bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of multiplexed control materials for cancer mutation analysis by genome editing in GM12878 cells
Authors: Lin Guigao , Zhang Kuo , Han Yanxi , Peng Rongxue , Li Jinming
Published: November 2021

Background

Quality control materials are necessary for assay development, test validation, and proficiency testing in cancer mutation analysis. Most of the existing controls for somatic mutations only harbor a single variant and are derived from unstable cell lines. This study aimed to establish a method to create stable multianalyte controls in a defined background by genome editing in GM12878 cells, which also can be applied for the reference of next‐generation sequencing.

Methods

GM12878 cells were electroporated with a donor plasmid containing a mutant DNA sequence and a Cas9/sgRNA expressing vector. The genome‐edited GM12878 cell was validated with Sanger sequencing, amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS), and next‐generation sequencing (NGS).

Results

We have successfully generated a mutant GM12878 cell line harboring the defined variants including single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs), small insertions and deletions (indels), and structural variants (SVs). The introduction of intended mutations in GM12878 cell line was confirmed by both ARMS and sequencing methods.

Conclusions

We developed a method for the preparation of the multiplexed controls for reference mutations in cancer gene by genome editing in GM12878 cells. This methodology can be used to generate other stable cancer reference materials with an unlimited supply.
Imaging appearance of ovarian mature teratoma with gliomatosis peritonei
Authors: Zhang Min , Wu Tang Na , Lin Hai , Qin Ling‐ling
Published: November 2021

Gliomatosis peritonei (GP), almost exclusively linked to mature or immature ovarian teratoma, is a very rare disease. To the best of our knowledge, reports on the complete clinical course and imaging features of ovarian mature teratoma with GP are extremely rare. We present a case of ovarian mature teratoma with GP in a 9‐year‐old girl admitted to the emergency department for a 2‐month history of a large abdominal mass found accidentally. Carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen 125 levels were elevated. CT scans suggested a large mass with mild enhancement, and an immature teratoma derived from the left ovary with ascites was diagnosed by ultrasound. Subsequently, left ovarian tumor resection and omentectomy were performed, and a solid cystic mass accompanied by massive ascites and numerous white to grayish nodules was identified on the left ovary. The pathology results revealed a mature teratoma with GP. The patient had good postoperative recovery, and her serum tumor marker levels decreased to normal at the 3‐month follow‐up.
Dynamics of spreading of SARS‐CoV‐2 in a Belgian hemodialysis facility: The importance of the analysis of viral strains
Authors: Labriola Laura , Ruelle Jean , Scohy Anaïs , Seghers François , Perlot Quentin , De Greef Julien , Desmet Christine , Romain Cécile , Yombi Jean Cyr , Rodriguez‐Villalobos Hector , Kabamba Benoît , Jadoul Michel
Published: November 2021

In‐center maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients are at high risk of acquiring coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) by cross‐contamination inside the unit. The aim of this study was to assess retrospectively the dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) transmission during the very first pandemic phase (March–July 2020) in a cohort of in‐center maintenance HD patients and in nurses the same HD facility, using a phylogenetic approach. All SARS‐CoV‐2 quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction positive patients and nurses from our HD unit‐respectively 10 out of 98, and 8 out of 58‐ and two other positive patients dialyzed in our self‐care unit were included. Whole‐genome viral sequencing and phylogenetic analysis supported the cluster investigation. Five positive patients were usually dialyzed in the same room and same shift before their COVID‐19 diagnosis was made. Viral sequencing performed on 4/5 patients' swabs showed no phylogenetic link between their viruses. The fifth patient (whose virus could not be sequenced) was dialyzed at the end of the dialysis room and was treated by a different nurse than the one in charge of the other patients. Three nurses shared the same virus detected in both self‐care patients (one of them had been transferred to our in‐center facility). The epidemiologically strongly suspected intra‐unit cluster could be ruled out by viral genome sequencing. The infection control policy did not allow inter‐patient contamination within the HD facility, in contrast to evidence of moderate dissemination within the nursing staff and in the satellite unit. Epidemiologic data without phylogenetic confirmation might mislead the interpretation of the dynamics of viral spreading within congregate settings.
Severe neonatal COVID‐19: Challenges in management and therapeutic approach
Authors: Marsico Concetta , Capretti Maria Grazia , Aceti Arianna , Vocale Caterina , Carfagnini Filomena , Serra Carla , Campoli Caterina , Lazzarotto Tiziana , Corvaglia Luigi
Published: November 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the etiological agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), may manifest as a life‐threatening respiratory infection with systemic complications. Clinical manifestations among children are generally less severe than those seen in adults, but critical cases have increasingly been reported in infants less than 1 year of age. We report a severe case of neonatal COVID‐19 requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation, further complicated by a multidrug‐resistant Enterobacter asburiae super‐infection. Chest X‐rays, lung ultrasound, and chest computed tomography revealed extensive interstitial pneumonia with multiple consolidations, associated with persistent increased work of breathing and feeding difficulties. SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was detected in respiratory specimens and stools, but not in other biological samples, with a rapid clearance in stools. Serological tests demonstrated a specific SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody response mounted by the neonate and sustained over time. The therapeutic approach included the use of enoxaparin and steroids which may have contributed to the bacterial complication, underlying the challenges in managing neonatal COVID‐19, where the balance between viral replication and immunomodulation maybe even more challenging than in older ages.
High‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell rescue in Wilms tumors: French report on toxicity and efficacy
Authors: Delafoy Manon , Verschuur Arnauld , Scheleirmacher Gudrun , Tabone Marie‐Dominique , Sudour‐Bonnange Hélène , Thébaud Estelle , Freycon Claire , Notz‐Carrère Anne , Boulanger Cécile , Pellier Isabelle , Irtan Sabine , Muracciole Xavier , Coulomb‐L'Hermine Aurore , Dijoud Frédérique , Morelle Magali , Bergeron Christophe , Pasqualini Claudia
Published: November 2021

Background

Heterogeneous data have been reported on high‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous stem cell rescue (ASCR) in Wilms tumors (WTs). We aimed to define its safety and efficacy in the French cohort, and to compare this management to current international recommendations.

Methods

Data prospectively collected from children, adolescents, and young adults with WT treated with HDCT/ASCR between 2000 and 2016 in French centers were retrospectively analyzed. Toxicity was reported according to CTCAE v4.03.

Results

Fifty‐four patients received HDCT/ASCR (first line, n = 13; recurrence, n = 41). Their median age at the time of ASCR was 5.3 years (range 2.2–21.6). Main nonhematological acute grades 3–4 toxicities were digestive and renal. No significant difference of toxicity rate was observed among HDCT regimens and schedules. Two patients died shortly after ASCR (renal and multiorgan failure), and one heavily pretreated patient died of late respiratory failure. The selection criteria applied to define those patients eligible for HDCT/ASCR retrospectively matched to those currently used in the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) UMBRELLA protocol for 38 patients, with encouraging survival rates compared to published data. The objective response rate to HDCT was 21%, with a disease control rate after HDCT of 85%. After a median follow‐up of 7 years, the 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 54% (95% CI: 32%–76%) and 62% (95% CI: 31%–82%) for frontline patients, and 57% (95% CI: 39%–71%) and 69% (95% CI: 52%–81%) at recurrence.

Conclusion

HDCT was feasible and showed encouraging results in well‐defined settings. Data from the current prospective protocol will help to better evaluate HDCT impact on survival.
Photo‐mediated metal‐free atom transfer radical polymerization: recent advances in organocatalysts and perfection towards polymer synthesis
Authors: Soly Sneha , Mistry Bhavita , Murthy CN
Published: November 2021

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is a significant improvement over traditional radical polymerization, which lacked control over molecular weight distribution and molecular weight. However, with the increasing advancement in synthetic polymer chemistry and the requirement of doing away with metal catalysts, which on one hand remain as contaminants even in trace quantities and on the other are environmentally unsustainable, catalysts that are totally organic in nature are being explored and success is being reported in the literature although in a very sparse way. This review is an attempt to give an overview of all the organic photocatalysts employed in metal‐free ATRP reported from 2014. It covers the recent advancements in photoinduced metal‐free ATRP and explains about the two possible mechanisms, i.e. oxidative and reductive quenching pathways, and the future direction in which this unique polymerization technique is heading. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Effectiveness of a Classroom‐Implemented, App‐Based Morphology Program for Language‐Minority Students: Examining Latent Language‐Literacy Profiles and Contextual Factors as Moderators
Authors: Bratlie Siri Steffensen , Gustafsson Jan‐Eric , Torkildsen Janne von Koss
Published: November 2021

Language‐minority students constitute a heterogeneous group, both in terms of skills in the majority language and contextual factors, such as language use at home and socioeconomic status. These characteristics may interact with the effectiveness of language instruction programs. This study investigated whether the effectiveness of a digital morphology program conducted in mainstream classrooms differed between Norwegian second‐grade language‐minority students (n = 188) and language‐majority students (n = 521). Further, the study examined language‐minority students’ latent language‐literacy skill profiles. Specifically, it investigated how the skill profiles related to the students’ initial morphological word knowledge and the immediate and long‐term effects of the program. Intention‐to‐treat analyses showed positive effects of the program on morphological word knowledge at posttest (d = 0.30) and 6‐month follow‐up (d = 0.27), with no evidence of group differences in program effects. For the language‐minority students, a latent profile model with three language‐literacy profiles emerged. All three profiles had low vocabulary compared to the full sample but differed in reading and spelling. There were significant differences between the three profiles in initial morphological word knowledge. However, the program effects were not associated with the language‐literacy profiles or contextual factors. Findings suggest that language‐minority students can benefit from classroom‐implemented language instruction programs on an equal level as language‐majority peers.
An early Cambrian mackenziid reveals links to modular Ediacaran macro‐organisms
Authors: Zhao Yang , Vinther Jakob , Li Yu‐Jing , Wei Fan , Hou Xian‐Guang , Cong Pei‐Yun
Published: November 2021

Many Ediacaran macrofossils are apparently composed of unique pneus (similar, repetitive tubular modules) forming a variety of body shapes by combinations of modular growth regimes. The large‐scale disappearance of Ediacaran macro‐organisms at the end of the Precambrian leaves this now extinct modular body plan only rarely reported from the Cambrian onwards. Mackenzia costalis is an enigmatic and poorly understood soft‐bodied organism from the middle Cambrian, and is a possible surviving member of the Ediacaran macrobiota. Here, we describe a new mackenziid, Paramackenzia canalifera, from the early Cambrian Chengjiang biota, Yunnan Province, south‐west China. It has a body plan comprising longitudinal tubular modules that are radially arranged to form a cylindrical body with a basal attachment. Each tubular module is enclosed by an inner and outer concentric membrane, separated from adjacent modules by a thin lamellar sheet. Infilling sediment and preservation of dark, basal stains at the inner and outer membranes reveal a pore–canal system within the lamellae, connecting the internal cavity to the exterior. This arrangement of tubular modules is similar to that of several macroscopic Ediacaran species, including erniettomorphs and dickinsoniomorphs, which were constructed of serial hydrostatic modules referred to as ‘pneus’. The mackenziid pore system is similar to that of sponges and archaeocyathids in function and feeding strategy, but the overall anatomy precludes affiliation to this phylum. We suggest that mackenziids are most likely to be a blastic or diploblastic anatomical grade of stem eumetazoans, similar to other modular Ediacaran macro‐organisms.
Did You Find It on the Internet? Ethical Complexities of Search Engine Rankings
Authors: Canca Cansu
Published: November 2021

Search engines play a crucial role in our access to information. Their search ranking can amplify certain information while making others virtually invisible. Ethical issues arise regarding the criteria that the ranking is based on, the structure of the resulting ranking, and its implications. Critics often put forth a collection of commonly held values and principles, arguing that these provide the needed guidance for ethical search engines. However, these values and principles are often in tension with one another and lead us to incompatible criteria and results, as I show in this short chapter. We need a more rigorous public debate that goes beyond principles and engages with necessary value trade-offs.
Hate and harassment in academia: the rising concern of the online environment
Authors: Oksanen Atte , Celuch Magdalena , Latikka Rita , Oksa Reetta , Savela Nina
Published: November 2021

Hostile online communication is a global concern. Academic research and teaching staff are among those professionals who routinely give public comments and are thus vulnerable to online attacks. This social psychological and criminological study investigated online harassment victimization among university researchers and teachers. Survey participants (N = 2,492) were university research and teaching staff members from five major universities in Finland. Victimization was assessed with a 20-item inventory. The study included a wide range of both background and general measures on well-being at work. Participants also took part in an online experiment involving a death threat targeting a colleague. Results showed that 30% of the participants reported being victims of online harassment during the prior 6 months. Victims were more often senior staff members, minority group members, and from the social sciences and humanities. Those active in traditional or social media were much more likely to be targeted. Victims reported higher psychological distress, lower generalized trust, and lower perceived social support at work than non-victims. Individuals who were targeted by a colleague from their work community reported higher post-traumatic stress disorder scores and a higher impact of perceived online harassment on their work compared to other victims. In the experimental part of the study, participants reported more anxiety when a close colleague received a death threat. Participants also recommended more countermeasures to a close colleague than to an unknown person from the same research field. Results indicate that online harassment compromises well-being at work in academia. There is an urgent need to find ways of preventing online harassment, both in workplaces and in society at large.
Quinone binding in respiratory complex I: Going through the eye of a needle. The squeeze-in mechanism of passing the narrow entrance of the quinone site
Authors: Dhananjayan Nithin , Wang Panyue , Leontyev Igor , Stuchebrukhov Alexei A.
Published: November 2021

At the joint between the membrane and hydrophilic arms of the enzyme, the structure of the respiratory complex I reveals a tunnel-like Q-chamber for ubiquinone binding and reduction. The narrow entrance of the quinone chamber located in ND1 subunit forms a bottleneck (eye of a needle) which in all resolved structures was shown to be too small for a bulky quinone to pass through, and it was suggested that a conformational change is required to open the channel. The closed bottleneck appears to be a well-established feature of all structures reported so-far, both for the so-called open and closed states of the enzyme, with no indication of a stable open state of the bottleneck. We propose a squeeze-in mechanism of the bottleneck passage, where dynamic thermal conformational fluctuations allow quinone to get in and out. Here, using molecular dynamics simulations of the bacterial enzyme, we have identified collective conformational changes that open the quinone chamber bottleneck. The model predicts a significant reduction—due to a need for a rare opening of the bottleneck—of the effective bi-molecular rate constant, in line with the available kinetic data. We discuss possible reasons for such a tight control of the quinone passage into the binding chamber and mechanistic consequences for the quinone two-electron reduction.

Graphic abstract
ATMOSPHERIC RADIOCARBON FOR THE PERIOD 1950–2019
Authors: Hua Quan , Turnbull Jocelyn C , Santos Guaciara M , Rakowski Andrzej Z , Ancapichún Santiago , De Pol-Holz Ricardo , Hammer Samuel , Lehman Scott J , Levin Ingeborg , Miller John B , Palmer Jonathan G , Turney Chris S M
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a compilation of atmospheric radiocarbon for the period 1950–2019, derived from atmospheric CO2 sampling and tree rings from clean-air sites. Following the approach taken by Hua et al. (2013), our revised and extended compilation consists of zonal, hemispheric and global radiocarbon (14C) data sets, with monthly data sets for 5 zones (Northern Hemisphere zones 1, 2, and 3, and Southern Hemisphere zones 3 and 1–2). Our new compilation includes smooth curves for zonal data sets that are more suitable for dating applications than the previous approach based on simple averaging. Our new radiocarbon dataset is intended to help facilitate the use of atmospheric bomb 14C in carbon cycle studies and to accommodate increasing demand for accurate dating of recent (post-1950) terrestrial samples.
Is the fiṭra mutable? A reformist conception of human perfection in Shāh Walī Allāh's Ḥujjat Allāh al-Bāligha
Authors: von Doetinchem de Rande Raissa A.
Published: November 2021

This article examines the question of whether the created human nature, or fiṭra, is portrayed as mutable in Shāh Walī Allāh's (d. 1762) Ḥujjat Allāh al-Bāligha. I argue that Walī Allāh uses the fiṭra — or the perfection of four qualities that make for human flourishing — to anchor a unified concept of human perfection that can fit different ages without essentially changing. Walī Allāh accomplishes this by affirming the particularity of divine laws and the efficacy of local customs in realising the eternal demands of the human form. More specifically, he posits that established practices can become second nature to a community, enter the divine system of requital, and thus help a people develop the necessary qualities through highly contingent means, all without violating the Qur'anic and traditional claim that the original nature itself never changes. With recourse to some of his other works and potential influences, I conclude that Walī Allāh's conception of the fiṭra accommodates traditional theological assertions regarding the singularity of human perfection, on the one hand, and the possibility of reformed norms, on the other.
Retreat of the Great Escarpment of Madagascar From Geomorphic Analysis and Cosmogenic 10Be Concentrations
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Willett Sean D. , Wu Datian , Haghipour Negar , Christl Marcus
Published: November 2021

The eastern margin of Madagascar has a prominent relief change from the flat coastal plain to the low‐relief high plateau, characterizing a typical great escarpment topography at a passive margin. A quantification of the spatial distribution of erosion rates is necessary to understand the rate of landscape evolution. We present catchment‐averaged erosion rates from detrital cosmogenic 10Be concentrations, systematically covering distinct morphological zones of the escarpment. Erosion rates are differentiated across the escarpment, where the high plateau and the coastal plain are slowly eroding with an average rate of 9.7 m/Ma, and the escarpment basins are eroding faster with an average rate of 16.6 m/Ma. The Alaotra‐Ankay Graben related basins have the highest erosion rate with an average rate of 27 m/Ma. The spatial pattern of erosion rates indicates a retreating escarpment landscape. Retreat rates calculated from the 10Be concentrations are from 182 to 1,886 m/Ma. The rates of escarpment retreat on Madagascar are consistent with a model of a steady retreat from the coastline since the time of rifting, similar to the Western Ghats escarpment on its conjugate margin of the India Peninsula.
Analyzing artificial intelligence systems for the prediction of atrial fibrillation from sinus-rhythm ECGs including demographics and feature visualization
Authors: Melzi Pietro , Tolosana Ruben , Cecconi Alberto , Sanz-Garcia Ancor , Ortega Guillermo J. , Jimenez-Borreguero Luis Jesus , Vera-Rodriguez Ruben
Published: November 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm, asymptomatic in many cases, that causes several health problems and mortality in population. This retrospective study evaluates the ability of different AI-based models to predict future episodes of AF from electrocardiograms (ECGs) recorded during normal sinus rhythm. Patients are divided into two classes according to AF occurrence or sinus rhythm permanence along their several ECGs registry. In the constrained scenario of balancing the age distributions between classes, our best AI model predicts future episodes of AF with area under the curve (AUC) 0.79 (0.72–0.86). Multiple scenarios and age-sex-specific groups of patients are considered, achieving best performance of prediction for males older than 70 years. These results point out the importance of considering different demographic groups in the analysis of AF prediction, showing considerable performance gaps among them. In addition to the demographic analysis, we apply feature visualization techniques to identify the most important portions of the ECG signals in the task of AF prediction, improving this way the interpretability and understanding of the AI models. These results and the simplicity of recording ECGs during check-ups add feasibility to clinical applications of AI-based models.
Comparing the clinical efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Rotshild Victoria , Hirsh-Raccah Bruria , Miskin Ian , Muszkat Mordechai , Matok Ilan
Published: November 2021

New Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are available to prevent the ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. We compared the efficacy of new COVID-19 vaccines to prevent symptomatic and severe disease in the adult population and to prevent symptomatic COVID-19 among the elderly. Leading medical databases were searched until August 30, 2021. Published phase 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated efficacy of the vaccine to prevent symptomatic and sever COVID-19 in adults were included. Two reviewers independently evaluated the literature search results and independently extracted summary data. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) according to PRISMA-NMA 2015 to pool indirect comparisons between different vaccines regarding their relative efficacy. The primary outcomes were the efficacy of the vaccine against symptomatic COVID-19 in adults (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021235364). Above 200,000 adult participants from eight phase 3 RCTs were included in NMA, of whom 52% received the intervention (active COVID-19 vaccine). While each of nine vaccines was tested in the unique clinical trial as compared to control, based on indirect comparison, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines were ranked with the highest probability of efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 (P-scores 0.952 and 0.843, respectively), followed by Gam-COVID-Vac (P-score 0.782), NVX-CoV23730 (P-score 0.700), CoronaVac (P-score 0.570), BN02 (P-score 0.428), WIV04 (P-score 0.327), and Ad26.COV2.S (P-score 0.198). No statistically significant difference was seen in the ability of the vaccines to prevent symptomatic disease in the elderly population. No vaccine was statistically significantly associated with a decreased risk for severe COVID-19 than other vaccines, although mRNA-1273 and Gam-COVID-Vac have the highest P-scores (0.899 and 0.816, respectively), indicating greater protection against severe disease than other vaccines. In our indirect comparison, the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines, which use mRNA technology, were associated with the highest efficacy to prevent symptomatic COVID-19 compared to other vaccines. This finding may have importance when deciding which vaccine to use, together with other important factors as availability of the vaccines, costs, logistics, side effects, and patient acceptability.
Enantioselective construction of a tetrasubstituted stereocenter in isoindolinones via an organocatalyzed reaction between ketones and 3-hydroxyisoindolinones
Authors: Matišić Mateja , Gredičak Matija
Published: November 2021

In a reaction catalyzed by a chiral phosphoric acid, ketones and in situ generated ketimines afford isoindolinone derivatives with a tetrasubstituted stereogenic center in high yields, and high diastereo- and enantioselectivities.
Si-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: synthesis and opto-electronic properties
Authors: Delouche Thomas , Taifour Ghizlene , Cordier Marie , Roisnel Thierry , Tondelier Denis , Manzhi Payal , Geffroy Bernard , Le Guennic Boris , Jacquemin Denis , Hissler Muriel , Bouit Pierre-Antoine
Published: November 2021

We report a straightforward synthesis of Si-containing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their insertion into optoelectronic devices.
A one-pot two-step synthesis of tertiary alcohols combining the biocatalytic laccase/TEMPO oxidation system with organolithium reagents in aerobic aqueous media at room temperature
Authors: Ramos-Martín Marina , Lecuna Ramón , Cicco Luciana , Vitale Paola , Capriati Vito , Ríos-Lombardía Nicolás , González-Sabín Javier , Presa Soto Alejandro , García-Álvarez Joaquín
Published: November 2021

A hybrid one-pot tandem protocol combining s-block reagents with enzymes (laccase from Trametes versicolor), in aqueous media, at room temperature and under air, is disclosed.
New perspectives on the laser initiation for metal tetrazine complexes: a theoretical study
Authors: Yang Junqing , Zhang Gu-Dan , Zhang Jian-Guo , Chen Dong , Zhang Qi
Published: November 2021

MTCs with different metals and ligands were designed and their charge transfer (CT) characters were examined using a time-dependent DFT method and UV-vis spectra, hole–electron distribution, interfragment charge transition, and transition density matrix analyses.
Pseudoionone synthesis from citral and acetone in a fixed bed catalytic reactor with lanthanum modified calcium oxide
Authors: Margi Nikhil H. , Yadav Ganapati D.
Published: November 2021

The industrial process of pseudoionone synthesis from citral uses a homogeneous catalyst with excessive acetone as a solvent-cum reactant in a stirred tank batch reactor which needs to be replaced by a better heterogeneously catalyzed, solventless, and ecofriendly flow process as shown by the current work.
Poly(ionic liquid)–polyoxometalate/graphene oxide composites as catalysts for deep desulfurization
Authors: Gao Yan , Yang Lilong , Liu Zhe , Gao Ruimin , Hu Guangfa , Zhao Jianshe
Published: November 2021

A series of supported catalysts were synthesized by loading polyoxometalate salts on the graphene oxide surface. Under the optimum conditions, the maximum desulfurization rates of T, BT and DBT can reach 98.32, 99.98 and 99.28%, respectively.
Simple construction of GdBiVO4 assembled on reduced graphene oxide for selective and sensitive electrochemical detection of chloramphenicol in food samples
Authors: Gopi Praveen Kumar , Srinithi Subburaj , Chen Shen-Ming , Hunsur Ravikumar Chandan
Published: November 2021

In the present study, the influence of phase purity and crystallinity on the electrochemical properties of well-designed GdBiVO4@rGO nanocomposite, fabricated by the facile hydrothermal method for the detection of chloramphenicol (CP), is reported.
Manipulation of electronic and structural effects on the solid-state emission of multiple linked anthracenyl-o-carborane dyads
Authors: Ma Yongdong , Wu Xueyan , Lv Yan , Jin Xiaoping , Shan Huici , Guo Jixi
Published: November 2021

A direct boost of emission efficiency is presented based on the strategy of linking multiple weak AIE-active anthracenyl-o-carborane dyads together for improving solid-state luminescence.
Tunneling nanotubes and related structures: molecular mechanisms of formation and function
Authors: Dagar Sunayana , Pathak Diksha , Oza Harsh V. , Mylavarapu Sivaram V. S.
Published: November 2021

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are F-actin-based, membrane-enclosed tubular connections between animal cells that transport a variety of cellular cargo. Over the last 15 years since their discovery, TNTs have come to be recognized as key players in normal cell communication and organism development, and are also exploited for the spread of various microbial pathogens and major diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. TNTs have also been proposed as modalities for disseminating therapeutic drugs between cells. Despite the rapidly expanding and wide-ranging relevance of these structures in both health and disease, there is a glaring dearth of molecular mechanistic knowledge regarding the formation and function of these important but enigmatic structures. A series of fundamental steps are essential for the formation of functional nanotubes. The spatiotemporally controlled and directed modulation of cortical actin dynamics would be required to ensure outward F-actin polymerization. Local plasma membrane deformation to impart negative curvature and membrane addition at a rate commensurate with F-actin polymerization would enable outward TNT elongation. Extrinsic tactic cues, along with cognate intrinsic signaling, would be required to guide and stabilize the elongating TNT towards its intended target, followed by membrane fusion to create a functional TNT. Selected cargoes must be transported between connected cells through the action of molecular motors, before the TNT is retracted or destroyed. This review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating these steps, also highlighting areas that deserve future attention.
Regulation of Tim-3 function by binding to phosphatidylserine
Authors: Kane Lawrence P.
Published: November 2021

Tim-3 is a transmembrane protein that is highly expressed on subsets of chronically stimulated CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, with more transient expression during acute activation and infection. Tim-3 is also constitutively expressed by multiple types of myeloid cells. Like other TIM family members, Tim-3 can bind to phosphatidylserine displayed by apoptotic cells, and this interaction has been shown to mediate uptake of such cells by dendritic cells and cross-presentation of antigens to CD8+ T cells. In contrast, how the recognition of PS by Tim-3 might regulate the function of Tim-3+ T cells is not known. In their recent paper, Lemmon and colleagues demonstrate for the first time that recognition of PS by Tim-3 leads to enhanced T cell activation.
Pluripotency transcription factors at the focus: the phase separation paradigm in stem cells
Authors: Oses Camila , Stortz Martin , Verneri Paula , Guberman Alejandra , Levi Valeria
Published: November 2021

The transcription factors (TFs) OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG are key players of the gene regulatory network of pluripotent stem cells. Evidence accumulated in recent years shows that even small imbalances in the expression levels or relative concentrations of these TFs affect both, the maintenance of pluripotency and cell fate decisions. In addition, many components of the transcriptional machinery including RNA polymerases, cofactors and TFs such as those required for pluripotency, do not distribute homogeneously in the nucleus but concentrate in multiple foci influencing the delivery of these molecules to their DNA-targets. How cells control strict levels of available pluripotency TFs in this heterogeneous space and the biological role of these foci remain elusive. In recent years, a wealth of evidence led to propose that many of the nuclear compartments are formed through a liquid–liquid phase separation process. This new paradigm early penetrated the stem cells field since many key players of the pluripotency circuitry seem to phase-separate. Overall, the formation of liquid compartments may modulate the kinetics of biochemical reactions and consequently regulate many nuclear processes. Here, we review the state-of-the-art knowledge of compartmentalization in the cell nucleus and the relevance of this process for transcriptional regulation, particularly in pluripotent stem cells. We also highlight the recent advances and new ideas in the field showing how compartmentalization may affect pluripotency preservation and cell fate decisions.
Perovskite Solar Mini-Modules
Authors: Bruno Annalisa
Published: November 2021

In the last decade perovskite solar cells have shown remarkable improvements in power conversion efficiency which have driven the interest to commercialise the perovskite technology. Here, I will present an overview of our recent works focused on the development and the understanding of highly efficient co-evaporated perovskite solar cells with excellent thermal stability and remarkable upscalability. Our works demonstrate the compatibility of perovskite technology with consolidated industrial processes and its potential for next-generation photovoltaics on the market
Nobel prize 50 years ago
Authors: Gelenbe Erol
Published: November 2021

As we recall the major contributions of Professor Dennis Gabor that resulted in his Nobel Prize in Physics in 1971 for the invention of holography, it is interesting to put his impact on science, technology, as well as humanity, in a broader context so as to better understand his experiences, and recognize the very significant role that he played in his time.
Optimisation of the rotary friction welding process of titanium alloy rods
Authors: Zulu Mthobisi , Mashinini Madindwa
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a study on the performance behaviour of friction welded titanium alloy rods. The Ti6Al4V alloy rods were friction welded with continuous-drive friction welding using different combinations of process parameters. The welding speed ranging from 1600 to 2700 RPM and the applied pressure ranging from 25 to 140 MPa were utilized for the welding process. The weld joints and the parent material were examined for microstructure characterisation, Vickers hardness and tensile properties. The microstructure of the weld joint revealed fine equiaxed grains with complete recrystallization. The presence of martensitic grains was obtained at process parameter combinations of low welding speed and high pressure. The tensile tests conducted revealed that the weld joints of low speed and high pressure had improved tensile properties when compared to that of the parent material. The ultimate tensile strength of 1040 MPa with the elongation of 26.5 % was obtained at a speed of 1900 RPM and 80 MPa pressure. The micro-hardness tests revealed an increase in hardness across all the weld zones when compared to the parent material, with the maximum hardness obtained at the weld nugget. Further study was conducted to evaluate the effect of parameters on the weld joint integrity.
Modeling a Large Air-Cooled Condenser
Authors: Louw D.L. , Meyer C.J. , van der Spuy S.J.
Published: November 2021

This study reports on a modeling strategy for large Air-Cooled Condensers (ACCs). A large 64-fan ACC was modeled under various crosswind conditions that investigated the ACC’s specific axial flow fan configuration. The ACC model was developed in two parts, an axial flow fan model and a heat exchanger model. The axial flow fans were modeled using an Actuator Disk Model (ADM). The heat exchangers’ pressure drop was modeled using the Darcy-Forchheimer porosity model, and the Effectiveness Number of Transfer Units (ε-NTU) method was used to determine the air heat transfer rate. The ACC was configured using two different axial flow fans, identified in this study as the L-fan and the N-fan. Comparatively the L-fan has a steeper fan static pressure characteristic curve than that of the N-fan, at the cost of a greater shaft power consumption. Under normal operating conditions the average heat-to-power ratios were calculated at 89.91 W/W for the L-fan and 102.48 W/W for the N-fan. Under crosswind conditions of 9 m/s the heat-to-power ratios of the leading edge fan-units decreased by 80.6% and 87.0% for the L-fan and N-fan respectively. However, at the fan-units immediately downstream of the leading edge the heat-to-power ratios only decreased by 34.1% for the L-fan and 64.2% for the N-fan.
Prediction of boiler gas side effective heat transfer coefficients using mixture density networks and historic plant data
Authors: Raidoo Renita , Laubscher Ryno
Published: November 2021

Machine learning has received increased recognition for applications in engineering such as the thermal engineering discipline due to its abilities to circumvent thermodynamic simulation approaches and capture complex inter-dependencies. There have been recent headways to couple deep learning models to process simulations, given the deeper insight they can provide. The present study entails the development of a mixture density network (MDN) capable of predicting effective heat transfer coefficients for the various heat exchanger components of a utility scale boiler. Large boilers are susceptible to dead zones and other anomalous phenomena that influence performance and manifest as multimodalities in the measured data, which system-level 1D process models struggle to capture. The overall water-side heat load calculation, as well as mass and energy balances around the components were done to determine the heat transfer coefficients at each stage of the boiler using historic sensor data. The measured data was then used to train a deep learning model capable of outputting predicted heat transfer coefficients and local model uncertainty. The predictive model can be coupled to a water circuit process model which can be used to study aspects such as metal temperatures and operating philosophies at the different operating loads of the plant.
Modelling and simulation of ultrasonic inspections in welded rails subjected to practical environmental conditions
Authors: Ramatlo Dineo , Loveday Philip , Long Craig , Wilke Daniel
Published: November 2021

A permanently installed Ultrasonic Broken Rail Detection system monitors the Sishen-Saldanha railway line in South Africa [1]. The system detects complete rail breaks at long-range using guided wave ultrasound. For the system to be reliable, its damage detection performance must be evaluated under actual environmental and operational conditions (EOCs). However, obtaining monitoring data containing damage reflections is virtually impossible since detected defects in operational rail track sections are immediately removed and replaced with new rail. Laboratory experiments are also not possible since end reflections from short sections of rail dominate the response. Therefore, damage signals can only practically be obtained from numerical simulations. The simulated damage signals should be realistic and include varying EOCs, especially temperature variations. This paper aims to demonstrate a procedure to model temperature variations in ultrasonic signals. The temperature model and the modelling framework developed in [2] are used to simulate reflections from welds. The framework models the excitation, propagation and scattering of GWs from discontinuities by employing a hybrid model based on the 3D Finite Element method and the 2D Semi-Analytical Finite Element method. The simulated results are validated using experimental measurements collected from an operational rail at different temperatures.
The prediction of the turned machining induced residual stresses in Ti6Al4V: A Critical Surface Integrity Descriptor
Authors: Styger Gary , Laubscher Rudolph F
Published: November 2021

The surface integrity of a turned machined surface is an essential indicator of the fatigue and corrosion performance of a component. A critical descriptor of this property is the residual stress, both on the surface and subsurface of a part. However, experimental determination of vital surface integrity parameters such as surface roughness, hardness, affected microstructure, and residual stresses is costly, time consuming, and involves the destruction of the part. Therefore, prediction of these parameters, such as residual stress versus depth, would be of great value and could aid in the correct machining parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, edge tool radius, rake angle, coolant) for the desired part performance. A study was initiated to determine the influence of a worn tool and multiple cuts on a wide range of cutting speeds on residual stresses induced by machining an outside-turned bar of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy. Thus, a project was initiated to develop a non-linear finite element model to predict the residual stresses thus developed due to the machining manufacturing process.
The problem of social trust in the context of system methodology
Authors: Denikina Zoya Dmitrievna , Shikhgafizov Pirmagomed Shikhmagomedovich , Sablukov Aleksandr Valentinovich , Primakov Vyacheslav Leonidovich , Lapshov Valery Aleksandrovich
Published: November 2021

The article examines the epistemological status of the phenomenon of social trust. The research purpose is to explicate the concept of trust in connection with the fundamental transformation of socio-historical practice and social knowledge. The priority methodological task is to study the problem within the framework of the system methodology evolution and consider the parameters of trust in the intervals of non-classical and post-non-classical systems analysis. The study is based on a philosophical-scientific paradigm approach. Epistemological situations of autonomous and conventional application of different paradigms are modeled in the study of the phenomenon of social trust. In non-classical systems analysis, social trust is an internal characteristic of a society-system in the mode of its correct functioning. Social trust is one of the social order mechanisms. Social trust is also associated with subjective trust, ordering the interaction of subjects. Intersubjective interactions entail the legitimation of the social order. The transformation of social trust in the modern world is associated with trends in the reduction of the role of normativity, the fragmentation of socio-historical existence. There appears augmented reality, which contains to a certain extent the elements of pseudo-being. Subjective social trust can no longer support holistic meanings. In a situation of change in epistemological attitudes to determine the specifics of social trust, a systems analysis of weakly and highly non-equilibrium states of the intersystem environment is promising. Social order formulas are still inadequate for modeling intersystem environmental states (relations between states, blocs, unions, etc.). Within the framework of the post-non-classical systemic methodology, social trust refers to the signs of social holism. Social trust contributes to the emergence of stable intersystem conditions, the formation of a regulatory environment, which becomes an acting unit. Social trust in all philosophical-scientific paradigms is indicative of the rationality of social-historical existence.
Capability of the Russian women in science: Support required
Authors: Egorychev Aleksandr Mikhailovich , Akhtyan Anna Gogievna , Fedoseeva Irina Aleksandrovna , Fomina Svetlana Nikolaevna , Tyutchenko Aleksandr Maksimovich
Published: November 2021

The article considers the problems related to the development of the capability of Russian women in science, necessity to optimize the scientific capability of the students of a higher educational institution. The objective of the research: a scientific grounding of the focused support of the woman’s scientific capability in Russia and the development of the perspective directions of its optimization. The methods of information collection: theoretical (analysis, synthesis, comparison, correlation and generalization of the author approaches in the scientific literature) and empiric (observation, conversation, interview, sociological poll) – regarding the state and perspectives of the development of the scientific capability of the Russian women. The conditions and reasons were revealed that do not allow realizing the capability of the Russian women in science completely; the conditions of optimization of the development of the scientific capability of the students of a higher educational institution were discovered taking into account the gender aspect; the conclusions were obtained that are related to the optimization of the woman capability in the scientific activity in all the fields of the country. The novelty of the research performed is the following: the historical and social role of a woman in science and education was shown, the necessity of development of the woman scientific capability in the country was grounded; the fields of scientific interests of the students of a higher educational institution were revealed and grounded taking into account the gender aspect; the possibilities for optimization of the scientific capability of the students were determined.