bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound‐assisted formic acid–choline chloride deep eutectic solvent pretreatment of cotton straw to extracted lignin
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Ren Tiantian , Wu Jianning , Meng Guihua , Yang Shengchao , Cui Lin , Liu Zhiyong , Guo Xuhong
Published: May 2023

Deep eutectic solvent (DES) is a new type of green solvent that can be used for the separation of lignocellulosic components. In this study, ultrasound‐assisted DES pretreatment was used to treat cotton straw, which could retain most of the cellulose in cotton straw and separate hemicellulose and lignin at the same time. Here, DESs with different molar ratios were prepared using choline chloride as hydrogen bond acceptor and formic acid as hydrogen bond donor. Simultaneously changing the ultrasonic frequency and DESs synergistic extraction of lignin. Results show that the ultrasonic power is 32 kHz (room temperature), ultrasound 30 min, oil bath heat 3 h under the best conditions can significantly extract lignin, and the yield of lignin is 87.7% and the purity reached 97.3%. The characteristic peaks of FT‐IR confirmed the extraction of lignin. The structural characteristics of 2D‐HSQC also confirmed the effective separation of lignin, and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed the effect of ultrasound‐assisted DES pretreatment on lignocellulose structure. In short, this study provides a feasible method for the separation of lignocellulose.
On design of time‐varying feedback control for a class of second‐order nonlinear systems
Authors: Li Feigao , Li Pengyu
Published: May 2023

This paper solves the tracking problem by designing the time‐varying control for a class of nonlinear pendulum system. First, by analyzing the pendulum dynamics, we get a second‐order nonlinear strict‐feedback system, and the tracking problem is converted into a stabilizing problem of this nonlinear system. Then, we consider a candidate output feedback control with time‐varying parameters, and analyze the system dynamics to get the stabilizing condition through utilizing the backstepping approach. Although this condition is nonlinear, which is not easy to be solved, under some special conditions, the parameters can be calculated. Finally, the simulation on the tracking problem for the pendulum system is presented, which verifies our results.
Current and lasting effects of affect labeling on late positive potential (LPP) amplitudes elicited by negative events
Authors: Liang Jiafeng , Lin Huiyan
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Labeling the emotional aspect of self‐unrelated stimuli (i.e., affect labeling) is a crucial strategy for implicit emotion regulation. However, it is uncertain whether affect labeling influences event‐related potential (ERP) responses (e.g., the late positive potential, LPP) to negative stimuli in comparison with control conditions in which attention is shifted to the emotional content of the stimuli (e.g., affect matching). Additionally, it is unknown whether affect labeling has a lasting effect on the processing of negative stimuli.

Methods

Participants were required to label the emotion (negative or neutral) of target pictures with two words, to match the emotion with alternative pictures or to merely view the target pictures. Target pictures were presented again immediately after the regulation task. After all the target pictures had been labeled, matched and viewed, the pictures were re‐exposed for the third time.

Results

The results showed that negative pictures elicited larger late LPP responses during the affect labeling task than during other tasks. However, the LPP responses were smaller for negative pictures in the affect labeling condition than in the other conditions when target pictures were re‐exposed immediately after the task. When target pictures were re‐presented again long after the regulation tasks, the LPP responses were smaller for negative stimuli with a history of affect labeling than viewing, whereas this effect did not differ between the affect labeling and matching conditions.

Conclusion

The current findings suggest that affect labeling has current effects and, to some extent, has lasting effects on negative stimulus processing.
A preoperative nomogram model for the prediction of lymph node metastasis in buccal mucosa cancer
Authors: Chen Qian , Wei Rui , Li Shan
Published: May 2023

Objectives

We sought to construct a nomogram model predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa based on preoperative clinical characteristics.

Methods

Patients who underwent radical resection of a primary tumor in the buccal mucosa with neck dissection were enrolled. Clinical characteristics independently associated with LNM in multivariate analyses were adopted to build the model. Patients at low risk of LNM were defined by a predicted probability of LNM of less than 5%.

Results

Patients who underwent surgery in an earlier period (January 2015–November 2019) were defined as the model development cohort (n = 325), and those who underwent surgery later (November 2019–March 2021) were defined as the validation cohort (n = 140). Age, tumor differentiation, tumor thickness, and clinical N stage assessed by computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (cN) were independent predictors of LNM. The nomogram model based on these four predictors showed good discrimination accuracy in both the model development and validation cohorts, with areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.814 and 0.828, respectively. LNM prediction by the nomogram model was superior to cN in AUC comparisons (0.815 vs. 0.753) and decision curve analysis of the whole cohort. Seventy‐one patients were defined as having a low risk of LNM, among whom the actual metastasis rate was only 1.4%.

Conclusions

A robust nomogram model for preoperative LNM prediction is built.
3D mesh pose transfer based on skeletal deformation
Authors: Yang Shigeng , Yin Mengxiao , Li Ming , Li Guiqing , Chang Kan , Yang Feng
Published: May 2023

For 3D mesh pose transfer, the target model is obtained by transferring the pose of the reference mesh to the source mesh, where the shape and pose of the source are usually different from that of the reference. In this paper, pose transfer is considered as a deformation process of the source mesh, and we propose a 3D mesh pose transfer method based on skeletal deformation. First, we design a neural network based on the edge convolution operator to extract the skeleton of the 3D mesh and bind the rigid weights; then, we calculate the bone transformations between the two skeletons with different poses and use the diffusion equation to smooth the rigid weights; finally, the source mesh is deformed according to the bone transformations and the smooth weights to get the target mesh. Experiment results on different datasets show that the pose of the reference mesh can be effectively transferred to the source one while maintaining the shape and high‐quality geometric details of the source mesh by using our method.
Lipid‐, Inorganic‐, Polymer‐, and DNA‐Based Nanocarriers for Delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Song Nachuan , Chu Yiwen , Tang Jianpu , Yang Dayong
Published: May 2023

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system has been widely explored for the precise manipulation of target DNA and has enabled efficient genomic editing in cells. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9 has shown promising potential in biomedical applications, including disease treatment, transcriptional regulation and genome‐wide screening. Despite these exciting achievements, efficient and controlled delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system has remained a critical obstacle to its further application. Herein, we elaborate on the three delivery forms of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and discuss the composition, advantages and limitations of these forms. Then we provide a comprehensive overview of the carriers of the system, and focus on the nonviral nanocarriers in chemical methods that facilitate efficient and controlled delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects of the delivery methods of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in depth, and propose strategies to address the intracellular and extracellular barriers to delivery in clinical applications.
Highly Chemoselective Zn+2‐Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Alkynes
Authors: Raz Itay , Dobrovetsky Roman
Published: May 2023

Hydrosilylation of C=C double and C≡C triple bonds is one of the most widely used processes in organosilicon chemistry, mostly catalyzed by Pt‐based complexes. Herein, the synthesis of a dicationic Zn+2‐based complex with a tripodal tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA) ligand is reported which was found to be a highly chemoselective catalyst for hydrosilylation reactions of alkynes. Mechanistic studies revealed that unlike typical Zn‐catalyzed hydrosilylation reactions where the key step is the activation of the Si−H bond, this system catalyzes the hydrosilylation reaction through the activation of C≡C triple bonds, which presumably is the reason for its high chemoselectivity. Remarkably, the hydrosilylation of alkynes could be performed in the presence of alkenes and other functional groups that remained intact in this reaction.
Using transient energy release measurements for the in‐line characterization ofnon‐Newtonianfluids and fluid state in pipe flow
Authors: Hefft Daniel Ingo , Alberini Federico
Published: May 2023

Alberini et al. have developed a new technology based on a passive acoustic emission (AE) sensing system that uses only a single sensor, with the goal of providing live and in‐situ measurement of rheology. For this study, three different types of fluids were selected to represent common rheological behaviours: Newtonian behaviour, non‐Newtonian behaviour with power law, and non‐Newtonian behaviour with Herschel–Bulkley relationship. By analyzing the transient energy released during the interaction between the probe and the fluid, distinct acoustic fingerprints were identified in the frequency domain. These acoustic fingerprints were found to be characteristic of the different fluids and their rheology, and were validated in triplicate. Furthermore, the results showed that the intensity of the acoustic emissions increased with higher flow rates (30 to 50 L/min). To test the correlation between flow rate and acoustic response, a neural network regression test was conducted, which demonstrated a direct correlation between AE peaks and flow rate. The neural network used was nonlinear autoregressive network with exogenous inputs (NARX), and the test involved a stepwise regression with 70% training and 30% network validation. The study also introduced the Rheology‐AE quotient, which maps fluid constituents against the acoustic signal. Results showed that this was a reliable means of deriving live rheology from a fluid's frequency domain. Finally, the results obtained from this study were validated using an offline rotational rheometer.
Orientational Isomerism and Its Reactivity of a Main Group Sandwich Anion [Ge9‐In‐Ge9]5–
Authors: Xu Hong‐Lei , Qiao Lei , Sun Zhong‐Ming
Published: May 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Two isomers of a sandwich‐type anion [Ge9‐In‐Ge9]5– were synthesized by controlling the chelating agents (2,2,2‐crypt/18‐C‐6). Further reactions with early/late transition metal complexes, Mo(CO)6 and Ni(COD)2, respectively, yielded two new types of inorganic sandwich derivatives: a half‐sandwich cluster [Ge9‐In‐Mo(CO)5]3– with a low‐valence In(I) center and an unsymmetrical sandwich‐type cluster {[(Ni@Ge9)In(Ni0.648@Ge9)]}5– due to the insertion of Ni atoms, respectively. The isolation of these new derivatives demonstrates the reactivity of sandwich‐type [Ge9‐In‐Ge9]5– acting as the precursor, which provides some enlightenment for constructing new inorganic sandwich compounds.
Climate‐related armed conflict and communities' resistance to Rural Grazing Area settlement policy in Nigeria's Middlebelt
Authors: Ojo John Sunday
Published: May 2023

In Nigeria, resource contests have sparked unending ecological conflict. As a result, conflict resolution measures have been proposed to mitigate climate‐related conflict. However, the acceptance of such policies is hampered by ethnic suspicions, communities' exclusion, religious sensitivities, and a lack of political will. State policies are frequently based on centralized resources, which is exacerbated by the complexities of power relations between central and sub‐national authorities. Thus, this article examines communities' resistance to the Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlement policy in Nigeria's Middlebelt using Benue state as a reference point. The study employed a quantitative method using questionnaires. The study used a sample size of 385 questionnaires administered in Guma, Gwer‐West, Gwer‐East, Ukum, and Logo local governments in Benue state. Therefore, the article found that the failure of communities' inclusivity substantially contributed to the local revolt against the RUGA settlement policy. Specifically, the study's findings demonstrate that the possibility of losing ancestral lands, the past experience of the host communities, ethnic and political factors, and poor policy awareness were the primary factors that reinforced communities' resistance to RUGA policy. Moreover, the government's over‐reliance on an authoritarian mechanism and wrong policy choices compounded by a non‐inclusive approach contributed to policy failure to gain acceptability at the grassroots level in Benue state. As an intervention, the article recommends democratically inclusive conflict resolution strategies for climate‐related armed conflict in the region.
A unified black‐box macro model for analog circuit based on artificial neural network
Authors: Zhao Tian , Wei Jiahao , Lan Bijian , Peng Qing , Wan Jing ,   Senior Member, IEEE
Published: May 2023

A novel unified black‐box macro model for analog circuits is presented. This black‐box macro model enables the creation of a high‐accuracy DC and AC macro model by modeling the port voltages and currents of analog circuits using an artificial neural network (ANN). The modeling process for different analog circuit blocks is the same, as the model can be modeled by extracting only the port values. The operational amplifier (OPAMP), which is an important module of the analog circuit, is taken as an example for the verification of the model proposed in this work. The black‐box macro model of OPAMP is used for DC, AC, and transient simulations. The simulation speed of the black‐box macro model is much better than that of the transistor‐level model, and the trade‐off between accuracy and speed can be freely adjusted. The black‐box macro model of OPAMP is also validated by bandgap and low dropout regulators (LDO). To verify the accuracy of the model, the experimental measurement results of the LDO circuit fabricated in the 0.18 μm process have been obtained. Compared with the measurement results, the simulation results of both transistor and black‐box macro models have high accuracy. Those results demonstrate the great potential of the black‐box macro model in analog circuit design and simulation.
Modeling the interaction between salmon management and consumption by coastal brown bears
Authors: Deacy William W. , Leacock William B. , Armstrong Jonathan B.
Published: May 2023

Harvest management policy for species with strong trophic connections can reverberate through food webs and cause unintended consequences, such as altering the abundance of a harvested species' predators or prey. Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchusspp.), a key food for many predators and an economically valuable harvested species, is generally managed for maximum sustained harvests without explicit consideration for the freshwater and terrestrial food webs that they support. The density of brown bear (Ursus arctos) populations in Alaska, USA, is correlated with the amount of salmon they can access and consume, so it seems likely their populations are inadvertently affected by salmon management. We simulated the effect of salmon management policy on brown bears by customizing a general bear–salmon model using empirical data from three watersheds in southwest Kodiak, Alaska. Our goal was to quantify the effect of current salmon management policy (i.e., escapement goals and early/late run allocations) on salmon consumption by brown bears. Bears in the individually‐based model evaluated the value of each foraging site based on salmon abundance, salmon vulnerability, and competition with other bears and made movement decisions (among salmon spawning sites) accordingly. A validation of the model based on empirical brown bear foraging data revealed that simulated bears selected the same salmon spawning locations but visited more sites and fished for more days compared to real bears. In simulations across variables (salmon abundance, phenological variation, bear competition, and bear density), consumption of salmon by bears was remarkably resilient to changes in salmon abundance within the range of current high and low escapement goals, as long as all run‐timing variation and salmon sub‐populations were preserved. Mean salmon consumption increased by ~20% as escapement approximately doubled from the regional lower escapement goal of 625,000 to the upper goal of 1,270,000, but rapidly declined if salmon abundance decreased below the minimum escapement goal. In this system, salmon management policy, designed to achieve maximum sustained yield, also provides adequate salmon for the current bear population. This model creates a potentially useful tool for assessing the knock‐on effects of future changes to salmon management policy.
Application of different proportions of sweet sorghum silage as a substitute for corn silage in dairy cows
Authors: Lv Xiaokang , Chen Liang , Zhou Chuanshe , Zhang Guijie , Xie Jingjing , Kang Jinhe , Tan Zhiliang , Tang Shaoxun , Kong Zhiwei , Liu Zixin , Du Zhiyan
Published: May 2023

This experiment explored the effects of different proportions of sweet sorghum silage as a substitute for corn silage on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, milk quality, apparent digestibility, rumen fermentation parameters, serum amino acid profile, and rumen microbial composition of dairy cows. A total of 32 mid‐lactation Holstein dairy cows with similar body weights and parities were randomly divided into four treatments: 100% corn silage +0% sorghum silage (CON), 75% corn silage +25% sorghum silage (CS1), 50% corn silage +50% sorghum silage (CS2), and 25% corn silage +75% sorghum silage (CS3). The milk yield was increased (linear, p = .048) as the proportion of sweet sorghum increased. Linear (p = .003) and quadratic (p = .046) increased effects were observed in milk fat as corn silage was replaced with sorghum silage. Compared with the CON diet group, the CS2 and CS3 diet groups had lower dry matter (DM) (linear, p < .001), ether extract (EE) (linear, p < .001), and gross energy (GE) (linear, p = .001) digestibility of the dairy cows. The ruminal fluid aspartate (Asp) level decreased (linear, p = .003) as the proportion of sweet sorghum increased. Linear (p < .05) and quadratic (p < .05) increased effects were observed for the contents of threonine (Thr), glycine (Gly), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), tyrosine (Tyr), and histidine (His) in rumen fluid with the replacement of corn silage with sorghum silage. Cows fed the CS3 diet had greater Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides, and Prevotella ruminicola content/copy number than those fed the CON diet (p < .05). In conclusion, feeding sorghum silage as a replacement for corn silage could increase the milk yield and fat, promote the growth of rumen microbes, and provide more rumen fluid amino acids for the body and microbial utilization. We believe that sorghum silage is feasible for dairy cows, and it is reasonable to replace corn silage with 75% sorghum silage.
Characteristics of imitation Mozzarella cheese manufactured without emulsifying salts using a combination of culture‐based acid curd and micellar casein concentrate
Authors: Hammam Ahmed R. A. , Metzger Lloyd E.
Published: May 2023

The objectives of this study were to develop a process to produce acid curd from micellar casein concentrate (MCC) using starter cultures and to manufacture imitation Mozzarella cheese (IMC) using a combination of acid curd and MCC that would confer emulsification ability to the caseins without the use of emulsifying salts (ES). The formulations were targeted to produce IMC with 49.0% moisture, 20.0% fat, 18.0% protein, and 1.5% salt. In the IMC formulation made without ES (FR‐2:1), the acid curd was blended with MCC so that the formula contained a 2:1 ratio of protein from acid curd relative to MCC. IMC with ES was also produced as a control. The melt and stretch characteristics of IMC made from FR‐2:1 were similar to those of control IMC. We conclude that IMC can be made without ES using a 2:1 ratio of protein from acid curd relative to MCC.
Assessing the effect of powder characteristics of infant milk on the compressibility of milk powder compression molding
Authors: Liu Shaoli , Jiang Xuefeng , Fu Feifan , Aziz Tariq , Li Guipu , Zhao Juanjuan , Shah Sana , Xiao Gongnian , Gong Jinyan , He Guanghua
Published: May 2023

Infant formula is an important food for those infants who are deprived of breast milk. However, infant formula powder is prone to fly apart, moisture absorption, sticky spoon, and inaccurate measurement. Block infant formula can solve these problems well. In this study, the characteristics (including particle structure morphology, moisture content, particle size, etc.) of infant formula powder were investigated on the compressive strength and solubility of block infant formula after compression molding with infant formula powder as the object. The results showed that the compressive strength and solubility of the block infant formula made from milk powder with a moisture content of 4.75%, particle size larger than 80 mesh, and morphology of compact grape structure appendages were the best. Therefore, milk powder with this characteristic is the most suitable for the preparation of block infant formula. This study provides referenceable experimental data and theoretical basis for the preparation and application of block infant formula.
Elevated and atmospheric‐level methane consumption by soil methanotrophs of three grasslands in China
Authors: Wang Yufang , Cai Yuanfeng , Hou Fujiang , Bowatte Saman , Jia Zhongjun
Published: May 2023

Background

Methane (CH4) oxidation driven by soil aerobic methanotrophs demonstrates the capacity of grassland as a CH4 sink.

Methods

In this study, we compared the oxidation characteristics of atmospheric‐level and elevated concentration (10%) CH4 in a typical grassland (steppe) on the Loess Plateau, an alpine meadow (meadow) on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, and an inland arid‐area artificial grassland (pasture) in northwest China and investigated the communities of active methanotrophs and their contribution to CH4 oxidation using DNA‐based stable‐isotope probing and Illumina Miseq sequencing.

Results

The results showed that the oxidation of atmospheric CH4 only occurred in steppe and meadow soils where the USCγ group of methanotrophs was numerically dominant in the methanotroph community. Pasture soils, with their very low relative abundance of USCγ, did not show atmospheric CH4 oxidation. However, a DNA‐stable isotope probing experiment with 10% CH4 indicated that conventional CH4 oxidizers (Methylocaldum and Methylocystis) rather than USCγ communities assimilated significant amounts of 13CH4 for growth.

Conclusions

The CH4 oxidation mechanisms in the three experimental grassland soils varied significantly. The USCγ group may be obligate oligotrophic microorganisms or their growth requires specific unknown conditions.
Computation of thermal properties of CMSP shell and tube heat exchanger using different types of helical baffles
Authors: Arunachalam D. , Shukla Anuj Kumar , Dewan Anupam , Salhotra Rahul , Singh Deepak Kumar
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates the flow and thermal properties of a combined multiple shell pass (CMSP)‐shell and tube heat exchanger (STHE) with the provision of unilateral ladder‐type helical baffle (ULHB) and continuous helical baffle (HB) in the outer shell pass of the heat exchanger. Two CMSP‐STHEs with ULHB and HB, respectively, are compared with the traditional STHE having segmental baffles (SG‐STHE) using the computational fluid dynamics method. The computational outcomes are validated with the empirical correlations of the Kern and Esso method. The Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes‐based standard k–ω turbulence model accurately predicts the heat transfer (HT) rate and pressure drop. The computed results of HT rate, pressure drop, and logarithmic mean temperature difference corresponding to various mass flow rates (m) for three STHEs are presented. The results show that the overall HT rate of CMSP (ULHB)‐STHE and the CMSP (HB)‐STHE at the same mass flow rate are nearly 28.3% and 14.8% larger than that of traditional SG‐STHE, respectively. Furthermore, the overall area‐weighted average pressure drop (ΔP) of CMSP (HB)‐STHE is smaller than that of SG‐STHE by 26.5% at the same mass flow rate (m) and for CMSP (ULHB)‐STHE it is larger by 2% than that of traditional STHE. Based on the above results, it is concluded that the CMSP (ULHB)‐STHE is a suitable replacement for the conventional SG‐STHEs.
Can antidepressant use be associated with emotional blunting in a subset of patients with depression? A scoping review of available literature
Authors: Jawad Muhammad Youshay , Fatima Maurish , Hassan Umer , Zaheer Zaofashan , Ayyan Muhammad , Ehsan Muhammad , Khan Muhmmad Huzaifa Ahmed , Qadeer Ahsan , Gull Abdul Rehman , Asif Muhammad Talha , Shad Mujeeb U.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Despite frequent recognition of emotional blunting in the published literature, either as a primary symptom of depression or as an adverse effect of antidepressants, there is no systematic synthesis on this topic to our knowledge. We undertook this scoping review to assess the prevalence, clinical features, implicated causes and management of emotional blunting, outlining the phenomenological and clinical gaps in research.

Method

A systematic search was done until March 15, 2022, to include all original studies (i.e., interventional trials, cohort & cross‐sectional studies, case reports, and case series). All reviewed data were delineated to answer pertinent clinical, phenomenological, and management questions related to the phenomenon of emotional blunting.

Results

A total of 25 original studies were included in our scoping review. Emotional blunting was described as a persistent diminution in both positive and negative feelings in depressed patients, who could subjectively differentiate it from their acute symptoms. However, the literature lacked the distinction between emotional blunting as a primary symptom of depression or an adverse effect of antidepressants. Common clinical strategies to manage antidepressant‐induced emotional blunting included dose reduction or switching to a different antidepressant.

Conclusion

Emotional blunting was a significant patient‐reported concern with antidepressants. Future research should clarify phenomenological and neurobiological constructs underlying emotional blunting to improve diagnostic and management skills.
snoRNAs in hematopoiesis and blood malignancies: A comprehensive review
Authors: Challakkara Mohamed Fahad , Chhabra Ravindresh
Published: May 2023

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules of highly variable size, usually ranging from 60 to 150 nucleotides. They are classified into H/ACA box snoRNAs, C/D box snoRNAs, and scaRNAs. Their functional profile includes biogenesis of ribosomes, processing of rRNAs, 2′‐O‐methylation and pseudouridylation of RNAs, alternative splicing and processing of mRNAs and the generation of small RNA molecules like miRNA. The snoRNAs have been observed to have an important role in hematopoiesis and malignant hematopoietic conditions including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Blood malignancies arise in immune system cells or the bone marrow due to chromosome abnormalities. It has been estimated that annually over 1.25 million cases of blood cancer occur worldwide. The snoRNAs often show a differential expression profile in blood malignancies. Recent reports associate the abnormal expression of snoRNAs with the inhibition of apoptosis, uncontrolled cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This implies that targeting snoRNAs could be a potential way to treat hematologic malignancies. In this review, we describe the various functions of snoRNAs, their role in hematopoiesis, and the consequences of their dysregulation in blood malignancies. We also evaluate the potential of the dysregulated snoRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for blood malignancies.
How parents of children with ataxia‐telangiectasia use dynamic coping to navigate cyclical uncertainty
Authors: Schiller Julia , Towne Meghan C. , Epstein Rachel , Thornton Jennifer Karlin , Suslovitch Victoria
Published: May 2023

Ataxia‐telangiectasia (A‐T) is a rare, childhood‐onset, multi‐systemic, progressive condition. Parents of children with rare diseases like A‐T are emotionally, socially, and psychologically impacted by the diagnosis. To examine the parental perspective of having a child with A‐T, and to better understand how parents cope with an A‐T diagnosis, we conducted 10 semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis using a phenomenological approach resulted in five themes: (1) Parental responsibilities change as the result of an A‐T diagnosis, (2) An A‐T diagnosis brings about shifts in identity for all family members, (3) Parental coping changes over time, (4) A‐T parents experience continuous uncertainty and a lack of stability, and (5) A‐T parents receive support from various people, places, and resources. Many parents fostered resilience by adopting a present‐centered and positive mindset about the impacts of the diagnosis. Parents also became A‐T experts and used their knowledge to advocate for their children and help mentor other parents. Responses from parents indicated a need for providers to incorporate parental mental well‐being check‐ins to pediatric rare disease appointments and welcome parents as respected members of their children's care team. Genetic counselors are in a unique position to help coordinate complex care for children with A‐T (and other rare diseases) and provide support to family members using the framework of family‐centered care. This paper offers suggestions for expanding support and learning to cope with a difficult diagnosis for parents of children with rare diseases, specifically A‐T, based on stories from parents of children with A‐T.
Baicalin inhibits influenza A (H1N1)‐induced pyroptosis of lung alveolar epithelial cells via caspase‐3/GSDME pathway
Authors: Wei Zhenqiao , Gao Rui , Sun Zhen , Yang Wen , He Qi , Wang Chenhui , Zhang Jingxiang , Zhang Xiaochang , Guo Liang , Wang Shengqi
Published: May 2023

Baicalin (7‐d‐glucuronic acid‐5, 6‐dihydroxyflavone) derived from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis used as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been revealed to exert potential antiviral activity via various pathways, while the molecular mechanisms have not been fully understood. Pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death (PCD), is reported to play a crucial role in host cell fate during viral infection. In this study, transcriptome analysis of mice lung tissue reveals that baicalin reverses the alterations of the mRNA levels of PCD‐associated genes upon H1N1 challenge, with a concomitant decrease in the population of H1N1‐induced propidium iodide (PI)+ and Annexin Ⅴ+ cells. Intriguingly, we find that baicalin contributes to the survival of infected lung alveolar epithelial cells partly through its inhibition of H1N1‐induced cell pyroptosis, which is manifested by reduced bubble‐like protrusion cells and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Moreover, the antipyroptosis effect of baicalin in response to H1N1 infection is found to be mediated by its repression on caspase‐3/Gasdermin E (GSDME) pathway. Cleaved caspase‐3 and N‐terminal fragment of GSDME (GSDME‐N) are detected in H1N1‐infected cell lines and mice lung tissues, which are markedly reversed by baicalin treatment. Furthermore, inhibition of caspase‐3/GSDME pathway by caspase‐3 inhibitor or siRNA exerts an antipyroptosis effect equal to that of baicalin treatment in infected A549 and BEAS‐2B cells, indicating a pivotal role of caspase‐3 in the antiviral activities of baicalin. Conclusively, for the first time, we demonstrate that baicalin could effectively suppress H1N1‐induced pyroptosis of lung alveolar epithelial cells via caspase‐3/GSDME pathway both in vitro and in vivo.
Compliance of good storage practices of pharmacies and medicine outlets: a scoping review
Authors: Ching Carly , Fuzail Mohammad Ahsan , Zaman Muhammad H. , Wirtz Veronika J.
Published: May 2023

Ensuring good storage practices (GSPs) of medicine outlets is important to maintain and ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of dispensed medicines. The objective of this scoping review was to determine the most common GSP compliance issues within pharmacies and medicine outlets. PRISMA extension for scoping reviews guidelines were followed, and PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify the relevant primary literature from January 2016 and February 2022. All study designs in English were eligible for inclusion as long as they reported quantitative data for the fulfilment of individual GSP activities. Duplicate independent screening of the search results was undertaken. Quality assessment was performed on studies for final inclusion. Data extraction was performed by one reviewer, and the observed aggregate percentage compliance (% compliance), along with 95% confidence interval for the root GSP operation, was calculated. Of the 380 records identified, 15 articles were included. The studies were conducted in 10 countries and the majority were participatory research studies. Fire safety had the lowest aggregate % compliance (0.9%). Controlled substance, climate, light, ventilation and temperature and stock and bookkeeping operations all had overall aggregate % compliance levels below 50%. Despite evidence of basic controls and measures, we identified low compliance for many GSP operations. To ensure the integrity of medicines, it is important to increase the enforcement of security measures, invest resources in personnel training, account for informal vendor practices, and facilitate sharing global data publicly from external and governing body inspections and reviews of storage practices.
Conformational and functional changes from deamidation of wheat gluten with electrochemical treatment
Authors: Dai Yajie , Zhong Wen , Hu Xiaohuan , Ji Xiaorui , Sun Qiuyue , Wang Ruohua , Yu Dianyu , Wu Fei , Wang Liqi
Published: May 2023

Background

In this paper, wheat gluten (WG) was modified by electrochemical deamidation. The effects of electrochemical treatment time on the conformation and functional properties of WG and its mechanism were studied.

Results

Wheat gluten demonstrated a maximum deamidation of 50.94%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed a decrease in α‐helix and β‐sheets and an increase in β‐turns and random coils, indicating that the secondary structure of WG became looser and more disordered with increased molecular flexibility. Electrochemical deamidation significantly increased the net charge and solubility of WG, the emulsifying activity index (EAI) increased from 8.53 to 15.66 m2 g−1, the foaming capacity (FC) increased from 4.55 to 13.72 cm3, and the water‐holding capacity (WHC) and oil‐holding capacity (OHC) reached maximum levels of 8.42 g g−1 and 7.45 g g−1, respectively, at 90 min.

Conclusion

Electrochemical deamidation appears to be a useful technique to improve the processing characteristics of WG. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Theoretical kinetics analysis of the OH + CH3OH hydrogen abstraction reaction using a full‐dimensional potential energy surface
Authors: Espinosa‐Garcia Joaquín , Garcia‐Chamorro Moisés
Published: May 2023

Based on an analytical full‐dimensional potential energy surface (PES), named PES‐2022, fitted to high‐level ab initio calculations previously developed by our group and specifically developed to describe this polyatomic reactive process, an exhaustive kinetics analysis was performed in the temperature range 50–2000 K, that is, interstellar, atmospheric and combustion conditions. Using the competitive canonical unified theory with multidimensional tunneling corrections of small curvature, CCUS/SCT, and low‐ and high‐pressure limit (LPL and HPL) models, in this wide temperature range we found that the overall rate constants increase with temperature at T > 300 K and T < 200 K, showing a V‐shaped temperature dependence, reproducing the experimental evidence when the HPL model was used. The increase of the rate constant with temperature at low temperatures was due to the strong contribution of the tunneling factor. The title reaction evolves by two paths, H2O + CH2OH (R1) and H2O + CH3O (R2), and the branching ratio analysis showed that the R2 path was dominant at T < 200 K while the R1 path dominated at T > 300 K, with a turnover temperature of ∼260 K, in agreement with previous theoretical estimations. Three kinetics isotope effects (KIEs), 13CH3OH, CH318OH, and CD3OH, were theoretically studied, reproducing the experimental evidence. The kinetics analysis in the present paper together with the dynamics study previously reported showed the capacity of the PES‐2022 to understand this important chemical process.
The effect of temperature and predation on performance in monoculture and in competition in three Daphniidae differing in body size
Authors: Bomfim Francieli Fátima , Vanvelk Héléne , Pinheiro‐Silva Lorena , Brans Kristien I. , Lansac‐Tôha Fábio Amodêo , De Meester Luc
Published: May 2023

Zooplankton body size shows a strong association with temperature, competition, and predation. Global warming affects all three drivers of body size and is thus expected to lead to substantial changes in zooplankton community composition and body size distributions. To disentangle the isolated and joint effect of temperature, competition, and fish predation on species biomass and community composition in zooplankton, we monitored population biomasses of three Daphniidae species that differ in body size (Daphnia magna, Daphnia pulex, and Ceriodaphnia reticulata) for 20 days, manipulating competition (monoculture, pairwise trials, and three‐species communities), temperature (20°C, 24°C, and 28°C) and presence or absence of fish predation. In the absence of predation, D. magna dominated in all competition experiments, even at high temperatures. D. magna went extinct, however, in the predation treatments at 24°C and 28°C. D. pulex outcompeted C. reticulata and was negatively affected by predation and high temperature. C. reticulata did not reduce biomass at high temperatures and was negatively affected by all competition trials, but was positively affected by predation. Our results indicate that the two larger‐bodied species are more negatively affected by the combination of temperature and predation than the smallest species. While higher temperatures reduced the biomass of the larger‐bodied species, it did not fundamentally change their ability to dominate over the smallest species in competition. The combined effect of warming and predation changed community composition more fundamentally, resulting in the dominance of small‐bodied species. This can have important ecosystem‐wide impacts, such as the transition to turbid, algae‐dominated systems.
Exposure to extremes in multiple global change drivers: Characterizing pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature variability in a dynamic, upwelling dominated ecosystem
Authors: Kroeker Kristy J. , Donham Emily M. , Vylet Kate , Warren Joseph K. , Cheresh Julia , Fiechter Jerome , Freiwald Jan , Takeshita Yuichiro
Published: May 2023

In upwelling systems, fluctuations in seawater pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature can expose species to extremes that differ greatly from the mean conditions. Understanding the nature of this exposure to extremes, including how exposure to low pH, low DO concentrations, and temperature varies spatiotemporally and in the context of other drivers, is critical for informing global change biology. Here, we use a 4‐yr time series of coupled pH, DO, and temperature observations at six nearshore kelp forest sites spanning the coast of California to characterize the variability and covariance among these drivers. We further compare observed properties to those derived from a high‐resolution coupled physical‐biogeochemical simulation for the central California current system. We find the intensity, duration, and severity of exposure to extreme conditions beyond heuristic, biologically relevant pHT (< 7.7), and DO (< 4.6 mg L−1) values were greatest at sites with strong upwelling. In contrast, sites with relatively weaker upwelling had little exposure to pH or DO conditions below these heuristic values but had higher and more variable temperature. The covariance between pH, DO, and temperature was highest in sites with strong upwelling and weakest in sites with limited upwelling. These relationships among pH, DO, and temperature at the observation locations were mirrored in the model, and model output highlighted geographic differences in exposure regimes across the California marine protected area network. Together, these results provide important insight into the conditions marine ecosystems are exposed to relevant to studies of global change biology.
High Heat Resistance Can Be Deceiving: Dripping Behavior of Polyamide 4.6 in Fire
Authors: Turski Silva Diniz Analice , Marti Julio Marcelo , Schartel Bernhard
Published: May 2023

Polyamide 4.6 (PA46) is a high‐heat‐resistant polymer, but it has no dripping resistance under fire. Three commercial grades of PA46 are investigated under UL 94 vertical fire test conditions. Their performances are discussed based on the materials' structural, thermal, and rheological properties. PA46 presents flaming drops, whereas dripping is prevented in the flame‐retarded PA46. Friction‐modified PA46 has increased flaming dripping. Temperature profiles of the specimens under fire and the temperature of the drops are measured by thermocouples. A UL 94 vertical test configuration consisting of two flame applications is designed to assess the quantitative dripping behavior of the set of materials by the particle finite element method (PFEM). Polymer properties (activation energy and Arrhenius coefficient of decomposition, char yield, density, effective heat of combustion, heat of decomposition, specific heat capacity, and thermal conductivity) in addition to rheological responses in high temperatures are estimated and measured as input parameters for the simulations. The dripping behavior obtained by simulated materials corresponds with the experimental results in terms of time and drop size. A consistent picture of the interplay of the different phenomena controlling dripping under fire appears to deliver a better understanding of the role of different materials’ properties.
Advances of antitumor drug discovery in traditional Chinese medicine and natural active products by using multi‐active components combination
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zheng Xiao‐Di , Tang Paula Yun‐Zhi , Li Hong‐Mei , Liu Xue , Zhong Jian‐Jiang , Tang Ya‐Jie
Published: May 2023

The antitumor efficacy of Chinese herbal medicines has been widely recognized. Leading compounds such as sterols, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and polyketides constitute their complex active components. The antitumor monomers derived from Chinese medicine possess an attractive anticancer activity. However, their use was limited by low bioavailability, significant toxicity, and side effects, hindering their clinical applications. Recently, new chemical entities have been designed and synthesized by combining natural drugs with other small drug molecules or active moieties to improve the antitumor activity and selectivity, and reduce side effects. Such a novel conjugated drug that can interact with several vital biological targets in cells may have a more significant or synergistic anticancer activity than a single‐molecule drug. In addition, antitumor conjugates could be obtained by combining pharmacophores containing two or more known drugs or leading compounds. Based on these studies, the new drug research and development could be greatly shortened. This study reviews the research progress of conjugates with antitumor activity based on Chinese herbal medicine. It is expected to serve as a valuable reference to antitumor drug research and clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine.
Matrix analog of the four‐parameter Mittag‐Leffler function
Authors: Pal Ankit , Kumar Jatav Vinod , Shukla Ajay Kumar
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we address a matrix analog of the four‐parameter Mittag‐Leffler function and demonstrate its convergence on
. Some properties, such as integral representations, derivative formulae, and finite summation formulae, have been determined. Additionally, we provide the addition and multiplication formulas for the addition and multiplication of two arguments of the four‐parameter Mittag‐Leffler matrix function. Further, we discuss the composition of generalized fractional calculus operators with respect to a function with the four‐parameter Mittag‐Leffler matrix function.
Dose‐efficiency quantification of computed tomography systems using a model‐observer
Authors: Göppel Maximilian , Anton Mathias , Gala Hugo de las Heras , Giussani Augusto , Trinkl Sebastian , Renger Bernhard , Brix Gunnar
Published: May 2023

Background

Recent advances in computed tomography (CT) technology have considerably improved the quality of CT images and reduced radiation exposure in patients. At present, however, there is no generally accepted figure of merit (FOM) for comparing the dose efficiencies of CT systems.

Purpose

(i) To establish an FOM that characterizes the quality of CT images in relation to the radiation dose by means of a mathematical model observer and (ii) to evaluate the new FOM on different CT systems and image reconstruction algorithms.

Methods

Images of a homogeneous phantom with four low‐contrast inserts were acquired using three different CT systems at three dose levels and a representative protocol for CT imaging of low‐contrast objects in the abdomen. The images were reconstructed using filtered‐back projection and iterative algorithms. A channelized hotelling observer with difference‐of‐Gaussian channels was applied to compute the detectability (). This was done for each insert and each of the considered imaging conditions from square regions of interest (ROIs) that were (semi‐)automatically centered on the inserts. The estimated detectabilities () were averaged in the first step over the three dose levels (), and subsequently over the four contrast inserts (). All calculation steps included a dedicated assessment of the related uncertainties following accepted metrological guidelines.

Results

The determined detectabilities () varied considerably with the contrast and diameter of the four inserts, as well as with the radiation doses and reconstruction algorithms used for image generation (= 1.3–5.5). Thus, the specification of a single detectability as an FOM is not well suited for comprehensively characterizing the dose efficiency of a CT system. A more comprehensive and robust characterization was provided by the averaged detectabilities and, in particular, . Our analysis reveals that the model observer analysis is very sensitive to the exact position of the ROIs.

Conclusions

The presented automatable software approach yielded with the weighted detectability an objective FOM to benchmark different CT systems and reconstruction algorithms in a robust and reliable manner. An essential advantage of the proposed model‐observer approach is that uncertainties in the FOM can be provided, which is an indispensable prerequisite for type testing.