bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CoPd Nanoalloys with Metal–Organic Framework as Template for Both N‐Doped Carbon and Cobalt Precursor: Efficient and Robust Catalysts for Hydrogenation Reactions
Authors: Zhu Jie , Xu Deng , Ding Lu‐jia , Wang Peng‐cheng
Published: October 2020

In this work, a series of metal–organic framework (MOF)‐derived CoPd nanoalloys have been prepared. The nanocatalysts exhibited excellent activities in the hydrogenation of nitroarenes and alkenes in green solvent (ethanol/water) under mild conditions (H2 balloon, room temperature). Using ZIF‐67 as template for both carbon matrix and cobalt precursor coating with a mesoporous SiO2 layer, the catalyst CoPd/NC@SiO2 was smoothly constructed. Catalytic results revealed a synergistic effect between Co and Pd components in the hydrogenation process due to the enhanced electron density. The mesoporous SiO2 shell effectively prevented the sintering of hollow carbon and metal NPs at high temperature, furnishing the well‐dispersed nanoalloy catalysts and better catalytic performance. Moreover, the catalyst was durable and showed negligible activity decay in recycling and scale‐up experiments, providing a mild and highly efficient way to access amines and arenes.
Electrochemical C−H Amidation of Heteroarenes with N‐Alkyl Sulfonamides in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lin Zhipeng , Ackermann Lutz
Published: October 2020

The construction of C−N bonds by free radical reactions represents a powerful synthetic approach for direct C−H amidations of arenes or heteroarenes. Developing efficient and more environmentally friendly synthetic methods for C−H amidation reactions remains highly desirable. Herein, metal‐free electrochemical oxidative dehydrogenative C−H amidations of heteroarenes with N‐alkylsulfonamides have been accomplished. The catalyst‐ and chemical‐oxidant‐free C−H amidation features an ample scope and employs electricity as the green and sole oxidant. A variety of heteroarenes, including indoles, pyrroles, benzofuran and benzothiophene, thereby underwent this C(sp2)−H nitrogenation. Cyclic voltammetry studies and control experiments provided evidence for nitrogen‐centered radicals being directly generated under metal‐free electrocatalysis.
Strong Equatorial Crystal Field Enhances the Axial Anisotropy and Energy Barrier for Spin Reversal Process in Yb2 Single Molecule Magnets
Authors: Mondal Arpan , Konar Sanjit
Published: October 2020

The importance of equatorial crystal fields on magnetic anisotropy of ytterbium single molecule magnets (SMMs) is observed for the first time. Herein, we report three similar dinuclear ytterbium complexes with the formula [Yb2(3‐OMe‐L)2(DMF)2(NO3)2]⋅DMF (1), [Yb2(3‐H‐L)2(DMF)2(NO3)2]⋅DMF⋅H2O (2), and [Yb2(3‐NO3‐L)2(DMF)2(NO3)2] (3), [where 3‐X‐H2L=N′‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐X‐benzylidene)picolinohydrazide, X=OMe (1), H (2) NO2 (3)]. Detailed magnetic measurements reveal the presence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Yb centers and a field‐induced slow relaxation of magnetization in all complexes. A higher energy barrier for spin reversal was observed for complex 1 (Ueff=50 K) and it decreases in the order of 2 (47 K) to 3 (40 K). Notably, complex 1 shows a remarkable energy barrier within the frequency range of 1–850 Hz reported for Yb‐based SMMs. Further, ab initio calculations show a higher axial anisotropy and lower quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) in the ground state for 1 compared to 2 and 3. It was also observed that the presence of a strong crystal field in the equatorial plane (when the ∡ O1−Yb−O3 bond angle is close to 90°) enhances the axial anisotropy and improves the SMM behavior in the studied complexes. Both the experimental and theoretical analysis of relaxation dynamics discloses that Raman and QTM play major role on slow relaxation process for all complexes. To provide more insight into the exchange interactions, broken‐symmetry DFT calculations were performed.
Surface‐enhanced Raman Scattering on 2D Nanomaterials: Recent Developments and Applications†
Authors: Zheng Tingting , Zhou Yan , Feng Enduo , Tian Yang
Published: October 2020

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a highly powerful and sensitive tool for molecular analysis. Of the various factors that affect SERS performance, substrate material is the most critical. Since first observed in 1974, noble metals have been the most common substrates for SERS. However, their increasing defects including low selectivity, weak uniformity, and poor stability are all obstacles to these noble metal‐based SERS substrates. Recently, due to the unique layer‐dependent optical properties and a very large surface‐to‐volume ratio, two‐dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are found to be promising candidates to overcome the shortcomings of a conventional metallic SERS substrate. Herein, we concentrate on the latest development and applications of SERS‐active 2D nanomaterials in our group as well as in other related research studies. The enhancement mechanism of the SERS effect and the development of various SERS‐active 2D nanomaterials have been discussed in detail. Eventually, the latest development in 2D nanomaterial‐SERS‐based analytical applications from trace detection of small organic pollutants and macromolecular biomarkers to in‐situ cytosensing and in‐situ theranostic analysis is introduced.
Novel Phenylmethylenecyclohexenone Derivatives as Potent TrxR Inhibitors Display High Antiproliferative Activity and Induce ROS, Apoptosis, and DNA Damage
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Qian Jianqiang , Zhu Peng , Hua Rong , Liu Ji , Hang Jiaying , Meng Chi , Shan Wenpei , Miao Jiefei , Ling Yong
Published: October 2020

The natural product piperlonguminine (PL) has been shown to exert potential anticancer activity against several types of cancer via elevation of reactive oxidative species (ROS). However, the application of PL has been limited due to its poor water solubility and moderate activity. To improve PL's potency, we designed and synthesized a series of 17 novel phenylmethylenecyclohexenone derivatives and evaluated their pharmacological properties. Most of them exerted antiproliferative activities against four cancer cell lines with IC50 values lower than PL. Among these, compound 10 e not only showed good water solubility and exerted the most potent antiproliferative activity against HGC27 cells (IC50=0.76 μM), which was 10‐fold lower than PL (IC50=7.53 μM), but also exhibited lower cytotoxicity in human normal gastric epithelial cells GES‐1 compared with HGC27 cells. Mechanistically, compound 10 e inhibited thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity, increased ROS levels, and diminished mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) in HGC27 cells. Furthermore, 10 e also induced G2/M cell‐cycle arrest, and triggered cancer cell apoptosis through the regulation of apoptotic proteins. Finally, 10 e promoted DNA damage in HGC27 cells via the activation of the H2AX(S139ph) and p53 signaling. In conclusion, 10 e, with prominent tumor selectivity and water solubility, could be a promising candidate for the treatment of cancer and, as such, warrants further investigation.
Designing Structurally Ordered Pt/Sn Nanoparticles in Ionic Liquids and their Enhanced Catalytic Performance
Authors: Dietrich Christine , Hähsler Martin , Wang Wu , Kübel Christian , Behrens Silke
Published: October 2020

Multimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) often exhibit enhanced catalytic properties that differ from their parent materials. Carefully exploring the structures of multimetallic NPs is a prerequisite for understanding the structure‐ and composition‐associated properties. Herein, intermetallic Pt/Sn NPs with tunable compositions are designed exploiting the beneficial properties of ionic liquids (ILs) in a one‐pot synthetic procedure. Metal salt precursors are reduced with triethylhydridoborate, whereby the cation of the triethylhydridoborate is adapted to the cation of the IL. Both the initial metal precursor ratio and the type of IL influence the structure of the NPs, with the effect of the IL being more pronounced. PtSn nanocrystals are obtained as phase pure products under optimized reaction conditions, whereby a microwave‐assisted approach leads to higher crystallinity. In the hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes, the catalytic performance obviously depend on the NP composition. In bimetallic Pt/Sn NPs, higher Pt content leads to increased conversion, while increase in Sn increases selectivity to the cinnamic alcohol.
The AD Knowledge Portal: A Repository for Multi‐Omic Data on Alzheimer's Disease and Aging
Authors: Greenwood Anna K. , Montgomery Kelsey S. , Kauer Nicole , Woo Kara H. , Leanza Zoe J. , Poehlman William L. , Gockley Jake , Sieberts Solveig K. , Bradic Ljubomir , Logsdon Benjamin A. , Peters Mette A. , Omberg Larsson , Mangravite Lara M.
Published: October 2020

The AD Knowledge Portal (adknowledgeportal.org) is a public data repository that shares data and other resources generated by multiple collaborative research programs focused on aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this article, we highlight how to use the Portal to discover and download genomic variant and transcriptomic data from the same individuals. First, we show how to use the web interface to browse and search for data of interest using relevant file annotations. We demonstrate how to learn more about the context surrounding the data, including diagnostic criteria and methodological details about sample preparation and data analysis. We present two primary ways to download data—using a web interface, and using a programmatic method that provides access using the command line. Finally, we show how to merge separate sources of metadata into a comprehensive file that contains factors and covariates necessary in downstream analyses. © 2020 The Authors.

Basic Protocol 1: Find and download files associated with a selected study

Basic Protocol 2: Download files in bulk using the command line client

Basic Protocol 3: Working with file annotations and metadata
Preparation of Mammalian Nascent RNA for Long Read Sequencing
Authors: Reimer Kirsten A. , Neugebauer Karla M.
Published: October 2020

Long read sequencing technologies now allow high‐quality sequencing of RNAs (or their cDNAs) that are hundreds to thousands of nucleotides long. Long read sequences of nascent RNA provide single‐nucleotide‐resolution information about co‐transcriptional RNA processing events—e.g., splicing, folding, and base modifications. Here, we describe how to isolate nascent RNA from mammalian cells through subcellular fractionation of chromatin‐associated RNA, as well as how to deplete poly(A)+ RNA and rRNA, and, finally, how to generate a full‐length cDNA library for use on long read sequencing platforms. This approach allows for an understanding of coordinated splicing status across multi‐intron transcripts by revealing patterns of splicing or other RNA processing events that cannot be gained from traditional short read RNA sequencing. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Subcellular fractionation

Basic Protocol 2: Nascent RNA isolation and adapter ligation

Basic Protocol 3: cDNA amplicon preparation
Improved Redox Reaction of Lithium Polysulfides on the Interfacial Boundary of Polar CoC2O4 as a Polysulfide Catenator for a High‐Capacity Lithium‐Sulfur Battery
Authors: Kim Jin Won , Seo Gyuwon , Bong Sungyool , Lee Jaeyoung
Published: October 2020

The performance of cobalt oxalate as an electrocatalyst in a lithium‐sulfur battery (LSB) is improved owing to the suitable adsorbent properties of sulfur. The adsorption mechanism is elucidated by UV/Vis spectroscopy and surface analysis through X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Li2S6 is converted into thiosulfate and polythionate by a catenation reaction on the interfacial boundary of CoC2O4 contacted with carbon. Following this, the active polythionate and short‐chained liquid lithium polysulfides (LiPS) bound to the cobalt surface are further reduced as CoC2O4 reduces the overpotential to facilitate the LiPS redox reaction, leading to high specific capacity, lower self‐discharge rate, and stable long‐term cycling performance.
Effect of Binding Affinity of Crystal Water on the Electrochemical Performance of Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Lee Hyeon Jeong , Lee Ji Hoon , Choi Jang Wook
Published: October 2020

The ever‐increasing demand for safe batteries has driven research efforts to develop aqueous rechargeable batteries. In this regard, Ni‐based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have received marked attention owing to their adequate operating potential, high specific capacity, and decent cycling performance. Nevertheless, the effect of immobile intercalants (e. g., crystal water and anions) that are inherently present in the interlayer galleries is barely understood. In this paper, we report that the electrochemical performance of LDH largely depends on the extent to which the crystallinity is affected by the binding strength of crystal water to the transition metal slabs. A series of infrared spectroscopy and in‐situ X‐ray absorption analyses reveal that the lattice disordering in LDHs is beneficial for accommodating the stress during the (de)intercalation of carrier ions, which serves as the origin of their superior specific capacities and cycle life. This study presents a useful structure‐property relationship of the way in which the binding affinity of crystal water affects the key electrochemical properties of the host electrode materials.
Energy efficient hotspot problem mitigation techniques using multiple mobile sink in heterogeneous wireless sensor network
Authors: Gupta Preeti , Tripathi Sachin , Singh Samayveer
Published: October 2020

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are application‐oriented and mainly used in the following fields, such as battleground surveillance, border security, and disaster management. The sensor nodes should be extra reliable, and also, high consistency is needed to perform these tasks. Therefore, heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (HWSNs) are introduced to enhance the network lifetime and stability period by minimizing the node's communicative distance from mobile sinks (MSs). The maximum amount of energy is consumed while communicating the data from nodes to a single sink. In this work, multiple mobile sinks (MMSs) are used to transfer the data from nodes to sink with less energy consumption and a reduced number of hops. Also, higher connectivity is ensured as the sinks are placed close to the nodes, and data can be successfully delivered to sinks. This work reveals the importance of multiple MSs in HWSNs. The use of MMSs and cluster‐based routing approaches improves the efficiency of data collection in HWSNs. K‐medoid with adaptive sunflower optimization algorithm is used for the selection of cluster head (CH). To achieve energy efficiency (EE), detecting an optimal route for MS is a critical task. Then, the hybrid Harris Hawk and ant colony optimization (HANT) algorithm‐based sink moving strategy is used for finding an optimal traversal path. The proposed heterogeneous network is implemented in the network simulator (version 2) (NS2) platform. Simulation results show enhancement in EE in terms of network lifetime, stability period, several dead and alive nodes, and network's remaining energy.
A combination of quinidine/mexiletine reduces arrhythmia in dilated cardiomyopathy in two patients with R814W SCN5A mutation
Authors: Zakrzewska‐Koperska Joanna , Bilińska Zofia T. , Truszkowska Grażyna T. , Franaszczyk Maria , Elikowski Waldemar , Warmiński Grzegorz , Kalin Katarzyna , Urbanek Piotr , Bodalski Robert , Orczykowski Michał , Szumowski Łukasz , Płoski Rafał , Bilińska Maria
Published: October 2020

SCN5A gene mutations are described in 2% of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and different rhythm disturbances, including multifocal ectopic Purkinje‐related premature contractions. Recent data indicate that sodium channel blockers are particularly effective monotherapy in carriers of the R222Q SCN5A variant. Our purpose is to describe the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic treatment in a family with genetically determined arrhythmogenic DCM associated with the R814W variant in the SCN5A gene. We examined a family with arrhythmogenic DCM (multifocal ectopic Purkinje‐related premature contractions phenotype, atrial tachyarrhythmias, automatism, and conduction disorders) and described antiarrhythmic treatment efficacy in heart failure symptoms reduction and myocardial function improvement. We found a heterozygotic mutation R814W in SCN5A by whole exome sequencing in the proband and confirmed its presence in all affected subjects. There were two sudden cardiac deaths and one heart transplantation among first‐degree relatives. The 58‐year‐old father and his 37‐year‐old daughter had full spectrum of symptoms associated with R814W SCN5A mutation. Both had implanted cardioverter defibrillator. In the father, adding mexiletine to quinidine therapy reduced ventricular arrhythmia (50–60% → 6–8% of whole rhythm) and reverted long‐standing atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. In the daughter, mexiletine and overdrive pacing were effective in ventricular arrhythmia reduction (25% → 0.01%). Because of a growing number of atrial fibrillation recurrences, a reduced dose of quinidine (subsequently flecainide) was added, resulting in arrhythmia significant reduction. In both cases, antiarrhythmic effectiveness correlated with clinical improvement. In SCN5A R814W‐associated DCM, a combination of Class I antiarrhythmics and overdrive pacing is an effective treatment of severe ventricular and atrial arrhythmias.
Seroprevalence of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in COVID‐19 patients and healthy volunteers up to 6 months post disease onset
Authors: Figueiredo‐Campos Patrícia , Blankenhaus Birte , Mota Catarina , Gomes Andreia , Serrano Marta , Ariotti Silvia , Costa Catarina , Nunes‐Cabaço Helena , Mendes António M. , Gaspar Pedro , Pereira‐Santos M. Conceição , Rodrigues Fabiana , Condeço Jorge , Escoval M. Antonia , Santos Matilde , Ramirez Mario , Melo‐Cristino José , Simas J. Pedro , Vasconcelos Eugenia , Afonso Ângela , Veldhoen Marc
Published: October 2020

SARS‐CoV‐2 has emerged as a human pathogen, causing clinical signs, from fever to pneumonia—COVID‐19—but may remain mild or asymptomatic. To understand the continuing spread of the virus, to detect those who are and were infected, and to follow the immune response longitudinally, reliable and robust assays for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection and immunological monitoring are needed. We quantified IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies recognizing the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain (RBD) or the Spike (S) protein over a period of 6 months following COVID‐19 onset. We report the detailed setup to monitor the humoral immune response from over 300 COVID‐19 hospital patients and healthcare workers, 2500 University staff, and 198 post‐COVID‐19 volunteers. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody responses follow a classic pattern with a rapid increase within the first three weeks after symptoms. Although titres reduce subsequently, the ability to detect anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies remained robust with confirmed neutralization activity for up to 6 months in a large proportion of previously virus‐positive screened subjects. Our work provides detailed information for the assays used, facilitating further and longitudinal analysis of protective immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2. Importantly, it highlights a continued level of circulating neutralising antibodies in most people with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2.
Chiral‐at‐Metal BODIPY‐Based Iridium(III) Complexes: Synthesis and Luminescence Properties
Authors: Avello Marta G. , de la Torre María C. , Guerrero‐Martínez Andrés , Sierra Miguel A. , Gornitzka Heinz , Hemmert Catherine
Published: October 2020

The synthesis of enantiomerically pure Ir(III) complexes with one or two BODIPY moieties has been achieved through the enantioselective C–H insertion from homochiral triazolium salts, containing a sulfoxide functionality in their structures. These homochiral salts were prepared by the sequential Cu‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) of an azide and one alkynyl sulfoxide, followed by a Suzuki coupling in the preformed triazole with a BODIPY containing aryl boronic acid, followed by methylation of the N3‐triazole nitrogen. The configuration at the metal in these chiral complexes was established by using a combination of CD and X‐ray diffraction techniques. The optical properties of these complexes were thoroughly studied using spectroscopic (absorption and fluorescence) and computational (TD‐DFT and DFT) methods. The fluorescence of complexes with the BODIPY attached to the sulfoxide moiety (including the two BODIPYs‐based complex) was quenched upon introduction of the Ir(III) fragment, most likely due to an a‐PET mechanism. On the contrary, the fluorescence of Ir(III) complexes with the BODIPY attached to the triazolium ring remains unquenched.
Protein dielectrophoresis: Key dielectric parameters and evolving theory
Authors: Hölzel Ralph , Pethig Ronald
Published: October 2020

Globular proteins exhibit dielectrophoresis (DEP) responses in experiments where the applied field gradient factor ∇E2 appears far too small, according to standard DEP theory, to overcome dispersive forces associated with the thermal energy kT of disorder. To address this a DEP force equation is proposed that replaces a previous empirical relationship between the macroscopic and microscopic forms of the Clausius–Mossotti factor. This equation relates the DEP response of a protein directly to the dielectric increment δε+ and decrement δε− that characterize its β‐dispersion at radio frequencies, and also indirectly to its intrinsic dipole moment by way of providing a measure of the protein's effective volume. A parameter Γpw, taken as a measure of cross‐correlated dipole interactions between the protein and its water molecules of hydration, is included in this equation. For 9 of the 12 proteins, for which an evaluation can presently be made, Γpw has a value of ≈4600 ± 120. These conclusions follow an analysis of the failure of macroscopic dielectric mixture (effective medium) theories to predict the dielectric properties of solvated proteins. The implication of a polarizability greatly exceeding the intrinsic value for a protein might reflect the formation of relaxor ferroelectric nanodomains in its hydration shell.
Binary Additive–Induced Performance Improvement of PM7:PC71BM Organic Solar Cells with High Open‐Circuit Voltage and Enhanced Current Intensity
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Dai Tingting , Zhou Xuejiao , Hu Rong , Li Xiong , Xu Denghui
Published: October 2020

Adding a solvent additive into the active layer is a simple and effective strategy to improve active layer morphology and performance of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl‐3‐chloro)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene))‐alt‐(5,5‐(1′,3′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐5′,7′‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1′,2′‐c:4′,5′‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione)] (PM7) is used as donor and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as acceptor, and 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO) and 1‐chloronthalene (CN) are utilized as solvent additives to prepare OSCs. The impact of binary additives on the photoelectric performance of OSCs is studied. The binary additives restrict charge recombination and improve carrier mobility effectively, which is proved by the transient photovoltage/transient photocurrent measurement and photoinduced charge carrier extraction by linearly increasing the voltage technology. With the synergetic effect of DIO and CN, the binary additive devices exhibit a high open‐circuit voltage of 0.96 V. Apart from the improved short‐circuit current density and fill factor, the power conversion efficiency reaches to 9.85%, much higher than that of the pristine device without additive (3.79%).
Cell-Based Bioassay to Screen Environmental Chemicals and Human Serum for Total Glucocorticogenic Activity
Authors: de la Rosa Rosemarie , Vazquez Sergio , Tachachartvanich Phum , Daniels Sarah I. , Sillé Fenna , Smith Martyn T.
Published: October 2020

Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that have systemic effects that are mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor. Environmental chemicals that disrupt glucocorticoid receptor signaling and/or glucocorticoid homeostasis could adversely affect the health of human and nonhuman vertebrates. A major challenge in identifying environmental chemicals that alter glucocorticoid receptor signaling and/or glucocorticoid homeostasis is a lack of adequate screening methods. We developed a cell-based bioassay to measure total glucocorticogenic activity (TGA) of environmental chemicals and human serum. Human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were stably transfected with a luciferase reporter gene driven by 3 tandem glucocorticoid-response elements. Dose–response curves for 6 glucocorticoids and 4 non-glucocorticoid steroid hormones were generated to evaluate the specificity of the bioassay. Cells were also optimized to measure TGA of 176 structurally diverse environmental chemicals and human serum samples in a high-throughput format. Reporter activity was glucocorticoid-specific and induced 400-fold by 1 μM dexamethasone. Furthermore, 3 of the screened chemicals (3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanilide, isopropyl-N-phenylcarbamate, and benzothiazole derivative 2-[4-chlorophenyl]-benzothiazole) potentiated cortisol-induced glucocorticoid receptor activity. Serum TGA estimates from the bioassay were highly correlated with a cortisol enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The present study establishes an in vitro method to rapidly screen environmental chemicals and human serum for altered glucocorticogenic activity. Future studies can utilize this tool to quantify the joint effect of endogenous glucocorticoids and environmental chemicals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:177–186. © 2020 SETAC
Developmental pattern of the cortical topology in high‐functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Zheng Weihao , Zhao Zhiyong , Zhang Zhe , Liu Tingting , Zhang Yi , Fan Jin , Wu Dan
Published: October 2020

A number of studies have indicated alterations of brain morphology in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, how ASD influences the topological organization of the brain cortex at different developmental stages is not yet well characterized. In this study, we used structural images of 492 high‐functioning participants in the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange database acquired from 17 international imaging centers, including 75 autistic children (age 7–11 years), 91 adolescents with ASD (age 12–17 years), and 80 young adults with ASD (age 18–29 years), and 246 typically developing controls (TDCs) that were age, gender, handedness, and full‐scale IQ matched. Cortical thickness (CT) and surface area (SA) were extracted and the covariance between cortical regions across participants were treated as a network to examine developmental patterns of the cortical topological organization at different stages. A center‐paired resampling strategy was developed to control the center bias during the permutation test. Compared with the TDCs, network of SA (but not CT) of individuals with ASD showed reduced small‐worldness in childhood, and the network hubs were reorganized in the adulthood such that hubs inclined to connect with nonhub nodes and demonstrated more dispersed spatial distribution. Furthermore, the SA network of the ASD cohort exhibited increased segregation of the inferior parietal lobule and prefrontal cortex, and insular‐opercular cortex in all three age groups, resulting in the emergence of two unique modules in the autistic brain. Our findings suggested that individuals with ASD may undergo remarkable remodeling of the cortical topology from childhood to adulthood, which may be associated with the altered social and cognitive functions in ASD.
Calretinin and calbindin architecture of the midline thalamus associated with prefrontal–hippocampal circuitry
Authors: Viena Tatiana D. , Rasch Gabriela E. , Silva Daniela , Allen Timothy A.
Published: October 2020

The midline thalamus bidirectionally connects the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HC) creating a unique cortico‐thalamo‐cortical circuit fundamental to memory and executive function. While the anatomical connectivity of midline thalamus has been thoroughly investigated, little is known about its cellular organization within each nucleus. Here we used immunohistological techniques to examine cellular distributions in the midline thalamus based on the calcium binding proteins parvalbumin (PV), calretinin (CR), and calbindin (CB). We also examined these calcium binding proteins in a population of reuniens cells known to project to both mPFC and HC using a dual fluorescence retrograde adenoassociated virus‐based tracing approach. These dual reuniens mPFC‐HC projecting cells, in particular, are thought to be important for synchronizing mPFC and HC activity. First, we confirmed the absence of PV+ neurons in the midline thalamus. Second, we found a common pattern of CR+ and CB+ cells throughout midline thalamus with CR+ cells running along the nearby third ventricle (3V) and penetrating the midline. CB+ cells were consistently more lateral and toward the middle of the dorsal‐ventral extent of the midline thalamus. Notably, single‐labeled CR+ and CB+ zones were partially overlapping and included dual‐labeled CR+/CB+ cells. Within RE, we also observed a CR and CB subzone specific diversity. Interestingly, dual mPFC‐HC projecting neurons in RE expressed none of the calcium binding proteins examined, but were contained in nests of CR+ and CB+ cells. Overall, the midline thalamus was well organized into CR+ and CB+ rich zones distributed throughout the region, with dual mPFC‐HC projecting cells in reuniens representing a unique cell population. These results provide a cytoarchitectural organization in the midline thalamus based on calcium binding protein expression, and set the stage for future cell‐type specific interrogations of the functional role of these different cell populations in mPFC‐HC interactions.
Tracking the Biological Incorporation of Exogenous Molecules into Cellulose Fibers with Non‐Radioactive Iodinated Glucose
Authors: Natalio Filipe
Published: October 2020

Semi‐synthetic biological fabrication explores biological systems and their biosynthetic pathways as inspiration for designing precursor analogs that can be metabolized in a similar manner as the natural substrates by organisms to yield new materials with tailored properties. Here we report the biological incorporation of a metabolizing iodinated glucose analog (2‐Deoxy‐2‐iodo‐D‐glucose, DIG) into Gossypium hirsutum cotton fibers in an ovule in‐vitro model. Structural modifications occur at the level of crystallite arrangement and compaction, with amorphization of the fibers and alteration of the H‐bond network between the cellulose nanofibrils. We further show that DIG can serve as a non‐radioactive micro computed tomography contrast agent (μCT). The fibers act as glucose sinks that accumulate DIG, enabling its detection by μCT. Quantitative analysis shows that the fibers are more oriented when incubated with DIG. This work demonstrates the advantages of using higher organisms for biological in‐situ transformation of economically important raw materials over conventional chemical surface modification processes, thereby providing a scientific foundation for implementing future alternatives and sustainable manufacturing strategies towards a bio‐based economy.
Financial cycles around the world
Authors: Adarov Amat
Published: October 2020

The recent global financial crisis has highlighted the importance of better understanding inherent instability in financial markets invoking recurrent boom‐bust cycles and leading to devastating macroeconomic effects. We use dynamic factor models and state‐space techniques to extract financial cycles for a global sample of 34 advanced and developing countries over the period 1960Q1–2015Q4 as a common factor using a large number of variables conveying price, quantity and risk dynamics in credit, housing, bond and equity markets. In addition to the four segment‐specific and aggregate national financial cycles estimated for each country, we also derive regional and global financial cycles. The analysis reveals highly persistent and recurring nature of financial cycles, which tend to fluctuate at frequencies lower than business cycles, 9–15 years on average, and are indicative of major financial distress episodes. The results point at notable intra‐regional synchronization between financial cycles and confirm the existence of a global financial cycle closely associated with the dynamics of the US T‐Bill rate and the VIX index.
Institutions and trade‐related inequality
Authors: Hartwell Christopher
Published: October 2020

Trade liberalization is famously known for both creating winners and losers via processes of dislocation, sectoral reallocation, and specialization. This paper studies the conditions under which excess “losers” are generated during the process of liberalization with a focus on the role of institutions in economic transition. I contend that poor institutions, in particular property rights and democracy, can create unnecessary hardship in the transition to greater openness, generating a much higher burden on compensatory policies and making it more difficult to sustain open trade policies. Using a new dataset of trade openness, economic inequality, and institutions, and using 3SLS estimation to account for endogeneity, the analysis finds that this is indeed the case: high property rights and more democracy appear to help to mitigate trade‐related inequality. Moreover, poor institutions create a downward spiral, with greater inequality leading to lower trade openness. These results imply that basic institutions can help to minimize losses sparked by globalization, while other well‐meaning policies can actually increase disruptions.
Editor's Note: Societal changes and expression of concern about Rekers and Lovaas' (1974) Behavioral Treatment of Deviant Sex‐Role Behaviors in a Male Child
Authors:   The Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
Published: October 2020

In an early study in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Rekers and Lovaas (1974) evaluated the Behavioral Treatment of Deviant Sex‐role Behaviors in a Male Child. They investigated the use of reinforcement and punishment to target non‐gender‐conforming behaviors of a 5‐year‐old male child. This study was considered by some to be controversial and concerning, even near the time of publication (Nordyke et al. 1977; Winkler, 1977). The concerns focused on the ethicality of selecting non‐gender‐conforming behavior as a target response and the use of punishment for this type of response, particularly at the behest of parents when the young child was not seemingly distressed. The study has subsequently been used as empirical support for conversion therapy creating concerns about misinterpretation of the original article and harm to the LGBTQ+ community. This editorial reviews the concerns originally presented by Nordyke et al. (1977) and Winkler (1977) and issues an official Expression of Concern about the various harms that have been associated with this paper.
Identification of 7,8‐dihydroxy‐3‐phenylcoumarin as a reversible monoamine oxidase enzyme inhibitor
Authors: Musa Musiliyu A. , Badisa Veera L. D. , Aghimien Monica O. , Eyunni Suresh V. K. , Latinwo Lekan M.
Published: October 2020

We herein report the biological evaluation of 3‐arylcoumarin derivatives (3a‐l) as potential human monoamine oxidase‐A and ‐B (hMAO‐A and hMAO‐B) inhibitors. The result indicated that 7,8‐dihydroxy‐3‐(4‐nitrophenyl)coumarin (3j) was most effective against MAO‐A (inhibition concentration [IC50] = 6.46 ± 0.02 µM) and MAO‐B (IC50 = 3.8 ± 0.3 µM) enzymes than other synthesized compounds and reference compounds (pargyline and moclobemide). Furthermore, compound (3j) showed (a) nonselectivity against hMAO enzymes, (b) reversible hMAO enzymes inhibition, and (c) neuroprotection against H2O2‐treated human neuroblastoma (N2a) cells. Finally, a molecular modeling study revealed that the hMAO enzymes inhibitory activity of the compound (3j) may be due to the orientation where the nitro (NO2) group lies deep into the receptor and the phenyl ring directed toward flavin adenosine dinucleotide via hydrogen bond interaction, and possible π‐π interaction with various important residues. Thus, the results of the present study demonstrate that compound (3j) can be considered as a promising scaffold for the development of hMAO‐A and hMAO‐B inhibitors.
A descriptive pilot study of the immediate impacts of COVID‐19 on dental and dental hygiene students’ readiness and wellness
Authors: Akinkugbe Aderonke A. , Garcia Dina T. , Smith Carlos S. , Brickhouse Tegwyn H. , Mosavel Maghboeba
Published: October 2020

Background

The ongoing novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has impacted dental students training across the U.S. academic dental institutions by moving classroom instruction to an online modality, limiting patient care, canceling external rotations, and rescheduling of licensure examinations.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the immediate impacts of COVID‐19 on students’ readiness to enter clinical practice or residency and its association with well‐being (anxiety, perceived stress, coping and social support, and resilience).

Methods

An online REDCap survey was distributed to 407 D1–D4 year dental students and 29 DH3–DH4 year dental hygiene students enrolled at a U.S. dental school. The survey consisted of readiness and wellness measures as well as socio‐demographic variables.

Results

Overall response rate was 58% (N = 252) ranging from 40% among D4 students to 72% among D1 students. About half (55%) of the respondents were White, a third (34%) Asians and 5% were African Americans. Ninety‐two percent were non‐Hispanics while 62% were female. Overall mean (SD) anxiety score was 6.5 (5.3) and 26% of respondents reported moderate or severe levels of anxiety. Anxiety score differed significantly by gender with females reporting higher anxiety levels, mean (SD) = 7.3 (5.5) versus 5.2 (4.7) for males; P = 0.002). Furthermore, mean anxiety score differed significantly among the dental school classes, ranging from 5.5 (5.3) among D2 students to 11.8 (6.2) in DH4 students (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Academic dental institutions need to be responsive to the heightened anxiety and uncertainly levels of students and provide responsive training and support to mitigate its effects.
Hepascore predicts liver outcomes and all‐cause mortality in long‐term methotrexate users: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Zhengyi , Huang Yi , Nossent Hans , Chan Jonathan J , Adams Leon A , Joseph John , Cheng Wendy , Garas George , MacQuillan Gerry , Jeffrey Gary P
Published: October 2020

Background and aim

Methotrexate (MTX) is routinely used for immunological disorders, and its long‐term use is associated with hepatotoxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a serum liver fibrosis test (Hepascore) predicted the risk of adverse liver‐related outcomes and mortality.

Methods

A total of 92 patients in Western Australia who had a long‐term MTX intake history,from 2004 to 2016, were recruited and followed up from the first Hepascore to death or end of the study. Clinical data, all deaths, and liver‐related outcomes (liver‐related death and decompensation) were obtained from hospital, PathWest, and WA Data Linkage Unit databases.

Results

Nine deaths and four adverse liver‐related outcomes occurred during the follow up of 354 person‐years. The 5‐year survival was 86.1%. The liver‐related outcome free survival was 95.6%. Baseline Hepascore ≥0.84 was associated with advanced fibrosis on liver biopsy (P = 0.025). A baseline Hepascore ≥0.84 was significantly associated with higher risks for adverse liver‐related outcomes (P < 0.001) and all‐cause mortality (P = 0.001). Cox regression demonstrated that only baseline Hepascore ≥0.84 was independently associated with the increased risk of all‐cause mortality (7.91 [1.52–41.29], P = 0.014). Moreover, any Hepascore ≥0.84 found during follow up was independently associated with the increased risk of all‐cause mortality (86.18 [4.03–1844.83], P = 0.007).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the potential importance of Hepascore monitoring in long‐term MTX users. Patients with a Hepascore higher than 0.84 at any stage had increased mortality, but further studies are required to confirm this finding.
Peroral endoscopy during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Efficacy of the acrylic box (Endo‐Splash Protective (ESP) box) for preventing droplet transmission
Authors: Gomi Kuniyo , Nagahama Masatsugu , Yoshida Erika , Takano Yuichi , Kuroki Yuichiro , Yamamoto Yorimasa
Published: October 2020

Background and Aim

Appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn in all clinical settings during the COVID‐19 pandemic because anyone could be carrying SARS‐CoV‐2. Peroral endoscopy is the procedure potentially generating large volumes of aerosols through stimulation of patient coughing. The present study investigated the efficacy of a specially designed acrylic box (Endo‐Splash Protective [ESP] box) for preventing droplet transmission as part of droplet precautions for endoscopists and assistants during routine endoscopy for potential asymptomatic carriers or emergent endoscopy for confirmed or suspected COVID‐19 patients.

Methods and Results

ESP box was fabricated for use in peroral endoscopy performed with the patient in either a left lateral or prone position. Circular ports were created, one for scope insertion and one for each of the assistant's hands. Simulated droplets were released inside ESP box, and the number of droplets was counted every 100/3 ms for 5 s pre‐release and post‐release at the positions of the endoscopist and assistant. The experiment was repeated eight times at the endoscopist and assistant positions, and the median numbers of droplets were calculated and compared. No significant differences were observed between the median number of droplets counted for 5 s prerelease and postrelease at either the endoscopist (P = 0.239) or assistant (P = 0.576) positions. We could block the droplets by using ESP box.

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that use of ESP box during peroral endoscopy may reduce endoscopist and assistant droplet exposure, potentially reducing the risk of droplet transmission to healthcare professionals performing peroral endoscopy during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific virulence factors in COVID‐19
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Prasoon Pranav , Kumari Chiman , Pareek Vikas , Faiq Muneeb A. , Narayan Ravi K. , Kulandhasamy Maheswari , Kant Kamla
Published: October 2020

The paucity of knowledge about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)‐specific virulence factors has greatly hampered the therapeutic management of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Recently, a cluster of studies appeared, which presented empirical evidence for SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific virulence factors that can explain key elements of COVID‐19 pathology. These studies unravel multiple structural and nonstructural specifics of SARS‐CoV‐2, such as a unique FURIN cleavage site, papain‐like protease (SCoV2‐PLpro), ORF3b and nonstructural proteins, and dynamic conformational changes in the structure of spike protein during host cell fusion, which give it an edge in infectivity and virulence over previous coronaviruses causing pandemics. Investigators provided robust evidence that SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific virulence factors may have an impact on viral infectivity and transmissibility and disease severity as well as the development of immunity against the infection, including response to the vaccines. In this article, we are presenting a summarized account of the newly reported studies.
Intricacies in characterizing positivity in pooled sample testing for SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Mohanty Srujana , Ravindra Akshatha , Gupta Kavita , Hallur Vinaykumar , Behera Bijayini , Mahaptra Ashoka , Saha Swarnatrisha , Ranjan Jai , Payal Poesy , Mohanty Monalisa , Rath Sutapa , Mishra Baijayantimala
Published: October 2020

The unprecedented demand for testing for the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has led to an acute shortage and limited availability of test reagents for which pooling of samples has been recommended in areas with low prevalence. Considering the possibility of dilution factor in pool testing, an attempt was made to find out possibility of any true positive samples in pools with late amplification. The study was conducted on samples received from various collection centers in different districts of Odisha as well as from patients attending the screening clinic or admitted in COVID ward of the hospital. Nasal/nasopharyngeal/throat swabs received in viral transport media in cold chain were subjected to Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) testing in a Biosafety Laboratory level‐2 by including uniform volume of four units (samples) per pool. All confirmed and probable positive pools in screening assay were de‐convoluted and individual samples tested for confirmatory assay. Inclusion of an additional criteria of probable positive pool (Ct value >35 with non‐sigmoid amplification curve or showing a line of amplification towards the end of the cycle) yielded 39 (15.5%) more true positive samples out of a total of 251 positive samples that would otherwise have been missed if only the classical criteria of positive (Ct within 35 with proper sigmoid curve) had been considered. The study highlights the importance of considering any indication of late amplification in the RT‐PCR test to label a pool as positive to avoid missing any true positive sample in the pool.
Impact of COVID‐19 lockdown measures on oncological surgical activity: Analysis of the surgical pathology caseload of a tertiary referral hospital in Northwestern Italy
Authors: Vissio Elena , Falco Enrico Costantino , Collemi Giammarco , Borella Fulvio , Papotti Mauro , Scarmozzino Antonio , Cassoni Paola , Bertero Luca
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives

Italy was severely affected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic. Our Institution, Piedmont's largest tertiary referral center, was designated as a non‐COVID‐19 hospital and activities were reorganized to prioritize critical services like oncological care. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy in preserving the oncological surgical practice at our Institution during the most critical months of the COVID‐19 epidemic by analyzing the surgical pathology activity.

Methods

The number of oncological surgical resections submitted to histopathological examination from 9th March 2020 to 8th May 2020 were collected as well staging/grading data and compared with the previous three pre‐COVID‐19 years (2017–2019).

Results

Overall, no decrease was observed for most tumor sites (5/9) while breast resections showed the largest drop (109 vs. 160; −31.9%), although a full recovery was already noticed during the second half of the period. Conversely, the selected control benchmarks showed a sharp decrease (−80.4%). Distribution of pathological TNM stages (or tumor grades for central nervous system tumors) showed no significant differences during the lockdown compared with previous years (p > .05).

Conclusions

The present data suggest the possibility of preserving this cornerstone oncological activity during an evolving public health emergency thanks to a prompt workflow reorganization.