bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The enterococcal cytolysin synthetase has an unanticipated lipid kinase fold
Authors: Dong Shi-Hui , Tang Weixin , Lukk Tiit , Yu Yi , Nair Satish K , van der Donk Wilfred A
Published: July 2015

The enterococcal cytolysin is a virulence factor consisting of two post-translationally modified peptides that synergistically kill human immune cells. Both peptides are made by CylM, a member of the LanM lanthipeptide synthetases. CylM catalyzes seven dehydrations of Ser and Thr residues and three cyclization reactions during the biosynthesis of the cytolysin large subunit. We present here the 2.2 Å resolution structure of CylM, the first structural information on a LanM. Unexpectedly, the structure reveals that the dehydratase domain of CylM resembles the catalytic core of eukaryotic lipid kinases, despite the absence of clear sequence homology. The kinase and phosphate elimination active sites that affect net dehydration are immediately adjacent to each other. Characterization of mutants provided insights into the mechanism of the dehydration process. The structure is also of interest because of the interactions of human homologs of lanthipeptide cyclases with kinases such as mammalian target of rapamycin.
The Enlightenment in Practice: Swedish Travellers and Knowledge about the Metal Trades
Authors: Rydén Göran
Published: July 2015

Ever since the publication of the Encyclopédie, in the decades after mid-eighteenth century, there has been an on-going debate about the implications of the metaphor of enlightenment, mainly based on themes discussed in Diderot’s and d’Alembert’s work. Sadly, however, one major field has been left outside; scholars have dealt with two branches of the tree of knowledge, science and the liberal arts, but ignored the branch of mechanical arts. This article takes a starting-point in the reintroduction of political economy, with division of labour, and technology into an assessment of the Enlightenment. It has the ambition of discussing the process whereby progress became a central feature of eighteenth-century thinking, as well as relating this to a discussion about travelling to other places. It deals with Swedish travellers going to Britain, and central Europe, to view differently organised trades with elaborate division of labour, more skilled artisans, fitted
into a commercial economy.
Kunstneren Jens Juel og det videnskabelige blik på naturen
Authors: Løventoft-Jessen Anne-Christine
Published: July 2015

The Artist Jens Juel and the Scientific Gaze on Nature

The article analyzes a selection of landscape paintings by the Danish artist Jens Juel (1745–1802) in relation to discourses on natural history in the late eighteenth century. Although Juel painted the northern lights, the thunder and the hoar frost, his interest in nature has traditionally been regarded and explained away as superficial. The article challenges this notion by drawing in contemporary discourses on natural history, which provide new perspectives on Juel’s depiction of nature. The biographical fact that Juel was a member of the scientific society Naturhistorie-Selskabet in Copenhagen supports this contextualization and makes it possible to connect the artist more directly with contemporary scientific ideas and scientists. As a result, the article points to a number of hitherto undiscovered scientific references in Juel’s works, which are unearthed and used for analytical purposes.

NOTE: this article is currently not available as a PDF due to copyright reasons.
Seletividade do ethoxysulfuron às culturas da soja e feijão
Authors: Assis Ana Caroline de Lourdes Pereira , Reis Marcelo Rodrigues dos , Pessoa Gabriella Daier Oliveira , Silva Daniel Valadão , Hayata Marcos , Dias Roque Carvalho , Rocha Bruno Henrique
Published: July 2015

A emergência da soja durante o cultivo do feijão pode interferir negativamente na produtividade do feijoeiro. Este problema pode ser minimizado com o uso de herbicida que seja seletivo ao feijoeiro e não seletivo a soja. Neste contexto, avaliou-se a seletividade do herbicida ethoxysulfuron às culturas da soja e do feijão. Dois experimentos foram realizados em casa de vegetação no delineamento de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Cada experimento correspondeu a uma cultura avaliada: feijão ou soja. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em esquema fatorial 2x9, com o primeiro fator correspondente a aplicação do herbicida isolado ou em mistura com óleo mineral Nimbus® na concentração de 0,5% v/v e o segundo fator das doses do ethoxysulfuron (0; 1,8; 3,6; 5,4; 7,2; 9,0; 13,5; 18,0 e 36,0 g i.a ha-1). Avaliou-se aos 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após a aplicação do herbicida (DAA) a fitointoxicação visual e aos 35 DAA a área foliar e massa da matéria seca total das plantas. O ethoxysulfuron causou baixa intoxicação às plantas de feijão, sem interferir na área foliar e na massa da matéria seca total das plantas. A soja foi sensível ao herbicida, sobretudo nas maiores doses e na presença do óleo mineral. A dose de 36 g i.a. ha-1 de ethoxysulfuron com o óleo mineral causou a morte das plantas de soja, sem alterar o crescimento do feijoeiro.
Construction of a Curcumin‐Loaded PLLA/PCL Micro‐Nano Conjugated Fibrous Membrane to Synergistically Prevent Postoperative Adhesion From Multiple Perspectives
Authors: Liao Jie , Li Xiaoming , Yang Huiqi , He Wei , Wang Bingbing , Liu Shuyu , Fan Yubo
Published: August 2024

Postoperative adhesion (POA) has emerged as a prevalent clinical challenge in soft tissue repair, emphasizing the critical need for preventive measures. However, the complex POA development process makes POA prevention from a single aspect insufficient. Hence, a curcumin‐loaded poly‐L‐lactic acid‐poly (caprolactone) micro‐nano conjugated fibrous membrane (PAPC MCFM (cur)) is engineered to synergistically prevent POA from multiple perspectives, in which poly (caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers (118 ± 12 nm) with low orientation traverse the oriented poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) microfibers (2.0 ± 0.3 µm). The PAPC MCFM not only significantly improves the mechanical properties of the anisotropic fibrous membrane (AIFM) that the modulus of elasticity and the tensile strength in the direction vertical to microfiber orientation increase by 4.5 and 13.0 times, respectively, but also can further enhance the “contact guidance effect” of AIFM, i.e., hindering fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation to myofibroblast through inhibiting integrin β1 activation, vinculin expression and focal adhesion (FA) formation, and the nuclear localization activation of yes‐associated protein (YAP). Except for these effects, PAPC MCFM loading with 2.5 mg mL−1 curcumin can further prevent POA by delivering anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, and by suppressing fibrosis through decreased transforming growth factor‐β1(TGF‐β1) expression, showing effective POA prevention in rat abdominal cavity and rabbit dura mater models.
Mechanically Robust and Anti‐Swelling Anisotropic Conductive Hydrogel with Fluorescence for Multifunctional Sensing
Authors: Zhang Yaoxun , Jing Xin , Zou Jian , Feng Peiyong , Wang Gangrong , Zeng Jiazhou , Lin Liya , Liu Yuejun , Mi Hao‐Yang , Nie Shanshan
Published: August 2024

The intricate muscle arrangement structure endows the biological tissues with unique mechanical properties. Inspired by that, a mechanically robust and multifunctional anisotropic Polyacrylamide/Sodium alginate/Zirconium ion/Carbon dots (PAM/SA/Zr4+/CDs, PSZC) hydrogel is developed through the synergistic effect of mechanical‐assisted stretching, Zr4+ metal‐coordination and CDs embedding. The resulting hydrogel exhibited an impressive tensile strength of 2.56 MPa and exceptional toughness of 10.10 MJ m−3 along the stretching direction, attributing to the oriented alignment of PAM and SA molecular chains induced by mechanical‐assisted stretching and metal‐coordination. The dense network structure endowed the PSZC hydrogel with excellent anti‐swelling performance, achieving a swelling ratio of only 1.7% after being stored in water for 30 days. The presence of Zr4+ conferred remarkable electrical conductivity of 2.15 S m−1 to the PSZC hydrogel. Furthermore, the integration of carbon dots imparted the PSZC hydrogel fluorescence properties, rendering it visual sensing capabilities. Overall, a straightforward strategy is proposed for fabricating a mechanically robust and multifunctional hydrogel suitable for underwater sensing and visual sensing, offering valuable insights for the development of high‐performance underwater sensors.
Direct Chiral Discrimination with NMR
Authors: Wadhwa Sagar , Buyens Dominique , Korvink Jan G.
Published: August 2024

Unaided nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is considered incapable of distinguishing enantiomers. However, as first derived by A.D. Buckingham, the tensor coupling the electric and magnetic dipoles is space‐dependent, which varies according to the molecular structure, hence, would be different for two enantiomers. Exploiting the odd‐parity coupling tensor, a new variant of a double‐resonant radiofrequency (RF) NMR detector is developed, which is sensitive to both electric and magnetic dipoles. Using the detector, a new method for liquid‐state NMR is developed and elaborated, with which two enantiomers are successfully discriminated.
Stereolithographic 3D Printing of Intrinsically Flame‐Retardant Shape‐Memory Polymers
Authors: Razzaq Muhammad Yasar , Rupp Harald , Balk Maria , Schadewald Anke
Published: August 2024

This study presents a novel approach to fabricate 3D‐printed phosphorous‐based acrylate monomers using stereolithographic 3D printing technology, aiming to create demonstrators with exceptional shape‐memory characteristics and robust flame retardant properties. The synthesized materials combine the advantages of 3D printing precision with the intrinsic flame retardancy of phosphorous‐based monomers, offering a versatile solution for applications requiring both shape memory functionality and fire resistance. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of the intrinsically flame‐retardant shape‐memory polymer (IFR‐SMP) can reach 34%, and the vertical combustion rating after UL 94 can obtain V‐0. The mechanism of the IFR‐SMP flame retardant mainly includes terminating a free‐radical chain reaction and gas phase dilution, which indicates that the gas‐phase mechanism plays an important role in the flame retardancy. This work advances the frontiers of 3D printing technology by demonstrating the synergistic potential of shape memory and flame retardancy within a single material system, providing a pathway toward the development of innovative and resilient materials for the future.
Multispectral Hierarchical Metamaterials with Broadband Microwave Absorption, Gradient Infrared Emissivity, and High Visible Transparency
Authors: Meng Zhen , Liu Dongqing , Pang Yongqiang , Wang Jiafu , Jia Yan , Wang Xinfei , Cheng Haifeng
Published: August 2024

The rapid progression of multispectral detectors poses a serious threat to weapon systems and personnel. The efficiency of stealth camouflage materials, however, has strong wavelength dependence, which limits their functionality to a specific spectral range. Here, a multispectral hierarchical metamaterial (MHM) with broadband microwave absorption, gradient infrared (IR) emissivity, and high visible transparency is proposed. The MHM design entails the integration of two distinct functional layers: the infrared camouflage layer (IRCL) and the radar absorbing layer (RAL). Specifically, leveraging the low‐pass and high‐impedance properties of capacitive frequency selective surfaces and adjustable filling ratio of low IR radiation materials, the IRCL achieves simultaneous high microwave transmission and gradient IR emissivity designs (emissivity gradients > 0.15 at 3–5 and 8–14 µm). The RAL achieves broadband microwave absorption across radar C, X, Ku, and Ka bands through a circuit‐analog absorber designed with lossy materials. Furthermore, prioritizing materials with high transparency enhances the average optical transmittance (>61.8%) of MHM in 380–760 nm. These distinctive features underscore the potential of the proposed MHM for advanced applications in camouflage and stealth technologies.
3D‐Printed Highly Porous Functional Materials for the Efficient Removal of Adenovirus
Authors: Keitel Benedikt , Dietl Sandra , Philipp Tom , Neusser Gregor , Kranz Christine , Sobek Harald , Mizaikoff Boris , Dinc Mehmet
Published: August 2024

Hierarchical porous acrylate‐based materials are highly interesting as 3D filter materials, such as for virus removal from suspensions. Here, the synthesis of highly porous monolithic 3D materials by polymerization‐induced phase separation in liquid crystal display (LCD) based 3D printing is presented for the efficient removal of human adenovirus type 5. The hierarchical porosity can be tuned via the variation of the photocurable resin composition (i.e., inherent porosity) and the computer‐aided design (i.e., “printed” porosity; microchannels). 3D polymer structures with highly intricate geometries and structural features ranging from ≈20 nm up to cm can be achieved, which can be used for effective virus removal in a laboratory‐scale flow‐through approach. Combined focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy tomography and mercury porosimetry provide detailed information on the inherent pore size, pore size distribution, and pore interconnectivity, which is key for the performance of such functional 3D materials. Polymers with a theoretical void volume of 75% show virus capture with a removal efficiency of ≈70% of the adenovirus. Polymers with the same theoretical void volume and macroscopic design but a more hydrophobic nature captured only ≈33%. An optimized adenovirus retention of 98% is achieved by adjusting the microchannels of the tunable inserts.
A Keller‐Box Based Numerical Simulations and Prediction of Groundwater Flow via Darcy's Law
Authors: Usman  , Zhipeng Xia , Wang Jianhong
Published: August 2024

Comprehending and measuring heat transfer (HT) mechanisms in groundwater systems is crucial for tackling diverse issues and maximizing the use of subterranean resources while reducing ecological consequences. Groundwater flow is frequently simulated and predicted using mathematical models, such as Darcy's law, which governs the movement of fluids through porous media. Thus, a theoretical analysis of HT is therefore carried out for a time‐independent 3D power‐law (PL) nanofluid (NF) flow on the stretching rotating porous disc near the stagnation region, subject to convective boundary condition, using the MHD, heat source/sink, and thermal radiation effects. A numerical simulation via the Keller Box method is performed using PDEs as the mathematical model for the suggested problem. Investigations are conducted on how several classes of pertinent characteristics affect temperature, velocity, surface drag forces, and HT rate. It has been observed that the radial velocity of the disc increases with an escalation in the permeability of the porous media whereas the azimuthal velocity, however, tends to decrease. Additionally, the rate at which heat is transferred escalates as the radiation and heat source/sink parameter's strength increases whereas it decays along the Prandtl and Biot numbers. Lastly, the present study's results can be applied to understand the thermal impact on seepage of groundwater, geothermal energy extraction, containment systems for landfills and waste, design of subsurface infrastructure, aquifer thermal energy storage, and impact assessment against climate change.
All‐Solution‐Processed, All‐Organic Flexible Transistor and Circuit Based on Dry‐Transfer Polymer Films
Authors: Guo Shanlei , Sun Jing , Wang Xue , Tong Yanhong , Tang Qingxin , Liu Yichun
Published: August 2024

Organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs), the key component of the future wearable electronics, have the outstanding advantages including cost‐effective, low‐temperature, and large‐area production. However, all‐organic TFTs with an all‐solution process and high‐precision electrode pattern remain an enormous challenge due to dissolution and incompatible fabricated processes between functional layers. Here, a universal, solution‐free transfer and lamination strategy is proposed, which is totally compatible with various commercial materials and fabricated technique in transistors. Excellent mechanical stability, good operation, high‐precision electrode patterns, and outstanding conformability are observed in the all‐organic TFTs. Moreover, as a proof‐of‐utility for the strategy, the all‐organic complementary inverters are fabricated based on all dry‐transfer processes with gain value of 11.2 and stable properties in 30 days in the air. This work provides a universal, solution‐free transfer and lamination strategy to fabricate high‐precision, all‐solution‐processed, all‐organic devices fully maximizing the great advantages of organic materials for the future multilayered functional, commercialized, and industrialized flexible electronics.
Health inequality in medieval Cambridge, 1200–1500 CE
Authors: Dittmar Jenna M. , Inskip Sarah A. , Rose Alice K. , Cessford Craig , Mitchell Piers D. , O'Connell Tamsin C. , Robb John E.
Published: August 2024

Health inequality is not only a major problem today; it left its mark upon past societies too. For much of the past, health inequality has been poorly studied, mostly because bioarchaeologists have concentrated upon single sites rather than a broader social landscape. This article compares 476 adults in multiple locations of medieval Cambridge (UK). Samples include ordinary townspeople (All Saints), people living in a charitable institution (the Hospital of St. John), and members of a religious order (the Augustinian Friary). These groups shared many conditions of life, such as a similar range of diseases, risk of injury, and vertebral disk degeneration. However, people living on charity had more indicators of poor childhood health and diet, lower adult stature, and a younger age at death, reflecting the health effects of poverty. In contrast, the Augustinian friars were members of a prosperous, well‐endowed religious house. Compared with other groups, they were taller (perhaps a result of a richer diet during their adolescent growth period); their adult carbon and nitrogen isotope values are higher, suggesting a diet higher in terrestrial and/or marine animal protein; and they had the highest prevalence of foot problems related to fashionable late medieval footwear. As this illustrates, health inequality will take particular forms depending upon the specificities of a social landscape; except in unusual circumstances where a site and its skeletal samples represent a real cross‐section of society, inequality is best investigated by comparison across sites.
Iridium(III) Photosensitizers Induce Simultaneous Pyroptosis and Ferroptosis for Multi‐Network Synergistic Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Zeng You‐Liang , Liu Liu‐Yi , Ma Tian‐Zhu , Liu Yu , Liu Bin , Liu Wenting , Shen Qing‐Hua , Wu Chao , Mao Zong‐Wan
Published: August 2024

The integration of pyroptosis and ferroptosis hybrid cell death induction to augment immune activation represents a promising avenue for anti‐tumor treatment, but there is a lack of research. Herein, we developed two iridium (III)‐triphenylamine photosensitizers, IrC and IrF, with the capacity to disrupt redox balance and induce photo‐driven cascade damage to DNA and Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (KEAP1). The activation of the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2)‐related cytoplasmic nucleic acid‐sensing pathway, triggered by damaged DNA, leads to the induction of gasdermin D (GSDMD)‐mediated pyroptosis. Simultaneously, iron homeostasis, regulated by the KEAP1/nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) pathway, serves as a pivotal bridge, facilitating not only the induction of gasdermin E (GSDME)‐mediated non‐canonical pyroptosis, but also ferroptosis in synergy with glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) depletion. The collaborative action of pyroptosis and ferroptosis generates a synergistic effect that elicits immunogenic cell death, stimulates a robust immune response and effectively inhibits tumor growth in vivo. Our work introduces the first metal‐based small molecule dual‐inducers of pyroptosis and ferroptosis for potent cancer immunotherapy, and highlights the significance of iron homeostasis as a vital hub connecting synergistic effects of pyroptosis and ferroptosis.
Solvent‐Engineering‐Assisted Ligand Exchange Strategy for High‐Efficiency AgBiS2 Quantum Dot Solar Cells
Authors: Zhong Qixuan , Zhao Bin , Ji Yongqiang , Li Qiuyang , Yang Xiaoyu , Chu Mingyu , Hu Yiqi , Li Lei , Li Shunde , Xu Hongyu , Yan Haoming , Huang Tianyu , Chen Peng , Chen Hao‐Hsin , Lu Zhangyuchang , Huangfu Yiming , Wu Jiang , Wang Dengke , Wang Ning , Cao Muhan , Gong Qihuang , Zhu Rui , Zhao Lichen
Published: August 2024

As the initial synthesized colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are generally capped with insulating ligands, ligand exchange strategies are essential in the fabrication of CQD films for solar cells, which can regulate the surface chemical states of CQDs to make them more suitable for thin‐film optoelectronic devices. However, uncontrollable surface adsorption of water molecules during the ligand exchange process introduces new defect sites, thereby impairing the resultant device performance, which attracts more efforts devoted to it but remains a puzzle. Here, we develop a solvent‐engineering‐assisted ligand exchange strategy to revamp the surface adsorption, improve the exchange efficiency, and modulate the surface chemistry for the environmentally friendly lead‐free silver bismuth disulfide (AgBiS2) CQDs. The optimized AgBiS2 CQD solar cells deliver an outstanding champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 8.95 % and improved long‐term stability. Our strategy is less environment‐dependent and can produce solar cells with negligible performance variance for several batches across several months. Our work demonstrates the critical role of solvents for ligand exchange in the surface chemistry of CQDs and the realization of high‐performance photovoltaic devices in a highly reproducible manner.
Effects of BixOyIz Self‐Combination and Integration With Magnetic CoFe2O4 on the Enhanced Removal Efficiencies for Tetracycline Residues
Authors: Zhao Mei , Tan Cuiyan , Liu Mengchen , Wang Ye , Ren Haoran , Yu Xinyu , Zhang Zhihua , Wang Wenjun , Li Chengdong
Published: August 2024

The BixOyIz and CoFe2O4 combination enhances photocatalytic degradation of tetracyclines (TCs). Three TC antibiotics including TC, oxytetracycline (OTC), and chlortetracycline (CTC) with high concentration (50 mg L−1) were utilized as target pollutant. Bi5O7I/Bi4O5I2, with its Z‐scheme, improves removal efficiency to 1.6 times that of Bi5O7I and 1.4 times that of Bi4O5I2. Ternary Bi5O7I/Bi4O5I2/CoFe2O4 (I/I/Co) composites further increase efficiency, with I/I/Co‐2 achieving 1.6 times that of I/I‐2. The improved performance is due to an optimized microstructure, which promotes light absorption and carrier transfer. CoFe2O4 nanoparticles on nanosheets create a double‐Z band structure, enhancing redox activity. Radical trapping experiments indicated the major active species (•O2−, OH−, and h+) in photocatalytic process of I/I/Co‐2. Based on their enhanced removal efficiencies for high‐concentration TCs, proper magnetic separation capacity, and recycling performance, the practical applications of I/I/Co composites to treat real TC wastewater might be implemented.
A comprehensive analysis of the tubarial glands
Authors: Ebrahim Alisha , Reich Caitlan , Wilde Kurt , Salim Aly Muhammad , Hyrcza Martin D. , Willetts Lian
Published: August 2024

The tubarial glands (TGs) are a collection of salivary glands (SGs) located within the nasopharynx, proximal to the eustachian tube. Currently, there is no quantitative characterization of the TGs. We investigated the histological architecture of the TGs and compared it with the major and minor SGs for categorization. Tubarial, parotid, submandibular, sublingual, buccal, labial, and lingual glands were excised from human donors (8 male and 3 female). Hematoxylin and eosin‐stained tissue sections were analyzed to measure the area of the largest lobule, number of ducts, number of mucinous acini, and mean mucinous acini area. Based on our observation, the TGs' histology resembles the minor SGs, while having some unique characteristics that distinguish them from both major and minor SGs. The area of the largest lobule in the TGs and minor SGs was smaller than the major SGs. TGs have a lower number of ducts than the major and minor SGs. TGs contain densely packed clusters of predominantly mucinous acini surrounded by loose connective tissue resembling minor SGs. This density may explain their previously observed high prostate‐specific membrane antigen uptake. In our cohort of donors, sex‐based differences were observed in the mean mucinous acini area between male and female TGs, submandibular and sublingual glands. Taken together, our findings suggest the histological characteristics of all SGs are better organized on a spectrum rather than discrete groups (major vs. minor) and provide information to open new avenues for research into the TGs' role in head and neck pathologies and sexual dimorphism of the SGs.
Wilyakali and archaeologists collaborating to map the journey of the Bronzewing Pigeon, Broken Hill, western New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Martin Sarah , Witter Dan , O'Donnell Dulcie , O'Donnell Raymond , Clark Sandra , O'Donnell Raymond , Bates Badger
Published: August 2024

This paper describes a collaboration between Wilyakali Indigenous Custodians and a group of archaeologists. This collaboration has generated a shared and integrated understanding of the cultural landscape, Ancestral Creation Histories, and archaeology of the Broken Hill region of western New South Wales. The Broken Hill landscape is ancient beyond imagination, and complex geological processes/Creation Histories have resulted in distinctive landscape features and resources including quartz suitable for stone artefact manufacture. Wilyakali stone knappers employed specialised and varied technological processes to overcome the diverse and sometimes intractable nature of the quartz material, resulting in efficient use of this local stone resource. Wilyakali interpret the Country through their knowledge of the travelling sacred Bronzewing Pigeon and its creation of landscape features and resources such as quartz and water. Empirical archaeological data complement traditional knowledge, with the two ways of knowing coming together to reconstruct a nuanced interpretation of the cultural landscape. This shared narrative has had ongoing and inter‐generational benefits to the Wilyakali people, with knowledge communicated to younger generations by Elders, enabling them to interpret both the archaeology and Ancestral Creation Histories with confidence. This paper also highlights the inconsistent recognition of Indigenous ways of knowing and connection in Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments in the region.
360‐Degree partnerships that create win‐win‐win scenarios for dual credit students at Odessa College
Authors: Fuentes Jonathan , Hicks Janice
Published: August 2024

Since fall 2019, Odessa College's dual credit program has grown by 67%. Texas’ initiatives, around college, career, and military readiness (CCMR), certainly provided an impetus for growth in dual credit, but this tremendous level of growth points to a number of structural changes Odessa College made to its dual credit program. The article focuses how the college created deeper, systemic partnerships between the dual credit program and the school districts.
First person profile
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: August 2024

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. This issue features Dr Patrick Hwu, a pioneer in immunotherapy whose studies of gene transfer into immune cells led to CAR‐T and TIL therapies. In addition, a promising new treatment shows potential for high‐risk bladder cancer, and AI is being used to tailor cancer care and drug discovery.
Androgen deprivation therapy and postprostatectomy radiation: What is the optimal duration?
Authors: Yang David D. , Wu Jing , D’Amico Anthony V.
Published: August 2024

There is uncertainty regarding the optimal duration of androgen deprivation therapy with postoperative radiation in prostate cancer. We seek to provide clarity through our interpretation of the RADICALS‐HD trial.
Consensus recommendations for systemic therapies in the management of relapsed Ewing sarcoma: A report from the National Ewing Sarcoma Tumor Board
Authors: Gupta Ajay , Dietz Matthew S. , Riedel Richard F. , Dhir Aditi , Borinstein Scott C. , Isakoff Michael S. , Aye Jamie M. , Rainusso Nino , Armstrong Amy E. , DuBois Steven G. , Wagner Lars M. , Rosenblum Jeremy M. , Cohen‐Gogo Sarah , Albert Catherine M. , Zahler Stacey , Chugh Rashmi , Trucco Matteo
Published: August 2024

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a malignant tumor of bone and soft tissue that most often occurs in children, adolescents, and young adults. Debate and controversy remain in the management of relapsed/refractory ES (RR‐ES). The authors leveraged the expertise assembled by the National Ewing Sarcoma Tumor Board, a multidisciplinary virtual tumor board that meets monthly to discuss challenging cases of ES. In this review, they focus on select topics that apply to the management of patients with RR‐ES. The specific topics covered include the initial approach of such patients and discussion of the goals of care, the role of molecular testing, chemotherapy regimens and novel agents to consider, the role of maintenance therapy, and the use of high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue. The data referenced are often limited to subgroup analyses and/or compiled from multiple sources. Although not intended to replace the clinical judgement of treating physicians, these guidelines are intended to support clinicians and provide some clarity and recommendations for the management of patients with RR‐ES.

Plain Language Summary

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a bone and soft tissue cancer that most often occurs in teenagers and young adults.

This article uses the experience of the National Ewing Sarcoma Tumor Board, a multi‐institution, multidisciplinary virtual tumor board that meets monthly to discuss challenging cases of ES and to address questions related to the treatment of patients with relapsed ES.

Although not intended to replace the clinical judgement of treating physicians and limited by available data, these consensus recommendations will support clinicians who treat patients with this challenging malignancy, made even more difficult when it recurs.
When destiny doesn’t pan out: Implications for the treatment of sarcomas after the agnostic approval of trastuzumab deruxtecan
Authors: Schulte Brian C. , Hwang Caleb , Horvai Andrew E. , Olivier Timothee
Published: August 2024

In April 2024, the Food and Drug Administration provided accelerated approval for trastuzumab deruxtecan for adult patients with advanced solid tumors which have positive immunochemical staining for HER2 expression, including sarcomas. There should be ample consideration prior to utilization of trastuzumab deruxtecan for patients with sarcomas, as HER2 targeted therapy has been ineffective in certain subtypes.
2D Discrete Element Simulation of Electrode Structural Evolutions in Li‐Ion Battery During Drying and Calendering
Authors: Lyu Yuhang , Dong Shaohai , Guo Zhan‐Sheng
Published: August 2024

Drying and calendering are critical steps in the manufacture of electrodes for lithium‐ion battery that affect their mechanical and electrochemical properties. A 2D representative volume element (RVE) model, including active material and carbon binder domain particles of different shapes and sizes, is developed. The evolution of the RVE structure is simulated using the discrete element method, providing insight into changes in velocity, coordination number, porosity, pore size distribution, tortuosity, and stress. Based on this analysis, a three‐step drying scheme is proposed in accordance with the experimental drying results. In addition, the calendering process significantly improves the mechanical integrity and electronic conductivity of the electrode. Through simulations and experimental observations of changes in surface morphology and porosity, an optimal compression ratio of about 20% is determined for the electrode.
Prediction of Remaining Useful Life for Lithium‐Ion Batteries Using Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise for Feature Analysis, and Bidirectional Long Short‐Term Memory Coupled with a Gaussian Process Regression Model
Authors: Zheng Di , Man Shuo , Ning Yi , Guo Xifeng , Zhang Ye
Published: August 2024

Accurately predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of lithium‐ion batteries is a challenging task, with significant implications for managing battery usage risks and ensuring equipment stability. However, the phenomenon of capacity regeneration and the lack of confidence interval expression result in imprecise predictions. To tackle these challenges, this article proposes a novel method for predicting RUL by optimizing health features (HFs) and integrating multiple models. First, multiple HFs are collected from the charging curves, and the fusion HF is optimized by kernel principal component analysis. To eliminate local fluctuations caused by capacity regeneration effects, the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise is employed to decompose the fusion HF. Second, to address the issue of lacking confidence interval expression, a hybrid model is proposed by integrating bidirectional long short‐term memory neural network with Gaussian process regression for effectively capturing the lithium‐ion battery capacity‐declining trend and accurately predicting the RUL. Finally, the proposed model's effectiveness is validated by comparing it with several other models using National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering datasets. The results indicate that this model achieves a root mean square error of 0.0023 and a mean absolute error of 0.0058, demonstrating significant improvements in predictive accuracy for RUL with high reliability.
Fetal cervical sarcoma: Comparison between virtual and real fetal bronchoscopy
Authors: Micheletti Talita , Castro Pedro Teixeira , Araujo Júnior Edward , Castellano Marco Aurélio , Andrade Cristiano Feijó , Werner Heron
Published: August 2024

Fetal cervical tumors are a life‐threatening condition if proper diagnosis and perinatal care are inadequate. The most common causes of fetal cervical masses are teratomas and lymphangiomas. Less common tumors may obstruct the fetal airway due to cervical compression. In this case report, a fetus with a cervical sarcoma was evaluated by ultrasound and MRI. The prenatal imaging characteristics of the tumor were described, virtual navigation of the fetal airway was performed and compared with fetal bronchoscopy to evaluate the consistency of the tumor. Neonatal outcome was also described.
Entrepreneurial culture and leadership: Evidence of the importance of intention
Authors: Fayez Akram Sami , AL‐Abrrow Hadi , Abdullah Hasan Oudah , Alnoor Alhamzah , Abbas Sammar
Published: August 2024

This research aims to investigate how entrepreneurial leadership and culture impact entrepreneurial behavior through the mediating role of entrepreneurial intention in Iraq's hotel industry. Information was gathered from 625 individuals employed in private restaurants and hotels, and a structural equation model, SEM, was utilized to analyze this data. Despite close focus on studying actual entrepreneurial behavior, the results of the current study emphasize the crucial role of entrepreneurial intention in the emergence of actual behavior. The entrepreneurial intention acts as a comprehensive mediator impacting entrepreneurial leadership and culture on entrepreneurial behavior. This underscores the pivotal role of individual intentions in translating organizational influences into tangible actions. The study emphasizes the significance of understanding and nurturing these intentions as drivers of entrepreneurial behavior. The implications extend to professionals in the industry, advocating for initiatives to foster an entrepreneurial mindset, cultivate supportive cultures, and empower employees to stimulate change. These insights offer a proactive framework for organizations to navigate dynamic challenges and capitalize on entrepreneurial opportunities in the sector.
Explainable machine‐learning‐based prediction of QCT/FEA‐calculated femoral strength under stance loading configuration using radiomics features
Authors: Liu Shuyu , Zhang Meng , Gong He , Jia Shaowei , Zhang Jinming , Jia Zhengbin
Published: August 2024

Finite element analysis can provide precise femoral strength assessment. However, its modeling procedures were complex and time‐consuming. This study aimed to develop a model to evaluate femoral strength calculated by quantitative computed tomography‐based finite element analysis (QCT/FEA) under stance loading configuration, offering an effective, simple, and explainable method. One hundred participants with hip QCT images were selected from the Hong Kong part of the Osteoporotic fractures in men cohort. Radiomics features were extracted from QCT images. Filter method, Pearson correlation analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method were employed for feature selection and dimension reduction. The remaining features were utilized as inputs, and femoral strengths were calculated as the ground truth through QCT/FEA. Support vector regression was applied to develop a femoral strength prediction model. The influence of various numbers of input features on prediction performance was compared, and the femoral strength prediction model was established. Finally, Shapley additive explanation, accumulated local effects, and partial dependency plot methods were used to explain the model. The results indicated that the model performed best when six radiomics features were selected. The coefficient of determination (R2), the root mean square error, the normalized root mean square error, and the mean squared error on the testing set were 0.820, 1016.299 N, 10.645%, and 750.827 N, respectively. Additionally, these features all positively contributed to femoral strength prediction. In conclusion, this study provided a noninvasive, effective, and explainable method of femoral strength assessment, and it may have clinical application potential.
DNA methylation of bone morphogenetic protein 7 in leukocytes as a possible biomarker for hand osteoarthritis: A pilot study
Authors: Kuroiwa Takashi , Tsuboi Yoshiki , Michikawa Takehiro , Tajima Kaori , Uraya Yuki , Maeda Atsushi , Shizu Kanae , Suzuki Katsuji , Suzuki Koji , Kawano Yusuke , Fujita Nobuyuki
Published: August 2024

Hand osteoarthritis (HOA), characterized by an earlier onset age and reduced susceptibility to mechanical stress compared with knee and hip osteoarthritis, is considered a suitable disease for identifying predictive biomarkers of osteoarthritis. In particular, DNA methylation variants, expected to contribute to HOA susceptibility, hold potential as osteoarthritis biomarkers. In this study, leukocyte DNA methylation patterns were analyzed in blood samples from patients with HOA, aiming to identify disease‐specific biomarkers for osteoarthritis. Using DNA methylation microarrays, we analyzed samples from three subjects with HOA and three age‐ and gender‐matched healthy individuals. For validation, pyrosequencing analysis was conducted using samples from 16 to 9 subjects with and without HOA, respectively. From 735,026 probes in the DNA methylation array, the Top 100 CpG sites associated with HOA, based on low adjusted P‐values, including those targeting bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7), SBF2‐AS1, PLOD2, ICOS, and CSF1R were identified. Validation analysis revealed significantly higher methylation levels in the BMP7‐related site in the HOA group compared with the control group, even after adjusting for age, gender, and body mass index (p = 0.037). In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the other selected CpG sites between the HOA and control groups. This study highlights the significantly increased frequency of methylation at the specific BMP7 site in leukocytes of patients with HOA, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for HOA. Measurement of methylation levels at the CpG sites identified in this study offers a potential approach to prevent future osteoarthritis progression, providing valuable insights into disease management.
Quality‐of‐Life Outcomes Following Endoscopic Resection of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma
Authors: Abiri Arash , Hong Ellen M. , Dilley Katelyn K. , Nguyen Theodore V. , Salmon Mandy K. , Grose Elysia M. , Tripathi Siddhant H. , Venkatesh Sanjena , Kim Yohan , Lee Daniel J. , Douglas Jennifer E. , Eide Jacob G. , Kshirsagar Rijul S. , Phillips Katie M. , Sedaghat Ahmad R. , Lee John M. , Tong Charles C.L. , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N. , Kuan Edward C.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

There is growing interest in assessing patient quality of life (QOL) following treatment of sinonasal tumors, including inverted papilloma (IP). We aimed to elucidate the natural history of postoperative QOL outcomes in IP patients treated with surgery.

Methods

Cases of sinonasal IP treated surgically at 4 tertiary academic rhinology centers were retrospectively reviewed. SNOT‐22 scores were used to evaluate QOL preoperatively and postoperatively (1, 3, 6, 12 months). Repeated‐measures ANOVA assessed for differences in mean scores over time. Linear regression identified factors associated with QOL longitudinally.

Results

373 patients were analyzed. Mean preoperative SNOT‐22 score was 20.6 ± 20.4, which decreased to 16.3 ± 18.8 (p = 0.041) and 11.8 ± 15.0 (p < 0.001) at 1 and 3 months postoperatively, respectively. No further changes in SNOT‐22 scores occurred beyond 3 months postoperatively (p > 0.05). When analyzed by SNOT‐22 subdomains, nasal, sleep, and otologic/facial subdomain scores (all p < 0.05) demonstrated improvement at 12‐month follow‐up compared with preoperative scores; this was not observed for the emotional subdomain score (p = 0.800). Recurrent cases were associated with higher long‐term SNOT‐22 scores (β = 7.08; p = 0.017). Age, sex, degree of dysplasia, prior surgery, primary site, and smoking history did not correlate with symptoms (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

QOL outcomes related to IP resection are largely driven by nasal, sleep, and otologic/facial subdomains, though patients appear to experience enduring improvement as early as 3 months postoperatively. Recurrent disease is a major driver of negative QOL.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 135:579–585, 2025
Integrated Arbitrary Multimode TM‐Pass Polarizer Based on Anisotropic Optical Manipulation
Authors: Zhou Xudong , Chen Li , Liao Hongtao , Jiang Yongheng , Xiao Huifu , Yang Jianhong , Yuan Mingrui , He Yu , Zhang Yong , Su Yikai , Tian Yonghui
Published: August 2024

On‐chip optical polarizer can extract the desired polarized light signal while filtering out the other polarized light signal, which plays a key role in integrated photonic circuits for purifying the desired polarized signal and reducing polarization crosstalk. However, most of the reported optical polarizers can only work for fundamental modes. With the rapid development of on‐chip multimode processing systems, arbitrary high‐order mode optical polarizers are more desirable. In this contribution, a TM‐pass optical multimode polarizer is proposed and demonstrated using subwavelength grating‐based anisotropic manipulation, which can achieve the polarizing of arbitrary TM high‐order mode theoretically, and the experimental results show the lowest polarization extinction ratio of the fabricated device can reach up to 21.2 dB under working for four‐mode (TM0, TM1, TM2, and TM3) system. The dynamic data transmission with the data rate of 64 Gbit s−1 has also been demonstrated to verify its potential for systematized applications in the future.
Evaluation of visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags for use in supplementation of an endangered estuarine fish
Authors: Long Carissa M. , Tsai Yi-Jiun Jean , Castillo Gonzalo C. , Hung Tien-Chieh , Tobias Vanessa D. , Carson Evan W.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus are thought to be close to extinction in the wild, which has spurred multiagency conservation efforts to supplement their population. In conjunction with these recent efforts, monitoring is needed to assess the effectiveness of supplementation. Such monitoring often uses large-scale tagging of released fish to distinguish between hatchery-origin and wild-origin fish that are captured during later surveys.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the use of visible implant elastomer tags in Delta Smelt to determine whether fish survival, fish growth, or tag retention were dependent on (1) tag color (blue, green, orange, red, yellow, and no-tag control) or (2) tagged body location (posterior-dorsal, anterior-dorsal, mid-lateral line, and no-tag control).

Result

Over 165 days of the first experiment, there was no difference in growth rate (mean = 0.073 mm/d, range = 0.072–0.075 mm/d) or survival (mean = 68%, range = 63–77%) among tag colors. Across all color groups, mean tag retention was 96% (range = 87–100%). Over 120 days of the second experiment, tag location had no influence on fish growth rate (mean = 0.064 mm/d, range = 0.062–0.067 mm/d) or survival (mean = 50%, range = 43–58%). For the surviving fish in experiment 2, the tags that were placed at the mid-lateral line were retained less (84% on day 120) than those at posterior-dorsal and anterior-dorsal locations (99% and 98%, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that visible implant elastomer tagging is a suitable method for marking adult Delta Smelt (>50 mm fork length) for up to 165 days and can be useful for conservation monitoring efforts.
Brittle fracture investigation in a coupled FEM‐PD model
Authors: Pernatii Anna , Filiurskyi Danylo , Gabbert Ulrich , Hesse Jan‐Timo , Willberg Christian
Published: August 2024

The simulation of crack patterns, crack velocities, and dissipated energies is a challenging task. Peridynamics (PD) has been proven to be a powerful tool addressing all these problems, including crack propagation, crack branching, its velocity and delamination, and so forth. It is a nonlocal theory, where material points interact with other points (these interactions are called bonds) within a continuous neighborhood in a specific range, called horizon. Typically, for complex problems PD is solved numerically. Its implementations require a high spatial resolution for adequate representation of the damaged material behavior, which is related to the high computational costs. Additionally, because of the nonlocal nature of PD there are difficulties in applying the classical local initial and boundary conditions. This leads to the idea of coupling relatively expensive PD with a finite element method to reduce the computational efforts and also try to solve the boundary condition problem. If the whole domain can be divided into two subdomains, the area where the fracture is expected should be modeled with the PD and the rest with finite elements. The present work proposes a comparison of three coupling strategies in terms of damage‐free dynamic problems with high‐frequency excitement. Additionally the investigation of the influence of wave propagation on the fracture process, as well as on crack patterns is presented.