bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parasite worm antigens instruct macrophages to release immunoregulatory extracellular vesicles
Authors: Zakeri Amin , Whitehead Bradley J. , Stensballe Allan , de Korne Clarize , Williams Andrew R. , Everts Bart , Nejsum Peter
Published: August 2021

Emerging evidence suggests that immune cells not only communicate with each other through cytokines, chemokines, and cell surface receptors, but also by releasing small membranous structures known as extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs carry a variety of different molecules that can be taken up by recipient cells. Parasitic worms are well known for their immunomodulatory properties, but whether they can affect immune responses by altering EV‐driven communication between host immune cells remains unclear. Here we provide evidence that stimulation of bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) with soluble products of Trichuris suis (TSPs), leads to the release of EVs with anti‐inflammatory properties. Specifically, we found that EVs from TSP‐pulsed BMDMs, but not those from unstimulated BMDMs can suppress TNFα and IL‐6 release in LPS‐stimulated BMDMs and BMDCs. However, no polarization toward M1 or M2 was observed in macrophages exposed to EVs. Moreover, EVs enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the exposed BMDMs, which was associated with a deregulated redox homeostasis as revealed by pathway analysis of transcriptomic data. Proteomic analysis identified cytochrome p450 (CYP450) as a potential source of ROS in EVs from TSP‐pulsed BMDMs. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of CYP450 activity could suppress ROS production in those BMDMs. In summary, we find that TSPs can modulate immune responses not only via direct interactions but also indirectly by eliciting the release of EVs from BMDMs that exert anti‐inflammatory effects on recipient cells.
A systematic spectroscopic study of laboratory synthesized manganese oxides relevant to Mars
Authors: Xin Yanqing , Cao Haijun , Liu Changqing , Chen Jian , Liu Ping , Lu Yingbo , Ling Zongcheng
Published: August 2021

Mn‐rich minerals have been found by Mars rovers Curiosity and Opportunity in multiple sedimentary and basaltic outcrops at Gale and Endeavour craters, respectively, though the exact Mn‐bearing mineral species and the related geologic processes still need to be confirmed and elucidated. In the Kimberley region at Gale Crater, the Mn content of fracture‐filling materials that crosscut sandstone was evaluated to be higher than 25 wt%, indicating the existence of Mn oxides rather than evaporites or other salts. Furthermore, hydrated manganese oxides were also observed in Martian breccia meteorites Northwest Africa 7034 and 7533. However, due to the chemical complexities and often poor crystallinity of Mn‐oxide group, there are still difficulties for the quick and accurate phase identification by any single spectroscopic method. In this work, we focus on the systematic spectroscopic studies of seven pure Mn oxides (α‐MnO2, β‐MnO2, γ‐MnO2, δ‐MnO2, α‐Mn2O3, α‐Mn3O4, γ‐MnOOH) synthesized in laboratory, which were grown using a set of hydrothermal reaction and solid‐state calcination methods. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) were used to obtain the morphology and chemical compositions. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) was employed for the phase identification and structural characterization of Mn oxides. Various spectroscopic techniques such as Raman, mid‐infrared (MIR), and visible and near‐infrared (VNIR) were used to demonstrate their spectral characteristics. We thus established a diverse spectral library including Raman, MIR, VNIR, and LIBS datasets of Mn oxides, facilitating for the phase identifications of Mn‐bearing minerals for future applications in Mars explorations missions (e.g., Tianwen‐1 orbiter and Zhurong rover and Perseverance rover) as well as terrestrial and other planetary explorations.
Dosimetric justification for the use of volumetric modulated arc therapy in head and neck cancer—A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Buciuman Nikolett , Marcu Loredana G.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) has evolved rapidly in the past decades from conformal three‐dimensional technique (3D‐CRT) to intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT). This paper presents a dosimetric comparative study between VMAT and IMRT delivery based on current literature, while also presenting the potential challenges encountered with volumetric arc therapy.

Methods

A systematic search of the scientific literature was conducted within Medline/Pubmed databases. A number of 13 papers fulfilled the search criteria which was based on the main objective to evaluate dosimetric characteristics of comparative treatment delivery with VMAT vs IMRT in HNC.

Results

Overall, from a dosimetric perspective, dose delivery via VMAT and IMRT present comparable results. Beside the delivery technique, target volume coverage also depends on the planner's expertise as well as the employed planning algorithm. At times, the superiority of VMAT emerges from the improved sparing of normal tissue, reduction of monitor units (MU) and of treatment delivery time. Similar to IMRT, one of the most important challenges of VMAT is the risk of developing secondary cancer due to the higher number of MUs compared to 3D‐CRT.

Conclusions

Based on the comparative results with the more established IMRT, VMAT in HNC can be safely delivered either as a single treatment or combined with other techniques.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Yb3+: LuLiF4 Microcrystals and Laser Refrigeration of Yb3+: LuLiF4/Silicon‐Nitride Composite Nanostructures
Authors: Dobretsova Elena A. , Xia Xiaojing , Pant Anupum , Lim Matthew B. , De Siena Michael C. , Boldyrev Kirill N. , Molchanova Anastasia D. , Novikova Nadezhda N. , Klimin Sergei A. , Popova Marina N. , Chen Yueyang , Majumdar Arka , Gamelin Daniel R. , Pauzauskie Peter J.
Published: August 2021

The hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of 10%Yb3+:LiLuF4 (LLF) microcrystals are reported. A combination of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning TEM (STEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy), temperature‐dependent Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) measurements confirm a scheelite (I41/a) phase and substitutional doping of Yb3+ within the microcrystals. Laser cooling to more than 20 K below room temperature in vacuum (10−3 torr) is demonstrated when irradiating individual microcrystals using a near‐infrared pumping wavelength (λ = 1020nm) at a laser power of 40 mW (irradiance of 0.85 MW cm−2). The use of these microcrystals is further demonstrated for solid‐state laser refrigeration of an electron‐transparent silicon‐nitride (Si3N4) TEM window. A combination of internal luminescence thermometry, heat‐transfer modeling, and control measurements on lithographically patterned Si3N4 optical cavities is used to demonstrate successful bulk laser cooling of Si3N4 TEM windows by ≈15 K below room temperature, opening new opportunities for contactless in situ TEM refrigeration.
Intraoperative Label‐Free Photoacoustic Histopathology of Clinical Specimens
Authors: Baik Jin Woo , Kim Hyojin , Son Myeongjoo , Choi Junwon , Kim Kwang Gi , Baek Jeong Heum , Park Yeon Ho , An Jungsuk , Choi Hae Young , Ryu Seon Young , Kim Jin Young , Byun Kyunghee , Kim Chulhong
Published: August 2021

During cancer resection surgeries, intraoperative histopathologic examination of the surgical specimen is crucial for tumor margin identification. A conventional frozen‐section analysis requires complex tissue processing, which prolongs surgery and potentially introduces interpretation errors. Here, as a novel approach to label‐free intraoperative histopathology, a high‐speed reflection‐mode ultraviolet photoacoustic microscopy (UV‐PAM) system employing a waterproof 1‐axis microelectromechanical systems scanner is demonstrated. Label‐free nuclear imaging is photoacoustically verified using tissue sections excised from mice and humans. Moreover, by imaging clinical specimens from cancer patients and numerically quantifying the histopathologic results, it is successfully demonstrated that the proposed UV‐PAM system has great potential as an alternative intraoperative histopathology method with minimal tissue preparation processes.
Polyglutamine‐Expanded Ataxin‐3: A Target Engagement Marker for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 in Peripheral Blood
Authors: Hübener‐Schmid Jeannette , Kuhlbrodt Kirsten , Peladan Julien , Faber Jennifer , Santana Magda M. , Hengel Holger , Jacobi Heike , Reetz Kathrin , Garcia‐Moreno Hector , Raposo Mafalda , van Gaalen Judith , Infante Jon , Steiner Katharina M. , de Vries Jeroen , Verbeek Marcel M. , Giunti Paola , Pereira de Almeida Luis , Lima Manuela , van de Warrenburg Bart , Schöls Ludger , Klockgether Thomas , Synofzik Matthis ,   European Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type‐3/Machado–Joseph Disease Initiative (ESMI) Study Group, Riess Olaf
Published: August 2021

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the ataxin‐3 gene. Although no curative therapy is yet available, preclinical gene‐silencing approaches to reduce polyglutamine (polyQ) toxicity demonstrate promising results. In view of upcoming clinical trials, quantitative and easily accessible molecular markers are of critical importance as pharmacodynamic and particularly as target engagement markers.

Objective

We aimed at developing an ultrasensitive immunoassay to measure specifically polyQ‐expanded ataxin‐3 in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Methods

Using the novel single molecule counting ataxin‐3 immunoassay, we analyzed cross‐sectional and longitudinal patient biomaterials.

Results

Statistical analyses revealed a correlation with clinical parameters and a stability of polyQ‐expanded ataxin‐3 during conversion from the pre‐ataxic to the ataxic phases.

Conclusions

The novel immunoassay is able to quantify polyQ‐expanded ataxin‐3 in plasma and CSF, whereas ataxin‐3 levels in plasma correlate with disease severity. Longitudinal analyses demonstrated a high stability of polyQ‐expanded ataxin‐3 over a short period. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The campus of the future needs hands‐on learning, stackable certificates
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: August 2021

“We've really found community colleges to be at the forefront of innovative and experiential learning,” James Pfeiffer, Associate Principal at BNIM Architects, said at a session at the annual conference for the Society of Campus and University Planners. Pfeiffer discussed the recent campus redesign of Johnson County Community College in Kansas, a redesign intended to increase the possibilities of innovative and experiential learning for students — both in terms of the use of campus space, as well as a curricular overhaul.
One COVID‐19 residual: Reimagined applicants, students, and graduates
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: August 2021

If there is any leader who thinks we are going back to where we were a year ago, they are kidding themselves.
Insulin‐degrading enzyme: an ally against metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Sousa Luís , Guarda Mariana , Meneses Maria João , Macedo M Paula , Vicente Miranda Hugo
Published: August 2021

Insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE) function goes far beyond its known proteolytic role as a regulator of insulin levels. IDE has a wide substrate promiscuity, degrading several proteins such as amyloid‐β peptide, glucagon, islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), and insulin‐like growth factors, which have diverse physiological and pathophysiological functions. Importantly, IDE plays other non‐proteolytic functions such as: a chaperone/dead‐end chaperone, an E1‐ubiquitin activating enzyme, and a proteasome modulator. It also responds as a heat shock protein, regulating cellular proteostasis. Notably, amyloidogenic proteins such as IAPP, amyloid‐β, and α‐synuclein have been reported as substrates for IDE chaperone activity. This is of utmost importance as failure of IDE may result in increased protein aggregation, a key hallmark in the pathogenesis of beta cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus and of neurons in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. In this review, we focus on the biochemical and biophysical properties of IDE and the regulation of its physiological functions. We further raise the hypothesis that IDE plays a central role in the pathological context of dysmetabolic and neurodegenerative diseases and discuss its potential as a therapeutic target. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thoracic Sertoli–Leydig cell tumor: An alternative type of pleuropulmonary blastoma associated with DICER1 variation
Authors: Terry William , Carlisle Erica M. , Mallinger Paige , Nelson Alexander T. , Gordon David , Messinger Yoav H. , Field Amanda , Dehner Louis P. , Hill D. Ashley , Schultz Kris Ann P.
Published: August 2021

A 2‐year‐old boy presented with a large cystic and solid chest mass arising from the lung, radiographically consistent with pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB). He underwent right lower lobectomy with resection of a well‐circumscribed, mixed solid and cystic mass. The solid areas were composed of cords and nests of tumor cells in the myxoid stroma and retiform foci whose pathologic and immunophenotypic findings were consistent with a sex cord‐stromal tumor with features of a Sertoli–Leydig cell tumor. Tumor testing showed a pathogenic variant in the DICER1 RNase IIIb hotspot domain. Family history was suggestive of DICER1 germline pathogenic DICER1 variation in absence of a detectable germline variant. He received 12 cycles of chemotherapy with ifosfamide, vincristine, dactinomycin and doxorubicin (IVADo) and surgery with complete response. One year after completion of chemotherapy, imaging studies showed concern for recurrence confirmed by thorascopic biopsy of a pleural‐based mass. He is currently receiving cisplatin‐based chemotherapy with reduction in tumor size. Review of the literature showed no similar cases; however, review of our pathology files revealed a single similar case of anterior mediastinal Sertoli cell tumor in a 3‐year‐old girl.
Drug exposure misclassification in pharmacoepidemiology: Sources and relative impact
Authors: Hempenius Mirjam , Groenwold Rolf H. H. , de Boer Anthonius , Klungel Olaf H. , Gardarsdottir Helga
Published: August 2021

Background

Drug exposure assessment based on dispensing data can be misclassified when patients do not adhere to their therapy or when information about over‐the‐counter drugs is not captured in the study database. Previous research has considered hypothetical sensitivity and specificity values, whereas this study aims to assess the impact of literature‐based real values of exposure misclassification.

Methods

A synthetic cohort study was constructed based on the proportion of exposure theoretically captured in a database (range 0.5–1.0) and the level of adherence (0.5–1.0). Three scenarios were explored: nondifferential misclassification, differential misclassification (misclassifications dependent on an unmeasured risk factor doubling the outcome risk), and nondifferential misclassification in a comparative effectiveness study (RRA and RRB both 2.0 compared to nonuse, RRA‐B 1.0).

Results

For the scenarios with nondifferential misclassification, 25% nonadherence or 25% uncaptured exposure changed the RR from 2.0 to 1.75, and 1.95, respectively. Applying different proportions of nonadherence or uncaptured use (20% vs. 40%) for subgroups with and without the risk factor, an RR of 0.95 was observed in the absence of a true effect (i.e., true RR = 1). In the comparative effectiveness study, no effect on RR was seen for different proportions of uncaptured exposure; however, different levels of nonadherence for the drugs (20% vs. 40%) led to an underestimation of RRA‐B (0.89).

Discussion

All scenarios led to biased estimates, but the magnitude of the bias differed across scenarios. When testing the robustness of findings of pharmacoepidemiologic studies, we recommend using realistic values of nonadherence and uncaptured exposure based on real‐world data.
A continuous process for manufacturing proton‐exchange membranes featuring z‐direction‐aligned, proton‐conducting particles or polymers*
Authors: Pitia Emmanuel , Batra Saurabh , Cakmak Mukerrem , Shaw Montgomery , Weiss R. A.
Published: August 2021

Through‐plane alignment (z‐alignment) of a dispersed, proton‐conductive phase in composite and polymer blend proton‐exchange membranes was demonstrated using laboratory‐scale equipment and a commercial‐scale roll‐to‐roll platform that allowed casting the membrane in the presence of a z‐oriented electric field. The composite membranes were composed of cross‐linked sulfonated polystyrene (XLPSS) nanoparticles dispersed in either PS or a commercial photocurable polyurethane resin (NAO65). The blends were mixtures of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone), SPEEK, with PS. When the membranes were cast in the presence of a z‐oriented electric field, the proton conductivity for SPEEK/PS blends increased by ∼10%–50%, and the proton conductivity for the z‐aligned XLPSS particles in NAO65 increased by up to four orders of magnitude.
Applying an ecosocial framework to address racial disparities in suicide risk among black youth
Authors: Cohen Daniel R. , Lindsey Michael A. , Lochman John E.
Published: August 2021

Suicide in Black youth is a major public health crisis. Given that racism is a core aspect of the lived experience of Black students in educational settings, efforts to reduce racial disparities in suicide risk must identify and address sources of racism in school contexts and facilitate culturally relevant coping strategies. This article highlights patterns associated with the emergence of risk in Black children and adolescents, applies the Ecosocial Theory of Disease Distribution to conceptualize a strategic approach to reducing racial disparities in suicide, and integrates empirical literature on the relations between racism and suicidality. Extant research findings are applied to conceptualize strategies specifically oriented towards reducing the incidence of suicidal behaviors in Black youth through treatment utilization and engagement strategies for school mental health services, the application of culturally relevant factors within school‐based prevention and treatment programs, culturally relevant risk assessment, and universal prevention using antiracist practices in schools.
Temperature Sensitivity Coefficients of RDX‐Based Propellants and Their Mixed Charges
Authors: Fu You , Zhu Yao , Liu Zhitao , Xu Bin , Shen Jinpeng , Wang Yingbo , Liao Xin
Published: August 2021

Low temperature sensitivity coefficients of gun propellants are of great significance for improving the stability of weapon performances. In this work, RDX‐NC‐NG‐DEGDN propellants (R‐MNEGP) were prepared to reduce the temperature sensitivity coefficient of mixed charges. The temperature sensitivity coefficients of R‐MNEGP, NC‐NG‐DEGDN propellants (MNEGP) and their mixed charges were studied by closed vessel tests, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and ballistic firing experiments. The results show that the increased burning surface of R‐MNEGP compensates the decrease in the burning rate of the propellant when the initial temperature is decreased compared with MNEGP. The temperature sensitivity coefficient of R‐MNEGP is lower than that of MNEGP, and the temperature sensitivity coefficients of the mixed charges (R‐MNEGP and MNEGP) are between these two temperature sensitivity coefficients in the range of −40 °C–20 °C and 20 °C–50 °C. Compared with MNEGP, the velocity temperature sensitivity coefficients of the mixed charges with 6 wt % and 10 wt % R‐MNEGP decreased by 34.86 % and 70.67 %, and the pressure temperature sensitivity coefficients of these decreased by 42.99 % and 100.90 % with increasing temperature from −40 °C to 15 °C. And the velocity temperature sensitivity coefficients had no significant change, and the pressure temperature sensitivity coefficients decreased by 2.58 % and 77.98 % in the range of 15 °C–50 °C. This study offers an attractive strategy for tuning the temperature sensitivity coefficient by mixing charges of R‐MNEGP and MNEGP with different temperature sensitivity coefficients.
The regulation of DNA supercoiling across evolution
Authors: Duprey Alexandre , Groisman Eduardo A.
Published: August 2021

DNA supercoiling controls a variety of cellular processes, including transcription, recombination, chromosome replication, and segregation, across all domains of life. As a physical property, DNA supercoiling alters the double helix structure by under‐ or over‐winding it. Intriguingly, the evolution of DNA supercoiling reveals both similarities and differences in its properties and regulation across the three domains of life. Whereas all organisms exhibit local, constrained DNA supercoiling, only bacteria and archaea exhibit unconstrained global supercoiling. DNA supercoiling emerges naturally from certain cellular processes and can also be changed by enzymes called topoisomerases. While structurally and mechanistically distinct, topoisomerases that dissipate excessive supercoils exist in all domains of life. By contrast, topoisomerases that introduce positive or negative supercoils exist only in bacteria and archaea. The abundance of topoisomerases is also transcriptionally and post‐transcriptionally regulated in domain‐specific ways. Nucleoid‐associated proteins, metabolites, and physicochemical factors influence DNA supercoiling by acting on the DNA itself or by impacting the activity of topoisomerases. Overall, the unique strategies that organisms have evolved to regulate DNA supercoiling hold significant therapeutic potential, such as bactericidal agents that target bacteria‐specific processes or anticancer drugs that hinder abnormal DNA replication by acting on eukaryotic topoisomerases specialized in this process. The investigation of DNA supercoiling therefore reveals general principles, conserved mechanisms, and kingdom‐specific variations relevant to a wide range of biological questions.
Specific Electrical Contact Resistance of Copper in Resistance Welding
Authors: Biele Lukas , Schaaf Peter , Schmid Florian
Published: August 2021

The electrical contact resistance (ECR) of copper (Cu‐ETP R200, soft) contacts for resistance welding (RW) is characterized. ECR plays a major role in the RW process and provides local heat generation between the parts. A special determination method is used on different testing variants to observe the influence of contact pressure (two levels: 68, 155 MPa), contact temperature (20–550 °C), and surface parameters, like roughness or oxide layer thickness, on the specific electrical contact resistance (SECR). For each surface parameter, three different levels are investigated. The study shows decreasing SECR with higher mechanical load on the contact and a more complex behavior for increase in contact temperature. SECR shows a characteristic behavior for contact states near the temperature‐dependent tensile strength of the base material for rough and clean surfaces, where SECR approaches toward zero. The variation of oxide layer thickness and surface roughness has a strong influence on the resulting SECR and both surface parameters show a strong coupling regarding their effects.
Growth process of molybdate conversion coating on the surface of aluminum foil and its adhesive mechanism
Authors: Chen Xinjie , Xu Shiai
Published: August 2021

In this study, an environmentally friendly molybdate (Mo) conversion coating was deposited on the surface of aluminum (Al) foil for use as the packaging film of lithium‐ion battery, and the surface morphology and chemical composition were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS results show that the conversion coating is composed of MoO3, MoOx, Al2O3, and (MoO3)x(P2O5)y. Then, the effects of treatment time on the corrosion resistance of Al foil and the adhesive strength between Mo‐treated Al foil and maleic anhydride (MAH)‐grafted polypropylene (MPP) were investigated. It is revealed that both the peeling strength and the corrosion resistance of Mo‐treated Al foil increase with the treatment time.
Microplastic Removal and Degradation by Mussel‐Inspired Adhesive Magnetic/Enzymatic Microrobots
Authors: Zhou Huaijuan , Mayorga‐Martinez Carmen C. , Pumera Martin
Published: August 2021

Ubiquitous pollution by microplastics is causing significant deleterious effects on marine life and human health through the food chain and has become a big challenge for the global ecosystem. It is of great urgency to find a cost‐efficient and biocompatible material to remove microplastics from the environment. Mimicking basic characteristics of the adhesive chemistry practiced by marine mussels, adhesive polydopamine (PDA)@Fe3O4 magnetic microrobots (MagRobots) are prepared by coating Fe3O4 nanoparticles with a polymeric layer of dopamine via one‐step self‐polymerization. In addition, lipase is loaded on the PDA@Fe3O4 MagRobots’ surface to perform microplastic enzymatic degradation. The synthesized MagRobots, which are externally triggered by transversal rotating magnetic field, have the capacity to clear away the targeted microplastics due to their strong sticky characteristics. With the adhesive PDA@Fe3O4 MagRobots on their surfaces, the microplastics can be navigated along an arbitrarily predefined path by a rotating field and removed using a directional magnetic field. Such adhesive MagRobots are envisioned to be used in swarms to remove microplastics from aqueous environments.
SnSe2/FeSe2 Nanocubes Capsulated in Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Realizing Stable Sodium‐Ion Storage at Ultrahigh Rate
Authors: Gao Xiaoyu , Kuai Yixi , Xu Zhixin , Cao Yongjie , Wang Nan , Hirano Shin‐ichi , Nuli Yanna , Wang Jiulin , Yang Jun
Published: August 2021

Metal selenides have attracted increasing attention recently as anodes for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) because of their large capacities, high electric conductivity, as well as environmental benignity. However, the application of metal selenides is hindered by the huge volume variation, which causes electrode structure devastation and the consequent degrading cycling stability and rate capability. To overcome the aforementioned obstacles, herein, SnSe2/FeSe2 nanocubes capsulated in nitrogen‐doped carbon (SFS@NC) are fabricated via a facile co‐precipitation method, followed by poly‐dopamine wrapping and one‐step selenization/carbonization procedure. The most remarkable feature of SFS@NC is the ultra‐stability under high current density while delivering a large capacity. The synergistic effect of dual selenide components and core‐shell architecture mitigates the volume effect, alleviates the agglomeration of nanoparticles, and further improves the electric conductivity. The as‐prepared SFS@NC nanocubes present a high capacity of 408.1 mAh g−1 after 1200 cycles at 6 A g−1, corresponding to an 85.3% retention, and can achieve a capacity of 345.0 mAh g−1 at an extremely high current density of 20 A g−1. The outstanding performance of SFS@NC may provide a hint to future material structure design strategy, and promote further developments and applications of SIBs.
Graphene Fiber‐Based Wearable Supercapacitors: Recent Advances in Design, Construction, and Application
Authors: Cheng Hengyang , Li Qing , Zhu Liangliang , Chen Su
Published: August 2021

Fiber‐based supercapacitors (FSCs) that display small volume, robust weavability, high power density, and long‐term stability, have urgently become the indispensable power supplies in smart wearable industries. Graphene fiber is regarded as an ideal FSCs electrode due to its remarkable natures of anisotropic framework, adjustable layer spacing, porous structures, large specific‐surface‐area, processable electroactivity, and high electronical and mechanical properties. This review, mainly focuses on the graphene fiber‐based supercapacitors (GFSCs), with respect to fiber preparation, micro‐nanostructure modulation, supercapacitor construction, performance optimization, and wearable applications. Various fiber fabrication strategies, including wet‐spinning, dry‐spinning, film conversion, confined hydrothermal self‐assembly, and microfluidic‐spinning are presented for fiber's structure manipulation and large‐scale production. Advanced nanostructures and electroactivity with various building principles, such as oriented alignment, porous network, hierarchical, and heterogeneous skeleton, engineered active‐sites, and mechanical regulation are discussed for boosting charge transfer, and ionic kinetic diffusion and storage. Especially, the optimizing approaches for regular unit alignment, enhanced interlayer interactions, modulated structural nano‐architecture are presented to deliver high capacitance and energy density. Moreover, the flexibility and stretchability of graphene fiber, together with wearable applications of power supply are highlighted. Finally, a short summary, current challenges and future perspectives for designing high energy density GFSCs are proposed.
Cycling Rate‐Induced Spatially‐Resolved Heterogeneities in Commercial Cylindrical Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Vamvakeros Antonis , Matras Dorota , Ashton Thomas E. , Coelho Alan A. , Dong Hongyang , Bauer Dustin , Odarchenko Yaroslav , Price Stephen W. T. , Butler Keith T. , Gutowski Olof , Dippel Ann‐Christin , Zimmerman Martin von , Darr Jawwad A. , Jacques Simon D. M. , Beale Andrew M.
Published: August 2021

Synchrotron high‐energy X‐ray diffraction computed tomography has been employed to investigate, for the first time, commercial cylindrical Li‐ion batteries electrochemically cycled over the two cycling rates of C/2 and C/20. This technique yields maps of the crystalline components and chemical species as a cross‐section of the cell with high spatiotemporal resolution (550 × 550 images with 20 × 20 × 3 µm3 voxel size in ca. 1 h). The recently developed Direct Least‐Squares Reconstruction algorithm is used to overcome the well‐known parallax problem and led to accurate lattice parameter maps for the device cathode. Chemical heterogeneities are revealed at both electrodes and are attributed to uneven Li and current distributions in the cells. It is shown that this technique has the potential to become an invaluable diagnostic tool for real‐world commercial batteries and for their characterization under operating conditions, leading to unique insights into “real” battery degradation mechanisms as they occur.
A Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress Amplifier to Overcome Hypoxia Resistance for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Dong Ping , Hu Jialing , Yu Shuyi , Zhou Yizhuo , Shi Tianhui , Zhao Yun , Wang Xiuyuan , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: August 2021

Hypoxia‐induced resistance to tumor treatment restricts further development of photodynamic therapy. Instead of simple reoxygenation to relieve hypoxia in traditional therapeutic approaches, a mitochondria‐targeted reactive oxygen species (ROS) amplifier is constructed to reverse hypoxia resistance and enhance tumor sensitivity to hypoxia‐resistant photodynamic therapy. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles are modified with triphenylphosphine to enhance its blood circulation and endow it with mitochondria‐targeted specificity. α‐Tocopherol succinate and indocyanine green are loaded in mitochondria‐targeted mesoporous silica nanoparticles to reduce innate oxygen consumption by blocking mitochondrial respiration chain, leading to endogenous mitochondrial ROS burst and imaging‐guided photodynamic therapy. This mitochondria‐targeted oxidative stress amplifier not only disrupts mitochondrial redox homeostasis and triggers long‐term high oxidative stress but also makes tumor more sensitive to hypoxia‐resistant photodynamic therapy. The imaging‐guided ROS amplifier confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of both in vitro and in vivo anticancer performance, suggesting a promising clinical strategy in hypoxia‐related tumor treatment.
Landscape of Cell Communication in Human Dental Pulp
Authors: Yin Wei , Liu Gaoxia , Li Jinhong , Bian Zhuan
Published: August 2021

The cellular atlas of the stroma is not well understood. Here, the cell populations in human dental pulp through single‐cell RNA sequencing are profiled. Dental pulp stem cells, pulp cells, T cells, macrophages, endothelial cells, and glial cells are identified in human dental pulp. These cells support each other through sending growth signals. Based on the appearance of ligand–receptor pairs between two cell populations, pulp cells have the greatest communication with other cell types, while T cells have the least communication. In addition, T cells expressing TLR1, TLR2, and TLR4, and endothelial cells expressing TLR4, monitor bacterial invasion. These findings provide the census of normal dental pulp.
Evolutionary–phylogenetic pathway of the Cretaceous ammonite genusAegocriocerasand its relationship toJuddicerasspp. andCrioceratitesspp.
Authors: Weinkauf Manuel F. G. , Hoffmann René , Wiedenroth Kurt
Published: August 2021

The systematics of ammonoids are complicated by their large degree of intraspecies variation, which complicates a stable validation of species.Aegocriocerasis a heteromorph ammonite from the Lower Saxony Basin in the Hauterivian Boreal, and a prime example of a genus with an unstable internal systematic and external relationship to other ammonoids. Here, we use quantitative morphometrics onAegocriocerasspecies from an assemblage collected in the Resse clay pit (north‐west Germany) to evaluate the systematics and phylogeny of this Cretaceous genus. We simplify the systematics of the genus into the three entitiesA. bicarinatum[m]–A. semicinctum[M] complex (which potentially containsA. quadratumas well),A. raricostatumandA. spathi. The most likely phylogeny coincides very well with the stratigraphic record of the species and implies anagenetic adaptations inA. raricostatumandA. spathiafter the origin of the species. It is most likely thatAegocriocerasderived from warm‐water adapted TethyanCrioceratitesspecies, and BorealCrioceratitesare potentially warm‐water adapted descendants of the cold‐water adaptedAegocriocerasbut may alternatively represent renewed Tethyan invasions. Our data imply that the success ofAegocriocerasagainst incumbent ammonites in the Boreal was rooted in abiotic change (Court Jester) processes due to its high adaptability, while it is more likely that selection within theAegocriocerasclade was based on biotic interaction (Red Queen) processes.
Grammar teaching practices of ESOL school teachers
Authors: Smith Joye
Published: August 2021

Although judicious grammar teaching in college ESOL instruction is generally accepted, little is known about the grammar teaching practices of teachers of school‐age English language learners (ELLs), who are learning academic content as well as a new language. In this study, 86 primary and secondary teachers of ELLs in a U.S. metropolitan area were surveyed about teaching grammar; nine also participated in a focus group. Most integrate grammar teaching into literacy instruction and use a wide range of approaches, including, but not limited to, explicit teaching of rules or patterns. However, their teaching is complicated by varied student literacy levels, the demands of high‐stakes testing, time constraints, limited connection with higher levels of discourse, and inconsistent administrator support and curricular integration. Results suggest the need for teacher–peer collaboration and common frameworks as teachers and students connect forms and meaning across content discourses and, in teacher education, equipping teachers with a dynamic and socially situated pedagogical grammar that moves beyond “error correction” to provide “a linguistic resource for making meaning” (Myhill, 2005, p. 84).
Color confinement and Bose-Einstein condensation
Authors: Hanada Masanori , Shimada Hidehiko , Wintergerst Nico
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We propose a unified description of two important phenomena: color confinement in large-N gauge theory, and Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC). We focus on the confinement/deconfinement transition characterized by the increase of the entropy from N0 to N2, which persists in the weak coupling region. Indistinguishability associated with the symmetry group — SU(N) or O(N) in gauge theory, and SN permutations in the system of identical bosons — is crucial for the formation of the condensed (confined) phase. We relate standard criteria, based on off-diagonal long range order (ODLRO) for BEC and the Polyakov loop for gauge theory. The constant offset of the distribution of the phases of the Polyakov loop corresponds to ODLRO, and gives the order parameter for the partially-(de)confined phase at finite coupling. We demonstrate this explicitly for several quantum mechanical systems (i.e., theories at small or zero spatial volume) at weak coupling, and argue that this mechanism extends to large volume and/or strong coupling. This viewpoint may have implications for confinement at finite N, and for quantum gravity via gauge/gravity duality.
Aether SUSY breaking: can aether be alternative to F-term SUSY breaking?
Authors: Yamada Yusuke
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We investigate supersymmetry (SUSY) breaking scenarios where both SUSY and Lorentz symmetry are broken spontaneously. For concreteness, we propose models in which scalar fluid or vector condensation breaks Lorentz symmetry and accordingly SUSY. Then, we examine whether such scenarios are viable for realistic model buildings. We find, however, that the scalar fluid model suffers from several issues. Then, we extend it to a vector condensation model, which avoids the issues in the scalar fluid case. We show that accelerated expansion and soft SUSY breaking in matter sector can be achieved. In our simple setup, the soft SUSY breaking is constrained to be less than $$ \mathcal{O}(100)\mathrm{TeV} $$
O

100

TeV
from the constraints on modification of gravity.
A theory of giant vortices
Authors: Penin Alexander A. , Weller Quinten
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We elaborate a theory of giant vortices [1] based on an asymptotic expansion in inverse powers of their winding number n. The theory is applied to the analysis of vortex solutions in the abelian Higgs (Ginzburg-Landau) model. Specific properties of the giant vortices for charged and neutral scalar fields as well as different integrable limits of the scalar self-coupling are discussed. Asymptotic results and the finite-n corrections to the vortex solutions are derived in analytic form and the convergence region of the expansion is determined.
Multicritical hypercubic models
Authors: Zinati R. Ben Alì , Codello A. , Zanusso O.
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We study renormalization group multicritical fixed points in the ϵ-expansion of scalar field theories characterized by the symmetry of the (hyper)cubic point group HN. After reviewing the algebra of HN-invariant polynomials and arguing that there can be an entire family of multicritical (hyper)cubic solutions with ϕ2n interactions in $$ d=\frac{2n}{n-1}-\epsilon $$
d
=

2
n

n
−
1

−
ϵ
dimensions, we use the general multicomponent beta functionals formalism to study the special cases d = 3 − ϵ and $$ d=\frac{8}{3}-\epsilon $$
d
=

8
3

−
ϵ
, deriving explicitly the beta functions describing the flow of three- and four-critical (hyper)cubic models. We perform a study of their fixed points, critical exponents and quadratic deformations for various values of N, including the limit N = 0, that was reported in another paper in relation to the randomly diluted single-spin models, and an analysis of the large N limit, which turns out to be particularly interesting since it depends on the specific multicriticality. We see that, in general, the continuation in N of the random solutions is different from the continuation coming from large-N, and only the latter interpolates with the physically interesting cases of low-N such as N = 3. Finally, we also include an analysis of a theory with quintic interactions in $$ d=\frac{10}{3}-\epsilon $$
d
=

10
3

−
ϵ
and, for completeness, the NNLO computations in d = 4 − ϵ.
Signals for antigen-independent differentiation of memory CD8+ T cells
Authors: Kwesi-Maliepaard Eliza Mari , Jacobs Heinz , van Leeuwen Fred
Published: August 2021

Conventional CD8+ memory T cells develop upon stimulation with foreign antigen and provide increased protection upon re-challenge. Over the past two decades, new subsets of CD8+ T cells have been identified that acquire memory features independently of antigen exposure. These antigen-inexperienced memory T cells (TAIM) are described under several names including innate memory, virtual memory, and ﻿memory phenotype. ﻿TAIM cells exhibit characteristics of conventional or true memory cells, including antigen-specific responses. In addition, they show responsiveness to innate stimuli and have been suggested to provide additional levels of protection toward infections and cancer. Here, we discuss the current understanding of TAIM cells, focusing on extrinsic and intrinsic molecular conditions that favor their development, their molecular definitions and immunological properties, as well as their transcriptional and epigenetic regulation.
Professional ethics and social responsibility: military work and peacebuilding
Authors: Hersh M. A.
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates four questions related to ethical issues associated with the involvement of engineers and scientists in 'military work', including the influence of ethical values and beliefs, the role of gendered perspectives and moves beyond the purely technical. It fits strongly into a human (and planet)-centred systems perspective and extends my previous AI and Society papers on othering and narrative ethics, and ethics and social responsibility. It has two main contributions. The first involves an analysis of the literature through the application of different ethical theories and the application of gendered analysis to discussion of masculinities in engineering and the military. The second is a survey of scientists and engineers to investigate their opinions and experiences. The conclusions draw together the results of these two contributions to provide preliminary responses to the four questions and include a series of recommendations covering education and training, ethical approval of work not involving human participants or animals, the need for organisational support, approaches covering wider perspectives and the encouragement of individual ethical commitment.
Ireneusz Wierzejewski: treatment of amputees of the upper limb in Poznan during the Great War
Authors: Magowska Anita , Owecki Michał
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The Great War (1914–1918) caused a dramatic increase in the number of limbless invalids. Orthopaedics became the field of medicine that could offer the most effective help for those patients.

Objective

This review article aims to present how new operations and methods in the field of orthopaedics spread to other countries during the Great War.

Methods

Historical photographs of patients treated by being given hand prostheses are analysed and discussed as a case study of the transfer of orthopaedic techniques in Europe. The pictures were taken in a provincial military hospital, directed by Ireneusz Wierzejewski, the pioneer of orthopaedics in Poland.

Results

The methods of preparing stumps for prostheses at Wierzejewski’s hospital followed the patterns of the time. In some cases, the prostheses were further modified to better help patients return to their former lives.

Conclusion

The case of the Fortress Hospital in Poznań demonstrates that kinetic hand prostheses were also available in provincial hospitals. Modern orthopaedic procedures remain an effective treatment and a way to restore amputees to society.
Randomized multicenter noninferiority phase III clinical trial of the first biosimilar of eculizumab
Authors: Kulagin Alexander D. , Ptushkin Vadim V. , Lukina Elena A. , Davydkin Igor L. , Korobkin Alexander V. , Shamrai Vladimir S. , Konstantinova Tatyana S. , Kaporskaya Tatyana S. , Mitina Tatyana A. , Ksenzova Tatyana I. , Zuev Evgeny V. , Markova Oksana A. , Gapchenko Elena V. , Kudlay Dmitry A.
Published: August 2021

Currently, eculizumab is the main effective treatment for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The aim of this randomized multicenter noninferiority study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Biosimilar (Elizaria) in comparison with the Originator (Soliris) in patients with PNH. Biosimilar and Originator were administered at a dose of 600 mg weekly for 4 weeks at the initial stage in naive patients, as well as for maintenance therapy at a dose of 900 mg every 2 weeks in all patients. The primary endpoint was a comparative assessment of hemolytic activity based on the area under the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration–time curve during the maintenance therapy. Thirty-two (32) patients were randomized for therapy with Biosimilar (n = 16) or Originator (n = 16). The mean values of LDH concentration–time curve were similar in both treatment groups without statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Evaluation of secondary endpoints has shown no statistically significant differences between the groups. Safety values were comparable in both treatment groups. The data obtained confirm that the Biosimilar is not inferior to the Originator in terms of the main efficacy parameter, and is also comparable with it in terms of safety and additional efficacy parameters. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04463056
Large joints are progressively involved in rheumatoid arthritis irrespective of rheumatoid factor status—results from the early rheumatoid arthritis study
Authors: Zhao Sizheng Steven , Nikiphorou Elena , Young Adam , Kiely Patrick D. W.
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to examine the progression of large joint involvement from early to established RA in terms of range of movement (ROM) and time to joint surgery, according to the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF). We used a historical longitudinal cohort of early RA patients. Patients were deemed RF negative if all repeated assessments were negative. The rate of progression from normal to any loss of range of movement (ROM) from years 3 to 14 were modelled using generalized estimating equations, for elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankle, adjusting for confounders. Time to joint surgery was analysed using multivariable Cox models. A total of 1458 patients were included (66% female, mean age 55 years) and 74% were RF-positive. The prevalence of any loss of ROM, from year 3 through to 14 was highest in the wrist followed by ankle, knee, elbow and hip. Odds of loss of ROM increased over time in all joint regions assessed, at around 7–13% per year from year 3 to 14. Time to surgery was similar according to RF-status for the wrist and ankle, but RF-positive cases had a lower hazard of surgery at the elbow (HR 0.37, 0.15–0.90), hip (HR 0.69, 0.48–0.99) and after 10 years at the knee (HR 0.41, 0.25–0.68). Large joints become progressively involved in RA, most frequently affecting the wrist followed by ankle, which is overlooked in composite disease activity indices. RF-negative and positive cases progressed similarly. Treat-to-target approaches should be followed irrespective of RF status.