bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and associated occupational factors of low back pain among the bank employees in Dhaka City
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Ahsan Gias U , Hossain Ahmed
Published: July 2020

Objective

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the common health problems among full-time office employees that causes absenteeism from work. The aim of the study is to identify the association between occupational factors and LBP among full-time bank employees in Dhaka City.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 593 full-time bank employees who were engaged in sedentary works. The 1-month complaint of LBP was measured using a subscale of subjective health complaints inventory. Multivariable logistic models were performed to identify variables related to LBP, and a random forest technique was performed to determine the top five important variables.

Results

The 1-month prevalence for LBP was found to be 36.6% among the bank employees, and the prevalence was the highest (64.3%) for the 51- to 59-year-old age group. The regression analysis indicates that respondents from both agegroups, 41-50 years (OR = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10-3.69) and 51-59 years age groups (OR = 5.14, 95% CI = 2.05-13.64), are significantly associated with LBP. Furthermore, obesity (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.01-4.21), and prolong working hours (>9 hours) (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.01-2.0) are positively associated with LBP. The top five important variables for LBP identified by random forest technique are: age, length of employment, prolong office hours, presence of chronic illness, and physical activity.

Conclusion

LBP is highly prevalent in full-time bank employees. The occupational factors, including the length of employment (>10 years) and long working hours, play a significant role in developing LBP among bank employees. Moreover, several factors, including age, chronic illness, obesity, and physical activity, should be taken into account in the prevention of LBP in bank employees.
Optical Forces: From Fundamental to Biological Applications
Authors: Xin Hongbao , Li Yuchao , Liu Yong‐Chun , Zhang Yao , Xiao Yun‐Feng , Li Baojun
Published: July 2020

Optical forces, generally arising from changes of field gradients or linear momentum carried by photons, form the basis for optical trapping and manipulation. Advances in optical forces help to reveal the nature of light–matter interactions, giving answers to a wide range of questions and solving problems across various disciplines, and are still yielding new insights in many exciting sciences, particularly in the fields of biological technology, material applications, and quantum sciences. This review focuses on recent advances in optical forces, ranging from fundamentals to applications for biological exploration. First, the basics of different types of optical forces with new light–matter interaction mechanisms and near‐field techniques for optical force generation beyond the diffraction limit with nanometer accuracy are described. Optical forces for biological applications from in vitro to in vivo are then reviewed. Applications from individual manipulation to multiple assembly into functional biophotonic probes and soft‐matter superstructures are discussed. At the end future directions for application of optical forces for biological exploration are provided.
Toward Robust Macroscale Superlubricity on Engineering Steel Substrate
Authors: Li Panpan , Ju Pengfei , Ji Li , Li Hongxuan , Liu Xiaohong , Chen Lei , Zhou Huidi , Chen Jianmin
Published: July 2020

“Structural superlubricity” is an important fundamental phenomenon in modern tribology that is expected to greatly diminish friction in mechanical engineering, but now is limited to achieve only at nanoscale and microscale in experiment. A novel principle for broadening the structural superlubricating state based on numberless micro‐contact into macroscale superlubricity is demonstrated. The topography of micro‐asperities on engineering steel substrates is elaborately constructed to divide the macroscale surface contact into microscale point contacts. Then at each contact point, special measures such as pre‐running‐in period and coating heterogeneous covalent/ionic or ionic/ionic nanocomposite of 2D materials are devised to manipulate the interfacial ordered layer‐by‐layer state, weak chemical interaction, and incommensurate configuration, thereby satisfying the prerequisites responsible for structural superlubricity. Finally, the robust superlubricating states on engineering steel–steel macroscale contact pairs are achieved with significantly reduced friction coefficient in 10−3 magnitude, extra‐long antiwear life (more than 1.0 × 106 laps), and good universality to wide range of materials and loads, which can be of significance for the industrialization of “structural superlubricity.”
Flexible Large‐Area Light‐Emitting Devices Based on WS2 Monolayers
Authors: Andrzejewski Dominik , Oliver Ruth , Beckmann Yannick , Grundmann Annika , Heuken Michael , Kalisch Holger , Vescan Andrei , Kümmell Tilmar , Bacher Gerd
Published: July 2020

Strong covalent in‐plane bonds and a tiny thickness in the nanometer range make two‐dimensional (2D) materials ideally suited for flexible electronic or optoelectronic applications. Despite this exciting perspective, only a few prototypes of such flexible devices—photodetectors and transistors—have been reported until now. The first large‐area flexible light‐emitting device (LED) based on 2D materials is realized by integrating a transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) monolayer synthesized by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) into a p–n architecture on conductive polymer foil. This flexible LED demonstrates homogeneous red light emission from a few square millimeter area in a scalable design. Uniquely, the electroluminescence can be tuned over 30 meV simply by bending the devices, i.e., by applying a defined strain. This approach combines the flexibility of organic semiconductor device concepts with the durability of inorganic semiconductor technology.
Novel Organic Semiconductors Based on 1,5‐Naphthyridine‐2,6‐Dione Unit for Blue‐Selective Organic Phototransistor
Authors: Kim Jin Hong , Choi Min‐Woo , Kim Su‐Yeon , Jung Seyoung , Choi Yeong Suk , Park Soo Young
Published: July 2020

Novel bis‐lactam based narrowband blue light absorbing organic p‐type semiconducting molecules including 3,7‐di(naphthalen‐1‐yl)‐1,5‐dioctyl‐1,5‐naphthyridine‐2,6‐dione (C8‐NTDN1) are synthesized and their phototransistor properties are investigated. Based on the excellent optical (absorption peak at 446 nm with full width at half‐maximum value of 70.7 nm) and electrical properties (field effect hole mobility of up to 0.38 cm2 V−1 s−1), C8‐NTDN1 phototransistor shows decent photoresponsivity of up to 3.6 × 102 A W−1, which can be further improved to 2.1 × 103 A W−1 by overlaying discontinuous C60 layer on top of C8‐NTDN1 thin‐film.
Aliovalent Doping and Surface Grafting Enable Efficient and Stable Lead‐Free Blue‐Emitting Perovskite Derivative
Authors: Xiong Guangting , Yuan Lifang , Jin Yahong , Wu Haoyi , Li Zhenzhang , Qu Bingyan , Ju Guifang , Chen Li , Yang Shihe , Hu Yihua
Published: July 2020

Lead halide perovskites have emerged as superstar semiconductors owing to their superior optoelectronic properties. However, the issues of chemical and thermodynamic instability and toxicity are yet to be resolved. Here, the non‐ and Bi3+‐doped all‐inorganic lead‐free perovskite derivatives are reported. Most remarkable is the successful extending of excitation of Cs2ZrCl6 to match with the commercial near ultraviolet light‐emitting diode chips via deliberate Bi3+ aliovalent doping. The blue emission, contrary to self‐trapped exciton (STE) emissions amply reported previously, originates from Bi3+ ionoluminescence with a high photoluminescence quantum efficiency of 50%. The competition for harvesting electrons between STEs and Bi3+ is studied in detail by steady‐ and transient‐state fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with theoretical calculations. Surface grafting endows Cs2ZrCl6:Bi3+ with a robust water‐resistant core–shell‐like structure and abiding emission. Surprisingly, the emission intensity even increases to 115.94% of the initial level after immersing in water for 2 h. The as‐obtained phosphor enables the fabrication of a white light‐emitting diode (w‐LED), achieving CCT = 4179 K and Ra = 81.9. This work not only promotes the step toward development of lead‐free, stable, and high‐efficiency perovskite derivatives for the next‐generation warm w‐LEDs, but also reveals the structure–PL relationship.
Thermally Activated Delayed Phosphorescence and Interchromophore Exciton Coupling in a Platinum‐Based Organometallic Emitter
Authors: Mak Chun Hong , Liu Rugeng , Han Xu , Tang Yunqi , Zou Xingli , Shen Hsin‐Hui , Meng Yao , Zou Guizheng , Hsu Hsien‐Yi
Published: July 2020

The comprehension of triplet exciton mechanisms in organic–inorganic semiconductors has a significant impact on emerging optoelectronic and biosensing technologies. The capability to mutually integrate the photophysical properties of conjugated organic semiconductor with those of well‐characterized heavy metals is therefore of utmost importance. Due to heavy‐atom effect, the platinum‐based triplet emitter, PPtTPtT, achieves highly efficient phosphorescence. Here, it is first demonstrated that π‐conjugated PPtTPtT organometallics in electrochemiluminescence (ECL) devices exhibit precisely dual and blueshifted phosphorescence simultaneously induced by thermally activated delayed phosphorescence (TADP) and interchromophore exciton interaction in H‐aggregates. Utilizing a combination of photophysical and electrochemical techniques, the distinctive ECL process involving energy sufficient singlet route (S‐route), intersystem crossing, as well as triplet relaxation, hereafter called SIT‐route, is reported for the first time. The hybrid TADP materials designed with donor–acceptor–donor system enable potential applications, including but not limited to organic light‐emitting diodes, light‐emitting electrochemical cells, imaging devices, and other bio‐related detections.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Imidazolines (2009–2020)
Authors: Mehedi Md Shafaat Al , Tepe Jetze J.
Published: July 2020

Imidazoline is an important class of compounds found in numerous natural and pharmaceutical products. The compounds are also used as an intermediate in the synthesis of organic molecules. Moreover, chiral imidazolines are widely utilized as organocatalysts to synthesize various natural and synthetic organic compounds. In the past decade, there was an increase in interest in developing new methods to synthesize these imidazoline analogs. Both modification of the previously established methods and the development of new methods are carried out significantly. This review article highlights the progress of the synthesis of imidazoline scaffolds in the last few years (2009‐present). The review also described the proposed mechanism illustrated in many of the reports.

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Asymmetric Nazarov Cyclizations of Unactivated Dienones by Hydrogen‐Bond‐Donor/Lewis Acid Co–Catalyzed, Enantioselective Proton‐Transfer
Authors: Metternich Jan B. , Reiterer Martin , Jacobsen Eric N.
Published: July 2020

We report an enantioselective Nazarov cyclization catalyzed by chiral hydrogen‐bond‐donors in concert with silyl Lewis acids. The developed transformation provides access to tri‐substituted cyclopentenones in high levels of enantioselectivity (up to 95% e.e.) from a variety of simple unactivated dienones. Kinetic and mechanistic studies are consistent with a reversible 4π‐electrocyclization C−C bond‐forming step followed by rate‐ and enantio‐determining proton‐transfer as the mode of catalysis.

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Polyisocyanide Hydrogels as a Tunable Platform for Mammary Gland Organoid Formation
Authors: Zhang Ying , Tang Chunling , Span Paul N. , Rowan Alan E. , Aalders Tilly W. , Schalken Jack A. , Adema Gosse J. , Kouwer Paul H. J. , Zegers Mirjam M. P. , Ansems Marleen
Published: July 2020

In the last decade, organoid technology has developed as a primary research tool in basic biological and clinical research. The reliance on poorly defined animal‐derived extracellular matrix, however, severely limits its application in regenerative and translational medicine. Here, a well‐defined, synthetic biomimetic matrix based on polyisocyanide (PIC) hydrogels that support efficient and reproducible formation of mammary gland organoids (MGOs) in vitro is presented. Only decorated with the adhesive peptide RGD for cell binding, PIC hydrogels allow MGO formation from mammary fragments or from purified single mammary epithelial cells. The cystic organoids maintain their capacity to branch for over two months, which is a fundamental and complex feature during mammary gland development. It is found that small variations in the 3D matrix give rise to large changes in the MGO: the ratio of the main cell types in the MGO is controlled by the cell–gel interactions via the cell binding peptide density, whereas gel stiffness controls colony formation efficiency, which is indicative of the progenitor density. Simple hydrogel modifications will allow for future introduction and customization of new biophysical and biochemical parameters, making the PIC platform an ideal matrix for in depth studies into organ development and for application in disease models.
Electrolytes toward High‐Voltage Na3V2(PO4)2F3 Positive Electrode Durable against Temperature Variation
Authors: Hwang Jinkwang , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Hagiwara Rika
Published: July 2020

High power and energy density, long cyclability, and tolerance for wide temperature (seasonal and daily operational temperature differences) must be considered to construct large‐scale sodium secondary batteries. In this regard, Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF) has become a subject of interest as a high‐performance positive electrode material owing to its high energy density. However, the high operating voltage of NVPF causes continuous decomposition of electrolytes during cycles, resulting in significant capacity fading and low Coulombic efficiency. In this study, the electrochemical performance of the NVPF electrode in organic solvent electrolytes with and without additives and an ionic liquid is investigated at high voltage regimes over a wide temperature range (−20 °C to 90 °C). The results reveal that the performance of organic electrolytes is still insufficient even with additives, and the ionic liquid electrolyte demonstrates high electrochemical stability and cyclability with NVPF electrodes over a temperature range from −20 °C to 90 °C, achieving stable cycling over 500 cycles. The detailed electrochemical analysis combined with X‐ray photoelectron and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy indicates that a sturdy cathode electrolyte interphase layer around the electrode protects it from capacity fading at high voltage and elevated temperature, resulting in high Coulombic efficiency.
Early language measures associated with later psychosis features in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Solot Cynthia B. , Moore Tyler M. , Crowley Terrence Blaine , Gerdes Marsha , Moss Edward , McGinn Daniel E. , Emanuel Beverly S. , Zackai Elaine H. , Gallagher Sean , Calkins Monica E. , Ruparel Kosha , Gur Ruben C. , McDonald‐McGinn Donna M. , Gur Raquel E.
Published: July 2020

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is associated with impaired cognitive functions and increased risk for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Speech and language deficits are prominent, with evidence of decline anteceding emergence of psychosis. There is paucity of data examining language function in children with 22q11DS with follow‐up assessment of psychosis spectrum (PS) symptoms. We examined the association between early language measures, obtained clinically, and PS status, obtained on average 10.1 years later, in 166 youths with 22q11DS, with repeated language testing in 48. Participants were administered the Preschool Language Scale (receptive/expressive), and/or, for school aged children, the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (receptive/expressive), and age appropriate IQ tests. The structured interview for prodromal syndromes (SIPS) assessed PS symptoms. We found that performance on all preschool measures showed age associated decline, and males performed more poorly on core composite (receptive/expressive) and receptive language measures. For language assessment later in childhood, poorer performance was consistently associated with subsequent PS status. Furthermore, steeper age‐related decline was seen in the PS group across language measures and marginally for full‐scale IQ. These findings suggest that while preschool language testing is useful in characterizing performance decline in individuals with 22q11DS, it does not robustly differentiate those with subsequent PS from those without. However, language testing in the school age population can help identify individuals with 22q11DS who are at risk for psychosis. Such data are needed for elucidating a lifespan trajectory for affected individuals and may help understand pathways to psychosis applicable to the general population.
A randomized, controlled clinical trial of plasma exchange with albumin replacement for Alzheimer's disease: Primary results of the AMBAR Study
Authors: Boada Mercè , López Oscar L. , Olazarán Javier , Núñez Laura , Pfeffer Michael , Paricio María , Lorites Jesús , Piñol‐Ripoll Gerard , Gámez José E. , Anaya Fernando , Kiprov Dobri , Lima José , Grifols Carlota , Torres Mireia , Costa Montserrat , Bozzo Jordi , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Hendrix Suzanne , Páez Antonio
Published: July 2020

Introduction

This phase 2b/3 trial examined the effects of plasma exchange (PE) in patients with mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Three hundred forty‐seven patients (496 screened) were randomized (1:1:1:1) into three PE treatment arms with different doses of albumin and intravenous immunoglobulin replacement (6‐week period of weekly conventional PE followed by a 12‐month period of monthly low‐volume PE), and placebo (sham).

Results

PE‐treated patients performed significantly better than placebo for the co‐primary endpoints: change from baseline of Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study–Activities of Daily Living (ADCS‐ADL; P = .03; 52% less decline) with a trend for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADAS‐Cog; P = .06; 66% less decline) scores at month 14. Moderate‐AD patients (baseline Mini‐Mental State Examination [MMSE] 18‐21) scored better on ADCS‐ADL (P = .002) and ADAS‐Cog (P = .05), 61% less decline both. There were no changes in mild‐AD patients (MMSE 22‐26). PE‐treated patients scored better on the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR‐sb) (P = .002; 71% less decline) and Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study‐Clinical Global Impression of Change (ADCS‐CGIC) (P < .0001; 100% less decline) scales.

Discussion

This trial suggests that PE with albumin replacement could slow cognitive and functional decline in AD, although further studies are warranted.
Facile Synthesis of Metal–Organic Framework (ZIF‐11) and Ag NPs Encapsulated‐ZIF‐11 Composite as an Effective Heterogeneous Catalyst for Photodegradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Chandra Ramesh , Nath Mala
Published: July 2020

Facile synthesis of metal–organic framework based on zeolitic imidazolate (ZIF‐11) has been optimized to get a material with rho topology. For the first time AgNPs in various dosing amounts (using 150, 300 and 500 μL of its suspension in methanol) have been successfully encapsulated within ZIF‐11 matrix at room temperature using binary solvent (methanol and toluene) yielding novel multi‐core‐shell AgNPs@ZIF‐11 (AZ1, AZ2 and AZ3) composites. Encapsulation of AgNPs (particle size: 11.76 ± 2.3 nm) has been confirmed by TEM and ultraviolet diffuse reflectance spectroscopic (UV‐DRS) analysis. The lowering of band gap of ZIF‐11 from 4.36 to 4.21 eV indicates the micro‐environment of AgNPs within ZIF‐11 framework, which has also been ensured by XPS analysis. ZIF‐11 and AgNPs@ZIF‐11 composites are highly stable up to 500 °C under air and N2 atmosphere. It has been found that AZ1 composite exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity (almost 100% degradation) toward MB (1.6 mg/L) at pH ≥ 8. Further, various factors such as loading amount of AgNPs (150, 300 and 500 μL suspension in methanol), amount of catalysts (5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg) and concentration (1.6 mg L−1, 3.19 mg L−1 and 6.38 mg L−1) of methylene blue (MB) dye during photodegradation experiments have been investigated. The capacious achievement of AZ1 composite is its reusability and recyclability; it can be reutilized up to three cycles with the same efficiency (100%) while under fourth and fifth cycle, it can degrade off 92.12% and 72.75% MB, respectively. AgNPs may act as a mediator to promote the quick transfer of photo‐induced electrons and electron–hole pairs separation in ZIF‐11. This work opens a new type of easily fabricated core‐shell composites utilizing ZIF‐11 for wastewater remediation process.
A Soap‐Free Strategy for One‐Pot Synthesizing Conjugated Linoleic Acid: Alkali Isomerization of Linoleic Acid through Preferential Esterification Pathway
Authors: San Khin Nyein Ei , Fan Ye , Fang Yun , Xia Yongmei , Ma Lin
Published: July 2020

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) exhibits beneficial biological activities but possesses poor natural abundance, which is usually obtained by alkali isomerization of linoleic acid (LNA). The one‐pot alkali isomerization consists two reactions, firstly saponifying LNA and then isomerizing linoleate. This current process has been limited by two drawbacks, the overconsumption of both alkali and solvent, as well as the weak mass/heat transfer of the viscous paste of reaction mixture that limits the synthesis scale. The present study alternated the reaction pathway with a soap‐free preferential esterification pathway, that is, firstly employing slight NaOH to induce the esterification of LNA and diol (the reaction solvent), then conducting alkali isomerization of the intermediate alkyl linoleate instead of sodium linoleate. In this developed one‐pot procedure, a CLA yield of 90% and the selectivity of the desired isomers (“c9, t11” and “t10, c12” CLA) of 82.4% were obtained; and it reduced the consumption of NaOH and the solvent by 60% and 25% comparing to the current soap pathway, respectively; Yet the result is comparative to that obtained with assistant of microwave/ultrasound in even longer reaction time. In this way, the two drawbacks can be overcome and the green characteristics of the current process was well kept.
Hydrothermal synthesis, dielectric properties of barium titanate, cobalt doped barium titanate, and their graphene nanoplatelet composites
Authors: Baiju Kuttappan Gireesh , Nagarajan Aishwarya , Marappa Gounder Sadasivam Akshaya , Sukumar Rajan Deva Darsan , Sri Sai Vignathi Karlapudi , Balu Murali , Kumaresan Duraisamy
Published: July 2020

In this work, pure barium titanate (BT) and cobalt doped barium titanate (CBT) were synthesized by using barium chloride, tetrabutyl titanate, cobalt chloride, and titanium chloride as precursors via a two‐step hydrothermal process. These precursor mixtures were further blended with a dispersion of surfactant + graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) judiciously during the second step of hydrothermal process to obtain their respective BT‐GNP and CBT‐GNP nanocomposites. The morphological and crystal structures of BT, CBT, BT‐GNP, and CBT‐GNP samples were analyzed by the powder XRD, and FESEM revealed that the formations of 10‐ to 30‐nm‐sized cubic phase BT, CBT nanoparticles with least amount of agglomerations, and more spherically shaped particles in the CBT, whereas their nanocomposite morphologies and compositional elemental mapping showed random distributions of BT and CBT particles over the GNP. The FT‐IR analysis indicated the presence of strong chemical interactions between the nanoparticles and GNP sheets in both the BT‐GNP and CBT‐GNP nanocomposites. Furthermore, the dielectric measurements carried out on the BT, CBT, BT‐GNP, and CBT‐GNP samples showed tremendous influences of metal doping and GNP on the BT which can support to tune its dielectric properties for several storage applications.
Theatre and drama education and populism: The ensemble ‘family’ as a space for dialogic empathy and civic care
Authors: Kitchen Jennifer
Published: July 2020

This article, understanding populism as an essentially undemocratic ideology, argues that the pro‐social theatre education approach of ensemble pedagogy can offer a model of educational practice which counters these anti‐democratic rhetorics by creating a shared space for the enactment of empathetic discourse. Via an ethnography of the UK Shakespeare Schools Foundation festival project, the notion of the theatre education ensemble ‘family’ as a model of civic caring is offered as an alternative, feminist ‘care perspective’ on civic and political rhetorics, in contrast to the patriarchal ‘justice perspectives’ which facilitate the reductive anti‐democratic rhetorics of populism. Thus, this article concludes that ensemble approaches to theatre education, viewed through this feminist pedagogy lens, hold rich potential for developing learners’ capacity to resist populism and act in socially hopeful ways.
Mining of UDP‐glucosyltrfansferases in licorice for controllable glycosylation of pentacyclic triterpenoids
Authors: Zhang Liang , Ren Shichao , Liu Xiaofei , Liu Xiaochen , Guo Fang , Sun Wentao , Feng Xudong , Li Chun
Published: July 2020

Pentacyclic triterpenoids have wide applications in the pharmaceutical industry. The precise glucosylation at C‐3 OH of pentacyclic triterpenoids mediated by uridine 5'‐diphospho‐glucosyltransferase (UDP‐glucosyltransferase [UGT]) is an important way to produce valuable derivatives with various improved functions. However, most reported UGTs suffer from low regiospecificity toward the OH and COOH groups of pentacyclic triterpenoids, which significantly decreases the reaction efficiency. Here, two new UGTs (UGT73C33 and UGT73F24) were discovered in Glycyrrhiza uralensis. UGT73C33 showed high activity but poor regioselectivity toward the C‐3 OH and C‐30 COOH of pentacyclic triterpenoid, producing three glucosides. UGT73F24 showed rigid regioselectivity toward C‐3 OH of typical pentacyclic triterpenoids producing only C‐3 O‐glucosylated derivatives. In addition, UGT73C33 and UGT73F24 showed a broad substrate scope toward typical flavonoids with various sugar donors. Next, the substrate recognition mechanism of UGT73F24 toward glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) and UDP‐glucose was investigated. Two key residues, I23 and L84, were identified to determine activity, and site‐directed mutagenesis of UGT73F24‐I23G/L84N increased the activity by 4.1‐fold. Furthermore, three in vitro GA glycosylation systems with UDP‐recycling were constructed, and high yields of GA‐3‐O‐Glc (1.25 mM), GA‐30‐O‐Glc (0.61 mM), and GA‐di‐Glc (0.26 mM) were obtained. The de novo biosynthesis of GA‐3‐O‐glucose (26.31 mg/L) was also obtained in engineered yeast.
The overlooked reproductive function of the human clitoris—News media responses to the published review
Authors: Levin Roy J.
Published: July 2020

A brief survey of how the news media reported and misreported on the publication of the review that revealed the overlooked empirical evidence for the reproductive function of the human clitoris.
What goes around comes around: The integrated role of emotions on consumer ethical decision‐making
Authors: Escadas Marco , Jalali Marjan S. , Farhangmehr Minoo
Published: July 2020

The current study aims to further our understanding of the integrated role of emotions on consumer decision‐making involving ethical issues, by considering the influence of both positive and negative emotions on ethical decision‐making process. It considers not only the emotions experienced prior to ethical decision‐making (pre‐decision emotions) but also those resulting from the course of action chosen (post‐decision emotions). Scenarios are used, and the results of the structural modelling analyses support the proposed relationships between current emotions, consumers' ethical decision‐making, post‐decision emotions and future ethical behavioural intentions. The data suggest the possible existence of a “virtuous ethical cycle”, whereby positive emotions lead to more ethical consumer decisions and behaviours; and these in turn lead to more positive (post‐decision) emotions, which have a positive and significant effect on future ethical behavioural intentions. In addition, happiness emerges as exerting a pivotal role in predicting consumer ethical decisions.
In vivo application of decellularized rat colon and evaluation of the engineered scaffolds following 9 months of follow‐up
Authors: Kajbafzadeh Abdol‐Mohammad , Fendereski Kiarad , Khorramirouz Reza , Daryabari Seyedeh Sima , Masoomi Ahmad , Moosavi Shirin , Ataei Mahba , Arshadi Hamid
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the rat small intestine mesentery and colon as natural bio‐reactors for rat colon‐derived scaffolds. We decellularized eight whole rat colons by a perfusion‐based protocol using 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate for 24 hr. The provided bio‐scaffolds were examined by histological staining, scanning electron microscopy, and collagen and sulfated glycosaminoglycan quantification. Subsequently, we implanted 4 cm segments of the provided bio‐scaffolds into two groups of animal models comprising tissue grafting into the mesenteric tissue (n: 10) and end‐to‐end anastomosis (n: 10) to the colon of host rats. Following 9 months of follow‐up, we harvested the grafts and performed histological and immunohistochemical studies as well as real‐time PCR evaluation for telomerase activity of the samples. Histological staining, scanning electron microscopy and protein content evaluation of the acellular tissues confirmed the complete removal of the cellular components and preservation of the extracellular matrix. Histopathological assessment of the implanted scaffolds was suggestive of a regenerative process in both groups. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis of the samples confirmed the presence of smooth muscle cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and neural elements in both groups of grafted scaffolds. Our data confirmed the recellularization of the acellular colon grafts in both groups after 9 months of follow up. Also, the implanted tissues demonstrated different characteristics based on their implantation location. The outcomes of this investigation illustrate the capability of acellular tissues for in vivo application and regeneration.
Porphyrin‐Based Metal−Organic Framework Compounds as Promising Nanomedicines in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Yu Wenmei , Zhen Wenqiang , Zhang Qizhi , Li Yanchun , Luo Hongyu , He Jun , Liu Yunmei
Published: July 2020

Porphyrin photosensitizers are widely used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) because of their unique diagnostic and therapeutic functions. However, many factors such as poor water solubility and instability of porphyrin compounds have limited their clinical application. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have the beneficial characteristics of versatility, high porosity, and excellent biocompatibility. Porphyrin‐MOF nanomaterials have attracted the attention of researchers because MOFs can effectively suppress the quenching caused by the self‐aggregation of porphyrin compounds and promote drug delivery. This article reviews the latest applications of porphyrin‐MOF nanomedicine in type II photodynamic therapy by increasing tumour cell oxygen concentration, depleting tumour cell functional molecules and releasing signal molecules. Current potential limitations and future applications are also emphasized and discussed herein.
Turning Donepezil into a Multi‐Target‐Directed Ligand through a Merging Strategy
Authors: Perone Rosaria , Albertini Claudia , Uliassi Elisa , Di Pietri Flaminia , de Sena Murteira Pinheiro Pedro , Petralla Sabrina , Rizzardi Nicola , Fato Romana , Pulkrabkova Lenka , Soukup Ondrej , Tramarin Anna , Bartolini Manuela , Bolognesi Maria Laura
Published: July 2020

Thanks to the widespread use and safety profile of donepezil (1) in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most widely adopted multi‐target‐directed ligand (MTDL) design strategies is to modify its molecular structure by linking a second fragment carrying an additional AD‐relevant biological property. Herein, supported by a proposed combination therapy of 1 and the quinone drug idebenone, we rationally designed novel 1‐based MTDLs targeting Aβ and oxidative pathways. By exploiting a bioisosteric replacement of the indanone core of 1 with a 1,4‐naphthoquinone, we ended up with a series of highly merged derivatives, in principle devoid of the “physicochemical challenge” typical of large hybrid‐based MTDLs. A preliminary investigation of their multi‐target profile identified 9, which showed a potent and selective butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, together with antioxidant and antiaggregating properties. In addition, it displayed a promising drug‐like profile.
SPACE‐ARFID: A pilot trial of a novel parent‐based treatment for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
Authors: Shimshoni Yaara , Silverman Wendy K. , Lebowitz Eli R.
Published: July 2020

Objective

This pilot trial aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, treatment‐satisfaction, and preliminary efficacy of Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions adapted for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (SPACE‐ARFID). SPACE‐ARFID is a novel outpatient parent‐based treatment that focuses on parental responses to child problematic eating habits and aims to promote food‐related flexibility.

Method

Parents of 15 children (ages 6–14 years) with ARFID participated in 12 weekly sessions of SPACE‐ARFID. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed by calculating enrollment, attendance, attrition, and adverse events. Treatment‐satisfaction was assessed with the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ‐8), administered posttreatment. ARFID symptom severity and impairment and family accommodation were assessed at baseline and posttreatment.

Results

Of 17 eligible families, 15 (88.24%) elected to participate in the trial. Of the 15 participating families, all except for 1 (6.67%) completed all 12 weekly treatment sessions. Both parents and children rated the treatment as highly satisfactory. ARFID symptom severity and impairment as well as family accommodation were significantly reduced from pre‐ to posttreatment. Increases in food‐related flexibility are described.

Discussion

Findings provide preliminary evidence that SPACE‐ARFID, a parent‐based treatment that focuses on parental responses to the ARFID symptoms is feasible, acceptable, and satisfactory and produces improvement in clinical outcomes.
Leading‐edge disequilibrium in alder and spruce populations across the forest–tundra ecotone
Authors: Travers‐Smith Hana Z. , Lantz Trevor C.
Published: July 2020

The distribution and composition of Arctic vegetation are expected to shift with ongoing climate change. Global models generally predict northward shifts in high‐latitude ecotones, and analysis of remote sensing data shows widespread greening and changes in vegetation structure across the circumpolar Arctic. However, there are still uncertainties related to the timing of these shifts and variation among different plant functional types. In this paper, we investigate disequilibrium dynamics of green alder and white spruce in the Tuktoyaktuk Coastal Plain, NWT. We used high‐resolution air photographs captured in the 1970s and 2000s to quantify changes in the distribution and abundance of alder and spruce near their northern limits. We found increases in alder and spruce stem density over time, but no change in their range limits, indicating that both species are affected by leading‐edge disequilibrium. Low stand density and temperature limitation of reproduction along the northern margin likely contributed to observed disequilibrium in both species. We also observed the greatest change in species occupancy within a burned area, suggesting that the increased frequency of fire will play a significant role in the timing and magnitude of near‐term vegetation change.
Comparing models using air and water temperature to forecast an aquatic invasive species response to climate change
Authors: Walsh Jake R. , Hansen Gretchen J. A. , Read Jordan S. , Vander Zanden M. Jake
Published: July 2020

Understanding invasive species spread and projecting how distributions will respond to climate change is a central task for ecologists. Typically, current and projected air temperatures are used to forecast future distributions of invasive species based on climate matching in an ecological niche modeling approach. While this approach was originally developed for terrestrial species, it has also been widely applied to aquatic species even though aquatic species do not experience air temperatures directly. In the case of lakes, species respond to lake thermal regimes, which reflect the interaction of climate and lake attributes such as depth, size, and clarity. The result is that adjacent waterbodies can differ notably in thermal regime. Given these obvious limitations of modeling aquatic species distributions using climate data, we take advantage of recent advances in simulating lake thermal regimes to model the distributions of invasive spiny water flea (Bythotrephes cederströmii) for current and projected future climates in the upper Midwest of the USA. We compared predictions and future projections from models based on modeled air temperatures with models based on modeled water temperature. All models predicted that the number of suitable lakes in the region will decrease with climate change. Models based on air and water temperature differed dramatically in the extent of this decrease. The air temperature model predicted 89% of study lakes to be suitable, with suitability declining dramatically in the late century with climate warming to just a single suitable lake. Lake suitability predictions from the water temperature model declined to a much lesser degree with warming (42% of lakes were predicted to be suitable, declining to 19% in the late century) and were more spatially independent. Our results expose the limitations of using air temperatures to model habitat suitability for aquatic species, and our study further highlights the importance of understanding lake‐specific responses to climate when assessing aquatic species responses to climate change. While we project a contraction in the potential range of Bythotrephes with warming in the study region, we anticipate that Bythotrephes will likely continue to expand into new lakes that will remain suitable in the following decades.
Heterogeneity of soil structure and fertility during desertification of alpine grassland in northwest Sichuan
Authors: Ma Li , Wang Qing , Shen Songtao , Li Fucheng , Li Li
Published: July 2020

The variations of soil structure and soil physical–chemical properties in the process of alpine grassland desertification were revealed, and the indicators of grassland desertification were put forward in order to deepen the understanding of the law of degradation succession and development of alpine grassland. It was used to provide scientific basis for ecological restoration and improvement of ecological service function of alpine grassland. With severe desertification alpine grassland as the core in the Hongyuan County, Tibetan Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Ngawa, Sichuan Province, China, along both the directions of wetland and arid grassland, the heterogeneity of soil structure and soil fertility in both directions was studied by the analysis of the mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), >0.25 mm aggregate content (R0.25), fractal dimension (D), soil bulk density, soil moisture content, and soil nutrients. Our results showed that MWD, GMD, and R0.25 all gradually increased, but the D decreased with the reduction in the degree of desertification in the arid grassland and wetland, resulting in the strong stability of soil structure. The decreasing rate of the D in the direction of arid grassland was faster than that of wetland. Therefore, soil structure stability and erosion resistance in the direction of arid grassland were stronger than that of wetland soil; the D had different response to aggregates with different particle sizes. The aggregate less than 0.25 mm (r = 0.981, P < 0.01) and 1–2 mm (r = −0.79, P < 0.01) had the largest responses in the direction of the arid grassland and wetland, respectively; the aggregate more than 1 mm and 1–2 mm can be used as indicators to evaluate desertification of the soil in the direction of the arid grassland and wetland, respectively. The higher the content of the indicating aggregates, the weaker the degree of the desertification.
Frontal vehicle illumination via rear‐facing lighting reduces potential for collisions with white‐tailed deer
Authors: DeVault Travis L. , Seamans Thomas W. , Blackwell Bradley F.
Published: July 2020

Animal–vehicle collisions cause many millions of animal deaths each year worldwide and present a substantial safety risk to people. In the United States and Canada, deer (Odocoileus spp.) are involved in most animal–vehicle collisions associated with human injuries. We evaluated a vehicle‐based collision mitigation method designed to decrease the likelihood of deer–vehicle collisions during low‐light conditions, when most collisions occur. Specifically, we investigated whether the use of a rear‐facing light, providing more complete frontal vehicle illumination than standard headlights alone, enhanced vehicle avoidance behaviors of white‐tailed deer (O. virginianus). We quantified flight initiation distance (FID), the likelihood of a dangerous deer–vehicle interaction (FID ≤ 50 m), and road‐crossing behavior of deer in response to an oncoming vehicle using only standard high‐beam headlights and the same vehicle using headlights plus an LED light bar illuminating the frontal surface of the vehicle. We predicted that frontal vehicle illumination would enhance perceived risk of deer approached by the vehicle and lead to more effective avoidance responses. We conducted 62 vehicle approaches (31 per lighting treatment) toward free‐ranging deer over ~14 months. Although FID did not differ across treatments, the likelihood of a dangerous deer–vehicle interaction decreased from 35% of vehicle approaches using only headlights to 10% of vehicle approaches using the light bar. The reduction in dangerous interactions appeared to be driven by fewer instances of immobility (freezing) behavior by deer in response to the illuminated vehicle (n = 1) compared with approaches using only headlights (n = 10). Because more deer moved in response to the illuminated vehicle, road‐crossing behavior likewise increased when the light bar was on, although these road crossings primarily occurred at FIDs > 50 m and thus did not increase collision risk. Road‐crossing behavior was influenced heavily by proximity to concealing cover; deer only crossed when the nearest cover was located on the opposite side of the road. We contend that frontal vehicle illumination via rear‐facing lighting has potential to greatly reduce vehicle collisions with deer and other species. Future work should explore fine‐tuning the method with regard to the visual capabilities of target species.
The role of species traits for grassland productivity
Authors: Taubert Franziska , Hetzer Jessica , Schmid Julia S. , Huth Andreas
Published: July 2020

The relation between species diversity and ecosystem functioning is one of the most frequently discussed topics in ecology. Experiments often revealed an increase of productivity in species‐rich ecosystems. But large variations in these relationships, both on a local scale and in comparisons of sites along environmental gradients, still challenge our understanding of the role of species (with specific traits) and their interactions in ecosystems. In this study, we explored the role of species traits for ecosystem functioning. We used an individual‐based mechanistic grassland model which captures intra‐ and interspecific competition between plants for light and soil resources. We explored how the dynamics and productivity of grasslands are influenced by species traits and analyzed in a simulation study two species, which differ only in one particular trait. Our focus was on traits that determine how species can cope with resource limitations, for which we identified their relative importance for (1) individual plant growth, (2) monoculture dynamics, and (3) species mixture dynamics. We observed diverse relationships between species traits and different vegetation attributes for the different ecosystem levels. Most traits showed positive but saturating trends of increasing trait values but the variability in these relations increased in monocultures with intraspecific plant interactions and even more pronounced in mixtures with interspecific interactions. Using a process‐based grassland model, we were able to simulate overyielding even though it was not correlated with trait values or trait differences between both species. Correlations were also not found in terms of stability of vegetation dynamics. In contrast, for some traits already small differences supported the dominance of a species in the mixture in which species dynamics generally followed trade‐offs. The here presented simulation study demonstrates the use of process‐based models for analyzing trait‐productivity relationships in grasslands. Such models can complement previous approaches in empirical and theoretical biodiversity research and can help to move closer to understanding the mechanisms governing grassland dynamics.
Phosphorescent Tris‐Bidentate IrIII Complexes with N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Scaffolds: Structural Diversity and Optical Properties
Authors: Bonfiglio Anna , Mauro Matteo
Published: July 2020

N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are highly versatile ligands with unique features that are able to engage into robust metal–ligand bonds, owing to their strong electron σ‐donating and relatively weak π‐accepting abilities. Aiming at efficient and stable emitters, coordination features of NHCs have been successfully employed for modulating both optical and redox properties yielding outstanding IrIII complexes. In addition, NHCs are an unparalleled tool that helps to suppressing nonradiative pathways and shift emission into the blue region. As a result, IrIII complexes with NHC ligands represent an appealing class of phosphorescent emitters that show great potential application in light‐emitting devices, electro‐chemiluminescence and biomedicine. Herein, the interplay between structural diversity and photophysical properties will be discussed for a colorful palette of IrIII‐NHC complexes in a systematic approach. Finally, their employment in optoelectronic devices and biomedicine will be described.
Intramolecular Cyclization of Brominated Oxime Ether Promoted with Ytterbium(0) to the Synthesis of Cyclic Imines
Authors: Wang Yiqiong , Huang Fei , Zhang Songlin
Published: July 2020

The first utility of ytterbium(0) as a mediating‐metal in the intramolecular cyclization of brominated oxime ether was reported in this paper. In contrast to the prior methods, the N–O bond was used as a receptor of nucleophilic reagent, rather than as a source of N‐centered radicals. Cyclic imines were obtained in this one‐pot reaction with a broad scope of substrates and feasible reaction conditions.