bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing plasma NfL in a community‐dwelling multi‐ethnic cohort: Results from the HABLE study
Authors: O'Bryant Sid , Petersen Melissa , Hall James , Johnson Leigh , Yaffe Kristine , Braskie Meredith , Toga Arthur W. , Rissman Robert A. ,   for the HABLE study team
Published: July 2021

Introduction

No large‐scale characterizations of neurofilament light chain (NfL) have been conducted in diverse populations.

Methods

Baseline data were analyzed among n = 890 Mexican Americans and n = 813 non‐Hispanic Whites from the multi‐ethnic Health & Aging Brain among Latino Elders (HABLE) study. Plasma NfL was measured on the Simoa platform.

Results

In unadjusted models, NfL was significantly associated with age (P < .001), hypertension (P  < .001), dyslipidemia (P = .02), and diabetes (P  < .001). Covarying for age and sex, NfL was associated with neurodegeneration (P  < .001) and global amyloid burden levels (P = .02) in a subset with available data. NfL levels were significantly associated with diagnostic groups (Normal Cognition [NC], mild cognitive impairment [MCI], Dementia; P  < .001); however, there was no cut‐score that yielded acceptable diagnostic accuracy. NfL levels produced a sensitivity of 0.60 and specificity of 0.78 with negative predictive value of 89% for detecting amyloid positivity.

Discussion

Plasma NfL levels are significantly impacted by age and medical co‐morbidities that are common among older adults, which complicate its utility as a diagnostic biomarker
Protective association of the ε2/ε3 heterozygote with Alzheimer's disease is strengthened by TOMM40–APOE variants in men
Authors: Kulminski Alexander M. , Philipp Ian , Loika Yury , He Liang , Culminskaya Irina
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Despite advances, understanding the protective role of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε2 allele in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains elusive.

Methods

We examined associations of variants comprised of the TOMM40 rs8106922 and APOE rs405509, rs440446, and ε2‐encoding rs7412 polymorphisms with AD in a sample of 2862 AD‐affected and 169,516 AD‐unaffected non‐carriers of the ε4 allele.

Results

Association of the ε2/ε3 heterozygote of men with AD is 38% (P = 1.65 × 10−2) more beneficial when it is accompanied by rs8106922 major allele homozygote and rs405509 and rs440446 heterozygotes than by rs8106922 heterozygote and rs405509 and rs440446 major allele homozygotes. No difference in the beneficial associations of these two most common ε2/ε3‐bearing variants with AD was identified in women. The role of ε2/ε3 heterozygote may be affected by different immunomodulation functions of rs8106922, rs405509, and rs440446 variants in a sex‐specific manner.

Discussion

Combination of TOMM40 and APOE variants defines a more homogeneous AD‐protective ε2/ε3‐bearing profile in men.
Genetic risk, adherence to a healthy lifestyle, and cognitive decline in African Americans and European Americans
Authors: Dhana Klodian , Barnes Lisa L. , Liu Xiaoran , Agarwal Puja , Desai Pankaja , Krueger Kristin R. , Holland Thomas M. , Halloway Shannon , Aggarwal Neelum T. , Evans Denis A. , Rajan Kumar B.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

We investigated the role of genetic risk and adherence to lifestyle factors on cognitive decline in African Americans and European Americans.

Methods

Using data from the Chicago Health and Aging Project (1993–2012; n = 3874), we defined the genetic risk based on presence of apolipoprotein E (APOE) allele and determined a healthy lifestyle using a scoring of five factors: non‐smoking, exercising, being cognitively active, having a high‐quality diet, and limiting alcohol use. We used linear mixed‐effects models to estimate cognitive decline by genetic risk and lifestyle score.

Results

APOE  allele was associated with faster cognitive decline in both races. However, within APOE  carriers, adherence to a healthy lifestyle (eg., 4 to 5 healthy factors) was associated with a slower cognitive decline by 0.023 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.004, 0.042) units/year in African Americans and 0.044 (95% CI 0.008, 0.080) units/year in European Americans.

Discussion

A healthy lifestyle was associated with a slower cognitive decline in African and European Americans.
Heat Transfer and Entanglement–Non‐Equilibrium Correlation Spectra of Two Quantum Oscillators
Authors: Henkel Carsten
Published: July 2021

The non‐equilibrium state of two oscillators with a mutual interaction and coupled to separate heat baths is discussed. Bosonic baths are considered, and an exact spectral representation for the elements of the covariance matrix is provided analytically. A wide class of spectral densities for the relevant bath modes is allowed for. The validity of the fluctuation‐dissipation relation is established for global equilibrium (both baths at the same temperature) in the stationary state. Spectral measures of entanglement are suggested by comparing to the equilibrium spectrum of zero‐point fluctuations. No rotating‐wave approximation is applied, and anomalous heat transport from cold to hot bath, as reported in earlier work, is demonstrated not to occur.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective 1,2‐Carboboration of Ynamides with Aryldichloroboranes
Authors: You Cai , Sakai Mika , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Bergander Klaus , Yamaguchi Shigehiro , Studer Armido
Published: July 2021

Catalyst‐free 1,2‐carboboration of ynamides is presented. Readily available aryldichloroboranes react with alkyl‐ or aryl‐substituted ynamides in high yields with complete regio‐ and stereoselectivity to valuable β‐boryl‐β‐alkyl/aryl α‐aryl substituted enamides which belong to the class of trisubstituted alkenylboronates. The 1,2‐carboboration reaction is experimentally easy to conduct, shows high functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. Gram‐scale reactions and diverse synthetic transformations convincingly demonstrate the synthetic potential of this method. The reaction can also be used to access 1‐boraphenalenes, a class of boron‐doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Spectroscopic Characterization of a Reactive [Cu2(μ‐OH)2]2+ Intermediate in Cu/TEMPO Catalyzed Aerobic Alcohol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Warm Katrin , Tripodi Guilherme , Andris Erik , Mebs Stefan , Kuhlmann Uwe , Dau Holger , Hildebrandt Peter , Roithová Jana , Ray Kallol
Published: July 2021

CuI/TEMPO (TEMPO=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl) catalyst systems are versatile catalysts for aerobic alcohol oxidation reactions to selectively yield aldehydes. However, several aspects of the mechanism are yet unresolved, mainly because of the lack of identification of any reactive intermediates. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a dinuclear [L12Cu2]2+ complex 1, which in presence of TEMPO can couple the catalytic 4 H+/4 e− reduction of O2 to water to the oxidation of benzylic and aliphatic alcohols. The mechanisms of the O2‐reduction and alcohol oxidation reactions have been clarified by the spectroscopic detection of the reactive intermediates in the gas and condensed phases, as well as by kinetic studies on each step in the catalytic cycles. Bis(μ‐oxo)dicopper(III) (2) and bis(μ‐hydroxo)dicopper(II) species 3 are shown as viable reactants in oxidation catalysis. The present study provides deep mechanistic insight into the aerobic oxidation of alcohols that should serve as a valuable foundation for ongoing efforts dedicated towards the understanding of transition‐metal catalysts involving redox‐active organic cocatalysts.
Effects of baffle on cycle‐to‐cycle variation in stirred vessel driven by paddle turbine using quadruple proper orthogonal decomposition
Authors: Fan Ying , Sun Jiao , Jin Jie , Gao Tianda , Zhang Hui , Chen Wenyi
Published: July 2021

The flow of stirring process is complex and multiscale. To analyze the effects of baffle on the flow characteristics driven by paddle turbine, particle image velocimetry (PIV) experiments were performed for the unbaffled stirred vessel and the standard baffled stirred vessel stirred by the single paddle turbine. Under the baffle arrangement, the flow discharge was strengthened, and the range of high‐velocity region was obviously expanded, and the velocity significantly fluctuated near the blade. The swirling intensity behind the blade decreased significantly, and no significant wake structure was formed, thereby helping reduce the local velocity difference attributed to the wake structure and facilitate the uniform mixing of materials. The instantaneous velocity field was decomposed into four parts at different scales by employing quadruple Proper Orthogonal Decomposition method. The quantitative analysis of different scale flow structures in stirred process was realized. Under the baffle arrangement, the flow process was facilitated in the measurement plane. In addition, the fluctuation velocity increased significantly, and the mass transfer was enhanced by vortex motion of the fluid elements, which was conducive to the uniform mixing of materials.
Enhanced CO2 separation performance of mixed matrix membrane by incorporating amine‐functionalized silica filler
Authors: Barooah Mridusmita , Mandal Bishnupada , Su Baowei
Published: July 2021

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) owing to the tunable characteristics and functionalization ability can effectively substitute the highly intensive conventional membranes for industrial‐scale CO2 separation. Further, to strengthen the interfacial polymer‐filler interaction, an interfacial design strategy incorporating active functional groups in the filler surface can be demonstrated. In this study, as‐synthesized silica nanoparticles (SNPs) was surface functionalized by (3‐aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane silica modifier (AFSNP). The CO2 separation of poly (vinyl alcohol)/polyethylene glycol based MMM infused with surface‐functionalized SNP (AFSNP) was conducted. The comparative study highlighted in‐depth analysis of intrinsic physicochemical properties of as‐synthesized membranes and nanoparticles. Detailed characterization such as advanced microscopic analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis and ninhydrin assay validated the successful grafting of amino groups onto the silica surface. The morphological inspection corroborated the consistent dispersion ability of the nanoparticles in the membrane matrix. The effect of the operating conditions on the membrane selectivity and CO2 permeance were statistically analyzed by ANOVA. The CO2 permeation result (CO2 permeance and CO2/N2 selectivity) exhibited many fold increment with surface functionalization of SNPs compared to undoped silica MMM. The defect‐free, performance‐oriented CO2‐selective membrane thus opened up the possibility of this combination as a prospective contender for large‐scale carbon capture studies.
Alligator appendicular architecture across an ontogenetic niche shift
Authors: Hedrick Brandon P. , Schachner Emma R. , Dodson Peter
Published: July 2021

A variety of species undergo ontogenetic niche shifts in either diet, habitat, or both. As a result, multiple ontogenetic stages are able to take advantage of different resources and live in sympatry without competing with one another. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) begins to undergo an ontogenetic niche shift in both diet and habitat at a length of 1.2 m. They transition from a terrestrial wetland environment to a riverine environment and take advantage of different dietary resources. At 1.8 m, A. mississippiensis reaches sexual maturity. Ontogenetic shifts in habitat have the capacity to alter morphology, especially limb morphology, as different age classes traverse different ecological systems. We evaluated shape trends in the scapulae, humeri, ilia, and femora using geometric morphometrics to test whether there were punctuated changes in limb shape, shape disparity, and integration corresponding to either the ontogenetic habitat shift or onset of sexual maturity. We found size to strongly correlate with limb shape but found a continuous size gradient rather than punctuated changes in size. Furthermore, we found that adults (total length > 1.8 m) had significantly higher limb shape disparity than juveniles or subadults, likely related to ontogenetic decreases in limb use and a reduction in limb constraints. Finally, we found that the forelimb and hindlimb acted as a single integrated unit and that neither the forelimb nor hindlimb was significantly more integrated than the other. Therefore, the ontogenetic niche shift itself did not impact limb morphology in A. mississippiensis.
Einsatz der Staffelanker BBV‐multibond im Düsseldorfer Baugrund
Authors: Lammertz Patrick , Stahl Michael , Seidl Dirk , Kindel Frederik , Escher Markus
Published: July 2021

In Düsseldorf erfolgt in unmittelbarer Rheinnähe der Bau eines ca. 20 m × 36 m großen Regenklär‐/Regenrückhaltebeckens, das rd. 13 m tief in den Baugrund einbindet. Der Baugrund im Bereich des Baufelds besteht aus fluviatilen Sanden und Kiesen, die von marinen Feinsanden unterlagert werden. Das Grundwasser bewegt sich innerhalb der stark wasserdurchlässigen Sande und Kiese und weist Schwankungen in Abhängigkeit vom Rheinwasserstand von bis zu 8 m auf. Zur Stützung der technisch wasserdichten, 80 cm dicken Schlitzwand wurden erstmals im Düsseldorfer Baugrund Staffelanker BBV‐multibond eingesetzt. Durch den Einsatz der patentierten Multibond‐Anker konnte nicht nur die Gesamtanzahl der Anker, sondern auch die im Zuge des Ausschreibungsentwurfs vorgesehenen zwei bis vier Ankerlagen auf eine Ankerlage oberhalb des bauzeitlichen Grundwasserstands reduziert werden. Zur Schaffung belastbarer Planungsgrundlagen und zum Nachweis der Tragfähigkeit der Multibond‐Anker wurden im Zuge der Baumaßnahme umfangreiche Eignungsprüfungen durchgeführt.
Der Dükerbau in der offenen Bauweise am Beispiel Rheindüker Zeelink zwischen Wallach und Ork
Authors: Groß Thomas , Cattelaens Jörg
Published: July 2021

Es wird über die Verlegung in offener Dükerbauweise gegenüber anderen Methoden des Dükerbaus berichtet. Die technischen Möglichkeiten und Vorteile gegenüber grabenlosen Verfahren werden erläutert. Als Beispiel hierzu dient der Bau des Dükers durch den Rhein zwischen den Orten Wallach und Ork im Rahmen der Zeelink‐Leitung.
Personalized health and the coronavirus vaccines—Do individual genetics matter?
Authors: Valdés‐Fernández Bianca N. , Duconge Jorge , Espino Ana M. , Ruaño Gualberto
Published: July 2021

Vaccines represent preventative interventions amenable to immunogenetic prediction of how human variability will influence their safety and efficacy. The genetic polymorphism among individuals within any population can render possible that the immunity elicited by a vaccine is variable in length and strength. The same immune challenge (virus and/or vaccine) could provoke partial, complete or even failed protection for some individuals treated under the same conditions. We review genetic variants and mechanistic relationships among chemokines, chemokine receptors, interleukins, interferons, interferon receptors, toll‐like receptors, histocompatibility antigens, various immunoglobulins and major histocompatibility complex antigens. These are the targets for variation among macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, T‐ and B‐lymphocytes, and complement. The technology platforms (mRNA, viral vectors, proteins) utilized to produce vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2 infections may each trigger genetically distinct immune reactogenic profiles. With DNA biobanking and immunoprofiling of recipients, global COVID‐19 vaccinations could launch a new era of personalized healthcare.
Preparation of multifunctional long‐persistent photoluminescence cellulose fibres
Authors: Hameed Ahmed , Aljuhani Enas , Bawazeer Tahani M. , Almehmadi Samar J. , Alfi Alia Abdulaziz , Abumelha Hana M. , Mersal Gaber A. M. , El‐Metwaly Nashwa
Published: July 2021

Simple preparation of flame‐retardant, photoluminescent, and superhydrophobic smart nanocomposite coating was developed and applied onto cotton fibres using the simple pad–dry–cure technique. This novel strategy involved the immobilization of rare‐earth‐doped aluminium strontium oxide (ASO; SrAl2O4:Eu+2,Dy+3) nanoparticles, environmentally friendly room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber (RTV) and environmentally friendly Exolet AP422 (Ex). The fabrics were also able to produce a char film in the fire‐resistant assessment, providing fibres with a self‐extinguishing characteristic. Furthermore, the fire‐retardant performance of the coated cotton samples remained resistant to washing over 35 laundry cycles. The superhydrophobicity of the treated fabrics was monitored to improve by increasing the photoluminescent phosphor nanoparticles. The produced transparent photoluminescent film displayed an absorption at 360 nm and an emission at 526 nm. The photoluminescent fabrics were observed to generate different colorimetric shades, including white, green‐yellow and bright white as monitored by Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage laboratory colorimetric coordinates. Slow emissions were detected for the treated cotton fabrics as monitored by emission, ultraviolet–visible light absorption, lifetime, and decay time spectral profiles to indicate glow in the dark phosphorescence effect. Both comfort and mechanical properties of the coated fibres were evaluated by measuring their bending length and air permeability.
Understanding the role of fuels and impure phases on photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of combustion‐derived nano Sr2CeO4 blue light‐emitting phosphor*
Authors: Lakshmanaiah Monika D. , Rajan Hari Krishna , Naganna Chandraprabha M. , Raghupathi Preetham , Rajan Sivaramakrishna
Published: July 2021

Despite great advancements in optical materials and luminescent hosts, self‐luminescent blue‐emitting phosphors are very limited. In this study we present the influence of fuels used in combustion synthesis on the photoluminescence and thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics of self‐luminescent Sr2CeO4 blue‐emitting phosphors. Four different fuels, oxalyldihydrazide (ODH), sugar, glycine, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, were used to synthesize Sr2CeO4. Powder X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that pure orthorhombic Sr2CeO4 was formed only with the ODH fuel and the other fuels resulted in the formation of impurity phases. Excitation spectra showed peaks at ~290 and 340 nm, corresponding to charge transfer bands from different O2− to Ce4+ ions. The emission spectra showed an intense blue‐emitting band at 470 nm and the highest emission intensity was found for the sample prepared with ODH. Furthermore, TL glow curves for the γ‐irradiated Sr2CeO4 nanophosphor showed that ODH as fuel produced a more intense glow curve compared with other fuels investigated. TL glow curve analysis was carried out by calculating parameters such as activation energy, frequency factor, and order of kinetics. This study explores the importance and role of fuel in tuning the optical properties of phosphor hosts.
Atomic Level Investigations of Early Aggregation of Tau43 in Water I. Conformational Propensity of Monomeric Tau43
Authors: Chatterjee Prathit , Le Thi‐Diem , Bui Huong T. D. , Cho Myung Keun , Ham Sihyun
Published: July 2021

Recent studies in Alzheimer's disease (AD) investigated the precise mechanisms responsible for neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and senile plaques formation. NFTs, the aggregated Tau protein isoforms, are one of the primary factors behind AD. The corresponding smallest variant Tau43, as paired helical filaments (PHFs), self‐assemble into pathological diseased aggregates. However, the molecular details in rationalizing the aggregation propensity of Tau43 remain elusive. Herein, using molecular dynamics simulations on aqueous Tau43, we identify the molecular factors responsible for early behavior of Tau43 aggregation propensity in water. The variant is intrinsically unstructured yet compact in nature, in agreement with previous studies. The PHF6 (11VQIVYK16) segment is relatively less fluctuating, yet most extended and hydrophobic, thereby shielded from aqueous environment by intermolecular polar interactions between terminal residues. We also compared structural propensities of Tau43 and oppositely charged Aβ42 peptide, providing a comparative understanding of early AD pathway, leading to corresponding drug designing avenues.
Dynamic changes of the joint capsule in relation to the zona orbicularis: An anatomical study with possible implications for hip stability mechanism
Authors: Tsutsumi Masahiro , Nimura Akimoto , Utsunomiya Hajime , Akita Keiichi
Published: July 2021

The zona orbicularis, which comprises the inner circular fibers of the joint capsule, is vital for hip stability in distraction. Despite the proximity of the whole joint capsule to the zona orbicularis, their anatomical relationship remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of the inner side of the joint capsule comprehensively. Twelve hips from nine bodies donated to science were examined. Six and three of the donated bodies, respectively, were embalmed using 8% formalin and Thiel's method. The joint capsules in three formalin‐embalmed bodies were sturied by micro‐computed tomography. During formalin fixation of six hips from these three bodies, one side was maintained at hip extension and the other at flexion. The remaining three formalin‐embalmed bodies were examined histologically. Micro‐computed tomography images revealed that the inward protrusion of the joint capsule narrowed the articular cavity, and the ratio of its narrowest area to that of the femoral neck was less at hip extension than at hip flexion. The Thiel's method specimens showed that the inner surface of the joint capsule protruded inward toward the femoral neck during hip extension. This inward protrusion was not histologically independent of the joint capsule. The zona orbicularis was interpreted as the inward protrusion caused by dynamic change of the joint capsule, rather than the local collar. In other words, the joint capsule could change its morphology dynamically depending on the hip position.
DYRK1A activates NFATC1 to increase glioblastoma migration
Authors: Liu Heng , Sun Qian , Chen Shuai , Chen Long , Jia Wenming , Zhao Juan , Sun Xiulian
Published: July 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive glioma, and is prone to develop resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy; hence, patients with glioblastoma have a high recurrence rate and a low 1‐year survival rate. In addition, the pathogenesis of glioblastoma is complex and largely unknown, and the available treatments are limited. Here, we uncovered a fundamental role of DYRK1A in regulating NFATC1 in GBMs. We found that DYRK1A was highly expressed in glioma and glioblastoma cells, and its expression was positively correlated with that of NFATC1. Moreover, inhibition of DYRK1A promoted NFATC1 degradation in GBM cells and sharply reduced the transactivation of NFATC1, not only by decreasing the expression of NFATC1‐targeted genes, but also by reducing the luciferase activity, and vice versa. However, DYRK1A had the opposite effect on NFATC2. Most importantly, our data suggest that DYRK1A inhibition reduces glioblastoma migration. Polypeptides derived from the DYRK1A‐targeted motif of NFATC1, by competitively blocking DYRK1A kinase activity on NFATC1, clearly destabilized NFATC1 protein and impaired glioblastoma migration. We propose that the recovery of NFATC1 stability is a key oncogenic event in a large proportion of gliomas, and pharmacological inhibition of DYRK1A by polypeptides could represent a promising therapeutic intervention for GBM.
Deep Eutectic Solvents for High‐Temperature Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Mackowiak Adam , Galek Przemyslaw , Fic Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

This article provides an overview of a deep eutectic mixture based on the application of lithium nitrate (V) and acetamide as an electrolyte in a carbon‐based electrochemical capacitor. This type of electrolyte is intended to be applied in devices designed for operation under critical conditions (e. g., extreme temperatures). In contrast to water‐ and common organic‐based formulations, the proposed electrolyte ensures good device performance at 100 °C. To describe the chemistry of the proposed mixture, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry were used. Electrochemical analysis includes the verification of system ageing, self‐discharge monitoring, leakage current measuring, and fundamental testing related to determining the specific capacitance or maximum voltage. Additionally, comprehensive analysis of the lithium nitrate salt and organic solvent addition to the operating system was carried out, including the replacement of lithium ions with sodium or potassium.
“Golden” Cascade Cyclization to Benzo[c]‐Phenanthridines
Authors: Hendrich Christoph M. , Senn Sebastian , Haas Lea , Hoffmann Marvin T. , Zschieschang Ute , Greiner Luca C. , Rominger Frank , Rudolph Matthias , Klauk Hagen , Dreuw Andreas , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: July 2021

Herein, we describe a gold‐catalyzed cascade cyclization of Boc‐protected benzylamines bearing two tethered alkyne moieties in a domino reaction initiated by a 6‐endo‐dig cyclization. The reaction was screened intensively, and the scope was explored, resulting in nine new Boc‐protected dihydrobenzo[c]phenanthridines with yields of up to 98 %; even a π‐extension and two bidirectional approaches were successful. Furthermore, thermal cleavage of the Boc group and subsequent oxidation gave substituted benzo[c]phenanthridines in up to quantitative yields. Two bidirectional approaches under the optimized conditions were successful, and the resulting π‐extended molecules were tested as organic semiconductors in organic thin‐film transistors.
On the prediction of suspension viscosity, grain morphology, and agitation power in SPVC reactors
Authors: Kiparissides Costas , Pladis Prokopis
Published: July 2021

The role of primary and secondary stabilizers in the suspension polymerization of VCM and their effect on grain morphology (i.e., particle size distribution, grain porosity, and bulk density) is critically discussed. Using the modified Mooney equation, the time‐varying viscosity of the suspension in an SPVC reactor is calculated in terms of the volume fraction of the dispersed monomer/polymer phase, the ratio of the viscosity of the dispersed phase over the viscosity of the continuous aqueous phase, and the maximum packing volume fraction of SPVC grains. A population balance equation is numerically solved to calculate the dynamic evolution of particle size distribution (PSD) in an industrial batch suspension VCM polymerization reactor. A porosity model is postulated to calculate the dynamic evolution of the PVC grain porosity with respect to monomer conversion and the extent of primary particle fusion. Finally, the underlying theory regarding the calculation of the required agitation power in SPVC reactors is detailed. It is shown that the time‐varying viscosity of the suspension can be calculated and the PVC grain morphology (i.e., extent of particle agglomeration) can be accessed via the on‐line estimation of the effective volume fraction of the dispersed phase using on‐line power agitation measurements obtained from an industrial‐scale SPVC reactor.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Synthesis of (Z)‐3‐YlidenephthalidesviaH3PMo12O40‐Catalyzed Cyclization of 2‐Acylbenzoic Acids with Benzylic Alcohols
Authors: Yang Guoping , Li Ke , Lin Xiaoling , Li Yijin , Cui Chengxing , Li Shixiong , Cheng Yuanyuan , Liu Yufeng
Published: July 2021

Main observation and conclusion

We report an exclusively tandem C—O and C—C bond forming beyond the esterification and cyclization reaction of 2‐acylbenzoic acids with alcohols to regio‐ and stereoselective synthesis of the (Z)‐3‐ylidenephthalides. The reaction uses the nontoxic, inexpensive H3PMo12O40 as catalyst and produces water as the sole by‐product, making the reaction environmentally benign and sustainable. Moreover, this reaction features an eco‐friendly reaction condition, facile scalability, and easy derivatization of the products to drugs and bioactive compounds. The mechanism studies and density functional theory calculations reveal that the appropriate acid catalyst is the key to the selectivity of this transformation.
PROTOCOL: Is radicalization a family issue? A systematic review of family‐related risk and protective factors, consequences, and interventions against radicalization
Authors: Zych Izabela , Nasaescu Elena
Published: July 2021

This systematic review aims to answer the following research questions: (1) What are the family‐related risk and protective factors for radicalization? (2) What is the impact of radicalization on families? (3) To what extent are family‐based interventions against radicalization effective? The review will answer these research questions by systematically gathering and synthesizing published and unpublished scientific literature on family‐related risk and protective factors for radicalization, the impact of radicalization on family, and studies that evaluate the impact of family‐based interventions on radicalization. This review will also explore what components of family‐based interventions are most effective for countering radicalization. Thus, this systematic review will provide a global vision of scientific literature focused on family and radicalization including quantitative research.
Single depolymerizing and transport kinesins stabilize microtubule ends
Authors: Ciorîță Alexandra , Bugiel Michael , Sudhakar Swathi , Schäffer Erik , Jannasch Anita
Published: July 2021

Microtubules are highly dynamic cellular filaments and an accurate control of their length is important for many intracellular processes like cell division. Among other factors, microtubule length is actively modulated by motors from the kinesin superfamily. For example, yeast kinesin‐8, Kip3, motors depolymerize microtubules by a cooperative, force‐ and length‐dependent mechanism. However, whether single motors can also depolymerize microtubules is unclear. Here, we measured how single kinesin motors influenced the stability of microtubules in an in vitro assay. Using label‐free interference reflection microscopy, we determined the spontaneous microtubule depolymerization rate of stabilized microtubules in the presence of kinesins. Surprisingly, we found that both single Kip3 and nondepolymerizing kinesin‐1 transport motors, used as a control, stabilized microtubules further. For Kip3, this behavior is contrary to the collective force‐dependent depolymerization activity of multiple motors. Because of the control measurement, the finding may hint at a more general stabilization mechanism. The complex, concentration‐dependent interaction with microtubule ends provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of kinesin‐8 and its regulatory function of microtubule length.
Wilms tumor with Mulibrey Nanism: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Upasana Karthik , Thakkar Dhwanee , Gautam Dheeraj , Sachdev Manvinder Singh , Yadav Anjali , Kapoor Rohit , Raghunathan Veena , Dhaliwal Maninder Singh , Bhargava Kartikeya , Nair Sandhya , Sharma Jaiprakash , Rastogi Neha , Yadav Satya Prakash
Published: July 2021

Background

Mulibrey‐Nanism (Muscle‐liver‐brain‐eye Nanism = dwarfism; MUL) is a rare genetic syndrome. The underlying TRIM37 mutation predisposes these children to develop tumors frequently. In the largest published series of MUL, 8% patients were reported to develop Wilms tumor (WT). The published literature lacks data regarding the best treatment protocol and outcome of this cohort of children with WT and MUL. We report here a 2‐year‐old boy with WT and MUL and present a review of literature on WT in MUL.

Case

Our patient had associated cardiac problems of atrial septal defect, atrial flutter and an episode of sudden cardiac arrest. We managed him successfully with chemotherapy, surgery and multi‐speciality care. He is alive and in remission at follow‐up of 6 months.

Conclusion

A total of 14 cases (including present case) of WT have been reported in MUL and treatment details were available for six cases. They were managed primarily with surgery, chemotherapy with/without radiotherapy, and all achieved remission. The outcome data is available only for two cases, one has been followed up till 15 years post treatment for WT and other is our patient.
q‐frame hash comparison based exact string matching algorithms for DNA sequences
Authors: Karcioglu Abdullah Ammar , Bulut Hasan
Published: July 2021

The importance of string matching is due to its applications in many fields, such as medicine and bioinformatics. Various string matching algorithms are developed to speed up the search. Especially, hash‐based exact string matching algorithms are among the most time‐efficient ones. The efficiency of hash‐based approaches depends on the hash function. Hence, perfect hashing plays an essential role in hash‐based string matching. In this study, two q‐frame hash comparison‐based exact string matching algorithms, Hq‐QF and HqBM‐QF, are proposed. We have used a collision‐free perfect hash function for DNA sequences in the proposed algorithms. In the first approach, after hash values match for the last qcharacters, the character comparisons in the Hash‐q algorithm are replaced with q‐frame hash comparison. In the second approach, we improved the first approach by utilizing the shift size indicated at the th entry in the good suffix shift table. Since the number of character comparisons is minimized, the worst‐case time complexity of the proposed algorithms is . In both approaches, q‐frame hash comparisons replace most character comparisons as a trade‐off. The results show that the proposed approaches are more efficient than the Hash‐q algorithm in terms of runtime efficiency and the number of character comparisons.
A survey on smart parking systems in urban cities
Authors: Zulfiqar Haidar , Ul Haque Hafiz Mahfooz , Tariq Faiza , Khan Rashad Mahmood
Published: July 2021

Parking vehicles in densely populated areas are often challenging, stressful, and sometimes it becomes a monotonous job for the drivers in jam‐packed areas. There are several reasons for the delay in finding parking spaces such as scarcity of parking slots, disordered or unmanaged parking of vehicles, lacking or unaware of parking information at the destination, which further leads to the wastage of time, fuel, energy and increase in environmental pollution. Literature has revealed a significant number of smart parking solutions based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and context‐awareness with the incorporation of routing strategies and vehicle detection techniques in a pervasive computing environment. With the rapid escalation of the smart and intelligent devices along with their applicability in a highly decentralized environment, real‐time traffic monitoring, and finding parking spaces have become quite trivial. Smart parking sensors and technologies assist drivers in finding vacant parking slots while they are on the way to their destination. Considering the needs, wants, and demands of metropolitan cities, in this article, we have reviewed the recently published articles, mostly from the last 5 years, on smart parking systems augmented with sensors, embedded systems, context‐awareness capability, and IoT which yields in saving time, fuel, energy, and reduces the stress of the drivers. To accomplish this, we have reviewed different models on smart parking solutions based on algorithmic formalisms, theoretical frameworks, formal models, smart device‐based prototypes as well as real‐time applications, and verifying the correctness properties of the system. The results shown may provide a base for the state of the art future research directions.
Genetic progress in grain yield radiation and nitrogen use efficiency of dryland winter wheat in Southwest China since 1965: Progress and prospect for improvements
Authors: Yang Hongkun , Mo Piao , Chen Yufeng , Chen Renhua , Wei Ting , Xie Wei , Xiang Xiaolin , Huang Xiulan , Zheng Ting , Fan Gaoqiong
Published: July 2021

Investigations of critical physiological traits associated with the genetic yield gain in wheat (Triticum aestivum) are essential to determine future crop breeding and management strategies. This study grew 32 cultivars released from 1965 to 2017 for two cropping seasons (a dry year, 2016–2017, and a humid year, 2017–2018) to examine yield potential achieved through efficiencies in canopy light interception, solar energy conversion, harvest index (HI), and nitrogen (N) uptake and utilization. Yield gain for wheat (25.0 ± 1.8 kg ha−1 yr−1) resulted from increases in plant biomass, HI, and N utilization efficiency (NUtE). Modern cultivars with an erect canopy and slender flag‐leaves optimized light interception and could achieve higher biomass yield. The introduction of semi‐dwarf genes (Rht‐8) reduced plant height (0.05 yr−1) and improved HI (0.004 yr−1) and NUtE resulting from both increased pre‐anthesis accumulated biomass and plant dry matter mobilization after anthesis. Greater biomass partitioning to spikes resulted in higher fruiting efficiency and grain number. Due to greater tillering capability through increased N uptake efficiency, increased fertile spikes and grain yield were observed. Among these newer cultivars, the rate of yield gain was slow, and yield stability was more affected by accumulative rainfall than diurnal temperature. The future challenge of wheat breeding is to maintain the genetic yield gain without increasing the reliance on chemical fertilizers under an increasingly variable climate.
Proinsulin‐specific T‐cell responses correlate with estimated c‐peptide and predict partial remission duration in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Musthaffa Yassmin , Hamilton‐Williams Emma E , Nel Hendrik J , Bergot Anne‐Sophie , Mehdi Ahmed M , Harris Mark , Thomas Ranjeny
Published: July 2021

Objective

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder in which autoreactive T cells destroy insulin‐producing β‐cells. Interventions that preserve β‐cell function represent a fundamental therapeutic goal in T1D and biomarkers that predict and monitor β‐cell function, and changes in islet autoantigenic signatures are needed. As proinsulin and neoantigens derived from proinsulin peptides (hybrid insulin peptides, HIPs) are important T1D autoantigens, we analysed peripheral blood CD4+ T‐cell autoantigen‐specific proliferative responses and their relationship to estimated β‐cell function.

Methods

We recruited 72 people with and 42 without T1D, including 17 pre‐diabetic islet antibody‐positive and 9 antibody‐negative first‐degree relatives and 16 unrelated healthy controls with T1D‐risk HLA types. We estimated C‐peptide level at 3‐month intervals for 2 years post‐diagnosis and measured CD4+ T‐cell proliferation to proinsulin epitopes and HIPs using an optimised bioassay.

Results

We show that CD4+ T‐cell proliferation to any islet peptide and to multiple epitopes were significantly more frequent in pre‐diabetic islet antibody‐positive siblings and participants with T1D ≤ 3 months of duration, than in participants with T1D > 3 months or healthy controls. Among participants with T1D and first‐degree relatives, CD4+ T‐cell proliferation occurred most frequently in response to proinsulin33‐63 (full‐length C‐peptide). Proinsulin33‐63‐specific responses were associated with HLA‐DR3‐DQ2 and/or HLA‐DR4/DQ8. In children with T1D, proinsulin33‐63‐specific T‐cell proliferation positively associated with concurrent estimated C‐peptide and predicted survival in honeymoon.

Conclusion

CD4+ T‐cell proliferative responses to proinsulin‐containing autoantigens are common before and immediately after diagnosis of T1D but decline thereafter. Proinsulin33‐63‐specific CD4+ T‐cell response is a novel marker of estimated residual endogenous β‐cell function and predicts a better 2‐year disease outcome.
Pathogenesis of autoimmune demyelination: from multiple sclerosis to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease
Authors: Lopez Joseph A , Denkova Martina , Ramanathan Sudarshini , Dale Russell C , Brilot Fabienne
Published: July 2021

Autoimmunity plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of demyelination. Multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease (MOGAD) are now recognised as separate disease entities under the amalgam of human central nervous system demyelinating disorders. While these disorders share inherent similarities, investigations into their distinct clinical presentations and lesion pathologies have aided in differential diagnoses and understanding of disease pathogenesis. An interplay of various genetic and environmental factors contributes to each disease, many of which implicate an autoimmune response. The pivotal role of the adaptive immune system has been highlighted by the diagnostic autoantibodies in NMOSD and MOGAD, and the presence of autoreactive lymphocytes in MS lesions. While a number of autoantigens have been proposed in MS, recent emphasis on the contribution of B cells has shed new light on the well‐established understanding of T cell involvement in pathogenesis. This review aims to synthesise the clinical characteristics and pathological findings, discuss existing and emerging hypotheses regarding the aetiology of demyelination and evaluate recent pathogenicity studies involving T cells, B cells, and autoantibodies and their implications in human demyelination.
Dilemmas in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of atypical late‐onset familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Minson Adrian , Voskoboinik Ilia , Grigg Andrew
Published: July 2021

Objectives

A congenital loss of cytotoxic lymphocyte activity leads to a potentially fatal immune dysregulation, familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Until recently, this disease was uniformly associated with infants or very young children, but it appears now that the onset may be delayed for decades. As a result, some adults are being mis‐ or under‐diagnosed because of their ‘atypical’ symptoms that are not recognised as immunodeficiency. The clinical picture and histopathology can overlap with those of haematologic malignancy, further complicating the diagnostic thought process. The spectrum of atypical symptoms is poorly defined, and therefore, it is important to describe these cases and the attendant immunological and cellular changes associated with familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, in order to improve diagnosis and prevent unintended consequences of symptomatic therapies.

Methods

A 45‐year‐old patient presented with suspected T‐cell lymphoma and was treated with combination chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) supplemented with granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF). To mobilise stem cells for autologous transplantation, the patient was then treated with high‐dose G‐CSF and rapidly developed haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Symptoms resolved temporarily with intensive immunosuppression with alemtuzumab and durably with a subsequent allograft.

Results

The patient was found to be a carrier of bi‐allelic mutations in the STXBP2 protein that is essential for cytotoxic lymphocyte function, and the initial diagnosis has been revised as familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Conclusion

This case highlights the difficulty in distinguishing atypical/late‐onset familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis from a malignant process as well as a possible exacerbation of the disease with G‐CSF therapy.
Developmental maturation of presynaptic ribbon numbers in chicken basilar‐papilla hair cells and its perturbation by long‐term overexpression of Wnt9a
Authors: Caus Capdevila M. Queralt , Sienknecht Ulrike J. , Köppl Christine
Published: July 2021

The avian basilar papilla is a valuable model system for exploring the developmental determination and differentiation of sensory hair cells and their innervation. In the mature basilar papilla, hair cells form a well‐known continuum between two extreme types—tall and short hair cells—that differ strikingly in their innervation. Previous work identified Wnt9a as a crucial factor in this differentiation. Here, we quantified the number and volume of immunolabelled presynaptic ribbons in tall and short hair cells of chickens, from developmental stages shortly after ribbons first appear to the mature posthatching condition. Two longitudinal locations were sampled, responding to best frequencies of approximately 1 kHz and approximately 5.5 kHz when mature. We found significant reductions of ribbon number during normal development in the tall‐hair‐cell domains, but stable, low numbers in the short‐hair‐cell domains. Exposing developing hair cells to continuous, excessive Wnt9a levels (through virus‐mediated overexpression) led to transiently abnormal high numbers of ribbons and a delayed reduction of ribbon numbers at all sampled locations. Thus, (normally) short‐hair‐cell domains also showed tall‐hair‐cell like behaviour, confirming previous findings (Munnamalai et al., 2017). However, at 3 weeks posthatching, ribbon numbers had decreased to the location‐specific typical values of control hair cells at all sampled locations. Furthermore, as shown previously, mature hair cells at the basal, high‐frequency location harboured larger ribbons than more apically located hair cells. This was true for both normal and Wnt9a‐overexposed basilar papillae.
Ecology of outbreak populations of the western spruce budworm
Authors: Nealis Vincent , Régnière Jacques
Published: July 2021

We sampled outbreak populations of western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), between 1997 and 2016 in Douglas‐fir forests in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. Annual rates of change in population densities were correlated with generation survival, modulated by egg recruitment via dispersal of moths. Most temporal variation in generation survival was the result of variation in survival of small, non‐feeding larval stages. Survival rates of feeding larval and pupal stages determined the magnitude of generation survival but contributed little to temporal trend. Survival of small larvae was the product of density‐related losses of larvae dispersing to and from hibernation sites and weather‐related stress caused by warm temperatures in late summer and early spring. Overwinter survival improved in cooler years and at higher elevations. Survival of feeding larvae and pupae was associated with mortality by natural enemies, in particular a few species of dominant, ubiquitous endoparasitoids, and an episodic, virulent baculovirus. Recruitment of eggs indicated emigration of gravid moths independent of defoliation but proportional to density of local moths. During periods of increasing and decreasing population densities over a large outbreak area, a marked differential in adult densities among locations resulted in greater than expected per‐capita egg recruitment to areas of relatively low density and vice versa, indicative of net exchange of gravid moths from high‐ to low‐density populations. The result was homogenization of egg densities among locations, apparent synchrony of the outbreak at the large scale, and extended duration of the outbreak at some locations, despite declining generation survival. These results are compared with field studies of the closely related spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana. We suggest our interpretation applies more generally and outbreaks of conifer‐feeding budworms are maintained for several years by compensatory survival of sequential life‐history stages and spatio‐temporal smoothing of densities via dispersal of gravid moths. Parasitoids and pathogens can cause sudden declines in densities, but populations inevitably wane as a result of cumulative degradation of their resource. The interaction and temporal sequence of bottom‐up and top‐down factors explain the similarities and differences in outbreak characteristics within‐ and among‐budworm species.