamina I of the rat, to reveal quantitative differences in their distribution. We also performed whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings to test the predicted function of certain axon collaterals. In line with our earlier qualitative description, we found that lamina I INs in the lateral aspect of the superficial DH send axon collaterals toward the medial part and occupy mostly laminae I–III, providing anatomical basis for a lateromedial flow of information within the DH. Local axon collaterals of PNs were more extensively distributed including dorsal commissural axon collaterals that might refer to those reported earlier linking the lateral aspect of the left and right DHs. PN collaterals dominated the dorsolateral funiculus and laminae IV–VI, suggesting propriospinal and ventral connections. Indeed, patch‐clamp recordings confirmed the existence of a dorsoventral excitatory drive upon activation of neurokinin‐1 receptors that, although being expressed in various lamina I neurons, are specifically enriched in PNs. In summary, lamina I PNs and INs have almost identical dendritic input fields, while their segmental axon collateral distribution patterns are distinct. INs, whose somata reside in lamina I, establish local connections, may show asymmetry, and contribute to bridging the medial and lateral halves of the DH. PNs, on the other hand, preferably relay their integrated dendritic input to deeper laminae of the spinal gray matter where it might be linked to other ascending pathways or the premotor network, resulting in a putative direct contribution to the nociceptive withdrawal reflex.
Multiple roles of TaCPP family genes during growth and stress treatment
Authors: Jin Yingying , Han Ruijuan , Li Wei , Cai Lu , Li Yiting , Ma Dongfang , Chen Wang
Published: September 2022

The Cysteine‐rich polycomb‐like protein (CPP) family encodes animal and plant‐specific transcription factors that are important for plant development and stress responses. Even though CPP family genes had been studied in many plants, nothing was known about them in common wheat (Triticum aestivum). The current research focused on a comprehensive discovery and characterization of wheat CPP (TaCPP) gene family members. Altogether 30 TaCPP genes were discovered and were divided into two groups and three subgroups based on the phylogenetic relationship. Gene structures and motif patterns of TaCPP genes were different in these three subgroups. Collinearity analysis revealed that segmental duplication was the most common mechanism of TaCPP gene family expansion. The expression levels of most TaCPP genes were high in reproductive tissues, such as ovaries and stigmas, implying that these genes may have a vital function in the reproduction of wheat. Further quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction research demonstrated that all examined TaCPPs were significantly induced after drought, heat treatment, and Fusarium graminearum infection, showing that they were involved in the response to stress tolerance. The subcellular localization results of TaCPP14‐5A and TaCPP15‐5D show that both were located in the nucleus. In addition, transient expression TaCPP15‐5D promoted resistance to Phytophthora infestans in Nicotiana benthamiana. Our findings lay the foundation for revealing the role of TaCPPs and will aid in the discovery of their regulatory networks in wheat growth and stress responses.
Create a university that's autism friendly
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: September 2022

A chance conversation between an autism advocate and the president of Dublin City University led to the Autism Friendly University Initiative, said Fiona Earley, Autism Friendly University Coordinator at DCU. Adam Harris, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AsIAm, Ireland's leading advocacy organization for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, described to the president what being a student with autism was like. He pointed out that people with autism face high unemployment rates and increased challenges with mental health. They can face isolation, poverty, and a higher risk of suicide.
Confidentiality: Law versus good practice
Authors: Masinter Michael R.
Published: September 2022

Among the alphabet soup of laws and associated regulations — the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act — that potentially govern the confidentiality of student educational and medical records submitted to a Disability Services Office, only FERPA limits access by university officials and faculty. Although institutions that seek to establish best practices may impose greater restrictions, federal law does not. DS professionals who must respond to a request from a faculty member or administrator to access a student's educational or medical records should be familiar with both the law and institutional policy before responding.
White‐tailed deer consumption of emergent macrophytes mediates aquatic‐to‐terrestrial nutrient flows
Authors: Lopez Jonathan W. , Allen Daniel C. , Vaughn Caryn C.
Published: September 2022

Trophic interactions between mobile animals and their food sources often vector resource flows across ecosystem boundaries. However, the quality and quantity of such ecological subsidies may be altered by indirect interactions between seemingly unconnected taxa. We studied whether emergent macrophytes growing at the aquatic–terrestrial interface facilitate multi‐step aquatic‐to‐terrestrial resource flows between streams and terrestrial herbivores. We also explored whether aquatic animal aggregations indirectly promote such resource flows by creating biogeochemical hotspots of nutrient cycling and availability.

We tested whether white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in eastern North America vector nutrient fluxes from streams to terrestrial ecosystems by consuming emergent macrophytes (Justicia americana) using isotope and nutrient analyses of fecal samples and motion‐sensing cameras. We also tested whether mussel‐generated biogeochemical hotspots might promote such fluxes by surveying the density and nutrient stoichiometry of J. americana beds growing in association with variable densities of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionoida).

Fecal samples from riparian deer had 3% lower C:N and 20% lower C:P ratios than those in upland habitats. C and N isotopes suggested riparian deer ate both terrestrial and aquatic (J. americana) vegetation, whereas upland deer ate more terrestrial foods. Motion‐sensing cameras showed deer eating J. americana more than twice as frequently at mussel‐generated hotspots than non‐mussel sites. However, mussels were not associated with variation in J. americana growth or N and P content—although N isotopes in J. americana leaves did suggest assimilation of animal‐derived nutrients.

Our findings suggest that white‐tailed deer may conduct significant transfers of aquatic‐derived nutrients into terrestrial habitats when they feed on macrophytes and defecate on land. Whether aquatic animal aggregations promote such resource flows by creating biogeochemical hotspots remains unresolved, but the nearly global distributions of the deer family (Cervidae) and of macrophytes suggest that cervid‐driven aquatic‐to‐terrestrial nutrient flows may be widespread and ecologically important.
Tap into TikTok with strategies for engaging with your students
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2022

TikTok is no longer just for young teenagers. In fact, a large portion of your current and prospective students — and even young alumni — likely spend more than an hour per day on the app, where they go for entertainment, for inspiration, and to learn new things, according to Morgan Campbell, Social Media Manager at Purdue University Krannert School of Management.
Large eddy simulation investigation of flame acceleration and deflagration to detonation transition of methane‐air mixture in rectangular channel
Authors: Zhao Yongyao , Zhang Yanmin
Published: September 2022

Large eddy simulation is used to simulate flame acceleration and deflagration to detonation transition of methane‐air mixtures in a small‐scale 3D channel. The simulation results show the changing of the flame surface 3D structure in the stage of flame acceleration and deflagration to detonation transition. In the first stage, the flame velocity increases exponentially because of the expansion of combustion products and the wrinkle of flame surface. In the next stage, the interaction between flame and pressure wave makes flame accelerate continuously, and the acceleration rate of the flame velocity decreases first and then increases. As the pressure of the leading shock increases, the boundary layer is heated by the preheating area in front of the flame surface at the channel wall. Because the cross section of the channel is square, the ultrafast flame first appears in the boundary layer of the four inner edges between the channel wall, then it appears in the boundary layer on the channel wall. The ultrafast flame generates oblique shock waves continuously moving to the center of the channel and colliding with each other, which promote the occurrence of local explosion and the coupling of flame surface and leading shock wave.
Direct seismic loss estimation of predominantly plan‐symmetrical frame buildings using simplified nonlinear models
Authors: Jamšek Aleš , Babič Anže , Dolšek Matjaž
Published: September 2022

The estimation of building seismic risk and loss utilising response history analysis is challenging, especially because the final objective is the seismic loss estimation for building stock. In this paper, this challenge is addressed by developing a simplified nonlinear structural model, which is capable of simulating the seismic response of predominantly plan‐symmetrical reinforced concrete frame buildings subjected to ground motions in both horizontal directions. The simplified structural model is plugged into the direct seismic risk and loss estimation methodology. Its capabilities are then demonstrated by estimating the seismic risk and losses for a four‐storey office building and a five‐storey school building. For the analysed buildings, it is shown that the frequency of collapse, the expected annual loss and the frequency of exceedance of a given loss can be simulated with the same level of accuracy as in the case of the conventional structural model, but with greater numerical robustness and computational efficiency. Research is needed to better define the limitations of the introduced simplified model and extend the capabilities of simplified nonlinear models to more complex structural systems of plan‐asymmetrical buildings.
Climate change paves the way for a new inter‐ocean fish interchange
Authors: Azzurro Ernesto , D’Amen Manuela
Published: September 2022

For over 150 years, Indo‐Pacific species have been colonizing the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, with increasing ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Using an ensemble of species distribution models and ten invasive fish species as a case study, we demonstrate that warming conditions are now weakening the climatic barriers that historically prevented these species from expanding further and moving into the Atlantic Ocean. On the basis of our analysis, we discuss the prospect for studying an underappreciated large‐scale process: namely, the evolution of a novel unidirectional faunal interchange between two distant oceans.
Democratizing Utility Data to Accelerate the Clean Energy Transition
Authors: Price Jason , Benson Liam , Jung Anthony
Published: September 2022

In the months and years to come, the utility industry should anticipate an increasing number of regulatory commissions to begin ruling on third‐party access to utility data. Several state orders are currently examining the implications of making utility data more accessible to third parties and customers. Some states are going further and broadening the data pool to include more than just customer‐metered end‐use data. Whichever position a state may take in democratizing its data, it should do so in a way which will encourage customer adoption and improve the marketing and sales of distributed energy resources (DER) and other energy solutions to help states reach their net‐zero carbon goals.
A National Climate and Clean Energy Plan—Finally
Authors: Cartwright Echo D.
Published: September 2022

August 2022 was truly an historic month for climate mitigation and the clean energy industry in the United States. Following two years of arduous and tense negotiations, Senators Schumer and Manchin announced an agreement on climate and clean energy initiatives included within the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. Following the passage of President Biden's Build Back Better Bill in the US House of Representatives more than eight months ago, all focus turned to the US Senate, where negotiations stalled for months. So, when the Senators announced an agreement on a comprehensive $370 billion climate and clean energy package inclusion with the IRA, it was welcome news and a sigh of relief for many progressives and some conservatives, particularly in states that stand to benefit from the legislation.
Grounded in Conservation
Authors: de Ramos Kevin Monte
Published: September 2022

Conservation is often associated with the prevention of the wasteful use of finite resources. We have seen this applied to energy, wildlife, and habitats. Even with the vast list of local projects and initiatives, we often overlook the source of these resources in our management of energy and climate: soil, sometimes referred to as earth. The question begs asking: Should soil be a focus area within our discussions?
Lessons learned from co‐designing a high school beach safety education program with lifeguards and students
Authors: Koon William , Brander Robert W. , Alonzo Dennis , Peden Amy E.
Published: September 2022

Issue Addressed

School‐based beach safety education programs are common, but best practice guidance and information on their design and development is limited.

Methods

Researchers, professional ocean lifeguards and students participated in a co‐design process to inform a lifeguard‐delivered, school‐based beach safety education program for a coastal community in New South Wales, Australia. Lifeguards and researchers (experts) provided structured feedback about the program in a survey and facilitated workshop; students (n = 26) aged 11 to 13 years participated in focus group sessions intended to garner in‐depth understanding of their experiences at the beach and knowledge of, and attitudes towards, beach safety.

Results and Discussion

The co‐design process provided a novel and inclusive model for beach safety education program development, and valuable lessons for future efforts. Specifically, student focus groups identified several facets of pre‐teens and younger teenagers' beach experience that prompted revision of the education program, primarily framing of program content and safety messages. Peers are a primary motivator for this age group and students' burgeoning independence emerged as an important theme. While knowledgeable about beach hazards and risks, students conveyed mixed safety attitudes and self‐reported safety practices, highlighting the importance of designing programs to motivate behaviour and promote safe decision‐making vs raising awareness alone. Findings illustrate the value of adopting co‐design processes for all beach safety programs, school or otherwise.

So What?

Beach safety programs may not be delivering information that is needed, wanted or useful. Structured consultation with the priority population must become standard practice in beach safety and drowning prevention education program development.
Changes in physical activity during COVID‐19 pandemic among Saudi Arabians: Results from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kobeissi Hassan , Attia Abdelrahman M. , Elgazzar Tasnim Atef , Shah Jaffer , Bajaber Abubakr , Almustanyir Sami , Alsaeed Ruaa , Khalifa Razan Omer , Azzam Ahmed Y. , Hafida Samar , Ghozy Sherief , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

The COVID‐19 pandemic and the resultant change in sedentary behaviors have had immense health, economic, and social implications globally. As governments worldwide imposed lockdowns and curfews, the amount of time spent indoors greatly increased. This lead to a dramatic change in physical activity (PA) levels and profound consequences on daily routines. Our study aimed to investigate patterns of PA during the COVID‐19 pandemic among adults residing in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This cross‐sectional survey‐based study aimed to investigate patterns of PA during the COVID‐19 pandemic among adults residing in Saudi Arabia. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was utilized to measure participants' PA levels between April 2021 and May 2021. Participants were then classified into three groups according to their PA level, and their PA levels and sedentary behaviors were analyzed.

Results

We surveyed 463 participants, 315 (68%) of which were female and 134 (32%) of which were male with a median age of 23 (interquartile range, 21–35) years. Moderate‐to‐high PA was reported by 257 (55.7%) of the participants. There was a significant decrease in PA during the COVID‐19 pandemic and resultant lockdowns among the participants (p = 0.04), with higher rates of sedentary behavior among males than females (p = 0.14).

Conclusions

The decline in PA is a profound challenge of the COVID‐19 pandemic that needs to be addressed by health practitioners and policymakers. Our study highlights the decline in PA levels seen during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the importance of promotional programs and interventions to increase PA among the Saudi Arabian population without compromising the essential health restrictions and social distancing.
Maximization of heat transfer density from radially finned tubes in cross‐flow using the constructal design method
Authors: Mustafa Ahmed Waheed , Salman Haitham Mohsin , Hasan Basim O.
Published: September 2022

The maximization of volumetric heat transfer density from radially finned tubes in cross‐flow is investigated in this study based on the constructal design method. A row of radially finned tubes is placed in cross‐air flow. The tubes and the radial fins are heated at uniform temperatures and cooled by the air cross‐flow. The cross‐air flow is generated by a finite pressure difference. Two dimensionless pressure differences (Bejan number) are considered (Be = 103 and Be = 105). The objective function, the degrees of freedom, and the constraints in the constructal design method should be identified. The objective function is the maximization of the heat transfer density from the finned tubes. The degrees of freedom are; the fin tip‐to‐fin tip spacing, the number of fins, the tube diameter, the fin thickness, and the angle between the fins. The constraints are the length and height of the space occupied by the finned tubes. The pressure‐driven flow and energy equations (steady, two‐dimensional, and incompressible) are solved by means of the finite volume method. The ranges of the dimensionless fin tip‐to‐fin tip spacing are (0.2 ≤ S ≤ 1 for Be = 103 and 0.05≤ S ≤ 0.3 for Be = 105). The number of fins is changed as (N = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12). The dimensionless tube diameter is changed as (D = 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75). The dimensionless fin thickness is changed as (T = 0.001, 0.01, and 0.05). The results showed that for both (Be = 103) and (Be = 105), the highest value of the maximum volumetric heat transfer density is for (N = 2) and decreases as the number of fins increases. In addition, the minimum values of the maximum volumetric heat transfer density occur when the vertical fins exist at (N = 4, 8, and 12).
Ambient water quality criteria derived using probabilistic risk assessment
Authors: Barnhart Brad , Flinders Camille , Johnson Giffe , Wiegand Paul , Anderson Paul , Morrison Emily , Houck Gina
Published: September 2022

National recommendations for numeric human health ambient water quality criteria (AWQC) for toxic substances are derived by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) using a deterministic approach that combines point estimates for exposure, toxicity, and acceptable risk. In accordance with the Clean Water Act, states, territories, and authorized tribes must either adopt these recommendations or modify and replace them with criteria using an alternative, scientifically defensible method. Recent reports have criticized the deterministic approach, stating that it suffers from compounded conservatism by selecting upper percentiles or maximum values for multiple inputs and that it cannot directly determine what portion of the population a given criterion protects. As an alternative, probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) has been promoted as a more transparent and robust method for deriving AWQC. Probabilistic risk assessment offers several advantages over the deterministic approach. For example, PRA uses entire data distributions rather than upper-percentile point estimates to specify exposures, thereby reducing compounded conservatism. Additionally, because it links acceptable risk targets with specific segments of the exposed population, PRA-based AWQC demonstrably protects multiple subsets of the population. To date, no study has quantitatively compared deterministic and PRA approaches and resulting AWQC using national inputs consistent with USEPA guidance. This study introduces a PRA method for deriving AWQC and presents case studies to compare probabilistically derived AWQC with USEPA's 2015 recommendations. The methods and results of this work will help federal and state regulators, water quality managers, and stakeholders better understand available approaches to deriving AWQC and provide context to assumption- and method-specific differences between criteria. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:501–512. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Germline gain‐of‐function MMP11 variant results in an aggressive form of colorectal cancer
Authors: Martin‐Morales Lorena , Manzano Sara , Rodrigo‐Faus Maria , Vicente‐Barrueco Adrian , Lorca Victor , Núñez‐Moreno Gonzalo , Bragado Paloma , Porras Almudena , Caldes Trinidad , Garre Pilar , Gutierrez‐Uzquiza Alvaro
Published: September 2022

Matrix metalloproteinase‐11 (MMP11) is an enzyme with proteolytic activity against matrix and nonmatrix proteins. Although most MMPs are secreted as inactive proenzymes and are later activated extracellularly, MMP11 is activated intracellularly by furin within the constitutive secretory pathway. It is a key factor in physiological tissue remodeling and its alteration may play an important role in the progression of epithelial malignancies and other diseases. TCGA colon and colorectal adenocarcinoma data showed that upregulation of MMP11 expression correlates with tumorigenesis and malignancy. Here, we provide evidence that a germline variant in the MMP11 gene (NM_005940: c.232C>T; p.(Pro78Ser)), identified by whole exome sequencing, can increase the tumorigenic properties of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. P78S is located in the prodomain region, which is responsible for blocking MMP11's protease activity. This variant was detected in the proband and all the cancer‐affected family members analyzed, while it was not detected in healthy relatives. In silico analyses predict that P78S could have an impact on the activation of the enzyme. Furthermore, our in vitro analyses show that the expression of P78S in HCT116 cells increases tumor cell invasion and proliferation. In summary, our results show that this variant could modify the structure of the MMP11 prodomain, producing a premature or uncontrolled activation of the enzyme that may contribute to an early CRC onset in these patients. The study of this gene in other CRC cases will provide further information about its role in CRC development, which might improve patient treatment in the future.
Stock returns, government response strategies, and daily new case bursts during COVID‐19: A cross‐country perspective
Authors: Bilal  , Nasir Adeel , Farooq Umar , Bashir Muhammad Farhan
Published: September 2022

The purpose of the current research is to examine the influence of COVID‐19 pandemic related governmental policies and the bursts (e.g., drastic increases in cases during certain periods) of COVID‐19 cases on the abnormal returns of 725 hospitality and entertainment companies from the United States (US), China, the United Kingdom (UK), India, Thailand, Turkey, Mexico, and France. The study uses daily data from January 1, 2020, to November 20, 2021 and event study methodology. Our results offer the following insights. First, the response in the early days of COVID‐19 was negative for both the hospitality and entertainment sectors. Second, regarding government response strategies: (1) announcements of stimulus packages negatively affected China's entertainment and the UK's hospitality and entertainment sectors, but positively impacted the US's hospitality sector; (2) lockdown announcements adversely affected abnormal returns only in the US's hospitality and entertainment sectors; and (3) travel restrictions affected the US hospitality and Chinese and Indian entertainment sectors in the early stages of the pandemic. Third, regarding COVID‐19 case bursts, the results showed more negative abnormal returns during the first burst in the developed countries compared to undeveloped countries, while in the second burst, investors reacted more rationally, resulting in less negative abnormal returns. Conversely, more negative abnormal returns were found in the second bursts in India and Turkey. We conclude that COVID‐19's impact differed between developed and developing countries. Our findings suggest that investors should consider these differential effects when devising their portfolio strategies during COVID‐19 or the similar situations.
Distinct Responses of Modeling- and Remodeling-Based Bone Formation to the Discontinuation of Intermittent Parathyroid Hormone Treatment in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Wang Wenzheng , Azar Tala , Tseng Wei-Ju , Pei Shaopeng , Zhou Yilu , Jiang Xi , Dyment Nathaniel , Liu X. Sherry
Published: September 2022

Anabolic agents, such as intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH), exert their treatment efficacy through activation of two distinct bone formation processes, namely, remodeling-based bone formation (RBF, bone formation coupled with prior bone resorption) and modeling-based bone formation (MBF, bone formation without prior activation of bone resorption). However, if not followed by an antiresorptive agent, treatment benefit was quickly lost upon withdrawal from anabolic agents. By using in vivo micro–computed tomography imaging and multiplex cryohistology with sequential immunofluorescence staining, we investigated the temporal response of newly formed bone tissue from MBF and RBF and the preexisting bone tissue to withdrawal from PTH treatment and the associated cellular activity in an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. We first demonstrated continued mineral apposition at both RBF and MBF sites following PTH discontinuation, resulting in an extended anabolic effect after 1-week withdrawal from PTH. It was further discovered that MBF sites had a greater contribution than RBF sites to the extended anabolic effect upon early withdrawal from PTH, evidenced by a higher percentage of alkaline phosphatase-positive (ALP+) surfaces and far greater bone formation activity at MBF versus RBF sites. Furthermore, significant bone loss occurred after 3 weeks of discontinuation from PTH, resulting from marked loss of newly formed bone tissue from RBF and preexisting bone tissue prior to treatment. In contrast, MBF surfaces had a delayed increase of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity following PTH discontinuation. As a result, newly formed bone tissue from MBF had greater resistance to PTH discontinuation–induced bone loss than those from RBF and preexisting bone. Understanding various responses of two distinct bone formation types and preexisting bone to anabolic treatment discontinuation is critical to inform the design of follow-up treatment or cyclic treatment strategies to maximize treatment benefit of anabolic agents. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Path integral Brownian chain molecular dynamics: A simple approximation of quantum vibrational dynamics
Authors: Shiga Motoyuki
Published: September 2022

An approximate approach to quantum vibrational dynamics, “Brownian chain molecular dynamics (BCMD),” is proposed to alleviate the chain resonance and curvature problems in the imaginary time‐based path integral (PI) simulation. Here the non‐centroid velocity is randomized at each step when solving the equation of motion of path integral molecular dynamics. This leads to a combination of the Newton equation and the overdamped Langevin equation for the centroid and non‐centroid variables, respectively. BCMD shares the basic properties of other PI approaches such as centroid and ring polymer molecular dynamics: It gives the correct Kubo‐transformed correlation function at short times, conserves the time symmetry, has the correct high‐temperature/classical limits, gives exactly the position and velocity autocorrelations of harmonic oscillator systems, and does not have the zero‐point leakage problem. Numerical tests were done on simple molecular models and liquid water. On‐the‐fly ab initio BCMD simulations were performed for the protonated water cluster, , and its isotopologue, .
Assessing transmission risks and control strategy for monkeypox as an emerging zoonosis in a metropolitan area
Authors: Yuan Pei , Tan Yi , Yang Liu , Aruffo Elena , Ogden Nicholas H. , Bélair Jacques , Heffernan Jane , Arino Julien , Watmough James , Carabin Hélène , Zhu Huaiping
Published: September 2022

To model the spread of monkeypox (MPX) in a metropolitan area for assessing the risk of possible outbreaks, and identifying essential public health measures to contain the virus spread. The animal reservoir is the key element in the modeling of zoonotic disease. Using a One Health approach, we model the spread of the MPX virus in humans considering potential animal hosts such as rodents (e.g., rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, etc.) and emphasize their role and transmission of the virus in a high‐risk group, including gay and bisexual men‐who‐have‐sex‐with‐men (gbMSM). From model and sensitivity analysis, we identify key public health factors and present scenarios under different transmission assumptions. We find that the MPX virus may spill over from gbMSM high‐risk groups to broader populations if the efficiency of transmission increases in the higher‐risk group. However, the risk of outbreak can be greatly reduced if at least 65% of symptomatic cases can be isolated and their contacts traced and quarantined. In addition, infections in an animal reservoir will exacerbate MPX transmission risk in the human population. Regions or communities with a higher proportion of gbMSM individuals need greater public health attention. Tracing and quarantine (or “effective quarantine” by postexposure vaccination) of contacts with MPX cases in high‐risk groups would have a significant effect on controlling the spreading. Also, monitoring for animal infections would be prudent.
IL‐12p40 promotes secondary damage and functional impairment after spinal cord contusional injury
Authors: Rosas Almanza Jose , Stehlik Kyle E. , Page Justin J. , Xiong Shuana H. , Tabor Emma G. , Aperi Brandy , Patel Kishan , Kodali Rajiv , Kurpad Shekar , Budde Matthew D. , Tarima Sergey , Swartz Karin , Kroner Antje
Published: September 2022

Secondary damage obstructs functional recovery for individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI). Two processes significantly contributing to tissue damage after trauma are spinal cord hemorrhage and inflammation: more specifically, the recruitment and activation of immune cells, frequently driven by pro‐inflammatory factors. Cytokines are inflammatory mediators capable of modulating the immune response. While cytokines are necessary to elicit inflammation for proper healing, excessive inflammation can result in destructive processes. The pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐12 and IL‐23 are pathogenic in multiple autoimmune diseases. The cytokine subunit IL‐12p40 is necessary to form bioactive IL‐12 and IL‐23. In this study, we examined the relationship between spinal cord hemorrhage and IL‐12‐related factors, as well as the impact of IL‐12p40 (IL‐12/IL‐23) on secondary damage and functional recovery after SCI. Using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and protein tissue analyses, we demonstrated a positive correlation between IL‐12 and tissue hemorrhage. Receptor and ligand subunits of IL‐12 were significantly upregulated after injury and colocalized with astrocytes, demonstrating a myriad of opportunities for IL‐12 to induce an inflammatory response. IL‐12p40−/− mice demonstrated significantly improved functional recovery and reduced lesion sizes compared to wild‐type mice. Targeted gene array analysis in wild‐type and IL‐12p40−/− female mice after SCI revealed an upregulation of genes associated with worsened recovery after SCI. Taken together, our data reveal a pathogenic role of IL‐12p40 in the secondary damage after SCI, hindering functional recovery. IL‐12p40 (IL‐12/IL‐23) is thus an enticing neuroinflammatory target for further study as a potential therapeutic target to benefit recovery in acute SCI.
Projections of future precipitation and air temperature over the Tibetan Plateau based on Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 multimodel ensembles
Authors: Zhang Wenqing , Liu Liu , Lun Yurui , Cheng Lei , Li Xiuping , Xu Zongxue
Published: September 2022

In the context of global warming and the release of projection results from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), it is important to conduct research on climate change on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) which exhibits unique geographic characteristics and complex climatic conditions. Using 10 general circulation models (GCMs) from CMIP6 corrected for bias by the daily translation (DT) method, we investigated the projected changes in precipitation and air temperature for the mid‐term (2031–2050) and long‐term (2061–2080) of the 21st century on the TP after evaluating the reliability of the bias correction, for four scenarios based on different combinations of shared socioeconomic pathways and representative concentration pathways. The multimodel ensembles (MMEs) indicated that the projected annual precipitation shows an increasing trend for the mid‐term and long‐term periods, with the projected increase for the long‐term primarily concentrated in areas with less precipitation. Meanwhile, the future precipitation changes exhibit a significant elevation dependency. The rate of increase of precipitation firstly fluctuates and then gradually increases along with the elevation increasing from 1,500 to 5,800 m. The valley value of rate mainly appears in two elevation zones (2,200–2,600 m and 3,400–3,800 m). The projected temporal changes in annual air temperatures reveal obvious warming over the TP. The projected warming is overall more pronounced with increase in elevation; however, it reaches a peak at approximately 5,000–5,200 m and then slows down slightly, indicating that warming is not dependent on elevation in the higher elevation zones. The present results have important implications for investigating the impacts of climate change on the water cycle in alpine regions.
Forecasting the cloud point of alkoxylated nonionic surfactants
Authors: Nilles Jan , Myrdek Thomas
Published: September 2022

The highest effectiveness of detergency for nonionic surfactants is observed in the proximity of the cloud point. This phenomenon is primarily influenced by surfactant molecular structure, such as carbon chain length and type of the hydrophilic components. Target of this investigation is to identify a relationship between the cloud point and the structure of nonionic surfactants based on ethoxylated (CnEm), ethoxylated‐propoxylated (CnEmPp) and propoxylated‐ethoxylated (CnPpEm) fatty alcohols. Three hundred and fifty nonionic surfactants have been prepared for this purpose. These surfactants differ in the C‐chain lengths, C4/C6 to C20/C22, and the amount of ethylene oxide (EO range [n] 2–22 ethoxylation) and propylene oxide (PO range [p] 0–12 propoxylation) moieties. Mapping the differences in the performance allows us to propose a high‐accuracy topological model describing the structure influence on the cloud point.