bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development in the research of language and gender in Anglophone and Serbian literature
Authors: Babić-Antić Jelena , Nikolić Melina
Published: April 2023

Based on the relevant foreign and domestic research and references, this article aims to offer an insight into the most prominent former and current studies in the field of language and gender studies. In this paper we attempt to present the research that shaped the field known as language and gender studies. When it comes to unequal treatment of women in society and language alike, there have been some positive changes since the seventies, especially in the Western countries. The reality is somewhat different in the Serbian society, due to the influence of persistent patriarchal norms. Moving forward in the field and searching for new and fresh research topics seems to have brought the things right back at the start. The question of male power over women and the role that gendered language plays in that process is no longer the central issue of sociolinguistic studies. Hence, some of the most prominent authors from the field are urging to turn the focus back on the issue of gender biased inequality. Having in mind everything mentioned above, it seems that there is still significant work to be done in the fields such as critical sociolinguistics, critical discourse analysis and all those fields concerned with gender issues.
Development dynamic compliance cost model for implementation of ballast water management convention: shipowner perspective
Authors: Hardiyanto H , Pitana Trika , Handani Dhimas
Published: April 2023

The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) regulates ship ballast water management to avoid the spread of aquatic invasive species. The convention requires all ships, including existing ones, to have a Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) onboard before September 8, 2024. There are some concerns about the compliance costs of BWMC, especially the additional cost of retrofitting cases. The ship retrofitting cost will depend on various factors, and it can be difficult for a shipowner to determine accurately. The procedure is intricate, and there are many factors to consider, such as the ship's size, BWTS system complexity, and the price of materials and modification level. In this paper, A proposed approach involves expert judgment to capture the effect of multi-stakeholder and estimate the compliance cost. As an essential part of the research methodology, the system dynamics method and life cycle cost are combined to develop a compliance cost model during the ship's lifetime. The simulation model shows that the confidence level of retrofitting costs for each BWTS is more than 94%. Therefore, the model can be used to estimate additional costs. As a result, BWTS type A is the most economical system for small tankers, with an estimated cost of USD 802,860 for the remaining 12 years of the ship's lifetime. Shipowners can use this model as a supporting decision tool to determine which BWTS would be suitable and assist in determining the budget necessary to comply with the BWMC.
Lymphangioma CircumscriptaA Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Rastogi Priyanka , Kumar Sachin , Majumder Dipen , Bhardwaj Rudra , Nigam Deveshi
Published: April 2023

Lymphangiomas are developmental malformations that present as benign hamartomas of lymphatic channels. They present at birth or before two years of age, with 50-70% predilection for the head and neck region and less frequently reported in the oral cavity. However, affected sites in the oral cavity include the tongue, palate, gingiva, buccal mucosa, lips and alveolar ridge. Lymphangioma of the buccal mucosa is rare, only 27 cases of lymphangioma of buccal mucosa have been reported till date, out of which seven were in children. The prognosis is good for most patients, but recurrence has also been reported in some cases. This present case is of Lymphangioma Circumscriptum in a 13-year-old child involving right buccal mucosa and lip since birth. This lesion was surgically removed under general anaesthesia and there was a recurrence of the lesion after one year of follow-up. In the literature there was no reported case of Lymphangioma Circumscriptum involving the lip of a child, so this present case was the firstreported case of Lymphangioma Circumscripta involving the lip in a child with recurrence.
Occurrence of Extensive Scrofuloderma in an Immunocompromised Child: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Rahangdale Vishwas , Bombaywala Ibrahim , Gaikwad Nupur , Khotle Anjali , Singh Adarshlata
Published: April 2023

Scrofuloderma also called Tuberculosis colliquativa cutis is one of the variants of cutaneous tuberculosis. It can be a skin manifestation of concealed tuberculosis infection. It is most common in countries under development, such as India. It is possible that the individual suffering from Scrofuloderma may not have underlying tuberculosis however, the patient may have come in contact with a tuberculosis patient in the past and due to his/her immunocompromised state the disease manifests. Here, we describe the case of a four-year-old boy presented to the Outpatient Department (OPD) with all the classical sign and symptoms of tuberculosis as low-grade fever, multiple ulcerated nodules at the site of lymph nodes over the neck, axillae, anterior chest wall and inguinal region with history of rupture and extensive crusting. On the basis of presentation and examination the differential diagnosis was made in which Scrofuloderma was first listed. To confirm the diagnosis all the relevant investigations were advised in which Mantoux test, Erthrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) came positive and chest X-ray revealed old resolved tuberculosis. After correlating, clinical findings and laboratory investigations a confirmed diagnosis of scrofuloderma was made and the patient was treated with standard Anti-Tubecular Treatment (ATT). After the completion of standard prescribed period of treatment and specific puckered healing of the ulcerated lesions again confirmed the diagnosis. The aim of reporting is presentation of lesions as superficial bacterial infection and healed old tuberculosis.
Assessment of Median and Mean Survival Time in Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Das Ananya , Lin Timothy A. , Lin Christine , Meirson Tomer , McCaw Zachary R. , Tian Lu , Ludmir Ethan B.
Published: April 2023

This cohort study assesses the relative stability of median and mean survival time estimates reported in cancer clinical trials.
Rigid Shell Decorated Nanodevice with Fe/H2O2 Supply and Glutathione Depletion Capabilities for Potentiated Ferroptosis and Synergized Immunotherapy
Authors: Dai Xu , Zhu Yueqiang , Su Miao , Chen Junbin , Shen Song , Xu Cong‐Fei , Yang Xianzhu
Published: April 2023

The overexpressed glutathione peroxidase4 (GPX4) and insufficient H2O2 in tumor cells weaken ferroptosis therapy and the elicited anticancer immune response. Herein, a rigid metal‐polyphenol shell decorated nanodevice ssPPELap@Fe‐TA is constructed to successfully overcome the drawbacks of ferroptosis therapy. The ssPPELap@Fe‐TA consists of a rigid Fe‐TA network‐based shell and disulfide‐containing polyphosphoester (ssPPE) core with β‐lapachone loading. The rigid Fe‐TA network‐based shell of ssPPELap@Fe‐TA enables its efficient internalization by tumor cell and then disintegrates in the acidic endosome/lysosome to initiate Fe3+/Fe2+ conversion‐driven ferroptosis. The ssPPE core will deplete glutathione (GSH) via the disulfide‐thiol exchange reaction to inactivate GPX4, and also trigger the release of β‐lapachone to significantly increase intracellular H2O2 and then promote Fe3+‐mediated Fenton reaction, eventually achieving strong inhibition of tumor progression. Moreover, ssPPELap@Fe‐TA elicites a robust systemic antitumor immune response by promoting dendritic cells (DCs) maturation and T cell infiltration, and synergizes with anti‐PD‐L1 antibody (a‐PD‐L1) to strikingly suppress 4T1 tumor growth and lung metastasis.
A High‐Rate Li–CO2 Battery Enabled by 2D Medium‐Entropy Catalyst
Authors: Jaradat Ahmad , Zhang Chengji , Shashikant Sutar Sanket , Shan Nannan , Wang Shuxi , Singh Sachin Kumar , Yang Taimin , Kumar Khagesh , Sharma Kartikey , Namvar Shahriar , Alireza Ahmadiparidari , Rojas Tomas , Berry Vikas , Cabana‐Jimenez Jordi , Huang Zhehao , Subramanian Arunkumar , Ngo Anh T. , Curtiss Larry A. , Salehi‐khojin Amin
Published: April 2023

Lithium‐air batteries based on CO2 reactant (Li–CO2) have recently been of interest because it has been found that reversible Li/CO2 electrochemistry is feasible. In this study, a new medium‐entropy cathode catalyst, (NbTa)0.5BiS3, that enables the reversible electrochemistry to operate at high rates is presented. This medium entropy cathode catalyst is combined with an ionic liquid‐based electrolyte blend to give a Li–CO2 battery that operates at high current density of 5000 mA g−1 and capacity of 5000 mAh g−1 for up to 125 cycles, far exceeding reported values in the literature for this type of battery. The higher rate performance is believed to be due to the greater stability of the multi‐element (NbTa)0.5BiS3 catalyst because of its higher entropy compared to previously used catalysts with a smaller number of elements with lower entropies. Evidence for this comes from computational studies giving very low surface energies (high surface stability) for (NbTa)0.5BiS3 and transmission electron microscopystudies showing the structure being retained after cycling. In addition, the calculations indicate that Nb‐terminated surface promotes Li–CO2 electrochemistry resulting in Li2CO3 and carbon formation, consistent with the products found in the cell. These results open new direction to design and develop high‐performance Li–CO2 batteries.
Design Parameters and Human Biocompatibility Assessment Protocols for Organic Semiconducting Neural Interfaces: Toward a Printed Artificial Retina with Color Vision
Authors: Sherwood Connor P. , Crovador Rafael , Posar Jessie A. , Brichta Nathan , Simunovic Matthew P. , Louie Fiona , Dastoor Paul C. , Brichta Alan M. , Cairney Julie M. , Holmes Natalie P. , Lim Rebecca , Griffith Matthew J.
Published: April 2023

Organic semiconductors have emerged as promising neural interfacing materials due to their innate biocompatibility, soft mechanical properties, and mixed electron/ion conduction. One exciting application is their use as artificial photosensors for retinal prostheses via optically induced neuromodulation. In this study, the optoelectronic and neural interfacing properties of six organic semiconductor polymers and small molecules, split into donor/acceptor pairs that form promising candidates for a trichromatic artificial retina that closely mimics the native response of the human eye are presented. The biocompatibility of these materials using primary human retinal cell cultures by systematic measurement of both cell viability and morphological analysis of retinal ganglion cell neurite elongation over time is investigated. Comparable cell viability between human retinal cell cultures established on all the organic semiconductors and a glass control, which is a standard measurement for biocompatibility in materials science is observed. In contrast, differences in the morphological biocompatibility between the organic semiconductor materials and glass control are detected by analyzing neurite elongation with specific immunomarkers. The difference in the two results has implications for the future assessment of material biocompatibility for bioelectronics, and optimal methodology for assessing morphological biocompatibility in neural interface devices is discussed.
Spreading Behavior of Oil on Hierarchical Microstructured PET Surfaces Fabricated Using Hot‐Embossing Combined with Laser‐Based Methods
Authors: Bouchard Felix , Soldera Marcos , Lasagni Andrés Fabián
Published: April 2023

In this study, the wetting behavior of microstructured polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foils for polar and nonpolar liquids produced by plate‐to‐plate hot embossing is investigated. For the embossing step, stainless steel plates are used as stamps, which are microstructured with single‐scaled and hierarchical textures using direct laser writing and two‐beam direct laser interference patterning. The imprinted microstructures, containing pillar‐ and line‐like textures, show increased water contact angles combined with a superoleophilic behavior. Time‐resolved measurements reveal that oil droplets spread rapidly on the hierarchical textures with velocities of up to 1.4 mm2 s−1. This functionalization of PET foils creates new opportunities for a wide range of industrial applications, such as the use of oil‐based instead of solvent‐based paints, an improved distribution of lubricants in mechanical components or for oil–water separation in maritime surroundings.
Wireless and Multi‐Person Respiration Monitoring using Facemask‐Integrated Flexible Meta‐Antennas
Authors: Zheng Zongliang , Xu Jiabin , Li Zhipeng , Wu Xu , Wang Chengliang , Yin Ping , Zou Yuanhong , Zhang Yuhang , Zhou Zhenkai , Gan Gongwen , Jia Shuyue , Zhang Jingkai , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Zhang Qing
Published: April 2023

Respiration monitoring of a large population is important in containing the spread of viral respiratory infections such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Current technologies, however, lack the ability in respiration monitoring of multiple human subjects in a long‐term, robust, and low‐cost manner. Herein, wireless respiration monitoring of multiple human subjects using facemask‐integrated flexible meta‐antennas is demonstrated. The flexible meta‐antenna has an architecture of multi‐layered anisotropic hole‐array, which is optimized by theory and simulations to achieve high performances including good antenna gain, robustness against body interferences, and high air permeability favorable for facemask integration. A person's respiration patterns and respiration rates are wirelessly obtained by the meta‐antenna integrated with a temperature‐sensor‐embedded chip. Respiration monitoring of multiple subjects in long range and long term during daily activities is simultaneously demonstrated. In addition, a real‐time data processing system is introduced in which a local server, a cloud server, and an application layer are implemented for the real‐time display of respiration patterns and automatic recognition of abnormal status. The design of flexible meta‐antennas may lead to a distinct class of physiological sensors over a large population for applications in pandemic control and personalized healthcare.
Glucose‐Responsive Microneedle Patch With Variable Crosslinking Density and Flexible Core–Shell Structure for Insulin Delivery
Authors: Chen Xiang , Yu Haojie , Wang Li , Shen Di , Wang Yu , Hong Yichuan
Published: April 2023

Developing glucose‐responsive microneedle patches with features of simple preparation, high insulin loading, and safety has a great contribution to the treatment of diabetic patients. In this work, a novel glucose‐responsive core–shell microneedle patch is prepared from biocompatible materials by a facile process. The exterior glucose‐responsive shell is composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and ɛ‐polylysine modified with phenylboronic acid , and the inner flexible core is prepared by pure PVA loaded with insulin. The shell shows superior glucose‐induced swelling and controlled insulin release ability due to the decomposition of borate ester bonds under the synergistic effect of glucose and water. The microneedle patch also features flexibility and high insulin loading capacity (36 IU cm−2). It shows high puncture efficiency (92%) and maintains a relatively complete morphology after being removed, enabling to reduce material residues in the skin. Moreover, the microneedle patch reveals a good hypoglycemic effect in diabetic rats, achieves a hypoglycemic rate similar to that of direct injection after swelling, and works effectively to prevent excess insulin transmission. The high glucose‐responsive ability, simple preparation, high loading capacity, rapid hypoglycemic speed, high conformability to skin, and low component dissolution make this microneedle patch a suitable candidate for diabetic treatment.
Swelling under Constraints: Exploiting 3D‐Printing to Optimize the Performance of Gel‐Based Devices
Authors: Levin Michal , Cohen Noy
Published: April 2023

Stimuli‐responsive hydrogels that swell under constraints such as spatial geometric confinement are employed in many applications, including biomedical devices and actuators, to perform mechanical work. Due to the heterogeneous deformations that arise from these constraints, the computation of the swelling‐induced stress poses numerical difficulties. This work proposes a simple experimental method based on 3D‐printing technologies to characterize this stress. The swelling is investigated under two types of geometric confinements—transversely constraining and elastically constraining boxes. In the former, the box enforces uniaxial swelling of the gel. The results show that the longitudinal deformations decrease as the transverse stretches increase. The elastically constraining box comprises soft walls with various stiffnesses and sizes that deform in response to the swelling‐induced stress exerted by the gel. By employing elastic plate theory, a method to determine this stress is developed. The results reveal that: 1) the maximum volumetric deformation is achieved by free swelling and 2) the stress gels exert depends on the wall stiffness and non‐linearly decreases as the gel nears its freely swollen state. The insights from this work can be used to optimize the performance of swelling‐based systems and characterize the stress generated due to other stimuli such as pH and temperature.
An All‐In‐One Self‐Degradable Flexible Skin Patch with Thermostatic Control and Spontaneous Release of Antibacterial Ions to Accelerate Wound Healing
Authors: Liu Jiayin , Li Jiameng , Wu Ziyue , Xu Song , Wan Chunyou , Huang Xian
Published: April 2023

Smart wound dressings supply new techniques for wound management. Nevertheless, techniques to combine microenvironment control of the wound beds and spontaneous release of antibacterial agents while reducing secondary injury of the wound due to frequent replacement of wound dressings have not been sufficiently developed. Herein, this work proposes a degradable and flexible skin patch that can assist wound healing through the combined effect of thermostatic control, slow release of antibacterial metallic ions, and humidity control. The skin patch features a degradable zinc‐silver (Zn‐Ag) gird line heater and a Zn temperature sensor fabricated through screen printing and water sintering. The sintered degradable patterns of Zn‐Ag and Zn offer electrical conductivities of 307664.4 and 72400 S m−1, enabling closed‐loop thermostatic control of the wound under a temperature range of 43 ± 2 °C. The gradual degradation of the nanocomposites in a humid environment results in an antibacterial effect with more than 99% antibacterial efficiency (AE) on the wound site due to the release of Ag and Zn ions. The skin patches are demonstrated to improve wound healing in rats and rabbits by 18.35% and 51.57%, respectively. The flexible skin patch revolutionizes the wound treatment procedure by replacing traditional wound dressing with degradable materials and flexible circuits.
Liquid Metal Coated Textiles with Autonomous Electrical Healing and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Yang Jiayi , Nithyanandam Praneshnandan , Kanetkar Shreyas , Kwon Ki Yoon , Ma Jinwoo , Im Sooik , Oh Ji‐Hyun , Shamsi Mohammad , Wilkins Mike , Daniele Michael , Kim Tae‐il , Nguyen Huu Ngoc , Truong Vi Khanh , Dickey Michael D.
Published: April 2023

Conductive textiles are promising for human–machine interfaces and wearable electronics. A simple way to create conductive textiles by coating fabric with liquid metal (LM) particles is reported. The coating process involves dip‐coating the fabric into a suspension of LM particles at room temperature. Despite being coated uniformly after drying, the textiles remain electrically insulating due to the native oxide that forms on the LM particles. Yet, they can be rendered conductive by compressing the textile to rupture the oxide and thereby percolate the particles. Thus, compressing the textile with a patterned mold can pattern conductive circuits on the textile. The electrical conductivity of these circuits increases by coating more particles on the textile. Notably, the conductive patterns autonomously heal when cut by forming new conductive paths along the edge of the cut. The textiles prove to be useful as circuit interconnects, Joule heaters, and flexible electrodes to measure ECG signals. Further, the LM‐coated textiles provide antimicrobial protection against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Such simple coatings provide a route to convert otherwise insulating textiles into electrical circuits with the ability to autonomously heal and provide antimicrobial properties.
Large Optical Modulation of Dielectric Huygens’ Metasurface Absorber
Authors: Cheng Hao‐Yu , Ye Ming‐Jyun , Chen Wei‐Ruei , Yang Chi‐Yin , Chu Shi‐Wei , Chen Kuo‐Ping , Lin Kung‐Hsuan
Published: April 2023

High‐index nanostructures are found to exhibit large nonlinearity of spectral responses under photoexcitation, which is applicable to all‐optical modulation. The nonlinearity stems from Mie‐type resonance shift due to photoinduced variation of refractive index. Here, amorphous silicon‐based Huygens’ metasurface absorber and ultrafast excitation are used to demonstrate two orders of magnitude enhancement of modulation depth, both theoretically and experimentally, when electric dipole lattice resonance matches the magnetic dipole resonance. Within a few square micrometer spatial confinement and picosecond scale delay, over 100% photothermal modulation depth is experimentally achieved at matched resonance condition. This concept is not limited to photothermal modulation in the amorphous silicon but is applicable to dielectric materials with various mechanisms to achieve modulation of refractive index. This work opens the avenue toward all‐optical information processing via optimized modulation by careful spatiotemporal and spectral control over a metasurface.
Efficiency Improvement in a Powder‐Based Flexible Electroluminescence Device using Ag Nanothin‐Film‐Coated Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Yun Sanghun , Lee Soo-Keun , Allabergenov Bunyod , Park Jong Chun , Moon SoYeon , Lee Seong Eui , Choi Byeongdae
Published: April 2023

Powder‐based electroluminescent (EL) devices have attracted attention as a technology for realizing flexible curved lighting or displays. However, low efficiency is a challenge to overcome practical applications. Herein, the characteristics of EL devices are analyzed according to the properties of an indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) electrode, and EL devices containing a Ag nanothin‐film for efficiency enhancement are reported. As the emission area of the as‐prepared EL device decreases, the power loss per unit area increases, resulting in a low device efficiency. To decrease the power loss of the device, a several‐nano meter‐thick Ag thin film is formed over a polyethylene terephthalate film to obtain 88% transmittance and 10 Ω sq−1 sheet resistance. An EL paste is printed thereon, followed by upper electrode film stacking to fabricate an EL device with a sandwich structure. Compared to an ITO film‐based device with 40 Ω sq−1 sheet resistance, the as‐prepared EL film device consumes less power and exhibits ≈12% higher device efficiency. The possibility of powder‐based EL film display by playing pattern images on 9 × 9 pixel arrays formed on Ag nanothin‐film electrodes is confirmed. It is believed that the present results promote practical research on future devices, including stretchable and bendable EL displays.
Paleoepidemiology of cribra orbitalia: Insights from early seventh millennium BP Con Co Ngua, Vietnam
Authors: Wang Tianyi , McFadden Clare , Buckley Hallie , Domett Kate , Willis Anna , Trinh Hiep H. , Matsumura Hirofumi , Vlok Melandri , Oxenham Marc F.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

We test the hypothesis that the condition(s) leading to the development of cribra orbitalia at Con Co Ngua, an early seventh millennium sedentary foraging community in Vietnam, effectively reduced the resilience of the population to subsequent health/disease impacts. An assessment of both the implications and potential etiology of cribra orbitalia in this specific population is carried out.

Methods

The effective sample included 141 adults aged ≥15 years (53 females, 71 males, and 17 unknown sex) and 15 pre‐adults aged ≤14 years. Cribra orbitalia was identified by way of cortical bone porosity of the orbital roof initiated within the diplöic space, rather than initiated subperiosteally. The approach is also robust to the misidentification of various pseudo‐lesions. Resultant data was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.

Results

Median survival is higher in adults aged ≥15 years without cribra orbitalia than those with this lesion. For the pre‐adult cohort, the opposite pattern is seen where median survival is higher in those with cribra orbitalia than those without.

Conclusion

Adults displayed increased frailty and pre‐adults increased resilience with respect to cribra orbitalia. The differential diagnosis for a survival analysis of adults and pre‐adults with and without cribra orbitalia included iron deficiency anemia and B12/folate deficiency, parasitism (including hydatid disease and malaria) in addition to thalassemia. The most parsimonious explanation for observed results is for both thalassemia and malaria being the chief etiological agents, while appreciating these conditions interact with, and can cause, other forms such as hematinic deficiency anemias.
Tailoring Hydrophobicity of Thioflavin T to Optimize Aβ Fibril Bioimaging
Authors: Zunbul Zehra , An Jusung , Aziz Hira , Shin Jinwoo , Lim Sungsu , Yu Le , Kim Yun Kyung , Kim Jong Seung
Published: April 2023

Fluorescence imaging of amyloid beta (Aβ) polypeptide using a small‐molecule fluorophore is a practical system for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis in clinical and research fields. Herein, a molecular designing strategy for a new fluorogenic probe that equips bathochromic emission shift and enhanced binding affinity toward Aβ fibril through structural optimization is suggested. Thioflavin T (ThT)‐derived fluorescent dyes are developed by adjusting the hydrophobicity of electron donor moiety in D–π–A structures with biannulated ring expansion. Indeed, probes are tuned to have redshifted fluorescence emission wavelength and optimized binding affinities for Aβ fibrils in vitro and cortical imaging. Detection of background signal is minimized by maintaining the photophysical properties of twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT), resulting in significantly sensitive fluorogenic probes for outstanding bioimaging in AD.
Phantom Cosmological Model with Observational Constraints in f(Q)$f(Q)$ Gravity
Authors: Narawade Shubham A. , Mishra Bivudutta
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the cosmological model of the Universe has been presented in gravity and the parameters are constrained from the cosmological data sets. At the beginning, a well motivated form of has been employed, where α, β, and n are model parameters. The Hubble parameter is obtained in redshift with some algebraic manipulation from the considered form of . Then it is parameterized with the recent data and data using Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis. The obtained model parameter values are validated with the baryon acoustic oscillation data set. A parametrization of the cosmographic parameters shows the early deceleration and late time acceleration with the transition at . The diagnostics gives positive slope which shows that the model is in the phantom phase. Also the current age of the Universe has been obtained as, . Based on the present analysis, it indicates that the gravity may provide an alternative to dark energy for addressing the current cosmic acceleration.
Die Erddrucktheorie von 1700 bis 1850: 250 Jahre Coulombsche Erddrucktheorie
Authors: Kurrer Karl‐Eugen
Published: April 2023

Die Erddrucktheorie kann auf eine über 300jährige Geschichte zurückblicken. Ihre erste Hälfte wurde von französischen Ingenieuroffizieren geprägt, die sich von Sébastien le Prêstre de Vauban (1633–1707) über Bernard Forest de Bélidor (1697/98–1761) und Charles Augustin Coulomb (1736–1806) bis zu Jean‐Victor Poncelet (1788–1867) mit dem Entwurf, der Konstruktion, dem Bau und der Unterhaltung von Festungen zu befassen hatten. Dabei bildet das vor 250 Jahren der Pariser Académie Royale des Sciences vorgelegte Coulombsche Mémoire Sur une application des règles de Maximis et Minimis à quelques Problèmes de Statique, relatifs à l'Architecture – das auch bahnbrechende Erkenntnisse zur Balken‐ und Gewölbetheorie enthält – die historisch‐logische Mitte der Entwicklung der Erddrucktheorie von 1700 bis 1850. Nachfolgend wird die These entwickelt, dass die französischen Militäringenieure vom Ausgang des 17. Jahrhunderts bis zur Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts nicht nur eine wichtige Rolle bei der Herausbildung der modernen Bauingenieurprofession spielten, sondern mit der Erddrucktheorie die erste genuin technikwissenschaftliche Theorie schufen, die das wissenschaftliche Selbstverständnis des Bauingenieurs konstituierte.
Highly efficient CRISPR‐mediated base editing for the gut Bacteroides spp. with pnCasBS‐CBE
Authors: Liang Jing , Tan Yang
Published: April 2023

Bacteroidales are the most abundant order of bacteria in the healthy human gut and have the potential as a therapeutic agent. We constructed a pnCasBS‐CBE system for base editing in the Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron to expand their genetic toolkit, which is able to efficiently convert a C:G to a T:A in the genome. As a functional proof‐of‐concept, we used the pnCasBS‐CBE system to successfully introduce nonsynonymous mutation and stop codons to the genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. The system also allowed for multiplexed gene editing with a single plasmid, enabling efficient editing of up to four genes in a single experiment. Furthermore, the pnCasBS‐CBE editing system was validated and successfully applied in four other non‐model gut Bacteroides species for genome editing. An unbiased genome‐wide SNPs analysis indicated that the pnCasBS‐CBE system showed high fidelity and applicability. Thus, this study provides a powerful clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐mediated genome editing toolbox for functional genomic analysis in Bacteroidales.
Unusual malar rash with ulceration: What can we expect?
Authors: Chaima Kouki , Manaa Linda , Bahloul Emna , Boudaya Sonia , Amouri Mariem , Turki Hamida
Published: April 2023

Considering the clinical polymorphism of the disease, longstanding skin lesions located on the face, resembling erysipelas in an endemic area should always be investigated for CL and thus, atypical presentations should be kept in mind.
Gas holdup, bubble size distribution, and mass transfer in an airlift reactor with ceramic membrane and perforated plate distributor
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Lu Zhe , Qiao Yong , Guo Kai , Li Wei , Liu Hui , Li Xue , Liu Chunjiang
Published: April 2023

The airlift reactor is one of the most commonly used gas–liquid two‐phase reactors in chemical and biological processes. The objective of this study is to generate different‐sized bubbles in an internal loop airlift reactor and characterize the behaviours of the bubbly flows. The bubble size, gas holdup, liquid circulation velocity, and the volumetric mass transfer coefficient of gas–liquid two‐phase co‐current flow in an internal loop airlift reactor equipped with a ceramic membrane module (CMM) and a perforated‐plate distributor (PPD) are measured. Experimental results show that CMM can generate small bubbles with Sauter mean diameter d32 less than 2.5 mm. As the liquid inlet velocity increases, the bubble size decreases and the gas holdup increases. In contrast, PPD can generate large bubbles with 4 mm < d32 < 10 mm. The bubble size and liquid circulation velocity increase as the superficial gas velocity increases. Multiscale bubbles with 0.5 mm < d32 < 10 mm can be generated by the CMM and PPD together. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient kLa of the multiscale bubbles is 0.033–0.062 s−1, while that of small bubbles is 0.011–0.057 s−1. Under the same flow rate of oxygen, the kLa of the multiscale bubbles increases by up to 160% in comparison to that of the small bubbles. Finally, empirical correlations for kLa are obtained.
5‐Alkoxy‐1‐aryl‐3‐polyfluoroalkylpyrazoles with Antinociceptive Activity: Partial Agonists of TRPV1 Ion Channels
Authors: Khudina Olga G. , Burgart Yanina V. , Malkova Natalia A. , Shchegolkov Evgeny V. , Krasnykh Olga P. , Triandafilova Galina A. , Malysheva Ksenia O. , Solodnikov Sergey Yu. , Dubodel Elisaveta S. , Korolkova Yuliya V. , Kozlov Sergey A. , Borisevich Sophia S. , Mozhaitsev Evgenii S. , Saloutin Victor I.
Published: April 2023

Chemoselective O‐alkylation of 1‐aryl‐3‐polyfluoroalkylpyrazol‐5‐oles under basic conditions resulted in a series of 5‐alkoxypyrazoles (26 derivatives). They showed an acceptable ADME profile (in silico) and can be considered as drug‐like. In experiments in vivo (CD‐1 mice), it was found that the obtained compounds do not have toxic properties at a dose of more than 150 mg/kg (for most compounds at a dose of >300 mg/kg, and for lead compounds – >600 mg/kg). 22 Compounds from this series demonstrated from moderate to high analgesic effects (28–104 % at 1 h and 37–109 % at 2 h after administration) in vivo in the hot plate test (SD rats, 15 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (ip)). The lead compound was 4‐([1‐phenyl‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol‐5‐yl]oxy)butan‐1‐ol, which not only increased the latent period in the hot plate test by 103 % at both measurement points but also showed a pronounced analgesic effect under conditions of capsaicin‐induced nociception (CD‐1 mice, 15 mg/kg, ip). According to molecular modeling, all synthesized compounds can interact with the TRPV1 ion channel. This biological target was confirmed in in vitro experiments on Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing rTRPV1. 5‐Alkoxypyrazoles were partial agonists of the TRPV1 ion channel in various degree, and the most active was the same pyrazole as in in vivo tests.
Rare disease research powered by empowered patients: solving the zebra puzzle through social media
Authors: Morgan Gilberto , Subbiah Vivek
Published: April 2023

Plain Language Summary

Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have revolutionized rare disease research and have catalyzed the connection among patients with rare cancers.

A new study from the Germ Cell Tumor Survivor Sisters Facebook group provides evidence of the utility of naturally forming patient groups assisting researchers with developing the evidence base for care and supporting those living with the disease.

Such studies are the first steps in rare disease research powered by empowered patients by solving the zebra rare disease puzzle through social media.
The “preexisting condition” invention in American health care: A lingering threat to preventive care
Authors: Nelson Bryn , Faquin William
Published: April 2023

This news section is written by a medical journalist and offers Cancer Cytopathology readers timely information on events, issues, and personalities of interest to the subspecialty. In this issue, the second in a two‐part series, we examine how new research points to better preventive care through expanded access to health insurance, but that unresolved insurance provisions could thwart any progress made.
Optimization of RNA Extraction from Dry Blood Spots for Nanostring Analysis
Authors: McFarlin Brian K. , Sass Tatum N. , Bridgeman Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2023

Dry blood spot (DBS) technology has been widely used since the 1960's for the detection of protein biomarkers associated with various disease states. In this manuscript we report a revised approach using DBS samples to extract total RNA for use in downstream multiplex RNA detection methodology (Nanostring). To accomplish this objective, we have used commercially available supplies, kits, and equipment to ensure that the procedure described in this report can be adopted by any laboratory. The methods described in this report allow for the extraction of high‐quality, total RNA from a minimal volume (∼200 µl) of DBS spots. The isolated RNA can be analyzed using a multiplex, Nanostring system to yield results for up to 800 RNA targets. Additional bioinformatics and pathway annotation can be conducted to determine changes in biological signaling pathways. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: RNA extraction from DBS for multiplex RNA nanostring analysis

Support Protocol 1: RNA extraction from PAXgene blood

Support Protocol 2: Concentration of DBS RNA
Investigation on Dynamic Impact Mechanism of Single Crystal Sapphire 3D Model Based on Cohesive Zone Law
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Wang Lifang , Li Fang
Published: April 2023

Based on mesh reconstruction technology, a 3D solid model of single crystal sapphire (SCS) with global embedded cohesive element is established in this study. Using exponential cohesive zone law (CZL), the anisotropy of SCS can be effectively characterized by assigning the mechanical properties of matrix element and cohesive element. Taking the C‐plane SCS model as the research object, the whole process of dynamic evolution of cracks in the model under high‐speed surface impact and high concentrated stress impact is reproduced by finite element simulation technology. The simulation is compared with the experimental results from the aspects of crack initiation morphology, crack propagation path, sample fragmentation form, and mechanical response curve. The dynamic compressive strength reaches 1630.3 MPa with the impact velocity of 30 m s–1 in surface impact type. The initial maximum loading force reaches 320 N when the impact velocity is 8.35 m s–1 in the indentation impact type. In addition, by combining the simulation results, this study clarifies the mechanism of strain rate effect exhibited by SCS from the perspective of stress–strain data and crack evolution characteristics. Therefore, the model established in this study can effectively reflect the mechanical behavior of SCS under impact load.
Machine learning‐based clustering protocols for Internet of Things networks: An overview
Authors: Merah Malha , Aliouat Zibouda , Harbi Yasmine , Batta Mohamed Sofiane
Published: April 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand the current Internet, opening the door to a wide range of novel applications. The increasing volume of the IoT requires effective strategies to overcome its challenges. Machine Learning (ML) has led to a growing technology that enables computers to solve problems without the need for knowledge of their intricate details. Over the past years, various ML techniques have been used to efficiently manage IoT networks. Clustering is a technique that has proven its performance in the networking domain. Many works in the literature have studied ML‐based clustering methods for IoT networks, including their main properties, characteristics, underlying technologies, and open issues. In this paper, we focus on topology‐centered ML‐based clustering protocols for IoT networks. Specifically, we investigate the potential benefits of adopting the clustering approach to address several IoT challenges. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive taxonomy of ML‐based clustering algorithms for IoT networks. Finally, we statistically analyze the incorporation of ML techniques for clustering in various IoT systems and highlight the related open issues.
Decreasing the public health burden of eating disorders: Commentary Schleider et al. (2023)
Authors: Fitzsimmons‐Craft Ellen E.
Published: April 2023

Eating disorders (EDs) are common, disabling, and costly; yet, less than 20% of those with EDs receive treatment. EDs have also skyrocketed in the COVID‐19 pandemic, with access to care worse than ever, further solidifying the need to not only make EDs a priority but also embrace new approaches to address this major public health problem. Schleider et al. argue for the single‐session intervention (SSI) as one such option and outline an agenda that would aid in building the evidence base and realizing the promise of SSIs for EDs. This commentary details three additional key issues that need to be addressed in order to realize the full potential of SSIs and related approaches and ultimately decrease the public health burden of EDs. These include conducting work to optimize interventions for greatest effectiveness, recognizing the value and working to massively increase reach of interventions like SSIs that can scale and meet diverse needs, and engaging in the work needed to address structural barriers to widespread dissemination of these approaches. Through this agenda, we will do more than embrace a single‐session “mindset” and will catalyze the work needed to disseminate SSIs and related approaches at massive scale and maximize their impact.
Sperm competition experiments reveal low prezygotic postmating isolation between parasitic and nonparasitic lamprey ecotypes
Authors: Decanter Nolwenn , Normand Romane , Souissi Ahmed , Labbé Catherine , Edeline Eric , Evanno Guillaume
Published: April 2023

The role of postmating sexual selection as a potential reproductive barrier in speciation is not well understood. Here, we studied the effects of sperm competition and cryptic female choice as putative postmating barriers in two lamprey ecotypes with a partial reproductive isolation. The European river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis is anadromous and parasitic of other fish species, whereas the brook lamprey Lampetra planeri is freshwater resident and nonparasitic. We measured sperm traits in both ecotypes and designed sperm competition experiments to test the occurrence of cryptic female choice. We also performed sperm competition experiments either at equal semen volume or equal sperm number to investigate the role of sperm velocity on fertilization success. We observed distinct sperm traits between ecotypes with a higher sperm concentration and a lower sperm velocity for L. planeri compared with L. fluviatilis. The outcomes of sperm competition reflected these differences in sperm traits, and there was no evidence for cryptic female choice irrespective of female ecotype. At equal semen volume, L. planeri males had a higher fertilization success than L. fluviatilis and vice versa at equal sperm number. Our results demonstrate that different sperm traits between ecotypes can influence the male reproductive success and thus gene flow between L. planeri and L. fluviatilis. However, postmating prezygotic barriers are absent and thus cannot explain the partial reproductive isolation between ecotypes.
Computing optimum solar tilt angles for photovoltaic applications through python code simulation
Authors: Sumair Muhammad , Pasha Riffat Asim , Aized Tauseef , Aslam Bhutta Muhammad Mahmood , Tehreem Layba , Shoaib Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Carrying out the dual objectives of computing the optimized tilt angles for multiple locations in Pakistan along with recommending a generalized approach for the estimation of optimum tilt angle for any location in country, this study was conducted. Python code was developed for the optimization purpose of daily, monthly, seasonally, biannually and annual solar tilt angle. Detailed analysis was presented for one location (Karachi) and a comparative analysis of optimum tilt angle conditions has been conducted for all investigated sites. Daily optimum tilt angles were found to vary from −12.0° to 55.5°. Similarly, monthly optimized tilt angles were found to vary from −11.5° (in June) to 55.0° (in December). Furthermore, seasonal tilt angles were found as 46.0 °, 2.0 °, 0.5 ° and 45.0 ° in winter, spring, summer and autumn respectively. Finally, annual optimum tilt angle (fixed throughout the year) was found as 25.5° (closer to the latitude value of Karachi). It has been found that daily adjustment of tilt angle causes a gain of 6.85% in annual energy yields when compared with fixed angle throughout the year. Similarly, energy gains were found as 0.15%, 1.24% and 6.83%, when tilt angle was adjusted daily as compared to monthly, seasonal and biannual adjustment cases respectively. The optimum tilt angle for three pairs of locations having comparable latitudes were compared and it was found that the sites having comparable latitudes do not have any marked difference in their optimum tilt angle values.
Characterization of a sample of Chilean university students in terms of the bitter‐tasting phenotype and genotype and their preferences for basic flavours and associated foods
Authors: Cáceres Paola , Segovia Luna , Rivera Constanza , Juretić Nevenka
Published: April 2023

The majority of people have a bitter taster phenotype, they perceive substances such as phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). This could be associated with a lower preference for bitter foods. The ability to detect bitter taste is due to TAS2R28 receptor. The aim of this study was to determine the preferences for basic flavours, taste combinations and bitter taste‐related foods in a sample of Chilean university students and to relate it to their PTC taster phenotype and genotype. A 5‐point Likert‐type online survey on taste and food preferences was applied to 149 Chilean university students (19.2 years; 69.8% women; 29.5% men and 0.7% prefer‐not‐to‐say). It classified students as strong taster (ST), intermediate taster (IT) or non‐taster (NT) through a PTC taste test. To assess the relationship between phenotype or genotype and students' preferences, we analysed frequency tables using Fisher's exact test. To genotype determination, it extracted DNA from buccal mucosal cells of 25 students (18.9 years; 72% female and 28% male). A fragment of TAS2R38 gene amplified (PCR) and digested (HaeIII). Our results show that 85.9% of students had a PTC taster phenotype (37.6% ST, 48.3% IT vs. 14.1% NT). Sweet taste was the most preferred, while bitter taste was the least. There was no association between taste and food preferences with student's phenotype or genotype. ST students presented homozygous taster genotype (55.6%); IT students, heterozygous taster genotype (75%); and NT students, homozygous non‐taster genotype (50%). Both the PTC taster phenotype and genotype associated are not related to a lower preference for bitter taste and foods studied. Our results will allow us to generate promotion and education strategies for healthy eating, through the inclusion of bitter foods.