bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic screening in Organ-on-a-Chip systems: a 1537 kinase inhibitor library screen on a 3D angiogenesis assay
Authors: Soragni Camilla , Queiroz Karla , Ng Chee Ping , Stok Arthur , Olivier Thomas , Tzagkaraki Dora , Heijmans Jeroen , Suijker Johnny , de Ruiter Sander P. M. , Olczyk Aleksandra , Bokkers Marleen , Schavemaker Frederik , Trietsch Sebastian J. , Lanz Henriëtte L. , Vulto Paul , Joore Jos
Published: July 2023

Modern drug development increasingly requires comprehensive models that can be utilized in the earliest stages of compound and target discovery. Here we report a phenotypic screening exercise in a high-throughput Organ-on-a-Chip setup. We assessed the inhibitory effect of 1537 protein kinase inhibitors in an angiogenesis assay. Over 4000 micro-vessels were grown under perfusion flow in microfluidic chips, exposed to a cocktail of pro-angiogenic factors and subsequently exposed to the respective kinase inhibitors. Efficacy of compounds was evaluated by reduced angiogenic sprouting, whereas reduced integrity of the main micro-vessel was taken as a measure for toxicity. The screen yielded 53 hits with high anti-angiogenicity and low toxicity, of which 44 were previously unassociated with angiogenic pathways. This study demonstrates that Organ-on-a-Chip models can be screened in high numbers to identify novel compounds and targets. This will ultimately reduce bias in early-stage drug development and increases probability to identify first in class compounds and targets for today’s intractable diseases.
Recursive least squares method for training and pruning convolutional neural networks
Authors: Yu Tianzong , Zhang Chunyuan , Ma Meng , Wang Yuan
Published: July 2023

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown good performance in many practical applications. However, their high computational and storage requirements make them difficult to deploy on resource-constrained devices. To address this issue, in this paper, we propose a novel iterative structured pruning algorithm for CNNs based on the recursive least squares (RLS) optimization. Our algorithm combines inverse input autocorrelation matrices with weight matrices to evaluate and prune unimportant input channels or nodes in each CNN layer and performs the next pruning operation when the testing loss is tuned down to the last unpruned level. Our algorithm can be used to prune feedforward neural networks (FNNs) as well. The fast convergence speed of the RLS optimization allows our algorithm to prune CNNs and FNNs multiple times in a small number of epochs. We validate its effectiveness in pruning VGG-16 and ResNet-50 on CIFAR-10 and CIFAR-100 and pruning a three-layer FNN on MNIST. Compared with four popular pruning algorithms, our algorithm can adaptively prune CNNs according to the learning task difficulty and can effectively prune CNNs and FNNs with a small or even no reduction in accuracy. In addition, our algorithm can prune the original sample features in the input layer.
Evaluation of the mobility of heavy metals in the sediments originating from the post-galvanic wastewater treatment processes
Authors: Lejwoda Paweł , Świnder Henryk , Thomas Maciej
Published: July 2023

The article presents the assessment of heavy metals mobility in sediments from the process of galvanic wastewater treatment (pH 2.5, Co 1.5 mg/L, Cr6+  < 0.02 mg/L, Cr(total) 62 mg/L, Cu 110 mg/L, Ni 129 mg/L and Pb 59 mg/L) based on the use of hydroxides (Ca(OH)2, NaOH) as well as inorganic and organic sulphur compounds (Na2S, sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate (DMDTC), sodium trithiocarbonate (Na2CS3), trimercapto-s-triazine trisodium salt, TMT). The leachability was assessed after 1, 7, 14 and 21 days of sediment contact with the leaching agent (deionized water). FeCl3 was used as a coagulant. The efficiency of metal removal changed within a range of 99.67–99.94% (for NaOH), 98.80–99.75% (for TMT), 99.67–99.92% (for DMDTC), 99.67–99.91 (for Na2CS3). The heavy metal content in the obtained precipitates changed within the following ranges: 0.1–0.2 g/kg (Co), 9.8–14.7 g/kg (Cr), 23.6–39.8 g/kg (Cu) 30.5–43.2 g/kg (Ni), 24.3–33.1 g/kg (Pb) and 12.2–18.7 g/kg (Cd). The leachability tests revealed the release of 34–37% of Cd, 6.4–7.5% of Ni and 0.06–0.07% of Cu after using an excess of Na2CS3 as the precipitant. The use of NaOH resulted in the release of 0.42–0.46% of Cr from the sediment, and the use of TMT 0.03–0.34% of Ni. The best immobilization of heavy metals was observed in the case of the precipitate resulting from the use of DMDTC as a precipitating agent. The findings may be useful for predicting the mobility of heavy metals in the sludge and assessing the risk involved so as to support their removal and management.
An Alternative Method to Analyze Waveforms from Bender Element Tests in Soft Clays
Authors: Fernández-Lavín Alfonso , Chamorro-Zurita Claudia , Ovando-Shelley Efraín
Published: July 2023

Bender element (BE) testing has become a widely used technique to evaluate S-wave velocities and to derive shear moduli from them in laboratory tests. Results of BE tests depend heavily on the proper identification of the S-wave travel time from waveforms often affected detrimentally by factors such as the near-field effect, crosstalk, noise, or drift. The authors have performed BE tests on soil specimens of Texcoco Clay over the last few years in triaxial cells and oedometers and have sometimes dealt with waveforms influenced by those undesirable factors thus, it was observed that the using of different available techniques to evaluate the S-wave travel time are often prone to errors. This paper shows that the S-wave travel time can be assessed unambiguously from the distance between the inflection points present in both the source and the received signals when waveforms generated with different input frequencies are superimposed, even in signals affected by the near-field effect, crosstalk, noise, or drift. This approach, named here the Wave Inflection Method (WI method), yields good results, at least when applied to data obtained from BE tests on soft Texcoco Clays. The method was validated by applying it to synthetic signals and experimental waveforms obtained from triaxial and oedometer tests equipped with BE. When applied to previously published waveforms on a wide range of soil types, our results suggest that the WI method significantly reduces subjectivity and produces improved reliability in evaluating the S-wave travel time.
Screening and Treatment for Co-occurring Gambling and Substance Use: A Scoping Review
Authors: Yarbakhsh Elisabeth , van der Sterren Anke , Bowles Devin
Published: July 2023

There is a high prevalence of gambling harms co-occurring with substance use harms. Where harms are co-occurring, they may be experienced as more severe. However, there is little evidence that services are systematically screening for such co-occurring harms in treatment-seeking populations. Furthermore, treatment modalities remain relatively under-developed, with treatment usually addressing only one source of harm.

This scoping review looks at the current literature on screening and therapeutic interventions for co-occurring gambling and substance use harms to understand how co-occurring harms may be managed in a treatment setting. It draws together available data on the intersections of substance use harms and gambling related harms, in a treatment context.

This research identifies a range of potentially useful validated tools for clinicians in substance use treatment settings to screen for gambling harms. For workers in gambling treatment settings who are seeking validated tools to screen for co-occurring substance use harms, the literature provides less guidance.

The validated toolbox of therapeutic interventions for those experiencing co-occurring substance use and gambling harms is relatively sparse. Psychosocial interventions appear to offer the best outcomes on gambling measures for those experiencing co-occurring substance use harms. Further research is needed to establish the benefits of different combinations of treatment and treatment types in achieving reductions across both substance use and gambling harms, when these harms are experienced concurrently.
Go beyond the limits of genetic algorithm in daily covariate selection practice
Authors: Ronchi D. , Tosca E. M. , Bartolucci R. , Magni P.
Published: July 2023

Covariate identification is an important step in the development of a population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model. Among the different available approaches, the stepwise covariate model (SCM) is the most used. However, SCM is based on a local search strategy, in which the model-building process iteratively tests the addition or elimination of a single covariate at a time given all the others. This introduces a heuristic to limit the searching space and then the computational complexity, but, at the same time, can lead to a suboptimal solution. The application of genetic algorithms (GAs) for covariate selection has been proposed as a possible solution to overcome these limitations. However, their actual use during model building is limited by the extremely high computational costs and convergence issues, both related to the number of models being tested. In this paper, we proposed a new GA for covariate selection to address these challenges. The GA was first developed on a simulated case study where the heuristics introduced to overcome the limitations affecting currently available GA approaches resulted able to limit the selection of redundant covariates, increase replicability of results and reduce convergence times. Then, we tested the proposed GA on a real-world problem related to remifentanil. It obtained good results both in terms of selected covariates and fitness optimization, outperforming the SCM.
Flash flood-risk areas zoning using integration of decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory, GIS-based analytic network process and satellite-derived information
Authors: Taherizadeh Mehrnoosh , Niknam Arman , Nguyen-Huy Thong , Mezősi Gábor , Sarli Reza
Published: July 2023

Assessing areas prone to flash floods is crucial for effective disaster management and mitigation. This study proposes a framework for mapping flood-prone areas by integrating geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing data, and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. The hybrid MCDM model combines the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) with GIS-based analytic network process (ANP) to evaluate flood vulnerability in Golestan province, Iran. Fourteen criteria related to flood potential, including elevation, slope, aspect, vegetation density, soil moisture, flow direction, river distance, rainfall and runoff, flow time, geomorphology, drainage density, soil type, lithology, and land use, were considered. In areas where official data was lacking, a questionnaire was administered to gather information from 15 specialists, experts, and 20 local managers. The relationships between criteria were analyzed using the DEMATEL method, and their weights were determined using the ANP method. Topography was found to have the greatest impact on flood risk, followed by the type of surface and vegetation cover. Hydrographic, soil and geology, climatic also influence flooding in the region. The study identified the northern and central parts of the study area being at higher risk of flooding compared to the southern part. Based on the flood intensity map, 68 villages (50% of all villages in the Qarasu watershed) with a population of approximately 83,595 were identified as at risk of flooding. The proposed GIS-DANP model provides a valuable tool for flood management and decision-making, aiding in risk reduction and minimizing casualties.
Smart soils track the formation of pH gradients across the rhizosphere
Authors: Patko Daniel , Yang Qizhi , Liu Yangminghao , Falireas Panagiotis , Briou Benoit , Tawade Bhausaheb V. , George Timothy S. , Daniell Tim J. , MacDonald Michael P. , Ladmiral Vincent , Ameduri Bruno , Dupuy Lionel X.
Published: July 2023

Aims

Our understanding of the rhizosphere is limited by the lack of techniques for in situ live microscopy. Current techniques are either destructive or unsuitable for observing chemical changes within the pore space. To address this limitation, we have developed artificial substrates, termed smart soils, that enable the acquisition and 3D reconstruction of chemical sensors attached to soil particles.

Methods

The transparency of smart soils was achieved using polymer particles with refractive index matching that of water. The surface of the particles was modified both to retain water and act as a local sensor to report on pore space pH via fluorescence emissions. Multispectral signals were acquired from the particles using a light sheet microscope, and machine learning algorithms predicted the changes and spatial distribution in pH at the surface of the smart soil particles.

Results

The technique was able to predict pH live and in situ within ± 0.5 units of the true pH value. pH distribution could be reconstructed across a volume of several cubic centimetres around plant roots at 10 μm resolution. Using smart soils of different composition, we revealed how root exudation and pore structure create variability in chemical properties.

Conclusion

Smart soils captured the pH gradients forming around a growing plant root. Future developments of the technology could include the fine tuning of soil physicochemical properties, the addition of chemical sensors and improved data processing. Hence, this technology could play a critical role in advancing our understanding of complex rhizosphere processes.
Follicular fluid composition and reproductive outcomes of women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilization: A systematic review
Authors: Moreira Mafalda V. , Vale-Fernandes Emídio , Albergaria Inês C. , Alves Marco G. , Monteiro Mariana P.
Published: July 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is recognized as one of the most prevalent endocrinopathy in women at reproductive age. As affected women tend to have poorer assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes, PCOS has been suggested to endanger oocyte quality and competence development. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the available evidence on how the follicular fluid (FF) profile of women with PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment differs from the FF of normo-ovulatory women. For that, an electronic search in PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted (up to December 2021). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Data retrieved from papers included (n=42), revealed that the FF composition of women with PCOS compared to those without PCOS predominantly diverged at the following molecular classes: oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, growth factors and hormones. Among those biomarkers, some were proposed as being closely related to pathophysiological processes, strengthening the hypothesis that low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress play a critical role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Notwithstanding, it should be noticed that the available data on PCOS FF fingerprints derives from a limited number of studies conducted in a relatively small number of subjects. Furthermore, phenotypic heterogeneity of PCOS hampers wider comparisons and weakens putative conclusions. Therefore, future studies should be focused at comparing well characterized patient subgroups according to phenotypes.
Statistical Effective Diffusivity Estimation in Porous Media Using an Integrated On-site Imaging Workflow for Synchrotron Users
Authors: Le Houx James , Ruiz Siul , McKay Fletcher Daniel , Ahmed Sharif , Roose Tiina
Published: July 2023

Transport in porous media plays an essential role for many physical, engineering, biological and environmental processes. Novel synchrotron imaging techniques and image-based models have enabled more robust quantification of geometric structures that influence transport through the pore space. However, image-based modelling is computationally expensive, and end users often require, while conducting imaging campaign, fast and agile bulk-scale effective parameter estimates that account for the pore-scale details. In this manuscript we enhance a pre-existing image-based model solver known as OpenImpala to estimate bulk-scale effective transport parameters. In particular, the boundary conditions and equations in OpenImpala were modified in order to estimate the effective diffusivity in an imaged system/geometry via a formal multi-scale homogenisation expansion. Estimates of effective pore space diffusivity were generated for a range of elementary volume sizes to estimate when the effective diffusivity values begin to converge to a single value. Results from OpenImpala were validated against a commercial finite element method package COMSOL Multiphysics (abbreviated as COMSOL). Results showed that the effective diffusivity values determined with OpenImpala were similar to those estimated by COMSOL. Tests on larger domains comparing a full image-based model to a homogenised (geometrically uniform) domain that used the effective diffusivity parameters showed differences below 2 % error, thus verifying the accuracy of the effective diffusivity estimates. Finally, we compared OpenImpala’s parallel computing speeds to COMSOL. OpenImpala consistently ran simulations within fractions of minutes, which was two orders of magnitude faster than COMSOL providing identical supercomputing specifications. In conclusion, we demonstrated OpenImpala’s utility as part of an on-site tomography processing pipeline allowing for fast and agile assessment of porous media processes and to guide imaging campaigns while they are happening at synchrotron beamlines.
Liquid submerged fermentation by selected microbial strains for onion skins valorization and its effects on polyphenols
Authors: Ramires Francesca Anna , Bavaro Anna Rita , D’Antuono Isabella , Linsalata Vito , D’Amico Leone , Baruzzi Federico , Pinto Loris , Tarantini Annamaria , Garbetta Antonella , Cardinali Angela , Bleve Gianluca
Published: July 2023

Onion skins, actually recycled as organic fertilizers, could be used as a substrate in environmental-friendly bioprocesses to recover high-value bioactive compounds and food ingredients.

In this work, a bioprospecting method was carried out including 94 bacterial and 45 yeast strains from several agri-food and environmental niches to verify their ability to grow on onion skins as unique nutrients source.

Red and yellow onion skins were assessed by newly selected starter-driven liquid submerged fermentation assays mainly aimed at the release and modification of polyphenols through microbial activities. Fermented onion skins were also investigated as a inexpensive favourable source of microbial enzymes (amylases, proteases, lipases, esterases, cellulases, xylanases).

In red onion skins, the treatment with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TB 11–32 produced a slight increase of bioactive compounds in terms of total phenolics, whereas with the yeast strain Zygosaccharomyces mrakii CL 30 − 29 the quercetin aglycone content increased of about 25% of the initial raw material.

In yellow onion skins inoculated, the highest content of phenolic compounds was detected with the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae En SC, while quercetin aglycone increased of about 60% of the initial raw material in presence of the bacterial strain L. plantarum C 180 − 34.

In conclusion, the proposed microbial pre-treatment method can be a potential strategy to re-use onion skins as a fermentation substrate, and as a first step in the development of a biorefinery process to produce value-added products from onion by-products.
Power Usage Effectiveness in Stratosphere Based Computing Platforms: Re-evaluation and Need to Re-establish Performance Benefits via an Intelligent Light Server Selection Architecture
Authors: Periola A. A.
Published: July 2023

The need to reduce data center operational costs has necessitated siting cloud computing platforms in cold locations such as the stratosphere. The stratosphere has also been found to play an important role in understanding life origins as it hosts life forms. The use of stratosphere based computing platforms however requires the hosting of multiple server payloads (requiring high energy consumption) at a higher altitude. In addition, smaller server payloads lead to smaller sized stratospheric computing platforms (SCPs) which limit interaction with stratospheric organisms. However, these challenges are not considered when designing SCPs. Hence, there is a risk of wrongly evaluating the power usage effectiveness (PUE) associated with SCPs. In addition, there is a risk of installing and deploying large sized SCPs thereby leading to contamination and limiting research potential on studying life forms. The research being presented proposes an intelligent architecture enabling the identification, selection and use of only light weight servers aboard SCPs. The incorporation of the intelligent architecture is observed to enhance the PUE by 43.9%. In addition, the use of the intelligent architecture is noted to enhance the overall PUE by 59.6% for hosting altitudes spanning the low to mid stratosphere regions. In addition, the reduction in server weight by an amount exceeding 92% is noted by simulations to enable the realization of a PUE that is close to the ideal value of unity.
Effect of square pulse current densities on anticorrosive behavior of Ni–Zn multilayer deposited coatings on mild steel
Authors: Shetty Akshatha R. , Hegde A. Chitharanjan
Published: July 2023

This paper reports the production of Ni–Zn multilayer alloy coating to improve the anticorrosive behavior of the mild steel material. The deposition technique follows the square wave current pulse technique. Initially, the effect of current densities on the anticorrosive behavior of the Ni–Zn was investigated. Later, the current densities were optimized in different combinations to get a multilayer of Ni–Zn with different degrees of layering. The Ni–Zn multilayer coatings were developed on the surface of mild steel with different numbers of layers by square pulsing current density of 1 Adm−2 and 3 Adm−2. The deposited Ni–Zn alloy coating was studied for its electrochemical behavior toward corrosion. Results revealed that the anticorrosive behavior of the multilayer Ni–Zn alloy coating was found to be many folds higher than that of monolayer Ni–Zn alloy coating. The comparison study of corrosion data revealed that (Ni–Zn)1/3/300 multilayer coatings are less prone to undergo corrosion among all developed monolayer and multilayer coatings. The corrosion rate of (Ni–Zn)1/3/300 was found to be less and in the range of 0.37 mm year−1 among all developed coatings.
Lenalidomide treatment of Japanese patients with myelodysplastic syndromes with 5q deletion: a post-marketing surveillance study
Authors: Uno Shuji , Motegi Yoko , Minehata Kenichi , Aoki Yasuo
Published: July 2023

Lenalidomide was approved in Japan for the treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes associated with a 5q deletion (del 5q-MDS) in August 2010. A post-marketing surveillance (PMS) study enrolled 173 patients with del 5q-MDS who started lenalidomide treatment between August 2010 and September 2011 (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age 72.4 ± 9.0 years) and observed for up to 6 cycles or 6 months. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and serious ADRs were reported in 78.0% and 50.9% of patients. The most commonly observed ADRs were thrombocytopenia or platelet count decreased (46.2%), neutropenia or neutrophil count decreased (42.2%), and rash (23.1%). Of 114 patients who were red blood cell transfusion-dependent at baseline, 39 (34.2%) achieved transfusion independence during lenalidomide treatment. Of 173 patients, 19 (11.0%) had confirmed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression during the study. Moreover, long-term follow-up (3 years) was available for 68 of the 173 patients, of whom 12 (17.6%) progressed to AML during the additional period. This PMS study investigated the safety and effectiveness of lenalidomide in patients with del 5q-MDS. No new safety concerns were noted in routine clinical use in Japan and no evidence was found for an increased risk of AML progression following lenalidomide treatment.
Nitrogen incorporated oxygen vacancy enriched MnCo2Ox/BiVO4 photoanodes for efficient and stable photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Xu Liangcheng , Zhang Yingjuan , Liu Boyan , Wang Xin , Zhu Gangqiang , Wang Lianzhou , Wang Songcan , Huang Wei
Published: July 2023

Oxygen vacancies in oxygen evolution cocatalysts (OECs) can significantly improve the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting performance of photoanodes. However, OECs with abundant oxygen vacancies have a poor stability when exposing to the highly-oxidizing photogenerated holes. Herein, we partly fill oxygen vacancies in a MnCo2Ox OEC with N atoms by a combined electrodeposition and sol-gel method, which dramatically improves both photocurrent density and stability of a BiVO4 photoanode. The optimized N filled oxygen vacancy-rich MnCo2Ox/BiVO4 photoanode (3 at.% of N) exhibits an outstanding photocurrent density of 6.5 mA·cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE under AM 1.5 G illumination (100 mW·cm−2), and an excellent stability of over 150 h. Systematic characterizations and theoretical calculations demonstrate that N atoms stabilize the defect structure and modulate the surface electron distribution, which significantly enhances the stability and further increases the photocurrent density. Meanwhile, other heteroatoms such as carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur are confirmed to have similar effects on improving PEC water splitting performance of photoanodes.
Soft computing models for assessing bond performance of reinforcing bars in concrete at high temperatures
Authors: Albostami Asad S. , Al-Hamd Rwayda Kh. S. , Alzabeebee Saif
Published: July 2023

The bond between steel and concrete in reinforced concrete structures is a multifaceted and intricate phenomenon that plays a vital role in the design and overall performance of such structures. It refers to the adhesion and mechanical interlock between the steel reinforcement bars and the surrounding concrete matrix. Under elevated temperatures, the bond is more complex under higher temperatures, yet having an accurate estimate is an important factor in design. Therefore, this paper focuses on using data-driven models to explore the performance of the concrete-steel bond under high temperatures using a Gene Expression Programming (GEP) soft computing model. The GEP models are developed to simulate the bond performance in order to understand the effect of high temperatures on the concrete-steel bond. The results were compared to the multi-objective evolutionary polynomial regression analysis (MOGA-EPR) models for different input variables. The new model would help the designers with strength predictions of the bond in fire. The dataset used for the model was obtained from experiments conducted in a laboratory setting that gathered a 316-point database to investigate concrete bond strength at a range of temperatures and with different fibre contents. This study also investigates the impact of the different variables on the equation using sensitivity analysis. The results show that the GEP models are able to predict bond performance with different input variables accurately. This study provides a useful tool for engineers to better understand the concrete-steel bond behaviour under high temperatures and predict concrete-steel bond performance under high temperatures.
Object embedding using an information geometrical perspective
Authors: Sugiura Taiki , Murata Noboru
Published: July 2023

Acquiring vector representations of objects is essential for applying machine learning, statistical inference, and visualization. Although various vector acquisition methods have been proposed considering the relationship between objects in target data, most of them are supposed to use only a specific relevance level. In real-world data, however, there are cases where multiple relationships are contained between objects, such as time-varying similarity in time-series data or various weighted edges on graph-structured data. In this paper, a vector acquisition method which assigns vectors in a single coordinate system to objects preserving the information given by multiple relations between objects is proposed. In the proposed method, a logarithmic bilinear model parameterized by representation vectors is utilized for approximating relations between objects based on a stochastic embedding idea. The inference algorithm proposed in this study is interpreted in terms of information geometry: them-projection from the probability distribution constructed from observed relations on the model manifold and thee-mixture in the model manifold are alternately repeated to estimate the parameters. Finally, the performance of the proposed method is evaluated using artificial data, and a case study is conducted using real data.
Ion Exchange Membranes in Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Processes
Authors: Habibzadeh Faezeh , Mardle Peter , Zhao Nana , Riley Harry D. , Salvatore Danielle A. , Berlinguette Curtis P. , Holdcroft Steven , Shi Zhiqing
Published: July 2023

The low-temperature electrolysis of CO2 in membrane-based flow reactors is a promising technology for converting captured CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels. In recent years, substantial improvements in reactor design have significantly improved the economic viability of this technology; thus, the field has experienced a rapid increase in research interest. Among the factors related to reactor design, the ion exchange membrane (IEM) plays a prominent role in the energetic efficiency of CO2 conversion into useful products. Reactors utilizing cation exchange, anion exchange and bipolar membranes have all been developed, each providing unique benefits and challenges that must be overcome before large-scale commercialization is feasible. Therefore, to direct advances in IEM technology specific to electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RRs), this review serves to first provide polymer scientists with a general understanding of membrane-based CO2RR reactors and membrane-related shortcomings and to encourage systematic synthetic approaches to develop membranes that meet the specific requirements of CO2RRs. Second, this review provides researchers in the fields of electrocatalysis and CO2RRs with more detailed insight into the often-overlooked membrane roles and requirements; thus, new methodologies for membrane evaluation during CO2RR may be developed. By using CO2-to-CO/HCOO− methodologies as practical baseline systems, a clear conceptualization of the merits and challenges of different systems and reasonable objectives for future research and development are presented.

Graphical Abstract
Antidiabetic activity of Cichorium intybus L water extract against streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Akhtar Md Sohail , Rafiullah Mohamed , Hossain Mohammad Amzad , Ali Mohammed
Published: July 2023

Diabetic mellitus is a chronic, incurable metabolism disorder caused by the lack of secretion of insulin by the pancreas. Currently, several plants are used for the treatment of diabetic mellitus. Cichorium intybus (C. intybus) is one of the medicinal plants used traditionally by Asian people to treat diabetics. In this regard, the aim of the work is to prepare different selected plant crude extracts and determine them for in vivo diabetic activity against streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. At first, the plant leaves powder was defatted with petroleum spirit. Then the defatted powder was extracted by water with a ratio of 1:8 for 48 h using the maceration method. The water was evaporated by using a rotary evaporator. The aqueous extract of the selected plant was administered orally (100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg) at intervals of 0, 2, 4 and 6 h compared to glibenclamide (3 mg/kg) and to measure blood glucose level by using a glucometer. The results showed that the blood glucose level decreased gradually with the increase of the time intervals. In addition, the blood glucose decreasing rate was increased with the applied dose increased. In conclusion, the selected plant water crude extract could be used to decrease the blood glucose level.
The Procalcitonin Combined with C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio as a Predictor of Mortality in Patients After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Xuan Chenhao , Wang Dapeng , Wang Song , Zhang Jiayue , Li Jiawei , Li Xiaowan , Liu Min , Chen Jingyu , Xu Hongyang
Published: July 2023

Background

The Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio have recently been used to predict early prognosis for intensive care unit (ICU) patients and patients undergoing major surgery. But there were few clinical studies in patients after lung transplantation (LTX).

Aim/Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the association between PCT combined with CRP/albumin ratio and 30-day mortality and predict the accuracy of PCT combined with CRP/albumin ratio for 30-day mortality in patients after LTX.

Method

From January 1, 2016 to December 1, 2020, the clinical data of 77 patients undergoing LTX who died within 30 days were retrospectively collected, we randomly collected 87 patients survived more than 30 days after LTX. ROC curve was used to evaluate the prognostic value of PCT combined with CRP/albumin in predicting mortality at 30 days after ICU admission, Cox proportional hazard model analysis was used to identify risk factors, subgroup analyses was conducted.

Results

Postoperative PCT, CRP, albumin, CRP/albumin ratio, atrial fibrillation, primary graft dysfunction (PGD) grade, the hours of postoperative mechanical ventilation (MV) and length of ICU stay between survivor and non-survivor had a significant difference. On Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, both PCT [HR 1.02 (1.00–1.05), P = 0.037] and CRP/albumin ratio [HR 1.438 (1.26–1.65), P < 0.001] were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. In all patients after LTX, the area under the curve (AUC) of PCT combined with CRP/albumin ratio for predicting 30-day mortality was 0.76 (95% CI 0.69–0.83). In subgroup analysis, the AUC of PCT combined with CRP/albumin ratio for predicting 30-day mortality was 0.83 (95% CI 0.75–0.91) in patients undergoing LTX for interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Conclusion

The PCT combined with CRP/albumin ratio could be a predictor of the outcomes in patients undergoing LTX. The predictive efficacy was better in patients undergoing LTX for IPF.
Molecular epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile isolates in a non-outbreak setting at a comprehensive cancer center
Authors: Mehta Neha , Harrington Jennifer M. , Wallace Meghan A. , Wasiura Jillianna M. , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Mullin Katherine M. , Segal Brahm H. , Almyroudis Nikolaos G.
Published: July 2023

Ribotyping was performed on Clostridioides difficile isolates from patients with malignancies. Thirty-one (27.9%) isolates from 111 episodes of colitis were recovered representing 14 ribotypes with 25 (80.6%) belonging to 6 ribotypes (014/020, 1/VPI/077/087, 05/015, 015/046, 05/053, 106/174). We identified three novel ribotypes with 1 carrying gene encoding for binary toxin.
Considerations for de-escalating universal masking in healthcare centers
Authors: Landelle Caroline , Birgand Gabriel , Price James R. , Mutters Nico T. , Morgan Daniel J. , Lucet Jean-Christophe , Kerneis Solen , Zingg Walter
Published: July 2023

Three years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, better knowledge on the transmission of respiratory viral infections (RVI) including the contribution of asymptomatic infections encouraged most healthcare centers to implement universal masking. The evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology and improved immunization of the population call for the infection and prevention control community to revisit the masking strategy in healthcare. In this narrative review, we consider factors for de-escalating universal masking in healthcare centers, addressing compliance with the mask policy, local epidemiology, the level of protection provided by medical face masks, the consequences of absenteeism and presenteeism, as well as logistics, costs, and ecological impact. Most current national and international guidelines for mask use are based on the level of community transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Actions are now required to refine future recommendations, such as establishing a list of the most relevant RVI to consider, implement reliable local RVI surveillance, and define thresholds for activating masking strategies. Considering the epidemiological context (measured via sentinel networks or wastewater analysis), and, if not available, considering a time period (winter season) may guide to three gradual levels of masking: (i) standard and transmission-based precautions and respiratory etiquette, (ii) systematic face mask wearing when in direct contact with patients, and (iii) universal masking. Cost-effectiveness analysis of the different strategies is warranted in the coming years. Masking is just one element to be considered along with other preventive measures such as staff and patient immunization, and efficient ventilation.
The Sedition Conundrum in India: A Critical Examination of its Historical Evolution, Current Application and Constitutional Validity
Authors: Yadav Vaibhav
Published: July 2023

The fundamental scheme of the Indian Constitution furthers absolute antagonism against the sedition provision that has its underpinnings in the archaic principles of the colonial era. Commentators on Indian law and politics have raised concerns that the country’s sedition law runs counter to India’s peculiar libertarian constitutional framework. The trepidation of the accused is intensified by ambiguous, vague and unclear wording of Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code. This article examines the judicial promotion of free speech in sedition cases as law under the aegis of Article 141 of the Constitution of India. By investigating its ancestry, the author proposes to shed light on the circumstances behind the conception and establishment of the Sedition Act in colonial India. The article further intends to comparatively analyse and examine the sedition statutes of India and other countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States of America, etc., with a comprehensive emphasis on the philosophy and rulings of the respective Supreme Courts. The article concludes by proposing that India’s arbitrary sedition statute should be repealed for being redundant and in derogation with the country’s professed legal compass, the “Rule of Law”.
Implications on growth performance, glucose metabolism, PI3K/AKT pathway, intestinal flora induced by dietary taurine in a high-carbohydrate diet for grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Authors: Pan Ling , Qian Jiahao , Liu Hongyu , Tan Beiping , Dong Xiaohui , Yang Qihui , Chi Shuyan , Zhang Shuang
Published: July 2023

An 8-week experiment was performed to investigate the influence on growth performance, plasma biochemistry, glucose metabolism and the insulin pathway of supplementation of dietary taurine to a high-carbohydrate diet for grass carp. In this study, fish were fed diets at one of two carbohydrate levels, 31·49 % (positive control) or 38·61 % (T00). The high-carbohydrate basal diet (T00), without taurine, was supplemented with 0·05 % (T05), 0·10 % (T10), 0·15 % (T15) or 0·20 % (T20) taurine, resulting in six isonitrogenous (30·37 %) and isolipidic (2·37 %) experimental diets. The experimental results showed that optimal taurine level improved significantly weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed utilisation, reduced plasma total cholesterol levels, TAG and promoted insulin-like growth factor level. Glucokinase, pyruvate kinase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activities showed a quadratic function model with increasing dietary taurine level, while hexokinase, fatty acid synthetase activities exhibited a positive linear trend. Optimal taurine supplementation in high-carbohydrate diet upregulated insulin receptor (Ir), insulin receptor substrate (Irs1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (pi3k), protein kinase B (akt1), glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (gs3kβ) mRNA level and downregulated insulin-like growth factor (igf-1), insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (igf-1R) and Fork head transcription factor 1 (foxo1) mRNA level. The above results suggested that optimal taurine level could improve growth performance, hepatic capacity for glycolipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity, thus enhancing the utilisation of carbohydrates in grass carp. Based on SGR, dietary optimal tributyrin taurine supplementation in grass carp was estimated to be 0·08 %.
Mpho le Mphonyana: Two Iterations of Admissibility in Africa
Authors: Mosaka Tshepo Bogosi
Published: July 2023

The statutory formulation of the rules of evidential admissibility in African jurisdictions can be characterized into two, positive and negative, broad categories. This article uses the Sowetan trope of a pair of conjoined twins, popularly known as Mpho le Mphonyana in South Africa, to analyse these two formulations with a view of exposing eight doctrinal, institutional and theoretical fallacies associated with these (English) common law colonial inheritances in Africa. The continued, and popular, focus on the Euro-American world by African Evidence scholars, notwithstanding the prevalence of these kinds of fallacies, raises serious questions not only about the scholarly and institutional future of African jurisdictions, but also about what precisely Africans think of themselves in a world that renders them largely invisible for scholarly purposes.
Nematicidal activity of o-hydroxybenzaldehyde from common buckwheat methanol extract on Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Aissani N. , Aissani R. , Zouidi F. , Sebai H.
Published: July 2023

The nematicidal activity of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita was tested. Dried plant methanol extract presented higher nematicidal activity than fresh plant extracts with an EC50 = 62.6 ± 26.0 and 40.8 ± 26.1 μg/ml after 48 and 72 hours of immersion, respectively. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 17 aldehydes, with salicylaldehyde (o-hydroxybenzaldehyde) being the most abundant at 16%. Nematicidal activity of the latter and other aldehydes with chemical similarities was then assessed. The most active aldehyde was o-hydroxybenzaldehyde followed by m-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and benzeneacetaldehyde with an EC50 of about 11.0 ± 1.0, 31.0 ± 22.0, 75.0 ± 23.0 and 168.1 ± 52.3 μg/ml after 1 day of immersion, respectively. Position 2 of the hydroxyl group in the benzene ring seems to be very important for the nematicidal activity, followed by positions 3 and 4. As a complementary experiment, synergistic activity was observed when we added o-hydroxybenzaldehyde to m-hydroxybenzaldehyde and to p-hydroxybenzaldehyde with an EC50 after 24 hours of immersion of 8.0 ± 2.5 and 6.1 ± 2.3 μg/ml, respectively. Antioxidant activity assessment showed that this latter is inversely proportional to nematicidal activity. Our results showed that F. esculentum and its major compound salicylaldehyde could be integrated into the pest management system.
Failure to launch? The lack of populist attitudinal activation in the 2019 South African elections
Authors: Nyenhuis Robert , Schulz-Herzenberg Collette
Published: July 2023

Do South Africans hold strong populist attitudes? If so, who is the ‘populist citizen’ and have these attitudes been activated in the electoral arena? In this article, we make use of 2019 Comparative National Elections Project (CNEP) data to answer these questions. We find that populist attitudes tend to vary across levels of education, geographic location and racial groups. Given the constant supply of populist rhetoric from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), we expected this party to marshal electoral support from citizens holding the strongest populist attitudes. However, we contend that the party's racialised populism and radicalism ultimately handicapped it at the ballot box. The EFF ultimately suffered from citizens’ mistrust, its lack of credibility and savvy political moves by the ANC ahead of the election.
Lecanora caledonica – a new species in the Lecanora intumescens group (Lecanoraceae) from north-western Europe
Authors: Arup Ulf , Holien Håkon , Coppins Brian J.
Published: July 2023

Lecanora caledonica is described as new to science. Molecular analyses show that it belongs to the L. intumescens group. It is also rather similar in appearance to L. intumescens, but differs mainly chemically in containing only atranorin and an unknown UV+ ice blue substance. There are also anatomical and morphological differences to the other species of the group. The new species has a pronounced oceanic distribution and is so far known only from western Norway and Scotland.
Se familiariser au transport en commun par l’apprentissage d’outils de planification technologiques : effets d’un programme co-construit avec des partenaires de la communauté auprès d’aînés vivant avec des incapacités
Authors: Racicot-Lanoue François , Boissy Patrick , Audet Mélisa , Lacerte Julie , Levasseur Mélanie , Baillargeon Dany , Delli-Colli Nathalie , Pigot Hélène , Provencher Véronique
Published: July 2023

Cette étude visait à documenter comment un programme de familiarisation à l’utilisation du transport en commun influence l’expérience de mobilité des aînés. Ce programme a été co-construit avec des partenaires clés afin d’y inclure l’usage d’outils de planification technologiques et un accompagnement personnalisé tenant compte des incapacités des participants. Une étude de cas multiples (n = 7) a été menée selon une approche mixte convergente, combinant des méthodes qualitatives (p. ex., entrevues) et quantitatives (p. ex., cartes à puces). Les participants qui ont bénéficié davantage de la formation ont rapporté une meilleure connaissance du transport en commun et une plus grande confiance à utiliser l’autobus. Ils ont aussi effectué plus de sorties. Nos résultats suggèrent d’intégrer une destination « signifiante » et l’apprentissage d’outils de planification non technologiques à la formation pour en assurer la compatibilité avec les besoins et le niveau de littératie numérique des aînés. De futures études aideront à favoriser cette option de transport en amont de la perte du permis de conduire.
Moral Uncertainty and Our Relationships with Unknown Minds
Authors: Danaher John
Published: July 2023

We are sometimes unsure of the moral status of our relationships with other entities. Recent case studies in this uncertainty include our relationships with artificial agents (robots, assistant AI, etc.), animals, and patients with “locked-in” syndrome. Do these entities have basic moral standing? Could they count as true friends or lovers? What should we do when we do not know the answer to these questions? An influential line of reasoning suggests that, in such cases of moral uncertainty, we need meta-moral decision rules that allow us to either minimize the risks of moral wrongdoing or improve the choice-worthiness of our actions. One particular argument adopted in this literature is the “risk asymmetry argument,” which claims that the risks associated with accepting or rejecting some moral facts may be sufficiently asymmetrical as to warrant favoring a particular practical resolution of this uncertainty. Focusing on the case study of artificial beings, this article argues that this is best understood as an ethical-epistemic challenge. The article argues that taking potential risk asymmetries seriously can help resolve disputes about the status of human–AI relationships, at least in practical terms (philosophical debates will, no doubt, continue); however, the resolution depends on a proper, empirically grounded assessment of the risks involved. Being skeptical about basic moral status, but more open to the possibility of meaningful relationships with such entities, may be the most sensible approach to take.