bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community plant height modulated by aridity promotes spatial vegetation patterns in Alxa plateau in Northwest China
Authors: Cheng Tian‐liang , Pan Yan‐xia , Wang Xin‐ping , Li Yan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSpatial vegetation patterns are associated with ecosystem stability and multifunctionality in drylands. Changes in patch size distributions (PSDs) are generally driven by both environmental and biological factors. However, the relationships between these factors in driving PSDs are not fully understood. We investigated 80 vegetation plots along an aridity gradient in the Alxa plateau, Northwest China. The sizes of vegetation patches were obtained from aerial images, and the heights of patch‐forming species were measured in the field. Soil samples were collected on the bare ground between patches for determination of physiochemical properties. Point pattern analysis was used to infer plant–plant interactions. A model selection procedure was employed to select the best predictors for the shape of PSDs and biological factors (vegetation total cover, community plant height, and plant–plant interactions). We then used structural equation modeling to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of environmental and biological factors on the shape of PSDs. In our study area, two types of PSDs coexisted, namely those that best fit to power law distributions and those that best fit to lognormal distributions. Aridity was the main environmental factor, while community mean height and competition between plants were the main biological factors for the shape of PSDs. As aridity and community mean height increased, power law‐like PSDs were exhibited, whereas competition led to deviations of PSDs from power laws. Aridity affected the shape of PSDs indirectly through changes in community mean height. Community mean height was correlated with competition, thereby indirectly affecting the shape of PSDs. Our results suggest the use of community functional traits as a link between the environment and plant–plant interactions, which may improve the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of PSD dynamics.
Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 exacerbates cardiac fibrosis by regulating fatty acid‐binding protein 5
Authors: Chen Zhen , He Chaoyong , Gao Zhen , Li Yu , He Qian , Wang Yiyan , Cai Chao 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAimsThe activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) leads to overproduction of collagens and subsequently cardiac fibrosis. However, the regulatory mechanism of CF function in the process of cardiac fibrosis remains unclear. This work investigated the function of polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1)/nuclear receptor NR4A1 (Nur77)/fatty acid‐binding protein 5 (FABP5) axis in myocardial fibrosis.Methods and resultsCardiac fibrosis was induced in mice suffered left anterior descending ligation. In parallel, neonatal mouse CFs were isolated and stimulated with transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). Cardiac fibrosis was evaluated by Masson's trichrome staining. Expression of PTBP1, Nur77, FABP5, collagen I, and collagen III was measured by quantitative real‐time PCR and western blotting. Proliferation of CFs was assessed by 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay. Molecular interaction was validated by RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual luciferase reporter assay. PTBP1 was up‐regulated (P < 0.05), whereas Nur77 (P < 0.05) and FABP5 (P < 0.05) were down‐regulated in the fibrotic hearts of mice and TGF‐β1‐exposed CFs. PTBP1 overexpression facilitated proliferation (P < 0.05) and collagen I (P < 0.05) and collagen III (P < 0.05) expression of CFs after stimulation with TGF‐β1. PTBP1 reduced Nur77 stability (P < 0.05) to inhibit Nur77 expression (P < 0.05) in CFs. Nur77 bound to FABP5 promoter to promote the transcription (P < 0.05) and expression (P < 0.05) of FABP5. Silencing of Nur77 or FABP5 abolished the inhibitory effect of PTBP1 knockdown on proliferation (P < 0.05) and collagen I (P < 0.05) and collagen III (P < 0.05) expression of CFs in vitro. PTBP1 depletion ameliorated cardiac fibrosis (P < 0.05), α‐smooth muscle actin (P < 0.05), and collagen I (P < 0.05) expression in myocardial infarction mice through regulating Nur77/FABP5 pathway (P < 0.05) in vivo.ConclusionsPTBP1 contributed to cardiac fibrosis via promoting CF proliferation and collagen deposition through Nur77 mRNA decay and subsequent transcription inhibition of FABP5. Our findings suggest that PTBP1/Nur77/FABP5 axis may be potential targets for cardiac fibrosis therapy.
Acidity‐mediated induction of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Rao Disha , Stunnenberg Johanna A. , Lacroix Ruben , Dimitriadis Petros , Kaplon Joanna , Verburg Fabienne , van van Royen Paula T. , Hoefsmit Esmée P. , Renner Kathrin , Blank Christian U. , Peeper Daniel S. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGlucose limitation and increased lactic acid levels are consequences of the elevated glycolytic activity of tumor cells, and constitute a metabolic barrier for the function of tumor infiltrating effector immune cells. The immune‐suppressive functions of regulatory T cells (Tregs) are unobstructed in lactic‐acid rich environments. However, the impact of lactic acid on the induction of Tregs remains unknown. We observed increased TGFβ‐mediated induction of Forkhead box P3+ (FoxP3+) cells in the presence of extracellular lactic acid, in a glycolysis‐independent, acidity‐dependent manner. These CD4+ FoxP3+ cells expressed Treg‐associated markers, including increased expression of CD39, and were capable of exerting suppressive functions. Corroborating these results in vivo, we observed that neutralizing the tumor pH by systemic administration of sodium bicarbonate (NaBi) decreased Treg abundance. We conclude that acidity augments Treg induction and propose that therapeutic targeting of acidity in the tumor microenvironment (TME) might reduce Treg‐mediated immune suppression within tumors.
Selective Radical Transformations with Aryldiazonium Salts
Authors: de Souza Edson Leonardo Scarpa , Oliveira Caio C. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis review provides an overview of the use of aryldiazonium salts as the source of aryl radicals and their application in the development of selective transformations over the last 13 years. Examples were organized under thermal and photocatalytic transformations. This review provides an accessible follow‐up in this field for both radical and catalytic chemists working in industry as well as academia.
“The understanding and attitude toward epilepsy in the Souss‐Massa region of Morocco”
Authors: Tani Amina , Adali Nawal 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveSociocultural beliefs about epilepsy impede medical treatment and social acceptance of people with epilepsy. These barriers can lead to disability and contribute to the stigmatization of people with epilepsy.Assessing knowledge, myths, and attitude about epilepsy and associated factors among adults in Souss‐Massa, Morocco.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study in which data were collected from a sample of 385 individuals in the Souss‐Massa region of Southern Morocco. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The analysis of the collected questionnaires was processed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.Results385 responses were included in the analysis. The results reveal a lack of knowledge, an unfavorable attitude, and the persistence of myths and misunderstandings about epilepsy. The findings of this study suggest that good knowledge was significantly associated with sociodemographic factors: the age range of more than 54 years and health professional status. In addition, the favorable attitude toward epilepsy correlates with the sociodemographic factors: male gender and urban residential area.SignificanceThe main finding of this study indicates insufficient knowledge, the persistence of myth, and an unfavorable attitude about epilepsy. Therefore, the application of public awareness programs about epilepsy in urban and rural areas is necessary.
Germline variation in RASAL2 may predict survival in patients with RAS‐activated colorectal cancer
Authors: Wills Christopher , Watts Katie , Maughan Timothy S. , Fisher David , Al‐Tassan Nada A. , Houlston Richard S. , Escott‐Price Valentina , Cheadle Jeremy P. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundTherapeutic agents that specifically target patients with RAS mutant colorectal cancer (CRC) are needed. We sought potential drug targets by relating genome‐wide association study and survival data in patients with advanced CRC profiled for mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway mutations.MethodsIn total, 694 patients from the clinical trials COIN and COIN‐B had MAPK‐activated CRCs (assigned as KRAS, NRAS, or BRAF mutant). Genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), gene, and gene‐set analyses were performed to identify determinants of survival. For rs12028023 in RAS protein activator‐like 2 (RASAL2), we studied its effect by MAPK pathway activation status (by comparing to 760 patients without MAPK‐activated CRCs), MAPK gene mutation status, surface area of the primary tumor (as a marker of proliferation), and expression on RASAL2.ResultsIn MAGMA genome‐wide analyses, RASAL2 was the most significant gene associated with survival (p = 2.0 × 10−5). Patients carrying the minor (A) allele in the lead SNP, rs12028023 in intron 1 of RASAL2, had a median increase in survival of 167 days as compared with patients carrying the major allele. rs12028023 was predictive for survival by MAPK‐activation status (pZ‐test = 2.1 × 10−3). Furthermore, rs12028023 improved survival in patients with RAS mutant (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.62, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.5–0.8, p = 3.4 × 10−5) but not BRAF mutant (p = 0.87) CRCs. The rs12028023 A‐allele was associated with reduced surface area of the primary tumor (Beta = −0.037, standard error [SE] = 0.017, p = 3.2 × 10−2) and reduced RASAL2 expression in cultured fibroblasts (p = 1.6 × 10−11).ConclusionOur data demonstrate a prognostic role for RASAL2 in patients with MAPK‐activated CRCs, with potential as a therapeutic target.
The application of the guideline for the geotechnical design of underground structures with TBM excavation in Austria
Authors: Poisel Alexander , Meier Alexander , Bach Dietmar 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn 2013, the Austrian Society for Geomechanics published the Guideline for the Geotechnical Design of Underground Structures with TBM Excavation. The Guideline contains general procedures for the geotechnical design and construction. In the design phase, the first steps are evaluating different ground conditions by classifying different ground types, different ground behaviours, their categorization into ground behaviour types, and the determination of construction measures derived from the ground behaviour. On this basis the expected system behaviour in each system sector of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) is predicted and described in detail to enable comparison in the construction phase. In the construction phase, geotechnical relevant ground parameters as well as observations regarding the actual system behaviour are recorded and compared with the assumptions of the design. The geotechnical design is updated continuously based on the encountered ground conditions and geotechnical observations. The improved quality of the geotechnical model allows an optimization of the construction while meeting all safety and environmental requirements. In the first part of the article, the general procedures of the guideline are described and parameters to describe the system behaviour in each system sector adequately are listed. In the second part of the article, the implementation of the guideline during design and construction at the Semmering Basetunnel in Austria is described.
3D‐nonlinear finite element analysis of staged shield‐driven tunnel excavation with a focus on response of segmental tunnel lining
Authors: Allahverdi Navid , Bakhshi Mehdi , Partovi Maziar , Nasri Verya 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe complex and dynamic nature of shield‐driven tunnel excavation, staged construction, segmental lining installation process, and tail‐void grouting necessitate using detailed numerical modeling for predicting ground behavior and response of segmental lining. In this article, results of three‐dimensional advanced finite element modeling are presented for one of the major ongoing construction projects in the North America. Different segment joint models, i.e., rigid joints, perfect hinge joints, Janssen joints, and rigid joints with reduced lining thickness, are used in the analysis. Critical responses such as ground deformation, settlement trough, crown deformation, and the internal forces in the linings considering different segment joint modeling are discussed.
Towards unlocking the chain of sustainable development in the BRICS economies: Analysing the role of economic complexity and financial risk
Authors: Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn response to the mounting risks posed by climate change, innovation and mitigation of pollution have emerged as key drivers of sustainable growth and the environment. This research aims to explore the effect of economic complexity and financial risk on the load capacity factor. The research employed a series of second‐generation techniques such as a method of moment quantile regression and Dumitrescu Hurlin panel causality covering the period between 1990 and 2018. The findings provided convincing evidence of cointegration. The long‐run analysis showed that renewable energy use, economic complexity and financial risk contribute to ecological quality. However, non‐renewable energy and economic progress threaten ecological quality by lessening the load capacity factor. The research revealed causality from financial risk, economic growth, disintegrated energy and economic complexity to load capacity factor. Lastly, a policy framework is proposed based on the study findings to accomplish the sustainable development goals (SDGs) 7, 13 and 17.
Boosting Efficiency for the Synthesis of Dimethyl Oxalate over Pd/MgAl2O4: Effect of Different Preparation Methods for MgAl2O4 Supports
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhang Xin , Huang Yuan‐Yuan , Liu Geng‐Wei , Li Chen‐Jie , Yan Pin‐Mei , Qin Ye‐Yan , Guo Rong , Wu Si‐Qi , Zeng Yun‐Yun , Pan Peng‐Bin , Yao Yuan‐Gen 
Published: February 2023

AbstractHigh active Pd‐based catalyst with low loading capacity for CO oxidative coupling with methyl nitrite (MN) to dimethyl oxalate (DMO) has aroused great interest in the large‐scale production of DMO for the next hydrogenation to bring forth ethylene glycol (EG). Here, spinel composite oxide support, namely MgAl2O4, had been prepared through three different methods: solid combustion method (MAO‐SC), hydrothermal method (MAO‐HT) and co‐precipitation method (MAO‐CP), and further Pd nanoparticles were anchored to the surface of MgAl2O4 through a simple wetness impregnation method. In the CO direct esterification to DMO reaction, the Pd/MAO‐SC catalyst, which used MgAl2O4 support prepared by solid combustion method, exhibited the highest intrinsic activity with Turnover frequency (TOF) value of 2.39 s−1 and DMO weight space‐time yield (956.8 g⋅kgcat−1⋅h−1) with 44.1 % CO conversion and 97.8 % DMO selectivity, and showed negligible attenuation of activity during the process of continuous reaction for 100 h. The characterization results confirmed that abundant oxygen defect sites occurred in MAO‐SC synthesized by combustion method not only can help to anchor the Pd nanoparticles with appropriate size and dispersion, but also can promote the interfacial electron transfer from MgAl2O4 support to Pd nanoparticles, thus significantly enhancing the metal‐support interaction (MSI) and providing more CO bridge‐adsorption sites that is favorable for the CO oxidative coupling with MN to DMO reaction.
Photoacoustic (532 and 1064 nm) and ultrasonic coscanning microscopy for in vivo imaging on small animals: A productized strategy
Authors: Zhang Wuyu , Luo Xingzhi , Yang Fei , Tong Zhuangzhuang , Liang Jiaxi , Yuan Bo , Yang Sihua , Wang Zhiyang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPhotoacoustic microscopy provides a new dimension of observation in microscopic life science. However, due to the high complexity of building a photoacoustic microscopy system, for many life science practitioners, it usually takes several years to build a stable photoacoustic microscopy system. For the above situation, in this article, a productized strategy of photoacoustic (532 and 1064 nm) and ultrasonic coscanning microscopy for in vivo imaging on small animals is presented. A 532 nm laser is applied to image blood vessels and pigments in label‐free manner, whereas 1064 nm laser is applied to image pigments and some novel probes developed for NIR‐II windows. Ultrasound is applied to assist photoacoustic imaging to accurately locate its imaging site in tissues. All 3D results are obtained with one single scan. The strategy presented here will help life science practitioners to build a stable photoacoustic microscopy platform.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress promotes sepsis‐induced muscle atrophy via activation of STAT3 and Smad3
Authors: Zheng Yingfang , Dai Hongkai , Chen Renyu , Zhong Yanxia , Zhou Chenchen , Wang Yurou , Zhan Chengye , Luo Jinlong 
Published: February 2023

AbstractEndoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in skeletal muscle atrophy in various conditions, but the role of ER stress in sepsis‐induced muscle atrophy is not well understood. In this study, we conducted experiments in wild‐type (WT) mice and C/EBP homologous protein knockout (CHOP KO) mice to explore the role and mechanism of ER stress in sepsis‐induced muscle atrophy. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used to establish a mouse model of sepsis. In WT mice, the body weight, muscle mass, and cross‐sectional area of muscle fibers in CLP group both decreased significantly compared with sham group, which revealed that sepsis‐induced dramatic muscle atrophy. Additionally, sepsis activated the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS), accompanied by the activation of ER stress. In vitro, inhibition of ER stress suppressed the activity of E3 ubiquitin ligases and alleviated the myotube atrophy. In vivo, CHOP KO also reduced the expression of E3 ubiquitin ligases and UPS‐mediated protein degradation, and significantly attenuated sepsis‐induced muscle atrophy. Deletion of CHOP also decreased the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Smad3, and inhibition of STAT3 and Smad3 partly reduced proteolysis caused by ER stress in vitro. These findings confirm that ER stress activates UPS‐mediated proteolysis and promotes sepsis‐induced muscle atrophy, which is partly achieved by activating STAT3 and Smad3.
Ten‐year longitudinal changes in muscle power, force, and velocity in young, middle‐aged, and older adults
Authors: Alcazar Julian , Rodriguez‐Lopez Carlos , Delecluse Christophe , Thomis Martine , Van Roie Evelien 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundMaximum muscle power (Pmax) is a biomarker of physical performance in all ages. No longitudinal studies have assessed the effects of aging on Pmax obtained from the torque‐velocity (T‐V) relationship, which should be considered the ‘gold standard’. This study evaluated the longitudinal changes in the T‐V relationship and Pmax of the knee‐extensor muscles in young, middle‐aged, and older adults after 10 years of follow‐up.MethodsFour hundred eighty‐nine subjects (311 men and 178 women; aged 19–68 years) were tested at baseline and after a 10‐year follow‐up. Anthropometric data, daily protein intake, physical activity level (PAL), and knee‐extension muscle function (isometric, isokinetic, and isotonic) were evaluated. A novel hybrid equation combining a linear and a hyperbolic (Hill‐type) region was used to obtain the T‐V relationship and Pmax of the participants, who were grouped by sex and age (young: 20–40 years; middle‐aged: 40–60 years; and old: ≥60 years). Linear mixed‐effect models were used to assess effects of time, sex, and age on T‐V parameters, Pmax, and body mass index (BMI). Additional analyses were performed to adjust for changes in daily protein intake and PAL.ResultsPmax decreased in young men (−0.6% per year; P < 0.001), middle‐aged men and women (−1.1% to −1.4% per year; P < 0.001), and older men and women (−2.2% to −2.4% per year; P ≤ 0.053). These changes were mainly related to decrements in torque at Pmax at early age and to decrements in both torque and velocity at Pmax at older age. BMI increased among young and middle‐aged adults (0.2% to 0.5% per year; P < 0.001), which led to greater declines in relative Pmax in those groups. S/T0, that is, the linear slope of the T‐V relationship relative to maximal torque, exhibited a significant decline over time (−0.10%T0·rad·s−1 per year; P < 0.001), which was significant among middle‐aged men and old men and women (all P < 0.05). Annual changes in PAL index were significantly associated to annual changes in Pmax (P = 0.017), so the overall decline in Pmax was slightly attenuated in the adjusted model (−5.26 vs. −5.05 W per year; both P < 0.001).ConclusionsPmax decreased in young, middle‐aged, and older adults after a 10‐year follow‐up. The early declines in Pmax seemed to coincide with declines in force, whereas the progressive decline at later age was associated with declines in both force and velocity. A progressively blunted ability to produce force, especially at moderate to high movement velocities, should be considered a specific hallmark of aging.
Catalyst‐free access to substituted pyrano[4,3‐b]pyrrol‐4(1H)‐one derivatives through domino reaction in water
Authors: Li Chunmei , Wu Wenliang , Yin Kai , Zhang Furen , Shen Zhenlu 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThus far, domino‐based reactions have received a great deal of attention as a step‐and atom‐economic route toward the synthesis of a plethora of heterocyclic molecules. In this work, we disclose a catalyst‐free domino procedure for rapid synthesis of 3‐substituted 6‐methyl‐1,2‐diarylpyrano[4,3‐b]pyrrol‐4(1H)‐one compound in water at 80°C, accompanied by multiple C‐H/C‐O bond cleavage and C‐C and C‐N bond formation. This approach is characterized by its mild reaction conditions, convenient separation, high tolerance of functional groups, and easily available starting materials, thereby offering a green and efficacious strategy for the design and synthesis of pyrano[4,3‐b]pyrrol‐4(1H)‐one derivatives by domino reaction.