bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity With All-Cause and Coronary Heart Disease Mortality Among Black Adults in the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Joseph Joshua J. , Rajwani Aakash , Roper Daniel , Zhao Songzhu , Kline David , Odei James , Brock Guy , Echouffo-Tcheugui Justin B. , Kalyani Rita R. , Bertoni Alain G. , Effoe Valery S. , Sims Mario , Wu Wen-Chi , Wand Gary S. , Golden Sherita H.
Published: October 2022

Importance

A combination of diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke has multiplicative all-cause mortality risk compared with any individual morbidity in White populations, but there is a lack of studies in Black populations in the US.

Objective

To examine the association of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (diabetes, stroke, and CHD) individually and collectively with all-cause and CHD mortality.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included Black adults in the Jackson Heart Study followed over a median of 15 years. Baseline examinations were performed between 2000 and 2004, with follow-up on all-cause and CHD mortality through May 31, 2018. Participants were categorized into mutually exclusive groups at baseline: (1) free of cardiometabolic morbidity, (2) diabetes, (3) CHD, (4) stroke, (5) diabetes and stroke, (6) CHD and stroke, (7) diabetes and CHD, and (8) diabetes, stroke, and CHD. Data were analyzed from 2019 to 2021.

Exposure

Cardiometabolic disease alone or in combination.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were all-cause mortality and CHD mortality. Cox models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs adjusted for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

Among 5064 participants (mean [SD] age, 55.4 [12.8] years; 3200 [63%] women) in the Jackson Heart Study, 897 (18%) had diabetes, 192 (4%) had CHD, and 104 (2%) had a history of stroke. Among participants with cardiometabolic morbidities, the crude all-cause mortality rates were lowest for diabetes alone (24.4 deaths per 1000 person-years) and highest for diabetes, CHD, and stroke combined (84.1 deaths per 1000 person-years). For people with only 1 cardiometabolic morbidity, risk for all-cause mortality was highest for people with stroke (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.24-2.42), followed by CHD (HR, 1.59 (95% CI, 1.22-2.08) and diabetes (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.22-1.85), compared with no cardiometabolic morbidities. There were also increased risks of mortality with combinations of diabetes and stroke (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.09-2.68), CHD and stroke (HR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.35-3.69), and diabetes and CHD (HR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.65-3.15). The combination of diabetes, stroke, and CHD was associated with the highest all-cause mortality (HR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.96-6.93). Findings were similar for CHD mortality, but with a larger magnitude of association (eg, diabetes, stroke, and CHD: HR, 13.52; 95% CI, 3.38-54.12).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, an increasing number of cardiometabolic multimorbidities was associated with a multiplicative increase in risk of all-cause mortality among Black adults, with a greater magnitude of association for CHD mortality.
Probing the Mechanically Stable Solid Electrolyte Interphase and the Implications in Design Strategies
Authors: Gao Yao , Zhang Biao
Published: October 2022

The inevitable volume expansion of secondary battery anodes during cycling imposes forces on the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). The battery performance is closely related to the capability of SEI to maintain intact under the cyclic loading conditions, which basically boils down to the mechanical properties of SEI. The volatile and complex nature of SEI as well as its nanoscale thickness and environmental sensitivity make the interpretation of its mechanical behavior many roadblocks. Widely varied approaches are adopted to investigate the mechanical properties of SEI, and diverse opinions are generated. The lack of consensus at both technical and theoretical levels has hindered the development of effective design strategies to maximize the mechanical stability of SEIs. Here, the essential and desirable mechanical properties of SEI, the available mechanical characterization methods, and important issues meriting attention for higher test accuracy are outlined. Previous attempts to optimize battery performance by tuning SEI mechanical properties are also scrutinized, inconsistencies in these efforts are elucidated, and the underlying causes are explored. Finally, a set of research protocols is proposed to accelerate the achievement of superior battery cycling performance by improving the mechanical stability of SEI.
Heterogeneous Strain Distribution Based Programmable Gated Microchannel for Ultrasensitive and Stable Strain Sensing
Authors: Luo Yongsong , Chen Xiaoliang , Li Xiangming , Tian Hongmiao , Li Sheng , Wang Liang , He Juan , Yang Zhengbing , Shao Jinyou
Published: October 2022

Developing highly sensitive strain sensors requires conduction pathways capable of rapidly switching between disconnection and reconnection in response to strain. Ion channels in living organisms exactly control the channel switch through protein‐composed gates, achieving changeable ion currents. Herein, inspired by the gating characteristics of the ion channels, a programmable fluidic strain sensor enhanced by gating ion pathways through heterogeneous strain distribution of discrete micropillars is proposed. During stretching, the contraction and closure of the widthwise gaps between discrete micropillars greatly weaken or even nearly cut off the conduction pathway, resulting in orders of magnitude increase in resistance and thus ultrahigh sensitivity. By adjusting the combination form and structural parameters of the discrete micropillars in the fluidic channel, the sensitivity and strain range can be customized. Thus, a gauge factor of up to 45 300 and a stretch range of 590% are obtained. Benefiting from the fluidic gating mechanism, no mechanical mismatch can be observed at the interface, breaking through the sensing stability issue of flexible sensors. The proposed sensor can be used to detect the full range of human motion, and integrated into a data glove to achieve human–machine interaction.
Ultrastrong, Thermally Stable, and Food‐Safe Seaweed‐Based Structural Material for Tableware
Authors: Li De‐Han , Han Zi‐Meng , He Qian , Yang Kun‐Peng , Sun Wen‐Bin , Liu Hao‐Cheng , Zhao Yu‐Xiang , Liu Zhao‐Xiang , Zong Chen‐Na‐Yan , Yang Huai‐Bin , Guan Qing‐Fang , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: October 2022

Widely used disposable plastic tableware is usually buried or directly discharged into the natural environment after using, which poses potential threats to the natural environment and human health. To solve this problem, nondegradable plastic tableware needs to be replaced by tableware composed of biodegradable structural materials with both food safety and the excellent mechanical and thermal properties. Here, a food‐safe sargassum cellulose nanofiber (SCNF) is extracted from common seaweed in an efficient and low energy consuming way under mild reaction conditions. Then, by assembling the SCNF into a dense bulk material, a strong sargassum cellulose nanofiber structural material (SCNSM) with high strength (283 MPa) and high thermal stability (>160 °C) can be prepared. The SCNSM also possesses good machinability, which can be processed into tableware with different shapes, e.g., knives and forks. The overall performance of the SCNSM‐based tableware is better than commercial plastic, wood‐based, and poly(lactic acid) tableware, which shows great application potential in the tableware field.
Hydrophobicity regulation by a facial bromine substitution in MIL‐47(V) for highly selective adsorptive desulfurization
Authors: Xie Wei , Guo Yiping , Li Jianping , Liu Honglai , Hu Jun
Published: October 2022

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown promising adsorptive desulfurization (ADS) capacity yet remains great challenges to maintain excellent performance in presence of water. Guided by the density function theoretical (DFT) calculations, we select bromine modified linkers with different substitution degrees to construct MIL‐47‐xBr to regulate the porosity and hydrophobicity. The optimized MIL‐47‐Br exhibits the highest saturation dibenzothiophene (DBT) capacity of 179.2 mgS g−1 from the hydrous oil, surpassing the record of all ADS adsorbents. Meanwhile, the excellent selectivity, adsorption kinetics, and recycle stability endow MIL‐47‐Br with superior ADS performance from the commercial hydrous gasoline. With the DBT capacity decreases by only 12.3% from the commercial gasoline, a continue flow ADS is successfully achieved on the fixed‐bed of MIL‐47‐Br column. Therefore, this facial strategy of simple substitution can fully exploit the functions of open metal sites for enhancing the task‐specific selectivity, and has a promising application prospect in industrial ADS.
Stepwise Asymmetric Allylic Substitution‐Isomerization Enabled Mimetic Synthesis of Axially Chiral B,N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐Lian , Gu Jun , Cui Wen‐Hao , Ye Zhiwen , Yi Wenbin , Zhang Qiang , He Ying
Published: October 2022

Axially chiral molecules bearing multiple stereogenic axes are of great importance in the field of organic chemistry. However, the efficient construction of atropisomers featuring two different types of stereogenic axes has rarely been explored. Herein, we report the novel atroposelective synthesis of configurationally stable axially chiral B,N‐heterocycles. By using stepwise asymmetric allylic substitution‐isomerization (AASI) strategy, diaxially chiral B,N‐heterocycles bearing B−C and C−N axes that are related to the moieties of axially chiral enamines and arylborons were also obtained. In this case, all four stereoisomers of diaxially chiral B,N‐heterocycles were stereodivergently afforded in high enantioselectivities. Density functional theory (DFT) studies demonstrated that the NH⋅⋅⋅π interactions played a unique role in the promotion of stereospecific isomerization, thereby leading to the highly efficient central‐to‐axial chirality transfer.
Atroposelective Arene‐Forming Alkene Metathesis**
Authors: Jončev Zlatko , Sparr Christof
Published: October 2022

Alkene metathesis catalyzed by enantiopure metal alkylidene complexes enables exceptionally versatile strategies to products with configurationally‐defined stereocenters. Desymmetrization processes thereby provide reliable stereoselective routes to aliphatic structures, while the differentiation of aromatic stereogenic units remained an outstanding challenge. Herein, we describe the feasibility of alkene metathesis to catalytically control stereogenic axes by traceless arene formation. Stereodynamic trienes are selectively converted into corresponding binaphthalene atropisomers upon exposure to a chiral molybdenum catalyst. Remarkably, stereoselective arene‐forming metathesis allows enantioselectivities of up to 98 : 2 e.r. and excellent yields. As the disconnection of each bond of an aromatic target is retrosynthetically conceivable, it is anticipated that forging arenes by means of stereoselective metathesis will enable versatile approaches for the synthesis of a broad range of molecular topologies with precisely defined configuration.
Recent Advances in Hybrid Materials of Metal Nanoparticles and Polyoxometalates
Authors: Xia Kang , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Suzuki Kosuke
Published: October 2022

Polyoxometalates (POMs), anionic metal‐oxygen nanoclusters that possess various composition‐dependent properties, are widely used to modify the existing properties of metal nanoparticles and to endow them with new ones. Herein, we present an overview of recent advances in hybrid materials that consist of metal nanoparticles and POMs. Following a brief introduction on the inception of this area and its development, representative properties and applications of these materials in various fields such as electrochemistry, photochemistry, and catalysis are introduced. We discuss how the combination of two classic inorganic materials facilitates cooperative and synergistic behavior, and we also give personal perspectives on the future development of this field.
Designing of Zn (II)‐based novel coordination polymer (CP): Synthesis, characterization, and heavy metal removal from water
Authors: Baraka Ahmad , Sheashea Mohamed , Gado Karim , Rizk Sameh , Abuzalat Osama
Published: October 2022

A new coordination polymer, Zn‐(OC‐AMAM‐CO) CP, has been synthesized from Zn (II) as ionic node and 2,2′‐((1,2‐phenylenebis [azanediyl])bis (carbonyl))dibenzoic acid, (OC‐AMAM‐CO), as a new linker, where (OC‐AMAM‐CO) has been synthesized as an amide product through condensation reaction of phthalic acid and o‐phenylenediamine. The amide product (OC‐AMAM‐CO) and Zn‐(OC‐AMAM‐CO) CP were characterized via FTIR and PXRD analyses, and Zn‐(OC‐AMAM‐CO) CP was further characterized via SEM/EDX and XPS analyses. Moreover, DFT study was performed to shed light on the both structures of (OC‐AMAM‐CO) and Zn‐(OC‐AMAM‐CO). PXRD analysis revealed the successful syntheses of the new linker (OC‐AMAM‐CO) and Zn‐(OC‐AMAM‐CO) CP where the new CP is crystalline. DFT study revealed that the 3D topological structure assembled through coordination, π–π stacking, and hydrogen bonding. Zn‐(OC‐AMAM‐CO) CP was applied as an adsorbent for the removal of Cu (II) from water as it has abundant chelating groups that serve as adsorptive coordinating sites. Isotherm study revealed the obedience of Cu (II)/Zn‐(OC‐AMAM‐CO) CP adsorption system to Langmuir modeling with adsorption capacity of about 55 mg/g. A kinetic study showed that the rate of adsorption was a pseudo‐first‐order type. Further, adsorption process was found to be strongly diffusion dependent.
Three Distinct Transcriptional Profiles of Monocytes Associate with Disease Activity in Scleroderma Patients
Authors: Makinde Hadijat‐Kubura M. , Dunn Julia L. M. , Gadhvi Gaurav , Carns Mary , Aren Kathleen , Chung Anh H. , Muhammad Lutfiyya N. , Song Jing , Cuda Carla M. , Dominguez Salina , Pandolfino John E. , Dematte D'Amico Jane E. , Budinger G. Scott , Assassi Shervin , Frech Tracy M. , Khanna Dinesh , Shaeffer Alex , Perlman Harris , Hinchcliff Monique , Winter Deborah R.
Published: October 2022

Objective

Patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) display a complex clinical phenotype. Transcriptional profiling of whole blood or tissue from patients are affected by changes in cellular composition that drive gene expression and an inability to detect minority cell populations. We undertook this study to focus on the 2 main subtypes of circulating monocytes, classical monocytes (CMs) and nonclassical monocytes (NCMs) as a biomarker of SSc disease severity.

Methods

SSc patients were recruited from the Prospective Registry for Early Systemic Sclerosis. Clinical data were collected, as well as peripheral blood for isolation of CMs and NCMs. Age‐, sex‐, and race‐matched healthy volunteers were recruited as controls. Bulk macrophages were isolated from the skin in a separate cohort. All samples were assayed by RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq).

Results

We used an unbiased approach to cluster patients into 3 groups (groups A–C) based on the transcriptional signatures of CMs relative to controls. Each group maintained their characteristic transcriptional signature in NCMs. Genes up‐regulated in group C demonstrated the highest expression compared to the other groups in SSc skin macrophages, relative to controls. Patients from groups B and C exhibited worse lung function than group A, although there was no difference in SSc skin disease at baseline, relative to controls. We validated our approach by applying our group classifications to published bulk monocyte RNA‐seq data from SSc patients, and we found that patients without skin disease were most likely to be classified as group A.

Conclusion

We are the first to show that transcriptional signatures of CMs and NCMs can be used to unbiasedly stratify SSc patients and correlate with disease activity outcome measures.
MiR‐30b‐5p attenuates the inflammatory response and facilitates the functional recovery of spinal cord injury by targeting the NEFL/mTOR pathway
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Duojun , Tong Jinyu , Fang Jianguo , Lin Zaijun
Published: October 2022

Background

Neurofilament light chain (NEFL) has been identified as a biomarker for spinal cord injury (SCI), but its effect and underlying mechanism in SCI remain unclear.

Methods

SCI rat models were established for in vivo studies. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced cell models were used for in vitro studies. The protein and mRNA expression levels of genes were evaluated by western blotting and reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‒qPCR). The pathological changes in rats after SCI were subjected to histological examinations. The interaction of NEFL and upstream miRNAs was explored using dual‐luciferase reporter gene assays.

Results

NEFL was highly expressed in SCI rat spinal cord tissues and LPS‐stimulated PC12 cells. NEFL silencing showed an inhibitory effect on the morphological changes of SCI rats and the secretion of inflammatory factors and facilitated functional recovery of SCI rats. MiR‐30b‐5p was demonstrated to target NEFL and negatively regulate NEFL mRNA and protein levels. Downregulation of miR‐30b‐5p in SCI cell and rat models was demonstrated. MiR‐30b‐5p alleviated the inflammatory response in SCI rat models and LPS‐stimulated PC12 cells and promoted functional recovery in rats by targeting NEFL. NEFL activated mTOR signaling. MiR‐30b‐5p inactivated mTOR signaling by negatively regulating NEFL.

Conclusion

MiR‐30b‐5p alleviated the inflammatory response and facilitated the functional recovery of SCI rats by targeting NEFL to inactivate the mTOR pathway.
Clinical features and power spectral entropy of electroencephalography in Wilson's disease with dystonia
Authors: Zhang Shaoru , Liu Aiqun , Zhou Zhihua , Huang Zheng , Cheng Jing , Chen Danping , Zhong Qizhi , Yu Qingyun , Peng Zhongxing , Hong Mingfan
Published: October 2022

Objective

To study the clinical features and power spectral entropy (PSE) of electroencephalography signals in Wilson's disease (WD) patients with dystonia.

Methods

Several scale evaluations were performed to assess the clinical features of WD patients. Demographic information and electroencephalography signals were obtained in all subjects.

Results

34 WD patients with dystonia were recruited in the case group and 24 patients without dystonia were recruited in the control group. 20 healthy individuals were included in the healthy control group. The mean body mass index (BMI) in the case group was significantly lower than that in the controls (p < .05). The case group had significantly higher SAS, SDS, and Bucco‐Facial‐Apraxia Assessment scores (p < .05). Total BADS scores in the case group were lower than those in the control group (p < .01). Note that 94.11% of the case group presented with dysarthria and 70.59% of them suffered from dysphagia. Dysphagia was mainly related to the oral preparatory stage and oral stage. Mean power spectral entropy (PSE) values in the case group were significantly different (p < .05) from those in the control group and the healthy group across the different tasks.

Conclusions

The patients with dystonia were usually accompanied with low BMI, anxiety, depression, apraxia, executive dysfunction, dysarthria and dysphagia. The cortical activities of the WD patients with dystonia seemed to be more chaotic during the eyes‐closed and reading tasks but lower during the swallowing stages than those in the control group.
The effect of corporate governance on corporate environmental sustainability: A multilevel review and research agenda
Authors: Karn Ina , Mendiratta Esha , Fehre Kerstin , Oehmichen Jana
Published: October 2022

Climate change is a major challenge facing society. Given its intricate links with business, governance scholars have shown an increasing interest in understanding how corporate governance (CG) actors can improve corporate environmental sustainability (CES). In this article, we review the literature focusing on CG and CES. We assess the importance of the motivations, expertise, and power of CG actors at different levels (individual, team, firm, and supra‐firm) for CES. Using this as a guiding framework, we build a multilevel synthesis highlighting the theoretical mechanisms around motivations, expertise, and power suggested in the literature. Based on this synthesis, we present critical reflections on the extant knowledge. Finally, we develop a future research agenda that calls for research at single levels, but also for integrative research examining how CG actors at multiple levels collectively shape CES.
Evaluation of Anti‐Alzheimer Activity of Synthetic Coumarins by Combination of in Vitro and in Silico Approaches
Authors: Erdogan Orhan Ilkay , Deniz F. Sezer Senol , Salmas Ramin Ekhteiari , Irmak Sule , Acar Ozden Ozgun , Turgut Gurbet Celik , Sen Alaattin , Zbancioc Ana‐Maria , Luca Simon Vlad , Skiba Adrianna , Skalicka‐Woźniak Krystyna , Tataringa Gabriela
Published: October 2022

Series of synthetic coumarin derivatives (1‐16) were tested against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), two enzymes linked to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Compound 16 was the most active AChE inhibitor with IC50 32.23±2.91 μM, while the reference (galantamine) had IC50=1.85±0.12 μM. Compounds 9 (IC5075.14±1.82 μM), 13 (IC50=16.14±0.43 μM), were determined to be stronger BChE inhibitors than the reference galantamine (IC50=93.53±2.23 μM). The IC50 value of compound 16 for BChE inhibition (IC50=126.56±11.96 μM) was slightly higher than galantamine. The atomic interactions between the ligands and the key amino acids inside the binding cavities were simulated to determine their ligand‐binding positions and free energies. The three inhibitory coumarins (9, 13, 16) were next tested for their effects on the genes associated with AD using human neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cell lines. Our data indicate that they could be considered for further evaluation as new anti‐Alzheimer drug candidates.
Structural Characterization of an Alcohol‐Soluble Polysaccharide from Bletilla striata and Antitumor Activities in Vivo and in Vitro
Authors: Liu Chao , Liu An‐Jun
Published: October 2022

In general, Bletilla striata polysaccharides were mostly water‐soluble. However, the structural property, immunomodulatory effects and antitumor activities of alcohol‐soluble Bletilla striata polysaccharide were rarely reported. In this study, an alcohol‐soluble Bletilla striata polysaccharide was firstly extracted, investigated the structural property and evaluated the antitumor activity in vivo and in vitro. Results showed that BSAP was a low molecular weight polysaccharide (2.29×104 Da) and consisted of glucose, xylose and mannose (molar ratio: 2.39 : 1.00 : 0.21). Animal experiments results suggested that BSAP could effectively inhibit the expansion of H22 solid tumors, protect thymus and spleen, improve macrophages, lymphocytes and NK cells activities and enhance lymphocyte subsets proportion, presenting a better immunological enhancement effect in vivo. Additionally, the results of cell experiments showed that BSAP had obvious antitumor effect in vitro, including inhibiting the proliferation of H22 cells and inducing the apoptosis of tumor cells. These results would provide theoretical basis and new ideas for the further development and utilization of BSAP in the biomedical field.
Dioxygen Splitting by a Tantalum(V) Complex Ligated by a Rigid, Redox Non‐Innocent Pincer Ligand**
Authors: Underhill Jack , Yang Eric S. , Schmidt‐Räntsch Till , Myers William K. , Goicoechea Jose M. , Abbenseth Josh
Published: October 2022

The reaction of TaMe3Cl2 with the rigid acridane‐derived trisamine H3NNN yields the tantalum(V) complex [TaCl2(NNNcat)]. Subsequent reaction with dioxygen results in the full four‐electron reduction of O2 yielding the oxido‐bridged bimetallic complex [{TaCl2(NNNsq)}2O]. This dinuclear complex features an open‐shell ground state due to partial ligand oxidation and was comprehensively characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, LIFDI mass spectrometry, NMR, EPR, IR and UV/VIS/NIR spectroscopy. The mechanism of O2 activation was investigated by DFT calculations revealing initial binding of O2 to the tantalum(V) center followed by complete O2 scission to produce a terminal oxido‐complex.
Keys to improve the efficiency of nanoparticle‐stabilized foam injection based on influential mechanisms
Authors: Reisi Fateme , Khosravi Maryam , Rostami Behzad , Vatanparast Hamid , Fathollahi Alireza
Published: October 2022

The effect of the existence of nanoparticles on foam stability, foamability, and the oil recovery factor (RF) has been studied experimentally, and influential phenomena and mechanisms have been examined. A sequence of experiments, including, ‘foam bulk‐static experiments’, ‘surface tension (ST) measurements,’ and ‘micromodel foam flood,’ were designed and then implemented to study the foam behaviour in two foam systems: (1) anionic‐nanoparticles + cationic‐surfactant and (2) anionic‐nanoparticles + anionic‐surfactant. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the mechanisms affecting the stability of nanoparticle‐stabilized foam. Also, despite previous studies, the effect of Marangoni flow on nanoparticle‐stabilized foam has been discussed briefly. Results show that the interactions of effective mechanisms work differently in the two series. In the like‐charge system, surfactant molecules accumulate in the interface of lamellas due to repulsive forces; therefore, stability and foamability improve as surface tension and molecular diffusion reduce. Additionally, Marangoni flow restitutes the negative impact of gravity drainage. In the unlike‐charge system, observations illustrate that nanoparticles reach the interface. The presence of nanoparticles at the interface increases detachment energy significantly, and as a result, the stability is boosted. The accumulation of nanoparticles in the interface changes it to a solid‐like surface with limited diffusibility and viscosity. Although Marangoni flow is lost, reducing molecular diffusion improves foam stability. Flooding tests show that foam stability increment improves sweep efficiency at near‐wellbore areas even when foamability is weak. Finally, it can be claimed that in the unlike‐charge system, the sweep efficiency and foam stability increase to a greater extent.
Dual‐template synthesis of hierarchical porous carbon and its application in electrical double‐layer capacitors
Authors: Xu Liwen , Yuan Xiaodan , Gu Chengjun , Ding Jing , Lin Zisheng , Meng Junguang , Liu Changqi , Wang Xinye , Bu Changsheng , Zhang Jubing
Published: October 2022

Hierarchical porous carbons (HPCs) with tailored pore structure were fabricated via direct carbonization of a precursor consisting of agar and acetates in an inert atmosphere. The agar served as the carbon source and curing agent, while potassium acetate and calcium acetate were used to create micropores and mesopores, respectively. The morphology and structural features of the HPCs were characterized, and the electrochemical properties were estimated in a three‐electrode system with 6 M KOH as the electrolyte. The resulting HPCs possess a developed pore structure and concentrated pore size distribution (focused at 0.4 and 4 nm), and exhibit typical electrical double‐layer capacitive behaviour. Specially, the HCP‐2 owns a large specific surface area of 1441.65 m2/g and excellent electrochemical properties, including a favourable specific capacitance (235 F/g at 1 A/g), good rate capability (capacitance retention rate of 88.1% at 20 A/g), and impressive long‐term cycling stability (90.6% retention of initial capacitance after 3000 cycles).
Variation pattern classification of functional data
Authors: Jiao Shuhao , Frostig Ron D. , Ombao Hernando
Published: October 2022

A new classification method for functional data is proposed in this article. This work is motivated by the need to identify features that discriminate between neurological conditions on which local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded. Regardless of the condition, these LFPs have zero mean, and thus the first moments of these random processes do not have discriminating power. We propose the variation pattern classification (VPC) method which employs the second‐moment structure as the discriminating feature and uses the Hilbert–Schmidt norm to measure the discrepancy between the second‐moment structure of different groups. The proposed VPC method is demonstrated to be sensitive to the discrepancy, potentially leading to a higher rate of classification. One important innovation lies in the dimension reduction where the VPC method adaptively determines the basis functions (discriminative feature functions) that account for the major discrepancy. In addition, the selected discriminative feature functions provide insights into the discrepancy between different groups because they reveal the features of variation pattern that differentiate groups. Consistency properties are established and, furthermore, simulation studies and the analysis of rat brain LFP trajectories empirically demonstrate the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Prevalence, predictors, and clinical relevance of α‐gal sensitization in patients with chronic urticaria
Authors: Pedersen Helena Swee‐Lin Trige , Sørensen Jennifer Astrup , Madsen Flemming , Linneberg Allan , Leth‐Møller Katja Biering , Vestergaard Christian , Thomsen Simon Francis
Published: October 2022

Background

Little is known about α‐gal (galactose‐α‐1,3‐galactose) sensitization in patients with chronic urticaria (CU). The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence, predictors and clinical relevance of α‐gal sensitization in patients with CU.

Methods

Two consecutive cohorts of newly referred patients with CU from a primary care allergology practice and a tertiary hospital dermatology department, plus a control group with allergic disease, but not CU, from the allergology practice, were interviewed and screened for α‐gal sensitization (serum specific‐IgE ≥0.35 KU/L).

Results

Of 733 patients included, 21 (5.6%) and 11 (3.9%) of CU patients from private practice and hospital, respectively, were α‐gal sensitized. In total, 8 patients (38.1% of sensitized patients, and 2.1% of all CU patients) from private practice, and 2 patients (18.2% of sensitized patients, and 0.7% of all CU patients) from hospital, had clinically relevant α‐gal allergy. In private practice, male sex (47.6 vs. 24.7%), p = 0.020, obesity (33.3 vs. 23.6%), p = 0.302, and frequency of angioedema (61.9 vs. 51.4%), p = 0.350; and in hospital, male sex (72.7 vs. 27.9%), p = 0.003, and high total immunoglobulin E (median 168 vs. 70.5 KU/L), p = 0.022 were associated with α‐gal sensitization.

Conclusion

α‐gal sensitization is observed in a small fraction of CU patients with only few patients experiencing clinically relevant sensitization. Certain patients, particularly from primary care, may constitute a relevant population for aimed testing.
Integrated clinical genotype‐phenotype characteristics of early T‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Ye Matthew T. , Wang Yi , Zuo Zhuang , Calin Steliana , He Hua , Tang Zhenya , Jabbour Elias J. , Borthakur Gautam , Zhang Yizhuo , Yang Yaling , You M. James
Published: October 2022

Background

Early T‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP‐ALL) is a distinct subtype of T‐ALL with a unique immunophenotype and high treatment failure rate. The molecular genetic abnormalities and their prognostic impact in ETP‐ALL patients are poorly understood.

Methods

The authors performed systematic analyses of the clinicopathologic features with an emphasis on molecular genetic aspects of 32 patients with ETP‐ALL.

Results

The median age was 43 years (range, 16–71). The blasts were positive for cytoplasmic CD3 and CD7 and negative for CD1a and CD8. Other markers expressed included CD34 (88%), CD33 (72%), CD117 (68%), CD13 (58%), CD5 (partial, 56%), CD2 (38%), CD10 (25%), CD56 (partial, 19%), and CD4 (6%). Cytogenetic analyses revealed a diploid karyotype in 10 patients, simple (1–2) abnormalities in 10 patients, and complex karyotype in 10 patients. Next‐generation sequencing for 21 patients demonstrated that all had gene mutations (median, four mutations per patient). The most frequently mutated genes were WT1 (38%), NOTCH1 (29%), NRAS (29%), PHF6 (25%), TP53 (24%), ASXL1 (19%), FLT3 (19%), and IKZF1 (19%). All patients except one received multi‐agent chemotherapy, and 22 patients underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Thrombocytopenia, an abnormal karyotype, and TP53 mutation were associated with markedly shortened overall survival. Stem cell transplantation significantly improved overall survival.

Conclusions

Patients with ETP‐ALL often have high mutation burden with increased genomic instability. TP53 mutation was the only molecular prognostic marker and was associated with complex karyotype and greater than or equal to five mutations. These patients may benefit from stem cell transplantation, and recurrent gene mutations may be novel therapeutic markers.
Perturbing π‐clouds with Substituents to Study the Effects on Reaction Dynamics of gauche‐1,3‐Butadiene to Bicyclobutane Electrocyclization
Authors: Kalita Papu , Medhi Biman , Singh Haobam Kisan , Bhattacharyya Himangshu Pratim , Gupt Nikhil , Sarma Manabendra
Published: October 2022

The conical intersection (CI) governs the ultra‐fast relaxation of excited states in a radiationless manner and are observed mainly in photochemical processes. In the current work, we investigated the effects of substituents on the reaction dynamics for the conversion of gauche‐1,3‐butadiene to bicyclobutane via photochemical electrocyclization. We incorporated both electron withdrawing (−F) and donating (−CH3) groups in the conjugated system. In our study, we optimized the minimum energy conical intersection (MECI) geometries using the multi‐configurational state‐averaged CASSCF approach, whereas, to study the ground state reaction pathways for the substituted derivatives, dispersion corrected, B3LYP‐D3 functional was used. The non‐adiabatic surface hopping molecular dynamics simulations were performed to observe the behaviour of electronic states involved throughout the photoconversion process. The results obtained from the multi‐reference second‐order perturbation correction of energy at the XMS‐CASPT2 level of theory, topography analysis, and non‐adiabatic dynamics suggest that the −CH3 substituted derivatives can undergo faster thermal conversion to the product in the ground state with a smaller activation energy barrier compared to −F substituted derivative. Our study also reveals that the GBUT to BIBUT conversion follows both conrotatory and disrotatory pathways, whereas, on substitution with −F or −CH3, the conversion proceeds via the conrotatory pathway.
Evaluating Learning and Memory in Drosophila melanogaster to Study the Neurodevelopmental Impacts of Toxicants
Authors: Welch Chloe J. , Mulligan Kimberly A.
Published: October 2022

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a heterogeneous group of behaviorally defined disorders with both genetic and environmental risk factors. Given that many neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by impaired learning and/or intellectual abilities, behavioral paradigms that assess cognition in animal models have been effective tools in delineating underlying genetic variants that impact disease pathophysiology. For example, learning and memory paradigms in the common fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster have been successfully used to study risk genes and biological pathways associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders, including fragile X syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and CHARGE syndrome. While these established Drosophila behavioral paradigms have historically been used to investigate genetic risk factors, they also have many other applications, including use in developmental neurotoxicology studies to determine environmental risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. There is, however, a deficit of step‐by‐step protocols that describe how to apply learning and memory assays in fruit flies to developmental neurotoxicology studies. Here, we describe two quantitative behavioral paradigms for Drosophila—predator‐induced oviposition and courtship conditioning—that can be used to measure different forms of learning and memory in the context of a developmental neurotoxicology study. Non‐associative learning and memory are measured here by examining female Drosophila oviposition behavior in response to endoparasitoid wasps, while associative learning and memory are measured in males using courtship conditioning. Our protocols outline procedures for oral toxicant exposure of developing fruit flies, culturing of endoparasitoid wasps, measuring Drosophila oviposition activity, and assessing conditioned courtship in order to identify the impact of toxicants on learning and memory in both females and males. As an example, we present the protocols using bisphenol A, a chemical utilized in the synthesis of polycarbonate plastics, to determine its impacts on learning and memory. These protocols are inexpensive and relatively simple to perform, and can be used by labs that are new to Drosophila behavioral research to evaluate how toxicant exposure influences learning and memory in male and female flies. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of toxicant‐containing food and developmental exposure

Basic Protocol 2: Predator‐induced oviposition assay

Support Protocol: Culture of Leptopilina heterotoma

Basic Protocol 3: Conditioned courtship assay
Prediction of regrowth and biomass of perennial sorghum using unoccupied aerial systems
Authors: Nakasagga Shakirah , Adak Alper , Murray Seth C. , Rooney William L. , Hoffmann Leo , Wilde Scott , Lindsey Regan , Nabukalu Pheonah , Cox Stan
Published: October 2022

Perennial grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] has potential to produce grain and forage while improving soil health, ecosystem services, and carbon soil sequestration but requires further genetic improvement. Unoccupied aerial systems (UAS, also known as drones and unmanned aerial systems) provide opportunities to quickly evaluate plant traits on a large scale with precision. Unoccupied aerial system flights were used to evaluate biomass yield and rhizome characteristics of 100 diverse sorghum hybrids, most being from an interspecific hybridization program, in the establishment year and first year of regrowth. Twenty‐one vegetation indices (VIs) with canopy height measurements (CHMs) were processed from seven UAS flights made temporally during each growing season. Regression of the temporal data (VI and CHM) and phenotypic traits, including rhizome characteristics based on plant stand count (PSC), rhizome‐derived shoots (RDS), and fresh and dry biomass yields, showed useful predictions when combining temporal VI with CHM and machine learning. Blue chromatic coordinate index (BCC) best predicted all measured traits. If predictions could be generalized, UAS would reduce field evaluation time for perennial sorghum or breeding perennial grasses in general and allow breeders to evaluate additional genotypes. In this study, we found that optimizing flights to specific dates after planting could minimize resource requirements and costs in prediction of regrowth and biomass yield of perennial sorghum.
Spread the word: Certifying sustainable behaviour for territorial development. A stakeholder engagement approach to assess financial performance
Authors: Manta Francesco , Stefanelli Valeria , Boscia Vittorio
Published: October 2022

The aim of the study is to understand the approach to certification from different perspectives, in order to appreciate how the stakeholders, enact processes of creation, implementation and decision‐making processes in establishing criteria for local development. We analysed the extant literature in order to assess the present knowledge and approach on the world of labelling for sustainable development and detect possible paths for future research in the field. A document search was conducted through Scopus and WoS databases. Sustainable certifications do not cover a univocal path of implementation, so it is made necessary to establish a network approach in order to involve all the stakeholders to boost new processes for implementation of bottom‐up strategies for sustainable development. The necessity to start a new approach to local development strategies recalls the opportunity of creating new local networks amongst different stakeholders to talk each other on a univocal perspective that looks with favour to sustainability issues and enhance the link to financial performance. The example of bio‐districts is carried on enforcing the theoretical aspects.
Autonomic nervous system reactivity and preschoolers’ social dominance
Authors: Lent Maria C. , Perry Kristin J. , Blakely‐McClure Sarah J. , Buck Casey , Murray‐Close Dianna , Ostrov Jamie M.
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of skin conductance level reactivity (SCLR) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity (RSAR) in preschoolers’ social dominance, as well as potential gender differences in these associations. Reactivity was assessed in response to viewing videos of social exclusion and a post‐aggression discussion. In a community sample of 94 preschool children followed over one calendar year, reactivity to the post‐aggression discussion, but not exclusion, video was related to social dominance. Specifically, increased RSAR to the post‐aggression discussion video was positively associated with concurrent social dominance for both boys and girls. Longitudinally, for boys only, coactivation (i.e., increases in SCLR accompanied by increases in RSAR) to the post‐aggression discussion video, which may reflect dysregulated, emotionally labile reactions to stress, was associated with relatively low levels of social dominance across the course of the year. Overall, findings contribute to a growing literature documenting the role of autonomic reactivity in preschoolers’ social adjustment and extend this work to their capacity to achieve and maintain socially dominant positions with peers.
Medical treatment in infants and young children with epilepsy: Off‐label use of antiseizure medications. Survey Report of ILAE Task Force Medical Therapies in Children
Authors: Sourbron Jo , Auvin Stéphane , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Cross J. Helen , Hartmann Hans , Pressler Ronit , Riney Kate , Sugai Kenji , Wilmshurst Jo M. , Yozawitz Elissa , Lagae Lieven
Published: October 2022

Objective

Antiseizure medications (ASMs) remain the mainstay of epilepsy treatment. These ASMs have mainly been tested in trials in adults with epilepsy, which subsequently led to market authorization (MA). For treatment of – especially young – children with epilepsy, several ASMs do not have a MA and guidelines are lacking, subsequently leading to “off‐label” use of ASMs. Even though “off‐label” ASM prescriptions for children could lead to more adverse events, it can be clinically appropriate and rational if the benefits outweigh the risks. This could be the case if “on‐label” ASM, in mono‐ or polytherapy, fails to achieve adequate seizure control.

Methods

The Medical Therapies Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Commission for Pediatrics performed a survey to study the current treatment practices in six classic, early life epilepsy scenarios. Our aim was not only to study first‐ and second‐line treatment preferences but also to illustrate the use of “off‐label” drugs in childhood epilepsies.

Results

Our results reveal that several ASMs (e.g. topiramate, oxcarbazepine, benzodiazepines) are prescribed “off‐label” in distinct scenarios of young children with epilepsy. In addition, recent scientific guidelines were not always adopted by several survey respondents, suggesting a potential knowledge gap.

Significance

We report the relatively common use of “off‐label” prescriptions that underlines the need for targeted and appropriately designed clinical trials, including younger patients, which will also result in the ability to generate evidence‐based guidelines.
Clinical correlates of late‐onset versus early‐onset bipolar disorder in a global sample of older adults
Authors: Lavin Paola , Buck Gabriella , Almeida Osvaldo P. , Su Chien‐Lin , Eyler Lisa T. , Dols Annemieke , Blumberg Hilary P. , Forester Brent P. , Forlenza Orestes V. , Gildengers Ariel , Mulsant Benoit H. , Tsai Shang‐Ying , Vieta Eduard , Schouws Sigfried , Briggs Farren B. S. , Sutherland Ashley , Sarna Kaylee , Yala Joy , Orhan Melis , Korten Nicole , Sajatovic Martha , Rej Soham ,   GAGE‐BD Investigators
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Late‐onset bipolar disorder (LOBD) represents a significant subgroup of bipolar disorder (BD). However, knowledge for this group is mostly extrapolated from small studies in subjects with early/mixed age of illness onset. In this global sample of older adults with BD (OABD: ≥50 years old) we aim to characterize the sociodemographic and clinical presentation of LOBD (≥40 years at BD onset) compared to early‐onset BD (EOBD: <40 years at BD onset).

Methods

The Global Aging and Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder consortium provided international data on 437 older age bipolar disorder participants. We compared LOBD versus EOBD on depression, mania, functionality, and physical comorbidities. Exploratory analyses were performed on participants with BD onset ≥50 years old.

Results

LOBD (n = 105) did not differ from EOBD (n = 332) on depression, mania, global functioning, nor employment status (p > 0.05). Late‐onset bipolar disorder was associated with higher endocrine comorbidities (odds ratio = 1.48, [95%CI = 1.0,12.1], p = 0.03). This difference did not remain significant when subjects with BD onset ≥50 years old were analyzed.

Limitations

This study is limited by the retrospective nature of the variable age of onset and the differences in evaluation methods across studies (partially overcame by harmonization processes).

Conclusion

The present analysis is in favor of the hypothesis that LOBD might represent a similar clinical phenotype as classic EOBD with respect to core BD symptomatology, functionality, and comorbid physical conditions. Large‐scale global collaboration to improve our understanding of BD across the lifespan is needed.