bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of growth and some unexplored bioactivities of bioreactor grown adventitious root culture of ginseng (Panax ginsengC.A. Meyer)
Authors: Ahmed Sium , Shohael Abdullah Mohammad , Paek Kee Yoeup
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the growth potential and some rarely reported bioactivities (antioxidant, thrombolytic, anticoagulant, and anthelmintic) ofPanax ginsengC.A. Meyer adventitious roots. To demonstrate the growth, shake flask and laboratory‐scale bioreactor cultures have been employed. The obtained biomass was dried and extracted with water, ethanol, and methanol. The growth ratio (12.62 ± 1.03) observed in the bioreactor was significantly higher than in the shake flask culture. The presence of 10 different phytochemical classes, including carbohydrates, saponins, glycosides, and terpenoids were detected in qualitative estimation. Significant quantities of phenolics, flavonoids, proteins, and tannins were determined. Dose‐dependent antioxidant activities were observed, and theIC50values of methanolic and ethanolic extracts were very similar to the standard. The highest (29.26 ± 5.31%) thrombolytic potential was shown by the methanolic extract. The ethanolic extract significantly extended the coagulation times up to 2.5 fold. The highest anthelmintic properties in terms of paralyzing (2.21 ± 0.31 min) and killing (3.69 ± 0.41 min) of the parasitic worms were displayed by the aqueous extract. The in vitro root growth implies the commercial feasibility of ginseng production in Bangladesh and the demonstration of potential bioactivities strengthens medicinal implications and also offering new research areas.
Internationalisation of rural small‐and‐medium enterprises from Nigeria: Examining social and organisational impact
Authors: Odunukan Kenny , Akter Mansura , Hack‐Polay Dieu , Rahman Mahfuzur , Igwe Paul
Published: October 2021

Drawing on behavioural theory of the firm, this study examines internationalisation of rural small‐and‐medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and its impacts on social and organisational development. To examine how SME internationalisation affects societal and organisational development, the study collects cross‐sectional data using a structured questionnaire from 304 rural SMEs drawn from several sectors in Nigeria. Applying a partial least square based structural equation modelling, we tested the social and organisational impact of rural SMEs internationalisation. The results showed that there is a significant positive relationship between societal and organisational performances and internationalisation of SMEs. Both scores were significantly positively correlated with the internationalisation of SMEs in rural Nigeria. The study argues that internationalisation of rural SMEs' reflects on organisational progress and societal progress in terms of improving rural people's life. The findings of the study will act as the reference point to academicians and policymakers by which they could assess how internationalisation of rural SMEs matters for rural people's life and can strive to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.
Progress and trends in integrating Industry 4.0 within Circular Economy: A comprehensive literature review and future research propositions
Authors: Agrawal Rohit , Wankhede Vishal A. , Kumar Anil , Luthra Sunil , Huisingh Donald
Published: October 2021

Society is facing many challenges, including, climate change, COVID, inequity and human population growth. Some researchers suggest that integration of Circular Economy (CE) and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) concepts and approaches can help us to make progress towards sustainable societies. Integrated implementation can help to improve the design of product–service systems focused on prevention and reduction of wastage of materials, energy, human health, and ecosystems. The CE practices enable consumers to return products after use and to reuse the products with more value. Will integrated adoption of CE and I4.0 practices help society to be more sustainable? What is known about the climate change benefits of integration of I4.0 and CEs to reduce energy and resource usage? The authors sought to answer these questions, via a systematic bibliometric literature review, and network analysis of literature on I4.0 and CE for logistics and supply chain applications. The review was performed by searching the SCOPUS database for literature about I4.0 and CE. A total of 165 articles were shortlisted for in‐depth review. The literature review was complimented by bibliometric and network analyses. The review provided insights into the present and future trends in integration of I4.0 and related Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in CE's. Based on the findings, a framework for integrating I4.0 and CE, was developed to guide CE decision‐making that will help researchers and industrialists, integrate I4.0 tools within CEs to improve logistics, resource efficiency, safety, product quality and reduce fossil‐carbon footprints.
Biophysical properties of tense quaternary state polymerized human hemoglobins bracketed between 500 kDa and 0.2 μm in size
Authors: Cuddington Clayton T. , Wolfe Savannah R. , Palmer Andre F.
Published: October 2021

Polymerized hemoglobin (Hb)‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) are a scalable and cost‐effective red blood cell (RBC) substitute. However, previous generations of commercial polymerized HBOCs elicited oxidative tissue injury in vivo due to the presence of low molecular weight polymeric Hb species (<500 kDa) and cell‐free Hb (64 kDa). Polymerized human Hb (PolyhHb) locked in the tense quaternary state (T‐state) exhibits great promise to meet clinical needs where past polymerized HBOCs failed. This work shows that separation of T‐state PolyhHb via a two‐stage tangential flow filtration (TFF) purification train such that the Hb polymers are bracketed between 500 kDa and 0.2 μm creates a uniform polymer size and largely eliminates the Hb species which elicit deleterious side effects in vivo. Biophysical characterization of these materials demonstrates their potential effectiveness as an RBC substitute and verifies the low percentage of low molecular weight Hb polymers and cell‐free Hb. Size exclusion chromatography confirms that T‐state PolyhHb can be consistently produced in a size range between 500 kDa and 0.2 μm. Furthermore, the average molecular weight of all PolyhHb species produced is one or two orders of magnitude larger than that of the commercial polymerized HBOCs Hemolink and Oxyglobin, respectively. Haptoglobin binding kinetics confirms that two‐stage TFF processing of PolyhHb reliably removes cell‐free Hb and low molecular weight polymeric Hb species. T‐state PolyhHbs demonstrate lower auto‐oxidation rates compared to unmodified Hb and prior generations of commercial polymerized HBOCs. These results demonstrate T‐state PolyhHb's feasibility as a next‐generation polymerized HBOC for potential use in transfusion medicine.
Synthesis, Antifungal Activity, DFT Study and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Novel 4‐(1,2,4‐Oxadiazol‐3‐yl)‐N‐(4‐phenoxyphenyl)benzamide Derivatives
Authors: Yang Zihui , Liu Qingsong , Sun Yue , Sun Xuebao , Chen Linlin , Sun Lu , Gu Wen
Published: October 2021

In order to find novel potential antifungal agrochemicals, a series of new 4‐(1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl)‐N‐(4‐phenoxyphenyl)benzamide derivatives 3a–j were designed, synthesized and characterized by their 1H‐, 13C‐NMR and HRMS spectra. The preliminary antifungal assay in vitro revealed that compounds 3a–j exhibited moderate to good antifungal activity against five plant pathogenic fungi. Especially, compound 3e presented significant antifungal activity against Alternaria solani, Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, superior to positive control boscalid. In the in vivo antifungal assay on tomato plants and cucumber leaves, compound 3e presented good inhibition rate against B. cinerea at 200 mg/L. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that compound 3e could bind with the active site of class II histone deacetylase (HDAC).
The Chirality of Aggregated Yariv Reagents Correlates with Their AGP‐Binding Ability**
Authors: Hoshing Raghuraj , Leeber Blaise W. , Kuhn Helene , Caianiello David , Dale Brandon , Saladino Michael , Lusi Robert , Palaychuk Natalie , Weingarten Sarah , Basu Amit
Published: October 2021

Yariv reagents are glycosylated triphenylazo dyes that bind to arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), proteoglycans found in plant cell walls that are integral for plant growth and development. Yariv reagents are widely utilized as imaging, purification, and quantification tools for AGPs and represent the only small molecule probe for interrogating AGP function. The ability of Yariv reagents to bind to AGPs is dependent on the structure of the terminal glycoside on the dye. The reason for this selectivity has not been understood until the present work. Using circular dichroism spectroscopy, we show that the Yariv reagents form supramolecular aggregates with helical chirality. More significantly, the ability of the Yariv reagent to bind AGPs is correlated with this helical chirality. This finding paves the way towards developing a more detailed understanding of the nature of the Yariv‐AGP complex, and the design of AGP‐binding reagents with higher affinities and selectivities.
Recent Advances in Bipolar Electrochemistry with Conducting Polymers
Authors: Salinas Gerardo , Arnaboldi Serena , Bouffier Laurent , Kuhn Alexander
Published: October 2021

Conducting polymers have been extensively studied due to their potential applications ranging from sensing to energy storage, and environmental remediation. They can be easily generated by electrosynthesis and have also very interesting electrochemical features, which have been mostly examined with classic electrochemical approaches. Bipolar electrochemistry offers an attractive alternative way to synthesize and characterize the physico‐chemical properties of conducting polymers. The wireless and asymmetric features of bipolar electrochemistry can be advantageously combined with the electroactivity, tunability and easy processability of conducting polymers. This synergy has been increasingly explored in recent years for the controlled electrogeneration, surface modification and characterization of different π‐conjugated polymers. This review summarizes the advances in this context and also discusses some unconventional applications such as wireless light‐emitting devices and actuators.
Failure‐Experiment‐Supported Optimization of Poorly Reproducible Synthetic Conditions for Novel Lanthanide Metal‐Organic Frameworks with Two‐Dimensional Secondary Building Units**
Authors: Kitamura Yu , Terado Emi , Zhang Zechen , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Inose Tomoko , Uji‐i Hiroshi , Tanimizu Masaharu , Inokuchi Akihiro , Kamakura Yoshinobu , Tanaka Daisuke
Published: October 2021

Novel metal–organic frameworks containing lanthanide double‐layer‐based secondary building units (KGF‐3) were synthesized by using machine learning (ML). Isolating pure KGF‐3 was challenging, and the synthesis was not reproducible because impurity phases were frequently obtained under the same synthetic conditions. Thus, dominant factors for the synthesis of KGF‐3 were identified, and its synthetic conditions were optimized by using two ML techniques. Cluster analysis was used to classify the obtained powder X‐ray diffractometry patterns of the products and thus automatically determine whether the experiments were successful. Decision‐tree analysis was used to visualize the experimental results, after extracting factors that mainly affected the synthetic reproducibility. Water‐adsorption isotherms revealed that KGF‐3 possesses unique hydrophilic pores. Impedance measurements demonstrated good proton conductivities (σ=5.2×10−4 S cm−1 for KGF‐3(Y)) at a high temperature (363 K) and relative humidity of 95 % RH.
Bioengineered Protein‐based Adhesives for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sun Jing , Han Jiaying , Wang Fan , Liu Kai , Zhang Hongjie
Published: October 2021

Protein‐based adhesives with their robust adhesion performance and excellent biocompatibility have been extensively explored over years. In particular, the unique adhesion behaviours of mussel and sandcastle worm inspired the development of synthetic adhesives. However, the chemical synthesized adhesives often demonstrate weak underwater adhesion performance and poor biocompatibility/biodegradability, limiting their further biomedical applications. In sharp contrast, genetically engineering endows the protein‐based adhesives the ability to maintain underwater adhesion property as well as biocompatibility/biodegradability. Herein, we outline recent advances in the design and development of protein‐based adhesives by genetic engineering. We summarize the fabrication and adhesion performance of elastin‐like polypeptide‐based adhesives, followed by mussel foot protein (mfp) based adhesives and other sources protein‐based adhesives, such as, spider silk spidroin and suckerin. In addition, the biomedical applications of these bioengineered protein‐based adhesives are presented. Finally, we give a brief summary and perspective on the future development of bioengineered protein‐based adhesives.
Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Amphiphilic β‐C‐Glycosylbarbiturates into Multiresponsive Alginate‐Like Supramolecular Hydrogel Fibers and Vesicle Hydrogel
Authors: Yao Shun , Brahmi Robin , Portier François , Putaux Jean‐Luc , Chen Jing , Halila Sami
Published: October 2021

Ordered molecular self‐assembly of glycoamphiphiles has been regarded as an attractive, practical and bottom‐up approach to obtain stable, structurally well‐defined, and functional mimics of natural polysaccharides. This study describes a versatile and rational design of carbohydrate‐based hydrogelators through N,N’‐substituted barbituric acid‐mediated Knoevenagel condensation onto unprotected carbohydrates in water. Amphiphilic N‐substituted β‐C‐maltosylbarbiturates self‐assembled into pH‐ and calcium‐triggered alginate‐like supramolecular hydrogel fibers with a multistimuli responsiveness to temperature, pH and competitive metal chelating agent. In addition, amphiphilic N,N’‐disubstituted β‐C‐maltosylbarbiturates formed vesicle gels in pure water that were scarcely observed for glyco‐hydrogelators. Finally, barbituric acid worked as a multitasking group allowing chemoselective ligation onto reducing‐end carbohydrates, structural diversity, stimuli‐sensitiveness, and supramolecular interactions by hydrogen bonding.
Bipyridine‐Modified DNA Three‐Way Junctions with Amide linkers: Metal‐Dependent Structure Induction and Self‐Sorting
Authors: Takezawa Yusuke , Sakakibara Shiori , Shionoya Mitsuhiko
Published: October 2021

DNA three‐way junction (3WJ) structures are essential building blocks for the construction of DNA nanoarchitectures. We have synthesized a bipyridine (bpy)‐modified DNA 3WJ by using a newly designed bpy‐modified nucleoside, Ubpy‐3, in which a bpy ligand is tethered via a stable amide linker. The thermal stability of the bpy‐modified 3WJ was greatly enhanced by the formation of an interstrand NiII(bpy)3 complex at the junction core (ΔTm=+17.7 °C). Although the stereochemistry of the modification site differs from that of the previously reported bpy‐modified nucleoside Ubpy‐2, the degree of the NiII‐mediated stabilization observed with Ubpy‐3 was comparable to that of Ubpy‐2. Structure induction of the 3WJs and the duplexes was carried out by the addition or removal of NiII ions. Furthermore, NiII‐mediated self‐sorting of 3WJs was performed by using the bpy‐modified strands and their unmodified counterparts. Both transformations were driven by the formation of NiII(bpy)3 complexes. The structural induction and self‐sorting of bpy‐modified 3WJs are expected to have many potential applications in the development of metal‐responsive DNA materials.
Supramolecular Assemblies with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Properties for Sensing and Detection
Authors: Dai Dihua , Yang Jie , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: October 2021

The fabrication of new supramolecular materials for real‐time detection of analytes including ions, organic pollutants, gases, biomolecules, and drugs is of pivotal importance in industrial manufacture, clinical treatment, and environmental remediation. Incorporating fluorescent molecules with distinct aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) effects into supramolecular assemblies has received much attention over the past two decades, owing to the remarkable performance of the AIE‐active supramolecular materials in sensing and detection. In this minireview, we summarize the recent progress of superior detection systems on the basis of supramolecular assemblies accompanied with AIE features. We envision that this minireview will be helpful and timely for relevant researchers to stimulate new thinking for constructing new AIE‐based supramolecular materials with advanced architectures for effective sensing and detection.
Investigation of the Organocatalytic Chlorination of 2‐Phenylpropanal
Authors: Mohr Lisa‐Marie , McCulley Christina H. , Blom Jakob , Lamhauge Johannes N. , Anker Jørgensen Karl
Published: October 2021

Results of an examination of the organocatalytic enantioselective α‐chlorination of 2‐phenylpropanal are described. Synthetic investigation including the screening of primary and secondary aminocatalysts, many different reaction conditions, and other α‐branched aldehydes show that especially primary aminocatalysts can catalyze the formation of the α‐chloro branched aldehydes in good yields, but only with moderate enantioselectivities. In order to try to understand the challenge in obtaining high enantioselectivity for the aminocatalytic α‐chlorination of α‐branched aldehydes a series of experimental investigations were performed employing 2‐phenylpropanal as a model system. These investigations have been coupled with computational investigations, which provided important insight into the moderate enantioselectivity of this chlorination reaction. Analysis of the reaction showed, that the lack of control over the selectivity of formation of the (E)‐ and (Z)‐enamine intermediate, and the clustering of reaction barriers of possible reaction pathways help to rationalize difficulties in producing high enantioselectivity.
Hybrid light‐emitting devices for the straightforward readout of chiral information
Authors: Salinas Gerardo , Arnaboldi Serena , Bonetti Giorgia , Cirilli Roberto , Benincori Tiziana , Kuhn Alexander
Published: October 2021

Bipolar electrochemistry has gained increasing attention in recent years as an attractive transduction concept in analytical chemistry in general and, more specifically, in the frame of chiral recognition. Herein, we use this concept of wireless electrochemistry, based on the combination of the enantioselective oxidation of a chiral probe with the emission of light from a light‐emitting diode (LED), as an alternative for an easy and straightforward readout of the presence of chiral molecules in solution. A hybrid polymer‐microelectronic device was designed, using an inherently chiral oligomer, that is, oligo‐(3,3′‐dibenzothiophene) and a polypyrrole strip as the anode and cathode of a miniaturized LED. The wireless induced redox reactions trigger light emission when the probe with the right chirality is present in solution, whereas no light emission is observed for the opposite enantiomer. The average light intensity shows a linear correlation with the analyte concentration, and the concept opens the possibility to quantify the enantiomeric excess in mixtures of the molecular antipodes.
The estimation of the fractal dimension of a Gaussian field via Euler characteristic
Authors: Reza Taheriyoun Ali , Shafie Khalil
Published: October 2021

Fractal dimension is a useful characteristic for measuring the irregularity of random fields. In this work, we employ the Euler characteristic (EC) of the excursion sets of a field to estimate the fractal dimension of the random field using the roughness of the underlying realization. The EC of a non‐differentiable Gaussian field is either zero or infinity with probability one and hence we employ a weighted smooth version of the field. Under some weak assumptions, the estimator is consistent when the weight function is constant. The results are examined through a simulation study and applied on real data.
Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in the Mineralized Fields by Analytical Hierarchy Process‐Based Water Quality Index
Authors: Yılmazer Erkan , Kavurmaci Murat
Published: October 2021

In this study, an epithermal goldfields‐water quality index (EGF‐WQI) and the associated classification system have been proposed to define drinking water quality of the water resources in regions where epithermal gold mineralization exists. In this context, two hydrogeochemical data sets from 15 water resources are used. EGF‐WQI is designed using 21 different criteria under 4 main groups and 15 alternatives. To determine the importance and efficiency values of the criteria, analytical hierarchy method (AHP) is used. The water quality classification system is defined by 4 different categories, namely, “very good,” “good,” “acceptable,” and “inappropriate.” In order to ensure consistency of the findings, efficiency scores of the AHP method are compared with the results obtained from the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution and data envelopment analysis models. The index results obtained from AHP processes are converted into water quality distribution maps by using the Kriging interpolation method. EGF‐WQI results are observed to be compatible with the water quality standards developed by organizations such as the World Health Organization and Turkish Standards. EGF‐WQI can be used as a reliable and valid index to evaluate the water resources in regions where alteration and mineralization are present.
The impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on access to treatment for children with cancer in India and treating center practices
Authors: Sharma Jyotsna , Mahajan Amita , Bakhshi Sameer , Patil Veerendra , Verma Nishant , Radhakrishnan Venkatraman , Singh Amitabh , Kayal Smita , Seth Rachna , Pushpam Deepam , Arora Ramandeep Singh
Published: October 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic led the Indian government to announce a nationwide lockdown on March 23, 2020. This study aimed to explore the impact of the pandemic on the accessibility of care for children with cancer and to view strategies adopted by hospitals for service delivery.

Methods

Weekly average of childhood cancer (≤18 years) patient registrations during pre‐lockdown period (January 1 to March 23, 2020) were compared with post‐lockdown period (March 24 to May 31, 2020). The effect on the scheduled treatment was investigated for post‐lockdown period. A survey of health care providers was conducted to determine centers' adopted strategies.

Results

In 30 participating centers, 1146 patients with childhood cancer (797 pre‐lockdown period and 349 post‐lockdown period) were registered. The weekly average registration was 67.3 and 35.5 patients during pre‐lockdown and post‐lockdown respectively (decline of 47.9%). Although most centers experienced this decline, there were 4 that saw an increase in patient registrations. The distribution of patients registered post‐lockdown was found significantly different by age (lesser older age,P= .010) and distance (lesser travel distance,P= .001). 36.1% of patients, who were scheduled for any of the treatment modalities (chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) during the post‐lockdown period, experienced delays. Centers adopted several strategies including modifications to treatment protocols, increased use of growth factors, and increased support from social organizations.

Conclusions

This multicenter study from India suggests that the COVID‐19 pandemic and the lockdown impacted 2 out of 3 children with cancer. The effect of this on survival is yet to be established.
Risk of malignancy associated with diagnostic categories of the proposed World Health Organization International System for Reporting Pancreaticobiliary Cytopathology
Authors: Hoda Raza S. , Arpin Ronald N. , Rosenbaum Matthew W. , Pitman Martha B.
Published: October 2021

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed an updated international classification system for reporting pancreaticobiliary cytology. Substantial changes to the prior Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology (PSC) system have been recommended. Chiefly, the “neoplastic: benign” and “neoplastic: other” categories have been replaced by 2 new categories—“pancreatic neoplasia‐low‐grade” (PaN‐Low) and “pancreatic neoplasia‐high‐grade” (PaN‐High)—stratifying neoplastic mucinous cysts by cytological atypia. Low‐grade malignancies are placed in the “malignant” category and benign serous cystadenoma in the “benign/negative” category. Risk of malignancy (ROM) associated with the diagnostic categories of the WHO system has yet to be defined.

Methods

All patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) for a pancreatic lesion at a single institution from January 2016 to December 2016, prospectively classified using the PSC system, were reclassified using the WHO system. Absolute ROM was determined by histologic outcome and/or clinical follow‐up of at least 6 months.

Results

A total of 334 EUS‐FNA samples from 322 patients were reviewed and reclassified. Absolute ROM for the WHO system was 7.7% for “insufficient/inadequate/nondiagnostic” category, 1.0% for “benign/negative for malignancy,” 28.0% for “atypical,” 4.8% for “PaN‐Low,” 60.0% for “PaN‐High,” 100% for “suspicious for malignancy,” and 100% for “malignant;” the absolute ROM for the same cohort using the PSC system was 7.7% for “nondiagnostic” category, 1.0% for “negative (for malignancy),” 28.0% for “atypical,” 0.0% for “neoplastic: benign,” 30.3% for “neoplastic: other,” 100% for “suspicious (for malignancy),” and 100% for “positive or malignant.”

Conclusions

The WHO international system achieves improved stratification by associated ROM compared to the PSC system.
Density Functional Theory Study of Reaction Equilibria in Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange
Authors: Lin Kailai , TomHon Patrick , Lehmkuhl Sören , Laasner Raul , Theis Thomas , Blum Volker
Published: October 2021

The front cover artwork is provided by the groups of Prof. Thomas Theis (North Carolina State University) Prof. Volker Blum (Duke University). The image shows the reaction network of Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE), elucidated by density functional theory (DFT). Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/cphc.202100204.
Identifying Potential Therapeutic Applications and Diagnostic Harms of Increased Bilirubin Concentrations: A Clinical and Genetic Approach
Authors: Zanussi Jacy T. , Zhao Juan , Dorn Chad A. , Liu Ge , Feng QiPing , Wei WeiQi , Mosley Jonathan D. , Stein C. Michael , Kawai Vivian K.
Published: October 2021

Bilirubin has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties in vitro and in animal studies and protects against inflammatory, cardiovascular, and other diseases in observational studies; therefore, bilirubin has potential as a therapeutic agent. However, observational studies could be confounded by many factors. We used a genetic (n = 61,281) and clinical (n = 234,670) approach to define the association between bilirubin and 19 conditions with a putative protective signal in observational studies. We also tested if individuals with genetically higher bilirubin levels underwent more diagnostic tests. We used a common variant in UGT1A1 (rs6742078) associated with an 26% increase in bilirubin levels in the genetic studies. Carriers of the variant had higher bilirubin levels (P = 2.2 × 10−16) but there was no significant association with any of the 19 conditions. In a phenome‐wide association study (pheWAS) to seek undiscovered genetic associations, the only significant finding was increased risk of “jaundice‐not of newborn.” Carriers of the variant allele were more likely to undergo an abdominal ultrasound (odds ratio = 1.04, [1.00–1.08], P = 0.03). In contrast, clinically measured bilirubin levels were significantly associated with 15 of the 19 conditions (P < 0.003) and with 431 clinical diagnoses in the pheWAS (P < 1 × 10−5 adjusted for sex, age, and follow‐up). With additional adjustment for smoking and body mass index, 7 of 19 conditions and 260 pheWAS diagnoses remained significantly associated with bilirubin levels. In conclusion, bilirubin does not protect against inflammatory or other diseases using a genetic approach; the many putative beneficial associations reported clinically are likely due to confounding.
Facet Coupling Design for Bi4TaO8Cl/g‐C3N4 via Electrostatic Self‐Assembly to Enhance Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Liu Chengyin , Zhang Yihe , Li Xiaoqiang , Wang Wei , Huang Hongwei , Gao Changfei , Xu Shanshan , Hu Wenwen , Zhang Yuda
Published: October 2021

Finely heterojunction and coupling facets design are essential to enhance photocatalytic activity. Herein, 2D/2D g‐C3N4−Bi4TaO8Cl catalysts were generated by ball‐milling‐assisted electrostatic self‐assembly strategy. The surface charge of Bi4TaO8Cl‐(001) facet can be fine altered from negative to positive by acidic solution treatment, resulting in that Bi4TaO8Cl nanoplates are parallelly coupled with g‐C3N4‐(002) plane to form top‐top coupling facets. The facets coupling optimization, strong interfacial electric field and contact, and rapid charge transfer endow (002)g‐C3N4/(001) Bi4TaO8Cl catalysts with greatly enhanced photocatalytic activity of CO production and MO degradation relative to individual g‐C3N4, Bi4TaO8Cl and lateral‐top g‐C3N4−Bi4TaO8Cl catalyst. This present study provides inspiration to further design high‐performance heterojunction catalysts by adjusting surface charge with simple method.
Using ConSurf to Detect Functionally Important Regions in RNA
Authors: Rubin Maya , Ben‐Tal Nir
Published: October 2021

The ConSurf web server (https://consurf.tau.ac.il/) for using evolutionary data to detect functional regions is useful for analyzing proteins. The analysis is based on the premise that functional regions, which may for example facilitate ligand binding and catalysis, often evolve slowly. The analysis requires finding enough effective, i.e., non‐redundant, sufficiently remote homologs. Indeed, the ConSurf pipeline, which is based on state‐of‐the‐art protein sequence databases and analysis tools, is highly valuable for protein analysis. ConSurf also allows evolutionary analysis of RNA, but the analysis often fails due to insufficient data, particularly the inability of the current pipeline to detect enough effective RNA homologs. This is because the RNA search tools and databases offered are not as good as those used for protein analysis. Fortunately, ConSurf also allows importing external collections of homologs in the form of a multiple sequence alignment (MSA). Leveraging this, here we describe various protocols for constructing MSAs for successful ConSurf analysis of RNA queries. We report the level of success of these protocols on an exemplary set comprising a dozen RNA molecules of diverse structure and function. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Standard ConSurf evolutionary conservation analysis of an RNA query.

Basic Protocol 2: ConSurf evolutionary conservation analysis of an RNA query with external MSA.

Support Protocol 1: Construction of an MSA for an RNA query using other online servers.

Support Protocol 2: Construction of an MSA for an RNA query using nHMMER locally
AlGaN/GaN Heterostructures Electrical Performance by Altering GaN/Sapphire Buffers Growth Pressure and Low‐Temperature GaN Interlayers Application
Authors: Wośko Mateusz , Paszkiewicz Bogdan , Paszkiewicz Regina
Published: October 2021

In this work, the possibility of improving 2D electron gas mobility and sheet carrier concentration in AlGaN/AlN/GaN heterostructures by altering GaN/sapphire buffer growth pressure and application of low‐temperature GaN interlayers in GaN buffer is investigated. Obtained results show some improvements in 2DEG resistivity reduction after the introduction of two GaN buffer sublayers grown at different pressures. It is observed that the MOVPE process pressure influences the size of GaN buffer block size visible on the scanning electron microscope images of the AlGaN/AlN/GaN surface. These data are complemented by the results of high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction, photoluminescence, and impedance spectroscopy of the investigated heterostructures.
Designed to Be Green, Economic, and Efficient: A Ketone‐Ester‐Alcohol‐Alkane Blend for Future Spark‐Ignition Engines
Authors: Ackermann Philipp , Braun Karsten E. , Burkardt Patrick , Heger Sebastian , König Andrea , Morsch Philipp , Lehrheuer Bastian , Surger Maximilian , Völker Simon , Blank Lars Mathias , Du Miaomiao , Heufer Karl Alexander , Roß‐Nickoll Martina , Viell Jörn , von der Aßen Niklas , Mitsos Alexander , Pischinger Stefan , Dahmen Manuel
Published: October 2021

Model‐based fuel design can tailor fuels to advanced engine concepts while minimizing environmental impact and production costs. A rationally designed ketone‐ester‐alcohol‐alkane (KEAA) blend for high efficiency spark‐ignition engines was assessed in a multi‐disciplinary manner, from production cost to ignition characteristics, engine performance, ecotoxicity, microbial storage stability, and carbon footprint. The comparison included RON 95 E10, ethanol, and two previously designed fuels. KEAA showed high indicated efficiencies in a single‐cylinder research engine. Ignition delay time measurements confirmed KEAA's high auto‐ignition resistance. KEAA exhibits a moderate toxicity and is not prone to microbial infestation. A well‐to‐wheel analysis showed the potential to lower the carbon footprint by 95 percent compared to RON 95 E10. The findings motivate further investigations on KEAA and demonstrate advancements in model‐based fuel design.
Physical aspects of dust–plasma interactions
Authors: Pustylnik M.Y. , Pikalev A.A. , Zobnin A.V. , Semenov I.L. , Thomas H.M. , Petrov O.F.
Published: October 2021

Low‐pressure gas discharge plasmas are known to be strongly affected by the presence of small dust particles. This issue plays a role in the investigations of dust particle‐forming plasmas, where the dust‐induced instabilities may affect the properties of synthesized dust particles. Also, gas discharges with large amounts of microparticles are used in microgravity experiments, where strongly coupled subsystems of charged microparticles represent particle‐resolved models of liquids and solids. In this field, deep understanding of dust–plasma interactions is required to construct the discharge configurations which would be able to model the desired generic condensed matter physics as well as, in the interpretation of experiments, to distinguish the plasma phenomena from the generic condensed matter physics phenomena. In this review, we address only physical aspects of dust–plasma interactions, that is, we always imply constant chemical composition of the plasma as well as constant size of the dust particles. We also restrict the review to two discharge types: dc discharge and capacitively coupled rf discharge. We describe the experimental methods used in the investigations of dust–plasma interactions and show the approaches to numerical modelling of the gas discharge plasmas with large amounts of dust. Starting from the basic physical principles governing the dust–plasma interactions, we discuss the state‐of‐the‐art understanding of such complicated, discharge‐type‐specific phenomena as dust‐induced stratification and transverse instability in a dc discharge or void formation and heartbeat instability in an rf discharge.
Meta‐heuristic optimization algorithms for comparative analysis of uniform and non‐uniform elliptical array antenna for enhanced gain
Authors: Misra Bitan , Mahanti Gautam Kumar
Published: October 2021

In this article, the synthesis of a non‐uniform elliptical array antenna (EAA) is presented applying three relatively new, well‐performing meta‐heuristic optimization algorithms; quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO), symbiotic organism search (SOS), and moth fly optimization (MFO) algorithms. The design objective allows simultaneous minimization of side lobes and maximization of gain by finding the best optimal combination of angular locuses of the antennas in the array structure. The proposed technique is efficient enough to resolve the underlying multi‐objective problems at two principle planes of radiation and adaptable enough to the effective implementation of additional design constraints which make this design suitable for practical high‐frequency applications as well as long‐distance communication. The iterative accomplishment of the three algorithms is compared depending on the radiation parameters as well as statistical parameters. The outcomes are validated by performing a t test on the obtained data sets.
Fine‐needle aspiration diagnosis of clonal extramedullary hematopoiesis in a case of myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: Shponka Volodymyr , Bone Kathleen , Nomani Laila , Hunt Bryan
Published: October 2021

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH)—the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors outside of the bone marrow (BM) is a well‐known phenomenon in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Abundant literature describes EMH at various body sites in cases of MPN, and some studies showed the presence of cytogenetic changes associated with MPN in the EMH tissues. We present a case of an 80‐year‐old female, with a history of MPN, presenting with mediastinal adenopathy. The transbronchial fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of the mediastinal lymph node showed EMH with atypical megakaryocytes and del(13q) demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The subsequent BM biopsy demonstrated myelofibrosis with atypical megakaryocytes harboring the same cytogenetic abnormality. Our case highlights the capability of FNA cytology for providing accurate morphologic, immunohistochemical, and cytogenetic diagnosis of clonal EMH.
U.S. Supreme Court agrees to decide whether compensatory damages are available for emotional distress
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: October 2021

Postsecondary educational institutions should pay close attention to Cummings v. Premier Rehab Keller, in which the United States Supreme Court agreed to review a decision from the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit that damages for emotional distress are not available under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Cummings has major implications for many civil rights laws (948 F.3d 673 (5th Cir. 2020)).
Prepare for intensifying COVID‐related student suicide risk and mental health needs
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: October 2021

The months since the COVID‐19 lockdowns have been challenging for everyone, but particularly so for the mental health of young adults aged 18–24, along with communities of color, women (especially those with young children), and essential workers, all of whom are significantly represented at our institutions.
Peer mentorship programs for students with autism have gaps
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: October 2021

The first comprehensive, systematic review on the state of peer mentorship programs for college and university students with autism has found that these programs, while effective in some areas, still had gaps where services could be improved for greater student success.
Disciplinary Process
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: October 2021

An overview of the key topics faced by disability services providers with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Analytical developments of p‐hydroxy prenylamine reference material for dope control research: Characterization and purity assessment
Authors: Joseph Athira , Kumar Gangasani Jagadeesh , Pawar Sachin Dattram , Hirlekar Bhakti Umesh , Bharatam Prasad V. , Konda Satyanand , Mudiam Mohana Krishna Reddy , Murty Upadhyayula Suryanarayana , Sahu P. L. , Dubey Sachin , Radhakrishnanand P. , Adye Daya Raju , Borkar Roshan M. , Thirupathi Choppari , Kumar Pramod
Published: October 2021

Prenylamine was initially used for the treatment of angina pectoris and later on withdrawn from the market in 1988 due to cardiac arrhythmias concern. The major phase I metabolite of prenylamine is p‐hydroxy prenylamine that has a chiral center in the structure. Even though p‐hydroxy prenylamine was synthesized earlier, it lacked complete analytical developments for chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation. However, p‐hydroxy prenylamine reference material is not commercially available. The innovation of this manuscript is the development and validation of a chiral HPLC separation method and more extensive characterization of the reference material than previously reported method. Therefore, it was hypothesized to develop and validate normal phase HPLC method for p‐hydroxy prenylamine reference material. p‐Hydroxy prenylamine was synthesized in two batches and characterized successfully using 13C NMR, 1H NMR, high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A normal phase chiral HPLC method was developed to analyze the p‐hydroxy prenylamine purity. Separation of the p‐hydroxy prenylamine enantiomers were achieved using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) on a ChiralCel ODH column at wavelength of 220 nm. The developed method was validated in terms of its linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness for purification, purity assessment, and stability studies. Proton and carbon peaks were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. Functional groups were confirmed by FT‐IR. Loss on drying was 0.3% and 0.6% for Batches 1 and 2, respectively. The purity of the developed reference material for Batches 1 and 2 was found to be 99.59% and 100%, respectively. Therefore, the synthesized batches of p‐hydroxy prenylamine can be used in dope testing as reference material.
Conceptual and methodological advances in habitat‐selection modeling: guidelines for ecology and evolution
Authors: Northrup Joseph M. , Vander Wal Eric , Bonar Maegwin , Fieberg John , Laforge Michel P. , Leclerc Martin , Prokopenko Christina M. , Gerber Brian D.
Published: October 2021

Habitat selection is a fundamental animal behavior that shapes a wide range of ecological processes, including animal movement, nutrient transfer, trophic dynamics and population distribution. Although habitat selection has been a focus of ecological studies for decades, technological, conceptual and methodological advances over the last 20 yr have led to a surge in studies addressing this process. Despite the substantial literature focused on quantifying the habitat‐selection patterns of animals, there is a marked lack of guidance on best analytical practices. The conceptual foundations of the most commonly applied modeling frameworks can be confusing even to those well versed in their application. Furthermore, there has yet to be a synthesis of the advances made over the last 20 yr. Therefore, there is a need for both synthesis of the current state of knowledge on habitat selection, and guidance for those seeking to study this process. Here, we provide an approachable overview and synthesis of the literature on habitat‐selection analyses (HSAs) conducted using selection functions, which are by far the most applied modeling framework for understanding the habitat‐selection process. This review is purposefully non‐technical and focused on understanding without heavy mathematical and statistical notation, which can confuse many practitioners. We offer an overview and history of HSAs, describing the tortuous conceptual path to our current understanding. Through this overview, we also aim to address the areas of greatest confusion in the literature. We synthesize the literature outlining the most exciting conceptual advances in the field of habitat‐selection modeling, discussing the substantial ecological and evolutionary inference that can be made using contemporary techniques. We aim for this paper to provide clarity for those navigating the complex literature on HSAs while acting as a reference and best practices guide for practitioners.
Clinical, biochemical, and hematological characteristics of community‐dwelling adolescent and young adult males with anorexia nervosa
Authors: J. Silla Karol Elisha , S. Brigham Kathryn , Goldstein Mark , Misra Madhusmita , Singhal Vibha
Published: October 2021

Objective

Data regarding clinical characteristics in males with AN are limited. We aimed to delineate clinical, biochemical, and hematological features in community‐dwelling adolescent and young adult males with AN.

Method

A retrospective chart review of electronic medical records from 2000 to 2016 was conducted for 53 males aged 10–23 years old; AN (n = 36) and healthy controls (n = 17) were similar for Tanner stage.

Results

Adolescent and young adult males with AN were diagnosed at a mean age of 15.9 ± 3.0 years. The most prevalent strategy for weight loss (following calorie restriction) was over‐exercising. Labs demonstrated polycythemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, but no electrolyte abnormalities. Compared with healthy controls of similar Tanner stage, males with AN had lower total testosterone levels. A significant proportion of males with AN had traumatic bone fractures.

Discussion

Over‐exercising is a common secondary weight loss strategy in males with AN. Testosterone levels are lower than in controls, but electrolyte abnormalities are rare. With enhanced provider awareness, diagnostic delays may be prevented.
Sterilization of stem‐end rot of mango using dielectric barrier discharge and investigation of sterilization factors
Authors: Nakakoga Yuta , Tada Yoichiro , Sakoda Tatsuya , Tazawa Kazutoshi , Ichikawa Hiroyuki
Published: October 2021

To develop a sterilization method for controlling post‐harvest stem‐end rot of mango, we examined to sterilize fungi on peduncle by using the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). Additionally, to investigate the sterilization factors, we performed sterilization against stem‐end rot on agar medium by using the DBD generated in air, argon gas, or oxygen gas. It was found that the DBD can sterilize fungi with high probability. Ultra‐violet ray and O3 do not contribute to the sterilization. High energy electrons, and radicals such as O and OH play an essential role for the sterilization.
Analysis of aerodynamic performance of high‐speed rotational components for MEMS based turbomachinery considering effects of tip clearance and diabatic heat transfer
Authors: Tanaka Shuusei , Nakai Takaaki , Toriyama Toshiyuki
Published: October 2021

This paper addresses a fundamental design guideline for rotational components of a micro‐scale gas turbine engine considering an interaction between geometrical structure and aerodynamics. The rotational components of the micro‐scale gas turbine engine may be subjected to the centrifugal stress due to high‐speed rotation. The efficiency of each component is strongly controlled by geometrical clearance between rotational and stationary components, and heat transfer from the turbine to the compressor. Therefore, the elastic deformations due to the centrifugal stress and heat transfer have important role to determine the practical aerodynamic performance of the rotational components. A new sophisticated geometrical structure was introduced to the rotational components to control the elastic deformation and maintain the compressor efficiency that is necessary to hold the minimum requirement for the thermodynamic cycle.