bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Artificial Olfactory Memory System for Monitoring and Recording of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Ban Chaoyi , Min Xinjie , Xu Jingxuan , Xiu Fei , Nie Yijie , Hu Yuefan , Zhang Heshan , Eginligil Mustafa , Liu Juqing , Zhang Wei , Huang Wei
Published: July 2021

In biology, the sensory memory system plays a critical role by providing awareness and guidance for human action/decision. Olfactory memory, which is based on odor detection by receptor cells within the nasal cavity and followed by rapid decision making in the brain, is one of the most important, but least studied, sensory memory systems. Mimicking the olfactory memory by developing recognition, learning, and memorization of gas sensing is a long‐sought aim in artificial intelligence. Herein, an artificial olfactory memory system is experimentally demonstrated by integrating gas sensors with resistive memory. The system shows prominent selectivity toward volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and can be electrically programmed. The memory device can be triggered to sense gas above a certain threshold of VOC concentration, providing a smell sensation retaining, and leading to recognition of the gas information. This smart olfactory memory system can be directly used in robotics and artificial intelligent systems for various applications, such as environmental pollution control, early‐warning chemical and bio hazard safety, and augmented smart industrial production.
Generation of Sustainable Energy from Agro‐Residues through Thermal Pretreatment for Developing Nations: A Review
Authors: Ibitoye Segun E. , Jen Tien-Chien , Mahamood Rasheedat M. , Akinlabi Esther T.
Published: July 2021

Biomass is among the common resources in developing countries that could alleviate fuel, energy, and environmental problems. This is due to the abundance of biomass as feedstock for energy production in this region. Though, there are some challenges and limitations to their practical use. This includes low energy densities, high volatile content, low calorific value, etc. Herein, some research works on generation of sustainable energy from agro‐residues through thermal pretreatment (TP) for developing nations are reviewed. The review is carried out using articles available on the ScienceDirect database. TP is normally carried out between the temperature range of 200 and 1300 °C – torrefaction (200–300 °C), carbonization (450–550 °C), pyrolysis (350–700 °C), and gasification (800–1300 °C). The heating rate significantly influences the TP output. The Char yield and calorific value increase with torrefaction temperature (TT), whereas the volatile yield decreases. TT does not have a significant effect on char composition. The effect of temperature on char production is more significant compared with residence time (RT). Some developmental possibilities exist in biomass utilization, especially for developing countries via TP: generation of employment, provision of a cleaner environment, economic diversification, and reduction of the poverty level, among other potential opportunities.
Cover crop influence on soil water dynamics for a corn–soybean rotation
Authors: Rankoth Lalith M. , Udawatta Ranjith P. , Anderson Stephen H. , Gantzer Clark J. , Alagele Salah
Published: July 2021

Crop production is reduced by insufficient and/or excess soil water, which can significantly decrease plant growth and development. Therefore, conservation management practices such as cover crops (CCs) are used to optimize soil water dynamics, since CCs can conserve soil water. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of CCs on soil water dynamics on a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation at three soil depths over 3 yr. The study was conducted at the Chariton County Cover Crop Soil Health Research and Demonstration Farm (CCSH) in Missouri. Initial CC establishment occurred in 2012. Volumetric soil water content (VWC) was monitored at 15‐min intervals with calibrated Waterscout SM100 soil moisture sensors (Spectrum Technologies) at three depths (10, 20, and 30 cm) in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Cover crop soils maintained numerically higher VWC values compared with no CC (NCC) at both 10‐ and 20‐cm depths throughout the study period where the differences were significant in some weeks. The subsurface soil water recharge was greater in CC soils at both 10‐ and 20‐cm depths compared with NCC in March 2017. The results imply that CC soils have maintained higher VWC levels during vegetative period of the CC growth where the differences were significant in some weeks compared with NCC at all three soil depths. These findings can be used to promote CC adoption for better soil water storage and develop CC management plans for corn–soybean rotations on claypan soils.
Pollen dispensing schedules in buzz‐pollinated plants: experimental comparison of species with contrasting floral morphologies
Authors: Kemp Jurene E. , Vallejo‐Marín Mario
Published: July 2021

Premise

Plants can mitigate the fitness costs associated with pollen consumption by floral visitors by optimizing pollen release rates. In buzz‐pollinated plants, bees apply vibrations to remove pollen from anthers with small pores. These poricidal anthers potentially function as mechanism staggering pollen release, but this has rarely been tested across plant species differing in anther morphology.

Methods

In Solanum Section Androceras, three pairs of buzz‐pollinated species have undergone independent evolutionary shifts between large‐ and small‐flowers, which are accompanied by replicate changes in anther morphology. We used these shifts in anther morphology to characterize the association between anther morphology and pollen dispensing schedules. We applied simulated bee‐like vibrations to anthers to elicit pollen release, and compared pollen dispensing schedules across anther morphologies. We also investigated how vibration velocity affects pollen release.

Results

Replicate transitions in Solanum anther morphology are associated with consistent changes in pollen dispensing schedules. We found that small‐flowered taxa release their pollen at higher rates than their large‐flowered counterparts. Higher vibration velocities resulted in quicker pollen dispensing and more total pollen released. Finally, both the pollen dispensing rate and the amount of pollen released in the first vibration were negatively related to anther wall area, but we did not observe any association between pore size and pollen dispensing.

Conclusions

Our results provide the first empirical demonstration that the pollen dispensing properties of poricidal anthers depend on both floral characteristics and bee vibration properties. Morphological modification of anthers could thus provide a mechanism to exploit different pollination environments.
Body norms and normative bodies inHighland Guatemala
Authors: Maupin Jonathan N. , Hackman Joseph , Brewis Alexandra
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The concept of bionormalcy highlights the potential tensions between bodies defined clinically as normal or healthy, bodies that are normative (frequent) within a population, and bodies defined within a given social context as abnormal or devalued. Theories of resource scarcity predict preferences for larger bodiesshoulddeviate from what is biologically normative (i.e., most frequent) or clinically defined as healthy. Using the case of adult women in a Guatemalan community with chronically low food security, we test how food scarcity shapes individual views of smaller, larger, and clinically categorized normal bodies.

Methods

Participants were 102 women from a community in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. Using the Stunkard figure scale and a word elicitation task, participants attributed positive and negative characteristics to male and female silhouettes clinically defined as underweight, normal, overweight, mildly obese, and obese. Mixed‐effects models were used to compare attribution scores for figures relative to the clinically normal silhouette.

Results

Silhouettes deviating from the clinically defined normal BMI category on both sides are stigmatized to varying degrees. Food insecurity exacerbates the degree of stigma, while also relatively preferencing overweight bodies.

Conclusions

In this pilot study, women exhibit a preference for body sizes that fall within the clinical normal and overweight categories and stigmatize bodies outside this range, but in distinct ways. We suggest the attachment of stigma to small and large bodies are not mirror processes, and require more detailed testing to untangle the likely complex ecological and social explanations.
Synthesis of Imidazo[2,3‐a]isoquinoline and Imidazo[3,2‐a]quinoline Derivatives with Ynones, Isoquinolines and Quinolines
Authors: Cui Hai‐Lei , Li Jia‐Qin
Published: July 2021

A mild dearomatization/annulation cascade sequence of isoquinolines and quinolines with ynones has been developed. Highly functionalized imidazo[2,3‐a]isoquinoline and imidazo[3,2‐a]quinoline derivatives could be prepared directly in moderate to excellent yields.
Increased expression of GAPDH in cynomolgus monkeys with spontaneous cognitive decline and amyloidopathy reminiscent of an Alzheimer's‐type disease is reflected in the circulation
Authors: Darusman Huda S. , Saepuloh Uus , Mariya Sela S. , Sajuthi Dondin , Schapiro Steven J. , Hau Jann
Published: July 2021

Previous studies of aging cynomolgus monkeys from our group identified spontaneous age‐associated cognitive declines associated with biomarkers and brain lesions reminiscent of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), in a proportion of aged monkeys. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the spontaneous amyloid disorders and cognitive declines observed in these affected monkeys have yet to be investigated in detail. Using reverse transcriptase quantitative real time PCR techniques, normalized to the ACTB housekeeping gene, we analyzed the expression patterns of a number of genes which have been implicated in amyloid and tau abnormalities, in well‐characterized aged cynomolgus monkeys with cognitive decline. A significantly increased expression of the genes coding for glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), was found in aged‐cognitive decline monkeys compared to age‐matched healthy controls. GAPDH has been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases and interacts with beta amyloid precursor proteins. These findings provide support for the utilization of cynomolgus macaques in translational preclinical research as valid spontaneous models in experimental investigations of the relationships among aging, cognitive decline, and the neuropathy of AD.
Electrodeposition of Zinc onto Au(111) and Au(100) from the Ionic Liquid [MPPip][TFSI]
Authors: Schuett Fabian M. , Heubach Maren‐Kathrin , Mayer Jerome , Ceblin Maximilian U. , Kibler Ludwig A. , Jacob Timo
Published: July 2021

The improvement of rechargeable zinc/air batteries was a hot topic in recent years. Predominantly, the influence of water and additives on the structure of the Zn deposit and the possible dendrite formation were studied. However, the effect of the surface structure of the underlying substrate was not focused on in detail, yet. We now show the differences in electrochemical deposition of Zn onto Au(111) and Au(100) from the ionic liquid N‐methyl‐N‐propylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide. The fundamental processes were initially characterized via cyclic voltammetry and in situ scanning tunnelling microscopy. Bulk deposits were then examined using Auger electron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Different structures of Zn deposits are observed during the initial stages of electrocrystallisation on both electrodes, which reveals the strong influence of the crystallographic orientation on the metal deposition of zinc on gold.
Ein Boratafulven
Authors: Heitkemper Tobias , Naß Leonard , Sindlinger Christian P.
Published: July 2021

Borole mit Bor‐gebundenen Alkylresten wurden hergestellt und charakterisiert und die Auswirkungen von Alkylsubstituenten auf die elektronischen Eigenschaften untersucht. Die Deprotonierung einer exozyklischen, Bor‐gebundenen Methylgruppe in einem B‐Methylborol führt zum 5‐Boratafulvenanion – einem Isomer des Boratabenzols. Das Boratafulven wurde charakterisiert, und die elektronischen Eigenschaften wurden durch DFT‐Rechnung untersucht. Eine computerchemische Abschätzung der pKs‐Werte der exozyklischen B‐CH3‐Gruppen für Substitutionsderivate des Borols weist auf eine erhöhte C‐H‐Azidität infolge des in einen antiaromatischen Ring eingebetteten Boratoms hin. Das nicht‐aromatische Boratafulven reagiert als C‐zentriertes Nukleophil mit dem milden Elektrophil Me3SnCl, unter Zurückgewinnung des antiaromatischen Charakters, zu einem Stannylmethylborol. Als nukleophile Synthone für Borole eröffnen Boratafulvene einen neuen Zugang zu diesen hochreaktiven Heterozyklen. Das Boratafulven reagiert gegenüber Benzophenon als Methylen‐Transferreagenz in einer bora‐Wittig‐artigen Reaktion unter Bildung eines Boroloxids.
Fabrication of Pebax/SAPO mixed matrix membranes for CO2/N2 separation
Authors: Zhang Suixin , Zheng Yingfei , Wu Yonghong , Zhang Bing
Published: July 2021

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by solvent evaporation method using Pebax‐1074 polymer as matrix and inorganic zeolite SAPO‐23 as dopant. The morphology, surface functional groups, microstructure, thermal stability, and separation performance of MMMs were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and gas permeation, respectively. The effects of dopant loading amount, permeation temperature, and permeation pressure on the structure and properties of MMMs were investigated. The results showed that the introduction of SAPO zeolite reduced the crystallinity of the MMMs and improved the CO2/N2 selectivity. Under the conditions of 30°C and 0.15 MPa, the MMMs prepared by incorporating with 5% SAPO zeolite in content exhibited the highest CO2/N2 selectivity of 72.0 together with the CO2 permeability of 98.2 Barrer.
Effect of hybrid cross‐linked polyphosphazene microspheres on ablative and mechanical properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer
Authors: Chen Junming , He Jinxuan , Liu Longquan , He Yongzhu , Huang Xiaobin
Published: July 2021

Polymeric ablative materials (PAMs) are widely used in spacecraft currently for thermal insulation. However, it is challenging to find a single filler that can improve both ablative and mechanical properties of PAMs. In this study, a new type of hybrid cross‐linked polyphosphazene microspheres (PHC) is added to ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites as a filler for the first time and its influence on the ablation, mechanical, and thermal properties of EPDM is investigated. The results show that the addition of 3 phr PHC increases the ablation performance by about 10% and enhances the mechanical properties by 20% approximately. In addition, the ablation mechanism is studied in accordance with SEM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. On the one hand, PHC has the effect of catalyzing carbonization, thus increasing the rate of residual carbon; on the other hand, PHC changes the morphology of the char layer, forming a cross‐linked structure containing P─O─Si bonds on the surface. The findings regarding catalyzing carbonization and the special char layer structure could guide the design of ablative materials.
Toward genomic selection inPinus taeda: Integrating resources to support array design in a complex conifer genome
Authors: Caballero Madison , Lauer Edwin , Bennett Jeremy , Zaman Sumaira , McEvoy Susan , Acosta Juan , Jackson Colin , Townsend Laura , Eckert Andrew , Whetten Ross W. , Loopstra Carol , Holliday Jason , Mandal Mihir , Wegrzyn Jill L. , Isik Fikret
Published: July 2021

Premise

An informatics approach was used for the construction of an Axiom genotyping array from heterogeneous, high‐throughput sequence data to assess the complex genome of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda).

Methods

High‐throughput sequence data, sourced from exome capture and whole genome reduced‐representation approaches from 2698 trees across five sequence populations, were analyzed with the improved genome assembly and annotation for the loblolly pine. A variant detection, filtering, and probe design pipeline was developed to detect true variants across and within populations. From 8.27 million variants, a total of 642,275 were evaluated and 423,695 of those were screened across a range‐wide population.

Results

The final informatics and screening approach delivered an Axiom array representing 46,439 high‐confidence variants to the forest tree breeding and genetics community. Based on the annotated reference genome, 34% were located in or directly upstream or downstream of genic regions.

Discussion

The Pita50K array represents a genome‐wide resource developed from sequence data for an economically important conifer, loblolly pine. It uniquely integrates independent projects that assessed trees sampled across the native range. The challenges associated with the large and repetitive genome are addressed in the development of this resource.
Chalcogen Bonds in Selenocysteine Seleninic Acid, a Functional GPx Constituent, and in Other Seleninic or Sulfinic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Tripathi Abhishek , Daolio Andrea , Pizzi Andrea , Guo Zhifang , Turner David R. , Baggioli Alberto , Famulari Antonino , Deacon Glen B. , Resnati Giuseppe , Singh Harkesh B.
Published: July 2021

The controlled oxidation reaction of L‐selenocystine under neutral pH conditions affords selenocysteine seleninic acid (3‐selenino‐L‐alanine) which is characterized also by means of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. This technique shows that selenium forms three chalcogen bonds (ChBs), one of them being outstandingly short. A survey of seleninic acid derivatives in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) confirms that the C−Se(=O)O− functionality tends to act as a ChB donor robust enough to systematically influence the interactional landscape in the solid. Quantum Theory of Atom in Molecules (QTAIM) analysis proves the attractive nature of the short contacts observed in crystals containing the seleninic functionality and calculation of surface molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) reveals that remarkably positive σ‐holes can frequently be found opposite to the covalent bonds at selenium. Both CSD searches and QTAIM and MEP approaches show that also the sulfinic acid moiety can function as a ChB donor, albeit less frequently than the seleninic acid one. These findings may contribute to a better understanding, at the atomic level, of the mechanism of action of the enzymes that control oxidative stress and ROS deactivation and that contain selenocysteine seleninic acid and cysteine sulfinic acid in the active site.
Photoinitiated Free‐Radical Polymerization of 4,5,6,7‐Tetrahalogenated Fluoresceins
Authors: Jung Young Jae , Nganga Joseph B. , Cho Jang‐Hoon , Lee Hong‐In , Lee Jungkyu K.
Published: July 2021

We demonstrated the photoredox catalytic performances of fluorescein derivatives, bearing heavy halogen atoms (Br or I) on a benzoic acid group, using photoinitiated free‐radical polymerization. 4,5,6,7‐Tetrabromofluorescein and 4,5,6,7‐tetraiodofluorescein were used as visible‐light‐photoredox catalysts to initiate polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and N‐vinylpyrrolidone in the presence of triethanolamine under aerobic conditions. Their photocatalytic performances were evaluated by the hydrogelation of photopolymerization both on the surface of an agarose film and in a liquid solution. The polymerization degree increased considerably in the following order: tetraiodofluorescein<tetrabromofluorescein<fluorescein. This result was different from fluorescein derivatives containing the heavy halogen atoms on a xanthene core ring. Consequently, the location of the heavy halogen atoms was crucial in the photocatalytic performance of fluorescein derivatives.
Robust control design for the FLEXOP demonstrator aircraft via tensor product models
Authors: Takarics Béla , Vanek Bálint
Published: July 2021

The paper proposes a control design methodology for active flutter suppression for the aeroservoelastic (ASE) aircraft of the European project FLEXOP. The aim of the controller is to robustly stabilize the aeroelastic modes. The control design is based on a control‐oriented linear parameter‐varying (LPV) model, which is derived via “bottom–up” modeling approach and includes the parametric uncertainties of the flutter modes. The tensor product (TP) type LPV model is generated via TP model transformation. The symmetric and asymmetric flutter modes are decoupled, which allows independent control design for each. LPV observer‐based state feedback control structure is applied with constraints on the maximal control value to avoid input saturation. The scheduling parameters of the TP‐type LPV models are split into measured and uncertain parameters for robust control design. Convex hull manipulation‐based optimization and model complexity effects are investigated. The resulting controller is validated via the high‐fidelity ASE model of the FLEXOP aircraft.
Successfully Detecting and Mitigating Algal Blooms and Taste and Odor Compounds
Authors: Adams Hunter , Southard Mark , Reeder Sam , Buerkens Frances , Hallford Randal L. , Ikehata Keisuke , Nix Daniel K.
Published: July 2021

Key Takeaways

After receiving hundreds of complaints, the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, developed a plan for monitoring harmful algal blooms to detect and mitigate taste and odor (T&O) compounds and cyanotoxins.

The plan uses sensory analysis, genus‐level or functional‐group identification, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/electron capture detector, data sondes, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction to monitor blooms for T&O issues and cyanotoxins before they become problems.

When blooms are detected, mitigation efforts include source‐switching, pretreatment, oxidation, and adsorption, which have eliminated customer complaints following more than 60 years of unmitigated T&O cycles.
Power Plant Bromide Discharges and Potential Effects on DBP Formation
Authors: VanBriesen Jeanne M. , Carpenter Adam T. , Good Kelly D. , Kolb Chelsea , Wilson Jessica M.
Published: July 2021

Key Takeaways

Power plant wastewaters contain bromide, and their discharge to the environment can increase bromide concentrations in surface waters used for potable water supply, increasing brominated disinfection byproducts in finished water.

Drinking water utilities should assess upstream bromide sources to determine their contribution to bromide and brominated disinfection byproducts at drinking water intakes.

Analysis of bromide sources and receiving water conditions helps in developing control strategies for bromide discharges that affect drinking water supplies.
Does chronic inflammation cause acute inflammation to spiral into hyper‐inflammation in a manner modulated by diet and the gut microbiome, in severe Covid‐19?
Authors: Luthra‐Guptasarma Manni , Guptasarma Purnananda
Published: July 2021

We propose that hyper‐inflammation (HYPi) is a ‘‘runaway’’ consequence of acute inflammation (ACUi) that arises more easily (and also abates less easily) in those who host a pre‐existing chronic inflammation (CHRi), because (i) most factors involved in generating an ACUi to limit viral proliferation are already present when there is an underlying CHRi, and also because (ii) anti‐inflammatory (AI) mechanisms for the abatement of ACUi (following containment of viral proliferation) are suppressed and desensitized where there is an underlying CHRi, with this causing the ACUi to spiral into a HYPi. Stress, pollution, diet, and gut microbiomes (alterable in weeks through dietary changes) have an intimate and bidirectional cause‐effect relationship with CHRi. We propose that avoidance of CHRi‐promoting foods and adoption of CHRi‐suppressing foods could reduce susceptibility to HYPi, in Covid‐19 and in other viral diseases, such as influenza, which are characterized by episodic and unpredictable HYPi.
Incorporating an activity schedule during schedule thinning in treatment of problem behavior
Authors: Boyle Megan A. , Bacon McKenzie T. , Sharp Danielle S. , Mills Nathan D. , Janota Taylor A.
Published: July 2021

We incorporated an activity schedule (MacDuff et al., 1993) into schedule thinning (Hanley et al., 2014) following functional communication training in the treatment of problem behavior of a child with autism, systematically replicating and extending research on activity schedules and schedule thinning. When the activity schedule was introduced, independent engagement increased, rates of communication responses decreased, and problem behavior remained low. Results are discussed in terms of advantages of activity schedules during schedule thinning, conceptual implications for including activity schedules, and directions for future research.
A naphthyl thiourea‐based effective chemosensor for fluorescence detection of Ag+ and Zn2+
Authors: Seo Yuna , Park Soyoung , Kim Gyeongjin , Lee Minji , Kim Cheal
Published: July 2021

A naphthyl thiourea‐based effective chemosensor HNC, (E)‐2‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzylidene)‐N‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)hydrazine‐1‐carbothioamide, was synthesized. HNC showed quick responses toward Ag+ and Zn2+ through marked fluorescence turn‐on in different solvent conditions, respectively. Binding proportions of HNC to Ag+ and Zn2+ were found to be 2:1 and 1:1, respectively. Detection limits of HNC for Ag+ and Zn2+ were calculated as 3.82 and 0.21 μM. Binding processes of HNC for Ag+ and Zn2+ were represented using Job’s plot, DFT, 1H NMR titration, and ESI‐MS.
Intra‐heterogeneity in transcription and chemoresistant property of leukemia‐initiating cells in murine Setd2−/− acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Song Jiachun , Du Longting , Liu Ping , Wang Fuhui , Zhang Bo , Xie Yinyin , Lu Jing , Jin Yi , Zhou Yan , Lv Gang , Zhang Jianmin , Chen Saijuan , Chen Zhu , Sun Xiaojian , Zhang Yuanliang , Huang Qiuhua
Published: July 2021

Background

Heterogeneity of leukemia‐initiating cells (LICs) is a major obstacle in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) therapy. Accumulated evidence indicates that the coexistence of multiple types of LICs with different pathogenicity in the same individual is a common feature in AML. However, the functional heterogeneity including the drug response of coexistent LICs remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the intra‐heterogeneity in LICs that can help predict leukemia behavior and develop more effective treatments.

Methods

Spleen cells from the primary Setd2−/−‐AML mouse were transplanted into C57BL/6 recipient mice to generate a transplantable model. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the immunophenotype of the leukemic mice. Whole‐genome sequencing was conducted to detect secondary hits responsible for leukemia transformation. A serial transplantation assay was used to determine the self‐renewal potential of Setd2−/−‐AML cells. A limiting‐dilution assay was performed to identify the LIC frequency in different subsets of leukemia cells. Bulk and single‐cell RNA sequencing were performed to analyze the transcriptional heterogeneity of LICs. Small molecular inhibitor screening and in vivo drug treatment were employed to clarify the difference in drug response between the different subsets of LICs.

Results

In this study, we observed an aged Setd2−/− mouse developing AML with co‐mutation of NrasG12S and BrafK520E. Further investigation identified two types of LICs residing in the c‐Kit+B220+Mac‐1− and c‐Kit+B220+Mac‐1+ subsets, respectively. In vivo transplantation assay disclosed the heterogeneity in differentiation between the coexistent LICs. Besides, an intrinsic doxorubicin‐resistant transcriptional signature was uncovered in c‐Kit+B220+Mac‐1+ cells. Indeed, doxorubicin plus cytarabine (DA), the standard chemotherapeutic regimen used in AML treatment, could specifically kill c‐Kit+B220+Mac‐1− cells, but it hardly affected c‐Kit+B220+Mac‐1+ cells. Transcriptome analysis unveiled a higher activation of RAS downstream signaling pathways in c‐Kit+B220+Mac‐1+ cells than in c‐Kit+B220+Mac‐1− cells. Combined treatment with DA and RAS pathway inhibitors killed both c‐Kit+B220+Mac‐1− and c‐Kit+B220+Mac‐1+ cells and attenuated disease progression.

Conclusions

This study identified two cell subsets enriched for LICs in murine Setd2−/−‐AML and disclosed the transcriptional and functional heterogeneity of LICs, revealing that the coexistence of different types of LICs in this model brings about diverse drug response.
Integrative proteomics reveals the role of E3 ubiquitin ligase SYVN1 in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Ji Feiyang , Zhou Menghao , Sun Zeyu , Jiang Zhengyi , Zhu Huihui , Xie Zhongyang , Ouyang Xiaoxi , Zhang Lingjian , Li Lanjuan
Published: July 2021

Background

Tumor metastasis is a major factor for poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the relationship between ubiquitination and metastasis need to be studied more systematically. We analyzed the ubiquitinome of HCC in this study to have a more comprehensive insight into human HCC metastasis.

Methods

The protein ubiquitination levels in 15 HCC specimens with vascular invasion and 15 without vascular invasion were detected by ubiquitinome. Proteins with significantly different ubiquitination levels between HCCs with and without vascular invasion were used to predict E3 ubiquitin ligases associated with tumor metastasis. The topological network of protein substrates and corresponding E3 ubiquitin ligases was constructed to identify the key E3 ubiquitin ligase. Besides, the growth, migration and invasion ability of LM3 and HUH7 hepatoma cell lines with and without SYVN1 expression interference were measured by cell proliferation assay, subcutaneous tumor assay, umphal vein endothelium tube formation assay, transwell migration and invasion assays. Finally, the interacting proteins of SYVN1 were screened and verified by protein interaction omics, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation. Ubiquitin levels of related protein substrates in LM3 and HUH7 cells were compared in negative control, SYVN1 knockdown, and SYVN1 overexpression groups.

Results

In this study, our whole‐cell proteomic dataset and ubiquitinomic dataset contained approximately 5600 proteins and 12,000 ubiquitinated sites. We discovered increased ubiquitinated sites with shorter ubiquitin chains during the progression of HCC metastasis. In addition, proteomic and ubiquitinomic analyses revealed that high expression of E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase SYVN1 is related with tumor metastasis. Furthermore, we found that SYVN1 interacted with heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and impacted the ubiquitination of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (EEF2K).

Conclusions

The ubiquitination profiles of HCC with and without vascular invasion were significantly different. SYVN1 was the most important E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase responsible for this phenomenon, and it was related with tumor metastasis and growth. Therefore, SYVN1 might be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Long non‐coding RNA HULC stimulates the epithelial–mesenchymal transition process and vasculogenic mimicry in human glioblastoma
Authors: Yin Tiantian , Wu Jing , Hu Yuchen , Zhang Min , He Jie
Published: July 2021

Background

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) HULC (highly upregulated in liver cancer) is considered as an oncogenic factor for various malignant tumors. This study aimed to reveal the role of lncRNA HULC in the malignant behavior of glioblastoma (GBM) by exploring its effects on the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) of human GBM.

Materials and Methods

The contents of VM in 27 GBM samples were assessed by immunohistochemistry‐histology and their association with progress‐free survival (PFS) was analyzed. Human GBM SHG44 and U87 cells were manipulated to establish stable lncRNA HULC overexpressing and silencing cells by lentivirus‐based technology. The effects of altered lncRNA HULC on vasculogenic tubular formation, invasion, and EMT process in GBM cells were tested in vitro and the growth of implanted GBM tumors and their EMT process were examined in vivo.

Results

The numbers of VM were positively associated with disease progression, but negatively with PFS periods of GBM patients. Compared with the control vec cells, lncRNA HULC overexpression significantly increased the tubular formation, invasion, and EMT process of both SHG44 and U87 cells, accompanied by promoting the growth of implanted GBM tumors and EMT process in mice. LncRNA HULC silencing had opposite effects on the tubular formation, invasion, and EMT process as well as tumor growth of GBM cells.

Conclusion

LncRNA HULC stimulates the EMT process and VM in human GBM, and may be a therapeutic target for intervention of GBM.
A Body Shape Index (ABSI), hip index, and risk of cancer in the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Christakoudi Sofia , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Evangelou Evangelos , Riboli Elio
Published: July 2021

Abdominal size is associated positively with the risk of some cancers but the influence of body mass index (BMI) and gluteofemoral size is unclear because waist and hip circumference are strongly correlated with BMI. We examined associations of 33 cancers with A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and hip index (HI), which are independent of BMI by design, and compared these with waist and hip circumference, using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models in UK Biobank. During a mean follow‐up of 7 years, 14,682 incident cancers were ascertained in 200,289 men and 12,965 cancers in 230,326 women. In men, ABSI was associated positively with cancers of the head and neck (hazard ratio HR = 1.14; 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.26 per one standard deviation increment), esophagus (adenocarcinoma, HR = 1.27; 1.12–1.44), gastric cardia (HR = 1.31; 1.07–1.61), colon (HR = 1.18; 1.10–1.26), rectum (HR = 1.13; 1.04–1.22), lung (adenocarcinoma, HR = 1.16; 1.03–1.30; squamous cell carcinoma [SCC], HR = 1.33; 1.17–1.52), and bladder (HR = 1.15; 1.04–1.27), while HI was associated inversely with cancers of the esophagus (adenocarcinoma, HR = 0.89; 0.79–1.00), gastric cardia (HR = 0.79; 0.65–0.96), colon (HR = 0.92; 0.86–0.98), liver (HR = 0.86; 0.75–0.98), and multiple myeloma (HR = 0.86; 0.75–1.00). In women, ABSI was associated positively with cancers of the head and neck (HR = 1.27; 1.10–1.48), esophagus (SCC, HR = 1.37; 1.07–1.76), colon (HR = 1.08; 1.01–1.16), lung (adenocarcinoma, HR = 1.17; 1.06–1.29; SCC, HR = 1.40; 1.20–1.63; small cell, HR = 1.39; 1.14–1.69), kidney (clear‐cell, HR = 1.25; 1.03–1.50), and post‐menopausal endometrium (HR = 1.11; 1.02–1.20), while HI was associated inversely with skin SCC (HR = 0.91; 0.83–0.99), post‐menopausal kidney cancer (HR = 0.77; 0.67–0.88), and post‐menopausal melanoma (HR = 0.90; 0.83–0.98). Unusually, ABSI was associated inversely with melanoma in men (HR = 0.89; 0.82–0.96) and pre‐menopausal women (HR = 0.77; 0.65–0.91). Waist and hip circumference reflected associations with BMI, when examined individually, and provided biased risk estimates, when combined with BMI. In conclusion, preferential positive associations of ABSI or inverse of HI with several major cancers indicate an important role of factors determining body shape in cancer development.
The predictive value of vessels encapsulating tumor clusters in treatment optimization for recurrent early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Yuan , Guo Zhi‐Xing , Lu Liang‐He , Mei Jie , Lin Wen‐Ping , Li Shao‐Hua , Wei Wei , Guo Rong‐Ping
Published: July 2021

Background

The predictive value of vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) in recurrent early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic significance of VETC in patients with recurrent early‐stage HCC after repeat hepatic resection (RHR) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

From December 2005 to December 2016, 138 patients receiving RHR and 188 patients receiving RFA were recruited. VETC was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for CD34. The survival outcomes of patients with VETC pattern or not were investigated.

Results

There was no significant difference between the RHR and RFA groups in disease‐free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) as determined by the univariate analysis of the whole cohort. In the subgroup analysis of the VETC‐positive cohort, the patients in the RHR group showed a longer median DFS time in contrast to those in the RFA group (15.0 vs. 5.0 months, p = 0.001). Similarly, the patients in the RHR group showed a longer median OS time in contrast to those in the RFA group (39.5 vs. 19 months, p = 0.001). In the VETC‐negative cohort, no significant differences in DFS and OS rates between the RHR and RFA groups were observed (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of our study suggested that RHR was relatively safe and superior to RFA in improving survival outcomes for recurrent early‐stage HCC after initial hepatectomy. Furthermore, the VETC pattern may represent a reliable marker for selecting HCC patients who may benefit from RHR.
Who is coming through the door? A national survey of self‐reported problems among post‐secondary school students who have attended campus mental health services in Canada
Authors: Ogrodniczuk John S. , Kealy David , Laverdière Olivier
Published: July 2021

Objective

Considerable evidence has accumulated pointing to a wide array of mental health problems experienced by students attending post‐secondary schools. Yet, much less attention has been focused on understanding who actually accesses mental health services on post‐secondary campuses.

Methods

The current study reports on a national survey of 8,248 students attending 41 post‐secondary campuses across Canada who have accessed their schools' mental health services. The survey solicited self‐reported problems among attendees of campus mental health services. Descriptive statistics (means, frequencies) were utilised to summarise responses to items relating to psychological symptoms, suicidal and self‐injurious behaviours, stress, impediments to academic performance, and future mental health help seeking.

Results

Respondents reported very high levels of stress, with approximately 95% indicating being overwhelmed (n = 7,863) and exhausted (n = 7,803). More than 80% of respondents conveyed feeling very sad (n = 7,200), overwhelming anxiety (n = 6,892) and very lonely (n = 6,670). One quarter (26.1%; n = 2,146) had considered suicide. The most frequently endorsed impediments to academic performance included stress, anxiety, depression and sleep, with nearly three‐quarters (73%; n = 6,018) of respondents indicating that academic work has been traumatic or very difficult to handle.

Conclusion

The findings of this survey provide a clearer picture of the types of issues that are brought forth by students who avail themselves of campus mental health services, thus enabling such services to better tailor their offerings to the needs of their clientele.
Interculturality and social skills? Relationships of the stays abroad of students of different faculties with intercultural and social competence
Authors: Genkova Petia , Schreiber Henrik , Gäde Meike
Published: July 2021

Possessing skills in social and intercultural interaction is vitally important for employees who work in globalized environments, especially as people's working lives tend to involve an increasingly large amount of service‐related activities. As a consequence, universities offer cultural studies courses and strive to enable their students to study abroad for a period of time. However, there is still no widely shared agreement on how intercultural experiences and cultural preparation courses predict the perception, thinking and acting of individuals. Therefore, the study at hand uses a cross‐sectional design with N = 430 participants in order to investigate whether students of cultural studies gain more intercultural competencies during the time spent studying abroad, compared to studies of other subjects. The results reveal that students of cultural subjects show significantly higher levels of cultural empathy and openness in the post hoc measurement, even though there was no interaction effect with the amount of time spent studying abroad. Length of stay abroad had a significant indirect effect on social competence via all the dimensions of the Multicultural Personality Questionnaire. Moreover, results indicate that flexibility to adapt one's behaviour to cultural norms may predict problems when returning to one's home country.
Cation Ordering and Exsolution in Copper‐Containing Forms of the Flexible Zeolite Rho (Cu,M‐Rho; M=H, Na) and Their Consequences for CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Lozinska Magdalena M. , Jamieson Sophie , Verbraeken Maarten C. , Miller David N. , Bode Bela E. , Murray Claire A. , Brandani Stefano , Wright Paul A.
Published: July 2021

The flexibility of the zeolite Rho framework offers great potential for tunable molecular sieving. The fully copper‐exchanged form of Rho and mixed Cu,H‐ and Cu,Na‐forms have been prepared. EPR spectroscopy reveals that Cu2+ ions are present in the dehydrated forms and Rietveld refinement shows these prefer S6R sites, away from the d8r windows that control diffusion. Fully exchanged Cu‐Rho remains in an open form upon dehydration, the d8r windows remain nearly circular and the occupancy of window sites is low, so that it adsorbs CO2 rapidly at room temperature. Breakthrough tests with 10 % CO2/40 % CH4 mixtures show that Cu4.9‐Rho is able to produce pure methane, albeit with a relatively low capacity at this pCO2 due to the weak interaction of CO2 with Cu cations. This is in strong contrast to Na‐Rho, where cations in narrow elliptical window sites enable CO2 to be adsorbed with high selectivity and uptake but too slowly to enable the production of pure methane in similar breakthrough experiments. A series of Cu,Na‐Rho materials was prepared to improve uptake and selectivity compared to Cu‐Rho, and kinetics compared to Na‐Rho. Remarkably, Cu,Na‐Rho with >2 Cu cations per unit cell exhibited exsolution, due to the preference of Na cations for narrow S8R sites in distorted Rho and of Cu cations for S6R sites in the centric, open form of Rho. The exsolved Cu,Na‐Rho showed improved performance in CO2/CH4 breakthrough tests, producing pure CH4 with improved uptake and CO2/CH4 selectivity compared to that of Cu4.9‐Rho.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Multi‐Substituted Tetrahydrofurans via Palladium/Rhodium Synergistic Catalyzed [3+2] Decarboxylative Cycloaddition of Vinylethylene Carbonates
Authors: Ming Siliang , Qurban Saira , Du Yu , Su Weiping
Published: July 2021

Unlike the comprehensive development of tandem multi‐metallic catalysis, bimetallic synergistic catalysis has been challenging to achieve high stereoselectivity with the generation of multi‐stereogenic centers. Herein, an efficient synergistic catalysis for the diastereo‐ and enantioselective synthesis of multi‐substituted tetrahydrofuran derivatives has been developed. Under mild reaction conditions, a series of target molecules with three consecutive stereocenters were synthesized by a palladium(0)/rhodium(III) bimetal‐catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative [3+2]‐cycloaddition of vinylethylene carbonates with α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds. The corresponding adducts were obtained with moderate to high yields (67 %∼98 %) and excellent stereoselectivities (>20 : 1 d.r., up to 99 % ee).
NHC Effects on Reduction Dynamics in Iron‐Catalyzed Organic Transformations**
Authors: Wolford Nikki J. , Muñoz Salvador B. , Neate Peter G. N. , Brennessel William W. , Neidig Michael L.
Published: July 2021

The high abundance, low toxicity and rich redox chemistry of iron has resulted in a surge of iron‐catalyzed organic transformations over the last two decades. Within this area, N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been widely utilized to achieve high yields across reactions including cross‐coupling and C−H alkylation, amongst others. Central to the development of iron‐NHC catalytic methods is the understanding of iron speciation and the propensity of these species to undergo reduction events, as low‐valent iron species can be advantageous or undesirable from one system to the next. This study highlights the importance of the identity of the NHC on iron speciation upon reaction with EtMgBr, where reactions with SIMes and IMes NHCs were shown to undergo β‐hydride elimination more readily than those with SIPr and IPr NHCs. This insight is vital to developing new iron‐NHC catalyzed transformations as understanding how to control this reduction by simply changing the NHC is central to improving the reactivity in iron‐NHC catalysis.
Differences in activated clotting time and total unfractionated heparin dose during pulmonary vein isolation in patients on different anticoagulation therapy
Authors: Zeljkovic Ivan , Brusich Sandro , Scherr Daniel , Velagic Vedran , Traykov Vassil , Pernat Andrej , Anic Ante , Szavits Nossan Janko , Jan Matevz , Bakotic Zoran , Pezo Nikolic Borka , Radeljic Vjekoslav , Bojko Ana , Benko Ivica , Manola Sime , Pavlovic Nikola
Published: July 2021

Background

Periprocedural pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) anticoagulation requires balancing between bleeding and thromboembolic risk. Intraprocedural anticoagulation is monitored by activated clotting time (ACT) with target value >300 s, and there are no guidelines specifying an initial unfractionated heparin (UFH) dose.

Methods

We aimed to assess differences in ACT values and UFH dosage during PVI in patients on different oral anticoagulants. We conducted an international, multi‐center, registry‐based study. Consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing PVI, on uninterrupted anticoagulation therapy, were analyzed. Before transseptal puncture, UFH bolus of 100 IU/kg was administered regardless of the anticoagulation drug.

Results

Total of 873 patients were included (median age 61 years, IQR 53–66; female 30%). There were 248, 248, 189, 188 patients on warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban, respectively. Mean initial ACT was 257 ± 50 s, mean overall ACT 295 ± 45 s and total UFH dose 158 ± 60 IU/kg. Patients who were receiving warfarin and dabigatran compared to patients receiving rivaroxaban and apixaban had: (i) significantly higher initial ACT values (262 ± 57 and 270 ± 48 vs. 248 ± 42 and 241 ± 44 s, p < .001), (ii) significantly higher ACT throughout PVI (309 ± 46 and 306 ± 44 vs. 282 ± 37 and 272 ± 42 s, p < .001), and (iii) needed lower UFH dose during PVI (140 ± 39 and 157 ± 71 vs. 171 ± 52 and 172 ± 70 IU/kg).

Conclusion

There are significant differences in ACT values and UFH dose during PVI in patients receiving different anticoagulants. Patients on warfarin and dabigatran had higher initial and overall ACT values and needed lower UFH dose to achieve adequate anticoagulation during PVI than patients on rivaroxaban and apixaban.
ErbB4 mediates amyloid β‐induced neurotoxicity through JNK/tau pathway activation: Implications for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhang Heng , Zhang Ling , Zhou Dongming , Li Hongfei , Xu Yang
Published: July 2021

Accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) in the brain is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We previously showed that ErbB4 in parvalbumin (PV)‐positive interneurons was associated with Aβ‐induced cognitive deficits; however, the underlying mechanism remains undetermined. Here we found that specific deletion of ErbB4 in PV neurons significantly attenuated oligomeric Aβ‐induced neuronal toxicity and inhibited Aβ‐induced decreases of PSD95 and synaptophysin. Moreover, specific ablation of ErbB4 in PV neurons altered activity‐related protein c‐Fos and decreased hippocampal PV neurons, especially in the dentate gyrus (DG) of hAPP‐J20 mice. Furthermore, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), a protein downstream of ErbB4, was activated by Aβ but not ErbB4's ligand neuregulin 1 (NRG1) β1, suggesting different downstream pathways for Aβ and NRG1β1. JNK phosphorylation was inhibited by the ErbB4 inhibitor AG1478 and by pretreatment with NRG1β1. More importantly, siRNA knockdown of ErbB4 decreased JNK phosphorylation and expression, tau phosphorylation at Ser396 and Thr 205, and Bax expression. Therefore, ErbB4 might mediate Aβ‐induced neuropathology through the JNK/tau pathway and represent a potential therapeutic target in patients with AD.