bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Visual Electronics for Closed‐Loop Sensation/Action Systems
Authors: Jiang Zhi , Jiang Ying , Chen Nuan , Chen Xiaodong
Published: June 2021

Artificial visual electronics that mimic the structure and function of human eyes can be a powerful tool to provide visual feedback in the closed‐loop sensation/action systems, which can be beneficial to achieve sophisticated functions in a precise and efficient way. Herein, how artificial visual electronics work in the closed‐loop sensation/action systems, mimicking the human eyes for human behaviors, followed by how artificial visual electronics are utilized in various fields are introduced. To fully mimic the human eyes, how to achieve the structural similarity of artificial visual electronics with eyeballs is highlighted, and focused on the key component, i.e., retina‐like 3D light‐detecting imagers. When combined with the machine‐learning method, such retina‐like 3D imagers are expected to significantly benefit the closed‐loop sensation/action systems.
Expanding the clinical phenotype of RASopathies in 38 Turkish patients, including the rare LZTR1, RAF1, RIT1 variants, and large deletion in NF1
Authors: Uludağ Alkaya Dilek , Lissewski Christina , Yeşil Gözde , Zenker Martin , Tüysüz Beyhan
Published: June 2021

RASopathies are a group of disorders caused by pathogenic variants in the genes encoding Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway and share overlapping clinical and molecular features. This study is aimed to describe the clinical and molecular features of 38 patients with RASopathies. Sanger or targeted next‐generation sequencing of related genes and multiplex ligation‐dependent‐probe amplification analysis for NF1 were performed. The pathogenic variant detection rate was 94.4%. While PTPN11 was responsible for 50% of 18 patients with Noonan syndrome (NS), SOS1, LZTR1, RIT1, and RAF1 were responsible for the remaining 27.8%, 11.1%, 5.5%, and 5.5%, respectively. Three variants in LZTR1 were novel, of which two were identified in the compound heterozygous state in a patient with intellectual disability and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, whereas the third variant was found in the heterozygous state in a patient with pulmonary stenosis and normal intelligence. We described pyloric stenosis, knee dislocation, and cleft palate in patients with SOS1, RIT1, and RAF1 variants, respectively, that was not previously reported. We detected a PTPN11 variant in three patients from same family with NS with multiple lentigines. BRAF and MAP2K2 variants were found in eight patients with Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome. Two variants in HRAS were detected in two Costello syndrome patients, one with a mild and the other with a severe phenotype. While large NF1 deletions were identified in four Neurofibromatosis‐NS patients with intellectual disability, intelligence was normal in one patient with missense variant. In conclusion, this study provided three novel variants in LZTR1 and expanded the clinical phenotype of rare RASopathies.
Base‐mediated Benzannulation Reactions for the Synthesis of Densely Functionalized Aryl α‐Keto Esters
Authors: Jia Qianfa , Yin Guoliang , Lan Yunfei , Lin Yinhe , Ren Qiao
Published: June 2021

A novel and straightforward strategy for the construction of versatile densely functionalized aryl α‐keto esters is disclosed through a one‐pot and efficient [4+2] benzannulation reaction of α‐cyano‐β‐methylenones and ynediones, which could be synthesized easily from the corresponding starting materials. This protocol features high yield, mild metal‐free reaction condition, high atom economy, high functional‐group tolerance, easy handing and gram‐scale synthesis.
Uniparental genetic markers in Native Americans: A summary of all available data from ancient and contemporary populations
Authors: Bisso‐Machado Rafael , Fagundes Nelson J. R.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to create a comprehensive summary of available mtDNA and Y‐chromosome data for Native Americans from North, Central, and South America, including both modern and ancient DNA. To illustrate the usefulness of this dataset we present a broad picture of the genetic variation for both markers across the Americas.

Methods

We searched PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar for studies about mtDNA or Y‐chromosome variation in Native American populations, including geographic, linguistic, ecological (ecoregion), archeological and chronological information. We used AMOVA to estimate the genetic structure associated with language and ecoregion grouping and Mantel tests to evaluate the correlation between genetic and geographic distances.

Results

Genetic data were obtained from 321 primary sources, including 22,569 individuals from 298 contemporary populations, and 3628 individuals from 202 archeological populations. MtDNA lineages of probable non‐Amerindian origin were rare, in contrast with Y‐chromosome lineages. Mantel tests showed a statistically significant correlation for the whole continent considering mtDNA but not the Y‐chromosome. Genetic structure between groups was always stronger for mtDNA than for the Y‐chromosome.

Conclusions

This study summarizes decades of research conducted in Native American populations for both mtDNA and the Y‐chromosome. Continental or sub‐continental patterns of variation reveal that most of the genetic variation occurs within populations rather than among linguistic or ecoregional groups, and that isolation by distance is barely detectable in most population sets. The genetic structure among groups was always larger for mtDNA than for the Y‐chromosome, suggesting between‐sex differences in gene flow.
Engineering Micro–Nanomaterials for Biomedical Translation
Authors: Chen Yaping , Alba Maria , Tieu Terence , Tong Ziqiu , Minhas Rajpreet Singh , Rudd David , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Cifuentes-Rius Anna , Elnathan Roey
Published: June 2021

Engineered nano–bio interfaces–driven by vertical micro/nanoneedles, nanoparticles, organ‐on‐chip devices, and a diversity of nanosubstrates for mass spectroscopy imaging–are spurring scientific and technological progress, from fundamental to transnational biomedical research. Each class has its own characteristic features, which is critical for their translational uptake, but they broadly share the same range of functionality and applicability at the forefront of modern research and medicine. The review provides insights into unique attributes of microneedle technology and its ability for efficient transdermal transport of therapeutic compounds. The uses of nanoneedle technology in precise manipulation of increasingly complex cellular processes at the cell–material interface and their potential for major improvements for many fundamental research applications and ex vivo cell‐based therapies are highlighted. A snapshot in the use of food and drug administration (FDA)‐approved nanoparticle therapeutics and their applications in nanomedicine is provided. The achievements in organ‐on‐chip technology, particularly at the preclinical stage, and its potential to efficiently screen diverse types of therapeutics are covered. The final section is dedicated to the use of nanomaterial‐enhanced mass spectrometry in drug discovery and imaging. Overall, this review aims to highlight those main rules in the design of bio–nano interfaces that have successfully achieved translation into the market.
Molecular Plumbing to Bend Self‐Assembling Peptide Nanotubes
Authors: Novelli Federica , Vilela Marcos , Pazó Antía , Amorín Manuel , Granja Juan R.
Published: June 2021

Light‐induced molecular piping of cyclic peptide nanotubes to form bent tubular structures is described. The process is based on the [4+4] photocycloaddition of anthracene moieties, whose structural changes derived from the interdigitated flat disposition of precursors to the corresponding cycloadduct moieties, induced the geometrical modifications in nanotubes packing that provokes their curvature. For this purpose, we designed a new class of cyclic peptide nanotubes formed by β‐ and α‐amino acids. The presence of the former predisposes the peptide to stack in a parallel fashion with the β‐residues aligned along the nanotube and the homogeneous distribution of anthracene pendants.
Thermal convection in a layer of micropolar nanofluid
Authors: Chand Ramesh , Yadav Dhananjay , Bhattacharyya Krishnendu , Awasthi Mukesh Kumar
Published: June 2021

The theoretical investigation of thermal convection in a horizontal layer of micropolar nanofluid is examined within the rule of linear stability hypothesis. The model applied for nanofluid integrates the impact of Brownian and thermophoresis diffusions. The flux of the volumetric fraction of nanoparticles is considered to be nil on the boundaries. The critical eigenvalues are achieved using the Galerkin approach, and the results are discussed and illustrated graphically. The results show that the Lewis number, the modified diffusivity ratio, the nanoparticle Rayleigh number, and the coefficient of coupling amid spin and heat flux accelerate the onset of convective motion, whereas the micropolar parameter and the coefficient of coupling amid vorticity and spin delay the onset of convective motion in the system.
Stability of Darcy thermosolutal convection in bidispersive porous medium with reaction
Authors: Badday Alaa Jabbar , Harfash Akil J.
Published: June 2021

Analysis of fluid flow in a bidispersive medium with reactions is explored. The Darcy model is used in the momentum equation with the density being a linear function in temperature and salt concentration. Two cases are regarded which are heated below and salted above system and heated and salted below system. It is presumed that the equilibrium solute concentration follows a linear relationship to temperature. A linear instability and nonlinear stability theories are conducted, and from the outputs of the analysis, the Chebyshev collocation approach is used to solve the resulting eigenvalue systems. The effects of the chemical reaction and other parameters on temperature Rayleigh number are described graphically.
3‐Aryl‐substituted imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines as antituberculosis agents
Authors: Karale Uttam B. , Shinde Akash U. , Babar Dattatraya A. , Sangu Komal G. , Vagolu Siva Krishna , Eruva Vamshi K. , Jadav Surender S. , Misra Sunil , Dharmarajan Sriram , Rode Haridas B.
Published: June 2021

Novel inhibitors are needed to tackle tuberculosis. Herein, we report the 3‐aryl‐substituted imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines as potent antituberculosis agents. A small library of 3‐aryl‐substituted imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines was synthesized using direct arylation, followed by nitro reduction and finally Pd‐catalyzed C−N coupling reactions. The compounds thus obtained were evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Compound 26 was identified as an antituberculosis lead with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 2.3 μg/ml against M. tuberculosis H37Rv. This compound showed a selectivity index of 35. The docking of 26 in the active site of the M. tuberculosis cytochrome bc1 complex cytochrome b subunit (Mtb QcrB) revealed key π–π interactions of compound 26 with the Tyr389 and Trp312 residues of Mtb QcrB.
Keeping Children Safe in Out‐of‐School‐Hours Care: Perceptions of Staff and Managers of One Provider in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Hadley Fay , Waniganayake Manjula , Mevawalla Zinnia , Jones Catherine , Blythin Suzanne , Beauchamp Diana
Published: June 2021

This study explores perceptions of child abuse and child protection matters involving staff working in the out‐of‐school‐hours care (OSHC) sector. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through an online survey, focus group and interviews with staff and managers employed by one organisation that provided OSHC services in Sydney, Australia. This paper reports on their perceptions about implementing mandatory reporting requirements associated with the concepts of ‘significant harm’ and ‘reportable conduct’. The aim of this paper is to engage OSHC stakeholders, including government, in reviewing child protection policies and practices to support educators in their work with children. Key findings indicate the inadequacy of available training, and the importance of relationships and communication between stakeholders, especially OSHC and school staff. This requires systemic change including raising the status of OSHC and the critical role that these educators have in supporting children's development, learning and wellbeing during the early years of school.

Key Practitioner Messages

It is important that leadership supports educators to engage in respectful partnerships with families and schools to ensure child protection, and thereby child wellbeing and learning outcomes

Training in supporting children's safety and wellbeing in OSHC is critical.

There is a need for a systems approach to OSHC services which places children's development, learning and wellbeing at the forefront of professional practice.

‘Explores perceptions of child abuse and child protection matters involving staff working in the out‐of‐school‐hours care (OSHC) sector’
Cassane‐Type Diterpenoids from the Seeds of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb.
Authors: Cao Jun , Xu Yunshao , Lou Ruohan , Shi Wei , Chen Jiali , Gan Lishe , Lu Jinjian , Lin Ligen
Published: June 2021

Ten new cassane‐type diterpenoids were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb., including 6α‐hydroxycaesalpinin P (1), 14‐epi‐caesalpinin E1 (2), 6‐deacetylcaesalmin Z (3), 14‐epi‐caesalmin Z (4), caesalpinolides I (5), K (6), L (7), M (9) and N (10), and 14‐epi‐neocaesalpin L (8). Their planar structures and absolute configurations were fully determined by comprehensive spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR and electronic circular dichroism spectra. Compounds 1–4 are tetracyclic cassane diterpenoids possessing a furan ring, and compounds 5–10 are tetracyclic cassane diterpenoids possessing a fused butenolide moiety. The anti‐inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of the isolates were evaluated, while none of them showed obvious effects. The current study identified ten new cassane‐type diterpenoids from the seeds of C. bonduc (L.) Roxb., which enriched the chemical diversity of the titled herbal medicine.
Enzymatic Synthesis Assisted Discovery of Proline‐Rich Macrocyclic Peptides in Marine Sponges
Authors: Mohanty Ipsita , Nguyen Nguyet A. , Moore Samuel G. , Biggs Jason S. , Gaul David A. , Garg Neha , Agarwal Vinayak
Published: June 2021

Proline‐rich macrocyclic peptides (PRMPs) are natural products present in geographically and phylogenetically dispersed marine sponges. The large diversity and low abundance of PRMPs in sponge metabolomes precludes isolation and structure elucidation of each individual PRMP congener. Here, using standards developed via biomimetic enzymatic synthesis of PRMPs, a mass spectrometry‐based workflow to sequence PRMPs was developed and validated to reveal that the diversity of PRMPs in marine sponges is much greater than that has been realized by natural product isolation‐based strategies. Findings are placed in the context of diversity‐oriented transamidative macrocyclization of peptide substrates in sponge holobionts.
Introducing Electrochemically Active Oxygen Species to Boost the Pseudocapacitance of Carbon‐based Supercapacitor
Authors: Hu You Ren , Dong Xiao Ling , Zhuang Hong Kun , Yan Dong , Hou Lu , Li Wen Cui
Published: June 2021

Low energy density is the main bottleneck for carbon‐based supercapacitors, which can be addressed by introducing extra faradaic pseudocapacitance. Herein, a cyclic voltammetry oxidation method in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte was employed for carbon electrode to produce electrochemically active oxygen functional groups that are in contact with the conductive substrates, which facilitates the implementation of the pseudocapacitance. Moreover, the influence of potential window and sweep rate on the components and performances of oxidized electrodes in the cyclic voltammetry oxidation process was systematically investigated. The results reveal that a broad potential window of −0.65∼2 V can enhance the oxygen content to 16.4 wt.% (vs. 7.6 wt.% within −0.65∼1.5 V). Additionally, a selective oxygen component dominated with redox active C−OH and C=O groups was achieved by a rapid potentiodynamic sweep at 20 mV s−1, simultaneously suppressing the ‐COOH groups with inferior conductivity. The oxidized AC electrodes could substantially improve the specific capacitance (534 vs. 150.3 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) without sacrifice of rate performance (retained 418 F g−1 at 20 A g−1), accompanying excellent cycling stability of 94 % of initial capacitance after 10000 cycles. Such finding would provide some reference for tailoring oxygen species to fabricate advanced carbon‐based supercapacitor electrodes.
A deeper dive: A mixed methods approach to risk tolerance
Authors: Lurtz Meghaan R. , Archuleta Kristy , Kothakota Michael , Jorgensen Timi Joy
Published: June 2021

Most risk tolerance studies are quantitative, even though many factors that may affect the manifestation of risk tolerance are qualitative. This study employed a mixed‐methods approach to investigate how individuals consider risk tolerance as it relates to their financial situation. Fuzzy‐trace theory, a psycholinguistic theory of risk processing rooted in prospect theory that is becoming increasingly popular in the medical field, guided the study. Quantitative results indicate that stated versus revealed measures of risk tolerance are not consistent for most people. However, higher risk literacy increases the likelihood of consistency. Qualitative results reveal that individuals perceive risk tolerance through various lenses, including knowledge, values, emotions, and personal experience.
Nuclear magnetic resonance chiral discrimination of fipronil and malathion agrochemicals: A case study
Authors: Iarocz Lucas E. B. , Silva Márcio S.
Published: June 2021

The aim of the present study was to optimize a protocol for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chiral discrimination to be used to determine the enantiomers ratio of agrochemicals. For this goal, the commercial agrochemicals fipronil and malathion were employed as active targets due the distinct physicochemical properties. We used the cyclodextrins to evaluate the chiral discrimination in aqueous media and chiral solvent agents to check in organic media. The fipronil chiral discrimination was accessed by β‐CD in aqueous solution, although this procedure was ineffective for malathion due the low solubility. In organic media, the NMR chiral discrimination was successful for both agrochemicals and sensitive to dilution process. The NMR experiments explore very sensitive nuclei, for instance 1H, 19F, and 31P, in a simple, practical and low residue experimental protocol.
Influence of sweet whey permeate utilization on Tetradesmus obliquus growth and β‐galactosidase production
Authors: Bentahar Jihed , Deschênes Jean‐Sébastien
Published: June 2021

The practicability of culturing microalgae in mixotrophic mode using sweet whey permeate (SWP), a highly perishable by‐product stream from cheese manufacturing, is evaluated for microalgal growth and β‐galactosidase production. This study is conducted with Tetradesmus obliquus, species known for their ability to adapt to various conditions with different carbon sources. The influence of pure lactose, the primary carbon source of SWP, is first surveyed. Partial substitutions of the basal culture medium with SWP in various proportions are then conducted. Results show that substituting 60% (v/v) of the culture medium with SWP significantly enhances T. obliquus growth (up to 2.1 g L−1) and total enzyme production (up to 208.5 U L−1). Besides, a molecule expected to be a galactooligosaccharide (GOS) is detected in the presence of high SWP proportions. Overall results suggest a short‐term culture duration (around 8 days) for producing the β‐galactosidase enzyme and a long‐term culture duration (over 15 days) for biomass production. However, the use of 100% (v/v) SWP seems to be non‐profitable due to a lack of some essential nutrients.
Working cooperatively on current challenges in teacher education
Authors: Ropohl Mathias , Melle Insa , Sommer Katrin , Habig Sebastian , Holländer Monika , Strippel Christian Georg
Published: June 2021

Sowohl durch die steigende Heterogenität von Lerngruppen als auch durch die zunehmende Digitalisierung in der Bildung stellt sich die Frage, wie die Lehrerbildung im Fach Chemie auf diese Veränderungen reagieren und angehende Chemielehrkräfte optimal vorbereiten kann. Es gilt nicht nur die Curricula anzupassen, sondern auch Lehrveranstaltungen neu zu gestalten. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird derzeit ein kooperatives Lehrprojekt an den drei Standorten der Universitätsallianz Ruhr (UA Ruhr) durchgeführt. Ziel des Projekts ist die inhaltliche Neuausrichtung bestehender Module sowie die gemeinsame standortübergreifende Umsetzung dieser Module. Dazu hat jeder Standort entsprechend seiner Expertise einen Inhalt des Curriculums in Form einer inhaltlichen Einführung vorbereitet. Die Studierenden haben anschließend zu diesen Inhalten Lerngelegenheiten im Rahmen einer Projektarbeit geplant und präsentiert. Aufgrund der positiven Erfahrungen werden in diesem Beitrag sowohl die Konzeption des Lehrprojekts als auch Produkte der Studierenden und Ergebnisse aus der Studierendenbefragung berichtet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Studierenden mehrheitlich mit der Anlage der Lehrveranstaltung hoch zufrieden sind. Sie bewerten die Gestaltung der Lernumgebung besonders positiv und wünschen sich noch mehr Interaktion mit den Studierenden der kooperierenden Universitäten. Für andere Standorte kann dieses Lehrprojekt eine Anregung für mögliche Veränderungen in der Chemielehrerbildung sein.
Modified bi‐weekly cetuximab‐cisplatin and 5‐FU/leucovorin based regimen for effective treatment of recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to reduce chemotherapy exposure of patients
Authors: Meirovitz Amichay , Bergerson Shani , Hirshoren Nir , Weinberger Jeffrey M. , Bersudski Evgeniya , Daniel Sharon , Sheva Kim , Perez Cesar A.
Published: June 2021

Background

The standard chemotherapy treatment protocol for patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) requires as long as 56 days of hospitalization over six months. Where the 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) pump is available, most treatment will be on outpatient bases, however patients will still be under chemotherapy treatment for a comparable period of time (around 50 days).

Aim

A modified protocol was assessed to decrease hospitalization and/or chemotherapy treatment time without sacrificing outcomes, to potentially increase patient quality of life.

Methods and results

A retrospective analysis (2005–2018) of recurrent/metastatic HNSCC patients with a modified treatment protocol was performed. Treatment consisted of cisplatin, cetuximab, 5‐fluorouracil bolus and leucovorin administered on day 1 of a 2‐week cycle, and a continuous infusion of 5‐fluorouracil on days 1–2 of the cycle. Outcomes were measured by progression‐free survival, overall survival, and patient hospitalization time. Analysis was done using the Kaplan–Meier survival function curve.

The study cohort consisted of 27 patients. The modified treatment protocol resulted in a median progression‐free survival of nine months and median overall survival of 14 months, while hospitalization time was reduced by almost 80% in the first six months of treatment.

Conclusions

Modification of the cisplatin, cetuximab, 5‐FU and leucovorin protocol to a bi‐weekly regimen utilizing alternative drug delivery methods, significantly reduced patient hospitalization from 56 days to 12 days in the first 6 months of treatment. This was achieved without compromising treatment outcome, while significantly reducing the days patients were exposed to chemotherapy, and thus potentially improving quality of life.
Ceramic Cs2HfCl6: A Novel Scintillation Material for Use in Gamma Ray Spectroscopy
Authors: Hunsaker Aaron , Goodwin William B. , Rowe Emmanuel , Wheeler Caleb , Matei Liviu , Buliga Vladimir , Burger Arnold
Published: June 2021

Single crystal scintillators have become one of the most common materials used in technologies that use radiation detectors. Unfortunately, as technology demands improved detectors, research into better single crystal scintillators has nearly reached its limit. Ceramics provide many benefits over single crystal scintillators and have emerged as a promising new production process. Recent research into ceramic scintillators has mostly dealt with oxides as they are relatively easy to handle and are typically non‐hygroscopic. Among single crystal scintillators, a trend has emerged indicating that the addition of halide ions into the crystal structure improves the light yield and energy resolution of the scintillation material but also tends to make the material hygroscopic and in some cases intrinsically radioactive. Little research is devoted to the investigation of undoped halide ceramic scintillators. Transparent halide Cs2HfCl6 ceramics are developed by hot uniaxial pressing, and the scintillation properties are compared to that of its single crystal counterpart. The energy resolution of the ceramic is found to be 6.4% at 662 keV. The initial results indicate that ceramic scintillators are a viable alternative and a promising new direction in scintillator material technology.
Diagnostic and prognostic performance of CSF α‐synuclein in prion disease in the context of rapidly progressive dementia
Authors: Mastrangelo Andrea , Baiardi Simone , Zenesini Corrado , Poleggi Anna , Mammana Angela , Polischi Barbara , Ladogana Anna , Capellari Sabina , Parchi Piero
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Surrogate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of neurodegeneration still have a central role in the first‐line screening of patients with suspected Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD). Recently, CSF α‐synuclein, a marker of synaptic damage, showed a close to optimal performance in distinguishing between CJD and other neurodegenerative dementias.

Methods

We evaluated the diagnostic value of CSF α‐synuclein in patients with prion disease, non‐prion rapidly progressive dementias, and non‐neurodegenerative controls. Additionally, we studied its distribution across the different prion disease subtypes and evaluated its association with survival.

Results

CSF α‐synuclein levels were significantly higher in patients with prion disease than in the other groups but showed a lower diagnostic value than CSF total tau or 14‐3‐3. Moreover, CSF α‐synuclein was significantly associated with survival in the whole prion cohort and the most frequent clinicopathological subtypes.

Discussion

In the clinical setting, CSF α‐synuclein does not exceed the diagnostic performance of currently used surrogate markers, but it might constitute a robust prognostic indicator.
Intraspecific trait variation alters the outcome of competition in freshwater ciliates
Authors: Flöder Sabine , Yong Joanne , Klauschies Toni , Gaedke Ursula , Poprick Tobias , Brinkhoff Thorsten , Moorthi Stefanie
Published: June 2021

Trait variation among heterospecific and conspecific organisms may substantially affect community and food web dynamics. While the relevance of competition and feeding traits have been widely studied for different consumer species, studies on intraspecific differences are more scarce, partly owing to difficulties in distinguishing different clones of the same species. Here, we investigate how intraspecific trait variation affects the competition between the freshwater ciliates Euplotes octocarinatus and Coleps hirtus in a nitrogen‐limited chemostat system. The ciliates competed for the microalgae Cryptomonas sp. (Cry) and Navicula pelliculosa (Nav), and the bacteria present in the cultures over a period of 33 days. We used monoclonal Euplotes and three different Coleps clones (Col 1, Col 2, and Col 3) in the experiment that could be distinguished by a newly developed rDNA‐based molecular assay based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. While Euplotes feeds on Cry and on bacteria, the Coleps clones cannot survive on bacteria alone but feed on both Cry and Nav with clone‐specific rates. Experimental treatments comprised two‐species mixtures of Euplotes and one or all of the three different Coleps clones, respectively. We found intraspecific variation in the traits “selectivity” and “maximum ingestion rate” for the different algae to significantly affect the competitive outcome between the two ciliate species. As Nav quickly escaped top‐down control and likely reached a state of low food quality, ciliate competition was strongly determined by the preference of different Coleps clones for Cry as opposed to feeding on Nav. In addition, the ability of Euplotes to use bacteria as an alternative food source strengthened its persistence once Cry was depleted. Hence, trait variation at both trophic levels codetermined the population dynamics and the outcome of species competition.
Dynamic 2H irrigation pulse labelling reveals rapid infiltration and mixing of precipitation in the soil and species‐specific water uptake depths of trees in a temperate forest
Authors: Kahmen Ansgar , Buser Till , Hoch Günter , Grun Georges , Dietrich Lars
Published: June 2021

Understanding the movement of water in terrestrial ecosystems and determining the soil depths from which mature trees take up water has become an important research priority. Here, we test the suitability of a dynamic 2H pulse‐labelling experiment for assessing (1) the fate of a simulated precipitation event as it moves through the ecohydrological system and (2) the water uptake depths of different tree species in a mature temperate forest. We applied 2H‐labelled water as a single pulse to the top soil using a sprinkler system and then allowed it to infiltrate into deeper soil layers by washing it through the soil column with a sequence of non‐2H‐labelled irrigation pulses. We then followed this 2H‐enriched irrigation pulse over a period of 81 days in different depths of the soil and in the xylem of four tree species (Fagus sylvatica, Quercus petraea, Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris). Our experiment shows infiltration and mixing of the irrigation pulse in the soil occurs within a few days. Furthermore, we found that tree species differed significantly in their use of shallow (−10‐ to −30‐cm soil depth) and deep (−80‐cm soil depth) soil water. We also found immediate uptake of infiltrating mobile soil water by trees, which questions the recently established two‐water‐worlds hypothesis. Our study demonstrated that a dynamic 2H‐labelled irrigation pulse is a useful approach to (1) assess how water from a precipitation event infiltrates into a forest ecosystem and (2) assess the water uptake depths of different temperate tree species.
Sex‐specific differences in outcome and risk stratification of ventricular arrhythmias in implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients
Authors: van der Lingen Anne‐Lotte C.J. , Theuns Dominic A.M.J. , Rijnierse Mischa T. , Becker Marthe A.J. , van de Ven Peter M. , van Rossum Albert C. , van Halm Vokko P. , Kemme Michiel J.B. , Yap Sing C. , Allaart Cornelis P.
Published: June 2021

Aims

Risk stratification models of sudden cardiac death (SCD) are based on the assumption that risk factors of SCD affect risk to a similar extent in both sexes. The aim of the study is to evaluate differences in clinical outcomes between sexes and evaluate whether risk factors associated with appropriate device therapy (ADT) differ between men and women.

Methods and results

We performed a cohort study of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients referred for primary or secondary prevention of SCD between 2009 and 2018. Multivariable Cox regression models for prediction of ADT were constructed for men and women separately. Of 2300 included patients, 571 (25%) were women. Median follow‐up was 4.6 (inter‐quartile range: 4.4–4.9) years. Time to ADT was shorter for men compared with women [hazard ratio (HR) 1.71, P < 0.001], as was time to mortality (HR 1.37, P = 0.003). In women, only secondary prevention ICD therapy (HR 1.82, P < 0.01) was associated with ADT, whereas higher age (HR 1.20, P < 0.001), absence of left bundle branch block (HR 0.72, P = 0.01), and secondary prevention therapy (HR 1.80, P < 0.001) were independently associated with ADT in men. None of the observed parameters showed a distinctive sex‐specific pattern in ADT.

Conclusions

Male ICD patients were at higher risk of ADT and death compared with female ICD patients, irrespective of an ischaemic or non‐ischaemic underlying cardiomyopathy. Our study highlights the importance to stratify outcomes of ICD trials by sex, as study results differ between men and women. However, none of the available clinical parameters showed a clear sex‐specific relation to ventricular arrhythmias. As a consequence, sex‐specific risk stratification models of SCD using commonly available clinical parameters could not be derived.
Role of 3D echocardiography‐determined atrial volumes in distinguishing between pre‐capillary and post‐capillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Jenei Csaba , Kádár Rebeka , Balogh László , Borbély Attila , Győry Ferenc , Péter Andrea , Daragó Andrea , Csanádi Zoltán
Published: June 2021

Aims

The current guidelines on pulmonary hypertension (PH) recommend the use of invasive examination for differentiating between left‐sided heart disease‐related (post‐capillary) and pre‐capillary PH. However, atrial sizes are considered markers of ventricular filling pressures. Therefore, we aimed to test the clinical applicability of atrial volumes measured by transthoracic three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in differentiating between pre‐capillary and post‐capillary PH.

Methods and results

Seventy‐five consecutive patients with PH were prospectively examined with transthoracic 3DE. After less than 24 h, the patients underwent right heart catheterization and 3DE and were classified as pre‐capillary or post‐capillary PH according to the recommendations of the ESC guidelines. The atrial volumes were measured offline with dedicated commercial software. Thirty‐eight patients (13 men, age 65 ± 18 year) had pre‐capillary PH, and 37 (23 men, age 62 ± year) had post‐capillary PH. The mean pulmonary artery pressures were similar in patients with pre‐capillary and post‐capillary PH (38 [IQR 26, 54] mmHg vs. 41 [IQR 33, 48] mmHg, respectively, P = 0.49). The left atrial indexed maximum (LAVi max) and minimum (LAVi min) volumes were significantly larger in the post‐capillary PH patient group than in the pre‐capillary PH patient group (LAVi max: 64 ± 32 mL/m2 vs. 41 ± 25 mL/m2, P = 0.001; LAVi min: 50 ± 22 mL/m2 vs. 26 ± 24 mL/m2, P < 0.0001). The indexed right atrial minimum volume (RAVi min) was also higher in patients with post‐capillary PH (51 ± 27 mL/m2 vs. 38 ± 26 mL/m2; P = 0.02). Both the left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) volumes, especially the LA minimum volume, correlated with the pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) (r = 0.62 (P < 0.0001) for LAV min vs. r = 0.49 (P < 0.0001) for LAV max; r = 0.32 (P = 0.005) for RAV min vs. r = 0.24 (P = 0.04) for RAV max). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LAVi min was an independent predictor of post‐capillary PH. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of parameters predicting the post‐capillary PH, the areas under the curve (AUC) for LAVi min, LAVi max, and RAVi min were 0.86 (95% CI, 0.76–0.95), 0.78 (95% CI, 0.67–0.89), and 0.66 (0.53–0.78), respectively. Concerning the performance of the atrial volume ratio for differentiating post‐capillary PH, the AUC of the atrial volume ratio was significantly lower [AUC: 0.66 (95% CI, 0.53–0.78)]. The ROC analysis indicated a possible cutoff value of 27.7 mL/m2 for LAVi min to predict post‐capillary PH (AUC = 0.86; sensitivity = 86%, specificity = 76%).

Conclusions

The BSA‐indexed left atrial minimum volume measured by transthoracic 3DE is a useful parameter for differentiating pre‐capillary from post‐capillary pulmonary hypertension.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy in Iraq: initial registry‐based data and 6 month outcomes
Authors: Farhan Hasan Ali , Yaseen Israa Fadhil
Published: June 2021

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, echocardiographic measurements, medical treatment, pregnancy outcomes, and the 6 month follow‐up outcomes among patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) in Iraq.

Methods and results

Data were collected prospectively at cardio‐maternal clinic in Baghdad Heart Center, using case report form for the EORP‐PPCM registry from January 2015 to November 2020. Six month follow‐up was performed either by attendance of patients or by phone contact. A total of 64 PPCM patients were enrolled with a mean age of 32.1 ± 6.8 years. Diagnosis in 35 (54.7%) women was made in the post‐partum period. There was a history of previous PPCM in 9 (14%), coexisting hypertension with the current pregnancy in 30 (51.7%), cholelithiasis in 5 (7.8%), and cancer in 3 (4.7%). Baseline mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 34.7 ± 8.1%, significantly higher than that reported globally (31 ± 10%) (P‐value 0.011), and 26 (40.6%) of our patients had LVEF of ≤34%. Baseline mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) for 26 (40.6%) patients was −9.4 ± 4.1%. Baseline mean left ventricular end‐diastolic and end‐systolic dimensions were 61.2 ± 8.5 and 50.6 ± 10.2 mm, respectively. At 6 month follow‐up, 11 (36.7%) women recovered their LVEF, lower than global data (46%) but higher than that in the Middle East (25%) with P‐value 0.241 and 0.919, respectively. The mean LVEF was 44.5 ± 11.9%, and the mean GLS for 15 (23.4%) of patients was −13.4 ± 5.3%, including 5 (33.3%) with the range of −18.6% to −17%. Bromocriptine was the least used drug in 4 (8.2%) vs. globally reported (15%) (P‐value 0.188). Thrombo‐embolic events and maternal death were reported in 2 (4.1%) and 3 (4.7%) cases, respectively, within 6 months.

Conclusions

Around half of our PPCM patients were diagnosed at post‐partum period with impaired initial LVEF and GLS, and one‐third had early LVEF recovery at 6 month follow‐up, higher than that in the Middle East but lower than the globally reported figure in the EORP‐PPCM registry. Limited use of bromocriptine might explain the later finding. The co‐morbid diseases in our setting were hypertension and cholelithiasis. Interestingly, the comparable ratios of neonatal and maternal mortalities in our study to that of the EORP‐PPCM registry were found less than the Middle East figures. Bromocriptine needs to be considered in Middle East countries, including Iraq, which may be the key to improving LVEF recovery and perhaps reducing maternal mortality.
Cardiac, renal, and metabolic effects of sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors: a position paper from the European Society of Cardiology ad‐hoc task force on sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors
Authors: Herrington William G. , Savarese Gianluigi , Haynes Richard , Marx Nikolaus , Mellbin Linda , Lund Lars H. , Dendale Paul , Seferovic Petar , Rosano Giuseppe , Staplin Natalie , Baigent Colin , Cosentino Francesco
Published: June 2021

In 2015, the first large‐scale placebo‐controlled trial designed to assess cardiovascular safety of glucose‐lowering with sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition in type 2 diabetes mellitus raised hypotheses that the class could favourably modify not only risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but also hospitalization for heart failure, and the development or worsening of nephropathy. By the start of 2021, results from 10 large SGLT2 inhibitor placebo‐controlled clinical outcome trials randomizing ∼71 000 individuals have confirmed that SGLT2 inhibitors can provide clinical benefits for each of these types of outcome in a range of different populations. The cardiovascular and renal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors appear to be larger than their comparatively modest effect on glycaemic control or glycosuria alone would predict, with three trials recently reporting that clinical benefits extend to individuals without diabetes mellitus who are at risk due to established heart failure, or albuminuric chronic kidney disease. This European Society of Cardiology position paper summarizes reported results from these 10 large clinical outcome trials considering separately each of the different types of cardiorenal benefit, summarizes key molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms, and provides a synopsis of metabolic effects and safety. We also describe ongoing placebo‐controlled trials among individuals with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and among individuals with chronic kidney disease.
Single Molecule Magnet Features in the Butterfly [CoIII2LnIII2] Pivalate Family with Alcohol‐Amine Ligands
Authors: Funes Alejandro V. , Perfetti Mauro , Kern Michal , Rußegger Nadine , Carrella Luca , Rentschler Eva , van Slageren Joris , Alborés Pablo
Published: June 2021

We are reporting the synthesis and structural characterization of a new family of butterfly complexes with formula [Co2IIILn2III−(μ3−(OR))2] where −OR is an alcohol‐amine type ligand, in this case N‐methyldiethanolamine (H2mdea) with Ln=Tb, Dy, Ho, Er and Yb. This new family adds to the previously reported one, where the alcohol‐amine ligand is triethanolamine (H3tea), and allows a one‐to‐one comparison between them. From a combined experimental study, that included DC and AC magnetometry as well as HF‐EPR measurements, and a theoretical approach based on Broken‐Symmetry DFT and CASSCF‐SA‐SOC ab‐initio computations, we discuss the single molecule magnet (SMM) performance in these complexes. We focus in a few key structural parameters that correlate with the magnetization relaxation behaviour observed along the different explored lanthanide ions.
Drive towards Sonochemically Synthesized Ternary Metal Sulfide for High‐Energy Supercapattery
Authors: Alzaid Meshal , Iqbal Muhammad Zahir , Khan Junaid , Alam Shahid , Hadia N. M. A. , Mohamed W. S.
Published: June 2021

The present research focuses on, combining the chemistry of supercapacitors and batteries to get highly efficient hybrid energy storage devices. For projected drive, a novel battery‐grade electrode material is introduced. In this regard, binary and ternary metal sulfides with different compositions are synthesized via a facile sonochemical route. The electrode material Co(25%)Cu(75%)MnS (S4) reveals prime electrochemical performance, possessing a maximum specific capacity of 503.5 C g−1 while operating at 0.5 A g−1 in a three‐electrode assembly. The charge storage performance is further scrutinized in a two‐electrode assembly. A supercapattery device (S4//AC) is fabricated by coupling the Co(25%)Cu(75%)MnS (positive) and activated carbon (negative) electrodes. The device displays outstanding energy storage performance with an ultrahigh energy density of 88.71 Wh kg−1 along with a power density of 320 W kg−1. The maximum power density delivered by the assembled supercapattery device is 8000 W kg−1 in parallel with an energy density of 20 Wh kg−1. The supercapattery device also demonstrates an excellent cyclic stability potential of 84% after 3000 continuous charge/discharge cycles. The outstanding outcomes of the fabricated device reveals its potential applications in high‐performance energy storage technologies.
Uniform Zn Deposition Achieved by Conductive Carbon Additive for Zn Anode in Zinc‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Chen , Liang Qianchen , Mo Yan , Zhang Xinren , Luo Xianyou , Wu Jinpeng , Hu Pengyun , Chen Yong
Published: June 2021

The nonuniform zinc nucleation process on the surface of zinc metal anodes is known to result in irreversible dendrite growth, which brings the risk of short circuit for the zinc‐ion hybrid supercapacitor (ZIHS). Herein, a conductive carbon−zinc composite anode with dense active sites is reported to achieve controllable dendrite growth. This unique modified anode in the ZIHS enables extremely low polarization (47 mV) in the symmetric battery test and delivers excellent application performance (capacity retention of 97.7% for 10 000 cycles). In addition, the changes in crystallographic orientation and morphological characteristics of the zinc electrode during deposition are observed by ex situ analysis. The improved zinc nucleation pattern of the modified anode verifies that the carbon additive can significantly facilitate isotropy in Zn deposition. Such a successful application of this economic and expandable modification strategy shows that carbon additives have significant potential in improving the stability of the anode.
Recent Advances in Enhancing Oxygen Reduction Reaction Performance for Non‐Noble‐Metal Electrocatalysts Derived from Electrospinning
Authors: Li Haoyang , Xie Ao , Tang Yang , Yang Haichao , Huang Qian , Wan Pingyu , Yang Weimin
Published: June 2021

Carbonaceous materials originated from electrospinning fibers with hierarchical porosity and good conductivity have attracted intensive attention in the field of electrocatalysis, especially for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Large batches of fibers with uniform sizes can be easily fabricated by electrospinning technology as the precursors of carbon fibers, manifesting the potential to develop a large‐scale, low‐cost, high‐activity ORR catalyst production line for new energy devices such as fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Herein, based on a simple understanding of the ORR mechanism and electrospinning technology, those investigations on synthesizing non‐noble‐metal ORR catalysts through electrospinning in recent years are reviewed. The advantages brought by applying electrospinning technology to the preparation of ORR catalysts are briefly explained. Electrospinning fibers with specific structures for ORR catalysis obtained by innovated spinnerets are displayed. Importantly, the strategies of improving ORR performance for electrospinning fibers through substrate functionalization and active site regulation are discussed in detail. Finally, the prospects and challenges of developing electrospinning technology applied to non‐noble metal ORR electrocatalysis are proposed.
Systematic Optimization of High‐Energy‐Density Li–Se Semi‐Solid Flow Battery
Authors: Huang Kai , Zhou Pei , Chen Hongning
Published: June 2021

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are still unable to be applied in more fields due to their low energy density. This work proposes a high‐energy‐density Li–Se semi‐solid flow battery (SSFB), and improves its performance through an optimization process. The effect of composite synthesis, current collector types, and electrolyte solvent types are systematically studied. The method of impregnating Se and Ketjen black (KB) directly according to their proportion in the suspension as a composite without adding additional KB can not only effectively improve the stability and utilization of suspension, but also greatly reduce its viscosity. Carbon paper is used as the current collector to improve the performance of the system by its smaller contact resistance. The selected solvent of tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME) has smaller volatility and a larger contact angle, which contributes to the formation of a stable and uniform suspension. After optimization, the demonstrated system has achieved a volumetric capacity of 156–386 Ah L−1 with high Coulombic efficiency (≈100%) for 100 cycles. Finally, the intermittent‐flow mode test has confirmed the applicability of the system. This research provides a reference for the practical application of SSFBs and a direction for the optimization of other types of suspensions.