bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of metal salts on high‐voltage atmospheric cold plasma‐induced polymerization of acrylamide
Authors: Hood Christine , Rios de Souza Vanessa , Keener Kevin , Marangoni Alejandro G. , Illera Alba E , Pensini Erica
Published: December 2021

Acrylamide polymerization in solution was successfully induced by high‐voltage atmospheric cold plasma (HVACP) treatment, using nitrogen gas. Addition of metal sulfates greatly increased acrylamide polymerization, with ZnSO4 and MgSO4 yielding 89% and 62% polyacrylamide polymer, respectively. Presence of excited nitrogen species during HVACP treatment was demonstrated using optical emission spectroscopy. Proton NMR (H1NMR) and attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed to verify the degree of polymerization. Rheology experiments and viscosity measurements showed that acrylamide samples treated with HVACP in the presence of ZnSO4, MgSO4 had higher viscoelastic moduli, and intrinsic viscosity (η) compared to those treated in deionized (DI) water, due to the higher degree of polymerization. Addition of ZnSO4 yielded the greatest viscoelastic moduli and intrinsic viscosity (the storage modulus was G' = 1.26·104 ± 1.8·103 Pa and the loss modulus was G" = 3.06·103 ± 1.10·103 Pa, and [η] ≈ 26 L/g). With MgSO4, the viscoelastic moduli were G' = 5.93·103 ± 1.40·103 Pa and G" = 1.60·103 ± 2.6·102 Pa, and (η) ≈ 4.7 L/g. In DI water G' = 1.55·103 ± 2.1·102 Pa and G" = 7.44·102 ± 1.37·102 Pa, and (η) ≈ 2. PAM prepared with ZnSO4 also had the highest molecular weight, as determined by mass spectroscopy. ZnCl2 and MgCl2 hindered acrylamide polymerization, highlighting the effect of the sulfate ions on acrylamide polymerization using HVACP treatment.
Isatin‐3‐acylhydrazones with Enhanced Lipophilicity: Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activity Evaluation and the Influence on Hemostasis System
Authors: Bogdanov Andrei V. , Voloshina Alexandra D. , Sapunova Anastasia S. , Kulik Natalia V. , Bukharov Sergey V. , Dobrynin Alexey B. , Voronina Julia K. , Terekhova Natalia V. , Samorodov Alexander V. , Pavlov Valentin N. , Mironov Vladimir F.
Published: December 2021

Water‐soluble trialkylammonium isatin‐3‐hydrazone derivatives bearing phenolic substituent were easily synthesized with high yields. XRD studies confirmed the presence of these compounds as trans‐(Z)‐isomers in a crystal. It was shown that an increase in the lipophilicity of the cationic center leads to an increase in activity against Gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. The MIC values of all compounds turned out to be 2–100 times higher than the MIC of norfloxacin against the MRSA strains in the absence of hemo‐ and cytotoxicity. Antiaggregation and anticoagulation properties were in vitro better than for acetylsalicylic acid and sodium heparin drugs. It has been shown by UV spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy that the mechanism of antimicrobial action of new acylhydrazones is associated with their ability to destroy the bacterial cell membrane.
Zinc finger protein 852 is essential for the proliferation, drug sensitivity, and self‐renewal of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Ke Chao , Zhou Hongjian , Jiang Bin , Xie Xingwang
Published: December 2021

Exploring cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for gastric cancer growth, survival, self‐renewal, and metastasis helps develop efficacious therapeutic strategies. In this study, the expression and function of zinc finger protein 852 (ZNF852) in human gastric cancer cell lines were characterized. ZNF852 was upregulated in gastric cancer cell lines relative to normal gastric epithelial cell line GES‐1. When the ZNF852 gene was ablated in gastric cancer cell line MGC‐803 using the CRISPR/Cas9‐encoding lentivirus, the proliferation of MGC‐803 was suppressed. ZNF852 deficiency also resulted in the inhibition of MGC‐803 sphere formation, along with decreases in SRY‐box 2 (SOX2), octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), and Nanog homeobox (NANOG), suggesting that ZNF852 sustains self‐renewal of MGC‐803 cells. Furthermore, ZNF852 deficiency increased oxaliplatin‐induced MGC‐803 cell death, implying the role of ZNF852 in drug sensitivity. Subcutaneous infusion of MGC‐803 cells into nude mice illustrated the same effects of ZNF852 on the proliferation and self‐renewal of gastric cancer cells. Similar effects of ANF852 were also seen in gastric cancer cell line SNU‐1. Interestingly, ZNF852 deficiency caused downregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on gastric cancer cells. In summary, this study uncovers the positive regulatory role of ZNF852 in gastric cancer growth and maintenance. ZNF852 could be a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting gastric cancer initiation or progression.
Zwinger Dresden: 1.392 System‐Isoliergläser mit speziellen Anforderungen
Authors: Gerlach Katja
Published: December 2021

Der denkmalgeschützte Zwinger in Dresden wurde ab 1710 erbaut. Teil davon ist die Sempergalerie, die erst 1847 angebaut wurde. 2017 begann die zweite Teilsanierung. In der linken Hälfte der Sempergalerie wurden 968 Fenster ausgetauscht. Sollingglas entwickelte hierfür mit Partnern ein spezielles Fensterglas. Die Farbwiedergabe sollte so neutral wie möglich sein. UV‐ und Lichtdurchlässigkeit waren exakt definiert, und die Außenansicht musste der Epoche angepasst sein. All diese Anforderungen erfüllte schließlich ein dreiteiliges System‐Isolierglas. Antiqua‐Einscheiben‐Sicherheitsglas (ESG) mit Sonnenschutz wurde als Außenscheibe genommen. Darauf folgte ein ESG mit Wärmeschutzschicht. Des Weiteren wurde dem Isolierglas ein Verbundsicherheitsglas (VSG) mit UV‐Schutz hinzugefügt. Bei der Fertigung des hauseigenen Glases Antiqua wird Weißglas thermisch verformt. Es entsteht eine wellige Oberfläche in historischer Optik. Für die Bauabschnitte 2018 und 2020, dem Porzellanpavillon sowie der Bogengalerie im Zwinger, gelten zwar etwas andere Anforderungen, Antiqua‐Scheiben sind jedoch auch hier überwiegend Bestandteil der 424 Fenstergläser.

Zwinger Dresden: 1.392 system insulating glasses with special requirements. The listed Zwinger in Dresden was built from 1710. Part of it is the Semper Gallery which was only added in 1847. Its second partial renovation began in 2017. In the left half of the Semper Gallery 968 windows were replaced. For this purpose, Sollingglas developed a special window glass with partners. The colour rendering should be as neutral as possible. UV‐ and light permeability were precisely defined, and the exterior view had to be adapted to the era. Finally, all of these requirements were fulfilled by a three‐part system insulating glass. Antiqua single‐pane safety glass (ESG) with sun protection was used as the outer pane. This was followed by an ESG with a heat protection layer. Furthermore, a laminated safety glass (VSG) with UV protection was added to the insulating glass. When manufacturing the in‐house glass Antiqua, white glass is thermally deformed. A wavy surface with a historical look is created. For the construction phases 2018 and 2020, the Porcelain Pavilion and the Arch Gallery in the Zwinger, slightly different requirements apply. However, Antiqua panes will also be mostly part of the 424 window glasses.
Potenzial von Künstlicher Intelligenz im Bereich von Gebäudehüllen
Authors: A. Kraus Michael , Drass Michael , Schneider Jens
Published: December 2021

In Zukunft werden beim Fassadenentwurf neben den Anforderungen an die Funktion als thermohygrische Barriere, dem Sonnenschutz und ansprechend‐ästhetischem Design weitere Punkte zum Nutzerkomfort oder der ‐interaktion mit der Fassade im Fokus stehen. Dieser Beitrag zeigt auf, wie innovative adaptive Steuerungen der Fassade unter Verwendung von Künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) konzipiert werden, um die sich ergebende Mehrzieloptimierung zu bewältigen, indem Modelle der KI mit dem digitalen Zwilling der Fassade zu einem cyber‐physikalischen Regelkreis mit Benutzer‐Feedback verbunden werden. Am Beispiel der Fassade des sich im Bau befindlichen Glass Competence Center der TU Darmstadt wird ein derartiges Fassadensystem vorgestellt.

Applications and Potentials of Artificial Intelligence to Building Envelopes. Modern facades act as barrier against environmental influences but have to fulfill additional demands on functionality and appealing design. In future however, the design of facades will not only focus on the mentioned aspects but will have to account for user comfort and interaction with the facade. Hence, this article investigates the conceptual design of innovative adaptive control systems for facades using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in order to cope with the arising multi‐objective optimization problem. Models of AI are combined with a digital twin of the facade to form a cyber‐physical control loop with user feedback. Using the facade of the Glass Competence Center of the Technical University of Darmstadt as an example, such an intelligent and adaptive facade system is presented within this paper.
Aussteifungsvermögen von Holz‐Glas‐Deckenelementen
Authors: Fadai Alireza , Mairhuber Andreas , Holzinger Katharina , Hochhauser Werner
Published: December 2021

Die moderne Architektur ist seit Jahren bestrebt in Bezug auf Technik und Ästhetik mit transparenten Gebäudestrukturen neue Maßstäbe zu setzen. Jedoch wird der Baustoff Glas in den meisten Fällen nur als raumabschließendes Bauteil und nicht zur Lastabtragung in der Gebäudestruktur herangezogen. Im Rahmen des von der Österreichischen Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft geförderten Forschungsprojektes „Holz‐Glas‐Hybridbau | Berechnungs‐ und Bemessungskonzepte für geklebte, schubsteife Decken‐ und Dachelemente“ wird durch das Verbinden von Holz und Glas mittels konstruktiver Verklebung sowie Verklotzung versucht, das hochtragfähige Material Glas auch an der Gesamtaussteifung einer Gebäudetragstruktur maßgeblich zu beteiligen. Basierend auf den entwickelten Holz‐Glas‐Hybridelementen wird untersucht, inwieweit ein mehrgeschossiger Hochbau mithilfe einer Holz‐Glas‐Verbunddeckenkonstruktion ausgesteift werden kann. Hierfür wird in dem vorliegenden Beitrag eine Machbarkeitsstudie durchgeführt, um darzulegen, wo die Systemgrenzen des Aussteifungsvermögens dieser neuartigen Decken, in Abhängigkeit der Grundrissverhältnisse eines Gebäudes und der jeweiligen Gebäudeklasse nach den Richtlinien des Österreichischen Instituts für Bautechnik (OIB) liegen.

Timber‐glass floor elements | Stiffening capacity in multi‐story building construction. Modern architecture has been trying for years to set new standards in terms of technology and aesthetics with transparent building structures. However, in most cases glass is only used as a space‐enclosing component and not for load transfer in the building structure. Within the research project “Timber‐glass hybrid composite | Calculation and design concepts for glued, shear‐resistant floor and roof elements”, funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency, the highly load‐bearing material glass is attempting to play a significant role in the overall stiffening of a building structure by joining timber and glass by means of constructive gluing as well as blocking. Based on the hybrid elements developed, it is investigated to what extent a multi‐story building construction can be stiffened by means of a timber‐glass composite floor construction. For this purpose, a feasibility study is carried out in the present paper to determine the system limits of the stiffening capacity of these novel floor elements, depending on the ground plan of a building and the respective building class according to the guidelines of the Austrian Institute of Construction Engineering (OIB).
Subkritisches Risswachstum in Glas in Abhängigkeit der Umgebungsbedingungen
Authors: Brokmann Christopher , Kolling Stefan , Schneider Jens
Published: December 2021

Im vorliegenden Artikel wird das subkritische Risswachstum in Kalk‐Natron‐Silikatglas in Abhängigkeit von Temperatur und Feuchtigkeit untersucht. Dabei werden Risswachstumsparameter innerhalb einer Klimakammer mittels Doppelring‐Biegeversuchen ermittelt. Um gleichbleibende initiale Risslängen in allen Probekörpern zu erhalten, sind diese mittels Vickers‐Eindringprüfung vorgeschädigt. In einem numerischen Modell wird abschließend der Einfluss der am Riss vorhandenen Feuchtigkeit auf die Versagensspannung von Glas abgebildet und der Einfluss der in der Literatur vorhandenen Risswachstumsparameter auf das Versagen von Glas kritisch diskutiert.

Subcritical crack growth in glass depending on environmental conditions. Subcritical crack growth in soda‐lime‐silicateglass is investigated under different environmental conditions. Crack growth parameters as a function of these conditions are determined by coaxial ring‐on‐ring tests. For a constant initial crack size in all specimen, the Vickers indentation tests was utilized. The influence of the present humidity at the crack tip on the failure strength of glass was simulated numerically. Finally, the general influence of the crack growth parameters available in literature on the failure of glass is discussed.
Tragverhalten von gebrochenem Verbundsicherheitsglas aus Einscheibensicherheitsglas im biaxialen Spannungszustand
Authors: Wellershoff Frank , Illguth Marcus , van der Horst Timo
Published: December 2021

Aktuell werden numerische Modelle zur Beschreibung der Resttragfähigkeit von gebrochenen Verbundglasscheiben an verschiedenen Forschungseinrichtungen entwickelt. Hierzu kann auf hochentwickelte Finite‐Elemente‐Programme zurückgegriffen werden. Die Ingenieurkunst liegt im Aufbau eines Modells, das die Verformungen und das Versagen richtig abbildet. Entscheidend hierfür ist die Materialbeschreibung des gebrochenen Verbundglases. Durch Bauteilversuche im Bulge‐Test wird ein biaxialer Spannungszustand erzeugt. Verbundgläser aus Einscheibensicherheitsglas mit verschiedenen Folientypen wurden mit variierten Materialtemperaturen und Dehnraten getestet und die Spannungs‐Dehnungsbeziehungen im globalen Maßstab der Gesamtscheibe sowie im lokalen Maßstab auf Bruchstückgröße mit lokalen Foliendelaminationen untersucht. Auf dieser Basis wurden numerische Modelle entwickelt und verifiziert.

Load‐bearing behaviour of broken laminated safety glass made of single‐pane safety glass in biaxial stress state. Currently, numerical models to describe the residual load‐bearing capacity of broken laminated glass are being developed at various research institutes. For this purpose, highly developed finite‐element‐programs can be used. The art of engineering lies in the construction of a model that correctly represents the deformations and failure. The decisive factor here is the material description of the broken laminated glass. A biaxial stress state is generated by component tests in the bulge test set up. Laminated tempered glass with different types of foils were tested with varying material temperatures and strain rates and the stress‐strain relationships were examined on a global scale of the entire pane and on a local scale for fragment size with local foil delamination. On this basis, numerical models were developed and verified.
Probing the Lewis Acidity of Boronic Acids through Interactions with Arene Substituents
Authors: Jian Jie , Hammink Roel , McKenzie Christine J. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Poater Jordi , Mecinović Jasmin
Published: December 2021

Boronic acids are Lewis acids that exist in equilibrium with boronate forms in aqueous solution. Here we experimentally and computationally investigated the Lewis acidity of 2,6‐diarylphenylboronic acids; specially designed phenylboronic acids that possess two flanking aromatic rings with tunable aromatic character. Hammett analysis of 2,6‐diarylphenylboronic acids reveals that their Lewis acidity remains unchanged upon the introduction of EWG/EDG at the distant para position of the flanking aromatic rings. Structural and computational studies demonstrate that polar‐π interactions and solvation effects contribute to the stabilization of boronic acids and boronate forms by aromatic rings. Our physical‐organic chemistry work highlights that boronic acids and boronates can be stabilized by aromatic systems, leading to an important molecular knowledge for rational design and development of boronic acid‐based catalysts and inhibitors of biomedically important proteins.
Effusion fluid cytology and COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Xia Rong , Hsu Lin Lawrence , Sun Wei , Moreira Andre L. , Simsir Aylin , Brandler Tamar C.
Published: December 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), which is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), is known to cause severe respiratory infections with occasional accompanying pleural effusion (PE), pericardial effusion (PCE), or peritoneal effusion (PTE). The effect of COVID‐19 on effusion cytology is not yet known. This study aimed to examine the cytomorphologic features and workup of effusion fluids in patients with active COVID‐19 infection versus those in recovery.

Methods

PE (n = 15), PCE (n = 1), and PTE samples (n = 20) from hospitalized patients with a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (from June 1, 2020, to December 30, 2020) were reviewed. Effusion fluids with metastatic carcinoma were excluded. Differential cell counts, cytomorphology, and relevant immunostains for effusion fluids were retrospectively evaluated and compared between patients with active infection (positive on a SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] within 2 months; n = 23) and those in the recovery phase from COVID‐19 (negative on a SARS‐CoV‐2 NAAT for >2 months; n = 13).

Results

The cytology diagnoses were negative for malignancy (n = 31), atypical (n = 4), and suspicious for malignancy (n = 1). Active infection cases showed more atypical mesothelial cells than recovery cases (P < .05); some had enlarged nuclei, prominent nucleoli, occasional multinucleation, and bizarre nuclei. Immunostains were performed more often in active infection cases than recovery cases (47.8% vs 7.7%; P < .05). Differential cell counts (available for 28 cases) showed no significant differences between the active infection and recovery groups.

Conclusions

This study found atypical and bizarre mesothelial cells more often in effusions of cases with active COVID‐19 infection in comparison with patients in recovery. It is important for cytopathologists to become familiar with the cytomorphologic effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 on effusion cytology so that these cases can be properly triaged.
A multi‐objective approach for local path planning of autonomous mobile robot based on metaheuristics
Authors: Pattnaik Sanat K. , Panda Sumanta , Mishra Debadutta
Published: December 2021

The traditional methods of mobile robot (MR) path planning very often fail in finding the optimal path in a cluttered, complex, and unknown environment. Therefore, in this article, a novel constrained multi‐objective function involving route length, smoothness of the path, and path safety is formulated for a disc‐shaped MR integrated with sensors. The imposed constraints to the problem are the size of the robot and the collision‐free path. A new population‐based algorithm called the chemical reaction optimization algorithm is used to solve the path planning problem. The results obtained through the proposed controller are compared with the results of other methods available in the literature. To demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed algorithm in finding the solution to the path planning problem, statistically significant tests, that is, the coefficient of variation analysis and Friedman's test are conducted. It is observed that the proposed method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of route length, path smoothness, average sensing, and planning time, and time is taken to reach the goal.
σ‐Electrons Responsible for Cooperativity and Ring Equalization in Hydrogen‐Bonded Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: de Azevedo Santos Lucas , Cesario Diego , Vermeeren Pascal , van der Lubbe Stephanie C. C. , Nunzi Francesca , Fonseca Guerra Célia
Published: December 2021

Invited for this month's cover are collaborators from the TheoCheM group of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the University of Perugia. The cover picture shows a σ‐electron traveling through a hydrogen‐bonded squaramide linear chain. The charge transfer within the σ‐electronic system is the cause for the cooperativity in the investigated urea, deltamide, and squaramide polymers. More information can be found in the Full Paper by Célia Fonseca Guerra, and co‐workers.
In‐Situ Generated CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals on O‐Defective WO3 for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Jiang Xinyan , Ding Yunxuan , Zheng Song , Ye Yinglin , Li Zhengquan , Xu Liyun , Wang Jin , Li Zibiao , Loh Xian Jun , Ye Enyi , Sun Licheng
Published: December 2021

Metal halide perovskite (MHP) nanocrystals (NCs) have shown promising application in photocatalytic CO2 reduction, but their activities are still largely restrained by severe charge recombination and narrow solar spectrum response. Assembly of heterojunctions can be beneficial to the charge separation in MHPs while the assembly process usually brings native interfacial defects, impeding efficient charge separation between two materials. Herein, an in‐situ generation strategy was developed to prepare CsPbBr3/WO3 heterojunction, using WO3 nanosheets (NSs) as growing substrate for the growth of CsPbBr3 NCs. The developed CsPbBr3/WO3 heterojunction exhibited a high‐quality interface, greatly facilitating charge transfer between two semiconductors. The hybrid photocatalyst displayed an excellent activity toward CO2 reduction, which was about 7‐fold higher than pristine CsPbBr3 NCs and 3.5‐fold higher than their assembled counterparts. The experimental results and theoretical simulations revealed that a Z‐scheme mechanism with a favorable internal electric field was responsible for the good performance of CsPbBr3/WO3 heterojunction. By using O‐defective WO3 NSs as a near‐infrared (NIR) light absorber, the CsPbBr3/WO3 heterojunction could harvest NIR light and showed an impressive activity toward CO2 reduction. This work demonstrates a new strategy to design MHP‐based heterojunctions by synergistically considering the interface quality, charge transfer mode, interfacial electric field, and light response range between two semiconductors.
Exploitation of Structure‐Property Relationships towards Multi‐Dimensional Applications of a Paddle‐Wheel Cu(II) Compound
Authors: Dutta Basudeb , Pal Baishakhi , Dey Sunanda , Maity Suvendu , Ray Partha Pratim , Mir Mohammad Hedayetullah
Published: December 2021

The systematic understanding of structure‐property correlations of coordination compounds can be utilized for their potential applications. To rationalize this concept, a mixed ligand based Cu(II) compound [Cu2(nac)4(4‐nvp)2] (1) (Hnac=3‐(1‐naphthyl)acrylic acid and 4‐nvp=4‐(1‐naphthylvinyl)pyridine) has been synthesized and single crystal is obtained by the simple layering technique. Compound 1 has fascinating paddle wheel structure which undergoes weak C−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions to generate a three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular aggregate. An electrical analysis, i. e. current‐voltage (I–V) measurement of this material, exhibited rectifying behavior in the forward bias, which affirms the formation of a Schottky diode. Impedance spectroscopy (IS) analysis has also been performed to get insight into the diode application. Besides, the fluorescence emission of 1 is quenched by 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (TNP) and 2,4‐dinitrophenol (DNP), among other nitroaromatics, and the maximum quenching efficiency is observed for TNP (98 %). The limits of detection (LOD) are determined by following 3σ methods and are found to be 0.77 μM (TNP), and 0.85 μM (DNP). Interestingly, compound 1 also exhibits biomimetic catechol oxidase‐like activity for the oxidation of catechol to quinone. Therefore, the synthesized compound can be considered as a promising candidate for multi‐functional applications in material science.
Effects of different environmental and operational factors on the PV performance: A comprehensive review
Authors: Hasan Khaled , Yousuf Sumaiya Binty , Tushar Mohammad Shahed Hasan Khan , Das Barun K. , Das Pronob , Islam Md. Saiful
Published: December 2021

Conventional fossil fuel‐based power generation is one of the main contributors to global environmental pollutions. The rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves as well as their adverse environmental impact heighten the quest for cleaner and sustainable energy resources to generate electricity. Solar energy is an unlimited and immeasurable source of renewable energy that is used for direct electricity production through the solar PV cell. However, environmental conditions as well as operation and maintenance of the solar PV cell affect the optimum output and substantially impact the energy conversion efficiency, productivity and lifetime, thus affect the economy of power generation. In this study, an investigation about recent works regarding the effect of environmental and operational factors on the performance of solar PV cell is presented. It is found that dust allocation and soiling effect are crucial, along with the humidity and temperature that largely affect the performance of PV module. Additionally, the wind itself carries a significant amount of dust and sand particles, especially in the deserted areas. Deposition of dust in humid conditions forms adhesive, sticky mud on the PV cell and worsens the situation as it reduces the power generation up to 60–70%. This study discusses advanced approaches to mitigate the effects of these factors with their relative merits and challenges. Finally, a guideline is proposed to minimize the effect of different environmental and operational factors to optimize the performance of solar PV cell.
Asynchronized erosion effects due to climate and human activities on the central Chinese Loess Plateau during the Anthropocene and its implications for future soil and water management
Authors: Wang Xiaqing , Liu Fenggui , Zhang Xinbao , Tang Xiangling , Xu Jianwei , Huang Ping'an , Wang Yutang , Jin Zhangdong
Published: December 2021

Variations and regional differences in land surface processes during the Anthropocene have directly impacted local economic development and social stability. Nevertheless, little is known about the historical erosion effects and human–environment interactions at annual and decadal scales on the central Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) over the past 200 years, when human activities and annual sediment discharge both reached historical peaks. Located in the northcentral hilly–gully and southcentral plateau–gully regions, respectively, the Jingbian and Heshui landslide‐dammed reservoirs were ideal settings to reconstruct the erosion flux and precipitation over A.D. 1850–2000 due to vertical stacking of interannual couplets. During this period, the mean annual specific sediment yield reached 1.17 × 104 t/(km2 a) in the Jingbian catchment (precipitation threshold of 30 mm), while it reached 1.13 × 104 t/(km2 a) in the Heshui catchment (precipitation threshold of 40 mm) according to sediment yield with frustum and extrapolation of historical precipitation. Interannual El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events were deemed a primary climatic factor inducing soil erosion over the central CLP. This should remind decision‐makers that it is necessary to prevent large‐scale floods and severe erosion before future ENSO events. Changes in population, policies, and human activities also affected land surface processes on the central CLP during 1850–2000. In addition, the results revealed that abandoned farmlands in the southcentral regions with 600 mm and more precipitation had a strong ecological resilience, while this was weak in the northcentral drier region. These findings imply that future ecological restoration of the central CLP should consider the ecological resilience of farmlands that have been recently abandoned due to urbanization. These novel results provide new insights into regional soil and water management under China's development agenda of ‘Ecological Conservation and High‐quality Development of the Yellow River Basin’.
Transcriptional regulatory networks of the proteasome in mammalian systems
Authors: Kapetanou Marianna , Athanasopoulou Sophia , Gonos Efstathios S.
Published: December 2021

The tight regulation of proteostasis is essential for physiological cellular function. Mammalian cells possess a network of mechanisms that ensure proteome integrity under normal or stress conditions. The proteasome, being the major cellular proteolytic machinery, is central to proteostasis maintenance in response to distinct intracellular and extracellular conditions. The proteasomes are multisubunit protease complexes that selectively catalyze the degradation of short‐lived regulatory proteins and damaged peptides. Different forms of the proteasome complexes comprising of different subunits and attached regulators directly affect the substrate selectivity and degradation. Thus, the proteasome participates in the turnover of a multitude of factors that control key processes that affect the cellular state, such as adaptation to environmental cues, growth, development, metabolism, signaling, senescence, pluripotency, differentiation, and immunity. Aberrations on its function are related to normal processes like aging and pathological conditions such as neurodegeneration and cancer. The past few years of research have highlighted that proteasome abundance, activity, assembly, and localization are subject to a dynamic transcriptional control that secures the continuous adaptation of the proteasome to internal or external stimuli. This review focuses on the factors and signaling pathways that are involved in the regulation of the mammalian proteasome at the transcriptional level. A comprehensive understanding of proteasome regulation has critical implications on disease prevention and treatment.
Short Cyclic Regimen With Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Results in Prolonged Anabolic Effect Relative to Continuous Treatment Followed by Discontinuation in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Tseng Wei-Ju , Lee Wonsae , Zhao Hongbo , Liu Yang , Wang Wenzheng , de Bakker Chantal MJ , Li Yihan , Osuna Carlos , Tong Wei , Wang Luqiang , Ma Xiaoyuan , Qin Ling , Liu X Sherry
Published: December 2021

Despite the potent effect of intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment on promoting new bone formation, bone mineral density (BMD) rapidly decreases upon discontinuation of PTH administration. To uncover the mechanisms behind this adverse phenomenon, we investigated the immediate responses in bone microstructure and bone cell activities to PTH treatment withdrawal and the associated long-term consequences. Unexpectedly, intact female and estrogen-deficient female rats had distinct responses to the discontinuation of PTH treatment. Significant tibial bone loss and bone microarchitecture deterioration occurred in estrogen-deficient rats, with the treatment benefits of PTH completely lost 9 weeks after discontinuation. In contrast, no adverse effect was observed in intact rats, with sustained treatment benefit 9 weeks after discontinuation. Intriguingly, there is an extended anabolic period during the first week of treatment withdrawal in estrogen-deficient rats, during which no significant change occurred in the number of osteoclasts, whereas the number of osteoblasts remained elevated compared with vehicle-treated rats. However, increases in number of osteoclasts and decreases in number of osteoblasts occurred 2 weeks after discontinuation of PTH treatment, leading to significant reduction in bone mass and bone microarchitecture. To leverage the extended anabolic period upon early withdrawal from PTH, a cyclic administration regimen with repeated cycles of on and off PTH treatment was explored. We demonstrated that the cyclic treatment regimen efficiently alleviated the PTH withdrawal-induced bone loss, improved bone mass, bone microarchitecture, and whole-bone mechanical properties, and extended the treatment duration. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Suppression of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 regulates pluripotency, proliferation, and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells via mechanistic target of rapamycin‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activation
Authors: Kim Wansoo , Park Song , Kwon Wookbong , Kim Daehwan , Park Jin‐Kyu , Han Jee Eun , Cho Gil‐Jae , Han Se‐Hyeon , Sung Yonghun , Yi Jun‐Koo , Kim Myoung Ok , Ryoo Zae Young , Choi Seong‐Kyoon
Published: December 2021

Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) are a widely used model for their diverse availability in studying early embryonic development and their application in regenerative treatment of various intractable diseases. Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (Trpm7) regulates Ca2+ as a nonselective ion channel and is essential for early embryonic development; however, the precise role of Trpm7 in mESCs has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we showed that the inhibition of Trpm7 affects the pluripotency and self‐renewal of mESCs. We found that short hairpin RNA (shRNA)‐mediated suppression of Trpm7 resulted in decreased expression of transcriptional regulators, Oct4 and Sox2, which maintain stemness in mESCs. In addition, Trpm7 knockdown led to alterations in the basic properties of mESCs, such as decreased proliferation, cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, embryoid body (EB) formation and teratoma formation assays revealed abnormal regulation of differentiation due to Trpm7 knockdown, including the smaller size of EBs, elevated ectodermal differentiation, and diminished endodermal and mesodermal differentiation. We found that EB Day 7 samples displayed decreased intracellular Ca2+ levels compared to those of the scrambled group. Finally, we identified that these alterations induced by Trpm7 knockdown occurred due to decreased phosphorylation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and subsequent activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) in mESCs. Our findings suggest that Trpm7 could be a novel regulator for maintaining stemness and modulating the differentiation of mESCs.
Signal amplification by electropolymerization of alizarin red S for improved diuron detection at organosmectite modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Deffo Gullit , Temgoua Ranil Clément Tonleu , Tajeu Kevin Yemele , Njanja Evangéline , Doungmo Giscard , Tonle Ignas Kenfack , Ngameni Emmanuel
Published: December 2021

An electrochemical sensor was prepared by modification of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with an organoclay obtained by intercalation of smectite‐type clay Sa(Na) with dimethydioctadecylammonium ions (DODAB) and polymer of alizarin red S (poly[ARS]). The synthesized materials were analyzed by physicochemical and electrochemical techniques. The fabricated sensor GCE/Sa(DODAB)/poly(ARS) was employed toward the detection of diuron and the detection limit was found to be 0.48 μM (0.11 mg/L). Additionally, the elaborated electrochemical sensor was found to exhibit good sensitivity, stability, and reproducibility toward the determination of diuron, and it was applied successfully in real samples.
Composition, activity and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities responses to inputs of phosphorus fertilizer enriched with beneficial microbes in degraded Brunic Arenosol
Authors: Mącik Mateusz , Gryta Agata , Sas‐Paszt Lidia , Frąc Magdalena
Published: December 2021

Anthropogenic‐induced deterioration of soil health remains a global problem, resulting in a diminished productivity of agroecosystems. In order to improve soil quality, we investigated the impact of phosphorus biofertilizer on the microbiological parameters of soil (type Brunic Arenosol) degraded as a result of inappropriate cultivation and fertilization, characterized by low pH and decrease in K and Mg content. Two‐year field experiment included control treatment (FC) without microbial enrichment and FA100 (fertilizer amendment at optimal dose) and FA60 (fertilizer amendment at 40% reduced dose) treatments containing beneficial microorganisms. The results showed that the biofertilizer enhanced soil enzymatic activity (as expressed by the increased activities of urease, protease, acid phosphomonoesterase, and β‐glucosidase), increased number of operational taxonomic units associated with metabolic processes (including phosphorus related pathways and degradation of xenobiotics), improved crop yield, increased bacterial diversity, and changed the quantity of phytoavailable phosphorus in the soil. Biofertilizer also stimulated the occurrence of plant growth promoting microorganisms involved in phosphorus biotransformations, decomposition of organic matter, nitrogen fixation, and protection plants against pathogens. Next generation sequencing (NGS) and Biolog analyses showed that the composition of soil microbiome was affected also by soil sampling time, suggesting seasonal variations in the preferred carbon sources and level of C‐substrates utilization, and pointing the differences in the relative abundance of individual microbial groups at particular stages of the experiment. Taking into consideration the improvement of microbiological indicators of soil health, phosphorus biofertilizer seems to be effective approach to implement in sustainable agriculture linking soil microbiome quality with the general soil condition.
Emerging Biopolymer‐Based Bioadhesives
Authors: Li Jinghang , Yu Xin , Martinez Eduardo Enciso , Zhu Jiaqing , Wang Ting , Shi Shengwei , Shin Su Ryon , Hassan Shabir , Guo Chengchen
Published: December 2021

Bioadhesives have been widely used in healthcare and biomedical applications due to their ease‐of‐operation for wound closure and repair compared to conventional suturing and stapling. However, several challenges remain for developing ideal bioadhesives, such as unsatisfied mechanical properties, non‐tunable biodegradability, and limited biological functions. Considering these concerns, naturally derived biopolymers have been considered good candidates for making bioadhesives owing to their ready availability, facile modification, tunable mechanical properties, and desired biocompatibility and biodegradability. Over the past several years, remarkable progress has been made on biopolymer‐based adhesives, covering topics from novel materials designs and advanced processing to clinical translation. The developed bioadhesives have been applied for diverse applications, including tissue adhesion, hemostasis, antimicrobial, wound repair/tissue regeneration, and skin‐interfaced bioelectronics. Here in this comprehensive review, recent progress on biopolymer‐based bioadhesives is summarized with focuses on clinical translations and multifunctional bioadhesives. Furthermore, challenges and opportunities such as weak adhesion strength at the hydrated state, mechanical mismatch with tissues, and unfavorable immune responses are discussed with an aim to facilitate the future development of high‐performance biopolymer‐based bioadhesives.
Complement Activation Dramatically Accelerates Blood Plasma Fouling On Antifouling Poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) Brush Surfaces
Authors: Riedel Tomáš , de los Santos Pereira Andres , Táborská Johanka , Riedelová Zuzana , Pop‐Georgievski Ognen , Májek Pavel , Pečánková Klára , Rodriguez‐Emmenegger Cesar
Published: December 2021

Non‐specific protein adsorption (fouling) triggers a number of deleterious events in the application of biomaterials. Antifouling polymer brushes successfully suppress fouling, however for some coatings an extremely high variability of fouling for different donors remains unexplained. The authors report that in the case of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly(HEMA)) this variability is due to the complement system activation that causes massive acceleration in the fouling kinetics of blood plasma. Using plasma from various donors, the fouling kinetics on poly(HEMA) is analyzed and correlated with proteins identified in the deposits on the surface and with the biochemical compositions of the plasma. The presence of complement components in fouling deposits and concentrations of C3a in different plasmas indicate that the alternative complement pathway plays a significant role in the fouling on poly(HEMA) through the “tick‐over” mechanism of spontaneous C3 activation. The generated C3b binds to the poly(HEMA) surface and amplifies complement activation locally. Heat‐inactivated plasma prevents accelerated fouling kinetics, confirming the central role of complement activation. The results highlight the need to take into account the variability between individuals when assessing interactions between biomaterials and blood plasma, as well as the importance of the mechanistic insight that can be gained from protein identification.
Multi‐level multi‐leaf collimators: Optimization of layer thicknesses and a feasibility study
Authors: Morrow Andrew , Trisnadi Nickolas , Chung Heeteak
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The function of multi‐leaf collimators (MLC) is to modulate and shape the intensity of a radiotherapy beam by either blocking or unblocking beamlets. A variation on this functionality is tested in this work wherein the MLC is split into layers, with each layer attenuating the beam by a different amount. In this design, full blocking of a beamlet occurs only if all layers are blocked. This work suggests that such a device, a multi‐layer MLC (MLMLC), can deliver dose distributions like a single layer MLC can deliver while requiring less time and monitor units (MU)

Methods

Optimal fluences were made for prostate plans using the Eclipse v13.6. An algorithm was developed to create step‐and‐shoot MLMLC patterns to match these optimal fluences when using up to six layers of MLC. Twelve MLMLC plans were made in total. These patterns were imported back into Eclipse as equivalent tungsten compensators and doses were calculated. Dose‐volume histogram (DVH) values, total monitor units (MU), and total time to deliver were compared between arc‐style MLMLC plans and nine‐field step and shoot IMRT plans created completely in Eclipse using a single layer MLC.

Results

When using three or more layers, specified DVH values between the two sets agreed to within 5% while requiring roughly half as much time to deliver and about 20% fewer MU.

Conclusions

Demonstrated that having multi‐layer MLC can deliver dose distributions like a single layer MLC with less time and monitor units.
Rigid motion‐resolved prediction using deep learning for real‐time parallel‐transmission pulse design
Authors: Plumley Alix , Watkins Luke , Treder Matthias , Liebig Patrick , Murphy Kevin , Kopanoglu Emre
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Tailored parallel‐transmit (pTx) pulses produce uniform excitation profiles at 7 T, but are sensitive to head motion. A potential solution is real‐time pulse redesign. A deep learning framework is proposed to estimate pTx distributions following within‐slice motion, which can then be used for tailored pTx pulse redesign.

Methods

Using simulated data, conditional generative adversarial networks were trained to predict distributions in the head following a displacement. Predictions were made for two virtual body models that were not included in training. Predicted maps were compared with ground‐truth (simulated, following motion) B1 maps. Tailored pTx pulses were designed using B1 maps at the original position (simulated, no motion) and evaluated using simulated B1 maps at displaced position (ground‐truth maps) to quantify motion‐related excitation error. A second pulse was designed using predicted maps (also evaluated on ground‐truth maps) to investigate improvement offered by the proposed method.

Results

Predicted maps corresponded well with ground‐truth maps. Error in predicted maps was lower than motion‐related error in 99% and 67% of magnitude and phase evaluations, respectively. Worst‐case flip‐angle normalized RMS error due to motion (76% of target flip angle) was reduced by 59% when pulses were redesigned using predicted maps.

Conclusion

We propose a framework for predicting maps online with deep neural networks. Predicted maps can then be used for real‐time tailored pulse redesign, helping to overcome head motion–related error in pTx.
SOG1, a plant‐specific master regulator of DNA damage responses, originated from nonvascular land plants
Authors: Sakamoto Ayako N. , Sakamoto Tomoaki , Yokota Yuichiro , Teranishi Mika , Yoshiyama Kaoru O. , Kimura Seisuke
Published: December 2021

The suppressor of gamma response 1 (SOG1), a NAM, ATAF1, 2, and CUC2 (NAC)‐type transcription factor found in seed plants, is a master regulator of DNA damage responses (DDRs). Upon DNA damage, SOG1 regulates the expression of downstream DDR genes. To know the origin of the DDR network in land plants, we searched for a homolog(s) of SOG1 in a moss Physcomitrium (Physcomitrella) patens and identified PpSOG1a and PpSOG1b. To assess if either or both of them function(s) in DDR, we knocked out the PpSOG1s using CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing and analyzed the responses to DNA‐damaging treatments. The double‐knockout (KO) sog1a sog1b plants showed resistance to γ‐rays, bleomycin, and ultraviolet B (UVB) treatments similarly seen in Arabidopsis sog1 plants. Next, we irradiated wild‐type (WT) and KO plants with γ‐rays and analyzed the whole transcriptome to examine the effect on the expression of DDR genes. The results revealed that many P. patens genes involved in the checkpoint, DNA repair, replication, and cell cycle‐related genes were upregulated after γ‐irradiation, which was not seen in sog1a sog1b plant. These results suggest that PpSOG1a and PpSOG1b work redundantly on DDR response in P. patens; in addition, plant‐specific DDR systems had been established before the emergence of vascular plants.
BLI‐MS: Combining biolayer interferometry and mass spectrometry
Authors: Jung Vincent , Roger Kévin , Chhuon Cerina , Pannetier Louise , Lipecka Joanna , Gomez Josué Sulub , Chappert Pascal , Charbit Alain , Guerrera Ida Chiara
Published: December 2021

Biolayer interferometry (BLI) is a technology which allows to study the affinity between two interacting macro‐molecules and to visualize their kinetic of interaction in real time. In this work, we combine BLI interaction measurement with mass spectrometry in order to identify the proteins interacting with the bait. We provide for the first time the proof of concept of the feasibility of BLI‐MS in complex biological mixtures.
FLASH radiotherapy: Research process from basic experimentation to clinical application
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Luo Hui , Zheng Xiaoli , Ge Hong
Published: December 2021

FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH‐RT) has gained attention as an ultra‐high dose rate RT in recent years. This treatment significantly shortens the time of RT and reduces the influence of tumor movement caused by breathing or other factors. In addition, it spares the surrounding normal tissues and organs while ensuring the anti‐tumor effect. With the efforts of scientific researchers and clinical staff, the FLASH effect has been successfully induced in electron, photon, and proton irradiation. Preliminary research has been carried out to explore its related mechanism. However, this has not yet been fully determined, although oxygen depletion was the proposed primary mechanism discovered. Due to the development of immunotherapy, studies on the involvement of the immune system in the FLASH effect have begun to attract attention. This study reviewed published experimental results to analyze and summarize the feasibility of FLASH‐RT widely used in clinical practice, and whether it could be combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors to guide therapy.