bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating active versus passive sources of human brucellosis in Jining City, China
Authors: Sun Xihong , Jiang Wenguo , Li Yan , Li Xiuchun , Zeng Qingyi , Du Juan , Yin Aitian , Lu Qing-Bin
Published: June 2021

Human brucellosis (HB) remains a serious public health concern owing to its resurgence across the globe and specifically in China. The timely detection of this disease is the key to its prevention and control. We sought to describe the differences in the demographics of high-risk populations with detected cases of HB contracted from active versus passive sources. We collected data from a large sample population from January to December 2018, in Jining City, China. We recruited patients that were at high-risk for brucellosis from three hospitals and Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs). These patients were classified into two groups: the active detection group was composed of individuals receiving brucellosis counseling at the CDCs; the passive detection group came from hospitals and high-risk HB groups. We tested a total of 2,247 subjects and 13.3% (299) presented as positive for HB. The positive rates for active and passive detection groups were 20.5% (256/1,249) and 4.3% (43/998), respectively (p < 0.001). The detection rate of confirmed HB cases varied among all groups but was higher in the active detection group than in the passive detection group when controlled for age, sex, ethnicity, education, career, and contact history with sheep or cattle (p < 0.05). Males, farmers, those with four types of contact history with sheep or cattle, and those presenting fever, hyperhidrosis and muscle pain were independent factors associated with confirmed HB cases in multivariate analysis of the active detection group. Active detection is the most common method used to detect brucellosis cases and should be applied to detect HB cases early and avoid misdiagnosis. We need to improve our understanding of brucellosis for high-risk populations. Passive HB detection can be supplemented with active detection when the cognitive changes resulting from brucellosis are low. It is important that healthcare providers understand and emphasis the timely diagnosis of HB.
Accuracy of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 in diagnosis and prognosis of acute myocardial infarction: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ji Zhenjun , Zhang Rui , Yang Mingming , Zuo Wenjie , Yao Yuyu , Qu Yangyang , Su Yamin , Liu Zhuyuan , Gu Ziran , Ma Genshan
Published: June 2021

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the fatal cardiac emergencies. The detection of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1), a cell surface immunoglobulin that amplifies pro-inflammatory responses, screened by bioinformatics was shown to be significant in diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of AMI.

Methods

GSE66360, GSE61144 and GSE60993 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AMI and control groups using R software. A total of 147 patients in total were prospectively enrolled from October 2018 to June 2019 and divided into two groups, the normal group (n = 35) and the AMI group (n = 112). Plasma was collected from each patient at admission and all patients received 6-month follow-up care.

Results

According to bioinformatic analysis, TREM1 was an important DEG in patients with AMI. Compared with the normal group, TREM1 expression was markedly increased in the AMI group (p < 0.001). TREM1 expression was positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAC), and the number of lesion vessels, although it had no correlation with Gensini score. TREM1 expression in the triple-vessels group was significantly higher than that of the single-vessel group (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that UA and HbAC were two factors influencing TREM1 expression. The ROC curve showed that TREM1 had a diagnostic significance in AMI (p < 0.001), especially in AMI patients without diabetes. Cox regression showed increased TREM1 expression was closely associated with 6-month major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

TREM1 is a potentially significant biomarker for the diagnosis of AMI and may be closely associated with the severity of coronary lesions and diabetes. TREM1 may also be helpful in predicting the 6-month MACEs after AMI.
Aspects of Population Dynamics of Tiger Tooth Croaker, Otolithes ruber (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) from Northwest Arabian Gulf, Iraq
Authors: Mohamed Abdul-Razak M. , Al-Hassani Ali H.
Published: June 2021

The present study consists of the growth, mortality, relative yield recruit and virtual population analysis of tigertooth croaker, Otolithes ruber from Iraqi marine waters, northwest Arabian Gulf between February 2020 and January 2021. Analysis of population dynamics employed methods fitted in FiSAT II software using pooled length-frequencies. A total of 3835 individuals of O. ruber ranged from 17.0 to 60.0 cm have been collected. The exponent (b) of the length-weight relationship was found to be 2.755. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters (L∞ and K) were estimated as 68.5 cm and 0.36, respectively, while the growth performance index (Ø') was 3.228.  The total mortality (Z) was calculated as 1.10, while the natural and fishing mortality rates were 0.69 and 0.41, respectively, and the current exploitation rate (Ecurrent) was 0.38. Fish were recruited to the fishery at a mean size of L50= 20.55 cm. The recruitment pattern of O. ruber was continuous throughout the year with two major peaks. The analysis of yield-per-recruit (Y/R’) indicates that the current exploitation rate was below the biological target reference points (E0.1 = 0.40 and Emax= 0.53), refer to the stock of O. ruber is underexploited. The 27 cm length group was more vulnerable to fishing and more harvested according to virtual population analysis. sLength at first capture was higher than the length at first maturity of the species in the region. For management purposes, more yields could be obtained by increasing the mesh sizes of the nets employed in the fishing of the species.
Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Swamp Forest of Atan Ukwok Village in Ini L.G.A of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Bassey Margaret Emmanuel , Umoh Omodot Timothy , Jonah Mercy Etim
Published: June 2021

The Floristic inventory of the swamp forest at Atan Ukwok was carried out using the Systematic and Transect Sampling Methods where the line transect was the main path of the forest and Sampling units were chosen along the path at a distance of 14m × 14m and 6 sampling plots were sampled. The frequency, density and abundance of the identified species were calculated using standard formulae. A total number of 61 species from 35 families were identified. The number of species recorded for the plant families were, Cyperaceae 5, Euphorbiaceae 4, Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Aspidiaceae and Poaceae 3 each, Arecaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Mimosaceae, Melastomataceae, Schizaceae, Thelypteridaceae and Verbanaceae 2 each and Athyriaceae, Costaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Dracaenaceae Gleicheniaceae Araceae, Davillianaceae, Malvaceae, Commelinaceae, Clusiaceae, Selaginellaceae, Combretaceae, Convolvulaceae, Colchicaceae, Fabaceae, Moraceae, Malvaceae, Lycopodiaceae and Rutaceae 1 each. The highest species frequency and density of 66.7% and 9.5% respectively was found in Setaria megaphylla and the highest abundance value of 50.0 was found in Dracaena arborea. The frequency percentage of the plant species showed that the forest is fast loosing vegetation due to the obvious encroachment of parts of it by the inhabitants of the community for the purpose of cultivation. This calls for concerted conservation measures in order to ensure the sustainable use of the floral diversity of the forest.
A Survey of Supervised Learning Models for Spiking Neural Network
Authors: Agebure Moses Apambila , Wumnaya Paula Aninyie , Baagyere Edward Yellakuor
Published: June 2021

There has been a significant attempt to derive supervised learning models for training Spiking Neural Networks (SNN), which is the third and most recent generation of Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Supervised SNN learning models are considered more biologically plausible and thus exploits better the computational efficiency of biological neurons and also, are less computationally expensive than second generation ANN. SNN models have also produced competitive performance in most tasks when compared to second generation ANNs. These advantages, coupled with the difficulty in adopting the well established learning models for second generation networks to train SNN due to the difference in information coding led to the recent introduction of supervised learning models for training SNN.

However, lack of comprehensive source of literature detailing strides made in this area, and the challenges and prospects of SNN serves as a hindrance to further exploration and application of SNN models. A comprehensive review of supervised learning methods in SNN is presented in this paper in which some widely used SNN neural models, learning models and their basic concepts, areas of applications, limitations, prospects and future research directions are discussed. The main contribution of this paper is that it presents and discusses trends in supervised learning in SNNwith the aim of providing a reference point for those desiring further knowledge and application of SNN methods.
Alkibiades (Alcibiades)
Authors: Mann Christian
Published: June 2021

The Athenian Alkibiades was one of the most famous politicians of the fifth centurybce. He was the most important advocate of the Sicilian expedition in 415. Banned from Athens, he changed sides and went first to Sparta, later to the Persians. In 411 he changed sides again and became commander of the Athenian fleet.
Antiquarianism
Authors: CUNNALLY JOHN
Published: June 2021

The term “antiquarian” or “antiquary” was once commonly applied to persons who collected and studied the material remains of the past, including coins, inscriptions, old manuscripts, statues, household objects, tools, weapons, and similar artifacts. In the second half of the nineteenth century the collecting and scholarly activities of antiquarians were superseded by the modern academic disciplines of archaeology, numismatics, art history, epigraphy, and paleography.
Diadem
Authors: Muccioli Federicomaria
Published: June 2021

The diadem, which usually consisted of a ribbon tied around the head, was a typical symbol of royal power in antiquity.
Seleukos III Keraunos (Seleucus III Ceraunus)
Authors: Heller André
Published: June 2021

]fo[Seleukos III Keraunos, son of king Seleukos II Kallinikos and his wife Laodike, reigned over the Seleucid Empire from 225/4 to 222
bce
.
Nehemiah
Authors: Cataldo Jeremiah W.
Published: June 2021

It is generally accepted that the person Nehemiah, as distinct from the biblical book also named Nehemiah, was both an imperial cupbearer and a governor in Yehud, the Persian province of Judah, during the reign of Artaxerxes.
Lechaion
Authors: Pettegrew David K.
Published: June 2021

Lechaion was the principal harbor of Corinth, Greece from the Archaic Greek period through Late Antiquity. As the immediate point of access for the city to the western Corinthian Gulf and the broader maritime world, it was larger and more substantial than the city's eastern harbors at Kenchreai and Schoinous. Lechaion is significant for its extensive sheltering area (15 ha), excavated interior basins, and significant Early Christian basilica which is among the largest of its kind in the Mediterranean. New archaeological investigations in recent years promise to reveal significant detail about the settlement and the technology of harbor construction.
Rosmerta
Authors: Tommasi Chiara
Published: June 2021

Rosmerta, whose name is explained as “great provider” (‐
smert
‐ appears elsewhere in Celtic onomatology), is mostly represented as the partner of Mercury.
Acilius, Gaius
Authors: northwood Simon
Published: June 2021

Gaius Acilius was the senator who acted as interpreter for the three Greek philosophers, Karneades, Diogenes, and Kritolaos, who in 155
bce
visited Rome to appeal on behalf of Athens. He may have been the author of a history of Rome written in Greek.
Money, Greco‐Roman
Authors: panagopoulou Katerina
Published: June 2021

Money, the key shaper of a global economy, is an achievement dating back to antiquity. It is through the practice of exchange that coinage, essentially the “ancestor” of modern money, was invented in classical antiquity. Once it established itself as a significant tool facilitating military and other state payments (e.g., taxes and redistribution) and trade, it spread rapidly. Money, some have argued, was also “embedded” in social performance. Being quantifiable, it provided a measure of value and served as a means of payment and exchange, as well as a store of wealth. Coins were the most explicitly organized system of monetary instruments, but many transactions occurred without cash.
Flat Inkjet‐Printed Copper Induction Coils for Magnetostrictive Structural Health Monitoring: A Comparison with Bulk Air Coils and an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor (AMR) Sensor
Authors: Gullapalli Anirudh , Beedasy Vimanyu , Vincent Jamin Daniel Selvakumar , Leong Zhaoyuan , Smith Patrick , Morley Nicola
Published: June 2021

Structural health monitoring (SHM) represents the next generation of carbon fiber‐reinforced composite nondestructive testing. One challenge facing the application of magnetostrictive SHM is the lightweighting and ease of installation of actuators and sensors. Inkjet printing (IJP) technology is well suited to produce miniaturized electronic induction sensors that can be paired with magnetostrictive actuators to detect strain. These sensors have several advantages: their thicknesses can be minimized, the surface area can be maximized to increase sensitivity, and complex multifilar coil configurations can be fabricated. A parametric study of the efficacy of IJP induction coils with different parameters (number of coils, monofilar/bifilar, size) tested on a number of actuator‐functionalized composite coupons (FeSiB ribbon and impregnated epoxy sensors) is conducted. The samples are characterized by measuring their inductance response through induced strains. Increased sensitivity and accuracy of the 10‐turn monofilar IJP sensor are shown with respect to 1) 70‐turn hand‐wound coils, 2) a three‐axis AMR sensor, and 3) other IJP actuators with <10 turns. This is attributed to increased contact area to the composite surface and the requirement of minimum sensitivity (i.e., the number of turns and surface area) for strain detection.
Inducing and Probing Localized Excitons in Atomically Thin Semiconductors via Tip‐Enhanced Cavity‐Spectroscopy
Authors: Lee Hyeongwoo , Kim Inki , Park Chulho , Kang Mingu , Choi Jinseong , Jeong Kwang‐Yong , Mun Jungho , Kim Yeseul , Park Jeonghoon , Raschke Markus B. , Park Hong‐Gyu , Jeong Mun Seok , Rho Junsuk , Park Kyoung‐Duck
Published: June 2021

In atomically thin semiconductors, localized exciton (XL) coupled to light provides a new class of optical sources for potential applications in quantum communication. However, in most studies, XL photoluminescence (PL) from crystal defects has mainly been observed in cryogenic conditions because of their sub‐wavelength emission region and low quantum yield at room temperature. Hybrid‐modality of cavity‐spectroscopy to induce and probe the XL emissions at the nanoscale in atomically thin semiconductors is presented. By placing a WSe2 monolayer on the two extremely sharp Au tips in a bowtie antenna with a radius of curvature of <1 nm, tensile strain of ≈0.3% is effectively induced in a <30 nm region to create robust XL states. The Au tip then approaches the strained crystal region to enhance the XL emissions and probe them with tip‐enhanced photoluminescence (TEPL) spectroscopy at room temperature. Through this triple‐sharp‐tips cavity‐spectroscopy with <15 nm spatial resolution, TEPL enhancement as high as ≈4.0 × 104 by the Purcell effect is achieved, and peak energy shifts of XL up to ≈40 meV are observed. This approach combining nano‐cavity and ‐spectroscopy provides a systematic way to induce and probe the radiative emission of localized excitons in 2D semiconductors offering new strategies for dynamic quantum nano‐optical devices.
Rapid and Accurate Manufacture of 3D Vascular Replicas with Smooth Inner Surfaces Using Wax‐Coated Molds
Authors: Lim Jongkyeong , Hwang Jeonghyeon , Kim Joonwon
Published: June 2021

3D vascular replicas are an economical and ethical training platform that can simulate endovascular intervention. During the manufacture of elaborate 3D vascular replicas through sacrificial molding, the surface of the 3D‐printed pristine molds should be smoothed because the 3D‐printed layered filament is transferred to the inner surface of the replicas. However, conventional smoothing methods using organic solvents take >3 d, thereby limiting the emergency use of 3D vascular replicas. This study demonstrates the rapid and accurate manufacture of 3D vascular replicas with a smooth inner surface using wax‐coated molds. The wax coating can smooth the surface of the 3D‐printed pristine molds in ≈30 s, reducing processing time by >3 d. In addition, the thin and even wax coating, except for structures with a radius of curvature less than 2.5 mm or diameter less than 3 mm, facilitates the manufacture of elaborate 3D vascular replicas. The resulting replicas represent an internal vascular structure with high transmittance (≈90%) and mechanical properties similar to those of blood vessels, including Young's modulus and friction coefficient. Thus, the prepared 3D vascular replicas using wax‐coated molds can be applied as endovascular simulators in emergency situations.
Color–Tunable Triple–State “Smart” Window
Authors: Timmermans Gilles H. , Wu Jiajun , Schenning Albert P.H.J. , Lin Jianbin , Debije Michael G.
Published: June 2021

Materials that rapidly change their optical properties in response to external stimuli are crucial for displays and “smart” window applications. Herein, a fluorescent red dye modified with liquid crystal (LC) side chains is described to be interactive with a LC host, resulting in a color‐tunable triple‐state smart window. The dye solubilizes in the LC matrix with increasing temperature, resulting in a red‐colored, absorbing state, recovering transparency again by reaggregation of the dye within minutes upon cooling. This dye is used to fabricate a device that can be electrically switched from a red‐colored, absorbing state to an intermediate scattering state and at greater electrical fields, a transparent state. Using a second dichroic fluorescent dye, heating the device transitions the window's color from yellow/green to red. The multiresponsive optical changes could find applications in many fields, including displays, smart windows, electricity generation, and signage.
Rh(I)‐Catalyzed Direct C6−H Arylation of 2‐Pyridones with Aryl Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Zhao Haoqiang , Xu Jianbin , Xu Xin , Pan Yixiao , Yu Zexin , Xu Lijin , Fan Qinghua , Walsh Patrick J.
Published: June 2021

A Rh(I)‐catalyzed C6‐selective C−H arylation of 2‐pyridones with inexpensive, readily available, safe and structurally diverse aryl carboxylic acids with the aid of a pyridine directing group is developed. This decarbonylative arylation protocol features an easy‐to‐handle catalytic system, and is amenable to diversely substituted 2‐pyridones and aryl carboxylic acids. It allows access to a wide range of C6‐arylated 2‐pyridones, including those that are difficult to prepare using conventional C−H arylation processes. The method tolerates various electron‐neutral, electron‐rich and electron‐deficient functional groups, and affords the products in 41–91% yields.

magnified image
Infrared Plasmonic Biosensor with Tetrahedral DNA Nanostructure as Carriers for Label‐Free and Ultrasensitive Detection of miR‐155
Authors: Hui Xindan , Yang Cheng , Li Dongxiao , He Xianming , Huang He , Zhou Hong , Chen Ming , Lee Chengkuo , Mu Xiaojing
Published: June 2021

MicroRNAs play an important role in early development, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell death, and are aberrantly expressed in many types of cancers. To understand their function and diagnose cancer at an early stage, it is crucial to quantitatively detect microRNA without invasive labels. Here, a plasmonic biosensor based on surface‐enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) for rapid, label‐free, and ultrasensitive detection of miR‐155 is reported. This technology leverages metamaterial perfect absorbers stimulating the SEIRA effect to provide up to 1000‐fold near‐field intensity enhancement over the microRNA fingerprint spectral bands. Additionally, it is discovered that the limit of detection (LOD) of the biosensor can be greatly improved by using tetrahedral DNA nanostructure (TDN) as carriers. By using near‐field enhancement of SEIRA and specific binding of TDN, the biosensor achieves label‐free detection of miR‐155 with a high sensitivity of 1.162% pm−1 and an excellent LOD of 100 × 10−15 m. The LOD is about 5000 times lower than that using DNA single strand as probes and about 100 times lower than that of the fluorescence detection method. This work can not only provide a powerful diagnosis tool for the microRNAs detection but also gain new insights into the field of label‐free and ultrasensitive SEIRA‐based biosensing.
Biocompatible, High‐Performance, Wet‐Adhesive, Stretchable All‐Hydrogel Supercapacitor Implant Based on PANI@rGO/Mxenes Electrode and Hydrogel Electrolyte
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhou Hui , Zhou Weixiao , Meng Si , Qi Cheng , Liu Zhou , Kong Tiantian
Published: June 2021

Functional bioelectronic implants require energy storage units as power sources. Current energy storage implants face challenges of balancing factors including high‐performance, biocompatibility, conformal adhesion, and mechanical compatibility with soft tissues. An all‐hydrogel micro‐supercapacitor is presented that is lightweight, thin, stretchable, and wet‐adhesive with a high areal capacitance (45.62 F g−1) and energy density (333 μWh cm−2, 4.68 Wh kg−1). The all‐hydrogel micro‐supercapacitor is composed of polyaniline@reduced graphene oxide/Mxenes gel electrodes and a hydrogel electrolyte, with its interfaces robustly crosslinked, contributing to efficient and stable electrochemical performance. The in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of the all‐hydrogel micro‐supercapacitor is evaluated by cardiomyocytes and mice models. The latter is systematically conducted by performing histological, immunostaining, and immunofluorescence analysis after adhering the all‐hydrogel micro‐supercapacitor implants onto hearts of mice for two weeks. These investigations offer promising energy storage modules for bioelectronics and shed light on future bio‐integration of electronic systems.
Recent Progresses on Applications of Conducting Polymers for Modifying Electrode of Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Zhang Huanrong , Wang Xusheng , Ma Hui , Xue Mianqi
Published: June 2021

In recent years, the rapid development of electric vehicles, smart grids, and portable electronic devices have given a boost to energy storage devices represented by rechargeable batteries. Seeking for reliable security, cost‐effectiveness, and especially high energy density of rechargeable batteries is the crucial demand. The key to improve energy density of rechargeable batteries is adopting high theoretical capacity electrodes or reducing the content of nonredox components. Unfortunately, some problems such as poor cycle stability and low rate performance caused by poor conductivity and unstable structure limit the application of high‐capacity electrodes. Conducting polymers (CPs) are widely used to modify electrode materials to promote the carrier transport and suppress the volume expansion during cycles due to their good conductivity, electroactivity, and machinability. In this Review, the conductive mechanisms, synthesis methods, and the applications in modifying electrodes with CPs are discussed. Also, the recent progresses about CPs‐modified electrodes including coating, intercalation, and carbonization in rechargeable batteries are summarized. Finally, the challenges and the further developments for modifying electrodes with CPs, which aims to provide the assistance for developing high‐performance CPs composite electrodes, are proposed.
Application of animal experimental models in the research of schizophrenia
Authors: Wang Pengjie , Li Manling , Zhao Aizhen , Ma Jie
Published: June 2021

Schizophrenia is a relatively common but serious mental illness that results in a heavy burden to patients, their families, and society. The disease can be triggered by multiple factors, while the specific pathogenesis remains unclear. The development of effective therapeutic drugs for schizophrenia relies on a comprehensive understanding of the basic biology and pathophysiology of the disease. Therefore, effective animal experimental models play a vital role in the study of schizophrenia. Based on different molecular mechanisms and modeling methods, the currently used experimental animal experimental models of schizophrenia can be divided into four categories that can better simulate the clinical symptoms and the interplay between susceptible genes and the environment: neurodevelopmental, drug‐induced, genetic‐engineering, and genetic‐environmental interaction of animal experimental models. Each of these categories contains multiple subtypes, which has its own advantages and disadvantages and therefore requires careful selection in a research application. The emergence and utilization of these models are promising in the prediction of the risk of schizophrenia at the molecular level, which will shed light on effective and targeted treatment at the genetic level.
Tetrabenzo[a,c]phenazine Backbone for Highly Efficient Orange–Red Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence with Completely Horizontal Molecular Orientation
Authors: Balijapalli Umamahesh , Lee Yi‐Ting , Karunathilaka Buddhika S. B. , Tumen‐Ulzii Ganbaatar , Auffray Morgan , Tsuchiya Youichi , Nakanotani Hajime , Adachi Chihaya
Published: June 2021

Three thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules, namely PQ1, PQ2, and PQ3, are composed of electron‐accepting (A) tetrabenzo[a,c]phenazine (TBPZ) and electron‐donating (D) phenoxazine (PXZ) units are designed and characterized. The combined effects of planar acceptor manipulation and high steric hindrance between D and A units endow high molecular rigidity that suppresses nonradiative decay of the excitons with improved photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs). Particularly, the well‐aligned excited states involving a singlet and a triplet charge‐transfer excited states and a localized excited triplet state in PQ3 enhances the reverse intersystem crossing rate constant (kRISC) with a short delay lifetime (τd). The orange–red OLED based on PQ3 displays a maximum external EL quantum efficiency (EQE) of 27.4 % with a well‐suppressed EL efficiency roll‐off owing to a completely horizontal orientation of the transition dipole moment in the film state.
Transfer, Amplification, Storage, and Complete Self‐Recovery of Supramolecular Chirality in an Achiral Polymer System
Authors: Miao Tengfei , Cheng Xiaoxiao , Ma Haotian , He Zixiang , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhou Nianchen , Zhang Wei , Zhu Xiulin
Published: June 2021

Supramolecular chirality and its complete self‐recovery ability are highly mystical in nature and biological systems, which remains a major challenge today. Herein, we demonstrate that partially cross‐linked azobenzene (Azo) units can be employed as the potential chiral trigger to fully heal the destroyed helical superstructure in achiral nematic polymer system. Combining the self‐assembly of Azo units and terminal hydroxyl groups in polymer side chains allows the vapor‐induced chiral nematic phase and covalent fixation of the superstructure via acetal reaction. The induced helical structure of Azo units can be stored by inter‐chain cross‐linking, even after removal of the chiral source. Most interestingly, the stored chiral information can trigger perfect chiral self‐recovery (CSR) behavior after being destroyed by UV light, heat, and solvents. The results pave a new way for producing novel chiroptical materials with reversible chirality from achiral sources.
Chemoselective γ‐Oxidation of β,γ‐Unsaturated Amides with TEMPO
Authors: Heindl Sebastian , Riomet Margaux , Matyasovsky Ján , Lemmerer Miran , Malzer Nicolas , Maulide Nuno
Published: June 2021

A chemoselective and robust protocol for the γ‐oxidation of β,γ‐unsaturated amides is reported. In this method, electrophilic amide activation, in a rare application to unsaturated amides, enables a regioselective reaction with TEMPO resulting in the title products. Radical cyclisation reactions and oxidation of the synthesised products highlight the synthetic utility of the products obtained.
Non‐Invasive Sweat‐Based Tracking of L‐Dopa Pharmacokinetic Profiles Following an Oral Tablet Administration
Authors: Moon Jong‐Min , Teymourian Hazhir , De la Paz Ernesto , Sempionatto Juliane R. , Mahato Kuldeep , Sonsa‐ard Thitaporn , Huang Nickey , Longardner Katherine , Litvan Irene , Wang Joseph
Published: June 2021

Levodopa (L‐Dopa) is the “gold‐standard” medication for symptomatic therapy of Parkinson disease (PD). However, L‐Dopa long‐term use is associated with the development of motor and non‐motor complications, primarily due to its fluctuating plasma levels in combination with the disease progression. Herein, we present the first example of individualized therapeutic drug monitoring for subjects upon intake of standard L‐Dopa oral pill, centered on dynamic tracking of the drug concentration in naturally secreted fingertip sweat. The touch‐based non‐invasive detection method relies on instantaneous collection of fingertip sweat on a highly permeable hydrogel that transports the sweat to a biocatalytic tyrosinase‐modified electrode, where sweat L‐Dopa is measured by reduction of the dopaquinone enzymatic product. Personalized dose‐response relationship is demonstrated within a group of human subjects, along with close pharmacokinetic correlation between the finger touch‐based fingertip sweat and capillary blood samples.
The tyranny of phylogeny—A plea for a less dogmatic stance on two‐species comparisons
Authors: Goymann Wolfgang , Schwabl Hubert
Published: June 2021

Phylogenetically controlled studies across multiple species correct for taxonomic confounds in physiological performance traits. Therefore, they are preferred over comparisons of two or few closely‐related species. Funding bodies, referees and journal editors nowadays often even reject to consider detailed comparisons of two or few closely related species. Here, we plea for a less dogmatic stance on such comparisons, because phylogenetic studies come with their own limitations similar in magnitude as those of two‐species comparisons. Two‐species comparisons are particularly relevant and instructive for understanding physiological pathways and de novo mutations in three contexts: in a purely mechanistic context, when differences in the regulation of a trait are the focus of investigation, when a physiological trait lacks a direct connection to fitness, and when physiological measures cannot easily be standardized among laboratories. In conclusion, phylogenetic comparative and two‐species studies have different strengths and weaknesses and combining these complementary approaches will help integrating biology.
Designing of emerald terbium (III) ions with β‐ketocarboxylic acid and heterocyclic ancillary ligands for biological and optoelectronic applications
Authors: Hooda Pooja , Taxak Vinod Bala , Malik Rajesh Kumar , Punia Monika , Ahlawat Pratibha , Khatkar Satyender Pal , Kumar Rajesh
Published: June 2021

A green and highly efficient grinding method was adopted to synthesize emerald terbium complexes with 1‐cyclopropyl‐6‐fluro‐4‐oxo‐7‐piperazin‐1‐ylquinoline‐3‐carboxylic acid as the main organic ligand and 2,2′‐bipyridyl, 1,10‐phenanthroline, neocuproine, 5,6‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline and bathophenanthroline as ancillary ligands. Structural analysis of these complexes was executed via elemental, infrared and 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, which confirmed that the ligand coordinated to the metal ion through β‐ketone and hydroxyl groups of carboxylic acid. Thermal stability of these complexes was investigated by study of thermogravimetric/derivative thermogravimetric analysis. Photoluminescence properties were investigated by observing emission spectra (400–700 nm), excitation spectra (250–500 nm) and decay time curves for display devices. The emission spectra revealed that an intense peak at 545 nm was observed due to 5D4→7F5 electronic transition, which is responsible for the emerald colour in synthesized complexes, under 353 nm ultraviolet light excitation. The energy band gap and refractive index were determined, which proclaimed the dormant applications of these complexes in semiconductors. Commission Internationale de l'éclairage colour coordinates confirmed that the emerald emission of these complexes lies in the green region. Furthermore, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antimalarial assays of these complexes were also investigated, which confirmed that these complexes are potent for antioxidant, antimicrobial and antimalarial activities.
Humanoid navigation: A firefly based approach
Authors: Kumar Priyadarshi B. , Parhi Dayal R. , Sethy Mukesh
Published: June 2021

Humanoid navigation has been the center of attraction among robotic researchers since many years by virtue of their increasing use in industrial automation and smart manufacturing. In the current research, a firefly based computer vision integrated navigational analysis has been performed on humanoid robots for smooth movement by negotiation with obstacles present in complicated terrains. Here, the logic of the firefly algorithm has been used to design the controller by careful consideration of the navigational parameters. A computer vision based method is integrated along with the developed controller to resolve some conflicting situations that may arise by encountering large sized obstacle or detection of an obstacle exactly in front of the robot where the robot becomes confused regarding the direction of turn. The developed navigational model has been tested in simulation environments by considering NAO robot as the humanoid platform. The simulation results are also verified through an experimental platform developed under research laboratory conditions. The data obtained from both the platforms are compared in terms of navigational parameters and are found to be in close proximity to each other. Finally, the developed navigational model is also authenticated against other existing models for validating better efficiency.
Methemoglobin‐Albumin Cluster Incorporating Protoporphyrin IX: Dual Functional Protein Drug for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Yamada Taiga , Komatsu Teruyuki
Published: June 2021

We describe the synthesis, photophysical properties, and photodynamic activity of a methemoglobin (metHb) wrapped covalently by human serum albumins (HSAs) incorporating protoporphyrin IX (PPIX): a metHb‐HSA3‐PPIX2 cluster. The metHb core catalyzes H2O2 disproportionation to generate O2 in tumor tissue. The HSA3‐PPIX2 shell acts as a photosensitizer for 1O2 formation. The metHb‐HSA3‐PPIX2 cluster acts as a dual functional protein drug for photodynamic therapy.
Drug‐induced immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia secondary to durvalumab use
Authors: Dougherty Sean C. , Lynch Alia C. , Hall Richard D.
Published: June 2021

Immunotherapy is an expanding area of cancer treatment with significant promise. Despite their efficacy, checkpoint inhibitors are associated with a number of immune‐related adverse events; here, we described thrombocytopenia secondary todurvalumab.
Enhanced Cyclic Stability of LiNi0.815Co0.15Al0.035O2 Cathodes by Surface Modification with BiPO4 for Applications in Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Batteries
Authors: Meghnani Dipika , Gupta Himani , Singh Shishir K. , Srivastava Nitin , Mishra Raghvendra , Tiwari Rupesh K. , Patel Anupam , Tiwari Anurag , Singh Rajendra K.
Published: June 2021

The effect of incorporating the ionic liquid (IL) N‐methyl‐N‐propyl piperidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (PP13FSI) to a polymer electrolyte (PE) based on the polymer poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐ lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) [PEO+20 wt.% LiFSI] is investigated. The concentration of PP13FSI IL is varied from 10 to 40 wt.% in the PEO+20 wt.% LiFSI system and the influences of the ionic conductivity, thermal stability, diffusion coefficient, and electrochemical stability are studied. The 40 wt.% IL containing PE shows good thermal stability ∼210 °C and high ionic conductivity,
, at 40 °C with a wide electrochemical stability window ∼4.7 V vs. Li/Li+ and high
at 30 °C. Furthermore, the electronic conducting BiPO4 is coated on the LiNi0.815Co0.15Al0.035O2 (BiPO4@NCA) cathode by the liquid precipitation method. To investigate the structural and electrochemical properties of the pristine and BiPO4@NCA cathodes, XRD, SEM, TEM, and DSC as well as the electrochemical method are employed. The XRD results reveal a hexagonal layered structure without any impurity phase in BiPO4@NCA. The TEM investigations show that the BiPO4 layer (∼10 nm) is homogeneously coated on the NCA particles. The electrochemical testing showed an improvement in the cyclic performance of BiPO4@NCA with a capacity retention 94.64 % after 150 cycles, which is 8 % greater than that of the pristine NCA.
RhIII‐Catalyzed C6‐Selective Oxidative C−H/C−H Crosscoupling of 2‐Pyridones with Thiophenes
Authors: Huang Gao , Shan Yujia , Yu Jin‐Tao , Pan Changduo
Published: June 2021

A rhodium(III)‐catalyzed C6‐selective dehydrogenative cross‐coupling of 2‐pyridones with thiophenes was developed for the synthesis of 6‐thiophenyl pyridin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives. In this reaction, the excellent site selectivity was controlled by the 2‐pyridyl directing group on the nitrogen of the pyridone ring. Control experiments indicated that the N‐pyridyl was essential for the transformation. To the best of our knowledge, this procedure is the first successful example of the direct C6 heteroarylation of 2‐pyridones with electron‐rich thiophene derivatives. 4‐Pyridone was also used as substrate to generate the corresponding C2 heteroarylated product. Moreover, this pyridyl directing group was readily removable to generate the biheteroaryl structures with a free N−H group.
How to Prepare Kinetically Stable Self‐assembled Pt12L24 Nanocages while Circumventing Kinetic Traps
Authors: Bobylev Eduard O. , Poole David A. , de Bruin Bas , Reek Joost N. H.
Published: June 2021

Supramolecular coordination‐based self‐assembled nanostructures have been widely studied, and currently various applications are being explored. For several applications, the stability of the nanostructure is of key importance, and this strongly depends on the metal used in the self‐assembly process. Herein, design strategies and synthetic protocols to access desirable kinetically stable Pt12L24 nanospheres are reported, and it is demonstrated that these are stable under conditions under which the palladium counterparts decompose. Descriptors previously used for palladium nanospheres are insufficient for platinum analogues, as the stronger metal–ligand bond results in a mixture of kinetically trapped structures. We report that next to the dihedral angle, the rigidity of the ditopic ligand is also a key parameter for the controlled formation of Pt12L24 nanospheres. Catalytic amounts of coordinating additives to labilise the platinum‐pyridyl bond to some extent are needed to selectively form Pt12L24 assemblies. The formed Pt12L24 nanospheres were demonstrated to be stable in the presence of chloride, amines and acids, unlike the palladium analogues.
Hematologic safety of palbociclib in combination with endocrine therapy in patients with benign ethnic neutropenia and advanced breast cancer
Authors: Lynce Filipa , Blackburn Matthew J. , Zhuo Rebecca , Gallagher Christopher , Hahn Olwen M. , Abu‐Khalaf Maysa , Mohebtash Mahsa , Wu Tianmin , Pohlmann Paula R. , Dilawari Asma , Tiwari Shruti R. , Chitalia Ami , Warren Robert , Tan Ming , Shajahan‐Haq Ayesha N. , Isaacs Claudine
Published: June 2021

Background

Cyclin‐dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors, including palbociclib, are approved to treat hormone receptor (HR)‐positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐negative advanced breast cancer (ABC) and are associated with hematologic toxicity. African American women, who are underrepresented in CDK4/6 inhibitor clinical trials, may experience worse neutropenia because of benign ethnic neutropenia. The authors specifically investigated the hematologic safety of palbociclib in African American women with HR‐positive/HER2‐negative ABC.

Methods

PALINA was a single‐arm, open‐label, investigator‐initiated study of palbociclib (125 mg daily; 21 days on and 7 days off) plus endocrine therapy (ET) in African American women who had HR‐positive/HER2‐negative ABC and a baseline absolute neutrophil count ≥1000/mm3 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02692755). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who completed 12 months of therapy without experiencing febrile neutropenia or treatment discontinuation because of neutropenia. Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis was used to assess Duffy polymorphism status.

Results

Thirty‐five patients received ≥1 dose of palbociclib plus ET; 19 had a Duffy null polymorphism (cytosine/cytosine). There were no reports of febrile neutropenia or permanent study discontinuation because of neutropenia. Significantly more patients with the Duffy null versus the wild‐type variant had grade 3 and 4 neutropenia (72.2% vs 23.1%; P = .029) and required a palbociclib dose reduction (55.6% vs 7.7%; P = .008). Patients with the Duffy null versus the wild‐type variant had lower overall relative dose intensity (mean ± SD, 81.89% ± 15.87 and 95.67% ± 5.89, respectively; P = .0026) and a lower clinical benefit rate (66.7% and 84.6%, respectively).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that palbociclib is well tolerated in African American women with HR‐positive/HER2‐negative ABC. Duffy null status may affect the incidence of grade 3 neutropenia, dose intensity, and possibly clinical benefit.
Electrocatalytic and Photocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide by Earth‐Abundant Bimetallic Molecular Catalysts
Authors: Chen Huan , Chen Lingjing , Chen Gui , Robert Marc , Lau Tai‐Chu
Published: June 2021

Converting CO2 into useful resources by electrocatalysis and photocatalysis is a promising strategy for recycling of the gas and electrification of industries. Numerous studies have shown that multinuclear metal catalysts have higher selectivity and catalytic activity than monometallic catalysts due to the synergistic effects between the metal sites. In this review, we summarize some of the recent progress on the electrocatalytic and photocatalytic reduction of CO2 by earth‐abundant bimetallic molecular catalysts.
Substituent Effect on the Circularly Polarized Luminescence of C1‐Symmetric Carbene‐Copper(I) Complexes
Authors: Braker Erin E. , Mukthar Nishya F. M. , Schley Nathan D. , Ung Gaël
Published: June 2021

The substituent effect on the magnitude of the circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) of MentCAAC‐Cu‐X (X=F, Cl, Br, I, BH4, B3H8; CAAC=cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes) complexes is experimentally investigated. This study examines seven pairs of enantiomeric complexes with small anionic substituents (halides, borohydrides, hydride). The complexes are fully characterized, including single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies, and chiroptical measurements show that small covalent anions induce a larger CPL magnitude. These results demonstrate that the magnitude of the CPL can be manipulated without making any modifications to the chiral ligand.
COVID‐19 lockdown frees wildlife to roam but increases poaching threats in Nepal
Authors: Koju Narayan Prasad , Kandel Ram Chandra , Acharya Hari Bhadra , Dhakal Bed Kumar , Bhuju Dinesh Raj
Published: June 2021

To contain transmission of COVID‐19, lockdowns or strict restrictions of people's mobility outside their residences were instituted in a majority of countries worldwide, including Nepal, where the first phase of nationwide lockdown was observed from 24 March to 21 July 2020. This sudden halt in human outdoor activities brought positive and negative impacts on forests and wildlife. We undertook a study to learn the impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown on wildlife and forests in the protected areas (PAs) of Nepal. Between July and September 2020, data on illegal activities recorded by the staff of PAs and also those reported by media were collected and analyzed. Key informant interviews (KII) were done with the park officers and security personnel by virtual communication (telephone, messenger app, and video call) to collect detailed information and for corroboration. The collected data were categorized into four groups: (a) wildlife killed, (b) wildlife injured, (c) arrest incidents related to forest crime, and (d) arrest incidents related to wildlife crime. Data from the fiscal year 2019–2020 were analyzed, comparing before lockdown and after. Among 20 PAs investigated during the lockdown, the study found substantial increases in wildlife death in two PAs, Banke National Park, and Bardia National Park. Similarly, Chitwan National Park (CNP) and Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (SNNP) witnessed a rise in wildlife poaching. CNP and SNNP are located close to densely populated cities and also have human settlements in their peripheries. Wildlife was sighted freely roaming inside PAs during the lockdown, presumably because the absence of visitors and human activities during the lockdown decreased disturbance. Thus, the wildlife was enjoying the freedom of movement on the one hand, and on the other hand was threatened by poachers, many of whom were laid off from other activities and were taking advantage of the lapse in security.
Linking camera‐trap data to taxonomy: Identifying photographs of morphologically similar chipmunks
Authors: McKibben Fiona E. , Frey Jennifer K.
Published: June 2021

Remote cameras are a common method for surveying wildlife and recently have been promoted for implementing large‐scale regional biodiversity monitoring programs. The use of camera‐trap data depends on the correct identification of animals captured in the photographs, yet misidentification rates can be high, especially when morphologically similar species co‐occur, and this can lead to faulty inferences and hinder conservation efforts. Correct identification is dependent on diagnosable taxonomic characters, photograph quality, and the experience and training of the observer. However, keys rooted in taxonomy are rarely used for the identification of camera‐trap images and error rates are rarely assessed, even when morphologically similar species are present in the study area. We tested a method for ensuring high identification accuracy using two sympatric and morphologically similar chipmunk (Neotamias) species as a case study. We hypothesized that the identification accuracy would improve with use of the identification key and with observer training, resulting in higher levels of observer confidence and higher levels of agreement among observers. We developed an identification key and tested identification accuracy based on photographs of verified museum specimens. Our results supported predictions for each of these hypotheses. In addition, we validated the method in the field by comparing remote‐camera data with live‐trapping data. We recommend use of these methods to evaluate error rates and to exclude ambiguous records in camera‐trap datasets. We urge that ensuring correct and scientifically defensible species identifications is incumbent on researchers and should be incorporated into the camera‐trap workflow.