bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membrane extraction by calmodulin underpins the disparate signalling of RalA and RalB
Authors: Chamberlain Samuel G. , Owen Darerca , Mott Helen R.
Published: March 2022

Both RalA and RalB interact with the ubiquitous calcium sensor, calmodulin (CaM). New structural and biophysical characterisation of these interactions strongly suggests that, in the native membrane‐associated state, only RalA can be extracted from the membrane by CaM and this non‐canonical interaction could underpin the divergent signalling roles of these closely related GTPases. The isoform specificity for RalA exhibited by CaM is hypothesised to contribute to the disparate signalling roles of RalA and RalB in mitochondrial dynamics. This would lead to CaM shuttling RalA to the mitochondrial membrane but leaving RalB localisation unperturbed, and in doing so triggering mitochondrial fission pathways rather than mitophagy.
Capillary and microchip electrophoresis method development for amino acid monitoring during biopharmaceutical cultivation
Authors: Mikkonen Saara , Josefsson Leila , Mäkinen Meeri E.‐L. , Chotteau Veronique , Emmer Åsa
Published: March 2022

The increased use of biopharmaceuticals calls for improved means of bioprocess monitoring. In this work, capillary electrophoresis (CE) and microchip electrophoresis (MCE) methods were developed and applied for the analysis of amino acids (AAs) in cell culture supernatant. In samples from different days of a Chinese hamster ovary cell cultivation process, all 19 proteinogenic AAs containing primary amine groups could be detected using CE, and 17 out of 19 AAs using MCE. The relative concentration changes in different samples agreed well with those measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Compared to the more commonly employed HPLC analysis, the CE and MCE methods resulted in faster analysis, while significantly lowering both the sample and reagent consumption, and the cost per analysis.
Sustainable production: The economic returns of circular economy practices
Authors: Antonioli Davide , Ghisetti Claudia , Mazzanti Massimiliano , Nicolli Francesco
Published: March 2022

Assessing the economic consequences of sustainable production choices aimed at reducing negative environmental externalities is crucial for policy making, in light of the increasing interest and awareness experienced in recent EU policy packages. This assessment is one of the goals of the current work, which tries to provide new empirical evidence on the economic returns of circular economy practices, drawing on previous literature on the underlying determinants of greener production choices, which are stated to differ from standard technological innovations as they are subject to a knowledge and an environmental externality. Using an original dataset on approximately 3000 Italian manufacturing firms, we provide evidence on the relations among innovations related to the circular economy concept and economic outcome in the short run. The evidence shows that in the short run, it is difficult to obtain economic gains from circular economy related innovations when taken in isolation, especially for Small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), who may also experience negative returns.
Development and evaluation of a colorectal cancer screening method using machine learning‐based gut microbiota analysis
Authors: Konishi Yusuke , Okumura Shintaro , Matsumoto Tomonori , Itatani Yoshiro , Nishiyama Tsuyoshi , Okazaki Yuki , Shibutani Masatsune , Ohtani Naoko , Nagahara Hisashi , Obama Kazutaka , Ohira Masaichi , Sakai Yoshiharu , Nagayama Satoshi , Hara Eiji
Published: March 2022

Accumulating evidence indicates that alterations of gut microbiota are associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, the use of gut microbiota for the diagnosis of CRC has received attention. Recently, several studies have been conducted to detect the differences in the gut microbiota between healthy individuals and CRC patients using machine learning‐based gut bacterial DNA meta‐sequencing analysis, and to use this information for the development of CRC diagnostic model. However, to date, most studies had small sample sizes and/or only cross‐validated using the training dataset that was used to create the diagnostic model, rather than validated using an independent test dataset. Since machine learning‐based diagnostic models cause overfitting if the sample size is small and/or an independent test dataset is not used for validation, the reliability of these diagnostic models needs to be interpreted with caution. To circumvent these problems, here we have established a new machine learning‐based CRC diagnostic model using the gut microbiota as an indicator. Validation using independent test datasets showed that the true positive rate of our CRC diagnostic model increased substantially as CRC progressed from Stage I to more than 60% for CRC patients more advanced than Stage II when the false positive rate was set around 8%. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference in the true positive rate between samples collected in different cities or in any part of the colorectum. These results reveal the possibility of the practical application of gut microbiota‐based CRC screening tests.
Acute pericarditis complicated with pericardial effusion as first presentation of COVID‐19 in an adult sudanese patient: A case report
Authors: Osman Waddah Aljaely Mohamed , Ahmed Abdelmuniem Siddig Mohamed , Eljack Moh. Mah. Fadelallah , Abbasher Hussien Mohamed Ahmed Khabab , S. Haroun Mazin , Abdelrahim Abdalla Yassin
Published: March 2022

Acute pericarditis is an uncommon presentation of COVID‐19. Here, we described a case of a 50‐year‐old male patient who presented with chest pain without fever or cough and diagnosed with acute pericarditis complicated by pericardial effusion due to COVID‐19 after exclusion of other causes and received supportive treatment and improved over two weeks.
Mixed neuroendocrine–non‐neuroendocrine neoplasm associated with autoimmune gastritis
Authors: Mori Naoko , Hongo Masanori , Takemura Shizuki , Sugitani Yoshihiko , Nakamura Fumiyasu , Tani Masaji , Nishida Atsushi , Inatomi Osamu , Andoh Akira , Ban Hiromitsu
Published: March 2022

A 60‐year‐old woman presented with a protruding tumor at the anterior wall of the middle gastric body, and she was positive for anti‐parietal cells antibodies with elevated serum gastrin level. Final diagnosis was a mixed neuroendocrine–non‐neuroendocrine neoplasm consisting of adenocarcinoma (tub1) and neuroendocrine tumor G2 with autoimmune gastritis.
2‐Aminoalkylgold Complexes: The Putative Intermediate in Au‐Catalyzed Hydroamination of Alkenes Does Not Protodemetalate
Authors: Gubler Joël , Radić Mitar , Stöferle Yannick , Chen Peter
Published: March 2022

Au‐catalyzed hydroamination proceeds well for alkynes but not alkenes. We report gas‐phase binding energies of alkenes and alkynes to a cationic Au center, which indicate that differences in binding are not the origin of the disparate chemical behavior. We further report the synthesis and characterization of 2‐aminoalkylgold complexes, which would be the intermediates in a hypothetical Au‐catalyzed hydroamination of styrene. The reactivity of the well‐characterized and isolable complexes reveals that protonation or alkylation of the 2‐aminoalkylgold complexes results in amine elimination in solution, and in the gas phase, indicating that the failure of Au‐catalyzed alkene hydroamination derives from a non‐competitive protodeauration step. We analyze possible transition states for the protodeauration, and identify an insufficiently strong Au‐proton interaction as the reason that the transition states lie too high in energy to compete.
A Terphenyl Supported Dioxophosphorane Dimer: the Light Congener of Lawesson's and Woollins’ Reagents
Authors: English Laura E. , Pajak Aleksandra , McMullin Claire L. , Lowe John P. , Mahon Mary F. , Liptrot David J.
Published: March 2022

Thermolysis of a 1,3‐dioxa‐2‐phospholane supported by the terphenyl ligand AriPr4(AriPr4=[C6H3‐2,6‐(C6H3‐2,6‐iPr2)]) at 150 °C gives [AriPr4PO2]2via loss of ethene. [AriPr4PO2]2was characterised by X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy; it contains a 4‐membered P−O−P−O ring and is the isostructural oxygen analogue of Lawesson's and Woollins’ reagents. The dimeric structure of [AriPr4PO2]2was found to persist in solution through VT NMR spectroscopy and DOSY, supported by DFT calculations. The addition of DMAP to the 1,3‐dioxa‐2‐phospholane facilitates the loss of ethene to give AriPr4(DMAP)PO2after days at room temperature, with this product also characterised by X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Replacement of the DMAP with pyridine induces ethene loss from the 1,3‐dioxa‐2‐phospholane to provide gram‐scale samples of [AriPr4PO2]2in 75 % yield in 2 days at only 100 °C.
Anomeric Stereoauxiliary Cleavage of the C−N Bond of d‐Glucosamine for the Preparation of Imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridines
Authors: Zeng Kui , Ye Jin , Meng Xintong , Dechert Sebastian , Simon Martin , Gong Shuaiyu , Mata Ricardo A. , Zhang Kai
Published: March 2022

The targeted cleavage of the C−N bonds of alkyl primary amines in sustainable compounds of biomass according to a metal‐free pathway and the conjunction of nitrogen in the synthesis of imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridines are still highly challenging. Despite tremendous progress in the synthesis of imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridines over the past decade, many of them can still not be efficiently prepared. Herein, we report an anomeric stereoauxiliary approach for the synthesis of a wide range of imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridines after cleaving the C−N bond of d‐glucosamine (α‐2° amine) from biobased resources. This new approach expands the scope of readily accessible imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridines relative to existing state‐of‐the‐art methods. A key strategic advantage of this approach is that the α‐anomer of d‐glucosamine enables C−N bond cleavage via a seven‐membered ring transition state. By using this novel method, a series of imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine derivatives (>80 examples) was synthesized from pyridine ketones (including para‐dipyridine ketone) and aldehydes (including para‐dialdehyde). Imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine derivatives containing diverse important deuterated C(sp2)−H and C(sp3)−H bonds were also efficiently achieved.
Engineered Environment‐Friendly Colloidal Core/Shell Quantum Dots for High‐Efficiency Solar‐Driven Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Long Zhihang , Tong Xin , Wang Rui , Channa Ali Imran , Li Xin , You Yimin , Xia Li , Cai Mengke , Zhao Hongyang , Wang Zhiming M.
Published: March 2022

“Green” colloidal quantum dots (QDs)‐based photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells are promising solar energy conversion systems possessing environmental friendliness, cost‐effectiveness, and highly efficient solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion. In this work, eco‐friendly AgInSe (AISe)/ZnSe core/shell QDs with wurtzite (WZ) phase were synthesized for solar hydrogen production. It was demonstrated that appropriately engineering the ZnSe shell thickness resulted in effective surface defects passivation of the AISe core for suppressed charge recombination in the consequent core/shell AISe/ZnSe QDs. The fabricated environmentally friendly core/shell QDs‐based PEC device exhibited improved photo‐excited electrons extraction efficiency under optimized conditions and delivered a maximum photocurrent density as high as 7.5 mA cm−2 and long‐term durability under standard AM 1.5G illumination (100 mW cm−2). These findings suggest that AISe/ZnSe core/shell QDs with tailored optoelectronic properties are potential light sensitizers for eco‐friendly, cost‐effective, and highly efficient solar energy conversion applications.
QoS‐aware IoT networks and protocols: A comprehensive survey
Authors: Dilek Selma , Irgan Kerem , Guzel Metehan , Ozdemir Suat , Baydere Sebnem , Charnsripinyo Chalermpol
Published: March 2022

The vast number of smart cloud applications that communicate with the “things” over a variety of physical networks and communication protocols contribute to the rise of complexity in Internet of Things (IoT) systems. The diversity of end‐user requirements related to the volume of generated data, its variety, and the velocity of its transmission makes quality of service (QoS) provisioning even more crucial and challenging in IoT. This paper provides a comprehensive and up‐to‐date survey of QoS support in IoT networks and communication protocols. An analysis of the QoS‐aware IoT architectures, layer‐dependent QoS metrics, and network resource optimization methods utilized in IoT systems are given. The limitations of the current state‐of‐the‐art studies for efficient delivery of QoS metrics are discussed. The paper concludes with future research directions on end‐to‐end QoS provisioning in IoT.
Effects of climate change on the distribution of wild Akebia trifoliata
Authors: Zhang Jun‐Ming , Peng Xiang‐Yong , Song Min‐Li , Li Zhen‐Jian , Xu Xin‐Qiao , Wang Wei
Published: March 2022

Understanding the impacts and constraints of climate change on the geographical distribution of wild Akebia trifoliata is crucial for its sustainable management and economic development as a medicinal material or fruit. In this study, according to the first‐hand information obtained from field investigation, the distribution and response to climate change of A. trifoliata were studied by the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS. The genetic diversity and population structure of 21 natural populations of A. trifoliata were studied by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The results showed that the most important bioclimatic variable limiting the distribution of A. trifoliata was the Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter (bio11). Under the scenarios SSP1‐2.6 and SSP2‐4.5, the suitable area of A. trifoliata in the world will remain stable, and the suitable area will increase significantly under the scenarios of SSP3‐7.0 and SSP5‐8.5. Under the current climate scenario, the suitable growth regions of A. trifoliata in China were 79.9–122.7°E and 21.5–37.5°N. Under the four emission scenarios in the future, the geometric center of the suitable distribution regions of Akebia trifoliata in China will move to the north. The clustering results of 21 populations of A. trifoliata analyzed by SSR markers showed that they had a trend of evolution from south to north.
Benefits and limitations of a new genome‐based PCR‐RFLP genotyping assay (GB‐RFLP): A SNP‐based detection method for identification of species in extremely young adaptive radiations
Authors: Kratochwil Claudius F. , Kautt Andreas F. , Rometsch Sina J. , Meyer Axel
Published: March 2022

High‐throughput DNA sequencing technologies make it possible now to sequence entire genomes relatively easily. Complete genomic information obtained by whole‐genome resequencing (WGS) can aid in identifying and delineating species even if they are extremely young, cryptic, or morphologically difficult to discern and closely related. Yet, for taxonomic or conservation biology purposes, WGS can remain cost‐prohibitive, too time‐consuming, and often constitute a “data overkill.” Rapid and reliable identification of species (and populations) that is also cost‐effective is made possible by species‐specific markers that can be discovered by WGS. Based on WGS data, we designed a PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assay for 19 Neotropical Midas cichlid populations (Amphilophus cf. citrinellus), that includes all 13 described species of this species complex. Our work illustrates that identification of species and populations (i.e., fish from different lakes) can be greatly improved by designing genetic markers using available “high resolution” genomic information. Yet, our work also shows that even in the best‐case scenario, when whole‐genome resequencing information is available, unequivocal assignments remain challenging when species or populations diverged very recently, or gene flow persists. In summary, we provide a comprehensive workflow on how to design RFPL markers based on genome resequencing data, how to test and evaluate their reliability, and discuss the benefits and pitfalls of our approach.
Areas of species diversity and endemicity of Nepal
Authors: Joshi Mohan Dev , Joshi Chudamani
Published: March 2022

In this study, we analyzed the distribution and the spatial pattern of species diversity of vascular plants in Nepal. The aim was to identify and evaluate the occurrence and status of species‐rich areas in Nepal using ecological and environmental drivers. We used 52,973 georeferenced herbarium specimen records, representing 2650 species collected from Nepal. Altogether, 41 environmental variables were used for model development and validation. We used MaxEnt to predict the distribution pattern. All the significant species distribution predictions were then used to develop a species richness and endemism pattern in Nepal. The High Mountain and Himalaya, particularly east and central Nepal, were found to be species diverse and endemically rich areas, whereas western Nepal had lower species richness. We observed that isothermality, slope, rugosity, potential evapotranspiration, precipitation of humid months, temperature annual range, mean diurnal range, and normalized difference in vegetation index of humid months were the most influential environmental and climatic variables. We observed that about 60% of the areas, which had highest richness and endemism values, are still not included in protected areas in Nepal. We quantitatively analyzed the species richness and endemicity patterns of Nepal and were able to identify 19 areas of high species diversity and endemicity, six of which are newly identified.
Rapid recovery of depleted abalone in Isla Natividad, Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Smith Alexandra , Aguilar Juan Domingo , Boch Charles , De Leo Giulio , Hernández‐Velasco Arturo , Houck Stephanie , Martinez Ramón , Monismith Stephen , Torre Jorge , Woodson C. Brock , Micheli Fiorenza
Published: March 2022

In the last decades, many marine invertebrates have experienced dramatic declines throughout many coastal marine ecosystems worldwide due to overfishing, disease outbreaks, and climate vulnerability. Despite extensive conservation and restoration effort, evidence of successful population recovery is rare. In this work, we document mass mortality events of pink and green abalone (Haliotis corrugata and Haliotis fulgens) in 2009–2010, and their subsequent rapid recovery following the continued enforcement and monitoring of two voluntary no‐take reserves by the local fishing cooperative (2006–present) and a 6‐year fishing closure (2012–2017) around Isla Natividad, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Age data collected from harvested abalone in 2019 suggest recruitment was maintained throughout the years when abundance was lowest following mass mortalities. The observed 6 to 8‐year time frame for recovery is consistent with scenarios presented in previous modeling studies, where marine reserves and other measures aimed at protecting large spawners predicted the potential for rapid recovery of abalone populations. This case study supports the effectiveness of a portfolio of resilience strategies, which include combining climate refugia and marine reserves, adherence to conservative annual fishing quotas, fishing closures, minimum size limitations, and ecological monitoring. Importantly, this example showcases how close collaboration between fishers, resource managers, scientists, and non‐governmental organization (NGOs) is critical for designing, implementing, and learning from conservation and management interventions to reverse marine population and ecosystem decline, reinforcing the legacy of Dr. Pete Peterson's life work on fully integrating ecology with marine management and restoration.
Origins of Organic Chemistry and Organic Synthesis
Authors: Wentrup Curt
Published: March 2022

The wordsorganicandsynthesisoriginate with Aristotle (meaning ‘instrumental’ and ‘put together’, respectively) but had different meanings over time. The iatrochemists prepared numerous pharmaceutical remedies in the 1600s but had no concept of organic chemistry. Buffon, Bergman and Gren defined organic bodies as living things in the 1700s, but discrete organic compounds remained unknown. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, organic natural products were isolated by Scheele, and Chevreuil separated carboxylic acids from saponification of fats. Organic chemistry had started. Lavoisier invented and Berzelius improved combustion analysis for organic characterization. Descartes’ dictum thatsynthesisis required to prove ananalysiswas enacted by Bergman and others. The concept of organic chemistry changed radically when Wöhler and Kolbe prepared organic compounds from the elements. Berthelot's syntheses of non‐natural fats in 1853 started modern synthetic organic chemistry as the chemistry of carbon compounds, regardless of whether occurring in Nature or not.
Nb4C3Tx (MXene)/Au/DNA Aptasensor for the Ultraselective Electrochemical Detection of Lead in Water Samples
Authors: Rasheed P. Abdul , Pandey Ravi P. , Jabbar Khadeeja A , Mahmoud Khaled A
Published: March 2022

An electrochemical aptasensor was designed for the ultraselective and sensitive detection of Pb2+ by using lead‐specific binding DNA oligonucleotide as the molecular recognition element on Au nanoparticles/Nb4C3Tx MXene (Au@Nb4C3Tx) modified electrode. The Au@Nb4C3Tx is conjugated with thiol‐modified lead‐binding DNA through the Au−S bond. The DNA−Au@Nb4C3Tx modified glassy carbon electrode exhibited ultrahigh selectivity and enhanced response towards the detection of Pb2+ with a detection limit of 4 nM and linear range of 10 nM to 5 μM. This work has proved the possibility of using Nb4C3Tx as a robust immobilization platform for DNA oligonucleotides towards different environmental sensing and biomedical applications.
Polarography with non‐mercury electrodes: A review
Authors: Švancara Ivan , Mikysek Tomáš , Sýs Milan
Published: March 2022

This article reviews non‐mercury configurations that have hitherto been reported in the literature as the working electrodes applicable in polarographic measurements. The individual types, namely gallium, liquid amalgams, dropping electrolyte, and carbon fluid electrodes, together with a carbon paste‐based assembly or even solid disc electrodes with a periodically renewable surface, are presented, discussed, and critically assessed with respect to their potential employment in the present day's electrochemistry and electroanalysis.
Solid particle solar receivers in the next‐generation concentrated solar power plant
Authors: Nie Fuliang , Bai Fengwu , Wang Zhifeng , Li Xiaobo , Yang Ronggui
Published: March 2022

Solid particles are generally considered to be the most suitable heat transfer fluid (HTF) and thermal energy storage (TES) materials for the next‐generation concentrated solar power (CSP) plant. The operating temperature of the solar receiver can be raised to exceed 800°C by the application of appropriate solid particles. In this way, power conversion efficiencies greater than 50% can be achieved with the supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) Brayton cycle. Solid particle solar receiver (SPSR) is the key equipment to absorb the concentrated solar flux, and its thermal performance is remarkably affected by receiver system designs, particle flow characteristics, and properties of solid particulate materials. This paper provides an in‐depth review of various SPSR technologies, as well as pertinent solid particle selections, optimization of the receiver system structures, particle flow characteristics, and heat transfer characteristics. The technical drawbacks, the large‐scale development prospects, and the potential optimization strategies of the various SPSR designs are highlighted by the comparative analysis of multiple parameters.

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Conservation of birds in fragmented landscapes requires protected areas
Authors: Timmers Robert , van Kuijk Marijke , Verweij Pita A , Ghazoul Jaboury , Hautier Yann , Laurance William F , Arriaga‐Weiss Stefan L , Askins Robert A , Battisti Corrado , Berg Åke , Daily Gretchen C , Estades Cristián F , Frank Beatrice , Kurosawa Reiko , Pojar Rosamund A , Woinarski John CZ , Soons Merel B
Published: March 2022

For successful conservation of biodiversity, it is vital to know whether protected areas in increasingly fragmented landscapes effectively safeguard species. However, how large habitat fragments must be, and what level of protection is required to sustain species, remains poorly known. We compiled a global dataset on almost 2000 bird species in 741 forest fragments varying in size and protection status, and show that protection is associated with higher bird occurrence, especially for threatened species. Protection becomes increasingly effective with increasing size of forest fragments. For forest fragments >50 ha our results show that strict protection (International Union for Conservation of Nature [IUCN] categories I–IV) is strongly associated with higher bird occurrence, whereas fragments had to be at least 175 ha for moderate protection (IUCN categories V and VI) to have a positive effect. This meta‐analysis quantifies the importance of fragment size, protection status, and their interaction for the conservation of bird species communities, and stresses that protection should not be limited to large pristine areas.
ZIF‐8 derived CeO2‐Fe3O4@Fe‐N/C catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Hao Yanqi , Ge Lin , Chan Siew Hwa
Published: March 2022

Looking for non‐noble metal catalysts with low cost, high activity, and high stability to replace platinum in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has aroused great concern. According to previous studies, Fe‐Nx/C material is one of the most promising non‐noble metal catalysts for ORR. In this study, new Fe‐Nx/C material was synthesized by introducing CeO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles into a Fe‐Nx/C material derived from ZIF‐8 as precursors. The new material was called CeO2‐Fe3O4@Fe‐N/C catalyst and the activity of the catalyst was found to be significantly improved in 0.1 mol L−1 KOH. The half‐wave potential of CeO2‐Fe3O4@Fe‐N/C (0.892 V) is higher than that of Pt/C by 67 mV. In the stability test, the half‐wave potential of CeO2‐Fe3O4@Fe‐N/C was only reduced by 4 mV after 5,000 cycles. The high performance is attributed to the introduction of CeO2 and Fe3O4, which gives CeO2‐Fe3O4@Fe‐N/C enhanced electrocatalytic activity and long‐term stability. This approach makes CeO2‐Fe3O4@Fe‐N/C a promising candidate for cathode catalysts in renewable energy conversion devices.
Talking methods, talking about methods: Invoking the transformative potential of social methods through animals, objects and how‐to instructions
Authors: Pottinger Laura , Barron Amy , Hall Sarah Marie , Ehgartner Ulrike , Browne Alison L.
Published: March 2022

This paper focuses on "talking" methods, noting their wide application across the social sciences, and identifies potential spaces for innovation in this field. Drawing on interview material from the Methods for Change project, we argue that researching methods requires creative approaches to talk. With research methods as our focus, we draw on data collected from online interviews with 36 academics, which aimed to explore the transformative potential of social science research methods. We make three contributions. First, we consider challenges and potentials for talking about methods and communicating the transformative potential of social science methods to diverse audiences. Second, we elaborate on the detail of doing talking methods, identifying potential spaces for innovation. Third, we suggest there is value in supplementing interviews with creative techniques when talking with and about method. We highlight three such techniques used in our project as a means of eliciting conversation about the transformative potential of methods: how‐to instructions; object interviewing; and methods as animals. The conceptual underpinnings, practical applications and obstacles encountered with each technique are discussed, including our own reflections on creative interviewing in a context where face‐to‐face research was restricted. In doing so, we respond to and advance recent debates about the need to talk more about the doing of talking methods. We argue that academics need to articulate why methods matter in creating change to global challenges, and that creative techniques can play a pivotal role.
Efficacy and safety of preoperative embolization in carotid body tumor treatment: A propensity score matching retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Zhaoyu , Qiu Peng , Pu Hongji , Ye Kaichuang , Liu Guang , Li Weimin , Liu Xiaobing , Yin Minyi , Jiang Mier , Qin Jinbao , Lu Xinwu , Zhao Zhen
Published: March 2022

Background

To assess the efficacy and safety of preoperative embolization (PE) in patients with carotid body tumor (CBTs).

Methods

In a single‐center retrospective cohort study, 127 patients underwent surgical resection of CBTs from January 2003 to December 2019. One‐to‐one propensity score matching was conducted between patients with or without PE.

Results

Thirty‐two (25.2%) patients received PE. After propensity score matching, no statistically significant differences were found in the baseline characteristics of 28 patients in each group. Compared with NPE group, operative time and estimated blood loss (EBL) were significantly reduced in the PE group. The incidence of stroke, perioperative complications, intraoperative blood transfusion, vascular reconstruction, hospital stay, tumor recurrence, and all‐cause mortality were not different between the PE and NPE group.

Conclusions

Preoperative embolization was efficient and safe with a reduction of intraoperative blood loss and operative time during CBT resection.
Protection and antibody levels 35 years after primary series with hepatitis B vaccine and response to a booster dose
Authors: Bruce Michael G. , Bruden Dana , Hurlburt Debby , Morris Julie , Bressler Sara , Thompson Gail , Lecy Danielle , Rudolph Karen , Bulkow Lisa , Hennessy Thomas , Simons Brenna C. , Weng Mark K. , Nelson Noele , McMahon Brian J.
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

The duration of protection from hepatitis B vaccination in children and adults is not known. In 1981, we used three doses of plasma‐derived hepatitis B vaccine to immunize a cohort of 1578 Alaska Native adults and children from 15 Alaska communities who were ≥6 months old.

Approach and Results

We tested persons for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs) levels 35 years after receiving the primary series. Those with levels <10 mIU/ml received one booster dose of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine 2–4 weeks later and were then evaluated on the basis of anti‐HBs measurements 30 days postbooster. Among the 320 recruited, 112 persons had not participated in the 22‐ or 30‐year follow‐up study (group 1), and 208 persons had participated but were not given an HBV booster dose (group 2). Among the 112 persons in group 1 who responded to the original primary series, 53 (47.3%) had an anti‐HBs level ≥10 mIU/ml. Among group 1, 73.7% (28 of 38) of persons available for a booster dose responded to it with an anti‐HBs level ≥10 mIU/ml at 30 days. Initial anti‐HBs level after the primary series was correlated with higher anti‐HBs levels at 35 years. Among 8 persons who tested positive for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen, none tested positive for HBsAg or HBV DNA.

Conclusions

Based on anti‐HBs level ≥10 mIU/ml at 35 years and a 73.7% booster dose response, we estimate that 86% of participants had evidence of protection 35 years later. Booster doses are not needed in the general population at this time.
CSDL‐Net: An iterative network based on compressed sensing and deep learning
Authors: Bian Cong Chao , Cao Ning , Mao Ming He
Published: March 2022

Compressed sensing magnetic resonance imaging (CS‐MRI), as a traditional model‐based method, provides a theoretical framework for MRI reconstruction. The problems with traditional CS‐MRI reconstruction are solved by iterative numerical solvers, which have expensive computational cost and are long time consuming, limiting its application in MRI reconstruction. At present, deep learning (DL) as a new data‐driven method has made rapid progress in the field of computer vision and image processing. In this article, we apply DL network model based on CS (CSDL‐Net), a DL method with compressed sensing thory, for MR image reconstruction to generate high‐quality images in a short time with a lower sampling rate. It includes three blocks: data fusion block, image reconstruction block, and image fusion block. We utilize single‐coil part from FastMRI dataset, a widely known public database. Results show that the validation set. The average peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) was 32.31 dB, and the structural similarity (SSIM) was 0.729, with a processing time of 1.21 s on the graphics processing unit (GPU). Therefore, the proposed method has a shorter reconstruction time and better image quality than the existing methods.
Oxidative stress in patients with asthma and its relation to uncontrolled asthma
Authors: Ammar Mariam , Bahloul Najla , Amri Oumayma , Omri Ribh , Ghozzi Hanene , Kammoun Samy , Zeghal Khaled , Ben Mahmoud Lobna
Published: March 2022

This study aims to evaluate markers of oxidative stress in Tunisian asthmatic patients and investigate whether their markers are correlated with uncontrolled asthma.

This prospective cohort study was conducted on 48 healthy subjects and 60 patients with asthma (34 patients with controlled asthma and 26 patients with uncontrolled asthma). The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and glutathione (GSH), as well as the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were estimated in plasma by spectrophotometry.

Asthmatic patients have significantly higher plasmatic levels of MDA and AOPP than healthy controls (p < 0.001). Lower GSH level and GPx activity were found in patients with asthma compared to controls (p < 0.001). In contrast, higher SOD activity was noted in asthmatic patients (p < 0.001).

The comparison among the patients with controlled asthma and uncontrolled asthma revealed increased MDA and AOPP levels and SOD activity (p < 0.001) as well as a decreased GSH level and GPx activity (p = 0.004, p = 0.019) in patients with uncontrolled asthma. Spirometry level was significantly correlated with SOD activity (r = 0.447; p = 0.010), whereas no significant correlations were found with the other parameters (MDA, AOPP, GSH, and GPx).

Asthmatic patients, especially those with uncontrolled asthma, suffer a high degree of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation causing considerable oxidative stress. Increased MDA level and SOD activity and reduced GPx activity were predictors of poorly controlled asthma.
Screening and identification of biomarkers associated with the immune infiltration of intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Guo Hao , Zhang Yanjun , Hu Zhanfei , Wang Li , Du Hongyin
Published: March 2022

Background

Recent studies showed that inflammation and immunity might play essential roles in the progression of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the underlying mechanisms for changes at the cellular and molecular levels after ICH remain unclear.

Methods

We downloaded the microarray dataset of ICH from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differential expression gene analysis was obtained by weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA). We got the hub genes and performed the biological functions and signaling pathways of these genes by Metascape. GSVA algorithm was used to evaluate the potential physical function of time‐varying ICH samples. We used single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to assess the immune signatures infiltration and analyzed the correlation between hub genes and immune signatures.

Results

The data sets of all 22 ICH samples in GSE125512 were examined by the WGCNA R package. We finally screened five hub genes (GAPDH, PF4, SELP, APP, and PPBP) in the royal blue module. Metascape analysis displayed the biological processes related to inflammation and immunology. Cell adhesion molecule binding, myeloid leukocyte activation, CXCR chemokine receptor binding, and regulation of cytokine production were the most enriched pathophysiological process. The immune signatures infiltration analyses showed that ICH patients’ early and late samples had different activity and abundance of immune‐related cells and types.

Conclusions

GAPDH, PF4, SELP, APP, and PPBP are identified as potential biomarkers for predicting the progression of ICH. This study may help us better understand the immunologic mechanism and shed new light on the promising approaches of immunotherapy for ICH patients.
Modeling of Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Insulin Aspart and Biphasic Insulin Aspart 30/70
Authors: Kulesh Victoria S. , Drai Roman V. , Zinnatulina Bella R. , Makarenko Igor E. , Pilyus Fedor G. , Khokhlov Alexander L.
Published: March 2022

This study includes modeling and simulation of insulin aspart pharmacokinetics (PK). The authors used PK data of biosimilar insulins—insulin aspart and biphasic insulin aspart 30/70—to develop a predictive population PK model for the insulins. The model was built via Monolix software, taking into account the weight‐based dosing and the dose and body‐weight effects on the parameters. The model‐based simulations were performed using the R package mlxR for various administered doses and various ratios of insulin aspart forms for a better understanding of the insulin behavior. The optimal model was a 1‐compartment model with a combination of zero‐ and first‐order absorptions, with absorption lag for the soluble form of insulin aspart and first‐order absorption for the insulin aspart protamine suspension. The assumption of identical behavior of 2 insulins at the distribution and elimination phases was made. The developed PK model was fitted successfully to the experimental data, and all fitted parameters displayed a moderate coefficient of variation. The PK model allows us to predict PK profiles for various doses and formulations of insulin aspart and can be used to improve the accuracy, safety, and ethics of novel clinical trials of insulin.
A negative feedback loop between fibroadipogenic progenitors and muscle fibres involving endothelin promotes human muscle fibrosis
Authors: Bensalah Mona , Muraine Laura , Boulinguiez Alexis , Giordani Lorenzo , Albert Victorine , Ythier Victor , Dhiab Jamila , Oliver Alison , Hanique Valentine , Gidaro Teresa , Perié Sophie , Lacau St‐Guily Jean , Corneau Aurélien , Butler‐Browne Gillian , Bigot Anne , Mouly Vincent , Negroni Elisa , Trollet Capucine
Published: March 2022

Background

Fibrosis is defined as an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Many organs are subjected to fibrosis including the lung, liver, heart, skin, kidney, and muscle. Muscle fibrosis occurs in response to trauma, aging, or dystrophies and impairs muscle function. Fibrosis represents a hurdle for the treatment of human muscular dystrophies. While data on the mechanisms of fibrosis have mostly been investigated in mice, dystrophic mouse models often do not recapitulate fibrosis as observed in human patients. Consequently, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to fibrosis in human muscle still need to be identified.

Methods

Combining mass cytometry, transcriptome profiling, in vitro co‐culture experiments, and in vivo transplantation in immunodeficient mice, we investigated the role and nature of nonmyogenic cells (fibroadipogenic progenitors, FAPs) from human fibrotic muscles of healthy individuals (FibMCT) and individuals with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD; FibMOP), as compared with nonmyogenic cells from human nonfibrotic muscle (MCT).

Results

We found that the proliferation rate of FAPs from fibrotic muscle is 3–4 times higher than those of FAPs from nonfibrotic muscle (population doubling per day: MCT 0.2 ± 0.1, FibMCT 0.7 ± 0.1, and FibMOP 0.8 ± 0.3). When cocultured with muscle cells, FAPs from fibrotic muscle impair the fusion index unlike MCT FAPs (myoblasts alone 57.3 ± 11.1%, coculture with MCT 43.1 ± 8.9%, with FibMCT 31.7 ± 8.2%, and with FibMOP 36.06 ± 10.29%). We also observed an increased proliferation of FAPs from fibrotic muscles in these co‐cultures in differentiation conditions (FibMCT +17.4%, P < 0.01 and FibMOP +15.1%, P < 0.01). This effect is likely linked to the increased activation of the canonical TGFβ‐SMAD pathway in FAPs from fibrotic muscles evidenced by pSMAD3 immunostaining (P < 0.05). In addition to the profibrogenic TGFβ pathway, we identified endothelin as a new actor implicated in the altered cross‐talk between muscle cells and fibrotic FAPs, confirmed by an improvement of the fusion index in the presence of bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist (from 33.8 ± 10.9% to 52.9 ± 10.1%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate the key role of FAPs and their cross‐talk with muscle cells through a paracrine signalling pathway in fibrosis of human skeletal muscle and identify endothelin as a new druggable target to counteract human muscle fibrosis.
Synthesis of mesoporous Pt@KIT−6/SAPO−11 VIA in situ encapsulation to catalyze the decarboxylation of oleic acid to C8–C17 alkanes
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Ma Jingye , Wang Minxin , Yuan Hong
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

A series of mesoporous Pt@KIT−6/SAPO−11 catalysts with SiO2:Al2O3 molar ratios of 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 and Pt loadings of 0.4, 0.8, or 1.2 wt% were prepared via an in situ encapsulation process using a PEO − PPO − PEO triblock copolymer (EO20PO70EO20, P123) as the mes. China 750001 oporous template and KIT−6 molecular sieves as the silicon source.

RESULTS

These catalysts were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), specific surface area analysis, and pyridine–infrared spectroscopy (Py − IR). The results showed that Pt nanoparticles with particle sizes of 3–7 nm were uniformly dispersed on the supports. These materials also exhibited good mesoporous structures with specific surface areas of 138–197 m2/g and average pore sizes of 7.1–9.9 nm. The specimens having a SiO2:Al2O3 molar ratio of 0.4 also showed an orderly strip−shaped pore structure. The Py − IR results indicated that the catalysts had both Brønsted acid and Lewis acid sites, with total acid contents in the range of 77.8–131.1 μmol/g.

CONCLUSION

The decarboxylation of oleic acid using these materials under CO2 was examined. The catalyst with a SiO2:Al2O3 molar ratio of 0.4 and a Pt loading of 0.8 exhibited the best catalytic performance and a C8 − C17 alkanes yield as high as 85.1% at 340 °C by using a catalyst−to−oil mass ratio of 1:10 and a reaction time of 5 h. This performance was attributed to the ordered mesoporous structure of this catalyst along with its high surface area (173 m2/g), good crystallinity (92.8%), suitable acid content (98.6 μmol/g), and abundant Pt metal active sites. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Active removal of anionic azo dyes (MO,CR,EBT) from aqueous solution by potential adsorptive capacity of zinc oxide quantum dots
Authors: Karim Samina , Ahmad Nisar , Hussain Dilshad , Mok Young Sun , Siddiqui Ghayas Uddin
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Organic dyes are extremely hazardous waste toxins because they can harm all living organisms as well as the environment. Among them, azo dyes are the most harmful, containing a non‐degradable azo group (NN); these dyes are highly hazardous for both humans and animals, even in low concentration. This research study aims to remove hazardous anionic azo dyes from aqueous solutions by a simple adsorption method using zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO QDs) synthesized by a facile precipitation method.

RESULTS

As synthesized, ZnO QDs were characterized by transmittance electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. The azo dyes Methyl Orange (MO), Congo Red (CR) and Eriochrome Black‐T (EBT) have been removed actively from an aqueous solution using the high adsorption characteristic of ZnO QDs. The results demonstrated that the adsorbent was efficient even at a low concentration at 0.05 g L−1. The maximum adsorption capacity of ZnO QDs at 27 ± 1 °C was 102.9, 124.3 and 60 mg L−1for MO, CR and EBT, respectively, and all these results have been observed in just 30 min. A pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir isotherm model satisfactorily suited the dye adsorption data and, up to three cycles, the ZnO QDs demonstrated outstanding reusability.

CONCLUSION

ZnO QDs showed not only efficient removal of individual dyes but also simultaneous removal of azo dyes from mixture solution and proved to be an effective, eco‐friendly, low‐cost adsorbent for dye decontamination in wastewater. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Design, synthesis, and fungicidal activities of novel ethylenediamine bridged thiazole derivatives containing oxime ether or oxime ester moieties
Authors: Tian Xue‐Rong , Peng Xing‐Jie , Zhao Tong‐Tong , Bian Qiang , Zhao Wei‐Guang
Published: March 2022

To study the influence of changing the piperidine ring on the fungicidal activity, at the same time based on the successful experience of opening the oxazoline ring, a series of novel ethylenediamine bridged thiazole derivatives containing oxime ether and oxime ester moieties were designed, synthesized, and first evaluated for their fungicidal activities against phytophthora capsaicae in vitro. The bioassays results showed that the target compounds possessed moderate fungicidal activities against phytophtho‐ra capsaicae. Compound 28b showed 53.6% fungicidal activity at 50 μg/ml. Oxime ether and oxime ester derivatives showed the similar level of activities. However, the activities of these compounds were lower than that of oxathiapiprolin, suggesting the piperidine ring was essential to maintain the fungicidal activities of these compounds. For the oxime ether derivatives, 16b, 22a, 25b, and 28b, the substituents on ethylenediamine have certain influence on the activity. Increasing the chain length of substituents is beneficial to the fungicidal activity. Meanwhile, these compounds were tested their fungicidal activities against other 9 fungi, and these compounds showed broad spectrum fungicidal activities. Some compounds exhibited more than 70% fungicial activities against specific fungi.
Flaxseed‐derived peptides ameliorate hepatic cholesterol metabolism in Sprague–Dawley rats fed a high‐cholesterol and high‐fat diet
Authors: Yuan Xingyu , Bao Xiaolan , Liu Xiaojing , Li Xuexin
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Plant peptides have been reported to have cholesterol‐lowering activities. Previous research has found that ≤1 kDa flaxseed peptide (FP5) reduces cholesterol absorption and synthesis in vitro. In this research, we investigated the cholesterol‐lowering activity of FP5 in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats fed a high‐cholesterol and high‐fat diet. In addition, amino acid sequences of FP5 were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–Orbitrap mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

FP5 supplement significantly decreased the serum and hepatic cholesterol levels and modulated the hepatic gene and protein expression of cholesterol metabolism‐related enzymes or regulators (3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR), Cholesterol 7 α‐hydroxylase, Niemann–Pick C1‐like 1, ATP‐binding cassette transporters G5 and G8). Eleven peptides were identified from FP5. These peptides were characterized as hydrophobic amino acids such as leucine (L), proline (P), glycine (G), isoleucine (I) and continuous sequences, including LP, LL, LG and II, with low molecular weights.

CONCLUSION

FP5 has a certain cholesterol‐lowering activity in SD rats fed a high‐cholesterol and high‐fat diet. The possible mechanism for ameliorating hepatic cholesterol metabolism of FP5 includes inhibiting hepatic cholesterol de novo synthesis, promoting the synthesis and excretion of bile acids, and inhibiting the reabsorption of bile acids during enterohepatic circulation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.