bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A numerical study on the safety belt‐to‐pelvis interaction
Authors: Naseri Hosein , Iraeus Johan , Johansson Håkan
Published: January 2022

The slide of the lap belt over the iliac crest of the pelvis during vehicle frontal crashes can substantially increase the risk of some occupant injuries. A multitude of factors, related to occupants or the design of belt, are associated with this phenomenon. This study investigates safety belt‐to‐pelvis interaction and identifies the most influential parameters. It also explores how initial lap belt position influences the interaction between lap belt and pelvis. A finite element model of the interaction between lap belt with pelvis through a soft tissue part was created. Belt angle, belt force, belt loading rate and belt‐to‐body friction as belt design parameters, and pelvis angle, constitute parameters of soft tissue, and soft tissue‐to‐pelvis friction as occupant parameters were inspected. For the soft tissue part, subcutaneous adipose tissue with different thicknesses was created and the effect initial lap belt position may have on lap belt‐to‐pelvis interaction was investigated. The influential parameters have been identified as: the belt angle and belt force as belt design parameters and the pelvis angle and compressibility of soft tissue as occupant parameters. The risk for the slide of lap belt over the iliac crest of the pelvis was predicted higher as the initial lap belt positions goes superior to the pelvis. Of different submarining parameters, the lap belt angle represents the most influential one. The lap belt‐to‐pelvis interaction is influenced by the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue between lap belt and pelvis indicating a higher risk for obese occupants.
A novel similarity measure of link prediction in multi‐layer social networks based on reliable paths
Authors: Yang Ruoqian , Yang Chao , Peng Xingfang , Rezaeipanah Amin
Published: January 2022

Online social networks are an integral element of modern societies and significantly influence the formation and consolidation of social relationships. In fact, these networks are multi‐layered so that there may be multiple links between a user' on different social networks. In this article, the link prediction problem for the same user in a two‐layer social network is examined, where we consider Twitter and Foursquare networks. Here, information related to the two‐layer communication is used to predict links in the Foursquare network. Link prediction aims to discover spurious links or predict the emergence of future links from the current network structure. There are many algorithms for link prediction in unweighted networks, however only a few have been developed for weighted networks. Based on the extraction of topological features from the network structure and the use of reliable paths between users, we developed a novel similarity measure for link prediction. Reliable paths have been proposed to develop unweight local similarity measures to weighted measures. Using these measures, both the existence of links and their weight can be predicted. Empirical analysis shows that the proposed similarity measure achieves superior performance to existing approaches and can more accurately predict future relationships. In addition, the proposed method has better results compared to single‐layer networks. Experiments show that the proposed similarity measure has an advantage precision of 1.8% over the Katz and FriendLink measures.
Vehicular multihop intelligent transportation framework for effective communication in vehicular ad‐hoc networks
Authors: Theerthagiri Prasannavenkatesan , Gopala Krishnan Chandrasekaran
Published: January 2022

In the smart city, the presence of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) is much essential. The emerging vehicular ad‐hoc networks (VANET) technology offers a wide range of applications in transportation, mobility, connectivity, and safety applications. In this decade, vehicular traffic is a prime hassle. The actual‐instant traffic data to drivers along with navigation system would facilitate vehicles to select an excellent path. This article proposes hybrid VANET architecture for effective communication between vehicles. The proposed hybrid architecture uses the multihop routing algorithm to permit vehicles to enlarge their driving performance and road safety. The proposed hybrid vehicular multihop routing algorithm with intelligent transportation system (Hybrid VMR‐ITS) allows the transportation system for instantaneous communications between vehicles and road‐side units (RSUs) and vehicles‐traffic servers effectively. The proposed work enhanced the whole spatial usage of a road network by reducing average vehicle travel costs with a reduced traffic overhead of 4%–9% compared with existing works.
A survey on effects of adding explanations to recommender systems
Authors: Vultureanu‐Albişi Alexandra , Bădică Costin
Published: January 2022

Explainable recommendations become essential when we need to improve the performance of recommendations and to increase user confidence. Explanations are effective when end users can build a complete and correct mental representation of the inferential process of a recommender system. This paper presents our view on the background regarding the implications of explainability applied to recommender systems. Our work contributes to the better understanding of the concept of explainable recommendation and it offers a broader picture of the development of further research in this field. Additionally, we contribute by providing a better understanding of the concept of human‐centered evaluation of explainable recommender systems.
Multi‐core accelerated simulation of x‐ray projection based on Unigraphics NX model
Authors: Zhang Shunli , Zhang Shang , Liu Yuanzhen , Zhang Yuhe , Zhang Haibo
Published: January 2022

In computed tomography, the simulation of x‐ray projection is very important for developing and evaluating image reconstruction methods. Currently, the computer aided design models have been used for projection simulation. Compared with the stereolithographic model, the Unigraphics NX (UG) model can describe complex objects with multiple materials. However, calculating the intersection of a ray with a UG model can only be performed by an internal function, which greatly decreases the efficiency of the projection simulation. Therefore, we propose a fast method for projection simulation based on multi‐core. In this method, we use the internal function to calculate the intersection points and the corresponding face normal vectors for a ray. By computing the dot product between the direction vector of the ray and the face normal vectors, we can determine the entry and exit point pairs, and further obtain the simulation projection. On this basis, the projection simulation tasks are evenly decomposed to multiple processes. Then, we invoke these processes by multi‐thread in a main process, and realize parallel implementation of the projection simulation. Numerical experiments demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the method, and we can obtain nearly linear speedup of the multi‐core acceleration.
Control of aflatoxin using atoxigenic strains and irrigation management is complicated by maize hybrid diversity
Authors: Pekar Jacob J. , Murray Seth C. , Isakeit Thomas , Pruter Luke S. , Wahl Nancy J. , Brewer Michael J.
Published: January 2022

Mycotoxins produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus are harmful to humans and animals that feed on contaminated products. This study was conducted to determine if there are any interactions between applications of an atoxigenic A. flavus, irrigation regimes, locations, and hybrids that affect contamination of maize (Zea mays L.). Total genotypic variation was 3.8% for transformed aflatoxin data, suggesting that the diverse hybrids used were a minor to moderate driver of aflatoxin variation in this experiment. Location (Loc) × year × irrigated (Irr) × genotype (Gen) for transformed aflatoxin explained 3.3% variation, which is useful in selecting reduced aflatoxin‐susceptible genotypes in differing environments. Variation from atoxigenic inoculation (Inoc) explained 2.7% variation and reduced aflatoxin accumulation by 11% on average. Location × Inoc explained 2.1% of variation, supporting the effectiveness of atoxigenic applications dependent on different locations. All effects containing Inoc × Gen totaled .45%, suggesting that genotypes could have a small influence on effectiveness of atoxigenic applications. These are critical components to understand that can aid a breeder in selecting aflatoxin‐tolerant germplasm.
Content, composition, and transfer of polyunsaturated fatty acids in an Arctic lake food web
Authors: Grosbois Guillaume , Power Michael , Evans Marlene , Koehler Geoff , Rautio Milla
Published: January 2022

Freshwater fish production depends on the production and use of polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA) from lower trophic levels. Here, we aimed to identify the main trophic pathways that support PUFA content in different fish species (mean 39.7 mg/g dry weight) used in the subsistence fishery of the Inuit community in Greiner Lake near Cambridge Bay (Nunavut, Canada). We used stable isotope and taxon‐specific PUFA stocks, to show that the lake food web was divided into distinctive pelagic and littoral benthic food webs and that different fish species obtained their PUFA from different sources within those food webs. The most concentrated fish in n‐3 PUFA was Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) that obtained nutritionally valuable PUFA compounds by feeding on pelagic zooplankton rich in the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA and on littoral prey with lower PUFA content. The pelagic consumer, lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), that fed on mysids and zooplankton was also rich in n‐3 PUFA. The least concentrated in n‐3 PUFA was lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) that obtained PUFA from low n‐3 PUFA sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) and macroinvertebrates and from n‐3 PUFA‐rich littoral mysids. The benthic PUFA were entirely made of n‐6 fatty acids and no n‐3 PUFA were detected. We further quantified that from the mean daily phytoplankton production of 319 mg C·m−2·d−1, 2.9% was assimilated by zooplankton (9.4 mg C·m−2·d−1) and thereby made available to pelagic fish. The food webs to which fish belonged were supported by PUFA produced in the pelagic and benthic zones but likely complemented by inputs from the watershed. The description of the main PUFA pathways of the Greiner Lake food webs explains for the first time the trophic interactions and underlying mechanisms responsible for the health of the fish community in a high‐Arctic lake.
The effects of pollinator diversity on pollination function
Authors: Loy Xingwen , Brosi Berry J.
Published: January 2022

Pollination is a key ecological function of most terrestrial ecosystems. Decades of research on single‐trophic‐level communities, particularly plant communities, have helped to build the foundation of diversity–function theory. Yet as it stands, this theory appears to be less useful for intertrophic‐level functions such as pollination, as evidenced by empirical findings that are often inconsistent with theoretical expectations. In this review, we evaluate how canonical diversity–function theory has been applied to pollination function, focusing on empirical studies of the mechanisms that drive pollinator diversity–function relationships. We first identified key features of pollination function that have hampered reconciliation with current theory. We then examined terminology for mechanisms used to discuss the findings from pollinator diversity–function studies that are sometimes inconsistent with established ecological concepts. We propose a revised diversity–function framework and describe two non‐canonical diversity–function mechanisms that are particularly applicable to pollination. The first, “interactive functional complementarity,” was identified previously but remains overlooked. The second, a new diversity–function mechanism, “functional enhancement,” occurs when pollinator diversity increases within‐niche activity. Finally, we discuss experimental approaches necessary to detect diversity–function effects in pollination.
Minimizing Carbon Content with Three‐in‐One Functionalized Nano Conductive Ceramics: Toward More Practical and Safer S Cathodes of Li‐S Cells
Authors: Li Ning , Sun Chang , Zhu Jianhui , Li Shun , Wang Yanlong , Xu Maowen , Li Changming , Jiang Jian
Published: January 2022

Using porous carbon hosts in cathodes of Li‐S cells can disperse S actives and offset their poor electrical conductivity. However, such reservoirs would in turn absorb excess electrolyte solvents to S‐unfilled regions, causing the electrolyte overconsumption, specific energy decline, and even safety hazards for battery devices. To build better cathodes, we propose to substitute carbons by In‐doped SnO2 (ITO) nano ceramics that own three‐in‐one functionalities: 1) using conductive ITO enables minimizing the total carbon content to an extremely low mass ratio (~3%) in cathodes, elevating the electrode tap density and averting the electrolyte overuse; 2) polar ITO nanoclusters can serve as robust anchors toward Li polysulfide (LiPS) by electrostatic adsorption or chemical bond interactions; 3) they offer catalysis centers for liquid–solid phase conversions of S‐based actives. Also, such ceramics are intrinsically nonflammable, preventing S cathodes away from thermal runaway or explosion. These merits entail our configured cathodes with high tap density (1.54 g cm−3), less electrolyte usage, good security for flame retardance, and decent Li‐storage behaviors. With lean and LiNO3‐free electrolyte, packed full cells exhibit excellent redox kinetics, suppressed LiPS shuttling, and excellent cyclability. This may trigger great research enthusiasm in rational design of low‐carbon and safer S cathodes.
M(II) (M=Cu, Ni) Assisted C−S Bond Cleavage and Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Amine on Non‐Innocent Salen Type Ligand Platforms by Varying Nitrogen vs. Sulfur Coordination Atoms
Authors: Bag Jayanta , Barman Souvik , Maiti Biplab K. , Pal Kuntal
Published: January 2022

Herein, we report two newly synthesized salen‐type ligands, 2,3‐bis((3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxybenzyl)thio)maleonitrile (H2L1) and 2,3‐bis((3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxybenzyl)amino)malenonitrile (H4L2), bearing different coordination sites (sulfur vs amine) at maleonitrile tethered moiety to investigate metal mediated non‐innocence chemistry of these ligands. Upon metallation, ligand H2L1 did not yield simple metal‐ligand complex, rather ligand was split into two organic fragments, dithiolene moiety (mnt)2− and phenol moiety via C−S bond cleavage wherein (mnt)2− formed a stable metal complex [M(mnt)2]2−. The C−S bond cleavage was interpreted in terms of strong p(π) … d(π) interaction between metal and dithiolene moiety in H2L1 ligand that invoked the intramolecular rearrangement facilitating C−S bond cleavage. Interestingly, the phenol moiety further transformed to either unprecedented 2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐methylenecyclohexa‐2,4‐dienone (i. e. spiro compound; 5) or 2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐(hydroxymethyl)phenol (6) depending on the temperature of reaction and type of metal ion used which was further predicted using DFT calculation. On the other hand, combined experimental and DFT studies explained that upon metallation, ligand H4L2 yielded non‐cleavage [M(H2L2)] (3 for M=Cu(II) and 4 for M=Ni(II) ) complex, which slowly oxidized at −NH−CH2‐(amine) region to −N=CH− (imine) in H2L2 ligand under aerobic environment via C−H bond activation, yielding [CuII(L3)] (1) (or [NiII(L3)] (2) complex (H2L3=oxidatively dehydrogenated product of H4L2 ligand.
Synthesis and Self‐Assembly of Amphiphilic Ferrocene‐Selenopeptide Conjugates
Authors: Maurya Shakti K. , Swaroop Pathak Sushil , Panchakarla Leela S. , Singh Harkesh B.
Published: January 2022

Ferrocene (Fc) conjugated selenopeptides were synthesized using a new modified solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPSS) protocol and their self‐assembled nanostructure formation into spheres, nanofibers, and nanotubes studied. Four selenopeptide conjugates have been successfully prepared: two containing both selenocysteine (Sec) and Fc, the other two have either one of these units. These compounds were well‐characterized with various spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR. The importance of the Fc unit, aromatic moieties, and weak intermolecular interactions on the self‐assembled process was revealed by systematic morphological studies.
Synthetic Study of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural in Groebke‐Blackburn‐Bienaymé Reaction
Authors: de la Sovera Victoria , López Gloria V. , Porcal Williams
Published: January 2022

In the present study, we explored the reactivity of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF), a renewable platform chemical, as the aldehyde component in the Groebke‐Blackburn‐Bienaymé (GBB) multicomponent reaction. Given the limited stability of 5‐HMF under conventional conditions used for this reaction, acidic milieu in combination with high temperature or long reaction times, we explored factors which influence the course of the reaction (solvent, catalyst, time, and temperature) within the guidelines of previously reported green reaction conditions. Mild conditions and short reaction times were achieved to obtain good conversion and selectivity values. The reaction scope was exemplified by preparing a small compound library based on the optimized conditions varying the amidine and the isocyanide component. The hydroxymethylfuran moiety present in the GBB products, imidazo[1,2‐a]heterocycles, provides useful functionalization for further transformations, which could expand the diversity of the chemical space.
Acylation of Hexaphenylbenzene for the Synthesis of [5]Cumulenes
Authors: Johnson Matthew A. , Martin Max M. , Cocq Kévin , Jux Norbert , Ferguson Michael J. , Tykwinski Rik R.
Published: January 2022

The Friedel‐Crafts acylation of hexaphenylbenzene is reported, and the reaction favorably provides the monoacylated products1 aand1 b. The resulting ketones1 aand1 bare used as precursors for the formation of [5]cumulenes, including6 bin which the sterically demanding HPB moiety affords a diethynyl[5]cumulene that features significant stability (persistence) versus the analog6 cwhich lacks the HPB endgroups. The unsymmetrical substitution pattern of the two most soluble derivatives6 band6 c, allows for estimation of rotational barriers for diethynyl[5]cumulenes via VT NMR studies ofcis‐transisomerization. For both molecules, the barrier to rotation is ca. 15 kcal mol−1, which is attenuated in comparison to other [5]cumulenes due to the presence of the ethynyl endgroups.
Enantiocontrol over Acyclic Quaternary Stereocenters by Acylative Organocatalyzed Kinetic Resolution
Authors: Liu Xueyang , Pons Jean‐Marc , Monnier Valérie , Charles Laurence , Quintard Adrien , Bressy Cyril
Published: January 2022

In the present paper, we described the efficient enantioselective kinetic resolution (KR) of racemic diastereocontrolled secondary alcohols bearing a quaternary stereocenter using a commercially available chiral isothiourea organocatalyst. This methodology is a general KR leading to the enantiocontrol of acyclic quaternary stereocenter with high levels of stereoselectivity (s up to 185) on a large scope. The hydroxyl function can easily serve as a traceless group by oxidation or reduction process.
Quantification of allantoin and other metabolites of the purine degradation pathway in human plasma samples using a newly developed HILIC‐LC‐MS/MS method
Authors: Andries Asmin , Feyaerts Alan , Mekahli Djalila , Van Schepdael Ann
Published: January 2022

The development of a simple HILIC‐LC‐MS/MS method to quantify the plasma levels of allantoin, inosine, hypoxanthine, and adenosine, using stripped plasma for the bioanalytical method validation, was the purpose of this study. Chromatographic separation conducted using an XBridge BEH Amide column (2.1 × 150 mm, 3.5 μm) was achieved under gradient elution with two mobile phases: 0.1% formic acid–ACN (5:95) and 0.1% formic acid–ACN (50:50). Multiple reaction monitoring MS detection was performed using a triple quadrupole.

The method validation experiments were performed according to the European Medicines Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The lower LOQ was 50 nM, 5 nM, 20 nM, and 2 nM for allantoin, inosine, hypoxanthine, and adenosine, respectively. The recovery was repeatable and stable. The intraday precision ranged from 1.6% to 6.5%, while the interday precision ranged from 3.4% to 58.7%. Therefore, it is necessary to make a matrix‐matched calibration curve each day to overcome this issue. Since the quality control samples’ stability did not always comply with the guidelines, the samples need to be analyzed soon after collection.
Statistical analysis of multi‐day solar irradiance using a threshold time series model
Authors: Euán Carolina , Sun Ying , Reich Brian J.
Published: January 2022

The analysis of solar irradiance has important applications in predicting solar energy production from solar power plants. Although the sun provides every day more energy than we need, the variability caused by environmental conditions affects electricity production. Recently, new statistical models have been proposed to provide stochastic simulations of high‐resolution data to downscale and forecast solar irradiance measurements. Most of the existing models are linear and highly depend on normality assumptions. However, solar irradiance shows strong nonlinearity and is only measured during the day time. Thus, we propose a new multi‐day threshold autoregressive model to quantify the variability of the daily irradiance time series. We establish the sufficient conditions for our model to be stationary, and we develop an inferential procedure to estimate the model parameters. When we apply our model to study the statistical properties of observed irradiance data in Guadeloupe island group, a French overseas region located in the Southern Caribbean Sea, we are able to characterize two states of the irradiance series. These states represent the clear‐sky and non‐clear sky regimes. Using our model, we are able to simulate irradiance series that behave similarly to the real data in mean and variability, and more accurate forecasts compared to linear models.
Retracted: Hyaluronic acid‐rich burger separator edible disc prepared from slaughterhouse waste
Authors: Kalantarmahdavi Mahboubeh , Salari Amir , Pasdar Zahra , Amiryousefi Mohamad Reza
Published: January 2022

In this study, the edible films from chicken feet (CF), ovine muscle fascia (MF), and bovine bone gelatin (Gel) were prepared and their characteristics were analyzed, and we also evaluated the sensory quality of raw and cooked hamburgers using the edible films. The quantities of the CF and MF hyaluronic acid were evaluated using colorimetry and spectrophotometry. The CF, MF, and Gel films were prepared by solvent casting method. Results indicated that the concentration of hyaluronic acid in CF (124.11 ppm) was greater than MF (101.11 ppm). The antioxidative property of the CF film (18.47%) was greater than the Gel (1.88%) and MF (Undetectable) film. The CF film was more resistant to water vapor permeability (2.75 × 10–9 g/m.s.pa) than the MF (1.57 × 10–8 g/m.s.pa) and Gel (1.5 × 10–7 g/m.s.pa) films. The Gel film had more appropriate mechanical properties than CF and MF films. The films kept burgers patties independent from one another and prevented them from sticking and freezing together. MF and CF films were able to promote the organoleptic properties of raw and cooked hamburgers in taste and texture.
Brittle tectonics in the western Arunachal Himalayan frontal fold belt, northeast India: Change in stress regime from pre‐collisional extension to collisional compression
Authors: Goswami Tapos K. , Gogoi Mousumi , Mahanta Bashab N. , Mukherjee Soumyajit , Saikia Hiruj , Shaikh Mohamedharoon A. , Kalita Pranjit , Baral Upendra , Sarmah Ranjan K.
Published: January 2022

The study of brittle deformation of the collisional mountains can explain its shallow crustal tectonic evolution and the palaeostress regime. The Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) zone in the western Arunachal Himalaya displays imbrication in the Permian Gondwana sequence between the MBT‐1 (/Bome Thrust/MBT‐Upper) in the north and MBT‐2 (/MBT‐Lower) in the south with consistent northerly dip. The Lower Gondwana rocks occur in the footwall of the MBT‐1 with the Proterozoic Bomdila Group in the hangingwall. The upper Gondwana rocks constitute the hangingwall sequence for the MBT‐2 with Neogene Siwalik rocks in the footwall. This article analyses palaeostress using brittle fractures in the Gondwana rocks that crop out for ~120 km2 in the study area. The fault‐bounded imbricate zone depicts eight brittle shear indicators and four sets of joints (J1 and J2: inclined and J3 and J4: subvertical). The signatures of the inherited pre‐Himalayan extensional deformation are preserved in the Lower Gondwana Miri Formation. The Bichom and Bhareli rocks exhibit brittle deformation features of the Himalayan Orogeny under strong ~N‐S compression. The palaeostress analysis of all joint sets indicates three phases of brittle deformation in the Gondwana and Siwalik rocks of the area. The subvertical joint sets and normal faults in the Miri Formation indicate a north‐northwest (NNW)‐directed extensional phase of the pre‐Himalayan origin. The inclined joint sets of the Bichom and Bhareli formations of the Gondwana sequence depict Himalayan orogeny with ~N‐S compressional phases. The third phase of brittle deformation in the Siwalik sequence depicts an east‐west (~E‐W) extension. The arc‐parallel extension in the frontal fold belt of the Arunachal Himalaya may be due to oblique India‐Asia collisional tectonics.
A weight of evidence approach for bioaccumulation assessment
Authors: Arnot Jon A. , Toose Liisa , Armitage James M. , Embry Michelle , Sangion Alessandro , Hughes Lauren
Published: January 2022

Bioaccumulation assessments conducted by regulatory agencies worldwide use a variety of methods, types of data, metrics, and categorization criteria. Lines of evidence (LoE) for bioaccumulation assessment can include bioaccumulation metrics such as in vivo bioconcentration factor (BCF) and biomagnification factor (BMF) data measured from standardized laboratory experiments, and field (monitoring) data such as BMFs, bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), and trophic magnification factors (TMFs). In silico predictions from mass-balance models and quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) and a combination of in vitro biotransformation rates and in vitro–in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) models can also be used. The myriad bioaccumulation metrics and categorization criteria and underlying uncertainty in measured or modeled data can make decision-making challenging. A weight of evidence (WoE) approach is recommended to address uncertainty. The Bioaccumulation Assessment Tool (BAT) guides a user through the process of collecting and generating various LoE required for assessing the bioaccumulation of neutral and ionizable organic chemicals in aquatic (water-respiring) and air-breathing organisms. The BAT includes data evaluation templates (DETs) to critically evaluate the reliability of the LoE used in the assessment. The DETs were developed from standardized testing guidance. The approach used in the BAT is consistent with OECD and SETAC WoE principles and facilitates the implementation of chemical policy objectives in chemical assessment and management. The recommended methods are also iterative and tiered, providing pragmatic methods to reduce unnecessary animal testing. General concepts of the BAT are presented and case study applications of the tool for hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) are demonstrated. The BAT provides a consistent and transparent WoE framework to address uncertainty in bioaccumulation assessment and is envisaged to evolve with scientific and regulatory developments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1235–1253. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
MARK2 potentiate aerobic glycolysis‐mediated cell growth in breast cancer through regulating mTOR/HIF‐1α and p53 pathways
Authors: Ponnusamy Lavanya , Natarajan Sathan Raj , Manoharan Ravi
Published: January 2022

The microtubule‐affinity regulating kinases (MARKs) family plays a crucial role in regulating breast cancer development and progression. However, its precise function and the relevant molecular mechanism in breast cancer have not yet been elucidated. In this study, analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data revealed that MARK2 expression was markedly upregulated in breast cancer tissues, and high expression of MARK2 was correlated with poor survival. Functional assays showed that MARK2 deletion or inhibition suppressed aerobic glycolysis and cell growth as well as induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, MARK2 stimulates mTOR‐mediated hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF‐1α) transcription activity and represses p53‐transcription activity in breast cancer cells. TCGA data revealed that MARK2 expression was positively correlated with mTOR, Raptor, S6K1, glucose transporter 1, lactate dehydrogenase, HIF‐1α, and 4E‐BP1 expression, whereas negatively correlated with p53, p21, and Bax in breast cancer tissue. Conclusively, our study demonstrated that MARK2 promotes breast cancer aerobic glycolysis and cell proliferation, and inhibits apoptosis, in part, through regulating mTOR/HIF‐1α and p53 signaling pathways. Overall, these findings point to the potential of targeting MARK2 for breast cancer treatment.
Oxygen transfer and bubble sizes occurring in a pilot‐scale cultivation of Bacillus velezensis 83 for the production of poly(γ‐glutamic acid) under two schemes of power drawn
Authors: Pulido‐Durán Nahyeli , Flores Celia , Serrano‐Carreón Leobardo , Manero Octavio , Galindo Enrique
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

The influence of power consumption on oxygen transfer during non‐Newtonian and surfactant‐producing microbial fermentations has been scarcely reported. In this work, we study the oxygen transfer and bubble size distributions in a real 100 L fermentation (producing poly(γ‐glutamic acid)) occurring under constant stirring speed (N) and under constant retrofitted power drawn (Pg/V).

RESULTS

For constant N fermentations, Pg/V and the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) decreased 40% and 70% during cultivation, respectively. Fermentations at constant Pg/V showed a decrease similar to that observed for constant N fermentations. Bubble size distributions were also similar for both operational conditions. Although an increase in bubble size was expected at constant N cultivations due to the increasing viscosity of the medium, the Sauter mean diameter (d32) decreased 65%. This singular behavior of d32 was likely caused by surfactin and bacillomycin, metabolites with strong surfactant activity produced by Bacillus velezensis 83 in the cultivations. The use of a constant Pg/V did not counteract the decrease in kLa due to the increase in viscosity. Although the presence of biosurfactants leads to an increase of interfacial transfer area by decreasing d32, the presence of these molecules and the increase in the medium viscosity affected kLa.

CONCLUSIONS

An atypical behavior of this system was found, especially in d32, different to that based on common correlations found in the literature. A complex interaction among the multiple factors involved in a real bioprocess for poly(γ‐glutamic acid) production was evidenced. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A Radiomic MRI based Nomogram for Prediction of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: Insights From a Three‐Center Prospective Study
Authors: Wu Lian‐Ming , Shi Ruo‐Yang , Wu Chong‐Wen , Jiang Meng , Guo Qiang , Zhu Yin‐Su , Tang Lang‐Lang , Xu Jian‐Rong , Pu Jun , Zhou Yan , Wu Rui
Published: January 2022

Background

Myocardial T1 and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction values have important roles in the prognostication of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, the traditional mean quantification of intensity levels is not sufficient.

Purpose

To evaluate a T1 map‐based radiomic nomogram as a long‐term prognosticator for HFpEF in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

A total of 115 SLE patients and 50 age‐ and gender‐matched controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T scanner; cine imaging, precontrast and post‐contrast T1 mapping and T2 mapping sequences.

Assessment

A radiomic nomogram was developed based on precontrast T1 mapping. Three independent readers assessed and compared the ECV value and the value of the radiomic nomogram for predicting HFpEF in SLE patients.

Statistical Test

Cox proportional hazard models, Youden index for determining cut‐off values for high HFpEF risk vs. low HFpEF risk classification, Kaplan–Meier analysis, intraclass correlation (ICC), and Uno C statistic test.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 27 (interquartile range, 19–37) months, 31 SLE patients developed HFpEF. Patients with elevated ECV (≥31%) and a higher output (≥42.7) from the radiomic feature “S_33_sum average” of the precontrast T1 map had a significantly higher risk of developing HFpEF than those who had lower ECV (<31%) and an output <42.7. Patients with a higher “S_33_sum average” value on precontrast T1 map had a significantly increased risk for HFpEF (hazard ratio, 1.363, 95% CI, 1.130–1.645), after adjusting for covariates including ECV and LVEF. Finally, “S_33_sum average” from precontrast T1 mapping had modest but significantly incremental prognostic value over the mean ECV value (Uno C statistic comparing models, 0.860 vs. 0.835).

Data Conclusion

The precontrast T1 map‐based radiomic nomogram, as a measure of diffuse myocardial fibrosis was associated with HFpEF and provided modest prognostic value for predicting HFpEF in SLE patients.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Genetic variation of E6, E7, and L1 genes of human papillomavirus 51 from central China
Authors: Ye Mengxia , Li Shuo , Luo Ping , Tang Xuan , Gong Quan , Mei Bing
Published: January 2022

The incidence of cervical cancer is closely related to high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV). Women in Jingzhou had relatively high susceptibility to HPV‐51, whose ratio was 9.61% (456/4743) among HR‐HPV‐positive samples and ranked fifth in all analyzed HR‐HPV types. In this study, variations and phylogenetic trees of HPV‐51 E6−E7 and L1 sequences were analyzed by MEGA‐X. The selective pressure was estimated using PAML. The B‐cell epitope of L1 amino acid sequences and T‐cell epitope of E6 and E7 amino acid sequences were further predicted by ABCpred server and IEDB website, respectively. In the E6−E7 sequences 14 single nucleotide variants occurred, among which 4 were nonsynonymous variants and 10 were synonymous variants. A total of 41 single nucleotide variants were identified in the L1 sequences, including 10 nonsynonymous variants and 31 synonymous variants. All the isolates of both E6−E7 and L1 were classified into the A variant lineage. In HPV‐51 E6−E7 and L1 sequences, no positively selected site was found. Two nonconservative substitutions, H119Y and N176S in L1, affected multiple hypothetical B‐cell epitopes. Three nonconservative substitutions, T86P, S100L in E6, and F29L in E7, affected multiple hypothetical T‐cell epitopes. Elucidation of the HR‐HPV prevalence characteristics and genetic variations of HPV‐51 in central China may contribute to future investigations of diagnostic probes, therapeutic or preventative vaccines with wider coverage.
Transmission dynamics and mutational prevalence of the novel Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 Omicron Variant of Concern
Authors: Saxena Shailendra K. , Kumar Swatantra , Ansari Saniya , Paweska Janusz T. , Maurya Vimal K. , Tripathi Anil K. , Abdel‐Moneim Ahmed S.
Published: January 2022

The novel Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variant, Omicron (PANGO lineage B.1.1.529) is being reported from all around the world. The WHO has categorized Omicron as a Variant of Concern (VOC) considering its higher transmissibility and infectivity, vaccine breakthrough cases. As of January 6, 2022, Omicron has been reported in at least 149 countries. Therefore, this study was planned to investigate the transmission dynamics and mutational prevalence of the novel SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant. The transmission dynamics and Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 divergence was studied using GISAID and Nextstrain which provides information about the genetic sequences, epidemiological, geographical, and species‐specific data of human, avian, and animal viruses. Further, the mutation prevalence in spike glycoprotein of Omicron was studied, and the frequency of the crucial mutations was compared with the other prevalent VOCs. The transmission dynamics suggest that the Omicron was first identified in South Africa and then it was reported in the United Kingdom followed by the United States and Australia. Further, our phylogenetic analysis suggests that Omicron (BA.1) was clustered distinctly from the other VOCs. In the Spike glycoprotein, the Omicron (B.1.1.529) demonstrates critical 32 amino acid changes. This study may help us to understand mutational hotspots, transmission dynamics, phylogenetic divergence, effect on testing and immunity, which shall promote the progress of the clinical application and basic research.
Fungi as veritable tool in bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons‐polluted wastewater
Authors: Alao Micheal B. , Adebayo Elijah A.
Published: January 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of diverse forms have found application in different industries and man heavily depends on these compounds for various purposes. Thus, tonnes of thousands of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are released into various water bodies yearly, resulting in pollution with great effects on aquatic lives, man, and the ecosystem at large. Hydrocarbon pollutions in wastewater are remediated by some physical and chemical methods with most of these techniques leaving a different form of harmful byproducts after the remediation. Furthermore, several species of fungi are important in the microbial bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in wastewater as they are capable of using these compounds as their source of carbon and energy in the presence of oxygenase. Fungal bioremediation is cost‐effective, safer, and ecologically friendly, in addition to fungi producing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradative enzymes in high amounts, both intracellularly and extracellularly. Although optimizing the growth requirement of fungi in the field is a major challenge, current advances in the application of fungi in bioremediation address this. This review discusses in detail the technology of fungal bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in wastewater and its beneficial roles to man and the ecosystem. The benefits of remediating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon‐polluted water with fungi and their metabolites via nanotechnology, immobilization, genomic manipulation, and other technologies to generate value‐added products are highlighted in this manuscript. Information in this review will provide useful important insights to researchers and industrial professionals in the bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.
Prognostic factors of overall survival in patients with recurrent disease following liver resection for colorectal cancer metastases: A multicenter external validation study
Authors: Park Lily J. , Daza Julian F. , Li Vivian , Workneh Aklile , Zuk Victoria , Claasen Marco P. A. , Hallet Julie , Martel Guillaume , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Serrano Pablo E.
Published: January 2022

Background

The clinical course of patients experiencing recurrence following hepatectomy for colorectal cancer metastases (CRM) is poorly defined. Previous studies associated shorter time to recurrence (TTR) in months, node‐positive primary tumor, and more than one site of recurrence with worse outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study across four Canadian institutions to externally validate previously established prognostic factors of overall survival (OS). We included consecutive adult patients who had a recurrence following curative‐intent liver resection for CRM. Prognostic factors were explored using a multivariable Cox regression model. Risk group cutoffs were identified through recursive partitioning. OS between low‐ and high‐risk groups was compared using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

This study included 471 patients. Shorter TTR in months (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93–0.97), presence of extrahepatic disease at first hepatectomy (HR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.18–5.50), and larger tumor size in millimetres (HR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02) were associated with worse OS. Median OS in the high‐ and low‐risk groups were 40.5 (95% CI: 34.0–45.7 months) versus 64.7 months (95% CI: 57.9–72.3 months; p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

We externally validated the prognostic significance of shorter TTR (<8.5 months) as a predictor of worse OS in patients who recur the following hepatectomy for CRM.
Same‐day mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection is safe for most patients with breast cancer
Authors: Tamminen Anselm , Meretoja Tuomo , Koskivuo Ilkka
Published: January 2022

Background and Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of same‐day mastectomy, with or without a sentinel node biopsy (SNB) and/or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we reviewed 913 consecutive women who underwent a simple mastectomy for breast cancer between the years 2014 and 2019 and were treated either with same‐day surgery (SDS) or an overnight stay (OS) regime. We reviewed all surgical complications, any unplanned return to care (RTC) and the rehospitalization rate for 30 postoperative days.

Results

A total of 259 patients (28%) were treated with SDS and 654 patients (72%) with an OS regime. There was no difference in RTC (odds ratio: 0.79 [95% confidence interval: 0.53–1.18], p = 0.26) or any major complications between the groups. None of the investigated subgroups, such as patients with previous neoadjuvant therapy, diabetes, obesity (up to a body mass index of 40 kg/m2), the American Society of Anaesthesiologist Class of 3, or elderly patients aged 75–84 years, showed an increased complication rate when treated with the SDS regime.

Conclusion

A same‐day simple mastectomy is safe with SNB and/or ALND. It can be performed safely for most patients with stable co‐morbidities.
Intensive care unit observation after pancreatectomy: Treating the patient or the surgeon?
Authors: Sutton Thomas L. , Potter Kristin C. , O'Grady Jack , Aziz Michael , Mayo Skye C. , Pommier Rodney , Gilbert Erin W. , Rocha Flavio , Sheppard Brett C.
Published: January 2022

Background

Routine intensive care unit admission (ICUA) is commonplace following pancreatectomy, particularly pancreaticoduodenectomy. The value of this practice in avoiding failure‐to‐rescue is poorly studied.

Methods

We queried our institutional National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database for patients undergoing pancreatectomy from 2013 to 2020. Postoperative dispositions, ICU courses, and hospital cost data in United States Dollars (USD) were captured. Data were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Six‐hundred‐thirty‐seven patients were identified; 404 (63%) underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Postoperatively, 398 (99%) pancreaticoduodenectomies and 110 (47%) distal pancreatectomies had ICUA; two‐thirds (n = 318, 63%) did not require immediate postoperative ICU‐level interventions at ICUA. Of these, 17 (5.3%) subsequently required ICU‐level interventions during initial ICUA, most commonly antiarrhythmic infusion (n = 12). Thirty‐day and 90‐day mortality in patients requiring immediate ICU‐level interventions was 5% (n = 10) and 8% (n = 16) versus 0.3% (n = 1) and 1.2% (n = 4) in those without, respectively. Hospital length of stay was significantly longer with initial ICU‐level interventions (median 11 vs. 9 days, p < 0.001), as were total ICU costs (mean 8683 vs. 14611 USD, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

At high‐volume pancreas centers, patients without immediate postoperative ICU‐level interventions are very low risk for failure‐to‐rescue. Ward admission with a low threshold for care escalation presents a significant opportunity for cost‐savings and un‐burdening ICUs.
Chemical profiling and quantification of multiple components in Jin‐Gu‐Lian capsule using a multivariate data processing approach based on UHPLC‐Orbitrap Exploris 240 MS and UHPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Zhou Zu‐Ying , Huang Yong , Xiao Jin‐Chao , Liu Hui , Wang Yong‐Lin , Gong Zi‐Peng , Li Yue‐Ting , Wang Ai‐Min , Li Yong‐Jun , Zheng Lin
Published: January 2022

The Jin‐Gu‐Lian capsule, a Chinese Miao herbal compound, is widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, a rapid, selective, and sensitive UHPLC‐Orbitrap Exploris 240 MS method was developed to analyze the chemical composition of Jin‐Gu‐Lian capsules. A total of 88 compounds were identified, including 23 flavonoids, 23 organic acids, 14 phenylpropanoids, 12 phenols, eight alkaloids, four terpenes, three quinones, and one ketone. Among these, 21 compounds were clearly detected based on a comparison with reference standards and selected as quality control markers. Thereafter, these compounds were simultaneously determined in the Jin‐Gu‐Lian capsules. The established method was successfully validated and applied for the simultaneous determination of 21 biologically active compounds in Jin‐Gu‐Lian capsules of 27 sample batches. Quantitative data of the analytes were analyzed using multivariate statistical analysis to determine the quality of the Jin‐Gu‐Lian capsules. Four compounds (JGLC6 [salidroside], JGLC8 [chlorogenic acid], JGLC12 [liriodendrin], JGLC19 [quercetin]) were identified as chemical markers for quality control of Jin‐Gu‐Lian capsules. Altogether, the established method was validated as a novel and efficient tool, that can be used for rapid analysis of Jin‐Gu‐Lian capsules. Accordingly, this study serves as a reference for scientific research on traditional Chinese and ethnic medicine.
Selective solid‐phase microextraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water based on oriented phosphorus‐containing titanium oxide nanofibers grown on titanium support prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection
Authors: Kang Jingyi , Chang Na , Wang Feifei , Liu Haixia , Wang Xuemei , Du Xinzhen
Published: January 2022

A novel solid‐phase microextraction coating of phosphorous‐containing titanium oxide composite was developed using titanium fiber as a support and a titanium source by hydrothermal oxidation in a phosphoric acid solution containing hydrogen peroxide. The morphology of the fiber coatings was controlled by the conditions of the hydrothermal oxidation reaction. The oriented nanofiber coating was employed to extract several types of representative aromatic analytes. The experimental results demonstrated that the as‐prepared fiber exhibited excellent extraction efficiency toward polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection, main extraction conditions were optimized, including pH, ionic strength, extraction temperature, stirring rate, extraction time and desorption time. The established method presented good linearity from 0.05 to 200 μg/L with limit of detection ranging from 0.012 to 0.126 μg/L. This convenient and green procedure was suitable for the selective extraction and determination of typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental water samples. The relative recoveries of 85.8–112% were obtained for the determination of target polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples spiked with 5.0 and 15.0 μg/L. Moreover, the as‐prepared fiber showed at least 210 extraction/desorption cycles due to its high mechanical and chemical stability.