bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional reconstitution of β‐glucan elicitor‐binding activity upon incorporation into lipid vesicles
Authors: Mithöfer Axel , Ebel Jürgen
Published: July 2002

In temperature‐induced Triton X‐114 phase separation experiments the β‐glucan elicitor‐binding site from soybean (Glycine max L.) root membranes was identified as (a) hydrophobic membrane protein(s). The Zwittergent 3‐12‐solubilized β‐glucan‐binding proteins were incorporated into lipid vesicles by the detergent‐dilution procedure. Reconstituted binding proteins were functional in that binding of the hepta‐β‐glucoside ligand was saturable, reversible and of high affinity (K
d=6–7 nM). Competition studies using β‐glucans with different degrees of polymerization (DP 7–15; DP 15–25) showed effective displacement of the radioligand from the binding site whereas β‐glucan fragments with DP <7 were ineffective. The total amount of reconstituted binding activity was dependent on the acyl chain length of the phospholipids used for the reconstitution with a preference for decanoic (C10) and dodecanoic (C12) chains. Restored ligand binding was maximally 37% as compared to the former detergent‐solubilized binding activity. The presence of a lipid environment stabilized the purified β‐glucan‐binding proteins.
Transient outward K+ currents across the plasma membrane of laticifer from Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Bouteau François , Dellis Olivier , Rona Jean Pierre
Published: July 2002

Non‐inactivating outward rectifying K+ channel currents have been identified in a variety of plant cell types and species. The present study of laticifer protoplasts from Hevea brasiliensis, cells which are specialized for stress response, has revealed, through a switch‐clamp method, an outward rectifying current displaying rapid inactivation. The inactivation depended on the external K+ concentration and on the voltage. This current inactivation appeared clearly different from all those previously described in plant cells and it shared homology with current kinetics of animal Shaker family channels. These results, given the recent cloning of plant K+ channel β‐subunits, shed new light on possible plant K+ channel regulation.
Strain‐ and age‐dependent loss of sarcoglycan complex in cardiomyopathic hamster hearts and its re‐expression by δ‐sarcoglycan gene transfer in vivo
Authors: Kawada Tomie , Nakatsuru Yoko , Sakamoto Aiji , Koizumi Toshiyuki , Shin Wee Soo , Okai-Matsuo Yoko , Suzuki Jun-ichi , Uehara Yoshio , Nakazawa Mikio , Sato Hiroshi , Ishikawa Takatoshi , Toyo-oka Teruhiko
Published: July 2002

The δ‐sarcoglycan (SG) gene is deleted in hamsters with hereditary cardiomyopathies. Immunological analyses of heart before, but not after, the progression of cardiomyopathy (CM) revealed that the BIO 14.6 strain, a model of hypertrophic CM, heterogeneously preserved α‐ and γ‐SG with loss of β‐ and δ‐SG. In contrast, the TO‐2 strain, a model of dilated CM, did not show either SG. Furthermore, in vivo transfer of the full length δ‐SG gene to TO‐2 hearts expressed all four SGs. Thus, this age‐ and strain‐dependent features suggest a more feasible setting for TO‐2 than BIO 14.6 to verify both CM progression and the efficacy of gene therapy.
Overexpression of the glucose transporter GLUT4 in adipose cells interferes with insulin‐stimulated translocation
Authors: Al-Hasani Hadi , Yver Dena R , Cushman Samuel W
Published: July 2002

In adipose cells, insulin induces the translocation of GLUT4 by stimulating their exocytosis from a basal intracellular compartment to the plasma membrane. Increasing overexpression of a hemagglutinin (HA) epitope‐tagged GLUT4 in rat adipose cells results in a roughly proportional increase in cell surface HA‐GLUT4 levels in the basal state, accompanied by a marked reduction of the fold HA‐GLUT4 translocation in response to insulin. Using biochemical methods and cotransfection experiments with differently epitope‐tagged GLUT4, we show that overexpression of GLUT4 does not affect the intracellular sequestration of GLUT4 in the absence of insulin, but rather reduces the relative insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane. In contrast, overexpression of GLUT1 does not interfere with the targeting of GLUT4 and vice versa. These results suggest that the mechanism involved in the intracellular sequestration of GLUT4 has a high capacity whereas the mechanism for GLUT4 translocation is readily saturated by overexpression of GLUT4, implicating an active translocation machinery in the exocytosis of GLUT4.
The specific endoribonuclease activity of small nuclear and cytoplasmic α‐RNPs
Authors: Konstantinova I.M. , Kulichkova V.A. , Evteeva I.N. , Mittenberg A.G. , Volkova I.V. , Ermolaeva J.B. , Gause L.N.
Published: July 2002

For the first time small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (α‐RNP) tightly bound to chromatin as well as cytoplasmic α‐RNP are shown to possess strong and regulated endonuclease activity specific for mRNAs and hnRNAs. The enzymatic nature of this activity is confirmed, and the optimal conditions detected. This RNase activity is controlled by the action of a differentiating stimulus, dimethylsulfoxide, in human K562 cells. Small α‐RNP involvement in the coordinated control of stability of pre‐messenger RNA and messenger RNA molecules is suggested.
cDNA‐derived amino acid sequence of acetoacetyl‐CoA synthetase from rat liver1
Authors: Iwahori Akiyo , Takahashi Noriko , Nakamoto Mayumi , Iwama Masanori , Fukui Tetsuya
Published: July 2002

In order to examine the primary structure of acetoacetyl‐CoA synthetase (acetoacetate‐CoA ligase, EC 6.2.1.16; AA‐CoA synthetase), the cDNA clone encoding this enzyme has been isolated from the cDNA library which was prepared from the liver of rat fed a diet supplemented with 4% cholestyramine and 0.4% pravastatin for 4 days. Nucleotide sequence analysis of cloned cDNA revealed that AA‐CoA synthetase of rat liver contains an open reading frame of 2019 nucleotides, and the deduced amino acid sequence (672 amino acid residues) bears 25.0 and 38.9% homologies with acetyl‐CoA synthetases of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Archaeoglobus fulgidus, respectively.
Women's reproductive health: monotheistic religious perspectives
Authors: Schenker J.G
Published: July 2002

It is important to those who practice reproduction techniques to learn about the different religious attitudes related to reproductive health problems. Religion exerts an influence on civil authorities in the field of reproduction such as prevention or procreation and in issues such as abortion and infertility therapy. The Jewish attitude towards reproduction can be learned from the fact that the first commandment of God to Adam was be fruitful and multiply. Judaism allows the practice of all techniques of assisted reproduction when the oocyte and sperm originate from the wife and husband, respectively. All Rabbinical rulings permit the use of contraception for medical indications. Economic difficulties and inconveniences of raising children are not indications for birth control practice. According to Judaism abortion on demand is forbidden but it may be performed if the mother's life is in danger. The attitude toward reproductive practice is different among the different divisions of Christianity. The practice of assisted reproduction is not accepted by the Vatican, however, it may be practiced by Protestant, Anglican and other Denomination's. According to the Roman Catholic doctrine the primary purpose of marriage is procreation. The contraceptive act destroys the potential of producing new life by sexual intercourse and violates the purpose of marriage and, therefore, is a sin against nature. The Christian tradition views the embryo as a human being since conception and, therefore, abortion is strictly forbidden. According to Islam, the procedure of IVF and ET is acceptable, however, it can be preformed only if it involves the husband and the wife. It allows contraception practice only under some circumstances and only in some special cases abortion can be preformed. Religion, being concerned with affairs that are regarded as extraordinary and as having unique importance in life, is an intrinsic aspect of the culture of all societies, religious groups, however, still exert influence on the civil authorities in issues of reproduction such as contraception, procreation, abortion, and infertility therapy. They have been active in pressing their bioethical positions on the public arena in pluralistic societies. Developments in science and technology in reproduction raise new religious questions that do not always have clear answers. The role of theology in bioethics is foremost to clarify for the different religious communities the perceived attitudes toward these developments. Therefore, it is important to those who practice reproduction techniques to learn about the different religious attitudes related to reproductive health problems.
Collaboration with academia in the development of vaginal microbicides
Authors: Upmalis D.H.
Published: July 2002

Advanced Care Products has been active in the development of vaginal microbicides, with public sector support. Currently, nonoxynol‐9 gel is being evaluated in two Phase‐III studies. Work has been conducted on polystyrene sulfonate, with the aim of filing an investigational new drug application (IND) in the USA. This paper discusses the challenges in development of an over‐the‐counter (OTC) product for the USA. Public sector support has been pivotal in the progress shown to date. Further challenges lie ahead, vis‐à‐vis an OTC approval.
Anticipated health effects and proposed countermeasures following the immediate introduction of telework in response to the spread of COVID-19: The findings of a rapid health impact assessment in Japan
Authors: Nagata Tomohisa , Ito Daisuke , Nagata Masako , Fujimoto Ayumi , Ito Ryotaro , Odagami Kiminori , Kajiki Shigeyuki , Uehara Masamichi , Oyama Ichiro , Dohi Seitaro , Fujino Yoshihisa , Mori Koji
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The health effects of telework, which was introduced extensively in the immediate context of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in Japan, on teleworkers, their families, and non-teleworkers, are unknown. Accordingly, we developed a rapid health impact assessment (HIA) to evaluate positive and negative health effects of telework on these groups and recommended easily implementable countermeasures.

Methods

Immediately after an emergency was declared in Japan, we implemented a rapid, five-step HIA. We screened and categorized health effects of telework for the three above-mentioned groups, extracting their content, directionality, and likelihood. Following a scoping exercise to determine the HIA’s overall implementation, five experienced occupational health physicians appraised and prioritized the screened items and added new items. We outlined specific countermeasures and disseminated the results on our website. A short-term evaluation was conducted by three external occupational health physicians and three nurses.

Results

Following screening and appraisal, 59, 29, and 27 items were listed for teleworkers, non-teleworkers, and family members of teleworkers, respectively, covering work, lifestyle, disease and medical care, and home and community. Targeted countermeasures focused on the work environment, business management, communications, and lifestyles for teleworkers; safety and medical guidelines, work prioritization, and regular communication for non-teleworkers; and shared responsibilities within families and communication outside families for family members of teleworkers.

Conclusion

The HIA’s validity and the countermeasures’ practical applicability were confirmed by the external evaluators. They can be easily applied and adapted across diverse industries to mitigate the wider negative effects of telework and enhance its positive effects.
Enhancing cancer‐associated fibroblast fatty acid catabolism within a metabolically challenging tumor microenvironment drives colon cancer peritoneal metastasis
Authors: Peng Shaoyong , Chen Daici , Cai Jian , Yuan Zixu , Huang Binjie , Li Yichen , Wang Huaiming , Luo Qianxin , Kuang Yingyi , Liang Wenfeng , Liu Zhihang , Wang Qian , Cui Yanmei , Wang Hui , Liu Xiaoxia
Published: February 2021

Most cancer‐related deaths result from the progressive growth of metastases. Patients with peritoneal metastatic (PM) colorectal cancer have reduced overall survival. Currently, it is still unclear why colorectal cancer (CRC) cells home to and proliferate inside the peritoneal cavity, and there is no effective consolidation therapy for improved survival. Using a proteomic approach, we found that key enzymes of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) were decreased in patients with PM colorectal cancer. Furthermore, we confirmed that carnitine palmitoyltransferase IA (CPT1A), a rate‐limiting enzyme of FAO, was expressed at significantly low levels in patients with PM colorectal cancer, as determined by RT‐qPCR, IHC, and GEO dataset analysis. However, lipidomics revealed no difference in FFA levels between PM and non‐PM primary tumors. Here, we showed that cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells via upregulating CPT1A to actively oxidize FAs and conduct minimal glycolysis. In addition, coculture‐induced glycolysis increased in cancer cells while fatty acid catabolism decreased with lower adiponectin levels. Importantly, inhibition of glycolysis significantly reduced the survival of CRC cells after incubation with conditioned medium from CAFsCPT1A‐OE in vitro and impaired the survival and growth of organoids derived from CRC‐PM. Finally, we found that directly blocking FAO in CAFsCPT1A‐OE with etomoxir inhibits migration and invasion in vitro and decreases tumor growth and intraperitoneal dissemination in vivo, revealing a role for CAF CPT1A in promoting tumor growth and invasion. In conclusion, our results suggest the possibility of testing FAO inhibition as a novel approach and clinical strategy against CAF‐induced colorectal cancer with peritoneal dissemination/metastases.
Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity for People With Scleroderma: A Scleroderma Patient‐Centered Intervention Network Cohort Study
Authors: Harb Sami , Peláez Sandra , Carrier Marie‐Eve , Kwakkenbos Linda , Bartlett Susan J. , Hudson Marie , Mouthon Luc , Sauvé Maureen , Welling Joep , Shrier Ian , Thombs Brett D. ,   for the SPIN Physical Activity Enhancement Patient Advisory Team and SPIN Investigators
Published: February 2021

Objective

To support physical activity among people with systemic sclerosis (SSc [scleroderma]), we sought to determine the prevalence and importance of barriers and the likelihood of using possible facilitators.

Methods

We invited 1,707 participants from an international SSc cohort to rate the importance of 20 barriers (14 medical, 4 social or personal, 1 lifestyle, and 1 environmental) and the likelihood of using 91 corresponding barrier‐specific and 12 general facilitators.

Results

Among 721 respondents, 13 barriers were experienced by ≥25% of participants, including 2 barriers (fatigue and Raynaud's phenomenon) rated “important” or “very important” by ≥50% of participants, 7 barriers (joint stiffness and contractures, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal problems, difficulty grasping, pain, muscle weakness and mobility limitations, and low motivation) by 26–50%, and 4 barriers by <26%. Overall, 23 of 103 facilitators (18 medical‐related) were rated by ≥75% of participants as “likely” or “very likely” to use among those who experienced corresponding barriers. These facilitators focused on adapting exercise (e.g., using controlled, slow movement), taking care of one's body (e.g., stretching), keeping warm (e.g., wearing gloves), and protecting skin (e.g., covering ulcers). Among those participants who had previously tried the facilitator, all facilitators were rated by ≥50% as “likely” or “very likely” to use. Among those participants with the barrier who had not tried the facilitator, only 12 of 103 facilitators were rated by >50% of participants as “likely” or “very likely” to use.

Conclusion

Medical‐related physical activity barriers were common and considered important. Facilitators considered as most likely to be used involved adapting exercise, taking care of one's body, keeping warm, and protecting skin.
Molecular Engineering of Near‐Infrared‐II Photosensitizers with Steric‐Hindrance Effect for Image‐Guided Cancer Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Gao Shuai , Yu Sheng , Zhang Yongming , Wu Aihua , Zhang Sihang , Wei Guoguang , Wang Hao , Xiao Zeyu , Lu Wei
Published: February 2021

The design of photosensitizers (PSs) with fluorescence in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) window remains a challenge, as the introduction of donor or acceptor units with excessively strong electron‐withdrawing or donating ability leads to longer‐wavelength emission but insufficient production of singlet oxygen (1O2). In this study, a series of acceptor‐donor‐acceptor‐donor‐acceptor‐type PSs are designed by adjusting the steric hindrance of the molecules. Compound BNET forms a dihedral angle of 88° with a nearly vertically twisted backbone to show that the intensity of local emission in the first near‐infrared (750–900 nm) region declines in the aggregated state, while the emission peaks of twisted intramolecular charge transfer span over 1000 nm with significant enhancement. The albumin‐bound NIR‐II PS nanoparticles exhibit efficient 1O2 generation, good photostability and biocompatibility, and negligible dark toxicity. The nanoparticles demonstrate high specific NIR‐II fluorescence imaging of tumor lesions as well as effective image‐guided photodynamic therapy in mice bearing orthotopic colon cancer or pancreatic cancer. The designed NIR‐II PS nanoparticles show great potential for biomedical applications.
Intermediate‐Adduct‐Assisted Growth of Stable CsPbI2Br Inorganic Perovskite Films for High‐Efficiency Semitransparent Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Min , Cao Fengren , Wang Meng , Deng Kaimo , Li Liang
Published: February 2021

Thanks to the tunable bandgap and excellent photoelectric characteristics, perovskites have been widely used in semitransparent solar cells (ST‐SCs). Most works present unsatisfactory power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) through reducing the thickness of the perovskite films because there is a trade‐off between PCE and average visible transmittance (AVT). As a consequence, most PCEs are less than 12% when the AVT is higher than 20% due to the limited voltage (Voc) and short‐circuit current (Jsc). Herein, a strategy of intermediate adduct (IMAT) engineering is developed to improve the film quality of the inorganic perovskite CsPbI2Br, which is a challenging issue to limit its performance of efficiency and stability. A normal n–i–p‐structured PSC based on the optimal CsPbI2Br film delivers a PCE of 16.02% with excellent stability. Furthermore, through optimizing the electrode type and interface, the ST‐PSC shows a high Voc larger than 1.2 V and the PCE reaches 14.01% and 10.36% under an AVT of 31.7% and 40.9%, respectively. This is the first demonstration of a CsPbI2Br ST‐PSC, and it outperforms most of other types of perovskites.
Strain‐Engineering Induced Anisotropic Crystallite Orientation and Maximized Carrier Mobility for High‐Performance Microfiber‐Based Organic Bioelectronic Devices
Authors: Kim Youngseok , Noh Hyebin , Paulsen Bryan D. , Kim Jiwoong , Jo Il‐Young , Ahn HyungJu , Rivnay Jonathan , Yoon Myung‐Han
Published: February 2021

Despite the importance of carrier mobility, recent research efforts have been mainly focused on the improvement of volumetric capacitance in order to maximize the figure‐of‐merit, μC* (product of carrier mobility and volumetric capacitance), for high‐performance organic electrochemical transistors. Herein, high‐performance microfiber‐based organic electrochemical transistors with unprecedentedly large μC* using highly ordered crystalline poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) microfibers with very high carrier mobilities are reported. The strain engineering via uniaxial tension is employed in combination with solvent‐mediated crystallization in the course of drying coagulated fibers, resulting in the permanent preferential alignment of crystalline PEDOT:PSS domains along the fiber direction, which is verified by atomic force microscopy and transmission wide‐angle X‐ray scattering. The resultant strain‐engineered microfibers exhibit very high carrier mobility (12.9 cm2 V−1 s−1) without the trade‐off in volumetric capacitance (122 F cm−3) and hole density (5.8 × 1020 cm−3). Such advantageous electrical and electrochemical characteristics offer the benchmark parameter of μC* over ≈1500 F cm−1 V−1 s−1, which is the highest metric ever reported in the literature and can be beneficial for realizing a new class of substrate‐free fibrillar and/or textile bioelectronics in the configuration of electrochemical transistors and/or electrochemical ion pumps.
Ultrahigh Sensitivity Flexible Pressure Sensors Based on 3D‐Printed Hollow Microstructures for Electronic Skins
Authors: Xia Tiancheng , Yu Rui , Yuan Jun , Yi Chenqi , Ma Lijun , Liu Feng , Cheng Gary J.
Published: February 2021

Here, ultrahigh sensitivity flexible pressure sensors comprised of 3D‐printing flexible hollow microstructure substrates, gold film spray‐coated on the substrates, and Ag interdigital electrodes are reported. The finite element analysis (FEA) shows that the hollow microcylinder structure has better compression performance compared to solid microcylinder structure. Diverse solid and hollow microstructures, such as microcylinder, microsawtooth, and microrectangle structures are built to investigate the performance difference. The sensitivity of the sensor with hollow microcylinder structure is nearly 100% higher than that of the solid microcylinder structure sensor. By comparing the sensors with different spray‐coating time of Au nanoparticles, the influence of electrode microcrack on sensitivity is revealed. The flexible hollow microcylinder structure sensor with electrode microcrack effect shows ultrahigh sensitivity of 419.622 kPa−1 in the ultralow pressure range (< 100 Pa), rapid response time (30.76 ms), and recovery time (15.17 ms). To show the great performance of the sensor, it is used to detect human physiological signals such as cheek bulging, throat swallowing, and artery pulse. To realize the spatial sensing resolution, a 3 × 4 pressure sensor array is fabricated. The applications of the sensor may pave the way in human physiological signals monitoring and electronic skins in the future.
Naphthalimide‐Based Fluorescent Polymers for Molecular Detection
Authors: Oshchepkov Aleksandr S. , Oshchepkov Maxim S. , Oshchepkova Margarita V. , Al‐Hamry Ammar , Kanoun Olfa , Kataev Evgeny A.
Published: February 2021

The beginning of the 21st century was marked by the intensive development of fiber‐optic sensors. New functional materials with excellent sensory properties are required to design such sensors. Fluorescent probes for neutral and charged molecules are constantly developing. However, only a small part of the reported probes was successfully converted into functional sensing polymers and found real‐world applications. A great challenge is to retain the sensing properties of a probe in a polymer matrix. The purpose of this review is to understand how properties of a probe are changed upon incorporation into a polymer and to reveal successful approaches. The review focuses on the use of the naphthalimide‐based probes in the construction of sensing polymers. The literature overview is presented according to the nature of the guest molecules targeted for the quantitative detection: cations, anions, and small organic molecules.
Recent Advances in the Preparations and Synthetic Applications of Oxaziridines and Diaziridines
Authors: Ravindra Sundaresan , Irfana Jesin C. P. , Shabashini Arivalagan , Nandi Ganesh Chandra
Published: February 2021

Oxaziridines and diaziridines have been used as versatile intermediates due to their high ring strain as well as the reactive C−O/N bond, for the synthesis of diverse range of nitrogen containing compounds. In the past few decades, numerous novel and handy methodologies on the preparations and utilizations of both the oxaziridines and diaziridines have been developed. In spite of few published reviews in the area (almost a decade back), the synthetic communities have made tremendous progress in their preparations and utilizations. This review has demonstrated the comprehensive advancement in the chemistry of oxaziridines and diaziridines for the last few years (almost a decade).

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Ultrafine MoP Nanoparticle Splotched Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanosheets Enabling High‐Performance 3D‐Printed Potassium‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Zong Wei , Chui Ningbo , Tian Zhihong , Li Yuying , Yang Chao , Rao Dewei , Wang Wei , Huang Jiajia , Wang Jingtao , Lai Feili , Liu Tianxi
Published: February 2021

Size engineering is deemed to be an adoptable method to boost the electrochemical properties of potassium‐ion storage; however, it remains a critical challenge to significantly reduce the nanoparticle size without compromising the uniformity. In this work, a series of MoP nanoparticle splotched nitrogen‐doped carbon nanosheets (MoP@NC) is synthesized. Due to the coordinate and hydrogen bonds in the water‐soluble polyacrylamide hydrogel, MoP is uniformly confined in a 3D porous NC to form ultrafine nanoparticles which facilitate the extreme exposure of abundant three‐phase boundaries (MoP, NC, and electrolyte) for ionic binding and storage. Consequently, MoP@NC‐1 delivers an excellent capacity performance (256.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and long‐term cycling durability (89.9% capacitance retention after 800 cycles). It is further confirmed via density functional theory calculations that the smaller the MoP nanoparticle, the larger the three‐phase boundary achieved for favoring competitive binding energy toward potassium ions. Finally, MoP@NC‐1 is applied as highly electroactive additive for 3D printing ink to fabricate 3D‐printed potassium‐ion hybrid capacitors, which delivers high gravimetric energy/power density of 69.7 Wh kg−1/2041.6 W kg−1, as well as favorable areal energy/power density of 0.34 mWh cm−2/9.97 mW cm−2.
Aggregation‐induced emission materials for nonlinear optics
Authors: Han Xiao , Ge Fei , Xu Jialiang , Bu Xian‐He
Published: February 2021

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) is a vital photophysical phenomenon that the luminogens in the concentrated or aggregated cases will engender the dramatically boosted emission in comparison with the dispersive states. Given this extraordinary emitting capacity exactly resolves the aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) situations residing in the traditional luminophores, the booming AIE luminogens have drawn tremendous interest owing to their advanced performances and colossal potential applications in various areas. Further exploitations of AIE molecules also drive the research interests in the midst of these AIE materials toward the nonlinear optical (NLO) regime. The combination of AIE and NLO effects have nurtured some unforeseen properties of AIE materials and extended their application spheres. Therefore, some NLO‐active AIE materials have been wielded in many crucial applications, for example, optical limiting, laser, bioimaging, and photodynamic therapy. Meanwhile, the impacts of aggregate on the NLO effect also deserve deep considerations and pursuits, and the modifications of aggregates promise an easy, efficient, and prompt avenue to tune the NLO properties of materials. The recent achievements and progress in the NLO properties of AIE materials have been summarized in this review. The second‐order and third‐order NLOs of the AIE materials have been introduced and their correlative applications have been discussed.
Deal–Grove model revisited for a new insight into the oxidation of molten aluminum alloy: The A356 alloy, as a model system
Authors: Patouillet Kévin , Davoust Laurent , Doche Olivier
Published: February 2021

Oxidation of A356 aluminum alloy at molten state is investigated from thermogravimetric analyses. Linear kinetics followed by unexpected logarithmic kinetics is observed during the oxidation process. Scanning electron microscopy imaging coupled with wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses reveal a heterogeneous oxide layer composed of spinel (MgAl2O4) embedded in a nonoxidized alloy matrix. Nonlinear diffusion of magnesium through the heterogeneous oxide layer is the key mechanism proposed to explain the logarithmic kinetics. The growth of spinel phase causes a growing complexification of the aluminum network through which magnesium is diffusing. To model the magnesium transport through the oxide layer, an effective diffusion coefficient, build from the pioneering approach developed by Davies et al. (Davies, D., Evans, U. & Agar, J. (1954) Proc. Roy. Soc. London. A., 225, 443), is introduced in the Deal–Grove model.
An Examination of Downward Drift as an Explanation of the Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Residence in Unhealthy Neighborhoods in Adulthood: The Role of Psychiatric Symptoms
Authors: Schuck Amie M. , Chauhan Preeti , Spatz Widom Cathy
Published: February 2021

This study sought to determine whether downward drift explains relationships among childhood maltreatment, psychiatric disorders, and residence in unhealthy neighborhoods. Using data from a prospective cohort design study, individuals with court substantiated cases of child abuse and/neglect (ages 0–11 during the years 1967–1971) and matched controls were followed up in adulthood. Mental health symptoms and neighborhood disadvantage were measured in young (Mage = 29) and middle adulthood (Mage = 40). Physical disorder and social cohesion were also measured in middle adulthood. Childhood maltreatment increased risk for more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and illicit drug use in young adulthood and depression and anxiety in middle adulthood. Childhood maltreatment negatively impacted neighborhood residence in young and middle adulthood, increasing a person’s risk of living in neighborhoods with higher levels of physical disorder and economic disadvantage, and lower levels of social cohesion. Neighborhood disadvantage in young adulthood did not increase risk for psychiatric symptoms in middle adulthood. With one exception, neighborhood disadvantage earlier in life, not psychiatric symptoms, helped explain the relationship between childhood maltreatment and living in unhealthy neighborhoods. The negative impact of childhood maltreatment was evident earlier in life and continued into middle adulthood.
Food availability, plant diversity, and vegetation structure drive behavioral and ecological variation in Endangered Coimbra‐Filho's titi monkeys
Authors: Souza‐Alves João P. , Chagas Renata R. D. , Santana Marina M. , Boyle Sarah A. , Bezerra Bruna M.
Published: February 2021

There is wide variability in primate behavior and ecology. Understanding how frugivorous primates behave under different habitat fragmentation levels is key for effective conservation and management of species and their habitats. We evaluated the seasonality in activity budget, diet, and ranging behavior of two groups of Endangered Coimbra‐Filho's titi monkeys (Callicebus coimbrai). One group inhabited a 14‐ha forest fragment, whereas the other lived in a 522‐ha fragment. We measured the monthly density of trees and lianas available as food sources over 8 months. We also collected behavioral and group location data every 5 min, from dawn to dusk, using the scan sampling method. The two forest fragments differed seasonally in the number of fruiting food‐resource available. In the 14‐ha fragment, we found that the time spent by titi monkeys feeding, foraging, resting, and traveling differed seasonally. In the 522‐ha fragment, titi monkeys exhibited seasonal differences in time spent sleeping, socializing, foraging, and revisiting food sources. In both titi monkey groups, diets varied seasonally. Our findings indicate that Coimbra‐Filho's titi monkeys can exhibit behavioral flexibility in their activity budgets, diets, and movement patterns. Such flexibility is important for this species to survive in fragmented habitats and may be linked to three key factors: species‐specific resource availability, plant species diversity, and the vegetation structure of each forest fragment.
No support for the hereditarian hypothesis of the Black–White achievement gap using polygenic scores and tests for divergent selection
Authors: Bird Kevin A.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Debate about the cause of IQ score gaps between Black and White populations has persisted within genetics, anthropology, and psychology. Recently, authors claimed polygenic scores provide evidence that a significant portion of differences in cognitive performance between Black and White populations are caused by genetic differences due to natural selection, the “hereditarian hypothesis.” This study aims to show conceptual and methodological flaws of past studies supporting the hereditarian hypothesis.

Materials and methods

Polygenic scores for educational attainment were constructed for African and European samples of the 1000 Genomes Project. Evidence for selection was evaluated using an excess variance test. Education associated variants were further evaluated for signals of selection by testing for excess genetic differentiation (Fst). Expected mean difference in IQ for populations was calculated under a neutral evolutionary scenario and contrasted to hereditarian claims.

Results

Tests for selection using polygenic scores failed to find evidence of natural selection when the less biased within‐family GWAS effect sizes were used. Tests for selection using Fst values did not find evidence of natural selection. Expected mean difference in IQ was substantially smaller than postulated by hereditarians, even under unrealistic assumptions that overestimate genetic contribution.

Conclusion

Given these results, hereditarian claims are not supported in the least. Cognitive performance does not appear to have been under diversifying selection in Europeans and Africans. In the absence of diversifying selection, the best case estimate for genetic contributions to group differences in cognitive performance is substantially smaller than hereditarians claim and is consistent with genetic differences contributing little to the Black–White gap.
Summary of animal models of myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Li Weisha , Li Mengyuan , Yang Xingjiu , Zhang Wenlong , Cao Lin , Gao Ran
Published: February 2021

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a malignant tumor of the hematological system characterized by long‐term, progressive refractory hemocytopenia. In addition, the risk of leukemia is high, and once it develops, the course of acute leukemia is short with poor curative effect. Animal models are powerful tools for studying human diseases and are highly effective preclinical platforms. Animal models of MDS can accurately show genetic aberrations and hematopoietic clone phenotypes with similar cellular features (such as impaired differentiation and increased apoptosis), and symptoms can be used to assess existing treatments. Animal models are also helpful for understanding the pathogenesis of MDS and its relationship with acute leukemia, which helps with the identification of candidate genes related to the MDS phenotype. This review summarizes the current status of animal models used to research myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
Computational fluid dynamics simulation of the roll‐to‐roll coating process for the production of thin film composite membranes including validation
Authors: Brennecke Florian , Clodt Juliana , Pohlmann Jan , Abetz Clarissa , Brinkmann Torsten , Abetz Volker
Published: February 2021

On the way toward a carbon‐neutral economy, a rise in the demand for separation technologies can be expected. This holds especially for membranes, which are energy efficient and thus very promising technologies. However, this challenges membrane researchers to consider the sustainability and scalability of their membrane fabrication processes. At our institute, we employ a roll‐to‐roll coating process for the production of thin film composite membranes. This procedure is relatively easy to scale up and can be adapted for different polymers/solvents and thus applications. To increase the production efficiency and optimize the process for any polymer of interest, it is necessary to develop a solid understanding of the physics of this production system. Therefore, we would like to present a numerical model based on computational fluid dynamics that can predict the film thickness of a polydimethylsiloxane‐based polymer coated in a roll‐to‐roll setup. In the future, this model should improve the production efficiency and fine‐tuning of process parameters. We verify the numerical procedure with a mesh refinement study and validate the predicted film thicknesses with experimental results for different roll speeds and polymer concentrations. The predicted variability of the thickness is assessed by a design of experiments study and compares relatively well to the measured variations of the coated membrane thickness.
Droplet Microfluidics and Directed Evolution of Enzymes: An Intertwined Journey
Authors: Stucki Ariane , Vallapurackal Jaicy , Ward Thomas R. , Dittrich Petra S.
Published: February 2021

Evolution is essential to the generation of complexity and ultimately life. It relies on the propagation of the properties, traits, and characteristics that allow an organism to survive in a challenging environment. It is evolution that shaped our world over about four billion years by slow and iterative adaptation. While natural evolution based on selection is slow and gradual, directed evolution allows the fast and streamlined optimization of a phenotype under selective conditions. The potential of directed evolution for the discovery and optimization of enzymes is mostly limited by the throughput of the tools and methods available for screening. Over the past twenty years, versatile tools based on droplet microfluidics have been developed to address the need for higher throughput. In this Review, we provide a chronological overview of the intertwined development of microfluidics droplet‐based compartmentalization methods and in vivo directed evolution of enzymes.
An Unexpected Cubic Symmetry in Group IV Alloys Prepared Using Pressure and Temperature
Authors: Serghiou George , Reichmann Hans Josef , Odling Nicholas , Spektor Kristina , Pakhomova Anna , Crichton Wilson A. , Konôpková Zuzana
Published: February 2021

The cubic diamond (Fd
m) group IVA element Si has been the material driver of the electronics industry since its inception. We report synthesis of a new cubic (Im
m) group IVA material, a GeSn solid solution, upon heating Ge and Sn at pressures from 13 to 28 GPa using double‐sided diamond anvil laser‐heating and large volume press methods. Both methods were coupled with in situ angle dispersive X‐ray diffraction characterization. The new material substantially enriches the seminal group IVA alloy materials landscape by introducing an eightfold coordinated cubic symmetry, which markedly expands on the conventional tetrahedrally coordinated cubic one. This cubic solid solution is formed, despite Ge never adopting the Im
m symmetry, melting inhibiting subsequent Im
m formation and reactant Ge and Sn having unlike crystal structures and atomic radii at all these pressures. This is hence achieved without adherence to conventional formation criteria and routes to synthesis. This advance creates fertile avenues for new materials development.
Desymmetrisierung von prochiralen Cyclobutanonen via Stickstoffinsertion: Ein einfacher Zugang zu chiralen γ‐Lactamen
Authors: Sietmann Jan , Ong Mike , Mück‐Lichtenfeld Christian , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Wahl Johannes M.
Published: February 2021

Die asymmetrische Synthese von γ‐Lactamen wird über die Cyclobutanon‐Ringerweiterung unter Verwendung von (1S,2R)‐1‐Amino‐2‐Indanol zur chiralen Induktion erreicht. Die mechanistische Analyse der entscheidenden N,O‐Ketal‐Umlagerung zeigt ein Curtin‐Hammett‐Szenario, das eine späte Stereoinduktion (bis zu 88:12 dr) ermöglicht und durch spektroskopische, kristallographische und rechnerische Untersuchungen bestätigt wird. In Kombination mit einem einfachen Entschützungsverfahren ermöglicht diese operativ einfache Sequenz die Synthese enantiomerenreiner γ‐Lactame, einschließlich solcher, die quartäre Stereozentren mit ausschließlich Kohlenstoffatomen tragen. Darüber hinaus demonstriert die formale Synthese der Wirkstoffe Baclofen, Brivaracetam und Pregabalin den präparativen Nutzen und unterstreicht die allgemeine Anwendbarkeit der vorgestellten Methode.
Constructing Electron Levers in Perovskite Nanocrystals to Regulate the Local Electron Density for Intensive Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhao Peiran , Jiang Yaqin , Tang Zhongmin , Li Yanli , Sun Bingxia , Wu Yelin , Wu Jiyue , Liu Yanyan , Bu Wenbo
Published: February 2021

The local electron density of an atom is one key factor that determines its chemical properties. Regulating electron density can promote the atom's reactivity and so reduce the reaction activation energy, which is highly desired in many chemical applications. Herein, we report an intra‐crystalline electron lever strategy, which can regulate the electron density of reaction centre atoms via manipulating ambient lattice states, for Fenton activity improvement. Typically, with the assistance of ultrasound, the Mn4+−O−Fe3+ bond in BiFe0.97Mn0.03O3 perovskite nanocrystals can drive valence electrons and free electrons to accumulate on Fe atoms by a polarization electric field originated from the designed lattice strain. The increase of electron density significantly improves the catalytic activity of Fe, decreasing the activation energy of BiFe0.97Mn0.03O3‐mediated Fenton reaction by 52.55 %, and increasing the .OH yield by 9.21‐fold. This study provides a new way to understand the sono‐Fenton chemistry, and the increased .OH production enables a highly effective chemodynamic therapy.
A Curriculum for Perioperative Nurse Deployment During a Pandemic
Authors: Hemingway Maureen W. , Silvestri Sandra
Published: February 2021

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic spread around the world, the US Surgeon General called for the cancellation of elective surgeries. At a large academic medical center in the Northeast, there was a resulting surplus of perioperative nurses who were deployed to inpatient units in need of skilled nursing care for a surge of COVID‐19 patients. To prepare them for deployment to inpatient units, perioperative leaders developed a core curriculum to ensure that the OR nurses possessed the skills and knowledge required to successfully care for patients outside the OR with the same level of care and compassion that they provided to perioperative patients. The leaders employed available resources at the hospital to design and implement the course in a short amount of time. This article describes the development of a curriculum for OR nurses to manage a surging patient volume on inpatient units because of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Modelling effects of disturbance on population dynamics of generalized crayfish life history strategies
Authors: Bayer Leah M. , Fournier Robert J. , Magoulick Daniel D.
Published: February 2021

Crayfish play a crucial ecological role and are often considered a keystone species within freshwater ecosystems; however, North American crayfish species face disturbance and ecological threats including invasive species and intensified drought.

Demographic models can allow examination of population dynamics of a targeted species under a wide variety of disturbance scenarios. In this study, crayfish population dynamics were modelled and their responses to simulated biological invasions and drought were assessed.

As life history data on crayfish are relatively rare, models were used to explore the population viability of four generalized species with distinct life history strategies under 11 disturbance scenarios. RAMAS‐Metapop was used to construct stage‐based demographic metapopulation models parameterized using vital rates from established literature sources.

Models indicated that populations respond differentially to disturbance based on life history. However, both r‐ and K‐selected species appear to be highly susceptible to decline when faced with the additive effects of reduced carrying capacity resulting from invasion and reduced survival rates caused by drought.

Constructing models that explore a broad array of life histories and disturbance regimes can provide managers with tools to develop generalized, widely applicable conservation strategies in data‐depauperate systems.
Dingoes and domestication
Authors: BRUMM ADAM
Published: February 2021

Aboriginal Australians are known to have routinely taken dingo pups from wild dens to rear as companion animals, with the mature canids typically returning to the bush to mate. Available accounts emphasise the strong emotional bonds between Indigenous people and “camp dingoes”, which were essentially raised as though they were human. Yet despite the closeness of human–canine relations in Australia, it is widely contended that Aboriginal people did not domesticate dingoes. The accepted thinking is that while the dingoes lived part of their lives with humans, they were ultimately “free agents” that foraged and reproduced independently. Here, I propose that the Aboriginal practice of raising wild‐caught dingo pups generated a distinct population of free‐roaming adult dingoes that were socialised to interact with humans and may have remained loosely associated with them. I suggest that this hitherto unrecognised dingo ecotype, which should not be thought of as truly wild, yielded most of the pups taken from the bush by humans. Contrary to received wisdom, therefore, Aboriginal peoples’ interactions with dingoes involved management and domestication processes, but not as conventionally defined (i.e., controlled breeding, artificial selection).
Reheating and dark matter production
Authors: G. Garcia Marcos A.
Published: February 2021

A concise summary of out‐of‐equilibrium dark matter production during post‐inflationary reheating is presented. We show that the dark matter relic abundance is in general sensitive to the thermalization rate of the inflaton decay products, and the evolution of the temperature of the subsequently thermalized radiation. We discuss how smoking‐gun signals, such as monochromatic neutrinos or gamma‐ray lines, or Lyman‐α data, can help constrain out‐of‐equilibrium DM models.
Palbociclib negatively regulates fatty acid synthesis due to upregulation of AMPKα and miR‐33a levels to increase apoptosis in Panc‐1 and MiaPaCa‐2 cells
Authors: Rencuzogulları Ozge , Yerlikaya Pınar Obakan , Gürkan Ajda Çoker , Arısan Elif Damla , Telci Dilek
Published: February 2021

Fatty acids (FAs) synthesis mechanism has various regulators such as fatty acid synthase (FASN), AMP‐regulated protein kinase (AMPK), or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which are aberrantly dysregulated in various pancreatic cancer cells. In this study, we aim to understand the regulatory role of palbociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, on the cellular energy metabolism through regulation of AMPK/mTOR signaling by modulation of intracellular miR‐33a levels in Panc‐1 and MiaPaCa‐2 cells. Palbociclib downregulated FAs metabolism more effectively in MiaPaCa‐2 cells than Panc‐1 cells. Moreover, palbociclib treatment increased the levels of miR‐33a in each cell line albeit a higher increase was evident in MiaPaCa‐2 cells. Stress‐mediated activation of mTOR signaling axis was found associated with palbociclib‐mediated AMPKα activation and miR33a upregulation. These findings provided that a deeper understanding about possible interactions of cell cycle activity and reduction of FAs synthesis may facilitate the enhancement of cell death mechanisms in pancreatic cancer cells.