bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desarrollo del pensamiento crítico a través del cine como recurso didáctico
Authors: Monsalve Lorente Laura , Ruiz Romero María José
Published: October 2021

Objetivo del estudio: El propósito de este trabajo es analizar, clarificar y visibilizar los diferentes usos del cine en población adolescente, dotando de herramientas al profesorado con una extensa propuesta de materiales en formato de nueve películas y series. Así mismo, se pretende describir una serie de competencias que potencien el pensamiento crítico del alumnado perteneciente a esta etapa, con el fin de favorecer una sociedad más plural y justa.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque: Se ha seguido una metodología cualitativa, en la que se realiza una revisión y búsqueda documental. El análisis se ha basado en tres ejes: una revisión y búsqueda documental sobre la utilización del cine como recurso educativo en las etapas de secundaria, selección y análisis de nueve películas/series y la descripción de las competencias que promueven para utilizar el cine como herramienta de aprendizaje basado en valores y concienciar al alumnado de secundaria sobre los derechos que poseen, sus libertades, la diversidad cultural, etc., para favorecer una sociedad más plural y justa.

Resultados: Es un hecho que dependiendo del uso que se le dé al cine se consiga educar en valores y concienciar al alumnado perteneciente a la etapa de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) sobre sus derechos, sus libertades, etc. Por ello, el pensamiento crítico juega un papel primordial en la interpretación del contenido audiovisual que se exponga al grupo-clase. En la realización del presente trabajo se ha podido comprobar las posibilidades del cine en las aulas, dejando abiertas una gran cantidad de propuestas para líneas futuras, como el análisis de otros bloques y temáticas.

Originalidad/contribución: Este texto contribuye al fomento de trabajar el pensamiento crítico a través del cine en las aulas de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria. Se demuestra las posibilidades que tiene el cine como recurso pedagógico para educar en valores a través de contenido audiovisual concienciado al alumnado sobre sus derechos y libertades.

Clasificación JEL: D83; I20; I21
Salvage treatment with stenting and temporary balloon occlusion for subarachnoid hemorrhage after stent retrieval following acute proximal M3 occlusion treatment
Authors: Kim Hyungyeol , Jin Sung-Chul , Lee Hyungon
Published: October 2021

Procedure-related subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after mechanical thrombectomy is known to be a clinically benign presentation. However, the treatment in the presence of definite contrast leakage without vessel rupture is controversial. Here, we report a case in which a salvage technique was performed for procedure-related SAH after mechanical thrombectomy for a proximal M3 occlusion.
A 56-year-old female patient presented with global aphasia and right hemiparesis within 2 hours after symptom onset. The initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score of the patient was 18 points, and Computed tomography (CT) angiography showed that the superior division of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) was occluded. We decided to treat the patient with mechanical thrombectomy. Control angiography showed a left proximal M3 occlusion. We performed mechanical thrombectomy with a partially deployed technique using a Trevo 3 mm stent (Stryker). Control angiography showed recanalization of the occluded vessel but contrast leakage after stent retrieval. We decided to treat the lesion presenting with contrast leakage with stenting using a Neuroform Atlas 3 mm stent (Stryker). Serial control angiography continued to show contrast leakage of the recanalized artery. We decided to treat the lesion with temporary balloon occlusion using a Scepter C balloon catheter (MicroVention). The patient recovered and had a modified Rankin scale score at discharge of 0.
Given the results of our case, stenting and subsequent repeat temporary balloon occlusion should be considered for SAH with contrast leakage after mechanical thrombectomy, as spontaneous cessation of the arterial bleeding is unlikely.
Infrared molecular fingerprinting of blood-based liquid biopsies for the detection of cancer
Authors: Huber Marinus , Kepesidis Kosmas V , Voronina Liudmila , Fleischmann Frank , Fill Ernst , Hermann Jacqueline , Koch Ina , Milger-Kneidinger Katrin , Kolben Thomas , Schulz Gerald B , Jokisch Friedrich , Behr Jürgen , Harbeck Nadia , Reiser Maximilian , Stief Christian , Krausz Ferenc , Zigman Mihaela
Published: October 2021

Recent omics analyses of human biofluids provide opportunities to probe selected species of biomolecules for disease diagnostics. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy investigates the full repertoire of molecular species within a sample at once. Here, we present a multi-institutional study in which we analysed infrared fingerprints of plasma and serum samples from 1639 individuals with different solid tumours and carefully matched symptomatic and non-symptomatic reference individuals. Focusing on breast, bladder, prostate, and lung cancer, we find that infrared molecular fingerprinting is capable of detecting cancer: training a support vector machine algorithm allowed us to obtain binary classification performance in the range of 0.78–0.89 (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]), with a clear correlation between AUC and tumour load. Intriguingly, we find that the spectral signatures differ between different cancer types. This study lays the foundation for high-throughput onco-IR-phenotyping of four common cancers, providing a cost-effective, complementary analytical tool for disease recognition.
Visual pursuit behavior in mice maintains the pursued prey on the retinal region with least optic flow
Authors: Holmgren Carl D , Stahr Paul , Wallace Damian J , Voit Kay-Michael , Matheson Emily J , Sawinski Juergen , Bassetto Giacomo , Kerr Jason ND
Published: October 2021

Mice have a large visual field that is constantly stabilized by vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) driven eye rotations that counter head-rotations. While maintaining their extensive visual coverage is advantageous for predator detection, mice also track and capture prey using vision. However, in the freely moving animal quantifying object location in the field of view is challenging. Here, we developed a method to digitally reconstruct and quantify the visual scene of freely moving mice performing a visually based prey capture task. By isolating the visual sense and combining a mouse eye optic model with the head and eye rotations, the detailed reconstruction of the digital environment and retinal features were projected onto the corneal surface for comparison, and updated throughout the behavior. By quantifying the spatial location of objects in the visual scene and their motion throughout the behavior, we show that the prey image consistently falls within a small area of the VOR-stabilized visual field. This functional focus coincides with the region of minimal optic flow within the visual field and consequently area of minimal motion-induced image-blur, as during pursuit mice ran directly toward the prey. The functional focus lies in the upper-temporal part of the retina and coincides with the reported high density-region of Alpha-ON sustained retinal ganglion cells.
Significant correlation between HSPA4 and prognosis and immune regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shang Bing-Bing , Chen Jun , Wang Zhi-Guo , Liu Hui
Published: October 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an inflammation-associated tumor involved in immune tolerance and evasion in the immune microenvironment. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are involved in the occurrence, progression, and immune regulation of tumors. Therefore, HSPs have been considered potential therapeutic targets. Here, we aimed to elucidate the value of HSP family A (Hsp70) member 4 (HSPA4) in the diagnosis and predicting prognosis of HCC, and its relationship with immune cell infiltration, immune cell biomarkers, and immune checkpoints. Gene mutation, DNA methylation, and the pathway involved in HCC were also analyzed.

Methods

The gene expression omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were used to compare HSPA4 expression, and the results were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining of clinical samples. R package was used to analyze the correlation between HSPA4 and cancer stage, and to establish receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of diagnosis, time-dependent survival ROC curve, and a nomogram model. cBioPortal and MethSurv were used to identify genetic alterations and DNA methylation, and their effect on prognosis. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) was used to analyze immune cell infiltration, immune cell biomarkers, and immune checkpoints. The STRING database was used to analyze protein–protein interaction network information. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to investigate the functions of HSPA4 and its functional partner genes.

Results

Overexpression of HSPA4 was identified in 25 cancers. Overexpression of HSPA4 considerably correlated with cancer stage and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level in HCC. Patients with higher HSPA4 expression showed poorer prognosis. HSPA4 expression can accurately identify tumor from normal tissue (AUC = 0.957). The area under 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival ROCs were above 0.6. The HSPA4 genetic alteration rate was 1.3%. Among the 14 DNA methylation CpG sites, seven were related to the prognosis of HCC. HSPA4 was positively related to immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints (PD-1 and CTLA-4) in HCC. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed HSPA4 enrichment in antigen processing and presentation together with HSPA8 and HSP90AA1. We verified the value of HSPA4 in the diagnosis and predicting prognosis of HCC. HSPA4 may not only participate in the occurrence and progression but also the immune regulation of HCC. Therefore, HSPA4 can be a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for HCC.
El campo de los estudios urbanos y regionales desde el Sur: anotaciones acerca de los desafíos teóricos y las posibilidades de una reconstrucción teórico-metodológica crítica en la periferia del capitalismo
Authors: Brandão Carlos
Published: October 2021

Existe un amplio patrimonio intelectual acumulado que busca interpretar las configuraciones socioespaciales, basándose para ello en diversos paradigmas teóricos. No ignorando ese legado, este artículo propone un abordaje crítico y alternativo que procura interpelar ese importante conocimiento heredado, levantando algunas problematizaciones y formulando ciertas categorías de análisis puntuales. Tal planteamiento intenta contribuir en la aprehensión de las variadas dimensiones espaciales de los procesos de reproducción de la vida social, pensados histórica y concretamente. La propuesta se concentra en construir mediaciones teóricas e históricas más pertinentes a los estudios urbanos y regionales, estimulando un debate horizontal entre el pensamiento crítico histórico-estructural del Sur con las interpretaciones de la producción social del espacio del Norte. El artículo se concentra en presentar una reformulación con una perspectiva crítica y enunciada desde América Latina.
Cartografía de riesgo de inundación en la planificación territorial para la gestión del riesgo de desastre. Escalas de trabajo y estudios de casos en España
Authors: Vargas Jesús , Olcina Jorge , Paneque Pilar
Published: October 2021

Las inundaciones son el riesgo natural que genera mayores impactos socioeconómicos y territoriales en el litoral mediterráneo español. El aumento en la frecuencia de este tipo de eventos y una desajustada ocupación del suelo ha elevado la exposición y la vulnerabilidad de territorios y poblaciones en las últimas décadas. El mapa es el documento de acreditación legal del riesgo y pieza clave para la toma de decisiones en las distintas escalas geográficas de la ordenación territorial. Este trabajo plantea una evaluación multiescalar del tratamiento de la cartografía de riesgo de inundación en los instrumentos de ordenación territorial y analiza el grado de vinculación entre ellos. Se analizan los casos de la Comunidad Valenciana y Andalucía, territorios altamente expuestos y vulnerables ante inundaciones. Los resultados identifican importantes retos conceptuales y metodológicos, especialmente en los documentos de planificación urbana y en lo referente a cuestiones ligadas con la evaluación de la vulnerabilidad.
El “City Prosperity Index”: Experiencias en la planeación mexicana
Authors: Torres-Meraz Nery , Iracheta Alfonso
Published: October 2021

El Índice de Ciudades Prósperas (City Prosperity Index, CPI por su sigla en inglés) de ONU-Hábitat propone una visión integral que considera las dimensiones económica, social y ambiental de la prosperidad. A partir del análisis comparativo de diversos índices, se considera al CPI como una herramienta eficaz para la elaboración de diagnósticos y para la identificación de retos y potencialidades de las ciudades, lo que permite apoyar los procesos de planeación; sin embargo, resulta limitado para incidir en el diseño, implementación y seguimiento de políticas públicas, ya que depende del fortalecimiento de las capacidades locales para traducir los hallazgos en acciones concretas. Algunos municipios de México han mostrado que, incorporando planes de largo plazo diseñados a partir de los hallazgos del CPI, es posible guiar a sus ciudades para hacer de ellas lugares más sostenibles, seguras, resilientes y prósperas.
Single Stem Rouging of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt Infected Plants for Orchard Rehabilitation
Authors: Kisera Kwach Johnson , Nyakomitta Peter Sungu , Muthomi James Wanjohi , Ndayitegeye Olivier , Okoko Evelyn Nasambu
Published: October 2021

Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW), caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm), a devastating disease, causes up to 100% loss and affects all banana varieties. The disease is widespread in East and Central Africa region. Study objective was to evaluate the performance of single stem rouging options for rehabilitation of severely affected banana orchard. Five single stem rouging options were implemented in banana orchard with 80% BXW severity in Western Kenya. The options included rouging of infected banana plants; uprooting, cutting at the base, injecting 20 ml of glyphosate herbicide at the soil base of the pseudostem, uprooting the whole stool and control leaving the infected stools. Initial visual assesment before implementation of the orchard was over 80% infection. Later samples were collected for diagnosis of ten plants per treatment from different plant parts and were subjected to ELISA and PCR procedures for confirmion of the presence of Xcm. Rouging options was implemented for one year. During and after experimentation periodic visual assesment of BXW incidence and severity reduced. Results of ELISA assays and PCR results  indicated Xanthomonas was present on banana plants. Rouging the infected banana stems by cutting at the base, uprooting and injection of herbicide reduced BXW incidence within six months. Xanthomonas, an inhibiting bacteria cannot surve without host and by killing the banana plant the Xanthomonas dies. Yields were recovered from the rehabilitated orchard within one year. Banana orchard highly infected with BXW was effectively rehabilitated.
Production of Glucose Isomerase from Streptomyces roseiscleroticus
Authors: Prosper Chinyelum Okwuenu , Iruogene Onosakponome , Emeka Henry Oparaji
Published: October 2021

This study was aimed at the isolation and characterization of a microbial strain capable of producing glucose isomerase. Microbial strain was isolated from soil using starch casein agar as a differential media. The isolated microbial strain was capable of producing glucose isomerase which was tested using 2, 3, 5 - triphenyltetrazolium solution as a chromogenic substrate. The microbial strain was identified as Streptomyces species based on its morphological and microscopic characteristics. It was further subjected to molecular characterization using 16S rRNA sequencing and was subsequently confirmed as Streptomyces roseiscleroticus. Glucose isomerase was produced from Streptomyces roseiscleroticus after 120 hr of submerged fermentation at pH 6.8 and at 37°C utilizing xylose as the sole carbon source and a compendium of peptone, beef and yeast extracts as nitrogen sources. These findings suggest that the microbial strain, Streptomyces roseiscleroticus can be a useful bacterial source for the production of glucose isomerase needed for commercial and industrial utilization.
Prospecção Tecnológica em Documentos de Patentes que Apontam a Fosfoetanolamina como Substância Associada ao Diagnóstico, à Prevenção ou ao Tratamento de Algum Tipo de Câncer
Authors: Cerqueira Tarcísio Magalhães , Da Silva Marcelo Miguel , Ribeiro Nubia Moura
Published: October 2021

O presente trabalho mostra um estudo prospectivo realizado em bases de dados de documentos de patentes acerca de documentos que apresentam a fosfoetanolamina como substância associada ao diagnóstico, à prevenção ou ao tratamento de algum tipo de câncer. Esse tema teve grande repercussão nos anos de 2015 e de 2016 e ainda repercute nos dias atuais. Tudo isso, pelos rumores de que um químico brasileiro havia “descoberto” a cura de algumas das neoplasias malignas, por meio do emprego dessa substância, em uma forma sintética especial. As bases de dados utilizadas foram a do Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial (INPI), do Escritório Europeu de Patentes (European Patent Office, ESPACENET) e a do software ORBIT®. Os resultados da pesquisa demonstraram que depósitos de patentes com essa temática existem desde 1983, os Estados Unidos lideram o domínio dessa tecnologia, houve um pico de depósitos no ano de 2014 e os maiores titulares da tecnologia apontada são pessoas jurídicas.
Prospecção de Tecnologias Verdes com Foco em Gerenciamento de Resíduos
Authors: Filho Luiz Nunes , Santos Raimundo Nonato Macedo dos
Published: October 2021

A prospecção de tecnologias limpas contribui não só para o processo de planejamento e investimento em tecnologia com menor risco, como também consiste em uma questão de responsabilidade social. Tratar essa temática implica em averiguar como abrandar os problemas ambientais sem prejudicar o desenvolvimento tecnológico. Logo, investiga-se o desenvolvimento de tecnologias relacionadas ao gerenciamento de resíduos a partir dos resultados do Programa Patentes Verdes do INPI como forma de auxiliar no cumprimento dos objetivos da Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos. Para tanto, utiliza-se do método de abordagem qualitativo a partir de um procedimento exploratório-descritivo em um corpus de 785 pedidos de Patentes Verdes. Neste sentido, por meio dos resultados revelados pela patentometria foi possível verificar que a categoria de gerenciamento de resíduos é a de maior aplicabilidade ao Programa Patentes Verdes, com representação de 56,9% dos pedidos deferidos pelo Programa, contribuindo, assim, para o desenvolvimento e aprimoramento de tecnologias limpas.
Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
Authors: Amemiya Shigeru
Published: October 2021

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) enables the high‐resolution imaging and measurement of electrochemical, chemical, and biological reactions at various interfaces. The power of SECM originates from the versatility based on the highly accurate and precise positioning of a micrometer‐ or nanometer‐sized ultramicroelectrode tip near the surface of substrates including nanomaterials and biological cells. The current response of the SECM tip (and that of the substrate when needed) is monitored to quantitatively probe the dynamics of a targeted reaction
in situ
and in real‐time. This article is concerned about the fundamental principle and recent progress of SECM for both imaging and nonimaging applications. Major progress was made through the development of specific instrumentation and protocols to transition nanoscale SECM into a reliable and powerful scientific tool. Nanoscale SECM can image and characterize single molecules and single nanostructures, quantitatively address the kinetics of otherwise unmeasurably fast reactions, and dynamically resolve a complicated reaction into multiple steps. Further technological advancement will find the wide and routine applications of nanoscale SECM. By contrast, microscale SECM is broadly used as an established method in various research areas including biology, corrosion, energy, and materials science to gain deeper insights into the mechanisms of important processes such as electrocatalysis and cellular activity and signaling. The ever‐lasting development of SECM during the last three decades manifested that the fundamental concept of SECM far exceeded and preceded our research needs and technological capabilities, which have not matched yet to fully realize the high potentials of this already remarkable methodology.
Scanning Ion‐Conductance Microscopy
Authors: Marcuccio Fabio , Actis Paolo
Published: October 2021

Scanning ion‐conductance microscopy (SICM) is a scanning probe technique employing a glass nanopipette to reconstruct topographical information of a sample immersed in an electrolyte solution. The feedback mechanism relies on the measurement of the ion current flowing through a nanoscale pore at the tip of the nanopipette whose amplitude depends on the nanopipette‐sample separation. We present the principle of functioning of the various scanning modalities and highlight the key applications for each of them.

The noncontact nature of the SICM feedback together with the possibility to operate in physiological buffers makes it particularly suitable for application in cell biology and particularly for live‐cell imaging. Since its inception in 1989, SICM has been deployed for a variety of applications other than topographical mapping and we present the most creative recent applications in biosensing, nanosurgery, electrochemistry, 3D printing, and nanomechanical mapping.
Nanoconfinement Measurement: Nanopore Electrochemistry
Authors: Long Yi‐Tao , Yu Ru‐Jia , Lu Si‐Min
Published: October 2021

Nanopore measurement has been proposed since 1996 and has been expanding greatly over the past two decades. The pore‐based nanoconfinement measurement enables many significant new insights and opportunities, leading a new direction in electrochemistry. In this article, we first begin with the construction of nanopores, including the biological nanopore, solid‐state nanopore, and the glass nanopore. Furthermore, the principles of nanopore measurement and the wide‐ranging applications are discussed, mainly the resistive‐pulse‐based measurement, ion current rectification‐based measurement, nanopore‐based sampling and delivery, and the nanopore‐extended electron‐transfer measurement.
Electrochemistry in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Bhunia Prasenjit , Dutta Kingshuk
Published: October 2021

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are being considered as one of the highly valued renewable energy sources, as evident from enormous work being carried out on the development of these devices over the past three decades. DMFCs are devices that directly transform the stored chemical energy of methanol into usable electrical energy. For this purpose, the fuel methanol gets oxidized at the anode of a DMFC, and oxygen gets reduced at the cathode in the presence of suitable electrocatalysts. Both the electrooxidation and electroreduction processes require involvement of protons and electrons. These electrode reactions, along with the transport of protons through the membrane electrolyte separator, are the backbone of DMFC operation, and the efficiencies of these phenomena are critical in the ultimate performance of the DMFC device. Keeping this in mind, this article has been completely dedicated to discussion and analysis of in‐depth fundamental electrochemistry involved within the membrane electrode assembly of DMFCs. In this regard, the involved electrochemical reactions in both acidic and alkaline media have been systematically described, with precise emphasis on the methanol oxidation reaction and the oxygen reduction reaction. In addition, the membrane characteristics and the mixed potential arising due to methanol crossover through the membrane have also been explained. Finally, the fundamental electrochemical aspects of DMFCs have been discussed systematically for easy understanding of the readers.
Microfluidic Fuel Cells
Authors: Gurrola M. P. , Escalona‐Villalpando R. A. , Arjona N. , Ledesma‐García J. , Arriaga L. G.
Published: October 2021

This chapter provides an overview of the challenges and developments in microfluidics fuel cells, as well as a description of fundamental principles, components, electrodes, enzymatic and abiotics electrocatalysts, designs, stacks and representative results and perspectives of microfluidics energy conversion electrochemical systems as fuel cells.
Chalcogen Tailoring of Cobalt‐Based Electrocatalytic Materials
Authors: Zhong Haihong , Alonso‐Vante Nicolas
Published: October 2021

This article summarizes the latest developments on cobalt‐based chalcogenide nanostructured materials including sulfides, selenides, and tellurides. This materials family presents an interesting perspective in devices for energy conversion and storage. The main electrochemical processes are the fuel‐cell reactions oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) as well as the electrolyzer reactions oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The various design strategies and undertaken chemical routes of synthesis have been summarized. This approach gives an idea of the challenging tasks, explored so far in various laboratories devoted to nonprecious metal centers electrocatalysts in the world, to obtain highly active and stable materials in combination with the nature of the catalysts' supports.
Performance optimization of a tri‐hybrid method for estimation of patient scatter into the EPID
Authors: Guo Kaiming , Ingleby Harry , Van Uytven Eric , Elbakri Idris , Van Beek Timothy , McCurdy Boyd
Published: October 2021

On‐treatment EPID images are contaminated with patient‐generated scattered photons. If this component can be accurately estimated, its effect can be removed, and therefore a corresponding in vivo patient dose estimate will be more accurate. Our group previously developed a "tri‐hybrid" (TH) algorithm to provide fast but accurate estimates of patient‐generated photon scatter. The algorithm uses an analytical method to solve for singly‐scattered photon fluence, a modified Monte Carlo hybrid method to solve for multiply‐scattered photon fluence, and a pencil beam scatter kernel method to solve for electron interaction generated scattered photon fluence. However, for efficient clinical implementation, spatial and energy sampling must be optimized for speed while maintaining overall accuracy.

In this work, the most significant sampling issues were examined, including spatial sampling settings for the patient voxel size, the number of Monte Carlo histories used in the modified hybrid MC method, scatter order sampling for the hybrid method, and also a range of energy spectrum sampling (i.e., energy bin sizes).

The total predicted patient‐scattered photon fluence entering the EPID was compared with full MC simulation (EGSnrc) for validation. Three phantoms were tested with 6 and 18 MV beam energies, field sizes of 4 × 4, 10 × 10, and 20 × 20 cm2, and source‐to‐imager distance of 140 cm to develop a set of optimal sampling settings.

With the recommended sampling, accuracy and precision of the total‐scattered energy fluence of the TH patient scatter prediction method are within 0.9% and 1.2%, respectively, for all test cases compared with full MC simulation results. For the mean energy spectrum across the imaging plane, comparison of TH with full MC simulation showed 95% overlap.

This study has optimized sampling settings so that they have minimal impact on patient scatter prediction accuracy while maintaining maximum execution speed, a critical step for future clinical implementation.
Local Delivery of Senolytic Drug Inhibits Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Restores Intervertebral Disc Structure
Authors: Lim Songhyun , An Seong Bae , Jung Mungyo , Joshi Hari Prasad , Kumar Hemant , Kim Cheesue , Song Seuk Young , Lee Ju‐Ro , Kang Mikyung , Han Inbo , Kim Byung‐Soo
Published: October 2021

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) is a leading cause of chronic low back pain. There is a strong clinical demand for more effective treatments for IVDD as conventional treatments provide only symptomatic relief rather than arresting IVDD progression. This study shows that senolytic therapy with local drug delivery can inhibit IVDD and restore IVD integrity. ABT263, a senolytic drug, is loaded in poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA‐ABT) and intradiscally administered into injury‐induced IVDD rat models. The single intradiscal injection of PLGA‐ABT may enable local delivery of the drug to avascular IVD, prevention of potential systemic toxicity caused by systemic administration of senolytic drug, and morbidity caused by repetitive injections of free drug into the IVD. The strategy results in the selective elimination of senescent cells from the degenerative IVD, reduces expressions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and matrix proteases in the IVD, inhibits progression of IVDD, and even restores the IVD structure. This study demonstrates for the first time that local delivery of senolytic drug can effectively treat senescence‐associated IVDD. This approach can be extended to treat other types of senescence‐associated degenerative diseases.
Personalized and Programmable Microneedle Dressing for Promoting Wound Healing
Authors: Wang Yuqiu , Lu Huihui , Guo Maoze , Chu Jianlin , Gao Bingbing , He Bingfang
Published: October 2021

Microneedle (MN) dressings, with the ability of transdermal drug delivery, have played an essential role in the field of wound healing. However, patients may still feel uncomfortable when sensitive unhealing wounds are pieced by strong needles. Here, inspired by the structure of mosquito mouthparts, which possess a fixation part and a liquid‐transferring part, we present a novel MN wound dressing with superfine needle tips, personalized pattern design, programmable needle length, and multiple mechanical strengths for intelligent and painless drug delivery. By simply stretching the silicone rubber (Ecoflex) molds before engraving, superfine MNs can be formed in the restored molds. Meanwhile, by utilizing intelligent image recognition, precise treatment for irregular wounds is achieved. Notably, combined with temperature‐responsive N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) hydrogel and inverse opal (IO) photonic crystals (PCs), a controllable drug release system has been achieved on MN dressings. Moreover, the performance of the MN dressing in facilitating wound recovery has been demonstrated by full‐thickness skin wounds of a mouse model. These results indicate that novel personalized and programmable MN wound dressings are of considerable value in the field of wound management.
Defective Bimetallic Selenides for Selective CO2 Electroreduction to CO
Authors: Wang Jiajun , Zheng Xuerong , Wang Guangjin , Cao Yanhui , Ding Wenlong , Zhang Jinfeng , Wu Han , Ding Jia , Hu Huilin , Han Xiaopeng , Ma Tianyi , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin
Published: October 2021

CO2 electroreduction (CO2RR) to CO is promising for the carbon cycle but still remains challenging. Au is regarded as the most selective catalyst for CO2RR, but its high cost significantly hinders its industrial application. Herein, the bimetallic CuInSe2 is found to exhibit an Au‐like catalytic feature: i) the interaction of Cu and In orbitals induces a moderate adsorption strength of CO2RR intermediates and favors the reaction pathway; and ii) the hydrogen evolution is energetically unfavorable on CuInSe2, as a surface reconstruction along with high energy change will occur after hydrogen adsorption. Furthermore, the Se vacancy is found to induce an electron redistribution, slightly tune the band structure, and optimize the CO2RR route of bimetallic selenide. Consequently, the Se‐defective CuInSe2 (V‐CuInSe2) achieves a highly selective CO production ability that is comparable to noble metals in aqueous electrolyte, and the V‐CuInSe2 cathode shows a satisfactory performance in an aqueous Zn–CO2 cell. This work demonstrates that designing cost‐effective catalysts with noble‐metal‐like properties is an ideal strategy for developing efficient electrocatalysts. Moreover, the class of transition bimetallic selenides has shown promising prospects as active and cost‐effective electrocatalysts owing to their unique structural, electronic, and catalytic properties.
Contamination‐Assisted Rather Than Metal Catalyst‐Free Bottom‐Up Growth of Silicon Nanowires
Authors: Dashtestani Ashkan Djaberi , Moeinian Ardeshir , Biskupek Johannes , Strehle Steffen
Published: October 2021

Well‐established metal‐catalyzed vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth represents still undoubtedly the key technology for bottom‐up synthesis of single‐crystalline silicon nanowires (SiNWs). Although various SiNW applications are demonstrated, electrical and optical properties are exposed to the inherent risk of electronic deep trap state formation by metal impurities. Therefore, metal catalyst‐free growth strategies are intriguing. The oxid‐assisted SiNW synthesis is explored and it is shown that contamination control is absolutely crucial. Slightest metal impurities, such as iron, are sufficient to trigger SiNW growth, calling into question true metal catalyst‐free SiNW synthesis. Therefore, the term contamination‐assisted is rather introduced and it is shown that contamination‐assisted SiNW growth is determined by the chemical surface treatment (e.g., with KOH solution), but also by the crystal orientation of a silicon substrate. SiNWs are grown in this regards in a reproducible manner, but so far with a distinct tapering, using a conventional gas‐phase reactor system at temperatures of about 680 °C and monosilane (SiH4) as the precursor gas. The synthesized SiNWs show convincing electrical properties compared to Au‐catalyzed SiNWs. Nevertheless, contamination‐assisted growth of SiNWs appears to be an important step toward bottom‐up synthesis of high‐quality SiNWs with a lower risk of metal poisoning, such as those needed for CMOS and other technologies.
Fine Tuning the Morphology of Spinel as Ultra‐Stable Catalyst Support in Propane Dehydrogenation
Authors: Xie Jiyang , Jiang Haoqing , Qian Ying , Wang Hongqin , An Nihong , Chen Shuai , Dai Yunsheng , Guo Shuailong
Published: October 2021

Recently, the propane dehydrogenation (PDH) to propylene has become one of the most promising and attractive techniques for the production of propylene because the success of the large‐scale exploitation of shale gas can supply an abundance of cheap propane for this process. Al2O3 is usually used as a support for PtSn catalysts to withstand the harsh reaction environment in the PDH process. However, due to the formation of coke and thermal agglomeration of metal particles, the PtSn catalyst suffers severe deactivation. Therefore, spinel supports are rationally designed with different morphologies (sphere, sheet, and rod) to stabilize the PtSn catalyst in the PDH. Specifically, the rod‐like spinel support exhibits a larger pore size and suitable interaction with PtSn nanoparticles shows an excellent C3H8 conversion rate of 43.2% and a C3H6 selectivity of 95.0% with an extremely low deactivation rate of 0.005 h−1 for the cycle test, standing as one of the best PDH catalysts reported to date and outperforming the commercial PtSn/Al2O3 catalysts. Besides, this catalyst is compatible with the industrial process to achieve scalable production.
Silicon isotope fractionation with a low‐silica rice mutant reflects plant uptake strategy in response to different silicon supply levels
Authors: Zhou Jingjie , Si Linlin , Xiao Han , Sun Yan , Ma Qingxu , Liu Mengjiao , Xu Meng , Wang Jun , Ni Liang , Wu Lianghuan
Published: October 2021

Plants may modulate uptake pathways when the nutrient concentration varies. The identified transporters Lsi1 and Lsi2 belong to low‐affinity systems; however, it is unknown whether a high‐affinity system responsible for silicon (Si) transport exists or how plants modulate Si uptake pathways. We aimed at developing isotope fractionation as a novel tool for nutrient uptake and cycling in plants. We grew the wild‐type rice ‘Oochikara’ and its mutant lsi1 under low (Si‐L: 0.17 mM) and high (Si‐H: 1.70 mM) Si supply levels and evaluated Si isotope fractionation between different Si pools. The isotope fractionations between Oochikara and nutrient solution were –0.15 and –0.63‰ at Si‐L and Si‐H, respectively; between lsi1 and nutrient solution they were –0.18 and –1.33‰ at Si‐L and Si‐H, respectively. The qualitative isotope fractionation caused by Lsi1 were –0.09 and –0.49‰ at Si‐L and Si‐H, respectively. We thus verified the hypothesis that Lsi1 preferred 28Si transport over 30Si and that this preference was independent of Si supply levels. Changes in Δ30Siplant‐solution suggested that a high‐affinity system exists and that plants may regulate Si uptake strategy by changing the participation of low‐affinity and high‐affinity pathways. Another root–shoot translocation that favors 28Si has been found in Si‐H‐lsi1 that previously occurred in banana (Musa spp.), which suggested that Si xylem loading is related to the different Si transport abilities of Lsi1 and Lsi2. Our results demonstrated that Si isotope fractionation can shed light on plants’ response to variable nutrient conditions.
Humoral and cellular immune responses to recombinant herpes zoster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis
Authors: Muchtar Eli , Koehler Amber B. , Johnson Michael J. , Rabe Kari G. , Ding Wei , Call Timothy G. , Leis Jose F. , Kenderian Saad S. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Wang Yucai , Hampel Paul J. , Holets Matthew A. , Darby Heather C. , Slager Susan L. , Kay Neil E. , Miao Congrong , Canniff Jennifer , Whitaker Jennifer A. , Levin Myron J. , Schmid D. Scott , Kennedy Richard B. , Weinberg Adriana , Parikh Sameer A.
Published: October 2021

Monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are clonal B‐cell disorders associated with an increased risk of infections and impaired vaccination responses. We investigated the immunogenicity of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) in these patients. Individuals with MBL/untreated CLL and Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi)‐treated CLL patients were given two doses of RZV separated by 2 months. Responses assessed at 3 and 12 months from the first dose of RZV by an anti‐glycoprotein E ELISA antibody assay and by dual‐color Interferon‐γ and Interleukin‐2FLUOROSPOT assays were compared to historic controls matched by age and sex. About 62 patients (37 MBL/untreated CLL and 25 BTKi‐treated CLL) were enrolled with a median age of 68 years at vaccination. An antibody response at 3 months was seen in 45% of participants, which was significantly lower compared to historic controls (63%, p = .03). The antibody response did not significantly differ between MBL/untreated CLL and BTKi‐treated CLL (51% vs. 36%, respectively, p = .23). The CD4+ T‐cell response to vaccination was significantly lower in study participants compared to controls (54% vs. 96%, p < .001), mainly due to lower responses among BTKi‐treated patients compared to untreated MBL/CLL (32% vs. 73%, p = .008). Overall, only 29% of participants achieved combined antibody and cellular responses to RZV. Among participants with response assessment at 12 months (n = 47), 24% had antibody titers below the response threshold. Hypogammaglobulinemia and BTKi therapy were associated with reduced T‐cell responses in a univariate analysis. Strategies to improve vaccine response to RZV among MBL/CLL patients are needed.
Sex differences in the distribution of entheseal changes: Meta‐analysis of published evidence and its use in Bayesian paleopathological modeling
Authors: Alonso‐Llamazares Carmen , Lopez Belen , F. Pardiñas Antonio
Published: October 2021

Objectives

We studied the sex differences in the distribution of entheseal changes (EC) in an archeological population through a Bayesian approach that allows incorporating existing knowledge while controlling for confounder factors that may affect EC development.

Materials and methods

We performed a meta‐analysis of published research on sex differences in EC frequencies from archeological populations. Also, EC were assessed for fibrocartilaginous entheses following the “New Coimbra Method” in a Spanish population that dates from the 15th to the 18th century. Data were analyzed with multivariate generalized linear mixed models (MGLMM).

Results

Meta‐analysis showed a consistent but small effect of males usually manifesting higher EC frequencies. Similarly, our MGLMM analysis showed that bone formation and erosion is unequally distributed in the archeological population we studied, with bone formation more present in male lower limbs and erosion more frequent in male upper limbs.

Discussion

Bayesian inference makes it possible to assess more complex models than traditional frequentist methods, and can be informed by meta‐analysis to reflect the current state of knowledge on any given topic. MGLMM are an appropriate technique for the study of EC as they can accommodate several response variables in a single model, controlling for well‐known confounders of EC formation to infer sex differences that could be attributed to daily behavior.
Primate body mass and dietary correlates of tooth root surface area
Authors: Deutsch Ashley R. , Dickinson Edwin , Whichard Victoria A. , Lagomarsino Giulia R. , Perry Jonathan M. G. , Kupczik Kornelius , Hartstone‐Rose Adam
Published: October 2021

Objectives

This study aims to examine primate postcanine tooth root surface area (TRSA) in the context of two ecological variables (diet and bite force). We also assess scaling relationships within distinct taxonomic groups and across the order as a whole.

Materials and Methods

Mandibular postcanine TRSA was measured using a three‐dimensional computed tomography (CT) method for catarrhine (N = 27), platyrrhine (N = 21), and strepsirrhine (N = 24) taxa; this represents the first sample of strepsirrhines. Two different body size proxies were used: cranial geometric mean (GM) using nine linear measurements, and literature‐derived body mass (BM).

Results

TRSA correlated strongly with body size, scaling with positive allometry or isometry across the order as a whole; however, scaling differed significantly between taxa for some teeth. Among Strepsirrhini, molar TRSA relative to GM differed significantly between folivores and pliant‐object feeders. Additionally, P4 TRSA relative to BM differentiated folivores from both hard‐ and pliant‐object feeders. Among Cercopithecoidea, P4 TRSA adjusted by GM differed between hard‐ and pliant‐object feeders.

Discussion

Dietary signals in TRSA appear primarily driven by high frequency loading experienced by folivores. Stronger and more frequent dietary signals were observed within Strepsirrhini relative to Haplorhini. This may reflect the constraints of orthognathism within the latter, constraining the adaptability of their postcanine teeth. Finally, because of the strong correlation between TRSA and BM for each tooth locus (mean r2 = 0.82), TRSA can be used to predict BM in fossil primates using provided equations.
Gestapelt, nicht geklebt: Enthüllung der π→π*‐Wechselwirkung mithilfe des Benzofuran‐Formaldehyd‐Komplexes
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Spada Lorenzo , Alessandrini Silvia , Zheng Yang , Lengsfeld Kevin Gregor , Grabow Jens‐Uwe , Feng Gang , Puzzarini Cristina , Barone Vincenzo
Published: October 2021

Der 1:1‐Benzofuran‐Formaldehyd‐Komplex wurde als Modellsystem für π→π*‐Wechselwirkungen in supramolekularen Umgebungen mit heteroaromatischen Ringen und Carbonylgruppen gewählt. Die Strategie einer gemeinsamen “Rotationsspektroskopie‐Quantenchemie”‐Analyse enthüllt die Rolle dominanter intermolekularer π→π*‐Wechselwirkungen in solchen Addukten. Die Untersuchung der intermolekularen Potentialfläche identifiziert 14 tiefliegende Minima, wobei 4 gestapelte Isomere stabiler sind als die durch Wasserstoffbrücken oder “freies Elektronenpaar”→π‐Wechselwirkungen verbundene. Alle lokalen Minima sind nur lose durch Übergangszustände getrennt, was unter den experimentellen Bedingungen eine effektive Relaxation zum globalen Minimum erwarten lässt. Der Nachweis nur einer Spezies, die dank Berechnung genauer spektroskopischer Parameter und Charakterisierung von 11 Isotopologen eindeutig zugeordnet werden konnte, bestätigt dies. Die große Isotopologenanzahl ermöglichte die Bestimmung der ersten semi‐experimentellen Gleichgewichtsstruktur für einen Molekülkomplex dieser Größenordnung.
Polydopamine decorated carbon dots nanocomposite as an effective adsorbent for phenolic compounds
Authors: Maruthapandi Moorthy , Saravanan Arumugam , Luong John H. T. , Gedanken Aharon
Published: October 2021

Carbon dots (CDs) with an average diameter of 2.3 ± 0.5 nm were prepared from red cabbage by a facile one‐step hydrothermal process. The CDs and polydopamine (PDA) were then subjected to ultrasonication to form a polymer composite namely, PDA‐doped CDs (PDA@CDs). The PDA@CDs with an average size of 5 μm was proven as effective adsorbents forp‐chlorophenol (p‐CP) andp‐cyanophenol (p‐CNP) as two probing models. The adsorption capacity of PDA@CDs was estimated to be 153 mg/g forp‐CP and 178 mg/g forp‐CNP, compared favorably with those of various adsorbents used in the literature, only 24–123 mg/g. The PDA@CDs significantly improved the adsorption rate of the two phenols at neutral pH and room temperature. The adsorption kinetics was governed by the pseudo second‐order and intraparticle diffusion models. The PDA@CDs were reused as an active adsorbent material for the adsorption of phenolic compounds with high adsorption capacities in wastewater.
Polymerization strategies to produce new polymer biocatalysts for the biodiesel industry
Authors: C. C. Pinto Martina , Sousa Isabelly , Dutra Luciana , S. Everton Stefanni , Greco‐Duarte Jaqueline , Pereira Cipolatti Eliane , G. Aguieiras Erika Cristina , A. Manoel Evelin , G. Freire Denise Maria , Pinto José Carlos
Published: October 2021

One of the major challenges regarding the enzymatic production of biodiesel is the development of more robust, active, and stable immobilized biocatalysts. Thus, the present work aims to develop new enzymatic biocatalysts for use in esterification and transesterification reactions. New polymer supports based on poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) and poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐divinylbenzene) platforms were synthesized, incorporating distinct functional compounds into the polymer chains (1‐octene, cardanol, and vinyl benzoate). Two distinct polymerization strategies were adopted for support syntheses: (i) Combined suspension and emulsion polymerization process (core‐shell particles); and (ii) Two‐step polymerization reaction comprising a suspension polymerization in presence of porogenic agents, followed by vacuum application (porous and nonporous particles). The obtained particles were employed for immobilization of lipase B from Candida antarctica. The addition of functional compounds resulted in particles with distinct textural properties. Moreover, particles with 91 m2.g−1 (P(MMA‐co‐DVB)/P(MMA‐co‐DVB)) were produced through combined suspension and emulsion polymerization, whilst particles with 154 m2.g−1 (P[MMA‐co‐DVB‐co‐VB]) were produced through suspension polymerization performed in presence of n‐heptane. Moreover, highly active biocatalysts were produced, leading to esterification conversions above 80%. Thus, based on the performance in esterification and transesterification reactions, the new functional matrices resulted in highly active biocatalysts with good potential for use in biodiesel industry.