bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ammonium quantification in human plasma by proton nuclear magnetic resonance for staging of liver fibrosis in alcohol‐related liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Azagra Marc , Pose Elisa , De Chiara Francesco , Perez Martina , Avitabile Emma , Servitja Joan‐Marc , Brugnara Laura , Ramon‐Azcón Javier , Marco‐Rius Irene
Published: April 2022

Liver fibrosis staging is a key element driving the prognosis of patients with chronic liver disease. Currently, biopsy is the only technique capable of diagnosing liver fibrosis in patients with alcohol‐related liver disease (ArLD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) unequivocally. Noninvasive (e.g. plasma‐based) biomarker assays are attractive tools to diagnose and stage disease, yet must prove that they are reliable and sensitive to be used clinically. Here, we demonstrate proton nuclear magnetic resonance as a method to rapidly quantify the endogenous concentration of ammonium ions from human plasma extracts and show their ability to report upon early and advanced stages of ArLD and NAFLD. We show that, irrespective of the disease etiology, ammonium concentration is a more robust and informative marker of fibrosis stage than current clinically assessed blood hepatic biomarkers. Subject to validation in larger cohorts, the study indicates that the method can provide accurate and rapid staging of ArLD and NAFLD without the need for an invasive biopsy.
What does value pluralism mean in practice? An empirical demonstration from a deliberative valuation
Authors: Isacs Lina , Kenter Jasper O. , Wetterstrand Hanna , Katzeff Cecilia
Published: April 2022

The intensified call for value pluralism within research on valuation in environmental decision‐making responds to the recognition that neoclassical economic approaches to environmental valuation do not sufficiently account for important aspects of human–nature relations. However, few studies have explored how value plurality actually plays out in social deliberative reasoning and decision‐making in practice, and these studies have mostly been deductive and quantitative.

In his essay ‘Are choices trade‐offs?’ Alan Holland (2002) goes to the heart of differences in conceptions of value and rationality between neoclassical and ecological economics. These conceptions differ in terms of whether values are seen as commensurable or incommensurable, whether people's choices amount to willing exchanges of gains and losses between different values and whether unwillingness to trade values off for net gain is irrational.

Addressing Holland's question, we present a quasi‐experimental study on deliberative valuation of marine issues on the Swedish west coast, where we considered how local citizens and politicians approached values in their reasoning and choice‐making. Mixing quantitative and qualitative empirical material, we used an abductive analytical approach, iterating between data and theory to link our observations and interpretations to prevalent understandings of value, valuation and deliberation in the literature.

The results demonstrate the relevance of value pluralism for environmental policy by showing the prevalence of preference uncertainty and intrapersonal value conflicts in participants' reasoning and interaction. Value conflicts played out as the inability to achieve multiple transcendental values that participants aspired to, including conflicts between social and environmental goals. Rather than attempting to commensurate different value dimensions, participants sought to avoid moral conflicts, showed emotional anguish when value conflicts came to the fore and tried to bridge conflicting aspirations and experiences through inclusive reason‐giving and compromise.

Thus, choices were not resolved through rational trade‐offs, supporting Holland's claim and challenging the neoclassical trade‐off model of choice. Incommensurability appeared as deliberate positions grounded in participants' experiences rather than as irrationality. Legitimately resolving value conflicts thus demands reason‐sensitive means for deciding upon the sacrifices to be made and supporting public participation in environmental decision‐making in ways that reveal peoples' actual moral considerations.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Synthesis and characterization of an engineered dual crosslinked hydrogel system based on hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and carboxymethyl chitosan with platelet‐rich plasma
Authors: KhaliliJafarabad Nadieh , Behnamghader Aliasghar , Khorasani Mohammad Taghi , Mozafari Masoud
Published: April 2022

Hydrogels play a key role in cartilage tissue engineering (CTE) and cell transplantation. Idealy, the hydrogels designed for CTE should facilitate the formation of cartilage ECM, cilinically. However, challenges remain to engineer hydrogels with controllable responses, fast‐self recovery, and high stability. In the present study, a dual crosslinked hydrogel system based on the electrostatic and ionic bonds by mixing polymers composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), chondroitin sulfate (CS), and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) combined with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) was successfully prepared. To increase the stability of hydrogel, 1‐Ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylamino propyl‐carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC)/N‐hydroxy‐succinimide (NHS) was used as the crosslinking agent. The results revealed more stability of dual crosslinking hydrogel (HC54) due to proper stoichiometric ratio between polymers components and the crosslinking agent. According to the rheology results, a non‐Newtonian and viscoelastic behavior was recognized for all hydrogels and the highest mechanical property (modulus) of HC54 hydrogel was confirmed. Based on the SEM micrographs and weight loss analysis, the lowest degradation rate was observed for the HC54 hydrogel after immersion in phosphate buffered saline solution. PRP release from the hydrogel was analyzed with the Bradford assay method and a cumulative release of 50 percent during 15 days was found. Finally, the MTT assay conducted on dual crosslinked HA/CS/CMC hydrogel with and without PRP both demonstrated cytocompatibility of hydrogel while the presence of PRP enhanced the cell viability.
Validation of the bodily expressive action stimulus test among Chinese adults and children
Authors: Yang Yunmei , Hou Wenwen , Li Jing
Published: April 2022

The bodily expressive action stimulus test (BEAST) is developed to provide a set of standardized emotional stimuli for experimental investigations of emotion and attention, and the consistency has been validated in adult populations abroad. However, the consistency of this test in the Chinese population is unclear. To this end, 42 images of each category of emotion (happiness, sadness, fear, and anger) were selected from 254 images of the original stimulus set to further examine the consistency of the BEAST in Chinese population. Thirty‐one Chinese college students and 41 Chinese preschool children participated in this study. All of them were asked to complete an emotion recognition and judgment task. Results showed that adults had a high degree of consistency in rating these pictures, while the children's consistency was at a medium level. For adults, sadness was the easiest to recognize, followed by fear and anger, while happiness was the hardest to recognize. For children, fear was the easiest to recognize, anger and sadness were second, and happiness was also the hardest to recognize. At the same time, adults were more accurate in identifying happiness and sadness than children. For adults, they were more likely to confuse positive emotions with negative emotions. They tended to mistake sadness, fear, and anger for happiness. For children, they were more likely to identify sadness as fear and happiness. They also tended to recognize anger as fear. These results indicate that the recognition performance of BEAST images for Chinese and Western adults are roughly the same, however, in the same cultural context, the recognition performance of adults and children are very different, and generally the recognition accuracy rate of adults is higher than that of children.
A longitudinal study of school climate: Reciprocal effects with student engagement and burnout
Authors: Grazia Valentina
Published: April 2022

The literature on school climate, albeit vast, is limited by a scarcity of longitudinal research. This two‐wave longitudinal study aims to bridge this gap by (a) assessing, over two school years, the changes in students’ perceptions of several dimensions of school climate and (b) exploring the reciprocal longitudinal effects of student perceptions of school climate and multiple dimensions of engagement and burnout. The study was conducted with a sample of 243 Italian middle school students (Wave 1: sixth grade, Mage = 11.68; Wave 2: seventh grade, Mage = 12.64; 51.7% girls). Analyses of variance showed, in the second school year, a decrease in students' satisfaction with various school climate dimensions. With a latent cross‐lagged model, better school climate perceptions were found to predict higher emotional engagement and lower symptoms of burned‐out exhaustion a year later. The practical implications of these findings are considered in the discussion and conclusion.
Is relational aggression a means of pursuing social goals among adolescents with specific personality traits?
Authors: Voulgaridou Ioanna , Kokkinos Constantinos M. , Markos Angelos
Published: April 2022

This study explored the short‐term longitudinal associations between Five Factor Model (FFM) and social goals (social dominance, popularity, and intimacy), with relational aggression (RAgg) as a mediator. RAgg was claimed to mediate the positive correlations of neuroticism with dominance and popularity, whereas extraversion was argued to positively relate to intimacy through low RAgg. The participants were 2207 Greek 13‐ to 16‐year‐olds (M = 14.04; 52.8% female), mostly from middle‐class families. Respondents completed three self‐report measures (T1, T2; 6‐month interval) during the school year. Confirmatory factor analysis explored a measurement model, whereas a longitudinal mediation model tested whether RAgg mediates the relationship between personality and social goals. Cross‐lagged correlations revealed associations of RAgg with neuroticism, dominance, and popularity but not openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness. Weak positive correlations emerged between FFM traits and intimacy, neuroticism, and dominance. Results indicated positive indirect effects from Τ1 neuroticism and negative from T1 agreeableness to Τ2 RAgg, which was then positively linked to T2 dominance and popularity. The research highlights the importance of RAgg as a mechanism for endorsing social goals for adolescents with specific personality traits. Intervention strategies aiming at limiting RAgg could consider agreeableness and neuroticism, providing adolescents with the behavioral tools to cope with anxiety and negative affect.
Parental marital conflict, negative emotions, phubbing, and academic burnout among college students in the postpandemic era: A multiple mediating models
Authors: Zhang Han , Gao Tingting , Hu Qing , Zhao Lin , Wang Xiaolei , Sun Xiaohan , Li Shujun
Published: April 2022

Given the serious effects of coronavirus disease 2019 on academic burnout, this study aims to examine the multiple mediating roles of negative emotions and phubbing in the relationship between parental marital conflict and academic burnout. A total of 1353 college students participated in this study. The results showed that parental marital conflict not only had a direct effect on academic burnout but also affected academic burnout through three indirect paths: parental marital conflict‐negative emotions‐academic burnout, parental marital conflict‐phubbing‐academic burnout, and parental marital conflict‐negative emotions‐phubbing‐academic burnout. The parental marital conflict increased the risk of negative emotions and phubbing in college students and had a subsequent impact on academic burnout. Implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.
Corticosteroid response predicts bronchopulmonary dysplasia status at 36 weeks in preterm infants treated with dexamethasone: A pilot study
Authors: Feldman Keith , Nitkin Christopher R. , Cuna Alain , Oschman Alexandra , Truog William E. , Norberg Michael , Nyp Michael , Taylor Jane B. , Lewis Tamorah
Published: April 2022

Importance

A major barrier to therapeutic development in neonates is a lack of standardized drug response measures that can be used as clinical trial endpoints. The ability to quantify treatment response in a way that aligns with relevant downstream outcomes may be useful as a surrogate marker for new therapies, such as those for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Objective

To construct a measure of clinical response to dexamethasone that was well aligned with the incidence of severe BPD or death at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Participants

Infants treated with dexamethasone for developing BPD between 2010 and 2020.

Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)

Two models were built based on demographics, changes in ventilatory support, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) after dexamethasone administration. An ordinal logistic regression and regularized binary logistic model for the composite outcome were used to associate response level to BPD outcomes defined by both the 2017 BPD Collaborative and 2018 Neonatal Research Network definitions.

Results

Ninety‐five infants were treated with dexamethasone before 36 weeks. Compared to the baseline support and demographic data at the time of treatment, changes in ventilatory support improved ordinal model sensitivity and specificity. For the binary classification, BPD incidence was well aligned with risk levels, increasing from 16% to 59%.

Conclusions and Relevance

Incorporation of response variables as measured by changes in ventilatory parameters and pCO2 following dexamethasone administration were associated with downstream outcomes. Incorporating drug response phenotype into a BPD model may enable more rapid development of future therapeutics.
RISK score for developing ventilator‐associated pneumonia in children: The RISVAP study
Authors: Girona‐Alarcón Mònica , Bobillo‐Perez Sara , Solé‐Ribalta Anna , Cuadras Daniel , Guitart Carmina , Balaguer Mònica , Cambra Francisco‐José , Jordan Iolanda
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) is the second most common healthcare‐associated infection in children. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for VAP in children and to create a risk score for developing VAP (RISVAP score).

Study design

It was a prospective observational study, including children who required mechanical ventilation (MV), registered in the multicentre ENVIN‐HELICS database from 2014 to 2019. The regression coefficients of each independent risk factor for VAP were used to create the RISVAP score. Each factor scored 0 if it was absent, or, if it was present, an assigned value from 1 to 7, according to the regression coefficient.

Results

A total of 3798 patients were included, 97(2.5%) developing VAP. The independent risk factors for VAP were: female (odds ratio [OR]: 1.642, p = 0.024), MV > 4 days (OR: 26.79, p < 0.001), length in pediatric intensive care unit > 7 days (OR: 11.74, p < 0.001), and previous colonisation (OR: 4.18, p < 0.001). The RISVAP was calculated for each patient as the sum of all the independent risk factors. Three risk groups were obtained: low (0–5 points), intermediate (6–12 points), and high risk for VAP (13–16 points). The area under the curve for the final score was 0.905 (95%confidence interval: 0.888–0.923, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The RISVAP is the first risk score for VAP in pediatric populations. Using this predictive score, might be helpful to detect vulnerable patients and therefore implement preventative strategies.
Quantitative proteomics approach reveals novel biomarkers and pathological mechanism of keloid
Authors: Liu Jian , Yang Chunhua , Zhang Huayu , Hu Wei , Bergquist Jonas , Wang Helen , Deng Tingzhi , Yang Xueling , Zhang Chao , Zhu Yanping , Chi Xiaodong , Mi Jia , Wang Yibing
Published: April 2022

Background

Keloid is a pathological skin scar formation with complex and unclear molecular pathology mechanism. Novel biomarkers and associated mechanisms are needed to improve current therapies.

Objectives

To identify novel biomarkers and underlying pathological mechanisms of keloids.

Methods

Six pairs of keloid scar tissues and corresponding normal skin tissues were quantitatively analyzed by a high‐resolution label‐free mass spectrometry‐based proteomics approach. Differential protein expression data was further analyzed by a comprehensive bioinformatics approach to identify novel biomarkers and mechanistic pathways for keloid formation. Candidate biomarkers were validated experimentally.

Results

In total, 1359 proteins were identified by proteomic analysis. Of these, 206 proteins exhibited a significant difference in expression between keloid scar and normal skin tissues. RCN3 and CALU were significantly upregulated in keloids. RCN1 and PDGFRL were uniquely expressed in keloids. Pathway analysis suggested that the XBP1‐mediated unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway was involved in keloid formation. Moreover, a PDGFRL centric gene coexpression network was constructed to illustrate its function in skin.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Our study proposed four novel biomarkers and highlighted the role of XBP1‐mediated UPR pathway in the pathology of keloids. It provided novel biological insights that contribute to develop novel therapeutic strategies for keloids.
Determinants of implementing reablement into research or practice: A concept mapping study
Authors: Ashe Maureen C. , Azim Farah Tabassum , Ariza‐Vega Patrocinio , Burns Jane , Clemson Lindy , Grover Sanya , Hoppmann Christiane A. , Langford Dolores , Fleig Lena , Burton Elissa
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Reablement is a health and social model of care gaining international prominence. It is included in some publicly funded healthcare systems in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden and other European countries. To advance reablement research and practice, we aimed to synthesize expert opinion on opportunities and challenges to delivering care with this model.

Methods

We invited authors of reablement publications and other experts from the field to take part in a three‐step online concept mapping exercise: (i) brainstorming statements based on a focus prompt; followed by (ii) sorting and (iii) rating statements. We invited 63 participants, of whom 19 participants generated 114 statements. Two authors reviewed each statement independently then met three times to determine one main idea/statement and removed unrelated or duplicate ideas. The research team used concept mapping software and online and email discussion to generate clusters or groups of determinants.

Results

There were 58 statements for sorting and rating; 11 and 12 participants completed the sorting and rating steps, respectively. The five clusters were person and caregiver elements for participation; key reablement components for success; reablement content and delivery; organizational factors; and provider beliefs and training. Statements rated as both highly important and feasible to implement into practice were generally captured under the domains of goal setting and pursuit and person‐centred care.

Conclusion

These results generate hypotheses for future research and practice in reablement for older adults.
Molecular classification of hormone‐sensitive and castration‐resistant prostate cancer, using nonnegative matrix factorization molecular subtyping of primary and metastatic specimens
Authors: Yuen Kobe C. , Tran Ben , Anton Angelyn , Hamidi Habib , Costello Anthony J. , Corcoran Niall M. , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Rainey Natalie , Semira Marie C. G. , Gibbs Peter , Mariathasan Sanjeev , Sandhu Shahneen , Kadel Edward E.
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape, immunotherapy has demonstrated limited activity in prostate cancer. A greater understanding of the molecular landscape, particularly the expression of immune‐related pathways, will inform future immunotherapeutic strategies. Consensus nonnegative matrix factorization (cNMF) is a novel model of molecular classification analyzing gene expression data, focusing on biological interpretation of metagenes and selecting meaningful clusters.

Objective

We aimed to identify molecular subtypes of prostate cancer using cNMF and correlate these with existing biomarkers to inform future immunotherapeutic strategies.

Methods

A cohort of archival tumor specimens from hormone‐sensitive and castration‐resistant disease was studied. Whole transcriptomic profiles were generated using TruSeq RNA Access technology and subjected to cNMF. Comprehensive genomic profiling was performed with the FoundationOne assay. NMF subtypes were characterized by gene expression pathways, genomic alterations and correlated with clinical data, then applied to The Cancer Genome Atlas data set.

Results

We studied 164 specimens, including 52 castration‐resistant and 13 paired primary/metastatic specimens. cNMF identified four distinct subtypes. NMF1 (19%) is enriched for immune‐related and stromal‐related pathways with transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signature. NMF2 (36%) is associated with FOXO‐mediated transcription signature and AKT signaling, NMF3 (26%) is enriched for ribosomal RNA processing, while NMF4 (19%) is enriched for cell cycle and DNA‐repair pathways. The most common gene alterations included TMPRSS22 (42%), TP53 (23%), and DNA‐repair genes (19%), occurring across all subtypes. NMF4 is significantly enriched for MYC and Wnt‐signaling gene alterations. TMB, CD8 density, and PD‐L1 expression were low overall. NMF1 and NMF4 were NMF2 was associated with superior overall survival.

Conclusions

Using cNMF, we identified four molecularly distinct subtypes which may inform treatment selection. NMF1 demonstrates the most inflammatory signature with asuppressive TGFβ signature, suggesting potential benefit with immunotherapy combination strategies targeting TGFβ and PD‐(L)1. Prospective studies are required to evaluate the use of this novel model to molecularly stratify patients for optimal treatment selection.
Sclareol ameliorates hyperglycemia‐induced renal injury through inhibiting the MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Han Xue , Zhang Jiajia , Zhou Li , Wei Jiajia , Tu Yu , Shi Qiaojuan , Zhang Yi , Ren Juan , Wang Yi , Ying Huazhong , Liang Guang
Published: April 2022

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) represents the most serious complication of diabetes. Previous studies have shown that the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) are linked to inflammation in the development of DN. Sclareol, a natural diterpene compound, has beneficial effects on inflammation. Thus, we hypothesized that sclareol might prevent DN via anti‐inflammatory actions. This study aimed to investigate the actions of sclareol in the progression of DN, and explored the related molecular mechanism. Sclareol treatment significantly alleviated renal dysfunction, fibrosis, and inflammatory cytokine levels in a dose‐dependent manner in diabetic mice. Moreover, sclareol inhibited the activations of MAPKs and NF‐κB in diabetic kidney tissues. The therapeutic effects of sclareol were confirmed under high levels of glucose in SV40 cells, and sclareol prevented high glucose‐induced fibrosis and inflammatory responses, which was largely driven by MAPKs and NF‐κB inhibitions. In particular, MAPKs inhibitors mixture could suppress the NF‐κB pathway and release of inflammatory cytokines that sclareol was involved in. In conclusion, sclareol has benefits for diabetes‐induced renal dysfunction, which was partially associated with amelioration of fibrosis and inflammation via mediation of the MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway. Sclareol may be a promising agent for preventing the progression of DN.
A unified inner‐/outer‐loop distributed design for task‐space robust cooperative tracking of uncertain networked manipulators under directed graphs
Authors: Feng Zhi , Hu Guoqiang
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates task‐space cooperative tracking of networked manipulators with an inner‐/outer‐loop closed control architecture, taking effects of uncertain kinematics, dynamics, disturbances, and unavailable task‐space velocities into account. In the existing related works, the developed distributed cooperative control algorithms require either an open control architecture with torque‐based controllers or the combination of inner/outer loop to be stable with the effects of unknown dynamics being neglected. In contrast, in this work we propose a novel distributed control framework such that a distributed outer‐loop adaptive scheme is developed to achieve task‐space robust cooperative tracking with dynamic effects being considered and without modifying the inner control loop. In particular, a distributed estimator is firstly developed to estimate the desired global task. With this estimated information, distributed cooperative algorithms are presented for two types of inner‐loop controllers to ensure task‐space coordinated tracking asymptotically. If the robot has an open control architecture, the torque‐based distributed controller is provided for task‐space cooperative tracking, which can cover existing related results as a special case. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed designs.
Did court find due process rights were violated?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: April 2022

A Florida International University student told a teaching assistant she suspected her organic chemistry lab classmates were cheating. He allegedly responded, “You are going to ruin my entire career,” and “I am going to ruin yours.”
Epistemological messages in a modeling‐based elementary science classroom compared with a traditional classroom
Authors: Oh Phil Seok , Ha Heesoo , Yoo Yeon Joon
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to explore what kinds of epistemological messages were conveyed through teacher discourse in modeling‐based and traditional elementary science classrooms and how teachers framed the two classrooms distinctively through these messages. Data came from two sixth‐grade teachers' science classrooms—one characterized as a modeling‐based classroom and the other as a traditional classroom. Video recordings of science lessons in the two classrooms were analyzed as the main data source. Epistemological messages from within the teacher discourse in the two classrooms were identified, and different ways of the teachers' epistemological framing by these messages were inferred. As a result, we identified a constellation of epistemological messages corresponding to a variety of epistemological themes and categories communicated by the teacher in the modeling‐based classroom. This constellation indicated the teacher's framing of the modeling‐based classroom as supportive of students' construction of knowledge through engagement in the scientific practice of modeling. By contrast, in the traditional science classroom, epistemological messages served the teacher's framing of the classroom as a place for learning correct knowledge by recording and memorizing the information transferred via the teacher and the textbook. The findings suggest that epistemological messages can be used as a conceptual and instructional tool to analyze and shape epistemic aspects of science classrooms and that rational authority on scientific practices of modeling can be an important characteristic of a modeling‐based science classroom that sets it apart from a traditional classroom.
Hierarchical Core–Shell Co2N/CoP Embedded in N, P‐doped Carbon Nanotubes as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts for Zn‐air Batteries
Authors: Yao Chongchao , Li Jiaxin , Zhang Zhihao , Gou Chunli , Zhang Zhongshen , Pan Gang , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2022

Projecting a cost‐effective and highly efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reaction reduction (ORR) counts a great deal for Zn‐air batteries. Herein, a hierarchical core–shell ORR catalyst (Co2N/CoP@PNCNTs) is developed by embedding cobalt phosphides and/or cobalt nitrides as the core into N, P‐doped carbon nanotubes (PNCNTs) as the shell via one‐step carbonization, nitridation, and phosphorization of pyrolyzing Co‐MOF precursor. The globally N, P‐doped structure of Co2N/CoP@PNCNTs demonstrates an outstanding electrocatalytic activity in the alkaline solution with the onset and half‐wave potentials of 1.07 and 0.85 V respectively. Moreover, a Zn‐air battery assembled from Co2N/CoP@PNCNTs as the air cathode delivers an open circuit potential of 1.49 V, a maximum power density of 151.1 mW cm−2 and a specific capacity of 823.8 mAh kg−1. It is reflected that Co2N/CoP@PNCNTs provides a long‐term durability with a slight decline of 15 h in the chronoamperometry measurement and an excellent charge–discharge stability with negligible voltage decay for 150 h at 10 mA cm−2 in Zn‐air batteries. The results reveal that Co2N/CoP@PNCNTs has superiority over most Co‐Nx‐C or CoxP@C catalysts reported so far. The excellent catalytic properties and stability of Co2N/CoP@PNCNTs derive from synergistic effects between Co2N/CoP and mesoporous N, P‐doped carbon nanotubes.
Calcium Based All‐Organic Dual‐Ion Batteries with Stable Low Temperature Operability
Authors: Jiang Biao , Su Yuezeng , Liu Ruili , Sun Zuobang , Wu Dongqing
Published: April 2022

In response to the application requirements of secondary batteries at low temperature, an all‐organic dual‐ion battery with calcium perchlorate contained acetonitrile as the electrolyte (CAN‐ODIB) is fabricated in this work. The electrochemical energy is stored in CAN‐ODIB via the association and disassociation of calcium and perchlorate ions in perylene diimide‐ethylene diamine/carbon black composite based anode and polytriphenylamine based cathode with highly reversible redox states. Benefiting from the energy storage mechanism, CAN‐ODIB exhibits excellent electrochemical performances in tests with the temperature ranging from 25 to −50 °C. Especially, CAN‐ODIB at −50 °C reserves ≈61% of the capacity at 25 °C (83.4 mA h g−1) with the current density of 0.2 A g−1. CAN‐ODIB also shows excellent cycling stability at low temperature by retaining 90.3% of the initial capacity at 1.0 A g−1 after 450 charge–discharge cycles at −30 °C. The impedance analysis of CAN‐ODIB at different temperatures indicates that the low temperature performance of CAN‐ODIB depends more on the electrode materials than the electrolyte, which provides the important guidance for the further design of secondary batteries operable at low temperatures.
Photosensitized Peroxidase Mimicry at the Hierarchical 0D/2D Heterojunction‐Like Quasi Metal‐Organic Framework Interface for Boosting Biocatalytic Disinfection
Authors: Huang Lunjie , Sun Da‐Wen , Pu Hongbin
Published: April 2022

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are a versatile toolbox for the bioinspired design of nanozymes for antibacterial applications and beyond, however, designing a nanozyme by the hierarchical quasi‐MOF scheme remains largely unpracticed. This work exemplifies the preferential structure‐activity correlation of a bimetallic quasi‐MOF (Q‐MOFCe0.5) among three series of MOF‐derived peroxidase (POD) mimics. The biomimetic quasi‐MOFCe0.5 nanosheets accommodate both oxygen vacancy‐coupled multivalent redox cycles and photosensitive energy band layout, benefiting from the hierarchical heterojunction‐like 0D/2D interface featuring isolated nodes‐derived CeOCu sites upon the 2D decarboxylated MOF scaffold. These integrated unique merits enable the POD‐like Q‐MOFCe0.5 to generate sustained reactive oxygen species to effectively eradicate the surface‐adhered bacteria under visible light, resulting in significant inactivation of Escherichia coli (99.74 %) and Staphylococcus aureus (99.35%) in vitro, and potent disinfection of skin wounds in vivo in safe and on‐demand manners. It is hoped that this work can intensify the interventions of MOF nanozymes against the microbial world.
Study on the perforation process of concrete targets against the impact by nondeforming projectiles
Authors: Mu Zhongcheng , Hu Yile , Wang Wei , Yi Ji Yuan , Cheng Xuebin , Wu Xiaofeng
Published: April 2022

The perforation of concrete‐like material targets against impact by nondeforming projectiles is always the research focus in engineering protective domain. In the present paper, a new punching plug model is proposed based on the similar features with punching shear in concrete slabs, utilizing the failure criterion of modified Mohr‐Coulomb. Semi‐empirical equations corresponding to ballistic limit, residual velocity, punching plug thickness are derived, where residual velocity is renewedly identified considering the effect of punching plug resistance. Eventually, the proposed punching plug model is validated and discussed by comparisons with perforation experiments.
“Fishing Smart”: Bioeconomic Optimization of Fishing Strategies in an Australian Mollusk Fishery
Authors: Stobart Ben , Mayfield Stephen , McGarvey Richard , Carlin Lisa , Morison Julian
Published: April 2022

Recent declines in the biomass of wild abalone populations around Australia are leaving fisheries with low catches, declining profitability, and an uncertain future. Using the abalone fisheries in the western zone of South Australia, we investigate ways to help mitigate these changes by “fishing smart.” We use a two‐pronged approach to demonstrate (1) considerable benefits to fishing abalone during specific months of the year and (2) that fishing profitability can benefit considerably from fleet rationalization. This was achieved by (1) using the seasonally variable biology of abalone to increase fishing efficiency and (2) analyzing the economic benefit of reducing fleet size and fishing season. We demonstrate that profitability can be improved by changing the timing of fishing and amending fleet size as the total allowable commercial catch changes. We show that information on the seasonally variable biology of greenlip abalone Haliotis laevigata and blacklip abalone H. rubra can be used to increase net economic return, reduce exploitation rates, or achieve a combination of these two management objectives. The outputs identify clear economic and biological benefits to altering monthly fishing effort for both species. A cost–benefit analysis contrasted restructure scenarios that involved combinations of changes in fishing season and fleet size with a status quo baseline.
Numerical investigation of the influence of shear and thermal stratification on the wind turbine tip‐vortex stability
Authors: Hodgkin Amy , Laizet Sylvain , Deskos Georgios
Published: April 2022

The interaction between wind turbine wakes and atmospheric turbulence is characterised by complex dynamics. In this study, two major components of the atmospheric boundary layer dynamics have been isolated, namely, the mean velocity profile shear and the thermal stratification, to examine their impact on the near‐wake development by undertaking a series of highly resolved large‐eddy simulations. Subsequently, instantaneous flow fields are extracted from the simulations and used to conduct Fourier analysis and proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and compute the mean kinetic energy fluxes by different POD modes to better understand the tip‐vortex instability mechanisms. Our findings indicate that shear can significantly affect the breakup of the wind turbine tip‐vortices and the shape and stable length of the wake, whereas thermal stratification seems to only have limited contribution to the spatial development of the near‐wake field. Finally, our analysis shows that the applied perturbation frequency determines the tip‐vortex breakup location as it controls the onset of the mutual inductance instability.
Einleitung
Authors: Hettmann Maximilian
Published: April 2022

Im Unterricht von heterogenen Schüler*innengruppen sind Lernschwierigkeiten ein konstitutiver Bestandteil. Besonders im Fach Mathematik ist diese Thematik Gegenstand zahlreicher Diskussionen und Untersuchungen geworden. Der Umgang mit den Lernschwierigkeiten von Schüler*innen ist besonders vor dem Hintergrund der Forderung nach der Berücksichtigung von Verschiedenheit und der Förderung der Potentiale aller Schüler*innen eine zentrale Herausforderung für Lehrkräfte.
Fragestellung und Hypothesen
Authors: Hettmann Maximilian
Published: April 2022

Im theoretischen Teil dieser Arbeit wurde ein Rahmenkonzept zu Handlungskompetenzen von Lehrkräften entwickelt, die sich auf die Motivierung von Schüler*innen beziehen. Als zentrales Desiderat wurde eine vertiefende Untersuchung der Aspekte der professionellen Kompetenz, motiviertes Lernen zu fördern (KMLF) herausgestellt. Dabei interessiert im Rahmen dieses Projekts, wie sich Facetten dieser Kompetenz im Rahmen eines Veranstaltungskonzepts zur Förderung der KMLF entwickeln (Studie 1; ausführlicher in Abschnitt 5.1)
Stichproben
Authors: Hettmann Maximilian
Published: April 2022

Die Studienteilnehmer*innen sind Mathematik-Lehramtsstudierende der Sekundarstufenlehrämter Gymnasium und Gesamtschule mit Sek II- Befähigung (GymGe) und Haupt-, Real-, Sekundar- und Gesamtschule ohne Sek II- Befähigung (HRSGe). Die Studierenden belegen die Veranstaltung im Rahmen ihres Bachelor-Studiums als Berufsfeldbezogene Praxisstudie, deren Studium für das 4. oder 5. Fachsemester vorgesehen ist und in dem außerunterrichtliche Felder des Lehrer*innenberufs kennengelernt werden sollen.
Rahmenbedingungen, Voraussetzungen und Durchführung
Authors: Bertagnolli Frank , Bludau Simon , Fetzer Lea , Hadamek Lucas , Herrmann Tayla , Treick Amy
Published: April 2022

Das folgende Kapitel erläutert die Rahmenbedingungen und Voraussetzungen, die für eine Durchführung eines Hochschul-Bienenprojektes erforderlich sind. Dabei wird, anhand des Praxisbeispiels BEEsy Mission, die Planung und das Projektmanagement, die Beschaffung sowie die Umsetzung des Bienenprojektes vorgestellt. Zudem werden je Abschnitt Checklisten mit allen zu berücksichtigenden Aspekten zur Verfügung gestellt.
Durchführung als Lehrveranstaltung
Authors: Bertagnolli Frank , Bludau Simon , Fetzer Lea , Hadamek Lucas , Herrmann Tayla , Treick Amy
Published: April 2022

Die Hochschule Pforzheim zeichnet sich durch ihre Interdisziplinarität aus. Dies ergibt sich aus verschiedenen Blickwinkeln auf Themenstellungen durch die drei Fakultäten Gestaltung, Technik sowie Wirtschaft und Recht. Aus Sicht der Lehrenden stellt sich die Frage, wie Studierende mit ihrer jeweiligen Fachrichtung und ihren Kompetenzen an einem gemeinsamen Projekt arbeiten und lernen können.
Universal structure of radiative QED amplitudes at one loop
Authors: Engel T. , Signer A. , Ulrich Y.
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We present two novel results about the universal structure of radiative QED amplitudes in the soft and in the collinear limit. On the one hand, we extend the well-known Low-Burnett-Kroll theorem to the one-loop level and give the explicit relation between the radiative and non-radiative amplitude at subleading power in the soft limit. On the other hand, we consider a factorisation formula at leading power in the limit where the emitted photon becomes collinear to a light fermion and provide the corresponding one-loop splitting function. In addition to being interesting in their own right these findings are particularly relevant in the context of fully-differential higher-order QED calculations. One of the main challenges in this regard is the numerical stability of radiative contributions in the soft and collinear regions. The results presented here allow for a stabilisation of real­virtual amplitudes in these delicate phase-space regions by switching to the corresponding approximation without the need of explicit computations.
Classical conformal blocks, Coulomb gas integrals and Richardson-Gaudin models
Authors: Piątek M. R. , Nazmitdinov R. G. , Puente A. , Pietrykowski A. R.
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Virasoro conformal blocks are universal ingredients of correlation functions of two-dimensional conformal field theories (2d CFTs) with Virasoro symmetry. It is acknowledged that in the (classical) limit of large central charge of the Virasoro algebra and large external, and intermediate conformal weights with fixed ratios of these parameters Virasoro blocks exponentiate to functions known as Zamolodchikovs’ classical blocks. The latter are special functions which have awesome mathematical and physical applications. Uniformization, monodromy problems, black holes physics, quantum gravity, entanglement, quantum chaos, holography, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 gauge theory and quantum integrable systems (QIS) are just some of contexts, where classical Virasoro blocks are in use. In this paper, exploiting known connections between power series and integral representations of (quantum) Virasoro blocks, we propose new finite closed formulae for certain multi-point classical Virasoro blocks on the sphere. Indeed, combining classical limit of Virasoro blocks expansions with a saddle point asymptotics of Dotsenko-Fateev (DF) integrals one can relate classical Virasoro blocks with a critical value of the “Dotsenko-Fateev matrix model action”. The latter is the “DF action” evaluated on a solution of saddle point equations which take the form of Bethe equations for certain QIS (Gaudin spin models). A link with integrable models is our main motivation for this research line. For instance, analogous quantities as the “DF on-shell action” appear in 2d CFT realization of the so-called Richardson’s solution of the reduced BCS model describing physics of ultra-small superconducting grains. Precisely, the Richardson solution and its particular limit characterizing the rational Gaudin model have known implementation in 2d CFT in terms of a free field representation of certain (perturbed and unperturbed) WZW blocks. The WZW analogue of the “DF on-shell action” appears here and plays a crucial role, it is a generating function for eigenvalues of quantum integrals of motion. An exploration of relationships between power expansions and Coulomb gas representations of the aforementioned WZW blocks could pave a way for new analytical tools useful in the study of models of the Richardson-Gaudin type.
Experimental colonization with Blastocystis ST4 is associated with protective immune responses and modulation of gut microbiome in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model
Authors: Deng Lei , Wojciech Lukasz , Png Chin Wen , Koh Eileen Yiling , Aung Thet Tun , Kioh Dorinda Yan Qin , Chan Eric Chun Yong , Malleret Benoit , Zhang Yongliang , Peng Guangneng , Gascoigne Nicholas Robert John , Tan Kevin Shyong Wei
Published: April 2022

Background

Blastocystis is a common gut protistan parasite in humans and animals worldwide, but its interrelationship with the host gut microbiota and mucosal immune responses remains poorly understood. Different murine models of Blastocystis colonization were used to examine the effect of a common Blastocystis subtype (ST4) on host gut microbial community and adaptive immune system.

Results

Blastocystis ST4-colonized normal healthy mice and Rag1−/− mice asymptomatically and was able to alter the microbial community composition, mainly leading to increases in the proportion of Clostridia vadinBB60 group and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, respectively. Blastocystis ST4 colonization promoted T helper 2 (Th2) response defined by interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 cytokine production, and T regulatory (Treg) induction from colonic lamina propria in normal healthy mice. Additionally, we observed that Blastocystis ST4 colonization can maintain the stability of bacterial community composition and induce Th2 and Treg immune responses to promote faster recovery from experimentally induced colitis. Furthermore, fecal microbiota transplantation of Blastocystis ST4-altered gut microbiome to colitis mice reduced the severity of colitis, which was associated with increased production of short-chain fat acids (SCFAs) and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

Conclusions

The data confirm our hypothesis that Blastocystis ST4 is a beneficial commensal, and the beneficial effects of Blastocystis ST4 colonization is mediated through modulating of the host gut bacterial composition, SCFAs production, and Th2 and Treg responses in different murine colonization models.
PI(4,5)P2 controls slit diaphragm formation and endocytosis in Drosophila nephrocytes
Authors: Gass Maximilian M. , Borkowsky Sarah , Lotz Marie-Luise , Siwek Rebecca , Schröter Rita , Nedvetsky Pavel , Luschnig Stefan , Rohlmann Astrid , Missler Markus , Krahn Michael P.
Published: April 2022

Drosophila nephrocytes are an emerging model system for mammalian podocytes and proximal tubules as well as for the investigation of kidney diseases. Like podocytes, nephrocytes exhibit characteristics of epithelial cells, but the role of phospholipids in polarization of these cells is yet unclear. In epithelia, phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) and phosphatidylinositol(3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3) are asymmetrically distributed in the plasma membrane and determine apical–basal polarity. Here, we demonstrate that both phospholipids are present in the plasma membrane of nephrocytes, but only PI(4,5)P2 accumulates at slit diaphragms. Knockdown of Skittles, a phosphatidylinositol(4)phosphate 5-kinase, which produces PI(4,5)P2, abolished slit diaphragm formation and led to strongly reduced endocytosis. Notably, reduction in PI(3,4,5)P3 by overexpression of PTEN or expression of a dominant-negative phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase did not affect nephrocyte function, whereas enhanced formation of PI(3,4,5)P3 by constitutively active phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase resulted in strong slit diaphragm and endocytosis defects by ectopic activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway. Thus, PI(4,5)P2 but not PI(3,4,5)P3 is essential for slit diaphragm formation and nephrocyte function. However, PI(3,4,5)P3 has to be tightly controlled to ensure nephrocyte development.
Platelets fine-tune effector responses of naïve CD4+ T cells via platelet factor 4-regulated transforming growth factor β signaling
Authors: Min Yanan , Hao Long , Liu Xinguang , Tan Shuai , Song Hui , Ni Hao , Sheng Zi , Jooss Natalie , Liu Xuena , Malmström Rickard E. , Sun Yang , Liu Jianguo , Tang Hua , Zhang Hao , Ma Chunhong , Peng Jun , Hou Ming , Li Nailin
Published: April 2022

Background and aim

Platelets are an able regulator of CD4+ T cell immunity. Herein, the mechanisms underlying platelet-regulated effector responses of naïve CD4+ T (Tn) cells were investigated.

Methods

Platelet–Tn cell co-cultures of human cells, genetically modified murine models, and high-throughput bioinformatic analyses were combined to elucidate molecular mechanisms of platelet-dependent regulation.

Results

Platelets exerted sophisticated regulation on effector responses of type 1, 2, and 17 T helper (Th1/Th2/Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells, in time-, concentration-, and organ-dependent manners and with close cooperation of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and platelet factor 4 (PF4). PF4 at low concentrations reinforced TGFβ signaling by heteromerizing with type III TGFβ receptor (TGFBRIII), and subsequently enhanced TGFBRII expression and TGFβ signaling. High-concentration PF4 had, however, opposite effects by directly binding to TGFBRII, blocking TGFβ–TGFBRII ligation, and thus inhibiting TGFβ signaling. Furthermore, platelet depletion markedly hampered Treg and Th17 responses in the spleen but not in the lymph nodes, blockade of platelet–Tn cell contact diminished platelet effects, while spleen injection of PF4-immobilized microparticles in PF4-deficient mice mimicked platelet effects, suggesting the importance of direct platelet–Tn contact and platelet-bound PF4 for the optimal regulatory effects by platelets.

Conclusion

Platelets exert context-dependent regulations on effector responses of Tn cells via PF4-TGFβ duet, suggesting new possibilities of platelet-targeted interventions of T cell immunity.