bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence of Dengue as a Febrile Illness in Rewa and Nearby Districts of Madhya Pradesh During the Year, 2021: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Singh Taruna , Nigudgi Amaresh , Tiwari Vijay , Kushwaha Pramod , Garg Ashutosh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Dengue is a mosquito borne viral disease, found in tropical and subtropical countries. Dengue virus (DENV) infected mosquitoes of Aedes species are crucial for the transmission of disease. It has emerged as a threat to the public health systems. Dengue is endemic in many parts of India but still the status of dengue cases in Rewa Madhya Pradesh is not reported convincingly. Aim: To investigate the presence of dengue in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at Shyam Shah Medical college Rewa under National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India, including 1113 Outpatient/Inpatient Department samples received during March 2021 to October 2021. Blood samples were collected from patients having febrile illness and after serum separation, serum were subjected to NS1 Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were applied for data analysis. Results: A total of 1113 sample were received and tested for dengue NS1 out of that 108 sample were found NS1 positive by ELISA. The cases of dengue started from the month of July 2021. But in the month of October dengue positivity was highest in number. Dengue cases reported were 297 (6.73%) in the rainy season (July-August), but the dengue positivity increased (713, 9.3%) in the post rainy season (September-October). Overall prevalence of dengue was higher in the 21-30 years (34.3%) age group followed by 11-20 years (24.1%), 31-40 years (18.5%), 41-50 years (18.5%), 51-60 years (7.4%) and >60 years (3.70%) age groups with respect to total positive cases. The prevalence of dengue was higher in male (12.94%) in comparison to females (5.54%). Conclusion: This study warrants the dengue virus infection as one of the important causes of fever during rainy and post rainy season in this region. Early diagnosis and reporting of cases are important for the better management of disease.
The Pandemic Impact on Interest Based Income by Category of Commercial Banks in Indonesian
Authors: Puspita Meliani , Oktavia Reni , Putri Widya Rizki Eka
Published: May 2022

This study aims to analyze the impact of Covid-19 in Indonesia on commercial banks, especially in obtaining interest based income and proportion of interest based income as the main income of banks. This study uses quantitative descriptive method. The research was conducted Indonesia Stock Exchange, second quarter periode of 2018-2021. The data used are official documents as secondary data sources, namely banking financial reports obtained through the website www.idx.co.id. The research sample consisted of 18 commercial banks that were included in the BUKU II category, then the BUKU III category as many as 12 commercial banks, and BUKU IV recorded as many as 9 commercial banks. The test was carried out with the help of the IBM SPSS program, with data analysis methods including descriptive statistics, normality test using the One Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test, and different tests using the Paired Sample T-Test and the Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test. The results of this study indicate that interest based income did not experience significant differences before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in all BUKU categories. Then the result of the proportion of interest based income there are significant differences in the BUKU IV category and overall banks, while in the BUKU II and III categories did not make a significant difference before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was concluded that interest based income as the main income of banks was able to survive in the midst of the pandemic, especially in the large bank category, with different proportions from before and during the Covid-19. On the other hand, small banks tended to decline and did not experience significant differences between before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Evaluation of Lipid Profile and Some Renal Parameters in Some Selected Ethnic Population with Fat-mass and Obesity-associated Gene (FTO) Variants in Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Ekpete N. O. , Elekima I. , Brown H. , Nwachuku E. O.
Published: May 2022

Aim: To evaluate lipid profile and some renal parameters in some selected ethnic population with fat-mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) variants in Niger Delta, Nigeria.

Study Design:  Case-controlled observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State and Safety Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Enugu, Nigeria, between March 2020 and February 2022.

Methodology: Changes in lipid profile and some renal parameters in FTO gene was studied in ninety-eight (98) type 2 diabetes (T2D) subjects (78 cases and 20 controls) from four different tribes in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria. Multistage sampling method was employed in the subject selection. The subjects were first separated into two groups – new cases (less than a year of diagnosis as Diabetic) and old cases (one year & above). Equal number of samples was then randomly collected from each of the cluster groups. 10mls of blood was collected into plain bottles for the assay of the above-named markers, and were assayed using spectrophotometric and ELISA methods. The data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism, version 8.0.2 and p values less than .05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: The results showed that the Ijaw tribe had the highest mean total cholesterol (TCHOL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), Castelli Risk Ratio (CRR), atherogenic coefficient (AC) values (5.36 ± 0.99, 3.36 ± 0.87 mmol/l,3.76 ± 1.18 and 2.86 ± 1.16) respectively, which were significantly higher (P<.05) than those of the control group, while the Urhobo tribe had the highest mean TG and AIP values (1.47 ± 0.51 mmo/l and 0.08 ± 0.01), The control subjects had the highest mean HDL values (1.51 ± 0.49mmo/l), which were significantly higher(P<.05) than that of the control subjects. Mean creatinine level was highest in the control group (101.1 ± 21.24 µmol/L), while the Urhobo tribe had the highest mean MDRD levels (94.15 ±36.17 ml/min). Special diets did not contribute to any significant difference in the biochemical indices of the subjects apart from significant changes in the levels of triglyceride.

Conclusion: From the results, we conclude that the levels of lipid profile varied with the tribe for subjects with FTO variants and control subjects and only triglyceride levels are affected by specific diets.
Identification of Resistance Sources against Bacterial Pustule Disease Caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines in Soybean using Excised Leaf Technique
Authors: Totade S. P. , Gupta S. K. , Manjaya J. G.
Published: May 2022

Bacterial pustule of soybean is a foliar disease caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines. The organism produces pustules which causes premature defoliation and ultimately results in significant reduction in seed yield and quality. Use of resistant cultivars can be a cost effective and eco-friendly approach to address the issue. This study was aimed at development of a rapid and reliable in-vitro screening method and screening of soybean genotypes for the identification of resistance sources to bacterial pustule disease. One hundred thirty-six soybean genotypes including released varieties, indigenous and exotic germplasm were screened by excised leaf technique for their reaction to bacterial pustule disease. An improved in-vitro technique for screening of bacterial pustule disease was developed.  Rooting and survival studies indicated that soybean leaves excised from 25 days old plants could survive up to 30 days at room temperature in plain water. Inoculation with bacterial suspension of 107 to 109 colony forming units (cfu/ml) at 27±1°C under the photoperiod of 12h/day light showed initiation of chlorotic lesions 48 hours after inoculation. Based on the latent period and appearance of the chlorotic lesions, the genotypes were classified as susceptible, moderately resistant and resistant. Four soybean genotypes (TS-3, P-4-2, Hara Soya and Himso 1685) were  resistant while, seventeen genotypes (AMS MB5-19, Bhatt, DSb-12, JS-335, JS93-05, MACS- 1188, MAUS- 71, PK-262, PS- 1241, Pusa-5, RKS- 18, SL-688, SL-744, SL-958, SL97-52, SL-979, and T99-76) were moderately resistant and rest of the genotypes were susceptible to bacterial pustule disease.
Growth, Yield and Phosphorus use Efficiency of Vegetable Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Varieties as Influenced by Phosphorus Levels under Rainfed Conditions of Semi-Arid Environment
Authors: Singh Raj , Shridhar . , Das Anchal
Published: May 2022

Selection of a suitable variety and use of optimum level of phosphorous can significantly increase the productivity and profitability of vegetable cowpea under rainfed conditions in semi-arid tropics. However, application of appropriate level of phosphorus is of prime importance to realize higher yield, economics and phosphorus use efficiency. Hence, a field study was conducted at the Research Farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India to find out the effect of different varieties and phosphorus levels on the growth, yield, economics and phosphorus use efficiency in two consecutive rainy seasons of 2018 and 2019 under semi-arid conditions. Three varieties of cowpea (Pusa Dharni, Pusa Komal and Kashi Kanchan) and four levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1) were laid out in split plot design with three replications. The results revealed that variety Pusa Dharani recorded significantly higher green pod yield (5.12 t ha-1) with net returns of Rs. 40454 ha-1 and net B:C ratio of 1.27.  The maximum nodules per plant, nodule weight per plant and nutrient uptake were also recorded with variety Pusa Dharni. Maximum increase in agronomic phosphorus use efficiency (33.73 kg pod yield per kg P applied) and P recovery (18.19%) were noted with Pusa Dharni. Phosphorus levels showed significant variation on all the growth and yield attributing parameters, and yield. Application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 resulted in highest green pod yield (5.38 t ha-1) but remained statistically comparable with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1. However, maximum net returns (Rs.41320 ha-1) and net B:C ratio (1.28) were obtained with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1, whereas  60 kg P2O5 ha-1 could fetched net returns of Rs. 41120 ha-1 and net B:C ratio of 1.22. Highest nodules per plant, nodules weight and N, P and K uptake were registered with 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 and was closely followed by 40 kg P2O5 ha-1. Application of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 noted highest agronomic P use efficiency (39.72 kg pod yield per kg P applied) and P recovery (15.05%) followed by 40 kg P2O5 ha-1. The highest net returns (Rs. 41345 ha-1), net B:C ratio (1.28), economic efficiency (Rs. 516.81 per day per ha) and production efficiency (66.25 kg per day per ha) were obtained due to the application of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1.  Increasing P levels showed positive correlation with nodules per plant, dry weight of nodules, nutrient uptake and pod yield. Hence, the results indicated that growing of cowpea variety Pusa Dharni along with the application of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 registered to be most suitable to obtain higher net returns and net B:C ratio under rainfed condition of semi-arid regions.
Biogas Production Potential from Anaerobic Co-digestion of Grape Pomace
Authors: Dolle Klaus , Weizmann Nicole , Lang Jydon R.
Published: May 2022

Grape cultivation and wine production has been in practice since 7000 BC in ancient China. Today, top wine producing countries are France, Italy, and Spain, including the United States. New York State is the third largest wine producing state in the US, with over 28 million gallons produced in 2017. Wine pomace, the residue from wine making after pressing could be used for the production of electricity and heat replacing fossil resources. One alternative route could be anaerobic fermentation of wine making residues for the production of electricity and heat from the produced biogas.

This research investigated the cumulative biogas production from anaerobic fermentation of differently prepared red wine grape pomace. Red wine grape pomace was used as received, prepared by blending using a laboratory benchtop blender, refined using a Valley beater apparatus, and cooking the refined red wine grape pomace for 2 hours at 98°C. The pH of each solution was adjusted to 8.50 with 20% Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) solution. 300 g of each solution and 30 g of bacteria inoculate was filled into a 500 ml Erlenmeyer flask that contained a magnetic stirrer. The anaerobic fermentation experiment have been run in duplicate, lasted for up to 170 hours, at a temperature of 39°C ± 2°C.

Untreated red wine grape pomace had the lowest cumulative biogas production of 93 ml and 151 ml.

Blended grapes showed a cumulative biogas production of 283 ml and 243 ml respectively. Refined red wine grape pomace generated the highest biogas production with 566 ml and 864 ml, followed by refined and cooked red wine grape pomace with a biogas production of 365 ml and 830 ml. The maximum biogas composition without CO2 was 70% and the minimum biogas composition was 55%.

Pre-treatment such as refining, blending, and heat treatment can increase biogas production and lead to a possible lower retention time in the fermentation vessel due faster biomass conversion.
Dyslipidemia is an Independent Predictor of Rapid Progressive Disease in Patientswith Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Memon Muhammad Yahya , Ali Gohar , Bukhari Syeda Iffat , Sandeelo Nabiya , Alvi Haris , Talib Abu , Imran Paras , Baloch Imtiaz , Shah Syed Zulfiquar Ali
Published: May 2022

Introduction: In chronic liver disease (CLD), the lipid profile biomarkers are altered because of decreased lipoprotein biosynthetic capacity.

Objectives: To identify the association of dyslipidemia with various characteristics in chronic liver disease patients.

Patients and meth­ods:  This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, Civil Hospital, Karachi. The study was conducted between 1st July to 31st December 2017. A total of 211 adults with chronic liver disease were included in the study.

Data regarding age, gender, body mass index (BMI), duration of CLD, family history of dyslipidemia, and severity of cirrhosis were obtained.  A 5ml fasting (12-14 hours) venous blood was collected and sent to the laboratory forthe measurement of lipid profiles. Dyslipidemia was established based the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP III) guidelines and definition. 

Results: The mean age of the study patients was 43.16(8.63) years. The majority of the subjects were males (57.3%). The mean duration of CLD in years was 5.21(2.32). The prevalence of dyslipidemia was found to be 76.3%. Dyslipidemia was prevalent among patients of the age group > 45 years and male gender. Variables including age, gender, income, duration of CLD and family history of dyslipidemia showed significant association with dyslipidemia.  In the multivariable stage analysis, the only retained significant variables are gender and family history of dyslipidemia. 

Conclusion: The prevalence of dyslipidemia among chronic liver disease patients was high. Various characteristics of the CLD patients were found to be significantly associated with dyslipidemia and identified as potential risk factors for its development.
The Trend of 2D Transistors toward Integrated Circuits: Scaling Down and New Mechanisms
Authors: Shen Yang , Dong Zuoyuan , Sun Yabin , Guo Hao , Wu Fan , Li Xianglong , Tang Jun , Liu Jun , Wu Xing , Tian He , Ren Tian‐Ling
Published: May 2022

2D transition metal chalcogenide (TMDC) materials, such as MoS2, have recently attracted considerable research interest in the context of their use in ultrascaled devices owing to their excellent electronic properties. Microprocessors and neural network circuits based on MoS2have been developed at a large scale but still do not have an advantage over silicon in terms of their integrated density. In this study, the current structures, contact engineering, and doping methods for 2D TMDC materials for the scaling‐down process and performance optimization are reviewed. Devices are introduced according to a new mechanism to provide the comprehensive prospects for the use of MoS2beyond the traditional complementary–metal–oxide semiconductor in order to summarize obstacles to the goal of developing high‐density and low‐power integrated circuits (ICs). Finally, prospects for the use of MoS2in large‐scale ICs from the perspectives of the material, system performance, and application to nonlogic functionalities such as sensor circuits and analogous circuits, are briefly analyzed. The latter issue is along the direction of “more than Moore” research.
Allylic C(sp3)−C(sp3) Bond Formation Through Pd‐Catalyzed C(sp3)−H Activation of Alkenes and 1,4‐Dienes
Authors: Muzart Jacques
Published: May 2022

This review highlights the allylic C−H alkylation of alkenes (AAH) with nucleophiles under Pd0 or PdII catalysis and achiral or chiral conditions. The η3‐allylpalladium intermediates of these reactions are formed from the cleavage of an allylic hydrogen which becomes a leaving group, like the acetate moiety of allyl acetates during the classical Tsuji‐Trost procedure. Most of these cross‐dehydrogenative‐couplings require quinones as key components; they may play the role of ligand, proton trap and oxidant. Efficient asymmetric allylic C−H alkylations (AAAH’s) have been performed. The diversity of the procedures, their limitation and application in synthesis are underlined as well as the proposed mechanisms with, in some cases, personal comments. The data are grouped according to the reaction conditions.

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Plant‐Mediated Green Synthesis of Magnetic Spinel Ferrite Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Trend in Nanotechnology
Authors: Wani Tasaduk Ahmad , Suresh Gopalakrishnan
Published: May 2022

Nanotechnology is very important in developing sustainable technologies for the future. Increased demand for metal and metal oxide nanoparticles has led to their large‐scale production using conventional chemical methods with various toxic solvents. These techniques produce poisonous and harsh products that present a biological risk to the environment and have terrible effects on the life of microbes, plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates at different trophic levels. Thus eco‐friendly “green” synthesis methods have become necessary to synthesize nanoparticles using biological entities, such as plants and microorganisms. When compared to other methods, “green” synthesis is safer for human health and the environment. Plants, the main factory for the green synthesis of nanoparticles, have been used extensively for this purpose. This review, focuses on eco‐friendly synthesis to design spinel ferrite nanoparticles, particularly, using extracts from plant products that act not only as precursors but also as reductants and stabilizers during the synthesis process. The outstanding features of these nanoparticles allows for their promising applications in catalysis, lithium‐ion batteries, information storage, magnetic cores, ferrofluids, microwave, and medicine. This important review also highlights noteworthy recent developments related to the green synthesis of plant‐mediated magnetic spinel nanoparticles and their fundamental applications.
Discovery of High‐Performing Metal–Organic Frameworks for On‐Board Methane Storage and Delivery via LNG–ANG Coupling: High‐Throughput Screening, Machine Learning, and Experimental Validation
Authors: Kim Seo‐Yul , Han Seungyun , Lee Seulchan , Kang Jo Hong , Yoon Sunghyun , Park Wanje , Shin Min Woo , Kim Jinyoung , Chung Yongchul G. , Bae Youn‐Sang
Published: May 2022

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) gasification coupled with adsorbed natural gas (ANG) charging (LNG–ANG coupling) is an emerging strategy for efficient delivery of natural gas. However, the potential of LNG–ANG to attain the advanced research projects agency‐energy (ARPA‐E) target for onboard methane storage has not been fully investigated. In this work, large‐scale computational screening is performed for 5446 metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and over 193 MOFs whose methane working capacities exceed the target (315 cm3(STP) cm−3) are identified. Furthermore, structure–performance relationships are realized under the LNG–ANG condition using a machine learning method. Additional molecular dynamics simulations are conducted to investigate the effects of the structural changes during temperature and pressure swings, further narrowing down the materials, and two synthetic targets are identified. The synthesized DUT‐23(Cu) and DUT‐23(Co) show higher working capacities (≈373 cm3(STP) cm−3) than that of any other porous material under ANG or LNG–ANG conditions, and excellent stability during cyclic LNG–ANG operation.
Sustainable Electric Vehicle Batteries for a Sustainable World: Perspectives on Battery Cathodes, Environment, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Life Cycle, and Policy
Authors: Yang Zhijie , Huang Haibo , Lin Feng
Published: May 2022

Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) can reduce carbon emissions by powering electric vehicles (EVs) and promoting renewable energy development with grid‐scale energy storage. However, LIB production and electricity generation still heavily rely on fossil fuels at present, resulting in major environmental concerns. Are LIBs as environmentally friendly and sustainable as expected at the current stage? In the past 5 years, a skyrocketing growth of the EV market has been witnessed. LIBs have garnered huge attention from academia, industry, government, non‐governmental organizations, investors, and the general public. Tremendous volumes of LIBs are already implemented in EVs today, with a continuing, exponential growth expected for the years to come. When LIBs reach their end‐of‐life in the next decades, what technologies can be in place to enable second‐life or recycling of batteries? Herein, life cycle assessment studies are examined to evaluate the environmental impact of LIBs, and EVs are compared with internal combustion engine vehicles regarding environmental sustainability. To provide a holistic view of the LIB development, this Perspective provides insights into materials development, manufacturing, recycling, legislation and policy, and beyond. Last but not least, the future development of LIBs and charging infrastructures in light of emerging technologies are envisioned.
Ultrahigh Electron Thermal Conductivity in T‐Graphene, Biphenylene, and Net‐Graphene
Authors: Tong Zhen , Pecchia Alessandro , Yam ChiYung , Dumitrică Traian , Frauenheim Thomas
Published: May 2022

Although isolated nonhexagonal carbon rings in graphene are associated with strain relaxation and curvature, dense and ordered arrangements of four‐, five‐, and eight‐membered rings with strained carbon–carbon bonds can tile 2D planar layers. Using the Boltzmann transport equation formalism in combination with density functional theory calculations, how the presence of nonhexagonal rings impacts the thermal conductivity of three 2D carbon allotropes: T‐graphene (four and eight rings), biphenylene (four, six, and eight rings), and net‐graphene (four, six, and eight rings), is investigated. The phonon thermal conductivity (κph), which captures three‐phonon, four‐phonon, and phonon–electron interactions, is significantly lowered with respect to pristine graphene. In compensation, the electron thermal conductivity (κe), which captures electron–phonon interactions, is enhanced to record high values, such that the room‐temperature total thermal conductivity κtotal = κph + κe approaches the values of pristine graphene. 2D carbon allotropes could be of interest for applications requiring thermal energy transfer by a combination of diffusion of electrons and phonon vibrations.
Optimal therapy design with tumor microenvironment normalization
Authors: Wang Chenyu , Degnan‐Morgenstern Samuel , Martin John D. , Stuber Matthew D.
Published: May 2022

Tumor microenvironment (TME) normalization improves efficacy by increasing anticancer nanocarrier delivery by restoring transvascular pressure gradients that induce convection. However, transport depends on TME biophysics, normalization dose, and nanocarrier size. With increased understanding, we could use computation to personalize normalization amount and nanocarrier size. Here, we use deterministic global dynamic optimization with novel bounding routines to validate mechanistic models against in vivo data. We find that normalization with dexamethasone increases the maximum transvascular convection rate of nanocarriers by 48‐fold, the tumor volume fraction with convection by 61%, and the total amount of convection by 360%. Nonetheless, 22% of the tumor still lacks convection. These findings underscore both the effectiveness and limits of normalization. Using artificial neural network surrogate modeling, we demonstrate the feasibility of rapidly determining the dexamethasone dose and nanocarrier size to maximize accumulation. Thus, this digital testbed quantifies transport and performs therapy design.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral 3‐Alkynyl‐3‐Hydroxyindolin‐ 2‐Ones by Zn/bis(Sulfonamide)‐Diamine Catalyzed Asymmetric Addition of Alkynes to Isatins
Authors: Qu Hongmin , Chen Yu , Ceng Xiangling , Tang Pei , Wang Huijing , Chen Fener
Published: May 2022

The catalytic enantioselective alkynylation of isatins, catalyzed by a Zn(OCOCF3)2/chiral bis(sulfonamide)‐diamine (BSDA) catalyst under mild condition, has been developed. The desired chiral 3‐alkynyl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxindoles were obtained in moderate to excellent yields (up to 96%) and good to excellent enantioselectivites (up to 97% ee). The reaction is broad in scope with respect to aryl‐substituted terminal alkynes and substituted isatins.
Pickering Emulsion Catalysis: Interfacial Chemistry, Catalyst Design, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Ni Lin , Yu Chang , Wei Qianbing , Liu Dongming , Qiu Jieshan
Published: May 2022

Pickering emulsions are particle‐stabilized surfactant‐free dispersions composed of two immiscible liquid phases, and emerge as attractive catalysis platform to surpass traditional technique barrier in some cases. In this review, we have comprehensively summarized the development and the catalysis applications of Pickering emulsions since the pioneering work in 2010. The explicit mechanism for Pickering emulsions will be initially discussed and clarified. Then, summarization is given to the design strategy of amphiphilic emulsion catalysts in two categories of intrinsic and extrinsic amphiphilicity. The progress of the unconventional catalytic reactions in Pickering emulsion is further described, especially for the polarity/solubility difference‐driven phase segregation, “smart” emulsion reaction system, continuous flow catalysis, and Pickering interfacial biocatalysis. Challenges and future trends for the development of Pickering emulsion catalysis are finally outlined.
Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Fluorinated Isochromans via Iodine(I)/Iodine(III) Catalysis
Authors: Häfliger Joel , Sokolova Olga O. , Lenz Madina , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Gilmour Ryan
Published: May 2022

The success of saturated, fluorinated heterocycles in contemporary drug discovery provides a stimulus for creative endeavor in main group catalysis. Motivated by the ubiquity of isochromans across the bioactive small molecule spectrum, the prominence of the anomeric effect in regulating conformation, and the metabolic lability of the benzylic position, iodine(I)/iodine(III) catalysis has been leveraged for the stereocontrolled generation of selectively fluorinated analogs. To augment the current arsenal of fluorocyclization reactions involving carboxylic acid derivatives, the reaction of readily accessible 2‐vinyl benzaldehydes is disclosed (up to >95 : 05 d.r. and 97 : 03 e.r.). Key stereoelectronic interactions manifest themselves in the X‐ray crystal structures of the products, thereby validating the [CH2‐CHF] fragment as a stereoelectronic mimic of the [O‐CH(OR)] acetal motif.
Advances in characterization of triacylglycerols: Expansion of materials used in Joint JOCS/AOCS Official Method Ch 3a‐19
Authors: Mochizuki Mamiko , Watanabe Yomi , Taha Ameer Y. , Masuyama Araki
Published: May 2022

Joint JOCS/AOCS Official Method Ch 3a‐19 was an improvement over triacylglycerol characterization methods based on hydrolysis with pancreatic lipase. In this study we developed three further improvements and applied them to the analysis of the fatty acid distribution in triacylglycerols from trout. First, the liquid–liquid extraction of lipid by chloroform and methanol from fish meat was replaced with a single extraction step using pre‐packed columns. This allowed the extraction time to be reduced from 30 min/sample to 5 min/sample with ca. 10% higher yield using half the volume of the extraction solvent, chloroform. Both extraction methods gave similar FA composition of the extracted oil. Furthermore, an alternative CALB lipase and an alternative normal‐phase solid phase extraction column were shown to reliably duplicate the results obtained with the Official Method Ch 3a‐19. In addition, the SPE columns could be used at least 5 times without loss of separation and without carryover.
Water, saltwater, and concrete leachate solution effects on durability of ambient‐temperature cure carbon‐epoxy composites
Authors: Karbhari Vistasp M. , Hassanpour Behnaz
Published: May 2022

Wet layup carbon epoxy composites are extensively used for rehabilitation of civil infrastructure. This study focuses on foundation building for understanding durability of such materials through long‐term (up to 5 years) hygrothermal aging in water, saltwater, and concrete leachate, solutions. Moisture uptake is described using a two‐stage model incorporating diffusion and relaxation/deterioration parameters with the concrete leachate solution showing further transitions and the highest value of the relaxation/deteriorative coefficient. Glass transition temperatures decreased with an increase in moisture content reaching an initial minimum followed by fluctuations and small increases with an increase in the time of exposure. Immersion in concrete leachate results in the largest decrease. Tan δ height shows an initial decrease followed by an increase and then a continued decrease indicative of an initial plasticization and post‐cure followed by deterioration at the resin and fiber–matrix levels. Although short‐term response in mechanical properties shows differences with immersion in water having the least effect, solution type had very little difference on residual mechanical characteristics at the end of the 60‐month period of immersion. The results emphasize the need for further understanding of competing effects in ambient‐cured composites and of the need for longer term testing for determination of design factors.
Parameter learning for the nonlinear system described by Hammerstein model with output disturbance
Authors: Li Feng , Zhu Xinjian , He Naibao , Gu Ya
Published: May 2022

A novel parameter learning scheme using multi‐signal processing is developed that aims at estimating parameters of the Hammerstein nonlinear model with output disturbance in this paper. The Hammerstein nonlinear model consists of a static nonlinear block and a dynamic linear block, and the multi‐signals are devised to estimate separately the nonlinear block parameters and the linear block parameters; the parameter estimation procedure is greatly simplified. Firstly, in view of the input–output data of separable signals, the linear block parameters are computed through correlation analysis method, thereby the influence of output noise is effectively handled. In addition, model error probability density function technology is employed to estimate the nonlinear block parameters with the help of measurable input–output data of random signals, which not only controls the space state distribution of model error but also makes error distribution tends to normal distribution. The simulation results demonstrate that the developed approach obtains high learning accuracy and small modeling error,  which verifies the effectiveness of the developed approach.
Robust three‐parameter fractional‐order proportional integral derivative controller synthesis for permanent magnet synchronous motor speed servo system
Authors: Chen Pengchong , Zheng Weijia , Luo Ying , Peng Yibing , Chen Yangquan
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a three‐parameter fractional‐order PID (TPFOPID) controller synthesis for the PMSM speed servo system. This TPFOPID contains complete proportional/integral/differential elements but with only three parameters to tune. A systematic design scheme of this TPFOPID to satisfy a flat phase constraint and two specifications, that is, gain crossover frequency ( ) and phase margin ( ), is presented for the PMSM speed servo system. Furthermore, the entire achievable region of and can be collected following the scheme. With this region, one can choose feasible combination specifications of and before the controller design. To show the effectiveness of the TPFOPID controller, the achievable region of specifications is compared with the fractional‐order PI (FOPI) also with three parameters. Simulation illustration and experimental verifications using the TPFOPID for the PMSM speed servo system are presented and compared with those using FOPI controller, IOPI controller, and IOPID controller to demonstrate the advantages of the designed TPFOPID controller, and also compared with FOPID based on differential evolution (DE) algorithm to present comparable control performance.
Controller tuning with Bayesian optimization and its acceleration: Concept and experimental validation
Authors: Fujimoto Yusuke , Sato Hiroki , Nagahara Masaaki
Published: May 2022

This work discusses a data‐driven approach to controller parameter tuning based on Bayesian optimization. In particular, we propose to design the prior mean function based on a model of the plant. By encoding the information on the model, the optimization needs a much fewer iterations than standard approaches. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated with a practical experiment.
HIVEP3 cooperates with ferroptosis gene signatures to confer adverse prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , Zhang Xiaoyu , Liu Kuo , Li Wenwen , Wang Jiazheng , Liu Peng , Ma Wanshan
Published: May 2022

Background

The human immunodeficiency virus type I enhancer binding protein (HIVEP) family, which contains zinc finger and acid‐rich (ZAS) domains, has been demonstrated to be implicated in vital biological processes, such as cell survival, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling, and tumor formation. However, its expression patterns, prognostic relevance, and functional implications in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain elusive.

Methods

We inspected HIVEP mRNA expression levels in datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GSE24006. Survival analyses were orchestrated using the web‐based bioinformatics platforms and R studio in two AML cohorts. Prognostic value and capacity were assessed by Cox regression analyses. Association of HIVEP3 expression levels with clinical characteristics were analyzed with R and UALCAN. Subsequentially, functional enrichment analyses were operated to interpret HIVEP3 co‐expressed gene clusters. A prognostic gene signature was created by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm. Moreover, bone marrow aspirate smears of AML patients were stained for HIVEP3 by immunohistochemistry (IHC). HIVEP3 expression was examined by qRT‐PCR in leukemia cell lines treated with ferroptosis compounds in vitro.

Results

Augmented transcriptional levels of HIVEP2 and 3 were noted in AML patients (p<0.001). HIVEP3 not only could confer adverse prognosis independently in AML patients, but also was associated with AML subtypes, age, cytogenetic risk, and disease‐related molecules. Co‐expressed gene clusters of HIVEP3 were enriched in functional pathways related to AML leukemogenesis, such as ribosome, metabolism, and calcium signaling. Combined with multiple tumorigenesis signaling pathways, we proposed an integrated LASSO model with HIVEP3 and ferroptosis regulators AIFM2 and LPCAT3, to predict the outcome for AML patients. Furthernore, altered HIVEP3 expression at the mRNA or protein level was confirmed in sorted leukemia cells and blast cells in bone marrow tissues. In vitro experiments authenticated the involvement of HIVEP3 in ferroptosis signaling pathways.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that HIVEP3 is a de novo independent prognostic indicator, and the crosstalk between HIVEP3 and ferroptosis signaling pathways may inspire a specific perspective on the oncological network of AML.
Volumetric reduction of brain metastases after stereotactic radiotherapy: Prognostic factors and effect on local control
Authors: Kanayama Naoyuki , Ikawa Toshiki , Ohira Shingo , Hirata Takero , Morimoto Masahiro , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Teshima Teruki , Konishi Koji
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose

Few reports include volumetric measurements as endpoints after stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) despite the importance of such measurements. This study aimed to (1) investigate the impact of the volumetric response (specifically, an over 65% and over 90% volume reduction in brain metastases) at 6 months post‐SRT on local control and (2) identify the predictive factors for a volumetric response of over 65% and over 90%.

Materials and Methods

This study included 250 unresected brain metastases (>0.3 cc) treated with SRT. Doses were stratified according to the biological effective dose (BED). The BED was calculated using four models: linear‐quadratic (LQ): α/β = 10; LQ: α/β = 20; LQ cubic: α/β = 12; and LQ linear: α/β = 10. The median prescription dose was 30 Gy/3 fractions (BED20, 45). The median follow‐up time after SRT was 18.6 months (range, 6.4–81.8 months).

Results

In the multivariate analysis, over 65% volume reduction and over 90% volume reduction were prognostic factors for local control (hazard ratio: 2.370, p = 0.011 and hazard ratio: 3.161, p = 0.014, respectively). A dose of 80% of the gross tumor volume (GTV) D80 > BED20 58 was a predictive factor for over 65% and over 90% volume reductions (odds ratio: 1.975, p = 0.023; odds ratio: 3.204, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Robust volume reduction of brain metastases at 6 months post‐SRT can predict local control. GTV D80 in the LQ model: α/β = 20 may be warranted for good volume reduction.
Clown doctors and forensic paediatricians enhance the patient experience at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne
Authors: Brys Trusha , Symons David , Dean Joanne , Smith Jennifer Anne Sutherland
Published: May 2022

We evaluated medical clown intervention in suspected child abuse and neglect assessments. A mixed method methodology (Likert scales and free text responses) was used to measure the impact of clown doctors at 49 forensic consultations. Of 35 responding children, 43 per cent reported neutral or negative feelings on arrival whereas 97 per cent reported either positive feelings or sadness at leaving the clown doctor. Children’s memories of the consultation were of interacting with clown doctors, not their physical examinations. Of 45 responding caregivers, 95 per cent deemed the clown doctor developed a positive connection with the child, 96 per cent felt their child enjoyed their visit and 93 per cent felt the clown doctor improved their own experience. Both caregivers (94%) and paediatricians (92%) valued an opportunity to talk privately while children engaged with clown doctors. All 45 responding caregivers felt their child would be willing to return to hospital in the future. In all 49 cases, paediatricians reported that clown doctors increased children’s willingness to cooperate with the medical assessment. Forensic paediatricians (92%) reported that clown doctors actively supported the medical evaluation process while 100 per cent reported no harm from the intervention. We concluded that clown doctors positively impact the patient, carer and paediatricians experience during children’s forensic medical assessments.
BIAN‐Aluminium‐Catalysed Imine Hydrogenation
Authors: Pölker Jennifer , Schaarschmidt Dieter , Bernauer Josef , Villa Matteo , Jacobi von Wangelin Axel
Published: May 2022

Hydrogenations have been dominated by transition metal catalysis, while the use of more abundant and inexpensive main group metal catalysts has remained a great challenge. Here, a bimetallic Li/Al dihydride was successfully applied to catalytic hydrogenations of imines. The catalyst [(DippBIAN)Al(μ‐H)2Li(OEt2)2] was easily prepared from the 2e‐reduced BIAN derivative and LiAlH4.
A Shared Prebiotic Formation of Neopterins and Guanine Nucleosides from Pyrimidine Bases
Authors: Menor‐Salván César , Burcar Bradley T. , Bouza Marcos , Fialho David M. , Fernández Facundo M. , Hud Nicholas V.
Published: May 2022

The prebiotic origins of biopolymers and metabolic co‐factors are key questions in Origins of Life studies. In a simple warm‐little‐pond model, using a drying phase to produce a urea‐enriched solution, we present a prebiotic synthetic path for the simultaneous formation of neopterins and tetrahydroneopterins, along with purine nucleosides. We show that, in the presence of ribose and in a formylating environment consisting of urea, ammonium formate, and water (UAFW), the formation of neopterins from pyrimidine precursors is robust, while the simultaneous formation of guanosine requires a significantly higher ribose concentration. Furthermore, these reactions provide a tetrahydropterin–pterin redox pair. This model suggests a prebiotic link in the origin of purine nucleosides and pterin cofactors that provides a possible deep prebiotic temporal connection for the emergence of nucleic acids and metabolic cofactors.
Hardware obfuscation of AES IP core using combinational hardware Trojan circuit for secure data transmission in IoT applications
Authors: Chhabra Surbhi , Lata Kusum
Published: May 2022

In semiconductor industry, reusability‐based System‐on‐Chip architecture using hardware intellectual property (IP) cores play a prominent role in Internet‐of‐Things (IoT) applications for secure data transmission. The advent of IoT makes it possible for physical things to transmit, process, compute, and receive data over internet. But, it also introduces in‐device communication security vulnerabilities. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) IP has been used to address security vulnerabilities in IoT. It is an efficient and high‐performance crypto algorithm used in IoT devices for secure and fast data encryption. However, due to rise of many attacks, the security of AES IP is also under threat. Hardware obfuscation is one such prominent countermeasure that mitigates hardware attacks such as tampering, reverse engineering, and malicious alteration. This article presents secure AES IP mechanism using the potential technique of obfuscation inspired by the concept of combinational hardware Trojan. Experimental results show that the proposed technique is resilient against reverse‐engineering, malicious alteration, Boolean satisfiability attack, and key‐sensitizing attacks. The confusion and diffusion features of obfuscated AES IP are higher in terms of Hamming distance, avalanche effect, and balance rate. The proposed technique is implemented in Basys‐3 FPGAs within 5% of power and area overhead while maintaining high throughput.
A Theoretical Perspective to Study the Optical Properties of Tetrafluoroborates
Authors: Sun Jun , Wu Zhaofeng , Lee Ming‐Hsien , Duan Haiming
Published: May 2022

In this study, a series of tetrafluoroborates with non‐π‐conjugated [BF4] tetrahedra are investigated systematically by first‐principles calculations. Theoretical studies demonstrate that tetrafluoroborates with alkali and/or alkaline‐earth metals are more favorable for deep‐ultraviolet transmission and are comparable to the classical deep‐ultraviolet (deep‐UV) material, MgF2. Furthermore, bandgap decrease with the increasing of ionic radii in alkali and/or alkaline‐earth metals. Introducing highly polarizable cations with d10‐configuration or cations with lone pair electrons into the structure will decrease the bandgaps. The birefringence and second harmonic generation effects are not large enough in tetrafluoroborates because polarizability anisotropy and hyperpolarizability in non‐π‐conjugated [BF4] tetrahedra are much smaller than those in π‐conjugated groups. However, the second harmonic generation effect for [BF4] tetrahedra has a higher contribution in comparison with that due to birefringence. To effectively synthesize the borate fluorides or fluorooxoborates in the deep‐UV region, raw materials with B−F bonds are preferred.
Modular Electrode Array for Multi‐site Extracellular Recordings from Brains of Freely Moving Rodents
Authors: Mohapatra Alok Nath , Netser Shai , Wagner Shlomo
Published: May 2022

Multi‐site extracellular recordings from awake, freely moving rodents are an insightful technique that allows deduction of the dynamics of neural activity within a network of brain regions. Multiple advances in the design and materials of recording setups are available in the literature. However, most of these designs require several skill sets to assemble the electrodes and are expensive. Here, we explain in detail a custom design to build a multi‐site (16 sites) electrode array (EA) and record extracellular electrical signals (local field potential and multi‐unit spiking activity) at variable depths in freely behaving rodents. This EA weighs ∼3.0 g and costs less than $30. It provides mesoscopic neural activity maps (at millimeter scale) at low spatial resolution, thus enabling the experimenting group to further target specific regions with more expensive high‐density probes at the resolution of an individual neuron. The article outlines the processes of building and implanting the array and recording neural activity during a behavior task. We also highlight the limitations of our design and the necessary steps to troubleshoot common issues faced during the initial implementation of the protocols. Finally, we explain the specific data one would obtain while using the probes during social interactions between rodents. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of the electrode array

Basic Protocol 2: Surgical implantation of the electrode array

Basic Protocol 3: Recording of neural activity from the electrode array while a mouse performs social investigation of a novel conspecific

Basic Protocol 4: Histology and electrode registration