bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BAD inactivation exacerbates rheumatoid arthritis pathology by promoting survival of sublining macrophages
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Liansheng , Zheng Yongwei , Shao Rui , Liang Qianqian , Yu Weida , Wang Hongyan , Zou Weiguo , Wang Demin , Xiang Jialing , Lin Anning
Published: December 2020

The resistance of synovial sublining macrophages to apoptosis has a crucial role in joint inflammation and destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. Here we report that inactivation of the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family protein BAD is essential for survival of synovial sublining macrophage in RA. Genetic disruption of Bad leads to more severe joint inflammation and cartilage and bone damage with reduced apoptosis of synovial sublining macrophages in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and TNFα transgenic (TNF-Tg) mouse models. Conversely, Bad3SA/3SA mice, in which BAD can no longer be inactivated by phosphorylation, are protected from collagen-induced arthritis. Mechanistically, phosphorylation-mediated inactivation of BAD specifically protects synovial sublining macrophages from apoptosis in highly inflammatory environment of arthritic joints in CIA and TNF-Tg mice, and in patients with RA, thereby contributing to RA pathology. Our findings put forward a model in which inactivation of BAD confers the apoptosis resistance on synovial sublining macrophages, thereby contributing to the development of arthritis, suggesting that BAD may be a potential therapeutic target for RA.
Distribution and Abundance of Killer Whales in the Central North Atlantic, 1987-2015
Authors: Pike Daniel G. , Gunnlaugsson Thorvaldur , Mikkelsen Bjarni , Víkingsson Gísli , Desportes Geneviève
Published: December 2020

The North Atlantic Sightings Surveys (NASS), covering a large but variable portion of the Central and Eastern North Atlantic, were conducted in 1987, 1989, 1995, 2001, 2007 and 2015. Sightings of killer whales (Orcinus orca), a non-target species, were relatively rare in the Central Atlantic (Icelandic and Faroese) portions of the survey area. In cases where sighting numbers were insufficient, we pooled sightings over several surveys to derive a distance detection function and used this to estimate abundance using standard Distance Sampling methodology. Uncorrected estimates were produced for all surveys, and estimates corrected for perception bias were produced for the 2001 and 2015 surveys. Killer whales were sighted in all areas but were most common in the eastern part of the survey area. Uncorrected abundance in the NASS core area ranged from a low of 4,736 (95% CI: 1,842–12,176) in 1995 to a maximum of 15,142 (95% CI: 6,003–38,190) in 2001. The low precision of the estimates makes the detection of temporal trends unlikely. In 2007 an extension survey revealed relatively high numbers of killer whales to the east of the survey area, in conformity with Norwegian survey estimates in this area. The NASS and other surveys conducted over the period indicate that killer whales number in the low tens of thousands in the Central and Eastern North Atlantic.
Evaluación de tres PCR cuantitativas para la detección de leptospiras patógenas en animales domésticos en Nicaragua
Authors: Flores Byron , Halaihel Nabil , Pérez-Sánchez Tania , Sheleby-Elías Jessica , Mora Brenda , Fuertes Héctor , Jirón William
Published: December 2020

Introducción. En Nicaragua es necesario estandarizar pruebas moleculares como la PCR en tiempo real (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction, qPCR) que mejoren el diagnóstico de leptospirosis en humanos y animales.Objetivo. Evaluar tres qPCR para la detección de leptospiras patógenas en animales domésticos de Nicaragua.Materiales y métodos. Se diseñaron cebadores para la amplificación del gen LipL32 en SYBR Green (SYBR Green-A) y TaqMan, y en otros descritos previamente (SYBR Green-B). Las secuencias de 12 cepas obtenidas de la base de datos del National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) se alinearon para la búsqueda de sondas y cebadores. La sensibilidad analítica se determinó calculando el equivalente genómico detectable, se utilizaron 18 cepas de referencia para la sensibilidad diagnóstica y 28 controles negativos para la especificidad. Los métodos se aplicaron en 129 muestras de orina de animales domésticos.Resultados. En SYBR Green-A se obtuvo un límite de detección de cuatro equivalentes genómicos; en TaqMan, la sensibilidad fue del 94,4 % (IC95% 81,1-100,0). Con SYBR Green-A, se obtuvo una sensibilidad del 77,8 % (IC95% 55,8-99,8), en tanto que con SYBR Green-B fue del 61,1 % (IC95% 35,8-86,4). En las tres pruebas se logró una especificidad del 100 % (IC95% 98,2-100,0). El 26,4 % de las muestras de animales domésticos fueron positivas con SYBR Green-A y el 6,2 % con SYBR Green-B.Conclusiones. El SYBR Green-A presentó un límite de detección bajo, en tanto que las tres técnicas evaluadas mostraron alta especificidad, en tanto que la TaqMan tuvo la mayor sensibilidad.
Complicaciones tromboembólicas asociadas con tuberculosis: reporte de un caso pediátrico
Authors: Osorio Natalia , Reyes Martha Mónica
Published: December 2020

La tuberculosis es una de las enfermedades infecciosas más comunes en el mundo. Aunque la mortalidad en niños es prácticamente nula cuando el diagnóstico y el tratamiento son oportunos, puede asociarse con complicaciones como la trombosis venosa profunda y la superficial a partir de la respuesta inflamatoria sistémica frente a la infección, lo que propicia la coagulación y ocasiona una significativa morbimortalidad.Se reporta el caso de una adolescente de 14 años con tuberculosis pulmonar en tratamiento combinado quien, de forma atípica, presentó dos episodios de tromboembolia venosa: el primero en el riñón y el segundo en los pulmones. Tras descartar el síndrome nefrótico y el antifosfolipídico, los estudios de tomografía de tórax y abdomen fueron una herramienta fundamental para su diagnóstico. Se inició tratamiento con heparina de bajo peso molecular con mejoría de los síntomas. Teniendo en cuenta las necesidades de anticoagulación no fue posible realizar estudios adicionales de ampliación.Las complicaciones tromboembólicas en pacientes con tuberculosis y sin otros factores de riesgo obligan a considerar el efecto coagulante que resulta de la reacción inflamatoria sistémica, la cual podría, por sí sola, ser la causa de una complicación significativa pero prevenible, aunque frecuentemente escapa al diagnóstico. En este sentido, se recomienda considerar la posibilidad de la tromboembolia venosa en estos pacientes y hacer un seguimiento estricto que permita aplicar el tratamiento anticoagulante tempranamente y prevenir, así, resultados adversos.
Intoxicación escombroide secundaria al consumo de atún: presentación de un caso
Authors: González María Carolina , Díaz Andrea Carolina , Moncayo Jairo Giovanni , Marín Jorge Alonso
Published: December 2020

La intoxicación escombroide es ocasionada por el consumo de ciertos tipos de pescado (de la familia Scombridae), comúnmente el atún, los cuales acumulan grandes concentraciones de histamina cuando los procedimientos de refrigeración son inadecuados, ocasionando en quienes los consumen síntomas muy similares a los de una alergia alimentaria, por lo que es frecuente que no se diagnostique correctamente. Generalmente, los síntomas desaparecen en pocas horas y no suelen ser graves, excepto algunos casos descritos en la literatura especializada, de hipotensión, broncoespasmo, dificultad respiratoria, taquicardia supraventricular e, incluso, infarto agudo de miocardio.Este fue, precisamente, el caso de una mujer que ingresó al servicio de urgencias de un hospital de tercer nivel de Medellín a los pocos minutos de haber ingerido atún con una sintomatología típica de la intoxicación, pero con taquicardia supraventricular, una de sus manifestaciones graves y atípicas.
Comprehensive analysis of circRNA expression profiles and circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA networks in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Liu Haiyang , Liu Di , Liu Yexin , Xia Ming , Li Yan , Li Mei , Liu Hong
Published: December 2020

Background

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is immune-mediated primary glomerulonephritis, which is the most common reason leading to renal failure worldwide. The exact pathogenesis of IgAN is not well defined. Accumulating evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial roles in the immune disease by involving in the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network mechanism. At present, the studies of the circRNA profiles and circRNA-associated ceRNA networks in the IgAN are still scarce. This study aimed to elucidate the potential roles of circRNA-associated ceRNA networks of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in IgAN patients

Method

CircRNA sequencing was used to identify the differential expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) of PBMCs in IgAN and healthy controls; limma packages from data sets GSE25590 and GSE73953 in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, were used to identify differentially expressed micro RNAs (miRNAs) and message RNAs (mRNAs). A circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed to further investigate the mechanisms of IgAN. Then, GO analysis and KEGG enrichment analyses were used to annotate the genes involved in the circRNA-associated ceRNA network. Further, Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established to screen potential hub genes, by using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING). Last, a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to verify the hub genes in the ceRNA network.

Result

A total of 145 circRNAs, 22 miRNAs, and 1,117 mRNAs were differentially expressed in IgAN compared with controls (P < 0.05). A ceRNA network was constructed which contained 16 DEcircRNAs, 72 differential expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and 11 differential expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis illustrated the underlying biological functions of the ceRNA-associated genes, such as Nitrogen compound metabolic process, COPII-coated ER to Golgi transport vesicle, CAMP response element protein binding process (P < 0.01); meanwhile, Hepatitis B, GnRH signaling, and Prion disease were the most significant enrichment GO terms (P < 0.01). PPI network based on STRING analysis identified 4 potentially hub genes. Finally, Ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing 16 (ASB16), SEC24 homolog C, COPII coat complex component (SEC24C) were confirmed by qRT-PCR (P < 0.05) and were identified as the hub genes of the ceRNA network in our study.

Conclusion

Our study identified a novel circRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory network mechanisms in the pathogenesis of IgAN.
Effects of monofilament nylon versus braided multifilament nylon gangions on catch rates of Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) in bottom set longlines
Authors: Grant Scott M. , Munden Jenna G. , Hedges Kevin J.
Published: December 2020

The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) is the main bycatch species in established and exploratory inshore longline fisheries for Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) on the east coast of Baffin Island, Canada. Bycatch and entanglement in longline gear has at times been substantial and post-release survival is questionable when Greenland sharks are released with trailing fishing gear. This study investigated the effect of the type of fishing line used in the gangion and gangion breaking strength on catch rates of Greenland shark and Greenland halibut in bottom set longlines. Circle (size 14/0, 0° offset) hooks were used throughout the study. Behavior of captured sharks, mode of capture (i.e., jaw hook and/or entanglement), level of entanglement in longline gear, time required to disentangle sharks and biological information (sex, body length and health status) were recorded. Catch rates of Greenland shark were independent of monofilament nylon gangion breaking strength and monofilament gangions captured significantly fewer Greenland sharks than the traditional braided multifilament nylon gangion. Catch rates and body size of Greenland halibut did not differ significantly between gangion treatments. Although most (84%) of the Greenland sharks were hooked by the jaw, a high percentage (76%) were entangled in the mainline. The mean length of mainline entangled around the body and/or caudal peduncle and caudal fin was 28.7 m. Greenland sharks exhibited cannibalistic behavior with 15% of captured sharks cannibalized. All remaining sharks were alive and survived the disentanglement process which can be attributed to their lethargic behavior and lack of resistance when hauled to the surface. Thus, as a conservation measure fishers should be encouraged to remove trailing fishing gear prior to release. Our results are used to demonstrate benefits to the fishing industry with regard to an overall reduction in the period of time to disentangle sharks and damage to fishing gear by switching from braided multifilament to monofilament gangions in Greenland halibut longline fisheries.
Bacterial exposure leads to variable mortality but not a measurable increase in surface antimicrobials across ant species
Authors: Halawani Omar , Dunn Robert R. , Grunden Amy M. , Smith Adrian A.
Published: December 2020

Social insects have co-existed with microbial species for millions of years and have evolved a diversity of collective defenses, including the use of antimicrobials. While many studies have revealed strategies that ants use against microbial entomopathogens, and several have shown ant-produced compounds inhibit environmental bacterial growth, few studies have tested whether exposure to environmental bacteria represents a health threat to ants. We compare four ant species’ responses to exposure to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria in order to broaden our understanding of microbial health-threats to ants and their ability to defend against them. In a first experiment, we measure worker mortality of Solenopsis invicta, Brachymyrmex chinensis, Aphaenogaster rudis, and Dorymyrmex bureni in response to exposure to E. coli and S. epidermidis. We found that exposure to E. coli was lethal for S. invicta and D. bureni, while all other effects of exposure were not different from experimental controls. In a second experiment, we compared the antimicrobial ability of surface extracts from bacteria-exposed and non-exposed S. invicta and B. chinensis worker ants, to see if exposure to E. coli or S. epidermidis led to an increase in antimicrobial compounds. We found no difference in the inhibitory effects from either treatment group in either species. Our results demonstrate the susceptibility to bacteria is varied across ant species. This variation may correlate with an ant species’ use of surface antimicrobials, as we found significant mortality effects in species which also were producing antimicrobials. Further exploration of a wide range of both bacteria and ant species is likely to reveal unique and nuanced antimicrobial strategies and deepen our understanding of how ant societies respond to microbial health threats.
Analysis of 44 Vibrio anguillarum genomes reveals high genetic diversity
Authors: Hansen Mie Johanne , Kudirkiene Egle , Dalsgaard Inger
Published: December 2020

Vibriosis, a hemorrhagic septicemic disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio anguillarum, is an important bacterial infection in Danish sea-reared rainbow trout. Despite of vaccination, outbreaks still occur, likely because the vaccine is based on V. anguillarum strains from abroad/other hosts than rainbow trout. Information about the genetic diversity of V. anguillarum specifically in Danish rainbow trout, is required to investigate this claim. Consequently, the aim of the present investigation was to sequence and to characterize a collection of 44 V. anguillarum strains obtained primarily from vibriosis outbreaks in Danish rainbow trout. The strains were sequenced, de novo assembled, and the genomes examined for the presence of plasmids, virulence, and acquired antibiotic resistance genes. To investigate the phylogeny, single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified, and the pan-genome was calculated. All strains carried tet(34) encoding tetracycline resistance, and 36 strains also contained qnrVC6 for increased fluoroquinolone/quinolone resistance. But interestingly, all strains were phenotypic sensitive to both oxytetracycline and oxolinic acid. Almost all serotype O1 strains contained a pJM1-like plasmid and nine serotype O2A strains carried the plasmid p15. The distribution of virulence genes was rather similar across the strains, although evident variance among serotypes was observed. Most significant, almost all serotype O2 and O3 strains, as well as the serotype O1 strain without a pJM1-like plasmid, carried genes encoding piscibactin biosynthesis. Hence supporting the hypothesis, that piscibactin plays a crucial role in virulence for pathogenic strains lacking the anguibactin system. The phylogenetic analysis and pan-genome calculations revealed great diversity within V. anguillarum. Serotype O1 strains were in general very similar, whereas considerable variation was found among serotype O2A strains. The great diversity within the V. anguillarum serotype O2A genomes is most likely the reason why vaccines provide good protection from some strains, but not from others. Hopefully, the new genomic data and knowledge provided in this study might help develop an optimized vaccine against V. anguillarum in the future to reduce the use of antibiotics, minimize economic losses and improve the welfare of the fish.
Response evaluation and analysis using impulse of base‐isolated buildings during a collision with retaining wall
Authors: Fukui Hirohisa , Fujitani Hideo , Mukai Yoichi , Ito Mai , Mosqueda Gilberto
Published: December 2020

The performance of base‐isolated buildings during collision with a retaining wall is examined via shaking table experiments, and a simplified numerical simulation method is proposed to predict structural response. Input ground motions are scaled to various amplitudes to examine the pounding effect of the superstructure under different collision velocities. The influence of wall rigidity on the superstructure response is examined by replacing rubber member attachments on the retaining wall with pads that have different rubber hardness values. Factors influencing the response of the superstructure during collision are identified from experimental results. A numerical simulation method that uses impulse forcing function to replace the collision simulation is evaluated. Time history analysis of a lumped‐mass model considering an impulse at the expected time and location of the collision are shown to efficiently predict the maximum floor acceleration and story shear force of the superstructure during collision without employing a collision analysis model. This research contributes towards developing simplified procedures for estimating the effects of collision in base isolated structures.
Territorial aggression by dwarf hamster females (Phodopus campbelli): A hormonal approach
Authors: Olvera‐Ramos José A. , Cárdenas‐León Mario , Luis Juana
Published: December 2020

Females of many vertebrate species are territorial. However, few studies have been performed on territorial aggression and its hormonal bases in females. The present study determined whether dwarf hamster females (Phodopus campbelli) display territorial aggression and the role that estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) play in this behavior. Two experiments were carried out. First, 28 virgin females were mated with sexually inexperienced males. The females were submitted to oviduct ligation 2 weeks before mating to prevent pregnancy. After 15 days of mating, 16 out of 28 females were submitted to resident‐intruder tests, whereas the remaining 12 females were nonconfronted. Blood samples were collected 30 min after the aggression tests to determine E2 and P4 by ELISA. In the second experiment, 40 females were mated with vasectomized males. Thirty days after mating, 30 dwarf hamsters were subjected to ovariectomy; 10 were nontreated, 10 were treated with E2, and 10 with P4. The remaining 10 were sham‐operated. All females were submitted to resident‐intruder tests, and blood samples were taken to quantify E2 and P4. In the first experiment, 87.5% of dwarf hamster females displayed territorial aggression, and in the second, 100% of females were aggressive. Ovariectomy and ovariectomy plus E2 or P4 replacement did not affect aggressive territorial behavior. These results showed that this species' females are territorial, and this behavior is not dependent on ovarian steroid hormones.
Using flattening filter free beams in electronic tissue compensation whole breast irradiation with deep inspiration breath hold
Authors: Wisnoskie Sarah B. , Liang Xiaoying , Wahl Andrew O. , Bennion Nathan R. , Granatowicz Andrew D. , Zhou Sumin , Zheng Dandan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

In order to reduce heart dose, DIBH has become a common practice in left‐sided whole breast irradiation. This technique involves a significant strain on patients due to the breath‐hold requirements. We hereby investigate the dosimetric and delivery feasibility of using flattening filter free (FFF) energies with electronic tissue compensation (ECOMP) planning technique to reduce the required breath‐hold lengths and increase patient compatibility.

Methods

Fifteen left‐sided, postlumpectomy patients previously receiving DIBH whole‐breast radiotherapy (266cGy x 16fx) were retrospectively planned using ECOMP for both 6X and 6X‐FFF. A dosimetric comparison was made between the two plans for each patient using various dosimetric constraints. Delivery feasibility was analyzed by recalculating the 6X ECOMP plan with 6X‐FFF without replanning (6X‐FFF QA) and delivering both plans for a one‐to‐one comparison using Gamma analysis. Beam‐on times for the 6X and 6X‐FFF plans were measured. For all tests, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used withP < 0.05 as significant.

Results

No statistical difference was observed between 6X and 6X‐FFF plans for most dosimetric endpoints except contralateral breast Dmax(P = 0.0008) and skin Dmax(p = 0.03) and Dmin(P = 0.01) for which 6X‐FFF showed favorable results when compared with 6X. 6X‐FFF significantly reduced beam‐on times for all patients by 22%–42% (average 32%). All plan QAs passed departmental gamma criteria (10% low‐dose threshold, 3%/3mm, >95% passing).

Conclusion

ECOMP planning with FFF was found feasible for left‐sided breast patients with DIBH. Plan quality is comparable, if not better, than plans using flattened beams. FFF ECOMP could significantly reduce beam‐on time and required breath‐hold lengths thereby increasing patient compatibility for this treatment while offering satisfactory plan quality and delivery accuracy.
Van der Waals Nanowires with Continuously Variable Interlayer Twist and Twist Homojunctions
Authors: Sutter Peter , Idrobo Juan‐Carlos , Sutter Eli
Published: December 2020

Moiré patterns at van der Waals interfaces between twisted 2D crystals give rise to distinct optoelectronic excitations, as well as, narrowly dispersive bands responsible for correlated electron phenomena. Contrasting with the conventional, mechanically stacked planar twist moirés, recent work shows twisted van der Waals interfaces spontaneously formed in nanowires of layered crystals, where Eshelby twist due to axial screw dislocations stabilizes a chiral structure with small interlayer rotation. Here, the realization of tunable twist in germanium(II) sulfide (GeS) van der Waals nanowires is reported. Tapered nanowires host continuously variable interlayer twist. Homojunctions between dislocated (chiral) and defect‐free (achiral) segments are obtained by triggering the emission of axial dislocations during growth. Measurements across such junctions, implemented here using local absorption and luminescence spectroscopy, provide a convenient tool for detecting twist effects. The results identify a versatile system for 3D twistronics, probing moiré physics, and for realizing moiré architectures without equivalent in planar systems.
Heavy‐Atom‐Modulated Supramolecular Assembly Increases Antitumor Potency against Malignant Breast Tumors via Tunable Cooperativity
Authors: Guo Zhengqing , He Hui , Zhang Yi , Rao Jiaming , Yang Tao , Li Ting , Wang Lu , Shi Mengke , Wang Mengya , Qiu Shihong , Song Xue , Ke Hengte , Chen Huabing
Published: December 2020

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains with highest incidence and mortality rates among females, and a critical bottleneck lies in rationally establishing potent therapeutics against TNBC. Here, the self‐assembled micellar nanoarchitecture of heavy‐atom‐modulated supramolecules with efficient cytoplasmic translocation and tunable photoconversion is shown, for potent suppression against primary, metastatic, and recurrent TNBC. Multi‐iodinated boron dipyrromethene micelles yield tunable photoconversion into singlet oxygen and a thermal effect, together with deep penetration and subsequent cytoplasmic translocation at the tumor. Tetra‐iodinated boron dipyrromethene micelles (4‐IBMs) particularly show a distinctly enhanced cooperativity of antitumor efficiency through considerable expressions of apoptotic proteins, potently suppressing subcutaneous, and orthotopic TNBC models, together with reduced oxygen dependence. Furthermore, 4‐IBMs yield preferable anti‐metastatic and anti‐recurrent efficacies through the inhibition of metastasis‐relevant proteins, distinct immunogenic cell death, and re‐education of M2 macrophages into tumoricidal M1 phenotype as compared to chemotherapy and surgical resection. These results offer insights into the cooperativity of supramolecular nanoarchitectures for potent phototherapy against TNBC.
Consequences of Chirality in Directing the Pathway of Cholesteric Helix Inversion of π‐Conjugated Polymers by Light
Authors: Kulkarni Chidambar , Curvers Rick H. N. , Vantomme Ghislaine , Broer Dirk J. , Palmans Anja R. A. , Meskers Stefan C. J. , Meijer E. W.
Published: December 2020

Control over main‐chain motion of chiral π‐conjugated polymers can lead to unexpected new functionalities. Here, it is shown that by combining photoswitchable azobenzene units in conjugation with chiral fluorene comonomers and appropriate plasticizers, the polymer organization and chiroptical properties of these alternating copolymers steered by light and its state of polarization can be dynamically controlled. The configuration of the stereogenic centers in the side chains of the fluorene units determines the handedness of the cholesteric organization in thermally annealed films, indicating cooperative behavior. The polymer alignment and helicity of the supramolecular arrangement can be switched by irradiating with linearly and circularly polarized light, respectively. Intriguingly, when switching the handedness of thermally induced cholesteric organizations by illuminating with circularly polarized light that is opposite to the handedness of the cholesteric phases, a nematic‐like intermediate state is observed during helix interconversion. By the sequence of irradiation with left and right circularly polarized light followed by thermal annealing, an asymmetric motion, reminiscent of that seen in molecular motors is observed. These findings suggest that functional conjugated polymers can exhibit emergent properties at mesoscopic scale.
Lasing from InP Nanowire Photonic Crystals on InP Substrate
Authors: Tu Chia‐Wei , Fränzl Martin , Gao Qian , Tan Hark‐Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati , Schmitzer Heidrun , Wagner Hans Peter
Published: December 2020

2D photonic crystal (PhC) lasing from an InP nanowire array still attached to the InP substrate is demonstrated for the first time. The undoped wurtzite InP nanowire array is grown by selective area epitaxy and coated with a 10 nm thick Al2O3 film to suppress atmospheric oxidation and band‐bending effects. The PhC array displays optically pumped lasing at room temperature at a pulsed threshold fluence of 14 µJ cm−2. At liquid nitrogen temperature, the array shows lasing under continuous wave excitation at a threshold intensity of 500 W cm−2. The output power of the single mode laser line reaches values of 470 µW. Rate equation calculations indicate a quality factor of Q ≈ 1000. Investigations near threshold reveal that lasing starts from isolated islands within the pumped region before coherently merging into a single homogeneous area with increasing excitation power. This field emits a lasing mode with an average off‐normal angle of ≈6°. Single mode lasing with the nanoarray still attached to the InP substrate opens new design opportunities for electrically pumped PhC laser light sources.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective and Diastereoselective C‐Glycosylation by Allyl‐Allyl Coupling
Authors: Li Junhao , Zheng Nan , Duan Xuelun , Li Rui , Song Wangze
Published: December 2020

A Pd‐catalyzed C‐glycosylation reaction was developed by allyl‐allyl coupling process using Achmatowicz rearrangement products as donors and methylcoumarins as acceptors under mild conditions. This method featured regio‐ and diastereoselectivities, stereodivergent synthesis of C‐glycosides. The glycosyl donors with controlled stereodiversity and glycosyl acceptors with fluorescent performace further highlighted this methodology.

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Enantioselective Conjugate Addition of Stabilized Arylzinc Iodide to Enones: an Improved Protocol of the Hayashi Reaction
Authors: Casotti Gianluca , Rositano Vincenzo , Iuliano Anna
Published: December 2020

Stabilised arylzinc iodide, prepared by direct insertion of zinc into aryl iodides, were used as nucleophiles in the Hayashi Rh‐catalysed enantioselective conjugate addition to enones. The reaction conditions were optimized in the addition of phenylzinc iodide to 2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one, obtaining good yields and 99% ee of the addition product. The general applicability of the protocol was checked using different arylzinc iodides and enones. Organometallic reagents endowed with both halogen and electrophilic groups were also successfully used.

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Advancing Versatile Ferroelectric Materials Toward Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wang Wenjun , Li Jianhua , Liu Hong , Ge Shaohua
Published: December 2020

Ferroelectric materials (FEMs), possessing piezoelectric, pyroelectric, inverse piezoelectric, nonlinear optic, ferroelectric‐photovoltaic, and many other properties, are attracting increasing attention in the field of biomedicine in recent years. Because of their versatile ability of interacting with force, heat, electricity, and light to generate electrical, mechanical, and optical signals, FEMs are demonstrating their unique advantages for biosensing, acoustics tweezer, bioimaging, therapeutics, tissue engineering, as well as stimulating biological functions. This review summarizes the current‐available FEMs and their state‐of‐the‐art fabrication techniques, as well as provides an overview of FEMs‐based applications in the field of biomedicine. Challenges and prospects for future development of FEMs for biomedical applications are also outlined.
Robust UWB‐Based Localization with Application to Automated Guided Vehicles
Authors: Monica Stefania , Ferrari Gianluigi
Published: December 2020

Herein, localization framework based on ultra wide band (UWB) signaling is described. The proposed framework tackles the issues of industrial indoor localization. In particular, experiments are performed using the PulsON 410 Ranging and Communication Modules (P410 RCMs) produced by Time Domain. The considered scenario consists of an industrial warehouse with laser guided vehicles (LGVs), manual forklifts, and people. In the considered localization setup, three RCMs are placed on an LGV and an additional RCM acts as a Target Node (TN), whose position needs to be estimated. As the laser guarantees perfect knowledge of the LGV position inside the building, the three RCMs on board can be considered as Anchor Nodes (ANs) with known positions. The TN is supposed to be placed on a manual forklift or in the belt of a person inside the warehouse. Two localization algorithms that rely on the distance estimates between pairs of UWB sensors positioned on the automated guided vehicles (AGV) and the UWB sensor that acts as TN are proposed. Extensive performance results based on an experimental campaign performed in an industrial warehouse is also shown, for different TN positions around the LGV.
Solvent Responsive Self‐Folding of 3D Photosensitive Graphene Architectures
Authors: Huang Qi , Deng Tao , Xu Weinan , Yoon ChangKyu , Qin Zhao , Lin Yida , Li Tengfei , Yang Yuqian , Shen Michael , Thon Susanna M. , Khurgin Jacob B. , Gracias David H.
Published: December 2020

Stimuli responsive self‐folding structures with 2D layered materials (2DLMs) are important for flexible electronics, wearables, biosensors, bioelectronics, and photonics. Previously, strategies have been developed to self‐fold 2D materials to form various robots, sensors, and actuators. Still, there are limitations with scalability and a lack of design tools to obtain complex structures for reversible actuation, high integration, and reliable function. Herein, a mass‐producible strategy for creating monolayer graphene‐based reversible self‐folding structures using either gradient or differentially cross‐linked films of a negative epoxy photoresist widely used in microfluidics and micromechanical systems, namely, SU8 is demonstrated. Wafer‐scale patterning and integration of complex and functional devices in the form of rings, polyhedra, flowers, and bidirectionally folded origami birds are achieved. Also, gold (Au) electrodes to realize functional graphene–Au Schottky interfaces with enhanced photoresponse and 3D angle sensitive detection are integrated. The experiments are guided and rationalized by theoretical methods including coarse‐grained models, specifically developed for the tunable mechanics of this photoresist that simulate the folding dynamics, and finite element method (FEM) electromagnetic simulations. This work suggests a comprehensive framework for the rational design and scalable fabrication of complex 3D self‐actuating optical and electronic devices through the folding of 2D monolayer graphene.
Towards the Circular Economy: Converting Aromatic Plastic Waste Back to Arenes over a Ru/Nb2O5 Catalyst
Authors: Jing Yaxuan , Wang Yanqin , Furukawa Shinya , Xia Jie , Sun Chengyang , Hülsey Max J. , Wang Haifeng , Guo Yong , Liu Xiaohui , Yan Ning
Published: December 2020

The upgrading of plastic waste is one of the grand challenges for the 21st century owing to its disruptive impact on the environment. Here, we show the first example of the upgrading of various aromatic plastic wastes with C−O and/or C−C linkages to arenes (75–85 % yield) via catalytic hydrogenolysis over a Ru/Nb2O5 catalyst. This catalyst not only allows the selective conversion of single‐component aromatic plastic, and more importantly, enables the simultaneous conversion of a mixture of aromatic plastic to arenes. The excellent performance is attributed to unique features including: (1) the small sized Ru clusters on Nb2O5, which prevent the adsorption of aromatic ring and its hydrogenation; (2) the strong oxygen affinity of NbOx species for C−O bond activation and Brønsted acid sites for C−C bond activation. This study offers a catalytic path to integrate aromatic plastic waste back into the supply chain of plastic production under the context of circular economy.
Enantioselective, Stereoconvergent Resolution Copolymerization of Racemic cis‐Internal Epoxides and Anhydrides
Authors: He Guang‐Hui , Ren Bai‐Hao , Chen Shi‐Yu , Liu Ye , Lu Xiao‐Bing
Published: December 2020

Unprecedented enantioselective resolution copolymerization of racemic cis‐internal epoxides and anhydrides was mediated by dinuclear aluminum complexes with multiple chirality, affording optically active polyesters with two contiguous stereogenic centers, and the unreacted substrates in good enantioselectivity. Unexpected stereoconvergence is observed in this resolution copolymerization, where the selectivity factor for the enantioselective formation of copolymer significantly exceeds the kinetic resolution coefficient based on the unreacted epoxide at various conversions. Catalytic activity and copolymer enantioselectivity are strongly influenced by the phenolate ortho‐substituents of the ligand set, as well as the axial linker and its chirality. An enantiopure binaphthol‐linked bimetallic AlIII complex allows stereoconvergent access to the stereoregular semi‐crystalline polyesters and a concomitant kinetic resolution of the epoxide substrates.
Ruthenaelectro‐Catalyzed Domino Three‐Component Alkyne Annulation for Expedient Isoquinoline Assembly
Authors: Tan Xuefeng , Hou Xiaoyan , Rogge Torben , Ackermann Lutz
Published: December 2020

The electrochemical three‐component assembly of isoquinolines has been accomplished by ruthenaelectro‐catalyzed C−H/N−H functionalization. The robustness of the electrocatalysis was reflected by an ample substrate scope, an efficient electrooxidation, and an operationally friendly procedure. The isolation of key intermediates and detailed mechanistic studies, including unprecedented cyclovoltammetric analysis of a seven‐membered ruthenacycle, provided support for an unusual ruthenium(II/III/I) regime.
Sensitive and Repeatable Photoinduced Luminescent Radicals from A Simple Organic Crystal
Authors: Mu Yingxiao , Liu Yanyan , Tian Haiyan , Ou Depei , Gong Li , Zhao Juan , Zhang Yi , Huo Yanping , Yang Zhiyong , Chi Zhenguo
Published: December 2020

Photoinduced organic radicals are important for chemical and physical processes of organic materials, which are extensively investigated and applied in organic synthesis, photoelectronic devices and biotechnology. However, there are rare reports of the luminescence for these photoinduced radicals, especially in the condensed state. Herein, an unexpected and interesting luminescent radical is described, which can be rapidly and reversibly generated from a simple organic crystal by gentle light irradiation in air. It was revealed that the twist and asymmetric conformation of isolated molecule in its crystal with only weak C−H⋅⋅⋅π intermolecular interactions, which led to the generation of such photoinduced luminescent radicals. In addition, dual‐channel photosensitive device with rapid response and well repeatability can be obtained based on the thin film of this organic crystal, showing both photoswitching on luminescence and conducting.
Synthesis, DNA‐/bovine serum albumin‐binding affinity, and cytotoxicity of dinuclear platinum(II) complexes with 1,6‐naphthyridine‐bridging ligand
Authors: Konovalov Bata , Franich Andjela A. , Jovanović Marina , Jurisević Milena , Gajović Nevena , Jovanović Marina , Arsenijević Nebojša , Maric Veljko , Jovanović Ivan , Živković Marija D. , Rajković Snežana
Published: December 2020

The dinuclear platinum(II) complexes, [{PtCl(NH3)2}2(μ‐1,6‐nphe)](ClO4)2 (Pt1) and [{Pt(en)Cl}2(μ‐1,6‐nphe)](ClO4)2 (Pt2) (en is a bidentate‐coordinated ethylenediamine and 1,6‐nphe is the bridging 1,6‐naphthyridine ligand) were synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic methods. The DNA‐binding evaluation of complexes Pt1 and Pt2 was done by UV–Vis, fluorescence emission spectroscopy, and their interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA). The cytotoxic activity of these complexes was determined against mouse breast (4T1) and colon (CT26) cancer cell lines, human breast (MDA‐MB‐468), colon (HCT‐116), and lung (A549) cancer cell lines as well as mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSC). Complex Pt1 showed higher cytotoxic capacity toward solid cancer cell lines compared with Pt2 and lower cytotoxic capacity toward mMSC cells compared with cisplatin. Furthermore, molecular mechanism studies showed that Pt1 complex induced 4T1 and A549 cell apoptosis therefore increasing expression of pro‐apoptotic caspase‐3 and decreasing expression of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 and Ki‐67. Antitumor capacity of Pt1 complex might be manifested at least in two ways: by facilitating apoptosis and by inhibiting tumor cells proliferation.
Direct potable reuse using full advanced treatment versus ozone biofiltration: A cost comparison
Authors: Noibi Morayo , Hooper Jennifer , Bell Kati , Funk Denise
Published: December 2020

The cost of direct potable reuse (DPR) using reverse osmosis (RO) and full advanced treatment (FAT) based on advanced oxidation process was compared with a non‐RO‐based treatment train with ozone and biologically active filtration (BAF). Costs were calculated assuming a blend of 15% advanced treated water with the current potable water supply, Lake Lanier. The 30‐year amortized capital and operational costs were US$4,830/mil gal for FAT and $1,900/mil gal for ozone‐BAF. The primary additional cost associated with FAT was due to the mechanical evaporation of RO brine concentrate disposal. The costs for producing water using FAT integrating a vibratory shear‐enhanced processing‐RO (VSEP‐RO) to further concentrate the RO brine were lower than those for mechanical evaporation alone ($3,510/mil gal). While VSEP‐RO improved overall costs, ozone‐BAF‐based treatment was less than half the cost of FAT. Thus, ozone‐BAF may provide a more economical alternative compared with FAT for inland facilities considering DPR.
Fe‐Based Mesoporous Nanostructures for Electrochemical Conversion and Storage of Energy
Authors: Tufa Lemma T. , Gicha Birhanu B. , Wu Hui , Lee Jaebeom
Published: December 2020

Decarbonization of the global energy system requires a coordinated effort towards disruptive technology of renewable energy conversion and storage (ECS) that can be potential to secure and diversify energy systems by increasing efficiency of conversion and storage of intermittent energy sources. Porous nanostructures have been newly reported as a promising class of most effective materials for this purpose because of their unique advantages in terms of large surface‐to‐volume ratios, surface permeability, and void spaces. These offer abundant active sites for ultimate electrochemical activities by the shortening pathway of mass/charge transport. Particularly, Fe‐based mesoporous nanostructures (mp‐FeNSs) have been recently fascinating. Iron is a principal active center in nanocomposites and has high industrial suitability for next‐generation technology owing to its environment friendliness, abundance, and low cost. In this review, crucial technical advances related to mp‐FeNSs that have occurred during 2016–2020 are summarized in terms of synthesis, structural design strategy, and ECS applications such as water electrocatalysis, Li‐ion batteries, and supercapacitors. This review is supportive for potential readers to obtain general and professional information in this field since Fe‐based energy materials are exclusively introduced in the article including a fundamental understanding of electrochemistry and related technologies in detail.
To code or not to code: Introducing coding in primary schools
Authors: Videnovik Maja , Vlahu‐Gjorgievska Elena , Trajkovik Vladimir
Published: December 2020

Learning to code helps children to develop an understanding of how things work. It also contributes to the development of problem‐solving skills. In this paper, we present a methodological framework with four cycles that alternate between cooperative and individual learning approaches in addition to game‐based and project‐based learning. The presented framework is suitable for deployment in primary schools, regardless of the digital competencies and programming skills of the teachers. The framework was evaluated focusing on the approach (collaborative or competitive) that is more suitable for the first cycle in the multi‐cycle scenario for learning to code from a demographic perspective (gender and urbanization), the relevancy of Bloom's taxonomy, and the achieved learning experience. Initial results confirm that this approach encourages the students to use the proposed tools for finding the solution, raising their interest and motivation for learning to code. The teachers who participated in the pilot study were satisfied with the proposed approach, both in terms of achieved learning outcomes and the level of training needed to obtain necessary teaching competencies.
Utilizing Edentulous Ridge as Autogenous Block Graft for Buccal Contouring Horizontal Ridge Augmentation
Authors: Knight Wade M. , Ashnagar Sajjad , Vattikunta Lahari , Misch Craig M. , Fallah‐Abed Pooria
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Augmenting the edentulous anterior mandible can be a challenge. This case report describes a novel technique that combines bone reduction and buccal contouring using an autogenous block graft.

Case Presentation

A patient presented with a conventional mandibular denture that had poor retention. The patient had a deficient ridge that could not support dental implants without hard tissue augmentation. The anterior mandible was reduced vertically with an osteotomy to allow harvest of an autogenous block graft for horizontal ridge augmentation. After 8 months, dental implants were placed in a ridge with adequate width and patient proceed to final prosthesis.

Conclusion

The technique may be considered in the atrophic mandible when a narrow ridge requires vertical height reduction as an autogenous block can be harvested and placed at a single surgical site.
Iodonium Cation‐Pool Electrolysis for the Three‐Component Synthesis of 1,3‐Oxazoles
Authors: Sattler Lars E. , Hilt Gerhard
Published: December 2020

The synthesis of 1,3‐oxazoles from symmetrical and unsymmetrical alkynes was realized by an iodonium cation‐pool electrolysis of I2in acetonitrile with a well‐defined water content. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the alkyne reacts with the acetonitrile‐stabilized I+ions, followed by a Ritter‐type reaction of the solvent to a nitrilium ion, which is then attacked by water. The ring closure to the 1,3‐oxazoles released molecular iodine, which was visible by the naked eye. Also, some unsymmetrical internal alkynes were tested and a regioselective formation of a single isomer was determined by two‐dimensional NMR experiments.
Direct Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Dithioacetals
Authors: Bognar Sabine , van Gemmeren Manuel
Published: December 2020

Dithioacetals are a frequently used motif in synthetic organic chemistry and have recently seen increasing attention as structural motif in promising antiviral agents against plant pathogens. Most existing reports, however, only discuss symmetrical dithioacetals. Examples of mixed dithioacetals are scarce and no general method for the selective synthesis of these compounds exists. Herein, a synthetically simple general one‐step protocol was developed for the synthesis of a broad range of unsymmetrical dithioacetals consisting of one aromatic and one aliphatic thiol moiety from the corresponding aldehyde/thiol mixture. The mixed S,S‐acetals were obtained in high yields, and a great variety of functional groups was tolerated. Kinetic control enabled an excellent selectivity in regard to the unsymmetrical dithioacetal.
Synthesis and Characterization of Two Uranyl‐Aryl “Ate” Complexes
Authors: Ordoñez Osvaldo , Yu Xiaojuan , Wu Guang , Autschbach Jochen , Hayton Trevor W.
Published: December 2020

Reaction of [UO2Cl2(THF)3] with 3 equivalents of LiC6Cl5 in Et2O resulted in the formation of first uranyl aryl complex [Li(Et2O)2(THF)][UO2(C6Cl5)3] ([Li][1]) in good yields. Subsequent dissolution of [Li][1] in THF resulted in conversion into [Li(THF)4][UO2(C6Cl5)3(THF)] ([Li][2]), also in good yields. DFT calculations reveal that the U−C bonds in [Li][1] and [Li][2] exhibit appreciable covalency. Additionally, the 13C NMR chemical shifts for their Cipso environments are strongly affected by spin‐orbit coupling—a consequence of 5f orbital participation in the U−C bonds.