bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covalent Attachment and Detachment by Reactive DESI of Sequence‐Coded Polymer Taggants
Authors: Youssef Itab , Carvin‐Sergent Isaure , Konishcheva Evgeniia , Kebe Seydina , Greff Vincent , Karamessini Denise , Matloubi Maziar , Ouahabi Abdelaziz Al , Moesslein Jochen , Amalian Jean‐Arthur , Poyer Salomé , Charles Laurence , Lutz Jean‐François
Published: July 2022

The use of sequence‐defined polymers is an interesting emerging solution for materials identification and traceability. Indeed, a very large amount of identification sequences can be created using a limited alphabet of coded monomers. However, in all reported studies, sequence‐defined taggants are usually included in a host material by noncovalent adsorption or entrapment, which may lead to leakage, aggregation, or degradation. To avoid these problems, sequence‐defined polymers are covalently attached in the present work to the mesh of model materials, namely acrylamide hydrogels. To do so, sequence‐coded polyurethanes containing a disulfide linker and a terminal methacrylamide moiety are synthesized by stepwise solid‐phase synthesis. These methacrylamide macromonomers are afterward copolymerized with acrylamide and bisacrylamide in order to achieve cross‐linked hydrogels containing covalently‐bound polyurethane taggants. It is shown herein that these taggants can be selectively detached from the hydrogel mesh by reactive desorption electrospray ionization. Using dithiothreitol the disulfide linker that links the taggant to the gel can be selectively cleaved. Ultimately, the released taggants can be decoded by tandem mass spectrometry.
Differential Temporal Dynamics of Axial and Appendicular Ataxia in SCA3
Authors: Maas Roderick P.P.W.M. , Teerenstra Steven , Lima Manuela , Pires Paula , Pereira de Almeida Luís , van Gaalen Judith , Timmann Dagmar , Infante Jon , Onyike Chiadi , Bushara Khalaf , Jacobi Heike , Reetz Kathrin , Santana Magda M. , Afonso Ribeiro Joana , Hübener‐Schmid Jeannette , de Vries Jeroen J. , Synofzik Matthis , Schöls Ludger , Garcia‐Moreno Hector , Giunti Paola , Faber Jennifer , Klockgether Thomas , van de Warrenburg Bart P.C.
Published: July 2022

Background

Disease severity in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is commonly defined by the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) sum score, but little is known about the contributions and progression patterns of individual items.

Objectives

To investigate the temporal dynamics of SARA item scores in SCA3 patients and evaluate if clinical and demographic factors are differentially associated with evolution of axial and appendicular ataxia.

Methods

In a prospective, multinational cohort study involving 11 European and 2 US sites, SARA scores were determined longitudinally in 223 SCA3 patients with a follow‐up assessment after 1 year.

Results

An increase in SARA score from 10 to 20 points was mainly driven by axial and speech items, with a markedly smaller contribution of appendicular items. Finger chase and nose‐finger test scores not only showed the lowest variability at baseline, but also the least deterioration at follow‐up. Compared with the full set of SARA items, omission of both tests would result in lower sample size requirements for therapeutic trials. Sex was associated with change in SARA sum score and appendicular, but not axial, subscore, with a significantly faster progression in men. Despite considerable interindividual variability, the average annual progression rate of SARA score was approximately three times higher in subjects with a disease duration over 10 years than in those within 10 years from onset.

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence for a difference in temporal dynamics between axial and appendicular ataxia in SCA3 patients, which will help inform the design of clinical trials and development of new (etiology‐specific) outcome measures. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The Taylor series method of order p and Adams–Bashforth method on time scales
Authors: Georgiev Svetlin G. , Erhan İnci M.
Published: July 2022

A recent study on the Taylor series method of second order and the trapezoidal rule for dynamic equations on time scales has been continued by introducing a derivation of the Taylor series method of arbitrary order
on time scales. The error and convergence analysis of the method is also obtained. The 2‐step Adams–Bashforth method for dynamic equations on time scales is concluded and applied to examples of initial value problems for nonlinear dynamic equations. Numerical results are presented and discussed.
A delayed diffusive HBV model with nonlinear incidence and CTL immune response
Authors: Li Baolin , Zhang Fengqin , Wang Xia
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we develop a diffusive and delayed hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection model, which incorporates both virus‐to‐cell and cell‐to‐cell transmissions along with cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) immune response. Two threshold parameters
(basic reproduction number) and
(immune response reproduction number) are defined, which determine the dynamic behavior of the model. Employing the approach of Lyapunov functionals, we show that the infection‐free steady state is globally asymptotically stable when
; the immune‐free infected steady state is globally asymptotically stable when
; and the immune‐present steady state is globally asymptotically stable when
, and
. We perform the sensitivity and uncertainly analysis on
with respect to parameters and find that the most important parameter that drives the HBV infection is the mortality of HBV DNA capsids. Moreover, the theoretical results are supported with numerical simulations.
Products of two 1ϕ1 series and implications
Authors: Chu Wenchang
Published: July 2022

An expansion formula into bivariate formal power series is established that implies, as consequences, three remarkable identities of partial theta functions due to Warnaar (2003), Schilling–Warnaar (2002) and Andrews–Warnaar (2007).
Investigating the effect of oral synbiotic on enteral feeding tolerance in critically ill patients: A double‐blinded controlled clinical trial of gut microbiota
Authors: Dehghani Mohammad Hossein , Saghafi Fatemeh , Bordbari Zeinab , Zare‐Kamali Javad , Jafari‐Nedooshan Jamal , Sahebnasagh Adeleh
Published: July 2022

Background

Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that can modify the gut microbiota. It is assumed that they help improve enteral feeding intolerance (EFI) and nosocomial infections in critically ill patients. The present clinical trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of synbiotics in improving EFI and oropharyngeal aspiration in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 105 critically ill patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary referral hospital affiliated with a medical university. The patients were randomly assigned to either a synbiotic or control group and underwent 7 days of investigation. The primary end point was reduced gastric residual volume, which is suggestive of an improvement in EFI. The secondary end point included requirement for prokinetics, frequency of aspiration, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, and level of consciousness.

Results

The present clinical trial showed that synbiotic intervention has resulted in a significantly diminished requirement for prokinetics (P = 0.019), fewer oropharyngeal aspirations (P = 0.01), improved volume of bolus administration, and decreased gastric residual volume during the 7‐day follow‐up period. The patients who received synbiotic had an improved level of consciousness (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

This clinical trial showed that the prescription of synbiotic from the initial days of enteral feeding has resulted in a significantly diminished requirement for prokinetics, less oropharyngeal aspiration, decreased gastric residual volume, improved volume of bolus administration, and hence, better tolerance of enteral feeding.
Communicating social value: An experimental study on credible communication and social enterprises
Authors: Becker Annika , Waldner Carolin J. , Nitsch Laura J. , Trautwein Stefan
Published: July 2022

The management of marketing and communication strategies involves a complex mix of different requirements, particularly for social enterprises, which try to fulfill both social and business aims while operating in a resource‐constrained context. Although social enterprises are a rising phenomenon, the research on how these businesses communicate their activities remains in its infancy. This study builds on the theory of planned behavior and the source credibility theory, presenting a conceptual framework that distinguishes between high, moderate, and low credibility of a social enterprise's communication, to analyze its effects on potential customers' behavioral intentions. Through an online experiment with 260 subjects, the authors demonstrate that attitude toward a social enterprise, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and, ultimately, the intention to support a social enterprise by purchasing its products increases with the social enterprise's message credibility. The authors also present practical implications and avenues for future research on the communication of social enterprises based on the empirical findings.
Finite difference schemes for the fourth‐order parabolic equations with different boundary value conditions
Authors: Lu Xuan‐ru , Gao Guang‐Hua , Sun Zhi‐Zhong
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the fourth‐order parabolic equations with different boundary value conditions are studied. Six kinds of boundary value conditions are proposed. Several numerical differential formulae for the fourth‐order derivative are established by the quartic interpolation polynomials and their truncation errors are given with the aid of the Taylor expansion with the integral remainders. Effective difference schemes are presented for the third Dirichlet boundary value problem, the first Neumann boundary value problem and the third Neumann boundary value problem, respectively. Some new embedding inequalities on the discrete function spaces are presented and proved. With the method of energy analysis, the unique solvability, unconditional stability and unconditional convergence of the difference schemes are proved. The convergence orders of derived difference schemes are all O(τ2 + h2) in appropriate norms. Finally, some numerical examples are provided to confirm the theoretical results.
Comparison of stacking sequence on the low‐velocity impact failure mechanisms and energy dissipation characteristics of CFRP/Al hybrid laminates
Authors: Zhang Fukai , Lin Yuan , Wu Jian An , Zhang Zhongwei , Huang Yaxin , Li Cong , Wang Mingyang
Published: July 2022

Compared with the resin‐based composite laminates, fiber metal laminates (FMLs) have superior impact resistance. In this study, investigations were made to reveal the effects of stacking sequence on the low‐velocity failure mechanisms and energy dissipation characteristics of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP)/Al hybrid laminates with same areal density. Experiments were carried out to characterize the typical mechanical responses. Failure morphologies were evaluated by X‐ray computed tomography scanning techniques. Then numerical simulations based on three‐dimensional progressive damage analysis were applied to reveal the dynamic evolution process and energy dissipation characteristics. Results indicated that plastic deformation of aluminum layers acted as the dominant factor in energy dissipation. Stacking aluminum layers on the exterior surface could increase the absorbed impact energy and reduce the fracture behavior of the component layers. The specimens with more CFRP layers stacked on the surface exhibited more severe fracture behavior of component layers and larger delamination areas, thus promoting the energy dissipated by CFRP cracking and delamination. This work intended to provide practical guidance for the structural design of fiber reinforced polymer/metal hybrid protective structures.
Enhancing surface insulation of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites by plasma fluorinating glass fiber
Authors: Li Jingwei , Duan Qijun , Xia Guowei , Wan Zijian , Yin Guohua , Xie Jun , Xie Qing
Published: July 2022

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) is a widely used composite material in industrial production. In this article, glass fiber (GF) was fluorinated by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), and the GFRP composites made of GF with different fluorination time and various numbers of fluorinated GF layers were prepared to improve the surface insulation property. The effect of plasma fluorination on GF was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), including the surface morphology and chemical composition. In addition, the surface electrical properties of the above composites were investigated experimentally. The results show that the flashover voltage of modified GFRP is 29.84% higher than that of the original sample. By analyzing the charge dissipation and trap, it is inferred that plasma fluorination can raise the trap energy level of the composites, therefore suppressing the carrier migration on the surface and increasing the flashover voltage. Furthermore, the internal structure of composites can be improved by increasing the number of fluorinated GF layers, which accelerates the charge dissipation along the body, thus enhancing the surface insulation properties of the composites in both ways.
Gestational age at birth and outcome in monochorionic twins with different types of selective fetal growth restriction: A systematic literature review
Authors: el Emrani Salma , Groene Sophie G. , Verweij E. Joanne , Slaghekke Femke , Khalil Asma , van Klink Jeanine M. M. , Tiblad Eleonor , Lewi Liesbeth , Lopriore Enrico
Published: July 2022

This systematic review aims to assess the gestational age at birth and perinatal outcome [intrauterine demise (IUD), neonatal mortality and severe cerebral injury] in monochorionic twins with selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR), according to Gratacós classification based on umbilical artery Doppler flow patterns in the smaller twin. Seventeen articles were included. Gestational age at birth varied from 33.0 to 36.0 weeks in type I, 27.6–32.4 weeks in type II, and 28.3–33.8 weeks in type III. IUD rate differed from 0%–4% in type I to 0%–40% in type II and 0%–23% in type III. Neonatal mortality rate was between 0%–10% in type I, 0%–38% in type II, and 0%–17% in type III. Cerebral injury was present in 0%–2% of type I, 2%–30% of type II and 0%–33% of type III cases. The timing of delivery in sFGR varied substantially among studies, particularly in type II and III. The quality of evidence was moderate due to heterogenous study populations with varying definitions of sFGR and perinatal outcome parameters, as well as a lack of consensus on the use of the Gratacós classification, leading to substantial incomparability. Our review identifies the urgent need for uniform antenatal diagnostic criteria and definitions of outcome parameters.
A comparison of the accuracy of fetal magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography for the diagnosis of fetal congenital malformations of the spine and spinal cord
Authors: Tang Xing , Bai Guoyan , Wang Hong , Guo Fan , Yin Hong
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To determine the diagnostic value of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for congenital spine/spinal cord malformations.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective study included 120 cases of fetal spine/spinal cord abnormalities detected using fetal ultrasonography (US) and further examined by fetal MRI between 2016 and 2020. Cases were divided into three groups (congenital spine, spinal cord, and spine + spinal cord malformations) based on US assessment. We analyzed the accuracy of fetal US and MRI relative to postnatal imaging.

Results

The diagnostic accuracy of fetal MRI for fetal spinal cord, spine, and spine + spinal cord malformations was 86.2% (25/29), 89.4% (42/47), and 86.3% (38/44), respectively, and the corresponding rates for fetal US were 51.7% (15/29), 87.2% (41/47), and 68.2% (30/44). The diagnostic accuracy did not differ between fetal MRI and US for congenital spine malformations (p > 0.05); for congenital spinal cord malformations and congenital spine + spinal cord malformations, the diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher for fetal MRI than for fetal US (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Fetal MRI is effective in the assessment of congenital spine/spinal cord malformations. It can yield information that supplements US findings, especially for congenital spinal cord malformations, and can improve the accuracy of fetal diagnosis.
Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of antimicrobial performance of N‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide based copolymer on pathogens
Authors: Pıhtılı Güzin , Erecevit Sönmez Pınar , Biryan Fatih , Torğut Gülben
Published: July 2022

In this study, poly{N‐[3‐(dimethylamino) propylmethacrylamide‐co‐acrylonitrile}; [P(DMAPMA‐co‐AcN)] copolymer was polymerized by free radical polymerization (FRP) in the presence of azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) initiator at 60°C. The structure of the synthesized polymer was characterized by the Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) methods. The bactericidal and fungicidal effects of the solutions prepared by adding methanol to this copolymer to prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and fungi were evaluated by disk diffusion and broth microdilution method. Since the resistance of bacteria, yeast and fungi, which adversely affect human health, to antibiotics is an important issue, and there has not been any study on the antimicrobial properties of this copolymer, it has directed us to investigate its antimicrobial properties. According to antimicrobial susceptibility tests: The polymer solution showed a broad spectrum of antimicrobial action with 12.3–14.3 mm/inhibition zone diameter on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klepsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis bacteria, Candida tropicalis, Epidermophyton floccosum yeast and fungi and showed a narrow spectrum of effect on inhibition of the growth of Candida albicans with 10.3 mm/inhibition zone diameter. No antimicrobial effects were observed on Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) value on the test microorganisms was determined as 125–31.25 μl. The data obtained prove that the polymer is in the same group as the interaction of bactericidal and fungicidal drugs. It is also important as a polymer with antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to produce a new polymer with antimicrobial properties. This polymer can be a new and yielding antimicrobial representative in different areas.
The organic chemistry behind the recycling of poly(bisphenol‐A carbonate) for the preparation of chemical precursors: A review
Authors: Gilbert Elangeni Ana , Polo Mara Lis , Maffi Juan Martín , Guastavino Javier Fernando , Vaillard Santiago Eduardo , Estenoz Diana Alejandra
Published: July 2022

Production and consumption of poly(bisphenol‐A carbonate) resins are seeing a worldwide increase. However, their usage lifetimes are short and their final disposition as landfills pose environmental and health risks, due to the release of toxic bisphenol‐A (BPA). The development of alternative recycling routes is thus becoming subject of increasing interest. In this review, the main recycling processes of poly(bisphenol‐A carbonate) are described and critically compared, with special focus on the chemical mechanisms. While mechanical recycling is possible, the end products are restricted only to polymer blends, whose main mechanical properties decrease with each compounding cycle. In turn, chemical recycling can produce BPA monomer and a variety of by‐products that can be used in different industries, including the polymeric field, as synthesis reagents and precursors. The operation conditions of each method are reviewed, as well as the different results obtained in terms of product yield, composition, selectivity and reaction times. Reaction mechanisms are described in detail and a view on the usability of each end product is offered.
Lithium salts: assessment of their chronic and acute toxicities to honey bees and their anti‐Varroa field efficacy
Authors: Sevin Sedat , Bommuraj Vijayakumar , Chen Yaira , Afik Ohad , Zarchin Shlomi , Barel Shimon , Arslan Okan Can , Erdem Babür , Tutun Hidayet , Shimshoni Jakob A.
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Varroa control is essential for the maintenance of healthy honey bee colonies. Overuse of acaricides has led to the evolution of resistance to those substances. Studies of the short‐term acaricidal effects and safety of various lithium (Li) salts recently have been reported. This study examined the long‐term in vitro and in vivo bee toxicities, short‐term motor toxicity to bees and long‐term anti‐Varroa field efficacy of several Li salts.

RESULTS

In an in vitro chronic‐toxicity assay, lithium citrate (18.8 mm) was the most toxic of the examined salts, followed by lithium lactate (29.5 mm), and lithium formate (32.5 mm). In terms of acute locomotor toxicity to bees, all of the Li salts were well‐tolerated and none of the treatment groups differed from the negative control group. In an in vitro survival study, all of the Li treatments significantly reduced bee life spans by a factor of 1.8–7.2, as compared to the control. In terms of life expectancy, lithium citrate was the most toxic salt, with no significant differences noted between lithium formate and lithium lactate. In the bee‐mortality field study, none of the examined treatments differed from the negative control. Amitraz and lithium formate exhibited similar acaricide effects, which were significantly different from those observed for lithium lactate and the negative control.

CONCLUSION

In light of lithium formate's honey bee safety and efficacy as an acaricide, additional sublethal toxicity studies in brood, drones and queens, as well as tests aimed at the optimization of administration frequency are warranted. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Impact of Interface Defects on Thermal Boundary Resistance at a Si|C Interface
Authors: Stanley Christopher Martin
Published: July 2022

Due to the increasing complexity and miniaturization of microelectronics, material interfaces are now the dominant source of thermal resistance in many integrated circuits and electronic devices. While the literature on thermal boundary resistance is extensive, the theory remains poorly understood. This is particularly true for the case of defects at the interface. Data and results on three defects at a Si|C interface are presented—an interstitial N pair and two different substitutional Ge's. It is found that the interstitial N pair, as well as one of the Ge defects, reduces thermal boundary conductivity considerably whereas the substitutional Ge placed directly at the interface is largely transparent.
Synthesis and Characterization of Eu2InTe5: A New Layered Multitelluride and Its Thermoelectric Properties
Authors: Zheng Xin , Boubeche Mebrouka , Wang Wei , Fang Zhichun , Xin Jijun , Yang Jingting , Xia Yudong , Zhang Li , Wu Wei , Wu Dong
Published: July 2022

The new layered Eu2InTe5 single crystals are grown via the self flux approach. The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that this new material has a crystallographic structure in the tetragonal structure with space group I4/mmm (no. 139) and cell parameters a = b = 4.5981(2) Å, c = 24.302(3) Å. The electrical resistivity and Hall effect measurements demonstrate a “bad metal” with a low charge carrier concentration. The thermoelectric analysis gives the values of the thermopower and the figure of merit at room temperature ≈270 μV K−1 and ≈0.1, respectively, making Eu2InTe5 and its derivatives promising for thermoelectric applications.
Direct oral anticoagulants in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and the presence of recent thrombus during pulmonary endarterectomy
Authors: Jeong Ina , Alotaibi Mona , Fernandes Timothy M. , Kim Suhyun , Kerr Kim M. , Yang Jenny , Pretorius Victor , Madani Michael , Kim Nick H.
Published: July 2022

Patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) require lifelong anticoagulant therapy. The safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) in the chronic and transitional management of CTEPH has not been investigated. We performed a retrospective analysis of 405 consecutive pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) cases at the University of California, San Diego, from July 2015 through July 2017. PEA specimen was reviewed for the presence of acute or subacute thrombotic material distinct from the expected chronic disease removed at the time of PEA by two investigators blinded to the patient information. Of 405 PEA cases, 166 patients (41.0%) were anticoagulated with one of three available DOACs; 239 (59.0%) presented on either oral vitamin‐K antagonist or chronic injectable therapy. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between DOAC and non‐DOAC groups. Evidence of recent thrombus was observed in 22 (13.3%) in the DOAC group versus 16 (6.7%) within the non‐DOAC group. The odds ratio of DOACs usage and evidence of recent thrombus was 2.34 (95% confidence interval: 1.1–5.0, p = 0.03) after adjusting for age, gender, race, body mass index, and history of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. CTEPH patients referred for PEA while on DOAC therapy were twice as likely to have associated acute or subacute thrombi present at the time of surgery compared with those on more traditional, non‐DOAC anticoagulant therapies. This raises questions of the safety and efficacy of DOACs in the chronic management of CTEPH.
Social determinants of health in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients in the United States: Clinician perspective and health policy implications
Authors: Nadipelli Vijay R. , Elwing Jean M. , Oglesby Willie H. , El‐Kersh Karim
Published: July 2022

Social determinants of health (SDoH) can impact the vulnerable pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) population, especially during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Providers' understanding of SDoH at the point of care and their impact is unknown. We conducted semi‐structured virtual interviews with US clinicians at 17 pulmonary hypertension (PH) centers and one patient advocate from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. We sought participants' perspective on SDoH in PAH and their impact. Transcripts were developed and analyzed for key themes to assess potential policy implications. Participants served a large PAH population and demonstrated high awareness of SDoH and its impact on treatment and outcomes. They reported that patients' SDoH, including socioeconomic status, health insurance, access to health care, education levels, health literacy, employment status, and insecurities associated with housing, food, transportation, and family support, impacted health and well‐being. COVID‐19‐related social isolation, mental health, and substance abuse contributed to significant inequities in care provision and outcomes. While telemedicine helped clinicians manage patients remotely during the pandemic, there was a concern for patients with limited access to this medium. Participants reported no formal screening for SDoH at the point of care. With the recognition and the desire to act upon health inequities associated with SDoH, participants felt that it was vital for their centers to have a dedicated PH social worker and support staff to optimize care and outcomes. An approach that integrates SDoH in PAH care management, streamlined through institutional policy, could address health disparities leading to improved healthcare access, outcomes, and quality of care.
Searching conformational analysis of Asp residues through theoretical 3J vicinal coupling constants and Karplus equations
Authors: Botella María , Ema Ignacio , San Fabián Jesús , García de la Vega Jose Manuel
Published: July 2022

The dependence of the vicinal spin–spin coupling constants on the torsion side chain angle χ1 through the Karplus equations is considered for the study of the structure of Asp amino acid residues. Experimental and theoretical, obtained with density functional theory methods, vicinal coupling constants combined with extended Karplus equations, which include six coefficients, are applied to a dipeptide model of the amino acid Asp. To find out the empirical χ1 angles of the side chain, a statistical analysis procedure is developed to compute the rmsd values and find the χ1 as the minimum of those values. The χ1 values obtained in this work for nine Asp residues of the flavodoxin protein Desulfovibrio vulgaris are successfully compared with those derived by nuclear magnetic resonance and X‐rays.
Expression and co‐localization of RFRP‐3 and kisspeptin during breeding and non‐breeding season in the hypothalamus of male rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Khan Safdar , Batool Bakhtwar , Zubair Hira , Bano Riffat , Ahmad Shakil , Shahab Muhammad
Published: July 2022

Propose

The mechanism that underpins how RFRP‐3 and kisspeptin interacts are not fully understood in higher primates. This study therefore set out to assess RFRP‐3 and kisspeptin expression and their morphological interactions in the breeding, and in the non‐breeding period in monkey hypothalamus.

Methods

Eight mature male macaques (Macaca mulatta) in the breeding season (February; n = 4) and non‐breeding season (June; n = 4) were used. To reveal the expression and co‐localization of RFRP‐3 and kisspeptin, double‐labeled immunohistochemistry was performed. Testicular volume, sperm count, and plasma testosterone level were also measured to validate the breeding and non‐breeding paradigms.

Results

Testicular volume, plasma testosterone level, and sperm count showed a significant reduction during non‐breeding season. The number of kisspeptin‐positive cells was significantly increased during the breeding season (p < 0.05), whereas more RFRP‐3‐positive cell bodies were seen in the non‐breeding season (p < 0.01). Close contacts of RFRP‐3 fibers with kisspeptin cells showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) across seasons. However, co‐localization of RFRP‐3‐ir cell bodies onto kisspeptin IR cell bodies showed a statistical increase (p < 0.01) in non‐breeding season.

Conclusion

In higher primates, RFRP‐3 decreases kisspeptin drives from the same cells to GnRH neurons in an autocrine manner causing suppression of the reproductive axis during the non‐breeding period.
Negotiating mentoring relationships and support for Black and Brown early‐career faculty
Authors: King Natalie S. , Upadhyay Bhaskar
Published: July 2022

In this essay, we share historical and structural components of mentoring within institutions of higher education and grapple with technical and moral obligations of support. We argue for more humanizing approaches that embed personal, social, and cultural aspects of mentoring, and seek to disrupt the purposes of mentoring, and for whom? Using a critical approach, we promote justice‐oriented and equity‐driven models of mentoring that account for excessive teaching loads and service commitments for faculty at minority‐serving institutions and Black and Brown faculty at predominantly White institutions. Current promotion and tenure publish or perish models neglect the intellectual and scholarly contributions made through teaching and service and therefore hold the same level of expectations for engagement in and dissemination of research. We share our own stories as Faculty of Color navigating institutional structures during the promotion and tenure process, while also negotiating incongruent cultures of our personal and professional lives. Furthermore, we address the need for mentoring and networking within exclusionary spaces to support the productivity and critical research agendas of Black and Brown faculty that often challenge the white heteronormative cultures of our institutions, professional organizations, peer‐reviewed journals, and prestigious funding mechanisms. Implications of this essay include an acknowledgment of oppressive systems that early‐career Black and Brown faculty often navigate and a call for diverse mentoring programs and supports that conform with and validate our lives and needs. Furthermore, we provide recommendations on evidence‐based resources and approaches that are available to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics faculty and science educators.
NiSe and CoSe Topological Nodal‐Line Semimetals: A Sustainable Platform for Efficient Thermoplasmonics and Solar‐Driven Photothermal Membrane Distillation
Authors: Abramovich Shir , Dutta Debasis , Rizza Carlo , Santoro Sergio , Aquino Marco , Cupolillo Anna , Occhiuzzi Jessica , Russa Mauro Francesco La , Ghosh Barun , Farias Daniel , Locatelli Andrea , Boukhvalov Danil W. , Agarwal Amit , Curcio Efrem , Bar Sadan Maya , Politano Antonio
Published: July 2022

The control of heat at the nanoscale via the excitation of localized surface plasmons in nanoparticles (NPs) irradiated with light holds great potential in several fields (cancer therapy, catalysis, desalination). To date, most thermoplasmonic applications are based on Ag and Au NPs, whose cost of raw materials inevitably limits the scalability for industrial applications requiring large amounts of photothermal NPs, as in the case of desalination plants. On the other hand, alternative nanomaterials proposed so far exhibit severe restrictions associated with the insufficient photothermal efficacy in the visible, the poor chemical stability, and the challenging scalability. Here, it is demonstrated the outstanding potential of NiSe and CoSe topological nodal‐line semimetals for thermoplasmonics. The anisotropic dielectric properties of NiSe and CoSe activate additional plasmonic resonances. Specifically, NiSe and CoSe NPs support multiple localized surface plasmons in the optical range, resulting in a broadband matching with sunlight radiation spectrum. Finally, it is validated the proposed NiSe and CoSe‐based thermoplasmonic platform by implementing solar‐driven membrane distillation by adopting NiSe and CoSe nanofillers embedded in a polymeric membrane for seawater desalination. Remarkably, replacing Ag with NiSe and CoSe for solar membrane distillation increases the transmembrane flux by 330% and 690%, respectively. Correspondingly, costs of raw materials are also reduced by 24 and 11 times, respectively. The results pave the way for the advent of NiSe and CoSe for efficient and sustainable thermoplasmonics and related applications exploiting sunlight within the paradigm of the circular blue economy.
Enhancing the Microstructure of Perovskite‐Inspired Cu‐Ag‐Bi‐I Absorber for Efficient Indoor Photovoltaics
Authors: Grandhi G. Krishnamurthy , Al‐Anesi Basheer , Pasanen Hannu , Ali‐Löytty Harri , Lahtonen Kimmo , Granroth Sari , Christian Nino , Matuhina Anastasia , Liu Maning , Berdin Alex , Pecunia Vincenzo , Vivo Paola
Published: July 2022

Lead‐free perovskite‐inspired materials (PIMs) are gaining attention in optoelectronics due to their low toxicity and inherent air stability. Their wide bandgaps (≈2 eV) make them ideal for indoor light harvesting. However, the investigation of PIMs for indoor photovoltaics (IPVs) is still in its infancy. Herein, the IPV potential of a quaternary PIM, Cu2AgBiI6 (CABI), is demonstrated upon controlling the film crystallization dynamics via additive engineering. The addition of 1.5 vol% hydroiodic acid (HI) leads to films with improved surface coverage and large crystalline domains. The morphologically‐enhanced CABI+HI absorber leads to photovoltaic cells with a power conversion efficiency of 1.3% under 1 sun illumination—the highest efficiency ever reported for CABI cells and of 4.7% under indoor white light‐emitting diode lighting—that is, within the same range of commercial IPVs. This work highlights the great potential of CABI for IPVs and paves the way for future performance improvements through effective passivation strategies.
Comparative Study of TiO2 and CdS as the Electron Transport Layer for Sb2S3 Solar Cells
Authors: Zeng Yiyu , Huang Jialiang , Li Jianjun , Sun Kaiwen , Shah Usman Ali , Deng Hui , Zhang Xueyun , Sha Chuhan , Qian Chen , Song Haisheng , Hao Xiaojing
Published: July 2022

Antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) is a promising wide‐bandgap photovoltaic material, and a potential top‐cell candidate for next‐generation Si‐based tandem solar cells. The most widely used electron transport layers in Sb2S3 solar cells are TiO2 and CdS, which present an obvious performance variation in open‐circuit voltage (V
OC) and short current (J
sc). However, the mechanisms behind the performance disparity because of the electron transport layer (ETL) have not been disclosed. Herein, a comprehensive comparative study of using TiO2 and CdS as the electron transport layers in Sb2S3 solar cells is presented, which covers their influence on preferential crystal orientation, band alignment, interface, and bulk defects. It is found that the CdS ETL results in less interfacial defects and more favorable band alignment, enabling a higher V
OC, while the high resistance of the CdS film and parasitic light absorption restricts the J
SC. The findings provide a substantial guidance on device optimization for Sb2S3 solar cells.
Histopathological evaluation of the interrenal gland (adrenal homolog) of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) exposed to graphene oxide
Authors: Dasmahapatra Asok K. , Tchounwou Paul B.
Published: July 2022

Due to unique physicochemical properties and wide industrial and biomedical applications, graphene oxide (GO) is ubiquitous in the aquatic ecosystem. Using Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) fish as a model, we previously demonstrated minimal endocrine disrupting (ED) effects of GO on reproductive organs, and thyroids. Current study investigated the ED‐effects of GO on the interrenal gland (IRG) of medaka. Breeding pairs of adult male and female fish were exposed to 0 mg/L (control) or 20 mg/L GO by continuous immersion for 96 h, or to 0 or 100 μg/g GO by intraperitoneal administration. Also, 1 day post‐hatch (dph) larvae were exposed to different concentrations of GO (2.5–20 mg/L) for 96 h. IRG was evaluated by immunohistochemical techniques after 21 days depuration in adults and 6 weeks in larvae. IRG cells were counted and the nuclear area was measured in hematoxylin–eosin stained sections using ImageJ software. We found that IRG is distributed adjacent to the posterior cardinal vein and its branches within the head kidney. Columnar/oval shaped periodic acid‐Schiff negative, tyrosine hydroxylase positive cells are arranged either in a single, or in groups, sometimes encircling a sinusoid, or in a straight chord, laying adjacent to the endothelium of the cardinal vein, and having eosinophilic cytoplasm with round/oval basophilic nuclei. GO effect on nuclei and cell population in IRG was inconsistent; depending on exposure route, sex, and/or age of the fish. Also, because of its high adsorptive property and sharp edges, GO probably agglomerated on IRG, and induced physical injury, and ED effects.
Fluoride removal using capacitive deionization process employing carbon electrodes
Authors: Kumar Praween , Kushwaha Rohit , Mohan Devendra
Published: July 2022

Contamination of groundwater with fluoride poses adverse health impacts for humans. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of capacitive deionization process for fluoride removal from groundwater. In this study, composition of binder content was optimized and the experiments were performed using a lab scale batch reactor. Effect of initial ionic concentration on the removal efficiency was also studied. The electrodes were also evaluated for their efficiency to remove arsenic. The maximum fluoride removal efficiency obtained was 99.1% for the PVDF content of 15% (w/w) whereas for arsenic it was only 52%. The voltage applied across the electrodes was only 1.2V. Electrodes were tested for their physical strength and their characterization was done using Scanning Electron Microscope. Sorption kinetics of the electrodes was also investigated and was found that the adsorption followed elovich model most closely.
Asthma amplifies dementia risk: Evidence from CSF biomarkers and cognitive decline
Authors: Nair Ajay Kumar , Van Hulle Carol A. , Bendlin Barbara B. , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Wild Norbert , Kollmorgen Gwendlyn , Suridjan Ivonne , Busse William W. , Rosenkranz Melissa A.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Evidence from epidemiology, neuroimaging, and animal models indicates that asthma adversely affects the brain, but the nature and extent of neuropathophysiological impact remain unclear.

Methods

We tested the hypothesis that asthma is a risk factor for dementia by comparing cognitive performance and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of glial activation/neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology in 60 participants with asthma to 315 non‐asthma age‐matched control participants (45–93 years), in a sample enriched for AD risk.

Results

Participants with severe asthma had higher neurogranin concentrations compared to controls and those with mild asthma. Positive relationships between cardiovascular risk and concentrations of neurogranin and α‐synuclein were amplified in severe asthma. Severe asthma also amplified the deleterious associations that apolipoprotein E ε4 carrier status, cardiovascular risk, and phosphorylated tau181/amyloid beta42 have with rate of cognitive decline.

Discussion

Our data suggest that severe asthma is associated with synaptic degeneration and may compound risk for dementia posed by cardiovascular disease and genetic predisposition.

Highlights

Those with severe asthma showed evidence of higher dementia risk than controls evidenced by:

higher levels of the synaptic degeneration biomarker neurogranin regardless of cognitive status, cardiovascular or genetic risk, and controlling for demographics.

steeper increase in levels of synaptic degeneration biomarkers neurogranin and α‐synuclein with increasing cardiovascular risk.

accelerated cognitive decline with higher cardiovascular risk, genetic predisposition, or pathological tau.
Monomeric C‐reactive protein induces the cellular pathology of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gan Qini , Wong Alfred , Zhang Zhengrong , Na Hana , Tian Hua , Tao Qiushan , Rajab Ibraheem M. , Potempa Lawrence A. , Qiu Wei Qiao
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Human study shows that elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) in blood impacts apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4, but not APOE ε3 or APOE ε2, genotype to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, whether CRP is directly involved in cellular AD pathogenesis and in which type of neuronal cells of APOE ε4 carriers are unknown.

Methods

We aimed to use different primary neuronal cells and investigate if CRP induces cellular AD pathology depending on APOE genotypes. Here the different primary neuronal cells from the different APOE genotype knock‐in mice cortex were isolated and used.

Results

Monomeric CRP (mCRP) increased amyloid beta production and, in parallel, induced tau phosphorylation in addition to their related proteins in the primary neurons in a pattern of APOE ε4 > APOE ε3 > APOE ε2 in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Consistently, mCRP induced the staining of other neurodegenerative biomarkers, including Fluoro‐Jade B stain (FjB), TUNEL and Cleaved Caspase‐3, in primary neurons in a similar pattern of APOE ε4 > APOE ε3 > APOE ε2. In contrast, pentameric CRP (pCRP) had a tendency to induce cellular AD pathology but did not reach statistical significance. On the other hand, it is intriguing that regardless of APOE genotype, mCRP did not influence the expressions of Iba‐1 and CD68 in primary microglia or the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in primary astrocytes, and additionally mCRP did not affect the secretions of interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor α from these cells.

Discussion

This is the first report to demonstrate that mCRP directly induces cellular AD pathogenesis in neurons in an APOE genotype‐dependent pattern, suggesting that mCRP plays a role as a mediator involved in the APOE ε4‐related pathway for AD during chronic inflammation.

Highlights

Pentameric C‐reactive protein (pCRP) can be dissociated irreversibly to form free subunits or monomeric CRP (mCRP) during and after the acute phase.

mCRP increased amyloid beta production in the primary neurons in a pattern of apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 > APOE ε3 > APOE ε2 in a dose‐dependent manner.

mCRP induced the expression of phosphorylated tau in the primary neurons in a pattern of APOE ε4 > APOE ε3 > APOE ε2 in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner.

mCRP plays an important mediator role in the APOE ε4‐related pathway of Alzheimer's disease risk.
Using systemic serum amyloid A as a biomarker for synovial structure infections in horses with acute limb wounds
Authors: Müller Anke‐Charlotte , Büttner Kathrin , Röcken Michael
Published: July 2022

Background

In postoperative monitoring of synovial structure infection due to limb wounds, early recognition of a recurrence of synovial infection is indispensable to prevent further damage to the affected synovial structure. This study evaluated the role of serum amyloid A (SAA) as a systemic biomarker in disease monitoring and correlated this tool with clinical variables.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 55 horses with acute limb wounds were divided into two groups: those with (group 1,n = 26) or without (group 2,n = 29) a diagnosis of synovial structure penetration. SAA, lameness and body temperature were evaluated repeatedly and compared between groups. Correlations were explored between SAA and body temperature as well as lameness. The long‐term outcome was also analysed.

Results

In both groups, SAA levels followed the characteristic rise‐and‐fall pattern observed in previous studies, with a significant increase up to a peak concentration within 48 hours, followed by a constant decline. Lameness and body temperature did not change significantly. SAA was not found to correlate with clinical variables at all time points. Three horses in group 1 had a recurrence of synovial sepsis with an associated increase in SAA. The long‐term outcome was good. A total of 71% of the study population returned to pre‐injury performance levels.

Conclusion

Repeated measurements of SAA accurately reflected the course of synovial inflammation and thus provided a reliable and rapidly available tool to monitor the disease course and to adapt the treatment regimen. SAA should be routinely added to the postoperative management of such cases.
Textile damage science—Is it a reliable science?
Authors: Sloan Kate , Fergusson Macarthur , Robertson James
Published: July 2022

Forensic science has long been used in criminal investigations and the justice system. The standards applied to contemporary forensic practice have changed dramatically in the past decade. Presented here is a modern‐day review of textile damage science in the context of these changing standards, and how they have challenged the presentation of scientific evidence. The prevalence of textile damage examinations is fluctuating in the current forensic environment. Some laboratories are conducting more examinations than ever, and other laboratories are no longer able to conduct examinations due to limitations in resourcing or case numbers. This dynamic landscape will no doubt continue as the occurrence of crime fluctuates throughout and beyond the pandemic affecting the world.

This article is categorized under:

Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene Reconstruction

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Trace Evidence

Jurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Expert Evidence and Narrative