bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract rules drive adaptation in the subcortical sensory pathway
Authors: Tabas Alejandro , Mihai Glad , Kiebel Stefan , Trampel Robert , von Kriegstein Katharina
Published: December 2020

The subcortical sensory pathways are the fundamental channels for mapping the outside world to our minds. Sensory pathways efficiently transmit information by adapting neural responses to the local statistics of the sensory input. The long-standing mechanistic explanation for this adaptive behaviour is that neural activity decreases with increasing regularities in the local statistics of the stimuli. An alternative account is that neural coding is directly driven by expectations of the sensory input. Here, we used abstract rules to manipulate expectations independently of local stimulus statistics. The ultra-high-field functional-MRI data show that abstract expectations can drive the response amplitude to tones in the human auditory pathway. These results provide first unambiguous evidence of abstract processing in a subcortical sensory pathway. They indicate that the neural representation of the outside world is altered by our prior beliefs even at initial points of the processing hierarchy.
Pro-inflammatory effect of obesity on rats with burn wounds
Authors: Nie Chan , Yu Huiting , Wang Xue , Li Xiahong , Wei Zairong , Shi Xiuquan
Published: December 2020

Objective

A burn is an inflammatory injury to the skin or other tissue due to contact with thermal, radioactive, electric, or chemical agents. Burn injury is an important cause of disability and death worldwide. Obesity is a significant public health problem, often causing underlying systemic inflammation. Studying the combined impact of burn injuries on obese patients has become critical to the successful treatment of these patients. The aim of this paper is to highlight the effect of inflammation associated with burn injuries on several body weight group in a rat study.

Materials and methods

Different degrees of obesity and burns were established in rats and divided into a normal weight group, overweight group, obese group, second-degree burn group, third-degree burn group, over-weight second-degree burn group, over-weight third-degree burn group, obese second-degree burn group, and obese third-degree burn group (20 rats per group). Changes in inflammatory factors and growth factor were measured on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th days after burns were inflicted.

Results

The ELISA test showed that in the unburned control group, MCP-1, IL-1β and TNF-α protein expressions in the obese and over-weight groups were higher than the normal-weight group (P < 0.05). RT-PCR test showed that the expressions of MCP-1, IL-1β and TNF-α genes in the obese group were higher compared to the overweight and normal weight groups (P < 0.05). Three and 7 days after burns were inflicted, the level of VEGF in the normal weight group was higher than the obese group (P < 0.05), however increased VEGF was not observed on days 1 and 14.

Conclusion

Burn injury and obesity have a mutually synergistic effect on the body’s inflammatory response.
Evaluation of Procalcitonin Serum Levels in Children Younger than Five Years Old with Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Sepahi Mohsen Akhavan , Moslemi Mohammad Kazem , Haeri Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2020

Background: Children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) are posed to the danger of recurrent pyelonephritis, kidney scar and renal failure. Nowadays, the evaluation of VUR is carried out using different imaging methods that are accompanied with different limitations. Pediatricians usually look for other evaluation methods that are feasible, easy to implement and carries the least amount of danger to the patient. 

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the level of serum Procalcitonin (PCT) as a predictor of VUR instead of the voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG).

Methods: This case-control study was conducted from 2013 to 2014. One hundred and ten children younger than five years old were divided into two groups: (i) the case group with 76 children diagnosed with urinary tract infection (UTI) using urine culture test, and (ii) the control group with 34 healthy children. Serum levels of PCT were measured by a commercial kit. Demographic data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed by software SPSS.

Results: Of the samples, 69.1% of them had no VUR, 20% and 10.9% of the samples suffered from severe unilateral VUR and severe bilateral VUR, respectively. With regard to the level of serum PCT, 61.8% of the samples were positive. One-half of those samples (38 people) who was diagnosed to be healthy had a normal level of serum PCT. However, 30 people (88.2%) of the samples diagnosed to be healthy using VCUG had increased level of serum PCT. The positive and negative predictive values of the level of serum PCT were 44% and 90%, respectively. In this respect, 50% of the samples diagnosed by using level of serum PCT were false positive and 11.8% were false negative. The kappa score for the level of serum PCT was 0.3 (P < 0.0001). The positive predictive value of the serum level of PCT for the female and male samples were 43% and 50% respectively.

Conclusions: There was no statistically significant relationship between VUR and the serum level of PCT.
Effects of Pre-sowing Treatments and Abiotic Stress on the Germination of Ceratonia siliqua Seeds of Four Moroccan Biomes
Authors: Yatim Meriem , Kahkahi Rahal El , Sbata Ikram Es- , Askri Taoufik El- , ElOirdi Samia , Lakhlifi Tarik , Belhaj Abdelhaq , Hafidi Majida , Zouhair Rachid
Published: December 2020

In order to improve the germination rate of carob seeds (Ceratonia siliqua L.), we studied the morphological characteristics of the fruits (pod and seeds, integumentary hardness and tolerance to abiotic stress of the seeds) of seven ecotypes of carob trees from four regions of Morocco. The fruits of its seven populations were studied according to seven discriminative characteristics relating to the pods (length, width, thickness, total number of seeds, total weight of the pulp, seeds  per pod and yield of pods per tree) and four discriminative characteristics relating to the seeds namely length, width, thickness and total fresh weight of seeds. Integumentary hardness was evaluated by pretreating the seeds with boiling water and 95% sulfuric acid. Similarly, we also followed the evolution of water absorption by the seeds during 4 days and we evaluated on these seeds pre-treated, effects of different incubation temperatures (10°C, 25°C and 40°C), their tolerance to different concentrations of NaCl, PEG6000 (0MPa, -0.5MPa, -1MPa and -1.5MPa ) and their reversibility. The morphological characterization of the fruits allowed us to group the populations studied into three groups. Soaking the carob seeds in sulfuric acid for 20 minutes improved the germination rate and time. The evolution of water absorption makes it possible to distinguish two phases. The first phase is obtained during the first 24 hours and characterized by a rapid penetration of water, and second phase which lasts over the last 72 hours and which is characterized by a slow entry of water. The optimum temperature for germination of seeds from all provenances is 25°C. The germination behavior of carob under conditions of osmotic stress demonstrated a highly significant treatment effect (concentration of PEG6000) on the rate and mean time of germination and revealed that this species is very resistant to drought. This study also showed that, salt has a depressive effect on the average germination rate, time and length of radicles. The results of the reversibility test showed that the germination of seeds transferred from osmotic stress and salt stress (-0.5, -1 and -1.5MPa) and from the temperature of 40°C. is totally inhibited. On the other hand, seeds transferred from a temperature of 15°C resume germination under optimal conditions. This study allowed us to select a variety with high yield and tolerant to various biotic constraints.
Parameters Optimization of Edoxaban Extraction from Dried Plasma Spots
Authors: Zakabluk G. A. , Koval V. V. , Chernonosov A. A.
Published: December 2020

Aims: Edoxaban is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant, being a highly selective, direct and reversible factor Xa inhibitor. Edoxaban is used to treat and prevent blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The dried spot technic, including dried blood spots and dried plasma spots, is used in many fields, from newborn screening to monitoring of therapeutic drugs in toxicology. In this case, equipment with a highly sensitive detector, such as a mass spectrometer, is required, as well as conditions for a high degree of drug recovery from the dried spot. In this work, the extraction of edoxaban from dried plasma spots (DPS) was studied to determine the optimal parameters of the extraction method.

Study Design: Analytical experimental study. Short Research Articles.

Place and Duration of Study: Core Facility of Mass Spectrometric Analysis, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, between August and October 2020

Methodology: The organic extraction method was selected for evaluation as the most suitable for LC-MS analysis. Several parameters were investigated to find the best combination for extracting edoxaban from DPS for further LC-MS analysis: percent organic solvent, presence or absence of 0.1% formic acid (FA), extraction time, volume, and temperature.

Results: The results showed that the extraction was influenced by the composition and volume of the solvent, but not temperature and time. Pure acetonitrile is the worst solvent for extracting edoxaban from DPS. The most optimal parameters are MeOH: 0.1% FA in H2O (70:30, v:v) solvent with an extraction temperature of 40 °C, an extraction time of 15 minutes and a solvent volume of 50 μl.

Conclusion: Several solvents suitable for LC-MS analysis can be used to recover edoxaban from DPS.
Effects of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Patients Living With Vasculitis
Authors: Banerjee Shubhasree , George Michael , Young Kalen , Venkatachalam Shilpa , Gordon Jennifer , Burroughs Cristina , Curtis David , Ferrada Marcela , Gavigan Kelly , Grayson Peter C. , Kullman Joyce , Danila Maria I. , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Shaw Dianne G. , Benjamin Nowell W. , Merkel Peter A. ,   the Vasculitis Patient‐Powered Research Network
Published: December 2020

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the concerns and health‐related behaviors in patients with vasculitis during the early phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in North America.

Methods

Patients with vasculitis in North America were invited to complete an online survey through the Vasculitis Patient‐Powered Research Network in collaboration with the Vasculitis Foundation and the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation. Questions focused on concerns and behaviors related to doctors’ visits, tests, medication, and telehealth use. Factors affecting their concern and health‐related behaviors were determined.

Results

Data from 662 patients were included: 90% of patients were White, 78% were women, 83% expressed moderate or high levels of concern about COVID‐19, and 87% reported that their vasculitis moderately or extremely affected their level of concern. Older age, female sex, lung disease, and immunosuppression were associated with greater concern. Doctors’ visits, laboratory tests, and other tests were avoided by 66%, 46%, and 40% of patients, respectively. Younger age, urban location, higher income, higher concern levels, and prednisone use (>10 mg/day) were associated with greater likelihood of avoiding visits or tests. Ten percent of patients on immunosuppressive therapy stopped their medication. Twenty‐nine percent patients on rituximab avoided an infusion. Forty‐four percent of patients had telehealth visits; more visits were reported for younger patients, for patients on glucocorticoids, and in Canada versus the United States.

Conclusion

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, patients with vasculitis have high levels of concern and exhibit potentially harmful health‐related behaviors. Health care use varies across different demographic groups and geographic regions. Specific strategies are warranted to facilitate engagement of these patients with the health care system during the pandemic.
Returning negative results from large‐scale genomic screening: Experiences from the eMERGE III network
Authors: Finn Kelsey Stuttgen , Lynch John , Aufox Sharon , Bland Harris T. , Chung Wendy , Halverson Colin , Hebbring Scott , Hoell Christin , Holm Ingrid , Jarvik Gail , Kullo Iftikhar , Leppig Kathleen , Myers Melanie , Prows Cynthia , Rasouly Hila Milo , Singh Rajbir , Weisner Georgia , Williams Janet , Wynn Julia , Smith Maureen , Sharp Richard
Published: December 2020

Population‐based genomic screening has the potential to improve health outcomes by identifying genetic causes of disease before they occur. While much attention has been paid to supporting the needs of the small percentage of patients who will receive a life‐altering positive genomic screening result that requires medical attention, little attention has been given to the communication of negative screening results. As there are currently no best practices for returning negative genomic screening results, we drew on experiences across the electronic medical records and genomics (eMERGE) III Network to highlight the diversity of reporting methods employed, challenges encountered in reporting negative test results, and “lessons learned” across institutions. A 60‐item survey that consisted of both multiple choice and open‐ended questions was created to gather data across institutions. Even though institutions independently developed procedures for reporting negative results, and had very different study populations, we identified several similarities of approach, including but not limited to: returning results by mail, placing results in the electronic health record via an automated process, reporting results to participants' primary care provider, and providing genetic counseling to interested patients at no cost. Differences in procedures for reporting negative results included: differences in terminology used to describe negative results, definitions of negative results, guidance regarding the meaning of negative results for participants and their family members, and recommendations for clinical follow up. Our findings highlight emerging practices for reporting negative genomic screening results and highlight the need to create patient education and clinical support tools for reporting negative screening results.
Intraperitoneal bladder rupture in a young child with vascular Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome
Authors: Nanduri Rahul , Jones Eric , Miller‐Hance Wanda , Lewis Andrea M. , Morris Shaine A.
Published: December 2020

In this report, we present the case of a 3‐year‐old child with vascular Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (vEDS) previously known as Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome type IV. After experiencing a minor traumatic injury to the abdomen, consisting of falling over a bathroom stool on the way to the restroom with a full bladder, the child developed acute abdominal pain. He was found to have an intraperitoneal bladder rupture that was successfully repaired with management techniques tailored to his known diagnosis of vEDS. While tissue fragility and internal organ rupture occurring with minor trauma are known complications of vEDS, this is the first case in the literature of a bladder rupture in a child with vEDS with a confirmed variant in the COL3A1 gene, to our knowledge. This case broadens the clinical presentation of vEDS, demonstrates that children can have life‐threatening organ rupture at a young age, and may alert providers to consider this diagnosis when a child presents with bladder rupture.
PIGO variants in a boy with features of Mabry syndrome who also exhibits Fryns syndrome with peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Okuda Taro , Yonekawa Takahiro , Murakami Yoshiko , Kinoshita Taroh , Ito Takahiro , Matsushita Kohei , Koike Yuhki , Inoue Mikihiro , Uchida Keiichi , Yodoya Noriko , Ohashi Hiroyuki , Sawada Hirofumi , Iwamoto Shotaro , Mitani Yoshihide , Hirayama Masahiro
Published: December 2020

We report a 2‐year‐old boy with left congenital diaphragmatic defect (CDH), pulmonary hypoplasia, and polyhydramnios who harbors compound heterozygous mutations, c.1109A>G and c.2497_2498del, in the PIGO gene. The facial appearance was characterized by cloudy cornea, broad and flat nasal bridge, long philtrum, low‐set ears, and micrognathia. Serum alkaline phosphatase level was consistently elevated, suggesting that he meets the criteria for Mabry syndrome. However, the observation of other anomalies including micropenis, cryptorchidism, and Hirschsprung disease suggests clinical features compatible with Fryns syndrome (FS). Left CDH and Hirschsprung disease were surgically repaired at 1 week and 3 months of age, respectively. He also exhibited multiple joint contractures and markedly decreased voluntary movement. Craw hands were seen but pes cavus was absent. Electrophysiology studies showed diffuse axonal demyelinating neuropathy. The cell surface expression of CD16, CD24, and CD59 on blood granulocytes was significantly reduced. The PIGO gene encodes ethanolamine phosphate transferase 3 in the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthesis pathway. Mutations in the gene are known to cause Mabry syndrome, an inherited GPI deficiency (IGD) characterized by hyperphosphatasia. IGDs show clinical heterogeneity and overlap with other syndromes and diseases. A severe end of the phenotypic spectrum can be recognized as FS. This is the first report of PIGO gene mutations in a Mabry syndrome patient who also meets the criteria for FS.
Free‐Electron Qubits
Authors: Reinhardt Ori , Mechel Chen , Lynch Morgan , Kaminer Ido
Published: December 2020

Free‐electron interactions with laser‐driven nearfields can quantize the electrons’ energy spectrum and provide control over this quantized degree of freedom. The study proposes to use such interactions to promote free electrons as carriers of quantum information and show how to create a qubit on a free electron, which holds promise for applications in electron microscopy and spectroscopy. A method to implement the qubit's noncommutative spin algebra, and to control and measure the qubit state with a universal set of 1‐qubit gates is shown. These gates are within the current capabilities of ultrafast transmission electron microscopes. Laser‐driven free‐electron qubits promise configurability by the laser intensity, frequency, and polarizability, simultaneously with high‐resolution temporal control on femtosecond timescales.
Triazenyl Alkynes as Versatile Building Blocks in Multicomponent Reactions: Diastereoselective Synthesis of β‐Amino Amides
Authors: Wang Chaorong , Lai Zhencheng , Xie Hujun , Cui Sunliang
Published: December 2020

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are powerful tool for the construction of polyfunctional molecules in an operationally simple and atom‐economic manner, and the discovery of novel MCRs requests various building blocks. Herein, triazenyl alkynes were disclosed as versatile building blocks in a multicomponent reaction with carboxylic acids, aldehydes and anilines to furnish β‐amino amides with the achievement of high diastereoselectivity and structural diversity. In this process, triazenyl alkynes were bifunctional so that the alkyne moiety acts as C2 fragment and triazene serves as directing group to modulate the transition state thus achieving high diastereoselectivity, in consistence with DFT calculations. Furthermore, the triazenyl group also enables diverse late‐stage transformation. This protocol opens a new vision for the discovery of building block and rational design of MCRs.
The Logic Behind Markovnikov's Rule: Was It an Inspired Guess? …No!
Authors: Lewis David E.
Published: December 2020

Vladimir Vasil′evich Markovnikov (1837–1904) was a Russian chemist whose graduate research at Kazan Imperial University from 1860–1869 gave us, among other things, one of the most enduring empirical rules in organic chemistry. Markovnikov's Rule for electrophilic addition was first published in the inaugural volume of the Journal of the Russian Chemical Society (Zh. Russ. Khim. O‐va.), but it was not until a year later when it was published in German that it received attention internationally. The rule itself was worded differently from the most common modern versions, in that it is expressed in terms of the electronegative part of the adding reagent. It has been suggested that this rule was the result of an inspired guess, but a careful examination of Markovnikov's graduate dissertations reveals a very different picture. In the dissertations, there is a careful build‐up of logic from which the rule itself, as defined by Markovnikov, emerges naturally. Markovnikov's Rule was most decidedly not an inspired guess.
Drug‐Sponge Lipid Nanocarrier for in Situ Cargo Loading and Release Using Dynamic Covalent Chemistry
Authors: Liu Fei , Niko Yosuke , Bouchaala Redouane , Mercier Luc , Lefebvre Olivier , Andreiuk Bohdan , Vandamme Thierry , Goetz Jacky G. , Anton Nicolas , Klymchenko Andrey
Published: December 2020

Currently, drug‐delivery strategies using nanocarriers (NCs) deal with encapsulation of cargo or its covalently modified prodrug. Herein, we propose a concept of reversible pH‐controlled capture and delivery of active cargo based on dynamic covalent chemistry inside lipid nano‐droplets (nanoemulsions), coined as “drug sponge”. We designed a highly lipophilic hydrazide (LipoHD) capable of reacting with a free cargo‐ketone (fluorescent dye and doxorubicin drug) directly inside lipid NCs, yielding a lipophilic hydrazone prodrug efficiently captured in the oil core. LipoHD‐loaded NCs spontaneously accumulated cargo‐ketones, yielding formulations stable against cargo leakage at pH 7.4, and further released their dye/drug cargo at low pH range (5.0–6.8) in solution and live cells. Doxorubicin‐loaded drug‐sponge NCs showed cytotoxicity in four cancer cell lines and capacity to inhibit tumor growth in subcutaneous xenografts of mice. Finally, unprecedented extraction of dye/drug cargos directly from cells and tissues (i.e. detoxification) was realized by the drug‐sponge NCs.
Skeletal development of Kinosternon scorpioides limbs (Chelonia: Kinosternidae)
Authors: dos Santos Braga Brenda Stefany , Fernandes‐Neto Dário Lisboa , Teixeira Leonardo Conceição , da Silva Costa Juliane , Ferreira Maria Auxiliadora Pantoja , Oliveira‐Bahia Verônica Regina , Marques José Ribamar Felipe , de Araújo Guimarães Diva Anelie
Published: December 2020

The morphological study of limbs is important for the understanding of tetrapod biology, where it can be applied to taxonomy and phylogeny, as well ecology and behavior. In this study area, osteogenesis is a subject in Kinosternidae, which has been little researched. The main aim of this study was to characterize the skeletogenesis of Kinosternon scorpioides limbs. Samples were histologically processed, and the embryos were cleared with potassium hydroxide and stained with alcian blue and alizarin red. It was observed that the limbs arose in embryonic Stage 10 as mesenchymal condensate cells. The first stylopodium chondrification centers were noted at Stage 14. Zeugopodium chondrification centers appeared at Stage 15; carpal, metacarpal, tarsal, and metatarsal regions were observed at Stage 16, and the cartilage molds of all bones limbs were present at Stage 18. Ossification began in the humerus and femur at Stage 20, and continued into the radius, ulna, tibia, and fibula bones. By Stage 23, it was already effectively directed toward the bone epiphyses in both limbs. At Stage 26 and hatching, only articular cartilages remained, and in the majority of samples the carpal region showed no affinity for alcian blue or alizarin red staining. This study acts as an indicative parameter of the taxon's normal development and can contribute to the phylogenetic understanding of this group.
Divergence of Cardiovascular Biomarkers of Lipids and Subclinical Myocardial Injury Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Increased Inflammation
Authors: Weber Brittany , He Zeling , Yang Nicole , Playford Martin P. , Weisenfeld Dana , Iannaccone Christine , Coblyn Jonathan , Weinblatt Michael , Shadick Nancy , Di Carli Marcelo , Mehta Nehal N. , Plutzky Jorge , Liao Katherine P.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are 1.5 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) attributed to chronic inflammation. A decrease in inflammation in patients with RA is associated with increased low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This study was undertaken to prospectively evaluate the changes in lipid levels among RA patients experiencing changes in inflammation and determine the association with concomitant temporal patterns in markers of myocardial injury.

Methods

A total of 196 patients were evaluated in a longitudinal RA cohort, with blood samples and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) levels measured annually. Patients were stratified based on whether they experienced either a significant increase in inflammation (an increase in hsCRP of ≥10 mg/liter between any 2 time points 1 year apart; designated the increased inflammation cohort [n = 103]) or decrease in inflammation (a decrease in hsCRP of ≥10 mg/liter between any 2 time points 1 year apart; designated the decreased inflammation cohort [n = 93]). Routine and advanced lipids, markers of inflammation (interleukin‐6, hsCRP, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II), and markers of subclinical myocardial injury (high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T [hs‐cTnT], N‐terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide) were measured.

Results

Among the patients in the increased inflammation cohort, the mean age was 59 years, 81% were women, and the mean RA disease duration was 17.9 years. The average increase in hsCRP levels was 36 mg/liter, and this increase was associated with significant reductions in LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein (Apo B), and Apo A‐I levels. In the increased inflammation cohort at baseline, 45.6% of patients (47 of 103) had detectable circulating hs‐cTnT, which further increased during inflammation (P = 0.02). In the decreased inflammation cohort, hs‐cTnT levels remained stable despite a reduction in inflammation over follow‐up. In both cohorts, hs‐cTnT levels were associated with the overall estimated risk of CVD.

Conclusion

Among RA patients who experienced an increase in inflammation, a significant decrease in routinely measured lipids, including LDL cholesterol, and an increase in markers of subclinical myocardial injury were observed. These findings highlight the divergence in biomarkers of CVD risk and suggest a role in future studies examining the benefit of including hs‐cTnT for CVD risk stratification in RA.
Thermoelectric Converters Based on Ionic Conductors
Authors: Wu Xun , Gao Naiwei , Jia Hanyu , Wang Yapei
Published: December 2020

Thermoelectric materials represent a new paradigm for harvesting low‐grade heat, which would otherwise be dissipated to the environment uselessly. Relative to conventional thermoelectric materials generally composed of semiconductors or semi‐metals, ionic thermoelectric materials are rising as an alternative choice which exhibit higher Seebeck coefficient and lower thermal conductivity. The ionic thermoelectric materials own a completely different thermoelectric conversion mechanism, in which the ions do not enter the electrode but rearrange on the electrode surface to generate a voltage difference between the hot and cold electrodes. This unique character has inspired worldwide interests on the design of ionic‐type thermoelectric converters with attractive advantages of high flexibility, low cost, limited environmental pollution, and self‐healing capability. Referring to the categories of ionic thermoelectric conversion, some representative ionic thermoelectric materials with their respective characteristics are summarized in this minireview. In addition, examples of applying ionic thermoelectric materials in supercapacitors, wearable devices, and fire warning system are also discussed. Insight into the challenges for the further development of ionic thermoelectric materials is finally provided.
A novel GTPBP2 splicing mutation in two siblings affected with microcephaly, generalized muscular atrophy, and hypotrichosis
Authors: Abdi Rad Isa , Vahabi Ali , Akbariazar Elinaz
Published: December 2020

A novel splice site mutation in the GTPBP2 gene was identified by whole‐exome sequencing in two siblings with microcephaly and progressive generalized muscular atrophy associated with hypotrichosis.
Understanding the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Kinetics of Electrodeposited Nickel‐Molybdenum in Acidic, Near‐Neutral, and Alkaline Conditions
Authors: Bao Fuxi , Kemppainen Erno , Dorbandt Iris , Bors Radu , Xi Fanxing , Schlatmann Rutger , van de Krol Roel , Calnan Sonya
Published: December 2020

Nickel‐molybdenum (NiMo) alloys can be a possible alternative to platinum as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts because of the superior HER activity. However, the superior HER activity and the pH‐dependent kinetics are not currently fully understood. Herein, we present a study of HER kinetics and mechanisms of NiMo in alkaline, near‐neutral and acidic media by combining voltammetry measurements with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and a microkinetic model. The results indicate that, compared to Ni, NiMo has significantly higher active surface area and intrinsic HER activity. In the subsequent measurements, we demonstrated that different from the existing explanations to the HER mechanisms for NiMo, the HER process in acidic, near‐neutral, and alkaline media is controlled by the Heyrovsky step. Our results show that increasing pH increases the hydrogen coverage, which increases the Tafel‐slope at low overpotentials, eventually resulting in only a single Tafel slope, which would commonly be interpreted as a Volmer‐limited reaction. Furthermore, the studies of thickness effect on HER kinetics show that the HER kinetics of NiMo are thickness‐dependent. In phosphate buffer, the increase in thickness did not significantly increase the double‐layer capacitance, but simulations with the microkinetic model indicate that the active surface area still increased similarly to other electrolytes, which is likely related to the type of electrolyte used.
In Situ Corrosion Fabrication of NaNbO3/Nb3O7F Heterojunctions with Optimized Band Realignment for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Li Zhen , Huang Fei , Xiong Xin , Yan Aihua , Dong Haiming , Xu Yifeng , Gao Qingyu
Published: December 2020

Heterostructured photocatalysis is a significant issue owing to the unique band alignment, improved spectrum absorption, and enhanced photocatalytic activity. However, the construction of uniform, controllable, and effective heterojunctions is still a huge challenge. Herein, NaNbO3/Nb3O7F heterojunctions are fabricated through an in situ corrosion technique for the first time. The influence of phase transformation on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity is investigated systematically in terms of photocatalytic water splitting for H2 production. Interestingly, the band realignment and good interfacial contact endow the NaNbO3/Nb3O7F heterojunctions with a high HER activity (43.3 mmol g−1 h−1), which is about 2.4 times that of pure Nb3O7F and 1.36 times that of pure NaNbO3. The results may provide some new insights into the corrosion technique and HER activity of novel heterostructured catalysts.
Experimental and Computational Study on the Anti‐Markovnikov Hydrofunctionalization of Olefins Using Glycine‐Extended AQ‐Auxiliaries
Authors: Nnamdi Fred U. , Diner Colin , Champagne Pier Alexandre , Organ Michael G.
Published: December 2020

Two similar tridentate directing groups derived from glycine and 8‐aminoquinoline were shown to enable the palladium‐catalyzed anti‐Markovnikov hydrofunctionalization of 4‐pentenylamine with drastically different efficiencies. A computational investigation into the origin of the reactivity difference between these isomeric, carbonyl‐transposed auxiliaries suggests that protonation state, thus charge of the substrate‐metal complex prior to nucleopalladation is key. These investigations have culminated in a directing group design that can undergo Pd‐catalyzed hydrofunctionalization under relatively mild conditions, as low as room temperature.
Structural basis for noradrenergic regulation of neural circuits in the mouse olfactory bulb
Authors: Horie Sawa , Kiyokage Emi , Hayashi Shuichi , Inoue Kanako , Sohn Jaerin , Hioki Hiroyuki , Furuta Takahiro , Toida Kazunori
Published: December 2020

Olfactory input is processed in the glomerulus of the main olfactory bulb (OB) and relayed to higher centers in the brain by projection neurons. Conversely, centrifugal inputs from other brain regions project to the OB. We have previously analyzed centrifugal inputs into the OB from several brain regions using single‐neuron labeling. In this study, we analyzed the centrifugal noradrenergic (NA) fibers derived from the locus coeruleus (LC), because their projection pathways and synaptic connections in the OB have not been clarified in detail. We analyzed the NA centrifugal projections by single‐neuron labeling and immunoelectron microscopy. Individual NA neurons labeled by viral infection were three‐dimensionally traced using Neurolucida software to visualize the projection pathway from the LC to the OB. Also, centrifugal NA fibers were visualized using an antibody for noradrenaline transporter (NET). NET immunoreactive (‐ir) fibers contained many varicosities and synaptic vesicles. Furthermore, electron tomography demonstrated that NET‐ir fibers formed asymmetrical synapses of varied morphology. Although these synapses were present at varicosities, the density of synapses was relatively low throughout the OB. The maximal density of synapses was found in the external plexiform layer; about 17% of all observed varicosities contained synapses. These results strongly suggest that NA‐containing fibers in the OB release NA from both varicosities and synapses to influence the activities of OB neurons. The present study provides a morphological basis for olfactory modulation by centrifugal NA fibers derived from the LC.
A Reversible Photoacid Switched by Different Wavelengths of Light
Authors: Alghazwat Osamah , Elgattar Adnan , Alharithy Hajar , Liao Yi
Published: December 2020

Reversible photoacids have been widely used in different areas for control of proton‐driven processes with light. Previously reported reversible photoacids rely on thermal relaxation to return to the low‐acidity ground state. Herein we report a photoacid that can be switched between low‐acidity and high‐acidity states by different wavelengths of light. The photoacid can be converted into a high‐acidity metastable state by 470 nm irradiation. The thermal relaxation of the metastable state is very slow and its half‐life in DMSO is 55 h. Irradiation with 365 nm light quickly induced the reverse reaction and reached a photostationary state. UV/Vis absorption spectra of the forward and reverse processes induced by 470 nm and 365 nm irradiation, respectively, have well‐matched isosbestic points. No decomposition was observed after the photoacid was switched by the two wavelengths of light for many cycles. Reversible patterning with both writing and erasing steps performed with light was demonstrated using a polymer thin film containing the photoacid and chlorophenol red as the proton acceptor.
Significant cell differences in pod ventral suture in shatter‐resistant and shatter‐susceptible common vetch accessions
Authors: Jia Chenglin , Dong Deke , Zhou Qiang , Searle Iain Robert , Liu Zhipeng
Published: December 2020

Common vetch (Vicia sativa subsp. sativa L.) is a self‐pollinating annual forage legume with high nutritional value. However, pod shattering can cause severe yield loss at maturity and therefore is a significant trait for crop improvement. Our previous studies indicated that the ventral suture is critical to pod shattering in common vetch. To better understand the anatomy of the ventral suture, we evaluated eight shatter‐susceptible and 18 shatter‐resistant accessions for pod dehiscing characteristics over three consecutive years by comprehensively comparing the vascular bundle anatomical structure of the ventral suture. Four traits, specifically vascular bundle cell volume, bundle cap slope, single vascular bundle width, and external valve margin cells, were significantly different between the shatter‐susceptible and ‐resistant accessions. We found that the shatter‐resistant common vetches had a larger vascular bundle cell volume and bundle cap slope, an increased single vascular bundle width, and external valve margin cells that were significantly thicker than those of shatter‐susceptible accessions. All of the shatter‐susceptible pods had clear abscission layers. On the basis of these data, we propose a seesaw model of pod shattering in common vetch. Our morphological traits provide a novel insight into the pod shattering mechanism of common vetch, which will be valuable for breeding shatter‐resistant legumes.
Flow cytometry: An accurate tool for screening P2RX7 modulators
Authors: Barczyk Amélie , Bauderlique‐Le Roy Hélène , Jouy Nathalie , Renault Nicolas , Hottin Audrey , Millet Régis , Vouret‐Craviari Valérie , Adriouch Sahil , Idziorek Thierry , Dezitter Xavier
Published: December 2020

The P2X purinergic receptor 7 (P2RX7) is a poorly selective ATP‐gated ion channel. Although P2RX7 binds ATP with relatively low affinity, prolonged activation can lead to nonselective membrane pore formation. Indeed, brief exposure to ATP triggers a rapid Ca2+ influx, whereas prolonged exposure to high ATP concentrations results in the passage of larger organic molecules. P2RX7 is involved in the physiopathology of a number of diseases and has notably emerged as a potential therapeutic target in inflammation, neuropathic pain, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer—prompting growing interest in the synthesis of novel P2RX7 modulators and the development of reliable, stringent screening methods. In the present study, we developed methods based on conventional flow cytometry, imaging flow cytometry and spectral flow cytometry and used them to measure P2RX7's activity upon activation by 3'‐O‐(4‐benzoyl)benzoyl ATP. We also demonstrated the use of the highly sensitive DNA‐intercalating dye TO‐PRO‐3 to determine P2RX7's large pore activity. The simultaneous quantification of calcium influx (Fluo‐3 AM), large pore opening (TO‐PRO‐3), and viability (propidium iodide) is a very efficient method for low‐ to medium‐throughput screening of P2RX7 modulators. Agonist and antagonist potencies can be accurately evaluated. Spectral cytometry notably enabled us to assay several biological activities while correcting for the intrinsic fluorescence of the screened compounds—otherwise a well‐known limitation of fluorescence‐based screening. Hence, spectral cytometry appears to be a useful, novel tool for drug candidate screening.
Alpine treeline ecotones are potential refugia for a montane pine species threatened by bark beetle outbreaks
Authors: Maher Colin T. , Millar Constance I. , Affleck David L. R. , Keane Robert E. , Sala Anna , Tobalske Claudine , Larson Andrew J. , Nelson Cara R.
Published: December 2020

Warming‐induced mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae; MPB) outbreaks have caused extensive mortality of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis; WBP) throughout the species’ range. In the highest mountains where WBP occur, they cross alpine treeline ecotones (ATEs) where growth forms transition from trees to shrub‐like krummholz, some of which survived recent MPB outbreaks. This observation motivated the hypothesis that ATEs are refugia for WBP because krummholz growth forms escape MPB attack and have the potential to produce viable seed. To test this hypothesis, we surveyed WBP mortality along transects from the ATE edge (locally highest krummholz WBP) downslope into the forest and, to distinguish if survival mechanisms are unique to ATEs, across other forest ecotones (OFEs) from the edge of WBP occurrence into the forest. We replicated this design at 10 randomly selected sites in the U.S. Northern Rocky Mountains. We also surveyed reproduction in a subset of ATE sites. Mortality was nearly absent in upper ATEs (mean ± SE percent dead across all sites of 0.03% ± 0.03% 0–100 m from the edge and 14.1% ± 1.7% 100–500 m from the edge) but was above 20% along OFEs (21.4 ± 5.2% 0–100 m and 32.4 ± 2.7% 100–500 m from the edge). We observed lower reproduction in upper ATEs (16 ± 9.9 cones/ha and 12.9 ± 5.3 viable seeds/cone 0–100 m from the edge) compared to forests below (317.1 ± 64.4 cones/ha and 32.5 ± 2.5 viable seeds/cone 100–500 m from the edge). Uniquely high WBP survival supports the hypothesis that ATEs serve as refugia because krummholz growth forms escape MPB attack. However, low reproduction suggests ATE refugia function over longer time periods. Beyond our WBP system, we propose that plant populations in marginal environments are candidate refugia if distinct phenotypes result in reduced disturbance impacts.
Sustainability assessment of different land tenure farming systems in tea farming: The effect of decisional and structural variables
Authors: ul Haq Shamsheer , Boz Ismet , Shahbaz Pomi
Published: December 2020

This study focuses on the sustainability of different land tenure farms in tea farming and explores the effect of structural and decisional variables on tea farm sustainability. For this, a total of 138 tea growers from the Rize province of Turkey were selected through a stratified sampling approach and interviewed directly. The positive and negative effects of independent variables on all dimensions of sustainability were emphasized after an extensive review of the literature. This reviewing activity also facilitated hypothesizing the possible influences of variables on overall tea sustainability. A tobit model was used to examine the influence of the structural and decisional variables on tea farm sustainability. The results described that owners were more sustainable compared with shareholders. Their economic and social sustainability levels were not significantly different from each other. However, environmental sustainability at owners' tea farms was more satisfactory than that of shareholders. Among structural variables, land slope, age of tea orchard, and farmers' age were negative influences, whereas cooperative membership and terrace status affected tea farm sustainability positively. Similarly, among decisional variables, family labor, fertilizer application methods, farmers' willingness to perform a soil test, and sale value of tea had positive influences, whereas the cost of chemical fertilizers had a negative influence on tea farm sustainability. The land tenure was found to have a significant effect on sustainability when the tea farmer was the owner of the farm. Thus, farmers should replant their orchards on time, and adopt sustainable practices such as terracing and employing environment-friendly fertilizer application methods for increasing tea sustainability in the locality. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:814–834. © 2020 SETAC

KEY POINTS

The owners were more sustainable as compared to shareholders. The sustainability of owner farming system decrease with the decline in their farm size. The land tenure was found to have a significant effect on sustainability, when tea farmer was the owner of the farm. Fertilizer quantity and application methods negatively affect the sustainability of tea farms.
Dating currency crises and designing early warning systems: Meta‐possibilistic fuzzy index functions
Authors: Tak Nihat , Gök Adem
Published: December 2020

In order to analyse the currency crises in Turkey over the period of January 1990 and October 2019, we first dated currency crises with meta‐possibilistic fuzzy index functions. Then, we determined the significant predictors or leading indicators of currency crisis with logistic regression. Finally, we tried to measure and compare the in‐sample and out‐of‐sample performances of our method with an index generated by principal component analysis (PCA). We found that the models using the currency crisis index generated by our method have higher in‐sample and out‐of‐sample performances than the models using the currency crisis index generated by PCA. We concluded that the change in real exchange rate, bank loans over bank deposits, bank reserves over bank assets, growth in foreign reserves, growth in central bank foreign assets, M2 over foreign assets, change in exports, change in imports, industrial production index, M1 growth, M2 growth, foreign reserves over M1, central bank foreign assets over M1 and public sector credit growth are the leading indicators of currency crisis among 20 explanatory variables. As policy implications, we recommend that government and the monetary authority should strictly monitor the ratio of bank loans over bank deposits, public sector credit growth, the volatility of foreign trade, ratio of foreign reserves and central bank foreign assets over money supply among significant explanatory variables to avoid currency crisis as policy implications.
Inflation and economic activity in advanced and emerging economies
Authors: Serletis Apostolos , Liu Jinan
Published: December 2020

Although the inflation rates have been low in recent years, the uncertainties that put downward pressure on inflation remain the key uncertainties that economies around the world are facing, and they could be unexpectedly persistent. In this article, we investigate the relation between nominal uncertainty and macroeconomic performance in the G7 and EM7 countries. We use a bivariate VARMA GARCH‐in‐mean asymmetric BEKK model to estimate the response of output growth to inflation uncertainty. We find that inflation uncertainty is persistent in most of the G7 and EM7 countries. The uncertainty surrounding future inflation lowers output growth in most of the G7 countries; however, the effect is mixed in the EM7 countries.
Effects of manipulated precipitation on aboveground net primary productivity of grassland fields: Controlled rainfall experiments in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Xu Xiaotian , Liu Hongyan , Wang Wei , Hu Guozheng , Wu Xiuchen , Song Zhaoliang
Published: December 2020

Recovery from grassland degradation caused by climate change and human disturbance is critical to the sustainable development of drylands. Grassland in China accounts for 13% of the global grassland area, and more than half of it is still recovering from degradation. How climate change will contribute to the recovery of degraded grassland has not been clarified through field experiments. Here, we report the effects of manipulated precipitation regimes on above ground net primary productivity (ANPP) in five grassland fields along a degradation gradient using a 3‐year controlled rainfall manipulation experiment in Inner Mongolia, China. We found that differences of approximately 20–30% in growing season precipitation have limited impacts on the ANPP of grasslands, and the responses can depend crucially on the degradation status indicated by vegetation and soil features. ANPP sensitivity to spring drought increased with increasing degradation level, which was mainly determined by vegetation composition. ANPP was generally insensitive to summer drought except for mature grassland, in which drought led to severe soil water deficit, mainly mediated by soil water holding capacity. Our results suggest that the recovery of degraded grassland is expected to be delayed by increasing drought early in the growing season, and mature grassland would be more vulnerable to extreme summer drought. These findings highlight the negative impacts of seasonal drought on degraded grassland and emphasize the importance of accounting for climate change and degradation status in future grassland ecosystem restoration and management policies.