bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Beginnings of the Anarchist Concept of Freedom in the Teaching of the Greek Cynics and Chinese Philosophical Daoists
Authors: Vareikis Žilvinas ,   Polish Academy of Sciences
Published: April 2021

This paper links the beginnings of anarchism to the works of some ancient Greek Cynic philosophers. Its reflections are also visible in the Chinese Daoist civilizational paradigm, so comparatively relevant ideas developed by the Greek Cynics are analysed in relation to the Chinese Daoists ideas. Basing on the surviving works by the representatives of the above-mentioned schools or only fragments of these works, the author of the paper draws attention to the aspects of social behaviour and social activities of the thinkers of the civilizational paradigms in question. These aspects are discussed in the light of the idea of anarchism, which helps to reveal distinctive contents of values. These contents are fundamentally different from the models of anarchism of the New Ages that are oriented towards the transformation of social structure or its individual systems. The radical idea of social revolution was not important to the Greek Cynics and the Chinese Daoists, although, in the course of time, there have been attempts to link these ideas with revolutionary attitudes. However, due to the ideological divide and the divide in values, the author of the paper sees no basis for a more detailed comparative analysis of the ideas of anarchism of the New Ages and ancient anarchism.
A Dynamic Invasive Weeds Optimization Applied to Null Control of Linear Antenna Arrays with Constrained DRR
Authors: Kenane E. , Bakhti H. , Bentoumi M. , Djahli F.
Published: April 2021

In the present work, a dynamic stochastic method is proposed and used for the synthesis of uniform linear antenna arrays. The proposed method combines the classical invasive weeds (IWO) and the mutation process, which makes it robust, simple and shows flexibility to be adapted. The dynamic IWO applies the mutation process in the calculation of standard deviation during the spatial dispersal process of produced seeds while keeping the mean at the parent plants. In the mutation process, if special conditions were achieved, the standard deviation would be re-initialized. This proposed method tries to achieve an optimal array pattern by acting on the relative amplitude excitation of each element in the linear array for an optimal inter-element spacing. The optimal array pattern has deep or broad nulls in some directions of interferences with low sidelobes level. The objective of the synthesis is to get amplitude excitations with low dynamic range ratio (DRR), which facilitates the design of beamforming feed network. To illustrate the robustness of the proposed method, numerical examples are presented and compared with the obtained results using bees algorithm (BA), bacterial foraging algorithm (BFA), real genetic algorithm (RGA), and the corresponding reference array pattern for each example.
O trabalho dentro da casa ou a casa dentro do trabalho? Um estudo com mulheres (trabalhadoras em domicílio e empreendedoras) do setor de lingerie em Minas Gerais
Authors: Kraiser Marina , Mota-Santos Carolina Maria
Published: April 2021

Este estudo tem como objetivo conhecer o trabalho de mulheres (faccionistas e empreendedoras) que vivem em um pequeno município produtor de moda íntima no Norte de Minas, buscando identificar questões relacionadas ao trabalho feminino. Para tal, foi feito um panorama teórico acerca do tema trabalho feminino, recorrendo a autores que consideram o trabalho a partir da dimensão social. A pesquisa é qualitativa, realizada por meio de estudos de casos múltiplos com dois grupos de mulheres: trabalhadoras em domicílio e empreendedoras da cadeia produtiva de moda íntima, todas no pequeno município de Taiobeiras/MG. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam que, nos dois grupos de mulheres, essas mulheres são marcadas por forte identificação com o trabalho, pela manutenção de papéis tradicionais da mulher, ligados ao casamento e à maternidade, além de sentimentos de sobrecarga e culpa. Entre as empreendedoras, destacam-se características como orgulho, satisfação e autoconfiança. Entre as trabalhadoras em domicílio, verificou-se identidades menos autônomas e dificuldade em conquistar independência financeira e emocional. Os resultados também demonstram que o trabalho passa a ser um propulsor para mudanças sociais e questionamentos acerca do lugar social da mulher em um ambiente de baixa escolaridade e economia pouco diversificada. Aos estudos sobre trabalho feminino, no campo da Administração, esta pesquisa contribui ao colocar em perspectiva discussões sobre o conflito trabalho-família. Ao jogar luz a uma experiência fora dos grandes centros e das empresas tradicionais, vê-se outra relação com a percepção do que seja o lugar social da mulher.
Spectrum of Clinical Presentation and Surgical Outcome in Patients with Chronic Subdural Haemorrhage: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Patel Malaya , Pattajoshi Acharya Suryakant , Dhamudia Harish Chandra , Unnikrishnan A , Paul J , Nuthiapali Prathima
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Chronic subdural haematomas are one among common neurosurgical emergencies especially affecting elderly male. Usually, presents with subacute Cerebro Vascular Accident (CVA), impaired higher mental function and sometimes with reversible dementia. Rarely, it presents with end stage herniation. Burr Hole Drainage (BHD) is the most popular and worldwide procedure of choice and it successfully address the problem in majority of cases. However, in a small group of patients it needs a wider craniotomy to deal with the subdural membrane which is mainly associated with recurrence of the entity. Aim: To evaluate the comparative incidence of various clinical presentation and analysing the outcome of different treatment modalities in different subgroups of patients with chronic subdural haemorrhage with respect to complication and survivality. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled data of 100 consecutive patients of subacute (n=30) and chronic subdural haematoma (n=70) who were admitted and undergone neurosurgical management of Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Science and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, Odisha between September 2018 to September 2020. Variables were collected from patient’s records at discharge and analysed with respect to spectrum of clinical presentation and surgical outcome of different treatment modalities and problems associated with it. Results: The mean age group was 57.39 years and headache was the most common clinical presentation in the present study (86%) followed by hemiparasis (74%). BHD was carried out in 94 patients (94%). Primary craniotomy and membrane excision was carried out in 5 patients. Secondary craniotomy was performed in 1 patient after early re-accumulation and clinical deterioration. The outcome was assessed utilising Glasgow outcome scale with total five deaths in the series. Conclusion: Chronic Subdural Haemorrhage (CSDH) a problem of late adulthood (5th to 6th decade) which mostly follows two to three weeks after trauma. It needs proper preoperative assessment and requires timely intervention with skilled nursing care for early recovery. Post-traumatic subacute subdural haematoma in young subject and alcoholics needs special attention during course of their treatment. Bilateral puppilary failure, low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and seizure association are risk factors for poor outcome.
Mortality risks among blue- and white-collar workers: A time series study among Japanese men aged 25-64 years from 1980 to 2015
Authors: Dhungel Bibha , Murakami Tomoe , Wada Koji , Gilmour Stuart
Published: April 2021

Objective

We aimed to analyse age-standardised mortality trends in Japan among blue- and white-collar male workers aged 25-64 years, by major causes of mortality from 1980 to 2015.

Methods

Five-yearly mortality data were extracted from occupation-specific vital statistics maintained by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. A time series study was conducted among employed men aged 25-64 years. Age-standardised mortality trends by occupational category were calculated separately for all cancers, ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and suicide. Poisson regression analysis was performed to analyse mortality trends by occupational category for each cause.

Results

Mortality rates for all cancers and ischaemic heart disease were higher among white-collar workers than blue-collar workers throughout the 35-year study period. The gap in the mortality rates for all four causes of death among blue- and white-collar workers widened in 2000 after Japan’s economic bubble burst in the late 1990s. Simultaneously, suicide mortality rates among white-collar workers increased sharply and have remained higher than among blue-collar workers.

Conclusions

White-collar male workers in Japan have a higher risk of mortality than male blue-collar workers. However, despite substantial differences, significant progress has been made in recent years in reducing mortality across all occupations in Japan.
Endothelial cell autophagy in homeostasis and cancer
Authors: Verhoeven Jelle , Baelen Jef , Agrawal Madhur , Agostinis Patrizia
Published: April 2021

Autophagy, the major lysosomal pathway for the degradation and recycling of cytoplasmic materials, is increasingly recognized as a major player in endothelial cell (EC) biology and vascular pathology. Particularly in solid tumors, tumor microenvironmental stress such as hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, inflammatory mediators, and metabolic aberrations stimulates autophagy in tumor‐associated blood vessels. Increased autophagy in ECs may serve as a mechanism to alleviate stress and restrict exacerbated inflammatory responses. However, increased autophagy in tumor‐associated ECs can re‐model metabolic pathways and affect the trafficking and surface availability of key mediators and regulators of the interplay between EC and immune cells. In line with this, heightened EC autophagy is involved in pathological angiogenesis, inflammatory, and immune responses. Here, we review major cellular and molecular mechanisms regulated by autophagy in ECs under physiological conditions and discuss recent evidence implicating EC autophagy in tumor angiogenesis and immunosurveillance.
Crystal structure of a novel homodimeric l‐ribulose 3‐epimerase from Methylomonus sp.
Authors: Yoshida Hiromi , Yoshihara Akihide , Kato Shiro , Mochizuki Susumu , Akimitsu Kazuya , Izumori Ken , Kamitori Shigehiro
Published: April 2021

d‐Allulose has potential as a low‐calorie sweetener which can suppress fat accumulation. Several enzymes capable of d‐allulose production have been isolated, including d‐tagatose 3‐epimerases. Here, we report the isolation of a novel protein from Methylomonas sp. expected to be a putative enzyme based on sequence similarity to ketose 3‐epimerase. The synthesized gene encoding the deduced ketose 3‐epimerase was expressed as a recombinant enzyme in Escherichia coli, and it exhibited the highest enzymatic activity toward l‐ribulose, followed by d‐ribulose and d‐allulose. The X‐ray structure analysis of l‐ribulose 3‐epimerase from Methylomonas sp. (MetLRE) revealed a homodimeric enzyme, the first reported structure of dimeric l‐ribulose 3‐epimerase. The monomeric structure of MetLRE is similar to that of homotetrameric l‐ribulose 3‐epimerases, but the short C‐terminal α‐helix of MetLRE is unique and different from those of known l‐ribulose 3 epimerases. The length of the C‐terminal α‐helix was thought to be involved in tetramerization and increasing stability; however, the addition of residues to MetLRE at the C terminus did not lead to tetramer formation. MetLRE is the first dimeric l‐ribulose 3‐epimerase identified to exhibit high relative activity toward d‐allulose.
Individual differences in the susceptibility to forecasting biases
Authors: De Baets Shari , Vanderheyden Karlien
Published: April 2021

We set out to investigate whether interindividual differences in cognition affect the susceptibility to four forecasting biases: (a) optimism bias, (b) adding noise to forecasts, (c) presuming positive autocorrelation when series are independent, and (d) trend damping. All four biases were prevalent in the results, but we found no consistent relationships with cognition (cognitive style, cognitive reflection). Our sample included both novice and expert forecasters. They did not differ significantly in their susceptibility to biases. The lack of individual differences in bias susceptibility suggests that universal approaches to debiasing are possible.
Making Room for Growing Oriented FASnI3 with Large Grains via Cold Precursor Solution
Authors: Cui Danyu , Liu Xiao , Wu Tianhao , Lin Xuesong , Luo Xinhui , Wu Yongzhen , Segawa Hiroshi , Yang Xudong , Zhang Yiqiang , Wang Yanbo , Han Liyuan
Published: April 2021

Tin halide perovskites are promising candidates for preparing efficient lead‐free perovskite solar cells due to their ideal band gap and high charge‐carrier mobility. However, the notorious rapid crystallization process results in the inferior power conversion efficiency (PCE) of tin perovskite solar cells (TPSCs). Here, a facile method is employed to manage this crystallization process by using cold precursor solution that raises the critical Gibbs free energy to slow down the nucleation rate, sparing both space and time for crystal growth. In this way, highly oriented FASnI3 films with micrometer‐scale grains are fabricated and an increase of 70 mV in the open‐circuit voltage is obtained for TPSCs. This method is compatible with other existed strategies such as additive engineering or the post‐treatment method. The best‐performing device that combines 0 °C precursor solution and post‐treatment method demonstrates a PCE of 12.11%.
Conductive Hydrogel‐Based Electrodes and Electrolytes for Stretchable and Self‐Healable Supercapacitors
Authors: Cheng Tao , Zhang Yi‐Zhou , Wang Shi , Chen Ya‐Li , Gao Si‐Ya , Wang Feng , Lai Wen‐Yong , Huang Wei
Published: April 2021

Stretchable self‐healing supercapacitors (SCs) can operate under extreme deformation and restore their initial properties after damage with considerably improved durability and reliability, expanding their opportunities in numerous applications, including smart wearable electronics, bioinspired devices, human–machine interactions, etc. It is challenging, however, to achieve mechanical stretchability and self‐healability in energy storage technologies, wherein the key issue lies in the exploitation of ideal electrode and electrolyte materials with exceptional mechanical stretchability and self‐healing ability besides conductivity. Conductive hydrogels (CHs) possess unique hierarchical porous structure, high electrical/ionic conductivity, broadly tunable physical and chemical properties through molecular design and structure regulation, holding tremendous promise for stretchable self‐healing SCs. Hence, this review is innovatively constructed with a focus on stretchable and self‐healing CH based electrodes and electrolytes for SCs. First, the common synthetic approaches of CHs are introduced; then the stretching and self‐healing strategies involved in CHs are systematically elaborated; followed by an explanation of the conductive mechanism of CHs; then focusing on CH‐based electrodes and electrolytes for stretchable self‐healing SCs; subsequently, application of stretchable and self‐healing SCs in wearable electronics are discussed; finally, a conclusion is drawn along with views on the challenges and future research directions regarding the field of CHs for SCs.
Multi‐Stimuli Responsive and Multicolor Adjustable Pure Organic Room Temperature Fluorescence‐Phosphorescent Dual‐Emission Materials
Authors: Bi Xingqi , Shi Yonggang , Peng Tai , Yue Shiwen , Wang Feng , Zheng Liyan , Cao Qiu‐E
Published: April 2021

A simple bromine and cyanogen substituents positional isomeric 9‐phenyl‐9H‐carbazole (PhCz) donor–acceptor system (namely p‐NN‐Br and m‐NN‐Br) displays ultralong organic phosphorescence, and exhibits unique dual emission properties (fluorescence and phosphorescence). These molecules are found to display distinct responses toward multiple external stimuli including temperature (T), excitation light intensity (I) and pressure (P), and show multicolor tunable behaviors (including the white light, the Commission Internationale d'Eclairage (CIE) = 0.33, 0.34). The unique stimuli‐triggered proportion between singlet and triplet excitons for p‐NN‐Br and m‐NN‐Br is demonstrated systematically by investigating the photophysical spectrum, scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and X‐ray analysis, coupled with theoretical calculations. They reveal that the simultaneous introduction of halogens (Br) and pseudohalogens (CN) to the PhCz skeleton can improve the intermolecular interaction and thermal stability. Single crystal analysis shows that there are many more types of dimers and J‐aggregates, thereby stabilizing the excitation of triplet states. Moreover, these isomers have “latent” fingerprint recognition and anti‐background interference performance, which is expected to provide a new method for fingerprint identification. All in all, this strategy paves the way to a multifunctional platform for the development of multi‐stimuli responsive, multicolor regulation and smart luminescent materials with long‐lived emission at room temperature.
Stable Hollow‐Structured Silicon Suboxide‐Based Anodes toward High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tian Hao , Tian Huajun , Yang Wu , Zhang Fan , Yang Wang , Zhang Qiaobao , Wang Yong , Liu Jian , Silva S. Ravi P. , Liu Hao , Wang Guoxiu
Published: April 2021

Silicon has been regarded as an attractive high‐capacity anode material for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, Si anodes suffer from huge volume variation during cycling, which poses a critical challenge for stable battery operation. Compared with Si, Si suboxide (SiOx) is one of the most promising candidates for high‐energy‐density LIBs because of its alleviated swelling and highly stable cycling performance. Whereas, the poor electronic conductivity and low (initial) Coulombic efficiency of SiOx anodes severely hinder practical applications for LIBs. Herein, for the first time, these issues are successfully solved through rationally designing hollow‐structured SiOx@carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/C architectures with graphitic carbon coatings and in situ growth of CNTs. When applied as anodes in LIBs, the SiOx@CNTs/C anodes exhibit high reversible capacity, high initial Coulombic efficiency (88%), outstanding cycling performance, and extraordinary mechanical strength during the calendaring process (200 MPa). This work paves the way for developing SiOx‐based anode materials for high‐energy‐density LIBs.
High Optical Gain of Solution‐Processed Mixed‐Cation CsPbBr3 Thin Films towards Enhanced Amplified Spontaneous Emission
Authors: Li Meili , Shang Qiuyu , Li Chun , Li Shuai , Liang Yin , Yu Wenjin , Wu Cuncun , Zhao Liyun , Zhong Yangguang , Du Wenna , Wu Xianxin , Jia Zhili , Gao Yan , Chen Hui , Liu Xinfeng , Guo Shaojun , Liao Qing , Xing Guichuan , Xiao Lixin , Zhang Qing
Published: April 2021

A solution‐processed thin film made of all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite is a promising candidate for low‐cost and flexible green‐color lasers. However, the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) of solution‐processed CsPbBr3 films still experiences a high threshold owing to poor morphology and insufficient optical gain. Here, a multiple‐cation doping strategy is demonstrated to develop compact, smooth thin films of Cs0.87(FAMA)0.13PbBr3/(NMA)2PbBr4 (FA: formamidinium; MA: methylammonium; NMA: naphthylmethylammonium) with a record high net modal optical gain of ≈3030 cm−1 and low propagation loss of 1.0 cm−1. The FA and MA cations improve the crystallization kinetics to form continuous films, and the NMA cations reduce the grain dimension, increase film dispersibility/uniformity, and enhance spatial confinement to promote optical gain. Room‐temperature ASE is demonstrated under a low threshold of ≈3.8 µJ cm−2 without degradation after four months of storage in glove box or excitation by 3 × 107 laser pulses. These findings provide insights into enhancing the optical gain and lowering the threshold of perovskite lasers in terms of molecular synthesis and microstructure engineering.
Tailoring Surface Self‐Organization for Nanoscale Polygonal Morphology on Germanium
Authors: Kamaliya Bhaveshkumar , Garg Vivek , Liu Amelia C. Y. , Chen Yu (Emily) , Aslam Mohammed , Fu Jing , Mote Rakesh G.
Published: April 2021

The evolution of polygonal‐shaped nanoholes on the (100) surface of germanium, aided by focused ion beam induced self‐organization, is presented. The energetic beam of ions creates a viscous phase which, at a thermodynamical minimum, leads to surface self‐organization. A directed viscous‐flow along the predefined nanoholes provides well‐ordered polygonal nanostructures, ranging from triangles to hexagons and octagons, as desired. The amorphization exhibiting a confined viscous‐flow at the walls of nanoholes is attributed to the localized melting zones induced by site‐specific thermal spikes during ion irradiation, as revealed by microscopy and molecular dynamics studies. This leads to a local self‐organization in the vicinity of each circular nanohole via a viscous‐fingering process at the nanoscale. Such controlled self‐organization, with the help of a predefined scanning grid, transforms the circular holes into the desired polygonal shape. The present morphology manipulation promises to surmount the barriers concerning the size reduction efforts in the field of nanofabrication.
Capturing Cytokines with Advanced Materials: A Potential Strategy to Tackle COVID‐19 Cytokine Storm
Authors: Meng Qian‐Fang , Tian Rui , Long Haiyi , Wu Xianjia , Lai Jialin , Zharkova Olga , Wang Jiong‐Wei , Chen Xiaoyuan , Rao Lang
Published: April 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic, induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has caused great impact on the global economy and people's daily life. In the clinic, most patients with COVID‐19 show none or mild symptoms, while approximately 20% of them develop severe pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or septic shock due to infection‐induced cytokine release syndrome (the so‐called “cytokine storm”). Neutralizing antibodies targeting inflammatory cytokines may potentially curb immunopathology caused by COVID‐19; however, the complexity of cytokine interactions and the multiplicity of cytokine targets make attenuating the cytokine storm challenging. Nonspecific in vivo biodistribution and dose‐limiting side effects further limit the broad application of those free antibodies. Recent advances in biomaterials and nanotechnology have offered many promising opportunities for infectious and inflammatory diseases. Here, potential mechanisms of COVID‐19 cytokine storm are first discussed, and relevant therapeutic strategies and ongoing clinical trials are then reviewed. Furthermore, recent research involving emerging biomaterials for improving antibody‐based and broad‐spectrum cytokine neutralization is summarized. It is anticipated that this work will provide insights on the development of novel therapeutics toward efficacious management of COVID‐19 cytokine storm and other inflammatory diseases.
On the Improvement of Alveolar‐Like Microfluidic Devices for Efficient Blood Oxygenation
Authors: Malankowska Magdalena , Pellejero Ismael , Julian Ignacio , Rho Hoon Suk , Pinczowski Pedro , Tiggelaar Roald M. , Gardeniers Han , Mallada Reyes , Pina Maria Pilar
Published: April 2021

In this work, alveolar‐like microfluidic devices are studied with a horizontal membrane arrangement that demonstrate a great potential as small‐scale blood oxygenator. The design criteria for the fabricated devices are to maximize the oxygen saturation level and minimize liquid chamber volume while ensuring the physiological blood flow in order to avoid thrombus formation and channel blockage during operation. The liquid chamber architecture is iteratively modified upon analysis of the fluid dynamics by computer modeling. Accordingly, two alveolar type architectures are fabricated, Alveolar Design 1 (AD1) and Alveolar Design 2 (AD2), and evaluated for oxygenation of sheep blood. The attained O2 transfer rate at 1 mL min−1 of blood flow rate for both devices is rather similar: 123 and 127 mL min−1 m−2 for AD1 and AD2 microfluidic devices, respectively. Among the studied, AD2 type geometry would lead to the lowest pressure drop and shear stress value upon implementation in a scaled microfluidic artificial lung (μAL) to satisfy oxygenation requirements of a 2.0 kg neonate.
Conduction Cooling and Plasmonic Heating Dramatically Increase Droplet Vitrification Volumes for Cell Cryopreservation
Authors: Zhan Li , Guo Shuang‐Zhuang , Kangas Joseph , Shao Qi , Shiao Maple , Khosla Kanav , Low Walter C. , McAlpine Michael C. , Bischof John
Published: April 2021

Droplet vitrification has emerged as a promising ice‐free cryopreservation approach to provide a supply chain for off‐the‐shelf cell products in cell therapy and regenerative medicine applications. Translation of this approach requires the use of low concentration (i.e., low toxicity) permeable cryoprotectant agents (CPA) and high post cryopreservation viability (>90%), thereby demanding fast cooling and warming rates. Unfortunately, with traditional approaches using convective heat transfer, the droplet volumes that can be successfully vitrified and rewarmed are impractically small (i.e., 180 picoliter) for <2.5 m permeable CPA. Herein, a novel approach to achieve 90–95% viability in micro‐liter size droplets with 2 m permeable CPA, is presented. Droplets with plasmonic gold nanorods (GNRs) are printed onto a cryogenic copper substrate for improved cooling rates via conduction, while plasmonic laser heating yields >400‐fold improvement in warming rates over traditional convective approach. High viability cryopreservation is then demonstrated in a model cell line (human dermal fibroblasts) and an important regenerative medicine cell line (human umbilical cord blood stem cells). This approach opens a new paradigm for cryopreservation and rewarming of dramatically larger volume droplets at lower CPA concentration for cell therapy and other regenerative medicine applications.
Cold surge invading the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Competition Zones and the predictability in BCC‐AGCM model
Authors: Li Xiang , Gao Hui , Ding Ting
Published: April 2021

The 24th Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will be held at three competition zones in North China. The cold surge is considered as the most dominant weather affecting the game schedule by the Organizing Committee of Beijing Olympic Games. In this article, both the frequency of 124 cold surge cases invading the competition zones and the corresponding atmospheric circulation during the winters of 1985–2020 are first analyzed. The results show that the frequency has not been reduced by the global warming. On the contrary, it has been increasing slightly in recent decade. By verifying the forecast skill of temperature drop at the zones in Beijing Climate Center‐Atmospheric General Circulation Model (version 2.2), it is found that the average efficient forecast leading time with persistent temperature drop exceeding 1°C is about 7 days, but significant differences exist among the individual cases. The 20 best forecasts and the 20 worst forecasts were selected for further analysis. In the 20 worst forecasts, the cold surge processes cannot be forecasted even 1 day in advance. It is mainly due to the great deviation of the simulated circulation from the observation, especially the failure to forecast the enhancement of the Siberian High especially in its southeast part before the cold surge occurrence. While in the 20 best forecasts, the model can capture the cold surges 9 days before the occurrence, owing to its skill in forecasting the positive sea level pressure anomalies from the southern Barents Sea and the Kara Sea to eastern China. Above evaluations can provide useful information to the forecast of cold surge invading the competition zones beyond 1 week.
The tree of life describes a tripartite cellular world
Authors: Nasir Arshan , Mughal Fizza , Caetano‐Anollés Gustavo
Published: April 2021

The canonical view of a 3‐domain (3D) tree of life was recently challenged by the discovery of Asgardarchaeota encoding eukaryote signature proteins (ESPs), which were treated as missing links of a 2‐domain (2D) tree. Here we revisit the debate. We discuss methodological limitations of building trees with alignment‐dependent approaches, which often fail to satisfactorily address the problem of ‘‘gaps.’’ In addition, most phylogenies are reconstructed unrooted, neglecting the power of direct rooting methods. Alignment‐free methodologies lift most difficulties but require employing realistic evolutionary models. We argue that the discoveries of Asgards and ESPs, by themselves, do not rule out the 3D tree, which is strongly supported by comparative and evolutionary genomic analyses and vast genomic and biochemical superkingdom distinctions. Given uncertainties of retrodiction and interpretation difficulties, we conclude that the 3D view has not been falsified but instead has been strengthened by genomic analyses. In turn, the objections to the 2D model have not been lifted. The debate remains open. Also see the video abstract here:https://youtu.be/-6TBN0bubI8
Simple and sensitive detection of deoxyribonucleic acid using a RecA−GFP fusion protein–DNA filament as probe
Authors: Ren Zijing , Zhang Yuanfu , Wu Tao , Xue Qingwang , Wang Shuhao
Published: April 2021

A simple, rapid and highly sensitive method for detection of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) was developed using a novel fluorescence probe composed of a RecA–GFP fusion protein that had specific recognition of ssDNA complexes (RecA–GFP–DNA filament). The RecA–GFP fusion protein not only had strong fluorescence, but could also occur by homologous recombination. In the presence of the target dsDNA, the complementary ssDNA of the RecA–GFP–DNA filaments invaded one end of the dsDNA chain. In addition, the other end of the ssDNA dissociated the RecA–GFP filaments. An assay of the probe showed a linear relationship with dsDNA concentration in the range 1–11 nM, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9923. The limit of detection for dsDNA was determined experimentally to be 0.3 nM (3δ). Compared with conventional methods, this method has the advantages of simple operation, high specificity, and high sensitivity.
Optimization of culture conditions for human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cell expansion in macrocarrier‐based Tide Motion system
Authors: Bhat Samatha , Chiew Geraldine Giap Ying , Ng Jia Xing , Lin Xiangliang , Seetharam Raviraja N.
Published: April 2021

Background

With high cell doses required for mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) clinical trials, there is a need to upgrade technologies that facilitate efficient scale up of MSCs for cell therapy. Conventional expansion with 2D culture vessels becomes the bottleneck when large cell dosages are required. Tide Motion bioreactors offer a robust, scalable platform using BioNOC II macrocarriers developed for the production of adherent cells.

Methods

We evaluated the growth and expansion of bone marrow‐derived MSCs (BM‐MSCs) on the macrocarrier‐based culture system by optimizing key parameters such as cell seeding densities, culturing conditions, and harvesting procedures to achieve optimal cell growth. BM‐MSCs expanded in conventional 2D adherent cultures were seeded into BioNOC II macrocarriers and grown in serum‐containing or serum‐free medium.

Results

BM‐MSCs attained a maximum cell density of 0.49 ± 0.07 × 106 cells/carrier after 12 days of culture in BioNOC II macrocarriers with cell viability > 86% while retaining MSC specific characteristics such as surface marker expression, tri‐lineage differentiation potential, immunosuppressive properties, and potency.

Conclusion

These results reveal the feasibility of BM‐MSC expansion in the scalable macrocarrier‐based Tide Motion system both under serum and serum‐free conditions and represent an important step for the large‐scale production system of BM‐MSC based cellular therapies.
Clinical significance of CDKN2A homozygous deletion in combination with methylated MGMT status for IDH‐wildtype glioblastoma
Authors: Funakoshi Yusuke , Hata Nobuhiro , Takigawa Kosuke , Arita Hideyuki , Kuga Daisuke , Hatae Ryusuke , Sangatsuda Yuhei , Fujioka Yutaka , Sako Aki , Umehara Toru , Yoshitake Tadamasa , Togao Osamu , Hiwatashi Akio , Yoshimoto Koji , Iwaki Toru , Mizoguchi Masahiro
Published: April 2021

Objective

Accumulating evidence from recent molecular diagnostic studies has indicated the prognostic significance of various genetic markers for patients with glioblastoma (GBM). To evaluate the impact of such genetic markers on prognosis, we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of patients with IDH‐wildtype GBM in our institution. In addition, to assess the impact of bevacizumab (BEV) treatment, we compared overall survival (OS) between the pre‐ and post‐BEV eras.

Methods

We analyzed the data of 100 adult patients (over 18 years old) with IDH‐wildtype GBM from our database between February 2006 and October 2018. Genetic markers, such as MGMT methylation status, EGFR amplification, CDKN2A homozygous deletion, and clinical factors were analyzed by evaluating the patients’ OS.

Results

CDKN2A homozygous deletion showed no significant impact on OS in patients with methylated MGMT status (p = 0.5268), whereas among patients with unmethylated MGMT status, there was a significant difference in OS between patients with and without CDKN2A homozygous deletion (median OS: 14.7 and 16.9 months, respectively, p = 0.0129). This difference was more evident in the pre‐BEV era (median OS: 10.1 and 15.6 months, respectively, p = 0.0351) but has become nonsignificant in the post‐BEV era (median OS: 16.0 and 16.9 months, respectively, p = 0.1010) due to OS improvement in patients with CDKN2A homozygous deletion. However, these findings could not be validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort.

Conclusions

MGMT and CDKN2A status subdivided our cohort into three race‐specific groups with different prognoses. Our findings indicate that BEV approval in Japan led to OS improvement exclusively for patients with concurrent unmethylated MGMT status and CDKN2A homozygous deletion.
Targeted Degradation of PARP14 Using a Heterobifunctional Small Molecule
Authors: Wigle Tim J. , Ren Yue , Molina Jennifer R. , Blackwell Danielle J. , Schenkel Laurie B. , Swinger Kerren K. , Kuplast‐Barr Kristy , Majer Christina R. , Church W. David , Lu Alvin Z. , Mo Jason , Abo Ryan , Cheung Anne , Dorsey Bryan W. , Niepel Mario , Perl Nicholas R. , Vasbinder Melissa M. , Keilhack Heike , Kuntz Kevin W.
Published: April 2021

PARP14 is an interferon‐stimulated gene that is overexpressed in multiple tumor types, influencing pro‐tumor macrophage polarization as well as suppressing the antitumor inflammation response by modulating IFN‐γ and IL‐4 signaling. PARP14 is a 203 kDa protein that possesses a catalytic domain responsible for the transfer of mono‐ADP‐ribose to its substrates. PARP14 also contains three macrodomains and a WWE domain which are binding modules for mono‐ADP‐ribose and poly‐ADP‐ribose, respectively, in addition to two RNA recognition motifs. Catalytic inhibitors of PARP14 have been shown to reverse IL‐4 driven pro‐tumor gene expression in macrophages, however it is not clear what roles the non‐enzymatic biomolecular recognition motifs play in PARP14‐driven immunology and inflammation. To further understand this, we have discovered a heterobifunctional small molecule designed based on a catalytic inhibitor of PARP14 that binds in the enzyme's NAD+‐binding site and recruits cereblon to ubiquitinate it and selectively target it for degradation.
Systemic pigmented contact dermatitis to cobalt following ingestion of cobalamin supplement
Authors: Pongcharoensuk Thanet , Thaiwat Supitchaya
Published: April 2021

Systemic contact dermatitis (SCD) is a condition occurring in previously sensitized individuals after systemic re‐exposure to the same or cross‐reacting substance. Pigmented systemic contact dermatitis after intake of cobalt containing diet has never been reported.
Crystal Engineering Using Polyiodide Halogen and Chalcogen Bonding to Isolate the Phenothiazinium Radical Cation and Its Rare Dimer, 10‐(3‐Phenothiazinylidene)phenothiazinium
Authors: Peloquin Andrew J. , McMillen Colin D. , Iacono Scott T. , Pennington William T.
Published: April 2021

Utilizing facile one‐electron oxidation of 10H‐phenothiazine by molecular diiodine, the solid‐state structure of the 10H‐phenothiazinium radical cation was obtained in three cation:iodide ratios, as well as its THF and acetone solvates. Oxidation of 10H‐phenothiazine with molecular diiodine in DMSO or DMF provided the structure of the radical coupling product 10‐(3‐phenothiazinyldene)phenothiazinium, which has not been crystallographically characterized to date. The radical cations were balanced by a mixture (I7)−, (I5)−, (I3)−, and I− anions, where a variety of chalcogen, halogen, and hydrogen bonding interactions stabilize the structures to reveal these interesting cationic species.
Molecular Sieving of Acetylene from Ethylene in a Rigid Ultra‐microporous Metal Organic Framework.
Authors: Jiang Xue , Pham Tony , Cao Jian‐Wei , Forrest Katherine A. , Wang Hui , Chen Juan , Zhang Qiu‐Yu , Chen Kai‐Jie
Published: April 2021

Rigid molecular sieving materials are the ideal candidates for gas separation (e. g., C2H2/C2H4) due to their ultrahigh adsorption selectivity and the absence of gas co‐adsorption. However, the absolute molecular sieving effect for C2H2/C2H4 separation has rarely been realized because of their similar physicochemical properties. Herein, we demonstrate the absolute molecular sieving of C2H2 from C2H4 by a rigid ultra‐microporous metal‐organic framework (F−PYMO−Cu) with 1D regular channels (pore size of ca. 3.4 Å). F−PYMO−Cu exhibited moderate acetylene uptake (35.5 cm3/cm3), but very low ethylene uptake (0.55 cm3/cm3) at 298 K and 1 bar, yielding the second highest C2H2/C2H4 uptake ratio of 63.6 up to now. One‐step C2H4 production from a binary mixture of C2H2/C2H4 and a ternary mixture of C2H2/CO2/C2H4 at 298 K was achieved and verified by dynamic breakthrough experiments. Coupled with excellent thermal and water stability, F−PYMO−Cu could be a promising candidate for industrial C2 separation tasks.
Construction of an Octanuclear Zn(II)‐Yb(III) Schiff Base Complex for the NIR Luminescent Sensing of Nitrofuran Antibiotics
Authors: Niu Mengyu , Yang Xiaoping , Ma Yanan , Wang Chengri , Hao Wenxin , Shi Dongliang , Schipper Desmond
Published: April 2021

Main observation and conclusion

One near‐infrared (NIR) luminescent octanuclear Zn(II)‐Yb(III) complex [Zn6Yb2L4(OAc)2(DMF)EtOH] (1) was obtained from a new multidentate Schiff base ligand. It exhibits interesting luminescent sensing activity to antibiotics, in particular to nitrofuran antibiotics (NFAs) with high sensitivity due to the inner filter effect. The NIR luminescence quenching constants and limits of the detection of the complex towards NFAs are 2.9 × 104—5.5 × 104 L/mol and 1.27—2.38 μmol/L, respectively. Its high luminescence sensitivity to NFAs is not changed with the existence of other antibiotics.
Variability and trait‐specific accessions for grain yield and nutritional traits in germplasm of little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth. Ex. Roem. & Schult.)
Authors: Vetriventhan Mani , Upadhyaya Hari D , Azevedo Vania CR , Allan Victor , Anitha Seetha
Published: April 2021

Little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth. Ex. Roem. & Schult.), a member of the grass family Poaceae, is native to India. It is nutritionally superior to major cereals, grows well on marginal lands, and can withstand drought and waterlogging conditions. Two‐hundred diverse little millet landraces were characterized to assess variability for agronomic and nutritional traits and identify promising accessions. Highly significant variability was found for all the agronomic and grain nutrient traits. Accessions of robusta were high yielding whereas those of nana were rich in grain nutrients. About 80% of the accessions showed consistent protein and zinc (Zn) contents whereas iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca) contents were less consistent (29.5 and 63.5%, respectively) over 2 yr. Promising trait‐specific accessions were identified for greater seed weight (10 accessions), high grain yield (15), high biomass yield (15), and consistently high grain nutrients (30) over 2 yr (R2 = .69–.74, P ≤ .0001). A few accessions showed consistently high for two or more nutrients (IPmr 449 for Fe, Zn, Ca, and protein; IPmr 981 for Zn and protein). Five accessions (IPmr 855, 974, 877, 897, 767) were high yielding and also rich in Ca. Consumption of 100 g of little millet grains can potentially contribute to the recommended dietary allowance of up to 28% Fe, 37% Zn, and 27% protein. Multilocation evaluation of the promising accessions across different soil types, fertility levels, and climatic conditions would help to identify valuable accessions for direct release as a cultivar or use in little millet improvement.
Influence of reaction conditions on the hydrodeoxygenation of light components in bio‐oil to long‐chain alkanes over Ni/HZSM‐5‐γ‐Al2O3
Authors: Li Zhiyu , Jiang Enchen , Xu Xiwei , Han Ping , Lu Fangyuan , Teng Jie , Zhou Ling
Published: April 2021

A modified γ‐Al2O3‐supported nickel‐based Ni/HZSM‐5 catalyst prepared by the impregnation method was characterized by physical adsorption of N2, X‐ray diffraction, temperature‐programmed desorption of ammonia, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The influence of temperature, pressure, flow, and space velocity on the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of light components in bio‐oil was studied, and a lifespan test was performed on the Ni/HZSM‐5‐γ‐Al2O3 catalyst. The results showed that at a reaction temperature of 380°C, pressure of 2 MPa, flow rate of 380 ml min−1, and mass space velocity of 0.78 h−1, the hydrocarbon content of the upgraded oil was the highest, reaching 89.49%. Long‐chain alkanes were the main hydrocarbons in the upgraded oil. The results of a lifespan experiment show the good stability of the Ni/HZSM‐5‐γ‐Al2O3 catalyst in the HDO of bio‐oil over 5 h of reaction. The HDO reaction pathway of bio‐oil mainly resulted in conversion into long‐chain alkanes through a condensation reaction, a decarbonylation/decarboxylation reaction and hydrogenation. This study provides a reference for the preparation of high‐quality liquid fuels from biomass. [Correction added on June 18, 2021, after first online publication: 89.47% changed to 89.49%]
Enhanced light absorption and charge recombination control in quantum dot sensitized solar cells using copper and manganese doped cadmium sulfide quantum dots
Authors: Tung Ha Thanh , Phuc Dang Huu , Chung Nguyen Thi Kim , Thuy Nguyen Thuy Ngoc
Published: April 2021

In this work, photovoltaic devices with CdSe QDs‐photoanodes doped Cu and Mn metals using the Successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method for high‐efficiency performance. Here, the molar dopant of Cu was studied from 0% to 5%, while Mn molar was changed between 0% and 40% to optimize conditional experiment. This result shows an increase of current density in both CdSe doped on Cu and Mn as a result of the enhancing light absorption and reducing recombination when a ZnS layer was used as passivation. In fact, a high 4.24% of efficiency for CdSe doped on Cu and 3.9% of efficiency for CdSe doped on Mn were archived comparing with pure CdSe QDs.
Inositol hexaphosphate modulates the behavior of macrophages through alteration of gene expression involved in pathways of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory responses, and resolution of inflammation pathways
Authors: Wee Yinshen , Yang Chieh‐Hsiang , Chen Shau‐Kwaun , Yen Yu‐Chun , Wang Ching‐Shuen
Published: April 2021

Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a dietary compound commonly obtained from corn, rice, etc. Although we may consume significant amount of IP6 daily, it is unclear whether this diet will impact macrophages’ fate and function. Therefore, we characterized the underlying relationship between IP6 and macrophage polarization in this study. We specifically examined the signature gene expression profiles associated with pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory responses, and resolution of inflammation pathways in macrophages under the influence of IP6. Interestingly, our data suggested that IP6 polarizes bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDM) into an M2a‐like subtype. Our results also demonstrated that IP6 reduces lipopolysaccharide‐induced apoptosis and pro‐inflammatory responses in macrophages. In contrast, the expression levels of genes related to anti‐inflammatory responses and resolution of inflammation pathways are upregulated. Our findings collectively demonstrated that IP6 has profound modulation effects on macrophages, which warrant further research on the therapeutic benefits of IP6 for inflammatory diseases.
Deuterium‐Stabilized (R)‐Pioglitazone (PXL065) Is Responsible for Pioglitazone Efficacy in NASH yet Exhibits Little to No PPARγ Activity
Authors: Jacques Vincent , Bolze Sébastien , Hallakou‐Bozec Sophie , Czarnik Anthony W. , Divakaruni Ajit S. , Fouqueray Pascale , Murphy Anne N. , Van der Ploeg Lex H.T. , DeWitt Sheila
Published: April 2021

The antidiabetic drug pioglitazone is, to date, the most efficacious oral drug recommended off‐label for the treatment of nondiabetic or diabetic patients with biopsy‐proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, weight gain and edema side effects have limited its use for NASH. Pioglitazone is a mixture of two stereoisomers ((R)‐pioglitazone and (S)‐pioglitazone) that interconvert in vitro and in vivo. We aimed to characterize their individual pharmacology to develop a safer and potentially more potent drug for NASH. We stabilized the stereoisomers of pioglitazone with deuterium at the chiral center. Preclinical studies with deuterium‐stabilized (R)‐pioglitazone (PXL065) and (S)‐pioglitazone demonstrated that (R)‐pioglitazone retains the efficacy of pioglitazone in NASH, including reduced hepatic triglycerides, free fatty acids, cholesterol, steatosis, inflammation, hepatocyte enlargement, and fibrosis. Although both stereoisomers inhibit the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier, PXL065 shows limited to no peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) activity, whereas (S)‐pioglitazone appears responsible for the PPARγ activity and associated weight gain. Nonetheless, in preclinical models, both stereoisomers reduce plasma glucose and hepatic fibrosis to the same extent as pioglitazone, suggesting that these benefits may also be mediated by altered mitochondrial metabolism. In a phase 1a clinical study, we demonstrated safety and tolerability of single 7.5‐mg, 22.5‐mg, and 30‐mg doses of PXL065 as well as preferential exposure to the (R)‐stereoisomer in comparison to 45‐mg pioglitazone. Conclusion: PXL065 at a dose lower than 22.5 mg is predicted to exhibit efficacy for NASH equal to, or greater than, 45‐mg pioglitazone without the potentially detrimental weight gain and edema. The development of PXL065 for NASH represents a unique opportunity to leverage the therapeutic benefits of pioglitazone, while reducing or eliminating PPARγ‐related side effects.