bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupling Electrocatalytic Nitric Oxide Oxidation over Carbon Cloth with Hydrogen Evolution Reaction for Nitrate Synthesis
Authors: Wang Dongdong , He Nihan , Xiao Lei , Dong Fan , Chen Wei , Zhou Yangyang , Chen Chen , Wang Shuangyin
Published: August 2021

NO is a harmful pollutant to the environment. The traditional removal of NO is hindered by the harsh operating conditions and sacrifice of value‐added chemicals. Efficient electrocatalytic oxidation of NO was achieved over plasma‐treated commercial carbon cloth, serving as a promising anode substitution reaction to couple with the hydrogen evolution reaction without consumption of hydrogen‐containing resources. The introduction of carboxyl groups onto the carbon cloth boosted the electrocatalytic activity via the enhancement of NO chemisorption. Only potentials of 1.39 V and 1.07 V were applied to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2in neutral and acidic conditions, respectively, which is superior to the state‐of‐the‐art electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution. Energy and environmental concerns on fossil‐fuel‐derived hydrogen production, ammonia manufacture and nitrate synthesis, are greatly alleviated. This work provides an original strategy to realize the resource utilization of NO, the sustainable nitrate synthesis and hydrogen production in a green and economical way.
Electronic Modulation Caused by Interfacial Ni‐O‐M (M=Ru, Ir, Pd) Bonding for Accelerating Hydrogen Evolution Kinetics
Authors: Deng Liming , Hu Feng , Ma Mingyue , Huang Shao‐Chu , Xiong Yixing , Chen Han‐Yi , Li Linlin , Peng Shengjie
Published: August 2021

Designing definite metal‐support interfacial bond is an effective strategy for optimizing the intrinsic activity of noble metals, but rather challenging. Herein, a series of quantum‐sized metal nanoparticles (NPs) anchored on nickel metal–organic framework nanohybrids (M@Ni‐MOF, M=Ru, Ir, Pd) are rationally developed through a spontaneous redox strategy. The metal‐oxygen bonds between the NPs and Ni‐MOF guarantee structural stability and sufficient exposure of the surface active sites. More importantly, such precise interfacial feature can effectively modulate the electronic structure of hybrids through the charge transfer of the formed Ni‐O‐M bridge and then improves the reaction kinetics. As a result, the representative Ru@Ni‐MOF exhibits excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity at all pH values, even superior to commercial Pt/C and recent noble‐metal catalysts. Theoretical calculations deepen the mechanism understanding of the superior HER performance of Ru@Ni‐MOF through the optimized adsorption free energies of water and hydrogen due to the interfacial‐bond‐induced electron redistribution.
Ni‐Catalyzed Arylbenzylation of Alkenylarenes: Kinetic Studies Reveal Autocatalysis by ZnX2**
Authors: Dhungana Roshan K. , Sapkota Rishi R. , Wickham Laura M. , Niroula Doleshwar , Shrestha Bijay , Giri Ramesh
Published: August 2021

We report a Ni‐catalyzed regioselective arylbenzylation of alkenylarenes with benzyl halides and arylzinc reagents. The reaction furnishes differently substituted 1,1,3‐triarylpropyl structures that are reminiscent of the cores of oligoresveratrol natural products. The reaction is also compatible for the coupling of internal alkenes, secondary benzyl halides and variously substituted arylzinc reagents. Kinetic studies reveal that the reaction proceeds with a rate‐limiting single‐electron‐transfer process and is autocatalyzed by in‐situ‐generated ZnX2. The reaction rate is amplified by a factor of three through autocatalysis upon addition of ZnX2.
Palladium nanoparticle supported on nitrogen‐doped porous carbon: Investigation of structural properties and catalytic activity on Suzuki–Miyaura reactions
Authors: Buğday Nesrin , Altın Serdar , Yaşar Sedat
Published: August 2021

Novel palladium‐doped nanoporous carbon composite material obtained via thermolysis of amorphous zeolitic imidazolate framework (aZIF) was synthesized and used as an efficient catalyst on Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions of aryl bromides. With this developed catalytic system, the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction was accomplished in aqueous solutions, and biaryls were obtained in good to excellent yields in a short reaction time. The APC‐750@Pd catalyst was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Eicroscopy (SEM), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis tecniques. N‐doped porous carbon material (NPC‐1000) was synthesized by thermolysis from aZIF. Activated porous carbon material (APC‐750) was fabricated via fused at 750°C with KOH from NPC‐1000. The APC‐750@Pd was obtained as a result of the interaction of APC‐750 and PdCl2in deionized water. The cross‐coupling reaction of different aryl bromides with phenylboronic acid was investigated to show the potential of the APC‐750@Pd in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions. The APC‐750@Pd catalyst could be recycled at least five times with a 15% loss of catalytic efficiency in this catalytic system.
Use of organogel‐based emulsions (o/w) as a tool to increase the bioaccessibility of lupeol, curcumin, and quercetin
Authors: Rocha‐Guzmán Nuria Elizabeth , Cháirez‐Ramírez Manuel Humberto , Pérez‐Martínez Jamie David , Rosas‐Flores Walfred , Ornelas‐Paz José de Jesús , Moreno‐Jiménez Martha Rocio , González‐Laredo Rubén Francisco , Gallegos‐Infante Jose Alberto
Published: August 2021

Lupeol, curcumin, and quercetin are naturally occurring compounds present in plants, with some beneficial health effects. In the present study, organogel‐based emulsions (o/w) were obtained from edible oils to increase their bioaccessibility and intestinal permeability. Particle size analysis, rheology test, optical microscopy, in vitro digestibility, and permeability of nutraceuticals by cell culture and UPLC‐MS/MS were performed. Particle hydrodynamic diameters obtained in organogel‐based emulsions loaded with nutraceuticals were <200 nm, polydispersity index was around 0.25–0.4, and zeta potential was about −19 to −25 mV. Droplets in emulsions presented spherical shapes and adjusted to the Herschel–Bulkley model. Interestingly, bioaccessibility and intestinal permeability of lupeol was increased compared with its crystalline form, opposite to the observed for curcumin and quercetin; therefore, organogel‐based emulsions loaded with lupeol have potential for controlled oral delivery of this nutraceutical.
Effects of sample thickness on the combustion and smoke characteristics of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride
Authors: Li Ang , Huang Biqing , Wu Hongmei , Zhang Wenlong , Zhou Ru , Ding Yanming
Published: August 2021

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), as an important engineering plastic, its combustion and smoke characteristics were studied based on different thicknesses using cone calorimeter. The main combustion parameters including thermal thickness, ignition time, mass loss rate (MLR), heat release rate (HRR), fire performance index (FPI), fire growth index (FGI), smoke production rate (SPR), and CO/CO2 were discussed. Results show that the thermal thickness increases with the decrease of external heat flux. The first or second peaks of MLR and HRR curves based on three thicknesses have a good linear relationship with the external heat flux. The heat of gasification is estimated as 8.09 kJ/g according to slope by the first and second MLR curves as a function of the external heat flux. The calculation results of effective heat of combustion show that thickness can affect the heat release during combustion. In addition, the positive correlation between the first peak SPR and the first peak HRR not only indicates that CPVC is a combustible material, but also shows there is a correlation between the heat release and smoke emission of CPVC during combustion.
Analysis of histamine and sisomicin in gentamicin: Search for the causative agents of adverse effects
Authors: Wohlfart Jonas , Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: August 2021

In 1998, the aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin sulfate caused several cases of deaths in the United States, after the switch from twice‐ to once‐daily application. Endotoxins were discussed as the cause for the adverse effects and sisomicin was identified as the lead impurity; batches containing sisomicin were contaminated with more impurities and were responsible for the fatalities. In 2016, anaphylactic reactions in horses, and later in humans with one fatality, were observed after application of gentamicin sulfate contaminated with histamine. To determine whether histamine was responsible for the 1990s death cases as well, histamine was quantified by means of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) in 30 samples of gentamicin sulfate analyzed in previous studies. Furthermore, a relative quantification of sisomicin was performed to check for a correlation between histamine and the lead impurity. A maximum amount of 11.52 ppm histamine was detected, which is below the limit for anaphylactic reactions of 16 ppm, and no correlation of the two impurities was observed. However, the European Medicines Agency recommends a stricter limit with regard to the maximum single dose of gentamicin sulfate to reach a greater gap between the maximum histamine exposition of 4.3 µg and the quantity known to cause hypotension of 7 µg. The low amounts of histamine and the fact that there is no connection with the contamination with sisomicin showed that histamine was not the cause for the death cases in the United States in 1998, and endotoxins remain the most probable explanation.
Classification and analysis of PubPeer comments: How a web journal club is used
Authors: Ortega José Luis
Published: August 2021

This study explores the use of PubPeer by the scholarly community, to understand the issues discussed in an online journal club, the disciplines most commented on, and the characteristics of the most prolific users. A sample of 39,985 posts about 24,779 publications were extracted from PubPeer in 2019 and 2020. These comments were divided into seven categories according to their degree of seriousness (Positive review, Critical review, Lack of information, Honest errors, Methodological flaws, Publishing fraud, and Manipulation). The results show that more than two‐thirds of comments are posted to report some type of misconduct, mainly about image manipulation. These comments generate most discussion and take longer to be posted. By discipline, Health Sciences and Life Sciences are the most discussed research areas. The results also reveal “super commenters,” users who access the platform to systematically review publications. The study ends by discussing how various disciplines use the site for different purposes.
Gram‐Scale Production of Photothermally Active Tetrahedrite Nanoparticles for Solar‐Driven Water Evaporation
Authors: Regulacio Michelle D. , Heng Jerry Z. X. , Toh Yongming , Tang Karen Yuanting , Lin Ming , Ye Enyi
Published: August 2021

Pristine and substituted tetrahedrite nanoparticles have shown immense potential as low‐cost and sustainable materials for energy conversion applications. However, the commonly used synthetic methods for their production are cumbersome and are not easily scalable. In this work, we report a facile colloidal synthetic protocol for the preparation of phase‐pure samples of pristine (Cu12Sb4S13) and Zn‐substituted (Cu11ZnSb4S13) tetrahedrite nanoparticles on the gram scale. Both tetrahedrite compositions were found to be photothermally responsive, enabling their use in solar‐driven water evaporation.
Quantification of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances with a modified total organic carbon analyzer and ion chromatography
Authors: Wang Junli , Abusallout Ibrahim , Song Mingrui , Marfil‐Vega Ruth , Hanigan David
Published: August 2021

Quantification of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via mass spectrometry is highly sensitive but targets a limited number of compounds and the instrumentation is not available in many laboratories. We developed a methodology to determine total organofluorine by modifying a total organic carbon analyzer, which is common in laboratories across disciplines. Evolved hydrogen fluoride was captured in an impinger and analyzed by ion chromatography. Recovery of fluorine from 20 PFAS was dependent on terminal functional group and alkyl chain length. The method detection limit based on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) spiked samples was 36 μg‐F/L (52 μg PFOA/L). Fluorine recoveries of spiked PFAS in river water and wastewater were similar to those spiked in deionized water. The recovery of inorganic fluorine present in sodium fluoride was 91%. Therefore, researchers should be cautious when applying methods that pre‐combust samples to differentiate organo‐ and inorganic fluorine, because the combustion process may cause inadvertent losses of inorganic fluorine, resulting in an overestimation of organofluorine.

Article Impact Statement

Results enable the quantification of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances using equipment present in a greater number of laboratories than mass spectrometry‐based methods.
Supervised Learning of Synthetic Big Data for Li‐Ion Battery Degradation Diagnosis
Authors: Mayilvahanan Karthik S. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Takeuchi Esther S. , Marschilok Amy C. , West Alan C.
Published: August 2021

Models to understand and predict degradation can play a key role in improving the utility of Li‐ion batteries. While classical mechanistic models can describe the complex physics of degradation, more recently, data‐driven machine learning models have been increasingly utilized for state estimation and lifetime prediction. In this study, the physical grounding of mechanistic models is combined with the power of machine learning via the analysis of published synthetic low rate charge curves generated by a mechanistic model for different thermodynamic degradation modes. The analysis is applied to LFP, NMC, and NCA cells. A step‐by‐step procedure for developing interpretable machine learning models, including data set splitting, featurization, and model fitting for regression and classification tasks is outlined. Random forest regressors trained on features from incremental capacity analysis of the low rate charge curves can estimate degradation modes with a root mean squared error of 5 %. Further discussion is provided on what can be learned about feature importances, and these leanings are cross‐checked with expert defined features.
Einsatz kontinuierlicher faseroptischer Sensoren zum Monitoring von Bestandsbrücken
Authors: Novák Balthasar , Stein Franziska , Reinhard Jochen , Dudonu Andrian
Published: August 2021

Hinsichtlich der alternden Infrastruktur und fehlender Kapazitäten für Instandsetzungen und Neubauten werden aktuell und in Zukunft Maßnahmen notwendig, die Nutzungsdauer von Infrastrukturbauwerken mit rechnerischen und baulichen Defiziten zu verlängern. Ein Ansatz hierfür ist der Einsatz von Monitoringsystemen zur Zustandsüberwachung des Tragwerks und frühen Schadensdetektion. Durch Weiterentwicklungen der faseroptischbasierten Überwachungsmethoden besteht nach aktuellem Stand der Technik die Möglichkeit, Brückenbauwerke über die gesamte Bauwerkslänge mit faseroptischen Dehnmesskabeln zu überwachen. An der Universität Stuttgart wurden hierfür in enger Kooperation mit dem Ingenieurbüro Schömig‐Plan, Kleinostheim/Stuttgart Oberflächenapplikationen für die Anwendung kontinuierlicher Dehnmessfasern als Dauermonitoring zur Rissdetektion und Rissüberwachung an Bestandsbrücken in Massivbauweise untersucht, in Feldversuchen unter praxisrelevanten Randbedingungen installiert und die Leistungsfähigkeit getestet.
Nonparametric estimation of recursive point processes with application to mumps in Pennsylvania
Authors: Kaplan Andrew , Park Junhyung , Kresin Conor , Schoenberg Frederic
Published: August 2021

The self‐exciting Hawkes point process model (Hawkes, 1971) has been used to describe and forecast communicable diseases. A variant of the Hawkes model, called the recursive model, was proposed by Schoenberg et al. (2019) and has been shown to fit well to various epidemic disease datasets. Unlike the Hawkes model, the recursive model allows the productivity to vary as the overall rate of incidence of the disease varies. Here, we extend the data‐driven nonparametric expectation‐maximization method of Marsan and Lengliné (2008) in order to fit the recursive model without assuming a particular functional form for the productivity. The nonparametric recursive model is trained to fit to weekly reported cases of mumps in Pennsylvania during the January 1970–September 1990 time frame and then assessed using one week forecasts for the October 1990–December 2001 time period. Both its training and predictive ability are evaluated compared to that of other candidate models, such as Hawkes and SVEILR (susceptible, vaccinated, exposed, infected, lightly infected, recovered) compartmental models.
Malic enzyme 2 promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via increasing triglyceride production
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Cheng Zhi‐Mei , Yu Jia‐LI , Lu Kai , Xu Sheng‐Jie , Lu Yuan , Liu Ting , Xia Bai‐Juan , Huang Zhi , Zhao Xu‐Ya , He Wei , Li Jun‐Xiang , Cao Wei , Huang Yu , Wang Ling , Zeng Zhu , Zou Xun , Liu Rong , Zhang Yu‐Sui , Wu Xiao‐Ping , Jiang Tian‐Peng , Zhou Shi
Published: August 2021

The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are gradually increasing during the past years. Recently, some studies have reported that malic enzyme (ME) plays an important role in cancer development, while the involvement of ME2 in HCC remains still undetermined. Here, we demonstrated that ME2 played an oncogenic role in HCC. ME2 was overexpressed in HCC tissues. TCGA database showed that the ME2 transcript level was inversely associated with the survival of HCC patients. Loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function assays showed that ME2 promoted HCC cell growth and migration. Furthermore, the xenografted tumorigenesis of MHCC97H cells was retarded by ME2 knockdown. ME2 silencing also suppressed the cell cycle process and induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, ME2 potentiated triglyceride synthesis, inhibition of which suppressed the proliferation and migration. We propose that ME2 promotes HCC progression by increasing triglyceride production.
COVID‐19 was found in a patient's cerebrospinal fluid who presented with a severe form of Guillain‐Barre syndrome; A successful Sudanese story: Case report
Authors: Ibrahim Etedal Ahmed A. , Mohamed Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien , Salah Elmuntasir Taha , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla
Published: August 2021

COVID‐19 is a mysterious disease presented in different ways, so we have to deal with each patient nowadays thoroughly, including COVID‐19 testing as routine test. The Case report discusses the rare finding of COVID‐19 in CSF of GBS patient.
Rare clinical presentations of hyper‐IgE syndrome in a patient with dental abnormalities: A case report
Authors: Heidarzadeh Arani Marzieh , Ramezanali Yakhchali Atena , Gharagozlou Mohammad , Darougar Sepideh , Chavoshzadeh Zahra , Jamee Mahnaz , Motedayyen Hossein
Published: August 2021

Asthma and anaphylaxis are two atypical presentations of hyper‐IgE syndrome (HIES). Early diagnosis and management of HIES can improve quality of life of patients through minimizing orthodontic problems and other complications related to this disorder.
Convenient and Reusable Manganese‐Based Nanocatalyst for Amination of Alcohols
Authors: Subaramanian Murugan , Ramar Palmurukan M. , Sivakumar Ganesan , Kadam Ravishankar G. , Petr Martin , Zboril Radek , Gawande Manoj B. , Balaraman Ekambaram
Published: August 2021

The development of new sustainable nanocatalytic systems for green chemical synthesis is a growing area in chemical science. Herein, a reusable heterogeneous N‐doped graphene‐based manganese nanocatalyst (Mn@NrGO) for selective N‐alkylation of amines with alcohols is described. Mechanistic studies illustrate that the catalytic reaction follows a domino dehydrogenation‐condensation‐hydrogenation sequence of alcohols and amines with the formation of water as the sole by‐product. The scope of the reaction is extended to the synthesis of pharmaceutically important N‐alkylated amine intermediates. The heterogeneous nature of the catalyst made it easy to separate for long‐term performance, and the recycling study revealed that the catalyst was robust and retained its activity after several recycling experiments.
Dirhodium Carboxylate Catalysts from 2‐Fenchyloxy or 2‐Menthyloxy Arylacetic Acids: Enantioselective C−H Insertion, Aromatic Addition and Oxonium Ylide Formation/Rearrangement
Authors: Buckley Aoife M. , Crowley Daniel C. , Brouder Thomas A. , Ford Alan , Rao Khandavilli U. B. , Lawrence Simon E. , Maguire Anita R.
Published: August 2021

A new class of dirhodium carboxylate catalysts have been designed and synthesized from 2‐fenchyloxy or 2‐menthyloxy arylacetic acids which display excellent enantioselectivity across a range of transformations of α‐diazocarbonyl compounds. The catalysts were successfully applied to enantioselective C−H insertion reactions of aryldiazoacetates and α‐diazo‐β‐oxosulfones affording the respective products in up to 93 % ee with excellent trans diastereoselectivity in most cases. Furthermore, efficient desymmetrization in an intramolecular C−H insertion was achieved. In addition, these catalysts prove highly enantioselective for intramolecular aromatic addition with up to 88 % ee, and oxonium ylide formation and rearrangement with up to 74 % ee.
Alkali Metal Complexes of a Bis(diphenylphosphino)methane Functionalized Amidinate Ligand: Synthesis and Luminescence
Authors: Zovko Christina , Schoo Christoph , Feuerstein Thomas J. , Münzfeld Luca , Knöfel Nicolai D. , Lebedkin Sergei , Kappes Manfred M. , Roesky Peter W.
Published: August 2021

A novel bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (DPPM) functionalized amidine ligand (DPPM−C(N‐Dipp)2H) (Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) was synthesized. Subsequent deprotonation with suitable alkali metal bases resulted in the corresponding complexes [M{DPPM−C(N‐Dipp)2}(Ln)] (M=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs; L=thf, Et2O). The alkali metal complexes form monomeric species in the solid state, exhibiting intramolecular metal‐π‐interactions. In addition, a caesium derivative [Cs{PPh2CH2‐C(N‐Dipp)2}]6 was obtained by cleavage of a diphenylphosphino moiety, forming an unusual six‐membered ring structure in the solid state. All complexes were fully characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis. Furthermore, the photoluminescent properties of the complexes were thoroughly investigated, revealing differences in emission with regards to the respective alkali metal. Interestingly, the hexanuclear [Cs{PPh2CH2‐C(N‐Dipp)2}]6 metallocycle exhibits a blue emission in the solid state, which is significantly red‐shifted at low temperatures. The bifunctional design of the ligand, featuring orthogonal donor atoms (N vs. P) and a high steric demand, is highly promising for the construction of advanced metal and main group complexes.
Risk of prostate cancer for men with prior negative biopsies undergoing magnetic resonance imaging compared with biopsy‐naive men: A prospective evaluation of the PLUM cohort
Authors: Patel Hiten D. , Koehne Elizabeth L. , Shea Steven M. , Bhanji Yasin , Gerena Marielia , Gorbonos Alex , Quek Marcus L. , Flanigan Robert C. , Goldberg Ari , Gupta Gopal N.
Published: August 2021

Background

Men with prior negative prostate biopsies have a lower risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer in comparison with biopsy‐naive men. However, the relative clinical utility of identified lesions on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is uncertain between the 2 settings.

Methods

Patients from the Prospective Loyola University mpMRI (PLUM) Prostate Biopsy Cohort (January 2015 to June 2020) were examined. The detection of any prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥ 3 + 4) was stratified by Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) scores in the prior negative and biopsy‐naive settings. Multivariable logistic regression models (PLUM models) assessed predictors, and decision curve analyses were used to estimate the clinical utility of PI‐RADS cutoffs relative to the models.

Results

Nine hundred men (420 prior negative patients and 480 biopsy‐naive patients) were included. Prior negative patients had lower risks of any prostate cancer (27.9% vs 54.4%) and clinically significant prostate cancer (20.0% vs 38.3%) in comparison with biopsy‐naive patients, and this persisted when they were stratified by PI‐RADS (eg, PI‐RADS 3: 13.6% vs 27.4% [any prostate cancer] and 5.2% vs 15.4% [clinically significant prostate cancer]). The rate of detection of clinically significant prostate cancer was 5.3% among men with prior negative biopsy and PI‐RADS ≤ 3. Family history and Asian ancestry were significant predictors among biopsy‐naive patients. PLUM models demonstrated a greater net benefit and reduction in biopsies (45.8%) without missing clinically significant cancer in comparison with PI‐RADS cutoffs (PI‐RADS 4: 34.0%).

Conclusions

Patients with prior negative biopsies had lower prostate cancer detection by PI‐RADS score category in comparison with biopsy‐naive men. Decision curve analyses suggested that many biopsies could be avoided by the use of the PLUM models or a PI‐RADS 4 cutoff without any clinically significant cancer being missed.

Lay Summary

Men with a prior negative prostate biopsy had a lower risk of harboring prostate cancer in comparison with those who never had a biopsy.

This was true even when patients in each group had similar multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) findings in terms of Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS)–graded lesions.

Decision curve analyses showed that many biopsies could be avoided by the use of the Prospective Loyola University mpMRI prediction models or a PI‐RADS 4 cutoff for patients with prior negative biopsies.
Methodologies for Measuring Protein Trafficking across Cellular Membranes
Authors: Lyu Ziqi , Genereux Joseph C.
Published: August 2021

Nearly all proteins are synthesized in the cytosol. The majority of this proteome must be trafficked elsewhere, such as to membranes, to subcellular compartments, or outside of the cell. Proper trafficking of nascent protein is necessary for protein folding, maturation, quality control and cellular and organismal health. To better understand cellular biology, molecular and chemical technologies to properly characterize protein trafficking (and mistrafficking) have been developed and applied. Herein, we take a biochemical perspective to review technologies that enable spatial and temporal measurement of protein distribution, focusing on both the most widely adopted methodologies and exciting emerging approaches.
Exchanging data between computational fluid dynamic and thermodynamic models for improving numerical analysis of Stirling engines
Authors: Cheng Chin‐Hsiang , Phung Duc‐Thuan
Published: August 2021

In a numerical analysis of a Stirling engine, the thermal and flow fields in the cylinder are three‐dimensional and periodically varying. Therefore, a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis may provide detailed solution but it takes a long computation time to simulate enough number of cycles toward the final stable oscillatory regime. On the contrary, a thermodynamic model is relatively time‐effective; however, it is not sufficiently accurate because it is built under some ideal assumptions. In this study, a method of exchanging data between the two models is proposed to facilitate the simulation of Stirling engines. In this method, the CFD model provides some coefficients required by the thermodynamic model. The simulation is then advanced to the stable oscillatory regime by the thermodynamic model. The information of the stable oscillatory regime predicted by the thermodynamic model is introduced back to the CFD model to renew its initial guesses. Then, the CFD model corrects the required coefficients for the thermodynamic model. The iteration of prediction‐and‐correction continues until the exchanged information converges. Since the predicted initial guesses of the CFD analysis by the thermodynamic model are actually very close to the solutions in the stable oscillatory regime, the CFD model can achieve detailed solutions for the stable oscillatory regime in just a finite number of cycles. In this manner, the overall time consumption can be dramatically reduced and accuracy of the CFD analysis can be improved as well.
Microscopic heterogeneity and distribution characteristics of reservoirs controlled by a sequence framework: A case study of the Donghe sandstone reservoir in the Tarim Basin, SW China
Authors: Zhao Jun‐wei , Yin Sen‐lin
Published: August 2021

In this article, abundant coring analysis results from underground reservoirs were used to understand the characteristics of reservoir micro‐heterogeneity within a sequence stratigraphic framework, primarily including the distribution of reservoir particles, fillings, and pore‐throat heterogeneities. The vertical distribution pattern of the reservoir micro‐heterogeneity is then summarized, and the controlling effect of the sequence frameworks at different levels on the micro‐heterogeneity distribution is discussed. Generally, the micro‐heterogeneity within the quasi‐sequence decreases from bottom to top, which is characterized by coarsening grain size, increasing quartz content, decreasing feldspar, debris, clay mineral, and calcareous cement content. The pore volume and throat radius and pore–throat connectivity have also been better with weakening secondary pore development and permeability anisotropies. Differences are observed in the micro‐heterogeneity distribution between the retrograde quasi‐sequence group and the progradational quasi‐sequence group. The micro‐heterogeneity vertical distribution in the retrograde quasi‐sequence group shows one set of characteristics from bottom to top, in which the grain size becomes finer, the calcareous precipitation degree increases, and the micro‐heterogeneity of the reservoir generally shows enhanced trend upward; however, the micro‐heterogeneity vertical distribution in the progradational quasi‐sequence group shows the opposite characteristics. The micro‐heterogeneity of the reservoirs in the system tract also shows some regularity. The sea level in the high system tract has risen and fallen several times and shows a relative fallen trend overall, and the micro‐heterogeneity weakens while progressing upward. Reservoir micro‐heterogeneity variations in the sequence framework are of great significance for determining reservoir quality and performing predictions during oil and gas exploration and development.
Urokinase plasminogen activator mediates changes in human astrocytes modeling fragile X syndrome
Authors: Peteri Ulla‐Kaisa , Pitkonen Juho , de Toma Ilario , Nieminen Otso , Utami Kagistia Hana , Strandin Tomas M. , Corcoran Padraic , Roybon Laurent , Vaheri Antti , Ethell Iryna , Casarotto Plinio , Pouladi Mahmoud A. , Castrén Maija L.
Published: August 2021

The function of astrocytes intertwines with the extracellular matrix, whose neuron and glial cell‐derived components shape neuronal plasticity. Astrocyte abnormalities have been reported in the brain of the mouse model for fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability, and a monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder. We compared human FXS and control astrocytes generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells and we found increased expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), which modulates degradation of extracellular matrix. Several pathways associated with uPA and its receptor function were activated in FXS astrocytes. Levels of uPA were also increased in conditioned medium collected from FXS hiPSC‐derived astrocyte cultures and correlated inversely with intracellular Ca2+ responses to activation of L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels in human astrocytes. Increased uPA augmented neuronal phosphorylation of TrkB within the docking site for the phospholipase‐Cγ1 (PLCγ1), indicating effects of uPA on neuronal plasticity. Gene expression changes during neuronal differentiation preceding astrogenesis likely contributed to properties of astrocytes with FXS‐specific alterations that showed specificity by not affecting differentiation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐responsive astrocyte population. To conclude, our studies identified uPA as an important regulator of astrocyte function and demonstrated that increased uPA in human FXS astrocytes modulated astrocytic responses and neuronal plasticity.
Impact of natural mutations on the riboflavin transporter 2 and their relevance to human riboflavin transporter deficiency 2
Authors: Console Lara , Tolomeo Maria , Cosco Jessica , Massey Keith , Barile Maria , Indiveri Cesare
Published: August 2021

Riboflavin transporter deficiency 2 (RTD2) is a rare neurological disorder caused by mutations in the Solute carrier family 52 member 2 (Slc52a2) gene encoding human riboflavin transporter 2 (RFVT2). This transporter is ubiquitously expressed and mediates tissue distribution of riboflavin, a water‐soluble vitamin that, after conversion into FMN and FAD, plays pivotal roles in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. The 3D structure of RFVT2 has been constructed by homology modeling using three different templates that are equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1), Fucose: proton symporter, and glucose transporter type 5 (GLUT5). The structure has been validated by several approaches. All known point mutations of RFVT2, associated with RTD2, have been localized in the protein 3D model. Six of these mutations have been introduced in the recombinant protein for functional characterization. The mutants W31S, S52F, S128L, L312P, C325G, and M423V have been expressed in E. coli, purified, and reconstituted into proteoliposomes for transport assay. All the mutants showed impairment of function. The Km for riboflavin of the mutants increased from about 3 to 9 times with respect to that of WT, whereas Vmax was only marginally affected. This agrees with the improved outcome of most RTD2 patients after administration of high doses of riboflavin.
Medication access: Policy and practice opportunities for pharmacists
Authors: Sobeski Linda M. , Schumacher Christine A. , Alvarez Nancy A. , Anderson Keri C. , Bradley Bridget , Crowe Susie J. , Merlo Jessica R. , Nyame Adwoa , Rivera Kelley S. , Shapiro Nancy L. , Spencer Dustin D. , Van Dril Elizabeth
Published: August 2021

Medication access is critical to achieving optimal patient outcomes. The 2020 Task Force on Medication Access was charged with developing an ACCP white paper on improving medication access that addresses barriers such as cost, health disparities, and utilization management practices. This white paper outlines major barriers to medication access and provides pharmacists and professional organizations with policy and practice recommendations to help reduce barriers, enhance medication access, and fulfill the goal of optimal patient outcomes.
Strengthening Sisters: How Latter‐day Saint Missionary Service Prepares Women for Leadership
Authors: Lafkas Sara McPhee , Fox‐Kirk Wendy , Madsen Susan R. , Scribner Robbyn T.
Published: August 2021

Women, especially those from highly religious societies, are underrepresented in professional and civic leadership positions. Considering how women's life experiences, especially from religious volunteer opportunities, can be reframed as training for broader leadership roles could help address this disparity. The potential for women to learn leadership skills from volunteer religious service is an overlooked, but possibly important, means of transferability to larger leadership roles. The current article describes a qualitative study of women's perceptions of leadership skills gained while serving as full‐time volunteer missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐day Saints during young adulthood. Respondents described perceptions of leadership skills developed throughout missions as well as perceptions about how they are currently using these skills. Findings suggest many women perceived growth in leadership skills from missionary service, especially in the areas of interpersonal interactions and relationships, although they reported currently utilizing skills more in church and family roles rather than professional or civic ones. The study is discussed in the context of literature related to gender and types of leadership approaches, as well as Relational‐Cultural Theory. Implications for facilitating respondents' post‐mission skill transfer to future leadership roles are presented. Larger scale applications for women's leadership development are also considered.
Application of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Monitor the Early Antitumor Effect of CuS@GOD Nanoparticles in a 4 T1 Breast Cancer Xenograft Model
Authors: Ye Yao‐Jiang , Huang Xiu‐Jie , Luo Bi‐Chong , Wang Xiao‐Ying , Cai Xiang‐Ran
Published: August 2021

Background

We have developed hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) by co‐loading copper sulfide (CuS) NPs and glucose oxidase (GOD) (CuS@GOD NPs) to explore their antitumor properties.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging (IVIM‐DWI) and R2* mapping to quantitatively assess the early antitumor effect of CuS@GOD NPs.

Study type

Prospective.

Animal model

The orthotopic BALB/c mice 4 T1 breast cancer model. The 4 T1 xenografts in group 1 mice received normal saline, group 2 received CuS@GOD NPs, group 3 received CuS NPs plus laser, and group 4 received CuS@GOD NPs plus laser (n = 28 for each group).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T/IVIM‐DWI MRI single‐shot echo‐planar imaging, R2* mapping spoiled gradient recalled echo (SPGR) sequence, T2‐weighted images (T2WI) and T1‐weighted images (T1WI) fast spin echo (FSE) sequence.

Assessment

The IVIM‐DWI and R2* mapping were performed before and after treatment at 0 hour, 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 24 hours in four groups and the MRI parameters were obtained. Correlation analysis between the MRI parameters and histological analyses was conducted.

Statistical Tests

One‐way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation analysis, two independent samples t test, intraclass correlation coefficient. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

In group 4, the tumoral D value was significantly higher than that of group 2 at 24 hours (0.541 ± 0.065 vs. 0.492 ± 0.051). The f value of group 4 was significantly lower than that of groups 1 and 2 at 2 hours (10.83 ± 2.16 vs. 14.28 ± 1.86, 16.67 ± 3.53, respectively). The R2* value was significantly increased at 0 hour in group 4 compared to that of groups 1 and 2 (64.552 ± 4.663 vs. 42.441 ± 1.516, 43.165 ± 1.709, respectively). D, f, and R2* were correlated with the histological staining results (r = 0.695–0.970).

Data Conclusion

The IVIM‐DWI‐derived D and f and R2* mapping‐derived R2* could monitor early response to CuS@GOD NPs treatment in vivo.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Effect of mutation and vaccination on spread, severity, and mortality of COVID‐19 disease
Authors: Zawbaa Hossam M. , Osama Hasnaa , El‐Gendy Ahmed , Saeed Haitham , Harb Hadeer S. , Madney Yasmin M. , Abdelrahman Mona , Mohsen Marwa , Ali Ahmed M. A. , Nicola Mina , Elgendy Marwa O. , Ibrahim Ihab A. , Abdelrahim Mohamed E. A.
Published: August 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has had different waves within the same country. The spread rate and severity showed different properties within the COVID‐19 different waves. The present work aims to compare the spread and the severity of the different waves using the available data of confirmed COVID‐19 cases and death cases. Real‐data sets collected from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science were used to perform a comparative study between COVID‐19 different waves in 12 countries with the highest total performed tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 detection in the world (Italy, Brazil, Japan, Germany, Spain, India, USA, UAE, Poland, Colombia, Turkey, and Switzerland). The total number of confirmed cases and death cases in different waves of COVID‐19 were compared to that of the previous one for equivalent periods. The total number of death cases in each wave was presented as a percentage of the total number of confirmed cases for the same periods. In all the selected 12 countries, Wave 2 had a much higher number of confirmed cases than that in Wave 1. However, the death cases increase was not comparable with that of the confirmed cases to the extent that some countries had lower death cases than in Wave 1, UAE, and Spain. The death cases as a percentage of the total number of confirmed cases in Wave 1 were much higher than that in Wave 2. Some countries have had Waves 3 and 4. Waves 3 and 4 have had lower confirmed cases than Wave 2, however, the death cases were variable in different countries. The death cases in Waves 3 and 4 were similar to or higher than Wave 2 in most countries. Wave 2 of COVID‐19 had a much higher spread rate but much lower severity resulting in a lower death rate in Wave 2 compared with that of the first wave. Waves 3 and 4 have had lower confirmed cases than Wave 2; that could be due to the presence of appropriate treatment and vaccination. However, that was not reflected in the death cases, which were similar to or higher than Wave 2 in most countries. Further studies are needed to explain these findings.
Analysis of serum cytokine and protective vitamin D levels in severe cases of COVID‐19
Authors: Bayraktar Nihayet , Turan Hamdiye , Bayraktar Mehmet , Ozturk Ali , Erdoğdu Hamza
Published: August 2021

In this study, we investigated the role and relationship between the cytokine profile and protective vitamin D by measuring their serum levels in COVID‐19 intensive care unit patients with severe illnesses. A total of 74 patients were included in our study. Patients were divided into two groups. Patients in the COVID‐19 group (n = 31) and individuals without a history of serious illness or infection were used as the control group (n = 43). The serum concentrations of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐21, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Levels of serum vitamin D were detected with Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry methodologies. TNF‐α, IL‐1, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐21, and vitamin D levels were measured in all patients. The serum cytokine levels in the COVID‐19 patient group were significantly higher (151.59 ± 56.50, 140.37 ± 64.32, 249.02 ± 62.84, 129.04 ± 31.64, and 123.58 ± 24.49, respectively) than control groups. Serum vitamin D was also significantly low (6.82 ± 3.29) in patients in the COVID‐19 group than the controls (21.96 ± 5.39). Regarding the correlation of vitamin D with cytokine levels, it was significantly variable. Our study shows that COVID‐19 patients are associated with lower serum vitamin D and higher pro‐inflammatory cytokines associated with increased virus presence. Our data provide more evidence of the anti‐inflammatory effect of vitamin D on COVID‐19 patients and the protective effects of vitamin D on risk were demonstrated.
Metformin accelerates wound healing by Akt phosphorylation of gingival fibroblasts in insulin‐resistant prediabetes mice
Authors: Kominato Hiromi , Takeda Kohei , Mizutani Koji , Mikami Risako , Kido Daisuke , Buranasin Prima , Saito Natsumi , Takemura Shu , Nakagawa Keita , Nagasawa Toshiyuki , Iwata Takanori
Published: August 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effects of metformin on gingival wound healing in insulin‐resistant prediabetes.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice were fed normal diet (ND) or high‐fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks; half of the HFD mice were treated with metformin (HFD+ Met) for the last 2 weeks. Insulin and glucose tolerance tests were performed. The palatal gingiva (2.0 × 0.5 mm) was surgically removed adjacent to the maxillary molars. Post‐surgical wound closure was histomorphometrically evaluated for 1 week. The mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the tissue were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. In vitro, the proliferation and migration of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) cultured under high‐glucose or control conditions with/without metformin were analyzed. Akt phosphorylation and VEGF expression following the insulin stimulation were evaluated with/without metformin in high‐glucose or control media.

Results

HFD mice showed significantly higher plasma glucose levels and insulin resistance than ND mice. Gingival wound healing was delayed in HFD group compared with ND group but significantly improved in HFD + MET group. The decreased expression of VEGF and eNOS in HFD group was significantly elevated in the HFD + MET group. The proliferation and migration of HGFs were significantly impaired in high‐glucose conditions compared with control; metformin treatment partially attenuated these effects. Metformin treatment significantly recovered the downregulated Akt phosphorylation and VEGF expression in high‐glucose conditions.

Conclusions

Metformin improved delayed gingival wound healing in insulin‐resistant prediabetes by accelerating HGFs proliferation and migration via Akt phosphorylation in insulin signaling pathway.
Marine biofilms on different fouling control coating types reveal differences in microbial community composition and abundance
Authors: Papadatou Maria , Robson Samuel C. , Dobretsov Sergey , Watts Joy E. M. , Longyear Jennifer , Salta Maria
Published: August 2021

Marine biofouling imposes serious environmental and economic impacts on marine applications, especially in the shipping industry. To combat biofouling, protective coatings are applied on vessel hulls which are divided into two major groups: biocidal and non‐toxic fouling release. The current study aimed to explore the effect of coating type on microbial biofilm community profiles to better understand the differences between the communities developed on fouling control biocidal antifouling and biocidal‐free coatings. Biocidal (Intersmooth® 7460HS SPC), fouling release (Intersleek® 900), and inert surfaces were deployed in the marine environment for 4 months, and the biofilms that developed on these surfaces were investigated using Illumina NGS sequencing, targeting the prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene. The results confirmed differences in the community profiles between coating types. The biocidal coating supported communities dominated by Alphaproteobacteria (Loktanella, Sphingorhabdus, Erythrobacter) and Bacteroidetes (Gilvibacter), while other taxa, such as Portibacter and Sva0996 marine group, proliferated on the fouling‐release surface. Knowledge of these marine biofilm components on fouling control coatings will serve as a guide for future investigations of marine microfouling as well as informing the coatings industry of potential microbial targets for robust coating formulations.