bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Power and Peril of Markets as Enforcers
Authors: Morse Julia C.
Published: July 2022

This concluding chapter summarizes the theory's core argument about focal points, unofficial market enforcement, and compliance. It discusses the book's theoretical and empirical contributions and explores the broader policy implications of the research project. The chapter also, however, considers a competing narrative of the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) actions as a normative judgment, by powerful countries, that stopping criminals and terrorists should be prioritized over the goals of financial opportunity and inclusion. The world's largest economies and financial centers are using monitoring and the global banking system to export their rules globally. If the process of diffusion leads to policy change but stagnates growth in the least-developed states, it may be worth asking if the current approach is really a success.
The Redemption of Things
Authors: Frederick Samuel
Published: July 2022

Collecting is usually understood as an activity that bestows permanence, unity, and meaning on otherwise scattered and ephemeral objects. This book emphasizes that to collect things, however, always entails displacing, immobilizing, and potentially disfiguring them, too. The book argues that the dispersal of objects, seemingly antithetical to the collector's task, is essential to the logic of gathering and preservation. Through analyses of collecting as a dialectical process of preservation and loss, the book illustrates this paradox by focusing on objects that challenge notions of collectability: ephemera, detritus, and trivialities such as moss, junk, paper scraps, dust, scent, and the transitory moment. In close readings of works by Gotthelf, Stifter, Keller, Rilke, Glauser, and Frisch, and by examining an experimental film by Oskar Fischinger, the author reveals how the difficulties posed by these fleeting, fragile, and forsaken objects help to reconceptualize collecting as a poetic activity that makes the world of scattered things uniquely palpable and knowable.
Theorizing Collecting
Authors: Frederick Samuel
Published: July 2022

This chapter develops the book's conceptual framework by way of engagement with the thought of Vilém Flusser, Walter Benjamin, Martin Heidegger, and Aleida Assmann. It explores the poetological implications of the following paradox: we gain privileged access to things only after we have—in some way—lost them. Put in the language of collecting, we can preserve the artifact only by assuring that it is missing from the place where it actually belongs. Collecting thus not only instantiates dispersal but dispersal also turns out to be constitutive of the collection as such. The chapter then considers the notion of nonrestorative (antapocatastatic) collecting to describe the mode of gathering and preservation that abandons the desire to establish a perfectly ordered and unified assemblage in favor of making the gaps inherent in every collection palpable and knowable.
Divine Debris ( Gotthelf )
Authors: Frederick Samuel
Published: July 2022

This chapter examines Jeremias Gotthelf's Die Wassernot im Emmental (The flooding of the Emmental, 1838). This generically unstable work combines features of the sermon and journalistic reportage with poetic flourishes. The chapter uncovers the ways in which the refuse and debris caused by natural catastrophe become productive and generative in Gotthelf's text. It enacts a kind of “literary gleaning,” both collecting together and reading or interpreting (a play on zusammenlesen: “to glean,” but also, literally, “to read together”) the flood's scattered and broken things. Gotthelf accepts these things as the products of God's intervention, which it is the writer's task neither to salvage before being swept away, nor to repair and make useful again, nor even to discard after being split to pieces, but instead to collect together as refuse that points back to the unified whole to which it once belonged but from which it is now irreparably severed.
Junk and Containers ( Keller )
Authors: Frederick Samuel
Published: July 2022

This chapter assesses Gottfried Keller's Green Henry (Der grüne Heinrich, first version, 1854–1855) against the contemporary realist dilemma of how to integrate everyday triviality into the aesthetically unified representation of reality. It demonstrates that the main collections in the novel—from Margret's rummage shop to its titular protagonist's travel chest and art portfolio—become the sites of trivialization and transferral, the spaces that both “contain” junk (allowing it to be visible) but do not “contain” it (by fixing it in place) and that they thereby present another model of collecting in which gathering and preservation are dialectically informed by dispersal. Keller furthermore inscribes this dialectic into the novel's structural design as Bildungsroman so that the recognition of the trivial becomes the epistemic achievement of Heinrich's development. For only by realizing that his paintings are trivial and letting them go (by selling them to the junk man, who disperses them further) can he redeem them. His artistic works thus ultimately only become important for having led him to the key insight that they are of no real importance.
Polysulfide-assisted urea synthesis from carbon monoxide and ammonia in water
Authors: Kitadai Norio , Okada Satoshi , Makabe Akiko , Tasumi Eiji , Miyazaki Masayuki
Published: July 2022

Efficient conversion of carbon monoxide into urea in an aqueous ammonia solution was demonstrated through coupling with the elemental sulfur reduction to polysulfides. This reaction starts with a simple mixture of carbon monoxide, ammonia, elemental sulfur, and a small amount of hydrogen sulfide for polysulfide formation, enabling an almost complete conversion of 1 atm of carbon monoxide to urea (95–100% yield) within 216, 64, and 32 h at 35 °C, 50 °C, and 65 °C, respectively. Polysulfides control the overall reaction rate while suppressing the accumulation of a by-product, hydrogen sulfide, to less than 1 Pa. These functions follow simple kinetic and thermodynamic theories, enabling prediction-based reaction control. This operational merit, together with the superiority of water as a green solvent, suggests that our demonstrated urea synthesis is a promising option for sulfur utilization beneficial for agricultural production.
Effects of aerobic exercise on event-related potentials related to cognitive performance: a systematic review
Authors: Gusatovic Julia , Gramkow Mathias Holsey , Hasselbalch Steen Gregers , Frederiksen Kristian Steen
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Aerobic exercise interventions may affect different cognitive domains such as attention, working memory, inhibition, etc. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this relationship, remains uncertain.

Objective

To perform a systematic review on exercise intervention studies that use event-related potentials (ERPs) as outcome for cognitive performance.

Methods

We identified studies through searches in four databases reporting the effects of either an acute bout or chronic exercise on any ERP associated with cognitive performance. Study population included participants >17 years of age with or without a diagnosis.

Results

A total of 5,797 records were initially identified through database searching of which 52 were eligible for inclusion. Most studies were of acute aerobic exercise with moderate intensity. Results were heterogenious across studies, but there was a trend that ERP amplitude increased and (to a lesser extent) latencies decreased post-exercise. The P3 ERP was the most often reported ERP.

Conclusion

Heterogeneity across studies regarding methodology limited the possibility to draw definitive conclusions but the most consistent findings were that acute aerobic exercise was associated with higher amplitudes, and to a lesser extent shorter latencies, of ERPs.
Niche diversification of Mediterranean and southwestern Asian tortoises
Authors: Escoriza Daniel , Ben Hassine Jihene
Published: July 2022

Background

Tortoises of the genusTestudoare widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia. However, the evolutionary mechanisms of diversification in this genus are still poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, we assessed the evolutionary patterns in the climate niches of five species and 11 subspecies of the genusTestudousing ecological niche models and evaluated the niche overlap based on species phylogenetic distances.

Results

The ecological models indicated that most species differ in their climate niches, but show overlap, with gradual transitions at range boundaries. As expected, the ecological divergence among subspecies was lower than that among species. Evaluation of the phylogenetic signal indicated that climate niches have been weakly conserved, but sister species also show high evolutionary divergence.
Analysis of Vegetable Nutritional Garden Interventions to Improve Socio-economic Status, Nutritional and Livelihood Security of Selected Beneficiaries under DST- WOS-B Project of District Moga, Punjab, India
Authors: Dubey Manisha , Jindal S. K. , Dhillon T. S. , Sharma Sonika , Deepika Ravi
Published: July 2022

Study was carried out in Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab to analyse the impact of vegetable nutritional garden on the nutritional intake and socio- economic status of selected beneficiaries of District Moga, Punjab, India. Survey conducted to assess the impact of DST Project from 82 beneficiaries across the two blocks i.e. Village Khosapando and Niddhawala, Village Dagaru and Churchak from November- December, 2019 and again August-September, 2021, through a structured questionnaire developed by the Department of Food and Nutrition.  The data pertaining to general profile, dietary habits, socio-economic status of the beneficiaries.

The dietary diversity questionnaire include 12 groups of food like Cereals, Pulses, Green leafy vegetables, Roots, Tubers, Fruits, Vegetables, Milk and Milk products, Egg, Fat, Sugar, Meat and Miscellaneous. The information on respondent’s food consumption was collected using (24-hour recall).The results have shown that, there was difference in the nutritional uptake of beneficiaries during the intervention period and before the intervention of project. Under this project, area under vegetable cultivation has increased significantly in all selected villages over period 2019-2022 i.e. area under vegetable production in Village Khosa Pando, Dagru, Chuharchak and Nidhanwala increased by 91.6,100, 93.9, 94.2 percent. Moreover, per capita income of farmers having landholding of 0.5 to 1 acre and 0.1 to 0.5 acre has increased by 180 and 62 percent respectively. Furthermore, the consumption of green and leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, and other vegetables by intervention household increased drastically from 61.4, 48, 54 to 97.6, 95.0 and 88.1 respectively after establishing vegetable nutrition gardens.
Re-evaluation Survey of Fish Composition, Abundance and Distribution in Agbokim Waterfalls, Nigeria
Authors: Ikpi Gabriel Ujong , Okey Irom Bassey , Offem Benedict Obeten
Published: July 2022

Alterations in the diversity of the ichthyofauna of a tropical waterfalls system can be affected by unsustainable utilisation of the fisheries resources, anthropogenic activities, runoff from faulty agricultural practices and environmental perturbation. To re-establish the status of the fish composition and diversity of Agbokim Waterfalls, monthly fish samples obtained from the fishery and physico-chemical properties were investigated in rainy and dry seasons, for six months along the length of the three reaches of the waterfalls. The results revealed a total of 833 fish specimens representing 18 species belonging to 15 genera from 9 families which is in deficit of four fish species, in the previous study which are Alestes nurse (Characidae), Aphyosemion gardneri (Cyprinodontidae), Pelmatochromis guntheri and Hemichromis fasciatus (Cichlidae). Cichlidae, Clariidae and Bagridae were the most abundant families accounting for 54.4% of the total catch with Cichlidae (23.17%) as the most dominant family and Mockokidae (1.68%) as the least with Tilapia zillii (15.4%), Clarias gariepinus (10.9% ) and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (9.5%) as the most dominant species accounting for 35.8% and Synodontis clarias (1.7%) with the least abundance. Fish species distribution in the downstream reach was dominant with 15 taxa and 607 (72.9%) individuals and in the midstream reach with 11 taxa but least (12.6%) number of individuals. Shannon Wiener diversity index for the six months was 2.7101 with Evenness value of 0.9376. The Richness index of Margalef’s was 2.5279 and Menhinick’s 0.6237. Seasonal variations in physico-chemical properties showed that, dissolved oxygen and conductivity were significantly (P< 0.05) higher in the raining season while pH showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). Temperature was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the dry season than in the raining season. The hydrological properties showed a significantly higher mean values of rainfall (364.67± 0.00 mm) in the rainy and transparency (45.55± 1.58) in the dry season at (P < 0.05). In order to determine the cause of decline in fish species composition and abundance, further research on the heavy metals profile of the waterfalls is suggested.
Soursop (Annona muricata L.) Fruit Peels as Source of Phenolic Constituents and Annonacin with Biological Activities
Authors: Vieira Glauciemar Del-Vechio , Xavier Julianna Oliveira de Lucas , Araújo Ana Lúcia dos Santos de Matos , Conegundes Jéssica Leiras Mota , Fontes Elita Scio , Sousa Orlando Vieira de
Published: July 2022

Aims: In this study, chemical constituents and biological activities of the Annona muricata L. fruit peels were evaluated using methanol extract (MEAM) and hexane (HFAM), dichloromethane (DFAM), ethyl acetate (EFAM), and butanol (BFAM) fractions.

Place and Duration of Study: All the experiments were done in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, 36026-900, Brazil, between January 2012 and July 2016.

Methodology: Phytochemical screening (specific chemical reactions), total phenolic and flavonoid contents (Spectrophotometric methods) and chemical compounds were assessed (High performance liquid chromatography analysis). The antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), beta-carotene, and thiobarbituric acid assays. The inhibitory effect against digestive enzymes (lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase) was measured by spectrophotometric assays and and toxicity by the brine shrimp lethality bioassay.

Results: Tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, terpenes and steroids, saponins, and alkaloids were detected. EFAM had the highest values of total phenolic and flavonoids, while a similar compound to annonacin was found in MEAM by HPLC. EFAM was also more active in DPPH and FRAP assays, and HFAM was effective in inhibiting the linoleic acid oxidation and the malondialdehyde. MEAM and fractions blocked lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, while HFAM and DFAM were toxic against Artemia salina.

Conclusion: The results showed that the A. muricata fruit peels have important biological effects, which can bring great benefits to human and animal health.
Effect of Different Concentration of Water Soluble Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality Attributes of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiformae) cv. Pusa Cherry Tomato-1 In Grow Bags under Polyhouse Condition
Authors: Sinha Kumari Neha , Topno Samir E. , Bahadur Vijay , Singh Sumit , Vishen Gaurav Singh
Published: July 2022

An experiment was carried out in naturally ventilated polyhouse where the seedlings were transplanted in grow bags in Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) during year 2020–2021 to find out the effect of water-soluble fertilizer on growth, yield and fruit quality parameters and to estimate the economics of various treatment of water-soluble fertilizer in cherry tomato. The experiment consisted of nine different treatments combination which was laid out in a completely randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The result of present investigation revealed that among distinct treatments, the treatment T4 NPK (20:20:20)15% outstands in all the aspects recorded. The highest plant height was (108.92 cm at 90 DAT) with maximum stem girth (10.41 cm). The maximum fruit weight was found to be (9.08 g). The maximum net return of Rs 103470.8 and the maximum Cost: Benefit (C:B) ratio was recorded to be 4.18, this might be due to the more yield, average fruit weight and fruit size.
Production and Economic Feasibility of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) by the Diverse Bioinputs and Soil Nutrients Amendments
Authors: Patel Krishna Kumar , Pandey Alok Kumar , Baheliya A. K. , Rai Raginee , Bhadauria Shivakar , Sachan Ravindra
Published: July 2022

The study was carried out the Student’s instructional farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj) Ayodhya (U.P.) during the Rabi season in 2020-2021. The soil of the experimental area was sandy loam in texture. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 11 treatments replicated thrice. The experimental results revealed that significantly maximum growth parameter like plant height (18.01 cm 30 DAS, 27.97 cm 60 DAS & 40.38 cm at harvest) and yield attributes like Pods/Plant (44.0), Seeds/pod (1.6), Test Weight (20.12 g), total grain yield (14.65 qha-1) were noticed under T11 (Soil nutrient amendment as chemical fertilizers@ half potency (10N : 20P : 0K) +Organic Inputs-IV [Organic Inputs I (FYM + Jeevamrit) + Organic Inputs-III (Rhizobium + PSB)] as compared to rest of the treatments and lowest under T1 (Control), Maximum gross return ( Rs. 88795), net return ( Rs. 56312) and B:C ratio (1:1.73) was also recorded with the treatment T11 (Soil nutrient amendment as chemical fertilizers@ half potency (10N : 20P : 0K) +Organic Inputs-IV [Organic Inputs-I (FYM + Jeevamrit) + Organic Inputs-III (Rhizobium + PSB)].
Evaluation of Timing of Nitrogen Application in Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown on Coarse Loamy Typic Haplustepts Soil of Punjab: A Review
Authors: Behera Himanshu Sekhar , Kumar Raj
Published: July 2022

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a species of Zea mays plant in the Poaceae family, the origin of maize is Mexico, where many diverse types of maize are found. The discovery of fossil maize pollen with other archaeological evidence in Mexico indicates Mexico to be the native of maize. Maize is widely grown all over the world. In 2014, the total world production was 1.04 billion tonnes. The maize plant can grow up to 3m (10 ft) in heights. Although some natural strains can reach a height of 13meters, the stem is typically made up of 20 internodes of 18 cm (7 in) length. The leaves sprout from the nodes and grow alternately on opposing sides of the stem, with complete edges. The stem's tip is capped with a tassel, which is an inflorescence of male flowers. When the tassel matures and the circumstances are warm and dry enough, the anthers on the tassel dehisce and release pollen. Maize pollen is anemophilous (dispersed by wind), and because of its high settling velocity, the majority of pollen falls within a few metres of the tassel. Every year, maize reproduces sexually. This randomly picks half of the genes from a particular plant to propagate to the next generation, which means that beneficial crop qualities (such as high yield or good nutrition) may be lost in the following generations unless specific strategies are utilised. In genetically modified (GM), maize was one of 26 GM crops produced commercially. Nano-fertilizer technology is meant to distribute nutrients in a controlled manner in response to crop needs, allowing nutrient usage efficiency to be enhanced without negative consequences. Maize was used as a model system to evaluate Nitrogen Nano-fertilizer formulations. Nanourea treatment consistently outperformed conventional urea in terms of growth, yield, quality, and nutrient absorption.
An Investigation of Insulinotropic Potential of Herbal Plants for Management of Diabetes
Authors: Haimed Yousef Ahmed Saleh , Sharma Pankaj Kumar , Jha Deepak Kumar , Sharma Jaya
Published: July 2022

The Insulinotropic hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, which has been proposed as a modern treatment for management of diabetes, is metabolized extremely with the aid of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV. Inhibitors on dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enhance the level of glucagon-like peptide-1, as have elevated glucose tolerance and improved insulin secretion. Recently, incretin-based treatments have end up a beneficial tool to treat diabetic patients, and distinctive research have focused on the identification of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, which includes these of herbal origin.

Aims: This study was aimed to explorations the effect of methanolic extract of plants to inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and comparing its inhibitory activities with Diprotin, as a reference standard additionally, this study focuses to the influences of glucagon-like peptide-1secretions which accelerated glucose tolerance and provocation of insulin biosynthesis and secretion on STC-1 cell line.

Study Design: In-vitro model.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of pharmacology, Karnataka College of pharmacy, Bangalore, India, between Jan 2022 to April 2022.

Methodology: The test drug undertaking of different medicinal plants extract of management over diabetes right here we were the methanolic extraction of three plants; “Aegle marmelos, Moringa oleifera, then Syzygium cumini” have been tested in-vitro for dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitory activity and have an impact on of incretin system like glucagon-like peptide-1. An in-vitro assay to measure glucagon-like peptide-1release from cultured murine EEC’s under fatty acid stimulation. dipeptidyl peptidase-IV is involved in the inactivation over glucagon-like peptide-1, a potent Insulinotropic peptide.

Results: The current study underlines up to expectation the extracts inhibits the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and enhances the glucagon-like peptide-1for diabetes. Results established so the extracts on Aegle marmelos, Moringa oleifera, and Syzygium cumini had dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitory activity on 42.57μg/mL, 42.38/mL, and then 41.48μg/mL respectively. Diprotin A confirmed an IC50 virtue on 29.83μg/mL, as is used as positive controls. Similarly, the study additionally demonstrates that on a cellular level of Aegle marmelos, Syzygium cumini potentially stimulate glucagon-like peptide-1secretion, however Moringa oleifera indicate decent rises into glucagon-like peptide-1secretion.

Conclusion: The outcomes assure the inhibitory impact about plants regarding dipeptidyl peptidase-IV, glucagon-like peptide-1secretion, and the main in conformity with stand a novel, efficient and fair strategy for the management on diabetes.
Profiling the 3D interaction between germ cell tumors and microenvironmental cells at the transcriptome and secretome level
Authors: Skowron Margaretha A. , Eul Katharina , Stephan Alexa , Ludwig Gillian F. , Wakileh Gamal A. , Bister Arthur , Söhngen Christian , Raba Katharina , Petzsch Patrick , Poschmann Gereon , Kuffour Edmund Osei , Degrandi Daniel , Ali Shafaqat , Wiek Constanze , Hanenberg Helmut , Münk Carsten , Stühler Kai , Köhrer Karl , Mass Elvira , Nettersheim Daniel
Published: July 2022

The tumor microenvironment (TM), consisting of the extracellular matrix (ECM), fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, might affect tumor invasiveness and the outcome of standard chemotherapy. This study investigated the cross talk between germ cell tumors (GCT) and surrounding TM cells (macrophages, T‐lymphocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts) at the transcriptome and secretome level. Using high‐throughput approaches of three‐dimensional (3D) co‐cultured cellular aggregates, this study offers newly identified pathways to be studied with regard to sensitivity toward cisplatin‐based chemotherapy or tumor invasiveness as a consequence of the cross talk between tumor cells and TM components. Mass‐spectrometry‐based secretome analyses revealed that TM cells secreted factors involved in ECM organization, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and regulation of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) transport. To evaluate direct cell–cell contacts, green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expressing GCT cells and mCherry‐expressing TM cells were co‐cultured in 3D. Afterward, cell populations were separated by flow cytometry and analyzed by RNA sequencing. Correlating the secretome with transcriptome data indicated molecular processes such as cell adhesion and components of the ECM being enriched in most cell populations. Re‐analyses of secretome data with regard to lysine‐ and proline‐hydroxylated peptides revealed a gain in proteins, such as collagens and fibronectin. Cultivation of GCT cells on collagen I/IV‐ or fibronectin‐coated plates significantly elevated adhesive and migratory capacity, while decreasing cisplatin sensitivity of GCT cells. Correspondingly, cisplatin sensitivity was significantly reduced in GCT cells under the influence of conditioned medium from fibroblasts and endothelial cells. This study sheds light on the cross talk between GCT cells and their circumjacent TM, which results in deposition of the ECM and eventually promotes a pro‐tumorigenic environment through enhanced migratory and adhesive capacity, as well as decreased cisplatin sensitivity. Hence, our observations indicate that targeting the ECM and its cellular components might be a novel therapeutic option in combination with cisplatin‐based chemotherapy for GCT patients.
Impact of beam‐hardening corrections on proton relative stopping power estimates from single‐ and dual‐energy CT
Authors: Chacko Michael S. , Wu Dee , Grewal Hardev S. , Sonnad Jagadeesh R.
Published: July 2022

A major contributing factor to proton range uncertainty is the conversion of computed tomography (CT) Hounsfield units (HU) to proton relative stopping power (RSP). This uncertainty is heightened in the presence of X‐ray beam‐hardening artifact (BHA), which has two manifestations: cupping and streaking, especially in and near bone tissue. This uncertainty can affect the accuracy of proton RSP calculation for treatment planning in proton radiotherapy. Dual‐energy CT (DECT) and iterative beam‐hardening correction (iBHC) both show promise in mitigating CT BHA. This present work attempts to analyze the relative robustness of iBHC and DECT techniques on both manifestations of BHA.

The stoichiometric method for HU to RSP conversion was used for single‐energy CT (SECT) and DECT‐based monochromatic techniques using a tissue substitute phantom. Cupping BHA was simulated by measuring the HU of a bone substitute plug in wax/3D‐printed phantoms of increasing size. Streaking BHA was simulated by placing a solid water plug between two bone plugs in a wax phantom. Finally, the effect of varying calibration phantom size on RSP was calculated in an anthropomorphic head phantom.

The RSP decreased −0.002 cm–1 as phantom size increased for SECT but remained largely constant when iBHC applied or with DECT techniques. The RSP varied a maximum of 2.60% in the presence of streaking BHA in SECT but was reduced to 1.40% with iBHC. For DECT techniques, the maximum difference was 2.40%, reduced to 0.6% with iBHC. Comparing calibration phantoms of 20‐ and 33‐cm diameter, maximum voxel differences of 5 mm in the water‐equivalent thickness were observed in the skull but reduced to 1.3 mm with iBHC. The DECT techniques excelled in mitigating cupping BHA, but streaking BHA still could be observed. The use of iBHC reduced RSP variation with BHA in both SECT and DECT techniques.
Development of transparent eye shields for total skin electron beam radiotherapy
Authors: Lucido J. John , Veres Andrew J. , Kehret Shawn M. , Angeli John A. , Highet Robert D. , Foote Robert L. , Lester Scott C. , Deufel Chris L.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

For total skin electron (TSE) beam radiation therapy, the anterior eye and conjunctiva can be protected with eye shields to prevent keratitis, xerophthalmia, and cataractogenesis. Conventional metal eye shields can reduce patient balance by obscuring vision and thus increasing the risk for falls. We report on the design, fabrication, and clinical use of transparent acrylic eye shields for TSE.

Methods

The primary design goals were a seven‐fold reduction in the dose to the anterior eye and conjunctiva to meet published dose‐recommendations, preservation of vision for the wearer, and biocompatibility for external use. Resembling thick swim goggles, the design features 23 mm thick acrylic lenses that are mounted in a 3‐D printed support structure that conforms to the eye socket and can be worn with a strap. Dose measurements were performed in a simulated Stanford‐technique treatment with an anthropomorphic phantom using Gafchromic EBT film

Results

The transparent eye shields were manufactured using a 3D‐printer and CNC‐machine. Based on measurements from the simulated treatments for each of the eye shields, the eye shields provided a 12‐fold reduction in dose to the lens. After use in more than 200 fractions, the shields were well tolerated by patients, and there were no reports of any incidents or adverse events.

Conclusion

Transparent TSE eye shields are able to reduce the dose to the eyes while maintaining vision during treatment at a reasonable cost.
HClO‐Activated Near‐Infrared Fluorogenic Aza‐BODIPY‐Bisferrocene Triad with High Turn‐on Ratio for In Vivo Biosensing
Authors: Yin Dongrui , Yao Chenzhi , Chen Ying , He Zuyang , Yu Peng , Sun Xingwen , Wang Shangfeng , Zhang Fan
Published: July 2022

Optically monitoring hypochlorous acid (HClO) in living body favors diagnosis and study of inflammatory diseases. However, this has been hampered by limited strategies to develop highly fluorogenic tools in the deep‐penetration near‐infrared spectrum. Herein, a near‐infrared aza‐BODIPY‐bisferrocene triad Fc2‐CBDP that unexpectedly achieves an exceptionally sensitive and selective fluorescence turn‐on (>220‐fold) response toward HClO through single‐ferrocene oxidation and boron‐alkynyl hydrolysis cascade is reported. Mechanism insight shows that Fc2‐CBDP features “enhanced charge transfer”‐caused quenching due to intramolecular bisferrocene electronic coupling, which is decoupled in the reaction with HClO. The utility of Fc2‐CBDP for intracellular HClO imaging is evaluated and, more importantly, in vivo high‐contrast deep‐tissue imaging of lymphatic inflammation and colitis is realized. This work provides new insights into both HClO and ferrocene chemistry, and extends the reach of fluorogenic strategies in the near‐infrared biosensing.
Unity of Opposites between Soluble and Insoluble Lithium Polysulfides in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhenkang , Li Ya , Ji Haoqing , Zhou Jinqiu , Qian Tao , Yan Chenglin
Published: July 2022

Rechargeable batteries based on Li–S chemistry show promise as being possible for next‐generation energy storage devices because of their ultrahigh capacities and energy densities. Research over the past decade has demonstrated that the morphology of lithium polysulfides (LPSs) in electrolytes (soluble or insoluble) plays a decisive role in battery performance. Early studies have focused mainly on inhibiting the dissolution of LPSs and invested considerable effort to realize this objective. However, in recent years, a completely different view that the dissolution of LPSs during battery discharge/charge should be promoted has emerged. At this critical juncture in the large‐scale application of Li–S batteries, it is time to summarize and discuss both sides of the contradiction. Herein, an overview of these two opposite views pertaining to soluble and insoluble LPSs, including their historical environment, classical strategies, advantages, and disadvantages. Finally, the future morphology of LPSs in Li–S batteries is predicted based on a multiangle review of research studies conducted thus far, and the reasoning behind this conjecture is thoroughly discussed.
Experimental Realization of Atomic Monolayer Si9C15
Authors: Gao Zhao‐Yan , Xu Wenpeng , Gao Yixuan , Guzman Roger , Guo Hui , Wang Xueyan , Zheng Qi , Zhu Zhili , Zhang Yu‐Yang , Lin Xiao , Huan Qing , Li Geng , Zhang Lizhi , Zhou Wu , Gao Hong‐Jun
Published: July 2022

Monolayer SixCy constitutes an important family of 2D materials that is predicted to feature a honeycomb structure and appreciable bandgaps. However, due to its binary chemical nature and the lack of bulk polymorphs with a layered structure, the fabrication of such materials has so far been challenging. Here, the synthesis of atomic monolayer Si9C15 on Ru (0001) and Rh(111) substrates is reported. A combination of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations is used to infer that the 2D lattice of Si9C15 is a buckled honeycomb structure. Monolayer Si9C15 shows semiconducting behavior with a bandgap of ≈1.9 eV. Remarkably, the Si9C15 lattice remains intact after exposure to ambient conditions, indicating good air stability. The present work expands the 2D‐materials library and provides a promising platform for future studies in nanoelectronics and nanophotonics.
Tuning Proapoptotic Activity of a Phosphoric‐Acid‐Tethered Tetraphenylethene by Visible‐Light‐Triggered Isomerization and Switchable Protein Interactions for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Huang Yanyan , Zhan Chi , Yang Yang , Wang Lingna , Zhong Huifei , Yu Yang , Zhang Xi‐Sha , Li Cheng , Jin Yulong , Zhang Guanxin , Zhao Rui , Zhang Deqing
Published: July 2022

We herein report a phosphoric‐acid‐substituted tetraphenylethene (T‐P) capable of adapting its geometric configuration and biological activity to the microenvironment upon light irradiation for apoptosis modulation. Different from most ultraviolet‐responsive isomerization, T‐P undergoes cis‐trans isomerization under visible light irradiation, which is biocompatible and thus photo‐modulation is possible in living biosystems. By using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and albumin as dual targets, T‐P isomers display different protein binding selectivity, cancer‐cell internalization efficiency and apoptosis‐inducing ability. The proapoptotic activity was found to be kinetically controlled by the enzymatic reaction with ALP and regulated by co‐existing albumin. Motivated by these findings, two‐way modulation of proapoptotic effect and on‐demand boosting anticancer efficacy were realized in vitro and in vivo using light and endogenous proteins as multiple non‐invasive switching stimuli.
Studies on electrolytic and doping behavior of different compounds and their combination on the electrical resistance of polypyrrole film via electrochemical polymerization
Authors: Shukla Ankur , Sen Kushal , Das Dipayan
Published: July 2022

Electrochemical polymerization of pyrrole requires a supporting compound for higher polymer yield. Such compounds have been designated as electrolyte or as dopant. This article examines the roles of such compounds when used individually or in combination for the synthesis of polypyrrole films and polypyrrole coated polyester fabric via in situ electrochemical polymerization. With a view to obtain higher polymer deposition, the effect of 0.15 mM concentration of sodium nitrate, sodium anthraquinone‐2‐sulfonate, p‐toluenesulfonic acid and oxalic acid on the system current and the surface resistance was examined by means of chronoamperometry technique. FTIR and WAXD spectra were used to establish the formation of polypyrrole and doping of different compounds. SEM analysis confirmed deposition of polypyrrole onto the fabric. The charge utilization factor helped in identifying a good dopant. Sulfonic acid‐based salt AQSA‐Na was found to be useful as a dopant as well as an electrolyte. A combination of 0.075 mM sodium nitrate as an electrolyte and 0.075 mM pTSA as a dopant resulted in least surface resistance of polypyrrole film and polypyrrole coated polyester fabric which was almost 88% lower than the polypyrrole coated polyester fabric prepared using the surface resistance of polypyrrole coated polyester fabric via pyrrole vapor polymerization.
Flow injection chemiluminescence determination of ethion and computational investigation of the adsorption process on molecularly imprinted polymerized high internal phase emulsion
Authors: Ahmadi Maryam , Mokhtari Ali , Bahlakeh Ghasem , Karimian Hossein
Published: July 2022

The lack of sufficient selectivity is the main limitation of chemiluminescence (CL) methods; because the CL reagent is not restricted to a specific analyte. This study investigated the preconcentration and determination of ethion using a flow injection CL (FIA‐CL) method using a molecularly imprinted poly high internal phase emulsion (MIP‐polyHIPE) adsorbent. Preliminary studies showed that ethion could be determined with high sensitivity in the Ru(bipy)32+–acidic Ce(IV) CL system. A MIP‐polyHIPE adsorbent was synthesized and used for preconcentration to increase the selectivity and sensitivity of the method. The adsorption of ethion on the adsorbent was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD), UV–vis and FTIR spectrophotometry and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS–MS). Response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD) were used to find optimized concentrations of variables. The linear dynamic range (LDR) and limit of detection (LOD) for ethion in the FIA‐CL method were calculated 1.0 ⨯ 10−9 to 2.0 ⨯ 10−7 and 6.0 ⨯ 10−10 mol L−1, respectively. The percentage of relative standard deviation for five repetitive measurements of 5.0 ⨯ 10−8 mol L−1 ethion was 4.2%. The proposed method was successfully used to separate and preconcentrate ethion from drinking and surface water sources.
Protein‐binding characteristics of yohimbine, a natural indole alkaloid‐based drug for erectile dysfunction
Authors: Rupreo Vibeizonuo , Luikham Soching , Bhattacharyya Jhimli
Published: July 2022

Even today, talking about sexual dysfunction largely remains a taboo. Therefore less studies have been recorded and fewer remedies given. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most commonly treated psychological disorders that leads to major distress, interpersonal limitation and reduces the quality of life and marriage. This study aimed to assess a plant‐derived molecule, yohimbine (Yoh; a β‐carboline indole alkaloid often used for ED treatment) and its potential binding phenomenon with haemoglobin (Hb). Successful binding of Yoh with Hb is evident from spectroscopic and molecular‐docking results. Yoh quenched the fluorescence of Hb efficiently through a static mode. The binding affinity was in the order of 105 M−1with 1:1 stoichiometry. Thermodynamic analyses concluded that the protein–ligand association was spontaneous and was attributed to entropy‐driven exothermic binding. Nonpolyelectrolytic factor was the core, dominating factor. Structural aspects were deciphered through infrared spectroscopy and computational methods. The giant 3D‐protein moiety was significantly perturbed through drug binding. Hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonding participation were stipulated by molecular modelling data. This study reveals the detailed interaction pattern and molecular mechanism of Hb–Yoh binding, correlating the structure–function relationship for the first time, and therefore holds enormous importance from the standpoint of rational and efficient drug design and development.
Elucidation on inhibition and binding mechanism of bovine liver catalase by nifedipine: multispectroscopic analysis and computer simulation methods
Authors: Zhou Like , Zhou Hui , Xiao Huilong , Zhang Zihang , Xiong Ziyun , Tuo Xun , Guo Hui
Published: July 2022

Nifedipine (NDP), a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, is widely used for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. Catalase is a key antioxidant enzyme that is closely relevant to the level of reactive oxygen specie in vivo. Here, the research explored the effects of NDP on the conformation and catalytic function of bovine liver catalase (BLC) through enzymatic reaction kinetic techniques, multispectroscopic analysis, and computer simulation methods. Kinetic studies clarified that the NDP reduced the activity of BLC using a noncompetitive inhibition mechanism. Based on trial data, a static quenching mechanism functioned in quenching the intrinsic fluorescence of BLC. The binding constant value was (4.486 ± 0.008) × 104 M−1 (298 K) and BLC had one binding site for NDP. Tyr was prone to be exposed more to a hydrophilic environment in wake of a shift in fluorescence value. The binding reaction of BLC to NDP caused a conformational change in BLC, which in turn led to increase in the α‐helix content and a decline in the β‐sheet content. Furthermore, several amino acids residues interacted with NDP by means of van der Waals forces, whereas Gln397, Asn368, Gln371, Asn384, and Pro377 formed several hydrogen bonds with NDP.
Investigating evolutionary relationships through cluster analysis: A teaching science with big data workshop session
Authors: Novak Walter R.P.
Published: July 2022

Biochemistry is a data‐heavy discipline, yet teaching students to work with large datasets is absent from many undergraduate Biochemistry programs. Ensuring that future generations of students arevbv confident in tackling problems using big data first requires that educators become comfortable teaching big data skills. The activity described herein introduces educators to working with big data and a framework for generating sequence similarity networks using JupyterLab and Python. This article reports a session from the virtual international 2021 IUBMB/ASBMB workshop, “Teaching Science with Big Data.”
Relationship between intracellular protein denaturation and irreversible inactivation of Saccharomyces pastorianus by low‐pressure carbon dioxide microbubbles
Authors: Kobayashi Fumiyuki , Nemoto Kaho , Narai‐Kanayama Asako , Katayama Kinya , Odake Sachiko
Published: July 2022

To clarify the relationship between irreversible inactivation and intracellular protein denaturation of Saccharomyces pastorianus by low‐pressure carbon dioxide microbubbles (CO2MB) treatment, a storage test of S. pastorianus cells treated with CO2MB was performed, and the effect on the intracellular protein was investigated. In the storage test, the S. pastorianus population, which decreased below the detection limit by CO2MB treatment at a temperature of 45 and 50°C (MB45 and MB50), and thermal treatment at a temperature of 80°C (T80), remained undetectable during storage for 3 weeks at 25°C. However, 4.1 and 1.3‐logs of the S. pastorianus populations, which survived after CO2MB treatment at temperatures of 35 and 40°C (MB35 and MB40), increased gradually during storage for 3 weeks at 25°C. Insolubilization of intracellular proteins in S. pastorianus increased with increasing the temperature of CO2MB treatment. Activity of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) identified as one of the insolubilized proteins increased at MB35 and MB40 than non‐treatment but disappeared at MB45 and MB50, and T80. Therefore, it was revealed that S. pastorianus cells inactivated below the detection level by CO2MB treatment did not regrow and that the denaturation of intracellular proteins of S. pastorianus was caused by CO2MB and thermal treatments. Furthermore, it was suggested that denaturation of intracellular vital enzymes was an important factor for achieving irreversible inactivation of S. pastorianus by CO2MB and thermal treatments.
Femoral artery ligature for treatment of infected groin pseudoaneurysm in injected drug abusers
Authors: Tresson Philippe , Huvelle Ugo , Bordet Marine
Published: July 2022

Drug addiction is a major social and medical concern. Infected groin pseudoaneurysm (IGP) is the result of direct arterial needlestick injury associated with contamination of the arterial wall or peri‐arterial area by the injection equipment. Femoral artery (FA) ligation with extensive debridement is an alternative to direct revascularization in an area of sepsis. In case of femoral bifurcation free of infection or in case of isolated FA below the femoral artery of thigh involvement, a simple ligation of the FA is performed. Ligation of each femoral vessel is indicated in case of extension of the infection to the femoral bifurcation. Proximal ligation is performed on the proximal part of the FA. Distal ligation is performed on the proximal part of the deep artery of thigh and the FA below the origin of the deep artery of thigh. Ligation is effective and represents an appropriate method to control hemorrhage and sepsis syndrome in IGP.
Take time to reassess your counting methods for Title IX
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: July 2022

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX, a number of articles have criticized the manner in which college athletics departments have counted their male and female participants and allegedly inflated the number of female participants.
Get to know your new president
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: July 2022

During my career, I welcomed four new presidents at the institutions where I worked. It's always an anxious time because you just don't know what to expect.
CoCl2‐simulated hypoxia potentiates the osteogenic differentiation of fibroblasts derived from tympanosclerosis by upregulating the expression of BMP‐2
Authors: Zhang Chen , Liu Yang‐Wenyi , Chen Min , Min Shiyao , Mao Jiabao , Li Qin , Chi Zhangcai
Published: July 2022

Tympanosclerosis (TS) is a result of long‐standing middle ear inflammation characterized by fibroblasts ossification. Fibrosis is the last revertible stage in the progress of middle ear inflammation to TS. It was hypothesized that chronic hypoxia could be modulating fibrosis, which in turn additionally further aggravated hypoxia via decreasing oxygen diffusion. However, the effects of hypoxia on osteoinductive activity of fibroblasts have not been explored. Herein, we purposed to explore the role of hypoxia in osteogenic differentiation of fibroblasts derived from TS. The expression of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), and Vimentin in the human surgical specimens of tympansclerosis was investigated by immunofluorescent staining. Furthermore, cultured fibroblasts were stratified into the following study groups: control, 25, 50, and 100 μM cobaltous chloride (CoCl2) group. BMP‐2, as well as HIF‐1α levels of expression were detected via western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. We found that the expression of BMP‐2 and HIF‐1α was significantly upregulated in TS tissues and these fibroblasts, which was vimentin positive surrounding sclerotic plaques, were also expressing HIF‐1α positive. The results also demonstrated that CoCl2 treatment increased nuclear HIF‐1α protein level in the fibroblast. Furthermore, treatment with CoCl2 significantly increased BMP‐2 expression and remarkably elevated alkaline phosphatse activity and the mineralized nodules area. These data illustrate that hypoxia may play an osteogenic role in TS fibroblasts via the elevated expression of a possible osteogenic factor, BMP‐2.