bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Chirality of an Achiral Cucurbit[8]uril‐Based Supramolecular Organic Framework for Chirality Induction in Water
Authors: Li Yawen , Li Qingfang , Miao Xiaran , Qin Chunyan , Chu Dake , Cao Liping
Published: December 2020

Chiral framework materials have been developed for many applications including chiral recognition, chiral separation, asymmetric catalysis, and chiroptical materials. Herein, we report that an achiral cucurbit[8]uril‐based supramolecular organic framework (SOF‐1) with the dynamic rotational conformation of tetraphenylethene units can exhibit adaptive chirality to produce M‐SOF‐1 or P‐SOF‐1 with mirror‐image circular dichroism (CD) with gabs≈±10−4 and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with glum≈±10−4 induced by L‐/D‐phenylalanine in water, respectively. The chirality induction in CD (gabs≈−10−4) and CPL (glum≈−10−4) of P‐SOF‐1 from achiral SOF‐1 can be presented by using a small amount of adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate disodium (ATP) or adenosine‐5′‐diphosphate disodium (ADP) (only 0.4 equiv) in water. Furthermore, the adaptive chirality of SOF‐1 can be used to determine dipeptide sequences (e.g., Phe‐Ala and Ala‐Phe) and distinguish polypeptides/proteins (e.g., somatostatin and human insulin) with characteristic CD spectra. Therefore, achiral SOF‐1 as an ideal chiroptical platform with adaptive chirality may be applied to determine the enantiopurity of amino acids (e.g., L‐/D‐phenylalanine), develop aqueous CPL materials, and distinguish biological chiral macromolecules (e.g., peptides/proteins) via chirality induction in water.
Self‐Reporting of Folding and Aggregation by Orthogonal Hantzsch Luminophores Within a Single Polymer Chain
Authors: De‐La‐Cuesta Julen , Verde‐Sesto Ester , Arbe Arantxa , Pomposo José A.
Published: December 2020

Self‐reporting fluorescence methods for monitoring folding and aggregation of proteins have a long history in biochemistry. Placing orthogonal luminophores within individual synthetic polymer chains for self‐reporting both folding (i.e., its intramolecular compaction to isolated single‐chain nanoparticles, SCNPs) and unbidden aggregation (i.e., the intermolecular association of SCNPs) remains a great challenge. Herein, a simple and efficient platform to identify both single‐chain compaction and intermolecular aggregation phenomena via photoluminescence is presented based on simultaneous synthesis through Hantzsch ester formation of orthogonal luminophores within the same polymer chain. Starting from non‐luminescent β‐ketoester‐decorated chains, intramolecular compaction is visually detected through fluorescence arising from Hantzsch fluorophores generated as intra‐chain connectors during folding. Complementary, intermolecular association is identified via aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) from orthogonal luminophores displaying intense photoluminescence at redshifted wavelengths after formation of multi‐SCNPs assemblies.
Anionic Polymerization in Porous Organic Frameworks: A Strategy to Fabricate Anchored Polymers and Copolymers
Authors: Perego Jacopo , Bracco Silvia , Comotti Angiolina , Piga Daniele , Bassanetti Irene , Sozzani Piero
Published: December 2020

An anionic mechanism is used to create polymers and copolymers as confined to, or anchored to, high‐surface‐area porous nanoparticles. Linear polymers with soft and glassy chains, such as polyisoprene and polymethylmethacrylate, were produced by confined anionic polymerization in 3D networks of porous aromatic frameworks. Alternatively, multiple anions were generated on the designed frameworks which bear removal protons at selected positions, and initiate chain propagation, resulting in chains covalently connected to the 3D network. Such growth can continue outside the pores to produce polymer‐matrix nanoparticles coated with anchored chains. Sequential reactions were promoted by the living character of this anionic propagation, yielding nanoparticles that were covered by a second polymer anchored by anionic block copolymerization. The intimacy of the matrix and the grown‐in polymers was demonstrated by magnetization transfer across the interfaces in 2D 1H‐13C‐HETCOR NMR spectra.
Current Status of High Oleic Seed Oils in Food Processing
Authors: Zambelli Andres
Published: December 2020

Dietarytransfatty acids (TFA) from industrial partial hydrogenation continue to occupy the attention of health and regulatory authorities, prompting renewed recommendations and regulations around the world. Partial hydrogenation of liquid oils was widely used because it increases the oxidative stability and plasticity of vegetable oils. The development of high oleic (HO) oils appeared as an efficient and healthy strategy to replace partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. At present, the main sources of HO oils are the HO varieties of sunflower, canola, and soybean, covering almost the entire market. Although all these HO crops show oleic acid contents higher than 70%, they can be differentiated by their fatty acid profiles. Recent clinical evidence suggests that polyunsaturated content should also be considered since its intake has been associated with coronary heart disease. Comparison of the fatty acid compositions, places HO sunflower as the best option in terms of oxidative stability and beneficial effects on the health of consumers.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel isoxazole derivatives from acridone
Authors: Aarjane Mohammed , Slassi Siham , Tazi Bouchra , Amine Amina
Published: December 2020

The present study was carried out in an attempt to synthesize a new class of potential antibacterial agents. In this context, novel isoxazoles were synthesized and evaluated for their potential antibacterial behavior against four pathogenic bacterial strains. The synthesized compounds exhibited moderate‐to‐good antibacterial activity against these strains. The highest antibacterial activity was observed against the Escherichia coli strains, particularly for compounds 4a and 4e with phenyl and para‐nitrophenyl groups on the isoxazole–acridone skeleton; they showed promising minimum inhibitory concentration values of 16.88 and 19.01 μg/ml, respectively, compared with the standard drug chloramphenicol (22.41 µg/ml). The synthesized compounds were subjected to in silico docking studies to understand the mode of their interactions with the DNA topoisomerase complex (PDB ID: 3FV5) of E. coli. The molecular docking results showed that compounds 4a–l occupy the active site of DNA topoisomerase (PDB ID: 3FV5), stabilized via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, which may be the reason behind their interesting in vitro antibacterial activity.
Meta‐Analysis Reveals Gait Anomalies in Autism
Authors: Lum Jarrad A. G. , Shandley Kerrie , Albein‐Urios Natalia , Kirkovski Melissa , Papadopoulos Nicole , Wilson Rujuta B. , Enticott Peter G. , Rinehart Nicole J.
Published: December 2020

Gait abnormalities are frequently reported in autism. The empirical literature, however, is characterized by inconsistent findings concerning which aspects of gait are affected. We conducted a meta‐analysis to summarize study findings that examined temporal and spatial (i.e., two‐dimensional) gait parameters in pediatric and adult samples comprising individuals with autism and healthy controls. After searching electronic databases, a total of 18 studies were identified and included in this review. Results from the meta‐analyses revealed autism is associated with a wider step width, slower walking speed, longer gait cycle, longer stance time and longer step time. Additionally, autism appears to be associated with greater intra‐individual variability on measures of stride length, stride time and walking speed. Meta‐regression analyses revealed cadence and gait cycle duration differences, between autism and control groups, become more pronounced with age. Overall, this review demonstrates that autism is associated with gait abnormalities. However, assessment of the methodological quality of the studies reveal, additional research is required to understand the extent that gait abnormalities are specifically linked to autism, or whether they may be secondary to other factors commonly found in this group, such as increased weight.

Lay Summary

It is often noted by clinicians that individuals with autism have an awkward or unusual walking style, which is also referred to as gait. In this report, we reviewed past studies that compared gait in individuals with and without autism. Our review indicates autism is associated with an abnormal gait. However, it is not yet clear whether gait abnormalities are caused by autism, or arise due to other factors such as heavier weight, which often co‐occurs in this group. Autism Res 2021, 14: 733–747. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC
The optimization conditions of establishing an H9c2 cardiomyocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation injury model based on an AnaeroPack System
Authors: Wen Jingyi , Wang Dan , Cheng Lichun , Wu Di , Qiu Lulu , Li Miao , Xie Yu , Wu Si , Jiang Yan , Bai Hansheng , Xu Bing , Lv Huiyi
Published: December 2020

Ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major cause of cardiomyocyte apoptosis after vascular recanalization, which was mimicked by a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury model of cardiomyocytes in vitro. In this study, we explored an optimal H/R duration procedure using the AnaeroPack System. To study the H/R procedure, cardiomyocytes were exposed to the AnaeroPack System with sugar and serum‐free medium, followed by reoxygenation under normal conditions. Cell injury was detected through lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cardiac troponin (c‐Tn) release, morphological changes, cell apoptosis, and expression of apoptosis‐related proteins. The results showed that the damage to H9c2 cells increased with prolonged hypoxia time, as demonstrated by increased apoptosis rate, LDH and c‐Tn release, HIF‐1α expression, as well as decreased expression of Bcl‐2. Furthermore, hypoxia for 10 h and reoxygenation for 6 h exhibited the highest apoptosis rate and damage and cytokine release; in addition, cells were deformed, small, and visibly round. After 12 h of hypoxia, the majority of the cells were dead. Taken together, this study showed that subjecting H9c2 cells to the AnaeroPack System for 10 h and reoxygenation for 6 h can achieve a practicable and repeatable H/R injury model.
Serological tests for COVID‐19: Potential opportunities
Authors: Tantuoyir Marcarious M. , Rezaei Nima
Published: December 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a novel betacoronavirus, caused a pandemic leading to a standstill of nearly all global activities. There are some controversies on the production of specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies after the infection with SARS‐CoV‐2. This paper seeks to elaborate on the potential application of IgM and IgG antibodies and the viral antigens for the diagnosis and the course of the disease as well as the recurrence of positive nucleic acid tests after discharge.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Chemodivergent Regio‐ and Enantioselective Allylic Alkylation of Indoles
Authors: Sun Minghe , Liu Min , Li Changkun
Published: December 2020

The control of C3/N1 chemoselectivity in indole alkylation with the same electrophiles is still challenging. An Rh/bisoxazolinephosphane‐catalyzed chemodivergent regio‐ and enantioselective allylic alkylation of indoles was developed. Chiral C3‐ and N1‐allylindoles can be selectively obtained with high branched/linear ratio and up to 99 % ee by changing the counteranion of Rh, the allylic carbonate, the reaction temperature, and the ligand.
Easy Access to Enantiomerically Pure Heterocyclic Silicon‐Chiral Phosphonium Cations and the Matched/Mismatched Case of Dihydrogen Release
Authors: Fontana Nicolò , Espinosa‐Jalapa Noel Angel , Seidl Michael , Bauer Jonathan O.
Published: December 2020

Phosphonium ions are widely used in preparative organic synthesis and catalysis. The provision of new types of cations that contain both functional and chiral information is a major synthetic challenge and can open up new horizons in asymmetric cation‐directed and Lewis acid catalysis. We discovered an efficient methodology towards new Si‐chiral four‐membered CPSSi* heterocyclic cations. Three synthetic approaches are presented. The stereochemical sequence of anchimerically assisted cation formation with B(C6F5)3 and subsequent hydride addition was fully elucidated and proceeds with excellent preservation of the chiral information at the stereogenic silicon atom. Also the mechanism of dihydrogen release from a protonated hydrosilane was studied in detail by the help of Si‐centered chirality as stereochemical probe. Chemoselectivity switch (dihydrogen release vs. protodesilylation) can easily be achieved through slight modifications of the solvent. A matched/mismatched case was identified and the intermolecularity of this reaction supported by spectroscopic, kinetic, deuterium‐labeling experiments, and quantum chemical calculations.
Transition from Homochiral Clusters to Racemate Monolayers during 2D Crystallization of Trioxa[11]helicene on Ag(100)
Authors: Irziqat Bahaaeddin , Berger Jan , Mendieta‐Moreno Jesús I. , Sundar Mothuku Shyam , Bedekar Ashutosh V. , Ernst Karl‐Heinz
Published: December 2020

The phenomenon of chiral crystallization into homochiral crystals is known for more than 170 years, yet it is still poorly understood. Studying crystallization on surfaces under well‐defined condition seems a promising approach towards better understanding the intermolecular chiral recognition mechanisms during nucleation and growth. The two‐dimensional aggregation of racemic trioxaundecahelicene on the single crystalline silver(100) surface has been investigated with scanning tunneling microscopy and with non‐contact atomic force microscopy, as well as molecular modeling simulations. A transition from homochiral cluster motifs to heterochiral assembly into large islands with increasing coverage is observed. Force field modelling confirms higher stability of heterochiral arrangements from twelve molecules on. Results are discussed with respect to previous findings for the all‐carbon heptahelicene on the same surface.
Evaluating the bone‐regenerative role of the decellularized porcine bone xenograft in a canine extraction socket model
Authors: Chen Yuan‐Wu , Chen Meng‐Yen , Hsieh Dar‐Jen , Periasamy Srinivasan , Yen Ko‐Chung , Chuang Chao‐Tang , Wang Hung‐Chou , Tseng Fan‐Wei , Kuo Jer‐Cheng , Chien Hua‐Hong
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a novel decellularized porcine bone xenograft, produced by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction technology, on alveolar socket healing after tooth extraction compared to a commercially available deproteinized bovine bone (Bio‐Oss®).

Materials and methods

Nine dogs (about 18 months old and weighing between 20 kg and 30 kg) underwent extractions of lower second to fourth premolars, bilaterally. The dogs were randomly selected and allocated to the following groups: Group 1: control unfilled socket; Group 2: socket filled with decellularized porcine bone xenograft (ABCcolla®) and covered by a commercially available porcine collagen membrane (Bio‐Gide®); Group 3: socket filled with Bio‐Oss® and covered by Bio‐Gide® membrane. One dogs from each group was sacrificed at 4‐, 12‐, and 24‐week to evaluate the socket healing after tooth extraction. The mandible bone blocks were processed without decalcification and specimens were embedded in methyl methacrylate and subjected to histopathology analyses to evaluate the bone regeneration in the extraction sockets.

Results

At 24‐week after socket healing, ABCcolla® treated defects demonstrated significantly higher histopathology score in new bone formation and bone bridging, but significantly lower score in fluorescent labeling than those of the Bio‐Oss®. In the microphotographic examination, decellularized porcine bone xenograft showed similar characteristics of new bone formation to that of Bio‐Oss®. However, there was significantly less remnant implant materials in the decellularized porcine bone xenograft compared to the Bio‐Oss® group at 24‐week. Thus, the decellularized porcine bone graft seems to have promising bone regeneration properties similar to that of Bio‐Oss® with less remnant grafted material in a canine tooth extraction socket model.

Conclusions

Within the limits of the study, we concluded that ABCcolla® treated defects demonstrated significantly more new bone formation and better bone bridging, but less amount of fluorescent labeling than those of the Bio‐Oss® group. However, clinical studies in humans are recommended to confirm these findings.
Combinational therapy targeting the MET‐mTOR‐ROS loop disrupts mitochondrial autoregulatory machinery of liver cancer
Authors: Huang Xing , Zhang Gang , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo
Published: December 2020

A wide variety of regulators have been identified in mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation; however, the protective mechanisms of mTOR inactivation are still largely unknown, especially in tumor growth. Here, we have found the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor (MET) is required for mTOR activation‐stimulated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in a phosphorylation‐dependent manner in liver cancer. Intriguingly, we observed mitochondrial quality dictates the regulatory effects of MET on mTOR and OXPHOS. Once overloaded, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibits mTOR activity and OXPHOS performance to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction‐induced tumor cell death, by disrupting MET dimerization to block its autophosphorylation and interaction with vacuolar ATP synthase (V‐ATPase). The MET‐mTOR‐ROS loop acts as a protective checkpoint in liver cancer, and thus this autoregulatory machinery is a promising combinational target for liver cancer therapy.
Electroactivated Disposable Pencil Graphite Electrode – New, Cost‐effective, and Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Bioflavonoid Hesperidin
Authors: Šafranko Silvija , Stanković Anamarija , Asserghine Abdelilah , Jakovljević Martina , Hajra Sugato , Nundy Srijita , Medvidović‐Kosanović Martina , Jokić Stela
Published: December 2020

In this paper, for the first time, electroactivated disposable pencil graphite electrode (ePGE) was used for the detection of bioflavonoid hesperidin with cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. The electroactivation efficiency of the pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was examined employing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and the enhancement of electron transfer kinetics of the PGE after the electroactivation was found. Hesperidin is irreversibly oxidized on the ePGE and its oxidation was the most pronounced at pH=5.0. Two electrode processes were detected, on one hand, a mixed diffusion and adsorption control was observed for the first electrode process. On the other hand, only diffusion control was observed in the second electrode process. Linear dependence between the peak current and the hesperidin concentration was obtained in the concentration range from 5×10−7 mol dm−3 to 1×10−5 mol dm−3 and the determined lower limit of detection (LOD) was 2×10−7 mol dm−3. Moreover, hesperidin in pharmaceutical formulation (containing active substance, hesperidin, and excipients) was quantified using ePGE. A good correlation was obtained between experimentally obtained hesperidin concentration by voltammetric analysis and concentration determined by standard HPLC technique (R2=0.9462).
The financial requirements of tech startups over its lifecycle in Bangalore: An analysis of why and how do they differ?
Authors: Singh Shivalik , Bala Subrahmanya M H
Published: December 2020

It is widely recognized by researchers, practitioners and policy makers that for a tech startup adequate financial capital is an essential resource in order to emerge, survive and grow over its lifecycle. However, there is a lack of understanding on what are the various needs for financing, what factors drive these needs and how do they vary over a startup's lifecycle. This study makes a key contribution to the literature by investigating the financial requirements for a tech startup and their determinants based on primary data gathered from 93 tech startups in Bangalore. Our findings suggest that, out of the three major categories of financial requirements, namely, Human Capital (HC), Research Capital (RC) and Social Capital (SC), financial requirements for HC and SC vary with a startup's lifecycle stage while financial requirement to acquire RC does not. With these results, we assert that, while all the three resources are essential, RC is the most critical financial requirement for a tech startup as it assumes predominance throughout a tech startup's lifecycle and acts as oxygen for its growth and sustainable competitive advantage.
Impact of irrigated agriculture on welfare of farm households in northern Ethiopia: panel data evidence*
Authors: Tesfay Menasbo Gebru
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of participating in irrigated agriculture on the welfare of smallholders in the semi‐arid economy of northern Ethiopia. Two rounds of balanced panel data for the production seasons 2009/2010 and 2014/2015 collected from 407 smallholder farmers were analysed. Correlated random effect double hurdle models are used to estimate participation and extent of involvement in irrigated agriculture. The household fixed effect with a control function approach was used to assess the impact of participating in irrigated agriculture on welfare outcomes. The double hurdle model results indicate that households with at least one plot owned and located within the irrigation command area positively and significantly affect participation in irrigated agriculture. The fixed‐effect model results also revealed that the area planted with use of irrigation enables smallholders to grow crops more than once a year; to ensure increased and stable production, income, consumption and asset accumulation positively. The finding of this study confirms that the potential role of irrigated agriculture is not limited to improving crop income and consumption of rural households, but also higher production from irrigated agriculture generates surplus products and better chance to integrate with the output market.
Progress in research on effect of PM2.5 on occurrence and development of atherosclerosis
Authors: Tian Mengya , Zhao Jingbo , Mi Xingyan , Wang Kai , Kong Deling , Mao Hongjun , Wang Ting
Published: December 2020

Fine particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) air pollution is regarded as one of the prominent risk factors that contributes to morbidity and mortality globally, among which cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been strongly associated with PM2.5 exposure and is a leading cause of death. Atherosclerosis (AS), the common pathological basis of many CVDs, is a progressive syndrome characterized by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous plaque in the arteries. Recent epidemiological and toxicological studies suggest that PM2.5 may also contribute to the development of AS, even at levels below the current air quality standards. In this paper, the complete pathological process of atherosclerotic plaque from occurrence to rupture leading to CVD was elaborated. Then, the growing epidemiological evidence linking PM2.5 to AS in humans was reviewed and summarized. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms of PM2.5‐mediated AS were discussed, including oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, abnormal lipid metabolism, disturbance of the autonomic nervous system, and abnormal coagulation function. This paper aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the effect of PM2.5 on the occurrence and development of AS for better prevention and mitigation of adverse health impacts due to PM2.5 air pollution.
Radiological evaluations of low cost wollastonite nano‐ceramics graft doped with iron oxide in the treatment of induced defects in canine mandible
Authors: Mabrouk Mostafa , Taha Said K. , Abdel Hamid Mohamed A. , Kenawy Sayed H. , Hassan Elham A. , El‐Bassyouni Gehan T.
Published: December 2020

Wollastonite with/without maghemite [(Fe2O3), 0, 3 and 10 wt%] was prepared by facile wet precipitation method. Effect of Fe2O3 presence in the obtained nano‐ceramics on physical structure, morphology, size and the mechanical features was evaluated using X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and universal testing machine. Moreover, the in vitro biomineralization was examined using simulated body fluid (SBF) by means of scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X‐ray, Fourier transform infrared, and inductively coupled plasma. An in vivo study was conducted on 24 adult male mongrel dogs to test the biosafety of fabricated samples in the reconstruction of experimentally induced mandibular bone defects. Bone density was measured through cone beam computed tomography analysis conducted at 1 and 3 months following surgery. Wollastonite was the main phase in all the prepared samples however little maghemite was developed in Fe‐containing samples. No remarkable changes were recognized for physical structure of obtained microcrystalline structures, however, a decrease in particle size was noted in the existence of Fe2O3 (10‐15 nm) when compared to the pure wollastonite (30–50 nm). Mechanical features were dependent on the included Fe2O3 concentration within the wollastonite ceramic matrix. The degree of biomineralization of the samples immersed in SBF was elevated with the increase in Fe2O3 percentage. Clinically, the reconstruction of bone defects was uneventful without any adverse toxic effect. Bone density was significantly increased at 1 and 3 months (p < .001) in grafted defects compared to control ones. Increasing the doping concentrations of iron oxide was associated with significant increase (p < .001) of bone density in all induced defects. Due to the impressive healing effect of current fabricated nano‐ceramics, they are recommended to be utilized as low cost bone graft alternatives.
On supersaturation and stability for generalized Turán problems
Authors: Halfpap Anastasia , Palmer Cory
Published: December 2020

Fix a graph . We say that a graph is ‐free if it contains no copy of as a subgraph. Let denote the maximum number of copies of a graph in an ‐vertex ‐free graph. In this note, we will give a new general supersaturation result for in the case when as well as a new proof of a stability theorem for .
Biological differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine from excessive to deficient syndromes in AIDS: Comparative microRNA microarray profiling and syndrome‐specific biomarker identification
Authors: Wan Tingjun , Liu Xiyang , Su Yue , Zou Jiaxi , Wu Xi , Jiang Cen , Cao Chunhui , Yao Mingyue , Zhou Yuyu , Rong Lijun , Li Baixue , Wen Li , Feng Quansheng
Published: December 2020

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely applied as a supplementary therapy of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in China. TCM has a positive effect on improving the quality of life, prolonging life, and ameliorating the symptoms of HIV/AIDS patients. Yang deficiency of spleen and kidney (YDSK) syndrome is a typical deficient TCM syndrome in AIDS patients, and accumulation of heat‐toxicity (AHT) syndrome is a common excessive syndrome in the earlier stage of AIDS. Thus, accurate diagnosis of these two syndromes can improve the targeted treatment effect, and predict the prognosis of the disease. However, the scientific basis of TCM syndromes remains lacking, greatly hindering the accuracy of diagnosis and effectiveness of treatment. In this research, microRNA (miRNA) microarray and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction combined with bioinformatics were used for comparative analysis between YDSK and AHT patients. Significantly differential expressed miRNAs (SDE‐miRNAs) of each TCM syndrome were identified, including hsa‐miR‐766‐3p and hsa‐miR‐1260a and so on, as well hsa‐miR‐6124, hsa‐let‐7g‐5p and so on, for YDSK and AHT, respectively. Biological differences were found between their SDE‐miRNAs based on bioinformatics analyses, for example, ErbB signaling pathway mainly linked to AHT, while focal adhesion dominated in YDSK. Syndrome‐specific SDE‐miRNAs were further identified as potential biomarkers, including hsa‐miR‐30e‐5p, hsa‐miR‐144‐5p for YDSK and hsa‐let‐7g‐5p, hsa‐miR‐126‐3p for AHT, respectively. All of them have laid biological and clinical bases for TCM diagnosis and treatment of AIDS syndrome at the miRNA level, offering potential diagnostic indicators of immune reconstitution.
Effect of ozone, lactic acid and combination treatments on the control of microbial and pesticide contaminants of fresh vegetables
Authors: Pounraj Saranya , Bhilwadikar Tanmayee , Manivannan Selladurai , Rastogi Navin K , Negi Pradeep S
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Fruit and vegetable consumption has increased due to their tremendous health benefits. However, recent studies have shown that contaminated products may serve as vehicles for foodborne pathogens and harmful chemicals. Therefore, fresh vegetables must be decontaminated before consumption to ensure food safety.

RESULTS

In this study, the combined decontamination treatment of lactic acid (2.5 mL L−1) and ozone (9 mg L−1) for 10 min showed better efficacy in the removal of contaminants from fresh vegetables as compared to individual treatments. The combined treatment resulted in a reduction of 1.5–3.5 log CFU of native mesophilic bacteria per gram and 1.6–2.9 log CFU of artificially inoculated Escherichia coli per gram from tomato, cucumber, carrot and lettuce. The combined treatment also removed spiked pesticides, which represent artificial chemical contamination (28–97% chlorpyrifos and 62–100% λ‐cyhalothrin residues), from fresh vegetables. No significant difference (P > 0.05) in various sensory attributes of vegetables was observed between untreated and treated (lactic acid and ozone) vegetables.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination treatment provides a novel approach to target two groups of contaminants using a single procedure. The combination treatment can be used as an alternative to currently used decontamination techniques for the supply of safe vegetables to consumers. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality control and long‐term stability study of ginger from different geographical origins using chemometrics
Authors: Abdo Mai T , El‐Ahmady Sherweit H , Gad Haidy A
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale) is a well‐known spice and medicinal plant that is widely used in the Egyptian market as a spice, flavor and medicinal herb for different diseases. Since it is not cultivated as rhizomes in Egypt, ginger is imported from other countries, which may impact its quality. In this study, UV spectroscopy and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were applied as efficient available techniques for the discrimination and quality control of ginger collected from different geographical origins in combination with chemometrics. In addition, HPLC was applied to investigate the stability of ginger samples upon storage for 3 years to trace the changes in their main active constituents.

RESULTS

Data obtained from both UV and HPLC in combination with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) displayed proper discrimination of the samples according to their geographical origins. Regarding the stability study, ginger samples showed a significant decrease in quality after storage for 3 years, in which significant variation in the main pungent principles (6‐, 8‐, 10‐gingerols and 6‐shogaol) were observed. PCA failed to discriminate between ginger samples after long‐time storage, so the applied model could discriminate between ginger samples before and after storage.

CONCLUSION

UV and HPLC in combination with chemometrics can be applied as a successful tool for the study of quality, stability and geographical discrimination of ginger. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A strategy to comprehensively and quickly identify the chemical constituents in Platycodi Radix by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with traveling wave ion mobility quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Gao Yang , Wu Yi , Liu Shu , Liu Zhiqiang , Song Fengrui , Liu Zhongying
Published: December 2020

Quick identification of the complex composition of traditional Chinese medicine only through liquid‐mass spectrometry technology is difficult. Especially the identification of isomers and co‐eluting compounds is even more difficult. In this study, an approach of multidimensional data modes based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with traveling wave ion mobility quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was proposed to quickly and comprehensively identify the compounds in Platycodi Radix. First, data‐independent acquisition, high‐definition acquisition, and tandem mass spectrometry acquisition modes were used to acquire integrated multidimensional mass spectral data. Second, summarize the diagnostic ions of compounds according to the fragmentation pathway of references. Third, unknown compounds and isomers were identified via the UNIFI™ software with an in‐house library. Finally, a total of 87 compounds were identified, seven compounds were explicitly identified by comparing the retention time and fragment ions with the references. Fourteen compounds were first detected in the Platycodi Radix, four of them tentatively were identified by comparing with previous literature, eight compounds were observed and reported for the first time by comparing typical fragmentation pathway with the known standard substances in this paper. This research strategy has a certain potential for the analysis of complex components of other traditional Chinese medicine.
AAPM Task Group 264: The safe clinical implementation of MLC tracking in radiotherapy
Authors: Keall Paul J. , Sawant Amit , Berbeco Ross I. , Booth Jeremy T. , Cho Byungchul , Cerviño Laura I. , Cirino Eileen , Dieterich Sonja , Fast Martin F. , Greer Peter B. , Munck af Rosenschöld Per , Parikh Parag J. , Poulsen Per Rugaard , Santanam Lakshmi , Sherouse George W. , Shi Jie , Stathakis Sotirios
Published: December 2020

The era of real‐time radiotherapy is upon us. Robotic and gimbaled linac tracking are clinically established technologies with the clinical realization of couch tracking in development. Multileaf collimators (MLCs) are a standard equipment for most cancer radiotherapy systems, and therefore MLC tracking is a potentially widely available technology. MLC tracking has been the subject of theoretical and experimental research for decades and was first implemented for patient treatments in 2013. The AAPM Task Group 264 Safe Clinical Implementation of MLC Tracking in Radiotherapy Report was charged to proactively provide the broader radiation oncology community with (a) clinical implementation guidelines including hardware, software, and clinical indications for use, (b) commissioning and quality assurance recommendations based on early user experience, as well as guidelines on Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, and (c) a discussion of potential future developments. The deliverables from this report include: an explanation of MLC tracking and its historical development; terms and definitions relevant to MLC tracking; the clinical benefit of, clinical experience with and clinical implementation guidelines for MLC tracking; quality assurance guidelines, including example quality assurance worksheets; a clinical decision pathway, future outlook and overall recommendations.
From double‐atom catalysts to single‐cluster catalysts: A new frontier in heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Liu Jin , Cao Dong , Xu Haoxiang , Cheng Daojian
Published: December 2020

In recent years, atomically dispersed metal catalysts with well‐defined structures have attracted great interest in heterogeneous catalysis due to their high atomic utilization efficiency, activity, stability, and selectivity. The rapid development of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) has simultaneously stimulated the emergence of diatomic catalysts (DACs) and single cluster catalysts (SCCs). Compared with SACs, DACs, and SCCs possess higher metal loading and more structurally flexible active sites, which provide great potential for achieving higher catalytic performance. DACs and SCCs have become a new field of heterogeneous catalysis. In this review, we first focus on the latest developments of DACs/SCCs, including synthesis methods and characterization approaches including experimental and theoretical tools. In addition, the relationship between structure and catalytic performance of DACs/SCCs are well discussed, including the effect of supports, synergistic metal atoms, and coordination environment. At last, the similarities and differences between SACs and DACs/SCCs are systematically summarized and analyzed.
Ultrashort inspiratory times homogenize ventilation distribution in an inhomogeneous two‐compartment model of the neonatal lung
Authors: Baumgartner Jana , Klotz Daniel , Schneider Hendryk , Schumann Stefan , Fuchs Hans
Published: December 2020

Background

Inhomogeneous lung ventilation and pulmonary air leaks are common adverse effects of mechanical ventilation in preterm infants suffering from respiratory distress syndrome. We hypothesized that shortening of inspiratory times can improve the homogeneity of lung aeration. We assumed that ultrashort inspiratory times lead to a full build‐up of pressure in regions with low compliance while maintaining incomplete filling of regions with high compliance.

Methods

We connected a two‐compartment model of the lung with different compliances of the two compartments to a neonatal ventilator. Pressures and flow rates were measured separately for each compartment at inspiratory times ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 s and various combinations of tidal volumes.

Results

An inspiratory time of 0.8 s resulted in near total pressure equalization between the airway pressure and the two compartments, as 97% of the maximum applied peak pressure was reached in the low compliance compartment and 95% in the high compliance compartment. The distribution of the tidal volume was proportional to the compartment compliance. Ultrashort inspiratory times lowered the peak pressure and tidal volume in the high compliance compartment but maintained higher pressure and volume in the low compliance compartment. An inspiratory time of 0.2 s resulted in a peak pressure of 80% of peak airway pressure in the low compliance compartment and in 61% of peak airway pressure in the high compliance compartment (p < .001).

Conclusion

Ventilation with ultrashort inspiratory times may improve homogeneity of air distribution in inhomogeneous lungs of ventilated preterm or term infants.
α‐Cyclopiazonic Acid from Synthesis Perspective
Authors: Ahmad Mushtaq , Hameed Shahid , Zhurakovskyi Oleksandr , Inayat Humaira
Published: December 2020

First reported in 1968, α‐cyclopiazonic acid is an ergot alkaloid that remained a synthetic challenge for the long time. The key problem lied with the diastereocontrol of three adjoining stereocentres at the core of the molecule. The early syntheses relied on stepwise approaches and classical reactions, such as intramolecular Michael addition and Dieckmann condensation. Later, advances in methodology allowed for concurrent construction of the stereochemical triad in one step, and expedient construction of the rest of the molecule. This review will cover the history of α‐cyclopiazonic acid highlighting important discoveries that came out of the synthetic efforts, in particular the use of sulfur ylides.
Recent Applications of Ritter Reactions in Organic Syntheses
Authors: Mohammadi Ziarani Ghodsi , Soltani Hasankiadeh Fatemeh , Mohajer Fatemeh
Published: December 2020

The Ritter reactions are an important Classes of organic reactions in the synthesis of heterocycles and linear amides. Ritter reaction products are pyridine, quinazolinone, and other heterocyclic structures, which have different biological activities such as antibacterial and antivirous application from 2017 to 2020. Furthermore, the Ritter reaction in the synthesis of linear amides is evaluated from 2015 to 2020 in this review. Linear amides are essential components in drug molecules which are difficult to synthesize by conventional methods but can be synthesized through the Ritter reaction.
A Spectroscopic Approach towards the Comparative Binding Studies of the Antioxidizing Flavonol Myricetin with Various Single‐Stranded RNA
Authors: Chowdhury Susmita , Bhuiya Sutanwi , Haque Lucy , Das Suman
Published: December 2020

RNA based drugs have come to limelight owing to the major role played by RNA in the development of many viral diseases. Molecules which can effectively bind with RNA can induce morphological changes in RNA which further modifies its biological properties. Flavonoids are phytochemicals having a wide range of pharmacological properties and are known to interact with DNA. We have used RNA instead of DNA and aimed at establishing a comparison of binding of three single stranded forms of RNA homopolymers namely polyriboadenylic acid [poly(rA)], polyuridylic acid [poly(rU)] and polycytidylic acid [poly(rC)] with the flavonol myricetin (herein after MTN), our probe of interest. A series of spectroscopic experiments like spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry and circular dichroism studies indicate a stronger binding of myricetin with poly(rA) followed by poly(rU) and finally poly(rC). This was confirmed from the construction of Scatchard plot using the Mc‐Ghee von Hippel equation for cooperative binding. The magnitude of the order of binding was 103 M−1 at 25 °C in all the cases. It is to be noted that most eukaryotic mRNAs have a poly adenylate tail. Binding of MTN to poly(rA) in virulent cells could effectively alter the encoded protein synthesis and reduce chances of occurrence of the disease.
Catalyst Free, Multicomponent Green Approach to Benzo[a]chromeno[2,3‐c]phenazines Using Glycerol as a Recyclable and Biodegradable Promoting Medium
Authors: Nazeef Mohd , Saquib Mohammad , Tiwari Saurabh Kumar , Yadav Vikas , Ansari Saif , Sagir Hozeyfa , Hussain Mohd. Kamil , Siddiqui I. R.
Published: December 2020

A series of benzo[a]chromeno[2,3‐c]phenazine derivatives were synthesized through an efficient one‐pot, multicomponent eco‐friendly reaction of 2‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione, o‐phenylenediamines, cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds and aromatic aldehydes, promoted by glycerol. To the best of our knowledge this is the first catalyst free protocol for synthesis of this important scaffold having potential applications in medicinal and materials chemistry. Other important attributes of the present method are the use of glycerol as a bio‐renewable and biodegradable reaction medium‐cum‐promoter, use of readily available substrates, mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity, broad substrate scope, short reaction time, easy workup, and high yields and atom efficiency, which makes the disclosed protocol a superior alternative to existing methods.
Synthesis of 2‐Chloro‐N‐(4‐(6‐chloroH‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐2‐yl)phenyl) Acetamide Derivatives as Antitubercular Agents
Authors: Nadaf AfraQuasar A. , Gaonkar Supreet , Mantur Shivaraj , Najare Mahesh S. , Yaseen Mohammed , Sunagar Manjunath G. , Joshi Shrinivas , Khazi Imtiyaz Ahmed M.
Published: December 2020

The present article reports the synthesis of 2‐chloro‐N‐(4‐(6‐chloroH‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐2‐yl)phenyl)acetamide derivatives (PINRAc 1–12) using 5‐chloropyridin‐2‐amine and 2‐bromo‐1‐(4‐nitrophenyl)ethanone in a multi‐step protocol. The structures of all the compounds were characterized by NMR, FT‐IR and GCMS. The compounds were screened for their antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using the microplate Alamar Blue assay. Most of them exhibited good antitubercular activity with MIC in the range of 1.6–25 μg/mL and the cytotoxicity study carried out on human embryonic kidney cell line showed no toxicity on the normal cells. The docking study was performed on mycolic acid transporter protein MmpL3 from Mycobacterium smegmatis which supported the in vitro results.
Efficient Photocatalytic Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols over Thiophene‐based Covalent Triazine Frameworks with A Narrow Band Gap
Authors: Liao Longfei , Ditz Daniel , Zeng Feng , Alves Favaro Marcelo , Iemhoff Andree , Gupta Kavita , Hartmann Heinrich , Szczuka Conrad , Jakes Peter , Hausoul Peter J. C. , Artz Jens , Palkovits Regina
Published: December 2020

Photocatalytic selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols by covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is a sustainable strategy to replace present metal‐based heterogeneous catalytic oxidation systems. Covalent triazine‐based frameworks (CTFs), a subgroup of COFs, possess promising properties as efficient catalysts for photocatalytic oxidation. Sulfur‐containing metal‐free CTFs exhibit a good performance in photocatalysis due to their narrowed band gap, and the fast generated photoelectrons/holes separation and transfer. Here, we report the synthesis of thiophene‐based CTFs under mild conditions for photocatalytic oxidation of aromatic alcohols to the corresponding benzaldehydes using pure oxygen as the oxidant. Full conversion and a selectivity as high as 90 % to benzaldehyde were obtained paving the way for a potential application of these metal‐free photocatalysts in fine chemicals synthesis.
Generalist versus specialist CEOs and acquisitions: Two‐sided matching and the impact of CEO characteristics on firm outcomes
Authors: Chen Guoli , Huang Sterling , Meyer‐Doyle Philipp , Mindruta Denisa
Published: December 2020

Research Summary

To address endogeneity concerns stemming from firm‐CEO matching, we deploy a two‐sided matching model that identifies the complementarities arising from the CEO‐firm match and subsequently account for these complementarities in empirical tests. Applying this approach, we examine how the nature of CEOs' human capital affects the acquisition behavior and performance of firms. We find that generalist CEOs (CEOs with a broader set of knowledge and skills) are more likely to engage in unrelated acquisitions than specialist CEOs (CEOs with a narrower but deeper set of knowledge and skills). We also find that the fit between the nature of CEOs' human capital and the type of acquisitions they undertake is associated with stronger performance. Our paper contributes to research on CEOs, human capital, M&As, and microfoundations.

Managerial Summary

We deploy an empirical approach that takes into account the complementarities that arise from the matching of CEOs and firms when testing hypotheses on how CEO attributes shape firm outcomes. Based on this approach, our study finds that CEOs with a broader set of managerial knowledge and skills (generalist CEOs) are more likely to engage in unrelated acquisitions (acquisitions outside a firm's main industry) than CEOs with a narrower but deeper set of knowledge and skills that is more closely tied to a particular industry, firm, or domain (specialist CEOs). We also find that the fit between the nature of CEOs' human capital and the type of acquisitions they engage in is associated with stronger performance.