bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of carboxybetaine with sulfobetaine polyaspartamides: Nonfouling properties, hydrophilicity, cytotoxicity and model nanogelation in an inverse miniemulsion
Authors: Hladysh Sviatoslav , Oleshchuk Diana , Dvořáková Jana , Šeděnková Ivana , Filipová Marcela , Pobořilová Zuzana , Pánek Jiří , Proks Vladimír
Published: December 2021

Zwitterionic polymers are promising non‐fouling materials widely used for surface modification. Here, we report the synthesis of zwitterionic polyaspartamides bearing carboxybetaine and sulfobetaine prepared via combining the ring‐opening reaction of polysuccinimide with 3‐(dimethylamino)‐1‐propylamine and the reaction of the formed tertiary amine side groups with 1,3‐propanesultone and 4‐bromobutyric acid, respectively. Both sulfobetaine and carboxybetaine polyaspartamides have cationic and anionic charged groups on the same repeat unit, but they differ in negatively charged groups. The chemical structures of the synthesized polymers were confirmed by 1H NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopies. The zwitterionic property of polyaspartamides were characterized by zeta potential measurements using wide range of pH. The surface properties mainly anti‐protein adsorption abilities and hydrophilicity were tested by surface plasmon resonance analysis, fluorescence microscopy, and contact angle measurements. Importantly, sulfobetaine polyaspartamides demonstrated better both antifouling performance and ability to form more hydrophilic surfaces than carboxybetaine polyaspartamide. Two zwitterionic carboxybetaine and sulfobetaine nanogels were prepared by horseradish peroxidase‐mediated crosslinking in an inverse miniemulsion. Results from dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of nanosized spherical particles. Additionally, sulfobetaine and carboxybetaine polyaspartamides had remarkable biocompatibilities, indicating their promise as non‐fouling materials for biomedical applications.
Assessing sustainability opportunities for circular business models
Authors: Averina Elizaveta , Frishammar Johan , Parida Vinit
Published: December 2021

As the unfolding climate crisis escalates, incumbent manufacturing companies are increasingly sensing and seizing sustainability opportunities—ideas that help to generate value in a more sustainable way than existing alternatives. Prior literature has underscored the importance of opportunity recognition and has theorized various types of circular business models to address sustainability in practice. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the step in between: undertaking an assessment that provides a foundation for subsequently pursuing a circular business model. Based on a multiple case study of four innovation projects pursuing sustainability, this article identifies capability assessment, ecosystem alignment, and value‐capture viability as key dimensions in evaluating sustainability opportunities prior to circular business model design and development. These insights are aggregated into a framework that allows companies to conduct a systematic assessment of sustainability opportunities in practice. The framework provides new theoretical implications for the literature on circular economy and business model innovation, and it offers hands‐on advice for management practice.
Extractive Fermentation Processes: Modes of Operation and Application
Authors: Teke George M. , Tai Siew L. , Pott Robert W. M.
Published: December 2021

Bioprocesses can be hampered by product concentrations within a fermentation leading to product‐inhibition, and reductions in yield and productivity. This limitation impacts operational considerations, process economics, and viability, and, ultimately, whether a technology is industrially viable. One approach to circumventing these concerns is in situ extraction of products. In this way, the organism is no longer exposed to the inhibitory product, and fermentation can proceed, often at improved rates. Significant advances in this field have been made in recent years, however, they are for the most part siloed into sub‐fields (focusing on the product extracted, or the method of extraction). This review considers in situ extraction more holistically in terms of i) the separation methodology, ii) the mode of reactor operation, and iii) the physical reactor configuration. The summary hopes to give insight into promising areas for research and potentially spark ideas for novel in situ extractive processes.
Novel Lipophilic Fluorophores with Highly Acidity‐Dependent Two‐Photon Response
Authors: Rammo Matt , Trummal Aleksander , Uudsemaa Merle , Pahapill Juri , Petritsenko Katrin , Sildoja Meelis‐Mait , Stark Charles W. , Selberg Sigrid , Leito Ivo , Palmi Kirsti , Adamson Jasper , Rebane Aleksander
Published: December 2021

Lipophilic fluorophores are widely implemented in nonlinear microscopy; however, few existing membrane‐specific probes combine the high brightness of two‐photon excited fluorescence (2PEF) with pH sensitivity. Herein we describe four novel two‐photon excited fluorophores, based on a coumarin 151 core structure, where lipophilicity is induced by a covalently attached phosphazene moiety. Changing the environmental acidity using trifluoromethanesulfonic (triflic) acid leads to profound changes in the linear fluorescence and 2PEF characteristics, due to chromophores’ switching between neutral‐ and protonated forms. We characterize this dependence by measuring the two‐photon absorption (2PA) spectra over the region λ2PA=550–1000 nm, observing 2PA cross sections of σ2PA=10–20 GM, with an associated 2PEF brightness of 10–13 GM, in neutral solutions of both acetonitrile and n‐octanol. Although quantum chemical modelling and NMR measurements show that, at high chromophore concentrations, protonation may be accompanied by a dimerization process, these dimers likely do not form at the lower concentrations used in optical spectroscopy.
A Masked Form of an O‐Borylated Breslow Intermediate for the Diastereoselective FLP‐Type Activation of Aldehydes
Authors: Fajardo Angelica Mejia , Queyriaux Nicolas , Camy Aurèle , Vendier Laure , Grellier Mary , del Rosal Iker , Maron Laurent , Bontemps Sébastien
Published: December 2021

Breslow intermediates are very often elusive species whose application in frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chemistry is unprecedented. Described herein is the use of a masked form of an O‐borylated Breslow (OBB) intermediate that performs FLP‐type activation of the carbonyl function of five different benzaldehyde derivatives with complete diastereoselectivity. The resulting compounds are characterised in solution by NMR spectroscopy (compounds 4–8) and in solid state by X‐ray diffraction analysis (compounds 4–6). A combined kinetic and theoretical investigation reveals the associative nature of the rate determining step and suggests that the OBB intermediate part is never released during the whole process.
A Redox‐Active Microporous Organosiloxane Containing a Stable Neutral Radical, Trioxotriangulene
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Asakura Noriaki , Tsuji Ryotaro , Kanzaki Yuki , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji , Morita Yasushi
Published: December 2021

A new silyl‐substituted trioxotriangulene (TOT) neutral radical and corresponding porous organosiloxanes (POSs) were synthesized. The neutral radical exhibited a peculiarly high stability and formed a diamagnetic π‐dimer characteristic to TOT neutral radicals stabilized by the strong multiple SOMO‐SOMO interaction in both solution and solid states. POSs including TOT units within the organosiloxane‐wall were prepared by polycondensation of the silyl groups and formed microporous structures with ∼1 nm‐size diameters. Redox ability of TOT units in the POS was demonstrated by the treatment of oxidant/reductant in heterogeneous suspension condition, where the TOT units were reversibly converted between reduced and neutral radical species. Furthermore, the solid‐state electrochemical measurements of the POS revealed the reversible multi‐stage redox ability of TOT units involving polyanionic species within the organosiloxane‐wall.
Enantioselective synthesis and selective functionalization of 4‐aminotetrahydroquinolines as novel GLP‐1 secretagogues
Authors: Kazancioglu Mustafa Z. , Quirion Kevin , Wipf Peter , Skoda Erin M.
Published: December 2021

Polysubstituted tetrahydroquinolines were obtained in moderate to high yields (28% to 92%) and enantiomeric ratios (er 89:11 to 99:1) by a three‐component Povarov reaction using a chiral phosphoric acid catalyst. Significantly, post‐Povarov functional group interconversions allowed a rapid access to a library of 36 enantioenriched 4‐aminotetrahydroquinoline derivatives featuring five points of diversity. Selected analogs were assayed for their ability to function as glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) secretagogues.
Deadline‐constrained cost‐energy aware workflow scheduling in cloud
Authors: Bugingo Emmanuel , Zheng Wei , Lei Zhenfeng , Zhang Defu , Sebakara Samuel Rene Adolphe , Zhang Dongzhan
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, scientists are dealing with large‐scale scientific workflows that need a high processing capacity platform to facilitate on‐time completion. Cloud computing is the ideal platform to overcome this problem as it has several resources that scientists may choose from depending on the size of their applications. However, using cloud computing requires some monetary charges. Recently cloud computing providers started a new pricing schema that offers to their users a set of resources with specific combinations of CPU frequency configurations settings and price. The selected configurations settings reflect energy consumption. Besides, the configuration selection to meet users' satisfaction (minimum cost) and providers' satisfaction (energy saving) is crucial. Therefore, a multiobjective (cost and energy) efficient mechanism is essential. In this article, we address an important novel problem concerning multiobjective deadline constrained workflow scheduling in the cloud. We first study the relationship between cost minimization and minimization of the energy consumption in a cloud environment, and then discuss, develop, and propose an algorithm with two variants to help the system satisfy both sides (users and providers) at the same time during the selection of the configuration. The proposed heuristic is evaluated using specified real‐world applications. The observed results indicate that our heuristic can reduce significantly the energy consumption and the cost at the same time.
Attention virtual adversarial based semi‐supervised question generation
Authors: An Jing , Wang Kefan , Sun Hui , Cui Can , Li Wei , Ma Chao
Published: December 2021

Question generation (QG) refers to the automatic generation of questions based on the given passages and answers, and has a wide range of application scenarios in human–computer interaction, education, medical and other fields. However, for Chinese QG, due to the lack of word separation in the writing rules of Chinese text, many methods are not suitable for it, and the generated results have incorrect word order and invalid expressions. In addition, traditional models only use labeled data, but it is difficult and expensive to obtain data labels. In order to solve this problem, this article proposes a semi‐supervised QG model termed virtual stroke‐aware copy network (VSAC Net). It is based on virtual adversarial training and can be used for Chinese QG tasks with few labeled samples. The VSAC Net model combines word embedding virtual counter disturbance and attention virtual counter disturbance, the fitting of the input layer and the attention layer is taken into account, and reduces the overfitting of the model. According to Dureader dataset, a small sample QG dataset is constructed, and the VSAC Net is used for solving. The results show that the proposed model can achieve a better generation effect on small sample datasets.
Response to “comments on the paper titled: Parameter extraction of single‐diode photovoltaic module using experimental current‐voltage data”
Authors: Sreekantha S. , Yammani Chandrasekhar
Published: December 2021

In this letter to Editor, we wish to respond to the comments given by Toledo et al. (2021) to our recent publication (Sreekantha Reddy & Yammani, 2021).
Excision of a sclerosing polycystic adenosis of the deep parotid gland
Authors: Moyer Erik , Swid Mohammed Amer , Tuliszewski Robert , Barrese James , Mock Jeremy , Frank Renee
Published: December 2021

A 15‐year‐old male presented to the hospital with a 2‐month history of a right parotid mass. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an encapsulated 3.7 cm mass. Fine‐needle aspiration suggested a monomorphic adenoma (prior to utilization of the Milan Classification system). Total parotidectomy was performed with dissection and preservation of the facial nerve. Surgical pathology identified the lesion as sclerosing polycystic adenosis (SPA) after examining the histopathological and immunohistochemistry findings. SPA is a rare lesion which leads to inflammatory changes in the salivary gland. The most common site impacted is the parotid gland but also can affect other major or minor salivary glands. The fibrocystic changes are morphologically like the histological developments of sclerosing adenosis of breast tissue. Those changes consist of fibrosis, apocrine metaplasia, and different degrees of proliferation of ducts, acini, and myoepithelial cells. The pathogenesis of SPA is unknown but recent studies suggest that it could be a neoplasm. Treatment with surgical excision is effective and its' recurrence is rare. This case report details the cytomorphology, histology, and immunohistochemical profile of SPA.
Cryo‐injury procedure‐induced cardiac regeneration shows unique gene expression profiles in the newt Pleurodeles waltl
Authors: Uemasu Hitoshi , Ikuta Hiromi , Igawa Takeshi , Suzuki Makoto , Kyakuno Mitsuki , Iwata Yui , Tazawa Ichiro , Ogino Hajime , Satoh Yukio , Takeuchi Takashi , Namba Noriyuki , Hayashi Toshinori
Published: December 2021

Background

Cardiac regeneration in the adult mouse is not substantial. Some vertebrates, such as newts and zebrafish, regenerate the heart throughout their lives. To understand how regenerative abilities differ among animal species, comparative research has been conducted in animals like mouse, zebrafish, and newt. For those purposes, cryo‐injury is suitable as an experimental model for the pathological condition of human myocardial infarction. In fact, cryo‐injury procedures are common in mouse and zebrafish.

Results

In the present study, we induced cryo‐damage on the ventricle in Iberian ribbed newts using a liquid nitrogen‐chilled probe. We observed that the injured area recovered within 8 weeks, with remodeling of scar tissue and proliferation of cardiomyocytes. We investigated the subsequent recovery of cryo‐injured and amputated tissues by comparative analysis of the gene expression profiles following these two procedures.

Conclusions

Notably, we established a cryo‐injury procedure for the newt and confirmed that regeneration of the cryo‐damaged myocardial tissue is achieved by changes in gene expression that are milder than those observed in the amputation model. Our results suggest that the cryo‐injury method is suitable for comparing the process of cardiac regeneration in the newt with that in other animal models.
Switching Optimally Balanced Fe–N Interaction Enables Extremely Stable Energy Storage
Authors: Zhao Zhenzhen , Zhang Wei , Liu Miao , Wang Dong , Wang Xiyang , Zheng Lirong , Zou Xu , Wang Zizhun , Li Dabing , Huang Keke , Zheng Weitao
Published: December 2021

The interaction between electrode materials and charge carriers is one of the central issues dominating underlying energy storage mechanisms. To address the notoriously significant volume changes accompanying intercalation or formation of alloy/compounds, we aim to introduce and utilize a weak, reversible Fe–N interaction during the (de)intercalation of ammonium ions (NH4+) within iron(III) hexacyanoferrate (FeHCF), inspired by manipulating the electrostatic adsorption between N and Fe in the early stages of ammonia synthesis (Bosch‐Harber Process, Chemical Engineering) and steel nitriding processes (Metal Industry). Such strategy of switching well‐balanced Fe–N interaction is confirmed in between the nitrogen of ammonium ions and high‐spin Fe in FeHCF, as observed by using X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. The resulting material provided an extremely stable energy storage (58 mAh g−1 after 10 000 cycles at current density of 1 A g−1) as well as high‐rate performance (23.6 mAh g−1 at current density of 10 A g−1).
Functional Properties and Composition of New “Nut” Oil Obtained from Xanthium sibiricum Seeds
Authors: Zhou Sheng , Wen Yuxiu , Duan Yiting , Li Qi , Gao Yuan , Yu Xiuzhu
Published: December 2021

To develop new high‐nutrient oil resources, eight Xanthium sibiricum seeds (XSs) are used as raw materials for the preparation of oil. The properties, chemical composition, and free radical scavenging capacity of XS oils (XSOs) are evaluated in this study. The characteristics of XSOs from different regions are also compared and analyzed. Results show that XSOs contains a high content of unsaturated fatty acids (up to 90.90%). XSOs are rich in phytochemicals, such as tocopherols (consisting of α‐, β‐, and γ‐tocopherols) and phytosterols (including β‐sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol). The contents of phytochemicals and free radical scavenging capacity in XSOs from Gansu are higher than those in other regions. Furthermore, the free radical scavenging capacities of XSOs are significantly (p < 0.05) affected by some minor components, especially in α‐tocopherol. XSOs generally have high nutritional value, and they could be used as a new alternative to nut oil.

Practical applications: The excellent chemical composition and functional properties of XSOs indicate that it could be used as a new edible oil through proper processing. Due to its high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, XSOs is expected to become a functional oil for preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. XSOs could also be developed as a new low‐cost “nut oil” with similar characteristics and higher active substance content.
Continuous organelle separation in an insulator‐based dielectrophoretic device
Authors: Ortiz Ricardo , Koh Domin , Kim Dai Hyun , Rabbani Mohammad Towshif , Anguaya Velasquez Cesar , Sonker Mukul , Arriaga Edgar A. , Ros Alexandra
Published: December 2021

Heterogeneity in organelle size has been associated with devastating human maladies such as neurodegenerative diseases or cancer. Therefore, assessing the size‐based subpopulation of organelles is imperative to understand the biomolecular foundations of these diseases. Here, we demonstrated a ratchet migration mechanism using insulator‐based dielectrophoresis in conjunction with a continuous flow component that allows the size‐based separation of submicrometer particles. The ratchet mechanism was realized in a microfluidic device exhibiting an array of insulating posts, tailoring electrokinetic and dielectrophoretic transport. A numerical model was developed to elucidate the particle migration and the size‐based separation in various conditions. Experimentally, the size‐based separation of a mixture of polystyrene beads (0.28 and 0.87 m) was accomplished demonstrating good agreement with the numerical model. Furthermore, the size‐based separation of mitochondria was investigated using a mitochondria mixture isolated from HepG2 cells and HepG2 cells carrying the gene Mfn‐1 knocked out, indicating distinct size‐related migration behavior. With the presented continuous flow separation device, larger amounts of fractionated organelles can be collected in the future allowing access to the biomolecular signature of mitochondria subpopulations differing in size.
Parameter identification and identifiability analysis of lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Choi Yun Young , Kim Seongyoon , Kim Kyunghyun , Kim Sanghyun , Choi Jung‐Il
Published: December 2021

Parameter identification (PI) is a cost‐effective approach for estimating the parameters of an electrochemical model for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, it requires identifiability analysis (IA) of model parameters because identifiable parameters vary with reference data and electrochemical models. Therefore, we propose a PI and IA (PIIA) framework for a robust PI that can adapt to discharge data. The IA results show that the best subset with 15 parameters is determined by the Fisher information matrix and the sample‐averaged RDE criterion under various operating conditions. The identification process based on a genetic algorithm determines the optimal parameters. The identified‐parameter model predicts voltage curves with uncertainty bounds, considering the confidence intervals of identified parameters. Further, we demonstrate that the proposed PIIA framework robustly identifies the parameters of the electrochemical model from experimental data.
Effects of hydrophilic and hydrophobic nano‐CaCO3 on kinetics of hydrate formation
Authors: Guo Dongdong , Ou Wenjia , Ning Fulong , Fang Bin , Liang Yongsheng , Ud Din Shahab , Zhang Ling
Published: December 2021

The invasion of drilling fluids during well drilling through gas hydrate‐bearing sediments may seriously damage gas hydrate stability and distort well‐logging identification and evaluation in exploration and production of gas hydrate reservoirs. Adding nanoparticles into drilling fluids can be an efficient method to reduce fluid invasion. However, nanoparticles may induce hydrate formation in wells, which will block annulus and lead to safety accidents. Therefore, suitable nanoparticles used for hydrate drilling should be clarified first. This study addressed this issue by experimentally investigating the influence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic nano‐CaCO3 on CH4 hydrate formation in a dynamic system. We performed a series of experiments by using nano‐CaCO3 (1.0–6.0 wt%) with different particle sizes (20, 70, and 700 nm) at 3.0 °C and 6.0 MPa. The macroscopic kinetic parameters of hydrate formation were obtained. The results show that hydrophobic nano‐CaCO3 particles promote hydrate formation, while hydrophilic ones can inhibit hydrate formation at certain particle sizes and concentrations. This is mainly due to the different surface wettability, resulting in the different distribution of water and gas molecules in fluids. The hydrophilic nano‐CaCO3 with the particle size of 20 nm and addition of 3.0 wt% has the strongest inhibition effect under the given experimental conditions. In comparison with ultrapure water, the induction time is increased by about 38%, while the formation amount and rate are decreased by about 13% and 18%, respectively. This work will provide valuable ideas and references for the design of deepwater drilling fluid using nanoparticles, and also provide insight into revealing the formation and evolution mechanism of hydrate deposits at the micropore or even nanopore scale.
Cryptocurrency exchanges: Predicting which markets will remain active
Authors: Milunovich George , Lee Seung Ah
Published: December 2021

About 99% of cryptocurrency trades occur on organized exchanges with many investors subsequently keeping their digital assets in accounts with cryptocurrency markets. This generates exposure to the risk of exchange closures. We construct a database containing eight key characteristics on 238 cryptocurrency exchanges and employ machine learning techniques to predict whether a cryptocurrency market will remain active or whether it will go out of business. Both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample measures of forecasting performance are computed and ranked for four popular machine learning algorithms. Although all four models produce satisfactory classification accuracy, our best model is a random forest classifier. It reaches accuracy of 90.4% on training data and 86.1% on a test dataset. From the list of predictors, we find that exchange lifetime, transacted volume, and cyber‐security measures such as security audit, cold storage, and bug bounty programs rank high in terms of feature importance across multiple algorithms. On the other hand, whether an exchange has previously experienced a security breach does not rank highly according to its contribution to classification accuracy.
Two distinct types of nodes of Ranvier support auditory nerve function in the mouse cochlea
Authors: Panganiban Clarisse H. , Barth Jeremy L. , Tan Junying , Noble Kenyaria V. , McClaskey Carolyn M. , Howard Blake A. , Jafri Shabih H. , Dias James W. , Harris Kelly C. , Lang Hainan
Published: December 2021

The auditory nerve (AN) of the inner ear is the primary conveyor of acoustic information from sensory hair cells to the brainstem. Approximately 95% of peripheral AN fibers are myelinated by glial cells. The integrity of myelin and the glial‐associated paranodal structures at the node of Ranvier is critical for normal AN activity and axonal survival and function in the central auditory nervous system. However, little is known about the node of Ranvier's spatiotemporal development in the AN, how the aging process (or injury) affects the activity of myelinating glial cells, and how downstream alterations in myelin and paranodal structure contribute to AN degeneration and sensorineural hearing loss. Here, we characterized two types of Ranvier nodes—the axonal node and the ganglion node—in the mouse peripheral AN, and found that they are distinct in several features of postnatal myelination and age‐related degeneration. Cellular, molecular, and structure–function correlations revealed that the two node types are each critical for different aspects of peripheral AN function. Neural processing speed and synchrony is associated with the length of the axonal node, while stimulus level‐dependent amplitude growth and action potentials are associated with the ganglion node. Moreover, our data indicate that dysregulation of glial cells (e.g., satellite cells) and degeneration of the ganglion node structure are an important new mechanism of age‐related hearing loss.
Presentation and outcomes of patients with clinically T1‐2, N0 supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma: The role of definitive radiotherapy compared to primary partial laryngectomy
Authors: Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Ngouajio Amanda L. , Buchakjian Marisa R.
Published: December 2021

Background

Early‐stage supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is usually treated with a single modality. The aim of this study is to examine the role of radiotherapy (RT) versus partial laryngectomy (open, robotic‐assisted, or endoscopic) with elective neck dissection (PL + END).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database, 2010–2016. The study population included adult patients with clinically T1‐2, N0 supraglottic SCC.

Results

3301 patients were included. RT was performed in 93.52%, open PL + END in 2.64%, robotic‐assisted PL + END in 1.33%, and endoscopic surgical resection in 2.51%. In the surgery group, T was upstaged in 23.36% and N was upstage in 16.36%. Five‐year survival in the primary surgery group compared to RT group was 61.89% versus 77.46% (HR: 0.56, 95%CI: 0.43, 0.72).

Conclusions

T was upstaged in 23% of surgical patients. This accurate staging is likely missed in patients who undergo RT and possibly contributes to lower overall survival of this treatment group.
Using observed soil moisture to constrain the uncertainty of simulated hydrological fluxes
Authors: Ireson Andrew M. , Sanchez‐Rodriguez Ines , Basnet Sujan , Brauner Haley , Bobenic Talia , Brannen Rosa , Elrashidy Mennatullah , Braaten Morgan , Amankwah Seth K. , Barr Alan
Published: December 2021

Using data from five long‐term field sites measuring soil moisture, we show the limitations of using soil moisture observations alone to constrain modelled hydrological fluxes. We test a land surface model, Modélisation Environnementale communautaire‐Surface Hydrology/Canadian Land Surface Scheme, with two configurations: one where the soil hydraulic properties are determined using a pedotransfer function (the texture‐based calibration) and one where they are assigned directly (the hydraulic properties‐based calibration). The hydraulic properties‐based calibration outperforms the texture‐based calibration in terms of reproducing changes in soil moisture storage within a 1.6 m deep profile at each site, but both perform reasonably well, especially in the summer months. When the models are constrained using observations of changes in soil moisture, the predicted hydrological fluxes are subject to very large uncertainties associated with equifinality. The uncertainty is larger for the hydraulic properties‐based calibration, even though the performance was better. We argue that since the pedotransfer functions constrain the model parameters in the texture‐based calibrations in an unrealistic way, the texture‐based calibration underestimates the uncertainty in the fluxes. We recommend that reproducing observed cumulative changes in soil moisture storage should be considered a necessary but insufficient criterion of model success. Additional sources of information are needed to reduce uncertainties, and these could include improved estimation of the soil hydraulic properties and direct observations of fluxes, particularly evapotranspiration.
Nasal carriage ofStaphylococcus aureusin children with grass pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis and the effect of polyvalent mechanical bacterial lysate immunostimulation on carriage status: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Janeczek Kamil , Emeryk Andrzej , Zimmer Łukasz , Poleszak Ewa , Ordak Michał
Published: December 2021

Background

Numerous studies indicate thatStaphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) colonizing the nasal cavity plays a role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR). This bacterium is able to produce a variety of toxins with superantigenic properties that can exacerbate allergic inflammation.

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate the ability of polyvalent mechanical bacterial lysate (PMBL) to eliminateS. aureusnasal carriage in children with grass pollen‐induced AR.

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study included 80 children aged 5–17 years with seasonal AR (SAR). At the randomization visit and after 12 weeks of the study, a swab was taken from the region of the middle nasal meatus. Standard microbiology culture and identification techniques were used to analyze the swab contents.

Results

Nasal colonization byS. aureuswas confirmed in 29 children (42%), withMoraxella catarrhalisin three participants (4.4%). Physiological flora was detected in 37 children. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two measurement points in both the PMBL and placebo groups with respect to the number of patients whose nasal swab cultures showed a growth ofS. aureus(p = 1). Both groups also showed no significant changes in the mean number ofS. aureuscolonies in nasal swab cultures taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of the study (PMBL groupp = .41; placebo groupp = .16).

Conclusion

Almost every second child with SAR isS. aureusnasal carrier. Sublingual administration of PMBL in children with grass pollen‐induced AR did not affectS. aureusnasal colonization. Therefore, PMBL should not be used for the eradication ofS. aureusfrom the nasal cavity.
Generalized Uncoupled Bone Remodeling Associated With Delayed Healing of Fatigue Fractures
Authors: Tong Xiaoyu , Turunen Mikael J , Burton Inari S , Kröger Heikki
Published: December 2021

Fatigue fractures in bones are common injuries with load‐bearing activities, during which the remodeling aimed at removing microdamage has been suggested to play a role in increasing related fracture risk. Much attention has been given to the uncoupling between osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoblastic osteogenesis in fatigue fracture cases; however, the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of impaired fracture healing are yet unknown. Here we report multiple fatigue fractures in a physically active woman receiving contraceptive pills for years. Her fracture healing was remarkably slow, although she has been otherwise healthy. The patient underwent bone biopsy of the iliac crest that showed remarkable peritrabecular fibrosis with increased osteoclastic bone resorption combined with relatively low bone formation. Analysis of bone biochemical composition revealed a more complex picture: First, notable declines in bone mineral content–based parameters indicating abnormal mineralization were evident in both cancellous and cortical bone. Second, there was elevation in mineral crystal size, perfection, and collagen maturity in her bone tissues from different anatomical sites. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing generalized uncoupling in bone remodeling, increased peritrabecular fibrosis, and bone compositional changes associated with delayed healing of fatigue fractures. These results may explain delayed healing of fatigue and stress fractures. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Proteomic analysis reveals that Xbp1s promotes hypoxic pulmonary hypertension through the p‐JNK MAPK pathway
Authors: Jiang Hongxia , Niu Yang , He Yuanzhou , Li Xiaochen , Xu Yongjian , Liu Xiansheng
Published: December 2021

Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary artery resistance and vascular remodeling. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is reported to be involved in HPH, but the underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. We found that Xbp1s, a potent transcription factor during ERS, was elevated in hypoxic‐cultured rat PASMCs and lung tissues from HPH rats. Our in vitro experiments demonstrated that overexpressing Xbp1s can promote proliferation, cell viability, and migration and inhibit the apoptosis of PASMCs, while silencing Xbp1s led to the opposite. Through data‐independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry, we identified extensive proteomic alterations regulated by hypoxia and Xbp1s. Further validation revealed that p‐JNK, rather than p‐ERK or p‐p38, was the downstream effector of Xbp1s. p‐JNK inhibition reversed the biological effects of Xbp1s overexpression in vitro. In the animal HPH model, rats were randomly assigned to five groups: normoxia, hypoxia, hypoxia+AAV‐CTL (control), hypoxia+AAV‐Xbp1s (prevention), and hypoxia+AAV‐Xbp1s (therapy). Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) serotype 1‐mediated Xbp1s knockdown in the prevention and therapy groups significantly reduced right ventricular systolic pressure, total pulmonary resistance, right ventricular hypertrophy, and the medial wall thickness of muscularized distal pulmonary arterioles; AAV‐Xbp1s also decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and increased apoptosis in pulmonary arterioles. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that the Xbp1s‐p‐JNK pathway is important in hypoxic vascular remodeling and that targeting this pathway could be an effective strategy to prevent and alleviate HPH development.
Recovery of valuable metals from the hydrochloric leaching solution of reduction smelted metallic alloys from spent lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Tran Thanh Tuan , Moon Hyun Seung , Lee Man Seung
Published: December 2021

BACKGOUND

The recycling of valuable metals from spent lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) has attracted much attention. This work investigated the recovery of cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) from metallic alloys generated from the reduction smelting of spent LIBs by a hydrometallurgical process.

RESULTS

The complete leaching conditions for metals from the alloys were optimized as: 2.0 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid (HCl), 5% (v/v) hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with 30 g L–1 pulp density at 60 °C within 150 min. Metal ions such as Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Fe(III), Mn(II) and silicon [Si(IV)] from HCl leachate were separated sequentially in four steps using solvent extraction and oxidative precipitation. First, Fe(III) was completely extracted over others using 0.5 mol L–1 Di‐(2‐Ethyl Hexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA). Second, Cu(II) from the Fe(III)‐free raffinate was selectively extracted using 0.25 mol L–1 Cyanex301. Fe(III) and Cu(II) were quantitatively stripped from their loaded phases using 50% (v/v) aqua regia. Third, Co(II) from the Fe(III)‐ and Cu(II)‐free raffinate was selectively extracted over Ni(II), Mn(II) and Si(IV) with 0.25 mol L–1 ALi‐SCN and stripped with 10% (v/v) ammonia (NH3). Finally, Mn(II) from the raffinate containing Ni(II) and Si(IV) was separated at pH 3 by oxidative precipitation of MnO2 after adding 10% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). Mass balance analysis of the whole process indicated that the recovery and purity percentage of the metal ions were >99.9%.

CONCLUSION

With its effective and selective performance, the application of this process to real‐life recovery of valuable metals from spent LIBs can be considered. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Hemorrhagic shock after contrast‐enhanced ultrasound‐guided liver biopsy: A case report of primary hepatic angiosarcoma
Authors: Zhou Ling , Li Shi‐Yan , Chen Chao , Xu Jing
Published: December 2021

Primary hepatic angiosarcoma (PHA) is a rare, highly aggressive malignancy. There is no specificity in clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations and imaging examinations. The definitive diagnosis of PHA depends on pathological analysis. The gold standard method to obtain specimens is percutaneous transhepatic biopsy under the guidance of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). However, CEUS‐guided biopsy for PHA is controversial. If a biopsy is necessary, a comprehensive preoperative evaluation is essential. In addition, CEUS has an auxiliary value in diagnosing PHA. In this case, we present an elderly woman who underwent CEUS‐guided liver mass biopsy. The patient developed hemorrhagic shock after biopsy.
Virtual interviewing in the COVID‐19 era: A survey of graduate program directors
Authors: Vallejo Manuel C. , Price Shelia S. , Vanek Trey W. , Fuller Kylie A. , Nield Linda S. , Cottrell Scott A. , Ferrari Norman D.
Published: December 2021

Purpose/Objective

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, virtual interviews became a mainstay of graduate dental and medical education selection processes. To gain a handle on how to navigate lingering uncertainties about how interviews should be conducted in the future, this study examined the benefits and pitfalls of the virtual interview process (VIP) and assessed program plans to implement in the next interview cycle.

Methods

An anonymous online survey, for completion by one program representative (director or associate director), was sent to graduate medical education (GME) and advanced dental education programs at West Virginia University (N = 74).

Results

Fifty‐two (52) of the programs (70%) completed the survey. Zoom was the most frequently used interview platform (78.8%). Approximately two thirds (65.4%) of the interviewers thought VIP allowed the program to promote the university, the school, and their program and also reported experiencing video‐conferencing fatigue. About six in 10 perceive VIP can introduce bias in selecting applicants (59.6%) and potentially disadvantage some applicants (67.3%). Compared to the previous in‐person cycle, 67.4% of programs invited more applicants, and 73.1% interviewed more applicants. Regarding the 2021–2022 interview cycle, 55.8% of programs plan to offer either an in‐person or VIP, while 7.7% plan to keep their process completely virtual.

Conclusion

Graduate programs in this study demonstrated the indispensability of technology in transitioning from in‐person to virtual interviews during COVID‐19 pandemic. VIP has several advantages and disadvantages; this style of interview is forecasted to have a presence in applicant selection in the future.
A comparison of dental therapy and dental students’ clinical performance
Authors: Blue Christine M. , Mancini John , Seyffer Danae , Lunos Scott , Self Karl
Published: December 2021

The aim of the study was to determine if there is a difference between dental therapy students’ clinical performance as compared to dental students at the University of Minnesota. An ex post facto research design was used to compare dental therapy students’ and dental students’ performance on selected clinical procedures. Dental students and dental therapy students from the graduating classes of 2016, 2017, and 2019 at the University of Minnesota comprised the study sample. Fisher's exact test was used to compare pass rates, and Wilcox rank sum test was used to compare performance scores. Dental therapy students’ clinical performance on competency examinations and scores on daily clinical procedures showed no statistically significant difference when compared to dental student performance. There was no overall statistical difference in clinical performance between the three student cohorts. Dental therapy students performed equally as well as the dental students.
Biocompatible Nanotube‐Strontium/polydopamine‐arginine–glycine–aspartic acid coating on Ti6Al4V enhances osteogenic properties for biomedical applications
Authors: Hong Leilei , Yuan Lichan , Xu Xiaoxu , Ma Yuhuan , Meng Li , Wang Junyi , Zhao Na , Wang Xiaoliang , Ma Junqing
Published: December 2021

Titanium (Ti) alloys, particularly Ti6Al4V, are the most commonly used biomedical implant material. Ti alloys are biologically inert, so there have been continuous efforts to improve their osteogenic properties and clinical performance. Since TiO2 nanotubes (NT) appear to be excellent drug platforms, and strontium reportedly enhances osteogenesis, we constructed a TiO2 nanotube coating on the surface of Ti6Al4V and immersed it in Sr (OH)2 solution in order to incorporate Sr into TiO2 nanotubes (NT‐Sr). The results of field emission scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction analysis verified the fabrication of NT‐Sr. We next added polydopamine (PDA) and cyclo‐ (arginine–glycine–aspartic acid–phenylalanine–cysteine) [c(RGDfC)] peptides to further promote biocompatibility of the implant. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the existence of PDA and c(RGDfC). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were planted on Ti, NT, NT‐Sr, NT‐Sr/PDA, and NT‐Sr/PDA‐RGD surfaces. The adhesion and differentiation of MSCs on different surfaces were evaluated. The mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase, runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and type I collagen (Col I) of different groups were also tested. Finally, we observed that the NT‐Sr/PDA‐RGD group showed significantly better performance than other groups in terms of the differentiation and osteogenesis‐related gene expression of MSCs. Thus, the NT‐Sr/PDA‐RGD complex may be an important modification strategy for Ti, as it shows excellent osteogenic potential.
Comparison of microbial communities in replicated woodchip bioreactors
Authors: Schaefer Abby , Lee Jaejin , Soupir Michelle L. , Moorman Thomas B. , Howe Adina
Published: December 2021

Denitrification in woodchip bioreactors is a microbial process, but the effects of variations in bioreactors operation on microbial community structure are not well understood. Here, our goals were to understand hydraulic retention time (HRT) as a factor that influences woodchip bioreactor microbial community variation and structure in replicated field bioreactors and to evaluate relationships between microbial community membership and marker genes for denitrification. We used a combination of quantitative polymerase chain reaction of nirS, nirK, nosZI, and nosZII and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize the microbial communities of nine pilot‐scale woodchip bioreactors located at Iowa State University. Our results showed dynamic microbial communities but with persistent taxa between two sampling years and three HRTs. Similarities between functional gene copy numbers across sampling year and HRT indicate that the potential for denitrification is conserved despite differences in the microbial communities. These results are evidence that there are specific and persistent taxa within replicated bioreactors. Woodchip bioreactor microbial community membership is recommended to be the focus of future studies to better understand the relationship between microbial community functions and bioreactor management.
Disproof of a conjecture by Erdős and Guy on the crossing number of hypercubes
Authors: Yang Yuansheng , Wang Guoqing , Wang Haoli , Zhou Yan
Published: December 2021

Let be the ‐dimensional hypercube, and let be the crossing number of . Erdős and Guy in 1973 conjectured the following equality: . In this paper, we construct a drawing of with less crossings when , which implies that for we have a strict inequality.
Optimal time and threshold of absolute lymphocyte count recovery as a prognostic factor after single‐unit cord blood transplantation in adults
Authors: Konuma Takaaki , Monna‐Oiwa Maki , Takano Kosuke , Isobe Masamichi , Kato Seiko , Takahashi Satoshi , Nannya Yasuhito
Published: December 2021

We retrospectively evaluated the optimal time and threshold of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) recovery as a prognostic factor in 174 adult patients who received single‐unit cord blood transplantation (CBT) at our institute. We analyzed the impact of ALC ≥300, ≥600, and ≥900/μl by 30 and 60 days on transplant outcomes. Multivariate analysis showed that only ALC ≥300/μl at 60 days was significantly associated with overall mortality (hazard ratio, 0.24; p = 0.001) following CBT. The optimal time point to use ALC recovery as a prognostic tool following CBT could be later than those following adult donor transplantation.
Neonatal GALT gene replacement offers metabolic and phenotypic correction through early adulthood in a rat model of classic galactosemia
Authors: Daenzer Jennifer M. I. , Rasmussen Shauna A. , Patel Sneh , McKenna James , Fridovich‐Keil Judith L.
Published: December 2021

Classic galactosemia (CG) results from profound deficiency of galactose‐1‐P uridylyltransferase (GALT). Despite early detection by newborn screening and lifelong dietary restriction of galactose, most patients grow to experience a range of long‐term complications. Recently, we developed and characterized a GALT‐null rat model of CG and demonstrated that AAV9‐hGALT, administered by tail vein injection to neonatal pups, dramatically improved plasma, liver, and brain galactose metabolites at 2 weeks posttreatment. Here we report a time‐course study of GALT restoration in rats treated as neonates with scAAV9‐hGALT and harvested at 8, 14, 30, and 60 days. Cohorts of rats in the two older groups were weaned to diets containing either 1% or 3% of calories from galactose. As expected, GALT activity in all treated animals peaked early and then diminished over time, most notably in liver, ostensibly due to dilution of the nonreplicating episomal vector as transduced cells divided. All treated rats showed dramatic metabolic rescue through 1 month, and those weaned to the lower galactose diet showed continued strong metabolic rescue into adulthood (2 months). Prepubertal growth delay and cataracts were both partially rescued by treatment. Finally, we found that UDP glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP), which offers a metabolic bypass around missing GALT, was 3‐fold more active in brain samples from adult rats than from young pups, offering a possible explanation for the improved ability of older GALT‐null rats to metabolize galactose. Combined, these results document promising metabolic and phenotypic efficacy of neonatal GALT gene replacement in a rat model of classic galactosemia.