bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐Molecule Fluorescence Imaging of Nanocatalysis
Authors: Xiao Yi , Xu Weilin
Published: February 2021

Single‐molecule fluorescence microscopy (SMFM) has been considered as a powerful tool to study nanocatalysis of single nanoparticles, due to its single‐molecule sensitivity and high spatiotemporal resolution. In this review, we discuss recent progresses on investigating nanocatalysis at single‐molecule/particle level by using SMFM. The discussion focuses on the applications of single‐molecule methods in probing the chemocatalysis, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis. Finally, we provide our opinions on limitations and prospects of the single‐molecule fluorescence approach for investigating nanocatalysis.

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

Our most favorite chemistry is the single‐molecule nanocatalysis of the energy process.

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

I got into this field firstly in 2007 as a postdoctoral in Prof. Peng Chen's lab at Cornell University. Due to the structural heterogeneity of nanoparticles, the structure‐activity relationship of nanocatalysts is challenging to characterize precisely in ensemble‐averaged measurements. At that time, the single‐molecule approach has been adopted extensively in biological field. Prof. Peng Chen wanted to extend such technique to the field of nanocatalysis, so what I first achieved in his lab was the first kinetic study of single‐molecule nanocatalysis of individual nanoparticles to reveal new catalytic properties at the single‐particle level with real‐

time single‐turnover resolution, including the heterogeneous reactivity and selectivity of individual nanoparticles. At present, single‐molecule fluorescence microscopy (SMFM) has been applied to investigate all kinds of nanocatalysis, such as electrocatalysis, photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis, etc. While our group mainly focuses on the application of SMFM in energy process‐related basic research.

What is the most important personality for scientific research?

Enthusiasm, independent‐thinking, concentration and desire for knowledge.

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

Hiking, reading and listening to music at leisure time. I like Green Miles.

Could you please give us some advices on improving Chinese Journal of Chemistry?

Maybe you can pay more attention to young researchers.
Papillary lesions of the breast: A systematic evaluation of cytologic parameters
Authors: Jamidi Shirley Kristina , Li Joshua J. X. , Aphivatanasiri Chaiwat , Chow Maria B. C. Y. , Chan Ronald C. K. , Ng Joanna K. M. , Tsang Julia Y. , Tse Gary M.
Published: February 2021

Background

The cytologic diagnosis of papillary lesions of the breast is challenging because of the diverse morphology, including epithelial hyperplasia, atypia, low‐grade malignancy, and neuroendocrine differentiation; also, traditional malignant features such as necrosis and myoepithelial cell loss can be lacking. Thus, the diagnostic criteria for papillary lesions may differ from those for other breast lesions. This study evaluated various cytologic parameters in a large cohort to identify useful diagnostic features.

Methods

Cytologic preparations of papillary lesions with histologic follow‐up were reviewed for features related to cellularity, epithelial cohesiveness, cellular and stromal architecture, cytomorphology, and background. Corresponding histologic slides were also reviewed.

Results

In all, 153 cases were included. Epithelial discohesion, solid and cribriform patterns, atypical nuclear features, and mitoses (P ≤ .001 to P = .017) were associated with malignancy. Cell balls, monolayer sheets, and features of cystic change (P < .001 to P = .016) were associated with benign lesions. Complex (P = .031) and slender (P = .026) papillae and neuroendocrine features (P < .001) were associated with malignancy. Hemorrhage, background, and infiltrating neutrophils (P < .001 to P = .025) were associated with malignancy; fibrotic broad papillary stromal fragments (naked papillary fronds [NPFs]; P = .043) were associated with benignity. The presence of any single parameter, including the absence of myoepithelial cells within epithelial structure, the presence of cytoplasmic granules, an increased amount of cytoplasm, and a nuclear to cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio greater than 0.7, which were identified by principal component analysis, yielded a sensitivity of 95.1% and a specificity of 100.0% in predicting malignancy.

Conclusions

Methodological assessment of multiple features is recommended. Myoepithelial cells, cytoplasmic granules, the amount of cytoplasm, and the N/C ratio are key features for diagnosis.
The immunoregulatory role of p21 in the development of the temporomandibular joint‐osteoarthritis
Authors: Khurel‐Ochir Tsendsuren , Izawa Takashi , Iwasa Akihiko , Kano Fumiya , Yamamoto Akihito , Tanaka Eiji
Published: February 2021

Objective

We aimed to identify the immunoregulatory role of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21 in the homeostasis of mandibular condylar cartilage affected by mechanical stress.

Materials and methods

Ten C57BL/6 wild‐type (WT) and ten p21−/− mice aged 8 weeks were divided into the untreated and treated groups. In the treated groups, mechanical stress was applied to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) through forced mouth opening for 3 hr/day for 7 days. The dissected TMJs were assessed using micro‐CT, histology, and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Treated p21−/− condyles with mechanical stress revealed more severe subchondral bone destruction, with thinner cartilage layers and smaller proteoglycan area relative to treated WT condyles; untreated WT and p21−/− condyles had smoother surfaces. Immunohistochemistry revealed significant increases in the numbers of caspase‐3, interleukin‐1β, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)‐9, and MMP‐13 positive cells, and few aggrecan positive cells, in treated p21−/− than in treated WT samples. Moreover, the number of TUNEL positive cells markedly increased in p21−/− condyles affected by mechanical stress.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that p21 in chondrocytes contributes to regulate matrix synthesis via the control ofm aggrecan and MMP‐13 expression under mechanical stress. Thus, p21 might regulate the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis in the TMJ.
Genetic analysis of grain yield and resistance of extra‐early‐maturing maize inbreds to northern corn leaf blight
Authors: Badu‐Apraku Baffour , Bankole Faith A. , Fakorede Morakinyo A. B. , Ayinde Olalekan , Ortega‐Beltran Alejandro
Published: February 2021

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a food security crop in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Incidence of northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), caused by Exserohilum turcicum, in lowlands of SSA during the past decade has caused 30–70% reduction in maize yield. This study (a) examined the combining abilities of extra‐early maize (EEM) inbreds and classified them into heterotic groups; (b) elucidated gene action controlling resistance to NCLB; (c) assessed grain yield (GYLD) and yield stability of EEM hybrids under NCLB infection; and (d) identified testers. One hundred and fifty EEM hybrids, obtained by crossing 15 inbreds each of white‐ and yellow‐endosperm maize using the North Carolina Design II, plus six checks, were evaluated in nine environments, six of which were inoculated with an isolate of E. turcicum and three of which were non‐inoculated in 2018 and 2019. The white and yellow inbreds were placed in three heterotic groups using the heterotic grouping based on general combining ability (GCA) of multiple traits and stability of GYLD using the genotype plus genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis. The GCA, specific combining ability (SCA) and genotype × environment (G×E) interactions were significant for GYLD, disease severity, and other measured traits. The GCA effects were more important than the SCA effects for GYLD and NCLB severity scores across environments, implying that recurrent selection could facilitate improvement for GYLD and NCLB resistance. Three inbred testers and four single‐cross testers were identified for developing high‐yielding NCLB‐resistant hybrids. Four white and five yellow single‐cross hybrids were identified for on‐farm testing and possible commercialization.
Co‐design implementation of High Efficiency Video Coding standard encoder on Zynq MPSoC
Authors: Touzani Hajar , Mansouri Anass , Errahimi Fatima , Ahaitouf Ali
Published: February 2021

Statistical analysis of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) encoder reveals that in the motion compensation block, the interpolation filter consumes more than 30% in the encoder time in comparison with other blocks. In this paper, we start with an optimized hardware implementation of the interpolation filter on field‐programmable gate array (FPGA) based on Xilinx setup environment. In a second step, a Hardware/Software (HW/SW) co‐design implementation of HM16.7 encoder is performed on Zynq MPSoC platform to evaluate the proposed interpolation filter IP in terms of total encoder run‐time, taking advantages of both processing units (quad‐core ARM Cortex TM‐A53 processor and Programmable Logic FPGA component) available on the Zynq MPSoC. The proposed architecture of luma and chroma filters was simulated and synthesized on Xilinx XCZU7EV‐2FFVC1156 FPGA at 250‐MHz clock frequency. The synthesis results present an optimized power consumption of 3.308 mW for higher resolutions (2560 × 1600 and 1920 × 1080) at 50 fps with the use of just 1% of the FPGA resources. The experimental results of the co‐design implementation of HEVC encoder present a speedup of 2 times (41% in PeopleOnStreet sequence) in terms of processing time compared to the software alone implementation, with a an increase of 0.51% of bit rate and a very small degradation of peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) (0.01%).
Potential of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitors for the treatment of SWI/SNF mutant cancers and tumor microenvironment modulation
Authors: Pyziak Karolina , Sroka‐Porada Agnieszka , Rzymski Tomasz , Dulak Józef , Łoboda Agnieszka
Published: February 2021

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a catalytic component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is commonly overexpressed or mutated in many cancer types, both of hematological and solid nature. Till now, plenty of EZH2 small molecule inhibitors have been developed and some of them have already been tested in clinical trials. Most of these inhibitors, however, are effective only in limited cases in the context of EZH2 gain‐of‐function mutated tumors such as lymphomas. Other cancer types with aberrant EZH2 expression and function require alternative approaches for successful treatment. One possibility is to exploit synthetic lethal strategy, which is based on the phenomenon that concurrent loss of two genes is detrimental but the deletion of either of them leaves cell viable. In the context of EZH2/PRC2, the most promising synthetic lethal target seems to be SWItch/Sucrose Non‐Fermentable chromatin remodeling complex (SWI/SNF), which is known to counteract PRC2 functions. SWI/SNF is heavily involved in carcinogenesis and its subunits have been found mutated in approximately 20% of tumors of different kinds. In the current review, we summarize the existing knowledge of synthetic lethal relationships between EZH2/PRC2 and components of the SWI/SNF complex and discuss in detail the potential application of existing EZH2 inhibitors in cancer patients harboring mutations in SWI/SNF proteins. We also highlight recent discoveries of EZH2 involvement in tumor microenvironment regulation and consequences for future therapies. Although clinical studies are limited, the fundamental research might help to understand which patients are most likely to benefit from therapies using EZH2 inhibitors.
Genetic studies of various Prosopis species (Leguminosae, Section Algarobia) co‐occurring in oases of the Atacama Desert (northern Chile)
Authors: Bessega Cecilia , Pometti Carolina , Fortunato Reneé , Greene Francisca , Santoro Calogero M. , McRostie Virginia
Published: February 2021

In the Atacama Desert from northern Chile (19–24°S), Prosopis (Leguminosae) individuals are restricted to oases that are unevenly distributed and isolated from each other by large stretches of barren landscape constituting an interesting study model as the degree of connectivity between natural populations depends on their dispersal capacity and the barriers imposed by the landscape. Our goal was to assess the genetic diversity and the degree of differentiation among groups of Prosopis individuals of different species from Section Algarobia and putative hybrids (hereafter populations) co‐occurring in these isolated oases from the Atacama Desert and determine whether genetic patterns are associated with dispersal barriers. Thirteen populations were sampled from oases located on three hydrographic basins (Pampa del Tamarugal, Rio Loa, and Salar de Atacama; northern, central, and southern basins, respectively). Individuals genotyped by eight SSRs show high levels of genetic diversity (HO = 0.61, Ar = 3.5) and low but significant genetic differentiation among populations (FST = 0.128, FST‐ENA = 0.129, DJOST = 0.238). The AMOVA indicates that most of the variation occurs within individuals (79%) and from the variance among individuals (21%); almost, the same variation can be found between basins and between populations within basins. Differentiation and structure results were not associated with the basins, retrieving up to four genetic clusters and certain admixture in the central populations. Pairwise differentiation comparisons among populations showed inconsistencies considering their distribution throughout the basins. Genetic and geographic distances were significantly correlated at global and within the basins considered (p < .02), but low correlation indices were obtained (r < .37). These results are discussed in relation to the fragmented landscape, considering both natural and non‐natural (humans) dispersal agents that may be moving Prosopis in the Atacama Desert.
A novel echocardiographic method for estimation of pulmonary artery wedge pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance
Authors: Chubuchny Vladislav , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Taddei Claudia , Poggianti Elisa , Spini Valentina , Barison Andrea , Formichi Bruno , Airò Edoardo , Bauleo Carolina , Prediletto Renato , Pastormerlo Luigi Emilio , Coceani Michele , Ciardetti Marco , Petersen Christina , Pasanisi Emilio , Lombardi Carlo , Emdin Michele , Giannoni Alberto
Published: February 2021

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate a novel echocardiographic algorithm for quantitative estimation of pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in patients with heart failure and pulmonary hypertension (PH) scheduled to right heart catheterization (RHC).

Methods and results

In this monocentric study, 795 consecutive patients (427 men; age 68.4 ± 12.1 years) undergoing echocardiography and RHC were evaluated. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify echocardiographic predictors of PAWP and PVR measured by RHC in the derivation group (the first 200 patients). The diagnostic accuracy of the model was then tested in the validation group (the remaining 595 patients). PH was confirmed by RHC in 507 (63.8%) patients, with 192 (24.2%) cases of precapillary PH, 248 (31.2%) of postcapillary PH, and 67 (8.4%) of combined PH. At regression analysis, tricuspid regurgitation maximal velocity, mitral E/e′ ratio, left ventricular ejection fraction, right ventricular fractional area change, inferior vena cava diameter, and left atrial volume index were included in the model (R = 0.8, P < 0.001). The model showed a high diagnostic accuracy in estimating elevated PAWP (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.97, 92% sensitivity, and 93% specificity, P < 0.001) and PVR (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.96, 89% sensitivity, and 92% specificity, P < 0.001), outperforming 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging recommendations (P < 0.001) and Abbas' equation (P < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis showed satisfactory limits of agreement between echocardiography and RHC for PAWP (bias 0.7, 95% confidence interval −7.3 to 8.7) and PVR (bias −0.1, 95% confidence interval −2.2 to 1.9 Wood units), without indeterminate cases.

Conclusions

A novel quantitative echocardiographic approach for the estimation of PAWP and PVR has high diagnostic accuracy in patients with heart failure and PH.
Pump thrombosis and dynamic outflow graft compression: complications in left ventricular assist device therapy
Authors: Dobner Stephan , Gräni Christoph , Hugi‐Mayr Beate , Mihalj Maks , Rhyner Daniel , Wieser Monika , Martinelli Michele , Hunziker Lukas , Reineke David
Published: February 2021

Over the past decade, left ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy has become more prevalent and increasingly safe. Severe complications, such as VAD pump thrombosis and outflow graft obstruction, are rare, yet still associated with high morbidity and mortality. Clinical presentation, VAD alarm and log files, laboratory analysis, and non‐invasive cardiac imaging are crucial for establishing the correct diagnosis and determining clinical management. Early intervention is critical to prevent adverse cardiac remodelling or VAD pump failure.
Dynamic changes in cardiovascular and systemic parameters prior to sudden cardiac death in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a PARADIGM‐HF analysis
Authors: Rohde Luis E. , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Claggett Brian L. , Polanczyk Carisi A. , Dorbala Pranav , Packer Milton , Desai Akshay S. , Zile Michael , Rouleau Jean , Swedberg Karl , Lefkowitz Martin , Shi Victor , McMurray John J.V. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: February 2021

Aims

Prognostic models of sudden cardiac death (SCD) typically incorporate data at only a single time‐point. We investigated independent predictors of SCD addressing the impact of integrating time‐varying covariates to improve prediction assessment.

Methods and results

We studied 8399 patients enrolled in the PARADIGM‐HF trial and identified independent predictors of SCD (n = 561, 36% of total deaths) using time‐updated multivariable‐adjusted Cox models, classification and regression tree (CART), and logistic regression analysis. Compared with patients who were alive or died from non‐sudden cardiovascular deaths, patients who suffered a SCD displayed a distinct temporal profile of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, heart rate and levels of three biomarkers (albumin, uric acid and total bilirubin), with significant differences observed more than 1 year prior to the event (Pinteraction < 0.001). In multivariable models adjusted for baseline covariates, seven time‐updated variables independently contributed to SCD risk (incremental likelihood chi‐square = 46.2). CART analysis identified that baseline variables (implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator use and N‐terminal prohormone of B‐type natriuretic peptide levels) and time‐updated covariates (NYHA class, total bilirubin, and total cholesterol) improved risk stratification. CART‐defined subgroup of highest risk had nearly an eightfold increment in SCD hazard (hazard ratio 7.7, 95% confidence interval 3.6–16.5; P < 0.001). Finally, changes over time in heart rate, NYHA class, blood urea nitrogen and albumin levels were associated with differential risk of sudden vs. non‐sudden cardiovascular deaths (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Beyond single time‐point assessments, distinct changes in multiple cardiac‐specific and systemic variables improved SCD risk prediction and were helpful in differentiating mode of death in chronic heart failure.
Ghosting flame mechanism under different extinctions modes in ceiling vent cabin
Authors: Cong Lixin , Lu Mingfei , Xu Chaoyi
Published: February 2021

In this paper, large eddy simulation coupled with a low Mach number compressible thermal‐drive flow model had been utilized to investigate the development of large‐scale engine room fire, and the characteristics of engine room fire were analyzed through based upon the distinctive fire extinction behavior. Results indicated that extinction modes of engine room fire could be divided into oxygen control type and fuel control type. And the flame morphology could be divided into four stages: conical flame, pulsating flame, column flame, and ghosting flame. The appearance of the ghosting flame was affected by the extinction mode, but there were obvious differences in the causes of ghosting flame between the two modes. The cause of ghosting flame was related to the distribution of temperature field under the fuel control type, while the occurrence of ghosting flame in oxygen control type was mainly affected by oxygen concentration. Deflagration should be avoided when extinguishing fire by sealing the cabin.
Functional foods with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitory potential and management of type 2 diabetes: A review
Authors: Kazeem Mutiu , Bankole Habeeb , Ogunrinola Olabisi , Wusu Adedoja , Kappo Abidemi
Published: February 2021

The global high prevalence of diabetes mellitus has resulted into the development of several oral hypoglycemic agents. However, these drugs have limited efficacy and harmful side effects, which call for the search for alternatives from natural sources. The inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) activity increases the level of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, which in turn reduces hyperglycemia by activating insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon secretion. Some studies have reported the in vitro DPP‐4 inhibitory potential of functional foods, but there is no repository of information on these reports. This article is an attempt to present in concise form, reports of functional foods with DPP‐4 inhibitory potentials in vitro. This will guide the use of these foods as well as in antidiabetic drug development.
The Emerging Hazard of AI‐Related Health Care Discrimination
Authors: Hoffman Sharona
Published: February 2021

Artificial intelligence holds great promise for improved health‐care outcomes. But it also poses substantial new hazards, including algorithmic discrimination. For example, an algorithm used to identify candidates for beneficial “high risk care management” programs routinely failed to select racial minorities. Furthermore, some algorithms deliberately adjust for race in ways that divert resources away from minority patients. To illustrate, algorithms have underestimated African Americans’ risks of kidney stones and death from heart failure.

Algorithmic discrimination can violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act when it unjustifiably disadvantages underserved populations. This article urges that both legal and technical tools be deployed to promote AI fairness. Plaintiffs should be able to assert disparate impact claims in health‐care litigation, and Congress should enact an Algorithmic Accountability Act. In addition, fairness should be a key element in designing, implementing, validating, and employing AI.
Can Genetic Nondiscrimination Laws Save Lives?
Authors: Rothstein Mark A.
Published: February 2021

Numerous state laws and the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) have been enacted to prevent or redress genetic discrimination in employment and health insurance, but laws protecting against genetic discrimination in life insurance have been less common and weak. Consequently, some individuals with a genetic risk of a serious illness have declined presymptomatic genetic testing, thereby decreasing their prevention and treatment options and increasing their mortality risk. In 2020, Florida became the first state to prohibit life insurance companies from using the results of presymptomatic genetic tests in underwriting. Although the law was “only” intended to prevent genetic discrimination, a possible or even likely consequence of the law will be to encourage timely genetic testing by at‐rick individuals and thereby save lives.
When Is Age Choosing Ageist Discrimination?
Authors: Brown Teneille R. , Francis Leslie P. , Tabery James
Published: February 2021

When the Covid‐19 pandemic reached the United States in spring 2020, many states and hospitals announced crisis standards of care plans that used age as a categorical exclusion criterion. Such age choosing was quickly flagged as discriminatory, and so some states and hospitals shifted to embedding age as a tiebreaker deeper in their plans. Different rationales were given for using age as a tiebreaker: that younger patients were more likely to survive than older patients, that saving younger patients would save more life years, and that younger patients deserved a chance to live through life's stages. We provide a critical analysis of these three rationales, noting the differences between them, and then questioning the ethical and legal justifications for such age choosing.
Sample restrictions and the elicitation of a constant willingness to pay per quality adjusted life year
Authors: Nielsen Jytte Seested , Gyrd‐Hansen Dorte , Kjær Trine
Published: February 2021

It is well established that the underlying theoretical assumptions needed to obtain a constant proportional trade‐off between a quality adjusted life year (QALY) and willingness to pay (WTP) are restrictive and often empirically violated. In this paper, we set out to investigate whether the proportionality conditions (in terms of scope insensitivity and severity independence) can be satisfied when data is restricted to include only respondents who pass certain consistency criteria. We hypothesize that the more we restrict the data, the better the compliance with the requirement of constant proportional trade‐off between WTP and QALY. We revisit the Danish data from the European Value of a QALY survey eliciting individual WTP for a QALY (WTP‐Q). Using a “chained approach” respondents were first asked to value a specified health state using the standard gamble (SG) or the time‐trade‐off (TTO) approach and subsequently asked their WTP for QALY gains of 0.05 and 0.1 (tailored according to the respondent's SG/TTO valuation). Analyzing the impact of the different exclusion criteria on the two proportionality conditions, we find strong evidence against a constant WTP‐Q. Restricting our data to include only respondents who pass the most stringent consistency criteria does not impact on the performance of the proportionality conditions for WTP‐Q.
An improved practical approach for estimating catchment‐scale response functions through wavelet analysis
Authors: Dwivedi Ravindra , Eastoe Christopher , Knowles John F. , Hamann Lejon , Meixner Thomas , “Ty” Ferre Paul A. , Castro Christopher , Wright William E. , Niu Guo‐Yue , Minor Rebecca , Barron‐Gafford Greg A. , Abramson Nathan , Mitra Bhaskar , Papuga Shirley A. , Stanley Michael , Chorover Jon
Published: February 2021

Catchment‐scale response functions, such as transit time distribution (TTD) and evapotranspiration time distribution (ETTD), are considered fundamental descriptors of a catchment's hydrologic and ecohydrologic responses to spatially and temporally varying precipitation inputs. Yet, estimating these functions is challenging, especially in headwater catchments where data collection is complicated by rugged terrain, or in semi‐arid or sub‐humid areas where precipitation is infrequent. Hence, we developed practical approaches for estimating both TTD and ETTD from commonly available tracer flux data in hydrologic inflows and outflows without requiring continuous observations. Using the weighted wavelet spectral analysis method of Kirchner and Neal [2013] for δ18O in precipitation and stream water, we calculated TTDs that contribute to streamflow via spatially and temporally variable flow paths in a sub‐humid mountain headwater catchment in Arizona, United States. Our results indicate that composite TTDs (a combination of Piston Flow and Gamma TTDs) most accurately represented this system for periods up to approximately 1 month, and that a Gamma TTD was most appropriate thereafter during both winter and summer seasons and for the overall time‐weighted TTD; a Gamma TTD type was applicable for all periods during the dry season. The TTD results also suggested that old waters, i.e., beyond the applicable tracer range, represented approximately 3% of subsurface contributions to streamflow. For ETTD and using δ18O as a tracer in precipitation and xylem waters, a Gamma ETTD type best matched the observations for all seasons and for the overall time‐weighted pattern, and stable water isotopes were effective tracers for the majority of vegetation source waters. This study addresses a fundamental question in mountain catchment hydrology; namely, how do the spatially and temporally varying subsurface flow paths that support catchment evapotranspiration and streamflow modulate water quantity and quality over space and time.
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Authors: Ma Huifang , Huang Kejing , Wu Ruixia , Zhang Zhengwei , Li Jia , Zhao Bei , Dai Chen , Huang Ziwei , Zhang Hongmei , Yang Xiangdong , Li Bo , Liu Yuan , Duan Xiangfeng , Duan Xidong
Published: February 2021

The synthesis of 2D WSe2 nanosheets, CoSe‐WSe2 lateral heterostructures. The field‐effect transistors (FETs) of CoSe‐WSe2 lateral heterostructures show satisfactory Ohmic contacts and considerably better FET performance over those with deposited Cr/Au contacts, suggesting the in‐plane metal‐semiconductor junctions may function as improved contacts for the atomically thin transistors. (DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12157)

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Digital inclusion of the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia: Remote virtual mechanism for usability of telecentres amongst indigenous peoples
Authors: Bala Poline , Tan Chong Eng
Published: February 2021

Over the last decades, researchers and development practitioners have been experimenting with models, frameworks and devises to meet the needs of diverse users of information communication technologies. Turning to an ICT‐based community development known as the Telecentre Programme amongst Orang Asli, an indigenous people groups in Peninsular Malaysia, this paper describes why a remote virtual management devise was invented to encounter challenges related to rugged terrain constraints, which would have directly impacted the planning and the execution of programmes designed at the telecentres. This paper argues as a technological solution, the virtual remote management system has powered an ecosystem, which shored up the digital inclusion of the indigenous communities and in the process enabled the enhancement of local informational capabilities. To this end, it reduced their technological dependency on outsiders leading to the usability and sustainability of the telecentre for local capacity building and socioeconomic benefits for the disadvantage communities.
One‐pot synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives using the Fe2ZnAl2O7 catalyzed Hantzsch three‐component reaction
Authors: Zargarzadeh Reza , Akbari Dilmaghani Karim , Nikoo Abbas
Published: February 2021

A facile, low‐cost, and effective one‐pot method was developed for the synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives with high yields through the three‐component reaction of ammonium acetate, ethyl acetoacetate, and aromatic aldehydes using Fe2ZnAl2O7 as catalyst. The reaction was conducted at 70–80°C temperature under solvent free conditions. The developed method had some great advantages, including safe and clean reaction conditions, high to excellent product yields, short reaction time, and a novel and powerful heterogeneous catalyst. The developed heterogeneous solid catalyst had high efficiency and reusability in one‐pot multi‐component syntheses such that it was easily reused four to five times without significant loss in efficiency and product yield. The catalyst was characterized by scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray diffraction techniques. N2 sorption isotherms of the prepared nanocomposite exhibited surface area 2.1313E+01 m2/g and total pore volume of 3.0957E‐02 cm3/g. Substituted dihydropyridine derivatives were characterized and confirmed using 1H NMR and 13C NMR, and elemental spectral data.
Green sonosynthesis of phenazinpyrimidines using Co3O4/ZnO@N‐GQDs@SO3H nanocomposite as a robust heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Safaei‐Ghomi Javad , Pooramiri Parvin , Babaei Pouria
Published: February 2021

SO3H functionalized Co3O4/ZnO@N‐GQDs nanocomposite as a green heterogeneous solid acid catalyst has been utilized for the synthesis of phenazinpyrimidines by the four‐component reaction of 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthaquinone, o‐phenylenediamine, aldehydes, and 6‐amino‐1,3‐dimethyluracil under ultrasonic irradiations. The catalyst has been characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray powder diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and vibrating‐sample magnetometer). This method provides several benefits, including excellent yields in short reaction times, wide range of products, and applying the sonochemical methodology as efficient method.
Study on the dynamics of a vanadium doped LiFePO4 lithium‐ion battery using quasi‐elastic neutron scattering technique
Authors: Hu Chih‐Wei , Lee Chih‐Hao , Wu Pin‐Jiun
Published: February 2021

The investigation into the lithium diffusion in active electrode materials is especially interesting since it is directly connected with electrochemical performance of lithium‐ion battery. Quasi‐elastic neutron scattering (QENS) is a powerful experimental tool to study lithium diffusion dynamics. Here, Li0.99V0.01FePO4 (LFPV) cathode material is investigated using QENS technique. The QENS data showed that lithium diffusion can be well described in LFPV using a jump diffusion model. The Li self‐diffusion coefficient in LFPV material was estimated to be ~3 × 10−7 cm2/s at T = 600 K. This result is about 108 times faster than previous reports using electrochemical measurements, but similar to the molecular dynamic simulation. The slower Li ion diffusion might be due to the barrier at two phase boundary, grain boundary, and solid‐electrolyte interface.
SIRT3 mitigates intervertebral disc degeneration by delaying oxidative stress‐induced senescence of nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Lin Jiayi , Du Jiacheng , Wu Xiexing , Xu Congxin , Liu Jiangtao , Jiang Luyong , Cheng Xiaoqiang , Ge Gaoran , Chen Liang , Pang Qingjiang , Geng Dechun , Mao Haiqing
Published: February 2021

Senescence of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells (NPC) is a major cause of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), so delay NPC senescence may be beneficial for mitigating IVDD. We studied the effect and mechanism of silent information regulator 2 homolog 3 (SIRT3) on NPC senescence in vivo and in vitro. First, we observed SIRT3 expression in normal and degenerated NPC with immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining. Second, using SIRT3 lentivirus transfection, reactive oxygen species probe, senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase staining, polymerase chain reaction, and western blot to observe the oxidative stress, senescence, and degeneration degree among groups. Subsequently, pretreatment with adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonists and inhibitors, observing oxidative stress, senescence, and degeneration degree among groups. Finally, the IVDD model was constructed and divided into Ctrl, Vehicle, LV‐shSIRT3, and LV‐SIRT3 groups. X‐ray and magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed on rat's tails after 1 week; hematoxylin and eosin and safranin‐O staining were used to evaluate the degree of IVDD; immunofluorescence staining was used to observe SIRT3 expression; immunohistochemical staining was used to observe oxidative stress, senescence, and degeneration degree of NP. We found that SIRT3 expression is reduced in degenerated NP tissues but increased in H2O2‐induced NPC. Moreover, SIRT3 upregulation decreased oxidative stress, delayed senescence, and degeneration of NPC. In addition, activation of the AMPK/PGC‐1α pathway can partially mitigate the NPC oxidative stress, senescence, and degeneration caused by SIRT3 knockdown. The study in vivo revealed that local SIRT3 overexpression can significantly reduce oxidative stress and ECM degradation of NPC, delay NPC senescence, thereby mitigating IVDD. In summary, SIRT3 mediated by the AMPK/PGC‐1α pathway mitigates IVDD by delaying oxidative stress‐induced NPC senescence.
Pathophysiology and pathology of acute cholecystitis: A secondary publication of the Japanese version from 1992
Authors: Adachi Tomohiko , Eguchi Susumu , Muto Yoshihiro
Published: February 2021

Acute cholecystitis is a progressive inflammation of the gallbladder usually caused by gallstones obstructing the cystic duct. Congestion and edema are evident symptoms during the first 2‐4 days, also known as the phase of edematous cholecystitis. Necrotizing cholecystitis, a phase characterized by bleeding and necrosis, is seen at 3‐5 days. From 7‐10 days, the disease progresses to its purulent phase, also known as suppurative cholecystitis. If the disease is still left untreated at this point, it progresses to subacute cholecystitis and it eventually becomes chronic cholecystitis. Possible complications that affect the management of cholecystitis include perforation of the gallbladder (bile peritonitis) during the hemorrhagic and necrosis phase, and peri‐gallbladder abscess and internal biliary fistula during the purulent phase.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor inhibits neutrophil apoptosis by inducing cytokine release from mononuclear cells
Authors: Schindler Lisa , Zwissler Leon , Krammer Christine , Hendgen-Cotta Ulrike , Rassaf Tienush , Hampton Mark B , Dickerhof Nina , Bernhagen Jürgen
Published: February 2021

The chemokine-like inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pivotal driver of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity, and cancer. MIF modulates the early inflammatory response through various mechanisms, including regulation of neutrophil recruitment and fate, but the mechanisms and the role of the more recently described MIF homolog MIF-2 (D-dopachrome tautomerase; D-DT) are incompletely understood. Here, we show that both MIF and MIF-2/D-DT inhibit neutrophil apoptosis. This is not a direct effect, but involves the activation of mononuclear cells, which secrete CXCL8 and other prosurvival mediators to promote neutrophil survival. Individually, CXCL8 and MIF (or MIF-2) did not significantly inhibit neutrophil apoptosis, but in combination they elicited a synergistic response, promoting neutrophil survival even in the absence of mononuclear cells. The use of receptor-specific inhibitors provided evidence for a causal role of the noncognate MIF receptor CXCR2 expressed on both monocytes and neutrophils in MIF-mediated neutrophil survival. We suggest that the ability to inhibit neutrophil apoptosis contributes to the proinflammatory role ascribed to MIF, and propose that blocking the interaction between MIF and CXCR2 could be an important anti-inflammatory strategy in the early inflammatory response.
COVID‐19 case fatality rate and tuberculosis in a metropolitan setting
Authors: Rojas‐Bolivar Daniel , Intimayta‐Escalante Claudio , Cardenas‐Jara Ariana , Jandarov Roman , Huaman Moises A.
Published: February 2021

In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between tuberculosis case rate and COVID‐19 case fatality rate (CFR) among districts within a tuberculosis‐endemic metropolitan area. We analyzed data from 43 districts in Lima, Peru. We used districts as the units of observation. Linear regressions were used to investigate the relationship between COVID‐19 CFRs and tuberculosis case rates. The mean COVID‐19 CFR in each district for reporting Weeks 5–32 was used as the dependent variable. Independent variable was the mean rate of confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis cases for 2017–2019 period. Analyses were adjusted by population density, socioeconomic status, crowded housing, health facility density, and case rates of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and HIV infection. The mean COVID‐19 CFR in Lima was 4.0% ± 1.1%. The mean tuberculosis rate was 16.0 cases per 10,000 inhabitants. In multivariate analysis, tuberculosis case rate was associated with COVID‐19 CFR (β = 1.26; 95% confidence interval: 0.24–2.28; p = .02), after adjusting for potential confounders. We found that Lima districts with a higher burden of tuberculosis exhibited higher COVID‐19 CFRs, independent of socioeconomic, and morbidity variables.
Efficacy of copeptin in distinguishing COVID‐19 pneumonia from community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Kuluöztürk Mutlu , İn Erdal , Telo Selda , Karabulut Ercan , Geçkil Ayşegül Altıntop
Published: February 2021

The clinical symptoms of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐associated pneumonia are similar. Effective predictive markers are needed to differentiate COVID‐19 pneumonia from CAP in the current pandemic conditions. Copeptin, a 39‐aminoacid glycopeptide, is a C‐terminal part of the precursor pre‐provasopressin (pre‐proAVP). The activation of the AVP system stimulates copeptin secretion in equimolar amounts with AVP. This study aims to determine serum copeptin levels in patients with CAP and COVID‐19 pneumonia and to analyze the power of copeptin in predicting COVID‐19 pneumonia. The study consists of 98 patients with COVID‐19 and 44 patients with CAP. The basic demographic and clinical data of all patients were recorded, and blood samples were collected. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was measured to evaluate the discriminative ability. Serum copeptin levels were significantly higher in COVID‐19 patients compared to CAP patients (10.2 ± 4.4 ng/ml and 7.1 ± 3.1 ng/ml; p < .001). Serum copeptin levels were positively correlated with leukocyte, neutrophil, and platelet count (r = −.21, p = .012; r = −.21, p = .013; r = −.20, p = .018; respectively). The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that increased copeptin (odds ratio [OR] = 1.183, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.033–1.354; p = .015) and CK‐MB (OR = 1.052, 95% CI, 1.013–1.092; p = .008) levels and decreased leukocyte count (OR = 0.829, 95% CI, 0.730–0.940; p = .004) were independent predictors of COVID‐19 pneumonia. A cut‐off value of 6.83 ng/ml for copeptin predicted COVID‐19 with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 73% (AUC: 0.764% 95 Cl: 0.671–0.856, p < .001). Copeptin could be a promising and useful biomarker to be used to distinguish COVID‐19 patients from CAP patients.
Cation Effect on the Binary and Ternary Phase Behaviors of Double‐Tailed Methanesulfonate Amphiphiles
Authors: Ontiveros Jesús F. , Hong Bing , Aramaki Kenji , Pierlot Christel , Aubry Jean‐Marie , Nardello‐Rataj Véronique
Published: February 2021

A series of symmetrical dialkyl methanesulfonate amphiphiles [DiCnCHSO3]mM (n = 6, 7, 8) with different counter cations (Mm+ = H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sc3+) were synthesized in five steps. Their solubility and critical micelle concentration (CMC) in water were determined highlighting a huge effect of the chain length and the nature of the cation. The hydrophilic–lipophilic balance of the surfactants were assessed with the phase inversion temperature (PIT)‐slope method based on the deviation from the PIT of the reference C10E4/n‐octane/0.01 M NaCl(aq) emulsion through addition of increasing amounts of the dialkyl methanesulfonates. The hydrophilicity of the surfactants was thus ranked in terms of dPIT/dxsulfonate. A “cation” scan with the [DiC6CHSO3]mM/benzene/water systems at fw = 0.5 was finally performed confirming the hydrophilicity ranking obtained with the PIT‐slope method. It revealed that the [DiC6CHSO3]2Mg behaves as a “Balanced Surfactant” able to form spontaneously a three‐phase microemulsion system (Winsor III) just in the presence of water and oil, in the same way as the catalytic surfactant dimethyldioctylammonium molybdate, which has the same PIT‐slope.
Surgical treatment of primary mobile spine chordoma
Authors: Kolz Joshua M. , Wellings Elizabeth P. , Houdek Matthew T. , Clarke Michelle J. , Yaszemski Michael J. , Rose Peter S.
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives

Chordomas of the mobile spine (C1–L5) are rare malignant tumors. The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of surgical treatment for patients with primary mobile spine chordomas.

Methods

The oncologic outcomes and survival of 26 patients undergoing surgical resection for a primary mobile spine chordoma were assessed over a 25‐year period. The mean follow‐up was 12 ± 6 years.

Results

The 2‐, 5‐, and 10‐year disease‐free survivals were 95%, 61%, and 55%. The local recurrence‐free survival was improved in patients receiving en bloc resection with negative margins (83% vs. 35%, p = 0.02) and similar in patients receiving adjuvant radiation therapy (43% vs. 45%, p = 0.30) at 10 years. Debulking of the tumor (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.41, p = 0.01) and a local recurrence (HR = 9.52, p = 0.005) were associated with death due to disease. Complications occurred in 19 (73%) patients, leading to reoperation in 9 (35%) patients; this rate was similar in intralesional and en bloc procedures.

Conclusion

Surgical resection of mobile spine chordomas is associated with a high rate of complications; however, en bloc resection can provide a hope for cure and appears to confer better oncologic outcomes for these tumors without an increase in complications compared to lesser resections.
How Size and Condition Influence Survival and Cause‐Specific Mortality of Female Elk
Authors: Sergeyev Maksim , McMillan Brock R. , Hersey Kent R. , Larsen Randy T.
Published: February 2021

The size of animal populations fluctuates with number of births, rate of immigration, rate of emigration, and number of deaths. For many ungulate populations, adult female survival is the most important factor influencing population growth. Therefore, increased understanding of survival and causes of mortality for adult females is fundamental for conservation and management. The objectives of our study were to quantify survival rates of female elk (Cervus canadensis) and determine cause‐specific mortality. We predicted that hunter harvest would be the leading cause of mortality. Further, we predicted that hunters would harvest animals that were in prime age (2–9 yr) and in better condition than elk predated by mountain lions (Puma concolor). From 2015 to 2017, we captured 376 female elk in central Utah, USA. We assessed body size and condition of captured elk, fitted each animal with a global positioning system‐collar, and determined cause of death when we received mortality signals. We estimated survival using Kaplan‐Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazard models within an Akaike's Information Criterion model selection framework to identify covariates that influenced survival. We analyzed differences in size and condition measurements between harvested elk and predated elk using analysis of variance tests. Our best model indicated consistent survival across years; mean survival was 78.3 ± 3.5% (SE) including hunter harvest and 95.5 ± 1.7% without hunter harvest. In decreasing order of importance, elk mortality occurred from hunter harvest (21.2%), mountain lion predation (3.7%), depredation removal (0.5%), automobile collision (0.3%), disease (0.3%), complications during calving (0.3%), and those characterized as undetermined (1.3%). Neck circumference and body length were negatively associated with survival, suggesting that larger animals in good condition had lower survival as a result of hunter harvest. Individuals that died because of cougar predation were smaller and had less loin muscle than the average animal. Hunters removed large, healthy, prime‐aged females, individuals that likely have a greater effect on population growth than elk lost to other predators. If the proportion of larger, healthy females in the population begins to decline, hunting practices may require adjustment because hunters may be removing individuals with the greatest reproductive value. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.