bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking the Economic Development Implications of Trinity Policy Trade-offs in Nigeria: A Focus on GNI Per Capita Growth
Authors: Ozigbu Johnbosco , Nchom Humphrey , Ezekwe Christopher
Published: July 2021

This study deepens the understanding of the dynamic relationship between trinity policy trade-offs and GNI per capita in Nigeria between 1980 and 2020. The external reserve is introduced to the empirical model in recognition of its role in stimulating the effectiveness of trinity policy goals. Data for the variables were sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics, CBN Statistical Bulletin and World Bank World Development Indicators (WDI) among others. Descriptive statistics, Phillips-Perron unit root test, bounds cointegration and ARDL model as well as Tado-Yamamoto causality form basis for data analysis. The unit root test results reveal that the variables are mixed integrated. This necessitates the application of the bounds cointegration test. As observed from the results, a long-run relationship exists between GNI per capita and trinity policy indexes. It was found from the ARDL estimates that monetary autonomy and capital mobility have a significant positive effect on GNI per capita in both the short and long run. This suggests that more monetary policy sovereignty and openness of the financial architecture yield positive benefits of improved living standard. The result further showed evidence of long-run causality flowing from external reserve to GNI per capita. This finding explains why policymakers in Nigeria have continued to prioritize external reserve build-up for sterilized intervention and stimulating policy effectiveness. Given the findings, this study recommends that policymakers should strive to maintain appreciable monetary autonomy and gradually collapse restrictions on cross-border capital flows to improve economic well-being in Nigeria.
Image Compression Technique Based on Fractal Image Compression Using Neural Network – A Review
Authors: Naaman Diyar Waysi
Published: July 2021

Image compression research has increased dramatically as a result of the growing demands for image transmission in computer and mobile environments. It is needed especially for reduced storage and efficient image transmission and used to reduce the bits necessary to represent a picture digitally while preserving its original quality. Fractal encoding is an advanced technique of image compression. It is based on the image's forms as well as the generation of repetitive blocks via mathematical conversions. Because of resources needed to compress large data volumes, enormous programming time is needed, therefore Fractal Image Compression's main disadvantage is a very high encoding time where decoding times are extremely fast. An artificial intelligence technique similar to a neural network is used to reduce the search space and encoding time for images by employing a neural network algorithm known as the “back propagation” neural network algorithm. Initially, the image is divided into fixed-size and domains. For each range block its most matched domain is selected, its range index is produced and best matched domains index is the expert system's input, which reduces matching domain blocks in sets of results. This leads in the training of the neural network. This trained network is now used to compress other images which give encoding a lot less time. During the decoding phase, any random original image, converging after some changes to the Fractal image, reciprocates the transformation parameters. The quality of this FIC is indeed demonstrated by the simulation findings. This paper explores a unique neural network FIC that is capable of increasing neural network speed and image quality simultaneously.
Triglyceride Composition of Almond Seed Oil (Terminalia catappa) Grown in Nigeria using GC-MS and 1H-NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Sunday Afolayan S. , Abosede Fashanu T. , Daniel Enenche E. , Yetunde Adediji A. , Adenike Salawu R. , Oluwasanmi Lawal I.
Published: July 2021

Almond (Terminalia catappa) seeds are rich in oil; however, their study has received limited attention, with researches focused mainly on their health potentials. The present study assesses the composition of the fatty acid (FA) components present in the almond seed oils extracted using soxhlet apparatus and analysed by 1H-NMR (Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Generally, there was significant agreement between the results from the 1H-NMR and GC-MS analyses, however, 1H NMR gave more reliable and reproducible results. The GC-MS and 1H NMR results revealed that the oils contained oleic acid (>18 %), linoleic (>28%) linolenic acid (≤0.03 %) and saturated fatty acids (>44 %).
Prevalence of Anaemia at Booking amongst Antenatal Clinic Attendees in Some Health Facilities in Ogoni, South-South Nigeria
Authors: Eli S. , Popnen G. P. Tee , Kalio D. G. B. , Briggs N. C. T. , Okagua K. E.
Published: July 2021

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy is an indirect cause of maternal mortality. Myriad of factors predispose pregnant women to anaemia in pregnancy in the developing countries of the world of which poverty, illiteracy and ignorance are central. The prevalence of anaemia in the developing countries of the world is between 32% and 62.2%.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of anaemia amongst antenatal clinic attendees in Ogoni, South-South Nigeria and offer preventive measures.

Material and Methods: This was a retrospective four months cross-sectional study of antenatal clinic attendees at booking in three (3) primary health care facilities and general hospitals Bori and Tera, in Ogoni, South-South Nigeria. Three hundred and eighty (380) pregnant women’s biodata including their packed cell volume were collected. These pieces of information were computed using a structured proforma. The data were coded and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 25.

Results: The mean age of the study antenatal clinic attendees was 28 years. The mean gestational age at booking was 25weeks. The range for the packed cell volume was 25% to 36% and the mean packed cell volume at booking was 30%. Three hundred and eighteen (318) (84.0%) had anaemia (with packed cell volume less than 33%). Majority of patients 249 (65.6%) had mild anaemia There was none with severe anaemia. Majority of patients had secondary level of education represented by 275 (72.3%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of anaemia amongst antenatal clinic attendees at Ogoni was 84.0%. The role of pre-pregnancy care amongst women desirous of pregnancy, familly planning and the role of education cannot be over emphasized in the prevention of anaemia in pregnancy.
Clinical Presentation of Parkinson’s Disease: Experience of using Movement Disorder Society Clinical Diagnostic Criteria for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Huq Muhammad Rezeul , Hannan M. A. , Habib Md. Ahsan , Khan Ahad Mahmud
Published: July 2021

Aims: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder. As no definite diagnostic tests are available, diagnosis is done mostly clinically. UK Brain Bank criteria is commonly used globally for that purpose. In this study we used Movement Disorder Society (MDS) Clinical Diagnostic Criteria to diagnose PD and document the clinical presentations.

Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Methodology: This study was carried out in the department of neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, from May 2018 to April 2019. Total 42 patients (4 clinically established and 38 clinically probable PD) were enrolled as study population according to Movement Disorder Society (MDS) Clinical Diagnostic Criteria - 2015 for PD. Their patterns of clinical presentation were recorded.

Results: Among the PD patients, 31 were male and 11 were female. Mean age of all patients was 59.43 ± 11.34 years. The most common presenting feature was tremulous movement (90.5%) followed by slowness of movement (40.5%). Only 9% patients had early onset PD. All patients had history of positive response to dopaminergic therapy with documented resting tremor in 95.2%, and end-of-dose wearing off in 75.6%. Constipation was the commonest (69%) non motor symptom followed by sleep dysfunction (64.3%) & depression (50%). On examination- 100% patients had bradykinesia, 97.6% rest tremor, 95.2% rigidity, 21.4% mild dementia and 4.8% moderate dementia. Also 26.2% patients were found to have postural hypotension. 4 patients had red flag features- urinary retention was found in three patients and one patient suffered from recurrent early fall.

Conclusion: MDS Clinical Diagnostic Criteria   help in accurate diagnosis of PD and include more clinical features which will help in formulating management plan.
A Review on the Potential Application of Medicinal Species from Asteraceae Family in Cancer
Authors: Baile Sunil B. , Parmar Ghanshyam R. , Hadia Rajesh , Patel Shivkant , Dash Dillip Kumar , Khare Sarvajeet
Published: July 2021

Globally cancer is one of the most prevalent life-threatening diseases that have a significant impact on humans. The uncontrolled division of cells is a sign of the disease. Modern cancer therapies have several side effects on healthy cells. The problem of increasing tumour resistance to existing drug treatments is a serious concern. As a result, there is a critical need for more effective medicine to combat this condition. New ways to avoid this illness are in high need. Humans' pursuit of health is a never-ending drive for a healthier, longer life. Despite this, sickness and pain are still a part of his battle for survival. Natural products have a significant role in the battle against cancer and can be used to test novel therapeutic agents. Plants are natural remedies for a variety of illnesses. It is important to identify a variety of therapeutic plants which are useful for human being. Herbal therapies are a viable alternative to conventional cancer treatments. This article looks at plants from the Asteraceae family that have anticancer properties. Plants of the Asteraceae family play an important role in combating malignancies of the stomach, breast, colon, and lung, according to a thorough examination of research papers. The results of the study indicated a spectacular outcome in the prevention of cancer.
Geometric and dosimetric accuracy of deformable image registration between average‐intensity images for 4DCT‐based adaptive radiotherapy for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: He Yulun , Cazoulat Guillaume , Wu Carol , Peterson Christine , McCulloch Molly , Anderson Brian , Pollard‐Larkin Julianne , Balter Peter , Liao Zhongxing , Mohan Radhe , Brock Kristy
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Re‐planning for four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT)‐based lung adaptive radiotherapy commonly requires deformable dose mapping between the planning average‐intensity image (AVG) and the newly acquired AVG. However, such AVG‐AVG deformable image registration (DIR) lacks accuracy assessment. The current work quantified and compared geometric accuracies of AVG‐AVG DIR and corresponding phase‐phase DIRs, and subsequently investigated the clinical impact of such AVG‐AVG DIR on deformable dose mapping.

Methods and Materials

Hybrid intensity‐based AVG‐AVG and phase‐phase DIRs were performed between the planning and mid‐treatment 4DCTs of 28 non‐small cell lung cancer patients. An automated landmark identification algorithm detected vessel bifurcation pairs in both lungs. Target registration error (TRE) of these landmark pairs was calculated for both DIR types. The correlation between TRE and respiratory‐induced landmark motion in the planning 4DCT was analyzed. Global and local dose metrics were used to assess the clinical implications of AVG‐AVG deformable dose mapping with both DIR types.

Results

TRE of AVG‐AVG and phase‐phase DIRs averaged 3.2 ± 1.0 and 2.6 ± 0.8 mm respectively (p < 0.001). Using AVG‐AVG DIR, TREs for landmarks with <10 mm motion averaged 2.9 ± 2.0 mm, compared to 3.1 ± 1.9 mm for the remaining landmarks (p < 0.01). Comparatively, no significant difference was demonstrated for phase‐phase DIRs. Dosimetrically, no significant difference in global dose metrics was observed between doses mapped with AVG‐AVG DIR and the phase‐phase DIR, but a positive linear relationship existed (p = 0.04) between the TRE of AVG‐AVG DIR and local dose difference.

Conclusions

When the region of interest experiences <10 mm respiratory‐induced motion, AVG‐AVG DIR may provide sufficient geometric accuracy; conversely, extra attention is warranted, and phase‐phase DIR is recommended. Dosimetrically, the differences in geometric accuracy between AVG‐AVG and phase‐phase DIRs did not impact global lung‐based metrics. However, as more localized dose metrics are needed for toxicity assessment, phase‐phase DIR may be required as its lower mean TRE improved voxel‐based dosimetry.
Chiral Plasmonic Triangular Nanorings with SERS Activity for Ultrasensitive Detection of Amyloid Proteins in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Wang Gaoyang , Hao Changlong , Ma Wei , Qu Aihua , Chen Chen , Xu Jun , Xu Chuanlai , Kuang Hua , Xu Liguang
Published: July 2021

Chiral plasmonic nanomaterials have attracted unprecedented attention due to their broad applications in biomedicine, negative refractive index, and chiral sensing. Here, using a wet‐chemistry process, chiral triangular Au nanorings are fabricated with a platinum (Pt) framework (l/d‐Pt@Au triangular nanorings, named l/d‐Pt@Au TNRs). The l/d‐Pt@Au TNRs exhibit strong optical activity with a g‐factor of 0.023 and can be used effectively for the discrimination of enantiomers due to selective resonance coupling between the induced electric and magnetic dipoles associated with enantiomers and the chiral plasmonic TNRs, also known as the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering‐chiral anisotropy (SERS‐ChA) effect. The chiral d‐Pt@Au TNRs represent a label‐free SERS platform that can be applied to detect Aβ monomers and fibrils, the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), achieving a limit of detection (LOD) down to 0.045 × 10−12 m and 4 × 10−15 m for 42‐residue‐long amyloid‐β (Aβ42) monomer and fibrils, respectively. Furthermore, chiral d‐Pt@Au TNRs can also be successfully carried out to detect Aβ42 proteins in AD patients with ultrahigh levels of sensitivity, thus allowing picogram quantities of Aβ42 proteins to be identified. This research opens up an avenue for the use of chiral plasmonic nanomaterials as ultrasensitive SERS substrates to early diagnosis of protein‐misfolding diseases.
Accelerating Ion Dynamics Under Cryogenic Conditions by the Amorphization of Crystalline Cathodes
Authors: Zheng Yiwei , Qian Tao , Ji Haoqing , Xia Xinyao , Liu Jie , Zhu Yuanze , Yan Chenglin
Published: July 2021

The normal operation of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) at ultralow temperature (<−40 °C) is significant for cold‐climate applications; however, their operation is plagued by the low capacity of the conventional intercalation cathodes due to their sluggish kinetics and the slow solid diffusion of Li+ in their frameworks. Here, it is demonstrated that amorphization is an effective strategy to promote the low‐temperature dynamics of cathodes by relieving the blocking effect of a dense lattice structure on ion transport under cryogenic conditions. As a result, due to the decreased charge transport impedance and enhanced Li+ diffusion rate, the obtained covalent amorphous polymer (CAP) with an abundance of pyrazine and carbonyl active sites displays a remarkably outstanding specific capacity of 141 mAh g−1 at −80 °C, which is superior to its structural analog, a covalent crystalline polymer (43.8 mAh g−1). Furthermore, 84.7% of the initial capacity of the CAP can be retained after 500 cycles of charge and discharge at −60 °C. Molecular dynamic simulations show that the channel‐rich amorphous structure is highly conducive for lithium ions to diffuse quickly in the interstitial space of organic solids. This work provides an effective strategy regarding the amorphization of crystalline cathodes to develop low‐temperature (Low‐T) batteries.
Electronic Doping and Enhancement of n‐Channel Polycrystalline OFET Performance through Gate Oxide Modifications with Aminosilanes
Authors: Shin Nara , Schellhammer Karl Sebastian , Lee Min Ho , Zessin Jakob , Hambsch Mike , Salleo Alberto , Ortmann Frank , Mannsfeld Stefan C. B.
Published: July 2021

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) are widely employed in organic field‐effect transistors to modify the surface energy, surface roughness, film growth kinetics, and electrical surface potential of the gate oxide to control the device's operating voltage. In this study, amino‐functionalized SAM molecules are compared to pure alkylsilane SAMS in terms of their impact on the electrical properties of organic field‐effect transistors, using the n‐type polycrystalline small molecule semiconductor material N,N′‐dioctyl‐3,4,9,10‐perylenedicarboximide (PTCDI‐C8). In order to understand the electronic impact of the amino groups, the effect of both the number of amino‐containing functional groups and the SAM molecular length are systematically studied. Though amino‐functionalized SAM materials have been studied previously, this study is, for the first time, able to shed light on the nature of the doping effect that occurs when the gate oxide is treated with polar aminosilane materials. By a comprehensive theoretical study of the interface on the molecular level, it is shown that the observed shift in the threshold voltage is caused by free charges, which are attracted to the PTCDI‐C8 and are stabilized there by protonated aminosilanes. This attraction and the voltage shift can be systematically tuned by varying the length of the neutral terminal chain of the aminosilane.
A Versatile Organic Salt Modified SnO2 Electron Transport Layer for High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Peng Xian , Zhao Shuangshuang , Zhou Ruonan , Gong Xiaoli , Luo Huxin , Ouyang Yukun , Liu Xingchong , Li Haimin , Wang Hanyu , Zhuang Jia
Published: July 2021

Interface engineering has been demonstrated to be effective in suppressing the defect‐related carrier recombination loss and optimizing the energy level between SnO2 electron transport layer and mixed‐cation perovskite to further improve the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a versatile organic salt, trigonelline hydrochloride (TH), is selected to modify the SnO2/perovskite interface. TH molecule plays a multifunctional role at the interface: (1) COOH and pyridine cation can passivate the interface defects by esterification and electrostatic interaction, respectively. (2) Cl− plays a vital part in the improvement of perovskite crystallization. (3) Dipole effect can move the energy level of SnO2 resulting in optimized band alignment to more efficient electron extraction. The effects of TH at the interface are revealed by density functional theory calculations, surface chemical analyses, and energy level investigations. As a consequence, the PSCs with TH‐modified SnO2 (SnO2‐TH) exhibit best power conversion efficiency of 21.23%, compared to 19.59% for the reference devices, which mainly results from an enhanced open‐circuit voltage (Voc) from 1.098 V to 1.145 V. Moreover, the humidity stability of the non‐encapsulated devices is also significantly improved after introducing TH to the interface.
Cover crop and early nitrogen management for common bean in a tropical no‐till system
Authors: Momesso Letusa , Crusciol Carlos Alexandre Costa , Soratto Rogério Peres , Tanaka Katiuça Sueko , Costa Claudio Hideo Martins , Bastos Leonardo Mendes , Ciampitti Ignacio Antonio
Published: July 2021

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) has been grown under no‐till (NT), but nitrogen (N) management remains unclear when a previous cover crop is part of the farming system. In this study, we hypothesized that N applied to living cover crops, preceding the main grain crop of the rotation, can increase productivity and N‐use efficiency of the grain crop. Common bean was grown after palisade grass [Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster] and ruzigrass [Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. and C.M. Evrard) Crins] cover crops combined with N management [application to living cover crops 35 days before common bean seeding (DBS), 1 DBS, conventional, and control (zero‐N application)] in four experiment‐years. Dry matter (DM) and N content for palisade grass was consistently greater at termination relative to ruzigrass. Nitrogen application 35 DBS increased cover crop DM, N content, and the decomposition rate relative to the other N treatments. Greater common bean yield occurred following palisade grass than ruzigrass, and N application 35 DBS increased common bean yield compared to 1 DBS and conventional in one out of four experiment‐years. Only minor differences in the agronomic efficiency (AE) of applied N to cover crops were detected between 35 DBS and 1 DBS, and only for one experiment‐year, when palisade grass resulted in greater AE than ruzigrass. Applying N early to living crops such as palisade grass is an alternative N management strategy to the traditional approach for N fertilization in common bean.
Maternal genetic origin of the late and final Neolithic human populations from present‐day Poland
Authors: Juras Anna , Ehler Edvard , Chyleński Maciej , Pospieszny Łukasz , Spinek Anna Elżbieta , Malmström Helena , Krzewińska Maja , Szostek Krzysztof , Pasterkiewicz Wojciech , Florek Marek , Wilk Stanisław , Mnich Barbara , Kruk Janusz , Szmyt Marzena , Kozieł Sławomir , Götherström Anders , Jakobsson Mattias , Dabert Miroslawa
Published: July 2021

Objective

We aim to identify maternal genetic affinities between the Middle to Final Neolithic (3850–2300 BC) populations from present‐day Poland and possible genetic influences from the Pontic steppe.

Materials and methods

We conducted ancient DNA studies from populations associated with Złota, Globular Amphora, Funnel Beaker, and Corded Ware cultures (CWC). We sequenced genomic libraries on Illumina platform to generate 86 complete ancient mitochondrial genomes. Some of the samples were enriched for mitochondrial DNA using hybridization capture.

Results

The maternal genetic composition found in Złota‐associated individuals resembled that found in people associated with the Globular Amphora culture which indicates that both groups likely originated from the same maternal genetic background. Further, these two groups were closely related to the Funnel Beaker culture‐associated population. None of these groups shared a close affinity to CWC‐associated people. Haplogroup U4 was present only in the CWC group and absent in Złota group, Globular Amphora, and Funnel Beaker cultures.

Discussion

The prevalence of mitochondrial haplogroups of Neolithic farmer origin identified in Early, Middle and Late Neolithic populations suggests a genetic continuity of these maternal lineages in the studied area. Although overlapping in time – and to some extent – in cultural expressions, none of the studied groups (Złota, Globular Amphora, Funnel Beaker), shared a close genetic affinity to CWC‐associated people, indicating a larger extent of cultural influence from the Pontic steppe than genetic exchange. The higher frequency of haplogroup U5b found in populations associated with Funnel Beaker, Globular Amphora, and Złota cultures suggest a gradual maternal genetic influx from Mesolithic hunter‐gatherers. Moreover, presence of haplogroup U4 in Corded Ware groups is most likely associated with the migrations from the Pontic steppe at the end of the Neolithic and supports the observed genetic distances.
Insomnia symptom severity and cognitive performance: Moderating role of APOE genotype
Authors: Baril Andrée‐Ann , Beiser Alexa S. , Sanchez Erlan , Mysliwiec Vincent , Redline Susan , Gottlieb Daniel J. , O'Connor George T. , Gonzales Mitzi M. , Himali Dibya , Seshadri Sudha , Himali Jayandra J. , Pase Matthew P.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

We evaluated whether insomnia symptom severity was associated with cognitive function, and whether this relationship was modified by biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease risk.

Methods

We examined insomnia symptoms and neuropsychological performance 3.4 years later in 511 dementia‐free Framingham Heart Study participants (62.65 ± 8.7 years, 50.9% male). Additionally, we explored insomnia symptoms combined with self‐reported short habitual sleep duration and effect modification by apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele status.

Results

More severe insomnia symptoms were associated with lower performance on global cognition, and immediate and delayed Logical Memory recall, especially when insomnia symptoms were combined with short sleep duration. The association between insomnia symptoms and poorer memory recall was more pronounced in APOE ε4 allele carriers.

Discussion

Insomnia symptom severity was associated with worse subsequent global cognitive and memory performance, which was especially apparent in APOE ε4 allele carriers, suggesting that poor sleep might be particularly detrimental when the brain is already vulnerable to neurodegeneration.
Slowly progressive behavioral frontotemporal dementia syndrome in a family co‐segregating the C9orf72 expansion and a Synaptophysin mutation
Authors: Prota Joana , Rizzi Liara , Bonadia Luciana , de Souza Leonardo Cruz , Caramelli Paulo , Secolin Rodrigo , Lopes‐Cendes Iscia , Balthazar Marcio L. F.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Synaptophysin, already related to X‐linked intellectual disability, is expressed mainly in the central nervous system. Studies in humans indicate that the downregulation of synaptophysin could be involved in the development of dementia. Our study presents the first familial case of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia associated with the co‐occurrence of the repeat expansion in C9orf72 and a pathogenic variant in the SYP gene.

Methods

Exome sequencing and repeat‐primed PCR for C9orf72 were performed for two siblings with clinical and imaging findings suggestive of slowly progressive behavioral frontotemporal dementia.

Results

We found that both siblings have the hexanucleotide expansion in C9orf72 and a null variant in the SYP gene. The most affected sibling presents the putative variant in a hemizygous state. With milder symptoms, his sister has the same pathogenic variant in heterozygosis, compatible with X‐linked inheritance.

Discussion

Our results strengthened previous suggestive evidence that the phenotypes associated with C9orf72 repeat expansion are variable and probably influenced by additional genetic modifiers. We hypothesized that the pathogenic variant in the SYP gene might have modified the typical phenotype associated with the C9orf72 mutation.
Spektroskopische Charakterisierung eines reaktiven [Cu2(μ‐OH)2]2+ Intermediates in Cu/TEMPO‐katalysierten aeroben Alkoholoxidationen
Authors: Warm Katrin , Tripodi Guilherme , Andris Erik , Mebs Stefan , Kuhlmann Uwe , Dau Holger , Hildebrandt Peter , Roithová Jana , Ray Kallol
Published: July 2021

CuI/TEMPO‐Katalysatorsysteme (TEMPO=2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidinoxyl) sind vielseitige Katalysatoren für aerobe Alkoholoxidationsreaktionen zur selektiven Synthese von Aldehyden. Jedoch sind mehrere Aspekte des Reaktionsmechanismus noch nicht aufgeklärt, was hauptsächlich daran liegt, dass bisher keine reaktiven Intermediate identifiziert werden konnten. Wir zeigen hier die Synthese und Charakterisierung eines dinuklearen Komplexes [L12Cu2]2+ (1), der in Gegenwart von TEMPO die katalytische 4 H+/4 e− Reduktion von O2 zu Wasser an die Oxidation von benzylischen und aliphatischen Alkoholen koppeln kann. Die Mechanismen der katalytischen O2‐Reduktion und der Alkoholoxidation wurden sowohl durch spektroskopische Detektion der reaktiven Intermediate in der Gas‐ und der kondensierten Phase als auch durch kinetische Studien an jedem Reaktionsschritt in den Katalysezyklen aufgeklärt. Die intermediären Bis(μ‐oxido)dikupfer(III)‐ (2) und Bis(μ‐hydroxido)dikupfer(II)‐Spezies (3) wurden als wichtige Reaktanden in beiden Reaktionen identifiziert. Die vorliegende Studie ermöglicht tiefgehende mechanistische Einblicke in die aerobe Alkoholoxidation, die eine wertvolle Grundlage bieten um übergangsmetallkatalysierte Reaktionen mit redoxaktiven Cokatalysatoren besser zu verstehen.
Brightening up Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Monosubstituted Polyacetylene by Conformation Control: Mechanism, Switching, and Sensing
Authors: Wang Sheng , Hu Deping , Guan Xiaoyan , Cai Siliang , Shi Ge , Shuai Zhigang , Zhang Jie , Peng Qian , Wan Xinhua
Published: July 2021

The first example of luminescent monosubstituted polyacetylenes (mono‐PAs) is presented, based on a contracted cis‐cisoid polyene backbone. It has an excellent circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) performance with a high dissymmetric factor (up to the order of 10−1). The luminescence stems from the helical cis‐cisoid PA backbone, which is tightly fixed by the strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds, thereby reversing the energy order of excited states and enabling an emissive energy dissipation. CPL switches are facilely achieved by the solvent and temperature through reversible conformational transition. By taking advantages of fast response and high sensitivity, the thin film of mono‐PAs could be used as a CPL‐based probe for quantitative detection of trifluoroacetic acid with a wider linear dynamic range than those of photoluminescence and circular dichroism. This work opens a new avenue to develop novel smart CPL materials through modulating conformational transition.
Arylamine‐Linked 2D Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Pseudocapacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Yang Zongfan , Liu Jingjuan , Li Yusen , Zhang Guang , Xing Guolong , Chen Long
Published: July 2021

The development of new linkages is one of the most efficient strategies to enrich the diversity of covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Particularly, functional linkages can endow COFs with additional tailored properties besides the building units, which further diversify COFs with desirable functions. Herein, we have developed a new arylamine linkage for the construction of COFs. Two new arylamine‐linked COFs (AAm‐TPB and AAm‐Py) were prepared by condensing cost‐effective dimethyl succinyl succinate (DMSS) with corresponding multitopic amines (TPB‐NH2 and Py‐NH2). Due to the abundant electroactive diphenylamine moieties in the COF skeletons resembling that of polyaniline (PANI), a state‐of‐the‐art conductive polymer, the pseudocapacitive energy storage performance of AAm‐TPB was further investigated. Remarkably, the AAm‐TPB electrode exhibits a high capacitance of 271 F g−1 with a three‐electrode setup at a discharge rate of 1 A g−1, which represents one of the highest capacitances among the reported COF‐based electrode materials.
Wide temperature range damping polyurethane elastomer based on dynamic disulfide bonds
Authors: Ma Yuanhao , Qin Rui , Xu Min , Jiang Xiaolin , Sheng Yeming , Wang Minhui , Zhang Wencong , Lu Xun
Published: July 2021

The design and synthesis of high‐performance polyurethane with excellent damping performance and superior mechanical property is a challenge owing to conflicting attributes of damping and mechanical performance. Herein, we innovatively introduced dynamic aromatic disulfide bonds and suitable disulfide catalysts into the system and synthesized a polyurethane elastomer with both admirable damping performance (wide damping temperature range [tan δ ≥ 0.3] of 148°C) and excellent mechanical properties (16.8 MPa, 960%). In our design, (i) dynamic aromatic disulfide exchange reaction above room temperature is able to enhance energy dissipation and segmental mobility, thus promoting the damping performance of polyurethane; (ii) the introduced catalyst can further promote dynamic exchange of disulfide bonds above room temperature, making the chains easier to move and leading to excellent damping property. Moreover, by adjusting the chain extension coefficient, the molecular structure of the chain extender, it's easy to design the microphase separation and rigid structure of the elastomer and the system is endowed with improved mechanical strength. Owing to its outstanding properties, the elastomer has great potential to be used for practical application.
Stop moving! Pain, body and trauma in pictures and narratives of patients, suffering with a somatoform disorder
Authors: Ruettner Barbara , Zander Michael , Kappler Melanie , Niehaus Johanna , Thomas Nele , Kaiser Paul Maximilian , Goetzmann Lutz
Published: July 2021

Somatoform pain disorders are strongly associated with adverse, mostly traumatic childhood experiences. Little is known, however, about the psychodynamic background, for example, with regard to defence, affect regulation, and traumatic representations. As part of a qualitative study in which 13 patients with somatoform disorder were investigated, we compared the interviews and drawings by the two patients which featured the most pictorial codes for deaffectualization as a defence of the autistoid type of early disorders with the two patients that displayed the fewest codes for deaffectualization. These patients suffered from a more mature, non‐autistoid disorder. The drawings were analyzed according to the Visual Grounded Theory, the interviews according to Content Analysis. We used the qualitative atlas.ti‐software. In the two patients with a high evidence of pictorial deaffectualization, a correspondence was found between the deaffectualization and the type of pain sensation: Physical movements led to an increase in pain. The affective as well as the physical rigidity may have been intended to avoid the body image's fragmentation. The drawings by the more mature patients showed strong, partly violent interactions. In the narratives, the patients tended more to report feelings of agitation; generally, more physical movements could be allowed. In all four patients, a considerable correspondence was identified between the drawings and the narratives about physical pain. The dimension of the imaginary was determined both physically (on the level of the body image) and pictorially (on the level of the mental image) through the regulation of traumatic affects.
Brain morphology, autistic traits, and polygenic risk for autism: A population‐basedneuroimaging study
Authors: Alemany Silvia , Blok Elisabet , Jansen Philip R. , Muetzel Ryan L. , White Tonya
Published: July 2021

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with widespread brain alterations. Previous research in our group linked autistic traits with altered gyrification, but without pronounced differences in cortical thickness. Herein, we aim to replicate and extend these findings using a larger and older sample. Additionally, we examined whether (a) brain correlates of autistic traits were associated with polygenic risk scores (PRS) for ASD, and (b) autistic traits are related with brain morphological changes over time in a subset of children with longitudinal data available. The sample included 2400 children from the Generation R cohort. Autistic traits were measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) at age 6 years. Gyrification, cortical thickness, surface area, and global morphological measures were obtained from high‐resolution structural MRI scans at ages 9‐to‐12 years. We performed multiple linear regression analyses on a vertex‐wise level. Corresponding regions of interest were tested for association with PRS. Results showed that autistic traits were related to (a) lower gyrification in the lateral occipital and the superior and inferior parietal lobes, (b) lower cortical thickness in the superior frontal region, and (c) lower surface area in inferior temporal and rostral middle frontal regions. PRS for ASD and longitudinal analyses showed significant associations that did not survive correction for multiple testing. Our findings support stability in the relationship between higher autistic symptoms and lower gyrification and smaller surface areas in school‐aged children. These relationships remained when excluding ASD cases, providing neurobiological evidence for the extension of autistic traits into the general population.

Lay Summary

We found that school‐aged children with higher levels of autistic traits had smaller total brain volume, cerebellum, cortical thickness, and surface area. Further, we also found differences in the folding patterns of the brain (gyrification). Overall, genetic susceptibility for autism spectrum disorders was not related to these brain regions suggesting that other factors could be involved in their origin. These results remained significant when excluding children with a diagnosis of ASD, providing support for the extension of the relationship between autistic traits and brain findings into the general population.
A large‐scale metagenomic study for enzyme profiles using the focused identification of the NGS‐based definitive enzyme research (FINDER) strategy
Authors: Sung Jae‐Yoon , Lee Yong‐Jik , Cho Yong‐Joon , Shin Myeong‐Na , Lee Sang‐Jae , Lee Han‐Seung , Koh Hong , Bae Jin‐Woo , Shin Jae‐Ho , Kim Hyun Jung , Lee Dong‐Woo
Published: July 2021

Excavating the molecular details of many diverse enzymes from metagenomes remains challenging in agriculture, food, health, and environmental fields. We present a versatile method that accelerates metabolic enzyme discovery for highly selective gene capture in metagenomes using next‐generation sequencing. Culture‐independent enzyme mining of environmental DNA is based on a set of short identifying degenerate sequences specific for a wide range of enzyme superfamilies, followed by multiplexed DNA barcode sequencing. A strategy of ‘focused identification of next‐generation sequencing‐based definitive enzyme research’ enabled us to generate targeted enzyme datasets from metagenomes, resulting in minimal hands‐on obtention of high‐throughput biological diversity and potential function profiles, without being time‐consuming. This method also provided a targeted inventory of predicted proteins and molecular features of metabolic activities from several metagenomic samples. We suggest that the efficiency and sensitivity of this method will accelerate the decryption of microbial diversity and the signature of proteins and their metabolism from environmental samples.
A novel mechanism for the formation and propagation of neural tumors and lesions through neural highways
Authors: Spinner Robert J.
Published: July 2021

By recognizing anatomic and radiologic patterns of rare and often misdiagnosed peripheral nerve tumors/lesions, we have defined mechanisms for the propagation of neural diseases. The novel concept of the nervous system serving as a complex system of “highways” driving the neural and perineural spread of these lesions is described in three examples: Intraneural dissection of joint fluid in intraneural ganglion cysts, perineural spread of cancer cells, and dissemination of unknown concentrations of neurotrophic/inhibitory factors for growth in hamartomas/choristomas of nerve. Further mapping of these pathways to identify the natural history of diseases, the spectrum of disease evolution, the role of genetic mutations, and how these neural pathways interface with the lymphatic, vascular, and cerebrospinal systems may lead to advances in targeted treatments.
Migratory fishbones in the pharynx: A report of two cases
Authors: Xu Shuyi , Li Xiaomin , Peng Yue , Yang Jing , Liu Qianxu , Guo Jiefeng , Yu Zhijian
Published: July 2021

The possibility of fishbone migration into the surrounding tissues, especially in cases where it cannot be identified on routine inspection. Early diagnosis of migratory fishbone and therapeutic management are essential for optimal patient survival.
Modeling and Simulation for the Production Process of Soda Ash by the Ammonium Sulfate‐Soda Method
Authors: Pak Kyong Song , Son Sun Il , Li Bong Hak , Jang Myong Pok , Jang Paek San , Kim Kuk Chol , Pak Sung Nam
Published: July 2021

The ammonium sulfate‐soda method is a procedure that produces soda ash and the by‐product ammonium sulfate, using mirabilite as the raw material. Here, a process for producing soda ash by the ammonium sulfate‐soda method is proposed. Based on the reaction mechanisms occurring in the Na2SO4‐NH3‐CO2‐H2O system and the kinetic‐thermodynamic data of the CO2 absorption process using aqueous NH3, the soda ash production process is modeled and simulated using Aspen Plus. The effects of various process parameters (the concentration of the raw mirabilite solution, the amounts of NH3 and CO2 flowing into the process, and the recycle ratio of CO2 exhausted from the NaHCO3 calciner, etc.) on the process performance are investigated.
Design and Control for the Dimethyl Adipate Process with a Side‐Reactor Column Configuration
Authors: Zhang Guowen , Wang Le , Tang Jihai , Jin Hao , Zhang Zhuxiu , Fei Zhaoyang , Liu Qing , Chen Xian , Cui Mifen , Qiao Xu
Published: July 2021

A side‐reactor column (SRC) configuration, which integrates vacuum distillation with atmospheric reaction, was developed for dimethyl adipate (DMA) production. The sequential optimization method was applied to optimize the design parameters including side stream drawn stage, reactor numbers, and catalyst loading with total annual cost (TAC) as objective function in order to realize the economical design. The best economic performance was achieved as the result of the specific SRC configuration featuring one column with 20 stages where DMA was drawn from the 5th stage and one side‐reactor was equipped in the bottom. Moreover, a proportion‐temperature cascade control structure was successfully developed which avoids the disturbance of inlet flow rate and composition.
Investigating the feasibility of using carbon fiber tapes as reinforcement for 3D concrete printing
Authors: Scheurer Martin , Quenzel Philipp , Nölke Peter , Reuter‐Schniete Jonas , Gries Thomas
Published: July 2021

The main advantages of textiles as concrete reinforcement are high corrosion resistance, allowing for thin concrete covers, high drapability, and high strength. Due to these advantages, textiles are particularly suitable as reinforcement for 3D printed concrete, where thin elements and freeform geometries are possible. In this article, a new type of textile reinforcement for the integration into 3D concrete printing is investigated: unidirectional carbon fiber tapes. Carbon fiber tapes are made from carbon fiber rovings by spreading. Three carbon fiber tapes are produced and used as reinforcement in concrete specimens subjected to four‐point bending tests. The results show that for a spreading factor of 2.2 (areal weight 136 g/m2), the flexural strength of the beams is increased by 125% compared to reference beams reinforced with unspread rovings. Further increase of the spreading factor does not increase flexural strength further as the failure mode changes from rupture to spalling.
Chalcone‐Supported Cardiac Mesoderm Induction in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells for Heart Muscle Engineering
Authors: Raad Farah S. , Khan Taukeer A. , Esser Tilman U. , Hudson James E. , Seth Bhakti Irene , Fujita Buntaro , Gandamala Ravi , Tietze Lutz F. , Zimmermann Wolfram-Hubertus
Published: July 2021

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) hold great promise for applications in cell therapy and drug screening in the cardiovascular field. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is key for early cardiac mesoderm induction in hPSC and subsequent cardiomyocyte derivation. Small‐molecular BMP4 mimetics may help to standardize cardiomyocyte derivation from hPSCs. Based on observations that chalcones can stimulate BMP4 signaling pathways, we hypothesized their utility in cardiac mesoderm induction. To test this, we set up a two‐tiered screening strategy, (1) for directed differentiation of hPSCs with commercially available chalcones (4’‐hydroxychalcone [4’HC] and Isoliquiritigen) and 24 newly synthesized chalcone derivatives, and (2) a functional screen to assess the propensity of the obtained cardiomyocytes to self‐organize into contractile engineered human myocardium (EHM). We identified 4’HC, 4‐fluoro‐4’‐methoxychalcone, and 4‐fluoro‐4’‐hydroxychalcone as similarly effective in cardiac mesoderm induction, but only 4’HC as an effective replacement for BMP4 in the derivation of contractile EHM‐forming cardiomyocytes.
The impact of atezolizumab and bevacizumab in hepatocellular carcinoma with activated ß‐catenin signaling
Authors: Krug Sebastian , Mattheis Laura , Haemmerle Monika , Rosendahl Jonas , Kleeff Joerg , Michl Patrick
Published: July 2021

Background

To date, no biomarkers exist to predict response or resistance to immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent approaches to classify HCC into different immunological states revealed a negative correlation between Wnt/ß‐catenin activation and immunogenicity and T‐cell infiltration. If these “cold” tumors with primary resistance to checkpoint inhibition (CPI) may benefit from dual treatment of CPI and anti‐angiogenic therapy has not been proved.

Case

Here, we describe the case of a male patient with metastatic HCC. After failure of standard of care treatment with lenvatinib, sorafenib and ramucirumab fourth‐line systemic therapy with atezolizumab and bevacizumab were applied leading to a phenomenal response. Immunohistochemical evaluations were compatible with Wnt/ß‐catenin pathway activation and accompanying low T‐cell infiltration as well as low PD‐L1 score.

Conclusion

Patients with Wnt/ß‐catenin activation may benefit from combination therapy with atezolizumab and bevacizumab regardless of potential predictive markers for immune checkpoint inhibition.
A method of core concept extraction based on semantic‐weight ranking
Authors: Zhong Han , Ning Zhenhu , Li Guijun , Li Zheng
Published: July 2021

In order to improve the efficiency of domain ontology concept extraction, this paper proposes a method of semantic‐weight ranking to extract core concepts. Firstly, we make segmentation processing for corpus texts and obtain the candidate concept set, and then analyze the correlation between the candidate concepts through the method of semantic similarity to form a mesh graph structure. We secondly calculate the semantic‐weight of the concept according to the generated mesh graph. Ultimately, we realize the core concept extraction via ranking different semantic‐weight. At the same time, we give the fuzzy relationship representation of the core concepts through the statistical characteristics of the core concepts' membership. On the foundation of the extraction method, we carried out the experiments with the financial text and had achieved an accuracy rate of 81.8%, which could effectively extract the core concepts and play a positive role in the content construction, knowledge sharing, and knowledge reuse.
Metaheuristic task scheduling algorithms for cloud computing environments
Authors: Aktan Merve Nur , Bulut Hasan
Published: July 2021

Cloud computing has the advantage of providing flexibility, high‐performance, pay‐as‐you‐use, and on‐demand service. One of the important research issues in cloud computing is task scheduling. The purpose of scheduling is to assign tasks to available resources while providing optimization on some objectives. Tasks have diversified characteristics, and resources are heterogeneous. These properties make task scheduling an NP‐complete problem. In this study, metaheuristic and hybrid metaheuristic algorithms are developed for task scheduling problems in cloud computing environments. We have developed genetic algorithm (GA), differential evolution (DE), and simulated annealing (SA) based metaheuristic algorithms, which are also combined with a greedy approach (GR). In addition to this, we have developed hybrid metaheuristics algorithms, called DE‐SA and GA‐SA, which are also combined with a greedy approach. The proposed approaches are evaluated in terms of completion time and load balancing of virtual machines. In terms of average completion time, as the number of tasks increases, it has been observed that the DESA algorithm outperforms the solely used DE and SA algorithms. In addition, experiments show that hybrid algorithms improve both the average completion time and the average standard deviation of virtual machine loads for some task groups.