bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FORMATION OF INFORMATION CULTURE OF MILITARY UNIVERSITY CADETS WHEN TEACHING PHYSICS
Authors:   Military Training and Research Center of Air Forces «Military Air Academy», Kandaurova T.P.
Published: June 2021

The article considers the conditions for the formation of information culture of cadets of a military educational institution in the process of teaching physics, which contribute to improving the efficiency of the educational process. The author outlined various approaches to the concept of "information culture": philosophical, informational and cultural. From the point of view of these approaches the definition of the information culture of the individual is given. The author identifies and describes the main components of the information culture of the individual. Based on this, the pedagogical conditions for the formation of information culture of cadets are formulated: the motivation of cadets to master information culture in the process of active cognitive activity in the study of physics, associated with the projection of educational tasks for the future profession; the use of problem-based learning that promotes the development of consciousness through the resolution of cognitive problems containing contradictions; the creation of a comfortable information and educational environment.
Multiple pathways of toxicity induced by C9orf72 dipeptide repeat aggregates and G4C2 RNA in a cellular model
Authors: Frottin Frédéric , Pérez-Berlanga Manuela , Hartl F Ulrich , Hipp Mark S
Published: June 2021

The most frequent genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia is a G4C2 repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene. This expansion gives rise to translation of aggregating dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins, including poly-GA as the most abundant species. However, gain of toxic function effects have been attributed to either the DPRs or the pathological G4C2 RNA. Here, we analyzed in a cellular model the relative toxicity of DPRs and RNA. Cytoplasmic poly-GA aggregates, generated in the absence of G4C2 RNA, interfered with nucleocytoplasmic protein transport, but had little effect on cell viability. In contrast, nuclear poly-GA was more toxic, impairing nucleolar protein quality control and protein biosynthesis. Production of the G4C2 RNA strongly reduced viability independent of DPR translation and caused pronounced inhibition of nuclear mRNA export and protein biogenesis. Thus, while the toxic effects of G4C2 RNA predominate in the cellular model used, DPRs exert additive effects that may contribute to pathology.
Evaluating distributional regression strategies for modelling self-reported sexual age-mixing
Authors: Wolock Timothy M , Flaxman Seth , Risher Kathryn A , Dadirai Tawanda , Gregson Simon , Eaton Jeffrey W
Published: June 2021

The age dynamics of sexual partnership formation determine patterns of sexually transmitted disease transmission and have long been a focus of researchers studying human immunodeficiency virus. Data on self-reported sexual partner age distributions are available from a variety of sources. We sought to explore statistical models that accurately predict the distribution of sexual partner ages over age and sex. We identified which probability distributions and outcome specifications best captured variation in partner age and quantified the benefits of modelling these data using distributional regression. We found that distributional regression with a sinh-arcsinh distribution replicated observed partner age distributions most accurately across three geographically diverse data sets. This framework can be extended with well-known hierarchical modelling tools and can help improve estimates of sexual age-mixing dynamics.
Exosome component 1 cleaves single-stranded DNA and sensitizes human kidney renal clear cell carcinoma cells to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor
Authors: Liu Qiaoling , Xiao Qi , Sun Zhen , Wang Bo , Wang Lina , Wang Na , Wang Kai , Song Chengli , Yang Qingkai
Published: June 2021

Targeting DNA repair pathway offers an important therapeutic strategy for Homo sapiens (human) cancers. However, the failure of DNA repair inhibitors to markedly benefit patients necessitates the development of new strategies. Here, we show that exosome component 1 (EXOSC1) promotes DNA damages and sensitizes human kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) cells to DNA repair inhibitor. Considering that endogenous source of mutation (ESM) constantly assaults genomic DNA and likely sensitizes human cancer cells to the inhibitor, we first analyzed the statistical relationship between the expression of individual genes and the mutations for KIRC. Among the candidates, EXOSC1 most notably promoted DNA damages and subsequent mutations via preferentially cleaving C site(s) in single-stranded DNA. Consistently, EXOSC1 was more significantly correlated with C>A transversions in coding strands than these in template strands in human KIRC. Notably, KIRC patients with high EXOSC1 showed a poor prognosis, and EXOSC1 sensitized human cancer cells to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. These results show that EXOSC1 acts as an ESM in KIRC, and targeting EXOSC1 might be a potential therapeutic strategy.
The Kent Copyright Literacy Strategy
Authors: Morrison Chris
Published: June 2021

This presentation reports on the University of Kent’s Copyright Literacy Strategy. The strategy was published in July 2020to raise awareness of copyright amongst staff and students. Thishelps minimise the risk of copyright infringement, as well aspreventingcopyright being a barrierto innovative teaching and research.This work builds on a multinational research project to assess the copyright literacy of information professionals (Todorova et al, 2017) and further research in the UK to understand copyright literacy within higher education institutions (Morrison & Secker, 2015; Morrison & Secker 2017; Morrison, 2018). The research has found that copyright isa source of anxiety for library staff who are often expected to have a high level of knowledge of copyright issues. This proves challenging when addressing university staff and student activity,and there is a need for nuanced conversations about application of copyright exceptions and risk managed approaches(IFLA, 2018).Copyright has also been identified as a key issue at the intersection between information literacy and scholarly communication (ACRL, 2013). This is particularly relevant when advocating for open science and open scholarshipsuch as identifying and using Creative Commons licensed content.The University of Kent copyright literacy strategysetsout a vision for raising awareness of copyright issues(University of Kent, 2020). It was developed in collaboration between academic, library and other professional services staffand is intended to encourage its staff and students to take a critical yet responsible approach to managing use of copyright material. This presentation will explain the methodology used to consult with relevant stakeholders and address the tensions between differentelements of the University. It will outline the key principles and values behind the strategy and report on practical benefits of adopting a strategic approach to copyright literacy.
Library–faculty collaboration in the light of a business administration bachelor’s program –“A Scientific Wave”
Authors: Näverå Elisabeth , Olsson Anna Karin
Published: June 2021

This paper elucidates the process of creating and maintaining a successful librarian-faculty partnership which originally was intended as a quality improvement tool for a bachelor program in business administration at University West, Sweden. In 2012, after receiving criticism from the Swedish Council for Higher Education regarding the learning outcomes of students’ information literacy skillswithin the field of business administration, the process of regeneration started. A quality improvement process called “A Scientific Wave” was initiated to support the student's development regarding skills in critical and analytical approaches, presentation techniques and media and information literacy skills. The Scientific Wave includes different quality aspects and applies a holistic approach to improve educationquality and accentuate progression of knowledge throughout all courses of the program. Furthermore, work-integrated learning, WIL, is applied as an educational and pedagogical model throughout the program to reinforcethe link between work life and learning-theory and practice. Earlier research statesthat successful integration of media and information literacy in higher education should be based on close collaboration between librarians and discipline faculty, strategic anchoring and visualization in curriculums, syllabi, course objectives and examinations, and developed in line with the mission of the university. The Scientific Wave is here viewed as a co-creative continuous process based on the separate but still complementary skills of librarians and faculty to provide students with tools for critical and creative thinking in today’s digital society.
Online courses for information literacy skills development in VIA University college
Authors: Schneider Maria Viftrup
Published: June 2021

In order to address a need for skills development regarding reference management and literature searching in teaching staff, IT and Library teamed up to design a series of online courses. The library approach was to design courses that could also support library intruction for our students, since this is the larger target group of the library, and their needs to a large extent is simular to those of staff. Courses applicable to ongoing library instruction and flipped classroom, was designed to meet the need of the general student/staff, in order to be relevant for the largest number of VIAs faculties. Our four online courses on reference mangement and literature searching is superior to alternatives in regard of the Danish language and the match to local context in terms of platforms and electronic library ressources. Also the courses are built in to the organizational LMS alongside a range of other online courses, and therefore easy to find for our users. The courses are also accessable on the OER library platform www.learninglib.dk.The usage is very much dependant of the attachment to faculty education lectures and to the impact on - and assessment of - student performance. By the end of the first year half of the library staff reported to have been refering students to the courses verbally during instruction, and a quarter of staff had been refering in writing by mail or LMS.More than half had refered to one Zotero video, and a third to a video from the course Literature searching 1. We hope to se these numbers increased when we repeat the survey this winter.
New tools for assessing information literacy
Authors: Nierenberg Ellen , Låg Torstein , Dahl Tove I.
Published: June 2021

There is a need for short and easily administered measures for assessing students’ levels of information literacy (IL), as currently existing measures are long and cumbersome. We have therefore created a suite of tools, the “Tromsø Information Literacy Suite” (TROILS), for IL assessment. This suite of tools is freely available on an open platform for others to both use, adapt, and supplement. In this presentation, we introduce three TROILS assessment tools:

1.a test to assess students’ knowledge of key aspects of IL

2.a source evaluation measure to assess students’ abilities to select and critically evaluate sources

3.a source use measure to assess students’ abilities to use sources correctly when writing

Together, these tools measure what students know and do regarding key facets of IL. We will discuss the tools’ development and present results of our research with students at different levels higher education.The IL test was developed using procedures intended to ensure acceptable psychometric measurement properties. These included expert consultation for content validity, student think-aloud-protocols for readability, item selection based on a pilot sample, exploratory factor analysis, and measures of reliability and validity. The test was deployed during the fall semester of 2019. In addition to assessing students’ IL levels, test results were used to explore the dimensionality of the IL construct. Results indicate that IL is a heterogeneous construct, and we will discuss important implications of this find for how IL is measured. Results from the source evaluation and source use measures were compared with test results to see whether what the students actually do in their coursework correlates with what they know, based on the test. Results indicate weak to moderate, but statistically significant, correlations. All three measures will be used longitudinally to measure students’ progress over three years.
Comparative phylogeography uncovers evolutionary past of Holarctic dragonflies
Authors: Kohli Manpreet , Djernæs Marie , Sanchez Herrera Melissa , Sahlen Göran , Pilgrim Erik , Simonsen Thomas J. , Olsen Kent , Ware Jessica
Published: June 2021

Here, we investigate the evolutionary history of five northern dragonfly species to evaluate what role the last glaciation period may have played in their current distributions. We look at the population structure and estimate divergence times for populations of the following species: Aeshna juncea (Linnaeus), Aeshna subarctica Walker, Sympetrum danae (Sulzer), Libellula quadrimaculata Linnaeus and Somatochlora sahlbergi Trybom across their Holarctic range. Our results suggest a common phylogeographic pattern across all species except for S. sahlbergi. First, we find that North American and European populations are genetically distinct and have perhaps been separated for more than 400,000 years. Second, our data suggests that, based on genetics, populations from the Greater Beringian region (Beringia, Japan and China) have haplotypes that cluster with North America or Europe depending on the species rather than having a shared geographic affinity. This is perhaps a result of fluctuating sea levels and ice sheet coverage during the Quaternary period that influenced dispersal routes and refugia. Indeed, glacial Beringia may have been as much a transit zone as a refugia for dragonflies. Somatochlora sahlbergi shows no genetic variation across its range and therefore does not share the geographic patterns found in the other circumboreal dragonflies studied here. Lastly, we discuss the taxonomic status of Sympetrum danae, which our results indicate is a species complex comprising two species, one found in Eurasia through Beringia, and the other in North America east and south of Beringia. Through this study we present a shared history among different species from different families of dragonflies, which are influenced by the climatic fluctuations of the past.
Discrete simulation analysis of COVID-19 and prediction of isolation bed numbers
Authors: Li Xinyu , Cai Yufeng , Ding Yinghe , Li Jia-Da , Huang Guoqing , Liang Ye , Xu Linyong
Published: June 2021

Background

The outbreak of COVID-19 has been defined by the World Health Organization as a pandemic, and containment depends on traditional public health measures. However, the explosive growth of the number of infected cases in a short period of time has caused tremendous pressure on medical systems. Adequate isolation facilities are essential to control outbreaks, so this study aims to quickly estimate the demand and number of isolation beds.

Methods

We established a discrete simulation model for epidemiology. By adjusting or fitting necessary epidemic parameters, the effects of the following indicators on the development of the epidemic and the occupation of medical resources were explained: (1) incubation period, (2) response speed and detection capacity of the hospital, (3) disease healing time, and (4) population mobility. Finally, a method for predicting the number of isolation beds was summarized through multiple linear regression. This is a city level model that simulates the epidemic situation from the perspective of population mobility.

Results

Through simulation, we show that the incubation period, response speed and detection capacity of the hospital, disease healing time, degree of population mobility, and infectivity of cured patients have different effects on the infectivity, scale, and duration of the epidemic. Among them, (1) incubation period, (2) response speed and detection capacity of the hospital, (3) disease healing time, and (4) population mobility have a significant impact on the demand and number of isolation beds (P <0.05), which agrees with the following regression equation: N = P × (−0.273 + 0.009I + 0.234M + 0.012T1 + 0.015T2) × (1 + V).
Genomic evidence of adaptive evolution in the reptilian SOCS gene family
Authors: Xia Tian , Zhang Lei , Sun Guolei , Yang Xiufeng , Zhang Honghai
Published: June 2021

The suppressor of the cytokine signaling (SOCS) family of proteins play an essential role in inhibiting cytokine receptor signaling by regulating immune signal pathways. Although SOCS gene functions have been examined extensively, no comprehensive study has been performed on this gene family’s molecular evolution in reptiles. In this study, we identified eight canonical SOCS genes using recently-published reptilian genomes. We used phylogenetic analysis to determine that the SOCS genes had highly conserved evolutionary dynamics that we classified into two types. We identified positive SOCS4 selection signals in whole reptile lineages and SOCS2 selection signals in the crocodilian lineage. Selective pressure analyses using the branch model and Z-test revealed that these genes were under different negative selection pressures compared to reptile lineages. We also concluded that the nature of selection pressure varies across different reptile lineages on SOCS3, and the crocodilian lineage has experienced rapid evolution. Our results may provide a theoretical foundation for further analyses of reptilian SOCS genes’ functional and molecular mechanisms, as well as their roles in reptile growth and development.
A State of Art for Survey of Combined Iris and Fingerprint Recognition Systems
Authors: Ahmed Dindar Mikaeel , Ameen Siddeeq Y. , Omar Naaman , Kak Shakir Fattah , Rashid Zryan Najat , Yasin Hajar Maseeh , Ibrahim Ibrahim Mahmood , Salih Azar Abid , Salim Nareen O. M. , Ahmed Awder Mohammed
Published: June 2021

Biometrics is developing into a technological science in this lifelong technology for the defense of identification. Biometrics is the technology to recognize individuals based on facial features, fingerprints, iris, retina, speech, handprints, etc. Biometric features are used for human recognition and identification. Much research was done in the last years on the biometric system because of a growing need for identification methods. This paper offers an overview of biometric solutions using fingerprint and iris identification, their uses, and Compare the data set, methods, Fusion Level, and the accuracy of the results.
Effect of Fractions, and Compounds from Typha capensis in LPS-Stimulated Raw 264.7 Cells. Pro and Anti-inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Ondua Moise
Published: June 2021

Typha capensis is widely used by traditional healers to treat male fertility, venereal problems and inflammation. There are many molecular targets implicated in the inflammatory process: pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1-β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and IL-8, and other proteins such as COX-2, and iNOS. In order to clarify the anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of compounds isolated from T. capensis, RAW 264.7 macrophages were activated by lipopolysaccharide and pre-treated with T. capensis isolated compounds. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW macrophages after treatment with T. capensis crude acetone extract resulted in decreasing expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6,) and increased expression of immunomodulatory cytokine IL-12 P 70.  Isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside and  isorhamnetin 3-O rutinoside increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, but failed to reduce the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α. Isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside and isorhamnetin 3-O rutinoside increased the expression of immunomodulatory cytokine IL-12p70. Isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside  increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 compared to quercetin and LPS-stimulated macrophages. The effect of isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside and isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside on molecular targets of inflammation may provide support for the use of T. capensis by traditional healers against inflammation.
Monopolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate; Experience in a Tertiary Centre in Nigeria
Authors: Ofoha Chimaobi Gideon , Dakum Nuhu Kutan , Akhaine Julius , Sambo Nicky Mariah
Published: June 2021

Aim and Objectives: To determine the perioperative, short-term success and complications of TURP.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria, from January 2017 to December 2020.

Methodology: This was a retrospective study, where the records of men who had TURP and were followed up for a year were reviewed. The data included the patients’ age, size of the prostate gland (grams), duration of surgery(mins), blood transfusion, clot retention, length of catheterisation (silicon catheter) in days, hospital stay (days), postoperative infection, postoperative incontinence, re-operation, bladder neck stenosis, urethral stricture and TURP syndrome.

Results: Forty-five patients who had TURP from January 2017 to December 2020 were studied. The patients mean age was 66.33±7.60. The mean prostate size was 60.76±20.26. The mean duration of surgery, catheter duration and hospital stay were 58.89±11.93, 3.56±1.44 and 4.38±2.10, respectively. The overall complication was 3.5%. Postoperative infection was the commonest complication (epididymo-orchitis 11.1% and urosepsis 2.2%). Other complications included clot retention 4.4%, TURP syndrome 2.2%, bladder neck stenosis 2.2% and urge incontinence 2.2%. There was no urethral stricture, re-operation or bladder rupture. No mortality was recorded.

Conclusion: This study showed that most TURP complications were minor and within acceptable rates. Its attraction includes short hospital stay and short duration of catheterisation. Overall, TURP performed within our institution were generally safe and well-tolerated.
Comparative Study of Three Solar Drying Methods of Adensonia digitate L. (Baobab Leaves using Drying Kinetics and Empirical Drying Models)
Authors: Okaiyeto S. A. , Oji Nathaniel , Unguwanrimi Y. A.
Published: June 2021

A comparative study of three drying methods of baobab leaves have been conducted and reported. Mixed mode solar drying, indirect mode solar drying and open sun drying of baobab leaves were conducted based on three drying models viz a viz Lewis,. Page and Henderson and Pabis models were employed in this research. Baobab leaves dried faster when dried under the mixed mode on-farm solar dryer. Drying time reduced considerably using the mixed mode on-farm solar dryer. Drying data were fitted into Lewis, Page and Henderson and Pabis models. Henderson and Pabis model (R2=0.9999, 0.9611, 0.9656; X2= 1.0297, 0.7931, 0.7710; RMSE= 0.5859, 0.6898, 0.6802 and MBE= -0.4.135, -0.4.231, -0.4176) gave the best prediction for the mixed mode drying). In the same way Henderson and Pabis model (R2=0.7450, 0.7699, 0.8243; X2= 1.9025, 0.4026, 0.2006; RMSE= 1.0684, 0.5181, 0.4058 and MBE= -0.8966, -0.3823, 0.2789) gave the best prediction for the indirect mode drying of baobab leaves. Effective moisture diffusivity of baobab leaves varied between -6.382 X 10-04 and -1.108 X 10-03 m2/s.
Nuclear Fuel Reserves
Authors: Peel Ross
Published: June 2021

Nuclear fuel is not a renewable resource, and reserves of uranium and other fuel materials must be carefully stewarded to ensure the long‐term operability of nuclear energy systems. This article discusses the geological and geographical distribution of uranium resources globally, including unconventional sources such as uranium dissolved in seawater and surplus military nuclear materials. The growth of production capacity, supply, and demand relationships are presented under different scenarios. Secondary sources of uranium fuel, as well as nuclear fuel cycle options that can increase the quantity of nuclear fuel producible from a given starting quantity of natural uranium, such as the use of mixed‐oxide fuels and underfeeding of enrichment plants, are introduced. The article also includes a discussion of breeder reactors, which can be fueled with a much broader range of nuclear fuel types than currently used reactor technologies, greatly increasing the proportion of natural uranium which can be used within nuclear power reactors. Finally, thorium is introduced as an alternative nuclear fuel to uranium, which is more abundant than uranium but brings unique technical challenges. At the start of 2017, globally there were estimated to be approximately 6,142,000 tonnes of identified uranium resources recoverable at a cost of less than $130 per kg of uranium. This should be sufficient to meet the needs of a projected nuclear reactor fleet for several decades, even under high growth scenarios for nuclear energy. As such, there is currently little commercial drive toward the use of alternative nuclear fuel types.
Bessel‐Beam Antennas
Authors: Comite Davide , Fuscaldo Walter , Burghignoli Paolo , Galli Alessandro , Baccarelli Paolo
Published: June 2021

The capability of controlling the spatial broadening of the radiation moving away from the relevant sources is considered a very attractive feature for a plethora of applications, such as imaging, diagnostic, and wireless power transfer. An important class of ideal solutions of the scalar wave equation that remain confined and do not undergo diffracting spreading are the so‐called Bessel beams.

In the past few decades, several techniques have been proposed to design zeroth‐ and higher order Bessel beams, all based on the scalar wave theory.

More recently, a significant amount of research activity has been devoted to design devices and techniques for the generation of Bessel beams at lower frequencies, thus based on conventional vector solutions of Maxwell's equation. A comprehensive review of the most representative approaches constitutes the main goal of this article.
MicroRNAs and Related Cytokine Factors Quickly Respond in the Immune Response of Channel Catfish to Lipopolysaccharides and β-Glucan Stimulation
Authors: Tang Xuelian , Fu Jinghua , Shi Yifu , Guan Wanting , Xu Minjun
Published: June 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are well-known as powerful regulators of gene expression, with their potential to serve for immunology widely researched in mammals and birds but rarely in fishes. To better understand fish immunology behavior, we herein investigated nine immune-related miRNAs that were reported in other animals, as well as five related cytokine factors and lysozyme (LZM) in the liver, anterior kidney, and spleen of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus after being stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and β-glucan. We also predicated the potential targets of these miRNAs via bioinformatics and further investigated nine of them via quantitative real-time PCR. Results showed that expressions of the nine miRNAs were quickly changed in varying extent after stimulation by LPS, especially for miR-122, miR-142a, miR-155, and miR-223, which were significantly changed in spleen, and the same occurred for the LZM and three cytokine factors TNF-α, IFN-γ and TLR2. Compared with LPS, although most of the miRNAs and the cytokine genes were also affected by β-glucan, the extent of the effect was weak. Bioinformatics analysis revealed many immune-related targets of the miRNAs, with some of them reported by previous studies. For the nine investigated target genes, seven targets (77.8%) were significantly upregulated after the stimulation of LPS. It therefore can be inferred that the immune-related miRNAs, LZM, and cytokine factors elicited quick immune responses of Channel Catfish to LPS stimulation as in other animals, but the regulation mechanism of miRNAs might be complex and diverse. This research will contribute to a better understanding will support further immunology research in fishes.
Functional avoidance‐based intensity modulated proton therapy with 4DCT derived ventilation imaging for lung cancer
Authors: Dougherty Jingjing M. , Castillo Edward , Castillo Richard , Faught Austin M. , Pepin Mark , Park Sean S. , Beltran Chris J. , Guerrero Thomas , Grills Inga , Vinogradskiy Yevgeniy
Published: June 2021

The primary objective is to evaluate the potential dosimetric gains of performing functional avoidance‐based proton treatment planning using 4DCT derived ventilation imaging. 4DCT data of 31 patients from a prospective functional avoidance clinical trial were evaluated with intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans and compared with clinical volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans. Dosimetric parameters were compared between standard and functional plans with IMPT and VMAT with one‐way analysis of variance and post hoc paired student t‐test. Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) models were employed to estimate the risk of two toxicity endpoints for healthy lung tissues. Dose degradation due to proton motion interplay effect was evaluated. Functional IMPT plans led to significant dose reduction to functional lung structures when compared with functional VMAT without significant dose increase to Organ at Risk (OAR) structures. When interplay effect is considered, no significant dose degradation was observed for the OARs or the clinical target volume (CTV) volumes for functional IMPT. Using fV20 as the dose metric and Grade 2+ pneumonitis as toxicity endpoint, there is a mean 5.7% reduction in Grade 2+ RP with the functional IMPT and as high as 26% in reduction for individual patient when compared to the standard IMPT planning. Functional IMPT was able to spare healthy lung tissue to avoid excess dose to normal structures while maintaining satisfying target coverage. NTCP calculation also shows that the risk of pulmonary complications can be further reduced with functional based IMPT.
Evidence of alcohol induced weapon focus in eyewitness memory
Authors: Harvey Alistair J. , Sekulla Alistair
Published: June 2021

We examined the effects of acute alcohol on eyewitness memory for a simulated armed robbery under laboratory conditions. Alcohol and placebo participants viewed a slide series showing a target male taking a laptop from a helpdesk assistant, either on loan or at gunpoint. Following a brief retention period, participants responded to “central” multiple‐choice questions, about the target's actions face and clothing, and “peripheral” questions about other scene features. Alcohol participants shown the no‐weapon scene displayed poorer peripheral memory than placebo controls, though alcohol did not impair peripheral memory among weapon scene viewers. Alcohol participants also showed a weapon focus effect, providing less accurate responses to central questions related to details about the target male than no‐weapon controls. These findings are consistent with alcohol myopia theory and suggest intoxicated eyewitnesses may be more susceptible to weapon focus than sober counterparts.
Photothermally Activated Coacervate Model Protocells as Signal Transducers Endow Mammalian Cells with Light Sensitivity
Authors: Yao Yu , Zhang Yanwen , Li Li , Huang Yan , Yang Xiaohai , Peng Zhihong , Wang Kemin , Liu Jianbo
Published: June 2021

The development of a novel photothermally activated coacervate model protocell is reported as a signal transducer to endow mammalian cells with light sensitivity. In this system, near‐infrared light irradiation triggers H2S release in coacervate model protocells, leading to modulation of the behavior of living cells. The functional coacervate model protocells are prepared by loading metal‐alloyed plasmonic nanoparticles and an H2S donor into the liquid coacervate microdroplets. Upon light irradiation, the H2S signal messenger is released through the photothermal effect of plasmonic nanoparticles and photothermal mediated pyrolysis of the H2S donor. The H2S signal is delivered to the mammalian cell community to trigger depletion of reactive oxygen species, reduce the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and improve cell viability. This study provides a new approach to the implementation of chemical signaling in artificial cell colonies and protocell/living cell consortia. The photothermal protocell system offers a powerful platform for light modulation of the behavior of mammalian cells and shows great promise for biomedical applications.
In Situ Investigation of the Rapid Solidification Behavior of Intermetallic γ‐TiAl‐Based Alloys Using High‐Energy X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Graf Gloria , Rosigkeit Jan , Krohmer Erwin , Staron Peter , Krenn Raimund , Clemens Helmut , Spoerk-Erdely Petra
Published: June 2021

Representing an attractive new processing method, additive manufacturing can be used to manufacture parts made of γ‐TiAl‐based alloys for high‐temperature applications. However, in terms of nucleation during rapid solidification and subsequent solid‐state phase transformations, the process is not yet fully understood, and research is still going on. This article focuses on a setup to study solidification processes during laser melting via in situ high‐energy X‐ray diffraction at a synchrotron radiation source. To create conditions similar to those encountered in powder bed‐based additive manufacturing processes, such as electron beam melting or selective laser melting, a thin platelet is laser‐melted on its upper edge. Phase transitions are measured simultaneously via high‐energy X‐ray diffraction in transmission geometry. The use of a thin platelet instead of the usual powder bed precludes the unfavorable contribution of solid phases from surrounding powder particles to the diffraction signal. First results of the in situ high‐energy X‐ray diffraction experiment on a Ti–48Al–2Nb–2Cr (in at%) alloy prove the applicability of the used setup for an accurate tracing of phase transformations upon rapid solidification.
Employing the Dynamics of the Electrochemical Interface in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery Cathodes
Authors: Becknell Nigel , Lopes Pietro P. , Hatsukade Toru , Zhou Xiuquan , Liu Yuzi , Fisher Brandon , Chung Duck Young , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Markovic Nenad M. , Tepavcevic Sanja , Stamenkovic Vojislav R.
Published: June 2021

Intrinsically stable materials are desirable for constructing energy storage devices, which aim to demonstrate durability under the harsh electrochemical conditions that are detrimental to their lifespan. However, it is demonstrated here that the intrinsic instability of an electrochemical interface can be converted from an obstacle into an advantage. In aqueous zinc‐ion batteries, manganese oxide (MnO2) exhibits considerable dissolution even in electrolyte containing Mn2+ salt. Balancing with redeposition alleviates the harmful impact of dissolution on performance and alters the trajectory of the active phase. Inclusion of Mn2+ salt in the electrolyte induces MnO2 deposition on all conductive surfaces, requiring that distracting side reactions be eliminated to isolate the dynamics of the active phase. Under conditions favoring dissolution, capacity decreases dramatically and a highly crystalline tetragonal ZnMn2O4 phase forms, while redeposition helps maintain capacity and promotes a disordered cubic Zn‐rich phase. Ultimately, this work aims to illuminate a path forward to unlock the potential of batteries made with materials that are fundamentally unstable in their operating environment.
Oxygen‐Generating Cryogels Restore T Cell Mediated Cytotoxicity in Hypoxic Tumors
Authors: Colombani Thibault , Eggermont Loek J. , Hatfield Stephen M. , Rogers Zachary J. , Rezaeeyazdi Mahboobeh , Memic Adnan , Sitkovsky Michail V. , Bencherif Sidi A.
Published: June 2021

Solid tumors are protected from antitumor immune responses due to their hypoxic microenvironments. Weakening hypoxia‐driven immunosuppression by hyperoxic breathing of 60% oxygen has shown to be effective in unleashing antitumor immune cells against solid tumors. However, efficacy of systemic oxygenation is limited against solid tumors outside of lungs and has been associated with unwanted side effects. As a result, it is essential to develop targeted oxygenation alternatives to weaken tumor hypoxia as novel approaches to restore immune responses against cancer. Herein, injectable oxygen‐generating cryogels (O2‐cryogels) to reverse tumor‐induced hypoxia are reported. These macroporous biomaterials are designed to locally deliver oxygen, inhibit the expression of hypoxia‐inducible genes in hypoxic melanoma cells, and reduce the accumulation of immunosuppressive extracellular adenosine. The data show that O2‐cryogels enhance T cell‐mediated secretion of cytotoxic proteins, restoring the killing ability of tumor‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, O2‐cryogels provide a unique and safe platform to supply oxygen as a coadjuvant in hypoxic tumors and have the potential to improve cancer immunotherapies.
Branched Oligo(ether) Side Chains: A Path to Enhanced Processability and Elevated Conductivity for Polymeric Semiconductors
Authors: Jones Austin L. , De Keersmaecker Michel , Savagian Lisa R. , DiTullio Brandon T. , Pelse Ian , Reynolds John R.
Published: June 2021

Commercialization of stable conjugated polymers (CPs) with tunable electronic properties will remain a challenge without adequate solution processability due to the importance of techniques such as roll‐to‐roll manufacturing. Consequently, modifying CP backbones with polar side chains has recently resurged as an attractive structural design approach to improve polymer solubility and to provide CPs with the capability of transporting both electrons and ions, which is crucial for applications such as organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). Here, a new dioxythiophene copolymer comprised of 2,​2'‐bis‐(3,4‐ethylenedioxy)thiophene (biEDOT) and 3,4‐propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) substituted with branched oligo(ether) side chains (PE2‐biOE2OE3) is synthesized using two direct hereto(arylation) polymerization (DHAP) techniques. The typical DHAP technique results in a lower molecular weight polymer (PE2‐biOE2OE3(L)), which is soluble in acetone and demonstrated a solid‐state conductivity after oxidative doping of 55 ± 3 S cm−1. Alternatively, a unique temperature ramp DHAP methodology results in a higher molecular weight polymer (PE2‐biOE2OE3(H)) with an especially high solid‐state conductivity of 430 ± 60 S cm−1. Notably, the first OECT fabricated from an acetone‐processed polymer is reported, which is stable up to 500 cycles and can provide a pathway for future material design aimed at eliminating the use of toxic chlorinated solvents in OECT active layer processing.
Recellularization and Integration of Dense Extracellular Matrix by Percolation of Tissue Microparticles
Authors: Barthold Jeanne E. , St. Martin Brittany M. , Sridhar Shankar Lalitha , Vernerey Franck , Schneider Stephanie Ellyse , Wacquez Alexis , Ferguson Virginia L. , Calve Sarah , Neu Corey P.
Published: June 2021

Cells embedded in the extracellular matrix of tissues play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis while promoting integration and regeneration following damage or disease. Emerging engineered biomaterials utilize decellularized extracellular matrix as a tissue‐specific support structure; however, many dense, structured biomaterials unfortunately demonstrate limited formability, fail to promote cell migration, and result in limited tissue repair. Here, a reinforced composite material of densely packed acellular extracellular matrix microparticles in a hydrogel, termed tissue clay, that can be molded and crosslinked to mimic native tissue architecture is developed. Hyaluronic acid‐based hydrogels are utilized, amorphously packed with acellular cartilage tissue particulated to ≈125–250 microns in diameter and defined a percolation threshold of 0.57 (v/v) beyond which the compressive modulus exceeded 300 kPa. Remarkably, primary chondrocytes recellularize particles within 48 h, a process driven by chemotaxis, exhibit distributed cellularity in large engineered composites, and express genes consistent with native cartilage repair. In addition, broad utility of tissue clays through recellularization and persistence of muscle, skin, and cartilage composites in an in vivo mouse model is demonstrated. The findings suggest optimal material architectures to balance concurrent demands for large‐scale mechanical properties while also supporting recellularization and integration of dense musculoskeletal and connective tissues.
High‐Efficiency Organic Solar Cells Based on Asymmetric Acceptors Bearing One 3D Shape‐Persistent Terminal Group
Authors: Lu Hao , Jin Hui , Huang Hao , Liu Wenxu , Tang Zheng , Zhang Jianqi , Bo Zhishan
Published: June 2021

Three asymmetric non‐fullerene acceptors (LL2, LL3, and LL4) are designed and synthesized with one norbornyl‐modified 1,1‐dicyanomethylene‐3‐indanone (CBIC) terminal group and one chlorinated 1,1‐dicyanomethylene‐3‐indanone (IC‐2Cl) terminal group. The three‐dimensional shape‐persistent CBIC terminal group can effectively enhance the solubility and tune the packing mode of acceptors. Compared with their symmetric counterparts (LL2‐2Cl, LL3‐2Cl, and LL4‐2Cl) bearing two IC‐2Cl terminals, the asymmetric acceptors show improved solubilities, giving rise to enhanced crystallinity and favored nanomorphology for charge transport in the blend films with PBDB‐T. Asymmetric acceptors based organic solar cells (OSCs) also show much lower voltage loss due to their higher ECT and EQEEL values. Therefore, they exhibit 17−27% higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) than OSCs based on the corresponding symmetric acceptors. Among these six acceptors, LL3 with a central benzotriazole core shows the best PCE of 16.82% with an outstanding Jsc of 26.97 mA cm−2 and a low nonradiative voltage loss (ΔVnr) of 0.18 V, the best values for PBDB‐T based OSCs. The Jsc and ΔVnr also represent the best reported for asymmetric non‐fullerene acceptors‐based OSCs to date. The results demonstrate that the combination of the unique CBIC terminal group with the asymmetric strategy is a promising way to enhance the performance of OSCs.
Magnetically Actuated Active Deep Tumor Penetration of Deformable Large Nanocarriers for Enhanced Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhu Yueqiang , Song Yonghong , Cao Ziyang , Dong Liang , Lu Yang , Yang Xianzhu , Wang Jun
Published: June 2021

The intrinsic pathological microenvironment of tumor tissue enforces barriers to the passive diffusion of nanomedicine, which results in inefficient tumor penetration of drugs and unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy. Various strategies have been developed to improve the tumor penetration of nanomedicine, but they mostly overcome the barriers separately at different steps in a passive diffusion process. Here, the development of a large polymeric nanocarrier, DAT‐PPED&F (≈180 nm), is reported, which comprises a flowable polyphosphoester core, ferrimagnetic nanocubes, and a tumor extracellular pH‐sensitive transactivator of transcription (TAT). Compared with a polylactic acid‐based nanocarrier with a rigid core, this deformable DAT‐PPED&F with a similar diameter exhibits efficient penetration into the deep tumor tissue under magnetic actuation and an enhanced reactivation rate of the pHe‐sensitive TAT. Therefore, DAT‐PPED&F is able to efficiently deliver doxorubicin into most tumor cells in vivo, and the superior anticancer effect indicates the potential of DAT‐PPED&F as a universal, responsive, and active nanocarrier to deliver various hydrophobic drugs into the deep tumor tissue.
Direct View on the Origin of High Li+ Transfer Impedance in All‐Solid‐State Battery
Authors: Yang Liting , Li Xiao , Pei Ke , You Wenbin , Liu Xianhu , Xia Hui , Wang Yonggang , Che Renchao
Published: June 2021

Large interfacial resistance plays a dominant role in the performance of all‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries. However, the mechanism of interfacial resistance has been under debate. Here, the Li+ transport at the interfacial region is investigated to reveal the origin of the high Li+ transfer impedance in a LiCoO2(LCO)/LiPON/Pt all‐solid‐state battery. Both an unexpected nanocrystalline layer and a structurally disordered transition layer are discovered to be inherent to the LCO/LiPON interface. Under electrochemical conditions, the nanocrystalline layer with insufficient electrochemical stability leads to the introduction of voids during electrochemical cycles, which is the origin of the high Li+ transfer impedance at solid electrolyte‐electrode interfaces. In addition, at relatively low temperatures, the oxygen vacancies migration in the transition layer results in the formation of Co3O4 nanocrystalline layer with nanovoids, which contributes to the high Li+ transfer impedance. This work sheds light on the mechanism for the high interfacial resistance and promotes overcoming the interfacial issues in all‐solid‐state batteries.
Soft and Self‐Adhesive Thermal Interface Materials Based on Vertically Aligned, Covalently Bonded Graphene Nanowalls for Efficient Microelectronic Cooling
Authors: Yan Qingwei , Alam Fakhr E. , Gao Jingyao , Dai Wen , Tan Xue , Lv Le , Wang Junjie , Zhang Huan , Chen Ding , Nishimura Kazuhito , Wang Liping , Yu Jinhong , Lu Jibao , Sun Rong , Xiang Rong , Maruyama Shigeo , Zhang Hang , Wu Sudong , Jiang Nan , Lin Cheng‐Te
Published: June 2021

Urged by the increasing power and packing densities of integrated circuits and electronic devices, efficient dissipation of excess heat from hot spot to heat sink through thermal interface materials (TIMs) is a growing demand to maintain system reliability and performance. In recent years, graphene‐based TIMs received considerable interest due to the ultrahigh intrinsic thermal conductivity of graphene. However, the cooling efficiency of such TIMs is still limited by some technical difficulties, such as production‐induced defects of graphene, poor alignment of graphene in the matrix, and strong phonon scattering at graphene/graphene or graphene/matrix interfaces. In this study, a 120 µm‐thick freestanding film composed of vertically aligned, covalently bonded graphene nanowalls (GNWs) is grown by mesoplasma chemical vapor deposition. After filling GNWs with silicone, the fabricated adhesive TIMs exhibit a high through‐plane thermal conductivity of 20.4 W m−1 K−1 at a low graphene loading of 5.6 wt%. In the TIM performance test, the cooling efficiency of GNW‐based TIMs is ≈1.5 times higher than that of state‐of‐the‐art commercial TIMs. The TIMs achieve the desired balance between high through‐plane thermal conductivity and small bond line thickness, providing superior cooling performance for suppressing the degradation of luminous properties of high‐power light‐emitting diode chips.
Multifunctional Self‐Charging Electrochromic Supercapacitors Driven by Direct‐Current Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Guo Wenbin , Cong Zifeng , Guo Zi Hao , Zhang Panpan , Chen Yanghui , Hu Weiguo , Wang Zhong Lin , Pu Xiong
Published: June 2021

Electrochromic supercapacitor devices (ESCDs) are highly promising for energy‐saving applications or smart windows, whereas they still require electrical energy inputs. In this study, a self‐charging ESCD (SC‐ESCD) based on the ESCD and a sliding‐mode direct‐current triboelectric nanogenerators is successfully proposed. The SC‐ESCD cannot merely convert mechanical sliding kinetic energy into electrical energy and store the electricity in electrochromic supercapacitors but can also show optical responses to the mechanical sliding motions. The prominent electrochemical performances of the SC‐ESCD are confirmed by the high areal capacitance (15.2 mF cm−2 at 0.1 mA cm−2) and stable cycling performance (99% for 5000 cycles). Besides, it can be prepared into arbitrary characters or patterns to adapt to various applications. The study demonstrates a potential approach to develop multifunctional self‐charging power sources which combine energy harvesting, energy storage, and electrochromic functions.