bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Femtosecond Laser‐Induced Refractive Index Patterning in Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Films
Authors: Bonfadini Silvio , Nicolini Tommaso , Storti Filippo , Stingelin Natalie , Lanzani Guglielmo , Criante Luigino
Published: March 2022

The desire to increase the performance of optoelectronic devices has driven research into new, versatile optical materials. Among these, materials combinations composed of organic polymers and inorganic materials have sparked a strong interest due to the wide range of refractive indices that are obtainable. However, in parallel to these materials design and discovery activities, simple, broadly applicable fabrication techniques need to be advanced that are adapted to novel materials systems and allow, for instance, straightforward, large‐area manufacturing and integration of 3D photonic circuits. Herein, the use of a 3D direct writing laser technique is proposed to locally enhance the refractive index of a recently developed inorganic/organic molecular hybrid that is only composed of the commodity polymer poly(vinyl alcohol) cross‐linked with titanium oxide hydrates, for the creation of photonic structures. A spatially controlled refractive index increase of 0.13 between pristine and laser‐treated regions is achieved, with the potential of this adaptable 3D‐fabrication technique being demonstrated by manufacturing an optical diffraction grating. Considering that the synthesis and deposition of the hybrid material is water based and does not require toxic heavy metals, the work, thus, provides a processing and materials platform toward environment‐friendly, green processing of integrated photonic systems and beyond.
Adult Mouse Kidney Stem Cells Orchestrate the De Novo Assembly of a Nephron via Sirt2‐Modulated Canonical Wnt/β‐Catenin Signaling
Authors: Han Xiaobin , Sun Zhongjie
Published: March 2022

Generation of kidney organoids using autologous kidney stem cells represents an attractive strategy for treating and potentially replacing the failing kidneys. However, whether adult mammalian kidney stem cells have regenerative capacity remains unknown. Here, previously unidentified adult kidney Sca1+ Oct4+ stem/progenitor cells are isolated. Interestingly, culturing these cells leads to generation of kidney‐like structures. First, the assembly of self‐organizing 3D kidney‐like structures is observed. These kidney organoids contain podocytes, proximal tubules, and endothelial cells that form networks of capillary loop‐like structures. Second, the differentiation of kidney stem cells into functionally mature tubules and self‐organizing kidney‐shaped structures in monolayer culture that selectively endocytoses dextran, is shown. Finally, the de novo generation of an entire self‐organizing nephron from monolayer cultures is observed. Mechanistically, it is demonstrated that Sirt2‐mediated canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is critical for the development of kidney organoids. Thus, the first evidence is provided that the adult mouse kidney stem cells are capable of de novo generating kidney organoids.
Analysis of agricultural trade promotion and facilitation in the 2018 Farm Bill
Authors: Ribera Luis A. , Fischer Bart
Published: March 2022

The Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) by far are the largest trade programs averaging $175 and $26 million, respectively, with very little variation year over year. This lopsided allocation between MAP and FMD seemingly is largely reflective of the natural growth of the programs over time (and of the legislative environment when they were created), there is otherwise very little explanation for the 6.7:1 imbalance. Moreover, there is very little analysis that examines the relative strengths/weaknesses of each program. However, Europe spends more promoting wine than the United States spends promoting all US agricultural products combined.
Modern Development in Copper‐ and Nickel‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions: Formation of Carbon‐Carbon and Carbon‐Heteroatom bonds under Microwave Irradiation Conditions
Authors: Salih Kifah S. M.
Published: March 2022

The use of transition metals in cross‐coupling reactions has been verified as a powerful tool in synthetic organic chemistry to access valuable pharmaceutical intermediates and functional organic molecules. Copper compounds were described for building a variety of Carbon‐Carbon and Carbon‐Heteroatom bonds more than a century ago. Whereas nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling was emerged in the 1972. The general reactivity of the reaction conversion was enhanced during the last two decades, particularly under microwave irradiation conditions. The focus of this review article accentuates the recent development and sustainable achievement of copper‐ and nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of different electrophiles and nucleophiles or two sort of nucleophiles under microwave irradiation conditions. The published cross‐coupling protocols during the last ten years were critically reviewed, this includes the type and amount of metal catalyst used, solventless and ligandless conditions and the application in the synthesis of complex heterocycles. Furthermore, various proposed reaction mechanisms covering radical path or through the involvement of metal complexes in different oxidation states were highlighted and discussed.
CD36‐Binding Amphiphilic Nanoparticles for Attenuation of α‐Synuclein‐Induced Microglial Activation
Authors: Zhao Nanxia , Francis Nicola L. , Song Shuang , Kholodovych Vladyslav , Calvelli Hannah R. , Hoop Cody L. , Pang Zhiping P. , Baum Jean , Uhrich Kathryn E. , Moghe Prabhas V.
Published: March 2022

Neuroinflammation is one of the hallmarks contributing to Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology, where microglial activation occurs as one of the earliest events, triggered by extracellular α‐synuclein (aSYN) binding to the cluster of differentation 36 (CD36) receptor. Herein, CD36‐binding nanoparticles (NPs) containing tartaric acid–based amphiphilic macromolecules (AMs) are rationally designed to inhibit this aSYN–CD36 binding. In silico docking reveals that four AMs with varying alkyl side chain lengths present differential levels of CD36 binding affinity and that an optimal alkyl chain length promotes the strongest inhibitory activity toward aSYN–CD36 interactions. In vitro competitive binding assays indicate that the inhibitory activity of AM‐based NPs plateaus at intermediate side chain lengths of 12 and 18 carbons, supporting the in silico docking predictions. These intermediate‐length AM NPs also has significantly stronger effects on reducing aSYN internalization and inhibiting proinflammatory molecules tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and nitric oxide from aSYN‐challenged microglia. All four NPs modulate the gene expression of aSYN‐challenged microglia, downregulating proinflammatory genes TNF, interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and IL‐1β, and upregulating anti‐inflammatory genes transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) and Arg1 expression. Herein, overall, a novel polymeric nanotechnology platform is represented that can be used to modulate aSYN‐induced microglial activation.
A Rapid Graphene Sensor Platform for the Detection of Viral Proteins in Low Volume Samples
Authors: Walters Ffion , Burwell Gregory , Mitchell Jacob John , Ali Muhammad Munem , Daghigh Ahmadi Ehsaneh , Mostert A. Bernardus , Jenkins Cerys Anne , Rozhko Sergiy , Kazakova Olga , Guy Owen J.
Published: March 2022

Infectious disease outbreaks remain an ever‐prevalent global issue. The associated demand for rapid diagnostics and onsite testing will play an increasing and critical role in disease surveillance, prevention of the spread of infection, as well as timely commencement of treatment. Reported here is a graphene–gold nanoparticle hybrid sensor platform technology that is demonstrated for the real‐time detection of viral proteins utilizing low volume samples (5 μL). Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is still an endemic problem worldwide and is used as an exemplar system here to demonstrate the capability of the platform viral detection sensor technology. Hepatitis C virus core antigen (HCVcAg) is a promising marker for point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostic testing for active HCV infection, with the potential to provide a one‐stop diagnosis and trigger for the commencement of treatment. Real‐time electrical resistance measurements are performed using various concentrations of HCVcAg with linear concentration dependence of resistance on HCVcAg concentration over the range of 100–750 pg mL−1.
Metal‐Free Catalytic Hydrogenolysis of Silyl Triflates and Halides into Hydrosilanes**
Authors: Durin Gabriel , Fontaine Albane , Berthet Jean‐Claude , Nicolas Emmanuel , Thuéry Pierre , Cantat Thibault
Published: March 2022

The metal‐free catalytic hydrogenolysis of silyl triflates and halides (I, Br) to hydrosilanes is unlocked by using arylborane Lewis acids as catalysts. In the presence of a nitrogen base, the catalyst acts as a Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) able to split H2 and generate a boron hydride intermediate capable of reducing (pseudo)halosilanes. This metal‐free organocatalytic system is competitive with metal‐based catalysts and enables the formation of a variety of hydrosilanes at room temperature in high yields (>85 %) under a low pressure of H2 (≤10 bar).
Efficient and Color‐Tunable Dual‐Mode Afterglow from Large‐Area and Flexible Polymer‐Based Transparent Films for Anti‐Counterfeiting and Information Encryption
Authors: Yang Yifan , Liang Yaohui , Zheng Yitao , Li Jian‐An , Wu Shiying , Zhang Huaqing , Huang Tepeng , Luo Suilian , Liu Cong , Shi Guang , Sun Fengqiang , Chi Zhenguo , Xu Bingjia
Published: March 2022

It remains a great challenge to develop polymer‐based materials with efficient and color‐tunable organic afterglow. Two indolocarbazole derivatives IaCzA and IbCzA have been synthesized and doped into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrices. It is found that the resulting films can produce unique dual‐mode afterglow, which is composed of persistent thermally activated delayed fluorescence and ultralong organic phosphorescence. Besides, the IbCzA‐doped PVA film exhibits intense blue afterglow withΦafterglowandτafterglowup to 19.8 % and 1.81 s, respectively, representing state‐of‐the‐art dual‐mode organic afterglow performance. Moreover, our reported film has high flexibility, excellent transparency, and large‐area producibility; and the afterglow color of the film can be linearly tuned by temperature. Inspired by these distinctive properties, the PVA doped with IbCzA was employed as temperature‐sensitive security ink for anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective γ‐Arylation of β,γ‐Unsaturated Butenolides
Authors: Li Sanliang , Chen Qiaoyu , Yang Junfeng , Zhang Junliang
Published: March 2022

γ‐Butenolide and γ‐butyrolactone scaffolds are two types of important core structures in numerous natural products and bioactive targets. However, methods to construct the chiral quaternary arylated γ‐butenolide are rarely explored. We herein report an efficient Pd‐catalyzed enantioselective γ‐arylation of β,γ‐unsaturated butenolides with aryl bromides, which shows high γ‐selectivity, good functional group tolerance and excellent enantioselectivity. Notably, this protocol also allows for facile construction of tricyclic tetrahydroindolines and tetrahydroisoquinolinones in one step. DFT calculations are consistent with the experimental results, suggesting that the γ‐arylation is favoured over the α‐arylation. Finally, this method is applied to the rapid synthesis of natural product (R)‐(+)‐boivinianin A.
Electronic Regulation of Nickel Single Atoms by Confined Nickel Nanoparticles for Energy‐Efficient CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Ren Wenhao , Tan Xin , Jia Chen , Krammer Anna , Sun Qian , Qu Jiangtao , Smith Sean C. , Schueler Andreas , Hu Xile , Zhao Chuan
Published: March 2022

Modulating the electronic structure of atomically dispersed active sites is promising to boost catalytic activity but is challenging to achieve. Here we show a cooperative Ni single‐atom‐on‐nanoparticle catalyst (NiSA/NP) prepared via direct solid‐state pyrolysis, where Ni nanoparticles donate electrons to Ni(i)−N−C sites via a network of carbon nanotubes, achieving a high CO current density of 346 mA cm−2 at −0.5 V vs RHE in an alkaline flow cell. When coupled with a NiFe‐based anode in a zero‐gap membrane electrolyzer, the catalyst delivers an industrially relevant CO current density of 310 mA cm−2 at a low cell voltage of −2.3 V, corresponding to an overall energy efficiency of 57 %. The superior CO2 electroreduction performance is attributed to the enhanced adsorption of key intermediate COOH* on the electron‐rich Ni single atoms, as well as a high density of active sites.
Visible‐Light‐Promoted Stereoselective C(sp3)−H Glycosylation for the Synthesis of C‐Glycoamino Acids and C‐Glycopeptides
Authors: Qi Rupeng , Wang Chao , Ma Zijian , Wang Hongying , Chen Qiao , Liu Liangyu , Pan Da , Ren Xiaoyu , Wang Rui , Xu Zhaoqing
Published: March 2022

The glycosylative modification of peptides could improve the pharmacological properties of peptide drugs and deliver them efficiently to the target sites. Compared with O‐/N‐glycosides, C‐glycosides exhibit more metabolic stability. We here disclose the first example of visible‐light‐promoted and Cu‐catalyzed stereoselective C‐glycosylation. The mild reaction conditions are compatible with various carbohydrate substrates, as demonstrated with a series of monosaccharides and a disaccharide, and are amenable to the synthesis of a wide variety of C‐glycoamino acids and C‐glycopeptidomimetics with good yields and excellent stereoselectivities. The dual‐functional photocatalyst formed in situ via coordination of the glycine derivative and the chiral phosphine Cu complex could not only catalyze the photoredox process but also control the stereoselectivity of the glycosylation reaction.
Synergistic effects of a half‐cage and cage structure phosphorus and nitrogen‐containing POSS with tetrabutyl titanate on flame retardancy of vinyl epoxy resins
Authors: Han Xu , Guo Ying , Cai Huanhuan , Li Xiang , Ding Jiangnan , Zhao Xiaojuan , Zhou Heng , Guo Wantao , Huang Wei , Zhao Tong
Published: March 2022

To improve the flame retardancy of vinyl epoxy (VE) resins more effectively, a half‐cage and cage structure polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (P/N‐POSS) containing phosphorus and nitrogen was synthesized by a one‐step Kabachnik‐Fields reaction from paraformaldehyde, 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane. It was then blended with tetrabutyl titanate (TBT) in VE resins to construct a phosphorus‐nitrogen‐silicon‐titanium synergy flame retardant system. P/N‐POSS was well dispersed in the VE matrix at low loadings (≤4 wt%). With the addition of only 4 wt% P/N‐POSS and 0.2 wt% TBT, the LOI value reached 29.2 and the UL‐94 grade passed V‐1 rating. Moreover, compared with VE‐0, the peak heat release rate, total heat release, smoke production rate and total smoke production decreased significantly. The investigations on pyrolysis volatiles and char residue of cured VE composites revealed that the excellent flame retardancy of the VE composites were due to the superior free radical capturing ability, the dilution effect of P/N‐POSS in the gas phase, and the promoting the carbonation effect of P/N‐POSS, the catalyzing char formation ability of TBT in the condensed phase. Meanwhile, VE composites exhibited improved mechanical properties, thermal stabilities and retained the low viscosity and good processability of VE resins.
Synergistic effect of cuttlebone particles and non‐rubber components on reinforcing ability of natural rubber and synthetic isoprene rubber composites
Authors: Chongcharoenchaikul Thitipat , Miyaji Kosuke , Junkong Preeyanuch , Poompradub Sirilux , Ikeda Yuko
Published: March 2022

The comparison of the reinforcing ability of cuttlebone (CTBO) particles in natural and synthetic isoprene rubber (NR and IR, respectively) composites were investigated. The CTBO particles could reinforce in both NR and IR composites. However, the improvement of tensile properties in CTBO‐filled NR composites was higher than that of IR composites due to the presence of non‐rubber components in NR. The non‐rubber components promoted the strong interfacial adhesions with filler and rubbery matrix to increase the bound rubber content. These results affected the increase of the stress softening degree, hysteresis loss, residual strain during cyclic deformation and the volume fraction of constrained rubber region (immobilized area of rubber) in CTBO‐filled NR composites. The atomic force microscopy evidently revealed good compatibility between the CTBO particles and the NR matrix due to the presence of organic components from CTBO particles and from non‐rubber components in NR. Accordingly, the CTBO particles and non‐rubber components play important roles in improving the properties of green rubber composite materials.
Mechanism of the foaming agent‐assisted microwave drying process on the construction of natural raw rubber network and cross‐linking network
Authors: Xiao Yao , Yan Lizhi , Hao Yingjie , Qu Shengqi , Xue Junxiu , Zhu Donglin , Wang Chuansheng , Bian Huiguang
Published: March 2022

The drying process of natural rubber latex significantly affects the structure of the raw rubber network and vulcanizate crosslinking network, resulting in various anti‐aging performances. In the present study, a microwave generator was used as an efficient source of clean energy; potassium oleate was introduced as a foaming agent to increase the porosity and water loss channel of the latex system. Aiming at dehydrating and drying natural rubber latex efficiently, an aging resistant rubber composite was prepared. Meanwhile, the mechanism of the foaming agent‐assisted microwave drying process on the raw rubber network and the cross‐linking network was studied. The experimental results show that the prepared rubber using by this process has higher plastic retention and fluidity. Moreover, it contains more non‐rubber components (e.g. protein and acetone extract) and better network structure of raw rubber and vulcanized rubber. It is found that applying this process increases the tensile product by 13.5% and the retention rate of the tensile product after aging by 15.3 times. This process is important for the development of the rubber industry in the direction of green environmental protection, energy conservation, and high efficiency.
Dependency of polyacrylonitrile membrane structures on Hansen solubility parameters during non‐solvent induced phase separation
Authors: Li Jin , Yu Yuxiu , Zhou Pucha , Li Haojie , Liu Yaodong
Published: March 2022

In this study, non‐solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) is used to prepare polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based membranes. A thorough analysis on the correlations between coagulation conditions and membrane structures was carried out according to Hansen solubility parameters of coagulants and solvents. When coagulant is various, a larger Hansen solubility distance (Ra) between PAN and coagulant leads to a quicker phase separation and faster growth of finger‐like pores. By comparison, when PAN solvent is tuned by adding small amount of water, the Ra plays totally different roles for the formation of dense layer and the growth of finger‐like pores. The structural variations of PAN membranes have been mapped in Hansen space according to the Ra. Additionally, the low temperature induced sol–gel transition of PAN solution also affects the pore structures of the resultant membranes. These results would be helpful for better understanding the NIPS and fabricating PAN and other types of polymer membranes with desired structures and performances.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of isatin‐indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde hybrids as a new class of xanthine oxidase inhibitors
Authors: Singh Atamjit , Heer Shilpa , Kaur Komalpreet , Gulati Harmandeep K. , Kumar Nitish , Sharma Anchal , Singh Jatinder V. , Bhagat Kavita , Kaur Gurinder , Kaur Kirandeep , Singh Harbinder , Chadha Renu , Bedi Preet M. S.
Published: March 2022

A novel series of triazole‐linked isatin‐indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde hybrids based on the febuxostat skeleton and its binding site interactions were rationally designed and synthesized as potential xanthine oxidase inhibitors. Among the synthesized hybrids, A19 showed the most potent xanthine oxidase inhibition (IC50 = 0.37 µM) with the mixed‐type inhibitory scenario. Structure–activity relationship studies revealed that methoxy (OCH3) substitution on position 5 of the isatin nucleus and a two‐carbon distance between isatin and the triazole moiety is most tolerable for the inhibitory potential. Various binding interactions of A19 with the binding site of xanthine oxidase are also streamlined by molecular docking studies, which showcase the favorable binding pattern for xanthine oxidase inhibition by the hybrid. Furthermore, molecular dynamic studies were performed that suggest the stability of the enzyme–hybrid complex. Overall, the study suggests that hybrid A19 can act as an effective hit lead for further development of potent xanthine oxidase inhibitors.
Analysis of Red Blood Cell Movement in Whole Blood Exposed to DC and ELF Electric Fields
Authors: Kanemaki Miki , Shimizu Hisae O. , Inujima Hiroshi , Miyake Takeo , Shimizu Koichi
Published: March 2022

To evaluate hematological effects of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) extremely low frequency (ELF) electric field exposure, this study investigated red blood cell (RBC) movement in whole blood. Video images of RBCs were recorded under a microscope using specially designed electrode systems. Video analysis software was then used to measure the RBC velocity. The noise level and measurement system stability were confirmed based on results of a no‐field exposure experiment. Using the electrode system to produce a non‐homogeneous electric field, different movements were found to occur in DC and AC field exposure. The RBCs moved in the directions of the electric field and the gradient of field distribution, respectively, in the DC and AC fields. Dependences of the RBC velocity on the field strength were, respectively, linear and quadratic in the DC and AC fields. These results suggest that electrophoretic and dielectrophoretic movements were, respectively, dominant in the DC and AC fields. The magnitude of the electric field necessary to cause these effects was found to be 103–105 times greater than the internationally publicized guideline for human safety. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Salivary biomarkers in breast cancer diagnosis: A systematic review and diagnostic meta‐analysis
Authors: Koopaie Maryam , Kolahdooz Sajad , Fatahzadeh Mahnaz , Manifar Soheila
Published: March 2022

Background

Salivary diagnostics and their utility as a nonaggressive approach for breast cancer diagnosis have been extensively studied in recent years. This meta‐analysis assesses the diagnostic value of salivary biomarkers in differentiating between patients with breast cancer and controls.

Methods

We conducted a meta‐analysis and systematic review of studies related to salivary diagnostics published in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Ovid, Science Direct, Web of Science (WOS), and Google Scholar. The articles were chosen utilizing inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as assessing their quality. Specificity and sensitivity, along with negative and positive likelihood ratios (NLR and PLR) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), were calculated based on random‐ or fixed‐effects model. Area under the curve (AUC) and summary receiver‐operating characteristic (SROC) were plotted and evaluated, and Fagan's Nomogram was evaluated for clinical utility.

Results

Our systematic review and meta‐analysis included 14 papers containing 121 study units with 8639 adult subjects (4149 breast cancer patients and 4490 controls without cancer). The pooled specificity and sensitivity were 0.727 (95% CI: 0.713–0.740) and 0.717 (95% CI: 0.703–0.730), respectively. The pooled NLR and PLR were 0.396 (95% CI: 0.364–0.432) and 2.597 (95% CI: 2.389–2.824), respectively. The pooled DOR was 7.837 (95% CI: 6.624–9.277), with the AUC equal to 0.801. The Fagan's nomogram showed post‐test probabilities of 28% and 72% for negative and positive outcomes, respectively. We also conducted subgroup analyses to determine specificity, sensitivity, DOR, PLR, and NLR based on the mean age of patients (≤52 or >52 years old), saliva type (stimulated and unstimulated saliva), biomarker measurement method (mass spectrometry [MS] and non‐MS measurement methods), sample size (≤55 or >55), biomarker type (proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, and reagent‐free biophotonic), and nations.

Conclusion

Saliva, as a noninvasive biomarker, has the potential to accurately differentiate breast cancer patients from healthy controls.
The effects of androgen deprivation on working memory and quality of life in prostate cancer patients: The roles of hypothalamic connectivity
Authors: Chaudhary Shefali , Zhornitsky Simon , Roy Alicia , Summers Christine , Ahles Tim , Li Chiang‐Shan R. , Chao Herta H.
Published: March 2022

Background

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been associated with adverse effects on the brain. ADT alters testosterone levels via its action on the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐gonadal axis and may influence hypothalamic functions. Given the wide regional connectivity of the hypothalamus and its role in regulating cognition and behavior, we assessed the effects of ADT on hypothalamic resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) and their cognitive and clinical correlates.

Methods

In a prospective observational study, 22 men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer receiving ADT and 28 patients not receiving ADT (controls), matched in age, years of education, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, participated in N‐back task and quality of life (QoL) assessments and brain imaging at baseline and at 6 months. Imaging data were processed with published routines and the results of a group by time flexible factorial analysis were evaluated at a corrected threshold.

Results

ADT and control groups did not differ in N‐back performance or QoL across time points. Relative to controls, patients receiving ADT showed significantly higher hypothalamus‐right mid‐cingulate cortex (MCC) and precentral gyrus (PCG) rsFC during follow‐up versus baseline. Further, the changes in MCC and PCG rsFC were correlated positively with the change in QoL score and 0‐back correct response rate, respectively, in patients with undergoing ADT.

Conclusion

Six‐month ADT affects hypothalamic functional connectivity with brain regions critical to cognitive motor and affective functions. Elevated hypothalamic MCC and PCG connectivity likely serve to functionally compensate for the effects of ADT and sustain attention and overall QoL. The longer‐term effects of ADT remain to be investigated.
Factors influencing social and emotional well‐being among women who sleep with women: Minority stress and compartmentalization
Authors: McIntosh Tera , Koury Abel J. , Reindl Diana , Lewis Rhiannon
Published: March 2022

As recent as 2019, individuals residing within the United States were not protected from employment termination on the basis of their sexual orientation. It is unsurprising, then, that a large percentage of non‐heterosexual individuals remain ‘closeted’ about their sexual identity both at home and work, which takes a psychological and physical toll. The purpose of this study was to document perceptions, feelings, and experiences among women who have sex with women in regard to social and emotional well‐being. Thirty‐seven women between the ages of 20 and 64 participated in 6 focus groups held in three states in the United States. The purpose of these focus groups was to gather data about the experiences of living in a heteronormative world and the factors that might influence social and emotional well‐being. Responses were transcribed and thematically coded. Results offer insights into main themes that can assist community members, health professionals, and scientists to better appraise the disparities and struggles of sexual minorities who experience minority stress and have to compartmentalize in order to feel safe at home, work, and their third places. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Laplacian face blending
Authors: Mazala Diego , Esperança Claudio , Marroquim Ricardo
Published: March 2022

Designing realistic tridimensional facial models is a challenging task, not only due to the effort and artistic abilities required but also because human visual perception is very tuned to the processing of facial features. For this reason, rather than creating face models from scratch, artists usually start from a scanned model of a real person. In this work, we present a novel method for blending human faces in order to create a new one. In a nutshell, our proposal uses Laplacian smoothing to segregate layers of details from one or more faces, which are then integrated into a base face with the help of an interactive and visual editor. In particular, our method supports blending multiple faces and multiple sub‐regions in those faces. Since our approach is intuitive and relatively easy to implement, it can be integrated into artistic pipelines aiming at designing human face models from preexisting ones.
Vasa previa: A rare obstetric complication–A case series and a literature review
Authors: Degirmenci Yaman , Steetskamp Joscha , Macchiella Doris , Hasenburg Annbalou , Hasenburg Annette
Published: March 2022

Vasa previa is a rare condition. However, since the increase in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), clinicians are more frequently confronted with this complication. In this study, we present five cases of vasa previa prenatally diagnosed from a tertiary referral hospital with approximately 2000 births yearly.
Fatal association of COVID‐19 and acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Irilouzadian Rana , Salehi Omran Hossein , Alirezaei Toktam
Published: March 2022

Type A aortic dissection is a catastrophic event that requires prompt diagnosis and intervention to save the patient. It seems that type A aortic dissection in COVID‐19 patients has increased severity, and even with immediate diagnosis, it has a high mortality.
Electroreduction: A Sustainable and Less Energy‐Intensive Approach Compared to Chemical Reduction for Phosphine Oxide Recycling to Phosphine
Authors: Rajput Anubha , Soni Monika , Chakraborty Biswarup
Published: March 2022

Although phosphate minerals are the only naturally occurring resources of the industrially important element phosphorus,[1,2] the industrial extraction of white phosphorous (P4) from metal phosphates relies on demineralization at high temperatures (ca. 1500 °C) in the presence of coke and it releases large amounts of CO and CO2.[3] Due to wide industrial applications of white phosphorus (P4) as a manufacturing precursor for the production of fertilizers, pesticides, fireworks, and detergents,[1] a rapid shrinking of natural reserves of this mineral is obvious and thereby demands an efficient recycling strategy. Moreover, organophosphines are versatile phosphine donor ligands in the development of transition metal catalysts for the bulk‐scale production of alkenes, functional alcohols, esters, and amines. However, the production of such industrially and commercially important organic compounds is associated with the generation of tons of phosphine oxide per year, a product whose further breakdown is highly energy demanding. This essentially amounts to the need for an economic recycling strategy. At present, lab‐ and/or industrial‐scale recycling of phosphine oxide purely relies on chemical routes using metal hydrides and/or harsh reductive conditions which lead to generation of further reagent wastes. Such harsh reaction conditions and further toxic waste generation demand the development of less energy intensive methods. For the past few years, electro‐reduction of phosphine oxides to phosphines remains a pioneering approach to bypass the energy intensive chemical routes. This review summarizes the fundamental studies on electrochemistry of phosphines and phosphine oxides in 1970–1980s and implementation of such knowledge in the development of successful electro‐deoxygenation of phosphine oxides in recent times. Research outlook and future scope of this newly developing research area have also been discussed.
Multi‐scale composite finite element modeling of three‐dimensional prestressed reinforced concrete structural members: Part I—A comprehensive framework
Authors: Díaz Guillermo
Published: March 2022

The goal of this work is to develop a complete theoretical framework for the numerical modeling of three‐dimensional prestressed reinforced concrete structural members, soil mixture, and their interactions. This numerical formulation is based on the construction of a new composite finite element, in order to tackle the multi‐scale problem. For this purpose, the mechanical behavior of each microstructure component material will be modeled as follows: (a) for the plain concrete (PC) and the soil mixture, an anisotropic‐damage‐elastoplastic model equipped with the strong discontinuity approach will be taken into account; (b) a polycrystal plasticity model, for the steel rebars and prestrssed tendons will be captured through a new strategy solution of discontinuous bifurcation problem, with the main objective to represent the multi‐cracking phenomenon; (c) regarding the mechanical behavior of the aggregates and rocks (skeleton—hydro mechanic problem) in the PC and soil mixture, respectively, an anisotropic‐damage‐double‐poro‐polycrystal plasticity model equipped with softening material will be considered. An advanced failure algorithm based on the marching tetrahedron and the pseudo‐termic problem will be developed. Finally, the zone that characterizes the interaction between the structural member and the soil mixture will be encrusted inside the composite finite element.
Reducing the Trap Density in MAPbI3 Based Perovskite Solar Cells via Bromide Substitution
Authors: Pegu Meenakshi , Ghaderian Abolfazl , Ahmad Shahzada , Kazim Samrana
Published: March 2022

The past decade has witnessed tremendous advancement in the field of halide perovskite (PSK) as a choice of material for high‐performing solar cells fabrication. Here, we investigate the impact of the halide exchange through N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS) treatment in MAPbI3 based solar cells. We observed the partial halide exchange (I− to Br−) or the filling of halide (X−) vacancy upon treatment of different NBS concentrations experimentally by spectroscopic and diffractogram studies. We noted that halide exchange impacts the crystallization and is beneficial in improving the photovoltaic performance. The optimized 0.5 % NBS treated PSC exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 17.87 % due to an increment in open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and short circuit current (Jsc). We noted improved perovskite crystal growth upon Br− substitution; eventually, it helps to lower the trap density, reducing non‐radiative recombination and renders the enhancement of long‐term stability of PSC.
Light‐Induced Fragrance Release from 2‐Oxoacetates: Impact of Compound Mixtures on the Efficiency of the Norrish Type II Photoreaction in Solution and in Encapsulation Systems
Authors: Trachsel Alain , Paret Nicolas , Berthier Damien L. , Herrmann Andreas
Published: March 2022

Understanding interactions between perfumes and fragrance delivery systems is key to optimising the performance of perfumed consumer articles in practical applications, where complex compound mixtures are typically used. Possible interactions of perfume ingredients on the kinetics of the Norrish type II photofragmentation of 2‐oxoacetates, used as light‐sensitive profragrances for the controlled release of volatile perfumery aldehydes and ketones, were investigated in solution. We found that (Z)‐phenyl alkene derivatives isomerised to the correspondingE‐isomers in the presence of 2‐oxo‐2‐phenylacetates, and thus considerably decreased the rate of the targeted photofragmentation. The light‐induced fragrance release from encapsulated or non‐encapsulated 2‐oxo‐2‐phenylacetate profragrances in the presence of different amounts of perfumes showed that compounds interfering with the photoreaction should be encapsulated to only a minimum extent in core‐shell microcapsules, independent of whether the profragrance is encapsulated in the same or in a different capsule, or whether it is part of the non‐encapsulated perfume oil.
Synthesis of Crosslinked 2′‐OMe RNA Duplexes Using 2‐Amino‐6‐Vinylpurine and Their Application for Effective Inhibition of miRNA Function
Authors: Abdelhady Ahmed Mostafa , Hirano Yu , Onizuka Kazumitsu , Okamura Hidenori , Komatsu Yasuo , Nagatsugi Fumi
Published: March 2022

Crosslinking reactions to nucleic acids are an effective way to prepare stable complexes formed by covalent bonding. We demonstrated that fully 2′‐O‐methylated (2′‐OMe) RNAs having a 2‐amino‐6‐vinylpurine (AVP) exhibited an efficient crosslinking to uracil in the target RNA. Recently, we reported the preparation of crosslinked 2′‐OMe RNA duplexes using AVP and the anti‐miRNA oligonucleotides (AMOs) containing crosslinked duplexes at the terminal positions. These AMOs exhibited efficient microRNA (miRNA) inhibition at very low concentrations. In this article, we describe the chemical synthesis of 2′‐OMe oligonucleotides containing AVP and preparation of the AMOs bearing crosslinked 2′‐OMe RNA duplexes using AVP. In addition, we describe in detail the miRNA inhibition assay using these AMOs. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of phosphoramidite of 2‐amino‐6‐vinylguanosine derivative

Basic Protocol 2: Synthesis of AVP‐2′‐OMe RNA

Basic Protocol 3: Evaluation of the crosslink reactivity of CFO containing AVP to the 2′‐OMe RNA and preparation of AMOs containing crosslinked duplex

Basic Protocol 4: miRNA inhibition assays
Nonlinear effects of ESG on energy‐adjusted firm efficiency: Evidence from the stakeholder engagement of apple incorporated
Authors: Ren Chunya , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Lu Wen‐Min , Kweh Qian Long
Published: March 2022

This study examines how the (i) overall environmental, social, and governance (OESG) performance; (ii) three individual E, S, and G (IESG) performance; and (iii) subcomponents of the three individual E, S, and G (SIESG) performance affect 29 Apple Incorporation partners' energy‐adjusted firm efficiency from a nonlinear perspective. Our truncated regression findings from 145 firm‐year observations for the period of 2016–2020 indicate that the association between OESG performance and energy‐adjusted firm efficiency is U‐shaped. However, this nonlinear U‐shape exists in the individual S and G but not E of the IESG performance. Moreover, only certain subcomponents of the SIESG performance are nonlinearly related to energy‐adjusted firm efficiency. Overall, we highlight both the costs and benefits of the ESG performance for maintaining sustainable development and stakeholder engagement. The energy‐adjusted firm efficiency estimated through the multidimensional data envelopment analysis approach is also noteworthy for policy and decision‐making purposes.
Disclosure transparency and impression management: A textual analysis of board gender diversity disclosures in Canada
Authors: Ben‐Amar Walid , Bujaki Merridee , McConomy Bruce , McIlkenny Philip
Published: March 2022

This article examines whether firms' board gender diversity disclosures signal transparency, reveal impression management, or both. To disentangle the two disclosure motives further, we also investigate whether the disclosure features of clarity and tone are related to new women director appointments. Based on initial gender diversity disclosures of 506 Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) publicly traded firms, our results suggest that firms committed to enhancing board diversity provide clearer disclosures and exhibit a higher level of “optimism” to signal their confidence in the positive outcomes of diversity. In contrast, firms reluctant to enhance their diversity policies engage in impression management through obfuscation and show the most “certainty” in their diversity disclosures to indicate no change to the status quo is required. We also find that tone optimism does translate into enhanced diversity practices while certainty is negatively related to subsequent diversity performance. Taken together, our findings are consistent with the assertion that firms employ a combination of signaling and impression management strategies in their disclosures about diversity practices.
Thyroid metabolism and supplementation: A review framed in sports environment
Authors: Martínez Brito Dayamin , Botrè Francesco , Romanelli Francesco , de la Torre Xavier
Published: March 2022

Objectives

This paper aimed to consider those features that may suggest a link between thyroid hormones pharmacology and athletes' health based on current consumption trends in a population of athletes.

Methods

Methods used were observation, description, and synthesis, mainly. Among the documents reviewed were books, scientific articles, and review articles peer‐reviewed. The review covered sources published in the period 1961 to 2021. Only references with a traceable origin were accepted (DOI numbering, ISSN, and ISBN, as well as peer‐reviewed journals). The data on the consumption of thyroid hormones derivatives were extracted from the Doping Control Forms of athlete samples received at Laboratorio Antidoping FMSI of Rome from 2017 to 2021.

Results

An overview of the biosynthesis, pharmacology, and metabolism of thyroid hormones, including thyronamines and thyronacetic acids, was presented. Likewise, a summary is presented on the relationship between thyroid hormones and ethnic and gender differences, their physiology in sport, and the reasons why their use could be considered attractive for athletes.

Conclusion

Today, thyroid hormones are not listed as a prohibited substance by the World Anti‐Doping Agency. However, several requests to include levothyroxine on the prohibited list are documented. The observation that the number of athletes taking thyroid hormones is growing, particularly in sports such as cycling, triathlons, and skating, should prompt an update on this topic.
The limits of convergence in the collective behavior of competing marine taxa
Authors: Burford Benjamin P. , Williams R. Russell , Demetras Nicholas J. , Carey Nicholas , Goldbogen Jeremy , Gilly William F. , Harding Jeffrey , Denny Mark W.
Published: March 2022

Collective behaviors in biological systems such as coordinated movements have important ecological and evolutionary consequences. While many studies examine within‐species variation in collective behavior, explicit comparisons between functionally similar species from different taxonomic groups are rare. Therefore, a fundamental question remains: how do collective behaviors compare between taxa with morphological and physiological convergence, and how might this relate to functional ecology and niche partitioning? We examined the collective motion of two ecologically similar species from unrelated clades that have competed for pelagic predatory niches for over 500 million years—California market squid, Doryteuthis opalescens (Mollusca) and Pacific sardine, Sardinops sagax (Chordata). We (1) found similarities in how groups of individuals from each species collectively aligned, measured by angular deviation, the difference between individual orientation and average group heading. We also (2) show that conspecific attraction, which we approximated using nearest neighbor distance, was greater in sardine than squid. Finally, we (3) found that individuals of each species explicitly matched the orientation of groupmates, but that these matching responses were less rapid in squid than sardine. Based on these results, we hypothesize that information sharing is a comparably important function of social grouping for both taxa. On the other hand, some capabilities, including hydrodynamically conferred energy savings and defense against predators, could stem from taxon‐specific biology.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the economic viability of distributed photovoltaic systems in Brazil
Authors: Rediske Graciele , Lorenzoni Lauren Peres , Rigo Paula Donaduzzi , Siluk Julio Cezar Mairesse , Michels Leandro , Marchesan Tiago Bandeira
Published: March 2022

Electricity consumption in Brazil increases significantly, making feasibility studies to diversify the Brazilian electricity mix with other renewable sources become essential. However, the electricity market continues to be primarily driven by government or regulatory incentives and economic status. With the coronavirus pandemic since the beginning of 2020, the market has been undergoing significant changes that cause uncertainty in consumer investments in grid‐connected photovoltaic systems. This article presents an economic feasibility analysis of photovoltaic system installation for the Brazilian residential sector, estimating a cash and term investment and comparing the viability of the investment before the global pandemic (December 2019) with the pandemic scenario (April 2021) for each of the 27 Brazilian capitals. The baseline scenario for economic feasibility analysis calculations considered a power system of 4 kW. The results show that the effects of the pandemic in the electricity market were positive in the feasibility of investing in grid‐connected photovoltaic systems. Also, financing the system increases the chances of profitability. The current scenario is possibly the most attractive ever experienced by potential investors. However, this favorable scenario could decline in the coming years due to climatic and governmental factors.
Revenue maximization approaches in IaaS clouds: Research challenges and opportunities
Authors: Badshah Afzal , Ghani Anwar , Daud Ali , Chronopoulos Anthony Theodore , Jalal Ateeqa
Published: March 2022

This study critically reviews the IaaS clouds development on revenue maximization since 2012 to answer these research queries; (i) What are the main influential factors towards revenue maximization in the cloud market? (ii) What are the main challenges and resistance towards revenue maximization in cloud computing? and (iii) What are the possible solutions and potentials to these hurdles in cloud computing? The data was analyzed and the influencing factors of revenue maximization were classified into seven distinct categories, that is, the performance of the services, service level agreement and penalties management, resources scalability, resources utilization and scheduling, customers' satisfaction, cost, and pricing management, as well as advertisement and auction. These parameters are investigated in detail and new dynamics for researchers in the field of the cloud are discovered. These studies are compared against each other for the seven distinct categories and solutions are proposed for the clouds' obstacles to revenue maximization. Furthermore, in the light of the findings and revenue maximization categories, the main limitations, challenges, true potential, and new directions towards revenue maximization are explored.
New hosts for the cycad blue butterfly, Luthrodes pandava, Horsfield (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in an island ecosystem
Authors: Purti Neelam , Singh Lal Ji , Pandey Arun K.
Published: March 2022

Luthrodes pandava Horsfield (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) has been reported as a pest of cycad plants in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India for the first time. Its impact on host species is assessed. Compared to introduced species, endemic cycads appear to be most susceptible to damage by its larvae, feeding on the plant and affecting growth. Larvae damage all above‐ground plant parts. C. dharmrajii L. J. Singh and C. pschannae R.C. Srivast. & L. J. Singh, endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are recorded here for the first time as new host plants.