bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ionic Liquid Assessment as Suitable Solvent for Biogas Upgrading Technology Based on the Process System Engineering Perspective
Authors: Kazmi Bilal , Taqvi Syed Ali Ammar , Ali Syed Imran
Published: December 2021

Biogas requires specific processing in terms of upgradation to remove acid gas contents, making it a profitable fuel with higher energy content. This is conventionally attained through physical or chemical absorption due to the higher selectivity towards CO2 and H2S. The conventional processing technology impacts the process with higher energy content for solvent regeneration, solvent loss causing a threat to the environment with its toxicity, and damaging the equipment by corrosion. In this view, ionic liquids (ILs) emerged as potential candidates providing a favorable facet in terms of both processing and ecological aspects. Hence, herein the potential of IL and deep eutectic solvent (DES) in comparison to the conventional solvents and technologies used for biogas upgrading based on process system engineering perspective that showcases techno‐economic, energy‐economic, and environmental aspects and opportunities that may lead towards establishing sustainable and effective processing of biogas is shown and a comprehensive review on the opportunities, prospects, and challenges to make IL and DES as future solvent for biogas upgrading on the commercial scale is provided.
Fluorobenzene Nucleobase Analogues for Triplex‐Forming Peptide Nucleic Acids
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Rozners Eriks
Published: December 2021

2,4‐Difluorotoluene is a nonpolar isostere of thymidine that has been used as a powerful mechanistic probe to study the role of hydrogen bonding in nucleic acid recognition and interactions with polymerases. In the present study, we evaluated five fluorinated benzenes as nucleobase analogues in peptide nucleic acids designed for triple helical recognition of double helical RNA. We found that analogues having para and ortho fluorine substitution patterns (as in 2,4‐difluorotoluene) selectively stabilized Hoogsteen triplets with U−A base pairs. The results were consistent with attractive electrostatic interactions akin to non‐canonical F to H−N and C−H to N hydrogen bonding. The fluorinated nucleobases were not able to stabilize Hoogsteen‐like triplets with pyrimidines in either G−C or A−U base pairs. Our results illustrate the ability of fluorine to engage in non‐canonical base pairing and provide insights into triple helical recognition of RNA.
Optimizing the Production of Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oil Utilizing Industrial Waste‐Derived MgO/CaO Catalysts
Authors: Aghel Babak , Gouran Ashkan , Shahsavari Parsa
Published: December 2021

Biodiesel manufacturing using waste cooking oil is a cost‐effective method for lowering the costs of production. Composites composed of CaO and MgO recovered from industrial waste may be utilized to create ecologically heterogeneous transesterification catalysts. The activity of the catalysts and the impacts of calcination temperatures and various weight percentages were examined. The efficiency of the MgO/CaO catalyst for producing biodiesel from waste cooking oil was studied under optimum conditions. The properties and structure of the catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared, which proved the acceptable performance of the catalysts for transesterification of waste cooking oil.
An Alkynyl‐Dangling Ru(II) Polypyridine Complex for Targeted Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Jian Yao , Jin Zhihui , Qi Shuang , Da Xuwen , Wang Zhanhua , Wang Xuesong , Zhou Qianxiong
Published: December 2021

To realize clinical application of antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), one of the most arduous challenges is how to render aPDT agents high selectivity against bacterial pathogens. In light of the fact that amino group‐containing lipids are rich on the outer surfaces of Gram‐positive bacteria, we herein constructed an alkynyl‐dangling ruthenium(II) polypyridine complex (Ru2) to preferentially label Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) over mammalian cells via the amino‐yne bio‐orthogonal click reaction. Thanks to the strong singlet oxygen generation ability, Ru2 could photo‐inactivate S. aureus and MRSA effectively and specifically. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) molecules also exist in mammalian cells but are not accessible for Ru2, leading to its poor binding/uptake and negligible cytotoxicity in the dark and upon irradiation towards mammalian cells as well as low hemolysis, all favorable for aPDT application.
Stereoselective Synthesis, Configurational Assignment and Biological Evaluations of the Lipid Mediator RvD2n‐3 DPA
Authors: Reinertsen Amalie F. , Primdahl Karoline G. , De Matteis Roberta , Dalli Jesmond , Hansen Trond V.
Published: December 2021

Herein we report the first total synthesis of RvD2n‐3 DPA, an endogenously formed mediator biosynthesized from the omega‐3 fatty acid n‐3 docosapentaenoic acid. The key steps are the Midland Alpine borane reduction, Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions, and a Z‐selective alkyne reduction protocol, yielding RvD2n‐3 DPA methyl ester in 13 % yield over 12 steps (longest linear sequence). The physical property data (UV chromophore, chromatography and MS/MS fragmentation) of the synthetic lipid mediator matched those obtained from biologically produced material. Moreover, synthetic RvD2n‐3 DPA also carried the potent biological activities of enhancing macrophage uptake of Staphylococcus aureus and zymosan A bioparticles.
Doubly‐Reduced Pentacene in Different Coordination Environments: X‐ray Crystallographic and Theoretical Insights into Structural and Electronic Changes
Authors: Pennachio Matthew , Zhou Zheng , Wei Zheng , Liu Shuyang , Rogachev Andrey Yu. , Petrukhina Marina A.
Published: December 2021

Chemical reduction of pentacene (C22H14, 1) with Group 1 metals ranging from Li to Cs revealed that 1 readily undergoes a two‐fold reduction to afford a doubly‐reduced 12− anion in THF. With the help of 18‐crown‐6 ether used as a secondary coordinating agent, five π‐complexes of 12− with different alkali metal counterions have been isolated and fully characterized. This series of complexes enables the first evaluation of alkali‐metal ion binding patterns and structural changes of the 12− dianion based on the crystallographically confirmed examples. The difference in coordination of the smallest Li+ ion vs. heavier Group 1 congeners has been demonstrated. In addition, the use of benzo‐15‐crown‐5 in the reaction of 1 with Na metal allowed the isolation of the unique solvent‐separated ion product with a “naked” dianion, 12−. The detailed structural analyses of the series revealed the C−C bond alteration and core deformation of pentacene upon two‐fold reduction and complexation. The negative charge localization at the central six‐membered ring of 12− identified by theoretical calculations corroborates with the X‐ray crystallographic results. Subsequent in‐depth theoretical analysis provided a detailed description of changes in the electronic structure and aromaticity of pentacene upon reduction.
Synthesis of Stimuli‐Responsive Block Copolymers and Block Copolymer Nano‐assemblies
Authors: Liu Yuan , Sun Yu , Zhang Wangqing
Published: December 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Block copolymers have aroused much interest, and their application has been rapidly expanded. In recent years, our group has committed to exploring synthesis and self‐assembly of block copolymers. We have designed and synthesized several new thermo‐responsive polymers and photo‐responsive polymers by living/controlled radical polymerization (LCRP) and investigated their stimuli‐responsive properties. Aiming at convenient and efficient synthesis of block copolymer nano‐assemblies, we have developed several methods based on polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA). Herein, we give a short summary of our research in these years. The aim of this account is to stimulate innovative synthesis strategies of block copolymer nano‐assemblies, and promote more scientific research cooperation to face the exciting opportunities and challenges encountered in block copolymers.

What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group?

Thermo‐responsive polymers based on dialkylamine groups may be the such thing. It is found that the dialkylamine groups especially the diethylamine group act the predominant role to the thermo‐response, and based on this finding several new thermo‐responsive polymers and stimuli‐responsive block copolymer nano‐assemblies have been synthesized.

How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers?

Since 2004 I got Ph.D. degree in polymer chemistry and physics from Nankai University, I began my research mainly on polymer chemistry till

now. I think it the most important to focus on a topic useful in science or in practical application, which helps to maintain interest continuously.

How do you supervise your students?

It is a good way to discuss with students timely and deeply.

What is the most important personality for scientific research?

Hard work and keen interest.

What are your hobbies? What's your favorite book(s)?

I like flower farming and fishing. When I retire, I think I will be a good farmer.

Who influences you mostly in your life?

My parents. They are simple, kind hearted and hardworking.
Climate mediates long‐term impacts of rodent exclusion on desert plant communities
Authors: Maron John L. , Lightfoot David C. , Rodriguez‐Cabal Mariano A. , Collins Scott L. , Rudgers Jennifer A.
Published: December 2021

Determining how climate affects biotic interactions can improve understanding of drivers of context‐dependence and inform predictions of how interactions may influence plants under future climates. In arid environments, the community‐level impacts of seed predators may depend strongly on aridity; yet, long‐term studies documenting impacts of granivores on plant communities over variable climate conditions remain scarce. We evaluated how rodent exclusion interacted with climate to influence grassland and shrubland forb communities and the community‐scale distribution of seed mass over 15 years in the climatically variable northern Chihuahuan Desert. In this dynamic system, two seasonally distinct plant community phases occur annually, one in spring and the other during the summer monsoon. Rodent exclusion significantly altered the community composition of monsoon season plant communities in both grassland and shrubland, but did not affect spring plant composition. Rodents suppressed the abundance of larger‐seeded forb species and promoted smaller‐seeded species. As a consequence, rodent exclusion increased community seed mass (CWM) in monsoon forb communities, most strongly in grassland. The magnitude of impacts of rodents on seed mass varied substantially from year‐to‐year, tracking variation in climate. Specifically, rodent exclusion increased community mean seed mass the most in dry years (grassland) or in years following dry years (shrubland). Rodent exclusion had relatively weak effects on plant species diversity and richness. Our results indicate that climate interacts with the presence of rodents to structure not only the composition but also the traits of desert plant communities.
Heart failure with preserved, mid‐range, and reduced ejection fraction across health care settings: an observational study
Authors: de Boer Annemarijn R. , Vaartjes Ilonca , Gohar Aisha , Valk Mark J.M. , Brugts Jasper J. , Boonman‐de Winter Leandra J.M. , van Riet Evelien E. , van Mourik Yvonne , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter , Linssen Gerard C.M. , Hoes Arno W. , Bots Michiel L. , den Ruijter Hester M. , Rutten Frans H.
Published: December 2021

Aims

This study aimed to assess the sex‐specific distribution of heart failure (HF) with preserved, mid‐range, and reduced ejection fraction across three health care settings.

Methods and results

In this descriptive observational study, we retrieved the distribution of HF types [with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), mid‐range ejection fraction (HFmrEF), and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)] for men and women between 65 and 79 years of age in three health care settings from a single country: (i) patients with screening‐detected HF in the high‐risk community (i.e. those with shortness of breath, frailty, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) from four screening studies, (ii) patients with confirmed HF from primary care derived from a single observational study, and (iii) patients with confirmed HF from outpatient cardiology clinics participating in a registry. Among 1407 patients from the high‐risk community, 288 had screen‐detected HF (15% HFrEF, 12% HFmrEF, 74% HFpEF), and 51% of the screen‐detected HF patients were women. In both women (82%) and men (65%), HFpEF was the most prevalent HF type. In the routine general practice population (30 practices, 70 000 individuals), among the 160 confirmed HF cases, 35% had HFrEF, 23% HFmrEF, and 43% HFpEF, and in total, 43% were women. In women, HFpEF was the most prevalent HF type (52%), while in men, this was HFrEF (41%). In outpatient cardiology clinics (n = 34), of the 4742 HF patients (66% HFrEF, 15% HFmrEF, 20% HFpEF), 36% were women. In both women (56%) and men (71%), HFrEF was the most prevalent HF type.

Conclusions

Both HF types and sex distribution vary considerably in HF patients of 65–79 years of age among health care settings. From the high‐risk community through to general practice to the cardiology outpatient setting, there is a shift in HF type from HFpEF to HFrEF and a decrease in the proportion of HF patients that are women.
Kaolinite‐based Hybrid Material from Interlayer Grafting of 1‐(2‐Hydroxyethyl)piperazine and Application to the Sensitive Voltammetric Detection of Lead
Authors: Ngassa Guy B. Piegang , Fafard Jonathan , Tonle Ignas K.
Published: December 2021

This work describes the synthesis of an organo‐inorganic hybrid material and its application as low‐cost electrode material for the electrochemical detection of trace levels of lead in contaminated water. The organo‐inorganic hybrid material was obtained by the grafting of 1‐(2‐hydroxyethylpiperazine) (HEP) in the interlayer space of a natural kaolinite (K). The obtained organokaolinite (K‐HEP) was characterized by XRD, FTIR and TGA‐DTG techniques. XRD results in particular showed that the structure of the pristine kaolinite was not affected during the synthesis of K‐HEP. It was also noticed from 13C NMR data that the structure of HEP was preserved during the synthesis process. Taking into account the affinity of the amine group on HEP molecule for lead ions, K‐HEP was used to modify the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) (GCE/K‐HEP) in order to build a sensor for lead detection. The peak current of Pb(II) recorded on GCE/K‐HEP was more intense compared to the signal recorded on bare GCE, and on natural kaolinite film modified GCE. Several parameters that can affect the stripping response were systematically investigated to optimize the sensitivity of the organokaolinite film modified electrode. Under optimized conditions, a calibration curve was obtained in the concentration range from 8.29 to 116.03 ppb; with a detection limit of 0.25 ppb (S/N=3). After the study of some interfering species on the electrochemical response of Pb(II), the developed sensor was successfully applied to the quantification of the same pollutant in tap water and spring water samples.
Functionalization of electrospun fish gelatin mats with bioactive agents: Comparative effect on morphology, thermo‐mechanical, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, and bread shelf stability
Authors: Mahmood Kaiser , Kamilah Hanisah , Alias Abd Karim , Ariffin Fazilah , Mohammadi Nafchi Abdorreza
Published: December 2021

In the current study, fish gelatin‐based nanofiber mats were embedded with different bioactive agents (BAs) such as cinnamaldehyde (CEO), limonene (LEO), and eugenol (EEO) at 1, 3, and 5% via electrospinning, and their effects on the morphological, structural, mechanical, thermal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and bread packaging properties of the mats were evaluated. The gelatin mats presented different physicochemical properties due to the inherent differences in the chemical structure of the added BAs and their interaction with the gelatin chains. The conductivity, surface tension, and viscosity of gelatin dopes changed with the presence of the BAs, yet the electrospun nanofibers showed defect‐free uniform morphology as confirmed by electron microscopy, with no significant change in the chemical structure of gelatin. The melting temperature of gelatin mats remained in the range of 187–197°C. The mats presented lower tensile strength and elongation at break by the addition of BAs compared with the pristine gelatin mat. The highest radical scavenging (90%) was yielded by mats with EEO, while mats with CEO depicted better antibacterial activity with an inhibition zone of 18.83 mm. However, a dose‐dependent increase in the antifungal properties was noticed for all the mats. The mats retained almost 50% of BAs after 60 days of storage at 45% relative humidity. Electrospun gelatin mats inhibited the aerobic bacteria (81%) and yeast and molds (61%) in preservative‐free bread after 10 days of storage.
Negative bias effects during audiovisual emotional processing in major depression disorder
Authors: Li Liyuan , Li Rong , Shen Fei , Wang Xuyang , Zou Ting , Deng Chijun , Wang Chong , Li Jiyi , Wang Hongyu , Huang Xinju , Lu Fengmei , He Zongling , Chen Huafu
Published: December 2021

Aberrant affective neural processing and negative emotional bias are trait‐marks of major depression disorders (MDDs). However, most research on biased emotional perception in depression has only focused on unimodal experimental stimuli, the neural basis of potentially biased emotional processing of multimodal inputs remains unclear. Here, we addressed this issue by implementing an audiovisual emotional task during functional MRI scanning sessions with 37 patients with MDD and 37 gender‐, age‐ and education‐matched healthy controls. Participants were asked to distinguish laughing and crying sounds while being exposed to faces with different emotional valences as background. We combined general linear model and psychophysiological interaction analyses to identify abnormal local functional activity and integrative processes during audiovisual emotional processing in MDD patients. At the local neural level, MDD patients showed increased bias activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) while listening to negative auditory stimuli and concurrently processing visual facial expressions, along with decreased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) activity in both the positive and negative visual facial conditions. At the network level, MDD exhibited significantly decreased connectivity in areas involved in automatic emotional processes and voluntary control systems during perception of negative stimuli, including the vmPFC, dlPFC, insula, as well as the subcortical regions of posterior cingulate cortex and striatum. These findings support a multimodal emotion dysregulation hypothesis for MDD by demonstrating that negative bias effects may be facilitated by the excessive ventral bottom‐up negative emotional influences along with incapability in dorsal prefrontal top‐down control system.
Social determinants of health and treatment decisions in head and neck cancer
Authors: Shehan Jennifer N. , Alwani Tooba , LeClair Jessica , Mahoney Taylor F. , Agarwal Pratima , Chaudhry Salil T. , Wang Judy J. , Noordzij Jacob Pieter , Tracy Lauren F. , Edwards Heather A. , Grillone Gregory , Salama Andrew R. , Jalisi Scharukh M. , Devaiah Anand K.
Published: December 2021

Background

This study compares select social determinants of health (SDOH) with treatment modality selection and treatment completion in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, to better understand disparities in health outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of HNC (n = 1428) patients was conducted. Demographic and disease‐specific variables were recorded, including treatment modality selection and completion. Data were analyzed using two‐sample t tests, chi‐square, and Fisher's exact tests.

Results

Primary language was significantly associated with treatment choice, where non‐English speakers were less likely to choose treatment as recommended by the Tumor Board. Lower mean distance from the hospital (37.38 [48.31] vs. 16.92 [19.10], p < 0.0001) and a county‐based higher mean percentage of bachelor degree or higher education (42.16 [8.82] vs. 44.95 [6.19], p < 0.0003) were associated with treatment selection.

Conclusion

Language, distance from the hospital, and education affected treatment selection in this study and may be useful in understanding how to counsel patients on treatment selection for HNC.
NASHFit: A randomized controlled trial of an exercise training program to reduce clotting risk in patients with NASH
Authors: Stine Jonathan G. , Schreibman Ian R. , Faust Alison J. , Dahmus Jessica , Stern Benjamin , Soriano Christopher , Rivas Gloriany , Hummer Breianna , Kimball Scot R. , Geyer Nate R. , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Loomba Rohit , Schmitz Kathryn , Sciamanna Christopher
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

NASH is a common disease associated with increased rates of thromboembolism (TE). Although exercise training can lessen thrombotic risk in patients with vascular disease, whether similar findings are observed in patients with NASH is open for study.

Approach and Results

We conducted a 20‐week randomized controlled clinical trial involving patients with biopsy‐confirmed NASH. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to receive either an exercise training program or standard clinical care. The primary endpoint was change in plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1) level, an established thrombotic biomarker. Twenty‐eight patients were randomly assigned (18 exercise training and 10 standard clinical care). PAI‐1 level was significantly decreased by exercise training when compared to standard clinical care (−40 ± 100 vs. +70 ± 63 ng/ml; p = 0.02). Exercise training decreased MRI proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF; −4.7 ± 5.6 vs. 1.2 ± 2.8% absolute liver fat; p = 0.01); 40% of exercise subjects had a ≥30% relative reduction in MRI‐PDFF (histological response threshold) compared to 13% for standard of care (p < 0.01). Exercise training improved fitness (VO2 peak, +3.0 ± 5.6 vs. −1.8 ± 5.1 ml/kg/min; p = 0.05) in comparison to standard clinical care.

Conclusions

This clinical trial showed that, independent of weight loss or dietary change, exercise training resulted in a significantly greater decrease in thrombotic risk than standard clinical care in patients with NASH, in parallel with MRI‐PDFF reduction and improvement in fitness. Future studies are required to determine whether exercise training can directly impact patient outcomes and lower rates of TE.
Fat‐associated lymphoid clusters as expandable niches for ectopic liver development
Authors: Han Bing , Francipane Maria Giovanna , Cheikhi Amin , Johnson Joycelyn , Chen Fei , Chen Ruoyu , Lagasse Eric
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

Hepatocyte transplantation holds great promise as an alternative approach to whole‐organ transplantation. Intraportal and intrasplenic cell infusions are primary hepatocyte transplantation delivery routes for this procedure. However, patients with severe liver diseases often have disrupted liver and spleen architectures, which introduce risks in the engraftment process. We previously demonstrated i.p. injection of hepatocytes as an alternative route of delivery that could benefit this subpopulation of patients, particularly if less invasive and low‐risk procedures are required; and we have established that lymph nodes may serve as extrahepatic sites for hepatocyte engraftment. However, whether other niches in the abdominal cavity support the survival and proliferation of the transplanted hepatocytes remains unclear.

Approach and Results

Here, we showed that hepatocytes transplanted by i.p. injection engraft and generate ectopic liver tissues in fat‐associated lymphoid clusters (FALCs), which are adipose tissue–embedded, tertiary lymphoid structures localized throughout the peritoneal cavity. The FALC‐engrafted hepatocytes formed functional ectopic livers that rescued tyrosinemic mice from liver failure. Consistently, analyses of ectopic and native liver transcriptomes revealed a selective ectopic compensatory gene expression of hepatic function–controlling genes in ectopic livers, implying a regulated functional integration between the two livers. The lack of FALCs in the abdominal cavity of immunodeficient tyrosinemic mice hindered ectopic liver development, whereas the restoration of FALC formation through bone marrow transplantation restored ectopic liver development in these mice. Accordingly, induced abdominal inflammation increased FALC numbers, which improved hepatocyte engraftment and accelerated the recovery of tyrosinemic mice from liver failure.

Conclusions

Abdominal FALCs are essential extrahepatic sites for hepatocyte engraftment after i.p. transplantation and, as such, represent an easy‐to‐access and expandable niche for ectopic liver regeneration when adequate growth stimulus is present.
Roles of forest disturbance and climate variability on streamflow components in snow‐dominated paired watersheds at multiple temporal scales
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhang Mingfang , Wei Xiaohua , Winkler Rita , Spencer Sheena , Hou Yiping , Scott David F.
Published: December 2021

The paired watershed experimental (PWE) approach has long been used as an effective means to assess the impacts of forest change on hydrology in small watersheds (<100 km2). Yet, the effects of climate variability on streamflow are not often assessed in PWE design. In this study, two sets of paired watersheds, (1) Camp and Greata Creeks and (2) 240 and 241 Creeks located in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada, were selected to explore relative roles of forest disturbance and climate variability on streamflow components (i.e., baseflow and surface runoff) at different time scales. Our analyses showed that forest disturbance is positively related to annual streamflow components. However, this relationship is statistically insignificant since forest disturbance can either increase or decrease seasonal streamflow components, which eventually limited the positive effect on streamflow at the annual scale. Interestingly, we found that forest disturbance consistently decreased summer streamflow components in the two PWEs as forest disturbance can augment earlier and quicker snow‐melt processes and hence reduce soil moisture to maintain summer streamflow components. More importantly, this study revealed that climate variability played a more significant role than forest disturbance in both annual and seasonal streamflow components, for instance, climate variability can account for as much as 90% of summer streamflow components variation in Camp, suggesting the role of climate variability on streamflow should be highlighted in the traditional PWE approach to truly advance our understanding of the interactions of forest change, climate variability and water for sustainable water resource management.
Latency to delivery in physical examination‐indicated cerclage in twins is similar to that in singleton pregnancies
Authors: Ponce Júlia , Benítez Leticia , Baños Núria , Goncé Anna , Bennasar Mar , Muñoz Míriam , Cobo Teresa , Palacio Montse
Published: December 2021

Objective

To compare latency to delivery and perinatal outcomes between twin and singleton pregnancies undergoing physical examination‐indicated cerclage.

Methods

Retrospective observational study (2007–2017) of women who underwent physical examination‐indicated cerclage at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona. Primary outcomes were latency from cerclage to delivery and gestational age at delivery. Secondary outcomes included: neonatal morbidity and mortality, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, clinical chorioamnionitis and cerclage displacement. Wilcoxon‐test and χ2 test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables.

Results

Sixty women were included (17 twins and 43 singletons). There were no differences in gestational age at cerclage or presence of bulging membranes between groups. Median (25th;75th percentile) gestational age at delivery was 27.1 (24.5;32.3) weeks in the twin group and 27.6 (25.3;35.3) weeks in the singleton group (P = 0.594). There were no statistically significant differences in latency from cervical cerclage to delivery between the two groups (43 days [21;64] vs. 29 days [16;76], respectively; P = 0.938). There were no differences in neonatal mortality (2/26 [7.7%] vs. 1/33 [3.1%]; P = 0.578) or in composite neonatal morbidity (14 [53.9%] vs. 14 [42.4%]; P = 0.283) between groups, respectively.

Conclusion

These results suggest that physical examination‐indicated cerclage placement in twins could prolong latency to delivery similarly to singleton pregnancies.
Build a Better Book: Enriched Literacy‐Project‐Based Learning for Multilingual Students
Authors: Walsh Benjamin , Dalton Bridget
Published: December 2021

This curriculum case study describes the design and enactment of the Build a Better Book project with a group of Spanish‐English bilingual high school students. Within an enriched literacy project‐based learning instructional approach, students collaborated to design and fabricate multimodal 3D printed tactile picture books for children who are blind or have visual impairment. We draw on project examples to present design principles and practices that teachers may flexibly adapt to build purposeful and rigorous project‐based curriculum that will support students in making personal connections to their learning, and is responsive to the strengths and needs that multilingual students bring to school.
Long non‐coding RNA HAGLROS promotes the development of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma via suppressing miR‐100
Authors: Shu Ling , Guo Kun , Lin Zeng‐Hua , Liu Hong
Published: December 2021

Background

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a vital component of functional regulators, are involved in various human cancers development, including diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In particular, lncRNA HAGLROS has been reported to be associated with several types of cancer in humans. Nevertheless, the role of HAGLROS in DLBCL has yet to be described.

Methods

The HAGLROS expression patterns and its relationship with clinicopathological features and survival were investigated in DLBCL patients. CCK‐8 and transwell assays were used to analyze the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities. AGO2‐RIP, dual‐luciferase assay, RT‐qPCR, and rescue experiments were fulfilled to measure the physical interaction between HAGLROS and miR‐100. Xenograft assay was conducted to test tumor growth ability.

Results

HAGLROS was upregulated in DLBCL tissues and cells, and closely associated with advanced clinicopathological features. Upregulation of HAGLROS resulted in poor survival outcomes in DLBCL patients. In addition, HAGLROS knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of DLBCL cells in vitro. Further experiments revealed that HAGLROS negatively regulated the expression of miR‐100 in DLBCL, and the expression of miR‐100 and HAGLROS showed an inverse correlation in DLBCL tissues. HAGLROS functioned as a competing endogenous RNA for miR‐100 in DLBCL cells, and miR‐100 overexpression abolished the oncogenic effects of HAGLROS upregulation on DLBCL progression. Besides, in‐vivo assays revealed that HAGLROS knockdown suppressed tumor growth in nude mice.

Conclusion

HAGLROS overexpression contributes to DLBCL development and poor prognosis via targeting miR‐100, which could be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for DLBCL patients.
Comparative effectiveness of ciltacabtagene autoleucel in CARTITUDE‐1 versus physician's choice of therapy in the Flatiron Health multiple myeloma cohort registry for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Martin Thomas , Krishnan Amrita , Yong Kwee , Weisel Katja , Mehra Maneesha , Nair Sandhya , Qi Keqin , Londhe Anil , Diels Joris , Crivera Concetta , Jackson Carolyn C. , Olyslager Yunsi , Vogel Martin , Schecter Jordan M. , Banerjee Arnob , Valluri Satish , Usmani Saad Z. , Berdeja Jesus G. , Jagannath Sundar
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta‐cel) is a novel chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy that is being evaluated in the CARTITUDE‐1 trial (NCT03548207) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who received as part of their previous therapy an immunomodulatory drug, proteasome inhibitor, and an anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody (i.e., triple‐class exposed). Given the absence of a control arm in CARTITUDE‐1, this study assessed the comparative effectiveness of cilta‐cel and physician's choice of treatment (PCT) using an external real‐world control arm from the Flatiron Health multiple myeloma cohort registry.

Methods

Given the availability of individual patient data for cilta‐cel from CARTITUDE‐1 and PCT in Flatiron, inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to adjust for unbalanced baseline covariates of prognostic significance: refractory status, cytogenetic profile, International Staging System stage, time to progression on last regimen, number of prior lines of therapy, years since diagnosis, and age. Comparative effectiveness was estimated for progression‐free survival (PFS), time to next treatment (TTNT), and overall survival (OS). A range of sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between the two cohorts after propensity score weighting. Patients with cilta‐cel had improved PFS (HR: 0.18 [95% CI: 0.12, 0.27; p < 0.0001]), TTNT (HR: 0.15 [95% CI: 0.09, 0.22; p < 0.0001]), and OS (HR: 0.25 [95% CI: 0.13, 0.46; p < 0.0001]) versus PCT. Cilta‐cel treatment benefit was robust and consistent across all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Cilta‐cel demonstrated significantly superior effectiveness over PCT for all outcomes, highlighting its potential as an effective therapy in patients with triple‐class exposed RRMM.
Dickkopf proteins in pathological inflammatory diseases
Authors: Park Min Hee , Shin Jae Hun , Bothwell Alfred LM , Chae Wook-Jin
Published: December 2021

The human body encounters various challenges. Tissue repair and regeneration processes are augmented after tissue injury to reinstate tissue homeostasis. The Wnt pathway plays a crucial role in tissue repair since it induces target genes required for cell proliferation and differentiation. Since tissue injury causes inflammatory immune responses, it has become increasingly clear that the Wnt ligands can function as immunomodulators while critical for tissue homeostasis. The Wnt pathway and Wnt ligands have been studied extensively in cancer biology and developmental biology. While the Wnt ligands are being studied actively, how the Wnt antagonists and their regulatory mechanisms can modulate immune responses during chronic pathological inflammation remain elusive. This review summarizes DKK family proteins as immunomodulators, aiming to provide an overarching picture for tissue injury and repair. To this end, we first review the Wnt pathway components and DKK family proteins. Next, we will review DKK family proteins (DKK1, 2, and 3) as a new class of immunomodulatory protein in cancer and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Taken together, DKK family proteins and their immunomodulatory functions in chronic inflammatory disorders provide novel insights to understand immune diseases and make them attractive molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
Differential expression of maturation and activation markers on NK cells in patients with active and latent tuberculosis
Authors: Albayrak Nurhan , Dirix Violette , Aerts Laetitia , Van Praet Anne , Godefroid Audrey , Dauby Nicolas , Windey Patricia , Muylle Inge , Mascart Françoise , Corbière Véronique
Published: December 2021

NK cells were recently suggested to be important for the initial control of M. tuberculosis infection. The phenotypes of the 3 main NK blood subsets, CD56bright, CD56dim, and CD56neg cells, were characterized by flow cytometry in a cohort of 81 prospectively enrolled subjects (21 untreated patients with active tuberculosis -aTB-, 35 latently TB infected -LTBI- subjects, and 25 non-infected controls), using 9 different mAbs added to whole blood. Compared to LTBI subjects, patients with aTB had lower proportions of total NK cells, lower proportions and numbers of CD56neg cells expressing early maturation markers (CD161, NKp30, NKp46), but higher density of NKp30 and NKp46 expression on both CD56neg and CD56dim subsets, associated with higher expression of granzymes A/B. They also had higher proportions of activated CD69pos cells within all 3 NK cell subsets and, the percentage of CD69pos CD56dim cells among CD69pos and/or NKG2Cpos NK cells was identified as a potential biomarker to discriminate aTB from LTBI. LTBI subjects were in contrast characterized by higher expression of late maturation markers (CD57, KIR molecules) on the CD56neg subset, by higher proportions of NKG2CposKIRpos CD56dim NK cells, and by higher in vitro IFN-γ production than patients with aTB. Thus, the in-depth phenotypic characterization of blood NK cell subsets provides new insights on possible functional modifications and the potential role of NK cells in the control of M. tuberculosis infection in humans.
Ultrasound Strain Elastography and Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in Predicting the Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Nomogram Integrating Ki‐67 and Ultrasound Features
Authors: Liu Qi , Tang Lei , Chen Man
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To explore whether conventional elastography and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with histopathology can monitor the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer (BC), and develop a Nomogram prediction model monitoring response to NAC.

Methods

From February 2010 to November 2015, 91 BC patients who received NAC were recruited. The maximum diameter, stiffness, and CEUS features were assessed. Core biopsy, surgical pathology immunophenotype, and Miller‐Payne (MP) evaluation were documented. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and logistic regression analysis.

Results

There were 37 cases showing pathological complete response (pCR) and 54 of non‐pCR. The changes of maximal diameter were correlated with MP (P < .05). The sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), and area under the ROC curve (AUC) of baseline size predicting pCR were 57.40%, 70.30%, and 0.64 (P = .024). Baseline Ki‐67 index of pCR group is significantly higher than that of non‐pCR group (P = .029), and the ROC analysis of baseline Ki‐67 indicates the SEN, SPE, and AUC of 51.70%, 78.00%, and 0.638 (P = .050). When combined with size, CEUS features, stiffness, and Ki‐67 of baseline, the ROC curve shows good performance with SEN, SPE, and AUC of 70.00%, 76.19%, 0.821 (P = .004). Incorporating the change of characteristics into multivariate regression analysis, the results demonstrate excellent performance (SEN 100.00%, SPE 95.24%, AUC 0.986, P = .000).

Conclusions

The change of the maximum size was correlated with MP score, which can provide reference to predict efficacy of NAC and evaluate residual lesions. When combining with elastography, CEUS, and Ki‐67, better performance in predicting pathological response was shown.
Oceanic turbulence from a planktonic perspective
Authors: Franks Peter J. S. , Inman Bryce G. , MacKinnon Jennifer A. , Alford Matthew H. , Waterhouse Amy F.
Published: December 2021

The potential influences of turbulence on planktonic processes such as nutrient uptake, grazing, predation, infection, and mating have been explored in hundreds of laboratory and theoretical studies. However, the turbulence levels used may not represent those experienced by oceanic plankton, bringing into question their relevance for understanding planktonic dynamics in the ocean. Here, we take a data‐centric approach to understand the turbulence climate experienced by plankton in the ocean, analyzing over one million turbulence measurements acquired in the open ocean. Median dissipation rates in the upper 100 m were < 10−8 W kg−1, with 99% of the observations < 10−6 W kg−1. Below mixed layers, the median dissipation rate was ~ 10−10 W kg−1, with 99% of the observations < 10−7 W kg−1. Even in strongly mixing layers the median dissipation rates rarely reached 10−5 W kg−1, decreasing by orders of magnitude over 10 m or less in depth. Furthermore, episodes of intense turbulence were transient, transitioning to background levels within 10 min or less. We define three turbulence conditions in the ocean: weak (< 10−8 W kg−1), moderate (10−8–10−6 W kg−1), and strong (> 10−6 W kg−1). Even the strongest of these is much weaker than those used in most laboratory experiments. The most frequent turbulence levels found in this study are weak enough for most plankton—including small protists—to outswim them, and to allow chemical plumes and trails to persist for tens of minutes. Our analyses underscore the primary importance of planktonic behavior in driving individual interactions.
Observation of Quadratic (Charge‐2) Weyl Point Splitting in Near‐Infrared Photonic Crystals
Authors: Jörg Christina , Vaidya Sachin , Noh Jiho , Cerjan Alexander , Augustine Shyam , von Freymann Georg , Rechtsman Mikael C.
Published: December 2021

Weyl points are point degeneracies that occur in momentum space of 3D periodic materials and are associated with a quantized topological charge. Here, the splitting of a quadratic (charge‐2) Weyl point into two linear (charge‐1) Weyl points in a 3D micro‐printed photonic crystal is observed experimentally via Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Using a theoretical analysis rooted in symmetry arguments, it is shown that this splitting occurs along high‐symmetry directions in the Brillouin zone. This micro‐scale observation and control of Weyl points is important for realizing robust topological devices in the near‐infrared.
Model predictive control of hydraulic drive unit considering input delay
Authors: Liu Kailei , Qiang Hongbin , Kang Shaopeng
Published: December 2021

Hydraulic drive unit (HDU) is a typical actuator, but the characteristic of input delay hinders the application of many advanced control methods in HDU. First, in this paper, a mathematical model of HDU with input delay is established and the parameters are identified. Then, aiming at the input delay problem in HDU, a Smith estimated compensation model predictive control (SECMPC) strategy is proposed. On the one hand, the input delay state equation is employed to be a mathematical pattern for the state observation and predictive model. However, the combination between model predictive control (MPC) and Smith estimated compensation (SEC) is realized, the system state at k + d (d is the time delay coefficient) time is estimated in advance at k time to compensate the delay of the state. And then the prediction model based on input delay state equation is used for model prediction and rolling optimization. Thus, the delay system which is unstable is promoted to a stable system without delay. The effectiveness of SECMPC is proved with the HDU experiment and simulation; the maximum experimental displacement error of traditional MPC control is 15 mm, while that of SECMPC control is 8 mm. The SECMPC have some guiding significance for the control of systems with input delay.
Dynamic analysis of non‐confocal elliptical lined tunnel under the action of SH wave
Authors: Qi Hui , Chu Fuqing , Guo Jing
Published: December 2021

The scattering characteristics of non‐confocal elliptical lined tunnels under SH‐wave disturbance are investigated. The problem is essentially a boundary value problem and its theoretical treatment is based on the wave function expansion method, which is an exact treatment of the problem. Multi‐elliptic co‐ordinate systems are employed and wave function translations between multi‐elliptic co‐ordinate systems are performed using the extra‐domain addition theorem of the Mathieu function. The method can be used to fit and handle scattering problems with a wide range of geometries by varying the minor‐and‐major axis ratio, lining thickness and relative position of the tunnel. Calculations have been performed on the truncated infinite linear equation established by considering the boundary conditions. Based on the calculation results a parametric study is carried out to analyze the effect of the dimensionless eccentricity distance, the minor‐and‐major axis ratio and the dimensionless wave number on the dynamic stresses around the tunnel. Two typical application examples of concrete lining in granite and steel lining in granite are presented.
Automated detection and reacquisition of motion‐degraded images in fetal HASTE imaging at 3 T
Authors: Gagoski Borjan , Xu Junshen , Wighton Paul , Tisdall M. Dylan , Frost Robert , Lo Wei‐Ching , Golland Polina , van der Kouwe Andre , Adalsteinsson Elfar , Grant P. Ellen
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Fetal brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging suffers from unpredictable and unconstrained fetal motion that causes severe image artifacts even with half‐Fourier single‐shot fast spin echo (HASTE) readouts. This work presents the implementation of a closed‐loop pipeline that automatically detects and reacquires HASTE images that were degraded by fetal motion without any human interaction.

Methods

A convolutional neural network that performs automatic image quality assessment (IQA) was run on an external GPU‐equipped computer that was connected to the internal network of the MRI scanner. The modified HASTE pulse sequence sent each image to the external computer, where the IQA convolutional neural network evaluated it, and then the IQA score was sent back to the sequence. At the end of the HASTE stack, the IQA scores from all the slices were sorted, and only slices with the lowest scores (corresponding to the slices with worst image quality) were reacquired.

Results

The closed‐loop HASTE acquisition framework was tested on 10 pregnant mothers, for a total of 73 acquisitions of our modified HASTE sequence. The IQA convolutional neural network, which was successfully employed by our modified sequence in real time, achieved an accuracy of 85.2% and area under the receiver operator characteristic of 0.899.

Conclusion

The proposed acquisition/reconstruction pipeline was shown to successfully identify and automatically reacquire only the motion degraded fetal brain HASTE slices in the prescribed stack. This minimizes the overall time spent on HASTE acquisitions by avoiding the need to repeat the entire stack if only few slices in the stack are motion‐degraded.