bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bonding Character, Electron Delocalization, and Aromaticity of Cyclo[18]Carbon (C18) Precursors, C18‐(CO)n (n=6, 4, and 2): Focusing on the Effect of Carbonyl (‐CO) Groups**
Authors: Wang Xia , Liu Zeyu , Yan Xiufen , Lu Tian , Zheng Wenlong , Xiong Weiwei
Published: December 2021

The bonding character, electron delocalization, and aromaticity of the cyclo[18]carbon (C18) precursors, C18‐(CO)n (n=6, 4, and 2), have been studied by combining quantum chemical calculations and various electronic wavefunction analyses with different physical bases. It was found that C18‐(CO)n (n=6, 4, and 2) molecules exhibit alternating long and short C−C bonds, and have out‐of‐plane and in‐plane dual π systems (πout and πin) perpendicular to each other, which are consistent with the relevant characteristics of C18. However, the presence of carbonyl (‐CO) groups significantly reduced the global electron conjugation of C18‐(CO)n (n=6, 4, and 2) compared to C18. Specifically, the ‐CO group largely breaks the extensive delocalization of πin system, and the πout system is also affected by it but to a much lesser extent; as a consequence, C18‐(CO)n (n=6, 4, and 2) with larger n shows weaker overall aromaticity. Mostly because of the decreased but still apparent πout electron delocalization in the C18‐(CO)n (n=6, 4, and 2), a notable diatropic induced ring current under the action of external magnetic field is observed, demonstrating the clear aromatic characteristic in the molecules. The correlation between C18‐(CO)n (n=6, 4, and 2) and C18 in terms of the gradual elimination of ‐CO from the precursors showed that the direct elimination of two CO molecules in C18‐(CO)n (n=6, 4, and 2) has a synergistic mechanism, but it is kinetically infeasible under normal conditions due to the high energy barrier.
Perovskite Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells Employing Electron Injection/Transport Layers of Ionic Transition Metal Complexes
Authors: Kang Wen‐Lu , Tsai Yi‐Ting , Ji Yan‐Cheng , Yi Rong‐Huei , Wang Yun‐Xin , Shen Hsiang‐Ling , Chen Xuan‐Jun , Hsu Yu‐Cheng , Lu Chin‐Wei , Yang Zu‐Po , Su Hai‐Ching
Published: December 2021

Invited for the cover of this issue are Chin‐Wei Lu, Zu‐Po Yang, Hai‐Ching Su, and co‐workers at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Providence University. The image depicts electron transport for light‐emitting electrochemical cells. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202103739.
Investigations on the performance of distributed Raman amplifier in dense wavelength division multiplexed communication system using different modulation formats
Authors: Saifuddin Shameem , Arunagiri Sivasubramanian
Published: December 2021

Here, the amplification performance of distributed Raman amplifier in a dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) system is analyzed. We aim to compare the performance of distributed Raman amplifier using different digital modulation formats accordant with the bit error rate (BER) and Q factor through simulations. The various pumping methods like forward pumping, backward pumping, and bidirectional pumping for different pump powers have been compared by varying the modulation formats. Binary phase shift Keying (BPSK), differential phase shift keying (DPSK), carrier suppressed DPSK (DPSK‐CS), and quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) with RZ and NRZ are analyzed as their spectral efficiency is found to be better than OOK systems. Our simulation results indicate that the bit error rates are much lesser for Raman Amplifier systems with QPSK‐NRZ modulation format having SNR improvement of almost 6 dB.
Genome‐wide association analysis of freezing tolerance in soft red winter wheat
Authors: Rojas‐Gutierrez Juan Diego , Lee Gwonjin , Sanderson Brian J , Jameel M. Inam , Oakley Christopher G.
Published: December 2021

Freezing tolerance is likely to be an important adaptation for both natural populations and crop cultivars like winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In the United States, winter wheat represents 80% of the total wheat production. Understanding the genetic basis of freezing tolerance in wheat furthers our knowledge of abiotic stress tolerance in plants and may inform breeding programs aimed at adjusting the level of freezing tolerance for a given region. We examined freezing tolerance in a 267‐line panel of elite soft red winter wheat that has previously been used for genome‐wide association study (GWAS) on agronomically important traits. We were specifically interested in determining the extent of genetic variation for freezing tolerance within the panel, what the genetic basis of that variation is, and if there are correlations between freezing tolerance and other agronomically important traits. We found significant variation in freezing tolerance among the lines, measured as survival through three total days at −8 °C. We performed a GWAS on freezing tolerance and identified 13 candidate loci, with nearby candidate genes involved in different functions potentially associated with freezing tolerance. In addition, we found significant correlations between freezing tolerance and seven previously published yield related traits. In summary, we found considerable variation in freezing tolerance in this panel that is associated with yield related traits. Thus, these lines may be useful for breeding programs seeking to optimize freezing tolerance for present and future climatic conditions.
Social impacts of a circular business model: An approach from a sustainability accounting and reporting perspective
Authors: Scarpellini Sabina
Published: December 2021

Although several studies have approached the environmental or economic impacts derived from the adoption of the circular economy's principles by businesses, the social dimension of the circular model at the micro‐level is underexplored in the literature. To fill this gap, this study defines and analyses different categories of social impacts related to a circular business model to assess and report the holistic dimension of the circular economy at the micro‐level. This paper is eminently reflective, and the methodology is mainly based on a desk research method. In addition, the results of 137 brief surveys collected in Spain are summarised to reflect the social metrics of a circular business model proposed in the literature. This study contributes to the existing knowledge on circular economy from a sustainability accounting perspective and invites scholars towards new research topics from the triple bottom line approach of the circular business model.
How to translate the knowledge of COVID‐19 into the prevention of Omicron variants
Authors: Wang Xiangdong , Powell Charles A.
Published: December 2021

Omicron variants are part of the “Coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID‐19] Variants of Concerns” and has the potential to spread around the world rapidly and can harm human life. We can anticipate that the endemic state of COVID‐19 will be characterized by the development of new strains with surges that will predominate in unvaccinated and immunodeficient populations. Thus, there will be an important role in promoting vaccinations, boosters and accessible testing to prevent disease transmission and to rapidly detect surges. There is an urgent need to explore the virology and biology of Omicron variants, define clinical phenomes and therapies, monitor dynamics of genetic changes, and translate the knowledge of COVID‐19 into new variants. Clinical and translational medicine will be impactful in addressing these challenges by providing new insights for understanding and predicting new variants‐associated transmissibility, disease severity, immune escape, diagnostic or therapeutic failure.
Longitudinal associations between adolescents’ sleep and adjustment: Respiratory sinus arrhythmia as a moderator
Authors: Philbrook Lauren E. , Shimizu Mina , Erath Stephen A. , Hinnant J. Benjamin , El‐Sheikh Mona
Published: December 2021

Sleep and autonomic nervous system functioning are important bioregulatory systems. Poor sleep and low baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), a measure of parasympathetic nervous system activity, are associated with externalizing behaviors and depressive symptoms in youth. Rarely, however, have measures of these systems been examined conjointly. The present study examined baseline RSA (RSA‐B) as a moderator of longitudinal relations between adolescent sleep and adjustment. Participants were 256 adolescents (52% girls, 66% White/European American, 34% Black/African American) from small towns and surrounding rural communities in the southeastern United States. Sleep (minutes, efficiency, variability in minutes and efficiency) was assessed at age 15 via actigraphs across seven nights. RSA‐B was derived from electrocardiogram data collected at rest. Adolescents self‐reported externalizing problems and depressive symptoms at ages 15 and 17. Controlling for age 15 adjustment, findings generally demonstrated that sleep predicted age 17 adjustment particularly at higher (rather than lower) levels of RSA‐B, such that adolescents with good sleep (more minutes and lower variability) and high RSA‐B were at lowest risk for maladjustment. The results highlight the value of examining multiple bioregulatory processes conjointly and suggest that promoting good sleep habits and regulation of physiological arousal should support adolescent adjustment.
Cumulative risks predict epigenetic age in adult survivors of extremely low birth weight
Authors: Mathewson Karen J. , McGowan Patrick O. , de Vega Wilfred C. , Morrison Katherine M. , Saigal Saroj , Van Lieshout Ryan J. , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: December 2021

Long‐term sequelae of extremely low birth weight (ELBW; ≤1000 g) may contribute to accelerated biological aging. This hypothesis was examined by analyzing a range of risk factors with a molecular age marker in adults born at ELBW or normal birth weight (NBW; ≥2500 g). DNAm age—the weighted average of DNA methylation at 353 cytosine–phosphate–guanine (CpG) sites from across the genome—was derived from a sample of 45 ELBW (Mage = 32.35 years) and 47 NBW control (Mage = 32.44 years) adults, using the Illumina 850k BeadChip Array. At two assessments undertaken 9 years apart (at 23 and 32 years), cumulative risks were summed from six domains with potential to affect physiological and psychological health: resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia, blood pressure, basal cortisol, grip strength, body mass index, and self‐esteem. At age 32 years, cumulative risks were differentially associated with epigenetic age in ELBW survivors (interaction, p < 0.01). For each additional risk factor they possessed, ELBW survivors (B = 1.43) were biologically 2.16 years older than NBW adults (B = –0.73), by the fourth decade of life. Developmental change, epigenetic maintenance, and intervention targets are discussed.
Children's diurnal cortisol output and temperament in two different childcare settings at 2 and 3.5 years of age
Authors: Tervahartiala Katja , Kortesluoma Susanna , Pelto Juho , Ahtola Annarilla , Karlsson Hasse , Nolvi Saara , Karlsson Linnea
Published: December 2021

Prior research suggests that child temperament may play an important role in early childhood stress regulation. We compared children's diurnal cortisol and the association between cortisol and temperament in two different childcare settings. Cortisol was measured from saliva samples over 2 days in children (N = 84) attending out‐of‐home childcare and in children (N = 27), who were cared for at home at the age of 3.5 years. There was no difference between the childcare groups in total diurnal cortisol. However, of the individual measurements, afternoon cortisol levels were higher in the out‐of‐home childcare group during their childcare day when compared with their home day. Child temperament was not associated with total diurnal cortisol. Comparison with our prior measurements showed that the association between temperamental surgency/extroversion and total diurnal cortisol diminished along with the child age from 2 to 3.5 years in both childcare settings. This may indicate that more extroverted children are physiologically more reactive to environmental stimuli when they are younger, but this association does not appear as the children develop. Our results further suggest that the afternoon hours in the out‐of‐home childcare may be demanding and accelerate the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis activation in young children independent of their age.
The actin‐cytoskeleton associating protein BASP1 regulates neural progenitor localization in the neural tube
Authors: Mac Donald Kaitlin , Iulianella Angelo
Published: December 2021

Brain acid soluble protein 1 (BASP1; previously NAP22 or CAP23) is an actin‐associating protein that is highly expressed in the nervous system throughout development. While its roles at the neuromuscular junction and in certain non‐neuronal tissues have been previously characterized, its function in the early neural tube is unclear. Using in ovo electroporation in the chicken (Gallus gallus) embryonic neural tube, we show that BASP1 overexpression resulted in the appearance of ectopic neural progenitor cells within the marginal zone of the neural tube. BASP1 knockdown did not affect the position of neural progenitors but did alter the complexity of axons developing from differentiated neurons. This suggests a role for BASP1 in regulating the apical polarity of progenitor cells and axon trajectories from developing neurons.
Life‐history attributes of Arctic‐breeding birds drive uneven responses to environmental variability across different phases of the reproductive cycle
Authors: Ruthrauff Daniel R. , Patil Vijay P. , Hupp Jerry W. , Ward David H.
Published: December 2021

Animals exhibit varied life‐history traits that reflect adaptive responses to their environments. For Arctic‐breeding birds, traits related to diet, egg nutrient allocation, clutch size, and chick growth are predicted to be under increasing selection pressure due to rapid climate change and increasing environmental variability across high‐latitude regions. We compared four migratory birds (black brant [Branta bernicla nigricans], lesser snow geese [Chen caerulescens caerulescens], semipalmated sandpipers [Calidris pusilla], and Lapland longspurs [Calcarius lapponicus]) with varied life histories at an Arctic site in Alaska, USA, to understand how life‐history traits help moderate environmental variability across different phases of the reproductive cycle. We monitored aspects of reproductive performance related to the timing of breeding, reproductive investment, and chick growth from 2011 to 2018. In response to early snowmelt and warm temperatures, semipalmated sandpipers advanced their site arrival and bred in higher numbers, while brant and snow geese increased clutch sizes; all four species advanced their nest initiation dates. During chick rearing, longspur nestlings were relatively resilient to environmental variation, whereas warmer temperatures increased the growth rates of sandpiper chicks but reduced growth rates of snow goose goslings. These responses generally aligned with traits along the capital‐income spectrum of nutrient acquisition and altricial–precocial modes of chick growth. Under a warming climate, the ability to mobilize endogenous reserves likely provides geese with relative flexibility to adjust the timing of breeding and the size of clutches. Higher temperatures, however, may negatively affect the quality of herbaceous foods and slow gosling growth. Species may possess traits that are beneficial during one phase of the reproductive cycle and others that may be detrimental at another phase, uneven responses that may be amplified with future climate warming. These results underscore the need to consider multiple phases of the reproductive cycle when assessing the effects of environmental variability on Arctic‐breeding birds.
Collaboration with Nlaka'pamux communities to examine metal deposition on soapberry in interior British Columbia
Authors: Berg Kevan , Berryman Shanti , Garibaldi Ann , Straker Justin , Melaschenko Natalie , Ver Hoef Jay M.
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a collaboration with Indigenous Nlaka'pamux communities to develop a study to address the effects of mining dust on soapberry (Shepherdia canadensis), which is an important medicinal and food resource for local Nlaka'pamux people. The objectives were to compare element concentrations in samples of washed and unwashed leaves and berries relative to soil samples collected around the mine and in a reference area. Samples were analyzed for metal concentrations using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Spatial models showed that six metals (Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Sr) had significant elevated concentrations near the mine compared to farther away, though concentrations were generally within ranges reported for human consumption. There was no correspondence with soil metal concentrations, suggesting that elevated metal concentrations in leaves and berries near the mine were due to dust rather than uptake from local soils. Washing of leaves and berries reduced concentrations by between 13 and 48%, depending on the metal. The study illustrates a model with global relevance for how mines can work with communities to address complex social–ecological problems.
Can prescribed fires restore C4grasslands invaded by a C3woody species and a co‐dominant C3grass species?
Authors: Ansley R. James , Boutton Thomas W. , Hollister Emily B.
Published: December 2021

Prescribed fire is used to reduce woody plant invasion and restore herbaceous production and diversity in grasslands and savannas worldwide. Here, we determined whether a concentrated series of repeated‐winter, repeated‐summer, or alternate‐season (winter and summer) fires in a short timeframe (“transition fires”) could catalyze the restoration of C4perennial grasses in Southern Great Plains, USA grasslands that had become dominated by a fire‐tolerant C3woody N2‐fixer (honey mesquite,Prosopis glandulosa) and a C3perennial bunchgrass (Texas wintergrass,Nassella leucotricha). We applied transition fires over a 5‐yr span and maintenance fires on a portion of each plot 7 or 8 yr later. We measured herbaceous standing biomass and cover and soil variables (soil organic C, N, δ13C, and δ15N) in unburned, transition‐burned, and maintenance‐burned treatments. Greater δ13C at 10–20 (−17‰) than 0–10 (−20‰) cm depth increment confirmed that vegetation was historically mostly C4grassland that shifted toward C3dominance. Transition treatments with summer fire were most effective at top‐killing mesquite, but no treatments root‐killed >3%. Regrowth of top‐killed mesquite was similar in all treatments and reached pre‐fire height by 9–10 yr post‐fire. Herbaceous production and cover responses showed that: (1) Alternate‐season transition fires increased C4mid‐grass, but did not change Texas wintergrass; (2) repeated‐summer fires reduced Texas wintergrass, but did not change C4mid‐grass; and (3) repeated‐winter fires did not change C4mid‐grass or Texas wintergrass compared with the unburned control. All maintenance fires stimulated Texas wintergrass biomass and cover, thus eliminating the reduction of Texas wintergrass caused by repeated‐summer transition fires. There were no long‐term effects of transition fires on soil C, N, δ13C, or δ15N. Results advance our understanding of the expectations and limitations of prescribed fire in shifting a woodland alternate state toward what was historically a fire supported C4grassland/savanna.
Comparing edge and fragmentation effects within seagrass communities: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yarnall Amy H. , Byers James E. , Yeager Lauren A. , Fodrie F. Joel
Published: December 2021

Examining community responses to habitat configuration across scales informs basic and applied models of ecosystem function. Responses to patch‐scale edge effects (i.e., ecological differences between patch edges and interiors) are hypothesized to underpin the effects of landscape‐scale fragmentation (i.e., mosaics of multipatch habitat and matrix). Conceptually, this appears justifiable because fragmented habitats typically have a greater proportion of edge than continuous habitats. To critically inspect whether patch‐scale edge effects translate consistently (i.e., scale up) into patterns observed in fragmented landscapes, we conducted a meta‐analysis on community relationships in seagrass ecosystems to synthesize evidence of edge and fragmentation effects on shoot density, faunal densities, and predation rates. We determined effect sizes by calculating log response ratios for responses within patch edges versus interiors to quantify edge effects, and fragmented versus continuous landscapes to quantify fragmentation effects. We found that both edge and fragmentation effects reduced seagrass shoot densities, although the effect of edge was statistically stronger. By contrast, fauna often exhibited higher densities in patch edges, while fragmentation responses varied directionally across taxa. Fish densities trended higher in patch edges and fragmented landscapes. Benthic fishes responded more positively than benthopelagic fishes to edge effects, although neither guild strongly responded to fragmentation. Invertebrate densities increased in patch edges and trended lower in fragmented landscapes; however, these were small effect sizes due to the offsetting responses of two dominant epifaunal guilds: decapods and smaller crustaceans. Edge and fragmentation affected predation similarly, with prey survival trending lower in patch edges and fragmented landscapes. Overall, several similarities suggested that edge effects conform with patterns of community dynamics in fragmented seagrass. However, across all metrics except fish densities, variability in fragmentation effects was twice that of edge effects. Variance patterns combined with generally stronger responses to edge than fragmentation, warrant caution in unilaterally “scaling‐up” edge effects to describe fragmentation effects. Alternatively, fragmentation includes additional factors (e.g., matrix effects, patch number, mean patch size, isolation) that may enhance or offset edge effects. Fragmentation and increased edge are syndromes of habitat degradation, therefore this analysis informs mechanistic models of community change in altered terrestrial and marine systems.
Mono‐ and Bis‐Alkynyl Iron Complexes Supported by a “Softened” Tetraaza Macrocycle
Authors: Clendening Reese A. , Ren Tong
Published: December 2021

A pair of novel Fe‐alkynyl complexes, [FeIII(HMTI)(C2SiEt3)2]ClO4(2) and [FeII(HMTI)(C2SiEt3)(NCCH3)]ClO4(3), is described herein. Reaction of Fe(meso‐HMC)Cl(ClO4)]ClO4(1) with lithiated triethylsilylacetylene and subsequent exposure to oxygen yielded the bis‐alkynyl2containing the dehydrogenated tetraimine macrocycle (HMTI). Reduction of2by mossy zinc in acetonitrile yielded the mono‐alkynyl3. The structures of2and3were determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Analysis of visible absorption and electrochemical data establishes the redox‐active nature of the HMTI macrocycle, and indicates significant interactions between the Fedπ and tetraimine π* orbitals. These deductions are further supported by density functional theory calculations.
Convergent and Practical Synthesis of Fluorescent Triphenylamine Derivatives and Their Localization in Living Cells
Authors: Mougeot Romain , Oger Samuel , Auvray Marie , Gallavardin Thibault , Leleu Stéphane , Mahuteau‐Betzer Florence , Franck Xavier
Published: December 2021

In the search for new fluorescent triphenylamine (TP) derivatives, we studied the influence of the position and substitution of diverse heterocyclic substituents. A library of 10 fluorescent triphenylamines bearing either oxazoles or thiazoles and pyridiniums, substituted at different positions has been developed. The approach is based on a convergent C−H activation reaction between pyridine‐oxazoles or pyridine‐thiazoles and di‐iodo triphenylamine. We showed that the nature and substitution pattern of the 5‐membered‐ (oxazole, thiazole) or 6‐membered heterocycle (pyridine) has a strong influence on their fluorescence properties and on their localization in living cells as they stain either the nucleus or mitochondria.
Acceleration of antibacterial activity of curcumin loaded biopolymers against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Synthesis, optimization, and evaluation
Authors: Anbari Hamoun , Maghsoudi Amir , Hosseinpour Mohammadreza , Yazdian Fatemeh
Published: December 2021

Curcumin is a polyphenolic molecule with antibacterial, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to prepare nanocurcumin by encapsulating in biopolymers to improve its stability, bioavailability, water‐solubility, antibacterial efficiency against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Three effective variables of curcumin concentration, polymer concentration, and water volume on curcumin‐loaded polymer nanoparticles, were optimized. The average size of polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyethyleneimine (PEI) nanoparticles were obtained 75.2, 77.1, 86.4 nm, respectively. The nanoparticles had a spherical shape, a smooth and uniform surface morphology. The MIC of PAA, PVA, and PEI nanoparticles was 0.480, 0.390, and 0.340 mg/mL, respectively and the MIC of PAA, PVA, and PEI combined with methicillin was 0.330, 0.260, and 0.200 mg/mL, respectively. According to the results, curcumin‐loaded PEI nanoparticles had the highest inhibitory effect against methicillin‐resistant S. aureus among the synthesized nanoparticles. The results showed that solvent volume, polymer concentration and curcumin concentration had a significant effect on particle size. The inhibitory properties of curcumin nanoparticles significantly increased due to the smaller particle size and increased penetration into the bacterium. Curcumin‐loaded nanoparticles can be promising drug carriers for the treatment of infections, cancer, and other diseases.
Modelling alpine glacier geometry and subglacial erosion patterns in response to contrasting climatic forcing
Authors: Magrani Fabio , Valla Pierre G. , Egholm David
Published: December 2021

Climate exerts a primary control on glacier mass balance, driving changes in ice flux, which affects basal sliding and subglacial erosion. Although past glacier reconstructions have been widely used as paleo‐climate proxies, extracting quantitative temperature/precipitation data from paleo‐glaciers is still challenging. The iSOSIA ice model was used over a synthetic landscape to quantitatively investigate the non‐linear dependence of glacier geometry and ice dynamics on climate forcing, as well as to analyse how spatial patterns of subglacial erosion and erosion rates vary between the accumulation and ablation zones for different climatic settings. We performed 10 calibrated climatic scenarios with different combinations of temperature and precipitation rate in two separate sets of simulations [maintaining either same equilibrium line altitude (ELA) or same ice extent; SA and ST, respectively]. Our results reinforce the role of climate and the importance of ice flux in conditioning glacier geometry. In SA simulations, contrasting climatic scenarios showed a major influence on glacier length and thickness. In ST simulations, calibrated ELAs presented a variability of over 300 m in order to maintain similar ice extent, but showed reduced changes in glacier thickness. These results highlight the importance of ice flux to predict glacier geometry, when compared to the overall mass balance from an ELA estimate. Subglacial abrasion and quarrying showed notable differences between the accumulation and ablation zones for varying climatic forcing, with multimodal erosion distributions for increased precipitation/temperature, shifting erosion towards higher‐elevation tributaries and connecting erosion patches in the ablation zone. Such trends highlight the role of subglacial hydrology and ice‐bed contact (cavitation) in dictating patterns of subglacial erosion, while the depth of erosion relates closely to ice flux and climate inputs. Our results have potential implications for paleo‐climate reconstructions based on glacier geometry and provide insights on how subglacial erosion can help estimate paleo‐climatic conditions from paleo‐glacial records.
Detection of multimycotoxins in camel feed and milk samples and their comparison with the levels in cow milk
Authors: Zeidan Randa , Ul Hassan Zahoor , Al‐Naimi Noor , Al‐Thani Roda , Jaoua Samir
Published: December 2021

Camel milk has been considered as an important source of nutrients and is commercialized in many countries of the world including the Middle East. This study aimed to investigate the presence of mycotoxins in camel feed and milk samples in comparison with the cow milk. Fumonisins (FUM), ochratoxin A (OTA), and zearalenone (ZEN) were detected in 14%, 39%, and 39% of the tested camel feed samples, respectively. Among the tested camel feed samples, 8.3% and 5.6% were co‐contaminated with OTA+FUM and FUM+ZEN, respectively. In the case of milk samples, 46.15% of camel and 63.63% of cow were found contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). In total, 16.2% and 8.1% of the milk samples were simultaneously contaminated with two and three mycotoxins, respectively. Although the levels of individual mycotoxins in the camel feed and milk samples were within the European Union (EU) permissible limits, their co‐occurrence may pose severe risk to human and animal health due to possible additive and/or synergistic toxicities.
A numerical study to investigate the effect of turbulators on thermal flow and heat performance of a 3D pipe
Authors: Alhamid Jassim , Al‐Obaidi Ahmed Ramadhan , Towsyfyan H.
Published: December 2021

To reduce the heat exchanger's costs in a highly competitive industry, thermal performance enhancement of the heat exchangers has successfully gained attention in the last few decades. Among different engineering approaches, the application of the enhanced pipes provides a key solution to improve heat performance. In this paper, the investigation develops a numerical study based on the commercially available computational fluid dynamics codes on the turbulent flow in three‐dimensional tubular pipes. Various concavity (dimple) diameters with corrugation and twisted tape configurations are investigated. The study has shown that perforated geometrical parameters lead to a high fluid mixing and flow perturbation between the pipe core region and the walls, hence better thermal efficiency. Moreover, a model of concavity (dimple) with a 4 mm diameter allows the highest heat transfer enhancement among other designs. In addition, the study shows that due to the disturbance between the pipe core region and the pipe wall, the transverse vortices and swirl flow generated are forceful, which leads to better heat transfer enhancement compared with the conventional (smooth) pipes. As the Reynolds number (Re) rises, the mixing flow, secondary, and separation flow extend to become higher than the values in a smooth pipe, allowing a higher value of performance evaluation factor to be achieved for a dimple diameter of 1mm at the low Re values. This study, therefore, shows the promising potential of the enhanced pipes in the heat transfer enhancement of heat exchangers that is crucial in industrial applications to save more energy.
Toward the thermohydrodynamic behavior of a nanofluid containing C‐MWCNTs flowing through a 3D annulus channel under constant imposed heat flux
Authors: Benkhedda Mohammed , Tayebi Tahar , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: December 2021

The heat transport and friction factor in a three‐dimensional horizontal concentric annular duct filled with nanofluids comprising clove‐treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes are investigated numerically in this paper. The cylinder's outer surface is thermally insulated, while uniform heat flux is imposed on the cylinder's inner surface. The problem is formulated in dimensionless cylindrical coordinates. The numerical solutions were obtained based on the finite volume technique with second‐order precision, and cover a range of the Reynolds number 1000 ≤ Re ≤ 2000 and nanoparticle weight fractions 0.075, 0.125, and 0.175 wt%. To describe the results for both heat exchange and fluid flow performance, the temperature profile, Nusselt number, heat transfer coefficient, and friction factor are represented. The findings state that heat transport increases as Reynolds is increased and nanoparticles are introduced. The friction factor was also observed to improve as the concentration of nanoparticles increased. In addition, two new Nusselt number and friction factor correlations were established.
Procedures for determining and then modifying the extinction component of multiple schedules for destructive behavior
Authors: Miller Scott A. , Fisher Wayne W. , Greer Brian D. , Saini Valdeep , Keevy Madeleine D.
Published: December 2021

As a component of reinforcer schedule thinning following functional communication training, multiple schedules of reinforcement produce desirable rates and patterns of communication responses as an alternative response to destructive behavior. However, reinforcement schedule thinning is a gradual process that can take many sessions to obtain therapeutic goals. The desired outcome is that manding occurs only during signaled intervals of reinforcement with a sufficiently lean terminal schedule of reinforcement availability and low rates of destructive behavior. The purposes of this study were to (a) evaluate an assessment for informing the initial duration of extinction for alternative responding, (b) evaluate the utility of competing stimuli during extinction for alternative responding, and (c) assess a method for fading the availability of competing stimuli. With these procedures, all 4 participants experienced terminal schedules of reinforcement with rapid, robust reductions in destructive behavior soon after baseline. We discuss the implications and directions for future research.
Novel Pathogenetic Variants in PTHLH and TRPS1 Genes Causing Syndromic Brachydactyly
Authors: Elli Francesca Marta , Mattinzoli Deborah , Lucca Camilla , Piu Matteo , Maffini Maria A. , Costanza Jole , Fontana Laura , Santaniello Carlo , Forino Concetta , Milani Donatella , Bonati Maria Teresa , Secco Andrea , Gastaldi Roberto , Alfieri Carlo , Messa Piergiorgio , Miozzo Monica , Arosio Maura , Mantovani Giovanna
Published: December 2021

Skeletal disorders, including both isolated and syndromic brachydactyly type E, derive from genetic defects affecting the fine tuning of the network of pathways involved in skeletogenesis and growth-plate development. Alterations of different genes of this network may result in overlapping phenotypes, as exemplified by disorders due to the impairment of the parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related protein pathway, and obtaining a correct diagnosis is sometimes challenging without a genetic confirmation. Five patients with Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO)-like skeletal malformations without a clear clinical diagnosis were analyzed by whole-exome sequencing (WES) and novel potentially pathogenic variants in parathyroid hormone like hormone (PTHLH) (BDE with short stature [BDE2]) and TRPS1 (tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome [TRPS]) were discovered. The pathogenic impact of these variants was confirmed by in vitro functional studies. This study expands the spectrum of genetic defects associated with BDE2 and TRPS and demonstrates the pathogenicity of TRPS1 missense variants located outside both the nuclear localization signal and the GATA ((A/T)GATA(A/G)-binding zinc-containing domain) and Ikaros-like binding domains. Unfortunately, we could not find distinctive phenotypic features that might have led to an earlier clinical diagnosis, further highlighting the high degree of overlap among skeletal syndromes associated with brachydactyly and AHO-like features, and the need for a close interdisciplinary workout in these rare patients. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The prominence of potential biomarkers in the diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma: Current scenario and future anticipation
Authors: Mir Ishfaq Hassan , Jyothi K. C. , Thirunavukkarasu Chinnasamy
Published: December 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive and truculent types of cancer. Early detection of HCC is a massive concern that can boost the overall survival rates of HCC patients. As a result, there is a continual quest for advancements in screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies to enhance the prognosis at its early stages. However, the confluence of inflammation and cirrhosis hampers the early detection of HCC. The analysis of different types of biomarkers such as tissue biomarkers, serum biomarkers, protein biomarkers, autoantibody markers, and improved imaging techniques has played a vital role in ameliorating HCC monitoring responses. Therefore biomarkers that can identify HCC early with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity might be prodigiously serviceable in the diagnosis and treatment of this notorious disorder. This study offers an overview of the contemporary understanding of several types of biomarkers implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis and their applications in monitoring, diagnosis, and prognosis presage. In additament, we address the role of image techniques associated with HCC diagnosis.
Novel involvement of PLD–PKCδ–CREB axis in regulating FGF‐2‐mediated pentraxin 3 production in human nasal fibroblast cells
Authors: Tsai Yih‐Jeng , Ma Ming‐Chieh , Wu Pi‐Hui , Wu Wen‐Bin
Published: December 2021

A higher expression level of mitogenic fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) has been reported in human nasal mucus of both chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Meanwhile, we have shown that long pentraxin 3 (PTX3), an essential component of humoral innate immunity that is produced at sites of infection and inflammation, was overproduced in human nasal mucosae and secretions of CRSsNP. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate how FGF‐2 regulates PTX3 expression in human CRSsNP nasal mucosa‐derived fibroblast cells (hNMDFs). The FGF‐2 treatment caused ptx3 mRNA expression and PTX3 protein induction and secretion. In parallel, a differential expression of FGF receptor (FGFR)−1 to FGFR‐4 was observed in hNMDFs and human nasal tissues. While conventionally known PI3K/Akt/mTOR and AP‐1 pathways following FGFR activation were shown to be involved, the protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) and cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) were also found to be as critical signaling molecules in FGF‐2‐induced PTX3 induction. The PKCδ and CREB activation could be detected in total cells and in the cell nucleus. Accordingly, a novel CREB binding sequence was detected in the human ptx3 promoter region and could interact with activated CREB in cells challenged with FGF‐2. Surprisingly, the phospholipase D (PLD), but not phosphoinositide‐ and phosphatidylcholine‐phospholipase C, was necessarily required for PKCδ and CREB activation. Therefore, we demonstrated here for the first time that FGF‐2 mediates PTX3 production not only through PI‐3K/Akt/mTOR and AP‐1 activation, but also through a novel FGFR–PLD–PKCδ–CREB cellular signaling pathway.
Quantification of extreme thermal gradients during in situ transmission electron microscope heating experiments
Authors: Vijayan Sriram , Wang Rongxuan , Kong Zhenyu , Jinschek Joerg R.
Published: December 2021

Studies on materials affected by large thermal gradients and rapid thermal cycling are an area of increasing interest, driving the need for real time observations of microstructural evoultion under transient thermal conditions. However, current in situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) heating stages introduce uniform temperature distributions across the material during heating experiments. Here, a methodology is described to generate thermal gradients across a TEM specimen by modifying a commercially available MEMS‐based heating stage. It was found that a specimen placed next to the metallic heater, over a window, cut by FIB milling, does not disrupt the overall thermal stability of the device. Infrared thermal imaging (IRTI) experiments were performed on unmodified and modified heating devices, to measure thermal gradients across the device. The mean temperature measured within the central viewing area of the unmodified device was 3–5% lower than the setpoint temperature. Using IRTI data, at setpoint temperatures ranging from 900 to 1,300°C, thermal gradients at the edge of the modified window were calculated to be in the range of 0.6 × 106 to 7.0 × 106°C/m. Additionally, the Ag nanocube sublimation approach was used, to measure the local temperature across a FIB‐cut Si lamella at high spatial resolution inside the TEM, and demonstrate “proof of concept” of the modified MEMS device. The thermal gradient across the Si lamella, measured using the latter approach was found to be 6.3 × 106°C/m, at a setpoint temperature of 1,000°C. Finally, the applicability of this approach and choice of experimental parameters are critically discussed.
Impact of qualitative endoscopic ultrasonography on fatty pancreas at a referral medical center
Authors: Kawamura Atsushi , Takakura Kazuki , Torisu Yuichi , Kinoshita Yuji , Tomita Yoichi , Nakano Masanori , Yamauchi Takashi , Suka Machi , Sumiyama Kazuki , Koido Shigeo , Saruta Masayuki
Published: December 2021

Background

Taking advantage of the current advances in diagnostic imaging modalities, including endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and due to the increased attention to ectopic fat accumulation in the pancreas following the rising trend of metabolic syndrome, we qualitatively assessed the clinical implication of pancreatic steatosis by EUS in this study.

Methods

The study included 243 patients that were divided into four groups. The correlation between the average echogenicity of the pancreas and that of the control organs and the key clinical data of all study patients were collectively analyzed. The cut‐off point of the pancreas‐control (PC) ratio in EUS and liver‐control (LC) ratio on abdominal ultrasound were determined from the population distribution and the obtained median values.

Results

With the cut‐off point of 1.30 for the PC ratio and 1.20 for the LC ratio, sex, the Brinkman index, habitual alcohol drinkers, and fatty pancreas were significant factors. The associations between each relevant factor in fatty pancreas, metabolic syndrome in the fatty liver group, and age in the pancreatic cancer group were all significant in the analysis. In addition, we investigated whether the PC ratio differed according to age and staging in pancreatic cancer patients. Interestingly, the PC ratio was lower in the advanced stage group than in the early‐stage group.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that, irrespective of the degree, ectopic fat infiltration in the pancreas could be a specific clinical phenotype of serious pancreatic diseases, including pancreatic cancer, especially in high‐risk patients.
Validation of population‐level HIV‐1 incidence estimation by cross‐sectional incidence assays in the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial
Authors: Klock Ethan , Wilson Ethan , Fernandez Reinaldo E. , Piwowar‐Manning Estelle , Moore Ayana , Kosloff Barry , Bwalya Justin , Bell‐Mandla Nomtha , James Anelet , Ayles Helen , Bock Peter , Donnell Deborah , Fidler Sarah , Hayes Richard , Eshleman Susan H. , Laeyendecker Oliver ,   the HPTN071 (PopART) study team
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Cross‐sectional incidence testing is used to estimate population‐level HIV incidence and measure the impact of prevention interventions. There are limited data evaluating the accuracy of estimates in settings where antiretroviral therapy coverage and levels of viral suppression are high. Understanding cross‐sectional incidence estimates in these settings is important as viral suppression can lead to false recent test results. We compared the accuracy of multi‐assay algorithms (MAA) for incidence estimation to that observed in the community‐randomized HPTN 071 (PopART) trial, where the majority of participants with HIV infection were virally suppressed.

Methods

HIV incidence was assessed during the second year of the study, and included only individuals who were tested for HIV at visits 1 and 2 years after the start of the study (2016–2017). Incidence estimates from three MAAs were compared to the observed incidence between years 1 and 2 (MAA‐C: LAg‐Avidity <2.8 ODn + BioRad Avidity Index <95% + VL >400 copies/ml; LAg+VL MAA: LAg‐Avidity <1.5 ODn + VL >1000 copies/ml; Rapid+VL MAA: Asanté recent rapid result + VL >1000 copies/ml). The mean duration of recent infection (MDRI) used for the three MAAs was 248, 130 and 180 days, respectively.

Results and discussion

The study consisted of: 15,845 HIV‐negative individuals; 4406 HIV positive at both visits; and 221 who seroconverted between visits. Viral load (VL) data were available for all HIV‐positive participants at the 2‐year visit. Sixty four (29%) of the seroconverters and 3227 (72%) prevelant positive participants were virally supressed (<400 copies/ml). Observed HIV incidence was 1.34% (95% CI: 1.17–1.53). Estimates of incidence were similar to observed incidence for MAA‐C, 1.26% (95% CI: 1.02–1.51) and the LAg+VL MAA, 1.29 (95% CI: 0.97–1.62). Incidence estimated by the Rapid+VL MAA was significantly lower than observed incidence (0.92%, 95% CI: 0.69–1.15, p<0.01).

Conclusions

MAA‐C and the LAg+VL MAA provided accurate point estimates of incidence in this cohort with high levels of viral suppression. The Rapid+VL significantly underestimated incidence, suggesting that the MDRI recommended by the manufacturer is too long or the assay is not accurately detecting enough recent infections.
Broad‐spectrum prodrugs with anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 activities: Strategies, benefits, and challenges
Authors: Wang Zhonglei , Yang Liyan
Published: December 2021

In this era, broad‐spectrum prodrugs with anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) activities are gaining considerable attention owing to their potential clinical benefits and role in combating the fast‐spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. The last 2 years have seen a surge of reports on various broad‐spectrum prodrugs against SARS‐CoV‐2, and in in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical practice. Currently, only remdesivir (with many controversies and limitations) has been approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and additional potent anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 drugs are urgently required to enrich the defense arsenals. The world has ubiquitously grappled with the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the availability of broad‐spectrum prodrugs provides great hope for us to subdue this global threat. This article reviews promising treatment strategies, antiviral mechanisms, potential benefits, and daunting clinical challenges of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 agents to provide some important guidance for future clinical treatment.
Enteral nutrition in septic shock: A pathophysiologic conundrum
Authors: Patel Jayshil J. , Shukla Anuj , Heyland Daren K.
Published: December 2021

Septic shock is a public health burden and defined as a subset of sepsis whereby abnormalities in microcirculatory and cellular metabolism manifest as acute circulatory failure. At the level of the gut, septic shock impairs epithelial barrier function (EBF), and the gut initiates proinflammatory responses contributing to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The timing and dose of enteral nutrition (EN) in septic shock remains a conundrum. On the one hand, early EN preserves EBF. On the other hand, serious gastrointestinal complications such as bowel necrosis may limit EN initiation in septic shock. We (1) describe the pathophysiologic conundrum septic shock poses for EN initiation, (2) outline guideline‐based recommendations for EN in septic shock, (3) identify the role of parenteral nutrition in septic shock, and (4) identify and appraise postguideline literature on the timing, dose, and titration of EN in septic shock.