bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding postural behaviors and food geometric and material properties in bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus)
Authors: Laird Myra F. , Punjani Zeenia , Oshay Rachel R. , Wright Barth W. , Fogaça Mariana Dutra , van Casteren Adam , Izar Patrícia , Visalberghi Elisabetta , Fragazy Dorothy , Strait David S. , Ross Callum F. , Wright Kristin A.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Foods that are geometrically and mechanically challenging to eat have been associated with specializations in feeding behavior and craniodental morphology across primates, and many of these foods are embedded, requiring a variety of positional behaviors during feeding. However, variation in positional behaviors in response to food properties is not well understood. Here, we examine differences in feeding postural behaviors across feeding events in relation to substrate and food geometric and material properties in a species of extractive foragers, bearded capuchins (Sapajus libidinosus).

Methods and materials

We coded over 1400 co‐occurring postural and feeding behaviors, their durations, and relative sizes of substrate and food from videos recorded at Fazenda Boa Vista in Gilbués, Piauí, Brazil. Food material properties were measured from foods collected at the time of the video recordings.

Results

Our results suggest that bearded capuchin feeding postures significantly differ across the feeding sequence, with substrate size, and between foods of high and low toughness and elastic modulus. Feeding postures were less variable for highly mechanically challenging foods. Food size also had a significant effect on postural behaviors. Large foods were more likely to be associated with suspended postures and small foods with sitting and squatting. Feeding postural behaviors were best explained by a combination of substrate and food variables.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that food geometric and mechanical properties have a significant influence on feeding postural behaviors in bearded capuchins. We posit that feeding postural behaviors reflect a combination of substrate variables and food properties, and large, mechanically challenging foods have a limiting effect on postural variation.
Reductant‐Free Cross‐Electrophile Synthesis of Di(hetero)arylmethanes by Palladium‐Catalyzed Desulfinative C−C Coupling
Authors: McKnight Janette , Shavnya Andre , Sach Neal W. , Blakemore David C. , Moses Ian B. , Willis Michael C.
Published: February 2022

An efficient Pd‐catalyzed one‐pot desulfinative cross‐coupling to access medicinally relevant di(hetero)arylmethanes is reported. The method is reductant‐free, and involves a sulfinate transfer reagent and a Pd‐catalyst mediating the union of two electrophilic coupling partners; a (hetero)aryl halide and a benzyl halide. We establish for the first time that benzyl sulfinates, generated in situ, undergo efficient Pd‐catalyzed desulfinative cross‐coupling with (hetero)aryl halides to generate di(hetero)arylmethanes. The reaction can be extended to benzylic pseudohalides derived from benzyl alcohols. The reactions are straightforward to perform and scalable, and all reaction components are commercially available.
Directing Multivalent Aptamer‐Receptor Binding on the Cell Surface with Programmable Atom‐Like Nanoparticles
Authors: Guo Linjie , Zhang Yueyue , Wang Yue , Xie Mo , Dai Jiangbing , Qu Zhibei , Zhou Mo , Cao Shuting , Shi Jiye , Wang Lihua , Zuo Xiaolei , Fan Chunhai , Li Jiang
Published: February 2022

Multivalent interactions of biomolecules play pivotal roles in physiological and pathological settings. Whereas the directionality of the interactions is crucial, the state‐of‐the‐art synthetic multivalent ligand–receptor systems generally lack programmable approaches for orthogonal directionality. Here, we report the design of programmable atom‐like nanoparticles (aptPANs) to direct multivalent aptamer–receptor binding on the cell interface. The positions of the aptamer motifs can be prescribed on tetrahedral DNA frameworks to realize atom‐like orthogonal valence and direction, enabling the construction of multivalent molecules with fixed aptamer copy numbers but different directionality. These directional‐yet‐flexible aptPAN molecules exhibit the adaptability to the receptor distribution on cell surfaces. We demonstrate the high‐affinity tumor cell binding with a linear aptPAN oligomer (≈13‐fold improved compared to free aptamers), which leads to ≈50 % suppression of cell growth.
Aqueous CO2 Reduction on Si Photocathodes Functionalized by Cobalt Molecular Catalysts/Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Wen Zhibing , Xu Suxian , Zhu Yong , Liu Guoquan , Gao Hua , Sun Licheng , Li Fei
Published: February 2022

Photoelectrochemical reduction of CO2 is a promising approach for renewable fuel production. We herein report a novel strategy for preparation of hybrid photocathodes by immobilizing molecular cobalt catalysts on TiO2‐protected n+‐p Si electrodes (Si|TiO2) coated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by π–π stacking. Upon loading a composite of CoII(BrqPy) (BrqPy=4′,4′′‐bis(4‐bromophenyl)‐2,2′ : 6′,2′′ : 6′′,2′′′‐quaterpyridine) catalyst and CNT on Si|TiO2, a stable 1‐Sun photocurrent density of −1.5 mA cm−2 was sustained over 2 h in a neutral aqueous solution with unity Faradaic efficiency and selectivity for CO production at a bias of zero overpotential (−0.11 V vs. RHE), associated with a turnover frequency (TOFCO) of 2.7 s−1. Extending the photoelectrocatalysis to 10 h, a remarkable turnover number (TONCO) of 57000 was obtained. The high performance shown here is substantially improved from the previously reported photocathodes relying on covalently anchored catalysts.
Theoretical Optimization of Compositions of High‐Entropy Oxides for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction**
Authors: Svane Katrine L. , Rossmeisl Jan
Published: February 2022

High‐entropy oxides are oxides consisting of five or more metals incorporated in a single lattice, and the large composition space suggests that properties of interest can be readily optimised. For applications within catalysis, the different local atomic environments result in a distribution of binding energies for the catalytic intermediates. Using the oxygen evolution reaction on the rutile (110) surface as example, here we outline a strategy for the theoretical optimization of the composition. Density functional theory calculations performed for a limited number of sites are used to fit a model that predicts the reaction energies for all possible local atomic environments. Two reaction pathways are considered; the conventional pathway on the coordinatively unsaturated sites and an alternative pathway involving transfer of protons to a bridging oxygen. An explicit model of the surface is constructed to describe the interdependency of the two pathways and identify the composition that maximizes catalytic activity.
Colloidal Bismuth Chalcohalide Nanocrystals
Authors: Quarta Danila , Toso Stefano , Giannuzzi Roberto , Caliandro Rocco , Moliterni Anna , Saleh Gabriele , Capodilupo Agostina‐Lina , Debellis Doriana , Prato Mirko , Nobile Concetta , Maiorano Vincenzo , Infante Ivan , Gigli Giuseppe , Giannini Cinzia , Manna Liberato , Giansante Carlo
Published: February 2022

Here we present a colloidal approach to synthesize bismuth chalcohalide nanocrystals (BiEX NCs, in which E=S, Se and X=Cl, Br, I). Our method yields orthorhombic elongated BiEX NCs, with BiSCl crystallizing in a previously unknown polymorph. The BiEX NCs display a composition‐dependent band gap spanning the visible spectral range and absorption coefficients exceeding 105 cm−1. The BiEX NCs show chemical stability at standard laboratory conditions and form colloidal inks in different solvents. These features enable the solution processing of the NCs into robust solid films yielding stable photoelectrochemical current densities under solar‐simulated irradiation. Overall, our versatile synthetic protocol may prove valuable in accessing colloidal metal chalcohalide nanomaterials at large and contributes to establish metal chalcohalides as a promising complement to metal chalcogenides and halides for applied nanotechnology.
Using species distribution modelling to identify ‘coldspots’ for conservation of freshwater fishes under a changing climate
Authors: Stewart Barbara A. , Ford Benjamin M. , Benson Justin A.
Published: February 2022

Like other Mediterranean regions, south‐western Australia is predicted to experience an increase in temperature and drought conditions as a result of climate change, leading to altered species distributions. This study provides the first assessment of the effectiveness of the reserve system in Australia for conserving native freshwater fish by considering the congruence between protected areas and potential climate refugia in a global biodiversity hotspot.

Using species distribution modelling, exposure to climate change was predicted for 13 native fish taxa, and priority areas (refugia) for fish conservation were identified by overlapping the present and future suitable climate envelopes of these taxa. Areas with climate refugia for >70% of the native freshwater fish fauna were recognized as ‘coldspots’.

Two taxa were predicted to lose all suitable climate in the region by 2080, and five other taxa were predicted to lose >80% of their area of suitable climate. A ‘coldspot’ was identified consisting of a core area where >80% of taxa were predicted to persist and a larger surrounding area where >70% of taxa were predicted to persist.

Although 93% of the core area of the coldspot is at present contained within the established protected areas network, only 26% of the surrounding area is contained within reserve boundaries. Future conservation actions, including the design and implementation of the protected area network, should take this coldspot into consideration.
Racism, structural racism, and the American Association for Anatomy: Initial report from a task force
Authors: Sumner Dale R. , Hildebrandt Sabine , Nesbitt Allison , Carroll Melissa A. , Smocovitis Vassiliki B. , Laitman Jeffrey T. , Beresheim Amy C. , Ramnanan Christopher J. , Blakey Michael L.
Published: February 2022

In 2021, the American Association for Anatomy (AAA) Board of Directors appointed a Task Force on Structural Racism to understand how the laws, rules, and practices in which the Association formed, developed and continues to exist affect membership and participation. This commentary is the first public report from the Task Force. We focus on African Americans with some comments on Jews and women, noting that all marginalized groups deserve study. Through much of its 130 year history, some members were an essential part of perpetuating racist ideas, the Association largely ignored racism and had some practices that prevented participation. The Task Force concluded that individual and structural racism within the AAA, combined with the broader social context in which the Association developed, contributed to the current underrepresentation of African Americans who constitute 4.1% of the membership even though 13.4% of the U.S. population is Black. Intentional efforts within the AAA to reckon with racism and other forms of bias have only begun in the last 10–20 years. These actions have led to more diverse leadership within the Association, and it is hoped that these changes will positively affect the recruitment and retention of marginalized people to science in general and anatomy in particular. The Task Force recommends that the AAA Board issue a statement of responsibility to acknowledge its history. Furthermore, the Task Force advocates that the Board commit to (a) sustaining ongoing projects to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion and (b) dedicating additional resources to facilitate novel initiatives.
Phenyl Selenide‐Based Precursors as Hydrogen Peroxide Inducible DNA Interstrand Cross‐Linkers
Authors: Yu Dehao , Fan Heli , Sun Jing , Xue Li , Wang Luo , Jia Yuanyuan , Tian Junyu , Sun Huabing
Published: February 2022

DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) are highly toxic DNA lesions, and induce cell death by blocking DNA strand separation. Most ICL agents aiming to kill cancer cells, also generate adverse side effects to normal cells. H2O2‐inducible DNA ICL agents are highly selective for targeting cancer cells, as the concentration of H2O2 is higher in cancer cells than normal cells. Previous studies have focused on arylboronate‐based precursors, reacting with H2O2 to generate reactive quinone methides (QMs) crosslinking DNA. Here we explore phenyl selenide‐based precursors 1–3 as H2O2‐inducible DNA ICL agents. The precursors 1–3 can be activated by H2O2 to generate the good benzylic leaving group and promote production of reactive QMs to crosslink DNA. Moreover, the DNA cross‐linking ability is enhanced by the introduction of substituents in the para‐position of the phenolic hydroxyl group. From the substituents explored (H, OMe, F), the introduction of electron donating group (OMe) shows a pronounced elevating effect. Further mechanistic studies at the molecular and DNA levels confirm alkylation sites located mainly at dAs, dCs and dGs in DNA. Additionally, cellular experiments reveal that agents 1–3 exhibit higher cytotoxicity toward H1299 human lung cancer cells compared to clinically used drugs, by inducing cellular DNA damage, apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. This study provides a strategy to develop H2O2‐inducible DNA interstrand cross‐linkers.
Thiourea‐ and Amino‐Substituted Benzoxadiazole Dyes with Large Stokes Shifts as Red‐Emitting Probe Monomers for Imprinted Polymer Layers Targeting Carboxylate‐Containing Antibiotics
Authors: Valderrey Virginia , Gawlitza Kornelia , Rurack Knut
Published: February 2022

Bifunctional fluorescent molecular oxoanion probes based on the benzoxadiazole (BD) chromophore are described which integrate a thiourea binding motif and a polymerizable 2‐aminoethyl methacrylate unit in the 4,7‐positions of the BD core. Concerted charge transfer in this electron donor‐acceptor‐donor architecture endows the dyes with strongly Stokes shifted (up to >250 nm) absorption and fluorescence. Binding of electron‐rich carboxylate guests at the thiourea receptor leads to further analyte‐induced red‐shifts of the emission, shifting the fluorescence maximum of the complexes to ≥700 nm. Association constants for acetate are ranging from 1–5×105 M−1 in acetonitrile. Integration of one of the fluorescent probes through its polymerizable moiety into molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) grafted from the surface of submicron silica cores yielded fluorescent MIP‐coated particle probes for the selective detection of antibiotics containing aliphatic carboxylate groups such as enoxacin (ENOX) at micromolar concentrations in highly polar solvents like acetonitrile.
Dielectric Spectroscopy Can Predict the Effect of External AC Fields on the Dynamic Adsorption of Lysozyme
Authors: Benavidez Tomás E. , Guerra José D. S. , Garcia Carlos D.
Published: February 2022

This report describes the application of dielectric spectroscopy as a simple and fast way to guide protein adsorption experiments. Specifically, the polarization behavior of a layer of adsorbed lysozyme was investigated using a triangular‐wave signal with frequencies varying from 0.5 to 2 Hz. The basic experiment, which can be performed in less than 5 min and with a single sample, not only allowed confirming the susceptibility of the selected protein towards the electric signal but also identified that this protein would respond more efficiently to signals with lower frequencies. To verify the validity of these observations, the adsorption behavior of lysozyme onto optically transparent carbon electrodes was also investigated under the influence of an applied alternating potential. In these experiments, the applied signal was defined by a sinusoidal wave with an amplitude of 100 mV and superimposed to +800 mV (applied as a working potential) and varying the frequency in the 0.1–10000 Hz range. The experimental data showed that the greatest adsorbed amounts of lysozyme were obtained at the lowest tested frequencies (0.1–1.0 Hz), results that are in line with the corresponding dielectric features of the protein.
Myoepithelial carcinoma of soft tissue is a diagnostic challenge on fine‐needle aspiration: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Wang Lucy , Yee‐Chang Melissa , Sun Wei , Melamed Jonathan , Simsir Aylin , Shi Yan
Published: February 2022

Myoepithelial carcinoma (MEC) of soft tissue, also known as malignant myoepithelial tumor, is an uncommon malignancy. Cytologic diagnosis of this entity is challenging due to its rarity and heterogeneous morphology. We report a case of MEC in a 22‐year‐old man, who presented with a 6.5 cm soft tissue mass on his right distal forearm that has been enlarging over the past 3 months. Ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) revealed abundant isolated neoplastic cells ranging from spindled cells to epithelioid and plasmacytoid morphology in a myxoid background. These cells showed moderate cytologic atypia characterized by high‐nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, irregular nuclear contours, and prominent nucleoli. The cytoplasm varied from dense to vacuolated and occasionally rhabdoid with intracytoplasmic inclusions. Scattered bi‐ and multinucleated cells were identified. A diagnosis of high‐grade malignancy was made with the differential diagnosis including rhabdomyosarcoma and melanoma. A subsequent core biopsy of the tumor showed immunoreactivity for pan‐cytokeratins, calponin, p63, and smooth muscle actin. INI‐1 was lost. SOX‐10 and Melan‐A were negative. Molecular studies showed loss ofSMARCB1(INI‐1) andCDKN2A. Gene fusion studies did not detect any fusion. A diagnosis of soft tissue MEC was made which is a challenge on FNA due to several cytologic mimickers including rhabdomyosarcoma, epithelioid sarcoma, extrarenal rhabdoid tumor, extra‐axial chordoma and melanoma. Recognition of the biphasic cell population in a myxoid background and a battery of immunohistochemical stains are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Super‐users and hyper‐experts in the provision of policy advice: Evidence from a survey of Canadian academics
Authors: Migone Andrea , McGregor Michael R. , Brock Kathy , Howlett Michael
Published: February 2022

The relationships of influence and activity between academics and other actors (public, private, and non‐governmental) in the policy process are complex. Although older work often argued academic research at best had an indirect “environmental” or “enlightenment” effect on policy‐makers, (May et al. (2016). Journal of Public Policy, 36, 195) recently argued that in the US case previous studies misconstrued the role of academic policy advice because they surveyed “average” academics and in so doing missed the significant impact of a small elite group of “hyper‐experts” within an already small group of “super‐users” interacting on a constant basis with government policy‐makers. This article draws upon data from a survey of academics in four fields (Business, Engineering, Health and Politics) in six major Canadian Universities to map out the relationships existing between academics and other actors in the public, private, and non‐governmental sectors and test for the existence of this elite pattern of interaction in a second country.
Multiuser steered signed quadrature spatial modulation for millimeter‐wave massive multiple‐input multiple‐output with hybrid beamforming
Authors: Elganimi Taissir Y. , Abu‐Hudrouss Ammar M. , Rabie Khaled M.
Published: February 2022

In this article, signed quadrature spatial modulation (SQSM) scheme is intrinsically amalgamated with both fully digital geometric mean decomposition (GMD)‐based precoding technique and analog beamforming (ABF) for transmission over millimeter‐wave (mmWave) channel. Explicitly, the proposed scheme combines SQSM and GMD‐based hybrid beamforming (HBF) in downlink multiuser scenario, where the Frobenius norm‐based user selection algorithm is considered. This proposed scheme is denoted as multiuser steered SQSM (MUS‐SQSM). The ABF is used to mitigate the severity of the propagation loss in mmWave band by using power amplifiers and phase shifters. The performance of the proposed scheme in terms of both the bit error rate and the average mutual information is assessed in comparison to the conventional SQSM scheme performance. Simulation results show that significant improvements are realized by both the user selection algorithm and the application of ABF technique as the number of antenna array elements increases. It is also demonstrated that MUS‐SQSM scheme is robust against the channel estimation errors. Furthermore, the proposed MUS‐SQSM scheme with HBF benefits from the multiplexing gain of SQSM, the diversity gain of serving multiple users, and from the beamforming gain. All these gains increase the energy efficiency of the proposed model; thus, the proposed scheme can be considered in 5G wireless systems deployment.
Methodological advances of bioanalysis and biochemical targeting of intracellular G‐quadruplexes
Authors: Teng Xucong , Dai Yicong , Li Jinghong
Published: February 2022

G‐quadruplexes (G4s) are a kind of non‐canonical nucleic acid secondary structures, which involve in various biological processes in living cells. The relationships between G4s and human diseases, such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections, have attracted great attention in the last decade. G4s are considered as a promising new target for disease treatment. For instance, G4 ligands are reported to be potentially effective in SARS‐COV‐2 treatment. However, because of the lack of analytical methods with high performance for the identification of intracellular G4s, the detailed mechanisms of the biofunctions of G4s remain elusive. Meanwhile, through demonstrating the principles of how the G4s systematically modulate the cellular processes with advanced detection methods, biochemical targeting of G4s in living cells can be realized by chemical and biological tools and becomes useful in biomedicine. This review highlights recent methodological advances about intracellular G4s and provides an outlook on the improvement of the bioanalysis and biochemical targeting tools of G4s.
Small molecule profiling to define synergistic EGFR inhibitor combinations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Michmerhuizen Nicole L. , Ludwig Megan L. , Birkeland Andrew C. , Nimmagadda Sai , Zhai Jingyi , Wang Jiayu , Jewell Brittany M. , Genouw Dylan , Remer Lindsay , Kim Daniel , Foltin Susan K. , Bhangale Apurva , Kulkarni Aditi , Bradford Carol R. , Swiecicki Paul L. , Carey Thomas E. , Jiang Hui , Brenner J. Chad
Published: February 2022

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a debilitating disease with poor survival. Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐targeting antibody cetuximab improves survival in some settings, responses are limited suggesting that alternative approaches are needed.

Methods

We performed a high throughput drug screen to identify EGFR inhibitor‐based synergistic combinations of clinically advanced inhibitors in models resistant to EGFR inhibitor monotherapies, and then performed downstream validation experiments on prioritized synergistic combinations.

Results

From our screen, we re‐discovered known synergistic EGFR inhibitor combinations with FGFR or IGF‐1R inhibitors that were broadly effective and also discovered novel synergistic combinations with XIAP inhibitor and DNMT inhibitors that were effective in only a subset of models.

Conclusions

Conceptually, our data identify novel synergistic combinations that warrant evaluation in future studies, and suggest that some combinations, although highly synergistic, will require parallel companion diagnostic development to be effectively advanced in patients.
Prospective investigation of herpesvirus infection and risk of glioma
Authors: Coghill Anna E. , Kim Youngchul , Hodge James M. , Bender Noemi , Smith‐Warner Stephanie A. , Teras Lauren R. , Grimsrud Tom K. , Waterboer Tim , Egan Kathleen M.
Published: February 2022

Glioma is an aggressive neoplasm of the brain with poorly understood etiology. A limited number of pathogens have been examined as glioma risk factors, but data from prospective studies with infection status determined before disease are lacking. Herpesviruses comprise a large family of DNA viruses that infect humans and are linked to a range of chronic diseases. We conducted a prospective evaluation of the association between antibody to six human herpesviruses and glioma risk in the Janus Serum Bank (Janus) and the Cancer Prevention Study‐II (CPS‐II). In Janus and CPS‐II, the risk for glioma was not related to seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus‐1, varicella zoster virus, or human herpes viruses 6A or 6B. In Janus, seropositivity to either the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) EA[D] or VCAp18 antigen was associated with a lower risk of glioma (ORs: 0.55 [95% CI 0.32‐0.94] and 0.57 [95% CI 0.38‐0.85]). This inverse association was consistent by histologic subtype and was observed for gliomas diagnosed up to two decades following antibody measurement. In Janus, seropositivity to at least one of three examined cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens (pp150, pp52, pp28) was associated with an increased risk of nonglioblastoma (OR: 2.08 [95% CI 1.07‐4.03]). This association was limited to tumors diagnosed within 12 years of antibody measurement. In summary, we report evidence of an inverse association between exposure to EBV and glioma. We further report that CMV exposure may be related to a higher likelihood of the nonglioblastoma subtype.
Corporate board and dynamics of capital structure: Evidence from UK, France and Germany
Authors: Ezeani Ernest , Kwabi Frank , Salem Rami , Usman Muhammad , Alqatamin Rateb Mohammad Hamad , Kostov Philip
Published: February 2022

Theoretical arguments suggest that capital structure will adjust to the dynamics of the corporate governance environment. In line with this prediction, we examine the impact of board characteristics on capital structure dynamics and the speed of adjustment. Using 2690 firm‐year observations for 2009–2018, we find that firms in a stakeholder‐oriented corporate governance environment adjust their leverage faster than those in a shareholder‐oriented environment. We also find that corporate board characteristics influence firms' capital structure and speed of adjustment towards target leverage. Our findings are robust to alternative measures of leverage and endogeneity. The overall evidence supports the relevance of the corporate board's composition in both shareholder‐oriented and stakeholder‐oriented corporate governanc (CG) environments. We conclude that board composition mitigates agency conflict.
Comparison of procedure times and collection efficiencies using integrated and multistep nonintegrated procedures for extracorporeal photopheresis
Authors: Mayer Wolfgang , Kontekakis Antonis , Maas Christopher , Kuchenbecker Ulrike , Behlke Susanne , Schennach Harald
Published: February 2022

Background

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a blood‐based therapeutic procedure increasingly used for modulation of immune dysregulation in various underlying disease settings. The aim of this study was to compare the procedure times and blood collection efficiencies between the two approaches currently utilized in European centers: the integrated versus the multistep nonintegrated procedures.

Methods

A retrospective data analysis was conducted, comparing treatment data from patients who received ECP therapy at the Central Institute for Blood Transfusion & Department of Immunology (ZIB) of the Tirol Kliniken GmbH, where the integrated and multistep nonintegrated procedures are routinely used in an approximated setup.

Results

During the observation period, a total of 15 patients who were treated with alternating systems on 2 consecutive days were identified. This allowed treatment pair comparisons with minimal interpatient variabilities, similar to a cross‐over design even though analyzed retrospectively. Total average procedure times with the integrated system were 99.3 vs 122.0 minutes with the multistep nonintegrated procedures, respectively. Significant differences were observed for all steps of the ECP procedure: (a) time for buffy coat collection, 66.5 vs 74.7; (b) handling/transfer, 2.8 vs 18.7; (c) irradiation, 20.3 vs 11.7; and (d) reinfusion/handling time, 9.6 vs 16.3 minutes. The calculated collection throughput was 7.79 mL/min for the integrated and 7.84 mL/min for the multistep nonintegrated procedures, and with a white blood cell (WBC) collection efficiency of 34.2% and 21.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

The data presented in this study show a significant shorter overall procedure time and higher WBC collection efficiency for the integrated ECP system.
Synthesis of trifluoromethyl or trifluoroacetyl substituted heterocyclic compounds from trifluoromethyl‐α,β‐ynones
Authors: Zhang Cai
Published: February 2022

Recent advances in the synthesis of trifluoromethyl or trifluoroacetyl substituted heterocyclic compounds by use of trifluoromethyl‐α,β‐ynones are summarized. Seven approaches will be reviewed and divided into (a) synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐pyridines, trifluoromethyl‐quinolines, and trifluoroacetyl‐quinolines; (b) synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐oxazinopyridines and trifluoromethyl‐oxazinoquinolines; (c) synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐pyrazoles, trifluoromethyl‐isoxazoles, and trifluoromethyl‐pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyridines; (d) synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐pyrroles, trifluoromethyl‐thiophenes, trifluoromethyl‐dihydrofurans, and trifluoromethyl‐isochromanone; (e) synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐pyrimidines, (f) synthesis of trifluoroacetyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles; (g) synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐aziridines and trifluoromethyl‐[1,4]diazepines.
The relationship between disordered eating behaviour and the five factor model personality dimensions: A systematic review
Authors: Gilmartin Tanya , Gurvich Caroline , Sharp Gemma
Published: February 2022

The relationship between personality and eating disorders has received significant research attention. This review aimed to synthesize research regarding the Five Factor Model (FFM) and disordered eating behaviors, to gain an improved understanding of the relationship between normal‐range personality and subclinical eating disorders. Electronic Databases were used to identify studies published in English that utilized self‐report measures of disordered eating and the FFM. A qualitative synthesis of 45 papers was then conducted. High scores on Neuroticism were associated with increased disordered eating behavior. Different disordered eating behaviors were found to have unique relationships with personality dimensions. Facets within domains varied in direction of correlation with disordered eating behaviors, particularly in the Agreeableness, Contentiousness, and Openness domains. The results indicate that, further research is needed before generalizing treatment approaches for eating disorders for females, males, and gender diverse populations.
Crosstalk between ERK and MRTF‐A signaling regulates TGFβ1‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Nalluri Sandeep M. , Sankhe Chinmay S. , O'Connor Joseph W. , Blanchard Paul L. , Khouri Joelle N. , Phan Steven H. , Virgi Gage , Gomez Esther W.
Published: February 2022

Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological process that is essential during embryogenesis and wound healing and also contributes to pathologies including fibrosis and cancer. EMT is characterized by marked gene expression changes, loss of cell–cell contacts, remodeling of the cytoskeleton, and acquisition of enhanced motility. In the late stages of EMT, cells can exhibit myofibroblast‐like properties with enhanced expression of the mesenchymal protein marker α‐smooth muscle actin and contractile activity. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 is a well‐known inducer of EMT and it activates a plethora of signaling cascades including extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK). Previous reports have demonstrated a role for ERK signaling in the early stages of EMT, but the molecular impacts of ERK signaling on the late stages of EMT are still unknown. Here, we found that inhibition of the phosphorylation of ERK enhances focal adhesions, stress fiber formation, cell contractility, and gene expression changes associated with TGFβ1‐induced EMT in mammary epithelial cells. These effects are mediated in part by the phosphorylation state and subcellular localization of myocardin‐related transcription factor‐A. These findings indicate that the intricate crosstalk between signaling cascades plays an important role in regulating the progression of EMT and suggests new approaches to control EMT processes.
Laparoscopic Glissonian pedicle versus hilar dissection approach hemihepatectomy: A prospective, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liao Ke‐Xi , Yu Fan , Cao Li , Wang Bao‐Lin , Li Xue‐Song , Wang Xiao‐Jun , Li Jian‐Wei , Fan Yu‐Dong , Chen Jian , Zheng Shu‐Guo
Published: February 2022

Background/Purpose

This over 7‐year case study is the first to compare the results of laparoscopic Glissonian pedicle approach hemihepatectomy (LGAH) and laparoscopic hilar dissection approach hemihepatectomy (LHAH) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Methods

Patients who had undergone laparoscopic hemihepatectomy, either LGAH or LHAH, between March 2012 and December 2019 at our center were prospectively enrolled and assigned to the LGAH or LHAH group. Both groups were stratified and compared, and the preoperative and follow‐up outcomes were analyzed. The primary endpoint was total operative time.

Results

The groups were equally matched for age, sex, HBsAg, Child‐Pugh class, benign disease, malignancy, liver cirrhosis, tumor diameter and type of resection. Ninety‐six patients had undergone LGAH and 94 had undergone LHAH. No preoperative death occurred in the two groups. LGAH did not enhance the postoperative overall complication rates (P = .465) or intraoperative blood loss (P = .535) compared with LHAH. However, the overall operative time (P = .014) and hilar dissection time (P = .000) were significantly shorter in the LGAH group than in the LHAH group. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding the 1‐year (P = .384), 3‐year (P = .332), and 5‐year overall survival rates (P = .662) or 1‐year (P = .856), 3‐year (P = .348), and 5‐year disease‐free survival rates (P = .573).

Conclusions

LGAH and LHAH are both effective procedures for treating the hilar structures in selected patients. LGAH has advantages over LHAH in reducing total operation time under the condition where both procedures can be used. LGAH for selected patients is worthy of promotion owing to its simplicity and convenience.

Registration number: NCT01567631 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Intrathymic SIRPa cDC subsets organization in normal and stress conditions reveal another level of cDCs heterogeneity
Authors: Michaels Lopez Victoria , Legrand Agnès , Tejerina Emmanuel , Megret Jérome , Bordin Chantal , Quellec Véronique , Ezine Sophie
Published: February 2022

Three major subsets constitute the dendritic cells (DCs) pool in the thymus. They play key roles in self-antigen-specific thymocyte deletion and in the development of immunoregulatory T cells. Resident SIRPa− conventional DCs (cDCs, CD11c+PDCA1lo) are derived from intrathymic progenitors, whereas migratory SIRPa+ cDCs and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs, CD11c+PDCA1+) originate from extrathymic sites. Here, we describe the organization and the shaping of cDC populations at the steady state and under stress conditions in wild-type and mutant mice (CD3eKO, IL7RaKO, and Flt3LKO). In neonates, the thymus is mainly composed of SIRPa−-resident cDCs, whereas both cDC subsets are present in equal proportions in the adult. Upon thymus colonization, migratory SIRPa+ cDCs gain expression of phenotypic markers in a microenvironment dependent way. Here, we show that both processes are deeply impacted by mutations affecting T cell development. Under stress conditions such as sublethal irradiation, intrathymic resident SIRPa− cDCs are the first to regenerate the thymic cDC pool. Upon bone marrow transplantation, migratory SIRPa+ cDCs become the main source of thymic cDCs. These successive waves of regeneration eventually lead to a balance between resident and migratory DCs within the newly colonized thymus. These findings highlight an unrevealed division of labor between resident and migratory subsets for the organization/establishment of the thymic cDC compartment.
Fourfold Improved Odds of a Good First Trimester Outcome Once a Yolk Sac Is Seen in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Doubilet Peter M. , Phillips Catherine H. , Durfee Sara M. , Benson Carol B.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To compare first trimester prognosis when an early pregnancy sonogram demonstrates a gestational sac with yolk sac versus gestational sac without yolk sac.

Methods

Our study comprised 823 transvaginal sonograms without identifiable embryo performed at least 35 days from last menstrual period (LMP), in which mean sac diameter was <16 mm and first trimester outcome (live or early pregnancy loss) was known. We recorded the presence or absence of yolk sac, first trimester outcome, and several clinical features: maternal age, time since LMP, and presence or absence of vaginal bleeding. We compared the likelihood of a successful first trimester outcome in cases with a visible yolk sac to those without a yolk sac.

Results

At the end of the first trimester, 113 of 270 (41.9%) cases without a yolk sac and 414 of 553 (74.9%) with a yolk sac were live (P < .000001, chi‐square). This corresponds to an odds ratio of 4.14 for the presence of yolk sac, a result confirmed by logistic regression. Advanced maternal age, ≥42 days since LMP, and vaginal bleeding all carried an increased risk of loss (P < .000001, chi‐square). Outcome was better with a visualized yolk sac than without a yolk sac, regardless of number of risk factors (P < .001, chi‐square).

Conclusions

The odds of successful first trimester outcome are 4‐fold higher when a yolk sac is seen on an early pregnancy sonogram than when no yolk sac is seen. For any level of risk, based on maternal age, vaginal bleeding, and time since LMP, outcome is significantly better when a yolk sac is seen.
Isothermal short‐term oxidation behavior of MAR‐M246 nickel‐based superalloy at 800°C and 1000°C
Authors: Baldan Renato , Latu‐Romain Laurence , Wouters Yves , Chaia Nabil , Alkmin Luciano B. , de Sousa Malafaia Artur M.
Published: February 2022

Superalloys are widely employed at high temperatures for structural applications. Hence, knowledge about the oxidation of these materials is essential. However, the literature is scanty when it comes to some families of superalloys. The purpose of this study was therefore to analyze the MAR‐M246 polycrystalline alloy in isothermal short‐term tests at 800°C and 1000°C for up to 240 h. Thermodynamic simulations were performed to evaluate the material's phase stability as a function of temperature and to assess the expected phases in response to oxygen pressure. The oxidized samples were characterized by SEM‐EDS and DRX, which revealed a tendency for scaling of oxidized material, particularly at temperatures of 1000°C. Nevertheless, protective layers of Cr2O3 and Al2O3 oxides were formed, which enabled the formation of fairly thin oxide layers, in addition to NiO and complex oxides. The region of the metallic substrate close to the oxide layer underwent aluminum depletion, causing the gamma‐prime phase to disappear, as well as formation of aluminum oxides and titanium nitrides. Last, a good correlation was found between the thermodynamic simulations and the oxides that were formed.
High‐temperature corrosion behavior of S30432 and TP310HCbN coatings in simulated 620°C ultra‐supercritical boiler coal ash/gas environment
Authors: Liu Yugang , Liu Yinhe , Mo Chunhong , Zhang Minqiang , Dong Meng , Pan Shaocheng , Ran Shenming
Published: February 2022

The high‐temperature sulfur corrosion resistance of S30432 and TP310HCbN typically used in the superheater and reheater of a 620°C ultra‐supercritical boiler is investigated in this study. Samples coated with coal ash are placed in a device filled with simulated flue gas at 650°C and 700°C, respectively, for 2000 h. The samples are then analyzed through X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. S30432 is mainly oxidized under 650°C and 0.2% SO2 volume concentration, and the weight reduction is 6.6 mg cm−2. However, under 700°C and 0.3% SO2 volume concentration, severe sulfidation reaction occurs, sharply accelerating high‐temperature corrosion. As a result, weight reduction up to 41.8 mg cm−2 occurs. Although sulfidation reaction also occurs in TP310HCbN, there is no serious corrosion; the corrosion rate reduces in the later stages of the experiment, and a weight increase of 2.4 mg cm−2 is observed. After 11 520 h of the actual operation of the 1000 MW 620°C boiler, there is no obvious high‐temperature corrosion in the high‐temperature areas without coke‐block adhesion. These results indicate that S30432 and TP310HCbN satisfy the requirements of 620°C ultra‐supercritical boilers burning high‐sulfur coal.
The intracerebroventricular injection of lipopolysaccharide may induce neurogenic detrusor overactivity symptoms in mice
Authors: Chen Pengfei , Yang Lei , Tong Yu , Meng Li , Zhou Renyuan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

We aimed to explore if the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was able to evoke the cognitive and locomotive impairment and detrusor overactivity (DO) symptoms in mice.

Methods

This study compared the bladder function of mice that received the i.c.v. injection of LPS or saline. Specifically, basal pressure (BP), threshold pressure (TP), micturition pressure (MP), bladder capacity (BC), micturition volume (MV), bladder compliance (COM), frequency of micturition (MF), detrusor overactive index (DOI), frequency of non‐voiding contractions (FNVCs), and amplitude of non‐voiding contractions (ANVCs) were assessed by cystometry. The spontaneous voiding spot assay (VSA) was exerted to further assess the micturition patterns of mice. The Morris water maze (MWM) and the open field test (OFT) were used to detect the cognition and locomotive behaviors, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted to evaluate the changes in morphology and histology of mice. The extent of injury in the prefrontal cortex was tested by using Nissl staining.

Results

The LPS‐treated mice exhibited evidently DO characterized by the increase of MF, FNVCs, ANVCs, and DOI and the decrease of BC. The VSA further suggested that LPS induced urinary frequency and urinary incontinence in mice. Furthermore, neither signs of bladder inflammation nor the damage of bladder smooth muscle and urothelium in LPS‐exposed mice was observed. LPS induced deficits in spatial learning, memory, and locomotor activity in mice. Neuronal cells in the prefrontal cortex were obviously lost in the LPS‐treated mice.

Conclusions

Acute neuroinflammation induced the cognitive and locomotive impairment and the neurogenic overactive bladder (NOAB) symptoms in mice. This novel animal model may contribute to further study the mechanisms of NOAB in neurodegenerative patients and assess the novel therapeutic strategies in the future.
Extended LQG/LTR design of disturbance cancelation controllers for a class of output disturbances
Authors: Ishihara Tadashi , Guo Hai‐Jiao
Published: February 2022

This study develops an optimal design of the disturbance cancelation controllers for the output disturbances consisting of step, ramp and/or sinusoidal signals. A disturbance model with a particular structure is utilized to handle the three types of disturbance signals in a unified manner. A new quadratic performance index is introduced for the deviation from steady‐state behavior of the plant with disturbance. An optimal full‐state feedback control to minimize the new performance index is obtained by the parametric LQ approach with the aid of the explicit solution of related eigenstructure assignment problem. Additionally, an optimal output feedback controller of linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) type is constructed using Kalman filter to estimate the plant and disturbance state variables. The classical LQG/LTR procedure is extended to achieve a systematic two‐step design of optimal disturbance cancelation controllers. A numerical design example is presented to illustrate the flexibility of the proposed design procedure.
Selection of side groups on simple non‐fullerene acceptors for the application in organic solar cells: From flexible to rigid
Authors: Ye Shounuan , Chen Shuaishuai , Zheng Xiangjun , Li Shuixing , Pan Youwen , Chen Yiyao , Fang Jin , Ma Changqi , Wang Dan , Zhang Qisheng , Shi Minmin , Chen Hongzheng
Published: February 2022

The side chains on non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) can affect greatly the photovoltaic performances of the resulting organic solar cells (OSCs) by regulating the molecular packing and orientation of NFAs. To explore suitable side groups for asymmetric simple NFAs, in this work, we design and synthesize two A‐D1‐A′‐D2‐A type NFAs, NTC‐4Cl, and PhNTC‐4Cl, which own flexible alkyloxy and rigid aryloxy side chains on the A′ cores, respectively. Due to the same molecular backbone (A′: benzotriazole; D1: thiophene; D2: cyclopentadithiophene; A: dichlorodicyanoindanone), NTC‐4Cl and PhNTC‐4Cl have similar absorptions and energy levels. However, the PhNTC‐4Cl‐based OSC gives a higher power conversion efficiency than that of the NTC‐4Cl‐based one (11.09% vs. 10.82%) because PhNTC‐4Cl shows more compact π–π stacking and dominant face‐on orientation, enhancing charge transport and mitigating charge recombination. Therefore, this work provides a new insight into the molecular design of high‐performance NFAs, especially the rational choice of side groups on asymmetric simple NFAs.
Macrophage‐Targeting Poly(lactide‐co‐glycolic acid) Nanoparticles Decorated with Multifunctional Brush Polymers
Authors: Christau Stephanie , López Ruiz Aida , Habibi Nahal , Witte Judith , Bannon Mark S. , McEnnis Kathleen , Lahann Joerg
Published: February 2022

This study examines the potential of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles functionalized with poly(zwitterion)‐mannose brushes to target macrophages. Uptake studies with RAW 264.7 macrophages indicate that multiple mannose‐binding sites in the grafted brushes facilitate interaction with the mannose receptor of the macrophages, resulting in approximately four times higher cellular uptake than nanoparticles with mannose monolayer coatings. To test the feasibility of the nanoparticles as long‐circulating drug delivery vehicles, their multicomponent aggregation in blood plasma is analyzed using nanoparticle tracking analysis and compared to poly(ethylene glycol)‐coated (PEGylated) particles, which are known to reduce aggregation. There is no significant difference in the aggregation behavior of the poly(zwitterion)‐mannose grafted particles and the PEGylated control particles (≈760 particles in aggregates per 105 particles). In addition, the particle size in blood plasma is compared, which includes the protein corona, after 0, 8, and 15 h. Whereas there is no significant difference at longer time scales, the overall particle size of the poly(zwitterion)‐mannose brush‐grafted nanoparticles is ≈130 nm smaller than that of the PEGylated nanoparticles at shorter time scales, suggesting a smaller protein corona. All these results suggest that poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid nanoparticles functionalized with poly(zwitterion)‐mannose brush grafts may be excellent candidates for targeted drug delivery to macrophages.