bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of computed tomography scanning versus surface scanning in 3D finite element analysis
Authors: Rowe Andre J. , Rayfield Emily J.
Published: August 2022

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a commonly used application in biomechanical studies of both extant and fossil taxa to assess stress and strain in solid structures such as bone. FEA can be performed on 3D structures that are generated using various methods, including computed tomography (CT) scans and surface scans. While previous palaeobiological studies have used both CT scanned models and surface scanned models, little research has evaluated to what degree FE results may vary when CT scans and surface scans of the same object are compared. Surface scans do not preserve the internal geometries of 3D structures, which are typically preserved in CT scans. Here, we created 3D models from CT scans and surface scans of the same specimens (crania and mandibles of a Nile crocodile, a green sea turtle, and a monitor lizard) and performed FEA under identical loading parameters. It was found that once surface scanned models are solidified, they output stress and strain distributions and model deformations comparable to their CT scanned counterparts, though differing by notable stress and strain magnitudes in some cases, depending on morphology of the specimen and the degree of reconstruction applied. Despite similarities in overall mechanical behaviour, surface scanned models can differ in exterior shape compared to CT scanned models due to inaccuracies that can occur during scanning and reconstruction, resulting in local differences in stress distribution. Solid-fill surface scanned models generally output lower stresses compared to CT scanned models due to their compact interiors, which must be accounted for in studies that use both types of scans.
Total evidence time-scaled phylogenetic and biogeographic models for the evolution of sea cows (Sirenia, Afrotheria)
Authors: Heritage Steven , Seiffert Erik R.
Published: August 2022

Molecular phylogenetic studies that have included sirenians from the genera Trichechus, Dugong, and Hydrodamalis have resolved their interrelationships but have yielded divergence age estimates that are problematically discordant. The ages of these lineage splits have profound implications for how to interpret the sirenian fossil record—including clade membership, biogeographic patterns, and correlations with Earth history events. In an effort to address these issues, here we present a total evidence phylogenetic analysis of Sirenia that includes living and fossil species and applies Bayesian tip-dating methods to estimate their interrelationships and divergence times. In addition to extant sirenians, our dataset includes 56 fossil species from 106 dated localities and numerous afrotherian outgroup taxa. Genetic, morphological, temporal, and biogeographic data are assessed simultaneously to bring all available evidence to bear on sirenian phylogeny. The resulting time-tree is then used for Bayesian geocoordinates reconstruction analysis, which models ancestral geographic areas at splits throughout the phylogeny, thereby allowing us to infer the direction and timing of dispersals. Our results suggest that Pan-Sirenia arose in North Africa during the latest Paleocene and that the Eocene evolution of stem sirenians was primarily situated in the Tethyan realm. In the late Eocene, some lineages moved into more northern European latitudes, an area that became the source region for a key trans-Atlantic dispersal towards the Caribbean and northern-adjacent west Atlantic. This event led to the phylogenetic and biogeographic founding of crown Sirenia with the Dugongidae-Trichechidae split occurring at the Eocene-Oligocene boundary (~33.9 Ma), temporally coincident with the onset of dropping global sea levels and temperatures. This region became the nexus of sirenian diversification and supported taxonomically-rich dugongid communities until the earliest Pliocene. The Dugonginae-Hydrodamalinae split occurred near Florida during the early Miocene (~21.2 Ma) and was followed by a west-bound dispersal that gave rise to the Pacific hydrodamalines. The late middle Miocene (~12.2 Ma) split of Dugong from all other dugongines also occurred near Florida and our analyses suggest that the Indo-Pacific distribution of modern dugongs is the result of a trans-Pacific dispersal. From at least the early Miocene, trichechid evolution was based entirely in South America, presumably within the Pebas Wetlands System. We infer that the eventual establishment of Amazon drainage into the South Atlantic allowed the dispersal of Trichechus out of South America no earlier than the mid-Pliocene. Our analyses provide a new temporal and biogeographic framework for understanding major events in sirenian evolution and their possible relationships to oceanographic and climatic changes. These hypotheses can be further tested with the recovery and integration of new fossil evidence.
Quality Minimization of Agricultural Drainage Water for Irrigation Water Reuse Using Coconut Shell Activated Carbon
Authors: Adejumobi M. A. , Olaoye R. A. , Adebayo T. B. , Onofua O. E.
Published: August 2022

Nutrients and organic pollutants draining from agricultural fields are the leading sources of surface water quality impairment. Activated carbon (AC) produced from agricultural crop residues has great success in the sequestration of hazardous substances from wastewaters. This study evaluates the potential of coconut shell activated carbon for agricultural drainage water quality minimization; pH adjustment, and excess nitrate and sulphate adsorption. Agriculture drainage water samples were collected and analyzed for Electrical conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Chloride, Sodium, Sulphate, Bicarbonate, Nitrate – Nitrogen, and pH. Coconut shells were sourced locally and carbonized at 500°C (± 5°C) for one hour in a muffle furnace. The char produced was ground, sieved, and activated with potassium hydroxide (KOH). The porosity and morphological structures of the AC were examined using a Scanning Electron Microscope. The effect of contact time (30, 60, 90, and 120 min), temperature (20 and 40°C), and adsorbent dosage (1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 g) were examined using batch studies. The analysis of the drainage water shows the water is highly alkaline and contains sulphate and nitrate above FAO benchmark values. The SEM analysis indicates that the stability and mesoporosity of the carbonaceous material were enhanced by KOH activation. The pH value of the treated water decreased from 9.94 (highly alkaline) to 7.92.  The use of 1 g (10 g/l) of coconut shell AC has the highest amount of nitrate and sulphate per unit quantity of AC (4.1 and 2.98 mg/g respectively). The adsorption process peaked at 30 mins contact time with 99.8% and 98.8% nitrate and sulphate removal efficiency, respectively. The process is temperature dependent; nitrate adsorption performs slightly better at 40°C; sulphate adsorption at 20°C. More research effort is needed to ascertain the performance and applicability under continuous flow conditions.
Local Ecological Knowledge and Trend of Catches on Pseudotolithus typus, Lutjanus goreensis and Sphyraena afra from Lagos Coastal Waters, Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Akinbobola A. P. , Fakoya K. A.
Published: August 2022

The present study examined the fishers’ knowledge and a ten-year (2009 -2018) trend analysis of prices and catches on Pseudotolithus typus, Lutjanus goreensis and Sphyraena afra from Lagos coastal waters. While data for local ecological knowledge (LEK) were obtained with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire, secondary data collected from both the field and the Federal Department of Fisheries were used to estimate the trend analysis of prices and catch composition respectively. The results showed that prices of all the fish species changed annually, with an annual average increase of 10.85%, 9.25% and 12.03% for P. typus, L. goreensis and S. afra respectively. L. goreensis and S. afra had an annual average increase of fish catch landed of 5.39% and 2.77%, while P. typus had -8.98% annual average decrease of fish landed. All the fishers were males and their modal age group was 41-60years (92.31%), while the least was 21-24years (7.69%). Sixty-nine percent (69%) and 31% of the fishers had secondary and primary school education respectively. Most fishers (69%) had a fishing experience of 21-25 years while the least fishing experience was 6-10 years. Most of the fishers had vast knowledge of the habitat of the fish species, morphological identification, causes of declined fish catches, conservation strategy, seasons of catch and problems of overfishing. In conclusion, this study showed a high level of agreement of fishers' ecological knowledge with the scientific literature, and such synergy could provide important additional biological information that could be used in the process of participative and sustainable management of marine resources.
Remdesivir Therapy versus Standard Care in Hospitalized Pregnant Women with Moderate and Severe COVID-19 in a Tertiary Care Center of Dubai: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Ali Jancy , Harab Deemah , Hazari Komal , Naqvi Shazia , Abdelkareem Widad , Ijaz Ayesha , Ammar Abeir , Azar Aida Joseph , Khamis Amar Hassan
Published: August 2022

Background: Pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to be hospitalized and require respiratory support than non-pregnant women. There is little published data on Remdesivir use in pregnant women with COVID-19. We aimed to investigate the clinical course and obstetric outcomes for pregnant women with COVID-19 administered Remdesivir versus standard therapy.

Methods: We conducted a non-randomized quasi experimental study among 100 pregnant women with moderate or severe COVID-19 who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Dubai between 18 January and 31 March 2021. We compared women receiving Remdesivir (treatment arm) and women receiving standard therapy (control arm).

Results: More women in the Remdesivir group had normal vaginal delivery (n=17, 39.5%) than controls (n=9, 20.5%). Newborn Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were similar in both groups. The mean standard deviation time to recovery and discharge was lower for patients receiving Remdesivir than controls (8.4\(\pm\)3.3 versus 13.6\(\pm\)9.2 days). Fewer treated patients required intensive care; at 60- day follow-up, all women on Remdesivir were doing well whereas six (12.0%) women on standard therapy had died.

Conclusions: Pregnant women with moderate or severe COVID-19 treated early with Remdesivir showed an overall better clinical course and outcomes than those on standard therapy.
Changes in the Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Exercised Pregnant Women Leading to Delivery
Authors: Madume A. K. , Kua P. L. , Woko C. N.
Published: August 2022

Substantial proportion of women stop exercising after they discover they are pregnant, and only few begin participating in exercise activities during pregnancy. The adoption or continuation of a sedentary lifestyle during pregnancy may contribute to the development of certain disorders. In view of the global epidemic of sedentary behaviour and obesity-related pathology, prenatal physical activity was shown to be useful for the prevention and treatment of these conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the cardiorespiratory fitness of exercising pregnant women in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. This original research article is designed using randomized pre test-post test control group. The differences in the pre-test and post-test values represented the impact of the ten (10) weeks aerobics training on the experimental group. Sixty-four pregnant women who completed the study were simply randomized into experimental (n=38) and control (n=26) groups and their pre-intervention values of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, peak expiratory flow rate and resting heart rate were taken and recorded. A ten week, three times weekly aerobic exercise (40 – 45 minutes) training was administered on the experimental group. A post-intervention score was also taken from all participants and the data analyzed using mean and standard deviations. Analysis of covariance was used to determine the changes at 0.05 alpha level. Results showed the Aerobic Exercise Training impacted – Systolic Blood Pressure of pregnant women (experimental 125.47+78.05 and control 130.23+8.92). The Diastolic Blood Pressure of the pregnant women (post intervention experimental score 65.47+5.0 and control 78.19+10.72. Heart rate of the pregnant women decreased in the experimental group though insignificantly (experimental 89.87+6.51 and control 91.46+6.56). The expiratory peak flow rate increased from 261.58+80.39 to 329.74+66.07 and in the control group 203.85+66.07 to 204.62+22.84. From the foregoing, it was concluded that there were positive changes in the cardiorespiratory fitness of exercising pregnant women leading to delivery.
Ocular Hypotony after Glaucoma Surgery
Authors: Ghobashy Heba Mohammed , Elmaria Ahmed Fekry , Ghoneim Ahmed Mohammed , Eid Tarek El Mohammadi
Published: August 2022

Background: Postoperative hypotony is associated with choroidal effusion, suprachoroidal haemorrhage, aqueous misdirection syndrome (malignant glaucoma), choroidal folds and hypotony maculopathy, anterior chamber (AC) shallowness or loss and subsequent failure of the original filtration of procedure. This work aimed to study the causes, risk factors, adverse effects, and management plans of ocular hypotony after different glaucoma surgeries.

Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on 205 eyes underwent glaucoma surgery with follow up for more than 3 months. Patients were divided into two groups: 30 cases were diagnosed with post-operative hypotony, 175 eyes were without hypotony. Patients were subjected to glaucoma diagnosis, type of glaucoma operation and recorded IOP for 3 months at least.

Results: CPC, Visco-Trab, Phaco Visco-Trab Visco and express valve were significantly different between the two groups (P=0.049, P=0.012, P=0.043 and P<0.001 respectively) and other types of operation were insignificantly different between the two groups. IOP was significantly decreased at first diagnosis of hypotony and at last follow up compared to before operation (P value <0.001). IOP at last follow up was significantly increased compared to first diagnosis of hypotony (P value <0.001). Criteria of hypotony eyes were insignificantly different between patients needed surgical intervention and no surgical intervention.

Conclusions: Postoperative hypotony was most common in pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma cases compared to other glaucoma types. While the most type of glaucoma surgery that was associated with postoperative hypotony was viscocanalostomy combined with express shunt. The adverse effects reported in our study were choroidal effusion and hypotony maculopathy.
Mind the Gap—Increasing Awareness of the Patient Experience
Authors: Hirshbein Laura
Published: August 2022

This Viewpoint discusses the author’s experience as a physician-patient.
Driving forces behind the fluctuating growth of the number of successful nests in an inland population of white‐tailed eagles in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Ohtsubo Masanori , Umatani Yoshiyuki , Okuda Atushi , Saitoh Takashi
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to describe the change in the number of successful nests of the white‐tailed eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla, for 25 years (1997–2021) along the Teshio River (100 km), Japan, which is a new habitat for this endangered species and identify factors driving the number of nests. The number of nests grew from two to nine. The logistic function fitted in well with the growth, and the capacity of the study area sustaining the successful nests was estimated at 6.5. The precipitation in January and April explained the deviation of the observed values from the model prediction. In particular, heavy rain in April was associated with low numbers. Forty‐six nest remains were collected from 17 nest locations. Twelve genera of birds, six genera of mammals, and four genera of fishes were identified. Fish and bird items occupied 93.6% of prey individuals. The fish proportion was similar between high‐performance years when the observed number of successful nests was higher than the model prediction and low‐performance years with a lower number than the prediction (55.2% and 51.0%). However, it was higher in the nests with two fledglings (63.0%) than those with a single fledgling (41.5%). The nearest neighbor distance (NND) of the successful nests declined with the increase in the number of nests. Based on territory size (the mean NND = 7.8 km), the study area can hold 13 nests. The process and mechanism of the dynamics of the number of nests were discussed, focusing on territoriality and weather effects.
Active disturbance rejection adaptive control of multi‐degrees of freedom hydraulic manipulators
Authors: Sun Xin , Yao Jianyong , Deng Wenxiang
Published: August 2022

This article investigates the precise motion control of multi‐degrees of freedom (DoF) hydraulic manipulators, and proposes an active disturbance rejection adaptive control (ADRAC) architecture based on full state feedback with consideration of both unmatched and matched uncertainties, that is, parametric uncertainties and uncertain nonlinearities. The new control strategy integrates adaptive control with extended state observer (ESO) via the backstepping method. Parametric uncertainties are handled by the synthesized adaptive law, and ESO is designed to estimate the remaining uncertainties before being compensated in a feedforward way. In particular, the unmatched and matched uncertainties can be observed in real‐time by constructing an ESO for each channel of the hydraulic manipulator system. The burden on ESO should be greatly reduced since parameter adaptation offsets most parametric uncertainties. Accordingly, high‐gain feedback is avoided in the resulting controller, and improved servo performance can thus be expected. In theory, the suggested ADRAC controller can attain asymptotic tracking performance under the influence of not only parametric uncertainties derived from various hydraulic parameters but also invariant disturbances. Furthermore, when uncertain nonlinearities become time‐variant, prescribed transient tracking performance and final tracking accuracy can also be ensured. Comparative simulations concerning both matched and unmatched uncertainties are obtained to illustrate the high tracking performance nature of the developed control algorithm.
3D Printing Nanostructured Solid Polymer Electrolytes with High Modulus and Conductivity
Authors: Lee Kenny , Shang Yuan , Bobrin Valentin A. , Kuchel Rhiannon , Kundu Dipan , Corrigan Nathaniel , Boyer Cyrille
Published: August 2022

The development of advanced solid‐state energy‐storage devices is contingent upon finding new ways to produce and manufacture scalable, high‐modulus solid‐state electrolytes that can simultaneously provide high ionic conductivity and robust mechanical integrity. In this work, an efficient one‐step process to manufacture solid polymer electrolytes composed of nanoscale ion‐conducting channels embedded in a rigid crosslinked polymer matrix via Digital Light Processing 3D printing is reported. A visible‐light‐mediated polymerization‐induced microphase‐separation approach is utilized, which produces materials with two chemically independent nanoscale domains with highly tunable nanoarchitectures. By producing materials containing a poly(ethylene oxide) domain swelled with an ionic liquid, robust solid polymer electrolytes with outstanding room‐temperature (22 °C) shear modulus (G’ > 108 Pa) and ionic conductivities up to σ = 3 × 10−4 S cm−1 are achieved. The nanostructured 3D‐printed electrolytes are fabricated into a custom geometry and employed in a symmetric carbon supercapacitor, demonstrating the scalability of the fabrication and the functionality of the electrolyte. Critically, these high‐performance materials are manufactured on demand using inexpensive and commercially available 3D printers, which allows the facile modular design of solid polymer electrolytes with custom geometries.
An Automated System for Strain Engineering and Straintronics of 2D Materials
Authors: Çakıroğlu Onur , Island Joshua O. , Xie Yong , Frisenda Riccardo , Castellanos‐Gomez Andres
Published: August 2022

This work presents an automated three‐point bending apparatus that can be used to study strain engineering and straintronics in 2D materials. This work benchmarks the system by reporting reproducible strain tuned micro‐reflectance, Raman, and photoluminescence spectra for monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). These results are in good agreement with reported literature using conventional bending apparatus. This work further utilizes the system to automate strain investigations of straintronic devices by measuring the piezoresistive effect and the strain effect on photoresponse in an MoS2 electrical device. The details of the construction of the straightforward system are given and it is anticipated that it can be easily implemented for study of strain engineering and straintronics in a wide variety of 2D material systems.
A Solid Electrolyte Based on Electrochemical Active Li4Ti5O12 with PVDF for Solid State Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Zhou Qi , Yang Xiaoyan , Xiong Xiaosong , Zhang Qianyu , Peng Bohao , Chen Yuhui , Wang Zhaogen , Fu Lijun , Wu Yuping
Published: August 2022

In parallel with researches unveiling the nature and mechanism in solid state battery, numbers of investigations have been pursuing methods to stabilize their performance as well as to reduce the cost. Simple preparation and earth‐abundant ingredients are preconditions for a solid state electrolyte to be suitable for scalable production. In this work, a commercial anode active material, spinel Li4Ti5O12, is introduced for the first time, which has high ionic conductivity to sustain high rate charge/discharge with considerable high performance/cost ratio, into poly(vinylidene fluoride) to achieve a composite solid electrolyte. The membrane solid electrolyte containing 80 wt% of the Li4Ti5O12 (LTO‐8) shows outstanding ionic conductivity of 2.87 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 35 °C and inhibits electronic conductive network. The self‐sacrificed interface contributes to the stabilized performance of the composite. Li||LiFePO4 cells with LTO‐8 present a discharge specific capacity of 150 mAh g−1 at 0.5C and a considerable average specific capacity of 119 mAh g−1 under 5C in 400 cycles, demonstrating its excellent working performance. This investigation provides promising application of Li4Ti5O12 for solid state electrolytes, which is superior to the reported solid state electrolytes in comprehensive performance, and surely paves another commercial way to solid state batteries.
Ionenadsorption und ‐desorption an der CaF2‐Wasser‐Grenzfläche untersucht mit Flussexperimenten und Schwingungsspektroskopie
Authors: Ober Patrick , Hunger Johannes , Kolbinger Sophia H. , Backus Ellen H. G. , Bonn Mischa
Published: August 2022

Die Auflösung von Mineralien in Kontakt mit Wasser spielt eine entscheidende Rolle in der Geochemie. Einblicke in die Grenzflächenchemie auf molekularer Ebene zu erhalten, gestaltet sich jedoch schwierig. Beim Auflösen werden typischerweise Ionen an der Oberfläche freigesetzt, die eine geladene Mineraloberfläche entstehen lassen. Diese Ladung beeinflusst die Ausrichtung der Wassermoleküle an der Grenzfläche, was mittels oberflächenspezifischer Schwingungsspektroskopie auf Basis der Summenfrequenzerzeugung (v‐SFG‐Spektroskopie) untersucht werden kann. Die aktuellsten spektroskopischen Untersuchungen lassen darauf schließen, dass bei der Fluorit‐Wasser‐Grenzfläche die Adsorption und Desorption von Fluoridionen die Oberflächenladung bestimmt. Dies steht im Gegensatz zu älteren Zeta‐Potential‐Messungen, welche diese Rolle den Calciumionen zuschrieben. Durch Kombination von v‐SFG‐Spektroskopie und Flussexperimenten mit systematisch unterdrückter Ionenfreisetzung wird das Zusammenspiel von dominanter Fluorid und schwacher Calciumionen Adsorption/Desorption entdeckt und löst somit die Kontroverse in der Literatur. Hierbei konnten wir abschätzen, dass der Beitrag von Calcium um Größenordnungen geringer ist, was die Empfindlichkeit unseres Ansatzes unterstreicht.
Struktur‐Wirkungsbeziehung von an zyklische Zell‐penetrierende Peptide gebundenen DABCYL‐Derivaten für den Transport von synthetischen Proteinen in lebende Zellen
Authors: Saha Abhishek , Mandal Shaswati , Arafiles Jan Vincent V. , Gómez‐González Jacobo , Hackenberger Christian P. R. , Brik Ashraf
Published: August 2022

Die Modifizierung zyklischer zelldurchdringender Deca‐Arginin (cR10)‐Peptide mit 4‐(4‐Dimethylaminophenylazo)‐benzoesäure (DABCYL) verbessert die Aufnahmeeffizienz synthetischer Ubiquitine (Ub) in lebende Zellen. Um die Rolle der DABCYL‐Komponente zu untersuchen, haben wir Zeitraffermikroskopie und Fluoreszenz‐Lifetime‐Imaging‐Mikroskopie (FLIM) von fluoreszierendem DABCYL‐R10 durchgeführt, um die Auswirkungen auf den Zelleintritt durch die Bildung von Nukleationszonen (nucleation zones) zu bewerten. Darüber hinaus haben wir eine Struktur‐Wirkungsstudie mit dreizehn an CPP gekoppelten DABCYL‐Derivaten durchgeführt, um ihre Auswirkungen auf die Effizienz der Zellaufnahme zu untersuchen, wenn sie über Disulfidbindungen an Mono‐Ub konjugiert sind. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass wir allein durch Strukturvariationen der DABCYL‐Komponente bei nanomolarer Konzentration eine Verdreifachung der zytosolischen Aaufnahme von Ub erreichen konnten, was Studien zu verschiedenen intrazellulären Prozessen im Zusammenhang mit der Ub‐Signalgebung ermöglicht.
An Anticancer Rhenium Tricarbonyl Targets Fe−S Cluster Biogenesis in Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Neuditschko Benjamin , King A. Paden , Huang Zhouyang , Janker Lukas , Bileck Andrea , Borutzki Yasmin , Marker Sierra C. , Gerner Christopher , Wilson Justin J. , Meier‐Menches Samuel M.
Published: August 2022

Target identification remains a critical challenge in inorganic drug discovery to deconvolute potential polypharmacology. Herein, we describe an improved approach to prioritize candidate protein targets based on a combination of dose‐dependent chemoproteomics and treatment effects in living cancer cells for the rhenium tricarbonyl compound TRIP. Chemoproteomics revealed 89 distinct dose‐dependent targets with concentrations of competitive saturation between 0.1 and 32 μM despite the broad proteotoxic effects of TRIP. Target‐response networks revealed two highly probable targets of which the Fe−S cluster biogenesis factor NUBP2 was competitively saturated by free TRIP at nanomolar concentrations. Importantly, TRIP treatment led to a down‐regulation of Fe−S cluster containing proteins and upregulated ferritin. Fe−S cluster depletion was further verified by assessing mitochondrial bioenergetics. Consequently, TRIP emerges as a first‐in‐class modulator of the scaffold protein NUBP2, which disturbs Fe−S cluster biogenesis at sub‐cytotoxic concentrations in ovarian cancer cells.
Extracellular Matrix Targeted MRI Probes
Authors: Digilio Giuseppe , Lacerda Sara , Lavin Plaza Begoña , Phinikaridou Alkystis
Published: August 2022

Dysregulated remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) can lead to excessive accumulation of ECM proteins (primarily collagen, elastin/ tropoelastin, fibronectin and fibrin) resulting in tissue fibrosis. In many pathologies, changes in the molecular pattern of ECM components have been related to the progression and severity of fibrosis. Thus, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probes sensing specific ECM components hold promise for accurate staging of fibrotic diseases. This paper focuses on gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCA) targeted to ECM components, including structural proteins and enzymes. According to available examples, they can be grouped into: 1) GBCA conjugated to targeting vectors that recognize and non‐covalently bind to specific sites on the molecular target; 2) GBCA carrying a reactive chemical function able to bind covalently to the complementary chemical function of the molecular target; and 3) enzyme‐responsive probes, whose relaxivity and pharmacokinetics change after enzymatic processing. Pros and cons of each approach are discussed.
Perioperative Management Strategies for the COVID‐19 Pandemic at a Facility in China
Authors: Bian Dongmei , Jia Weina , Wang Yana , Ma Na , Wang Yu , Wang Qian
Published: August 2022

The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 posed a public health crisis beginning in January 2020, affecting hospitals and health care personnel worldwide and disrupting perioperative services. Organization leaders at Xijing Hospital, Xi’an, China, developed a mitigation system for the OR that involved creating a pandemic response team to identify and implement appropriate infection control practices to prevent virus transmission. The leaders addressed managing the daily surgery schedule through patient screening and a focus on the urgency and volume of procedures. They required increased use of personal protective equipment and more stringent cleaning and disinfection protocols and ensured that the physical and mental health of staff members were monitored and prioritized. This article describes how leaders implemented these enhanced processes to protect personnel from infection as they continued to provide patient care. It also describes how high‐risk procedures involving patients with confirmed or suspected infections were managed and discusses lessons learned.
Surface modification of cellulose nanofibers by oxidative polymerization of tannic acid/ethanediamine and their polyvinylalcohol composites
Authors: Liu Jin , Huang Hong , Zhou Danling
Published: August 2022

This paper reported a facile and green method for surface functionalization of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) by oxidative polymerization of tannic acid (TA) and ethanediamine. The modified CNF (T‐CNF) was then used as filler for constructing polyvinylalcohol (PVA) composites. Experimental results suggested that the surface polar groups on CNF were increased after modification. The abundant surface polar groups allowed the homogeneous dispersion of T‐CNF in PVA matrix, and the formation of hydrogen bonds between fillers and matrix. This interfacial interaction and the high aspect ratio of T‐CNF have restricted the thermal mobility of polymer chains and increased the glass transition temperature and melting temperature of PVA. Tensile test suggested the good mechanical properties of composites, and the reinforcement effect of T‐CNF on PVA was better than that of un‐modified CNF. The good free radical scavenging ability of polymerized TA also improved the thermal stability of composites and endowed the composites with good antioxidant property. The T‐CNF/PVA composites with improved properties hold great promising applications in fields such as packaging, adhesive and coating. This work is expected to provide alternative and green approach for the surface modification of CNF and the preparation of multifunctional CNF composites with good properties.
Preparation of bis‐epoxy end capped macromonomers through anionic orRAFTpolymerization
Authors: Gao Binglun , Sun Lianwei , Chen Xin , Zhai Xiaobo , Zheng Junchi , Ye Xin , Lu Jianmin , Feng Anchao , Zhang Liqun
Published: August 2022

The focus of this paper is to report the quantitative synthesis of bis‐epoxy end functionalized polyisoprene (BETPI) macromonomers by anionic polymerization and reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. For anionic polymerization, more stable and sterically hindered living anions polyisoprene (Li+‐PIp‐Li+) react with epichlorohydrin (ECH) for the synthesis of well‐defined BETPI. For the high‐pressure RAFT polymerization, a novel bis‐epoxy end functionalized trithiocarbonate (BODAAT) is designed as RAFT agent for the polymerization of isoprene monomer to obtain well‐defined BETPI. The functionalities of the resulting BETPI are analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), NMR, and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Through two polymerization methods, the BETPI with 600–1000 Da of molecular weight and over 75% of epoxy end capping rate is obtained, which can be further utilized as highly reactive liquid macromonomers.
Insights into concomitant enhancements of dielectric properties and thermal conductivity of PVDF composites filled with core@double‐shell structured Zn@ZnO@PS particles
Authors: Yao Tian , Zhou Wenying , Peng Weiwei , Zhou Juanjuan , Li Ting , Wu Hongju , Zheng Jian , Lin Na , Liu Dengfeng , Hou Chunyou
Published: August 2022

In order to synchronously improve dielectric permittivity (ε′), breakdown strength (Eb), and thermal conductivity (TC) while inhibiting dissipation factor (tan δ) of raw Zn (Zinc)/PVDF (poly[vinylidene fluoride]) composites, two kinds of core‐shell structured particles of Zn@ZnO (zinc oxide) and Zn@ZnO@PS (polystyrene) were synthesized by high‐temperature oxidation followed by suspension polymerization, then they were composited with PVDF to elaborately generate morphology‐controllable high‐ε′ but low loss, and high TC composites. The results confirm that both the Zn@ZnO/PVDF and Zn@ZnO@PS/PVDF composites show markedly improved ε′, suppressed tan δ and conductivity over the original Zn/PVDF because of the induced multiple polarizations in the Zn@ZnO and Zn@ZnO@PS configurations and the barrier effect of constructed shells on direct contact of Zn particles. The second organic PS shell inhibits the loss and conductivity due to its high‐electrical resistivity, and further boosts the Eb and TC of the composites owing to enhanced interfacial compatibility between the Zn@ZnO and PVDF, which lessens the local electric field distortion and concentration, and therefore, promotes phonon transport across the interfaces through suppressing the thermal interfacial resistance. The prepared Zn@ZnO@PS/PVDF with a high Eb and ε′ but low tan δ, as well as enhanced TC, exhibit appealing potential applications in microelectronic devices and power equipment.
Langzeitmessungen an einer vorgespannten integralen Rahmenbrücke mit bewehrten Betongelenken – Vergleich Messergebnisse mit numerischen Simulationen – eine Gegenüberstellung nach 8 Jahren Messdauer
Authors: Vill Markus , Vospernig Michael , Reiterer Michael , Hüngsberg Alfred , Kari Hannes
Published: August 2022

Im Rahmen des durch die ÖBB‐Infrastruktur AG initiierten Forschungsprojekts im Zuge der Errichtung einer Straßenbrücke beim Neubau des Semmering‐Basistunnels in Österreich wurden umfangreiche Langzeitmessungen des tatsächlichen Bauwerksverhaltens ab Herstellung einer Brücke im Jahr 2014 durchgeführt. Bei der vorliegenden Brücke handelt es sich um eine integrale vorgespannte Rahmenbrücke mit Betongelenken. Bei der Errichtung der Brücke wurden zur Langzeitmessung der Verformungen, Verdrehungen, Temperaturänderungen und Erddruckspannungen unterschiedliche Messsensoren sowohl innerhalb der Betonquerschnitte vor Betonage als auch an der Oberfläche der Betontragstruktur installiert. Die Messungen laufen nun seit der Errichtung der Brücke im Jahr 2014 bzw. der Absenkung des Lehrgerüsts über einen Zeitraum von acht Jahren permanent und stellen damit eine umfassende Grundlage zur Gegenüberstellung von Messung, numerischer Simulation und ingenieurpraktischen Ansätzen auf der Einwirkungs‐ und Widerstandseite dar. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird die Konstruktion der Brücke einschließlich Herstellungsmethode und Installation der Messtechnik beschrieben. Über den Zeitraum von acht Jahren werden die Messergebnisse in ihrer Gesamtheit sowie auch in einzelnen ausgewählten Detailmessperioden dargestellt und den rechnerisch ermittelten Werten gegenübergestellt. Weiterhin erfolgt auch eine Gegenüberstellung der Ergebnisse der numerischen Simulationen der Betongelenke mit den in situ gemessenen Verformungen und analytisch errechneten Beanspruchungen. Die Ergebnisse über den Messzeitraum zeigen ein sehr träges Temperaturverhalten und sehr geringe Verdrehungen an den Betongelenken. Des Weiteren sind anhand der Messergebnisse zeitabhängige Verformungen des Betons deutlich erkennbar.
Systematic review of interruption and redirection procedures for autistic individuals
Authors: Ledford Jennifer R. , Trump Cary , Chazin Kate T. , Windsor Sienna A. , Eyler Paige Bennett , Wunderlich Kara
Published: August 2022

Interruption and redirection (IR) procedures involve systematically disrupting an undesirable behavior and prompting an individual to engage in an alternative behavior. These procedures have been frequently assessed for reducing repetitive behaviors for autistic individuals. The primary purpose of this review was to assess IR interventions to determine whether outcomes vary according to intervention characteristics, dependent variable types, design quality, or publication status. A secondary purpose was to assess the extent to which generalization and maintenance outcomes were measured and whether characteristics of these conditions were related to outcomes. IR interventions were moderately successful for reducing repetitive behaviors but less effective for improving corollary variables such as appropriate vocalizations and functional engagement. Generalization and maintenance outcomes, when measured, were poor. Results indicate the need for alternative or augmentative procedures that focus on engagement in meaningful interactions and activities.
Hybrid cell constructs consisting of bioprinted cell‐spheroids
Authors: Kim WonJin , Kim GeunHyung
Published: August 2022

Bioprinted cell constructs have been investigated for regeneration of various tissues. However, poor cell–cell interactions have limited their utility. Although cell‐spheroids offer an alternative for efficient cell–cell interactions, they complicate bioprinting. Here, we introduce a new cell‐printing process, fabricating cell‐spheroids and cell‐loaded constructs together without preparation of cell‐spheroids in advance. Cells in mineral oil droplets self‐assembled to form cell‐spheroids due to the oil‐aqueous interaction, exhibiting similar biological functions to the conventionally prepared cell‐spheroids. By controlling printing parameters, spheroid diameter and location could be manipulated. To demonstrate the feasibility of this process, we fabricated hybrid cell constructs, consisting of endothelial cell‐spheroids and stem cells loaded decellularized extracellular matrix/β‐tricalcium phosphate struts for regenerating vascularized bone. The hybrid cell constructs exhibited strong angiogenic/osteogenic activities as a result of increased secretion of signaling molecules and synergistic crosstalk between the cells.
Cytotoxic Effect of the Essential oils from Erigeron Canadensis L. on Human Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells in Vitro
Authors: Si Chaojin , Ou Yangsong , Ma Danwei , Hei Lei , Wang Xiaoyan , Du Runyuan , Yang Hongjun , Liao Ying , Zhao Jiayuan
Published: August 2022

Erigeron Canadensis L. (E. canadensis) is a widely distributed invasive weed species in China. Potentially anti‐cancer qualities may exist in its essential oils (EOs). The purpose of this study was to analyze the components of the EOs of E. canadensis and their effects on the normal liver cell lines L02 and the human cervical cancer cell lines HeLa. The EOs from the upper region of E. canadensis were prepared, its components were identified by GC/MS. Cell viability, cell morphology observation, AO/EB dual fluorescence staining assay, flow cytometry, mitochondrial membrane potential, western blot, caspase inhibitor test, and oxidative stress tests were used to investigate the impact of the EOs on HeLa cells. Network pharmacological analysis was employed to study the potential mechanism of the EOs in the treatment of cervical cancer. According to the findings, the EOs had 21 chemical components, of which limonene made up 65.68 %. After being exposed to the EOs, the cell viability of HeLa and L02 dramatically declined. The inhibition of EOs was more effective than that of limonene when used in an amount equivalent to that in the EOs. L02 cells were less susceptible to the cytotoxicity of EOs than HeLa cells were. Furthermore, EOs altered the cell cycle in HeLa cells and caused oxidative stress and apoptosis. Compared with the control group, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased in HeLa cells at first and then decreased, total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in HeLa cells significantly decreased. G1 phase cells decreased whereas G2/M phase cells increased. The rate of apoptosis rose. Reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and Caspase‐3, −9, and −12 protein expression were both observed. Nerolidol, dextroparaffinone, and α‐pinene were shown to be the primary components for the suppression of HeLa cells, according to the results of the prediction of pharmacologic targets. In conclusion, findings of this study indicated the EOs may have the potential to curb the growth of cervical cancer cells. Further research is needed to explore the in vivo effect of EOs.
Risk and tropism of central nervous system (CNS) metastases in patients with stage II and III cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Johannet Paul , Simons Morgan , Qian Yingzhi , Azmy Nadine , Mehnert Janice M. , Weber Jeffrey S. , Zhong Judy , Osman Iman
Published: August 2022

Background

Recent data suggest that patients with stage III melanoma are at high risk for developing central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Because a subset of patients with stage II melanoma experiences worse survival outcomes than some patients with stage III disease, the authors investigated the risk of CNS metastasis in stage II melanoma to inform surveillance guidelines for this population.

Methods

The authors examined clinicopathologic data prospectively collected from 1054 patients who had cutaneous melanoma. The χ2 test, the cumulative incidence, and Cox multivariable regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between baseline characteristics and the development of CNS metastases.

Results

Patients with stage III melanoma had a higher rate of developing brain metastases than those with stage II melanoma (100 of 468 patients [21.4%] vs. 82 of 586 patients [14.0%], respectively; p = .002). However, patients who had stage IIC melanoma had a significantly higher rate of isolated first recurrences in the CNS compared with those who had stage III disease (12.1% vs. 3.6%; p = .002). The risk of ever developing brain metastases was similarly elevated for patients who had stage IIC disease (hazard ratio [HR], 3.16; 95% CI, 1.77–5.66), stage IIIB disease (HR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.63–4.91), and stage IIIC disease (HR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.81–4.74), and the risk was highest in patients who had stage IIID disease (HR, 8.59; 95% CI: 4.11–17.97).

Conclusions

Patients with stage IIC melanoma are at elevated risk for first recurrence in the CNS. Surveillance strategies that incorporate serial neuroimaging should be considered for these individuals until more accurate predictive markers can be identified.
Coaxial Hard Carbon‐coated Carbon Nanotubes as Anodes for Sodium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Feng Shan , Chen Jialu , Niu Xingyu , Feng Xiaomiao , Zhao Jin
Published: August 2022

Although being advantageous, the sodium‐ion storage capability of hard carbon would be better if its electrical conductivity could be improved. Herein, 3D hard carbon‐coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs@C) with interconnected conductive networks are fabricated by inducing hard carbon uniformly growth on CNTs. Compared with the isolated hard carbon spheres, the interconnected wire shape of CNTs@C reduces the ion transfer distance and increases the conductivity of hard carbon. By optimizing the thickness of the hard carbon layer and annealing temperature, the optimized CNTs@C displays a reversible specific capacity of 275.9 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 as anode material for SIBs. Furthermore, the material shows remarkable rate capability (102.8 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1) and long‐life cycling performance (∼100% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 5 A g−1). The results of this study provide an effective route for designing novel carbon‐based composite materials as anodes for SIBs.
How low can you go? Introducing SeXY: sex identification from low‐quantity sequencing data despite lacking assembled sex chromosomes
Authors: Cabrera Andrea A. , Rey‐Iglesia Alba , Louis Marie , Skovrind Mikkel , Westbury Michael V. , Lorenzen Eline D.
Published: August 2022

Accurate sex identification is crucial for elucidating the biology of a species. In the absence of directly observable sexual characteristics, sex identification of wild fauna can be challenging, if not impossible. Molecular sexing offers a powerful alternative to morphological sexing approaches. Here, we present SeXY, a novel sex‐identification pipeline, for very low‐coverage shotgun sequencing data from a single individual. SeXY was designed to utilize low‐effort screening data for sex identification and does not require a conspecific sex‐chromosome assembly as reference. We assess the accuracy of our pipeline to data quantity by downsampling sequencing data from 100,000 to 1000 mapped reads and to reference genome selection by mapping to a variety of reference genomes of various qualities and phylogenetic distance. We show that our method is 100% accurate when mapping to a high‐quality (highly contiguous N50 > 30 Mb) conspecific genome, even down to 1000 mapped reads. For lower‐quality reference assemblies (N50 < 30 Mb), our method is 100% accurate with 50,000 mapped reads, regardless of reference assembly quality or phylogenetic distance. The SeXY pipeline provides several advantages over previously implemented methods; SeXY (i) requires sequencing data from only a single individual, (ii) does not require assembled conspecific sex chromosomes, or even a conspecific reference assembly, (iii) takes into account variation in coverage across the genome, and (iv) is accurate with only 1000 mapped reads in many cases.
Electrochemical Lossy Mode Resonance‐based Fiber Optic Sensing for Electroactive Species
Authors: Okazaki Takuya , Yoshioka Masaki , Orii Tatsuya , Taguchi Akira , Kuramitz Hideki , Watanabe Tomoaki
Published: August 2022

We present an electrochemical‐lossy mode resonance (LMR) sensing method that detects refractive indices and electroactive species. The LMR peaks of indium‐tin‐oxide in the transmittance‐wavelength spectra were significantly shifted as the applied potential between 1.0 and −0.5 V at 209 nm/V. The modulation was exploited for sensing the refractive index and electroactive species (ferrocyanide and methylene blue) in two ways: peak‐wavelength tracking and potential scanning. The potential‐scanning technique produced clear potential LMR peaks in the transmittance‐potential spectra for the first time, which were corresponded to the external refractive index. Meanwhile, the limits of detection of ferrocyanide and methylene blue were 7.5 and 25.3 μM, respectively, in peak‐wavelength tracking and 18.2 and 20.8 μM, respectively, in the potential scanning technique.
Exploration of the phytohormone regulation of energy storage compound accumulation in microalgae
Authors: Shah Saud , Li Xiuling , Jiang Zhaoyu , Fahad Shah , Hassan Shah
Published: August 2022

Microalgal energy storage compounds (carbohydrates, lipids, etc.) can serve as renewable feedstocks for biofuels and biobased chemicals. Traditional methods of inducing the accumulation of energy storage compounds in microalgae, such as abiotic stress (high light intensity, high salinity, nutrient limitation, heavy metals, etc.), can affect the growth of microalgae and limit their efficient accumulation of energy storage materials. Plant hormones are a class of small molecular substances that act as chemical messengers to coordinate plant cell activities and regulate the physiological and metabolic activities of microalgae, including promoting microalgal cell proliferation, improving stress resistance, and enhancing photosynthetic activity, thereby increasing algal biomass and lipid, chlorophyll and protein content. This paper reviews the recent research progress on regulation of the accumulation of energy storage compounds in microalgae by adding exogenous plant hormones combined with abiotic stress, discusses the mechanism of plant hormones regarding the accumulation of energy storage compounds in microalgae, and proposes future research needs.