bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assembly of long carbon nanotube bridges across transparent electrodes using novel thickness‐controlled dielectrophoresis
Authors: Abdulhameed Abdullah , Mohtar Mohd Nazim , Hamidon Mohd Nizar , Halin Izhal Abdul
Published: October 2021

The assembly of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) across planner electrodes using dielectrophoresis (DEP) is one of the standard methods used to fabricate CNT‐based devices such as sensors. The medium drag velocity caused by electrokinetic phenomena such as electrothermal and electroosmotic might drive CNTs away from the deposition area. This problem becomes critical at large‐scale electrode structures due to the high attenuation of the DEP force. Herein, we simulated and experimentally validated a novel DEP setup that uses a top glass cover to minimize the medium drag velocity. The simulation results showed that the drag velocity can be reduced by 2–3 orders of magnitude compared with the basic DEP setup. The simulation also showed that the optimum channel height to result in a significant drag velocity reduction was between 100 μm and 240 μm. We experimentally report, for the first time, the assembly and alignment of CNT bridges across indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes with spacing up to 125 μm. We also derived an equation to optimize the CNT's concentration in suspensions based on the electrode gap width and channel height. The deposition of long CNTs across ITO electrodes has potential use in transparent electronics and microfluidic systems.
N–O Codoped Carbon Nanofibers Decorated with Graphene for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Hou Xin , Ren Penggang , Dai Zhong , Guo Zhengzheng , Zhang Zengping , Sun Aiyue , He Wenwei , Ren Fang , Jin Yanling
Published: October 2021

Herein, nitrogen, oxygen codoped porous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) from corn residue‐derived lignin are fabricated via the electrospinning method, followed by introduction of graphenes (GNs) via a simple “brush‐coating and drying” process. The obtained GN‐coated carbon nanofibers (CNFs@GNs) exhibit a 3D network architecture, abundance of heteroatoms, excellent electrical conductivity, high specific surface area (700.92 m2 g−1), thus boosting the electrochemical performances. The CNFs@GNs electrode delivers a higher specific capacitance of 271.1 F g−1 than CNFs (200.3 F g−1) at 1 A g−1. Furthermore, the assembled CNFs@GNs symmetric supercapacitor exhibits an energy density of 20.3 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 199.97 W kg−1 together with a high charge/discharge reversibility of 97.3% and Coulombic efficiency of 99.81% after 10 000 cycles. This “brush‐coating and drying” strategy utilized here provides a convenient and efficient route for designing CNFs and GN composites and can be utilized in other active materials.
Transcriptomic evidence for a trade-off between germline proliferation and immunity inDrosophila
Authors: Rodrigues Marisa A. , Merckelbach Antoine , Durmaz Esra , Kerdaffrec Envel , Flatt Thomas
Published: October 2021

Life-history theory posits that investment into reproduction might occur at the expense of investment into somatic maintenance, including immune function. If so, reduced or curtailed reproductive effort might be expected to increase immunity. In support of this notion, work in Caenorhabditis elegans has shown that worms lacking a germline exhibit improved immunity, but whether the antagonistic relation between germline proliferation and immunity also holds for other organisms is less well understood. Here, we report that transgenic ablation of germ cells in late development or early adulthood in Drosophila melanogaster causes elevated baseline expression and increased induction of Toll and Imd immune genes upon bacterial infection, as compared to fertile flies with an intact germline. We also identify immune genes whose expression after infection differs between fertile and germline-less flies in a manner that is conditional on their mating status. We conclude that germline activity strongly impedes the expression and inducibility of immune genes and that this physiological trade-off might be evolutionarily conserved.
Prospects to improve the nutritional quality of crops
Authors: Scharff Lars B. , Saltenis Vandasue L. R. , Jensen Poul Erik , Baekelandt Alexandra , Burgess Alexandra J. , Burow Meike , Ceriotti Aldo , Cohan Jean‐Pierre , Geu‐Flores Fernando , Halkier Barbara Ann , Haslam Richard P. , Inzé Dirk , Klein Lankhorst René , Murchie Erik H. , Napier Johnathan A. , Nacry Philippe , Parry Martin A. J. , Santino Angelo , Scarano Aurelia , Sparvoli Francesca , Wilhelm Ralf , Pribil Mathias
Published: October 2021

A growing world population as well as the need to enhance sustainability and health create challenges for crop breeding. To address these challenges, not only quantitative but also qualitative improvements are needed, especially regarding the macro‐ and micronutrient composition and content. In this review, we describe different examples of how the nutritional quality of crops and the bioavailability of individual nutrients can be optimised. We focus on increasing protein content, the use of alternative protein crops and improving protein functionality. Furthermore, approaches to enhance the content of vitamins and minerals as well as healthy specialised metabolites and long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered. In addition, methods to reduce antinutrients and toxins are presented. These approaches could help to decrease the ‘hidden hunger’ caused by micronutrient deficiencies. Furthermore, a more diverse crop range with improved nutritional profile could help to shift to healthier and more sustainable plant‐based diets.
Influence of calcium chloride and pH on soluble complex of whey protein‐basil seed gum and xanthan gum
Authors: Sarraf Mozhdeh , Naji‐Tabasi Sara , Beig‐babaei Adel
Published: October 2021

Interaction between biopolymers generates different rheological behaviors, which can be effective on the structure of food products. One way to control the polysaccharide–protein interaction is the variation of acidic and ionic strength. In this research, the different amounts of pHs (3–7) and calcium chloride (5–20 mM) were investigated on a soluble complex of whey protein concentrate (WPC) with xanthan gum (XG) and basil seed gum (BSG). The complex characteristic was investigated according to turbidity, viscosity behavior, and electrostatic interactions. The turbidity test showed that WPC:BSG and WPC:XG absorbance increased at pH 3.5 and 4.5, respectively, due to the formation of insoluble complex. pH 6 was the start point of the turbidity increment, which showed the formation of soluble complexes between WPC and polysaccharides. The FTIR analysis confirmed creation of soluble complex at pH 6. The absorbance raised with increasing the molar of CaCl2 to 10 mM, but no significant difference was observed by turbidity test in the range of CaCl2<10 mM. Also, the highest viscosity value was obtained by 10 mM CaCl2.
Banff consensus recommendations for steatosis assessment in donor livers
Authors: Neil Desley A. H. , Minervini Marta , Smith Maxwell L. , Hubscher Stefan G. , Brunt Elizabeth M. , Demetris A. Jake
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

No consensus criteria or approaches exist regarding assessment of steatosis in the setting of human donor liver suitability for transplantation. The Banff Working Group on Liver Allograft Pathology undertook a study to determine the consistency with which steatosis is assessed and reported in frozen sections of potential donor livers.

Approach and Results

A panel of 59 pathologists from 16 countries completed a questionnaire covering criteria used to assess steatosis in donor liver biopsies, including droplet size and magnification used; subsequently, steatosis severity was assessed in 18 whole slide images of donor liver frozen sections (n = 59). Survey results (from 56/59) indicated a wide variation in definitions and approaches used to assess and report steatosis. Whole slide image assessment led to a broad range in the scores. Findings were discussed at a workshop held at the 15th Banff Conference on Allograft Pathology, September 2019. The aims of discussions were to (i) establish consensus criteria for defining “large droplet fat” (LDF) that predisposes to increased risk of initial poor graft function and (ii) develop an algorithmic approach to determine fat droplet size and the percentage of hepatocytes involved. LDF was defined as typically a single fat droplet that expands the involved hepatocyte and is larger than adjacent nonsteatotic hepatocytes. Estimating severity of steatosis involves (i) low magnification estimate of the approximate surface area of the biopsy occupied by fat, (ii) higher magnification determination of the percentage of hepatocytes within the fatty area with LDF, and (iii) final score calculation.

Conclusions

The proposed guidelines herein are intended to improve standardization in steatosis assessment of donor liver biopsies. The calculated percent LDF should be provided to the surgeon.
Frailty and the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury Among Patients With Cirrhosis
Authors: Cullaro Giuseppe , Verna Elizabeth C. , Duarte‐Rojo Andres , Kappus Matthew R. , Ganger Daniel R. , Rahimi Robert S. , Boyarsky Brian , Segev Dorry L. , McAdams‐DeMarco Mara , Ladner Daniela P. , Volk Michael L. , Hsu Chi‐yuan , Lai Jennifer C.
Published: October 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and frailty are major drivers of outcomes among patients with cirrhosis. What is unknown is the impact of physical frailty on the development of AKI. We included adults with cirrhosis without hepatocellular carcinoma listed for liver transplantation at nine US centers (n = 1,033). Frailty was assessed using the Liver Frailty Index (LFI); “frail” was defined by LFI ≥ 4.2. Chronic kidney disease as a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Our primary outcome, AKI, was defined as an increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL or a serum creatinine ≥1.5‐fold increase. Wait‐list mortality was defined as either a death on the wait list or removal for being too sick. We performed Cox regression analyses to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for AKI and wait‐list mortality. Of 1,033 participants, 41% were frail and 23% had CKD. Twenty‐one percent had an episode of AKI during follow‐up. Frail versus nonfrail patients were more likely to develop AKI (25% vs. 19%) and wait‐list mortality (21% vs. 13%) (P < 0.01 for each). In multivariable Cox regression, each of the following groups was associated with a higher risk of AKI as compared with not frail/no CKD: frail/no CKD (adjusted HR [aHR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29‐2.72); not frail/CKD (aHR = 4.30, CI = 2.88‐6.42); and frail/CKD (aHR = 4.85, CI = 3.33‐7.07). We use a readily available metric, LFI, to identify those patients with cirrhosis most at risk for AKI. We highlight that serum creatinine and creatinine‐based estimations of glomerular filtration rate may not fully capture a patient’s vulnerability to AKI among the frail phenotype. Conclusion: Our work lays the foundation for implementing physical frailty in clinical practice to identify AKI earlier, implement reno‐protective strategies, and expedite liver transplantation.
Synthesis of Helical and Planar Extended‐Phenanthridinium Salts
Authors: Hutskalova Valeriia , Prescimone Alessandro , Sparr Christof
Published: October 2021

The investigation of new synthetic routes towards positively charged N‐heterocycles is of high importance for the further development of medicinal chemistry, functional materials, catalysis and other areas of application. For accessing acridinium dyes, we previously reported an approach based on an aryne‐imine‐aryne coupling followed by the subsequent oxidation of the acridane intermediates. Herein, we now present an unusual reaction outcome when phenanthryne is used as aryne component. Under optimized conditions, this two‐step synthetic methodology led to the formation of a helical tetrabenzophenanthridinium derivative. Furthermore, the susceptibility of this product to photoinduced cyclodehydrogenation was observed, providing a highly fluorescent planar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with a positively charged nitrogen. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the mesityl‐phenyltetrabenzophenanthridinium tetrafluoroborate were also determined.
Heat transfer and fluid flow analysis of non‐Newtonian fluid in a microchannel with electromagnetohydrodynamics and thermal radiation
Authors: Gajbhiye Sneha , Warke Arundhati , Katta Ramesh
Published: October 2021

The study of electromagnetohydrodynamics (EMHD) of non‐Newtonian fluid plays a significant role for optical design, thermal management of electronic components, and various operations of microfluidic devices. The use of parallel geometry is seen in the circulatory system, extrusion process, and respiratory system. By considering various practical applications, in the current study, the Poiseuille flow of an incompressible Casson liquid between the plates is investigated. The effects of MHD, Joule heating, thermal radiation, modified Darcy's law, and chemical reaction have been taken into account. The dimensional governing equations have been converted into dimensionless equations with pertinent nondimensional quantities. The resulting system of nondimensional system of equations has been analytically solved with nondimensional slip boundary conditions. The graphical results have been displayed with various fluid flow parameters. From the current study, it is concluded that the influence of Darcy number and Casson fluid parameter enhances the velocity profile, but the concentration declines with the enhancement of Casson fluid parameter. The radiation parameter and Prandtl number suppress the temperature profile.
Structure‐Property Relationships and Idiosyncrasies of Bulk, 2D Hybrid Lead Bromide Perovskites
Authors: Vasileiadou Eugenia S. , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: October 2021

Bulk, 2D hybrid lead bromide perovskites comprise a robust family of halide perovskites with a rich structural and photophysical chemistry witnessed thus far. In an attempt to boost focus on systematically charting the phase space of 2D lead bromide perovskites, it is timely and critical to review the structure‐property relationships that are emerging in this family of materials. In this review, we assess the multitude of (100)‐orientated lead bromide perovskites, as well as the idiosyncratic (110)‐orientated members. We examine the underpopulated phase space of bulk, thick‐layer (n>1) lead bromide perovskites, highlighting several examples of structures violating Goldschmidt's tolerance factor with large organic spacers in the cuboctahedral perovskite cages. The narrow and broadband emission is discussed, along with the developed optoelectronic profile of bulk, lead bromide perovskites, as yet. Lastly, we summarize the integration of 2D lead bromide perovskites in optoelectronic devices.
Dominant clade‐featured SARS‐CoV‐2 co‐occurring mutations reveal plausible epistasis: An in silico based hypothetical model
Authors: Alam A. S. M. Rubayet Ul , Islam Ovinu Kibria , Hasan Md. Shazid , Islam Mir Raihanul , Mahmud Shafi , Al‐Emran Hassan M. , Jahid Iqbal Kabir , Crandall Keith A. , Hossain M. Anwar
Published: October 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has evolved into eight fundamental clades with four of these clades (G, GH, GR, and GV) globally prevalent in 2020. To explain plausible epistatic effects of the signature co‐occurring mutations of these circulating clades on viral replication and transmission fitness, we proposed a hypothetical model using in silico approach. Molecular docking and dynamics analyses showed the higher infectiousness of a spike mutant through more favorable binding of G614 with the elastase‐2. RdRp mutation p.P323L significantly increased genome‐wide mutations (p < 0.0001), allowing for more flexible RdRp (mutated)‐NSP8 interaction that may accelerate replication. Superior RNA stability and structural variation at NSP3:C241T might impact protein, RNA interactions, or both. Another silent 5′‐UTR:C241T mutation might affect translational efficiency and viral packaging. These four G‐clade‐featured co‐occurring mutations might increase viral replication. Sentinel GH‐clade ORF3a:p.Q57H variants constricted the ion‐channel through intertransmembrane–domain interaction of cysteine(C81)‐histidine(H57). The GR‐clade N:p.RG203‐204KR would stabilize RNA interaction by a more flexible and hypo‐phosphorylated SR‐rich region. GV‐clade viruses seemingly gained the evolutionary advantage of the confounding factors; nevertheless, N:p.A220V might modulate RNA binding with no phenotypic effect. Our hypothetical model needs further retrospective and prospective studies to understand detailed molecular events and their relationship to the fitness of SARS‐CoV‐2.
Comparison of physicochemical and emulsifying properties of commercial pea protein powders
Authors: Burger Travis G , Singh Indarpal , Mayfield Caleb , Baumert Joseph L , Zhang Yue
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing trend in the food industry to utilize plant‐based proteins. Pea protein (PP) is one such protein that is a promising alternative emulsifier. However, there is a significant functionality gap between laboratory and commercially produced PP that limits its usage. The physicochemical and emulsification properties of five commercial PP powders were characterized to better understand the functionality gap.

RESULTS

Four of the five commercial powders displayed low solubility, high surface hydrophobicity, and an abundance of large insoluble aggregates. High‐pressure homogenization was able to break up the aggregates, reduce surface hydrophobicity, and increase solubility. There was a significant correlation between the homogenized solubility and the emulsification properties of the commercial PPs. There was not a significant correlation between the emulsification properties and the other physicochemical properties (unhomogenized solubility, zeta potential, surface hydrophobicity, and interfacial tension).

CONCLUSIONS

The conformational changes caused by the commercial isolation process may disrupt the correlations between the physicochemical and emulsification properties of PP. Solubility is a key physicochemical property to enable good emulsification properties for PP. Homogenization is an effective step to improve the solubility of commercial PP and therefore promote its functional properties before industrial usage. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluating compliance of extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis following abdominopelvic surgery for cancer: A multidisciplinary quality improvement project
Authors: McGinnis Justin M. , Helpman Limor , Gundayao Marylrose , Nancekivell Kelly‐Lynn , Russell Jacqueline , Linkins Lori‐Ann , Ruo Leyo , Serrano Pablo E.
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives

Despite quality evidence supporting postoperative extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (eVTEp) following abdominopelvic cancer surgery, baseline use of eVTEp at our institution was 3%. Our project aim was to improve the proportion of patients prescribed eVTEp following surgery for gynecologic, hepatobiliary, and colorectal cancers by a 30% absolute increase.

Methods

We performed an interrupted time series study using quality improvement methodology. Postoperative order sets, pre‐printed prescriptions, process checklists, and multimodal education were introduced. Process and outcome data were collected and analyzed on statistical process control charts.

Results

We included 324 patients with gynecologic and hepatobiliary cancers. Despite efforts to include them, the colorectal team did not participate. The monthly mean order set‐use was 58% (SD = 14%), by specialty: gynecology 79%, hepatobiliary 47%. The proportion of patients prescribed eVTEp increased from 3% to 70% (SD = 14%). The target goal was surpassed and sustained by both cohorts. Patient compliance was 73% (n = 117/160, SD = 16%). Of those who stopped eVTEp early, 45% (n = 14/31) objected because of the injectable nature. Bleeding events were infrequent (0.6%, n = 2/324).

Conclusions

Three process changes and multimodal education resulted in a significant increase in eVTEp use. Failure to identify improvement champions limited project expansion to colorectal patients. Patient compliance was largely limited by the injectable nature of the medication.
Corporate philanthropic giving and nature of stock market reaction: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhu Chao , Zhang Yuwei
Published: October 2021

This study examines whether enterprises can obtain abnormal returns through philanthropic giving during public health emergencies, such as the COVID‐19 crisis, by using an event study approach to conduct an empirical analysis. The results show that if enterprises participate in philanthropic giving during the COVID‐19 crisis, they can obtain abnormal returns in the stock market. The extent of this market reaction is directly proportional to the level of philanthropic giving, and it is more significant for private enterprises, enterprises in regions that are more affected by the epidemic, enterprises in social responsibility sensitive industries, and enterprises with more timely donations.
New treatments emerging for people with serious mental illness
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2021

Following approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June, Alkermes officials on Oct. 18 announced the commercial availability of Lybalvi (olanzapine and samidorphan) for treating adults with schizophrenia and adults with bipolar I disorder. Lybalvi is a once‐daily, oral atypical antipsychotic composed of olanzapine, an established antipsychotic agent, and samidorphan, a new chemical entity.
Electrooxidation of Formamidine Disulfide Simultaneously Investigated by On‐Line High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Zhang Wei , Luo Hainan , Li Fengli , Zhang Baoying , Zhao Yuyan , Feng Na , Liu Yang
Published: October 2021

The electro‐oxidation of formamidine disulfide, an important sulfur‐containing compound, was simultaneously investigated with on‐line high‐performance liquid chromatography and cyclic voltammetry. Using a home‐made microporous sampler located at the electrode interface, the solution on the electrode surface was in situ sampled and analyzed. The electrochemical scanning was synchronously performed, which allowed the electro‐oxidation products to be detected at a given potential. The main products on the surface of platinum electrode were found to be thiourea, formamidine sulfinic acid, cyanamide, and elemental sulfur. Forced convection arising from the sampling played an important role in the electrochemical oxidation. The extraction of electrode surface solution promoted the renewal of reactant and its intermediates, which induced the change of cyclic voltammetry curve. The forced convection also contributed to the redox peak current of the species on the cyclic voltammetry curves through the change of concentration of reactant and its intermediates. This technique can help to explore the reaction mechanism of complex electrochemical reactions.
Comparison of Mo and ITO back contacts in CIGSe solar cells: Vanishing of the main capacitance step
Authors: Schneider Thomas , Dethloff Christiane , Hölscher Torsten , Kempa Heiko , Scheer Roland
Published: October 2021

Admittance measurements of Cu (In, Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) solar cells typically show at least one capacitance step, the so‐called N1 signal. Its origin is still under debate, even though the signal is present in almost all CIGSe solar cells. In this work, CIGSe solar cells with different absorber layer thicknesses have been prepared on Mo and on indium tin oxide (ITO)‐based back contacts. The samples were analyzed by temperature‐dependent current–voltage (JV) and admittance measurements. No N1 signal was found for ITO‐based samples. The N1 signal was also absent in Mo‐based solar cells with an ultrathin absorber layer, unless a forward bias voltage was applied. The observations can be consistently explained by a back contact barrier, which is only present in the Mo‐based solar cells. The explanation is further supported by measured JV curves and by theoretical simulations. The results give a strong indication that the N1‐signal is due to a back contact barrier. While a back contact barrier is not necessarily detrimental for regular CIGSe solar cells, it may be an issue for CIGSe solar cells with ultrathin absorbers, where a so‐called punch‐through effect can occur.
Optimized front TCO and metal grid electrode for module‐integrated perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells
Authors: Messmer Christoph , Tutsch Leonard , Pingel Sebastian , Erath Denis , Schön Jonas , Fell Andreas , Goldschmidt Jan Christoph , Goraya Baljeet S. , Clement Florian , Lorenz Andreas , Nold Sebastian , Bivour Martin , Glunz Stefan W. , Hermle Martin
Published: October 2021

To unlock the full potential of perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells with >30% efficiency at presumably low cost, the transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) and metal grid at the front side need to be adapted compared to classical silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. By means of optical and electrical modelling, we consider the main aspects to optimize the front electrode for the tandem case, where in contrast to silicon single junction devices, there are (i) different optical properties including a lower refractive index of the perovskite absorber (ii) about half the current, thus quarter the resistive power losses for the same series resistance contribution (iii) lateral transport at the front needs to be provided solely by the front TCO layer and (iv) lower thermal stability of the perovskite, which affects TCO deposition conditions and results in a less efficient sintering of the silver screen printing pastes. This study concludes that compared to silicon heterojunction cells, the thickness of the front TCO should be reduced from 75 nm to around 20 nm, resulting in less parasitic absorption and a potential cost reduction of 1.46 €ct/cell for ITO. We investigate the impact of different front metallization including plating and silver screen printing and showcase that for multi‐wire interconnection concepts, the number of wires can be reduced from 18 wires to 9 or even less depending on the front metallization. Finally, we give an outlook on the silver consumption and levelized cost of electricity.
Spinal glial cells in itch modulation
Authors: Shiratori‐Hayashi Miho , Tsuda Makoto
Published: October 2021

Glial cells are non‐neuronal cells in the nervous system that are electrically non‐excitable and outnumber neurons in humans. Glial cells have attracted attention in recent years for their active involvement in the regulation of neuronal activity, suggesting their contribution to the pathogenesis and progression of neurological diseases. Studies have shown that astrocytes, a type of glial cell, are activated in the spinal cord in response to skin inflammation and contribute to the exacerbation of chronic itch. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the role of astrocytes and other glial cells in the modulation of itch processing and the mechanism of their activation under itch conditions.
Goshajinkigan attenuates paclitaxel‐induced neuropathic pain via cortical astrocytes
Authors: Takanashi Kenta , Shibata Keisuke , Mizuno Keita , Komatsu Ryohei , Koizumi Schuichi
Published: October 2021

The anticancer agents platinum derivatives and taxanes such as paclitaxel (PCX) often cause neuropathy known as chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy with high frequency. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying such neuropathy largely remain unknown. Here, we show new findings that the effect of Goshajinkigan (GJG), a Japanese KAMPO medicine, inhibits PCX‐induced neuropathy by acting on astrocytes. The administration of PCX in mice caused the sustained neuropathy lasting at least 4 weeks, which included mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia but not cold allodynia. PCX‐evoked pain behaviors were associated with the sensitization of all primary afferent fibers. PCX did not activate microglia or astrocytes in the spinal cord. However, it significantly activated astrocytes in the primary sensory (S1) cortex without affecting S1 microglial activation there. GJG significantly inhibited the PCX‐induced mechanical allodynia by 50% and thermal hyperalgesia by 90%, which was in accordance with the abolishment of astrocytic activation in the S1 cortex. Finally, the inhibition of S1 astrocytes by an astrocyte‐toxin L‐alpha‐aminoadipic acid abolished the PCX‐induced neuropathy. Our findings suggest that astrocytes in the S1 cortex would play an important role in the pathogenesis of PCX‐induced neuropathy and are a potential target for its treatment.
Continuous‐Flow Synthesis of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural, Furfural from Monosaccharides: A Simple, Fast, and Practical Method
Authors: Ly Phat Duc , Phan Ha Bich , Le Yen‐Nhi Thi , Tran Phuong Hoang
Published: October 2021

5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a versatile intermediate from biomass, can be applied to prepare a wide range of valuable compounds in the petroleum and chemical industries. Thus, simple, fast, and practical methods to convert carbohydrates into HMF have been capturing increasing attention. We reported herein a method of using p‐toluenesulfonic acid (p‐TsOH) and Brønsted acidic ionic liquid as catalysts for the dehydration of fructose in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) under a continuous flow process. The effect of the various reaction conditions on HMF formation was investigated, and the HMF yields were determined by the HPLC method. The results showed that p‐TsOH and Brønsted acidic ionic liquid are effective catalysts within short residence times. This study provides a simple and safe procedure that can be potentially performed on a large scale to synthesize HMF from fructose.
Plasma Driven Exsolution for Nanoscale Functionalization of Perovskite Oxides
Authors: Kyriakou Vasileios , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Neagu Dragos , Peeters Floran , De Luca Oreste , Rudolf Petra , Pandiyan Arunkumar , Yu Wonjong , Cha Suk Won , Welzel Stefan , van de Sanden Mauritius C.M. , Tsampas Mihalis N.
Published: October 2021

Perovskite oxides with dispersed nanoparticles on their surface are considered instrumental in energy conversion and catalytic processes. Redox exsolution is an alternative method to the conventional deposition techniques for directly growing well‐dispersed and anchored nanoarchitectures from the oxide support through thermochemical or electrochemical reduction. Herein, a new method for such nanoparticle nucleation through the exposure of the host perovskite to plasma is shown. The applicability of this new method is demonstrated by performing catalytic tests for CO2 hydrogenation over Ni exsolved nanoparticles prepared by either plasma or conventional H2 reduction. Compared to the conventional thermochemical H2 reduction, there are plasma conditions that lead to the exsolution of a more than ten times higher Ni amount from a lanthanum titanate perovskite, which is similar to the reported values of the electrochemical method. Unlike the electrochemical method, however, plasma does not require the integration of the material in an electrochemical cell, and is thus applicable to a wide range of microstructures and physical forms. Additionally, when N2 plasma is employed, the nitrogen species are stripping out oxygen from the perovskite lattice, generating a key chemical intermediate, such as NO, rendering this technology even more appealing.
Comparing the concentrations of heavy metals on two bivalve species in Santos Bay, Brazil: Subsidies to understanding the assimilation dynamic of bivalve contaminants
Authors: Farias de Souza Patricia , Vieira Khaue Silva , da Silva Lima Leonardo , Azevedo Netto Adriana , de Freitas Delgado Jessica , Corrêa Thulio Righeti , Baptista Neto José Antônio , Gaylarde Christine C. , da Fonseca Estefan Monteiro
Published: October 2021

Contaminant substances consist of chemical elements that present the potential to adversely impact the ecology of the environment, thus representing a threat to local fauna and flora. In this context, heavy metals are critical agents that, depending on the nature and level, are potentially toxic to living organisms. In order to evaluate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the Santos estuary and to determine the potential influence of salinity gradient on the heavy metal bioconcentration, the present study measured the concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Zn in two bivalve species (Crassostrea rhizophoraeandPerna Perna) sampled at different sites of Santos Bay, in the southeastern region of Brazil. Throughout the study, the “sentinel species” used were effective in bioaccumulating contaminants. In oysters, based on the Brazilian legislation, critical limits were exceeded for As, Zn, Cu, and Cr. In the case of mussels, on the other hand, only for As, Zn, and Cr, the critical limits were overcome. In the present study, obtained data suggested salinity as a determinant parameter in As incorporation processes of bivalve mollusks.

Practitioner Points

The present study presents important results for the development of environmental management policies in estuarine environments.

The present study points out differences between different organisms as biomonitors, providing subsidies for the decision of an effective biomonitoring program.

The present study discusses values of contaminants as a danger to public health in Santos Bay, which can be extrapolated to other similar environments around the world.
Digital Materiality and Subjectivation: Methodological Aspects of Hybrid Entanglements in Processes of Bildung
Authors: Bettinger Patrick
Published: October 2021

This chapter explores possible connections among discourse analysis, materiality and biographical research in the context of subjectivation. The extant methodological/epistemological concepts linking the Foucauldian idea of discourse with biographical research do not provide clear openings for the incorporation of materiality, specifically those in digital form. This chapter proposes an adapted, modified approach to the analysis of material-discursive practices to the end of investigating the materiality and mediality of relationally understood processes of Bildung. In so doing, it identifies a need for a post-anthropocentric understanding of the biographical that focuses on the variety of socio-medial relational reconfigurations.
Genesis of a Wood Harvesting B2B Software Platform
Authors: Vuolasto Jaakko , Smolander Kari
Published: October 2021

Digital platform research has focused mostly on global platforms, where the users of the platform are consumers. Business-to-business (B2B) digital platforms have received less attention. This study observes and provides an early report on a digital platform for forestry, bringing together forest companies, contractors, and forest machine manufacturers. The platform started in Finland, but it has begun to extent its scope to international markets as well. We present some early insights about the birth of the platform and the factors that have contributed to its success in the beginning. We also describe some aspects present in B2B platform governance and related forces. Finally, we provide a preliminary outlook of possible future directions of the platform and its ecosystem.
Assessing the Health of the Dark Web:
Authors: Onyango Samuel , Steenvoorden Emilie , Scholten Joram , Jansen Slinger
Published: October 2021

A hidden part of the World Wide Web is known as the Dark Web, featuring websites that cannot be indexed by traditional search engines. Many open source software products are used to access and navigate through the Dark Web. Together they form the Dark Web open source software ecosystem. Research on this ecosystem is scarce and research on the ecosystem health is non-existent, even though ecosystem health is an useful indicator of the livelihood of an ecosystem. The goal of this research is to evaluate the health of the ecosystem through an assessment of Tor, I2P and GitHub. The Open Source Ecosystem Health Operationalization framework is used to help perform this assessment. Eight metrics from the framework are selected, which are measured using the data collected. Analysis of Tor and I2P metrics suggest that there has been an increase in Tor and I2P user activity in the recent past. Added knowledge, spin offs and forks and usage indicate active participation and interest in Tor and I2P. There has also been an increase in the number of active GitHub Dark Web projects. However, these GitHub projects are not well-connected and only a small number of projects have a large number of contributors. There is some variety among the GitHub software projects. The framework proves to be adequately capable of determining the health of the Dark Web open source ecosystem with the available data.
Institutional Logics in Large-Scale Agile Software Development Transformations
Authors: Gustavsson Tomas
Published: October 2021

Transforming into agile ways of working in large organizations can be performed in different ways. Many organizations choose a defined large-scale agile software development framework but how the transformation is carried out could be based on different sorts of logics. This paper investigates institutional logics at play in large-scale agile transformations. By studying two case organizations, the paper aims at improving our understanding of large-scale transformations by viewing software development as an institution. The findings displays diverse impacts due to two differing institutional logics when transforming into large-scale agile software development by implementing the Scaled Agile Framework. One contribution of this paper is to show the possibilities of using two institutional logics, Agile toolbox logic and Agile rulebook logic, for analyzing impacts of agile transformations.
Cherry Picking - Agile Software Development Teams Applying Design Thinking Tools
Authors: Dobrigkeit Franziska , Matthies Christoph , Pajak Philipp , Teusner Ralf
Published: October 2021

Design Thinking (DT) is an established approach to conceptualize software products before starting the product development work. Research suggests that software development can benefit from a continuous integration of DT throughout Agile development processes. However, practitioners and researchers lack an in-depth understanding of which tools from the ever-growing DT toolbox are suited to support software development teams and their processes and how these tools can be applied to the teams’ daily work. As initial steps towards closing this knowledge gap, we present our experiences from testing five different DT tools from a previously developed toolbox with four Agile software development teams. Each team chose three tools to apply to their product, problem, and context during a workshop. We present summarised findings regarding the use cases, benefits, and challenges of these tools as experienced by the participants. Overall, the teams welcomed the DT tools and were able to independently apply them to achieve the desired effects, e.g., to highlight user needs, find product issues, and discover team challenges.
The Stories We Tell: Experience, Research, or Patterns?
Authors: Mancl Dennis , Fraser Steven D.
Published: October 2021

Several “story” formats are used by software researchers and practitioners to document research results and share best practices. Research papers are the staple of software conferences and journals: papers report the results of research projects and a wide range of empirical experiments. Experience reports and software patterns are two alternative formats to share results and propagate knowledge and best practices. Experience reports relate experience and cautionary tales while software patterns distill experience into a compact form. An XP2021 panel session orchestrated by Steven Fraser – featuring panelists Ademar Aguiar, Casper Lassenius, Mary Lynn Manns, Ken Power, and Rebecca Wirfs-Brock – discussed how “story” formats each have a role to advance the practice of software engineering.
Managing Dependencies in Large-Scale Agile
Authors: Vedal Henrik , Stray Viktoria , Berntzen Marthe , Moe Nils Brede
Published: October 2021

Delivering results iteratively and frequently in large-scale agile requires efficient management of dependencies. We conducted semi-structured interviews and virtual observations in a large-scale project during the Covid-19 pandemic to better understand large-scale dependency management. All employees in the case were working from home. During our data collection and analysis, we identified 22 coordination mechanisms. These mechanisms could be categorized as synchronization activities, boundary-spanning activities and artifacts, and coordinator roles. By using a dependency taxonomy, we analyzed how the mechanisms managed five different types of dependencies. We discuss three essential mechanisms for coordination in our case. First, setting Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) in regular workshops increased transparency and predictability across teams. Second, ad-hoc communication, mainly happening on Slack because of the distributed setting, was essential in managing dependencies. Third, the Product Owner was a coordinator role that managed both inter-team and intra-team dependencies.
SaaS Pricing Practices Typology: A Case Study
Authors: Saltan Andrey , Smolander Kari
Published: October 2021

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) pricing addresses decisions of monetary compensation and the conditions for the SaaS solution to the customer. Efficient SaaS pricing requires sophisticated decision-making and analytics, as well as coordination and compromises between the many business functions involved. The decision-making includes integrated analysis of different perspectives and streams of information. Like in many other product management areas, there is no silver-bullet solution for pricing. We conducted a multiple case study using fifteen SaaS companies with data collection primarily through semi-structured interviews to assess SaaS pricing practices and identify major factors that affect the way pricing is done. We identified four distinct types of SaaS pricing patterns and detailed their main characteristics.
WKB periods for higher order ODE and TBA equations
Authors: Ito Katsushi , Kondo Takayasu , Kuroda Kohei , Shu Hongfei
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We study the WKB periods for the (r + 1)-th order ordinary differential equation (ODE) which is obtained by the conformal limit of the linear problem associated with the $$ {A}_r^{(1)} $$

A
r

1

affine Toda field equation. We compute the quantum corrections by using the Picard-Fuchs operators. The ODE/IM correspondence provides a relation between the Wronskians of the solutions and the Y-functions which satisfy the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz (TBA) equation related to the Lie algebra Ar. For the quadratic potential, we propose a formula to show the equivalence between the logarithm of the Y-function and the WKB period, which is confirmed by solving the TBA equation numerically.
How to make traversable wormholes: eternal AdS4 wormholes from coupled CFT’s
Authors: Bintanja Suzanne , Espíndola Ricardo , Freivogel Ben , Nikolakopoulou Dora
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We construct an eternal traversable wormhole connecting two asymptotically AdS4 regions. The wormhole is dual to the ground state of a system of two identical holographic CFT’s coupled via a single low-dimension operator. The coupling between the two CFT’s leads to negative null energy in the bulk, which supports a static traversable wormhole. As the ground state of a simple Hamiltonian, it may be possible to make these wormholes in the lab or on a quantum computer.
The influenza virus RNA polymerase as an innate immune agonist and antagonist
Authors: Elshina Elizaveta , te Velthuis Aartjan J. W.
Published: October 2021

Influenza A viruses cause a mild-to-severe respiratory disease that affects millions of people each year. One of the many determinants of disease outcome is the innate immune response to the viral infection. While antiviral responses are essential for viral clearance, excessive innate immune activation promotes lung damage and disease. The influenza A virus RNA polymerase is one of viral proteins that affect innate immune activation during infection, but the mechanisms behind this activity are not well understood. In this review, we discuss how the viral RNA polymerase can both activate and suppress innate immune responses by either producing immunostimulatory RNA species or directly targeting the components of the innate immune signalling pathway, respectively. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of the polymerase residues, and their mutations, associated with changes in innate immune activation, and discuss their putative effects on polymerase function based on recent advances in our understanding of the influenza A virus RNA polymerase structure.
Local versus nonlocal constitutive theories of nonequilibrium thermodynamics: the Guyer–Krumhansl equation as an example
Authors: Cimmelli V. A.
Published: October 2021

On the example of the celebrated Grad’s 13-moment system of kinetic theory of rarefied gases and phonon hydrodynamics, it is proved that the constitutive equations of nonequilibrium thermodynamics must be nonlocal. A thermodynamic model of Guyer–Krumhansl heat-transport equation is derived within the frame of weakly nonlocal Rational Thermodynamics. The constitutive equation for the entropy flux is analyzed as well. Some nonlinear generalizations of Maxwell–Cattaneo equation are studied in view of the experiments on thermal wave propagation.