bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine derivatives: Synthesis, structure–activity relationship studies, and regulation of the AMPK/70S6K pathway
Authors: Guo Yating , Jiang Xiaoding , Chang Qi , Xiao Zhihong , Chen Zhuo , Jiang Dejian , Hu Gaoyun , Li Qianbin
Published: April 2022

A series of novel pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated for anti‐lung cancer activity. Structure–activity relationship and AutoGPA models were constructed based on the in vitro antiproliferative potency of the compounds against a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549). Compound 9d exhibits improved potency for A549 cell growth inhibition (3.06 ± 0.05 μM) compared with A‐769662 (45.29 ± 2.14 μM). Compound 9d can elevate the phosphorylation levels of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its substrate acetyl‐CoA carboxylase and reduce the level of phosphorylated ribosomal S6 kinase (p‐70S6K) at 1 μM, which is comparable to the activity of A‐769662 at 20 μM. 9d induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, which was rescued when co‐incubated with “Compound C,” a potent AMPK inhibitor. Taken together, compound 9d showed potential anti‐lung cancer activity via inducing cell cycle arrest by regulation of the AMPK/70S6K pathway in A549 cells, which could provide a new lead for the discovery of anti‐lung cancer agents.
Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO)‐Supported and Pyrolytic Carbon (PC)‐Coated γ‐Fe2O3/PC‐rGO Composite Anode Material with Enhanced Li Storage Performance
Authors: Hao Chenran , Gao Tiange , Wang Jiulin , Yuan Anbao , Xu Jiaqiang
Published: April 2022

As a high‐capacity anode material for lithium ion batteries, γ‐Fe2O3 is a promising alternative to conventional graphite among multifarious transition metal oxides owing to its high theoretical specific capacity (1007 mAh g−1), abundant reserves, good safety and low cost. However, improving the electrical conductivity and overcoming the morphological damage caused by the severe volume expansion during cycling are still the tricky problems to be solved. Herein, a three‐dimensional heterostructure composite (γ‐Fe2O3/PC‐rGO60) was prepared by a facile solvothermal reaction followed by heat treatment in inert atmosphere. This composite material exhibits a reversible charge specific capacity of 1035 mAh g−1 at the current density of 0.1 A g−1. After 100 cycles at 0.2 A g−1, the capacity is increased from 966.2 to 1091.1 mAh g−1. Even cycled for 200 cycles at 1 A g−1, the capacity is only decreased from 751.4 to 670.6 mAh g−1, giving capacity retention of 89.3%. The rGO network supported flexible composite architecture is beneficial for accommodating the volume expansion of the γ‐Fe2O3 active material during the lithiation/delithiation process. Besides, the conductive rGO network and the in‐situ formed pyrolytic carbon (PC) can provide a smooth electron transmission path and a favorable lithium ion transport channel.
Atomic‐ and Molecular‐Level Modulation of Dispersed Active Sites for Electrocatalytic CO2Reduction
Authors: Juthathan Methasit , Chantarojsiri Teera , Tuntulani Thawatchai , Leeladee Pannee
Published: April 2022

Global climate changes have been impacted by the excessive CO2emission, which exacerbates the environmental problems. Electrocatalytic CO2reduction (CO2RR) offers the solution for utilising CO2as feedstocks for value‐added products while potentially mitigating the negative effects. Owing to the extreme stability of CO2, selectivity and efficiency are crucial factors in the development of CO2RR electrocatalysts. Recently, single‐atom catalysts have emerged as potential electrocatalysts for CO2reduction. They generally comprise of atomically‐ and molecularly dispersed active sites over conductive supports, which enable atomic‐level and molecular‐level modulations. In this minireview, catalyst preparations, principle of modulations, and reaction mechanisms are summarised together with related recent advances. The atomic‐level modulations are first discussed, followed by the molecular‐level modulations. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities are provided as guidance for further developments regarding the discussed topics.
Rich 1T‐MoS2 Nanoflowers Decorated on Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanosheet for Ultra‐Quick Zn2+ Storage
Authors: Long Fei , Shi Junjie , Zhang Qixiang , Liu Zunyu , Hou Yixin , Mao Ke , Liu Nishuang , Li Luying , Long Fei , Gao Yihua
Published: April 2022

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) with low cost and high safety are promising energy storage equipment for large‐scale grids. However, the further development of AZIBs is obstructed by finite usability of cathode materials. Recently, layered materials represented by MoS2 have attracted attentions because they can provide facile two‐dimensional (2D) channels for the diffusion of Zn2+, but low capacity and poor rate capability limit their applications. Herein, two classical layered materials are combined to form a stable heterostructure (MoS2‐rGO) by in‐situ growing metallic 1T‐MoS2 nanoflowers on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to provide more 2D channels for electrons transfer and Zn2+ diffusion. The MoS2‐rGO heterostructure exhibits high specific capacity (303.10 mAh g−1 at 0.20 A g−1) and ultrahigh rate capability (102.70 mAh g−1 at 20.00 A g−1, i. e., capacity retention of 33.88 % for a 100‐fold increase in current density) in aqueous electrolyte. Furthermore, the quasi‐solid‐state aqueous zinc‐ion battery based on MoS2‐rGO heterostructure also shows high electrochemical performance at bending states and extreme temperature. This work provides an inspiration for construction of AZIBs with high‐performance layered cathode.
Implications of the genomic revolution for education research and policy
Authors: Morris Tim T. , von Hinke Stephanie , Pike Lindsey , Ingram Neil R. , Davey Smith George , Munafò Marcus R. , Davies Neil M.
Published: April 2022

Research at the intersection of social science and genomics, ‘sociogenomics’, is transforming our understanding of the interplay between genomics, individual outcomes and society. It has interesting and maybe unexpected implications for education research and policy. Here we review the growing sociogenomics literature and discuss its implications for educational researchers and policymakers. We cover key concepts and methods in genomic research into educational outcomes, how genomic data can be used to investigate social or environmental effects, the methodological strengths and limitations of genomic data relative to other observational social data, the role of intergenerational transmission and potential policy implications. The increasing availability of genomic data in studies can produce a wealth of new evidence for education research. This may provide opportunities for disentangling the environmental and genomic factors that influence educational outcomes and identifying potential mechanisms for intervention.
A hybrid boronate affinity probe for the selective detection of cis‐diol containing compounds in tea beverages
Authors: Liu Yunchun , Hua Liyun , Zhu Wanru , Liu Chen , You Hongrui , Chen Hongqi
Published: April 2022

UiO‐66‐NH2 nanocomposite was post‐modified with 4‐mercaptophenylboronic acid (MPBA) by the method of in situ hybridization reaction. The hybrid boronate affinity material UiO‐NH2@P (TEPIC‐co‐MPBA) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The material was applied as fluorescent probe for the detection of cis‐diol containing compounds based on the boronate affinity mechanism, and exhibited high specific selectively. The proposed method exhibited good linearity for the detection of catechol in the range of 0.50 to 8.00 μg ml−1. The detection limit was 0.13 μg ml−1. The tactic was successfully applied to analyze the total polyphenols in tea beverages for catechol, and relative recovery was in 98.86–106.00%. Therefore, this work provided a promising strategy for the recognition of cis‐diol containing compounds.
Maturity levels of sustainable corporate entrepreneurship: The role of collaboration between a firm's corporate venture and corporate sustainability departments
Authors: Schönwälder Jeremy , Weber Anja
Published: April 2022

To shed light on how incumbent firms implement sustainable corporate entrepreneurship (SCE) processes, this study investigates how organizations connect sustainability and venture departments. Based on qualitative interviews with 14 experts from 12 multinational corporations headquartered in Germany, we identified five maturity levels of SCE with increasing cross‐functional collaboration: Non‐Existent, Occasional, Expert, Collaboration, and Strategic Collaboration. Using secondary interview data from seven multinational companies headquartered outside Germany, we find initial support for these collaboration types in an international context. Results indicate that a company's general approach to innovation is associated with its SCE maturity level: companies with dedicated entrepreneurship units are more likely to have a higher level of SCE focus. Furthermore, the likelihood of working on radical innovations for sustainability seems to increase as soon as venture experts collaborate with sustainability managers, which, in turn, increases the chances of initiating sustainability transitions.
The deep fascia and its role in chronic pain and pathological conditions: A review
Authors: Kondrup Flemming , Gaudreault Nathaly , Venne Gabriel
Published: April 2022

The deep fascia is a three‐dimensional continuum of connective tissue surrounding the bones, muscles, nerves and blood vessels throughout our body. Its importance in chronically debilitating conditions has recently been brought to light. This work investigates changes in these tissues in pathological settings. A state‐of‐the‐art review was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar following a two‐stage process. A first search was performed to identify main types of deep fasciae. A second search was performed to identify studies considering a deep fascia, common pathologies of this deep fascia and the associated alterations in tissue anatomy. We find that five main deep fasciae pathologies are chronic low back pain, chronic neck pain, Dupuytren's disease, plantar fasciitis and iliotibial band syndrome. The corresponding fasciae are respectively the thoracolumbar fascia, the cervical fascia, the palmar fascia, the plantar fascia and the iliotibial tract. Pathological fascia is characterized by increased tissue stiffness along with alterations in myofibroblast activity and the extra‐cellular matrix, both in terms of collagen and Matrix Metalloproteases (MMP) levels. Innervation changes such as increased density and sensitization of nociceptive nerve fibers are observed. Additionally, markers of inflammation such as pro‐inflammatory cytokines and immune cells are documented. Pain originating from the deep fascia likely results from a combination of increased nerve density, sensitization and chronic nociceptive stimulation, whether physical or chemical. The pathological fascia is characterized by changes in innervation, immunology and tissue contracture. Further investigation is required to best benefit both research opportunities and patient care.
Anosmia following middle nasal concha resection: An anatomic and developmental review with clinical correlation
Authors: Bolger William E. , Lockett Elizabeth , Bolger Ian M.
Published: April 2022

Losing the sense of smell can be associated with a significant decrease in quality of life. Fortunately, this occurs infrequently with modern paranasal sinus surgery that has stressed minimally invasive, tissue‐sparing principles. However, over time, more extensive surgical applications have emerged that incorporate increased tissue removal. Post‐operative period sequelae can occur, including anosmia. Understanding the potential implications of expanded tissue removal, such as middle nasal concha (turbinate) resection, is clinically important and is facilitated by an understanding of anatomy. Our understanding of anatomic nuances is enhanced through an appreciation of embryonic and fetal development. We herein review the developmental anatomy of the middle nasal concha of the ethmoid sinus and olfactory nerve area as it relates to middle nasal concha removal during endoscopic sinus surgery. We present images from our analysis of 12 embryonic and fetal specimens that highlight the important relationship between the middle nasal concha and olfactory nerves. We also review the clinical issues surrounding turbinate preservation versus resection and present a clinical correlation to underscore the uncommon but significant complication of anosmia following sinus surgery with middle nasal concha resection. We highlight knowledge gaps, discuss case selection and review surgical technique modifications for middle nasal concha surgery to reduce the chance of this complication in the future.
Impact of cirrhosis on long‐term survival outcomes of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Jian , Qiu Yiwen , Yang Yi , Shen Shu , Zhi Ming , Zhang Bo , Wang Wentao
Published: April 2022

Background

The correlation between cirrhosis and the long‐term oncological outcome in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is debatable, and this study aimed to explore the impact of cirrhosis on the long‐term prognosis of patients with ICC.

Methods

A total of 398 ICC patients were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2000 to 2018. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on the Ishak fibrosis score provided by the SEER database. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis were performed to minimize the potential confounders. Overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) were observed, and the Cox regression model was used to select potential factors that affect the prognosis of the patients with ICC.

Results

Of the included patients, there were 142 patients and 256 patients in the cirrhotic and noncirrhotic groups, respectively. Additionally, 299 of 398 patients (75.1%) died following a median follow‐up of 19 months (interquartile range [IQR], 7, 43). The OS and CSS indicated advantage trend in the noncirrhotic group than the cirrhotic group in either the original cohort (OS: 17 vs 12 months, p = 0.023; CSS: 26 vs 15 months, p = 0.004) or the PSM (OS: 17 vs 12 months, p = 0.52; CSS: 22 vs 14 months, p = 0.15) or IPTW (OS: 20 vs 13 months, p = 0.163; CSS: 22 vs 15 months, p = 0.059) cohorts. Subgroup analyses displayed that the prognosis of patients who experienced surgery for ICC in the noncirrhotic group was better than that of the cirrhotic group with regard to OS and CSS.

Conclusions

Collectively, it seems that the noncirrhotic patients have similar relative OS but better CSS compared with that of the cirrhotic patients.
Window Approach for Simultaneous Root Fragment Removal and Implant Placement: Two Case Reports
Authors: Wu Yi‐Chu , Pellegrini Gretel G. , Garfinkel Leonard , Kang Philip
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Root fracture during extraction is not uncommon due to the presence of multiple and thin roots, which are often divergent and curved. The retained root fragments (RF) are usually radiographic incidental findings and often asymptomatic without associated pathology. However, careful and conservative surgical strategies for the removal of RF must be incorporated to allow for simultaneous implant placement and to avoid potential complications such as compromised osseointegration or retrograde peri‐implantitis. Conventional RF removal techniques may lead to a significant amount of bone removal, involving more trauma and a prolonged healing period.

Case Presentation

In these two case reports, the Window Approach for Simultaneous Root Fragment Removal and Implant Placement (WASRIP) technique was used to extract RF in a minimally invasive fashion to preserve both the coronal and apical bone, which are critical components in providing mechanical stability for simultaneously placed implants. All implants presented in both cases showed adequate primary stability and successfully achieved osseointegration at a 3‐month follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Through the buccal window, sufficient access was provided to remove RF atraumatically with maximal retention of surrounding bone that led to predictable implant placement.
Off‐campus injuries and on‐campus third‐party conduct might present potential liability under Title IX
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: April 2022

Higher education law has long been concerned with whether colleges and universities should be held liable for student injuries that happen off‐campus. The law has repeatedly examined whether these institutions should be held liable when non‐student guests inflict injuries to students on campus. These questions have often found life in tort/negligence law, where the focus is whether there is a special (legal) relationship between institutions of higher education and their students.
Gold Nanoparticles Supported on Poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) as Robust, Selective and Cost‐Effective Catalyst for Aerobic Oxidation and Direct Oxidative Esterification of Alcohols
Authors: Buonerba Antonio , Noschese Annarita , Capacchione Carmine , Grassi Alfonso
Published: April 2022

A new catalytic system based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) incarcerated in poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO) matrix has been synthesized and successfully tested in aerobic oxidation of alkyl alcohols. PPO is a cheap and commercially available polymer, showing nanoporous morphology, high glass transition temperature (Tg =220 °C), semi‐crystallinity, excellent thermal stability, and interesting chemo‐physical properties. The synthesis of the AuNPs‐PPO catalyst is simple, cost‐effective and allows a fine control of the gold concentration, as well as an optimal dispersion of 7–8 nm sized AuNPs in the polymer matrix. AuNPs‐PPO is an efficient, robust and selective catalyst active in the aerobic oxidation and oxidative esterification of alcohols in water under mild reaction conditions (35 °C, atmospheric pressure of oxygen). The testing of AuNPs‐PPO in aerobic oxidation of 1‐phenylethanol to acetophenone, as a benchmark reaction, highlighted that this gold catalyst exhibits activity values among the highest so far reported for polymer‐supported AuNPs under mild reaction conditions. The oxidation of primary alcohols, such as benzyl and cinnamyl alcohols, could be addressed to the corresponding aldehyde or carboxylate derivatives. Alkyl cinnamates were obtained with efficiency in the one‐pot aerobic oxidation of cinnamyl alcohol in the presence of alkyl alcohols, such as n‐butanol or n‐hexanol. The role of the polymer matrix and the reaction conditions on both activity and selectivity of the AuNPs‐PPO catalyst were also investigated and discussed.
Overcoming Multidrug Resistance (MDR): Design, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Modelling Studies of 2,4‐Substituted Quinazoline Derivatives
Authors: Braconi Laura , Teodori Elisabetta , Contino Marialessandra , Riganti Chiara , Bartolucci Gianluca , Manetti Dina , Romanelli Maria Novella , Perrone Maria Grazia , Colabufo Nicola Antonio , Guglielmo Stefano , Dei Silvia
Published: April 2022

Some 2,4‐disubstituted quinazolines were synthesized and studied as multidrug resistance (MDR) reversers. The new derivatives carried the quinazoline‐4‐amine scaffold found in modulators of the ABC transporters involved in MDR, as the TKIs gefitinib and erlotinib. Their behaviour on the three ABC transporters, P‐gp, MRP1 and BCRP, was investigated. Almost all compounds inhibited the P‐gp activity in MDCK‐MDR1 cells overexpressing P‐gp, showing EC50 values in the nanomolar range (1 d, 1 e, 2 a, 2 c, 2 e). Some compounds were active also towards MRP1 and/or BCRP. Docking results obtained by in silico studies on the P‐gp crystal structure highlighted common features for the most potent compounds. The P‐gp selective compound 1 e was able to increase the doxorubicin uptake in HT29/DX cells and to restore its antineoplastic activity in resistant cancer cells in the same extent of sensitive cells. Compound 2 a displayed a dual inhibitory effect showing good activities towards both P‐gp and BCRP.
Velocity‐resolved Laser‐induced Desorption for Kinetics on Surface Adsorbates
Authors: Papendorf Kim , Golibrzuch Kai , Zhong Tianli , Schwabe Sven , Kitsopoulos Theofanis N. , Wodtke Alec M.
Published: April 2022

Most experimental methods for studying the kinetics of surface reactions – for example, temperature programmed desorption (TPD), molecular beam relaxation spectrometry (MBRS) and velocity‐resolved kinetics (VRK) – employ detection schemes that require thermal desorption. However, many adsorbates – for example reaction intermediates – never leave the surface under reaction conditions. In this paper, we present a new method to measure adsorbate concentrations on catalytic surfaces and demonstrate its utility for studying thermal desorption kinetics. After a short‐pulsed molecular beam deposits CO or NH3 on Pt (111), the surface is irradiated with an ultrashort laser pulse that induces desorption. Another tightly focused ultrashort laser pulse ionizes the gas‐phase molecules by a non‐resonant multiphoton process and the ions are detected. This two‐laser signal is then recorded as a function of time after the dosing molecular beam pulse and decays exponentially. First‐order thermal desorption rate constants are obtained over a range of temperatures and found to be in good agreement with past reports. Ion detection is done mass selectively with ion‐imaging, dispersing the gas phase molecules by their velocities. Since laser‐induced desorption (LID) produces hyperthermal gas phase molecules, they can be detected with little or no background. This approach is highly surface‐specific and exhibits sensitivity below 10−4 ML coverage. Because the signals are linearly proportional to adsorbate concentration, the method can be employed at lower temperatures than VRK, whose signal is proportional to reaction rate.
Pooled analysis on image‐guided moderately hypofractionated thoracic irradiation in inoperable node‐positive/recurrent patients with non–small cell lung cancer with poor prognostic factors and severely limited pulmonary function and reserve
Authors: Eze Chukwuka , Guggenberger Julian Elias , Schmidt‐Hegemann Nina‐Sophie , Kenndoff Saskia , Taugner Julian , Käsmann Lukas , Schönecker Stephan , Flörsch Benedikt , Li Minglun , Belka Claus , Manapov Farkhad
Published: April 2022

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of image‐guided moderately hypofractionated thoracic radiotherapy (hypo‐IGRT) in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with poor performance status and severely limited pulmonary function and reserve.

Methods

Consecutive inoperable patients who had node‐positive, stage IIB‐IIIC (TNM, 8th edition) or recurrent NSCLC, had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥1, and had a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) ≤1.0 L, had a single‐breath diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO‐SB) ≤40% and/or on long‐term oxygen therapy were analyzed. All patients received hypofractionated IGRT to a total dose of 42.0 to 49.0 Gy/13 to 16 fractions (2.8‐3.5 Gy/fraction) (equivalent dose in 2‐Gy fractions/biologically effective dose [α/β = 10] = 45.5‐55.1 Gy/54.6‐66.2 Gy) alone. Patients were monitored closely for nonhematological toxicity, which was classified per National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0.

Results

Between 2014 and 2021, 47 consecutive patients with a median age of 72 years (range, 52.2‐88 years) were treated. At baseline, the median FEV1, vital capacity, and DLCO‐SB were 1.17 L (range, 0.69‐2.84 L), 2.34 L (range, 1.23‐3.74 L), and 35% predicted (range, 13.3%‐69.0%), respectively. The mean and median planning target volumes were 410.8 cc (SD, 267.1 cc) and 315.4 cc (range, 83.4‐1174.1 cc). With a median follow‐up of 28.9 months (range, 0.5‐90.6 months) after RT, the median progression‐free survival (PFS)/overall survival (OS) and 6‐ and 12‐month PFS/OS rates were 10.4 months (95% CI, 7‐13.8 months)/18.3 months (95% CI, 9.2‐27.4 months), 70%/89.4%, and 38.8%/66%, respectively. Treatment was well tolerated with only 1 case each of grade 3 pneumonitis and esophagitis. No toxicity greater than grade 3 was observed.

Conclusions

Patients with inoperable node‐positive NSCLC, a poor performance status, and severely limited lung function can be safely and effectively treated with individualized moderately hypofractionated IGRT. The achieved survival rates for this highly multimorbid group of patients were encouraging.
Mortality among patients with low‐grade follicular lymphoma: A binational retrospective analysis
Authors: Rajamäki Aino , Hujo Mika , Sund Reijo , Prusila Roosa E. I. , Kuusisto Milla E. L. , Kuitunen Hanne , Jantunen Esa , Mercadal Santiago , Sorigue Marc , Sancho Juan‐Manuel , Sunela Kaisa , Kuittinen Outi
Published: April 2022

Background

The life expectancy of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) has improved considerably since the introduction of rituximab. This study examined the proportion of deaths from progressive lymphoma and the impact of FL on survival compared with that in the general population.

Methods

Altogether, 749 patients with grades 1 and 2 FL in 9 institutions between 1997 and 2016 were enrolled. Competing risk models were used to estimate the cumulative incidences of deaths from progressive lymphoma and from other reasons. Excess mortality was analyzed with respect to the corresponding background populations standardized for age and sex using the excess mortality model based on the penalized spline approach.

Results

The median follow‐up duration was 69 months (range, 0‐226 months). The estimated 10‐year overall, disease‐specific, and net survival rates were 72.4%, 86.6%, and 86.4%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of deaths from progressive lymphoma was slightly smaller than that of other causes in the study population (estimated 10‐year cumulative incidences: 12.3% [95% CI, 9.6%‐15.3%] and 15.4% [95% CI, 12.2%‐18.8%], respectively). Excess mortality was observed for up to 10 years after diagnosis, and it slightly increased with time.

Conclusions

Deaths from progressive lymphoma are nearly as common as deaths from other causes in FL patients during the rituximab era. Despite the improvements in survival, there was evidence of excess mortality resulting from FL for at least 10 years after diagnosis.
Oral florid papillomatosis: Topical treatment with 5% imiquimod in orabase
Authors: Ruiz‐Huertas Pedro , Borrego‐Luque Alicia , Toledano‐Valero Pilar , Manzotti Carolina , Rollón‐Mayordomo Ángel
Published: April 2022

Background

Florid oral papillomatosis is characterized by its tendency to local recurrence that requires multiple treatments, leading to important functional sequelae.

Methods

We present 74‐year‐old woman with oral florid papillomatosis (OFP) who refused a new surgical treatment, and was treated with imiquimod 5% in orabase on alternate days for 16 weeks. Treatment was complemented with application of hyaluronic acid gel.

Results

There were no side effects to the treatment, nor signs of local recurrence, in the treated area at 2 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

After reviewing the literature and according to our knowledge, this is the first published case of oral florid papillomatosis treated topically with imiquimod 5% successfully. Topical treatment with imiquimod 5% in orabase may be a valid alternative for patients with recurrent OFP located in the anterior area of the oral cavity who refuse surgical treatment, although we must closely monitor the patient for the possibility of recurrence or malignant degeneration.
Deciphering the quality of SARS‐CoV‐2 specific T‐cell response associated with disease severity, immune memory and heterologous response
Authors: Pérez‐Gómez Alberto , Gasca‐Capote Carmen , Vitallé Joana , Ostos Francisco J. , Serna‐Gallego Ana , Trujillo‐Rodríguez María , Muñoz‐Muela Esperanza , Giráldez‐Pérez Teresa , Praena‐Segovia Julia , Navarro‐Amuedo María D. , Paniagua‐García María , García‐Gutiérrez Manuel , Aguilar‐Guisado Manuela , Rivas‐Jeremías Inmaculada , Jiménez‐León María Reyes , Bachiller Sara , Fernández‐Villar Alberto , Pérez‐González Alexandre , Gutiérrez‐Valencia Alicia , Rafii‐El‐Idrissi Benhnia Mohammed , Weiskopf Daniela , Sette Alessandro , López‐Cortés Luis F. , Poveda Eva , Ruiz‐Mateos Ezequiel ,   Virgen del Rocío Hospital COVID‐19 and COHVID‐GS Working Teams
Published: April 2022

SARS‐CoV‐2 specific T‐cell response has been associated with disease severity, immune memory and heterologous response to endemic coronaviruses. However, an integrative approach combining a comprehensive analysis of the quality of SARS‐CoV‐2 specific T‐cell response with antibody levels in these three scenarios is needed. In the present study, we found that, in acute infection, while mild disease was associated with high T‐cell polyfunctionality biased to IL‐2 production and inversely correlated with anti‐S IgG levels, combinations only including IFN‐γ with the absence of perforin production predominated in severe disease. Seven months after infection, both non‐hospitalised and previously hospitalised patients presented robust anti‐S IgG levels and SARS‐CoV‐2 specific T‐cell response. In addition, only previously hospitalised patients showed a T‐cell exhaustion profile. Finally, combinations including IL‐2 in response to S protein of endemic coronaviruses were the ones associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐specific T‐cell response in pre‐COVID‐19 healthy donors’ samples. These results could have implications for protective immunity against SARS‐CoV‐2 and recurrent COVID‐19 and may help for the design of new prototypes and boosting vaccine strategies.
Performance analysis of intelligent reflecting surface aided full‐duplex amplify‐and‐forward relay networks
Authors: Nguyen Ba Cao , Manh Hoang Tran , Le Anh‐Tu , Nguyen Van Duan , Tran Phuong T.
Published: April 2022

It has been confirmed by many scientists and industrial experts that intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) should be one of the key enabling technologies for sixth‐generation (6G) wireless networks. This paper analyzes the performance of an IRS‐aided full‐duplex (FD) amplify‐and‐forward wireless relay (AFR) network, where the IRS is exploited to enhance the quality of the channel from the source to the relay. We successfully derive the analytical expressions of outage probability (OP), achievable data rate (ADR), and symbol error probability (SEP) of the considered IRS‐FD‐AFR network over Rayleigh fading channel. The corresponding expressions of the IRS‐aided half‐duplex (HD) AFR (IRS‐HD‐AFR) system are also derived as a benchmark to compare. The results demonstrate that the performance of both IRS‐FD‐AFR and IRS‐HD‐AFR systems are greatly improved by increasing the number of reflecting elements (
) in the IRS. All derived expressions are validated by Monte Carlo simulations.
Climate change linked to functional homogenization of a subtropical estuarine system
Authors: Pawluk Michaela , Fujiwara Masami , Martinez‐Andrade Fernando
Published: April 2022

Climate change causes marine species to shift and expand their distributions, often leading to changes in species diversity. While increased biodiversity is often assumed to confer positive benefits on ecosystem functioning, many examples have shown that the relationship is specific to the ecosystem and function studied and is often driven by functional composition and diversity. In the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, tropical species expansion was shown to have increased estuarine fish and invertebrate diversity; however, it is not yet known how those increases have affected functional diversity. To address this knowledge gap, two metrics of functional diversity, functional richness (FRic) and functional dispersion (FDis), were estimated in each year for a 38‐year study period, for each of the eight major bays along the Texas coast. Then, the community‐weighted mean (CWM) trait values for each of the functional traits are calculated to assess how functional composition has changed through time. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify species contributing most to changing functional diversity. We found significant increases in log‐functional richness in both spring and fall, and significant decreases in functional dispersion in spring, suggesting that although new functional types are entering the bays, assemblages are becoming more dominated by similar functional types. Community‐weighted trait means showed significant increases in the relative abundance of traits associated with large, long‐lived, higher trophic level species, suggesting an increase in periodic and equilibrium life‐history strategists within the bays. PCA identified mainly native sciaenid species as contributing most to functional diversity trends although several tropical species also show increasing trends through time. We conclude that the climate‐driven species expansion in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico led to a decrease in functional dispersion due to increasing relative abundance of species with similar life‐history characteristics, and thus the communities have become more functionally homogeneous.
Evolution of assortative mating following selective introgression of pigmentation genes between two Drosophila species
Authors: David Jean R. , Ferreira Erina A. , Jabaud Laure , Ogereau David , Bastide Héloïse , Yassin Amir
Published: April 2022

Adaptive introgression is ubiquitous in animals, but experimental support for its role in driving speciation remains scarce. In the absence of conscious selection, admixed laboratory strains of Drosophila asymmetrically and progressively lose alleles from one parental species and reproductive isolation against the predominant parent ceases after 10 generations. Here, we selectively introgressed during 1 year light pigmentation genes of D. santomea into the genome of its dark sibling D. yakuba, and vice versa. We found that the pace of phenotypic change differed between the species and the sexes and identified through genome sequencing common as well as distinct introgressed loci in each species. Mating assays showed that assortative mating between introgressed flies and both parental species persisted even after 4 years (~60 generations) from the end of the selection. Those results indicate that selective introgression of as low as 0.5% of the genome can beget morphologically distinct and reproductively isolated strains, two prerequisites for the delimitation of new species. Our findings hence represent a significant step toward understanding the genome‐wide dynamics of speciation‐through‐introgression.
Environmental drivers and spatial scaling of species abundance distributions in Palaearctic grassland vegetation
Authors: Ulrich Werner , Matthews Thomas J. , Biurrun Idoia , Campos Juan Antonio , Czortek Patryk , Dembicz Iwona , Essl Franz , Filibeck Goffredo , del Galdo Gian‐Pietro Giusso , Güler Behlül , Naqinezhad Alireza , Török Péter , Dengler Jürgen
Published: April 2022

Species abundance distributions (SADs) link species richness with species abundances and are an important tool in the quantitative analysis of ecological communities. Niche‐based and sample‐based SAD models predict different spatial scaling properties of SAD parameters. However, empirical research on SAD scaling properties is largely missing. Here we extracted percentage cover values of all occurring vascular plants as proxies of their abundance in 1725 10‐m2plots from the GrassPlot database, covering 47 regional data sets of 19 different grasslands and other open vegetation types of the Palaearctic biogeographic realm. For each plot, we fitted the Weibull distribution, a model that is able to effectively mimic other distributions like the log‐series and lognormal, to the species–log abundance rank order distribution. We calculated the skewness and kurtosis of the empirical distributions and linked these moments, along with the shape and scale parameters of the Weibull distribution, to plot climatic and soil characteristics. The Weibull distribution provided excellent fits to grassland plant communities and identified four basic types of communities characterized by different degrees of dominance. Shape and scale parameter values of local communities on poorer soils were largely in accordance with log‐series distributions. Proportions of subdominant species tended to be lower than predicted by the standard lognormal SAD. Successive accumulation of plots of the same vegetation type yielded nonlinear spatial scaling of SAD moments and Weibull parameters. This scaling was largely independent of environmental correlates and geographic plot position. Our findings caution against simple generalizations about the mechanisms that generate SADs. We argue that in grasslands, lognormal‐type SADs tend to prevail within a wider range of environmental conditions, including more extreme habitats such as arid environments. In contrast, log‐series distributions are mainly restricted to comparatively species‐rich communities on humid and fertile soils.
Floral shape predicts bee–parasite transmission potential
Authors: Pinilla‐Gallego Mario S. , Ng Wee Hao , Amaral Victoria E. , Irwin Rebecca E.
Published: April 2022

The spread of parasites is one of the primary drivers of population decline of both managed and wild bees. Several bee parasites are transmitted by the shared use of flowers, turning floral resources into potential disease hotspots. However, we know little about how floral morphology and floral species identity affect different steps of the transmission process. Here, we used the gut parasite Crithidia bombi and its primary host, bumble bees (Bombus spp.), to examine whether floral traits or species identity better predict three basic steps of parasite transmission on flowers: feces deposition on flowers, survival of the parasite on flowers, and acquisition by a new host. We also identified which traits and/or species were most strongly associated with each step in the transmission process. We found that both trait‐ and species‐based models fit the data on deposition of feces and survival of C. bombi on flowers, but that species‐based models provided a better fit compared with trait‐based ones. However, trait‐based models were better at predicting the acquisition of C. bombi on flowers. Although different species tended to support higher fecal deposition or parasite survival, we found that floral shape provided explanatory power for each of the transmission steps. When we assessed overall transmission potential, floral shape had the largest explanatory effect, with wider, shorter flowers promoting higher transmission. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of flower species identity and floral traits in disease transmission dynamics of bee parasites, and floral shape as an important predictor of overall transmission potential. Identifying traits associated with transmission potential may help us create seed mix that presents lower parasite transmission risk for bees for use in pollinator habitat.
Separator Dependency on Cycling Stability of Lithium Metal Batteries Under Practical Conditions
Authors: An Hyeongguk , Roh Youngjoon , Jo Youngseong , Lee Hyuntae , Lim Minhong , Lee Mingyu , Lee Yong Min , Lee Hongkyung
Published: April 2022

Development of practical lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) remains challenging despite promises of Li metal anodes (LMAs), owing to Li dendrite formation and highly reactive surface nature. Polyolefin separators used in LMBs may undergo severe mechanical and chemical deterioration when contacting with LMAs. To identify the best polyolefin separator for LMBs, this study investigated the separator‐deterministic cycling stability of LMBs under practical conditions, and redefined the key influencing factors, including pore structure, mechanical stability, and chemical affinity, using 12 different commercial separators, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and coated separators. At extreme compression triggered by LMA swelling, isotropic stress release by balancing the machine direction and transverse direction tensile strengths was found to be crucial for mitigating cell short‐circuiting. Instead of PP separators, a PE separator that possesses a high elastic modulus and a highly connected pore structure can uniformly regulate LMA swelling. The ceramic coating reinforced short‐circuiting resistance, while the cycling efficiency degraded rapidly owing to the detrimental interactions between ceramics and LMAs. This study identified the design principle of separators for practical LMBs with respect to mechanical stability and chemical affinity toward LMAs by elucidating the impacts of separator modification on the cycling performance.
113Cd as a Probe in NMR Studies of Allosteric Host‐Guest‐Ligand Complexes of Porphyrin Cage Compounds
Authors: Bruekers Jeroen P. J. , Hellinghuizen Matthijs A. , Swartjes Anne , Tinnemans Paul , White Paul B. , Elemans Johannes A. A. W. , Nolte Roeland J. M.
Published: April 2022

Cadmium porphyrin cage compounds Cd1 and 113Cd1 have been synthesized from the free base porphyrin cage derivative H21 and Cd(OAc)2 ⋅ 2 H2O or 113Cd(OAc)2 ⋅ 2 H2O, respectively. The compounds form allosteric complexes with the positively charged guests N,N′‐dimethylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (DMI) and N,N′‐dimethylviologen dihexafluorophosphate (Me2V), which bind in the cavity of the cage, and tbupy, which coordinates as an axial ligand to the outside of the cage. In the presence of tbupy, the binding of DMI in Cd1 is enhanced by a factor of ∼31, while the presence of DMI or Me2V in the cavity of Cd1 enhances the binding of tbupy by factors of 55 and 85, respectively. The X‐ray structures of the coordination complexes of Cd1 with acetone, acetonitrile, and pyridine, the host‐guest complex of Cd1 with a bound viologen guest, and the ternary allosteric complex of Cd1 with a bound DMI guest and a coordinated tbupy ligand, were solved. These structures revealed relocations of the cadmium center in and out of the porphyrin plane, depending on whether a guest or a ligand is present. 113Cd NMR could be employed as a tool to quantify the binding of guests and ligands to 113Cd1. 1D EXSY experiments on the ternary allosteric system Cd1‐tbupy‐Me2V revealed that the coordination of tbupy significantly slowed down the dissociation of the Me2V guest. Eyring plots of the dissociation process revealed that this kinetic allosteric effect is entropic in nature.
A variable bandwidth memristor‐based Legendre Optimum low pass filter for radio frequency applications
Authors: Onyejegbu Elochukwu , Zhumabay Zhazira , Marzuki Arjuna , Ukaegbu Ikechi Augustine
Published: April 2022

This article presents the enhancement of Legendre Optimum low pass filter (LPF) in terms of reusability and bandwidth, based on the programmable memristance of memristors. Two LPFs of the third order, operating in the MF and VHF range, and designed using the insertion loss method are presented. At 600 kHz and 110 MHz, two Knowm memristors working in the forward ion‐conduction mode replace and in the filter circuit. Their conductance and therefore memristance is varied such that decreases monotonically and. Results show a bandwidth enhancement of up to 540 at 600 kHz, and up to 100 at 110 MHz. A reusable, cost‐effective, variable bandwidth filter is achieved from the original fixed bandwidth filter.
Impact of specimen preparation method on photovoltaic backsheet degradation during accelerated aging test
Authors: Xia Ji , Liu Yi , Hu Hongjie , Zhu Xiaogang , Lv Hao , Phillips Nancy H. , Choudhury Kaushik Roy , Gambogi William J. , Rodriguez Marisol , Simon Ethan S. , Kempe Michael , Morse Joshua
Published: April 2022

In this study, we highlight some important factors in the specimen preparation methods for evaluating photovoltaic backsheet properties after accelerated aging. Two different sequences are considered: Method (I) cut‐then‐age: cut into 1‐cm wide strips and then expose to stress, and Method (II) age‐then‐cut: expose a larger sheet to stress and then cut into 1‐cm widths for mechanical property measurements. We also compare the effect of three cutting methods, (a) tensile specimen punch, (b) paper cutter, and (c) fresh razor blade. Several commercial backsheets were evaluated, with stress exposures including (a) pressure cooker test (PCT), (b) dry ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, and (c) UV combined damp heat tests. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and intrinsic viscosity (IV) were used to analyze the materials on unstressed materials and samples exposed to PCT. The results show that both the cutting method and the time of cutting have an impact on the backsheet mechanical properties. Under UV exposure, Method II, age‐then‐cut, generally resulted in a higher average value, with more variation than Method I; however, if the side strips from Method II were excluded, the variation dropped to the same level. This is because the specimens at the sides of the sheet get additional damage from UV light from the exposed sides of the sample. In contrast to UV exposure, PCT specimens prepared by Method II result in lower average values and higher variability. This is attributed to embrittlement through the bulk of the sample where the cutting of embrittled specimens appears to result in more edge defects which can then initiate a break at smaller strains. The data suggest that for UV exposures, the specimens should be cut after aging and the exposed side specimens discarded, and that for PCT exposures, the specimens should be cut before the exposure.
The ART and LOGIC of scholarly communication: Effective skills for publication and beyond
Authors: Lo Yangming Martin
Published: April 2022

Based on a series of well‐recognized workshops around the world conducted by the author with more than 15 years of EIC experience, this article highlights the essence and spirit of publishing scholarly outcomes for authors in science and engineering. It is vital for all scientists who intend to upgrade their publications to bear in mind that, additional to KISS (Keep It Simple and Straightforward), the contents of a manuscript should be prepared based on the core concept of ART and LOGIC, namely:

Thoroughness (be thorough when compiling)

Complete the sentence, paragraph, and article

Readability (keep the expression readable)

Know what you mean and mean what you know

Articulateness (be articulate in wording)

Be polite yet firm, when necessary, with controversies

and

Lock one in ASAP

Identify and be identical with the readers

Offer useful information

Justification and reasoning are most critical

Gain confidence

Put forth best methodology and know‐how

Indication of good will

Be constructive even when criticism is needed

Conclusive statement

Provide solid conclusion with proper outlook