bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of coating with chitosan enriched with different borates on the shelf life of fish fillet
Authors: Alak Gonca , Ucar Arzu , Parlak Veysel , Turkez Hasan , Kocaman Esat Mahmut , Atamanalp Muhammed , Abd El‐Aty A. M.
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

In this study, the effects of biofilm coatings obtained by immobilization of different borates – namely borax (BX), colemanite (COL), and ulexite (UX) – with chitosan (Ch) on the shelf life of rainbow trout fillets were investigated. The immobilization and characterization of borates in Ch were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential analysis. In determining the shelf life of fillets that were covered by immersion and stored for 15 days, microbiological (total aerobic mesophilic, psychrotrophic, lactic acid, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacteriaceae bacteria counts) and chemical analyses (total volatile basic nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, and pH levels) were performed at 3 day periodic intervals. In addition, the biodegradation of borates was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in biofilm‐coated fillets on the 1st, 8th, and 15th storage days.

RESULTS

The microbial results of the coatings enriched with borates (BX, COL, and UX) at different levels (0, 0.03, and 0.06 mg L−1) (due to the immobilization with Ch) show the shelf life was extended by 3–6 days in all of the treatment groups compared with the control.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that BX, COL, and UX coatings enriched by immobilization with Ch increase shelf life and improve fillet quality. In addition, the enrichment of BX, COL, and UX with Ch showed explicit natural protective effects. This study demonstrates that Ch‐enriched coatings of BX, COL, and UX can be used as natural bioactive nanocarriers to provide bioactive food ingredients in the seafood processing industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Phase 1 evaluation of an elastomeric nucleus pulposus device as an option to augment disc at microdiscectomy: Experimental results from biomechanical and biocompatibility testing and first in human
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Kohan Saeed , Bhargav Divya , Choi Johnathon , Perera Senori , Dean Cameron , Chopra Neha , Sial Alisha , Sandhu Harvinder S. , Apos Esther , Appleyard Richard , Diwan Ashish D.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Whilst microdiscectomy is an excellent reliever of pain for recalcitrant lumbar disc herniation (LDH), it has a high failure rate over time due to the ensuing reduction in mechanical stabilization and support of the spine. One option is to clear the disc and replace it with a nonhygroscopic elastomer. Here, we present the evaluation of biomechanical and biological behavior of a novel elastomeric nucleus device (Kunovus disc device [KDD]), consisting of a silicone jacket and a two‐part in situ curing silicone polymer filler.

Materials and Methods

ISO 10993 and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards were used to evaluate the biocompatibility and mechanics of KDD. Sensitization, intracutaneous reactivity, acute systemic toxicity, genotoxicity, muscle implantation study, direct contact matrix toxicity assay, and cell growth inhibition assay were performed. Fatigue test, static compression creep testing, expulsion testing, swell testing, shock testing, and aged fatigue testing were conducted to characterize the mechanical and wear behavior of the device. Cadaveric studies to develop a surgical manual and evaluate feasibility were conducted. Finally, a first‐in‐human implantation was conducted to complete the proof of principle.

Results

The KDD demonstrated exceptional biocompatibility and biodurability. Mechanical tests showed no Barium‐containing particles in fatigue test, no fracture of nucleus in static compression creep testing, no extrusion and swelling, and no material failure in shock and aged fatigue testing. Cadaver training sessions showed that KDD was deemed implantable during microdiscectomy procedures in a minimally invasive manner. Following IRB approval, the first implantation in a human showed no intraoperative vascular and neurological complications and demonstrated feasibility. This successfully completed Phase 1 development of the device.

Conclusion

The elastomeric nucleus device may mimic native disc behavior in mechanical tests, offering an effective way for treating LDH by way of Phase 2 and subsequent clinical trials or postmarket surveillance in the future.
Child posttraumatic stress symptoms in an acute injury sample: Patterns of associations among child report, parent report, and child heart rate parameters
Authors: Bailey Megan , Meiser‐Stedman Richard , Hiller Rachel , Haag Katharina , Lobo Sarah , Halligan Sarah L.
Published: February 2023

Parent–child agreement on measures of child posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is moderate at best, and understanding of this discrepancy is limited. To address this, we conducted an item‐level investigation of parent–child symptom agreement to examine the potential influence of parental posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) on parents’ reports of their child's PTSS. We also examined heart rate (HR) indices as possible independent indicators of child PTSD, examining patterns of association with parent versus child report. Parent–child dyads (N = 132, child age: 6–13 years, 91.7% White) were recruited after the child's hospital admission following an acute, single‐incident traumatic event. At 1‐month posttrauma, questionnaires assessing children's PTSS (self‐ and parental reports) and parental PTSS were administered. For a subset of participants (n = 70), children's HR recordings were obtained during a trauma narrative task and analyzed. Parent and child reports of child PTSS were weakly positively correlated, r = .25. Parental PTSS were found to be stronger positive predictors of parental reports of child PTSS than the children's own symptom reports, β = 0.60 vs. β = 0.14, and were associated with higher parent‐reported child PTSS relative to child reports. Finally, children's self‐reported PTSS were associated with HR indices, whereas parent reports were not, βs = −.33–.30 vs. βs = −.15–.01. Taken together, children's self‐reported PTSS could be a more accurate reflection of their posttrauma physiological distress than parent reports. The potential influence of parental PTSS on their perceptions of their child's symptoms warrants further consideration.
Rates of editor‐authored manuscripts among urology journals using blinded or non‐blinded review
Authors: Flanary James , Rengel Zachary , Sathianathen Niranjan , Lane Robert , Jarosek Stephanie , Barkve Nik , Weight Christopher
Published: February 2023

We compared publication rates of editor‐authored publications between journals that do not blind peer reviewers to author identity with one that does. Our hypothesis was that the if the identity of editors as authors is known to peer reviewers this may potentially bias the recommendation for publication. To do this, we queried Scopus for all publications from five top urology journals from 2013 to 2018, and linked them to a database of editors. Poisson regression analysis was used to compare publication rates of manuscripts with at least one editor as author between blinded journals and a non‐blinded journal. In separate analyses, we compared publication frequency before and after authors became editors and the frequency with which articles were cited. We found that the adjusted rate ratio of editor‐authored manuscripts comparing the non‐blinded journal to the blinded journal was 5.4 (95% CI 3.8–7.6) for ‘total publications’, and 1.9 (95% CI 1.5–2.2) among ‘articles only’. Median citation frequency was slightly higher among articles written by editors compared with non‐editors at 11 (3–26) versus 7 (2–16) (p < 0.001). We concluded that the blinded journal had a smaller representation of their editors as authors of their manuscripts, compared with the non‐blinded journals.
Carbon Quantum Dot/Chitosan‐Derived Hydrogels with Photo‐stress‐pH Multiresponsiveness for Wearable Sensors
Authors: Wei Xiaotong , Li Jie , Hu Zhirui , Wang Chen , Gao Zhiqiang , Cao Yang , Han Jing , Li Yingchun
Published: February 2023

In recent years, hydrogels have attracted extensive attention in smart sensing owing to their biocompatibility and high elasticity. However, it is still a challenge to develop hydrogels with excellent multiple responsiveness for smart wearable sensors. In this paper, a facile synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs)‐doped cross‐linked chitosan quaternary/carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels (CCCDs) is presented. Designing of dual network hydrogels decorated with CQDs provides abundant crosslinking and improves the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. The hydrogel‐based strain sensor exhibits excellent sensitivity (gauge factor: 9.88), linearity (R2: 0.97), stretchable ability (stress: 0.67 MPa; strain: 404%), good cyclicity, and durability. The luminescent properties are endowed by the CQDs further broaden the application of hydrogels for realizing flexible electronics. More interestingly, the strain sensor based on CCCDs hydrogel demonstrates photo responsiveness (ΔR/R0≈20%) and pH responsiveness (pH range ≈4–7) performance. CCCDs hydrogels can be used for gesture recognition and light sensing switch. As a proof‐of‐concept, a smart wearable sensor is designed for monitoring human activities and detecting pH variation in human sweat during exercise. This study reveals new possibilities for further applications in wearable health monitoring.
Periostin secreted from podoplanin‐positive cancer‐associated fibroblasts promotes metastasis of gastric cancer by regulating cancer stem cells via AKT and YAP signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Zhenxiong , Zhang Yanqiu , Guo Ergang , Zhang Yu , Wang Yanong
Published: February 2023

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are heterogeneous stromal cells present in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which play a critical role in gastric cancer (GC) progression. Here, we examined a subset of CAFs with high podoplanin (PDPN) expression, which is correlated with tumor metastasis and poor survival in GC patients. Animal models of gastric cancer liver metastasis monitored by micro‐PET/CT confirmed that periostin (POSTN) derived from PDPN(+) CAFs regulated CAFs’ pro‐migratory ability. Mechanistically, PDPN(+) CAFs secreted POSTN to modulate cancer stem cells (CSCs) through FAK/AKT phosphorylation. Furthermore, POSTN could also activate FAK/YAP signaling in GC cells to produce increased amounts of IL‐6, which in turn induced phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT in PDPN(+) CAFs. Prolonged PI3K/AKT pathway activation in PDPN(+) CAFs maintains the production of POSTN and the effect on CSC enrichment and GC cell migration. In conclusion, our study demonstrated a positive feedback loop between PDPN(+) CAFs and CSCs during GC progression and suggested a selective target for GC treatment.
Stakeholder discourse coalitions and polarisation in the hen harrier conservation debate in news media
Authors: Marino Filippo , Crowley Sarah L. , Williams Foley Nell A. , McDonald Robbie A. , Hodgson Dave J.
Published: February 2023

Conservation conflicts are complex and can be deep‐rooted, with stakeholders holding entrenched policy positions. The actors involved producing verbal interconnected interactions that form policy debates. Thus, conservation debates can be viewed as network phenomena with stakeholders forming coalitions in support of, or opposition to, certain policies and practices.

We used Discourse Network Analysis of print media to investigate the structure and dynamics of the stakeholder debate around the management of hen harriers Circus cyaneus, a bird of prey at the centre of a long‐standing conservation conflict in the United Kingdom.

We aimed to determine whether the structure of discourse coalitions changed among the diverse aspects of the debate and whether the polarisation of the debate has changed through time. Our search and selection criteria led to the analysis of 737 statements within 131 newspaper articles published from August 1993 to December 2019.

We show that, while the discourse network of the overall debate is quite unstructured, actors formed divergent coalitions when defining the conservation problem and its solutions. In contrast, discourses converged around reactions with positive or negative emotions in relation to events and issues of hen harrier conservation. Polarisation among actors has increased over time and peaked in the second half of the 2010s, concurrent with the release of the species recovery plan.

Our study highlights the value of analysing discourse networks in conservation policy debates. Discourse networks reveal which aspects of any conservation problem cause stakeholders to converge or diverge and can identify periods of intensified debate that, ultimately, contribute to informing conflict mitigation and resolution processes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
TUBB4B is a novel therapeutic target in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Zhenjie , Gao Shanshan , Wong Chi Chun , Liu Weixin , Chen Huarong , Shang Haiyun , Wu Zoe Yuet , Xu Lixia , Zhang Xiang , Wong Nathalie , Kuang Ming , Yu Jun
Published: February 2023

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma (NAFLD‐HCC) is an emerging malignancy due to the rising prevalence of NAFLD. However, no drug is available to target NAFLD‐HCC. In this study, we aim to unravel novel therapeutic targets of NAFLD‐HCC utilizing a high‐throughput CRISPR/Cas9 screening strategy. We utilized the Epi‐drug CRISPR/Cas9 library consisting of single‐guide RNAs (sgRNAs) targeting over 1,000 genes representing the FDA‐approved drug targets and epigenetic regulators to perform loss‐of‐function screening in two NAFLD‐HCC cell lines (HKCI2 and HKCI10). CRISPR/Cas9 library screening unraveled TUBB4B as an essential gene for NAFLD‐HCC cell growth. TUBB4B was overexpressed in NAFLD‐HCC tumors compared with adjacent normal tissues (N = 17) and was associated with poor survival (p < 0.01). RNA‐sequencing and functional assays revealed that TUBB4B knockout in NAFLD‐HCC promoted cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and cellular senescence, leading to suppressed NAFLD‐HCC growth in vitro and in vivo. We identified that TUBB4B inhibitor mebendazole (MBZ), an FDA‐approved drug, inhibited NAFLD‐HCC growth by inducing apoptosis and cellular senescence. Since protein expression of pro‐survival Bcl‐xL was induced in TUBB4B knockout NAFLD‐HCC cells, we examined combination of TUBB4B inhibition with navitoclax, a Bcl‐xL inhibitor that selectively targets senescent cells. Consistent with our hypothesis, either TUBB4B knockout or MBZ synergized with navitoclax to inhibit NAFLD‐HCC cell growth via the induction of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. In summary, TUBB4B is a novel therapeutic target in NAFLD‐HCC. Inhibition of TUBB4B with MBZ in combination with navitoclax synergistically inhibited NAFLD‐HCC cell growth, representing a promising strategy for the treatment of NAFLD‐HCC. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
The mechanism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane vesicle biogenesis determines their protein composition
Authors: Zavan Lauren , Fang Haoyun , Johnston Ella L. , Whitchurch Cynthia , Greening David W. , Hill Andrew F. , Kaparakis‐Liaskos Maria
Published: February 2023

Gram‐negative bacteria produce outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and contain bacterial cargo including nucleic acids and proteins. The proteome of OMVs can be altered by various factors including bacterial growth stage, growth conditions, and environmental factors. However, it is currently unknown if the mechanism of OMV biogenesis can determine their proteome. In this study, we examined whether the mechanisms of OMV biogenesis influenced the production and protein composition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa OMVs. OMVs were isolated from three P. aeruginosa strains that produced OMVs either by budding alone, by explosive cell lysis, or by both budding and explosive cell lysis. We identified that the mechanism of OMV biogenesis dictated OMV quantity. Furthermore, a global proteomic analysis comparing the proteome of OMVs to their parent bacteria showed significant differences in the identification of proteins in bacteria and OMVs. Finally, we determined that the mechanism of OMV biogenesis influenced the protein composition of OMVs, as OMVs released by distinct mechanisms of biogenesis differed significantly from one another in their proteome and functional enrichment analysis. Overall, our findings reveal that the mechanism of OMV biogenesis is a main factor that determines the OMV proteome which may affect their subsequent biological functions.
Development of an item bank for measuring prosthetic mobility in people with lower limb amputation: The Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS‐M)
Authors: Hafner Brian J. , Amtmann Dagmar , Morgan Sara J. , Abrahamson Daniel C. , Askew Robert L. , Bamer Alyssa M. , Salem Rana , Gaunaurd Ignacio A. , Gailey Robert S. ,   Collaborators (PLUS‐M Advisory Panel), Czerniecki Joseph M. , Fatone Stefania , Fergason John R. , Fothergill Ian , Kelly Valerie E. , Weber Eric L. , Whiteneck Gale G.
Published: February 2023

Background

Achieving mobility with a prosthesis is a common post‐amputation rehabilitation goal and primary outcome in prosthetic research studies. Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) available to measure prosthetic mobility have practical and psychometric limitations that inhibit their use in clinical care and research.

Objective

To develop a brief, clinically meaningful, and psychometrically robust PROM to measure prosthetic mobility.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted to administer previously developed candidate items to a national sample of lower limb prosthesis users. Items were calibrated to an item response theory model and two fixed‐length short forms were created. Instruments were assessed for readability, effective range of measurement, agreement with the full item bank, ceiling and floor effects, convergent validity, and known groups validity.

Setting

Participants were recruited using flyers posted in hospitals and prosthetics clinics across the United States, magazine advertisements, notices posted to consumer websites, and direct mailings.

Participants

Adult prosthesis users (N = 1091) with unilateral lower limb amputation due to traumatic or dysvascular causes.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Candidate items (N = 105) were administered along with the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Brief Profile, Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire – Mobility Subscale, and Activities‐Specific Balance Confidence Scale, and questions created to characterize respondents.

Results

A bank of 44 calibrated self‐report items, termed the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS‐M), was produced. Clinical and statistical criteria were used to select items for 7‐ and 12‐item short forms. PLUS‐M instruments had an 8th grade reading level, measured with precision across a wide range of respondents, exhibited little‐to‐no ceiling or floor effects, correlated expectedly with scores from existing PROMs, and differentiated between groups of respondents expected to have different levels of mobility.

Conclusion

The PLUS‐M appears to be well suited to measuring prosthetic mobility in people with lower limb amputation. PLUS‐M instruments are recommended for use in clinical and research settings.
Perceptions of stroke survivors regarding factors affecting adoption of technology and exergames for rehabilitation
Authors: Krishnan Shilpa , Mandala Mahender A. , Wolf Steven L. , Howard Ayanna , Kesar Trisha M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Task‐specific motor training and repetitive practice are essential components of clinical rehabilitation. Emerging evidence suggests that incorporating gaming interfaces (also referred to as “exergames”), including virtual reality and augmented reality (VR/AR)‐based interfaces for motor training, can enhance the engagement and efficacy of poststroke rehabilitation.

Objective

To investigate perceptions of individuals with stroke regarding technology and exergames for rehabilitation.

Design

This qualitative phenomenological study included a convenience sample of 11 individuals with stroke (61.7 ± 12.4 years, 6 women and 5 men, 63.5 ± 41.2 months post stroke).

Setting

Community.

Interventions

N/A.

Outcome Measures

Semistructured open‐ended focus‐group interviews to understand their perceptions on technology and exergames to improve recovery were coded using thematic content analysis.

Results

Individuals with stroke were comfortable using smartphones, computers, and rehabilitation technologies but had limited experiences using exergames and VR/AR devices. Individuals with stroke were motivated to use technologies and exergames to improve their functional recovery. Participants identified facilitators (eg, enhancing functional recovery, feedback, therapist supervision) and barriers (eg, safety, inaccessibility, inadequate knowledge) to adopting exergames in their daily lives. Participants wanted the exergames to be customizable, goal oriented, and enjoyable to maintain their engagement. They were willing to use exergames to improve their functional recovery but indicated that these games could not replace the therapist's supervision.

Conclusions

Despite having limited experiences with exergames, people post stroke perceived that exergames could promote functional recovery. The perspectives gained from the present study can inform user‐centered game design for neurorehabilitation.
Effects of mirror therapy on spasticity and sensory impairment after stroke: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Muñoz‐Gómez Elena , Inglés Marta , Aguilar‐Rodríguez Marta , Sempere‐Rubio Núria , Mollà‐Casanova Sara , Serra‐Añó Pilar
Published: February 2023

Objective

To review and synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) compared to active exercise‐based interventions (ie, cross‐training and conventional exercise) for reducing spasticity and sensory impairment in stroke survivors.

Type

Systematic Review and Metanalysis.

Literature Survey

Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), were searched.

Methodology

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated MT effectiveness in improving spasticity and sensory impairment in stroke survivors compared to a control group.

Synthesis

Fifteen RCTs (653 volunteers) were included. Spasticity improvements achieved with MT were similar to those obtained with cross‐training (standard mean difference [SMD]: 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.43 to 0.68). In addition, when further combined with conventional exercise, spasticity improved similarly in both groups (SMD: 0.10, 95% CI: −0.16, 0.36). Lastly, when MT plus exercise was compared to exercise alone, spasticity decreased in both groups (SMD: 0.16, 95% CI: −0.16 to 0.48). Nevertheless, none of the Interventions seem effective on sensory impairment (SMD: 0.27, 95% CI: −0.28 to 0.81).

Conclusions

MT is equally effective as other exercise therapies, such as cross‐training and conventional exercise, for improving spasticity in stroke survivors, whereas none of the explored interventions yielded beneficial effects on sensory impairment. Further well‐designed RCTs are needed to confirm the results.
Instrumental dead space: A glass ceiling for extremely low birth weight preterm infants? A dead space washout bench study
Authors: Danan Claude , Tauzin Manon , Jung Camille , Carbonnier Benjamin , Dassieu Gilles , Decobert Fabrice , Caeymaex Laurence
Published: February 2023

Background

When ventilating extremely low birth weight infants, clinicians face the problem of instrumental dead space, which is often larger than tidal volume. Hence, aggressive ventilation is necessary to achieve CO2 removal. Continuous tracheal gas insufflation can wash out CO2 from dead space and might also have an impact on O2 and water vapor transport. The objective of this bench study is to test the impact of instrumental dead space on the transport of CO2, O2, and water vapor and the ability of continuous tracheal gas insufflation to remedy this problem during small tidal volume ventilation.

Methods

A test‐lung located in an incubator at 37°C was ventilated with pressure levels needed to reach different tidal volumes from 1.5 to 5 mL. End‐tidal CO2 at the test‐lung exit, O2 concentration, and relative humidity in the test‐lung were measured for each tidal volume with and without a 0.2 L/min continuous tracheal gas insufflation flow.

Results

CO2 clearance was improved by continuous tracheal gas insufflation allowing a 28%–44% of tidal volume reduction. With continuous tracheal gas insufflation, time to reach desired O2 concentration was reduced from 20% to 80% and relative humidity was restored. These results are inversely related to tidal volume and are particularly critical below 3 mL.

Conclusion

For the smallest tidal volumes, reduction of instrumental dead space seems mandatory for CO2, O2, and water vapor transfer. Continuous tracheal gas insufflation improved CO2 clearance, time to reach desired O2 concentration and humidification of airways and, thus, may be an option to protect lung development.
A prognostic baseline blood biomarker and tumor growth kinetics integrated model in paclitaxel/platinum treated advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Ojara Francis Williams , Henrich Andrea , Frances Nicolas , Nassar Yomna M. , Huisinga Wilhelm , Hartung Niklas , Geiger Kimberly , Holdenrieder Stefan , Joerger Markus , Kloft Charlotte
Published: February 2023

Paclitaxel/platinum chemotherapy, the backbone of standard first‐line treatment of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), exhibits high interpatient variability in treatment response and high toxicity burden. Baseline blood biomarker concentrations and tumor size (sum of diameters) at week 8 relative to baseline (RS8) are widely investigated prognostic factors. However, joint analysis of data on demographic/clinical characteristics, blood biomarker levels, and chemotherapy exposure‐driven early tumor response for improved prediction of overall survival (OS) is clinically not established. We developed a Weibull time‐to‐event model to predict OS, leveraging data from 365 patients receiving paclitaxel/platinum combination chemotherapy once every three weeks for ≤six cycles. A developed tumor growth inhibition model, combining linear tumor growth and first‐order paclitaxel area under the concentration‐time curve‐induced tumor decay, was used to derive individual RS8. The median model‐derived RS8 in all patients was a 20.0% tumor size reduction (range from −78% to +15%). Whereas baseline carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin fragments, and thyroid stimulating hormone levels were not significantly associated with OS in a subset of 221 patients, and lactate dehydrogenase, interleukin‐6 and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio levels were significant only in univariate analyses (p value < 0.05); C‐reactive protein (CRP) in combination with RS8 most significantly affected OS (p value < 0.01). Compared to the median population OS of 11.3 months, OS was 128% longer at the 5th percentile levels of both covariates and 60% shorter at their 95th percentiles levels. The combined paclitaxel exposure‐driven RS8 and baseline blood CRP concentrations enables early individual prognostic predictions for different paclitaxel dosing regimens, forming the basis for treatment decision and optimizing paclitaxel/platinum‐based advanced NSCLC chemotherapy.
Carnosol inhibits KGN cells oxidative stress and apoptosis and attenuates polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes in mice through Keap1‐mediated Nrf2/HO‐1 activation
Authors: Ji Rui , Jia Fangyuan , Chen Xin , Gao Yue , Yang Jing
Published: February 2023

Excessive oxidative stress and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells lead to abnormal follicular development and ovulation disorders in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Carnosol is a plant‐derived polyphenol that has been proven to exhibit several cell protective effects. In this study, we established hyperandrogenic PCOS models both in vitro and in vivo. In the human ovarian granulosa cell line, KGN cells, decreased viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and apoptosis induced by DHT were partly reversed by carnosol. Western blotting results showed that carnosol treatment inhibited the DHT‐activated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by activating nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1). Knockdown of Nrf2 by transfecting with siRNA or inhibiting HO‐1 by zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) blocked the protective effects of carnosol. Computational modeling and pull‐down assay results confirmed the direct binding of carnosol to kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1). In vivo results showed that the intraperitoneal administration of carnosol (50 and 100 mg/kg) improved estrous cycle disorders, polycystic ovary, and decreased elevated androgen in the PCOS mice. In summary, Carnosol has an effective role in inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis in DHT‐treated KGN cells and protecting against mouse PCOS phenotypes through the Keap1‐mediated activation of Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling.
Cornuside, by regulating the AGEs‐RAGE‐IκBα‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway, ameliorates cognitive impairment associated with brain aging
Authors: Yu Lei , Che Ruomei , Zhang Weiku , Xu Jiekun , Lian Wenwen , He Jun , Tu Shuxin , Bai Xue , He Xiaoli
Published: February 2023

Anti‐Alzheimer's disease (AD) drugs can only change the symptoms of cognitive impairment in a short time but cannot prevent or completely cure AD. Thus, a more effective drug is urgently needed. Cornuside is extracted from Corni Fructus, a traditional Chinese medicine that plays an important role in treating dementia and other age‐related diseases. Thus, the study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of Cornuside on the D‐galactose (D‐Gal) induced aging mice accompanied by cognitive decline. Initially, we found that Cornuside improved the learning and memory abilities of D‐Gal‐treated mice in behavioral experiments. Pharmacological experiments indicated that Cornuside acted on anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. Cornuside also reversed acetylcholin esterase (AChE) activity. Meanwhile, pathology tests showed that Cornuside had a protective effect on neuron damage. Cornuside increased the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and down‐regulated the expression of receptor for advanced glycosylation end products (RAGE), ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) respectively. Further studies claimed that Cornuside had important effects on the expression of IκBα and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2). These effects might be achieved through regulating the AGEs‐RAGE‐IκBα‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway, among which, ERK1/2 might be the key protein. The study provides direct preclinical evidence for the research of Cornuside, which may become an excellent candidate drug for the treatment of aging‐related AD.
Overcoming the Trade‐Off between Optical Transmittance and Areal Capacitance of Transparent Supercapacitors for Practical Application
Authors: Ryu Ilhwan , Choe Geunpyo , Kwon Hyemin , Hong Dajung , Yim Sanggyu
Published: February 2023

It is substantially challenging for transition metal oxide nanoparticle (NP)‐based electrodes for supercapacitors to achieve high transparency and large capacity simultaneously due to the inherent trade‐off between optical transmittance (T) and areal capacitance (CA). This study demonstrates how this trade‐off limitation can be overcome by replacing some electrode NPs with transparent tin oxide (SnO2) NPs. Although SnO2 NPs are non‐capacitive, they provide effective paths for charge transport, which simultaneously increase the CA and T550nm of the manganese oxide (Mn3O4) NP electrode from 11.7 to 13.4 mF cm−2 and 82.1% to 87.4%, respectively, when 25 wt% of Mn3O4 are replaced by SnO2. The obtained CA values at a given T are higher than those of the transparent electrodes previously reported. An energy storage window fabricated using the mixed‐NP electrodes exhibits the highest energy density among transparent supercapacitors previously reported. The improved energy density enables the window to operate various electronic devices for a considerable amount of time, demonstrating its applicability in constructing a reliable and space‐efficient building‐integrated power supply system.
Synthesis and Nanostructure Investigation of Hybrid β‐Ga2O3/ZnGa2O4 Nanocomposite Networks with Narrow‐Band Green Luminescence and High Initial Electrochemical Capacity
Authors: Wolff Niklas , Braniste Tudor , Krüger Helge , Mangelsen Sebastian , Islam Md Redwanul , Schürmann Ulrich , Saure Lena M. , Schütt Fabian , Hansen Sandra , Terraschke Huayna , Adelung Rainer , Tiginyanu Ion , Kienle Lorenz
Published: February 2023

The material design of functional “aero”‐networks offers a facile approach to optical, catalytical, or and electrochemical applications based on multiscale morphologies, high large reactive area, and prominent material diversity. Here in this paper, the synthesis and structural characterization of a hybrid β‐Ga2O3/ZnGa2O4 nanocomposite aero‐network are presented. The nanocomposite networks are studied on multiscale with respect to their micro‐ and nanostructure by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and are characterized for their photoluminescent response to UV light excitation and their electrochemical performance with Li‐ion conversion reaction. The structural investigations reveal the simultaneous transformation of the precursor aero‐GaN(ZnO) network into hollow architectures composed of β‐Ga2O3 and ZnGa2O4 nanocrystals with a phase ratio of ≈1:2. The photoluminescence of hybrid aero‐β‐Ga2O3/ZnGa2O4 nanocomposite networks demonstrates narrow band (λem = 504 nm) green light emission of ZnGa2O4 under UV light excitation (λex = 300 nm). The evaluation of the metal‐oxide network performance for electrochemical application for Li‐ion batteries shows high initial capacities of ≈714 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 paired with exceptional rate performance even at high current densities of 4 A g−1 with 347 mAh g−1. This study provides is an exciting showcase example of novel networked materials and demonstrates the opportunities of tailored micro‐/nanostructures for diverse applications a diversity of possible applications.
Automatic testbed with a visual motion tracking system for airborne wind energy applications
Authors: Castro‐Fernández I. , DeLosRíos‐Navarrete F. , Borobia‐Moreno R. , Fernández‐Jiménez M. , García‐Cousillas H. , Zas‐Bustingorri M. , Ghobaissi A. T. , López‐Vega F. , Best K. , Cavallaro R. , Sánchez‐Arriaga G.
Published: February 2023

The architecture and a flight test campaign of a small‐scale testbed aimed at aerodynamic and dynamic characterization of airborne wind energy systems are presented. The testbed involves a two‐line rigid‐framed delta kite and an automatic ground station for the lateral control of the kite and reel‐in/reel‐out of the two tethers. The environment, and the states of the kite, the tethers and the actuators are measured by a set of on‐ground and onboard sensors that include, among others, an inertial measurement unit, GNSS receivers, load cells, actuator encoders, a wind station, and a visual motion tracking (VMT) system based on three cameras and an artificial neural network (YOLOv2). The results of a 5‐min flight, including the take‐off, cross‐wind flight, and landing, were used to analyze the capabilities of the testbed. It was shown that the time derivative of the kite course angle exhibits a linear correlation with both the delayed steering input and the delayed differential tether tension, being the dispersion lower for the latter. The intrinsic and extrinsic calibrations proposed for the VMT system led to a good agreement between the estimation of the kite position and course angle provided by the VMT system and the onboard computer. Moreover, although the YOLOv2 algorithm failed in the detection of the kite within around 5% of the images, the simultaneous non‐detection from the three cameras was below 0.1% during the full flight. Such a reliability suggests that a VMT system can be used as a redundant or backup sensor for the GNSS.
A Bayesian hierarchical assessment of night shift working for offshore wind farms
Authors: Anderson Fraser , McMillan David , Dawid Rafael , Garcia Cava David
Published: February 2023

This article presents a Bayesian data‐modelling approach to assessing operational efficiency at offshore wind farms. Input data are provided by an operational database provided by a large offshore wind farm which employs an advanced data management system. We explore the combination of datasets making up the database, using them to train a Bayesian hierarchical model which predicts weekly lost production from corrective maintenance and time‐based availability. The approach is used to investigate the effect of technician work shift patterns, specifically addressing a strategy involving night shifts for corrective maintenance which was employed at the site throughout the winter. It was found that, for this particular site, there is an approximate annual increase in time‐based technical availability of 0.64%. We explore the effect of modelling assumptions on cost savings; specifically, we explore variations in failure rate, price of electricity, number of technicians working night shift, extra staff wages, months of the year employing 24/7 working and extra vessel provision. Results vary quite significantly among the scenarios investigated, exemplifying the need to consider the question on a farm‐by‐farm basis.
Nanomaterials for hyperpolarized nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Saul Philip , Schröder Leif , Schmidt Andreas B. , Hövener Jan‐Bernd
Published: February 2023

Nanomaterials play an important role in the development and application of hyperpolarized materials for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this context they can not only act as hyperpolarized materials which are directly imaged but also play a role as carriers for hyperpolarized gases and catalysts for para‐hydrogen induced polarization (PHIP) to generate hyperpolarized substrates for metabolic imaging. Those three application possibilities are discussed, focusing on carbon‐based materials for the directly imaged particles. An overview over recent developments in all three fields is given, including the early developments in each field as well as important steps towards applications in MRI, such as making the initially developed methods more biocompatible and first imaging experiments with spatial resolution in either phantoms or in vivo studies. Focusing on the important features nanomaterials need to display to be applicable in the MRI context, a wide range of different approaches to that extent is covered, giving the reader a general idea of different possibilities as well as recent developments in those different fields of hyperpolarized magnetic resonance.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Research on the Integration Technology of Structural Performance Evaluation and 3D Design for Spatial Steel Structure Bridges
Authors: Zhu Kewei , Li Bing
Published: February 2023

With the increase of steel structure bridges, the design of steel structure bridges begin to evolve in the direction of high quality, high precision, and short design period. In order to improve the design quality and efficiency of spatial steel structure bridges, the integration technology of structural performance evaluation and 3D design of spatial steel structure bridges is studied. Firstly, the 3D design is carried out based on the rapid design method, and then the finite element simulation is conducted by software to analyze its structural performance and optimize the 3D design model. The research results link the rapid design and structural analysis software systematically, so as to realize the integrated design of spatial irregular bridge components with BIM and FEM technology.
Study on the Properties of Concrete with Different Admixtures in Acid Corrosive Environment
Authors: Yu Lei , Zhao Tianyuan , Wang Zhi
Published: February 2023

To study the deteriorating law and find a proper admixture to enhance the durability of the concrete in the acid corrosion environment, the corrosion and deterioration of concrete with different types and proportions of admixtures were studied. The appearance morphology, strength, chloride penetration depth, and porosity of ordinary concrete and concrete with different types of admixtures under water curing and corrosion solution erosion were compared. The results show that in terms of improving the corrosion resistance of concrete, the single-mixed mineral powder shows excellent performance. The addition of fly ash significantly increases the content of 10–100 nm pores, and the strength is low at an early age, but the strong growth is limited at the later stage.
Analysis on Reinforcement of Statically Indeterminate Truss
Authors: Liang Ziyi , Wei Mingjun , Yu Long
Published: February 2023

With the slowdown of the urbanization rate and new buildings in China, the old houses have different degrees of safety problems. Therefore, the importance of reinforcement and reconstruction of old houses has become increasingly apparent. This paper intends to study statically indeterminate trusses in buildings. Based on the finite element analysis, the paper compares the influence of the method of increasing section area on the original truss structure by establishing the reconstruction scheme of the same statically indeterminate truss. The numerical simulation results show that the ultimate bearing capacity of the structure is increased to achieve the purpose of strengthening.
Aseismic Design of an Out-of-Code High-Rise Building in Shanghai
Authors: Ren Hongmei , Zhu Jianping , Lv Yanyan , Qin Weiwei
Published: February 2023

Proper structural system and performance-based seismic design are the key issues in designing high-rise building structures. This project has unique building facade shape and complex plane function layout, and the structural plane and vertical layout are irregular. The superstructure adopts assembled integral concrete frame-shear wall structure, which is judged as out-of-code high-rise building by seismic review. Firstly, the site conditions, foundation design and structural form selection are introduced. Then, YJK software is used to calculate and analyze the seismic force of the superstructure, and the seismic performance indexes of the structure can meet the requirements of the code. Finally, the regularity of each structural unit of the superstructure is judged, and the corresponding main seismic strengthening measures are put forward.
Analysis on Migration Mechanism of Chloride Ions in Concrete Close-End Pipe Piles
Authors: Yang Bo.
Published: February 2023

Different migration mechanisms of chloride in concrete are introduced and various kinds of influences on diffusion coefficient, including temperature, relative humidity and age are also elaborated. Based on Fick second law and the boundary condition of close-end pipe pile, the analytical solution to chloride migration equation due to the process of both diffusion and convection is deduced. Applying this result to a typical jacked PHC pile, the chloride concentration is analyzed and the effect, which the seepage velocity, thickness of pipe pile and the diffusion coefficient have on distribution of chloride concentration, is also discussed. This example provides a computational basis for the corrosion of steel bar and some reference values for durability design of pipe pile.
Numerical Simulation Research for Rock Stability of Ventilation and Safety Tunnel of Karuma Hydropower Plant
Authors: Li Hua , Liu An , Shi Ting , Niu Meifeng
Published: February 2023

According to the latest physical mechanical parameter of rock, crustal stress, section style and support parameter, rock stability of intersection of EVT- Ventilation Tunnel 2-1 and Ventilation Shaft 2 is analyzed and verified through FLAC3D on the base of actual geology parameter and test value of crustal stress.
The External Prestress Effect of Curved Tendons on the Natural Vibration Characteristics of Steel Beams
Authors: Xu Zhi-wei , Lin Li-xia , Ding Nan-hong , Chen Lei
Published: February 2023

In order to explore the external prestress effect of the curved tendons on the stiffness and natural vibration characteristics of the steel beam, this paper deduced the calculation equation of the natural frequency on the external prestressed simply supported steel beam of the curved arrangement, which was based on the Hamilton principle. The natural frequency is calculated by combining the example of I-shaped simply supported steel beam, which was analyzed and verified by establishing the finite element model. The results show that: the calculation of the equation is well demonstrated by the finite element results, and the validity of model equation was verified. When the applied prestress increases, the natural vibration frequency decreases and the change range is not large, which indicates that the magnitude of the prestress has little effect on the natural frequency of simply supported steel beams.
Research on Damage Mechanism and Structural Optimization of Joints in Cavity Shear Wall Structure
Authors: Tian Yong , Shi Guanghui , Zhang Bo , Guo Kun , Luo Fajiang , Chen Shengjie , Bai Yibo
Published: February 2023

After pouring concrete precast cavity shell structure has been developing rapidly in recent years, compared with cast-in-place structure, the new fabricated structure has low cost, high construction efficiency, and the advantages of green environmental protection, the shear wall structure is most widely used, which includes the prefabricated plate shell, annular tendon layout, cast-in-situ construction important process. But by several times with the stress of the casting of concrete and the overall disposable pouring forms have obvious differences, including the layered interface, the material interface, the cross section of damage caused by the stiffness degradation, and eventually results in the decrease of carrying capacity. In this paper, the damage mechanism of precast shear wall with cavity is analyzed, and the optimization method of connecting parts is studied and discussed.
Research on Restoring Force Model of Built-in Steel Tube Reinforced STRC Column Joints
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Wang Qiuwei
Published: February 2023

In the circular steel tube confined reinforced concrete (STRC) column frame structure, because there is no effective restraint of steel tube in the joints area, it becomes a relatively weak part. Therefore, this paper proposes a STRC column joints with a section of steel tube built in the joints area, and expounds the structural form of the new joints. ABAQUS finite element analysis software is used to simulate the quasi-static test of joints. On the basis of verifying the rationality and reliability of the finite element analysis method, six joints models of build-in steel tube reinforced STRC columns with different lengths are established. Based on the model skeleton curve obtained by simulation analysis, the eigenvalues of each loading stage are fitted to obtain the skeleton curve model regression equation and stiffness degradation law. The three fold restoring force model of steel tube STRC column joints with different lengths is established. The skeleton curves of restoring force model and finite element calculation results are compared and analyzed to verify the correctness of restoring force model. The results show that the restoring force model is in good agreement with the finite element analysis results. The established restoring force model can provide a reference for the elastic-plastic change and seismic analysis of build-in steel tube reinforced STRC column joints.