bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bispericyclic Diels–Alder Dimerization of ortho‐Quinols in Natural Product (Bio)Synthesis: Bioinspired Chemical 6‐Step Synthesis of (+)‐Maytenone
Authors: Peixoto Philippe A. , El Assal Mourad , Chataigner Isabelle , Castet Frédéric , Cornu Anaëlle , Coffinier Romain , Bosset Cyril , Deffieux Denis , Pouységu Laurent , Quideau Stéphane
Published: April 2021

Many natural products of plant or microbial origins are derived from enzymatic dearomative oxygenation of 2‐alkylphenolic precursors into 6‐alkyl‐6‐hydroxycyclohexa‐2,4‐dienones. These so‐called ortho‐quinols cyclodimerize via a remarkably selective bispericyclic Diels–Alder reaction. Whether or not the intervention of catalytic or dirigent proteins is involved during this final step of the biosynthesis of these natural products, this cyclodimerization of ortho‐quinols can be chemically reproduced in the laboratory with the same strict level of site‐specific regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. This unique yet unified process, which finds its rationale in the inherent chemical reactivity of those ortho‐quinols, is illustrated herein by an efficient and bioinspired first chemical synthesis of one of the most structurally complex and synthetically challenging examples of such natural cyclodimers, the bisditerpenoid (+)‐maytenone.
Efficient Nitrogen Fixation to Ammonia through Integration of Plasma Oxidation with Electrocatalytic Reduction
Authors: Li Laiquan , Tang Cheng , Cui Xiaoyang , Zheng Yao , Wang Xuesi , Xu Haolan , Zhang Shuai , Shao Tao , Davey Kenneth , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: April 2021

Present one‐step N2 fixation is impeded by tough activation of the N≡N bond and low selectivity to NH3. Here we report fixation of N2‐to‐NH3 can be decoupled to a two‐step process with one problem effectively solved in each step, including: 1) facile activation of N2 to NOx− by a non‐thermal plasma technique, and 2) highly selective conversion of NOx− to NH3 by electrocatalytic reduction. Importantly, this process uses air and water as low‐cost raw materials for scalable ammonia production under ambient conditions. For NOx− reduction to NH3, we present a surface boron‐rich core–shell nickel boride electrocatalyst. The surface boron‐rich feature is the key to boosting activity, selectivity, and stability via enhanced NOx− adsorption, and suppression of hydrogen evolution and surface Ni oxidation. A significant ammonia production of 198.3 μmol cm−2 h−1 was achieved, together with nearly 100 % Faradaic efficiency.
In Cellulo Mössbauer and EPR Studies Bring New Evidence to the Long‐Standing Debate on Iron–Sulfur Cluster Binding in Human Anamorsin
Authors: Matteucci Sara , Camponeschi Francesca , Clémancey Martin , Ciofi‐Baffoni Simone , Blondin Geneviève , Banci Lucia
Published: April 2021

Human anamorsin is an iron–sulfur (Fe–S)‐cluster‐binding protein acting as an electron donor in the early steps of cytosolic iron–sulfur protein biogenesis. Human anamorsin belongs to the eukaryotic CIAPIN1 protein family and contains two highly conserved cysteine‐rich motifs, each binding an Fe–S cluster. In vitro works by various groups have provided rather controversial results for the type of Fe–S clusters bound to the CIAPIN1 proteins. In order to unravel the knot on this topic, we used an in cellulo approach combining Mössbauer and EPR spectroscopies to characterize the iron–sulfur‐cluster‐bound form of human anamorsin. We found that the protein binds two [2Fe–2S] clusters at both its cysteine‐rich motifs.
Structural design of flame‐retardant phosphatized unsaturated polyester resin
Authors: Ma Junzhi , Wang Dong , Fu Shaohai
Published: April 2021

To improve flame‐retardant properties of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR), two phosphorus‐containing vinyl monomers with different chemical structures were synthesized to replace styrene molecules and then copolymerized with UPR oligomers to prepare flame‐retardant phosphatized UPRs. Curing behavior of phosphatized UPRs was investigated by DSC non‐isothermal curing curves, deducing the best curing conditions. Cone calorimeter results demonstrated the obvious reduction of heat release rate and smoke production rate by comparing phosphatized UPRs with flammable UPR. TG‐IR‐MS coupling technique was utilized to reveal thermal degradation and pyrolytic volatiles including aromatic compounds, hydrocarbons, CO, PO4˙, and so forth, providing more information of smoke toxicity and the gas phase flame‐ retardant mechanism of phosphatized UPRs. Moreover, the yield, compactness and graphitic degree of char residues of phosphatized UPRs were increased, strengthening the barrier effect to inhibit the permeation of combustion heat and the effusion of pyrolytic volatiles in the condensed phase.
Design, synthesis, and antiproliferative effect of 2,9‐bis[4‐(pyridinylalkylaminomethyl)phenyl]‐1,10‐phenanthroline derivatives on human leukemic cells by targeting G‐quadruplex
Authors: Guillon Jean , Denevault‐Sabourin Caroline , Chevret Edith , Brachet‐Botineau Marie , Milano Vittoria , Guédin‐Beaurepaire Aurore , Moreau Stéphane , Ronga Luisa , Savrimoutou Solène , Rubio Sandra , Ferrer Jacky , Lamarche Jeremy , Mergny Jean‐Louis , Viaud‐Massuard Marie‐Claude , Ranz Matthieu , Largy Eric , Gabelica Valérie , Rosu Frédéric , Gouilleux Fabrice , Desplat Vanessa
Published: April 2021

Current multiagent chemotherapy regimens have improved the cure rate in acute leukemia patients, but they are highly toxic and poorly efficient in relapsed patients. To improve the treatment approaches, new specific molecules are needed. The G‐quadruplexes (G4s), which are noncanonical nucleic acid structures found in specific guanine‐rich DNA or RNA, are involved in many cellular events, including control of gene expression. G4s are considered as targets for the development of anticancer agents. Heterocyclic molecules are well known to target and stabilize G4 structures. Thus, a new series of 2,9‐bis[(substituted‐aminomethyl)phenyl]‐1,10‐phenanthroline derivatives (1a–i) was designed, synthesized, and evaluated against five human myeloid leukemia cell lines (K562, KU812, MV4‐11, HL60, and U937). Their ability to stabilize various oncogene promoter G4 structures (c‐MYC, BCL‐2, and K‐RAS) as well as the telomeric G4 was also determined through the fluorescence resonance energy transfer melting assay and native mass spectrometry. In addition, the more bioactive ligands 1g–i were tested for telomerase activity in HuT78 and MV4‐11 protein extracts.
Statistical inference for the difference between two maximized Youden indices obtained from correlated biomarkers
Authors: Bantis Leonidas E. , Nakas Christos T. , Reiser Benjamin
Published: April 2021

Currently, there is global interest in deriving new promising cancer biomarkers that could complement or substitute the conventional ones. Clinical decisions can often be based on the cutoff that corresponds to the maximized Youden index when maximum accuracy drives decisions. When more than one classification criteria are measured within the same individuals, correlated measurements arise. In this work, we propose hypothesis tests and confidence intervals for the comparison of two correlated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in terms of their corresponding maximized Youden indices. We explore delta‐based techniques under parametric assumptions, or power transformations. Nonparametric kernel‐based methods are also examined. We evaluate our approaches through simulations and illustrate them using data from a metabolomic study referring to the detection of pancreatic cancer.
Environmental, social, and governance factors in emerging markets: The impact on firm performance
Authors: Bahadori Negar , Kaymak Turhan , Seraj Mehdi
Published: April 2021

This article investigates whether firm‐level financial performance is positively associated with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores in emerging markets. The vast majority of extant research in this area has been conducted in developed countries, and in light of this research gap, our study examines these issues using a multi‐industry sample of firms located in 24 leading emerging markets. Using the stakeholder management and institutional theories, we develop and test our hypotheses by applying linear regression analyses on panel data from over 600 firms drawn from the Thompson Reuters Eikon database between the years 2014 and 2018. The results suggest that, after controlling for firm size and leverage, firms with higher ESG scores experience greater levels of profitability. A number of policy and managerial implications are explored based on these findings. This study adds to our further understanding of the relationship between ESG activities and firm performance in emerging markets.
Prep for the unimaginable with strong community ties, early MOUs
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: April 2021

Mark DeRee's career in higher education law enforcement began in 2008, when, as a student at William Penn University in Iowa, he worked as a student security employee. When he was hired as a part‐time security officer there, DeRee discovered a passion for the work. “It's a great opportunity to learn and grow, that aspect of education that comes with public safety in higher education,” DeRee said.
Same day discharge: How much less is more for TAVR patients?
Authors: Landes Uri , Kornowski Ran
Published: April 2021

Key Points

In a single‐center retrospective analysis, 29 same day discharge (SDD) Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients were treated and no patient had died or had a stroke event or needed a new pacemaker and/or experienced readmission to hospital at 30 days.

SDD criteria should focus on patient characteristics and procedural factors, but also on social support, tight ambulatory follow‐up, and team consensus that hospital bed is no longer required.

As TAVR continues to develop, we should ask ourselves: how much less is more for the TAVR patient?
Left atrial appendage closure: Moving toward a same day standard
Authors: Kaplan Aaron V.
Published: April 2021

Key Points

Multicenter study showing the ability to perform TEE guided left atrial appendage occlusion using conscious sedation with same day discharge in selected patients

This study along with others highlight the need to move left atrial appendage closure to a conscious procedure

Further studies will be needed to prospectively validate selection criteria and the protocol used by the investigators
Redox‐Neutral Tetrafluoroethylation of Aryl Alkynes with 1,1,2,2‐Tetrafluoroethane Sulfonic Acid Leading to α‐Tetrafluoroethylated Acetophenones
Authors: Kawamoto Takuji , Noguchi Kohki , Takata Ryotaro , Sasaki Rio , Matsubara Hiroshi , Kamimura Akio
Published: April 2021

The redox‐neutral tetrafluoroethylation of alkynes with 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluroroethanesulfonic acid (TFESA) and azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) proceeds via the formation of vinyl tetrafluoroethanesulfonates followed by a radical tetrafluoroethylation. Experimental and theoretical results support an intermolecular reaction.
Electrostatic Interactions Leading to Hierarchical Interpenetrating Electroconductive Networks in Silicon Anodes for Fast Lithium Storage
Authors: Jiang Min , Chen Junliang , Ma Yuanyuan , Luo Wei , Yang Jianping
Published: April 2021

Recently, the frequency of combining MXene, which has unique properties such as metal‐level conductivity and large specific surface area, with silicon to achieve excellent electrochemical performance has increased considerably. There is no doubt that the introduction of MXene can improve the conductivity of silicon and the cycling stability of electrodes after elaborate structure design. However, most exhaustive contacts can only improve the electrode conductivity on the plane. Herein, a MXene@Si/CNTs (HIEN‐MSC) composite with hierarchical interpenetrating electroconductive networks has been synthesized by electrostatic self‐assembly. In this process, the CNTs are first combined with silicon nanoparticles and then assembled with MXene nanosheets. Inserting CNTs into silicon nanoparticles can not only reduce the latter‘s agglomeration, but also immobilizes them on the three‐dimensional conductive framework composed of CNTs and MXene nanosheets. Therefore, the HIEN‐MSC electrode shows superior rate performance (high reversible capacity of 280 mA h−1 even tested at 10 A g−1), cycling stability (stable reversible capacity of 547 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles at 1 A g−1) and applicability (a high reversible capacity of 101 mA h g−1 after 50 cycles when assembled with NCM622 into a full cell). These results may provide new insights for other electrodes with excellent rate performance and long‐cycle stability.
Elucidating the Dual Mode of Action of Dipeptidyl Enoates in the Inhibition of Rhodesain Cysteine Proteases
Authors: Arafet Kemel , González Florenci V. , Moliner Vicent
Published: April 2021

A computational study of the two possible inhibition mechanisms of rhodesain cysteine protease by the dipeptidyl enoate Cbz‐Phe‐Leu‐CH=CH−CO2C2H5 has been carried out by means of molecular dynamics simulations with hybrid QM/MM potentials. The low free energy barriers confirm that the Cys25 residue can attack both Cβ and C1 atoms of the inhibitor, confirming a dual mode of action in the inhibition of the rhodesain by enoates. According to the results, the inhibition process through the Cys25 attack on the Cβ atom of the inhibitor is an exergonic and irreversible process, while the inhibition process when Cys25 attacks on the C1 atom of the inhibitor is and exergonic but reversible process. The interactions between the inhibitor and rhodesain suggest that P2 is the most important fragment to consider in the design of new efficient inhibitors of rhodesain. These results may be useful for the design of new inhibitors of rhodesain and other related cysteine proteases based on dipeptidyl enoates scaffolds.
Empowerment or enslavement: The impact of technology‐driven work intrusions on work–life balance
Authors: Senarathne Tennakoon K L Uthpala
Published: April 2021

Information and communication technology (ICT) tools have become an integral component of our lives, enabling individuals to seamlessly cross the work/life border with minimal effort. This paper examines the mechanisms through which work‐related ICT use beyond worktime (Wk_ICT) impacts work–life balance (WLB) through four mediator paths: work‐to‐life conflict, life‐to‐work conflict, work‐to‐life enrichment, and life‐to‐work enrichment. Data from 423 professionals from Canada was analyzed using the multiple mediation approach with bootstrapping using the PROCESS add‐on to SPSS. The results allude to a possible downward spiralling effect of diminishing WLB resulting from excessive work ICT use beyond worktime. The findings add to the literature by empirically demonstrating the mechanisms by which Wk_ICT impact WLB through cross‐domain conflict and enrichment.
Water‐Assisted Concerted Proton‐Electron Transfer at Co(II)‐Aquo Sites in Polyoxotungstates With Photogenerated RuIII(bpy)33+ Oxidant
Authors: Rigodanza Francesco , Marino Nadia , Bonetto Alessandro , Marcomini Antonio , Bonchio Marcella , Natali Mirco , Sartorel Andrea
Published: April 2021

The cobalt substituted polyoxotungstate [Co6(H2O)2(α‐B‐PW9O34)2(PW6O26)]17− (Co6) displays fast electron transfer (ET) kinetics to photogenerated RuIII(bpy)33+, 4 to 5 orders of magnitude faster than the corresponding ET observed for cobalt oxide nanoparticles. Mechanistic evidence has been acquired indicating that: (i) the one‐electron oxidation of Co6 involves Co(II) aquo or Co(II) hydroxo groups (abbreviated as Co6(II)−OH2 and Co6(II)−OH, respectively, whose speciation in aqueous solution is associated to a pKa of 7.6), and generates a Co(III)−OH moiety (Co6(III)−OH), as proven by transient absorption spectroscopy; (ii) at pH>pKa, the Co6(II)−OH→RuIII(bpy)33+ ET occurs via bimolecular kinetics, with a rate constant k close to the diffusion limit and dependent on the ionic strength of the medium, consistent with reaction between charged species; (iii) at pH <pKa, the process involves Co6(II)−OH2→Co6(III)−OH transformation and proceeds via a multiple‐site, concerted proton electron transfer (CPET) where water assists the transfer of the proton, as proven by the absence of effect of buffer base concentrations on the rate of the ET and by a H/D kinetic isotope in a range of 1.2–1.4. The reactivity of water is ascribed to its organization on the surface of the polyanionic scaffold through hydrogen bond networking involving the Co(II)−OH2 group.
Dodecacyclic‐Fused Electron Acceptors with Multiple Electron‐Deficient Units for Efficient Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Shanshan , Feng Hexiang , Liu Xiang , Hu Zhicheng , Yang Xiye , Liang Yuanying , Zhang Jie , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: April 2021

Fused aromatic cores in non‐fullerene electron acceptors (NFEAs) play a significant role in determining their optoelectronic properties and photovoltaic performance. In this work, a dodecacyclic‐fused core with three electron‐deficient units is synthesized through a double intramolecular Cadogan reduction cyclization. Terminal groups with different halogen substitution (F or Cl) are grafted onto the dodecacyclic‐fused core to afford MS‐4F and MS‐4Cl, both of which showed strong and broad absorption, narrow bandgaps around 1.40 eV, and variable molecular packing model in pristine and blend films. Photovoltaic performance of solar cells containing MS‐4F and MS‐4Cl as NFEAs were investigated with resultant power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 11.75 % and 11.79 %, respectively. The mechanism study indicates that both of PBDB‐T : MS‐4F‐ and PBDB‐T : MS‐4Cl‐based devices displayed high hole and electron mobility values, efficient charge transfer, and low charge recombination etc. These results indicate that designing multiple‐fused aromatic cores with multiple electron‐deficient units is a promising strategy to obtain high‐performance NFEAs.
Time‐modulated multibeam steered antenna array synthesis with optimally designed switching sequence
Authors: Chakraborty Avishek , Ram Gopi , Mandal Durbadal
Published: April 2021

Steering the radiation pattern of an antenna array towards the desired spatial angle is beneficial for modern‐age communication systems. The generation of multiple steered patterns by enhancing the first‐order harmonics of a time‐modulated antenna array (TMAA) with controlled radiation features is proposed in this paper. Suitable switching sequences are designed to realize an efficient electronic beam steering with these simultaneously generated narrow directional beam patterns. TMAAs are considered the time‐domain counterparts of phased arrays where high‐speed switches are used to achieve a weighted response by periodically modulating the array elements instead of attenuators or phase shifters. This periodic modulation inherently produces spurious harmonic patterns generally considered as power loss in unintended directions. The beam steering aimed in this paper is accomplished by exploiting the first‐order harmonic patterns in some specific directions keeping the fundamental pattern unaltered. The intended first positive and first negative harmonic components of the TMAA are utilized as steered multibeam patterns, whereas all the remaining harmonic components are suppressed to improve the efficiency of the array. To achieve this, suitable switching sequences are designed by optimizing the ON‐time duration and switching intervals of the elements with a wavelet mutation‐based particle swarm optimization (PSOWM). 16‐element linear TMAA is used to generate the desired patterns with low sidelobe levels (SLLs) for enhanced performance. Numerical results obtained for spatially independent steered patterns are presented and compared with the state‐of‐the‐art literature results.
Usefulness of cut‐off points of International criteria for prediction of post‐partum diabetes and prediabetes among Chinese women with gestational diabetes
Authors: Li Ninghua , Li Jing , Zhang Cuiping , Liu Gongshu , Leng Junhong , Liu Jinnan , Wang Leishen , Li Weiqin , Yu Zhijie , Hu Gang , Chan Juliana C. N. , Yang Xilin
Published: April 2021

Aims

This study tests whether cut‐off points of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group's (IADPSG) criteria had threshold effects on post‐partum prediabetes and diabetes among Chinese pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Materials and Methods

A total of 507 out of 1000 women with GDM (948 of them enrolled in a lifestyle trial during pregnancy) turned up for the follow‐up study and underwent a 75‐g 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test. GDM was diagnosed based on the IADPSG's criteria while post‐partum diabetes and prediabetes were defined by the World Health Organization's. Generalized logit model was used to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of fasting, 1‐h and 2‐h plasma glucoses (PGs) for post‐partum diabetes and prediabetes. Restricted cubic spline was used to identify any threshold effects.

Results

At a median of 9.1 weeks post‐partum, 3.7% (n = 19) women developed post‐partum diabetes and 35.1% (n = 178) developed post‐partum prediabetes. Fasting PG ≥ 5.1 mmol/L was associated with markedly increased risk of post‐partum diabetes without a discernible threshold (adjusted OR: 3.87, 95% CI: 1.03–14.52) while 2‐h PG ≥ 8.5 and ≥ 9.0 mmol/L had threshold effects on post‐partum prediabetes (2.10, 1.33–3.30) and diabetes (4.02, 1.04–15.56). The 1‐h PG also had a threshold at ≥10.0 mmol/L for prediabetes (1.67, 1.06–2.64), but it was not significant for post‐partum diabetes.

Conclusions

Among Chinese women with GDM, fasting PG ≥ 5.1 mmol/L was associated with post‐partum diabetes without any discernible threshold effects while 2‐h PG ≥ 8.5 and ≥ 9.0 mmol/L respectively identified women at high risk of post‐partum prediabetes and diabetes.
Engrailed‐2 is a cell autonomous regulator of neurogenesis in cultured hippocampal neural stem cells
Authors: Durens Madel , Soliman Mai , Millonig James , DiCicco‐Bloom Emanuel
Published: April 2021

Abnormalities in genes that regulate early brain development are known risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. Engrailed‐2 (En2) is a homeodomain transcription factor with established roles in cerebellar patterning. En2 is highly expressed in the developing mid‐hindbrain region, and En2 knockout (KO) mice exhibit major deficits in mid‐hindbrain structures. However, En2 is also expressed in forebrain regions including the hippocampus, but its function is unknown. Previous studies have shown that the hippocampus of En2‐KO mice exhibits reductions in its volume and cell numbers due to aberrant neurogenesis. Aberrant neurogenesis is due, in part, to noncell autonomous effects, specifically, reductions of innervating norepinephrine fibers from the locus coeruleus. In this study, we investigate possible cell autonomous roles of En2 in hippocampal neurogenesis. We examine proliferation, survival, and differentiation using cultures of hippocampal neurospheres of P7 wild‐type (WT) and En2‐KO hippocampal neural progenitor cells (NPCs). At 7 days, En2‐KO neurospheres were larger on average than WT spheres and exhibited 2.5‐fold greater proliferation and 2‐fold increase in apoptotic cells, similar to in vivo KO phenotype. Further, En2‐KO cultures exhibited 40% less cells with neurite projections, suggesting decreased differentiation. Lastly, reestablishing En2 expression in En2‐KO NPCs rescued excess proliferation. These results indicate that En2 functions in hippocampal NPCs by inhibiting proliferation and promoting survival and differentiation in a cell autonomous manner. More broadly, this study suggests that En2 impacts brain structure and function in diverse regions outside of the mid‐hindbrain.
Generation of a new mouse line with conditionally activated signaling through the BMP receptor, ACVR1: A tool to characterize pleiotropic roles of BMP functions
Authors: Yang Jingwen , Toda Nakamura Masako , Hallett Shawn A. , Ueharu Hiroki , Zhang Honghao , Kelley Kristen , Fukuda Tomokazu , Komatsu Yoshihiro , Mishina Yuji
Published: April 2021

BMP signaling plays pleiotropic roles in various tissues during embryogenesis and after birth. We have previously generated a constitutively activated Acvr1(ca‐Acvr1) transgenic mouse line (line L35) through pronuclei injection to investigate impacts of enhanced BMP signaling in a tissue specific manner. However, line L35 shows a restricted expression pattern of the transgene. Here, we generated another ca‐Acvr1 transgenic line, line A11, using embryonic stem (ES) transgenesis. The generated line A11 shows distinctive phenotypes from line L35, along with very limited expression levels of the transgene. When the transgene is activated in the neural crest cells in a Cre‐dependent manner, line A11 exhibits cleft palate and shorter jaws, while line L35 develops ectopic cartilages and highly hypomorphic facial structures. When activated in limb buds, line A11 develops organized but smaller limb skeletal structures, while line L35 forms disorganized limbs with little mineralization. Additionally, no heterotopic ossification (HO) is identified in line A11 when bred with NFATc1‐Cre mice even after induction of tissue injury, which is an established protocol for HO for line L35. Therefore, the newly generated conditional ca‐Acvr1 mouse line A11 provides an additional resource to dissect highly context dependent functions of BMP signaling in development and disease.
Politics of flood risk management in Switzerland: Political feasibility of instrument mixes
Authors: Glaus Anik
Published: April 2021

Complex environmental problems affect multiple policy sectors, decision‐making levels and territories simultaneously and, as such, call for encompassing policy solutions. However, no consensus exists on how encompassing policy solutions are designed. A trade‐off persists between single instruments, leading to sectoral “silo” thinking and complex instrument mixes, constituting the risk of not being implemented due to actors' objections. Policy designs, including balanced policy mixes, can fulfil various goals, interests and priorities; address numerous challenges; and involve multiple actors. Such balanced policy mixes, however, can only manage complex environmental problems successfully when supported by actors belonging to different sectors, levels and territories. This study therefore analyses the political feasibility of balanced instrument mixes via actors' policy preferences in the case of Swiss flood risk management. Public and private actors involved in flood risk management are surveyed on their preferred instrument mixes. Based on these preference data, the political feasibility of instrument mixes is evaluated by combining the number (density) and coerciveness (intensity) of instruments with the balance of different instrument types (balance) in an index. Results indicate that actors' preferences for a balanced instrument mix are weak. In particular, actors' roles and sectoral interests in the policy design process influence their preferences. These findings suggest that policy mixes, including simple, minimally intervening and sector‐specific flood risk management instruments, are more likely to be politically feasible than balanced instrument mixes. Therefore, traditional “silo” thinking continues to outweigh encompassing policy solutions and impedes possible steps towards an integrated flood risk management approach in Switzerland.
An Isomeric Copper‐Diisophthalate Framework Platform for Storage and Purification of C2H2and Exploration of the Positional Effect of the Methyl Group
Authors: Lin Shengjie , Fan Lihui , Zhou Ping , Xu Tingting , Jiang Zhenzhen , Hu Simin , Chen Jingxian , He Yabing
Published: April 2021

Three isostructural metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) based on dicopper paddlewheels and dimethyl‐functionalized linear diisophthalate ligands were solvothermally constructed, with the aim to investigate their performance regarding acetylene (C2H2) storage as well as separation and purification and to further understand the positional effect of the weakly polarized methyl functionality. Isotherm measurements and IAST selectivity analyses revealed that the three compounds exhibited the promising potential for storing C2H2and recovering C2H2from carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) at ambient conditions. Furthermore, their C2H2adsorption properties can be tailored and optimized by altering the relative position of the methyl substituents immobilized in the organic linkers. At 298 K and 1 atm, the C2H2uptake capacities vary from 173.0 to 183.6 cm3 (STP) g−1, while the C2H2/CH4and C2H2/CO2adsorption selectivities are in the range of 24.5–26.6 and 4.34–4.70 for the equimolar gas mixtures. Theortho‐dimethyl‐modified MOF outperformed better than the other two MOF isomers. The results indicate that rational arrangement of functional groups can to some extent improve gas adsorption properties. Although the property discrepancy caused by the less‐polar methyl group is not as large as that by Lewis‐basic nitrogen atoms, this is the first experimental demonstration of the positional effect of methyl group on C2H2adsorption.
The Effect of TCNE and TCNQ Acceptor Units on Triphenylamine‐Naphthalenediimide Push‐Pull Chromophore Properties
Authors: Srinivasa Rao Pedada , Brixi Samantha , Shaikh Dada B. , Al Kobaisi Mohammad , Lessard Benoît H. , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: April 2021

Asymmetrical and symmetrical push‐pull chromophore‐based on triphenylamine (TPA) donors and naphthalenediimide (NDI) acceptors are designed and successfully synthesized via [2+2] cycloaddition‐retroelectrocyclization (CA‐RE) reaction with well‐known electron‐accepting tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and 7,7,8,8, ‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) groups. The novel series of compounds NDI‐TPA‐1 to NDI‐TPA‐6 were characterized to identify the influence of the TCNE and TCNQ π‐conjugated linkers on the optical, electrochemical, and electronic properties of these molecules. We found that in dichloromethane the NDI‐TPAs 1, 4, 5, and 6 display absorbance peaks at increasing wavelengths 605, 641, 646, and 645 nm, respectively. We demonstrated that through simple chemical modification we could drop the lowest occupied molecular orbital of NDI‐TPA‐1 to 6. Furthermore, NDI‐TPA‐1 to 6 were integrated into organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) via spin‐coating technique, and charge transfer properties were investigated. We found that the choice of the functional group led to either p‐type, n‐type, or ambipolar characteristics.
Formal Aza‐Diels−Alder Reactions of Spiroindolenines with Electronrich Dienes
Authors: Brambilla Elisa , Leoni Sara , Abbiati Giorgio , Pirovano Valentina , Rossi Elisabetta
Published: April 2021

Spiroindolenines were employed as cyclic imine substrates in formal aza‐Diels−Alder reactions with Danishefsky's diene or silyloxy‐substituted electron‐rich dienes for the synthesis of the corresponding tetrahydropyrido[1,2‐a]spiroindolinones. The reactions occur under mild conditions in the presence of ytterbium triflate as Lewis acidic catalyst delivering the desired compounds in good yield. The reaction results in the preparation of a small library of a new class of conformational constrained heterocyclic derivatives that easily undergo selective and efficient manipulations.
Assessment of public hospitals performance in Gaza governorates using the Pabón Lasso Model
Authors: Shaqura Iyad Ibrahim , Gholami Masoomeh , Akbari Sari Ali
Published: April 2021

Background

Measuring hospital performance can be undertaken in different areas including efficiency, productivity, and quality. Many studies have been conducted using several indicators in this regard.

Aim

This study aimed at measuring efficiency of obstetrics and gynaecology, and paediatrics departments at the public hospitals affiliated with the Palestinian Ministry of Health in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Method

This descriptive study includes 12 hospitals; four (A–D) and eight (E–L) providing obstetrics and gynaecology, and paediatrics services, respectively. Data were collected from health annual reports for the 3‐year study period. Pabón Lasso charts were drawn using Microsoft Excel 2013.

Results and conclusion

During the 3 years, hospitals B, D and C lied in zones 3, 1 and 2, respectively. Hospital A was in Zone 4 in 2016 and 2018, but in Zone 1 in 2017. In 2016, hospitals E, F and H were in Zone 3, while, hospitals I, J, K, and L were in Zone 1. In 2017, hospital G shifted from Zone 2 to Zone 3, and backed to Zone 2 in 2018. Hospital L has moved from Zone 1 to Zone 2 in 2018, whereas other hospitals have remained in the same zones. Inefficiency in hospitals provides an important opportunity for addressing the gaps in a quality and less costly manner. Emphasis antenatal care in primary healthcare is important. Further researches are required to cover other types of hospitals through employing frontier techniques of efficiency measurement.
Sub millimetre flexible fibre probe for background and fluorescence free Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Yerolatsitis Stephanos , Kufcsák András , Ehrlich Katjana , Wood Harry A. C. , Fernandes Susan , Quinn Tom , Young Vikki , Young Irene , Hamilton Katie , Akram Ahsan R. , Thomson Robert R. , Finlayson Keith , Dhaliwal Kevin , Stone James M.
Published: April 2021

Using the shifted‐excitation Raman difference spectroscopy technique and an optical fibre featuring a negative curvature excitation core and a coaxial ring of high numerical aperture collection cores, we have developed a portable, background and fluorescence free, endoscopic Raman probe. The probe consists of a single fibre with a diameter of less than 0.25 mm packaged in a sub‐millimetre tubing, making it compatible with standard bronchoscopes. The Raman excitation light in the fibre is guided in air and therefore interacts little with silica, enabling an almost background free transmission of the excitation light. In addition, we used the shifted‐excitation Raman difference spectroscopy technique and a tunable 785 nm laser to separate the fluorescence and the Raman spectrum from highly fluorescent samples, demonstrating the suitability of the probe for biomedical applications. Using this probe we also acquired fluorescence free human lung tissue data.
Front Cover
Authors: Li Meng , Jansson Samuel , Runemark Anna , Peterson Jonathan , Kirkeby Carsten Thure , Jönsson Anna Maria , Brydegaard Mikkel
Published: April 2021

European spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus, causing extensive damage to the spruce forest and timber values. Precise monitoring of these beetles is a necessary step towards preventing outbreaks. In this work, light scattering from beetles is characterized, and the feasibility of entomological lidar as a tool for long‐term monitoring of bark beetles is explored.

Further details can be found in the article by Meng Li, Samuel Jansson, Anna Runemark, Jonathan Peterson, Carsten Thure Kirkeby, Anna Maria Jönsson, and Mikkel Brydegaard (e202000420).

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Inside Cover
Authors: Amidi Eghbal , Yang Guang , Uddin K. M. Shihab , Luo Hongbo , Middleton William , Powell Matthew , Siegel Cary , Zhu Quing
Published: April 2021

Co‐registered transvaginal photoacoustic and ultrasound images of a malignant ovary (low right image) and a benign ovary (top image). The malignant ovary has a higher level relative total hemoglobin with a localized distribution and a lower blood oxygen saturation (%sO2) than those of the benign ovary.

Further details can be found in the article by Eghbal Amidi, Guang Yang, K. M. Shihab Uddin, Hongbo Luo, William Middleton, Matthew Powell, Cary Siegel, and Quing Zhu (e202000368).

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Product differentiation and financial statement comparability
Authors: Cheng Mengyao
Published: April 2021

This study empirically examines whether and how product differentiation affects the comparability of financial statements. Product differentiation captures the dissimilarities in business environments and operations between a firm and its peers, which naturally affects the firm's accounting comparability. Product differentiation also represents an important dimension of product market competition, which may lead to either higher or lower financial statement comparability. Using a sample of 5351 non‐financial US firms over the period of 2000–2019, my results provide consistent evidence that product differentiation decreases financial statement comparability. The results on other dimensions of product market competition also consistently show that accounting comparability decreases as product market competition weakens.
Gender inequalities in the dental science: An analysis of high impact publications
Authors: Sartori Leticia Regina Morello , Henzel Larissa Tavares , de Queiroz Ana Beatriz Lima , Ramos Ezequiel Caruccio , de Oliveira Luísa Jardim Correa , Chisini Luiz Alexandre , Correa Marcos Britto
Published: April 2021

Objective

To assess the participation of women in publications of dental journals with a high impact factor.

Methods

Articles published in 2016, 2011, and 2006 in 10 dental journals chosen for their highest impact factors in each dental fields were included in this research. Articles‐related variables collected included the country of origin of each author, the type of study, and gender of the researchers. Gender was examined through PubMed, Scopus, ResearchGate, and respective affiliated institutions. Furthermore, a website designed to discover the gender of names was used when the previous alternatives were not conclusive. Forward stepwise Poisson regression models were used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 3365 studies were included in the first authorship analysis and 3398 in analysis related to last authorship. The prevalence of women as first authors was 37.2% (confidence interval (CI) 95% 34.5–37.5) and as last authors was 22.6% (CI 95% 21.3–23.9). Having a woman as the last author increased the presence of women in the first author position in scientific dental articles by 16% (prevalence ratio = 1.16, CI 95% [1.04–1.29]). The year of publication, journal, and region of the author were associated with an increase in the prevalence of women as last authors. From 2006 to 2016, the prevalence of women as last authors increased by 61%. Despite these trends, women were still underrepresented in science in the evaluated period.

Conclusions

There are meaningful gender inequalities in publications of scientific dental papers. Encouraging women to lead research groups can reduce the inequities observed in the present study.
Comparative ultrastructural‐functional characterizations of the skin in three reptile species; Chalcides ocellatus, Uromastyx aegyptia aegyptia, and Psammophis schokari aegyptia (FORSKAL, 1775): Adaptive strategies to their habitat
Authors: Kandyel Ramadan M. , Elwan Mona M. , Abumandour Mohamed M. A. , El Nahass Eman E.
Published: April 2021

The current investigation was planned utilizing SEM, histological, and furthermore cytokeratin immunohistochemical to give a full depiction of skin of three reptiles species; Chalcides ocellatus (Scincidae), Uromastyx aegyptia aegyptia (Agamidae), and Psammophis schokari aegyptia (Colubridae) captured from Egypt with various ecological environment. Our SEM results showed different scales covered epidermis of three reptile's species with diverse surface microstructure. Overlapped rhomboid scales with numerous lenticular sense organs with numerous pores and oberhäutchen layer with microridges in C. ocellatus. In U. aegyptia, scales were overlapped elliptical‐shaped possess lens‐like sense structure with several scattered pits and oberhäutchen layer with polygonal outlined cells. While in P. schokari aegyptia, smooth scales flattened with two large dome‐shaped scale receptors/sensilla and lens‐like sense structure, moreover polygonal‐shaped micro‐ornamentation in scale hinge joints were observed. Histologically, skin of three species had outer epidermis with stratum germinativum, stratum corneum (α‐keratin, β‐keratin layer) capped by surface Oberhäutchen and inner dermis. Osteoderms were observed with dermis of C. ocellatus. There are marked variation within pigment cells types among examined species. Melanophores observed in dermal layer of C. ocellatus, while in U. aegyptia, three pigment cells in tegument dermis; melanophores, xanthophores, and iridophores whereas, P. schokari aegyptia had two forms of chromatophore cells (melanophores and iridophores) in dermis and few melanophores scattered between stratum germinativum cells. The highest cytokeratin immunostaining observed in epidermal cell layer of U. aegyptia aegyptia than two other species. Conclusion, dry scaly skin of reptiles reflects a great range of functional aspects and success to adapt with terrestrial life.
IL-26 promotes the pathogenesis of malignant pleural effusion by enhancing CD4+IL-22+ T-cell differentiation and inhibiting CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity
Authors: Niu Yiran , Ye Linlin , Peng Wenbei , Wang Zihao , Wei Xiaoshan , Wang Xu , Li Yu , Zhang Siyu , Xiang Xuan , Zhou Qiong
Published: April 2021

IL-26 is a newly discovered IL-10 cytokine family member mainly secreted by Th17 cells. However, the relationship between IL-26 and lung cancer remains unclear. The present study reported that IL-26 is involved in the production and promotion of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) for the first time. The concentrations of IL-26 and several Th17-related cytokines in MPE and peripheral blood (PB) from MPE patients were measured. IL-26, IL-10, and IL-6 were elevated in MPE compared to PB. The cell resource of IL-26 was primary Th17 cells measured by flow cytometry, whereas Tc17 cells and macrophages could also contribute to higher concentration of IL-26 in MPE. Abundant IL-6 and IL-23 in MPE could promote the frequency of IL-26 expressed by CD4+ T cells through phosphorylating STAT3 signaling pathway and promoting the expression of a specific Th17 lineage marker RORγt subsequently. IL-26 could selectively increase Th22 proportion through up-regulating the percentage of Ki-67 expressed by CD4+ T cells and the expression of IL-22 secreted by memory CD4+ T cells. In addition, IL-26 could decrease secretion of granzyme B. The tumor-killing activity of CD8+ T cells were inhibited as well when cocultured with malignant cells. Furthermore, the accumulation of IL-26 protein in MPE predicted poor patient survival. In summary, our results indicated that IL-26 was involved in the pathogenesis of MPE by exerting its impacts on both CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells.
Metabolic and functional impairment of CD8+ T cells from the lungs of influenza-infected obese mice
Authors: Green William D , Al-Shaer Abrar E , Shi Qing , Gowdy Kymberly M , MacIver Nancie J , Milner J Justin , Beck Melinda A , Shaikh Saame Raza
Published: April 2021

Obesity is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality in response to influenza infection. However, the underlying mechanisms by which obesity impairs immunity are unclear. Herein, we investigated the effects of diet-induced obesity on pulmonary CD8+ T cell metabolism, cytokine production, and transcriptome as a potential mechanism of impairment during influenza virus infection in mice. Male C57BL/6J lean and obese mice were infected with sub-lethal mouse-adapted A/PR/8/34 influenza virus, generating a pulmonary anti-viral and inflammatory response. Extracellular metabolic flux analyses revealed pulmonary CD8+ T cells from obese mice, compared with lean controls, had suppressed oxidative and glycolytic metabolism at day 10 post-infection. Flow cytometry showed the impairment in pulmonary CD8+ T cell metabolism with obesity was independent of changes in glucose or fatty acid uptake, but concomitant with decreased CD8+GrB+IFNγ+ populations. Notably, the percent of pulmonary effector CD8+GrB+IFNγ+ T cells at day 10 post-infection correlated positively with total CD8+ basal extracellular acidification rate and basal oxygen consumption rate. Finally, next-generation RNA sequencing revealed complex and unique transcriptional regulation of sorted effector pulmonary CD8+CD44+ T cells from obese mice compared to lean mice following influenza infection. Collectively, the data suggest diet-induced obesity increases influenza virus pathogenesis, in part, through CD8+ T cell-mediated metabolic reprogramming and impaired effector CD8+ T cell function.
Innate lymphoid cell recovery and occurrence of GvHD after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Piperoglou Christelle , Larid Guillaume , Vallentin Blandine , Balligand Laura , Crinier Adeline , Banzet Nathalie , Farnarier Catherine , Gomez-Massa Elena , Adalia Aranzazu Cruz ,   CRYOSTEM Consortium, Michel Gérard , Galambrun Claire , Barlogis Vincent , Vivier Eric , Vély Frédéric
Published: April 2021

Lymphocytes are essential for microbial immunity, tumor surveillance, and tissue homeostasis. However, the in vivo development and function of helper-like innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in humans remain much less well understood than those of T, B, and NK cells. We monitored hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to determine the kinetics of ILC development in both children and adults. It was found that, unlike NK cells, helper-like ILCs recovered slowly, mirroring the pattern observed for T cells, with normalization achieved at 1 year. The type of graft and the proportion of CD34+ cells in the graft did not significantly affect ILC reconstitution. As HSCT is often complicated by acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), the potential role of ILC subsets in maintaining tissue integrity in these conditions was also analyzed. It was found that GVHD was associated with lower levels of activated and gut-homing NKp44+ ILCP, consistent with a non-redundant role of this ILC subset in preventing this life-threatening disorder in lymphopenic conditions.
Prevalence of high‐risk HPV and its genotypes—Implications in the choice of prophylactic HPV vaccine
Authors: Suresh Alka , Suresh Parasmal , Biswas Raja , Rajanbabu Anupama , Sreedhar Sarala , Biswas Lalitha
Published: April 2021

The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types varies geographically between various countries and different parts of the same country. The efficacy of the HPV vaccines is dependent on the prevalent HPV types. Here, we have studied the prevalence of high‐risk HPV (hrHPV) and its genotypes in women in our population. Cervical samples of 2443 women were screened for the presence of hrHPV using the careHPV system. To determine the HPV genotypes, viral DNA was isolated from the hrHPV‐positive samples, nested PCR was used to amplify the L1 hypervariable region, and was subjected to Sanger sequencing. The prevalence of hrHPV was found to be 2%. HPV16 (52%), HPV33 (40%), HPV18 (4%), HPV31 (2%), and HPV66 (2%) genotypes were found in this study. In Kerala, HPV16 and HPV33 genotypes were found to be significantly higher compared with the other HPV types detected. As the bivalent (Cervarix) and quadrivalent (Gardasil‐4) vaccines offer limited cross‐protection against HPV33, nonavalent (Gardasil 9) vaccine would be more effective in preventing cervical carcinoma in Kerala.