bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The methylation level of TFAP2A is a potential diagnostic biomarker for retinoblastoma: an analytical validation study
Authors: Zeng Qi , Wang Sha , Tan Jia , Chen Lu , Wang Jinwei
Published: March 2021

Tumor-derived circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has demonstrated its excellent potential for cancer diagnosis by DNA methylome; therefore, this study aimed to identify the retinoblastoma (RB) specific methylated CpG loci as the RB diagnostic biomarkers and design a methylation specific assay to detect these biomarker from aqueous humor of RB patients. Through a genome-wide methylation profiling of tissue samples from patients with RB, normal retina and other retinal diseases, we shortlisted two CpG loci were only methylated in RB but not in normal retina or other retinal diseases. Both of these two CpG loci were located in the genome of TFAP2A. Through the screening, a primer and probe set for the two CpG loci were tested in fully methylated standards and RB tissues with a significant differentiation of RB. Our results of this assay tested in aqueous humor from RB revealed an accuracy of 92.7% for RB diagnosis. These results suggested our assay targeting the TFAP2A ctDNA methylation can be utilized for RB diagnosis and cancer monitoring.
A psychrometric model to assess the biological decay of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in aerosols
Authors: Beggs Clive B. , Avital Eldad J.
Published: March 2021

There is increasing evidence that the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has been influenced by variations in air temperature and humidity. However, the impact that these environmental parameters have on survival of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has not been fully characterised. Therefore, an analytical study was undertaken using published data to develop a psychrometric model to assess the biological decay rate of the virus in aerosols. This revealed that it is possible to describe with reasonable accuracy (R2= 0.718,p< 0.001) the biological decay constant for the SARS-CoV-2 virus using a regression model with enthalpy, vapour pressure and specific volume as predictors. Applying this to historical meteorological data from London, Paris and Milan over the pandemic period, produced results which indicate that the average half-life of the virus in aerosols outdoors was in the region 13–22 times longer in March 2020, when the outbreak was accelerating, than it was in August 2020 when epidemic in Europe was at its nadir. However, indoors, this variation is likely to be much less. As such, this suggests that changes in virus survivability due the variations in the psychrometric qualities of the air might influence the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Expresiones del neoliberalismo en ciudades portuarias sudamericanas: los casos de Rosario (Argentina) y Valparaíso (Chile)
Authors: Neumann Novack Paula
Published: March 2021

Diversos estudios han explicado los orígenes del sistema neoliberal y sus expresiones en el contexto urbano global. El presente artículo, además de discutir los orígenes y aplicaciones del neoliberalismo en América Latina, busca explicar el papel de la reestructuración urbana en la aplicación de políticas neoliberales en ciudades portuarias latinoamericanas. En este sentido, fue desarrollado un análisis bibliográfico sobre los orígenes del neoliberalismo y su comportamiento en Latinoamérica. También fueron realizadas entrevistas con informantes clave que proporcionaron explicar el rol de la reestructuración urbana como parte importante del sostenimiento del sistema neoliberal en ciudades latinoamericanas. Los resultados de la investigación apuntan distintas expresiones del neoliberalismo en las ciudades portuarias de Rosario (Argentina) y Valparaíso (Chile).
El relato turístico mapuche: identidad, territorio y políticas públicas
Authors: De la Maza Francisca , Huisca Eugenia
Published: March 2021

El artículo aborda el relato turístico mapuche en los procesos identitarios y territoriales locales focalizados en la Región de La Araucanía. La perspectiva de análisis se centra en concepciones antropológicas relacionadas al turismo indígena, autenticidad, narrativa turística y el relato mapuche. La metodología de investigación es etnográfica por medio de trabajo de campo, incluyendo observación participante, entrevistas en profundidad, reuniones grupales y seguimiento de prensa, relacionadas a diversos ámbitos donde se implementan tanto acciones estatales como autogestionadas vinculadas al desarrollo turístico mapuche. El relato turístico mapuche constituye la principal distinción de la oferta de turismo mapuche, que lo diferencia de cualquier otra experiencia turística. La valoración y construcción cultural e histórica, en este contexto de desarrollo turístico mapuche, son claves para esta distinción que se interrelaciona con otros procesos que viven los sectores mapuches de la región, como son reivindicación territorial, resistencia frente a la presencia de proyectos extractivistas y demandas por derechos políticos vinculados a las condiciones de pérdida y degradación de las tierras. La construcción del relato turístico en general se desarrolla en un contexto de implementación de políticas públicas que fomentan el turismo indígena y que son ejecutados por agentes privados que toman el rol de intermediarios y ejecutores de la política pública. Dependiendo de estos intermediarios/ejecutores, a través de programas y proyectos, el relato puede constituirse en una forma de fortalecimiento identitario y territorial, o en una reproducción de un discurso orientado sólo al potencial turista. En este proceso de construcción de relato se desarrollan diversas situaciones que permiten 99 profundizar en los matices de la acción estatal referido al pueblo mapuche. Se identifican las formas en que el turismo mapuche se expresa en el espacio local no sólo como una oportunidad económica, sino más bien como un proceso de fortalecimiento e incluso de resistencia cultural territorial.
Construcciones sociopolíticas del territorio. Movimientos indígenas y políticas públicas, la configuración de los espacios locales
Authors: Caniguan Velarde Natalia Isabel
Published: March 2021

Los actuales territorios en que viven los pueblos indígenas están cruzados por diversos tipos de fronteras y delimitaciones administrativas que los constituyen. Se entrecruzan y superponen nociones tales como comunas y comunidades, junto a la irrupción de nuevas definiciones como “áreas dedesarrollo indígena”, lof, ayllarewe, sector, entre otros. Estas denominaciones, algunas estatales, otras surgidas desde los actores locales refieren siempre a un mismo espacio, no obstante, los significados que encierran son distintos y a veces hasta divergentes y cada uno de ellos busca dar cuenta del uso, permanencia, presencia y control sobre el territorio.Desde una etnografía realizada en territorio lafkenche de la Araucanía observamos lo que ocurre con un mismo espacio territorial que es leído y vivido desde una mirada administrativa municipal con cruces de la política indígena nacional y desde una perspectiva cultural mapuche. Estas miradas y vivencias políticas del territorio dan cuenta de alianzas, disputas, estrategias, y discursos que lo configuran, donde muchas veces lo administrativo y la política local sevuelve el contenedor de la mirada histórica cultural- constriñéndose el territorio a los límites políticos del Estado y sus estrategias de acción e intervención.
Un cordial saludo le envía a ud., sr. profesor, su servidor fr. Félix José. Seis cartas de fray Félix José de Augusta a Rodolfo Lenz, 1910-1914. Introducción, texto íntegro, traducción y notas
Authors: Scholz Markus Alexander , Soltmann Cáceres Claudio
Published: March 2021

La presente publicación destaca un corpus olvidado de seis cartas enviadas por el médico cirujano y misionero capuchino Fray Félix José de Augusta al lingüista y profesor alemán Rodolfo Lenz entre 1910 y 1914. La introducción enfatiza algunos aspectos del intercambio personal entre ambos y de su relación con otros estudiosos de la época. Se presentará la transcripción de las seis cartas originales completas en alemán al final de este trabajo junto con una traducción al español de su contenido.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF KALYANAKA KSHARA PREPARED BY PUTA METHOD AND FURNACE METHOD TO ASSESS ITS PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Indukumar Neethu , Jai G
Published: March 2021

Ayurveda, the science of life is as old as the Vedic age and now a days Ayurvedic medicines are becoming popular day by day all across the world. The Ayurvedic therapeutics are mainly based on various kinds of dosage forms. Panchavidha kashaya kalpana is the basic form and many formulations are developed over time having long shelf life, stability, strong action etc. Kshara kalpana is the alkaline substance obtained from the ash of plants, minerals and animal products and has been widely used due to its minimal dose and potential action. Kalyanaka Kshara is a widely used formulation mentioned in our classics which is prepared by Antardhooma vidhi. In the present study Kalyanaka Kshara has been prepared using puta method as well as using muffle furnace. Physicochemical characterization of both the samples were done.
COMPARATIVE IN-VITRO ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF THANGA PARPAM (SIDDHA GOLD DRUG) IN BREAST, LIVER, PROSTATE AND LUNG CANCER CELL LINES
Authors: Shajahan Sulthan , Amuthan Arul
Published: March 2021

Thanga parpam is a gold nanoparticle used in Siddha for many chronic and challenging diseases including cancers. Clinically it shows benefit in some cancer types, but not to all types. This study was aimed to compare the in-vitro anticancer activity of Thanga parpam in various cancer cell lines. The particle size and elements were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscope coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy. Thanga parpam was added to breast adenocarcinoma cells, Human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, Human prostate cancer cells and Human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells for 24 hours. MTT assay was used to evaluate the cell viability. Graph was drawn from the % cell viability and dose required to kill 50 % cells was calculated. The gold particles are irregular disk shaped, but agglomerated to each other and not in uniform size. The particle size varies from 17.8 nm – 448 nm. About 9.3% of gold element was present in oxide and sulfide form. It showed dose dependent killing effect on all cancer cell lines. IC50% value was 0.63, 3.51, 6.65 and 11.01 µg/ml for breast, liver, prostate and lung cancer cells respectively. Thanga parpam is a potent anticancer drug to all the four cancer cells, however higher efficacy was observed in breast, liver and prostate cancer cells.
A CRITICAL REVIEW OF JWARAHARA YOGAS OF AYURVEDIC CLASSICS: A PARADIGM TO REVERSE PHARMACOLOGY
Authors: Nair Hareendran J , SA Sajna , M Monisha , Joseph Sandhu G , R Vijaya , P Aiswarya , Sasidharan Shan
Published: March 2021

Jwara is the first and foremost among all somatic diseases. Although an independent disease, it is also seen manifested in the form of premonitory symptom, symptom and causative factor of various disorders. 2019-20 has witnessed a new pandemic identified as Corona virus (COVID-19) with adverse health issues. In proportion to the wide variety of diseases, viral vaccines are very few, that too with adverse effects. Hence there is an urgent need of most promising Indigenous drugs with antipyretic and anti-viral activity in the current scenario. A critical analysis is made to explore the Jwarahara Yogas of classics to unfold the Antiviral, Antipyretic, Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory potential of phytochemicals in formulations. An attempt has been made to explore the antiviral and antipyretic potential of Amrutotharam Kashayam, one of the most popular and widely used Jwarahara yoga in classics. The review will definitely give new insights on the synergistic actions of phytochemicals in formulations to revalidate the clinical evidences and will throw lime light on repurposing of the documented novel drugs and combinations in classics to offer unique preventive strategies and therapeutic solutions to the present pandemic and emerging viral infections.
PATALA PANEEYA KSHARA IN URINARY TRACT INFECTION: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Anju M S , Shukkoor M M Abdul , Aneesh S
Published: March 2021

Urinary tract infections (UTI) affect men and women of all ages. The disease varies dramatically in their presentation and sequel. They are common cause of morbidity among people and can lead to significant mortality. E. coli is the most common organism causing UTI. The symptoms from a urinary tract infection include dysuria, frequent urination, burning sensation, urgency, hematuria and fever. Mutrakrichra which is having similar symptoms to UTI is widely described in Ayurveda classics. It is a tridoshaja vyadhi. Kshara is one among the important formulation that can be effectively used for the treatment of Mutrakrichra. Patala Paneeya kshara is indicated in treatment of Kaphaja Mutrakrichra by Acharya Vagbhata. A 43-year-old male got admitted with IP No.1069 in the hospital with symptoms of dysuria, suprapubic pain, urgency and increased frequency of micturition. After urinalysis condition was diagnosed as UTI. Prakruti of the patient was assessed as Vatakaphaja and found out to be suitable for internal administration of kshara. Patient was administered 500 mg capsules of Patala paneeya kshara twice daily for a period of 10 days and analyzed the condition. Along with reduction in number of pus cells great symptomatic relief was obtained. With the indigenous properties of kshara it can be effectively used in treatment of UTI.
INFLUENCE OF QUALITY OF WORK LIFE, PERCEIVED UNION EFFECTIVENESS AND JOB SECURITY ON UNION COMMITMENT AMONG BANK EMPLOYEES
Authors: Abdul Majid Abdul Halim Bin , Thamotharan Nalini , Jamaluddin Noor Asma
Published: March 2021

This study investigates the relationship between quality of work-life, perceived union effectiveness and job security with union commitment among bank employees in Malaysia. This study is motivated by the decline of union density worldwide in recent times. Indeed, the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) has experienced a huge decline of membership, which may weaken and challenge the union to perform efficiently. Hence, this study examined the influence of quality of work-life, perceived union effectiveness and job security on union commitment. Survey questionnaires were distributed using simple random sampling to all five branches of the NUBE in Malaysia. The primary data were collected from 350 respondents and analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analysis. The findings of the study indicated that quality of work-life and perceived union effectiveness have positive and significant influences on union commitment. On the other hand, job security showed no significant influence on union commitment. Thus, representatives or the leaders in NUBE should focus more on the job insecurity of member in banking sector and should encourage the younger generation to participate in the union activities. Membership declining dilemma can be resolved by giving priorities to important issue such as job security among banking employees.
Study on the Improvement of Domestic Barrier-free Standard and Response Manual to Secure Evacuation Safety for Blind Persons
Authors: Seo Donggoo , Cho Kyungsuk , Lee Jongho , Kim Sangheon
Published: March 2021

There are approximately 290 million blind people worldwide. Among them, approximately 40 million people are severely blind. Although systems and policies have been improved to enhance the convenience of the visually impaired, the standards related to evacuation safety in the case of fire have not been sufficiently improved. Therefore, in this study, to ensure the safe evacuation of the visually impaired in case of fire, domestic fire safety standards were derived by analyzing the development status of a domestic barrier-free system and related manuals based on the characteristics of evacuation behaviors of the visually impaired, as well as by reviewing the cases in the United States and the United Kingdom. As a result, the following measures were derived: 1) improving the display method for landmark elements, 2) customized fire safety education and training for employees, and 3) a plan to develop a personal emergency evacuation planning manual in accordance with the characteristics of a building. It is expected that these objectives can be used to improve fire safety standards and manuals and to develop related technologies for the visually impaired.
Evaluation of Irrigation Safety by Operation Management of Water Supply from Large Scale Agricultural Reservoirs
Authors: Jeung Minhyuk , Beom Jina , Sung Mu-hong , Lee Jaenam , Yoo Seung-hwan , Yoon Kwang-sik
Published: March 2021

Due to recent climate change, droughts occur frequently, thereby causing a shortage of agricultural water. However, supplies to most agricultural reservoirs have been designed assuming that droughts occur at a frequency of 10 years. Therefore, continuous drought has led to low storage rates. Thus, in this study, a water balance analysis was performed on the Naju reservoir, and the changes in the water shortage according to the minimum storage rate restriction management to cope with drought were evaluated. As a result, a higher management storage rate level results in a higher initial storage rate in the next year, thereby decreasing the annual average shortage. In addition, it shows that a decrease in the frequency of drought and its intensity can be reduced according to the minimum storage management during wet years.
Temperature Distribution of Railway Tunnels in Winter
Authors: Park YoonSik , Lee SeHee , Cho KookHwan
Published: March 2021

The freezing water around the tunnel lining, which is caused by the external temperature during winter, damages portions of tunnel structures, such as the lining and concrete slab track. To investigate the influence of freezing temperature, a total of 50 temperature gauges were installed from the tunnel entrance to 3,270 m. The total length of the tunnel was 8,293 m. The variation in temperature along the tunnel was measured during winter. The correlation between the variation in temperature and the influence of train operation at a speed of 130-150 km/h was analyzed. The duration of the increasing freezing temperature range influenced by train operation was also analyzed and displayed in the results. The results demonstrated that the variation in temperature according to the train operation could be recovered in 30 min. Therefore, when considering the freezing range of a tunnel where trains are travelling at intervals of approximately 30 min, it was judged that the influence factor will be negligible owing to the train operation.
Liquid biopsy reveals KLK3 mRNA as a prognostic marker for progression free survival in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer undergoing first‐line abiraterone acetate and prednisone treatment
Authors: Boerrigter Emmy , Benoist Guillemette E. , van Oort Inge M. , Verhaegh Gerald W. , van Hooij Onno , Groen Levi , Smit Frank , Oving Irma M. , de Mol Pieter , Smilde Tineke J. , Somford Diederik M. , Mehra Niven , Schalken Jack A. , van Erp Nielka P.
Published: March 2021

Circulating RNAs extracted from liquid biopsies represent a promising source of cancer‐ and therapy‐related biomarkers. We screened whole blood from patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) following their first‐line treatment with abiraterone acetate and prednisone (AA‐P) to identify circulating RNAs that may correlate with progression‐free survival (PFS). In a prospective multicenter observational study, 53 patients with mCRPC were included after they started first‐line AA‐P treatment. Blood was drawn at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment initiation. The levels of predefined circulating RNAs earlier identified as being upregulated in patients with mCRPC (e.g., microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and mRNAs), were analyzed. Uni‐ and multivariable Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to analyze the prognostic value of the various circulating RNAs for PFS along treatment. Detectable levels of kallikrein‐related peptidase 3 (KLK3) mRNA at baseline were demonstrated to be an independent prognostic marker for PFS (201 vs 501 days, P = 0.00054). Three months after AA‐P treatment initiation, KLK3 could not be detected in the blood of responding patients, but was still detectable in 56% of the patients with early progression. Our study confirmed that KLK3 mRNA detection in whole blood is an independent prognostic marker in mCRPC patients receiving AA‐P treatment. Furthermore, the levels of circulating KLK3 mRNA in patients receiving AA‐P treatment might reflect treatment response or early signs of progression.
Exploring the Reactivity of Propargylic Ester: Acyloxy and Acyl Migratory Rearrangement Relay Enabled by Formal Double Isocyanide Insertion
Authors: Fei Youwen , Hu Jie , Wang Zhishuang , Cui Lei , Jia Xueshun , Li Chunju , Li Jian
Published: March 2021

A rearrangement of propargylic pivalate with isocyanide under transition metal‐free conditions is disclosed. Intermolecular 1,3‐acyloxy and acyl migration enables the rapid formation of a C(sp2)−C(sp3) bond from a C−O bond and the synthesis of polysubstituted 5‐iminopyrrolones.

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Occupational IgE‐mediated psyllium allergy in contemporary gluten‐free and vegan baking: A case of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Jungewelter Soile , Suomela Sari , Airaksinen Liisa
Published: March 2021

Psyllium (from Plantago ovata; ispaghula) is used as a dietary supplement and is supplied in the form of husk, granules, capsules, or powder. Consumers using psyllium‐containing laxatives, healthcare workers handling these, and pharmaceutical workers in laxative‐manufacturing plants are known to be at risk of sensitization and subsequent rhinitis, asthma, contact urticaria, and even anaphylaxis. To our knowledge, the case we present here is the first of baker's immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated occupational allergy due to psyllium exposure. Our patient, a 24‐year‐old female baker with no previous allergies, was referred to our clinic with suspected occupational rhinitis. After 1 year of baking with cereal flour or gluten‐free flour‐mix, she began to suffer from rhino‐conjunctival symptoms during workdays. Skin prick tests with agents from the patient's workplace revealed allergies not only to wheat and rye flours but also to psyllium, with a remarkable 10 mm wheal. Subsequently, nasal provocation tests confirmed occupational allergic rhinitis to psyllium. We also found work‐related sensitization to buckwheat, which she used in gluten‐free baking. Due to the increased prevalence of celiac disease and the popularity of gluten‐free and vegan food, psyllium has recently become a common ingredient in baking, used as a substitute for gluten or eggs. Bakers handle allergens such as these in high concentrations and this may lie behind the emergence of respiratory and dermal symptoms. It is essential to consider new or recenlty introduced materials as possible allergens if it is suspected that a baker has work‐related respiratory or allergic symptoms.
Genetic versus stress and mood determinants of sleep in the Amish
Authors: Bruce Heather A. , Kochunov Peter , Chiappelli Joshua , Savransky Anya , Carino Kathleen , Sewell Jessica , Marshall Wyatt , Kvarta Mark , McMahon Francis J. , Ament Seth A. , Postolache Teodor T. , O'Connell Jeff , Shuldiner Alan , Mitchell Braxton , Hong L. Elliot
Published: March 2021

Sleep is essential to the human brain and is regulated by genetics with many features conserved across species. Sleep is also influenced by health and environmental factors; identifying replicable genetic variants contributing to sleep may require accounting for these factors. We examined how stress and mood disorder contribute to sleep and impact its heritability. Our sample included 326 Amish/Mennonite individuals with a lifestyle with limited technological interferences with sleep. Sleep measures included Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), bedtime, wake time, and time to sleep onset. Current stress level, cumulative life stressors, and mood disorder were also evaluated. We estimated the heritability of sleep features and examined the impact of current stress, lifetime stress, mood diagnosis on sleep quality. The results showed current stress, lifetime stress, and mood disorder were independently associated with PSQI score (p < .05). Heritability of PSQI was low (0–0.23) before and after accounting for stress and mood. Bedtime, wake time, and minutes to sleep time did show significant heritability at 0.44, 0.42, and 0.29. However, after adjusting for shared environment, only heritability of wake time remained significant. Sleep is affected by environmental stress and mental health factors even in a society with limited technological interference with sleep. Wake time may be a more biological marker of sleep as compared to the evening measures which are more influenced by other household members. Accounting for nongenetic and partially genetic determinants of sleep particularly stress and mood disorder is likely important for improving the precision of genetic studies of sleep.
High fever or hypotension predicts non‐hypoglycemia in patients with impaired consciousness in prehospital settings
Authors: Mizu Daisuke , Matsuoka Yoshinori , Huh Ji‐Young , Ariyoshi Koichi
Published: March 2021

Aim

To evaluate whether vital signs can predict whether hypoglycemia can be eliminated as the cause of impaired consciousness in prehospital settings.

Methods

We extracted the data of patients who underwent blood glucose measurements by paramedics in Kobe City, Japan from April 2015 to March 2019. We used receiver operating characteristic curves and calculated the area under the curve (AUC) to evaluate the validity of the vital signs in distinguishing hypoglycemia. We also calculated stratum‐specific likelihood ratios to examine the threshold at which hypoglycemia becomes less likely for each vital sign.

Results

Of the 1,791 patients, 1,242 were eligible for analysis. Hypoglycemia was observed in 324 patients (26.1%). Significant differences in each vital sign were noted between the hypoglycemic and non‐hypoglycemic groups. Body temperature was moderately accurate in differentiating between the two groups (AUC, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.68–0.74). Furthermore, in patients with systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg and body temperature ≥38°C, it was unlikely that hypoglycemia caused impaired consciousness (stratum‐specific likelihood ratios 0.12 and 0.15; 95% confidence intervals, 0.05–0.25 and 0.06–0.35, respectively).

Conclusion

In the prehospital assessment of patients with impaired consciousness, high fever or hypotension was helpful in differentiating between hypoglycemia and non‐hypoglycemia. In particular, body temperature ≥38°C or systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg indicated a low likelihood of hypoglycemia. A validation study is needed to confirm the findings in this study.
When Fluxionality Beats Size Selection: Acceleration of Ostwald Ripening of Sub‐Nano Clusters
Authors: Zandkarimi Borna , Poths Patricia , Alexandrova Anastassia N.
Published: March 2021

Size selection was demonstrated to suppress Ostwald ripening of supported catalytic nanoparticles. When the supported clusters are subnanometer in size and highly fluxional, such as Pt clusters on the rutile TiO2(110) surface, this paradigm breaks down, and the established theory of sintering needs a revision. At temperatures characteristic of catalysis (i.e. 700 K), sub‐nano clusters thermally populate many low‐energy metastable isomers. As these isomers all have different geometric and electronic structures, and thus, formation and dissociation energies (in lieu of surface energy), Ostwald ripening is not suppressed, despite the size‐selection. However, some clusters arise as magic numbers in terms of sintering stability at the ensemble level. Acceleration of sintering by metastable species persists though weakens in polydisperse cluster systems. We propose a competing pathways theory for sintering, which at the atomistic level describes the found size‐specific sintering behavior.
Atomically Precise Engineering of Single‐Molecule Stereoelectronic Effect
Authors: Meng Linan , Xin Na , Wang Jinying , Xu Jiyu , Ren Shizhao , Yan Zhuang , Zhang Miao , Shen Cheng , Zhang Guangyu , Guo Xuefeng , Meng Sheng
Published: March 2021

Charge transport in a single‐molecule junction is extraordinarily sensitive to both the internal electronic structure of a molecule and its microscopic environment. Two distinct conductance states of a prototype terphenyl molecule are observed, which correspond to the bistability of outer phenyl rings at each end. An azobenzene unit is intentionally introduced through atomically precise side‐functionalization at the central ring of the terphenyl, which is reversibly isomerized between trans and cis forms by either electric or optical stimuli. Both experiment and theory demonstrate that the azobenzene side‐group delicately modulates charge transport in the backbone via a single‐molecule stereoelectronic effect. We reveal that the dihedral angle between the central and outer phenyl ring, as well as the corresponding rotation barrier, is subtly controlled by isomerization, while the behaviors of the phenyl ring away from the azobenzene are hardly affected. This tunability offers a new route to precisely engineer multiconfigurational single‐molecule memories, switches, and sensors.
Catalytic and Enantioselective Control of the C–N Stereogenic Axis via the Pictet–Spengler Reaction
Authors: Kim Ahreum , Kim Aram , Park Sunjung , Kim Sangji , Jo Hongil , Ok Kang Min , Lee Sang Kook , Song Jayoung , Kwon Yongseok
Published: March 2021

An unprecedented example of a chiral phosphoric acid‐catalyzed atroposelective Pictet–Spengler reaction of N‐arylindoles is reported. Highly enantioenriched N‐aryl‐tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines with C−N bond axial chirality are obtained via dynamic kinetic resolution. The hydrogen bond donor introduced on the bottom aromatic ring, forming a secondary interaction with the phosphoryl oxygen, is essential to achieving high enantioselectivity. A wide variety of substituents are tolerable with this transformation to provide up to 98 % ee. The application of electron‐withdrawing group‐substituted benzaldehydes enables the control of both axial and point stereogenicity. Biological evaluation of this new and unique scaffold shows promising antiproliferative activity and emphasizes the significance of atroposelective synthesis.
Fluorine‐Induced Surface Metallization for Ammonia Synthesis under Photoexcitation up to 1550 nm
Authors: Fu Rong , Wu Zewen , Pan Ziye , Gao Zhuoyang , Li Zhen , Kong Xianghua , Li Lu
Published: March 2021

The first observation of surface metallization of TiO2−x induced by fluoride ions is presented. The emerging metallic states are contributed by the 3d orbital of surface Ti and the 2p orbital of surface bridging F, which are intrinsically originated from the strong electron repulsion between F− and adjacent Ti3+. The metalized TiO2−x with reduced work function and downward band bending possesses high electron‐donating power to supported Ru species via atomic‐scale ohmic contacts, exhibiting unprecedented photocatalytic performances for ammonia synthesis across the entire solar spectrum region (200–1550 nm) at room temperature. Mechanism and kinetic analysis revealed that the loaded Ru could behave as efficient electron sinks to accumulate photogenerated electrons and that the metallic surface markedly enhanced the dissociation of H2 and N2 by the hot electrons generated by the visible or even infrared light irradiation.
A Self‐Assembled Homochiral Radical Cage with Paramagnetic Behaviors
Authors: Jiao Tianyu , Qu Hang , Tong Lu , Cao Xiaoyu , Li Hao
Published: March 2021

Condensation of an inherently C3‐symmetric polychlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) radical trisaldehyde with tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine (TREN) yields a [4+4] tetrahedral radical cage as a racemic pair of homochiral enantiomers in 75 % isolated yield. The structure was characterized by X‐ray crystallography, confirming the homochirality of each cage framework. The homochirality results from intramolecular [CH⋅⋅⋅π] and hydrogen‐bonding interactions within the cage framework. The four PTM radicals in a cage undergo weak through‐space coupling. Magnetic measurements demonstrated that each cage bears 3.58 spins.
Studies on the Lithiation, Borylation, and 1,2‐Metalate Rearrangement of O‐Cycloalkyl 2,4,6‐Triisopropylbenzoates
Authors: Mykura Rory C. , Songara Pradip , Luc Eugenia , Rogers Jack , Stammers Ellie , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: March 2021

A broad range of acyclic primary and secondary 2,4,6‐triisopropylbenzoate (TIB) esters have been used in lithiation‐borylation reactions, but cyclic TIB esters have not. We have studied the use of cyclic TIB esters in lithiation‐borylation reactions and looked at the effect of ring size (3‐ → 6‐membered rings) on the three key steps of the lithiation‐borylation protocol: deprotonation, borylation and 1,2‐metalate rearrangement. Although all rings sizes could be deprotonated, the cyclohexyl case was impractically slow, and the cyclopentyl example underwent α‐elimination faster than deprotonation at −78 °C and so could not be used. Both cyclobutyl and cyclopropyl cases underwent rapid borylation, but only the cyclobutyl substrate underwent 1,2‐metalate rearrangement. Thus, the cyclobutyl TIB ester occupies a “Goldilocks zone,” being small enough for deprotonation and large enough to enable 1,2‐migration. The generality of the reaction was explored with a broad range of boronic esters.
Heterocyclic thiolates and phosphine ligands in copper‐catalyzed synthesis of propargylamines in water
Authors: Neshat Abdollah , Gholinejad Mohammad , Afrasi Mahmoud , Mastrorilli Piero , Todisco Stefano , Gilanchi Shirin , Osanlou Farzane
Published: March 2021

The product obtained by reaction of deprotonation of 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole or methimazole (2‐mercapto‐1‐methylimidazole) with copper iodide in the presence of tertiary phosphines, PR2R' (R = R' = cyclohexyl; R = R' = phenyl; R = phenyl, R' = methyl) showed high catalytic activity in A3 coupling of a series of aldehydes with phenylacetylene and piperidine, yielding propargylamines. An investigation into the nature of active species carried out mainly by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) techniques underscores a crucial role played by organosulfur and organophosphorus compounds in the generation of active species responsible for these reactions. The coupling reactions were successfully carried out at low catalyst loadings in water/THF (20:1) and in relatively short reaction times. The scope of the reaction was also investigated with 20 examples.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Technology and Learning Outcomes in Dental Anatomy Education: E‐Learning Approach
Authors: Corte‐Real Ana , Nunes Tiago , Caetano Catarina , Almiro Pedro A.
Published: March 2021

E‐learning is an educational method that improves knowledge innovation by sharing relevant images for advanced learning, especially in a pandemic state. Furthermore, cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a method that gathers medical or dental diagnostic images. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of dental anatomy education through a CBCT technology tool, through teachers' and students' perspectives, adjusted according to the disruptions caused by the Covid‐19 pandemic. A cohort study and longitudinal exploratory analysis were performed. Forty undergraduate first‐year dental students, from the University of Coimbra in Portugal, were selected as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two different teaching methods were applied during an identical time‐period: face‐to‐face lectures complemented by physical models (T1 cohort) and webinar lectures complemented by CBCT images (T2 cohort). Learning outcomes were then studied according to theoretical and spatial orientation contexts. A self‐reported survey that focused on students' satisfaction, stress, and support was studied. Both teaching methods were analyzed with paired sample student's t‐test and Pearson Correlation Confidence intervals 95% with P < 0.05. Furthermore, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used for self‐reported satisfaction survey validity and reliability analysis. The learning outcomes between T1 and T2 cohorts were statistically significant, (P < 0.001) corresponding to differences with a large effect degree (r > 0.60). Students' satisfaction, as measured on a six‐point Likert scale, was positively influenced by the webinar lectures supplemented with CBCT images (T2 cohort) in a learning context (4.95 ± 0.5) and future applications (5.92 ± 0.27). In conclusion, the webinar approach with CBCT images was more effective and better learning method for teaching dental anatomy.
Automatic Rate, Fee, and Charge Increases for Water Utilities
Authors: Mantz Bryan A.
Published: March 2021

Key Takeaways

Utilities should consider implementing automatic rate increases.

With proper communication, governing bodies and the public often accept small, automatic rate adjustments.

Utilities should adopt formal policies with financial targets to guide rate development and financial decisions.

An “annual increase reference” column in rate schedules provides an easy way to manage and update rate increase provisions.
Shaggy functions downstream of dMyc and their concurrent downregulation confers additive rescue against tau toxicity in Drosophila
Authors: Pragati  , Sarkar Surajit
Published: March 2021

Neurodegenerative tauopathies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are characterized by hyperphosphorylation of tau protein and their subsequent aggregation in the forms of paired helical filaments and/or neurofibrillary tangles in specific areas of the brain. Despite several attempts, it remains a challenge to develop reliable biomarkers or effective drugs against tauopathies. It is increasingly evident now that due to the involvement of multiple cellular cascades affected by the pathogenic tau molecules, a single genetic modifier or a molecule is unlikely to be efficient enough to provide an inclusive rescue. Hence, multitargets based combinatorial approach(s) have been suggested to provide an efficient rescue against tauopathies. We have reported earlier that targeted downregulation of dmyc (a Drosophila homolog of human cmyc proto‐oncogene) restricts tau etiology by limiting tau hyperphosphorylation and heterochromatin loss. Although, dmyc generates a significant rescue; however, it is not proficient enough to provide a complete alleviation against tauopathies. Here, we report that tissue‐specific concurrent downregulation of dmyc and gsk3β conveys a near‐complete rescue against tau toxicity in Drosophila. We noted that combinatorial downregulation of dmyc and gsk3β reduces tau hyperphosphorylation, restricts the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, and restores heterochromatin loss to the physiological level. Our subsequent investigations revealed that dmyc regulates gsk3β via protein phosphatase 2A (dPP2A) in a dose‐dependent manner to regulate tau pathogenesis. We propose that dmyc and gsk3β candidates can be utilized in a synergistic manner for the development of an efficient combinatorial therapeutic approach against the devastating human tauopathies.
Isotope Effects on the Energy Flow and Bond Dissociations of Excited α‐Chlorotoluene in Collisions with H2/D2
Authors: Lee Sang Kwon , Ree Jongbaik
Published: March 2021

We have studied the vibrational relaxation of excited α‐chlorotoluene and dissociations of CHring and CCl bonds of α‐chlorotoluene in the α‐chlorotoluene + H2/D2 collision at 300 K using classical trajectory procedure. The vibrational energy loss of excited α‐chlorotoluene by the collision of the ground‐state H2/D2 is small, but it increases with increasing the total vibrational excitation, ET. The magnitude of energy loss was significantly larger in the α‐CT + D2 system, especially for values of ET above 30 000 cm−1. Moreover, the vibrational relaxation of α‐CT was found to be primarily because of the CCl vibrational decay. Furthermore, the D2 molecule induced stronger perturbations on the α‐CT molecule, which enhanced the vibrational relaxation of α‐CT. Dissociation probabilities in both systems, which were initially low, rapidly increased with an increase in the total vibrational excitation. The CCl bond dissociation probability was found to be lower than that of CHring at values of ET slightly below 70  000 cm−1, because the probability of the CCl bond gaining sufficient energy for dissociation was low compared to that of the CHring bond. The dissociation probabilities of the CHring and CCl bonds in the α‐CT + D2 collision system were found to be higher than those in the α‐CT + H2 system, because of more efficient perturbation in the former.
Pharmacokinetic studies of ginsenosides Rk1 and Rg5 in rats by UFLC–MS/MS
Authors: Ma Chao , Lin Qiyan , Xue Yafu , Ju Zhengcai , Deng Gang , Liu Wei , Sun Yuting , Guan Huida , Cheng Xuemei , Wang Changhong
Published: March 2021

A rapid ultra‐fast liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to determine ginsenosides Rk1 and Rg5, a pair of isomers, in rat plasma, which was successfully applied to their pharmacokinetic studies. Two ginsenosides were given to male Sprague–Dawley rats via intragastrical and intravenous routes, respectively, and the impact of double bond position on the pharmacokinetic features of the two ginsenosides was elucidated in rats. Ginsenoside Rg3 was used as internal standard and ethyl acetate was applied to extract analytes and internal standard. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a reverse‐phase UPLC HSS T3 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm). The flow rate was set to 0.4 ml/min. The fragmentation transition was m/z 765.4 → m/z 101.1 for two ginsenosides. The mobile phases were composed of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile. The linear range was 2–1,000 ng/ml for the two ginsenosides. Intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were <11.67%, and accuracy fluctuated from −7.44 to 6.78%. The extraction recovery, matrix effect and stability were within acceptable levels. After treatment with ginsenosides Rk1 and Rg5, some differences were found in their pharmacokinetic profiles in rats. The maximum plasma drug concentration and the area under the plasma drug concentration–time curve of ginsenoside Rg5 were about 5 times bigger than those of ginsenoside Rk1 after oral administration, and 3 times higher after intravenous administration. The oral bioavailabilities of ginsenosides Rk1 and Rg5 were 0.67 and 0.97%, respectively. The results indicated that ∆20(22)‐ginsenosides showed better pharmacokinetic features than ∆20(21)‐ginsenosides with the same glycosylation.
Optimization of oat amylase activity during sprouting to enhance sugar production
Authors: Watt Erin E. , Dunn Michael L. , Steele Frost M. , Pike Oscar A.
Published: March 2021

Background and objectives

Sprouted grain products meet consumer demands for foods with clean label ingredient statements and plant‐based origins. The purpose of this study was to optimize oat cultivar, sprouting time and temperature, and preservation technique to produce a sprouted oat powder ingredient that could be stored and later added to oat flour to produce a sweetened paste for use in creating cereal bars and other products.

Findings

During sprouting at 16°C, Paul cv., GMI 423 cv., Souris cv. and Horsepower cv. oats had higher alpha‐amylase activity than the other 10 cultivars evaluated. During 4‐week ambient storage, Paul decreased in alpha‐amylase activity for both oven‐dried and freeze‐dried samples, whereas Horsepower remained constant, with freeze‐drying being the superior preservation method. Optimal temperature for sugar production in a slurry of sprouted Horsepower oats, oat flour, and water heated for up to 6 hr was 55°C.

Conclusions

Horsepower cv. oats, sprouted for 120 hr at 24°C, can be freeze‐dried and stored up to 4 weeks without a decrease in alpha‐amylase activity. Subsequent addition of this enhanced amylase powder to oat flour increased sugar production.

Significance and novelty

Oat products containing sprouted oat powder have the market advantage of a simpler ingredient list, being sweetened with sugars hydrolyzed from oat starch using endogenous oat enzymes. The potential for using endogenous enzymes in oats to produce a clean label oat sweetener has not been reported in the literature.
Late relapse of IgM nephropathy‐associated nephrotic syndrome after repeated administration of immune checkpoint inhibitor against pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Odani Kentaro , Tachibana Mitsuhiro , Nogaki Fumiaki , Tsutsumi Yutaka
Published: March 2021

ICPIs were effective for primary and metastatic foci of lung adenocarcinoma, but their repeated use provoked a late relapse of IgM nephropathy and lethal lesions in pancreas and lung. ICPIs should be used carefully in cases of immune‐related disease.
Four diseases, PLAID, APLAID, FCAS3 and CVID and one gene (PHOSPHOLIPASE C, GAMMA‐2; PLCG2): Striking clinical phenotypic overlap and difference
Authors: Kutukculer Necil , Topyildiz Ezgi , Berdeli Afig , Guven Bilgin Burcu , Aykut Ayca , Durmaz Asude , Cogulu Ozgur , Aksu Guzide , Edeer Karaca Neslihan
Published: March 2021

We suggest PLAID, APLAID, and FCAS3 have to be considered as different aspects of the same underlying condition, because of our long‐term clinical and genetical experiences. Some CVID patients have the same disease‐causing mutations in PLCG2 gene, so it may be better to define all of them as “PLCG2deficiency.”
Angioma serpiginosum in zosteriform distribution on abdomen: A rare presentation
Authors: Acharya Kamal P. , Pandey Prajwal , Shah Rajan , Bista Muna , Shrestha Samir
Published: March 2021

Angioma serpiginosum is a rare benign nevoid disorder affecting the small vessels of the upper dermis. We are presenting a case of this rare disease in an 11‐year‐old girl who presented with this condition on abdomen in zosteriform pattern which is rare presentation and is the first of its type.
Understanding the Incorporation and Release of Salicylic Acid in Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Topical Administration
Authors: Rojas Sara , Horcajada Patricia
Published: March 2021

Although metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely demonstrated to be great candidates for drug delivery applications, they have been mainly proposed for the intravenous route. Here, eight highly porous benchmarked MOFs, with different topologies and structures, are proposed for the topical delivery of salicylic acid (SA), an important, but highly reactive and unstable, therapeutically active metabolite of aspirin. The microporous Zr aminoterephthalate UiO‐66‐NH2 was selected as the most promising SA carrier, achieving important loadings (12.1 wt.%). Finally, the SA delivery process was studied under simulated cutaneous conditions (aqueous media at 37 °C), reaching a plateau in 6 h (with ∼64 % or ∼105.6 mg of released SA per g of UiO‐66‐NH2). These results demonstrate the suitability of UiO‐66‐NH2 for the topical controlled release of SA, making this formulation a promising candidate for the development of new devices for skin treatment.