bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boosting bacteria differentiation efficiency with multidimensional surface‐enhanced Raman scattering: the example of Bacillus cereus
Authors: Zhu Chengye , Liu Wen , Wang Dongmei , Gong Zhengjun , Fan Meikun
Published: April 2022

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful tool for constructing biomolecular fingerprints, which play a vital role in differentiation of bacteria. Due to the rather subtle differences in the SERS spectra among different bacteria, artificial intelligence is usually adopted and enormous amounts of spectral data are required to improve the differentiation efficiency. However, in many cases, large volume data acquisition on bacteria is not only technical difficult but labour intensive. It is known that surface modification of SERS nanomaterials can bring additional dimensionality (difference) of the SERS fingerprints. Here in this work, we show that the concept could be used to improve the bacteria differentiation efficiency. Ag NPs were modified with 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid, 11‐mercapto‐1‐undecanol, and 1‐dodecanethiol to provide additional dimensionality. The modified NPs then were mixed with cell lysate from different strains of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus). Even by applying a simple PCA process to the resulting SERS spectra data, all the three modified Ag NPs showed superior differentiation results compared with bare Ag NPs, which could only separate Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and B. cereus. It is believed that the multidimensional SERS could find great potential in bacteria differentiation.
From spores to fungal pellets: A new high‐throughput image analysis highlights the structural development of Aspergillus niger
Authors: Müller Henri , Barthel Lars , Schmideder Stefan , Schütze Tabea , Meyer Vera , Briesen Heiko
Published: April 2022

Many filamentous fungi are exploited as cell factories in biotechnology. Cultivated under industrially relevant submerged conditions, filamentous fungi can adopt different macromorphologies ranging from dispersed mycelia over loose clumps to pellets. Central to the development of a pellet morphology is the agglomeration of spores after inoculation followed by spore germination and outgrowth into a pellet population, which is usually very heterogeneous. As the dynamics underlying population heterogeneity is not yet fully understood, we present here a new high‐throughput image analysis pipeline based on stereomicroscopy to comprehensively assess the developmental program starting from germination up to pellet formation. To demonstrate the potential of this pipeline, we used data from 44 sampling times harvested during a 48 h submerged batch cultivation of the fungal cell factory Aspergillus niger. The analysis of up to 1700 spore agglomerates and 1500 pellets per sampling time allowed the precise tracking of the morphological development of the overall culture. The data gained were used to calculate size distributions and area fractions of spores, spore agglomerates, spore agglomerates within pellets, pellets, and dispersed mycelia. This approach eventually enables the quantification of culture heterogeneities and pellet breakage.
Sustainable business models as successful drivers in equity crowdfunding
Authors: Caputo Andrea , Schiocchet Elisa , Troise Ciro
Published: April 2022

Equity crowdfunding is a form of capital market concerning the online offering of private company securities to a group of people for investment. Over the years, it has emerged as a valid financing alternative for sustainability‐oriented startups to conventional sources of funding to support their establishment and growth. This research explores the role that the elements of sustainable business models (SBM), which creates, delivers, and captures value for all its stakeholders without depleting the natural, economic, and social resources it relies on, can play as success discriminants of equity crowdfunding campaigns. A configuration approach was selected, and Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) was used to investigate the causal configurations of 33 crowdfunding campaigns posted on the six most popular Italian equity crowdfunding platforms from 2014 to 2020. The analysis revealed that the SBM elements, and combinations of them, can positively affect the outcome of a campaign. Results also show that negative outcomes may be primarily due to campaign‐related features, such as high minimum investment requirements and high funding target.
Fast Interlayer Charge Separation and Transmission in ZnIn2S4/CNTs/ZnS Heterojunctions for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Chengming , Gao Kaiyue , Zhu Haibao , Liu Jingwei , Chen Jianli , Xie Fazhi , Xie Wenjie , Wang Xiufang
Published: April 2022

The construction of close contact heterojunction structures is crucial to modify photocatalytic performance. Here a series of heterojunction ZnIn2S4/CNTs/ZnS nanocomposites for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution were synthesized by a simple thermal reflux approach. The ideal ZnIn2S4/CNTs/ZnS sample has a photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 0.9363 mmol ⋅ g−1 ⋅ h−1 with favorable cycle stability, which is about 16.9 and 5.5 times that of pure ZnIn2S4 and binary ZnIn2S4/ZnS. The tight interfacial contact between ZnIn2S4, ZnS, and CNTs raises photogenerated charge carrier separation efficiency. CNTs have a high electrical conductivity, which allows them to receive and transport photogenerated electrons effectively. Therefore, the recombination of photon‐generated charges may be efficaciously restrained, and the accepted electrons can be rapidly transported to reactive sites for production of hydrogen. Simultaneously, density functional theory (DFT) simulations show that introducing CNTs can enhance electronic characteristics and add additional charge carriers. This study shows that well‐designed CNTs‐based heterojunction structure can effectively promote charge separation in photocatalysis.
Glucose Induces Heme Leakage and Suppresses H2O2 Uptake of Chloroperoxidase in the Asymmetric Hydroxylation of Ethylbenzene
Authors: Wang Zheyu , Fu Zhongwang , Jian Yupei , Han Yilei , Xia Meng , Zhang Shuiwei , Yan Binhang , Jiang Guoqiang , Lu Diannan , Wu Jianzhong , Liu Zheng
Published: April 2022

As a basic feedstock for both natural life and chemical production, glucose is converted into various chemicals upon the help of peroxidase cascades composed of glucose oxidase (GOx) and peroxidases. However, little is known about the glucose effect on the structure and activity of peroxidases in a non‐natural environment. We report herein that glucose deactivates chloroperoxidase (CPO) used in the asymmetric hydroxylation of ethylbenzene into (R)‐1‐phenylethanol. Through both experiment and molecular simulation, we discover that glucose deactivates CPO through hydrophobic interaction with heme and hydrogen bonding with Glu183. These interactions lead to heme leakage and the reduction of H2O2 uptake thereby undermining the CPO activity. The mechanism appears generically applicable to other hemeproteins such as horseradish peroxidase, hemoglobin, and myoglobin. These findings may open new avenues for the design of peroxidase cascades for applications ranging from better diagnosis of diabetes to green synthesis of chemicals by direct functionalization of C−H bonds.
Demands, resources, meaningful work, and burnout of counselors‐in‐training
Authors: Um Byeolbee , Bardhoshi Gerta
Published: April 2022

This study examined the relationship between demands, resources, meaningful work, and burnout of counselors‐in‐training. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that demands and resources significantly predicted burnout of counselors‐in‐training, whereas meaningful work did not mediate the relationship between resources and burnout. Implications for counselor education are discussed.
Simulation of an Integrated Anaerobic Digestion and Combined Heat and Power System for Food Waste Utilization
Authors: Sidek Nailah Fasihah , Harun Noorlisa , Mohd Zamri Fatin Nur Liyana
Published: April 2022

Demand for renewable energy such as biogas is increasing because it is considered a clean and environmentally friendly source of energy and has the potential for minimizing carbon emissions. Biogas production through anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic materials is considered one of the most sustainable ways. It can be utilized directly or indirectly to generate heat, electricity, or mechanical energy for transportation. One of the most effective ways to use biogas is the combined heat and power (CHP) system, especially in combination with simulation software to facilitate the whole process without an actual experimental setup, easing the evaluation and analysis process. This study aims to develop an integrated model of AD for biogas production from food waste and CHP plants, through simulation using Aspen Plus software. The simulated results show that the developed process model can predict the heat and power produced from food waste feedstock.
Near Infrared Circularly Polarized Luminescence From Water Stable Organic Nanoparticles Containing a Chiral Yb(III) Complex
Authors: Cavalli Enrico , Nardon Chiara , Willis Oliver G. , Zinna Francesco , Di Bari Lorenzo , Mizzoni Silvia , Ruggieri Silvia , Gaglio Salvatore C. , Perduca Massimiliano , Zaccone Claudio , Romeo Alessandro , Piccinelli Fabio
Published: April 2022

We report the first example of very efficient NIR Circularly Polarized Luminescence (CPL) (around 970 nm) in water, obtained thanks to the combined use of a chiral Yb complex and of poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles. [YbL(tta)2]CH3COO (L=N, N’‐bis(2‐pyridylmethylidene)‐1,2‐(R,R+S,S) cyclohexanediamine and tta=2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetonate) shows good CPL in organic solvents, because the tta ligands efficiently sensitize Yb NIR luminescence and the readily prepared chiral ligand L endows the complex with the necessary dissymmetry. PLGA nanoparticles incorporate the complex and protect the metal ion from the intrusion of solvent molecules, while ensuring biocompatibility, water solubility and stability to the complex. Hydrophilic NIR‐CPL optical probes can find applications in the field of NIR‐CPL bio‐assays.
Large Enhancement of the Single‐Molecular Conductance of a Molecular Wire through a Radical Substituent
Authors: Yasui Ryuto , Shimizu Daiki , Matsuda Kenji
Published: April 2022

Invited for the cover of this issue are Ryuto Yasui, Daiki Shimizu, and Kenji Matsuda at Kyoto University. The image depicts a comparison of the molecular conductance of radical‐substituted and non‐radical‐substituted molecular wires evaluated by STM. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202104242.
Safety of ACEi and ARB in COVID‐19 management: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Kumar Sabina , Nikravesh Mastaneh , Chukwuemeka Umeh , Randazzo Michael , Flores Peter , Choday Prithi , Raja Ajith , Aseri Mahendra , Shivang Shah , Chaudhuri Sumanta , Barve Pranav
Published: April 2022

Background & Aims

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV2)is a highly contagious virus that has infected 260 million individuals since December 2019. The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) depends upon the complex interplay between viral factors and the host's inflammatory response, which can trigger a cascadeeventually leading to multiorgan failure. There is contradictory evidence that angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may affect mortality in patients with severe COVID‐19, theoretically due to interaction with the bradykinin pathway. Therefore, we aim to explore the association between ACEi and ARB use and mortality in severe SARS‐CoV2 infection.Severe acute respiratory yndrome with coronavirus (SARS‐CoV2) is a highly contagious virus that has infected 260 million individuals since December 2019. The severity of COVID‐19 depends upon the complex interplay between viral factors and the host's inflammatory response, which can trigger a cascadeeventually leading to multiorgan failure. There is contradictory evidence that angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may affect mortality in patients with severe COVID‐19, theoretically due to interaction with the bradykinin pathway. Therefore, we aim to explore the association between ACEi and ARB use and mortality in severe SARS‐CoV2 infection.

Materials & Methodology

This multicenter retrospective observational study enrolled 2935 COVID‐19 patients admitted at six hospitals in Southern California, USA, between March 2020 and August 2021. Our primary outcome was the association of pre‐hospital use of ACEi and ARB on in‐hospital mortality in COVID‐19 patients. First, relevant deidentified patient data were extracted using an SQL program from the electronic medical record. Then, a bivariate analysis of the relationship between ACEi and ARB use and different study variables using χ2 and t test was done. Finally, we did a backward selection Cox multivariate regression analysis using mortality as a dependent variable.

Results

Of the 2935 patients in the study, hypertension was present in 40.6%, and congestive heart failure in 13.8%. ACEi and ARB were used by 17.5% and 11.3% of patients, respectively, with 28.8% of patients on either medication. After adjusting for confounding variables in the multivariate analysis, the use of ACEi (HR: 1.226, 95% CI: 0.989–1.520) or ARB (HR: 0.923, 95% CI: 0.701–1.216) was not independently associated with increased mortality.

Conclusion

Our results are consistent with the clinical guidelines and position statements per the International Society of Hypertension, that there is no indication to stop the use of ACEi/ARB in COVID‐19 patients.
An Ensemble Structure and Physicochemical (SPOC) Descriptor for Machine‐Learning Prediction of Chemical Reaction and Molecular Properties
Authors: Yang Qi , Liu Yidi , Cheng Junjie , Li Yao , Liu Siyuan , Duan Yingdong , Zhang Long , Luo Sanzhong
Published: April 2022

Feature representations, or descriptors, are machines’ chemical language that largely shapes the prediction capability, generalizability and interpretability of machine learning models. To develop a generally applicable descriptor is highly warranted for chemists to deal with conventional prediction tasks in the context of sparsely distributed and small datasets. Inspired by the chemist's vision on molecules, we presented herein an ensemble descriptor, SPOC, curated on the principles of physical organic chemistry that integrates Structure and Physicochemical property (SPOC) of a molecule. SPOC could be readily constructed by combining molecular fingerprints, representing the structure of a given molecule, and molecular physicochemical properties extracted from RDKit or Mordred molecular descriptors. The applicability of SPOC was fully surveyed in a range of well‐structured chemical databases with machine learning tasks varying from regression to classifications.
Remotely sensed effectiveness assessments of protected areas lack a common framework: A review
Authors: Gohr Charlotte , von Wehrden Henrik , May Felix , Ibisch Pierre L.
Published: April 2022

Effective protected areas reflect socio‐ecological values, such as biodiversity and habitat maintenance, as well as human well‐being. These values, which safeguard ecosystem services in protected areas, are treated as models for the sustainable preservation and use of resources. While there is much research on the effectiveness of protected areas in a variety of disciplines, the question is whether there is a common framework that uses remote sensing methods. We conducted a qualitative and a quantitative analysis of 44 peer‐reviewed scientific papers utilizing remote sensing data in order to examine the effectiveness of protected areas. Very few studies to date have a wide or even a global geographical focus; instead, most quantify the effectiveness of protected areas by focusing on local‐scale case studies and single indicators such as forest cover change. Methods that help integrate spatial selection approaches, to compare a protected area's characteristics with its surroundings, are increasingly being used. Based on this review, we argue for a multi‐indicator‐based framework on protected area effectiveness, including the development of a consistent set of socio‐ecological indicators for a global analysis. In turn, this will allow for globally applicable use, including a concrete evaluation that considers the diversity of regional parameters, biome‐specific variables, and political frameworks. Ideally, such a framework will enhance the monitoring and evaluation of global strategies and conventions.
Manipulating Horizontal Zn Deposition with Graphene Interpenetrated Zn Hybrid Foils for Dendrite‐Free Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yao , Wu Lisha , Dong Cong , Wang Xiao , Dong Yanfeng , He Ronghuan , Wu Zhongshuai
Published: April 2022

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) with intrinsic safety have great potentials in portable devices, but suffer from limited cycling life mainly caused by serious dendrite growth and unavoidable side reactions of Zn anodes. Herein, graphene interpenetrated Zn (GiZn) hybrid foils are developed for dendrite‐free and long‐term Zn anodes for high‐performance ZIBs. The GiZn anode is prepared by interfacial assembly of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the skeletons of zinc foams, followed by mechanical compression into hybrid foils and drying process. The presence of the rGO nanosheets in the GiZn hybrid foils provides abundant zincophilic sites to induce horizontal Zn deposition for Zn metal anodes without the growth of dendrites. Meanwhile, the uniform distribution of rGO nanosheets endows the hybrid foils with superior conductivity and wetting ability with electrolytes for reduced interfacial resistances. As a result, GiZn‐based symmetric cells exhibit a small voltage hysteresis of 30.4 mV and remarkable areal capacity of 30 mAh cm−2 at 0.5 mA cm−2. Further, GiZn anodes also enable the corresponding aqueous Zn||MnO2 batteries with high capacity of 168.5 mAh g−1 at 8 C, superior to the counterpart with pure Zn foil anodes (72.7 mAh g−1). Therefore, GiZn hybrid foil anodes will shed light on the rational construction of 2D material‐interpenetrated Zn hybrid foil anodes for high‐performance ZIBs.
Solid Contact Ion‐selective Electrodes on Printed Circuit Board with Membrane Displacement
Authors: Zhang Zhehao , Papautsky Ian
Published: April 2022

Multiplexed solid‐contact ion‐selective electrodes (SCISEs) are fabricated using printed circuit board (PCB) and mesoporous carbon black (MCB) as ion‐to‐electron transducer (solid contact). Four sensor configurations were examined and showed that in addition to MCB, the sensor configuration plays crucial role in the stability of the potential response. The enhanced sensor stability was also linked with suppression of transmembrane flux of water. The sensors exhibited near‐Nernstian sensitivity (58.1 mV/dec for K+ ISEs and −55.1 mV/dec for NO3‐ ISEs), low detection limits (1.5–2.2 μM), and good short‐term stability (∼0.1 mV/min). Sensors can be stored dry and used without preconditioning. This work demonstrates a promising approach to combining PCB technology and carbon black for large‐scale production of low cost ISEs for point‐of‐care testing, wearables, or in situ field measurements.
Depositional facies and sequence architecture of the Yijianfang Formation in the Shuntuoguole Low Uplift, Tarim Basin, NW China
Authors: Yu Jinxin , Song Yanchen , Shi Kaibo , Chen Senran , Wang Qiqi , Liu Bo , Han Jun
Published: April 2022

In the Middle Ordovician, a ramp carbonate platform was developed in the Shuntuoguole Low Uplift, Tarim Basin. The depositional facies and sequence stratigraphy were investigated using petrographic observations and Fischer plot analyses to clarify the evolution and distribution of depositional facies within the sequence stratigraphic framework of the Yijianfang Formation. Nine types of microfacies (MF1–MF9) were identified in seven environments on a ramp: (a) peritidal, (b) lagoon, (c) low‐energy bioclastic shoal, (d) shoal, (e) sheltered proximal middle‐ramp, (f) low‐energy bioclastic shoal middle‐ramp, and (g) shoal middle‐ramp. A depositional model was established based on analyses of the depositional facies from the key wells. Fischer plots obtained based on fourth‐order cycles identified from continuous wavelet transform of gamma‐ray logging data were analysed. The results show that the changes in relative sea level, as indicated by Fischer plots, are highly consistent with the evolution of paleo‐water depths indicated by microfacies types, microfacies associations, and geochemical indicators. Four third‐order depositional sequences (SQ1–4) were identified according to variations in accommodation space. The accommodation space and its growth rate during the SQ2 transgressive period were the largest, it manifested as rapid landward migration of facies, and sudden changes in the gamma‐ray logging values at the maximum flooding surface. This feature can be easily compared across the entire region. The results of this study indicate that changes in relative sealevel in the Yijianfang Formation are consistent with the global sea‐level change curve, which suggests that sea‐level fluctuation is the main factoir controlling sequence architecture and the evolution of depositional facies.
Frequency–dependency of the involvement of dopamine D1/D5 and beta‐adrenergic receptors in hippocampal LTD triggered by locus coeruleus stimulation
Authors: Babushkina Natalia , Manahan‐Vaughan Denise
Published: April 2022

Patterned stimulation of the locus coeruleus (LC, 100 Hz), in conjunction with test‐pulse stimulation of hippocampal afferents, results in input‐specific long‐term depression (LTD) of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Effects are long‐lasting and have been described in Schaffer‐collateral–CA1 and perforant path‐dentate gyrus synapses in behaving rats. To what extent LC‐mediated hippocampal LTD (LC‐LTD) is frequency‐dependent is unclear. Here, we report that LC‐LTD can be triggered by LC stimulation with 2 and 5 Hz akin to tonic activity, 10 Hz equivalent to phasic activity, and 100 Hz akin to high‐phasic activity in the dentate gyrus (DG) of freely behaving rats. LC‐LTD at both 2 and 100 Hz can be significantly prevented by an NMDA receptor antagonist. The LC releases both noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) from its hippocampal terminals and may also trigger hippocampal DA release by activating the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Unclear is whether both neurotransmitters contribute equally to hippocampal LTD triggered by LC stimulation (LC‐LTD). Both DA D1/D5 receptors (D1/D5R) and beta‐adrenergic receptors (β‐AR) are critically required for hippocampal LTD that is induced by patterned stimulation of hippocampal afferents, or is facilitated by spatial learning. We, therefore, explored to what extent these receptor subtypes mediate frequency‐dependent hippocampal LC‐LTD. LC‐LTD elicited by 2, 5, and 10 Hz stimulation was unaffected by antagonism of β‐AR with propranolol, whereas LC‐LTD induced by these frequencies was prevented by D1/D5R‐antagonism using SCH23390. By contrast, LC‐LTD evoked at 100 Hz was prevented by β‐AR‐antagonism and only mildly affected by D1/D5R‐antagonism. Taken together, these findings support that LC‐LTD can be triggered by LC activity at a wide range of frequencies. Furthermore, the contribution of D1/D5R and β‐AR to hippocampal LTD that is triggered by LC activity is frequency‐dependent and suggests that D1/D5R may be involved in LC‐mediated hippocampal tonus.
Entropy analysis of MHD flow of Jeffrey fluid in an inclined channel
Authors: Mani Ramanuja , G. Gopi Krishna
Published: April 2022

This study is aimed at investigating the influence of entropy analysis of magnetohydrodynamic flow of Jeffrey fluid in an inclined micro‐channel in the presence of thermal radiation and field suction/injection. We have improved the mathematical model of the physical problem under consideration. The designed equations have been solved by applying the shooting‐based fourth‐order, Runge–Kutta method with the boundary conditions, which describe velocity slip and temperature jump conditions at the fluid–wall inter‐face. Numerical efforts are described graphically and mentioned quantitatively concerning different parameters such as Jeffery parameter, Bejan number, and entropy generation embedded in the problem. The numerical results for the expression of the irreversibility ratio are obtained. It is observed that the wall inclination strengthens the entropy production rate in the micro‐channel, and the thermal buoyancy layer induces an increase in fluid velocity as suction.
Analytical assessment of the time‐space fractional bioheat transfer equation by the radial basis function method for living tissues
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Saman , Mousavi Seyed M. , Emadi Seyed M. , Ganji Davood D.
Published: April 2022

In recent years, thermal treatment has proven to be helpful, notably in oncology. In fact, ablating the superfluous mass and eliminating the malignant tumor using a different modality such as warmth or cooling is a therapeutic method. In this study, the radial basis function approach was used to answer the time‐space fractional heat transfer equations of human body tissue during thermal therapy. To validate the radial basis function technique, it was also compared to the fourth‐order Runge–Kutta numerical method. The findings demonstrated that this methodology is extremely accurate and efficient, with an error rate of less than 1%. The effect of time and spatial fractional parameters, blood perfusion coefficient, metabolic coefficient, and internal source coefficient on the temperature profile inside human living tissues has been studied and depicted well.
Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model for the two‐phase radiative flow of dusty fluid over various surfaces
Authors: Srilatha Pudhari , Thanesh Kumar Kusuru , Manjunatha Pattasale T. , Rana Saurabh , Gali Manjunatha , Suresha Siddaramappa
Published: April 2022

The present study explores the effect of a magnetic field on the dusty fluid flow past a cone, wedge, and plate with radiation and heat sink/source effects by using the non‐Fourier heat flux model. The nonlinear coupled systems are solved using Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg's fourth fifth‐order (RKF‐45) approach. The appropriate initial assumptions and numerous values of nondimensional parameters are carefully picked and well‐adjusted to produce the most accurate outcomes. Finally, the impacts of the relevant physical and technical factors on the flow and heat transport characteristics are displayed graphically and in tabular form. The solutions are presented to demonstrate the effects of a variety of significant factors on velocity and temperature profiles that represent both dust and fluid phases. Results reveal that the presence of radiation improves the rate of heat transfer. The upsurge in the magnetic parameter decays the velocity for all three flow cases. The fluid phase velocity is larger than the dust phase velocity near the wall for increased values of porosity parameter. Moreover, the fluid and dust phase velocity declines faster for the cone case than for the remaining cases. Heat transfer is accelerated by dust particles suspended in the fluid. For velocities, the thermal Grashof number is favorable.
Vacancy defect engineering in semiconductors for solar light‐driven environmental remediation and sustainable energy production
Authors: Ding Yang , Maitra Soumyajit , Wang Chunhua , Halder Somoprova , Zheng Runtian , Barakat Tarek , Roy Subhasis , Chen Li‐Hua , Su Bao‐Lian
Published: April 2022

The introduction of vacancy defects in semiconductors has been proven to be a highly effective approach to improve their photocatalytic activity owing to their advantages of promoting light absorption, facilitating photogenerated carrier separation, optimizing electronic structure, and enabling the production of reactive radicals. Herein, we outline the state‐of‐the‐art vacancy‐engineered photocatalysts in various applications and reveal how the vacancies influence photocatalytic performance. Specifically, the types of vacancy defects, the methods for tailoring vacancies, the advanced characterization techniques, the categories of photocatalysts with vacancy defects, and the corresponding photocatalytic behaviors are presented. Meanwhile, the methods of vacancies creation and the related photocatalytic performance are correlated, which can be very useful to guide the readers to quickly obtain in‐depth knowledge and to have a good idea about the selection of defect engineering methods. The precise characterization of vacancy defects is highly challenging. This review describes the accurate use of a series of characterization techniques with detailed comments and suggestions. This represents the uniqueness of this comprehensive review. The challenges and development prospects in engineering photocatalysts with vacancy defects for practical applications are discussed to provide a promising research direction in this field.
DNA methylation testing with S5 for triage of high‐risk HPV positive women
Authors: Adcock Rachael , Nedjai Belinda , Lorincz Attila T. , Scibior‐Bentkowska Dorota , Banwait Rawinder , Torrez‐Martinez Norah , Robertson Michael , Cuzick Jack , Wheeler Cosette M. ,   New Mexico HPV Pap Registry Steering Committee
Published: April 2022

Methylation of host and viral genes is promising for triage of women with high‐risk human papillomavirus infections (hrHPV). Using a population‐based sample of hrHPV positive women with cervical biopsies within 12 months after cervical screening, the clinical value of the S5 methylation classifier (S5), HPV genotyping and cytology were compared as potential triage tests, for outcomes of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 or greater (CIN3+), CIN2+ and CIN2, and the area under the curve (AUC) calculated. S5 scores increased with histopathology severity (Ptrend < .001). For CIN3+, the AUC was 0.780 suggesting S5 provides good discrimination between <CIN3 and CIN3+. AUCs were significant for all pairwise comparisons of <CIN2, CIN2 and CIN3+ (P < .001). The positive predictive value (PPV) of HPV16/18 genotyping for women with any abnormal cytology was greater than S5 (25.36% vs 20.87%, P = .005) for CIN3+, while sensitivity was substantially greater for S5 (83.33% vs 59.28%, P < .001). Restricting to women with abnormal cytology, but excluding those with high‐grade cytology, both S5 and HPV16/18 provided CIN3+ PPVs high enough to recommend colposcopy. Triage with S5 also appeared useful for hrHPV positive women negative for HPV16/18 (CIN3+ PPV: 7.33%, sensitivity: 57.52%). S5 provided increased sensitivity for CIN3+ compared to HPV16/18 genotyping for hrHPV positive women, overall and when restricted to women with abnormal cytology, suggesting S5 may improve colposcopy referral. S5 also has the ability to distinguish between <CIN2, CIN2 and CIN3+, a finding of importance for managing CIN2, given the complexity and uncertainty associated with this diagnosis.
The role of neoadjuvant imatinib in gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients: 20 years of experience from a tertial referral center
Authors: Renberg Sara , Zhang Yifan , Karlsson Fredrik , Bränström Robert , Åhlen Jan , Jalmsell Li , Linder‐Stragliotto Christina , Haglund de Flon Felix , Papakonstantinou Andri
Published: April 2022

Surgery is the cornerstone of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) treatment, and adjuvant therapy with imatinib has improved survival for high‐risk tumors. The use of imatinib preoperatively has been increasing, but efficacy and impact on patient outcomes have not been formally investigated. This is a retrospective study from a single‐center cohort of patients diagnosed with GIST and treated with neoadjuvant imatinib at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden over a 20‐year period. Eighty‐four patients diagnosed with GIST and treated with neoadjuvant imatinib were identified and included. Tumors were located throughout the whole gastrointestinal tract but most frequently in the stomach (n = 29; 35%) and the small intestine (n = 30; 36%), followed by the rectum (n = 12; 14%) and the gastroesophageal junction (n = 10; 12%). The tumors were large (mean 10.5 cm) and decreased after treatment (mean 7.6 cm). Main indications for neoadjuvant imatinib were tumor size or anatomical location. None of the patients with stomach tumors and four patients with tumors near the gastroesophageal junction underwent gastrectomy. Three patients with tumors in the small intestine underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, whereas seven patients with rectal tumors underwent rectal amputation. After surgery, 94% (n = 79) of the tumors had R0‐resection. About one‐fourth experienced local relapse or distant metastasis. In conclusion, neoadjuvant imatinib can reduce tumor size and prevent high morbidity due to more extensive surgery, or at least reduce the extent of the surgery, especially for tumors in the stomach or small intestine.
The Impact of Workforce Development Policies on Literacy Instruction for Adult English Learners
Authors: Finn Heather B.
Published: April 2022

Workforce development has been a primary focus of funding throughout the United States, with significant increases over the past 10 years (The Council for Community and Economic Research, 2019). As funding expands, policies related to workforce development and college and career readiness (CCR) will continue to have implications for adult education students, including adult English Learners (ELs). To closely examine how these policies influence the literacy development of adult ELs, I observed a newly implemented CCR class at a community‐based organization in New York City over a 10‐month period. The content of the course was driven in part by the nation‐wide College and Career Readiness for Adult Education Standards as well as funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; however, since the CCR standards are not a curriculum, states (and individual organizations) can individually interpret the standards. The result is a range of instructional practices not only across states, but also across organizations and even specific classes. In this Column, I argue for a broader understanding of the challenges many adult ESL instructors face when balancing policy requirements and the breadth of literacy instruction necessary to improve students’ access to careers and college.
AFF3 is a novel prognostic biomarker and a potential target for immunotherapy in gastric cancer
Authors: Zeng Yuling , Zhang Xueping , Li Fazhan , Wang Ying , Wei Ming
Published: April 2022

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide with a poor prognosis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) serves a pivotal role in affecting the prognosis and efficacy of immunotherapy. Given the poor prognosis of GC patients and the limitation of immunotherapy, we urged to identify new prognostic and immunotherapeutic biomarkers.

Methods

The transcriptome data were downloaded from the TCGA, GEO, and GEPIA databases, and performed differential analysis of AFF3 in tumor samples and normal samples. The UALCAN, Kaplan–Meier plotter and GEPIA databases were employed to assess the correlation of AFF3 with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. The potential mechanism of AFF3 was explored by the GO and KEGG enrichment. The potential role of AFF3 on tumor‐infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) was explored by TIMER2.0 and TISIDB. TIMER2.0 and SangerBox3.0 databases were, respectively, used to determine the correlation of AFF3 with immune checkpoint (ICs), tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI) in GC.

Results

We found significant downregulation of AFF3 in GC tissues as compared with normal tissues. However, GC patients having a higher expression of AFF3 were found to have worse clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. Moreover, the GO enrichment analysis illustrated that AFF3 might regulate the immune cells in the TME. In addition, the AFF3 was positively correlated with TIICs, ICs, TMB, and MSI.

Conclusion

Here, we conclude that AFF3 may be a promising potential marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of GC patients, and may influence response to ICIs by affecting TIICs and ICs expression in the TME.
Role of experimental support as an essential component of sustainable design of the activated sludge process for nitrogen removal
Authors: Orhon Derin , Hallaç Esra , Sağır Kurt Ece , Ubay Çokgör Emine , Solmaz Bülent , Sözen Seval
Published: April 2022

Background

This study evaluated the essential role of the experimental support as an integral component of process design for the nitrogen removal activated sludge process. This role was demonstrated in prescribing and implementing a relevant design procedure; a similar treatment plant at Ambarlı in Istanbul was selected to provide the necessary experimental support, which was derived from the sewage, lab‐scale experiments, and from the plant itself. Each step of the design included the relevant scientific and conceptual basis and was implemented using the necessary experimental data specifically generated from a selected wastewater source.

Results

The target was to compile experimental data that would be necessary for the study and be equally applicable to similar design or research activities elsewhere. This data included major wastewater characteristics, chemical oxygen demand (COD) fractionation, process kinetics for COD removal and nitrification, applicable sewage temperature, and details for the impact of primary settling on system performance.

Conclusion

This study developed a new design approach involving solely COD for both the substrate and biomass but expressing the related component per unit flow rate. This approach offered a template that is adjustable to any similar design by only requiring specific information on the sewage flow and sludge age. The entire design procedure was presented as supported by original experimental data and in a summarized algorithm format. The study also emphasized the selection of an appropriate anoxic volume. A revised empirical expression was suggested for the computation of the corresponding denitrification potential, which was also supported by process modelling; they both indicated that the current empirical approach generally defined an excessively large anoxic volume. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
On construction for trees making the equality hold in Vizing's conjecture
Authors: Zhao Weisheng , Lin Ruizhi , Cai Junqing
Published: April 2022

In 1968, Vizing gave a conjecture: for any graphs and , which is now still open. In the text book “Domination in Graph: Advanced Topices” edited by Haynes et al., they listed such a question: is there a structural characterization of the graphs such that there exists a graph with ? In this paper, we restrict to be a tree and prove that: for any tree , there exists a nonempty graph such that if and only if . Based on this, we obtain a construction of the tree class is a nontrivial tree and there exists a nonempty graph such that .
Influenza is more severe than our newest enemy (COVID‐19) in hospitalized children: Experience from a tertiary center
Authors: Tasar Selin , Karadag‐Oncel Eda , Yilmaz‐Ciftdogan Dilek , Kara‐Aksay Ahu , Ekemen‐Keles Yildiz , Elvan‐Tuz Aysegul , Ustundag Gulnihan , Sahin Aslihan , Kanık M. Ali , Yilmaz Nisel
Published: April 2022

Understanding differences in terms of clinical phenotypes and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) compared with influenza is vital to optimizing the management of patients and planning healthcare. Herein, we aimed to investigate the clinical differences and outcomes in hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and influenza. We performed a retrospective study of hospitalized children who were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 between March 2020 and March 2021 and for influenza between January 2016 and February 2020 in respiratory samples. The primary outcome of this study was pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission, and the secondary outcome was the need for respiratory support. A total of 74 patients with influenza and 71 who were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 were included. The distribution among the sexes was similar, but patients with COVID‐19 were older than patients with influenza (96 vs. 12, p < 0.001). In terms of underlying chronic diseases, the frequency was 26.7% in the COVID‐19 group and 54% in the influenza group (p = 0.001). The comparison of symptoms revealed that fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain occurred more frequently with COVID‐19 (for all p < 0.05) and runny nose with influenza (p = 0.002). The frequency of admission to the PICU was relatively higher (18.9%) in the influenza group than with COVID‐19 (2.8%) with a significant ratio (p = 0.001), secondary bacterial infections were observed more frequently in the influenza group (20.2% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.003). Some 88.7% of patients with COVID‐19 did not need respiratory support, whereas 59.4% of patients with influenza did require respiratory support (p < 0.001). This study noted that influenza caused more frequent admissions to the PICU and a greater need for respiratory support in hospitalized pediatric patients than COVID‐19.
Trend and variability in the long‐term relationship between Eurasian snow cover and Indian summer monsoon rainfall
Authors: Pandey Pushpa , Dwivedi Suneet , Goswami Bhupendra Nath
Published: April 2022

The predictability of the Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) at any given time period depends on the strength of its relationship with predictable drivers like the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) that are known to undergo significant epochal variations. While a similar relationship between the Eurasian snow cover fraction (SCF) and ISMR has also shown epochal variation in recent decades, its stationarity on centennial or longer timescales remains unknown. Here, on the basis of the observed relationship between the dominant modes of ISMR and SCF over a period of 115 years (1901–2015), we unravel two indices of SCF that encapsulate its space–time variability. We find that the SCF indices and ISMR relationship have a statistically significant increasing trend with a weak multidecadal variability superimposed on it, making significant positive correlations between the two highly probable in the coming decades. With SCF driving the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) that in turn driving the ISMR, we find that the NAO plays a pivotal role in modulating the SCF–ISMR teleconnection on a multidecadal time scale. Further, the SCF also regulates the ISMR low‐frequency variability through modulation of the tropospheric temperature gradient of the Indian region.
Thunderstorm activity at high latitudes observed at mannedWMOweather stations
Authors: Kępski Daniel , Kubicki Marek
Published: April 2022

Ongoing global warming particularly affects the coldest regions of our planet, where thunderstorm activity is considered to be the lowest. Scientific studies usually predict that lightning will become more frequent in polar areas in a warmer world. The aim of this study is to test this hypothesis and present the current knowledge on thunderstorm occurrence at high latitudes (>60°) based on SYNOP data from manned WMO stations operating from 2000 to 2019. According to this source, most thunderstorm events at high latitudes occur in summer (85%), when the air temperature ranges from 15 to 25°C (70%), during the days with positive temperature anomalies (75%) and negative sea‐level pressure anomalies (65%). The highest thunderstorm activity is observed over inland areas, especially in the European part of Russia. The changes in thunderstorm frequency are only visible at certain WMO manned stations and mostly during the summer months. The regional Kendall test revealed a statistically significant increase in the number of thunderstorm days north of 60°N in Interior Alaska, northwestern Canada, much of Siberia and European Russia. A decrease in thunderstorm frequency over a larger area was detected only on the shores of the southern Norwegian Sea, and seasonally in spring in the northern Urals. The observed trends were strongest in the Central Siberia and Interior Alaska regions, where the increase in the number of thunderstorm days exceeded 5 per decade. For the entire high‐latitude area, the change in the number of days with thunderstorms was statistically insignificant, but for stations located 250–1,000 km from the coastline, the averaged increase amounted 1 day per decade.
Modern surgical therapy for gastric cancer–Robotics and beyond
Authors: Choi Seohee , Hyung Woo Jin
Published: April 2022

The surgical paradigm for gastric cancer has been changed from extended surgery to minimally invasive surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is a practical method for minimally invasive surgery for early gastric cancer, and the indication is expanding to advanced gastric cancer. In recent years, robotic gastrectomy has been highlighted as a breakthrough to overcome the drawbacks of laparoscopic gastrectomy. Here, we discuss the recent updates of modern surgical therapy for gastric cancer—robotics and beyond.
Advances in screening and detection of gastric cancer
Authors: Xia Jonathan Y. , Aadam A. Aziz
Published: April 2022

With an estimated one million new cases and 769 000 deaths in 2020, gastric cancer is the fifth most frequent cancer and fourth leading cause of cancer death globally. Incidence rates are highest in Asia and Eastern Europe. This manuscript will review the current modalities of diagnosis, staging, and screening of gastric cancer. We will also highlight development of novel diagnostics and advancements in endoscopic detection of early gastric cancer.
The future of endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer
Authors: Ortigão Raquel , Libânio Diogo , Dinis‐Ribeiro Mário
Published: April 2022

Endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer is recommended when the risk of lymph node metastasis is negligible and should be performed through submucosal dissection due to well‐established short‐ and long‐term results. To overcome technical difficulties and decrease adverse events some techniques have been studied. This review outlines current strategies for improving patient selection and highlights innovative techniques that help minimize adverse events. Moreover, we discuss how to improve management after curative and noncurative resections.
Environmental and genetic risk factors for gastric cancer
Authors: Shah Dhavan , Bentrem David
Published: April 2022

Gastric cancer is a heterogeneous and prevalent disease. The traditional environmental exposures associated with an elevated risk of gastric cancer are less prevalent in the United States today. Genetic risks and risks associated with inflammation remain. Most cases are sporadic and familial clustering is observed in about 10% of the cases. Hereditary gastric cancer accounts for a very low percentage of cases. Here we review the genetic and environmental risk factors associated with the disease.
Functions of perturbed commuting dissipative operators
Authors: Aleksandrov A. B. , Peller V. V.
Published: April 2022

The main objective of the paper is to obtain sharp Lipschitz type estimates for the norm of operator differences for pairs and of commuting maximal dissipative operators. To obtain such estimates, we use double operator integrals with respect to semi‐spectral measures associated with the pairs and . Note that the situation is considerably more complicated than in the case of functions of two commuting contractions and to overcome difficulties we had to elaborate new techniques. We deduce from the main result Hölder type estimates for operator differences as well as their estimates in Schatten–von Neumann norms.