bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diastereoselectivity‐Switchable Gold‐Catalyzed Formal [3+2]‐Cycloadditions of N‐2,2,2‐Trifluoroethylisatin Ketimines with Yne−Enones
Authors: Xiao Jun‐An , Cheng Xiu‐Liang , Peng Hai , Liang Jin‐Shao , Luo Xiao‐Yan , Su Wei
Published: August 2021

The unexpected gold‐catalyzed formal [3+2]‐cycloaddition of N‐2,2,2‐trifluoroethylisatin ketimines with 2‐(1‐Alkynyl)‐2‐alken‐1‐ones is reported. Both diastereomers of the corresponding cycloadducts were formed in moderate to excellent yields with excellent diastereoselectivities by switching the catalytic system from mono‐gold to gold/silver bimetallic catalytic system. The practicality of this protocol is demonstrated by scale‐up reaction and the transformations of the cycloadduct.
Use of allied‐health services and medication among adults with ASD in Latin America
Authors: Torres Andy , Lecusay Denise , Valdez Daniel , Rosoli Analía , Garrido Gabriela , Cukier Sebastián , Paula Cristiane Silvestre , Garcia Ricardo , Rattazzi Alexia , Montiel‐Nava Cecilia
Published: August 2021

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people across the entire lifespan, yet most of the research identifying the health and medical needs for autistic individuals have been among minors. As individuals with ASD transition to emerging adulthood, the services, already limited, become less available. This study aimed to identify the use of services for Latin American adults on the spectrum. We surveyed 295 caregivers of adults with ASD from six Latin American countries. Comparing the results for all the possible services observed in this study, the adults in our sample were primarily underserved: 84.4%–95.9% were receiving zero hours per week, 3.7%–12.9% 1%–10 h, 0%–1.7% 11–20, and only 0%–1% above 20 h of services. Almost half of the sample used medication, and neurologists were the most consulted health providers. Next to inexistent health care usage in Latin American adults with ASD highlights socioeconomic and health disparities in service provision for ASD in the region. The lack of services places adults with ASD in Latin America at a higher risk of worse symptom severity than autistic adults from regions with broader access to services.

Lay Summary

This study aimed to identify the quantity of services received by adults with autism in Latin America. Most of our sample was not receiving health services yet almost half had access to medication. This could mean that adults with autism in Latin America are at higher risk for poorer health.
CDCA7‐regulated inflammatory mechanism through TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway in stomach adenocarcinoma
Authors: Guo Yu , Zhou Kaimei , Zhuang Xiang , Li Junjie , Shen Xianglin
Published: August 2021

To investigate the role of cell division cycle associated 7 (CDCA7) in stomach carcinoma, detect whether CDCA7 knockdown could regulate the development of stomach carcinoma, and further observe the relationship between CDCA7 and inflammation through TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) in vitro and in vivo. TIMER2.0, Kaplan–Meier plotter, Target Gene, and GEPIA systems were used to predict the potential function of CDCA7. Western blot and immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression of CDCA7 at different tissue or cell lines. The proliferation, development, inflammation, and apoptosis of STAD in vitro and in vivo were observed by using CDCA7 knockdown lentivirus through TLR4 suppression by its inhibitor. Bioinformatics analysis of CDCA7 with inflammation and western blot of CDCA7 with target protein of immune‐associated cells were observed by using CDCA7 knockdown lentivirus in vivo. Finally, the prognosis and associated of CDCA7 in some gene mutations of STAD was observed by Target Gene system. CDCA7 expression in STAD tumor tissue was higher than the normal. The CDCA7 expression in tumor or MGC803 cells was increased. Furthermore, CDCA7 knockdown lentivirus could inhibit STAD development in vitro and in vivo through weakening tumor cells proliferation, reducing tumor volume and biomarker levels, and then increasing apoptotic level. CDCA7 is possibly able to regulate inflammation in STAD through TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, CDCA7 may be related with mast cells and the upstream target factor of TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway in inflammation. These results may provide a new strategy to stomach carcinoma development by regulating inflammation.
Integrated pan‐cancer of AURKA expression and drug sensitivity analysis reveals increased expression of AURKA is responsible for drug resistance
Authors: Miralaei Noushin , Majd Ahmad , Ghaedi Kamran , Peymani Maryam , Safaei Masoomeh
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The AURKA gene encodes a protein kinase involved in cell cycle regulation and plays an oncogenic role in many cancers. The main objective of this study is to analyze AURKA expression in 13 common cancers and its role in prognostic and drug resistance.

Method

Using the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) as well as CCLE and GDSC data, the level of AURKA gene expression and its role in prognosis and its association with drug resistance were evaluated, respectively. In addition, the expression level of AURKA was assessed in colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC) samples. Besides, using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data, drugs that could affect the expression level of this gene were also identified.

Results

The results indicated that the expression level of AURKA gene in 13 common cancers increased significantly compared to normal samples or it survived poorly (HR >1, p < 0.01) in lung, prostate, kidney, bladder, and uterine cancers. Also, the gene expression data showed increased expression in CRC and GC samples compared to normal ones. The level of AURKA was significantly associated with the resistance to SB 505124, NU‐7441, and irinotecan drugs (p < 0.01). Eventually, GEO data showed that JQ1, actinomycin D1, and camptothecin could reduce the expression of AURKA gene in different cancer cell lines (logFC < 1, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Increased expression of AURKA is observed in prevalent cancers and associated with poor prognostic and the development of drug resistance. In addition, some chemotherapy drugs can reduce the expression of this gene.
The Effect of Pretreatment on the Reactivity of Pd/Al2O3 in Room Temperature Formaldehyde Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Lina , Zhang Bangjie , Xue Peng , Li Jiwei , Zhang Zhun , Yang Yanling , Wang Shuai , Lin Jingdong , Liao Honggang , Wang Yong , Yao Yali , Wan Shaolong , Xiong Haifeng
Published: August 2021

A Pd/Al2O3 nanocatalyst was pretreated at 750 °C in air, Ar or H2O/Ar, respectively. The effect of these different pretreatments on the active species and reactivity of Pd/Al2O3 in formaldehyde oxidation at room temperature was investigated. The pretreatment was found to affect both the phase transformation of PdO to Pd metal and the Pd dispersion, leading to different catalytic performances. We found that the Pd/Al2O3 nanocatalyst pretreated in both Ar and H2O/Ar show 60 % and 100 % formaldehyde conversion at 25 °C, respectively, while the catalyst pretreated in air is not active under the same condition. Pretreatments in both Ar and H2O/Ar were found to facilitate the formation of metallic Pd on Pd/Al2O3 catalyst, confirmed by both experiments and calculation based on the function of the equilibrium oxygen pressure and temperature. We further found that the catalyst pretreated in H2O/Ar has higher Pd dispersion and more surface OH groups compared to that pretreated in Ar, leading to improved activity in formaldehyde oxidation.
Improved Durability and Activity in Pt/Mo2C Fuel Cell Cathodes by Magnetron Sputtering of Tantalum
Authors: Hamo Eliran R. , Rosen Brian A.
Published: August 2021

Cost reduction together with durability represent the primary challenges for cathode catalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The catalyst is often supported by carbon, which suffers from parasitic corrosion, particularly during start‐up and shut‐down operations. Transition metal carbides (TMCs) have attracted attention as a potential replacement for carbon supports because some of them have electronic structures likened to noble metals. Mo2C has shown promising activity as platinum support for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) but can suffer from oxidation and dissolution. Here, Mo2C supports are modified by surface tantalum (Ta) treatment using a variety of DC magnetron sputtering operating parameters. All supports modified by Ta showed improved corrosion resistance compared to the untreated support. Pt/Mo2C modified with Ta using a 500 V bias, 6 mTorr working pressure, and 2 min sputter time additionally showed improved kinetic current density and mass activity. Ta sputtering under these conditions were applied to the cathode side of a Pt/Mo2C membrane electrode assembly and showed significantly improved durability when subjected to an accelerated stress test. Ta‐modified Pt/Mo2C cathodes showed resistance to void formation and loss of electrochemical surface area. Ta magnetron sputtering can therefore be considered a viable surface treatment for improving the activity and stability of PEMFCs using Mo2C‐based supports.
Turning the Light on Phenols: New Opportunities in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Bartolomei Beatrice , Gentile Giuseppe , Rosso Cristian , Filippini Giacomo , Prato Maurizio
Published: August 2021

Phenols (I) are extremely relevant chemical functionalities in natural, synthetic and industrial chemistry. Their corresponding electron‐rich anions, namely phenolates (I), are characterized by interesting physicochemical properties that can be drastically altered upon light excitation. Specifically, phenolates (I) become strong reducing agents in the excited state and are able to generate reactive radicals from suitable precursors via single‐electron transfer processes. Thus, these species can photochemically trigger strategic bond‐forming reactions, including their direct aromatic C−H functionalization. Moreover, substituted phenolate anions can act as photocatalysts to enable synthetically useful organic transformations. An alternative mechanistic manifold is represented by the ability of phenolate derivatives I to form ground state electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complexes with electron‐poor radical sources. These complementary scenarios have paved the way for the development of a wide range of relevant organic reactions. In this Minireview, we present the main examples of this research field, and give insight on emerging trends in phenols photocatalysis towards richer organic synthesis.
A schizophrenia risk factor induces marked anatomical deficits at GABAergic‐dopaminergic synapses in the rat ventral tegmental area: Essential evidence for new targeted therapies
Authors: Seo Steve , Sizemore Rachel J. , Reader Karen L. , Smither Roseanna A. , Wicky Hollie E. , Hughes Stephanie M. , Bilkey David K. , Parr‐Brownlie Louise C. , Oorschot Dorothy E.
Published: August 2021

To develop new therapies for schizophrenia, evidence accumulated over decades highlights the essential need to investigate the GABAergic synapses that presynaptically influence midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Since current technology restricts these studies to animals, and evidence accumulated in recent decades indicates a developmental origin of schizophrenia, we investigated synaptic changes in male rat offspring exposed to maternal immune activation (MIA), a schizophrenia risk factor. Using a novel combination of lentiviruses, peroxidase‐immunogold double labeling, three‐dimensional serial section transmission electron microscopy and stereology, we observed clear anatomical alterations in synaptic inputs on dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain posterior ventral tegmental area (pVTA). These changes relate directly to a characteristic feature of schizophrenia: increased dopamine release. In 3‐month‐old and 14‐month‐old MIA rats, we found a marked decrease in the volume of presynaptic GABAergic terminals from the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) and in the length of the synapses they made, when innervating pVTA dopaminergic neurons. In MIA rats in the long‐term, we also discovered a decrease in the volume of the postsynaptic density (PSD) and in the maximum thickness of the PSD at the same synapses. These marked deficits were evident in conventional GABA‐dopamine synapses and in synaptic triads that we discovered involving asymmetric synapses that innervated RMTg GABAergic presynaptic terminals, which in turn innervated pVTA dopaminergic neurons. In triads, the PSD thickness of asymmetric synapses was significantly decreased in MIA rats in the long‐term cohort. The extensive anatomical deficits provide a potential basis for new therapies targeted at synaptic inputs on midbrain pVTA dopaminergic neurons, in contrast to current striatum‐targeted antipsychotic drugs.
Multiple species‐specific molecular markers using nanofluidic array as a tool to detect prey DNA from carnivore scats
Authors: Di Bernardi Cecilia , Wikenros Camilla , Hedmark Eva , Boitani Luigi , Ciucci Paolo , Sand Håkan , Åkesson Mikael
Published: August 2021

Large carnivore feeding ecology plays a crucial role for management and conservation for predators and their prey. One of the keys to this kind of research is to identify the species composition in the predator diet, for example, prey determination from scat content. DNA‐based methods applied to detect prey in predators’ scats are viable alternatives to traditional macroscopic approaches, showing an increased reliability and higher prey detection rate. Here, we developed a molecular method for prey species identification in wolf (Canis lupus) scats using multiple species‐specific marker loci on the cytochrome b gene for 18 target species. The final panel consisted of 80 assays, with a minimum of four markers per target species, and that amplified specifically when using a high‐throughput Nanofluidic array technology (Fluidigm Inc.). As a practical example, we applied the method to identify target prey species DNA in 80 wolf scats collected in Sweden. Depending on the number of amplifying markers required to obtain a positive species call in a scat, the success in determining at least one prey species from the scats ranged from 44% to 92%. Although we highlight the need to evaluate the optimal number of markers for sensitive target species detection, the developed method is a fast and cost‐efficient tool for prey identification in wolf scats and it also has the potential to be further developed and applied to other areas and large carnivores as well.
Cyanopyridines – Suitable Heterocycles for Cocrystal Syntheses
Authors: Enkelmann Dennis , Lipinski Gregor , Merz Klaus
Published: August 2021

2‐cyanopyridine and 4‐cyanopyridine were investigated for the controlled synthesis of cocrystals by applying the pKa rule. Cocrystals were designed with oxalic, glutaric and adipic acids and analyzed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. To get a deeper insight into the aggregation behavior of the designed cocrystals, UNI Force Field Calculations were used to compare the intermolecular potentials of the main interactions of the crystal structures.
“The liberation of LGBTQ+ will also liberate heterosexuals”: Heterosexual feminist women's participation in solidarity‐based collective action for LGBTQ+ rights
Authors: Uysal Mete Sefa , Uluğ Özden Melis , Kanık Betül , Aydemir Aslı
Published: August 2021

The current studies aim to examine the underlying predictors of heterosexual feminist women's willingness to participate in solidarity‐based collective action for LGBTQ+ rights. We hypothesized that feminist identification, perceived discrimination against LGBTQ+, and strategic intra‐minority alliance between feminists and LGBTQ+ would predict their willingness to participate in solidarity‐based collective action. Study 1 (N = 141) showed that higher feminist identification and more endorsement of the strategic intra‐minority alliance predicted more willingness to participate in solidarity‐based collective action among heterosexual feminist women in Turkey. Study 2 (N = 644) replicated and extended the findings of Study 1 with a larger sample by showing that higher awareness of sexual orientation privilege predicts more willingness to participate in solidarity‐based collective action. By following an intersectional and multi‐identity approach in Study 3 (N = 280), we showed that higher feminist identification predicted more willingness to participate in solidarity‐based collective action, whereas higher heterosexual identification predicted less willingness.
Photoelectrochemical enzymatic penicillin biosensor: A proof‐of‐concept experiment
Authors: Welden Rene , Komesu Cindy A. Nagamine , Wagner Patrick H. , Schöning Michael J. , Wagner Torsten
Published: August 2021

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensors are a rather novel type of biosensors that utilize light to provide information about the composition of an analyte, enabling light‐controlled multi‐analyte measurements. For enzymatic PEC biosensors, amperometric detection principles are already known in the literature. In contrast, there is only a little information on H+‐ion sensitive PEC biosensors. In this work, we demonstrate the detection of H+ ions emerged by H+‐generating enzymes, exemplarily demonstrated with penicillinase as a model enzyme on a titanium dioxide photoanode. First, we describe the pH sensitivity of the sensor and study possible photoelectrocatalytic reactions with penicillin. Second, we show the enzymatic PEC detection of penicillin.
The impact of wind‐waves and sea level rise on the morphodynamics of a sandy estuarine shoal
Authors: Zheng J. , Elmilady H. , Röbke B.R. , Taal M. , Wang Z.B. , van Prooijen B.C. , de Vet P.L.M. , van der Wegen M.
Published: August 2021

Intertidal shoals are pronounced morphological features found in many estuaries worldwide. Apart from maintaining an ecologically unique intertidal environment, shoals also protect adjacent dyke systems by attenuating waves. The fate of sandy shoals under anticipated sea level rise (SLR) scenarios is underexplored.

The current research investigates the long‐term morphodynamic evolution of estuarine sandy shoals under forcing by short fetch, locally generated wind‐waves, tides, and SLR by means of a numerical, process‐based model (Delft3D). The focus lies on a sheltered shoal complex in the Western Scheldt, the Netherlands. Starting from the initial, 1963 bathymetry, we model 50‐year morphodynamic development with schematized wind‐wave forcing. We analyze in detail the impact of locally generated wind‐waves on shoal formation. Finally, we impose regional SLR of 1.10 m and 1.95 m for 100 years.

Model results show that, on the spatial scale of intertidal flats, small, locally generated wind‐waves lower and widen the shoals while the adjacent channels deepen. However, on the estuarine system scale, wind‐waves do not lead to fundamentally different channel–shoal patterns and morphodynamic evolution trends. This suggests that channel–shoal formation is mainly due to tide residual sediment transports, with wind‐waves playing a secondary role. SLR leads to a notable intertidal area loss, despite a continuous heightening of the shoals, implying that morphodynamic adaptation lags behind SLR. The inclusion of wind‐waves does not fundamentally change the reaction of the estuarine shoal to SLR. Future research may focus on exploring the impact of including multiple sediment classes.
LearningCC: An online learning approach for congestion control
Authors: Zhang Songyang , Lei Weimin , Zhang Wei , Guan Yunchong
Published: August 2021

It is noticed that traditional loss based algorithms are not moving data very well in today's Internet. To get bottleneck bandwidth fully utilized, these algorithms will keep increasing the congestion window and maintain a standing queue of packets in routers, which cause large end to end latency. Such long latency is quite annoying to these ever growing delay sensitive applications. Recently, much effort has been devoted by researchers from both academia and industry to design better congestion control protocols and make a better Internet. In this article, we present an online learning based approach named LearningCC for congestion control. Instead of adjusting the congestion window with fixed rule as these traditional algorithms do, there are several options for an endpoint to choose. Each option is mapped as an arm of a bandit machine. The exploration and exploitation scheme is used to guide the selection on congestion window update rule. Through trial and error, an endpoint improves its performance by choosing action with better reward. Experiments are conducted on ns3 platform to verify the effectiveness of LearningCC. Results indicate it achieves lower transmission delay than loss based algorithms. Especially, we found LearningCC makes significant throughput improvement in link suffering from random loss.
Incorporation of high fructose corn syrup with different fructose levels into biscuit: An assessment of physicochemical and textural properties
Authors: Ershadi Arash , Azizi Mohammad Hossein , Najafian Leila
Published: August 2021

This study examined the effects of different concentrations of high‐fructose corn syrup (HFCS, 28%, 44%, 55%) used in biscuit formulation on the hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) acrylamide content, and textural properties were investigated and compared with invert sugar and sucrose‐incorporated samples. No significant difference in the chemical composition (moisture, fat, protein, and ash) among different samples was noted based on the results. The highest L* was associated with a control sample containing sugar and invert sugar, although an increase in F55 content decreased the L* value significantly (p < .05). The highest hardness value was correlated with control samples (6.5 N), although the sample with 12.5% F42 and 25% F55 demonstrated lower hardness 6.27 N, and the lowest hardness value (3.97 N) was related to the sample containing 12.5% F42 and 25% F28. The amounts of water activity of all samples were in the range of 0.22 to 0.29, with the highest amount related to the control sample. The SEM images showed a uniform surface with several holes for all the biscuits. The highest and lowest (HMF) levels were related to the samples containing 25% F55 (46.04) and 12.5% F42 with 2.36 ppm. The control sample with the acrylamide amount of 28.50 ppb and the sample containing 12.5% F42 and 25% F55 with the acrylamide amount of 27.33 ppb showed the highest acrylamide content.
‘That house was a home’: Qualitative evidence from New Zealand on the connections between rental housing eviction and poor health outcomes
Authors: Chisholm Elinor , Bierre Sarah , Davies Cheryl , Howden‐Chapman Philippa
Published: August 2021

Issue addressed

Eviction, or a forced move from rental housing, is a common experience for New Zealand renters, yet we know very little about its effects. This research investigated how eviction affects people's lives and health.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 27 people who had experienced eviction. We coded the transcripts and grouped them into themes using template analysis.

Results

Participant experienced grief at the loss of the home. Moving out and searching for a new home was highly stressful on participants and on their relationships. After being evicted, people became homeless, often staying with family and friends and lived in poor quality or unaffordable housing. They reported health issues as a result of these circumstances.

Conclusions

Eviction harms health through causing stress, grief and a move to a risky living situation. Increasing the supply of housing and funding wide‐ranging support services can help minimise the harm caused by eviction.

So what?

Reducing the incidence and impact of eviction should be a priority for health promotion.
Daily streamflow trends in Western versus Eastern Norway and their attribution to hydro‐meteorological drivers
Authors: Skålevåg Amalie , Vormoor Klaus
Published: August 2021

Regional warming and modifications in precipitation regimes has large impacts on streamflow in Norway, where both rainfall and snowmelt are important runoff generating processes. Hydrological impacts of recent changes in climate are usually investigated by trend analyses applied on annual, seasonal, or monthly time series. None of these detect sub‐seasonal changes and their underlying causes. This study investigated sub‐seasonal changes in streamflow, rainfall, and snowmelt in 61 and 51 catchments respectively in Western (Vestlandet) and Eastern (Østlandet) Norway by applying the Mann–Kendall test and Theil–Sen estimator on 10‐day moving averaged daily time series over a 30‐year period (1983–2012). The relative contribution of rainfall versus snowmelt to daily streamflow and the changes therein have also been estimated to identify the changing relevance of these driving processes over the same period. Detected changes in 10‐day moving averaged daily streamflow were finally attributed to changes in the most important hydro‐meteorological drivers using multiple‐regression models with increasing complexity. Earlier spring flow timing in both regions occur due to earlier snowmelt. Østlandet shows increased summer streamflow in catchments up to 1100 m a.s.l. and slightly increased winter streamflow in about 50% of the catchments. Trend patterns in Vestlandet are less coherent. The importance of rainfall has increased in both regions. Attribution of trends reveals that changes in rainfall and snowmelt can explain some streamflow changes where they are dominant processes (e.g., spring snowmelt in Østlandet and autumn rainfall in Vestlandet). Overall, the detected streamflow changes can be best explained by adding temperature trends as an additional predictor, indicating the relevance of additional driving processes such as increased glacier melt and evapotranspiration.
RNA‐seqAnalysis ofPeri‐ImplantTissue Shows Differences in Immune, Notch, Wnt, and Angiogenesis Pathways in Aged Versus Young Mice
Authors: Turajane Kathleen , Ji Gang , Chinenov Yurii , Chao Max , Ayturk Ugur , Suhardi Vincentius J , Greenblatt Matthew B , Ivashkiv Lionel B , Bostrom Mathias PG , Yang Xu
Published: August 2021

The number of total joint replacements (TJRs) in the United States is increasing annually. Cementless implants are intended to improve upon traditional cemented implants by allowing bone growth directly on the surface to improve implant longevity. One major complication of TJR is implant loosening, which is related to deficient osseointegration in cementless TJRs. Although poor osseointegration in aged patients is typically attributed to decreased basal bone mass, little is known about the molecular pathways that compromise the growth of bone onto porous titanium implants. To identify the pathways important for osseointegration that are compromised by aging, we developed an approach for transcriptomic profiling of peri‐implant tissue in young and aged mice using our murine model of osseointegration. Based on previous findings of changes of bone quality associated with aging, we hypothesized that aged mice have impaired activation of bone anabolic pathways at the bone‐implant interface. We found that pathways most significantly downregulated in aged mice relative to young mice are related to angiogenic, Notch, and Wnt signaling. Downregulation of these pathways is associated with markedly increased expression of inflammatory and immune genes at the bone‐implant interface in aged mice. These results identify osseointegration pathways affected by aging and suggest that an increased inflammatory response in aged mice may compromise peri‐implant bone healing. Targeting the Notch and Wnt pathways, promoting angiogenesis, or modulating the immune response at the peri‐implant site may enhance osseointegration and improve the outcome of joint replacement in older patients. © 2021 The Authors.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Emetine exerts anticancer effects in U2OS human osteosarcoma cells via activation of p38 and inhibition of ERK, JNK, and β‐catenin signaling pathways
Authors: Son Juhyeon , Lee Sang Yeol
Published: August 2021

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone neoplasm that is highly malignant. As advances in chemotherapy for the treatment of OS have stagnated, discovery of new reagents is required. Emetine is a phytochemical which can be isolated from a medicinal herb Cephaelis ipecacuanha and is traditionally used for amoebicides. Previous studies have demonstrated that emetine can possibly be repositioned for use in anticancer reagents. However, any anticancer effects and underlying mechanisms of emetine on human OS are not yet well understood. In this study, we analyzed the anticancer effects and involved cellular mechanisms after treatment with emetine to U2OS human OS cells. Emetine significantly reduced both the viability and proliferation, and induced apoptosis via activation of caspase‐3 and caspase‐7 in U2OS cells. Emetine effectively inhibited the migration and invasion of U2OS cells. Gelatinase activities of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) and MMP‐9 were reduced by emetine. MMP‐9 was transcriptionally inhibited, while MMP‐2 was posttranscriptionally repressed, via the reduced expression of membrane‐type I‐matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP). p38, which is closely related with induction of apoptosis, was stimulated by emetine. Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), and β‐catenin, which are linked with expression of MMPs, were downregulated. Emetine exerted anticancer effects on MG63 human OS cells as well. Taken together, our study demonstrated the anticancer and antimetastatic potential of emetine in treating human OS for the first time. It is expected that emetine may be a promising drug candidate to be repositioned for chemotherapy of OS.
Association of systemic inflammation with survival in patients with cancer cachexia: results from a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Zhang Qi , Song Meng‐Meng , Zhang Xi , Ding Jia‐Shan , Ruan Guo‐Tian , Zhang Xiao‐Wei , Liu Tong , Yang Ming , Ge Yi‐Zhong , Tang Meng , Li Xiang‐Rui , Qian Liang , Song Chun‐Hua , Xu Hong‐Xia , Shi Han‐Ping
Published: August 2021

Background

Although systemic inflammation is an important feature of the cancer cachexia, studies on the association between systemic inflammation and prognostic of cancer cachexia are limited. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with outcome and quality of life for patients with cancer cachexia and investigated any interaction between NLR and the clinical parameters.

Methods

This is a multicentre cohort study of 2612 cancer patients suffering from cachexia diagnosed between June 2012 and December 2019. The main parameters measured were overall survival (OS) time and all‐cause mortality. The association between NLR and all‐cause mortality was evaluated using hazard ratios (HRs) and the restricted cubic spline model with a two‐sided P‐value. Optimal stratification was used to solve threshold points. We also evaluated the cross‐classification of NLR for each variable of survival.

Results

Of the 2612 participants diagnosed with cancer cachexia, 1533 (58.7%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 58.7 (11.7) years. Over a median follow‐up of 4.5 years, we observed 1189 deaths. The overall mortality rate for patients with cancer cachexia during the first 12 months was 30.2% (95%CI: 28.4%–32.0%), resulting in a rate of 226.07 events per 1000 patient‐years. An increase in NLR had an inverted L‐shaped dose–response association with all‐cause mortality. The optimal cut‐off point for NLR as a predictor of mortality in cancer patients with cachexia was 3.5. An NLR of 3.5 or greater could independently predict OS (HR, 1.51, 95%CI: 1.33–1.71). These associations were consistent across subtypes of cancer. Several potential effect modifiers were identified including gender, BMI, tumour type, KPS score and albumin in content. Increasing NLRs were independently associated with a worsening in the majority of EORTC QLQ‐C30 domains. Elevated baseline NLR was associated with low response and poor survival in patients treated with immunotherapy.

Conclusions

The baseline NLR status was found to be a significant negative prognostic biomarker for patients with cachexia; this effect was independent of other known prognostic factors.
Effecting change in academic dentistry through small groups
Authors: Noonan Kate E. , Chappelear Hal E. , Reynolds Mark A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose/Objective

The work of faculty, staff, and students is driven by their alignment with an institution's vision and purpose, as set forth in its strategic plan. Any plan that calls for innovative growth must address certain aspects of organizational culture as roadblocks to success and should foster relationship building to achieve long‐standing progress. This demonstration project investigates a method for effecting change through a Small Group Initiative (SGI).

Methods

Representatives from faculty and staff were selected by purposive sampling, placed into eight groups of six, and one member of each group was made a facilitator to participate in or facilitate monthly structured discussion‐based meetings for a 1‐year time period. Participants read one chapter a month of 12: The Elements of Great Managing, which corresponds to the Gallup Q12 Employee Engagement survey that each participant completed at the beginning and end of the program.

Results

Findings indicate an overall increase in participant levels of employee engagement and increased levels of personal ownership in regard to the strategic plan after participating in the SGI.

Conclusions

Many other institutional efforts aimed at the advancement of school‐wide vision and employee engagement can be cumbersome to implement and require a substantial allocation of resources. The SGI, however, requires minimal resources, limited infringement on regular activity, and minimal direct cost to implement. These factors suggest that the SGI could be tailored to meet specific needs of leadership and may have broad‐based applicability across various academic settings.
Extremal graphs for odd wheels
Authors: Yuan Long‐Tu
Published: August 2021

For a graph , the Turán number of , denoted by ex, is the maximum number of edges of an ‐vertex ‐free graph. Let denote the maximum number of edges not contained in any monochromatic copy of in a 2‐edge‐coloring of . A wheel is a graph formed by connecting a single vertex to all vertices of a cycle of length . The Turán number of was determined by Simonovits in 1960s. In this paper, we determine ex when is sufficiently large. We also show that, for sufficient large , which confirms a conjecture posed by Keevash and Sudakov for odd wheels.
BrazilClim: The overcoming of limitations of pre‐existing bioclimate data
Authors: Ramoni‐Perazzi Paolo , Passamani Marcelo , Thielen Dirk , Padovani Carlos , Arizapana‐Almonacid Marco Aurelio
Published: August 2021

Species distribution modelling has become instrumental in assessing the influence of environmental conditions on the occurrence or abundance of taxa. The set of environmental layers used for this purpose is a crucial aspect, for which different climate‐based (bioclimatic) datasets have been recently developed. These bioclimatic variables result from combinations of precipitation and temperatures surfaces. Here, we explored both the performance and possibility of improving some of the currently available bioclimatic databases, through an evaluation of the precipitation and temperatures surfaces used to generate them. For this purpose, we used a combination of statistic and graphic approaches. We focused on Brazil, not only due to its natural megadiversity, but also due to its continental size and orographic heterogeneity: an excellent ground for refining methods replicable elsewhere. We found a better match between the climatic data measured on‐field and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM 3B43 v7) in the case of precipitation, and the surfaces provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the case of temperatures, sources uncommonly used for species niche modelling. We gauge‐calibrated the best performing surfaces using machine‐learning algorithms and generated corrected surfaces that allowed us to create BrazilClim: a database of bioclimatic variables, based on improved primary surfaces, which will result in more assertive predicted distributions and more actual pictures of the species' ecological requirements for megadiverse Brazil, an approach replicable elsewhere. All primary and bioclimatic surfaces generated for this study may be freely downloaded.
A comparison of strategies for state‐selective coherent Raman excitation
Authors: Stamm Jacob A. , Dantus Marcos
Published: August 2021

We report on the theoretical and experimental evaluation of state‐selective bond activation for coherent Raman spectroscopy and control of chemical reactivity. We compare six different strategies for state‐selective activation using shaped broadband femtosecond laser pulses. Results for a pair of long pulses with different wavelengths are also considered. For each of these approaches, we report on their theoretical and experimental ability to excite a desired vibrational mode while minimizing excitation of other modes including harmonics. We find that the double parabola spectral phase function gives the most intense Raman excitation with 10 cm−1 selectivity with the lowest background. The sinusoidal phase function produces intense Raman excitation with high selectivity but gives a series of harmonic excitations which could hinder selectivity. Implications of this study on several fields ranging from sensing, to controlling chemical reactions, and selective excited state excitation by X‐ray pulses are discussed.
Latent Patterns of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Depression, and Posttraumatic Growth Among Adolescents During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Zhen Rui , Zhou Xiao
Published: August 2021

Researchhas shown that posttraumatic reactions can co‐occur in trauma‐exposed individuals. Many studies have assessed the co‐occurring patterns of two types of reactions, but few have assessed the patterns of multiple reactions. To build on existing knowledge, the present study examined co‐occurring patterns of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depressive symptoms, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants (N = 683) were adolescents selected from an area in China severely affected by COVID‐19 who completed the PTSD Checklist, a measure of depression, a PTG inventory, and a cognitive emotional regulation questionnaire. Latent profile analysis and multinomial logistic regression were used for the data analyses. The results showed three heterogeneous patterns characterized by growth (n = 248, 36.3%), distress (n = 101, 14.8%), and struggle (n = 334, 48.9%). Positive refocusing and reappraisal were associated with membership in the growth group compared with distress group, OR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.75, 0.93] and OR = 0.78, 95% CI [0.68, 0.90], whereas rumination, catastrophizing, and “putting into perspective” were associated with membership in the distress group compared with growth group, ORs = 1.15–1.44. These findings suggest that posttraumatic reactions show heterogeneous characteristics: struggle, rather than growth or distress, is common among adolescents during COVID‐19; and distinct cognitive emotional regulation strategies have distinguishing roles in the three patterns of posttraumatic reactions.
Slow and Fast Light through Weak Measurements of Spectral Superoscillations
Authors: Zacharias Thomas , Hareli Liran , Bahabad Alon
Published: August 2021

Slow and fast light are light pulses moving at group velocities slower or faster than the speed of light in vacuum. Current methods to achieve slow and fast light are based on strong dispersion attainable in resonant systems. By defining slow and fast light based on the arrival of the expectation value of the pulse in time, an alternative route for achieving slow and fast light is experimentally demonstrated where no dispersion engineering is needed and thus can be applicable to any medium and system where light is propagating. The method is based on the phenomenon of superoscillations and entails a weak measurement of the arrival time of a light pulse. The findings can be useful for applications in telecommunication, interferometry, and laser radars.
Susceptibility of chloride ion concentration, temperature, and surface roughness on pitting corrosion of CoCrFeNi medium‐entropy alloy
Authors: Wang Dongpeng , Li Xin , Chen Zhen , Wang Shuai , Wang Yuxin , Liu Weihong , Li Weili , Xue Rongjie , Liu Chain T.
Published: August 2021

The influence and susceptibility of chloride ion concentration, temperature, and surface roughness on corrosion behavior of single‐phase CoCrFeNi medium‐entropy alloy (MEA) was examined in NaCl solution. Potentiodynamic polarization results revealed that the corrosion performance of the sample deteriorated with an increase of the chloride ion concentration, temperature, and surface roughness. The pitting potential decreased drastically for samples with higher surface roughness. According to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the charge transfer resistance decreased when chloride ion concentration, temperature, and surface roughness increased. Scanning electron micrographs also indicated an increased extent of corrosion damage, especially for the sample with higher surface roughness. It is found that the corrosion resistance is closely related to the wettability of samples, and the surface with the highest roughness shows higher hydrophilicity. The combined results suggested that the pitting damage is more sensitive to surface roughness. Our findings provide a further understanding of the corrosion mechanism of MEAs and guide their applications as structural materials.
Branched/Hyperbranched Copolyesters from Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Citric Acid as Delivery Agents and Tissue Regeneration Scaffolds
Authors: Sengupta Srijoni , Singh Abhishek , Dutta Koushik , Sahu Ram Prasad , Kumar Satish , Goswami Chandan , Chawla Saurabh , Goswami Luna , Bandyopadhyay Abhijit
Published: August 2021

Multifunctional branched/hyperbranched copolymers from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and citric acid (CA) are synthesized by varying the mole compositions of PVA and CA and are used as a prospective vehicle for encapsulation and release of bioactive molecules and as a potential scaffold for cell adhesion and growth. The branched architecture is established from spectroscopy and rheological measurements. All the copolymers have shown a lower hydrodynamic size and viscosity than the linear, high molecular weight PVA because of spherical and more compact architecture. Importantly, the size of the highly branched copolymer is found independent of pH which proved that the branch ends are capped with OH groups. Lower viscosity at equivalent solid content, biocompatibility, high antibacterial property, and presence of adequate macromolecular voids make the branched/hyperbranched copolymers a potential platform for encapsulation and release of gentamicin and other bioactive molecules. The macromolecular voids and chain end functionality also promote adhesion and growth of differentiated primary cells as well as undifferentiated stem cells implying that the copolyester can also be used as a potential 2D/3D scaffold for tissue engineering applications.
Hooking and Handling Mortality of Trout Captured in the Bald Eagle Creek Trout Tournament, Pennsylvania
Authors: Carline Robert F. , Jackson Mark F. , Nale Mark A. , Wijeyakulasuriya Dhanushi A. , Niu Xiaoyue
Published: August 2021

For many years bait has been banned in catch-and-release trout fisheries owing to anticipated high rates of hooking mortality. Recent studies that have been conducted in streams have found relatively low rates of hooking mortality. The objective of this study was to quantify the rates of hooking and handling mortality of stocked trout that were caught by recreational anglers using the terminal tackle of their choice during a 2-d tournament for three consecutive years on a small stream in central Pennsylvania. Each year, we affixed T-bar anchor tags to more than 800 Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis, Brown Trout Salmo trutta, Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, and golden Rainbow Trout and stocked them in an 11-km stream reach. All of the tagged trout that were alive when they were checked in were eligible for cash prizes. After processing, the trout were monitored for 9 d in a hatchery. Anglers brought in 423–591 tagged trout each year. The rates for hooking and handling mortality among years ranged from 3.9% to 8.0%. Mortality of Rainbow Trout (7.4%) was the highest among the three species. The trout were caught on natural and manufactured baits (87.9%), artificial lures (10.8%), and flies (1.3%); mortality was not related to terminal tackle. Trout that had hooks left embedded in them or had blood in their holding container had the highest mortality. Time from capture to check-in, holding method, hook type, or hook size did not influence mortality. This study demonstrated low mortality of trout that were caught primarily with bait and subjected to more handling stress than they would normally experience in catch-and-release waters. We suggest that these results support the notion that bait fishing can be allowed without negative population-level effects in streams where regulations require that most or all angled trout are released.
Influence of Steelhead Trout Stocking Size and Location on Emigration and Adult Returns
Authors: Markham James L. , Robinson Jason M.
Published: August 2021

Effective stocking programs are an essential part of maintaining most high-quality tributary steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss fisheries in the Great Lakes, requiring sufficient numbers of stocked fish to survive, imprint, and return as adults. New York’s Lake Erie tributaries have long supported popular and economically important recreational steelhead fisheries, attracting anglers from across the country. Recent research has illustrated New York’s dependence on “stray” steelhead from other jurisdictions, making New York fisheries vulnerable to other agencies’ management decisions. We hypothesized that the limited contribution by New York-stocked steelhead was attributable to poor poststocking survival and imprinting due to the smaller stocking size relative to other Lake Erie jurisdictions. We took an experimental approach to describe how the combination of stocking size and within-stream stocking location interact to influence emigration and adult returns and identify mechanisms that may be driving these relationships, with the goal of identifying stocking strategies that improve adult returns. Stocked steelhead >150 mm total length emigrated from the stream by the end of May; small-size steelhead tended to remain in the stream and exhibited upstream migration. The residual population of steelhead lost body condition and likely experienced high mortality. Adult returns from large-size fish that were stocked 6.4 km upstream were 4.1 times greater than small-size fish stocked upstream and six times greater than fish stocked near the lake confluence (0.8 km upstream). We conclude that many of the steelhead stocked by New York are too small to imprint and emigrate, instead remaining as stream residents that experience poor survival and ultimately make minimal contributions to the adult fishery. Increases in the stocking size of New York steelhead coupled with stocking well upstream of the lake confluence would result in increased adult returns of New York-stocked fish to their streams of origin and improved fishery performance and resiliency.