bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Electrical Anisotropic Multilayered Self‐Assembled Organic Films Based on Graphene Oxide and PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Gaál Gabriel , Braunger Maria Luisa , Rodrigues Varlei , Riul Antonio , Gomes Henrique Leonel
Published: June 2021

Multilayered self‐assembled structures having different constituents are very appealing for preparing novel materials with unusual electrical phenomena not observed on the individual sheets. Here, the fabrication and characterization of aligned multilayered architectures comprised of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), embedded into polymer electrolytes, are reported. The in‐plane conductivity is five orders of magnitude higher than the cross‐plane value, resulting in the highest anisotropic ratio reported to date for multilayer materials. Temperature‐dependent measurements corroborate the high anisotropic electrical behavior, with charge transport weakly thermally activated (Ea = 33 meV) along the aligned conductive phases. Cross‐plane charge transport fits well with the variable ranging hopping model, presenting an activation energy of 1.0 eV. Such a high anisotropic electrical behavior is explored in a novel transistor architecture where the anisotropic film operates simultaneously as a dielectric layer and as a transistor channel, with the cross‐plane electric field modulating the in‐plane conduction. The device shows ambipolar charge transport; however, the n‐type carrier transport dominates the conduction with the field‐effect mobility of 4.0 cm2 V–1 s–1. A simple and efficient way is presented to use electrical anisotropy to tailor transistors without a lattice mismatch at the dielectric/semiconductor interface.
The phylogeographic history of a range disjunction in eastern North America: the role of post‐glacial expansion into newly suitable habitat
Authors: Mohn Rebekah A. , Oleas Nora H. , Smith Adam B. , Swift Joel F. , Yatskievych George A. , Edwards Christine E.
Published: June 2021

PREMISE

A disjunct distribution, where a species’ geographic range is discontinuous, can occur through vicariance or long‐distance dispersal. Approximately 75 North American plant species exhibit a ~650 km disjunction between the Ozark and Appalachian regions. This disjunction is attributed to biogeographic forces including: (1) Eocene–Oligocene vicariance by the formation of the Mississippi embayment; (2) Pleistocene vicariance from interglacial flooding; (3) post‐Pleistocene northward colonization from separate glacial refugia; (4) Hypsithermal vicariance due to climate fluctuations; and (5) recent long‐distance dispersal. We investigated which of these pathways most likely gave rise to the Appalachian‐Ozark disjunction in Delphinium exaltatum.

METHODS

We genotyped populations of D. exaltatum from five Ozark and seven Appalachian localities, analyzed genetic structure, tested the order and timing of divergences using DIYABC, and conducted niche reconstructions up to 21,000 years before present (YBP).

RESULTS

Populations fell into five main genetic clusters, i.e., a group in the central Appalachians, and four “lowland” groups. DIYABC analyses showed the central Appalachian and lowland lineages diverging 11,300 to17,000 YBP, and the lowland groups diverging 6800 to 10,900 YBP. Niche reconstructions showed that suitable climate for the central Appalachian lineage experienced large spatial discontinuity starting 14,000 YBP, such that divergence and persistence before this period is less plausible than divergence thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results did not fully support any of the original hypotheses. Rather, the oldest divergence likely occurred after 13,500 YBP through expansion into newly opened habitat in the Appalachians. The Appalachian‐Ozark disjunction likely resulted from northward dispersal of the lowland lineage as climate warmed during the Holocene.
Development of the Japanese version of the Intensive Care Unit Trigger Tool to detect adverse events in critically ill patients
Authors: Aikawa Gen , Sakuramoto Hideaki , Ouchi Akira , Ono Chiemi , Hoshino Tetsuya , Kido Takahiro , Inoue Yoshiaki , Asano Yoshihiro , Hidaka Kikue
Published: June 2021

Aim

The Intensive Care Unit Trigger Tool (ICUTT) was developed to detect adverse events (AEs) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the ICUTT (ICUTT‐J).

Methods

The translation of ICUTT was carried out based on the guideline for translation of instruments. Subsequently, two review teams independently reviewed 50 patients' medical records using the ICUTT‐J, and agreement regarding the presence and number of AEs was evaluated to ensure reliability.

Results

The ICUTT‐J was submitted to the authors of the original ICUTT, who confirmed it as being equivalent to the original version. The item‐content validity index and scale‐content validity index were 1.00 and 1.00, respectively. Interrater reliability showed moderate agreement of κ = 0.52 in terms of the presence of AEs and linear weighting of κ = 0.49 (95% confidence interval, 0.28, 0.71) in terms of the number of AEs.

Conclusion

This study's findings suggest that the ICUTT‐J is valid and moderately reliable for use in ICUs.
3D‐Positioning of Nanoparticles in High‐Curvature Block Copolymer Domains
Authors: Leffler Vanessa B. , Ehlert Sascha , Förster Beate , Dulle Martin , Förster Stephan
Published: June 2021

The defined assembly of nanoparticles in polymer matrices is an important precondition for next‐generation functional materials. Here we demonstrate that a defined three‐dimensional nanoparticle assembly within the unit cells can be realized by directly linking the nanoparticles to block copolymers. We show that for a range of nearly symmetric to unsymmetric block copolymers there are only two formed structures, a hexagonal lattice ofP6/mmm‐symmetry, where the nanoparticles are located in 1D‐arrays within the cylindrical domains, and a cubic lattice of Im3m‐symmetry, where the nanoparticles are located in the octahedral voids of a BCC‐lattice, corresponding to the structure of ferrite steel. We observe the block length ratio and thus the interfacial curvature to be the most important parameter determining the lattice type. This is rationalized in terms of minimal chain extension such that domain topologies with large positive curvature are highly preferred. Already volume fractions of only one percent are sufficient to destabilize a lamellar structure and favor the formation of highly curved interfaces. The study thus demonstrates how nanoparticles can be located on well‐defined positions in three‐dimensional unit cells of block copolymer nanocomposites. This opens the way to functional 3D‐nanocomposites where the nanoparticles need to be located on defined matrix positions.
An Adjacent Atomic Platinum Site Enables Single‐Atom Iron with High Oxygen Reduction Reaction Performance
Authors: Han Ali , Wang Xijun , Tang Kun , Zhang Zedong , Ye Chenliang , Kong Kejian , Hu Haibo , Zheng Lirong , Jiang Peng , Zhao Changxin , Zhang Qiang , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: June 2021

The modulation effect has been widely investigated to tune the electronic state of single‐atomic M‐N‐C catalysts to enhance the activity of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the in‐depth study of modulation effect is rarely reported for the isolated dual‐atomic metal sites. Now, the catalytic activities of Fe‐N4 moiety can be enhanced by the adjacent Pt‐N4 moiety through the modulation effect, in which the Pt‐N4 acts as the modulator to tune the 3d electronic orbitals of Fe‐N4 active site and optimize ORR activity. Inspired by this principle, we design and synthesize the electrocatalyst that comprises isolated Fe‐N4/Pt‐N4 moieties dispersed in the nitrogen‐doped carbon matrix (Fe‐N4/Pt‐N4@NC) and exhibits a half‐wave potential of 0.93 V vs. RHE and negligible activity degradation (ΔE1/2=8 mV) after 10000 cycles in 0.1 M KOH. We also demonstrate that the modulation effect is not effective for optimizing the ORR performances of Co‐N4/Pt‐N4 and Mn‐N4/Pt‐N4 systems.
Benzo‐fused Tri[8]annulenes as Molecular Models of Cubic Graphite
Authors: Ejlli Barbara , Nußbaum Pascal , Rominger Frank , Freudenberg Jan , Bunz Uwe H. F. , Müllen Klaus
Published: June 2021

Cyclotrimerization of 9,10‐dibromo‐9,10‐dihydrodibenzo[3,4:7,8]cycloocta[1,2‐l]phenanthrene with potassium tert‐butoxide in the presence of a transition‐metal catalyst afforded two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon stereoisomers consisting of three cyclooctatetraene (COT) moieties connected via a central benzene ring. Both isomeric tri[8]annulenes were obtained selectively through the choice of the catalyst: The α,α,α‐form (Ru catalyst) displayed a threefold symmetrywith the COT subunits forming the side walls of a (chiral) molecular cup. In the thermodynamically more stable α,α,β‐isomer (Pd catalyst), one of the three boat‐shaped COTs was flipped over and faced the opposite molecular hemisphere with respect to the central benzene ring as evidenced by crystal structure analysis. Both title compounds are small segments of “cubic graphite”, an elusive carbon allotrope.
Cycloisomerization of Carbamoyl Chlorides in Hexafluoroisopropanol: Stereoselective Synthesis of Chlorinated Methylene Oxindoles and Quinolinones
Authors: Rodríguez José F. , Zhang Anji , Bajohr Jonathan , Whyte Andrew , Mirabi Bijan , Lautens Mark
Published: June 2021

Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) was employed as an additive for the generation of 3‐(chloromethylene)oxindoles via the chloroacylation of alkyne‐tethered carbamoyl chlorides. This reaction avoids the use of a metal catalyst and accesses products in high yields and stereoselectivities. Additionally, this reaction is scalable and proved amenable to a series of product derivatizations, including the synthesis of nintedanib. The reactivity of alkene‐tethered carbamoyl chlorides with hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) was harnessed towards the synthesis of 2‐quinolinones.
Switching from Single to Simultaneous Free‐Radical and Anionic Polymerization with Enamine‐Based Organic Electron Donors
Authors: Zhao Yuxi , Rollet Marion , Charles Laurence , Canard Gabriel , Gigmes Didier , Vanelle Patrice , Broggi Julie
Published: June 2021

Although most monomers can polymerize through different propagation pathways, polymerization‐initiating systems that can switch from one mode to another are rare. In this study, we demonstrate that enamine‐based organic electron donors (OEDs) constitute the first systems able to initiate either free‐radical or anionic polymerization under simple, mild, and safe conditions. While direct electron‐transfer reduction of monomers by OEDs results in the initiation of anionic chain‐growth polymerization, introduction of a competing oxidant with a higher reduction potential than the monomer switches the former anionic propagation to a clean radical‐propagation process. The benefit of this dual‐mode activator is highlighted in the synthesis of an interpenetrating polymer network through simultaneous initiation of radical and anionic propagation processes.
Pushing the limits of time beyond the Big Bang singularity: The branch cut universe
Authors: Zen Vasconcellos César A. , Hess Peter O. , Hadjimichef Dimiter , Bodmann Benno , Razeira Moisés , Volkmer Guilherme L.
Published: June 2021

In this article, we follow a previously developed theoretical approach, based on the tools of the singular semi‐Riemannian geometry, to push the limits of time beyond the primordial spacetime singularity. By complexifying the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) metric and Friedmann's equations, we model a branch cut universe, in which the cosmic FLRW metric scale factor is analytically continued to the complex plane, and becomes equivalent from a conceptual point of view of describing a hypothetical general metric of maximally symmetric and homogeneous superposed multiple universes.
Roles of adenosine A1 receptors in the regulation of SFK activity in the rat forebrain
Authors: Mao Li‐Min , Wang John Q.
Published: June 2021

Adenosine A1 receptors are widely expressed in the mammalian brain. Through interacting with Gαi/o‐coupled A1 receptors, the neuromodulator adenosine modulates a variety of cellular and synaptic activities. To determine the linkage from A1 receptors to a key intracellular signaling pathway, we investigated the impact of blocking A1 receptors on a subfamily of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, that is, the Src family kinase (SFK), in different rat brain regions in vivo. We found that pharmacological blockade of A1 receptors by a single systemic injection of the A1 selective antagonist 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) induced an increase in autophosphorylation of SFKs at a consensus activation site, tyrosine 416 (Y416), in the two subdivisions of the striatum, the caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens. DPCPX also increased SFK Y416 phosphorylation in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) but not the hippocampus. The DPCPX‐induced Y416 phosphorylation was time dependent and reversible. In immunopurified Fyn and Src proteins from the striatum, DPCPX elevated SFK Y416 phosphorylation and tyrosine kinase activity in Fyn but not in Src proteins. In the mPFC, DPCPX enhanced Y416 phosphorylation and tyrosine kinase activity in both Fyn and Src immunoprecipitates. DPCPX had no effect on expression of total Fyn and Src proteins in the striatum, mPFC, and hippocampus. These results demonstrate a tonic inhibitory linkage from A1 receptors to SFKs in the striatum and mPFC. Blocking this inhibitory tone could significantly enhance constitutive SFK Y416 phosphorylation in the rat brain in a region‐ and time‐dependent manner.
Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy may be associated with reduced switched memory B cells and del (16) (p11.2p12)
Authors: Ito Tsuyoshi , Iwamoto Shotaro , Hirayama Masahiro , Yamada Yasuharu , Azuma Eiichi
Published: June 2021

Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy may be associated with chromosome del (16)(p11.2) that has reportedly been associated with other forms of primary immunodeficiency (Clin Immunol, 2009, 131, 24; J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2015;135, 1569).
Transient disappearance of CD19+/CD5+ B‐lymphocyte clone in peripheral blood in a patient with CLL during SARS‐CoV‐2‐related mild disease
Authors: Barnabei Remo , Di Michele Giulio , Cellini Antonio , Amicosante Gianfranco , Perilli Mariagrazia , Bellio Pierangelo , Piccirilli Alessandra , Celenza Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

Although lymphopenia is currently considered a good predictor for the prognosis of COVID‐19, it must be critically evaluated in patients with CLL, where other clinical markers should be considered to define the prognosis and treatment.
Recurrent, refractory hypokalemia as a diagnostic clue to thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in a patient with acute kidney injury and suspected Guillain‐Barre syndrome
Authors: Pattan Vishwanath , Chiu Ken C. , Samoa Raynald
Published: June 2021

When clinical presentation is atypical, especially in a non‐Asian population, the finding of recurrent and refractory hypokalemia can serve as a key diagnostic clue for timely diagnoses and management of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis. In suspected cases, complete thyroid laboratory panel should be measured so that T3 toxicosis is not missed.
Photo‐Initiated Cobalt‐Catalyzed Radical Olefin Hydrogenation
Authors: Sang Sier , Unruh Tobias , Demeshko Serhiy , Domenianni Luis I. , van Leest Nicolaas P. , Marquetand Philipp , Schneck Felix , Würtele Christian , de Zwart Felix J. , de Bruin Bas , González Leticia , Vöhringer Peter , Schneider Sven
Published: June 2021

Outer‐sphere radical hydrogenation of olefins proceeds via stepwise hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from transition metal hydride species to the substrate. Typical catalysts exhibit M−H bonds that are either too weak to efficiently activate H2 or too strong to reduce unactivated olefins. This contribution evaluates an alternative approach, that starts from a square‐planar cobalt(II) hydride complex. Photoactivation results in Co−H bond homolysis. The three‐coordinate cobalt(I) photoproduct binds H2 to give a dihydrogen complex, which is a strong hydrogen atom donor, enabling the stepwise hydrogenation of both styrenes and unactivated aliphatic olefins with H2 via HAT.
Polymeric Membranes With Sufficient Thermo‐Mechanical Stability to Deploy Temperature Enhanced Backwash
Authors: Aumeier Benedikt M. , Vollmer Fabian , Lenfers Simon , Yüce Süleyman , Wessling Matthias
Published: June 2021

The alternative membrane cleaning method Temperature Enhanced Backwash exploits elevated temperatures of typically 125 °C to realize high shear rate. This exceeds usual operating temperatures by far. Therefore, the thermo‐mechanical properties of polymeric membranes were investigated. A repeated load cycle testing was suited and sensitive to detect the failure of membrane material and potting. All tested PES membranes showed to be stable during the repeated load cycle testing. The potting adhesive may be decisive, thus, a tensile test at 125 °C is proposed.
Abwasser zu Prozesswasser – zwei unterschiedliche Ansätze
Authors: Lübbecke Sven
Published: June 2021

Abwasserwiederverwendung und ‐recycling werden bei der Lösung des zukünftigen Wasserstresses weltweit eine immer wichtigere Rolle spielen. Wasser von hoher Qualität und Reinheit ist ein unverzichtbarer Rohstoff für die Industrie in vielen Produktionsschritten, womit die Verfügbarkeit von Wasser ein entscheidender Standortfaktor ist. Innovative Konzepte zu Abwasserwiederverwendung und ‐recycling im Rahmen von Betreibermodellen, die auf langjährigem Know‐how basieren, führen zur Schonung der knappen Wasserressourcen und zu einer nachhaltigen und finanziell attraktiven Wasserversorgung. Wie die vorgestellten Referenzanlagen zeigen, können dadurch ökologisch und ökonomisch vorteilhafte Lösungen für Kommunen, Industrie und Wasserversorger geschaffen werden.
From water strider to research – interrelationships of structure and characteristics from three perspectives
Authors: Siebert Sara , Meurisch Kerstin , Bernholt Sascha , Adelung Rainer , Parchmann Ilka
Published: June 2021

Das Phänomen des Wasserläufers eignet sich zur Vermittlung typischer Inhalte des Chemieunterrichts, z. B. von Oberflächenstrukturen in Wechselwirkung mit den Eigenschaften von Wasser. Auch fächerübergreifende Bezüge können hergestellt werden, bspw. zum Körperbau und zur Fortbewegung auf Wasser. Über den Ansatz der Bionik lernen Schülerinnen und Schüler, wie sich ein Verständnis der Oberflächenstruktur der Wasserläuferbeine übertragen lässt in die Synthese künstlicher Strukturen. Hier zeigt der Beitrag Bezüge zur aktuellen Forschung in den Materialwissenschaften auf. Um das Phänomen selbst möglichst faszinierend einzuführen, wurde ein 360°‐Film für VR‐Brillen und Mediendomes, sowie im klassischen Bildschirmformat 16 : 9, entwickelt. Um diesen schon für Schülerinnen und Schüler der Sekundarstufe I einsetzbar zu machen, wurden Assoziationen und Schülervorstellungen zum Phänomen des Wasserläufers erhoben. Die Ergebnisse, die in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt werden, sind in die Entwicklung des Sprechertextes des Films eingeflossen.
Evaluation of genetic diversity and association mapping for seed weight and size in vegetable soybean germplasm
Authors: Moseley David , Mozzoni Leandro , Kaler Avjinder , Mason Richard Esten , Shi Ainong , Orazaly Moldir , Lara Laura , da Silva Marcos Paulo , Chen Pengyin
Published: June 2021

Edamame is a vegetable‐typesoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] with large seed size, typically twice that of commodity soybean. Understanding the genetic diversity among large‐seeded germplasm as well as the genetic variation for seed size in the germplasm pool is important for edamame breeding. The objectives of this study were to analyze the genetic diversity of 343 edamame soybean accessions and 36 breeding lines, and to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with seed weight (SW), seed volume (VOL), seed length (SL), seed breadth (SB), and seed height (SH) through genome‐wide association studies. We observed two main genetic groups among the 343 accessions and found that the breeding lines were genetically dissimilar to germplasm accessions. Through single‐ and multi‐locus models, a total of two, two, seven, one, and four SNPs were reported to be associated with SW, VOL, SL, SB, and SH located across two, two, five, one, and four chromosomes, respectively. There were three SNPs associated with SL, SB, and/or SH that were not found to be within a previously reported SL, SB, or SH QTL. The SNP ss715587475, positioned at the 24.9‐Mb position on chromosome 4, was located within the gene Glyma04g21680 which was associated with SW in Arabidopsis and may be a candidate gene for SW in edamame soybean. There were four additional SNPs positioned within genes that encode proteins that may relate to plant growth and development in soybean. Identifying and pyramiding favorable alleles for seed size and weight will enhance edamame breeding efforts.
Topic choices: Revealing concealed processes of curriculum sequencing in English secondary school Music classrooms
Authors: Anderson Anthony
Published: June 2021

Music curriculum programmes are designed by English Music teachers in schools as the primary means of musical engagement for young people aged 11–14. Such Music curricula are often structured in learning topics. However, Music teacher rationales for the sequencing of the topics they have chosen to include in their curriculum is an under‐developed area of music education research literature. This study seeks to examine teacher practices in this domain through a comparative case study of nine English secondary school teachers using Think Aloud Protocols to uncover sequencing practices. The findings are analysed using the Friedman ANOVA statistical test and eyeball analysis of teacher curriculum formulations. Theorising from these results facilitated the development of a teacher model of curriculum processing, and illuminated hidden practices in curriculum design.
Assessing the robustness of time‐to‐event models for estimating unmarked wildlife abundance using remote cameras
Authors: Loonam Kenneth E. , Lukacs Paul M. , Ausband David E. , Mitchell Michael S. , Robinson Hugh S.
Published: June 2021

Recently developed methods, including time‐to‐event and space‐to‐event models, estimate the abundance of unmarked populations from encounter rates with camera trap arrays, addressing a gap in noninvasive wildlife monitoring. However, estimating abundance from encounter rates relies on assumptions that can be difficult to meet in the field, including random movement, population closure, and an accurate estimate of movement speed. Understanding how these models respond to violation of these assumptions will assist in making them more applicable in real‐world settings. We used simulated walk models to test the effects of violating the assumptions of the time‐to‐event model under four scenarios: (1) incorrectly estimating movement speed, (2) violating closure, (3) individuals moving within simplified territories (i.e., movement restricted to partially overlapping circles), (4) and individuals clustering in preferred habitat. The time‐to‐event model was robust to closure violations, territoriality, and clustering when cameras were placed randomly. However, the model failed to estimate abundance accurately when movement speed was incorrectly estimated or cameras were placed nonrandomly with respect to habitat. We show that the time‐to‐event model can provide unbiased estimates of abundance when some assumptions that are commonly violated in wildlife studies are not met. Having a robust method for estimating the abundance of unmarked populations with remote cameras will allow practitioners to monitor a more diverse array of populations noninvasively. With the time‐to‐event model, placing cameras randomly with respect to animal movement and accurately estimating movement speed allows unbiased estimation of abundance. The model is robust to violating the other assumptions we tested.
Reproductive trait differences drive offspring production in urban cavity‐nesting bees and wasps
Authors: Moretti Marco , Fontana Simone , Carscadden Kelly A. , MacIvor J. Scott
Published: June 2021

The contrasting and idiosyncratic changes in biodiversity that have been documented across urbanization gradients call for a more mechanistic understanding of urban community assembly. The reproductive success of organisms in cities should underpin their population persistence and the maintenance of biodiversity in urban landscapes. We propose that exploring individual‐level reproductive traits and environmental drivers of reproductive success could provide the necessary links between environmental conditions, offspring production, and biodiversity in urban areas. For 3 years, we studied cavity‐nesting solitary bees and wasps in four urban green space types across Toronto, Canada. We measured three reproductive traits of each nest: the total number of brood cells, the proportion of parasite‐free cells, and the proportion of non‐emerged brood cells that were parasite‐free. We determined (a) how reproductive traits, trait diversity and offspring production respond to multiple environmental variables and (b) how well reproductive trait variation explains the offspring production of single nests, by reflecting the different ways organisms navigate trade‐offs between gathering of resources and exposure to parasites. Our results showed that environmental variables were poor predictors of mean reproductive trait values, trait diversity, and offspring production. However, offspring production was highly positively correlated with reproductive trait evenness and negatively correlated with trait richness and divergence. This suggests that a narrow range of reproductive traits are optimal for reproduction, and the even distribution of individual reproductive traits across those optimal phenotypes is consistent with the idea that selection could favor diverse reproductive strategies to reduce competition. This study is novel in its exploration of individual‐level reproductive traits and its consideration of multiple axes of urbanization. Reproductive trait variation did not follow previously reported biodiversity‐urbanization patterns; the insensitivity to urbanization gradients raise questions about the role of the spatial mosaic of habitats in cities and the disconnections between different metrics of biodiversity.
Enemies make you stronger: Coevolution between fruit fly host and bacterial pathogen increases postinfection survivorship in the host
Authors: Ahlawat Neetika , Geeta Arun Manas , Maggu Komal , Prasad Nagaraj Guru
Published: June 2021

Multiple laboratory studies have evolved hosts against a nonevolving pathogen to address questions about evolution of immune responses. However, an ecologically more relevant scenario is one where hosts and pathogens can coevolve. Such coevolution between the antagonists, depending on the mutual selection pressure and additive variance in the respective populations, can potentially lead to a different pattern of evolution in the hosts compared to a situation where the host evolves against a nonevolving pathogen. In the present study, we used Drosophila melanogaster as the host and Pseudomonas entomophila as the pathogen. We let the host populations either evolve against a nonevolving pathogen or coevolve with the same pathogen. We found that the coevolving hosts on average evolved higher survivorship against the coevolving pathogen and ancestral (nonevolving) pathogen relative to the hosts evolving against a nonevolving pathogen. The coevolving pathogens evolved greater ability to induce host mortality even in nonlocal (novel) hosts compared to infection by an ancestral (nonevolving) pathogen. Thus, our results clearly show that the evolved traits in the host and the pathogen under coevolution can be different from one‐sided adaptation. In addition, our results also show that the coevolving host–pathogen interactions can involve certain general mechanisms in the pathogen, leading to increased mortality induction in nonlocal or novel hosts.
A trophic cascade facilitates native habitat providers within assemblages of multiple invasive marine species
Authors: Liversage K. , Kotta J. , Kuprijanov I. , Rätsep M. , Nõomaa K.
Published: June 2021

Anthropogenically influenced habitats are becoming increasingly impacted by multiple invasive species that can regionally control main ecological processes and functions. Management requires predictions of invasive species’ effects, but multiple invasions may cause unpredictable outcomes, for example, synergistic impacts or interactions among trophic levels causing trophic cascades. The Baltic Sea is prone to species invasions that increasingly occur at multiple trophic levels. We used a laboratory experiment to test whether multiple invasive predators may cause interactive effects in the Baltic Sea. In aquaria, we simulated a coastal community that has developed dominated by invasive species—the decapod predators Palaemon elegans and Rhithropanopeus harrisii, the amphipod grazer Gammarus tigrinus, and the filter‐feeder Dreissena polymorpha. The orthogonal experiment determined separate and interactive effects from predators on the lower trophic level invasive species and native algae including the foundation species Fucus radicans. The main result was that while both predators significantly impacted the community, in no cases were their effects interactive. Another important result was that P. elegans appeared to cause a trophic cascade, as in its presence F. radicans and its epiphytes had the greatest biomass while G. tigrinus grazers were heavily reduced. G. tigrinus were negatively correlated with F. radicans biomass, so variable amphipod grazing may be the link allowing an indirect effect of P. elegans on F. radicans. R. harrisii also reduced G. tigrinus abundance but did not affect F. radicans biomass. Both predators significantly affected the lengths of F. radicans plant stems that were comprised of new vegetative growth—P. elegans reduced the lengths of new vegetative tissue while R. harrisii increased it. Thus, the presence of P. elegans induced shorter and denser F. radicans bushes compared to taller and thinner bushes observed in other treatments. Lastly, R. harrisii caused significant declines in D. polymorpha numbers. Overall, ecological management needs to consider positive effects from predator invasion which may reduce grazing pressure on low trophic level foundation species. A trophic cascade involving two invasive species highlights the importance of multi‐species approaches to management of Baltic Sea invasive species and in other regions prone to biological invasions.
Chemical Stability of FeOOH at High Pressure and Temperature, and Oxygen Recycling in Early Earth History**
Authors: Koemets Egor , Fedotenko Timofey , Khandarkhaeva Saiana , Bykov Maxim , Bykova Elena , Thielmann Marcel , Chariton Stella , Aprilis Georgios , Koemets Iuliia , Glazyrin Konstantin , Liermann Hanns‐Peter , Hanfland Michael , Ohtani Eiji , Dubrovinskaia Natalia , McCammon Catherine , Dubrovinsky Leonid
Published: June 2021

Goethite, α‐FeOOH, is a major phase among oxidized iron species, commonly called rust. We studied the behavior of iron (III) oxyhydroxide up to 81 GPa and 2100 K using in situ synchrotron single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. At high pressure‐temperature conditions FeOOH decomposes forming oxygen‐rich fluid and different mixed valence iron oxides (previously known phases of Fe2O3, Fe3O4, Fe5O7, and novel Fe7O10 and Fe6.32O9). Rust is known to form as a byproduct of anoxygenic prokaryote metabolism that took place massively from about 3.8 billion years (Ga) ago until the Great Oxidation Event (GOE) ∼2.2 Ga ago. Rust was buried on the ocean floor and was transported into the mantle as a consequence of plate tectonics (started ∼2.8 Ga ago). Our results suggest that recycling of rust in Earth's mantle contributes to redox conditions of the early Earth and formation of oxygen‐rich atmosphere.
State‐of‐the‐Art of the Synthesis and Applications of Sulfonated Carbon‐Based Catalysts for Biodiesel Production: a Review
Authors: Chong Chi Cheng , Cheng Yoke Wang , Lam Man Kee , Setiabudi Herma Dina , Vo Dai-Viet N.
Published: June 2021

Sulfonated carbon‐based catalysts (SCC) are favorable heterogeneous acids for acid‐catalyzed reactions including esterification and transesterification for biodiesel production. They are covalently functionalized with SO3H groups via CPhSO3H or CSO3H linkages with special carbon structures. To date, the types of SCC for biodiesel production ranges from biochar (BC), activated carbon (AC), graphene, graphite oxides, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, order mesoporous carbon, and graphitic carbon nitride. Lignocellulosic and biomass wastes are important carbon precursors for low‐cost BC and AC production. This review critically reviews and summarizes the most up‐to‐date research progress in the evolution of SCC for biodiesel production. Systematic discussions and comparisons on the different carbon materials, preparation methods, and sulfonation preparation parameters which directly affect the physicochemical attributes and catalytic performance are provided. The applications and reusability studies of these materials in biodiesel production are also included. Finally, the challenges to be addressed and future prospects of the research direction on the applications of SCC for biodiesel production are discussed.
Radial storage efficiency for CO2 injection: Quantifying effectiveness of local flow control methods
Authors: Oldenburg Curtis M.
Published: June 2021

Basin‐scale geologic carbon sequestration will require hundreds of injection wells, each of which has costs related to property rights and regulatory requirements that correlate with the areal size of the carbon dioxide plume. These surface‐footprint‐related issues motivate maximizing storage efficiency radially away from each well. Radial storage efficiency (RSE) is defined here as the ratio of the volumetrically weighted carbon dioxide free‐phase saturation within a given radius away from the injection well to the available pore space within that same radius. Maximizing RSE effectively minimizes the radial extent of the CO2 plume. Optimizing RSE around individual wells requires local flow control injection strategies that can increase the uniformity of the filling of pore space around the well over the entire length of the perforated injection interval despite differences in local formation transmissivity. The goal of uniform filling of the storage reservoir starting from the well outward is to maximize carbon dioxide sweep and trapping locally outward from the well in all of the layers of the storage region before buoyancy forces predominate and drive carbon dioxide upward where it will spread laterally under lower‐permeability layers. Example simulations of carbon dioxide injection into a layered storage system with and without local flow control are presented to show the advantage of uniformly filling all layers and how RSE can be used to quantify storage efficiency for the two different injection approaches. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Do toddlers prefer that agents help similar or dissimilar needy agents?
Authors: Geraci Alessandra , Franchin Laura
Published: June 2021

Recent research revealed rich socio‐cognitive abilities in toddlerhood. The current study investigates whether 21‐month‐olds expect that wealthy agents help agents needing food or shelter. By using the violation of expectation (VoE) implicit paradigm, toddlers' expectations on helping behaviors were explored upon the arrival of agents that need food (food condition) and shelter (shelter condition) in a within‐subjects design. Two experiments were carried out, wherein, in one, the wealthy and needy agents were morphologically similar (Experiment 1), in the other one, the wealthy agents were morphologically different from needy agents (Experiment 2). The results showed that when needy agents are morphologically similar to wealthy agents, toddlers looked longer at the event that displayed the wealthy agents help needy agents only in food condition. When needy agents were morphologically different from wealthy agents, toddlers looked longer at the event that showed wealthy agents help needy agents in both food and shelter conditions. These findings demonstrate an interplay between similarity and helping behaviors in association with biological needs, and shed light on possible evolutionary mechanisms underlying prosociality.
Combination of DXA and BIS Predicts Jump Power Better Than Traditional Measures of Sarcopenia
Authors: Rush Benjamin , Binkley Neil , Krueger Diane , Yamada Yosuke , Kuchnia Adam J
Published: June 2021

Traditional diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia use dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)‐measured appendicular lean mass (ALM), normalized to height (ALM/ht2) or body mass index (ALM/BMI) to define low muscle mass. However, muscle function declines with aging before the loss of muscle mass is detected by ALM. This is likely due, in part, to qualitative muscle changes such as extracellular and intracellular fluid compartment shifts uncaptured by DXA. We propose combining bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), which estimates extracellular and intracellular compartment volume, with DXA to more accurately predict muscle function. This combination may help incorporate muscle quality, thereby improving sarcopenia diagnosis. We cross‐sectionally analyzed data from 248 Black and White participants aged 25 to 75 years from the Midlife in the United States Refresher Cohort. We proposed two novel muscle measures: ALM corrected by the BIS‐derived whole‐body extracellular to intracellular fluid ratio (E/I) and leg lean mass (LLM) corrected by leg‐specific E/I, creating (ALM/(E/I)W) and (LLM/(E/I)L), respectively. We compared the associations of traditional muscle measures, ALM/(E/I)W, and LLM/(E/I)L, with grip strength and lower limb power using jumping mechanography. LLM/(E/I)L explained jump power best at R2 = 0.803 compared with ALM/(E/I)W (p < 0.0001) and all other measures. ALM/(E/I)W explained jump power second best (R2 = 0.759) but not significantly better than traditional muscle measures. No muscle measure performed better than covariates when predicting handgrip strength. LLM/(E/I)L outperformed ALM/ht2 and ALM/BMI when predicting jump power. We propose LLM/(E/I)L is a powerful and clinically relevant method that accounts for muscle quality. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
W436, a novel SMART derivative, exhibits anti‐hepatocarcinoma activity by inducing apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo and induces protective autophagy
Authors: Man Shuai , Wu Zhuzhu , Sun Rui , Guan Qi , Li Zengqiang , Zuo Daiying , Zhang Weige , Wu Yingliang
Published: June 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered one of the most common primary liver cancers and the second leading cause of cancer‐associated mortality around the world annually. Therefore, it is urgent to develop novel drugs for HCC therapy. We synthesized a novel 4‐substituted‐methoxybenzoyl‐aryl‐thiazole (SMART) analog, (5‐(4‐aminopiperidin‐1‐yl)‐2‐phenyl‐2H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl) (3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl) methanone (W436), with higher solubility, stability, and antitumor activity than SMART against HCC cells in vivo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which W436 inhibited cell growth in HCC cells. We observed that W436 inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and Hep3B cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Importantly, the anticancer activity of W436 against HCC cells was even higher than that of SMART in vivo. In addition, the antiproliferative effects of W436 on HCC cells were associated with G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via the activation of reactive oxygen species‐mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. W436 also induced protective autophagy by inhibiting the protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. At the same time, W436 treatment inhibited the cell adhesion and invasion as well as the process of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition Taken together, our results showed that W436 had the promising potential for the therapeutic treatment of HCC with improved solubility, stability, and bioavailability.
Study of photocatalytic activity ofBi2WO6tire‐like microstructure
Authors: Shokraiyan Javad , Jahed Vahdat , Rabbani Mahboubeh
Published: June 2021

Bi2WO6tire‐like microstructure assembled from 2D plates was synthesized by a simple one‐step hydrothermal method using oleic acid as a green capping agent. Bi2WO6photocatalyst was capable of activating hydrogen peroxide to obtain high degradation efficiency in the photocatalytic process. The catalytic performance was found to be strongly affected by the parameter of H2O2dosage. Furthermore, the existence of hydroxyl radical in the reaction medium was verified using radical scavengers. The effective photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the visible‐light‐driven advanced oxidation processes.
When hiccups mean something more than just a nuisance: A rare presentation of pyogenic liver abscess
Authors: Masood Muaaz , Uy Pearl , Yap John E
Published: June 2021

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is an uncommon yet potentially fatal disease. The disease most commonly arises from biliary infection but may also result from hematogenous seeding and portal spread secondary to bowel contamination, direct seeding, or penetrating trauma. The diagnosis is suspected when there is a hepatic lesion on imaging. Confirmation of diagnosis requires purulent aspirate or bacterial growth on Gram stain/culture of the abscess or blood. The mainstay of treatment is antimicrobials in conjunction with either percutaneous abscess drainage or aspiration. Surgical drainage is reserved for cases of ruptured abscess, peritonitis, or in the presence of an underlying surgical cause. PLA typically presents with fever and abdominal symptoms. We report a case of an unusual manifestation of PLA, presenting as hiccups, which led to a significant delay in the diagnosis and treatment.
The cyclic matching sequenceability of regular graphs
Authors: Horsley Daniel , Mammoliti Adam
Published: June 2021

The cyclic matching sequenceability of a simple graph , denoted , is the largest integer for which there exists a cyclic ordering of the edges of so that every set of consecutive edges forms a matching. In this paper we consider the minimum cyclic matching sequenceability of ‐regular graphs. We completely determine this for 2‐regular graphs, and give bounds for .
Duality theorems for stars and combs I: Arbitrary stars and combs
Authors: Bürger Carl , Kurkofka Jan
Published: June 2021

Extending the well‐known star–comb lemma for infinite graphs, we characterise the graphs that do not contain an infinite comb or an infinite star, respectively, attached to a given set of vertices. We offer several characterisations: in terms of normal trees, tree‐decompositions, ranks of rayless graphs and tangle‐distinguishing separators.
An efficient and general method for the synthesis of stable isotope deuterium labeled phthalate esters
Authors: Xu Zhongjie , Zhao Cheng , Sun Wen , Lei Wen , Hu Zuming
Published: June 2021

An efficient and general synthetic route of deuterium‐labeled phthalate esters is described with high isotopic enrichment and excellent chemical purities using inexpensive and readily available o‐xylene‐D10 as labeled starting material. The structures and isotope‐abundance were confirmed via 1H NMR and mass spectrometry. These deuterium labeled phthalate esters can be used as analytical reference standards for the detection of plasticizer residues in soil, water, food, plastic products, etc.
Diffusion MRI Based Myometrium Tractography for Detection of Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Yan Guohui , Liao Yuhao , Li Kui , Zhang Xiaodan , Zheng Weizeng , Zhang Yi , Zou Yu , Chen Danqing , Wu Dan
Published: June 2021

Background

Prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders is difficult. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be a useful supplementary method to ultrasound.

Purpose

To investigate diffusion MRI (dMRI) based tractography as a tool for detecting PAS disorders, and to evaluate its performance compared with anatomical MRI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Forty‐seven pregnant women in the third trimester with risk factors for PAS.

Field Strength/Sequence

Using fast imaging employing steady‐state acquisition and high‐angular resolution dMRI at 1.5 Tesla.

Assessment

Diagnosis of PAS was performed by three radiologists based on the dMRI‐based feature of myometrial fiber discontinuity and on commonly used anatomical features including presence of dark band, discontinuous myometrium and bladder wall interruption. We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) of the individual features and established an integrated model with random forest analysis.

Statistical Tests

Maternal age and gestational age at scan were compared between PAS and control group using a t‐test, and childbearing history was compared using a chi‐squared test. The random forest model was employed to combine the anatomical and dMRI features with 5‐fold cross‐validation, and the weight of each feature was normalized to evaluate its importance in predicting PAS.

Results

Based on surgical pathology reports, 16 out of 47 patients had confirmed PAS. The anatomical feature of dark bands and tractography marker achieved the highest AUC of 0.842 for predicting PAS, and the integrated anatomical and tractography features further improved the AUC of 0.880 with an accuracy of 87.2%. The tractography feature contributed most (30.1%) to the integrated model.

Data Conclusion

Myometrial tractography demonstrated superior performance in detecting PAS. Moreover, the combination of dMRI‐based tractography and anatomical MRI could potentially improve the diagnosis of PAS disorders in clinical practice.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Persistent opioid use after curative‐intent hepatectomy for neoplastic disease
Authors: Pu Tracey , Erali Richard A. , Share Michael , Russell Gregory B. , Clark Clancy J. , Levine Edward A. , Shen Perry
Published: June 2021

Background and objectives

This study analyzed persistent opioid use in opioid‐naïve and nonopioid‐naïve patients undergoing hepatectomy for neoplastic disease.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of a prospective database using inclusion criteria of hepatectomy for neoplastic disease from October 2013 to December 2017. Prescription data were collected from the North Carolina Controlled Substance Reporting System. Persistent opioid use was defined as patients who continued filling opioid prescriptions 90 days to 1 year after surgery. Patients who did not receive opioid prescriptions between 12 months and 31 days before surgery were defined as naïve.

Results

The analysis included 75 surgeries on naïve and 58 surgeries on nonnaïve patients. 56% of naïve patients and 79% of nonnaïve patients developed persistent opioid use, respectively (p = .0056). Naïve patients received 2.24 ± 4.30 MMEs/day, while nonnaïve patients received 5.50 ± 5.98 MMEs/day during Postoperative days 90‐360 (95% CI, 1.41–5.10; p < .001). Naïve patients with a lower Preoperative ECOG score were more likely to develop persistent opioid use (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.21–0.99; p = .048).

Conclusion

More than half of naïve patients undergoing hepatectomy developed persistent opioid use within the first year, though significantly less than nonnaïve patients. Improved performance status was associated with an increased risk of persistent opioid use in naïve patients.