bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate, radial growth, and mortality associated with conifer regeneration infected by root disease (Armillaria ostoyae)
Authors: Murray Michael P. , Leslie Adrian
Published: February 2021

Tree root disease caused by the pathogen Armillaria ostoyae (Romagn.) Herink has notable influence on bio-economic systems of southern British Columbia (BC) and the northwestern United States. Annual radial growth and mortality trends of regeneration associated with A. ostoyae during the first 21 years of a plantation were investigated. Our dendrochronological approach focused on a plantation established in 1991 with Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), western larch (Larix occidentalis Nutt.), and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Wats.). We examined tree rings for reduced growth onset (RGO) to estimate infection periods. Among trees studied, we found that the number of RGO events peaked in 2006 followed by a steady decline in frequency. A similar trend was seen in annual mortality rates which reached maximum values in 2007 followed by an uninterrupted decrease. The average number of years from RGO to death based on host species ranged from 2.3 to 3.6 years. According to on logistic regression modeling, values associated with drought codes and duff moisture codes were significant in determining the year of death for infected trees. The predicted increase in frequency of summer droughts may lead to elevated mortality associated with A. ostoyae in young plantations.
Transitioning to College: Experiences of Successful First-Generation College Students
Authors: Ricks Jonathan R , Warren Jeffrey M
Published: February 2021

This qualitative study explored the high school to college transition experiences of ten successful first-generation college students (FGCS). Participants were college seniors at an historically black university in the United States. A generic qualitative research design was used, including in-depth, semi-structured interviews to collect and analyze data. Participants reported that the transition experience led to confusion with academic and financial procedures, various emotions including anxiety and fear, the realization that they had deficits in academic skills, and the receipt of support from family members and others. Cultural and social capital appeared to play key roles in their success. Student affairs professionals are encouraged to explore targeted, individualized strategies that meet the needs of FGCS as they transition to college.
Public water and waste management in Nigeria: legal framework, obstacles and challenges.
Authors: LAKAI Lohya Ibrahim
Published: February 2021

This articled examines public water and waste management in Nigeria: Legal framework, obstacles and challenges. Public water and waste management has emerged as one of the greatest challenges facing environmental protection in Nigeria. The question of Legal framework in relation to public water and waste management is characterized by inefficient workforce, corruption, insufficient policies and poor enforcement of same. It is only proper, therefore, that certain legal measures be taken at the national level to control the situation and bring effective solution. Therefore, if there is to be sustainable development in waste management in Nigeria, the availability of land (for landfill), human resources, plant and equipment and other tools including capital must be readily available. But these would have great limitation without functional legal structure.
Beyond the Welcoming Rhetoric
Authors: Boudou Benjamin ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2021

The concept of hospitality has seen a strong revival in the literature on migration and among pro-migrant activists. However, its meaning, its scope, and the nature of the obligations it imposes remain contested. Open-border advocates see hospitality as a moral principle of openness that should trump nationalist arguments for closure, while nationalists tap into the home analogy and compare the state to a household welcoming migrants as guests, whose stay should accordingly be temporary and marked by gratitude. Some consider hospitality a virtue that should translate into a personal responsibility to open one’s doors to others, while some politicise the concept to apply it to borders and state duties towards migrants. This paper unpacks the various literal and metaphorical meanings of the age-old concept of hospitality, and the shortcomings of its rhetorical uses. It then argues for a conception of hospitality as a principle of care towards displaced people. Hospitality alleviates ordinary obstacles that prevent a functional life in a new environment and allows for home-making practices. It is triggered by the vulnerability created by displacement, i.e., the material, emotional and political harms resulting from the loss of a home.
Acute and sub acute toxicity study on Sangu parpam
Authors:   Department of Nanju Maruthuvam, National Institute of Siddha,Chennai, India, Madhavan Ramachandran
Published: February 2021

Peptic ulcer is described in the siddha system of medicinal classification of 4448 diseases. Information on the use of Sangu Parpam in treating peptic ulcer is known. Therefore, it is of interest to document the acute and sub acute toxicity analysis on Sangu parpam in this regard.
Teaching flamenco zapateado: a new notation-based methodology
Authors: De las Heras Fernández Rosa
Published: February 2021

Dance has traditionally been taught using a style based on teacher-pupil oral transmission, imitation and repetition. While there are notation methods for dance, few proposals for zapateado notation exist. This research develops a critical analysis not only of the currently existing notation systems for flamenco zapateado, but also of rhythmic notation systems for percussion based on the traditional Western system of musical notation, which form the basis of the foundations of the system of the method of notation presented here. The article shows that this flamenco zapateado notation system is the first to combine how the foot strikes the floor with the rhythmic aspects using notation with a clear visual appearance and a sequence of didactic content which takes into account motor aspects as well as rhythmic ones.
Faute de frappe : Derrida dactylo
Authors: Chenoweth Katie , Cotton Nicholas
Published: February 2021

« Je tape très vite, très mal, avec beaucoup de fautes », confesse Jacques Derrida dans une entrevue tardive. Suivant cette idée, cet article propose que l’erreur typographique — habituellement perçue comme un simple « accident » devant être corrigé ou normalisé — puisse en fait être comprise comme le site opérant de lectures et de réflexions déconstructives. En analysant le manuscrit dactylographié du séminaire « Le fantôme de l’autre » (1984-1985) à partir duquel sont dérivés les textes Geschlecht II et Geschlecht III et en m’appuyant sur la suggestion provocatrice de Nietzsche selon laquelle la machine à écrire « collabore » en quelque sorte à la réflexion, j’examine l’omniprésence des fautes de frappe chez Derrida et son rapport particulier à la machine à écrire. Je me concentre plus précisément sur les lectures de Heidegger dans ce séminaire afin de situer la pensée derridienne de la frappe (du Schlag), c’est-à-dire du coup, de la marque, de l’empreinte, au coeur de tous les « types » (une autre des nombreuses significations du mot allemand « Geschlecht »). J’affirme ainsi que la faute de frappe dans ce séminaire doit être considérée comme une condition de possibilité de tout type et qu’elle révèle une différence significative entre Derrida et Heidegger.
Une bonne mort ? (Blanchot, Derrida)
Authors: Toma Cosmin
Published: February 2021

Le Séminaire La peine de mort de Jacques Derrida est hanté, depuis ses marges, par la question de l’euthanasie. Si Derrida y fait allusion à plusieurs reprises au fil des séances, il ne la laisse pas moins en suspens, nous indiquant par là qu’il s’agit d’une problématique à part entière. Or dans « Survivre », texte de 1979 sur L’Arrêt de mort de Maurice Blanchot, Derrida évoquait déjà le « double bind qui fait de toute mort un crime », déjouant ainsi cette distinction, censée garantir la frontière éthique entre l’euthanasie et la peine capitale. À travers une relecture de L’Arrêt de mort qui prend appui sur le Séminaire La peine de mort, cet article analyse la porosité des différentes déclinaisons de la mort lorsqu’elle est pensée comme crime, à commencer par l’arrêt, la peine et la sentence (ou « death sentence »).
De la maturité à la prématuration
Authors: Dalissier Michel
Published: February 2021

Comment entendre la maturité ? Est-ce en l’opposant à l’immaturité ? La notion se dit-elle en plusieurs sens ? Sur qui ou quoi porte-t-elle ? Et quels sont ses domaines de manifestation ? Dans cette étude, nous examinons en quoi Maurice Merleau-Ponty apporte une réponse originale à ces questions. Il établit que la maturité se conquiert dans l’oeuvre en cours de l’artiste. Elle constitue une prise de conscience, laquelle fait gravir un degré et franchir un point crucial à notre lecture du monde et des autres. Un tel mouvement de la maturité s’affine conceptuellement en une trop longue maturation qui habite un processus d’apprentissage, historique et perceptif, ainsi qu’un mûrissement de la pensée, lent et confronté à des limites intrinsèques. En cette facticité qui est aussi anticipation, la maturité devient essentiellement une prématuration, laquelle n’a rien de prématuré pour la psychanalyse, la politique et la philosophie.
L’anima selon Jung comme symbole religieux tillichien : un enrichissement possible pour le processus de sanctification ?
Authors: Gripon Christophe
Published: February 2021

Cet article commence par une discussion sur l’approche tautégorique que C.G. Jung a du symbole, et particulièrement de l’anima, la composante féminine inconsciente de la psyché d’un homme. L’auteur examine ensuite l’anima en considérant les critères que donne P. Tillich pour évaluer les symboles religieux. Le but recherché est de montrer que la prise en compte de l’anima dans la théologie de P. Tillich est susceptible d’enrichir l’approche que ce théologien a du processus de sanctification. L’accent est mis sur la possibilité, pour un homme, de développer son lien avec la « puissance d’être » en laissant son anima enrichir sa personnalité. D’un point de vue psychologique cela suppose pour le sujet une prise de conscience de son masque social, la persona, afin de permettre à sa part féminine de se dévoiler.
¿De verdad queremos saberlo todo?
Authors: Roig Antoni
Published: February 2021

En estas últimas semanas han sido diversos los anuncios relativos a la revitalización de franquicias clave de la cultura popular contemporánea. Así, Crepúsculo, Harry Potter, Breaking Bad, Star Wars, Twin Peaks e incluso Mad Max han sido objeto de noticias o adelantos sobre su inminente futuro, para deleite de sus seguidores. En los casos de más larga trayetoria, algunos de sus fans se han dedicado desde hace tiempo a la creación de sus propias historias y en la actualidad se llega incluso hablar de la batalla por el control de los “universos expandidos”. Y yo no puedo dejar de hacerme una pregunta: ¿de verdad queremos “saberlo todo”?
Tendencias en métricas de intangibles
Authors: Cavaller Víctor
Published: February 2021

El pasado 11 y 12 de junio se celebró en Amsterdam AMEC Submit 2014, un acontecimiento de máximo nivel centrado en la medición y evaluación de la comunicación, que se adentró en las tendencias en métricas de intangibles. En este artículo se describen algunas de las ideas principales que surgieron en el marco de este acontecimiento.
Tal como éramos
Authors: Lalueza Ferran
Published: February 2021

Hace 25 años que trabajo en el ámbito de la información y la comunicación. Primero como periodista y más tarde como relaciones públicas, pero siempre con un pie ‒y en ocasiones los dos‒ en el mundo de la docencia universitaria. Con este bagaje, hoy os invito a visualizar el pasado sin un ápice de nostalgia: sólo para celebrar el futuro (y el aniversario #UOC15infocom).
The Untold Story of the World's Leading Environmental Institution
Authors: Ivanova Maria
Published: February 2021

The past, present, and possible future of the agency designed to act as “the world's environmental conscience.”

The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) was founded in 1972 as a nimble, fast, and flexible entity at the core of the UN system—a subsidiary body rather than a specialized agency. It was intended to be the world's environmental conscience, an anchor institution that established norms and researched policy, leaving it to other organizations to carry out its recommendations. In this book, Maria Ivanova offers a detailed account of UNEP's origin and history and a vision for its future. Ivanova counters the common criticism that UNEP was deficient by design, arguing that UNEP has in fact delivered on much (though not all) of its mandate.

Drawing on extensive interviews she conducted with UNEP's past and present Executive Directors, staff, and two former UN Secretaries-General, Ivanova provides rare insight into the organization's functioning. She shows that UNEP was able to resolve problems and launch important processes when it had financial and political support. Its failures and limitations came when the environment slipped as a priority, leadership faltered, and connectivity was challenged. UNEP's fiftieth anniversary, Ivanova argues, presents an opportunity for reinvention. She envisions a future UNEP that is the go-to institution for information on the state of the planet, a normative vision of global environmental governance, and support for domestic environmental agendas.
Analysis of historical road accident data supporting autonomous vehicle control strategies
Authors: Szénási Sándor
Published: February 2021

It is expected that most accidents occurring due to human mistakes will be eliminated by autonomous vehicles. Their control is based on real-time data obtained from the various sensors, processed by sophisticated algorithms and the operation of actuators. However, it is worth noting that this process flow cannot handle unexpected accident situations like a child running out in front of the vehicle or an unexpectedly slippery road surface. A comprehensive analysis of historical accident data can help to forecast these situations. For example, it is possible to localize areas of the public road network, where the number of accidents related to careless pedestrians or bad road surface conditions is significantly higher than expected. This information can help the control of the autonomous vehicle to prepare for dangerous situations long before the real-time sensors provide any related information. This manuscript presents a data-mining method working on the already existing road accident database records to find the black spots of the road network. As a next step, a further statistical approach is used to find the significant risk factors of these zones, which result can be built into the controlling strategy of self-driven cars to prepare them for these situations to decrease the probability of the potential further incidents. The evaluation part of this paper shows that the robustness of the proposed method is similar to the already existing black spot searching algorithms. However, it provides additional information about the main accident patterns.
Psychometric properties of the Multi-group Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) in a sample of Iranian young adults
Authors: Habibi Mojtaba , Etesami Maede Sadat , Taghizadeh Mohammad Ali , Akrami Faezeh Sadat , Garcia Danilo
Published: February 2021

Background

This study examines the factor structure, reliability and test-retest validity of the 12-item Iranian version of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM). Additionally, the MEIM’s concurrent validity was tested by investigating the association between ethnic identity and subjective well-being.

Method

The scale was translated into Persian language and was administered to 426 students (193 female) at a major public university in Tehran along with the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale.

Results

The confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-factor first-order commitment, and exploration (consisting of 12 items), and the second-order unidimensional factor structure of general ethnic identity. Moreover, we found evidence for good internal consistency, test re-test reliability, and concurrent validity.

Conclusion

The MEIM Persian version was found to be a valid and reliable measure to examine ethnic identity in this Iranian student population, for both males and females. These results support the utility of the Persian version of the MEIM for its use in Middle-Eastern contexts.
The long non-coding RNA MEG3 plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstone
Authors: Qian Changlin , Qiu Weiqing , Zhang Jie , Shen Zhiyong , Liu Hua , Zhang Yongjie
Published: February 2021

Background

Cholesterol gallstone (CG) is the most common gallstone disease, which is induced by biliary cholesterol supersaturation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the pathogenesis of CG.

Methods

Sixteen mice were equally and randomly divided into model group and normal control group. The model group was fed with lithogenic diets to induce CG, and then gallbladder bile lipid analysis was performed. After RNA-seq library was constructed, differentially expressed mRNAs (DE-mRNAs) and differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) between model group and normal control group were analyzed by DESeq2 package. Using the cluster Profiler package, enrichment analysis for the DE-mRNAs was carried out. Based on Cytoscape software, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network were built. Using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, the key RNAs were validated.

Results

The mouse model of CG was suc cessfully established, and then 181 DE-mRNAs and 33 DE-lncRNAs between model and normal groups were obtained. Moreover, KDM4A was selected as a hub node in the PPI network, and lncRNA MEG3 was considered as a key lncRNA in the regulatory network. Additionally, the miR-107-5p/miR-149-3p/miR-346-3-MEG3 regulatory pairs and MEG3-PABPC4/CEP131/NUMB1 co-expression pairs existed in the regulatory network. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that KDM4A expression was increased, and the expressions of MEG3, PABPC4, CEP131, and NUMB1 were downregulated.

Conclusion

These RNAs might be related to the pathogenesis of CG.
MCQ-Balance: a method to monitor patients with balance disorders and improve clinical interpretation of posturography
Authors: De la Torre Juan , Marin Javier , Polo Marco , Gómez-Trullén Eva M. , Marin Jose J.
Published: February 2021

Background

An estimated 20% to 30% of the global population has suffered a vertiginous episode. Among them, 20% do not receive a clear diagnosis. Improved methods, indicators and metrics are necessary to assess the sensory systems related to balance, especially when patients are undergoing treatment for vertiginous episodes. Patients with balance disorders should be monitored for changes at the individual level to gather objective information. In this study, we evaluate the use of the MCQ-Balance (Measure, Classify and Qualify) assessment for examining a patient’s balance progression using tests to measure static balance control and dynamic postural balance with a stabilometric platform.

Materials and Methods

The MCQ-Balance assessment comprises three stages: (i) measuring the progression of each variable between two separate and consecutive days (called sessions) using the Magnitude-Based Decision analysis; (ii) classifying the progression of the patient’s balance with a score; and (iii) qualifying the progression of the patient’s balance from the resulting scores using a set of rules. This method was applied to 42 patients with balance disorders of peripheral or central origin characterised by vertigo as the cardinal symptom. Balance progression was measured using the MCQ-Balance assessment over the course of three months, and these results were compared with the assessment of a clinical expert.

Results

The MCQ-Balance assessment showed an accuracy of 83.4% and a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient of 0.752 compared to the assessment of a clinical expert.

Conclusion

The MCQ-Balance assessment facilitates the monitoring of patient balance and provides objective information that has the potential to improve medical decision making and the adjustment of individual treatment.
Cancer Knowledge, Attitude and Protective Behaviour in High-School Students: A Cross-sectional Analytical Study in East Azerbaijan, Iran
Authors: Dolatkhah Roya , Dehkharghani Keivan Fakhari
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Providing and enhancing knowledge, attitude, delivering and conduction of evidence based information and beliefs about all aspects of cancer in adolescent life period are so important. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate and investigate the main information regarding knowledge, attitude and protective behaviour on high-school student of Tabriz City, East Azerbaijan, North West of Iran. Materials and Methods: This study was performed as a cross-sectional analytical research study, during the 2017 Sep-2018 June academic year, in randomly selected high-schools. Questionnaire was designed and implemented which included socio-demographic information and 65 questions with three answers from disagree, agree, completely agree, and each answer was given from 1 to 3 marks. Question were about the knowledge (n=20; 0-20 poor, 21-40 moderate, 41-60 good), attitude (n=20; 0-20 poor, 21-40 moderate, 41-60 good) and protective behaviour (n=25; Protective Behaviour: 0-25 poor, 26-50 moderate, 51-75 good) regarding cancer.The response options designed as Likert scales and each variable scored from worst to best status and the total scores as 0-40 (very poor), 41-80 (poor), 81-120 (moderate), 121-160 (good) and 161-195 (very good). Results: Overall 471 students participated in this survey, between 14-19 years with mean age of 16.79 years. The total mean score of knowledge, attitude and protective behaviour was 136.05 (±SD 3.24) which was considered as good. Total scores was significantly higher in better Socio-Demographic Status (SDS), students with moderate SDS had 3.85 times and students with good SDS had about 2 times higher total scores. Total scores were twice among16-17 year-old group than younger students (OR=1.97; 95% CI: 1.03-3.76, p=0.04). Conclusion: The results indicated better levels of knowledge, attitude and protective behaviour regarding cancer in high-school students. SDS had significantly impact on the total knowledge levels.
Intravitreal Bevacizumab Alone Versus Combined Bevacizumab and Macular Grid Laser Photocoagulation in Diffuse Diabetic Macular Oedema
Authors: Sarireh Fawaz Al , Alrawashdeh Hamzeh Mohammad , Zubi Khalid Al , Salem Khalil Al
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a common disease with multiple systemic complications. Diabetic macular oedema is the main threat to vision in patients with diabetic retinopathy, which results from the increased permeability of the inner and outer blood-retinal barrier. Macular argon laser photocoagulation was the only treatment of diabetic macular oedema in the past. Now-a-days, both intravitreal anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and macular grid laser photocoagulation are used in the management of diffuse and focal Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME). Aim: To assess the changes in both visual acuity and Central Macular Thickness (CMT) in patients with DME after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab only or in combination with macular grid laser treatment. Materials and Methods: A prospective longitudinal cohort study included 89 eyes of 52 patients with DME, who were categorised into two interventional groups. The first group received only intravitreal bevacizumab for the first three months, then Pro Re Nata (PRN), while the second group received intravitreal bevacizumab, similar to the first group, in addition to macular grid laser treatment two weeks after the initial injection. Participants were followed-up at 12 months, and the visual acuity, CMT, and the total number of injections were documented. Patients were followed-up but data was gathered on baseline and at the 12th month were compared. Results: In comparison to the initial presentation, a significant decrease in CMT was noticed in both groups (163.47±83.60 μm vs. 126.45±52.45 μm, respectively). Moreover, a significant improvement in visual acuity of both groups (p<0.023 and p<0.016, respectively) and significantly fewer injections being required in the second group were noticed. Conclusion: Combining intravitreal bevacizumab with macular grid laser treatment can lead to stabilisation and improvement of visual acuity with a smaller number of injections which was statistically significant.
Kinetic Studies of the Glycerolysis of Urea to Glycerol Carbonate in the Presence of Amberlyst-15 as Catalyst
Authors: Sulistyo Hary , Sediawan Wahyudi Budi , Suyatno Reviana Inda Dwi , Hartati Indah
Published: February 2021

Amberlyst-15, a strong acidic ion-exchange resin, has showed as a potential and an effective catalyst for the glycerolysis process of urea to glycerol carbonate. In this work, the kinetic model of the urea glycerolysis over Amberlyst-15 catalyst was investigated. The kinetic model was developed by considering simultaneous steps of urea dissolution in glycerol, mass transfer of urea and glycerol from the bulk of the liquid into the outer part of the catalyst, diffusion of urea and glycerol into the inner part of the particle through the catalyst pores, and irreversible second order reaction of urea and glycerol on the active sites. The irreversibility of second order reaction of urea glycerolysis was validated and proven. The proposed kinetic model was simulated and validated with the experimental data. The kinetic studies show that mechanism proposed works well. Furthermore, the activation energy was found to be 145.58 kJ.mol−1 and the collision factor was in 8.00×1010 (m3)2.kg−1.mol−1.s−1. The simulation result shows that the predicted liquid temperatures were close to the experimental temperature data. It also gave glycerol concentration profile inside the catalyst particle as a function of glycerolysis time and position. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Safety evaluation of shorter infusion for ocrelizumab in a substudy of the Phase IIIb CHORDS trial
Authors: Bermel Robert A. , Waubant Emmanuelle , Pardo Gabriel , Bass Ann , Repovic Pavle , Newsome Scott , Lindsey John W. , Kile Deidre , Pradhan Ashish , Musch Bruno , Zabeti Aram
Published: February 2021

The CHORDS trial evaluated ocrelizumab (OCR) in patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis who had a suboptimal response to previous disease‐modifying treatment. The objective of the present study was to assess the safety of shorter OCR infusions in a substudy of CHORDS. After completing four doses of OCR per initial US prescribing recommendations in the main study, participants in the substudy (N = 129) received a fifth dose over a 2‐h duration (vs. 3.5 h). Infusion‐related reactions occurred in 12.4% of patients. None were severe, life‐threatening or led to treatment discontinuation. Shorter infusion time did not change the safety profile of OCR. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT0237856).
Large‐Scale Fabrication of 3D Scaffold‐Based Patterns of Microparticles and Breast Cancer Cells using Reusable Acoustofluidic Device
Authors: Nguyen Tan Dai , Tran Van-Thai , Pudasaini Sanam , Gautam Archana , Lee Jia Min , Fu Yong Qing , Du Hejun
Published: February 2021

Spatial distribution of biological cells plays a key role in tissue engineering for reconstituting the cellular microenvironment, and recently, acoustofluidics are explored as a viable tool for controlling structures in tissue fabrication because of its good biocompatibility, low‐power consumption, automation capability, nature of non‐invasive, and non‐contact. Herein, a reusable acoustofluidic device is developed using surface acoustic waves for manipulating microparticles/cells to form a 3D matrix pattern inside a scaffold‐based hydrogel contained in a millimetric chamber. The 3D patterned and polymerized hydrogel construct can be easily and safely removed from the chamber using a proposed lifting technique, which prevent any physical damages or contaminations and promote the reusability of the chamber. The generated 3D patterns of microparticles and cells are numerically studied using a finite‐element method, which is well validated by the experimental results. The proposed acoustofluidic device is a useful tool for in vitro engineering 3D scaffold‐based artificial tissues for drug and toxicity testing and building organs‐on‐chip applications.
Rational Designs for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries with Low Electrolyte/Sulfur Ratio
Authors: Guo Junling , Pei Huayu , Dou Ying , Zhao Siyuan , Shao Guosheng , Liu Jinping
Published: February 2021

Lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) are considered a promising next‐generation energy storage device owing to their high theoretical energy density. However, their overall performance is limited by several critical issues such as lithium polysulfide (PS) shuttles, low sulfur utilization, and unstable Li metal anodes. Despite recent huge progress, the electrolyte/sulfur ratio (E/S) used is usually very high (≥20 µL mg−1), which greatly reduces the practical energy density of devices. To push forward LSBs from the lab to the industry, considerable attention is devoted to reducing E/S while ensuring the electrochemical performance. To date, however, few reviews have comprehensively elucidated the possible strategies to achieve that purpose. In this review, recent advances in low E/S cathodes and anodes based on the issues resulting from low E/S and the corresponding solutions are summarized. These will be beneficial for a systematic understanding of the rational design ideas and research trends of low E/S LSBs. In particular, three strategies are proposed for cathodes: preventing PS formation/aggregation to avoid inadequate dissolution, designing multifunctional macroporous networks to address incomplete infiltration, and utilizing an imprison strategy to relieve the adsorption dependence on specific surface area. Finally, the challenges and future prospects for low E/S LSBs are discussed.
Electric Field Gradient‐Controlled Domain Switching for Size Effect‐Resistant Multilevel Operations in HfO2‐Based Ferroelectric Field‐Effect Transistor
Authors: Zeng Binjian , Liu Chen , Dai Siwei , Zhou Pingan , Bao Keyu , Zheng Shuaizhi , Peng Qiangxiang , Xiang Jinjuan , Gao Jianfeng , Zhao Jie , Liao Min , Zhou Yichun
Published: February 2021

The ferroelectric field‐effect transistor (FeFET) is a promising memory technology due to its high switching speed, low power consumption, and high capacity. Since the recent discovery of ferroelectricity in Si‐doped HfO2 thin films, HfO2‐based materials have received considerable interest for the development of FeFET, particularly considering their excellent complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility, relatively low permittivity, and high coercive field. However, the multilevel capability is limited by the device size, and multidomain switching tends to vanish when the channel length of the HfO2‐based FeFET approaches 30 nm. Here, multiple nonvolatile memory states are realized by tuning the electric field gradient across the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) ferroelectric thin film along the channel direction of FeFET. The multi‐step domain switching can be readily and directionally controlled in the HZO‐FeFETs, with a very low variation. Moreover, multiple nonvolatile memory states or multi‐step domain switching can be effectively controlled in the FeFETs with a channel length less than 20 nm. This study suggests the possibility to implement multilevel memory operations and mimic biological synapse functions in highly scaled HfO2‐based FeFETs.
Visible‐to‐Ultraviolet Light Conversion: Materials and Applications
Authors: Du Yangyang , Ai Xiangze , Li Ziyu , Sun Tianying , Huang Yang , Zeng Xierong , Chen Xian , Rao Feng , Wang Feng
Published: February 2021

Photon frequency conversion using optical materials is a common strategy for light generation and utilization. Materials capable of visible‐to‐ultraviolet (UV) light conversion have attracted particular attention due to their potential applications in nonlinear optics, biophotonics, as well as environmental sciences. There are four main mechanisms of visible‐to‐UV light conversion processes, including second‐harmonic generation, two‐photon absorption, lanthanide‐based upconversion, and triplet–triplet annihilation. Herein, recent developments in visible‐to‐UV light conversion materials are collectively reviewed and the emerging applications are presented. The prospects and challenges for further development in this field are also highlighted.
Photoacoustic Computed Tomography of Breast Cancer in Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Lin Li , Tong Xin , Hu Peng , Invernizzi Marta , Lai Lily , Wang Lihong V.
Published: February 2021

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has contributed to improving breast cancer outcomes, and it would ideally reduce the need for definitive breast surgery in patients who have no residual cancer after NAC treatment. However, there is no reliable noninvasive imaging modality accepted as the routine method to assess response to NAC. Because of the inability to detect complete response, post‐NAC surgery remains the standard of care. To overcome this limitation, a single‐breath‐hold photoacoustic computed tomography (SBH‐PACT) system is developed to provide contrast similar to that of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, but with much higher spatial and temporal resolution and without injection of contrast chemicals. SBH‐PACT images breast cancer patients at three time points: before, during, and after NAC. The analysis of tumor size, blood vascular density, and irregularity in the distribution and morphology of the blood vessels on SBH‐PACT accurately identifies response to NAC as confirmed by the histopathological diagnosis. SBH‐PACT shows its near‐term potential as a diagnostic tool for assessing breast cancer response to systemic treatment by noninvasively measuring the changes in cancer‐associated angiogenesis. Further development of SBH‐PACT may also enable serial imaging, rather than the use of current invasive biopsies, to diagnose and follow indeterminate breast lesions.
The phenotype of 15 cases with rare 8q24.13‐q24.3 deletions–A new syndrome or still an enigma?
Authors: Maya Idit , Kahana Sarit , Agmon‐Fishman Ifaat , Klein Cochava , Matar Reut , Berger Racheli , Josefsberg Sagi Ben Yehoshua , Shohat Mordechai , Marom Daphna , Basel‐Salmon Lina , Sagi‐Dain Lena
Published: February 2021

Diagnosis of rare copy number variants (CNVs) with scarce literature evidence poses a major challenge for interpretation of the clinical significance of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) results, especially in the prenatal setting. Bioinformatic tools can be used to assist in this issue; however, this prediction can be imprecise. Our objective was to describe the phenotype of the rare copy number losses encompassing the 8q24.13‐q24.3 locus, and to find common features in terms of genomic coordinates, gene content, and clinical phenotypic characteristics. Appropriate cases were retrieved using local databases of two largest Israeli centers performing CMA analysis. In addition, literature and public databases search was performed. Local database search yielded seven new patients with del (8)(q24.13q24.3) (one of these with an additional copy number variant). Literature and public databases search yielded eight additional patients. The cases showed high phenotypic variability, ranging from asymptomatic adults and fetuses with normal ultrasound to patients with autism/developmental delay (6/11 postnatal cases, 54.5%). No clear association was noted between the specific disease‐causing/high‐pLI gene content of the described del (8)(q24.13q24.3) to neurodevelopmental disorders, except for a possibly relevant locus encompassing the KCNQ3 gene. We present the challenges in classification of rare variants with limited clinical information. In such cases, genotype–phenotype correlation must be assessed with extra‐caution and possibly using additional methods to assist the classification, especially in the prenatal setting.
Fork‐shaped mandibular incisors as a novel phenotype of LRP5‐associated disorder
Authors: Yamada Mamiko , Kubota Kazumi , Uchida Atsuro , Yagihashi Tatsuhiko , Kawasaki Masahito , Suzuki Hisato , Uehara Tomoko , Takenouchi Toshiki , Kurosaka Hiroshi , Kosaki Kenjiro
Published: February 2021

The LRP5 gene encodes a Wnt signaling receptor to which Wnt binds directly. In humans, pathogenic monoallelic variants in LRP5 have been associated with increased bone density and exudative vitreoretinopathy. In mice, LRP5 plays a role in tooth development, including periodontal tissue stability and cementum formation. Here, we report a 14‐year‐old patient with a de novo non‐synonymous variant, p.(Val1245Met), in LRP5 who exhibited mildly reduced bone density and mild exudative vitreoretinopathy together with a previously unreported phenotype consisting of dental abnormalities that included fork‐like small incisors with short roots and an anterior open bite, molars with a single root, and severe taurodontism. In that exudative vitreoretinopathy has been reported to be associated with heterozygous loss‐of‐function variants of LRP5 and that our patient reported here with the p.(Val1245Met) variant had mild exudative vitreoretinopathy, the variant can be considered as an incomplete loss‐of‐function variant. Alternatively, the p.(Val1245Met) variant can be considered as exerting a dominant‐negative effect, as no patients with truncating LRP5 variants and exudative vitreoretinopathy have been reported to exhibit dental anomalies. The documentation of dental anomalies in the presently reported patient strongly supports the notion that LRP5 plays a critical role in odontogenesis in humans, similar to its role in mice.
Selective Inhibition of the Hsp90α Isoform
Authors: Mishra Sanket J. , Khandelwal Anuj , Banerjee Monimoy , Balch Maurie , Peng Shuxia , Davis Rachel E. , Merfeld Taylor , Munthali Vitumbiko , Deng Junpeng , Matts Robert L. , Blagg Brian S. J.
Published: February 2021

The 90 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone that processes nascent polypeptides into their biologically active conformations. Many of these proteins contribute to the progression of cancer, and consequently, inhibition of the Hsp90 protein folding machinery represents an innovative approach toward cancer chemotherapy. However, clinical trials with Hsp90 N‐terminal inhibitors have encountered deleterious side effects and toxicities, which appear to result from the pan‐inhibition of all four Hsp90 isoforms. Therefore, the development of isoform‐selective Hsp90 inhibitors is sought to delineate the pathological role played by each isoform. Herein, we describe a structure‐based approach that was used to design the first Hsp90α‐selective inhibitors, which exhibit >50‐fold selectivity versus other Hsp90 isoforms.
Auricular cartilage configuration: A histological study using late‐stage human fetuses and adult cadavers
Authors: Hashimoto Chiaki , Kitamura Kei , Yamamoto Masahito , Honkura Yohei , Murakami Gen , Abe Hiroshi , Abe Shinichi
Published: February 2021

The auricular cartilage is considered to develop from a funnel‐like arrangement of six embryonic hillocks. However, there is little information as to when and how the initial cartilage plate differentiates into the major three hollows or caves: the concha, the scapha and the triangular fossa.

We examined semiserial histological sections from 42 human fetuses as well as from seven cadavers of elderly individuals. Tangential sections from adults suggested that three ring‐like cartilages were combined to provide a single auricular cartilage and that the external auditory meatus was attached to the lowest ring or concha. All of the fetuses studied carried the three major hollows delineated by skin folds. These skin folds often contained a cartilage loop as a core in place of a thickening or tubercle. Conversely, some of the skin folds corresponded to a highly wavy cartilage plate without looping. According to whether the cartilage loop was present or absent in horizontal sections from 35 fetuses, we classified the cartilage morphology into four patterns, the most frequent of which was absence of the triangular fossa loop (27 fetuses), followed by absence of the scapha loop (11 fetuses). Each pattern was evenly distributed among small and large fetuses. This suggested that some form of cartilage correction or reconstruction was likely to occur after birth, especially at the triangular fossa and/or scapha. Infants appear to show significant region‐specific variation in the postnatal growth of the auricular cartilages, especially at the triangular fossa and/or scapha.
Hydroquinone Decorated with Alkyne, Quaternary Ammonium, and Hydrophobic Motifs to Mitigate Corrosion of X‐60 Mild Steel in 15 wt.% HCl
Authors: Odewunmi Nurudeen A. , Mazumder Mohammad A. Jafar , Ali Shaikh A. , Alharbi Bader G.
Published: February 2021

1‐(6‐Bromohexyloxy)‐4‐propargyloxybenzene upon quaternization with 3‐dimethylamino‐1‐propanol and N,N‐dimethyldodecylamine produced two new inhibitor molecules: N‐[6‐(4‐Propargyloxyphenoxy)hexyl]‐N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐(3‐hydroxypropyl)ammonium bromide (PHAB) and N‐[6‐(4‐Propargyloxyphenoxy)hexyl]‐N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐dodecylammonium bromide (PDAB), respectively, in excellent yields. The inhibitor molecules were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The inhibitors were evaluated for X‐60 mild steel corrosion in 15 wt.% HCl using different electrochemical and gravimetric techniques. The potentiodynamic polarization confirms both the inhibitors as mixed‐type corrosion inhibitors. A low concentration (15 ppm) of PDAB has demonstrated excellent corrosion inhibition efficiencies of 97%, 98%, and 86% at 25 °C, 50 °C, and 70 °C, respectively, for 24 h exposure time. SEM and EDX spectra reveal that the adsorptions of corrosion inhibitors on X‐60 mild steel create a protective film that serves as a barrier to mitigate the corrosion process. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the chemical interaction between the corrosion inhibitors and mild steel, which was predicted by the Langmuir adsorption model. Assembly of inhibitive motifs of the alkyne, π‐electron‐rich aromatic, quaternary ammonium and C12 alkyl chain hydrophobe in PDAB has augmented its inhibiting action.
Online monitoring of gas transfer rates during CO and CO/H2 gas fermentation in quasi‐continuously ventilated shake flasks
Authors: Mann Marcel , Hüser Aline , Schick Benjamin , Dinger Robert , Miebach Katharina , Büchs Jochen
Published: February 2021

Syngas fermentation is a potential player for future emission reduction. The first demonstration and commercial plants have been successfully established. However, due to its novelty, development of syngas fermentation processes is still in its infancy, and the need to systematically unravel and understand further phenomena, such as substrate toxicity as well as gas transfer and uptake rates, still persists. This study describes a new online monitoring device based on the respiration activity monitoring system for cultivation of syngas fermenting microorganisms with gaseous substrates. The new device is designed to online monitor the carbon dioxide transfer rate (CO2TR) and the gross gas transfer rate during cultivation. Online measured data are used for the calculation of the carbon monoxide transfer rate (COTR) and hydrogen transfer rate (H2TR). In cultivation on pure CO and CO + H2, CO was continuously limiting, whereas hydrogen, when present, was sufficiently available. The maximum COTR measured was approximately 5 mmol/L/h for pure CO cultivation, and approximately 6 mmol/L/h for cultivation with additional H2 in the gas supply. Additionally, calculation of the ratio of evolved carbon dioxide to consumed monoxide, similar to the respiratory quotient for aerobic fermentation, allows the prediction of whether acetate or ethanol is predominantly produced. Clostridium ljungdahlii, a model acetogen for syngas fermentation, was cultivated using only CO, and CO in combination with H2. Online monitoring of the mentioned parameters revealed a metabolic shift in fermentation with sole CO, depending on COTR. The device presented herein allows fast process development, because crucial parameters for scale‐up can be measured online in small‐scale gas fermentation.
A rapid novel strategy for screening of antibody phage libraries for production, purification, and functional characterization of amber stop codons containing single‐chain antibody fragments
Authors: Perween Reshma , Ahmed Shubbir , Shrivastava Tripti , Parray Hilal A. , Singh Balwant , Pindari Kamal S. , Sharma Chandresh , Shukla Shivangi , Sinha Subrata , Panchal Anil Kumar , Kumar Rajesh
Published: February 2021

Phage display antibody (PDA) libraries, allows the rapid isolation and characterization of high specificity monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. However, selection of positive binding clones from synthetic and semi‐synthetic libraries has an inherent bias towards clones containing randomly generated amber stop codons, complicating the identification of high affinity binding antibodies. We screened Tomlinson I and J library against receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS CoV2, eight clones which showed positive binding in phage ELISA, contained one or more amber stop codons in their single‐chain antibody fragment (scFv) gene sequences. The presence of amber stop codons within the antibody sequence causes the premature termination of soluble form of scFv expression in nonsuppressor Escherichia coli strain. In the present study, we have used a novel strategy that allows soluble expression of scFvs having amber stop codon in their gene sequences (without phage PIII protein fusion), in the suppressor strain. This strategy of introduction of Ochre (TAA) codon at the junction of scFv and PIII gene, speeds up the initial screening process which is critical for selecting the right scFvs for further studies. Present strategy leads to the identification of a scFv, B8 that binds specifically with nanomolar affinity toward SARS CoV 2 RBD, which otherwise lost in terms of traditional methodology.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Inhibition Study of Novel Substituted Phenylureido Sulfaguanidine Derivatives as α‐Glycosidase and Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Akocak Suleyman , Taslimi Parham , Lolak Nebih , Işık Mesut , Durgun Mustafa , Budak Yakup , Türkeş Cüneyt , Gülçin İlhami , Beydemir Şükrü
Published: February 2021

A series of six N‐carbamimidoyl‐4‐(3‐substituted phenylureido)benzenesulfonamide derivatives were synthesized by reaction of sulfaguanidine with aromatic isocyanates. In vitro and in silico inhibitory effects of the novel ureido‐substituted sulfaguanidine derivatives were investigated by spectrophotometric methods for α‐glycosidase (α‐GLY), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). N‐Carbamimidoyl‐4‐{[(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)carbamoyl]amino}benzene‐1‐sulfonamide (2f) showed AChE and BChE inhibitory effects, with KI values of 515.98±45.03 nM and 598.47±59.18 nM, respectively, while N‐carbamimidoyl‐4‐{[(3‐chlorophenyl)carbamoyl]amino}benzene‐1‐sulfonamide (2e) showed strong α‐GLY inhibitory effect, with KI values of 103.94±13.06 nM. The antidiabetic effects of the novel synthesized compounds are higher than their anti‐Alzheimer's effects, because the inhibition effect of the compounds on the α‐GLY with diabetic enzyme is greater than the effect on esterase enzymes. Indeed, inhibition of the metabolic enzymes is important for the treatment of DM and AD.