bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of polyphenylsulfone/graphene nanocomposite membrane for the pervaporation separation of cumene from water
Authors: Bakhshandeh Rostami Sekineh , Saljoughi Ehsan , Mousavi Seyed Mahmoud , Kiani Shirin
Published: October 2021

Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) was applied for the first time in the hydrophobic PV process. Nanocomposite membranes of PPSU/graphene (Gr) nanosheets were prepared and used to separate isopropyl benzene (cumene) from water via pervaporation (PV). Analysis of the mechanical properties of the membranes showed that the tensile strength and Young's modulus had an increasing trend with the incorporation of Gr into PPSU. The water contact angle of the membranes had a rising trend with the addition of Gr, confirming the improved hydrophobicity of membranes. In the PV experiments, the membrane containing 3.5 wt% Gr provided the highest separation factor, which was 4.5‐fold as much as that of the neat PPSU membrane. Cumene separation from water by the PPSU/3.5 wt% Gr membrane was associated with the total flux of 132.73 gMH, the separation factor of 1566.36, and the PSI of 208,124.8 gMH.
RAF1–MEK/ERK pathway‐dependent ARL4C expression promotes ameloblastoma cell proliferation and osteoclast formation
Authors: Fujii Shinsuke , Ishibashi Takuma , Kokura Megumi , Fujimoto Tatsufumi , Matsumoto Shinji , Shidara Satsuki , Kurppa Kari J , Pape Judith , Caton Javier , Morgan Peter R , Heikinheimo Kristiina , Kikuchi Akira , Jimi Eijiro , Kiyoshima Tamotsu
Published: October 2021

Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic neoplasm characterized by slow intraosseous growth with progressive jaw resorption. Recent reports have revealed that ameloblastoma harbours an oncogenic BRAFV600E mutation with mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation and described cases of ameloblastoma harbouring a BRAFV600E mutation in which patients were successfully treated with a BRAF inhibitor. Therefore, the MAPK pathway may be involved in the development of ameloblastoma; however, the precise mechanism by which it induces ameloblastoma is unclear. The expression of ADP‐ribosylation factor (ARF)‐like 4c (ARL4C), induced by a combination of the EGF–MAPK pathway and Wnt/β‐catenin signalling, has been shown to induce epithelial morphogenesis. It was also reported that the overexpression of ARL4C, due to alterations in the EGF/RAS–MAPK pathway and Wnt/β‐catenin signalling, promotes tumourigenesis. However, the roles of ARL4C in ameloblastoma are unknown. We investigated the involvement of ARL4C in the development of ameloblastoma. In immunohistochemical analyses of tissue specimens obtained from 38 ameloblastoma patients, ARL4C was hardly detected in non‐tumour regions but tumours frequently showed strong expression of ARL4C, along with the expression of both BRAFV600E and RAF1 (also known as C‐RAF). Loss‐of‐function experiments using inhibitors or siRNAs revealed that ARL4C elevation depended on the RAF1–MEK/ERK pathway in ameloblastoma cells. It was also shown that the RAF1–ARL4C and BRAFV600E–MEK/ERK pathways promoted cell proliferation independently. ARL4C‐depleted tumour cells (generated by knockdown or knockout) exhibited decreased proliferation and migration capabilities. Finally, when ameloblastoma cells were co‐cultured with mouse bone marrow cells and primary osteoblasts, ameloblastoma cells induced osteoclast formation. ARL4C elevation in ameloblastoma further promoted its formation capabilities through the increased RANKL expression of mouse bone marrow cells and/or primary osteoblasts. These results suggest that the RAF1–MEK/ERK–ARL4C axis, which may function in cooperation with the BRAFV600E–MEK/ERK pathway, promotes ameloblastoma development. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parent perceptions of pediatric oncology care during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An Australian study
Authors: McCarthy Maria C. , Beamish Jessica , Bauld Catherine M. , Marks India R. , Williams Tria , Olsson Craig A. , De Luca Cinzia R.
Published: October 2021

Background

We examined parents’ perceptions of their child's oncology care during a period of significant COVID‐19 restrictions in Australia.

Methods

Parents of children, 0–18 years, receiving hospital‐based cancer treatment, completed a survey examining their COVID‐19 exposure and impact, information and knowledge, and perception of their child's medical care. Recruitment occurred between October and November 2020.

Results

Eighty‐four parents (95% mothers) completed the survey. Sixty‐seven percent of patients were diagnosed pre‐COVID‐19. The majority of parents (76%) reported negative impacts of COVID‐19 on family life, including parenting and emotional well‐being despite exposure to COVID‐19 cases being very low (4%). Family functioning and parent birthplace were associated with COVID‐19 impact and distress. Parents perceived the hospital as a safe place during the pandemic. Very few parents reported delaying presentation to the emergency department (12%). The majority identified no change (69%) or delay (71%) in their child's treatment delivery. Over 90% of parents were confident that COVID‐19 did not impact medical decision‐making. They felt confident in their COVID‐19 knowledge and sought information from trusted sources. Parents reported a positive relationship with their child's care team (93%); however, access to some support services was reduced.

Conclusion

Understanding patient and family experiences of pediatric oncology care across international contexts during the pandemic is important to inform present and future health care responses. In the Australian context of low infection rates and strict community restrictions, parents perceived their child's oncology care to be relatively unaffected. However, findings indicate that family well‐being was impacted, which warrants further investigation.
Multimorbidity measures from health administrative data using ICD system codes: A systematic review
Authors: Simard Marc , Rahme Elham , Calfat Alexandre Campeau , Sirois Caroline
Published: October 2021

Background

We aimed to identify and characterize adult population‐based multimorbidity measures using health administrative data and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes for disease identification.

Methods

We performed a narrative systematic review of studies using or describing development or validation of multimorbidity measures. We compared the number of diseases included in the measures, the process of data extraction (case definition) and the validation process. We assessed the methodological robustness using eight criteria, five based on general criteria for indicators (AIRE instrument) and three multimorbidity‐specific criteria.

Results

Twenty‐two multimorbidity measures were identified. The number of diseases they included ranged from 5 to 84 (median = 20), with 19 measures including both physical and mental conditions. Diseases were identified using ICD codes extracted from inpatient and outpatient data (18/22) and sometimes including drug claims (10/22). The validation process relied mainly on the capacity of the measures to predict health outcome (5/22), or on the validation of each individual disease against a gold standard (8/22). Six multimorbidity measures met at least six of the eight robustness criteria assessed.

Conclusion

There is significant heterogeneity among the measures used to assess multimorbidity in administrative databases, and about a third are of low to moderate quality. A more consensual approach to the number of diseases or groups of diseases included in multimorbidity measures may improve comparison between regions, and potentially provide better control for multimorbidity‐related confounding in studies.
Cross‐stress tolerance: Mild nitrogen (N) deficiency effects on drought stress response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Safavi‐Rizi Vajiheh , Uellendahl Kora , Öhrlein Britta , Safavi‐Rizi Hamid , Stöhr Christine
Published: October 2021

Climate change will lead to more frequent and severe drought periods which massively reduce crop production worldwide. Besides drought, nitrogen (N)‐deficiency is another critical threat to crop yield production. Drought and N‐deficiency both decrease photosynthesis and induce similar adaptive strategies such as longer roots, reduction of biomass, induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidative enzymes. Due to the overlapping response to N‐deficiency and drought, understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in cross‐stresses tolerance is crucial for breeding strategies and achieving multiple stress resistance and eventually more sustainable agriculture. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a mild N‐deficiency on drought stress tolerance of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Moneymaker). Various morphological and physiological parameters such as dry biomass, root length, water potential, SPAD values, stomatal conductance, and compatible solutes accumulation (proline and sugar) were analyzed. Moreover, the expression of ROS scavenging marker genes, cytosolic ASCORBATE PEROXIDASES (cAPX1, cAPX2, and cAPX3), were investigated. Our results showed that a former mild N‐deficiency (2 mM NO3−) enhances plant adaptive response to drought stress (4 days) when compared to the plants treated with adequate N (5 mM NO3−). The improved adaptive response was reflected in higher aboveground biomass, longer root, increased specific leaf weight, enhanced stomatal conductance (without reducing water content), and higher leaf sugar content. Moreover, the APX1 gene showed a higher expression level compared to control under N‐deficiency and in combination with drought in the leaf, after a one‐week recovery period. Our finding highlights a potentially positive link between a former mild N‐deficiency and subsequent drought stress response in tomato. Combining the morphological and physiological response with underlying gene regulatory networks under consecutive stress, provide a powerful tool for improving multiple stress resistance in tomato which can be further transferred to other economically important crops.
Conservation and coevolution determine evolvability of different classes of disordered residues in human intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Basu Sushmita , Bahadur Ranjit Prasad
Published: October 2021

Structure, function, and evolution are interdependent properties of proteins. Diversity of protein functions arising from structural variations is a potential driving force behind protein evolvability. Intrinsically disordered proteins or regions (IDPs or IDRs) lack well‐defined structure under normal physiological conditions, yet, they are highly functional. Increased occurrence of IDPs in eukaryotes compared to prokaryotes indicates strong correlation of protein evolution and disorderedness. IDPs generally have higher evolution rate compared to globular proteins. Structural pliability allows IDPs to accommodate multiple mutations without affecting their functional potential. Nevertheless, how evolutionary signals vary between different classes of disordered residues (DRs) in IDPs is poorly understood. This study addresses variation of evolutionary behavior in terms of residue conservation and intra‐protein coevolution among structural and functional classes of DRs in IDPs. Analyses are performed on 579 human IDPs, which are classified based on length of IDRs, interacting partners and functional classes. We find short IDRs are less conserved than long IDRs or full IDPs. Functional classes which require flexibility and specificity to perform their activity comparatively evolve slower than others. Disorder promoting amino acids evolve faster than order promoting amino acids. Pro, Gly, Ile, and Phe have unique coevolving nature which further emphasizes on their roles in IDPs. This study sheds light on evolutionary footprints in different classes of DRs from human IDPs and enhances our understanding of the structural and functional potential of IDPs.
Benefits and adverse effects of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with chronic heart failure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Charuel Elodie , Menini Thibault , Bedhomme Sabrina , Pereira Bruno , Piñol‐Domenech Nathalie , Bouchant Suzy , Boussageon Rémy , Bœuf‐Gibot Sylvaine , Vaillant‐Roussel Helene
Published: October 2021

This review aims to assess the benefits and adverse effects of sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure, with a focus on important patient outcomes. A systematic review was conducted of double‐blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing sacubitril/valsartan versus a reference drug, in heart failure patients with reduced (HFrEF) and preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction, published in French or English. Searches were undertaken of Medline, Cochrane Central, and Embase. The primary outcomes were all‐cause mortality and adverse events. From 2 082 articles analyzed, 5 were included. For all‐cause mortality, the absolute numbers for HFrEF (2 RCTs, 4627 patients) were 16% on sacubitril/valsartan and 18% on enalapril, with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.85 [CI = 0.78, 0.93], and 13% vs 14% in with HFpEF (2 RCTs, 5097 patients), with no statistical difference. Under the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, the evidence for HFrEF patients was of moderate quality. For HFrEF patients, an increased risk of symptomatic hypotension and angioedema (low quality of evidence) was shown. There was no statistical difference for the risk of hyperkalemia or worsening renal function. There was a protective RR (0.50 [0.34, 0.75]) for worsening renal function for patients with HFpEF, with a high quality of evidence despite similar absolute numbers (1.4% vs. 2.8%). To keep in mind for shared decision‐making, sacubitril/valsartan reduces all‐cause mortality in HFrEF patients but for HFpEF further data are needed. Take into consideration the small number of studies to date to assess the risks.
Suppression of collagen IV alpha‐2 subunit by prolyl hydroxylase domain inhibition via hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Sanaei‐Ardekani Mohammad , Kamal Shyreen , Handy Whitney , Alam Sidrah , Salaheldin Aya , Moore Anderson , Movafagh Shahrzad
Published: October 2021

Elevation of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 protein has been shown to be protective in acute kidney injury and HIF1α enhancing drug therapies are currently in clinical trials for the treatment of anemia of chronic kidney disease. Despite its benefits, long‐term HIF1 elevation seems to be associated with additional effects in the kidneys such as tubulointerstitial fibrosis. To better understand the effects of prolonged HIF1 exposure, assessment of baseline and post‐therapy levels of HIF1α and other related biomarkers is essential. In this study, we assessed the effect of HIF1α enhancement using prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (PHD‐I) DMOG, on a key profibrotic marker of kidney disease. In specific, we examined the change in expression of Collagen 4 subunit A2 in cultured urinary cells of CKD patients pre and post 24‐hour exposure to 1mM DMOG. Our results show that besides HIF1α enhancement, COL4A2 protein is suppressed in presence of DMOG. To determine if this effect is mediated by HIF1, we used HIF1α gene silencing in HEK293 cells and examined the effect of DMOG on protein and gene expression of COL4A2 post 24‐hour exposure. We showed that silencing HIF1α reverses and amplifies the expression of COL4A2 in HEK293 cells. Our data suggest that HIF1 directly regulates the expression of COL4A2 in kidney cells and that HIF1α enhancing therapy has suppressive effects on COL4A2 that may be clinically relevant and must be considered in determining the safety and efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of anemia.
Identification of the organic anion transporting polypeptides responsible for the hepatic uptake of the major metabolite of epyrifenacil, S‐3100‐CA, in mice
Authors: Sakurai Kengo , Kuroda Tomohiro , Abe Jun , Toda Hiroshi , Kitamoto Sachiko
Published: October 2021

Epyrifenacil is a novel herbicide that acts as an inhibitor of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) and produces hepatotoxicity in rodents by inhibiting PPO. Our previous research revealed that the causal substance of hepatotoxicity is S‐3100‐CA, a major metabolite of epyrifenacil, and that human hepatocyte uptake of S‐3100‐CA was significantly lower than rodent one, suggesting less relevant to hepatotoxicity in humans. To clarify the species difference in the uptake of S‐3100‐CA, we focused on organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) and carried out an uptake assay using human, rat, and mouse OATP hepatic isoforms‐expressing 293FT cells. As a result, all the examined OATPs were found to contribute to the S‐3100‐CA uptake, suggesting that the species difference was not due to the differences in selectivity toward OATP isoforms. When [14C]epyrifenacil was administered to mice, the liver concentration of S‐3100‐CA was higher in males than in females. Furthermore, when [14C]epyrifenacil was administered with OATP inhibitors, the liver/plasma ratio of S‐3100‐CA was significantly decreased by rifampicin, an Oatp1a1/Oatp1a4 inhibitor in mice, but not by digoxin, an Oatp1a4‐specific inhibitor. This result indicates that Oatp1a1, the predominant transporter in male mice, is the main contributor to the hepatic transport of S‐3100‐CA, and consequently to the gender difference. Moreover, we conclude that the species difference in the hepatic uptake of S‐3100‐CA observed in our previous research is not due to differences in the selectivity toward OATP isoforms but rather to the significantly higher expression of OATPs which mediate uptake of S‐3100‐CA in rodents than in humans.
Luminescence from ZrO2 Nanopowders Doped with Sm3+ Ions Processed by Polyol Method at Low Processing Temperature
Authors: Martínez-Martínez Rafael , Juárez-López Guillermo , Vargas García Vicente , Téllez Salvador Carmona , Flores-Carrasco Gregorio , García-Hipólito Manuel , Cabañas-Moreno José Gerardo , Falcony-Guajardo Ciro
Published: October 2021

ZrO2 and ZrO2:Sm3+ nanopowders are synthesized by means of polyol method, from [Zr(NO3)2.xH2O] and (SmCl3·6H2O) precursors dissolved in a diethylene glycol medium. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results show polymorphic powders because monoclinic structure and tetragonal are exhibited. The crystal size is estimated by Scherrer formula; an averaged crystallite size of 9 nm is obtained. Surface morphology study, by means of SEM, evidences multiform particles, some with straight edges associated with monoclinic or tetragonal structure. The chemical composition microanalysis results indicate agreement with ideal stoichiometry for ZrO2 and ZrO2:Sm3+ powders. The photoluminescence emission spectra show that maximum intensity is reached at λ = 614 nm due to transition 4G5/2→6H7/2, exciting with λex = 240 nm, which corresponds to sample ZrO2:Sm3+ (0.75 at%); this sample is labeled as M3. Very similar results are obtained by cathodoluminescence studies. On the contrary, exciting with λex = 380 nm (monitoring emission band peaked at 614 nm), emission bands of host lattice and ZrO2:Sm3+ are favored simultaneously. The luminescent quenching phenomenon occurs when doping concentration (Sm3+ ions) is >=0.75 at%. The photoluminescent emission exhibits a reddish orange color, characteristic of Sm3+ ions, and yellowish‐orange for cathodoluminescence emission.
Fermi Surface Modeling of Light‐Rare‐Earth Hexaborides using Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy
Authors: Ketels Josef , Leitner Michael , Böni Peter , Hugenschmidt Christoph , Sekania Mikheil , James Alyn D. N. , Bonart Jakob A. E. , Unglert Nico , Chioncel Liviu
Published: October 2021

2D angular correlation of the positron annihilation radiation (2D‐ACAR) spectra are measured for along high‐symmetry directions and compared with first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). This allows the modeling of the Fermi surface in terms of ellipsoid electron pockets centered at X‐points elongated along the Σ axis (Γ direction). The obtained structure is in agreement with quantum oscillation measurements and previous band structure calculations. For the isostructural topologically nontrivial , the similar ellipsoids are connected through necks that have significantly smaller radii in the case of . A theoretical analysis of the 2D‐ACAR spectra is also conducted for including the on‐site repulsion U‐correction to the local density approximation (LDA+U) of the DFT. The similarities of the 2D‐ACAR spectra and the Fermi surface projections of these two compounds allow to infer that both and are topologically trivial correlated metals.
A Novel BN Polymorph in P4/mbm Phase with a (4,4) Nanotube
Authors: Zhao Mo , Chen Wei , Wu Wei , Li Bin
Published: October 2021

Herein, based on density functional theory, a new boron nitride structure derived from diamond is designed, and its stability is also proved. The new boron nitride structure is denoted as P4/mbm BN. The elastic moduli (bulk modulus, shear modulus, and Young's modulus) of P4/mbm BN are slightly greater than those of C72 and T carbon, and the shear modulus and Young's modulus are larger than those of P‐4m2 B7N7, B11N11, and B15N15. The shear modulus and Young's modulus of P4/mbm BN exhibit a smaller mechanical anisotropy than that of P‐4m2 B7N7, B11N11, and B15N15, where P‐4m2 B15N15 exhibits the greatest mechanical anisotropy of shear modulus and Young's modulus. The anisotropy of shear modulus in the (100), (010) plane of P‐4m2 B15N15 is 26.5 times that of P4/mbm BN, and the mechanical anisotropy of Young's modulus in (110) plane of P‐4m2 B15N15 is 35.6 times that of P4/mbm BN. P4/mbm BN is a wide and indirect bandgap semiconductor material with bandgap of 4.8 eV. Compared with silicon carbide and gallium nitride, P4/mbm BN has a wider bandgap, it might be more suitable for making high temperature, high frequency, radiation resistance, and high‐power devices.
Kisspeptin neurons as an integration center of reproductive regulation: Observation of reproductive function based on a new concept of reproductive regulatory nervous system
Authors: Ozawa Hitoshi
Published: October 2021

Background

Regulation of the reproductive system has been explained by the actions and feedback of gonadotropin releasing hormone‐luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone (GnRH‐LH/FSH) ‐sex steroids; however, the discovery of kisspeptin neurons and a kisspeptin‐GnRH‐LH/FSH axis has prompted this regulation to be reviewed.

Methods

We investigated changes in kisspeptin neurons and associated changes in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis under various situations and experimental conditions using histochemical methods.

Main findings (Results)

Kisspeptin neurons play an important role in receiving and integrating information from internal and external environmental factors and communicating it to the conventional HPG axis.

Conclusion

The recently described Kisspeptin‐GnRH‐LH/FSH‐gonad system regulates reproductive function via mechanisms that until recently were not completely understood.
Iridium Catalyzed Selective Arylation of B(3)‐H Bond of o‐Carborane via B−H/C−H Activation
Authors: Cao Ke , Wu Ji , Zhang Cai‐Yan , Ding Li‐Fang , Yang Junxiao
Published: October 2021

An iridium catalyzed selective B−H/C−H dehydrogenative coupling for arylation of electron deficient B(3)‐H of o‐carborane with benzamides has been developed. A plausible mechanism involving IrIII/IrV catalyzed BH/CH activation was proposed. This work has important value for selective functionalization of B(3,6)‐H bonds via dehydrogenative coupling.
It's worth the trouble: Stressor exposure is related to increased cognitive reappraisal ability
Authors: Zeier Peter , Meine Laura E. , Wessa Michèle
Published: October 2021

Recent theories propose moderate (compared to high or no) stressor exposure to promote emotion regulation capacities. More precisely, stressful situations are expected to serve as practice opportunities for cognitive reappraisal (CR), that is, the reinterpretation of a situation to alter its emotional impact. Accordingly, in this study, we expect an inverted U‐shaped relationship between exposure to daily hassles and performance in a CR task, that is, best reappraisal ability in individuals with a history of moderate stressor exposure. Participants (N = 165) reported the number of daily hassles during the last week as indicator of stressor exposure and completed the Script‐based Reappraisal Test (SRT). In the SRT, participants are presented with fear‐eliciting scripts and instructed to either downregulate negative affect via reappraisal (reappraisal‐trials) or react naturally (control‐trials). Two measures indicate CR ability: (1) reappraisal effectiveness, that is, the difference between affective ratings in reappraisal‐ and control‐trials and (2) reappraisal inventiveness, that is, the number of valid and categorically different reappraisal thoughts. Multiple regression analyses revealed positive linear, but not quadratic, relationships of exposure to daily hassles and both indicators of CR ability. Potential benefits of stressor exposure for emotion regulation processes are discussed.
Origin of Intense Luminescence from Supramolecular 2D Molecular Crystals
Authors: Biswas Sandip , Manna Gouranga , Das Bidisa , Bhattacharya Arpan , Pal Arun K. , Datta Ayan , Alam Parvej , Laskar Inamur Rahaman , Mondal Pramita , Mukhopadhyay Mrinmay K. , Sanyal Milan K. , Acharya Somobrata
Published: October 2021

Luminescence enhancement in 2D molecular crystals (2D crystals) is promising for a variety of optical applications, yet the availability is limited because of unclear mechanism and inefficient design strategy of luminescence control. Herein, the room temperature phosphorescence from micron long molecular thin free‐standing 2D crystals of a mono‐cyclometalated Ir(III) complex designed at the water surface is reported. A large luminescence enhancement is observed from the 2D crystals at 300 K, which is comparable with the rigidified solution at 77 K suggesting room temperature phosphorescence origin of the luminescence. In situ synchrotron grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction measurements determine the constituent centered rectangular unit cells with precise molecular conformation that promotes the formation of 2D crystals. The molecular crystal design leads to a reduced singlet‐triplet energy gap (ΔEST) and mixing of singlet‐triplet states by spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) for efficient intersystem crossing, which explains the phosphorescence origin at room temperature and luminescence enhancement. The supramolecular assembly process provides an elegant design strategy to realize room temperature phosphorescence from 2D crystals by rigid intermolecular interactions.
Quantitative Local Probing of Polarization with Application on HfO2‐Based Thin Films
Authors: Kwon Owoong , Kang Seunghun , Jo Sanghyun , Kim Yun Do , Han Hee , Park Yeehyun , Lu Xiaoli , Lee Woo , Heo Jinseong , Alexe Marin , Kim Yunseok
Published: October 2021

Owing to their switchable spontaneous polarization, ferroelectric materials have been applied in various fields, such as information technologies, actuators, and sensors. In the last decade, as the characteristic sizes of both devices and materials have decreased significantly below the nanoscale, the development of appropriate characterization tools became essential. Recently, a technique based on conductive atomic force microscopy (AFM), called AFM‐positive‐up‐negative‐down (PUND), is employed for the direct measurement of ferroelectric polarization under the AFM tip. However, the main limitation of AFM‐PUND is the low frequency (i.e., on the order of a few hertz) that is used to initiate ferroelectric hysteresis. A significantly higher frequency is required to increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio and the measurement efficiency. In this study, a novel method based on high‐frequency AFM‐PUND using continuous waveform and simultaneous signal acquisition of the switching current is presented, in which polarization–voltage hysteresis loops are obtained on a high‐polarization BiFeO3 nanocapacitor at frequencies up to 100 kHz. The proposed method is comprehensively evaluated by measuring nanoscale polarization values of the emerging ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 under the AFM tip.
Lignin Derived Porous Carbons: Synthesis Methods and Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Yin Jian , Wang Caiwei , Zhao Lei , Jian Wenbin , Lu Ke , Lin Haibo , Qiu Xueqing , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: October 2021

Lignin, one of the renewable constituents in natural plant biomasses, holds great potential as a sustainable source of functional carbon materials. Tremendous research efforts have been made on lignin‐derived carbon electrodes for rechargeable batteries. However, lignin is considered as one of the most promising carbon precursors for the development of high‐performance, low‐cost porous carbon electrode materials for supercapacitor applications. Yet, these efforts have not been reviewed in detail in the current literature. This review, therefore, offers a basis for the utilization of lignin as a pivotal precursor for the synthesis of porous carbons for use in supercapacitor electrode applications. Lignin chemistry, the synthesis process of lignin‐derived porous carbons, and future directions for developing better porous carbon electrode materials from lignin are systematically reviewed. Technological hurdles and approaches that should be prioritized in future research are presented.
Quantum computing: A taxonomy, systematic review and future directions
Authors: Gill Sukhpal Singh , Kumar Adarsh , Singh Harvinder , Singh Manmeet , Kaur Kamalpreet , Usman Muhammad , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: October 2021

Quantum computing (QC) is an emerging paradigm with the potential to offer significant computational advantage over conventional classical computing by exploiting quantum‐mechanical principles such as entanglement and superposition. It is anticipated that this computational advantage of QC will help to solve many complex and computationally intractable problems in several application domains such as drug design, data science, clean energy, finance, industrial chemical development, secure communications, and quantum chemistry. In recent years, tremendous progress in both quantum hardware development and quantum software/algorithm has brought QC much closer to reality. Indeed, the demonstration of quantum supremacy marks a significant milestone in the Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) era—the next logical step being the quantum advantage whereby quantum computers solve a real‐world problem much more efficiently than classical computing. As the quantum devices are expected to steadily scale up in the next few years, quantum decoherence and qubit interconnectivity are two of the major challenges to achieve quantum advantage in the NISQ era. QC is a highly topical and fast‐moving field of research with significant ongoing progress in all facets. A systematic review of the existing literature on QC will be invaluable to understand the state‐of‐the‐art of this emerging field and identify open challenges for the QC community to address in the coming years. This article presents a comprehensive review of QC literature and proposes taxonomy of QC. The proposed taxonomy is used to map various related studies to identify the research gaps. A detailed overview of quantum software tools and technologies, post‐quantum cryptography, and quantum computer hardware development captures the current state‐of‐the‐art in the respective areas. The article identifies and highlights various open challenges and promising future directions for research and innovation in QC.
Symbolic Annihilation of Social Groups as Hidden Curriculum in Japanese ELT Materials
Authors: Brown Charles Allen
Published: October 2021

This study empirically investigated the invisibility, or symbolic annihilation, in Japanese English education of social groups at risk of marginalization. To do so, I assembled a corpus of 3746 English teaching materials selected because they involved world social group representation and because they were disseminated through the JET Program, a Japanese government initiative intended to promote internationalization and interculturalism in schools across Japan. Corpus analysis indicated various forms of symbolic annihilation. Most broadly, the world was portrayed as a dichotomy between Japan and countries of the Kachruvian Inner Circle. Europe was of secondary prominence while other regions were poorly represented. These materials reflected Christonormativity as well with adherents to other religions being symbolically annihilated. The visibility of those other than Anglos and Japanese was likewise highly attenuated. Stereotypes equating ethnicity and nationality were prevalent with Inner Circle dialog characters, for example, rarely having non‐Anglo names. Not only did this corpus thus evidence lingering Inner Circle‐centrism, but this was a Christonormative, white, Anglo, Inner Circle/Euro‐centric imaginary. These results thus evinced a hidden curriculum reinscribing stereotypes and regimes of social power, one working at cross purposes to the stated purpose of the JET Program as promoting internationalization and interculturalism.
TrUDL, A Path to Full Inclusion: The Intersectional Possibilities of Translanguaging and Universal Design for Learning
Authors: Cioè‐Peña María
Published: October 2021

Nationally, there is a rise in students who are dually classified as emergent bilinguals and students with disabilities. While conversations around disproportionality and the over‐representation of emergent bilinguals in special education are important, that discourse does not address the needs of students currently classified. Overwhelmingly, educators continue to approach linguistic and disability needs as the amalgamation of two separate entities which results in segregated and/or piece‐meal instructional experiences for students. In this paper, I offer an integrated pedagogical stance bringing together translanguaging practice with universal design for learning (UDL). I provide a brief overview of translanguaging as both a theory and a pedagogical practice. I also provide an overview of Universal Design for Learning. Grounded in my experiences as a bilingual special education teacher trained in UDL and a CUNY‐NYSIEB team member who researched translanguaging uses in special education settings, I present the ways in which translanguaging and UDL intersect both theoretically and pedagogical, offering up possibilities for attaining greater inclusion and increased opportunities to learn for Emergent bilinguals labeled as dis/abled (EBLADs).
Frontal sinus repair using polymethyl methacrylate after craniectomy for a resection of a fronto‐parietal osteoma in a dog
Authors: Chitty Jake William , Miro Ana Cloquell , Kaczmarska Adriana , Guevar Julien , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo
Published: October 2021

A 3‐year‐old spayed female German Shepherd dog was presented for investigation and treatment of a firm slow growing mass over the right surface of the skull. Computed tomography (CT) of the head revealed a proliferative, rounded and well‐defined compact bone mass expanding extracranially. A right rostrotentorial craniectomy was performed with ‘en bloc’ mass resection. To achieve clear margins, the excision of the outer table of the frontal bone, with subsequent opening of the right frontal sinus, was necessary. To provide an appropriate sealing between the cranial cavity and the nasal cavity, thereby preventing future complications, a cemented partial obliteration and reconstruction of the right frontal sinus was performed. The dog recovered uneventfully. Histopathological analysis confirmed complete resection with clear margins and the final diagnosis of an osteoma. The dog was progressing with no clinical signs 8 months after the surgery.
Magnetic particle imaging for assessment of cerebral perfusion and ischemia
Authors: Ludewig Peter , Graeser Matthias , Forkert Nils D. , Thieben Florian , Rández‐Garbayo Javier , Rieckhoff Johanna , Lessmann Katrin , Förger Fynn , Szwargulski Patryk , Magnus Tim , Knopp Tobias
Published: October 2021

Stroke is one of the leading worldwide causes of death and sustained disability. Rapid and accurate assessment of cerebral perfusion is essential to diagnose and successfully treat stroke patients. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a new technology with the potential to overcome some limitations of established imaging modalities. It is an innovative and radiation‐free imaging technique with high sensitivity, specificity, and superior temporal resolution. MPI enables imaging and diagnosis of stroke and other neurological pathologies such as hemorrhage, tumors, and inflammatory processes. MPI scanners also offer the potential for targeted therapies of these diseases. Due to lower field requirements, MPI scanners can be designed as resistive magnets and employed as mobile devices for bedside imaging. With these advantages, MPI could accelerate and improve the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. This review provides a basic introduction to MPI, discusses its current use for stroke imaging, and addresses future applications, including the potential for clinical implementation.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease
Introduction
Authors: Romein Christel Annemieke
Published: October 2021

In this general introduction to the book, I discuss the key-concepts of my research on the use of fatherland-terminology. First, I introduce the problems that the current historiography on state-building poses, discuss the research question and clarify its essential parts. Second, I give a concise overview of the state-of-the-art in research on terminology and key-concepts. Third, I discuss the methodological framework and provide more information on the primary sources.
Political Language in the Holy Roman Empire (1500–1650s)
Authors: Romein Christel Annemieke
Published: October 2021

In this first part of the book, I examine the use of fatherland-terminology in the Holy Roman Empire in general, and in the Duchy of Jülich and Landgraviate of Hesse-Cassel more in particular. In this second chapter, I sketch the context of political language in German political thought and the use of fatherland discourse as unifying rhetoric.
Jülich: Pamphlets and Cologne Get-Togethers (1640s–1650s)
Authors: Romein Christel Annemieke
Published: October 2021

In this chapter I focuss on the specific case of the Duchy of Jülich. A war of succession at the early seventeenth century had led to considerable turmoil: the emperor did not recognise Duke Wolfgang Wilhelm as a legitimate heir. As de facto ruler, the duke attempted to protect his inhabitants by establishing an army. Conducting war was a considerable financial burden. As long as the war lasted the financialpressure on the principality increased and criticism grew. The nobility’s cry for help was voiced in invitations to join in an assembly in the Free City of Cologne to discuss the welfare of the fatherland. All loyal patriots were invited. During these meetings, the patriots drafted pamphlets to inform both German and Dutch speaking readers about the turmoil they faced and about the possible misuse of power by the duke. It was only after the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 that the duke acknowledged the nobilities best intentions forthenottheir(!) fatherland.
Patriots in France, Political Talks Between 1500s and 1650s
Authors: Romein Christel Annemieke
Published: October 2021

In this second part of the book, I examine the French political terminology throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth century to contextualise the chapter on Brittany. Crucially between 1570 and 1620, the language changed fundamentally. During the sixteenth century, the focus was on le bien public and le bien de la chose publique. Under King Henry III and King Henry IV, this shifted tole bien de l’état. During the seventeenth century, this language became consolidated. Likewise, a shift from the use of patrie was visible from a province to the whole of France: during the sixteenth century, it was often used to indicate one’s province (e.g. Brittany) but could, in case of the king, be used for the whole of France.
Brittany: Pay d’États and Don Gratuit (1648–1652)
Authors: Romein Christel Annemieke
Published: October 2021

I start this chapter by introducing the history of Brittany which was independent until 1492 when it became linked to France, and 1532 it became a Frenchpays d’état. Brittany itself did not have any direct experiences with warfare during the mid-seventeenth century, and hence this chapter shows how a particularist province reacted to tax-requests, without the immediate threat of warfare. Nonetheless, taxation had to be paid in order to finance warfare with Spain and the Holy Roman Empire. Central to this chapter is how the nobility responded to these requests. The noblemen strove to uphold their legal status, and heavy taxations could jeopardise their income. Hence, the records of the Breton assemblies do give much information about the tax-negotiations that went on and the underlying noble privileges and conflicts. Especially between 1648 and 1652, when Brittany found itself close to bankruptcy and needed to curtail their expenditure. The used terminology does give away information about the threatened autonomy and means to protect privileges.
Comparison of the Cases
Authors: Romein Christel Annemieke
Published: October 2021

This final chapter offers a conclusion to my research on the use of fatherland terminology, which I have presented in this book. I have discussed the small principalities of Jülich and Hesse-Cassel where the prince illegally levied taxes to pay for a protective armed force, which consequently burdened the inhabitants by their needs and presence. In both cases, the nobility did not agree to princely politics but also had to avoid the association with rebellion and undermining princely government. Brittany offered the perspective of an area with tax-pressure, but without the imminence of warfare. Willingness to contribute taxes and participate in the compulsory meeting convened by the government in Paris contributed to the possibility to uphold the autonomous position of Brittany. To end, I discuss the instrumentality of the use of fatherland terminology and avoiding hints of revolt or rebellion.
Conformal bootstrap near the edge
Authors: Antunes António
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We propose a bootstrap program for CFTs near intersecting boundaries which form a co-dimension 2 edge. We describe the kinematical setup and show that bulk 1-pt functions and bulk-edge 2-pt functions depend on a non-trivial cross-ratio and on the angle between the boundaries. Using the boundary OPE (BOE) with respect to each boundary, we derive two independent conformal block expansions for these correlators. The matching of the two BOE expansions leads to a crossing equation. We analytically solve this equation in several simple cases, notably for a free bulk field, where we recover Feynman-diagrammatic results by Cardy.
3D virtual pre-operative planning may reduce the incidence of dorsal screw penetration in volar plating of intra-articular distal radius fractures
Authors: Prijs Jasper , Schoolmeesters Bram , Eygendaal Denise , de Vries Jean-Paul P. M. , Jutte Paul C. , Doornberg Job N. , Jaarsma Ruurd L. , IJpma Frank F. A. ,   on behalf of the Traumaplatform 3D Consortium
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of three-dimensional virtual pre-operative planning (3DVP) on the incidence of dorsal screw penetration after volar plating of distal radius fractures.

Methods

A cross-sectional diagnostic imaging study was performed. Twenty out of 50 patients were randomly selected from our index prospective cohort (IPC): a prior study evaluating dorsal tangential views (DTVs) in reducing dorsal screw penetration in internal fixation of intra-articular distal radius fractures using post-operative CT scans to quantify screw protrusion. Pre-operative CTs from this cohort were now used for 3DVP by three experienced orthopaedic trauma surgeons (supplementary video). 3DVP was compared with the corresponding post-operative CT for assessing screw lengths and incidence of dorsal penetration. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to compare screw lengths and the Fishers’ exact for incidence of penetration.

Results

Three surgeons performed 3DVP for 20 distal radius fractures and virtually applied 60 volar plates and 273 screws. Median screw length was shorter in the 3DVP when compared to IPC: 18 mm (range, 12–22) versus 20 mm (range, 14–26) (p < 0.001). The number of penetrating screws was 5% (13/273 screws) in the 3DVP group compared to 11% (10/91 screws) in the IPC (p = 0.047). Corresponding to a reduction in incidence of at least one dorsally penetrating screw in 40% of patients in the IPC group, to 18% in the 3DVP group (p = 0.069).

Conclusion

Three-Dimensional Virtual Pre-Operative Planning (3DVP) may reduce the incidence of dorsally penetrating screws in patients treated with volar plating for intra-articular distal radius fractures.

Level of evidence

II, diagnostic imaging study.
Social Mobility and Political Regimes: Intergenerational Mobility in Hungary, 1949–2017
Authors: Bukowski Paweł , Clark Gregory , Gáspár Attila , Pető Rita
Published: October 2021

This paper measures social mobility rates in Hungary during the period 1949 to 2017, using surnames to measure social status. In those years, there were two very different social regimes. The first was the Hungarian People’s Republic (1949–1989), which was a communist regime with an avowed aim of favouring the working class. The second is the modern liberal democracy (1989–2017), which is a free-market economy. We find five surprising things. First, social mobility rates were low for both upper- and lower-class families during 1949–2017, with an underlying intergenerational status correlation of 0.6–0.8. Second, social mobility rates under communism were the same as in the subsequent capitalist regime. Third, the Romani minority throughout both periods showed even lower social mobility rates. Fourth, the descendants of the eighteenth-century noble class in Hungary were still significantly privileged in 1949 and later. And fifth, although social mobility rates did not change measurably during the transition, the composition of the political elite changed rapidly and sharply.