bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrodynamic pressures on rigid walls subjected to cyclic and seismic ground motions
Authors: AlKhatib Karim , Hashash Youssef M. A. , Ziotopoulou Katerina , Morales Brian
Published: September 2023

Seismic design of water retaining structures relies heavily on the response of the retained water to shaking. The water dynamic response has been evaluated by means of analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches. In practice, it is common to use simplified code‐based methods to evaluate the added demands imposed by water sloshing. Yet, such methods were developed with an inherent set of assumptions that might limit their application. Alternatively, numerical modeling methods offer a more accurate way of quantifying the water response and have been commonly validated using 1 g shake table experiments. In this study, a unique series of five centrifuge tests was conducted with the goal of investigating the hydrodynamic behavior of water by varying its height and length. Moreover, sine wave and earthquake motions were applied to examine the water response at different types and levels of excitation. Arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian finite element models were then developed to reproduce 1 g shake table experiments available in the literature in addition to the centrifuge tests conducted in this study. The results of the numerical simulations as well as the simplified and analytical methods were compared to the experimental measurements, in terms of free surface elevation and hydrodynamic pressures, to evaluate their applicability and limitations. The comparison showed that the numerical models were able to reasonably capture the water response of all configurations both under earthquake and sine wave motions. The analytical solutions performed well except for cases with resonance under harmonic motions. As for the simplified methods, they provided acceptable results for the peak responses under earthquake motions. However, under sine wave motions, where convective sloshing is significant, they underpredict the response. Also, beyond peak ground accelerations of 0.5 g., a mild nonlinear increase in peak dynamic pressures was measured which deviates from assumed linear response in the simplified methods. The study confirmed the reliability of numerical models in capturing water dynamic responses, demonstrating their broad applicability for use in complex problems of fluid‐structure‐soil interaction.
Coupled adsorption and photocatalysis: A green synthesized g‐C3N4@Mn–FeOOH@molecularly imprinted photocatalysis system for targeted removal of various heterocyclic amines
Authors: Li Chun‐Yang , Yang Lu , Lu Yingshuang , Wang Man‐Man , Liu Jing‐Min , Wang Shuo
Published: September 2023

Photocatalysis‐based advanced oxidation technologies have been developed as an attractive strategy for degrading pollutants. However, the question of how to increase removal specificity without sacrificing the degradation effect remains a difficult one. In this work, a photocatalytic system for the simultaneous targeted elimination of nine heterocyclic amines (HCAs) is established using a green‐prepared photocatalyst (CN@Mn–FeOOH@MIP) that activates sodium persulfate (PS) under visible light. Mn–FeOOH clusters are in situ covered on laminar g‐C3N4 (CN) carrier to form a heterojunction, along with a molecularly imprinted layer self‐polymerized from dopamine, which is grown on the outer layer, resulting in both the desired photochemical activity and specific sites for recognition. The conditions of composite and photocatalysis are explored and optimized for efficient and selective degradation. Notably, CN@Mn–FeOOH@MIP is synthesized free of any organic reagents, and the biosafety is confirmed by cellular and in vivo toxicity evaluation. The developed CN@Mn–FeOOH@MIP/PS system with visible‐light‐driven is applied to the removal of HCAs in coffee samples with the recoveries over 70% and the reuse rates greater than 85%. It coupled the advantages of specific enrichment and rapid degradation, which furnishes a novel approach for the control of trace thermal processing pollutants.
The unity and diversity of verbal and visuospatial creativity: Dynamic changes in hemispheric lateralisation
Authors: Gao Yixin , Wu Xinran , Yan Yuchi , Li Min , Qin Facai , Ma Mujie , Yuan Xiaoning , Yang Wenjing , Qiu Jiang
Published: September 2023

The investigation of similarities and differences in the mechanisms of verbal and visuospatial creative thinking has long been a controversial topic. Prior studies found that visuospatial creativity was primarily supported by the right hemisphere, whereas verbal creativity relied on the interaction between both hemispheres. However, creative thinking also involves abundant dynamic features that may have been ignored in the previous static view. Recently, a new method has been developed that measures hemispheric laterality from a dynamic perspective, providing new insight into the exploration of creative thinking. In the present study, dynamic lateralisation index was calculated with resting‐state fMRI data. We combined the dynamic lateralisation index with sparse canonical correlation analysis to examine similarities and differences in the mechanisms of verbal and visuospatial creativity. Our results showed that the laterality reversal of the default mode network, fronto‐parietal network, cingulo‐opercular network and visual network contributed significantly to both verbal and visuospatial creativity and consequently could be considered the common neural mechanisms shared by these creative modes. In addition, we found that verbal creativity relied more on the language network, while visuospatial creativity relied more on the somatomotor network, which can be considered a difference in their mechanism. Collectively, these findings indicated that verbal and visuospatial creativity may have similar mechanisms to support the basic creative thinking process and different mechanisms to adapt to the specific task conditions. These findings may have significant implications for our understanding of the neural mechanisms of different types of creative thinking.
Characterizing gender trends in head and neck fellowship graduates from 2008 to 2018
Authors: Miller Alexis , Stevens Madelyn N. , Tang Alice , Cottrill Elizabeth , Yang Shiayin F. , Rohde Sarah L.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Evaluation of potential gender gaps among Head and Neck (H&N) surgeons can highlight areas for increased support of female H&N surgeons and improve gender diversity within the subspecialty. To evaluate gender trends in representation and career trajectory among recent H&N surgery fellowship graduates.

Methods

This cross‐sectional analysis included graduates from Head and Neck Surgery fellowships accredited by the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) from 2008 to 2018. Additional demographic data was collected via publicly available websites including gender, years in practice, practice location, type of practice, h‐index, and academic rank. The primary outcomes were the proportion of female Head and Neck fellowship graduates and gender trends in career trajectory and academic productivity (via h‐index).

Results

Between 2008 and 2018, 449 surgeons graduated from Head and Neck surgery fellowship with females comprising 99 of 449 graduates (22%). Female representation increased from 1 of 30 (3%) graduates in 2008 to 17 of 52 (33%) in 2018. A proportionally similar number of women graduating fellowship also practiced in an academic setting (23%). There were fewer female assistant, associate and full professors compared with their male counterparts. Women had lower h‐indices compared with men even when controlling for years in practice (mean 11.4 vs. 8.2, p < 0.03).

Conclusion

Despite the increase in women graduating from H&N surgery fellowships, gender disparities within academic rank and academic productivity as measured by h‐index remain. While a proportional number of women completing fellowship are entering academic practice, additional investigation and support is needed to address the potential gender gaps identified within academic H&N surgery.
Construction of Cyclobutane‐Centered Tricyclic Caged Skeleton through a [5,5]‐Rearrangement Triggered Cascade
Authors: Hu Mengjie , Zhu Mengjiao , Ru Liying , Ji Jiangtao , Bao Ming , Peng Bo
Published: September 2023

In this report, we describe the combination of [5,5]‐rearrangement‐triggered dearomatization recently developed in our laboratory with an intramolecular formal [2+2]‐cycloaddition for constructing an intriguing polysubstituted tricyclo[4.2.1.03,8]nonane derivatives. The synthesis features the use of simple and readily available three distinct starting materials including aryl sulfoxides, allyl nitriles, and certain nucleophiles or dienes which directly enriches the diversity of target molecules. This study provides an entirely new protocol for the synthesis of cyclobutane‐centered tricyclic caged skeleton.
Different patterns of changes in glacier mass balance and glacier runoff over the Tarim Basin, Central Asia
Authors: Xu Min , Wang Pengshou , Wu Hao , Kang Shichang
Published: September 2023

The climate change impacted glacio‐hydrological regime and thus the availability of water resources in arid region of Central Asia. The effects of climate change in the magnitude or seasonality of regional glacier runoff were still poorly understood in Central Asia. In this study, the glacier runoff, components of glacier runoff, equilibrium line altitude (ELA) and Glacier Mass Balance (GMB) during 1959–2017 are evaluated by elevation‐dependent Degree‐Day glacier melt model in eight sub‐basins of Tarim Basin over Central Asia. The impacts of climate change on glacier and hydrology are assessed. The results suggested that climatic regime shifted to more warm‐wet pattern on glacier zone after 1990 in study area. The ablation and accumulation of glaciers showed different patterns in eight sub‐basins. All sub‐basins showed a glacier mass deficit and GMB displayed a marked decreasing trend, but also exhibiting discrepancy. The mean ELA and rising rate of ELA were higher in the southern region. The glacier runoff increased significantly after 1990 in Tarim Basin, with obviously temporal and spatial variations in sub‐basins. The mean annual volume of glacier runoff was 175.8 × 108 m3. The ice melt was a larger component of glacial runoff in Tarim Basin. The influence of rainfall runoff on glacier runoff was more obviously than snow melt runoff as more precipitation fell as rain in northern region. The larger proportions of snow melt runoff imply more precipitation fell as snowfall in southern region. The elevation‐dependent contributions in glacier runoff showed differences in individual basins. Temperature and precipitation played different role for the glacier runoff increases among the sub‐basins. Differences in sensitivity of GMB and glacier runoff were distinct and vary considerably. A thorough assessment of the spatially and temporally varying melt water originated by glaciers is crucial for the success of water scarcity adaptation under climate change.
Activation of Toll‐like receptor 4 by thyroid hormone triggers abnormal B‐cell activation
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Guo‐Qing , Liu Shu , Miao Jing‐Jing , Sun Qi , Gu Wen‐Sha , Mao Xiao‐Ming
Published: September 2023

Objective

Breakdown of tolerance and abnormal activation of B cells is an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease (GD). High levels of thyroid hormones (THs) play important roles in GD progression. However, the interactions between THs and abnormal activation of B cells remain elusive. This study aimed to explore the effect of high levels of THs on TLR4 expression and abnormal B cell differentiation.

Materials and Methods

Blood samples were collected from patients with GD and healthy controls (HCs) to evaluate the frequency of B cells, their subsets, and TLR4 expression in B cells. A high‐level T3 mouse model was used to study the interaction between THs and the TLR4 signalling pathway.

Results

We found that the frequencies of CD19+, CD19+ TLR4+, CD19+ CD86+, and CD19+ CD138+ B cells were significantly higher, as were the expression levels of MRP8/MRP14 and MRP6 and MRP8, MRP14, and MRP6 messenger RNA (mRNA) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with GD. In high‐level T3 mice models, the serum MRP8/MRP14 and MRP6 levels and the TLR4 mRNA expression in PBMCs were significantly higher. TLR4 mRNA, protein expression, and cytokines downstream of TLR4, such as myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear transcription factor‐κB, were also increased in mouse spleen mononuclear cells.

Conclusion

The present study indicated that high levels of T3 can induce abnormal differentiation and activation of B cells by promoting TLR4 overexpression and provide novel insights into the roles of THs in the pathogenesis of GD.
CD4+ T cells related to disease severity in elderly and frailty community‐acquired pneumonia patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Jue , Pei Lu , Zhao Ting , Liu Xiaoli , Wang Quanrong , Zhang Shiyu , Li Jubo , Wu Hongwei , Niu Dongsheng
Published: September 2023

Backgrounds

Elderly and frailty individuals show a more senescent immune system, which may relate to worse outcome in community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP). This study aimed to explore prognostic factors related to immune.

Methods

Sixty of elderly (≥65 years) and frailty (clinical frailty scale ≥5 scores) nonsevere CAP patients and 60 severe CAP (SCAP) patients were recruited at our center. Clinical and laboratory data, and several assessment scores were collected.

Results

Compared with nonsevere CAP group, the elderly and frailty SCAP patients showed higher level of BMI, PaCO2 and lactate in arterial blood‐gas, CURB‐65 score, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, shock accidence, and longer hospital stay using two‐tailed t test. The SCAP group also showed increased CRP, IL‐6, and PCT, and decreased CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells. Logistic regression analysis showed that CD4+ T cells, IL‐6 and PCT were independent prognostic factors for SCAP. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for CD4+ T cells combined with PCT was 0.771 (95% CI 0.683–0.859), and the sensitivity and specificity were both 76.7%. Paired t test analysis showed that low CD4+ T cells in SCAP patients increased after treatment.

Conclusions

CD4+ T cells decreased in elderly and frailty SCAP patients, and CD4+ T cells combined with PCT were relatively accurate in the prediction of elderly and frailty SCAP.
Exploring dental faculty perceptions of current strategies and barriers to retention
Authors: Tassabehji Nadine M. , Leach Elena Riccio , Duffy Rachel L. , Bay Curt , Hill Brittaney J. , Shaw Holly K. , Stephens Nadejda Stefanova , Howe Brian J. , Kowolik Joan E.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The aims of the study were to identify perceived strategies for and barriers to faculty retention and examine differences regarding age, gender, and race.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data was captured from the eight author‐affiliated dental schools. A Qualtrics survey was emailed to all faculty members at these institutions (1467 possible participants) between November 2021 and February 2022. The survey was formulated from best practices listed in the American Dental Education Association Faculty Diversity Toolkit. It consisted of 18 questions, including demographic information and faculty perceptions of their respective workplaces. These responses were then evaluated with descriptive statistics, Chi‐squared analysis, Pearson Correlation, and Fleiss’ kappa.

Results

The survey's response rate was 19.2%. There was no significant difference in perceived retention strategies across race, age, gender, practice tenure, practice type, or clinical versus tenure track. The top four barriers identified were inadequate financial compensation, workload, poor work environment, and burnout. There was a significant difference between racial groups and their perceived barrier of support for promotion (p = 0.048). This was more prevalent among clinical faculty (47.7%) than tenure track faculty (16.2%). The work environment was listed as a leading factor for both promoting retention and encouraging the exodus of faculty members.

Conclusion

Strategies aimed at improving financial compensation, career recognition, and transparency of the promotion process, along with those aimed at improving the work environment were shown to be vital to retaining faculty. Though the low response rate is a study limitation, these findings provide valuable information and a framework for future studies regarding dental faculty recruitment and retention.
Inhibition of extracellular vesicle‐derived miR‐146a‐5p decreases progression of melanoma brain metastasis via Notch pathway dysregulation in astrocytes
Authors: Rigg Emma , Wang Jiwei , Xue Zhiwei , Lunavat Taral R. , Liu Guowei , Hoang Tuyen , Parajuli Himalaya , Han Mingzhi , Bjerkvig Rolf , Nazarov Petr V. , Nicot Nathalie , Kreis Stephanie , Margue Christiane , Nomigni Miléne Tetsi , Utikal Jochen , Miletic Hrvoje , Sundstrøm Terje , Ystaas Lars A. R. , Li Xingang , Thorsen Frits
Published: September 2023

Melanoma has the highest propensity of all cancers to metastasize to the brain with a large percentage of late‐stage patients developing metastases in the central nervous system (CNS). It is well known that metastasis establishment, cell survival, and progression are affected by tumour‐host cell interactions where changes in the host cellular compartments likely play an important role. In this context, miRNAs transferred by tumour derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have previously been shown to create a favourable tumour microenvironment. Here, we show that miR‐146a‐5p is highly expressed in human melanoma brain metastasis (MBM) EVs, both in MBM cell lines as well as in biopsies, thereby modulating the brain metastatic niche. Mechanistically, miR‐146a‐5p was transferred to astrocytes via EV delivery and inhibited NUMB in the Notch signalling pathway. This resulted in activation of tumour‐promoting cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1 and CXCL1). Brain metastases were significantly reduced following miR‐146a‐5p knockdown. Corroborating these findings, miR‐146a‐5p inhibition led to a reduction of IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1 and CXCL1 in astrocytes. Following molecular docking analysis, deserpidine was identified as a functional miR‐146a‐5p inhibitor, both in vitro and in vivo. Our results highlight the pro‐metastatic function of miR‐146a‐5p in EVs and identifies deserpidine for targeted adjuvant treatment.
Quantitative MRI Analysis of Brachial Plexus and Limb‐Girdle Muscles in Upper Extremity Onset Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Liang Weiqiang , Liu Yang , Zhao Yali , Chen Yu , Yin Yangyang , Zhai Linhan , Li Zehui , Gong Zhenxiang , Zhang Jing , Zhang Min
Published: September 2023

Background

Recent evidence highlights the potential of axonal degeneration as a biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) detection. However, the diagnostic potential of peripheral nerve axon changes in ALS remains unclear.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of quantitative MRI of the brachial plexus and limb‐girdle muscles (LGMs) in patients with upper extremity onset of ALS.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

47 patients with upper extremity onset of ALS and 20 healthy volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, three‐dimensional sampling perfection with application‐optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolutions with short‐tau inversion recovery sequences, T2‐weighted turbo spin‐echo Dixon sequence.

Assessment

The cross‐sectional area (CSA) and nerve‐muscle T2 signal intensity ratio (nT2) of the bilateral brachial plexus as well as the CSA and fat fraction (FF) of the bilateral LGMs were assessed by two radiologists. Disease severity and clinical stage of ALS patients were assessed by two neurologists.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, binary logistic regression, interclass correlation coefficient, receiver operating characteristic analysis, and correlation analysis were performed for MRI quantitative metrics and clinical variables. Significance level: P < 0.05.

Results

In the affected limbs of patients with ALS, the CSA of the brachial plexus roots, trunks, and cords and the nT2 values of the brachial plexus trunks were significantly smaller than in the healthy controls. In the LGMs, the affected limbs of ALS showed significantly smaller CSA and higher FF than controls. The model containing parameters such as brachial plexus trunk CSA, subscapularis CSA, infraspinatus CSA, and subscapularis FF had excellent diagnostic efficacy for ALS. Additionally, increased subscapularis FF and supraspinatus FF were correlated with disease severity, and subscapularis CSA was negatively correlated with the clinical stage.

Data Conclusion

Brachial plexus thinning, LGM atrophy, and fatty infiltration might serve as MRI‐derived biomarkers for ALS with upper extremity onset.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Perioperative and Long‐Term Outcomes in Infants Undergoing a Tracheostomy from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Lambert Elton M. , Ramaswamy Uma , Gowda Sharada H. , Spielberg David R. , Hagan Joseph L. , Xiao Emily , Liu Sean , Villafranco Natalie , Raynor Tiffany , Baijal Rahul G.
Published: September 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for perioperative complications and long‐term morbidity in infants from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) presenting for a tracheostomy.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective cohort study included infants in the NICU presenting for a tracheostomy from August 2011 to December 2019. Primary outcomes were categorized as either a perioperative complication or long‐term morbidity. A severe perioperative complication was defined as having either (1) an intraoperative cardiopulmonary arrest, (2) an intraoperative death, (3) a postoperative cardiopulmonary arrest within 30 days of the procedure, or (4) a postoperative death within 30 days of the procedure. Long‐term morbidities included (1) the need for gastrostomy tube placement within the tracheostomy hospitalization and (2) the need for diuretic therapy, pulmonary hypertensive therapy, oxygen, or mechanical ventilation at 12 and 24 months following the tracheostomy.

Results

One‐hundred eighty‐three children underwent a tracheostomy. The mean age at tracheostomy was 16.9 weeks while the mean post‐conceptual age at tracheostomy was 49.7 weeks. The incidence of severe perioperative complications was 4.4% (n = 8) with the number of pulmonary hypertension medication classes preoperatively (OR: 3.64, 95% CI: (1.44–8.94), p = 0.005) as a significant risk factor. Approximately 81% of children additionally had a gastrostomy tube placed at the time of the tracheostomy, and 62% were ventilator‐dependent 2 years following their tracheostomy.

Conclusion

Our study provides critical perioperative complications and long‐term morbidity data to neonatologists, pediatricians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and families in the expected course of infants from the NICU presenting for a tracheostomy.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1945–1954, 2024
Computed Tomography Imaging Patterns of Sinonasal Inverted Papillomas: Comparison of Primary and Recurrent Disease
Authors: Talati Vidit , Holland Katie , Ansari Shehbaz M. , Filip Peter , Khalife Sarah , Jhaveri Miral D. , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Papagiannopoulos Peter , Batra Pete S.
Published: September 2023

Objective

To analyze clinical and radiographic features that may impact the rate of focal hyperostosis (FH) on computed tomography (CT) for primary and recurrent sinonasal inverted papillomas (IPs) as well as highlight factors that may affect concordance between FH and IP true attachment point (TAP).

Methods

All IPs resected between 2006 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. CTs were read by a neuroradiologist blinded to operative details. IP with malignancy was excluded. Operative reports and long‐term follow‐up data were evaluated.

Results

Of 92 IPs, 60.1% had FH, 25% had no CT bony changes, and 20.7% were revision cases. The recurrence rate for rhinologists was 10.5% overall and 7.3% for primary IPs. Primary and revision IPs had a similar rate of FH (63% vs. 52.6%; p = 0.646) and FH–TAP agreement (71.7% vs. 90%; p = 0.664). Nasal cavity IPs, especially with septal attachment, were more likely to lack bony changes on CT (57.1%) compared to other subsites (p = 0.018). Recurrent tumors were 16 mm larger on average (55 mm vs. 39 mm; p = 0.008). FH (75.0% vs. 60.9%; p = 0.295), FH–TAP concordance (91.7% vs. 74.4%; p = 0.094), and secondary IP (18.8% vs. 20.3%; p = 0.889) rates were similar between recurrent and nonrecurrent tumors.

Conclusion

Primary and revision IPs have a similar rate of FH and FH–TAP agreement. Nasal cavity IPs are less likely to exhibit bony CT changes. Lower recurrence was associated with smaller size and fellowship training but not multiple TAPs, revision, FH absence, or FH–TAP discordance.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1591–1596, 2024
Electrospinning of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer for the Production of Highly Aligned Dye‐Doped Optical Fibers
Authors: Li Fuzhao , Menzel Henning
Published: September 2023

Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC, Topas 5013, with 75% norbornene) has special properties like high glass transition temperature, low moisture uptake, chemical inertness, and a high degree of transmission in UV range, making it competitive with other materials such as poly (methyl methacrylate) and polycarbonate for the production of optical devices. Electrospinning provides a facile way to produce fibers. In order to generate highly aligned fibers fulfilling the requirements for optical applications, stable‐jet electrospinning can be used, in which the bending instabilities are suppressed. However, electrospinning of COC fibers by is still a major challenge due to the lack of suitable solvents. The influence of various solvents on the fiber formation is investigated. The addition of salts enhances the spinnability of the COC solution. By utilizing binary‐solvent systems with the ratio of 2:8 (v/v), morphology and alignment of fibers are significantly improved, as visualized via scanning electron microscopy. The binary‐solvent systems that content nonpolar and polar solvents also provide dispersibility for both organic dyes and inorganic nanoplatelets with hydrophobic ligand shells. By adding such dyes and nanoplatelets during fiber fabrication process, dye‐doped COC fibers can be produced without compromising the optical performance of the dyes and nanoplatelets.
Quinoa Peptides Alleviate Obesity in Mice Induced by a High‐Fat Diet via Regulating of the PPAR‐α/γ Signaling Pathway and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Li Yiju , Feng Zhi , Wu Tianliang , You Haixi , Wang Wei , Liu Xuebo , Ding Long
Published: September 2023

Scope

The obesity epidemic continues to be a major global public health threat with limited effective treatments. Peptides are a group of promising bioactive molecules. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that quinoa has potential prebiotic benefits. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the influence of quinoa peptides (QP) consumption on obesity and its underlying mechanisms in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced mice.

Methods and results

QP (1000 mg kg−1 day−1) is administered to HFD mice for 8 weeks, and is found to significantly reduce the body weight, and plasma levels of triacylglycerol (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) compare to the HFD group. In addition, QP significantly decreases lipid accumulation in the liver caused by HFD. The liver transcriptome analysis shows that the alleviation of QP on obesity is related to the PPAR signaling pathway. QP upregulates the expressions of PPAR‐α and its related genes and downregulates the expressions of PPAR‐γ and its downstream genes. Furthermore, QP remodels the community composition of gut microbiota by lowering the ratio of Firmicutes c Bacteroidetes (F/B).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that QP consumption alleviates HFD‐induced obesity by regulating the PPAR‐α/γ signaling pathway in the liver and community structure of gut microbiota.
Effects of Calorie Restriction and Fasting on Macrophage: Potential Impact on Disease Outcomes?
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Rong , Yu Xiaoyan , Shi Yuhuan , Li Shengnan , Yuan Yongfang
Published: September 2023

Energy restriction, including calorie restriction and fasting, has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic effects on a range of chronic diseases (such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer) and aging. Since macrophages are critical players in many diseases, their response to energy restriction may impact disease outcomes. However, the diverse metabolic patterns and functions of macrophages can lead to variability in the effects of energy restriction on macrophages across different tissues and disease states. This review outlines the effects of energy restriction on macrophages in several diseases, offering valuable guidance for future studies and insights into the clinical applications of calorie restriction and fasting.
Umweltchemie: Sekundärer Feinstaub – ein unterschätzter Schadstoff
Authors: Czech Hendryk
Published: September 2023

Wenn fossile und biogene Energieträger verbrennen, entstehen gesundheitsschädliche Aerosole mit Rußpartikeln, die krebserregende Stoffe transportieren, sowie gasförmige Schadstoffe. Einmal in die Atmosphäre abgegeben, durchlaufen sie eine Kaskade chemischer Reaktionen. Was atmen wir da eigentlich ein?
The evaluation of a drinking water and human health course developed to broaden soil science offerings and enrollment
Authors: Mahler Robert L.
Published: September 2023

Enrollment in soil science courses at land grant universities in the United States has been stagnant or declining for the last 20 years and this trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a newly developed course in drinking water and human health (DWHH) that was designed to widen soil science course offerings and attract students from other areas of natural resource sciences at the University of Idaho (UI). The DWHH course was first offered in 2004. Total enrollment in this class was initially 32 students; however, enrollment has grown significantly over the 20‐year period to 72 students in spring 2023. The average enrollment of the 14 times this course was taught was 41.5 students. Because student demand was high, the course changed from an alternate year class (2004–2014) to an annual class in 2016. The course was only taught live on the Moscow campus until 2014. When the course was transformed into an online class, its enrollment became dominated by place‐based students. Most students taking the class in the last 5 years have been off campus graduate students enrolled in non‐thesis Master of Science degree programs. Course evaluations indicated that students that have taken this class are more satisfied with the course content, course materials, course organization, and the work requirement than the average course taught on campus at UI. This course has been popular and will continue to be an important course offering.
Detection of peptaibols and their hydrolysis products in cultures of Trichoderma species
Authors: Solfrizzo Michele , Altomare Claudio , Visconti Angelo , Bottalico Antonio , Perrone Giancarlo
Published: September 2023

Fifteen strains of Trichoderma belonging to 12 different species for potential use in biological control were examined for their ability to produce polypeptide antiobitics (peptaibols). Gas chromatography was used to detect the hydrolysis products of peptaibols after esterification with n‐propanol and derivatisation with heptafluorobutyric anhydride. In particular, amino acids (α‐aminoisobutyric acid, and isovalin) and amino alcohols (phenylalaninol, leucinol, and valinol) were used as markers for the detection of different peptaibols. α‐Aminoisobutyric acid, an amino acid characterising all peptaibols, was detected in all cultures examined, indicating that the production of peptaibols is a common feature of the various Trichoderma species. Different amino acid/amino alcohol combinations suggested specific peptaibol production. On this basis, the peptaibol paracelsin was confirmed by HPTLC in 11 out of 15 Trichoderma strains cultures. Valinol was not found in any culture extract, indicating the lack of trichotoxins production. Culture extracts of the 6 tested Trichoderma strains were extremely toxic to Artemia salina larvae; for 5 of them this toxicity could be attributed to paracelsin (calculated LD50 = 2.2 μM).
A novel green synthesis approach for shape memory polymer nanocomposites decorated with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Selçuk Pekdemir Sibel , Karagulle Burcu , Pekdemir Mustafa Ersin , Taş Recep , Aksoy Edanur , Aydin Derya
Published: September 2023

A new, low‐cost, and direct green synthesis strategy was developed for the preparation of polymer composites composed of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated on a shape memory polymer blend using Rubus caesius L. leaves. X‐ray powder diffraction, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental composition were applied to characterize the crystal size, morphology, and elemental composition of Ag‐NPs. UV–vis spectra detected the characteristic absorbance signal of AgNPs at about 430 nm, and the average crystal size of nanoparticles was calculated as about 12.60 nm. When nanocomposite films were characterized by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy, characteristic polylactic acid, and poly ethylene glycol (PEG) signals were determined. From the thermogravimetric analysis curves, it was determined that the amount of residue of nanocomposites increased as the amount of AgNP increased. It was seen that AgNPs did not affect the Tg temperature of the nanocomposite films, while it was also a proof that the polymer blend was immiscible. It was observed that the shape recovery properties of nanocomposite films were better with increasing AgNPs content. Finally, both green synthesized AgNPs and nanocomposites prepared with shape memory polymers showed very good antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.

Highlights

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was carried out with Rubus caesius L. leaves.

The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet visible spectroscopy and x‐ray powder diffraction.

Composite films were prepared with poly lactic acid/poly ɛ‐caprolactone blend by solvent casting method.

The amount of residue of nanocomposites increased with increasing AgNPs percentage.

The nanocomposite film containing 10% AgNPs has good activity.
Finding the right balance between tertiary amine steric effect and solvent polarity for the regioselectivity and kinetics of epichlorohydrin acetolysis
Authors: Yutilova Kseniia , Tkach Anastasiia , Tarasenko Vladislav , Shved Elena
Published: September 2023

The asymmetric oxirane ring‐opening reaction leading to the formation of regioisomeric chlorohydrin esters was studied in the reaction series “acetic acid–epichlorohydrin–tetrahydrofuran (nitrobenzene)–trialkylamine” by kinetic methods and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The effect of solvent polarity and the structure of tertiary amines on the regioselectivity and reaction rate were studied. Tertiary amines with comparable basicity but different nucleophilicity and spatial structure were chosen as catalysts. It was shown that in solvents of different polarity, the components of the initial reaction system are present both as hydrogen‐bonded complexes and as individual substances. The reaction orders with respect to acid and amine in solvents of different polarity were established. Correlations between the reaction rate and the parameters of nucleophilicity and structure of amines as well as the polarity of the solvent were established. The regioselectivity of the reaction was studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy using the ratio of regioisomeric reaction products. It was shown that the regioselectivity and rate of catalytic acetolysis of epichlorohydrin are effectively controlled by the structure of tertiary amines and the polarity of the solvent. The scheme of reaction regio‐flows was detailed.
Environmental and human toxicology studies on explosive chemicals leaking from submerged munitions
Authors: Maser Edmund , Hartwig Bünning Tobias , Strehse Jennifer Susanne
Published: September 2023

This review provides an overview of 15 years of munitions research by the Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School Schleswig‐Holstein, Kiel, Germany. As early as 2009, it was possible to detect the TNT metabolite 4‐ADNT in a quantity of 250 ng/g (wet weight) in blue mussels collected directly on munition items in the Kolberger Heide dumping area (Bight of Kiel, Baltic Sea, Germany). Based on these results, biomonitoring with blue mussels was established, in which uncontaminated mussels were exposed at certain distances from munition items and then retrieved after a few weeks in order to then be analyzed in the laboratory for energetic compounds (EC) including TNT and metabolites thereof. In following studies – in addition to mussels – also fish, sediments, water samples and passive samplers from specific locations were examined for the presence of EC. The study areas included dumping site regions from both the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, and were then extended to appropriate shipwrecks in the North Sea. The field studies were completed with laboratory investigations, which dealt with the development of a molecular biomarker as a kind of “early warning system” and with aspects of microbial degradation of EC. Finally, risk assessments for the marine environment and the human seafood consumer were carried out. The sections below are based on results from more than 10 scientific research projects and more than 20 publications in primary international research journals.
Does monitoring pests pay off? a bioeconomic assessment of Drosophila suzukii controls
Authors: Yeh D. Adeline , Dai Bingyan , Gómez Miguel I. , Walton Vaughn M.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Drosophila suzukii is a significant invasive pest that has caused high management costs and economic losses for blueberry growers in the United States. The status quo control strategy commonly used by growers is to apply pesticides proactively and frequently to reduce infestation. Recent studies have shown that the calendar‐based spraying strategy might be unsustainable in the long term, making the reduction of pesticide reliance a top priority for the berry industry. Incorporating pest monitoring into the control strategy could be an option to improve efficiency while reducing pesticide usage. This study assesses the economic implications of monitoring‐based control strategies compared to calendar‐based spraying control strategies for organic blueberry production in Oregon. We combine a D. suzukii population model into the economic simulation framework, evaluate two monitoring methods (adult trapping and fruit sampling), and identify the profit‐maximizing control strategy under different scenarios.

RESULTS

In the baseline scenario, control strategies that incorporate fruit sampling exhibit the highest average profits. Although the status quo control strategy (spraying every 3 days) generates higher average revenue than monitoring‐based strategies, the cost from the higher number of pesticide application offsets the returns.

CONCLUSION

This study uses a novel bioeconomic simulation framework to show that incorporating fruit sampling can be a promising tool to reduce pesticide reliance while controlling D. suzukii infestation. These findings provide clearer information on the economic viability of using monitoring‐based pest control strategies in organic berry production, and the assessment framework sheds light on the economics of pest management. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Host‐virus interaction between tobacco mild green mosaic virus strain U2 and tropical soda apple resulting in systemic hypersensitive necrosis and the host range, survival, spread, and molecular characterization of the virus
Authors: Charudattan Raghavan , Hiebert Ernest , Pettersen Matthew S. , Horrell Jonathan R. , Elliott Mark S. , DeValerio James T. , Maia Gabriella S. , de Oliveira Thais Balbao Clemente Bueno
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Tobacco mild green mosaic virus strain U2 (TMGMV‐U2) is a registered active ingredient in a bioherbicide to control tropical soda apple (TSA), Solanum viarum, an invasive weed. As required for registration, we developed empirical data on the host‐virus interaction and the virus's host range, survival, spread, and genomic sequence.

RESULTS

TMGMV‐U2 killed TSA plants by causing systemic hypersensitive necrosis (SHN). It elicited local lesions in inoculated leaves which was followed by the plant's wilting and death. It moved from inoculated terminal leaves through the vasculature to roots and then to newly developed leaves. Phloem death was implicated in wilting and plant death. The SHN response was attenuated in plants grown at constant 32 °C. TMGMV‐U2 titer in TSA was low compared to a systemically susceptible tobacco. The virus remained infective for up to 6 months in infected dead TSA tissues and in soil in which infected plants had grown. Susceptible tobacco and pepper plants grown in soil that previously had infected dead TSA or in soil amended with the virus remained asymptomatic and virus‐free. A susceptible pepper crop grown in a field block following two consecutive crops of TMGMV‐U2‐infected susceptible tobacco grew disease‐free and virus‐free and without yield loss. Purified TMGMV‐U2 was infective for 1 year when stored at −20 °C or 5 °C and for 1 month at room temperature. No virus spread was found in the field. Genomic analyses confirmed the registered isolate to be a U2 strain and free of satellite TMV. The TMGMV‐U2‐susceptible species preponderantly belonged to the Solanaceae. A few hosts that were killed belonged to this family. Several new hosts to TMGMV‐U2 were found. These data enabled registration of TMGMV‐U2.

CONCLUSION

TMGMV‐U2 can be used safely as a bioherbicide without risks to nontarget plants and the environment. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Understanding identity salience and English as a Foreign Language teaching practices: A case study of multi‐subject generalist teachers
Authors: Alam Md. Saiful , Asmawi Adelina
Published: September 2023

The scarcity of teachers worldwide has led to educators teaching multiple subjects outside their area of expertise. This challenge of teaching out‐of‐field or multi‐subject instruction raises the need for (re)constructing the identity of multi‐subject generalist teachers (M‐SGTs). However, the matter has received little attention in current literature. This study aimed to explore the process by which M‐SGTs develop a salient identity as EFL teachers and how this identity impacts their practices in teaching EFL. To achieve this, a case‐study approach was employed, and six M‐SGTs from three private kindergarten schools in rural Bangladesh were selected using convenient sampling. Data were gathered from observation protocols, semi‐structured interviews, and documents. The interviews and observation protocols were transcribed and coded, while the documents were reviewed thematically and categorically in line with Kvale's recommendations. The results of this investigation highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the development of salient identity as EFL teachers among M‐SGTs. The study reveals that M‐SGTs develop a strong identity as EFL teachers through negotiation, adaptation, subject selection, confidence, language acquisition experience, pre‐service pedagogical skills, social support, positive feedback and endorsement by principals. The study also finds that M‐SGTs' salient identity is reflected in their teaching practices that involve being role models, adapting English language instruction, employing interactivity, differentiation in pedagogy, comprehensive feedback, whole‐class teaching and the use of supplementary materials. This paper ends with an important implication.
Reinforced unscented Kalman filter for consensus achievement of uncertain multi‐agent systems subject to actuator faults
Authors: Borah Kaustav Jyoti , Kumar Krishna Dev
Published: September 2023

In this paper, actuator fault detection and reconstruction in consensus tracking of uncertain multi‐agent systems (MAS) is addressed. The communication is assumed to be connected undirected. An adaptive fault detection method is developed to detect actuator faults. A novel‐reinforced unscented Kalman filter (RUKF) is employed to reconstruct the faults by adjusting the noise covariance matrices of unscented Kalman filter (UKF) as well as to train neural network internal parameters by providing a set of previous measurements. A Chebyshev neural network (CNN) is incorporated to learn the uncertain plant. To prevent the neural network approximation errors a hyperbolic tangent function‐based robust control term is applied. The Lyapunov stability approach guarantees the stability of the proposed RUKF, which runs in conjunction with robust control method. Lastly, numerical simulations are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed RUKF under actuator abrupt, intermittent, and transient fault conditions.
Stratified learning: A general‐purpose statistical method for improved learning under covariate shift
Authors: Autenrieth Maximilian , van Dyk David A. , Trotta Roberto , Stenning David C.
Published: September 2023

We propose a simple, statistically principled, and theoretically justified method to improve supervised learning when the training set is not representative, a situation known as covariate shift. We build upon a well‐established methodology in causal inference and show that the effects of covariate shift can be reduced or eliminated by conditioning on propensity scores. In practice, this is achieved by fitting learners within strata constructed by partitioning the data based on the estimated propensity scores, leading to approximately balanced covariates and much‐improved target prediction. We refer to the overall method as Stratified Learning, or StratLearn. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this general‐purpose method on two contemporary research questions in cosmology, outperforming state‐of‐the‐art importance weighting methods. We obtain the best‐reported AUC (0.958) on the updated “Supernovae photometric classification challenge,” and we improve upon existing conditional density estimation of galaxy redshift from Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) data.
Amorphous MoS2 Decorated Ni3S2 with a Core–shell Structure of Urchin‐Like on Nickel‐Foam Efficient Hydrogen Evolution in Acidic and Alkaline Media
Authors: Hu Mengliang , Qian Yuanpeng , Yu Shuhui , Yang Qingyao , Wang Zhinan , Huang Yishuai , Li Liping
Published: September 2023

The large‐scale commercialization of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) necessitates the development of cost‐effective and highly efficient electrocatalysts. Although transition metal sulfides, such as MoS2 and Ni3S2, hold great potential in the field of HER, their catalytic performance has been unsatisfactory due to incomplete exposure of active sites and poor electrical conductivity. In this work, via a simple hydrothermal strategy, amorphous MoS2 nanoshells in the form of urchin‐like MoS2‐Ni3S2 core‐shell heterogeneous structure is realized and in situ loaded on nickel foam (A‐MoS2‐Ni3S2‐NF). In particular, XPS analysis results show that the coupling of amorphous MoS2 and Ni3S2 makes the electrode surface exhibit electron‐abundant property, which will have a positive impact on HER catalytic activity. In addition, the fully exposed active site of amorphous MoS2 is another crucial factor contributing to its high catalytic performance of A‐MoS2‐Ni3S2‐NF electrode. In particular, at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻2, the overpotential of electrode is 95 mV (1.0 m KOH) and 145 mV (0.5 m H2SO4). This work highlights the importance of amorphous MoS2 and MoS2‐Ni3S2 of sea‐urchin core‐shell structure in optimizing HER performance, which provides an important reference for HER research.