bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cationic porphyrin–xylan conjugate hydrogels for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy
Authors: Elkihel Abdechakour , Vernisse Charlotte , Ouk Tan‐Sothéa , Lucas Romain , Chaleix Vincent , Sol Vincent
Published: June 2022

Bio‐based hydrogels are attractive materials for many biomedical purposes such as drug delivery or wound healing. A light‐triggered antibacterial activity can be conferred to hydrogels after their conjugation to appropriate photosensitizers (PS). In this study, we have synthesized and characterized hydrogels consisting of cationic porphyrin–xylan conjugates. A cationic porphyrin was covalently attached to xylan by an esterification reaction. Different porphyrin‐xylan derivatives were obtained with degrees of substitution ranging from 0.003 to 0.053. Then, the derivatives were cross‐linked after reaction with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic (DTPA) dianhydride to obtain the corresponding hydrogels. The study of the morphology and rheology of the hydrogels showed that the materials obtained present interconnected porous structures, good mechanical integrities as well as high swelling ratios. Antimicrobial activity of cationic porphyrin–xylan conjugate hydrogels was tested under white light irradiation against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All of the tested hydrogels showed photo‐bactericidal activity against the two tested strains.
Morphology of the distal tip of the spinal cord in Alligator mississippiensis
Authors: Greer Skye , Cramberg Michael , Young Bruce A.
Published: June 2022

Secondary neurulation is a common feature of vertebrate development, which in non‐mammalian and non‐anuran vertebrates, results in the formation of a caudal spinal cord. The present study was undertaken to describe the terminal end of the caudal spinal cord in a crocodylian, a group chosen for their unique status of a living‐tailed archosaur. The caudal spinal cord of Alligator mississippiensis terminates near the intervertebral joint between the fourth and fifth terminal vertebrae. Prior to this termination, the dorsal root ganglia get proportionately larger, then stop before the termination of the spinal cord; and the gray matter of the spinal cord is lost producing an unusual morphology in which an ependymal‐lined central canal is surrounded by only white matter which is not divided into a cauda equina. The inner layer of the meninges (the pia‐arachnoid) courses over the distal end of the spinal cord and forms a ventral attachment, reminiscent of a very short Filum terminale; there is no caudal cistern. The dura extends beyond the termination of the spinal cord, continuing for at least the length of the fourth terminal vertebra, forming a structure herein termed the distal meningeal sheath. During its course, the distal meningeal sheath surrounds a mass of mesothelial cells, then terminates as an attachment on the dorsal surface of the vertebra.
Monitoring für Ingenieurbauwerke – Ein Anwenderbericht aus der Sicht eines Ingenieurbüros
Authors: Mischo Hendrik , Sanio David , Strohbusch Jens , Seisenberger Julian , Schartner Maria , Kargus Dennis , Mündecke Eric
Published: June 2022

Mit der fortschreitenden Digitalisierung ergeben sich für die messtechnische, sensorgestützte Überwachung von Bauwerken zunehmend neue Einsatzbereiche. So schafft das Bauwerksmonitoring durch die Erfassung realer Bauwerksreaktionen und Einwirkungen neue Möglichkeiten zur Bewertung und zum Erhalt gealterter Infrastrukturbauwerke. Auch die Bauwerksprüfung kann durch Messtechnik sinnvoll unterstützt und ergänzt werden, wodurch eine prädiktive Instandhaltungsstrategie greifbar wird. In diesem Anwenderbericht werden ausgewählte Monitoringprojekte des Ingenieurbüros Grassl vorgestellt. Anhand verschiedener Anwendungsfälle werden die spezifischen Herausforderungen und Möglichkeiten des Monitorings bei Betrachtung unterschiedlicher Themenschwerpunkte beleuchtet. Die Projekte zeigen, wie durch Monitoring die Restlebensdauer von Stahlbrücken verlängert werden kann, die Ausschreibung eines Monitorings für ein innerstädtisches Tunnelbauwerk gelingt und ein Structural Health Monitoring eines komplexen Neubaus bereits in der Planungsphase berücksichtigt wird. Zudem werden mögliche Schnittstellen zur Bauwerksprüfung dargestellt.
Ökobilanzielle Bewertung von alternativen Bauweisen am Beispiel eines typischen Überführungsbauwerks im Zuge von Autobahnen
Authors: Mancke Raoul , Gebert Gregor
Published: June 2022

Für ein typisches Überführungsbauwerk einer Bundesautobahn wurden im Rahmen einer Machbarkeitsstudie verschiedene alternative Bauweisen miteinander verglichen und hinsichtlich ihrer Ökobilanz bewertet. Neben den heutigen Standardbauweisen in Stahlverbund und Spannbeton wurden auch neue, innovative Lösungen mit Einsatz von Holz, hochfestem bzw. Carbonbeton betrachtet, um deren Potenzial in Bezug auf die Nachhaltigkeit zu analysieren. Die ökobilanzielle Bewertung wurde ergänzend zu technischen und ökonomischen Kriterien herangezogen, um eine ganzheitliche Betrachtung der Varianten zu ermöglichen. Der Vergleich erfolgte für eine konkrete Wirtschaftswegüberführung im Zuge des geplanten Neubaus der A 20 in Schleswig‐Holstein. Für die verschiedenen Varianten wurde durch spezialisierte Fachplaner die technische Lösung entwickelt und dazu die konkreten Mengen ermittelt. Die Bearbeitung erfolgte unter der Maßgabe, die alternativen Varianten baulich zu realisieren, um Erfahrungen in der baupraktischen Umsetzung zu sammeln. Im folgenden Beitrag werden die Varianten in Bezug auf die technische Lösung vorgestellt. Anschließend wird die angewandte Methode der ökobilanziellen Bewertung vorgestellt und auf das Potenzial der neuen Varianten eingegangen.
Farm Hall Transcripts Reconsidered
Authors: Holton Gerald
Published: June 2022

The Farm Hall Transcripts appeared to offer a unique opportunity for a study in the history and sociology of science. My request for access to the transcripts was initially denied, but later was allowed thanks to the intervention of British intellectuals. The recorded opinions of the interned German scientists indicate that initially they had attempted to produce a nuclear weapon, but later abandoned it. The record also traces their development of a view of history, by which the relative morality of the German scientists’ work could be judged, versus that of the Allies.
Profiling of lysophosphatidylethanolamine molecular species in human serum and in silico prediction of the binding site on albumin
Authors: Inoue Nao , Sakurai Toshihiro , Yamamoto Yusuke , Chiba Hitoshi , Hui Shu‐Ping
Published: June 2022

Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) is a major lysophospholipid produced by phospholipids and binds to human serum albumin (HSA). LPEs may play various roles in vivo depending on the differences in their acyl chains. However, only few reports have been published on the biological functions of LPEs. Hence, we determined the exact relative abundance of the major LPEs in the serum of healthy participants (n = 8) using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Consequently, LPE 18:2 (24.1 ± 5.2%) was found to be the most abundant in serum. To understand the distribution of LPEs, the serum separated via gel‐filtration high‐performance liquid chromatography was subjected to quantitative measurement. LPEs were more observed in the albumin fraction than the lipoprotein fraction. We also performed a fluorescence displacement assay and an in silico molecular docking experiment using AutoDock to confirm the affinity and binding sites of the LPEs on HSA. The binding affinities of the LPEs for drug sites 1 and 2 on HSA were relatively low, with Ki values of approximately 11 and 3.8 μM, respectively. AutoDock analysis revealed the conformation of the LPEs bound to drug sites and the possibility of LPEs binding to other HSA sites. These findings could help to elucidate the biological and pathological functions of LPEs.
Modeling a propionate‐oxidizing syntrophic coculture using thermodynamic principles
Authors: Leurent Alexandre , Moscoviz Roman
Published: June 2022

A coculture of Syntrophobacter fumaroxidans and Methanospirillum hungatei was modeled using four biokinetic models, which only differed by the functions used to describe the growth yields (dynamic or constant) and the hydrogen inhibition function (noncompetitive or based on thermodynamics). First, a batch experiment was used to train the model and analyze the fitted parameters. Two fitting procedures were followed by minimizing the error on different indicators. Second, a chemostat experiment was used as a test data set to assess the predictive power of the models. Overall, the four models were able to accurately fit the train data set following both fitting procedures. However, some parameters fitted with the ADM1‐like model differed significantly from values reported in the literature and were dependent on the fitting procedure. When applied to the test data set it systematically resulted in positive Gibbs free energy changes values for propionate oxidation, in contradiction with the second law of thermodynamics. On the opposite, the parameters fitted with model including both a thermodynamic‐based inhibition function and a dynamic computation of growth yields were more consistent with values reported in the literature and repeatable whatever the fitting procedure. The results highlight the potential of implementing thermodynamic‐based functions in biokinetic models.
Advances in 2D coordination networks for single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal applications beyond confined pores
Authors: Kim Dongwon , Kim Gyeongwoo , Han Jihun , Jung Ok‐Sang
Published: June 2022

Research issue on 2D coordination networks is moving toward practical applications. Recent developments in such 2D networks include exciting advances in efficient single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) functionality. This account highlights advances in various 2D coordination networks as SCSC porous platforms for dye inclusion as an energy transfer system, template for x‐ray crystal structure determination of various liquids, polymorphism materials, efficient heterogeneous catalysts, separation of o‐, m‐, and m‐xylene, sensing via interlayer‐tuning, recognition and reservoir of unstable diiodomethane, chiral recognition in SCSC mode. The key point of their utility is not only the construction of recyclable tolerant 2D networks but also channel‐tuning for inclusion of targeting guest molecules. The targeting guest molecules, which are appropriate with the polarity, shape, and size of 2D pores, can, instead of simple organic solvates, be incorporated into the porous crystals in SCSC mode, thus giving rise to recyclable tolerant host–guest systems in the crystalline state.
Quantitative determination of LY‐404,039, a metabotropic glutamate 2/3 receptor agonist, in rat plasma using chemical derivatization and HPLC–MRM/MS
Authors: Kang Woojin , Gaudette Fleur , Bédard Dominique , Beaudry Francis , Huot Philippe
Published: June 2022

A rapid, selective and sensitive method was developed and validated for the determination of LY‐404,039 concentration in rat plasma using a butylation derivatization step to improve chromatographic characteristics and enhance signal intensity. The method consisted of a protein precipitation extraction followed by derivatization with butanol/HCl and analysis by high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). The separation was achieved using a 100 × 2.1 mm (2.6 μm) Thermo Scientific Accucore RP‐MS column combined with an isocratic mobile phase composed of 40:60 acetonitrile–0.1% formic acid in water. An analytical range of 2.0–1,000 ng/ml was validated and used to quantify LY‐404,039 in rat plasma. The novel method met all of the requirements of specificity, sensitivity, linearity, precision, accuracy and stability. A pharmacokinetic study was performed in rats and the novel analytical method was used as a routine analysis method to provide enhanced measurements of plasma concentrations of LY‐404,039. The plasma pharmacokinetic results indicate very short terminal half‐life (0.27 h ± 0.8) and high clearance (0.97 L/h/kg ± 0.12), suggesting that LY‐404,039 is rapidly eliminated in the rat. Dose‐dependent pharmacokinetics were observed following subcutaneous administration of LY‐404,039 at doses of 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg.
U.S. Supreme Court limits emotional distress damages in Title IX and other cases
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: June 2022

A recent U.S. Supreme Court case is making waves in higher education law. Although the case didn't involve a student, faculty member, or university, the ruling could shape legal outcomes for higher education cases involving Title VI, Title IX, and the Rehabilitation Act.
Review recent rulings involving student‐athletes and Title IX
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: June 2022

An overview of the key topics faced by campus administrators with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Heteroatom‐Doped Three Dimensional Hierarchical Porous Carbon Sphere from Melamine and Glucose for High‐Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Gao Guangying , Chang Chengshuai , Zhu Yuxin , Cong Chao , Ma Xiao , Li Li , Zhang Li , Wang Shulan
Published: June 2022

Heteroatom‐doped‐carbon with high electrochemical performance is crucial for the development of advanced carbonaceous materials for energy use. However, achieving homogeneous doping while maintaining electrochemically active microstructure remains challenging. Herein, a feasible hydrothermal protocol to fabricate uniformly N‐doped carbon spheres by in‐situ treatment of glucose and melamine was shown. Melamine served as the soft template to introduce heteroatom dopants while releasing gases to enrich the porous structure. Profiting from the structural directing effect of melamine along with an effective fabrication route, the as‐prepared material presented multiple electrochemically advantageous features including a high surface area, a hierarchical porous structure at different levels, abundant heteroatom doping, etc., and thus delivered high supercapacitance. This work provided an effective strategy for fabrication of carbonaceous scaffold for advanced heterostructured energy materials.
Resolving Atomic‐Scale Defects in Conjugated Polymers On‐Surfaces
Authors: Mallada Benjamín , Chen Qifan , Chutora Taras , Sánchez‐Grande Ana , Cirera Borja , Santos José , Martín Nazario , Ecija David , Jelínek Pavel , de la Torre Bruno
Published: June 2022

Atomic scale defects significantly affect the mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of π‐conjugated polymers. Here, isolated atomic‐scale defects are deliberately introduced into a prototypical anthracene‐ethynylene π‐conjugated polymer, and its local density of states is carefully examined on the atomic scale to show how individual defects modify the inherent electronic and magnetic properties of this one‐dimensional systems. Scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopy experiments, supplemented with density functional theory calculations, reveal the existence of a sharp electronic resonance at the Fermi energy around certain defects, which is associated with the formation of a local magnetic moment accompanied by substantial mitigation of the mobility of charge carriers. While defects in traditionally synthesized polymers lead to arbitrary conformations, the presented results clearly reflect the preferential formation of low dimensional defects at specific polymer sites, which may introduce the possibility of engineering macroscopic defects in surface‐synthesized conjugated polymers.
PROTOCOL: Mental disorder, psychological problems and terrorist behaviour: A systematic review
Authors: Sarma Kiran M. , Carthy Sarah L. , Cox Katie M.
Published: June 2022

This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objectives are as follows: the first objective of the review (Objective 1—Prevalence) is to present a synthesis of the reported prevalence rates of mental health difficulties in terrorist samples. Where sufficient data is available, the synthesis will be sensitive to the heterogeneity of the terrorism phenomenon by exploring the rates of mental health difficulties for different forms of terrorism and for different terrorist roles (e.g., bombing, logistics, finance, etc.). The second objective (Objective 2—Temporality) will synthesise the extent to which mental health difficulties pre‐date involvement in terrorism within prevalence studies. Finally, the third objective (Objective 3—Risk) aims to further establish temporality by examining the extent to which the presence of mental disorder is associated with terrorist involvement by comparing terrorist and non‐terrorist samples.
Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Different Combinations of Antithrombotic Regimens in Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Stent Insertions
Authors: Chueh Han‐Hsin , Huang Shih‐Tsung , Chang Shang‐Hung , Lin Shin‐Yi , Hsiao Fei‐Yuan
Published: June 2022

This study aims to compare the risks of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack, and major bleeding across different antithrombotic regimens in Asian patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with stent insertions. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database and National Mortality Registry. A total of 10,208 patients with nonvalvular AF who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention with stents for the first time in 2007–2017 were identified. Most patients (68.4%) were prescribed dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) at discharge. During follow‐up, the use of anticoagulants increased, and double therapy (an antiplatelet plus an anticoagulant) was the most frequently prescribed therapy. The risks of MACEs were comparable in double therapy and had a similar risk of MACEs compared with DAPT (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67–1.11). Triple therapy (DAPT plus an anticoagulant) also had similar effectiveness to double therapy (aHR 1.23, 95% CI 0.84–1.80) or DAPT (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 0.77–1.45). However, triple therapy was associated with a nearly twofold higher major bleeding risk than DAPT and double therapy (aHR 1.97, 95% CI 1.31–2.94 and aHR 1.80, 95% CI 1.10–2.95, respectively). DAPT was the most frequently prescribed antithrombotic regimen at discharge for Asian patients with AF who had undergone stent insertions. DAPT and double and triple therapy had comparable effectiveness, but triple therapy had a significantly higher major bleeding risk than either DAPT or double therapy.
Exploring sustainable development goals reporting practices: From symbolic to substantive approaches—Evidence from the energy sector
Authors: Manes‐Rossi Francesca , Nicolo' Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

Based on the legitimacy theory, the study enhances the understanding of disclosure practices of European companies operating in the energy sector regarding the adherence to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Toward this end, the study analyses how SDGs reporting is evolving and what are the most addressed SDGs in the context of European energy sector companies. The paper's ultimate contribution is to dive deep into how such companies disclose their contributions to the SDGs to determine whether they adopt a substantive or merely symbolic approach to corporate legitimacy. To address the research objectives, a content analysis has been performed on non‐financial reports published by a sample of 15 European energy sector companies included in the Global Reporting Initiative database as SDGs reporters for the period 2017–2019. Our findings suggest that while SDGs are becoming an integral part of corporate disclosure, symbolic rather than substantial changes appear to prevail, calling for actions from legislators and policy‐makers.
Temporal trends in incidence, prevalence, and death of aortic stenosis in Korea: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Jang Shin Yi , Park Sung‐Ji , Kim Eun Kyoung , Park Seung Woo
Published: June 2022

Aims

We aim to determine the temporal trends of incidence, prevalence, and death of aortic stenosis (AS, I35.0) in an East Asian population.

Methods and results

Data for 3773 patients who were newly diagnosed with AS from 2006 through 2017 were extracted from the National Health Insurance Service in Korea. The age‐standardized incidence rate, prevalence rate, and death rate, survival rate (SR), and death risk of AS were calculated. Overall, the mean (standard deviation) age of AS patients was 69.9 (15.3) years [66.2 (15.7) years for men and 72.7 (14.4) years for women (P = 0.007)], and the proportion of men was 42.7%. The proportion of AS patients ≥60 years old was 80% (71.8% in men and 86% in women, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients who died of AS was 36.4% during the period from 2006 through 2017. The most common causes of death were disease of the circulatory system. The age‐standardized incidence, prevalence, and death rates in 2017 were 0.85, 2.79, and 0.58 persons per 100 000 persons, respectively. The 10 year SR was 49.2%. The higher adjusted HRs [95% CI] for AS were observed in 70‐ to 79‐year‐old people (9.08 [1.27, 64.7], P = 0.027), in individuals 80 years of age or older (22.7 [3.18, 161.9], P = 0.001), in men (1.46 [1.31, 1.63], P < 0.001), among the middle socioeconomic group (1.19 [1.03, 1.37], P = 0.016), among the lower income levels (1.32 [1.17, 1.49], P < 0.001), in those with myocardial infarction (1.57 [1.16, 2.13], P = 0.003), with heart failure (1.63 [1.44, 1.85], P < 0.001), with ischaemic stroke (3.26 [1.20, 8.85], P = 0.015), with haemorrhagic stroke (2.51 [1.94, 3.25], P = 0.02), with chronic kidney disease (2.51 [1.94, 3.25], P < 0.001), and with malignant neoplasm (2.33 [1.64, 3.31], P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The proportion of AS at age ≥60 years was 80%. For AS, the age‐standardized incidence rates were steady, prevalence rates increased, and death rates decreased by year over a decade. The 10 year SR of AS was about 50%. The most common cause of death in AS was disease of the circulatory system. Given the progressively higher incidence of AS with age continued efforts are required to increase awareness regarding AS‐related symptoms and potential complications in aged people.
Prognostic value of patient‐reported outcomes in predicting 30 day all‐cause readmission among older patients with heart failure
Authors: Zhang Xiaonan , Yao Ying , Zhang Yanwen , Jiang Sixuan , Li Xuedong , Wang Xiaobing , Li Yanting , Yang Weiling , Zhao Yue , Zang Xiaoying
Published: June 2022

Aims

Previous prediction studies for 30 day readmission in patients with heart failure were built mainly based on electronic medical records and rarely involved patient‐reported outcomes. This study aims to develop and validate a nomogram including patient‐reported outcomes to predict the possibility of 30 day all‐cause readmission in older patients with heart failure and to explore the value of patient‐reported outcomes in prediction model.

Methods and results

This was a prospective cohort study. The nomogram was developed and internally validated by Logistic regression analysis based on 381 patients in training group from March to December 2019. The nomogram was externally validated based on 170 patients from July to October 2020. Receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration plots and decision‐curve analysis were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram. A total of 381 patients' complete data were analysed in the training group and 170 patients were enrolled in the external validation group. In the training group, 14.4% (n = 55) patients were readmitted to hospitals within 30 days of discharge and 15.9% (n = 27) patients were readmitted in the external validation group. The nomogram included six factors: history of surgery, changing the type of medicine by oneself, information acquisition ability, subjective support, depression level, quality of life, all of which were significantly associated with 30 day readmission in older patients with heart failure. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of nomogram were 0.949 (95% CI: 0.925, 0.973, sensitivity: 0.873, specificity: 0.883) and 0.804 (95% CI: 0.691, 0.917, sensitivity: 0.778, specificity: 0.832) respectively in the training and external validation groups, which indicated that the nomogram had better discrimination ability. The calibration plots demonstrated favourable coordination between predictive probability of 30 day readmission and observed probability. Decision‐curve analysis showed that the net benefit of the nomogram was better between threshold probabilities of 0–85%.

Conclusions

A novel and easy‐to‐use nomogram is constructed and demonstrated which emphasizes the important role of patient‐reported outcomes in predicting studies. The performance of the nomogram drops in the external validation cohort and the nomogram must be validated in a wide prospective cohort of HF patients before its clinical relevance can be demonstrated. All these findings in this study can assist professionals in identifying the needs of HF patients so as to reduce 30 day readmission.
Tuning the Properties of Chiral Nematic Mesoporous (Organo)silica Through Thiol‐Ene Click Chemistry
Authors: Szymkowiak Joanna K. , Walters Christopher M. , Hamad Wadood Y. , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: June 2022

Chiral nematic mesoporous silica and organosilica have iridescent properties that make them attractive for decoration and sensing. The limited number of commercial organosilica precursors available to create these materials has meant that they have a limited range of chemical and mechanical properties. In this paper, we incorporate vinyl groups in the mesoporous (organo)silica materials and demonstrate their functionalization with thiols through the thiol‐ene click reaction. In this way, we have been able to access chiral nematic mesoporous materials with different functional groups on the surface. We demonstrate that the hydrophobicity of the materials can be tuned, enabling detection of mixtures of organic solvents in water as well as showing promise for ion sequestration.
Parallel Screening with 14C‐Labeled Carbon Dioxide: De‐risking the Staudinger‐Aza‐Wittig Reaction**
Authors: Babin Victor , Sallustrau Antoine , Molins Maxime , Labiche Alexandre , Goudet Amélie , Taran Frédéric , Audisio Davide
Published: June 2022

Carbon isotope labeling is a useful technology for tracking the fate of organic compounds in the environment and in living organisms. In this context, the development of robust and general methodologies amenable to the direct functionalization of CO2 remains a significant task. In this communication, a de‐risking approach was developed to evaluate the robustness of the Staudinger aza‐Wittig sequence for carbon isotope labeling. This technology is based on [14C]CO2 screening that allowed to investigate the tolerance of the procedure with most representative heterocycles and functional groups found in FDA approved drugs.
Review key data from the NCES
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: June 2022

Every year, the National Center for Education Statistics compiles data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and from other sources in the Condition of Education.
Culture at the heart: Cultivating Native student success
Authors: Silverstein Lisa
Published: June 2022

“But the TCUs are already doing it. Sense of belonging is in the fabric of TCUs,” said Monte Schaff, Institutional Research Analyst from United Tribes Technical College, a small tribal college in Bismarck, North Dakota. He spoke at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Strategic Enrollment Management conference in Aventura, Florida in November 2021.
Novel Nuclear Batteries Based on Radioluminescence
Authors: Phatangare Ambadas B. , Bhoraskar Sudha V. , Dahiwale Shailendra S. , Dhole Sanjay D. , Bhoraskar Vasant N.
Published: June 2022

A new type of nuclear battery, based on the sandwich structure of solar cells and tritium gas‐filled radioluminescent glass tubes (RLGTs), is developed and used successfully as a low‐power source. The radioluminescence (RL) is produced by bombarding beta particles, emitted by tritium gas, on ZnS: Cu is coated on the inner cylindrical surface of a glass tube. The response of solar cells to the optical spectrum of RL is studied and corelated with the current–voltage characteristics of the nuclear battery. The results show that the short‐circuit current, maximum output power, and energy conversion efficiency are enhanced but nonlinearly, with the increase in the number of RLGTs and by mounting the sandwich structure on an aluminum or plastic holder which acts as light reflector. Three such nuclear batteries are developed using different types of solar cells and their electrical performance is studied. Use of the developed nuclear battery as a low direct current power source is demonstrated by operating a digital watch and a light‐emitting diode for long periods.
Rotary Screen Printed Metallization of Heterojunction Solar Cells: Toward High‐Throughput Production with Very Low Silver Laydown
Authors: Lorenz Andreas , Klawitter Markus , Linse Michael , Ney Linda , Tepner Sebastian , Pingel Sebastian , Sabet Milad Salimi , Reiner Julius , Oehrle Katrin , Greutmann Roland , Röth Julius , Drews Matthias , Muramatsu Kazuo , Ikarashi Sen-ichi , Clement Florian
Published: June 2022

Within this work, first bifacial silicon heterojunction solar cells with rotary screen printed front‐ and rear‐side metallization are demonstrated. The high‐throughput metallization process is carried out using an innovative rotary printing demonstrator machine with short process cycle times down to 0.65 s cell−1. Furthermore, a very low total silver consumption of only 6–9 mg Wp−1for the fully metallized bifacial silicon heterojunction solar cells is demonstrated. Using a newly developed screen simulation approach, the utilized fine line rotary and flatbed screens are analyzed regarding their suitability for fine line metallization and verified using in‐depth analysis of the geometrical and electrical properties of printed and cured metallization. The best group of fully rotary screen printed cells obtains a mean conversion efficiency ofηRSP,avg = 21.7% which is close to the flatbed screen printed reference group withηFSP,avg = 22.1%. Using a hybrid approach with a rotary screen printed grid on the rear side and flatbed screen printed grid on the front side, a mean conversion efficiency ofηhyb,avg = 22.0% is obtained with a very low total silver consumption of only 9 mg Wp.
Time‐ and frequency‐domain analyses of the hydraulic system using a discrete numerical scheme based on equivalent circuit modelling
Authors: Yan Shuangqing , Zheng Yang
Published: June 2022

Mathematical modeling is widely used for the time‐and frequency‐domain analysis of hydraulic systems. To explore the complicated hydraulic transients of the piping system under various operating conditions, different formulations of the equivalent circuit model (ECM) are systematically discussed in this study. In particular, comparative studies are performed regarding the restrictions on the tempo‐spatial discretization of the time‐domain ECM and the state‐of‐the‐art numerical schemes. In addition, the eigenanalysis of the free oscillation response and frequency features of the forced oscillation response were discussed in detail, respectively. Furthermore, the influence of spatial discretization on the frequency response precision for ECM is also quantified. Analytical results indicate that the ECM can achieve satisfactory performances in both numerical simulation and frequency analysis with affordable computational effort and relatively loose tempo‐spatial discretization restriction.
Genetic analysis and identification of low‐resistivity gas reservoirs of southwestern Sulige gas field in China
Authors: Yang Zhen , Zhang Xiaoli , Lu Junhui , Li Yajun
Published: June 2022

Sulige gas field is the largest natural gas producing area in China. Due to the “water blocking” effect, the gas–water layer significantly influences the development of gas reservoirs. The existence of low‐resistivity gas layers in the He 8 member of the Shihezi Formation in the southwestern Sulige gas field makes it challenging to distinguish the gas layers from the gas–water layers using conventional identification methods. To effectively identify the low‐resistivity gas layers, their genetic mechanisms are analyzed by studying their lithology and pore structural characteristics based on the well logging and core experimental data. The low‐resistivity gas layers are main affected by three causes: (1) electrical conductivity of argillaceous laminae in sandstone, (2) additional conductivity of clay minerals, and (3) high bound water saturation caused by the development of micropores and clay minerals in sandstone. Herein, to effectively distinguish the low‐resistivity gas layer from the gas–water layer based on the genetic mechanism of the low‐resistivity gas layer, first, a gas‐bearing index was constructed to characterize the gas‐bearing properties of the reservoir using the neutron logging and density logging curves after eliminating the influence of the dispersed shale. Second, a model to calculate the bound water saturation was constructed by selecting sensitive parameters with respect to the causes of bound water. Then, two plots, namely the gas‐bearing index–natural gamma relative value cross‐plot and the bound water content–porosity cross‐plots, were constructed using the gas testing data, and the identification standard of the low‐resistivity gas and gas–water layers was established. The interactive identification of the two cross‐plots effectively distinguished the low‐resistivity gas layer from the gas‐water layer, thereby providing a basis for understanding the distribution of gas and water in the southwestern Sulige gas field, which may guide further exploration and the deployment of the development well pattern.
Influence of orographic precipitation on coevolving landforms and vegetation in semi‐arid ecosystems
Authors: Srivastava Ankur , Yetemen Omer , Saco Patricia M. , Rodriguez Jose F. , Kumari Nikul , Chun Kwok P.
Published: June 2022

Topography affects the intensity and spatial distribution of precipitation due to orographic lifting mechanisms and, in turn, influences the prevailing climate and vegetation distribution. Previous modelling studies on the impact of orographic precipitation on landform evolution have considered bare soil conditions. However, research on the effect of changes in precipitation regimes induced by elevation gradients (particularly in aspect‐controlled semi‐arid ecosystems) on landform patterns, trying to understand feedbacks and consequences for coevolving vegetation, has been limited. In this study, the Channel–Hillslope Integrated Landscape Development (CHILD) landscape evolution model coupled with the vegetation dynamics Bucket Grassland Model (BGM) is used to analyse the coevolution of semi‐arid landform–vegetation ecosystems. The CHILD+BGM model is run under different combinations of precipitation and solar radiation settings. Three precipitation settings, including uniform, elevation control, and orographic control on precipitation, are considered in combination with spatially uniform and spatially varied radiation settings. Based on the results, elevation control, aspect, and drainage network are identified as the major drivers of the distribution of vegetation cover on the landscapes. Further, the combination of orographic precipitation and spatially varied solar radiation created the highest asymmetry in the landscape and divide migration due to the emergence of gentler slopes on the windward than the leeward sides of the domain. The modelling outcomes from this study indicate that aspect control of solar radiation in combination with orographic precipitation plays a key role in the generation of topographic asymmetry in semi‐arid ecosystems.
An alternative way of SARS‐COV‐2 to induce cell stress and elevated DNA damage risk in cardiomyocytes without direct infection
Authors: Zhou Houqing , Ren Xiaohu , Yang Yang , Xu Benhong , Li Yichong , Feng Yin , Shisong Fang , Liu Jianjun
Published: June 2022

Background: The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐COV‐2) in 2020 has led to millions of deaths worldwide. Case reports suggested that infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 is potentially associated with occurrences of cardiovascular pathology. However, the mode of action and mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2 influencing cardiomyocytes still remain largely unclear.Aims: To explore the mechanisms underlying cardiomyocytes damage induced by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.Materials & Methods: the serum markers of cardiovascular injury were analyzed by ELISA. The isolated SARS‐CoV‐2 virus were co‐cultured with human cardiomyocytes (AC16) and immunofluorescence assay was used evaluate the invasion of virus. Moreover, serum obtained from acute stage of SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients and healthy controls were used to incubate with AC16 cells, then indicators associated with cell stress and DNA damage were analyzed by Western‐blot.Results: we found that high‐sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), an indicator of cardiovascular disease, was higher in the acute stage of COVID‐19. Additionally, in vitro coculture of SARS‐CoV‐2 and AC16 cells showed almost no infectious ability of SARS‐CoV‐2 to directly infect AC16 cells. Results of serum treatment suggested that serum from infected subjects induced cell stress (upregulation of p53 and HSP70) and elevation of DNA damage risk (increased γH2Ax and H3K79me2) in AC16.Discussion: our observations indicated a hard way for SARS‐CoV‐2 to infect cardiomyocytes directly. However, infection‐induced immune storm in serum could bring stress and elevated DNA damage risks to cardiovascular system.Conclusion: These findings indicated the possibilities of SARS‐CoV‐2 inducing stress and elevating DNA damage risk to cardiomyocytes without direct infection.
The latent period of coronavirus disease 2019 with SARS‐CoV‐2 B.1.617.2 Delta variant of concern in the postvaccination era
Authors: Ma Tao , Ding Songning , Huang Rui , Wang Hengxue , Wang Junjun , Liu Jiacheng , Wang Jian , Li Jie , Wu Chao , Fan Huafeng , Zhou Nan
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Emerging variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) have resulted in new challenges for epidemic prevention and control worldwide. However, little is known about the latent period of coronavirus disease by the SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta variant of concern (VOC) in the postvaccination era.

Methods

The epidemiology and clinical data of cases with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta VOC infection were retrospective collected. Dates of the first positive PCR test were collected to estimate the distribution of latent period.

Results

Of the 40 patients, 16 were male (40%). The median age of patients was 47.5 years. The median latent period of patients was 6.0 days (interquartile range [IQR], 4.0−9.0 days) and the longest latent period was 13.0 days after exposure. The latent periods were longer in male patients compared to female patients (median, 8.5 days vs. 5.0 days, p = .041). The median latent period was comparable among fully vaccinated cases (6.5 days), no vaccinated cases (7.5 days), and partially vaccinated cases (5.5 days).

Conclusions

The median latent period of SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta VOC infection was 6.0 days. The latent period between vaccinated and non‐vaccinated patients was not significantly different. The 14‐day quarantine program is sufficient to prevent the transmission of COVID‐19 by Delta VOC in the postvaccination era.
Tracking the binding of multi‐functional fluorescent tags for Alzheimer's disease using quantitative multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Iyer Rishyashring R. , Renteria Carlos A. , Yang Lingxiao , Sorrells Janet E. , Park Jaena , Sun Liang , Yu Zhengxin , Huang Yiran , Marjanovic Marina , Mirica Liviu M. , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: June 2022

A recent theranostic approach to address Alzheimer's disease (AD) utilizes multifunctional targets that both tag and negate the toxicity of AD biomarkers. These compounds, which emit fluorescence with both an activation and a spectral shift in the presence of Aβ, were previously characterized with traditional fluorescence imaging for binary characterization. However, these multifunctional compounds have broad and dynamic emission spectra that are dependent on factors such as the local environment, presence of Aβ deposits, etc. Since quantitative multiphoton microscopy is sensitive to the binding dynamics of molecules, we characterized the performance of two such compounds, LS‐4 and ZY‐12‐OMe, using Simultaneous Label‐free Autofluorescence Multi‐harmonic (SLAM) microscopy and Fast Optical Coherence, Autofluorescence Lifetime imaging and Second harmonic generation (FOCALS) microscopy. This study shows that the combination of quantitative multiphoton imaging with multifunctional tags for AD offers new insights into the interaction of these tags with AD biomarkers and the theranostic mechanisms.
Infigratinib Reduces Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) and Increases Blood Phosphate in Tumor‐Induced Osteomalacia
Authors: Hartley Iris R. , Roszko Kelly L. , Li Xiaobai , Pozo Karen , Streit Jamie , del Rivero Jaydira , Magone M. Teresa , Smith Michaele R. , Vold Roo , Dambkowski Carl L. , Collins Michael T. , Gafni Rachel I.
Published: June 2022

Tumor‐induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by ectopic production of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) by phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs). Acting on renal tubule cells, excess FGF23 decreases phosphate reabsorption and 1,25‐dihydroxy‐vitamin D (1,25D) production, leading to hypophosphatemia, impaired bone mineralization, pain, and fractures. Fibronectin 1‐fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FN1‐FGFR1) gene fusions have been identified as possible drivers in up to 40% of resected PMTs. Based on the presumptive role of FGFR1 signaling by chimeric FN1‐FGFR1 proteins, the effectiveness of infigratinib, a FGFR1‐3 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was studied in an open‐label, single‐center, phase 2 trial. The primary endpoint was persistent normalization of blood phosphate and FGF23 after discontinuation. Four adults with TIO (two nonlocalized, two nonresectable PMTs) were treated with daily infigratinib for up to 24 weeks. All patients had a favorable biochemical response that included reduction in intact FGF23, and normalization of blood phosphate and 1,25D. However, these effects disappeared after drug discontinuation with biochemistries returning to baseline; no patients entered biochemical remission. In the two patients with identifiable tumors, 68Gallium (68Ga)‐DOTATATE and 18Fluoride (18F)‐Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT scans showed a decrease in PMT activity without change in tumor size. Patients experienced mild to moderate, treatment‐related, dose‐limiting adverse events (AEs), but no serious AEs. Three patients had dose interruptions due to AEs; one patient continued on a low dose for the entire 24 weeks and one patient stopped therapy at 17 weeks due to an AE. The study closed early due to a failure to meet the primary endpoint and a higher‐than‐expected incidence of ocular AEs. Infigratinib treatment lowered FGF23, increased blood phosphate, and suppressed PMT activity, confirming the role of FGFR signaling in PMT pathogenesis. However, treatment‐related AEs at efficacy doses and disease persistence on discontinuation support restricting the use of infigratinib to patients with life‐limiting metastatic PMTs. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Client‐rated facilitators and barriers to long‐term youth anxiety disorder recovery
Authors: Casline Elizabeth P. , Ogle Robert R. , Peris Tara S. , Kendall Philip C. , Piacentini John , Compton Scott N. , Keeton Courtney , Ginsburg Golda S.
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study examined client ratings of 26 facilitators and barriers to anxiety improvement approximately 6 years after randomization to treatment for anxiety.

Method

319 youth (average 17.12 years old; 82.1% Caucasian; 58.6% female) participated in the longitudinal follow‐up study to child and adolescent anxiety multimodal study (CAMS), a randomized controlled trial of medication, cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT), combination, and placebo.

Results

Correcting for multiple comparisons, CBT components (i.e., problem solving, changing unhelpful thoughts, relaxation skills) were rated significantly more helpful among youth without, versus with, an anxiety disorder at follow‐up. Barriers that differentiated youth with and without an anxiety disorder included being bullied and difficulty applying therapy content to new situations. Comparisons between youth with different anxiety disorder trajectories (e.g., stable remission, relapsed, or chronically ill) also revealed several differences.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that client‐rated facilitators and barriers covary with anxiety disorder recovery and may serve as useful tools when evaluating long‐term treatment efficacy.
A phasor‐based approach to improve optical sectioning in any confocal microscope with a tunable pinhole
Authors: D'Amico Morgana , Di Franco Elisabetta , Cerutti Elena , Barresi Vincenza , Condorelli Daniele , Diaspro Alberto , Lanzanò Luca
Published: June 2022

Confocal fluorescence microscopy is a well‐established imaging technique capable of generating thin optical sections of biological specimens. Optical sectioning in confocal microscopy is mainly determined by the size of the pinhole, a small aperture placed in front of a point detector. In principle, imaging with a closed pinhole provides the highest degree of optical sectioning. In practice, the dramatic reduction of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at smaller pinhole sizes makes challenging the use of pinhole sizes significantly smaller than 1 Airy Unit (AU). Here, we introduce a simple method to “virtually” perform confocal imaging at smaller pinhole sizes without the dramatic reduction of SNR. The method is based on the sequential acquisition of multiple confocal images acquired at different pinhole aperture sizes and image processing based on a phasor analysis. The implementation is conceptually similar to separation of photons by lifetime tuning (SPLIT), a technique that exploits the phasor analysis to achieve super‐resolution, and for this reason we call this method SPLIT‐pinhole (SPLIT‐PIN). We show with simulated data that the SPLIT‐PIN image can provide improved optical sectioning (i.e., virtually smaller pinhole size) but better SNR with respect to an image obtained with closed pinhole. For instance, two images acquired at 2 and 1 AU can be combined to obtain a SPLIT‐PIN image with a virtual pinhole size of 0.2 AU but with better SNR. As an example of application to biological imaging, we show that SPLIT‐PIN improves confocal imaging of the apical membrane in an in vitro model of the intestinal epithelium.

Research Highlights

We describe a method to boost the optical sectioning power of any confocal microscope. The method is based on the sequential acquisition of multiple confocal images acquired at different pinhole aperture sizes. The resulting image series is analyzed using the phasor‐based separation of photons by lifetime tuning (SPLIT) algorithm. The SPLIT‐pinhole (SPLIT‐PIN) method produces images with improved optical sectioning but preserved SNR. This is the first time that the phasor analysis and SPLIT algorithms are used to exploit the spatial information encoded in a tunable pinhole size and to improve optical sectioning of the confocal microscope.