bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mystery from Tetragonal NaVPO4F to Monoclinic NaVPO4F: Crystal Presentation, Phase Conversion, and Na‐Storage Kinetics
Authors: Ling Moxiang , Jiang Qike , Li Tianyu , Wang Canpei , Lv Zhiqiang , Zhang Huamin , Zheng Qiong , Li Xianfeng
Published: April 2021

NaVPO4F is regarded as one of the most competitive cathodes in high performance sodium ion batteries (SIBs). Two polymorphs with the tetragonal and monoclinic NaVPO4F have been reported, while the true presentation of the fluorophosphates is still poorly understood. Herein, fluorophosphates with a molar ratio of 1:1:1:1 for Na, V, P, F are fabricated at different temperatures. The presentation of tetragonal and monoclinic NaVPO4F is strikingly confirmed. For the first time, the accurate atomic arrangement in the crystal, and the irreversible phase transition from tetragonal to monoclinic with temperature variation are unveiled by combining series of advanced in/ex situ characterizations. From both the thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives, the sodium storage behavior and the electron/Na+ conduction, contributing to notably different electrochemical performance for the two fluorophosphates, are elaborately studied based on experimental and density functional theory calculations. The comprehensive expositions indicate that the tetragonal and monoclinic NaVPO4F have the potential to be employed as high‐energy‐density and high‐power‐density cathodes, respectively. This research answers the question of the true state of the fluorophosphates and reveals some of their previously unexplored mysteries, which provides an instructive selection principle for NaVPO4F compounds for serving in well‐defined application scenarios and is expected to become an accelerator for the next generation of high‐performance SIBs.
Plant epigenetics: phenotypic and functional diversity beyond the DNA sequence
Authors: Boquete M. Teresa , Muyle Aline , Alonso Conchita
Published: April 2021

Phenotypic variation determines the capacity of plants to adapt to changing environments and to colonize new habitats. Deciphering the mechanisms contributing to plant phenotypic variation and their effects on plant ecological interactions and evolutionary dynamics is thus central to all biological disciplines. In the past few decades, research on plant epigenetics is showing that (1) epigenetic variation is related to phenotypic variation and that some epigenetic marks drive major phenotypic changes in plants; (2) plant epigenomes are highly diverse, dynamic, and can respond rapidly to a variety of biotic and abiotic stimuli; (3) epigenetic variation can respond to selection and therefore play a role in adaptive evolution. Yet, current information in terms of species, geographic ranges, and ecological contexts analyzed so far is too limited to allow for generalizations about the relevance of epigenetic regulation in phenotypic innovation and plant adaptation across taxa. In this report, we contextualize the potential role of the epigenome in plant adaptation to the environment and describe the latest research in this field presented during the symposium “Plant epigenetics: phenotypic and functional diversity beyond the DNA sequence” held within the Botany 2020 conference framework in summer 2020.
Dementia is an age‐independent risk factor for severity and death in COVID‐19 inpatients
Authors: Tahira Ana C. , Verjovski‐Almeida Sergio , Ferreira Sergio T.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Dementia has been associated with COVID‐19 prevalence, but whether this reflects higher infection, older age of patients, or disease severity remains unclear.

Methods

We investigated a cohort of 12,863 UK Biobank community‐dwelling individuals > 65 years old (1814 individuals ≥ 80 years old) tested for COVID‐19. Individuals were stratified by age to account for age as a confounder. Risk factors were analyzed for COVID‐19–positive diagnosis, hospitalization, and death.

Results

All‐cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD) were associated with COVID‐19‐positive diagnosis, and all‐cause dementia and AD remained associated in individuals ≥ 80 years old. All‐cause dementia, AD, or PD were not risk factors for overall hospitalization, but increased the risk of hospitalization of COVID‐19 patients. All‐cause dementia and AD increased the risk of COVID‐19–related death, and all‐cause dementia was uniquely associated with increased death in ≥ 80‐year‐old patients.

Discussion

All‐cause dementia and AD are age‐independent risk factors for disease severity and death in COVID‐19.
Cancer‐Cell‐Activated in situ Synthesis of Mitochondria‐Targeting AIE Photosensitizer for Precise Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Wang Yuanbo , Xu Shidang , Shi Leilei , Teh Cathleen , Qi Guobin , Liu Bin
Published: April 2021

Maximization of phototoxic damage on tumor with minimized side effect on normal tissue is essential for effective anticancer photodynamic therapy (PDT). This requires highly cancer‐cell‐specific or even cancer‐cell‐organelle‐specific synthesis or delivery of efficient photosensitizers (PSs) in vitro and in vivo, which is difficult to achieve. Herein, we report a strategy of cancer‐cell‐activated PS synthesis, by which an efficient mitochondria‐targeting photosensitizer with aggregation‐induced‐emission (AIE) feature can be selectively synthesized as an efficient image‐guided PDT agent inside cancer cells. MOF‐199, a CuII‐based metal‐organic framework, was selected as an inert carrier to load the PS precursors for efficient delivery and served as a CuI catalyst source for in situ click reaction to form PSs exclusively in cancer cells. The in situ synthesized PS showed mitochondria‐targeting capability, allowing potent cancer‐cell‐specific ablation under light irradiation. The high specificity of PSs produced in cancer cells also makes it safer post‐treatment.
Magneto‐Electric Directional Anisotropy in Polar Soft Ferromagnets of Two‐Dimensional Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskites
Authors: Taniguchi Kouji , Nishio Masaki , Abe Nobuyuki , Huang Po‐Jung , Kimura Shojiro , Arima Taka‐hisa , Miyasaka Hitoshi
Published: April 2021

Two‐dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (2D‐OIHPs) are attracting interest due to their structural tunability and rich functional characteristics, such as ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism. Here, we report the chiral‐polar ferromagnetic 2D‐OIHP copper chlorides with discernable electric polarization in the inorganic layers. In these systems, the magneto‐electric (ME) correlation has been clearly observed by measuring a magneto‐electric directional anisotropy (MEA), in which an optical absorption coefficient changes with reversal of the light propagating direction. We have found that the MEA can be induced by a low magnetic field of about 50 mT, reflecting soft magnetic nature. The present results suggest a new paradigm for designing functional ME multiferroics, which effectively couples magnetic and electric properties.
The Cytochrome P450 Catalyzing C−S Bond Formation in S‐Heterocyclization of Chuangxinmycin Biosynthesis
Authors: Shi Yuanyuan , Jiang Zhibo , Hu Xiaowen , Hu Xiaomin , Gu Renjie , Jiang Bingya , Zuo Lijie , Li Xingxing , Sun Hongmin , Zhang Cong , Wang Lifei , Wu Linzhuan , Hong Bin
Published: April 2021

Microbial sulfur‐containing secondary metabolites show various biological activities, but the C−S bond‐forming in their biosynthetic metabolism has not been thoroughly understood. Here, we present genetic, biochemical and structural characterization of a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CxnD exhibiting C−S bond forming activity in S‐heterocyclization of chuangxinmycin biosynthesis. In vivo and in vitro analyses demonstrated that CxnD generated an indole‐fused dihydrothiopyran skeleton from a L‐Trp‐derived thiol intermediate. Furthermore, X‐ray crystal structure of CxnD in complex with a substrate analogue and structure‐based mutagenesis revealed intimate details of the substrate binding mode. A radical mechanism initiated by abstraction of the imino hydrogen atom or an electron from indole group of the substrate was proposed for CxnD, which provided valuable insights into the molecular basis for the intra‐molecular C(sp2)−H thiolation by the P450 in chuangxinmycin biosynthesis.
Pain management using a novel hybrid technique of perineural stimulation combined with regional anaesthesia through a stimulating perineural catheter for below knee amputation
Authors: Ip V. H. Y. , Sondekoppam R. V. , Tsui B. C. H.
Published: April 2021

Pain after amputation can be difficult to manage due to its complex aetiology. A multimodal approach to analgesia, including regional anaesthetic techniques, is advised. However, optimal pain management cannot always be achieved, and high doses of opioid analgesics may contribute to adverse effects. We describe the management of an elderly patient with significant co‐morbidities undergoing below knee amputation. Pre‐operatively, a popliteal sciatic stimulating perineural catheter and a femoral non‐stimulating perineural catheter were placed. When pain control was suboptimal on the first postoperative day, a combination of local anaesthetic and a brief period of peripheral nerve stimulation through the sciatic stimulating perineural catheter was used to augment pain control, thereby avoiding additional opioid use. Although nerve stimulation utilising specialised equipment, such as percutaneous stimulator electrodes, has been previously described in acute pain medicine, we demonstrate the use of a novel hybrid technique which combines nerve stimulation through a perineural catheter and local anaesthetic. Further research is warranted to explore the utility of this neuromodulation technique in clinical practice.
A multiple fluorescence sensor with the sensitive recognition to human serum albumin
Authors: Li Bailing , Xing Yue , Gao Jin‐Sheng , Yu Ying‐Hui , Xu Hong‐Liang , Ma Dongsheng
Published: April 2021

A naphthalene‐containing dicarboxylic ligand, 4‐(carboxymethoxy)‐6‐methyl‐1‐(p‐tolyl)‐2‐naphthoic acid (Hcmtna), is synthesized and used to construct a coordination compound, Co(H2O)4(cmtna)2 (Co‐cmtna), through the hydrothermal strategy. The moderate rigidity and flexibility of the organic molecule result a low coordination number of cobalt ion with the ligand and provide more possibilities for potential applications. Experimental results show that the fluorescence of Co‐cmtna can be quenched by multiple objects, including antibiotics, pesticides, and metal ions, which make it possible as a multifunctional sensor. More interestingly, Co‐cmtna has interactions with human serum albumin in the phosphate‐buffered saline solution, which are detailed studied by the site binding model formula, thermodynamic formula, and Föster nonradiative energy transfer mechanism.
Comparative Analysis of Essential Bioactive Components of Oils Originating from Three Chinese Loess Plateau Wild Crops
Authors: Yuan Wei Qiong , Hu Jian Zhong , Yin Li Qiang , Lv Zhao Lin
Published: April 2021

The ability of soil and water conservation crops to resist stress is closely related to their abundance of lipid‐soluble chemical components. This study systematically evaluated the composition and content of fatty acids, sterols, squalene, and tocopherol in oils extracted from three varieties of crops growing on the Chinese Loess Plateau with extreme environments. The dominant fatty acids in the wild seabuckthorn pulp oil were oleic acid (29.73%), palmitic acid (26.83%), and palmitoleic acid (25.71%), and those in wild seabuckthorn seed oil were linoleic acid (42.29%), α‐linolenic acid (20.65%), and oleic acid (18.94%). The most abundant fatty acids in wild elaeagnusmollis seed oil were oleic acid (43.29%), linoleic acid (35.93%), and α‐linolenic acid (7.00%). Wild yellowhorn seed oil was rich in linoleic acid (34.14%), oleic acid (25.99%), and erucic acid (8.76%). Seabuckthorn seed oil had the highest levels of total sterols (619.33 mg/100 g), followed by seabuckthorn pulp oil (606.10 mg/100 g), yellowhorn seed oil (249.46 mg/100 g), and elaeagnusmollis seed oil (224.01 mg/100 g). However, the squalene content was highest in elaeagnusmollis seed oil (68.06 mg/100 g) and similarly low in yellowhorn seed oil (9.81 mg/100 g), seabuckthorn pulp oil (4.62 mg/100 g) and seabuckthorn seed oil (4.71 mg/100 g). In addition, seabuckthorn pulp oil had the highest tocopherol content (179.92 mg/100 g), followed by seabuckthorn seed oil (130.57 mg/100 g), elaeagnusmollis seed oil (85.87 mg/100 g), and yellowhorn seed oil (45.44 mg/100 g). This study provides favorable data supporting biomass resource utilization and organic synthesis of bioactive raw chemical composition.
Ultrasound‐Enhanced Self‐Exciting Photodynamic Therapy Based on Hypocrellin B
Authors: Ding Ying , Liu Weimin , Wu Jiasheng , Zheng Xiuli , Ge Jiechao , Ren Haohui , Zhang Wenjun , Lee Chun‐Sing , Wang Pengfei
Published: April 2021

Peroxalate CL as an energy source to excite photosensitizers has attracted tremendous attention in photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this work, peroxyoxalate CPPO and hypocrellin B (HB)‐based nanoparticles (CBNPs) for ultrasound (US)‐enhanced self‐exciting PDT were designed and prepared. CBNPs showed an excellent therapeutic effect against cancer cells with the assistance of US. This US‐enhanced‐chemiluminescence system avoids the dependence on external light and provides an example for inspiring more effective and precise strategies for cancer treatment.
Piece‐wise ellipsoidal set‐based model predictive control of linear parameter varying systems with application to a tower crane
Authors: Ileš Šandor , Matuško Jadranko , Lazar Mircea
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a model predictive control algorithm for polytopic linear parameter varying (LPV) systems is proposed, which is based on an offline calculated sequence of robust one‐step controllable sets. At each sampling instant, a finite‐time optimal control problem is solved subject to a stabilizing constraint on the first state to ensure stability and recursive feasibility guarantees independent of the length of the prediction horizon and the cost function. An algorithm is proposed to compute a sequence of piece‐wise ellipsoidal one‐step controllable sets. The systematic application of the developed algorithm is possible via tensor product model transformation to a class of nonlinear systems. The size and shape of each set depend on the vertices of the polytopic LPV system and influences the control performance. By using the tensor product model transformation, different vertex representations can be obtained automatically. Furthermore, a trade‐off between model complexity and accuracy can be chosen, and the computational effort of the set calculation can be influenced. The developed method is applied to a tower crane system. The tower crane is modeled in a cascaded form with three separate subsystems. The couplings between the subsystems are treated as varying parameters. Each subsystem of the crane is transformed into a polytopic LPV system using the tensor product model transformation. By discarding the nonzero singular values, the complexity of the polytopic LPV model is reduced in terms of the number of vertices.
Passivity‐based control laws for an unmanned powered parachute aircraft
Authors: García‐Beltrán C.D. , Miranda‐Araujo E.M. , Guerrero‐Sanchez M.E. , Valencia‐Palomo G. , Hernández‐González O. , Gómez‐Peñate S.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the development of passivity‐based control (PBC) algorithms to stabilize an unmanned powered parachute aerial vehicle is presented. The equations of motion of the system are presented in both Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms. The proposed controllers are based on the Hamiltonian function of the system and guarantee the parachute aircraft system stabilization. In the first control law a classic PBC strategy is proposed, and in the second, an interconnection and damping assignment‐passivity‐based control (IDA‐PBC) is chosen because of its inherent robustness against parametric uncertainty and unmodeled dynamics. The control objective is to reach a desired final position despite the initial launch conditions. Numerical simulations with variation in the parachute mass weight and in the presence of wind are carried out to validate our proposed schemes.
Smartphonebasierte Schwingungsmessung zur Beurteilung von Brückentragwerken
Authors: Garsch Maximilian , Benndorf Maik , Haenselmann Thomas , Gebbeken Norbert
Published: April 2021

Um eine dauerhafte und genaue Überwachung von Ingenieurbauwerken zu gewährleisten, ist ein flächendeckendes Monitoring‐System wünschenswert. Im vorliegenden Aufsatz wird untersucht, ob die Sensoren von Smartphones und Tablets (SPT) ausreichend für eine Schwingungsmessung sind. Die Auswertung bez. Systemparametern wie Eigenfrequenzen und Dämpfungskoeffizienten wird ebenfalls betrachtet. Mithilfe von Versuchen unter Laborbedingungen an einem Einfeldträger und Versuchen im Feld an einer Testbrücke auf dem Gelände der Universität der Bundeswehr wird die Anwendungstauglichkeit von Smartphones und Tablets betrachtet. Dabei wurden neben den Messungen mit SPT Referenzmessungen mit einem klassischen Schwingungsmesssystem durchgeführt. Die Signale und deren Auswertung werden untereinander verglichen und im Fall des Laborversuchs am Einfeldträger mit Modellwerten eines SDOF‐Einmasseschwingers verglichen. Damit werden die prinzipielle Anwendungsmöglichkeit der SPT wie auch die Tauglichkeit der aufgezeichneten Signale zur Weiterverarbeitung zur Systemidentifikation dargestellt.
A semiparametric method for evaluating causal effects in the presence of error‐prone covariates
Authors: Liu Jianxuan , Li Wei
Published: April 2021

The goal of most empirical studies in social sciences and medical research is to determine whether an alteration in an intervention or a treatment will cause a change in the desired outcome response. Unlike randomized designs, establishing the causal relationship based on observational studies is a challenging problem because the ceteris paribus condition is violated. When the covariates of interest are measured with errors, evaluating the causal effects becomes a thorny issue. We propose a semiparametric method to establish the causal relationship, which yields a consistent estimator of the average causal effect. The method we proposed results in locally efficient estimators of the covariate effects. We study their theoretical properties and demonstrate their finite sample performance on simulated data. We further apply the proposed method to the Stroke Recovery in Underserved Populations (SRUP) study by the National Institute on Aging.
Modeling of Two‐Step Supercritical CO2 Foaming to Fabricate Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Scaffolds
Authors: Hatami Tahmasb , Mei Lucia Helena Innocentini , Shabanian Seyed Reza
Published: April 2021

A mathematical model was developed based on the Amon and Denson model for supercritical foaming (SCF) with a two‐step depressurization rate. The model was provided according to the law of conservation of momentum, the law of conservation of mass, and a reformulation of the shell size for the second step of depressurization in comparison with the shell size for the first step of depressurization. The model was validated using the experimental data of SCF from polycaprolactone plus CO2 at 300 bar, 50 °C, a solubilization time of 2 h, a first depressurization rate of 28.6 bar min−1, and a second depressurization rate of 200 bar min−1. The comparison showed a significant improvement of the model accuracy for predicting the average pore radius of the scaffold compared to the original Amon and Denson model.
Stabilisation of [WVF4]+ by N‐ and P‐Donor Ligands: Second‐Order Jahn‐Teller Effects in Octacoordinate d1 Complexes
Authors: Turnbull Douglas , Wetmore Stacey D. , Gerken Michael
Published: April 2021

The first isolated examples of cationic fluoridotungsten(V) complexes are reported as octacoordinate [WF4(L)4]+ (L=C5H5N, P(CH3)3). The [WF4(NC5H5)4]+ cation is synthesised as its [O3SCF3]− salt upon reaction of WF5(NC5H5)2 with [(CH3)3Si(NC5H5)][O3SCF3] in excess C5H5N, whereas [WF4{P(CH3)3}4]+ is accessed directly from WF6 upon reaction with (CH3)3SiO3SCF3 and excess P(CH3)3. These salts were characterised by X‐ray crystallography and Raman spectroscopy in the solid state. New geometry indices for octacoordinate complexes (τ8 and τ8′) are introduced, allowing for the facile differentiation of trigonal‐dodecahedral (TD) and square‐antiprismatic (SA) geometries. This has disambiguated the SA geometries of [WF4(L)4]+ and the geometries of a series of previously reported d0 and d1 MA4B4 complexes. Computational (DFT−B3LYP) studies of [WF4(PH3)4]2+/+ and related model systems demonstrate the occurrence of a second‐order Jahn‐Teller (SOJT) distortion from TD in d0 complexes to SA in d1 complexes, with the degree of SOJT stabilisation being most significant in 5d complexes containing fluorido ligands and monodentate neutral donors.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of the Putative Biosynthetic Intermediate Ambruticin J
Authors: Trentadue Kathryn , Chang Chia‐Fu , Nalin Ansel , Taylor Richard E.
Published: April 2021

The family of anti‐fungal natural products known as the ambruticins are structurally distinguished by a pair of pyran rings adorning a divinylcyclopropane core. Previous characterization of their biosynthesis, including the expression of a genetically modified producing organism, revealed that the polyketide synthase pathway proceeds via a diol intermediate, known as ambruticin J. Herein, we report the first enantioselective total synthesis of the putative PKS product, ambruticin J, according to a triply convergent synthetic route featuring a Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling and a Julia‐Kocienski olefination for fragment assembly. This synthesis takes advantage of synthetic methodology previously developed by our laboratory for the stereoselective generation of the trisubstituted cyclopropyl linchpin.
A prospective clinical and transcriptomic feasibility study of oral‐only hormonal therapy with radiation for unfavorable prostate cancer in men 70 years of age and older or with comorbidity
Authors: Onderdonk Benjamin E. , Dorn Paige L. , Martinez Carlos , Arif Fauzia , Cloutier Denise , Antic Tatjana , Golden Daniel W. , Karrison Theodore , Pitroda Sean P. , Szmulewitz Russell Z. , Liauw Stanley L.
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) improves outcomes in unfavorable‐risk prostate cancer (PCa) treated with radiation therapy (RT). It was hypothesized that replacing luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists with a 5‐α‐reductase inhibitor (5‐ARI) would improve hormonal health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) without differentially suppressing androgen‐responsive (AR) gene expression.

METHODS

Patients with localized unfavorable‐risk PCa, aged ≥70 years or Charlson Comorbidity Index score ≥2 were treated with oral ADT (oADT), consisting of 4 months of bicalutamide, a 5‐ARI, and RT at 78 Gy. The primary end point was Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite HRQOL at 6 months ≤30%, and improvement compared with a synchronous standard of care (SOC) cohort receiving 4 months of bicalutamide and long‐term LHRH agonist with RT. RNA sequencing was performed from matched pre‐/post‐ADT prostate tumor biopsies in a subset of men. Differential gene and pathway expressional changes were examined using gene set enrichment.

RESULTS

Between 2011 and 2018, 40 and 30 men were enrolled in the oADT and SOC cohorts, respectively. Median follow‐up was 40 months. Those with ≤30% decline in hormonal HRQOL at 6 months was 97% (oADT) and 93% (SOC). The average 6‐month hormonal decline was 1% (oADT) versus 12% (SOC; P = .04). The 4‐year freedom from biochemical failure was 88% (oADT) versus 81% (SOC; P = .48). RNA sequencing (n = 9) showed similar numbers of downregulated and upregulated genes between the treatment groups (fold‐change = 2; false‐discovery rate‐adjusted P ≤ .05). Both treatments comparably decreased the expression of 20 genes in canonical androgen receptor signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

For men with PCa undergoing RT, oral versus standard ADT may improve 6‐month QOL and appears to have a similar impact on androgen‐responsive gene expression.
Chemical Processes Involving 18‐Crown‐6‐Ether in Activated Noncovalent Complexes with Protonated Peptides
Authors: Abdelmouleh Marwa , Lalande Mathieu , Nicol Edith , Frison Gilles , van der Rest Guillaume , Poully Jean‐Christophe
Published: April 2021

These last decades, it has been widely assumed that 18‐crown‐6‐ether (CE) plays a spectator role during the chemical processes occurring in isolated host‐guest complexes between peptides or proteins and CE after activation in mass spectrometers. Our present experimental and theoretical results challenge this hypothesis by showing that CE can abstract a proton or a protonated molecule from protonated peptides after activation by collisions in argon or electron capture/transfer. Furthermore, thanks to comparison between experimental and calculated values of collision cross‐sections, we demonstrate that CE can change binding site after electron transfer. We also propose detailed mechanisms for these processes.
Electrochemical Reduction of O2 in Ca2+‐Containing DMSO: Role of Roughness and Single Crystal Structure
Authors: Köllisch‐Mirbach Andreas , Park Inhee , Hegemann Martina , Thome Elke , Baltruschat Helmut
Published: April 2021

In this study, the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in Ca2+‐containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at well‐ordered and rough electrode surfaces is compared by using cyclic voltammetry, differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, rotating ring disk electrode, and atomic force microscopy measurements. Slightly soluble CaO2 is the main product during early ORR on gold electrodes; after completion of a monolayer of CaO and/or CaO2, which is formed in parallel and in competition to the peroxide, only superoxide is formed. When the monolayer is completely closed on smooth annealed Au, no further reduction occurs, whereas on rough Au a defect‐rich layer allows for continuous formation of superoxide. CaO2 formed either via two subsequent 1 
transfer steps or by disproportionation of superoxide may be deposited on top of the CaO/CaO2 adsorbate layer. The slow dissolution of the peroxide particles is demonstrated by AFM. Whereas a smooth CaO/CaO2‐covered electrode shows severe deactivation and a CaO/CaO2‐covered rough electrode allows for diffusion‐limited superoxide formation, on single crystals peroxide formation is more pronounced. The reason is most likely the lack of nucleation sites for the blocking CaO/CaO2 layer. RRDE investigations showed sluggish reoxidation kinetics of the dissolved peroxide, which are most likely due to ion pairing with Ca2+. The apparent transfer coefficient is estimated by using variation of the electrode roughness, confirming the result of the usual Tafel analysis and indicating an equilibrated first 1 
transfer.
Tuning of Reciprocal Carbon‐Electrode Properties for an Optimized Hydrogen Evolution.
Authors: Ding Yuxiao , Zhang Liyun , Gu Qingqing , Spanos Ioannis , Pfänder Norbert , Wu Kuang Hsu , Schlögl Robert , Heumann Saskia
Published: April 2021

Closing the material cycle for harmful and rare resources is a key criterion for sustainable and green energy systems. The concept of using scalable biomass‐derived carbon electrodes to produce hydrogen from water was proposed here, satisfying the need for sustainability in the field of chemical energy conversion. The carbon electrodes exhibited not only water oxidation activity but also a strong self‐oxidation when being used as anode for water splitting. The carbon oxidation, which is more energy‐favorable, was intentionally allowed to occur for an improvement of the total current, thus enhancing the hydrogen production on the cathode side. By introducing different earth‐abundant metals, the electrode could be well adjusted to achieve an optimized water/carbon oxidation ratio and an appreciable reactivity for practical applications. This promising methodology may become a very large driver for carbon chemistry when waste organic materials or biomass can be converted using its intrinsic energy content of carbon. Such a process could open a safe path for sub‐zero CO2 emission control. The concept of how and which parameter of a carbon‐based electrode can be optimized was presented and discussed in this paper.
On the design of a reliable current reference for systems‐on‐chip
Authors: Torres Rolando , Roa Elkim , Rueda G. Luis E.
Published: April 2021

Modern systems‐on‐chip use multiple current references to guarantee appropriate circuit biasing according to the required performance and power consumption. New reference topologies have emerged due to the necessity of ultra‐low‐power systems. Still, in the micro‐Ampere domain, the most common architectures are preferred in industry‐based applications, due to their reliability and accuracy. Motivated by the limited documentation and data associated with current references for SoCs, this work presents key observations in the design decisions, based on error contributions from the inherent elements of a reliable voltage‐to‐current reference architecture. Monte Carlo simulations show results for a 5 μA current reference, with inaccuracies at ±3σ of ±4% and ±1.3%, without and with trimming, respectively. Furthermore, two current references were fabricated using a 0.18 μm CMOS standard technology, in two different SoCs. Measurement results across voltage and temperature variations showed results for 50 μA ± 0.24% and 5 μA ± 0.8% current references without trimming.
Design of programmable Gaussian‐derived wavelet filter for wearable biomedical sensor
Authors: Zhang Yuzhen , Zhao Wenshan , Sun Yichuang
Published: April 2021

To provide multiple options for specific application in biosignal processing, the programmable Gaussian‐derived Gm‐C wavelet filter has been proposed. To realize the programmable characteristic, the analog wavelet base with one numerator term is constructed by using hybrid artificial fish swarm algorithm. Also, the inverse follow‐the‐leader feedback Gm‐C filter structure with a switch array is employed. By programming switches only, Gaussian and Marr wavelet transforms can be realized flexibly with all component parameters unchanged. The seventh‐order programmable wavelet filter is designed as an example. Simulation results show that power consumption is only 141.68 pW at scale a = 0.1, with dynamic range of 42.6 dB and figure‐of‐merit of 2.05 × 10−13. Due to the programmability, the proposed design method can implement two wavelet filters with very low circuit complexity.
Endoscopic and pathologic motifs for the clinical diagnosis of Epstein–Barr virus‐associated gastric cancer
Authors: Yanai Hideo , Chihara Daisuke , Harano Megumi , Sakaguchi Eiki , Murakami Tomoyuki , Nishikawa Jun
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Based on the recent therapeutic trends for gastric cancer (GC), the clinical impact of the diagnosis of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐associated GC (EBVaGC) appears to be important. We retrospectively analyzed endoscopic and pathologic motifs of GC lesions to narrow the number of candidates for EBV testing.

Methods

We performed EBV tests for 32 upper gastrointestinal lesions of 32 patients in the clinical setting. These tests were ordered by endoscopists or by pathologists without an endoscopist's order. EBV‐encoded small RNA1 (EBER1) in situ hybridization was used for the EBV tests. The endoscopic motif for the EBV test was the location in the upper part of the stomach or remnant stomach, mainly the depressed type with a submucosal tumor‐like protrusion of the lesion. The pathologic motif was carcinoma with lymphoid stroma (CLS) or CLS‐like histology of the lesion. We retrospectively analyzed the results of EBV tests for the endoscopic and pathologic motifs.

Results

The final pathological diagnoses of the 32 subjects were 26 GCs including CLS, gastric endocrine cell carcinoma, gastric hepatoid carcinoma, gastric T‐cell lymphoma, gastritis of the remnant stomach, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. When nontypical lesions were excluded, the EBER1‐positive rate was 42.3% (11/26) in GCs. Of the 14 GC lesions ordered examined by endoscopists, three (21.4%) were EBVaGC. Eight of the 12 (66.7%) GCs ordered examined by pathologists were EBVaGC.

Conclusions

The pathologic motif is expected to be useful and the endoscopic motif may be helpful for EBVaGC diagnosis.
Technical tips and recent development of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided choledochoduodenostomy
Authors: Ogura Takeshi , Itoi Takao
Published: April 2021

Various efforts to improve technical success rates and decrease adverse event rates have also been described in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided choledochoduodenostomy (CDS). In particular, lumen‐apposing metal stents (LAMS) may open novel opportunities in EUS‐biliary drainage (BD). To date, various studies have been reported with EUS‐CDS using LAMS, so we should clarify the benefits and limitations of recent EUS‐CDS based on developments in both techniques and devices. In this review, we provide technical tips and describe recent developments in EUS‐CDS, along with a review of the recent literature (between 2015 and 2020). The overall technical success rate is 95.0% (939/988), and the overall clinical success rate is 97.0% (820/845). The most frequent adverse event is cholangitis or cholecystitis (24.5%, 27/110). According to previous review, pneumoperitoneum (28%, 9/34) or peritonitis associated with bile leak (23.5%, 8/34) was most commonly observed. This difference might be based on improvements in dilation devices or the use of covered metal stents. Several randomized controlled trials comparing EUS‐CDS and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for malignant biliary obstruction have recently been reported. To summarize, overall technical success rates for ERCP and EUS‐CDS were 92.7% (101/109) and 91.1% (72/79), respectively (p = 0.788). Overall clinical success rates for ERCP and EUS‐CDS were 94.1% (96/102) and 93.6% (72/78), respectively (p = 0.765). Further high‐quality evidence is needed to establish EUS‐CDS as a primary drainage technique.
Modelling future changes to the hydrological and thermal regime of unaltered streams using projected changes in climate to support planning for sensitive species management
Authors: Rogers Jennifer , Stein Eric , Beck Marcus , Flint Kelly , Kinoshita Alicia , Ambrose Richard
Published: April 2021

Climate change will alter stream habitats through precipitation and air temperature changes and potentially threaten species that rely on contemporary streamflow and stream temperature regimes. Habitat projections are therefore critical to inform management decisions. Past and ongoing research has improved streamflow and temperature modelling in ungauged regions, but no studies merge these advancements with climate modelling for regional streamflow and stream temperatures predictions that describe stream habitat change. Here, we predict change in streamflow and stream temperature at the reach scale using projections from downscaled global climate models (GCMs) and the ‘business as usual’ carbon emission scenario. We focus on unaltered streams in six southern California watersheds using data from baseline (1982–2014) and projected end‐of‐century (2082–2100). Stream temperature is projected to increase regionally, with high‐elevation stream reaches increasing most rapidly. There is less consistency in the streamflow projections, but a spatial and temporal homogenization of stream flow characteristics was predicted, that is, flows become more similar across the region with less inter‐annual variation. Additionally, there is a regional trend towards larger high flow magnitudes and more storm events. Despite the increased frequency and magnitude of storm events, high‐elevation streams are predicted to become drier for a greater portion of the year. Conversely, low‐elevation streams are predicted to have longer hydroperiods. Mapping future streamflow and stream temperatures at the reach scale can direct conservation efforts to streams that remain suitable, restoration to areas that decrease in suitability for target species, and support water policies that consider future stream condition.
Rationale and design of the AMULET study: A new Model of telemedical care in patients with heart failure
Authors: Krzesiński Paweł , Siebert Janusz , Jankowska Ewa Anita , Banasiak Waldemar , Piotrowicz Katarzyna , Stańczyk Adam , Galas Agata , Walczak Andrzej , Murawski Piotr , Chrom Paweł , Gutknecht Piotr , Siwołowski Paweł , Ponikowski Piotr , Gielerak Grzegorz
Published: April 2021

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by high mortality and hospital readmission rates. Limited access to cardiologists restricts the application of guideline‐directed, patient‐tailored medical therapy. Some telemedicine solutions and novel non‐invasive diagnostic tools may facilitate real‐time detection of early HF decompensation symptoms, prompt initiation of appropriate treatment, and optimal management of medical resources. We describe the rationale and design of the AMULET trial, which investigates the effect of comprehensive outpatient intervention, based on individualized haemodynamic assessment and teleconsultations, on cardiovascular mortality and unplanned hospitalizations in HF patients.

Methods and results

The AMULET trial is a multicentre, prospective, randomized, open‐label, and controlled parallel group trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03476590). Six hundred and five eligible patients with HF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤49%, at least one hospitalization due to acute HF decompensation within 6 months prior to enrolment) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group or a standard care group. The planned follow‐up is 12 months. The AMULET interventions are performed in ambulatory care points operated by nurses, with the remote support of cardiologists. The comprehensive clinical evaluation comprises measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, body mass, thoracic fluid content, and total body water. A recommendation support module based on these objective parameters is implemented in remote therapeutic decision‐making. The primary complex endpoints are cardiovascular mortality and unplanned HF hospitalization.

Conclusions

The AMULET trial will provide a prospective assessment of the effect of comprehensive ambulatory intervention, based on telemedicine and haemodynamically guided therapy, on mortality and readmissions in HF patients.
Natural and anthropogenic controls on sediment rating curves in northern California coastal watersheds
Authors: Fisher Adam , Belmont Patrick , Murphy Brendan P. , MacDonald Lee , Ferrier Ken L. , Hu Kai
Published: April 2021

The watersheds along the north coast of California span a wide range of geologic settings, tectonic uplift rates, and historic timber harvest activity. Known trends in how each of these factors influence erosion rates provides an opportunity to examine their relative importance. We analyzed 71 watersheds within nine larger river basins, investigated the factors influencing suspended sediment rating curves (SRCs), investigated how SRCs varied among our study watersheds, and used Random Forest modeling (RFM) to determine which environmental characteristics and land management metrics influence SRC shapes, vertical offsets, and slopes. While SRCs typically take the form of a power function, they also can exhibit threshold or peak relationships. First, we found both power and threshold relationships for the SRCs within our study watersheds. Second, the SRC offsets and slopes systematically varied with regional tectonic uplift. Third, SRC offsets increased in several watersheds following intensive timber harvest events and SRC slopes decreased due to a greater relative increase in suspended sediment concentration at lower flows than higher flows. Our RFM correctly classified 96% of the SRC shapes using two near‐channel metrics; near‐channel precipitation‐sensitive deep‐seated landslide susceptibility and near‐channel soil erodibility. Our RFM models also showed that timber harvest activity and near‐channel local relief can explain 40% of the variability in SRC offsets, whereas tectonic uplift rates, millennial‐scale erosion rates, and precipitation patterns explain 40% of the variability in SRC slopes.
Antiracist Praxis in Public Health: A Call for Ethical Reflections
Authors: Fletcher Faith E. , Jiang Wendy , Best Alicia L.
Published: April 2021

The Covid‐19 pandemic has revealed myriad social, economic, and health inequities that disproportionately burden populations that have been made medically or socially vulnerable. Inspired by state and local governments that declared racism a public health crisis or emergency, the Anti‐Racism in Public Health Act of 2020 reflects a shifting paradigm in which racism is considered a social determinant of health. Indeed, health inequities fundamentally rooted in structural racism have been exacerbated by the Covid‐19 pandemic, which calls for the integration of antiracist praxis to promote ethical public health research processes. This commentary describes ways in which antiracist praxis—which emphasizes empowerment of traditionally marginalized populations—offers strategies to explicitly address power imbalance, stigmatization, and other consequences of structural racism in public health research.
The Consent Continuum: A New Model of Consent, Assent, and Nondissent for Primary Care
Authors: Tunzi Marc , Satin David J. , Day Philip G.
Published: April 2021

The practice around informed consent in clinical medicine is both inconsistent and inadequate. Indeed, in busy, contemporary health care settings, getting informed consent looks little like the formal process developed over the past sixty years and presented in medical textbooks, journal articles, and academic lectures. In this article, members of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Collaborative on Ethics and Humanities review the conventional process of informed consent and its limitations, explore complementary and alternative approaches to doctor‐patient interactions, and propose a new model of consent that integrates these approaches with each other and with clinical practice. The model assigns medical interventions to aconsent continuumdefined by the discrete categories of traditional informed consent, assent, and nondissent. Narrative descriptions and clinical exemplars are offered for each category. The authors invite colleagues from other disciplines and from the academic ethics community to provide feedback and commentary.
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal right congenital ventricular aneurysms: An analysis of three cases and literature review
Authors: Zhong Chunyan , Chen Song , Zhang Xiaohang , Zhang Kun , Liu Yamin , Ran Suzhen
Published: April 2021

Right ventricular aneurysm is a rare congenital defect that can be diagnosed with fetal echocardiography. Information on etiology of right ventricular aneurysm is limited and its prognosis remains variable from asymptomatic forms to severe cases. Here we report three cases of fetal right ventricular aneurysms that could have been related to coronary artery disorders and needed regular monitoring of progression in size and signs of cardiac decompensation.
Structural and biological investigation of biogenically synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles: Calcination and characterization
Authors: Hafeez Muhammad , Shamim Wajid , Ehsan Rimsha , Abdin Zain‐ul , Din Salah Ud , Haq Sirajul , Khan Abdulhameed , Shahida Shabnam , Hameed Usman
Published: April 2021

The antimicrobial drug resistance is increasing with the passage of time due to wide and improper use of broad spectrum drugs and the demand of the new drug increases day by day. The present study was planned to encounter this problem by synthesizing titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) by an eco‐friendly route using Cannabis sativa leaves extract. The synthesized TiO2 NPs were calcined at 100, 300, 600, and 900°C in a muffle furnace. The crystallographic parameters were studied by X‐ray diffraction and the phase transition occurred above 600°C. The surface morphology of the synthesized samples was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the particle size was measured through the ImageJ software. The elemental composition and purity of all the samples were studied by performing energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX). All the synthesized TiO2 NPs were tested for their antimicrobial effect against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria using the agar well diffusion method. The activity was found higher against Gram‐negative bacteria and compared to Gram‐positive bacteria.
Phenotypes, roles, and modulation of regulatory lymphocytes in periodontitis and its associated systemic diseases
Authors: Zou Hang , Zhou Niu , Huang Yilian , Luo Aoxiang , Sun Jianbo
Published: April 2021

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease that can result in tooth loss and poses a risk to systemic health. Lymphocytes play important roles in periodontitis through multiple mechanisms. Regulatory lymphocytes including regulatory B cells (Bregs) and T cells (Tregs) are the main immunosuppressive cells that maintain immune homeostasis, and are critical to our understanding of the pathogenesis of periodontitis and the development of effective treatments. In this review, we discuss the phenotypes, roles, and modulating strategies of regulatory lymphocytes including Bregs and Tregs in periodontitis and frequently cooccurring inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer disease, diabetes mellitus, and stroke. The current evidence suggests that restoring immune balance through therapeutic targeting of regulatory lymphocytes is a promising strategy for the treatment of periodontitis and other systemic inflammatory diseases.
A strategy for practical authentication of medicinal plants in traditional Chinese medicine prescription, paeony root in ShaoYao‐GanCao decoction as a case study
Authors: Cheng Mengzhen , Yao Changliang , Li Yun , Li Zhenwei , Li Haojv , Yao Shuai , Qu Hua , Li Jiayuan , Wei Wenlong , Zhang Jianqing , Guo De‐an
Published: April 2021

Authentication of Chinese medicine materials in prescriptions is extremely difficult due to the complicated chemical matrix. A strategy integrating in‐depth profiling, chemical marker selection, and selected detection was established and exemplarily applied to authenticate paeony root in ShaoYao‐GanCao decoction. First, an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/linear trap quadrupole‐Orbitrap method was developed to probe the chemical compositions of the decoction. Second, 20 batches of decoctions prepared from white paeony root and red paeony root were compared by a metabolomics method, and multistep chemometrics analysis distinguished the chemical markers. Third, an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/QDa‐selected ion monitoring method was developed to authenticate the paeony root in decoctions. As a result, 161 compounds were characterized, including 84 triterpene saponins, 42 flavonoids, and 10 monoterpenes. Four chemical markers and paeoniflorin were successfully screened out as chemical markers for white paeony root. The selected ion monitoring method easily differentiated authentic decoction (prepared from white paeony root) from fraud decoction (prepared from red paeony root) by monitoring the above five chemical markers. In conclusion, the strategy was proved effective in authentication of paeony root in ShaoYao‐GanCao decoction, and it can also be applied to authenticate other Chinese medicine materials in prescriptions, which will greatly avail the quality enhancement of prescriptions.