bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Toluene on Male Reproductive Parameters in Wistar Rats
Authors: Obinna Victoria C. , Agu Gabriel O.
Published: July 2021

Aim: The study assessed the effect of oral exposure of toluene on male reproductive parameters.

Methodology: Twenty rats (190±10g bwt) were randomly assigned to four groups (n=5). Group A (Control) was treated with olive oil (0.5ml), Group B received 31.8mg/kg, Group C received 63.6mg/kg and Group D received 127.2mg/kg. All administrations were by oral gavage for 21 days. Thereafter, the rats were anaesthetized and samples were taken as follows: Blood was used for testosterone assay, caudal epididymides was taken to analyze for sperm count and sperm cell char­acteristics while testes was weighed and prepared for histomorphology.

Results: No significant difference in the relative testicular weights, epididymal sperm count, sperm viability, motility and morphology relative to control. Marked reduction (p = 0.001; group C & p = 0.018; group D) in testosterone level occurred in Groups C and D rats treated with 63.6mg/kg and 127.2mg/kg doses of toluene respectively. No anomaly in histoarchitecture of the testes in all the treated rats in comparison with control.

Conclusion: Exposure to toluene by oral route may be noxious to male reproductive functions due to the reduction in testosterone level at higher doses.
Lipid Based Drug Delivery System: A Review
Authors: Zubair Abdul-Hamid Abubakar , Sheshe Sadeeq Muhammad , Bashir Muhammad Ribado , Sade Sani Muhammad
Published: July 2021

Associated with the old/traditional of method of drug delivery are several limitation ranging from first-pass effect, low tolerance, minimal bioavailability, fluctuation of plasma drug concentration which result to less or no desired effect produced. This call for the demand for a more efficient drug administration technique. Lipid systems are biocompatible, inert and biodegradable, stable and deliver at the target with the desired effect. This paper attempt to describe several types of lipid particles used to deliver drug compounds and their applications as therapeutic agent in treating different clinical condition.
Correlation between Parents Decision Making in School and School-Community Linkages in Public Primary Schools in Eldoret East Sub County, Kenya
Authors: Mburu Faith Jepkogei , Ronoh Thomas , Ngumi Owen
Published: July 2021

Early childhood educators have traditionally linked school success to parental involvement and they frequently fail to establish strong links between home and school. This study sought to establish the correlation between parents’ decision making in school and school-community linkages in public primary schools in Eldoret East Sub County. The study adopted the Ecological Systems Theory on child’s development within the context of the system of relationships that form his or her environment. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Descriptive survey research design was adopted because it was appropriate for obtaining factual information about the correlation between parent’s decision making in school and school-community linkages in public primary schools in Eldoret East Sub County. This study used a descriptive survey research design. The sample size comprised of 30 head teachers, 240 teachers and 30 school chairpersons. Simple random sampling was used to select teachers, while purposive sampling was used to select head teachers and SMC chairpersons. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS V. 24) computer program and presented using tables. The findings revealed that there was a positive relationship between the decision making and school-community linkages [r=.774, n=264, p<.05]. The study concluded that the parents’ contribution in decision making helps the schools achieve higher grades and test scores, improve their school attendance and increased motivation of pupils. The families play an active involvement in school decisions and governance and the families participate in school as volunteers and committee members. The study recommends that the recognition of the primary roles of parents as vital members of the decision-making body in the schools.
Bridging the Gap Between Symptom Onset and Diagnosis in Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Passalent Laura , Sundararajan Kala , Perruccio Anthony V. , Hawke Christopher , Coyte Peter C. , Bombardier Claire , Bloom Jeff A. , Haroon Nigil , Inman Robert D. , Rampersaud Y. Raja
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate a stratified screening process for the early identification of axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) with consideration of the following: 1) wait times from primary care to rheumatology screen, 2) incremental precision and accuracy from primary care to rheumatology screening, and 3) diagnostic delay.

Methods

Adults with low back pain attending primary care at low back pain clinics prospectively underwent a primary standardized clinical screening. Patients with low back pain of >3 months who experienced symptom onset at age <50 years were referred for a comprehensive secondary screening by a physical therapist with advanced rheumatology training. At secondary screening, patients with features of inflammation were classified as being at a low, medium, or high risk for axial SpA versus no risk for axial SpA. Precision and accuracy of this screening strata were measured against a rheumatologist with expertise in axial SpA.

Results

Overall, 405 patients underwent primary and secondary screening in the present study. The study cohort had a mean ± SD age of 36.9 ± 9.9 years, and 55% were women. HLA–B27 was present in 14.4% of patients. Median wait time from primary screening to secondary screening was 15 days. Axial SpA risk assignment by rheumatologist was 64.9% for no risk or low risk for axial SpA and 35.1% for medium risk or high risk for axial SpA. The best combination of sensitivity (68%), specificity (90%), positive predictive values (80%), and negative predictive values (84%) was evident in the secondary screening. In this cohort, 15.6% of patients received a final diagnosis of axial SpA. Median low back pain duration from symptom onset to diagnosis was 2 years for nonradiographic axial SpA and 7 years for ankylosing spondylitis.

Conclusion

A stratified interprofessional screening process can facilitate rapid diagnosis of persistent low back pain with high precision and accuracy in patients who have axial SpA.
ONDCP director nominated: It's Gupta
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2021

Last week, the long‐awaited White House pick for director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) was announced: Rahul Gupta, M.D. ADAW readers may remember Gupta from his tenure as health commissioner in West Virginia, during the decade‐long moratorium on new opioid treatment programs that he declined to lift (see “OTPs increasing in number and strength as people feel pain of opioid epidemic,” ADAW, June 12, 2017; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.30977).
Controlled Chemical Functionalization toward 3D‐2D Carbon Nanohorn‐MoS2 Heterostructures with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity for Protons Reduction
Authors: Kagkoura Antonia , Arenal Raul , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: July 2021

The realization of novel heterostructures arising from the combination of nanomaterials is an effective way to modify their physicochemical and electrocatalytic properties, giving them enhanced characteristics stemming from their individual constituents. Interfacing carbon nanohorns (CNHs) possessing high porosity, large specific surface area, and good electrical conductivity, with MoS2 owning multiple electrocatalytic active sites but lacking significant conductivity, robust interactions, and effective structure, can be a strategy to boost the electrocatalytic reduction of protons to molecular hydrogen. Herein, in a stepwise approach, complementary functional groups are covalently introduced at the conical tips and sidewalls of CNHs, along with the basal plane of MoS2, en route the construction of 3D‐2D CNH‐MoS2 heterostructures. The increased MoS2 loading onto CNHs, improving and facilitating charge delocalization and transfer in neighboring CNHs, along with the plethora of active sites, results in excellent electrocatalytic activity for protons reduction, same as that of commercial Pt/C. Minute overpotential is registered, low Tafel slope and small charge‐transfer resistance for electrocatalyzing the evolution of hydrogen from the newly prepared heterostructure of 0.029 V, 71 mV dec−1, and 34.5 Ω, respectively. Furthermore, the stability of the 3D‐2D CNH‐MoS2 heterostructure is validated after performing 10 000 ongoing electrocatalytic cycles.
Silicon‐Photonics Point Sensor for High‐Resolution Optoacoustic Imaging
Authors: Shnaiderman Rami , Mustafa Qutaiba , Ülgen Okan , Wissmeyer Georg , Estrada Héctor , Razansky Daniel , Chmyrov Andriy , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: July 2021

The recent development of ultrasound sensing using the silicon‐photonics platform has enabled super‐resolution optoacoustic imaging not possible by piezoelectric technology or polymeric optical microresonators. The silicon waveguide etalon detector (SWED) design exploits the sub‐micrometer light confinement in the cross‐section of a silicon strip waveguide to achieve a sensor aperture which is 13‐fold to 30‐fold smaller than the cutoff wavelength of the sensor. While its performance in near‐field scanning optoacoustic imaging has been previously studied, the operational characteristics of this sensor as it relates to conventional optoacoustic imaging applications are not known. Here, for the first time, the application of the SWED in optoacoustic mesoscopy is investigated, the interaction of the sensor with ultrasound in the far‐field is characterized, the acoustic point spread function up to a depth of 10 mm is measured, and 3D vasculature‐mimicking phantoms are imaged. The measured point spread function of the sensor shows that surface acoustic waves can degrade the lateral resolution. Nevertheless, superior resolution is demonstrated over any state‐of‐the‐art ultrasound sensor, over the whole range of imaging depths that are of interest to optoacoustic mesoscopy. Silicon photonics is proposed as a powerful and promising new platform for ultrasonics and optoacoustics.
Designing Photochromic Materials with Large Luminescence Modulation and Strong Photochromic Efficiency for Dual‐Mode Rewritable Optical Storage
Authors: Yang Zetian , Du Jiaren , Martin Lisa I. D. J. , Feng Ang , Cosaert Ewoud , Zhao Bo , Liu Wanlu , Van Deun Rik , Vrielinck Henk , Poelman Dirk
Published: July 2021

Inorganic materials combining photochromism and luminescence modulation characteristics have great potential in dual‐mode rewritable optical storage due to their unique optical features and excellent thermal stability. However, the failure of achieving a large luminescence modulation and a strong photochromic efficiency in photostimulated inorganic photochromic materials limits their applications. Herein, a new strategy for realizing an overlap between the photochromic absorption peak and the photoluminescent emission/excitation peak is proposed for designing high‐performance photochromic materials. The obtained BaMgSiO4: M (M = Ce3+, Mn2+, or Nd3+) ceramics exhibit a reversible white‐pink color change upon alternate 310 nm and 590 nm illumination (or thermal stimulus) accompanied by a high photochromic efficiency (>50%). Benefiting from a perfectly matched photochromic absorption peak and Mn2+ emission peak, a record luminescence modulation of 96.3% with excellent fatigue resistance is obtained in BaMgSiO4: Mn2+ ceramics. These properties are superior to all photochromic materials reported to date, demonstrating great potential in optical information storage applications. The trap‐related photochromic and regulated luminescence behavior is investigated together with a prototype of a dual‐mode information display. This work is expected to promote the practical application of photochromic materials in various optical devices and provides an effective strategy to develop other photochromic materials.
3D Printing of Multilayered and Multimaterial Electronics: A Review
Authors: Goh Guo Liang , Zhang Haining , Chong Tzyy Haur , Yeong Wai Yee
Published: July 2021

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a manufacturing process in which the materials are deposited layer by layer in an additive manner. With the advancement in materials and manufacturing technology, 3D printing has found its applications in the field of electronics manufacturing. Initially, 3D printing is used for the fabrication of electronic components with single material designs such as resistors, inductors, circuits, antennas, strain gauges, etc. Recently, there are many works involving the use of 3D printing fabrication techniques for advanced electronic components and devices such as parallel plate capacitors, inductors, organic light‐emitting diodes, photovoltaics, transistors, displays, etc. which involve multilayer multimaterial printing. Despite these many works, there has been no review on the design and fabrication consideration for the 3D printing of multilayered and multimaterial (MLMM) electronics. As such, this review aims to summarize the current landscape of 3D printing of MLMM electronics and provide some insights on the design consideration, fabrication strategies, and challenges of 3D printing of MLMM electronics. In particular, the focus will be placed on discussing the interface conditions between different materials such as surface wettability, surface roughness, material compatibility, and the considerations for postprocessing treatments.
Efficient Inhibition of SARS‐CoV‐2 Using Chimeric Antisense Oligonucleotides through RNase L Activation**
Authors: Su Xiaoxuan , Ma Wenxiao , Feng Di , Cheng Boyang , Wang Qian , Guo Zefeng , Zhou Demin , Tang Xinjing
Published: July 2021

There is an urgent need to develop antiviral drugs and alleviate the current COVID‐19 pandemic. Herein we report the design and construction of chimeric oligonucleotides comprising a 2′‐OMe‐modified antisense oligonucleotide and a 5′‐phosphorylated 2′‐5′ poly(A)4 (4A2‐5) to degrade envelope and spike RNAs of SARS‐CoV‐2. The oligonucleotide was used for searching and recognizing target viral RNA sequence, and the conjugated 4A2‐5 was used for guided RNase L activation to sequence‐specifically degrade viral RNAs. Since RNase L can potently cleave single‐stranded RNA during innate antiviral response, degradation efficiencies with these chimeras were twice as much as those with only antisense oligonucleotides for both SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA targets. In pseudovirus infection models, chimera‐S4 achieved potent and broad‐spectrum inhibition of SARS‐CoV‐2 and its N501Y and/or ΔH69/ΔV70 mutants, indicating a promising antiviral agent based on the nucleic acid‐hydrolysis targeting chimera (NATAC) strategy.
Standardisierung und Kontrolle von Grignard‐Reaktionen mittels Online‐NMR in einer universellen chemischen Syntheseplattform
Authors: Bornemann‐Pfeiffer Martin , Wolf Jakob , Meyer Klas , Kern Simon , Angelone Davide , Leonov Artem , Cronin Leroy , Emmerling Franziska
Published: July 2021

Ein Problem der chemischen Literatur ist die fehlende Standardisierung bezüglich genauer Bedingungen, auch Echtzeit‐Korrekturen sind ohne Expertenwissen nur schwer möglich. Dieser Mangel an Details erschwert experimentelle Reproduzierbarkeit, da Schritte oft mehrdeutig sind und daher von implizitem Wissen abhängen. Hier präsentieren wir die Integration von Online‐NMR Spektroskopie in eine automatisierte chemische Syntheseplattform (CSM aka. “Chemputer”, unter Verwendung einer universellen Programmiersprache zur Synthese kleiner Moleküle fähig), um eine automatisierte Analyse und Anpassung von Reaktionen im laufenden Betrieb zu ermöglichen. Das System wurde anhand von Grignard‐Reaktionen, die aufgrund ihrer Bedeutung für die Synthese ausgewählt wurden, validiert und einem Härtetest unterzogen. Synthesen wurden in Echtzeit mit Online‐NMR überwacht, und die Spektren wurden während der Reaktionen kontinuierlich aufgenommen und analysiert. Dies zeigt, dass der Chemputer dynamisch mittels einer Regelung kontrolliert werden kann, um die Reaktionsbedingungen entsprechend den Anforderungen des Benutzers zu optimieren.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Decarboxylative Addition of β‐Keto Acids to Heteroatom‐Substituted Allenes
Authors: Jang Dong‐Jin , Lee Sukhyun , Lee Juyeol , Moon Dohyun , Rhee Young Ho
Published: July 2021

The Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric addition reaction of β‐keto acids to heteroatom‐substituted allene is reported. This reaction generates β‐substituted ketones in an asymmetric manner through a branch‐selective decarboxylative allylation pathway. The reaction accommodates various alkoxyallenes as well as amidoallenes.
Carbon fiber/epoxy vitrimer composite patch cured with bio‐based curing agents for one‐step repair metallic sheet and its recyclability
Authors: Lorwanishpaisarn Narubeth , Kasemsiri Pornnapa , Srikhao Natwat , Son Changhee , Kim Seok , Theerakulpisut Somnuk , Chindaprasirt Prinya
Published: July 2021

Vitrimers have gained a great deal of attention from researchers, yet research on its application is still lacking. This study, a novel bio‐based vitrimer was developed from epoxy (EP) and bio‐based curing agents, that is, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) and citric acid (CA), and then reinforced by carbon fiber. The vitrimers with different ratios of acid to epoxy (R ratio) at 0.30–0.40 contained ester and ether linkages. All EP/CA/CNSL vitrimers showed the stress relaxation over 70–100°C due to transesterification. The vitrimers were applied as polymer matrices for the carbon fiber composites and then used as repair patches. By using the carbon fiber‐reinforced vitrimer with the R ratio of 0.30, patch repair on a damaged alloy sheet revealed that approximately 98% of the tensile strength of the damaged alloy sheet was recovered. The vitrimer can be dissolved from carbon fiber composite to recover carbon fiber. The recovered carbon fiber retained good tensile strength compared to the pristine composite. Based on this study, the EP/CA/CNSL vitrimers showed the comparable thermomechanical properties with the epoxy vitrimer cured by the petroleum‐based curing agent. The vitrimer composite patch could therefore be an alternative new repair method to extend the service life of damaged structures.
High‐flux and solvent‐selective membranes with aromatic functionalities and dual‐layer structures
Authors: Hao Lan , Cui Xulin , Wu Xiaoli , Wang Jingtao , Li Yifan , Li Wenpeng , Cao Xingzhong , Zhang Haoqin
Published: July 2021

Efficient separation of aromatic‐aliphatic hydrocarbon mixtures has long been an important topic in chemical industries. Organic nanofiltration (OSN) has been revealing great promise in separating solvent mixtures that has not been effectively resolved by the state‐of‐the‐art technologies. Herein, novel OSN membranes are designed for the separation of toluene and n‐heptane. Polyamide active layer with diaminonaphthalene as the aqueous phase monomer is prepared by interfacial polymerization for the first time. The addition of polydimethylsiloxane gutter layer, as well as the combination of spin coating technique and macroporous substrate, renders the membranes with loose and defect‐free architectures. The as‐designed membranes achieve a rather high selectivity of toluene over n‐heptane (>4) together with ultra‐high toluene permeance (>180 L m−2 h−1 bar−1). These membranes also present excellent stability in the long‐term operation.
Defective Early B Cell Tolerance Checkpoints in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis Allow the Production of Self Antigen–Specific Clones
Authors: Glauzy Salome , Olson Brennan , May Christopher K. , Parisi Daniele , Massad Christopher , Hansen James E. , Ryu Changwan , Herzog Erica L. , Meffre Eric
Published: July 2021

Objective

Early selection steps preventing autoreactive naive B cell production are often impaired in patients with autoimmune diseases, but central and peripheral B cell tolerance checkpoints have not been assessed in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This study was undertaken to characterize early B cell tolerance checkpoints in patients with SSc.

Methods

Using an in vitro polymerase chain reaction–based approach that allows the expression of recombinant antibodies cloned from single B cells, we tested the reactivity of antibodies expressed by 212 CD19+CD21lowCD10+IgMhighCD27− new emigrant/transitional B cells and 190 CD19+CD21+CD10−IgM+CD27− mature naive B cells from 10 patients with SSc.

Results

Compared to serum from healthy donors, serum from patients with SSc displayed elevated proportions of polyreactive and antinuclear‐reactive new emigrant/transitional B cells that recognize topoisomerase I, suggesting that defective central B cell tolerance contributes to the production of serum autoantibodies characteristic of the disease. Frequencies of autoreactive mature naive B cells were also significantly increased in SSc patients compared to healthy donors, thus indicating that a peripheral B cell tolerance checkpoint may be impaired in SSc.

Conclusion

Defective counterselection of developing autoreactive naive B cells in SSc leads to the production of self antigen–specific B cells that may secrete autoantibodies and allow the formation of immune complexes, which promote fibrosis in SSc.
Expansion of Photostable Luminescent Radicals by Meta‐Substitution
Authors: Hattori Yohei , Tsubaki Shunsuke , Matsuoka Ryota , Kusamoto Tetsuro , Nishihara Hiroshi , Uchida Kingo
Published: July 2021

Polychlorinated pyridyldiphenylmethyl radicals having substituents meta to the position bearing the carbon‐centered radical (α‐carbon) are synthesized. All of them are stable in ambient conditions in solutions and fluorescent in cyclohexane. The fluorescence of the radicals with bromo, phenyl, 4‐chlorophenyl, or 2‐pyridyl substituents are enhanced in chloroform, while the emission of the radicals with 2‐thienyl or 2‐furyl substituents are quenched in chloroform. DFT and TD‐DFT calculations indicate that the first doublet excited states of the former are locally excited, while the first doublet excited states of the latter are charge transfer states from the π‐electron‐donating substituent to the accepting radical. The latter also show much higher photostability under 370‐nm light irradiation compared with the first reported photostable fluorescent radical, (3,5‐dichloro‐4‐pyridyl)bis(2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl)methyl radical (PyBTM), with pronounced bathochromic shifts of the fluorescence.
Facial emotion training as an intervention in autism spectrum disorder: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Wu Renjing , Zhu Siyu , Le Jiao , Chen Yuanshu , Lan Chunmei , Yao Shuxia , Zhao Weihua , Kendrick Keith M.
Published: July 2021

A large number of computer‐based training programs have been developed as an intervention to help individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) improve their facial emotion recognition ability, as well as social skills. However, it is unclear to what extent these facial emotion training programs can produce beneficial, long‐lasting, and generalizable results. Using standard meta‐analytic techniques, we investigated the effects of facial emotion training including generalization and maintenance restricted to randomized control trial studies comprising a total of 595 individuals with ASD. Our findings revealed that the intervention resulted in a robust improvement in emotion recognition for individuals receiving training compared with controls. However, while there was also some evidence for generalization of training effects, the small number of studies which conducted follow‐ups and assessed social skills reported that improvements were not maintained and there was no evidence for general improvement in social skills. Overall, the analysis revealed a medium effect size in training improvement indicating that facial emotion training may be an effective method for enhancing emotion recognition skills in ASD although more studies are required to assess maintenance of effects and possible general improvements in social skills.

Lay summary

Facial emotion training as an intervention may be a potential way to help improve emotion recognition in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however robust empirical support for its efficacy has not been sufficiently established. Here, we conducted a meta‐analysis of previous studies to summarize the effects of facial emotion training on ASD. Our results show that the training produces a robust improvement in subsequent emotion recognition, while maintenance and generalization effects still need further investigation. To date, no experimentally verified improvements in social skills have been reported.
Improved Electrochemical Performance of Zinc Anodes by EDTA in Near‐Neutral Zinc−Air Batteries
Authors: Montiel Guerrero Saul Said , Durmus Yasin Emre , Dzieciol Krzysztof , Basak Shibabrata , Tempel Hermann , van Waasen Stefan , Kungl Hans , Eichel Rüdiger‐A.
Published: July 2021

The influence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) electrolyte additive on the performance of Zn−air batteries with near‐neutral chloride‐based electrolytes was examined for primary and secondary batteries. The electrochemical measurements indicated that Zn is not completely active in neat 2 M NaCl, but still could be discharged up to 1 mA cm−2 around −1.0 VAg/AgCl. The characterization of the Zn surfaces revealed the existence of a passive film consisting of Simonkolleite, Zn(OH)2, and/or ZnO. The EDTA additive enhanced the discharge voltages by 200 mV to −1.2 VAg/AgCl indicating an active Zn surface. The effect of EDTA is explained by its chelation abilities with Zn2+ before formation of hydroxide or oxide species. The Zn−air cells with EDTA were operated up to 930 h with specific energies up to 840 Wh kgZn−1. The cells could also be cycled up to 70 cycles while providing enhanced discharge voltages at 1.15 V over 50 cycles. The positive effect of EDTA is dependent on the amount of free EDTA molecules. Nevertheless, the Zn−air cells showed better performance in terms of higher discharge voltage, discharge energies, and lower overpotentials in presence of EDTA.
Investigation of the combustion and emissions of lignin‐derived aromatic oxygenates in a marine diesel engine
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Kouris Georgios D , Kouris Panos D , Hensen Emiel J M , Boot Michael D , Wu Dawei
Published: July 2021

As a hard‐to‐decarbonize sector, the shipping industry is experiencing demands to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to alternative low‐carbon fuels, to significantly reduce the negative impacts on the environment. Biofuels are regarded as one of the solutions for decarbonization in the marine sector. This paper introduces a lignin‐derived drop‐in biofuel, 2‐methoxy‐4‐propylphenol (2M4PP), from non‐edible feedstocks and investigates engine performance using its 10% (by volume) blend with standard diesel fuel (DF) at variable engine speeds and loads. Results show insignificant difference between the in‐cylinder pressures of the proposed blend and DF. The diesel‐2M4PP blend emits less carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NOx) than DF at all speeds by up to 39.6% and 10.7% respectively, although its brake‐specific fuel consumption (BSFC) is higher. A Ricardo wave model, which is validated with engine experimental data at 2400 rpm speed and full load, is investigated by adjusting injection pressure, injection timing, injection duration and nozzle diameter. The optimal parameters, i.e., 214 bar injection pressure, 6° injection timing, 41.4° injection duration, and 0.37 mm injector orifice, lead to the best engine performance with improved brake power, reduced NOx emissions, and limited influence on BSFC and hydrocarbon emissions compared to DF. © 2021 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Carbonstäbe im Bauwesen – Teil 5: Einflussfaktoren auf das Verbundverhalten
Authors: Betz Peter , Schumann Alexander , Scheerer Silke , Curbach Manfred
Published: July 2021

Nachdem in den vorherigen Veröffentlichungen dieser Publikationsserie die Grundlagen beschrieben sowie die ersten Vorversuche zum Verbundverhalten von Carbonstäben veröffentlicht wurden, folgt in diesem Beitrag die Darstellung wesentlicher Einflussfaktoren auf das Verbundverhalten von carbonstabbewehrten Betonbauteilen. Für eine ausgewählte Stabvariante – einen Carbonstab mit einer gefrästen Oberflächenprofilierung – werden konkret die Einflüsse von Betonfestigkeit und Verbundlänge auf das Verbundverhalten experimentell untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen u. a., dass mit der gewählten Stabvariante die maximal übertragbaren Verbundspannungen mit höheren Betonfestigkeiten ansteigen. Des Weiteren konnte eine Grenzverbundspannung für den Carbonstab nachgewiesen werden, ab welcher mit ansteigender Betonfestigkeit keine höhere Verbundfestigkeit mehr erwartet werden kann. In diesem Fall trat dies erst bei der Verwendung eines ultrahochfesten Betons auf. Analytische Modelle zur Berücksichtigung der verschiedenen Einflüsse schließen den Beitrag ab.
Noninvasive, label‐free, and quantitative monitoring of lipase kinetics using terahertz emission technology
Authors: Nahar Sharifun , Mohamed Ahmed , Ropagnol Xavier , Hassanpour Amir , Kiwa Toshihiko , Ozaki Tsuneyuki , Gauthier Marc A.
Published: July 2021

Enzymes catalyze chemical transformations of great importance in many fields, and analysis of the rate of these transformations is equally important. The latter are typically monitored using surrogate substrates that produce quantifiable optical signals, owing to limitations associated with “label‐free” techniques that could be used to monitor the transformation of original substrate molecules. In this study, terahertz (THz) emission technology is used as a noninvasive and label‐free technique to monitor the kinetics of lipase‐induced hydrolysis of several substrate molecules (including the complex substrate whole cow's milk) and horseradish peroxidase‐catalyzed oxidation of o‐phenylenediamine in the presence of H2O2. This technique was found to be quantitative, and kinetic parameters are compared to those obtained by proton NMR spectroscopy or UV/Vis spectroscopy. This study sets the stage for investigating THz emission technology as a tool for research and development involving enzymes, and for monitoring industrial processes in the food, cosmetic, detergent, pharmaceutical, and biodiesel sectors.
Chemometric analysis of active compounds and antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities for the quality evaluation of licorice from different origins
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , Guo Xinhua , Zhao Ping , Zhang Xuemin , Gao Wenyuan , Li Xia
Published: July 2021

Contents of total flavonoids (TFc), total phenolics (TPc), and total crude polysaccharide (TCPc) in licorice from different origins were determined by optimized colorimetric methods, whereas five monomer ingredients (liquiritin [LQ], isoliquiritin [ILQ], liquiritigenin [LQG], isoliquiritigenin [ILQG], and glycyrrhizic acid [GA]) were simultaneously identified and quantified by HPLC–MS and HPLC. The results indicated that the contents of chemical compounds in licorice showed significant difference in different origins. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis further proved that producing area indeed affected the quality including compounds and pharmacological activity in licorice. Licorice from Inner Mongolia exhibited the excellent DPPH assay, whereas samples from Gansu and Xinjiang showed high scavenging capacity to OH and ABTS free radicals. Meanwhile, α‐Glu inhibitory activity of licorice samples was four times higher than the antioxidant activity. Correlation analysis made clear that TFc and TCPc both strongly contribute to DPPH scavenge capacity at P < 0.01 level, whereas TCPc contributed to α‐Glu inhibitory activity at P < 0.05 level. This study would contribute to the comprehensive quality evaluation based on the compounds and pharmacological activity of licorice, and provide a reference for the choice of producing area to ensure the quality of licorice as a medicine.
Squalene epoxidase promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation through accumulating calcitriol and activating CYP24A1‐mediated MAPK signaling
Authors: He Luwei , Li Huaguang , Pan Chenyu , Hua Yutong , Peng Jiayin , Zhou Zhaocai , Zhao Yun , Lin Moubin
Published: July 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most malignant tumors with high incidence, yet its molecular mechanism is not fully understood, hindering the development of targeted therapy. Metabolic abnormalities are a hallmark of cancer. Targeting dysregulated metabolic features has become an important direction for modern anticancer therapy. In this study, we aimed to identify a new metabolic enzyme that promotes proliferation of CRC and to examine the related molecular mechanisms.

Methods

We performed RNA sequencing and tissue microarray analyses of human CRC samples to identify new genes involved in CRC. Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) was identified to be highly upregulated in CRC patients. The regulatory function of SQLE in CRC progression and the therapeutic effect of SQLE inhibitors were determined by measuring CRC cell viability, colony and organoid formation, intracellular cholesterol concentration and xenograft tumor growth. The molecular mechanism of SQLE function was explored by combining transcriptome and untargeted metabolomics analysis. Western blotting and real‐time PCR were used to assess MAPK signaling activation by SQLE.

Results

SQLE‐related control of cholesterol biosynthesis was highly upregulated in CRC patients and associated with poor prognosis. SQLE promoted CRC growth in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of SQLE reduced the levels of calcitriol (active form of vitamin D3) and CYP24A1, followed by an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Subsequently, MAPK signaling was suppressed, resulting in the inhibition of CRC cell growth. Consistently, terbinafine, an SQLE inhibitor, suppressed CRC cell proliferation and organoid and xenograft tumor growth.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that SQLE promotes CRC through the accumulation of calcitriol and stimulation of CYP24A1‐mediated MAPK signaling, highlighting SQLE as a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.
SphK1‐driven autophagy potentiates focal adhesion paxillin‐mediated metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wu Jiang‐Ni , Lin Lan , Luo Shi‐Bo , Qiu Xin‐Ze , Zhu Li‐Ye , Chen Da , Wei Er‐Dan , Fu Zhen‐Hua , Qin Meng‐Bin , Liang Zhi‐Hai , Huang Jie‐An , Liu Shi‐Quan
Published: July 2021

Invasion and metastasis are the main causes of colorectal cancer (CRC)‐related death. Accumulating evidence suggested that sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) promoted the metastasis of CRC and autophagy played an important role in SphK1 promoting the metastasis of malignancy. However, the mechanism by which SphK1‐driven autophagy promotes invasion and metastasis in CRC remains to be clarified. In the present study, immunohistochemical detection showed the expression of SphK1 and paxillin was higher in human CRC tissues than those of normal colorectal mucosal tissues, they were both associated with TNM staging, lymphatic, and distance metastasis. In addition, study of in situ tumor transplantation model in nude mice showed that the suppression of SphK1 inhibited the growth of colonic orthotopic implantation tumors and the expression of paxillin, p‐paxillin, LC3 in the tumor. So, SphK1 may promote CRC metastasis via inducing the expression of paxillin expression and its phosphorylation, in vivo. Furthermore, results of CCK8 assay, transwell and wound healing assays showed that SphK1 promoted the viability, invasion, and metastasis of CRC cells. Transmission electron microscopy detection showed that SphK1 is the key factor in autophagy induction in CRC cells. Moreover, western blot examination indicated that the expression of LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ, paxillin, p‐paxillin, MMP‐2, and vimentin was enhanced in SphK1‐overexpressed CRC cells and suppressed in SphK1 knockdown CRC cells, meanwhile, the expression of E‐cadherin was suppressed in SphK1‐overexpressed CRC cells and enhanced in SphK1 knockdown CRC cells. Suppression of autophagy by 3MA reversed the expression of paxillin and its phosphorylation in SphK1‐overexpressed CRC cells, indicated that SphK1‐driven autophagy induced the expression of paxillin and its phosphorylation in CRC cells. Together, these findings reveal that SphK1‐driven autophagy may promote the invasion and metastasis of CRC via promoting the expression of focal adhesion paxillin and its phosphorylation.
Peptide‐PAINT Enables Investigation of Endogenous Talin with Molecular Scale Resolution in Cells and Tissues
Authors: Fischer Lisa S. , Schlichthaerle Thomas , Chrostek‐Grashoff Anna , Grashoff Carsten
Published: July 2021

Talin is a cell adhesion molecule that is indispensable for the development and function of multicellular organisms. Despite its central role for many cell biological processes, suitable methods to investigate the nanoscale organization of talin in its native environment are missing. Here, we overcome this limitation by combining single‐molecule resolved PAINT (points accumulation in nanoscale topography) imaging with the IRIS (image reconstruction by integrating exchangeable single‐molecule localization) approach, enabling the quantitative analysis of genetically unmodified talin molecules in cells. We demonstrate that a previously reported peptide can be utilized to specifically label the two major talin isoforms expressed in mammalian tissues with a localization precision of <10 nm. Our experiments show that the methodology performs equally well as state‐of‐the‐art single‐molecule localization techniques, and the first applications reveal a thus far undescribed cell adhesion structure in differentiating stem cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate the applicability of this peptide‐PAINT technique to mouse tissues paving the way to single‐protein imaging of endogenous talin proteins under physiologically relevant conditions.
Non‐conventional method of pontic site preservation with laser‐assisted bone regeneration
Authors: Jayash Soher Nagi , Habash Ghassan , Kamal Mudar
Published: July 2021

This report presents an alternative method to the removal of failing implant and using a bone graft to preserve ridge which needs several months to heal and it is a costly technique. The pontic site was preserved by covering the failing implant with connective tissue and laser‐assisted peri‐implant defect regeneration.
Activated Carbon/Bentonite/Fe3O4 as Novel Nanobiocomposite for High Removal of Cr(VI) Ions
Authors: Yao Lei , Esmaeili Hossein , Haghani Mahboubeh , Roco-Videla Angel
Published: July 2021

Activated carbon/bentonite/magnetite nanobiocomposite was used to remove Cr(VI) ions from water. The physical properties of the nanocomposite were characterized by various spectroscopic analyses. The specific surface area of the nanocomposite was 337.96 m2g−1, which is a significant value. The maximum uptake efficiency and maximum uptake capacity of the adsorbent were 98 % and 29.32 mg g−1, respectively, which are also considerable values. The maximum uptake efficiency was obtained at pH 9, after 80 min, at a nanocomposite dosage of 2 g L−1, an ion concentration of 5 mg L−1, and a temperature of 25 °C. The thermodynamic study indicated that the sorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. The nanocomposite reusability study after six cycles of reuse demonstrated that the bionanocomposite can be used for up to three cycles without significant change in its uptake efficiency.
Auf den Spuren Primo Levis und des Periodischen Systems
Authors: Groß Katharina , Bornemann Katharina , Sommershof Susanne
Published: July 2021

Auch in den naturwissenschaftlichen Fächern kann Antisemitismusprävention direkt und/oder indirekt berücksichtigt werden. Der Beitrag setzt den jüdischen Chemiker Primo Levi in den Mittelpunkt der Betrachtung und zeigt auf, wie Ausschnitte aus seinem Buch Das periodische System für den fächerübergreifenden Chemie‐ und den fächerverbindenden Projektunterricht mit Schülerinnen und Schülern didaktisch sinnvoll aufbereitet werden können.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of CF3Se‐Substituted α‐Amino Acid Derivatives
Authors: Han Zhou‐Zhou , Dong Tao , Ming Xiao‐Xia , Kuang Fu , Zhang Cheng‐Pan
Published: July 2021

Several CF3Se‐substituted α‐amino acid derivatives, such as (R)‐2‐amino‐3‐((trifluoromethyl)selanyl)propanoates (5 a/6 a), (S)‐2‐amino‐4‐((trifluoromethyl)selanyl)butanoates (5 b/6 b), (2R,3R)‐2‐amino‐3‐((trifluoromethyl)selanyl)butanoates (5 c/6 c), (R)‐2‐((S)‐2‐amino‐3‐phenylpropanamido)‐3‐((trifluoromethyl)selanyl)propanoates (11 a/12 a), and (R)‐2‐(2‐aminoacetamido)‐3‐((trifluoromethyl)selanyl)propanoates (11 b/12 b), were readily synthesized from natural amino acids and [Me4N][SeCF3]. The primaryin vitrocytotoxicity assays revealed that compounds6 a,11 aand12 awere more effective cell growth inhibitors than the other tested CF3Se‐substituted derivatives towards MCF‐7, HCT116, and SK‐OV‐3 cells, with their IC50values being less than 10 μM for MCF‐7 and HCT116 cells. This study indicated the potentials of CF3Se moiety as a pharmaceutically relevant group in the design and synthesis of novel biologically active molecules.
Delays in breast cancer care by race and sexual orientation: Results from a national survey with diverse women in the United States
Authors: Poteat Tonia C. , Adams Mary Anne , Malone Jowanna , Geffen Sophia , Greene Naomi , Nodzenski Michael , Lockhart Alexandre G. , Su I‐Hsuan , Dean Lorraine T.
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite known differences in breast cancer by both race and sexual orientation, data on the intersectional experiences of Black sexual minority women (BSMW) along the care continuum are scant. This study sought to understand delays in breast cancer care by examining the intersection of race and sexual orientation.

Methods

This online, cross‐sectional survey enrolled racially and sexually diverse women aged ≥ 35 years who had been diagnosed with breast cancer within the prior 10 years or had an abnormal screening in the prior 24 months. The authors calculated summary statistics by race/sexual orientation categories, and they conducted univariate and multivariable modeling by using multiple imputation for missing data.

Results

BSMW (n = 101) had the highest prevalence of care delays with 5.17‐fold increased odds of a care delay in comparison with White heterosexual women (n = 298) in multivariable models. BSMW reported higher intersectional stigma and lower social support than all other groups. In models adjusted for race, sexual orientation, and income, intersectional stigma was associated with a 2.43‐fold increase in care delays, and social support was associated with a 32% decrease in the odds of a care delay.

Conclusions

Intersectional stigma may be an important driver of breast cancer inequities for BSMW. Reducing stigma and ensuring access to appropriate social support that addresses known barriers can be an important approach to reducing inequities in the breast cancer care continuum.
Minimizers for the Thin One‐Phase Free Boundary Problem
Authors: Engelstein Max , Kauranen Aapo , Prats Martí , Sakellaris Georgios , Sire Yannick
Published: July 2021

We consider the “thin one‐phase" free boundary problem, associated to minimizing a weighted Dirichlet energy of the function inplus the area of the positivity set of that function in. We establish full regularity of the free boundary for dimensions, prove almost everywhere regularity of the free boundary in arbitrary dimension, and provide content and structure estimates on the singular set of the free boundary when it exists. All of these results hold for the full range of the relevant weight.

While our results are typical for the calculus of variations, our approach does not follow the standard one first introduced by Alt and Caffarelli in 1981. Instead, the nonlocal nature of the distributional measure associated to a minimizer necessitates arguments that are less reliant on the underlying PDE. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A pilot randomized controlled trial of online acceptance and commitment therapy versus compassion‐focused therapy for chronic illness
Authors: Carvalho Sérgio A. , Skvarc David , Barbosa Rosa , Tavares Tito , Santos Diana , Trindade Inês A.
Published: July 2021

Literature suggests that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is effective in improving well‐being and in reducing psychopathological symptoms commonly experienced by people with chronic illness (CI). Compassion‐focused therapy (CFT) reduces psychological distress, especially in individuals with high levels of shame and self‐criticism, but few studies have explored CFT in CI. Additionally, studies almost exclusively compared ACT and CFT with inactive controls (wait‐list; treatment as usual). Also, there is an interest in developing cost‐effective mental health solutions, such as low‐intensity online psychological interventions. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the acceptability and compare the efficacy of four‐session online ACT (n = 25) and CFT (n = 24) interventions in a sample of people with CI. Results showed both interventions were acceptable, with attrition rates at post‐intervention comparable to those found in similar studies (around 50%). Intention‐to‐treat analyses showed that participants presented significantly less illness‐related shame, less uncompassionate self‐responding and more valued living after the intervention, although no difference was found between conditions. Results were sustained at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up. Results did not find statistical differences between conditions through reliable change index (RCI). Correlation between demographics and RCI showed that, at post‐intervention, younger participants presented more behavioural awareness, men presented more valued action, and participants with CI for shorter periods presented less uncompassionate self‐responding and less anxiety. Results suggest that low‐intensity (four sessions) online ACT and CFT are cost‐effective approaches to promote mental health of individuals with CI. Results and limitations are thoroughly discussed.
Analysis and design of wireless power transfer system based on inductor‐capacitor‐capacitor/none magnetic integration compensation circuit
Authors: Liu Zhimeng , Wang Lifang , Tao Chengxuan , Li Shufan , Guo Yanjie , Li Fang
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the analysis and design of the wireless power transfer (WPT) system based on the inductor‐capacitor‐capacitor/none (LCC/N) magnetic integration compensation circuit. Compared with the traditional compensation circuits, the proposed LCC/N compensation circuit features the magnetic integration and the secondary side without compensation network, which makes the WPT system more compact. First, the fundamental‐harmonic model considering the coupling relationship among magnetically integrated compensation inductor, transmitter coil, and receiver coil is established. Then, the reactive power and turn‐off current of the inverter, transmission power, and efficiency of the WPT system employing LCC/N compensation circuit are analyzed with varied coupling coefficient and load. Furthermore, based on the characteristics analysis of the LCC/N topology, the parameter design criterion of the LCC/N compensation circuit is given. Finally, the analysis and design of the WPT system based on the LCC/N magnetic integration compensation circuit are verified by simulations and experiments. The results show that the characteristics analysis of the WPT system employing the LCC/N compensation circuit is accurate, the inverter can realize zero‐voltage‐switch (ZVS) and the WPT system can achieve the rated power of 1 kW under different offset distances of coils and reach the maximum efficiency of 95.3%.