bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlations between building performances and design parameters of double‐skin facade utilizing perforated screen
Authors: Srisamranrungruang Thanyalak , Hiyama Kyosuke
Published: March 2021

This study investigates the effect of a perforated sheet combined with a double‐skin facade (DSPF) by varying the important building parameters, such as perforation percentage, facade orientation, and the thickness of the double‐skin facade (DSF). This study determines the energy‐saving, natural ventilation, and daylight performance of an office building in Tokyo, Japan by conducting simulations. This study discovers that the DSPF thickness does not influence the performances much and the DSPF thickness of 0.5 m is recommended. For daylighting, the system with the 40% perforation percentage on the south and 10% perforation percentage on the west is the best case of daylight access without disturbing glare in the particular view of this study. To balance natural ventilation and daylight when installing perforated screens, this research demonstrated the net heat removal in spring when the perforated percentage of 50% on the south and 30% on the west is recommended. In autumn, the net heat removal when the perforated percentage of 10% on the south and 30% on the west is recommended. This research demonstrated that the total net heat removal when the perforated percentage of 10% on the south and 30% on the west are recommended for removing heat throughout a year.
Functional dystonia: A case‐control study and risk prediction algorithm
Authors: Stephen Christopher D. , Perez David L. , Chibnik Lori B. , Sharma Nutan
Published: March 2021

Objective

Functional dystonia (FD) is a disabling and diagnostically challenging functional movement disorder (FMD). We sought to identify historical predictors of FD vs. other primary dystonias (ODs) and develop a practical prediction algorithm to guide neurologists.

Methods

1475 consecutive new patient medical records were reviewed at an adult/pediatric tertiary‐referral dystonia clinic from 2005 to 2017. Ninety‐nine met criteria for clinically established FD (85 adults and 14 pediatric), paired with 99 age/dystonia distribution‐matched OD. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of FD and disability. We formed a prediction algorithm, assessed using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC).

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis investigating independent predictors of FD (P < 0.001) followed by development of a prediction algorithm showed that the most robust predictors included abrupt onset, spontaneous resolution/recurrence, pain, cognitive complaints, being on or pursuing disability, lifetime mood/anxiety disorder, comorbid functional somatic disorders, and having ≥3 medication allergies. The prediction algorithm had utility for both adult and pediatric FD, with excellent sensitivity/specificity (89%/92%) and an area under the curve (AUC) 0.95 (0.92‐0.98). Greater disability (modified Rankin Scale) independently correlated with a number of functional examination features, unemployment/not attending school, number of medication allergies, and younger age of presentation. FD patients were high health‐care utilizers and were more frequently prescribed opiates/opioids and benzodiazepines (P < 0.003).

Interpretation

This case‐control study provides an algorithm to guide clinicians in gauging their index of suspicion for a FD, with diagnostic confirmation subsequently informed by neurological examination. While this algorithm requires prospective validation, health‐care utilization data underscore the importance and need for more research in FD.
Direct Emission of Continuously Varying Polarization of Light by Surface Treatment of a Mesogenic Luminophore
Authors: Seo Young‐Kyo , Lee You‐Jin , Kim Jae‐Hoon , Yu Chang‐Jae
Published: March 2021

Control of the polarized light generated from a luminophore has been intensively studied in organic light emitting diodes due to an enhancement of light intensity. The direct emission of highly circularly polarized light has been reported in a twist stacking of an achiral conjugated polymer by boundary surface effect without any chiral dopant. Although the twisted configuration of the emitting layer was obtained by applying different boundary conditions to two interfaces of the conjugated polymer, little study has been performed on the effect of the interfaces of the mesogenic polymer so far. Here, twist‐angle‐varying configuration in a single luminophore is designed and demonstrated to investigate an interfacial effect such as surface anchoring phenomena of conjugated mesogenic polymer. The continuously varying twisted configuration is fabricated by applying the circularly and unidirectionally rubbing method to the lower and the upper interfaces of the mesogenic luminophore, respectively. The surface anchoring and bulk elastic properties of luminophores are systematically analyzed to investigate twist deformation. Furthermore, a self‐luminous light source generating continuously varying polarization of light is demonstrated. The proposed light source can generate multi‐polarization states including linearly polarized, right‐handed circularly polarized, and left‐handed circularly polarized light in a single substrate.
CUL4B Promotes Breast Carcinogenesis by Coordinating with Transcriptional Repressor Complexes in Response to Hypoxia Signaling Pathway
Authors: Huang Wei , Zhang Jingyao , Huo Miaomiao , Gao Jie , Yang Tianshu , Yin Xin , Wang Pei , Leng Shuai , Feng Dandan , Chen Yang , Yang Yang , Wang Yan
Published: March 2021

Cullin4B (CUL4B) is a scaffold protein of the CUL4B‐Ring E3 ligase (CRL4B) complex. However, the role of CUL4B in the development of breast cancer remains poorly understood. Here it is shown that CRL4B interacts with multiple histone deacetylase (HDAC)‐containing corepressor complexes, including MTA1/NuRD, SIN3A, CoREST, and NcoR/SMRT complexes. It is demonstrated that CRL4B/NuRD(MTA1) complexes cooccupy the E‐cadherin and AXIN2 promoters, and could be recruited by transcription factors including Snail and ZEB2 to promote cell invasion and tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Remarkably, CUL4B responded to transformation and migration/invasion stimuli and is essential for multiple epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathways such as hypoxia. Furthermore, the transcription of CUL4B is directedly activated by hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and repressed by the ERα‐GATA3 axis. Overexpressing of CUL4B successfully induced CSC‐like properties. Strikingly, CUL4B expression is markedly upregulated during breast cancer progression and correlated with poor prognosis. The results suggest that CUL4B lies at a critical crossroads between EMT and stem cell properties, supporting CUL4B as a potential novel target for the development of anti‐breast cancer therapy.
Harnessing X‐Ray Energy‐Dependent Attenuation of Bismuth‐Based Nanoprobes for Accurate Diagnosis of Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Wu Shiman , Meng Xianfu , Jiang Xingwu , Wu Yelin , Zhai Shaojie , Wang Xiaoshuang , Liu Yanyan , Zhang Jiawen , Zhao Xinxin , Zhou Yan , Bu Wenbo , Yao Zhenwei
Published: March 2021

Timely detection of liver fibrosis by X‐ray computed tomography (CT) can prevent its progression to fatal liver diseases. However, it remains quite challenging because conventional CT can only identify the difference in density instead of X‐ray attenuation characteristics. Spectral CT can generate monochromatic imaging to specify X‐ray attenuation characteristics of the scanned matter. Herein, an X‐ray energy‐dependent attenuation strategy originated from bismuth (Bi)‐based nanoprobes (BiF3@PDA@HA) is proposed for the accurate diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Bi element in BiF3@PDA@HA can exhibit characteristic attenuation depending on different levels of X‐ray energy via spectral CT, and that is challenging for conventional CT. In this study, selectively accumulating BiF3@PDA@HA nanoprobes in the hepatic fibrosis areas can significantly elevate CT value for 40 Hounsfield units on 70 keV monochromatic images, successfully differentiating from healthy livers and achieving the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the enhancement produced by the BiF3@PDA@HA nanoprobes in vivo increases as the monochromatic energy decreases from 70 to 40 keV, optimizing the conspicuity of the diseased areas. As a proof of concept, the strategically designed nanoprobes with energy‐dependent attenuation characteristics not only expand the scope of CT application, but also hold excellent potential for precise imaging‐based disease diagnosis.
The CNOT4 Subunit of the CCR4‐NOT Complex is Involved in mRNA Degradation, Efficient DNA Damage Repair, and XY Chromosome Crossover during Male Germ Cell Meiosis
Authors: Dai Xing‐Xing , Jiang Yu , Gu Jia‐Hui , Jiang Zhi‐Yan , Wu Yun‐Wen , Yu Chao , Yin Hao , Zhang Jue , Shi Qing‐Hua , Shen Li , Sha Qian‐Qian , Fan Heng‐Yu
Published: March 2021

The CCR4‐NOT complex is a major mRNA deadenylase in eukaryotes, comprising the catalytic subunits CNOT6/6L and CNOT7/8, as well as CNOT4, a regulatory subunit with previously undetermined functions. These subunits have been hypothesized to play synergistic biochemical functions during development. Cnot7 knockout male mice have been reported to be infertile. In this study, viable Cnot6/6l double knockout mice are constructed, and the males are fertile. These results indicate that CNOT7 has CNOT6/6L‐independent functions in vivo. It is also demonstrated that CNOT4 is required for post‐implantation embryo development and meiosis progression during spermatogenesis. Conditional knockout of Cnot4 in male germ cells leads to defective DNA damage repair and homologous crossover between X and Y chromosomes. CNOT4 functions as a previously unrecognized mRNA adaptor of CCR4‐NOT by targeting mRNAs to CNOT7 for deadenylation of poly(A) tails, thereby mediating the degradation of a subset of transcripts from the zygotene to pachytene stage. The mRNA removal promoted by the CNOT4‐regulated CCR4‐NOT complex during the zygotene‐to‐pachytene transition is crucial for the appropriate expression of genes involved in the subsequent events of spermatogenesis, normal DNA double‐strand break repair during meiosis, efficient crossover between X and Y chromosomes, and ultimately, male fertility.
Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering Studies of Block Copolymer Nano‐Objects: Formation of Ordered Phases in Concentrated Solution During Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly
Authors: Rymaruk Matthew J. , O'Brien Cate T. , György Csilla , Darmau Bastien , Jennings James , Mykhaylyk Oleksandr O. , Armes Steven P.
Published: March 2021

We report that polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) can be used to prepare lyotropic phases comprising diblock copolymer nano‐objects in non‐polar media. RAFT dispersion polymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) at 90 °C using a trithiocarbonate‐capped hydrogenated polybutadiene (PhBD) steric stabilizer block in n‐dodecane produces either spheres or worms that exhibit long‐range order at 40 % w/w solids. NMR studies enable calculation of instantaneous copolymer compositions for each phase during the BzMA polymerization. As the PBzMA chains grow longer when targeting PhBD80–PBzMA40, time‐resolved small‐angle X‐ray scattering reveals intermediate body‐centered cubic (BCC) and hexagonally close‐packed (HCP) sphere phases prior to formation of a final hexagonal cylinder phase (HEX). The HEX phase is lost on serial dilution and the aligned cylinders eventually form disordered flexible worms. The HEX phase undergoes an order–disorder transition on heating to 150 °C and a pure HCP phase forms on cooling to 20 °C.
Iron(II)‐Catalyzed Aerobic Biomimetic Oxidation of Amines using a Hybrid Hydroquinone/Cobalt Catalyst as Electron Transfer Mediator
Authors: Guðmundsson Arnar , Manna Srimanta , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: March 2021

Herein we report the first FeII‐catalyzed aerobic biomimetic oxidation of amines. This oxidation reaction involves several electron transfer steps and is inspired by biological oxidation in the respiratory chain. The electron transfer from the amine to molecular oxygen is aided by two coupled catalytic redox systems, which lower the energy barrier and improve the selectivity of the oxidation reaction. An iron hydrogen transfer complex was utilized as the substrate‐selective dehydrogenation catalyst along with a bifunctional hydroquinone/cobalt Schiff base complex as a hybrid electron transfer mediator. Various primary and secondary amines were oxidized in air to their corresponding aldimines or ketimines in good to excellent yield.
Metal Complex Lipids for Fluid–Fluid Phase Separation in Coassembled Phospholipid Membranes
Authors: Ohtani Ryo , Anegawa Yuka , Watanabe Hikaru , Tajima Yutaro , Kinoshita Masanao , Matsumori Nobuaki , Kawano Kenichi , Yanaka Saeko , Kato Koichi , Nakamura Masaaki , Ohba Masaaki , Hayami Shinya
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate a fluid–fluid phase separation in 1,2‐dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DMPC) membranes using a metal complex lipid of type [Mn(L1)] (1; HL1=1‐(2‐hydroxybenzamide)‐2‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐formyl‐5‐hexadecyloxybenzylideneamino)ethane). Small amount of 1 produces two separated domains in DMPC, whose phase transition temperatures of lipids (Tc) are both lower than that of the pristine DMPC. Variable temperature fluorescent microscopy for giant‐unilamellar vesicles of DMPC/1 hybrids demonstrates that visible phase separations remain in fluid phases up to 37 °C, which is clearly over the Tc of DMPC. This provides a new dimension for the application of metal complex lipids toward controlling lipid distributions in fluid membranes.
Porous hollow fibers with controllable structures templated from high internal phase emulsions
Authors: Gong Xuehui , Yang Peipei , Rohm Kristen , Zhong Yi , Zhao Boran , Manas‐Zloczower Ica , Baskaran Harihara , Feke Donald L.
Published: March 2021

A technique to fabricate hollow fibers with porous walls via templating from high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) has been demonstrated. This technique provides an environmentally friendly process alternative to conventional methods for hollow‐fiber productions that typically use organic solvents. HIPEs containing acrylate monomers were extruded into an aqueous curing bath. Osmotic pressure effects, manipulated through differences in salt concentration between the curing bath and the aqueous phase within the HIPE were used to control the hollow structures of polyHIPE fibers. The technique was used to produce porous fibers (with millimeter‐scale diameters and micron‐scale pores) having a hollow core (with a diameter of 50%–75% of the fiber diameter). Two potential applications of the hollow fibers were demonstrated. In vitro drug release studies using these hollow fibers show a controlled release profile that is consistent with the microstructure of the porous fiber wall. In addition, the presence of pores in the walls of polyHIPE fibers also enable size‐selective loading and separation of functional materials from an external suspension.
Adsorption of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) on Oxygen‐rich Porous Carbon Materials Obtained from Glucose/Potassium Oxalate
Authors: Wang Huijun , Gao Jie , Xu Xiang , Liu Baogen , Yu Lingyun , Ren Yadong , Shi Rui , Zeng Zheng , Li Liqing
Published: March 2021

To investigate the effects of oxygen‐containing functional groups on the adsorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with different polarity, oxygen‐rich porous carbon materials (OPCs) were synthesized by heat treatment of glucose/potassium oxalate material. The carbon material had a large specific surface area (1697 m2 g−1) and a high oxygen content (18.95 at.%). OPC exhibited high adsorption capacity of toluene (309 mg g−1) and methanol (447 mg g−1). The specific surface area and total pore volume determined the adsorption capacity of toluene and methanol at the high‐pressure range, while the oxygen‐containing groups became the main factor affecting the methanol adsorption at the low‐pressure range due to the hydrogen bond interaction through the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This study provides an important hint for developing a novel O‐doped adsorbent for the VOCs adsorption applications and analyzing the role of oxygen‐containing groups in the VOCs adsorption under the low‐pressure range.
AI and Data Privacy: Managing Risk in the Boardroom
Authors: Kamyshanskaya Svetlana
Published: March 2021

Svetlana Kamyshanskaya is the founder of Primum Law Group, a boutique San Francisco law firm that assists international companies in starting‐up U.S. operations. In this article, she explores the legal issues directors and officers need to be aware of as their organizations embrace data collection and deploy artificial intelligence, either directly or through third‐party providers.
Review Solomon Amendment requirements and how to comply, part 1
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: March 2021

It's been almost 10 years since I wrote a column on the Solomon Amendment. At that time, Solomon had been in existence for 14 years. During those 14 somewhat stormy years, Solomon was disputed, regulated, clarified, litigated, patriotically praised and demeaned, and finally, held constitutional by the Supreme Court.
Review rulings related to the pandemic
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2021

An overview of the key topics faced by campus administrators with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Time trends of major cancers incidence and mortality in Guangzhou, China 2004–2015: A Joinpoint and Age–Period–Cohort Analysis
Authors: Luo Ao , Dong Hang , Lin Xiao , Liao Yu , Liang Binglun , Chen Long , Lin Guozhen , Hao Yuantao
Published: March 2021

Background

Cancer is an important focus of public health worldwide. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of temporal trends in incidence and mortality of leading cancer in Guangzhou, China from 2004 to 2015.

Methods

Data were collected from the population‐based registry in Guangzhou. Age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age‐standardized mortality rate (ASMR) were calculated and Joinpoint regression was used for evaluating the average annual percent changes (AAPC) among the entire study period and the estimated annual percent changes (EAPC) in time segments. The effects of age, period, and birth cohort were assessed by the age–period–cohort model.

Results

The age‐standardized incidence and mortality by the world standard population decreased significantly among males with AAPC of −1.7% (95% CI: −3.0%, 0.2%) and −2.7% (95% CI: −4.3%, −1.1%) for all malignancies during 2004–2015, while among females, the age‐standardized incidence had a non‐significant reduction with AAPC of −1.3% (95% CI: −2.8%, 0.2%) and the age‐standardized mortality demonstrated a remarkable decline (AAPC −2.0%, 95% CI: −3.6%, −0.3%). For males, the most commonly diagnosed cancers were trachea, bronchus, and lung (TBL), liver, colorectal, nasopharyngeal, stomach, and prostate cancer. For females, breast, TBL, colorectal, liver stomach, and thyroid cancer ranked the top. Unfavorable trends were observed in ASIR of colorectal, thyroid, and prostate cancer. APC models yielded different ages, periods, and birth cohort effect patterns by cancer sites.

Conclusions

Cancer burden remained a public health challenge in Guangzhou as the aging population and lifestyles changes, despite declines in incidence and mortality rates in some cancers. Surveillance of cancer trends contributed to valuable insights into cancer prevention and control.
Characterization of genetics in patients with mucosal melanoma treated with immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Buchbinder Elizabeth I. , Weirather Jason L. , Manos Michael , Quattrochi Brian J. , Sholl Lynette M. , Brennick Ryan C. , Bowling Peter , Bailey Nancy , Magarace Lisa , Ott Patrick A. , Haq Rizwan , Izar Benjamin , Giobbie‐Hurder Anita , Hodi F. Stephen
Published: March 2021

Mucosal melanoma is a rare form of melanoma which arises from melanocytes in the mucosal membranes and can be effectively treated with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, response rates in mucosal melanoma are lower than those observed for cutaneous melanomas.

Targeted sequencing of up to 447 genes (OncoPanel) was performed on tumors from all mucosal melanoma patients seen at the Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute from 2011 until March 2019.

We identified a total of 46 patients who received ICB with both tumor‐genotype and ICB response data available. Within this cohort of patients, 16 (35%) had durable clinical benefit (DCB) to their first line of ICB. The average mutational burden/megabase was 6.23 and did not correlate with tumor response to ICB. Patients with KIT aberrations had a higher DCB rate compared with patients with wildtype KIT (71 vs. 28%), but this was not found to be statistically significant. For comparison, we analyzed tumor genotypes from an additional 50 mucosal melanoma tumors and 189 cutaneous melanoma tumors. The most frequent mutations in mucosal melanoma were in SF3B1 (27%), KIT (18%), and NF1 (17%), a pattern that is distinct from cutaneous melanomas. In addition, there were genetic differences observed based upon the site of origin of the mucosal melanoma.

Our findings explore clinical features of response in patients with mucosal melanoma treated with ICB and demonstrate a low mutational burden that does not correlate with response. In addition, the lack of significant association between the genetic aberrations tested and response to ICB indicates the need for further exploration in this patient population.
Faculty athletics representatives, mentors play key roles supporting student‐athletes through pandemic
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: March 2021

Faculty athletics representatives and faculty athlete mentors have many opportunities to continue connecting with student‐athletes in meaningful ways regarding mental health and academic progress during the COVID‐19 pandemic. That was the consensus of panelists during a session of the annual NCAA Convention, held virtually in January and moderated by Jo Hopp, Ph.D., President of the Faculty Athletics Representatives Association and Physics Professor at Wisconsin‐Stout University.
Sirtuin 2 Regulates Protein LactoylLys Modifications
Authors: Jennings Erin Q. , Ray Jason D. , Zerio Christopher J. , Trujillo Marissa N. , McDonald David M. , Chapman Eli , Spiegel David A. , Galligan James J.
Published: March 2021

Post‐translational modifications (PTMs) play roles in both physiological and pathophysiological processes through the regulation of enzyme structure and function. We recently identified a novel PTM, lactoylLys, derived through a nonenzymatic mechanism from the glycolytic by‐product, lactoylglutathione. Under physiologic scenarios, glyoxalase 2 prevents the accumulation of lactoylglutathione and thus lactoylLys modifications. What dictates the site‐specificity and abundance of lactoylLys PTMs, however, remains unknown. Here, we report sirtuin 2 as a lactoylLys eraser. Using chemical biology and CRISPR‐Cas9, we show that SIRT2 controls the abundance of this PTM both globally and on chromatin. These results address a major gap in our understanding of how nonenzymatic PTMs are regulated and controlled.
Liver dysfunction associated with hyperthyroidism: Lessons from 2 Case reports
Authors: Opoku‐Akyeampong Nana Akua Afra Saarah , Agyei‐Nkansah Adwoa , Yorke Ernest
Published: March 2021

Hyperthyroidism may impact liver biochemistry negatively. Clinicians need a high index of suspicion in patients presenting with unexplained deranged liver enzymes or jaundice. Timely initiation of thionamides portends good prognosis.
Forced diuresis oriented by point‐of‐care ultrasound in cardiorenal syndrome type 5 due to light chain myeloma—The role of hepatic venogram: A case report
Authors: Galassi Andrea , Magagnoli Lorenza , Fasulo Eliana , Stucchi Andrea , Restelli Elena , Moro Alessia , Violati Martina , Cozzolino Mario
Published: March 2021

Monitoring venous congestion by ultrasound assessment of hepatic venogram allowed individualized fluid management in severe cardiorenal syndrome type 5 due to light chain myeloma, preserving residual renal function and avoiding heart failure.
Porosity Estimation of Mesoporous TiO2‐ZnO Nanocrystalline by Artificial Neural Network Modeling
Authors: Soltani Soroush , Shojaei Taha Roodbar , Khanian Nasrin , Choong Thomas Shean Yaw , Asim Nilofar , Rashid Umer
Published: March 2021

Artificial neural network was introduced for modeling and verifying the relative significance of operational variables to attain the best possible average pore diameter (Dp) of the mesoporous TiO2‐ZnO nanocrystalline synthesized by microwave‐assisted hydrothermal method. To optimize the system, the autonomous variables calcination temperature and concentrations of D‐glucose, polyethylene glycol, and Zn‐Ti were employed as input factors, Dp was designated as output. Dp was achieved from the implementation of the experimental model of the variables by the Barrett‐Joyner‐Halenda method. The network was trained by IBP, BBP, LM, QP, and GA algorithms as a model. The BBP‐4‐7‐1 model provided the optimum numerical properties among four other algorithms. Furthermore, the calcination temperature acted as the most efficient variable whilst D‐glucose concentration showed the least effect. By validating the microwave‐assisted hydrothermal conditions, in situ polymerization of poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate) was introduced to activate mesopore walls by –SO3H functional groups used for ester production by transesterification of used cooking oil, resulting in a methyl ester content of 97.4 % and excellent reusability for ten sequential reactions without any further regeneration.
Experimental Evaluation Using Plastic Waste, Paper Waste, and Coal as Fuel in a Chemical Looping Combustion Batch Reactor
Authors: Yaqub Zainab Temitope , Oboirien Bilainu Obozokhai , Hedberg Marcus , Leion Henrik
Published: March 2021

A comparative study of chemical looping combustion (CLC) with paper, plastic, and coal as fuel was carried out. Experiments were performed in a laboratory fluidized‐bed reactor by alternating between reduction and oxidation cycles. The results obtained indicated that a higher temperature leads to an increase in the CO2 yield and carbon conversion for all fuels. Paper had the highest fractional conversion of CO to CO2 followed by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and coal. This was due to the higher fraction of volatiles in paper compared to PVC and coal. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the oxygen carrier particle after each of the solid fuel experiment was carried out. For the used ilmenite, there was a slight difference in the morphology for the three different fuels.
Recent Developments on the Synthesis and Biological Activities of Fused Pyrimidinone Derivatives
Authors: Seboletswe Pule , Awolade Paul , Singh Parvesh
Published: March 2021

Heterocyclic compounds constitute a unique class of organic compounds endowed with a wide range of synthetic and pharmaceutical applications. Pyrimidinones and their fused analogues have received focused attention in this regard, partly due to their mimicry of nucleobases which consequently forges their interesting medicinal properties. Over the years, the medicinal chemistry research community has experienced an upsurge in articles describing the exploration of these scaffolds to develop effective therapeutic agents. Several biological activities, including antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, anticonvulsive, and antihistaminic, have been well documented. This minireview presents a compendium of recent developments (2017–2020) focused on the synthesis and biological activities of fused pyrimidinones. The goal is to update medicinal chemists on the therapeutic relevance of fused pyrimidinones and the molecular architecture of clinic‐worthy drug candidates. A brief account of the structure‐activity relationships (SAR) revealed from different biological assays is also discussed.
Distinct burst properties contribute to the functional diversity of thalamic nuclei
Authors: Desai Nidhi Vasant , Varela Carmen
Published: March 2021

Thalamic neurons fire spikes in two modes, burst and tonic. The function of burst firing is unclear, but the evidence suggests that bursts are more effective at activating cortical cells, and that postinhibition rebound bursting contributes to thalamocortical oscillations during sleep. Bursts are considered stereotyped signals; however, there is limited evidence regarding how burst properties compare across thalamic nuclei of different functional or anatomical organization. Here, we used whole‐cell patch clamp recordings and compartmental modeling to investigate the properties of bursts in six sensory thalamic nuclei, to study the mechanisms that can lead to different burst properties, and to assess the implications of different burst properties for thalamocortical transmission and oscillatory functions. We found that bursts in higher‐order cells on average had higher number of spikes and longer latency to the first spike. Additionally, burst features in first‐order neurons were determined by sensory modality. Shifting the voltage‐dependence and density of the T‐channel conductance in a compartmental model replicates the burst properties from the intracellular recordings, pointing to molecular mechanisms that can generate burst diversity. Furthermore, the model predicts that bursts with higher number of spikes will drastically reduce the effectiveness of thalamocortical transmission. In addition, the latency to burst limited the rebound oscillatory frequency in modeled cells. These results demonstrate that burst properties vary according to the thalamocortical hierarchy and with sensory modality. The findings imply that, while in burst mode, thalamocortical transmission and firing frequency will be determined by the number of spikes and latency to burst.
Hyperpolarization Effects in Parahydrogen Activation with Pnictogen Biradicaloids: Metal‐free PHIP and SABRE
Authors: Zhivonitko Vladimir V. , Beer Henrik , Zakharov Danila O. , Bresien Jonas , Schulz Axel
Published: March 2021

Biradicaloids attract attention as a novel class of reagents that can activate small molecules such as H2, ethylene and CO2. Herein, we study activation of parahydrogen (nuclear spin‐0 isomer of H2) by a number of 4‐ and 5‐membered pnictogen biradicaloids based on hetero‐cyclobutanediyl [X(μ‐NTer)2Z] and hetero‐cyclopentanediyl [X(μ‐NTer)2ZC(NDmp)] moieties (X,Z=P,As; Ter=2,6‐Mes2−C6H3, Dmp=2,6‐Me2−C6H3). The concerted mechanism of this reaction allowed observing strong nuclear spin hyperpolarization effects in 1H and 31P NMR experiments. Signal enhancements from two to four orders of magnitude were detected at 9.4 T depending on the structure. It is demonstrated that 4‐membered biradicaloids activate H2 reversibly, leading to SABRE (signal amplification by reversible exchange) hyperpolarization of biradicaloids themselves and their H2 adducts. In contrast, the 5‐membered counterparts demonstrate rather irreversible parahydrogen activation resulting in hyperpolarized H2 adducts only. Kinetic measurements provided parameters to support experimental observations.
Aqueous Rechargeable Zn‐ion Batteries: Strategies for Improving the Energy Storage Performance
Authors: Mallick Sourav , Raj C. Retna
Published: March 2021

The growing demand for the renewable energy storage technologies stimulated the quest for efficient energy storage devices. In recent years, the rechargeable aqueous zinc‐based battery technologies are emerging as a compelling alternative to the lithium‐based batteries owing to safety, eco‐friendliness, and cost‐effectiveness. Among the zinc‐based energy devices, rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are drawing considerable attention. However, they are plagued with several issues, including cathode dissolution, dendrite formation, etc.. Despite several efforts in the recent past, ZIBs are still in their infant stages and have yet to reach the stage of large‐scale production. Finding stable Zn2+ intercalation cathode material with high operating voltage and long cycling stability as well as dendrite‐free Zn anode is the main challenge in the development of efficient zinc‐ion storage devices. This Review discusses the various strategies, in terms of the engineering of cathode, anode and electrolyte, adopted for improving the charge storage performance of ZIBs and highlights the recent ZIB technological innovations. A brief account on the history of zinc‐based devices and various cathode materials tested for ZIB fabrication in the last five years are also included. The main focus of this Review is to provide a detailed account on the rational engineering of the electrodes, electrolytes, and separators for improving the charge storage performance with a future perspective to achieving high energy density and long cycling stability and large‐scale production for practical application.
Designing efficient soil resistivity measurement technique for agricultural wireless sensor network
Authors: Parashar Vivek , Mishra Bharat
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the study and method for measuring the electrical properties of the agricultural soil using a wireless sensor network to counter the dynamic changes in electrical properties of soils under variable rainfall and flood conditions. Soil moisture and nutrients can be correlated with the resistance of soil, which is the essential electrical property of the soil. Resistivity can help us to classify different agricultural soil types and can be used for real‐time monitoring of crop fields. The diverse resistivity soil patterns may help to classify the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. In our research work, we have taken soil from different districts of Madhya Pradesh state and classified it based on resistivity. We have also designed a low‐cost resistivity sensor module with a mathematical justification of the results. The new sensor module has been tested on different soil samples of Madhya Pradesh, and wireless sensor network (WSN) has been proposed to collect and process the data for application in the agriculture fields. The paper also describes the challenges and the various methodologies for the measurement of soil resistivity and moisture using the Internet of Things (IoT) architecture.
Serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase 1 promotes insulin resistance in adipocytes via degradation of insulin receptor substrate 1
Authors: Zhang Min , Chen Huan , Liu Meng‐si , Zhu Ke‐ying , Hao Yan , Zhu Da‐long , Li Ping
Published: March 2021

Aims

Accumulating evidence indicates that serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) plays a role in the development of metabolic syndrome via a poorly understood mechanism. This study aimed to investigate the direct effect of SGK1 on insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue.

Materials and methods

We ectopically expressed or silenced SGK1 in adipocytes via lentiviral transfection, measured glucose uptake and evaluated insulin signalling using western blotting. In vivo insulin resistance was measured at the whole‐body and adipose tissue levels in db/db mice treated with an inhibitor of SGK1.

Results

After 8 weeks of SGK1 inhibitor treatment, the serum insulin level and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index were significantly decreased, and AKT phosphorylation in adipose tissue was enhanced in db/db mice. Overexpression of constitutively active SGK1 in adipocytes in vitro decreased AKT phosphorylation and insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake. Dexamethasone and oleic acid increased SGK1 expression and decreased AKT phosphorylation and insulin receptor substrate expression in adipocytes. Administration of an inhibitor of SGK1 or Lv‐shSGK1 reversed the suppression of insulin signalling induced by dexamethasone and oleic acid. SGK1 overexpression increased FoxO1 phosphorylation, and administration of Lv‐shSGK1 reversed an increase in FoxO1 phosphorylation induced by dexamethasone and oleic acid.

Conclusions

Thus, SGK1 mediates the effect of glucocorticoids and high‐fat feeding and induces insulin resistance in adipocytes. Our data suggest that SGK1 is a possible therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome and related complications.
Color pan traps often catch less when there are more flowers around
Authors: Westerberg Lars , Berglund Hilda‐Linn , Jonason Dennis , Milberg Per
Published: March 2021

When assessing changes in populations of species, it is essential that the methods used to collect data have some level of precision and preferably also good accuracy. One commonly used method to collect pollinators is colour pan traps, but this method has been suggested to be biased by the abundance of surrounding flowers. The present study evaluated the relationship between pan trap catches and the frequency of flowers on small (25 m2) and large (2–6 ha) spatial scales. If pan traps work well, one should assume a positive relationship, that is, more insects caught when they have more food. However, in contrast, we found that catches in pan traps were often negatively affected by flower frequency. Among the six taxa evaluated, the negative bias was largest in Vespoidea and Lepturinae, while there was no bias in solitary Apoidea (Cetoniidae, Syrphidae and social Apoidea were intermediate). Furthermore, red flowers seemed to contribute most to the negative bias. There was also a tendency that the negative bias differed within the flight season and that it was higher when considering the large spatial scale compared to the small one. To conclude, pan trap catches may suffer from a negative bias due to surrounding flower frequency and color. The occurrence and magnitude of the negative bias were context and taxon dependent, and therefore difficult to adjust for. Thus, pan traps seem less suited to evaluate differences between sites and the effect of restoration, when gradients in flower density are large. Instead, it seems better suited to monitor population changes within sites, and when gradients are small.
Reproductive character displacement and potential underlying drivers in a species‐rich and florally diverse lineage of tropical angiosperms (Ruellia; Acanthaceae)
Authors: Tripp Erin A. , Dexter Kyle G. , Stone Heather B.
Published: March 2021

Reproductive character displacement is a pattern whereby sympatric lineages diverge more in reproductive character morphology than allopatric lineages. This pattern has been observed in many plant species, but comparably few have sought to disentangle underlying mechanisms. Here, in a diverse lineage of Neotropical plants (Ruellia; Acanthaceae), we present evidence of reproductive character displacement in a macroevolutionary framework (i.e., among species) and document mechanistic underpinnings. In a series of interspecific hand pollinations in a controlled glasshouse environment, we found that crosses between species that differed more in overall flower size, particularly in style length, were significantly less likely to produce viable seeds. Further, species pairs that failed to set seed were more likely to have sympatric distributions in nature. Competition for pollinators and reinforcement to avoid costly interspecific mating could both result in these patterns and are not mutually exclusive processes. Our results add to growing evidence that reproductive character displacement contributes to exceptional floral diversity of angiosperms.
Nutrient trade‐offs mediated by ectomycorrhizal strategies in plants: Evidence from an Abies species in subalpine forests
Authors: Chen Lulu , Jiang Chao , Wang Xiangping , Feng Qiuhong , Liu Xingliang , Tang Zuoxin , Sun Osbert Jianxin
Published: March 2021

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis is an evolutionary biological trait of higher plants for effective nutrient uptakes. However, little is known that how the formation and morphological differentiations of ECM roots mediate the nutrients of below‐ and aboveground plant tissues and the balance among nutrient elements across environmental gradients. Here, we investigated the effects of ECM foraging strategies on root and foliar N and P concentrations and N:P ratio Abies faxoniana under variations of climate and soil conditions.

The ECM symbionts preferentially mediated P uptake under both N and P limitations. The uptake efficiency of N and P was primarily associated with the ECM root traits, for example, ECM root tip density, superficial area of ECM root tips, and the ratio of living to dead root tips, and was affected by the ECM proliferations and morphological differentiations. The tissue N and P concentrations were positively associated with the abundance of the contact exploration type and negatively with that of the short‐distance exploration type.

Our findings indicate that the nutritional status of both below‐ and aboveground plant tissues can be strongly affected by ECM symbiosis in natural environments. Variations in the ECM strategies in response to varying environmental conditions significantly influence plant nutrient uptakes and trade‐offs.
Changes in left ventricular structure and function associated with renal transplantation: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pickup Luke C. , Law Jonathan P. , Radhakrishnan Ashwin , Price Anna M. , Loutradis Charalampos , Smith Toby O. , Edwards Nicola C. , Steeds Richard P. , Townend Jonathan N. , Ferro Charles J.
Published: March 2021

Aims

This study aimed to examine if the cardiac changes associated with uraemic cardiomyopathy are reversed by renal transplantation.

Methods and results

MEDLINE, Embase, OpenGrey, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from 1950 to March 2020. The primary outcome measure was left ventricular mass index. Secondary outcome measures included left ventricular dimensions and measures of diastolic and systolic function. Studies were included if they used any imaging modality both before and after successful renal transplantation. Data were analysed through meta‐analysis approaches. Weight of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Twenty‐three studies used echocardiography, and three used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging as their imaging modality. The methodological quality of the evidence was generally poor. Four studies followed up control groups, two using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and two using echocardiography. Meta‐analysis of these studies indicated that there was no difference in left ventricular mass index between groups following transplantation {standardized mean difference −0.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.41 to 0.26]; P = 0.67}. There was also no difference observed in left ventricular ejection fraction [mean difference 0.39% (95% CI −4.09% to 4.87%); P = 0.86] or left ventricular end‐diastolic volume [standardized mean difference −0.24 (95% CI −0.94 to 0.45); P = 0.49]. Inconsistent reporting of changes in diastolic dysfunction did not allow for any meaningful analysis or interpretation.

Conclusions

The evidence does not support the notion that uraemic cardiomyopathy is reversible by renal transplantation. However, the evidence is limited by methodological weaknesses, which should be considered when interpreting these findings.
2’‐Derivatisation of 3’‐C‐Methyl Pyrimidine Nucleosides
Authors: Couturier Sarah , Peyrottes Suzanne , Périgaud Christian
Published: March 2021

The stereoselective synthesis of some 3’‐deoxy‐3’‐C‐methyl pyrimidine nucleosides is reported. The studied modifications concern the inversion of the configuration in 2’‐position as well as the introduction of fluoro and azido substituents. The corresponding arabinonucleoside and 2’‐substituted ribonucleoside analogs of uracil and cytosine have been obtained and fully characterized. Attempts to introduce fluoro and azido substituents with inversion at C‐2’ are also presented.
Quasi‐phase resolved partial discharge pattern analysis of surface discharges arising on the tar polluted porcelain bushing of an electrostatic precipitator unit under high voltage DC
Authors: Schröder Philipp , Neubauer York , Schoenemann Thomas , Arumugam Saravanakumar
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates on understanding the DC electrical discharges arising on the surface of feed‐through type indoor bushing with tar depositions. Such information not only provides diagnostic status but also characterizes the multitude of species forming tar depositions which is currently unavailable in literatures. The current practice on analyzing surface discharges initiated under DC voltage employs primitive methods that accounts for the individual discharge events over a larger span rendering it less sensitive and time consuming. The usual practice is to count the discharge events initiated under DC voltage as PD pulses and count the events, repetition rates, time of occurrence, and so forth, to estimate the severity of the fault condition. On contrary, synchronizing these discharge pulses to the phase of the AC voltage, input to the rectifier unit, manifests a pattern, which is time independent and is sensitive in revealing diagnostic status of the bushing. These objectives are initially verified on a sample extracted from a tar polluted bushing. A half‐wave bridge rectifier that produces an uncontrolled positive and negative DC voltage is selected to initiate surface discharges. Pertinent pulses are then correlated to the phase of the AC voltage input to the rectifier and a quasi‐phase resolved partial discharge pattern (QPRPD) is developed. Using this QPRPD pattern, the significance of positive and negative DC voltages applied on the surface of the polluted sample is studied and the inception of discharges events and their correlation to the defect conditions are evaluated. Following this, the pertinent findings are validated on an actual bushing installed in an electrostatic precipitator unit applied for cleaning producer gas generated in a biomass gasification plant.
A Transcriptomic Signature for Risk‐Stratification and Recurrence Prediction in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wada Yuma , Shimada Mitsuo , Yamamura Kensuke , Toshima Takeo , Banwait Jasjit K , Morine Yuji , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Saito Yu , Baba Hideo , Mori Masaki , Goel Ajay
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims

Tumor recurrence is frequent even in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and improved strategies are needed to identify patients at highest risk for such recurrence. We performed genome‐wide expression profile analyses to discover and validate a gene signature associated with recurrence in patients with ICC.

Approach and Results

For biomarker discovery, we analyzed genome‐wide transcriptomic profiling in ICC tumors from two public data sets: The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 27) and GSE107943 (n = 28). We identified an eight‐gene panel (BIRC5 [baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5], CDC20 [cell division cycle 20], CDH2 [cadherin 2], CENPW [centromere protein W], JPH1 [junctophilin 1], MAD2L1 [mitotic arrest deficient 2 like 1], NEIL3 [Nei like DNA glycosylase 3], and POC1A [POC1 centriolar protein A]) that robustly identified patients with recurrence in the discovery (AUC = 0.92) and in silico validation cohorts (AUC = 0.91). We next analyzed 241 specimens from patients with ICC (training cohort, n = 64; validation cohort, n = 177), followed by Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, to develop an integrated transcriptomic panel and establish a risk‐stratification model for recurrence in ICC. We subsequently trained this transcriptomic panel in a clinical cohort (AUC = 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79‐0.95), followed by evaluating its performance in an independent validation cohort (AUC = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.80‐0.90). By combining our transcriptomic panel with various clinicopathologic features, we established a risk‐stratification model that was significantly superior for the identification of recurrence (AUC = 0.89; univariate HR = 6.08, 95% CI = 3.55‐10.41, P < 0.01; and multivariate HR = 3.49, 95% CI = 1.81‐6.71, P < 0.01). The risk‐stratification model identified potential recurrence in 85% of high‐risk patients and nonrecurrence in 76% of low‐risk patients, which is dramatically superior to currently used pathological features.

Conclusions

We report a transcriptomic signature for risk‐stratification and recurrence prediction that is superior to currently used clinicopathological features in patients with ICC.