bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Response Surface Model to Predict and Experimentally Tune the Chemical, Magnetic and Optoelectronic Properties of Oxygen‐Doped Boron Nitride**
Authors: Shankar Ravi B. , Mistry Elan D. R. , Lubert‐Perquel Daphné , Nevjestic Irena , Heutz Sandrine , Petit Camille
Published: April 2022

Porous boron nitride (BN), a combination of hexagonal, turbostratic and amorphous BN, has emerged as a new platform photocatalyst. Yet, this material lacks photoactivity under visible light. Theoretical studies predict that tuning the oxygen content in oxygen‐doped BN (BNO) could lower the band gap. This is yet to be verified experimentally. We present herein a systematic experimental route to simultaneously tune BNO's chemical, magnetic and optoelectronic properties using a multivariate synthesis parameter space. We report deep visible range band gaps (1.50–2.90 eV) and tuning of the oxygen (2–14 at.%) and specific paramagnetic OB3 contents (7–294 a.u. g−1). Through designing a response surface via a design of experiments (DOE) process, we have identified synthesis parameters influencing BNO's chemical, magnetic and optoelectronic properties. We also present model prediction equations relating these properties to the synthesis parameter space that we have validated experimentally. This methodology can help tailor and optimise BN materials for heterogeneous photocatalysis.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for sorghum leaf blight resistance
Authors: Lipps Sarah , Rooney William L. , Mideros Santiago X. , Jamann Tiffany M.
Published: April 2022

Sorghum leaf blight and northern corn leaf blight, both caused by Exserohilum turcicum {(Pass.) K. J. Leonard and Suggs [syn. Setosphaeria turcica (Luttr.) K. J. Leonard and Suggs.]}, are major diseases of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and maize (Zea mays L.), respectively. Examining the genetic architecture of resistance in sorghum will lead to a better understanding of the relationship between resistance in sorghum and maize, which can ultimately enhance management options in both crops. In 2018 and 2019, we evaluated two sorghum recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations for resistance to E. turcicum. The BTx623 × IS3620C and BTx623 × SC155 populations consisted of 235 and 81 RILs, respectively. Resistance in both populations was moderately to highly heritable. We identified a total of six quantitative trait loci (QTL) across the two populations. Three QTL with small‐ to moderate‐effect sizes were identified in the BTx623 × IS3620C population. Three QTL, including a large‐effect QTL on chromosome three that explained 24% of the variation, were identified in the BTx623 × SC155 population. We compared the identified QTL with the position of northern corn leaf blight candidate genes and found eight candidate resistance gene orthologs that colocalize with the sorghum leaf blight QTL. There were also several nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat encoding genes within the candidate intervals. Understanding host resistance in multiple species furthers our understanding of the Exserohilum turcicum patho‐system.
Extended first‐principles molecular dynamics simulations of hot dense boron: equation of state and ionization
Authors: Blanchet Augustin , Soubiran Francois , Torrent Marc , Clérouin Jean
Published: April 2022

The extended first‐principles molecular dynamics (Ext. FPMD) model introduced by Shen Zhang et al. has been implemented within the ab initio DFT software package ABINIT and is now publicly available. This model allows performing quantum molecular dynamics simulations (QMD) at high temperatures bypassing the well‐known orbitals wall. QMD simulations can be done smoothly in the full range of temperatures from cold condensed matter to hot plasmas (>100 eV) passing by the warm dense matter regime. At high temperature, a minimum of Kohn‐Sham orbitals is kept, allowing for deep ionization effects to manifest, such as the Schottky anomaly of the specific heat, in contrast with orbital‐free approaches for which this effect is absent. Using the new 9.6 ABINIT version, we present extensive simulations of boron along isochores, from a few Kelvins to thousands of eVs, in the Gigabar regime and construct a table. The Hugoniot curve is found in close agreement with the FPEOS model, for a much lower computational intensity. An ionization analysis, deduced from the pressure or from the structure, emphasizes the crucial contribution of the very deep 1s shell in the maximum compression regime.
Board members share how their offices are moving forward
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2022

It has been more than two years since the COVID‐19 pandemic caused major changes in how colleges and universities — and disability services offices — operate. Over the past two years, disability services professionals have worked from home and come back to the office, sometimes several times. They have found new ways to connect with students. And the pandemic has brought new professional challenges, including accommodating students short‐term when they test positive for COVID, accommodating at‐risk staff members, managing staff turnover, understanding and addressing Long COVID, and working with an increased number of students with depression and other mental health issues.
Consider emerging law and policy issues on Long COVID and disability
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2022

As the extent of Long COVID becomes evident, strategies to address it are needed. The Coelho Center for Disability Law, Policy, and Innovation at Loyola Marymount University's Loyola Law School sponsored a webinar titled “‘Long COVID’ and Disability: A Panel on Emerging Law and Policy Issues.” Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn Williams and Director for the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Health and Human Services Lisa Pino shared perspectives on what their agencies are doing to address Long COVID.
Environmental drivers of biseasonal anthrax outbreak dynamics in two multihost savanna systems
Authors: Huang Yen‐Hua , Kausrud Kyrre , Hassim Ayesha , Ochai Sunday O. , van Schalkwyk O. Louis , Dekker Edgar H. , Buyantuev Alexander , Cloete Claudine C. , Kilian J. Werner , Mfune John K. E. , Kamath Pauline L. , van Heerden Henriette , Turner Wendy C.
Published: April 2022

Environmental factors are common forces driving infectious disease dynamics. We compared interannual and seasonal patterns of anthrax infections in two multihost systems in southern Africa: Etosha National Park, Namibia, and Kruger National Park, South Africa. Using several decades of mortality data from each system, we assessed possible transmission mechanisms behind anthrax dynamics, examining (1) within‐ and between‐species temporal case correlations and (2) associations between anthrax mortalities and environmental factors, specifically rainfall and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), with empirical dynamic modeling. Anthrax cases in Kruger had wide interannual variation in case numbers, and large outbreaks seemed to follow a roughly decadal cycle. In contrast, outbreaks in Etosha were smaller in magnitude and occurred annually. In Etosha, the host species commonly affected remained consistent over several decades, although plains zebra (Equus quagga) became relatively more dominant. In Kruger, turnover of the main host species occurred after the 1990s, where the previously dominant host species, greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), was replaced by impala (Aepyceros melampus). In both parks, anthrax infections showed two seasonal peaks, with each species having only one peak in a year. Zebra, springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), and impala cases peaked in wet seasons, while elephant (Loxodonta africana), kudu, and buffalo (Syncerus caffer) cases peaked in dry seasons. For common host species shared between the two parks, anthrax mortalities peaked in the same season in both systems. Among host species with cases peaking in the same season, anthrax mortalities were mostly synchronized, which implies similar transmission mechanisms or shared sources of exposure. Between seasons, outbreaks in one species may contribute to more cases in another species in the following season. Higher vegetation greenness was associated with more zebra and springbok anthrax mortalities in Etosha but fewer elephant cases in Kruger. These results suggest that host behavioral responses to changing environmental conditions may affect anthrax transmission risk, with differences in transmission mechanisms leading to multihost biseasonal outbreaks. This study reveals the dynamics and potential environmental drivers of anthrax in two savanna systems, providing a better understanding of factors driving biseasonal dynamics and outbreak variation among locations.
Polycentric energy governance: Under what conditions do energy communities scale?
Authors: Petrovics Daniel , Huitema Dave , Jordan Andrew
Published: April 2022

As the polycentric nature of climate governance becomes ever more apparent, understanding the role played by individual initiatives becomes an increasingly urgent research priority. In recent years, community initiatives have blossomed in relation to clean energy, both in their overall number and diversity. Polycentric governance thinking offers a powerful but incomplete account of how and why such initiatives emerge, grow, and replicate in different contexts, that is, how they “scale.” This article investigates the conditions under which different clean energy communities scale. Based on a systematic literature review, it identifies 23 separate conditions, which are subsequently categorized into what happens within, between and in the context of individual initiatives. As well as enriching polycentric governance thinking, this article identifies practical ways to inform and facilitate the emergence of new community initiatives.
Manganese (III/IV) μ‐Oxo Dimers and Manganese (III) Monomers with Tetraaza Macrocyclic Ligands and Historically Relevant Open‐Chain Ligands
Authors: Johnston Hannah M. , Freire David M. , Mantsorov Christina , Jamison Nena , Green Kayla N.
Published: April 2022

The oxygen‐evolving complex (OEC) located in photosystem II (PSII) of green plants is one of the best‐known examples of a manganese‐containing enzyme in nature, but it is also used in a range of other biological processes. OEC models incorporate two multi‐dentate nitrogen‐containing ligands coordinated to a bis‐μ‐oxo Mn(III,IV) core. Open‐chain ligands were the initial scaffold used for biomimetic studies, but their macrocyclic counterparts have proven to be particularly appropriate due to their enhanced stability. Dimer and monomer complexes with such ligands have shown to be useful for a wide range of applications, which will be reviewed herein. The purpose of this review is to state with some clarity the different spectroscopic and structural characteristics of the Mn complexes formed with tetraaza macrocyclic ligands both in solution and solid‐state that allow the reader to successfully identified the species involved when dealing with similar complexes of Mn.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Perfluoroalkylmethyl‐Substituted 1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydroquinolines Derivatives through 1‐Iodo‐1,3‐bis(acetoxy) Synthons
Authors: El Kharrat Salem , Laurent Philippe , Boiteau Laurent
Published: April 2022

Novel 2‐perfluoroalkylmethyl,4‐arylamino substituted tetrahydroquinolines (THQ) were expeditiously synthesized from perfluoroalkyl iodides RF−I and monosubstituted anilines. First, radicalbis‐addition of vinyl acetate on RF−I affordedgem‐iodoacetoxy derivatives (newly characterized by NMR and MS) being actually masked/activated aldol synthons. Their reaction in 1 : 4 ratio with arylamines afforded title THQ under mild conditions in good yields (60–95 %) and diastereoselectivities (65 : 35–95 : 5cis/transisomer ratio);m‐substituted anilines regiospecifically lead to 7‐substituted THQ. Mechanistic investigation suggested the THQ formation to proceed through Michael then imine addition of two aniline units on an RF‐substituted crotonaldehyde intermediate, then through the cyclization of the resultingbis(arylamino/imino) intermediate through electrophilic aromatic substitution. Various RF(C6, C2, C4) and arylamine substitutions (p‐,o‐,m‐ alkyl, alkoxyl, halogen…) were thus exemplified.
Ecological and Economic Efforts in the Development of Molecular Sensors for the Optical Detection of Cyanide Ions
Authors: Tigreros Alexis , Portilla Jaime
Published: April 2022

Cyanide anions have wide use in industrial areas despite their high toxicity to the environment as waste; thus, numerous studies on the determination of this anion have been carried out. This review discusses recent progress in the colorimetric and fluorimetric detection of cyanide by nucleophilic addition or acid‐base reactions to different types of receptors by the chemodosimeter approach. Beyond sensor performance, we focus our analysis on the sustainable synthesis features of five representative families of probes based on small molecules. Some environmental and economic factors are considered (reaction mass efficiency, number of chemical changes, solvent greenness average, preliminary raw material cost, and energy implications), giving a complete picture of the current status of research in this detection field.
Hedging pressure and liquidity provision in commodity options markets
Authors: Zhang Tianyang
Published: April 2022

This study examines hedging pressure and liquidity provision in commodity options markets using data from the weekly US Commodity Futures Trading Commission Commitments of Traders and Disaggregated Commitments of Traders reports. The “options‐only” reports are obtained from futures‐only and futures‐and‐options‐combined reports. We build the futures price series based on commodity options expiration dates. There are significant hedging pressure effects in commodity options markets. The empirical results indicate that commercials (swap dealers) provide liquidity to non‐commercials (money managers) in commodity options markets in the short run.
Chronic pain and long‐term dementia risk in older adults: Results from a 24‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Rouch Isabelle , Edjolo Arlette , Laurent Bernard , Dartigues Jean‐François , Amieva Hélène
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Chronic pain (CP) was associated with cognitive impairment in previous studies. However, the longitudinal association between CP and dementia remains under debate. We aimed to assess the prospective link between CP and long‐term dementia risk in a population‐based cohort of older participants, considering covariables linked to CP and cognitive functioning.

Methods

The study sample was selected from the PAQUID study, an ongoing cohort of older community‐dwellers aged 65 years and over at baseline; Information regarding CP and analgesics consumption was collected using questionnaires. Dementia was clinically assessed every 2 years. The population was divided into 4 groups according to CP and analgesic drugs intake (CP+/A+, CP+/A−, CP−/A+, CP−/A−). An illness‐death model was used to estimate the link between CP and incident dementia risk controlled for sex, educational level, comorbidities, depression, antidepressant drugs and analgesics.

Results

Five hundred ninety three participants (364 women) who completed a CP questionnaire, were included. They were followed‐up over 24 years (mean follow‐up: 11.3 years, SD 7.3). A total of 223 participants (32.5%) had CP, among them 88 (38.6%) took analgesic drugs. Compared to CP−/A− group, CP+/A+ participants had a higher risk of developing dementia in the univariate model (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.73, 95%CI:1.18–2.56; p = 0.0051). However, these results did not persist in the multivariate models (aHR = 1.23, 95%CI:0.88–1.73; p = 0.23). No significant risk for dementia were observed in CP−/A+ and CP+/A− (HR = 1.30, 95%CI:0.84–2.01; p = 0.23 and HR = 1.36, 95%CI:0.95–1.96; p = 0.09, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results failed to show a significant relationship between the presence of CP and long‐term dementia risk, suggesting that the cognitive decline associated with CP observed in the literature does not appear to be related to Alzheimer's disease or related disorders.
Causal nexus between health expenditure, health outcome and economic growth: Empirical evidence from Sub‐Saharan Africa countries
Authors: Kamanda Edmond , Lanpin Yang , Sesay Brima
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The relationships among health expenditure, health outcome, and economic growth have been given significant consideration in the current literature. Nevertheless, there are potential gaps in the nature of health‐growth nexus that current empirical studies have not thoroughly considered.

Methodology

This study explores Granger causality and cointegration relationships in a trivariate framework among, health expenditure, health outcome, and economic growth. We used three health outcome measures and a panel vector autoregressive model to study 45 countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa between 1990 and 2018. Our innovative panel data evaluation technique allows to ascertain significant causal relationships among the studied variables in the short and long run.

Results

Findings from the study include (1) health expenditure and health outcome Granger‐cause economic growth in the long run; (2) economic growth Granger‐cause health expenditure in the short run; (3) no causal relationship was found running from health expenditure and health outcome to economic growth in the short‐run. The former result (1) may not be surprising, given that the countries considered in this study are relatively less developed countries from Sub‐Saharan Africa. Hence, further health improvement may play a statistically significant role in spurring further economic growth.

Conclusion

Based on the results, the study presents interesting and possible effective policy perspectives for health improvement in the studied countries. Policies that stimulate health spending are needed to create a better and more industrious society that can support SSA's economic progress. This is because a healthy person may be more productive than someone who is sick, allowing them to produce greater output.
Leveraging ToxCast data and protein sequence conservation to complement aquatic life criteria derivation
Authors: Schaupp Christopher M. , LaLone Carlie A. , Blackwell Brett R. , Ankley Gerald T. , Villeneuve Daniel L.
Published: April 2022

The USEPA's 1985 guidelines for the derivation of aquatic life criteria (ALC) are robust but data-intensive. For many chemicals, the extensive in vivo data sets required for ALC derivation are not available. Thus, alternative analyses and processes that can provide provisional values to guide states, tribes, and other stakeholders while data accumulate and more rigorous criteria are derived would be beneficial. The overarching purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of using data from new approach methodologies (NAMs) like ToxCast to derive first-pass, provisional values to guide chemical prioritization and resource management as a complement to traditional ALC derivation. To address this goal, the study objectives were to (1) estimate chemical potency using data from NAMs for nine compounds with available aquatic benchmarks, (2) evaluate the utility of using NAM data to elucidate potential mechanisms of toxicity to guide problem formulation, and (3) determine the species relevance of toxicity pathways for compounds with clearly defined mechanisms of action as a means to evaluate whether minimum data requirements could potentially be waived when deriving a more formal ALC. Points of departure were derived from ToxCast data based on the fifth percentile of the distribution of activity concentration above cutoff values falling below the cytotoxic burst. Mechanistic inferences were made based on active target hits in ToxCast and, where applicable, assessed for taxonomic conservation using SeqAPASS. ToxCast-based point-of-departure aligned relatively closely (six of nine test chemicals within a factor of 10; eight of nine within a factor of 100) with aquatic benchmarks from the USEPA and US Department of Energy (DOE). Moreover, pathways of toxicity gleaned from NAM data were reflective of in vivo-based findings from the literature. These results, while preliminary, and based on a limited number of substances, support the potential application of NAM data to complement traditional ALC derivation approaches and prioritization. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:224–238. © 2022 Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Localization of vasoactive intestinal peptide and toll‐like receptor 2 immunoreactive cells in endostyle of urochordate Styela plicata (Lesueur, 1823)
Authors: Alesci Alessio , Pergolizzi Simona , Lo Cascio Patrizia , Capillo Gioele , Lauriano Eugenia Rita
Published: April 2022

The endostyle is the first component of the ascidian digestive tract, it is shaped like a through and is located in the pharynx's ventral wall. This organ is divided longitudinally into nine zones that are parallel to each other. Each zone's cells are physically and functionally distinct. Support elements are found in zones 1, 3, and 5, while mucoproteins secreting elements related to the filtering function are found in zones 2, 4, and 6. Zones 7, 8, and 9, which are located in the lateral dorsal section of the endostyle, include cells with high iodine and peroxidase concentrations. Immunohistochemical technique using the following antibodies, Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR‐2) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and lectin histochemistry (WGA—wheat‐germagglutinin), were used in this investigation to define immune cells in the endostyle of Styela plicata (Lesueur, 1823). Our results demonstrate the presence of immune cells in the endostyle of S. plicata, highlighting that innate immune mechanisms are highly conserved in the phylogeny of the chordates.

Research highlights

Immune cells positive to TLR‐2 and VIP in the endostyle of Styela plicata.

Expression of WGA in several zones of endostyle.

Use of comparative biology to improve the knowledge about immunology in ascidians.
Preliminary Study on Quantitative Assessment of the Fetal Brain Using MOLLI T1 Mapping Sequence
Authors: Jia Fenglin , Liao Yi , Li Xuesheng , Ye Zhijun , Li Pei , Zhou Xiaoyue , Li Qing , Wang Shaoyu , Ning Gang , Qu Haibo
Published: April 2022

Background

Prenatal quantitative evaluation of myelin is important. However, few techniques are suitable for the quantitative evaluation of fetal myelination.

Purpose

To optimize a modified Look–Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) T1 mapping sequence for fetal brain development study.

Study Type

Prospective observational preliminary cohort study.

Population

A total of 71 women with normal fetuses divided into mid‐pregnancy (gestational age 24–28 weeks, N = 25) and late pregnancy (gestational age > 28 weeks, N = 46) groups.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T/MOLLI sequence.

Assessment

T1 values were measured in pedunculus cerebri, basal ganglia, thalamus, posterior limb of the internal capsule, temporal white matter, occipital white matter, frontal white matter, and parietal white matter by two radiologists (11 and 16 years of experience, respectively).

Statistical Tests

The Kruskal–Wallis test was used for reginal comparison. For each region of interest (ROI), differences in T1 values between the mid and late pregnancy groups were assessed by the Mann Whitney U test. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were used to evaluate the correlations between T1 values and gestational age for each ROI. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement was determined by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Interobserver and intraobserver agreements of T1 were good for all ROIs (all ICCs > 0.700). There were significant differences in T1 values between lobal white matter and deep regions, respectively. Significant T1 values differences were found between middle and late pregnancy groups in pedunculus cerebri, basal ganglion, thalamus, posterior limb of the internal capsule, temporal, and occipital white matter. The T1 values showed significantly negative correlations with gestational weeks in pedunculus cerebri (r = −0.80), basal ganglion (r = −0.60), thalamus (r = −0.68), and posterior limb of the internal capsule (r = −0.77).

Data Conclusion

The T1 values of fetal brain may be assessed using the MOLLI sequence and may reflect the myelination.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Caging Cationic Polymer Brush‐Coated Plasmonic Nanostructures for Traceable Selective Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Ma Jielin , Hou Shuai , Lu Derong , Zhang Bo , Xiong Qirong , Chan‐Park Mary B. , Duan Hongwei
Published: April 2022

Cationic polymers are under intense research to achieve prominent antimicrobial activity. However, the cellular and in vivo toxicity caused by nonspecific electrostatic interaction has become a major challenge for their practical applications. Here, the development of a “caging” strategy based on the use of a block copolymer consisting of a stealth block and an anionic block that undergoes degradation in presence of enzymes secreted by selective bacterial pathogens of interest is reported. The results have shown that antimicrobial cationic polymer brushes‐coated gold nanorods (AuNRs) can be caged by the block polymer of poly(ethylene glycol) and anionic, lipase‐degradable block of ε‐caprolactone and methacrylic acid copolymer to afford neutrally charged surfaces. The caged AuNRs are activated by lipase released by bacteria of interest to endow an excellent bactericidal effect but show minimal binding and toxicity against mammalian cells and nonspecific bacteria that do not produce lipase. In this design, AuNRs play multifunctional roles as the scaffolds for polymer brushes, photothermal transducers, and imaging probes for traceable delivery of the activation and delivery of bactericidal cationic polymer brushes. The caging strategy opens new opportunities for the safe delivery of antimicrobial materials for the treatment of bacterial infections.
Role of hemoglobin alpha and hemoglobin beta in non‐small‐cell lung cancer based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Kang Ning , Qiu Wen‐Jia , Wang Bin , Tang Dong‐fang , Shen Xiao‐Yong
Published: April 2022

The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and screened differentially in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus databases, and the correlation of DEGs in protein interaction, function, and pathway enrichment were analyzed to search for new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for NSCLC. Protein–protein interaction network (PPI) analysis showed that CDK1 and GNGT1 were the most significantly upregulated hub nodes, while FPR2 was the most significantly downregulated. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in protein heterodimerization activity and other functions, while downregulated DEGs were enriched in functions such as heparin‐binding. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that upregulation of DEGs were significantly associated with neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction pathways, while downregulation of DEGs were significantly associated with malaria pathways. According to the analysis results, we identified hemoglobin alpha (HBA) and hemoglobin beta (HBB) as the genes of interest for further study. Through tissue level and cell level experiments, we found that the expressions of HBA and HBB in NSCLC tissues were significantly lower than those in paracancerous tissues, and downregulation of HBA and HBB could significantly affect the proliferation ability of NSCLC cells. In addition, we also found that changes in HBA and HBB may affect NSCLC cells through the p38/MAPK pathway and JNK pathway, and ultimately affect the occurrence and development of NSCLC.
Dynamics of chip formation during the cutting process using imaging techniques: A review
Authors: Nie Guangchao , Yang Zhengyan , Zhang Dong , Zhang Xiaoming , Outeiro José , Ding Han
Published: April 2022

Imaging techniques have been widely implemented to study the dynamics of chip formation. They can offer a direct method and a full field measurement of the cutting process, providing kinematic information of the chip formation process. In this article, the state of the art of the imaging techniques reported in the literature has been summarized and analyzed. The imaging techniques have been applied to study the chip formation mechanism, friction behavior, strain/strain rate, and stress fields. Furthermore, the study of surface integrity has been advanced by deriving the thermo‐mechanical loading, subsurface deformation, and material constitutive model from the imaging technique. Finally, achievements in the area of imaging techniques have been summarized, followed by future directions for their application in the study of surface integrity.
High‐resolution simulation of B0 field conditions in the human heart from segmented computed tomography images
Authors: Shang Yun , Theilenberg Sebastian , Terekhov Maxim , Mattar Wolfram , Peng Boyu , Jambawalikar Sachin R. , Schreiber Laura M. , Juchem Christoph
Published: April 2022

B0 inhomogeneity leads to imaging artifacts in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in particular dark band artifacts with steady‐state free precession pulse sequences. The limited spatial resolution of MR‐derived in vivo B0 maps and the lack of population data prevent systematic analysis of the problem at hand and the development of optimized B0 shim strategies. We used readily available clinical computed tomography (CT) images to simulate the B0 conditions in the human heart at high spatial resolution. Calculated B0 fields showed consistency with MRI‐based B0 measurements. The B0 maps for both the simulations and in vivo measurements showed local field inhomogeneities in the vicinity of lung tips with dominant Z3 spherical harmonic terms in the field distribution. The presented simulation approach allows for the derivation of B0 field conditions at high spatial resolution from CT images and enables the development of subject‐ and population‐specific B0 shim strategies for the human heart.
Consider your institution's policies, practices regarding students who owe money
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2022

“To emerge from the pandemic even stronger, institutional leaders must embrace long‐term change. That means evaluating longstanding institutional policies that block retention and completion for our most underserved students, such as enrollment and transcript holds for students with unpaid balances.” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona made that statement at the Federal Student Aid Training Conference in December 2021.
Applications ofhydrogel‐baseddelivery systems in wound care and treatment: Anup‐to‐datereview
Authors: Divyashri Gangaraju , Badhe Ravindra V. , Sadanandan Bindu , Vijayalakshmi Vaniyamparambath , Kumari Mamta , Ashrit Priya , Bijukumar Divya , Mathew Mathew T. , Shetty Kalidas , Raghu Anjanapura V.
Published: April 2022

Natural wound healing is a highly complex and regulated process. Disruption and barriers to cellular and tissue repair processes contributes to impaired wound healing, including sustained infections. Superficial wound healing requires many factors to work in concrete at the wound site, and thus many treatment options and wound dressings have evolved to address the barriers to wound healing. Biomaterials are proven to encourage the wound healing process by stimulating repair and regeneration of injured tissues and preventing wound infections. A wide range of natural and synthetic hydrophilic and porous formulations such as foams, films, fibers, and hydrogels have been examined for these applications. Among these formulations, polymeric hydrogels have gained considerable interest in the medical applications. They effectively absorb wound exudates and provide a moist environment for aiding the wound healing process. However, chronic wounds that are sustained longer might need supplementary healing features as addendums such as antimicrobials, stem cells, growth factors, peptides, vitamins, and natural compounds. Therefore, when combined with hydrogels healing supporting addendums promote rapid and effective wound healing. Although there have been several advancements in biopolymer‐based hydrogel systems, only limited reviews on various management strategies in wound healing are available in medical research and applications. Therefore, in this review, we have compiled and integrated various hydrogel‐based approaches with the potential to improve chronic wound healing and advance important outcomes. In addition, in‐situ injectable hydrogel preparation that have the advantage of packing patient wounds of different sizes and using 3D printing based tailor‐made hydrogels, and bio‐inks for wound closure applications are also highlighted.
Non‐immune hydrops fetalis caused by PIEZO1 compound heterozygous deletions detected only by exome sequencing
Authors: Reytan Sivan , Zunz Henig Noa , Yinon Yoav , Avnet Hagai , Kurolap Alina , Yaron Yuval , Baris Feldman Hagit
Published: April 2022

Key points

What's already known about this topic?

Genetic lymphatic disorders are a common cause of non‐immune hydrops fetalis, with PIEZO1 being one of the more recently established disease‐causing genes.

What does this study add?

Disease‐causing PIEZO1 variants have mostly been reported as single nucleotide variants or small indels. We report on a fetus with compound heterozygous deletions within and including PIEZO1. The deletions were not detected by chromosomal microarray (CMA).

This case highlights the value of exome sequencing in detecting copy number variants that are below CMA resolution.
Parental mosaicism for apparent de novo genetic variants: Scope, detection, and counseling challenges
Authors: Zemet Roni , Van den Veyver Ignatia B. , Stankiewicz Paweł
Published: April 2022

The disease burden of de novo mutations (DNMs) has been evidenced only recently when the common application of next‐generation sequencing technologies enabled their reliable and affordable detection through family‐based clinical exome or genome sequencing. Implementation of exome sequencing into prenatal diagnostics revealed that up to 63% of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants associated with fetal structural anomalies are apparently de novo, primarily for autosomal dominant disorders. Apparent DNMs have been considered to primarily occur as germline or zygotic events, with consequently negligible recurrence risks. However, there is now evidence that a considerable proportion of them are in fact inherited from a parent mosaic for the variant. Here, we review the burden of DNMs in prenatal diagnostics and the influence of parental mosaicism on the interpretation of apparent DNMs and discuss the challenges with detecting and quantifying parental mosaicism and its effect on recurrence risk. We also describe new bioinformatic and technological tools developed to assess mosaicism and discuss how they improve the accuracy of reproductive risk counseling when parental mosaicism is detected.
Local Atomic Order, Morphology, and Magnetic Properties in Silica‐Coated FeCo Nanoparticles Synthesized by Coprecipitation Technique
Authors: Fedotova Julia
Published: April 2022

Nanoparticles (NPs) of pure Fe25Co75 are sintered by Fe and Co coprecipitation followed by SiO2 deposition by tetraethoxysilane hydrolysis to form silica‐coated Fe25Co75 NPs ((Fe25Co75)x(SiO2)100–x (90 ≤ x ≤ 10, wt%)). Study of the morphology and phase composition of (Fe25Co75)x(SiO2)100–x nanopowders evidences the formation of agglomerations of NPs with individual medium diameter ≈20–50 nm containing partially oxidized cores of α‐FeCo bcc alloy covered with amorphous SiO2. Mössbauer spectroscopy clearly reveals that coverage with SiO2 shells promotes up to four‐time enhancement of resistance of FeCo cores to undesirable formation of surface Fe(Co) hydroxides. Temperature dependencies of magnetization recorded under field‐cooled (FC) and zero‐field‐cooled (ZFC) protocols for uncoated Fe25Co75 and (Fe25Co75)70(SiO2)30 nanopowders reveal that some part of NPs being in single‐domain state form superferromagnetic long‐range ordering.
Non‐psychotropic Cannabis sativa L. phytocomplex modulates microglial inflammatory response through CB2 receptors‐, endocannabinoids‐, and NF‐κB‐mediated signaling
Authors: Borgonetti Vittoria , Benatti Cristina , Governa Paolo , Isoldi Giovanni , Pellati Federica , Alboni Silvia , Tascedda Fabio , Montopoli Monica , Galeotti Nicoletta , Manetti Fabrizio , Miraldi Elisabetta , Biagi Marco , Rigillo Giovanna
Published: April 2022

Cannabis sativa L. is increasingly emerging for its protective role in modulating neuroinflammation, a complex process orchestrated among others by microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. Phytocannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD), terpenes, and other constituents trigger several upstream and downstream microglial intracellular pathways. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of a CBD‐ and terpenes‐enriched C. sativa extract (CSE) in an in vitro model of neuroinflammation. We evaluated the effect of CSE on the inflammatory response induced by exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in BV‐2 microglial cells, compared with CBD and β‐caryophyllene (CAR), CB2 receptors (CB2r) inverse and full agonist, respectively. The LPS‐induced upregulation of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α was significantly attenuated by CSE and only partially by CBD, whereas CAR was ineffective. In BV‐2 cells, these anti‐inflammatory effects exerted by CSE phytocomplex were only partially dependent on CB2r modulation and they were mediated by the regulation of enzymes responsible for the endocannabinoids metabolism, by the inhibition of reactive oxygen species release and the modulation of JNK/p38 cascade with consequent NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation suppression. Our data suggest that C. sativa phytocomplex and its multitarget mechanism could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for neuroinflammatory‐related diseases.
A critical evaluation of risk to reward ratio of quercetin supplementation for COVID‐19 and associated comorbid conditions
Authors: Pawar Anil , Russo Maria , Rani Isha , Goswami Kalyan , Russo Gian Luigi , Pal Amit
Published: April 2022

The interim results of the large, multinational trials on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) using a combination of antiviral drugs appear to have little to no effect on the 28‐day mortality or the in‐hospital course. Therefore, there is a still vivid interest in finding alternate re‐purposed drugs and nutrition supplements, which can halt or slow the disease severity. We review here the multiple preclinical studies, partially supported by clinical evidence showing the quercetin's possible therapeutic/prophylaxis efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) as well as comorbidities like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus, obesity, coagulopathy, and hypertension. Currently, 14 interventional clinical trials are underway assessing the efficacy of quercetin along with other antiviral drugs/nutritional supplements as prophylaxis/treatment option against COVID‐19. The present review is tempting to suggest that, based on circumstantial scientific evidence and preliminary clinical data, the flavonoid quercetin can ameliorate COVID‐19 infection and symptoms acting in concert on two parallel and independent paths: inhibiting key factors responsible for SARS‐CoV‐2 infections and mitigating the clinical manifestations of the disease in patients with comorbid conditions. Despite the broad therapeutic properties of quercetin, further high power randomized clinical trials are needed to firmly establish its clinical efficacy against COVID‐19.
Influence of grid resolution of large‐eddy simulations on foehn‐cold pool interaction
Authors: Umek L. , Gohm A. , Haid M. , Ward H. C. , Rotach M. W.
Published: April 2022

Numerical simulations are performed to assess the influence of horizontal and vertical model resolution on the turbulent erosion of a cold‐air pool (CAP) by foehn winds in an Alpine valley near Innsbruck, Austria. Strong wind shear in the transition zone from the CAP to the overlying foehn generates turbulence by shear‐flow instability and contributes to the CAP erosion. The sensitivity of this process to grid resolution in the “grey zone” of turbulence is studied with the Weather Research and Forecasting model in large‐eddy simulation (LES) mode with a horizontal grid spacing of 200, 40, and 13.33 m and in mesoscale mode with a grid spacing of 1 km. Moreover, two different vertical resolutions are tested. The mesoscale simulation exhibits deficiencies in the CAP development and is neither able to resolve nor parametrize the effect of Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) instability. In contrast, the LES with the coarsest horizontal grid spacing begins to explicitly permit K–H instability, albeit individual K–H waves are not completely resolved, and thereby greatly improves the stability and wind profile of the foehn. Refining the LES grid spacing leads to a more explicit and realistic representation of turbulence, but surprisingly has little impact on mean quantities. An increase in the vertical resolution shows the greatest benefit in the turbulent upper part of the foehn jet, whereas an increase in the horizontal resolution improves the turbulence characteristics, especially at the foehn–CAP interface. However, spectral analysis indicates that even a horizontal grid spacing of 40 m does not fully capture the energy cascade in the inertial subrange. Eddies remain too large and foehn–CAP interaction is too vigorous compared with the simulation with 13.33 m grid spacing. Nevertheless, results illustrate the potential benefit of an (100 m) model resolution for improving numerical weather predictions in complex terrain.
An initial step toward a quantum annealing approach to the discrete logarithm problem
Authors: Mahasinghe Anuradha , Jayasinghe Youvin
Published: April 2022

The discrete logarithm problem over a multiplicative group of integer modulo n is the key ingredient in the ElGamal encryption system. This problem has been proven to be tractable in polynomial time on a quantum computer by Shor's algorithm. This algorithm makes use of basic quantum gates, circuits, measurements and it has been experimented in the circuit‐gate framework of quantum computing. On the other hand, the adiabatic framework of quantum computing with the quantum annealers such as the D‐Wave machine that simulates the adiabatic process has become very popular, showing its potential for making a practical pathway to achieve quantum speedup. Furthermore, much progress has been reported recently on the tractability of the integer factoring problem, which is the other widely‐used encryption method, on quantum annealers. In this context, it is important to explore the tractability of the discrete logarithm problem too using quantum annealers. In this work we present a first step made in this direction, by converting the discrete logarithm problem over a multiplicative group into the problem of minimizing a binary quadratic form, a standard problem format acceptable to a quantum annealer. Our formulation was tested for small‐scale problem instances using the quantum‐classical hybrid platform PyQUBO and we discuss the computational challenges and propose several potential improvements to the formulation.
Statistical analysis of an experimental database on residual flexural strengths of fiber reinforced concretes: Performance‐based equations
Authors: Galeote Eduardo , Picazo Álvaro , Alberti Marcos G. , de la Fuente Albert , Enfedaque Alejandro , Gálvez Jaime C. , Aguado Antonio
Published: April 2022

The postcracking capacity of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) mainly depends on the content, material, and geometry of the fibers considered. Even though the general influence of these factors on FRC behavior has been extensively addressed, the uncertainty of the FRC performance prediction along with the variability of the results still poses a challenging issue that needs to be solved to encourage the use of FRC for design and construction purposes. In this line, a database including the results of the flexural residual strength obtained from different experimental programs combined with the results of previous studies has been gathered and analyzed herein to obtain general correlations and trends providing additional information about the influence of the fibers in FRC behavior, these meant to serve for initial design stages (e.g., make decisions on the type and amount of fibers based on technical and economical requirements). The results are analyzed distinguishing between the fiber material, the fiber shape, the aspect ratio and tensile strength. The results presented herein may provide valuable information on the initial prediction of the residual strength of FRC to fully take advantage of the mechanical properties of the material.
Evaluating the presence of domestic cat hepadnavirus viraemia in cats with biochemical alterations suggestive of liver disease
Authors: Scavone Donatella , Lauzi Stefania , Stranieri Angelica , Tramontano Giada , Ratti Gabriele , Paltrinieri Saverio
Published: April 2022

Background

The association between domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) infection and feline chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma has been suggested. However, studies focused on the association between DCH infection and clinicopathological changes consistent with liver disease in cats are not available.

Methods

This retrospective investigation included sera obtained from 96 cats that had the serum activity of at least alanine aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase measured during initial diagnostic work‐up. Based on these haematobiochemical results, cats were categorised according to their likelihood of having liver disease (absent, low, intermediate or high). DCH DNA was detected using real‐time PCR, nested PCR and sequencing.

Results

Overall, potential liver damage was observed in 44 cats, including cats with low (n = 14), intermediate (n = 10) and high (n = 20) likelihood of liver disease. Four cats (4.2%) were DCH‐positive, with three positive cats belonging to the liver disease group (two with low and one with intermediate likelihood of liver disease).

Conclusions

Although the pathogenic potential of DCH in cats still has to be clarified, these results suggest that DCH testing should not be based only on the presence of biochemical changes potentially consistent with liver disease.
Data Science-Based Battery Manufacturing Management
Authors: Liu Kailong , Wang Yujie , Lai Xin
Published: April 2022

This chapter focuses on the data science technologies for battery manufacturing management, which is a key process in the early lifespan of battery. As a complicated and long process, the battery manufacturing line generally consists of numerous intermediate stages involving strongly coupled interdependency, which would directly determine the performance of the manufactured battery. In this context, the in-depth exploration and management of different manufacturing parameters, variables, their correlation as well as effect towards the resulted property of manufactured intermediate products or final battery performance is crucial but still remains a difficult challenge. Recent advancements in data-driven analytic and related machine learning strategies raised interest in data science methods to perform effective and reasonable management of battery manufacturing.