bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APOE ε2 resilience for Alzheimer's disease is mediated by plasma lipid species: Analysis of three independent cohort studies
Authors: Wang Tingting , Huynh Kevin , Giles Corey , Mellett Natalie A , Duong Thy , Nguyen Anh , Lim Wei Ling Florence , Smith Alex AT , Olshansky Gavriel , Cadby Gemma , Hung Joseph , Hui Jennie , Beilby John , Watts Gerald F , Chatterjee Pratishtha , Martins Ian , Laws Simon M , Bush Ashley I , Rowe Christopher C , Villemagne Victor L , Ames David , Masters Colin L , Taddei Kevin , Doré Vincent , Fripp Jürgen , Arnold Matthias , Kastenmüller Gabi , Nho Kwangsik , Saykin Andrew J , Baillie Rebecca , Han Xianlin , Martins Ralph N , Moses Eric K , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima , Meikle Peter J
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype is the strongest genetic risk factor for late‐onset Alzheimer's disease. However, its effect on lipid metabolic pathways, and their mediating effect on disease risk, is poorly understood.

Methods

We performed lipidomic analysis on three independent cohorts (the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle [AIBL] flagship study, n = 1087; the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative [ADNI] 1 study, n = 819; and the Busselton Health Study [BHS], n = 4384), and we defined associations between APOE ε2 and ε4 and 569 plasma/serum lipid species. Mediation analysis defined the proportion of the treatment effect of the APOE genotype mediated by plasma/serum lipid species.

Results

A total of 237 and 104 lipid species were associated with APOE ε2 and ε4, respectively. Of these 68 (ε2) and 24 (ε4) were associated with prevalent Alzheimer's disease. Individual lipid species or lipidomic models of APOE genotypes mediated up to 30% and 10% of APOE ε2 and ε4 treatment effect, respectively.

Discussion

Plasma lipid species mediate the treatment effect of APOE genotypes on Alzheimer's disease and as such represent a potential therapeutic target.
Depositing Molecular Graphene Nanoribbons on Ag(111) by Electrospray Controlled Ion Beam Deposition: Self‐Assembly and On‐Surface Transformations
Authors: Ran Wei , Walz Andreas , Stoiber Karolina , Knecht Peter , Xu Hongxiang , Papageorgiou Anthoula C. , Huettig Annette , Cortizo‐Lacalle Diego , Mora‐Fuentes Juan P. , Mateo‐Alonso Aurelio , Schlichting Hartmut , Reichert Joachim , Barth Johannes V.
Published: January 2022

The chemical processing of low‐dimensional carbon nanostructures is crucial for their integration in future devices. Here we apply a new methodology in atomically precise engineering by combining multistep solution synthesis of N‐doped molecular graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with mass‐selected ultra‐high vacuum electrospray controlled ion beam deposition on surfaces and real‐space visualisation by scanning tunnelling microscopy. We demonstrate how this method yields solely a controllable amount of single, otherwise unsublimable, GNRs of 2.9 nm length on a planar Ag(111) surface. This methodology allows for further processing by employing on‐surface synthesis protocols and exploiting the reactivity of the substrate. Following multiple chemical transformations, the GNRs provide reactive building blocks to form extended, metal–organic coordination polymers.
Overlooked Factors Required for Electrolyte Solvents in Li–O2 Batteries: Capabilities of Quenching 1O2 and Forming Highly‐Decomposable Li2O2
Authors: Nishioka Kiho , Tanaka Mizuki , Fujimoto Hayato , Amaya Toru , Ogoshi Sensuke , Tobisu Mamoru , Nakanishi Shuji
Published: January 2022

Although sufficient tolerance against attack by superoxide radicals (O2−) has been mainly recognized as an important property for Li–O2 battery (LOB) electrolytes, recent evidence has revealed that other critical factors also govern the cyclability, prompting a reconsideration of the basic design guidelines of LOB electrolytes. Here, we found that LOBs equipped with a N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMA)‐based electrolyte exhibited better cyclability compared with other standard LOB electrolytes. This superior cyclability is attributable to the capabilities of quenching 1O2 and forming highly decomposable Li2O2. The 1O2 quenching capability is equivalent to that of a tetraglyme‐based electrolyte containing a several millimolar concentration of a typical chemical quencher. Based on these overlooked factors, the DMA‐based electrolyte led to superior cyclability despite its lower O2− tolerance. Thus, the present work provides a novel design guideline for the development of LOB electrolytes.
Origin of High Diastereoselectivity in Reactions of Seven‐Membered‐Ring Enolates
Authors: Lavinda Olga , Witt Collin H. , Woerpel K. A.
Published: January 2022

Unlike many reactions of their six‐membered‐ring counterparts, the reactions of chiral seven‐membered‐ring enolates are highly diastereoselective. Diastereoselectivity was observed for a range of substrates, including lactam, lactone, and cyclic ketone derivatives. The stereoselectivity arises from torsional and steric interactions that develop when electrophiles approach the diastereotopic π‐faces of the enolates, which are distinguished by subtle differences in the orientation of nearby atoms of the ring.
N‐Doped Carbon Electrocatalyst: Marked ORR Activity in Acidic Media without the Contribution from Metal Sites?
Authors: Kong Fantao , Cui Xiangzhi , Huang Yifan , Yao Heliang , Chen Yafeng , Tian Han , Meng Ge , Chen Chang , Chang Ziwei , Shi Jianlin
Published: January 2022

Fe−N−C electrocatalysts have been demonstrated to be the most promising substitutes for benchmark Pt/C catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we report that N‐doped carbon materials with trace amounts of iron (0–0.08 wt. %) show excellent ORR activity and durability comparable and even superior to those of Pt/C in both alkaline and acidic media without significant contribution by the metal sites. Such an N‐doped carbon (denoted as N‐HPCs) features a hollow and hierarchically porous architecture, and more importantly, a noncovalently bonded N‐deficient/N‐rich heterostructure providing the active sites for oxygen adsorption and activation owing to the efficient electron transfer between the layers. The primary Zn‐air battery using N‐HPCs as the cathode delivers a much higher power density of 158 mW cm−2, and the maximum power density in the H2−O2 fuel cell reaches 486 mW cm−2, which is comparable to and even better than those using conventional Fe−N−C catalysts at cathodes.
Biosynthesis of Terpenoid–Pyrrolobenzoxazine Hybrid Natural Product CJ‐12662
Authors: Cheng Wei , Chen Mengbin , Ohashi Masao , Tang Yi
Published: January 2022

The fungal natural product CJ‐12662 is a structurally complex terpene–amino acid hybrid, and is a potent anthelmintic compound. The biosynthetic pathway of CJ‐12662 is elucidated based on metabolite analysis from heterologous expression. We demonstrate the terpene portion is derived from successive P450‐catalyzed oxidations of amorpha‐4,11‐diene, while three flavin‐dependent enzymes are involved in morphing the esterified tryptophan into a chlorinated pyrrolobenzoxazine, utilizing a cascaded [1,2]‐Meisenheimer rearrangement.
Biomimetic FeMo(Se, Te) as Joint Electron Pool Promoting Nitrogen Electrofixation
Authors: Sun Yuntong , Ding Shan , Xia Baokai , Duan Jingjing , Antonietti Markus , Chen Sheng
Published: January 2022

It has been long believed that the FeMoS structure, where Fe is bonded with S, plays a pivotal role as a biomimetic catalyst for electrochemical nitrogen (N2) fixation. Nevertheless, the structure of Fe bonded to heavier analogues (Se or Te) has never been explored for N2 electrofixation. Here, we theoretically predict the electronic structure of FeMo(Se, Te) composed of tri‐coordinated Fe species with open shells for binding with Se, which forms a joint electron pool for promoting N2 activation. Guided by this interesting prediction, we then demonstrate a two‐step procedure to synthesize such structures, which display remarkable N2 electrofixation activities with an ammonia yield of 72.54 μg h−1 mg−1 and a Faradic efficiency of 51.67 % that are more than three times of the FeMoS counterpart. Further mechanism studies have been conducted by density function theory (DFT) simulations. This work provides new clues for designing versatile electrocatalytic materials for large‐scale industrialization.
Donor‐Acceptor Molecule Based High‐Performance Photothermal Organic Material for Efficient Water Purification and Electricity Generation
Authors: Liu Jing , Cui Yuanyuan , Pan Yuyu , Chen Zhijun , Jia Tao , Li Chenglong , Wang Yue
Published: January 2022

In this contribution, a unique donor‐acceptor conjugated organic‐small‐molecule photothermal material, namely GDPA‐QCN, is presented. Bulky dendritic triphenylamine (GDPA) was grafted onto quinoxaline‐6,7‐dicarbonitrile (QCN) with a phenyl ring as a bridge to form an “umbrella” architecture. Benefited from the particular molecular structure, in solid state, GDPA‐QCN molecules adopted a loose packing mode due to the steric effect of “umbrella head” dendritic triphenylamine and flexible molecular structure feature, which allows efficient intramolecular motions and consequently elevates energy dissipation by taking the pathway of thermal deactivation within broad absorption range. The GDPA‐QCN solid has high solar‐thermal conversion efficiency with an absorption range from 300 to 1100 nm, which can promote superior water purification and electricity generation performance.
Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of P‐Chiral Aminophosphinites
Authors: Li Yan‐Bo , Tian Hu , Zhang Shuai , Xiao Jun‐Zhao , Yin Liang
Published: January 2022

Herein, a copper(I)‐catalyzed reaction of diarylphosphines and O‐benzoyl hydroxylamines is developed. In the cases of symmetrical diarylphosphines, a series of aminophosphinites is prepared in high yields. In the cases of unsymmetrical diarylphosphines, an array of P‐chiral aminophosphinites is synthesized in high yields with high enantioselectivity by using a copper(I)‐(R,RP)‐Ph‐FOXAP complex as a chiral catalyst. Based on several control experiments and 31P NMR studies, a two‐electron redox mechanism involving the dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation of unsymmetrical diarylphosphines is proposed for the copper(I)‐catalyzed asymmetric reaction. Finally, one representative P‐chiral phosphoric amide generated through the oxidation with H2O2 is transformed to a chiral diarylphosphinate in high yield with retained enantioselectivity, which allows further transformations towards various P‐chiral tertiary phosphines.
Prevalence, Incidence, and Progression of Radiographic and Symptomatic Hand Osteoarthritis: The Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Eaton Charles B. , Schaefer Lena F. , Duryea Jeff , Driban Jeff B. , Lo Grace H. , Roberts Mary B. , Haugen Ida K. , Lu Bing , Nevitt Michael C. , Hochberg Marc C. , Jackson Rebecca D. , Kwoh C. K. , McAlindon Timothy
Published: January 2022

Objective

To describe the prevalence, incidence, and progression of radiographic and symptomatic hand osteoarthritis (OA), and to evaluate differences according to age, sex, race, and other risk factors.

Methods

Participants were assessed for radiographic and symptomatic hand OA at baseline and year 4 to determine incident disease. A modified Poisson regression with a robust variance estimator was used to account for clustering of joints within fingers within persons to estimate the prevalence ratios and relative risk estimates associated with participant characteristics.

Results

Among 3,588 participants, the prevalence of radiographic hand OA was 41.4%, and the prevalence of symptomatic hand OA was 12.4%. The incidence over 48 months was 5.6% for radiographic hand OA and 16.9% for symptomatic hand OA. Over 48 months, 27.3% of the participants exhibited OA progression. We found complex differences by age, sex, and race, with increasing rates of prevalent hand OA with older age in both men and women, but with rates of incident disease peaking at ages 55–64 years in women. Women had higher rates of symptomatic hand OA, but only nonsignificantly higher rates of incident radiographic hand OA, than men. Women more frequently had distal interphalangeal joint disease, while men more frequently had metacarpophalangeal joint OA. Black men and women had lower rates of hand OA than White participants, but Black men had higher rates of prevalent hand OA than Black women at younger ages.

Conclusion

Hand OA is a heterogeneous disease with complex differences by age, sex, race, hand symptoms, and patterns of specific joints affected. Further research investigating the mechanisms behind these differences, whether mechanical, metabolic, hormonal, or constitutional, is warranted.
Exploring strategies for the use of mixed microalgae in cellulase production and its application for bioethanol production
Authors: Shokrkar Hanieh , Zamani Mehdi , Ebrahimi Sirous
Published: January 2022

Improving the enzymatic hydrolysis processes of cellulosic materials can be considered a key aim for bioethanol production. Cellulase production using mixed microalgae by mono and co‐cultivation of Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger has not yet been reported. In this study, the effect of different concentration ratios of cellulose and microalgae on the production of cellulases was investigated. Media containing equal mass percentages of microalgae and cellulose showed the highest cellulase activity (3.3 U mL−1) among other tested ratios using co‐cultivation of fungi. The optimal percentage of microalgae (50%) increased enzyme activity by about 20% compared with pure cellulose due to necessary and rare elements in the microalgae. Subsequently, fermentation of this sample to bioethanol using Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrated a yield of 0.46 g ethanol/g glucose (92% of the theoretical value). The microalgae ratio is therefore an important factor and can be optimized to gain the highest enzyme activity and improve the cost‐effectiveness of bioethanol production from microalgae. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Electrospinning of stimuli‐responsive polymers for controlled drug delivery: pH‐ and temperature‐driven release
Authors: Williams Leah , Hatton Fiona L. , Willcock Helen , Mele Elisa
Published: January 2022

Stimuli‐responsive polymers have attracted academic interest over the last 60 years due to their potential use in developing systems with a range of functionalities that can be activated by external artificial triggers. The diversity of responses and stimuli, which can be achieved through careful polymer selection and processing, opens up applications in nearly every sector. In particular, the use of responsive polymers for the controlled delivery of drugs and bioactive compounds has been heavily researched. This review provides an overview of the recent advancements in electrospinning of temperature‐ and pH‐responsive polymers to create networks of nanofibres with controlled drug delivery profiles for biomedical applications.
Is young‐onset esophageal adenocarcinoma increasing in Japan? An analysis of population‐based cancer registries
Authors: Saito Eiko , Yano Tomonori , Hori Megumi , Yoneoka Daisuke , Matsuda Tomohiro , Chen Yichi , Katanoda Kota
Published: January 2022

Background

While esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the predominant histological type in Japan, concern has been expressed over an increase in the proportion of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), especially in middle‐aged populations. This study aimed to assess long‐term trends in esophageal cancer incidence by histological type.

Methods

We used data from three population‐based cancer registries in Japan with 10,642 esophageal cancer cases diagnosed between 1993 and 2014. The multiple imputation approach was used to impute a specific histological type (ESCC, EAC, and others) for cases with “Unknown” or missing status. We calculated the age‐standardized incidence rates by histological type from 1993 to 2014 and fitted age‐period‐cohort models to estimate the annual percent changes (APCs) and adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs).

Results

After imputation of missing data, the largest mean APC increase was seen in the incidence of EAC in men aged 40–49 years (7.1%) followed by those aged 50–59 years (5.5%). The age‐period‐cohort analysis showed that men who were born in the 1960s and later were more likely to develop EAC relative to men who were born in 1950–1959 (1960–1969 cohort, IRR: 1.42; 1970–1974 cohort, IRR: 2.23), with a period effect indicating a constant increase after 2003. For women, no significant trend in EAC incidence was observed.

Conclusions

The incidence of EAC has increased more prominently compared with that of ESCC, especially in men aged 40–59 years, suggesting the impact of increasing obesity in men and a reduction in H. pylori prevalence in Japan.
Collagenase to facilitate guidewire crossing in chronic total occlusion PCI—The Total Occlusion Study in Coronary Arteries‐5 (TOSCA‐5) trial
Authors: Graham John J. , Bagai Akshay , Wijeysundera Harindra , Weisz Giora , Rinfret Stéphane , Dick Alexander , Jolly Sanjit S. , Schaempert Erick , Mansour Samer , Dzavik Vladimir , Henriques Jose P. S. , Elbarouni Basem , Vo Minh N. , Teefy Patrick , Goodhart David , Mancini G. B. John , Strauss Bradley H. , Buller Christopher E.
Published: January 2022

Background

Chronic total occlusions (CTO) are common and are associated with lower percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) success rates, often due to failure of antegrade guidewire crossing. Local, intralesional delivery of collagenase (MZ‐004) may facilitate guidewire crossing in CTO.

Aims

To evaluate the effect of MZ‐004 in facilitating antegrade wire crossing in CTO angioplasty.

Methods

A total of 76 patients undergoing CTO PCI were enrolled at 13 international sites: 38 in the randomized training stage (collagenase [MZ‐004] 900 or 1200 μg) and 38 in the placebo‐controlled stage (MZ‐004 900 or 1200 μg or placebo). Patients received the MZ‐004 or identical volume saline (placebo group) in a double‐blind design, injected via microcatheter directly into the proximal cap of the CTO. The following day patients underwent CTO PCI using antegrade wire techniques only.

Results

Patients were generally similar except for a trend for higher Japanese chronic total occlusion (J‐CTO) score in the MZ‐004 group (MZ‐004 J‐CTO score 1.9 vs. 1.4, p = 0.07). There was a numerical increase in the rates of guidewire crossing in the MZ‐004 groups compared to placebo (74% vs. 63%, p = 0.52). Guidewire crossing with a soft‐tip guidewire (≤1.5 g tip load) was significantly higher in the MZ‐004 groups (0% in placebo, 17% in 900 μg, and 29% in 1200 μg MZ‐004 group, p = 0.03). Rates of the major adverse cardiovascular event were similar between groups.

Conclusion

Local delivery of MZ‐004 into coronary CTOs appears safe and may facilitate CTO crossing, particularly with softer tipped guidewires. These data support the development of a pivotal trial to further evaluate this agent.
Cellular Detection of a Mitochondria Targeted Brominated Vinyl Triphenylamine Optical Probe (TP−Br) by X‐Ray Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Nagarajan Sounderya , Poyer Florent , Fourmois Laura , Naud‐Martin Delphine , Medjoubi Kadda , Somogyi Andrea , Schanne Gabrielle , Henry Lucas , Delsuc Nicolas , Policar Clotilde , Bertrand Helene C. , Mahuteau‐Betzer Florence
Published: January 2022

Triphenylamine (TP) derivatives such as two‐branch cationic vinylbenzimidazolium triphenylamine TP−2Bzim are promising turn‐on fluorescent probes suitable for two‐photon imaging, labelling mitochondria in live cells. Here, we designed two TP−2Bzim derivatives as bimodal probes suitable for X‐ray fluorescence imaging. The conjugation of the TP core with a rhenium tricarbonyl moiety in the TP−RePyta probe altered the localisation in live cells from mitochondria to lysosomes. The introduction of bromine on the TP core generated the TP−Br probe retaining good photophysical properties and mitochondria labelling in live cells. The influence of calcium channels in the uptake of TP−Br was studied. Synchrotron Radiation X‐ray Fluorescence (SXRF) imaging of bromine enabled the detection of TP−Br and suggested a negligible presence of the probe in an unbound state in the incubated cells, a crucial point in the development of these probes. This study paves the way towards the development of TP probes as specific organelle stainers suitable for SXRF imaging.
Expedient Synthesis of Oxaboracyclic Compounds Based on Naphthalene and Biphenyl Backbone and Phase‐Dependent Luminescence of their Chelate Complexes
Authors: Durka Krzysztof , Marek‐Urban Paulina H. , Nowicki Krzysztof , Drapała Jakub , Jarzembska Katarzyna N. , Łaski Piotr , Grzelak Aleksandra , Dąbrowski Marek , Woźniak Krzysztof , Luliński Sergiusz
Published: January 2022

The approach to a series of six‐ and seven‐membered oxaboraheterocycles based on naphthalene or biphenyl backbones was developed. The key synthetic step involved Br/Li exchange in respective potassium (bromoaryl)trifluoroborates followed by quenching with selected electrophiles (CO2, DMF, Me2Si(H)Cl) and hydrolytic workup. Two ring‐expanded benzoxaborole congeners were obtained by an additional reduction step with LiAlH4 or NaBH4. The obtained boracyclic compounds were characterized in detail by NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Specifically, biphenyl‐based systems show dynamic behaviour interpreted in terms of inversion of non‐planar seven‐membered boraheterocycles. The acidity of the obtained compounds varies very strongly (pKa ranges from 3.1–9.6) depending on their structure. Due to the enhanced boron Lewis acidity, selected compounds were used as a basis for luminescent complexes with 8‐hydroxyquinoline. A strong phase‐dependent variation of emission‐band maximum (480–527 nm) and photoluminescence quantum yield (10–95 %) was observed, which was rationalized in terms of specific aggregation effects.
Why did the chicken not cross the road? Anthropogenic development influences the movement of a grassland bird
Authors: Londe David W. , Elmore Robert Dwayne , Davis Craig A. , Hovick Torre J. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Rutledge Jimmy
Published: January 2022

Movement and selection are inherently linked behaviors that form the foundation of a species' space‐use patterns. Anthropogenic development in natural ecosystems can result in a variety of behavioral responses that can involve changes in either movement (speed or direction of travel) or selection (resources used), which in turn may cause population‐level consequences including loss of landscape connectivity. Understanding how a species alters these different behaviors in response to human activity is essential for effective conservation. In this study, we investigated the effects of anthropogenic development such as roads, power lines and oil wells on the greater prairie‐chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) movement and selection behaviors in the post‐nesting and non‐breeding season. Our first objective was to assess using integrated step selection analysis (iSSA) if greater prairie‐chickens altered their movement behaviors or their selection patterns when encountering oil wells, power lines, or roads. Our second objective was to determine whether prairie‐chickens avoided crossing linear features such as roads or power lines by comparing the number of crossing events in greater prairie‐chicken movement tracks to the number of movements that crossed these features in simulated movement tracks. Based on the iSSA analysis, we found that greater prairie‐chickens avoided oil wells, power lines, and roads in both seasons, and altered their rate of movement when near anthropogenic structures. However, changes in speed varied by season, with prairie‐chickens increasing their movement rates in the post‐nesting season when near to development and decreasing movement rates in the non‐breeding season. Furthermore, prairie‐chickens crossed roads and power lines at much lower rates than expected. These changes in behavior can result in habitat loss for greater prairie‐chickens, as well as the potential loss of landscape connectivity. By considering both movement and selection, we were able to develop an ecological understanding of how increasing human activity may influence the space use of this species of conservation concern. Furthermore, this research provides insight into the decision‐making processes by animals when they encounter anthropogenic development.
Executive functions and eating behavior: Commentary on Steegers et al. (2021)
Authors: Seidel Maria , King Joseph A. , Ehrlich Stefan
Published: January 2022

Alterations in executive functions have repeatedly been found in individuals suffering from eating and weight disorders. However, less is known about how these cognitive processes might contribute to the etiology of the disorders, as large prospective population‐based studies have been missing. Here, we comment on the results of Steegers et al. (2021), a study that helped to fill this gap with a focus on set‐shifting abilities predicting symptoms of anorexia nervosa (AN) in children. The main goal of this commentary is to encourage further interpretation of the population‐based data beyond its relevance to AN. More specifically, we discuss the role of impaired inhibition as a risk factor for weight gain and obesity.
Fire disturbance effects on plant taxonomic and functional β‐diversity mediated by topographic exposure
Authors: Abedi Mehdi , Omidipour Reza , Hosseini Seyed Vrya , Bahalkeh Khadijeh , Gross Nicolas
Published: January 2022

Although the diversity–disturbance relationship has been extensively studied, the differences in responses of taxonomic vs. functional diversity to natural disturbances (i.e., fire) call for an improved understanding of this relationship. Here, we investigated how fire disturbance influenced plant taxonomic and functional diversity in Golestan National Park, in northeastern Iran. We evaluated the response of α‐ and β‐plant diversity considering both taxonomic and functional diversity and different β‐diversity components (i.e., turnover and nestedness) as a function of fire regime, topographic exposure, and their interactive effect. We considered different indices of functional diversity including functional richness, functional evenness, functional divergence, functional dispersion, Rao's quadratic entropy, and community‐weighted mean (CWM). Functional diversity indices were computed using four leaf traits related to species growth strategy and fire response including leaf thickness and leaf length, specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC).

Taxonomic and functional diversity had contrasting response to fire disturbance. Fire significantly decreased taxonomic α‐diversity similarly in both north and south exposures. β‐diversity increased in south exposures but decreased in north exposures. Fire decreased functional richness, increased CWM of SLA, and decreased CWM of LDMC. In contrast, abundance‐weighted metrics of functional diversity (functional evenness, functional divergence, functional dispersion, Rao's quadratic entropy) were not impacted by fire disturbance. Finally, the main contributors to heterogeneity were driven by a fire × exposure interaction, suggesting that fire disturbance interacts with topographic exposure.

Our results suggest that taxonomic and functional α‐ and β‐diversity have contrasting responses to fire illustrating the need to consider both dimensions to understand how disturbance impacts plant communities. At large spatial scale, species turnover and nestedness appear as essential parameters to maintain species‐rich communities in response to fire disturbance.
Accessing Medicinally Relevant O‐Benzofused Heterocycles through C−X Activation: Recent Trends
Authors: Moutayakine Amina , Burke Anthony J.
Published: January 2022

In this Review, we address the recent advances in the elaboration of medicinally relevant oxygen benzofused heterocycles by palladium and copper catalyzed C−X activation of halo arene precursors. This attractive transformation has shown remarkable versatility and efficiency as a synthetic toolkit leading to the construction of numerous scaffolds with high structural diversity in an atom‐economical manner. We covered recent examples that considered the application of this strategy using miscellaneous coupling partners and conditions. The haloarene motif has proven to be an exceptional candidate principally due to its availability and cost, and in this review, we showcase relevant and appropriate examples of its use in catalytic reactions leading to medicinally important targets.
Influences of channel and floodplain modification on expansion of woody vegetation into Catahoula Lake, Louisiana, USA
Authors: Keim Richard F. , Dugué Lincoln , Latuso Karen D. , Joshi Sanjeev , King Sammy L. , Willis Frank L.
Published: January 2022

Ecosystem structure of wetlands in managed floodplains depends on hydrological processes controlled by geomorphology and water management. Overlapping effects of direct modifications and geomorphic adjustments to management can combine to trigger changes to floodplain ecosystem structure. We examined the case of woody vegetation encroaching into the depressional Catahoula Lake, Louisiana, in the context of regional hydrologic and geomorphic modification in the floodplain of the Mississippi River. Historical aerial photographs indicated woody encroachment into Catahoula Lake for at least 80 years, and the rate of expansion has increased in recent decades. Historical stage analysis revealed that the downstream Red–Atchafalaya–Mississippi River system controls the lower limit of the lake water level when the large rivers are high, but channel enlargement and other hydrological changes there have reduced the frequency of backwater flooding by 42% since 1880. In addition, operation of the water control structure on the lake has altered its hydrological regime to be more regular among years. Historic stage analysis revealed current lake levels are lower in the high‐water spring, less variable in the dry period, and lack the extreme high‐water events of 100+ years ago, all of which facilitate the expansion of woody vegetation.
Improving Noncognitive Constructs for Career Readiness and Success: A Theory of Change for Postsecondary, Workplace, and Research Applications
Authors: Williams Kevin M. , Martin‐Raugh Michelle P. , Lentini Jennifer E.
Published: January 2022

Researchers and practitioners in postsecondary and workplace settings recognize the value of noncognitive constructs in predicting academic and vocational success but also perceive that many students or employees are lacking in these areas. In turn, there is increased interest in interventions designed to enhance these constructs. We provide an empirically informed theory of change (ToC) that describes the inputs, mechanisms, and outputs of noncognitive construct interventions (NCIs). The components that inform this ToC include specific relevant constructs that are amenable to intervention, intervention content and mechanisms of change, methodological considerations, moderators of program efficacy, recommendations for evaluating NCIs, and suggested outcomes. In turn, NCIs should provide benefits to individuals, institutions, and society at large and also advance our scientific understanding of this important phenomenon.
A cost‐effective building fire smoke spread prediction approach for risk mitigation based on data assimilation using Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Ding Long , Li Yin , Ji Jie , Lin Chengchun , Wang Liangzhu (Leon)
Published: January 2022

Prediction of building fire smoke spread behaviors plays an important role in the evacuation in an emergency to mitigate fire risk. Based on data assimilation, a cost‐effective approach was proposed to predict fire smoke spread behaviors under unknown mixed disturbances by combining a zone model (CFAST) and Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF). CFAST is used to predict fire smoke spread behaviors as a deterministic fire model. Sensor data of smoke temperature were assimilated into CFAST simulation by leveraging EnKF to estimate unknown heat release rate (HRR) and thus improving the prediction accuracy. The performance of the proposed approach was tested via a series of Observing Systems Simulation Experiments. Two series of cases were conducted for unknown single HRR change disturbance and unknown single‐window breakage disturbance, one series of cases was conducted for unknown mixed HRR change and window breakage disturbances. Result comparisons have been presented in figures to assess the approach performance qualitatively, and root mean square errors (RMSEs) have been calculated to assess the approach performance quantitatively. The RMSEs are within the range of 1.78–29.88 K. The results showed that it was a viable solution to set a larger perturbation range for unknown disturbances. The proposed approach could provide more accurate and reliable predictive information about fire smoke spread behaviors for risk mitigation, as well as other safety‐related applications.
Downstream of the HOX genes: Explaining conflicting tumour suppressor and oncogenic functions in cancer
Authors: Morgan Richard , Hunter Keith , Pandha Hardev S.
Published: January 2022

The HOX genes are a highly conserved group of transcription factors that have key roles in early development, but which are also highly expressed in most cancers. Many studies have found strong associative relationships between the expression of individual HOX genes in tumours and clinical parameters including survival. For the majority of HOX genes, high tumour expression levels seem to be associated with a worse outcome for patients, and in some cases, this has been shown to result from the activation of pro‐oncogenic genes and pathways. However, there are also many studies that indicate a tumour suppressor role for some HOX genes, sometimes with conclusions that contradict earlier work. In this review, we have attempted to clarify the role of HOX genes in cancer by focusing on their downstream targets as identified in studies that provide experimental evidence for their activation or repression. On this basis, the majority of HOX genes would appear to have a pro‐oncogenic function, with the notable exception of HOXD10, which acts exclusively as a tumour suppressor. HOX proteins regulate a wide range of target genes involved in metastasis, cell death, proliferation and angiogenesis, and activate key cell signalling pathways. Furthermore, for some functionally related targets, this regulation is achieved by a relatively small subgroup of HOX genes.
Modeling Drivers and Barriers of Artificial Intelligence Adoption: Insights from a Strategic Management Perspective
Authors: Kar Sudatta , Kar Arpan Kumar , Gupta Manmohan Prasad
Published: January 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) in business processes and academic research in AI has significantly increased. However, the adoption of AI in organizational strategy is yet to be explored in extant literature. This study proposes two conceptual frameworks showing hierarchical relationships among the various drivers and barriers to AI adoption in organizational strategy. In a two‐step approach, the literature study is first done to identify eight drivers of and nine barriers to AI adoption and validated by academic and industry experts. In the second step, MICMAC (matrice d'impacts croises‐multiplication appliqúe a un classment or cross‐impact matrix multiplication applied to classification) analysis categorizes the drivers and barriers to AI adoption in organizational strategy. Total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) is developed to understand the complex and hierarchical associations among the drivers and barriers. This is the first attempt to model the drivers and barriers using a methodology like TISM, which provides a comprehensive conceptual framework with hierarchical relationships and relative importance of the drivers and barriers to AI adoption. AI solutions' decision‐making ability and accuracy are the most influential drivers that influence other driving factors. Lack of an AI adoption strategy, lack of AI talent, and lack of leadership commitment are the most significant barriers that affect other barriers. Recommendations for senior leadership are discussed to focus on the leading drivers and barriers. Also, the limitations and future research scope are addressed.
Lower reactive oxygen species production and faster swimming speed of human sperm cells on nanodiamond spin‐coated glass substrates
Authors: Lesani Ali , Ramazani Sarbandi Iman , Mousavi Hengameh , Kazemnejad Somaieh , Moghimi Zand Mahdi
Published: January 2022

The sperm selection stage is what assisted reproductive technologies have in common and is crucial as it affects the success of the treatment cycle. The employment of microfluidic platforms for sperm selection has emerged showing promising results. In microfluidic platforms, sperm cells encounter micro‐confined environments meanwhile having contact with channel walls and surfaces. Modification of contact surfaces using nanoparticles leads to the alteration of surface characteristics which in turn affects sperm behavior especially motility which is an indicator for sperm health. In this article, we present the results of investigating the motility parameters of sperm cells in contact with surface‐modified glass substrates using nanodiamond particles. The results show that the sperm swimming velocities are significantly improved within the range of 12%–52% compared to the control surface (untreated). Reactive oxygen species production is also decreased by 14% justifying the increase in swimming speed. Taken together, bonding these modified surfaces to sperm selection microfluidic devices could enhance their efficiency and further improve their outcomes offering new solutions to patients facing infertility.
Persistent Musculoskeletal Deficits in Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation
Authors: Kindler Joseph M. , Guo Michelle , Baker Joshua , McCormack Shana , Armenian Saro H. , Zemel Babette S. , Leonard Mary B. , Mostoufi-Moab Sogol
Published: January 2022

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is a common therapy for pediatric hematologic malignancies. With improved supportive care, addressing treatment-related late effects is at the forefront of survivor long-term health and quality of life. We previously demonstrated that alloHSCT survivors had increased adiposity, decreased lean mass, and lower bone density and strength, 7 years (median) from alloHSCT compared to their healthy peers. Yet it is unknown whether these deficits persist. Our longitudinal study characterized changes in muscle and bone over a period of 3.4 (range, 2.0 to 4.9) years in 47 childhood alloHSCT survivors, age 5–26 years at baseline (34% female). Tibia cortical bone geometry and volumetric density and lower leg muscle cross-sectional area (MCSA) were assessed via peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Anthropometric and pQCT measurements were converted to age, sex, and ancestry-specific standard deviation scores, adjusted for leg length. Muscle-specific force was assessed as strength relative to MCSA adjusted for leg length (strength Z-score). Measurements were compared to a healthy reference cohort (n = 921), age 5–30 years (52% female). At baseline and follow-up, alloHSCT survivors demonstrated lower height Z-scores, weight Z-scores, and leg length Z-scores compared to the healthy reference cohort. Deficits in MCSA, trabecular volumetric bone density, and cortical bone size and estimated strength (section modulus) were evident in survivors (all p < 0.05). Between the two study time points, anthropometric, muscle, and bone Z-scores did not change significantly in alloHSCT survivors. Approximately 15% and 17% of alloHSCT survivors had MCSA and section modulus Z-score < −2.0, at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Furthermore, those with a history of total body irradiation compared to those without demonstrated lower MCSA at follow-up. The persistent muscle and bone deficits in pediatric alloHSCT survivors support the need for strategies to improve bone and muscle health in this at-risk population. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Effect of Mg2+ additives on Nieuwland catalyst: The role of the second metal ionic radius
Authors: Zheng Ling , Lin Ruolin , Luo Dingjie , Guo Liang , Zhang Jinli
Published: January 2022

In the production of chloroprene rubber, acetylene dimerization over the Nieuwland catalyst is an important step. The addition of Mg2+ to the Nieuwland catalyst improves the acetylene conversion and the selectivity toward vinyl acetylene. In this study, active component crystal structure, the role of Mg2+ in the Nieuwland catalyst, the reason for the catalyst deactivation, and the reaction mechanism were analyzed by different characterization techniques. The results indicate that the main reason for the Nieuwland catalyst deactivation is the loss of Cu2+. The addition of Mg2+ will increase the exposure of active sites, reduce the residence time of acetylene in the catalyst, and inhibit the reduction of Cu2+, thereby improving the catalytic performance and stability of the catalyst.
Influence of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia on laboratory methods for hereditary spherocytosis diagnosis
Authors: Lazarova Elena , Gulbis Béatrice
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is characterized by decreased erythrocyte deformability resulting in hemolytic anemia. This is a heterogeneous disease regarding underlying protein deficiency, disease severity, age at diagnosis and clinical course. Although largely considered as pediatric disease, HS could be initially diagnosed also in elder patients as a result of gallstones or splenomegaly fortuitous finding. Concurrently, common adulthood metabolic disorders like diabetes or dyslipidemia are also known to impair RBC rheology and deformability. Therefore, we aimed to investigate if these diseases affect the screening and diagnostic tools used for HS diagnosis.

Methods

We applied our workflow for HS diagnosis on 95 pathological samples: 29 patients with diabetes, 20 with hypercholesterolemia, 17 with dyslipidemia, 6 with hypertriglyceridemia, 23 with metabolic syndrome (MS). Thus, a total of 73 samples were analyzed by automated reticulocyte analysis, 52 by cryohemolysis test, and 41 by ektacytometry osmoscan analysis as we used two out of the three tests for each individual sample.

Results

Applying our screening algorithm based on automated reticulocyte indices, a total of 4 samples (4.2%): one sample (5%) from the diabetes group and three samples (16.7%) from the MS group, positioned into the HS zone. However, no significant difference was found between any of the pathological groups and the controls for the cryohemolysis test or the osmoscan.

Conclusion

While diabetes and hypercholesterolemia are pathologic conditions known to present with decreased erythrocyte deformability and disturbed rheology, their possible concomitant presence with HS would not interfere with the screening and confirmatory laboratory methods.
Homozygous missense variant in POPDC3 causes recessive limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 26
Authors: Ullah Anwar , Lin Zhaohan , Younus Muhammad , Shafiq Sarfraz , Khan Shazia , Rasheed Memoona , Mahmood Arif , Alqosaibi Amany I. , Alshehri Mohammed Ali , Khan Amjad , Umair Muhammad
Published: January 2022

Background

Limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) comprises a heterogeneous group of diseases, affecting different muscles, predominantly skeletal muscles and cardiac muscles of the body. LGMD is classified into two main subtypes A and B, which are further subclassified into eight dominant and thirty recessive subtypes. Three genes, namely POPDC1, POPDC2 and POPDC3, encode popeye domain‐containing protein (POPDC), and the variants of POPDC1 and POPDC3 genes have been associated with LGMD.

Methods

In the present study, we performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) analysis on a single‐family to investigate the hallmark features of LGMD. The results of WES were further confirmed by Sanger sequencing and 3D protein modeling was also conducted.

Results

WES data analysis and Sanger sequencing revealed a homozygous missense variant (c.460A>G; p.Lys154Glu) at a highly conserved amino acid position in the POPDC3. Mutations in the POPDC3 gene have been previously associated with recessive limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 26. 3D protein modeling further suggested that the identified variant might affect the POPDC3 structure and proper function.

Conclusions

The present study confirms the role of POPDC3 in LGMD, and will facilitate genetic counseling of the family to mitigate the risks of the carrier or affects on future pregnancies.
Asymptotically good edge correspondence colourings
Authors: Molloy Michael , Postle Luke
Published: January 2022

We prove that every simple graph with maximum degree has edge correspondence number .
IL-27 signaling negatively regulates FcɛRI-mediated mast cell activation and allergic response
Authors: Wan Xiaopeng , Zhang Yuanyuan , Tang Huanna , Li Mengyao , Jiang Tianqi , He Jia , Bao Chunjing , Wang Junkai , Song Yinjing , Xiao Peng , Liu Yang , Lai Lihua , Wang Qingqing
Published: January 2022

IL-27 is a member of the IL-12 family, exerting both anti- and pro-inflammatory activity in a cell-dependent and disease context-specific manner. Antigen-mediated cross-linking of IgE on mast cells triggers a signaling cascade that results in mast cell degranulation and proinflammatory cytokine production, which are key effectors in allergic reactions. Here, we show that the activation of mast cells is negatively regulated by IL-27 signaling. We found that mice lacking IL-27Rα (WSX-1) displayed increased sensitivity to IgE-mediated skin allergic response and chronic airway inflammation. The bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) of IL-27Rα-deficient mouse showed greater high-affinity receptor Fc epsilon RI (FcεRI)-mediated activation with significantly enhanced degranulation and cytokine production. Mechanistically, the dysregulated signaling in IL-27Rα–/– mast cells is associated with increased activation of Grb2-PLC-γ1-SLP-76, PI3K/Akt/IκBα signaling and decreased phosphorylation level of SH2 domain-containing protein phosphatase1 (SHP1). Furthermore, IL-27 treatment could inhibit mast cell activation directly, and retrovirus-based IL-27 expression in lung attenuated the airway inflammation in mice. Collectively, our findings reveal that IL-27 signaling negatively regulates mast cell activation and its mediated allergic response.