bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Determination of Piracetam and Citicoline in Combination Drug Products by Rp-Hplc Method
Authors: Rao Meka. Srinivasa , Rambabu K.
Published: August 2021

In this paper a simple, accurate and precise RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous. Estimation of piracetam and citicoline in synthetic mixtures has been developed and validated. Separation of drugs was carried out using buffer and Acetonitryle with proportion of 60:40 %v/v as mobile phase at 5 min. run time and 265nm. The Rt value for piracetam and citicoline was found to be 3.158 and 5.196 min respectively. The developed method has been validated for linearity, accuracy and precision, LOD, LOQ, and system suitability according to ICH guidelines. The low values of LOD and LOQ illustrate that the developed method was sensitive, accurate, and precise as it can detected and quantify with very low concentration. The low % RSD values below 2 indicate that the method is precise. The above validation studies revealed the method is specific, rapid, reliable, and reproducible. The high recovery and low relative standard deviation confirm the suitability of the method for routine determination of piracetam and citicoline in combined dose products.
Comparative Study on Efficacy of Murvadya Churna with Lauha Bhasma and Navayas Churna in Pandu Roga (Iron Deficiency Anemia)
Authors: Davkare Manisha Vaman , Deshmukh Sourabh
Published: August 2021

Pandu Roga is mainly the Rasapradoshaj Vyadhi which vitiates the Pitta. Whereas Shushruta described it as Raktapradoshaj Vyadhi. In Pandu Roga due to Alpa Rakta Twaka Vivarnata (discoloration of skin) occurs.So according to name Panduta is the main feature of Pandu Roga.Due to lack of dietary intake & improper absorption of iron are the causes of Iron deficiency Anemia.

Aim: Efficacy of Murvadya Churna with Lauha Bhasma in the management of Pandu Roga (Iron Deficiency Anemia).        

 Material and Methods: Study was contained 60 patients of Pandu were divided into two groups (each group contain 30). In Group A (Experimental group)- Murvadya Churna with Lauha Bhasma 500 mg two times a day after meal with warm water for 30 days & In Group B 500 mg Navayas Lauha was administered two times a day after meal with honey. Assessment was recorded every 15th day (15th & 30th day)

Result: Subjective and Objectives outcomes were assessed; both the groups were given equal effects on both the parameters subjective & objective.

Conclusion: Murvadya churna with Lauha Bhasma was equally effective as Navayas Lauha.
A Case Report on Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Compensated Alcoholic Liver Disease with Acute Pancreatitis and Right Sided Pleural Effusion
Authors: Jawade Switi
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Ischemic heart disease is the most common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. In ischemic heart disease, the capability of the coronary heart to pump blood is reduced due to the fact that the principle pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle, is enlarged and dilated. This is due to a loss of blood supply to the heart muscles due to coronary artery disorder. This condition is sometimes referred to as dilated cardiomyopathy.

Clinical Finding: shortness of breath since 3 months, dry cough, loss of appetite, loss of weight (Weight 50 Kg), lower limb swelling, increased frequency of stools since 3 months.

Diagnostic Evaluation: chest x-ray right hydropneumothorax, ECG QS complexes in V1, V2, V3, 2 D Echo ejection fraction 15%, all chambers dilated, poor biventricular systolic function, mild mitral regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation.

USG for liver mild hepatomegaly, USG for thorax gross pleural effusion on right side,

CECT Abdomen bulky tail of pancreas, right side pleural effusion with collapse of underlying lung.

Therapeutic Intervention: Patient was treated with diuretics, alpha and beta-blocker, angiotensin receptor, Antibiotic, protein powder and supportive treatment and intercostals chest drainage was done.

Outcome: pleural tapping was done. Patient general condition was poor with breathlessness.

Conclusion: This situation indicates the subsequent mental impact at the affected person, as well as on career and family. After getting appropriate treatment patients symptoms relived and the progression of heart failure slowed down.
Transcriptional repression shapes the identity and function of tissue macrophages
Authors: Bene Krisztian , Halasz Laszlo , Nagy Laszlo
Published: August 2021

The changing extra‐ and intracellular microenvironment calls for rapid cell fate decisions that are precisely and primarily regulated at the transcriptional level. The cellular components of the immune system are excellent examples of how cells respond and adapt to different environmental stimuli. Innate immune cells such as macrophages are able to modulate their transcriptional programs and epigenetic regulatory networks through activation and repression of particular genes, allowing them to quickly respond to a rapidly changing environment. Tissue macrophages are essential components of different immune‐ and nonimmune cell‐mediated physiological mechanisms in mammals and are widely used models for investigating transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Therefore, it is critical to unravel the distinct sets of transcription activators, repressors, and coregulators that play roles in determining tissue macrophage identity and functions during homeostasis, as well as in diseases affecting large human populations, such as metabolic syndromes, immune‐deficiencies, and tumor development. In this review, we will focus on transcriptional repressors that play roles in tissue macrophage development and function under physiological conditions.
Are the estrogen receptor and SIRT3 axes of the mitochondrial UPR key regulators of breast cancer subtype determination according to age?
Authors: Jenkins Edmund Charles , Chattopadhyay Mrittika , Germain Doris
Published: August 2021

Aging is a major risk factor of developing breast cancer. Despite the fact that postmenopausal women have lower levels of estrogen, older women have a higher rate of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)‐positive breast cancer. Conversely, young women who have elevated levels of estrogen tend to develop ERα‐negative disease that is associated with higher rate of metastasis. This perspective proposes a unifying model centered around the importance of mitochondrial biology in cancer and aging to explain these observations. Mitochondria are essential for the survival of cancer cells and therefore pathways that maintain the functionality of the mitochondrial network in cancer cells fulfill a critical role in the survival of cancer cells. The ERα and the mitochondrial sirtuin‐3 (SIRT3) have been reported to be key players of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). The UPRmt is a complex retrograde signaling cascade that regulates the communication between the mitochondria and the nucleus to restore mitochondrial fitness in response to oxidative stress. SIRT3 is a major regulator of aging. Its level decreases with age and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms that preserve its expression at higher levels are observed in centenarians. We propose a model whereby the ERα axis of the UPRmt acts to compensate for the loss of SIRT3 observed with age, and becomes the dominant axis of the UPRmt to maintain the integrity of the mitochondria during transformation, thus explaining the selective advantage of ERα‐positive luminal cells in breast cancer arising from older women.
LPNN‐based approach for LASSO problem via a sequence of regularized minimizations
Authors: Zeglaoui Anis , Houmia Anouar , Mejai Maher , Aloui Radhouane
Published: August 2021

In compressive sampling theory, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) is a representative problem. Nevertheless, the non‐differentiable constraint impedes the use of Lagrange programming neural networks (LPNNs). We present in this article the‐LPNN model, a novel algorithm that tackles the LASSO minimization together with the underlying theory support. First, we design a sequence of smooth constrained optimization problems, by introducing a convenient differentiable approximation to the non‐differentiable‐norm constraint. Next, we prove that the optimal solutions of the regularized intermediate problems converge to the optimal sparse signal for the LASSO. Then, for every regularized problem from the sequence, the‐LPNN dynamic model is derived, and the asymptotic stability of its equilibrium state is established as well. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to compare the performance of the proposed‐LPNN algorithm with both the LASSO‐LPNN model and a standard digital method.
On key properties of the Lion's and Kreisselmeier's adaptation algorithms
Authors: Gerasimov Dmitry N. , Nikiforov Vladimir O.
Published: August 2021

The article revises properties of two identification/adaptation algorithms proposed by Lion and Kreisselmeier more than 40 years ago to accelerate parametric convergence under regressor persistency of excitation (PE) condition. First, motivated by the paperwe demonstrate that these algorithms can provide asymptotic (not exponential) parametric convergence under a simple condition which is weaker than the requirement of PE. Second, it is shown that for some special choice of adaptation gain the algorithms can provide finite time parametric convergence if the regressor satisfies theinterval excitation(IE) condition that is even weaker than the condition of asymptotic convergence. Third, it is shown that for some certain structural requirements these algorithms can generate the high‐order time derivatives of the adjustable parameters. This property can be used for solution of a wide range of problems of adaptive control including, in particular, model reference adaptive control and modular backstepping design with high‐order tuners.
Highly Salt‐Resistant 3D Hydrogel Evaporator for Continuous Solar Desalination via Localized Crystallization
Authors: Li Lin , He Nan , Jiang Bo , Yu Kewei , Zhang Qian , Zhang Haotian , Tang Dawei , Song Yongchen
Published: August 2021

The emerging solar desalination by interfacial evaporation shows great potential for alleviating the global freshwater crisis. However, salt deposition on the whole evaporation surface during steam generation leads to a deterioration in the evaporation rate and long‐term stability. Herein, it is demonstrated that a hydrogel‐based 3D structure can serve as an efficient and stable solar evaporator by salt localized crystallization for high‐salinity brine desalination. Under the function of micron‐grade brine transport management and edge‐preferential crystallization promoted by this novel design, this 3D hydrogel evaporator exhibits a superior salt‐resistant property without salt deposition on the photothermal surface even in 20 wt% brine for continuous 24‐h illumination. Moreover, by virtue of the synergistic effect of the promising 3D structure and excellent water transport of hydrogel, the proposed evaporator possesses an excellent evaporation performance achieving 2.07 kg m−2 h−1 on average in a high‐salinity brine (from 10 to 25 wt% NaCl) under 1 sun irradiation, among the best values reported in the literature. With stable and efficient evaporation performance out of high‐salinity brine, this design holds great potential for its applications in sustainable solar desalination.
Matrix Manipulation of Directly‐Synthesized PbS Quantum Dot Inks Enabled by Coordination Engineering
Authors: Li Fei , Liu Yang , Shi Guozheng , Chen Wei , Guo Renjun , Liu Dong , Zhang Yaohong , Wang Yongjie , Meng Xing , Zhang Xuliang , Lv You , Deng Wei , Zhang Qing , Shi Yao , Chen Yifan , Wang Kai , Shen Qing , Liu Zeke , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Ma Wanli
Published: August 2021

The direct‐synthesis of conductive PbS quantum dot (QD) ink is facile, scalable, and low‐cost, boosting the future commercialization of optoelectronics based on colloidal QDs. However, manipulating the QD matrix structures still is a challenge, which limits the corresponding QD solar cell performance. Here, for the first time a coordination‐engineering strategy to finely adjust the matrix thickness around the QDs is presented, in which halogen salts are introduced into the reaction to convert the excessive insulating lead iodide into soluble iodoplumbate species. As a result, the obtained QD film exhibits shrunk insulating shells, leading to higher charge carrier transport and superior surface passivation compared to the control devices. A significantly improved power‐conversion efficiency from 10.52% to 12.12% can be achieved after the matrix engineering. Therefore, the work shows high significance in promoting the practical application of directly synthesized PbS QD inks in large‐area low‐cost optoelectronic devices.
Droplet Energy Harvesting Is Reverse Phenomenon of Electrowetting on Dielectric
Authors: Kim Gijung , Kim Wonjune , Chun Honggu
Published: August 2021

Electric energy is generated when water droplets slide down electrodes coated with a hydrophobic dielectric layer. The principle of energy generation needs to be clarified for the optimization and scalable design of the energy‐harvesting system. In this study, it is shown that droplet energy harvesting is the reverse phenomenon of voltage‐driven droplet actuation or electrowetting‐on‐dielectric (EWOD). For this reverse EWOD, the interfacial energy difference generated between the three‐phase contact line of the advancing and receding part of the droplet is the cause of the generation of electric energy. To prove the effect of interfacial energy on energy harvesting, the wetting property of the dielectric layer is controlled by nanopatterning while maintaining the chemical properties. The width and gap of the electrodes and the droplet size determine whether the harvested voltage waveform is monophasic or biphasic. The energy conversion efficiency is determined by the wetting properties of the surface, and the maximum value is as high as 40%.
Novel cricothyrotomy assessment tool for attending physicians: A multicenter study of an error avoidance checklist
Authors: Hock Sara M. , Martin Jerome J. , Stanfield Stephen C. , Alcorn Thomas R. , Binstadt Emily S.
Published: August 2021

Background

This study used existing literature and expert feedback to develop and pilot a novel error‐avoidance checklist tool for cricothyrotomy in attending physicians. Prior literature has not focused on expert cricothyrotomy performance. While published checklists teach a specific procedural method, ideal for novice learners, this may hinder expert learners.

Objectives

We endeavored to create a succinct error‐avoidance checklist for cricothyrotomy. We hypothesized that such a checklist would prove feasible and acceptable to attending physicians.

Methods

This is a multicenter prospective checklist creation, evaluation, and feasibility study. Multiple experts pursued an iterative process to reach consensus on a 7‐item error‐avoidance checklist. The checklist was trialed for feasibility in pilot sessions at two sites by 45 attending emergency physicians who used the checklist for peer performance assessment and provided feedback.

Results

During the pilot implementation, 94% of respondents completed the procedure within the allotted 120 s. Greater than 85% of respondents agreed that four of the five procedural errors on the checklist were very or somewhat critical to avoid, including cutting >2 cm from midline, creating a false passage, failing to continuously maintain an object in the trachea, and injuring oneself during the procedure. Only 66% of participants felt severing the cricoid cartilage was critical. Successful breath administration and time under 120 s were critical for 100% and 95% of participants, respectively. The checklist was rated “easy” or “very easy” to use by 93% of participants, and 95% found this checklist reasonable for evaluating attending physicians.

Conclusions

We present the multicenter development and implementation of a novel error‐avoidance checklist tool for use in expert cricothyrotomy performance. Attending emergency medicine (EM) physicians rated our tool easy to use and agreed that most of the proposed errors were critical. Participants overwhelmingly agreed this tool would be reasonable for evaluation of cricothyrotomy performance among attending EM physicians.
Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA)‐Guided Peptide Engineering of an Aptamer Sensor for Protease‐Triggered Molecular Imaging
Authors: Xiang Zhichu , Zhao Jian , Yi Deyu , Di Zhenghan , Li Lele
Published: August 2021

Protease‐triggered control of functional DNA has remained unachieved, leaving a significant gap in activatable DNA biotechnology. Herein, we report the design of a protease‐activatable aptamer system that can perform molecular sensing and imaging in a tumor‐specific manner. The system is constructed by locking the structure‐switching activity of an aptamer using a rationally designed PNA–peptide–PNA triblock copolymer. Highly selective protease‐mediated cleavage of the peptide substrate results in reduced binding affinity of PNA to the aptamer module, with the subsequent recovery of its biosensing function. We demonstrated that the DNA/peptide/PNA hybrid system allows for tumor cell‐selective ATP imaging in vitro and also produces a fluorescent signal in vivo with improved tumor specificity. This work illustrates the potential of bridging the gap between functional DNA and peptides for precise biomedical applications.
Controlling Photoluminescence and Photocatalysis Activities in Lead‐Free Cs2PtxSn1−xCl6 Perovskites via Ion Substitution
Authors: Yin Hang , Chen Junsheng , Guan Peng , Zheng Daoyuan , Kong Qingkun , Yang Songqiu , Zhou Panwang , Yang Bin , Pullerits Tönu , Han Keli
Published: August 2021

Lead‐free halide perovskites have triggered interest in the field of optoelectronics and photocatalysis because of their low toxicity, and tunable optical and charge‐carrier properties. From an application point of view, it is desirable to develop stable multifunctional lead‐free halide perovskites. We have developed a series of Cs2PtxSn1−xCl6 perovskites (0≤x≤1) with high stability, which show switchable photoluminescence and photocatalytic functions by varying the amount of Pt4+ substitution. A Cs2PtxSn1−xCl6 solid solution with a dominant proportion of Pt4+ shows broadband photoluminescence with a lifetime on the microsecond timescale. A Cs2PtxSn1−xCl6 solid solution with a small amount of Pt4+ substitution exhibits photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity. An optical spectroscopy study reveals that the switch between photoluminescence and photocatalysis functions is controlled by sub‐band gap states. Our finding provides a new way to develop lead‐free multifunctional halide perovskites with high stability.
Direct Amidation of Esters by Ball Milling**
Authors: Nicholson William I. , Barreteau Fabien , Leitch Jamie A. , Payne Riley , Priestley Ian , Godineau Edouard , Battilocchio Claudio , Browne Duncan L.
Published: August 2021

The direct mechanochemical amidation of esters by ball milling is described. The operationally simple procedure requires an ester, an amine, and substoichiometric KOtBu and was used to prepare a large and diverse library of 78 amide structures with modest to excellent efficiency. Heteroaromatic and heterocyclic components are specifically shown to be amenable to this mechanochemical protocol. This direct synthesis platform has been applied to the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and agrochemicals as well as the gram‐scale synthesis of an active pharmaceutical, all in the absence of a reaction solvent.
A Metal–Organic Framework derived CuxOyCz Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction and Impact of Local pH Change
Authors: Sikdar Nivedita , Junqueira João R. C. , Dieckhöfer Stefan , Quast Thomas , Braun Michael , Song Yanfang , Aiyappa Harshitha B. , Seisel Sabine , Weidner Jonas , Öhl Denis , Andronescu Corina , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: August 2021

Developing highly efficient and selective electrocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction to produce value‐added chemicals has been intensively pursued. We report a series of CuxOyCz nanostructured electrocatalysts derived from a Cu‐based MOF as porous self‐sacrificial template. Blending catalysts with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) on gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) suppressed the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. 25 to 50 wt % teflonized GDEs exhibited a Faradaic efficiency of ≈54 % for C2+ products at −80 mA cm−2. The local OH− ions activity of PTFE‐modified GDEs was assessed by means of closely positioning a Pt‐nanoelectrode. A substantial increase in the OH−/H2O activity ratio due to the locally generated OH− ions at increasing current densities was determined irrespective of the PTFE amount.
Ragone Plots for Electrochemical Double‐Layer Capacitors
Authors: Vicentini Rafael , Aguiar João Pedro , Beraldo Renato , Venâncio Raissa , Rufino Fernando , Da Silva Leonardo M. , Zanin Hudson
Published: August 2021

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of advanced energy storage division of Center for Innovation on New Energies (CINE). The Front Cover illustrates how to correctly determine the Ragone plot of electrochemical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs). A rational and standard guide is presented to obtain reliable plots, which contribute to represent the true advances in the study of energy storage devices. Read the full text of the Concept at 10.1002/batt.202100093.
Caffeine can affect student‐athlete health, performance
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2021

Many student‐athletes consume caffeine in some form on a regular basis but lack an accurate understanding of how it can impact their performance and health, not to mention the regulatory factors involved. That's why Matthew S. Ganio, Ph.D., Professor and Head of the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation at the University of Arkansas, spoke about this topic at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association virtual convention. He said athletic trainers and other staff can play a key role in raising awareness among student‐athletes.
Learn how anti‐doping legislation potentially impacts college athletics administrators
Authors: Massaro Paul , Tygart Travis T. , Neal Timothy , Wright Ken
Published: August 2021

As a college athletics administrator, general counsel, or risk manager, you should be aware of certain potential acts by athletics staff or coaches that could result in not only a governing body rules violation, but could also lead to criminal charges and devastating public relations for your institution. Many believe that terrible outcomes for athletics departments can only result from NCAA violations or when athletics staff or coaches commit felonies at the state level. However, a federal law passed in 2019 that imposes severe penalties related to drug doping activity by athletics staff should catch the attention of athletics administrators, legal counsel, and risk management staff.
Consider insights into NCAA's latest NIL (in)decision
Authors: Romano Robert J.
Published: August 2021

College athletics changed substantially on July 1 when, just as various state laws were scheduled to go into effect, the NCAA implemented a series of rule changes that would, in principle, permit student‐athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness without fear of losing their scholarships or athletics eligibility. After years of resisting any form of student‐athlete compensation, the NCAA finally relented and agreed to what it's referring to as an “interim policy” that would suspend any and all NCAA NIL rules for all incoming and current student‐athletes in all sports.
Highly Active Ni Nanoparticles on N‐doped Mesoporous Carbon with Tunable Selectivity for the One‐Pot Transfer Hydroalkylation of Nitroarenes with EtOH in the Absence of H2
Authors: Tao Yuewen , Nie Yunqing , Hu Haitao , Wang Ke , Chen Yi , Nie Renfeng , Wang Jianshe , Lu Tianliang , Zhang Yongsheng , Xu Chunbao Charles
Published: August 2021

Cost‐effective and environmentally friendly conversion of nitroarenes into value‐added products is desirable but still challenging. In this work, highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles (NPs) supported on N‐doped mesoporous carbon (Ni/NC‐x) were synthesized via novel ion exchange‐pyrolysis strategy. Their catalytic performance was investigated for one‐pot transfer hydroalkylation of nitrobenzene (NB) with EtOH in absence of H2. Interestingly, the catalytic performance could be easily manipulated by tuning the morphology and electronic state of Ni NPs via varying the pyrolysis temperature. It was found that the Ni/NC‐650 achieved 100 % nitrobenzene conversion and approx. 90 % selectivity of N,N‐diethyl aniline at 240 °C for 5 h, more active than those of homogeneous catalysts or supported Ni catalysts prepared by impregnation (Ni/NC‐650‐IM, Ni/SiO2). This can be ascribed to the higher dispersion and better reducibility as well as richer surface basicity of the catalyst. More interestingly, the Ni/NC‐650 catalyst achieved complete conversion of various nitroarenes, yielding imines, secondary amines, or tertiary amines selectively by simply controlling the reaction temperature at 180, 200 and 240 °C, respectively. The one‐pot hydrogen‐free process with non‐noble metal catalysts, as demonstrated in this work, shows great promise for selective conversion of nitroarenes with ethanol to various anilines at industrial scale, from an economic, environmental, and safety viewpoint.
Octapalladium Strings Trap C60 and C70 Fullerenes Affording Metal‐Chain‐Wired Bucky Balls
Authors: Tanase Tomoaki , Nakamae Kanako , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Nakajima Takayuki
Published: August 2021

Reactions of Pd8 strings supported by meso‐Ph2PCH2P(Ph)CH2P(Ph)CH2PPh2 (meso‐dpmppm) ligands, [Pd8(meso‐dpmppm)4(L)2]4+ (L=CH3CN (1), XylNC (2)) with C60 resulted in the exclusive formation of unprecedented metal‐chain‐wired C60 bucky balls, [{Pd4(meso‐dpmppm)2(L)}2(C60)]4+ (L=CH3CN (11), XylNC (12)), in which a C60 fullerene is trapped in the central Pd–Pd junction, as unambiguously established by spectroscopic, X‐ray crystallographic, and theoretical techniques. The similar reaction of Pd8 strings supported by rac‐dpmppm, [Pd8(rac‐dpmppm)4(CH3CN)2]4+ (3) also afforded a racemic mixture of [{Pd4((R*,R*)‐dpmppm)2(CH3CN)}2(C60)]4+ (13) without scrambling the Pd4 fragments with (R,R)‐ and (S,S)‐dpmppm ligands. Consequently, those of enantiopure chiral Pd8 strings, [Pd8((R*,R*)‐dpmppm)4(CH3CN)2]4+, certainly afforded chiral bucky balls of [{Pd4((R*,R*)‐dpmppm)2(CH3CN)}2(C60)]4+ (13RR and 13SS), that exhibit mirror‐image circular dichroism spectra. The reactions of 1 and 2 were also applied for trapping a C70 fullerene to give 2 : 1 adducts of [{Pd4(meso‐dpmppm)2(L)}2(C70)]4+ (L=CH3CN (21), XylNC (22)). These results provide useful information for creating a platform to develop dimensionally and chirality controlled metal–carbon nanocomposite materials.
Breathing Effect via Solvent Inclusions on the Linker Rotational Dynamics of Functionalized MIL‐53
Authors: Tang Jing , Chu Yueying , Li Shenhui , Xu Jun , Xiong Wenpeng , Wang Qiang , Deng Feng
Published: August 2021

The breathing effects of functionalized MIL‐53‐X (X=H, CH3, NH2, OH, and NO2) induced by the inclusions of water, methanol, acetone, and N,N‐dimethylformamide solvents were comprehensively investigated by solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. 2D homo‐nuclear correlation NMR provided direct experimental evidence for the host‐guest interaction between the guest solvents and the MOF frameworks. The variations of the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts in functionalized MIL‐53 from the narrow pore phase transitions to large pore forms due to solvent inclusions were clearly identified. The influence of functionalized linkers and their host‐guest interactions with the confined solvents on the rotational dynamics of the linkers was examined by separated‐local‐field MAS NMR experiments in conjunction with DFT theoretical calculations. It is found that the linker rotational dynamics of functionalized MIL‐53 in narrow pore form is closely related to the computational rotational energy barrier. The BDC‐NO2 linker of activated MIL‐53‐NO2 undergoes relatively faster rotation, whereas the BDC‐NH2 and BDC‐OH linkers of activated MIL‐53‐NH2 and MIL‐53‐OH exhibit relatively slower rotation. The host‐guest interactions between confined solvents and MIL‐53‐NO2, MIL‐53‐CH3 would significantly induce an increase of the order parameters of unsubstituted carbon and reduce the rotational frequency of linkers. This study provides a spectroscopic approach for the investigation of linker rotation in functionalized MOFs at natural abundance with solvents inclusions.
Three‐class brain tumor classification from magnetic resonance images using separable convolution based neural network
Authors: Isunuri Bala Venkateswarlu , Kakarla Jagadeesh
Published: August 2021

Brain cancer is one of the deadliest hazards in the world and hence tumor classification became a dominant task in brain tumor diagnosis. There is a wide range of brain tumors, and each tumor exhibits distinct properties like location, shape, size, and texture. Thus, multi‐class brain magnetic resonance (MR) image classification became a trivial task. In this article, we have proposed a seven‐layer convolutional neural network to address three‐class brain MR image classification. We have employed separable convolution to optimize computation time. The proposed separable convolution based neural network model exhibits accuracy of 97.52% on a publicly available dataset consists of 3064 images. The proposed model has analyzed with the help of four key parameters. Our proposed model exhibits superior performance than existing methods in key parameters. Further, our model takes less training time due to sparse network consists of seven layers.
X‐Ray White Beam Interferences on Thin Crystals
Authors: Heckert Mirko , Enghardt Stefan , Bauch Jürgen
Published: August 2021

Results of white beam X‐ray interference measurements on almost perfect semiconductor wafers are presented. A specific measurement geometry allows for the investigation of diffraction effects on thin wafers down to at least 375 µm with a simple experimental setup (standard lab CT with microfocus X‐ray tube). Furthermore, the dynamic diffraction effect of double refraction has been studied in detail for thicker samples. This might lead to a new wafer testing method as the observed dynamic effects are very sensible on crystal quality.
OMIP 078: A 31‐parameter panel for comprehensive immunophenotyping of multiple immune cells in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Nogimori Takuto , Sugawara Yuko , Higashiguchi Masaya , Murakami Hirotomo , Akita Hirofumi , Takahama Shokichi , Tanaka Satoshi , Yamamoto Takuya
Published: August 2021

This 31‐parameter panel was developed for simultaneously measuring multiple immune cell populations including T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, monocytes, and hematopoietic progenitor cells in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This panel enables the capture of individual immune dynamics and assessments of single‐cell changes in the immune system that are associated with aging and diseases. This panel includes markers to separate the differentiation status of each cell population and might be applicable to studies of infectious and autoimmune diseases, as patient samples are usually limited in volume and require an analysis system that provides a relatively large amount of information.
Plant invasion alters latitudinal pattern of plant‐defense syndromes
Authors: Liu Mu , Pan Yuanfei , Pan Xiaoyun , Sosa Alejandro , Blumenthal Dana M. , Van Kleunen Mark , Li Bo
Published: August 2021

The relationship between herbivory and latitude may differ between native and introduced populations of invasive plants, which can generate latitudinal heterogeneity in the strength of enemy release. However, still little is known about how latitudinal heterogeneity in herbivore pressure influences latitudinal variation in defense phenotypes of invasive plants. We tested how latitudinal patterns in multi‐variate defense syndromes differed between native (Argentinian) and introduced (Chinese) populations of the invasive herb Alternanthera philoxeroides. In addition, to better understand the drivers underlying latitudinal patterns, we also tested whether associations of defense syndromes with climate and herbivory differed between native and introduced ranges. We found that native plant populations clustered into three main defense syndromes associated with latitude. In contrast, we only found two defense syndromes in the introduced range. One matched the high‐latitude syndrome from the native range, but was distributed at both the northern and southern range limits in the introduced range. The other was unique to the introduced range and occurred at mid‐latitudes. Climatic conditions were associated with variation in syndromes in the native range, and climatic conditions and herbivory were associated with variation in syndromes in the introduced range. Together, our results demonstrate that plants may under the new environmental conditions in the introduced range show latitudinal patterns of defense syndromes that are different from those in their native range. This emphasizes that geographical dependence of population differentiation should be explicitly considered in studies on the evolution of defense in invasive plants.
Prospective association of serum adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein with heart failure hospitalization in diabetes
Authors: Lee Chi Ho , Kan Andy Ka Chun , Lui David Tak Wai , Fong Carol Ho Yi , Chan Darren Shing Hei , Yuen Michele Mae Ann , Chow Wing Sun , Woo Yu Cho , Xu Aimin , Lam Karen Siu Ling
Published: August 2021

Aims

Adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein (AFABP) is associated with cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetes. Whether circulating AFABP levels are associated with the risk of heart failure (HF) in type 2 diabetes remains undefined. We investigated the prospective association of circulating AFABP levels with incident HF hospitalization in type 2 diabetes, and its relationship to the use of sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) which reduce HF risk.

Methods and results

Baseline serum AFABP level was measured in 3322 Chinese participants without known history of cardiovascular diseases or hospitalization for HF, recruited from the Hong Kong West Diabetes Registry. Its association with incident HF hospitalization was evaluated using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Use of SGLT2i was included as a time‐dependent covariate. Among these 3322 participants (52.9% men; mean age 60.0 ± 12.6), 176 (5.3%) developed HF hospitalization over a median follow‐up of 8 years. Seven hundred and thirty‐one (22%) were started on SGLT2i during the study period (empagliflozin 55.1%, dapagliflozin 44.2%, canagliflozin 0.4%, and ertugliflozin 0.3%). Serum AFABP levels were significantly higher in participants who developed HF hospitalization than those who did not (men: 14.8 vs. 8.3 ng/mL; women: 21.5 vs. 14.6 ng/mL; all: 18.6 vs. 10.9 ng/mL, P < 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, baseline serum AFABP level was significantly associated with incident HF hospitalization [hazard ratio (HR) 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.80, P = 0.019] independent of the use of SGLT2i, in a model also consisting of age; sex; body mass index; smoking status; duration of diabetes; hypertension, dyslipidaemia; atrial fibrillation; presence of chronic kidney disease and albuminuria; glycated haemoglobin and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels; and use of metformin, insulin, aspirin, furosemide, and beta‐blockers at baseline. High cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) of SGLT2i was protective of incident HF hospitalization (HR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01–0.68, P = 0.019). The addition of circulating AFABP level to a clinical model of conventional HF risk factors provided significant improvement in the category‐free net reclassification index (11.5%, 95% CI 1.6–22.1, P = 0.02) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.3%, 95% CI 0.1–1.7, P = 0.04). A dose‐dependent reduction in cumulative incidence of HF hospitalization in response to SGLT2i, based on cDDD, was more clearly observed in participants with a higher baseline AFABP level above the sex‐specific median (P for trend <0.01).

Conclusions

Circulating AFABP level is independently associated with incident HF hospitalization in type 2 diabetes and is potentially helpful in risk stratification for the prevention of HF hospitalization.
Single‐reaction multi‐antigen serological test for comprehensive evaluation of SARS‐CoV‐2 patients by flow cytometry
Authors: Cáceres‐Martell Yaiza , Fernández‐Soto Daniel , Campos‐Silva Carmen , García‐Cuesta Eva M. , Casasnovas Jose M , Navas‐Herrera David , Beneítez‐Martínez Alexandra , Martínez‐Fleta Pedro , Alfranca Arantzazu , Sánchez‐Madrid Francisco , Escudero‐López Gabriela , Vilches Carlos , Jara‐Acevedo Ricardo , Reyburn Hugh T. , Rodríguez‐Frade José M. , Valés‐Gómez Mar
Published: August 2021

Here, we describe a new, simple, highly multiplexed serological test that generates a more complete picture of seroconversion than single antigen‐based assays. Flow cytometry is used to detect multiple Ig isotypes binding to four SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens: the Spike glycoprotein, its RBD fragment (the main target for neutralizing antibodies), the nucleocapsid protein, and the main cysteine‐like protease in a single reaction. Until now, most diagnostic serological tests measured antibodies to only one antigen and in some laboratory‐confirmed patients no SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies could be detected. Our data reveal that while most patients respond against all the viral antigens tested, others show a marked bias to make antibodies against either proteins exposed on the viral particle or those released after cellular infection. With this assay, it was possible to discriminate between patients and healthy controls with 100% confidence. Analysing the response of multiple Ig isotypes to the four antigens in combination may also help to establish a correlation with the severity degree of disease. A more detailed description of the immune responses of different patients to SARS‐CoV‐2 virus might provide insight into the wide array of clinical presentations of COVID‐19.
Engineering Nanostructured Silicon and its Practical Applications in Lithium‐Ion Batteries: A Critical Review
Authors: Zhang Xuefan , Shi Hebang , Lv Pengpeng , Liu Jinyun , Zhang Huigang
Published: August 2021

Silicon is regarded as one of the most important high‐capacity materials and has been added to some commercial anodes to increase the specific energy of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the large volume change of Si during cycling leads to cracking, continuous accumulation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and electric disconnection, posing a major challenge to practical applications. In this review, the latest progress on practical Si anodes and the scalable fabrication technologies, including synthesis of nanostructured Si, Si/C, SiOx composites, and binders is proposed. At last, a perspective of future studies on nano‐Si‐based anodes is suggested and, from a practical viewpoint, the rational design of high‐capacity Si anodes for better LIBs to narrow the gap between nanostructural design and practical applications is discussed.
Tin Sulfide/Gallium Oxide Heterojunctions for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Suh Jihye , Tilley S. David
Published: August 2021

Tin (II) sulfide (SnS) is a promising semiconductor material for next‐generation solar energy conversion due to its favorable bandgap, elemental abundance, low toxicity, and low cost. A major challenge, however, lie in the low open circuit voltages that are typically obtained in SnS‐based devices. Herein, a low‐cost solution‐phase deposition technique is used to prepare SnS thin films and investigate different junction materials (Ga2O3 and In2S3) to improve the photovoltage in SnS‐based water splitting photocathodes. Molecular inks are prepared by dissolving SnS powder in solvent mixtures of ethylenediamine and 1,2‐ethanedithiol. SnS thin films are then successfully deposited by spin coating the inks onto substrates, followed by a heat treatment at 350°C in an inert atmosphere. With a photoelectrode based on a SnS/Ga2O3 heterojunction, an onset potential of +0.25 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) is achieved for photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution in pH 7 phosphate buffer, which is until now the earliest onset potential (highest photovoltage) among nontoxic replacements to CdS junctions in SnS‐based water splitting systems.
Dynamics of hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex activity during arousing reactions from sleep: An intracranial electroencephalographic study
Authors: Ruby Perrine , Eskinazi Mickael , Bouet Romain , Rheims Sylvain , Peter‐Derex Laure
Published: August 2021

Sleep is punctuated by transient elevations of vigilance level called arousals or awakenings depending on their durations. Understanding the dynamics of brain activity modifications during these transitional phases could help to better understand the changes in cognitive functions according to vigilance states. In this study, we investigated the activity of memory‐related areas (hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex) during short (3 s to 2 min) arousing reactions detected from thalamic activity, using intracranial recordings in four drug‐resistant epilepsy patients. The average power of the signal between 0.5 and 128 Hz was compared across four time windows: 10 s of preceding sleep, the first part and the end of the arousal/awakening, and 10 s of wakefulness. We observed that (a) in most frequency bands, the spectral power during hippocampal arousal/awakenings is intermediate between wakefulness and sleep whereas frontal cortex shows an early increase in low and fast activities during non‐rapid‐eye‐movement (NREM) sleep arousals/awakenings; (b) this pattern depends on the preceding sleep stage with fewer modifications for REM than for non‐REM sleep arousal/awakenings, potentially reflecting the EEG similarities between REM sleep and wakefulness; (c) a greater activation at the arousing reaction onset in the prefrontal cortex predicts longer arousals/awakenings. Our findings suggest that hippocampus and prefrontal arousals/awakenings are progressive phenomena modulated by sleep stage, and, in the neocortex, by the intensity of the early activation. This pattern of activity could underlie the link between sleep stage, arousal/awakening duration and restoration of memory abilities including dream recall.
Improving WRF‐Hydro runoff simulations of heavy floods through the sea surface temperature fields with higher spatio‐temporal resolution
Authors: Kilicarslan Berina Mina , Yucel Ismail , Pilatin Heves , Duzenli Eren , Yilmaz Mustafa Tugrul
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the impact of the spatio‐temporal accuracy of four different sea surface temperature (SST) datasets on the accuracy of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)‐Hydro system to simulate hydrological response during two catastrophic flood events over the Eastern Black Sea (EBS) and the Mediterranean (MED) regions of Turkey. Three time‐variant and high spatial resolution external SST products (GHRSST, Medspiration and NCEP‐SST) and one coarse‐resolution and time‐invariant SST product (ERA5‐ and GFS‐SST for EBS and MED regions, respectively) already embedded in the initial and the boundary conditions datasets of WRF model are used in deriving near‐surface atmospheric variables through WRF. After the proper event‐based calibration is performed to the WRF‐Hydro system using hourly and daily streamflow data in both regions, uncoupled model simulations for independent SST events are conducted to assess the impact of SST‐triggered precipitation on simulated extreme runoff. Some localized and temporal differences in the occurrence of the flood events with respect to observations depending on the SST representation are noticeable. SST products represented with higher cross‐correlations (GHRSST and Medspiration) revealed significant improvement in flood hydrographs for both regions. The GHRSST dataset shows a substantial improvement in NSE (~70%), RMSE reduction up to 20%, and an increase in correlation from 0.3 to 0.8 with respect to the invariable SST (ERA5) in simulated runoffs over the EBS region. The use of both GHRSST and Medspiration SST data characterized with high spatio‐temporal correlation resulted in runoff simulations exactly matching the observed runoff peak of 300 m3/s by reducing the overestimation seen in invariable SST (GFS) in the MED region. Improved precipitation simulation skills of the WRF model with the detailed SST representation show that the hydrographs of GHRSST and Medspiration simulations show better performance compared to the simulated hydrographs by observed precipitation.
He Tamariki Kokoti Tau: Tackling preterm incidence and outcomes of preterm births by ethnicity in Aotearoa New Zealand 2010–2014
Authors: Edmonds Liza Kathleen , Sibanda Nokuthaba , Geller Stacie , Cram Fiona , Robson Bridget , Filoche Sara , Storey Francesca , Gibson‐Helm Melanie , Lawton Beverley
Published: August 2021

Objective

To explore preterm birth among Māori indigenous peoples through Kaupapa Māori research of preterm birth in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Methods

Linked maternity, mortality, and hospital data were analyzed for women and their infants born between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014. Relative risks (RR) were calculated for each ethnic group for preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA), and mortality.

Results

Adjusted rates showed that compared with Māori women, European women were at significantly less risk of having extremely and very preterm infants (RR 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76–0.95). Preterm infants of European women had a significantly lower adjusted RR of early neonatal death (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45–0.93) or post‐neonatal death (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.26–0.64). In addition to ethnicity, preterm rates were influenced by maternal age, body mass index, smoking status, and SGA status.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the Aotearoa New Zealand maternity system privileges whiteness, suggesting that clinical pathways for evidence‐based medical care are not delivered systemically and equitably for all. Health pathways that focus on equity as a fundamental right will enhance health outcomes for Māori women and their infants.
A Complex Adaptive Systems Engineering Methodology
Authors: White Brian E. , Bouyaud Mickael
Published: August 2021

In recognizing a system's complexity reflects human complexity, this treatise suggests ways to achieve effective progress in complex systems engineering by intentionally including people as an integral system part to develop or improve. We apply essential and relevant multi‐disciplinary techniques in addition to the necessary enabling technologies. However, we focus on human aspects making or breaking the system. Although this methodology can apply to almost any endeavor, software engineering is our specific example domain area.