bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fish‐scale‐like nano‐porous membrane based on zeolite nanosheets for long stable zinc‐based flow battery
Authors: Hou Xiaoxuan , Huang Kang , Xia Yongsheng , Mu Feiyan , Cao Hongyan , Xia Yu , Wu Yulin , Lu Yuqin , Wang Yixing , Xu Fang , Yu Ying , Xing Weihong , Xu Zhi
Published: April 2022

Zinc‐based flow batteries receive widespread attention due to their advantages of low cost and high energy density. However, zinc dendrites are easy to appear during the charge process, pierce the membrane and thus destroy the battery, which seriously restrict its further development. In this article, MFI‐type zeolite nanosheets (ns‐MFIs) with high mechanical strength and hydrophobicity arein situintroduced to porous polymer membranes, which spontaneously form turnup fish‐scale‐like structure through the one‐step phase inversion/surface segregation process. This special structure well disperses mechanical energy to provide effective protection characteristics to resist the penetration of zinc dendrites, and meanwhile promotes the uniform zinc depositions on the electrode by alleviating the water migration and accelerating zincate ion diffusion, so as to prolong the cycle life of the battery for more than 600 cycles, which is 4 times and 2.5 times longer than the commercial Nafion 212 and pristine porous polymer membrane, respectively. Moreover, the sub‐nano size pores and high‐aspect‐ratio ofns‐MFIs afford membranes extra ion sieving ability and transport area for the charging‐balancing ions OH−to ensure superior battery performance, delivering an average coulombic efficiency (CE) of ~98.5%, voltage efficiency (VE) of ~83.2%, and energy efficiency (EE) of ~81.9% at 80 mA/cm2.
Enantioselective Organocatalyzed Mannich Reaction between Benzothiazolimines and α‐Benzylidene Succinimides for the Preparation of Chiral Benzothiazol Succinimides
Authors: Li Chen‐Yi , Xiang Min , Zhang Jian , Li Wen‐Sheng , Zou Ying , Wan Wen‐Juan , Wang Li‐Xin
Published: April 2022

A highly effective and selective bifunctional cinchona thiourea‐catalyzed new enantioselective Mannich reaction between benzothiazolimines and α‐benzylidene succinimides at allylic site has been developed and a series of chiral benzothiazol succinimides have been successfully prepared in good to excellent yields (up to 92% yield) with high diastereoselectivities (up to>20 : 1) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to>99% ee) under mild conditions
Identifying treponemal disease in early East Asia
Authors: Zhou Yawei , Gao Guoshuai , Zhang Xiangyu , Gao Bo , Duan Chenggang , Zhu Hong , Barbera Aida R. , Halcrow Siân , Pechenkina Kate
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Historic records suggest that a virulent form of treponematosis, sexually transmitted syphilis was introduced to Asia from Europe by the da Gama crew, who landed in India in 1498. Our objective is to assess the gross pathology of human skeletal remains from the Tang dynasty of China to test the presence of treponemal infection in East Asia before 1498. We interpret this paleopathological evidence in the context of site ecology and sociocultural changes during the Tang dynasty.

Materials and methods

We examined the gross pathology of 1598 human skeletons from Xingfulindai (AD 618 to AD 1279) archeological site located on the Central Plain of China. Using the modified diagnostic criteria defined by Hackett's classical work, we classify the pathology as consistent, strongly suggestive, or pathognomonic for treponemal infection.

Results

Twelve adult individuals from Xingfulindai had bone lesions suggestive of systemic pathology. Two of these individuals displayed a combination of lesion patterns pathognomonic of treponemal disease and one had lesions consistent with treponematosis. The radiocarbon dates for the bone samples from these skeletons place them before AD 1200.

Conclusions

The location of Xingfulindai in a continental climatic zone is not typical for yaws and bejel ecology, because these strains occur in the tropics, or in hot, dry environments, respectively. The urban setting, where there is documented evidence for increased interaction between multiple ethnic groups and a developed institution of courtesans during the Tang dynasty, favors sexually transmitted syphilis as the more likely diagnosis. This study supports an earlier spread of syphilis to China than 1498.
Japanese Society for Burn Injuries (JSBI) Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Burn Care (3rd Edition)
Authors: Sasaki Junichi , Matsushima Asako , Ikeda Hiroto , Inoue Yoshiaki , Katahira Jiro , Kishibe Miyuki , Kimura Chu , Sato Yukio , Takuma Kiyotsugu , Tanaka Katsumi , Hayashi Minoru , Matsumura Hajime , Yasuda Hiroshi , Yoshimura Yuya , Aoki Hiromichi , Ishizaki Yoshihisa , Isono Nobuo , Ueda Takahiro , Umezawa Kazuya , Osuka Akinori , Ogura Takayuki , Kaita Yasuhiko , Kawai Katsuya , Kawamoto Kyoko , Kimura Masahiko , Kubo Takatsugu , Kurihara Tomohiro , Kurokawa Masato , Kobayashi Shuken , Saitoh Daizoh , Shichinohe Ryuji , Shibusawa Takayuki , Suzuki Yuya , Soejima Kazutaka , Hashimoto Ichiro , Fujiwara Osamu , Matsuura Hiroshi , Miida Kazumasa , Miyazaki Michiteru , Murao Naoki , Morikawa Wataru , Yamada Sachiko
Published: April 2022

The Japanese Society for Burn Injuries (JSBI) published the third edition of guidelines to present the standard of care for inpatient treatment of burn injuries in Japan. The guideline is not a mere revision of the first and second editions but has been carefully designed to be user friendly and of high quality for medical professionals engaged in burn care. We think it is important to share these guidelines with other countries to work toward a consensus of burn care, then develop new research to establish evidence for burn care and treatment in the future.
Minimizing the Reorganization Energy of Cobalt Redox Mediators Maximizes Charge Transfer Rates from Quantum Dots
Authors: Fort Madeleine J. , Click Sophia M. , Robinson Evan H. , He Felix M. C. , Bernhardt Paul V. , Rosenthal Sandra J. , Macdonald Janet E.
Published: April 2022

Light‐induced charge separation is at the very heart of many solar harvesting technologies. The reduction of energetic barriers to charge separation and transfer increases the rate of separation and the overall efficiency of these technologies. Here we report that the internal reorganization energy of the redox acceptor, the movement of the atoms with changing charge, has a profound effect on the charge transfer rates from donor quantum dots. We experimentally studied and modelled with Marcus Theory charge transfer to cobalt complexes that have similar redox potentials covering 350 mV, but vastly different reorganization energies spanning 2 eV. While the driving force does influence the electron transfer rates, the reorganization energies had a far more profound effect, increasing charge transfer rates by several orders of magnitude. Our studies suggest that careful design of redox mediators to minimize reorganization energy is an untapped route to drastically increase the efficiency of quantum dot applications that feature charge transfer.
Heterometallic decanuclear [Fe6–Ln4] coordination clusters with enzymatic mimic activity: Synthesis, structures, magnetic properties, and evaluation of catecholase activity
Authors: Akhtar Muhammad Nadeem , AlDamen Murad A. , Shahid M. , Ahmad M. Shahwaz , Khalid Muhammad , Intisar Azeem , Khan Muhammad Usman
Published: April 2022

Three [Fe6‐Ln4] clusters are isolated throughN‐methyldiethanolamine (H2mdea) and 3,5‐dinitrobenzoic acid (Hdnbz) acting as ligands together with sodium azide. The X‐ray study demonstrates that these compounds are isostructural formulated as [Fe6Ln4(μ4‐O)2(μ3‐OH)2(mdea)6(dnbz)8(N3)4]·MeCN·aH2O·bCH2Cl2(where Ln = Tb (1),a = 2,b = 3; Ho (2),a = 2,b = 2; Er (3),a = 1,b = 1). All these compounds are centrosymmetric in structure. The catecholase activity for the clusters (1–3) was also studied in methanol by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry via 3,5‐di‐tertiarybutyl catechol (3,5‐DTBC) employed as a model substrate for the identification of the compounds as a functional model for metalloenzymes. During this study, the parameters for catecholase activity are estimated asKcat = 1022.12 (1), 827.76 (2), 562.36 (3) h−1; KM = 0.6858 (1), 0.6467 (2), 0.4872 (3) M; andVmax = 0.2840 (1), 0.2291 (2), 0.1556 (3) M min−1. In the Fe–4fsystem, such a type of activity is determined for the first time. The magnetic studies indicate the antiferromagnetic (AF) interactions between the metal centers.
Europhtal: An industrial cobalt phthalocyanine complex as the efficient catalyst for synthesis of thioamides by one‐pot reaction of mercaptans and amines
Authors: Zarinderakht Nasser , Abbasi Mohammad , Nowrouzi Najmeh
Published: April 2022

The potential of industrial cobalt phthalocyanines in the synthesis of thioamides is reported. A mixture of an industrial sulfonated cobalt phthalocyanines known as Co[(SO3Na)2,3Pc] (Europhtal catalyst additive 8020) is introduced as an efficient catalyst capable of converting benzyl thiols to synthetically valuable thioamides by reaction with amines and DMSO. In this procedure, different primary and secondary amines also heterocyclic amines were successfully converted into benzothioamides in high yields. This simple, one‐pot three‐component conversion method is scalable and provides efficient and practical route to the synthesis of diverse benzothioamides.
Perioperative Prewarming: Heat Transfer and Physiology
Authors: Van Duren Albert
Published: April 2022

To appreciate the strategy of prewarming, perioperative personnel should have a basic understanding of the physics of heat transfer and the thermoregulatory pathophysiology of anesthesia. The dominant cause of postinduction hypothermia is anesthesia‐related redistribution of heat within the body; the role of cutaneous heat loss is minimal. Physiologic thermoregulatory system changes that occur in response to anesthesia make it almost impossible to reverse intraoperative hypothermia. However, prewarming is an effective strategy to prevent postinduction hypothermia from redistribution because it creates a temporary excess of heat in the body’s peripheral thermal compartment. Perioperative nurses should implement active and passive prewarming strategies in accordance with the warming devices at their facility and available time. This article focuses on two major topics necessary to understand prewarming: the effect of anesthesia on postinduction thermoregulation and thermodynamic conditions that successful treatment strategies must exploit to produce desired outcomes.
Extraction of valuable metals from acidic wastewater and blast furnace slag by a collaborative utilization process
Authors: Ju Jinrong , Feng Yali , Li Haoran , Xu Chenglong
Published: April 2022

Two typical wastes, acidic wastewater and titanium‐bearing blast furnace slag, are generated in the smelting process of vanadium‐titanium magnetite. Generally, the acidic wastewater is neutralized by lime or limestone and titanium‐bearing blast furnace slag is directly stacked in the tailings pond, which not only pollutes the ecological environment but also causes the waste of metal resources. In this study, a collaborative utilization process for efficient extraction of titanium, iron, magnesium, and aluminum from acidic wastewater and low titanium‐bearing blast furnace (LTBBF) slag was proposed. At the leaching temperature of 80°C, the leaching time of 50 min, and the liquid–solid ratio of 9:1, 99.26% Ti, 99.47% Mg, and 99.45% Al could be extracted from LTBBF slag by acidic wastewater. Leaching residue mainly composed of Ca and Si could be used as silicon fertilizer. The Ti in the leaching solution could be separated by adding Na3PO4. The precipitation efficiency of Ti reached 98.53% under the molar ratio of Na3PO4 to TiO2 of 1.4, reaction temperature of 85°C, and reaction time of 40 min. The titanium phosphate ((TiO)2P2O7) was obtained by calcination of the precipitate at 900°C for 3 h. Adding oxalic acid to the filtrate above, the precipitation efficiency of Fe, Mg, and Mn reached 96.47%, 99.21%, and 99.45%, respectively, under the optimal conditions, while the precipitation efficiency of Al was only .38%. By adjusting the pH of the filtrate to 6.5, 99.83% Al could be precipitated as Al(OH)3, and the final solution was evaporated to obtain Na2SO4 products. The method proposed realizes the harmless treatment of acidic wastewater and LTBBF slag and recovers the metal resources in both of them.
Lignin modified PBAT composites with enhanced strength based on interfacial dynamic bonds
Authors: Li Wenfeng , Huang Jinhao , Liu Weifeng , Qiu Xueqing , Lou Hongming , Zheng Lu
Published: April 2022

Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) is a type of synthetic biodegradable thermoplastic copolyester with comparable mechanical properties to polyethylene, but the application of PBAT is limited by factors such as high cost, short shelf life, poor weather and water resistance. In order to develop PBAT composites with high performance and low cost, lignin‐modified PBAT biocomposites with enhanced tensile strength were prepared via in‐situ construction of interfacial dynamic bonds. Zinc stearate and epoxy soybean oil were introduced as the interfacial modifiers to construct dynamic bonds between lignin and PBAT, so as to improve the interfacial compatibility. The results demonstrated that the lignin/PBAT biocomposite with interface modifiers reached the maximum tensile strength of 36.7 MPa and an elongation at break of 725.3% at the lignin content of 5 wt%, with the tensile strength achieved 5% improvement on the basis of pure PBAT (34.9 MPa and 717.6%). When the lignin content was increased to 10 wt%, the lignin/PBAT biocomposite with interfacial modifiers still maintained the tensile strength of 35.4 MPa and the elongation at break of 627.8%, which was 82% and 31% higher than that of the directly compounded sample without interfacial modifiers, respectively. Even when the content of lignin loading increased to 20 and 30 wt%, the mechanical properties of the composites were still significantly improved by adding modifiers. The hydrophobicity of the composite was also improved after in‐situ interfacial modification. The strategy demonstrated in this work provides an effective reference for the development of lignin/PBAT composites with high performance but low cost.
Fast‐growing phototrophic microorganisms and the productivity of phototrophic cultures
Authors: Steuer Ralf
Published: April 2022

Fast‐growing cyanobacterial and microalgal strains are considered to be a promising resource to overcome current productivity barriers of phototrophic cultivation. The purpose of this communication, however, is to argue that a high maximal growth rate itself is not a sufficient or necessary property for high phototrophic productivity. Rather, the light‐limited specific growth rate of a phototrophic microorganism is a product of several factors, including the rate of light absorption, the photosynthetic efficiency, and the maximal biomass yield per mol photons. It is suggested that, in addition to the maximal growth rate, reports on fast‐growing strains should also assess photosynthetic efficiency and maximal biomass yield as predictors of culture productivity. The arguments within the communication are underpinned by a theoretical analysis of a light‐limited chemostat, compared to its heterotrophic counterpart. It is shown that for the light‐limited chemostat maximal productivity occurs at low dilution rates.
Non‐genetically modified organism in vitro CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of the lacZα gene: A 4.5 h laboratory course for senior high‐school students
Authors: Thyssen Christoph , Johannes Eva , Müller Katharina , Wünn Joachim
Published: April 2022

The CRISPR/Cas9 system opens new horizons (M. Adli, Nat Commun, 2018) regarding genetic modifications of living organisms but also as an in vitro tool in laboratory protocols. Therefore, it boosts possibilities in research and future medical treatments. As the controversial claim of genomically edited babies by He Jiankui (Cyranoski D., Nature, 2019) demonstrates, the new gene editing potentials entail ethical discussions. A public or social discussion presupposes not only a theoretical knowledge or understanding of the system, but also profits from direct laboratory experiences showing how easy these techniques can be applied. Introducing numerous students and classes into these emerging techniques in a modern biology classroom depends on a suitable course concept, which fits legal and organizational requirements at the same time. Therefore, we implemented an appropriate hands‐on laboratory course for senior high‐school students, lasting just 4.5 h. Particularly with regard to European regulations concerning the handling of genetically modified organisms, the constructs and protocols avoid the transfer of Cas9 DNA. This normally mandatory transfer was replaced by in vitro gene‐editing. This leads to Cas9 induced gene knock‐outs due to frame shifts and/or the excision of DNA fragments in common Escherichia coli (E. coli) plasmids, such as pUC19. This gene knock‐out concept covers various steps: In vitro plasmid editing with Cas9, ligation and transformation of E. coli cells with the modified plasmid DNA and finally the spread plating of transformed E. coli cells in order to analyze colonies after overnight incubation. The successful excision of DNA fragments by in vitro Cas9 treatment was determined by subsequent gel electrophoresis.
The middle anorectal artery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of 880 patients/1905 pelvic sides
Authors: Zarzecki Michał P. , Ostrowski Patryk , Wałęga Piotr , Iwanaga Joe , Walocha Jerzy A.
Published: April 2022

The middle anorectal artery (MAA) is considered to supply the middle and lower parts of the rectum, however, its prevalence and point of origin vary across the literature. Clinical importance of the MAA becomes evident in the total mesorectal excision during the colorectal surgery of rectal cancer in both sexes, as well as interventional radiology procedures utilizing the prostatic vasculature in males. Major electronic medical databases were investigated for terms pertaining to the MAA and its associated variations. Compatible data regarding the artery's prevalence, laterality, origin, and distribution in both sexes was acquired. The risk of bias within the studies was assessed utilizing the AQUA tool. In total, 28 works (n = 880 patients/1905 pelvic sides) were included in this systematic review and meta‐analysis, and their publication date ranged from 1897 until 2021. The overall pooled prevalence estimate for the MAA was 59.8% of the patients, and 55.2% of the pelvic sides studied. The vessel was identified more frequently in cadaveric pelvic sides evaluations (79.3%). The artery was found bilaterally more often (56.7%), and most commonly originated from the internal pudendal artery (50.3%). Anastomoses between the MAA and the other anorectal arteries were reported in 78.1%. The MAA is predominantly a present vessel, with various point of origin. Its direct clinical significance is yet to be discovered in larger study samples, providing more detailed and unified reports of its anatomical features, especially regarding its branches.
Novel oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists in patients with atrial fibrillation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Memon Muhammad Mustafa , Siddiqui Asad Ali , Amin Emaan , Shaikh Fahd Niaz , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Doukky Rami , Krasuski Richard A.
Published: April 2022

Background

The efficacy and safety of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) compared to the current guideline‐recommended vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has not been well established. We pooled evidence from all available studies to assess the risks and benefits of this drug class.

Methods

We queried electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane central) up until January 28th, 2022 for studies comparing NOACs to VKAs in AF patients undergoing TAVR. Results from studies were presented as risk ratios (RR) and pooled using a random‐effects model. Subgroup analysis by study design and meta‐regression analysis were performed to explore heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 12 studies (3 RCTs and 9 observational) containing 12,203 patients (mean age 81.2 years; 50.5% men) were identified and included in the analysis. Pooled analysis revealed no significant difference between NOACs and VKAs in terms of stroke or systemic embolism (RR: 0.78; p = 0.18), major bleeding (RR: 0.84; p = 0.32), intracranial hemorrhage (RR 0.61; p = 0.06), all‐cause mortality (RR: 0.69; p = 0.07), and myocardial infarction (RR: 1.60; p = 0.24) at a mean length of follow‐up of 15.1 months. RCTs and observational studies did not significantly differ across outcomes on subgroup analysis. Meta‐regression analysis found heterogeneity in all‐cause mortality to be significantly explained by percentage of males (coefficient: 0.049, p = 0.007), mean age (coefficient: 0.221, p < 0.001), and CHA2DS2‐VASc score (coefficient: −1.657, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis suggests that outcomes with NOACs do not significantly differ compared to VKAs following TAVR in patients with AF.
Iatrogenic long thoracic nerve injury and scapular winging in posterior spinal fusion surgery: A case report
Authors: Shakery Mohammadreza , Ghandhari Hasan , Mahdavi Seyed Mani , Chehrassan Mohammadreza
Published: April 2022

This is an extremely rare case of scapular winging following posterior spinal fusion for correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in an 18‐year‐old boy due to iatrogenic injury to a long thoracic nerve. Scapular winging manifested 5 days after the operation and spontaneously improved after 7 months.
Aluminum‐Ligand Cooperative O−H Bond Activation Initiates Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Carr Cody R. , Vesto James I. , Xing Xiujing , Fettinger James C. , Berben Louise A.
Published: April 2022

Molecular design ultimately furnishes improvements in performance over time, and this has been the case for Rh‐ and Ir‐based molecular catalysts currently used in transfer hydrogenation (TH) reactions for fine chemical synthesis. In this report, we describe a molecular pincer ligand Al catalyst for TH, (I2P2−)Al(THF)Cl (I2P=diiminopyridine; THF=tetrahydrofuran). The mechanism for TH is initiated by two successive Al‐ligand cooperative bond activations of the O−H bonds in two molecules of isopropanol (iPrOH) to afford six‐coordinate (H2I2P)Al(OiPr)2Cl. Stoichiometric chemical reactions and kinetic experiments suggest an ordered transition state, supported by polar solvents, for concerted hydride transfer from iPrO− to substrate. Metal‐ligand cooperative hydrogen bonding in a cyclic transition state is a likely support for the concerted hydride transfer event. The available data does not support involvement of an intermediate Al‐hydride in the TH. Proof‐of‐principle reactions including the conversion of isopropanol and benzophenone to acetone and diphenylmethanol with 90 % conversion in 1 h are described. The analogous hydride compound, (I2P2−)Al(THF)H, also cleaves the O−H bond in iPrOH to afford (HI2P−)Al(OiPr)H and (HI2P−)Al(OiPr)2, but no activity for catalytic TH was observed.
One‐pot Synthesis of Hierarchical, Micro‐macroporous Zeolites with Encapsulated Metal Particles as Sinter‐resistant, Bifunctional Catalysts
Authors: Weissenberger Tobias , Kapil Nidhi , Trogadas Panagiotis , Coppens Marc‐Olivier
Published: April 2022

We report a new one‐pot synthesis procedure for hierarchical zeolites with intracrystalline macropores and metal particles encapsulated within the zeolitic walls. The synthesis allows to prepare macroporous zeolites of MFI topology with different heteroatoms (silicalite‐1, ZSM‐5 and TS‐1) and different encapsulated noble metal particles, such as gold, platinum and palladium. The hierarchically structured zeolites contain large macropores with diameters around 400 nm, which are well distributed and interconnected and should significantly enhance mass transport properties. The encapsulation of metal nanoparticles within the zeolitic walls leads to remarkable sinter resistance of the particles. Encapsulated gold nanoparticles (2.6 nm) do not significantly change in size during an 18‐hour treatment at 600 °C under air, while non‐encapsulated gold particles sinter heavily during the same treatment. Catalytic experiments for the direct epoxidation of propene with hydrogen and oxygen show that both catalytic functions of a macroporous TS‐1 sample that encapsulates gold particles are accessible and active. This catalyst displays high activity, although PO selectivity could still be improved. These materials show great potential for use in catalytic applications, due to their bifunctional nature, high sintering resistance, shape selective properties and hierarchical structure.
Aggressive uveal melanoma displays a high degree of centrosome amplification, opening the door to therapeutic intervention
Authors: Sabat‐Pośpiech Dorota , Fabian‐Kolpanowicz Kim , Kalirai Helen , Kipling Natalie , Coupland Sarah E , Coulson Judy M , Fielding Andrew B
Published: April 2022

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular cancer in adults. Whilst treatment of primary UM (PUM) is often successful, around 50% of patients develop metastatic disease with poor outcomes, linked to chromosome 3 loss (monosomy 3, M3). Advances in understanding UM cell biology may indicate new therapeutic options. We report that UM exhibits centrosome abnormalities, which in other cancers are associated with increased invasiveness and worse prognosis, but also represent a potential Achilles' heel for cancer‐specific therapeutics. Analysis of 75 PUM patient samples revealed both higher centrosome numbers and an increase in centrosomes with enlarged pericentriolar matrix (PCM) compared to surrounding normal tissue, both indicative of centrosome amplification. The PCM phenotype was significantly associated with M3 (t‐test, p < 0.01). Centrosomes naturally enlarge as cells approach mitosis; however, whilst UM with higher mitotic scores had enlarged PCM regardless of genetic status, the PCM phenotype remained significantly associated with M3 in UM with low mitotic scores (ANOVA, p = 0.021) suggesting that this is independent of proliferation. Phenotypic analysis of patient‐derived cultures and established UM lines revealed comparable levels of centrosome amplification in PUM cells to archetypal triple‐negative breast cancer cell lines, whilst metastatic UM (MUM) cell lines had even higher levels. Importantly, many UM cells also exhibit centrosome clustering, a common strategy employed by other cancer cells with centrosome amplification to survive cell division. As UM samples with M3 display centrosome abnormalities indicative of amplification, this phenotype may contribute to the development of MUM, suggesting that centrosome de‐clustering drugs may provide a novel therapeutic approach.
SAR Analysis of Heterocyclic Compounds with Monocyclic and Bicyclic Structures as Antifungal Agents
Authors: Yang Liu , Bo Xu Wen , Sun Liangpeng , Zhang Changhao , Hua Jin Cheng
Published: April 2022

Infections caused by eukaryotic organisms, such as fungi, are generally more difficult to treat than bacterial infections. With the widespread use of antifungal drugs in humans and plants, resistance and toxicity have emerged. Therefore, it is desirable to develop new antifungal drugs with low toxicity that are not susceptible to the development of resistance. This review presents a summary of the past few years (2017–2021) of research on heterocyclic compounds as antifungal agents for use in humans and plants, focusing on the structure‐activity relationships (SAR) of these compounds. This review may provide ideas and information for designing and developing new antifungal drugs with fewer side effects compared with currently available drugs.
An Aqueous Alginate‐based Binder Modified with Zn2+ Ions and Prussian Blue Analogues for Enhanced Silicon Anodes
Authors: Wu Fang , Yang Ziyu , Liu Jiarun , Liu Xiaoxuan , Yang Jian , Xiang Yong
Published: April 2022

In this work, an aqueous three‐dimensional (3D) crosslinked alginate‐Zn‐Prussian blue analogue (Alg−Zn‐PBAs) binder with improved mechanical property has been constructed for Si anodes. The Alg−Zn‐PBAs aqueous binder is fabricated via Zn2+ ion‐induced co‐precipitation reaction of PBAs nanoparticles and ionic crosslinking reaction of Alg−Zn network. The anchored PBAs nanoparticles can be formed around the Zn2+ ions and offer enhanced stability due to their strong supramolecular interactions to the Alg−Zn matrix. Consequently, the Si anodes using Alg−Zn‐PBAs binder exhibits a capacity of 1372.9 mAh g−1 for 200 cycles at 0.84 A g−1 and a higher capacity when compared to electrodes fabricated by using Alg−Zn binder and Alg binder. This work demonstrates that the combination of PBAs and alginate via an one‐step process of Zn2+ ions induced co‐precipitation reaction is a better design of aqueous binders for lithium‐ion batteries system with a green synthetic process.
Machine learning and deep learning‐driven methods for predicting ambient particulate matters levels: A case study
Authors: Wu Amin , Harrou Fouzi , Dairi Abdelkader , Sun Ying
Published: April 2022

Dust, or particulate matter (PM2.5), is among the most harmful pollutants negatively affecting human health. Predicting indoor PM2.5 concentrations is essential to achieve acceptable indoor air quality. This study aims to investigate data‐driven models to accurately predict PM 2.5 pollution. Notably, a comparative study has been conducted between twenty‐one machine learning and deep learning models to predict PM2.5 levels. Specifically, we investigate the performance of machine learning and deep learning models to predict ambient PM2.5 concentrations based on other ambient pollutants, including SO, NO, O, CO, and PM10. Here, we applied Bayesian optimization to optimally tune hyperparameters of the Gaussian process regression with different kernels and ensemble learning models (i.e., boosted trees and bagged trees) and investigated their prediction performance. Furthermore, to further enhance the forecasting performance of the investigated models, dynamic information has been incorporated by introducing lagged measurements in the construction of the considered models. Results show a significant improvement in the prediction performance when considering dynamic information from past data. Moreover, three methods, namely, random forest (RF), decision tree, and extreme gradient boosting, are applied to assess variables contribution and revealed that lagged PM2.5 data contribute significantly to the prediction performance and enables the construction of parsimonious models. Hourly concentration levels of ambient air pollution from the air quality monitoring network located in Seoul are employed to verify the prediction effectiveness of the studied models. Six measurements of effectiveness are used for assessing the prediction quality. Results showed that deep learning models are more efficient than the other investigated machine learning models (i.e., SVR, GPR, bagged and boosted trees, RF, and XGBoost). Also, the results showed that the bidirectional long short term memory (BiLSTM) and bidirectional gated recurrent units (BiGRU) networks produce higher performance than the investigated machine learning models (i.e., SVR, GPR, bagged and boosted trees, RF, and XGBoost) and deep learning models (i.e., LSTM, GRU, and convolutional neural network).
Conjugated Polymers for Gene Delivery and Photothermal Gene Expression
Authors: Song Gang , Lv Fengting , Huang Yiming , Bai Haotian , Wang Shu
Published: April 2022

Gene therapy has attracted great attention due to its applications in disease treatment. The key point for gene therapy is how to improve the efficiency of gene delivery and precisely control gene expression. Conjugated polymers (CPs) have hydrophobic π‐conjugated backbones and modifiable side chains, which provide desired photophysical properties and have been applied in the field of bio‐sensing, biomedical and gene‐based therapies. Herein, we summarize the strategies of DNA delivery and small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery based on cationic conjugated polymers, in addition, the strategies for precisely control the expression of target gene by photothermal‐responsive conjugated polymers for cancer therapy and gene editing are described. Finally, future challenges of efficient and safe gene delivery strategies are presented, and perspectives in the precise control of gene expression are also discussed.
Abrogation of graft ischemia‐reperfusion injury in ischemia‐free liver transplantation
Authors: Guo Zhiyong , Xu Jinghong , Huang Shanzhou , Yin Meixian , Zhao Qiang , Ju Weiqiang , Wang Dongping , Gao Ningxin , Huang Changjun , Yang Lu , Chen Maogen , Zhang Zhiheng , Zhu Zebin , Wang Linhe , Zhu Caihui , Zhang Yixi , Tang Yunhua , Chen Haitian , Liu Kunpeng , Lu Yuting , Ma Yi , Hu Anbin , Chen Yinghua , Zhu Xiaofeng , He Xiaoshun
Published: April 2022

Background

Ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) is considered an inherent component of organ transplantation that compromises transplant outcomes and organ availability. The ischemia‐free liver transplantation (IFLT) procedure has been developed to avoid interruption of blood supply to liver grafts. It is unknown how IFLT might change the characteristics of graft IRI.

Methods

Serum and liver biopsy samples were collected from IFLT and conventional liver transplantation (CLT) recipients. Pathological, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics analyses were performed to identify the characteristic changes in graft IRI in IFLT.

Results

Peak aspartate aminotransferase (539.59 ± 661.76 U/L versus 2622.28 ± 3291.57 U/L) and alanine aminotransferase (297.64 ± 549.50 U/L versus 1184.16 ± 1502.76 U/L) levels within the first 7 days and total bilirubin levels by day 7 (3.27 ± 2.82 mg/dl versus 8.33 ± 8.76 mg/dl) were lower in the IFLT versus CLT group (all p values < 0.001). The pathological characteristics of IRI were more obvious in CLT grafts. The antioxidant pentose phosphate pathway remained active throughout the procedure in IFLT grafts and was suppressed during preservation and overactivated postrevascularization in CLT grafts. Gene transcriptional reprogramming was almost absent during IFLT but was profound during CLT. Proteomics analysis showed that “metabolism of RNA” was the major differentially expressed process between the two groups. Several proinflammatory pathways were not activated post‐IFLT as they were post‐CLT. The activities of natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils were lower in IFLT grafts than in CLT grafts. The serum levels of 14 cytokines were increased in CLT versus IFLT recipients.

Conclusions

IFLT can largely avoid the biological consequences of graft IRI, thus has the potential to improve transplant outcome while increasing organ utilization.
Circle‐Seq reveals genomic and disease‐specific hallmarks in urinary cell‐free extrachromosomal circular DNAs
Authors: Lv Wei , Pan Xiaoguang , Han Peng , Wang Ziyu , Feng Weijia , Xing Xue , Wang Qingqing , Qu Kunli , Zeng Yuchen , Zhang Cailin , Xu Zhe , Li Yi , Zheng Tianyu , Lin Ling , Liu Chengxun , Liu Xuemei , Li Hanbo , Henriksen Rasmus Amund , Bolund Lars , Lin Lin , Jin Xin , Yang Huanming , Zhang Xiuqing , Yin Tailang , Regenberg Birgitte , He Fan , Luo Yonglun
Published: April 2022

Background

Extrachromosomal circular deoxyribonucleic acid (eccDNA) is evolving as a valuable biomarker, while little is known about its presence in urine.

Methods

Here, we report the discovery and analysis of urinary cell‐free eccDNAs (ucf‐eccDNAs) in healthy controls and patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) by Circle‐Seq.

Results

Millions of unique ucf‐eccDNAs were identified and comprehensively characterised. The ucf‐eccDNAs are GC‐rich. Most ucf‐eccDNAs are less than 1000 bp and are enriched in four pronounced peaks at 207, 358, 553 and 732 bp. Analysis of the genomic distribution of ucf‐eccDNAs shows that eccDNAs are found on all chromosomes but enriched on chromosomes 17, 19 and 20 with a high density of protein‐coding genes, CpG islands, short interspersed transposable elements (SINEs) and simple repeat elements. Analysis of eccDNA junction sequences further suggests that microhomology and palindromic repeats might be involved in eccDNA formation. The ucf‐eccDNAs in CKD patients are significantly higher than those in healthy controls. Moreover, eccDNA with miRNA genes is highly enriched in CKD ucf‐eccDNA.

Conclusions

This work discovers and provides the first deep characterisation of ucf‐eccDNAs and suggests ucf‐eccDNA as a valuable noninnvasive biomarker for urogenital disorder diagnosis and monitoring.
Distributed space‐time block coding based cooperative generalized spatial modulation
Authors: Altın Gökhan
Published: April 2022

In this study, two novel distributed space‐time block coding based cooperative generalized spatial modulation networks are proposed, and their theoretical analyses are derived. The first network is a three‐node cooperative system, consisting of a source (S), a relay (R), and a destination (D). In this design, S sends a GSM symbol to R and D in the broadcast phase. In the relay phase, if R decodes the received signal correctly, it encodes the orthogonal counterpart of the GSM symbol, and sends it to D. If R has a decoding error, it sends a failure to S, and S realizes the R's transmission. The second network is designed with two relays. Here, S sends the GSM symbol to , , and D in the broadcast phase. In the relay phase, if both relays decode the incoming signal correctly, regenerates the GSM symbol coming from S, and encodes the orthogonal version of it. After encoding, both send them to D in a successive manner. If any or both relays fail, S sends the symbol of in the relay phase. Theoretical and asymptotic analyses as well as simulation results are provided for both networks. It is seen that derived analytical expressions match with the simulation curves. Moreover, since we use the GSM in the proposed methods, their data rates are higher for the same number of transmit antennas. Even for the same spectral efficiency, they provide a significant diversity gain and a better error performance than the existing methods.
Design of wideband planar antenna with inverted I‐shaped tuning stubs for application in 5G, satellite communication, and Internet of Things
Authors: Mukherjee Kaushal , Mukhopadhyay Subhadeep , Roy Sahadev
Published: April 2022

In this article, a wideband planar antenna is proposed for 5G mobile communications, satellite communication, and Internet of Things (IoT)‐enabled applications. The proposed antenna consists of a rectangular radiating patch and two I‐shaped tuning stubs, excited by two I‐shape microstrip lines. The antenna of size (17 × 20 × 1) mm3 is designed using FR4 material having a dielectric constant (
) of 4.4. Simulated results illustrate that the antenna operates with a radiation efficiency of 90% and a peak gain of 9.33 dBi. The achieved bandwidth of 161.54 GHz ranging from 31.6 to 193.14 GHz covers the licensed and planned bands of 5G communication (n257, n258, n259, n260, and n261). This antenna will support lower bands within 30 GHz (X, K, Ka, middle frequency bands), within 110 GHz (Q, U, V, W, F bands), and upper‐frequency bands up to 170 GHz (D‐band) used for satellite communication. The IoT framework is required to be updated, by ultra‐high‐speed antennas, which will improve the user experience in the fields like agriculture, communication, education, and transportation. A comparative study between the proposed antenna and other existing antennas with supporting results such as VSWR, impedance bandwidth, radiation efficiency, and gain is also presented in this work.
Glycosylation alterations in serum of Alzheimer's disease patients show widespread changes in N‐glycosylation of proteins related to immune function, inflammation, and lipoprotein metabolism
Authors: Tena Jennyfer , Tang Xinyu , Zhou Qingwen , Harvey Danielle , Barajas‐Mendoza Maria , Jin Lee‐Way , Maezawa Izumi , Zivkovic Angela M. , Lebrilla Carlito B.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

There is an increased need for the development of novel blood‐based biomarkers for early detection, prevention, or intervention in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study sought to determine whether serum glycopeptide analysis holds potential for identifying novel diagnostics and prognostics of AD.

Methods

The study involved 195 participants, including 96 patients with an AD diagnosis and 99 controls with no cognitive deficit. Utilizing a validated analytical mass spectrometry method, we monitored the site‐specific glycosylation of 52 serum glycoproteins.

Results

Partial least‐squares discriminant analysis revealed that changes in overall sialylation and fucosylation of serum glycoproteins may be indicators of an AD disease state. Loss of fucosylation of immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2 was indicative of AD diagnosis. Individual glycopeptide analysis found separation between the AD patients and controls on complement proteins and apolipoprotein B.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that serum glycoprofiling may be a promising approach for biomarker discovery.
Effects of future climate change on the forests of Madagascar
Authors: Hending Daniel , Holderied Marc , McCabe Grainne , Cotton Sam
Published: April 2022

Global climate change is continuing to occur at an alarming rate. In addition to increases in global weather extremes, melting of polar ice caps, and subsequent sea level rises, climate change is known to directly impact the life cycles and ecologies of many animals and plants. While climate change is projected to result in substantial geographic range and habitat contractions for many species in future, the effects of climate change on many habitats of conservation concern remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated how future climate change is projected to impact the occurrence and distribution of four major forest types of Madagascar, a global biodiversity hotspot and conservation priority, over the next 60 years. We also compared how climate change effects vary among the four forest types under a “mitigation” climate forecast and under a “business‐as‐usual” trajectory. As expected, our models suggest that future climate change will affect the distribution of the four forest types under both trajectories, and forest occurrence is likely to decrease if mean temperatures, temperature seasonality, and precipitation rates increase as predicted. The exception is that forest gain is predicted to occur in the northwest of Madagascar, resulting in a small increase in transitional forest area under the “business‐as‐usual” climate change trajectory. Our study highlights that unmitigated climate change will have a negative impact on Madagascar's forests during the period up to the year 2080, and climate change therefore needs to be mitigated. Madagascar remains a global conservation priority, and urgent conservation action and protective legislation are required to safeguard the future of its native forest.
An exploratory investigation of predictors of outcome in face‐to‐face and online cognitive‐behavioural therapy for bulimia nervosa
Authors: Matherne Camden E. , Watson Hunna , Fassnacht Daniel B. , Ali Kathina , Zerwas Stephanie , Peat Christine , Runfola Cristin , Levine Michele D. , Marcus Marsha D. , Zimmer Benjamin , Moessner Markus , Crosby Ross , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: April 2022

Objective

Cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) delivered face‐to‐face and via the internet reduces bulimia nervosa (BN) symptoms. However, our empirical understanding of factors affecting patient outcomes is limited.

Method

Using data from a randomised, controlled trial comparing internet‐based (CBT4BN, n = 78) with face‐to‐face (CBTF2F, n = 71) group CBT (97% female, M = 28 years), we examined general treatment (across conditions) and modality‐specific predictors of end‐treatment and 1‐year outcomes (abstinence, binge‐eating frequency, purging frequency).

Results

Improved eating disorder‐related quality of life (EDQOL) during treatment and follow‐up predicted abstinence at end‐treatment and 1‐year assessments. Improved EDQOL, disordered eating cognitions, and anxiety symptoms predicted less frequent binge eating and purging. Previous CBT and being employed predicted more frequent binge eating and purging at both assessments. Higher self‐transcendence and self‐directedness predicted less frequent binge eating. More severe binge eating and purging at baseline and end‐treatment predicted more frequent binge eating and purging at subsequent assessments. Improved EDQOL was more strongly associated with positive outcome in CBT4BN; improved depressive symptoms and health‐related QOL predicted positive outcome in CBT4BN but not CBTF2F.

Discussion

Symptom improvement and certain character traits predicted positive outcome, whereas more severe presentation and prior CBT experience predicted poorer outcome. Consideration of intreatment symptom improvement may facilitate care recommendations, particularly for internet‐based modalities.
Declassified intelligence satellite imagery as a tool to reconstruct past landforms and surface processes: The submerged riverscape of the Tigris River below the Mosul Dam Lake, Iraq
Authors: Forti Luca , Mariani Guido S. , Brandolini Filippo , Pezzotta Andrea , Zerboni Andrea
Published: April 2022

Located along the Tigris River in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the Mosul Dam Reservoir is the second biggest dam of the Near East and represents an important water storage for local human activities. The dam was built between 1981 and 1988 north of the village of Eski Mosul, submerging the course of the Tigris River for c. 100 km. The analysis of historical images derived from declassified Corona satellite imagery acquired between December 1967 and August 1968 reveals the pristine pattern of the Tigris River, including the seasonal changes of its riverbed, shifting across the hydrological year from meandering to anastomosing patterns. Geomorphological mapping based on Corona images allowed us to estimate the seasonal modification of fluvial elements such as the floodplain and point, middle and longitudinal bars. The comparison with Landsat data collected since the 1990s showed the first phases of the basin filling and the control on the present‐day aspect of the lake inherited from the setting of the Tigris channel belt and, more in general, the litho‐structural control over the evolution of the local hydrographic network; we also document the influence of the original Tigris River course on its recent insertion into the lake. Our work allowed reconstruction of the ancient fluvial landscape below the Mosul Dam Lake and the evolution of its riverscape controlled by litho‐structural factors and seasonal variations of the river discharge. Finally, this contribution highlights the relevance of declassified intelligence satellite imagery in interpreting natural geomorphic processes and landforms, today altered by human agency.
An Evaluation Roadmap for a more effective government
Authors:   American Evaluation Association Evaluation Policy Task Force
Published: April 2022

Consistent with the American Evaluation Association's (AEA) mission, the Evaluation Roadmap for a More Effective Government is a document approved by AEA members and the Board that outlines a vision of the role for evaluation in the federal government. The Evaluation Roadmap outlines steps to build government capacity for strengthening the practice of evaluation throughout program life cycles and for decision‐makers to use evaluation to inform policymaking. The Evaluation Roadmap was first developed in 2009 and revised by AEA in 2019 to share the lessons learned in agencies that have applied evaluation. Several agencies have used it in shaping their evaluation policies. The Evaluation Roadmap offers a strategy to guide federal agencies and the Congress as they strive to meet expectations for increasingly producing and using evidence to inform policymaking.