bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Dots for Photovoltaics: A Tale of Two Materials
Authors: Duan Leiping , Hu Long , Guan Xinwei , Lin Chun‐Ho , Chu Dewei , Huang Shujuan , Liu Xiaogang , Yuan Jianyu , Wu Tom
Published: April 2021

Quantum dot (QD) solar cells, benefiting from unique quantum confinement effects and multiple exciton generation, have attracted great research attention in the past decades. Before 2016, research efforts were mainly devoted to solar cells comprising lead chalcogenide QDs, while lead halide perovskite QDs have recently emerged as a rising star in the field. This review aims to compare similarities and differences between lead chalcogenide and lead halide perovskite QDs for photovoltaic applications. The fundamental physical properties of these two types of nanomaterials and their state‐of‐the‐art photovoltaic devices are summarized, with a focus on ligand and device engineering. Furthermore, a special section is devoted to the stability issue that often hinders photovoltaic technologies. Finally, future development in tandem devices, challenges associated with large‐size cell fabrication and lead toxicity, and potential mitigation solutions are discussed.
Temperature regime influences accessions and effectiveness of germination promoters in the high‐Andean crop maca
Authors: Valqui‐Peña David , Clark Daniel , Gianoli Ernesto , Gonzáles Wilfredo L.
Published: April 2021

High‐Andean crops are precious resources for low‐income farmers threatened by climate conditions. In the Puna region of the central Peruvian Andes, poor farmers grow maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers), a root crop endemic to this region, under extreme environmental conditions. The performance ranking of crop accessions may vary with climate variability due to interactions between genotypes and the environment, but this issue has not been addressed for maca crops. Here we used three thermal setups under laboratory conditions and tested the effects of temperature regime, seed accession, and germination promoters on seed germination and seedling performance traits of maca plants. We found significant temperature × accession (T × A) interactions for most response variables, that is, the performance ranking of accessions varied with temperature regimes. The positive effects of promoters (gibberellic acid, GA; sodium hypochlorite, SH) on germination and seedling emergence variables were not additive and showed a clear trend to be greater at lower temperatures. Because available maca accessions still require the Andean Puna´s cold environment to develop their hypocotyls fully, the selection of accessions with better tolerance to higher temperatures should be taken as a long‐term challenge. In the short term, our findings strongly suggest that maca growers might use GA as a promoter to overcome limitations imposed on seed germination and seedling emergence by low temperatures at the crop‐growing areas.
On two‐phase modeling of dewatering pulp suspensions
Authors: Paterson Daniel T. , Eaves Tom S. , Hewitt Duncan R. , Balmforth Neil J. , Martinez D. Mark
Published: April 2021

An experimental study of the dewatering of wood‐pulp fiber suspensions by uniaxial compression is presented, to rationalize their dewatering dynamics within a two‐phase framework. Twenty‐seven pulp suspensions are examined, encompassing materials with different origins, preparation methodologies, and secondary treatments. For each suspension in this library, the network permeability and compressive yield stress are calibrated at low rates of dewatering. Faster compressions are then used to verify that a solid bulk viscosity is essential to match two‐phase model predictions with experimental observations, and to parameterize its magnitude. By comparing the results with a suspension of nylon fibers, we demonstrate that none of the wood‐pulp suspensions behave like an idealized fibrous porous medium. Nevertheless, the properties of pulp fiber networks can be reconciled within a two‐phase framework, and comparisons made between different wood‐pulp suspensions and between wood‐pulp and nylon fibers, by appealing to potential microstructural origins of their macroscopic behavior.
Diversity in conduit and pit structure among extant gymnosperm taxa
Authors: Jacobsen Anna L.
Published: April 2021

Gymnosperm taxa are incredibly diverse in many traits, including taxa with evergreen or deciduous leaves; broad, compound, needle‐like or scale‐like leaves; trees, shrubs, and lianas; and taxa with seed cones that range from fleshy to woody. Although less appreciated, xylem conduits are also diverse in structure among extant gymnosperm taxa. Within the xylem of gymnosperms, axial transport occurs predominantly via tracheids, although 10–40% of gymnosperm taxa, particularly within the Gnetophyta and Cycadophyta, also contain vessels. Gymnosperm taxa vary greatly in their inter‐conduit pit structure, with different types of pit membranes and pitting arrangements. While some taxa display torus‐margo bordered pits (60%), many others do not contain tori (40%), and at least some taxa without tori occur within each of the four extant phyla (Coniferophyta, Cycadophyta, Ginkgophyta, and Gnetophyta). Pit membrane types vary within families but appear relatively conserved within genera. Woody species with torus‐bearing pit membranes occur in colder environments (lower mean annual temperature) compared to those without tori; but occurrence does not differ with mean annual precipitation. Detailed descriptions of pit membrane types are lacking for many species and genera, indicating a need for increased anatomical study. Increased knowledge of these traits could provide a unique experimental context in which to study the evolution of conduit networks, the hydraulic implications of conduit and pit structure, and the diverse structural and functional strategies utilized by gymnosperms. There are myriad potential study questions and research opportunities within this unique and diverse group of plants.
Intravenous high‐dose methotrexate based systemic therapy in the treatment of isolated primary vitreoretinal lymphoma: An LOC network study
Authors: Lam Marion , Touitou Valérie , Choquet Sylvain , Cassoux Nathalie , Ghesquières Hervé , Kodjikian Laurent , Schmitt Anna , Gattoussi Sarra , Tabouret Émeline , Sampo Magali , Blonski Marie , Angioi‐Duprez Karine , Houot Roch , Mouriaux Frédéric , Gyan Emmanuel , Le Lez Marie‐Laure , Moles Marie‐Pierre , Croisé Fabien , Chauchet Adrien , Schwartz Claire , Ahle Guido , Meyer Laurent , Gressin Rémy , Chiquet Christophe , Oberic Lucie , Ollé Priscille , Marolleau Jean‐Pierre , Jany Benjamin , Tempescul Adrian , Cochener Béatrice , Damaj Gandhi , Quintyn Jean‐Claude , Moluçon‐Chabrot Cécile , Rousseau Eve , Franciane Paul , Schneider Christelle , Massé Hélène , Tamburini‐Bonnefoy Jérôme , Brézin Antoine , Fornecker Luc‐Matthieu , Ballonzoli Laurent , Le Garff‐Tavernier Magali , Hoang‐Xuan Khê , Bodaghi Bahram , Soussain Carole , Houillier Caroline
Published: April 2021

The treatment of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) remains controversial regarding the use of local, systemic, or combined treatments. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and toxicity of intravenous high‐dose methotrexate (IV HD‐MTX) based systemic therapy in a uniformly treated population of PVRL patients. From a nationwide French database, we retrospectively selected 59 patients (median age: 70 years, median Karnofsky Performance Status: 90%) with isolated PVRL at diagnosis who received first‐line treatment with HD‐MTX between 2011 and 2018. 8/59 patients also received a local treatment. No deaths or premature discontinuations of MTX due to toxicity were reported. A complete response was obtained in 40/57 patients after chemotherapy. Before treatment, IL‐10 was elevated in the aqueous humor (AH) or in the vitreous in 89% of patients. After treatment, AH IL‐10 was undetectable in 87% of patients with a CR/uCR/PR and detectable in 92% of patients with PD/SD. After a median follow‐up of 61 months, 42/59 (71%) patients had relapsed, including 29 isolated ocular relapses as the first relapse and a total of 22 brain relapses. The median overall survival, progression‐free survival, ocular‐free survival and brain‐free survival were 75, 18, 29 and 73 months, respectively. IV HD‐MTX based systemic therapy as a first‐line treatment for isolated PVRL is feasible, with acceptable toxicity, even in an elderly population. This strategy seems efficient to prevent brain relapse with prolonged overall survival. However, the ocular relapse rate remains high. New approaches are needed to improve local control of this disease, and ocular assessment could be completed by monitoring AH IL‐10.
Occupational risk factors for airway obstruction in a population‐based study in Northern Europe
Authors: Murgia Nicola , Brisman Jonas , Olin Anna‐Carin , Dahlman‐Hoglund Anna , Andersson Eva , Torén Kjell
Published: April 2021

Background

Airway obstruction is a key feature of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Smoking habits and workplace exposures to vapors, gas, dusts, and fumes (VGDF) could cause or exacerbate airway obstruction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk of airway obstruction due to smoking and workplace exposure, and their interaction, in a large population‐based study.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, a sample (n = 6153) of the Swedish population aged between 24 and 76 years underwent a questionnaire, clinical examination, blood test, and spirometry to gather information on airway obstruction classified by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria or American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) criteria, risk factors, and confounders. Occupational exposures to VGDF were rated according to a specific job‐exposure matrix. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate risk factors for airway obstruction in smokers and nonsmokers.

Results

In total, 9.8% had airway obstruction by GOLD criteria and 10.3% by ATS/ERS. Smokers with a high likelihood of exposure to VGDF had a higher risk of airway obstruction than those not exposed (odds ratio [OR]: 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–2.65 by GOLD; OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.06–2.37 by ATS/ERS) especially those >50 years of age. In smokers highly exposed to VGDF, risk estimates were higher than in the whole population, and the interaction between high exposure to VGDF and smoking further increased the risk of airway obstruction.

Conclusions

This study suggests a possible role for interaction between cigarette smoking and VGDF exposure on the risk of airway obstruction.
The prevalence of work‐related suicides varies by reporting source from the National Violent Death Reporting System
Authors: Peek‐Asa Corinne , Zhang Ling , Hamann Cara , Davis Jonathon , Casteel Carri
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Both suicides overall and work‐related suicides are increasing in the United States, and efforts to reduce suicide risk will require an understanding of the frequency and role of work in suicides. This study examines the incidence of occupational suicides using the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), which identified the role of work in suicides using the traditional death certificate as well as from death investigations.

Methods

NVDRS suicides among those aged 16 through 65 from 2013 through 2017 were examined to determine if the death certificate identified the death as work‐related, if the death investigation identified a job problem as a suicide circumstance, and if the death investigation indicated that the job problem was a crisis at the time of the suicide.

Results

Overall, 1.13% of death certificates identified the suicides as work‐related, 2.34% of suicides included a job crisis, and 11.2% a job problem, and proportions did not vary over the years of the study. Overlap between the death certificate and death investigation was very low, with only 0.21% of suicides identified as related to work by both sources. Identification of work‐relatedness varied by source for demographic characteristics, mechanism of suicide, and occupation. For example, the death certificate identified 2.1% of suicides among those working in protective services as work‐related, but death investigations identified 15.2% as having a job problem.

Conclusion

Work‐related factors may be associated with a far higher proportion of suicides than previously documented.
Mechanistic Support for Intramolecular Migrative Cyclization of Propargyl Sulfones Provided by Catalytic Asymmetric Induction with a Chiral Counter Cation Strategy
Authors: Yamasaki Kohta , Yamauchi Akiho , Inokuma Tsubasa , Miyakawa Yasunori , Wang Yinli , Oriez Raphaël , Yamaoka Yousuke , Takasu Kiyosei , Tanaka Naonobu , Kashiwada Yoshiki , Yamada Ken‐ichi
Published: April 2021

We previously reported an intramolecular migrative cyclization of propargylsufones and sulfonylalkynamides giving oxa‐ and azacycles, respectively. To confirm the postulated reaction mechanism, the reaction was conducted with chiral nucleophiles such as N‐heterocyclic carbenes, phosphines, and pyridines, or with sulfinate anions and chiral cations. As expected, migrative cyclization proceeded to give the enantiomerically enriched products. These results strongly support the postulated mechanism and provide the first example of the asymmetric version of this reaction.
Off‐Set Interactions of Ruthenium–bda Type Catalysts for Promoting Water‐Splitting Performance
Authors: Timmer Brian J. J. , Kravchenko Oleksandr , Liu Tianqi , Zhang Biaobiao , Sun Licheng
Published: April 2021

O−O bond formation with Ru(bda)L2‐type catalysts is well‐known to proceed through a bimolecular reaction pathway, limiting the potential application of these catalysts at low concentrations. Herein, we achieved high efficiencies with mononuclear catalysts, with TOFs of 460±32 s−1 at high catalyst loading and 31±3 s−1 at only 1 μM catalyst concentration, by simple structural considerations on the axial ligands. Kinetic and DFT studies show that introduction of an off‐set in the interaction between the two catalytic units reduces the kinetic barrier of the second‐order O−O bond formation, maintaining high catalytic activity even at low catalyst concentrations. The results herein furthermore suggest that π–π interactions may only play a minor role in the observed catalytic activity, and that asymmetry can also rationalize high activity observed for Ru(bda)(isoq)2 type catalysts and offer inspiration to overcome the limitations of 2nd order catalysis.
Synthesis and long‐term stability of acrylic acid and N, N‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide radiation grafted polypropylene fibers
Authors: Pryhazhayeva Lidziya , Shunkevich Aliaksandr , Polikarpov Aliaksandr , Krul Leonid
Published: April 2021

New carboxyl ion‐exchange fibers prepared by acrylic acid (AA) and N, N‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide (MBAA) monomer grafting to polypropylene (PP) fibers based on the method of γ‐rays pre‐irradiation in air followed by a Mohr's salt redox initiation of grafting reaction were studied. Grafting degree, homopolymer quantity, monomer conversion and grafting efficiency were determined. FTIR spectroscopy was used to establish the nature of the grafted fibers. The thermal stability of the materials was investigated based on DSC analysis in N2/O2 mixture. The long‐term stability during 6–8 years of storage was examined by the measurement of the tensile strength and the elongation at break of the fibers, and the chemical oxygen demand in water extracts as well as in the oxygen uptake experiments. The influence of some factors on the useful life of the grafted fibers was studied: a MBAA cross‐linking, exposure to day light, the Fe (III) residue presence, a grafting reaction temperature. It was found that small amounts of the adsorbed Fe (III) ions increase the deterioration rate of the grafted fibers, while small amounts of MBAA delay this negative process.
Facile and scalable fabrication of bioderived flame retardant based on adenine for enhancing fire safety of fully biodegradable PLA/PBAT/TPS ternary blends
Authors: Qi Juan , Pan Yingtong , Luo Zhonglin , Wang Biaobing
Published: April 2021

The facile fabrication of a bioderived flame retardant (marked as ATMP‐A) via ionic exchange between adenine and amino trimethylene phosphonic acid was reported in the present work. The incorporation of ATMP‐A endows the poly lactic acid (PLA)/poly butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate (PBAT)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) ternary blends with improved fire safety without negatively affecting the biodegradability. The PLA/PBAT/TPS blend containing 18 wt% ATMP‐A alone achieves a UL‐94 V‐0 rating with a higher LOI value (28%). Meanwhile, its peak of the heat release rate and total heat release are reduced by 60.5% and 34.1% as compared with the PLA/PBAT/TPS ternary blend, respectively. Such excellent flame retardancy is mainly attributed to the formation of the intumescent flame retardant system in which ATMP‐A acts as both acid and gas sources together with TPS as a natural carbon source. Based on the analysis of the volatile gases and the char residues, a possible flame retardant mechanism including gas phase and condensed phase is proposed. This work provides a novel and effective idea for improving the fireproof performance of PLA/PBAT/TPS blends and will broaden its practical application fields, such as, agricultural film and packaging fields.
Cobalt(II)‐dianthracene Frameworks: Assembly, Exfoliation and Properties
Authors: Zou Qian , Bao Song‐Song , Huang Xin‐Da , Wen Ge‐Hua , Jia Jia‐Ge , Wu Lan‐Qing , Zheng Li‐Min
Published: April 2021

Metal‐organic frameworks containing responsive organic linkers are attractive for potential applications in sensors and molecular devices. Herein we report three cobalt(II) phosphonates incorporating responsive dianthracene linkers, namely, Co2(amp2H2)2(H2O)4 ⋅ 6H2O (MDAF‐1), Co2(amp2)(H2O)4 ⋅ 2H2O (MDAF‐2) and Co(amp2H2) ⋅ 2H2O ⋅ 0.5DMF (MDAF‐3), where amp2H4 is pre‐photodimerized 9‐anthrylmethylphosphonic acid. MDAF‐1 shows a layer structure in which dinuclear Co2(PO3H)2 units are inter‐connected by dianthracene ligands. In MDAF‐2 and MDAF‐3, inorganic chains of corner‐sharing {CoO4} (or {CoO6}) and {PO3C} are cross‐linked by dianthracene ligands into 3D frameworks. All compounds underwent thermo‐induced phase transitions, first the de‐solvation and then the de‐dimerization of dianthracene (as well as the release of the remaining solvent molecules for MDAF‐2 and ‐3), associated with magnetic changes. MDAF‐1 can be exfoliated into single‐layer nanosheets in water which show light‐triggered luminescent changes.
Grade retention and academic self‐concept: A multilevel analysis of the effects of schools’ retention composition
Authors: Van Canegem Timo , Van Houtte Mieke , Demanet Jannick
Published: April 2021

Previous studies on the impact of grade retention on academic self‐concept suffer from inconclusive findings. There is no consensus if retention yields long‐term benefits that could offset its opportunity costs and, if so, under what conditions. Therefore, this article examines whether grade retention decreases academic self‐concept and whether this relationship is mediated by sense of belonging. Moreover, we aim to contextualise retention research by accounting for schools’ retention composition. Based on reference group theory, the effect of grade retention composition on academic self‐concept is expected to be twofold. Normative reference grouping leads to the assumption that students in high retention composition schools will exhibit lower levels of academic self‐concept, because retainees’ values are more likely to spread across all students within the same school. Comparative reference grouping might lead to a moderation effect of retention composition on the relationship between grade retention and academic self‐concept. Multilevel analyses on International Study of City Youth data, consisting of 2,354 students in 30 secondary schools in Ghent (Flanders), revealed a negative association between grade retention and academic self‐concept, which was mediated by sense of belonging. Students in high retention composition schools had a significantly lower academic self‐concept. The impact of being retained on academic self‐concept is not affected by the number of retainees within a given context. Implications are discussed.
Utilization of a complex arrangement approach for spectroscopic examination with Eosin Y of various cephalosporins in their pure or pharmaceutical dosage forms, and in human plasma
Authors: Salem Hesham , Omar Mahmoud A. , Mazen Dina Z. , Nour El‐Deen Deena A. M.
Published: April 2021

Approved, basic, effective and successful spectroscopic strategies (spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric) were created to measure seven cephalosporins: cefpiramide (I), cefuroxime (II), cefoxitin (III), ceftazidime (IV), cefpirome (V), ceftobiprole (VI), and ceftriaxone (VII). These strategies used a two‐fold complex arrangement response for the drug amino groups with Eosin Y (EY). The examined drugs were determined spectrophotometrically at 542–550 nm in acetic acid derivative buffer. The examined drugs were determined spectrofluorimetrically by measuring their quenching effect on EY local fluorescence at 545 nm after excitation at 305 nm. The absorbance–intensity plots were rectilinear over the ranges 20–100, 10–130, 20–220, 30–230, 10–210, 20–180 and 10–130 μg ml−1for I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII samples, respectively. The fluorescence–intensity plots were rectilinear over the ranges 0.5–1.5, 0.1–0.9, 0.3–1.5, 0.5–2.5, 0.1–0.9, 0.5–2.5 and 0.1–1.0 μg ml−1for I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII samples, respectively. The recommended materials were certified as adhering to International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines and were used to examine the tested drugs in different dosage forms and in human plasma tests. The approved materials matched the reference materials.
Effectiveness of team teaching in biochemistry lectures for undergraduate students
Authors: Govindarajan Sumitra , Rajaragupathy Sujatha , Subramanian Kavitha , Karthikeyan Jayagowri
Published: April 2021

Team teaching is an innovative method to engage the large group and make lectures more interesting. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of team teaching in first year biochemistry lecture classes. After obtaining ethical clearance, 150 first year medical undergraduate students participated in the study on a voluntary basis. Topic identified for team teaching was “Protein biosynthesis” in Biochemistry, which was designed to be carried out in 5 h of lecture by three teachers. At the end of the team teaching module and traditional lectures, a structured anonymous feedback was obtained from the students. At the end of each class, students' understanding of the lecture was assessed by an MCQ test comprising 5–6 items, which mainly tested the recollection and understanding levels of Bloom's taxonomy. This was compared with traditional lectures. The mean MCQ test score was significantly higher for team teaching when compared to traditional teaching. The students had increased attention span and were able to answer questions from later part of the class in team lectures. The students had reported that lectures taught by team were more interesting and informative. They also felt that the team was more receptive to the doubts raised, stimulated discussion on the topic and had a better rapport with the class.
Design, Synthesis, and Molecular Docking of Some Novel Tacrine Based Cyclopentapyranopyridine‐ and Tetrahydropyranoquinoline‐Kojic Acid Derivatives as Anti‐Acetylcholinesterase Agents
Authors: Babaee Saeed , Chehardoli Gholamabbas , Akbarzadeh Tahmineh , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Mahdavi Mohammad , Rastegari Arezoo , Homayouni Moghadam Farshad , Najafi Zahra
Published: April 2021

A novel series of tacrine based cyclopentapyranopyridine‐ and tetrahydropyranoquinoline‐kojic acid derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as anti‐cholinesterase agents. The chemical structures of all target compounds were characterized by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and elemental analyses. The synthesized compounds mostly inhibited acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) with IC50 values of 4.18–48.71 μM rather than butyrylcholinesterase enzyme (BChE) with IC50 values of >100 μM. Among them, cyclopentapyranopyridine‐kojic acid derivatives showed slightly better AChE inhibitory activity compared to tetrahydropyranoquinoline‐kojic acid. The compound 10‐amino‐2‐(hydroxymethyl)‐11‐(4‐isopropylphenyl)‐7,8,9,11‐tetrahydro‐4H‐cyclopenta[b]pyrano[2′,3′ : 5,6]pyrano[3,2‐e]pyridin‐4‐one (6f) bearing 4‐isopropylphenyl moiety and cyclopentane ring exhibited the highest anti‐AChE activity with IC50 value of 4.18 μM. The kinetic study indicated that the compound 6f acts as a mixed inhibitor and the molecular docking studies also illustrated that the compound 6f binds to both the catalytic site (CS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE. The compound 6f showed moderate neuroprotective properties against H2O2‐induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. The theoretical ADME study also predicted good drug‐likeness for the compound 6f. Based on these results, the compound 6f seems to be a very promising AChE inhibitor for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Discovery of a Cell‐Active SuTEx Ligand of Prostaglandin Reductase 2
Authors: Toroitich Emmanuel K. , Ciancone Anthony M. , Hahm Heung Sik , Brodowski Skylar M. , Libby Adam H. , Hsu Ku‐Lung
Published: April 2021

Sulfonyl‐triazoles have emerged as a new reactive group for covalent modification of tyrosine sites on proteins through sulfur‐triazole exchange (SuTEx) chemistry. The extent to which this sulfur electrophile can be tuned for developing ligands with cellular activity remains largely underexplored. Here, we performed fragment‐based ligand discovery in live cells to identify SuTEx compounds capable of liganding tyrosine sites on diverse protein targets. We verified our quantitative chemical proteomic findings by demonstrating concentration‐dependent activity of SuTEx ligands, but not inactive counterparts, against recombinant protein targets directly in live cells. Our structure‐activity relationship studies identified the SuTEx ligand HHS‐0701 as a cell‐active inhibitor capable of blocking prostaglandin reductase 2 (PTGR2) biochemical activity.
Is the effect of atorvastatin 60 mg on stabilization of lipid‐rich plaque equivalent to that of rosuvastatin 10 mg? A serial optical coherence tomography combined with intravascular ultrasound imaging
Authors: Xu Maoen , Demuyakor Abigail , Hu Sining , Liu Huimin , Zhao Chen , Chen Tao , Qin Yuhan , Xu Yishuo , Feng Xue , Zeng Ming , Weng Ziqian , Gao Zhanqun , Hou Jingbo , Jia Haibo , Zhang Shuo , Yu Bo
Published: April 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the effect of atorvastatin 60 (AT60) mg to that of rosuvastatin 10 (RT10) mg on the morphological changes in lipid‐rich plaques (LRPs) and plaque volume, using serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound imaging (IVUS).

Background

Intensive lipid lowering therapy by statin provides more clinical benefit compared to that of moderate lipid lowering therapy.

Methods

Fifty patients who underwent OCT and IVUS at baseline, 6, and 12 months were grouped by statin therapy into the AT60 mg (n = 27) and RT10 mg (n = 23) groups. The relationships between absolute and percentage changes in biomarkers and fibrous cap thickness (FCT) during follow‐up were investigated using a simple regression analysis.

Results

At 6 months, the mean low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level reduced from 113.5 to 65.5 mg/dl (AT60 mg group) and 100.2 to 72.2 mg/dl (RT10 mg groups). A continuous increase in FCT from baseline to 12 months was observed in both groups (p < .001, p < .001, respectively). Mean lipid arc significantly decreased in both AT60 mg (189.0 ± 55.9°, 170.9 ± 60.2°, 155.6 ± 50.6°, p < .001) and RT10 mg (160.0 ± 45.6°, 151.2 ± 48.5°, 141.1 ± 52.9°, p = .010) groups. Plaque burden did not change significantly in both groups.

Conclusions

Lipid‐lowering therapy effect with AT60 mg was equivalent to that of RT10 mg in terms of change in plaque morphology. AT60 mg showed more intensive low‐density lipid cholesterol level reduction compared to RT10 mg while RT10 mg was effective in increasing the high‐density lipid cholesterol level. Both statin therapies could effectively stabilize LRPs.
An efficient and accurate numerical determination of the cluster resolution metric in two dimensions
Authors: Armstrong Michael Sorochan , de la Mata A. Paulina , Harynuk James J.
Published: April 2021

Cluster resolution (CR) is a useful metric for guiding automated feature selection of classification models. CR is a measure of class separation in a linear subspace for variable subsets via the determination of maximal, non‐intersecting confidence ellipses. Feature selection by cluster resolution (FS‐CR) is most commonly used to extract panels of useful, discriminating features from sparsely populated chromatographic peak tables, optimizing models from raw signals, or when working with datasets with many more variables than samples. The absence of a numerical method for calculating CR necessitates a great deal of dynamic programming and algorithmic complexity. In this work, we present a numerical determination of the CR metric, which reduces computation time by about 65 times when compared with the dynamic programming approach and simplifies the operating principles of FS‐CR algorithm.
The contributions of Prof. Kenneth F. O'Driscoll to radical copolymerization kinetics
Authors: Hutchinson Robin A. , Klumperman Bert , Russell Gregory T. , Van Herk Alexander M.
Published: April 2021

Among the many contributions that Kenneth “Ken” O'Driscoll made to advance the understanding of radical polymerization kinetics was the implementation of proper statistical procedures for extracting (monomer) reactivity ratios from experimental data for copolymer composition. He emphasized the importance of experimental design, using non‐linear regression, and a proper error analysis to construct reliable joint confidence intervals. He disseminated his views on this topic in many conferences, including the influential Santa Margherita Ligure series which he initiated, and which helped kickstart the renaissance of radical polymerization kinetics. This brief retrospective honours both Ken's scientific contributions and his humanity.
Pharmacokinetics of Opicapone and Its Metabolites in Healthy White and Chinese Subjects
Authors: Xue Wei , Tan Yan , Liu Yue , Xu Changjiang , Cong Duanduan , Zhong Liping , Song Jie , Hui Aimin , Qi Wenyuan , Wang Juan , Liu Xiaohui , Li Kexin
Published: April 2021

Opicapone (OPC) is a third‐generation catechol‐O‐methyltransferase inhibitor developed to treat Parkinson disease and motor fluctuations. This open‐label, single‐center, phase 1 study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of OPC and its metabolites when administered as single and multiple doses in healthy White and Chinese subjects. The study enrolled a total of 30 White and Chinese healthy subjects, equally balanced among groups. The first dose of OPC was administered orally as a single dose of 50 mg on day 1, followed by a 10‐day once‐daily treatment from day 5 to day 14. Plasma concentrations of OPC and its metabolites were measured at 0 to 72 and 0 to 144 hours after dosing for single dose and multiple dose, respectively. Moreover, urine concentrations of OPC and its metabolite were measured 0 to 24 hours after dosing. PK parameters were derived from noncompartmental analysis. Geometric mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals for the main PK parameters were conducted to evaluate the ethnic difference between White and Chinese subjects. The plasma and urine exposure of OPC and its metabolites in Chinese subjects were similar to those in White subjects. These results indicated that ethnicity had no significant impact on PK of OPC between White and Chinese subjects.
Adverse childhood experiences and repetitive negative thinking in adulthood: A systematic review
Authors: Mansueto Giovanni , Cavallo Chiara , Palmieri Sara , Ruggiero Giovanni Maria , Sassaroli Sandra , Caselli Gabriele
Published: April 2021

Background

It has been proposed that repetitive negative thinking (worry and rumination) may be more common among adults who have been exposed to childhood adverse experiences, leading to emotional disorders and other adverse outcomes. The current study aims to present a comprehensive evaluation of the literature examining the relationship between the exposure to childhood adversities, repetitive negative thinking and clinical outcomes in adulthood.

Methods

In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, a search was conducted on PubMed and Ebsco. A manual search of reference lists was also run. Search terms were ‘childhood adversity/childhood abuse/childhood neglect/early loss event AND worry or rumination’.

Results

A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. In both non‐clinical and clinical populations, worry and rumination seem to be common among adults exposed to childhood abuse or childhood neglect. Among adults who have been exposed to childhood adversities, rumination seems to be associated with worse clinical outcomes such as severe psychiatric symptoms, depression, dysphoria, suicidal ideation, cognitive complaints, post‐traumatic stress symptoms and aggression.

Conclusion

Early experiences of abuse and neglect may be associated with a tendency to engage in repetitive negative thinking, such as worry and rumination, in adulthood. Among adults, with a history of childhood adversities, tailored treatment to reduce repetitive negative thinking should be considered.
Coumarin‐Pyronin Hybrid Dyes: Synthesis, Fluorescence Properties and Theoretical Calculations**
Authors: Renault Kévin , Chevalier Arnaud , Bignon Jérôme , Jacquemin Denis , Richard Jean‐Alexandre , Romieu Anthony
Published: April 2021

A novel class of rosamine dyes bearing a 7‐substituted 4‐hydroxycoumarin unit as meso‐heteroaryl ring is presented. The latent C‐nucleophilic character of 4‐hydroxycoumarin derivatives (i. e., their C‐3 position as a nucleophilic center) has been drawn on in the design of two unprecedented synthetic routes towards these atypical xanthene dyes. The syntheses are based on an effective formal Knoevenagel condensation with either pyronin derivatives or a mixed bis‐aryl ether bearing both an aldehyde and a masked phenylogous amine, possibly applicable to a wide range of latent cyclic C‐nucleophiles. We also report experimental and theoretical photophysical investigations of these unique coumarin‐pyronin hybrid structures and particularly they form low‐lying quenching states, some dark and demonstrating a twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) nature, depending on the medium (CHCl3 and water). Furthermore, two fluorophore compounds have been applied for imaging in paraformaldehyde‐fixed A549 cells to gain insights into their permeation and localization.
Mapping Interactions between Glycans and Glycan‐Binding Proteins by Live Cell Proximity Tagging
Authors: Joeh Eugene , Reeves Abigail E. , Parker Christopher G. , Huang Mia L.
Published: April 2021

Interactions between glycans and glycan‐binding proteins (GBPs) consist of weak, noncovalent, and transient binding events, making them difficult to study in live cells void of a static, isolated system. Furthermore, the glycans are often presented as protein glycoconjugates, but there are limited efforts to identify these proteins. Proximity labeling permits covalent tagging of the glycoprotein interactors to query GBP in live cells. Coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry, it facilitates determination of the proteins bearing the interacting glycans. In this method, fusion protein constructs of a GBP of interest with a peroxidase enzyme allows for in situ spatiotemporal radical‐mediated tagging of interacting glycoproteins in living cells that can be enriched for identification. Using this method, the capture and study of glycan‐GBP interactions no longer relies on weak, transient interactions, and results in robust capture and identification of the interactome of a GBP while preserving the native cellular environment. This protocol focuses on (1) expression and characterization of a recombinant fusion protein consisting of a peroxidase and the GBP galectin‐3, (2) corresponding in situ labeling and visualization of interactors, (3) and proteomic workflow and analysis of captured proteins for robust identification using mass spectrometry. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Expression, purification, and characterization of recombinant fusion protein

Alternate Protocol 1: Manual Ni‐NTA purification of recombinant fusion protein

Basic Protocol 2: In situ proximity labeling and evaluation by fluorescence microscopy

Alternate Protocol 2: Western blot analysis of in situ proximity labeling

Basic Protocol 3: Proximity labeling of cells for quantitative MS‐based proteomics with tandem mass tags
Scale‐free topology security mechanism of wireless sensor network against cascade failure
Authors: Gao Zhiyang , Liu Yaqi , Qi Feng , Chen Huaijin
Published: April 2021

As the basic architecture of the Internet of things, wireless sensor networks are the most important technical means to detect data on the Internet of things, and their security is essential to the development and implementation of the Internet of things. The wireless sensor network based on the scale‐free theory has strong fault tolerance when random nodes fail and can better adapt to the unsupervised and complex environment of wireless sensor networks. However, in a wireless sensor network with scale‐free function, the unevenness of its degree distribution causes some nodes to be very critical in the network. Once attacked, it will cause major damage to the network. Selective promotion attacks are relatively common. At the network level, the attacker destroys the normal collection of network data by selectively losing information or not forwarding sensitive information, which is extremely harmful to the network using this function. In order to overcome the influence of excessive dependence on a single path on the balance performance of the network, starting from the entire network, a secure multi‐path routing algorithm for wireless sensor networks based on scale‐free topology is proposed. Through the analysis of the network topology, the highest degree network node can be found. Optimize the load factor, use digital watermarking technology to locate the network path packet loss rate, and perform Gaussian modeling on the packet loss rate. Then the routing loading function and the routing packet loss rate are used as the confidence model factors to create the routing confidence model. We must first establish a model, select the transmission path according to the received function, and then obtain the global optimal security sensor routing algorithm. Through the algorithm in this thesis, the security of the wireless sensor network is improved by 17%.
Neuronal androgen receptor is required for activity dependent enhancement of peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Ward Patricia J. , Davey Rachel A. , Zajac Jeffrey D. , English Arthur W.
Published: April 2021

Neuronal activity after nerve injury can enhance axon regeneration and the restoration of function. The mechanism for this enhancement relies in part on hormone receptors, and we previously demonstrated that systemic androgen receptor antagonism blocked the effect of exercise or electrical stimulation on enhancing axon regeneration after nerve injury in both sexes. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the site of this androgen receptor signaling is both neuronal and involves the classical, genomic signaling pathway. In vivo, dorsal root ganglion neurons successfully regenerate in response to activity‐dependent neuronal activation, and conditional deletion of the DNA‐binding domain of the androgen receptor in adults blocks this effect in males and females. Motoneurons in males and females also respond in this manner, but we also observed a sex difference. In vitro, cultured sensory dorsal root ganglion neurons respond to androgens via traditional androgen receptor signaling mechanisms leading to enhanced neurite growth and did not respond to a testosterone conjugate that is unable to cross the cell membrane. Given our previous observation of a requirement for activity‐dependent androgen receptor signaling to promote regeneration in both sexes, we interpret our results to indicate that genomic neuronal androgen receptor signaling is required for activity‐dependent axon regeneration in both sexes.
Re‐evaluation of combined ((ES/EG)/(TS/TG)) ratio as a marker of testosterone intake in men
Authors: Schulze Jenny , Pettersson‐Bohlin Kim , Thörngren John‐Olof , Ekström Lena
Published: April 2021

To detect doping with pseudo‐endogenous anabolic steroids in sports, a urinary steroid profile with glucuronidated plus unconjugated androgens is used. In addition to analyze androgen glucuronide metabolites, it can be of interest to also include sulfate metabolites in the urinary steroid profile. The combined ratios of epitestosterone sulfate/epitestosterone glucuronide to the ratios of testosterone sulfate/testosterone glucuronide ((ES/EG)/(TS/TG)) have previously been investigated as a complementary biomarker for testosterone doping. In this restudy, the aim was to evaluate this biomarker in a larger study sample population. A single dose of 500‐mg testosterone enanthate was administered to 54 healthy male volunteers. Urine was collected prior to (Day 0) administration and throughout 15 days and analyzed for the sulfate and glucuronide conjugates of testosterone and epitestosterone. The results show that the combined ratio increased to a larger extent than the traditional T/E ratio in all subjects. This increase was independent on UGT2B17 gene polymorphism. Moreover, a delayed peak of the combined ratio was observed in ~60% of the participants. The results confirm that complementary analyses of the sulfate metabolites may be a useful approach to detect testosterone doping in men.
Bimetallic Metal‐Organic Framework with High‐Adsorption Capacity toward Lithium Polysulfides for Lithium–sulfur Batteries
Authors: Geng Pengbiao , Du Meng , Guo Xiaotian , Pang Huan , Tian Ziqi , Braunstein Pierre , Xu Qiang
Published: April 2021

The practical application of Li‐S batteries is largely impeded by the “shuttle effect” generated at the cathode which results in a short life cycle of the battery. To address this issue, this work discloses a bimetallic metal‐organic framework (MOF) as a sulfur host material based on Al‐MOF, commonly called (Al)MIL‐53. To obtain a high‐adsorption capacity to lithium polysulfides (Li2Sx, 4 ≤ x ≤ 8), we present an effective strategy to incorporate sulfiphilic metal ion (Cu2+) with high‐binding energy to Li2Sx into the framework. Through a one‐step hydrothermal method, Cu2+ is homogeneously dispersed in Al‐MOF, producing a bimetallic Al/Cu‐MOF as advanced cathode material. The macroscopic Li2S4 solution permeation test indicates that the Al/Cu‐MOF has better adsorption capacity to lithium polysulfides than monometallic Al‐MOF. The sulfur‐transfusing process is executed via a melt‐diffusion method to obtain the sulfur‐containing Al/Cu‐MOF (Al/Cu‐MOF‐S). The assembled Li‐S batteries with Al/Cu‐MOF‐S yield improved cyclic performance, much better than that of monometallic Al‐MOF as sulfur host. It is shown that chemical immobilization is an effective method for polysulfide adsorption than physical confinement and the bimetallic Al/Cu‐MOF, formed by incorporation of sulfiphilic Cu2+ into porous MOF, will provide a novel and powerful approach for efficient sulfur host materials.
Lipids and Fatty Acids of the Gonads of Sea Urchin Diadema setosum (Echinodermata) From the Coastal Area of the Nha Trang Bay, Central Vietnam
Authors: Murzina Svetlana A. , Dgebuadze Polina Yu. , Pekkoeva Svetlana N. , Voronin Viktor P. , Mekhova Elena S. , Thanh Nguyen T. H.
Published: April 2021

The sea urchin Diadema setosum is edible and desirable as food by locals in central Vietnam and a promising target for potential fishing. The lipid profiles of the gonads of the sea urchin inhabiting the coastal area in Nha Trang Bay are studied for the first time. The determination of the content of the total lipids (TL), total phospholipids (PL), monoacylglycerols (MAG), diacylglycerols (DAG), triacylglycerols (TAG), cholesterol (Chol), sterol esters, and free fatty acids (FFA) is analyzed by high‐performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC); the phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and sphingomyelin (SM) are determined by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC); and the fatty acid levels of TLs are identified using gas chromatography (GC). Non‐polar TAG, FFA, Chol, and DAG dominated. The content of total PL is significant. PC is abundant among PL fractions, followed by PE, PI, and PS. The TLs contain a high proportion of PUFA, mainly due to arachidonic fatty acid and eicosapentanoic fatty acid. The (n−6)/(n−3) ratio is 1.68, and the atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes of D. setosum are 1.13 and 0.73. The results can be used in the development of marine bioprospecting and methodological approaches for the creation of functional substances.
Cognitive agency in music interventions: Increased perceived control of music predicts increased pain tolerance
Authors: Howlin Claire , Rooney Brendan
Published: April 2021

Background

Self‐selected music is consistently found to be the strongest predictor for successful music listening interventions in pain management contexts, but the specific cognitive mechanisms that mediate these effects are currently unknown.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to isolate the role of cognitive agency on pain tolerance in music listening interventions, independently from parallel effects related to enjoyment. Additionally, the study examines the role of intramusical features and individual attributes related to musical engagement.

Methods

Fifty‐two participants completed a repeated measures experiment, which involved listening to six different pieces of music while completing the cold pressor task. Cognitive agency was operationalized by giving participants different degrees of perceived control over the music selection, when in fact it was pre‐determined by the experimenter.

Results

A generalized linear mixed model was used to analyse the impact of perceived choice and intramusical features on pain tolerance measured in terms of duration on the cold pressor task, pain intensity and pain unpleasantness. Increased levels of perceived choice predicted increases in pain tolerance when enjoyment was accounted for. Individual levels of trait empathy and sophisticated emotional engagement with music also contributed to the effects. Intramusical features did not predict increases in pain tolerance.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the reason self‐selected music is particularly effective in reducing pain is related to the act of making a choice over the music itself. This study provides support for the cognitive vitality model and emphasizes the importance of giving people as much control as possible in music interventions.

Significance

This study identifies that the act of selecting music contributes to increases in pain tolerance in parallel with the independent factor of enjoyment. This provides support for the role of cognitive agency in mediating the analgesic effects of music interventions, which suggests that people should be given as much control as possible in music interventions. Additionally, this study identifies specific individual attributes related to emotional engagement and empathy that amplify the effect of cognitive agency.