bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bionomics and Importance of an Emerging Pest Pseudotheraptus devastans (Distant) (Heteroptera: Coreidae) in the Cocoa Orchards of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Kouamé Norbert N’Dri , N’Guessan François Kouamé , N’Guessan Pierre Walet , Acka Kotaix Alain Jacques , Tano Yao
Published: August 2021

The cocoa tree is a very important plant in Côte d'Ivoire (formerly known as Ivory Coast) with a production of 2,15 million  tons. In spite of this performance, cocoa production is attacked by several pests of which the emerging ones are Pseudotheraptus devastans (Distant). These insects  attack  cherelles,  pods, gourmands and young shoots. This study aims to locate these pests and determine their importance in the different cocoa production areas. The device used is total  randomization. The leaching carried out in the orchard revealed the presence of P.devastans in all the cocoa producing districts. The means were 0,02 ± 0,00 to 2,35 ± 0,38 P. devastans  / tree.  The  districts of Sassandra-Marahoué, Comoé and Montagnes recorded  more  P.devastans.  However, the districts of Bas-Sassandra, Lagunes et Lacs had fewer P.devastans.
The Effects of Primary Budget Deficits on Economic Growth: Evidence from Kenya
Authors: Mugo Patrick Mugendi , Masai Wafula , Osoro Kennedy
Published: August 2021

Aims: The paper attempts to examine the effects of primary budget deficits on economic growth. It reviews the nature and direction of causality between primary budget deficit and economic growth. In the recent years, these have been debated both in developed and developing countries. In contributing to this ongoing debate, the study analyzes the case for Kenya from 1980 to 2016. The evidence is intended to provide policy insights for macroeconomic stability and sustained  economic growth for shared prosperity in Kenya.

Study Design: The study employs quantitative time-series research design by utilizing Stata econometrics software.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Evidence from Kenya, from 1980 to 2016.

Methodology: The study employs unit root tests, Johansen cointegration analysis, a dynamic vector error correction model and a multivariate Toda-Yamamoto Granger-causality representation.

Results: The findings establish that the primary budget deficit, gross fixed capital formation, real interest rate, terms of trade, inflation growth and financial innovation have significant effects on GDP per capita growth in Kenya. Primary budget deficit has a strong and significant effect on GDP per capita growth both in short-run and long run. In the short-run, the results revealed that the primary budget deficit had a positive effect on economic growth which turned negative in the long-run. There was a unidirectional causality running from primary budget deficit to economic growth. 

Conclusion: The study concludes that both in the short run and long run, primary budget deficit has strong and significant causal effects on economic growth in Kenya. The evidence underscores the need for the authorities to reduce high primary budget deficits, interest payments and domestic borrowings and strictly apply the golden rule of public finances to boost long term inclusive growth, in Kenya.
Comparison Study between Theoritical and Numerical Analyses for Ball Bearing
Authors: Bedairi Badr H. , Khoshaim Ahmed B. , Azzam Badr S.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a comparison study has been presented to see the difference between the theoretical and finite element analysis for ball bearing. Throughout that study, a finite element analysis is performed to determine the maximum contact pressure and maximum stresses induced in the bearing components; rolling elements and rings. Another purpose of this analysis is to validate the most critical zones in the bearing for knowing the scenario of generating this stress and pressure which enabling the specialists to determine the initiation point for failure in the bearing. The comparison between the results of the numerical study with theoretical one has showed the good agreement outputs of this numerical study. In addition, this analysis could give the displacements and deformations that raised in the bearing elements at the highest critical zones.
A Mini-review on the Phytochemistry and Pharmacobiology of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae): Towards future research directions
Authors: Mbembo Blaise Mbembo Wa , Ashande Colette Masengo , Shotsha Lionel Asamboa , Ngunde Samy Ngunde Te , Masasi Blanchard Mayele , Dipa Joseph Tshidibi , Ngbo Sylvain Zogi , Domondo Jean-Jacques Amogu , Tshilanda Dorothée D. , Tshibangu Damien S. T. , Mpiana Pius T. , Ngbolua Koto-Te-Nyiwa
Published: August 2021

Medicinal plants are suppliers of molecules used in both modern and traditional therapy. One of these plants is Azadirachta Indica (also known as the neem tree).Originally from Asia (India), this plant is currently widespread and cultivated in several countries in the world, including in Africa, because of its extraordinary therapeutic properties. A survey carried out on the Internet revealed that A. indica contains various secondary metabolites such as: Azadirone, Nimocimol, Azadiradione, Epoxyazadiradione, nimbinin, salannin, nimbanal, salannol acetate, nimbandiol, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, gedunin, nimbinene, nimbolide, mahmoodin, margolonone, isomargolonone, azadirachtin, epicatechin, catechin, phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, anthraquinone, anthocyanins. The main structures of these different molecules were drawn using the ChemBioDraw Ultra 12.0 software package. As a result, it has been demonstrated that these compounds confer several pharmacological properties on the neem tree, including anticancer, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, antiplasmodial, and anthelmintic activities. Because of its high anthocyanin content, A. indica could be an interesting candidate for the development of an anti-sickle cell drug.
The effects of hurricanes on the stochastic population growth of the endemic epiphytic orchid Broughtonia cubensis living in Cuba
Authors: Raventós José , Mújica Ernesto , González Elaine , Bonet Andreu , Ortega‐Larrocea M. Pilar
Published: August 2021

We carried out a posthurricane evaluation of Broughtonia cubensis (Lindl.) Cogn., an endemic Cuban epiphytic orchid, after Hurricane Ivan (2004). We studied the transient responses in the stochastic dynamics of the species at three different sites over 13 successive years (2006–2019), monitored plot inventories (464 individuals in 10 transects) and built stochastic population models. The deterministic stochastic growth rate values () did not significantly differ (F = 2.76; p > 0.076) among the three sites over the 2006–2019 period. The long‐term stochastic growth rate was 0.973 [0.932, 1.034]. The matrix elements that had the largest effect on were the transition to and stasis within the largest size class. Transient responses explained an average of 86% of the variation in the observed population growth rates , compared to 4% of the variation in the vital rates . Because transient dynamics are dependent on the population size composition, we ran extinction risk analyses under two scenarios: a population composed mainly of juveniles and another composed mainly of adults. There was little risk of falling below the quasi‐extinction threshold before 25 year for both juveniles and adults. However, the risk of quasi‐extinction was almost certain for both size classes by 80 year. We also simulated the effect of increasing the hurricane occurrence probability over 80 year on the population. There was little risk of extinction before 20 year in the baseline model, but there was a significant risk of extinction within 5 year when 90% of the individuals were affected by a new hurricane event.
RSPH14 regulates the proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis of non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Ma Ke , Peng Jun , Rong Hao , Jiang Yanhua , Zhang Huachuan , Zhu Jiang , Xiao Bo , Tang Peng , He Jintao , Yu Zhentao
Published: August 2021

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common subtype of lung cancer, and it is characterized by a high incidence. It is important to understand the molecular mechanisms that determine the progression and metastasis of NSCLC in order to develop more effective therapies and identify novel diagnostic indicators of NSCLC. RSPH14 has been reported to be related to multiple human diseases, including duodenal adenocarcinoma and meningiomas, but the role of RSPH14 in NSCLC remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular function and clinical significance of RSPH14 in NSCLC. Analyses of public datasets and clinical samples demonstrated that RSPH14 expression was upregulated in NSCLC samples compared with normal samples. In addition, high RSPH14 expression was associated with a shorter overall survival time in patients with NSCLC. Notably, RSPH14 knockdown suppressed the proliferation and cell cycle progression and enhanced the apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Mechanically, tandem mass tag analysis demonstrated that RSPH14 can affect multiple processes, including the AMPK signaling pathway, calcium ion import regulation, glucose transmembrane transporter activity, and glucose transmembrane transport. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that RSPH14 may be a promising prognostic factor and therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Ambulatory Medication Safety: Vaccination and Laboratory Screening for Patients Receiving Immunomodulatory Therapies
Authors: McDonnell Anne M. , Iversen Maura , Khinkar Roaa M. , Frits Michelle , Fiskio Julie , Desai Sonali
Published: August 2021

Objective

Immunomodulatory therapies improve the management of chronic diseases but can be associated with infectious risk. The present study was undertaken to examine the laboratory screening practices for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and tuberculosis (TB) and rates of vaccination for pneumococcal and influenza in patients prescribed select immunosuppressive agents at our institution.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted to review patients who were prescribed a select immunosuppressive over 3 years. Data were extracted from electronic health records to identify rates of screening and vaccination prior to initiation or at any time. Logistic regression models were developed to identify predictors of screening and vaccination.

Results

We identified 2,396 patients prescribed immunosuppressive medications by rheumatology (52.6%) and non‐rheumatology specialties. Rates of screening at any time point were 84.5% (2,025 of 2,396) for HBV, 76.7% (1,838 of 2,396) for HCV, and 71.8% (1,720 of 2,396) for TB. Patients who had either in‐system primary care providers (PCPs) or rheumatologists were more likely to receive pneumococcal vaccinations (odds ratio [OR] 1.98 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.55–2.54] and OR 4.08 [95% CI 2.76–6.02], respectively). Patients with dermatologic (OR 1.67 [95% CI 1.14–2.45]) or rheumatologic providers (OR 2.5 [95% CI 1.86–3.36]) were more likely to be vaccinated for influenza.

Conclusion

More than 70% of patients were screened for either HBV, HCV, or TB at some point. Rates of pneumococcal vaccination were better than rates of influenza vaccination. Patients with in‐system PCPs were more likely to be screened and vaccinated. Establishing and executing consistent processes for screening and vaccination prior to immunosuppressive treatment remains a priority in ambulatory settings.
An Engineered Patient‐Derived Tumor Organoid Model That Can Be Disassembled to Study Cellular Responses in a Graded 3D Microenvironment
Authors: Landon‐Brace Natalie , Cadavid Jose L. , Latour Simon , Co Ileana L. , Rodenhizer Darren , Li Nancy T. , Wu Nila C. , Bugbee Eryn , Chebotarev Aleks , Zhang Ji , Wouters Bradly G. , McGuigan Alison P.
Published: August 2021

Patient‐derived organoids (PDOs) are emerging as powerful models to capture the genetic heterogeneity of human tumors. However, the self‐assembling nature of PDOs limits their use in studies of the impact of microenvironmental heterogeneity on tumor cell function. Here, a paper‐based model, the Tissue Roll for Analysis of Cellular Environment and Response (TRACER) is adapted, using patterned polymer infiltration, to enable controlled assembly and disassembly of organoid structures to study the impact of both genetic and microenvironmental heterogeneity on tumor cell behavior. In the adapted platform (TRACER2), pancreatic cancer PDOs establish oxygen gradients across the tissue and in response exhibit graded cell viability, proliferation, hypoxia‐response gene transcription, and response to gemcitabine therapy. Further, PDOs retrieved from the hypoxic regions of the TRACER2 cultures show graded transcriptional changes in immunosuppression‐related genes and upon co‐culture, after TRACER2 disassembly, induce graded functional changes in Jurkat cells and macrophage cells. Therefore, TRACER2 offers a novel platform to dissect the effects of microenvironmental parameters on tumor cell function.
Hierarchical Nanostructured Electrospun Membrane with Periosteum‐Mimic Microenvironment for Enhanced Bone Regeneration
Authors: Liu Laijun , Shang Yuna , Li Chaojing , Jiao Yongjie , Qiu Yanchen , Wang Chengyi , Wu Yuge , Zhang Qiuyun , Wang Fujun , Yang Zhimou , Wang Lu
Published: August 2021

An ideal periosteum substitute should be able to mimic the periosteum microenvironment that continuously provides growth factors, recruits osteoblasts, and subsequent extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization to accelerate bone regeneration. Here, a calcium‐binding peptide‐loaded poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) electrospun membrane modified by the shish‐kebab structure that can mimic the periosteum microenvironment was developed as a bionic periosteum. The calcium‐binding peptide formed by the negatively charged heptaglutamate domain (E7) in the E7‐BMP‐2 with calcium ion in the tricalcium phosphate sol (TCP sol) through electrostatic chelation not only extended the release cycle of E7‐BMP‐2 but also promoted the biomineralization of the bionic periosteum. Cell experiments showed that the bionic periosteum could significantly improve the osteogenic differentiation of the rat‐bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) through both chemical composition and physical structure. The in vivo evaluation of the bionic periosteum confirmed the inherent osteogenesis of this periosteum microenvironment, which could promote the regeneration of vascularized bone tissue. Therefore, the hierarchical nanostructured electrospun membrane with periosteum‐mimic microenvironment is a promising periosteum substitute for the treatment of bone defects.
Self‐Oscillating 3D Printed Hydrogel Shapes
Authors: Nava‐Medina Ilse B. , Gold Karli A. , Cooper Savannah M. , Robinson Kyle , Jain Abhishek , Cheng Zhengdong , Gaharwar Akhilesh K.
Published: August 2021

Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reactions have been used to investigate periodic spatial patterns due to the oscillatory nature of the reaction. However, these systems have not been confined, nor controlled, in macro‐scaled architectures, making it hard to translate observations to natural behavior. Here, a poly(electrolyte) complex is designed that can be ionically or covalently reinforced to construct 3D geometries with additive manufacturing techniques. Printed geometries varied in shape, size, and angle to investigate spatiotemporal pattern formation in 3D. Size variations correlated to trends in oscillating pattern frequencies, demonstrating a geometry effect on spatial alterations. Overall, the combination of 3D printing techniques with self‐oscillating chemical reactions allows to model, study, and further understand macro‐scale patterns observed in nature. The proposed approach can be used to design smart structure to replicate biological oscillators such as cardiac arrhythmias, neuron signaling, and camouflage skin patterns.
Intrinsic Electronic Transport Properties and Carrier Densities in PtS2 and SnSe2: Exploration of n+‐Source for 2D Tunnel FETs
Authors: Sato Yuichiro , Nishimura Tomonori , Duanfei Dong , Ueno Keiji , Shinokita Keisuke , Matsuda Kazunari , Nagashio Kosuke
Published: August 2021

Van der Waals 2D heterostructures are the ideal platform for tunnel field‐effect transistors (TFETs) because of dangling‐bond‐free heterointerfaces. However, the limited selection of n+‐source materials restricts 2D‐TFET research. In this study, intrinsic electron transport properties and carrier density (n) of bulk PtS2 are experimentally examined by Hall measurements to explore its use as an n+‐source material suitable for TFETs in comparison with SnSe2. Despite the similar maximum depletion widths (WDm) and apparently metallic ID–VG curves at room temperature for both bulk samples, the Hall measurements elucidate that n ≈ 3.6 × 1017 cm−3 in PtS2 is much smaller than ≈4.7 × 1018 cm−3 in SnSe2. They also reveal that this difference comes from the depth of the donor level below the conduction band. Therefore, although band‐to‐band tunneling current is successfully observed in the n‐PtS2/p‐WSe2 TFET, VG modulates the n‐PtS2 source as well as p‐WSe2 channel due to the nondegenerate doping of PtS2, resulting in a degraded subthreshold swing. The analysis of the WDm–donor concentration (ND) relation elucidates that ND is not evaluated only by WDm but is largely affected by the energy gap. The general WDm–ND relation for different energy gaps provides a guide to select 2D materials suitable for TFETs.
Unlocking the Electrochemical–Mechanical Coupling Behaviors of Dendrite Growth and Crack Propagation in All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Yuan Chunhao , Lu Wenquan , Xu Jun
Published: August 2021

Dendrite growth and crack propagation are two major hurdles on the road towards the large‐scale commercialization of lithium metal all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs). Due to the high multiphysics coupled nature of the underlying dendrite growth mechanism, understanding it has been difficult. Herein, for the first time, an electrochemical‐mechanical model is established that directly couples dendrite growth and crack propagation from a physics‐based perspective at the cell level. Results reveal that overpotential‐driven stress propels a crack to penetrate through the solid electrolyte, creating vacancies for dendrite growth, leading to the short circuit of the battery. Thus, high lithiation/charging rate and low conductivity of electrolytes can accelerate the electrochemical failure of the battery. It is further discovered that Young's modulus ELLZO of the electrolyte has competing contributions to the fracture and dendrite growth; specifically, when ELLZO = 40–100 GPa, the short circuit is triggered early. A larger toughness value hinders the crack propagation and mitigates the Li dendrite growth. The developed multiphysics model provides an in‐depth understanding of the coupling of crack propagation and dendrite growth within ASSBs and an insightful mechanistic design guidance map for robust and safe ASSB cells.
Optimization of E. coli tip‐sonication for high‐yield cell‐free extract using finite element modeling
Authors: Ferdous Sakib , Dopp Jared L. , Reuel Nigel F.
Published: August 2021

Optimal tip sonication settings, namely tip position, input power, and pulse durations, are necessary for temperature sensitive procedures like preparation of viable cell extract. In this paper, the optimum tip immersion depth (20–30% height below the liquid surface) is estimated which ensures maximum mixing thereby enhancing thermal dissipation of local cavitation hotspots. A finite element (FE) heat transfer model is presented, validated experimentally with (R2 > 97%) and used to observe the effect of temperature rise on cell extract performance of Escherichia coli BL21 DE3 star strain and estimate the temperature threshold. Relative yields in the top 10% are observed for solution temperatures maintained below 32°C; this reduces below 50% relative yield at temperatures above 47°C. A generalized workflow for direct simulation using the CONSOL code as well as master plots for estimation of sonication parameters (power input and pulse settings) is also presented.
Cross‐linked poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone)‐titanium tetrachloride complex: A novel stable solid TiCl4 equivalent as a recyclable polymeric Lewis acid catalyst for regioselective ring‐opening alcoholysis of epoxides
Authors: Rahmatpour Ali , Sajjadinezhad Seyed Mehrzad
Published: August 2021

Cross‐linked poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) resin beads were prepared as macromolecular ligand precursors by suspension copolymerization of N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinking agent in water. Subsequently, the resulting polymer carrier precursor was readily combined with titanium tetrachloride to form a stable polymeric coordination complex (PNVP/TiCl4), and this novel stable TiCl4 equivalent evaluated as a heterogeneous and reusable solid Lewis acid catalyst for the regio‐and stereoselective nucleophilic ring opening of various epoxides with various alcohols to prepare β‐alkoxy alcohols in excellent yields without generating any waste. The MBA‐cross‐linked PNVP and resultant catalyst were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FE–SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. Moreover, the catalyst is very stable, easily separated, and reused at least five times without significant loss of activity. In terms of scope, yields, the amount of catalyst used, and reaction time, the PNVP‐TiCl4 complex catalyst is an improvement over previously reported heterogeneous catalysts for ring opening of epoxides methods. Further, the experimental outcome revealed that using the copolymer beads as carriers with a high percentage of crosslinking and the high mesh size leads had an adverse effect on the reaction rate.
Solvothermal synthesis of triphenylamine‐based covalent organic framework nanofibers with excellent cycle stability for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Xiong Shanxin , Liu Jian , Wang Yuancheng , Wang Xiaoqin , Chu Jia , Zhang Runlan , Gong Ming , Wu Bohua
Published: August 2021

Covalent organic framework (COF) is a new class of porous materials used in energy storage devices. By solvothermal method, the triphenylamine‐based covalent organic framework was synthesized using Schiff base coupling reaction between tris(4‐aminophenyl) amine (TAPA) and tris(4‐formylphenyl) amine. The regular pore structure of TPA‐COFs not only exposes more active sites of triphenylamine structure to electrolyte solution during the charge–discharge process, but also accelerates the transport of ions in the active layer. At the same time, the π‐electron conjugated system and the interlayer π‐π stacking effect effectively promote the conduct of electrons in the two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional directions of COFs materials, which improves the electrochemical performance of the materials. TPA‐COFs show a higher specific capacitance of 263.1 F/g at 0.1 A/g. At the same time, TPA‐COFs materials exhibit a high specific surface area of 398.59 m2/g. After 5000 cycles of charge–discharge, the capacitance retention rate of TPA‐COFs is 111%, showing excellent cycle stability.
Higher expectations of teachers are not sufficient: How to take the next big step in social‐emotional teacher training
Authors: Dietrich Lars
Published: August 2021

The growing interest in students' social‐emotional development, which is closely linked with the increasing efforts to reduce all forms of violence in schools, is a welcome development. However, if we are serious about furthering students' social‐emotional development with the same fervor as students' academic learning, we must provide teachers with the tools that enable them to meet these growing societal expectations. Most teachers at the secondary level are not trained to further students' social‐emotional development and are still primarily regarded, by themselves and others, as academic knowledge and skills conveyors. As a result, they are not prepared to respond to students' misbehavior and difficult group dynamics in ways that further students' social‐emotional development. Instead, they are forced to apply easy and quick‐to‐learn behavioral conditioning and punishment strategies that only manage behavior. Psychodynamic theory and empirical research suggest important limitations to this approach. Hence, I argue that teachers will be better prepared to meet these growing expectations in their work if they receive support in two ways. One, they need reliable feedback on those aspects of their daily interactions/routines with students that most strongly impact students' social‐emotional development. Student perception survey instruments are a particularly effective approach to collect such feedback, but contemporary instruments too strongly focus on behavior instead of underlying factors that determine behavior. Second, teachers need professional development training that takes into account and builds on such feedback. A particularly promising approach for such training is based on group‐analytic pedagogy.
Morphology Engineering of BiVO4 with CoOx Derived from Cobalt‐containing Polyoxometalate as Co‐catalyst for Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Li Xiaohu , Dong Yinjuan , Hu Gaoyang , Ma Kangwei , Chen Mengxue , Ding Yong
Published: August 2021

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) as a metal oxidation semiconductor has stimulated extensive attention in the photocatalytic water splitting field. However, the poor transport ability and easy recombination of charge carriers limit photocatalytic water oxidation activity of pure BiVO4. Herein, the photocatalytic activity of BiVO4 is enhanced via adjusting its morphology and combination co‐catalyst. First, the Cu‐BiVO4 was synthesized by copper doping to control the growth of {110} facet of BiVO4, which is regarded for the separation of photo‐generated charge carriers. Then the CoOx in‐situ generated from K6[SiCoII(H2O)W11O39] ⋅ 16H2O was photo‐deposited on Cu‐BiVO4 surface as co‐catalyst to speed up reaction kinetics. Cu‐BiVO4@CoOx hybrid catalyst shows highest photocatalytic activity and best stability among all the prepared catalysts. Oxygen evolution is about 34.6 μmol in pH 4 acetic acid buffer under 420 nm LED irradiation, which is nearly 20 times higher than that of pure BiVO4. Apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) in 1 h and O2 yield are 1.83% and 23.1%, respectively. O2 evolution amount nearly maintains the original value even after 5 cycles.
Brandverhalten von Dämmstoffen aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen – Teil 1: Experimentelle Untersuchungen von Schwelprozessen und Emissionen
Authors: Steeger Felix , Kolb Torsten , Tech Sören , Wichmann Hubertus , Kampmeier Björn , Zehfuß Jochen , Kolb Marit
Published: August 2021

Im Forschungsvorhaben „Mehr als nur Dämmung – Zusatznutzen von Dämmstoffen aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen” wurde in mehreren Teilprojekten der Feuchte‐, Wärme‐, Schall‐ und Brandschutz sowie die Nachhaltigkeit und Emissionswirkung von Dämmstoffen aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen (nawaRo‐Dämmstoffe) untersucht. Das übergeordnete, primäre Ziel des Forschungsverbundes war es, die Anwendbarkeit von nawaRo‐Dämmstoffen signifikant zu erhöhen und Anwendungshemmnisse auszuräumen. Im Arbeitsbereich Brandschutz und Glimmverhalten wurde das Schwelen, Glimmen und Brennen der nawaRo‐Dämmstoffe analysiert und Anwendungsgrenzen im Rahmen des mehrgeschossigen Bauens definiert. Der vorliegende Aufsatz behandelt die experimentellen Untersuchungen zum Auslösen, Verlauf und Löschverhalten von Schwelprozessen in nawaRo‐Dämmstoffen, der Wirkung von Flammschutzmitteln und denen im Zersetzungsprozess freigesetzten Emissionen. In einem folgenden Aufsatz wird die bautechnische Verwendung von nawaRo‐Dämmstoffen, anstelle der bisher geforderten nichtbrennbaren Dämmung, im Gefach von Holztafelbauweisen dargestellt.
Einfluss der Wärmespeicherfähigkeit der Baustoffe auf das thermische Verhalten von Gebäuden
Authors: Spiegel Jonas , Hofmann Markus , Schoch Torsten , Kornadt Oliver
Published: August 2021

Die Wärmespeicherfähigkeit von Baumaterialien ist die wesentliche Größe, die beschreibt, welche Wärmemenge von der Gebäudestruktur aufgenommen werden kann. Die thermische Speicherfähigkeit der Wände und Decken beeinflussen den Heizenergiebedarf von Gebäuden und den Mindestwärmeschutz aber auch das sommerliche Überhitzungspotenzial. Um die Kenntnisse zur Wärmespeicherfähigkeit im Gebrauchszustand von Gebäuden zu vertiefen, wurden zwei Versuchskuben errichtet und über zwei Jahre messtechnisch untersucht.

Das thermische Verhalten der Bauteile und des Innenraums der Versuchskuben wurde bei verschiedenen Heiz‐ und Lüftungsszenarien gemessen, simuliert und analysiert. Es wurden einerseits längere Aufheiz‐ und Auskühlphasen und andererseits realitätsnahe Nutzungsszenarien untersucht, um den Einfluss der Wärmespeicherfähigkeit unter sehr vielfältigen Bedingungen zu analysieren und zu bestimmen.

Aufgrund der verschiedenen Nutzungsszenarien im Experiment und den durchgeführten Simulationen konnte der Einfluss der Wärmespeicherfähigkeit auf das thermische Verhalten der Versuchskuben herausgearbeitet und ermittelt werden. Insbesondere galt es, die Bedeutung der Wärmespeicherfähigkeit von Bauteilen auf den Heizenergiebedarf sowie auf den sommerlichen Wärmeschutz zu bestimmen.
Fluid Flow Glazing in der Gebäudehülle
Authors: Pfanner Daniel , Dämkes Marc
Published: August 2021

Im Rahmen des EU‐Förderprogramms HORIZON 2020 wurde in dem viereinhalbjährigen Forschungsprojekt InDeWaG (Industrial Development of Fluid Flow Glazing Systems) eine Isolierverglasung entwickelt, in deren Zwischenraum ein Wasser‐Glykol‐Gemisch zirkuliert. Die Glaseinheiten kommen sowohl in der Fassade zum Einsatz als auch im Innenraum und werden zum Heizen und Kühlen verwendet. Ziel ist es, diese Komponenten innerhalb eines haustechnischen Gesamtsystems mit weiteren Technologien, wie z. B. Photovoltaik und hocheffizienten Wärmetauschern, zu kombinieren und den Gesamtenergieverbrauch von Gebäuden zu minimieren, ohne die Tageslichtnutzung einzuschränken.

Der Bericht beschreibt zunächst die grundlegende Idee und Funktionsweise von Fluid Flow Glazing. Anschließend fokussiert er auf der Berücksichtigung der fluiddurchströmten Einzelscheiben im Rahmen der thermischen Gebäudesimulation. Erste vorliegende Ergebnisse aus einem Demonstrator‐Pavillon, der seit über einem Jahr in Betrieb ist, werden hierbei erläutert und mit den Ergebnissen der Gebäudesimulation verglichen.
Experimentell gewonnene Erkenntnisse zur Plastizität von Beton unter multiaxialem Druck
Authors: Vogdt Fritz Daniel , Speck Kerstin , Petryna Yuri , Curbach Manfred , Loutfi Jamila
Published: August 2021

Nichtlineare Materialmodelle für Beton sind aus theoretischer Sicht für eine Simulation von Betonkonstruktionen bis zum Versagen geeignet. Anwendungsfälle bleiben allerdings nicht selten auf die Nachrechnung bekannter Versuche beschränkt. Dabei ist eine Anpassung einer Vielzahl nicht physikalischer Modellparameter an vorhandene Versuchsergebnisse erforderlich. Eine Prognose des Bauteilverhaltens ist auf diese Weise unmöglich. Einschränkungen vorhandener Modelle werden schon bei der Simulation eines einfachen uniaxialen Würfeldruckversuchs deutlich. In Belastungsrichtung wird zwar ein realistisches Kraft‐Verformungs‐Diagramm vorhergesagt. Quer zur Lastrichtung aber werden Verformungen durch stark vereinfachende Annahmen ermittelt. In Belastungsrichtung wird der Druckbruch von Beton suggeriert, obwohl das Versagen im Experiment durch Querzugrisse zustande kommt. Dieser Beitrag liefert bisher fehlende Versuchsbeobachtungen, um die grundlegenden Annahmen der Plastizitätstheorie für Beton zu erweitern und zu verbessern. Sie enthalten die erforderlichen mehrfachen Be‐ und Entlastungen und insbesondere Verzerrungen quer zur Hauptbelastungsrichtung werden dokumentiert. Anhand der gewonnenen Erkenntnisse werden neue Evolutionsgleichungen für das multiaxiale Verhalten von Beton formuliert. Der resultierende Modellansatz ist in der Lage, verschiedene multiaxiale Druckversuche abzubilden, ohne dass eine Anpassung der Modellparameter an die jeweiligen Versuchskurven erforderlich ist.
A biodegradable, mechanically tunable micro‐arc oxidation AZ91D‐based composite implant with calcium phosphate/chitosan coating promotes long‐term bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Liu Tingjiao , Li Yang , Zhang Ying , Zhao Meng , Wen Zhaohui , Zhang Liming
Published: August 2021

Background

To reduce the biodegradable rate and develop the long‐term osteogenic ability of magnesium (Mg) alloy, we prepared a new biodegradable micro arc oxidation AZ91D‐based composite implant with calcium phosphate/chitosan coating (CaP‐CS/MAO/AZ91D) and investigated its mechanical property and long‐term bone tissue regeneration ability.

Main Methods and Major Results

The results showed that the binding force and bioactivity of CaP‐CS/MAO/AZ91D was better when the ratio of water to ethanol was 4:6 and MAO constant current was 0.1 A cm−2. Compressive strengths of 4:6 sample were more than 1300 N when the soaking time was increased to 21 days. CaP‐CS/MAO/AZ91D extracts promoted differentiation and proliferation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (RMSC), which achieved higher proliferation rates over 16 days of culture and exhibited early alkaline phosphatase activity and late bone sialoprotein markers.

Conclusions and Implications

CaP‐CS/MAO/AZ91D was established to promote RMSC osteogenic differentiation within a proper range for at least 90 days through Wnt/β‐catenin pathway activation, which would allow sufficient time for bone healing. Collectively, our findings suggest that the CaP‐CS/MAO/AZ91D coating could not only reduce the corrosion rate and lead to better long‐term biocompatibility but also promote osteogenic mineralization.
Advances in promoter engineering: Novel applications and predefined transcriptional control
Authors: Cazier Andrew P. , Blazeck John
Published: August 2021

Synthetic biology continues to progress by relying on more robust tools for transcriptional control, of which promoters are the most fundamental component. Numerous studies have sought to characterize promoter function, determine principles to guide their engineering, and create promoters with stronger expression or tailored inducible control. In this review, we will summarize promoter architecture and highlight recent advances in the field, focusing on the novel applications of inducible promoter design and engineering towards metabolic engineering and cellular therapeutic development. Additionally, we will highlight how the expansion of new, machine learning techniques for modeling and engineering promoter sequences are enabling more accurate prediction of promoter characteristics.
The influence of carbon performance on the financial debt of listed companies in an emerging economy: Does company size matter?
Authors: Ganda Fortune
Published: August 2021

This paper analyses the extent to which the impact of carbon performance on corporate financial debt varies according to company size. The system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and the Fixed Effects Panel Threshold regression models are deployed to consider 107 South African listed companies (CDP South Africa) spanning the period 2014–2018. The GMM outcomes demonstrate that carbon performance is negatively significant to firm financial debt in all the regression equations in the short‐run settings (both with and without interaction terms) and the long‐run setting (except for the ROA regression without interaction term, which is just negative). Moreover, the interaction term, carbon performance × company size is also significant and negatively related to debt in short‐run contexts (except for the ROA regression with an interaction term that is just negative) for all equations. In the long run, the interaction term is also significant and negatively related to debt in all the regressions analysed in this paper. The panel threshold regression framework highlights a threshold level of 7.4268 below (above) which the financial debt of small (large) companies, decreases (increases) when carbon performance increases. Granger causality findings and policy suggestions are also presented.
The Stereoselective Oxidation of para‐Substituted Benzenes by a Cytochrome P450 Biocatalyst
Authors: Chao Rebecca R. , Lau Ian C.‐K. , Coleman Tom , Churchman Luke R. , Child Stella A. , Lee Joel H. Z. , Bruning John B. , De Voss James J. , Bell Stephen G.
Published: August 2021

The serine 244 to aspartate (S244D) variant of the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP199A4 was used to expand its substrate range beyond benzoic acids. Substrates, in which the carboxylate group of the benzoic acid moiety is replaced were oxidised with high activity by the S244D mutant (product formation rates >60 nmol.(nmol‐CYP)−1.min−1) and with total turnover numbers of up to 20,000. Ethyl α‐hydroxylation was more rapid than methyl oxidation, styrene epoxidation and S‐oxidation. The S244D mutant catalysed the ethyl hydroxylation, epoxidation and sulfoxidation reactions with an excess of one stereoisomer (in some instances up to >98 %). The crystal structure of 4‐methoxybenzoic acid‐bound CYP199A4 S244D showed that the active site architecture and the substrate orientation were similar to that of the WT enzyme. Overall, this work demonstrates that CYP199A4 can catalyse the stereoselective hydroxylation, epoxidation or sulfoxidation of substituted benzene substrates under mild conditions resulting in more sustainable transformations using this heme monooxygenase enzyme.
Nanosilica functionalized to switch from dormant to active for gas migration mitigation in Portland cement
Authors: Boul Peter J. , Shanmugam Sivaprakash , Johnson Kenneth D.
Published: August 2021

We describe the development of a nanosilica‐based oil and gas well cement additive which reduces the risk of casing‐casing annulus (CCA) and sustained casing pressure (SCP) through gas migration mitigation. Nanosilicas added to oil and gas well cement have been shown to accelerate cement hydration and reduce the cement porosity and permeability. While these qualities can potentially reduce the risk of zonal isolation loss, there are known rheological effects associated with adding nanosilicas to cements. It is known that cements loaded with nanosilicas produce gels prematurely, which has the deleterious effect of leading to air entrainment in cement and can also effect the pumpability of the cement slurry. This property can also interfere with gas migration mitigation because it is the formation of the gel that reduces the hydrostatic pressure on the formation. This can, in‐turn, allow for fluid from the formation to invade the cement prior to building enough mechanical strength to resist the fluid influx. The nanosilica product described in this article has been developed to display no gelation effect in the cement and a rapid hydration onset. These performance attributes are due to a specialized functionalization or coating on the nanosilica particle. At temperatures equal to or below 120°F (49°C), this functionalization renders the nanosilica inert from the cement until its timed degradation and thus does not interact with the cement phases responsible for the gelation behaviour observed with other commercially available nanosilicas in the process of cement placement.
A modified expectation‐maximization algorithm for latent Gaussian graphical model
Authors: Zheng Chaowen , Huang Jingfang , Wood Ian A. , Wu Yichao
Published: August 2021

This paper considers the latent Gaussian graphical model, which extends the Gaussian graphical model to handle discrete data as well as mixed data with both continuous and discrete variables by assuming that discrete variables are generated by discretizing latent Gaussian variables. We propose a modified expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm to estimate parameters in the latent Gaussian model for binary data. We also extend the proposed modified EM algorithm to the latent Gaussian model for mixed data. The conditional dependence structure can be consequently constructed by exploring the sparsity pattern of the precision matrix of the latent variables. We illustrate the performance of our proposed estimator through comprehensive numerical studies and an application to voting data of the United Nations General Assembly.
The different faces of empathy in cancer care: From a desired virtue to an evidence‐based communication process
Authors: van Vliet Liesbeth M. , Back Anthony L.
Published: August 2021

Empathy lies at the heart of cancer care but historically has been seen as an art, not science, lacking a clear operationalization and evidence base. To better understand the building blocks of empathy from a patient perspective, in the current issue of Cancer, Sanders et al describe the results of a qualitative study into cancer patients' perceptions of empathy.
What is empathy? Oncology patient perspectives on empathic clinician behaviors
Authors: Sanders Justin J. , Dubey Manisha , Hall Judith A. , Catzen Hannah Z. , Blanch‐Hartigan Danielle , Schwartz Rachel
Published: August 2021

Background

Oncology patients and physicians value empathy because of its association with improved health outcomes. Common measures of empathy lack consistency and were developed without direct input from patients. Because of their intense engagement with health care systems, oncology patients may have unique perspectives on what behaviors signal empathy in a clinical setting.

Methods

As part of a cross‐sectional study of patient perspectives on clinician empathy at an academic cancer center in the northeastern United States, the authors solicited up to 10 free‐text responses to an open‐ended question about what clinician behaviors define empathy.

Results

The authors categorized open‐ended responses from 89 oncology patients into 5 categories representing 14 themes. These categories were relationship sensitivity, focus on the whole person, communication, clinician attributes, and institutional resources and care processes. Frequently represented themes, including listening, understanding, and attention to emotions and what matters most, aligned with existing measures of empathy; behaviors that were not well represented among existing measures included qualities of information sharing and other communication elements. Patients also associated clinician demeanor, accessibility, and competence with empathy.

Conclusions

Oncology patients' perspectives on empathy highlight clinician behaviors and attributes that may help to refine patient experience measures and may be adopted by clinicians and cancer centers to enhance patient care and outcomes. High‐quality communication skills training can promote active listening and paying attention to the whole person. A system‐level focus on delivering empathic care may improve patients' experiences and outcomes.

Lay Summary

Oncology patients' responses to an open‐ended question about empathic clinician behavior have revealed insights into a variety of behaviors that are perceived as demonstrative of empathy.

These include behaviors that imply sensitivity to the clinician‐patient relationship, such as listening and understanding and attention to the whole person. Participants valued caring communication and demeanor and clinician accessibility. Perspective taking was not common among answers.

Many existing measures of clinical care quality do not include the behaviors cited by patients as empathic. These results can inform efforts to refine quality measures of empathy‐associated behaviors in clinical practice. Cancer centers can use skills training to improve elements of communication.
Rare cases of medulloblastoma with hypermutation
Authors: Bagchi Aditi , Beddows Ian , Cornelius Albert , Robinson Giles W. , Jewell Scott D.
Published: August 2021

Background

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood and is considered a tumor with low mutational burden (~1 Mut/Mb). Therefore, though the medulloblastoma genomes have been extensively characterized in literature, reports on potential hypermutations and underlying mutagenic processes in medulloblastomas are limited.

Aim

In this report, we studied the landscape of mutational burden in primary and recurrent medulloblastoma. Furthermore, we wanted to understand the differences in underlying mutagenic mechanisms in medulloblastoma with low and high mutational burdens.

Methods

Fifty‐three primary and recurrent medulloblastoma genomic sequence were downloaded from the European Genome Archive as BAM files. Thirty‐three cases were obtained from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues from pathology diagnostic archives of Spectrum Health and Cooperative Human Tissue Network. Somatic mutations were called using Mutect2, following best practices guidelines for Genome Analysis Toolkit V4. Mutational signatures were analyzed using deconstructSigs.

Results

We identified nine medulloblastoma cases with high mutational burden (>5 Mut/Mb). Of them, five cases met the criteria of hypermutation (>10Mut/Mb), two of the five tumors had canonical mutations in the POLE proof‐reading domain, where a large proportion of mutations in these tumor genomes contributed to signature 10. The hypermutated cases also demonstrated mutational signatures 14, 15, and 21, indicating the role of mis match repair deficiency in their mutagenesis. Of the four known molecular subgroups in medulloblastoma–SHH, WNT, Group 3, and Group 4—both the POLE‐mutated cases belonged to the SHH subgroup. This report identifies rare cases of hypermutation in medulloblastoma driven by defects in DNA repair mechanisms.

Conclusion

Hypermutation in medulloblastoma can impact therapeutic decisions, especially at recurrence in otherwise fatal high risk SHH‐medulloblastomas. A defect in DNA repair leading to SHH ‐medulloblastoma is yet another important mechanism that should be further investigated in the genesis of these tumors. Therefore, this report provides important scientific and clinical rationale for future research looking for incidence of hypermutation in large cohorts of medulloblastoma patients.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence Evaluation of 2 Formulations of Tenofovir Alafenamide
Authors: Li Zhihui , Liu Jingyan , Ju Gehang , Yan Keyu , Mao Yong , Liu Qingchun , Yang Xinlu , Zhang Rong , Qiu Wen
Published: August 2021

The study was conducted to compare the pharmacokinetics and safety profiles of 2 brands of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) fumarate tablets. This research was a 2‐preparation, 2‐sequence, 4‐period crossover, completely replicated study in 68 healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and fed conditions. The mean values of the area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 to the last time point with blood sample collection (AUC0‐t), area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0‐∞), and maximum concentration (Cmax) for the test and reference products of TAF were 248.5 and 275.7 ng/mL, 148.1 and 157.8 ng • h/mL, and 148.4 and 158.1 ng • h/mL, respectively, under the fasting condition. On the other hand, the mean value of Cmax, AUC0‐t, and AUC0‐∞ for the test and reference formulations of TAF were 244.6 and 246.7 ng/mL, 230.4 and 244.9 ng • h/mL, and 233.2 and 246.2 ng • h/mL, respectively, under the fed condition. The 90% confidence intervals for geometric mean ratios of AUC0–t and AUC0‐∞ of TAF in fasting and fed states were within the bioequivalence acceptance limits when tested using the average‐bioequivalence method. The point estimate value for geometric mean ratio of Cmax in fasting and fed states (88.4% and 95.5%, respectively) were within the bioequivalence acceptance limits as per the reference‐scaled average‐bioequivalence method. The safety profiles of the 2 formulations were comparable. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated that the test formulations of TAF exhibited bioequivalence to the reference and were well tolerated by healthy Chinese subjects (Study Registry Identification Number: CTR20190086; CTR20190087).