bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoglycemic and Hepatorenal Effect of Ocimium gratissimium in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Gloria Igwe , Nduka Nsirim , Davies G. Tamunoemine , Holy Brown
Published: June 2021

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease of public health concern which is caused by pancreatic defect in insulin secretion or failure of the receptor cells to effectively utilize secreted insulin. Diabetes account for 2-3% death in the poorest countries hence the need for alternative control measure. This stud evaluated the hypoglycemic and hepatorenal effect of Ocimium gratissimium and glibenclamide in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Twenty- four rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 4 animals in each group (1,2,3,4,5 & 6), groups 2,3,4,5 & 6 were induced diabetes intraperitoneally with 150 mg\kg alloxan (Sigma Ltd), diabetes was confirmed by fasting blood glucose of >10.0mmol/L. Groups 3,4,5 & 6 were subsequently treated with 400 mg/kg of extract, 5mg glibenclamide, 800 mg/kg of extract, 400 mg/kg extract combined with 5mg glibenclamide respectively. Blood glucose, hepatic function variables (Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase(ALT), Total bilirubin (TB) and renal parameters Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Urea were analyzed. The result shows an increase in glucose, hepatic and renal parameters in diabetic induced groups which was significantly reduced in a dose dependent manner in the diabetic treated groups, the high dose of the extract (800mg/kg) was more effective in blood glucose reduction than the standard antidiabetic drug, (5mg glibenclamide). However, 5mg glibenclamide was found to be more effective in blood glucose reduction than the low dose (400mg/kg) extract, the combination of 5mg glibenclamide and 400mg/kg was found to be more effective in blood glucose reduction than the low dose extract. A significant increase was observed in the Total bilirubin and urea parameters of the high dose (800mg/kg) of the extract treated groups and in the combined group (400 mg/kg+5 mg glibenclamide). When compared to the low dose extract group(400mg/kg). Low dose ocimium gratissimium potentiates 5mg glibenclamide in blood glucose reduction. Ocimium gratissimium and glibenclamide decreased blood glucose and ameliorates alloxan induced hepatic and renal damage. The use of the high dose of the extract and the use of the combination of the drug (5mg glibenclamide) and the low dose of the extract in diabetes management may be detrimental to the liver and kidney according to this study.
The Well-being of Staff in a Welsh Secondary School before and After a COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Smith Andrew P. , James Arwel
Published: June 2021

Background:  There has been extensive research on the well-being of teachers, with much of it focusing on stress and mental health problems. Recent research has led to the development of the well-being process model, which examines predictors of positive and negative well-being outcomes. Research is now required to examine this model's applicability to teachers and those who communicate in languages other than English. Well-being has also been reduced by social isolation associated with COVID-19, and it is essential to investigate the causes of this reduced well-being.

Aims: The present study had three main aims. First, to examine the applicability of the well-being process model to teachers. Secondly, to investigate a sample where teaching was in the Welsh language. Finally, to examine the response to the COVID-19 lockdown in this group and identify predictors of current and long term well-being.

Methodology:  The research was approved by the ethics committee, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, and carried out with the informed consent of the volunteers (67 staff from a Welsh-medium secondary school; mean age 36.8 years, range 19-53 years; 71% female). An online survey was carried out, and regressions conducted to examine associations between the well-being process predictor variables and the well-being outcomes. Predictors of current and long term well-being were also examined.

Results: Thirty-six per cent of the sample reported high stress levels, but clinically significant anxiety and depression levels were low (7.2% anxiety; 4.4% depression). Positive well-being was predicted by high scores for psychological capital, social support, positive coping and low scores for negative work characteristics. Negative well-being was predicted by high negative work characteristics and negative coping, and low psychological capital scores. Current and long term COVID-19-related well-being was predicted by fear of infection and the stress of isolation.

Conclusion: The results confirmed the applicability of the well-being process model to Welsh secondary school staff. Lockdown during COVID-19 affected well-being, with the risk of infection and the stress of isolation being the major influences.
Digital Financial Literacy and Its Determinants: An Empirical Evidences from Rural India
Authors: Azeez N. P. Abdul , Akhtar S. M. Jawed
Published: June 2021

Banking and financial institutions are undergoing a dramatic transformation in this digital age. Despite the extended digital communications, a significant proportion of the people cannot transact financially especially in rural areas. Effective financial transactions could be made possible through skills, awareness, and attitudes to use digital tools and digital transactions tools. Therefore, digital financial literacy became more critical nowadays and is considered prerequisites and preliminary steps for people's inclusion in the financial system. The determinants of digital financial literacy focus on the socio-economic demographic factors and used ordinary least square, multiple regression model. This model determines how various independent variables, namely age, gender, income, religion, social groups, family size, marital status, educational level, occupation, etc., significantly influence the respondents' digital financial literacy. The analysis is based on the primary data with five hundred samples collected from the rural areas of Aligarh district.
Brillouin Light Spectroscopy and Anisotropic Elasticity
Authors: Wang Zuyuan , Fytas George
Published: June 2021

Understanding the elastic properties of polymer‐based materials is essential for many applications (e.g., biofibers, coatings, interfacial fillers, organics semiconductors). Often those materials are anisotropic, posing a challenge for characterizing their direction‐dependent elasticity. As an optical technique, Brillouin light spectroscopy (BLS) allows determination of the complete elastic tensor of materials in a noncontact, nondestructive manner. The elastic properties of many polymer‐based materials have been investigated by BLS in the past five decades. In this review, we present the working principles of BLS and a few recent applications of BLS to the determination of the complete elasticity of polymer‐based, nanostructured, anisotropic materials. Considering its unique power in elasticity characterization, we expect BLS to find more applications in the future, particularly in the research fields of materials science, biomedical science, biomechanics, and nanotechnology.
Thermal and Mechanical Analysis of

N
‐Vinyl

Pyrrolidone and

N
‐Vinyl

Caprolactam‐Based Polymers
Authors: Johnson Valencia S. , McMullen Roger L.
Published: June 2021

The techniques and methods used to measure thermal and mechanical properties are interrelated and routinely used to investigate the material properties of polymers. This chapter provides an overview of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and delve into their application to study polymers based on vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl caprolactam. DSC is an extremely useful tool for investigating the behavior of blends of PVP, with other polymers providing insight into their interactions and miscibility. TGA is a thermal technique that is used to monitor changes in polymer structure as a function of temperature. The chapter provides an introduction to TGA followed by its application and use to characterize VP‐based polymers. DMA is essential to study the mechanical properties of polymers. DMA is also known as dynamic thermomechanical analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, forced oscillatory measurements, or dynamic rheology.
Pyrrolidone Chemistry in Skin Care, Transdermal Delivery, and Wound Care
Authors: McMullen Roger L.
Published: June 2021

This chapter introduces pyrrolidone chemistry as it relates to applications for skin. It begins with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and its derivatives in skin care, and focuses on transdermal delivery of pharmaceutical ingredients and applications in wound care. Rheology modifiers are extremely important in personal care products and provide a product with a chassis that has a characteristic rheological profile. The chapter describes the application of small molecules (non‐polymeric) based on pyrrolidone chemistry in transdermal delivery and personal care. The transdermal patch is the most basic transdermal delivery system. The use of PVP in wound care mostly involves wound healing applications and antiseptics. PVP plays an extremely important role in nanotechnology. Both pyrrolidone carboxylic acid and sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate are used in many different types of skin care products, including lotions, creams, oils, cleansing formulas, sun care preparations, and makeup.
Factors influencing emergency medicine residency choice: Diversity, community, and recruitment red flags
Authors: Weygandt Paul L. , Smylie Laura , Ordonez Edgardo , Jordan Jaime , Chung Arlene S.
Published: June 2021

Background

Emergency medicine (EM) applicants consider many factors when selecting residency programs. Prior studies have demonstrated that applicants consider geography as well as modifiable/nonmodifiable program factors. Less attention, however, has been paid to underrepresented groups. Additionally, the prevalence and characteristics of “red flags,” or factors that may lead an applicant to lower a program's rank or not rank it at all, remain unknown in EM. Our objective was to describe the factors that influence current EM‐bound medical students’ residency selection focusing on underrepresented applicants and red flags encountered during the recruitment process.

Methods

We conducted a mixed‐methods survey study of EM‐bound graduates from U.S. medical schools in the 2020 application cycle. Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), nonparametric tests for ordinal data, and logistic regression. For the qualitative portion of the study, two independent reviewers performed a thematic analysis of the red flag free‐text responses. Discrepancies were addressed via consensus with third‐party oversight.

Results

Our survey response rate was 49%, and most applicants considered both geographic and program factors. Underrepresented applicants prioritized program diversity, program commitment to the underserved, neighborhood/community, and patient population. Of all respondents, 71% reported red flags. Women had a significantly higher odds of encountering red flags (odds ratio = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.25 to 2.18). Red flags included seven key themes: violations of regulatory standards, program characteristics, interview day experience, program culture, interpersonal interactions, lack of fit, and quality of life; subthemes included lack of diversity and racism.

Conclusions

Modifiable/nonmodifiable program factors and geography continue to influence EM‐bound applicants’ residency choices. Underrepresented applicants place a higher value on diversity, community, and patients served. Residency programs should consider modifiable factors and self‐assess for red flags to successfully recruit the next generation of EM physicians.
Root growth, architecture, and ion uptake of alfalfa and triticale irrigated with brackish groundwater and reverse osmosis concentrate
Authors: Kankarla Vanaja , Shukla Manoj K. , Picchioni Geno A.
Published: June 2021

Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint for agricultural production, especially in arid and semiarid regions of the world. Salts in irrigation water and soil can potentially harm plant root growth. To date, more research has been devoted to aboveground biomass production. This study is aimed at determining the impacts of irrigating with brackish groundwater (BGW) and reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate on the root and shoot biomass, root/shoot ratio (R:S), and root system architecture (RSA) of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus). Two replicated experiments were conducted in the Fabian Garcia Science Center (FGSC) greenhouse from 7 Oct. 2017 to 7 Jan. 2018 in Las Cruces, NM, USA. After 90 d, roots were scanned using a WinRHIZO image analysis system and the data were analyzed. In both the species, RO and BGW + NaCl increased root Na+ and Cl– concentrations. Triticale behaved more like a root Na‐retaining species than alfalfa but with an associated decrease in total root biomass. Irrigation with BGW in alfalfa increased root length and the number of forks and crossings, whereas RO irrigation increased root length density (RLD). Unlike alfalfa, triticale root architectural parameters were largely unaffected by salinity. However, RO and BGW + NaCl waters promoted significantly (p ≤ .05) higher shoot biomass in triticale than the control and BGW alone. Our findings recommend BGW for alfalfa irrigation, and triticale as a potential future forage crop for dry and saline conditions.
Comparison of plant feedstocks and methods to recover leaf proteins from wet fractionation of alfalfa for potential use in aquaculture, poultry, and livestock feeds
Authors: Coburn Jessica , Wells M. Scott , Sheaffer Craig C. , Ruan Roger , Samac Deborah A.
Published: June 2021

Alternative plant‐based protein sources are needed for supplementing or replacing fishmeal in formulated animal feeds. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), a perennial legume, is grown worldwide as a high‐protein forage crop used primarily for dairy and beef cattle feeds. However, its utility as a protein source for feeding other farmed animals has great potential. Wet fractionation can provide several products that increase the value of the crop. The amount of alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) recovered from a fresh press filtrate was measured from several feedstocks: herbage of a nonlodging biomass‐type alfalfa, genetically modified reduced‐lignin alfalfa, and conventional alfalfa as well as from leaves of the biomass type fractionated at harvest. Additionally, five methods for APC recovery were compared. Approximately 854 kg of APC, 7,109 kg of press residue suitable as low quality animal feed, and 4.5 Tg of dry hay could be produced annually from a hectare of biomass‐type alfalfa. The amounts of APC recovered from a reduced‐lignin alfalfa and a conventional cultivar were similar. Acid‐based precipitation methods resulted in the largest recovery of APC, whereas heating produced the highest concentration of protein in the concentrate and highest concentration of methionine, lysine, and threonine. The percentage of fatty acids and sugars in the concentrate varied significantly by precipitation method. All methods resulted in low amounts of fiber in the concentrate. Our results indicate that a nonlodging biomass‐type alfalfa can produce high yields of APC and co‐products with fewer harvests than a conventional cultivar, which reduces costs and promotes crop productivity.
A proposal for a novel approach to reduce burdens of care for people with dementia: A hypothesis
Authors: Varshney Smita U. , Varshney Upkar , McCall William V.
Published: June 2021

Cognitive impairment of dementia patients affects their ability to communicate and cooperate with care. Dementia patients need a specialized communication to increase their cooperation during daily care and a scale to measure cooperation with care. To improve communication, we created and applied a digital communication platform (DCP) in an observational study. To measure cooperation with care, we created and tested psychometric properties of the Cooperation with Care Scale‐Revised (CWCS‐R) in an institutional review board–approved 6‐week prospective study. DCP intervention was associated with decreased agitation and use of psychotropic medications for nursing home (NH) dementia patients. CWCS‐R is both a reliable and valid tool to measure cooperation with care in NH dementia patients. Innovations in communication with dementia patients and a scale to measure cooperation with care could reduce burdens of care and improve quality of life for patients, their family members, and staff. It may potentially help decrease cost of dementia care.
Development of catechol‐functionalized chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite films incorporated with dual network coated layered clay for active packaging applications
Authors: Lei Yongzhen , Mao Long , Zhu Heping , Yao Jin
Published: June 2021

In order to solve the problems of traditional plastic packaging materials like poor degradability and insufficient active packaging function, this study successfully designs and synthesizes tannic acid (TA)‐titanium (Ti) dual network coated hydrotalcite‐like layered clay (LDHs@TA‐Ti) and catechol grafted chitosan (C‐CS) based on the principle of mussel bionics. And a novel idea is first put forward to fabricate LDHs@TA‐Ti/C‐CS/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite films by solution casting method. The result of infrared and thermal analysis indicate that strong interfacial interaction is formed in the nanocomposites, which leads to the limitation of molecular chain movement and the increase of glass transition temperature. Although the addition of LDHs@TA‐Ti significantly increases the crystallization temperature, the crystallinity does not change significantly. The water resistance, UV barrier, tensile strength and antibacterial properties of the final nanocomposite films are improved significantly, and all the films show good transparency in the visible range. Especially when the addition amount of LDHs@TA‐Ti reaches 1 wt%, compared with C‐CS/PVA composite film, the UV (at 300 nm) barrier property and tensile strength are increased by 36.3% and 45.1% respectively. Therefore, LDHs@TA‐Ti/C‐CS/PVA nanocomposite films show great potential as environmentally friendly active packaging films or coatings in extending the shelf life of food products.
Water‐soluble AIE‐active Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles: Design, Preparation and Application for Specific Detection of Cyanide in Water and Food Samples
Authors: Hou Min , Liu Yi‐chen , Zhou Wei , Zhang Jing‐dong , Yu Fan‐dong , Zhang Yuan , Liu Guang‐jian , Xing Guo‐wen
Published: June 2021

A dilactosyl‐dicyanovinyl‐functionalized tetraphenylethene (TPELC) was designed, synthesized and used for ratiometric sensing of cyanide. TPELC was comprised of three moieties (tetraphenylethylene, dicyanovinyl group and lactose unit) in one molecule, making TPELC water‐soluble and aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active and selectively reactive to cyanide. Compared with other reported fluorescent probes containing dicyanovinyl group, TPELC is the first AIE luminogen to be assembled as fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) for sensing of cyanide in water without the use of surfactant or the help of organic solvents based on the nucleophilic addition reaction. The detection mechanism was verified by liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry experiments and by protonation of cyanide to reduce the nucleophilicity of cyanide. In addition, TPELC was used for detection of the cyanide content of food samples and test strips were developed to simplify the detection procedure.
Synthesis and Pyrolysis of Fullerenol‐stabilized Pt Nanocolloids as a unique Approach to Pt‐doped Carbon
Authors: Cabello Mark Kristan Espejo , Uetake Yuta , Yao Yu , Kuwabata Susumu , Sakurai Hidehiro
Published: June 2021

An aqueous colloidal dispersion of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) stabilized by fullerenol C60(OH)12 (Pt:C60(OH)12) was successfully synthesized via liquid‐phase chemical reduction. The subsequent pyrolysis of Pt:C60(OH)12 at different temperatures was conducted to afford Pt‐doped carbon with different chemical compositions (Pt:C60n). X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and Infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy and thermogravimetric measurements revealed that the thus‐prepared nanocomposite consists of Pt NPs and high valent Pt‐C60(OH)12 complex. One distinct feature of C60(OH)12 matrix as catalyst support is the suppression of size growth of Pt NPs during the pyrolysis up to 300 °C. Electrochemical experiments using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were performed to find that Pt:C60300 (pyrolyzed at 300 °C) exhibited higher activity than others, that was attributed to the π‐extended feature of the as‐obtained carbon.
Salen‐decorated Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica: From Metal‐assisted Epoxidation to Metal‐free CO2 Insertion
Authors: Haghighat Mahdieh , Leus Karen , Shirini Farhad , Van Der Voort Pascal
Published: June 2021

We clicked a salen ligand onto a thiol‐ethane bridged periodic mesoporous organosilica (Salen‐PMO) using a photo‐initiated thiol‐ene click reaction. This process resulted in a covalently bonded salen ligand on the PMO material. The final BET surface area amounts 511 m2/g and the pore size diameter is approximately 7 nm. The functionalized PMO material showed an excellent carbon dioxide uptake capacity of 1.29 mmol/g at 273 K and 1 bar. More importantly, by coordinating a MoO22+ complex onto the Salen‐PMO material, we obtained a heterogeneous catalyst with a good catalytic performance for the epoxidation of cyclohexene. The catalyst was highly reusable, as no decrease in its activity was observed for at least four runs (99% conversion). Finally, the metal‐free Salen‐PMO showed an exceptional catalytic performance in the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides. The obtained results clearly demonstrate the versatility of the Salen‐PMO material not only as metal‐free catalyst but also as a support material to anchor metal complexes for specific catalytic applications. With the same catalytic platform, we were able to firstly create epoxides out of alkenes, and subsequently turn these epoxides into cyclic carbonates, consuming CO2.
Compliance Assessment of the Epithelial or Absorbed Power Density Below 10 GHz Using SAR Measurement Systems
Authors: Samaras Theodoros , Christ Andreas , Kuster Niels
Published: June 2021

The introduction of new dosimetric quantities, in particular, epithelial or absorbed power density for frequencies above 6 GHz, in exposure guidelines and safety standards requires the development of new experimental assessment procedures for compliance testing. In this study, we propose to approximate the peak spatial‐average absorbed power density (psSab) using the same measured data and algorithms that are used for determining the peak spatial‐average specific absorption rate psSAR, which is currently limited to frequencies up to 10 GHz. The uncertainty component for the transformation of psSAR to psSab was evaluated as less than 0.55 dB (13.5%) for any source as close as from the tissue simulating media. The approach is easy to implement and allows determining compliance with the basic restrictions of the latest safety guidelines. In the next project, we will expand dosimetric probes, phantoms, and procedures for frequencies above 10 GHz. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Dihydroartemisinin alleviates hepatic fibrosis through inducing ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Zhang Zili , Wang Xian , Wang Zilong , Zhang Zhiyue , Cao Yashi , Wei Zonghui , Shao Jiangjuan , Chen Anping , Zhang Feng , Zheng Shizhong
Published: June 2021

Targeting the elimination of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and blocking excessive deposition of extracellular matrix are recognized as an effective strategy for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. As a newly discovered programmed cell death mode, the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis in the clearance of activated HSCs has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we reported that the induction of ferroptosis in activated HSCs was required for dihydroartemisinin (DHA) to alleviate hepatic fibrosis. Treatment with DHA could improve the damage of hepatic fibrosis in vivo and inhibit the activation of HSCs in vitro. Interestingly, DHA treatment could trigger ferroptosis to eliminate activated HSCs characterized by iron overload, lipid ROS accumulation, glutathione depletion, and lipid peroxidation. Specific ferroptosis inhibitors ferrostatin‐1 and liproxstatin‐1 could impair DHA‐induced ferroptosis and also damage DHA‐mediated the inhibition of activated HSCs. Importantly, autophagy activation may be closely related to DHA‐induced ferroptosis. ATG5 siRNA could prevent DHA‐mediated autophagy activation and ferroptosis induction, whereas ATG5 plasmid could promote the effect of DHA on autophagy and ferroptosis. Of note, the upregulation of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) may play a critical role in the molecular mechanism. NCOA4 siRNA could impair DHA‐induced ferroptosis, whereas NCOA4 plasmid could enhance the promoting effect of DHA on ferroptosis. Overall, our study revealed the potential mechanism of DHA against hepatic fibrosis and showed that ferroptosis could be a new way to eliminate activated HSCs.
Osmolyte enhanced aqueous two‐phase system for virus purification
Authors: Joshi Pratik U. , Turpeinen Dylan G. , Schroeder Michael , Jones Bianca , Lyons Audrey , Kriz Seth , Khaksari Maryam , O'Hagan David , Nikam Savita , Heldt Caryn L.
Published: June 2021

Due to the high variation in viral surface properties, a platform method for virus purification is still lacking. A potential alternative to the high‐cost conventional methods is aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPSs). However, optimizing virus purification in ATPS requires a large experimental design space, and the optimized systems are generally found to operate at high ATPS component concentrations. The high concentrations capitalize on hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions to obtain high viral particle yields. This study investigated using osmolytes as driving force enhancers to reduce the high concentration of ATPS components while maintaining high yields. The partitioning behavior of porcine parvovirus (PPV), a nonenveloped mammalian virus, and human immunodeficiency virus‐like particle (HIV‐VLP), a yeast‐expressed enveloped VLP, were studied in a polyethylene glycol (PEG) 12 kDa‐citrate system. The partitioning of the virus modalities was enhanced by osmoprotectants glycine and betaine, while trimethylamine N‐oxide was ineffective for PPV. The increased partitioning to the PEG‐rich phase pertained only to viruses, resulting in high virus purification. Recoveries were 100% for infectious PPV and 92% for the HIV‐VLP, with high removal of the contaminant proteins and more than 60% DNA removal when glycine was added. The osmolyte‐induced ATPS demonstrated a versatile method for virus purification, irrespective of the expression system.
Reducing phenotypic instabilities of a microbial population during continuous cultivation based on cell switching dynamics
Authors: Nguyen Thai M. , Telek Samuel , Zicler Andrew , Martinez Juan A. , Zacchetti Boris , Kopp Julian , Slouka Christoph , Herwig Christoph , Grünberger Alexander , Delvigne Frank
Published: June 2021

Predicting the fate of individual cells among a microbial population (i.e., growth and gene expression) remains a challenge, especially when this population is exposed to very dynamic environmental conditions, such as those encountered during continuous cultivation. Indeed, the dynamic nature of a continuous cultivation process implies the potential diversification of the microbial population resulting in genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity. The present work focused on the induction of the arabinose operon in Escherichia coli as a model system to study this diversification process in continuous cultivations. As a preliminary step, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) level triggered by an arabinose‐inducible ParaBAD promoter was tracked by flow cytometry in chemostat cultivations with glucose‐arabinose co‐feeding. For a wide range of glucose‐arabinose co‐feeding concentrations in the chemostats, the simultaneous occurrence of GFP positive and negative subpopulation was observed. In the second set of experiments, continuous cultivation was performed by adding glucose continuously and arabinose based on the capability of individual cells to switch from low GFP to high GFP expression states, performed with a technology setup called segregostat. In the segregostat cultivation mode, on‐line flow cytometry analysis was used for adjusting the arabinose/glucose transitions based on the phenotypic switching profiles of the microbial population. This strategy allowed finding an appropriate arabinose pulsing frequency, leading to prolonged maintenance of the induction level with a limited increase in the phenotypic diversity for more than 60 generations. The results suggest that the steady forcing of individual cells into a given phenotypic trajectory may not be the best strategy for controlling cell populations. Instead, allowing individual cells to switch periodically around a predefined threshold seems to be a more robust strategy leading to oscillations, but within a predictable cell population behavior range.
Pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and metabolism of neferine in rat by LC–MS/MS and LC–HRMS
Authors: Hu Lin , Wang Yu , Shu Chang , Yu Jingjing , Chen Yueyue , Li Yali , Tao Ran , Yang Huiyuan , Dou Lei
Published: June 2021

In this study, a simple and sensitive analytical method based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was developed and validated for the determination of neferine in rat plasma. After acetonitrile‐mediated protein precipitation, the samples were separated on an Acquity BEH C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) maintained at 40°C. The mobile phase comprising 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile was delivered at a flow rate of 0.4 ml/min. The mass detection was conducted using multiple reaction monitoring mode with ion transitions at 625.4 > 206.3 and m/z 622.9 > 380.9 for neferine and internal standard, respectively. The assay was demonstrated to be linear over the concentration range of 0.5–1,000 ng/ml, with correlation coefficient >0.999 (r > 0.999). The validated method was further applied to the pharmacokinetic study of neferine in rat plasma. In addition, the metabolism of neferine was investigated using high‐resolution mass spectrometry. A total of six metabolites from rat liver microsomes and plasma were detected and their structures were identified according to their fragment ions. The proposed metabolic pathways of neferine were demethylation, dealkylation, dehydrogenation and glucuronidation.
Associations between clinical characteristics and tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer
Authors: Pang Xiaolin , Gao Yuanhong , Yi Hanchen , Liu Hailing , Liu Shuai , Zheng Jian
Published: June 2021

Following standard neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal excision, some patients with locally advanced rectal cancer achieve good response (pathological T0–2N0), while others show nonresponse (pathological T3–4N0 or node‐positive). To date, the clinicopathological predictors of good response and the necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy treatment (ACT) in good responders remain unclear. In this retrospective study, clinicopathological characteristics were surveyed to investigate the correlation with good response; furthermore, a propensity score matching (PSM) model was designed to balance the confounding factors between good responders treated with ACT or observation. A total of 2255 patients were enrolled, including 1069 good responders and 1186 nonresponders. The results of the survival analysis showed a good response predicted a better 3‐year prognosis (p < 0.001). The logistic regression analysis showed less advanced T and N stages (T3 vs. T4; N0 vs. N1–2), more neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) cycles (≥4 vs. 1–3), and delayed surgery (≥8 weeks vs. <8 weeks) were independent predictors of a good response (p < 0.05). Especially, patients treated with both more nCT cycles and a delay in surgery included the greatest number of good responders (p < 0.001). For good responders, after PSM (1:3), 235 observation cases were matched to 705 ACT cases. As compared with observation, ACT had no greater impact on prognosis analysis (p > 0.05). In conclusion, more cycles of nCT and a delay in surgery predicted a better response, and the delivery of ACT might be omitted in good responders.
MXene@Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) Decorated Carbon Cloth for Highly Electrochemically Active Biofilms in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Xing Chengcheng , Jiang Demin , Tong Le , Ma Kexin , Xu Yan , Xie Kun , Wang Yuqiao
Published: June 2021

The anode characteristics are important to the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) due to the influence on biofilm formation and extracellular electron transfer (EET). Herein, MXene was modified by the superhydrophilic cationic polymer poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) to prepare MXene@PDDA/carbon cloth (CC) as an anode for MFC. The unique anode combines the advantages of high conductivity, superhydrophilicity and biocompatibility. The anode facilitated the enrichment of electrochemical active bacterium and promoted the efficiency of EET process. MFCs based on MXene@PDDA/CC anodes can produce the remarkable power output and the satisfactory effluent removal efficiency through an external series resistance of 1 kΩ. The device can gain the maximum output voltage of 585 mV and the maximum power density of 811 mW m−2. The efficiencies of methyl orange decolorization and chemical oxygen demand were up to 79 % and 84 % after 12 h, respectively.
A Fluorescence Sensor Array Based on Zinc(II)‐Carboxyamidoquinolines: Toward Quantitative Detection of ATP**
Authors: Pushina Mariia , Farshbaf Sepideh , Mochida Wakana , Kanakubo Masashi , Nishiyabu Ryuhei , Kubo Yuji , Anzenbacher Pavel
Published: June 2021

The newly prepared fluorescent carboxyamidoquinolines (1–3) and their Zn(II) complexes (Zn@1‐Zn@3) were used to bind and sense various phosphate anions utilizing a relay mechanism, in which the Zn(II) ion migrates from the Zn@1‐Zn@3 complexes to the phosphate, namely adenosine 5’‐triphosphate (ATP) and pyrophosphate (PPi), a process accompanied by a dramatic change in fluorescence. Zn@1‐Zn@3 assemblies interact with adenine nucleotide phosphates while displaying an analyte‐specific response. This process was investigated using UV‐vis, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy. It is shown that the different binding selectivity and the corresponding fluorescence response enable differentiation of adenosine 5’‐triphosphate (ATP), adenosine 5’‐diphosphate (ADP), pyrophosphate (PPi), and phosphate (Pi). The cross‐reactive nature of the carboxyamidoquinolines‐Zn(II) sensors in conjunction with linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was utilized in a simple fluorescence chemosensor array that allows for the identification of ATP, ADP, PPi, and Pi from 8 other anions including adenosine 5’‐monophosphate (AMP) with 100 % correct classification. Furthermore, the support vector machine algorithm, a machine learning method, allowed for highly accurate quantitation of ATP in the range of 5–100 μM concentration in unknown samples with error <2.5 %.
Two‐Step Thermal Annealing: An Effective Route for 15 % Efficient Quasi‐2D Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Romano Valentino , Najafi Leyla , Sutanto Albertus Adrian , Schileo Giorgio , Queloz Valentin , Bellani Sebastiano , Prato Mirko , Marras Sergio , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , D'Angelo Giovanna , Bonaccorso Francesco , Grancini Giulia
Published: June 2021

Invited for this month's cover are collaborators from University of Pavia, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, University of Messina and Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia. The cover picture shows the crystal structure of a Ruddlesden‐Popper quasi‐2D perovskite with chemical formula (PEA)2MA39Pb40I121 (with PEA: phenylethylammonium and MA: methylammonium). The subscript 40 indicates the number of PbI6 octahedra separated by a double layer of PEA cations. Such quasi‐2D perovskites exhibit efficient photovoltaic performances and higher stability with respect to the pure 3D counterpart (MAPbI3). This article is part of the Special Collection on “Perovskite Materials and Devices”. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.202000777.
The influence of maladaptive coping modes, resilience, and job demands on emotional exhaustion in psychologists
Authors: Smout Matthew F. , Simpson Susan G. , Stacey Fiona , Reid Corinne
Published: June 2021

Although it is well established that emotion‐focused coping is associated with burnout, the schema therapy model may improve the prediction of who is most vulnerable to using emotion‐focused coping and what kinds of emotion‐focused coping carry the greatest risk of burnout. It is also unknown the extent to which resilience might buffer against maladaptive coping in protecting against burnout. The present study investigated whether maladaptive coping modes would incrementally predict emotional exhaustion (EE) adjusting for resilience and whether resilience might moderate the effect of maladaptive coping on EE. The possible role of maladaptive coping as a mediator of job demands on EE was also explored. Four hundred and forty‐three clinical and counselling psychologists completed online measures of job demands, EE, resilience, and maladaptive coping modes. The Detached Protector mode was associated with greater EE after adjusting for resilience. Bully and Attack mode was associated with greater EE when considered separately from other coping modes but associated with decreased EE when considered together. Resilience did not moderate the effect of job demands on EE, or the effect of coping modes on EE, except for Compliant Surrenderer. Coping modes only partially mediated the effect of job demands on EE accounting for 20% or less of its effect. Maladaptive coping modes appear to make independent contributions to the risk of EE and efforts to reduce burnout in psychologists should focus dually on increasing resilience‐building practices and decreasing maladaptive coping.
Exposure to combat incidents within military and civilian populations as possible correlates of potentially morally injurious events and moral injury outcomes among Israeli combat veterans
Authors: Zerach Gadi , Levi‐Belz Yossi
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) is considered a necessary but insufficient determinant of moral injury (MI) outcomes. However, a question remains regarding possible acts and the necessary features of PMIEs that should be considered transgressive and might lead to MI psychopathological outcomes. We aim to examine the links between exposure to combat incidents within civilian Palestinian populations (CPPs), PMIEs and MI‐related outcomes of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (PTSS), trauma‐related guilt and shame. We also aim to explore the mediating roles of subjective perceptions of PMIEs in the relationship between exposure to combat incidents within CPP and MI‐related outcomes among combat veterans.

Method

A volunteer sample of 716 Israeli combat veterans responded to self‐report questionnaires in a cross‐sectional design study.

Results

Exposure to combat incidents within CPP has been primarily associated with perpetration based PMIEs and MI‐related guilt outcomes. Importantly, betrayal‐based PMIEs mediated the association between reports of being the victim of verbal violence by militants and/or civilians and MI outcomes. Moreover, perpetration‐based PMIEs mediated associations between reports of personal acts, or witnessing acts, of physical and verbal violence and degradation by militants and/or civilians, and MI outcomes.

Conclusions

Military incidents within civilian populations are related to subjective perceptions of PMIEs and MI‐related psychopathological outcomes. While betrayal‐based experiences might serve as a mechanism to being a victim of verbal violence and MI outcomes, perpetration‐based experiences might serve as mechanisms to physical, verbal and degradation incidents and MI outcomes.
Amylopectin Regulated Mineralization of Calcium Carbonate and Its Application in Removing of Pb(II)
Authors: Zhao Qinjiang , Zhou Lihong , Du Jie , Wang Guanghui , Pei Xiangjun
Published: June 2021

As an ecological and environment‐friendly building material, sticky rice mortar has attracted the attention of many researchers. Amylopectin is the most important organic matter of it, which can improve the mechanical properties and durability of sticky rice mortar by inducing mineralization of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). However, amylopectin induced formation of CaCO3 has not been reported. In this paper, mineralization of CaCO3 induced by gelatinized amylopectin is investigated. For comparison, the different morphologies of CaCO3 are studied in the presence of Mg2+, Fe3+. Moreover, these CaCO3 products with different morphologies are used to clean the waste water. The results indicate that gelatinized amylopectin is conducive to formation of pumpkin‐like vaterite. It forms uniform rod and dumbbell‐shaped calcite in the presence of Mg2+, form calcite with stepped depressions in the presence of Fe3+. The adsorption of Pb(II) can reach extremely high level (1445.86 mg g−1) with the rod‐like calcite.
Low Carbon Footprint Recycling of Post‐Consumer PET Plastic with a Metagenomic Polyester Hydrolase
Authors: Sonnendecker Christian , Oeser Juliane , Richter P. Konstantin , Hille Patrick , Zhao Ziyue , Fischer Cornelius , Lippold Holger , Blázquez‐Sánchez Paula , Engelberger Felipe , Ramírez‐Sarmiento César A. , Oeser Thorsten , Lihanova Yuliia , Frank Ronny , Jahnke Heinz‐Georg , Billig Susan , Abel Bernd , Sträter Norbert , Matysik Jörg , Zimmermann Wolfgang
Published: June 2021

Earth is flooded with plastics and the need for sustainable recycling strategies for polymers has become increasingly urgent. Enzyme‐based hydrolysis of post‐consumer plastic is an emerging strategy for closed‐loop recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The polyester hydrolase PHL7, isolated from a compost metagenome, completely hydrolyzes amorphous PET films, releasing 91 mg of terephthalic acid per hour and mg of enzyme. Vertical scanning interferometry shows degradation rates of the PET film of 6.8 μm h−1. Structural analysis indicates the importance of leucine at position 210 for the extraordinarily high PET‐hydrolyzing activity of PHL7. Within 24 h, 0.6 mgenzyme gPET−1 completely degrades post‐consumer thermoform PET packaging in an aqueous buffer at 70 °C without any energy‐intensive pretreatments. Terephthalic acid recovered from the enzymatic hydrolysate is then used to synthesize virgin PET, demonstrating the potential of polyester hydrolases as catalysts in sustainable PET recycling processes with a low carbon footprint.
Advancing Air‐ and Moisture‐Compatible s‐Block Organometallic Chemistry Using Sustainable Solvents
Authors: García‐Garrido Sergio E. , Presa Soto Alejandro , Hevia Eva , García‐Álvarez Joaquín
Published: June 2021

Challenging conventional wisdom that s‐block organometallic reagents such as Grignard or organolithiums need to be used under protecting inert atmosphere (N2 or Ar), employing dry organic solvents with a strict temperature control, this Minireview focusses on recent advances on the use of these commodity reagents while operating under air, at room temperature and in the presence of moisture. Key for the success of these approaches has been the use of the following sustainable solvents: i) water; ii) Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs); or iii) biomass‐derived polyols (like glycerol) or ethereal solvents [i. e., 2‐MeTHF or cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME)]. The versatility of these air and moisture compatible synthetic protocols has been demonstrated for a myriad of key organic transformations, including nucleophilic additions of RLi/RMgX reagents to unsaturated organic molecules (i. e., ketones, imines, esters, amides or nitriles) as well as ortho‐ and lateral lithiation of aromatic substrates, Pd catalysed cross‐couplings and anionic polymerisation of styrenes. Extension of these studies to lithium amides (LiNR2) or phosphides (LiPPh2) has enabled the development of more sustainable and efficient methods for C−N and C−P bond forming processes. These unconventional s‐block metal mediated transformations have also been successfully incorporated in one‐pot tandem processes in combination with transition‐metal and organo‐catalysis. Remarkably, in some cases the conversions and chemoselectivities observed are superior to those detected in common toxic organic solvents, while working under inert atmosphere conditions with strict temperature control. The key role played by the choice of solvent in these transformations and how it can affect the constitution of the s‐block organometallic species present in solution is also discussed.
Ru‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−H Bond Arylation of Benzamides Bearing a Novel 4‐Aminoantipyrine as a Directing Group
Authors: Al Mamari Hamad H. , Al Kiumi Diana , Al Rashdi Tamadher , Al Quraini Huda , Al Rashdi Malak , Al Sheraiqi Sumayya , Al Harmali Sara , Al Lamki Mohammed , Al Sheidi Ahmed , Al Zadjali Asma
Published: June 2021

A novel design‐based removableN,O‐bidentate directing group based on cheap and commercially available 4‐aminoantipyrine (AAP) is reported. AromaticAPamides bearing 4‐aminoantipyrine underwent efficient Ru‐catalyzed C(sp2)−H arylation using [RuCl2(PPh3)3] as a catalyst and aryl bromides as electrophiles. The novel bidentate directing group enabled the C−H functionalization reaction with good scope, good functional group tolerance and in decent yields.
Convenient Multicomponent One‐Pot Synthesis of 2‐Iminothiazolines and 2‐Aminothiazoles Using Elemental Sulfur Under Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Németh András Gy. , Marlok Bence , Domján Attila , Gao Qinghe , Han Xinya , Keserű György M. , Ábrányi‐Balogh Péter
Published: June 2021

Herein, we present a novel one‐pot aqueous reaction for the synthesis of 2‐iminothiazolines and 2‐aminothiazoles using isocyanides, amines, sulfur, and 2′‐bromoacetophenones. The three‐component preparation of thioureas is followed by the one‐pot cyclization leading to the heterocyclic product. This efficient and mild procedure features excellent step‐ and atom‐economy and enables the chromatography‐free preparation of diversely substituted 2‐iminothiazoline and 2‐aminothiazole derivatives.