bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in inferior vena cava area represent a more sensitive metric than changes in filling pressures during experimental manipulation of intravascular volume and tone
Authors: Ivey‐Miranda Juan B. , Wetterling Friedrich , Gaul Robert , Sheridan Stephen , Asher Jennifer L. , Rao Veena S. , Maulion Christopher , Mahoney Devin , Mebazaa Alexandre , Gray Alastair P. , Burkhoff Daniel , Cowie Martin R. , Cox Zachary L. , Butler Javed , Fudim Marat , McDonald Kenneth , Damman Kevin , Borlaug Barry A. , Testani Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2021

Aims

Remote monitoring of pulmonary artery pressure has reduced heart failure (HF) hospitalizations in chronic HF as elevation of pulmonary artery pressure provides information that can guide treatment. The venous system is characterized by high capacitance, thus substantial increases in intravascular volume can occur before filling pressures increase. The inferior vena cava (IVC) is a highly compliant venous conduit and thus a candidate for early detection of change in intravascular volume. We aimed to compare IVC cross‐sectional area using a novel sensor with cardiac filling pressures during experimental manipulation of volume status, vascular tone, and cardiac function.

Methods and results

Experiments were conducted in sheep to manipulate volume status (colloid infusion), vascular tone (nitroglycerin infusion) and cardiac function (rapid cardiac pacing). A wireless implantable IVC sensor was validated ex‐vivo and in‐vivo, and then used to measure the cross‐sectional area of the IVC. Right‐ and left‐sided cardiac filling pressures were obtained via right heart catheterization. The IVC sensor provided highly accurate and precise measurements of cross‐sectional area in ex‐vivo and in‐vivo validation. IVC area changes were more sensitive than the corresponding changes in cardiac filling pressures during colloid infusion (p < 0.001), vasodilatation (p < 0.001) and cardiac dysfunction induced by rapid pacing (p ≤ 0.02).

Conclusions

Inferior vena cava area can be remotely and accurately measured in real time with a wireless implantable sensor. Changes in IVC area are more sensitive than corresponding changes in filling pressures following experimental volume loading and fluid redistribution. Additional research is warranted to understand if remote monitoring of the IVC may have advantages over pressure‐based monitors in HF.
COVID‐19‐specific metabolic imprint yields insights into multiorgan system perturbations
Authors: Cornillet Martin , Strunz Benedikt , Rooyackers Olav , Ponzetta Andrea , Chen Puran , Muvva Jagadeeswara Rao , Akber Mira , Buggert Marcus , Chambers Benedict J. , Dzidic Majda , Filipovic Iva , Gorin Jean‐Baptiste , Gredmark‐Russ Sara , Hertwig Laura , Klingström Jonas , Kokkinou Efthymia , Kvedaraite Egle , Lourda Magda , Mjösberg Jenny , Maucourant Christopher , Norrby‐Teglund Anna , Parrot Tiphaine , Perez‐Potti André , Rivera‐Ballesteros Olga , Sandberg Johan K. , Sandberg John Tyler , Sekine Takuya , Svensson Mattias , Varnaite Renata ,   Karolinska KI/K COVID‐19 Study Group, Eriksson Lars I. , Aleman Soo , Strålin Kristoffer , Ljunggren Hans‐Gustaf , Björkström Niklas K.
Published: November 2021

Corona disease 2019 (COVID‐19) affects multiple organ systems. Recent studies have indicated perturbations in the circulating metabolome linked to COVID‐19 severity. However, several questions pertain with respect to the metabolome in COVID‐19. We performed an in‐depth assessment of 1129 unique metabolites in 27 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients and integrated results with large‐scale proteomic and immunology data to capture multiorgan system perturbations. More than half of the detected metabolic alterations in COVID‐19 were driven by patient‐specific confounding factors ranging from comorbidities to xenobiotic substances. Systematically adjusting for this, a COVID‐19‐specific metabolic imprint was defined which, over time, underwent a switch in response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 seroconversion. Integration of the COVID‐19 metabolome with clinical, cellular, molecular, and immunological severity scales further revealed a network of metabolic trajectories aligned with multiple pathways for immune activation, and organ damage including neurological inflammation and damage. Altogether, this resource refines our understanding of the multiorgan system perturbations in severe COVID‐19 patients.
Selecting futures: The role of conviction, narratives, ambivalence, and constructive doubt
Authors: Fenton‐O'Creevy Mark , Tuckett David
Published: December 2021

Institutional decisions about the future, that matter, are usually made in a context of considerable uncertainty. Although the intention is success the possibility of failure must inevitably be present, whether recognized or not. The principal purposes of this study are twofold. First, we argue that uncertainty contexts require that decisions to create the future are supported by a particular type of future oriented or foresight narrative which we call a conviction narrative. Its essential function is to combine available knowledge about how to achieve desired outcomes with the feeling that the selected action will achieve the aim. Second, we introduce two states, in which conviction may be achieved, divided, and integrated, to argue that research into how conviction is achieved by individuals or institutions making decisions, can be an extremely promising and practical avenue for foresight studies, throwing light on several issues, particularly the oft‐noted reluctance to change course and attachment to single stories of the future. The focus on the reality of uncertainty and the two states in which it can be met, can also enhance the research and practice of narrative foresight, through more systematic theorization of the role of emotion and ambivalence in narrative thought and in the processes through which future‐focused narratives generate action under uncertainty.
Statistical optimization of arachidonic acid synthesis by Mortierella alpina CBS 754.68 in a solid‐state fermenter
Authors: Ghobadi Zahra , Hamidi‐Esfahani Zohreh , Azizi Mohammad Hossein
Published: December 2021

Arachidonic acid (ARA) is an omega‐6 fatty acid that plays a major role in human health. The present study optimizes the production of ARA by the soil fungus Mortierella alpina CBS 754.68 on oil cakes. In the first step, the best substrate was chosen from four oil cakes, namely soybean, sunflower, olive, and colza oil cakes, of which sunflower oil cake showed the highest yield. In the next step, screening tests were performed using the Plackett‐Burman design. Seven variables (substrate particle size, moisture content, time, temperature, yeast extract, glucose, and glutamate) were investigated (each taking values of +1 and −1). Among these variables, time, temperature, and substrate particle size significantly affected ARA production (p < .05), so they were further investigated in the optimization step. The optimal fermentation time, temperature, and substrate particle size calculated by response surface methodology were 8.75 days, 18.5°C, and 1.3 mm–1.7 mm, respectively. Under these conditions, M. alpina was predicted to produce 4.19 mg of ARA/g dry weight of substrate (DWS). The actual yield, determined in evaluation tests, was 4.48 ± 0.16 mg ARA/g DWS, which shows the accuracy of the model. In the final step, the effect of the aeration rate on producing ARA was investigated in a packed‐bed solid‐state fermenter under the determined optimal conditions. In this stage, the highest ARA yield was 10.13 ± 0.26 mg/g DWS, approximately double that of the optimization step, and this confirms that aeration increases ARA production by M. alpina.
Dusp6 immunohistochemistry is associated with the response of atypical endometrial hyperplasia and early endometrial cancer to conservative treatment
Authors: Travaglino Antonio , Raffone Antonio , Gencarelli Annarita , Micheli Mariacarolina , Franco Laura , Zullo Fulvio , Mollo Antonio , Di Spiezio Sardo Attilio , Bifulco Giuseppe , Insabato Luigi
Published: November 2021

Objective

Dual‐specificity phosphatase 6 (Dusp6) was proposed as a predictive marker of response of atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and early endometrial cancer (EEC) to conservative treatment. However, its predictive accuracy has never been calculated. We aimed to define it in conservatively treated AEH and EEC.

Methods

All patients <45 years with AEH or EEC and conservatively treated with hysteroscopic resection + LNG‐IUD insertion from 2007 to 2018 were retrospectively assessed. Dusp6 immunohistochemical expression was assessed and dichotomized as “strong” vs “weak”. Relative risk (RR) for “no regression” and “recurrence” or AEH/EEC was calculated. Predictive accuracy was calculated as sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) and area under the curve (AUC) on receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

Thirty‐six women were included. Weak Dusp6 immunohistochemical expression was significantly associated with increased risk of resistance to treatment, with a RR = 16 (P = 0.0074); predictive accuracy analysis showed sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 90%, PPV = 57.1%, NPV = 96.4%, AUC = 0.85. A weak Dusp6 expression was not significantly associated with the risk of recurrence after an initial regression (RR = 0.4; P = 0.53).

Conclusion

Weak Dusp6 expression appears as a significant predictor of resistance of AEH/EEC to fertility‐sparing treatment, with moderate predictive accuracy.

Weak Dusp6 expression is significantly associated with resistance of atypical endometrial hyperplasia or early endometrial cancer to fertility‐sparing treatment, with moderate predictive accuracy.
Anxiety, resilience and local conditions: A cross‐cultural investigation in the time of Covid‐19
Authors: Moret‐Tatay Carmen , Murphy Mike
Published: November 2021

The spread of Covid‐19 is a worldwide phenomenon, unprecedented in modern times. Differences among countries in such matters are of interest as they provide a unique window to understand human behaviour and culture. The aim of this study is to examine cross‐cultural differences in state anxiety, and any moderating role of resilience and social contact. Participants from three countries were recruited: Ireland (n = 449), Italy (n = 324) and Spain (n = 471). While these countries share many characteristics, it was anticipated that their experiences might differ because of pronounced differences in governmental measures and the local severity and history of the pandemic at the time of data collection. Results indicated that: (a) Resilience was negatively related to state anxiety both bivariately and multivariately; (b) number of hours outside per week did not predict state anxiety but was negatively correlated with fear of contagious diseases in the essential workers from the Irish sample; (c) national measures had a moderating role in the relationship between resilience and state anxiety; and (d) social contact, in terms of numbers of written, audio or visual interactions, was not a statistically significant predictor of state anxiety. These results may help to understand the adverse impact on mental health.
Stimulatory responses in α‐ and β‐cells by near‐infrared (810 nm) photobiomodulation
Authors: Liebman Caleb , Loya Sheccid , Lawrence Michael , Bashoo Naziruddin , Cho Michael
Published: November 2021

Significant efforts have been committed to better understand and regulate insulin secretion as it has direct implications on diabetes. The first phase of biphasic insulin secretion in response to glucose lasts about 10 minutes, followed by a more sustained release persisting several hours. Attenuated insulin release in the first phase is typically associated with abnormal β‐cells. While near‐infrared photobiomodulation (PBM) demonstrates potential for multiple therapeutic applications, photostimulatory effects on α‐ and β‐cells remain to be further elucidated. Herein, we demonstrate that 810 nm PBM exposure at fluence of 9 J/cm2 can elevate the intracellular reactive oxygen species within 15 minutes following photostimulation. In addition, calcium spiking showed an approximately 3‐fold increase in both ATC1 (α‐cells) and BTC6 (β‐cells) and correlates with hormone secretion in response to PBM stimulation. Our findings could lay a foundation for the development of non‐biologic therapeutics that can augment islet transplantation.
Factors associated with time to clinical remission in pediatric luminal Crohn's disease: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sassine Samuel , Zekhnine Souhila , Qaddouri Marwa , Djani Lisa , Cambron‐Asselin Christine , Savoie‐Robichaud Mathieu , Lin Yi Fan , Grzywacz Kelly , Groleau Véronique , Dirks Martha , Drouin Éric , Halac Ugur , Marchand Valérie , Girard Chloé , Courbette Olivier , Patey Natalie , Dal Soglio Dorothée , Deslandres Colette , Jantchou Prévost
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim

Data on factors influencing time to remission in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) are very limited in the literature. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to describe the trends of time to clinical remission over the past decade and to identify factors associated with time to clinical remission in children with luminal CD.

Methods

Patients under 18 years old diagnosed between 2009 and 2019 were included. All data were collected from the patients' medical records. Survival analyses and linear regression models were used to assess the impact of clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, histological, and therapeutic factors on time to clinical remission.

Results

A total of 654 patients were included in the study. There was no change in the time to clinical remission over the decade. Female sex in adolescents (adjusted bêta regression coefficient [aβ] = 31.8 days, P = 0.02), upper digestive tract involvement (aβ = 46.4 days, P = 0.04) perianal disease (aβ = 32.2 days, P = 0.04), presence of active inflammation on biopsies at diagnosis (aβ = 46.7 days, P = 0.01) and oral 5‐aminosalicylates (5‐ASA) exposure (aβ = 56.6 days, P = 0.002) were associated with longer time to clinical remission. Antibiotic exposure (aβ = −29.3 days, P = 0.04), increased eosinophils (aβ = −29.6 days, P = 0.008) and combination of exclusive enteral nutrition with tumor‐necrosis‐factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha) inhibitors as induction therapy (aβ = −36.8 days, P = 0.04) were associated with shorter time to clinical remission.

Conclusion

In children with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease, time to clinical remission did not shorten during the decade. It was associated with baseline clinical and histological data and treatment strategies. Combination of enteral nutrition and TNF‐alpha inhibitors was associated with faster clinical remission.
Social anomie induced by resource development projects: A case of a coal mining project
Authors: Cheng Jun , Zhang Ruilian , Liu Yuzhen , Wang Chen
Published: December 2021

This study takes Xincun Village (to protect the privacy of the village, the name we are using is not the real name of the village) in the Golden Triangle of China's coal industry to conduct research focused on the frequent occurrence of anomic social actions by villagers after sudden wealth. Based on 160 days of structured and semistructured interviews, the results show that the anomic actions of suddenly wealthy groups mainly include self, other and socially oriented actions. The implication is that appropriate governance measures can weaken or prevent the occurrence of anomie and its devastating consequences.
Analysis of two laboratory tests for determination of EBV‐IM in children
Authors: Li Zhuo , Wang Xin , Jing Fahong , Zhou Jian , Han Yang
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to explore the application value of two laboratory tests in the diagnosis of Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated infectious mononucleosis (EBV‐IM) in children. From January 2018 to December 2020, 166 patients with EBV‐IM were included in this study. Two methods were used in the analysis. The results of both tests were compared and analyzed. The age of onset of EBV‐IM is mainly distributed in the range of 0–6 years, and no difference by gender is observed. The sensitivity and specificity of EBV testing by PCR were 49.4% and 89.8%, respectively, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.714 (0.662–0.762). When using the immunofluorescence method to detect EBV antibodies, the two indices with the highest diagnostic efficacy were low‐affinity EBV‐CA IgG and EBV‐CA IgM, and their AUC values were 0.798 (0.751–0.840) and 0.663 (0.609–0.713), respectively. When combining the two indices for testing, the AUC values of EBV‐CA IgM + low‐affinity EBV‐CA IgG, EBV‐DNA+EBV‐CA IgM, and EBV‐DNA+low‐affinity EBV‐CA IgG were 0.904 (0.867–0.933), 0.768 (0.719–0.812), and 0.963 (0.937–0.981), respectively. The diagnostic efficacy of the combined EBV‐DNA+EBV‐CA IgM + low‐affinity EBV‐CA IgG test was optimal compared with that of a single index or the combination of two indices, with an AUC of 0.999 (0.986–1.000; p < 0.05), sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 89.8%. The combined immunofluorescence and real‐time PCR methods have high sensitivity and specificity and good application value in the clinical diagnosis of EBV‐IM.
Silencing of SBF2‐AS1 inhibits cell growth and invasion by sponging microRNA‐338‐3p in serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Luan Ai‐Ai , Hou Ling‐Ling , Zhang Fang‐Yuan
Published: December 2021

Long noncoding RNA SET‐binding factor 2 (SBF2) antisense RNA 1 (AS1) is associated with the growth and metastasis of multiple cancer types, but its biological roles in serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC) remain unclear. In this study, the aberrant upregulation of SBF2‐AS1 is detected in SOC after analysis of differentially expressed genes between SOC tissues and normal fallopian tubes from the public Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We determine that knockdown of SBF2‐AS1 inhibits SOC cell proliferation and invasion by sponging miR‐338‐3p. MiR‐338‐3p acts as a tumor suppressor in SOC, and E26 transformation specific‐1 (ETS1) is identified as a potential target of miR‐338‐3p regulation. Furthermore, SBF2‐AS1 could modulate ETS1 by operating as a competing endogenous RNA for miR‐338‐3p. This finding elucidates a new mechanism for SBF2‐AS1 in SOC development and provides a potential target for SOC therapeutic intervention.
Double‐Barrel Versus Single‐Barrel Fibula Flaps for Mandibular Reconstruction: Safety and Outcomes
Authors: Trilles Jorge , Chaya Bachar F. , Daar David A. , Anzai Lavinia , Boczar Daniel , Rodriguez Colon Ricardo , Hirsch David L. , Jacobson Adam S. , Levine Jamie P.
Published: November 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Fibula flaps are routinely used for osseous reconstruction of head and neck defects. However, single‐barrel fibula flaps may result in a height discrepancy between native mandible and grafted bone, limiting outcomes from both an aesthetic and dental standpoint. The double‐barrel fibula flap aims to resolve this. We present our institution's outcomes comparing both flap designs.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients undergoing free fibula flap mandibular reconstruction at our institution between October 2008 and October 2020. Patients were grouped based on whether they underwent single‐barrel or double‐barrel reconstruction. Postoperative outcomes data were collected and compared between groups. Differences in categorical and continuous variables were assessed using a Chi‐square test or Student's t‐test, respectively.

Results

Out of 168 patients, 126 underwent single‐barrel and 42 underwent double‐barrel reconstruction. There was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity between approaches, including total complications (P = .37), flap‐related complications (P = .62), takeback to the operating room (P = .75), flap salvage (P = .66), flap failure (P = .45), and mortality (P = .19). In addition, there was no significant difference in operative time (P = .86) or duration of hospital stay (P = .17). After adjusting for confounders, primary dental implantation was significantly higher in the double‐barrel group (odds ratio, 3.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–7.6; P = .019).

Conclusion

Double‐barrel fibula flap mandibular reconstruction can be performed safely without increased postoperative morbidity or duration of hospital stay relative to single‐barrel reconstruction. Moreover, the double‐barrel approach is associated with higher odds of primary dental implantation and may warrant further consideration as part of an expanded toolkit for achieving early dental rehabilitation.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1576–1581, 2022
Distribution of some potentially toxic elements in the soils of the Jharia Coalfield: A probabilistic approach for source identification and risk assessment
Authors: Siddiqui Azeem Uddin , Jain Manish Kumar , Masto Reginald Ebhin
Published: November 2021

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in coal mining soil degrade soil quality and adversely affect people's health. The increasing mining activities in the Jharia Coalfield (JCF) may increase the concentration of PTEs in soils. Therefore, it is vital to have an in‐depth analysis of land degradation caused by them, but there is a lack of accurate and efficient methods to estimate land degradation and health risk analysis in JCF. Therefore, finite mixture distribution model (FMDM), positive matrix factorization (PMF), and Monte Carlo simulation were applied to Jharia's PTEs dataset. The FMDM was employed to distinguish the background concentration and the contamination due to anthropogenic activity. In addition, the contribution of the source was determined through PMF. The FMDM suggested two possible sources of PTEs, while the PMF defines the influence of PTEs more broadly and identifies three sources of PTEs in soil. The results showed that PTEs contribution by a natural source, coal mining, and atmospheric deposition accounted for 45.72%, 27.34%, and 26.94%, respectively. Based on health risk results, this region does not pose a noncarcinogenic risk, but it does pose a carcinogenic risk, especially to infants. JCF comprises a relatively low concentration of PTEs as compared with other possible values for India. Probabilistic health risk assessment studies are scarce for Indian soils, especially in mining areas. In combination, these approaches will provide deeper insights and help identify potential solutions for PTEs contamination in these areas.
Combined CO2 and dye laser technique in the treatment of outcomes due to flap necrosis after surgery for basal cell carcinoma on the nose
Authors: Nisticò Steven Paul , Bennardo Luigi , Sannino Mario , Negosanti Francesca , Tamburi Federica , Del Duca Ester , Giudice Amerigo , Cannarozzo Giovanni
Published: November 2021

Background and Objective

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent cutaneous cancer worldwide, and the nasal area is the most commonly affected region. Skin flaps are usually performed to achieve radical results, but various adverse events often occur. The necrosis of the skin flap is one of the most frequently observed, resulting in scars and anti‐aesthetic outcomes. Ablative and non‐ablative lasers have been proposed to improve scars resulting from surgical failure and skin flap necrosis.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

This study aims to evaluate a new laser protocol combining ablative CO2‐laser with flashlamp pulsed dye laser for the treatment of nasal scars resulting from the necrosis of flap that occurred after surgery. Twelve patients were enrolled in the study, and a total of five laser sessions were planned, spaced from 14 days to 1 month apart.

Results

Seven out of 12 patients underwent all the five laser sessions planned, while 5/12 patients achieved optimal cosmetic results within the fourth session. Eighty percent of the patients reported good/optimal cosmetic results, and no significant side effects were observed during the study.

Conclusion

Combining fractionated CO2 laser with flashlamp pulsed dye laser represents a new effective modality for treating skin flap necrosis after BBC removal, representing a valid alternative to other surgical procedures.
Preparation of Bio‐Based Polybenzoxazine/Pyrogallol/Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Nanocomposites: Low Dielectric Constant and Low Curing Temperature
Authors: Zhao Yudi , Yuan Manlin , Wang Litong , Lu Xin , Xin Zhong
Published: November 2021

In this work, a bio‐based benzoxazine monomer (C‐s) is synthesized from cardanol, stearylamine, and paraformaldehyde through solvent‐free method. Pyrogallol is used as a curing catalyst for the ring‐opening polymerization of benzoxazine. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) results reveal that doping with pyrogallol reduces the exothermic peak temperature (Tp) of C‐s from 256 to 174 °C. The polybenzoxazine/pyrogallol/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (PC‐s/py/POSS) nanocomposites are prepared via thermal curing. The doping of aminopropyl isobutyl POSS (POSS‐NH2) can reduce the dielectric constant of polybenzoxazine. The dielectric constant of PC‐s/py/POSS is 2.64 at 1 MHz when the doping amount of POSS‐NH2 is 10 wt%. The results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and water absorption test indicate that the PC‐s/py/POSS nanocomposites possess good thermal stability and water resistance. In summary, the PC‐s/py/POSS nanocomposites with low curing temperature and low dielectric constant are expected to be applied to the low dielectric materials for microelectronic applications.
A compact circular polarized patch fractal antenna for global navigation satellite systems
Authors: Wang Encheng , Liu Mengxin , Lin Daming , Wang Jie
Published: November 2021

A circular polarized square fractal patch antenna with square slot and via is proposed, which can be applied to global navigation satellite systems. Two pairs of square ring slot with different sizes are placed diagonally for antenna circularly polarized radiation. By changing the square patch into a fractal structure and adding defective ground structure, miniaturization can be achieved while the bandwidth is further expanded. The total antenna size is 0.3λo × 0.3λo × 0.03λo (λo is the free‐space wavelength at 1.575 GHz). The final measurement results show that the maximum gain is 3.26 dBic, the 3 dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth is 1.57–1.6 GHz and the impedance bandwidth (S11 < −10 dB) is more than 60 MHz at the resonant frequency of 1.575 GHz.
Evaluation of Walleye Minimum Length Limits with Changing Water Regimes in the Great Plains
Authors: Blackwell Brian G. , Kaufman Todd M. , Ermer Mark J.
Published: November 2021

Above-normal precipitation in the 1990s resulted in new waters and Walleye Sander vitreus fisheries across northeastern South Dakota. Concerns with overharvest led to the implementation of a Walleye minimum length limit (MLL) on many new fisheries, but over time most of the MLLs were removed. We were interested in knowing why the MLLs failed. We compared Walleye gill-net data and angler creel data under rising and declining water regimes and between periods with and without an MLL regulation in two new waters (Bitter Lake and Waubay Lake). We also assessed Walleye annual recruitment and growth patterns and examined if water regimes, MLLs, or Walleye recruitment were potential drivers of Walleye relative abundance, growth, and size structure. Few differences were found across water regimes and between periods with and without an MLL. At Bitter Lake, significant differences were identified across water regimes for the number of age-3 Walleyes per gill net, Walleye proportional size distribution of preferred length (PSD-P), angling pressure, and angler catch rates of Walleyes. Walleye relative weight and PSD-P significantly differed between water regimes at Waubay Lake. Mean length at capture for age-3 Walleyes and proportional size distribution were significantly different between periods having an MLL and no MLL at Bitter Lake. At Waubay Lake, Walleye gill-net CPUE (number/gill net) and PSD-P significantly differed between periods with and without an MLL. Water regimes, MLL, and Walleye recruitment were not identified as strong drivers of Walleye population characteristics. Recruitment was variable in each lake (Bitter Lake age-3 CPUE CV = 148%, Waubay Lake age-3 CPUE CV = 166%), with occasional strong cohorts recruiting. We believe recruitment dynamics influenced Walleye abundance and growth, which led to the removal of MLLs from each lake. Knowledge concerning Walleye population recruitment dynamics and growth is important when implementing MLLs and evaluating their effectiveness.
Quasi‐static fracture analysis by coupled three‐dimensional peridynamics and high order one‐dimensional finite elements based on local elasticity
Authors: Pagani Alfonso , Enea Marco , Carrera Erasmo
Published: November 2021

This work investigates quasi‐static crack propagation in specimens made of brittle materials by combining local and non‐local elasticity models. The portion of the domain where the failure initiates and then propagates is modeled via three‐dimensional bond‐based peridynamics (PD). On the other hand, the remaining regions of the structure are analyzed with high order one‐dimensional finite elements based on the Carrera unified formulation (CUF). The coupling between the two zones is realized by using Lagrange multipliers. Static solutions of different fracture problems are provided by a sequential linear analysis. The proposed approach is demonstrated to combine the advantages of the CUF‐based classical continuum mechanics models and PD by providing, in an efficient manner, both the failure load and the shape of the crack pattern, even for three‐dimensional problems.
Assessment of the sediment and associated nutrient/contaminant continuum, from permafrost thaw slump scars to tundra lakes in the western Canadian Arctic
Authors: Droppo Ian G. , di Cenzo Peter , McFadyen Renee , Reid Thomas
Published: December 2021

Within the Canadian Arctic, vast areas of previously frozen sediments and carbon are being released into aquatic ecosystems via the occurrence of permafrost thaw and retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs). While knowledge of mass wasting RTS processes are more advanced, the significance of exposed retrogressive thaw slump scars (RTSSs) at various phases of stabilization to yield additional large quantities of ecologically relevant sediment to lakes and rivers is not well constrained. Using laboratory simulation (linked rainfall and lake flow dynamics), RTS sediments were investigated to assess the sediment continuum from the terrestrial RTSSs to depositional zones within two Arctic tundra lakes. Using an estimate of 30% of the RTSS areas contributing sediment under hypothetical 20‐ and 100‐year rainfall events, up to 598 and 997 kg hr−1 of RTSS sediment washoff was projected respectively. Eroded particle size, regardless of lake or initial bulk RTSS size distribution, was dominated by individual clay particles (<5 μm) that were winnowed from the RTSS surface sediment. Given this is the most biogeochemical relevant fraction, it has the potential for significant ecological impact on the lakes. This deposited fine sediment was found to be very unstable with a critical shear stress for erosion close to that of the critical shear for deposition (0.05 Pa). As such, wave energy is expected to have an impact on remobilization of fine sediments and associated compounds with concomitant implications for lake‐ecosystem health.
Iron Oxychloride/Bovine Serum Albumin Nanosheets as Chemodynamic Therapy Agents
Authors: Mohammadpour Zahra , Hashemi Zahra Sadat , Malekian Jebeli Fatemeh , Ghasemzadeh Sahel , Askari Esfandyar , Akbary‐Yekta Mandana , Sarrami‐Forooshani Ramin
Published: November 2021

Iron oxychloride (FeOCl) is known for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation through Fenton chemistry. The activity of FeOCl is preserved in the slightly acidic pH value of the tumor microenvironment (pH 6.5−6.9). Such property can be advantageous in biobased systems, where ROS generation can be modulated in slightly acidic conditions, which is characteristic of the solid tumor microenvironment. In the present study, BSA‐stabilized FeOCl nanosheets (NSs) are synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential analysis, dynamic light scattering, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The morphology of the nanoparticles is flake‐like, and their hydrodynamic diameter is around 200 nm. MTT, apoptosis assay, and trypan blue staining evaluate the toxicity of FeOCl NSs toward the 4T1 cell line. It is found that the toxicity of the NSs is higher in physiological conditions of solid tumors (pH 6.5, H2O2 100 × 10−6 m) than in the conditions of healthy organs (pH 7.4). Specifically, cancer cells are in their late apoptotic stage by more than eight times higher at pH 6.5 than pH 7.4. The toxicity results are in agreement with the in vitro catalytic assay of the NSs. Therefore, the FeOCl NSs can be the building blocks for constructing chemodynamic therapy agents.
Moving toward carbon neutrality: Assessing natural gas import security and its impact on CO2 emissions
Authors: Dong Kangyin , Han Yalin , Dou Yue , Shahbaz Muhammad
Published: November 2021

Natural gas import security has been a hot issue, and its environmental effects remain unsettled. In the context of carbon neutrality, this study aims to investigate the nexus between natural gas import security and CO2 emissions. For this purpose, we propose an effective composite index to measure the natural gas import security levels of 30 countries over the period 2004–2019. Then we construct a dynamic panel data model to estimate the impact of natural gas import security on CO2 emissions. To ensure effective and robust estimations, the SYS‐GMM and D‐GMM methods are simultaneously employed. We further conduct a mediating effect and heterogeneity analysis on the nexus between natural gas import security and CO2 emissions. The estimation results indicate that an increase in natural gas import security can indeed reduce global CO2 emissions. Furthermore, natural gas import security can reduce CO2 emissions by adjusting the energy consumption structure. Moreover, the mitigation effect of natural gas import security on CO2 is dominated by the substitution effect of natural gas for other fossil fuels. In addition, heterogeneity exists in the nexus between natural gas import security and CO2. The findings provide new insights for reducing carbon emissions and improving gas security.
Investigation of FOX‐7 Polymorphs: new polymorphs – ϵ and ζ
Authors: Kushtaev Alexander A. , Yudin Nikolay V. , Kondakova Natalia N. , Ilicheva Natalia N. , Vu Tuan Q. , Zbarskiy Vitold L.
Published: December 2021

Polymorphism of 1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethene (FOX‐7, DADNE) has investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), IR‐spectroscopy. Two previously unknown polymorph modifications of FOX‐7 ‐ ϵ and ζ were discovered. ϵ‐FOX‐7 has prepared by hydrolysis of 2‐(dinitromethylene)‐5,5‐dinitropyrimidine‐4,6(1H,3H,5H)‐dione in a media with pH up 7–8 to Ho≈−3 and 2‐(dinitromethylene)imidazolidine‐4,5‐dione in aqueous ammonia. ϵ‐FOX‐7 is a stable and exists in temperature range 273–378 K. ζ‐polymorph of FOX‐7 can be obtained at ϵ‐FOX‐7 heating to 378–380 K. ζ→ϵ polymorph transition is a reversible and occurs at 361.7±3.1 K. At 433–453 K ζ‐FOX‐7 transforms to γ‐polymorph. ζ→γ phase transition temperature range was determined using IR‐spectroscopy because it is invisible on DSC curves. IR‐spectra of ϵ and ζ polymorphs are significantly distinct from α‐, β‐ and γ‐FOX‐7. ϵ‐FOX‐7, in contrast to monoclinic α‐polymorph, has orthorhombic type of crystal system (space group P212121). Based on received data, new scheme of FOX‐7 polymorph transition is proposed.
Preparation and Characterization of Bi2Fe4O9/Ag3PO4 Composite Photocatalyst for Degradation of EE2
Authors: Ma Min , Wu Shenglan , Liu Jie , Chen Yu , Jiang Xiaomei , Pi Xiaolin , Li Huiying , Li Xiaomei , Jiang Fengzhi
Published: December 2021

Bi2Fe4O9/Ag3PO4 (BFO/APO) composites as a kind of new material were successfully prepared through the hydrothermal‐precipitation method and employed for degrading 17α‐ethynyl estradiol (EE2). Upon illumination, the total removal efficiency of EE2 reached 98.68 % and the reaction rate constant K value of 1 : 6 BFO/APO (0.05111 min−1) was respectively 7, 5 and 55 times that of BFO (0.01074 min−1), APO (0.007260 min−1) and conventional photocatalysis (9.38×10−4 min−1). The combination with BFO also effectively prevented the occurrence of APO photo corrosion reactions. According to the capture experiments, .O2−, holes and .OH are considered major or minor important respectively to the photocatalytic reaction. This work provides a new insight in construct the direct Z‐scheme photocatalyst for EE2 degradation.
Reaction of Hetareno[e]pyrrole‐2,3‐diones with Thiols: An Approach to Two Distinct 5‐Thio‐Substituted Pyrrole‐2‐one Derivatives
Authors: Lukmanova Dzhamilia N. , Pchelintseva Daria I. , Dmitriev Maksim V. , Balandina Svetlana Y. , Mashevskaya Irina V. , Chaudhary Sandeep
Published: December 2021

Recently, 3‐hydroxy‐1,5‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol‐2‐ones have become an object of close scrutiny in medicinal chemistry due to their diverse biological activity. In the present paper, we describe a substrate‐switchable reaction of hetareno[e]pyrrole‐2,3‐diones with aromatic and aliphatic thiols that afforded two series of novel 5‐thio‐substituted 3‐hydroxy‐1,5‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol‐2‐ones. The reaction of pyrroloquinaxolinetriones with thiols led to the formation of adducts. The initially formed adducts of pyrrolobenzoxazinetriones with thiols were subjected to hydrolysis with the oxazine ring opening and decarboxylation. Based on the latter reaction, a synthetic approach to pharmaceutically interesting monocyclic non‐fused 3‐hydroxy‐1,5‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol‐2‐ones bearing conformationally free thio‐substituents at C‐5 was proposed for the first time. The synthesized compounds were screened in vitro for their antimicrobial activity. Some of them were found to exhibit moderate activity against S. aureus and C. albicans. Thus, the results of current study confirm that the search for new biologically active compounds among 5‐thio‐substituted 3‐hydroxy‐1,5‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol‐2‐ones is promising.
Fluorophore Tagged Mixed Ligand Copper(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, Protein Binding, DNA Cleavage and Anticancer Activity
Authors: Shaikh Sabiha A. , Bhat Satish S. , Revankar Vidyanand K. , Kulkarni Badarinath D. , Kumara Karthik , Lokanath N. K. , Kumbar Vijay , Bhat Kishore , Butcher Ray J.
Published: December 2021

Two fluorophore tagged copper(II) complexes [Cu(phen)(L)(ClO4)2] (1) and [Cu(bpy)(L)(H2O)(ClO4)](ClO4) (2), (where L=2‐amino‐1H‐benzo[de]isoquinoline‐1,3‐(2H)dione (L), phen=1,10‐phenanthroline and bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Structures of the copper complexes 1 and 2 were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray structure determination. The coordination geometry around the copper center of complexes 1 and 2 is distorted octahedral. The plasmid DNA cleavage activity of the complexes has been investigated by agarose gel electrophoresis and the study reveals that both the complexes have high plasmid DNA photo‐cleavage activity. The binding interaction ability of the metal complexes with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity of the complexes has been evaluated by MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazole‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay against A549 (adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial cells) and MCF‐7 (breast cancer cell line) cell lines in comparison with cis‐platin. Complexes 1 and 2 have exhibited better cytotoxic activity than cis‐platin against A549 and MCF‐7 cell lines. The cellular uptake study and localization of the complexes within the cells have been investigated by fluorescence microscopy. The cell staining and flow cytometry experiments suggest that complexes induce an apoptotic mode of cell death.
Electrochemistry of Zinc Electrodes in Acetone‐Zinc Halide Electrolytes
Authors: Sun Yu , Xie Minghao , Kong Shuting , Wang Jie , Dong Dongqi , Xuan Cuijuan , Gong Liangyu , Ma Chuanli , Su Linghao
Published: December 2021

The effects on the electrochemistry of zinc electrode in acetone‐zinc halide electrolyte are discussed. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic tests show that the reversibility of zinc deposition and dissolution in ZnCl2 is superior to ZnBr2 electrolyte. In ZnCl2 acetone electrolyte, 1 M is the optimal concentration in which Zn−Zn symmetric battery reveals reversible charge/discharge cycles for 960 hours. Powder XRD detects a by‐product Zn5(OH)8Cl2⋅H2O created on zinc surface during long‐term charge/discharge process, indicating a certain degree of interaction between zinc electrode and acetone solvent.
An Overview on Synthesis and Biological Activity of Chalcone Derived Pyrazolines
Authors: Tiwari Aditi , Bendi Anjaneyulu , Bhathiwal Anirudh Singh
Published: December 2021

Chalcones are α, β unsaturated aromatic ketones having enone moiety and exhibit a wide array of pharmaceutical and biological activities. Chalcones possess a wide range of biological activities such as anticancer, antituberculosis, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antimalarial. Nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds are an extremely important class of organic compounds with a broad spectrum of pharmaceutical activities. Pyrazolines are N‐ heterocyclic compounds that exhibit a wide range of pharmaceutical activities and are synthesized from chalcone with enhanced biological activity. The present study summarizes the chemistry of various chalcone‐based pyrazolines and their derivatives with the available data till 2021.
Synthesis of ω‐Amino‐Functionalized Alkyl Quaternary Ammonium Surfactants
Authors: Ortega Kenneth J. , Lucas Nigel T. , Bagshaw Stephen A. , Hayman Alan R.
Published: December 2021

A versatile four‐step synthetic route towards a series of new ω‐amino‐functionalized alkyl quaternary ammonium bolaform surfactants was developed. The key step in the synthesis is the ring opening of a macrocyclic lactone to form long‐chain ω‐hydroxy amide precursors. The asymmetric bolaform surfactants are structurally analogous to the ω‐hydroxy quaternary ammonium surfactants that have been previously shown to form small micelles and have been exploited as soft templates in the preparation of super‐microporous materials.
Synthesis of N‐arylsulfonamides via Chan‐Lam Coupling Between Aryl Boronic Acids and N‐[(sulfonyl)imino]phenyliodinanes
Authors: Merchan‐Arenas Diego R. , Rivero‐Jerez Paula S. , Pérez Edwin G.
Published: December 2021

We synthesized a library of 32 sulfonamides via CuBr2 catalyzed Chan‐Lam C−N coupling, reaching excellent yields (until 81 %) under ligand‐base‐free, mild conditions, and short reaction times. A new non‐toxic, versatile and easy to prepare starting materials, N‐[(Sulfonyl)imino]phenyliodinanes were first time proposed as the nitrogen source in this synthetic tool. Finally, the sulfonamides were used as valuable building blocks in the synthesis of mono‐alkyl anilines through their alkylation and Fukuyama deprotection steps.
Anthracene‐Containing Gold(I) Triphenylphosphine Acetylide: Synthesis and (Spectro)electrochemical Properties
Authors: Kovalski Eduard , Schaarschmidt Dieter , Hildebrandt Alexander
Published: December 2021

The synthesis of a σ‐alkynyl gold(I) complex bearing a anthryl π‐system and a triarylamine functionality has been carried out by a ligand exchange reaction of the acetylene with [Au(PPh3)Cl]. Electrochemical oxidation of the triarylamine functionality of the gold complex led to the formation of 10,10′‐(buta‐1,3‐diyne‐1,4‐diyl)bis(9‐di(p‐tolyl)amino‐anthracene) from two molecules of the gold acetylide. The formed butadiyne displays two triarylamine based redox processes in close proximity and an irreversible oxidation event originating from the anthracene bridge. Spectro‐electrochemical studies revealed several intense amine/anthracene‐based charge transfer excitations in the oxidized states and confirm the generation of the butadiyne.
Self‐Assembly of Upconversion Nanoparticles Based Materials and Their Emerging Applications
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Chen Yongming , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2021

In the past few decades, significant progress of the conventional upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) based nanoplatform has been achieved in many fields, and with the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology, more and more complex situations need a UCNPs based nanoplatform having multifunctions for specific multimodal or multiplexed applications. Through self‐assembly, different UCNPs or UCNPs with other materials could be combined together within an entity. It is more like an ideal UCNPs nanoplatform, a unique system with the properties defined by its individual components as well as by the morphology of the composite. Various designs can show their different desired properties depending on the application situation. This review provides a complete summary on the optimization of the synthesis method for the recently designed UCNPs assemblies and summarizes various applications, including dual‐modality cell imaging, molecular delivery, detection, and programmed control therapy. The challenges and limitations the UCNPs assembly faces and the potential solutions in this field are also presented.
Generation, Transmission, and Regulation of Mechanical Forces in Embryonic Morphogenesis
Authors: Sutlive Joseph , Xiu Haning , Chen Yunfeng , Gou Kun , Xiong Fengzhu , Guo Ming , Chen Zi
Published: November 2021

Embryonic morphogenesis is a biological process which depicts shape forming of tissues and organs during development. Unveiling the roles of mechanical forces generated, transmitted, and regulated in cells and tissues through these processes is key to understanding the biophysical mechanisms governing morphogenesis. To this end, it is imperative to measure, simulate, and predict the regulation and control of these mechanical forces during morphogenesis. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the recent advances on mechanical properties of cells and tissues, generation of mechanical forces in cells and tissues, the transmission processes of these generated forces during cells and tissues, the tools and methods used to measure and predict these mechanical forces in vivo, in vitro, or in silico, and to better understand the corresponding regulation and control of generated forces. Understanding the biomechanics and mechanobiology of morphogenesis will not only shed light on the fundamental physical mechanisms underlying these concerted biological processes during normal development, but also uncover new information that will benefit biomedical research in preventing and treating congenital defects or tissue engineering and regeneration.