bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Public Interior Space Within Louvre Abu Dhabi Dome: A Visual Reflection
Authors: Musfy Karim , Sosa Marco , Ahmad Lina
Published: August 2021

What defines an interior space? Is a traditional threshold the only building element considered as a clear component demarcating interiority from the outside environment? Could light or water be just as clear? How can scale challenge the identification of an internal space? Is a living space more identifiable as an interior volume? What about an internal courtyard for a family house outlining the beginning of a nation or the opposite extreme in the time-space continuum, a 24,000 square meters domed roof over a series of intimate spaces establishing a nation’s cultural intention internationally? Can a central space act as a gravitational point to other space fragments and elements? Can the ephemerality of the space bind it together in a unique, memorable encounter?We set ourselves to answer these questions using different phenomenological responses methods including digital video, photography, drawings, and architectural observations. All depict different layered trajectories through the segments of the architectural strata that compose a cultural enclosure, such as Jean Nouvel’s Louvre Abu Dhabi. As we transverses through space and time, we use regional typologies to create a timeline spectrum connecting regional context, culture and architecture, attempting to emphasise the interiority qualities of the space under the dome.
Learning to stand with unexpected sensorimotor delays
Authors: Rasman Brandon G , Forbes Patrick A , Peters Ryan M , Ortiz Oscar , Franks Ian , Inglis J Timothy , Chua Romeo , Blouin Jean-Sébastien
Published: August 2021

Human standing balance relies on self-motion estimates that are used by the nervous system to detect unexpected movements and enable corrective responses and adaptations in control. These estimates must accommodate for inherent delays in sensory and motor pathways. Here, we used a robotic system to simulate human standing about the ankles in the anteroposterior direction and impose sensorimotor delays into the control of balance. Imposed delays destabilized standing, but through training, participants adapted and re-learned to balance with the delays. Before training, imposed delays attenuated vestibular contributions to balance and triggered perceptions of unexpected standing motion, suggesting increased uncertainty in the internal self-motion estimates. After training, vestibular contributions partially returned to baseline levels and larger delays were needed to evoke perceptions of unexpected standing motion. Through learning, the nervous system accommodates balance sensorimotor delays by causally linking whole-body sensory feedback (initially interpreted as imposed motion) to self-generated balance motor commands.
Left-right side-specific endocrine signaling complements neural pathways to mediate acute asymmetric effects of brain injury
Authors: Lukoyanov Nikolay , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Carvalho Liliana S , Kononenko Olga , Sarkisyan Daniil , Zhang Mengliang , Andersen Marlene Storm , Lukoyanova Elena A , Galatenko Vladimir , Tonevitsky Alex , Bazov Igor , Iakovleva Tatiana , Schouenborg Jens , Bakalkin Georgy
Published: August 2021

Brain injuries can interrupt descending neural pathways that convey motor commands from the cortex to spinal motoneurons. Here, we demonstrate that a unilateral injury of the hindlimb sensorimotor cortex of rats with completely transected thoracic spinal cord produces hindlimb postural asymmetry with contralateral flexion and asymmetric hindlimb withdrawal reflexes within 3 hr, as well as asymmetry in gene expression patterns in the lumbar spinal cord. The injury-induced postural effects were abolished by hypophysectomy and were mimicked by transfusion of serum from animals with brain injury. Administration of the pituitary neurohormones β-endorphin or Arg-vasopressin-induced side-specific hindlimb responses in naive animals, while antagonists of the opioid and vasopressin receptors blocked hindlimb postural asymmetry in rats with brain injury. Thus, in addition to the well-established involvement of motor pathways descending from the brain to spinal circuits, the side-specific humoral signaling may also add to postural and reflex asymmetries seen after brain injury.
Distinct roles of nonmuscle myosin II isoforms for establishing tension and elasticity during cell morphodynamics
Authors: Weißenbruch Kai , Grewe Justin , Hippler Marc , Fladung Magdalena , Tremmel Moritz , Stricker Kathrin , Schwarz Ulrich Sebastian , Bastmeyer Martin
Published: August 2021

Nonmuscle myosin II (NM II) is an integral part of essential cellular processes, including adhesion and migration. Mammalian cells express up to three isoforms termed NM IIA, B, and C. We used U2OS cells to create CRISPR/Cas9-based knockouts of all three isoforms and analyzed the phenotypes on homogenously coated surfaces, in collagen gels, and on micropatterned substrates. In contrast to homogenously coated surfaces, a structured environment supports a cellular phenotype with invaginated actin arcs even in the absence of NM IIA-induced contractility. A quantitative shape analysis of cells on micropatterns combined with a scale-bridging mathematical model reveals that NM IIA is essential to build up cellular tension during initial stages of force generation, while NM IIB is necessary to elastically stabilize NM IIA-generated tension. A dynamic cell stretch/release experiment in a three-dimensional scaffold confirms these conclusions and in addition reveals a novel role for NM IIC, namely the ability to establish tensional homeostasis.
Learning new word meanings from story reading: the benefit of immediate testing
Authors: Hulme Rachael C. , Rodd Jennifer M.
Published: August 2021

This study investigated how word meanings can be learned from natural story reading. Three experiments with adult participants compared naturalistic incidental learning with intentional learning of new meanings for familiar words, and examined the role of immediate tests in maintaining memory of new word meanings. In Experiment 1, participants learned new meanings for familiar words through incidental (story reading) and intentional (definition training task) conditions. Memory was tested with cued recall of meanings and multiple-choice meaning-to-word matching immediately and 24 h later. Results for both measures showed higher accuracy for intentional learning, which was also more time efficient than incidental learning. However, there was reasonably good learning from both methods, and items learned incidentally through stories appeared less susceptible to forgetting over 24 h. It was possible that retrieval practice at the immediate test may have aided learning and improved memory of new word meanings 24 h later, especially for the incidental story reading condition. Two preregistered experiments then examined the role of immediate testing in long-term retention of new meanings for familiar words. There was a strong testing effect for word meanings learned through intentional and incidental conditions (Experiment 2), which was non-significantly larger for items learned incidentally through stories. Both cued recall and multiple-choice tests were each individually sufficient to enhance retention compared to having no immediate test (Experiment 3), with a larger learning boost from multiple-choice. This research emphasises (i) the resilience of word meanings learned incidentally through stories and (ii) the key role that testing can play in boosting vocabulary learning from story reading.
The effect of different sowing dates on dry matter and nitrogen dynamics for winter wheat: an experimental simulation study
Authors: Liu Kaizhen , Zhang Chengxiang , Guan Beibei , Yang Rui , Liu Ke , Wang Zhuangzhi , Li Xiu , Xue Keyin , Yin Lijun , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: August 2021

Background

Timely sowing is an important agronomic measure to ensure the normal germination, stable seedling establishment, and yield formation for winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Delayed sowing frequently occurs in the current multi-cropping system and mechanized production of this crop. However, the ways in which different sowing dates affect yield and its potential mechanism is still unknown in the middle-lower Yangtze River Basin. We sought to provide a theoretical basis for these mechanisms to improve regional wheat production.

Methods

We investigated the wheat’s yield differences in a two-year field study under different sowing dates and took into account related growth characteristics including meteorological conditions, growth period, tillers, dry matter accumulation (DMA), and nitrogen accumulation (NA). We used the logistic curve model to simulate DMA and NA dynamics of single stem wheat under different sowing dates. We then analyzed and compared wheat accumulation for different sowing dates.

Results

Our results showed that grain yield declined by 0.97 ± 0.22% with each one-day change (either early or delayed) in sowing beyond the normal sowing date. The yield loss could be explained by the inhibition of crop growth, yield components, biomass and nitrogen (N) production. The negative effects of delayed sowing were caused by environmental limitations including adverse weather factors such as low temperature during vegetative growth, shortened duration of various phases of crop development, and increased temperature during the grain-filling period. The grain yield gap decreased between the late and normal sowing periods owing to a compensatory effect between the highest average rates (Vt) and the rapid accumulation period (T) of DMA and NA for single stem wheat. The grain yield was maintained at 6,000 kg ha−1 or more when the ratio of DMA at the mature-to-jointing stage (MD/JD) and the ratio of NA at the mature-to-jointing stage (MN/JN) was 4.06 (P < 0.01) and 2.49 (P < 0.05), respectively. The compensatory effect did not prevent the impact caused by delayed sowing, which caused biomass and N production to decrease. Physiological development reached a maximal accumulation rate (Tm) of NA earlier than DMA.
Formalized classification of ephemeral wetland vegetation (Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class) in Poland (Central Europe)
Authors: Kącki Zygmunt , Łysko Andrzej , Dajdok Zygmunt , Kobierski Piotr , Krawczyk Rafał , Nowak Arkadiusz , Rosadziński Stanisław , Popiela Agnieszka Anna
Published: August 2021

Formalized classification of the class Isoëto-Nanojuncetea has not been performed in Poland. We used 69,562 relevés stored in Polish Vegetation Database. Based on the literature and expert knowledge we selected 63 diagnostic species for the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class. Unequivocal classification was applied in this work according to Cocktail method. A set of formal definitions was established using a combination of logical operators of total cover of species in case of high-rank syntaxa while sociological species groups and cover of particular species were used for logical formulas describing class, alliances and associations. An Expert System was prepared and applied to classify the whole data set of PVD and 1,340 relevés were organized at the class level. We stratifies the data and finally we used data set of 903 relevés to prepare synoptic tables, distribution maps and descriptions of the syntaxa. Twelve associations and two plant communities were identified. Vegetation of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class occur in Poland’s central and southern part, with scattered stands in northern region. We described two new plant communities within Eleocharition and Radiolion alliance. The first formal classification of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class revealed a high diversity of ephemeral vegetation wetland found in Poland in the eastern boundary of their geographical distribution in Europe.
The Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility on Corporate Reputation and Firm Financial Performance: Mediating on the Role of Operating Cash Flow, Profitability and Financing
Authors: Olaoye Festus Oladipupo , Olaniyan Oladipo Niyi
Published: August 2021

The study examined the impact of corporate social responsibility on organization financial performance in Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to mediate the role of profitability, productivity, financing and its impact on the organization financial performance of the Nigerian manufacturing company. This Study is predicated on the stakeholder theory and utilitarian theory. secondary data source was explored through Keystone Bank Plc annual financial report in presenting the facts of the situation.

Data disaggregating into operating cash flow profitability, and financing proxies for organization financial performance and corporate social responsibility. The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) Estimation technique and Granger-causality test were adopted. The findings of the study suggests that there is insignificance relationship between operating cash flow and Corporate Social Responsibility .profitability and financing have positive and significant relationship with corporate social responsibility  The paper recommends that management should see Corporate Social Responsibility as a business opportunity that is beneficial in the long run thereby, incorporating credible and well-structured social responsibility policies and organization can strengthen their  relations with customers and ultimately improve their financial performance if discretional  social responsibility to stakeholders is integrated into business routines.
Online Newspapers and the Comment Sections: Perception and Use
Authors: Chidimma I. Ejepu
Published: August 2021

Development in online communication within the last decade which coincided with the advent of web2.0 technologies has enabled user generated content online. This development saw the evolve of print newspapers to it online version. The comment platform is the space attached beneath an online newspaper where readers register their views on the news content. This place of deliberation which serves to gauge public opinion on the affairs of the nation can be muddled with users view of the content of new stories, the news media and its comment section. Research has shown that readers of online newspapers use the comment section for various purposes. This work focused on online Nigerian newspaper and its readers, Thus, it examined users’ perception of Nigerian news sites and its online comment section as well as investigating the various uses of the comment section by Nigerian online media users. It hinged on the Uses and Gratification theory. Online survey method was adopted to distribute five hundred copies of online questionnaires with a return rate of 406 copies. Data was collected and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that most readers of Nigerian news sites perceive news content as biased and that affiliation of news site to a particular zone affects readers view of the news stories. In addition, it discovered that the comment section of online Nigerian news site is used mostly for sharing ideas
Health care worker burnout after the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Japan
Authors: Matsuo Takahiro , Taki Fumika , Kobayashi Daiki , Jinta Torahiko , Suzuki Chiharu , Ayabe Akiko , Sakamoto Fumie , Kitaoka Kazuyo , Uehara Yuki , Mori Nobuyoshi , Fukui Tsuguya
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of burnout according to job category after the first wave of COVID-19 in Japan and to explore its association with certain factors.

Methods

An online cross-sectional survey of health care workers (HCWs) from June 15 to July 6, 2020, was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Demographic characteristics, results of the Japanese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, types of anxiety and stress, changes in life and work after the peak of the pandemic, and types of support aimed at reducing the physical or mental burden, were determined.

Results

Of 672 HCWs, 149 (22.6%) met the overall burnout criteria. Burnout was more prevalent in women (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.45-6.67, P = .003), anxiety due to unfamiliarity with personal protective equipment (PPE) (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.20-3.27, P = .007), and decreased sleep duration (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.20-3.20, P = .008). Conversely, participants who felt that the delivery of COVID-19-related information (OR, .608; 95% CI, .371-.996, P = .048) and PPE education opportunities (OR, .484; 95% CI, .236-.993, P = .048) and messages of encouragement at the workplace (OR, .584; 95% CI, .352-.969; p = .037) was helpful experienced less burnout.

Conclusions

There is a need to focus on the above factors to maintain the mental health of HCWs. The delivery of COVID-19-related information and educational interventions for PPE and messages of encouragement at the workplace may be needed to reduce the mental burden.
ZIPK activates the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway and promotes cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Fan Haonan , Ou Qifeng , Su Qiao , Li Guanman , Deng Zhijuan , Huang Xiaohui , Bi Jiong
Published: August 2021

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant cancers globally. Chemotherapy resistance remains a major obstacle in the treatment of gastric cancer, and the molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance are still not well understood. We previously reported that Zipper interacting protein kinase (ZIPK), also known as death‐associated protein kinase3, exerts an oncogenic effect on gastric cancer via activation of Akt/NF‐κB signaling and promotion of stemness. Here, we explored the roles of ZIPK in cisplatin resistance. We report that ZIPK enhances cell proliferation and invasion and reduces the antitumor activity of cisplatin in gastric cancer. In addition, our western blot data suggest that ZIPK activated the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, ZIPK increased the expression of IL‐6 and multidrug‐resistance genes. Using the STAT3 inhibitor stattic to block the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway strongly increased the sensitivity of ZIPK‐expressed cells to cisplatin. In conclusion, ZIPK may play a role in cisplatin resistance through activation of the IL‐6/ STAT3 signaling pathway. Inhibition of STAT3 in gastric cancer overexpressing ZIPK might have potential to improve the efficacy of cisplatin.
Do early‐successional weeds facilitate or compete with seedlings in forest restoration? Disentangling abiotic versus biotic factors
Authors: Arias Mylen , Kariyat Rupesh , Wahl Kimberly , Mendez Stephany , Chavana Jesus , Christoffersen Bradley
Published: August 2021

Semi‐arid forests need cost‐effective restoration strategies to address their severe degradation. Tree shelters are often used to minimize abiotic and biotic stress during seedling establishment. We asked if early‐successional weeds act as a natural shelter by facilitating native seedlings, contingent on abiotic and biotic stressors and seedling ecological strategy.

We conducted a manipulative weed exclusion experiment at a semi‐arid site in South Texas targeted for large‐scale forest restoration to discern the net effect of weeds on the growth and survival of target thornscrub tree and shrub seedlings. We assessed the roles of contrasting seedling ecological strategies (fast vs. slow growth habit), temporal variation in abiotic stress, microclimate and mammalian herbivory in modulating weed–seedling interactions.

Ungulate herbivory on seedlings was common, of similar frequency across most species, but not diminished by the presence of weed neighbours. On average, seedlings growing adjacent to weed neighbours experienced modest but non‐significant increases in both height and mortality after 6 months, relative to weed‐excluded areas. However, seedlings without significant herbivory and adjacent to weed neighbours grew more vigorously (increased height and branching) during hot and dry periods, particularly those species with a fast growth habit. Although seedling light‐saturated photosynthetic capacity (Asat) and air temperature were unaffected by weed presence during hot and dry periods, afternoon light levels were reduced by approximately 50%, possibly indicative of lower leaf temperatures and improved seedling water status.

Our results show that realizing the facilitative potential of weeds in semi‐arid forest restoration requires minimizing mammalian herbivory and temporally separating competition for resources. Managing for intermediate but not excessive levels of forb canopy cover is likely required to reduce high radiation loads and reduce transpiration without adverse competitive effects. Longer‐term experiments manipulating cover crop identity, cover and mammalian herbivory will inform whether forbs can be effectively exploited to enhance restoration success at large scales.
Upscaling the 2‐Powder Method for the Manufacturing of Heavy Rare‐Earth‐Lean Sintered didymium‐Based Magnets
Authors: Opelt Konrad , Ahmad Tayyab , Diehl Oliver , Schönfeldt Mario , Brouwer Eva , Vogel Inga , Rossa Jürgen D. , Gassmann Jürgen , Ener Semih , Gutfleisch Oliver
Published: August 2021

The 2‐powder method (2PM) is compared with the grain boundary diffusion process (GBDP) for the production of high coercivity didymium‐based permanent magnets with low amount of heavy rare‐earth (HRE). The advantage of using 2PM for large magnets is demonstrated. A coarse HRE‐free main phase powder (D50 = 5.5 μm) and a fine, HRE containing anisotropy powder (D50 = 2.1 μm), are produced by strip casting, hydrogen decrepitation, and target milling, with all processing steps in the 20 kg range. The powders are subsequently blended in different concentrations to reach a HRE content of 0, 1, 2, and 3 wt% in the sintered magnets. While remanence is only slightly reduced by this process, compared with the plain didymium magnet, the coercivity of the magnets is increased by up to over 750–1687 kA m−1. The microstructural and magnetic characterization both confirm the formation of a HRE‐enriched shell region enclosing the Nd2Fe14B grains. In contrast to magnets produced by GBDP, the amount of Dy substitution and thickness of the shells is constant throughout the entire volume of the magnet.
Current and future applications of biomarkers in samples collected through minimally invasive methods for cancer medicine and population‐based research
Authors: DeLouize Alicia M. , Eick Geeta , Karam Sana D. , Snodgrass J. Josh
Published: August 2021

Despite advances in cancer medicine and research, invasive and potentially risky procedures such as biopsies, venous blood tests, imaging, colonoscopy, and pap smear tests are still primarily used for screening, staging, and assessing response to therapy. The development and interdisciplinary use of biomarkers from urine, feces, saliva, scent, and capillary blood collected with minimally invasive methods represents a potential opportunity for integration with biomarker analysis for cancers, both in clinical practice (e.g., in screening, treatment, and disease monitoring, and improved quality of life for patients) and population‐based research (e.g., in epidemiology/public health, studies of social and environmental determinants, and evolutionary medicine). In this article, we review the scientific rationale, benefits, challenges, and potential opportunities for measuring cancer‐related biomarkers in samples collected through minimally invasive methods.
National Institute on Aging seed funding enables Alzheimer's disease startups to reach key value inflection points
Authors: Ghazarian Armineh L , Haim Todd , Sauma Samir , Katiyar Pragati
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) provides funding to academic researchers and small businesses working in the Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and AD‐related dementia (ADRD) fields to help commercialize their products. The NIA uses Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards to bridge the funding gap in the diagnostic, therapeutic, and care interventions areas, enabling startups to reach key value inflection points to achieve scientific milestones.

Methods

Only publicly available information is reported. The National Institutes of Health Report Portfolio Online Reporting Tool database and the commercial database Global Data, were used to track the progress of companies that received SBIR or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding from the NIA.

Results

Since 2008, the NIA has awarded $280 million—including $207 million from fiscal year (FY) 2015 to FY 2019—in new small business program awards for AD/ADRD research.

Discussion

NIA seed capital and mentoring programs are critical resources to help small businesses reach key value inflection points and advance their research from concept to commercialization.
New solvatochromic complexes of 1,2‐bis[(5,6‐diphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazin3‐yl)hydrazinylidene‐methyl]benzene: Synthesis, spectroscopic, biological, docking, and theoretical studies
Authors: Samy Fatma , Taha Ali , Omar Fouz M.
Published: August 2021

A new bistriazine hydrazone ligand (H2L; H2BDTB) is derived from 5,6‐diphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazine‐3‐ylhydrazine (DTH) with o‐phthalaldehyde in ratio (2:1). The Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Th(IV) complexes (1–5), as well as the Co(II) complex (6) (prepared in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide [CTAB]), are synthesized. They are characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (ultraviolet–visible [UV–Vis], infrared [IR], mass, 1H NMR, and electron spin resonance [ESR]), magnetic susceptibility, molar conductivity, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements; and morphological structures are scanned by electron microscopy (SEM) that showed rod shape, irregular bulk sheets, and fused aggregated clusters for free ligand, Co(II) complexes (2 and 6), respectively. Moreover, cobalt(II) complex (6) exhibited an octahedral geometry; however, cobalt(II) complex (2) showed square planar geometry as deduced from magnetic moment and UV–Vis measurements. Fluorescence spectra for ligand and its Fe(III) and Th(IV) complexes have been measured in different solvents to investigate their solvatochromic behavior that used to estimate dipole moments either in ground and excited states. The antimicrobial and antitumor activities of free ligand and its complexes were investigated, in addition to molecular docking studies using MOE 2014.0901 software (PDB. I.D.3ce3). The data showed that Co(II) complex (6) can be nominated as one of the most powerful antitumor. The theoretical calculation for bistriazine ligand and its complexes were performed using DFT and PM3, and the data are correlated with the experimental results.
Fish aggregating devices in the eastern tropical Pacific marine corridor, according to the Colombian Fisheries Observer Program
Authors: Isaza‐Toro Estefania , Selvaraj John Josephraj , Giraldo‐Lopez Alan , Ortíz‐Ferrín Omar Olimpo y
Published: August 2021

Fish aggregating devices (FADs) are floating objects that facilitate the aggregation of fish; those that aggregate pelagic species such as tunas are of particular interest for artisanal and industrial fisheries.

Due to the increasing use of these devices worldwide, bodies responsible for the administration and management of fishery resources have proposed control and surveillance activities focused on the use of such devices. To achieve this, it is essential to have access to quality information, which is usually obtained through on‐board observer programmes such as the Colombian Fisheries Observer Program.

Based on the historical records of this programme, and for the first time, the spatial–temporal distribution of the FADs in the eastern tropical sector of the Eastern Pacific Ocean is presented, analysing 166 records of tuna fishing operations carried out between 2009 and 2015. Of the 2,328 sets identified in the records, 957 corresponded to sets on FADs, of which 80.56% were effective and caught 12,246 tons of tuna.

The number of sets of FADs increased over time, representing approximately 86.9% of the sets recorded in 2015, compared to 4.8% of this type of set recorded in 2009, with the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor being the area of greatest concentration of sets.

Considering that the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor was designed to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, this study highlights the need to include as a research priority, the potential effect that aggregation devices may have on the biological connectivity processes present in the corridor, as well as on the dynamics of large pelagic fish populations of commercial interest.

In terms of management of FADs, it is recommended that a precautionary approach be adopted and that regulations related to the maximum number of FADs per vessel be adjusted according to their Inter‐American Tropical Tuna Commission class, in addition to assigning a maximum number of sets per vessel.
Advances in Electrochemical and Catalytic Performance of Nanostructured FeCo2O4 and Its Composites
Authors: Shetgaonkar Sarvesha S. , Salkar Akshay V. , Morajkar Pranay P.
Published: August 2021

It is well established that the excessive and uncontrolled use of fossil fuels and organic chemicals have put a risk to the earth‘s environment and the life that sustains within it. Carbon‐free, sustainable, alternative energy technologies have therefore become the prime focus of current research. Smart inorganic materials have emerged as the potential solution to suffice energy needs and remediate the organic pollutants discharged to the environment. One such promising, versatile material is FeCo2O4 which has gained immense research interest in the present decade due to its high efficiency and performance in energy and environmental applications. Innovative material design strategies involving the interplay of nanostructured morphology, chemical composition, redox surface states, and defect engineering have significantly enhanced both electrochemical and catalytic properties of FeCo2O4. Therefore, this review article aims to provide the first‐ever comprehensive account of the latest research and developments in design‐synthesis strategies, characterization techniques, and applications of nanostructured FeCo2O4 and its composites in various electrochemical as well as catalytic applications. A detailed account of the nanostructured FeCo2O4 and its composites in various energy storage and conversion devices such as supercapacitors (SCs), batteries, and fuel cells has been presented. Furthermore, a special section has been devoted to highlight the role of FeCo2O4 in enhancing the sluggish reaction kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water splitting application. This review also highlights the role of nanostructured FeCo2O4 in photocatalytic waste water treatment, gas sensing, and dual‐phase membrane technologies wherein FeCo2O4 has demonstrated promising performance.
Employment profiles of autistic adults in Australia
Authors: Harvery Madeleine , Froude Elspeth H. , Foley Kitty‐Rose , Trollor Julian N. , Arnold Samuel R. C.
Published: August 2021

Autistic adults experience a high number of job changes, reduced working hours, minimal workplace supports, and overrepresentation in entry‐level and low paid positions. This study adds to the existing evidence base to guide clinical decisions and interventions for this population. This study utilized baseline data collected between 2015 and 2017 from the Autism CRC's Australian Longitudinal Study of Autism in Adulthood. The aim was to describe the employment profiles and explore factors related to employment for Australian autistic adults aged 25 and older (N = 149). Comparisons between participants and the Australian workforce were made using Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data. Two logistic regression models were conducted to explore the association between underemployment and underutilisation with personal and environmental factors. In comparison to the Australian workforce, autistic adults were more likely to work part‐time, work reduced hours and be employed at skill levels lower than their qualifications warranted. Logistic regressions reported that more autistic traits, more social supports and having workplace adjustments implemented were significantly associated with a higher odds of autistic adults being appropriately employed and/or utilized in the workforce. Results suggest that interventions implementing appropriate workplace adjustments, a supportive workplace environment, and adequate social supports may improve employment outcomes for autistic adults. All employees may benefit from workplace resources targeted toward fostering an inclusive workplace environment.

Lay summary

This study aimed to describe the employment profiles and explore factors related to employment for Australian autistic adults. We compared this with the Australian workforce using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Autistic adults with more autistic traits and more social and workplace supports were more likely to be employed and have jobs that were better suited to them. Autistic adults might have better employment outcomes if they have the appropriate workplace adjustments, a supportive workplace and adequate social supports.
Epigenetic and somaclonal divergence in Dendrocalamus farinosus for physiological augmentation and lignin degradation
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Luo Xuegang , Hu Shanglian , Cao Ying , Long Zhijian
Published: August 2021

Epigenetic and molecular variation is a key approach for the improvement of plants. From in vitro tissue culture of Dendrocalamus farinosus; 30 plants were regenerated and after 2 years, the physiological, biochemical, and genomic studies were conducted. The results highlighted that for all phenotypic characteristics, the 30 regenerated plants were superior in comparison with the control (CK). From genetical analysis, a total of 97 bands were witnessed ranging between 212 bp and 2.2 kb. The results for OPU14 showed one additional specific band (723 bp) and one band (700 bp) were missing. The 10 plants were having genetic variability and can be termed as somaclones while the other plants have epigenetic variations. The cellulose and lignin analysis highlighted that somaclone No. 30 has the least cellulose content of 35%; while the somaclones No. 102 and No. 213 have the least 3.21% and 3.48% of lignin contents. Therefore, somaclones No. 30, No. 102, and No. 213 were selected for the histochemical localization. The lignin investigation revealed that somaclone No. 30 is greater while somaclones No. 102 and No. 213 were reduced in vascular bundles in comparison with the CK along with the high expression level of 4CL, C3H, C4H, COMT, and CCoAOMT1 genes.
Semirational engineering of an aldo–keto reductase KmAKR for overcoming trade‐offs between catalytic activity and thermostability
Authors: Li Shu‐Fang , Xie Jian‐Yong , Qiu Shuai , Xu Shen‐Yuan , Cheng Feng , Wang Ya‐Jun , Zheng Yu‐Guo
Published: August 2021

Enzyme engineering usually generates trade‐offs between activity, stability, and selectivity. Herein, we report semirational engineering of an aldo–keto reductase (AKR) KmAKR for simultaneously enhancing its thermostability and catalytic activity. Previously, we constructed KmAKRM9 (W297H/Y296W/K29H/Y28A/T63M/A30P/T302S/N109K/S196C), which showed outstanding activity towards t‐butyl 6‐chloro‐(3R,5S)‐dihydroxyhexanoate ((3R,5S)‐CDHH), and t‐butyl 6‐cyano‐(3R,5R)‐dihydroxyhexanoate, the key chiral building blocks of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin. Under the guidance of computer‐aided design including consensus residues analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, K164, S182, S232, and Q266 were dug out for their thermostability conferring roles, generating the “best” mutant KmAKRM13(W297H/Y296W/K29H/Y28A/T63M/A30P/T302S/N109K/S196C/K164E/S232A/S182H/Q266D). The Tm and T5015 values of KmAKRM13 were 10.4 and 6.1°C higher than that of KmAKRM9, respectively. Moreover, it displayed a significantly elevated organic solvent tolerance over KmAKRM9. Structural analysis indicated that stabilization of the α‐helixes mainly contributed to thermostability enhancement. Under the optimized conditions, KmAKRM13 completely asymmetrically reduced 400 g/l t‐butyl 6‐chloro‐(5S)‐hydroxy‐3‐oxohexanoate ((5S)‐CHOH) in 8.0 h at a high substrate to catalyst ratio (S/C) of 106.7 g/g, giving diastereomerically pure (3R,5S)‐CDHH (>99.5% d.e.P) with a space‐time yield (STY) of 449.2 g/l·d.
Brain and heart‐specific death in cancer patients: Population‐based study
Authors: Safi Mohammed , Al‐Nusaif Murad , Trapani Dario , Mashrah Mubarak A , Kanesvaran Ravindran , Alzandani Aziz , Al‐Azab Mahmoud , Mazher Syed A , Al‐Danakh Abdullah , Liu Jiwei
Published: August 2021

Background

The occurrence of cardiovascular events is a major cause of death in patients with cancer. Small studies have documented a connection between specific brain alterations and autonomic cardiac dysfunctions, possibly resulting in a worse prognosis. We aimed to refine the knowledge of fatal cardiac events in patients with brain metastasis (BM).

Methods

We performed a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results SEER registry‐based investigation (timeline: 2010–2016) and extracted all the advanced patients who had experienced fatal cardiac outcomes. Populations were compared according to the presence or not BM. Kaplan–Meier (KM) methodology was used for survival analysis and a multivariate model was developed by adjusting for multiple possible confounders.

Results

Most related BM and cardiac death were observed at the site of lung cancer (81.4%). We extracted 3187 patients with lung cancer site, including 417 patients who had experienced fatal heart‐specific with a history of BM, which is considered a BM group. The second group of heart‐specific death included 2770 patients was stated as a non‐BM group. Patients who had experienced heart‐specific death in the BM group were predominately male, right side, upper site, and non‐small type (62.11%, 54.92%, 51.56%, 69.78%), respectively. The survival outcomes between BM and the non‐ BM was significantly prominent (p = 0.003; median: 2 months vs. 3 months).The negative prognostic independent significance of heart‐fatal events was confirmed after adjusting for multiple variables (HR = 0.76, CI = 0.68–84, p < 0.0001). The metastatic liver site was significantly associated with poorer survival rates (HR = 0.68; CI = 0.52–0.88, p = 0.005). We revealed a possible connection between the brain and heart functions.

Conclusions

The prognosis of heart‐specific death patients in BM is unfavorable compared to non‐BM settings in lung cancer. We may be at the gates of a new field of neurocardiooncology.
Antinociceptive, Anti‐Hyperalgesia and Antiallodynic Activities of Polyphenol Rich Extract fromShorea roxburghiiagainst Cyclophosphamide Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Wang Haili , Olatunji Opeyemi Joshua , Xue Na
Published: August 2021

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a widely used antineoplastic and immunosuppressive drug, however, despite its efficacy, it has shown extensive multiple organ toxicities, including peripheral neuropathy which significantly affects the quality of life of cancer patients. This study elucidated the protective properties ofShorea roxburghiipolyphenol extract (SLPE) in CYP‐induced peripheral neuropathy. Rats were treated with SLPE (100 and 400 mg/kg) for five weeks plus CYP once a week from the second week of SLPE treatment. Using UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS, 54 polyphenolic compounds were identified in SLPE extract. After the treatment period the antinociceptive, anti‐hyperalgesia and antiallodynic effects was evaluated using formalin paw edema, acetic acid abdominal writhing, hot plate, tail immersion and von Frey filament tests. While the locomotive and motor coordination effects were evaluated by open field and rotarod tests. The administration of CYP led to significant increases in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, in addition to hyper‐nociceptive responses in the formalin and acetic acid writhing tests. CYP also significantly reduced locomotive activity and motor coordination. SLPE significantly protected against CYP‐induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Furthermore, SLPE displayed robust antinociceptive effect by counteracting formalin and acetic acid induced hyper‐nociception. In addition, SLPE increased the locomotive activity as well as the grip and motor coordination of the CYP treated rats. In conclusion, these results revealed the protective effects of SLPE against CYP‐induced peripheral neuropathy and could be an effective therapeutic remedy for chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.
Chemically Modified Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus with Enhanced Esterification and Transesterification Activities
Authors: Noro Jennifer , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur , Silva Carla
Published: August 2021

Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus is one of the most explored enzymes for the esterification of several added‐value industrial compounds, such as biodiesel, fragrances, and flavors. Its selectivity in these reactions is mostly related with its activity towards small alcohols. In this work, the impact of the chemical modification, with 4 dodecyl chains at its surface, was evaluated regarding its transesterification and esterification activities, comparing with the native form. Linear size‐differentiated alcohols (from 1 to 20 carbons in the aliphatic chain) were used to explore for the first time the effect of the chain length in both transesterification and esterification reactions, using p‐nitrophenyl palmitate and oleic acid as model compounds, respectively. The chemically modified lipase showed an outstanding improvement of its catalytic performance than the native enzyme, being this increase directly proportional to the size of the alcohols chain used as substrates. The enormous potential and remarkable versatility of this novel super catalyst was here demonstrated, where diverse types of esters, differing in their potential applications (biodiesel, cosmetics, fine chemistry), were efficiently synthesized. The produced esters were fully characterized by 1H NMR, GC‐MS, and FTIR.
Contorted Heteroannulated Tetraareno[a,d,j,m]coronenes
Authors: Yang Xuan , Rominger Frank , Mastalerz Michael
Published: August 2021

Fused polycyclic aromatic compounds are interesting materials for organic electronics applications. To fine‐tune photophysical or electrochemical properties, either various substituents can be attached or heteroatoms (such as N or S) can be incorporated into the fused aromatic backbone. Coronenes and heterocoronenes are promising compounds in this respect. Up until now, the possibilities for varying the attached fused heteroaromatics at the coronene core were quite limited, and realizing both electron‐withdrawing and ‐donating rings at the same time was very difficult. Here, a series of pyridine, anisole and thiophene annulated tetraareno[a,d,j,m]coronenes has been synthesized by a facile two‐step route that is a combination of Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling and a following cyclization step, starting from three different diarenoperylene dibromides. The contorted molecular π‐planes of the obtained cata‐condensed tetraarenocoronenes were analyzed by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, and the photophysical and electrochemical properties were systematically investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy and cyclovoltammetry.
DNA Adduct Detection after Post‐Labeling Technique with PCR Amplification (DNA‐ADAPT–qPCR) Identifies the Pre‐ribosomal RNA Gene as a Direct Target of Platinum–Acridine Anticancer Agents
Authors: Yao Xiyuan , Bierbach Ulrich
Published: August 2021

To study the DNA damage caused by a potent platinum–acridine anticancer agent (PA) in cancer cells, an assay based on biorthogonal post‐labeling using a click chemistry‐enabled, azide‐modified derivative (APA) was developed. The method involves biotinylation, affinity capture, and bead‐based enrichment of APA‐modified genomic DNA. The key steps of the assay were validated and optimized in model duplexes, including full‐length plasmids, restriction fragments, and a DNA ladder. Native DNA treated with APA and subsequently subjected to post‐labeling with a biotin affinity tag was enzymatically digested and fragments were analyzed by in‐line LC–MS and MS/MS. The monofunctional–intercalative adducts formed by APA in 5′‐pyrimidine/guanine sequences in double‐stranded DNA were quantitatively biotinylated by strain‐promoted 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition chemistry. When applied to DNA extracted from A549 lung cancer cells, the assay in combination with qPCR amplification demonstrates that platinum–acridines form adducts in the gene sequences encoding pre‐ribosomal RNA, a potential pharmacological target of these agents.
Photocatalyzed Reverse Polarity Oxidative Povarov Reaction of Glycine Derivatives with Maleimides
Authors: Zhang Yongxin , Jiang Wei , Bao Xiazhen , Qiu Yifeng , Yuan Yong , Yang Caixia , Huo Congde
Published: August 2021

Main observation and conclusion

An oxidative tandem (4+2)‐cyclization/aromatization of N‐aryl glycine derivatives with electron‐deficient alkenes was first achieved using Ru(bpy)3Cl2 as a photocatalyst and TBHP as an oxidant in combination with visible‐light irradiation by blue LEDs. One‐electron oxidation and the following α‐deprotonation of glycine derivatives afford α‐amino alkyl radicals, which were then trapped by electrophilic maleimides. As an atom‐economic and efficient method, a variety of pyrrolo[3,4‐c]quinoline‐1,3‐diones have been obtained in good yields under mild reaction conditions.
Clinical trials as a path toward equity
Authors: Benson Al B. , Carlos Ruth C.
Published: August 2021

Results from a secondary analysis of the first‐line metastatic colorectal cancer trial CALGB/SWOG 80405 demonstrate the potential for participation in a clinical trial to provide a level of equity which thus far has remained elusive for the overall population of Black patients with colorectal cancer. Although encouraging, what is lacking in trial design is the inclusion of factors beyond standard efficacy, safety, and patient‐reported outcomes that address social determinants of health that clearly are not only detriments to trial enrollment but also can have profound consequences in outcomes, including survival.
“I took the road less traveled, and that has made all the difference”: Making a case for high‐dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation in elderly patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Nooka Ajay K. , Joseph Nisha S. , Lonial Sagar
Published: August 2021

Lay Summary

Elderly patients with myeloma derive benefits from transplantation similar to those for younger patients.

Age should not be the sole criterion for determining transplant eligibility.

Performance status assessment and other tools for assessing comorbidities such as the Charlson comorbidity score may potentially help in determining transplant eligibility and will allow us to move away from our heavy reliance on numerical age.