bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐Spatiotemporal Probing of Neurochemical Events by Advanced Electrochemical Sensing Methods
Authors: Wu Fei , Yu Ping , Mao Lanqun
Published: October 2022

Neurochemical events involving biosignals of different time and space dimensionalities constitute the complex basis of neurological functions and diseases. In view of this fact, electrochemical measurements enabling real‐time quantification of neurochemicals at multiple levels of spatiotemporal resolution can provide informative clues to decode the molecular networks bridging vesicles and brains. This Minireview focuses on how scientific questions regarding the properties of single vesicles, neurotransmitter release kinetics, interstitial neurochemical dynamics, and multisignal interconnections in vivo have driven the design of electrochemical nano/microsensors, sensing interface engineering, and signal/data processing. An outlook for the future frontline in this realm will also be provided.
Electrocatalytic CO2 Upgrading to Triethanolamine by Bromine‐Assisted C2H4 Oxidation
Authors: Wang Qihao , Yang Chao , Yan Yaqin , Yu Haisheng , Guan Anxiang , Kan Miao , Zhang Quan , Zhang Linjuan , Zheng Gengfeng
Published: October 2022

The electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction is a promising approach for converting this greenhouse gas into value‐added chemicals, while the capability of producing products with longer carbon chains (Cn>3) is limited. Herein, we demonstrate the Br‐assisted electrocatalytic oxidation of ethylene (C2H4), a major CO2 electroreduction product, into 2‐bromoethanol by electro‐generated bromine on metal phthalocyanine catalysts. Due to the preferential formation of Br2 over *O or Cl2 to activate the C=C bond, a high partial current density of producing 2‐bromoethanol (46.6 mA⋅cm−2) was obtained with 87.2 % Faradaic efficiency. Further coupling with the electrocatalytic nitrite reduction to ammonia at the cathode allowed the production of triethanolamine with six carbon atoms. Moreover, by coupling a CO2 electrolysis cell for in situ C2H4 generation and a C2H4 oxidation/nitrite reduction cell, the capability of upgrading of CO2 and nitrite into triethanolamine was demonstrated.
Dynamic B/N Lewis Pairs: Insights into the Structural Variations and Photochromism via Light‐Induced Fluorescence to Phosphorescence Switching
Authors: Shi Yafei , Zeng Yi , Kucheryavy Pavel , Yin Xiaodong , Zhang Kai , Meng Guoyun , Chen Jinfa , Zhu Qian , Wang Nan , Zheng Xiaoyan , Jäkle Frieder , Chen Pangkuan
Published: October 2022

Ultralong afterglow emissions due to room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) are of paramount importance in the advancement of smart sensors, bioimaging and light‐emitting devices. We herein present an efficient approach to achieve rarely accessible phosphorescence of heavy atom‐free organoboranes via photochemical switching of sterically tunable fluorescent Lewis pairs (LPs). LPs are widely applied in and well‐known for their outstanding performance in catalysis and supramolecular soft materials but have not thus far been exploited to develop photo‐responsive RTP materials. The intramolecular LP M1BNM not only shows a dynamic response to thermal treatment due to reversible N→B coordination but crystals of M1BNM also undergo rapid photochromic switching. As a result, unusual emission switching from short‐lived fluorescence to long‐lived phosphorescence (rad‐M1BNM, τRTP=232 ms) is observed. The reported discoveries in the field of Lewis pairs chemistry offer important insights into their structural dynamics, while also pointing to new opportunities for photoactive materials with implications for fast responsive detectors.
Preparation and evaluation of double‐hydrophilic diblock copolymer as viscosity reducers for heavy oil
Authors: Wu Ruonan , Yan Yuhan , Li Xingxing , Tan Yebang
Published: October 2022

In this work, a series of double‐hydrophilic diblock copolymers ofN‐acryloylmorpholine (NAMO) andN,N‐dialkylacrylamide are prepared as the additives for viscosity reduction, which could effectively interact with the asphaltenes and resins. The viscosity reduction effects of the types ofN,N‐dialkylacrylamide monomer (N,N‐dimethyl acrylamide &N,N‐diethyl acrylamide) and degree of polymerization (DP) of poly(N,N‐dialkylacrylamide) block in copolymers on heavy oil are tested with heavy oils with different viscosities. These viscosity reducers can work with small dosages (>25 mg L−1). The interfacial tension between oil and water is significantly weakened, and the aggregating structures of asphaltenes and resins are disassembled into smaller aggregates and covered with polymers with the addition of copolymers. The re‐establishment of aggregates among polar components seems to be prevented, and the stability of the heavy oil/water emulsions is greatly enhanced as a result. All these results provide the prerequisites for water‐soluble diblock copolymers working as viscosity reducers for various heavy oils.
In Situ Synthesized Homochiral Spiroborate Ester Metal‐Organic Framework with Mono‐, Di‐, and Trivalent Cations
Authors: Xiao Yuchen , Yang Huajun , Hong Anh N. , Wang Yanxiang , Bu Xianhui , Feng Pingyun
Published: October 2022

We report here a one‐step method for synthesizing multi‐component and in‐situ‐formed homochiral spiroborate‐ester‐based metal‐organic framework CPM‐B1. This unique material successfully integrates COF fragment spiroborate ester within the MOF and simultaneously incorporate homochirality and helicity. In addition, CPM‐B1 is a rare example of framework materials that results from the cooperative assembly of three charge‐complementary cations: +1 (lithium), +2 (cobalt), and +3 (boron). The sophistication of the co‐assembly is further highlighted by the three structural roles of lithium ions. This unique structure contributes to its multi‐functional properties such as ionic conductivity and catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (by CPM‐B1 carbonized material) and provides a new path to develop MOF materials with complex secondary building units and multi‐functional applications.
The roles of atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperature in UK surface climate
Authors: Fereday David , Knight Jeff
Published: October 2022

Atmospheric circulation has been identified as a key driver of recent extreme seasons in the UK, while local sea surface temperature (SST) also influences UK surface climate. Here, we investigate the roles of atmospheric circulation and SST in driving UK climate, using atmospheric model simulations with constrained global atmospheric circulation and selected SST boundary conditions. These simulations successfully reproduce observed UK‐mean temperature and precipitation. For UK temperature, circulation has a larger effect than SST for all seasons and timescales. SST influence peaks in summer on seasonal timescales. For precipitation, SST influence is weaker and is modulated by circulation. Nevertheless, SST effects provide skilful forecasts of spring and autumn UK temperature, and also contribute to UK temperature extremes in winter and summer.
Industrial oilseed crops in Chile: Current situation and future potential
Authors: Román‐Figueroa Celián , Cea Mara , Paneque Manuel
Published: October 2022

Industrial crops are becoming increasingly relevant as raw materials for different goods and services. Although there are many oilseed crops with industrial purposes, data about their production in Chile are scarce because the definition used by the Office of Agricultural Studies and Policies places agro‐industrial and industrial crops in the same category. Here, we review the available information about 12 industrial oleaginous crops at different levels of development (four native, two adventive and six introduced crops). Most of these crops have been evaluated for or are related to biodiesel production, despite the lack of commercial biodiesel production in Chile. Jojoba was the first industrial oilseed produced commercially in Chile; however, every year its production area decreases, and currently it does not exceed 100 ha. Sunflower and rapeseed, which are the first generation of raw materials for biodiesel production, have been poorly studied in Chile despite the large number of studies available on them worldwide. Camelina and castor bean have recently been studied; the former is produced in the south, while the latter is produced on the coastline in northern Chile. Further research is needed to improve the production and adaptation of these oilseed crops to climatic conditions in Chile; moreover, a new market must be opened to produce and commercialize their oils. Oilseed species native to Chile have not been extensively studied, and they represent an interesting option suitable for production under Chilean climatic conditions; this is particularly true for guindilla and chañar, because both can grow under different abiotic stresses. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling time‐varying recruitment rates in multicenter clinical trials
Authors: Perperoglou Aris , Zhang Youyi , Kipourou Dimitra‐Kleio
Published: October 2022

Multicenter phase II/III clinical trials are large‐scale operations that often include hundreds of recruiting centers in several countries. Therefore, the operational aspects of a trial must be thoroughly planned and closely monitored to ensure better oversight and study conduct. Predicting patient recruitment plays a pivotal role in trial monitoring as it informs how many people are expected to be recruited on a given day. As such, study teams may rely on predictions to assess progress and detect any deviations from the original plan that might put the study and potentially, patients at risk. Recruitment predictions are often based on a Poisson‐Gamma model that assumes that centers have a constant recruitment rate throughout the trial. The model has useful features and has extensively been used, yet its main assumption is often unrealistic. A nonhomogeneous Poisson process has been recently proposed that can incorporate time‐varying recruitment rates. In this work, we predict patient recruitment using both approaches and assess the impact of said assumption in a real‐world setting where studies may not necessarily have constant center‐specific recruitment rates. The paper showcases experience from modeling recruitment in trials sponsored by AstraZeneca between 2005 and 2018. In these data, there is evidence of time‐varying recruitment rates. The predictive performance of models that account for both constant and time‐varying recruitment effects is presented. Following a descriptive analysis of data, we assess model performance and investigate the impact of model misspecification.
Incorporating infectious duration‐dependent transmission into Bayesian epidemic models
Authors: Ward Caitlin , Brown Grant D. , Oleson Jacob J.
Published: October 2022

Compartmental models are commonly used to describe the spread of infectious diseases by estimating the probabilities of transitions between important disease states. A significant challenge in fitting Bayesian compartmental models lies in the need to estimate the duration of the infectious period, based on limited data providing only symptom onset date or another proxy for the start of infectiousness. Commonly, the exponential distribution is used to describe the infectious duration, an overly simplistic approach, which is not biologically plausible. More flexible distributions can be used, but parameter identifiability and computational cost can worsen for moderately sized or large epidemics. In this article, we present a novel approach, which considers a curve of transmissibility over a fixed infectious duration. The incorporation of infectious duration‐dependent (IDD) transmissibility, which decays to zero during the infectious period, is biologically reasonable for many viral infections and fixing the length of the infectious period eases computational complexity in model fitting. Through simulation, we evaluate different functional forms of IDD transmissibility curves and show that the proposed approach offers improved estimation of the time‐varying reproductive number. We illustrate the benefit of our approach through a new analysis of the 1995 outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Natural Products for the Treatment of Drug Addiction: Narrative Review
Authors: Raslan Mona A.
Published: October 2022

Drug addiction is considered a chronic disorder affecting the individual's life, his/her family and society. Up till now the treatment of drug addiction is considered a problematic issue. Synthetic drugs available for the treatment of drug addiction are few, of limited efficacy and associated with serious side effects. Therefore, there is a continuous search for better therapeutic agents for drug addiction. Natural products represent a promising source for drug addiction treatment. This review summaries drug addiction definition, its mechanism of action, its types, its diagnosis, factors affecting its development and different available approaches for its treatment especially the use of natural products. Six plants were discussed thoroughly in this review, including, Tabernanthe iboga Baill., Mitragyna speciosa Korth., Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep, Hypericum perforatum L., Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.
Use of the PK Papyrus covered coronary stent in the treatment of Kawasaki disease‐associated giant coronary artery aneurysms
Authors: Naimi Iman , Morray Brian , Portman Michael A. , Steinberg Zachary L.
Published: October 2022

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis that can cause coronary artery inflammation and aneurysm formation leading to early obstructive disease. We describe the use of PK Papyrus covered stents (Biotronic, Inc.) in three pediatric patients to exclude coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) from the circulation and relieve aneurysm associated stenoses. Follow‐up angiography at 11–17 months postprocedure demonstrated persistent exclusion of CAA and varying degrees of in‐stent restenosis (ISR). Two patients required percutaneous coronary intervention with drug eluting stent (DES) implantation to relieve in‐stent stenosis. Our findings suggest that CAA exclusion with the PK Papyrus stent is possible and may be a valuable tool in simultaneously treating stenotic and thrombogenic CAA in pediatric KD patients. ISR of these non‐DES remains an issue and may require additional interventions within the short‐term to maintain vessel patency.
Pre‐snow and post‐snow applications of ethephon in winter enhance the suppression of annual bluegrass seedheads
Authors: Van Dyke Adam
Published: October 2022

The practice of applying ethephon in late fall or winter to improve spring seedhead suppression of annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) has become more common. Two distinct winter application timings were tested in eight studies on five putting greens in Utah and Colorado from 2013 to 2017. Winter ethephon treatments preceded standard spring seedhead applications and included a pre‐snow application alone (before snow cover), a post‐snow application alone (after snow melt), or a combination of both winter timings and compared to the spring programs only. Tank mixes of Civitas Turf Defense and snow mold fungicides used in the region were also tested at the winter timings. No turf injury was observed by any ethephon treatment. Winter applications of ethephon enhanced seedhead suppression in annual bluegrass, and snow mold control was unaffected. Although either single winter ethephon application would improve suppression, more suppression may be achieved by making both a pre‐snow and post‐snow application.
Challenges in the Design of Biotechnological Production Facilities Based on Single‐Use Technologies
Authors: Kiesewetter Sven , Platas Barradas Oscar
Published: October 2022

The design of single‐use and single‐use/stainless‐steel hybrid systems require attention to the routing of hoses and cables. Commercial solutions are available, but customized, technically simple solutions are often successful. For hybrid systems, status “functionally closed” is often required. Chemical sanitization compared to steam sanitization includes improved process reliability and handling. In this contribution, examples of design solutions and recommendations for efficient and safe design and operation of single‐use/stainless‐steel hybrid plants are provided.
Green synthesis of templated porous carbons
Authors: de Andrade Schaffner Rodolfo , Borba Carlos Eduardo , Tavares Fernanda , Oliveira Lígia Gomes , Castaño Pedro , Alves Helton José
Published: October 2022

Porous carbon materials such as activated carbons are widely used industrially for the purposes of purification, decolourization, deodorization, and gas storage, among others. Routes for the synthesis of these materials employing templates have increasingly attracted attention due to the ease of manipulating the characteristics of the final product. In the present work, a simple synthesis method was applied for the production of highly porous carbon materials using commercial sugar as the carbon source, Aerosil silica as a template, and deionized water. The synthesis procedure was as follows: (I) Gel formation; (II) carbonization of the gels; (III) removal of the silica template; (IV) activation. The materials were characterized by N2 and CO2 physisorption, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The aging time had an important influence on the specific area and porosity of the material, with physisorption analysis revealing a high specific area and pore volume. The activation procedures further contributed to significantly increasing the specific area (up to 1158 m2 g−1) and pore volume (up to 1.65 cm3 g−1). The X‐ray diffractograms and Raman spectra identified the formation of semi‐crystalline structures in the material, with the presence of a random distribution of graphite and graphene oxide, in addition to amorphous carbon. FTIR analysis showed the presence of bands corresponding to aromatic groups. The results demonstrated that it was possible to obtain materials with excellent potential for use in different industrial sectors using simple raw materials and a technique that is easy to reproduce.
Gastric cancer incidence trends in China and Japan from 1990 to 2019: Disentangling age–period–cohort patterns
Authors: Li Yuansheng , Ren Ningjun , Zhang Beibei , Yang Chao , Li Ailing , Li Xiang , Lei Zhi , Fei Liping , Fan Song , Zhang Junhui
Published: October 2022

Background

Recent data have shown divergent trends in gastric cancer (GC) incidence between China and Japan; however, the cause for has not been explored.

Methods

We retrieved GC incidence data from 1990 to 2019 from the Global Burden of Disease study, stratified by sex for both countries. We analyzed annual average percentage change (AAPC) via a joinpoint regression model and estimated the effects of age, period, and cohort via the age–period–cohort model.

Results

The age‐standardized incidence rate trends for GC decreased in both countries and both sexes, but the reduction was more pronounced in Japan because the AAPC for Japanese males (AAPC = −2.65%; 95% CI, −2.98 to −2.32) was eight times greater than that of Chinese males (AAPC = −0.30%; 95% CI, −0.5 to −0.09). The age and cohort effects on the trend are similar in both countries: the risk of GC incidence increased with age among the Chinese and the Japanese but was lower among younger birth cohorts. The two countries showed contrasting trends over the study period; although the risk of GC rapidly decreased for Japanese males and females, it increased by twofold among Chinese males.

Conclusions

The period effect is the main reason for the divergent trends in age‐standardized incidence rate for GC in China and Japan. By comparing national cancer control programs in both countries, we concluded that countries with a high prevalence of GC, such as China, can learn from Japan's experience in controlling GC by actively conducting national population screening, which is expected to facilitate both prevention and treatment of GC.

Lay summary

More than one‐half of all new gastric cancer (GC) worldwide occur in China and Japan, but the reasons for the different incidence trends have not been thoroughly analyzed.

Analysis using the age–period–cohort model confirmed that the cohort effect was the main reason for the decline in age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) for GC and that the period effect may be the main reason for the divergent trends in gastric cancer ASIR in China and Japan.
The effect of cardiac properties on arterial pulse waves: An in‐silico study
Authors: Piccioli Francesco , Valiani Alessandro , Alastruey Jordi , Caleffi Valerio
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the effects of cardiac properties variability on arterial pulse wave morphology using blood flow modelling and pulse wave analysis. A lumped‐parameter model of the left part of the heart was coupled to a one‐dimensional model of the arterial network and validated using reference pulse waveforms in turn verified by comparison with in vivo measurements. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effects of variations in cardiac parameters on central and peripheral pulse waveforms. Results showed that left ventricle contractility, stroke volume, cardiac cycle duration, and heart valves impairment are determinants of central waveforms morphology, pulse pressure and its amplification. Contractility of the left atrium has negligible effects on arterial pulse waves. Results also suggested that it might be possible to infer left ventricular dysfunction by analysing the timing of the dicrotic notch and cardiac function by analysing PPG signals. This study has identified cardiac properties that may be extracted from in vivo central and peripheral pulse waves to assess cardiac function.
Providing performance portable numerics for Intel GPUs
Authors: Tsai Yu‐Hsiang M. , Cojean Terry , Anzt Hartwig
Published: October 2022

With discrete Intel GPUs entering the high‐performance computing landscape, there is an urgent need for production‐ready software stacks for these platforms. In this article, we report how we enable the Ginkgo math library to execute on Intel GPUs by developing a kernel backed based on the DPC++ programming environment. We discuss conceptual differences between the CUDA and DPC++ programming models and describe workflows for simplified code conversion. We evaluate the performance of basic and advanced sparse linear algebra routines available in Ginkgo's DPC++ backend in the hardware‐specific performance bounds and compare against routines providing the same functionality that ship with Intel's oneMKL vendor library.
Construction of Long‐Range Magnetic Sequences on Different Surfaces of BaTiO3
Authors: Gao Bo , Xu Qun
Published: October 2022

Using the first‐principles spin‐density‐functional theory calculations, we studied the origin of ferromagnetism from non‐magnetic ferroelectric barium titanate (BaTiO3) and found out vacancies in different surface can successfully contribute to the origin of ferromagnetism. Accurately, our findings demonstrate that both O and Ti vacancies induce ferromagnetism on the (001) and (010) surfaces of BaTiO3, and the optimal Ti−O bond length can control the vacancy‐induced spin density that is delocalized or concentrated in the real space outside the vacancy, and it helps to enhance our understanding on the long‐range magnetic order induced by the vacancy. In addition, intrinsic magnetism is shown on the defect‐free (110) surface, and the structure is found to be a near‐ideal two‐dimensional Ising ferromagnet with large magnetocrystalline anisotropy, and it supplies the platform for studying basic spin behavior of BaTiO3 and more according materials.
ZnSe and CdS Co‐Sensitized TiO2Nanorod Arrays as Photoanodes for Bias‐Free Solar Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Gunasekaran Ashokan , Sadhasivam Subramani , Anbarasan Nallathambi , Jeganathan Kulandaivel
Published: October 2022

The efficient charge separation and surface state reactions are significant in enhancing the efficiency of photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution. Herein, we report a ternary heterostructure consisting of CdS/ZnSe sensitized TiO2nanorod as a photoanode. The heterojunction photoanode considerably widens the photon absorption spectral range and thereby enhances the photocurrent density up to 2 mA/cm2at 1.23 V versus RHE which is 10 times higher than pristine TiO2photoanode. The photoelectrochemical results demonstrate a high photocurrent density of 2 mA/cm2with a photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency of 1.5 % at a very low applied bias (0.2 V vs RHE). The improved PEC performances of the multidimensional hybrid photoanode could be ascribed to the efficient visible‐light absorption of ZnSe and CdS nanocrystals decorated on the surface of 1D TiO2. The rapid electron‐transfer properties owing to higher carrier density, low carrier transport resistance, and an extended lifetime of photoexcited carriers in the multidimensional ZnSe/CdS/TiO2heterostructure with suppressed surface charge recombination are responsible for enhanced hydrogen evolution activities.
Assessment of Antitumor and Antiproliferative Efficacy and Detection of Protein‐Protein Interactions in Cancer Cells from 3D Tumor Spheroids
Authors: Sonju Jafrin Jobayer , Dahal Achyut , Prasasty Vivitri Dewi , Shrestha Prajesh , Liu Yong‐Yu , Jois Seetharama D.
Published: October 2022

When compared to two‐dimensional (2D) cell cultures, 3D spheroids have been considered suitable in vitro models for drug discovery research and other studies of drug activity. Based on different 3D cell culture procedures, we describe procedures we have used to obtain 3D tumor spheroids by both the hanging‐drop and ultra‐low‐attachment plate methods and to analyze the antiproliferative and antitumor efficacy of different chemotherapeutic agents, including a peptidomimetic. We have applied this method to breast and lung cancer cell lines such as BT‐474, MCF‐7, A549, and Calu‐3. We also describe a proximity ligation assay of the cells from the spheroid model to detect protein‐protein interactions of EGFR and HER2. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Growth of 3D spheroids using the hanging‐drop method

Basic Protocol 2: Growth of spheroids using ultra‐low‐attachment plates

Support Protocol 1: Cell viability assay of tumor spheroids

Support Protocol 2: Antiproliferative and antitumor study in 3D tumor spheroids

Support Protocol 3: Proximity ligation assay on cells derived from 3D spheroids
Imaging Inflammasome Activation in Microglia
Authors: Martin Negin P. , Harry G. Jean
Published: October 2022

Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that play key roles in the host's innate immune response to insult. The assembly of an inflammatory complex is initiated with the oligomerization of the upstream inflammasome‐forming sensor and then follows a well‐orchestrated multi‐step process leading to downstream effector functions that are critical in the innate immune response. The final assembly of these steps provides a detectable readout of inflammasome complex activation in the form of an apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD (ASC) speck. Inflammasome activation—and the release of IL‐1β and ASC specks from the microglia, the brain resident immune cell—have been implicated in various neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Protocols exist for the generation of fluorescent inflammasome indicator peripheral macrophages. Building upon these protocols, we describe here a protocol that details the generation of fluorescent inflammasome indicator microglia cells using recombinant retroviruses to transduce murine BV‐2 cells. In this protocol, the cells are established in a manner to allow for experimental control of the initial priming step of the inflammasome activation process. We then provide a series of steps for using these reporter cells within an inflammasome activation assay and use real‐time imaging of ASC‐speck formation as an indicator of inflammasome activation. In addition, we describe strategies for using these cells for examining the effects of a test substance on inflammasome activation. This protocol offers an effective approach conducive to screening for and examining modifications of microglia inflammasome activation due to exposure to chemicals or pharmacological agents. © Published 2022. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Basic Protocol 1: Production of retroviruses to express inflammasome indicator

Basic Protocol 2: Generation of inflammasome indicator BV‐2 cells

Basic Protocol 3: Priming and activation of BV‐2‐ASC‐Cerulean cells for inflammasome activation assay

Basic Protocol 4: Examining modifications to inflammasome activation by test substances

Basic Protocol 5: Imaging and analysis of ASC speck formation
Toxin‐Blocking Textiles: Rapid, Benign, Roll‐to‐Roll Production of Robust MOF‐Fabric Composites for Organophosphate Separation and Hydrolysis
Authors: Morgan Sarah E. , Willis Morgan L. , Dianat Golnaz , Peterson Gregory W. , Mahle John J. , Parsons Gregory N.
Published: October 2022

Current approaches to create zirconium‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) fabric composites for catalysis, water purification, wound healing, gas sorption, and other applications often rely on toxic solvents, long reaction/post processing times, and batch methods hindering process scalability. Here, a novel mechanism was reported for rapid UiO‐66‐NH2 synthesis in common low‐boiling‐point solvents (water, ethanol, and acetic acid) and revealed acid–base chemistry promoting full linker dissolution and vapor‐based crystallization. The mechanism enabled scalable roll‐to‐roll production of mechanically resilient UiO‐66‐NH2 fabrics with superior chemical protective capability. Solvent choice and segregated spray delivery of organic linker and metal salt MOF precursor solutions allowed for rapid MOF nucleation on the fiber surface and decreased the energy and time needed for post‐processing, producing an activated composite in less than 165 min, far outpacing conventional MOF‐fabric synthesis approaches. The MOF‐fabric hydrolyzed and blocked permeation of the chemical warfare agent soman, outperforming the protection‐standard activated carbon cloth. This work presents both chemical insights into Zr‐MOF powder and fabric composite formation by a rapid, industrially relevant approach and demonstrates its practicality and affordability for high‐performing personal protective equipment.
Examining the feasibility of a parental self‐help intervention for families awaiting pediatric eating disorder services
Authors: Couturier Jennifer , Sami Sadaf , Nicula Maria , Pellegrini Danielle , Webb Cheryl , Johnson Natasha , Lock James
Published: October 2022

Objective

Waitlists for eating disorder (ED) services grew immensely during the COVID‐19 pandemic. To address this, we studied the feasibility of a novel parental self‐help waitlist intervention.

Method

Parents of a child/adolescent (7–17 years) awaiting pediatric ED services were provided with our intervention, adapted from the family‐based treatment model, and consisting of videos and reading material with no therapist involvement. Parent‐reported child/adolescent weight was collected weekly 6 weeks pre‐intervention, 2 weeks during the intervention, and 6‐week post‐intervention. Recruitment and retention rates were calculated. Regression‐based interrupted time series analyses were completed to measure changes in the rate of weight gain.

Results

Ninety‐seven parents were approached, and 30 agreed to participate (31% recruitment rate). All but one completed end‐of‐study measures (97% retention rate). The average rate of weight gain was 0.24 lbs/week pre‐intervention, which increased significantly to 0.78 lbs/week post‐intervention (p < .034).

Discussion

Our findings provide preliminary evidence that this intervention is feasible. Future research is needed to confirm the efficacy of this intervention on a larger scale.

Public Significance

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in several challenges in providing care for children and adolescents with eating disorders, including long waiting lists and delays in treatment. This study suggests that providing parents on a waitlist with educational videos and reading material is acceptable to parents, and may even help in improving the child's symptoms of an eating disorder.
Norm domestication challenges for local climate actions: A lesson from Arizona,USA
Authors: Yazar Mahir
Published: October 2022

Research on norm domestication in multi‐level governance structures is overlooked in urban climate governance and policy literature. This paper conceptualizes multi‐scalar interactions of norm domestication for local climate actions. The city of Phoenix, which operates under the “purple” (blue cities and red legislatures) state of Arizona, is analyzed to illustrate how a local government can take up the climate actions left in the void at the state and federal levels. The empirical findings reveal important temporal politics at the state level that influenced the local government's climate norm domestication. The period of Democratic party leadership diffused climate norms at the state‐level and positioned the local government more as a climate policy‐taker, adopting decisions from the state legislature. Swings in the state‐level executive orders under the subsequent period of Republican leadership, however, forced the local government to seek some common ground for norm domestication, usually related to the nonpartisan goals of economic development. Consequently, local climate actions are subject to depoliticization of climate change from the higher‐level governance structures. Overall, decarbonization targets are not being directed in ways that lead to a broader shift in the socio‐technical system but would support short‐term emission reductions if multiple institutions, both at the state and sub‐state levels, created spaces for collaboration rather than competition.
DES‐Type Interactions To Promote Solvent‐Free and Metal‐Free Reactions between Nitrogen‐Containing Heterocycles and Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Martos Mario , Pérez‐Almarcha Yanira , Pastor Isidro M.
Published: October 2022

Nitrogen‐containing heterocycles are of great interest to organic chemists since they are present in a wide array of bioactive molecules. The use of allylic alcohols to carry out the allylation of heterocycles has been described as a sustainable alternative for this type of functionalization. Among the plethora of methodologies described, the use of metals, solvents, or hazardous reagents is ubiquitous. The protocol described in this work has provided a solven‐ and metal‐free alternative, being mediated by the easy‐to‐synthesize and reusable 1,3‐bis(carboxymethyl)imidazolium chloride. The protocol has proved to be compatible with several nitrogen‐containing heterocycles (i. e. indole, pyrazole, triazole, tetrazole, carbazole, indazole, and benzotriazole) and allylic alcohols, providing the allylated‐heterocycles in up to quantitative yield, and it's possible to perform the reaction in preparative scale. Based on various green metrics (atom economy, stoichiometric factor, reaction mass efficiency, materials recovery parameter, E‐factor, and EcoScale), the overall greenness significance of the methodology has been proved.
There is an ‘I’ in truth: How salient identities shape dynamic perceptions of truth
Authors: Wang Chris , Platow Michael J. , Newman Eryn J.
Published: October 2022

This research examined the hypothesis that people judge as true those claims aligned with the normative content of their salient social identities. In Experiment 1a, participants’ social identities were manipulated by assigning them to ‘inductive‐thinker’ and ‘intuitive‐thinker’ groups. Participants subsequently made truth judgements about aphorisms randomly associated with ‘science’ and ‘popular wisdom’. Those with salient inductive‐thinker social identities judged science‐based claims as more truthful than popular wisdom‐based claims to a greater extent than those with salient intuitive‐thinker social identities. Experiment 1b was a preregistered replication, with additional conditions eliminating an alternative semantic‐priming explanation. In Experiment 2, American Conservatives and Liberals judged as more true claims associated with the ideological content of their social identities. This difference was attenuated through a manipulation that framed participants as more moderate than they had originally indicated. Overall, these experiments suggest an identity‐truth malleability, such that making salient specific social identities can lead to related perceptions of truth normatively aligned with those identities.
Biomass‐Inspired Solar Evaporator for Simultaneous Steam and Power Generation Enhanced by Thermal‐Electric Effect
Authors: Liu Gang , Yu Fang , Irshad Muhammad Sultan , Xiong Xin , Guo Zhenzhen , Wang Junshi , Xiao Bo , Lin Liangyou , Wang Xianbao
Published: October 2022

Solar‐driven interfacial evaporation systems have been considered to achieve broad application prospects in the field of cogeneration of steam and electricity. However, the electricity generated is often independent of the photothermal system, hindering their integration. Compared with traditional materials such as metals and semiconductors, the application of biomass materials can solve the problems of high cost and environmental pollution in the expansion and relevance of interfacial evaporation technology. Herein, the solar evaporator composed of carbonized sphagnum palustre with cellulose fabric (CSPF) is fabricated for simultaneous steam production and power generation. Additionally, a device consisting of the CSPF and other accessories such as heating wires is designed to enhance steam production by self‐driven electrothermal heating. The self‐driven solar evaporator endows enhanced evaporation rates to 2.12 kg m−2 h−1 under electrothermal effect and the high electrical energy outputs of 520 mV. The solar evaporator has good salt tolerance and excellent cycle stability, maintaining a high evaporation rate in high‐salt solutions and after 24 cycles of testing. The outdoor evaporation tests reveal the encouraging performance of the steam and energy generators in real environment. Such superior performance of comprehensive device has great potential for integrated and sustainable application in cogeneration systems.
Gliovascular interface abnormality in mice with endothelial cell senescence
Authors: Kawauchi Shoji , Mizoguchi Taiji , Horibe Sayo , Tanaka Toru , Sasaki Naoto , Ikeda Koji , Emoto Noriaki , Hirata Ken‐ichi , Rikitake Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2022

In the brain, neurons, glial cells, vascular endothelial cells (ECs), and mural cells form a functional structure referred to as the neurovascular unit (NVU). The functions of the NVU become impaired with aging. To gain insight into the mechanism underlying the aging‐related changes in the NVU, we characterized in the present study the gliovascular interface in transgenic mice expressing a dominant‐negative form of the telomeric repeat‐binding factor 2 (TERF2) specifically in ECs using the Tie2 promoter. In these transgenic mice, senescence occurred in the cerebral ECs and was accompanied by upregulation of the mRNAs of proinflammatory cell adhesion molecules and cytokines. It is noteworthy that in the deep layers of the cerebral cortex, astrocytes exhibited an increase in the signals for S100β as well as a decrease in the polarization of the water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) to the perivascular endfeet of the astrocytes. Mechanistically, the perivascular localization of dystroglycan and its ligand, laminin α2, was decreased, and their localization correlated well with the perivascular localization of AQP4, which supports the notion that their interaction regulates the perivascular localization of AQP4. The diminished perivascular localization of laminin α2 may be attributed to its proteolytic degradation by the matrix metalloproteinase‐2 released by senescent ECs. Pericyte coverage was increased and negatively correlated with the decrease in the perivascular localization of AQP4. We propose that aging‐related changes in ECs induce a mild morphological alteration of astrocytes and affect the localization of AQP4 at the gliovascular interface.
Seeing and extrapolating motion trajectories share common informative activation patterns in primary visual cortex
Authors: Agostino Camila Silveira , Merkel Christian , Ball Felix , Vavra Peter , Hinrichs Hermann , Noesselt Toemme
Published: October 2022

The natural environment is dynamic and moving objects become constantly occluded, engaging the brain in a challenging completion process to estimate where and when the object might reappear. Although motion extrapolation is critical in daily life—imagine crossing the street while an approaching car is occluded by a larger standing vehicle—its neural underpinnings are still not well understood. While the engagement of low‐level visual cortex during dynamic occlusion has been postulated, most of the previous group‐level fMRI‐studies failed to find evidence for an involvement of low‐level visual areas during occlusion. In this fMRI‐study, we therefore used individually defined retinotopic maps and multivariate pattern analysis to characterize the neural basis of visible and occluded changes in motion direction in humans. To this end, participants learned velocity‐direction change pairings (slow motion‐upwards; fast motion‐downwards or vice versa) during a training phase without occlusion and judged the change in stimulus direction, based on its velocity, during a following test phase with occlusion. We find that occluded motion direction can be predicted from the activity patterns during visible motion within low‐level visual areas, supporting the notion of a mental representation of motion trajectory in these regions during occlusion.
Exploratory analysis of interleukin‐38 in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients
Authors: de Graaf Dennis M. , Teufel Lisa U. , de Nooijer Aline H. , van Gammeren Adriaan J. , Ermens Antonius A. M. , Gaál Ildikó O. , Crișan Tania O. , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Netea Mihai G. , Dinarello Charles A. , Joosten Leo A. B. , Arts Rob J. W. ,   the Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases COVID‐19 Study Group
Published: October 2022

Introduction

A major contributor to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) progression and severity is a dysregulated innate and adaptive immune response. Interleukin‐38 (IL−38) is an IL‐1 family member with broad anti‐inflammatory properties, but thus far little is known about its role in viral infections. Recent studies have shown inconsistent results, as one study finding an increase in circulating IL‐38 in COVID‐19 patients in comparison to healthy controls, whereas two other studies report no differences in IL‐38 concentrations.

Methods

Here, we present an exploratory, retrospective cohort study of circulating IL‐38 concentrations in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients admitted to two Dutch hospitals (discovery n = 148 and validation n = 184) and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects. Plasma IL‐38 concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, disease‐related proteins by proximity extension assay, and clinical data were retrieved from hospital records.

Results

IL‐38 concentrations were stable during hospitalization and similar to those of healthy control subjects. IL‐38 was not associated with rates of intensive care unit admission or mortality. Only in men in the discovery cohort, IL‐38 concentrations were positively correlated with hospitalization duration. A positive correlation between IL‐38 and the inflammatory biomarker d‐dimer was observed in men of the validation cohort. In women of the validation cohort, IL‐38 concentrations correlated negatively with thrombocyte numbers. Furthermore, plasma IL‐38 concentrations in the validation cohort correlated positively with TNF, TNFRSF9, IL‐10Ra, neurotrophil 3, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, CHL1, CD244, superoxide dismutase 2, and fatty acid binding protein 2, and negatively with SERPINA12 and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein.

Conclusions

These data indicate that IL‐38 is not associated with disease outcomes in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. However, moderate correlations between IL‐38 concentrations and biomarkers of disease were identified in one of two cohorts. While we demonstrate that IL‐38 concentrations are not indicative of COVID‐19 severity, its anti‐inflammatory effects may reduce COVID‐19 severity and should be experimentally investigated.
Low serum level of 25‐OH vitamin D relates to Th17 and treg changes in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Chen Bai , Jin Liugen
Published: October 2022

Background

Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level alters in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Regulatory T (Treg) cells and T‐ helper type 17 (Th17) cells are involved in immune response. Th17‐mediated proinflammatory responses contribute to tumorigenesis, and Treg plays different roles in different periods of CRC. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with significant variations in peripheral immune cells. This study investigated the relationship between Th17 and Treg cells and 25(OH)D level in CRC.

Methods

Ninety‐five CRC patients were included, as well as 80 healthy controls during the same period at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University. 25(OH)D level was analyzed through electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA). Th17 and Treg levels were evaluated through flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐17, IL‐23, and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), were analyzed through commercial enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA) kits.

Results

25(OH)D levels were downregulated in the serum of CRC patients. Decreased 25(OH)D level contributed to CRC pathogenesis. Decreased 25(OH)D level in CRC correlated with increased Treg and Th17 cell ratios and TGF‐β1, IL‐10, IL‐17, and IL‐23 levels in peripheral blood.

Conclusion

Decreased 25(OH)D level in the serum of CRC patients had negative correlation with Treg and Th17 ratios and relative cytokines levels.
Peptide‐Based Inhibitors that Target the Docking Site of ERK2
Authors: Solomon Ohad , Shpilt Zohar , Sapir Hannah , Marom Shir , Bibas Shai , Chen Yu‐Ju , Tshuva Edit Y. , Yitzchaik Shlomo , Friedler Assaf
Published: October 2022

Abnormal kinase activity is highly associated with disease, especially cancer. Thus, kinases are important targets for developing anti‐cancer drugs. The common approach for kinase inhibition is using small molecules that compete with ATP for binding the ATP‐binding site of the kinase. However, since the ATP‐binding site is in many cases common to numerous kinases, it is difficult to achieve selectivity when targeting this site. Here we present an alternative approach of targeting the protein‐protein interactions of kinases as means for achieving selectivity in their inhibition. We demonstrate this approach by using peptides for inhibiting the docking D‐recruitment site (DRS) of the kinase ERK2. We designed a library of peptides, derived from DRS binding sequences of ERK2‐binding proteins. We synthesized the peptides and quantified their interactions with ERK2. Three peptides, derived from the proteins ELK1, SAP1 and SAP2, bound ERK2 in the low micromolar range. These peptides also inhibited the interaction of ERK2 with a surface‐bound ELK1 derived peptide. The peptides penetrated HT29 colon cancer cells and induced a moderate decrease in cell viability. Our approach can be further utilized for developing selective peptide‐based kinase inhibitors.