bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quo Vadis advanced chemical process control
Authors: Dubljevic Stevan
Published: June 2022

The current state of advanced chemical and materials process control can be determined by reviewing the past contributions and contemporary developments in the field. The past two decades have not closed the large gap between developed novel process control theories and their industrial applications. On the contrary, the undeniable impression is that the ones who develop theories remain out of reach of industrial experts and practitioners who are capable of using them and/or applying them in practice. However, there is still hope that chemical process control will be heading towards more applicable and realizable control formulations and that it shall survive the current rugged terrains of seemingly self‐proclaimed ‘hot topics’ and eye‐catching developments.
Development of an online application for a blended learning STEM teacher training course
Authors: Knie Lisa , Schwarzer Stefan
Published: June 2022

Die Fortbildung zu Experimento | 10+, einem Angebot der Siemens Stiftung für MINT‐Lehrkräfte der weiterführenden Schulen, wurde vor Kurzem in ein Blended‐Learning‐Format überführt. Digitale und Präsenzphasen wechseln sich dabei ab. In den digitalen Phasen werden Inhalte zu Wertebildung, Inklusion und Computational Thinking interaktiv vermittelt. In den Präsenzphasen greifen die Lehrkräfte diese Inhalte wieder auf und verknüpfen sie mit verschiedenen lebensnahen Experimenten zu den Themen Energie, Umwelt und Gesundheit. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird vor allem auf das digitale Modul zu Computational Thinking eingegangen und hier insbesondere der Einsatz eines Selbstbau‐pH‐Meters unter Verwendung eines Arduinos vorgestellt.
Spectrometer build of LEGO®‐bricks – innovations for classes in modern chemistry
Authors: Osterheider Mattis , Bourdon Bjoern , Boettcher Rasmus , Imlau Mirco , Beeken Marco
Published: June 2022

In diesem Artikel wird ein kostengünstiges Czerny‐Turner‐Spektrometer zum Selberbauen vorgestellt, das durch die Kombination von LEGO®‐Bausteinen, professionellen Optiken und Detektoren den Systemspezifikationen professioneller Spektrometer für die Schule entspricht und z. T. übersteigt. Ein modulares Konstruktionskonzept erlaubt die Durchführung aller Spektroskopiemethoden, wie die Transmissions‐, Reflexions‐ und Lumineszenzspektroskopie. Gezeigt werden experimentelle Aufbauten, Abläufe der Experimente und Erfahrungen im Unterricht. Anhand einer offlinefähigen, Python‐basierten Webapplikation wird gezeigt, wie sich Spektroskopiemessdaten im Unterricht in kürzester Zeit auswerten lassen.
Scientific experimentation in the special needs schools for pupils with intellectual disabilities: promoting and recording experimental competence
Authors: Klein Lara‐Sophie , Scholz Markus , Risch Björn
Published: June 2022

An Schulen mit dem Förderschwerpunkt geistige Entwicklung führen Schülerinnen und Schüler nur selten naturwissenschaftliche Experimente durch. Die Gründe dafür sind vielfältig: von fehlenden passgenauen Lernangeboten bis hin zur allgemeinen Skepsis bezüglich der erforderlichen Experimentierkompetenz seitens der Zielgruppe. Im Sinne eines inklusiven Ansatzes sollte jedoch das Ziel sein, allen Kindern und Jugendlichen – unabhängig von ihren persönlichen Lernvoraussetzungen – die Möglichkeit zu eröffnen, an naturwissenschaftsbezogenen Bildungsangeboten partizipieren zu können. Im Rahmen des Beitrags wird ein Projekt vorgestellt, in dem über ein Jahr hinweg regelmäßig mit Schülerinnen und Schülern im Förderschwerpunkt geistige Entwicklung experimentiert wurde. Die Auswertung des genutzten systematischen Beobachtungsbogens zeigt, dass diese Schülerschaft an naturwissenschaftlichen Experimenten partizipieren und ihre experimentelle Kompetenz stetig ausbauen kann.
Intervention studies to compare different model types: challenges and possible solutions
Authors: Przywarra Tobias , Risch Björn
Published: June 2022

Im Chemieunterricht gilt der Übergang von der makroskopischen auf die (sub‐)mikroskopische Ebene als Schlüsselstelle. Beim Schritt vom Stoff‐ zum Teilchenkonzept erweisen sich Modelle als vermittelndes Medium lernwirksam. Doch welche Modelltypen eignen sich besonders gut, um beispielsweise Experimente auf Teilchenebene zu deuten? Interventionsstudien könnten eine Antwort auf diese und weitere Fragen geben. Um valide Aussagen treffen zu können, müssen beim Design der Studie jedoch einige Punkte berücksichtig werden: Es sollten qualitativ gleichwertige Modelle in speziell für Vergleichszwecke entwickelte Unterrichtseinheiten eingesetzt werden. Es gilt, den Neuheitseffekt zu berücksichtigen sowie geeignete Erhebungsinstrumente sowohl für die abhängigen als auch für die zu kontrollierenden Variablen zu verwenden. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden anhand einer Studie zur Wirksamkeit unterschiedlicher Modelltypen Lösungsansätze zu den oben skizzierten Herausforderungen diskutiert.
Titration digital or analog – Is students′ experimental‐practical understanding be supported equally?
Authors: Groos Lukas , Kranz David , Lieber Leonie Sabine , Maaß Kai , Graulich Nicole
Published: June 2022

Aktuelle Studien zeigen, dass es möglich ist, auch mit digitalen Experimenten das Fachwissen von Lernenden gleichermaßen zu fördern. Selten wird hierbei das experimentell‐praktische Verständnis untersucht, wie beispielsweise das Wissen über konkrete Handlungsabläufe, relevante Sicherheitsaspekte und entscheidende Beobachtungen beim Experimentieren. Wie beim Experimentieren im normalen Labor müssen Lernende auch in digitalen und interaktiven Lernumgebungen experimentell‐praktische Entscheidungen über experimentelle Schritte treffen. In dieser Studie soll daher der Einfluss auf das experimentell‐praktische Verständnis und die Selbsteinschätzung der Studierenden beim Durchführen einer analogen oder einer digitalen Titration (d. h. in Form eines interaktiven, realitätsnahen und lernendenzentrierten Videoexperiments) verglichen werden. Dazu wurde eine Studie im Prä‐Post‐Interventionsdesign mit 490 Studierenden in der Veranstaltung „Chemisches Praktikum für Studiengänge mit Nebenfach Chemie“ durchgeführt.
Keeping an eye on the drawing – Using eye‐tracking to analyze the drawing process of resonance tasks
Authors: Braun Irina , Graulich Nicole
Published: June 2022

Das Zeichnen von Strukturformeln ist in der Organischen Chemie von großer Bedeutung, da Strukturdarstellungen ein wichtiges Kommunikationsmittel und Werkzeug im Problemlöseprozess darstellen. Anhand der Konstruktion mesomerer Grenzformeln ist es beispielsweise möglich, Reaktivitäten und Struktureigenschaften von Verbindungen abzuleiten. Obwohl in der fachdidaktischen Forschung herausgestellt wurde, dass Lernenden das Mesomerie‐Konzept Schwierigkeiten bereitet, wurde der Zeichenprozess von mesomeren Grenzformeln bisher nicht betrachtet. Dabei hilft der Einsatz von Eye‐Tracking, das Zeichnen prozessbezogen und detailliert zu beleuchten. Der vorliegende Beitrag präsentiert daher exemplarisch anhand von Ausschnitten einer Studie zur Untersuchung der Zeichenprozesse von Studierenden zu mesomeren Grenzformeln, welche Möglichkeiten die Nutzung von Eye‐Tracking zur Analyse von Zeichenprozessen bietet.
The use of tablets to acquire and internalize knowledge
Authors: Greitemann Lars , Melle Insa
Published: June 2022

Tablets kommt eine zunehmende Bedeutung im Unterricht zu. Sie ermöglichen die Erweiterung bewährter Unterrichtsformen (z. B. Bearbeitung von Aufgaben), aber auch neue Formate (z. B. Erstellung von Erklärvideos durch die Lernenden). Im Rahmen der hier vorgestellten Untersuchung wird die Wirkung des Tablet‐Einsatzes in der Erarbeitungs‐ und Sicherungsphase analysiert. Dafür wird eine digitale Lernumgebung zur Einführung in das BasiskonzeptChemische Reaktionevaluiert, welche die Schüler:innen durch die beiden Unterrichtsphasen führt. Die Intervention wird im Rahmen eines Projekttags im Chemieanfangsunterricht durchgeführt, wobei sechs Unterrichtsstunden à 45 Minuten zur Verfügung stehen. Während der Erarbeitungsphase erfolgt ein interaktiver Informationsinput. Anschließend werden die Inhalte in Form von Experimenten angewendet und vertieft. Für die Sicherungsphase wird die Klasse in zwei Gruppen eingeteilt: Die eine Hälfte der Lernenden erstellt eigene Erklärvideos, wohingegen die andere Hälfte Aufgaben auf den iPads bearbeitet. Die Evaluation erfolgt unter anderem im Hinblick auf den Fachwissenszuwachs und die Einschätzung der Lernmaterialien durch die Schüler:innen. Der Vergleich beider Gruppen ermöglicht Aussagen über die Effektivität beider Sicherungsmaßnahmen.
Designing chemistry classes for groups with diverse learners – an exemplary lesson for the ChemDive planning model
Authors: Holländer Monika , Böhm Katharina , Jasper Leonie , Melle Insa
Published: June 2022

Durch bildungspolitische und gesellschaftliche Veränderungen sind Lehrkräfte im deutschen Schulsystem mit einer zunehmend heterogenen Schülerschaft konfrontiert, nicht nur in inklusiven Lerngruppen. Dieser Diversität gilt es positiv zu begegnen, indem Unterricht von Beginn an für alle Lernenden zugänglich geplant und durchgeführt wird. Ein Konzept für die Gestaltung eines solchen Unterrichts ist das Universal Design for Learning, kurz UDL. Die Implementierung des nicht fachspezifischen UDL‐Rahmenkonzepts in den Fachunterricht kann jedoch für (angehende) Lehrkräfte ein Hindernis darstellen. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde auf Basis des UDL und anknüpfend an gängige Phasen‐ bzw. Verlaufsplankonzepte aus dem naturwissenschaftsdidaktischen Bereich das Planungsmodell ChemDive entwickelt, das Anregungen für konkrete Umsetzungsmöglichkeiten für einen universell zugänglichen Chemieunterricht bietet. ChemDive wird anhand eines Unterrichtsbeispiels erläutert und veranschaulicht.
A versatile transcription factor: Multiple roles of orthopedia a (otpa) beyond its restricted localization in dopaminergic systems of developing and adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) brains
Authors: Eugenin von Bernhardi Jaime , Biechl Daniela , Miek Laura , Herget Ulrich , Ryu Soojin , Wullimann Mario F.
Published: June 2022

Many transcription factors boost neural development and differentiation in specific directions and serve for identifying similar or homologous structures across species. The expression of Orthopedia (Otp) is critical for the development of certain cell groups along the vertebrate neuraxis, for example, the medial amygdala or hypothalamic neurosecretory neurons. Therefore, the primary focus of the present study is the distribution of Orthopedia a (Otpa) in the larval and adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain. Since Otpa is also critical for the development of zebrafish basal diencephalic dopaminergic cells, colocalization of Otpa with the catecholamine synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is studied. Cellular colocalization of Otpa and dopamine is only seen in magnocellular neurons of the periventricular posterior tubercular nucleus and in the posterior tuberal nucleus. Otpa‐positive cells occur in many additional structures along the zebrafish neuraxis, from the secondary prosencephalon down to the hindbrain. Furthermore, Otpa expression is studied in shh‐GFP and islet1‐GFP transgenic zebrafish. Otpa‐positive cells only express shh in dopaminergic magnocellular periventricular posterior tubercular cells, and only colocalize with islet1‐GFP in the ventral zone and prerecess caudal periventricular hypothalamic zone and the perilemniscal nucleus. The scarcity of cellular colocalization of Otpa in islet1‐GFP cells indicates that the Shh‐islet1 neurogenetic pathway is not active in most Otpa‐expressing domains. Our analysis reveals detailed correspondences between mouse and zebrafish forebrain territories including the zebrafish intermediate nucleus of the ventral telencephalon and the mouse medial amygdala. The zebrafish preoptic Otpa‐positive domain represents the neuropeptidergic supraopto‐paraventricular region of all tetrapods. Otpa domains in the zebrafish basal plate hypothalamus suggest that the ventral periventricular hypothalamic zone corresponds to the otp‐expressing basal hypothalamic tuberal field in the mouse. Furthermore, the mouse otp domain in the mammillary hypothalamus compares partly to our Otpa‐positive domain in the prerecess caudal periventricular hypothalamic zone (Hc‐a).
Interleukin‐17A and interleukin‐22 production by conventional and non‐conventional lymphocytes in three different end‐stage lung diseases
Authors: Albrecht Melanie , Halle Olga , Gaedcke Svenja , Pallenberg Sophia T , Camargo Neumann Julia , Witt Marius , Roediger Johanna , Schumacher Marina , Jirmo Adan Chari , Warnecke Gregor , Jonigk Danny , Braubach Peter , DeLuca David , Hansen Gesine , Dittrich Anna‐Maria
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The contribution of adaptive vs. innate lymphocytes to IL‐17A and IL‐22 secretion at the end stage of chronic lung diseases remains largely unexplored. In order to uncover tissue‐ and disease‐specific secretion patterns, we compared production patterns of IL‐17A and IL‐22 in three different human end‐stage lung disease entities.

Methods

Production of IL‐17A, IL‐22 and associated cytokines was assessed in supernatants of re‐stimulated lymphocytes by multiplex assays and multicolour flow cytometry of conventional T cells, iNKT cells, γδ T cells and innate lymphoid cells in bronchial lymph node and lung tissue from patients with emphysema (n = 19), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n = 14) and cystic fibrosis (n = 23), as well as lung donors (n = 17).

Results

We detected secretion of IL‐17A and IL‐22 by CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, innate lymphoid cells, γδ T cells and iNKT cells in all end‐stage lung disease entities. Our analyses revealed disease‐specific contributions of individual lymphocyte subpopulations to cytokine secretion patterns. We furthermore found the high levels of microbial detection in CF samples to associate with a more pronounced IL‐17A signature upon antigen‐specific and unspecific re‐stimulation compared to other disease entities and lung donors.

Conclusion

Our results show that both adaptive and innate lymphocyte populations contribute to IL‐17A‐dependent pathologies in different end‐stage lung disease entities, where they establish an IL‐17A‐rich microenvironment. Microbial colonisation patterns and cytokine secretion upon microbial re‐stimulation suggest that pathogens drive IL‐17A secretion patterns in end‐stage lung disease.
Small effects of livestock grazing intensification on diversity, abundance, and composition in a dryland plant community
Authors: Jordan Samuel E. , Palmquist Kyle A. , Burke Ingrid C. , Lauenroth William K.
Published: June 2022

Livestock grazing is a globally important land use and has the potential to significantly influence plant community structure and ecosystem function, yet several critical knowledge gaps remain on the direction and magnitude of grazing impacts. Furthermore, much of our understanding of the long‐term effects on plant community composition and structure are based on grazer exclusion experiments, which explicitly avoid characterizing effects along grazing intensity gradients. We sampled big sagebrush plant communities using 68 plots located along grazing intensity gradients to determine how grazing intensity influences multiple aspects of plant community structure over time. This was accomplished by sampling plant communities at different distances from 17 artificial watering sources, using distance from water and cow dung density as proxies for grazing intensity at individual plots. Total vegetation cover and total grass cover were negatively related to grazing intensity, and cover of annual forbs, exotic cover, and exotic richness were positively related to grazing intensity. In contrast, species richness and composition, bunchgrass biomass, shrub density and size, percentage cover of bare ground, litter, and biological soil crusts did not vary along our grazing intensity gradients, in spite of our expectations to the contrary. Our results suggest that the effects of livestock grazing over multiple decades (mean = 46 years) in our sites are relatively small, especially for native perennial species, and that the big sagebrush plant communities we sampled are somewhat resistant to livestock grazing. Collectively, our findings are consistent with existing evidence that indicates the stability of the big sagebrush plant functional type composition under current grazing management regimes.
Intraspecific variation in migration timing of green sturgeon in the Sacramento River system
Authors: Colborne Scott F. , Sheppard Lawrence W. , O'Donnell Daniel R. , Reuman Daniel C. , Walter Jonathan A. , Singer Gabriel P. , Kelly John T. , Thomas Michael J. , Rypel Andrew L.
Published: June 2022

Understanding movement patterns of anadromous fishes is critical to conservation and management of declining wild populations and preservation of habitats. Yet, the duration of observations for individual animals can constrain accurate descriptions of movements. In this study, we synthesized over a decade (2006–2018) of acoustic telemetry tracking observations of green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) in the Sacramento River system to describe major anadromous movement patterns. We observed that green sturgeon exhibited a unimodal in‐migration during the spring months but had a bimodal distribution of out‐migration timing, split between an “early” out‐migration (32%) group during May–June, or, alternatively, holding in the river until a “late” out‐migration (68%), November–January. Focusing on these out‐migration groups, we found that river discharge, but not water temperature, may cue the timing of migration and that fish showed a tendency to maintain out‐migration timing between subsequent spawning migration events. We recommend that life history descriptions of green sturgeon in this region reflect the distinct out‐migration periods described here. Furthermore, we encourage the continued use of biotelemetry to describe migration timing and life history variation, in not only this population but also other green sturgeon populations and other species.
Sporosarcina pasteuriican be used to print a layer of calcium carbonate
Authors: Erdmann Niklas , Kästner Felix , de Payrebrune Kristin , Strieth Dorina
Published: June 2022

When using microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) to produce calcium carbonate crystals in the cavities between mineral particles to consolidate them, the inhomogeneous distribution of the precipitated calcium carbonate poses a problem for the production of construction materials with consistent parameters. Various approaches have been investigated in the literature to increase the homogeneity of consolidated samples. One approach can be the targeted application of ureolytic organisms by 3D printing. However, to date, this possibility has been little explored in the literature. In this study, the potential to use MICP to print calcium carbonate layers on mineral particles will be investigated. For this purpose, a dispensing unit was modified to apply both a suspension ofSporosarcina pasteuriiand a calcination solution containing urea and calcium chloride onto quartz sand. The study showed that after passing through the nozzle,S. pasteuriipreserved consistent cell vitality and therefore its potential of MICP. Applying cell suspension and calcination solution through a printing nozzle resulted in a layer of calcium carbonate crystals on quartz sand. This observation demonstrated the proof of concept of printing calcium carbonate by MICP through the nozzle of a dispensing unit. Furthermore, it was shown that cell suspensions ofS. pasteuriican be stored at 4°C for a period of 17 days while maintaining its optical density, urease activity and cell vitality and therefore the potential for MICP. This initial concept could be extended in further research to printing three‐dimensional (3D) objects to solve the problem of homogeneity in consolidated mineral particles.
Energy management strategy for fuel cell hybrid vehicles considering optimal performance of multiple energy sources combined with ant colony algorithm
Authors: Hu Haoqin , Tan Jiaqi , Chen Cong , Lu Chenlei , Xuan Dongji
Published: June 2022

To compensate for the slow dynamic response of fuel cell system (FCS) in fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEVs), battery and supercapacitor are widely used as auxiliary supply energy sources in FCHEVs. How to reasonably allocate the required power among the three energy sources, reduce the fuel consumption and the SOC fluctuations of auxiliary energy sources becomes a tough problem to be solved. In this paper, we propose an energy management strategy (EMS) based on fuzzy control, considering the multiple constraints of hydrogen consumption and auxiliary energy SOC fluctuations of FCHEV. In this paper, the ant colony algorithm (ACA) is used for the first time to optimize the membership functions parameters of the dual fuzzy controller. The results obtained are verified in Matlab/Simulink. The proposed ACA optimized EMS can effectively reduce the equivalent hydrogen consumption and the SOC fluctuation of battery and supercapacitor by proving in four typical driving conditions.
Missed initial appointments at Israeli child development centres: Rate, reasons, and associated characteristics
Authors: Hirsh‐Yechezkel Galit , Glasser Saralee , Gabis Lidia V. , Eden Avi , Savitzki David , Farhi Adel , Luxenburg Osnat , Levitan Gila , Lerner‐Geva Liat
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Missed appointments (MAs) at child development centres (ChDCs) cause multiple problems: they preclude timely diagnosis and treatment of both the invited child and children whose appointment was delayed due to overbooking, as well as disrupting efficient organisational management. The aim of this study was to assess the rate and describe the reasons for missed appointments at Israeli ChDCs, and to evaluate the association of socio‐demographic, clinical, and administrative variables with MA rates.

Methods

This nested case‐control study included all children scheduled for initial appointments (N = 1143) at three centres during 1 year. Parents of children who missed their appointment and a sample of those who attended were interviewed by telephone.

Results

The rate of missed appointments was 26.6%, and the most frequent reasons were unexpected events (26.0%) and lack of insurance coverage (23.4%). Variables associated with lower MA rates were: having had ≥3 types of rehabilitative interventions (odds ratios (OR) = 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16–0.44), detailed referral letter (OR = 0.48; 95%CI 0.30–0.75), telephone reminder (OR = 0.37; 95%CI 0.24–0.57) and health maintenance organisations or private insurance coverage (OR = 0.12; 95%CI 0.06–0.17 and OR = 0.56; 95% CI 0.38–0.89, respectively).

Conclusion

Encouraging physician's referral letters and personal‐contact reminders can reduce missed appointments. Understanding the family's and the child's personal characteristics, and the organisational/administrative aspects of missed appointments may guide efforts to ensure timely care for every child.
The human lung microbiome—A hidden link between microbes and human health and diseases
Authors: Yi Xinzhu , Gao Jingyuan , Wang Zhang
Published: June 2022

Once thought to be sterile, the human lung is now well recognized to harbor a consortium of microorganisms collectively known as the lung microbiome. The lung microbiome is altered in an array of lung diseases, including chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and bronchiectasis, acute lung diseases caused by pneumonia, sepsis, and COVID‐19, and other lung complications such as those related to lung transplantation, lung cancer, and human immunodeficiency virus. The effects of lung microbiome in modulating host immunity and inflammation in the lung and distal organs are being elucidated. However, the precise mechanism by which members of microbiota produce structural ligands that interact with host genes and pathways remains largely uncharacterized. Multiple unique challenges, both technically and biologically, exist in the field of lung microbiome, necessitating the development of tailored experimental and analytical approaches to overcome the bottlenecks. In this review, we first provide an overview of the principles and methodologies in studying the lung microbiome. We next review current knowledge of the roles of lung microbiome in human diseases, highlighting mechanistic insights. We finally discuss critical challenges in the field and share our thoughts on broad topics for future investigation.
Leveraging Black pharmacists to promote equity in COVID‐19 vaccine uptake within Black communities: A framework for researchers and clinicians
Authors: Abdul‐Mutakabbir Jacinda C. , Simiyu Brenda , Walker Ramara E. , Christian Robbie L. , Dayo Yewande , Maxam Meshell
Published: June 2022

Black Americans are disproportionately represented among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐related morbidities and mortalities. While the COVID‐19 vaccines are positioned to change this disparity, vaccine hesitancy, attributed to decades of systemic racism and mistreatment by the United States health care system, heavily exists among this racially and ethnically minoritized group. In addition, social determinants of health within Black communities including the lack of health care access and inequitable COVID‐19 vaccine allocation, further impacts vaccine uptake. Black pharmacists have worked to address the pandemic's deleterious effects that have been recognized within Black communities, as they are intimately aware of the structural and systematic limitations that contribute to lower vaccination rates in comparison to other racial and ethnic groups. Black pharmacists have been integral to promoting equity in COVID‐19 uptake within Black communities by disseminating factual, trustworthy information in collaboration with community leaders, advocating for the equitable access to the immunizations into vulnerable areas, and creating, low‐barrier, options to distribute the vaccines. Herein, we thoroughly explain these points and offer a framework that describes the role of Black pharmacists in narrowing vaccine equity gaps.
Effect of membrane performance variability with temperature and feed composition on pervaporation and vapor permeation system design for solvent drying
Authors: Vane Leland M
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

The presence of water in organic solvents and biofuels can complicate their production and reuse because many hydrophilic solvents form difficult‐to‐separate mixtures with water (e.g., azeotropes). Pervaporation (PV) and vapor permeation (V‧P) remove water from such mixtures via selective solution‐diffusion transport through a membrane material. A recent article reviewed design factors that impact the effectiveness of PV/V‧P solvent dehydration processes (J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnol 95: 495–512 (2020)). For the sake of simplicity, the earlier work assumed constant membrane permeabilities. The objective here is to explore the impact of variable permeabilities on predictions of PV/V‧P system performance.

RESULTS

A multiparameter expression relating permeability to process conditions was incorporated into the spreadsheet calculators from the previous work. Use of the expression was demonstrated with literature ethanol/water PV data for a NaA zeolite material and two poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) membranes. The variable permeabilities of the membranes yielded membrane area requirements that were 20–30% different from those calculated using permeances fixed at either end of the target water range. The impact of composition‐dependent permeabilities was most pronounced on the fraction of ethanol transferred to the permeate for the NaA membrane.

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of membrane permeabilities that vary with fluid composition and temperature noticeably altered predictions of the membrane area required to carry out water removal from ethanol by PV and of the transfer of ethanol to the permeate stream. Unless a PV/V‧P process is expected to operate at a constant temperature and in a narrow concentration range, process performance estimates would be improved by inclusion of concentration‐ and temperature‐dependent permeabilities or permeances.

Published 2022. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
B‐cell receptors of EBV‐negative Burkitt lymphoma bind modified isoforms of autoantigens
Authors: Bock Theresa , Bewarder Moritz , Cetin Onur , Fadle Natalie , Regitz Evi , Schwarz Eva C. , Held Jana , Roth Sophie , Lohse Stefan , Pfuhl Thorsten , Wagener Rabea , Smola Sigrun , Becker Sören L. , Bohle Rainer Maria , Trümper Lorenz , Siebert Reiner , Hansmann Martin‐Leo , Pfreundschuh Michael , Drexler Hans G. , Hoth Markus , Kubuschok Boris , Roemer Klaus , Preuss Klaus‐Dieter , Hartmann Sylvia , Thurner Lorenz
Published: June 2022

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) represents the most aggressive B‐cell‐lymphoma. Beside the hallmark of IG‐MYC‐translocation, surface B‐cell receptor (BCR) is expressed, and mutations in the BCR pathway are frequent. Coincidental infections in endemic BL, and specific extra‐nodal sites suggest antigenic triggers. To explore this hypothesis, BCRs of BL cell lines and cases were screened for reactivities against a panel of bacterial lysates, lysates of Plasmodium falciparum, a custom‐made virome array and against self‐antigens, including post‐translationally modified antigens.

An atypically modified, SUMOylated isoform of Bystin, that is, SUMO1‐BYSL was identified as the antigen of the BCR of cell line CA46. SUMO1‐BYSL was exclusively expressed in CA46 cells with K139 as site of the SUMOylation. Secondly, an atypically acetylated isoform of HSP40 was identified as the antigen of the BCR of cell line BL41. K104 and K179 were the sites of immunogenic acetylation, and the acetylated HSP40 isoform was solely present in BL41 cells. Functionally, addition of SUMO1‐BYSL and acetylated HSP40 induced BCR pathway activation in CA46 and BL41 cells, respectively. Accordingly, SUMO1‐BYSL‐ETA’ immunotoxin, produced by a two‐step intein‐based conjugation, led to the specific killing of CA46 cells. Autoantibodies directed against SUMO1‐BYSL were found in 3 of 14 (21.4%), and autoantibodies against acetylated HSP40 in 1/14(7.1%) patients with sporadic Burkitt‐lymphoma. No reactivities against antigens of the infectious agent spectrum could be observed.

These results indicate a pathogenic role of autoreactivity evoked by immunogenic post‐translational modifications in a subgroup of sporadic BL including two EBV‐negative BL cell lines.
In silico design of a TLR4-mediating multiepitope chimeric vaccine against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis via advanced immunoinformatics
Authors: Saleki Kiarash , Mohamadi Mohamad Hosein , Banazadeh Mohamad , Alijanizadeh Parsa , Javanmehr Nima , Pourahmad Ramtin , Nouri Hamid Reza
Published: June 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most prevalent motor neuron disorder worldwide. In ALS, progressing disease can result from misfolding and aggregation of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) or TAR DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP43). An efficient immunotherapy for ALS should spare intact SOD1 while eliminating its dysfunctional variant. We utilized advanced immunoinformatics to suggest a potential vaccine candidate against ALS by proposing a model of dynamic TLR4 mediation and induction of a specific Th2-biased shift against mutant SOD1, TDP43, and TRAF6, a protein that specifically interacts with dysfunctional SOD1. SOD1, TDP43, and TRAF6 were retrieved in FASTA. Immune Epitopes Database and CTLpred suggested T/B-cell epitopes from disease-specific regions of selected antigens. A TLR4-mediating adjuvant, RS01, was used. Sequences were assembled via suitable linkers. Tertiary structure of the protein was calculated. Refined protein structure and physicochemical features of the 3D structure were verified in silico. Differential immune induction was assessed via C-ImmSim. GROningen MAchine for Chemical Simulation was used to assess evolution of the docked vaccine–TLR4 complex in blood. Our protein showed high structural quality and was nonallergenic and immune inducing. Also, the vaccine–TLR4 complex stability was verified by RMSD, RMSF, gyration, and visual analyses of the molecular dynamic trajectory. Contact residues in the vaccine–TLR4 complex showed favorable binding energies. Immune stimulation analyses of the proposed candidate demonstrated a sustained memory cell response and a strong adaptive immune reaction. We proposed a potential vaccine candidate against ALS and verified its physicochemical and immune inducing features. Future studies should assess this vaccine in animal studies.
Spatial and temporal patterns of species replacement in the Middle Pleistocene: а case study of Мicrotus nivaloides Major, 1902 and morphologically related species of the Northern Black Sea and Azov areas
Authors: Popova Lilia , Nezdolii Yevheniia , Syniavska Iryna , Rekovets Leonid , Krokhmal' Olexii , Mironchuk Tetiana , Dzeverin Igor
Published: June 2022

The Middle Pleistocene replacement of the extinct Microtus nivaloides with its likely descendant field vole (M. agrestis Linnaeus, 1761) shows regional differences suggesting the climatic control of the process. Our aim was to test this hypothesis. We studied samples of M. nivaloides and morphologically related species, both recent and extinct, from the Northern Black Sea and Azov areas by means of geometric morphometry. There were measured pairwise Euclidian distances between each fossil specimen and centroids of the extant groups, and between centroids of all studied groups. When the studied samples were arranged in stratigraphic order, the decrease in these distances indicated the nearest approach to (i.e. the appearance of) M. agrestis within the considered area. Our results show that it was an expansion rather than a continuation of previous evolutionary trends. M. agrestis, the species of wet habitats, came to the Northern Black Sea area from the west during the warm and humid Holsteinian interglacial (MIS 11). The species was not widespread within the area and allopatrically coexisted with M. nivaloides. Besides, Holsteinian warming enhanced migration of other mesophilic vole species from adjacent areas. Our approach may be expanded to other extinct species with overlapping ranges of variation.
Copepod interaction with small‐scale, dissipative eddies in turbulence: Comparison among three marine species
Authors: Elmi Dorsa , Webster Donald R. , Fields David M.
Published: June 2022

A physical model of a Burgers vortex was created in the laboratory with characteristics corresponding to dissipative‐scale eddies that copepods are likely to encounter in turbulent flows. The swimming behavior of three marine copepod species is assessed as a function of vortex strength in and around the flow structure with the vortex axis aligned vertically or horizontally in the water. The studied species are Acartia tonsa, an estuarine copepod with a hop‐sink swimming style; Temora longicornis, a coastal copepod with a cruise swimming style; and Calanus finmarchicus, an open‐ocean copepod with a cruise‐sink swimming style. The results show that copepods change their swimming behavior with the intensity of the Burgers vortex and reveal species‐specific responses in nearly all kinematic parameters. A. tonsa and C. finmarchicus exhibited the strongest behavioral response to increasing vortex strength and T. longicornis exhibited the weakest response. A. tonsa and T. longicornis showed no response to changes in vortex orientation, whereas the behavior of C. finmarchicus revealed some vortex orientation dependence. One common behavior among the species is that the swimming trajectory shape becomes increasingly curved and spiral around the vortex core with increasing vortex strength, which provides a means of local aggregation and increased encounter rate with food and mates. The results are interpreted in relation to differences in swimming style and setal morphology among the species.
Atlantification alters the reproduction of jellyfish Aglantha digitale in the European Arctic
Authors: Mańko Maciej K. , Merchel Małgorzata , Kwaśniewski Sławomir , Weydmann‐Zwolicka Agata
Published: June 2022

Increasing heat content, salinity, and velocity of the Atlantic water masses passing northward through the Fram Strait accelerate the transition of the European Arctic toward more Atlantic state, a process referred to as Atlantification. A pronounced environmental shift leads to a poleward expansion of boreal species ranges and alters seasonal rhythms of local taxa, potentially affecting the whole food web structure. Here, we monitored a pelagic cnidarian, Aglantha digitale, commonly associated with boreal waters, throughout 12 consecutive summers (2003–2014) and along 2 branches of the West Spitsbergen Current, the main conveyor of Atlantic water to the Arctic. We documented a steady decrease in A. digitale abundance in the epipelagic waters of the European Arctic and a disproportionately larger northward advection of this jellyfish with the eastern branch of the West Spitsbergen Current compared to the western branch. Supported with modeling techniques, we found that year after year, A. digitale reproduced earlier in the southern region, thus leading to an earlier descent of the larger, more mature specimens, toward deeper waters, where they avoided our epipelagic sampling. Moreover, the prevalence of smaller jellyfish during years with record‐level water temperature and salinity (2005–2007) in the southern region of the Fram Strait indicated that a 2nd reproductive cycle may have occurred. We also showed that the northern population of A. digitale, or at least part of it, originates in the south and is advected northward with the West Spitsbergen Current. In addition, our work highlights the need to include jellyfish in zooplankton monitoring.
Length, width, shape regularity, and chain structure: time series analysis of phytoplankton morphology from imagery
Authors: Sonnet Virginie , Guidi Lionel , Mouw Colleen B. , Puggioni Gavino , Ayata Sakina‐Dorothée
Published: June 2022

Functional traits are increasingly used to assess changes in phytoplankton community structure and to link individual characteristics to ecosystem functioning. However, they are usually inferred from taxonomic identification or manually measured for each organism, both time consuming approaches. Instead, we focus on high throughput imaging to describe the main temporal variations of morphological changes of phytoplankton in Narragansett Bay, a coastal time‐series station. We analyzed a 2‐yr dataset of morphological features automatically extracted from continuous imaging of individual phytoplankton images (~ 105 million images collected by an Imaging FlowCytobot). We identified synthetic morphological traits using multivariate analysis and revealed that morphological variations were mainly due to changes in length, width, shape regularity, and chain structure. Morphological changes were especially important in winter with successive peaks of larger cells with increasing complexity and chains more clearly connected. Small nanophytoplankton were present year‐round and constituted the base of the community, especially apparent during the transitions between diatom blooms. High inter‐annual variability was also observed. On a weekly timescale, increases in light were associated with more clearly connected chains while more complex shapes occurred at lower nitrogen concentrations. On an hourly timescale, temperature was the determinant variable constraining cell morphology, with a general negative influence on length and a positive one on width, shape regularity, and chain structure. These first insights into the phytoplankton morphology of Narragansett Bay highlight the possible morphological traits driving the phytoplankton succession in response to light, temperature, and nutrient changes.
The effect of a restricted diet on the results of fractional microneedle radiofrequency therapy: A comparison of vegan and omnivorous participants in terms of the antiaging effect of radiofrequency therapy
Authors: Akpolat Nebahat Demet , Unlu Sezin
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to compare the results of fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) therapy in vegan and omnivorous participants.

Methods

A total of 30 vegan and 30 omnivorous women who were treated with FMR therapy for combating aging were included in the study. The clinical results were examined in Months 3 and 6 based on the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale (FWS). Individual satisfaction was investigated in Month 6 using the Patient's Global Impression of Change (PGIC).

Results

At the onset of the treatment, there was no significant difference with regard to the FWS scores in both groups. The decrease in the FWS score was significantly lower in vegans after 3 months (p = 0.01). Vegans had worsened clinical outcomes by Month 6 (p = 0.01). The PGIC scores were significantly lower in vegans (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

A vegan diet adversely affects the outcome of FMR therapy.
Functional Analyses of Two Novel LRRK2 Pathogenic Variants in Familial Parkinson′s Disease
Authors: Coku Ilda , Mutez Eugénie , Eddarkaoui Sabiha , Carrier Sébastien , Marchand Antoine , Deldycke Claire , Goveas Liesel , Baille Guillaume , Tir Mélissa , Magnez Romain , Thuru Xavier , Vermeersch Gaëlle , Vandenberghe Wim , Buée Luc , Defebvre Luc , Sablonnière Bernard , Chartier‐Harlin Marie‐Christine , Taymans Jean‐Marc , Huin Vincent
Published: June 2022

Background

Pathogenic variants in the LRRK2 gene are a common monogenic cause of Parkinson's disease. However, only seven variants have been confirmed to be pathogenic.

Objectives

We identified two novel LRRK2 variants (H230R and A1440P) and performed functional testing.

Methods

We transiently expressed wild‐type, the two new variants, or two known pathogenic mutants (G2019S and R1441G) in HEK‐293 T cells, with or without LRRK2 kinase inhibitor treatment. We characterized the phosphorylation and kinase activity of the mutants by western blotting. Thermal shift assays were performed to determine the folding and stability of the LRRK2 proteins.

Results

The two variants were found in two large families and segregate with the disease. They display altered LRRK2 phosphorylation and kinase activity.

Conclusions

We identified two novel LRRK2 variants which segregate with the disease. The results of functional testing lead us to propose these two variants as novel causative mutations for familial Parkinson's disease. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
SARSCOV‐19 amidst corruption: Does the civil society matter? – An empirical study
Authors: Arkorful Vincent Ekow , Lugu Benjamin Kweku , Charway Susana Mamley , Arkorful Vincent Ansah
Published: June 2022

The pandemic outbreak has dealt consequences on global engagements and structures. With the ongoing search for pandemic‐mitigating measures and the excesses (notably corruption) erupted in its wake, concerns have been raised about the decline in public trust, transparency and satisfaction – particularly in Ghana. This situation has spurred multilevel governance discussions regarding pandemic management. Ensuingly characterising policy makers' propositions in this regard is the civil society's salience as a control valve to governance deficits like corruption. Therefore, transcending the anecdotal claims on civil society's efficacy, this study takes a state‐society perspective to probe its relevance in fostering trust, transparency and satisfaction, relative to corruption‐stricken pandemic governance. The current study engages the general systems theory as a conceptual lens. The structural equation modelling technique was used in analysing data (n = 519) gathered through the questionnaire survey approach. Though results of data analysis affirmed the negative effects of corruption on trust, transparency and satisfaction, the civil society received affirmation as an enhancer of trust, transparency and satisfaction. In view of these study findings, implications and future research suggestions are delimited.
Cumulative tenofovir diphosphate exposure in persons with HIV taking single‐ vs. multiple‐tablet regimens
Authors: Coyle Ryan P. , Morrow Mary , MaWhinney Samantha , Coleman Stacey S. , Zheng Jia‐Hua , Ellison Lucas , Bushman Lane R. , Kiser Jennifer J. , Anderson Peter L. , Castillo‐Mancilla Jose R.
Published: June 2022

Background

We assessed cumulative antiretroviral exposure—using tenofovir diphosphate (TFV‐DP) in dried blood spots (DBS)—in persons with HIV (PWH) receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)‐based antiretroviral therapy (ART) as single‐tablet regimens (STR) or multiple‐tablet regimens (MTR).

Methods

Blood for DBS was prospectively collected in PWH on TDF during 1144 person visits (n = 523). Linear mixed‐effects models, adjusted for baseline characteristics, were used to compare TFV‐DP in STR versus MTR. Models adjusted for ART regimen using either anchor drug class, pharmacokinetic booster status (unboosted [u/] or boosted [b/]), or a combined STR/MTR and booster categorical variable.

Results

In the anchor class‐adjusted model, STR had 19% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3%–37%; p = 0.02) higher TFV‐DP concentrations than MTR. However, in the booster‐adjusted model, STR was not significantly higher than MTR (estimate 5%, 95% CI: −9% to 21%; p = 0.48), although PWH on b/ART had 35% (95% CI: 16%–58%; p = 0.0001) higher TFV‐DP than u/ART. In the STR/MTR‐boosted variable model, when compared to u/MTR, b/STR, b/MTR, and u/STR had 25% (95% CI: 7%–47%; p = 0.005), 37% (95% CI: 17%–59%; p < 0.0001), and 7% (95% CI: −7% to 24%; p = 0.34) higher TFV‐DP, respectively. Compared with b/MTR, b/STR had 9% (95% CI: −31% to 10%; p = 0.37) lower TFV‐DP. In a sensitivity analysis of PWH with HIV viral load <20 copies/ml at all visits, b/STR and b/MTR had 34% (95% CI: 16%–55%; p < 0.0001) and 12% (95% CI: −2% to 27%; p = 0.09) higher TFV‐DP, respectively, compared with u/MTR, while u/STR had 4% (95% CI: −15% to 8%; p = 0.50) lower TFV‐DP. Compared with b/MTR, b/STR had 17% (95% CI: 2%–30%; p = 0.03) higher TFV‐DP.

Conclusions

Persons with HIV on b/TDF‐based ART had higher TFV‐DP than u/ART, regardless of STR or MTR use. No significant differences in TFV‐DP between regimens of the same boosting status (i.e., b/STR vs. b/MTR; u/STR vs. u/MTR) were observed in the full cohort. Future research should examine the clinical utility of these findings in patient‐tailored ART selection.
“Believe in yourself and your skills”
Authors: Pozo Jose
Published: June 2022

Jose Pozo, EPIC's former director of technology, portraits Pierre Jenouvrier, CTO of Lynred, a manufacturer of detectors covering the entire infrared spectrum from short to very‐long wavelength IR.
Optimizing data‐independent acquisition (DIA) spectral library workflows for plasma proteomics studies
Authors: Rice Shawn J. , Belani Chandra P.
Published: June 2022

Traditional data‐independent acquisition (DIA) workflows employ off‐column fractionation with data‐dependent acquisition (DDA) to generate spectral libraries for data extraction. Recent advances have led to the establishment of library‐independent approaches for DIA analyses. The selection of a DIA workflow may affect the outcome of plasma proteomics studies. Here, we establish a gas‐phase fractionation (GPF) workflow to create DIA libraries for DIA with parallel accumulation and serial fragmentation (diaPASEF). This workflow along with three other workflows, fractionated DDA libraries, fractionated DIA libraries, and predicted spectra libraries, were evaluated on 20 plasma samples from nonsmall cell lung cancer patients with low or high levels of IL‐6. We sought to optimize protein identification and total experiment time. The novel GPF workflow for diaPASEF outperformed the traditional ddaPASEF workflow in the number of identified and quantified proteins. A library‐independent workflow based on predicted spectra identified and quantified the most proteins in our experiment at the cost of computational power. Overall, the choice of DIA library workflow seemed to have a limited effect on the overall outcome of a plasma proteomics experiment, but it can affect the number of proteins identified and the total experiment time.