bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Formation of Bismuth‐Based Perovskite Heterostructures for High‐Performance Cocatalyst‐Free Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Tang Yunqi , Mak Chun Hong , Liu Rugeng , Wang Zuankai , Ji Li , Song Haisheng , Tan Chunyan , Barrière Frédéric , Hsu Hsien‐Yi
Published: September 2020

Solar‐to‐fuel conversion with organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskites has attracted growing attention as a result of their excellent optoelectronic properties as well as the low temperature of the solution based fabrication process. However, the most comprehensively developed hybrid perovskite materials are comprised of the toxic metal lead, raising concerns about environmental health threats. Herein, a lead‐free bismuth (Bi)‐based hybrid perovskite showing in situ growth of heterojunctions is successfully developed at the interface of methylammonium bismuth iodide (MA3Bi2I9) and tri(dimethylammonium) hexa‐iodobismuthate (DMA3BiI6) by a facile solvent engineering technique. The air‐stable MA3Bi2I9/DMA3BiI6 perovskite heterostructure with enhanced photoinduced charge separation exhibit outstanding visible‐light‐induced photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution in aqueous hydrogen iodide solution. The powdered MA3Bi2I9/DMA3BiI6 heterostructured composite (BBP‐5) shows a H2 evolution rate of 198.2 µmol h−1 g−1 without the addition of Pt co‐catalysts under 100 mW cm−2 of visible‐light (λ ≥ 420 nm) illumination.
Recent Progress in the Design and Application of Supramolecular Peptide Hydrogels in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Cai Ying , Zheng Chao , Xiong Fengqin , Ran Wei , Zhai Yihui , Zhu Helen H. , Wang Hao , Li Yaping , Zhang Pengcheng
Published: September 2020

Supramolecular peptide hydrogel (SPH) is a class of biomaterials self‐assembled from peptide‐based gelators through non‐covalent interactions. Among many of its biomedical applications, the potential of SPH in cancer therapy has been vastly explored in the past decade, taking advantage of its good biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and injectability. SPHs can exert localized cancer therapy and induce systemic anticancer immunity to prevent tumor recurrence, depending on the design of SPH. This review first gives a brief introduction to SPH and then outlines the major types of peptide‐based gelators that have been developed so far. The methodologies to tune the physicochemical properties and biological activities are summarized. The recent advances of SPH in cancer therapy as carriers, prodrugs, or drugs are highlighted. Finally, the clinical translation potential and main challenges in this field are also discussed.
Creating an Eco‐Friendly Building Coating with Smart Subambient Radiative Cooling
Authors: Xue Xiao , Qiu Meng , Li Yanwen , Zhang Q. M. , Li Siqi , Yang Zhuo , Feng Chi , Zhang Weidong , Dai Jian‐Guo , Lei Dangyuan , Jin Wei , Xu Lijin , Zhang Tao , Qin Jie , Wang Huiqun , Fan Shanhui
Published: September 2020

Subambient daytime radiative cooling (SDRC) provides a promising electricity‐ and cryogen‐free pathway for global energy‐efficiency. However, current SDRC systems require stringent surface designs, which are neither cost‐effective nor eco‐friendly, to selectively emit thermal radiation to outer space and simultaneously maximize solar reflectance. Here, a generic method is developed to upgrade the conventional building‐coating materials with a peculiar self‐adaptive SDRC effect through combining particle scattering, sunlight‐excited fluorescence, and mid‐infrared broadband radiation. It is also theoretically proved that heat exchange with the sky can eliminate the use of resonant microstructures and noble metal mirrors in conventional SDRC, and also leads to enhanced daytime cooling yet suppressed nighttime overcooling. When exposed to direct sunlight, the upgraded coating over an aluminum plate can achieve 6 °C (7 °C on a scale‐model building) below the ambient temperature under a solar intensity of 744 W m−2 (850 W m−2), yielding a cooling power of 84.2 W m−2. The results pave the way for practical large‐scale applications of high‐performance SDRC for human thermal comfort in buildings.
Surface and Interface Engineering for Nanocellulosic Advanced Materials
Authors: Yang Xianpeng , Biswas Subir Kumar , Han Jingquan , Tanpichai Supachok , Li Mei‐Chun , Chen Chuchu , Zhu Sailing , Das Atanu Kumar , Yano Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

How do trees support their upright massive bodies? The support comes from the incredibly strong and stiff, and highly crystalline nanoscale fibrils of extended cellulose chains, called cellulose nanofibers. Cellulose nanofibers and their crystalline parts—cellulose nanocrystals, collectively nanocelluloses, are therefore the recent hot materials to incorporate in man‐made sustainable, environmentally sound, and mechanically strong materials. Nanocelluloses are generally obtained through a top‐down process, during or after which the original surface chemistry and interface interactions can be dramatically changed. Therefore, surface and interface engineering are extremely important when nanocellulosic materials with a bottom‐up process are fabricated. Herein, the main focus is on promising chemical modification and nonmodification approaches, aiming to prospect this hot topic from novel aspects, including nanocellulose‐, chemistry‐, and process‐oriented surface and interface engineering for advanced nanocellulosic materials. The reinforcement of nanocelluloses in some functional materials, such as structural materials, films, filaments, aerogels, and foams, is discussed, relating to tailored surface and/or interface engineering. Although some of the nanocellulosic products have already reached the industrial arena, it is hoped that more and more nanocellulose‐based products will become available in everyday life in the next few years.
High‐Throughput Growth of Wafer‐Scale Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenide via Vertical Ostwald Ripening
Authors: Seol Minsu , Lee Min‐Hyun , Kim Haeryong , Shin Keun Wook , Cho Yeonchoo , Jeon Insu , Jeong Myoungho , Lee Hyung‐Ik , Park Jiwoong , Shin Hyeon‐Jin
Published: September 2020

For practical device applications, monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) films must meet key industry needs for batch processing, including the high‐throughput, large‐scale production of high‐quality, spatially uniform materials, and reliable integration into devices. Here, high‐throughput growth, completed in 12 min, of 6‐inch wafer‐scale monolayer MoS2 and WS2 is reported, which is directly compatible with scalable batch processing and device integration. Specifically, a pulsed metal–organic chemical vapor deposition process is developed, where periodic interruption of the precursor supply drives vertical Ostwald ripening, which prevents secondary nucleation despite high precursor concentrations. The as‐grown TMD films show excellent spatial homogeneity and well‐stitched grain boundaries, enabling facile transfer to various target substrates without degradation. Using these films, batch fabrication of high‐performance field‐effect transistor (FET) arrays in wafer‐scale is demonstrated, and the FETs show remarkable uniformity. The high‐throughput production and wafer‐scale automatable transfer will facilitate the integration of TMDs into Si‐complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor platforms.
NAD(P)H‐Dependent Enzymes for Reductive Amination: Active Site Description and Carbonyl‐Containing Compound Spectrum
Authors: Ducrot Laurine , Bennett Megan , Grogan Gideon , Vergne‐Vaxelaire Carine
Published: September 2020

The biocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of amines from carbonyl compounds and amine precursors presents an important advance in sustainable synthetic chemistry. Oxidoreductases (ORs) that catalyze the NAD(P)H‐dependent reductive amination of carbonyl compounds directly to amines using amine donors present advantages complementary to those of amine transaminases (ATAs) with respect to selectivity, stability and substrate scope. Indeed some ORs accept alkyl and aryl amines as reaction partners enabling access to chiral secondary amine products that are not directly accessible using ATAs. Moreover, superior atom economy can usually be achieved as no sacrificial amines are required as with ATAs. In recent years a number of ORs that apparently catalyze both imine formation and imine reduction in the reductive amination of carbonyls has been identified using structure informed protein engineering, sequence analysis from natural biodiversity and increasingly a mixture of both. In this review we summarize the development of such enzymes from the engineering of amino acid dehydrogenases (AADHs) and opine dehydrogenases (OpDHs) to become amine dehydrogenases (AmDHs), which are active toward ketones devoid of any requisite carboxylate and/or amine functions, through to the discovery of native AmDHs and reductive aminases (RedAms), and the engineering of all of these scaffolds for improved or altered activity. Structural and mechanistic studies have revealed similarities, but also differences in the determinants of substrate binding and mechanism in the enzymes. The survey reveals that a complementary approach to enzyme discovery that utilizes both natural genetic resources and engineering can be combined to deliver biocatalysts that have significant potential for the industrial synthesis of chiral amines.

magnified image
Color‐Recognizing Si‐Based Photonic Synapse for Artificial Visual System
Authors: Li Dongyang , Li Chunmei , Ilyas Nasir , Jiang Xiangdong , Liu Fucai , Gu Deen , Xu Ming , Jiang Yadong , Li Wei
Published: September 2020

Recently, photonic synapses that can directly respond to light signals have attracted much attention due to their huge application potential in neuromorphic chips and artificial vision systems. However, the implementation of an artificial visual system based on a synapse remains a considerable challenge due to the limitation that most current photonic synapses fail to recognize color. Here, a photonic synapse with color recognition capability is proposed and demonstrated. Through the light‐induced adjustment of dangling bond defects inside the amorphous silicon (a‐Si) film, the device exhibits switchable volatile and nonvolatile photoconductivity (PC) behaviors at the wavelengths of 635 and 450 nm, respectively. Based on the dual PC, the photonic synapse enables dual synaptic plasticity depending on the stimulation light, allowing not only various synaptic functions, but also learning experiences, associative learning behaviors, and recognition of the red and blue colors. Moreover, the dual synaptic plasticity of the photonic synapse could be modulated via a voltage in the range below ≈1 V to realize the stable detection and precise extraction of the grayscale and color signals. With its simple structure and compatibility with existing Si‐complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, this photonic synapse shows potential for application in neuromorphic computing and advanced robot vision systems.
Immigration Enforcement Policies and the Mental Health of US Citizens: Findings from a Comparative Analysis
Authors: Pinedo Miguel , Valdez Carmen R.
Published: September 2020

We examined the differential impact of having a family member, friend, or co‐worker/community member detained or deported on the mental health of US citizens. In 2019, a sample of 3446 adult participants of White, Black, and Latinx racial/ethnic descent were recruited to complete an online questionnaire. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire‐4 to screen for anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Analyses were restricted to US citizens (n = 3282). Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were conducted to examine the mental health of US citizens who reported personally knowing a migrant who has been detained or deported and by their relationship to the migrant, overall and among Latinxs only. Among US citizens, 32% reported personally knowing someone who has been detained or deported. In multivariable analyses, US citizens who personally knew a detained or deported migrant were more likely to report anxiety, depression, and greater psychological distress. Associations were more pronounced among those who reported having a family member detained or deported. US‐citizen Latinxs with social ties to migrants who have been detained or deported were especially more likely to report poor mental health than White and Latinx participants who did not personally know a migrant who has been detained or deported. It is critical that policy makers consider the potential mental health harms on migrants and its own citizens when designing policies targeting migrant communities.
Comparative evaluation of involved free light chain and monoclonal spike as markers for progression from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance to multiple myeloma
Authors: Gran Charlotte , Liwing Johan , Wagner Arnika Kathleen , Verhoek Andre , Gezin Ana , Alici Evren , Nahi Hareth
Published: September 2020

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a premalignant clonal plasma cell disorder, with a 1% yearly risk of progression to multiple myeloma (MM). Evolution of M‐spike and serum free light chain (sFLC) during follow‐up could identify patients at high risk of progression. In this region‐wide study, including 4756 individuals, 987 patients with MGUS were identified, and baseline factors as well as evolving involved FLC (iFLC) were evaluated as potential markers for risk of progression from MGUS to MM. Furthermore, evolving iFLC and M‐spike were assessed quarterly for a median of 5 years. At baseline, patients that progressed had significantly higher iFLC compared to non‐progressors. The risk factors of M‐spike >1.5 g/dL, age >65 years and iFLC >100 mg/L were all independently associated with increased risk of MGUS to MM progression. For patients that had any two or three risk factors, the 5‐year cumulative probability of progression was significantly higher (31%) compared to no risk factors (2%). Evolving iFLC >100 mg/L during follow‐up was consistently associated with increased risk of progression. Based on our observations, we propose to include iFLC as a monitoring tool for all MGUS patients. Furthermore, we recommend a quarterly monitoring in all high‐risk patients. Finally, we suggest that the risk of MGUS progression should be stratified with age, M‐spike, and iFLC at baseline.
Exploring late Paleolithic and Mesolithic diet in the Eastern Alpine region of Italy through multiple proxies
Authors: Oxilia Gregorio , Bortolini Eugenio , Badino Federica , Bernardini Federico , Gazzoni Valentina , Lugli Federico , Romandini Matteo , Radini Anita , Terlato Gabriele , Marciani Giulia , Silvestrini Sara , Menghi Sartorio Jessica C. , Thun Hohenstein Ursula , Fiorenza Luca , Kullmer Ottmar , Tuniz Claudio , Moggi Cecchi Jacopo , Talamo Sahra , Fontana Federica , Peresani Marco , Benazzi Stefano , Cristiani Emanuela
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The analysis of prehistoric human dietary habits is key for understanding the effects of paleoenvironmental changes on the evolution of cultural and social human behaviors. In this study, we compare results from zooarchaeological, stable isotope and dental calculus analyses as well as lower second molar macrowear patterns to gain a broader understanding of the diet of three individuals who lived between the end of the Late Pleistocene and the Early Holocene (ca., 17–8 ky cal BP) in the Eastern Alpine region of Italy.

Materials and methods

We analyze individuals buried at the sites of Riparo Tagliente (Verona), Riparo Villabruna, and Mondeval de Sora (Belluno). The three burials provide a unique dataset for diachronically exploring the influence of climatic changes on human subsistence strategies.

Results

Isotopic results indicate that all individuals likely relied on both terrestrial and freshwater animal proteins. Even though dental calculus analysis was, in part, hindered by the amount of mineral deposit available on the teeth, tooth macrowear study suggests that the dietary habits of the individuals included plant foods. Moreover, differences in macrowear patterns of lower second molars have been documented between Neanderthals and modern humans in the present sample, due to a prevalence of Buccal wear among the former as opposed to higher values of Lingual wear in modern human teeth.

Discussion

Isotopic analyses have emphasized the contribution of animal proteins in the diet of the three foragers from the Eastern Alpine region. The possible intake of carbohydrate‐rich plant foods, suggested by the retrieval of plant remains in dental calculus, is supported by the signal of macrowear analysis. Moreover, the latter method indicates that the distribution of macrowear in lower second molars (M2s) allows us to discriminate between Neanderthals and modern humans within the present reference sample. Overall, our results show these three prehistoric hunter‐gatherers were well adapted to the environment in which they lived exploiting many natural resources.
Berbers and Arabs: Tracing the genetic diversity and history of Southern Tunisia through genome wide analysis
Authors: Anagnostou Paolo , Dominici Valentina , Battaggia Cinzia , Boukhchim Nouri , Ben Nasr Jaâfar , Boussoffara Ridha , Cancellieri Emanuele , Marnaoui Marwa , Marzouki Meriem , Bel Haj Brahim Hedi , Bou Rass Mongi , di Lernia Savino , Destro Bisol Giovanni
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Tunisia has been a crossroads for people from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East since prehistoric times. At present, it is inhabited by two main ethnic groups, Arabs and Berbers, and several minorities. This study aims to advance knowledge regarding their genetic structure using new population samplings and a genome‐wide approach.

Materials and Methods

We investigated genomic variation, estimated ancestry components and dated admixture events in three Berber and two Arab populations from Southern Tunisia, mining a dataset including Middle Eastern, sub‐Saharan, and European populations.

Results

Differences in the proportion of North African, Arabian, and European ancestries and the varying impact of admixture and isolation determined significant heterogeneity in the genetic structure of Southern Tunisian populations. Admixture time estimates show a multilayer pattern of admixture events, involving both ethno‐linguistic groups, which started around the mid XI century and lasted for nearly five centuries.

Discussion

Our study provides evidence that the relationships between genetic and cultural diversity of old and new inhabitants of North Africa in southern Tunisia follow different patterns. The Berbers seem to have preserved a significant part of their common genomic heritage despite Islamization, Arab cultural influence, and linguistic diversity. Compared to Morocco and Algeria, southern Tunisian Arabs have retained a higher level of Arabian ancestry. This is more evident in the semi‐nomad R'Baya, who have kept their original Bedouin lifestyle, than in the population from Douz, who have undergone multiple events of stratification and admixture.
Male social rank and food competition in a primate multi‐level society
Authors: Guo Song‐Tao , He Shu‐Jun , Zhang He , Bai Rui‐Feng , Zhang Si‐Meng , Hou Rong , Grueter Cyril C. , Chapman Colin A. , Dunn Derek W. , Li Bao‐Guo
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Social animals often have dominance hierarchies, with high rank conferring preferential access to resources. In primates, competition among males is often assumed to occur predominantly over reproductive opportunities. However, competition for food may occur during food shortages, such as in temperate species during winter. Higher‐ranked males may thus gain preferential access to high‐profitability food, which would enable them to spend longer engaged in activities other than feeding.

Materials and methods

We performed a field experiment with a breeding band of golden snub‐nosed monkeys, a species that lives in a multi‐level society in high‐altitude forests in central China. We provisioned monkey's high‐profitability food during winter when natural foods are limited, and then recorded the times individual adult males spent engaged in different behaviors.

Results

Higher‐ranking males spent less time feeding overall and fed on provisioned foods at a higher rate than lower‐ranking males. Higher‐ranking males therefore had more time to spend on alternative behaviors. We found no significant difference according to rank in times spent moving or resting. However, high‐ranking males spend significantly longer on affiliative behaviors with other members of their social sub‐units, especially grooming and being groomed, behaviors known to promote social cohesion in primates.

Discussion

We show that preferential access to high‐profitability foods likely relaxes time‐budget constraints to higher‐ranking males. High‐ranking males thus spend more time on non‐feeding activities, especially grooming, which may enhance social cohesion within their social sub‐unit. We discuss the potential direct and indirect benefits to high‐ranking males associated with preferential access to high‐value food during winter.
Clinical Variability in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type III
Authors: Coratti Giorgia , Messina Sonia , Lucibello Simona , Pera Maria Carmela , Montes Jacqueline , Pasternak Amy , Bovis Francesca , Exposito Escudero Jessica , Mazzone Elena Stacy , Mayhew Anna , Glanzman Allan M. , Young Sally Dunaway , Salazar Rachel , Duong Tina , Muni Lofra Robert , De Sanctis Roberto , Carnicella Sara , Milev Evelin , Civitello Matthew , Pane Marika , Scoto Mariacristina , Bettolo Chiara Marini , Antonaci Laura , Frongia Annalia , Sframeli Maria , Vita Gian Luca , D'Amico Adele , Van Den Hauwe Marleen , Albamonte Emilio , Goemans Nathalie , Darras Basil T. , Bertini Enrico , Sansone Valeria , Day John , Nascimento Osorio Andres , Bruno Claudio , Muntoni Francesco , De Vivo Darryl C. , Finkel Richard S. , Mercuri Eugenio
Published: September 2020

Objective

We report natural history data in a large cohort of 199 patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type III assessed using the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE). The aim of the study was to establish the annual rate and possible patterns of progression according to a number of variables, such as age of onset, age at assessment, SMN2 copy number, and functional status.

Methods

HFMSE longitudinal changes were assessed using piecewise linear mixed‐effects models. The dependency in the data due to repeated measures was accounted for by a random intercept per individual and an unstructured covariance R matrix was used as correlation structure. An additional descriptive analysis was performed for 123 patients, for a total of 375 12‐month assessments.

Results

A break point at age 7 years was set for the whole cohort and for SMA IIIA and IIIB. Age, SMA type, and ambulatory status were significantly associated with changes in mean HFMSE score, whereas gender and SMN2 copy number were not. The increase in response before the break point of age 7 years is significant only for SMA IIIA (β = 1.79, p < 0.0001). After the break point, the change in the rate of HFMSE score significantly decrease for both SMA IIIA (β = −1.15, p < 0.0001) and IIIB (β = −0.69, p = 0.002).

Interpretation

Our findings contribute to the understanding of the natural history of SMA type III and will be helpful in the interpretation of the real‐world data of patients treated with commercially available drugs. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:1109–1117
Isolable Silicon‐Based Polycations with Lewis Superacidity
Authors: Hermannsdorfer André , Driess Matthias
Published: September 2020

Molecular silicon polycations of the types R2Si2+ and RSi3+ (R=H, organic groups) are elusive Lewis superacids and currently unknown in the condensed phase. Here, we report the synthesis of a series of isolable terpyridine‐stabilized R2Si2+ and RSi3+ complexes, [R2Si(terpy)]2+ (R=Ph 12+; R2=C12H8 22+, (CH2)3 32+) and [RSi(terpy)]3+ (R=Ph 43+, cyclohexyl 53+, m‐xylyl 63+), in form of their triflate salts. The stabilization of the latter is achieved through higher coordination and to the expense of reduced fluoride‐ion affinities, but a significant level of Lewis superacidity is nonetheless retained as verified by theory and experiment. The complexes activate C(sp3)−F bonds, as showcased by stoichiometric fluoride abstraction from 1‐fluoroadamantane (AdF) and the catalytic hydrodefluorination of AdF. The formation of the crystalline adducts [2(F)]+ and [5(H)]2+ documents in particular the high reactivity towards fluoride and hydride donors.
Wide Band Gap Organic–Inorganic Hybrid (CH3NH3)2HgCl4 as Self‐Driven Ultraviolet Photodetector and Photoconductor
Authors: Yu Ning , Tao Siwen , Cui Jiawen , Zhou Huawei , Chen Yan , Cui Shuting , Gao Xiaorui , Yin Jie , Liu Xuejing , Zhang Xianxi
Published: September 2020

At present, developing new organic–inorganic hybrid materials (OIHM) and studying their photoelectric properties is an important research field. In this work, the OIHM (CH3NH3)2HgCl4 (MA2HgCl4) single crystal and thin film are prepared. The results show that the crystal structure of MA2HgCl4 has a monoclinic crystal system with P21/c (14) space group (unit cell dimensions 7.776 × 12.917 × 10.993 Å, 90.00 × 96.366 × 90.00) by solving the single crystal diffraction data. The band gap of MA2HgCl4 is calculated to be approximately 3.21 eV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on MA2HgCl4 for optoelectronic application. The photodetector based on MA2HgCl4 thin film is highly selective for ultraviolet (UV) light (369 nm), and has a poor response for visible light. The electrochemical impedance spectrum shows that the impedance value (2 kΩ) of the device under 369 nm UV light is four magnitudes lower than that (107 Ω) under dark. Thus, MA2HgCl4 has the nature of a photoconductor. The density functional theory indicates that the valence band maximum (VBM) of MA2HgCl4 is mainly derived from Cl‐3p state, Hg‐5d state and organic CH3NH3+ state also participate in the formation of the VBM band. The electron states of VBM and the conduction band minimum of MA2HgCl4 come from inorganic HgCl42− clusters.
Epoxy/benzoxazinyl POSS nanocomposite resin with low dielectric constant and excellent thermal stability
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Feng Jiacheng , Zhang Shuai , Tang Ying , Hu Xinyu , Liu Xiaoping , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: September 2020

Benzoxazinyl modified polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (BZPOSS) is successfully synthesized and used to prepare nanocomposites with bisphenol A type epoxy resin (E51). The differential scanning calorimetry results showed the curing peak temperature of E51/BZPOSS blend decrease to 242°C, suggesting the high catalytic activity of BZPOSS to the polymerization of E51. The scanning electron microscope micrographs of poly(E51/BZPOSS)s and silicon element distribution maps given by EDS both demonstrated homogeneous dispersion of BZPOSS. Dielectric properties tests confirmed the dielectric constant can be reduced by the introduction of BZPOSS, which is attributed to the nano‐pores from the cage structure of POSS. When 20 wt% BZPOSS was added, the dielectric constant decreased to 2.28 at 1 MHz. Meanwhile, DMA and TGA results indicated the thermal stability and heat resistance of poly(E51/BZPOSS)s at high temperature increased with the increase of BZPOSS, which is due to the increase of the crosslinking density and the change of crosslinking structure of copolymer.
Progress, opportunities and challenges for marine conservation in the Pacific Islands
Authors: Friedlander Alan M. , Gaymer Carlos F.
Published: September 2020

The people of the Pacific have long relied on the ocean for sustenance, commerce and cultural identity, which resulted in a sophisticated understanding of the marine environment and its conservation.

The global declines in ocean health require new and innovative approaches to conserving marine ecosystems. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been shown to be a highly effective means of conserving biodiversity and managing fisheries, while also restoring and preserving overall ecosystem function.

Traditional ecological knowledge held by many island peoples in the Pacific is critical to the development, design and implementation of contemporary MPAs.

Chile's offshore islands are among the few oceanic archipelagos along the west coast of South America. These islands have cultural and ecological connections to the broader insular Pacific, yet our scientific understanding of them is extremely limited.

Chile has created several large‐scale MPAs around their offshore archipelagos. By protecting these unique ecosystems, Chile has established itself as a global leader in marine conservation.

Effective management and a better understanding of social–ecological interactions are currently the biggest challenges facing MPAs in the Pacific Islands.
Hantzsch Ester‐Mediated Synthesis of Phenanthridines under Visible‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Nagode Savita B. , Kant Ruchir , Rastogi Namrata
Published: September 2020

An efficient photocatalytic synthesis of phenanthridines mediated by an organo‐photoredox initiator Hantzsch ester has been developed via denitrogenative intramolecular annulation of benzotriazolyl chalcones. The highly reducing photoactivated Hantzsch ester facilitates the transformation of benzotriazolyl chalcones into phenanthridinyl chalcones through photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) processes. The mild reaction conditions utilizing inexpensive Hantzsch ester as photosensitizer, wide reaction scope and excellent functional group tolerance are notable attributes of the methodology.
Association Between Sleep Deficiencies with Behavioral Problems in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Subtle Sex Differences
Authors: Saré Rachel Michelle , Smith Carolyn Beebe
Published: September 2020

Sleep problems are prevalent in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Several studies have shown an association between sleep problems and severity of ASD‐related behaviors. Most of these studies have not addressed potential sex differences either in the prevalence of the sleep problems or in their association with the manifestation of other behavioral issues in ASD. Given the strong prevalence of ASD in males, we thought it important to address whether sex differences exist in this realm. We examined the association of sleep problems with the severity of ASD‐behavioral measures in a large data set collected from an online phenotyping project: Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge. We confirmed a high prevalence of sleep problems in ASD and a strong association between sleep problems and severity of other ASD‐related behaviors. Furthermore, we were able to detect sex differences in these associations. In children with ASD, there was a slightly stronger association between repetitive behaviors and diagnosed sleep problems in females compared to males. In children without diagnosed ASD (undiagnosed siblings), there was a stronger association between sleep problems and impairments in social communication in males compared to females. These data highlight potential sex differences in the association of sleep problems and behavioral problems in ASD.

Lay Summary

We tested for sex differences in the association between sleep deficiencies and behavior in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In children with ASD, we found the association between sleep problems and repetitive behaviors was slightly stronger in females. In siblings without diagnosed ASD, the association between sleep problems and social communication scores was stronger in males. These data suggest that sex might play a role in an association between sleep deficiencies and behavioral impairments. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1802–1810. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC
Antisense Oligonucleotide (AS‐ODN) Technology: Principle, Mechanism and Challenges
Authors: Gheibi‐Hayat Seyed Mohammad , Jamialahmadi Khadijeh
Published: September 2020

Recently, there is a hopefully tremendous interest in antisense therapeutics for clinical purposes. Single‐stranded synthetic antisense oligonucleotides (As‐ODNs) with monomers of chemically modified 18–21 deoxynucleotides complement the mRNA sequence in target gene. The target gene expression can be blocked because of created cleavage or disability of the mRNA by binding the As‐ODNs to cognate mRNA sequences via sequence‐specific hybridization. The idea of antisense therapy has become particular concerning that any sequence longer than a minimal number of nucleotides (17 for DNA and 13 for RNA) can be observed only once within the human genome. The mRNA is omnipresent more probably to manipulate compared to DNA, which results in multiple in vitro and in vivo applications for As‐ODNs in the field of regulatory mechanisms of biological processes, cancer, viral infections and hereditary impairments. Although, there are uncertain clinical outcomes on the ability of this approach in treatment procedures despite achieving promising findings based on previous investigations. Accordingly, the efficacy, off‐target effects, delivery are issues that should be investigated to obtain satisfactory results. In this review, we will explain the mechanism of action of As‐ODNs and various types of modifications and their therapeutic purposes.
I quit! Is there an association between leaving teaching and improvements in mental health?
Authors: Jerrim John , Sims Sam , Taylor Hannah
Published: September 2020

The mental health and well‐being of teachers is an issue of great policy concern. This is particularly true in England, where high workload and the associated stress is thought to be leading to a recruitment and retention crisis within the education profession. But do individuals who decide to leave teaching for another career actually see their well‐being and mental health improve? We provide new evidence on this matter for individuals aged between 40 and 65, using the rich information gathered as part of the UK Biobank study. Our analysis shows that individuals who choose to leave teaching are somewhat happier in their work, but do not generally experience any improvement in their general well‐being or mental health. We hence caution those middle‐aged teachers who are thinking of leaving teaching that the grass may not necessarily be greener on the other side.
Isolation of Common Light Chain Antibodies from Immunized Chickens Using Yeast Biopanning and Fluorescence‐Activated Cell Sorting
Authors: Bogen Jan P. , Storka Juliana , Yanakieva Desislava , Fiebig David , Grzeschik Julius , Hock Björn , Kolmar Harald
Published: September 2020

The phylogenetic distance between chickens and humans accounts for a strong immune response and a broader epitope coverage compared to rodent immunization approaches. Here the authors report the isolation of common light chain (cLC)‐based chicken monoclonal antibodies from an anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) immune library utilizing yeast surface display in combination with yeast biopanning and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS). For the selection of high‐affinity antibodies, a yeast cell library presenting cLC‐comprising fragment antigen binding (Fab) fragments is panned against hEGFR‐overexpressing A431 cells. The resulting cell–cell‐complexes are sorted by FACS resulting in gradual enrichment of EGFR‐binding Fabs in three sorting rounds. The isolated antibodies share the same light chain and show high specificity for EGFR, resulting in selective binding to A431 cells with notable EC50 values. All identified antibodies show very good aggregation propensity profiles and thermostabilities. Additionally, epitope binning demonstrates that these cLC antibodies cover a broad epitope space. Isolation of antibodies from immunized chickens by yeast cell biopanning makes an addition to the repertoire of methods for antibody library screening, paving the way for the generation of cLC‐based bispecific antibodies against native mammalian receptors.
Optimizing the biosynthesis of oxygenated and acetylated Taxol precursors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using advanced bioprocessing strategies
Authors: Walls Laura E. , Malcı Koray , Nowrouzi Behnaz , Li Rachel A. , d'Espaux Leo , Wong Jeff , Dennis Jonathan A. , Semião Andrea J. C. , Wallace Stephen , Martinez José L. , Keasling Jay D. , Rios‐Solis Leonardo
Published: September 2020

Taxadien‐5α‐hydroxylase and taxadien‐5α‐ol O‐acetyltransferase catalyze the oxidation of taxadiene to taxadien‐5α‐ol and subsequent acetylation to taxadien‐5α‐yl‐acetate in the biosynthesis of the blockbuster anticancer drug, paclitaxel (Taxol®). Despite decades of research, the promiscuous and multispecific CYP725A4 enzyme remains a major bottleneck in microbial biosynthetic pathway development. In this study, an interdisciplinary approach was applied for the construction and optimization of the early pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, across a range of bioreactor scales. High‐throughput microscale optimization enhanced total oxygenated taxane titer to 39.0 ± 5.7 mg/L and total taxane product titers were comparable at micro and minibioreactor scale at 95.4 ± 18.0 and 98.9 mg/L, respectively. The introduction of pH control successfully mitigated a reduction of oxygenated taxane production, enhancing the potential taxadien‐5α‐ol isomer titer to 19.2 mg/L, comparable with the 23.8 ± 3.7 mg/L achieved at microscale. A combination of bioprocess optimization and increased gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry resolution at 1 L bioreactor scale facilitated taxadien‐5α‐yl‐acetate detection with a final titer of 3.7 mg/L. Total oxygenated taxane titers were improved 2.7‐fold at this scale to 78 mg/L, the highest reported titer in yeast. Critical parameters affecting the productivity of the engineered strain were identified across a range of scales, providing a foundation for the development of robust integrated bioprocess control systems.
Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease study highlights the trends in death and disability‐adjusted life years of leukemia from 1990 to 2017
Authors: Ou Zejin , Yu Danfeng , Liang Yuanhao , He Wenqiao , Li Yongzhi , Zhang Minyi , You Fangfei , He Huan , Chen Qing
Published: September 2020

Background

The patterns of leukemia burden have dramatically changed in recent years. This study aimed to estimate the global trends of leukemia‐related death and disability‐adjusted life‐years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2017.

Methods

The data was acquired from the latest version of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to estimate the trend of age‐standardized rate (ASR) of death and DALYs due to leukemia and its main subtypes from 1990 to 2017.

Results

Globally, the numbers of death and DALYs due to leukemia were 347.58 × 103 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] = 317.26 × 103‐364.88 × 103) and 11975.35 × 103 (95% UI = 10749.15 × 103‐12793.58 × 103) in 2017, with a 31.22% and 0.03% increase in absolute numbers from 1990 to 2017, respectively. Both of their ASR showed decreasing trends from 1990 to 2017 with the EAPCs being −1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] = (−1.10‐−0.99) and −1.52 (95% CI = −1.59‐−1.44), respectively. Globally, the most pronounced decreasing trend of death and DALYs occurred in chronic myeloid leukemia with EAPCs of −2.76 (95% CI = −2.88‐−2.64) and −2.84 (95% CI = −2.97‐−2.70), respectively, while the trend increased in acute myeloid leukemia. The death and DALYs of leukemia decreased in most areas and countries with high socio‐demographic index (SDI) including Bahrain, Finland, and Australia.

Conclusions

The disease burden of death and DALYs due to leukemia decreased globally, and for most regions and countries from 1990 to 2017. However, the leukemia burden is still a substantial challenge globally and required adequate and affordable medical resources to improve the survival and quality of life of leukemia patients.
Chemical Proteomics for Expanding the Druggability of Human Disease
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: September 2020

Abstract. Over the past decade, chemical proteomics has emerged as a powerful technique to understand small molecule and protein function in the physiological system and plays a key role in unravelling the cellular targets of pharmacological modulators. Chemical proteomics that integrates activity‐based protein profiling (ABPP) with mass spectrometry has been introduced to evaluate small‐molecule and protein interaction and expand the druggable proteome. A much larger fraction of the human proteome can now be targeted by small molecules than estimated by past predictions of protein druggability.
Treating cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest: The right place, the right time, the right equipment
Authors: Schamroth Pravda Nili , Kornowski Ran
Published: September 2020

Key Points

The use of VA‐ECMO for patients with cardiac arrest or cardiogenic shock in the cardiac catheterization laboratory may be associated with improved survival.

Clinicians should be aware of a high complication rate of this therapy.

Further data is needed to best select the appropriate form of mechanical circulatory support in this clinical context.
Upstream anticoagulation: Another brick in the wall?
Authors: Musumeci Giuseppe , Annibali Gianmarco
Published: September 2020

Key Points

There is no clear consensus regarding the optimal drug and timing of the anticoagulation therapy in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Upstream anticoagulation therapy would appear to have advantages for patients, both from the ischemic standpoint and from the bleeding one.

Future trials are needed to compare different possible strategies with anticoagulation therapies, regarding both the timing and the optimal drug for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients.
Early readmission after mitral valve repair: God is in the details
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Masiero Giulia
Published: September 2020

Key Points

The identification of patients at high risk for readmission after cardiac valve treatment is essential to improve patients' clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Anemia, neurological disease, chronic kidney disease, and electrolytical disorders are the main drivers to worsening heart failure or arrhythmias after surgical or percutaneous treatment of mitral regurgitation.

These factors should be carefully addressed during the index hospitalization and monitored during close follow‐up.
Outcomes with catheter‐directed thrombolysis compared with anticoagulation alone in patients with acute deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Abraham Bishoy , Sedhom Ramy , Megaly Michael , Saad Marwan , Elbadawi Ayman , Elgendy Islam Y. , Omer Mohamed , Narayanan Mahesh Anantha , Mena‐Hurtado Carlos , Pershad Ashish , Shamoun Fadi , Lalonde Thomas , Attallah Antonious
Published: September 2020

Objective

The authors aimed to investigate the benefits and risks of catheter‐directed thrombolysis (CDT) in acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

Background

The role of CDT in the management of DVT is evolving. Data on CDT versus anticoagulation alone in acute DVT is sparse.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published studies that compared CDT to anticoagulation alone in patients with acute DVT.

Results

We included 11 studies (four randomized control trials [RCTs] and seven observational studies) with a total of 8,737 patients. During hospital stay, patients who received CDT had higher odds of major bleeding (2.5% vs. 1.6%; OR 1.46, 95% CI [1.07, 1.98], p = .02), blood transfusion (10.8% vs. 6.2%; OR 1.8, 95% CI [1.52, 2.13], p < .001), and thromboembolism (15.5% vs. 10%; OR 1.67, 95% CI [1.47, 1.91], p < .001) compared with anticoagulation alone. At 6‐month follow‐up, patients who received CDT had higher venous patency (71.1% vs. 37.7%; OR 5.49, 95% CI [2.63, 11.5], p < .001) and lower postthrombotic syndrome (PTS; 27% vs. 40.7%; OR 0.44, 95% CI [0.22, 0.86], p = .02). During a mean follow‐up duration of 30.5 ± 28 months, CDT group continued to have higher venous patency (79.6% vs. 71.8%; OR 3.79, 95% CI [1.54, 9.32], p = .004) and lower PTS (44.7% vs. 50.5%; OR 0.43, 95% CI [0.23, 0.78], p = .006), but no difference in thromboembolism.

Conclusion

Compared with anticoagulation alone, CDT for patients with acute DVT was associated with a higher risk of complications, but a higher rate of venous patency and lower risk of postthrombotic syndrome at 2.5 years follow‐up.
Preliminary findings on the use of intravascular ultrasound in the assessment of pediatric pulmonary vein stenosis
Authors: Callahan Ryan , Jenkins Kathy J. , Gauthier Zachary , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Porras Diego
Published: September 2020

Objective

Determine the feasibility of performing intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in pediatric pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) and investigate whether IVUS can delineate the mechanism of PVS.

Background

The use of IVUS in pediatric patients with PVS has not been reported.

Methods

Retrospective, single center, cohort analysis of all patients who underwent IVUS of pulmonary veins from August 2016 to December 2019.

Results

IVUS was performed on 81 pulmonary veins in 50 pediatric patients (median age = 1.7 years [0.9, 3.1], median weight = 8.6 kg [7.3, 11.8]). All veins accepted the IVUS catheter (.014 or .018), with adequate visualization in 88% (71/81) of imaged veins, and improvement in visualization in the more recent period (23/24; 96%). Veins were categorized as having presumed intimal thickening (PIT) with luminal narrowing (n = 36), ostial narrowing without PIT (n = 14), distortion/compression (n = 6), normal (n = 2), and stent with (n = 9) or without in‐stent stenosis (n = 4). In veins with at least 6 months of follow up, (re)intervention occurred more commonly in veins with PIT (14/19; 74%) versus veins without PIT (3/13; 23%; p = 0.01). There were no IVUS related adverse events.

Conclusion

IVUS can be used safely in pediatric patients and can reliably demonstrate vein lumen and wall architecture. With further refinement, IVUS has the potential to differentiate intimal neo‐proliferation from other mechanisms of obstruction. The exact role of IVUS in the assessment of pediatric PVS is yet to be determined.
Human parvovirus B19 infection in an immunocompromised host
Authors: Pandey Soumya
Published: September 2020

Serologic testing may be negative in immunocompromised hosts due to inadequate IgG and IgM response. The classic bone marrow findings of viral inclusions and giant proerythroblasts are pathognomonic for active infection and should prompt initiation of therapy regardless of serologic results.
Energetic Performance and Permeate Flux Investigation of Direct‐Contact Membrane Distillation for Seawater Desalination
Authors: Boubakri Ali , Elgharbi Sarra , Bouguecha Salah Al-Tahar , Hafiane Amor
Published: September 2020

The performance of the direct‐contact membrane distillation (DCMD) process in desalting Mediterranean seawater was investigated. Theoretical and experimental optimization of various operating parameters was conducted. The effects of temperature differences, feed velocity, and membrane characteristics were studied. When using commercial polyvinylidene fluoride membranes, the vapor transfer throughout the membrane pores is dominated by the Knudsen‐molecular diffusion model. Maximum permeate flux was obtained when increasing temperature, feed velocity, membrane pore size, and porosity and decreasing membrane tortuosity and thickness. Thermal efficiency, gained output ratio, and specific thermal energy consumption were improved when increasing feed temperature. By application of the DCMD process to Mediterranean seawater, a high water quality was obtained.