bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A thaumatin-like genomic sequence identification in Vitis vinifera l., stormy wines and musts based on direct pcr
Authors: Žiarovská Jana , Zeleňáková Lucia , Kačániová Miroslava , Cusimamani Eloy Fernández
Published: March 2018

Direct polymerase chain reaction method was use to amplify a thaumatin-like sequence of Vitis vinifera L. in grapes as well as in stormy wines and musts. Thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs) of Vitis vinifera possess beside its function in abiotic and biotic stress response another one - they are able to cause protein haze in wine unless removed prior to bottling. Direct PCR is an approach where omission of DNA extraction is typical prior the amplification of the target site of plant genome. Crude extract or small pieces of plant tissues are used in the analysis directly without steps of extraction and purification of gDNA. The biological material that was used in analysis was collected during August - October 2017 in local stores and winery Sabo and comprises from cultivars Iršai, Muškát, Savignon Blanc, Svätovavrinecké, Dornfelder and Pálava. Direct PCR was performed by a cutted piece of grape tissue and a dilution buffer was use in 1:2 for stormy wine or must, respectively. Direct amplification of thaumatin-like protein sequence of Vitis vinifera was performed along with the control reactions with the primers for conserved region of plant chloroplast. Possitive amplification of thaumatin-like allergen sequence resulted in 570 bp amplicon. The most abundant amplicons were amplified in stormy wines, followed by musts and the amplicons from grapes were weaker when comparing them to others. The amplicon specificity checking of obtained PCR product of thaumatin-like allergen was performed by restriction cleavage by Psi I and resulted in restriction amplicons of the 80 bp, 81 bp, 94 bp and 315 bp in length. Confirmation of the amplicon specificity by restriction cleavage support the potential of direct PCR to become a reproducible method that will be fully applicable in routine analysis of not only plant genomes in the future, but it was demonstrated, that it works in liquids, too.
Teacher Education through Art: How to Teach Social Sciences through Artwork –The Student-Teachers’ Views
Authors: Brinia Vasiliki , Giannimara Reni , Psoni Paraskevi , Stamatakis George
Published: March 2018

The present paper aims at presenting an innovative approach to educating teacher-candidates through the art. More specifically, it aims at exploring the benefits of this approach for student-teachers and for their future teaching of social science subjects. It is an experiential approach, based on a multi-level methodology, developed and implemented through the collaboration of the Teacher Education Program of Athens University of Economics and Business with the Aalto University and the Athens School of Fine Arts. After the completion of the implementation of the specific teaching method, the student-teachers have been interviewed, in order to detect their views on the effectiveness of this method, which has been introduced for the first time in the Teacher Education field in Greece. The results are positive with the interviewees reporting having achieved an in-depth and multi-perspective understanding of the matter in discussion as well as enhanced collaborative skills among other benefits.
The effect of educational program on nurse's knowledge and practices about nasogastric tube feeding at neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Mohammed Amira Adel , Fattah Safaa Abdel Fattah Abou Zed Abdel
Published: March 2018

Objective: This study was to assess the effectiveness of educational program on nurses’ knowledge level and their practices about nasogastric tube feeding at neonatal intensive care units.Methods: Settings: The study was conducted at Banha Specialized Pediatric Hospital and Banha University Hospital, from neonatal intensive care units. Research design: A quasi-experimental design. Sample: A convenient sample method of eighty three (83) as a one study group. Tools: The questionnaire format, the observation checklist and construction of educational program which were developed by the researchers to assessment for the knowledge and practice for nurses’ related to nasogastric tube feeding. The educational program was designed serves as a referral instructional for nurses.Results: Implied that the educational program was having a positive effect, on enhance nurses’ knowledge and practice related to nasogastric tube feeding at neonatal intensive care units.Conclusions: The present study recommended that an administrating a written protocol of nasogastric tube feeding to assure sufficient knowledge, and saved practices are really needed at neonatal intensive care units.
The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure on Financial Performance: Evidence from Credit Institutions in Vietnam
Authors: Ngoc Nguyen Bich
Published: March 2018

This study examines the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure and financial performance of banks in Vietnam over the period 2011 – 2016. By using content analysis to approach CSR related data as well as ordinary least square (OLS) estimator to analyse data, the finding of this study indicates that there is a significant negative relationship between CSR disclosure and financial performance of commercial banks in Vietnam. This result might be explained by additional requirements of the law for social responsibility while banks are in difficult situation as a result of economic slowdown during researched period. Together with that, perception of banks’ customers toward banking corporate social responsibility of Vietnam also contributed to build up this negative linkage.
Diagnosing Housing Bubbles across Rich Countries
Authors: Faroque Akhter , Koren Stanley A.
Published: March 2018

This paper addresses an empirical puzzle in the housing bubble literature: models of market fundamentals perform poorly in explaining investor exuberance in housing even though, individually, many fundamentals have strong ability to predict explosive growth in real house prices. We explore two plausible sources for the poor performance: missing fundamentals and missing bubble dynamics. To shed light on the relative importance of these sources, we conduct a detailed two-step investigation of the housing markets in ten rich countries using models, methodologies and datasets that are similar to those employed in the existing literature. Our findings consistently show that the predictive ability of models of market fundamentals can be dramatically enhanced once missing dynamics of housing bubbles are properly accounted for. GSADF denotes Generalised Sup Augmented Dickey–Fuller test and SADF denotes Sup Augmented Dickey–Fuller test.
Use of Popular Culture Texts in Mother Tongue Education
Authors: BAL Mazhar
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to associate popular culture texts with Turkish language lessons of middle school students. For this purpose, a model was proposed and a suitable curriculum was prepared for this model. It was aimed to determine how this program, which was the result of associating popular culture texts with Turkish language lesson outcomes, operated during classroom practices. The study was designed based on action research principles. The participants of the research were 19 (12 males and 7 females) seventh grade students. These pariticipants were selected according to the criterion sampling technique. Audio and video recording, questionnaire form, student and research diary, observation form, student activity files were used as data collection tools. Descriptive analysis technique was used in the analysis of these data. According to research data, it was seen that the Turkish language lessons associated with popular culture texts contributed to the development of basic language skills and developed a critical perspective on popular culture texts. However, for the action research process, students expressed their opinion that the lessons were fun and related to out of school life.
Are Turkish Teacher Candidates Ready for Migrant Students?
Authors: Arslangilay A. Selcen
Published: March 2018

The mass migration of Syrians with a high rate of school-age children into Turkey brought together the need for teaching these students Turkish for integrating them into the society and Turkish education system. The Ministry of National Education gave this responsibility especially to Turkish teachers. Therefore, these teachers should have the required pedagogical formation and skills to teach Turkish to these students, as well as intercultural sensitivity and cultural knowledge about them. In this study, 19 newly graduated Turkish teacher candidates from a state university in Ankara from the Turkish Education Department were interviewed with the aim to gather their views about Syrian students, their readiness if they are to teach them and their evaluation of their pre-service education in terms of preparing them to this kind of teaching. The qualitative data were collected via the semi-structured interview form prepared by the researcher and was analyzed with descriptive analysis method. The results show that Turkish teacher candidates do not think they are definitely ready to teach Syrian students. However, they have positive attitudes and believe in themselves that they will do their best to teach them. Teacher training programs should be updated according to the multicultural structure of the schools with Syrian students and these programs should provide the pre-service teachers with the required current information about the student profile in schools.
Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions with Regard to Teaching-Learning Processes
Authors: Ozdas Faysal
Published: March 2018

Teaching-learning process has a great important medium where pre-service teachers develop experiences and competences. Pre-service teachers are introduced to this process in a professional sense through the school experience course in teacher training. In this process, it is crucial to identify the encountered difficulties and matters. For this purpose, the perceptions of 48 pre-service teachers attending Pedagogical Formation Training at Mardin Artuklu University and taking the school experience course were got. The study group of the current research consists of the 48 pre-service teachers taking the school experience course in 2014-2015 academic year. The qualitative research method based on the data collection instrument involving two questions in the semi-structured interview form was used. The content analysis was conducted to analyze the data. According to the findings, it was revealed that the pre-service teachers observe or encounter 219 matters with regard to teaching and learning process in the school experience course. It was identified that the most encountered reasons are teacher, school, student related reasons and other ones, respectively. The pre-service teachers developed 229 suggestions to overcome these matters. The findings of this research were compared with the ones in the literature. In this regard, teaching-learning process was discussed.
Begging Phenomenon in Jordan: Family Role and Causes
Authors: Al-Muhareb Taghreed Salsi Ali , Alzyoud Mohammad Sayel
Published: March 2018

The study aimed to find out the role of the family in facing begging phenomena and its causes from the point of view of Jordan Families. The study population consisted of 865339 families from Amman, the Capital of Jordan. The study sample was chosen randomly, and it consisted of 4750 families. The study used a questionnaire to collect its data. To answer the first and third questions, means and standard deviations for each item and the whole domain were calculated. To answer the second question, the means, standard deviations, t-test, and one way ANOVA Analysis were used. The study revealed that some families encourage their kids to beg and seek help from others. In addition, families are busy with other responsibilities and they do not give their kids the required support that educate them and keep them away from begging. Also, there are multiple reasons that have stood behind the wide spread of the begging phenomenon such as the current difficult situation that Jordan society experience due to economic, social, and political conditions. The study revealed that low level of education for mothers is not behind the begging phenomena, but rather it is the family income at first. Unemployment reduces family income which makes the individuals to search for other means of satisfying the family needs. This, however, finally result to begging.
Flaviviruses – new human pathogens
Authors: Biała Martyna , Jerczak Bartosz , Inglot Małgorzata , Knysz Brygida
Published: March 2018

The family Flaviviridae includes arthropod-borne viruses that are transmitted to vertebrates by infected mosquitoes and ticks. There are over a 100 species in this family, most of which are animal pathogens, although it cannot be excluded that some animal flaviviruses will also cause human disease. The family name is due to the discovery of the yellow fever virus and is derived from the Latin word flavus, meaning yellow. Several human-pathogenic flaviviruses have a significant public health impact in different parts of the world and the potential of emerging in previously non-endemic regions. The medically important flaviviruses include among others: dengue, Zika, yellow fever, tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE) and West Nile viruses. Diseases that are caused by these viruses include a spectrum of illnesses ranging from asymptomatic infections to severe and fatal disease. Although the characteristics of these viruses are well defined, they are still unpredictable with increases in disease severity, unusual clinical manifestations, unexpected methods of transmission, long-term persistence, and the discovery of new species. This review compares the epidemiological and clinical features of the
medically important flaviviruses and considers the effect of human activity on their evolution
and dispersal. Climate change, urbanization and increasing ease of travel have created opportunities
for the vector to spread and expand into new human populations. The combination
of these factors makes it possible for the family Flaviviridae to change and emerge quickly as
a new, potential human pathogen.
Difficulties in clinical staging of external ear canal carcinoma– a case report
Authors: Żurek Michał , Rzepakowska Anna , Niemczyk Kazimierz
Published: March 2018

Carcinoma of the external auditory canal (EAC) is known to be very
rare with a rate of 1-6 per million people. It affects mostly
people over the age of 50 regardless of gender. The most common
type of carcinoma of EAC is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
The aim of this paper is to present the case of a 56-year-old
woman with carcinoma of EAC. She was admitted to
otolaryngology clinic due to ear buzzing lasting for five months,
periodic otorrhea and hearing deterioration in her right ear. In
otoscopic examination a tumor in the right
ear meatus was identified. It filled almost the entire canal. Biopsy confirmed
the presence of squamous-cell cancer. Tumor advancement
was diagnosed using computer tomography of the temporal bones,
magnetic resonance imaging of the head and ultrasonography of
the neck. Imaging examinations indicated T3 N0 stage. Doctors
decided to perform lateral petrosectomy with elective neck
dissection. During the operation, the results of
histopathological examination of frozen specimens from
marginal tissues revealed an invasion of the anterior wall of the ear
canal, capsule of temporomandibular joint and parotid gland.
The resection eventually included also parotid gland and
temporo-mandibular joint with the caput of the mandible. After
recuperation, the patient had complementary radiotherapy.
The presented case shows that precise imaging is necessary
before surgical treatment, but unfortunately the invasion of
cancer may not be estimated properly. Based on literature, the
best prognosis concerns wide resection with complementary
radiotherapy, although the schedule of treatment is not
determined.
Impact of Clinical Information on Melanocytic Skin Lesion Pathology Diagnosis
Authors: Lai Belinda , Soyer H. Peter , Zhu Lin , Ferguson Peter M. , O’Brien Blake , Dodds Tristan , Scolyer Richard A. , Ferrara Gerardo , Argenziano Giuseppe , Bell Katy J. L.
Published: October 2024

Importance

There is poor accuracy and reproducibility for the histopathologic diagnosis of melanocytic skin lesions, and the provision of clinical information may improve this.

Objective

To examine the impact of clinical information on the histopathologic diagnosis of melanocytic skin lesions.

Evidence Review

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for new records published from January 2018 to January 2024. References included in the 2018 Cancer Council Australia evidence review were also screened, and forward and backward citation searches were conducted.

Findings

From 2224 records screened, 162 full-text studies were assessed, and 7 studies were included. Studies included pathologists from Austria, Germany, the US, Italy, the UK, and Australia. Patient populations had a mean age of 43 to 55 years and a proportion of female participants of 23% to 63%. The risk of bias assessment demonstrated that all studies had domains at unclear or high risk of bias. Clinical images increased diagnostic certainty (3 studies) and agreement between pathologists (2 studies) led to diagnostic upgrades in 7.6% to 16.7% of interpretations. Clinical diagnosis on the pathology requisition form reduced the odds of missing a melanoma with progression (1 study), while more clinical elements on the form correlated with higher re-excision rates (1 study). Among patients with distant metastases on long-term follow-up, a prior consensus diagnosis of melanoma was established on histopathology alone.

Conclusions and Relevance

Providing clinical information to pathologists may improve diagnostic confidence and interobserver agreement and result in upgrading of the histopathologic diagnosis. While providing the clinical diagnosis may prevent missing a progressive melanoma, more research is needed to determine the appropriateness of histopathology upgrading when clinical images are provided and the impacts on patient outcomes.
Inflammation Promotes Aging‐Associated Oncogenesis in the Lung
Authors: Pham‐Danis Catherine , Chia Shi B. , Scarborough Hannah A. , Danis Etienne , Nemkov Travis , Zaberezhnyy Vadym , Christenson Jessica L. , Kleczko Emily K. , Navarro Andre , Goodspeed Andrew , Bonney Elizabeth A. , Dinarello Charles A. , Marchetti Carlo , Nemenoff Raphael A. , Hansen Kirk C. , DeGregori James
Published: October 2024

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world. While cigarette smoking is the major preventable factor for cancers in general and lung cancer in particular, old age is also a major risk factor. Aging‐related chronic, low‐level inflammation, termed inflammaging, has been widely documented; however, it remains unclear how inflammaging contributes to increased lung cancer incidence.

Aim

The aim of this study was to establish connections between aging‐associated changes in the lungs and cancer risk.

Methods

We analyzed public databases of gene expression for normal and cancerous human lungs and used mouse models to understand which changes were dependent on inflammation, as well as to assess the impact on oncogenesis.

Results

Analyses of GTEx and TCGA databases comparing gene expression profiles from normal lungs, lung adenocarcinoma, and lung squamous cell carcinoma of subjects across age groups revealed upregulated pathways such as inflammatory response, TNFA signaling via NFκB, and interferon‐gamma response. Similar pathways were identified comparing the gene expression profiles of young and old mouse lungs. Transgenic expression of alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT) partially reverses increases in markers of aging‐associated inflammation and immune deregulation. Using an orthotopic model of lung cancer using cells derived from EML4‐ALK fusion‐induced adenomas, we demonstrated an increased tumor outgrowth in lungs of old mice while NLRP3 knockout in old mice decreased tumor volumes, suggesting that inflammation contributes to increased lung cancer development in aging organisms.

Conclusions

These studies reveal how expression of an anti‐inflammatory mediator (AAT) can reduce some but not all aging‐associated changes in mRNA and protein expression in the lungs. We further show that aging is associated with increased tumor outgrowth in the lungs, which may relate to an increased inflammatory microenvironment.
Developing Lightweight Silanized Cellulose Ultramaterials as the Strongest Engineered Aerogel
Authors: Zhang Kangkang , Li Changzhao , Liu Lin , Wang Xian , Li Ning , Yang Chunwang , Huang Yuxi , Lu Hao , Liu Hejin , Li Jun , Qiu Jian , Yang Yushan
Published: October 2024

Silica aerogel materials exhibit exceptional properties, including unique light, heat, fluid, and ion characteristics with vast potential. Despite similarities in composition to glass, silica aerogel lacks ductility and is prone to breakage upon impact. Therefore, the development of advanced engineering aerogel ultra materials that combine the mechanical strength of engineered materials with the ultralight superinsulation of aerogels remains a significant challenge. Herein, a multidimensional and multiscale gradient‐pore strategy is proposed for the scalable production of nanostructured silanized cellulose (SiCell) nanofibrous frameworks through colloidal self‐assembly using an active earth‐abundant biopolymer from the wood as a functional component. The configuration of the SiCell/polymer‐crosslinked silica‐aerogel‐powder (SiAP)‐locked structure creates a regional framework that forms SiCell/polymer‐crosslinked SiAP‐locked aerogels (SiCSiPA) with a 3D nanoporous architecture. With an ultralow thermal conductivity of 15.9 mW m−1 K−1, the lightweight super insulating SiCSiPA emerges as a prime candidate for thermal insulation, offering exceptional strength for practical applications. Moreover, SiCSiPA exhibits superior strength, stiffness, and toughness, making it the best insulating material. Owing to its outstanding strength‐to‐weight ratio and robust thermomechanical stability, SiCSiPA introduces a new technology for lightweight construction applications requiring superior thermal insulation.
Exos‐Loaded Gox‐Modified Smart‐Response Self‐Healing Hydrogel Improves the Microenvironment and Promotes Wound Healing in Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Yang Pu , Ju Yikun , Shen Naisi , Zhu Shuai , He Jiaqian , Yang Lingxiu , Lei Jiajie , He Xiaoli , Shao Wenjia , Lei Lanjie , Fang Bairong
Published: October 2024

Wound management has always been a challenge in the clinical treatment of diabetes. In this study, glucose oxidase (GOx) is grafted onto natural pullulan polysaccharides, and oxidization is carried out to form a self‐healing hydrogel using carboxymethyl chitosan by means of reversible Schiff base covalent bonding. The smart‐response drug release properties of this natural self‐healing hydrogel are demonstrated in diabetic wounds by taking advantage of two key factors, namely the pH‐responsive nature of Schiff base bonding and the fact that GOx reduces the pH in diabetic wounds. To further enhance the biological functions of the hydrogel dressing, exosomes (Exos) are introduced into the hydrogel system. The GOx present in the hydrogel system improves the high‐glucose microenvironment of diabetic wounds, releasing H2O2 to impart antimicrobial effects, and ensuring that the hydrogel realizes a smart‐response function. The carboxymethyl chitosan component used to construct the hydrogel plays an effective antibacterial role. Moreover, the Exos loaded into the hydrogel effectively promotes neovascularization of the wound. The Exos also regulates macrophage polarization and reduces the levels of persistent inflammation in diabetic wounds. These results suggest that this smart responsive, multifunctional, and self‐healing hydrogel dressing is ideal for the management of diabetic wounds.
Impact of relative lower‐limb length on heat loss and body temperature during running
Authors: Struška Michal , Jarešová Pavla Alexia , Hora Martin , Wall‐Scheffler Cara , Michálek Tomáš , Sládek Vladimír
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Long lower limbs relative to body size are thought to be an adaptation to prevent excessive increases in body temperature during running in hot climate. The advantage of long lower limbs relative to body size is usually explained by an increase in body surface area relative to mass; however, the influence of limb length on relative body surface area was shown to be minor. We aimed to experimentally test the effect of relative lower‐limb length (LLL) on body temperature changes during running. Furthermore, we tested the effect of relative LLL on relative body surface area.

Materials and Methods

Adult men (n = 37) ran for 40 min on a treadmill, while their core temperature (ingestible thermometer), skin temperature (infrared thermography), and oxygen consumption (indirect calorimetry) were measured. Relative LLL was calculated as residuals from linear regression of LLL on stature. Linear regression was used to test the effect of relative LLL on standardized heat loss (heat loss/heat production), mean body temperature (weighted mean of skin and core temperatures), and body surface area.

Results

Relative LLL had a positive effect on standardized heat loss and a negative effect on mean body temperature change during running. Relative LLL had a positive effect on the proportion of body surface area allocated to the lower limbs but not on the relative body surface area.

Discussion

The reduced increase in mean body temperature associated with long lower limbs suggests an advantage of relatively long lower limbs for greater endurance and speed during persistence hunting or contemporary running events.
Electrochemical Sensing of Paracetamol Using Functionalized MWCNTs: Integrating Computational and Experimental Methods
Authors: Lochab Amit , Baweja Shefali , Jindal Kajal , Chowdhuri Arijit , Tomar Monika , Saxena Reena
Published: October 2024

An electrochemical sensing platform for the detection of paracetamol is proposed in this work. The sensor (Asp‐MWCNTs/IL/ITO) is based on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) electrode loaded with asparagine functionalised Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Ionic Liquid (IL). Initially, in‐silico studies were performed to check the favourable interaction of the drug with the nanocomposite. The potential energy surface of Asp‐MWCNTs and paracetamol complexes were explored using density functional theory and single‐point energy coupled cluster calculations. The analysis of non‐covalent interactions showed hydrogen bonding interactions predominantly stabilising the complex. The interaction process between Asp‐MWCNTs and paracetamol is spontaneous due to negative value of binding energy (−0.75 eV). The functionalised MWCNTs were characterised through different techniques. Asp‐MWCNTs/IL/ITO electrode showed good sensitivity with a linear range from 20–300 μgL−1 and limit of detection of 0.0194 μM for paracetamol in phosphate buffer as supporting electrolyte. The sensor showed excellent repeatability and reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of 1.45 % at 60 μgL−1 concentration. The chemical functionalization resulted in providing extra stability as it retained 95 % of its signal response even after 45 days. The sensor's applicability was tested in real water samples with the help of spiking study which showed good recovery >95 %.”
Exploring the potential of imidazolium methacrylate crosslinking with resorcinol dimethacrylate for drug delivery systems
Authors: Bezerra Jacianny M. S. , Lima Maria J. S. , Santos Dayane K. D. N. , Maciel Larissa G. , Alves‐Jr Severino , dos Anjos Janaína V.
Published: October 2024

Drug implants offer an alternative for controlling drug release and maintaining plasma levels of a specific drug. In this study, we explored the potential of imidazolium methacrylate crosslinking with resorcinol methacrylate to develop implantable drug delivery systems. The focus was on fabricating a photopolymerizable material based on a novel biocompatible hydrogel for implantable drug delivery systems with dexamethasone, a widely used corticosteroid with potent anti‐inflammatory properties, chosen as the model drug. The experimental section detailed the synthesis of polymerizable units, resin preparation, and resin choice for further tests using a 23 factorial design, printing conditions, material characterization, biocompatibility, and dexamethasone release tests. Our findings shed light on the potential of this novel approach for creating targeted drug delivery systems, holding promise for improving therapeutic outcomes, and reducing side effects associated with systemic long‐term drug administration.
Self‐reinforced natural rubber composites: Preparation and properties study
Authors: Liu Yonggang , Wang Haobo , Huang Canli , Tu Shuhua , Feng Jie
Published: October 2024

In the contemporary modern mining sector, rubber conveyor belts are extensively and frequently utilized. Exceptional tear resistance and high elongation of the top cover rubber of the belt are imperative. In this investigation, a portion of natural rubber (NR) underwent partial vulcanization in advance. Subsequently, this pre‐vulcanized NR (PNR) was mixed with the NR matrix via mechanical blending. Due to the increased viscosity resulting from pre‐vulcanization, the PNR may disperse in the NR matrix, maintaining a specific microstructure without complete dissolution. During subsequent vulcanization, the PNR could co‐vulcanize with the NR matrix, forming a well‐bonded interface and ultimately yielding self‐reinforced NR (SNR) composites. The influences of the mass ratio of PNR to the NR matrix, sulfur content in PNR and pre‐vulcanization time on the mechanical properties of the SNR composites were thoroughly investigated. The results indicated that adding PNR effectively improved the tear strength of NR. When the PNR replaced 20 wt% of NR, sulfur content in PNR was 2.4 phr and pre‐vulcanization time was 2 min, the tear strength, stress at 300% elongation and wear resistance of SNR composites increased by 34.1%, 16.6%, and 10.2% compared to NR control sample, while elongation at break remained at 898%. These findings suggest that it is possible to enhance the tear strength of rubber without compromising elongation at break.
Constructing a Spider‐Web Polymer Blocking Layer on Separator for the High‐Loading Li‐S Battery
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wan Jiajun , Gao Qingping , Liu Jie
Published: October 2024

The cycling performance of high‐loading Li−S batteries is still puzzled by the serious shuttle effect of polysulfides. Modifying the commercial separator with polysulfide anchoring materials has been demonstrated as an economical and effective approach to block the polysulfide shuttle. Herein, a cobweb‐like polymer polysulfide‐blocking layer has been constructed via crosslinking between lithium polysilicate (LP) inorganic oligomer and tannic acid (TA) dendritic polymer. Owing to the strongly polar Si−O and Si=O bonds in LP, the spider‐web polymer possesses robust affinity towards polysulfides, indicated by the theoretical calculations. Dendritic polymer TA as the skeleton contributes to effectively exposing the abundant polar functional groups to powerfully capture the polysulfides. As a result, the cycling stability of high‐loading Li−S batteries has been obviously improved. The Li−S battery with sulfur loading of 3.44 mg cm−2 can stably cycle 100 cycles with a high capacity of 685.1 mAh g−1 and columbic efficiency of 99.82 %. Even the sulfur loading increases to 7.15 mg cm−2, the Li−S battery can still deliver a high areal capacity of 5.26 mAh cm−2 after 50 cycles.
Preparation of Thermosensitive Lignocellulose Hollow Fiber Membrane Grafted With PNIPAAm and Its Application as a Cell Culture Carrier in a RSOC Dynamic Culture
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Wang Hao , Feng Zijiao , Ma Hailin , Cheng Yuen Yee , Xu Jie , Guan Yanchun , Wu Shuo , Song Kedong
Published: October 2024

Currently, the cells, which are urgently required for large‐scale application in biomedical‐related fields, harvested by traditional trypsin digestion are usually subject to repeated digestion, leading to a reduction of cell activity. In this study, poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) was grafted onto the lignocellulose hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) with cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN) as the initiator to prepare thermosensitive HFMs, which was combined with a rotation system of culture (RSOC) to achieve dynamic culture and non‐destructive harvesting of cells from the HFMs. The results of ATR‐FTIR, elemental analysis, and SEM confirmed the successful preparation of PNIPAAm‐grafted‐HFMs, which also showed good biocompatibility to apply for cell culture carriers. In cooling detachment, the HFMs‐0.01 group could completely detach the cells within 1 h with a cell separation efficiency of more than 90%. The laminin (LN) and fibronectin (FN) harvested by cooling detachment of P8 generation PC12 cells reached 0.0531 ± 0.0032 and 2.5045 ± 0.0001 pg/cell, respectively, which were significantly higher than that by trypsin digestion. In addition, the cells on the thermosensitive HFMs proliferated fastest in RSOC at 30 rpm with higher glucose consumption and lactate metabolism than in static conditions. Moreover, the cells that had dynamic detachment at 20 rpm had the highest cell density and activity. Therefore, the thermosensitive HFMs could be applied as cell culture carriers in RSOC for cell culturing at 30 rpm and harvesting at 20 rpm, which would provide considerable potential for large‐scale cell culture in vitro.
Amyloid‐Beta, Tau, and Microglial Activation in Aged Felid Brains
Authors: Kulik Veronika , Edler Melissa K. , Raghanti Mary Ann , Imam Aminu , Sherwood Chet C.
Published: October 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its associated pathology have been primarily identified in humans, who have relatively large brains and long lifespans. To expand what is known about aging and neurodegeneration across mammalian species, we characterized amyloid‐beta (Aβ) and tau lesions in five species of aged felids (n = 9; cheetah, clouded leopard, African lion, serval, Siberian tiger). We performed immunohistochemistry to detect Aβ40 and Aβ42 in plaques and vessels and hyperphosphorylated tau in the temporal lobe gyrus sylvius and in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus. We also quantified the densities and morphological types of microglia expressing IBA1. We found that diffuse Aβ42 plaques, but not dense‐core plaques, were present more frequently in the temporal cortex and tended to be more common than Aβ40 plaques across species. Conversely, vascular Aβ was labeled more consistently with Aβ40 for each species on average. Although all individuals showed some degree of Aβ40 and/or Aβ42 immunoreactivity, only the cheetahs and clouded leopards exhibited intraneuronal hyperphosphorylated tau (i.e., pretangles), which was more common in the hippocampus. Reactive, intermediate microglia were significantly associated with total Aβ40 vessel area and pretangle load in the hippocampus. This study demonstrates the co‐occurrence of Aβ and tau pathology in two felid species, cheetahs and clouded leopards. Overall, these results provide an initial view of the manifestation of Aβ and tau pathology in aged, large‐brained felids, which can be compared with markers of neurodegeneration across different taxa, including domestic cats, nonhuman primates, and humans.
PhyKIT: A Multitool for Phylogenomics
Authors: Steenwyk Jacob L. , Martínez‐Redondo Gemma I. , Buida Thomas J. , Gluck‐Thaler Emile , Shen Xing‐Xing , Gabaldón Toni , Rokas Antonis , Fernández Rosa
Published: October 2024

Multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic trees are rich in biological information and are fundamental to research in biology. PhyKIT is a tool for processing and analyzing the information content of multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic trees. Here, we describe how to use PhyKIT for diverse analyses, including (i) constructing a phylogenomic supermatrix, (ii) detecting errors in orthology inference, (iii) quantifying biases in phylogenomic data sets, (iv) identifying radiation events or lack of resolution using gene support frequencies, and (v) conducting evolution‐based screens to facilitate gene function prediction. Several PhyKIT functions that streamline multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic processing—such as renaming FASTA entries or tree tips—are also discussed. These protocols demonstrate how simple command‐line operations in the unified framework of PhyKIT facilitate diverse phylogenomic data analysis and processing, from supermatrix construction and diagnosis to gaining clues about gene function. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Installing PhyKIT and syntax for usage

Basic Protocol 2: Constructing a phylogenomic supermatrix

Basic Protocol 3: Detecting anomalies in orthology relationships

Basic Protocol 4: Quantifying biases in phylogenomic data matrices and related measures

Basic Protocol 5: Identifying polytomies

Basic Protocol 6: Assessing gene‐gene coevolution as a genetic screen
Resource‐Efficient Electrodes with Metallized Woven‐Glass‐Grid Current Collectors for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yen‐Ming , Momeni Mohammadjafar , Dang Duc Huy Nguyen , von Bahder Suvi , Roth Friedrich , Münchgesang Wolfram , Danziger Manfred , Voitus Winfried , Nuss Dominik , Sennewald Cornelia , Leisegang Tilmann
Published: October 2024

A novel class of resource‐efficient, woven‐glass‐grid current collectors (CCs) for Li‐ion batteries is introduced. These CCs are based on ultra‐light multifilament glass threads, woven to a grid and surrounded with a thin metal layer (equivalent to a 1 μm‐thick metal foil) in a roll‐to‐roll physical vapor deposition process. This saves >90 % of the required Cu and Al metals and reduces the mass of the CCs by >80 %. At the same time, the gravimetric capacity of anodes with graphite and cathodes with LiCoO2 active material increases by 48 % and 14 %, respectively, while full cells are characterized by an increase of 26 %. Thus, the specific energy can be improved by 25 %. A complete anode and cathode fabrication process from preparing the CCs and electrodes to cells is described and demonstrated in coin cell format. Coin cells with woven‐glass‐grid CCs achieved 300 cycles with a capacity retention of 93 %, a Coulombic efficiency of >99.9 %, and a higher rate capability until a C‐rate of 3 C. This technology opens up new possibilities for designing ultralight CCs with dedicated surface properties for Li and beyond Li batteries.
On Vortices in Viscous Dusty Plasma With a Variable Dust Charge
Authors: Nebbat E. , Annou R. , Bailiche M. A.
Published: October 2024

A time‐dependent nonlinear model that describes the generation of vortex patterns of dust grains in a magnetized strongly coupled dusty plasma where ions are taken magnetized [Nebbat and Annou, Phys. Plasmas 30 (8), 082108 (2023)] is augmented. The effect of viscosity and dust charge variation on the characteristics of the vortex is investigated.
How to talk about politics without killing each other
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: October 2024

In 1968, I voted in my first U.S. presidential election, Nixon v. Humphrey. I was 10 years old and in fifth grade. We held a mock election in our class. Just before the actual election date, we had a luncheon for our parents and other guests. I cut the cake; I thought I was something. I remember very well serving my mother a piece of chocolate cake. I’ve always associated those two events fondly.
Effects of Nitrogen Forms on Soil Enzyme Activities in a Saline‐Alkaline Grassland
Authors: Wu Jiangqi , Wang Haiyan , Li Guang , Hou Fujiang , Xu Guorong
Published: October 2024

Global climate change and agricultural practices have increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, significantly affecting the nitrogen cycling process in grasslands. The impact of different N forms on key soil enzyme activities involved in N nitrification, particularly in the saline‐alkali grasslands of the Hexi Corridor, using natural grassland as a control (CK) and adding three N treatments: inorganic N (IN), organic N (ON) and a mixed N treatment (MN, with a 4:6 ratio of organic to inorganic N). Our study assessed the effects of these N forms on soil properties and enzyme activities crucial for N cycling. The findings indicate that different N forms significantly enhance soil mineral N content, with ON treatment leading to the highest increases in nitrate and ammonium content 92.44% and 35.6%, respectively, compared to CK. Both IN and ON treatments significantly boosted soil nitrate reductase and urease activities (p < 0.05), while MN treatment decreased nitrate reductase activity, with ON treatment showing the greatest sensitivity to enzyme activity changes. Soil pH slightly increased with N addition, but soil nitrite reductase activity remained relatively unchanged (0.372–0.385 mg g−1). Correlation analysis revealed that soil mineral N content and pH are key regulators of enzyme activities in saline‐alkaline grasslands. These results suggest that different N forms should be considered in nutrient cycling models, with organic N addition potentially enhancing soil N conversion and mitigating nutrient limitations in grassland ecosystems.
Spatial gradients in bank stability response in macrotidal environments: Inferences from the Severn estuary (UK)
Authors: Gasparotto Andrea , Darby Stephen E. , Leyland Julian , Carling Paul A.
Published: October 2024

In this study, we present a synthetic model summarising the main sedimentary and morphologic factors that drive spatial–temporal variations in bank stability through an exemplar macrotidal estuary. In contrast to previous studies that tend to only consider localised variations in the stability of small‐scale banks, here the focus is on understanding the bank stability patterns at the scale of the whole Severn Estuary (UK). The results show that during falling tides, the bank sediments persist in a near‐saturated state giving elevated bank pore pressures that coincide in time with declines in the hydrostatic confining pressure, leading to destabilisation of the bank. In contrast, bank stabilisation predominantly occurs during rising tides when the hydrostatic confining pressure is able to dominate over the destabilisation processes. Cohesive macrotidal estuaries similar to the Severn Estuary, tend to present a generalised decrease in the instability moving from the outer estuary where the tidal oscillations are more significant, to the inner part of the system where such oscillations are reduced and coupled with less high banks.
On delivering polar solvation free energy of proteins from energy minimized structures using a regularized super‐Gaussian Poisson–Boltzmann model
Authors: Panday Shailesh Kumar , Chakravorty Arghya , Zhao Shan , Alexov Emil
Published: October 2024

The biomolecules interact with their partners in an aqueous media; thus, their solvation energy is an important thermodynamics quantity. In previous works (J. Chem. Theory Comput. 14(2): 1020–1032), we demonstrated that the Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) approach reproduces solvation energy calculated via thermodynamic integration (TI) protocol if the structures of proteins are kept rigid. However, proteins are not rigid bodies and computing their solvation energy must account for their flexibility. Typically, in the framework of PB calculations, this is done by collecting snapshots from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, computing their solvation energies, and averaging to obtain the ensemble‐averaged solvation energy, which is computationally demanding. To reduce the computational cost, we have proposed Gaussian/super‐Gaussian‐based methods for the dielectric function that use the atomic packing to deliver smooth dielectric function for the entire computational space, the protein and water phase, which allows the ensemble‐averaged solvation energy to be computed from a single structure. One of the technical difficulties associated with the smooth dielectric function presentation with respect to polar solvation energy is the absence of a dielectric border between the protein and water where induced charges should be positioned. This motivated the present work, where we report a super‐Gaussian regularized Poisson–Boltzmann method and use it for computing the polar solvation energy from single energy minimized structures and assess its ability to reproduce the ensemble‐averaged polar solvation on a dataset of 74 high‐resolution monomeric proteins.
High preservation rates of the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery during total hip arthroplasty through the direct anterior approach
Authors: Matar Christian , Vorimore Camille ,   ReSurg, Laude Frederic
Published: October 2024

Purpose

(i) To investigate the rate of preservation of the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery (a‐LFCA) during total hip arthroplasty (THA) through a direct anterior approach (DAA), and (ii) to study factors that contribute to its successful preservation.

Methods

All patients who underwent primary THA between 1 September 2023 and 29 February 2024 were reviewed. One‐hundred seventy‐two patients were included in the study, 91 females and 81 males, aged 63.2 ± 12.6, with a body mass index of 26.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2. THA was performed through a minimally invasive DAA in all patients, using either a standard vertical DAA or a Bikini incision. Patients were stratified by the preservation of the a‐LFCA (preserved, ligated/electrocauterized due to obstruction of the surgical field during dissection, electrocauterized due to bleeding during femoral broaching or stem insertion). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore possible factors associated with the preservation of a‐LFCA.

Results

The a‐LFCA was preserved in 130 patients (75.6%), had to be ligated/electrocauterized due to obstruction of the surgical field during dissection in 31 patients (18.0%), and had to be electrocauterized due to bleeding during femoral broaching or stem insertion in 11 patients (6.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that preservation of a‐LFCA was significantly more likely in female patients (odds ratio [OR] = 2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1–4.6; p = 0.029), as well as in patients with younger age (OR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.9–1.0; p = 0.036) and lower weight (OR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.9–1.0; p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Preservation of the a‐LFCA is possible in the majority of patients (75.6%) undergoing THA through minimally invasive DAA. Furthermore, preservation of the a‐LFCA is more likely in female patients, younger patients and patients with lower weight.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.