bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting kill sites of an apex predator from GPS data in different multiprey systems
Authors: Oliveira Teresa , Carricondo‐Sanchez David , Mattisson Jenny , Vogt Kristina , Corradini Andrea , Linnell John D. C. , Odden John , Heurich Marco , Rodríguez‐Recio Mariano , Krofel Miha
Published: November 2022

Kill rates are a central parameter to assess the impact of predation on prey species. An accurate estimation of kill rates requires a correct identification of kill sites, often achieved by field‐checking GPS location clusters (GLCs). However, there are potential sources of error included in kill‐site identification, such as failing to detect GLCs that are kill sites, and misclassifying the generated GLCs (e.g., kill for nonkill) that were not field checked. Here, we address these two sources of error using a large GPS dataset of collared Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), an apex predator of conservation concern in Europe, in three multiprey systems, with different combinations of wild, semidomestic, and domestic prey. We first used a subsampling approach to investigate how different GPS‐fix schedules affected the detection of GLC‐indicated kill sites. Then, we evaluated the potential of the random forest algorithm to classify GLCs as nonkills, small prey kills, and ungulate kills. We show that the number of fixes can be reduced from seven to three fixes per night without missing more than 5% of the ungulate kills, in a system composed of wild prey. Reducing the number of fixes per 24 h decreased the probability of detecting GLCs connected with kill sites, particularly those of semidomestic or domestic prey, and small prey. Random forest successfully predicted between 73%–90% of ungulate kills, but failed to classify most small prey in all systems, with sensitivity (true positive rate) lower than 65%. Additionally, removing domestic prey improved the algorithm's overall accuracy. We provide a set of recommendations for studies focusing on kill‐site detection that can be considered for other large carnivore species in addition to the Eurasian lynx. We recommend caution when working in systems including domestic prey, as the odds of underestimating kill rates are higher.
Expert peer facilitation of the EVERYbody Project: A randomized‐controlled evaluation of a diversity‐focused, dissonance‐based, universal body image program for college students
Authors: Ciao Anna C. , Duvall Ally , Pascual Summer , Lawley Kendall A.
Published: November 2022

Objective

A novel peer facilitation model was used to deliver a two session, dissonance‐based, inclusive body image intervention that critically examines how internalized size‐based oppression intersects with race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability.

Method

The EVERYbody Project was open to all college students and delivered by “expert” peer facilitators with body image and diversity experience and advanced facilitation skills. Recruitment was halted due to COVID‐19; 90 students in the Northwest US (M age = 19.83 years, SD = 2.38; 80% female‐identified, 13% male‐identified, 7% gender expansive) were randomized to receive the EVERYbody Project or a video‐based, low‐dissonance comparison intervention.

Results

Around half of students (56%) held one or more specific socially marginalized identity (26% with a racial or ethnic identity other than white and non‐Hispanic, 39% with a sexual identity other than straight, 7% with a gender identity other than cisgender). The EVERYbody Project produced greater reductions in three outcomes associated with poor body image (internalized appearance norms, body dissatisfaction, and negative affect) compared to the video intervention through 3‐month follow‐up (ps < .003) with medium between group effects. Both conditions experienced small reductions in eating disorder psychopathology over time.

Discussion

Expert peer facilitation may be a viable delivery model for inclusive, diversity‐focused dissonance‐based body image programs.

Public Significance

This study explored a novel facilitation approach for a diversity‐focused body image program for college students. A brief (4 h) dissonance‐based program was open to all college students and delivered by “expert” diverse peer leaders who were screened for facilitation readiness. Body image and related outcomes were improved through 3‐month follow‐up relative to a comparison condition, suggesting that expert peer facilitation may be a viable option for delivering universal, inclusive body image programming.
Can predators stabilize host–parasite interactions? Changes in aquatic predator identity alter amphibian responses and parasite abundance across life stages
Authors: Strasburg Miranda , Boone Michelle D.
Published: November 2022

The role of parasites can change depending on the food web community. Predators, for instance, can amplify or dilute parasite effects on their hosts. Likewise, exposure to parasites or predators at one life stage can have long‐term consequences on individual performance and survival, which can influence population and disease dynamics. To understand how predators affect amphibian parasite infections across life stages, we manipulated exposure of northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpoles to three predators (crayfish [Orconectes rusticus], bluegill [Lepomis macrochirus], or mosquitofish [Gambusia affinis]) and to trematode parasites (Echinostomaspp.) in mesocosms and followed juveniles in outdoor terrestrial enclosures through overwintering. Parasites and predators both had strong impacts on metamorphosis with bluegill and parasites individually reducing metamorph survival. However, when fish were present, the negative effects of parasites on survival was not apparent, likely because fish altered community composition via increased algal food resources. Bluegill also reduced snail abundance, which could explain reduced abundance of parasites in surviving metamorphs. Bluegill and parasite exposure increased mass at metamorphosis, which increased metamorph jumping, swimming, and feeding performance, suggesting that larger frogs would experience better terrestrial survival. Effects on size at metamorphosis persisted in the terrestrial environment but did not influence overwintering survival. Based on our results, we constructed stage‐structured population models to evaluate the lethal and sublethal effects of bluegill and parasites on population dynamics. Our models suggested that positive effects of bluegill and parasites on body size may have greater effects on population growth than the direct effects of mortality. This study illustrates how predators can alter the outcome of parasitic infections and highlights the need for long‐term experiments that investigate how changes in host–parasite systems alter population dynamics. We show that some predators reduce parasite effects and have indirect positive effects on surviving individuals potentially increasing host population persistence.
Local adaptation in the transgenerational response to copper pollution in the bryozoan Bugula neritina
Authors: Neylan Isabelle P. , Sih Andrew , Stachowicz John J.
Published: November 2022

Transgenerational plasticity (TGP)—when a parent or previous generation's environmental experience affects offspring phenotype without involving a genetic change—can be an important mechanism allowing for rapid adaptation. However, despite increasing numbers of empirical examples of TGP, there appears to be considerable variation in its strength and direction, yet limited understanding of what causes this variation. We compared patterns of TGP in response to stress across two populations with high versus low historical levels of stress exposure. Specifically, we expected that exposure to acute stress in the population experiencing historically high levels of stress would result in adaptive TGP or alternatively fixed tolerance (no parental effect), whereas the population with low levels of historical exposure would result in negative parental carryover effects. Using a common sessile marine invertebrate, Bugula neritina, and a split brood design, we exposed parents from both populations to copper or control treatments in the laboratory and then had them brood copper‐naïve larvae. We then exposed half of each larval brood to copper and half to control conditions before allowing them to grow to maturity in the field. Maternal copper exposure had a strong negative carryover effect on adult offspring growth and survival in the population without historical exposure, especially when larvae themselves were exposed to copper. We found little to no maternal or offspring treatment effect on adult growth and survival in the population with a history of copper exposure. However, parents from this population produced larger larvae on average and were able to increase the size of their larvae in response to copper exposure, providing a potential mechanism for maintaining fitness and suggesting TGP through maternal provisioning. These results indicate that the ability to adjust offspring phenotype via TGP may be a locally adapted trait and potentially influenced by past patterns of exposure.
Evaluation of carbon footprint and energy input of internal combustion engine vehicles in China
Authors: Xie Jian‐bo
Published: November 2022

Large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) are discharged into air by combustion of gasoline and energy is input in a passenger internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) system through lifecycle phases. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the lifecycle carbon emissions and primary energy input of passenger ICEVs. With the life cycle assessment method, the calculations of carbon emission intensity and energy input intensity of materials used in lifecycle phases were made. The results show that the total lifecycle gasoline consumption of a vehicle was estimated to be 33,000 kg and the lifecycle CO2 emissions reached 81,311 kg per vehicle. Lifecycle CO2 emissions in use period occupied 89.43%, mainly attributed to the combustion of petrol. The average lifecycle CO2 emission intensity of the materials used was 2.33 kg/kg. The lifecycle carbon footprint of the passenger ICEVs was 163 g/km. The total CO2 emissions of ICEVs in Beijing were largest of all cities due to the maximum owning amount. The ratio of total lifecycle CO2 emissions of ICEVs in 13 large cities studied in this work to those of nationwide ICEVs was 0.179. Thus, more new energy vehicles will be given the prioritized choice in the future.
Innovative Fudan rT staging in endoscopic surgery for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Wanpeng , Liu Qiang , Xu Haoyuan , Wang Huan , Zhang Huangkang , Liu Quan , Wang Jingjing , Hu Li , Li Houyong , Sun Xicai , Yu Hongmeng , Wang Dehui
Published: November 2022

Background

American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for International Cancer Control (AJCC/UICC) rT staging have great clinical impracticality. The aim of the present study was to establish a new rT staging to guide endoscopic surgery for the treatment of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC).

Methods

This surgical rT staging (named Fudan rT staging) was constructed using two significant risk factors: the distance from the tumor margin to the internal carotid artery, and dural invasion. Log‐rank and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to evaluate its effectiveness.

Results

Fudan rT staging can effectively separate the overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of patients with rNPC according to the different rT stages (p < 0.05). In addition, ROC analysis showed that the Fudan rT staging exhibited enhanced prognostic value for OS and PFS compared with the AJCC/UICC rT staging.

Conclusions

The innovative Fudan rT staging has a better predictive value for the survival of patients with rNPC than AJCC/UICC rT staging.
Promotion of diet‐induced obesity and metabolic syndromes by BID is associated with gut microbiota
Authors: Yan Shengmin , Zhou Jun , Zhang Hao , Lin Zhen , Khambu Bilon , Liu Gang , Ma Michelle , Chen Xiaoyun , Chalasani Naga , Yin Xiao‐Ming
Published: November 2022

A growing body of evidence has indicated an expanding functional network of B‐cell lymphoma 2 (BCL‐2) family proteins beyond regulation of cell death and survival. Here, we examined the role and mechanisms of BH3 interacting‐domain death agonist (BID), a pro‐death BCL‐2 family member, in the development of diet‐induced metabolic dysfunction. Mice deficient in bid (bid

−/−
) were resistant to high‐fat diet (HFD)–induced obesity, hepatic steatosis, and dyslipidemia with an increased insulin sensitivity. Indirect calorimetry analysis indicated that bid deficiency increased metabolic rate and decreased respiratory exchange ratio, suggesting a larger contribution of lipids to overall energy expenditure. While expression of several genes related to lipid accumulation was only increased in wild‐type livers, metabolomics analysis revealed a consistent reduction in fatty acids but an increase in certain sugars and Krebs cycle intermediates in bid

−/−
livers. Gut microbiota (GM) analysis indicated that HFD induced gut dysbiosis with differential patterns in wild‐type and in bid

−/−
mice. Notably, abrogation of GM by antibiotics during HFD feeding eliminated the beneficial effects against obesity and hepatic steatosis conferred by the bid deficiency. Conclusion: These results indicate that the protective role of bid‐deficiency against diet‐induced metabolic dysfunction interacts with the function of GM.
Capitalizing on paradoxical activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway for treatment of Imatinib‐resistant mast cell leukemia
Authors: Wilhelm Thomas , Toledo Marcelo A. S. , Simons Ilka , Stuth Christian , Mohta Vrinda , Mülfarth Ronja , Nitsche Marcus , Maschke‐Neuß Karin , Schmitz Susanne , Kaiser Anne , Panse Jens , Christen Deborah , Arock Michel , Zenke Martin , Huber Michael
Published: November 2022

Prevention of fatal side effects during cancer therapy of cancer patients with high‐dosed pharmacological inhibitors is to date a major challenge. Moreover, the development of drug resistance poses severe problems for the treatment of patients with leukemia or solid tumors. Particularly drug‐mediated dimerization of RAF kinases can be the cause of acquired resistance, also called “paradoxical activation.” In the present work we re‐analyzed the effects of different tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on the proliferation, metabolic activity, and survival of the Imatinib‐resistant, KIT V560G, D816V‐expressing human mast cell (MC) leukemia (MCL) cell line HMC‐1.2. We observed that low concentrations of the TKIs Nilotinib and Ponatinib resulted in enhanced proliferation, suggesting paradoxical activation of the MAPK pathway. Indeed, these TKIs caused BRAF‐CRAF dimerization, resulting in ERK1/2 activation. The combination of Ponatinib with the MEK inhibitor Trametinib, at nanomolar concentrations, effectively suppressed HMC‐1.2 proliferation, metabolic activity, and induced apoptotic cell death. Effectiveness of this drug combination was recapitulated in the human KIT D816V MC line ROSAKIT D816V and in KIT D816V hematopoietic progenitors obtained from patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and systemic mastocytosis patient samples. In conclusion, mutated KIT‐driven Imatinib resistance and possible TKI‐induced paradoxical activation can be efficiently overcome by a low concentration Ponatinib and Trametinib co‐treatment, potentially reducing the negative side effects associated with MCL therapy.
Collaborations Between Microbes and those who Love Them
Authors: Høyland‐Kroghsbo Nina Molin
Published: November 2022

Quorum sensing is the chemical language that enables bacteria to collaborate, share resources, and perform tasks, that individual bacteria cannot accomplish alone. Similarly, we can achieve greater things when we work as a group. Bonnie L. Bassler, recipient of this year's Wolf prize, ends her talks acknowledging her team, stating, “the group accomplishes more than the individual”. Inspired by her research subjects, she orchestrates her research via communication and exchange of ideas, often over shared public goods in the form of caffeine and sugary nutrients. Here, I highlight select insights into how vital collaborations between microbes may serve to enlighten and inspire us to work better together.
Targeting keystone species helps restore the dysbiosis of butyrate‐producing bacteria in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wu Dingfeng , Liu Lei , Jiao Na , Zhang Yida , Yang Li , Tian Chuan , Lan Ping , Zhu Lixin , Loomba Rohit , Zhu Ruixin
Published: November 2022

The dysbiosis of the gut microbiome is one of the pathogenic factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and also affects the treatment and intervention of NAFLD. Among gut microbiomes, keystone species that regulate the integrity and stability of an ecological community have become the potential intervention targets for NAFLD. Here, we collected stool samples from 22 patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), 25 obese patients, and 16 healthy individuals from New York for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. An algorithm was implemented to identify keystone species based on causal inference theories and dynamic intervention simulation. External validation was performed in an independent cohort from California. Eight keystone species in the gut of NAFLD, represented by Porphyromonas loveana, Alistipes indistinctus, and Dialister pneumosintes, were identified, which could efficiently restore the microbial composition of the NAFLD toward a normal gut microbiome with 92.3% recovery. These keystone species regulate intestinal amino acid metabolism and acid–base environment to promote the growth of the butyrate‐producing Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae species that are significantly reduced in NAFLD patients. Our findings demonstrate the importance of keystone species in restoring the microbial composition toward a normal gut microbiome, suggesting a novel potential microbial treatment for NAFLD.
Franck‐Condon factors within damped displacement harmonic oscillators: Solvent‐enhanced absorption and fluorescence spectra
Authors: Zhu Chaoyuan
Published: November 2022

Damped harmonic oscillators that take into account local‐mode nuclear vibrations interacting with solvent molecules are developed into Franck‐Condon factors within displaced harmonic oscillator approximation. This is practically done by scaling an unperturbed Hessian matrix that represents local modes of force constants for molecules in a gaseous phase, and then by diagonalizing the perturbed Hessian matrix it results in direct modification of Huang–Rhys factors which represent normal modes of solute molecule perturbed by solvent environment. For highly symmetric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules in which hydrogen atom vibrations in a solution can be scaled equally, one‐set scaling parameters constructed into damped Franck‐Condon factors can reproduce solvent‐enhanced absorption and fluorescence spectra in solution. However, for low symmetry molecules with atoms other than hydrogen and carbon atoms, multi‐set scaling parameters constructed into damped Franck‐Condon factors can also reproduce solvent‐enhanced absorption and fluorescence spectra in solution. Examples for high symmetry perylene in benzene solution with one‐set scaling parameters and for low symmetry carbazole in n‐hexane solution with multi‐set scaling parameters are given, in both cases, the present damped Franck‐Condon simulation can reproduce solvent‐enhanced absorption and fluorescence spectra in solution.
Pediatric dental residents’ on‐call experience
Authors: Calvo Jean Marie , Hasan Umer
Published: November 2022

Purpose/Objectives

The Commission on Dental (CODA) requires that pediatric dentistry training programs provide residents with clinical experiences in oral‐facial injury and emergency care, as well as interprofessional patient care through hospital dentistry. These standards are often met through pediatric dental residents being on‐call for children's hospitals. The aim of this study was to describe the on‐call experience of pediatric dental residents at two urban children's hospitals.

Methods

This cross‐sectional descriptive study collected and analyzed data on the number, type, and time and date distributions of on‐call pages received by pediatric dental residents over a 36‐month study period.

Results

A total of 737 on‐call pages were received. Each pediatric dental resident responded to 70 pages on average during their training. The most common reason for pages being received was inpatient consultation and oral‐facial trauma. The mean number of pages received did not vary by year, month, or day of the week. There was a statically significant difference in the mean number of pages received by the hour of the day.

Conclusion

Having an on‐call pediatric dental service in pediatric dentistry training programs is a meaningful way of exposing pediatric dental residents to oral‐facial trauma, hospital dentistry, and interprofessional care.
A human kidney and liver organoid‐based multi‐organ‐on‐a‐chip model to study the therapeutic effects and biodistribution of mesenchymal stromal cell‐derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Nguyen Vivian V. T. , Ye Shicheng , Gkouzioti Vasiliki , van Wolferen Monique E. , Yengej Fjodor Yousef , Melkert Dennis , Siti Sofia , de Jong Bart , Besseling Paul J. , Spee Bart , van der Laan Luc J. W. , Horland Reyk , Verhaar Marianne C. , van Balkom Bas W. M.
Published: November 2022

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)‐derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) show therapeutic potential in multiple disease models, including kidney injury. Clinical translation of sEVs requires further preclinical and regulatory developments, including elucidation of the biodistribution and mode of action (MoA). Biodistribution can be determined using labelled sEVs in animal models which come with ethical concerns, are time‐consuming and expensive, and may not well represent human physiology. We hypothesised that, based on developments in microfluidics and human organoid technology, in vitro multi‐organ‐on‐a‐chip (MOC) models allow us to study effects of sEVs in modelled human organs like kidney and liver in a semi‐systemic manner. Human kidney‐ and liver organoids combined by microfluidic channels maintained physiological functions, and a kidney injury model was established using hydrogenperoxide. MSC‐sEVs were isolated, and their size, density and potential contamination were analysed. These sEVs stimulated recovery of the renal epithelium after injury. Microscopic analysis shows increased accumulation of PKH67‐labelled sEVs not only in injured kidney cells, but also in the unharmed liver organoids, compared to healthy control conditions. In conclusion, this new MOC model recapitulates therapeutic efficacy and biodistribution of MSC‐sEVs as observed in animal models. Its human background allows for in‐depth analysis of the MoA and identification of potential side effects.
Alleviation effect of supply chain finance on financing constraints of high‐tech small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Yan Bo , Liang Meng‐Ru
Published: November 2022

This paper studies financing constraints of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area from the perspective of supply chain finance and examines how the supply chain finance affects the financing of SMEs. First, based on the cash‐cash flow sensitivity model, a multiple regression model is constructed. The results show that the supply chain finance could alleviate the financing constraints of SMEs. Second, a multi‐objective programming model is established, and an optimal solution is found by the genetic algorithm. It is concluded that the enterprise should allocate the appropriate amount of funds to obtain the optimal financing effect; to obtain the maximum financing benefit, the optimal strategy should be 65.2% of the supply chain finance capital. Finally, some suggestions are proposed forward to promote the development of SMEs in the bay area.
Lymphaticovenular anastomoses training model for multiple stages of lymphedema by using efferent lymphatic plexus of the mesenteric lymph node of rats
Authors: Ishiura Ryohei , Mitsui Kohei , Banda Chihena Hansini , Danno Kanako , Narushima Mitsunaga
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) has transformed lymphedema treatment and has become an important part of the surgical therapy. LVA requires supermicrosurgical skills and unique nontraumatic techniques as the lymphatic vessel diameter of varies with the progression of lymphedema from 0.3 to 0.8 mm. However, even though several supermicrosurgical vessel anastomosis training models have been reported, only few focus on LVA including both various sizes of lymphatic vessels and lymphatic dissection. We report the establishment of a novel in‐vivo LVA training model using the rat efferent lymphatic plexus of the mesenteric lymph node.

Materials and Methods

Lymphatic vessels in the efferent lymphatic plexus of the mesenteric lymph node and mesenteric veins of 10 male Wistar rats, 572–850 g, were used for LVA in an intima‐to‐intima coaptation manner using 12‐0 nylon suture with 4–6 stitches in an end‐to‐end fashion. Postoperative patency was evaluated with indigo carmine blue after completion of anastomosis. Diameters of lymphatic vessels in the plexus and recipient veins were measured.

Results

The diameters of lymphatic vessels in efferent lymphatic plexus of the mesenteric lymph nodes and mesenteric veins used as recipients were measured in all 10 male rats. The mean number of lymphatic vessels included in efferent lymphatic plexus of the mesenteric lymph nodes was 7.5 (range, 5–11) and the mean diameter of the lymphatic vessels was 0.34 mm (range, 0.1–1.2 mm). The mean diameter of lymphatic vessels used for LVA was 0.46 mm (range, 0.25–0.7 mm). The mean diameter of the recipient veins was 0.49 mm (range, 0.35–0.7 mm). The postoperative patency rate after LVA was 100% (10/10).

Conclusion

We reported the establishment of LVA model involving the use of the efferent lymphatic plexus of the mesenteric lymph node and mesenteric veins in rats.
Exact solution of nonlinear Newell–Whitehead–Segel equation using semi‐analytical approach
Authors: Patel Yogeshwari F. , Dhodiya Jayesh M. , Pandit Dhrien
Published: November 2022

This paper proposed a reliable semi‐analytical approach, namely, the reduced differential transform method, to evaluate the exact solution of the Newell–Whitehead–Segel equation. It models chemical reactions, Rayleigh–Bernard convection, and Faraday instability. The existing analytical approaches in the literature do not deal effectively with nonlinear terms and boundary condition. To show the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed method, this paper discusses three cases. The obtained results are more accurate than the other existing methods available in the literature.The accuracy of solution obtained is of 10−12 order approximately in each of the three cases. The analytical solution is also compared with an exact solution, which shows an excellent agreement. The paper also discusses error analysis for the obtained series solution with the straightforward applicability, with less cost and computational effort.
Regularity and profiles of solutions to a higher order Eyring–Powell fluid with Darcy–Forchheimer porosity term
Authors: Rahman Saeed ur , Díaz Palencia José Luis
Published: November 2022

A flow of Eyring–Powell type constitutes a remarkable area of analysis to model non‐Newtonian processes in fluids. The associated diffusion term comes from the general kinetic theory of liquids and permits to account for a wider diffusivity, which is applicable for qualitatively low to higher shear stresses. The goal of the present article is to introduce a generalization of an Eyring–Powell fluid by the introduction of a porous reaction term (of Darcy–Forchheimer type) and a perturbation with a higher order operator. In particular, we consider that our model is an extension of a classical Eyring–Powell fluid in the same manner as introduced for other equations (see the extended Fisher–Kolmogorov model). The obtained equation is novel and requires analysis about existence, regularity and uniqueness of solutions. Stationary solutions are explored under the definition of a Hamiltonian. In addition, profiles of solutions are obtained with an exponential scaling that ends in a Hamilton–Jacobi equation. Eventually, some numerical assessments are introduced to validate the hypothesis done, and to discuss about the accuracy of the analytical approach followed.
Stability of inverse scattering problem for the damped biharmonic plate equation
Authors: Liu Yang , Zu Jian
Published: November 2022

This paper is concerned with the stability of the inverse scattering problem for the damped biharmonic plate equation in a bounded domain with the Cauchy data. A sharp estimate for the mass density is established using a priori information concerning Sobolev norms and a priori information about the support of the inhomogeneity. Our results improve previous estimates and explicitly depend on the damping coefficient. The proof mainly relies on the complex geometric optics solution method and the Fourier analysis.
Foodomics Reveals Anti‐Obesity Properties of Cannabinoids from Hemp Oil
Authors: Ding Ziwen , Jiang Fan , Shi Jiachen , Wang Yanan , He Mengxue , Tan Chin Ping , Liu Yuanfa , Xu Yong‐Jiang
Published: November 2022

Scope

Molecular networking (MN) analysis intends to provide chemical insight of untargeted mass spectrometry (MS) data to the user's underlying biological questions. Foodomics is the study of chemical compounds in food using advanced omics methods. In this study, an MS‐MN‐based foodomics approach is developed to investigate the composition and anti‐obesity activity of cannabinoids in hemp oil.

Methods and results

A total of 16 cannabinoids are determined in optimized microwave pretreatment of hemp oil using the developed approach. Untargeted metabolomics analysis reveals that cannabinoid extract (CE) and its major constituent (cannabidiol, CBD), can alleviate high glucose‐induced increases in lipids and carbohydrates, and decreases in amino acid and nucleic acid. Moreover, CE and CBD are also found to suppress the expression levels of mdt‐15, sbp‐1, fat‐5, fat‐6, fat‐7, daf‐2, and elevate the expression level of daf‐1, daf‐7, daf‐16, sod‐3, gst‐4, lipl‐4, resulting in the decrease of lipid synthesis and the enhance of kinetism. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) uncovers strong associations between specific metabolic alterations and gene expression levels.

Conclusion

These findings from this exploratory study offer a new insight into the roles of cannabinoids in the treatment of obesity and related complications.
Butyrate Attenuates Hepatic Steatosis Induced by a High‐Fat and Fiber‐Deficient Diet via the Hepatic GPR41/43‐CaMKII/HDAC1‐CREB Pathway
Authors: Zheng Mingxuan , Yang Xiaoying , Wu Qingyuan , Gong Yuying , Pang Ning , Ge Xing , Nagaratnam Nathan , Jiang Pengfei , Zhou Menglu , Hu Tao , Hua Hui , Zheng Kuiyang , Huang Xu‐Feng , Yu Yinghua
Published: November 2022

Scope

Hepatic steatosis is a major health issue that can be attenuated by a healthy diet. This study investigates the effects and molecular mechanisms of butyrate, a dietary fiber metabolite of gut microbiota, on lipid metabolism in hepatocytes.

Methods and results

This study examines the effects of butyrate (0–8 mM) on lipid metabolism in primary hepatocytes. The results show that butyrate (2 mM) consistently inhibits lipogenic genes and activates lipid oxidation‐related gene expression in hepatocytes. Furthermore, butyrate modulates lipid metabolism genes, reduces fat droplet accumulation, and activates the calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)/histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1)‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway in the primary hepatocytes and liver of wild‐type (WT) mice, but not in G‐protein‐coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) knockout and 43 (GPR43) knockout mice. This suggests that butyrate regulated hepatic lipid metabolism requires GPR41 and GPR43. Finally, the study finds that dietary butyrate supplementation (5%) ameliorates hepatic steatosis and abnormal lipid metabolism in the liver of mice fed a high‐fat and fiber‐deficient diet for 15 weeks.

Conclusion

This work reveals that butyrate improves hepatic lipid metabolism through the GPR41/43‐CaMKII/HDAC1‐CREB pathway, providing support for consideration of butyrate as a dietary supplement to prevent the progression of NAFLD induced by the Western‐style diet.
High‐speed, high‐resolution methodology for portable universal radar target‐echo simulator
Authors: Daggula Rajender , Vasudeva Bevara , Kamal Manisha , Acharyya Amit
Published: November 2022

In this paper, digital parallelization and fractional delay‐based novel methods are proposed for the realization of high bandwidth, high‐resolution Ku‐band radar target simulator with 2.5 GHz intermediate frequency. High bandwidth waveform from radar is sampled by high‐speed Analog to Digital Converter, and samples are parallelized in Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) to work at the nominal clock frequency. In Digital RF Memory‐based target simulator, for finer range resolution, the FPGA clock frequency needs to be increased, which leads to increased system design complexity. The finer range resolution is accomplished without altering the system clock frequency using variable fractional delay filters and the digital parallelization methodology is proposed in this paper. The maximum target range that can be simulated is 20 km. As a result, memory requirements, computational complexity, and power dissipation are reduced. Finally, simulation and implementation results are presented.
The evolution of wound dressings: From traditional to smart dressings
Authors: Rezvani Ghomi Erfan , Niazi Mina , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: November 2022

Wound healing has always been a great challenge throughout human history. Today, with a substantial rise in chronic diseases and surgical operations, there is more demand for wound dressings to facilitate the healing process. Modern dressings come in different forms and offer significant advantages over the traditionally used passive bandages by inhibiting microbial activity and providing a suitable moist environment for the wound. Despite their widespread clinical usage and successful results in wound treatment, even modern dressings cannot promote wound healing as expected since they are not responsive to the wound conditions. On the other hand, smart dressings can interact with the environment through their built‐in sensors and respond to wound needs. They can monitor the changes in wound healing stages and provide insightful information that could affect the treatment direction. The current manuscript reviews the evolution of wound dressings from ancient, traditional to modern dressings and presents the advanced class of smart dressings as the future trend in the field.
Late manifestation of borderline personality disorder: Characterization of an under‐recognized phenomenon
Authors: Jo Rachel , Broadbear Jillian H. , Hope Judith , Rao Sathya
Published: November 2022

Although uncommon, borderline personality disorder (BPD) may manifest for the first time later in life. A retrospective clinical file audit was used to identify the clinical manifestation of BPD for the first time at or above the age of 30, and to examine whether particular clinical and psychosocial factors may be associated with a later‐in‐life manifestation of BPD. Twenty‐three cases of late manifestation BPD were identified. People with late manifestation of BPD had similar risk factors and vulnerabilities, including childhood trauma, to the broader BPD population. They were distinguished by having higher levels of education, employment, and long‐term intimate relationships. Interpersonal problems, loss of employment and reminders of past sexual trauma were key precipitating factors. The findings underscore the legitimacy of a late‐manifestation diagnosis of BPD by demonstrating that BPD does not present exclusively during adolescence and early adulthood. BPD may present for the first time in later life in response to loss of protective factors or triggering of past trauma. This understanding may reduce misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, prescription of inappropriate treatments or delays in receiving BPD‐appropriate treatments.
The utility of proteases in proteomics, from sequence profiling to structure and function analysis
Authors: Sun Binwen , Liu Zheyi , Liu Jin , Zhao Shan , Wang Liming , Wang Fangjun
Published: November 2022

In mass spectrometry (MS)‐based bottom‐up proteomics, protease digestion plays an essential role in profiling both proteome sequences and post‐translational modifications (PTMs). Trypsin is the gold standard in digesting intact proteins into small‐size peptides, which are more suitable for high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation and tandem MS (MS/MS) characterization. However, protein sequences lacking Lys and Arg cannot be cleaved by trypsin and may be missed in conventional proteomic analysis. Proteases with cleavage sites complementary to trypsin are widely applied in proteomic analysis to greatly improve the coverage of proteome sequences and PTM sites. In this review, we survey the common and newly emerging proteases used in proteomics analysis mainly in the last 5 years, focusing on their unique cleavage features and specific proteomics applications such as missing protein characterization, new PTM discovery, and de novo sequencing. In addition, we summarize the applications of proteases in structural proteomics and protein function analysis in recent years. Finally, we discuss the future development directions of new proteases and applications in proteomics.
A new social contract for technology
Authors: Srinivasan Ramesh , Ghosh Dipayan
Published: November 2022

The tides of public sentiment in the United States have turned squarely against Silicon Valley's leading internet firms. Long‐running Congressional inquiries; employee‐led backlashes and news leaks; expert analyses that have uncovered deep‐rooted social concerns; and aggressive journalistic inquiry—these and other actions have pushed the executives of America's most successful technology firms under the public microscope. Around the world, there is clear nonpartisan concern about the unaccountable ways that technology companies have invaded personal privacy, threatened the viability of traditional forms of work and the economic welfare they provide to workers, and challenged the backbone of democracy and free press. There seems to be increasing consensus that the commercial internet has become a privately controlled public sphere in which citizens are exposed to a multitude of perspectives all on the same “playing field.” This paper's contribution is to argue for the need of a “social contract” for technology—a set of principles that technology corporations and states must adhere to so as to ensure that we overcome the zero‐sum path we are headed to today.
Differentiating between the sequence of structural events on alternative pathways of folding of a heterodimeric protein
Authors: Bhattacharjee Rupam , Udgaonkar Jayant B.
Published: November 2022

Distinguishing between competing pathways of folding of a protein, on the basis of how they differ in their progress of structure acquisition, remains an important challenge in protein folding studies. A previous study had shown that the heterodimeric protein, double chain monellin (dcMN) switches between alternative folding pathways upon a change in guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) concentration. In the current study, the folding of dcMN has been characterized by the pulsed hydrogen exchange (HX) labeling methodology used in conjunction with mass spectrometry. Quantification of the extent to which folding intermediates accumulate and then disappear with time of folding at both low and high GdnHCl concentrations, where the folding pathways are known to be different, shows that the folding mechanism is describable by a triangular three‐state mechanism. Structural characterization of the productive folding intermediates populated on the alternative pathways has enabled the pathways to be differentiated on the basis of the progress of structure acquisition that occurs on them. The intermediates on the two pathways differ in the extent to which the α‐helix and the rest of the β‐sheet have acquired structure that is protective against HX. The major difference is, however, that β2 has not acquired any protective structure in the intermediate formed on one pathway, but it has acquired significant protective structure in the intermediate formed on the alternative pathway. Hence, the sequence of structural events is different on the two alternative pathways.
Ter‐Seq: A high‐throughput method to stabilize transient ternary complexes and measure associated kinetics
Authors: Chattopadhyay Gopinath , Ahmed Shahbaz , Srilatha Nonavinakere Seetharam , Asok Aparna , Varadarajan Raghavan
Published: November 2022

Regulation of biological processes by proteins often involves the formation of transient, multimeric complexes whose characterization is mechanistically important but challenging. The bacterial toxin CcdB binds and poisons DNA Gyrase. The corresponding antitoxin CcdA extracts CcdB from its complex with Gyrase through the formation of a transient ternary complex, thus rejuvenating Gyrase. We describe a high throughput methodology called Ter‐Seq to stabilize probable ternary complexes and measure associated kinetics using the CcdA‐CcdB‐GyrA14 ternary complex as a model system. The method involves screening a yeast surface display (YSD) saturation mutagenesis library of one partner (CcdB) for mutants that show enhanced ternary complex formation. We also isolated CcdB mutants that were either resistant or sensitive to rejuvenation, and used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) with purified proteins to validate the kinetics measured using the surface display. Positions, where CcdB mutations lead to slower rejuvenation rates, are largely involved in CcdA‐binding, though there were several notable exceptions suggesting allostery. Mutations at these positions reduce the affinity towards CcdA, thereby slowing down the rejuvenation process. Mutations at GyrA14‐interacting positions significantly enhanced rejuvenation rates, either due to reduced affinity or complete loss of CcdB binding to GyrA14. We examined the effect of different parameters (CcdA affinity, GyrA14 affinity, surface accessibilities, evolutionary conservation) on the rate of rejuvenation. Finally, we further validated the Ter‐Seq results by monitoring the kinetics of ternary complex formation for individual CcdB mutants in solution by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies.
Synthesis of Apigenin and Quercetin‐Like Compounds, Molecular Docking Simulation, and Investigation of Their Bioactivity on A549 Cell Lines
Authors: Yıldırır Yılmaz , Özel Selinay , Doyduk Doğukan , Kartal Yasemin , Sabuncuoğlu Suna
Published: November 2022

Apigenin and quercetin compounds, which are polyphenolic compounds, are used in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer treatment. Many researchers have investigated the bioactivity of apigenin and quercetin derivatives by attaching a fluorine atom or atoms due to the bioactivity of the fluorine atom. In this study, 16 new compounds were synthesized by attaching one or more trifluoromethyl groups to apigenin and quercetin‐like compounds; the structures of these compounds were verified by spectroscopic methods, and the cytotoxic activities of compound (5–8 and 13–16) were evaluated by MTT assay. Compound 5 (IC50=150.95 μM) was found to be the most effective of these compounds.
Exploring the feasibility of using the soil temperature to identify preferential and lateral subsurface flows
Authors: Ehrhardt Annelie , Gerke Horst H.
Published: November 2022

Soil temperature can be influenced by rapidly infiltrating water. Deviations from a uniform soil heat distribution could result from vertical preferential flow (VPF) and lateral subsurface flow (LSF) events. The objective was to identify the effect of infiltration on the soil temperature time series in a lysimeter with forced vertical movement and that in a sloping field to distinguish between VPF and LSF. Wavelet coherence analysis (WCA) was used to analyze soil temperature time series measured in a Colluvic Regosol close to the surface (15‐cm depth) and below (80‐cm depth) in a horizon with possible LSF occurrence. The soil temperatures in these depths were correlated at a daily scale reflecting diurnal fluctuations of air temperatures. A correlation at a monthly scale was similar to the periodicity in the wavelet spectrum of the precipitation from May through October 2015. In this period, soil temperatures at 80‐cm depth changed faster in the lysimeter than in the field, indicating a dominating infiltration‐induced vertical heat movement in the lysimeter. When assuming a temperature‐dampening effect in the sloping field soil by laterally moving temperature‐equilibrated soil water, observed deviations in soil temperature profiles between lysimeter and field could be indicative for LSF in the field. However, LSF occurrence could only be verified by soil water content measurements for single rainfall events in October and May. The analysis was useful to identify qualitatively relevant events in a time series. For quantitative analysis, soil moisture data need to be considered.
Validation of forensic tools and methods: A primer for the digital forensics examiner
Authors: Brunty Josh
Published: November 2022

Real‐world laboratory use, controlled internal tests utilizing scientific principles, and peer review should be leveraged in a proper validation test plan of digital and multimedia forensic tools and methods. As the field of digital and multimedia forensics continues to grow and evolve as a science, the importance of proper scientific validation of tools and methods, in addition to the fundamental understanding of its purpose and required elements, will be more critical than ever. As such, this primer article discusses the basic scientific foundations of forensic tool and method validations, in addition to the legal baselines for validations and how they are interpreted in the court of law. Lastly, the recommended steps of a forensically‐sound validation methodology are discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Digital and Multimedia Science > Mobile Forensics

Digital and Multimedia Science > Multimedia Forensics

Digital and Multimedia Science > Cybercrime Investigation
Parametric electro‐mechanical dispersive behaviors of guided waves in the functionally graded piezoelectric annular plate
Authors: Li Chunlei , Xiao Dongliang , Han Sihao , Han Qiang
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates the propagation characteristics of guided waves in functionally graded annular plates considering the electro‐mechanical coupling. In the orthogonal circular curvilinear coordinate system, the elastodynamic wave equation of guided waves is derived for the functional graded piezoelectric annular plate. The Chebyshev spectral elements are utilized to model the annular plate, and the governing wave equation is discretized. The convergence and accuracy of the proposed method are evaluated by comparing with the results in previous publications. The parametric study on dispersive characteristics of the functionally graded piezoelectric annular plate is conducted systematically for the influences of various volume fraction index, curvature, and geometry size. Some exciting results are discussed including mode separation, mode conversion, and cutoff frequency. This research can benefit the design and development of advanced smart materials and structures.