bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Evaluation of SOX2 and p16 Expression in Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Invasive Cancer of Cervix
Authors: Dayalan Sowmya , Raghavan Vijayashree
Published: December 2021

Introduction: SRY (Sex determining region Y)-Box Transcription Factor 2 (SOX2), a transcription factor functioning as a stem cell marker has been studied in many cancers for its role as an oncogene. This study evaluates the expression of SOX2 and protein 16 (p16) expression in cervical with the intent to establish their role as a diagnostic biomarker. Aim: To evaluate the nature of SOX2 expression in cervical cancer and in intraepithelial lesions of cervix and compare it with the expression of p16 with the intent to establish its role as a diagnostic biomarker. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective observational study conducted in the Department of Pathology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India from October 2018 to September 2019. Archival blocks for study were collected from cases between January 2012 to December 2017. Immunohistochemistry for SOX2 and p16 on 61 cases of cervical lesions including SCC, Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL), High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) and normal cervix were done. A chi-square analysis was used to determine the relationship of SOX2 and p16 expression in different lesions and compared the same. All collected data was tabulated and analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 and was compared by chi-square tests. Results: In the total 61 cases (majority with LSIL, n=21, 34.43%, SCC were 19 (31.15%), HSIL were 20 (32.79%) and adenosquamous carcinoma were 1 (1.64%), SOX2 (p-value <0.001) and p16 (p-value 0.0016) showed over-expression in SCC and HSIL with significant p-value, LSIL showed low expression. SOX2 and p16 expression was limited to the basal one-third in LSIL cases, whereas it was expressed up to two-third or full thickness in HSIL cases. Also, SOX2 and p16 had a significant relationship with p-value=0.001. SOX2 was sensitive for SCC with 84.21% sensitivity and p16 was sensitive for HSIL with 90% sensitivity. Conclusion: Both SOX2 and p16 show increasing expression as the lesion progresses from low grade dysplasia to high grade dysplasia and invasive cancer and can complement each other to make a definitive diagnosis.
Characterization of Brassica napus (Canola) Germplasm Based on Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Mansoor Zinnia , Hussain Syed Bilal , Arshad Muhammad , Babar Muhammad , Naqqash Tahir
Published: December 2021

Brassica napus L. is a major oilseed crop all over the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of B. napus germplasm by using simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. In the current study, ten SSR markers were used for studying genetic diversity of ten Brassica cultivars. Out of 110 total bands, 68 bands were polymorphic with 52.11% average polymorphism. Mean value of Nei’s genetic diversity and Polymorphism Information Content was 1.7, and 0.2630, respectively. These mean values show that there are moderate allelic differences between Brassica cultivars. The Nei’s genetic distance among various cultivars was 0.3281 and 0.125 which showed that germplasm of Brassica cultivars are different from each other, which is probably due to anthropogenic interventions and environmental factors. Thus, genetically different lines identified in this study could be employed in breeding programmes to develop higher-quality canola inbred varieties in future.
Prevalence and Transmission of Soil Transmitted Helminths among Farmers Living Along the Metropolitan Section of River Kaduna, Nigeria
Authors: Mohammed Salamatu Abdulmalik , Vantsawa Philip Anthony , Haroon A. A. , Dikwa Karderam Bukar , Bature Adam Musa , Dari B. Sani
Published: December 2021

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are one of the world’s most important causes of physical and intellectual growth retardation. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence and transmission of soil-transmitted helminths among farmers living along the metropolitan section of river Kaduna, Nigeria. Two billion people are infected globally and four billion at risk of infection to STH. Nigeria ranking first globally, accounts for about 156 million cases of STH. A total of 210 stool samples were randomly collected from farmers of seven (7) different farms located along the riverbank. The stool samples collected were examined for STHs using direct wet mount and formal ether sedimentation techniques. Questionnaires were administered to the farmers to assess their hygiene, sanitation, and health maintenance. The prevalence of STH based on the farmers' age and gender was also determined. Out of the total stool samples collected, 81(38.6%) were infected with at least one out of the four STH eggs. The eggs of hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides were the only helminths eggs detected. Hookworm was found to have a prevalence of 54.3% while A. lumbricoides have a prevalence of 45.7%. Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris tichuira both were found to have 0% prevalence. The risk factors such as personal hygiene, sanitation and health maintenance were found to have a significant influence on the prevalence (38.6%) (P<0.05) of STH among the farmers. The age prevalence shows that group 10 – 25 have the highest prevalence of 81.3% while age 36 – 45 shows the lowest prevalence of 2.4%. The gender prevalence shows that male farmers have the highest prevalence of 41.4% out of the total infected farmers (81). The findings could be as a result of farmers’ hygiene, sanitation and health maintenance on their various farms and their use of contaminated farm tools which acts as a medium for the transmission of the parasite eggs, while the younger age group work more hours than the older age group and the male farmer spends more time in the farm than the female.
How Foodies Choose Popular-Commercial Food
Authors: Hasan Lily Dianafitry , Zaenal Faisal Akbar
Published: December 2021

Aims: This study aims to describe the foodie phenomenon in Makassar City regarding the process of selecting various types of popular-commercial food and/or drinks.

Methodology: The informant determination technique used is purposive (deliberate). The data collection used is by observation, in-depth interviews with informants, and confirmed by various literature studies that are relevant to the research topic. In this study, the method used is a qualitative method.

Results: The results showed that in eating activities, foodies were influenced by several things, including; the concept of eating, the concept of deliciousness and various factors that influence the activity of eating popular-commercial food.
Role ambiguity as an amplifier of the association between job stressors and workers’ psychological ill-being: Evidence from an occupational survey in Japan
Authors: Oshio Takashi , Inoue Akiomi , Tsutsumi Akizumi
Published: December 2021

Objectives

We aim to examine the extent to which role ambiguity modifies the association between job stressors and workers’ psychological ill-being.

Methods

We used data from 41 962 observations from 13 811 individuals (10 269 males and 3542 females) who participated in three to eight waves of an occupational survey conducted in Japan. We estimated fixed-effects models to explain psychological distress (defined by Kessler 6 score ≥13) by role ambiguity. Four types of job stressors (i.e., high job demands, low job control, high effort, and low reward), and their interactions were examined along with potential confounders. We repeated a similar analysis for job dissatisfaction.

Results

The fixed-effects models showed that role ambiguity as well as the four job stressors were positively associated with psychological distress, albeit somewhat more modestly than the results of the pooled cross-sectional models. More notably, we found that role ambiguity substantially amplified the association between job stressors and psychological distress; for example, a combination of high job demands and high role ambiguity added to the risk of psychological distress by 3.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5%–4.5%), compared with 1.4% (95% CI: 0.4%–2.3%) for a combination of high job demands and low role ambiguity. In contrast, we did not find a modifying effect of role ambiguity on the association between low job control and psychological distress. Similar results were observed for job dissatisfaction.

Conclusion

The results underscore the importance of reducing role ambiguity to mitigate the adverse impact of job stressors on workers’ psychological ill-being.
Why do traditional dispersion indices used for analysis of spatial distribution of plants tend to become obsolete?
Authors: de Freitas Alves Gabriella , de Santana Denise Garcia
Published: December 2021

It is common to characterize the spatial distribution of plant patterns as random, aggregate, or uniform. In this context, a major challenge for the researcher is the choice of the method to identify the spatial pattern correctly as well as the factors related to it. The vast literature on the subject is not recent, especially regarding the dispersion indices. The aim of this review was to conduct a critical and temporal analysis of these dispersion indices and test their effectiveness in determining the spatial distribution of Paepalanthus chiquitensis Herzog (Eriocaulaceae). This species is a meaningful model due to its occurrence in specific sites. The Lexis, Charlier, dispersion, relative variance, aggregation, Green, inverse of k of the negative binomial, Morisita, and standardized Morisita indices were limited to indicating that the individuals of the species are aggregate and did not provide information on neither spatial dimension (scale) where the aggregation occurs, nor the factors related to this aggregation. Although they have distinct magnitudes, the algebraic expressions of dispersion, relative variance, aggregation, Green, inverse of k, Morisita, and standardized Morisita indices exhibited a close relationship with each other and little progress from their precursors Lexis and Charlier. By disregarding the possibility of spatial dependence, these indices make it impossible to generate important hypotheses for the investigation of factors related to spatial structure. Therefore, they became obsolete and are falling into disuse. It should be noted that these measurements accomplished their role and contributed to science in times of limited technologies for spatial data.
Photopatternable Porous Separators for Micro‐Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Choi Christopher S. , Whang Grace J. , McNeil Patricia E. , Dunn Bruce S.
Published: December 2021

The miniaturization of electrochemical energy storage (EES) systems, one of the key challenges facing the rapid expansion of the Internet‐of‐Things, has been limited by poor performance of the various energy‐storage components at the micrometer scale. Here, the development of a unique photopatternable porous separator that overcomes the electrolyte difficulties involving resistive losses at small dimensions is reported. The separator is based on modifying the chemistry of SU‐8, an epoxy‐derived photoresist, through the addition of a miscible ionic liquid. The ionic liquid serves as a templating agent, which is selectively removed by solution methods, leaving the SU‐8 scaffold whose interconnected porosity provides ion transport from the confined liquid electrolyte. The photopatternable separator exhibits good electrochemical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability during the operation of electrochemical devices in both 2D and 3D formats. For the latter, the separator demonstrates the ability to form conformal coatings over 3D structures. The development of the photopatternable separator overcomes the electrolyte issues, which have limited progress in the field of micro‐EES.
MXene/TMD Nanohybrid for the Development of Smart Electronic Textiles Based on Physical Electromechanical Sensors
Authors: Adepu Vivek , Kamath Krutarth , Siddhartha Sukruth , Mattela Venkat , Sahatiya Parikshit
Published: December 2021

Wearable technologies are becoming gradually prevalent as a personal health system, facilitating unceasing real‐time monitoring of human health on a regular basis and outside the clinical environments. In this perspective, an urgent requirement for extensively sensitive and wearable sensors has increased to examine health during life activities. The fabrication of Ti3C2Tx/SnSe2 nanohybrid E‐textile based multifunctional physical sensors (pressure, strain) on the cotton substrate to monitor an individual's health during daily activities is demonstrated here. The fabricated nanohybrid E‐textile based physical sensors display an extraordinary sensitivity of 14.959 kPa–1 in the applied pressure range of 1.477–3.456 kPa and a gauge factor of 14.108 for 5–25% of applied strain. In addition, these physical sensors show exceptional stability of ≈2500 cycles for a pressure sensor and ≈3000 cycles for a strain sensor which signifies the sturdiness of the sensor. Detailed underlying physics and transduction mechanism are explained by Schottky barrier and tunneling resistance mechanism. Further, an android/iOS/web‐based app is developed to validate wireless integration of the fabricated multifunctional physical sensors for demonstration toward smart shoe and crepe bandage applications.
Compact Terahertz Dielectric Folded Metasurface
Authors: Zhu Shu‐Yan , Wu Geng‐Bo , Pang Stella W. , Chan Chi Hou
Published: December 2021

Despite modern terahertz (THz) systems benefit from the developments in metasurfaces with flexible wavefront manipulation capabilities, the large propagation space between the THz source/detector and metasurface component, as well as the inherent insertion loss of metasurfaces, are the two main bottlenecks that hinder metasurface‐based THz devices from becoming a practical technology. This article addresses these two problems by demonstrating a compact, high‐efficiency folded metasurface system in the THz band. The device comprises two parallel dielectric metasurfaces, between which the THz waves are confined to reduce the system volume. The bottom reflective metasurface consists of an array of anisotropic dielectric resonators, which can simultaneously manipulate THz waves’ phase and polarization properties. The upper metasurface is a dielectric Bragg polarizer that selects the desired linear polarization of THz waves to pass through. Low‐loss and nondispersive high‐resistivity silicon is used as the material for both metasurfaces in this design, which is essential to achieving high efficiency. The compact and high‐efficiency folded THz metasystem is further experimentally verified. The introduced folded device can be used in diverse applications such as high‐speed THz communications, non‐destructive detection, and imaging systems, significantly reducing their volume and increasing their radiation efficiency.
All‐Dielectric Meta‐Optics for High‐Efficiency Independent Amplitude and Phase Manipulation
Authors: Raeker Brian O. , Zheng Hanyu , Zhou You , Kravchenko Ivan I. , Valentine Jason , Grbic Anthony
Published: December 2021

Optical metasurfaces, composed of subwavelength scattering elements, demonstrate remarkable control over the transmitted amplitude, phase, and polarization of light. However, manipulating the amplitude upon transmission, without the use of surface waves, requires loss if a single metasurface is used. Herein, high‐efficiency independent manipulation of the amplitude and phase of a beam is described using two lossless phase‐only metasurfaces separated by a distance. With this configuration, optical components such as combined beam‐forming and splitting devices are experimentally demonstrated, as well as those for forming complex‐valued, 3D holograms. The compound meta‐optic platform provides a promising approach for achieving high‐performance holographic displays and compact optical components, while exhibiting a high overall efficiency.
Ultrathin Al‐Assisted Al2O3 Passivation Layer for High‐Stability Tungsten Diselenide Transistors and Their Ambipolar Inverter
Authors: Cho Haewon , Pujar Pavan , Cho Yong In , Hong Seongin , Kim Sunkook
Published: December 2021

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have recently received significant attention owing to their superior electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. However, most previous research on TMDs has not focused on their stability against bias and illumination stress. Here, high‐stability tungsten diselenide (WSe2) field‐effect transistors (FETs) are introduced with an ultrathin Al‐assisted alumina (Al2O3) passivation. Through the Al‐assisted Al2O3 passivation, the transport behavior of the WSe2 FETs is converted from p‐type to ambipolar owing to the n‐type doping effect of Al2O3 passivation. Furthermore, the stability of the WSe2 FETs is highly improved against gate bias and illumination stress owing to the effect of Al2O3 film quality on WSe2 by ultrathin Al predeposition (≈1 nm). To compare the stress effect on the electrical characteristics, three types of devices: 1) pristine WSe2 FETs, 2) WSe2 FET with Al2O3 passivation layer, and 3) WSe2 FETs with Al‐assisted Al2O3 passivation layer, are systematically tested with positive gate bias stress (PBS) and positive gate bias illumination stress (PBIS). Finally, an ambipolar inverter composed of Al‐assisted Al2O3 passivated WSe2 FETs is demonstrated. This study proposes a promising approach that improves the stability of TMD‐based FETs for next‐generation logic applications.
Solution‐Processed Chalcopyrite Solar Cells: the Grain Growth Mechanism and the Effects of Cu/In Mole Ratio
Authors: Yu Shaotang , Li Bingyan , Jiang Jingjing , Liu Xinge , Hao Shasha , Han Shuaiqi , Yan Weibo , Xin Hao
Published: December 2021

Solution‐processed Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 solar cells have reached 18% efficiency but still remain much lower compared to state‐of‐the‐art vacuum based solar cells. In comparison to vacuum deposited precursor films, which mostly consist of stacked metal and/or metal chalcogenide layers and takes a liquid Cu2−xSe assisted grain growth mechanism, solution‐processed precursor films normally have a chalcopyrite structure that is already developed. Understanding the grain growth mechanism of solution‐processed absorbers is crucial to control the electronic properties and further improve the device photovoltaic performance. Here, the grain growth mechanism of a N‐methyl‐pyrrolidone solution processed precursor film with composition from Cu‐poor to Cu‐rich is systematically investigated. Characterizations show that the chalcopyrite structured CuInS2 precursor film takes a direct phase transformation grain growth mechanism and forms the CuIn(S,Se)2 (CISSe) absorber without the presence of a detrimental Cu2−xSe phase with Cu/In ratio up to unit. Beyond the stoichiometric composition, the coexistence of Cu2−xSe facilitates grain growth but deteriorates device performance. The direct phase transformation mechanism not only avoids detrimental Cu2−xSe but also enables fabrication of a highly efficient CISSe device near stoichiometric composition with high tolerance to the Cu/In ratio (from 0.90 to 1.05). By preliminary optimization, a CISSe solar cell with an efficiency of 13.6% is achieved in ambient air with a Cu/In ratio of 0.93.
Independent Control and Path Planning of Microswimmers with a Uniform Magnetic Field
Authors: Amoudruz Lucas , Koumoutsakos Petros
Published: December 2021

Artificial bacteria flagella (ABFs) are magnetic helical microswimmers that can be remotely controlled via a uniform, rotating magnetic field. Previous studies have used the heterogeneous response of microswimmers to external magnetic fields for achieving independent control. Herein, analytical and reinforcement learning control strategies for path planning to a target by multiple swimmers using a uniform magnetic field are introduced. The comparison of the two algorithms shows the superiority of reinforcement learning in achieving minimal travel time to a target. The results demonstrate, for the first time, the effective independent navigation of realistic microswimmers with a uniform magnetic field in a viscous flow field.
Steering the Glycerol Electro‐Reforming Selectivity via Cation–Intermediate Interactions
Authors: Wu Jianxiang , Li Jili , Li Yefei , Ma Xian‐Yin , Zhang Wei‐Yi , Hao Yaming , Cai Wen‐Bin , Liu Zhi‐Pan , Gong Ming
Published: December 2021

Electro‐reforming of renewable biomass resources is an alternative technology for sustainable pure H2 production. Herein, we discovered an unconventional cation effect on the concurrent formate and H2 production via glycerol electro‐reforming. In stark contrast to the cation effect via forming double layers in cathodic reactions, residual cations at the anode were discovered to interact with the glycerol oxidation intermediates to steer its product selectivity. Through a combination of product analysis, transient kinetics, crown ether trapping experiments, in situ IRRAS and DFT calculations, the aldehyde intermediates were discovered to be stabilized by the Li+ cations to favor the non‐oxidative C−C cleavage for formate production. The maximal formate efficiency could reach 81.3 % under ≈60 mA cm−2 in LiOH. This work emphasizes the significance of engineering the microenvironment at the electrode–electrolyte interface for efficient electrolytic processes.
Highly Regio‐ and Enantioselective Hydrosilylation of gem‐Difluoroalkenes by Nickel Catalysis
Authors: Bai Dachang , Wu Fen , Chang Lingna , Wang Manman , Wu Hao , Chang Junbiao
Published: December 2021

The synthesis of small organic molecules with a difluoromethylated stereocenter is particularly attractive in drug discovery. Herein, we have developed an efficient method for the direct generation of difluoromethylated stereocenters through Ni0‐catalyzed regio‐ and enantioselective hydrosilylation of gem‐difluoroalkenes. The reaction also represents the enantioselective construction of carbon(sp3)−silicon bonds with nickel catalysis, which provides an atom‐ and step‐economical synthesis route of high‐value optically active α‐difluoromethylsilanes. This protocol features readily available starting materials and commercial chiral catalysis, broad substrates spanning a range of functional groups with high yield (up to 99 % yield) and excellent enantioselectivity (up to 96 % ee). The enantioenriched products undergo a variety of stereospecific transformations. Preliminary mechanistic studies were performed.
Radikalische 1‐Fluorsulfonyl‐2‐alkinylierung von nicht aktivierten Alkenen
Authors: Frye Nils Lennart , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Studer Armido
Published: December 2021

Sulfonylfluoride haben in der chemischen Biologie und der Arzneimittelforschung breite Anwendung gefunden. Die Entwicklung von Synthesemethoden zur Einführung der Sulfonylfluorideinheit ist daher von hoher Relevanz. In dieser Zuschrift wird eine übergangsmetallfreie radikalische 1,2‐Difunktionalisierung von nicht aktivierten Alkenen über radikalische FSO2‐Addition mit anschließender vicinaler Alkinylierung vorgestellt, um β‐Alkinylfluorsulfonylalkane zu erhalten. Alkinylsulfonylfluoride werden als sehr wertvolle bifunktionelle Reagenzien zum Einfangen von Radikalen vorgestellt, die gleichzeitig auch als Vorläufer für FSO2‐Radikale dienen. Die bei diesen Transformationen anfallenden β‐Alkinylfluorsulfonylalkane können über SuFEx‐Click‐Chemie leicht weiter diversifiziert werden, um Sulfonate und Sulfonamide zu erhalten.
Radical 1‐Fluorosulfonyl‐2‐alkynylation of Unactivated Alkenes
Authors: Frye Nils Lennart , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Studer Armido
Published: December 2021

Sulfonyl fluorides have found widespread use in chemical biology and drug discovery. The development of synthetic methods for the introduction of the sulfonyl fluoride moiety is therefore of importance. Herein, a transition‐metal‐free radical 1,2‐difunctionalization of unactivated alkenes via FSO2‐radical addition with subsequent vicinal alkynylation to access β‐alkynyl‐fluorosulfonylalkanes is presented. Alkynyl sulfonyl fluorides are introduced as highly valuable bifunctional radical trapping reagents that also serve as FSO2‐radical precursors. The β‐alkynyl‐fluorosulfonylalkanes obtained in these transformations can be readily diversified by using SuFEx click chemistry to obtain sulfonates and sulfonamides.
Effects of different nitrogen doses on thymoquinone and fatty acid composition in seed oil of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.)
Authors: Telci Isa , Izgi Mehmet Necat , Ozek Temel , Yasak Selma , Yur Suleyman , Ozek Gulmira
Published: December 2021

Black cumin, Nigella sativa L. belonging to Ranunculaceae, is a valuable medicinal plant because of the curative effects of seed and oil. Despite studies on black cumin, there are few studies on the effects of nitrogen on fatty acid composition, no records on thymoquinone yield, and the thymoquinone content of the seed oil. In this study, the effects of different nitrogen doses on the seed oil yield, thymoquinone ratio/yield, and fatty acid compositions were investigated. Field studies with nitrogen doses (0, 40, 60, 80, and 100 kg/ha) were studied using the randomized plot design. As a result of the research, nitrogen doses significantly affected the oil and thymoquinone yields while insignificant on the thymoquinone ratio. The highest oil yield with 501.6 kg/ha was obtained from 80 kg/ha of the nitrogen doses, while the highest thymoquinone yield with 10.24 kg/ha was obtained from the control plots. Thymoquinone yields were in the same statistical group with other nitrogen doses, except for means of 100 kg/ha nitrogen doses. Linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids were major fatty acids of black cumin, and their variations were insignificant in nitrogen applications. The values of butyric, capric, and linolenic acids varied significantly in different nitrogen doses. As a result of the study, it was determined that the highest oil yield was obtained from 80 kg/ha nitrogen application. It has been determined that nitrogen doses above 60–80 kg/ha should be avoided for the seed oil and thymoquinone yields in black cumin.
Design and synthesis of novel quinazolinone‐based fibrates as PPARα agonists with antihyperlipidemic activity
Authors: Hassan Rasha M. , Ali Islam H. , Abdel‐Maksoud Mohammed S. , Abdallah Heba M. I. , El Kerdawy Ahmed M. , Sciandra Francesca , Ghannam Iman A. Y.
Published: December 2021

Aiming to discover new antihyperlipidemic agents, a new set of quinazolinone‐fibrate hybrids 9a–r bearing the essential features for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPARα) agonistic activity was synthesized and the structures were confirmed by different spectral data. All the target compounds were screened for their PPARα agonistic activity. Compounds 9o and 9q exhibited potent activity, with EC50 values better than that of fenofibrate by 8.7‐ and 27‐fold, respectively. Molecular docking investigations were performed for all the newly synthesized compounds in the active site of the PPARα receptor to study their interactions and energies in the receptor. Moreover, the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of compounds 9o and 9q were determined using Triton WR‐1339‐induced hyperlipidemic rats. Compound 9q exhibited effective hypolipidemic activity in a dose‐dependent manner, where it significantly reduced the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very‐low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased the level of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, it possesses a powerful antioxidant profile where it significantly elevated the levels of reduced glutathione as well as the total antioxidant capacity and significantly decreased the malondialdehyde level. The histopathological studies revealed that compound 9q improved the aortic architecture and hepatic steatosis. These findings support that compound 9q could be a promising lead compound for the development of new antihyperlipidemic agents.
Eugenol carbonate activity against Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania braziliensis, and Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Clemente Camila M. , Pineda Tatiana , Yepes Lina M. , Upegui Yulieth , Allemandi Daniel A. , Robledo Sara M. , Ravetti Soledad
Published: December 2021

Neglected tropical diseases are a major health problem throughout the world, and there are few effective and safe drugs. In this study, we report the design and synthesis of a novel series of carbonates of eugenol using different aliphatic alcohols and N,N‐carbonyldiimidazole. Spectroscopic techniques, including 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, Fourier transform infrared, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry, were used to confirm the structures of the synthesized compounds. In vitro and in silico studies of prodrugs of eugenol were performed to determine their antiplasmodial, trypanocidal, and leishmanicidal activities, and also their cytotoxicity. Compounds were highly active against Leishmania braziliensis and Plasmodium falciparum, whereas the activity shown for Trypanosoma cruzi was moderate. Molecular docking was used to determine a possible mode of action of eugenol against the dihydroorotate dehydrogenase of the three parasites (TcDHODH, LbDHODH, and PfDHODH). Notably, the docking results showed that eugenol not only has binding energy similar to that of the natural substrate (−7.2 and −7.1, respectively) but also has interactions with relevant biological residues of PfDHODH. This result indicates that eugenol could act as a substrate for PfDHODH in the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway of P. falciparum. In conclusion, the combination of certain aliphatic alcohols and eugenol through a carbonate bond could significantly increase the antiparasitic activity of this class of compounds, which merits further studies.
A rotating bioreactor for the production of biofilms at the solid–air interface
Authors: Kretschmer Martin , Hayta Elif N. , Ertelt Marvin J. , Würbser Michaela A. , Boekhoven Job , Lieleg Oliver
Published: December 2021

Conventional bioreactors are typically developed for the production of planktonic bacteria or submerged biofilms. In contrast, reactors for the continuous production of biofilms at the solid–air interface are scarce, and they require specific conditions since the bacteria need to attach firmly to the surface and require a permanent supply of moisture and nutrients from below. Recently, research from the field of civil engineering has pinpointed an increased need for the production of terrestrial biofilms: several variants of Bacillus subtilis biofilms have been shown to be useful additives to mortar that increase the water repellency, and, thus, the lifetime of the cementitious material. The bioreactor introduced here allows for the continuous production of such bacterial biofilms at the solid‐air interface, and they have virtually identical properties as biofilms cultivated via classical microbiological techniques. This is made possible by equipping a rotating cylinder with a porous membrane that acts as a solid growth substrate the bacterial biomass can form on. In this configuration, nutrient supply is enabled via diffusive transport of a suitable growth medium from the core volume of the cylindrical reactor to the membrane surface. In addition to cultivating bacterial biofilms, the versatile and adaptable set up introduced here also enables the growth of other microbial organisms including the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum.
Stakeholders' engagement in the business strategy as a key driver to increase companies' performance: Evidence from managerial and stakeholders' practices
Authors: Hristov Ivo , Appolloni Andrea
Published: December 2021

Stakeholders' engagement at a strategic level represents one of the key dimensions that affects companies' performance, directly impacting on the decision‐making process. Despite many theoretical studies focused on the relevant role of stakeholders' engagement in the value creation process of organizations, many issues are not adequately addressed in managerial practices. Based on a multiple case study with 61 Italian companies from different sectors, (1) we explore the main strategic dimensions and connected value drivers that affect stakeholders' perception, and (2) we illustrate a suitable way to strategically integrate stakeholders' perception drivers in the performance management system (PMS) implementation. According to the contribution of the managers and selected stakeholders of the companies involved in the study, we propose a framework to support a more comprehensive development of the key dimensions that influence stakeholders' engagement (sustainable development, organizational drivers, cultural context, and digital transformation) at a strategic level.
Selective Immobilization of His‐Tagged Phosphomannose Isomerase on Ni Chelated Nanoparticles with Good Reusability and Activity
Authors: Wang Kangjing , Zhao Liting , Li Ting , Wang Qian , Ding Zhongyang , Dong Weifu
Published: December 2021

Self‐stable precipitation polymerization was used to prepare an enzyme‐immobilized microsphere composite. Phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) with His‐tag was successfully immobilized on Ni2+ charged pyridine‐derived particles. The maximum amount of PMI immobilized on such particles was ∼184 mg/g. Compared with free enzyme, the activity of the immobilized enzymes was significantly improved. In addition, the immobilized enzymes showed a much better thermostability than free enzymes. At the same time, the immobilized enzymes can be reused for multiple reaction cycles. We observed that the enzyme activity did not decrease significantly after six cycles. We conclude that the pyridine‐derived particles can be used to selectively immobilize His‐tagged enzymes, which can couple the enzyme purification and catalysis steps and improve the efficiency of enzyme‐catalyzed industrial processes.
DNA Origami‐Based Protein Manipulation Systems: From Function Regulation to Biological Application
Authors: Xu Ziqi , Huang Yide , Yin Hao , Zhu Xurong , Tian Ye , Min Qianhao
Published: December 2021

Proteins directly participate in tremendous physiological processes and mediate a variety of cellular functions. However, precise manipulation of proteins with predefined relative position and stoichiometry for understanding protein‐protein interactions and guiding cellular behaviors is still challenging. With superior programmability of DNA molecules, DNA origami technology is able to construct arbitrary nanostructures that can accurately control the arrangement of proteins with various functionalities to solve these problems. Herein, starting from the classification of DNA origami nanostructures and the category of assembled proteins, we summarize the existing DNA origami‐based protein manipulation systems (PMSs), review the advances on the regulation of their functions, and discuss their applications in cellular behavior modulation and disease therapy. Moreover, the limitations and potential directions of DNA origami‐based PMSs are also presented, which may offer guidance for rational construction and ingenious application.
NLRP2 inhibits cell proliferation and migration by regulating EMT in lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Li Tiantian , Li Xu , Mao Rongchen , Pan Lihua , Que Yuhui , Zhu Chao , Jin Lai , Li Shengnan
Published: December 2021

Nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptors (NLRs) are crucial types of innate immune sensors and well known for their critical roles in the immune system. However, how NLRP2 functions in the progression of cancer is largely unknown. Here, we identified NLRP2 as an antioncogene in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies revealed that NLRP2 silencing promoted cell proliferation and migration by stimulating NF‐kB signaling in the microenvironment, which induced epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and cytoskeleton reorganization in LUAD cells. The addition of the NF‐kB inhibitor rescued the function of NLRP2 on EMT. Moreover, NLRP2 increased the level of cofilin phosphorylation and repressed subsequent F‐actin reorganization. Consistently, the in vivo study showed that NLRP2 played an inhibitory role in forming metastasis foci. Taken together, NLRP2 inhibited cell proliferation and migration by regulating EMT in LUAD cells, demonstrating the essential function of NLRP2 in the development of LUAD.
Endotracheal cuff undersizing diagnosed by computed tomography: Case report
Authors: Wu Hong‐Lei , Zhang Yan‐Man , Shi Jia‐hai , Ji Pei‐pei , Shen Wang‐Qin
Published: December 2021

We herein report a case in which the trachea could be completely sealed only when the cuff pressure reached 100 cmH2O. An excessive cross‐sectional area of the trachea is a rare phenomenon, but we believe that our case will be helpful for clinicians who encounter similar situations.
Splenosis mimicking gastric obstructive tumor: Diagnostic workup and surgical excision
Authors: Rompou Vaia‐Aliki , Korkolis Dimitrios , Skafida Evelina , Tsamis Dimitrios , Plastiras Aris
Published: December 2021

Splenosis is a condition that occurs after splenic rupture. A 29‐year‐old male patient with a history of splenectomy was admitted due to multiple vomiting episodes. The diagnostic workup was unable to differentiate between gastric GIST and splenosis. Laparoscopic surgical resection was performed leading to the diagnosis of splenosis.
Clinical‐radiological approach for the diagnosis of cleidocranial dysplasia in adults: A familial cases series
Authors: Segovia‐Fuentes Javier Ignacio , Egurrola‐Pedraza Jorge Armando , Castro‐Mendoza Edgar Junior , Cano‐Pérez Eder , Gómez‐Camargo Doris Esther , Malambo‐García Dacia Isabel
Published: December 2021

Cleidocranial dysplasia is a rare disease with an autosomal‐dominant inheritance that mainly affects the bones of the axial skeleton. In this report, we discuss the clinical and radiological signs of a case series comprising three sisters and the son of one of the sisters, all with suspected bone dysplasia.
Oxygen: Friend or foe in the COVID‐19 battle
Authors: Chudasama Kishan , Sangey Esmail
Published: December 2021

Hypoxia and hypoxemia are two different entities. Correcting hypoxemia without hypoxia tends to have disastrous effects and delays lung healing. In this study, we share a case of an elderly man with moderate COVID‐19 who never received any form of supplemental oxygen as compared to other patients with similar presentation.
ONE FORTY WEST – Hybrid‐Design‐Tower in Frankfurt
Authors: Einck Jürgen
Published: December 2021

Das ONE FORTY WEST liegt im Senckenberg‐Quartier in Frankfurt am Main. Der außergewöhnliche, 41‐stöckige Design‐Tower wurde von CMA Architekten aus Frankfurt entworfen. Aufgrund seiner kombinierten Nutzung als Hotel im unteren Bereich und Wohnen in den Ebenen 24 bis 40, wird der Turm auch als „Hybrid‐Hochhaus“ bezeichnet. Die hochtransparente Fassade und die sich nach oben wie ein gewickeltes Band um den Tower legenden Balkone und Skylounges, ermöglichen den Bewohnern maximalen Komfort und beste Aussichten. Der gestalterisch außergewöhnliche und konstruktiv anspruchsvolle Entwurf der Architekten stellte das gesamte Planungsteam und die ausführenden Firmen, insbesondere hinsichtlich der Entwicklung und Umsetzung der Fassade, vor diverse planerische Herausforderungen. Das gebaute Ergebnis ist spektakulär und schon jetzt ein weiteres Wahrzeichen der Frankfurter Skyline.

ONE FORTY WEST – Hybrid‐Design‐Tower in Frankfurt. The ONE FORTY WEST is located in the quarter of “Senckenberg Quartier” in Frankfurt (on the Main). The extraordinary 41‐story tower was designed by Frankfurt‐based architecture CMA Cyrus Moser Architekten. Due to its combined use as a hotel in the lower area and living on levels 24 to 40, the tower is also known as a “hybrid high‐rise building”. The highly transparent facade and a string of balconies and skylounges wrapping around the tower in an ascending motion guarantee for maximum comfort of the occupants and provide striking views. The aesthetically striking design and technical complexity of the building posed an exciting challenge to the entire planning and construction teams, especially in the development and realization of the building envelope. The completed tower is a spectacular new landmark in the Frankfurt skyline.
Die Gebäudehülle in der Kreislaufwirtschaft und die Nachhaltigkeitsziele der Vereinten Nationen
Authors: Craft Laura , Müller Christian , Marinitsch Stefan
Published: December 2021

Wir leben in beispiellosen Zeiten. Die Menschheit sieht sich mit Herausforderungen konfrontiert, deren Lösung keinen Lebensbereich unberührt lassen. Als Planer und Ingenieure müssen wir täglich Entscheidungen von gesellschaftlicher Relevanz treffen. Die Energieeffizienz eines Bauwerks steht in direkter Abhängigkeit zur Effizienz einer sorgfältig geplanten Gebäudehülle. Der Fokus auf die Betriebsenergiebilanzierung steht außer Frage. Wichtige Themen wie Materialknappheit, Energieverbrauch und CO2‐Emission während der Herstellung sowie Wasserverbrauch, Lebenszyklus und Kreislaufdenken stehen noch im Hintergrund. Dieser Beitrag möchte die Möglichkeiten als auch Grenzen diskutieren, welche uns als Planer der menschgemachten Umwelt zur Verfügung stehen.

The building envelope in the circular economy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We are living in unprecedented times. As humanity we face monumental challenges and going forward the decisions we take for every aspect of our life will be pivotal for generations to come. As designers and engineers we take informed decisions every day. When designing a building, its energy performance is linked to the performance of a diligent envelope design. Throughout a design‐process, nowadays nobody questions the focus on operational energy consumption. Important questions such as scarcity of materials, energy consumption during production, carbon emission, embodied carbon, water consumption, material lifecycle and circularity to name only a few, are only slowly entering center stage. The following paper will discuss the possibilities, as well as limitations we face as designers and creators of the built environment.
Bauordnungsrechtliche und konstruktive Anforderungen für bauwerkintegrierte Photovoltaik (BIPV)
Authors: Ensslen Frank , E. Kuhn Tilmann
Published: December 2021

Neben der Optimierung von energetischen und elektrotechnischen Leistungseigenschaften sind zur Erfüllung einer sowohl sicheren als auch zuverlässigen Fassadenintegration von BIPV‐Modulen für die Produktverwendbarkeit europäische Spezifikationen zu beachten und die Landesbauordnungen. Hinsichtlich Bemessung, Konstruktion und Ausführung sind für die als Bauart zusammengefügten PV‐Module, je nach Anwendung bzw. Funktionalität, die nationalen technischen Baubestimmungen einzuhalten. In Deutschland ergeben sich bei PV‐Modulen mit Glas an Fassaden erhöhte Anforderungen für die baupraktische Anwendung. Daher sind im Planungsprozess frühzeitig bauordnungsrechtliche und konstruktive Aspekte für ein derartiges „elektrotechnisches“ Bauprodukt zu berücksichtigen.

Building code and design requirements for photovoltaics integrated into buildings (BIPV). In addition to the optimization of energetic and electrotechnical performance characteristics, European specifications and state building codes must be observed to ensure safe and reliable facade integration of BIPV modules for product usability. With regard to dimensioning, construction and design, the national technical building regulations must be observed for PV modules assembled as a construction type, depending on the application or functionality. In Germany, PV modules containing glass on facades are subject to increased requirements for practical building applications. For this reason, building regulations and design aspects for such an “electrotechnical” building product must be taken into account at an early stage in the planning process.
Entwicklung von Absturzsicherungen aus Glas – die Evolution eingespannter Brüstungen
Authors: Siebert Geralt , Siebert Barbara
Published: December 2021

Aktuell ist DIN 18008‐4 in Überarbeitung. Dies ist ein guter Zeitpunkt um zurückzuschauen, wie sich Absturzsicherungen aus Glas die letzten Jahre bzw. Jahrzehnte entwickelt haben. Geländer aus Glas wurden nicht erst mit Einführung der TRAV zu Beginn des aktuellen Jahrtausends gebaut – die Erarbeitung der TRAV war vielmehr eine Antwort auf die Vielzahl von ungeregelten Anwendungen und damit verbundenen Anträgen auf Zustimmung im Einzelfall. Ausgehend von einem kurzen Abriss der Entwicklung Technischer Regeln für Absturzsicherungen aus Glas werden Beispiele aus den letzten drei Jahrzehnten gezeigt. Glasbrüstungen mit Einspannung an der unteren horizontalen Kante wurden (mit Zustimmung der Bauaufsicht) noch Ende des letzten Jahrtausends in monolithischem ESG ausgeführt – allerdings mit (sehr) ordentlichem Handlauf. Die aktuell vielfach gewünschte maximale Transparenz akzeptiert oft nicht mal einen Kantenschutz. Beispiele aus der täglichen Praxis stellen querschnittsartig die Entwicklung dar.

Development of glass balustrades – evolution of free standing, cantilevering balustrades. Currently DIN 18008‐4 is under revision. This is a good time to look back and see how anti‐drop devices made of glass have developed over the past years and decades. Glass railings were not only built with the introduction of the TRAV at the beginning of the current millennium – the development of the TRAV was rather a response to the large number of unregulated applications and the related applications for building approval in individual cases. Starting with a brief outline of the development of technical rules for fall protection systems made of glass, examples from the last three decades are shown. Glass balustrades with fixation at the lower horizontal edge were still made in monolithic ESG (with the approval of the building authorities) at the end of the last millennium – but with a (very) proper handrail. The currently often desired maximum transparency often does not even want edge protection. Examples from the daily work present a cross‐sectional view of the development.
Klebstoffauswahl zur Realisierung eines geklebten Randverbunds für flüssigkeitsgefüllte Isolierverglasungen
Authors: Joachim Alina , Nicklisch Felix , Wettlaufer Marius , Weller Bernhard
Published: December 2021

Mithilfe von Flüssigkeiten im Scheibenzwischenraum kann die Energieeffizienz von Glasfassaden gesteigert werden. In Anbetracht eines hohen ästhetischen Anspruchs an zeitgemäße Fassaden und dem Bestreben nach einem maximalen Grad an Transparenz wird ein lastabtragend geklebter Randverbund ohne zusätzliche mechanische Klemmung bevorzugt. Im Forschungsprojekt fluidIGU wird deshalb der Einsatz verschiedener Klebstoffe im Randverbund untersucht. Durch einen mehrschichtigen Aufbau soll die Beanspruchung auf verschiedene Funktionsschichten aufgeteilt werden. Dieser Beitrag gibt zunächst einen Überblick über flüssigkeitsgefüllte Fassadenelemente und zeigt den potentiellen Anwendungsbereich des geplanten Randverbundsystems auf. Des Weiteren wird das Versuchsprogramm zur Klebstoffauswahl vorgestellt, schließlich ein Einblick in aktuelle Ergebnisse gewährt und ein erstes Fazit gezogen.

Selection of adhesives for the realisation of a bonded edge seal for liquid‐filled insulating glazing. The use of liquids in the space between panes is intended to increase the energy efficiency of glass facades. Considering the aesthetic demands on modern glass facades and the desire for a maximum degree of glazing, a bonded edge seal without additional mechanical clamping is preferred. The research project fluidIGU examines the use of various adhesives for edge sealing. By using a multi‐layer structure, the stress is to be distributed to different functional layers. This article gives an overview of fluid‐filled facade elements and limits the application range of the planned edge seal system. Furthermore, the experimental program for the selection of adhesives is presented, an insight into the current results is given and a first conclusion is made.