bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restoration and fuel hazard reduction result in equivalent reductions in crown fire behavior in dry conifer forests
Authors: Ritter Scott M. , Hoffman Chad M. , Battaglia Mike A. , Jain Theresa B.
Published: May 2022

Over the past several decades, the management of historically frequent‐fire forests in the western United States has received significant attention due to the linked ecological and social risks posed by the increased occurrence of large, contiguous patches of high‐severity fire. As a result, efforts are underway to simultaneously reduce potential fire and fuel hazards and restore characteristics indicative of historical forest structures and ecological processes that enhance the diversity and quality of wildlife habitat across landscapes. Despite widespread agreement on the need for action, there is a perceived tension among scientists concerning silvicultural treatments that modify stands to optimally reduce potential fire behavior (fuel hazard reduction) versus those that aim to emulate historical forest structures and create structurally complex stands (restoration). In this work, we evaluated thinning treatments in the Black Hills National Forest that exemplify the extremes of a treatment continuum that ranges from fuel hazard reduction to restoration. The goal of this work was to understand how the differing three‐dimensional stand structures created by these treatment approaches altered potential fire behavior. Our results indicate that restoration treatments created higher levels of vertical and horizontal structural complexity than the fuel hazard reduction treatments but resulted in similar reductions to potential crown fire behavior. There were some trade‐offs identified as the restoration treatments created larger openings, which generated faster mean rates of fire spread; however, these increased spread rates did not translate to higher levels of canopy consumption. Overall, our results suggest that treatments can create vertical and horizontal complexity desired for restoration and wildlife habitat management while reducing fire hazard and that they can be used in concert with traditional fuel hazard reduction treatments to reduce landscape scale fire risk. We also provide some suggestions to land managers seeking to design and implement prescriptions that emulate historical structures and enhance forest complexity.
Oh, the places you will grow: Intraspecific latitudinal clines in butterfly size suggest a phylogenetic signal
Authors: Merwin Andrew C. , Hilliard Justin , Larsen Ashley , Lasken Andrew G. , Johnson Icesstrená
Published: May 2022

Within an animal species, the body sizes of individuals at higher latitudes are often different from individuals at lower latitudes. For homeothermic species that maintain a relatively constant body temperature, such as mammals and birds, individuals at higher latitudes tend to be larger. For ectothermic species, such as insects, that do not retain their own body heat and which often do not maintain a relatively constant body temperature, patterns of body size with latitude are highly variable. This has led some authors to contend that patterns in even closely related species cannot be expected to be similar. Indeed, to our knowledge, no studies of invertebrates have found that more closely related species have more similar relationships between body size and latitude. Further, no studies have investigated the potential influence of diet quality on interspecific differences in these clines. We measured wing lengths of specimens (N = 1753) in eight lycaenid butterfly species and one species of the sister family, Riodinidae to determine if more closely related species have similar latitudinal trends. We also estimated the mean nitrogen content of caterpillars’ hosts to investigate whether this often‐limiting nutrient influences the strength and direction of latitudinal clines in body size. We found that four species are significantly smaller at higher latitudes, an additional species is marginally smaller at higher latitudes (p < .06), and four species had no significant relationship with latitude. We also found a strong phylogenetic signal for latitudinal clines in body size among our species, which indicates that some closely related species may have similar clines. However, the strength and direction of these clines did not depend on the estimated nitrogen content of caterpillars’ hosts. Our results indicate that mean nitrogen content of hosts may not be an important driver in latitudinal clines but that phylogenetic relationships among species should be accounted for when exploring other potential drivers of body‐size clines in invertebrate species.
Complexes of NOTA‐Monoamides with CuII Ions: Structural, Equilibrium, and Kinetic Study
Authors: Kubinec Jan , Širůčková Viktorie , Havlíčková Jana , Kotek Jan , Kubíček Vojtěch , Lubal Přemysl , Hermann Petr
Published: May 2022

NOTA monoamides are commonly and widely used chelators for the complexation of copper radioisotopes applied in molecular imaging and targeted nuclear therapy. However, information about their coordination behavior remains scarce. In this study, two NOTA‐monoamides, N‐ethyl (H2L1) and N,N‐diethyl (H2L2), were synthesized as model ligands and tested to probe differences in their coordination behavior between the secondary and tertiary amide pendant arms for potential applications as copper radioisotope carriers. Our results demonstrated that the solid [Cu(L1)] and [Cu(L2)] complex have a distorted octahedral arrangement, similar to structure of the [Cu(Hnota)] complex. As shown by equilibrium data, the ligands have a slightly lower basicity, and thus complexes with divalent metal ions and LiI have slightly lower stability constants than those of the parent ligand, H3nota. The dissociation constants of the CuII, ZnII and NiII complexes with H2L1 also indicate deprotonation and N‐coordination of the secondary amide group at pH>9. Complexation of CuII ions with the title ligands is slower than that with H3nota but still very fast (quantitative binding in <1 s, pH 2, millimolar concentrations), and CuII complexes of both monoamide ligands are more resistant to acid‐assisted decomplexation than the CuII‐H3nota complex. Therefore, our coordination data highlight that NOTA‐monoamides are suitable chelators for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine.
Investigation of slaughterhouse waste anaerobic digestion in a pilot‐scale mesophilic reactor
Authors: Khitous Mohamed , Saber Meryem , Tirichine Nassima , Aiouaz Fatma
Published: May 2022

Slaughterhouses generate highly polluted effluents, and if not treated before discharge can cause major adverse environmental and public health impacts. Treatment of this waste by anaerobic digestion can reduce those impacts while producing a potentially valuable source of energy. The purpose of this study was to investigate this process efficiency under pilot operating conditions for a more accurate scaling up. Blood waste from a slaughterhouse was treated in a pilot‐scale digester of 30 dm3 total volume under mesophilic temperature conditions. Operating parameters such as pH, alkalinity, organic loading, volatile fatty acids, biogas composition, total and volatile solids were monitored in order to study the behavior of the fermentation process. The results show that no significant inhibition were caused by the accumulation of volatile fatty acids, due to the high buffering capacity of treated sludge. An efficient reduction of organic matter was obtained with a COD decrease of about 67% within 40 days of fermentation. The biogas produced was of a good quality with high CH4 yields (above 70%) and low CO2 yields, corresponding to a biomethane potential of 225.9 dm3 CH4/kg TVS. Logistic model described accurately the methane production kinetic and enables an easy process scaling up for industrial applications.
Experimental and analytical study on ground motion characteristics under structure cluster disturbance
Authors: Du Zhenyu , Guo Tong , Wang Jishuai , Yu Shuqi , Liu Jie , Liu Xianglei , Shen Chongyang
Published: May 2022

Soil‐structure cluster dynamic interaction (SSCI) has a significant effect on structural responses as well as ground motions for soft soil, while investigations on the latter remain limited. In this paper, four test models, including the free field model, soil‐single structure model, soil‐equal height structure cluster model, and soil‐multiple height structure cluster model, were manufactured and investigated through large scale shaking table tests. The effect of structure numbers, layouts, structural dynamic characteristics and seismic spectrum characteristics on the ground motions was discussed. On this basis, finite element analysis and wavelet packet decomposition were employed to further investigate the evolution rule of cluster effect. The results manifested that, due to the structure cluster, the predominant period of the original free field could be elongated notably and earthquake response spectrum in the long period domain was amplified, especially under the excitation of seismic waves with abundant low‐frequency components. The influence of SSCI on ground motions is chiefly reflected in the variation of site predominant period and the soil damping during the vibration. In addition, the cluster effect on ground motion presents a monotonous degressive trend with the increase of the structural spacing, and its attenuation rate is negatively correlated with structural height, while the difference in ground motion due to different structure numbers becomes insignificant with the increase of structural spacing.
Factors affecting the seismic collapse performance of realistic low‐rise braced frame buildings, including soil structure interaction and foundation flexibility
Authors: Wichman Sarah , Berman Jeffrey W. , Lehman Dawn E. , Star Lisa , Moresco Justin
Published: May 2022

Previous computational studies of short‐period buildings have shown increasing collapse probabilities with decreasing building period; a trend that has not been observed in past earthquakes. In this study, collapse performances of twelve short‐period steel special concentrically braced frame (SCBF) building archetypes were examined using dynamic analysis and the methods described in FEMA P‐695 to investigate this gap between analytically predicted and historically observed collapse rates. The archetypes varied key design and modeling parameters that could influence the behavior. These parameters included number of stories, level of design seismicity, redundancy, the inclusion of soil‐structure interaction (SSI) and foundation flexibility, and the removal of reserve moment frame resistance in modeling. Practicing engineers designed the archetypes resulting in realistic designs, including overstrength values representative of this building type. The calculated overstrength values were much higher than those found in previous studies, largely a result of the archetype building layouts, brace width‐to‐thickness ratio limitations, and the large differences between tension and compressive brace strength that occur when design demands are low. The higher overstrength values found in this study resulted in lower probabilities of collapse, relative to previous collapse studies and showed that probabilities of collapse decreased with decreasing period. Additionally, the probability of collapse increased significantly for the nonredundant archetype, but changed insignificantly for the archetype without reserve moment frame capacity. Inclusion of SSI and foundation flexibility resulted in a complete change in behavior where braces remained elastic and the braced frames rocked on their foundations, resulting in decreased collapse probabilities.
Underappreciated pioneers
Authors: Carline Kristin , Kunitz Suzanne , Wood Bernard
Published: May 2022

This contribution focuses on a 1928 multiauthor paper reporting the discovery of a child's skull at Devil's Tower cave on the Rock of Gibraltar. It was ground‐breaking. Two of the lead authors, Dorothy Garrod and Dorothea Bate, were women, and it was one of the earliest reports of a fossil hominin to incorporate and integrate detailed information about its stratigraphic and environmental context.
Multi‐step air quality index forecasting via data preprocessing, sequence reconstruction, and improved multi‐objective optimization algorithm
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Jianzhou , Li Hongmin , Yang Hufang , Li Zhiwu
Published: May 2022

This research presents a hybrid model for multi‐step, interval forecasting of air quality indices. An efficient preprocessing module is applied to split the raw data into various sub‐series, and the optimal mode of data input is determined through feature selection. A multi‐objective optimization algorithm is proposed to tune the parameters of kernel extreme learning machine to achieve high accuracy and stability. An evaluation with several error criteria, benchmark models, and critique is conducted using three daily air quality index datasets from three cities of China. Empirical results indicate that the developed model achieves superior predictions of air quality indices, which may be useful in policies for mitigating air pollution.
Multi‐scale characterization of granular media by in situ laboratory X‐ray computed tomography
Authors: Ruf Matthias , Taghizadeh Kianoosh , Steeb Holger
Published: May 2022

Investigations of biphasic monodisperse soft (rubber) and stiff (glass) particle mixtures under hydrostatic conditions show an interesting behavior with regard to the effective stiffness. P‐wave modulus measured by acoustic wave propagation at ultrasonic frequencies showed a significant decline while more soft particles are added, that is, higher rubber volume fractions, due to a change in the microstructure of the granular medium. However, for small volume fractions of soft particles, it could be observed that the P‐wave modulus is increasing. This result cannot be explained by classical mixture rules or effective medium theories. For the understanding of those effects, a detailed insight into the microstructure of the granular medium is necessary. To gain this information and link it later back to the measured effective mechanical properties, high‐resolution micro X‐ray computed tomography (XRCT) imaging is a well‐established tool. With XRCT imaging, the granular microstructure can be visualized in 3D and characterized subsequently. Combining classical effective characterization methods with XRCT imaging can help to solve a variety of multi‐scale problems. Performing the characterization step in situ, meaning inside the laboratory‐based XRCT scanner, has the advantage that exactly the same samples are mechanically characterized and visualized. To address the mentioned observation above, we designed a low X‐ray absorbing oedometer cell with integrated broadband piezoelectric P‐wave transducers which enables this kind of investigation inside a laboratory‐based XRCT scanner. The focus of this contribution is on the general experimental methodology which can be transferred to other multi‐scale problems. It starts with a description of the image acquisition and ends with the post‐processing of the in situ acquired image data. To demonstrate this, cylindrical samples consisting of the same monodisperse rubber and glass particle mixtures that were studied before under hydrostatic stress conditions are considered. Selected results are presented to explain the single steps.
Tyrosine kinase‐altered spindle cell neoplasms with EGFR internal tandem duplications
Authors: Kao Erica , Pinto Navin , Trobaugh‐Lotrario Angela , Deutsch Gail H. , Wu Yu , Wang Wenjing , Rudzinski Erin R. , Liu Yajuan J.
Published: May 2022

In this study, we present two extra‐renal pediatric spindle cell neoplasms with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) internal tandem duplications (ITD). Histologically, these tumors demonstrated the same histologic features seen in other tyrosine kinase‐altered spindle cell neoplasms, with one case showing abundant adipose tissue with cellular fibrous septae resembling lipofibromatosis and the other case showing fascicles of spindled cells resembling infantile fibrosarcoma. There was variable expression of CD34, S100, and SMA, and all cases were negative for panTRK. This case series adds to our molecular understanding of the spectrum of tyrosine kinase‐altered spindle cell neoplasms and represents the first reported examples of EGFR ITDs in extra‐renal tumors. The presence of EGFR alterations in the absence of gene fusions represents a potential therapeutic target and necessitates a broader testing panel for this group of tumors.
In‐scanner head motion and structural covariance networks
Authors: Pardoe Heath R. , Martin Samantha P.
Published: May 2022

In‐scanner head motion systematically reduces estimated regional gray matter volumes obtained from structural brain MRI. Here, we investigate how head motion affects structural covariance networks that are derived from regional gray matter volumetric estimates. We acquired motion‐affected and low‐motion whole brain T1‐weighted MRI in 29 healthy adult subjects and estimated relative regional gray matter volumes using a voxel‐based morphometry approach. Structural covariance network analyses were undertaken while systematically increasing the number of included motion‐affected scans. We demonstrate that the standard deviation in regional gray matter estimates increases as the number of motion‐affected scans increases. This increases pairwise correlations between regions, a key determinant for construction of structural covariance networks. We further demonstrate that head motion systematically alters graph theoretic metrics derived from these networks. Finally, we present evidence that weighting correlations using image quality metrics can mitigate the effects of head motion. Our findings suggest that in‐scanner head motion is a source of error that violates the assumption that structural covariance networks reflect neuroanatomical connectivity between brain regions. Results of structural covariance studies should be interpreted with caution, particularly when subject groups are likely to move their heads in the scanner.
Prophylactic effect of tenofovir on viral reactivation in immunocompromised pregnant women living with hepatitis B virus
Authors: Zhang Le , Yang Shaoying , Yu Yongfu , Wang Suli , Yu Yuetian , Jin Yi , Zhao Aimin , Mao Yimin , Lu Liangjing
Published: May 2022

The appropriate prophylaxis for hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) during gestation for immunocompromised pregnant women has yet to be determined. The prophylactic efficacy and safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)–positive patients and the HBVr risk in hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)–positive patients during gestation were investigated. Eligible pregnant women were diagnosed with rheumatic diseases and were administered prednisone (≤10 mg daily) with permitted immunosuppressants at screening. HBsAg‐positive participants were instructed to take TDF; those unwilling to take TDF were followed up as the control group. Propensity score matching was applied to control for differences in confounding factors between the HBcAb‐positive and uninfected groups. Hepatopathy, maternal, pregnancy, and safety outcomes were documented as endpoints. A cohort of 1292 women was recruited from 2017 to 2020, including 58 HBsAg‐positive patients (29 in each group). A total of 120 pairs in the HBcAb‐positive and noninfection groups were analyzed. Among HBsAg‐positive patients, 6 (20.7%) cases of hepatitis flare (hazard ratio [HR]: 7.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50–36.89; p = 0.014) and 12 (41.4%) cases of HBVr (HR: 8.71; 95% CI: 2.80–27.17; p < 0.001) occurred in the control group, while 0 occurred in the TDF prophylaxis group. The HBV level at delivery was the lowest (1.6 log10 IU/ml) for those who received TDF during the pregestation period with a good safety profile. More adverse maternal outcomes were observed in the control group (odds ratio: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.77, p = 0.021), including one death from fulminant hepatitis and two cases of vertical transmission. No HBVr was recorded in HBcAb‐positive participants. Among immunocompromised pregnant women, prophylactic TDF during pregestation was necessary for HBsAg‐positive women, whereas regular monitoring was recommended for HBcAb‐positive women.
Simulation‐based optimisation approach to improve emergency department resource planning: A case study of Tunisian hospital
Authors: Daldoul Dorsaf , Nouaouri Issam , Bouchriha Hanen , Allaoui Hamid
Published: May 2022

Background

The emergency department (ED) is a gateway to hospitals and is in the centre of hospital management efforts. It is often saturated by a continuous flow of patients, which causes excessive patient waiting time.

Aims

This study integrates simulations with optimisation to design planning decision support for an ED. We considered all the processes of the ED, from triage to bed assignment. This study's main objective was to determine the optimal number of doctors, nurses, and beds required to schedule patients with different acuity levels to minimise both the total patient waiting time and the patient average length of stay and balance the resource utilisation rates. The problem is also characterised by multiple uncertainties, such as the patient arrival rate and service times in each stage of the process.

Method

We first propose a stochastic mixed‐integer programing model that is solved using the sample average approximation approach. The resulting resource sizing is then evaluated using a discrete‐event simulation model by comparing different patient scheduling rules.

Results

Numerical experiments highlight the performance of the proposed approach using data from a Tunisian ED hospital.
A general White–Box strategy for designing thermoelectric cooling system
Authors: Zhu Kang , Deng Biao , Qian Xin , Wang Yupeng , Li Huan , Jiang Peng , Yang Ronggui , Liu Weishu
Published: May 2022

Thermoelectric cooling (TEC) is critically important in thermal management of laser modules or chips and potentially for personalized thermoregulation. The formulae for efficiency in standard textbooks can only describe the performance of a TEC module with ideal thermal conditions, that is, fixed terminal temperatures, but are unable to deal with a real TEC system where heat transfer at its interfaces with the heat source and sink are finite and with thermal resistances. Here, we define the TEC system‐level performance indices, that is, the maximum cooling power, temperature difference, and coefficient of performance, by introducing a set of explicit formulae. The external heat transfer conditions are taken into account as dimensionless thermal resistance parameters. With these formulae, the TEC system performances are evaluated elegantly with errors well within ±5% over broad operating conditions. We further optimize the cooling power and the coefficient of performance in practical scenarios and establish a general White–Box design procedure for TEC systems, which enables a transparent design process and straightforward analysis of performance bottlenecks. A set of cooling experiments are performed to validate the analytical model and to illustrate the dependence of system design on realistic thermal conditions. By choosing the suitable TEC module parameter under given external heat transfer conditions, the cooling power can be improved by more than 100%. This work sheds some light on the integral design of TEC systems for broad applications to take full advantage of the advanced thermoelectric materials in the cooling field.

image
Activating ruthenium dioxide via compressive strain achieving efficient multifunctional electrocatalysis for Zn‐air batteries and overall water splitting
Authors: Qiu Yu , Rao Yifei , Zheng Yinan , Hu Hao , Zhang Wenhua , Guo Xiaohui
Published: May 2022

Surface strain engineering is a promising strategy to design various electrocatalysts for sustainable energy storage and conversion. However, achieving the multifunctional activity of the catalyst via the adjustment of strain engineering remains a major challenge. Herein, an excellent trifunctional electrocatalyst (Ru/RuO2@NCS) is prepared by anchoring lattice mismatch strained core/shell Ru/RuO2nanocrystals on nitrogen‐doped carbon nanosheets. Core/shell Ru/RuO2nanocrystals with ~5 atomic layers of RuO2shells eliminate the ligand effect and produce ~2% of the surface compressive strain, which can boost the trifunctional activity (oxygen evolution reaction [OER], oxygen reduction reaction [ORR], and hydrogen evolution reaction [HER]) of the catalyst. When equipped in rechargeable Zn‐air batteries, the Ru/RuO2@NCS endows them with high power (137.1 mW cm−2) and energy (714.9 Wh kgZn−1) density and excellent cycle stability. Moreover, the as‐fabricated Zn‐air batteries can drive a water splitting electrolyzer assembled with Ru/RuO2@NCS and achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2only requires a low potential ~1.51 V. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the compressive strained RuO2could reduce the reaction barrier and improve the binding of rate‐determining intermediates (*OH, *O, *OOH, and *H), leading to the enhanced catalytic activity and stability. This work can provide a novel avenue for the rational design of multifunctional catalysts in future clean energy fields.

image
Performance criteria‐based effect size (PCES) measurement of single‐case experimental designs: A real‐world data study
Authors: Aydin Orhan , Tanious René
Published: May 2022

Visual analysis and nonoverlap‐based effect sizes are predominantly used in analyzing single case experimental designs (SCEDs). Although they are popular analytical methods for SCEDs, they have certain limitations. In this study, a new effect size calculation model for SCEDs, named performance criteria‐based effect size (PCES), is proposed considering the limitations of 4 nonoverlap‐based effect size measures, widely accepted in the literature and that blend well with visual analysis. In the field test of PCES, actual data from published studies were utilized, and the relations between PCES, visual analysis, and the 4 nonoverlap‐based methods were examined. In determining the data to be used in the field test, 1,052 tiers (AB phases) were identified from 6 journals. The results revealed a weak or moderate relation between PCES and nonoverlap‐based methods due to its focus on performance criteria. Although PCES has some weaknesses, it promises to eliminate the causes that may create issues in nonoverlap‐based methods, using quantitative data to determine socially important changes in behavior and to complement visual analysis.
A new self‐immolative colistin prodrug with dual targeting functionalities and reduced toxicity for the treatment of intracellular bacterial infections
Authors: Liu Gengqi , Lu Di , Zhu Shiyu , Hao Minchao , Yang Xingyue , Wang Xiaojian , Zhang Yumiao
Published: May 2022

Colistin is a potent antibiotic but its severe side effects including nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity are the roadblock for their wide use in clinics. To solve this problem, we synthesized a new prodrug, mannose‐maltose‐colistin conjugate, termed MMCC that can reversibly mask the five amines of colistin that are primarily responsible for the toxicity. The deliberated design of disulfide‐based self‐immolative linker warranted the reversibly release of the pristine amines of colistin on demand without sacrificing antimicrobial efficacy. Once MMCC was delivered in cells, reducing agents cleaves the disulfide bond and release the pristine amines. The targeting ligands of maltose and mannose were grafted on colistin conjugate for targeting delivery of colistin to bacteria and macrophages, respectively. Taken together, MMCC as a new class of antimicrobial biomaterials, demonstrates its great potential for the treatment of intracellular bacterial infections.
Calcimimetics Alter Periosteal and Perilacunar Bone Matrix Composition and Material Properties in Early Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Damrath John G. , Moe Sharon M. , Wallace Joseph M.
Published: May 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 15% of Americans and greatly increases fracture risk due to elevated parathyroid hormone, cortical porosity, and reduced bone material quality. Calcimimetic drugs are used to lower parathyroid hormone (PTH) in CKD patients, but their impact on bone matrix properties remains unknown. We hypothesized that tissue-level bone quality is altered in early CKD and that calcimimetic treatment will prevent these alterations. To test this hypothesis, we treated Cy/+ rats, a model of spontaneous and progressive CKD-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), with KP-2326, a preclinical analogue of etelcalcetide, early in the CKD disease course. To measure tissue-level bone matrix composition and material properties, we performed colocalized Raman spectroscopy and nanoindentation on new periosteal bone and perilacunar bone using hydrated femur sections. We found that CKD and KP treatment lowered mineral type B carbonate substitution whereas KP treatment increased mineral crystallinity in new periosteal bone. Reduced elastic modulus was lower in CKD but was not different in KP-treated rats versus CTRL. In perilacunar bone, KP treatment lowered type B carbonate substitution, increased crystallinity, and increased mineral-to-matrix ratio in a spatially dependent manner. KP treatment also increased reduced elastic modulus and hardness in a spatially dependent manner. Taken together, these data suggest that KP treatment improves material properties on the tissue level through a combination of lowering carbonate substitution, increasing mineral crystallinity, and increasing relative mineralization of the bone early in CKD. As a result, the mechanical properties were improved, and in some regions, were the same as control animals. Therefore, calcimimetics may help prevent CKD-induced bone deterioration by improving bone quality in new periosteal bone and in bone tissue near osteocyte lacunae. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Low concentrations of bisphenol A promote the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway on Beta‐TC‐6 cells via the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide
Authors: Anastasiou Ioanna A. , Eleftheriadou Ioanna , Tentolouris Anastasios , Sarantis Panagiotis , Angelopoulou Andriani , Katsaouni Athanasia , Mourouzis Iordanis , Karamouzis Michalis V. , Gorgoulis Vasilios , Pantos Constantinos , Tentolouris Nikolaos
Published: May 2022

Τhe natural history of type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by a progressive loss of pancreatic beta cell function and insulin resistance. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine‐disrupting chemical that is used widely in industry; people are exposed to BPA and its products daily. Studies have delineated that BPA alters the function of pancreatic beta cells. Herein, we examined the effect of low doses of BPA on pancreatic beta cell viability and apoptosis and we tried to elucidate the mechanisms involved in these processes. Beta‐TC‐6 (ATCC® CRL‐11506™) cells were cultured with a medium containing the following dilutions of BPA: 0.002, 0.02, 0.1, 0.2, 2 μΜ up to 72 h. We examined the viability and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels of cells. Then, we measured apoptosis, cell cycle, and insulin levels. We quantified the levels of proteins implicated in the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis; and finally, we quantified the intracellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide. We found that the exposure of Beta‐TC‐6 cells to BPA results in a decrease in cell viability, ATP levels, and an increase in insulin levels. We found an increase in apoptosis levels and a decrease in cell cycle levels. In addition, we provide evidence of the levels of apoptotic proteins. Finally, we found an increase in the cellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide production. Exposure to low concentrations of BPA triggers the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis via the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide on Beta‐TC‐6 cells in a dose‐dependent way.
The physical nature of the ultrashort spike–ring interaction in iron maiden molecules
Authors: Jabłoński Mirosław
Published: May 2022

The so‐called ‘iron maiden’ molecules belong to one of the most interesting subgroups of cyclophanes due to the presence of the ultrashort interaction between the CX apical bond and the benzene ring. This article presents an in‐depth theoretical study of 16 ‘iron maiden’ molecules, in which X = H, F, Cl or Br and the side chains are of various lengths and types: CSC, CSCC, CCC, and CCCC. It is shown that the H → F → Cl → Br substitution leads to a significant expansion of the ‘iron maiden’ molecule. Shorter chains lead to more pronounced effects, while insertion of sulfur atoms into the side chains lowers them. Structural changes are associated with an increase in energetic destabilization of X. Moreover, unlike for H, in the case of X = halogen, theout → inisomerization is energetically disadvantageous. The ‘iron maiden’ molecules are characterized by the presence of only three X⋯CArbond paths. Particularly noteworthy are unusually large (even up to 32) values of the X⋯CArbond ellipticity, which results from flat electron density distribution. The X⋯πinteraction in each of the investigated ‘iron maiden’ molecule turned out to be multi‐center, stabilizing and almost purely covalent in nature as indicated by the definitely dominant percentage (94.8%–101.6%) of the exchange‐correlation energy. The spatial hindrance within the ‘iron maiden’ molecules appears to be not so much due to the X⋯πrepulsion, but due to unfavorable steric interactions between X and the CC side bonds. It is also confirmed that some CH⋯HC interactions in aliphatic chains can be very weakly stabilizing.
Ambra1 deficiency impairs mitophagy in skeletal muscle
Authors: Gambarotto Lisa , Metti Samuele , Chrisam Martina , Cerqua Cristina , Sabatelli Patrizia , Armani Andrea , Zanon Carlo , Spizzotin Marianna , Castagnaro Silvia , Strappazzon Flavie , Grumati Paolo , Cescon Matilde , Braghetta Paola , Trevisson Eva , Cecconi Francesco , Bonaldo Paolo
Published: May 2022

Background

Maintaining healthy mitochondria is mandatory for muscle viability and function. An essential surveillance mechanism targeting defective and harmful mitochondria to degradation is the selective form of autophagy called mitophagy. Ambra1 is a multifaceted protein with well‐known autophagic and mitophagic functions. However, the study of its role in adult tissues has been extremely limited due to the embryonic lethality caused by full‐body Ambra1 deficiency.

Methods

To establish the role of Ambra1 as a positive regulator of mitophagy, we exploited in vivo overexpression of a mitochondria‐targeted form of Ambra1 in skeletal muscle. To dissect the consequence of Ambra1 inactivation in skeletal muscle, we generated muscle‐specific Ambra1 knockout (Ambra1fl/fl:Mlc1f‐Cre) mice. Mitochondria‐enriched fractions were obtained from muscles of fed and starved animals to investigate the dynamics of the mitophagic flux.

Results

Our data show that Ambra1 has a critical role in the mitophagic flux of adult murine skeletal muscle and that its genetic inactivation leads to mitochondria alterations and myofibre remodelling. Ambra1 overexpression in wild‐type muscles is sufficient to enhance mitochondria clearance through the autophagy‐lysosome system. Consistently with this, Ambra1‐deficient muscles display an abnormal accumulation of the mitochondrial marker TOMM20 by +76% (n = 6–7; P < 0.05), a higher presence of myofibres with swollen mitochondria by +173% (n = 4; P < 0.05), and an alteration in the maintenance of the mitochondrial membrane potential and a 34% reduction in the mitochondrial respiratory complex I activity (n = 4; P < 0.05). Lack of Ambra1 in skeletal muscle leads to impaired mitophagic flux, without affecting the bulk autophagic process. This is due to a significantly decreased recruitment of DRP1 (n = 6–7 mice; P < 0.01) and Parkin (n = 6–7 mice; P < 0.05) to the mitochondrial compartment, when compared with controls. Ambra1‐deficient muscles also show a marked dysregulation of the endolysosome compartment, as the incidence of myofibres with lysosomal accumulation is 20 times higher than wild‐type muscles (n = 4; P < 0.05). Histologically, Ambra1‐deficient muscles of both 3‐ and 6‐month‐old animals display a significant decrease of myofibre cross‐sectional area and a 52% reduction in oxidative fibres (n = 6–7; P < 0.05), thus highlighting a role for Ambra1 in the proper structure and activity of skeletal muscle.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that Ambra1 is critical for skeletal muscle mitophagy and for the proper maintenance of functional mitochondria.
Comparative study on the effect of poly (vinylpyrrolidone) and polyethylene glycol as additives on polysulfone synthesized ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Rhimi Asma , Zlaoui Khira , Van der Bruggen Bart , Horchani‐Naifer Karima , Ennigrou Dorra Jellouli
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by phase inversion technique with 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone as solvent, and with poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (2 wt% and 3 wt%) and polyethylene glycol (6 wt%) as additives.

Water contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the synthesized membranes. The membrane permeation has been evaluated in terms of ultrapure water, bovine serum albumin, cobalt, and copper retention.

This study compared the effects of the amount and nature of additives on the performance and structure of synthesized membranes to enhance the hydrophilicity of polysulfone membranes.

RESULTS

It was found that 2 wt% poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) gives the optimal values on retention and flux permeation. When applied to ultrafiltration, the membrane exhibited high retention of bovine serum albumin, cobalt, and copper (99.1%, 28.9%, and 46.7%, respectively). The retention values of cobalt and copper are not high.

CONCLUSION

In the polyelectrolyte enhanced ultrafiltration process, the addition of a complexing agent, such as sodium alginate, enhances the retention of cobalt and copper to 94% and 97%, respectively. The optimal performances have been obtained at 2 bar and pH 4 for copper and cobalt retention., © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Stress, coping, and the Strong Black Woman: An empirical analysis
Authors: Graham Jasmine , Welfare Laura E. , Day‐Vines Norma L. , Ghoston Michelle
Published: May 2022

The Strong Black Woman icon presents an image of Black women as infrangible, able to endure hardships unscathed, and in possession of indomitable strength. In this quantitative study of 100 Black women, statistically significant relationships were found between Strong Black Woman attitudes and stress. Implications for Strong Black Women clientele in a professional counseling context are provided.
Respiratory viruses among pediatric inpatients with acute lower respiratory tract infections in Jinan, China, 2016–2019
Authors: Chu Fu‐Lu , Li Chen , Chen Li , Dong Bo , Qiu Yang , Liu Yiqing
Published: May 2022

The viral etiologies responsible for acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) are a major cause of pediatric hospitalization, and some develop severe diseases requiring pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of viruses and risk factors associated with PICU admission among patients hospitalized for ALRI. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected to detect human rhinovirus (HRV), influenza A and B viruses (IAV and IBV), parainfluenza viruses (PIV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and adenovirus (ADV) by PCR. Of the 5590 pediatric inpatients enrolled, respiratory viral infection occurred in 2102 (37.60%) patients, including 1846 (33.02%) single and 256 (4.58%) mixed viral infections. Among the nasopharyngeal swabs from pediatric inpatients, HRV accounted for the highest detection rate (16.48%), followed by PIV (8.35%), RSV (7.41%), ADV (4.63%), IAV (3.51%), and IBV (2.08%). The positive rate of viral tests decreased with increasing age and was higher in males (39.29%) than females (34.67%). The prevalence of viral infection was the highest in winter (41.57%) and lowest in autumn (31.78%). Each virus had a seasonal pattern, with peaks occurring in months of their epidemic seasons. RSV infection and the presence of comorbidities including congenital tracheal stenosis, congenital heart disease, metabolic disorder, immunodeficiency, renal disease, gastrointestinal disease, and neurological disorder might be associated with the need for PICU admission. Therefore, this study provides useful information for the prevention and control of virus‐related respiratory diseases and the early identification of and intervention in severe cases.
NURR1‐deficient mice have age‐ and sex‐specific behavioral phenotypes
Authors: Montarolo Francesca , Martire Serena , Chiara Francesco , Allegra Sarah , De Francia Silvia , Hoxha Eriola , Tempia Filippo , Capobianco Marco Alfonso , Bertolotto Antonio
Published: May 2022

The transcription factor NURR1 is essential to the generation and maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons and its deregulation is involved in the development of dopamine (DA)‐associated brain disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The old male NURR1 heterozygous knockout (NURR1‐KO) mouse has been proposed as a model of PD due to its altered motor performance that was, however, not confirmed in a subsequent study. Based on these controversial results, we explored the effects of the NURR1 deficiency on locomotor activity, motor coordination, brain and plasma DA levels, blood pressure and heart rate of old mice, also focusing on the potential effect of sex. As a probable consequence of the role of NURR1 in DA pathway, we observed that the old NURR1‐KO mouse is characterized by motor impairment, and increased brain DA level and heart rate, independently from sex. However, we also observed an alteration in spontaneous locomotor activity that only affects males. In conclusion, NURR1 deficiency triggers sex‐ and age‐specific alterations of behavioral responses, of DA levels and cardiovascular abnormalities. Further studies in simplified systems will be necessary to dissect the mechanism underlying these observations.
Nutrition‐inflammation marker enhances prognostic value to ECOG performance status in overweight or obese patients with cancer
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zhang Qi , Tang Meng , Zhang Kang‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Wei , Song Meng‐Meng , Ruan Guo‐Tian , Sun Qiang , Li Wei , Xu Hong‐Xia , Cong Ming‐Hua , Deng Li , Shi Han‐Ping
Published: May 2022

Background

Overweight or obese cancer patients are more likely to develop a proinflammatory status. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the nutrition‐inflammation marker can provide additional prognostic information on top of well‐established Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG‐PS) in overweight or obese patients with cancer.

Methods

A total of 1667 overweight or obese cancer patients were enrolled in this study. We assessed the prediction accuracy of 10 nutrition‐inflammation markers by time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and elucidated their association with overall survival by the Kaplan‐Meier method and a Cox model.

Results

In this analysis, the majority of patients had a good performance status (ECOG‐PS score ≤1; 88.3%). Both the area under ROC curves and the C‐index of the lymphocyte–C‐reactive protein ratio (LCR) demonstrated that LCR was the most significant nutrition‐inflammation marker correlated with survival. In patients with good ECOG‐PS, a low LCR was significantly associated with poorer prognosisand enhanced the predictive ability of one‐year mortality. For specific tumor types, a low LCR was an independent prognostic factor for lung cancer, upper gastrointestinal cancer, and colorectal cancer, and it tended to be a significant predictor for breast cancer. In addition, those patients with a combined low LCR and poorer ECOG‐PS (ECOG‐PS score >1) showed the worst prognosis.

Conclusion

The LCR is more strongly associated with overall survival than other nutrition‐inflammation markers, and it is able to further detect patients with worse prognosis on top of ECOG‐PS in overweight or obese patients with cancer.
Raman spectra and structure of hydrogen‐bonded water oligomers in tetrahydrofuran–H2O binary solutions
Authors: Raj Ankit , Chen Yu‐Jou , Wang Chien‐Lung , Hamaguchi Hiro‐o
Published: May 2022

Raman spectra of hydrogen‐bonded water oligomers have been resolved from concentration‐dependent Raman spectra of tetrahydrofuran (THF)–water binary solutions with the use of multivariate curve resolution with alternating least‐squares (MCR‐ALS) analysis, assisted by hypothetical addition multivariate analysis with numerical differentiation (HAMAND) procedure. A total of 38 Raman spectra acquired in the broad spectral range of 700–3810 cm−1were analyzed in a multistep procedure to explain the spectral variations in terms of four components: pure THF, Spectra A, Spectra B, and Spectra C. A four‐component MCR‐ALS analysis was performed with initial guesses by HAMAND analysis to refine the spectral components and determine their concentration dependence. Of the MCR‐ALS resolved three spectra, A was identified as THF(H2O), B as THF(H2O)2with two hydrogens attached to THF, and C as THF(H2O)nhaving two or more linearly hydrogen‐bonded oligomers of water (n = 2–4). Observed spectral changes of the OH stretch vibrations of water and those of the C–C/C–O stretches of THF were well reproduced by quantum chemical calculations. Formation of hydrogen‐bonded water oligomers in THF–water complexes has thus been revealed. The present study provides a new insight into the basics of hydrogen bonding formation in aqueous systems. It also provides experimental methodology for extracting concentration‐dependent minor spectral components contained in complex condensed‐phase Raman spectra.
A comparative study based on serum SERS spectra in and on the coffee ring for high precision breast cancer detection
Authors: Lin Xueliang , Jia Xianggang , Lin Jin Yong , Wu Ping Hui , Weng Youliang , Feng Shangyuan
Published: May 2022

Human blood contains a variety of biomolecules that are highly related to the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of diseases, including cancer. The development of rapid and accurate methods for the detection of these biomarkers with extremely low concentration is vital for improving cancer screening. Herein, a label‐free surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology was employed to detect human serum samples from healthy volunteers (n = 51) and breast cancer patients (n = 58) with the aim of exploring the differences in bio‐components between them. Moreover, the influence of measurement location during SERS assay was evaluated due to the occurrence of “coffee‐ring (CR)” effect associated with this work. Results showed that the SERS spectra obtained from the CR area can better reflect the overall biochemical information of serum samples and exhibited excellent diagnostic sensitivity (94.8%) and specificity (98%) for identifying breast cancer from healthy groups using principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis (PCA‐LDA) algorithm. This work showed a preliminary study of the serum SERS method for breast cancer detection, providing a potential rapid and accurate liquid biopsy strategy for clinical cancer screening.