bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antennal and proboscis sensilla characteristics of Paranthrene tabaniformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)
Authors: Zheng Yu‐feng , Dong Yan‐ling , Yang Zhao‐fu
Published: December 2022

The poplar clearwing moth, Paranthrene tabaniformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) is a serious wood‐boring pest of several trees. The ultramorphology of the antennae and proboscis sensilla of adult P. tabaniformis was examined using scanning electron microscope to determine their structures and sex‐specific differences. The results showed that the antennae of both sexes are composed of three segments: scape, pedicel and flagellum. Female antennae are clavate while male antennae are pectinate. The number of flagellomeres for females was significantly greater than for males. Seven different types of sensilla were identified on antennae of both males and females: Böhm sensilla, sensilla squamiformia, sensilla trichodea (three subtypes), sensilla chaetica, sensilla coeloconica, and sensilla auricillica (two subtypes), and apical sensors. Three different types of sensilla were found on the proboscis of adult P. tabaniformis: sensilla styloconica, sensilla chaetica, and sensilla basiconica (three subtypes). The sexual dimorphism difference in the number, distributional pattern, the length and the basal width of various sensilla on the antennae and proboscis were determined. This study clarifies the types and sexual dimorphism of the antennal and proboscis sensilla of adult P. tabaniformis and provides useful theoretical foundations for studies on behavioral mechanisms and functions of sensilla of P. tabaniformis.

Research Highlights

Various types of sensilla on the antennae and proboscis of adults Paranthrene tabaniformis were observed. The sexual dimorphism of various sensilla on the antennae and proboscis were determined.
Circadian rhythmicity of amyloid‐beta‐related molecules is disrupted in the choroid plexus of a female Alzheimer's disease mouse model
Authors: Furtado André , Esgalhado André J. , Duarte Ana C. , Costa Ana R. , Costa‐Brito Ana R. , Carro Eva , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Schroten Horst , Schwerk Christian , Gonçalves Isabel , Arosa Fernando A. , Santos Cecília R. A. , Quintela Telma
Published: December 2022

The choroid plexus (CP) is part of the blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) and was recently described as an important component of the circadian clock system. It is the principal source of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and responsible for the synthesis and secretion of various neuroprotective peptides including those involved in amyloid‐β (Aβ) transport/degradation, contributing to Aβ homeostasis. Inadequate Aβ metabolic clearance and transport across the BCSFB have been associated with circadian dysfunctions in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. To investigate whether AD pathology influences Aβ scavengers circadian expression, we collected CP at different time points from an AD mouse model (APP/PS1) (female and male animals, aged 6‐ and 12‐months‐old) and analyzed their mRNA expression by Real‐time RT‐PCR. Only angiotensin‐converting enzyme (Ace) expression in 6‐month‐old female wild‐type mice and transthyretin (Ttr) expression in 12‐month‐old female wild‐type mice presented significant rhythmicity. The circadian rhythmicity of Ace and Ttr, prompt us to analyze the involvement of circadian rhythm in Aβ uptake. A human CP papilloma (HIBCPP) cell line was incubated with Aβ‐488 and uptake was evaluated at different time points using flow cytometry. Aβ uptake displayed circadian rhythmicity. Our results suggest that AD might affect Aβ scavengers rhythmicity and that Aβ clearance is a rhythmic process possibly regulated by the rhythmic expression of Aβ scavengers.
Comparative histological evaluation of intra‐ and extraorally de‐epithelialized connective tissue graft samples harvested from the posterior palate region
Authors: Couso‐Queiruga Emilio , Gonzalez‐Martin Oscar , Stuhr Sandra , Gamborena Iñaki , Chambrone Leandro , Avila‐Ortiz Gustavo
Published: December 2022

Background

Autologous connective tissue graft (CTG) is generally considered the gold standard for peri‐implant soft tissue phenotype modification and root coverage therapy. The presence of epithelial remnants in CTG has been associated with complications after soft tissue augmentation surgery. However, a specific method for de‐epithelization that is patently superior has not been identified yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two different approaches to de‐epithelialize CTG samples harvested from the posterior palate.

Methods

Patients in need of periodontal or implant‐related surgery that required harvesting a CTG from the posterior palate region were recruited. CTG samples harvested with an indirect approach were de‐epithelialized using either an intraoral (IO group) or an extraoral (EO group) method. Tissue specimens were subsequently processed for histological analysis. The presence or absence of oral epithelial remnants was determined by two examiners using light microscopy.

Results

Twenty‐four patients, who provided a total of 46 analyzable CTG samples, were enrolled in this study. Histological assessment revealed that 19 out of 22 samples in the IO group were free of epithelial remnants. In the EO group, 20 out of 24 samples did not exhibit epithelial residues. These results translate into 86.4% and 83.3% of epithelium‐free samples in the IO and EO groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Although the intraoral method may provide several practical advantages compared with the extraoral technique, both approaches for de‐epithelialization of CTG samples harvested from the posterior palate region tested in this study were comparably effective. However, none of these methods ensured complete removal of the oral epithelium in a predictable manner, which should be considered in clinical practice.
T4b Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Surgery Plus Radiotherapy May Contribute to Prolonged Survival
Authors: Wang Zekun , Zhang Jianghu , Yang Bining , Zhang Ye , Chen Xuesong , Wang Jingbo , Wu Runye , Wang Kai , Qu Yuan , Huang Xiaodong , Luo Jingwei , Gao Li , Xu Guozhen , Li Ye‐Xiong , Yi Junlin
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To determine oncologic outcomes for patients with T4b sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) treated with either surgery plus radiotherapy or definitive radiotherapy.

Materials and Methods

Between January 1999 and December 2016, 85 patients with T4b SNSCC were analyzed retrospectively, there were 54 who received surgery plus radiotherapy (S + RT group) ± chemotherapy and 31 with definitive radiotherapy (RT group) ± chemotherapy. A 1: 2 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance clinical factors and match patients. Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model were used to determine risk factors on survival outcomes.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 76.7 months. The cumulative rates of locoregional control (LRC), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) at 5 years for entire cohort were 44.6%, 33.1%, 38.8%, and 33.9% respectively. After PSM, a total of 50 patients in S + RT group and 25 patients in RT group were analyzed. The 5‐year LRC, DMFS, CSS, and OS between S + RT and RT group were 58.6% versus 27.5% (p = 0.035), 42.8% versus 20.0% (p = 0.006), 50.3% versus 22.0% (p = 0.005), 44.5% veruss 20.0% (p = 0.004). The 5‐year survival rates with orbital retention between groups were 32.7% and 15.0%, p = 0.080. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed non‐surgical therapy (HR = 3.678, 95%CI 1.951–6.933) and invasion of cranial nerves (other than maxillary division of trigeminal nerves) (HR = 2.596, 95%CI 1.217–5.535) were associated with decreased OS.

Conclusion

The inclusion of surgery in the multimodal management of T4b SNSCC might confer a survival benefit. Further prospective studies comparing the oncologic outcomes of S + RT with RT are warranted.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2222–2231, 2023
NPS‐Crosslinked Fibrin Gels Load with EMSCs to Repair Peripheral Nerve Injury in Rats
Authors: Shi Wentao , Wu Yiqing , Wu Jiawei , Gao Yan , Zhao Peng , Lu Xiaojie
Published: December 2022

Neural tissue engineering has been introduced as a novel therapeutic strategy for trauma‐induced sciatic nerve defects. Here, a neuropeptide S (NPS)‐crosslinked fibrin scaffolds (NPS@Fg) loaded with an ectomesenchymal stem cell (EMSC) system to bridge an 8‐mm sciatic nerve defect in rats are reported. The Schwann cell‐like and neural differentiation of the EMSCs on the engineered fibrin scaffolds are also assessed in vitro. These results show that the NPS@Fg promotes the differentiation of EMSCs into neuronal lineage cells, which may also contribute to the therapeutic outcome of the NPS@Fg+EMSCs strategy. After transplantation NPS@Fg+EMSCs into sciatic nerve defects in rats, nerve recovery is assessed up to 12 weeks postinjury. In vivo experiments show that the combination of NPS crosslinked fibrin scaffolds with EMSCs can significantly accelerate nerve healing and improve morphological repair. In the study, NPS@Fg+EMSCs may represent a new potential strategy for peripheral nerve reconstruction.
Association between Tomato and Lycopene Consumption and Risk of All‐Cause and Cause‐Specific Mortality: Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Cohort
Authors: Jung Hyein , Shin Sangah
Published: December 2022

Scope

Tomato has well‐known beneficial health effects and is an important source of lycopene. The study aims to clarify the evidence for the association between tomato and lycopene consumption and all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in Korean adults.

Methods and results

Data analyzed in the current study are obtained from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Cohort. Mortality outcomes are determined based on death records from 2001 to 2020. Tomato and lycopene consumption is assessed using food frequency questionnaires and antioxidant databases and divided into quintiles. Over a mean follow‐up of 11.5 years, 5863 deaths are recorded among 139913 participants aged over 40 years. Tomato consumption is not associated with the risk of all‐cause and cancer mortality. However, the highest tomato consumption group has a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (HR = 0.779; 95% CI = 0.633, 0.957). Lycopene consumption is inversely associated with all‐cause (HR = 0.872; 95% CI = 0.801, 0.950), and CVD (HR = 0.680; 95% CI = 0.548, 0.845) mortality.

Conclusion

A higher intake of tomatoes and lycopene is inversely related to the risk of CVD mortality, and lycopene consumption is associated with a lower risk of all‐cause mortality.
High power balanced TEM horn antenna for ultra wide band radiator
Authors: Singh Sandeep K. , Chandra Romesh , Mitra Sabyasachi , Kumar Ranjeet , Kalyansundaram Senthil , Roy Amitava , Mukherjee Jayanta , Sharma Archana
Published: December 2022

A balanced transverse electromagnetic (TEM) horn type antenna is designed and developed for a 120 kV, 66 Ω high power ultra wideband (UWB) radiator. This antenna consists of a coaxial to parallel plate unzipper BALUN followed by an exponentially tapered TEM horn structure. Analysis of this antenna in time and frequency domain is performed using CST Microwave Studio. This antenna is having a power handling capacity of 1000 MW, with percentage bandwidth of 167%. This antenna has a gain of ~10 dB at 1 GHz frequency. Return loss performance of better than −10 dB is observed in 150 MHz to 1 GHz frequency range. Effective radiation of short pulses (<5 ns) with very fast rise time (300–500 ps) has been demonstrated using this high‐power antenna. Practical results at 220 MW power are presented in this article. Directional performance of this antenna is practically established through peak power patterns in horizontal and vertical plane.
Enhancement of antenna decoupling bandwidth by utilizing common and differential modes cancellation
Authors: Wu Wen‐Jing , Cheng Yi‐Feng , Wang Gaofeng
Published: December 2022

This paper proposes a decoupling technique with bandwidth enhanced by introducing two transmission zeros based on common mode (CM) and differential mode (DM) cancellation. The mutual coupling between antennas can be thoroughly eliminated if the CM and DM impedances are equal. Two transmission zeros with closely spaced frequencies are created by using a neutralization line and a parasitic element. The neutral line and parasitic unit can change the currents of radiation patches in CM and DM to realize an enhancement of decoupling bandwidth. To demonstrate the feasibility of this method, a reference and proposed arrays are fabricated and measured. In measurement, the port isolation of proposed antenna array is enhanced by 10.3–21.56 dB in the desired frequency band. Besides, the efficiency and gain are improved by 0.5–3 dB and 10.4%–18%, respectively. The pattern diversity/envelop correlation coefficient (ECC) is also enhanced.
Design of planar vialess baluns with asymmetrical cascaded coupled line sections
Authors: Chang Haojie , Sheng Weixing , Cui Jie
Published: December 2022

Two planar coupled line baluns without vias are designed in this letter. Because of asymmetrical configurations, a virtual port is introduced for even–odd mode analysis, showing the proposed baluns are equivalent to an open‐shorted anti‐coupled line section in odd mode and an open–open coupled line section in even mode. Consequently, bandpass response is obtained in odd mode while suppression is available in even mode, realizing the out‐of‐phase power splitting characteristic. Due to different input and output impedances of the open‐shorted anti‐coupled line sections, the designed baluns have the functionality of impedance transformation, and S‐parameters are then calculated to verify the performance as well. For validation, the two proposed baluns are fabricated with impedance transformers for a 50 Ω test system. The measured results exhibit the two baluns have 16.6% and 18.1% impedance bandwidth centered at 3.5 GHz with an insertion loss of 3.6 and 3.7 dB, respectively.
CGCA 34th annual conference
Authors: Liu Wenlan
Published: December 2022

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany, the 34th Annual Conference of the Chinese and German Chemical Association (CGCA) was held at the Berlin Technology Center of the Zhejiang Tsinghua Yangtze River Delta Research Institute, in Berlin on the beginning of October. This is the first on‐site gathering of the Chinese chemical colleagues in Germany since the Covid pandemic started. The conference was held in a hybrid form with online participants, and focuses on the topic of “Sustainable Development”. Researchers from Chinese and German top universities, research institutes and well‐known chemical enterprises held ten invited talks and five oral talks. They covered the field of materials, biomedical, and physical chemistry as well as energy chemical industry.
A review: In vivo studies of bioceramics as bone substitute materials
Authors: Al‐allaq Ali A. , Kashan Jenan S.
Published: December 2022

The critical size of bone defects resulting from disease or fractures is a medical problem, usually unable to repair spontaneously by the body's healing mechanisms. Bioceramics are being used for bone tissue regeneration to stimulate the growth of bone cells and guide osseous remodeling. The three most common types of bioceramics used in bone tissue engineering (hydroxyapatite, bioactive glass, and tricalcium phosphate) were selected and studied in vivo animal models, exhibiting favorable bone formation with positive biocompatibility reactions for several animal models. In the study, an extensive review of research was conducted to assess the bone‐forming capabilities of scaffolds in bone defects and remodeling in vivo. This review aims to support a large‐scale assessment of the capabilities of in vivo studies to generate an optimal regenerative process based on an analysis of the results. In addition to providing an essential reference for the applications of bone tissue engineering, the review will assist in developing novel in vivo investigations.
Covalent organic frameworks as advanced materials in the application of chemical detection
Authors: Liu Junyan , Wang Junfeng , Wang Ying , Wang Yang
Published: December 2022

With the development of industrialization, chemical detection plays a vital role in many fields. As a new type of porous material, covalent organic frameworks (COF's) possess the characteristics of huge specific surface area, low density, great stability, and adjustable pore size. These characteristics make it a great prospect for chemical detection. In the article, we mainly show how to design several analytic platforms to achieve precise target detection by utilizing the special properties of COF's, put forward the relevant mechanisms of successful detections, and analyze the related parameters of analyte detection performance. Finally, the current challenges of chemical detection based on COF's are presented, and we also prospect the future research directions.
Associations between cancer‐related distress and fatigue in childhood cancer survivors: A longitudinal study
Authors: Vanrusselt Deveny , Sleurs Charlotte , Prikken Sofie , Raymaekers Koen , Verschueren Sabine , Lemiere Jurgen , Luyckx Koen , Uyttebroeck Anne
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

A chronic feeling of fatigue occurs in up to 85% of childhood cancer survivors (CCS). This phenomenon has a detrimental effect on quality of life, reintegration in daily life activities and psychosocial functioning of the patient. Therefore, it is important to elucidate potential individual risk and protective factors.

Methods

CCS who were treated in the University Hospital of Leuven, completed two annual questionnaires on cancer‐related distress (fear of cancer recurrence and post‐traumatic stress, resilience and fatigue). Associations between distress and fatigue levels were examined by performing cross‐lagged panel analyses. Resilience was included as a potential moderator. These models included all within‐time associations, stability paths, and cross‐lagged paths. Gender and time since diagnosis were included as covariates.

Results

In total, 110 CCS participated in this study, aged 14–25 years (average time since diagnosis 12.2 years; 41.8% boys; diagnosed with leukemia/lymphoma [49%], solid tumor [15%], brain tumor [16%] or other [20%]). Fear of cancer recurrence and post‐traumatic stress at baseline positively predicted fatigue 1 year later. Cross‐lagged panel analyses showed that resilience did not buffer the effect of fear of cancer recurrence on fatigue, in contrary to our expectations. Stability coefficients were high for all study variables.

Conclusion

This study indicates associations between cancer‐related distress (fear of cancer recurrence and post‐traumatic stress), resilience and cancer‐related fatigue over time in CCS. Interventions to improve fatigue levels could be focusing on both tackling cancer‐related distress, while improving resilience levels as well.
Return to valued activities: Survivors' experiences of adaptation and growth after treatment for head and neck cancer
Authors: Gibson Chandrika , O’Connor Moira , White Rohen , Jackson Melanie , Baxi Siddhartha , Sheppard Dianne , Halkett Georgia K. B.
Published: December 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors who returned to valued activities to understand how they reconstruct their lives following HNC diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

A qualitative research approach based on social constructionist theory was used. A total of 21 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with adults diagnosed with any type of HNC in the previous 6 years. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes.

Results

HNC presents a unique trauma following which some survivors navigate paths back to meaningful activities. The experiences of HNC survivors who adapted to life after treatment described internal and external change and development, identified by three themes; Mindfulness; Gratitude; and Adaptation.

Conclusion

People diagnosed with HNC frequently experience lasting effects and other survivorship issues, however some survivors were able to return to valued activities and recreate a meaningful lifestyle reflecting the possibility of post traumatic growth. This study provides insight into the experiences of head and neck cancer survivors who were able to make meaning and find internal and external growth following treatment. These findings can be used to inform advanced communication skills training for oncology health professionals and psychoeducational courses for people diagnosed with head and neck cancer in the future.
Formation of Amorphous Carbon Multi‐Walled Nanotubes from Random Initial Configurations
Authors: Ugwumadu Chinonso , Thapa Rajendra , Al-Majali Yahya , Trembly Jason , Drabold D. A.
Published: December 2022

Amorphous carbon nanotubes (a‐CNT) with up to four walls and sizes ranging from 200 to 3200 atoms have been simulated, starting from initial random configurations and using the Gaussian Approximation Potential. The important variables (like density, height, and diameter) required to successfully simulate a‐CNTs were predicted with the machine learning random forest technique. The width of the a‐CNT models ranged between 0.55–2 nm with an average inter‐wall spacing of 0.31 nm. The topological defects in a‐CNTs were analyzed and new defect configurations were observed. The electronic density of states and localization in these phases were discussed and delocalized electrons in theπsubspace were identified as an important factor for inter‐layer cohesion. Spatial projection of the electronic conductivity favors axial transport along connecting hexagons, while non‐hexagonal parts of the network either hinder or bifurcate the electronic transport. A vibrational density of states was calculated and is potentially an experimentally comparable fingerprint of the material. The appearance of a low‐frequency radial breathing mode was discussed and the thermal conductivity at 300 K was estimated using the Green‐Kubo formula.
First Principles Calculations of Getchellite AsSbS3 in Bulk and Monolayer Structures
Authors: Lazaar Koussai , Gueddida Saber , Pascale Fabien , Said Moncef , Lebègue Sébastien
Published: December 2022

Herein, periodic density‐functional theory calculations for both bulk and monolayer structures of the getchellite (AsSbS3) compound are reported. The experimental crystal structure is modelled with partial occupations by using a supercell, the resulting structure being found to be dynamically stable. The Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) and Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof (HSE) calculations show that AsSbS3 is a semiconductor with an indirect bandgap of 1.62 and 2.30 eV for the bulk structure, and of 1.90 and 2.64 eV for the monolayer. Also, it is identified that the conduction band minimum is mostly due to the contribution of p‐As, p‐Sb, and s‐S orbitals, while the valence band maximum corresponds mainly to the contribution of p‐S orbitals.
Smoothed counting of 0–1 points in polyhedra
Authors: Barvinok Alexander
Published: December 2022

Given a system of linear equations in an ‐vector of 0–1 variables, we compute the expectation of , where is a vector of independent Bernoulli random variables and are constants. The algorithm runs in quasi‐polynomial time under some sparseness condition on the matrix of the system. The result is based on the absence of the zeros of the analytic continuation of the expectation for complex probabilities, which can also be interpreted as the absence of a phase transition in the Ising model with a sufficiently strong external field. We discuss applications to perfect matchings in hypergraphs and randomized rounding in discrete optimization.
Structural Engineering of BiVO4/CoFe MOF Heterostructures Boosting Charge Transfer for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Yang Xin‐Yu , Chen Zong‐Wei , Yue Xin‐Zheng , Du Xin , Hou Xing‐Hui , Zhang Li‐Ying , Chen De‐Liang , Yi Sha‐Sha
Published: December 2022

Boosting charge separation and transfer of photoanodes is crucial for providing high viability of photoelectrochemical hydrogen (H2) generation. Here, a structural engineering strategy is designed and synthesized for uniformly coating an ultrathin CoFe bimetal‐organic framework (CoFe MOF) layer over a BiVO4 photoanode for boosted charge separation and transfer. The photocurrent density of the optimized BiVO4/CoFe MOF(NA) photoanode reaches a value of 3.92 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), up to 6.03 times that of pristine BiVO4, due to the greatly increased efficiency of charge transfer and separation. In addition, this photoanode records one onset potential that is considerably shifted negatively when compared to BiVO4. Transient absorption spectroscopy reveals that the CoFe MOF(NA) prolongs charge recombination lifetime by blocking the hole‐transfer pathway from the BiVO4 to its surface trap states. This work sheds light on boosting charge separation and transfer through structural engineering to enhance the photocurrent of photoanodes for solar H2 production.
Hierarchically Engineered Artificial Lamellar Bone with High Strength and Toughness
Authors: Zhao Yonggang , Zheng Jingchuan , Xiong Yang , Wang Hetong , Yang Shuhui , Sun Xiaodan , Zhao Lingyun , Mikos Antonios G. , Wang Xiumei
Published: December 2022

Complex hierarchical architectures are ubiquitous in natural hard tissues, which comprise an elaborate assembly of hard and soft phases spanning from the nanoscale to the macroscale. The elegant architectures grant unique performance in terms of strength and toughness, but the biomimetic fabrication of synthetic materials with highly consistent structural and mechanical characteristics with natural counterparts remains a great challenge. Here, a centimeter‐size artificial lamellar bone is successfully fabricated for the first time via a well‐orchestrated “multiscale cascade regulation” strategy combining multiple techniques of molecular self‐assembly, electrospinning, and pressure‐driven fusion from molecular to macroscopic levels. The bulk artificial lamellar bone that is composed of hierarchically assembled mineralized collagen fibrils with a waiver of any synthetic polymer highly resembles the chemical composition, multiscale structural organization, and rotated plywood‐like structure of natural lamellae, thus achieving a good combination of lightweight and high‐stiffness (Ey ≈ 15.2 GPa), ‐strength (σf ≈ 118.4 MPa), and ‐toughness (KJC ≈ 9.3 MPa m1/2). This multiscale cascade regulation strategy can break through the limitations of a single technique and enable the construction of elaborate composite materials with multiscale step‐by‐step regulations of hierarchically structural organizations for unique mechanical properties.
Intercalation Hosts for Multivalent‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lakhnot Aniruddha S. , Panchal Reena A. , Datta Joy , Mahajani Varad , Bhimani Kevin , Jain Rishabh , Datta Dibakar , Koratkar Nikhil
Published: December 2022

Among intercalation, alloying, and conversion battery chemistries, the intercalation chemistry is most widely used in commercial applications due to its superior reversibility, round trip efficiency, and stability, albeit at the expense of reduced specific capacity. While intercalation hosts for monovalent ions (e.g., lithium and sodium) are well developed, the jury is still out on the best available intercalation host materials for multivalent ions such as magnesium, zinc, calcium, and aluminum. In multivalent systems, it is challenging to find electrode materials that can act as a durable host, and accommodate large number of ions, while also permitting fast diffusion kinetics. In this perspective, the electrochemical performance of five distinct class of materials (prussian blue analogues, sodium super ionic conductors, organic, layered, and open‐tunnel oxides) for multivalent ion storage is evaluated. The analysis reveals that open‐tunnel oxides show noticeably superior performance in multivalent ion batteries. Herein, the underlying reasons for this are discussed and the case is made for an in‐depth machine‐learning‐driven “materials exploration effort” directed toward discovery of new open‐tunneled oxides that could lead to vastly superior multivalent ion batteries.
The effect of marble powder on physico‐mechanical and microstructural properties of kaolin‐based geopolymer pastes
Authors: Kaya Mehmet , Köksal Fuat , Bayram Muhammed , Nodehi Mehrab , Gencel Osman , Ozbakkaloglu Togay
Published: December 2022

As an alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), alkali‐activated materials (AAMs) have more recently been studied and found to have certain suitability in reducing ecological footprint of OPC binding systems. Nonetheless, due to recent concerns over the availability of certain precursors used AAMs (such as the reduction of coal fly ash availability), this study utilized marble powder in various quantities to replace the naturally available kaolin as precursor. This composite use of natural precursors has been entertained to assimilate the production of carbon zero AAMs. To evaluate the physico‐mechanical and microstructural characteristics of the materials, 48 mixes with different sodium (Na) concentrations, curing temperatures, and marble powder content have been used. The results show that rising curing temperature is more effective than other variables, such as the Na and marble powder content on the physico‐mechanical performance of tested geopolymers. In this regard, it is found that a very high Na content can have adverse effect on the properties, potentially due to altered Na/Si, Na/Al ratio in the mixes. Furthermore, the inclusion of marble powder is found to be effective in decreasing the overall porosity up to ~31% and enhancing the physico‐mechanical properties of the specimens cured at 20 and 80°C. Nonetheless, results show that when specimens containing marble powder are exposed to higher curing temperatures (above 80°C) the presence of marble powder adversely affects physico‐mechanical properties. It is concluded that this phenomenon is caused by the dehydration of chemically bound water in higher temperatures when marble powder is used. This result is further confirmed by microstructural tests.
How do digital textbook platforms promote active learning in undergraduate biology courses?
Authors: Metcalf Leah E. , Bernacki Matthew L. , Bernacki Lucas E.
Published: December 2022

Discipline‐based educational researchers and institutions that provide guidance on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics instruction have long documented the impact of active learning strategies on student learning and achievement, the lack of incorporation of active learning into undergraduate instruction, and the languishing rates of progression through and completion of undergraduate degree programs. Most research on improving active learning has been found to focus on instructors and the ways they have promoted active learning in their course design. Our aim was to consider the ways that textbook publishers and the online learning platforms they have produced have provided resources to promote active learning. This content analysis has documented the degree to which the digital platform companions to four highly subscribed introductory biology textbooks have provided resources that promote (1) highlighting of informational texts, (2) self‐testing, and (3) generative strategies for learning, including self‐explanation, summarization, and elaboration. Digital platforms largely supported highlighting and self‐testing, but the features of these tools could have been improved to promote more productive engagement in the learning strategies and to provide more explicit instruction about and scaffolding of the practices. Resources that promoted additional generative strategies were more limited. Implications relevant to developers and instructors who wish to leverage digital resources to promote active learning are included and are grounded via empirical support of design and implementation choices.
COVID-19 and U.S. Schools: Using Data to Understand and Mitigate Inequities in Instruction and Learning
Authors: Hamilton Laura S. , Ercikan Kadriye
Published: December 2022

Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the United States, schools across the country had to enact significant, rapid changes to their instructional models, and schools varied widely in their access to the resources needed to support these efforts. Researchers across the U.S. quickly launched surveys, website reviews, and other data-collection methods to document these shifts. In this chapter, we draw on this research to describe the U.S. K-12 educational context, the policies states adopted, the practices and resources schools offered, and the potential effects on students’ academic, social, and emotional learning. In these discussions we draw particular attention to inequities in educational opportunities across schools serving different student populations. We then discuss how different sources of data will be needed to help identify educational needs and mitigate disparities in instruction and learning post-pandemic.
Covid-19 and Education on the Front Lines in Japan: What Caused Learning Disparities and How Did the Government and Schools Take Initiative?
Authors: Iwabuchi Kazuaki , Hodama Kouki , Onishi Yutaka , Miyazaki Shota , Nakae Sae , Suzuki Kan Hiroshi
Published: December 2022

While the COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to the education system of Japan, the government and schools took necessary measures to combat the outbreak and ensure student learning continued. The temporary school closure, following the state of emergency, continued for 2 months, from April through May of 2020. Even after the declaration was lifted in May 2020, schools adopted the new-normal way of operations. By shortening the summer break and holding alternative classes, elementary, junior, and senior high schools, except for universities, returned to normal while the COVID-19 pandemic was settling down, and ended the semester regularly in December 2020. The temporary closure, however, led to a huge disparity in implementing online classes, depending on availability of personal laptops in schools. Many private schools, and a substantial number of public schools established by innovative local governments, such as Saga Prefecture and Shibuya Ward, were successful in transitioning to online learning. However, most public schools were unable to hold online courses due to the lack of facilities both in schools and at student households. Aware of the disparities, the government brought forward a policy initiative to distribute personal PCs to all elementary and junior high school students, and to supply high-speed IT networks to each school, with an expected completion of March 2021. In this chapter, we will explore various disparities in depth, particularly underlining the relationship between ICT environments in schools and the issue of school founders. Additionally, we provide an overview on how the government and schools coped with the crisis, capitalized on the policy initiatives, and utilized available resources. As a concluding remark, we aim to leave room for optimism by taking this pandemic as an opportunity to reconsider and reimagine education. Note: This chapter has nothing to do with operations of organizations that respective authors belong to, and the views expressed in this chapter do not represent organizations’, but are authors’ own.
Forecasting unemployment with Google Trends: age, gender and digital divide
Authors: Mulero Rodrigo , Garcia-Hiernaux Alfredo
Published: December 2022

This paper uses time series of job search queries from Google Trends to predict the unemployment in Spain. Within this framework, we study the effect of the so-called digital divide, by age and gender, from the predictions obtained with the Google Trends tool. Regarding males, our results evidence a digital divide effect in favor of the youngest unemployed. Conversely, the forecasts obtained for female and total unemployment clearly reject such effect. More interestingly, Google Trends queries turn out to be much better predictors for female than male unemployment, being this result robust to age groups. Additionally, the number of good predictors identified from the job search queries is also higher for women, suggesting that they are more likely to expand their job search through different queries.
Parameterisation of the GNSS troposphere tomography domain with optimisation of the nodes’ distribution
Authors: Trzcina Estera , Rohm Witold , Smolak Kamil
Published: December 2022

Water vapour is a highly variable constituent of the troposphere; thus, its high-resolution measurements are of great importance to weather prediction systems. The Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are operationally used in the estimation of the tropospheric state and assimilation of the results into the weather models. One of the GNSS techniques of troposphere sensing is tomography which provides 3-D fields of wet refractivity. The tomographic results have been successfully assimilated into the numerical weather models, showing the great potential of this technique. The GNSS tomography can be based on two different approaches to the parameterisation of the model’s domain, i.e. block (voxel-based) or grid (node-based) approach. Regardless of the parameterisation approach, the tomographic domain should be discretised, which is usually performed in a regular manner, with a grid resolution depending on the mean distance between the GNSS receivers. In this work, we propose a new parameterisation approach based on the optimisation of the tomographic nodes’ location, taking into account the non-uniform distribution of the GNSS information in the troposphere. The experiment was performed using a dense network of 16 low-cost multi-GNSS receivers located in Wrocław and its suburbs, with a mean distance of 3 km. Cross-validation of four different parameterisation approaches is presented. The validation is performed based on the Weather Research and Forecasting model as well as radiosonde observations. The new approach improves the results of wet refractivity estimation by 0.5–2 ppm in terms of RMSE, especially for altitudes of 0.5–2.0 km.
Intrinsic D614G and P681R/H mutations in SARS-CoV-2 VoCs Alpha, Delta, Omicron and viruses with D614G plus key signature mutations in spike protein alters fusogenicity and infectivity
Authors: Khatri Ritika , Siddqui Gazala , Sadhu Srikanth , Maithil Vikas , Vishwakarma Preeti , Lohiya Bharat , Goswami Abhishek , Ahmed Shubbir , Awasthi Amit , Samal Sweety
Published: December 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has been rapidly evolving over the time and the genetic variation has led to the generation of Variants of Concerns (VoC), which have shown increased fitness. These VoC viruses contain the key mutations in the spike protein which have allowed better survival and evasion of host defense mechanisms. The D614G mutation in the spike domain is found in the majority of VoC; additionally, the P681R/H mutation at the S1/S2 furin cleavage site junction is also found to be highly conserved in major VoCs; Alpha, Delta, Omicron, and its’ current variants. The impact of these genetic alterations of the SARS-CoV-2 VoCs on the host cell entry, transmissibility, and infectivity has not been clearly identified. In our study, Delta and D614G + P681R synthetic double mutant pseudoviruses showed a significant increase in the cell entry, cell-to-cell fusion and infectivity. In contrast, the Omicron and P681H synthetic single mutant pseudoviruses showed TMPRSS2 independent cell entry, less fusion and infectivity as compared to Delta and D614G + P681R double mutants. Addition of exogenous trypsin further enhanced fusion in Delta viruses as compared to Omicron. Furthermore, Delta viruses showed susceptibility to both E64d and Camostat mesylate inhibitors suggesting, that the Delta virus could exploit both endosomal and TMPRSS2 dependent entry pathways as compared to the Omicron virus. Taken together, these results indicate that the D614G and P681R/H mutations in the spike protein are pivotal which might be favoring the VoC replication in different host compartments, and thus allowing a balance of mutation vs selection for better long-term adaptation.
Blind recovery of sources for multivariate space-time random fields
Authors: Muehlmann C. , De Iaco S. , Nordhausen K.
Published: December 2022

With advances in modern worlds technology, huge datasets that show dependencies in space as well as in time occur frequently in practice. As an example, several monitoring stations at different geographical locations track hourly concentration measurements of a number of air pollutants for several years. Such a dataset contains thousands of multivariate observations, thus, proper statistical analysis needs to account for dependencies in space and time between and among the different monitored variables. To simplify the consequent multivariate spatio-temporal statistical analysis it might be of interest to detect linear transformations of the original observations that result in straightforward interpretative, spatio-temporally uncorrelated processes that are also highly likely to have a real physical meaning. Blind source separation (BSS) represents a statistical methodology which has the aim to recover so-called latent processes, that exactly meet the former requirements. BSS was already successfully used in sole temporal and sole spatial applications with great success, but, it was not yet introduced for the spatio-temporal case. In this contribution, a reasonable and innovative generalization of BSS for multivariate space-time random fields (stBSS), under second-order stationarity, is proposed, together with two space-time extensions of the well-known algorithms for multiple unknown signals extraction (stAMUSE) and the second-order blind identification (stSOBI) which solve the formulated problem. Furthermore, symmetry and separability properties of the model are elaborated and connections to the space-time linear model of coregionalization and to the classical principal component analysis are drawn. Finally, the usefulness of the new methods is shown in a thorough simulation study and on a real environmental application.
Asterarcys quadricellulare (Chlorophyceae) protects H9c2 cardiomyoblasts from H2O2-induced oxidative stress
Authors: Saadaoui Imen , Bounnit Touria , Mraiche Fatima , Joseph Jensa M. , Cherif Maroua , Al-Jabri Hareb
Published: December 2022

Oxidative stress has recently been identified as an important mediator of cardiovascular diseases. The need to find efficient antioxidant molecules is essential in the disease’s prevention. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the potential of microalgae bioactive in protecting H9c2 cardiomyoblasts from H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Four microalgal species were investigated for their antioxidant capacity. A qualitative assessment of oxidative stress in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts stained with DCFH-DA, treated with the highly active microalgae extracts, was performed. The protein expression of total caspase-3 was also examined to investigate whether the extract protects H9c2 cardimyoblasts from H2O2-induced apoptosis. High antioxidant activity was observed for the hexanoic extracts after 10 days of cultivation. Asterarcys quadricellulare exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity of 110.59 ± 1.75 mg TE g−1 dry weight and was tested against H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, which were initially subjected to H2O2-induced oxidative stress. This hexanoic extract protected against H2O2 induced oxidative stress with a similar scavenging capacity as N-Acetylcysteine. Furthermore, total caspase-3 was increased following treatment with the hexanoic extract, suggesting that A. quadricellulare also had anti-apoptotic properties. The outcome of our study highlighted the possible use of the local A. quadricellulare strain QUCCCM10 as a natural, safe, and efficient antioxidant to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Does vocabulary knowledge matter in the effectiveness of instructing reading strategies? Differential responses from adolescents with low academic achievement on growth in reading comprehension
Authors: Okkinga M. , Gelderen A. J. S. van , Schooten E. van , Steensel R. van , Sleegers P. J. C.
Published: December 2022

Prior studies suggest that teaching reading strategies promotes reading comprehension in adolescents who have difficulties with reading comprehension, yet the results of those studies are mixed. Individual differences in students’ vocabulary knowledge may explain these mixed results. This article examines to what extent vocabulary knowledge influences the effect of a two-year intervention program focused on teaching reading strategies to adolescents with low academic achievement in the Netherlands. We hypothesized that students (N = 310) with different levels of vocabulary knowledge would respond differently to the treatment, given that vocabulary knowledge is an important factor in reading comprehension. Results showed that vocabulary knowledge moderated the effect of the treatment, suggesting that low vocabulary knowledge negatively affected the impact of an intervention focused on reading strategies. Vocabulary knowledge, thus, emerges as a prerequisite for the successful leveraging of a reading strategy intervention. Students with low vocabulary knowledge may experience cognitive overload when attempting to apply newly learned reading strategies while simultaneously trying to find out the meaning of multiple unfamiliar words needed for successful application of reading strategies.
Herkunftsnennung von Täter*innen und Verdächtigen in der Verbrechensberichterstattung
Authors: Klimmt Christoph , Dittrich Anja , Brosius Hans-Bernd , Schmid-Petri Hannah , Schultz Tanjev , Vowe Gerhard
Published: December 2022

Journalist*innen und Kommunikationsverantwortliche bei Sicherheits- und Justizbehörden veröffentlichen zahlreiche Mitteilungen über Straftaten. Häufig besteht dabei die Notwendigkeit zu entscheiden, wie mit einer migrantischen Herkunft von Tatbeteiligten oder ihrer Zugehörigkeit zu von Rassismus betroffenen Gruppen publizistisch umzugehen ist. Diese Entscheidungen können weitreichende Folgen haben und berühren verschiedene Aspekte der Menschenwürde, der gesellschaftlichen Teilhabe und der behördlichen wie medialen Transparenz. Deshalb gibt unser Beitrag eine Empfehlung, ob und wann die Herkunft beziehungsweise Gruppenzugehörigkeit von Verdächtigen oder Täter*innen offengelegt werden sollte. Diese Empfehlung ist wissenschaftlich hergeleitet und im Austausch mit einer interprofessionellen Expert*innengruppe erarbeitet worden. Sie soll keine Vorgaben verkünden, sondern bei einer reflektierten, verantwortungsbewussten und von Sachkenntnis getragenen Einzelfallentscheidung in der täglichen Kommunikationspraxis helfen. Eine „Checkliste“ von Fragen zielt darauf, Medienschaffende und Kommunikationsverantwortliche zusätzlich zu kodifizierten Leitlinien (z. B. Redaktionsstatuten, Ministerialerlassen und Ziffer 12.1 des Pressekodex des Deutschen Presserates) bei Entscheidungen zu unterstützen, die oftmals unter Zeitdruck gefällt werden müssen.