bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFICIENCY OF UV-ACTIVATED TiO2-MODIFIED ACRYLIC SELF-CLEANING SURFACES
Authors: Savanović Maria M. , Armaković Stevan , Bilić Andrijana , Pelemiš Svetlana , Armaković Sanja J.
Published: December 2024

Raising awareness of the importance of protecting the environment generates ever-increasing efforts of chemists and material scientists who seek new chemical compounds, production methods, and new types of surfaces and materials with self-cleaning abilities. Taking into consideration the data on increasing pollutant levels in the environment, materials that degrade pollutants could be an acceptable, sustainable solution to improve self-cleaning materials, especially when functionalizing large surfaces characteristic of building materials. The development of building materials that degrade polluting chemicals and carry out the mineralization of pollutant loads has now become a necessity. This work aimed to analyze the environmental performance of TiO2-modified acrylic surfaces under UV‒LED irradiation through the oxidative processes taking place on the illuminated surfaces. The simple approach of synthesis yielded highly affordable self-cleaning surfaces. The self-cleaning properties of these surfaces were tested against three frequently used textile dyes, rhodamine B, methylene blue, and methyl orange. It was demonstrated that rhodamine B was still present after 10 h of irradiation, while methylene blue and methyl orange were successfully self-cleaned after 3 h and 5 h, respectively.
THERAPY OF SKELETAL OPEN BITE AND SKELETAL CLASS III USING BIONATOR ACCORDING TO BALTERS TYPE III
Authors: Stamenković Zorana , Marković Jovan , Arsić Ivan , Stojić Vanja , Marinković Nemanja , Nedeljković Nenad , Mirjanić Vladan , Krčić Vanja
Published: December 2024

In the period of puberty growth spurt, functional therapy can be successfully performed using the Bionator according to Balters. This case report aims to show the successful treatment of a skeletally open bite and overbite in a 13- year-old girl. The clinical examination revealed an enlarged lower third of the face, an open bite in the area of the frontal teeth (1.5 mm), and occlusion of / class III. Analyzing the initial profile teleradiograph, she was diagnosed with skeletal class III (ANB= -2°), skeletal open bite (B= 31°)), increased corpus of the mandible (by 8 mm), and a tendency towards a vertical type of facial growth (Bjork=400°). Balters type III bionator was indicated. The active phase of therapy lasted 19 months. During this period, the patient wore the appliance continuously during the day and night. Control examinations were performed every 6 weeks. After finishing the active phase of therapy, the value of the ANB angle on the control profile teleradiograph was 1°, with the presence of a vertical growth tendency (Bjork= 402°) and an enlarged body of the mandible of 3.3 mm. Clinical examination revealed a stable Class I occlusion and a flap depth of 2 mm. A bionator according to Balters, is a tooth-worn functional appliance, that gives a successful therapeutic result by affecting the change in the position and activity of the tongue while suppressing the excessive sagittal growth of the lower jaw.
Anti-cancer activity and brine shrimp lethality assay of the extracts and isolated compounds from Garcinia schomburgkiana Pierre
Authors: Sukkum Chanchai , Lekklar Chakkree , Chongsri Krisana , Deeying Sataporn , Srisomsap Chantragan , Surapanich Nakin , Kanjanasingh Pronrumpa , Hongthong Sakchai
Published: December 2024

The present study aimed to assess the anti-cancer and brine shrimp lethality activities of the various extracts and the isolated compounds from Garcinia schomburgkiana Pierre. Guided by bioassay fractionation, the bioactive fruit extract was chromatographed leading to the isolation of three xanthones, norathyriol (1), macluraxanthone (2), and 10-O-methylmacluraxanthone (3). The isolated compounds were characterized and confirmed the chemical structure using spectroscopic information. Among these, 10-O-methylmacluraxanthone was discovered for the first time in this plant and its complete spectroscopic data was given. Compounds, macluraxanthone, and 10-O-methylmacluraxanthone, demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against all cancerous cell lines (THP-1, A549, and HepG2) and Vero cell line with ED50 ranging from 2.25 ± 0.14 to 5.26 ± 0.13 μM. Norathyriol exhibited moderate toxicity in brine shrimp lethality assay with LC50 153.39 μM.
Changes in Quality Components of Durum Wheat Genotypes under Temperature Stress and Sufficient Rainfall Conditions during the Growth Period
Authors: Eliş Seval , Yıldırım Mehmet
Published: December 2024

A combination of genetic makeup and environmental factors determine the quality characteristics of durum wheat. Specifically, environmental stressors, such as extreme temperature fluctuations, can have a substantial impact on the productivity and quality of wheat crops. The effect of terminal temperature stress on yield and quality in durum wheat genotypes grown during 2019 and 2020 seasons was studied. These characteristics include thousand kernel weight, protein content, hectoliter weight, wet gluten content, Zeleny sedimentation value, and grain colour. The first year of the study was warmer than the second, resulting in decreased kernel weight, hectoliter weight, and gluten values, as well as increased protein content and Zeleny sedimentation values. This indicates that temperature stress leads to a higher protein content. The study also showed considerable variation in quality traits among genotypes, with certain genotypes demonstrating greater stability in specific quality traits. Genotype by environment interaction significantly affected grain weight, protein content, gluten content and Zeleny sedimentation. These data indicate that temperature stress plays an important role in determining the quality characteristics of durum wheat. Future studies should focus on mitigating the adverse effects of terminal temperature stress and improving the generation of genotypes with optimal quality traits.
Can concept maps attenuate auditory distraction when studying with music?
Authors: Barideaux Kenneth J. , Pavlik Philip I.
Published: October 2021

There is some research indicating that the presence of music adversely impacts academic task performance. While most of this research involves individuals reading text passages, few studies have explored how graphical representations contribute to the auditory distraction literature. The aim of our study was to investigate if concept maps, a graphical representation that depicts relations among concepts, and linear text differentially affect recall when they are studied in the presence of music. Participants studied a preconstructed concept map or text summary while listening to verbal or nonverbal music. Results indicated that participants who studied the concept map with verbal music recalled significantly more ideas than those who studied the text summary. This result was particularly robust for those with low to moderate prior knowledge in the domain being studied. These findings suggest that the novel structure of concept maps may induce greater concentration, which could provide protection against auditory distraction.
Cell Membrane Vesicles with Enriched CXCR4 Display Enhances Their Targeted Delivery as Drug Carriers to Inflammatory Sites
Authors: Wang Dandan , Jiang Shengjie , Zhang Fengyi , Ma Siqin , Heng Boon Chin , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhu Junxia , Xu Mingming , He Ying , Wei Yan , Zhang Xuehui , Xia Bin , Deng Xuliang
Published: October 2021

Cell membrane vesicles (CMVs) are composed of natural cell membranes which makes them effective drug delivery systems with low immunogenicity and prolonged circulation time. However, targeting delivery of CMVs in vivo for clinical applications is still a major challenge. In this study, CXCR4 recombinant lentivirus is transfected into MC‐3T3 cells and membrane CXCR4‐enriched MC‐3T3 cells are obtained. CMVs with enriched membrane CXCR4 display (CXCR4‐CMVs) are obtained from the transfected MC‐3T3 cells. Curcumin, an effective natural anti‐inflammatory compound, is encapsulated into CXCR4‐CMVs through physical entrapment (CXCR4/Cur‐CMVs), with the membrane integrity of CXCR4/Cur‐CMVs being well‐preserved. CXCR4/Cur‐CMVs induce enhanced M2 macrophage polarization, exhibit anti‐inflammatory effects, and significantly improve homing via the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis in vitro. Utilizing ulcerative colitis and apical periodontitis as inflammatory disease models, it is found that CXCR4/Cur‐CMVs are obviously aggregated within inflammatory areas after intravenous administration, which results in significant amelioration of ulcerative colitis and apical periodontitis. Therefore, this research may provide a feasible and innovative approach for fabricating an inflammatory site‐targeting delivery system, by engineering CMVs to increase membrane‐presenting CXCR4 receptor.
Electrochemical CO2 Reduction on Cu: Synthesis‐Controlled Structure Preference and Selectivity
Authors: Quan Weiwei , Lin Yingbin , Luo Yongjin , Huang Yiyin
Published: October 2021

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (ECO2RR) on Cu catalysts affords high‐value‐added products and is therefore of great practical significance. The outcome and kinetics of ECO2RR remain insufficient, requiring essentially the optimized structure design for the employed Cu catalyst, and also the fine synthesis controls. Herein, synthesis‐controlled structure preferences and the modulation of intermediate's interactions are considered to provide synthesis‐related insights on the design of Cu catalysts for selective ECO2RR. First, the origin of ECO2RR intermediate‐dominated selectivity is described. Advanced structural engineering approaches, involving alloy/compound formation, doping/defect introduction, and the use of specific crystal facets/amorphization, heterostructures, single‐atom catalysts, surface modification, and nano‐/microstructures, are then reviewed. In particular, these structural engineering approaches are discussed in association with diversified synthesis controls, and the modulation of intermediate generation, adsorption, reaction, and additional effects. The results pertaining to synthetic methodology‐controlled structural preferences and the correspondingly motivated selectivity are further summarized. Finally, the current opportunities and challenges of Cu catalyst fabrication for highly selective ECO2RR are discussed.
Consistent Interpretation of Electrical and Optical Transients in Halide Perovskite Layers and Solar Cells
Authors: Krückemeier Lisa , Liu Zhifa , Krogmeier Benedikt , Rau Uwe , Kirchartz Thomas
Published: October 2021

Transient photoluminescence (TPL) and transient photovoltage (TPV) measurements are important and frequently applied methods to study recombination dynamics and charge‐carrier lifetimes in the field of halide‐perovskite photovoltaics. However, large‐signal TPL and small‐signal TPV decay times often correlate poorly and differ by orders of magnitude. In order to generate a quantitative understanding of the differences and similarities between the two methods, the impact of sample type (film vs device), large‐ versus small‐signal analysis, and differences in detection mode (voltage vs. luminescence) are explained using analytical and numerical models compared with experimental data. The main solution to achieving a consistent framework that describes both methods is the calculation of a voltage or carrier density dependent decay time that can be interpreted in terms of a capacitive region, a region dominated by defect‐assisted recombination and a region that is dominated by higher order recombination (radiative and Auger). It is experimentally shown that in the efficient methylammonium lead‐iodide solar cells, effective monomolecular lifetimes ≈2 µs can be consistently measured with TPL and TPV. Furthermore, the shape of the decay time versus voltage or carrier density follows predictions derived from implicit and explicit solutions to differential equations.
Continuous Porous Aromatic Framework Membranes with Modifiable Sites for Optimized Gas Separation
Authors: Ma Yue , Cui Fengchao , Rong Huazhen , Song Jian , Jing Xiaofei , Tian Yuyang , Zhu Guangshan
Published: October 2021

Continuous microporous membranes are widely studied for gas separation, due to their low energy premium and strong molecular specificity. Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) with their exceptional stability and structural flexibility are suited to a wide range of separations. Main‐stream PAF‐based membranes are usually prepared with polymeric matrices, but their discrete entities and boundary defects weaken their selectivity and permeability. The synthesis of continuous PAF membranes is still a major challenge because PAFs are insoluble. Herein, we successfully synthesized a continuous PAF membrane for gas separation. Both pore size and chemistry of the PAF membrane were modified by ion‐exchange, resulting in good selectivity and permeance for the gas mixtures H2/N2 and CO2/N2. The membrane with Br− as a counter ion in the framework exhibited a H2/N2 selectivity of 72.7 with a H2 permeance of 51844 gas permeation units (GPU). When the counter ions were replaced by BF4−, the membrane showed a CO2 permeance of 23058 GPU, and an optimized CO2/N2 selectivity of 60.0. Our results show that continuous PAF membranes with modifiable pores are promising for various gas separation situations.
Nanoparticles capable of managing hypoglycemia and preventing myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Bian Ligong , Zhao Xi , He Dan , Liu Guohua , Tang Di Wei , Li Zhiqin , Wu Junzi
Published: October 2021

Diabetes, and its complications, is a major threat to human health. In this research, we successfully synthesized a new type of glucose‐responsive poly(3‐acrylamidophenylboronic acid‐co‐pterostilbene) (p(AAPBA‐co‐PTE) nanoparticle. The nanoparticles are round in shape with a size between 150 and 200 nm. Insulin‐loaded p(AAPBA‐co‐PTE) nanoparticles can self‐adjust according to the changes in glucose concentration in vitro to achieve effective and sustained levels of insulin. P(AAPBA‐co‐PTE) nanoparticles have good stability, and the drug loading of insulin‐loaded p(AAPBA‐co‐PTE) nanoparticles is up to 16.7%, the encapsulation efficiency is up to 82.4% and the release rate of pterostilbene in vitro is up to 81%. The p(AAPBA‐co‐PTE) nanoparticles have low toxicity toward cells, and can effectively reduce blood sugar within 24 h. After 14 days of treatment, an animal model of myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury (MI/RI) was established. After treatment with the insulin‐loaded p(AAPBA‐co‐PTE) nanoparticles, the rat heart function was significantly improved, and the levels of inflammatory factors were significantly reduced. P(AAPBA‐co‐PTE) nanoparticles were therefore successfully synthesized, and had good performance. P(AAPBA‐co‐PTE) nanoparticles appear to have the effect of reducing blood sugar and preventing MI/RI, and may be valuable for the development of treatments for MI/RI.
A biogas‐steam combined cycle for sustainable development of industrial‐scale water‐power hybrid microgrids: design and optimal scheduling
Authors: Jabari Farkhondeh , Arasteh Hamidreza , Sheikhi‐Fini Alireza , Ghaebi Hadi , Bannae‐Sharifian Mohammad‐Bagher , Mohammadi‐Ivatloo Behnam , Mohammadpourfard Mousa
Published: October 2021

Lack of sufficient pure water resources and energy crises are two important issues in summer, especially for remote communities located in tropical zones. Electricity is used for seawater desalination, and power generation units need freshwater for energy extraction, conversion, transportation, and distribution. The design and operation of renewable energy sources based on water‐energy hybrid grids therefore reduce on‐peak electricity demand, potable water scarcity, and pollutant emissions, significantly. This paper proposes a combined cycle for water and power production and investigates its performance under different ambient air temperatures and various load levels. First, biogas is employed to fuel a gas turbine electricity generation process. Then, its waste heat is utilized in a steam turbine heat‐and‐power extraction cycle. This heating flow is used in a water‐heater air‐cooler desalination process. A non‐linear optimization problem is developed under engineering equation solver (EES) and generalized algebraic modeling system (GAMS) with the aim of finding the near‐optimal operating points of the proposed industrial‐scale co‐generation system, considering its technical constraints and changes of fresh water and power demands during a 24 h operating period. This stand‐alone microgrid is able to produce 2.8 L of drinking water per second and 5.8 MW of electricity for large industrial sectors with a minimum efficiency of 37%. Replacing natural gas with biofuels in the water‐power nexus contributes most to emissions mitigation, peak electrical‐demand reduction, and sustainable water treatment. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Systematic workflow for studying domain contributions of bispecific antibodies to selectivity in multimodal chromatography
Authors: Parasnavis Siddharth S. , Niu Ben , Aspelund Matthew , Chung Wai K. , Snyder Mark , Cramer Steven M.
Published: October 2021

In this article, a systematic workflow was formulated and implemented to understand selectivity differences and preferred binding patches for bispecific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their parental mAbs on three multimodal cation exchange resin systems. This workflow incorporates chromatographic screening of the parent mAbs and their fragments at various pH followed by surface property mapping and protein footprinting using covalent labeling followed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The chromatography screens on multimodal resins with the intact mAbs indicated enhanced selectivity as compared to single‐mode interaction systems. While the bispecific antibody (bsAb) eluted between the two parental mAbs on most of the resins, the retention of the bispecific transitioned from co‐eluting with one parental mAb to the other parental mAb on Capto MMC. To investigate the contribution of different domains, mAb fragments were evaluated and the results indicated that the interactions were likely dominated by the Fab domain at higher pH. Protein surface property maps were then employed to hypothesize the potential preferred binding patches in the solvent‐exposed regions of the parental Fabs. Finally, protein footprinting was carried out with the parental mAbs and the bsAb in the bound and unbound states at pH 7.5 to identify the preferred binding patches. Results with the intact mAb analysis supported the hypothesis that interactions with the resins were primarily driven by the residues in the Fab fragments and not the Fc. Furthermore, peptide mapping data indicated that the light chain may be playing a more important role in the higher binding of Parent A as compared with Parent B in these resin systems. Finally, results with the bsAb indicated that both halves of the molecule contributed to binding with the resins, albeit with subtle differences as compared to the parental mAbs. The workflow presented in this paper lays the foundation to systematically study the chromatographic selectivity of large multidomain molecules which can provide insights into improved biomanufacturability and expedited downstream bioprocess development.
Acid‐Tolerant Sulfate Tetrahedral Cages from Anion‐Coordination‐Driven Assembly
Authors: Zhang Wenyao , Feng Yang , Li Boyang , Yang Dong , Hou Lekai , Zhao Wei , Yang Xiao‐Juan , Wu Biao
Published: October 2021

Supramolecular cages have been constructed by anion‐coordination‐driven assembly (ACDA) in recent years and have shown unique host‐guest interactions. However, most of the reported cages are made of the phosphate ion (PO43−); other anions have rarely been explored. Here we show for the first time that the sulfate ion (SO42−) is also able to form the A4L4 tetrahedral motif with tris‐bis(urea) ligands, but this is dependent on the stoichiometry of the sulfate ion (in solution). Notably, the sulfate cages display enhanced resistance for both Brønsted (pH as low as 4.3 in acetone containing 15 % water) and Lewis acids (metal complexes) compared to the corresponding phosphate cages, and thus could find applications where an acidic (proton or metals) environment is required.
The influence of inhibiting renal neural regeneration on the efficacy of renal denervation to chronic heart failure
Authors: Chen Pingan , Guo Zhiqin , Chen Yufeng , Chen Lushan , Li Shaonan , Xian Yanlin , Liu Guorong
Published: October 2021

Aims

Some studies support the occurrence of nerve regeneration in renal arteries after renal denervation (RDN). But it is unclear whether inhibiting reinnervation after RDN is beneficial to enhancing the effect of RDN on chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods and results

Chronic heart failure Sprague Dawley rats induced by transverse aortic constriction were administered with the analogue of Nogo‐B (Nogo group) or its antagonist (NEP group) respectively after RDN. Echocardiography, messenger RNA, and protein expression of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in renal artery and nerves surrounding renal artery were detected. Relative protein expression of CGRP was significantly decreased in the Nog group compared with the RDN group (0.64 ± 0.51 vs. 1.68 ± 1.07, P = 0.048). The number of nerves surrounding renal artery was higher in the NEP group than in the Nog group. Left ventricular end‐systolic volume and diameter (LVVs and LVDs) were greatly decreased, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (FS) increased significantly in the RDN, Nog and NEP groups when compared with the HF group (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in left ventricular end‐diastolic volume and diameter; LVDs; LVVs; FS; LVEF; and the levels of plasma renin, noradrenaline, and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide among three groups: the RDN, Nog, and NEP groups.

Conclusions

Reinnervation of renal artery occurred in CHF rats after RDN, which had no effect on therapeutic role of RDN in CHF, and inhibiting this neural regeneration had no clinical significance and did not affect the efficacy of RDN to CHF.
Emerging Trends on the Implementation of Nanomaterials for Improving the Performance of Photovoltaic Thermal Systems: Energetic, Exergetic, Environmental, and Economic Perspectives
Authors: Tyagi Praveen Kumar , Kumar Rajan
Published: October 2021

This study presents an updated and constructive review that explores the impact of nanomaterials on the photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system performance from energy, exergy, environmental, and economic perspectives. The study employs the various PVT configurations using water, ethylene glycol, nanofluid, phase change material, and nanoenhanced phase change material, as well as a combination of these cooling media at different loadings, to overcome the increased photovoltaic (PV) module temperature levels in the presence of nanomaterials and improve both the cooling and thermal regulation of the PVT systems. The average PV module temperature, temperature gain across the working fluid, thermal, electrical, and overall energetic and exergetic efficiencies, exergy loss, payback period, cost of energy, and CO2 mitigation/year are some of the primary metrics used to evaluate the performance of PVT systems. The study concludes that the use of nanomaterial in PVT systems enhances the energetic and exergetic performance and these systems are effective in decreasing the entropy generation and exergy loss because of their improved heat transfer. The present study also concludes that payback time and cost of energy for the nanomaterial‐based PVT system are lower than that of conventional systems and these systems prevent greenhouse gases emissions in the ecosystem.
Rare germline variants in childhood cancer patients suspected of genetic predisposition to cancer
Authors: Sylvester Dianne E. , Chen Yuyan , Grima Natalie , Saletta Federica , Padhye Bhavna , Bennetts Bruce , Wright Dale , Krivanek Michael , Graf Nicole , Zhou Li , Catchpoole Daniel , Kirk Judy , Latchoumanin Olivier , Qiao Liang , Ballinger Mandy , Thomas David , Jamieson Robyn , Dalla‐Pozza Luciano , Byrne Jennifer A.
Published: October 2021

Identification of cancer‐predisposing germline variants in childhood cancer patients is important for therapeutic decisions, disease surveillance and risk assessment for patients, and potentially, also for family members. We investigated the spectrum and prevalence of pathogenic germline variants in selected childhood cancer patients with features suggestive of genetic predisposition to cancer. Germline DNA was subjected to exome sequencing to filter variants in 1048 genes of interest including 176 known cancer predisposition genes (CPGs). An enrichment burden analysis compared rare deleterious germline CPG variants in the patient cohort with those in a healthy aged control population. A subset of predicted deleterious variants in novel candidate CPGs was investigated further by examining matched tumor samples, and the functional impact of AXIN1 variants was analyzed in cultured cells. Twenty‐two pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline variants detected in 13 CPGs were identified in 19 of 76 patients (25.0%). Unclear association with the diagnosed cancer types was observed in 11 of 19 patients carrying P/LP CPG variants. The burden of rare deleterious germline variants in autosomal dominant CPGs was significantly higher in study patients versus healthy aged controls. A novel AXIN1 frameshift variant (Ser321fs) may impact the regulation of β‐catenin levels. Selection of childhood cancer patients for germline testing based on features suggestive of an underlying genetic predisposition could help to identify carriers of clinically relevant germline CPG variants, and streamline the integration of germline genomic testing in the pediatric oncology clinic.
PFOS facilitates liver inflammation and steatosis: An involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis
Authors: Qin Yi , Gu Tianye , Ling Junyi , Luo Jiashan , Zhao Jianya , Hu Baoying , Hua Lu , Wan Chunhua , Jiang Shengyang
Published: October 2021

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a fluorinated organic pollutant with substantial accumulation in mammalian liver tissues. However, the impact of chronic PFOS exposure on liver disease progression and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we for the first time revealed that micromolar range of PFOS exposure initiates the activation of NLR pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome to drive hepatocyte pyroptosis. We showed that 5 mg/kg/day PFOS exposure may exacerbated liver inflammation and steatosis in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice with concurrently elevated expression of NLRP3 and caspase‐1. PFOS exposure resulted in viability impairment and LDH release in BRL‐3A rat liver cells. 25–100 μM concentrations of PFOS exposure activated the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to consequent GSDMD cleavage, IL‐1β release and the initiation of pyroptosis in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas treatment with 10 μM NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 abrogated this effect. Moreover, pretreatment of 5 mM ROS scavenger N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) ameliorated PFOS‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. Collectively, our data highlight a pivotal role of pyroptotic death in PFOS‐mediated liver inflammation and metabolic disorder.
Longest cycles in 3‐connected hypergraphs and bipartite graphs
Authors: Kostochka Alexandr , Lavrov Mikhail , Luo Ruth , Zirlin Dara
Published: October 2021

In the language of hypergraphs, our main result is a Dirac‐type bound: We prove that every 3‐connected hypergraph with has a hamiltonian Berge cycle. This is sharp and refines a conjecture by Jackson from 1981 (in the language of bipartite graphs). Our proofs are in the language of bipartite graphs, since the incidence graph of each hypergraph is bipartite.
Extraction, purification by cation exchange supermacroporous cryogel and physico‐chemical characterization of γ‐conglutin from lupin seeds (Lupinus albus L.)
Authors: da Silva Richard Marins , Guimarães Valeria Monteze , Veríssimo Lizzy Ayra Alcântara , Vidigal Márcia Cristina Teixeira Ribeiro , Minim Valéria Paula Rodrigues , Minim Luis Antonio
Published: October 2021

This study focused on the extraction, purification, and physicochemical characterization of γ‐conglutin, a protein present in lupin seeds with properties of reducing blood glucose levels. Total protein was extracted with an alkaline‐saline solvent, followed by isoelectric precipitation. Chromatographic purification of the precipitated fraction was performed using a cation exchange supermacroporous cryogel column. Electrophoresis of the eluted fraction from chromatography presented a single band of ∼48 kDa under non‐reducing conditions (two bands of ∼30 and ∼17 kDa, under reducing conditions) confirming the success of the purification protocol. Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the identity of the protein as γ‐conglutin. The purified γ‐conglutin had an isoelectric point of 7.51, β‐sheets prevailing as a secondary structure, and denaturation temperature close to 68°C. The outcome of this work showed that γ‐conglutin was obtained with a high degree of purity. The proposed purification protocol is simple and can be easily scaled up.
Enhancing visit intention in heritage tourism: The role of object‐based and existential authenticity in non‐immersive virtual reality heritage experiences
Authors: Atzeni Marcello , Del Chiappa Giacomo , Mei Pung Jessica
Published: October 2021

Virtual reality (VR) plays a relevant role in the tourism sector, specifically in experiences of remote attractions. The influence of VR experiences on tourist experiential factors such as authenticity and satisfaction has attracted limited attention. This paper investigates the role of object‐based and existential authenticity in non‐immersive virtual heritage tours. A theoretically driven model was tested on data from 2085 individuals who visited “Su Nuraxi” UNESCO site (Italy). Findings indicate that object‐based authenticity influences affective response, which predicts satisfaction, attachment to VR and visit intention. Existential authenticity influences both cognitive and affective dimensions, which affect attachment to VR, satisfaction and visit intention.
Spatial assessment of land degradation using MEDALUS focusing on potential afforestation and reforestation areas in Ethiopia
Authors: Song Cholho , Kim Whijin , Kim Jiwon , Gebru Belay Manjur , Adane Girma Berhe , Choi Yun Eui , Lee Woo‐Kyun
Published: October 2021

Ethiopia currently faces severe land degradation and desertification and has attracted increasing attention for international restoration projects. However, selecting appropriate potential afforestation and reforestation areas is challenging because of limited geospatial assessment tools on a national scale. Therefore, the globally used MEDALUS approach was applied to identify areas sensitive to land degradation and desertification, and indices were utilized to establish the main drivers from 2000 to 2019. The value of the environmentally sensitive area index (ESAI) ranged from 1 to 1.58. Addis Ababa, Afar, Somali, and Tigray had relatively high ESAI values, approaching the over 1.42 which regarded critical thresholds. However, the main driver of land degradation and desertification was identified as the management quality index (MQI) and the analysis of relationships indicated that the climate quality index, soil quality index, and MQI caused changes in the vegetation quality index. Increasing housing, agricultural transitions, and urbanization, were identified by on‐site visual interpretation. Even though some land cover changes and fluctuations of the indices existed on a national scale, the deforestation areas in Amhara, Benshangul‐Gumaz, and Oromia West have the highest priority for forest restoration projects. Thus, international attention to afforestation and reforestation clean development mechanism (A/R CDM) and reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) is required to combat desertification and to secure land degradation neutrality in Ethiopia.
No significant change noted in annual nitrous oxide flux under precipitation changes in a temperate desert steppe
Authors: Yue Ping , Zuo Xiaoan , Li Kaihui , Li Xiangyun , Wang Shaokun , Misselbrook Tom
Published: October 2021

As the third most important greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide (N2O) poses a significant threat to global warming and the ozone layer. However, the effects of precipitation changes on N2O emissions in arid areas remain unclear, particularly in desert steppe environments. Therefore, an in situ control experiment was conducted from July 2018 to July 2020 to examine the N2O emissions with changes in precipitation in the Urat Desert Steppe, northwestern China. The results showed that the N2O emission rate was relatively low in this desert steppe, at −0.04 to +15.0 μg N m−2 hr−1 with an annual flux of 0.20 ± 0.03 kg N ha−1. An increasing trend of N2O emission was observed in the early growing season (February to June 2019) when the precipitation was increased by 40% and 60% of its natural level. In contrast, no significant change in N2O emissions was observed when the precipitation was decreased during the same period. During the middle and late growing season and in the nongrowing season, precipitation changes did not significantly affect N2O emissions. In particular, no significant change in the annual N2O flux was observed during the entire observation period whether the precipitation was increased or decreased. Furthermore, the results of a structural equation model showed that the most important controlling factor for N2O emission is an abundance of key functional ammonia monooxygenase genes of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea, which are restricted by the soil NH4+‐N content, followed by abundances of key functional NO2− reductase (nirK) and N2O reductase (nosZ) genes. In contrast, the indirect effect of soil moisture on the abundance of nosZ compensated for the direct effect of soil moisture on N2O emissions. These results show that the primary and secondary origins of N2O emissions are soil ammonia oxidation and soil denitrification processes, respectively. In these two processes, N2O emissions are influenced more by the abundance of key functional microorganisms than by soil moisture, which might be limited mainly by the available soil nitrogen. Overall, the N2O emissions in the desert steppe environment were not sensitive to precipitation changes and were regulated mainly by nitrogen‐related key functional microorganisms.
Correlated noise in brain magnetic resonance elastography
Authors: Hannum Ariel J. , McIlvain Grace , Sowinski Damian , McGarry Matthew D. J. , Johnson Curtis L.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) uses phase‐contrast MRI to generate mechanical property maps of the in vivo brain through imaging of tissue deformation from induced mechanical vibration. The mechanical property estimation process in MRE can be susceptible to noise from physiological and mechanical sources encoded in the phase, which is expected to be highly correlated. This correlated noise has yet to be characterized in brain MRE, and its effects on mechanical property estimates computed using inversion algorithms are undetermined.

Methods

To characterize the effects of signal noise in MRE, we conducted 3 experiments quantifying (1) physiomechanical sources of signal noise, (2) physiological noise because of cardiac‐induced movement, and (3) impact of correlated noise on mechanical property estimates. We use a correlation length metric to estimate the extent that correlated signal persists in MRE images and demonstrate the effect of correlated noise on property estimates through simulations.

Results

We found that both physiological noise and vibration noise were greater than image noise and were spatially correlated across all subjects. Added physiological and vibration noise to simulated data resulted in property maps with higher error than equivalent levels of Gaussian noise.

Conclusion

Our work provides the foundation to understand contributors to brain MRE data quality and provides recommendations for future work to correct for signal noise in MRE.
Measuring radiofrequency field‐induced temperature variations in brain MRI exams with motion compensated MR thermometry and field monitoring
Authors: Le Ster Caroline , Mauconduit Franck , Mirkes Christian , Vignaud Alexandre , Boulant Nicolas
Published: October 2021

Purpose

An MR thermometry (MRT) method with motion and field fluctuation compensation is proposed to measure non‐invasively sub‐degree brain temperature variations occurring through radiofrequency (RF) power deposition during MR exams.

Methods

MRT at 7T with a multi‐slice echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence and concurrent field monitoring was first tested in vitro to assess accuracy in the presence of external field perturbations, an optical probe being used for ground truth. In vivo, this strategy was complemented by a motion compensation scheme based on a dictionary pre‐scan, as reported in some previous work, and was adapted to the human brain. Precision reached with this scheme was assessed on eight volunteers with a 5 minute‐long low specific absorption rate (SAR) scan. Finally, temperature rise in the brain was measured twice on the same volunteers and with the same strategy, this time by employing a 20‐minutes scan at the maximum SAR delivered with a commercial volume head coil.

Results

In vitro, the root mean square (RMS) error between optical probe and MRT measurements was 0.02°C with field sensor correction. In vivo, the low SAR scan returned a precision in temperature change measurement with field monitoring and motion compensation of 0.05°C. The 20‐minutes maximum SAR scan returned a temperature rise throughout the inner‐brain in the range of 0–0.2°C. Brain periphery remained too sensitive with respect to motion to lead to equally conclusive results.

Conclusion

Sub‐degree temperature rise in the inner human brain was characterized experimentally throughout RF exposure. Potential applications include improvement of human thermal models and revision of safety margins.
Polydimethylsiloxane based polyurethane and its composite with layered double hydroxide: Synthesis and its thermal properties
Authors: Saha Chinmoy , Ponnupandian Siva , Costa Francis R. , Heinrich Gert , Singha Nikhil K.
Published: October 2021

This investigation reports the synthesis of a new class of polyurethane (PU) based on bis(hydroxyalkyl) polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as diol and isophorone diisocyanate as diisocyanate followed by the preparation of PU/layered double hydroxide (PU/LDH) nanocomposite via ex‐situ technique. Nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy studies confirm the formation of PU and incorporation of PDMS into the PU backbone. Thermogravimetry analysis revealed that thermal stability of the composite improves significantly with incorporation of LDH into the PU matrix. This may be accredited to the barrier effect rendered by the LDH layers. Differential scanning calorimetry study reveals that with the incorporation of LDH, glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composite increases for an optimum level of loading beyond which it remains constant.
Insight into the plasma oxidation process during pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Irimiciuc Stefan A. , Chertopalov Sergii , Bulíř Jiŕí , Vondracek Martin , Fekete Ladislav , Jiricek Petr , Novotný Michal , Craciun Valentin , Lancok Jan
Published: October 2021

The dynamics of transient plasmas generated by ns laser ablation of Ag targets under various O2gas pressures (10−5–10 Pa) were investigated by implementing angle‐ and time‐resolved Langmuir probe (LP) analysis and space‐ and time‐resolved optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The effects of an O2atmosphere on silver oxide formation and the ionic kinetics and the overall plasma energy were systematically investigated. Measurements performed in the LP floating regime revealed the presence of three‐ionic structures with kinetic energies varying from 0.8 to 350 eV, which can be tailored by the addition of O2. The time‐modulated regime of electron temperature in the 0.5–3 eV observed for pressures higher than 2 Pa of O2could be explained by the formation and dissociation of silver oxide molecules. The energetic balance sustains molecular oxide formation, as confirmed by OES measurements, which revealed emission signatures of AgO (B 2Π3/2and X 2Π3/2) in the 350 nm (B 2Π3/2) and 460 nm (X 2Π3/2) spectral regions. Finally, thin films were deposited to understand the range of possibilities offered by pulsed laser deposition of Ag in O2. The morphology and atomic structure of the films were analysed for large‐scale deposition. Silver oxides were detected in the films starting from 2 Pa, while at higher values, we found mixtures of different AgxOyphases. A cauliflower‐like morphology was dominant above 5 Pa of O2atmosphere pressures, which signals the formation of the AgO phase in the deposited film. Our results demonstrate that the properties of deposited thin films are influenced by plasma properties.
Analysis of prospective early childhood education teachers' proposals of nature field trips: An educational experience to bring nature close during this stage
Authors: Bravo Elena , Costillo Emilio , Bravo José L. , Mellado Vicente , Conde María del C.
Published: October 2021

Nature field trips stand out as pedagogical experiences because of their benefits in science learning, even in early childhood education (ECE). However, previous studies have found that teachers often do not make use of their full educational potential. The present research offers a descriptive exploration of ECE prospective teachers' enactment of nature field trips, detecting the difficulties they encounter and the mistakes they make. To this end, 205 videos were analyzed qualitatively to determine the pedagogical planning of nature field trips proposed and carried out by prospective ECE teachers. The results indicated that most of the participants designed nature field trips in which they could develop conceptual content related to living things through an expository method, with pupils having a passive role. They did not use activities, materials, questions, or evaluation during the trips, and neither did they integrate the trips into their classroom programming. This study adds to an understanding of how prospective teachers perceive nature field trips. Implications are presented for teacher educators working with preservice teachers to build upon prepare them for implementing nature field trips with ECE students.
Systems thinking concepts within a collaborative programme evaluation methodology: The Hermes Programme evaluation
Authors: Pinzon‐Salcedo Luis Arturo , Torres‐Cuello María Alejandra
Published: October 2021

Introducing systems thinking concepts in the programme evaluation field has been mostly aimed at supporting the practice of evaluation, rather than towards making theoretical advancements in the evaluation field. This paper introduces ideas and principles from systems thinking at the theoretical and practical levels in the programme evaluation field as applied to a peace‐building programme called the Hermes Programme in Colombia. This document demonstrates how systems thinking concepts and tools were used in the practice of evaluation. We show the theoretical development of the proposed evaluation and explain how its stages were carried out in evaluating the Hermes Programme. This paper also illustrates the benefits of using systems thinking in evaluation.
Bibliometrics
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

Bibliometrics is a statistical number obtained after a biomedical publication. It is a score that is given to a medical paper which reflects the impact of the research in science. It can also be used for medical books, websites, conference proceedings and policy documents. In simple terms, it is a measure of the impact of research [1]. It is traditionally used by librarians and currently researchers use it for:
Is Medical Publishing Lucrative?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: October 2021

In many developed nations, medical writing and editing is a well-established career path for doctors who are interested in publication. It is not possible, at present, to make a living doing this in India. However, with the increasing number of publications (in print and on the electronic media), medical books, promotions of drugs and devices, and writing designs for drug trials the requirement for medical writers is increasing [1].
An innovative targeted therapy for fluoroscopy-induced chronic radiation dermatitis
Authors: Wei Kai-Che , Lai Shih-Fan , Huang Wei-Lun , Yang Kuo-Chung , Lai Ping-Chin , Wei Wan-Ju , Chang Tsung-Hsien , Huang Yun-Chen , Tsai Ya-Chuan , Lin Shin-Chih , Lin Sun-Jang , Lin Shih-Chieh
Published: October 2021

Fluoroscopy-induced chronic radiation dermatitis (FICRD) is a complication of fluoroscopy-guided intervention. Unlike acute radiation dermatitis, FICRD is different as delayed onset and usually appears without preexisting acute dermatitis. Unfortunately, the chronic and progressive pathology of FICRD makes it difficult to treat, and some patients need to receive wide excision and reconstruction surgery. Due to lack of standard treatment, investigating underlying mechanism is needed in order to develop an effective therapy. Herein, the Hippo pathway is specifically identified using an RNA-seq analysis in mild damaged skin specimens of patients with FICRD. Furthermore, specific increase of the Yes-associated protein (YAP1), an effector of the Hippo pathway, in skin region with mild damage plays a protective role for keratinocytes via positively regulating the numerous downstream genes involved in different biological processes. Interestingly, irradiated-keratinocytes inhibit activation of fibroblasts under TGF-β1 treatment via remote control by an exosome containing YAP1. More importantly, targeting one of YAP1 downstream genes, nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1), which encodes glucocorticoid receptor, has revealed its therapeutic potential to treat FICRD by inhibiting fibroblasts activation in vitro and preventing formation of radiation ulcers in a mouse model and in patients with FICRD. Taken together, this translational research demonstrates the critical role of YAP1 in FICRD and identification of a feasible, effective therapy for patients with FICRD.

Key messages

• YAP1 overexpression in skin specimens of radiation dermatitis from FICRD patient.

• Radiation-induced YAP1 expression plays protective roles by promoting DNA damage repair and inhibiting fibrosis via remote control of exosomal YAP1.

• YAP1 positively regulates NR3C1 which encodes glucocorticoid receptor expression.

• Targeting glucocorticoid receptor by prednisolone has therapeutic potential for FICRD patient.