bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient Polarizing Agents for MAS‐DNP of Proton‐Dense Molecular Solids
Authors: Harrabi Rania , Halbritter Thomas , Aussenac Fabien , Dakhlaoui Ons , van Tol Johan , Damodaran Krishna K. , Lee Daniel , Paul Subhradip , Hediger Sabine , Mentink‐Vigier Frederic , Sigurdsson Snorri Th. , De Paëpe Gaël
Published: January 2022

Efficiently hyperpolarizing proton‐dense molecular solids through dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) solid‐state NMR is still an unmet challenge. Polarizing agents (PAs) developed so far do not perform well on proton‐rich systems, such as organic microcrystals and biomolecular assemblies. Herein we introduce a new PA, cAsymPol‐POK, and report outstanding hyperpolarization efficiency on 12.76 kDa U‐13C,15N‐labeled LecA protein and pharmaceutical drugs at high magnetic fields (up to 18.8 T) and fast magic angle spinning (MAS) frequencies (up to 40 kHz). The performance of cAsymPol‐POK is rationalized by MAS‐DNP simulations combined with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD). This work shows that this new biradical is compatible with challenging biomolecular applications and unlocks the rapid acquisition of 13C–13C and 15N–13C correlations of pharmaceutical drugs at natural isotopic abundance, which are key experiments for structure determination.
Enzymatic C‐to‐C Protein Ligation
Authors: Rehm Fabian B. H. , Tyler Tristan J. , de Veer Simon J. , Craik David J. , Durek Thomas
Published: January 2022

Transpeptidase‐catalyzed protein and peptide modifications have been widely utilized for generating conjugates of interest for biological investigation or therapeutic applications. However, all known transpeptidases are constrained to ligating in the N‐to‐C orientation, limiting the scope of attainable products. Here, we report that an engineered asparaginyl ligase accepts diverse incoming nucleophile substrate mimetics, particularly when a means of selectively quenching the reactivity of byproducts released from the recognition sequence is employed. In addition to directly catalyzing formation of l‐/d‐ or α‐/β‐amino acid junctions, we find C‐terminal Leu‐ethylenediamine (Leu‐Eda) motifs to be bona fide mimetics of native N‐terminal Gly‐Leu sequences. Appending a C‐terminal Leu‐Eda to synthetic peptides or, via an intein‐splicing approach, to recombinant proteins enables direct transpeptidase‐catalyzed C‐to‐C ligations. This work significantly expands the synthetic scope of enzyme‐catalyzed protein transpeptidation reactions.
Internal Electric Field and Interfacial Bonding Engineered Step‐Scheme Junction for a Visible‐Light‐Involved Lithium–Oxygen Battery
Authors: Zhu Zhuo , Lv Qingliang , Ni Youxuan , Gao Suning , Geng Jiarun , Liang Jing , Li Fujun
Published: January 2022

Li–O2batteries have aroused considerable interest in recent years, however they are hindered by high kinetic barriers and large overvoltages at cathodes. Herein, a step‐scheme (S‐scheme) junction with hematite on carbon nitride (Fe2O3/C3N4) is designed as a bifunctional catalyst to facilitate oxygen redox for a visible‐light‐involved Li–O2battery. The internal electric field and interfacial Fe−N bonding in the heterojunction boost the separation and directional migration of photo‐carriers to establish spatially isolated redox centers, at which the photoelectrons on C3N4and holes on Fe2O3remarkably accelerate the discharge and charge kinetics. These enable the Li–O2battery with Fe2O3/C3N4to present an elevated discharge voltage of 3.13 V under illumination, higher than the equilibrium potential 2.96 V in the dark, and a charge voltage of 3.19 V, as well as superior rate capability and cycling stability. This work will shed light on rational cathode design for metal–O2batteries.
Aerosol invigoration effect in Guilin (China)
Authors: Li Xiong , Pan Ying , Mo Zhaoyu , Liu Risheng
Published: January 2022

The data of lightning flash count, rainfall, radar reflectivity, vertical wind shear (WS), surface dew point temperature (DP) and particulate matter up to 10 μm in size (PM10) over Guilin, China from July 2010 to December 2019 were studied to check whether aerosol invigoration effect (AIV) exists in the study area. It was found that convective rainfall fluctuates less when compared with lightning in convective system. A hypothesis was put forward that the difference in fluctuations between convective rainfall and lightning is attributed to AIV. To test this hypothesis, lightning yield, which is defined as the ratio between lightning and rainfall, was analyzed. It was found that lightning yield has a positive correlation with PM10 when WS is low and DP is high for convective precipitation. It was also found that for the weak WS cases, when aerosol conditions are shifted from super pristine to the optimal concentration (Nop), lightning yield increases with increasing PM10; whereas for concentrations greater than Nop, lightning yield decreases with increasing PM10. Nop would be larger for higher DP. The results are in line with the previous studies showing that AIV depends strongly on weak wind shear and/or warm cloud base. This suggests that AIV exists in the study area, and suggests that the hypothesis is reasonable, and lightning yield can be used as a surrogate to study AIV.
Current and lifetime somatic symptom burden among transition‐aged autistic young adults
Authors: Williams Zachary J. , Gotham Katherine O.
Published: January 2022

Somatic symptoms are the most common cause of outpatient medical visits in the general population, yet their presence and severity in individuals on the autism spectrum has rarely been studied. We sought to assess the prevalence, impact, and clinical correlates of 14 commonly reported somatic symptoms in a sample of 290 transition‐aged autistic young adults (mean [SD] age: 23.10 [2.38] years, range 18–26; 76.7% diagnosed with autism before age 18) recruited from the Simons Foundation SPARK participant pool. A modified version of the Patient Health Questionnaire–15 was used to assess somatic symptom prevalence/impact, along with measures of depression, anxiety, autistic traits, and quality of life. Somatic symptom burden was much higher in autistic young adults than previously reported in the general population. The most commonly reported current symptoms were fatigue (72.8%), sleep problems (69.0%), and menstrual problems (61.4% of females). Moderate or severe symptom levels were reported by 53.9% of females and 18.75% of males in our cohort, with the odds of females endorsing any given symptom being 2–4 times greater than males. Both individual symptoms and total symptom burden were related to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and autistic traits, along with lower quality of life. Despite little research on this topic previously, somatic symptoms are highly prevalent in autistic young adults, particularly women. Future research is needed to investigate links between somatic symptoms, medical and psychiatric morbidity, and health care utilization in the autistic population.

Lay Summary

Somatic symptoms (i.e., physical symptoms such as such as pain, weakness, stomachache, or shortness of breath) are highly prevalent in the general population and account for a large proportion of health care costs. However, few studies have investigated how often these symptoms are reported by autistic adults or their associations with other clinical and demographic variables. Based on self‐report data from 290 young autistic adults, we found very high rates of bothersome somatic symptoms in this population, with females endorsing all symptoms at substantially higher rates than males. Somatic symptoms were also associated with worse mental health and quality of life, suggesting that they represent an overlooked contributor to poor health outcomes in the autistic adult population.
Multiple plaque incisions with or without grafting for Peyronie's disease
Authors: Hegarty Paul K. , O Sullivan Daniel , Hegarty Penelope A. , Zafirakis Helen
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To assess novel surgical techniques in management of Peyronie's disease.

Subjects

Forty‐three men underwent corrective surgery using either partial plaque incision and nongraft (PPING) or multiple plaque incisions and graft (MPIG). The technique used was determined intra‐operatively. Patients were assessed at baseline and follow‐up based on Peyronie's disease questionnaire patient‐reported outcome measure (PDQ‐PROM) and erectile function.

Results

The two groups were well matched in age and erectile function. At baseline MPIG group had greater deformity and poorer patient‐reported outcome. Penile curvature improved from 67.9° to 10.5° in the PPING group and 77.9° to 7.1° with MPIG. PDQ‐PROM improved from 29 to 13 in those who underwent PPING and 38.5 to 17.6 in those undergoing MPIG. Erectile function was preserved in both groups.

Conclusions

These novel surgeries are effective in restoring penile shape and length while preserving erectile function. This is reflected in improved patient‐reported outcomes. These findings should be verified by multi‐institutional study.
Pure single‐port retzius‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy with the da Vinci SP: Initial experience and technique description
Authors: Koukourikis Periklis , Alqahtani Ali Abdullah , Han Woong Kyu , Rha Koon Ho
Published: January 2022

Objective

To assess the feasibility and safety of pure single‐port (SP) retzius‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using the da Vinci SP and describe the technique.

Materials and Methods

From August 2020 to November 2020, data of 10 consecutive patients with localized prostate cancer, who underwent SP retzius‐sparing RARP, were prospectively collected. Patients demographics, intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, early oncological, and functional outcomes were assessed.

Results

The patients were aged 46–73 years with a body mass index between 20.3 and 27.4 kg/m2. Prostate volumes ranged from 15 to 47.2 ml, with a median (interquartile range, IQR) PSA level of 7.4 (6.2–9.1) ng/ml. All surgeries were successfully completed without conversion. The median (IQR) operative and console time were 106 (101–109) min and 65 (63–68) min, respectively. The median (IQR) blood loss was 125 (50–150) ml, and one Clavien–Dindo grade I complication occurred. At 3 months, nine patients had undetectable PSA levels and all patients were continent.

Conclusions

Pure SP retzius‐sparing RARP could be safely performed using the da Vinci SP system, with acceptable surgical times and minimal complications. Future research will evaluate the advantages of this technique over the standard multiport robotic surgery.
The establishment of BIM‐embedded knowledge‐sharing platform and its learning community model: A case of prefabricated building design
Authors: Lee Pin‐Chan , Lo Tzu‐Ping , Wen I‐Jyh , Xie Liping
Published: January 2022

Building information modeling (BIM) not only can be a medium for 3D display and simulation but also can be embedded in the knowledge ontology to connect more comprehensive information. Despite the advantages of the BIM‐embedded knowledge ontology that has been explored in engineering practices, it is still less discussed in engineering education. Therefore, this paper aims to establish a BIM‐embedded knowledge‐sharing platform and its corresponding learning community model to improve learning outcomes. The BIM‐embedded knowledge‐sharing platform is established by the MediaWiki to connect the knowledge entries with the related BIM components to expand the BIM‐embedded knowledge ontology. The learning community model is developed on problem‐based learning and project‐based learning to encourage students to build their own knowledge by creating, sharing, and modifying knowledge entries. In the experimental teaching, twenty students are invited to participate in the learning community for a class on prefabricated building design. Students are guided to build and share their knowledge entries and the related BIM components by following the learning community model. Besides this, they also use the BIM‐embedded knowledge‐sharing platform to complete a real design project. Results show the proposed BIM‐embedded knowledge‐sharing platform and the learning community model are beneficial for the learning outcomes.
Unfolded protein response alleviates acid‐induced premature senescence by promoting autophagy in nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Zhu Lei , Xie Zhi‐Yang , Jiang Zan‐Li , Wang Xiao‐Hu , Shi Hang , Chen Lu , Wu Xiao‐Tao
Published: January 2022

Acid‐induced cellular senescence is a critical underlying mechanism of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD). Acid stimulation activates a variety of biological changes including autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and related unfolded protein response (UPR), which are important regulators of cellular senescence. However, the precise mechanism of acid‐mediated UPR and autophagy in nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) senescence has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we used acid to mimic the acidic microenvironment of IVD, and rat NPCs were cultured with or without autophagy or UPR signaling small‐interfering RNAs. The related proteins and genes were assessed by immunofluorescence staining assay, Western blot analyses, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction to monitor the activation of these signals and classify the molecular mechanisms underlying the correlation between autophagy and UPR pathway. Cell cycle analyses, senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase staining, gene expression, and immunoblotting analyses were performed to observe NPC senescence. Results showed that acid stimulation not only induced NPC senescence, but also initiated UPR and autophagy. Silencing the binding immunoglobulin protein signaling of UPR or autophagy signaling promoted rat NPC senescence. Knock‐down of the UPR also blocked NPC autophagy. Taken together, UPR inhibits NPC senescence under acidic condition by activating autophagy. Hence, UPR‐dependent autophagy could be an effective biologic target for the treatment of IDD in the future.
Balloon‐assisted injection of fibrin sealant for the treatment of postintervention access‐site bleeding complications
Authors: Lindner Jakob U. , Markuske Matthias , Szczanowicz Lukasz , Jobs Alexander , Abdel‐Wahab Mohamed , Desch Steffen , Thiele Holger , Sulimov Dmitry S.
Published: January 2022

This study sought to evaluate a new method that uses injection of fibrin sealant under simultaneous balloon occlusion for the treatment of postinterventional access site bleeding complications. With the rising complexity of interventional procedures, iatrogenic false aneurysms and active bleeding has become more common. In general, these complications are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially if surgical repair is required. Although high success rates are reported for ultrasound‐guided compression and ultrasound‐guided thrombin injection, these methods are not always feasible. All procedures of fibrin sealant injection under simultaneous balloon occlusion for the treatment of postinterventional access site bleeding complications or pseudoaneurysm were prospectively collected. Additional data were retrospectively obtained and analyzed for all patients treated by this new method. In total, 53 patients were included from 2018 to 2021. Most of the access site complications were related to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (40%) or percutaneous coronary intervention (21%), but also to a wide variety of other procedures. Of the 53 patients, 30 had to be treated for false aneurysms and 23 for active bleeding. A high primary success rate of 94% was achieved. Recurrences of false aneurysms occurred in six patients, of which only one needed open surgical repair. Regarding complications, two peripheral embolisms, thereof one requiring additional stent implantation occurred. Balloon‐assisted thrombin injection seems to be feasible and safe. It provides a new alternative to prevent surgery for patients where common techniques are unavailable or have failed.
Winking earlobe sign
Authors: Ono Ryohei , Iwahana Togo , Aoki Kaoruko , Kato Hirotoshi , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: January 2022

The winking earlobe sign is a sign of tricuspid regurgitation, characterized by the movement of the earlobe coincident with the pulse.
A fatal masquerade in pneumonia: Ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm
Authors: Liu Ching‐Han , Huang Shih‐Chung , Hsu Ching‐Tsai
Published: January 2022

We described an 87‐year‐old man who presented with fever and hemoptysis. Nosocomial pneumonia was initially suspected. However, the patient had worsening hemoptysis despite defervescence. Chest computed tomography disclosed ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm. Emergent surgery was then commenced for adequate treatment.
Cyclopentannulated Dihydrotetraazapentacenes
Authors: Heckershoff Robin , Maier Steffen , Wurm Thomas , Biegger Philipp , Brödner Kerstin , Krämer Petra , Hoffmann Marvin T. , Eberle Lukas , Stein Jana , Rominger Frank , Rudolph Matthias , Freudenberg Jan , Dreuw Andreas , Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: January 2022

The transition‐metal‐catalyzed cyclization of bissilylethynylated N,N’‐dihydrotetraazapentacene (TIPS‐TAP‐H2) into bissilylated cyclopenta[fg,qr]pentacenes is reported. Depending on the catalyst either none, one or two silyl groups migrate and change their positions in the formed five‐membered rings. The optoelectronic properties are quite similar, whereas the packing motifs differ dramatically. Control experiments and quantum chemical calculations were performed to investigate the mechanism of the reaction and the selectivity of the silyl shift.
Nonaqueous Emulsion Polycondensation Enabled by a Self‐Assembled Cage‐like Surfactant
Authors: Ganta Sudhakar , Drechsler Christoph , Chen Yen‐Ting , Clever Guido H.
Published: January 2022

Nonaqueous emulsions are crucial for a range of applications based on water‐sensitive systems such as controlled polymerizations requiring anhydrous reaction conditions and the stabilization of readily hydrolyzable reagents or pharmacologically active components. However, defined molecular surfactants to stabilize such nonaqueous emulsions are scarce. We introduce a self‐assembled coordination cage, decorated with cholesterol functionalities, to serve as a molecular surfactant for various oil‐in‐oil emulsions of immiscible organic solvents. While the positively charged cage forms the amphiphile's polar moiety, the non‐polar cholesterol appendices can bend in a common direction to stabilize the emulsion. Templated by the droplets, polycondensation reactions were carried out to produce microstructured polyurethane and polyurea materials of different particle sizes and morphologies. Further, the amphiphilic cage can encapsulate a guest molecule and the resulting host‐guest assembly was also examined as a surfactant. In addition, the aggregation behavior of the amphiphilic cage in an aqueous medium was examined.
Cationic Iridium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Decarbonylative Aryl Addition of Aromatic Aldehydes to Bicyclic Alkenes
Authors: Nonami Reina , Morimoto Yusei , Kanemoto Kazuya , Yamamoto Yasunori , Shirai Tomohiko
Published: January 2022

We report an unprecedented catalytic protocol for the enantioselective decarbonylative transformation of aryl aldehydes. In this process, the decarbonylation of aldehydes catalyzed by chiral iridium complexes enabled the formation of asymmetric C−C bonds through the formation of an aryl−iridium intermediate. The decarbonylative aryl addition to bicyclic alkenes was fluidly performed without a stoichiometric aryl−metal reagent, such as aryl boronic acid, with a cationic iridium complex generated in situ from Ir(cod)2(BArF4) and the sulfur‐linked bis(phosphoramidite) ligand ((R,R)‐S−Me−BIPAM). This reaction has broad functional group compatibility, and no waste is generated, except carbon monoxide.
A New Variant of Emissive RNA Alphabets
Authors: Ludford Paul T. , Yang Shenghua , Bucardo Marcela S. , Tor Yitzhak
Published: January 2022

A new fluorescent ribonucleoside alphabet (mthN) consisting of pyrimidine and purine analogues, all derived from methylthieno[3,4‐d]pyrimidine as the heterocyclic core, is described. Large bathochromic shifts and high microenvironmental susceptibility of their emission relative to previous alphabets derived from thieno[3,4‐d]pyrimidine (thN) and isothiazole[4,3‐d]pyrimidine (tzN) scaffolds are observed. Subjecting the purine analogues to adenosine deaminase, guanine deaminase and T7 RNA polymerase indicate that, while varying, all but one enzyme tolerate the corresponding mthN/mthNTP substrates. The robust emission quantum yields, high photophysical responsiveness and enzymatic accommodation suggest that the mthN alphabet is a biophysically viable tool and can be used to probe the tolerance of nucleoside/tide‐processing enzymes to structural perturbations of their substrates.
Influence of multiple predators decreases body condition and fecundity of European hares
Authors: Weterings Martijn J. A. , Losekoot Sanne , Kuipers Henry J. , Prins Herbert H. T. , van Langevelde Frank , van Wieren Sipke E.
Published: January 2022

We assessed the hypothesized negative correlation between the influence of multiple predators and body condition and fecundity of the European hare, from 13 areas in the Netherlands.

Year‐round abundance of predators was estimated by hunters. We quantified predator influence as the sum of their field metabolic rates, as this sum reflects the daily food requirements of multiple individuals. We determined the ratio between body mass and hindfoot length of hares as an index of body condition and the weight of their adrenal gland as a measure of chronic exposure to stress, and we counted the number of placental scars to estimate fecundity of hares.

As hypothesized, we found that the sum of field metabolic rate of predators was negatively correlated with body condition and the number of placental scars, whereas it was positively related to the weight of the adrenal glands. In contrast to the sum of the field metabolic rate, the total number of predators did not or weakly affect the investigated risk responses.

The sum of the field metabolic rate can be a useful proxy for the influence of multiple predators and takes into account predator abundance, type, body weight, and food requirements of multiple predators.

With our findings, our paper contributes to a better understanding of the risk effects of multiple predators on prey fitness. Additionally, we identify a potential contributor to the decline of European hare populations.
Vulture distribution and people perception of vultures in Pokhara Valley, Nepal
Authors: Dhakal Hemanta , Sharma Hari Prasad , McClure Christopher J. W. , Virani Munir , Rolek Brian W. , Pradhan Narendra Man Babu , Bhusal Krishna Prasad
Published: January 2022

Due to an abundance and diversity of vultures, Nepal is one of the most important countries for vulture conservation. Within Nepal, the Pokhara Valley is especially significant. We examine the distribution of vultures within the Pokhara Valley by conducting counts at 11 potential feeding or roosting sites using point count method. We further surveyed people of the valley regarding their perception of vulture ecology and conservation, knowledge of diclofenac use within the valley, and burial of livestock carcasses. We detected eight species of vultures, four of which are currently threatened with extinction. White‐rumped vulture Gyps bengalensis, Egyptian vulture Nephron percnopterus, and Himalayan vulture G. himalayensis were the most abundant. Almost all respondents (98%) had sighted the vultures in the wild. Formally educated respondents reported seeing vultures’ slightly more than nonformally educated respondents. Fifty‐eight percent respondents suspected habitat loss was the major threat for the vulture population decline in Pokhara Valley, and 97% respondents were not aware of any diclofenac use. The knowledge of vultures in people with different age groups suggests a more awareness programs are needed for local people, especially those who carry out animal husbandry and provide livestock to the vulture restaurant.
Quantification of radiative attenuation provided by fire hose nozzles
Authors: Collin Anthony , Suzanne Mathieu , Testa Fabian , Doelsch Pascal , Acem Zoubir , Thiry‐Muller Aurélien , Zeinali Davood , Erez Giacomo , Moriau Yannick , Hardy Louis , Mehaddi Rabah , Parent Gilles , Boulet Pascal
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study is to investigate the radiative protection provided by various fire hose nozzles used by several Fire Rescue Services in France and to propose an experimental set‐up to quantify it. This study combined the use of radiative sources (a radiant panel or a fire inside a standard shipping container) and metrological devices (radiative heat sensors, IR camera and spectrometer) to estimate the radiative attenuation of water sprays used to protect the firefighters against thermal effects which occur during a fire. For all the fire hose nozzles tested in this work, the maximal effective attenuation reaches 75%. For most of them, an increase of the flow rate improves the radiative attenuation. However, this study shows that a similar attenuation can be reached for different flow rates, suggesting that the droplet size diameter and the droplet volume fraction also play a significant role in the efficiency of the provided spray.
Use of segmental baffle in shell and tube heat exchanger for nano emulsions
Authors: Gugulothu Ravi , Sanke Narsimhulu
Published: January 2022

Among the heat exchangers (HE), the shell and tube type is being widely used in different applications like oil, chemical, and power plant Industries. The incorporation of segmental baffles (SB) improves the HE capacity from higher temperature fluid to lower temperature fluid. Nanofluids can be effectively used to enhance the heat transfer rate. In this study, numerical simulations have been carried out in a shell and tube heat exchanger (STHX). Among HE design methods, Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA) standard is being used for better design by many researchers. In this paper, the computational fluid dynamics analysis was carried out with Al2O3, CuO, and SiO2 nanofluids amid 1, 3, and 5 vol. % with water emulsion to enhance the heat transfer coefficient of STHX. The nanofluid has been used in the cold fluid of the HE and on the other side hot water is used. From the results, it is noticed that with the increase of Nanofluids, the value of heat transfer coefficients is found to be increasing. The overall heat transfer coefficient has been enhanced for Al2O3, CuO, and SiO2 about 10.41%, 12.27%, and 9.56%, respectively, at 0.22 kg/s for the 5 vol. % addition. It is also depicted that the pressure drop is increasing with the incorporation of nanofluids.
ERα inhibits mesenchymal and amoeboidal movement of liver cancer cell via Gα12
Authors: Yun Jessica , Kim Yun Seok , Heo Mi Jeong , Kim Min Joo , Moon Aree , Kim Sang Geon
Published: January 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cancer worldwide, demonstrating aggressiveness and mortality more frequently in men than in women. Despite reports regarding the inhibitory ability of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα, ESR1) in certain cancer progression, targets and the basis of underlying gender disparity in HCC worsening remain elusive. Here, we report the ability of ERα to transcriptionally inhibit G protein subunit alpha 12 (Gα12) responsible for HCC worsening. First, using human samples and public database, the expression of ERα and Gα12 in HCC was examined. Then, quantitative real‐time PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation‐assay, luciferase assay and immunoblottings of liver cancer cell lines confirmed the inhibitory ability of ERα on Gα12 and HCC progression. Gα12 promoted mesenchymal characteristics and amoeboidal movement, which was antagonized by ERα overexpression. Additionally, we found microRNA‐141 and microRNA‐200a as downstream targets of the Gα12 signaling axis for cancer malignancy regulation under the control of ERα. As for in‐depth mechanism, PTP4A1 was found to be directly inhibited by microRNA‐141 and microRNA‐200a. Moreover, we found the inhibitory effect of ERα on amoeboidal movement by analyzing the morphology and blebbing of liver cancer cells and the active form of MLC levels. The identified targets and ESR1 levels are inversely correlated with human specimens, as well as with sex‐biased survival rates of HCC patients. Collectively, ERα‐dependent repression of Gα12 and consequent changes in the Gα12 signaling may explain the gender disparity in HCC, providing pharmacological clues for the control of metastatic HCC.
Transcriptional repression and apoptosis influence the effect of APOBEC3A/3B functional polymorphisms on biliary tract cancer risk
Authors: Liu Wenbin , Ji Hongxiang , Zhao Jun , Song Jiahui , Zheng Shaoling , Chen Lei , Li Peng , Tan Xiaojie , Ding Yibo , Pu Rui , Yin Jianhua , Han Xue , Cao Guangwen
Published: January 2022

APOBEC3‐related somatic mutations are predominant in biliary tract cancers (BTCs). We aimed to elucidate the roles of APOBEC3A/3B functional polymorphisms and their influencing factors on the development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and gallbladder cancer (GBC). Polymorphisms at the promoter regions of APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B were genotyped in 3231 participants using quantitative PCR. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was applied to investigate the promoter activity. The difference in gene accessibility between CCA cells and GBC cells was analyzed through single‐cell transposase accessible chromatin sequencing. The effect of APOBEC3A on apoptosis was examined by cytometry. It is found that rs2267401‐G at the APOBEC3B promoter decreases CCA risk (age‐, gender‐adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51‐0.94) but increases GBC risk (AOR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.35‐3.10). rs2267401‐G confers a decreased APOBEC3B promoter activity in CCA cells but an increased activity in GBC cells, possibly because the transcriptional repressor TFAP2A is over‐expressed in CCA. Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) increases the level of APOBEC3B via inhibiting TFAP2A expression rather than directly increasing the accessibility of APOBEC3B promoter. APOBEC3A promoter rs12157810‐C decreased the risks of CCA and GBC, with an AOR (95% CI) of 0.80 (0.66‐0.97) and 0.75 (0.59‐0.95), respectively. rs12157810‐C upregulated the promoter activity in both CCA and GBC cells. TNF‐α upregulated the activity of the APOBEC3A promoter with rs12157810‐C via increasing the accessibility of Ets‐1 p68. APOBEC3A overexpression attenuates cancer evolution by causing apoptosis, in contrast to APOBEC3B. The heterogeneity in the transcriptional regulation of APOBEC3B affects the evolutionary potential of cancer cells in the inflammatory microenvironment.
Ornithine decarboxylase functions in both autophagy and apoptosis in response to ultraviolet B radiation injury
Authors: Liu Yi‐Liang , Hsiao I‐Hsin , Lin Yen‐Hung , Lin Chih‐Li , Jan Ming‐Shiou , Hung Hui‐Chih , Liu Guang‐Yaw
Published: January 2022

We present a mechanism for how ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) regulates the crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis. In cancer cells, low‐intensity ultraviolet B (UVBL) induces autophagy while high‐intensity UVB (UVBH) induces apoptosis. Overexpression of ODC decreases UVBL‐induced autophagy by inhibiting Atg5‐Atg12 conjugation and suppressing the expression of autophagy markers LC3, Atg7, Atg12, and BECN1 proteins. In contrast, when ODC‐overexpressing cells are exposed to UVBH radiation, the levels of LC3‐II, Atg5‐Atg12 conjugate, BECN1, Atg7, and Atg12 increase, while the apoptosis marker cleaved‐PARP proteins decrease, indicating that ODC overexpression induced UVBH‐induced autophagy but inhibited UVBH‐induced cellular apoptosis. Additionally, when exposed to UVBH radiation, silencing BECN1, Atg5, and Atg12 genes results in a decrease in the level of LC3‐II proteins but an increase in the level of cleaved‐PARP proteins, and apoptotic bodies were significantly increased while autophagosomes were significantly decreased. These findings imply that ODC inhibits apoptosis in cells via the autophagy pathway. The role of Atg12 in ODC‐overexpressing cells exposed to UVBH radiation is investigated using site‐directed mutagenesis. Our results indicate that the Atg12‐D111S mutant has increased cell survival. The Atg12‐ΔG186 mutant impairs autophagy and enhances apoptosis. We demonstrate that when ODC‐overexpressing cells are silenced for the Atg12 protein, autophagy and apoptosis are strongly affected, and ODC‐induced autophagy protects against UVBH‐induced apoptosis via the Atg12 protein.
Growing future clinicians: Can the seeds of admission data determine success?
Authors: Sabato Emily , Perez Herminio , Jiang Shuying , DeMatteo Susan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Most students entering dental school have outstanding academic credentials. Despite this, some students face academic difficulties throughout their dental education. The study investigates outcomes at the end of the first‐year and the end of the 4‐year curriculum.

Methods

This study reviewed data from 177 students in the entering classes of 2015 and 2016. The regression models included 156 students who completed the 4‐year curriculum on the traditional timeline.

Results

Undergraduate cumulative GPA had a significant association with dental school outcomes in 4‐year biomedical science GPA, translational science GPA, and clinical science GPA (increase of 0.31, 0.31, and 0.08 for a one‐unit increase in undergraduate GPA). A one‐unit increase in DAT was reflected in increased in first‐year biomedical science GPA, preclinical science GPA, and cumulative GPA (0.04, 0.06, and 0.10, respectively). Conversely, a one‐unit increase in failure or withdrawal from undergraduate courses was associated with decreases in first‐year biomedical science GPA, preclinical science GPA, and cumulative GPA (0.08, 0.09, and 0.08, respectively). The only significant relationship for clinical science (patient care) GPA was cumulative undergraduate GPA (0.08 increase per unit).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest students who are extremely strong academically in college will be strong throughout dental school and suggest benefits of targeted services for academically at‐risk students. Due to the limited association of admission records to clinical grades, the results support holistic admission processes.
Counting hypergraphs with large girth
Authors: Spiro Sam , Verstraëte Jacques
Published: January 2022

Morris and Saxton used the method of containers to bound the number of ‐vertex graphs with edges containing no ‐cycles, and hence graphs of girth more than . We consider a generalization to ‐uniform hypergraphs. The girth of a hypergraph is the minimum such that there exist distinct vertices and hyperedges with for all . Letting denote the number of ‐vertex ‐uniform hypergraphs with edges and girth larger than and defining , we show
which is tight when divides up to a term in the exponent. This result is used to address the extremal problem for subgraphs of girth more than in random ‐uniform hypergraphs.
The rhipidoglossan radula: Radular morphology and formation in Nerita litterata Gmelin, 1791 (Neritimorpha, Neritidae)
Authors: Vortsepneva Elena , Herbert David G. , Kantor Yuri
Published: January 2022

The rhipidoglossan radula, consisting of numerous teeth in each transverse row, is characteristic of phylogenetically distant groups of gastropods, including Vetigastropoda, Neritimorpha and ‘lower’ Heterobranchia. Previous studies have revealed the main patterns in the formation of the rhipidoglossan radula of vetigastropods, the main feature of which is the division of the formation zone into two horns, where marginal teeth are formed by a multilayered epithelium (odontoblasts). This work is devoted to the study of the formation of the rhipidoglossan radula of Nerita litterata using light and electron microscopy. The data obtained show that, despite the different external morphology of the radular sac of neritids and vetigastropods, the radular sac of N. litterata, like that of vetigastropods, is divided into two parts, in which the marginal teeth are similarly formed by odontoblasts located in more than one layer. It seems probable that this complex, three‐dimensional structure of the formation zone is associated with a broad radula with numerous elongate marginal teeth and could be characteristic of other gastropods with this type of radula. Additional supporting rods located along the odontoblasts and consisting of vacuolated cells were first discovered in Nerita.
Surface sterilization for isolation of endophytes: Ensuring what (not) to grow
Authors: Sahu Pramod K. , Tilgam Jyotsana , Mishra Sushma , Hamid Saima , Gupta Amrita , K. Jayalakshmi , Verma Satish K. , Kharwar Ravindra N.
Published: January 2022

Endophytic microbiota opens a magnificent arena of metabolites that served as a potential source of medicines for treating a variety of ailments and having prospective uses in agriculture, food, cosmetics, and many more. There are umpteen reports of endophytes improving the growth and tolerance of plants. In addition, endophytes from lifesaving drug‐producing plants such as Taxus, Nothapodytes, Catharanthus, and so forth have the ability to produce host mimicking compounds. To harness these benefits, it is imperative to isolate the true endophytes, not the surface microflora. The foremost step in endophyte isolation is the removal of epiphytic microbes from plant tissues, called as surface sterilization. The success of surface sterilization decides “what to grow” (the endophytes) and “what not to grow” (the epiphytes). It is very crucial to use an appropriate sterilant solution, concentration, and exposure time to ensure thorough surface disinfection with minimal damage to the endophytic diversity. Commonly used surface sterilants include sodium hypochlorite (2%–10%), ethanol (70%–90%), mercuric chloride (0.1%), formaldehyde (40%), and so forth. In addition, the efficiency could further be improved by pretreatment with surfactants such as Triton X‐100, Tween 80, and Tween 20. This review comprehensively deals with the various sterilants and sterilization methods for the isolation of endophytic microbes. In addition, the mechanisms and rationale behind using specific surface sterilants have also been elaborated at length.
Metameric failure assessment and reduction between RGB and laser phosphor projectors
Authors: Ploumis Stelios , Boitard Ronan , Ballestad Anders , Damberg Gerwin , Nasiopoulos Panos
Published: January 2022

Metameric failure is commonly observed when different types of displays reproduce the same color, as it is defined by a colorimetry system, but the outputs do not match visually. Metameric failure is impacted by the used colorimetry system and the relation between the involved displays' spectral power distributions (SPDs). In this work, we assess the metameric failure between the upcoming types of theatrical projectors, RGB laser, and laser phosphor (LaPH) and propose a method to reduce it. Our analysis starts by evaluating the performance of existing colorimetry systems in terms of metameric failure reduction. Among the colorimetry systems tested, the CIE 2006 2° (CIE06 2°) system resulted in the least observed metameric failure for a large portion of the participants but not their absolute majority (>50%). The limited performance of existing colorimetry systems led us to questioning the feasibility of successful perceptual color matching between the two projectors. To explore and potentially rule‐out this scenario, we performed a subjective color matching experiment. The analysis of the results revealed the key role that the projectors' SPD differences play on color matching. Based on the observations of the first two studies, we propose a novel colorimetry system that reduces further than existing colorimetry the systems the metameric failure between RGB and LaPH projectors. Our proposed system is a modified version of CIE06–2° that accounts for the spectral differences of the two light sources. Evaluation showed that our solution outperforms existing colorimetry systems.
Water Barrier Properties of Resin‐Stabilized Waterborne Coatings for Paperboard
Authors: Bakker Sterre , Aarts Joey , Esteves A. Catarina C. , Metselaar Gerald A. , Schenning Albert P. H. J.
Published: January 2022

The replacement of plastic packaging by paperboard can significantly contribute to meeting sustainability goals in important application fields, such as in food packaging. The (water) barrier properties of paperboard‐based products need, however, to be improved. Waterborne coatings offer an environmentally friendly possibility to enhance these barrier properties, which in turn highly depend on the coating chemistry and film formation. Here, the relation between the characteristics of a waterborne coating and its water barrier performance is investigated. A waterborne polymer dispersion is prepared by emulsion polymerization, using an alkali‐soluble resin (ASR) as stabilizing agent. The ASR‐stabilized dispersion is applied as a coating on paperboard. During this application, the carboxylate groups of the ASR are converted to uncharged carboxylic acids. The coatings are characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the water barrier properties are evaluated by dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) and the Cobb method. It is found that the water barrier performance is dominated by the carboxylate concentration remaining in the film, which is dependent on the moisture content. High drying temperatures improve particle deformation and polymer flow during coating formation, but do not influence the water barrier performance.
Correlating Ionic Conductivity and Microstructure in Polyelectrolyte Hydrogels for Bioelectronic Devices
Authors: Jia Manping , Luo Le , Rolandi Marco
Published: January 2022

Hydrogels have become the material of choice in bioelectronic devices because their high‐water content leads to efficient ion transport and a conformal interface with biological tissue. While the morphology of hydrogels has been thoroughly studied, systematical studies on their ionic conductivity are less common. Here, an easy‐to‐implement strategy is presented to characterize the ionic conductivity of a series of polyelectrolyte hydrogels with different amounts of monomer and crosslinker and correlate their ionic conductivity with microstructure. Higher monomer increases the ionic conductivity of the polyelectrolyte hydrogel due to the increased charge carrier density, but also leads to excessive swelling that may cause device failure upon integration with bioelectronic devices. Increasing the amount of crosslinker can reduce the swelling ratio by increasing the crosslinking density and reducing the mesh size of the hydrogel, which cuts down the ionic conductivity. Further investigation on the porosity and tortuosity of the swollen hydrogels correlates the microstructure with the ionic conductivity. These results are generalizable for various polyelectrolyte hydrogel systems with other ions as the charge carrier and provide facile guidance to design polyelectrolyte hydrogel with desired ionic conductivity and microstructure for applications in bioelectronic devices.
Fast‐Reprocessing, Postadjustable, Self‐Healing Covalent Adaptable Networks with Schiff Base and Diels–Alder Adduct
Authors: Xu Xiwei , Ma Songqi , Wang Sheng , Wang Binbo , Feng Hongzhi , Li Pengyun , Liu Yanlin , Yu Zhen , Zhu Jin
Published: January 2022

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are a new type of polymers, which possess excellent performance of thermosets and reprocessability of thermoplastics. Nevertheless, it is still a challenge to realize rapid reprocessing and postadjusting (adjust properties after preparation). Herein, for the first time, a method of combining Schiff base and Diels–Alder adduct in one network is developed to achieve rapid reprocessing and postadjusting. Through the dissociation of the Diels–Alder adduct at high temperatures, the cross‐link densities of the networks are reduced, thereby accelerating the rearrangement of the networks and realizing the rapid reprocessing and self‐healing. Moreover, the reconnecting degree of network after dissociation of Diels–Alder adduct can be easily controlled by annealing; as a result, the properties of the obtained CANs are postadjustable. This work provides a simple and promising approach of achieving excellent reprocessing and postadjusting for CANs via the synergism of an associative dynamic chemistry with a dissociative dynamic chemistry.
Virtual fatigue analysis of epoxy based composite reinforced with sugarcane fibre, fly ash and carbon nano tubes
Authors: Anirudh V.P. , Ajay Krishna S.A. , Akshat A. , Venkatachalam G. , Loganathan T.G.
Published: January 2022

Composites are widely used as a lightweight material in automotive, aerospace, transportation, wind turbines and leisure industries. Since the current research trend focuses on making eco‐friendly composites, objective is shifted towards manufacture of better composite materials with available/excess resources to contribute towards a more sustainable environment. This paper highlights fatigue life predictions and interaction among sugarcane, fly‐ash and carbon nano tubes. Instead of reinforcing synthetic materials in the polymer composite, an attempt is made in this work to reinforce biodegradable, recyclable, reusable materials in the polymer composite. Materials like sugarcane, carbon nano tubes and fly‐ash are chosen due to this corresponding nature. The influences of wt.% of sugarcane, carbon nano tubes, fly‐ash on fatigue behaviour of composite are determined. Fatigue analysis of materials prepared using different wt.% is carried out using ANSYS. Response surface methodology and design of experiments approach were implemented to decide on number of ANSYS simulations. Analysis of variance is used to find the influences of different parameters such as wt.% of sugarcane, carbon nano tubes, fly‐ash on fatigue behaviour of composites and obtained their optimized levels. Regression equation was found to determine the number of cycles to failure of the composite.
Optimization of cerium extraction from aqueous solutions by response surface methodology employing 4‐factor Box‐Behnken design
Authors: Allahkarami E. , Rezai B.
Published: January 2022

In this research, the solvent extraction of Cerium (III) using Cyanex 572 has been investigated under variations of the pH, extractant concentration, nitrate ion concentration, and contact time. Box‐Behnken design and analysis of variance were applied to determine the main effects and their interactions. The high R2 value obtained from the developed model indicated a good correlation between the predicted and measured data. Contact time had no significant effect on the extraction of cerium. pH and extractant concentration were the most significant parameters affecting the cerium extraction under the examined conditions. The developed model was applied to find out the optimum values of the selected variables for the maximum extraction of cerium. The nature of diluent influences the extraction efficiency of Cerium (III). Kerosene was found to be efficient diluent for the extraction of cerium in terms of better extraction capability as investigated.