bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoactive Electro‐Controlled Visual Perception Memory for Emulating Synaptic Metaplasticity and Hebbian Learning
Authors: Tsai Meng Yu , Lee Ko Chun , Lin Che Yi , Chang Yuan Ming , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Ho Ching Hwa , Lien Chen Hsin , Chiu Po Wen , Lin Yen Fu
Published: July 2021

In bionic technology, it has become an innovative process imitating the functionality and structuralism of human biological systems to exploit advanced artificial intelligent machines. Bionics plays a significant role in environmental protection, especially for its low energy loss. By fusing the concept of receptor‐like sensing component and synapse‐like memory, the photoactive electro‐controlled optical sensory memory (PE‐SM) is proposed and realized in a single device, which endows a simple methodology of reducing power consumption by photoactive electro‐control. The PE‐SM is the system built with the stacked atomically thick materials, in which rhenium diselenide serves as a robust photosensor, hexagonal boron nitride serves as a tunneling dielectric, and graphene serves as a charge‐storage layer. With the features of the PE‐SM, it performs synaptic metaplasticities under optical spikes. In addition, a simulated spiking neural network composed of 24 × 24 PE‐SMs is further presented in an unsupervised machine learning environment, performing image recognition via the Hebbian rule. The PE‐SM not only improves the neuromorphic computing efficiency but also simplifies the circuit‐size structure. Eventually, the concept of photoactive electro‐control can extend to other photosensitive 2D materials and provide a new approach of constructing either visual perception memory or photonic synaptic devices.
Double Side Electromagnetic Interference‐Shielded Bending‐Insensitive Capacitive‐Type Flexible Touch Sensor with Linear Response over a Wide Detection Range
Authors: Yoo Dongwoo , Won Dong‐Joon , Cho Woosung , Lim Jongkyeong , Kim Joonwon
Published: July 2021

Flexible capacitive‐type touch sensors have significant potential in robotics, foldable displays, and wearable electronics. However, the general parallel‐plate structure of these sensors unintentionally changes initial values and sensitivity in various situations, such as in electromagnetic interference (EMI) and bending. In the present study, a double side EMI‐shielded bending‐insensitive capacitive‐type touch sensor is proposed with a linear response over a wide detection range. The device has a novel design that includes double‐sided silver nanowires (AgNWs) embedded on the surface of pyramidal‐polyurethan sponge (AeSoPS) facing the opposite direction. The double‐sided AeSoPS structure offers various advantages, such as bending‐insensitive property, EMI shielding, and linearity and detection range improvement. The fabricated device exhibits excellent linearity (R2 = 0.999) up to 700 kPa, bending‐insensitive property on rigid (up to a radius of curvature of 0.7 mm) and soft surfaces, and accurate pressure measurement with superior EMI shielding effectiveness of 99.9% attenuation from EMI (30 dB within a broad frequency range from 0.5 to 12 GHz). Therefore, the developed sensor with improved performance is promising for use in flexible touch sensors, as it offers reliable sensing functions and EMI protection in various environments.
Developments of Advanced Electrospinning Techniques: A Critical Review
Authors: Li Ya , Zhu Jiadeng , Cheng Hui , Li Guoqing , Cho Hyunjin , Jiang Mengjin , Gao Qiang , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: July 2021

Electrospinning, considered as a low‐cost and straightforward approach, attracts tremendous attention because nanofibrous materials with functional properties prepared by it can be widely applied in numerous fields, including rechargeable batteries, filtration, and distillation. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the latest advances in developing this unique technique, which starts with a brief introduction of the advantages of electrospinning and highlights ongoing research activities, followed by its principles and progress. Afterward, the corresponding properties of electrospun nanofibers are discussed. A future vision regarding challenges and perspectives in this area is proposed at the end. It is believed that this review would provide an extensive and comprehensive reference to utilize this advanced technique to generate novel nanofibers performing in high demanding areas.
Markovnikov Wacker‐Tsuji Oxidation of Allyl(hetero)arenes and Application in a One‐Pot Photo‐Metal‐Biocatalytic Approach to Enantioenriched Amines and Alcohols
Authors: Albarrán‐Velo Jesús , Gotor‐Fernández Vicente , Lavandera Iván
Published: July 2021

The Wacker‐Tsuji aerobic oxidation of various allyl(hetero)arenes under photocatalytic conditions to form the corresponding methyl ketones is presented. By using a palladium complex [PdCl2(MeCN)2] and the photosensitizer [Acr‐Mes]ClO4 in aqueous medium and at room temperature, and by simple irradiation with blue led light, the desired carbonyl compounds were synthesized with high conversions (>80%) and excellent selectivities (>90%). The key process was the transient formation of Pd nanoparticles that can activate oxygen, thus recycling the Pd(II) species necessary in the Wacker oxidative reaction. While light irradiation was strictly mandatory, the addition of the photocatalyst improved the reaction selectivity, due to the formation of the starting allyl(hetero)arene from some of the obtained by‐products, thus entering back in the Wacker‐Tsuji catalytic cycle. Once optimized, the oxidation reaction was combined in a one‐pot two‐step sequential protocol with an enzymatic transformation. Depending on the biocatalyst employed, i. e. an amine transaminase or an alcohol dehydrogenase, the corresponding (R)‐ and (S)‐1‐arylpropan‐2‐amines or 1‐arylpropan‐2‐ols, respectively, could be synthesized in most cases with high yields (>70%) and in enantiopure form. Finally, an application of this photo‐metal‐biocatalytic strategy has been demonstrated in order to get access in a straightforward manner to selegiline, an anti‐Parkinson drug.

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Local Immunomodulatory Strategies to Prevent Allo‐Rejection in Transplantation of Insulin‐Producing Cells
Authors: Wang Xi , Brown Natalie K. , Wang Bo , Shariati Kaavian , Wang Kai , Fuchs Stephanie , Melero‐Martin Juan M. , Ma Minglin
Published: July 2021

Islet transplantation has shown promise as a curative therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the side effects of systemic immunosuppression and limited long‐term viability of engrafted islets, together with the scarcity of donor organs, highlight an urgent need for the development of new, improved, and safer cell‐replacement strategies. Induction of local immunotolerance to prevent allo‐rejection against islets and stem cell derived β cells has the potential to improve graft function and broaden the applicability of cellular therapy while minimizing adverse effects of systemic immunosuppression. In this mini review, recent developments in non‐encapsulation, local immunomodulatory approaches for T1D cell replacement therapies, including islet/β cell modification, immunomodulatory biomaterial platforms, and co‐transplantation of immunomodulatory cells are discussed. Key advantages and remaining challenges in translating such technologies to clinical settings are identified. Although many of the studies discussed are preliminary, the growing interest in the field has led to the exploration of new combinatorial strategies involving cellular engineering, immunotherapy, and novel biomaterials. Such interdisciplinary research will undoubtedly accelerate the development of therapies that can benefit the whole T1D population.
Quasi‐Paired Pt Atomic Sites on Mo2C Promoting Selective Four‐Electron Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yang Tong , Zang Wenjie , Kou Zongkui , Ma Yuanyuan , Waqar Moaz , Liu Ximeng , Zheng Lirong , Pennycook Stephen J. , Liu Zhaolin , Loh Xian Jun , Shen Lei , Wang John
Published: July 2021

Atomically dispersed Pt species are advocated as a promising electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to boost noble metal utilization efficiency. However, when assembled on various substrates, isolated Pt single atoms are often demonstrated to proceed through the two‐electron ORR pathway due to the unfavorable O─O bond cleavage thermodynamics in the absence of catalytic ensemble sites. In addition, although their distinct local coordination environments at the exact single active sites are intensively explored, the interactions and synergy between closely neighboring single atom sites remain elusive. Herein, atomically dispersed Pt monomers strongly interacting on a Mo2C support is demonstrated as a model catalyst in the four‐electron ORR, and the beneficial interactions between two closely neighboring and yet non‐contiguous Pt single atom sites (named as quasi‐paired Pt single atoms) are shown. Compared to isolated Pt single atom sites, the quasi‐paired Pt single atoms deliver a superior mass activity of 0.224 A mg−1Pt and near‐100% selectivity toward four‐electron ORR due to the synergistic interaction from the two quasi‐paired Pt atom sites in modulating the binding mode of reaction intermediates. Our first‐principles calculations reveal a unique mechanism of such quasi‐paired configuration for promoting four‐electron ORR.
Machine Learning Guided Design of Single–Phase Hybrid Lead Halide White Phosphors
Authors: Yuan Hailong , Qi Luyuan , Paris Michael , Chen Fei , Shen Qiang , Faulques Eric , Massuyeau Florian , Gautier Romain
Published: July 2021

Designing new single‐phase white phosphors for solid‐state lighting is a challenging trial–error process as it requires to navigate in a multidimensional space (composition of the host matrix/dopants, experimental conditions, etc.). Thus, no single‐phase white phosphor has ever been reported to exhibit both a high color rendering index (CRI ‐ degree to which objects appear natural under the white illumination) and a tunable correlated color temperature (CCT). In this article, a novel strategy consisting in iterating syntheses, characterizations, and machine learning (ML) models to design such white phosphors is demonstrated. With the guidance of ML models, a series of luminescent hybrid lead halides with ultra‐high color rendering (above 92) mimicking the light of the sunrise/sunset (CCT = 3200 K), morning/afternoon (CCT = 4200 K), midday (CCT = 5500 K), full sun (CCT = 6500K), as well as an overcast sky (CCT = 7000 K) are precisely designed.
Engineering Carbon Materials for Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Lin Liangxu , Miao Naihua , Wallace Gordon G. , Chen Jun , Allwood Dan A.
Published: July 2021

The electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the key energy conversion reaction involved in fuel cells, metal‐air batteries, and hydrogen peroxide production. Proliferation and improvement of the ORR requires wider use of new and existing high performance catalysts; unfortunately, most of these are still based on precious metals and become uneconomical in mass‐use applications. Recent progress suggests that low cost and durable carbon materials can potentially be developed as efficient ORR catalysts. Significant efforts have been made in discovering fundamental catalytic mechanisms and engineering techniques to guide and enable viable regulation of both the ORR activity and selectivity of these carbon catalysts. Starting from the fundamental understanding, this report reviews recent progress in engineering carbon materials from exotic chemical doping to intrinsic geometric defects for improved ORR. On the basis of both theoretical and experimental investigations reported so far in this area, future improvements in carbon catalysts are also discussed, providing useful pathways for more efficient and reliable energy conversion technologies.
Adjusting accommodation microenvironment for Cu+ to enhance oxidation inhibition for thiophene capture
Authors: Li Yu‐Xia , Jin Meng‐Meng , Shi Shu , Qi Shi‐Chao , Liu Xiao‐Qin , Sun Lin‐Bing
Published: July 2021

Cu+‐containing materials have great potentials in various applications like adsorptive desulfurization. Nevertheless, their applications are severely obstructed by poor stability of Cu+ in air. Here, we first clarify the mechanism of Cu+ oxidation by first‐principle calculations and demonstrate that moisture accelerates Cu+ oxidation dramatically. Then, the microenvironment of Cu2O‐modified HKUST‐1, a typical metal‐organic framework, is adjusted from hydrophilic to hydrophobic with polydimethylsiloxane coating (producing Cu2O@HK@P). This isolates moisture from pores and enhances the stability of Cu+ significantly even under oxygen atmosphere. Cu+ in Cu2O@HK@P preserves well after exposed to air for 6 months, while Cu2O@HK lose almost all Cu+ for 2 weeks. The optimal Cu2O@HK@P can remove 540 μmol g−1 of thiophene from hydrous fuel, which is much superior to Cu2O@HK (227 μmol g−1) and most reported adsorbents. Our strategy can also be applied to stabilize Cu+ in various materials including zeolite, mesoporous silica, and activated carbon.
C‐reactive protein in adult Samoans: Population variation and physiological correlates
Authors: Rivara Anna C. , Corley Margaret , Choy Courtney C. , Duckham Rachel L. , Pomer Alysa , Reupena Muagututia Sefuiva , Viali Satupaitea , Naseri Take , Kershaw Erin E. , Crouter Scott E. , McGarvey Stephen T. , Bribiescas Richard G. , Valeggia Claudia , Hawley Nicola L.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

C‐reactive protein (CRP) has been associated with adiposity and cardiometabolic disease risk in many populations but remains remarkably understudied in Pacific Islander populations. Here, we provide the first examination of correlates of CRP in adult Samoans (n = 108, ages 35–55 years) to test the hypotheses that CRP exhibits sex‐dependent associations with measures of BMI, adiposity, and cardiometabolic disease risks.

Methods

We analyzed associations between measures of adiposity (total fat mass, visceral fat mass, percent total body fat), body mass index (BMI), cardiometabolic risks, behaviors, demographics, and CRP. Unadjusted analyses of CRP were undertaken using Pearson's pairwise, and Spearman's rank correlations; one‐way analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis tests assessed variables by CRP quartiles. Adjusted analyses of CRP correlates were examined using generalized linear regression.

Results

Serum CRP ranged from 0.08 to 13.3 mg/L (median 1.4 mg/L) and varied significantly by sex t (108) = −2.47, p = .015. CRP was weakly to moderately associated with measures of adiposity and BMI (r and ρ ranged between 0.25 and 0.50, p < .05) and some cardiometabolic markers (including HbA1c, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance). CRP was significantly associated with percent body fat in women and men, adjusting for other variables.

Conclusions

These data are among the first to demonstrate CRP correlates in a sample of adult Samoans. CRP differed by sex and was associated with BMI, adiposity, and some cardiometabolic risk markers. These data align with findings in other populations.
Porphyrinic MOF Film for Multifaceted Electrochemical Sensing
Authors: Zhou Zhenyu , Mukherjee Soumya , Hou Shujin , Li Weijin , Elsner Martin , Fischer Roland A.
Published: July 2021

Electrochemical sensors are indispensable in clinical diagnosis, biochemical detection and environmental monitoring, thanks to their ability to detect analytes in real‐time with direct electronic readout. However, electrochemical sensors are challenged by sensitivity—the need to detect low concentrations, and selectivity—to detect specific analytes in multicomponent systems. Herein, a porphyrinic metal‐organic framework (PP‐MOF), Mn‐PCN‐222 is deposited on a conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) surface. It affords Mn‐PCN‐222/ITO, a versatile voltammetric sensor able to detect redox‐active analytes such as inorganic ions, organic hazardous substances and pollutants, including nitroaromatics, phenolic and quinone‐hydroquinone toxins, heavy metal ions, biological species, as well as azo dyes. As a working electrode, the high surface area of Mn‐PCN‐222/ITO enables high currents, and therefore leverages highly sensitive analysis. The metalloporphyrin centre facilitates analyte‐specific redox catalysis to simultaneously detect more than one analyte in binary and ternary systems allowing for detection of a wide array of trace pollutants under real‐world conditions, most with high sensitivity.
Preparation and modification of thin film composite membrane using a bulky dianhydride monomer
Authors: Rezania Hamidreza , Vatanpour Vahid
Published: July 2021

One of the most effective methods to modify thin film composite (TFC) membranes is changing the chemistry of top selective layer by different monomers and different monomer concentrations. Herein, we report the preparation of modified TFC membranes using a pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) mixed with organic phase (trimesoyl chloride) and meta phenylene diamine (MPD). By manipulating the PMDA amount in organic phase, the structures and chemical compositions of polyamide selective layer could be modified. It was realized that the presence of PMDA could result in a modified membrane with higher surface roughness, less dense selective layer, more surface charge density, and better hydrophilic properties and consequently less fouling. The optimum PMDA concentration was found 0.05 wt%, such that the obtained membrane had 35.6 L m−2 h−1 pure water flux, about 1.6‐fold higher than the reference membrane with similar salt rejection. Fouling intensity for the reference membrane was 38.1%, while for the modified membranes it decreased to 16.7%.
Dramatically Enhanced and Red‐shifted Photoluminescence Achieved by Introducing an Electron‐withdrawing Group into a Non‐traditional Luminescent Small Organic Compound
Authors: Long Jiayu , Shan Jiankai , Zhao Yaxin , Ji Ying , Tan Hongwei , Wang Huiliang
Published: July 2021

Small organic compounds without any traditional fluorescent chromophores are generally non‐emissive, and only very few are reported to emit weak blue fluorescence. Here we synthesized a non‐traditional luminescent small organic compound N‐(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)acrylamide (TFAM) with dramatically enhanced and red‐shifted photoluminescence by introducing a strong electron‐withdrawing group into acrylamide (AM). Very impressively, TFAM emits cyan (472 nm) and yellow‐green (560 nm) fluorescence in solutions and solid state, respectively. TFAM also shows aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIEE) and excitation‐dependent fluorescence (EDF) characteristics, as well as temperature and metal cations‐responsive fluorescence. Theoretical calculations show that the introduction of electron‐withdrawing group leads to a lower energy gap between the HOMO–LUMO energy levels in TFAM than in AM. And strong cooperative hydrogen bonds are formed in TFAM molecules, resulting in rigidification of molecular conformations. The study provides a strategy for preparing non‐traditional luminescent compounds with enhanced and red‐shifted photoluminescence.
Variance‐constrained resilient H∞ filtering for mobile robot localization under dynamic event‐triggered communication mechanism
Authors: Lu Yanyang , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: July 2021

This paper is concerned with the mobile robot localization problem subject to filter gain uncertainty under dynamic event‐triggered communication mechanism, and meanwhile, the H∞ filtering performance and the error variance constraint are guaranteed. For saving the sensor energy, a dynamic event‐triggered communication mechanism is introduced to manage the transmission of the measurement data from the sensor to the filter. To characterize the possible fluctuations of the desired filter gain, a resilient filter is constructed for the mobile robot localization. The aim of this paper is to find a solution to the mobile robot localization problem by designing a nonlinear resilient filter such that the filtering error dynamics satisfies both the H∞ performance requirement and the error variance constraint over a finite time horizon simultaneously. By resorting to the Lyapunov theory and the stochastic analysis technique, the sufficient conditions are established to guarantee that the error dynamic system satisfies both the H∞ performance requirement and the error variance constraint. Then, a recursive linear matrix inequality (RLMI) approach is employed to design the desired filter. Based on the proposed filter design scheme, the corresponding localization algorithm is presented. Finally, an experiment is conducted in the simulation environment to verify the effectiveness of the proposed localization algorithm.
Tuning rules: Graphical analysis and experimental validation of a simplified fractional order controller for a class of open‐loop unstable systems
Authors: Dwivedi Prakash , Pandey Sandeep
Published: July 2021

The design of non‐integer order controllers and tuning of its fractional parameters have attracted the research community of science and engineering in previous years. However, few attempts already have been done by the researchers to present the excellent results for some limited cases of models using fractional controllers; still, many physical world problems are untouched and waiting to be discovered. The big obstacle which impounds the adaptation of non‐integer controllers is the complexity in the tuning rules for physical systems. The objective of this article is to present a novel graphical tuning approach of mono and dual degree fractional controllers to fulfill the five different design requirements such as iso‐damping, gain crossover frequency, sensitivity, phase margin, and steady‐state error cancellation. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested tuning technique, two test bench setups, rotary inverted pendulum and magnetic levitation system, have been taken as a case study. The experimental results are given to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Reading intervention at age 6: Long‐term effects of Reading Recovery in the UK on qualifications and support at age 16
Authors: Hurry Jane , Fridkin Lisa , Holliman Andrew J.
Published: July 2021

One argument for early intervention for reading difficulties is that it can sustainably improve children’s reading competence trajectory (the ‘inoculation model’), but there are virtually no studies on sustained effects at the end of compulsory schooling. This study reports on a 10‐year follow‐up of a widely used early literacy intervention, Reading Recovery. UK schools adopting Reading Recovery enrol selected teachers for a year’s training, after which they provide one‐to‐one tutoring and typically act as literacy advisors. In a quasi‐experimental, intention to treat, design, 293 6‐year‐olds with reading difficulties in 42 London schools were assigned to Reading Recovery (RR), standard provision in Reading Recovery schools (RRS) or standard provision in comparison schools (CS). Children were traced at ages 14 (204) and 16 (271) and data collected from the National Pupil Database. At age 14 and 16, significantly fewer RR than CS pupils were officially identified as having special educational needs, a potential consequence of reading difficulties. Using multi‐level modelling and controlling for baseline reading and Free School Meal status (an indicator of poverty), at age 16 the RR group significantly outperformed the CS group on academic qualifications (GCSEs) (d = 0.52). However, the RRS group also performed significantly better than the CS group (d = 0.37), consistent with the fact that standard provision for weaker readers in RR schools differed from that provided in CS. Thus, these results support the long‐term effects of early intervention but raise questions about the importance of whole‐school effects and systemic intervention.
Living on‐campus during COVID‐19: Prepare for reasonable accommodations requests
Authors: Gutierrez Iván Resendiz , Vasquez Eden
Published: July 2021

As vaccinations rates go up and higher education institutions return to on‐campus learning this fall, institutions may already be receiving students’ accommodations requests to waive or adjust requirements for living in on‐campus housing. Many colleges and universities waived on‐campus residency requirements during 2020, and with return to on‐campus learning this fall, these requirements are now back in force. Colleges and universities promote living on campus for a number of reasons, including the increased tendency for resident students to perform better academically, seamlessly integrate into campus activities and student organizations, and receive peer support. Students may request an adjustment to your institution's live‐on requirement if they can't receive a COVID‐19 vaccine and/or they're more susceptible to suffering from a severe case of COVID‐19 due to having an underlying medical condition. This means that students may request to live off campus, live in a private/single room on campus, or only live with a specific roommate.
Section 504, Title II, III of ADA don't apply to study abroad programs
Authors: Masinter Michael R.
Published: July 2021

Inexplicably, the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes, a technical assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Education, has inaccurately opined on the legal question of whether Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act apply to study abroad (see https://bit.ly/2M1X6wQ), asking on its website: “Are institutions required to provide accommodations for students in study abroad programs?”
Parallel comparison of R.E.N.A.L., PADUA, and C‐index scoring systems in predicting outcomes after partial nephrectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Can , Sun Jiale , Zhang Zhiyu , Zhang Haoyang , Zhou Qi , Xu Jiangnan , Ling Zhixin , Ouyang Jun
Published: July 2021

Objective

To parallelly compare the applicability of the radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness, anterior/posterior, location nephrometry score (R.E.N.A.L.), the Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA), and the centrality index (C‐index) scoring systems in predicting clinical outcomes after partial nephrectomy (PN).

Methods

We searched EMBASE, PubMed, Ovid, and Web of Science to perform a meta‐analysis examining the correlation coefficients between three nephrometry scores (NSs) and warm ischemia time (WIT), estimated blood loss (EBL), operation time (OT), length of stay (LOS), and absolute change in eGFR (ACE) up to 25 January 2021.

Results

In total, 13 studies including 1496 patients met the criteria for further analysis. Overall, all scoring systems had statistically significant correlations with the WIT, EBL, OT, ACE and LOS and ACE, except for the correlation between PADUA and LOS (r = 0.16 [−0.00, 0.31], p > 0.05). The C‐index had the strongest correlation with WIT (r = −0.35 [−0.43, −0.26], p < 0.05) and ACE (r = −0.29 [−0.48, −0.10], p < 0.05). Weak correlations were observed between OT as well as EBL and each scoring system. Publication bias was observed in PADUA score predicting ACE (p = 0.04) and high heterogeneity was found in some of our results.

Conclusion

Until now, this is the first meta‐analysis that parallelly compares these three scoring systems in predicting outcomes after PN. We found that all NSs showed a statistically significant correlation with WIT, EBL, OT, and ACE. Moreover, the C‐index scoring system is the best predictor of WIT and ACE. Due to the existence of publication bias and high heterogeneity, more well‐designed and large‐scale studies are warranted for validation.
Long‐term outcomes of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Marcusohn Erez , Zukermann Robert , Kerner Arthur , Roguin Ariel , Kobo Ofer
Published: July 2021

Objective

To assess the long‐term outcomes of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

A Retrospective cohort study of all adult patients who underwent PCI in a large tertiary care center from January 2002 to August 2020.

Results

A total of 12,951 patients underwent PCI during the study period and were included in the cohort. The population of chronic inflammatory diseases includes 247 (1.9%) patients; 70 with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 173 with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD). The composite endpoint of mortality, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or admission due to acute heart failure was similar at 30 days and more frequent in the inflammatory disease group (42.8% in AIRD group, 35.7% in the IBD group and 29.6% in the noninflammatory group, p < 0.0001). The adjusted cox regression model found a statistically significant increased risk of the composite primary endpoints of around 40% for patients both with AIRD and IBD. Readmission due to ACS was also increases at 30 days in the AIRD group compared to the noninflammatory group (0.6% vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001) and 1 year (37.6% for the AIRD group, 34.3% in the IBD group and 25.5% in the noninflammatory group (p < 0.0001). Patients with inflammatory diseases were found to have a significantly increased risk congestive heart failure admissions at 1 year in a subgroup analysis of patients with myocardial infarction.

Conclusion

Patients with AIRD and IBD are at higher risk for cardiovascular events in long‐term follow up once diagnosed with CAD and treated with PCI.
Relevance of cutaneous manifestations and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody status in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Sone Meiko , Miyabe Chie , Miyata Ryujin , Takenaka Yuko , Ishiguro Naoko
Published: July 2021

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) belongs to the family of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis syndromes. Although increasing evidence indicates the correlation of clinical and histological features with the presence or absence of ANCAs in EGPA, the variations in cutaneous features according to their ANCA status have not been fully described. Here, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical and histological findings of 9 cases of EGPA, who presented with cutaneous lesions. Our data indicate that ANCA‐positive patients often present with blisters, systemic inflammatory symptoms, and are prone to receive a higher dose of oral prednisolone and additional immunosuppressive therapies.
Fe2Mn(μ3‐O)(COO)6 Cluster Based Stable MOF for Oxidative Coupling of Amines via Heterometallic Synergy
Authors: Wang Ying‐Xia , Wang Hui‐Min , Meng Pan , Song Dong‐Xia , Qi Zhikai , Zhang Xian‐Ming
Published: July 2021

Main observation and conclusion

The direct catalytic oxidative coupling of amines is one of the attracting methods for the synthesis of a variety of pharmaceutical or industrial needed imines. Numerous earth‐abundant manganese based salts, oxides, and complexes have been applied in this reaction. However, these compounds suffered from difficult separation, large catalyst loading, complicated reactivation or indeterminate activity. Considering the facts that metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with crystalline structure, precise composition, and enormous surface area have superior performance in heterogeneous catalytic reactions, herein, we introduced Mn into [Fe3(μ3‐O)(CH3COO)6], one of the precursors for the preparation of stable MOFs, and got [Fe2Mn(μ3‐O)(CH3COO)6] cluster. After ligand replacement with biphenyl‐3,4’,5‐tricarboxylic acid (BPTC), heterometallic cluster‐based [Fe2Mn(μ3‐O)(BPTC)2(DMF)2(H2O)] (1) was obtained. As expected, 1 is stable and able to catalyze the homo‐ or cross‐coupling of amines effectively and selectively with 0.9 mol% catalyst loading at room temperature. Control experiments indicated that the catalytic activity of 1 mainly stems from Mn sites and that Fe synergistically contributes to the stability. Additionally, 1 is recyclable and can be reused easily for at least 8 runs without obvious decrease in catalytic ability. To our knowledge, 1 should be the first heterometallic cluster‐based MOF with defined structure suitable for the synthesis of diverse imines from oxidative coupling of amines under mild conditions, which may shed light on the easy preparation of effective heterogeneous catalysts for organic synthesis.
Continuum centroid classifier for functional data
Authors: Zhou Zhiyang , Sang Peijun
Published: July 2021

For the binary classification of functional data, we propose the continuum centroid classifier (CCC), which is constructed by projecting the functional data onto one specific direction. This direction is obtained via bridging the regression and classification. Our technique is neither unsupervised nor fully supervised; instead, we control the extent of the supervision. Thanks to the intrinsic infinite dimension of functional data, one of the two subtypes of CCC enjoys an (asymptotic) zero misclassification rate. Our approach includes an effective algorithm that yields a consistent empirical classifier. Simulation studies demonstrate the competitive performance of the CCC in different scenarios. Finally, we apply the CCC to two real examples.
Zap‐Pano: a Photocaged Prodrug of the KDAC Inhibitor Panobinostat
Authors: Troelsen Kathrin S. , Calder Ewen D. D. , Skwarska Anna , Sneddon Deborah , Hammond Ester M. , Conway Stuart J.
Published: July 2021

We report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a light‐activated (caged) prodrug of the KDAC inhibitor panobinostat (Zap‐Pano). We demonstrate that addition of the 4,5‐dimethoxy‐2‐nitrobenzyl group to the hydroxamic acid oxygen results in an inactive prodrug. In two cancer cell lines we show that photolysis of this compound releases panobinostat and an unexpected carboxamide analogue of panobinostat. Photolysis of Zap‐Pano causes an increase in H3K9Ac and H3K18Ac, consistent with KDAC inhibition, in an oesophageal cancer cell line (OE21). Irradiation of OE21 cells in the presence of Zap‐Pano results in apoptotic cell death. This compound is a useful research tool, allowing spatial and temporal control over release of panobinostat.
Spectrum, rate and unmet needs of sociomedical interventions in outpatient psychotherapy
Authors: Schymainski David , Solvie Julia , Linden Michael , Rose Matthias
Published: July 2021

Objective

Psychological disorders often take a long‐term course, resulting in impairment in daily life and work. Treatment must therefore target not only symptoms of illness but also capacity limitations and context restrictions, as outlined in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). This includes sociomedical and interdisciplinary interventions like coordination with other specialists, contact to employers and employment agencies, social support agencies, debt counselling, self‐help and leisure groups. There are no data on the spectrum, rate and unmet needs of sociomedical interventions in outpatient psychotherapy.

Method

Following a semistructured interview schedule, 131 psychotherapists in private practice were asked to report on unselected patients. The interviewer assessed to what degree 38 predefined sociomedical interventions were applied so far or should be considered in the future.

Result

Reports for 322 patients were gathered. All sociomedical interventions were applied, depending on the sick leave status and course of illness. Cognitive behaviour therapists used more sociomedical interventions than psychodynamic therapists.

Conclusion

The data show that sociomedical interventions are a frequent part of psychotherapy. They are used preferably in patients with participation restrictions. Psychotherapeutic concepts and education should include sociomedical aspects.
Live Imaging and Quantification of Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation
Authors: Silva Lakmali Munasinghage , Moutsopoulos Niki , Bugge Thomas H. , Doyle Andrew
Published: July 2021

NeutrophilExtracellular Trap (NET) formation (NETosis) is a unique process that occurs in response to numerous stimuli. To investigate NETosis, we created a method that can be used easily without the need for complex programming abilities and commercial software packages. This article describes a fully automated assay to quantify NETosis using fluorescence live imaging on an automated widefield inverted microscope. Herein, we describe (1) sample preparation, (2) required equipment for automated acquisition, and finally (3) analysis of NETosis using the readily available image analysis software Fiji (ImageJ2). This protocol can be adapted to evaluate NETosis after different stimuli, and can be easily modified to allow high‐throughput acquisition and analysis using a multi‐well plate format. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Neutrophil isolation and plate setup

Basic Protocol 2: Microscope and acquisition setup for automated high throughput imaging

Basic Protocol 3: Analysis of NETosis and apoptosis data
β‐Zeolite‐Assisted Lignin‐First Fractionation in a Flow‐Through Reactor**
Authors: Kramarenko Alexei , Etit Deniz , Laudadio Gabriele , D'Angelo Fernanda Neira
Published: July 2021

In the present work, a hydrogen‐free one‐step catalytic fractionation of woody biomass using commercial β‐zeolite as catalyst in a flow‐through reactor was carried out. Birch, spruce, and walnut shells were compared as lignocellulosic feedstocks. β‐Zeolite acted as a bifunctional catalyst, preventing lignin repolymerization due to its size‐selective properties and also cleaving β‐O‐4 lignin intralinkages while stabilizing reactive intermediates. A rate‐limiting step analysis using different reactor configurations revealed a mixed regime where the rates of both solvolytic delignification and zeolite‐catalyzed depolymerization and dehydration affected the net rate of aromatic monomer production. Oxalic acid co‐feeding was found to enhance monomer production at moderate concentrations by improving solvolysis, while it caused structural changes to the zeolite and led to lower monomer yields at higher concentrations. Zeolite stability was assessed through catalyst recycling and characterization. Main catalyst deactivation mechanisms were found to be coking and leaching, leading to widening of the pores and decrease of zeolite acidity, respectively.
Type 1 conventional dendritic cells and interferons are required for spontaneous CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell protective responses to breast cancer
Authors: Mattiuz Raphaël , Brousse Carine , Ambrosini Marc , Cancel Jean‐Charles , Bessou Gilles , Mussard Julie , Sanlaville Amélien , Caux Christophe , Bendriss‐Vermare Nathalie , Valladeau‐Guilemond Jenny , Dalod Marc , Crozat Karine
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To better understand how immune responses may be harnessed against breast cancer, we investigated which immune cell types and signalling pathways are required for spontaneous control of a mouse model of mammary adenocarcinoma.

Methods

The NOP23 mammary adenocarcinoma cell line expressing epitopes derived from the ovalbumin model antigen is spontaneously controlled when orthotopically engrafted in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. We combined this breast cancer model with antibody‐mediated depletion of lymphocytes and with mutant mice affected in interferon (IFN) or type 1 conventional dendritic cell (cDC1) responses. We monitored tumor growth and immune infiltration including the activation of cognate ovalbumin‐specific T cells.

Results

Breast cancer immunosurveillance required cDC1, NK/NK T cells, conventional CD4+ T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). cDC1 were required constitutively, but especially during T‐cell priming. In tumors, cDC1 were interacting simultaneously with CD4+ T cells and tumor‐specific CTLs. cDC1 expression of the XCR1 chemokine receptor and of the T‐cell‐attracting or T‐cell‐activating cytokines CXCL9, IL‐12 and IL‐15 was dispensable for tumor rejection, whereas IFN responses were necessary, including cDC1‐intrinsic signalling by STAT1 and IFN‐γ but not type I IFN (IFN‐I). cDC1 and IFNs promoted CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell infiltration, terminal differentiation and effector functions. In breast cancer patients, high intratumor expression of genes specific to cDC1, CTLs, CD4+ T cells or IFN responses is associated with a better prognosis.

Conclusion

Interferons and cDC1 are critical for breast cancer immunosurveillance. IFN‐γ plays a prominent role over IFN‐I in licensing cDC1 for efficient T‐cell activation.
OMIP 077: Definition of all principal human leukocyte populations using a broadly applicable 14‐color panel
Authors: Boesch Maximilian , Sykora Martina , Gasteiger Silvia , Baty Florent , Brutsche Martin H. , Sopper Sieghart
Published: July 2021

This Optimized Multicolor Immunofluorescence Panel was designed to identify and quantify all principal leukocyte populations in human blood using a minimum number of markers. We achieved this goal using a carefully selected combination of 14 surface markers compatible with standard flow cytometric instruments and accessible to a particularly large research community. Optimized for use in whole blood, this panel allows polymorphonuclear cell identification, supports live cell recovery, and is well‐suited for absolute cell counting applications in the original in vivo volume. Panel performance and the separation of populations are high, and virtually no cells remain undefined after gating. Besides the identification of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, T cells, natural killer cells, B cells, plasma cells, monocytes, myeloid dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, this panel also covers progenitor cells and may therefore be attractive for stem cell researchers. Envisioned applications of this panel include immune monitoring within clinical trials, initial discovery to inform subset‐targeted panels, and clinical diagnostics. In summary, this panel offers a broadly applicable platform for immune cell identification, quantification and characterization in human samples, particularly whole blood.
Targeting TRAF3IP2 alleviates high glucose‐induced cardiomyocyte inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Wei Jing , Yan Tao , Liang Yuanhong
Published: July 2021

To clarify the role of TRAF3IP2 in high glucose (HG)‐stimulated cardiomyocyte inflammation and apoptosis and its action mechanism. SiRNA plasmid of TRAF3IP2 was constructed and transfected into HG‐stimulated cardiomyocytes to silence TRAF3IP2. The expression of TRAF3IP2 was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were first observed using cell counting kit‐8 and lactate dehydrogenase assays. The inflammatory injury of the cardiomyocytes was then examined by real time‐qPCR (RT‐qPCR) and western blot. The oxidative stress of the cardiomyocytes was evaluated using reactive oxygen species assay kit, RT‐qPCR, western blot and enzyme activity assay kit. Next, cell apoptosis was detected employing TUNEL and western blot. Finally, RT‐qPCR and western blot were performed to investigate the effects of inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4, including saxagliptin, empagliflozin and linagliptin, on TRAF3IP2. TRAF3IP2 expression was found to be increased in HG‐stimulated cardiomyocytes. TRAF3IP2 interference inhibited HG‐induced cell viability loss, cytotoxicity, inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis of the cardiomyocytes. Moreover, saxagliptin, empagliflozin and linagliptin inhibited the expression of TRAF3IP2. TRAF3IP2 interference alleviates HG‐induced inflammation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. The result suggests that TRAF3IP2 may be a promising therapeutic target in treating diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Living on‐campus during COVID‐19: Prepare to handle requests for accommodations
Authors: Gutierrez Iván Resendiz , Vasquez Eden
Published: July 2021

As vaccination rates go up and higher education institutions return to on‐campus learning this fall, institutions may already be receiving students’ accommodations requests to waive or adjust requirements for living in on‐campus housing. With return to on‐campus learning this fall, these requirements are now back in force. Colleges and universities promote living on campus for a number of reasons, including the increased tendency for resident students to perform better academically, seamlessly integrate into campus activities and student organizations, and receive peer support.
Learn from the leadership of the COVID‐19 health care workers
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: July 2021

On Dec. 17, 2020, I woke up with a tickle in my throat. Later it became a cough. I took cough syrup. By the weekend, I had cold‐like symptoms and began taking medicine for cold and flu. On Monday I was nauseated; I took Pepto‐Bismol. I lay on the couch getting sicker and sicker. I tried to drink juice or ginger ale but could keep nothing down. I canceled Christmas dinner with my son and his family. By Christmas Day, I'd lost 15 pounds.
Peer note‐taking accommodations decrease during COVID‐19
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2021

The use of peer note‐taking programs as a primary accommodation in higher education dropped from 43% in 2019 to 25% in 2021. That finding comes from a white paper published by note‐taking software company Glean in May 2021 that examined the changes to accommodations and the use of assistive technology during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The white paper was based on findings from a survey that included responses from 95 different institutions.
Conversion of rainforest into oil palm and rubber plantations affects the functional composition of litter and soil Collembola
Authors: Susanti Winda Ika , Bartels Tamara , Krashevska Valentyna , Widyastuti Rahayu , Deharveng Louis , Scheu Stefan , Potapov Anton
Published: July 2021

Rainforest conversion and expansion of plantations in tropical regions are associated with changes in animal communities and biodiversity decline. In soil, Collembola are one of the most numerous invertebrate groups that affect the functioning of microbial communities and support arthropod predators. Despite that, information on the impact of changes in land use in the tropics on species and trait composition of Collembola communities is very limited. We investigated the response of Collembola to the conversion of rainforest into rubber agroforestry (“jungle rubber”), rubber, and oil palm plantations in Jambi Province (Sumatra, Indonesia), a region which experienced one of the strongest recent deforestation globally. Collembola were sampled in 2013 and 2016 from the litter and soil layer using heat extraction, and environmental factors were measured (litter C/N ratio, pH, water content, composition of microbial community and predator abundance). In the litter layer, density and species richness in plantation systems were 25%–38% and 30%–40% lower, respectively, than in rainforest. However, in the soil layer, density, species richness, and trait diversity of Collembola were only slightly affected by land‐use change, contrasting the response of many other animal groups. Species and trait composition of Collembola communities in litter and soil differed between each of the land‐use systems. Water content and pH were identified as main factors related to the differences in species and trait composition in both litter and soil, followed by the density of micro‐ and macropredators. Dominant species of Collembola in rainforest and jungle rubber were characterized by small body size, absence of furca, and absence of intense pigmentation, while in plantations, larger species with long furca and diffuse or patterned pigmentation were more abundant. Overall, land‐use change negatively affected Collembola communities in the litter layer, but its impact was lower in the soil layer. Several pantropical genera of Collembola (i.e.,Isotomiella,Pseudosinella, andFolsomides) dominated across land‐use systems, reflecting their high environmental adaptability and/or efficient dispersal, calling for studies on their ecology and genetic diversity. The decline in species richness and density of litter‐dwelling Collembola with the conversion of rainforest into plantation systems calls for management practices mitigating negative effects of the deterioration of the litter layer in rubber plantations, but even more in oil palm plantations.