bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Behavior of Hot‐Rolled Ti‐25Zr‐xY Alloys
Authors: Ma Zhanshan , Hu Juntai , Yang Zhidao , Chen Bohan , Xia Chaoqun , Yang Tai , Li Qiang
Published: December 2021

A series of Ti‐25Zr‐xY alloys are prepared by a vacuum arc melting furnace. Then, the Ti‐25Zr‐xY alloys are hot‐rolled by a multi‐pass rolling process. The mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of hot‐rolled Ti‐25Zr‐xY alloys were investigated using microscopic characterization. The results show that the microstructure of the alloys is mainly composed of α and α‐Y phases. The particle size of the second phase α‐Y increases with the increase of the Y element. When Y content reaches 0.4%, the alloy exhibits excellent mechanical properties (σ
0.2 = 930 ± 10 MPa, ε
f = 10.16 ± 0.3%). The precipitation of the second phase and the presence of metal compounds are responsible for reducing the corrosion resistance of hot‐rolled Ti‐25Zr‐xY alloys. The corrosion behavior of the alloys in chlorine solution is sensitive to the Y content, with Ti‐25Zr‐0.1Y alloy having the best corrosion resistance. The erosion sensitivity of Zr and the precipitation of Y are responsible for the observed pitting corrosion phenomenon.
Toward Exotic Layered Materials: 2D Cuprous Iodide
Authors: Mustonen Kimmo , Hofer Christoph , Kotrusz Peter , Markevich Alexander , Hulman Martin , Mangler Clemens , Susi Toma , Pennycook Timothy J. , Hricovini Karol , Richter Christine , Meyer Jannik C. , Kotakoski Jani , Skákalová Viera
Published: December 2021

Heterostructures composed of 2D materials are already opening many new possibilities in such fields of technology as electronics and magnonics, but far more could be achieved if the number and diversity of 2D materials were increased. So far, only a few dozen 2D crystals have been extracted from materials that exhibit a layered phase in ambient conditions, omitting entirely the large number of layered materials that may exist at other temperatures and pressures. This work demonstrates how such structures can be stabilized in 2D van der Waals (vdw) stacks under room temperature via growing them directly in graphene encapsulation by using graphene oxide as the template material. Specifically, an ambient stable 2D structure of copper and iodine, a material that normally only occurs in layered form at elevated temperatures between 645 and 675 K, is produced. The results establish a simple route to the production of more exotic phases of materials that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to stabilize for experiments in ambient.
Graphitic Carbon Nitride‐Based Photocatalysts for Biological Applications
Authors: Che Shuya , Zhang Lei , Wang Tianyi , Su Dawei , Wang Chengyin
Published: December 2021

Metal‐free graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) as a newly emerging nanomaterial has been employed in the biomedical field because of its special optical and electrical characterizations. This review summarizes diverse methods for preparing g‐C3N4‐based materials, and discusses contemporary advancements in biosensors, photocatalytic sterilization, photodynamic therapy, drug carrier, and biological imaging. The biosafety and toxicity evaluations of g‐C3N4‐based materials are discussed as well. The review ends with an overview and several insights on the challenges and opportunities of g‐C3N4‐based nanomaterials in this burgeoning field. This review is expected to provide inspiration for developing future g‐C3N4‐based materials for the biomedical applications.
Gradient‐Structuring Manipulation in Ni3S2 Layer Boosts Solar Hydrogen Production of Si Photocathode in Alkaline Media
Authors: Chen Cong , Wang Yongjie , Nie Chengming , Shen Junxia , Wei Zhihe , Zou Shuai , Su Xiaodong , Fan Ronglei , Peng Yang , Shen Mingrong
Published: December 2021

Using silicon as a photocathode has long been considered as an ideal pathway toward cost‐effective photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar hydrogen production. However, the trade‐off between charge transfer efficiency and stability severely restricts the practical application of Si‐based PEC devices in alkaline media. Herein, a facile thermo‐electrodeposition process to integrate a gradient‐structuring Ni3S2 (G‐Ni3SxO2−x) layer to simultaneously protect and act as a catalyst in Si photocathodes in alkaline solutions is reported. The G‐Ni3SxO2−x layer not only provides abundant active sites for the hydrogen evolution reaction but also promotes the charge separation and transport and mass transfer. Consequently, the as‐fabricated Si photocathodes exhibit an excellent PEC activity under simulated AM1.5G illumination with a high onset potential of 0.39 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a photocurrent density of −33.8 mA cm−2 at 0 V versus RHE, outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art p‐Si based photocathodes. Moreover, the G‐Ni3SxO2−x layer possesses a good interfacial contact with the Si substrate with negligible stress at the G‐Ni3SxO2−x/Si interface, affording a good durability of over 120 h at >30 mA cm−2 in alkaline media. This gradient‐structuring strategy paves new way for engineering highly efficient and durable PEC devices.
Organic fluorophores that emit ultraviolet light in the aggregated state
Authors: Shimizu Masaki , Sakurai Tsuneaki
Published: December 2021

Ultraviolet (UV)‐emissive organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) have attracted growing attention as future UV‐lighting sources following UV‐LED. The design and development of highly efficient UV‐emissive organic solids are essential for the advancement of UV‐OLEDs. Reviewed herein are organic small molecules and polymers that exhibit UV emission in the aggregated state such as crystal, powder, and amorphous film. The UV‐emissive molecules are in principle limited to those whose photoluminescence (PL) maxima are less than 400 nm and whose PL quantum yields in the aggregated state, which are useful for evaluating the potential of solid‐state emitters, are reported. In cases that electroluminescence (EL) studies are demonstrated, the emission maxima and external quantum efficiencies with the device structures are also shown. Some exceptions are also included whose PL quantum yields are not reported, but UV‐EL with an emission maximum of less than 400 nm is demonstrated.
Linking howler monkey ranging and defecation patterns to primary and secondary seed dispersal
Authors: Fuzessy Lisieux , Sobral Gisela , Culot Laurence
Published: December 2021

To define the chances of a dispersed seed to produce a new recruit, it is essential to consider all stages of the dispersal process. Howler monkeys are recognized to have positive impacts on forest regeneration, acting as primary dispersers. Furthermore, dung beetles attracted to their feces protect the seeds against predators, and provide a better microenvironment for germination due to the removal of fecal matter, to seed burial, and/or by reducing the spatial aggregation of seeds in fecal clumps. Despite the recognized positive effects of primary seed dispersal through defecation by howler monkeys for plant recruitment, there are some important aspects of their behavior, such as the habit of defecating in latrines, that remain to be explored. Here, we investigated the fate of Campomanesia xanthocarpa seeds defecated by brown howlers, Alouatta guariba clamitans, and the secondary seed dispersal by dung beetles, considering how this process is affected by the monkey's defecation patterns. We found that brown howler monkeys dispersed seeds from several species away from fruit‐feeding trees, partly because defecation under the canopy of such trees was not very frequent. Instead, most defecations were associated with latrines under overnight sleeping trees. Despite a very similar dung beetle community attracted to howler feces in latrines and fruit‐feeding sites, seeds were more likely to be buried when deposited in latrines. In addition, C. xanthocarpa seeds showed higher germination and establishment success in latrines, but this positive effect was not due to the presence of fecal matter surrounding seeds. Our results highlight that A. guariba clamitans acts as a legitimate seed disperser of C. xanthocarpa seeds in a preserved context of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and that defecations in latrines increase the dispersal effectiveness.
Mechanochemical Solvent‐Free Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling of Amides via Highly Chemoselective N−C Cleavage
Authors: Zhang Jin , Zhang Pei , Shao Lei , Wang Ruihong , Ma Yangmin , Szostak Michal
Published: December 2021

Although cross‐coupling reactions of amides by selective N−C cleavage are one of the most powerful and burgeoning areas in organic synthesis due to the ubiquity of amide bonds, the development of mechanochemical, solid‐state methods remains a major challenge. Herein, we report the first mechanochemical strategy for highly chemoselective, solvent‐free palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of amides by N−C bond activation. The method is conducted in the absence of external heating, for short reaction time and shows excellent chemoselectivity for σ N−C bond activation. The reaction shows excellent functional group tolerance and can be applied to late‐stage functionalization of complex APIs and sequential orthogonal cross‐couplings exploiting double solventless solid‐state methods. The results extend mechanochemical reaction environments to advance the chemical repertoire of N−C bond interconversions to solid‐state environmentally friendly mechanochemical methods.
Metallization‐Prompted Robust Porphyrin‐Based Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Yin Qi , Alexandrov Eugeny V. , Si Duan‐Hui , Huang Qian‐Qian , Fang Zhi‐Bin , Zhang Yuan , Zhang An‐An , Qin Wei‐Kang , Li Yu‐Lin , Liu Tian‐Fu , Proserpio Davide M.
Published: December 2021

Under topological guidance, the self‐assembly process based on a tetratopic porphyrin synthon results in a hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (HOF) with the predicted square layers topology (sql) but unsatisfied stability. Strikingly, simply introducing a transition metal in the porphyrin center does not change the network topology but drastically causes noticeable change on noncovalent interaction, orbital overlap, and molecular geometry, therefore ultimately giving rise to a series of metalloporphyrinic HOFs with high surface area, and excellent stability (intact after being soaked in boiling water, concentrated HCl, and heated to 270 °C). On integrating both photosensitizers and catalytic sites into robust backbones, this series of HOFs can effectively catalyze the photoreduction of CO2 to CO, and their catalytic performances greatly depend on the chelated metal species in the porphyrin centers. This work enriches the library of stable functional HOFs and expands their applications in photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
BOPHY‐Fullerene C60 Dyad as a Photosensitizer for Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Gonzalez Lopez Edwin J. , Sarotti Ariel M. , Martínez Sol R. , Macor Lorena P. , Durantini Javier E. , Renfige Melisa , Gervaldo Miguel A. , Otero Luis A. , Durantini Andrés M. , Durantini Edgardo N. , Heredia Daniel A.
Published: December 2021

A novel BOPHY–fullerene C60 dyad (BP‐C60) was designed as a heavy‐atom‐free photosensitizer (PS) with potential uses in photodynamic treatment and reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated applications. BP‐C60 consists of a BOPHY fluorophore covalently attached to a C60 moiety through a pyrrolidine ring. The BOPHY core works as a visible‐light‐harvesting antenna, while the fullerene C60 subunit elicits the photodynamic action. This fluorophore–fullerene cycloadduct, obtained by a straightforward synthetic route, was fully characterized and compared with its individual counterparts. The restricted rotation around the single bond connecting the BOPHY and pyrrolidine moieties led to the formation of two atropisomers. Spectroscopic, electrochemical, and computational studies disclose an efficient photoinduced energy/electron transfer process from BOPHY to fullerene C60. Photodynamic studies indicate that BP‐C60 produces ROS by both photomechanisms (type I and type II). Moreover, the dyad exhibits higher ROS production efficiency than its individual constitutional components. Preliminary screening of photodynamic inactivation on bacteria models (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) demonstrated the ability of this dyad to be used as a heavy‐atom‐free PS. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that not only a BOPHY–fullerene C60 dyad is reported, but also that a BOPHY derivative is applied to photoinactivate microorganisms. This study lays the foundations for the development of new BOPHY‐based PSs with plausible applications in the medical field.
Automated Quantification of Subcellular Particles in Myogenic Progenitors
Authors: Filippelli Romina L. , Omer Amr , Li Shulei , van Oostende‐Triplet Chloë , Gallouzi Imed E. , Chang Natasha C.
Published: December 2021

Fluorescence microscopy is a powerful tool enabling the visualization of protein localization within cells. In this article, we outline an automated and non‐biased way to detect and quantify subcellular particles using immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and the program CellProfiler. We discuss the examination of two types of subcellular particles: messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) granules, namely processing bodies and stress granules, and autophagosomes. Fluorescent microscopy Z‐stacks are acquired and deconvolved, and maximum intensity images are generated. The number of subcellular particles per cell is then quantified using the described CellProfiler pipeline. We also explain how to isolate primary myoblast progenitor cells from mice, which were used to obtain the presented results. Last, we discuss the critical parameters to be considered for each of these techniques. Both mRNP granules and autophagosomes play important roles in sequestering intracellular cargo, such as messenger RNAs and RNA‐binding proteins for mRNP granules and cytoplasmic waste for autophagosomes. The methods outlined in this article are widely applicable for studies relating to subcellular particle formation, localization, and flux during homeostasis, following stimuli, and during disease. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Immunofluorescence microscopy of messenger ribonucleoprotein granules in primary myoblasts

Alternate Protocol: Immunofluorescence microscopy of autophagosomes in primary myoblasts

Support Protocol: Isolation of primary myoblasts from mice

Basic Protocol 2: Automated quantification of subcellular particles
Electron Transport Assisted by Transparent Conductive Oxide Elements in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Wenqi , Lin Zhichao , Cai Qingbin , Xu Xiangning , Dong Hongye , Mu Cheng , Zhang Jian‐Ping
Published: December 2021

Fluorine and indium elements in F‐doped SnO2(FTO) and Sn‐doped In2O3(ITO), respectively, significantly contribute toward enhancing the electrical conductivity of these transparent conductive oxides. In this study, fluorine was combined with indium to modify the SnO2electron transport layer (ETL) through InF3. Consequently, the modified perovskite solar cells (PSCs) showe the favorable alignment of energy levels, improved absorption and utilization of light, enhanced interfacial charge extraction, and suppressed interfacial charge recombination. After InF3modification, the open circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF) of the PSC were significantly improved, and the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) reached 21.39 %, far exceeding that of the control PSC (19.62 %).
A comparison and review of the flow cytometric findings in classic Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, T cell/histiocyte rich large B cell lymphoma, and primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Martig Daniel S. , Fromm Jonathan R.
Published: December 2021

The “Hodgkin‐like” lymphomas including classic Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, T cell/histiocyte rich large B cell lymphoma, and primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma have been shown to be pathobiologically related. With the exception of primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma, these lymphomas have similar morphologic growth patterns with occasional neoplastic cells within a prominent reactive cell background. Historically, distinguishing these entities was difficult by flow cytometry; however, over the past 15 years, our laboratory has developed antibody‐fluorochrome combinations capable of accurately distinguishing these entities by their immunoprofile. Additionally, an algorithmic approach based on characterization of the background reactive B‐cell and T‐cell populations can aid in narrowing the differential diagnosis. This review summarizes both the morphologic and immunophenotypic features and the current flow cytometric insights of the neoplastic and reactive populations found in this unique subset of lymphomas.
Cognitive screening with functional assessment improves diagnostic accuracy and attenuates bias
Authors: González David Andrés , Gonzales Mitzi M. , Jennette Kyle J. , Soble Jason R. , Fongang Bernard
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Cognitive screening measures often lack sensitivity and are hampered by inequities across ethnoracial groups. A multitrait multimethod (MTMM) classification may attenuate these shortcomings.

Methods

A sample of 7227 participants across the diagnostic spectrum were selected from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center cohort. Random forest ensemble methods were used to predict diagnosis across the sample and within Black American (n = 1025) and non‐Hispanic White groups (n = 5263) based on: (1) a demographically corrected Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), (2) MoCA and Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ), (3) MoCA and FAQ with demographic correction.

Results

The MTMM approach with demographic correction had the highest diagnostic accuracy for the cognitively unimpaired (area under curve [AUC] [95% confidence interval (CI)]): 0.906 [0.892, 0.920]) and mild cognitive impairment (AUC: 0.835 [0.810, 0.860]) groups and reduced racial disparities.

Discussion

With further validation, the MTMM approach combining cognitive screening and functional status assessment may serve to improve diagnostic accuracy and extend opportunities for early intervention with greater equity.
Saudi public primary school teachers' knowledge and beliefs about developmental dyslexia
Authors: Abed Mohaned G. , Shackelford Todd K.
Published: December 2021

This exploratory research investigates knowledge and beliefs about developmental dyslexia (DD) among public primary school teachers in Saudi Arabia. We explored links between several teacher‐related socio‐demographic variables (e.g., gender, teaching experience, self‐evaluation of teaching children with DD) and knowledge and beliefs about DD. Saudi public primary school teachers (n = 136) completed an online survey that included the knowledge and beliefs about developmental dyslexia scale (KBDDS). The results indicated that KBDDS scores were significantly associated with teaching experience, DD training, and self‐evaluation of teaching children with DD. We address limitations of the current research, note directions for future research, and discuss implications of these results for teacher training and professional development, with special attention to Saudi public primary education.
Empirically validated drought vulnerability mapping in the mixed conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada
Authors: Das Adrian J. , Slaton Michèle R. , Mallory Jeffrey , Asner Gregory P. , Martin Roberta E. , Hardwick Paul
Published: December 2021

Severe droughts are predicted to become more frequent in the future, and the consequences of such droughts on forests can be dramatic, resulting in massive tree mortality, rapid change in forest structure and composition, and substantially increased risk of catastrophic fire. Forest managers have tools at their disposal to try to mitigate these effects but are often faced with limited resources, forcing them to make choices about which parts of the landscape to target for treatment. Such planning can greatly benefit from landscape vulnerability assessments, but many existing vulnerability analyses are unvalidated and not grounded in robust empirical datasets. We combined robust sets of ground‐based plot and remote sensing data, collected during the 2012–2016 California drought, to develop rigorously validated tools for assessing forest vulnerability to drought‐related canopy tree mortality for the mixed conifer forests of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks and potentially for mixed conifer forests in the Sierra Nevada as a whole. Validation was carried out using a large external dataset. The best models included normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), elevation, and species identity. Models indicated that tree survival probability decreased with greenness (as measured by NDVI) and elevation, particularly if trees were growing slowly. Overall, models showed good calibration and validation, especially for Abies concolor, which comprise a large majority of the trees in many mixed conifer forests in the Sierra Nevada. Our models tended to overestimate mortality risk for Calocedrus decurrens and underestimate risk for pine species, in the latter case probably due to pine bark beetle outbreak dynamics. Validation results indicated dangers of overfitting, as well as showing that the inclusion of trees already under attack by bark beetles at the time of sampling can give false confidence in model strength, while also biasing predictions. These vulnerability tools should be useful to forest managers trying to assess which parts of their landscape were vulnerable during the 2012–2016 drought, and, with additional validation, may prove useful for ongoing assessments and predictions of future forest vulnerability.
BOB.1/OBF.1 is required during B‐cell ontogeny for B‐cell differentiation and germinal center function
Authors: Betzler Annika C. , Fiedler Katja , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Fehling Hans Joerg , Wirth Thomas , Brunner Cornelia
Published: December 2021

BOB.1/OBF.1 is a lymphocyte‐specific transcriptional co‐activator of octamer‐dependent transcription. It regulates the expression of genes important for lymphocyte physiology together with the Oct‐1 and Oct‐2 transcription factors. So far, BOB.1/OBF.1 has been studied in conventional knockout mice, whereby a function of BOB.1/OBF.1 in B but also in T cells was described. The main characteristic of BOB.1/OBF.1‐deficient mice is the complete absence of germinal centers. However, it is entirely unsolved at which stage of B‐cell development BOB.1/OBF.1 expression is essential for germinal center formation. Still, it is not known whether defects observed late in B‐cell development of BOB.1/OBF.1‐deficient mice are merely a consequence of defective early B‐cell development. To answer the question, whether BOB.1/OBF.1 expression is required before or during the process of germinal center formation, we established a mouse system, which allows the conditional deletion of BOB.1/OBF.1 at different stages of B‐cell development. Our data reveal a requirement for BOB.1/OBF.1 during both early antigen‐independent and late antigen‐dependent B‐cell development, and further a requirement for efficient germinal center reaction during complete B‐cell ontogeny. By specifically deleting BOB.1/OBF.1 in germinal center B cells, we provide evidence that the failure to form germinal centers is a germinal center B‐cell intrinsic defect and not exclusively a consequence of defective early B‐cell maturation.
Non‐destructive platinum catalyst‐replenishment method for deteriorated polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Authors: Kim Jaeyeon , Yoo Hongnyung , Kim Hyeok , Kim Dasol , Kim Geon Hwi , Kwon Obeen , Choi Heesoo , Cha Hyeonjin , Park Taehyun
Published: December 2021

A novel method for replenishing platinum catalysts on an electrolyte membrane of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is studied. The method injects electrocatalyst‐supplementing ink into a pre‐assembled fuel cell in a simple and non‐destructive manner. For replenishing, straightforward catalyst‐replenishment equipment and corresponding protocol are proposed. The protocol consists of injection, penetration, and purge processes. As a feasibility study, the method is performed on fuel cells with pristine membranes. Target fuel cells for this study include a membrane‐assembled cell without catalyst layers (CLs) (Cell 1) and a cell assembled with a membrane‐coated cathodic CL (Cell 2). An open‐circuit voltage of 0.804 V in Cell 1 and a current of 77 mA in Cell 2 are measured, as supported through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results of energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy also support the presence of platinum catalysts.
Robust information share measures with an application on the international crude oil markets
Authors: Li Hong , Shi Yanlin
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a robust estimation approach of the popular information share using a robust vector error correction model. Via simulation studies, we show that the proposed measures lead to more accurate estimates than the existing measures in the presence of outliers. The proposed measures are then investigated using high‐frequency crude oil prices data of the West Texas Intermediate and Brent over November 2019–October 2020. The results suggest that the abnormally large price movement in April 2020 may cause biased estimates of the ordinary measures, whereas the robust measures produce rather consistent results.
Cachectic muscle wasting in acute myeloid leukaemia: a sleeping giant with dire clinical consequences
Authors: Campelj Dean G. , Timpani Cara A. , Rybalka Emma
Published: December 2021

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a haematological malignancy with poor survival odds, particularly in the older (>65 years) population, in whom it is most prevalent. Treatment consists of induction and consolidation chemotherapy to remit the cancer followed by potentially curative haematopoietic cell transplantation. These intense treatments are debilitating and increase the risk of mortality. Patient stratification is used to mitigate this risk and considers a variety of factors, including body mass, to determine whether a patient is suitable for any or all treatment options. Skeletal muscle mass, the primary constituent of the body lean mass, may be a better predictor of patient suitability for, and outcomes of, AML treatment. Yet skeletal muscle is compromised by a variety of factors associated with AML and its clinical treatment consistent with cachexia, a life‐threatening body wasting syndrome. Cachectic muscle wasting is associated with both cancer and anticancer chemotherapy. Although not traditionally associated with haematological cancers, cachexia is observed in AML and can have dire consequences. In this review, we discuss the importance of addressing skeletal muscle mass and cachexia within the AML clinical landscape in view of improving survivability of this disease.
Development of a framework to assess the biomechanical impact of reverse shoulder arthroplasty placement modifications
Authors: Glenday Jonathan , Sivarasu Sudesh , Roche Stephen , Kontaxis Andreas
Published: December 2021

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty biomechanics can be improved by modifying the placement of prosthesis. Biomechanical studies have quantified the impact of placement modifications on the mobility and stability of the reverse shoulder. While these studies have provided detailed insights, direct comparisons between their finding are obfuscated by their use of differing methodologies. The aim of our study was to develop an assessment framework which used musculoskeletal simulations to consistently evaluate the biomechanics of various placement modifications. We conducted musculoskeletal simulations of humeral elevations and rotations using 15 reverse shoulder models. For each model, these simulations were conducted for a reference configuration of the prosthesis, established using surgical guidelines, and 34 modified configurations, which were based on commonplace adaptations to the placement of the glenosphere and humeral tray. The effect of each modified configuration on deltoid elongation, deltoid moment arm (DMA), joint stability, and impingement‐free range of motion (IFROM) was determined relative to the reference configuration. We found that 16 of the 34 modified placements had an overall beneficial impact on reverse shoulder biomechanics. Within this subset, we identified two biomechanical trade‐offs. First, there is an antagonistic relationship between IFROM and both the DMA and joint stability. Second, functional requirements differ between humeral elevations and rotations. Furthermore, we found that posteromedial translation of the humeral tray had the most beneficial impact on joint stability and inferior translation of the glenosphere had the most beneficial impact on IFROM and DMA.
Simultaneous resection for synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases: A feasibility clinical trial
Authors: Serrano Pablo E. , Parpia Sameer , Karanicolas Paul , Gallinger Steven , Wei Alice C. , Simunovic Marko , Bhandari Mohit , Levine Mark
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives

We tested the feasibility of a simultaneous resection clinical trial in patients with synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases to obtain the necessary information to plan a randomized trial.

Methods

Multicenter feasibility single‐arm trial enrolling patients with synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases eligible for simultaneous resection. Prespecified criteria for feasibility were: proportion of eligible patients enrolled ≥66%, and the proportion of enrolled patients who completed simultaneous resection ≥75%. The prespecified 90‐day major postoperative complication rate was 30%.

Results

Of 61 eligible patients from February 2017 to August 2019, 41 were enrolled (67%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 55%–78%), 32 underwent simultaneous resection (78%; 95% CI, 63%–88%). Four patients were not enrolled due to the surgeon's preference, three were due to the complexity of resection (right hepatectomy and low anterior resection). Intraoperative complications during liver resection (n = 4) and progression of disease (n = 4) were the main reasons for not undergoing simultaneous resection. The 90‐day incidence of major complications was 41% (95% CI, 16%–58%) and the 90‐day postoperative mortality was 6% (95% CI, 1.7%–20%).

Conclusion

According to prespecified criteria, enrolling patients with synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases to a trial of simultaneous resection is feasible; however, it is associated with higher than anticipated 90‐day postoperative complications.
Hydrogen sulfide regulates autophagy in nucleus pulposus cells under hypoxia
Authors: Yue Lei , Hu Yongkai , Fu Haoyong , Qi Longtao , Sun Haolin
Published: December 2021

Objective

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been found to act as an important gasotransmitter to regulate cell activities. This study aimed to investigate the effect of H2S on autophagy of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells under hypoxia and possible mechanism.

Materials and Methods

NP cells were isolated from rat caudal discs. Cobalt chloride was used to mimic hypoxia, sodium hydrosulfide was used to emulate exogenous H2S and 3‐methyladenine was used to block cell autophagy. Cell viability was assessed by phase contrast microscope and Cell Counting Kit‐8 method. Moreover, expression of key autophagic proteins was analyzed via western blotting, and transmission electron microscopy was performed to detect autophagosomes.

Results

Hypoxia markedly impaired NP cell proliferation compared with control. Whereas H2S provided pro‐proliferation and pro‐autophagy effects on hypoxic NP cells. However, these beneficial impact of H2S on hypoxic NP cells were reversed by autophagy inhibitor.

Conclusions

Our results showed that H2S played a cytoprotective role in NP cells exposed to hypoxia in an autophagy‐dependent manner.
Advances in ameliorating inflammatory diseases and cancers by andrographolide: Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and perspective
Authors: Qu Jiao , Liu Qianqian , You Guoquan , Ye Ling , Jin Yiguang , Kong Lingdong , Guo Wenjie , Xu Qiang , Sun Yang
Published: December 2021

Andrographolide, a well‐known natural lactone having a range of pharmacological actions in traditional Chinese medicine. It has long been used to cure a variety of ailments. In this review, we cover the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activity of andrographolide which supports its further clinical application in cancers and inflammatory diseases. Growing evidence shows a good therapeutic effect in inflammatory diseases, including liver diseases, joint diseases, respiratory system diseases, nervous system diseases, heart diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and inflammatory skin diseases. As a result, the effects of andrographolide on immune cells and the processes that underpin them are discussed. The preclinical use of andrographolide to different organs in response to malignancies such as colorectal, liver, gastric, breast, prostate, lung, and oral cancers has also been reviewed. In addition, several clinical trials of andrographolide in inflammatory diseases and cancers have been summarized. This review highlights recent advances in ameliorating inflammatory diseases as well as cancers by andrographolide and its analogs, providing a new perspective for subsequent research of this traditional natural product.
Machine learning models predict the primary sites of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma metastases based on DNA methylation
Authors: Leitheiser Maximilian , Capper David , Seegerer Philipp , Lehmann Annika , Schüller Ulrich , Müller Klaus‐Robert , Klauschen Frederick , Jurmeister Philipp , Bockmayr Michael
Published: December 2021

In head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCs) that present as metastases with an unknown primary (HNSC‐CUPs), the identification of a primary tumor improves therapy options and increases patient survival. However, the currently available diagnostic methods are laborious and do not offer a sufficient detection rate. Predictive machine learning models based on DNA methylation profiles have recently emerged as a promising technique for tumor classification. We applied this technique to HNSC to develop a tool that can improve the diagnostic work‐up for HNSC‐CUPs. On a reference cohort of 405 primary HNSC samples, we developed four classifiers based on different machine learning models [random forest (RF), neural network (NN), elastic net penalized logistic regression (LOGREG), and support vector machine (SVM)] that predict the primary site of HNSC tumors from their DNA methylation profile. The classifiers achieved high classification accuracies (RF = 83%, NN = 88%, LOGREG = SVM = 89%) on an independent cohort of 64 HNSC metastases. Further, the NN, LOGREG, and SVM models significantly outperformed p16 status as a marker for an origin in the oropharynx. In conclusion, the DNA methylation profiles of HNSC metastases are characteristic for their primary sites, and the classifiers developed in this study, which are made available to the scientific community, can provide valuable information to guide the diagnostic work‐up of HNSC‐CUP. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Genotypic variation in the response of soybean to elevated CO2
Authors: Soares José C. , Zimmermann Lars , Zendonadi dos Santos Nicolas , Muller Onno , Pintado Manuela , Vasconcelos Marta W.
Published: December 2021

The impact of elevated CO2 (eCO2) on soybean productivity is essential to the global food supply because it is the world's leading source of vegetable proteins. This study aimed to understand the yield responses and nutritional impact under free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) conditions of soybean genotypes. Here we report that grain yield increased by 46.9% and no reduction in harvest index was observed among soybean genotypes. Elevated CO2 improved the photosynthetic carbon assimilation rate, leaf area, plant height, and aboveground biomass at vegetative and pod filling stages. Besides the positive effects on yield parameters, eCO2 differentially affected the overall grain quality. The levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), boron (B), and zinc (Zn) grain minerals decreased by 22.9, 9.0, 4.9, 10.1, 21.3, 28.1, 18.5, and 25.9% under eCO2 conditions, respectively. Soluble sugars and starch increased by 9.1 and 16.0%, respectively, phytic acid accumulation increased by 8.1%, but grain protein content significantly decreased by 5.6% across soybean genotypes. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity decreased by 36.9%, but the total phenolic content was not affected by eCO2 conditions. Genotypes, such as Winsconsin Black, Primorskaja, and L‐117, were considered the most responsive to eCO2 in terms of yield enhancement and less affected in the nutritional quality. Our results confirm the existence of genetic variability in soybean responses to eCO2, and differences between genotypes in yield improvement and decreased sensitivity to eCO2 in terms of grain quality loss could be included in future soybean selection to enable adaptation to climate change.
Max‐EWMA chart for time and magnitude monitoring using exponentially modified Gaussian distribution
Authors: Talib Ayesha , Ali Sajid , Shah Ismail
Published: December 2021

Monitoring time and magnitude jointly is an attractive field due to their vast applications in different industries. This article presents a new maximum exponentially weighted moving average (Max‐EWMA) chart assuming exponentially modified Gaussian (EMG) distribution for time and magnitude. The reason of considering Max‐EWMA chart is its flexibility in identifying an out‐of‐control signal. Furthermore, the exponentially modifying Gaussian distribution can easily handle the monitoring of schedule time and also suitable for positive and negative magnitude. The performance of the chart is assessed using average run length (ARL), standard deviation of run length (SDRL), and quantiles of the run length distribution. In addition to extensive simulation study, two real data sets are also used to illustrate practical applications. The results indicate that the Max‐EWMA chart for monitoring time and magnitude is suitable for detecting time as well as magnitude shifts.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the lung: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Boriçi Sonila , Tanka Marjeta , Serbo Luljeta
Published: December 2021

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) of the lung is a rare tumour encountered in children. Although it is seen mostly in paediatric ages, a small number of cases exists in the literature. It may appear as an inflammatory mass or may have the characteristics of a tumour with the ability for recidivism and metastasis. Careful follow‐up of the cases is required to differentiate between the two. We present the case of a 4‐year‐old girl who presented with cough, and the chest x‐ray and computed tomography scan revealed a tumour mass in the right lung. After lobectomy, histological examination combined with immunohistochemical study discovered an IMT of the lung.
Potential Protein and Enzyme Targets for In‐silico Development and Repurposing of Drug Against Coronaviruses
Authors: Lochab Amit , Thareja Rakhi , Gadre Sangeeta D. , Saxena Reena
Published: December 2021

Drug development is a tedious, expensive and time consuming process that is accompanied with huge amount of uncertainty due to very low success rate using conventional methods. However, in‐silico techniques have helped society in drug designing and repurposing at minimal cost by shortlisting potentially hit compounds from huge libraries in a short span of time. This computational methodology has made a prominent contribution in the virtual screening of therapeutically relevant drugs for various viral diseases. It has helped in providing relevant information regarding drug‐target interaction and mechanism through which we can modify our drug compound for better efficiency. In‐silico tools additionally helps in predicting toxicity and pharmacokinetics, which can further help in clearing trials and approval. The recent outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) has resulted in a huge number of deaths and affected the economy of the world adversely. Computational methods have played a major role in shortlisting compounds that can inhibit viral infection by targeting various components of this virus which are essential in spreading the infection and replication mechanism. The repurposing of the drug against coronavirus has become a lot easier and efficient with the advancement in these computational techniques. Hence, this review covers the recent developments in the virtual screening of potentially hit compounds against COVID‐19.
Top management team role structure: A vantage point for advancing upper echelons research
Authors: Ma Shenghui , Kor Yasemin Y. , Seidl David
Published: December 2021

Research summary

The role structure of a top management team (TMT)—the roles of TMT members and the relationships among those roles—has important implications for how TMT members work together as a group in directing an organization and shaping its strategy. Although the importance of TMT role structure has long been noted, it has received scant attention until recently when upper‐echelons scholars started examining its formation and influence. To stimulate a concerted effort in studying TMT role structure, we develop a framework elaborating its main themes, draw out key contributions from extant research (see the SMS Collection), and outline promising future directions. In particular, we highlight important dynamics of how formal and informal structures complement or compete with each other in the strategic leadership of an organization.

Managerial summary

How to structure a TMT is critical for the strategic leadership of an organization. The roles of senior executives and the relationships among these roles shape how executives work together as a group in directing an organization and shaping its strategy. In this article, we develop a framework for understanding how a role structure develops in the senior management team and how it affects strategy and performance of the firm. We synthesize and present key contributions from recent research and discuss important areas that deserve future research. Our article highlights important dynamics of how formal and informal role structures complement or compete with each other in the strategic leadership of an organization.
From a shareholder to stakeholder orientation: Evidence from the analyses ofCEOdismissal in large U.S. firms
Authors: Shin Shoonchul , Lee Juyoung , Bansal Pratima (Tima)
Published: December 2021

Research Summary

The post‐Enron era is marked with growing discourse of stakeholders, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Yet, commentators debate whether U.S. corporations have indeed moved toward a stakeholder orientation, given the difficulties in measuring such a shift. We assess this shift by examining corporate governance practices, especially the prevalence of shareholder‐ and stakeholder‐oriented practices in chief executive officer (CEO) dismissals. Using data on large firms in 1980–2015, we found that, before the 2000s, CEOs were less heavily penalized for poor firm performance when they demonstrated a shareholder orientation by downsizing and refocusing the corporation and more heavily penalized for CSR activity. This trend, however, reversed after the early 2000s. This article provides evidence of the evolution of U.S. firms' governance practices from a shareholder toward stakeholder orientation.

Managerial Summary

Many people are skeptical of the assertion that U.S. corporations have become more stakeholder‐oriented over time. It is no wonder, as scant evidence exists for this claim. We tackle this claim head on by analyzing firm practices in 1980–2015 that contributed to chief executive officer (CEO) dismissal when the firm was performing poorly. Some practices, such as downsizing and firm refocusing, are associated with a shareholder orientation and others, such as CSR, are associated with a stakeholder orientation. We found strong evidence for a growing trend toward a stakeholder orientation. When the firm was performing poorly before the 2000s, CEOs were more likely to be dismissed for CSR activities and less likely to be dismissed for downsizing or refocusing the firm. This trend reversed in the early 2000s.
Red Phosphorus Anchored on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Bubble‐Carbon Nanotube Network for Highly Stable and Fast‐Charging Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: He Shu‐Ang , Liu Qian , Cui Zhe , Xu Kaibing , Zou Rujia , Luo Wei , Zhu Meifang
Published: December 2021

A nitrogen‐doped carbon bubble‐carbon nanotube@red phosphorus (N‐CBCNT@rP) network composite is fabricated, featuring an rP film embedded in a highly N‐doped CBCNT network with hierarchical pores of different sizes and interior void spaces. Highly N‐doped CBCNT with an optimized structure is utilized to achieve an ultrahigh rP content of 53 wt% in the N‐CBCNT@rP composite by the NP bond, which shows a record rP content for rP‐carbon composites by the vaporization–condensation process. When tested as an anode for lithium‐ion batteries, the N‐CBCNT@rP composite exhibits an ultrahigh initial Coulombic efficiency of 87.5%, high specific capacity, outstanding rate performance, and superior cycling stability at a high current density (capacity decay of 0.011% per cycle over 1500 cycles at 5 A g−1), which is the lowest capacity fading rate of those previously reported for rP‐based electrodes. The superior lithium‐ion storage performance of the N‐CBCNT@rP composite electrode is primarily attributed to its structure. The 3D hierarchical conducting network of the N‐CBCNT@rP composite with abundant N−P bonds endows the entire electrode with maximized conductivity for superior ion and electron transfer kinetics. Moreover, N‐CBCNT networks with hierarchical pores of different sizes can fix the location of rP, prevent agglomeration, and avoid volume expansion of rP.
Transformation of sequence diagram to timed Petri net using Atlas Transformation Language metamodel approach
Authors: Shailesh Tanuja , Nayak Ashalatha , Prasad Devi
Published: December 2021

Real‐time systems are complex and composed of time‐bounded events that must satisfy the real‐time constraints for their proper functioning. To cope with the complexity of real‐time systems, model‐driven approaches such as model‐driven architecture (MDA) can be followed, which uses the conceptual models for system representation. This paper presents an MDA‐based automated approach for an early stage performance evaluation and verification of a real‐time system using the Unified Modeling Language (UML)/Modeling and Analysis of Real‐Time and Embedded systems (MARTE) sequence diagram. A metamodel‐based model‐to‐model transformation technique is used for mapping the UML/MARTE sequence diagram into the generalized Petri Net Markup Language (PNML) representation of the timed Petri net model using Atlas Transformation Language (ATL). The derived PNML representation has the advantage to support the interoperability between different Petri net tools when compared over the existing methods that produce tool‐specific representation. The proposed approach enables the system designers to create and evaluate alternate system designs and predict their behavior, contributing to improving the system quality. The contribution of the proposed technique for identifying the optimal system design is analyzed using a real‐time embedded sensor application. The proposed transformation approach is also validated using a real‐time system from the manufacturing domain.