bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the correlation between trace elements and colorimetric parameters of natural blue sapphire
Authors: Zhou Danyi , Lu Taijin , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2021

Natural blue sapphire is a gem species of corundum, which has high economic value due to its beauty and rarity. Color is the most important factor affecting the price of sapphire and mainly caused by trace elements. However, there is little quantitative data currently available to demonstrate the correlation between trace elements and colorimetric parameters of natural blue sapphire. In this study, the UV‐Vis‐NIR spectra and colorimetric parameters were collected by UV‐Vis‐NIR spectrophotometer while the chemical composition was analyzed by laser‐ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results show that the content ratio of (FeOT + TiO2)/MgO has negative correlation with b* but positive correlation with Cab*, illustrating its obvious effect on the blue color saturation of natural blue sapphire. In addition, the existence of Cr can produce purple hue and the content of Cr shows positive correlation with hue‐angle hab only in the low range (5‐15 ppm), which implies the content of Cr has a limited influence on the hue of natural blue sapphire and the effect may be more complicated as the content of Cr increases above 15 ppm. This investigation can provide quantitative data for scientific color grading and additional applications of natural blue sapphire.
Current Topics in Ionic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Kapernaum Nadia , Lange Alyna , Ebert Max , Grunwald Marco A. , Haege Christian , Marino Sebastian , Zens Anna , Taubert Andreas , Giesselmann Frank , Laschat Sabine
Published: November 2021

Ionic liquid crystals (ILCs), that is, ionic liquids exhibiting mesomorphism, liquid crystalline phases, and anisotropic properties, have received intense attention in the past years. Among others, this is due to their special properties arising from the combination of properties stemming from ionic liquids and from liquid crystalline arrangements. Besides interesting fundamental aspects, ILCs have been claimed to have tremendous application potential that again arises from the combination of properties and architectures that are not accessible otherwise, or at least not accessible easily by other strategies. The current review highlights recent developments in ILC research, starting with some key fundamental aspects. Further subjects covered include the synthesis and variations of modern ILCs, including the specific tuning of their mesomorphic behavior. The review concludes with reflections on some applications that may be within reach for ILCs and finally highlights a few key challenges that must be overcome prior and during true commercialization of ILCs.
Post‐Synthetic Macrocyclization of Rotaxane Building Blocks
Authors: Gauthier Maxime , Waelès Philip , Coutrot Frédéric
Published: November 2021

Although not often encountered, cyclic interlocked molecules are appealing molecular targets because of their restrained tridimensional structure which is related to both the cyclic and interlocked shapes. Interlocked molecules such as rotaxane building blocks may be good candidates for post‐synthetic intramolecular cyclization if the preservation of the mechanical bond ensures the interlocked architecture throughout the reaction. This is obviously the case if the modification does not involve the cleavage of either the macrocycle's main chain or the encircled part of the axle. However, among the post‐synthetic reactions, the chemical linkage between two reactive sites belonging to embedded elements of rotaxanes still consists of an underexploited route to interlocked cyclic molecules. This Review lists the rare examples of macrocyclization through chemical connection between reactive sites belonging to a surrounding macrocycle and/or an encircled axle of interlocked rotaxanes.
Gingival phenotype distribution in young Caucasian women and men – An investigative study
Authors: Fischer Kai R. , Büchel Jasmin , Kauffmann Frederic , Heumann Christian , Friedmann Anton , Schmidlin Patrick R.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the relationship between gingival phenotype and tooth location based on selected index teeth (“Ramfjord”) and assess possible differences between women and men.

Material and Methods

Thirty‐six women and 20 men voluntarily participated in this investigation with an average age of 23 years (min: 19; max: 37). Gingival phenotypes (GP) were assessed by transparency of a periodontal probe through the buccal gingival margin.

Results

A comparable and similar GP on all index teeth was only found in seven out of the 56 subjects, that is, thin or thick only: Five participants (three male/two female) showed a uniform and constantly thick and two females a constantly thin GP. While the majority of molars (94.6%; p = 0.006) showed a thick GP, premolars (61.6%; p = 0.09) as well as incisors (70.5%; p = 0.046) were predominantly categorized as thin. In addition, significantly thicker GP was in general observed for maxillary teeth (p = 0.001) but without differences between genders (p = 0.722).

Conclusion

No constant GP can be expected within one dentition. The use of the “Ramfjord teeth” may serve as a quick overview and reliable method to screen GP distribution.
A Novel Cerium(IV)‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework for CO2 Chemical Fixation and Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Gu Jia‐Xin , Chen Hao , Ren Yu , Gu Zhi‐Gang , Li Guangli , Xu Wen‐Jie , Yang Xin‐Yu , Wen Jian‐Xin , Wu Jing‐Tao , Jin Hong‐Guang
Published: November 2021

Cerium (IV)‐based metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly desirable due to their unique potential in fields such as redox catalysis and photocatalysis. However, due to the high reduction potential of CeIV species in solution, it is still a great challenge to synthesize CeIV‐MOFs with novel structures, which are extremely dominated by the hexanuclear Ce−O cluster inorganic building units (IBUs). Herein, a Ce−O IBU chain containing CeIV‐MOF, CSUST‐3 (CSUST: Changsha University of Science and Technology), was successfully prepared using the kinetic stabilization study of UiO‐66(Ce)‐NDC (H2NDC=2,6‐naphthalenedicarboxylic acid). Furthermore, owing to the superior redox activity, Lewis acidity and semiconductor‐like behavior owing to Ce4+, activated CSUST‐3 was demonstrated to be an excellent catalyst for CO2 chemical fixation. One‐pot synthesis of styrene carbonate from styrene and CO2 was achieved under mild conditions (1 atm CO2, 80 °C, and solvent free). Moreover, activated CSUST‐3 was shown to be a remarkable co‐catalyst‐free photocatalyst for overall water splitting (OWS), rendering 59 μmol g−1 h−1 of H2 and 22 μmol g−1 h−1 of O2 under simulated sunlight irradiation (Na2S‐Na2SO3 as sacrificial agent).
Chinook and Coho salmon hybrids linked to habitat and climatic changes on Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Authors: Araujo H. Andres , Duguid William D. P. , Withler Ruth , Supernault Janine , Schulze Angela D. , Mckenzie Jessica L. , Pellett Kevin , Beacham Terry D. , Jonsen Kim , Gummer Anna
Published: November 2021

Between 2013 and 2019, 63 presumed Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha sampled primarily in the Strait of Georgia (0.63% of total sample) were identified as potential Chinook–Coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) hybrids by the presence of anomalous microsatellite genotypes. Their hybrid origin was confirmed by single nucleotide polymorphism amplification of two species‐specific amplicons. Mitochondrial DNA indicated that most of these fish resulted from the hybridization of Coho salmon females and Chinook salmon males. Although no diagnostic external features were identified, several individuals displayed an abnormal scale arrangement on the caudal peduncle. One hybrid juvenile examined for meristics exhibited a pyloric caeca count intermediate between published values for Chinook and Coho salmon. Most hybrids originated in the Cowichan River during the 2014 brood year. Their prevalence in the watershed is a naturally occurring event, likely exacerbated by prolonged low water levels which limit habitat and delay Chinook salmon spawning, in addition to the differential abundance of the parental species. This research is the first to document ongoing natural hybridization (Chinook–Coho salmon crosses) and link it to habitat and climatic changes, and includes the identification of eight F1 adults and two juvenile backcross or F2 hybrids. The potential negative impacts of hybridization, particularly in Coho salmon through potential introgression, warrant hybrid identification as an ecosystem monitoring tool within a survey program.
A test of the Janzen‐Connell hypothesis in a species‐rich Mediterranean woodland
Authors: Teste François P. , Laliberté Etienne
Published: November 2021

The Janzen‐Connell (JC) hypothesis predicts that conspecific negative density dependence contributes to the maintenance of plant diversity by lowering the recruitment of locally abundant plant species. The JC hypothesis is a widely evoked explanation for the high species diversity in tropical forests, but remains poorly tested in other species‐rich systems such as Mediterranean woodlands. As such, we tested if the JC operates and the role of soil‐borne oomycetes in a species‐rich Mediterranean woodland of Western Australia, where post‐fire recruitment can lead to high seedling densities, using the common Banksia attenuata as a case study. We attempted to decipher the effects of oomycete pathogens and distance from conspecific trees on intraspecific seedling survival and growth. Contrary to the JC hypothesis, we found little evidence of negative density dependence, but our results suggest positive density dependence survival under conspecific trees. Oomycete‐driven mortality in seedlings was also found regardless of the type of tree. Our results suggest that short‐term seedling recruitment patterns in this species‐rich, fire‐prone ecosystem do not follow the JC hypothesis. Future studies should explore whether negative conspecific density and distance dependence could play a greater role in later stages of the post‐fire recovery process.
Habitat fragmentation alters the distance of abiotic seed dispersal through edge effects and direction of dispersal
Authors: Warneke Christopher R. , Caughlin T. Trevor , Damschen Ellen I. , Haddad Nick M. , Levey Douglas J. , Brudvig Lars A.
Published: November 2021

Habitat loss and fragmentation are leading causes of species declines, driven in part by reduced dispersal. Isolating the effects of fragmentation on dispersal, however, is daunting because the consequences of fragmentation are typically intertwined, such as reduced connectivity and increased prevalence of edge effects. We used a large‐scale landscape experiment to separate consequences of fragmentation on seed dispersal, considering both distance and direction of local dispersal. We evaluated seed dispersal for five wind‐ or gravity‐dispersed, herbaceous plant species that were planted at different distances from habitat edges, within fragments that varied in their connectivity and shape (edge‐to‐area ratio). Dispersal distance was affected by proximity and direction relative to the nearest edge. For four of five species, dispersal distances were greater further from habitat edges and when seeds dispersed in the direction of the nearest edge. Connectivity and patch edge‐to‐area ratio had minimal effects on local dispersal. Our findings illustrate how some, but not all, landscape changes associated with fragmentation can affect the key population process of seed dispersal.
Oxidative Addition Reactions of Low‐Valent Gallium Compounds with Primary Phosphanes
Authors: Schneider Selina , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: November 2021

Oxidative addition reactions of (Dipp2NacNac)Ga with the primary silylphosphanes R2R'Si‐PH2 in toluene led to the phospha‐gallanes (Dipp2NacNac)GaH(PHSiR2R’); R=R’=Me (1), R=Me, R’=Thex (2), R=R’=iPr (3) and R=Ph, R’=tBu (4). The same reaction starting from the diphosphane iPr2Si(PH2)2 yields the digallane {(Dipp2NacNac)GaH(PH)}2(SiiPr2) (5 a). In contrast, reaction with the hypersilylphosphane resulted in the elimination of (Me3Si)3SiH and formation of the diphospha‐gallane (Dipp2NacNac)Ga(PH2)(PHSi(SiMe3)3) (6). The primary organo‐phosphane tBuPH2 shows a similar reaction behavior in toluene though both the di‐ and monophospha‐gallanes (Dipp2NacNac)GaX(PHtBu) (7 a: X=PH2, 7 b: X=H) occur. In a row of used solvents, only pyridine led selective to the formation of 7 b thus we tested the influence of this solvent on the reaction of iPr2Si(PH2)2 with only one equivalent (Dipp2NacNac)Ga which yields the compound (Dipp2NacNac)GaH(PHSiiPr2PH2) (5 b). Additionally, a derivative of compound 3, (Dipp2NacNac)GaCl(PHSiiPr3) (8), with an Cl atom bond to gallium instead of a hydrogen was obtained by the reaction of (Dipp2NacNac)GaCl2 with iPr3SiPHLi.
Waste to energy conversion utilizing nanostructured Algal‐based microbial fuel cells
Authors: Mahmoud Rehab H. , Samhan Farag A. , Ibrahim Mohamed K. , Ali Gamila H. , Hassan Rabeay Y. A.
Published: November 2021

Increasing environmental pollution along with the depletion of energy resources are critical challenges. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), a simple fuel cell that converts chemical energy into bioelectricity by the catalytic activities of living microbes, are evolving as a multipurpose renewable energy technology. The power generation via the MFCs depends on harvesting free electrons from the electroactive microorganisms, popularly known as exoelectrogens, to simultaneously produce electricity and treat wastewater. In the present work, nanostructured bio‐electrochemical systems are designed to exploit the usability of algae biomass collected from high rate algal pond system (HRAP) either as algal‐living cells or as dry biomass for bioelectricity production via several approaches (i.e., the algae will act as bioanode, biocathode, or nutrient substrate). The obtained results indicated that a higher electric current is produced when microalgae living cells are exploited as bio‐cathode in a double‐chamber‐microbial fuel cell (DCMFC) with a net power density (250 mW/m2) combined with high‐efficiency removal of COD reached 44.8%. Overall, the study's findings suggested that living algal cells from HRAP support high power output from a DMFC when they are exploited as biocathode, hence, the system introduced the opportunity to redesign the high rate algal ponds in the wastewater treatment plants in a way to produce energy plus the main assigned tasks which are the removal of wastes.
Advances in automated real‐time flow cytometry for monitoring of bioreactor processes
Authors: Heins Anna‐Lena , Hoang Manh Dat , Weuster‐Botz Dirk
Published: November 2021

Flow cytometry and its technological possibilities have greatly advanced in the past decade as analysis tool for single cell properties and population distributions of different cell types in bioreactors. Along the way, some solutions for automated real‐time flow cytometry (ART‐FCM) were developed for monitoring of bioreactor processes without operator interference over extended periods with variable sampling frequency. However, there is still great potential for ART‐FCM to evolve and possibly become a standard application in bioprocess monitoring and process control. This review first addresses different components of an ART‐FCM, including the sampling device, the sample‐processing unit, the unit for sample delivery to the flow cytometer and the settings for measurement of pre‐processed samples. Also, available algorithms are presented for automated data analysis of multi‐parameter fluorescence datasets derived from ART‐FCM experiments. Furthermore, challenges are discussed for integration of fluorescence‐activated cell sorting into an ART‐FCM setup for isolation and separation of interesting subpopulations that can be further characterized by for instance omics‐methods. As the application of ART‐FCM is especially of interest for bioreactor process monitoring, including investigation of population heterogeneity and automated process control, a summary of already existing setups for these purposes is given. Additionally, the general future potential of ART‐FCM is addressed.
Effects of vertical ground motions on the dynamic response of URM structures: Comparative shake‐table tests
Authors: Kallioras Stylianos , Graziotti Francesco , Penna Andrea , Magenes Guido
Published: November 2021

This paper discusses the results of an experimental study aimed at evaluating the influence of the vertical ground motion component on the seismic performance of unreinforced brick‐masonry buildings. The research was motivated by post‐earthquake observations of significant structural damage in the vicinity of the fault, where horizontal and vertical ground motions are often strong and synchronized. Vertical accelerations can fluctuate gravity loads, which control the in‐plane lateral load capacity of masonry piers and affect the out‐of‐plane overturning stability of thin walls. Such phenomena seem not to be sufficiently explained in existing literature, while experimental evidence is undoubtedly missing. Here, the damage potential of vertical accelerations was investigated through a series of multidirectional shake‐table tests on full‐scale structures under simulated near‐source ground motions of increasing intensity. The experiments comprised three nominally identical building specimens subjected to the principal horizontal component alone, the horizontal component combined with the vertical one, and the full three‐component ground motion. The buildings included structural/nonstructural elements (e.g., gables, chimneys, and parapets) sensitive to gravity load variations due to their low axial loads. Two different sets of three‐component earthquake records were employed to assess the effects of both tectonic and induced seismicity scenarios. Overall, the vertical earthquake motion did not cause appreciable differences in the behavior of the buildings. Any influence on the strength and peak response of structural/nonstructural walls was marginal and non‐systematic. Data and observations from these experiments add substantially to our understanding of the vertical acceleration effects on masonry structures.
Tripartite motif‐containing protein 11 promotes hepatocellular carcinogenesis through ubiquitin‐proteasome–mediated degradation of pleckstrin homology domain leucine‐rich repeats protein phosphatase 1
Authors: Yang Juan , Ye Jianming , Ma Tengfei , Tang Fangfang , Huang Li , Liu Zhen , Tian Song , Cheng Xu , Zhang Li , Guo Zhenli , Tu Fuping , He Miao , Xu Xueming , Lu Xiaojuan , Wu Yanyang , Zeng Xiaoli , Zou Jiahua , Wang Xiangcai , Peng Weijie , Zhang Peng
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims

HCC is one of the main types of primary liver cancer, with high morbidity and mortality and poor treatment effect. Tripartite motif‐containing protein 11 (TRIM11) has been shown to promote tumor formation in lung cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, and so on. However, the specific function and mechanism of TRIM11 in HCC remain open for study.

Approach and Results

Through clinical analysis, we found that the expression of TRIM11 was up‐regulated in HCC tissues and was associated with high tumor node metastasis (TNM) stages, advanced histological grade, and poor patient survival. Then, by gain‐ and loss‐of‐function investigations, we demonstrated that TRIM11 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry analysis showed that TRIM11 interacted with pleckstrin homology domain leucine‐rich repeats protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1) and promoted K48‐linked ubiquitination degradation of PHLPP1 and thus promoted activation of the protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. Moreover, overexpression of PHLPP1 blocked the promotional effect of TRIM11 on HCC function.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that TRIM11 plays an oncogenic role in HCC through the PHLPP1/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting that targeting TRIM11 may be a promising target for the treatment of HCC.
Dysregulation of RalA signaling through dual regulatory mechanisms exerts its oncogenic functions in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tian Lu , Zhao Luqing , Sze Karen Man‐Fong , Kam Charles Shing , Ming Vanessa Sheung‐In , Wang Xia , Zhang Vanilla Xin , Ho Daniel Wai‐Hung , Cheung Tan‐To , Chan Lo‐Kong , Ng Irene Oi‐Lin
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims

Ras‐like (Ral) small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), RalA and RalB, are proto‐oncogenes directly downstream of Ras and cycle between the active guanosine triphosphate‐bound and inactive guanosine diphosphate‐bound forms. RalGTPase‐activating protein (RalGAP) complex exerts a negative regulation. Currently, the role of Ral up‐regulation in cancers remains unclear. We aimed to examine the clinical significance, functional implications, and underlying mechanisms of RalA signaling in HCC.

Approach and Results

Our in‐house and The Cancer Genome Atlas RNA sequencing data and quantitative PCR data revealed significant up‐regulation of RalA in patients’ HCCs. Up‐regulation of RalA was associated with more aggressive tumor behavior and poorer prognosis. Consistently, knockdown of RalA in HCC cells attenuated cell proliferation and migration in vitro and tumorigenicity and metastasis in vivo. We found that RalA up‐regulation was driven by copy number gain and uncovered that SP1 and ETS proto‐oncogene 2 transcription factor cotranscriptionally drove RalA expression. On the other hand, RalGAPA2 knockdown increased the RalA activity and promoted intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastasis in vivo. Consistently, we observed significant RalGAPA2 down‐regulation in patients’ HCCs. Intriguingly, HCC tumors showing simultaneous down‐regulation of RalGAPA2 and up‐regulation of RalA displayed a significant association with more aggressive tumor behavior in terms of more frequent venous invasion, more advanced tumor stage, and poorer overall survival. Of note, Ral inhibition by a Ral‐specific inhibitor RBC8 suppressed the oncogenic functions in a dose‐dependent manner and sensitized HCC cells to sorafenib treatment, with an underlying enhanced inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling.

Conclusions

Our results provide biological insight that dysregulation of RalA signaling through dual regulatory mechanisms supports its oncogenic functions in HCC. Targeting RalA may serve as a potential alternative therapeutic approach alone or in combination with currently available therapy.
Immunophenotype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in minorities‐ analysis from the SEER database
Authors: Quiroz Elisa , Venkateswaran Aparajit Ram , Nelson Rebecca , Aldoss Ibrahim , Pullarkat Vinod , Rego Eduardo , Marcucci Guido , Douer Dan
Published: November 2021

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) is a malignancy that originates from immature lymphoid cells and is clinically established with flow cytometry through disease‐specific markers. Variation between ethnic groups is an epidemiological aspect of ALL. Higher incidence rates have been observed in Latin American patients and ALL in Latinos carries a dismal prognosis. The cell of origin in ALL is derived from immature cells of either the B or T lineage. Most reported data among Latinos either exclusively looks at B cell precursor ALL or do not distinguish between subtypes. We used the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to delineate the differences in incidence rates of B‐ALL and T‐ALL across ethnic groups in the United States. Data from SEER‐18 was used to compare incidence rates of T‐ALL and B‐ALL. Due to the utilization of cytogenetics and subsequent changes in ICD coding over the years examined the most recent data reported from 2002 to 2017. We compared rates in Non‐Hispanic Whites (NHWs), Latinos, Blacks and Asian‐Pacific Islanders (API). Age‐adjusted incidence rates per 100,000 person‐years were calculated. The incidence rate of B‐ALL in the Latino population was consistently higher than other race/ethnicities throughout the years, ranging from 1.0 per 100,000 in 2002 to 2.5 per 100,000 in 2017. Blacks had the lowest age adjusted incidence rate (AAIR) of B‐ALL overall, with rates approximately one third of those found in Latinos and the highest AAIR of T‐ALL with an AAIR of 0.5 per 100,000.
High commitment work systems and employee well‐being: The roles of workplace friendship and task interdependence
Authors: Zhang Yejun , Sun Jian‐Min (James) , Shaffer Margaret A. , Lin Cai‐Hui (Veronica)
Published: November 2021

Human resource (HR) practices are potent in shaping workplace social relationships, which play a crucial role in employees' well‐being. While the role of formal relationships (i.e., relationships based on prescribed work roles) has received relatively more research attention, little is known about the nexus between HR practices, informal relationships at work and employee well‐being. Drawing on social interdependence theory, we conducted two studies to investigate how high commitment work systems (HCWS) affect employee well‐being through workplace friendship, beyond the effects of formal interpersonal relationships. In Study 1, using time‐lagged data from a sample of 253 full‐time employees, we found that workplace friendship, a type of informal relationship at work, mediated the relationship between HCWS and employee well‐being. In addition, task interdependence strengthened the relationship between HCWS and workplace friendship as well as the indirect effect of HCWS on employee well‐being. In Study 2, we replicated these findings and extended them to multiple forms of well‐being using multilevel data collected at three time points from 310 employees in 61 organizations. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings as well as future research directions are discussed.
Managing endometrioma to optimize future fertility
Authors: Horan Maebh , Glover Louise , Wingfield Mary
Published: November 2021

The management of endometriomas in women wishing to preserve their fertility is complex. While surgery can help to achieve pregnancy in some, it may also have a detrimental effect on a woman's ovarian reserve. The present article reviews the impact of endometriomas on fertility and the different management approaches that should be considered in women who wish to preserve their fertility. This study also reviews the role of assisted reproduction in the setting of endometriomas, and the evolving role of oocyte cryopreservation for this benign but progressive disease. Using evidence from the latest guidelines and major publications, we emphasize the need to consider the woman's future fertility when navigating the diverse range of management strategies available, and outline an evidence‐based framework to help facilitate fertility‐friendly discussion, counseling and management of this complex disease.
Ethnic variation in causes of stillbirth in high‐income countries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bhat Saiuj , Birdus Nadya , Bhat Sangeeta Malla
Published: November 2021

Objective

Inequities in stillbirth rate according to ethnicity persist in high‐income nations. The objective of the present study is to investigate whether causes of stillbirth differ by ethnicity in high‐income nations.

Methods

The following databases were searched since their inception to 1 February 2021: Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Global Health. Cohort, cross‐sectional, and retrospective studies were included. Causes of stillbirth were aligned to the International Classification of Disease 10 for Perinatal Mortality (ICD10‐PM) and pooled estimates were derived by meta‐analysis.

Results

Fifteen reports from three countries (72 555 stillbirths) were included. Seven ethnic groups – “Caucasian” (n = 11 studies), “African” (n = 11 studies), “Hispanic” (n = 7 studies), “Indigenous Australian” (n = 4 studies), “Asian” (n = 2 studies), “South Asian” (n = 2 studies), and “American Indian” (n = 1 study) – were identified. There was an overall paucity of recent, high‐quality data for many ethnicities. For those with the greatest amount of data – Caucasian, African, and Hispanic – no major differences in the causes of stillbirth were identified.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of high‐quality information on causes of stillbirth for many ethnicities. Improving investigation and standardizing classification of stillbirths is needed to assess whether causes of stillbirth differ across more diverse ethnic groups.
Research on data classification and feature fusion method of cancer nuclei image based on deep learning
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Hu Ruo , Wu Jianfang , Zhang Xizheng , He Jun , Zhao Huimin , Wang Huajia , Li Xiangjun
Published: November 2021

There are many different types of nuclei in a tumor tissue. We can identify the specific nuclei and their distribution in the tissue to reflect the current cancer state of histopathological images. However, due to the existence of cellular heterogeneity, the recognition of nuclei in histopathological images has always been a problem of computer vision. In the paper, we use the transfer learning of Deep Convolutional Neural Network to classify nuclei, and found that adjusting the size of the nuclear image to a certain size can improve the accuracy of the nuclei classification model, while not significantly reducing the nuclei classification efficiency. Through further research, it was confirmed that the environment around the nuclei can bring great help to the model classification. Based on the principle, we design a feature fusion model. We extract features from nuclei image different sizes by CNN, fuse the features, and then use fully connected layer to classify the features. Experiments have proved that the feature fusion model has a considerable improvement in accuracy compared to the normal classification model.
Biological evaluation of a novel bilirubin adsorbent and its therapeutic effect on animal models of hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Su Rui , Chen Guanming , Yan Lihua , Liu Wei , Zhao Shengjiang , Dai Qinghai , Yuan Shi , Shen Xiaomin , Yu Wanyou , Gong Xiaojie , Yu Meili
Published: November 2021

Hyperbilirubinemia caused severe hepatobiliary diseases with various causes, especially hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis caused by end‐stage hepatitis B and C. Plasma adsorption perfusion (PP) has a tremendous advantage in treating patients with hyperbilirubinemia and liver failure, wherein, a safe and effective adsorbent is the key to filter out bilirubin successfully in PP. In this work, a simple engineering strategy, a new porous polymer adsorption resin ERM‐0100 based on the homopolymer predispersion system, is proposed to produce high‐performance bilirubin adsorbents. Preliminary experimental results show that ERM‐0100 exhibits a large surface area and uniformly porous structure. Experimental results verify that ERM‐0100 has high biocompatibility and bilirubin adsorption efficiency (TBIL:35%, direct bilirubin [DBIL]:30%, IBIL:87%) that is significantly higher than most of the reported adsorbents. Animal experiments prove that ERM‐0100 has high bilirubin adsorption efficiency and can improve the liver function of animals. The combination of high biocompatibility and high adsorption capacity positions the ERM‐0100 as a promising candidate for bilirubin removal.
Protective effects of rosmarinic acid against azoxymethane‐induced colorectal cancer in rats
Authors: Ilhan Nevin , Bektas Ibrahim , Susam Solmaz , Ozercan Ibrahim H.
Published: November 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is increasing gradually and has been become one of the most common cancers worldwide. Hence, it is important to discover cheap, naturally occurring compounds to be effective in suppressing the devastating effect of colon‐related tumors. Rosmarinic acid (RA), one of the compounds of plant origin, possesses attractive features for use as an agent for cancer prevention and treatment. This study investigated the ability of RA to prevent azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced rat colon carcinogenesis by evaluating the effect of RA on tumor formation and circulatory oxidant‐antioxidant status. Moreover, plasma levels of adiponectin (APN) monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The animals were divided into three groups: Control, AOM, and AOM + RA. Rats were fed a modified pellet diet (15.8% peanut oil was added to the standard diet) during the experimental period. Colon cancer was formed by applying 15 mg/kg AOM intraperitoneal once a week for 4 weeks in both the CRC group and AOM + RA group. Besides AOM, AOM + RA group received 5 mg/kg body weight RA orally every day during the study. The results showed that adenocarcinoma rates formed 87.5% of the AOM group. With treatment of RA, a reduction in the incidence of adenocarcinoma was observed in the AOM + RA group. The plasma MCP‐1, IL‐6, and TO levels were significantly higher, APN and TAS levels were significantly lower in the AOM group with respect to controls. In addition, there was a significant increase in TAS levels in the RA treatment group compared to the AOM group. These findings suggested that RA may be beneficial in preventing AOM‐induced colon carcinogenesis formation.
Orthogonal test design for optimization of synthesis ofBi2WO6superstructure with high photocatalytic activity by hydrothermal method
Authors: Han Zeng‐Yu , Ma Di , Chen Qing‐Yun , Wang Yun‐Hai
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) has attractive photocatalytic performance in the degradation of organic compounds under visible light. The preparation conditions have an important influence on its properties. In this research, the effect of synthetic factors on the structure and photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6was investigated based on an orthogonal experimental design using a hydrothermal method.

RESULTS

It was found that the effect of pH value was greater than that of temperature and time. A three‐dimensional spherical Bi2WO6superstructure was hydrothermally synthesized using a pH of 0.36 and temperature of 200 °C for 20 h. It was found to have the best photocatalytic activity, with 98% degradation efficiency of rhodamine B in 30 min under visible light irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

The orthogonal design for optimal synthesis of Bi2WO6with hierarchical microsphere architecture promotes a positive balance between superstructure and high photocatalytic degradation performance. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Chronic lithium administration in a mouse model for Krabbe disease
Authors: Del Grosso Ambra , Parlanti Gabriele , Angella Lucia , Giordano Nadia , Tonazzini Ilaria , Ottalagana Elisa , Carpi Sara , Pellegrino Roberto Maria , Alabed Husam B. R. , Emiliani Carla , Caleo Matteo , Cecchini Marco
Published: November 2021

Krabbe disease (KD; or globoid cell leukodystrophy) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of the galactosylceramidase (GALC) enzyme. No cure is currently available for KD. Clinical applied treatments are supportive only. Recently, we demonstrated that two differently acting autophagy inducers (lithium and rapamycin) can improve some KD hallmarks in‐vitro, laying the foundation for their in‐vivo pre‐clinical testing. Here, we test lithium carbonate in‐vivo, in the spontaneous mouse model for KD, the Twitcher (TWI) mouse. The drug is administered ad libitum via drinking water (600 mg/L) starting from post natal day 20. We longitudinally monitor the mouse motor performance through the grip strength, the hanging wire and the rotarod tests, and a set of biochemical parameters related to the KD pathogenesis [i.e., GALC enzymatic activity, psychosine (PSY) accumulation and astrogliosis]. Additionally, we investigate the expression of some crucial markers related to the two pathways that could be altered by lithium: the autophagy and the β‐catenin‐dependent pathways. Results demonstrate that lithium has not a significant rescue effect on the TWI phenotype, although it can slightly and transiently improves muscle strength. We also show that lithium, with this administration protocol, is unable to stimulate autophagy in the TWI mice central nervous system, whereas results suggest that it can restore the β‐catenin activation status in the TWI sciatic nerve. Overall, these data provide intriguing inputs for further evaluations of lithium treatment in TWI mice.
Epidemiology and analysis of potential risk factors of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) in Shanghai China: A cross‐sectional one‐year study in non‐vaccinated women
Authors: Niu Jiaxin , Pan Shuting , Wei Yingting , Hong Zubei , Gu Liying , Di Wen , Qiu Lihua
Published: November 2021

Data regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence, its associated risk factors, and women's knowledge about this disease before the HPV vaccine was approved are limited in Shanghai, China. Therefore, we investigated these questions among females in Shanghai and aimed to provide comprehensive data to guide HPV vaccination and present the biopsychosocial risk factors that impact high‐risk HPV infection, and evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness of this disease among women aged 21–65 years old. A total of 6619 (aged from 21 to 65) women from different communities volunteered to participate in the HPV screening and complete questionnaires from December 2016 to December 2017 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of nine hospitals in Shanghai. Data were analyzed using sample logistic regression to assess biopsychosocial risk factors that impact high‐risk HPV infection and knowledge of HPV infection. A total of 632 (9.5%) cases were positive for high‐risk HPV test, 22.6% of them were HPV 16/18 infection, 77.4% of them were non HPV 16/18 infection. 40 potential risk factors may be related to high‐risk HPV infection, and there were 19 factors' p value < 0.1 from single factor logistic analysis. Finally, multivariable regression revealed education level, type of vaginitis, history of hyperlipidemias, family history of cancer, number of pregnancies, number of sex partners were independent risk factors for high‐risk HPV infection (p < 0.05). When stratified by education level, women who finished graduate school had significantly greater knowledge of cervical cancer, cervical screening, and the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer than other groups (p < 0.05). The prevalence rate of high‐risk HPV was a little lower than other regions in China and other countries, which may be related to regions, races, living habits, and economy. A less reported finding is that the history of vaginitis and the history of hyperlipidemias in our study were related to HPV infection. The majority of the participants had poor knowledge regarding cervical cancer, cervical screening, and the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer. Hence, these results should be served as a wake‐up call for the government to increase knowledge and awareness via the media and doctors.
Phylogeny and pathogenicity of Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) associated with potato tubers
Authors: Gherbawy Youssuf A. , Hussein Mohamed A. , Hassany Nabila A. , Shebany Yassmin M. , Hassan Sabry , El‐Dawy Eman G. A. E.
Published: November 2021

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the known five crops cultivated throughout the world after corn, barley, cereals, rice, and wheat, due to its content of high carbohydrates. In developing countries, potatoes are especially had valuable contents as a rich source of starch, vitamins C and B6, and essential amino acids. Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) is one of the prevalent pathogens of potato, causing dry rot in Upper Egypt. In this study, FSSC were isolated and identified from potato tubers based on the morphological and molecular characteristics. F. solani isolates (187) were isolated from infected and noninfected potato tubers collected from various markets in Upper Egypt. Based on the morphology observations, sequence data from amplifying β‐tubulin, and specific translation elongation factor (TEF‐1α) genes, all of the chosen 88 FSSC isolates were grouped into three major groups (F. keratoplasticum, F. falciforme, and F. solani). All the tested FSSC were able to produce amylases. The selected isolates were examined for their pathogenic ability on healthy potato tubers, which exhibited pathogenic effects; with lesions sizes were quite variable. F. solani SVUFs73 showed a highly virulent effect.
Decreasing spring persistent rainfall over the Yangtze‐Huai River Valley of China during 1960–2019 and its possible causes
Authors: Tang Weian , Fu Yunfei , Wang Xujia , Lu Yanyu , Xu Min , Xie Wusan , Song Awei
Published: November 2021

Based on the observations, reanalysis and sea surface temperature (SST) data sets, the spatio‐temporal distribution characteristics of the decreasing spring persistent rainfall (SPR) over the Yangtze‐Huai River Valley (YHRV) of China during 1960–2019 are revealed, and corresponding causes of the first leading two modes from the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis on the SPR are also explored. Results indicate that the SPR decreases northwards and exhibits spatially consistent declining trends over the YHRV, with the maximum along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, attributing to the decrease in total spring rainfall over the YHRV. The first EOF mode of the SPR (EOF‐1) over the YHRV shows a spatial mono‐sign pattern, while the South Indian Ocean dipole plays an important role in modulating its variability. Among them, the warming SST in the southwestern Indian Ocean is more important for the spatially consistent decrease of the SPR over the YHRV. The second EOF mode of the SPR (EOF‐2) over the YHRV exhibits a spatial distribution of north–south dipole pattern, while the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) contributes to the variation of EOF‐2. The inter‐decadal decreases of SPR at different rates are attributed to the transition between the first leading two EOF modes of SPR associated with the inter‐decadal changes of the external forcing factors and atmospheric circulations. From mid‐1970s to 1990s when the southern Indian Ocean SST increases rapidly, a mono‐sign pattern of the SPR is observed with a rapid decrease SPR over the whole YHRV. Since the mid‐1980s, when the NAO gradually reaches a predominantly positive phase, the SPR exhibits an increasing trend over the south of the YHRV, while a decreasing trend over the north part, causing the overall slowing of the precipitation decreasing trend.
Bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and fruit quality evaluation of eleven blood orange cultivars
Authors: Legua Pilar , Modica Giulia , Porras Ignacio , Conesa Agustín , Continella Alberto
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Blood oranges are grown increasingly in Europe for fresh consumption because of their special taste and excellent nutraceutical properties that confer the status of a functional food. The health benefits are associated with the range of additional bioactive compounds that they contain with respect to blonde oranges.

RESULTS

We analysed the physicochemical properties and the levels of organic acids, sugars and antioxidants in 11 blood orange cultivars representing the most representative cultivars of blood oranges widespread in the Mediterranean basin. In particular, we examined the levels of phenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins present in these cultivars at harvest maturity. The physicochemical, antioxidant and colour properties differ significantly among these cultivars. The deepest red peel and juice was found in Sanguinelli, followed by Tarocco Rosso and Moro. High‐performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detector analysis revealed sucrose as the main sugar in all these cultivars, followed by fructose and glucose. Citric acid was the dominant organic acid, followed by malic acid and ascorbic acid. Moro showed the greatest levels of antioxidant activity. Regarding the phenolic composition, we found p‐coumaric acid to be the main hydroxycinnamic acid in all cultivars, with maximum amounts in Moro and Sanguinelli. The highest amounts of cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside and cyanidin‐3‐(6′′‐malonyl)‐glucoside were found in Moro, for which the juice was of the deepest red colour.

CONCLUSION

The phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of the 11 cultivars was assessed. The results showed that Moro was the cultivar with the highest content of polyphenols and levels of antioxidant activity, followed by Sanguinelli. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Feasibility of pXRF to evaluate chosen heavy metals in soil highly influenced by municipal waste disposal—A monitoring study of a former sewage farm
Authors: Sut‐Lohmann Magdalena , Ramezany Shaghayegh , Kästner Friederike , Raab Thomas
Published: November 2021

Sewage disposal onto agricultural land may result in the high accumulation of organic wastes, which questions the applicability of typical elemental analysis used for the soil components. To monitor the contamination status of agricultural soils at a former sedimentation basin, after the long‐term cessation of wastewater irrigation, 110 locations (15–20 cm depth) and 4 boreholes (up to 100 cm depth) were sampled to determine pH, loss on ignition, and concentration of Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cr. Additionally, the applicability of portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) for the soil samples highly influenced by the organic wastes was evaluated. The study revealed the presence of a relatively homogenous sewage waste layer (depth of 20 cm), characterized by slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.3–7.5), high organic matter (OM) accumulation (up to 49%), and elevated concentration (mg kg −1) ranges between: Pb (5–321), Cu (31–2828), Ni (10–193), Cr (14–966), and Zn (76–6639). The pXRF analysis revealed metal concentration increase in mineral samples (up to 50%). The regression models and correction factors demonstrated high correlation and significance of pXRF measurement with response to increasing OM content, with the lowest r 2 = 0.86 obtained for Ni. Correlation of pXRF and AES measurement illustrated element‐dependent response for soils high in organics. Zn, Cu, and Cr pXRF analysis led to a slight underestimation in lower values, but overall good correlations (0.87; 0.89; and 0.88 respectively). Pb and Ni pXRF measurement revealed higher deviation from the reference in both lower and higher concentrations (0.74 and 0.70, respectively).
Chemical, physical‐temporal and spatial changes in 25‐year‐old mine soils in Southeast Ohio
Authors: Demyan Michael Scott , Smeck Neil
Published: November 2021

Reclaimed surface coal mines afford an opportunity to study initial pedogenic processes. This study sought to determine pedogenic processes active in a topsoiled* surface mine over 25 years. Soils were taken at 108 points from three grids in 1979 (1 year) and 2004 (25 years post‐reclamation) across a 20 ha watershed. The upper darkened portion of the replaced soil (^A1, ca. 0–5 cm), lower portion of the replaced soil (^A2, ca. 5–15 cm), and spoil (^2C) were sampled. Exchangeable Ca2+ increased from 4.3 cmolc kg−1 in 1979 to 8.2 cmolc kg−1 in 2004, and exchangeable Mg2+ increased from 2.5 to 3.3 cmolc kg−1. Soil organic carbon (SOC) increased from 0.59% to 4.05% providing evidence for humification and cycling of basic cations. SOC increases and structural development decreased bulk densities from 1.70 to 0.99 g cm−3 in the ^A1 and 1.70 to 1.24 g cm−3 in the ^A2. pH decreased in all horizons. In ^2C horizons, total sulfur decreased from 0.39% to 0.13% and electrical conductivity 3.34 dS m−1 to 1.01 dS m−1, indicating probable pyrite oxidation and salt leaching. Soils classified as Anthroportic/Anthrodensic Udorthents, as three representative pedons lacked cambic horizons. Mine soil variograms indicated higher spatial dependency in ^A1 and ^A2 horizons in 2004 than 1979 (decreasing nugget: sill ratios), whereas ^2C horizons had lower spatial dependencies in 2004. This suggests that surface horizons are more influenced by soil forming factors than spoil, which is more influenced by 'random' conditions of reclamation and not in equilibrium.