bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlethal presentations of CYP26B1‐related skeletal anomalies and multiple synostoses syndrome
Authors: Grand Katheryn , Skraban Cara M. , Cohen Jennifer L. , Dowsett Leah , Mazzola Sarah , Tarpinian Jennifer , Bedoukian Emma , Nesbitt Addie , Denenberg Beth , Lulis Lauren , Santani Avni , Zackai Elaine H. , Deardorff Matthew A.
Published: June 2021

Retinoic acid exposures as well as defects in the retinoic acid‐degrading enzyme CYP26B1 have teratogenic effects on both limb and craniofacial skeleton. An initial report of four individuals described a syndrome of fetal and infantile lethality with craniosynostosis and skeletal anomalies caused by homozygous pathogenic missense variants in CYP26B1. In contrast, a 22‐year‐old female was reported with a homozygous missense pathogenic variant in CYP26B1 with complex multisuture craniosynostosis and intellectual disability, suggesting that in some cases, biallelic pathogenic variants of CYP26B1 may be compatible with life. Here we describe four additional living individuals from two families with compound heterozygous pathogenic missense variants in CYP26B1. Structural assessment of these additional missense variants places them further from the catalytic site and supports a model consistent with milder nonlethal disease. In addition to previously reported findings of multisuture craniosynostosis, conductive hearing loss, joint contractures, long slender fingers, camptodactly, broad fingertips, and developmental delay/intellectual disability, skeletal imaging in our cases also revealed gracile long bones, gracile ribs, radioulnar synostosis, and carpal and/or tarsal fusions. These individuals broaden the phenotypic range of biallelic pathogenic variants in CYPB26B1 and most significantly clarify that mortality can range from perinatal lethality to survival into adulthood.
Viewing VictorMcKusick's legacy through the lens of his bibliography
Authors: Rasmussen Sonja A. , Pomputius Ariel , Amberger Joanna S. , Hamosh Ada
Published: June 2021

Victor McKusick's contributions to the field of medical genetics are legendary and include his contributions as a mentor, as creator ofMendelian Inheritance in Man(now Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man [OMIM®]), and as a leader in the field of medical genetics. McKusick's full bibliography includes 772 publications. Here we review the 453 papers authored by McKusick and indexed in PubMed, from his earliest paper published in theNew England Journal of Medicinein 1949 to his last paper published inAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics Part Ain 2008. This review of his bibliography chronicles McKusick's evolution from an internist and cardiologist with an interest in genetics to an esteemed leader in the growing field of medical genetics. Review of his bibliography also provides a historical perspective of the development of the discipline of medical genetics. This field came into its own during his lifetime, transitioning from the study of interesting cases and families used to codify basic medical genetics principles to an accredited medical specialty that is expected to transform healthcare. Along the way, he helped to unite the fields of medical and human genetics to focus on mapping the human genome, culminating in completion of the Human Genome Project. This review confirms the critical role played by Victor McKusick as the founding father of medical genetics.
DUAL‐energy computed tomography findings in a case of COVID‐19
Authors: Okano Hiromu , Furuya Ryosuke , Mishima Sena , Shimada Kosuke , Umeda Sayo , Michishita Takahiro , Minami Sakura , Suzuki Naoya , Hayakawa Sho , Otsuka Tsuyoshi , Miyazaki Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Background

COVID‐19 pneumonia has lesions with a decreased blood flow. Dual‐energy computed tomography is suitable to elucidate the pathogenesis of COVID‐19 pneumonia because it highlights the blood flow changes in organs. We report the dual‐energy computed tomography findings of a successfully treated case of COVID‐19 pneumonia.

Case Presentation

An obese 49‐year‐old man with COVID‐19 pneumonia was transferred from another hospital on day 11 after onset of illness. Although he was hypoxemic (PaO2/FiO2 = 100), tracheal intubation was not performed after anticipating difficulty in weaning from mechanical ventilation. Prone position therapy and nasal high flow therapy were administered, and the patient was discharged after his condition improved. Dual‐energy computed tomography was performed three times during hospitalization, and it revealed improvement in the blood flow defect, unlike plain computed tomography that did not show much improvement.

Conclusion

Dual‐energy computed tomography can assess perfusion in COVID‐19 pneumonia in real time and may be able to predict its severity.
Cancer Stem Cells in Tumor Modeling: Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Dogan Elvan , Kisim Asli , Bati-Ayaz Gizem , Kubicek Gregory J. , Pesen-Okvur Devrim , Miri Amir K.
Published: June 2021

Microfluidic tumors‐on‐chips models have revolutionized anticancer therapeutic research by creating an ideal microenvironment for cancer cells. The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes various cell types and cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are postulated to regulate the growth, invasion, and migratory behavior of tumor cells. In this review, the biological niches of the TME and cancer cell behavior focusing on the behavior of CSCs are summarized. Conventional cancer models such as 3D cultures and organoid models are reviewed. Opportunities for the incorporation of CSCs with tumors‐on‐chips are then discussed for creating tumor invasion models. Such models will represent a paradigm shift in the cancer community by allowing oncologists and clinicians to predict better which cancer patients will benefit from chemotherapy treatments.
Pinecone particles filled polybenzoxazine composites: Thermomechanical and mechanical properties
Authors: Nawaz Imran Rab , Wang Ting , Gorar Athar Ali Khan , Soomro Adnan Ghani , Sami Syed Kamran , Shah Ahmer Hussain , Wang Jun , Liu Wen‐Bin , Sultan Syed Haseeb , Babar Aijaz Ahmed , Dayo Abdul Qadeer
Published: June 2021

In the current study, 1 wt%, NaOH treated pine cone (ATPC) particles composites with bisphenol‐A aniline based benzoxazine (BA‐a) matrix were prepared by isothermal compression method. Ultimate impacts of ATPC reinforcement on the thermomechanical, tensile, flexural, and impact properties of the composites were studied by using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), a Universal testing machine, and a Tinius‐Olsen impact device, respectively. The thermal stability of ATPC particles was remarkably increased, TGA confirmed that particles will not be degraded during the curing. The DMA results of 30 wt% ATPC reinforced composites confirmed that the glass transition temperature, storage modulus, and loss modulus were 22°C, 2510, and 250 MPa higher than the neat matrix, respectively. In addition, the impact strength of the 30 wt% ATPC reinforced composites was nearly 3 times higher than the neat matrix, which confirmed that the matrix's brittleness is reduced, similar observation was confirmed by the Brostow and coworkers empirical model. Moreover, a gradual rise in the tensile and flexural properties was also recorded. We can easily conclude from the studied parameters that the ATPC particles can be used as a sustainable agro‐waste in polymeric composites.
Multiscale investigation on molecular structure and mechanical properties of thermal‐treated rigid polyurethane foam under high temperature
Authors: He Yannan , Qiu Dacheng , Yu Zhiqiang
Published: June 2021

In order to study the relationship between the molecular structure and mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) during the mechanical and chemical failure process, the variation of the molecular structure and mechanical properties of RPUF treated in temperature range of 323–473 K were characterized by both theoretical and experimental methods. The molecular structure stability of RPUF varied with thermal treatment temperature was characterized by density functional theory method. The mechanical properties of base material of RPUF were simulated by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Then the related parameters obtained from the MD simulation were assigned into a representative volume element model of RPUF for the finite element analysis. The results indicated that the vibrational frequencies of isocyanate groups and amino acid ester groups in RPUF molecule increased while the molecular orbital energy gap of RPUF decreased with the increase of treatment temperature. It indicated that the RPUF molecule had high chemical reactivity at high temperature. The results of the multiscale simulation of mechanical properties showed that the defects and voids in RPUF generated under high temperature would grow with the increase of thermal treatment temperature, which intensified the stress concentration in RPUF and decreased the tensile properties of RPUF.
Meso‐substituted boron‐dipyrromethene compounds: synthesis, tunable solid‐state emission, and application in blue‐driven LEDs
Authors: Liu Hao , Su Huan , Chen Zhiyuan , Zhu Senqiang , Liu Rui , Zhu Hongjun
Published: June 2021

In this work, we depict the synthesis and characterization of a series of meso‐substituted boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY) compounds. Their optical and electrochemical properties were investigated systematically. All these compounds exhibited intense absorption bands in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible regions, which arise from the π–π* transitions based on their BODIPY core segments. By comparing electron‐withdrawing substituents and electron‐donating substituents, we found that these compounds exhibited some similar photophysical properties but exhibited different fluorescence in the solid state. All compounds were highly emissive in dichloromethane at room temperature (λem = 512–523 nm, ΦPL > 0.9). When these compounds were applied in blue‐driven light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) as light‐emitting materials, the devices showed luminescence efficiency ranging from 1.09 to 34.13 lm/W. Their luminescence and electrochemical properties could be used for understanding the structure–property relationship of BODIPY compounds and developing functional fluorescent materials.
Environmental transparency and investors' risk perception: Cross‐country evidence on multinational corporations' sustainability practices and cost of equity
Authors: Yu Ellen Pei‐yi , Tanda Alessandra , Luu Bac Van , Chai Dominic H.
Published: June 2021

We explore whether a greater amount of environmental disclosure can reduce a firm's ex ante cost of equity. This could occur because the quantity of environmental information changes investors' risk perception of the company, thereby influencing its ex ante cost of equity. Our study is a cross‐country analysis of 1481 multinational corporations (MNCs) across 43 countries and territories from 2013 to 2019. Firstly, we measure investors' risk perception as a firm's ex ante cost of equity by employing five different valuation models, all based on equity analysts' forecasted data. We then investigate whether large quantities of environmental information disclosed by an MNC affect its ex ante cost of equity. We find evidence that investors price the amount of environmental disclosure. More environmental disclosure decreases a firm's ex ante cost of equity because it lessens investors' information asymmetry. However, this relationship is non‐linear. Once the amount of environmental disclosure data exceeds a certain threshold level, a firm's ex ante cost of equity will rise again. Our empirical results also suggest that non‐financial factors at the country level play a role in shaping how investors perceive a firm's riskiness. Locating the firm in a country with better environmental performance and a higher score of the human development index can reduce investors' risk perception and result in a lower ex ante cost of equity. A policy implication of our findings is that a global standardised and effective corporate sustainability reporting is needed to provide investors a more holistic view for evaluating the riskiness of their investments.
Endodontic and Periodontal Treatment of Complete Buccal Root and Apex Exposition: A Challenging Case Report With 17 Months Follow‐Up
Authors: Kahn Sérgio , Dias Alexandra Tavares , Nobre Vitor , de Oliveira Larissa Zarjitsky , Fernandes Gustavo Vicentis de Oliveira
Published: June 2021

Introduction

This case report demonstrated a challenging clinical case addressed within a multidisciplinary approach to achieve its maintenance, even though had a poor prognosis. It was associated with the endodontic treatment with mucogingival techniques, including periodontal microsurgery and connective tissue graft.

Case Presentation

A patient presented a deep gingival recession with the apex‐exposed non‐vital tooth with interproximal bone loss (RT2) and without mobility. The treatment involved an initial endodontic approach and periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing), microsurgical techniques with coronally advanced flap, root preparation with PrefGel (24% EDTA), enamel matrix derivatives (Emdogain), and connective tissue graft. As a clinical result, it was verified an increase of keratinized tissue width and gingival thickness, and root coverage (RC), reaching good esthetics and a stable result after 17 months.

Conclusion

The correct diagnosis and technique selection may affect directly the outcome, especially in challenging cases. Even though there was a poor prognosis, an adequate treatment plan, patient cooperation, and technique mastery help to achieve a high level of RC, esthetic recovering, and successful outcome.
Key Factors During the Milling Stage of the Seed‐assisted and Solvent‐free Synthesis of MFI and Catalytic Behavior in the Alkylation of Phenol with Tert‐butyl Alcohol
Authors: Tatiana García‐Sánchez Julieth , Darío Mora‐Vergara Iván , Molina‐Velasco Daniel Ricardo , Antonio Henao‐Martínez José , Gabriel Baldovino‐Medrano Víctor
Published: June 2021

The mechanochemical synthesis of zeolites reduces the generation of liquid residues and gaseous pollutants. Herein, MFI zeolites were synthesized by a seed‐assisted mechanochemical pathway. The effect of different synthesis variables, the Na2O/SiO2 and H2O/SiO2 molar ratios and the milling time and speed, and their interactions on physicochemical properties and catalytic performance on alkylation of phenol with tert‐butyl alcohol were studied. Results showed that the Na2O/SiO2 molar ratio may direct the synthesis to the preferential production of MOR instead of MFI. Also, the milling time and speed and their interaction, i. e., (milling time)×(milling speed), impacted the texture of MFI. Meanwhile, the triple interaction, (milling time)×(milling speed)×(H2O/SiO2 molar ratio), changed the concentration of Lewis acid sites. These effects were rationalized by considering that sodium can act as a structure directing agent during the mechanochemical synthesis of MFI while also promoting the incorporation of aluminum to its structure. Meanwhile, milling time and speed were non‐linearly correlated to the milling energy required for forming the aluminosilicate precursor that crystallizes during the hydrothermal stage of the process. Overall, all the mechanochemically synthesized zeolites were less crystalline than both the seed and a sol‐gel synthesized MFI. The catalytic behavior of the mechanochemical MFI was positively correlated with both the density of acid sites and with the concentration of Brønsted sites.
Five Novel Pterocarpan Derivatives from Sophora flavescens
Authors: Lu Kai‐Zhou , Feng Zi‐Ming , Yuan Xiang , Yang Ya‐Nan , Jiang Jian‐Shuang , Zhang Xu , Zhang Pei‐Cheng
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Five novel pterocarpan derivatives (1—5) and three known pterocarpans were isolated from the roots of Sophora flavescens Ait. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic data (UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS). Notably, compounds 1—5 were the first reported natural products, which possess unique pterocarpan‐glucose‐long chain aliphatic acid structures. The kinds of aliphatic acids were determined by comparison with authentic aliphatic acids using HPLC‐ELSD analysis after acid hydrolysis. The absolute configurations of 1—5 were confirmed by analysis of their ECD spectra. All compounds were evaluated against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced TNF‐α production in RAW264.7 cells, and compound 1 showed significant inhibitory activity with inhibition rate of 86.22%, IC50 = 0.79 μmol/L (dexamethasone as positive control, inhibition rate of 71.38%).
Defibrillation threshold of internal cardioversion prior to ablation predicts atrial fibrillation recurrence
Authors: Sawasaki Kohei , Inden Yasuya , Hosoya Natsuko , Muto Masahiro , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: June 2021

Background

Many studies have reported the predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after persistent AF (peAF) ablation. However, the correlation between the atrial defibrillation threshold (DFT) for internal cardioversion (IC) and AF recurrence rate is unknown. Here we investigated the relationship between the DFT prior to catheter ablation for peAF and AF recurrence.

Hypothesis

DFT prior to ablation was the predictive factor for AF recurrence after peAF ablation.

Methods

From June 2016 to May 2019, we enrolled 82 consecutive patients (mean age, 65.0 ± 12.4 years), including 45 with peAF and 37 with long‐standing peAF, at Hamamatsu Medical Center. To assess the DFT, we performed IC with gradually increasing energy prior to radiofrequency application.

Results

Forty‐nine and 33 patients showed DFT values less than or equal to 10 J (group A) and greater than 10 J or unsuccessful defibrillation (group B). During the mean follow‐up duration of 20.5 ± 13.1 months, patients in group B showed significantly higher AF recurrence rates than those in group A after the ablation procedure (p = .017). Multivariate analysis revealed that DFT was the only predictive factor for AF recurrence (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00–1.13, p = .047).

Conclusions

The DFT for IC was among the strongest prognostic factors in the peAF ablation procedure.
Loneliness and mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic in older breast cancer survivors and noncancer controls
Authors: Rentscher Kelly E. , Zhou Xingtao , Small Brent J. , Cohen Harvey J. , Dilawari Asma A. , Patel Sunita K. , Bethea Traci N. , Van Dyk Kathleen M. , Nakamura Zev M. , Ahn Jaeil , Zhai Wanting , Ahles Tim A. , Jim Heather S. L. , McDonald Brenna C. , Saykin Andrew J. , Root James C. , Graham Deena M. A. , Carroll Judith E. , Mandelblatt Jeanne S.
Published: June 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has had wide‐ranging health effects and increased isolation. Older with cancer patients might be especially vulnerable to loneliness and poor mental health during the pandemic.

Methods

The authors included active participants enrolled in the longitudinal Thinking and Living With Cancer study of nonmetastatic breast cancer survivors aged 60 to 89 years (n = 262) and matched controls (n = 165) from 5 US regions. Participants completed questionnaires at parent study enrollment and then annually, including a web‐based or telephone COVID‐19 survey, between May 27 and September 11, 2020. Mixed‐effects models were used to examine changes in loneliness (a single item on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression [CES‐D] scale) from before to during the pandemic in survivors versus controls and to test survivor‐control differences in the associations between changes in loneliness and changes in mental health, including depression (CES‐D, excluding the loneliness item), anxiety (the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory), and perceived stress (the Perceived Stress Scale). Models were adjusted for age, race, county COVID‐19 death rates, and time between assessments.

Results

Loneliness increased from before to during the pandemic (0.211; P = .001), with no survivor‐control differences. Increased loneliness was associated with worsening depression (3.958; P < .001) and anxiety (3.242; P < .001) symptoms and higher stress (1.172; P < .001) during the pandemic, also with no survivor‐control differences.

Conclusions

Cancer survivors reported changes in loneliness and mental health similar to those reported by women without cancer. However, both groups reported increased loneliness from before to during the pandemic that was related to worsening mental health, suggesting that screening for loneliness during medical care interactions will be important for identifying all older women at risk for adverse mental health effects of the pandemic.
Exploiting the CRISPR‐Cas9 gene‐editing system for human cancers and immunotherapy
Authors: Afolabi Lukman O , Afolabi Mariam O , Sani Musbahu M , Okunowo Wahab O , Yan Dehong , Chen Liang , Zhang Yaou , Wan Xiaochun
Published: June 2021

The discovery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (CRISPR‐Cas9) technology has brought advances in the genetic manipulation of eukaryotic cells, which has revolutionised cancer research and treatment options. It is increasingly being used in cancer immunotherapy, including adoptive T and natural killer (NK) cell transfer, secretion of antibodies, cytokine stimulation and overcoming immune checkpoints. CRISPR‐Cas9 technology is used in autologous T cells and NK cells to express various innovative antigen designs and combinations of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeted at specific antigens for haematological and solid tumors. Additionally, advanced engineering in immune cells to enhance their sensing circuits with sophisticated functionality is now possible. Intensive research on the CRISPR‐Cas9 system has provided scientists with the ability to overcome the hostile tumor microenvironment and generate more products for future clinical use, especially off‐the‐shelf, universal cellular products, bringing exciting milestones for immunotherapy. This review discussed the application and challenges of CRISPR technology in cancer research and immunotherapy, its advances and prospects for promoting new cell‐based therapeutic beyond immune oncology.
High sensitivity and specificity of a 5‐analyte protein and microRNA biosignature for identification of active tuberculosis
Authors: Pedersen Jessica L , Barry Simone E , Bokil Nilesh J , Ellis Magda , Yang YuRong , Guan Guangyu , Wang Xiaolin , Faiz Alen , Britton Warwick J , Saunders Bernadette M
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Non‐sputum‐based tests to accurately identify active tuberculosis (TB) disease and monitor response to therapy are urgently needed. This study examined the biomarker capacity of a panel of plasma proteins alone, and in conjunction with a previously identified miRNA signature, to identify active TB disease.

Methods

The expression of nine proteins (IP‐10, MCP‐1, sTNFR1, RANTES, VEGF, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF and Eotaxin) was measured in the plasma of 100 control subjects and 100 TB patients, at diagnosis (treatment naïve) and over the course of treatment (1‐, 2‐ and 6‐month intervals). The diagnostic performance of the nine proteins alone, and with the miRNA, was assessed.

Results

Six proteins were significantly up‐regulated in the plasma of TB patients at diagnosis compared to controls. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that IP‐10 with an AUC = 0.874, sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 87% was the best single biomarker candidate to distinguish TB patients from controls. IP‐10 and IL‐6 levels fell significantly within one month of commencing treatment and may have potential as indicators of a positive response to therapy. The combined protein and miRNA panel gave an AUC of 1.00. A smaller panel of only five analytes (IP‐10, miR‐29a, miR‐146a, miR‐99b and miR‐221) showed an AUC = 0.995, sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 97%.

Conclusions

A novel combination of miRNA and proteins significantly improves the sensitivity and specificity as a biosignature over single biomarker candidates and may be useful for the development of a non‐sputum test to aid the diagnosis of active TB disease.
SOX4‐induced upregulation of ARHGAP9 promotes the progression of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: He Xin , Zou Haizhu , Wang Fengyu
Published: June 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia. Rho GTPase activating protein 9 (ARHGAP9) has been reported to be positively correlated with overall survival of AML patients, but the specific molecular function remains unclear. This study aims to further explore the functional role and the molecular mechanism of ARHGAP9 in AML cells. The expression level of ARHGAP9 in AML cells was measured using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. Cell transfection was performed to interfere ARHGAP9. CCK‐8, flow cytometry and TUNEL assays were conducted to detect cell viability, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis, respectively. The binding relationship between SOX4 and ARHGAP9 promoter was verified using luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The results showed that ARHGAP9 was upregulated in AML cells. Interference of ARHGAP9 greatly reduced cell viability and induced cell cycle arrest in G1 phase, accompanied with the reduction of Ki67, PCNA, cyclin D1, cyclin E1, CDK4 and CDK6. In addition, Interference of ARHGAP9 greatly promoted cell apoptosis, accompanied with the decreased protein expression of Bcl‐2 and the increased protein expression of Bax, cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 9. Furthermore, SOX4 directly bound to ARHGAP9 promoter and regulated ARHGAP9 expression. In conclusion, this study suggested that ARHGAP9 interference exerted an anti‐tumor effect through inhibiting cell proliferation, blocking cell cycle progression, and promoting cell apoptosis in AML cells. ARHGAP9 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for AML.
Changes in clinical depression following Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Kheirvari Milad , Anbara Taha
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Bariatric surgery is safe and efficient surgical method for weight loss, but it is not free from complications. We aim to evaluate the prevalence of depression after Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) in a narrow period of time on Iranian ethnicity.

Methods

307 cases that underwent SG in Erfan Niayesh hospital were included. The questionnaire was based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) codes to define diagnoses. Screening follow‐up period was 20 to 24 months. The level of statistical significance was set at p < .05.

Results

Of 307 subjects, preoperative depression was 30.2% and post‐operative depression was 37.7% (p = .025). Besides, BMI, dyslipidaemia, good feelings about body size and weight loss were statistically significant at p < .05.There was an increased risk of depression following the procedure mainly in divorced cases.

Conclusion

The prevalence of clinical depression after sleeve gastrectomy was statistically significant and dependent on other variables. We provided guidance for people considering SG and their clinicians in terms of evaluating potential risks and benefits of surgery.
Body Bias Dependence of Bias Temperature Instability (BTI) in Bulk FinFET Technology
Authors: Zhang Jiayang , Wang Zirui , Wang Runsheng , Sun Zixuan , Huang Ru
Published: June 2021

In this article, the body bias dependence of the bias temperature instability (BTI) in bulk FinFETs is experimentally studied, under different test conditions for the first time. In contrast to the traditional understanding that changing body bias has little impact on BTI degradation in FinFETs due to its weak body effect, it is observed that it actually has non‐negligible impacts. And a forward body bias (FBB) can reduce the BTI degradation in FinFETs, which is opposite with the trend in planar devices. The underlying physics is found due to the trade‐off between two competing factors. The results are helpful for understanding and modeling reliability in FinFETs.
Nucleophilic Nickel and Palladium Pincer Hydroxides: A Study of Their Reactions with Dimethyl Carbonate and Other Non‐Alkylating Organic Electrophiles
Authors: Martínez‐Prieto Luis M. , del Río Diego , Álvarez Eleuterio , Palma Pilar , Cámpora Juan
Published: June 2021

The reactions of the pincer hydroxide complexes [(iPrPCP)M(OH)] (M=Ni, Pd) with dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and a set of organic electrophiles including benzaldehyde have been investigated in the context of our ongoing investigation on the synthesis of alkyl carbonates from CO2 and alcohols. The final outcome of such reactions is diverse, but for PhCHO and DMC the first step is a mechanistically similar addition of the [M]−OH linkage across the carbonyl functionality, that leads to unstable adducts. DMC is cleaved irreversibly by both Ni and Pd hydroxides, affording the corresponding methylcarbonates [(iPrPCP)MOCO2Me] and methanol, whereas PhCHO affords benzoate complexes [[(iPrPCP)MOCO2Ph]. The main kinetic and thermodynamic features of these reactions were reproduced satisfactorily by computational DFT models. The calculations throw light on the true causes of irreversibility of DMC cleavage by nucleophilic hydroxide complexes, which is the primary cause that prevents methanol carboxylation from being catalysed by the Ni or Pd pincers.
Influence of N‐Substitution in 3‐Alkyl‐3‐hydroxyisoindolin‐1‐ones on the Stereoselectivity of Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 3‐Methyleneisoindolin‐1‐ones
Authors: Topolovčan Nikola , Duplić Filip , Gredičak Matija
Published: June 2021

A comprehensive study on the influence of N‐substitution on the stereoselective outcome of the synthesis of 3‐methyleneisoindolin‐1‐ones from 3‐alkyl‐3‐hydroxyisoindolin‐1‐ones is reported. The study was performed on an array of structurally diverse 3‐alkyl‐3‐hydroxyisoindolin‐1‐ones with tunable sizes of N‐substituents. In a methanesulfonic acid‐catalyzed reaction, substrates without N‐substituent (N−H) afforded exclusively the Z‐isomer, while an increase in their size was followed by the formation of a stereoisomeric mixture with the E‐isomer as the major component.
Iodine‐Catalyzed Construction of Dihydrooxepines via 3‐Methyl‐5‐Pyrazolones C−H Oxidation/Functionalization of Quinolines Cascade
Authors: Zhang Rong , Wang Jun , Jin Weiwei , Zhang Yonghong , Wang Bin , Xia Yu , Liu Chenjiang
Published: June 2021

An efficient iodine‐catalyzed [3+3+1] annulation for the construction of dihydrooxepine scaffolds with quinoline units was developed. This strategy involves a seven‐membered dihydrooxepine with a broad substrate scope through a formal three‐component tandem reaction. Further derivation of the target product produced a trioxabicycle scaffold, which formed the basic core of natural products and pharmaceutical molecules.
Semi‐metal 1T′ phase MoS2 nanosheets for promoted electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction
Authors: Xu Xuesong , Wang Yian , Chen Xiaoyue , Qian Xiu , Liang Zhangqian , Cui Hongzhi , Tian Jian , Shao Minhua
Published: June 2021

Herein, we constructed urchin‐like TiO2 hollow nanospheres (HNSs) by hydrothermal targeted etching, and used it as a substrate to load semi‐metal 1T′‐MoS2 nanosheets as effective nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) electrocatalysts. 1T′‐MoS2/TiO2 HNSs composites display outstanding NRR activity with the highest NH3 yield of 29.62 μg h−1 mg−1cat. at −0.75 V versus RHE. Besides, the highest FE of 24.9% is obtained at −0.65 V. The remarkable NRR performance is attributed to the high conductivity of 1T′‐MoS2 and the urchin‐like structure of TiO2 hollow nanospheres. DFT calculations display that the 1T′‐MoS2 in 1T′‐MoS2/TiO2 makes the activation and further reduction of *N2 more thermodynamically favorable than pristine TiO2, contributing to better NRR catalytic activities. 15N isotopic labeling experiment reveals that N in produced NH3 comes from N2 of electrolyte.

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High‐performance LiFePO4 cathode material was prepared by multiple intensification process with acid‐washed iron red as raw material
Authors: Wang Qing , Wang Yafeng , Luo Shao‐hua , Li Pengwei , Yan Shengxue , Zhang Yahui , Liu Xin , Mu Wenning , Teng Fei , Wang Yingling , Lei Xuefei
Published: June 2021

LiFePO4 carbon coating technology has been widely used in the lithium ion industries. However, there are still many challenges such as low ionic conductivity. This paper compares the residual carbon rate and electrical conductivity of sucrose, glucose, and soluble starch, and proposes a secondary carbon coating technology. The carbon‐coated lithium iron phosphate cathode material (LiFePO4/C) overcoated with soluble starch to improve the initial carbon layer. A variety of test methods are used to analyze the LiFePO4/C cathode. The results show that under the soluble starch coating of 20 wt%, particle size and morphology do not change significantly, surface graphitization degree and electrical conductivity increase, and thus electrochemical performance is improved. At the charge and discharge rate of 0.1 C, the specific discharge capacity of the first cycle is 27.7% higher than that of the initial sample, and the cycle stability is also significantly improved. The mechanism of soluble starch coating carbon layer on LiFePO4 cathode is studied.
Testing the combined effects of probiotics and prebiotics against neurotoxic effects of propionic acid orally administered to rat pups
Authors: Al Suhaibani Anwar , Ben Bacha Abir , Alonazi Mona , Bhat Ramesa Shafi , El‐Ansary Afaf
Published: June 2021

The present study investigated the combined effects of mixed probiotic and bee pollen on brain intoxication induced by propionic acid (PPA) in rat pups. Thirty western albino rats were divided into five groups, six animals each: (1) Control group receiving phosphate‐buffered saline; (2) Probiotic and bee pollen‐treated group being administered at the same dose with 200 mg/kg body weight; (c) PPA‐treated group receiving a neurotoxic dose 250 mg/kg body weight of PPA for 3 days; (d) Therapeutic group being administered the neurotoxic dose of PPA followed by probiotic and bee pollen treatment 200 mg/kg body weight; (e) Protective group receiving probiotic and bee pollen mixture treatment followed by neurotoxic dose of PPA. Selected biochemical parameters linked to oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and neurotransmission were investigated in brain homogenates from all the five groups. PPA treatment showed an increase in oxidative stress markers like lipid peroxidation coupled with a significant decrease in glutathione level. Impaired energy metabolism was ascertained via the alteration of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. Dramatic increase of Na+ and K+ concentrations together with a decrease of GABA and IL‐6 and an elevation of glutamate levels in PPA‐treated rat's pups confirmed the neurotoxicity effect of PPA. Interestingly, the mixed probiotic and bee pollen treatment were effective in restoring the levels of glutamate, GABA, and IL‐6 in addition to normalizing the levels of lipid peroxidation and glutathione and the activities of CK and LDH. The present study indicates that mixed probiotic and bee pollen treatment can improve poor detoxification, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation as mechanisms implicated in the etiology of autism.
Respiratory‐swallow coordination in a rat model of chemoradiation
Authors: Rowe Linda M. , Connor Nadine P. , Russell John A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Chemoradiation treatment (CRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) is associated with postswallow inhale events that elevate the risk of penetration/aspiration. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of a rat model for investigating the effect of CRT on respiratory‐swallow coordination.

Methods

Videofluoroscopic swallow study was performed on 10 Sprague‐Dawley rats 3 months post‐CRT (3 mg/kg Cisplatin, 10 fractions of 4.5 Gy/day radiotherapy to tongue base), and 10 naïve controls. We examined the effect of CRT on swallow apnea duration, diaphragm movement, and bolus kinematics.

Results

CRT rats had a significant increase in postswallow inhale (p = 0.008), which was associated with significantly longer swallow apnea durations, lower diaphragm displacement at swallow onset, and faster pharyngoesophageal bolus speed.

Conclusion

The rat CRT model is valid for the study of respiratory‐swallow coordination due to the consistency of findings in this study with those reported in clinical CRT studies in HNC.
Finding invariance when noninvariance is found: An illustrative example of conducting partial measurement invariance testing with the automation of the factor‐ratio test and list‐and‐delete procedure
Authors: Hammack‐Brown Bryn , Fulmore Julia A. , Keiffer Greggory L. , Nimon Kim
Published: June 2021

Comparisons between groups are common in human resource development (HRD) studies, yet many researchers neglect a crucial prerequisite step before analyzing and interpreting what group differences might mean. In essence, how can HRD scholars be confident in knowing that mean group differences are attributable to actual differences between groups as opposed to differences in how each group interprets the constructs of interest? Measurement invariance (MI) provides insight into whether a measure or construct has the same meaning between groups or over time and is an important precursor to the evaluation of group differences. While MI testing has gained some traction within HRD studies, steps to take when partial MI testing is needed have received very little attention. The purpose of this article is to encourage HRD researchers and practitioners to embrace and utilize two techniques when partial invariance (i.e., noninvariance) occurs. There are several techniques one could use during partial MI testing; however, the two showcased herein, the factor‐ratio test and the list‐and‐delete procedure, are established, reliable, and proven within the confirmatory factor analysis framework. This article provides an illustrative example of how to use these techniques to identify invariance at the item level when noninvariance is found. Additionally, R syntax is included that allows for the automation of these techniques. The importance to theory and implications to researchers and practitioners of finding noninvariance and then testing for partial MI is also discussed.
Snow interception modelling: Isolated observations have led to many land surface models lacking appropriate temperature sensitivities
Authors: Lundquist Jessica D. , Dickerson‐Lange Susan , Gutmann Ethan , Jonas Tobias , Lumbrazo Cassie , Reynolds Dylan
Published: June 2021

When formulating a hydrologic model, scientists rely on parameterizations of multiple processes based on field data, but literature review suggests that more frequently people select parameterizations that were included in pre‐existing models rather than re‐evaluating the underlying field experiments. Problems arise when limited field data exist, when “trusted” approaches do not get reevaluated, and when sensitivities fundamentally change in different environments. The physics and dynamics of snow interception by conifers is just such a case, and it is critical to simulation of the water budget and surface albedo. The most commonly used interception parameterization is based on data from four trees from one site, but results from this field study are not directly transferable to locations with relatively warmer winters, where the dominant processes differ dramatically. Here, we combine a literature review with model experiments to demonstrate needed improvements. Our results show that the choice of model form and parameters can vary the fraction of snow lost through interception by as much as 30%. In most simulations, the warming of mean winter temperatures from −7 to 0°C reduces the modelled fraction of snow under the canopy compared to the open, but the magnitude of simulated decrease varies from about 10% to 40%. The range of results is even larger when considering models that neglect the melting of in‐canopy snow in higher‐humidity environments where canopy sublimation plays less of a role. Thus, we recommend that all models represent canopy snowmelt and include representation of increased loading due to increased adhesion and cohesion when temperatures rise from −3 to 0°C. In addition to model improvements, field experiments across climates and forest types are needed to investigate how to best model the combination of dynamically changing forest cover and snow cover to better understand and predict changes to albedo and water supplies.
Distinguishing active and legacy source contributions to stream water quality: Comparative quantification for chloride and metals
Authors: Destouni Georgia , Cantoni Jacopo , Kalantari Zahra
Published: June 2021

Hydrochemical constituents in streams may originate from currently active sources at the surface and/or legacy sources from earlier surface inputs, waste deposits and land contamination. Distinction and quantification of these source contributions are needed for improved interpretation of tracer data and effective reduction of waterborne environmental pollutants. This article develops a methodology that recognizes and quantifies some general mechanistic differences in stream concentration and load behavior versus discharge between such source contributions. The methodology is applied to comparative analysis of stream concentration data for chloride (Cl−), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), and corresponding data for water discharge, measured over the period 1990–2018 in multiple hydrological catchments (19 for Cl−, 11 for Cu and Zn, 10 for Pb) around the major Lake Mälaren in Sweden. For Cl−, the average load fraction of active sources is quantified to be 19%, and the average active and legacy concentration contributions as 2.9 and 11 mg/L, respectively. For the metals, the average active load fractions at outlets are 1%–3% over all catchments and 9%–14% in the relatively few catchments with mixed metal sources. Average active and legacy concentration contributions are 0.14 and 3.2 μg/L for Cu, 0.05 and 1.5 μg/L for Pb, and 1.4 and 12 μg/L for Zn, respectively. This multi‐catchment analysis thus indicates a widespread prevalence of legacy sources, with greater legacy than active concentration contributions for both Cl− and the metals, and active contributions playing a greater role for chloride than for the metals. The relatively simple first‐order methodology developed and applied in the study can be used to screen commonly available stream monitoring data for possible distinction of active and legacy contributions of any hydrochemical constituent in and across various hydrological catchment settings.
Timing of delivery and blood pressure cut‐off in chronic hypertension during pregnancy: State of art and new proposals
Authors: Sisti Giovanni , Schiattarella Antonio , Morlando Maddalena , Corwin Andrew
Published: June 2021

Objective

Pregnant women with chronic hypertension are recommended to deliver at 36–396/7 weeks. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association in 2017 lowered the blood pressure cut‐off for stage I hypertension to 130/80 mm Hg.

Methods

We performed a literature review on studies comparing elective induction of labor versus expectant management in pregnant women with chronic hypertension. In addition, we reviewed fetal and maternal outcomes in pregnant women with blood pressure of 120–139/80–89 or 130–139/80–89 mm Hg.

Results

We found two randomized clinical trials and one retrospective observational study comparing elective delivery of pregnant women with chronic hypertension versus expectant management. The randomized trials favored expectant management and the observational study favored induction of labor. We found 15 retrospective cohort studies analyzing maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with blood pressure cut‐off lower than 140/90 mm Hg. There was a consistent finding of increased risk of any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, and small‐for‐gestational‐age neonate.

Conclusion

Randomized clinical trials are needed to assess the appropriate timing of delivery for women with stage I hypertension with a blood pressure cut‐off of 130/80 mm Hg.
Low‐dimensional perovskite materials and their optoelectronics
Authors: Zhu Tao , Gong Xiong
Published: June 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite materials possess great potential applications for approaching efficient optoelectronics due to the unique optoelectronic properties of perovskite materials and cost‐effective manufacturing possibilities of optoelectronics. However, the scientific and technical challenges of 3D perovskite materials were their inferior long‐term stability, which hampered their practical applications. The low‐dimensional perovskite materials composed of alternating organic and inorganic layers are one of the most credible paths toward stable perovskite photovoltaics and optoelectronics. In this short review, we first present a discussion of the crystal structure and nontrivial optoelectronic properties of the low‐dimensional halide perovskites. The synthetic methods for the preparation of the low‐dimensional halide perovskites are reviewed. After that, we focus on the recent development of perovskite photovoltaics, light‐emitting diodes, and lasers by the low‐dimensional halide perovskites. Finally, we outline the challenges of the low‐dimensional halide perovskites and their applications.

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Infinite families of 2‐designs derived from affine‐invariant codes
Authors: Liu Yan , Cao Xiwang
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we first study a general type of affine‐invariant codes and their support 2‐designs. Then we derive infinite families of 2‐designs from a special class of affine‐invariant codes and obtain their parameters by determining the weight distribution of the linear codes.
A multiple case study of an interorganizational collaboration: Exploring the first year of an industry partnership focused on middle school engineering education
Authors: Gillen Andrew L. , Grohs Jacob R. , Matusovich Holly M. , Kirk Gary R.
Published: June 2021

Background

Calls to improve learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and particularly engineering, present significant challenges for school systems. Partnerships among engineering industry, universities, and school systems to support learning appear promising, but current work is limited in its conclusions because it lacks a strong connection to theoretical work in interorganizational collaboration.

Purpose/Hypothesis

This study aims to reflect more critically on the process of how organizations build relationships to address the following research question: In a public–private partnership to integrate engineering into middle school science curriculum, how do stakeholder characterizations of the collaborative process align with existing frameworks of interorganizational collaboration?

Design/Method

This qualitative, embedded multiple case study considered in‐depth pre‐ and post‐year interviews with teachers, administrators, industry, and university personnel during the first year of the Partnering with Educators and Engineers in Rural Schools (PEERS) program. Transcripts were analyzed using a framework of interorganizational collaboration operationalized for our context.

Results

Results provide insights into stakeholder perceptions of collaborative processes in the first year of the PEERS program across dimensions of collaboration. These dimensions mapped to three central discussion points with relevance for school–university–industry partnerships: school collaboration as an emergent and negotiated process, tension in collaborating across organizations, and fair share in collaborating toward a social goal.

Conclusions

Taking a macro‐level look at the collaborative processes involved enabled us to develop implications for collaborative stakeholders to be intentional about designing for future success. By systematically applying a framework of collaboration and capitalizing on the rich situational findings possible through a qualitative approach, we shift our understanding of collaborative processes in school–university–industry partnerships for engineering education and contribute to the development of collaboration theory.