bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastric Perforation due to Candida Infection in Association with Prolonged Proton Pump Inhibitor Use: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Neelakantan Amrita , Patkar Rakesh Rajiv , Mishra Shilpa
Published: January 2022

Fungus as a cause of gastric perforation is very rare. Very low pH of stomach usually does not support fungal growth. It is usually associated with immunocompromised state or is seen in debilitated patients like patients receiving steroid therapy, patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, patients undergoing transplant. Prolonged use of strong antacids can also be a predisposing factor for gastric fungal infection; although this theory is controversial, authors could find few studies which were similar to present study. Here, authors are reporting two cases of gastric perforation leading to peritonitis, in otherwise healthy individuals due to prolonged Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) use, due to Candida infection, in the following case report. Both patients (48-year-old male and 65-year-old female) had history of chronic PPI use, had gastric perforation and underwent exploratory laparotomy. On histopathological examination of perforation edge biopsy yeast forms and few pseudohyphae of Candida species were identified. Postoperatively one of the patients survived with systemic antifungal, antibiotic therapy along with replacement of PPI with histamine H2 receptor blockers. The other patient could not survive and died postoperatively due to septicaemia. Fungal aetiology in gastric perforation should prompt further evaluation to look for underlying cause. This case report highlights the effects of unjust and over use of strong antacids for prolonged period.
Development and In-vitro, In-vivo Evaluation of Gastro Retentive Floating Tablets of Felodipine
Authors: Subhash Jadav , Reddy P. Dwarakanadha , Satyanarayana Suggala Venkata
Published: January 2022

Direct compression was utilized to develop the floating tablets, because of moisture sensitivity of Felodipine(FD), formulation included polymers such as CARBOPOL 934 & HPMC K 15 M. FD Floating tablets were designed to enhance drug availability by prolonging gastric retention time (GRT). Physical properties of tablets, such as hardness, thickness, friability, and weight variation as well as drug content and floating behaviors, were evaluated. Further, tablets were studied for In vitro drug release tests for 12 hours, while floating in the dissolution medium, In- vivo imaging studies were conducted. According to FTIR studies, there is no interaction between the drug and polymer, In-vitro buoyancy of tablets was 12 hours, the in-vitro dissolution release studies exhibited sustained and prolonged drug release profiles. The release mechanism from these tablets has been confirmed to be non-Fickian diffusion, which also fits the zero order and higuchi models, GRT of floating tablets was observed to be 4 hours. Based on in –vitro characteristics, F14 is the most efficient formulation. It was exploited in- vivo imaging studies by incorporating BaSo4, and the floating concept was used to boost gastric retention time, which was initially assumed.
Acetylation stabilises calmodulin‐regulated calcium signalling
Authors: Baker Karen , Geeves Michael A. , Mulvihill Daniel P.
Published: January 2022

Calmodulin is a conserved calcium signalling protein that regulates a wide range of cellular functions. Amino‐terminal acetylation is a ubiquitous post‐translational modification that affects the majority of human proteins, to stabilise structure, as well as regulate function and proteolytic degradation. Here, we present data on the impact of amino‐terminal acetylation upon structure and calcium signalling function of fission yeast calmodulin. We show that NatA‐dependent acetylation stabilises the helical structure of theSchizosaccharomyces pombecalmodulin, impacting its ability to associate with myosin at endocytic foci. We go on to show that this conserved modification impacts both the calcium‐binding capacity of yeast and human calmodulins. These findings have significant implications for research undertaken into this highly conserved essential protein.
A modified filtered‐x least mean square/fourth algorithm using weighted reference signal for active noise control
Authors: Zhou Zhengdao , Chen Shuming , Jiang Yao , Meng Hao
Published: January 2022

Filtered‐x least mean square (FxLMS) algorithm and its variants have been prevalently applied in the field of active noise control. However, these algorithms still suffer from relatively low convergence rates and steady‐state noise reduction. In this article, we propose a new idea to improve the performance of the conventional filtered‐x least mean square/fourth (FxLMS/F) algorithm by weighting reference signal samples, thus a weighted reference signal FxLMS/F (WRS‐FxLMS/F) algorithm is presented. Besides, to solve the contradiction between convergence speed and steady‐state noise reduction, the convex combination method is combined with the WRS‐FxLMS/F algorithm, and a convex combination WRS‐FxLMS/F (CWRS‐FxLMS/F) algorithm is developed. The computational complexity of the proposed algorithms is analyzed, and the simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms have better performance both in the steady‐state noise reduction and convergence rate than the traditional FxLMS, NFxLMS, and FxLMS/F algorithm.
Transforming the Chemical Structure and Bio‐Nano Activity of Doxorubicin by Ultrasound for Selective Killing of Cancer Cells
Authors: Bhangu Sukhvir Kaur , Fernandes Soraia , Beretta Giovanni Luca , Tinelli Stella , Cassani Marco , Radziwon Agata , Wojnilowicz Marcin , Sarpaki Sophia , Pilatis Irinaios , Zaffaroni Nadia , Forte Giancarlo , Caruso Frank , Ashokkumar Muthupandian , Cavalieri Francesca
Published: January 2022

Reconfiguring the structure and selectivity of existing chemotherapeutics represents an opportunity for developing novel tumor‐selective drugs. Here, as a proof‐of‐concept, the use of high‐frequency sound waves is demonstrated to transform the nonselective anthracycline doxorubicin into a tumor selective drug molecule. The transformed drug self‐aggregates in water to form ≈200 nm nanodrugs without requiring organic solvents, chemical agents, or surfactants. The nanodrugs preferentially interact with lipid rafts in the mitochondria of cancer cells. The mitochondrial localization of the nanodrugs plays a key role in inducing reactive oxygen species mediated selective death of breast cancer, colorectal carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, and drug‐resistant cell lines. Only marginal cytotoxicity (80–100% cell viability) toward fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes is observed, even after administration of high doses of the nanodrug (25–40 µg mL−1). Penetration, cytotoxicity, and selectivity of the nanodrugs in tumor‐mimicking tissues are validated by using a 3D coculture of cancer and healthy cells and 3D cell‐collagen constructs in a perfusion bioreactor. The nanodrugs exhibit tropism for lung and limited accumulation in the liver and spleen, as suggested by in vivo biodistribution studies. The results highlight the potential of this approach to transform the structure and bioactivity of anticancer drugs and antibiotics bearing sono‐active moieties.
Self‐Poled Heteroepitaxial Bi(1−x)DyxFeO3 Films with Promising Pyroelectric Properties
Authors: Micard Quentin , Clementi Giacomo , Bartasyte Ausrine , Muralt Paul , Condorelli Guglielmo G. , Malandrino Graziella
Published: January 2022

Pyroelectric materials are very promising for thermal energy harvesting applications. To date, lead‐based systems are the foremost studied materials in this field. A facile and simple metal organic chemical vapor deposition route is applied for the fabrication of lead‐free, high quality, epitaxial Bi(1−x)DyxFeO3 (x = 0, 0.06, 0.08, 0.11) thin films deposited on conductive SrTiO3:Nb (100) single crystal substrates. The films are studied by structural, morphological, compositional, and functional characterization. The correlation between the Dy‐doping amount and the dielectric properties is thoroughly investigated. Unipolar polarization–electric field loops and permittivity measurements show the important impact of Dy on ferroelectric, dielectric, and pyroelectric properties. Dy doping increases considerably the dielectric response, but much more the pyroelectric coefficient, up to a concentration of 8% Dy. The films are self‐poled, which is an ideal situation for pyroelectric applications. The best figure of merit for pyroelectric energy harvesting, FE, is 82 J m−3 K−2, showing a factor increase of 2.6 as compared to the undoped film of the sample series. It constitutes a factor 4.5 improvement as compared to previous results obtained on BiFeO3 based thin films.
Metal‐Based Nanoparticle Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents: Classifications, Issues, and Countermeasures toward their Clinical Translation
Authors: Antwi‐Baah Ruth , Wang Yajing , Chen Xiaoqin , Yu Kui
Published: January 2022

Metal‐based nanoparticles, especially gadolinium, manganese, and iron, have gained ground in the research of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. Over the years, contrast agents based on these paramagnetic and superparamagnetic nanomaterials have merited keen attention in the biomedical field due to their desired properties such as sizeable magnetic susceptibility, tunable size, easy surface functionalization, low toxicity, etc. Gadolinium‐based chelates are the traditional MRI contrast agents in the clinic but require improved relaxivities and pharmacokinetics. Nanoparticles possess a larger surface area, demonstrate a longer retention time in the body, and allow the conjugation of several functional molecules to enhance tumor targeting, making them more advantageous. The pursuit of clinically acceptable MRI contrast agents has generated diverse nanoparticles which have augmented their properties, performance, and relevance. Yet, most nanoparticles have not headed for the clinic for various reasons. Here, metal‐based MRI contrast agents and their contrast mechanisms are briefly described. According to relaxation times, T1 and T2, the different types that have evolved are reviewed, emphasizing the properties that have improved their function as MRI contrast agents. Finally, pertinent issues restraining their clinical translation and potential measures to develop more effective and clinically relevant MRI contrast agents are discussed.
Modeling the Solid Electrolyte Interphase: Machine Learning as a Game Changer?
Authors: Diddens Diddo , Appiah Williams Agyei , Mabrouk Youssef , Heuer Andreas , Vegge Tejs , Bhowmik Arghya
Published: January 2022

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is a complex passivation layer that forms in situ on many battery electrodes such as lithium‐intercalated graphite or lithium metal anodes. Its essential function is to prevent the electrolyte from continuous electrochemical degradation, while simultaneously allowing ions to pass through, thus constituting an electronically insulating, but ionically conducting material. Its properties crucially affect the overall performance and aging of a battery cell. Despite decades of intense research, understanding the SEI's precise formation mechanism, structure, composition, and evolution remains a conundrum. State‐of‐the‐art computational modeling techniques are powerful tools to gain additional insights, although confronted with a trade‐off between accuracy and accessible time‐ and length scales. In this review, it is discussed how recent advances in data‐driven models, especially the development of fast and accurate surrogate simulators and deep generative models, can work with physics‐based and physics‐informed approaches to enable the next generation of breakthroughs in this field. Machine learning‐enhanced multiscale models can provide new pathways to inverse the design of interphases with desired properties.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Amorphous Silicon and Its Ball‐in‐Ball Hollow Nanospheres as High‐Performance Anodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Du Fei‐Hu , Zhang Ling , Tang Yun‐Cheng , Li Shang‐Qi , Huang Yu , Dong Le , Li Qianqian , Liu Hong , Wang Dong , Wang Yong
Published: January 2022

Silicon is widely developed and deemed as a hopeful anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. However, till now there is very little literature devoted to its study for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). One possible reason is the preparation difficultly of carefully crafted amorphous silicon (a‐Si) structures by a facile and low‐cost method. Another reason is that a‐Si suffers from large volume expansion, slow sodium diffusion kinetics, and poor electrical conductivity. Herein, a new method called as “sodiothermic reduction” is used to prepare a‐Si hollow nanospheres at a much lower temperature. Moreover, an a‐Si‐based composite with yolk‐shell structure is designed via atomic layer deposition of alumina, in situ chemical polymerization of pyrrole, and dilute HCl etching. The obtained composite as an anode material for SIBs displays a great initial discharge capacity of 645.6 mAh g–1 at 100 mA g–1, superior long steadiness up to 5000 cycles at 800 mA g–1, and preeminent rate capability (646.4, 193.5, 138.6, 105, 77.5 mAh g–1 at 100, 400, 800, 1500, 3000 mA g–1, respectively). In situ transmission electron microscopy observation on the structure evolution and finite element analysis of the stress–strain behavior are combined to further prove the merits of the well‐designed yolk–shell structure.
Spoof Localized Surface Plasmon Enhanced Isolation and Circulation
Authors: Lei Yi , Zhang Jingjing , Wang Jia Wei , Gao Xinxin , Cui Tie Jun
Published: January 2022

A miniaturized spoof plasmonic isolator comprising a deep‐subwavelength spoof localized surface plasmon (SLSP) resonator coupled with an ultrathin spoof surface plasmon polariton waveguide is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The SLSP resonator coated with a magneto‐optical material can enhance the isolation property, allowing for multifrequency isolation, which can be dynamically controlled by changing the biased magnetic field intensity. This design scheme is extended to realize a four‐port circulator that allows one‐way transmission in opposite directions in two separate frequency bands. The proposed isolation and circulation devices have potential for nonreciprocal applications in microwave communication systems.
Ce3+‐Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Transparent Ceramics for High‐Resolution X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Ji Tao , Wang Ting , Li Hao , Peng Qingpeng , Tang Haitao , Hu Song , Yakovlev Alexey , Zhong Yang , Xu Xuhui
Published: January 2022

Scintillators, as the core materials for X‐ray imaging, have received great attention in radiation detection, security inspection, and biomedical applications. However, the current single crystal and thin film scintillators have encountered several issues, such as high cost, insufficient stability, and uneven distribution, which undoubtedly limit the development of high‐quality X‐ray imaging. Herein, the Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YAG:Ce3+) transparent ceramics (TCs), which presented a high transmittance of 82% and a steady‐state light yield of 24 600 photons MeV−1, are prepared by the vacuum solid‐state reactive sintering method. The fabricated YAG:Ce3+ TCs exhibit X‐ray imaging with an excellent spatial resolution (≈34.7 lp mm−1). Moreover, because of the structural stability of YAG:Ce3+ TCs, long‐term stable work under X‐ray irradiation is realized successfully. This work indicates that the TC scintillators provide a new opportunity for the development of high‐quality X‐ray imaging.
(InxGa1−x)2O3 Thin Film Based Solar‐Blind Deep UV Photodetectors with Ultra‐High Detectivity and On/Off Current Ratio
Authors: Chen Wenshan , Xu Xiangyu , Zhang Jiaye , Shi Jueli , Zhang Jiawei , Chen Wencheng , Cheng Qijin , Guo Yuzheng , Zhang Kelvin H. L.
Published: January 2022

This work reports the fabrication of high performance solar‐blind deep‐UV photodetectors using (InxGa1−x)2O3 thin films grown on Al2O3 (0001) substrates. The In contents in (InxGa1−x)2O3 are controlled at x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2, whereas a higher In content leads to phase segregation of Ga2O3 and In2O3. The bandgaps of (InxGa1−x)2O3 films are tuned from 4.93 eV for Ga2O3 to 4.67 eV for (In0.2Ga0.8)2O3. Schottky‐type photodetectors based on metal−semiconductor−metal structure were fabricated. The (In0.1Ga0.9)2O3 photodetector is highly sensitive to solar‐blind UV spectrum and achieves a large on/off current ratio of over 108, a remarkable specific detectivity of 4.5 × 1016 Jones with a prominent responsivity of 23.3 A W−1. Such enhanced performance compared to Ga2O3 is associated with In modulated optical and electronic properties. High‐resolution X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy was used to study the interfacial electronic structure at the semiconductor−metal interface. A large Schottky barrier height of 1.31 eV was found for (In0.1Ga0.9)2O3 devices, accounting for the low dark current. More importantly, the incorporation of In introduces In 4d states hybridizing with O 2p at top of the valence band of (In0.1Ga0.9)2O3, which increases the optical absorption to generate a higher density of photocarriers, and therefore results in greater photocurrents.
Enhanced Performance of a Self‐Powered ZnO Photodetector by Coupling LSPR‐Inspired Pyro‐Phototronic Effect and Piezo‐Phototronic Effect
Authors: Li Qi , Huang Jing , Meng Jianping , Li Zhou
Published: January 2022

Ultraviolet detection is overriding priority in many military and civilian fields. A photodetector can be effectively enhanced by introducing piezo‐phototronic effect, pyro‐phototronic effect, and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Coupling piezo‐phototronic, pyro‐phototronic, and LSPR effect can be realized in a self‐powered photodetector based on ZnO/CuO nanorods covered with Au nanoparticles (NPs). The influences of LSPR, pyroelectric and external pressure on the performance of devices are thoroughly investigated, respectively. ZnO/CuO/Au devices display the most attractive performance under pressure of 73.7 N. The maxima of responsivity and detectivity are obtained as 0.81 mA W‐1 and 3.3 × 1013 Jones, respectively, under pressure of 73.7 N when detecting weak ultraviolet radiation (140 nW cm‐2). Responsivity and detectivity are dramatically enhanced by 17× and 12× compared to CuO/ZnO devices. Moreover, rise time and fall time reduce from 114/75 ms of a ZnO/CuO device to 18/12 ms of a ZnO/CuO/Au device under pressure of 64.7 N. These results demonstrate that LSPR, pyro‐phototronic, and piezo‐phototronic coupled effect makes greater improvement than the individual effects in the performance of photodetectors. This work probably can be a cornerstone of designing high‐performance photodetectors using other nanomaterial systems as well.
Highly Efficient Pure‐Blue Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diode Leveraging CsPbBrxCl3−x/Cs4PbBrxCl6−x Nanocomposite Emissive Layer with Shallow Valence Band
Authors: Choi In Young , Baek Sung‐Doo , Takaloo Ashkan Vakilipour , Lee Seung Yong , Hajibabaei Amir , Kim Kwang S. , Myoung Jae‐Min
Published: January 2022

Metal‐halide perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have shown great advancement in green, red, and near‐infrared regions with external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) exceeding 20%. However, blue PeLEDs, an essential part of displays and lightings, show limited progress compared to the other color counterparts. Herein, a highly efficient pure‐blue PeLED is demonstrated by leveraging a novel CsPbBrxCl3‐x/Cs4PbBrxCl6‐x nanocomposite perovskite film as an emissive layer. The Cs4PbBrxCl6‐x phase, the derived phase of CsPbBr3 perovskite with a mixed halide system, effectively passivates defects in CsPbBrxCl3‐x, leading to high luminescence efficiency due to the significant reduction of nonradiative recombination. Furthermore, experimental and computational results confirmed that the compositionally optimized nanocomposite layer possesses a shallower valence band maximum (≈5.5 eV) than the pristine perovskite layer (≈5.9 eV), which is very advantageous in hole injection for device operation. The combined effects of the CsPbBrxCl3‐x/Cs4PbBrxCl6‐x nanocomposite render the fabricated blue PeLED to exhibit a pure‐blue emission at 470 nm with a maximum EQE of 5.3%.
Toward Practical High‐Energy and High‐Power Lithium Battery Anodes: Present and Future
Authors: Wang Caoyu , Yang Chunpeng , Zheng Zijian
Published: January 2022

Lithium batteries are key components of portable devices and electric vehicles due to their high energy density and long cycle life. To meet the increasing requirements of electric devices, however, energy density of Li batteries needs to be further improved. Anode materials, as a key component of the Li batteries, have a remarkable effect on the increase of the overall energy density. At present, various anode materials including Li anodes, high‐capacity alloy‐type anode materials, phosphorus‐based anodes, and silicon anodes have shown great potential for Li batteries. Composite‐structure anode materials will be further developed to cater to the growing demands for electrochemical storage devices with high‐energy‐density and high‐power‐density. In this review, the latest progress in the development of high‐energy Li batteries focusing on high‐energy‐capacity anode materials has been summarized in detail. In addition, the challenges for the rational design of current Li battery anodes and the future trends are also presented.
Ultra‐High Fluorine Enhanced Homogeneous Nucleation of Lithium Metal on Stepped Carbon Nanosheets with Abundant Edge Sites
Authors: Xiao Jian , Xiao Nan , Li Kai , Zhang Lipeng , Chang Jiangwei , Ma Xiaoqing , Li Hongqiang , Bai Jinpeng , Jiang Qike , Qiu Jieshan
Published: January 2022

Disordered nucleation sites and a fragile solid electrolyte interphase on the reactive interface tend to cause uncontrolled growth of lithium dendrites, which induce severe safety concerns and prevent lithium metal batteries from finding practical applications. Herein, novel stepped carbon nanosheets with abundant step edges and ultra‐high fluorine content (37.44 at%) are fabricated by combining an improved molten salt synthesis method with C4F8 vacuum plasma treatment. The solvent‐induced spatial confinement effect, i.e., orientation carbonization of pitch macromolecules, leads to the formation of step‐edge‐enriched nanoarrays. Meanwhile, the adequate exposure of edge sites on the basal plane of carbon nanosheets is conducive to achieve the ultra‐efficient doping of elemental fluorine in only 10 min. Further experiments and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the coupling effect of sufficient edge sites and active semi‐ionic CF/covalent CF2 groups on the carbon surface can not only form 2D fluorinated lithium chain and a robust LiF network, but also effectively facilitate Li ion redox kinetics and morphological stability, presenting a step‐edge‐guided plating process. As such, the developed anodes deliver an ultra‐low nucleation overpotential (≈10.5 mV), high Coulombic efficiency (>98% over 385 cycles), ultra‐long cycling duration for up to 3000 h under ≈10 mV, and excellent full battery performance.
Consumer preferences for agricultural product brands in an E‐commerce environment
Authors: Wang Erpeng , Liu Zhenzhen , Gao Zhifeng , Wen Qin , Geng Xianhui
Published: January 2022

Branding agricultural products are popular in the online market, but little is known about consumers' preferences for agricultural product brands in an E‐commerce environment. This study analyzed consumer preferences for three types of agricultural product brands and the interaction effect among them in an E‐commerce environment with a choice experiment. Our results show that regional brand shows remarkable complementary effects on grower brand and store brand, implying regional brand can enhance the value of other brands. Also, we found that there is a substitution effect between grower brand and store brand. Interestingly, we find that consumers prefer cheap or expensive fuji apples rather than middle‐price ones, implying significant consumption stratification in the Chinese online food market. This study also confirms the importance of the time window of delivery. This paper can provide critical information to optimize brand strategies of agricultural products in an E‐commerce environment. [EconLit citations: D12, Q11, Q13]
A comparison of dietary isotopes in pulp stones and incremental dentine from Early Neolithic individuals of the Whitwell Long Cairn, England
Authors: Ostrum Brett , Gröcke Darren R. , Montgomery Janet
Published: January 2022

Objectives

This study investigates if palaeodietary information can be obtained from pulp stones through stable isotope analysis, presents a method for their extraction from tooth samples, and assesses their utility as a source of paleodietary information when coupled with the incremental dentine method.

Materials and Methods

Six tooth samples (2 per individual), four of which contained pulp stones, were selected from three Early Neolithic (3720–3650 cal BC) individuals from the Whitwell Long Cairn in Derbyshire, England. After demineralization, each tooth was divided into 1 mm increments. Stable isotope analysis of collagen was conducted on each dentine increment and a portion of each pulp stone.

Results

All samples met the quality control criteria for well‐preserved collagen. Excluding the pulp stones, the mean δ13C value of the teeth sampled was −21.5 ± 0.2‰ and the mean δ15N value was 9.9 ± 0.5‰, suggesting these individuals had a terrestrial‐based diet. The pulp stones produced similar δ13C values between −21.6 and −21.4‰ and δ15N values between 9.1 and 9.8‰.

Discussion

The results demonstrate that paleodietary information can be obtained from pulp stones through stable isotope analysis. There are, however, significant challenges in interpreting this data, particularly as to inferring the timing and duration of their formation. The pulp stone results were compared with the incremental dentine profiles for each person to further investigate when they might have formed. For two individuals, the pulp stones appear to reflect diet from a time period after childhood and adolescence. For the third individual, it could not be determined if the pulp stones reflect a contemporary or later time period than the incremental dentine series. All teeth with pulp stones have moderate to severe wear on the occlusal surface, which could have been a contributing factor to their development.
A global perspective on embryological and fetal collections: Where to from here?
Authors: El‐Haddad Joyce , Štrkalj Goran , Pather Nalini
Published: January 2022

Human fetal and embryos collections (FECs) peaked in the late 19th century, an era before informed consent, and hence have unclear provenance. These collections are not only historical artifacts, but prized resources for education and research. This study aimed to determine, via a narrative review, the present location, status, and profile of reported human fetal and embryonic collections. Twenty‐seven articles that reported on collections appropriate to the study were selected from an initial search pool of 120 articles. The reported collections were in: Australia (n = 1), Germany (n = 6), Japan (n = 1), Spain (n = 1), and the United States (n = 5). The largest collection is reported to contain 45,000 prenatal remains and the smallest, three remains. The purpose of establishing majority of the collections was for education and research. Eight collections contain both embryos and fetuses, one collection contained embryos, exclusively. Another collection contained only fetuses and one neonatal cadaver. The provenance, where mentioned, specified gynecologists and obstetricians as the main source of remains (n = 5). Except for the Kyoto Collection, information regarding informed consent from the next‐of‐kin was lacking. This paper draws upon the three themes of purpose, provenance, and profile and highlights the need to establish agreed international guidelines for the most appropriate ethical and sustainable practice with respect to establishment, procurement of remains, access, and maintenance of these collections. Nine domains for these guidelines are recommended: consent, privacy, commercial gain, digital and emerging technologies, commemorations and memorials, destruction and disposal, dignity of donors, global database and collaboration, and sustainability.
Facing the volatility of tweets in altmetric research
Authors: Fang Zhichao , Dudek Jonathan , Costas Rodrigo
Published: January 2022

The data re‐collection for tweets from data snapshots is a common methodological step in Twitter‐based research. Understanding better the volatility of tweets over time is important for validating the reliability of metrics based on Twitter data. We tracked a set of 37,918 original scholarly tweets mentioning COVID‐19‐related research daily for 56 days and captured the reasons for the changes in their availability over time. Results show that the proportion of unavailable tweets increased from 1.6 to 2.6% in the time window observed. Of the 1,323 tweets that became unavailable at some point in the period observed, 30.5% became available again afterwards. “Revived” tweets resulted mainly from the unprotecting, reactivating, or unsuspending of users' accounts. Our findings highlight the importance of noting this dynamic nature of Twitter data in altmetric research and testify to the challenges that this poses for the retrieval, processing, and interpretation of Twitter data about scientific papers.
Analysis of coffee bean with laser desorption ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Cho Eunji , Acter Thamina , Uddin Nizam , Kim Sunghwan
Published: January 2022

This study evaluates the application of laser desorption ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LDI‐HRMS) to identify coffee components. The coffee analysis was performed based on origins, roasting temperatures, and extraction methods. The LDI‐HRMS experimental results were compared with electrospray ionization (ESI) HRMS analysis, which revealed major compositional differences of coffee ingredients between LDI and ESI data. It was also observed that bitter components in coffee increased with the increasing roasting temperature, and espresso was found to have more carbohydrate‐derived compounds. This study clearly shows that coffee components can efficiently be identified with LDI. Moreover, a more systematic database can be constructed by combining it with LDI‐imaging because LDI is simple, fast, and requires small amount sample consumption.
Soft‐wall ion transfer channel accurately predicts sterically hindered ion channel permeability
Authors: Kim Youngsam , Song Suhwan , Kim Min‐Cheol , Sim Eunji
Published: January 2022

We provide a simple and systematic computational model to study ion channel permeability using density functional theory. While existing permeability models with a hard‐wall steric hindrance factor work reasonably well for large ions, they severely inhibit the permeation of small ions through channel pores. Here, by introducing a steric hindrance factor that allows pore expansion due to intrinsically soft ion transfer channel walls, the new permeability model accurately describes the effect of steric hindrance stemming from the soft and flexible ion channel wall. Most importantly, the soft‐wall ion transfer channel model works for a wide range of ionic radii from fluoride to gluconate. In addition, we show that strong local electrostatic interaction between densely charged ions such as fluoride and bicarbonate and ion channels with ion binding sites significantly promotes the permeation processes.
Lego Serious Play: Building engagement with cell biology
Authors: Garden Claire Louise Palmer
Published: January 2022

A Lego Serious Play (LSP) ‐ based exercise was developed to support student engagement with learning consolidation at the end of a first‐year undergraduate cell biology course. The exercise was offered in addition to a regular revision session in preparation for the summative exam. Students were studying four‐year BSc (Hons) degrees in: Animal Biology, Environmental Biology, Marine and Freshwater Biology, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology & Biotechnology in Scotland, UK. Although many students studied Human Biology at High School, in‐depth cell biology was studied for the first time by the majority of students during this course. The LSP process was adapted for use in the classroom. Core concepts were identified from the twelve‐week cell biology course as the basis for LSP build challenges and incorporated into LSP build – share – reflect cycles by students individually and then joined together by the group to explore the interconnected nature of cell biology processes. Student and lecturer evaluations were thematically analyzed to explore the impact of the technique on student engagement. Results indicate that the method supports student cognitive and affective engagement who report improved and understanding of the topic, and enjoyment and interest. In addition, behavioral engagement such as learner interaction, independence, and empowerment were revealed by the lecturer interview. Identified barriers to the adoption of LSP include perceived issues around creativity, play and exploration and scientific identity, together with a lack of evidence of efficacy. This study seeks to remedy that gap.
Disease Modeling and Model‐Based Meta‐Analyses to Define a New Direction for a Phase III Program of Gantenerumab in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Retout Sylvie , Gieschke Ronald , Serafin Daniel , Weber Cornelia , Frey Nicolas , Hofmann Carsten
Published: January 2022

Selecting the right dose is a significant challenge in designing clinical development programs, especially for slowly progressing diseases lacking predictive biomarkers of efficacy that may require long‐term treatment to assess clinical benefit. Gantenerumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to aggregated amyloid‐beta, was tested in two 24‐month phase III studies (NCT01224106, NCT02051608) in participants with prodromal and mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD), respectively. Dosing in the first phase III study was suspended after a preplanned interim futility analysis in 2014. Subsequently, a dose–response relationship was observed in a subgroup of fast AD progressors that, together with contemporary aducanumab (another anti–amyloid‐beta mAb) data, indicated higher doses may be needed for clinical efficacy. The gantenerumab phase III studies were therefore transformed into dose‐finding, open‐label extension (OLE) trials. Two exposure–response models were developed to support dose selection via simulations for the OLEs: a pharmacokinetics (PK)/PET (positron emission tomography) model describing amyloid removal using PET data from low‐dose gantenerumab and high‐dose aducanumab, and a PK/ARIA‐E (amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities‐edema) model describing the occurrence of ARIA‐E events leveraging an existing bapineuzumab model. Multiple regimens were designed to gradually up‐titrate participants to the target dose of 1,200 mg gantenerumab every 4 weeks to mitigate the increased risk of ARIA‐E events that may be associated with higher doses of anti–amyloid‐beta antibodies. Favorable OLE data that matched well with model predictions supported the decision to continue the gantenerumab clinical development program and further apply model‐based analytical techniques to optimize the design of new phase III studies.
The relationship between boll retention and defoliation of cotton at the fruiting site level
Authors: Song Xinghu , Zhang Lijuan , Zhao Wenchao , Xu Daoqing , Eneji A. Egrinya , Zhang Xiang , Han Huanyong , Cao Longlong , Zhang Wangfeng , Lu Zhengying , Huang Xiaoli , Wang Hongzhe , Xu Dongyong , Luo Zhen , Chen Hongzhang , Zhang Lizhen , Du Mingwei , Tian Xiaoli , Li Zhaohu
Published: January 2022

Defoliation is used to ease mechanical harvest and reduce lint staining of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Crop conditions are important determinants of its efficiency, but their effects have not been fully examined. We performed a multiple‐site field study during 2018–2020 (under 17 environmental conditions, covering three cotton regions in China) to explore the relationship between boll retention and defoliation at the fruiting site level. The hormonal defoliant, thidiazuron and boll opener, ethephon, were tank‐mixed or their combination product was used in this study. There was a positive Spearman ranking correlation between boll retention and defoliation in most experimental sites, with correlation coefficients (r) ranging from .275 to .725 at 7 d after application of harvest aids, suggesting that the leaves at fruiting sites bearing bolls dropped more easily than those at fruiting sites where abscission occurred. The positive correlation declined with the fruiting sites up the plant and away the mainstem. The differences in defoliation between fruiting sites with or without bolls were high (around 60–70%) at lower and/or inner positions, but low or negligible at upper and/or outer positions. It appears that the higher light intensity at upper and outer portions of plant may enhance leaf drop and thus reduce the dependence of defoliation on boll retention. In conclusion, a high boll retention would accelerate leaf removal, and may enhance leaf abscission on cloudy days or within more closed canopy.
Substrate and Process Engineering for Biocatalytic Synthesis and Facile Purification of Human Milk Oligosaccharides
Authors: Bai Yuanyuan , Yang Xiaohong , Yu Hai , Chen Xi
Published: January 2022

Innovation in process development is essential for applying biocatalysis in industrial and laboratory production of organic compounds, including beneficial carbohydrates such as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). HMOs have attracted increasing attention for their potential application as key ingredients in products that can improve human health. To efficiently access HMOs through biocatalysis, a combined substrate and process engineering strategy is developed, namely multistep one‐pot multienzyme (MSOPME) design. The strategy allows access to a pure tagged HMO in a single reactor with a single C18‐cartridge purification process, despite the length of the target. Its efficiency is demonstrated in the high‐yielding (71–91 %) one‐pot synthesis of twenty tagged HMOs (83–155 mg), including long‐chain oligosaccharides with or without fucosylation or sialylation up to nonaoses from a lactoside without the isolation of the intermediate oligosaccharides. Gram‐scale synthesis of an important HMO derivative – tagged lacto‐N‐fucopentaose‐I (LNFP‐I) – proceeds in 84 % yield. Tag removal is carried out in high efficiency (94–97 %) without the need for column purification to produce the desired natural HMOs with a free reducing end. The method can be readily adapted for large‐scale synthesis and automation to allow quick access to HMOs, other glycans, and glycoconjugates.
Pleomorphic adenoma of the breast with cytologic atypia on cytopathology: A potential diagnostic pitfall and literature review
Authors: Boac Bernadette M. , Centeno Barbara A.
Published: January 2022

Pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland is a well‐established and recognized diagnosis; however, pleomorphic adenomas of the breast are rare and can be difficult to diagnose on cytology or intraoperatively. We report a case that was misdiagnosed on a fine needle aspiration and frozen section. The pitfalls, differential diagnoses, and current management are discussed.
Blood, lead and spheres: A hindered settling equation for sedimentologists based on metadata analysis
Authors: Baas Jaco H. , Baker Megan L. , Buffon Patricia , Strachan Lorna J. , Bostock Helen C. , Hodgson David , Eggenhuisen Joris T. , Spychala Yvonne T.
Published: January 2022

A revision of the popular equation of Richardson and Zaki (1954a, Transactions of the Institute of Chemical Engineering, 32, 35–53) for the hindered settling of suspensions of non‐cohesive particles in fluids is proposed, based on 548 data sets from a broad range of scientific disciplines. The new hindered settling equation enables predictions of settling velocity for a wide range of particle sizes and densities, and liquid densities and viscosities, but with a focus on sediment particles in water. The analysis of the relationship between hindered settling velocity and particle size presented here shows that the hindered settling effect increases as the particle size decreases, for example, a 50% reduction in settling velocity is reached for 0.025 mm silt and 4 mm pebbles at particle concentrations of 13% and 25% respectively. Moreover, hindered settling starts to influence the settling behaviour of sediment particles at volumetric concentrations of merely a few per cent. For example, the particle settling velocity in flows that carry 5% silt is reduced by at least 22%. These observations suggest that hindered settling greatly increases the efficiency of natural flows to transport sediment particles, but also particulate carbon and pollutants, such as plastics, over large distances.
A calibration friendly approach to identify drugs of abuse mixtures with a portable near‐infrared analyzer
Authors: Kranenburg Ruben F. , Ramaker Henk‐Jan , Sap Sharon , van Asten Arian C.
Published: January 2022

Both the increasing number and diversity of illicit‐drug seizures complicate forensic drug identification. Traditionally, colorimetric tests are performed on‐site, followed by transport to a laboratory for confirmatory analysis. Higher caseloads increase laboratory workload and associated transport and chain‐of‐evidence assurance performed by police officers. Colorimetric tests are specific only for a small set of drugs. The rise of new psychoactive substances therefore introduces risks for erroneous results. Near‐infrared (NIR)‐based analyzers may overcome these encumbrances by their compound‐specific spectral selectivity and broad applicability. This work introduces a portable NIR analyzer that combines a broad wavelength range (1300–2600 nm) with a chemometric model developed specifically for forensic samples. The application requires only a limited set of reference spectra for time‐efficient model training. This calibration‐light approach thus eliminates the need of extensive training sets including mixtures. Performance was demonstrated with 520 casework samples resulting in a 99.6% true negative and 97.6% true positive rate for cocaine. Similar results were obtained for MDMA, methamphetamine, ketamine, and heroin. Additionally, 236 samples were analyzed by scanning directly through their plastic packaging. Also here, a >97% true positive rate was obtained. This allows for non‐invasive, operator‐safe chemical identification of potentially potent drugs of abuse. Our results demonstrate the applicability for multiple drug‐related substances. Ideally, the combination of this NIR approach with other portable techniques, such as Raman and IR spectroscopy and electrochemical tests, may eventually eliminate the need for subsequent laboratory analysis; therefore, saving tremendous resources in the overall forensic process of confirmatory illicit drug identification.
Immunopathology caused by impaired CD8+ T‐cell responses
Authors: Aichele Peter , Neumann‐Haefelin Christoph , Ehl Stephan , Thimme Robert , Cathomen Toni , Boerries Melanie , Hofmann Maike
Published: January 2022

Recent findings indicate that many immunopathologies are at their roots a consequence of impaired immune responses (“too little” immunity) and not the result of primarily exaggerated immune responses (“too much” immunity). We have summarized this conceptional view as “IMPATH paradox.” In this review, we will focus on impaired immune reactions in the context of CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated immunopathologies. In particular, we will exemplify this concept in two disease models: Virus‐triggered primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, an inflammatory syndrome caused by genetically impaired cytolytic functions of T cells, and viral hepatitis, where T‐cell exhaustion is a major underlying mechanism for impaired effector functions. In both situations, T cells fail to eliminate the source of immune stimulation, which usually serves as an important negative feedback loop curtailing immune reactions. Persistent antigen presentation by APCs and/or infected cells results in continuous stimulation causing chronic inflammation and immunopathology mediated by residual T‐cell functions. Hence, immune stimulation or reconstitution rather than immune suppression may be strategies for therapeutic interventions.
Innate lymphoid cell characterization in the rat and their correlation to gut commensal microbes
Authors: Sudworth Amanda , Segers Filip M. , Yilmaz Bahtiyar , Guslund Naomi C. , Macpherson Andrew J. , Dissen Erik , Qiao Shuo‐Wang , Inngjerdingen Marit
Published: January 2022

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are important for tissue immune homeostasis, and are thoroughly characterized in mice and humans. Here, we have performed in‐depth characterization of rat ILCs. Rat ILCs were identified based on differential expression of transcription factors and lack of lineage markers. ILC3s represented the major ILC population of the small intestine, while ILC2s were infrequent but most prominent in liver and adipose tissue. Two major subsets of group 1 ILCs were defined. Lineage–T‐bet+Eomes+ cells were identified as conventional NK cells, while lineage–T‐bet+Eomes– cells were identified as the probable rat counterpart of ILC1s based on their selective expression of the ILC marker CD200R. Rat ILC1s were particularly abundant in liver and intestinal tissues, and were functionally similar to NK cells. Single‐cell transcriptomics of spleen and liver cells confirmed the main division of NK cells and ILC1‐like cells, and demonstrated Granzyme A as an additional ILC1 marker. We further report differential distributions of NK cells and ILCs along the small and large intestines, and the association of certain bacterial taxa to frequencies of ILCs. In conclusion, we provide a framework for future studies of ILCs in diverse rat experimental models, and novel data on the potential interplay between commensals and intestinal ILCs.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection activates dendritic cells via cytosolic receptors rather than extracellular TLRs
Authors: van der Donk Lieve E.H. , Eder Julia , van Hamme John L. , Brouwer Philip J. M. , Brinkkemper Mitch , van Nuenen Ad C. , van Gils Marit J. , Sanders Rogier W. , Kootstra Neeltje A. , Bermejo‐Jambrina Marta , Geijtenbeek Teunis B. H.
Published: January 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), an infectious disease characterized by strong induction of inflammatory cytokines, progressive lung inflammation, and potentially multiorgan dysfunction. It remains unclear how SARS‐CoV‐2 infection leads to immune activation. The Spike (S) protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 has been suggested to trigger TLR4 and thereby activate immunity. Here, we have investigated the role of TLR4 in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and immunity. Neither exposure of isolated S protein, SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus nor primary SARS‐CoV‐2 isolate induced TLR4 activation in a TLR4‐expressing cell line. Human monocyte‐derived DCs express TLR4 but not angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and DCs were not infected by SARS‐CoV‐2. Notably, neither S protein nor SARS‐CoV‐2 induced DC maturation or cytokines, indicating that both S protein and SARS‐CoV‐2 virus particles do not trigger extracellular TLRs including TLR4. Ectopic expression of ACE2 in DCs led to efficient infection by SARS‐CoV‐2 and, strikingly, efficient type I IFN and cytokine responses. These data strongly suggest that not extracellular TLRs but intracellular viral sensors are key players in sensing SARS‐CoV‐2. These data imply that SARS‐CoV‐2 escapes direct sensing by TLRs, which might underlie the lack of efficient immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2 early during infection.