bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertebral Bone Mineral Density, Vertebral Strength, and Syndesmophyte Growth in Ankylosing Spondylitis: The Importance of Bridging
Authors: Tan Sovira , Bagheri Hadi , Lee David , Shafiei Ahmad , Keaveny Tony M. , Yao Lawrence , Ward Michael M.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To examine the relationship between vertebral trabecular bone mineral density (tBMD), vertebral strength, and syndesmophytes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using quantitative computed tomography (QCT).

Methods

We performed QCT of the spine to measure syndesmophytes and tBMD in 5 vertebrae (T11–L3) in 61 patients with AS. Finite element analysis was performed to measure vertebral strength in compressive overload, including in trabecular and cortical compartments. In cross‐sectional analyses, we examined associations of syndesmophyte height with tBMD and vertebral strength in each vertebra. In 33 patients followed up for 2 years, we investigated whether baseline tBMD and vertebral strength predicted syndesmophyte growth in the same vertebra, and vice versa.

Results

In the cross‐sectional analyses, 126 vertebrae had bridging, 77 vertebrae had nonbridging syndesmophytes, and 83 vertebrae had no syndesmophytes. There were strong inverse associations between syndesmophyte height and tBMD, total strength, and trabecular strength only among bridged vertebrae. In the longitudinal analysis, nonbridged vertebrae with low tBMD (adjusted β = –0.01 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) –0.019, –0.0012]) and low strength (adjusted β = –0.0003 [95% CI –0.0004, –0.0002]) had more syndesmophyte growth over time. Similar associations were absent among bridged vertebrae. Conversely, vertebrae with bridging at baseline had a significant loss in percent tBMD over time (adjusted β = –0.001 [95% CI –0.0017, –0.0004]).

Conclusion

Associations between syndesmophytes and vertebral density and strength in AS differ between bridged and nonbridged vertebrae. Among nonbridged vertebrae, low tBMD and strength are associated with syndesmophyte growth. Bridging is associated with large subsequent losses in tBMD, possibly due to mechanical offloading.
Complement C4 Copy Number Variation is Linked to SSA/Ro and SSB/La Autoantibodies in Systemic Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Lundtoft Christian , Pucholt Pascal , Martin Myriam , Bianchi Matteo , Lundström Emeli , Eloranta Maija‐Leena , Sandling Johanna K. , Sjöwall Christopher , Jönsen Andreas , Gunnarsson Iva , Rantapää‐Dahlqvist Solbritt , Bengtsson Anders A. , Leonard Dag , Baecklund Eva , Jonsson Roland , Hammenfors Daniel , Forsblad‐d'Elia Helena , Eriksson Per , Mandl Thomas , Magnusson Bucher Sara , Norheim Katrine B. , Auglænd Johnsen Svein Joar , Omdal Roald , Kvarnström Marika , Wahren‐Herlenius Marie , Notarnicola Antonella , Andersson Helena , Molberg Øyvind , Diederichsen Louise Pyndt , Almlöf Jonas , Syvänen Ann‐Christine , Kozyrev Sergey V. , Lindblad‐Toh Kerstin ,   the DISSECT Consortium,   the ImmunoArray Development Consortium, Nilsson Bo , Blom Anna M. , Lundberg Ingrid E. , Nordmark Gunnel , Diaz‐Gallo Lina Marcela , Svenungsson Elisabet , Rönnblom Lars
Published: March 2022

Objective

Copy number variation of the C4 complement components, C4A and C4B, has been associated with systemic inflammatory autoimmune diseases. This study was undertaken to investigate whether C4 copy number variation is connected to the autoimmune repertoire in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), or myositis.

Methods

Using targeted DNA sequencing, we determined the copy number and genetic variants of C4 in 2,290 well‐characterized Scandinavian patients with SLE, primary SS, or myositis and 1,251 healthy controls.

Results

A prominent relationship was observed between C4A copy number and the presence of SSA/SSB autoantibodies, which was shared between the 3 diseases. The strongest association was detected in patients with autoantibodies against both SSA and SSB and 0 C4A copies when compared to healthy controls (odds ratio [OR] 18.0 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 10.2–33.3]), whereas a weaker association was seen in patients without SSA/SSB autoantibodies (OR 3.1 [95% CI 1.7–5.5]). The copy number of C4 correlated positively with C4 plasma levels. Further, a common loss‐of‐function variant in C4A leading to reduced plasma C4 was more prevalent in SLE patients with a low copy number of C4A. Functionally, we showed that absence of C4A reduced the individuals’ capacity to deposit C4b on immune complexes.

Conclusion

We show that a low C4A copy number is more strongly associated with the autoantibody repertoire than with the clinically defined disease entities. These findings may have implications for understanding the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of systemic inflammatory autoimmune diseases and for patient stratification when taking the genetic profile into account.
Spannbetonkastenquerschnitte mit Stegspanngliedern und verbundloser Quervorspannung
Authors: Krill Alfred , Zehetmaier Gerhard
Published: March 2022

Mit Einführung der Regelungen und Richtlinien für die Bemessung von Ingenieurbauten (BEM‐Ing) speziell zur Berechnung und Bemessung von Betonbrücken (Teil 1, Abschnitt 2) wird sich der Straßenbrückenbau in Spannbetonbauweise verändern. Erstmals seit dem Jahr 1999 ist dann wieder die Anordnung interner Spannglieder in den Stegen von Kastenträgern zugelassen. Um jedoch die bei manchen Straßenbrücken beobachteten Unzulänglichkeiten zu vermeiden, die u. a. aus einer mangelhaften Verdichtung des Stegbetons herrühren, sind zukünftig schärfere Randbedingungen zum Einsatz der Stegspannglieder im Straßenbrückenbau verankert, während deren Einsatzmöglichkeiten im Bahnbrückenbau unverändert bleiben. Zudem wird ausdrücklich empfohlen, Fahrbahnplatten großer Breite mit Quervorspannung auszubilden. Zur Durchbiegungsbegrenzung quervorgespannter Fahrbahnplatten ist in der BEM‐Ing die maximale Quervorspannkraft begrenzt, über die sich mit dem Dekompressionsnachweis die erforderliche Plattendicke ermitteln lässt. Der vorliegende Aufsatz gibt Hinweise zu Entwurf und Konstruktion von Spannbetonkastenbrücken nach neuer BEM‐Ing und zeigt auf, welche Bauteildimensionen sich mit den neuen Regeln ergeben.
Bundled or unbundled? A multi‐text corpus‐assisted discourse analysis of the relationship between teaching and research in UK universities
Authors: Matthews Adam , Kotzee Ben
Published: March 2022

Creating and disseminating knowledge through research and teaching has long been regarded as the hallmark of the modern university. However, new university business models have called into question the ‘bundling’ of teaching and research, and sustained research on the relationship between teaching and research has found little evidence of an insoluble connection between the two activities. In this article, we explore the relationship between teaching and research from the perspective of universities’ institutional discourse. We use corpus‐assisted discourse analysis to examine the relationship between research and teaching as presented in two sets of institutional texts currently influential in UK Higher Education: Research Excellence Framework environment statements and Teaching Excellence Framework provider submissions (a total of 2143 documents and 12,492,071 words). Our findings show that, while universities emphasise the value of research to their teaching, they do not always emphasise (or sometimes even decry) the influence of teaching on their research. We empirically evidence that, according to what universities themselves write in institutional texts, teaching and research are not always in a mutually beneficial entanglement, but often rather a one‐way relationship in which research expertise and institutional prestige are used to bolster claims of teaching excellence. This has implications for the communication of both the vision and the purpose of a university in regulatory exercises and wider policy, but also speaks to the broader idea and practice of being a university in the twenty‐first century.
The sensorium and fleshy schools
Authors: Page Damien , Sidebottom Kay
Published: March 2022

As places of learning, schools inevitably foreground cognition. Neglected in schools and in the literature is the body, often an inconvenience or barrier to learning rather than a site of perception and understanding. Where the body is considered, it is primarily concerned with pedagogy and children rather than analysing the broad range of embodied experience: teachers' sensuous experience is side‐lined; classrooms are central, with toilets and staffrooms and corridors usually ignored; policy and architecture largely unconsidered. Furthermore, ironically, the focus in the literature also foregrounds the body within its contribution to cognition rather than centring the fleshy experience of sensing. This paper therefore addresses these omissions and focuses on the sensorium—movement, the haptic, hearing, smell/taste and visual—providing a framework to analyse the truly embodied experience of the school environment. It argues that as well as being culturally bound, the sensorium is delineated and encoded within the educational ideology and architecture of schools, prescribed by senior leaders to manage and police the flesh within their school walls.
Neuron‐glia crosstalk in neuronal remodeling and degeneration: Neuronal signals inducing glial cell phagocytic transformation in Drosophila
Authors: Boulanger Ana , Dura Jean‐Maurice
Published: March 2022

Neuronal remodeling is a conserved mechanism that eliminates unwanted neurites and can include the loss of cell bodies. In these processes, a key role for glial cells in events from synaptic pruning to neuron elimination has been clearly identified in the last decades. Signals sent from dying neurons or neurites to be removed are received by appropriate glial cells. After receiving these signals, glial cells infiltrate degenerating sites and then, engulf and clear neuronal debris through phagocytic mechanisms. There are few identified or proposed signals and receptors involved in neuron‐glia crosstalk, which induces the transformation of glial cells to phagocytes during neuronal remodeling in Drosophila. Many of these signaling pathways are conserved in mammals. Here, we particularly emphasize the role of Orion, a recently identified neuronal CX3C chemokine‐like secreted protein, which induces astrocyte infiltration and engulfment during mushroom body neuronal remodeling. Although, chemokine signaling was not described previously in insects we propose that chemokine‐like involvement in neuron/glial cell interaction is an evolutionarily ancient mechanism.
SEMO‐1, a novel methanethiol oxidase in Caenorhabditis elegans, is a pro‐aging factor conferring selective stress resistance
Authors: Philipp Thilo Magnus , Gong Weiye , Köhnlein Karl , Ohse Verena Alexia , Müller Frederike Iris , Priebs Josephine , Steinbrenner Holger , Klotz Lars‐Oliver
Published: March 2022

Methanethiol is a toxic gas produced through bacterial degradation of sulfur‐containing amino acids. Applying a novel enzymatic assay, we here identified a methanethiol oxidase (MTO) that catalyzes the degradation of methanethiol in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The corresponding protein, Y37A1B.5, previously characterized as a C. elegans ortholog of human selenium‐binding protein 1 (SELENBP1), was renamed SEMO‐1 (SELENBP1 ortholog with methanethiol oxidase activity). Worms rendered deficient in SEMO‐1 not only showed decreased hydrogen sulfide production from methanethiol catabolism but they were also more resistant to oxidative stress and had an elevated life span. In contrast, resistance to selenite was significantly lowered in SEMO‐1‐deficient worms. Naturally occurring mutations of human SELENBP1 were introduced to recombinant SEMO‐1 through site‐directed mutagenesis and resulted in loss of its MTO activity, indicating a similar enzymatic mechanism for SELENBP1 and SEMO‐1. In summary, SEMO‐1 confers resistance to toxic selenite and the ability to metabolize toxic methanethiol. These beneficial effects might be a trade‐off for its negative impact on C. elegans life span.
Rapid production of SaCas9 in plant‐based cell‐free lysate for activity testing
Authors: Schiermeyer Andreas , Cerda‐Bennasser Pedro , Schmelter Thomas , Huang Xin , Christou Paul , Schillberg Stefan
Published: March 2022

Cas9 nucleases have become the most versatile tool for genome editing projects in a broad range of organisms. The recombinant production of Cas9 nuclease is desirable for in vitro activity assays or the preparation of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) for DNA‐free genome editing approaches. For the rapid production of Cas9, we explored the use of a recently established cell‐free lysate from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) BY‐2 cells. Using this system, the 130‐kDa Cas9 nuclease from Staphylococcus aureus (SaCas9) was produced and subsequently purified via affinity chromatography. The purified apoenzyme was supplemented with 10 different sgRNAs, and the nuclease activity was confirmed by the linearization of plasmid DNA containing cloned DNA target sequences.
Reviewing the applications of artificial intelligence in sustainable supply chains: Exploring research propositions for future directions
Authors: Naz Farheen , Agrawal Rohit , Kumar Anil , Gunasekaran Angappa , Majumdar Abhijit , Luthra Sunil
Published: March 2022

The sustainable supply chain (SSC) has received significant attention worldwide in the last few years because it integrates sustainability dimensions into its process. Recent artificial intelligence (AI)‐based advancements in technology make it possible to overcome many problems associated with supply chain (SC) networks. The current study was performed to explore the role of AI in establishing an SSC. The research contribution in the field of AI and SSC was examined through a systematic literature review. A total of 353 articles were gathered from the Scopus database in the selected research field. A big data‐based approach, namely, structural topic modelling (STM), was applied to generate emerging thematic topics from shortlisted articles of AI in SSC. Moreover, using R package, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to examine the research trends in the field of AI in SSC. The research trends were then analysed, with generated thematic topics discussed. The proposed research framework can help researchers and practitioners to develop an SSC model using AI‐based techniques. Propositions for future research are given and implications are suggested.
Dynamic capabilities for circular manufacturing supply chains—Exploring the role of Industry 4.0 and resilience
Authors: Chari Arpita , Niedenzu Denis , Despeisse Mélanie , Machado Carla Gonçalves , Azevedo João Domingues , Boavida‐Dias Rui , Johansson Björn
Published: March 2022

An organisation's sustainability performance is influenced by its capabilities (skills, resources and competences) which in turn affects the performance of its entire supply chain. However, recent research has not sufficiently explored the convergence of dynamic capabilities, circular economy, resilience and Industry 4.0 concepts for manufacturing supply chains. Therefore, this study aims to identify how dynamic capabilities theory can enable circular and resilient supply chains. A qualitative research process was deployed in three stages: literature review, European project and nine expert interviews. Key investigative variables were used to identify capabilities used in manufacturing, and five research propositions were developed to address the gaps found in literature. The empirical data helped reveal challenges to circular economy implementation and validate the literature findings. The main contributions include a dynamic capabilities model, a causal relationship model and five research propositions for circular economy implementation.
Environmentally sustainable development initiatives in upstream strategic outsourcing relationships: Examining the role of innovative capabilities
Authors: Kulangara Nisha Paul , Biehl Markus , Prater Edmund L.
Published: March 2022

Research on the potential impact of environmental sustainable development initiatives such as environmental collaboration with the supplier (ECS) on environmental and manufacturing performance is inconclusive. Specifically, it has overlooked the intermediary role that dynamic capabilities play in the relationship between ECS and performance. This explains why previous research, while correct in theory, found conflicting statistical results between environmental collaboration upstream and various performance outcomes. This study examines the following questions: What is the impact of environmental collaboration on manufacturing and environmental performance in outsourcing relationships? Do capabilities mediate the relationship between environmental collaboration and performance? Further, we propose that one particular mediating factor—innovative capabilities (ICs)—can influence the strength of this relationship and thus explain why previous research found conflicting statistical results. This paper uses structural equation modeling to analyze survey data from 247 North American manufacturers that outsourced their manufacturing. IC fully mediates the relationship between ECS and manufacturing performance and partially mediates the relationship between environmental collaboration and environmental performance. These findings enrich existing knowledge as it views ECS through the lens of resource‐based theory. Further, we shed light on the crucial role of IC in firms that choose to outsource critical capabilities. From a managerial perspective, the empirical results will inform outsourcing managers making strategic and tactical decisions to achieve desired environmental and manufacturing outcomes.
The anatomy of the cystic duct and its association with cholelithiasis: MR cholangiopancreatographic study
Authors: Garg Shallu , Dutta Usha , Chaluvashetty Sreedhara B. , Kumar Kimavat Hemanth , Kalra Naveen , Sahni Daisy , Aggarwal Anjali
Published: March 2022

The aims of this article are to detail the anatomy of the cystic duct in patients with and without gallstones as it relates to maneuvering of the duct during endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder cannulation, and to elucidate its role in the dynamics of bile flow during gallbladder contraction. One hundred MRCPs were retrieved from the prospectively maintained radiology data system to assess the configuration of the cystic duct and its confluence vis‐a‐vis the main biliary duct. The configuration of the cystic duct was broadly classified into four types: Angular (44%), Linear (40%), Spiral (11%), and Complex (5%). The level of emergence of the cystic duct from the bile duct was proximal in 29%, middle in 49% and distal in 20%. Its direction from the bile duct was to the right and angled upward in 69%, right and angled downward in 15%, left and angled upward in 13%, and left and angled downward in 1%. Its orifice was on the lateral surface of the bile duct in 50%, posterior in 19%, anterior in 15% and medial in 14%. In two cases, the cystic duct opened directly into the duodenum. Tortuous cystic ducts and non‐lateral unions with the bile duct were significantly more prevalent in gallstone cases than the non‐gallstone group (p = 0.02). The present study details the spatial anatomy of the cystic duct vis a vis the main biliary duct. This has not been well investigated to date but has become increasingly relevant with the advent of recent gallbladder interventions.
A complex programmed logic device‐based experiment system for the principles of computer composition
Authors: Wu Zhen , Deng Ming , Zhang Qisheng
Published: March 2022

“The Principles of Computer Composition” is an important and fundamental core course in computing education. Recently, significant advancements have been made for experimental instruments that are related to “The Principles of Computer Composition” for colleges in terms of their functions and performances. However, most instruments are old, prone to failure, and are rarely automated. Some experimental systems use field‐programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programming logic device (CPLD); however, the systems still use numerous integrated discrete and small‐scale chips, which limits the functionalities of FPGA or CPLD chips. It is difficult to reconfigure the logic in all aspects of the experiment, and only a limited part of the logic can be reconstructed. Meanwhile, simulation experiments alone are too abstract for students to intuitively understand the circuit structures of the hardware. To address these issues, a CPLD‐based experiment system for the course “The Principles of Computer Composition” was designed. The proposed system has a flexible design with clear circuit structures and a high degree of automation and stability. In addition, it comes with multiple functions, including logic reconstruction. The test results prove that the proposed system can help students obtain a better understanding of the course content. The system meets the design goal, and it contributes to the development of computing education.
Clinicopathological characteristics, survival outcomes, and genetic alterations of younger patients with gastric cancer: Results from the China National Cancer Center and cBioPortal datasets
Authors: Niu Penghui , Huang Huang , Zhao Lulu , Wang Tongbo , Zhang Xiaojie , Wang Wanqing , Zhang Yawei , Guo Chunguang , Zhao Dongbing , Chen Yingtai
Published: March 2022

Background

The survival outcomes of younger patients with gastric cancer (GC) have remained controversial. This study explores the clinicopathological characteristics, survival outcomes, and genetic alterations of younger and older patients with GC.

Methods

Patients with GC were identified from the China National Cancer Center Gastric Cancer Database (NCCGCDB) during 1998–2018. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models. Sequencing datasets were enrolled from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) databases.

Results

A total of 1146 younger (<40 years of age) and 16,988 older (≥40 years of age) cases were included in the study. Younger patients had more poorly differentiated lesions than older patients (53.7% vs. 33.8%, respectively; p < 0.0001), and were more often pTNM stage IV (19.5% vs. 11.8%, respectively; p < 0.001). The 5‐year overall survival (OS) of patients from the NCCGCDB increased from 1998 to 2018. Younger patients with pTNM stage III had a lower survival rate than older patients (p = 0.014), while no differences by age were observed at other stages. The mutation frequency of the LRP1B, GNAS, APC, and KMT2D genes was higher for older than younger patients (p < 0.05 for all genes). While not significantly different, younger patients from the TCGA and MSKCC databases were more likely to have CDH1, RHOA, and CTNNB1 gene mutations.

Conclusions

A stable proportion and improved survival of younger patients were reported using NCCGCDB data. Younger patients with pTNM stage III had lower rates of survival than older patients. Distinct molecular characteristics were identified in younger GC patients which may partly explain the histopathology and prognosis specific to this subpopulation.
Are false fire alarms a thing of the past?
Authors: Miles David
Published: March 2022

Many years ago, when I first went into campus public safety as a profession, false fire alarms in the residence halls were a daily occurrence.
Take steps to prevent violations and lawsuits related to wage‐and‐hour requirements
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: March 2022

One common thread that runs through almost every higher ed department is that the entire operation requires long and irregular hours, extending from the traditional workday and into nights and weekends. This is especially true for those who work in campus safety.
Comparison of quality of appearance, cooking quality, and protein content of green‐labeled rice and conventional rice
Authors: Hu Xianqiao , Zhang Weixing , Lu Lin , Shao Yafang , Chen Mingxue , Zhu Zhiwei , Mou Renxiang
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

With rising living standards, people are more willing to pay for rice with environmental attributes (green‐labeled rice) than rice without environmental attributes (conventional rice). The aim of this study was to assess whether green‐labeled rice possesses higher quality than conventional rice. Aimed at green‐labeled rice in the market, the appearance quality, cooking quality, and protein content were systematically analyzed and compared with conventional rice.

Findings

The superior quality rate (SQR) of green‐labeled rice was 92.0%, which was much higher than that of conventional rice (67.8%). Green‐labeled rice showed a lower percentage of chalky rice, chalkiness, and a higher gel consistency, alkali spreading value, and translucency. SQRs of chalkiness, transparency grade, gel consistency, alkali spreading value, and amylose content for green‐labeled rice were all higher than those of conventional rice. Rice quality was evaluated by dividing all rice into indica rice and japonica rice, resulting in a similar trend, wherein higher quality in terms of appearance and cooking quality were observed in green indica rice and green japonica rice than conventional ones. No significant difference was observed in the protein content between green‐labeled rice and conventional rice.

Conclusions

Green‐labeled rice showed better quality in terms of appearance and cooking quality than conventional rice, and had similar protein content to conventional rice. It possessed higher SQRs of each quality parameter and significantly lower chalkiness and amylose content, and significantly higher translucency, gel consistency, and alkali spreading value than conventional rice.

Significance and Novelty

Limited research has been reported on the overall quality of market green‐labeled rice and comparison of quality between green‐labeled rice and conventional rice. This paper systematically analyzed the overall quality of green‐labeled rice. It was important for consumers to understand the overall quality of green‐labeled rice in the market, and of guidance for rice purchase and green rice production.
Minimally invasive arthroscopy of the knee using a new 2 mm device
Authors: Konrads Christian , Notheisen Thomas , Döbele Stefan
Published: March 2022

Arthroscopy has been evolving over the last decades, whereas arthroscopic devices have not changed much. Smaller diameter arthroscopes would potentially reduce the intraoperative trauma for cartilage and soft tissues. Two‐millimeter‐diameter arthroscopy demonstrated very good visualization and reach of intraarticular structures—similar to knee arthroscopy using a standard arthroscopic system.
Henoch–Schonlein purpura due to sodium valproate: A case report
Authors: Hosseini Firozeh , Safari Mojgan
Published: March 2022

We report a 5‐year‐old girl with a generalized seizure treated with sodium valproate syrup. She returned to the clinic with Henoch–Schonlein purpura after 20 days due to the consumption of sodium valproate. To our knowledge, this is the second case of sodium valproate‐induced HSP.
Thoracic epidural analgesia in a patient with von Hippel‐Lindau disease
Authors: Yap Amanda , Hanada Satoshi , Ravindranath Sapna , Swaran Singh Tejinder Singh , Siddapura Ranganath Yatish
Published: March 2022

von Hippel‐Lindau disease (VHLD) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by central nervous system hemangioblastomas and renal tumors. Here, we report a case of thoracic epidural placement in a 35‐year‐old woman with VHLD presenting for left open heminephrectomy for renal masses. We also reviewed the literature on this topic.
Morphology and Wettability of Microporous Copper Deposits Decorated with Silver and Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Johnsan R. , Das Sudev , Kumar C. S. Sujith
Published: March 2022

Graphene oxide (GO) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles were incorporated into the structurally stable microporous copper architecture by electro‐co‐deposition and galvanic displacement reaction to enhance the thermophysical properties. The microporous architecture of copper (Cu) was prepared by carrying out one‐step electrodeposition over a plain copper substrate. The microporous copper deposit laden with micropores and nanodendrites contributes to a substantial surface area. The structural stability of the copper architecture prepared by one step was fortified by carrying out two steps. The two‐step electrodeposited copper decorated by Ag dendrites displayed hydrophobicity as Ag dendrites screened the pores, limiting the interaction of water. The presence of GO sheets hampered the concentration of Ag dendrites due to the blanketed copper grains and modified the wettability from permanent hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity.
Development of a Trireforming Fluidized‐Bed Reactor with a Hydrogen Permselective Membrane
Authors: Osat Mohammad , Shojaati Faryar
Published: March 2022

Three models were developed for a conventional fluidized‐bed reactor and a cocurrent and a countercurrent membrane fluidized‐bed reactor for methane trireforming. Firstly, the effects of the operating parameters on the reactor performance were assessed. Then, a single‐objective optimization was established. Finally, a membrane was added to the reactor to improve the reactor performance. The simulated results illustrate that the reaction rates are highest near the reactor entrance due to the high volume fraction of the dispersed phase and the existence of a hot zone. Moreover, the optimization process indicates that the maximum H2 yield in the conventional fluidized‐bed reactor is obtained when the inlet temperature, inlet flow rate, and H2O/CH4 ratio, are 804 °C, 3.6 × 105 L h−1, and 2.5, respectively.
Sb‐ and O‐Cosubstituted Li10SnP2S12 with High Electrochemical and Air Stability for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Gao Jing , Sun Xiaolin , Wang Cheng , Zhang Yuan , Yang Li , Song Depeng , Wu Yue , Yang Zewen , Ohsaka Takeo , Matsumotoc Futoshi , Wu Jianfei
Published: March 2022

The development of solid‐state electrolytes with high ionic conductivity, broad electrochemical stability, and high air stability is the key to realizing the practical application of all‐solid‐state batteries. Herein, Sb‐ and O‐cosubstituted Li10SnP2S12 sulfide electrolytes are prepared for the first time. An appropriate amount of Sb and O substitution provides the optimized Li10SnP1.84Sb0.16S11.6O0.4 electrolyte with the highest ionic conductivity of 2.58 mS ⋅ cm−1 at RT. Furthermore, the cyclic voltammetry analysis results demonstrate that the Li10SnP1.84Sb0.16S11.6O0.4 electrolyte displays a broader electrochemical window of 1.4–5.0 V vs. Li+/Li than that of 1.7–2.4 V vs. Li+/Li for the nonsubstituted Li10SnP2S12. Moreover, benefitting from the soft acid Sb5+ and hard base O2− dual substitution, the air stability of electrolyte has been improved. Furthermore, the LiNbO3@LiCoO2/Li−In cell assembled with the Li10SnP1.84Sb0.16S11.6O0.4 electrolytes exhibits a high initial discharge specific capacity of 124.7 mAh ⋅ g−1 at 0.05 C and maintains 85 % capacity retention after 200 cycles at 0.5 C and 25 °C, which is much higher than that of the cell assembled with the Li10SnP2S12 electrolytes. XPS measurement results revealed that the mechanism of improving cell stability is the inhibition of electrolyte side reaction in the cathode. Sb‐ and O‐cosubstituted Li10SnP2S12 was demonstrated to be a promising solid electrolyte for practical all‐solid‐state batteries.
A Tale of Two Complexes: Electro‐Assisted Oxidation of Thioanisole by an “O2 Activator/Oxidizing Species” Tandem System of Non‐Heme Iron Complexes
Authors: Robinson Amanda Lyn , Rebilly Jean‐Noël , Guillot Régis , Herrero Christian , Maisonneuve Hélène , Banse Frédéric
Published: March 2022

We report two new FeIII complexes [L1FeIII(H2O)](OTf)2 and [L2FeIII(OTf)], obtained by replacing pyridines by phenolates in a known non‐heme aminopyridine iron complex. While the original, starting aminopyridine [(L52)FeII(MeCN)](PF6) complex is stable in air, the potentials of the new FeIII/II couples decrease to the point that [L2FeII] spontaneously reduces O2 to superoxide. We used it as an O2 activator in an electrochemical setup, as its presence allows to generate superoxide at a much more accessible potential (>500 mV gain). Our aim was to achieve substrate oxidation via the reductive activation of O2. While L2FeIII(OTf) proved to be a good O2 activator but a poor oxidation system, its association with another complex (TPEN)FeII(PF6)2 generates a complementary tandem couple for electro‐assisted oxidation of substrates, working at a very accessible potential: upon reduction, L2FeIII(OTf) activates O2 to superoxide and transfers it to (TPEN)FeII(PF6)2 leading in fine to the oxidation of thioanisole.
Chiral NMR analysis reveals the environmental dependence of areolal scalemization in Piptothrix areolare
Authors: Gómez‐Hurtado Mario A. , Ramírez‐Briones Ernesto , Arreaga‐González Héctor M. , Rodríguez‐García Gabriela , Cerda‐García‐Rojas Carlos M. , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro , del Río Rosa E.
Published: March 2022

The occurrence of racemic and enantiomerically enriched (scalemic) mixtures of secondary metabolites in their natural sources is a rare phenomenon. The unprecedent case of enantiomeric variations from levorotatory to dextrorotatory, and back to levorotatory, passing through an almost racemic mixture, was recently documented for areolal, the major epoxythymol of Piptothrix areolare. In an attempt to shed some light to understand the reasons for such an unusual behavior, herein, we evaluated this phenomenon by correlating the areolal enantiomeric purity with several environmental variables, including temperature, humidity, rain precipitation, wind speed, and radiation during over 1 year of the plant life cycle. The specific rotation and enantiomeric excess determined by 1H‐NMR‐BINOL measurements provided the scalemic variations of areolal samples isolated from the roots collected from the same location along a 427‐day period. The 1H‐NMR‐BINOL methodology provided better sensitivity to enantiomeric variations than specific rotation measurements. Statistical data, including matrix correlation analysis, exploratory analysis by heatmap plotting, and the principal component analysis (PCA), suggested direct correlation of the scalemic variation with humidity, rain precipitation, and radiation variables with the best PCA explanation (78.4%) and noncritical or poor correlations in PCA explained in 60.2% and 48.4%, respectively. When variations in the optical activity parameter of any metabolite are observed, the search for scalemic mixtures along their host plant life cycle should be undertaken. Herein, this phenomenon could be associated with interactions with soil microorganisms and with evolutionary aspects of Piptothrix areolare which belongs to Asteraceae, one of the most successfully adaptable plant families.
Liquid co‐fluidization of cylinders and spheres
Authors: Derksen Jacobus J.
Published: March 2022

Liquid fluidization of mixtures of solid particles of spherical and cylindrical shape has been numerically simulated. The simulations explicitly resolve the solid–liquid interfaces by means of an immersed boundary method implemented in a lattice‐Boltzmann flow solver. A soft collision algorithm deals with particle–particle contacts and close‐range hydrodynamic interaction. The systems studied have an overall solids volume fraction of 0.40, with 5%–35% of the overall solids volume contained in the cylinders. One focus of the study is on the effect of the length over diameter aspect ratio (that has been varied between 4–10) of the cylinders on the co‐fluidization behaviour. The average slip velocity of the cylinders only weakly depends on the fraction of the cylinder volume in the solid particle mixture. The cylinders do stir the system, with velocity fluctuation levels increasing if the number of cylinders relative to the number of spheres is increased. When co‐fluidized, the taller cylinders preferentially orient vertically, as they also do in cylinder‐only fluidization.
A phase 2 study of sorafenib combined with conventional therapies in refractory central nervous system leukemia
Authors: Chen Xiaoxia , Huang Junwei , Xu Na , Fan Zhiping , Nie Danian , Huang Fen , Sun Qixin , Zhang Xinyou , Liang Xinquan , Shi Pengcheng , Wang Zhixiang , Liu Hui , Xu Jun , Dai Min , Yu Guopan , Zhang Yu , Sun Jing , Liu Qifa , Xuan Li
Published: March 2022

Background

Patients with refractory central nervous system leukemia (CNSL) have a dismal prognosis and lack effective therapy. Case reports have shown that sorafenib is effective against brain metastases, including leukemia.

Methods

To explore the efficacy of sorafenib combined with conventional therapies for refractory CNSL, a phase 2 study was conducted. The primary end point was the complete remission rate (CRR) within 8 weeks of treatment. Secondary end points included the overall response rate (ORR), event‐free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs).

Results

Twenty‐six patients with refractory CNSL were enrolled; they included 17 with isolated CNSL, 7 with hematological relapse, and 2 with another extramedullary relapse. After 8 weeks of treatment, 21 patients achieved complete remission, 2 achieved partial remission, and 3 achieved no remission for a CRR of 80.8% (95% CI, 62.1%‐91.5%) and an ORR of 88.5% (95% CI, 71.0%‐96.0%). Twenty patients survived, and 6 died. The 2‐year EFS and OS rates were 75.0% (95% CI, 54.5%‐88.3%) and 76.9% (95% CI, 54.2%‐90.4%), respectively. Six patients experienced grade 3 or 4 treatment‐related AEs, including moderate chronic graft‐vs‐host disease (n = 3), grade 3 or 4 acute graft‐vs‐host disease (n = 2), and grade 3 skin rash (n = 1). No treatment‐related deaths occurred during the therapy of refractory CNSL.

Conclusions

Sorafenib combined with conventional therapies is effective and safe for refractory CNSL.

Lay Summary

Sorafenib combined with conventional therapies is effective and safe for refractory central nervous system leukemia.
Plateau's Problem as a Singular Limit of Capillarity Problems
Authors: King Darren , Stuvard Salvatore , Maggi Francesco
Published: March 2022

Soap films at equilibrium are modeled, rather than as surfaces, as regions of small total volume through the introduction of a capillarity problem with a homotopic spanning condition. This point of view introduces a length scale in the classical Plateau's problem, which is in turn recovered in the vanishing volume limit. This approximation of area minimizing hypersurfaces leads to an energy based selection principle for Plateau's problem, points at physical features of soap films that are unaccessible by simply looking at minimal surfaces, and opens several challenging questions. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Validation‐Based Insertional Mutagenesis (VBIM), A Powerful Forward Genetic Screening Strategy
Authors: De Sarmishtha , Tamagno Ilaria , Stark George R. , Jackson Mark W.
Published: March 2022

Forward genetics begins with a biological phenotype and attempts to identify genetic changes that influence that phenotype. These changes can be induced in a selected group of genes, for instance, by using libraries of cDNAs, shRNAs, CRISPR guide RNAs, or genetic suppressor elements (GSEs), or randomly throughout the genome using chemical or insertional mutagens, with each approach creating distinct genetic changes. The Validation‐Based Insertional Mutagenesis (VBIM) strategy utilizes modified lentiviruses as insertional mutagens, placing strong promoters throughout the genome. Generating libraries with millions of cells carrying one or a few VBIM promoter insertions is straightforward, allowing selection of cells in which overexpression of VBIM‐driven RNAs or proteins promote the phenotype of interest. VBIM‐driven RNAs may encode full‐length proteins, truncated proteins (which may have wild‐type, constitutive, or dominant‐negative activity), or antisense RNAs that can disrupt gene expression. The diversity in VBIM‐driven changes allows for the identification of both gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function mutations in a single screen. Additionally, VBIM can target any genomic locus, regardless of whether it is expressed in the cells under study or known to have a biological function, allowing for true whole‐genome screens without the complication and cost of constructing, maintaining, and delivering a comprehensive library. Here, we review the VBIM strategy and discuss examples in which VBIM has been successfully used in diverse screens to identify novel genes or novel functions for known genes. In addition, we discuss considerations for transitioning the VBIM strategy to in vivo screens. We hope that other laboratories will be encouraged to use the VBIM strategy to identify genes that influence their phenotypes of interest. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
An Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Platinum on the Corrosion of Cathode Carbon Support in a PEMFC
Authors: Liu Fengfeng , Gao Ziliang , Su Jinzhan , Guo Liejin
Published: March 2022

The possible role of platinum in the carbon corrosion at cell voltage higher than 1.0 V is controversial yet. To gain more insights into this issue, a square‐wave potential cycles between 1.0 to 1.5 V was applied to fuel cells comprising cathodes with and without Pt. Using online non‐dispersive infrared spectroscopy, we showed that Pt catalyzed the gasification of carbon in the early stage, while upon prolonged exposure to potential cycling (≥3 h), platinum started to hinder the CO2 production. Based on cyclic voltammetry tests and Raman spectroscopy, the inhibiting effect of platinum on the corrosion was suggested to originate from modifications on carbon surface, where the formation of electroactive sites was limited. Electrode and non‐electrode ohmic resistances were distinguished further through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement and the changes in electrode microstructure and surface composition were examined by scanning electron microscope image and energy dispersion X‐Ray spectroscopy. The results indicated that Pt reduced the damage of electrode structures after potential cycles.
A self‐consistent κ‐model for anomalous transport due to electrostatic, interchange‐dominated E × B drift turbulence in the scrape‐off layer and implementation in SOLPS‐ITER
Authors: Dekeyser Wouter , Coosemans Reinart , Carli Stefano , Baelmans Martine
Published: March 2022

The ad‐hoc description of anomalous transport through diffusive relations with manually tuned coefficients is currently one of the main limitations in mean‐field plasma edge codes, seriously restricting their interpretive and predictive capabilities. In this paper, we attempt to improve that description by relating the anomalous transport coefficients to the turbulent kinetic energy as a measure for the local intensity of the turbulence. Using RANS techniques from hydrodynamic turbulence and insights from their recent successful application to 2D electrostatic drift turbulence modelling for the scrape‐off layer, we propose a transport equation for and discuss its coupling with the mean‐field transport equations. The main features of the model include (a) an analytically exact interchange source of which introduces the ballooning character of the transport; (b) fast parallel transport of through the connection with parallel current fluctuations; and (c) consistent transport reduction due to the impact of mean flow shear. The resulting model has been implemented in the new extended grids version of SOLPS‐ITER, enabling for the first time mean‐field simulations self‐consistently combining classical parallel transport with mean‐field drifts and anomalous transport with the code. A first assessment of the model has been made for a representative C‐Mod case study, highlighting the promising features of the model. Further analysis is needed to investigate in detail the impact of the different new terms in the model across operational regimes, and determine the new closures constants based on larger sets of turbulence simulations and experimental data.
Resident and transient coyotes exhibit differential patterns of movement behavior across heterogeneous landscapes in the southeastern United States
Authors: Webster Sarah C. , Beasley James C. , Hinton Joseph W. , Chamberlain Michael J.
Published: March 2022

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are a highly adaptable canid species whose behavioral plasticity has allowed them to persist in a wide array of habitats throughout North America. As generalists, coyotes can alter movement patterns and change territorial strategies between residency (high site fidelity) and transiency (low site fidelity) to maximize fitness. Uncertainty remains about resident and transient coyote movement patterns and habitat use because research has reached conflicting conclusions regarding patterns of habitat use by both groups. We quantified effects of habitat on resident and transient coyote movement behavior using first passage time (FPT) analysis, which assesses recursive movement along an individual's movement path to delineate where they exhibit area‐restricted search (ARS) behaviors relative to habitat attributes. We quantified monthly movement rates for 171 coyotes (76 residents and 53 transients) and then used estimated FPT values in generalized linear mixed models to quantify monthly habitat use for resident and transient coyotes. Transients had greater movement rates than residents across all months except January. Resident FPT values were positively correlated with agricultural land cover during fall and winter, but negatively correlated with agriculture during spring. Resident FPT values were also negatively correlated with developed habitats during May–August, deciduous land cover during June–August, and wetlands during September–January except November. FPT values of transient coyotes were positively correlated with developed areas throughout much of the year and near wetlands during July–September. Transient FPT values were negatively correlated with agriculture during all months except June and July. High FPT values (ARS behavior) of residents and transients were generally correlated with greater densities of edge habitat. Although we observed high individual variation in space use, our study found substantive differences in habitat use between residents and transients, providing further evidence that complexity and plasticity of coyote habitat use is influenced by territorial strategy.
Artificial selection for timing of dispersal in predatory mites yields lines that differ in prey exploitation strategies
Authors: Revynthi Alexandra M. , Verkleij Dirk , Janssen Arne , Egas Martijn
Published: March 2022

Dispersal is the main determinant of the dynamics and persistence of predator–prey metapopulations. When defining dispersal as a predator exploitation strategy, theory predicts the existence of a continuum of strategies: from some dispersal throughout the predator–prey interaction (the Milker strategy) to dispersal only after the prey had been exterminated (the Killer strategy). These dispersal strategies relate to differences in prey exploitation at the population level, with more dispersal leading to longer predator–prey interaction times and higher cumulative numbers of dispersing predators. In the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, empirical studies have shown genetic variation for prey exploitation as well as for the timing of aerial dispersal in the presence of prey. Here, we test whether artificial selection for lines that differ in timing of dispersal also results in these lines differing in prey exploitation. Six rounds of selection for early or late dispersal resulted in predator lines displaying earlier or later dispersal. Moreover, it resulted—at the population level—in predicted differences in the local predator–prey interaction time and in the cumulative numbers of dispersers in a population dynamics experiment. We pose that timing of dispersal is a heritable trait that can be selected in P. persimilis, which results in lines that show quantitative differences in local predator–prey dynamics. This opens ways to experimentally investigate the evolution of alternative prey exploitation strategies and to select for predator strains with prey exploitation strategies resulting in better biological control.