bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Anti Reflecting Coating for Improving External Quantum Efficiency of Photovoltaic Cell
Authors: Prakash Jai , Meena Kalpana
Published: June 2022

Due to a dramatic drop in solar module prices/watt peaks, photovoltaic (PV) electricity has become more concentrated over the last decade. Crystallized silicon (c-Si) solar cells have dominated the solar market since their creation, outperforming all other photovoltaic technologies. PV modules are frequently required to work in inclement weather. Outdoor photovoltaic performance is affected by a number of factors, including 1) solar radiation, 2) the shape of the absorbed solar spectrum, 3) ambient temperature, 4) location, 5) wind speed, and 6) aerosols. These parameters, on the other hand, are out of our hands. It does not prevent solar panels from becoming heated on hot days, which has a negative impact on their electrical performance and longevity. To protect the solar cell from various external variables, multiple layers are applied to solar cell modules, including EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), polyvinyl fluoride sheet (Tedlar), front solar glass, metal frame, and side water seal. One of the main causes of the absorber layer temperature in solar modules rising is this. For single-layer and multi-layer ARC designs, a range of materials are used in the ARC of solar modules. Instead of functioning as a radiative cooler, the ARC can be changed or simple tweaks can be made to improve absorption and lower the temperature of the solar module. Based on light and radiation properties, choose materials for SR-ARC design of solar cells and modules. The chosen material must have very low absorption between 300 and 1200 nm and emit between 8 and 13 m. The annual power generation of a 1kW system in India's complicated environment is determined with the aforesaid efficiency increases and temperature reductions. From a single layer c-Si solar module system, the double layer module of the 1kW system generates 54kWh. Furthermore, the cooling effect was calculated, with the failed component losing 80% of its initial efficiency by the end of 2014, but the two- and three-layer components reached this level by the end of 36. The dual layer SR-ARC coated module system will start producing single layer modules at the end of 26 or 36, with or without replacement.
Spatial Array Configuration Effect of Body‐Centered Cubic Lattice Structures with Finite Unit Cells
Authors: Liu Yabo , Qu Zhipeng , Ning Xin
Published: June 2022

The mechanical properties lattice structures have been studied a lot due to the simple geometry. They all follow the assumption that the mechanical properties of lattice structures are identical with the corresponding unit cell. However, our experimental results show obvious boundary effect. In this paper, the spatial array configuration effect (n

x
, n

y
, n

z
) of body centered cubic (BCC) lattice structures is pronounced to declare the difference. The multilayer BCC lattice structures are divided into three types which show three different deformation mechanism, and their equivalent stiffness will not converge on a unique solution. Then, the “large unit cell” assumption is proposed to theoretically predict the equivalent modulus with different array configuration. Furthermore, the failure modes of the three types are also discussed. The finding results show that the spatial array configuration also plays an important role in determining both the equivalent modulus and the failure modes for the multilayer BCC lattice structures. In addition, we conclude that the name “lattice structure” is more suitable for the current manufacturing level than the “lattice material.”
Molecular Cybernetics: Challenges toward Cellular Chemical Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Murata Satoshi , Toyota Taro , Nomura Shin‐ichiro M. , Nakakuki Takashi , Kuzuya Akinori
Published: June 2022

Research on so‐called “chemical artificial intelligence” (CAI) is an emerging field with the aim of constructing information‐processing systems with learning capabilities based on chemical methodologies. This can be regarded as an attempt to reconstruct Cybernetics using molecular based systems. Many chemical reaction systems with computational abilities are proposed, but most are fixed functions that deliver molecular output for a given molecular input. On the other hand, chemical AI is a system with learning capability; namely, the output should be variable and gradually change upon repeated molecular inputs. In this paper, a compartmentalization approach for implementing cellular chemical AI using liposomes is discussed. The existing studies in terms of the methods used for assembling systems consisting of many liposomes with different functions, methods for achieving recursiveness and plasticity in chemical reaction systems, and methods for reconfiguring the network topology by liposome deformation are reviewed. Issues that must be addressed in order to realize chemical AI are also identified.
Paving Pathways Toward Long‐Life Graphite/LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Full Cells: Electrochemical and Interphasial Points of View
Authors: Cui Zehao , Zou Feng , Celio Hugo , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: June 2022

The high‐voltage spinel cathode LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) with no cobalt and low nickel content is promising for lithium‐ion batteries due to its high energy and power densities, good thermal stability, and low cost. However, its high operating voltage (≈4.7 V) results in a decomposition of the electrolyte, severe chemical crossover, and deterioration of electrode‐electrolyte interphases (EEIs), hindering its practical viability. It is demonstrated here that by electrochemically pre‐cycling the graphite in an electrolyte containing 30 wt.% fluoroethylene carbonate, a robust LiF‐rich artificial solid electrolyte interphase can be constructed for surface protection; on the other hand, an electrochemical pre‐lithiation of Fe‐doped LNMO serves as a lithium source for graphite at a full‐cell voltage of 2.6 V. As a result, the full cells with the as‐modified electrodes deliver a high capacity of 129 mA h g−1 with an excellent capacity retention of 93% after 200 cycles, vastly outperforming the full cells with fresh electrodes (120 mA h g−1 initial capacity with 78% retention). Finally, pathways toward long‐life graphite||LNMO full cells are pictured based on the inspirations from the electrochemical modifications and in‐depth analyses of the EEIs in this study.
Promoting Cardiac Repair through Simple Engineering of Nanoparticles with Exclusive Targeting Capability toward Myocardial Reperfusion Injury by Thermal Resistant Microfluidic Platform
Authors: Liu Zehua , Lian Wenhua , Long Qiang , Cheng Ruoyu , Torrieri Giulia , Zhang Baoding , Koivuniemi Artturi , Mahmoudzadeh Mohammad , Bunker Alex , Gao Han , He Hongbin , Chen Yun , Hirvonen Jouni , Zhou Rongbin , Zhao Qiang , Ye Xiaofeng , Deng Xianming , Santos Hélder A.
Published: June 2022

Nanoparticle (NP)‐based intravenous administration represents the most convenient cardiac targeting delivery routine, yet, there are still therapeutic issues due to the lack of targeting efficiency and specificity. Active targeting methods using functionalization of ligands onto the NPs’ surface may be limited by trivial modification procedures and reduced targeting yield in vivo. Here, a microfluidics assisted single step, green synthesis method is introduced for producing targeting ligands free heart homing NPs in a tailored manner. The generated β‐glucan‐based NPs exhibit precise and efficient targeting capability toward Dectin‐1+ monocytes/macrophages, which are confirmed as main pathogenesis mediators for cardiac ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury, with a sequentially enhanced cardiac NP accumulation, and this targeting strategy is exclusively suitable for cardiac I/R but not for other cardiovascular diseases, as confirmed both in murine and human model. Comparing to FDA‐approved nano‐micelles formulation, β‐glucan NPs loaded with NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome inhibitor (CY‐09) exhibit better efficiency in ameliorating myocardial injury and heart failure induced by surgically induced I/R. These findings indicate a simple production of targeting‐ligand free NPs, and demonstrate their potential therapeutic applications for preclinical I/R‐induced cardiac injury amelioration.
Instantaneous High‐Resolution Visual Imaging of Latent Fingerprints in Water Using Color‐Tunable AIE Pincer Complexes
Authors: Duan Lixin , Zheng Qingshu , Tu Tao
Published: June 2022

Instant visualization of latent fingerprints is developed by using a series of water‐soluble terpyridine zinc complexes as aggregation‐induced emission probes in pure water, under UV light or ambient sunlight. By simply soaking, or spraying with an aqueous solution of the probe, bright yellow fluorescence images with high contrast and resolution are readily developed on various surfaces including tinfoil, glass, paper, steel, leather, and ceramic tile. Remarkably, latent fingerprints can be visualized within seconds including details of whorl and sweat pores. The color of emission can be tuned from blue to orange by modifying the pincer ligands, allowing direct imaging under sunlight. These inexpensive, water‐resistant, and color‐tunable probes provide a practical approach for latent fingerprints recording and analysis, security protection, as well as criminal investigation in different scenarios.
Noncovalent Polymerization‐Activated Ultrastrong Near‐Infrared Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence Energy Transfer Assembly in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Dai Xian‐Yin , Huo Man , Dong Xiaoyun , Hu Yu‐Yang , Liu Yu
Published: June 2022

Noncovalent macrocycle‐confined supramolecular purely organic room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is a current research hotspot. Herein, a high‐efficiency noncovalent polymerization‐activated near‐infrared (NIR)‐emissive RTP‐harvesting system in aqueous solution based on the stepwise confinement of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and β‐cyclodextrin‐grafted hyaluronic acid (HACD), is reported. Compared with the dodecyl‐chain‐bridged 6‐bromoisoquinoline derivative (G), the dumbbell‐shaped assembly G⊂CB[7] presents an appeared complexation‐induced RTP signal at 540 nm via the first confinement of CB[7]. Subsequently, benefitting from the stepwise confinement encapsulation of the β‐cyclodextrin cavity, the subsequent noncovalent polymerization of the binary G⊂CB[7] assembly enabled by HACD can contribute to the further‐enhanced RTP emission intensity approximately eight times in addition to an increased lifetime from 59.0 µs to 0.581 ms. Moreover, upon doping a small amount of two types of organic dyes, Nile blue or tetrakis(4‐sulfophenyl)porphyrin as an acceptor into the supramolecular confinement assembly G⊂CB[7] @ HACD, efficient RTP energy transfer occurs accompanied by a long‐lived NIR‐emitting performance (680 and 710 nm) with a high donor/acceptor ratio. Intriguingly, the prepared RTP‐harvesting system is successfully applied for targeted NIR imaging of living tumor cells by utilizing the targeting ability of hyaluronic acid, which provides a new strategy to create advanced water‐soluble NIR phosphorescent materials.
Enhancement of Near‐Infrared Phosphor Luminescence Properties via Construction of Stable and Compact Energy Transfer Paths
Authors: Wei Guohui , Wang Zhijun , Li Rui , Wang Ye , Li Jiehong , Shi Yawei , He Shaoxuan , Yang Yuanbo , Yang Zhiping , Li Panlai
Published: June 2022

The rapid development of near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy urgently requires the exploration of NIR‐emitting phosphors with excellent luminescence properties. Herein, GaTaO4:Cr3+,Yb3+ NIR phosphor with excellent luminescence properties is reported, which exhibits ultra‐broadband NIR emission with a full width at half maximum of 300 nm, good thermal stability of 90%@423 K, and most remarkably, high internal quantum efficiency of 95.5% and external quantum efficiency of 44.79%. Such outstanding luminescence properties mainly give the credit to the unique sandwiched structure of GaTaO4:Cr3+,Yb3+, in which layers of Yb3+ ions (activator) are sandwiched between layers of Cr3+ ions (sensitizer), and hence many stable and compact Cr–Yb pairs are formed, so that the energy can be rapidly transferred from Cr3+ to Yb3+, effectively activating the characteristic f–f transition of Yb3+ that is very stable and almost independent of the temperature, and at the same time, the non‐radiative transition of Cr3+ ions can be suppressed to a certain degree. The NIR phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes (pc‐LEDs) are fabricated by combining GaTaO4:Cr3+,Yb3+ with blue LED chips, and the application potential is fully demonstrated by non‐destructive food detection, night vision, and vein display. The results provide novel prospects for the design of NIR‐emitting materials with desirable luminescent properties.
Machine Learning Modeling for Accelerated Battery Materials Design in the Small Data Regime
Authors: Sendek Austin D. , Ransom Brandi , Cubuk Ekin D. , Pellouchoud Lenson A. , Nanda Jagjit , Reed Evan J.
Published: June 2022

Machine learning (ML)‐based approaches to battery design are relatively new but demonstrate significant promise for accelerating the timeline for new materials discovery, process optimization, and cell lifetime prediction. Battery modeling represents an interesting and unconventional application area for ML, as datasets are often small but some degree of physical understanding of the underlying processes may exist. This review article provides discussion and analysis of several important and increasingly common questions: how ML‐based battery modeling works, how much data are required, how to judge model performance, and recommendations for building models in the small data regime. This article begins with an introduction to ML in general, highlighting several important concepts for small data applications. Previous ionic conductivity modeling efforts are discussed in depth as a case study to illustrate these modeling concepts. Finally, an overview of modeling efforts in major areas of battery design is provided and several areas for promising future efforts are identified, within the context of typical small data constraints.
Powering the World with Solar Fuels from Photoelectrochemical CO2 Reduction: Basic Principles and Recent Advances
Authors: Li Deng , Yang Kaixin , Lian Juhong , Yan Junqing , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: June 2022

Carbon neutrality has become an urgent mission for the future of mankind. Powering the world with renewable energy from solar CO2 reduction represents a promising way to accomplish this target. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) CO2 reduction, integrating the merits of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, offers an intriguing and effective approach to realizing solar fuel production and CO2 mitigation in one shot. To stimulate research efforts in PEC CO2 reduction, a comprehensive review of recent advances in this field is presented, with a special emphasis on the general design motives for the assembly of highly efficient PEC cells. First, basic principles and evaluating parameters of PEC CO2 reduction cells are introduced. Then, recent innovative PEC cells with highly active photocathodes for CO2 reduction to different target chemicals are highlighted and the material designing principles are discussed. In addition, the representative self‐biased PEC CO2 reduction cells including the tandem and artificial‐leaf configurations are also addressed. Finally, this review is concluded with remarks on the present achievements in PEC CO2 reduction to different chemicals, pointing out some effective strategies to promote the efficiencies for solar fuel production. A vision of the challenges and opportunities for how to forward PEC CO2 reduction research is further provided.
Systematic study on fabrication of hollow poly(vinyl cinnamate) particles by particulate interfacial photocrosslinking
Authors: Kitayama Yukiya , Harada Atsushi
Published: June 2022

Hollow polymer particles are widely used in various industries as coatings and thermal insulation materials. The encapsulation capabilities of various functional molecules and/or nanomaterials also provide access to applications such as drug delivery, heat storage, and catalysis, as well as self‐healing materials. In this study, we successfully fabricated hollow polymer particles from poly(vinyl cinnamate) (PVC) particles using LED light (λ = 265 nm) through interfacial photocrosslinking. Furthermore, we systematically studied the effect of various parameters (solid contents of parent particles, photoirradiation time, photoirradiation power, and polymer chain length) on the polymer shell thickness of the hollow PVC particles fabricated by interfacial photocrosslinking. These findings are expected to further promote the use of hollow polymer particles in pharmaceutical and material applications.
Traumatic brain injury and post‐traumatic stress disorder are not associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology measured with biomarkers
Authors: Weiner Michael W. , Harvey Danielle , Landau Susan M , Veitch Dallas P. , Neylan Thomas C. , Grafman Jordan H. , Aisen Paul S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Jack Jr Clifford R. , Tosun Duygu , Shaw Leslie M. , Trojanowski John Q. , Saykin Andrew J. , Hayes Jacqueline , De Carli Charles ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and the Department of Defense Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Epidemiological studies report an association between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease (AD). We examined the association between TBI/PTSD and biomarker‐defined AD.

Methods

We identified 289 non‐demented veterans with TBI and/or PTSD and controls who underwent clinical evaluation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau positron emission tomography, and apolipoprotein E testing. Participants were followed for up to 5.2 years.

Results

Exposure groups (TBI, PTSD, and TBI + PTSD) had higher prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI: P < .0001) and worse Mini‐Mental State Examination scores (PTSD: P = .008; TBI & PTSD: P = .009) than controls. There were no significant differences in other cognitive scores, MRI volumes, Aβ or tau accumulation, or in most longitudinal measures.

Discussion

TBI and/or PTSD were not associated with elevated AD biomarkers. The poorer cognitive status of exposed veterans may be due to other comorbid pathologies.
In Situ Real‐Time Nanoscale Resolution of Structural Evolution and Dynamics of Fluorescent Self‐Assemblies by Super‐Resolution Imaging
Authors: Qiao Qinglong , Liu Wenjuan , Zhang Yinchan , Chen Jie , Wang Guangying , Tao Yi , Miao Lu , Jiang Wenchao , An Kai , Xu Zhaochao
Published: June 2022

The visualization of self‐assembled structure and dynamics at the molecular level has become a powerful method to understand structure–function relationships of self‐assembly. Herein, we in situ real‐time imaged the dynamic process of benzyl‐naphthalimide dyes at the nanoscale and inspected their internal structure with minimum 2.8 nm localization accuracy through single‐molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) imaging. We monitored the growth process of three different assemblies in situ, which possessed highly heterogeneous dynamics with different shapes and growth rates. Furthermore, diverse growth rates were also found at different sites in the same assembly. These results highlight the application of super‐resolution microscopy techniques for real‐time visualization of internal assembled structure and dynamics in situ.
Efficient Synthesis of C3‐Alkylated and Alkenylated Indoles via Manganese‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenation
Authors: Zhao Mingqin , Li Xinyan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Shao Zhihui
Published: June 2022

The catalytic dehydrogenation of alcohols is essential for the sustainable production of valuable products. This provides a new strategy for green organic synthesis in chemical industries. Herein, we describe a manganese‐based catalytic system that enables the efficient synthesis of C3‐alkylated indoles from benzyl alcohols and indoles via the borrowing hydrogen process. Furthermore, dehydrogenative coupling of 2‐arylethanols and indoles yields C3‐alkenylated indoles. Meanwhile, reacting 2‐aminophenethanol instead of indoles can also obtain the corresponding indole products with high selectivity under the same conditions.
Synthesis of homogeneous and bright deep blue CsPbBr3 perovskite nanoplatelets with solidified surface for optoelectronic material
Authors: Kim Taeyun , Suh Yo‐Han , Kim Kangyong , Kim Hyeonjung , Park Jongnam
Published: June 2022

Halide perovskite nanocrystals have easily tunable emissions throughout the visible spectrum, making them an extremely promising material for light‐emitting applications. Whereas high quantum yield and long‐term colloidal stability have already been achieved for nanocrystals emitting in the red and green spectral range, the blue region currently lags behind with low quantum yields and insufficient colloidal stability. In this study, we present a facile synthetic and postsynthetic approach for obtaining two‐dimensional CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets (NPLs) with homogeneous‐thickness control of their solidified surface, resulting in sharp photoluminescence and electroluminescence peaks with a deep‐blue emission at 465‐nm wavelength owing to quantum confinement. The subsequent addition of a solidifying ligand solution seals the surface defects likely stemming from vacancies within a subensemble of weakly emissive NPLs. The overall photoluminescence quantum yield of the blue‐emissive colloidal dispersions is consequently enhanced by 65% ± 2%.
Kartogenin (KGN)/synthetic melanin nanoparticles (SMNP) loaded theranostic hydrogel scaffold system for multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging guided cartilage regeneration
Authors: Chen Chuyao , Huang Shaoshan , Chen Zelong , Liu Qin , Cai Yu , Mei Yingjie , Xu Yikai , Guo Rui , Yan Chenggong
Published: June 2022

Cartilage regeneration after injury is still a great challenge in clinics, which suffers from its avascularity and poor proliferative ability. Herein we designed a novel biocompatible cellulose nanocrystal/GelMA (gelatin‐methacrylate anhydride)/HAMA (hyaluronic acid‐methacrylate anhydride)‐blended hydrogel scaffold system, loaded with synthetic melanin nanoparticles (SMNP) and a bioactive drug kartogenin (KGN) for theranostic purpose. We found that the SMNP‐KGN/Gel showed favorable mechanical property, thermal stability, and distinct magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement. Meanwhile, the sustained release of KGN could recruit bone‐derived mesenchymal stem cells to proliferate and differentiate into chondrocytes, which promoted cartilage regeneration in vitro and in vivo. The hydrogel degradation and cartilage restoration were simultaneously monitored by multiparametric MRI for 12 weeks, and further confirmed by histological analysis. Together, these results validated the multifunctional hydrogel as a promising tissue engineering platform for noninvasive imaging‐guided precision therapy in cartilage regenerative medicine.
Direct administration of mesenchymal stem cell‐derived mitochondria improves cardiac function after infarction via ameliorating endothelial senescence
Authors: Liang Xiaoting , Zhang Yuelin , Lin Fang , Li Mimi , Li Xin , Chen Yu , Liu Jing , Meng Qingshu , Ma Xiaoxue , Wang Enhao , Wei Lu , He Zhiying , Fan Huimin , Zhou Xiaohui , Ding Yue , Liu Zhongmin
Published: June 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered to be a key contributor to the development of heart failure. Replacing injured mitochondria with healthy mitochondria to restore mitochondrial bioenergy in myocardium holds great promise for cardioprotection after infarction. This study aimed to investigate whether direct transplantation of exogenous mitochondria derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC‐mt) is beneficial and superior in protecting cardiac function in a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI) compared to mitochondria derived from skin fibroblast (FB‐mt) and to explore the underlying mechanisms from their effects on the endothelial cells. The isolated MSC‐mt presented intact mitochondrial morphology and activity, as determined by electron microscopy, JC‐1 mitochondrial membrane potential assay, and seahorse assay. Direct injection of MSC‐mt into the peri‐infarct region in a mouse MI model enhanced blood vessel density, inhibited cardiac remodeling and apoptosis, thus improving heart function compared with FB‐mt group. The injected MSC‐mt can be tracked in the endothelial cells. In vitro, the fluorescence signal of MSC‐mt can be detected in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry after coculture. Compared to FB‐mt, MSC‐mt more effectively protected the HUVECs from oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis and reduced mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species. MSC‐mt presented superior capacity in inducing tube formation, enhancing SCF secretion, ATP content and cell proliferation in HUVECs compared to FB‐mt. Mechanistically, MSC‐mt administration alleviated oxidative stress‐induced endothelial senescence via activation of ERK pathway. These findings suggest that using MSCs as sources of mitochondria is feasible and that proangiogenesis could be the mechanism by which MSC‐mt transplantation attenuates MI. MSC‐mt transplantation might serve as a new therapeutic strategy for treating MI.
Cold air plasma improving rheumatoid arthritis via mitochondrial apoptosis pathway
Authors: Ding Chengbiao , Ni Leying , Liu Qi , Zhou Chenxu , Wang Guomin , Chu Paul K. , Wu Zhengwei
Published: June 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has plagued physicians and patients for years due to the lack of targeted treatment. In this study, inspired by the commonality between rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (RA‐FLS) and cancer cells, the therapeutic effects of cold air plasma (CAP) on RA are studied systematically and thoroughly. In/ex vivo results show that CAP with the proper dosage significantly relieves symptoms including synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltration, and angiogenesis and eliminates the root cause by triggering the self‐antioxidant capability of the surrounding tissue. The mechanism on the molecular and cellular level is also revealed that the spontaneous reactive oxygen species (ROS) cascade induces the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway on RA‐FLS. This study reveals a new strategy for targeted treatment of RA and the mechanistic study provides the theoretical foundation for future development of plasma medicine.
The impact of temozolomide and lonafarnib on the stemness marker expression of glioblastoma cells in multicellular spheroids
Authors: Nakod Pinaki S. , Kondapaneni Raghu Vamsi , Edney Brandon , Kim Yonghyun , Rao Shreyas S.
Published: June 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis. The GBM microenvironment is highly heterogeneous and is composed of many cell types including astrocytes and endothelial cells (ECs) along with tumor cells, which are responsible for heightened resistance to standard chemotherapeutic drugs such as Temozolomide (TMZ). Here, we investigated how drug treatments impact stemness marker expression of GBM cells in multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) models. Co‐ and tri‐culture MCTS constructed using U87‐MG GBM cells, astrocytes, and/or ECs were cultured for 7 days. At Day 7, 5 μM lonafarnib (LNF), 100 μM TMZ, or combination of 5 μM LNF + 100 μM TMZ was added and the MCTS were cultured for an additional 48 h. We assessed the spheroid sizes and expression of stemness markers‐ NESTIN, SOX2, CD133, NANOG, and OCT4‐ through qRT‐PCR and immunostaining. Following 48 h treatment with LNF, TMZ or their combination (LNF + TMZ), the spheroid sizes decreased compared to the untreated control. We also observed that the expression of most of the stemness markers significantly increased in the LNF + TMZ treated condition as compared to the untreated condition. These results indicate that drug treatment can influence the stemness marker expression of GBM cells in MCTS models and these aspects must be considered while evaluating therapies. In future, by incorporating other relevant cell types, we can further our understanding of their crosstalk, eventually leading to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
ATF4/TXNIP/REDD1/mTOR signaling mediates the antitumor activities of liver X receptor in pancreatic cancers
Authors: Chen Zhikang , Lai Xiaobo , Ding Hui , Zhang Aijun , Sun Yufei , Ling Jianhua , Chiao Paul J. , Chen Zihua , Xia Xuefeng
Published: June 2022

Background

Limited by difficulties in early detection and availabilities of effective treatments, pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant disease with poor prognosis. Nuclear receptors are a family of ligand‐dependent transcription factors that are highly druggable therapeutic targets playing critical roles in human physiological and pathological development, including cancer. In this study, we explored the therapeutic potential as well as the molecular mechanisms of liver X receptor (LXR) agonist GW3965 in pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Soft‐agar colony formation assay, xenograft tumors, Oligonucleotide microarray, Reverse transcription real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western immunoblotting and Immunohistochemistry were used in this study.

Results

We demonstrated pleotropic in vitro activities of GW3965 in pancreatic cell lines MIA PaCa‐2 and BXPC3 including reduction of cell viability, inhibition of cell proliferation, stimulation of cell death, and suppression of colony formation, which translated to significant inhibition of xenograft tumor growth in vitro. By mapping the gene expression profiles, we identified the up‐regulations of 188 and the down‐regulations of 92 genes common to both cell lines following GW3965 treatment. Genes responsive to GW3965 represent a variety of biological pathways vital for multiple cellular functions. Specifically, we identified that the activating transcription factor 4/thioredoxin‐interacting protein/regulated in development and DNA damage responses 1/mechanistic target of rapamycin (ATF4/TXNIP/REDD1/mTOR) signaling critically controls GW3965‐mediated regulation of cell proliferation/death. The significance of the ATF4/TXNIP/REDD1/mTOR pathway was further supported by associated expressions in xenograft tumors as well as human pancreatic cancer samples.

Conclusions

This study provides the pre‐clinical evidence that LXR agonist is a promising therapy for pancreatic cancer.
Exploring cisgender therapists' attitudes towards, and experience of, working with trans people in the United Kingdom
Authors: Mollitt Paul Christopher
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Research suggests therapists may be lacking the skills and experience to work with the trans population and may hold a range of personal and professional views about trans people, in line with wider society. The aim of this study is to understand attitudes that qualified cisgender UK therapists have towards this client group, how equipped they feel to work with them and to identify gaps in training and experience.

Design

A mixed‐methods, concurrent nested design was used.

Methods

Data were generated via an online survey. Quantitative data were analysed alongside a reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The politicisation of trans identities has created a toxic debate that has left therapists confused about their professional and personal stance, but there is an earnest attempt to understand this. Therapists are generally supportive of trans people and a majority have worked with this community, but a significant minority of these therapists could be said to hold transphobic views or working practices. Therapists feel ill‐equipped to work with the trans community and are fearful of getting things wrong. Younger, more recently trained therapists are more comfortable working with gender identity, with older, “gender critical” and psychoanalytic therapists struggling the most.

Conclusions

The politicisation of trans identities has created a split in UK therapists, and work is necessary to ensure adequate training and ongoing reflexivity regarding personal biases. Clarity and reassurance are needed on the implications of the proposed conversion therapy ban, particularly on exploratory therapeutic work within an affirmative stance.
Chemical Composition and Androgenic Effect of Bee Drone Larvae (Apilarnil) for Goat Male Kids
Authors: Koşum Nedim , Yücel Banu , Kandemir Çağrı , Taşkın Turgay , Duru Mehmet Emin , Küçükaydın Selçuk , Margaoan Rodica , Cornea‐Cipcigan Mihaiela
Published: June 2022

Present study aimed to establish the stimulatory effects of bee drone larvae (BDL) on the androgenic effects and growth performance of goat male kids (GMK). The effects of BDL on growth and testosterone hormone levels were investigated in Saanen male kids. A total of 26 Saanen male kids (13 heads control, 13 heads treatment groups) were used for determining the effects of BDL 60 days after the weaning period. BDL was obtained from “good beekeeping practices” hives. Hormone levels, growth trials, testes characteristics, and body measurements were determined every 14 days on the days 75, 90, 105, 120, and 135 of the trial. The increasing level of testosterone hormone in the treatment group on 135 days strengthened the hypothesis that the BDL could have greater effects in the case of more application that is expensive and considering the time of maturity of Saanen GMK. The lipid composition of BDL was identified by GC/MS. Oleic acid (64.75 %) and palmitic acid (26.08 %) were the dominant lipid compounds of BDL. Additionally, the phenolic/organic acid profile investigated by HPLC‐DAD revealed that trans‐aconitic acid (11.20±0.32 μg/g) and fumaric acid (5.03±0.41 μg/g) were found as major compounds in BDL.
Power and potential: Engaging adjunct faculty as leaders and agents of change
Authors: Layou Karen M. , Goering Andrea E. , James Bridget R. , Morales Marla , Nagy Robin , Rosas Alquicira Edgar Francisco , Macdonald R. Heather
Published: June 2022

This chapter presents the experiences of adjunct faculty in the SAGE 2YC: Faculty as Change Agents project through the stories of five participants who share the influence of the project on them and their work. We describe the professional development that occurred in the project, which included learning with colleagues from across the country, implementing changes in their classroom teaching and beyond, and leading follow‐on workshops in teams on campus and/or in the region. The participant stories illustrate how the project gave them agency and validated their work. Adjunct faculty make important contributions to student and faculty success, and there is power in engaging adjunct faculty as leaders and change agents and fully realizing their potential.
Effects of Protein Content on Pickering‐assisted Interfacial Enzyme Catalysis
Authors: Plikat Christoph , Drews Anja , Ansorge‐Schumacher Marion B.
Published: June 2022

In recent years, water‐in‐oil Pickering emulsions have been introduced as promising reaction systems for multiphase enzyme catalysis, in particular lipase‐catalyzed esterification and transesterification. Here, we for the first time gained insight into the effects that the presence of the proteins exert on the fineness and stability of the emulsion system and thus, the catalytic performance. We demonstrated a distinct, concentration‐ and enzyme‐dependent decrease of droplet sizes in the dispersed phase, accompanied by decreasing stability against coalescence. This was due to a probably quantitative adsorption of lipases at the interphase intercalating the solid particles. Destabilization was reduced slightly at increased particle content and increased volume portion of the dispersed phase, respectively. However, the low tolerable lipase concentrations in the reaction system considerably limited its productivity. Thus, our study points at the enzyme content, or rather enzyme location, in Pickering emulsions being the crucial parameter for optimizing catalytic performance.
The Italian COVID‐19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale: Investigation of the COVID‐19 anxiety syndrome and its association with psychological symptoms in an Italian population
Authors: Mansueto Giovanni , Palmieri Sara , Marino Claudia , Caselli Gabriele , Sassaroli Sandra , Ruggiero Giovanni Maria , Nikčević Ana V. , Spada Marcantonio M.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The COVID‐19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C‐19ASS) is a quick and reliable scale assessing dysfunctional coping strategies activated in response to COVID‐19 fear and threat. The present study aimed to provide a preliminary validation of the Italian version of the C‐19ASS and investigated whether the C‐19ASS would mediate the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and psychological outcomes.

Method

In Study 1, a community sample of 271 participants completed the Italian version of the C‐19ASS and results were subjected to a Principal Component Analysis. In study 2, a community sample of 484 participants completed the Italian version of the C‐19ASS and a series of measures assessing COVID‐19 anxiety, COVID‐19 fear, functional impairment, personality traits, depression, generalized anxiety and health anxiety. Internal consistency, concurrent and incremental validity were assessed. Path analyses were run.

Results

Factor analysis identified a two‐factor solution (i.e., C‐19ASS Perseveration and C‐19ASS Avoidance) and confirmatory factor analysis suggested a two‐factor model best fits the data. The Italian version of the C‐19ASS showed good internal consistency. There was also evidence of convergent validity and incremental validity. Path analyses showed that C‐19ASS Perseveration mediates the relationship between emotional stability and psychological symptoms (depression, generalized anxiety and health anxiety).

Conclusion

The Italian version of the C‐19ASS appears to be a reliable and valid measure of the COVID‐19 anxiety syndrome. The COVID‐19 anxiety syndrome could be a suitable therapeutic target to reduce psychological symptoms typically linked to pandemic events, such as depression generalized anxiety and health anxiety.
Edge‐to‐edge percutaneous mitral repair for functional ischaemic and non‐ischaemic mitral regurgitation: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chiarito Mauro , Sanz‐Sanchez Jorge , Pighi Michele , Cannata Francesco , Rubbio Antonio Popolo , Munafò Andrea , Cao Davide , Roccasalva Fausto , Pini Daniela , Pagnotta Paolo A. , Ettori Federica , Petronio Anna Sonia , Tamburino Corrado , Reimers Bernhard , Colombo Antonio , Di Mario Carlo , Grasso Carmelo , Mehran Roxana , Godino Cosmo , Stefanini Giulio G.
Published: June 2022

Aim

Randomized controlled trials comparing the use of the MitraClip device in addition to guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) to GDMT alone in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) have shown conflicting results. However, if these differences could be due to the underlying MR aetiology is still unknown. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate if the effects of percutaneous edge‐to‐edge repair with MitraClip implantation could differ in patients with ischaemic (I‐MR) and non‐ischaemic mitral regurgitation (NI‐MR).

Methods and results

PubMed, Embase, BioMed Central, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for all studies including patients with secondary MR treated with the MitraClip device. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model. Primary endpoint was the composite of all‐cause death and heart failure‐related hospitalization. Secondary endpoints were the single components of the primary endpoint, New York Heart Association functional Classes III and IV, and mitral valve re‐intervention. Seven studies enrolling 2501 patients were included. Patients with I‐MR compared with patients with NI‐MR had a similar risk of the primary endpoint (odds ratio: 1.17; 95% confidence interval: 0.93 to 1.46; I2: 0%). The risk of all‐cause death was increased in patients with I‐MR (odds ratio: 1.31; 95% confidence interval: 1.07 to 1.62; I2: 0%), while no differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the other secondary endpoints.

Conclusions

The risk of mortality after MitraClip implantation is lower in patients with NI‐MR than in those with I‐MR. No absolute differences in the risk of heart failure related hospitalization were observed between groups.
Synemin promotes pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch in shunt‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Zhou Jingjing
Published: June 2022

Aims

Although considerable progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease‐associated pulmonary heart hypertension (CHD‐PAH), the clinical prognosis and overall survival of patients with CHD‐PAH remain poor. Therefore, the molecular pathogenesis of CHD‐PAH requires further investigation. The intermediate filament protein synemin (SYN) is reported to modulate phenotypic alterations and varicose vein development, but there is little understanding of its exact functions in CHD‐PAH.

Methods and results

SYN expression in the pulmonary arterioles of CHD‐PAH patients and shunt‐induced PAH rat models was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and western blot. Cell counts and Transwell migration assays were used to assess the effect of SYN on the proliferation and migration capability of human pulmonary smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs). Adeno‐associated viruses (AAVs) have been used to suppress SYN expression in the pulmonary arterioles of rats. Such rats were further used to construct a shunt‐induced PAH animal model to investigate the function of SYN in PAH and pulmonary vascular remodelling. Compared with the normal control group, SYN expression was found to be clearly up‐regulated in the remodelled pulmonary arterioles of CHD‐PAH and shunt‐induced PAH rat models. In addition, SYN suppression increased the expression of hPASMC contractile‐phenotype markers and decreased the expression of synthetic phenotype markers, in contrast to the control group. SYN suppression also dramatically attenuated the proliferation and migration capability of hPASMCs. Conversely, SYN overexpression promoted phenotypic switch, proliferation, and migration of hPASMCs, whereas these effects were notably alleviated by the protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor MK‐2206. Furthermore, we confirmed that SYN suppression mitigated PAH and pulmonary vascular remodelling induced by high blood flow in vivo.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that SYN may represent a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of CHD‐PAH.
Conceptualizing the multispecies triad: Toward a multispecies intersectionality
Authors: Petitt Andrea
Published: June 2022

Feminist and multispecies anthropologies have decentered those most visible to appreciate the perspectives of those othered in society—but also to better understand society at large. This article goes beyond decentering the human toward decentering another analytical focus: the species dyad. Building on previous work on gender–species intersectionality and multispecies ethnography, as well as drawing on a set of five ethnographic and multispecies fieldwork studies involving gendered relations between humans, cattle, and horses on three continents, this article offers a conceptualization of the multispecies triad by outlining a multispecies intersectionality theory. This entails acknowledging the intersectionality of five sets of relations: (1) species as a power relation beyond biology; (2) intersecting power relations of humans (such as gender and ethnicity as well as local categories); (3) humans’ organization of nonhumans into intraspecies categories (by for example sex, breed, age as well as local categories); (4) nonhumans’ own intraspecies power relations; and (5) nonhumans’ relations to intraspecies groups of other species (including human subgroups). By situating a multispecies triad in this multispecies intersectionality, the article shows how relations of power intersect within and across species with consequences for individuals and groups of all species involved. Multispecies intersectionality can thus be of interest even to scholars primarily interested in humans.
Locking out prevention: Dental care in the midst of a pandemic
Authors: Danagoulian Shooshan , Wilk Thomas A.
Published: June 2022

Emergencies, such as natural and manmade disasters, can present an opportunity or be a detriment to preventive healthcare. While stay‐at‐home orders which some states implemented to mitigate the impact of COVID‐19 are known to reduce acute and routine care, little is known about missed preventive care. Dental care, unlike other forms of preventive care ‐ such as pediatric vaccines and well‐visits, is simpler to analyze as it is not practicable with telehealth. Using weekly foot traffic data by SafeGraph from January 2018 to June 2020, we examine the effect of stay‐at‐home orders on visits to dental offices, finding a 15.4% decline after March 2020 for states with stay‐at‐home orders. Surprisingly, we find that states which allowed dental care during the stay‐at‐home period experienced a further 7.4% decline in visits. Using Michigan Medicaid dental claims for children we find that the decline of 0.25 claims per month is driven primarily by fewer diagnostic and preventive care visits. Though some preventive visits were rescheduled, we estimate only 58% of visits missed in March and April 2020 were made up by the end of the year. These estimates quantify the short‐term declines in preventive dental care, suggesting similar declines in other preventive care.
How do HRD professionals and business managers interact in organizing HRD activities?
Authors: Lundgren Henriette , Poell Rob F.
Published: June 2022

Human resource development (HRD) has traditionally been seen as the main driver behind people‐centered developmental activities such as learning and development, organization development, and career development. However, the role of HRD professionals as the main stakeholder has been questioned as more and more people‐centered development activities have been integrated into a broad range of leadership and supervisory roles within the organization. The question arises: How do HRD professionals and business managers interact in organizing HRD activities? Building on structure and actor theories as a theoretical foundation, the study combines deductive and inductive data analysis of semi‐structured interviews to review the roles of HRD professionals and business managers involved in organizing HRD activities in six different organizations in the USA. Our findings show that while training does not appear in any of the HR‐related job titles, the term “training” is more common in business managers' titles describing their link to HRD activities. When organizing those activities, HRD professionals and business managers engage extensively in emergent partnering structures. While some HRD professionals are the main actors in some learning networks, business managers drive HRD activities in others. We discuss the commingling of actors and its impact on the learning network. The paper closes with a discussion of research limitations, future research, and implications for HRD practice.