bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conductive poly(ε‐caprolactone)/polylactic acid scaffolds for tissue engineering applications: Synergy effect of zirconium nanoparticles and polypyrrole
Authors: Jafari Aliakbar , Mirzaei Hadis , Shafiei Mir Alireza , Fakhri Vafa , Yazdanbakhsh Amirhosein , Pirouzfar Vahid , Su Chia‐Hung , Ghaffarian Anbaran S. Reza , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: January 2022

Biocompatible and electrically conductive porous scaffolds with a desirable hydrophilicity and degradation rate and suitable mechanical performance are highly favorable for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. In this study, we fabricated three‐dimensional (3D) porous bioscaffolds from poly(ε‐caprolactone) and polylactic acid containing different concentrations of zirconia nanoparticles (n‐ZrO2) through freeze‐drying technique. Afterward, the surface of the scaffolds was coated with an electrically conductive layer through in situ polymerization of polypyrrole (PPy) on the samples. Bioscaffolds exhibited a favorable range of mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, meeting the required mechanical performances and conductivity for a broad range of tissue engineering applications. Coating PPy on the scaffolds resulted in significantly higher hydrophilicity and faster biodegradation rate, as well as a noticeable enhancement on the in vitro cell attachment, proliferation, and viability. Our findings indicated that the simultaneous presence of n‐ZrO2 and PPy in the system presents a noticeable synergistic effect in overall properties and introduces the fabricated 3D porous scaffolds as promising candidates for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of silicone grafted epoxy/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/graphene oxide nanocomposite with high adhesion strength and thermal stability
Authors: Gholinezhad Farhad , Golhosseini Reza , Moini Jazani Omid
Published: January 2022

To improve thermal, mechanical and adhesion properties, epoxy resin was modified with methyl phenyl silicone (MPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and graphene oxide (GO). In order to increase compatibility and stability, MPS intermediate was grafted on epoxy resin through condensation reaction. Transmission electron microscopy images showed well dispersion of GO particles in the system proving successfully preparation of the MPS grafted epoxy/ABS/GO nanocomposite. Single lap shear strength for steel‐epoxy/carbon fiber composite joint in sample containing 15% MPS and 2% ABS improved up to 108% compared to neat epoxy. Such an improvement occurred when only 5% MPS, 2% ABS and 0.1% GO were used showing GO could decrease required content of modifiers in this case. Tensile strength of sample containing 5% MPS and 2% ABS was 49.89 MPa and it reached 55.23 MPa by adding 0.1% GO while it was 37.12 MPa in pure epoxy. Nanocomposite modified sample had a residual char of 20 wt%. at 600°C and increment of 30°C in initial degradation temperature and 7°C in maximum degradation temperature compared to pure epoxy. These finding beside 23% increasing in calculated activation energy using Kessinger's and FWO method's proved significantly improved thermal stability of modified epoxy resin. Scanning electron microscope images of fractured surface of specimens showed micro size domains obtained by phase separation cause toughness improvement and crack energy absorption.
Effect of Substrate Temperature on Structural and Optical Properties of Radio‐Frequency Magnetron‐Sputtered Ce0.97Co0.03O2 Thin Films
Authors: Yang Shenghong , Zhang Yueli
Published: January 2022

Single‐phase Ce0.97Co0.03O2 films are successfully deposited on Si(100) by radio‐frequency magnetron sputtering. The effects of substrate temperature on the structural and optical properties of Ce0.97Co0.03O2 films are investigated. X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) and Raman spectra confirm the formation of the pure CeO2 phase with highly (111) preferred orientation for all films. The crystallite size increases with increasing substrate temperature. Atomic force microscope (AFM) images of Ce0.97Co0.03O2 films exhibit dense and uniform microstructures with grain sizes of ≈18, 28, and 35 nm for substrate temperatures of 30, 500, and 700 °C, respectively. The surface roughness is increased from 1.49 to 6.72 nm with increase in substrate temperature. Emission at centers of 335, 350, 375, and 392 nm is observed in photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Emission peaks of all films with different substrate temperatures have similar shapes and different intensities. Optical characteristics are studied by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) in the UV−NIR region. The optical constants (n and k) are determined by analyzing the SE spectra. The results show that with increase in substrate temperature, the values of n and k increase, while the value of E
g decreases. The obtained results can serve as a database for the optical properties of Ce0.97Co0.03O2 films.
An Experimental Study on Artificial Intelligence‐Based Prediction of Capacitance–Voltage Parameters of Polymer‐Interface 6H‐SiC/MEH‐PPV/Al Schottky Diodes
Authors: Güzel Tamer , Çolak Andaç Batur
Published: January 2022

Herein, an artificial neural network (ANN) model has been developed to predict the capacitance values of the polymer‐interface 6H‐SiC/MEH‐PPV/Al Schottky diode depending on the frequency. In the training of the feed‐forward back‐propagation network model with five neurons in its hidden layer, 480 experimental data have been used. Of these, 70% of the data used in the development of the multilayer perceptron network has been used for network training, 15% for validation, and 15% for the test phase. The predictive performance of the network model has been analyzed by comparing the predicted values obtained from the ANN with the experimental data. For the developed ANN, the mean square error value is 4.34E‐06, the R‐value is 0.99728, and the average margin of deviation value is 0.03%.
An improved reliability index based on regional equivalent conversion
Authors: Wang Junjie , Liu Yating , Zhao Gongwei , Ye Nanhai , Yang Lifei
Published: January 2022

Aiming at the accuracy and efficiency of traditional reliability method for solving highly nonlinear problem, this paper proposes the regional equivalent conversion index (RECI) to compute reliability under arbitrary boundary and number of subdomains of limit state function. Firstly, we establish the model of RECI and the corresponding sampling method. Furthermore, the RECI of a series of parallel linear performance functions are computed by the proposed method. Besides the advanced first order and second moment method (AFOSM) are used to compute the reliability. Finally, the mapping relationship between RECI and reliability is established. Influence of sampling parameters on relative error is studied and optimal value is given. The parameters are optimized by analyzing the influence of the parameters on the precision. This method is also suitable for multiple failure modes without changing any process. Numerical examples are employed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method for solving highly nonlinear problem in dimension 1–4.
River thinking: Towards a holistic approach to watery places in the human imaginary
Authors: Davis Michael
Published: January 2022

‘Yet behind these obvious and immediate hopes and fears there lies a deeper meaning, known only to the mountain itself. Only the mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf’ (Aldo Leopold. (1949/1989). A Sand county almanac, p. 129). How do we think about rivers and waterways? In this paper I meditate on the notion of ‘thinking like a river’, to ask questions about how rivers and other waterways are conceptualised in the human imaginary, and in relation to peoples, place and ecology. The paper speculates on an ontology and phenomenology of watery places; to explore alternative ways of seeing and thinking. It poses the possibility that alternative epistemologies of nature can facilitate a deeper thinking that embraces connectivity ‐ the idea that rivers and waterways are intrinsically connected with place, peoples and landscape. I draw on three rivers and bodies of water, two in Australia and one in Aotearoa, New Zealand, to explore how these are being re‐imagined in more holistic ways, embracing Indigenous First Law, cosmologies and epistemologies, and framing them in discourses of Earth laws.
Further investigation of the survivability of code technical debt items
Authors: Zabardast Ehsan , Ebo Bennin Kwabena , Gonzalez‐Huerta Javier
Published: January 2022

Context: Technical debt (TD) discusses the negative impact of sub‐optimal decisions to cope with the need‐for‐speed in software development. Code technical debt items (TDI) are atomic elements of TD that can be observed in code artifacts. Empirical results on open‐source systems demonstrated how code‐smells, which are just one type of TDIs, are introduced and “survive” during release cycles. However, little is known about whether the results on the survivability of code‐smells hold for other types of code TDIs (i.e., bugs and vulnerabilities) and in industrial settings. Goal: Understanding the survivability of code TDIs by conducting an empirical study analyzing two industrial cases and 31 open‐source systems from Apache Foundation. Method: We analyzed 133,670 code TDIs (35,703 from the industrial systems) detected by SonarQube (in 193,196 commits) to assess their survivability using survivability models. Results: In general, code TDIs tend to remain and linger for long periods in open‐source systems, whereas they are removed faster in industrial systems. Code TDIs that survive over a certain threshold tend to remain much longer, which confirms previous results. Our results also suggest that bugs tend to be removed faster, while code smells and vulnerabilities tend to survive longer.
Evaluation of the sedative and physiological effects of xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine in goats
Authors: Nahvi Atefeh , Molaei Mohammad Mahdi , Samimi Amir Saeed , Azari Omid , Mashayekhi Hossein , Ebrahimzadeh Fatemeh
Published: January 2022

Background

Many α2‐agonists are commonly used for sedation and analgesia in ruminants.

Introduction

The present study aims to compare the sedative and physiological effects of intravenous (IV) administration of xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine in goats.

Methods

Ten healthy goats aged 6 ± 1 months and weighing 15 ± 2 kg were used in experimental, crossover Latin square, randomised and blinded study. Animals were assigned to five IV treatments: control (normal saline); xylazine (100 μg kg−1); detomidine (50 μg kg−1); medetomidine (20 μg kg−1) and dexmedetomidine (5 μg kg−1). The degree of sedation was investigated using a numerical ranking scale of 0–10. Sedation scores were compared at each time using nonparametric (Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U) tests.

Results

Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), ruminal motility and capillary refill time (CRT) were performed before (baseline) and after drug administration. Animals in α2‐adrenergic agonist treatments were sedated at 5–60 min. There were no significant differences among α2‐adrenergic agonist treatments at 5–60 min in sedation scores. HR significantly decreased from baseline 5–90 min after α2‐adrenergic agonists’ administration. Ruminal motility was decreased in α2‐adrenergic agonist treatments at 5, 90 and 120 min and absent at 10–60 min. A significant decrease from baseline in RR was detected between 30 and 90 min after α2‐adrenergic agonists’ administration. RT was unchanged in any treatment for 120 min. CRT was less than 2 s at all time points following each treatment.

Conclusions

The duration of sedation was up to 60 min after IV administration of xylazine (100 μg kg−1), detomidine (50 μg kg−1), medetomidine (20 μg kg−1) and dexmedetomidine (5 μg kg−1) in goats in this study. No significant differences were detected between xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine in goats.
Entwicklungsansätze für Impfstoffe gegen Hepatitis-C-Virus-Infektionen
Authors: Bankwitz Dorothea , Krey Thomas , Pietschmann Thomas
Published: January 2022

Mehr als 10 Jahre nach der Zulassung der ersten direkt wirkenden antiviralen Wirkstoffe zur Behandlung der Hepatitis C bleibt die Inzidenz der Hepatitis-C-Virus-(HCV-)Infektion ungebrochen hoch. In manchen Ländern stecken sich mehr Menschen neu mit dem Virus an, als Patienten durch eine erfolgreiche Therapie geheilt werden. Die Entwicklung eines prophylaktischen Impfstoffes könnte die Transmission des Virus unterbinden und dadurch einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Kontrolle dieser weltweit verbreiteten Infektion leisten. In diesem Artikel werden die besonderen Herausforderungen und die aktuellen Ansätze der HCV-Impfstoffentwicklung dargestellt.

HCV ist ein hochgradig diverses und wandlungsfähiges Virus, das zumeist dem Immunsystem entkommt und chronische Infektionen etabliert. Andererseits heilt die HCV-Infektion bei bis zu einem Drittel der exponierten Individuen aus, sodass eine schützende Immunität erreichbar ist. Zahlreiche Untersuchungen zu den Determinanten einer schützenden Immunität gegen HCV zeichnen ein immer kompletteres Bild davon, welche Ziele ein Impfstoff erreichen muss. Sehr wahrscheinlich werden sowohl starke neutralisierende Antikörper als auch wirkungsvolle zytotoxische T‑Zellen gebraucht, um sicher vor einer chronischen Infektion zu schützen. Die Schlüsselfrage ist, welche Ansätze besonders breit wirksame Antikörper und T‑Zellen heranreifen lassen. Dies wird erforderlich sein, um vor der großen Fülle unterschiedlicher HCV-Varianten zu schützen. Die jüngsten Erfolge von mRNA-Impfstoffen öffnen neue Türen auch für die HCV-Impfstoffforschung. Kombiniert mit einem tieferen Verständnis der Struktur und Funktion der viralen Hüllproteine, der Identifizierung kreuzprotektiver Antikörper- und T‑Zellepitope sowie der Nutzung standardisierter Verfahren zur Quantifizierung der Wirksamkeit von Impfkandidaten ergeben sich neue Perspektiven für die Entwicklung eines Impfstoffes.
10 Jahre Nationales Referenzzentrum für Hepatitis-B-Viren und Hepatitis-D-Viren in Gießen: Tätigkeiten und Erfahrungen
Authors: Glebe Dieter , Lehmann Felix , Goldmann Nora , Giese Annika , Hida Yassine , Gerlich Wolfram H. , Ziebuhr John , Slanina Heiko , Schüttler Christian G.
Published: January 2022

Das Nationale Referenzzentrum (NRZ) für Hepatitis-B-Viren (HBV) und Hepatitis-D-Viren (HDV) befindet sich seit seiner Gründung und Berufung im Jahr 2011 am Institut für Medizinische Virologie der Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen (JLU). In diesem Beitrag werden die Tätigkeitsbereiche des NRZ und die damit verbundenen Erfahrungen beschrieben.

Das NRZ bietet eine umfassende Beratungstätigkeit zu allen diagnostischen und klinischen Aspekten der akuten und chronischen Infektion mit HBV und HDV für den Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst (ÖGD), diagnostische Laboratorien, Kliniken, Forschungsinstitute und niedergelassene Ärzte. Unklare diagnostische Befunde können mit der am NRZ etablierten HBV/HDV-Spezialdiagnostik unter Verwendung von aktuellen molekularbiologischen, biochemischen und genetischen Untersuchungsmethoden analysiert, interpretiert und epidemiologische Zusammenhänge aufgeklärt werden. Das NRZ kann dabei auf eine umfangreiche Stammsammlung von vielen gut charakterisierten und klonierten HBV/HDV-Isolaten zurückgreifen, die eine vergleichende Analyse und Bewertung von antiviralen Resistenzmutationen und Immunescape-Varianten zulässt. Das NRZ initiiert und begleitet mit seinen nationalen und internationalen Partnerinstitutionen unter anderem Ringversuche zur Diagnostik der HBV-Resistenz, einschließlich Immunescape, zur Entwicklung und Validierung von internationalen Standards der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) und zur Optimierung der quantitativen HDV-Genombestimmung. Das NRZ beteiligt sich aktiv an aktuellen Empfehlungen und Leitlinien zu HBV und HDV sowie an Empfehlungen von medizinischen Fachgesellschaften. Es weist mit Beiträgen in Form von nationalen und internationalen Vorträgen sowie mit Originalarbeiten und Kommentaren in nationalen und internationalen Journalen auf aktuelle HBV/HDV-relevante Aspekte hin.
Almost positive links are strongly quasipositive
Authors: Feller Peter , Lewark Lukas , Lobb Andrew
Published: January 2022

We prove that any link admitting a diagram with a single negative crossing is strongly quasipositive. This answers a question of Stoimenow’s in the (strong) positive. As a second main result, we give a simple and complete characterization of link diagrams with quasipositive canonical surface (the surface produced by Seifert’s algorithm). As applications, we determine which prime knots up to 13 crossings are strongly quasipositive, and we confirm the following conjecture for knots that have a canonical surface realizing their genus: a knot is strongly quasipositive if and only if the Bennequin inequality is an equality.
An adaptable microreactor to investigate the influence of interfaces on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth
Authors: Ye Zhang , Silva Dina M. , Traini Daniela , Young Paul , Cheng Shaokoon , Ong Hui Xin
Published: January 2022

Biofilms are ubiquitous and notoriously difficult to eradicate and control, complicating human infections and industrial and agricultural biofouling. However, most of the study had used the biofilm model that attached to solid surface and developed in liquid submerged environments which generally have neglected the impact of interfaces. In our study, a reusable dual-chamber microreactor with interchangeable porous membranes was developed to establish multiple growth interfaces for biofilm culture and test. Protocol for culturing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) on the air–liquid interface (ALI) and liquid–liquid interface (LLI) under static environmental conditions for 48 h was optimized using this novel device. This study shows that LLI model biofilms are more susceptible to physical disruption compared to ALI model biofilm. SEM images revealed a unique “dome-shaped” microcolonies morphological feature, which is more distinct on ALI biofilms than LLI. Furthermore, the study showed that ALI and LLI biofilms produced a similar amount of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). As differences in biofilm structure and properties may lead to different outcomes when using the same eradication approaches, the antimicrobial effect of an antibiotic, ciprofloxacin (CIP), was chosen to test the susceptibility of a 48-h-oldP. aeruginosabiofilms grown on ALI and LLI. Our results show that the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of 6-h CIP exposure for ALI and LLI biofilms is significantly different, which are 400 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL, respectively. These results highlight the importance of growth interface when developing more targeted biofilm management strategies, and our novel device provides a promising tool that enables manipulation of realistic biofilm growth.

Key points

• A novel dual-chamber microreactor device that enables the establishment of different interfaces for biofilm culture has been developed.

• ALI model biofilms and LLI model biofilms show differences in resistance to physical disruption and antibiotic susceptibility.
Vaccination against galectin-1 promotes cytotoxic T-cell infiltration in melanoma and reduces tumor burden
Authors: Femel Julia , van Hooren Luuk , Herre Melanie , Cedervall Jessica , Saupe Falk , Huijbers Elisabeth J. M. , Verboogen Danielle R. J. , Reichel Matthias , Thijssen Victor L. , Griffioen Arjan W. , Hellman Lars , Dimberg Anna , Olsson Anna-Karin
Published: January 2022

Galectin-1 (Gal1) is a glycan-binding protein that promotes tumor progression by several distinct mechanisms. Through direct binding to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-receptor 2, Gal1 is able to induce VEGF-like signaling, which contributes to tumor angiogenesis. Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated an immunosuppressive function of Gal1 through effects on both effector and regulatory T cells. Elevated Gal1 expression and secretion have been shown in many tumor types, and high Gal1 serum levels have been connected to poor prognosis in cancer patients. These findings suggest that therapeutic strategies directed against Gal1 would enable simultaneous targeting of angiogenesis, immune evasion and metastasis. In the current study, we have analyzed the potential of Gal1 as a cancer vaccine target. We show that it is possible to generate high anti-Gal1 antibody levels in mice immunized with a recombinant vaccine protein consisting of bacterial sequences fused to Gal1. Growth of Gal1 expressing melanomas was significantly impaired in the immunized mice compared to the control group. This was associated with improved perfusion of the tumor vasculature, as well as increased infiltration of macrophages and cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). The level of granzyme B, mainly originating from CTLs in our model, was significantly elevated in Gal1 vaccinated mice and correlated with a decrease in tumor burden. We conclude that vaccination against Gal1 is a promising pro-immunogenic approach for cancer therapy that could potentially enhance the effect of other immunotherapeutic strategies due to its ability to promote CTL influx in tumors.
Safety and Feasibility of Robotic Transaxillary Thyroidectomy for Graves’ Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bu Bshait Mohammed Saad , Kim Jin Kyong , Lee Cho Rok , Kang Sang‐Wook , Jeong Jong Ju , Nam Kee‐Hyun , Chung Woong Youn
Published: January 2022

Background

Despite the increase in experience and understanding of robotic thyroidectomy, its application for Graves’ disease (GD) remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy (RTT) for GD in comparison with the conventional open thyroidectomy (open group: OG) approach.

Methods

A total of 192 patients who underwent surgical resection for GD were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 51 patients underwent RTT and the remaining 141 patients were in the conventional OG.

Results

All robotic operations were performed successfully without open conversion. Patients who underwent RTT were significantly younger (P < 0.001) and predominantly of the female sex. Operative time was longer for RTT than for the OG (182.5 ± 58.1 vs. 112.0 ± 29.5; P < 0.001). The mean intraoperative blood loss was not statistically different between RTT and the OG (113.3 ± 161.6 vs. 95.3 ± 209.1, P = 0.223). The mean weight of the resected thyroid was reduced in those who underwent RTT compared with open thyroidectomy (P = 0.033). The overall complication rate for RTT and open thyroidectomy was not significantly different (33.3% vs. 22.7%, P = 0.135). In RTT, the most common complication was transient hypocalcemia (21%). Permanent hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred in only one patient in each group. The weight of the resected thyroid was not related to the incidence of complications in patients receiving RTT.

Conclusions

Considering excellent cosmesis, findings of this study support the safety and feasibility of RTT. Nevertheless, it should be performed by expert surgeons with extensive robotic surgery experience.
Janus particles by simplified RAFT-based emulsion polymerization process for polymer coating
Authors: Nguyen Duc , Huynh Vien T. , Serelis Algirdas K. , Davey Tim , Paravagna Olga , Such Chris H. , Hawkett Brian S.
Published: January 2022

We describe a simplified method to synthesize film forming polymer Janus particles by phase separation during RAFT-based free radical emulsion polymerization. Fully crosslinked snowman- or football-shaped polystyrene Janus particles (PSJPs) were first produced in a one-step batch process using amphiphilic triblock macro-RAFT copolymers as stabilizers. Such particles were in turn employed as seeds in a continuous emulsion polymerization in which a monomer mixture of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA) (1/1 by weight) was constantly injected into the reaction in the presence of a water soluble initiator. The added monomers wetted seed particle surface and their polymerization led to formations of 93-nm film forming single- or two-headed Janus particles. The resulted latex was successfully used to disperse and encapsulate solid calcite extender.

Graphical abstract
The role of oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1) in modulating biological functions of gametes and embryos
Authors: Zhao Yuewen , Vanderkooi Sydney , Kan Frederick W. K.
Published: January 2022

Diverse lines of evidence indicate that the mammalian oviduct makes important contributions to the complex process of reproduction other than being simply a conduit for the transport of gametes and embryos. The cumulative synthesis and transport of proteins secreted by oviductal secretory cells into the oviductal lumen create a microenvironment supporting important reproductive events, including sperm capacitation, fertilization, and early embryo development. Among the components that have been identified in the oviductal fluid is a family of glycosylated proteins known collectively as oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1) or oviductin. OVGP1 has been identified in several mammalian species, including humans. The present review summarizes the work carried out, in various mammalian species, by many research groups revealing the synthesis and secretion of OVGP1, its fate in the female reproductive tract upon secretion by the oviductal epithelium, and its role in modulating biological functions of gametes and embryos. The production and functions of recombinant human OVGP1 and recombinant OVGP1 of other mammalian species are also discussed. Some of the findings obtained with immunocytochemistry will be highlighted in the present review. It is hoped that the findings obtained from recent studies carried out with recombinant OVGP1 from various species will rekindle researchers’ interest in pursuing further the role of the oviductal microenvironment, of which OVGP1 is a major component, in contributing to the successful occurrence of early reproductive events, and the potential use of OVGP1 in improving the current assisted reproductive technology in alleviating infertility.
Diagnostic significance of reassessment of prostate biopsy specimens by experienced urological pathologists at a high-volume institution
Authors: Okubo Yoichiro , Yamamoto Yayoi , Sato Shinya , Yoshioka Emi , Suzuki Masaki , Washimi Kota , Osaka Kimito , Suzuki Takahisa , Yokose Tomoyuki , Kishida Takeshi , Miyagi Yohei
Published: January 2022

In prostate cancer, accurate diagnosis and grade group (GG) decision based on biopsy findings are essential for determining treatment strategies. Diagnosis by experienced urological pathologists is recommended; however, their contribution to patient benefits remains unknown. Therefore, we analyzed clinicopathological information to determine the significance of reassessment by experienced urological pathologists at a high-volume institution to identify factors involved in the agreement or disagreement of biopsy and surgical GGs. In total, 1325 prostate adenocarcinomas were analyzed, and the GG was changed in 452/1325 (34.1%) cases (359 cases were upgraded, and 93 cases were downgraded). We compared the highest GG based on biopsy specimens, with the final GG based on surgical specimens of 210 cases. The agreement rate between the surgical GG performed and assessed in our institute and the highest biopsy GG assessed by an outside pathologist was 34.8% (73/210); the agreement rate increased significantly to 50% (105/210) when biopsy specimens were reevaluated in our institute (chi-square test, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only the length of the lesion in the positive core with the highest GG in the biopsy was a significant factor for determining the agreement between biopsy GG and surgical GG, with an odds ratio of 1.136 (95% confidence interval: 1.057–1.221; P < 0.01). Thus, reassessment by experienced urological pathologists at high-volume institutions improved the agreement rate. However, it should be noted there is a high probability of discordance between a small number of lesions or short lesions and surgical GG.
Hypes and Hopes of Stem Cell Therapies in Dentistry: a Review
Authors: y Baena Alessandra Rodriguez , Casasco Andrea , Monti Manuela
Published: January 2022

One of the most exciting advances in life science research is the development of 3D cell culture systems to obtain complex structures called organoids and spheroids. These 3D cultures closely mimic in vivo conditions, where cells can grow and interact with their surroundings. This allows us to better study the spatio-temporal dynamics of organogenesis and organ function. Furthermore, physiologically relevant organoids cultures can be used for basic research, medical research, and drug discovery. Although most of the research thus far focuses on the development of heart, liver, kidney, and brain organoids, to name a few, most recently, these structures were obtained using dental stem cells to study in vitro tooth regeneration. This review aims to present the most up-to-date research showing how dental stem cells can be grown on specific biomaterials to induce their differentiation in 3D. The possibility of combining engineering and biology principles to replicate and/or increase tissue function has been an emerging and exciting field in medicine. The use of this methodology in dentistry has already yielded many interesting results paving the way for the improvement of dental care and successful therapies.

Graphical abstract
A neutron diffraction investigation of high valent doped barium ferrite with wideband tunable microwave absorption
Authors: Li Jun , Hong Yang , He San , Li Weike , Bai Han , Xia Yuanhua , Sun Guangai , Zhou Zhongxiang
Published: January 2022

The barium ferrite BaTixFe12−xO19 (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) (BFTO-x) ceramics doped by Ti4+ were synthesized by a modified sol—gel method. The crystal structure and magnetic structure of the samples were determined by neutron diffraction, and confirm that the BFTO-x ceramics were high quality single phase with sheet microstructure. With x increasing from 0.2 to 0.8, the saturation magnetization (Ms) decreases gradually but the change trend of coercivity (Hc) is complex under the synergy of the changed grain size and the magnetic crystal anisotropy field. Relying on the high valence of Ti4+, double resonance peaks are obtained in the curves of the imaginary part of magnetic conductivity (μ″) and the resonance peaks could move toward the low frequency with the increase of x, which facilitate the samples perform an excellent wideband modulation microwave absorption property. In the x = 0.2 sample, the maximum reflection loss (RL) can reach −44.9 dB at the thickness of only 1.8 mm, and the bandwidth could reach 5.28 GHz at 2 mm when RL is less than −10 dB. All the BFTO-x ceramics show excellent frequency modulation ability varying from 18 (x = 0.8) to 4 GHz (x = 0.4), which covers 81% of the investigated frequency in microwave absorption field. This work not only implements the tunable of electromagnetic parameters but also broadens the application of high-performance microwave absorption devices.
The Development of Spatial Circularity Discourse in Japan: Ecomodernist, Territorialised, or Both? The Story of Onomichi’s Wastescapes
Authors: Wuyts Wendy , Marjanović Marjan
Published: January 2022

Globally, many national, regional, and urban governments are facilitating circular economy transitions through various pathways. The European Union and China have spearheaded the worldwide shift towards circularity by adopting primarily ecomodernist and technocratic approaches. However, the relevant literature has highlighted the need to integrate conceptualisations of circularity that are more politically and spatially embedded to better suit the local contexts and actual social needs of specific populations. In this paper, we therefore argue that the Japanese approach to circular practices exemplifies a place-bound and just pathway and offers a potential alternative to the European and Chinese methods. Accordingly, we first trace the historical roots of spatial circularity in Japan and then articulate some contemporary circular concepts. Next, we present a detailed analysis of wastescapes in the city of Onomichi to demonstrate through the lived experiences of its citizens that the rather orthodox understandings of circularity that permeate Japanese discourse on circularity coexist with alternative considerations that promote human interactions with nonhuman nature, acknowledge spatial ranges of operations, and value traditional knowledge.
Sensory Perception, History and Geology
Authors: Read Richard
Published: January 2022

William Molyneux's question to John Locke about whether a blind man restored to sight could name the difference between a cube and a sphere without touching them shaped fundamental conflicts in philosophy, theology and science between empirical and idealist answers that are radically alien to current ways of seeing and feeling but were born of colonizing ambitions whose devastating genocidal and ecocidal consequences intensify today. This Element demonstrates how landscape paintings of unfamiliar terrains required historical and geological subject matter to supply tactile associations for empirical recognition of space, whereas idealism conferred unmediated but no less coercive sensory access. Close visual and verbal analysis using photographs of pictorial sites trace vividly different responses to the question, from those of William Hazlitt and John Ruskin in Britain to those of nineteenth-century authors and artists in the United States and Australia, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Thomas Cole, William Haseltine, Fitz Henry Lane and Eugene von Guérard.
The effect of inertia and vertical confinement on the flow past a circular cylinder in a Hele-Shaw configuration
Authors: Klettner C.A. , Smith F.T.
Published: January 2022

The Poiseuille flow (centreline velocity

$U_c$

) of a fluid (kinematic viscosity

$\nu$

) past a circular cylinder (radius

$R$

) in a Hele-Shaw cell (height

$2h$

) is traditionally characterised by a Stokes flow (

$\varLambda =(U_cR/\nu )(h/R)^2 \ll 1$

) through a thin gap (

$\epsilon =h/R \ll 1$

). In this work we use asymptotic methods and direct numerical simulations to explore the parameter space

$\varLambda$

–

$\epsilon$

when these conditions are not met. Starting with the Navier–Stokes equations and increasing

$\varLambda$

(which corresponds to increasing inertial effects), four successive regimes are identified, namely the linear regime, nonlinear regimes I and II in the boundary layer (the ‘ inner’ region) and a nonlinear regime III in both the inner and outer region. Flow phenomena are studied with extensive comparisons made between reduced calculations, direct numerical simulations and previous analytical work. For

$\epsilon =0.01$

, the limiting condition for a steady flow as

$\varLambda$

is increased is the instability of the Poiseuille flow. However, for larger

$\epsilon$

, this limit is at a much higher

$\varLambda$

, resulting in a laminar separation bubble, of size

${O}(h)$

, forming for a certain range of

$\epsilon$

at the back of the cylinder, where the azimuthal location was dependent on

$\epsilon$

. As

$\epsilon$

is increased to approximately 0.5, the secondary flow becomes increasingly confined adjacent to the sidewalls. The results of the analysis and numerical simulations are summarised in a plot of the parameter space

$\varLambda$

–

$\epsilon$

.
Descartes on fermentation in digestion: iatromechanism, analogy and teleology
Authors: Schmechel Carmen
Published: January 2022

Fermentation is a cornerstone phenomenon in Cartesian physiology, accounting for processes such as digestion or blood formation. I argue that the previously unrecognized conceptual tension between the terms ‘fermentation’ and ‘concoction’ reflects Descartes's efforts towards a novel, more thoroughly mechanistic theory of physiology, set up against both Galenism and chymistry. Similarities with chymistry as regards fermentation turn out either epistemologically superficial, or based on shared earlier sources. Descartes tentatively employs ‘fermentation’ as a less teleological alternative to ‘concoction’, later renouncing the explicit use of the term, possibly to avoid chymical overtones. However, his continued use of analogies with fermentative processes in the natural world and in winemaking, coupled with a strong ontological commitment (the stance that the physiological processes are actual fermentations), leads to a reintroduction of natural teleology in his medical system, which I argue may be understood in an Aristotelian sense of ‘simple necessity’. The paper reveals a more nuanced account of Cartesian fermentative medicine, delineating some of its tensions with regard to chymistry as they play out in the dynamics of fermentation and concoction, and linking the analogies to fermentation processes to the difficulties in erasing teleology altogether.
Pandemic recession and helicopter money: Venice, 1629–1631
Authors: Masciandaro Donato , Goodhart Charles , Ugolini Stefano
Published: January 2022

We analyse the money-financed fiscal stimulus implemented in Venice during the famine and plague of 1629–31, which was equivalent to a ‘net-worth helicopter money’ strategy – a monetary expansion generating losses to the issuer. We argue that the strategy aimed at reconciling the need to subsidize inhabitants suffering from containment policies with the desire to prevent an increase in long-term government debt, but it generated much monetary instability and had to be quickly reversed. This episode highlights the redistributive implications of the design of macroeconomic policies and the role of political economy factors in determining such designs.
Iatrogenic Tracheal Rupture Related to Prehospital Emergency Intubation in Adults: A 15-Year Single Center Experience
Authors: Struck Manuel F. , Ondruschka Benjamin , Beilicke André , Krämer Sebastian
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Iatrogenic tracheal rupture is an unusual and severe complication that can be caused by tracheal intubation. The frequency, management, and outcome of iatrogenic tracheal rupture due to prehospital emergency intubation in adults by emergency response physicians has not yet been sufficiently explored.

Methods:

Adult patients with iatrogenic tracheal ruptures due to prehospital emergency intubation admitted to an academic referral center over a 15-year period (2004-2018) with consideration of individual risk factors were analyzed.

Results:

Thirteen patients (eight female) with a mean age of 67 years met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Of these, eight tracheal ruptures (62%) were caused during the airway management of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Stylet use and difficult laryngoscopy requiring multiple attempts were documented in eight cases (62%) and four cases (30%), respectively. Seven patients (54%) underwent surgery, while six patients (46%) were treated conservatively. The overall 30-day mortality was 46%; five patients died due to their underlying emergencies and one patient died of tracheal rupture. Three survivors (23%) recovered with severe neurological sequelae and four (30%) were discharged in good neurological condition. Survivors had significantly smaller mean rupture sizes (2.7cm versus 6.3cm; P <.001) and less cutaneous emphysema (n = 2 versus n = 6; P = .021) than nonsurvivors.

Conclusions:

Iatrogenic tracheal rupture due to prehospital emergency intubation is a rare complication. Published risk factors are not consistently present and may not be applicable to identify patients at high risk, especially not in rescue situations. Treatment options depend on individual patient condition, whereas outcome largely depends on the underlying disease and rupture extension.
Urban Heat Islands Significantly Reduced by COVID‐19 Lockdown
Authors: Liu Zihan , Lai Jiameng , Zhan Wenfeng , Bechtel Benjamin , Voogt James , Quan Jinling , Hu Leiqiu , Fu Peng , Huang Fan , Li Long , Guo Zheng , Li Jiufeng
Published: January 2022

The significant reduction in human activities during COVID‐19 lockdown is anticipated to substantially influence urban climates, especially urban heat islands (UHIs). However, the UHI variations during lockdown periods remain to be quantified. Based on the MODIS daily land surface temperature and the in‐situ surface air temperature observations, we reveal a substantial decline in both surface and canopy UHIs over 300‐plus megacities in China during lockdown periods compared with reference periods. The surface UHI intensity (UHII) is reduced by 0.25 (one S.D. = 0.22) K in the daytime and by 0.23 (0.20) K at night during lockdown periods. The reductions in canopy UHII reach 0.42 (one S.D. = 0.26) K in the daytime and 0.39 (0.29) K at night. These reductions are mainly due to the near‐unprecedented drop in human activities induced by strict lockdown measures. Our results provide an improved understanding of the urban climate variations during the global pandemic.
Omicron extensively but incompletely escapes Pfizer BNT162b2 neutralization
Authors: Cele Sandile , Jackson Laurelle , Khoury David S. , Khan Khadija , Moyo-Gwete Thandeka , Tegally Houriiyah , San James Emmanuel , Cromer Deborah , Scheepers Cathrine , Amoako Daniel G. , Karim Farina , Bernstein Mallory , Lustig Gila , Archary Derseree , Smith Muneerah , Ganga Yashica , Jule Zesuliwe , Reedoy Kajal , Hwa Shi-Hsia , Giandhari Jennifer , Blackburn Jonathan M. , Gosnell Bernadett I. , Abdool Karim Salim S. , Hanekom Willem ,   NGS-SA, Davies Mary-Ann , Hsiao Marvin , Martin Darren , Mlisana Koleka , Wibmer Constantinos Kurt , Williamson Carolyn , York Denis ,   COMMIT-KZN Team, Harrichandparsad Rohen , Herbst Kobus , Jeena Prakash , Khoza Thandeka , Kløverpris Henrik , Leslie Alasdair , Madansein Rajhmun , Magula Nombulelo , Manickchund Nithendra , Marakalala Mohlopheni , Mazibuko Matilda , Moshabela Mosa , Mthabela Ntombifuthi , Naidoo Kogie , Ndhlovu Zaza , Ndung’u Thumbi , Ngcobo Nokuthula , Nyamande Kennedy , Patel Vinod , Smit Theresa , Steyn Adrie , Wong Emily , von Gottberg Anne , Bhiman Jinal N. , Lessells Richard J. , Moosa Mahomed-Yunus S. , Davenport Miles P. , de Oliveira Tulio , Moore Penny L. , Sigal Alex
Published: January 2022

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern Omicron (Pango lineage B.1.1.529), first identified in Botswana and South Africa, may compromise vaccine effectiveness and lead to re-infections1. Here we investigated Omicron escape from neutralization by antibodies from South African individuals vaccinated with Pfizer BNT162b2. We used blood samples taken soon after vaccination from individuals who were vaccinated and previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 or vaccinated with no evidence of previous infection. We isolated and sequence-confirmed live Omicron virus from an infected person and observed that Omicron requires the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor to infect cells. We compared plasma neutralization of Omicron relative to an ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain and found that neutralization of ancestral virus was much higher in infected and vaccinated individuals compared with the vaccinated-only participants. However, both groups showed a 22-fold reduction in vaccine-elicited neutralization by the Omicron variant. Participants who were vaccinated and had previously been infected exhibited residual neutralization of Omicron similar to the level of neutralization of the ancestral virus observed in the vaccination-only group. These data support the notion that reasonable protection against Omicron may be maintained using vaccination approaches.
PET microplastics affect human gut microbiota communities during simulated gastrointestinal digestion, first evidence of plausible polymer biodegradation during human digestion
Authors: Tamargo Alba , Molinero Natalia , Reinosa Julián J. , Alcolea-Rodriguez Victor , Portela Raquel , Bañares Miguel A. , Fernández Jose F. , Moreno-Arribas M. Victoria
Published: January 2022

Microplastics (MPs) are a widely recognized global problem due to their prevalence in natural environments and the food chain. However, the impact of microplastics on human microbiota and their possible biotransformation in the gastrointestinal tract have not been well reported. To evaluate the potential risks of microplastics at the digestive level, completely passing a single dose of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) through the gastrointestinal tract was simulated by combining a harmonized static model and the dynamic gastrointestinal simgi model, which recreates the different regions of the digestive tract in physiological conditions. PET MPs started several biotransformations in the gastrointestinal tract and, at the colon, appeared to be structurally different from the original particles. We report that the feeding with microplastics alters human microbial colonic community composition and hypothesize that some members of the colonic microbiota could adhere to MPs surface promoting the formation of biofilms. The work presented here indicates that microplastics are indeed capable of digestive-level health effects. Considering this evidence and the increasing exposure to microplastics in consumer foods and beverages, the impact of plastics on the functionality of the gut microbiome and their potential biodegradation through digestion and intestinal bacteria merits critical investigation.
Evaluation of two artificial infection methods of live ticks as tools for studying interactions between tick-borne viruses and their tick vectors
Authors: Migné Camille Victoire , Hönig Vaclav , Bonnet Sarah Irène , Palus Martin , Rakotobe Sabine , Galon Clémence , Heckmann Aurélie , Vyletova Eva , Devillers Elodie , Attoui Houssam , Ruzek Daniel , Moutailler Sara
Published: January 2022

Up to 170 tick-borne viruses (TBVs) have been identified to date. However, there is a paucity of information regarding TBVs and their interaction with respective vectors, limiting the development of new effective and urgently needed control methods. To overcome this gap of knowledge, it is essential to reproduce transmission cycles under controlled laboratory conditions. In this study we assessed an artificial feeding system (AFS) and an immersion technique (IT) to infect Ixodes ricinus ticks with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Kemerovo (KEM) virus, both known to be transmitted predominantly by ixodid ticks. Both methods permitted TBEV acquisition by ticks and we further confirmed virus trans-stadial transmission and onward transmission to a vertebrate host. However, only artificial feeding system allowed to demonstrate both acquisition by ticks and trans-stadial transmission for KEMV. Yet we did not observe transmission of KEMV to mice (IFNAR−/− or BALB/c). Artificial infection methods of ticks are important tools to study tick-virus interactions. When optimally used under laboratory settings, they provide important insights into tick-borne virus transmission cycles.
Remote photonic detection of human senses using secondary speckle patterns
Authors: Kalyuzhner Zeev , Agdarov Sergey , Orr Itai , Beiderman Yafim , Bennett Aviya , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: January 2022

Neural activity research has recently gained significant attention due to its association with sensory information and behavior control. However, the current methods of brain activity sensing require expensive equipment and physical contact with the tested subject. We propose a novel photonic-based method for remote detection of human senses. Physiological processes associated with hemodynamic activity due to activation of the cerebral cortex affected by different senses have been detected by remote monitoring of nano‐vibrations generated by the transient blood flow to the specific regions of the human brain. We have found that a combination of defocused, self‐interference random speckle patterns with a spatiotemporal analysis, using Deep Neural Network, allows associating between the activated sense and the seemingly random speckle patterns.