bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ergonomic demands and fetal loss in women in welding and electrical trades: A Canadian cohort study
Authors: Cherry Nicola , Beach Jeremy , Galarneau Jean‐Michel
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To determine the relationship between ergonomic demands of the job at conception and fetal loss (miscarriage or stillbirth).

Methods

Women with a welding or electrical trade apprenticeship were identified across Canada for the Women's Health in Apprenticeship Trades–Metal and Electrical study. They completed a reproductive and employment history at recruitment and every 6 months for up to 5 years to provide details on pregnancies and work demands. Job at conception was identified and fetal loss examined in relation to ergonomic exposures/demands, allowing for potential confounders.

Results

A total of 885 women were recruited; 447 in welding and 438 in electrical trades. Of these, 574 reported at least one pregnancy. Analysis of 756 pregnancies since the woman started in her trade suggested no increased risk of fetal loss in those choosing welding rather than electrical work. Among 506 pregnancies conceived during a period working in a trade, 148 (29.2%) ended in fetal loss: 31.2% (73/234) in welding, and 27.6% (75/272) in electrical work. Detailed exposure information was available for 59% (299/506) of these pregnancies. In welders, the risk of fetal loss was increased with whole‐body vibration (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39–3.31) and hand‐arm vibration for > 1 hour/day (PR = 2.15; 95% CI 1.33–3.49). In electrical workers risk increased with more than 8 days working without a rest day (PR = 2.29; 95% CI 1.25–4.17). Local exhaust ventilation reduced risk in welders.

Conclusions

There was no significant increase in fetal loss in welding trades compared to electrical work. Vibration, largely from grinding, and extended work rotations appear to be potentially modifiable factors of some importance.
Creating communities of care: Sex estimation and mobility histories of adolescents buried in the cemetery of St. Mary Magdalen leprosarium (Winchester, England)
Authors: Filipek Kori Lea , Roberts Charlotte A. , Montgomery Janet , Gowland Rebecca L. , Moore Joanna , Tucker Katie , Evans Jane A.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

This study examines the biological sex and geographical origins of adolescents buried at the St Mary Magdalen leprosarium (Winchester, UK). The data are combined with archaeological and palaeopathological evidence to broaden the understanding of mobility and its relationship to leprosy and leprosaria in Medieval England.

Materials and Methods

Nineteen individuals (~10–25 at death) with skeletal lesions diagnostic of leprosy were analyzed using standard osteological methods. Amelogenin peptides were extracted from five individuals whose biological sex could not be assessed from macroscopic methods. Enamel samples were analyzed to produce87Sr/86Sr and δ18O values to explore mobility histories.

Results

Amelogenin peptides revealed three males and two females. Tooth enamel samples provided an87Sr/86Sr ratio range from 0.7084 to 0.7103 (mean 0.7090, ±0.0012, 2σ). δ18OPvalues show a wide range of 15.6‰–19.3‰ (mean 17.8 ± 1.6‰ 2σ), with corresponding δ18ODWvalues ranging from −9.7‰ to −4.1‰ (mean −6.3 ± 2.4‰ 2σ).

Discussion

Amelogenin peptide data reveal the presence of adolescent females with bone changes of leprosy, making them the youngest confirmed females with leprosy in the archaeological record. Results also show at least 12 adolescents were local, and seven were from further afield, including outside Britain. Since St. Mary Magdalen was a leprosarium, it is possible that these people traveled there specifically for care. Archaeological and palaeopathological data support the notion that care was provided at this facility and that leprosy stigma, as we understand it today, may not have existed in this time and place.
Distinct Roles of Rodent Thalamus and Corpus Callosum in Seizure Generalization
Authors: Brodovskaya Anastasia , Batabyal Tamal , Shiono Shinnosuke , Sun Huayu , Kapur Jaideep
Published: February 2022

Objective

Bilateral synchronous cortical activity occurs during sleep, attention, and seizures. Canonical models place the thalamus at the center of bilateral cortical synchronization because it generates bilateral sleep spindle oscillations and primarily generalized absence seizures. However, classical studies suggest that the corpus callosum mediates bilateral cortical synchronization.

Methods

We mapped the spread of right frontal lobe‐onset, focal to bilateral seizures in mice and modified it using chemo and optogenetic suppression of motor thalamic nucleus and corpus callosotomy.

Results

Seizures from the right cortex spread faster to the left cortex than to the left thalamus. The 2 thalami have minimal monosynaptic commissural connections compared to the massive commissure corpus callosum. Chemogenetic and closed‐loop optogenetic inhibition of the right ventrolateral thalamic nucleus did not alter inter‐hemispheric seizure spread. However, anterior callosotomy delayed bilateral seizure oscillations.

Interpretation

Thalamocortical oscillations amplify focal onset motor seizures, and corpus callosum spreads them bilaterally. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:682–696
Unprecedented Mushroom Polyketide Synthases Produce the Universal Anthraquinone Precursor
Authors: Löhr Nikolai A. , Eisen Frederic , Thiele Wiebke , Platz Lukas , Motter Jonas , Hüttel Wolfgang , Gressler Markus , Müller Michael , Hoffmeister Dirk
Published: February 2022

(Pre‐)anthraquinones are widely distributed natural compounds and occur in plants, fungi, microorganisms, and animals, with atrochrysone (1) as the key biosynthetic precursor. Chemical analyses established mushrooms of the genus Cortinarius—the webcaps—as producers of atrochrysone‐derived octaketide pigments. However, more recent genomic data did not provide any evidence for known atrochrysone carboxylic acid (4) synthases nor any other polyketide synthase (PKS) producing oligocyclic metabolites. Here, we describe an unprecedented class of non‐reducing (NR‐)PKS. In vitro assays with recombinant enzyme in combination with in vivo product formation in the heterologous host Aspergillus niger established CoPKS1 and CoPKS4 of C. odorifer as members of a new class of atrochrysone carboxylic acid synthases. CoPKS4 catalyzed both hepta‐ and octaketide synthesis and yielded 6‐hydroxymusizin (6), along with 4. These first mushroom PKSs for oligocyclic products illustrate how the biosynthesis of bioactive natural metabolites evolved independently in various groups of life.
Building a Beyond Concentrated Electrolyte for High‐Voltage Anode‐Free Rechargeable Sodium Batteries
Authors: Lu Ziyang , Yang Huijun , Yang Quan‐Hong , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: February 2022

Low‐cost and scalable sodium ion (Na‐ion) batteries serve as an ideal alternative to the current lithium‐ion batteries. To compensate for the shortage of energy density, the most accessible solution is developing a high‐voltage anode‐free configuration comprising a lightweight Al current collector on the anode and a high‐voltage sodiumized cathode. However, it imposes stringent Na reversibility and high‐voltage stability requirements on the electrolyte. A 3A zeolite molecular sieve film is rationally designed, and a highly aggregated solvation structure is constructed through the size effect. It suppresses the trace but continuous oxidative decomposition and extends the oxidative stability to 4.5 V without sacrificing the Na reversibility of the anode (99.91 %). Thus, we can make anode‐free cells with high energy density of 369 and 372 W h kg−1 for 4.0 and 4.25 V class cells, respectively. Furthermore, this strategy enables a long lifespan (250 cycles) for 4.0 V‐class anode‐free cells.
Bioinspired Total Synthesis of Erectones A and B, and the Revised Structure of Hyperelodione D
Authors: Franov Liam J. , Hart Jacob D. , Pullella Glenn A. , Sumby Christopher J. , George Jonathan H.
Published: February 2022

The field of biomimetic synthesis seeks to apply biosynthetic hypotheses to the efficient construction of complex natural products. This approach can also guide the revision of incorrectly assigned structures. Herein, we describe the evolution of a concise total synthesis and structural reassignment of hyperelodione D, a tetracyclic meroterpenoid derived from a Hypericum plant, alongside some biogenetically related natural products, erectones A and B. The key step in the synthesis of hyperelodione D forms six stereocentres and three rings in a bioinspired cascade reaction that features an intermolecular Diels–Alder reaction, an intramolecular Prins reaction and a terminating cycloetherification.
Functionalization and Hydrogenation of Carbon Chains Derived from CO**
Authors: Batuecas Maria , Kong Richard Y. , White Andrew J. P. , Crimmin Mark R.
Published: February 2022

Selective reactions that combine H2, CO and organic electrophiles (aldehyde, ketones, isocyanide) to form hydrogenated C3 and C4 carbon chains are reported. These reactions proceed by CO homologation mediated by [W(CO)6] and an aluminum(I) reductant, followed by functionalization and hydrogenation of the chain ends. A combination of kinetics (rates, KIEs) and DFT calculations has been used to gain insight into a key step which involves hydrogenation of a metallocarbene intermediate. These findings expand the extremely small scope of systems that combine H2 and CO to make well‐defined products with complete control over chain length and functionality.
Is a ‘Both/and' Approach to Integration Possible? A Practice Reflection on Working with Children in Out‐of‐Home Care and Their Caregivers
Authors: Reid Katherine
Published: February 2022

The prevalence and complexity of children's mental health concerns is increasing for children living in out‐of‐home‐care settings in Australia and in other Western countries. Therapists face an amplified challenge of finding innovative ways of working with children and their caregivers, often drawing upon multiple therapeutic approaches to respond to such complexity. This article discusses some tensions of integration in practice. A case example is offered to demonstrate a way of enacting integration with Deanne, a six‐year girl, and her foster family. These practice reflections illustrate a certain way of doing a ‘both‐and’ approach to integration, drawing on narrative therapy and attachment therapeutic lenses. The reflections on practice reveal how a nuanced and reflexive approach to integration is needed to ensure theoretical congruence, to avoid contradictory therapeutic stances of ‘knowing' and ‘not‐knowing.'
Hydrostatic pressure dependence in tensile and compressive behavior of an acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer
Authors: Verbeeten Wilco M. H. , Sánchez‐Soto Miguel , Maspoch Maria Lluisa
Published: February 2022

The strain‐rate dependence of a commercial grade ABS copolymer has been analyzed in both compression and tension. By measuring in two loading geometries, the hydrostatic pressure‐dependence on the material's deformation behavior can be established. An alternative method to determine pressure‐dependence, based on the difference in strain‐rate dependence for various loading geometries, has been presented. It was shown to be an effective technique, both for thermorheologically simple materials such as ABS, as well as thermorheologically complex materials, for example, PMMA. A yield criterion, based on an Eyring‐type pressure‐modified rate equation, has been compared to finite element simulations using the Eindhoven Glassy Polymer (EGP) constitutive model. Although both methods give quantitatively similar results for the yield stress prediction, only the fully 3D EGP model is able to represent the large‐strain deformation behavior.
Modular Approach to Benzofurans, 2H‐Chromenes and Benzoxepines via Claisen Rearrangement and Ring‐Closing Metathesis: Access to Phenylpropanoids
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Solanke Balaji U.
Published: February 2022

Benzofurans, 2H‐chromenes and benzoxepines are key structural elements present in several natural products and pharmaceuticals. Here, we describe an easy‐to‐execute strategy for the synthesis of benzofurans, 2H‐chromenes and benzoxepines, by employing Claisen rearrangement and ring‐closing metathesis as key steps. A variety of phenols were converted into useful oxacycles in good to excellent yields. The ring‐closing metathesis approach has been used to produce phenylpropanoid natural products. Examples described here include, the naturally occurring benzofurans such as 7‐methoxywutaifuranal, 7‐methoxywutaifuranol, 7‐methoxywutaifuranate and the O‐prenylated natural products like boropinic acid, boropinols A and C.
Recent developments of lipase immobilization technology and application of immobilized lipase mixtures for biodiesel production
Authors: Abdulmalek Saadiah A. , Yan Yunjun
Published: February 2022

Lipases are considered the most widely used industrial biocatalysts, and play a significant role in diverse industrial and biotechnological applications such as in biodiesel. Biodiesel is a renewable and ecologically friendly biofuel, and has received significantly increased attention in recent years. The reaction media of biodiesel synthesis via the transesterification process of fats and oils could be considered cascade reactions. The use of a mixture of immobilized lipases as biocatalysts in biodiesel reactions has received much consideration since it is a ‘greener technique’ and has several advantages over free lipases. The selection of appropriate carrier materials and immobilization techniques fundamentally affects the immobilized lipases’ catalytic performance for biodiesel production. Hence, this review discusses the recent developments for carrier materials and techniques for lipase immobilization as well as the current status of immobilized lipases mixtures and their application for biodiesel synthesis. The initial part of this review presents a brief introduction of lipases and their application for biodiesel preparation. New carrier materials and different basic and recent lipase immobilization techniques are also evaluated. Most significantly, studies carried out on mixtures of immobilized lipase‐catalyzed biodiesel for the last 15 years (2006–2021) are summarized. The economic and environmental evaluation of enzymatic biodiesel production is also presented. In the future, the application of mixed and co‐immobilized lipases may be enlarged to other enzymes and processes. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Zinc and gut microbiota in health and gastrointestinal disease under the COVID‐19 suggestion
Authors: Scarpellini Emidio , Balsiger Lukas M. , Maurizi Valentina , Rinninella Emanuele , Gasbarrini Antonio , Giostra Nena , Santori Pierangelo , Abenavoli Ludovico , Rasetti Carlo
Published: February 2022

Microelements represent an emerging resource for medicine and its preventive branch. Zinc is the second most abundant element in our organism with peculiar physiologic functions and pathophysiologic implications in systemic and gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It interacts very often with gut microbiota (GM) and can affect natural course of GI diseases through a bidirectional relationship with intestinal bugs. We aimed to review literature data regarding zinc chemistry, role in health, and GI diseases in man with a special focus on its interaction with GM. We conducted a search on the main medical databases for original articles, reviews, meta‐analyses, randomized clinical trials and case series using the following keywords and acronyms and their associations: zinc, microelements, gut microbiota, gut health, and COVID‐19. Zinc has a rapid and simple metabolism and limited storage within our body. Its efficacy on immune system modulation reflects on improved response to pathogens, reduced inflammatory response, and improved atopic/allergic reactions. Zinc is also involved in cell cycle regulation (namely, apoptosis) with potential anti‐cancerogenic effects. All these effects are in a “symbiotic” relationship with GM. Finally, zinc shows preliminary viral antireplicative effects. Zinc seems to gain more and more evidences on its efficacy in allergic, atopic and infectious diseases treatment, and prevention. COVID‐19 can be the booster for research on future applications of zinc as perfect “postbiotic” in medicine.
Teaching the chemical elements in biochemistry: Elemental biology and metallomics
Authors: Maret Wolfgang , Blower Philip
Published: February 2022

Biochemistry primarily focuses on the non‐metal chemical elements carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus in the four groups of building blocks (sugars, lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides) and the corresponding macromolecules. However, at least 10 essential chemical elements of life are metals. This article discusses the consequences of such a bias, presents current knowledge that over 20 chemical elements are required for life, and makes a case for—and suggests benefits of—teachingelemental biologyalongside molecular biology and biochemistry, and inorganic chemistry in addition to organic chemistry. A relatively new interdisciplinary field, metallomics, has the potential to be a platform for integration when added to glycomics, lipidomics, proteomics, and genomics. It would fill a major gap in contemporary education, be relevant for many areas of science, and facilitate the teaching of important principles of chemistry in the biological sciences, thus helping students to gain a broader understanding of life processes from the molecular to the systemic biology level.
Chemical Constituents of the Roots of Schisandra chinensis
Authors: Peng Zi Qi , Liu Yan , Wang Si Yi , Jiang Yi Kai , Li Xiao Mao , Rong Xiao Hui , Sun Ye , Pan Juan , Guan Wei , Algradi Adnan Mohammed , Kuang Hai Xue , Yang Bing You
Published: February 2022

One new phenylpropanoid schineolignin D (1), one new sesquiterpene (−)‐(7S,10S)‐3,11,12,13‐tetrahydroxycalamenene (2), one new quinic acid 4‐(E)‐O‐coumaroylquinic acid ethyl ester (3), and seven known compounds 4–10 were separated from the roots of Schisandra chinensis. The chemical structures of all compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopic experiments. All compounds were assessed for their neuroprotective effects on PC12 cell lines induced by H2O2. Compounds 1, 3–4, and 7 showed statistically significant neuroprotective activities with the negative control group at 12.5 μM.
Fermentative Production of Halogenated Tryptophan Derivatives with Corynebacterium glutamicum Overexpressing Tryptophanase or Decarboxylase Genes
Authors: Kerbs Anastasia , Burgardt Arthur , Veldmann Kareen H. , Schäffer Thomas , Lee Jin‐Ho , Wendisch Volker F.
Published: February 2022

The aromatic amino acid l‐tryptophan serves as a precursor for many valuable compounds such as neuromodulators, indoleamines and indole alkaloids. In this work, tryptophan biosynthesis was extended by halogenation followed by decarboxylation to the respective tryptamines or cleavage to the respective indoles. Either the tryptophanase genes tnaAs from E. coli and Proteus vulgaris or the aromatic amino acid decarboxylase genes AADCs from Bacillus atrophaeus, Clostridium sporogenes, and Ruminococcus gnavus were expressed in Corynebacterium glutamicum strains producing (halogenated) tryptophan. Regarding indoles, final titers of 16 mg L−1 7‐Cl‐indole and 23 mg L−1 7‐Br‐indole were attained. Tryptamine production led to a much higher titer of 2.26 g L−1 upon expression of AADC from B. atrophaeus. AADC enzymes were shown to be active with halogenated tryptophan in vitro and in vivo and supported production of 0.36 g L−1 7‐Br‐tryptamine with a volumetric productivity of 8.3 mg L−1 h−1 in a fed‐batch fermentation.
Metal‐Organic‐Framework as Novel Electrode Materials for Hybrid Battery‐Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Zahir Iqbal Muhammad , Amjad Nayyab , Waqas Khan Muhammad
Published: February 2022

The novel class of porous materials, metal‐organic‐framework (MOF) emerges as an efficient electrode material for energy storage applications. MOFs affirms to be effective materials for the fabrication of electrodes with unique structural diversity owing to its porosity, high surface area, and strong pore dimension control. MOF based electrodes for supercapattery are widely explored and are destined to be adapted by electrochemical energy storage devices (EEDs). Therefore, a comprehensive overview of MOFs is an utmost requirement to influence advanced research in materials for energy storage. In this regard, MOFs with dual metal (binary metal oxide), composites derived from carbon/metal oxide or graphene, and hybrid structures are promising candidates for energy storage applications and therefore discussed in this review. Numerous techniques for the synthesis of MOFs composites as well as enhancement in MOFs functionality and its utilization for energy storage devices are discussed. Later we state various MOF properties for energy storage applications. Furthermore, various electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charge‐discharge (GCD) for various MOFs are reviewed.
TiO2 bunchy hierarchical structure with effective enhancement in sodium storage behaviors
Authors: Liu Shen , Niu Kai , Chen Shuailin , Sun Xin , Liu Lehao , Jiang Bing , Chu Lihua , Lv Xiaojun , Li Meicheng
Published: February 2022

Bronze phase TiO2 [TiO2(B)] has great research potential for sodium storage since it has a higher theoretical capacity and ion mobility compared with other phases of TiO2. In this case, preparing porous TiO2(B) nanosheets, which can provide abundant sodium insertion channels, is the most effective way to improve transport kinetics. Here, we use the strong one‐dimensional TiO2 nanowires as the matrix for stringing these nanosheets together through a simple solvothermal method to build a bunchy hierarchical structure [TiO2(B)‐BH], which has fast pseudocapacitance behavior, high structural stability, and effective ion/electron transport. With the superiorities of this structure design, TiO2(B)‐BH has a higher capacity (131 vs. 70 mAh g−1 [TiO2‐NWs] at 0.5 C). And it is worth mentioning that the reversible capacity of up to 500 cycles can still be maintained at 85 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 10 C. Meanwhile, we also further analyzed the sodium storage mechanism through the ex‐situ X‐ray powder diffraction test, which proved the high structural stability of TiO2(B)‐BH in the process of sodiumization/de‐sodiumization. This strategy of uniformly integrating nanosheets into a matrix can also be extended to preparing electrode material structures of other energy devices.
Dye Sensitization Offers a Brighter Afterglow Nanoparticle Future for in vivo Recharged Luminescent Imaging
Authors: Zhou Juanjuan , Huang Kai , Lin Shaochen , Zhang Nan , Wang Xin , Li Yang , Li Zhanjun , Han Gang
Published: February 2022

While concerns about improving recharged afterglow intensity in vivo still motivate further exploration, afterglow nanoparticles (AGNP) offer unique optical merit for autofluorescence‐free biological imaging. Apart from efforts enhancing the afterglow emission properties of AGNP, improving afterglow excitation response to visible or near infrared light is important but has lacked success. Dye sensitization has been used to improve the optical response of photovoltaic nanomaterials and to enhance upconversion luminescence efficiency. This concept has recently been expanded and applied to AGNPs. As a new multifunctional nanoprobe, such dye‐sensitized AGNP takes advantage of both high spatial resolution fluorescence imaging and sensitive afterglow imaging. This Concept introduces the background, the concept, mechanism, and related imaging application, as well as reviewing existing challenges and proposing future developmental directions for the dye‐sensitized AGNPs.
Copper‐Catalyzed Regioselective [3+3] Annulations of Alkynyl Ketimines with α‐Cyano Ketones: the Synthesis of Polysubstituted 4H‐Pyran Derivatives with a CF3‐Containing Quaternary Center
Authors: Sheng Cheng , Ling Zheng , Ahmad Tanveer , Xie Fang , Zhang Wanbin
Published: February 2022

Regioselective [3+3] annulation of alkynyl ketimines with α‐cyano ketones for the synthesis of polysubstituted 4H‐pyran derivatives with a quaternary CF3‐containing center has been realized by using Cu(OAc)2 as the catalyst. The novel strategy tolerates a wide range of α‐CF3 alkynyl ketimines and α‐cyano ketones with both aryl and alkyl substitutents. A preliminary asymmetric synthesis of chiral product 3 has been attempted by using copper and chiral thiourea as the cocatalyst with excellent yields (86‐99 %) and good enantioselectivities (71–78 % ee). Furthermore, product 3 aa could be obtained on a gram‐scale reaction with 75 % yield and 99 % ee after recrystallization. Several products were also transformed readily. Control experiments indicate that the reaction involves a process with a base‐catalyzed or chiral thiourea‐catalyzed Mannich‐type reaction followed by a highly regioselective copper‐catalyzed ring‐closing reaction on the alkynyl moiety in a 6‐endo‐dig fashion.
The Effect of Vanadium Doping on Carbon Behavior in Tungsten: A First‐Principle Study
Authors: Chen Xi , Wang Xianqu , Zhang Xin , Xu Yuhong , Lei Guangjiu , Cui Zilin , Li Heng , Zhu Yiqin , Hu Jun , Geng Shaofei , Liu Qijun , Ni Yuxiang , Liu Haifeng , Huang Jie , Liu Hai , Cheng Jun , Tang Changjian
Published: February 2022

Using density functional theory based on first‐principles and selecting structure to replace alloy, the electronic properties and mechanical properties of and are investigated in this paper. These properties are compared to investigate the effect of radiation of carbon (C) impurity on lattice when alloy is applied as plasma facing materials in a nuclear fusion device. It is found that carbon impurity can greatly improve the ductility of tungsten (W) metal and tungsten vanadium (WV) alloy in the lattice. For further research, solution energy of one C atom at different positions in lattice is also calculated in this paper. It is found that in the lattice, the C atom is more energetically favorable sitting at the octahedral interstitial site nearest to V atom, with solution energy of 1.25 eV.
Influence of Pulsed DC Sputtering Power on the Quality and Residual Stress of AlN Films on Si (100) Substrates
Authors: Yin Haotian , Han Jun , Xing Yanhui , Deng Xuguang , Cheng Wei , Zhang Yao , Guan Baolu , Zhang Baoshun
Published: February 2022

Aluminum nitride (AlN) films are prepared on Si (100) substrates by pulsed direct current magnetron sputtering. The effect of sputtering power on the crystal quality, residual stress, surface morphology, and optical properties of AlN films is comprehensively studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscope, and ellipsometer. It is found that the AlN film quality is strongly impacted by the sputtering power. When the sputtering power increases to 3 kW, the full width at half maximum of the AlN (002) rocking curve decreases to 2.66°. And the film crystal quality does not change significantly when the sputtering power exceeds 3 kW. Fourier transform infrared spectrum analysis shows that with increasing sputtering power, the compressive stress of AlN films first increases and then decreases. The high sputtering power also results in smoother surface and better optical performance for the AlN films. This work can serve as an important reference for growing high‐quality AlN films on cost‐effective silicon (Si) substrates via sputtering, which can facilitate the development and commercialization of III‐nitride based photonics and electronics on AlN‐on‐Si substrates.
Series inductance design of dual‐active‐bridge converter: ZVS range with practical considerations
Authors: Kirsten André Luís , Fraytag Jeferson , Cúnico Lucas Mondardo , de Oliveira Theyllor Hentscke , Gabriel Carloto Filipe , Dalla Costa Marco A.
Published: February 2022

Zero‐voltage‐switching boundaries of dual‐active‐bridge (DAB) converter operating with phase‐shift modulation is largely studied in literature. However, several practical considerations are neglected to simplify the ZVS analysis. This paper proposes the full analysis of DAB converter ZVS range considering the switches capacitance, dead time, series inductance design, and input/output voltage variation. Three different designs of series inductance were developed. The prototypes were tested under different voltage conditions considering the whole power range. The experimental results show the considerable difference in ZVS region of the classical analysis and the proposed in this paper, proving the feasibility of the paper analysis.
Energy efficient approximate booth multipliers using compact error compensation circuit for mitigation of truncation error
Authors: Aizaz Zainab , Khare Kavita
Published: February 2022

Artificial neural networks and image processing are the error tolerant applications that require massive workloads to be executed within certain power limits. Energy efficient multipliers on an embedded processor are crucial for such applications. In this paper, a highly diminished yet accurate design of an approximate truncated multiplier is presented. A compact error compensation circuit is presented that aims to mitigate the truncation error. To reduce the energy consumption further, the voltage overscaling method is used. The performance of the circuit is optimized by adjusting the two approximation knobs of circuit pruning and voltage scaling. Simulation results for a truncation factor of 8 with an MRED of 0.01 demonstrate an 11.4% reduction in energy consumption compared to that of the 16‐bit radix‐4 exact multiplier. Application based evaluation is performed by using the approximate multipliers on image multiplication application and a high value of PSNR (43.17 dB) is obtained. When evaluated using a handwritten digit recognition application based on convolutional neural networks (CNN), an accuracy of 97.85% is obtained.
Case report: A case of laterally spreading duodenal cancer with slight submucosal invasion accompanied with concurrent lymph nodes metastasis
Authors: Iwata Kentaro , Kato Motohiko , Nakayama Atsushi , Kanai Takanori , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: February 2022

A 70‐year‐old female diagnosed with duodenal cancer was referred to our hospital. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed an 80 mm flat elevated lesion was located in the inner wall of the second part of the duodenum and the lesion completely involved major papilla. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed and the lesion was resected in a single piece including the part of the major papilla. The pathological examination of the resected specimen showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma limited in the mucosa in most parts of the lesion, however, cancer cells invaded into the submucosal layer with an invasion depth of 100 μm in only a small area. Lymph ductal involvement was confirmed in that area. Two months after ESD, pylorus‐preserving pancreatoduodenectomy combined with extended lymph node dissection was additionally performed. The postoperative pathological examination revealed lymph ductal involvement was observed in the regional lymph node. While the postoperative clinical course was uneventful, systematic metastasis was pointed out 5 months after surgery. The patient was died 9 months after surgery. Due to its rarity, the natural history of duodenal cancer has been still unclear. In this case, even a lesion with only a localized small area of submucosal invasion developed systemic metastasis, indicating the high malignant potential of duodenal cancer.
Developmental neural activity requires neuron–astrocyte interactions
Authors: Bajar Bryce T. , Phi Nguyen T. , Randhawa Harpreet , Akin Orkun
Published: February 2022

Developmental neural activity is a common feature of neural circuit assembly. Although glia have established roles in synapse development, the contribution of neuron–glia interactions to developmental activity remains largely unexplored. Here we show that astrocytes are necessary for developmental activity during synaptogenesis in Drosophila. Using wide‐field epifluorescence and two‐photon imaging, we show that the glia of the central nervous system participate in developmental activity with type‐specific patterns of intracellular calcium dynamics. Genetic ablation of astrocytes, but not of cortex or ensheathing glia, leads to severe attenuation of neuronal activity. Similarly, inhibition of neuronal activity results in the loss of astrocyte calcium dynamics. By altering these dynamics, we show that astrocytic calcium cycles can influence neuronal activity but are not necessary per se. Taken together, our results indicate that, in addition to their recognized role in the structural maturation of synapses, astrocytes are also necessary for the function of synapses during development.
Bis‐Anagostic Structures in N,N’‐Chelate Ligand Complexes of Palladium(II)
Authors: Sajjad M. Arif , Schwerdtfeger Peter , Cai Yichao , Waters Joyce M. , Harrison John A. , Nielson Alastair J.
Published: February 2022

Reaction of N,N’‐dibenzylidene‐2,2‐dimethylpropylenediamine with Pd(OAc)2produces essentially one product which NMR spectroscopy indicates has abis‐anagostic structure. A density functional theory (DFT) calculation shows that in the square planar structure, both aromatic rings lie above the coordination plane with close approaches of twoortho‐C−H bond hydrogens to both the Pd centre and the two acetato ligand coordinating oxygen atoms. N,N’‐dibenzylideneethylenediamine reacts with Pd(OAc)2similarly where abis‐anagostic structure is indicated by NMR spectroscopy and a DFT calculation shows an energy preference for an above plane positioning of the two aromatic rings. N,N,N’,N’‐tetrabenzylethylenediamine reacts with Pd(OAc)2to give a structure which X‐ray crystallography shows two benzyl phenyl groups lie above and below the coordination plane respectively.
Bilateral Aromatic Extension of Corannulene Nucleus
Authors: Halilovic Dzeneta , Csókás Dániel , Webster Richard D. , Stuparu Mihaiela C.
Published: February 2022

Herein we show that a dibromo imide derivative of corannulene could be subjected to a palladium‐catalyzed Heck reaction in order to install aryl vinylene groups in a bilateral fashion on the C5‐symmetric aromatic nucleus. A photochemically‐induced oxidative cyclization then affords π‐extended structures in isolated overall yields of 35–44 %. Due to the aromatic area extension and the presence of electron withdrawing groups, the synthesized molecules exhibit an anodic shift of ≈1 V in their first reduction potential as compared to pristine corannulene. The bilateral growth of the aromatic scaffold, therefore, represents a viable strategy to prepare π‐extended corannulenes with an electron deficient character.
Quadruple Functionalization of a Tetraphenylethylene Aromatic Scaffold with Ynamides or Tetracyanobutadienes: Synthesis and Optical Properties
Authors: Philippe Clotilde , Coste Maëva , Bretonnière Yann , Lemiègre Loïc , Ulrich Sébastien , Trolez Yann
Published: February 2022

Ynamides are useful and versatile building blocks in organic synthesis, from which 1,1,4,4‐tetracyanobutadienes (TCBD) can be prepared for application in molecular electronics. However, their insertion onto multi‐functional molecular scaffold remains a synthetic challenge. In this work, we report the two‐steps synthesis in good isolated yield (64 % overall, 89 % stepwise) of a tetraphenylethylene (TPE) bearing four ynamides, and its further one‐step conversion into the tetra‐TCBD derivative through a [2+2] cycloaddition‐retroelectrocyclization sequence. The concomitant formation of the four ynamides required a specific optimisation of the reaction conditions. Although a poor fluorescent emitter in solution, the tetra‐TCBD compound displayed near‐infrared luminescence in the solid state, which is an attractive optoelectronic feature when considering future applications in molecular electronic devices.
Fruit quality prediction based on soil mineral element content in peach orchard
Authors: Sun Hailong , Huang Xiao , Chen Tao , Zhou Pengyu , Huang Xuexi , Jin Weixin , Liu Dan , Zhang Hongtu , Zhou Jianguo , Wang Zhongjun , Hayat Faisal , Gao Zhihong
Published: February 2022

Mineral nutrition of orchard soil is critical for the growth of fruit trees and improvement of fruit quality. In the present study, the effects of soil mineral nutrients on peach fruit quality were studied by using artificial neural network model. The results showed that the four established ANN models had the highest prediction accuracy (R2 = .9735, .9607, .9036, and .9440, respectively). The results of prediction model sensitivity analysis showed that available B, Ca, N, and K in the soil had the greatest influence on the single fruit weight, available Fe, K, B, and Ca in the soil had the greatest effect on fruit soluble solid content, available Ca, N, B, and K in the soil had the greatest influence on the fruit titratable acid content, and available Ca, Fe, N, and Mn in the soil had the greatest effect on fruit edible rate. The response surface methodology analysis determined the optimal range of these mineral elements, which is critical for guiding precision fertilization in peach orchards and improving peach fruit quality.
Prognostic significance of wait time for radical radiotherapy in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Yu‐Ting , Chen Kai‐Hua , Yang Jie , Liang Zhong‐Guo , Qu Song , Li Ling , Zhu Xiao‐Dong
Published: February 2022

Background

The prognostic significance of wait time between definite diagnosis and initial radical radiotherapy is not well established in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA‐NPC) receiving both induction chemotherapy (IC) and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods

From 2010 to 2018, 648 patients with LA‐NPC treated with IC followed by CCRT were included.

Results

A total of 172 pairs of patients with LA‐NPC were selected by propensity score matching (PSM). Compared to patients with an acceptable wait time (≤75 days), patients with a prolonged wait time (>75 days) had a significant lower 5‐year DMFS rate (86.6% vs. 74.1%, p = 0.006). Subgroup analyses indicated that the unfavorable effects of longer waiting times were mainly seen among stage IVa patients.

Conclusions

A prolonged wait time (>75 days) between definite diagnosis and initial radical radiotherapy has negative prognostic effects on patients with LA‐NPC receiving IC plus CCRT, particularly those with IVa stage.
Facial nerve perineural spread from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: A single institution analysis of epidemiology, treatment, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors
Authors: Schachtel Michael J. C. , Gandhi Mitesh , Bowman James J. , Porceddu Sandro V. , Panizza Benedict J.
Published: February 2022

Background

This study aimed to examine patients with facial nerve (VII) perineural spread (PNS) from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients managed by an Australian tertiary center between 2000 and 2019.

Results

Seventy three patients were included. Most presented with recurrent disease (89.0%) and simultaneous trigeminal nerve (V) involvement (67.1%). Of the 55 patients (75.3%) who received curative intent treatment, 48 received surgery plus/minus post‐operative radiotherapy. In these patients, 5‐year disease‐free survival, disease‐specific survival, and overall survival was 50.7%, 68.7%, and 58.1%, respectively. Pathological nodal disease, involved margins, increasing VII zonal extent, and concurrent zone 2 V PNS significantly worsened outcomes.

Conclusion

High rates of recurrent disease reflects the importance of adequate treatment of the primary. Surgery and post‐operative radiotherapy remains the mainstay treatment. Outcomes are improved in early‐stage disease and with clear surgical margins, reinforcing the need for prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Dual roles of B lymphocytes in mouse models of diet‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Karl Martin , Hasselwander Solveig , Zhou Yawen , Reifenberg Gisela , Kim Yong Ook , Park Kyoung‐Sook , Ridder Dirk A. , Wang Xiaoyu , Seidel Eric , Hövelmeyer Nadine , Straub Beate K. , Li Huige , Schuppan Detlef , Xia Ning
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

Growing evidence suggests an important role of B cells in the development of NAFLD. However, a detailed functional analysis of B cell subsets in NAFLD pathogenesis is lacking.

Approach and Results

In wild‐type mice, 21 weeks of high fat diet (HFD) feeding resulted in NAFLD with massive macrovesicular steatosis, modest hepatic and adipose tissue inflammation, insulin resistance, and incipient fibrosis. Remarkably, Bnull (JHT) mice were partially protected whereas B cell harboring but antibody‐deficient IgMi mice were completely protected from the development of hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. The common feature of JHT and IgMi mice is that they do not secrete antibodies, whereas HFD feeding in wild‐type mice led to increased levels of serum IgG2c. Whereas JHT mice have no B cells at all, regulatory B cells were found in the liver of both wild‐type and IgMi mice. HFD reduced the number of regulatory B cells and IL‐10 production in the liver of wild‐type mice, whereas these increased in IgMi mice. Livers of patients with advanced liver fibrosis showed abundant deposition of IgG and stromal B cells and low numbers of IL‐10 expressing cells, compatible with our experimental data.

Conclusions

B lymphocytes have both detrimental and protective effects in HFD‐induced NAFLD. The lack of secreted pathogenic antibodies protects partially from NAFLD, whereas the presence of certain B cell subsets provides additional protection. IL‐10–producing regulatory B cells may represent such a protective B cell subset.
SARS‐CoV2 hospital surveillance and control system with contact tracing for patients and health care workers at a large reference hospital in Spain during the first wave: An observational descriptive study
Authors: Llupià Anna , de la Torre‐Pérez Laura , Granés Laura , Olivé Victòria , Baron‐Miras Lourdes , Torà Isabel , Marin Clara , Grau Jaume , Soriano Inmaculada , Roel Elena , García‐Diez Marta , López‐Toribio María , Puig Joaquim , Guinovart Caterina , Santana Gemina , Fernández‐Torres Paula , García‐Basteiro Alberto L. , Prat Andreu , Blanco‐Rojas Beatriz Julieta , de Arquer Maria , Barroso Sonia , Tortajada Marta , Varela Pilar , Vilella Anna , Trilla Antoni
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

During the first peak of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Preventive Medicine Department and the Occupational Health Department at Hospital Clinic de Barcelona (HCB), a large Spanish referral hospital, developed an innovative comprehensive SARS‐CoV2 Surveillance and Control System (CoSy‐19) in order to preserve patients' and health care workers' (HCWs) safety. We aim to describe the CoSy‐19 and to assess the impact in the number of contacts that new cases generated along this time.

Methods

Observational descriptive study of the findings of the activity of contact tracing of all cases received at the HCB during the first peak of COVID‐19 in Spain (February 25th‐May 3rd, 2020).

Results

A team of 204 professionals and volunteers performed 384 in‐hospital contact‐tracing studies which generated contacts, detecting 298 transmission chains which suggested preventive measures, generated around 22 000 follow‐ups and more than 30 000 days of work leave. The number of contacts that new cases generated decreased during the study period.

Conclusion

Coordination between Preventive Medicine and Occupational Health departments and agile information systems were necessary to preserve non‐COVID activity and workers safety.
Integrated molecular profiling of patient‐derived ovarian cancer models identifies clinically relevant signatures and tumor vulnerabilities
Authors: Lupia Michela , Melocchi Valentina , Bizzaro Francesca , Lo Riso Pietro , Dama Elisa , Baronio Micol , Ranghiero Alberto , Barberis Massimo , Bernard Loris , Bertalot Giovanni , Giavazzi Raffaella , Testa Giuseppe , Bianchi Fabrizio , Cavallaro Ugo
Published: February 2022

High‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is a highly aggressive and intractable neoplasm, mainly because of its rapid dissemination into the abdominal cavity, a process that is favored by tumor‐associated peritoneal ascites. The precise molecular alterations involved in HGSOC onset and progression remain largely unknown due to the high biological and genetic heterogeneity of this tumor. We established a set of different tumor samples (termed the As11‐set) derived from a single HGSOC patient, consisting of peritoneal ascites, primary tumor cells, ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSC) and serially propagated tumor xenografts. The As11‐set was subjected to an integrated RNA‐seq and DNA‐seq analysis which unveiled molecular alterations that marked the different types of samples. Our profiling strategy yielded a panel of signatures relevant in HGSOC and in OCSC biology. When such signatures were used to interrogate the TCGA dataset from HGSOC patients, they exhibited prognostic and predictive power. The molecular alterations also identified potential vulnerabilities associated with OCSC, which were then tested functionally in stemness‐related assays. As a proof of concept, we defined PI3K signaling as a novel druggable target in OCSC.
Factors influencing the adoption of e‐government websites in Afghanistan from the citizens' perspective
Authors: Mohammadi Mustafa Kamel
Published: February 2022

The report by the United Nations in 2020 stated that Afghanistan was ranked 118th position in the e‐participation index which shows the low level of adoption among the Afghan citizens to online services offered by the e‐government websites in Afghanistan. As no previous research has been conducted to explore the influential factors on the adoption of e‐government websites in Afghanistan, this research fills the research gap by exploring the impact of website quality factors, trust factors, and technology adoption factors on intention to use e‐government websites from the citizens' perspective in Afghanistan. This research also investigates the impact of factors on the adoption of governmental websites at three levels (information, interaction, and transaction) of e‐government maturity. As part of the current research, the unified model of e‐government adoption (UMEGA) model was extended by integrating website quality factors and trust factors, which were extracted based on an extensive literature review. To validate the model, a survey of 294 Afghan citizens was conducted in four provinces of Afghanistan. The data were then analyzed using the partial least square‐structured equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) technique. The result revealed that websites quality, technology adoption, and trust factors have major impacts on the adoption of e‐government websites in Afghanistan, the impact of which varies depending on the level of e‐government maturity. Public administrators, officials, policymakers, website designers, and researchers have potential implications from the findings of this research regarding the adoption of governmental websites in Afghanistan.