bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nostalgia: volver atrás para ir hacia adelante
Authors: Montaña Blasco Mireia
Published: March 2021

Cada vez son más los anunciantes que optan por utilizar la nostalgia para posicionar sus productos en el mercado, diferenciándose de la competencia. De esta manera, pretenden crear un vínculo emocional, conectando su público objetivo con vivencias vividas anteriormente.
Tocar el audiovisual
Authors: Sánchez-Navarro Jordi
Published: March 2021

La espectacular y muy visitada exposición dedicada al cineasta Tim Burton que la Cinémathèque Française acoge hasta el próximo mes de agosto demuestra, entre otras cosas, que la dimensión material de la expresión cinematográfica no tiene por qué seguir siendo la gran desconocida que hasta ahora ha sido.
Juan Alía: "No se puede hacer frente a la piratería si no ofreces una alternativa legal al consumidor"
Authors: Clares Gavilán Judith
Published: March 2021

En el marco del Posgrado en Distribución Audiovisual: VoD y Nuevos Modelos de Negocio que la UOC pone en marcha conjuntamente con filmin el curso 2012-13, la profesora Judith Clares, directora académica de esta titulación, ha entrevistado a los representantes de las principales empresas del sector del Video on Demand (VoD) que operan en España. Ésta es la primera parte de la entrevista mantenida con Juan Alía Mateo, director de Filmotech.
Robotització o humanització de la informació?
Authors: Cobarsí-Morales Josep
Published: March 2021

El nostre entorn informatiu quotidià és cada vegada més automatitzat. Les forces que mouen aquesta automatització són potents. I les implicacions de tot plegat resulten difícils de copsar i sovint poc desitjables. Però algunes iniciatives malden per un entorn informatiu més humanitzat.
‘The Plants Sense’. Biointerfaz de percepción sensorial planta-humano. Una aproximación al lenguaje secreto de las plantas desde la práctica artística
Authors: Castellanos Vicente María
Published: March 2021

The Plants Sense es una instalación que permite al público conocer y experimentar el lenguaje secreto de las plantas. Se trata de un trabajo de carácter transdisciplinar que conecta arte, ciencia, tecnología y sociedad. Esta instalación ha sido llevada a cabo en el marco del dúo artístico del que formo parte desde 2009 junto con el artista y tecnólogo Alberto Valverde.

El proyecto se gesta a partir de nuestra experiencia previa, donde hemos investigado durante los últimos años acerca de futuros escenarios y el estudio de las interrelaciones entre humanos y plantas, creando obras en las que tratamos de descifrar el lenguaje de estos seres vivos con el fin de lograr así una mayor comprensión del mundo vegetal y por ende de la naturaleza y nosotros mismos.
Detection of sexually transmitted pathogens and co-infection with human papillomavirus in women residing in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Taku Ongeziwe , Brink Adrian , Meiring Tracy L. , Phohlo Keletso , Businge Charles B. , Mbulawa Zizipho Z.A. , Williamson Anna-Lise
Published: March 2021

Background

South African women of reproductive age have a high burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, there is limited information on the prevalence of sexually transmitted pathogens in women from rural Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study aims at determining the prevalence of sexually transmitted pathogens and co-infection with high-risk (HR) HPV among women from rural Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Methods

A total of 205 cervical specimens were collected from women aged ≥ 30 years from a rural community-based clinic. The samples were tested for a panel of pathogenic STIs [Chlamydia trachomatis (serovars A-K & L1-L3), Haemophilus ducreyi, Herpes Simplex Virus (Types 1 & 2), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), and pathobionts [Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH) and Ureaplasma spp. (UP)] using a multiplex PCR STD direct flow chip assay through a manual Hybrispot platform (Master Diagnostica, Granada, Spain). HR-HPV detection was performed by Hybrid Capture-2 assay.

Results

High-risk HPV prevalence was 32.2% (66/205) and HIV-1 prevalence was 38.5% (79/205). The overall prevalence of six pathogenic STIs was 22.9% (47/205), with TV having the highest prevalence (15.6%; 32/205). UP (70.2%, 144/205) and MH (36.6%, 75/205) were the most frequently detected pathobionts. Co-infection with ≥ 2 pathogens pathobionts was observed among 52.7% (108/205) participants. Of the six pathogenic STIs, three participants had more than one STI (1.46%) with the presence of MH and UP. HSV-2 (OR: 4.17, CI [1.184–14.690]) and HIV infection (OR: 2.11, CI [1.145–3.873]) were independent STIs associated with HR-HPV infection.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of pathogenic STIs underscores the need to improve syndromic management policy by implementing effective strategies of prevention, screening tests, and management. HSV-2 and HIV positive remain strongly associated with HR-HPV infection.
iTRAQ-based comparative proteome analyses of different growth stages revealing the regulatory role of reactive oxygen species in the fruiting body development of Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Authors: Tong Xinxin , Wang Fang , Zhang Han , Bai Jing , Dong Qiang , Yue Pan , Jiang Xinyi , Li Xinrui , Wang Li , Guo Jinlin
Published: March 2021

In this study, using an isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ ) approach coupled with LC-MS / MS and bioinformatics, the proteomes were analyzed for the crucial three stages covering the fruiting body development of Ophiocordyceps sinensis, including sclerotium (ST), primordium (PR) and mature fruiting body (MF), with a focus on fruiting body development-related proteins and the potential mechanisms of the development. A total of 1,875 proteins were identified. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the protein patterns between PR and MF were more similar than ST. Differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) analysis showed that there were 510, 173 and 514 DAPs in the comparisons of ST vs. PR, PR vs. MF and ST vs. MF, respectively. A total of 62 shared DAPs were identified and primarily enriched in proteins related to ‘carbon transport and mechanism’, ‘the response to oxidative stress’, ‘antioxidative activity’ and ‘translation’. KEGG and GO databases showed that the DAPs were enriched in terms of ‘primary metabolisms (amino acid/fatty acid/energy metabolism)’, ‘the response to oxidative stress’ and ‘peroxidase’. Furthermore, 34 DAPs involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism were identified and clustered across the three stages using hierarchical clustering implemented in hCluster R package . It was suggested that their roles and the underlying mechanisms may be stage-specific. ROS may play a role in fungal pathogenicity in ST, the fruit-body initiation in PR, sexual reproduction and highland adaptation in MF. Crucial ROS-related proteins were identified, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD, T5A6F1), Nor-1 (T5AFX3), electron transport protein (T5AHD1), histidine phosphotransferase (HPt, T5A9Z5) and Glutathione peroxidase (T5A9V1). Besides, the accumulation of ROS at the three stages were assayed using 2,7-dichlorofuorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) stanning. A much stronger ROS accumulation was detected at the stage MF, compared to the stages of PR and ST. Sections of ST and fruit-body part of MF were stained by DCFH-DA and observed under the fluorescencemicroscope, showing ROS was distributed within the conidiospore and ascus. Besides, SOD activity increased across the three stages, while CAT activity has a strong increasement in MF compared to the stages of ST and PR. It was suggested that ROS may act in gradient-dependent manner to regulate the fruiting body development. The coding region sequences of six DAPs were analyzed at mRNA level by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results support the result of DAPs analysis and the proteome sequencing data. Our findings offer the perspective of proteome to understand the biology of fruiting body development and highland adaptation in O. sinensis, which would inform the big industry of this valuable fungus.
Spontaneous Versus Medical Induction of Labour in Previous One Caesarean Term Patients: A Prospective Analytical Study
Authors: Mittal Nupur , Shree Pragya , Swaroop Neelam , Vishwakarma Soniya
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The rate of Caesarean Section (CS) either primary or repeat has significantly increased worldwide over the time. Trial of Labour After Caesarean (TOLAC) is an important strategy to limit the number of repeat CS. TOLAC either spontaneous or induced offers both benefits and risks to the mother and neonate. Aim: To determine the risks and benefits of inducing labour with Prostaglandin Gel (PGE2) in women with previous one CS and to compare it with patients who developed spontaneous labour in terms of fetal and maternal outcome. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted over a period of one year from June 2017 to May 2018. A total of 322 pregnant patients with previous one CS who fulfill the eligibility criteria for TOLAC were enrolled and divided into two groups. Of these 74 patients were induced with PGE2 gel (study group) and 248 experienced spontaneous labour. Data were analysed via Chi-square test and unpaired t-test using analytical tool pack of Microsoft excel (version-10.0)-2010 home edition. Results: In study group and control group, 51 (68.9%) and 191 (77.01%) women respectively delivered vaginally either spontaneous or assisted, but the difference was not statistically significant. Two cases in the study group had laparotomy for uterine rupture with favourable feto-maternal outcome. Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) rate was significantly more in women who had history of prior vaginal delivery (p=0.0024). TOLAC was successful in 242 women while CS was done in 80 women. Mean BMI in women with successful TOLAC was significantly lower than in women with unsuccessful TOLAC (23.42±2.07 versus 26.08±3.07, p=0.0001). With an inter-pregnancy interval of 25-36 months, 45.1% in study group and 47.6% in control group delivered vaginally. Conclusion: For women with previous one CS, TOLAC is a reasonable option as compared to planned repeat Caesarean. In these women with continuous supervision, PGE2 is as safe and effective as spontaneous labour in achieving vaginal birth after Caesarean.
Cancer‐associated fibroblasts promote tumor progression by lncRNA‐mediated RUNX2/GDF10 signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Dongya , Song Yuxian , Li Dan , Liu Xinghan , Pan Yuchen , Ding Liang , Shi Guoping , Wang Yong , Ni Yanhong , Hou Yayi
Published: March 2021

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) are the most abundant stromal cells in tumor and exert a pro‐tumoral effect in cancer progression. Numerous evidence shows long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) abnormally regulates gene expression in various cancers. However, little is known about the role of lncRNA in the interaction between CAF and cancer cells. Here, we first identify an uncharacterized lncRNA, LOC100506114, which is significantly upregulated in CAF and is involved in the functional transformation of normal fibroblasts (NF) and CAF. Expression of LOC100506114 enhances the expression of fibroblast activation protein alpha and α‐smooth muscle actin in NF and promotes malignant characteristics of NF and CAF in vivo and in vitro. The profile of gene co‐expression analysis shows that growth differentiation factor 10 (GDF10) is positively correlated with the expression of LOC100506114. CAF promote stromal fibroblast activation and the proliferation and migration of tumor cells by secreting GDF10. Our data demonstrate that lncRNA plays a critical role in the interplay of stromal fibroblasts and tumor cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Molecular Aspects of Grafting in Woody Plants
Authors: Assunção Maria , Tedesco Sara , Fevereiro Pedro
Published: March 2021

Grafting is an ancient technique especially used in horticulture and in orchards as a tool for plant propagation and improvement. Although grafting has brought incredible benefits to agriculture and is being used worldwide in the cultivation of almost every fruit tree, the mechanisms, and pathways driving the formation or the incompatibilities of graft unions are still largely unknown.

Recently, the potential of grafting has resurfaced in the literature and molecular approaches are currently contributing to the understanding of graft union formation and the phenomenon of scion–rootstock graft incompatibility. This work focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of graft formation in woody plants, highlighting the identified regulators of this process in molecular terms. We review how the healing of the union proceeds in incompatible grafts, the challenge of phenotyping graft incompatibility, and the detection methods developed for its prediction. In the pursuit of finding sustainable solutions for agriculture, while faced with the alarming predictions of climate changes, grafting is being revaluated as a new biotechnological tool. Therefore, some examples of how we can broaden the scope of useful grafting applications, exploit biodiversity in a unique chimeric plant, and manipulate phenotypic traits by delivering proteins and RNAs across graft unions, are also discussed. Research in this field still has a long way to go before the exciting prospect of deliberately combining multiple plant traits becomes reality.
Discovering and Dissecting Mechanically Excited Luminescence of Mn2+ Activators via Matrix Microstructure Evolution
Authors: Zhang Jun‐Cheng , Gao Nan , Li Lei , Wang Shanshan , Shi Xiaofeng , Sun Mingzi , Yan Xu , He Hong‐Wei , Ning Xin , Huang Bolong , Qiu Jianrong
Published: March 2021

Mechanoluminescent (ML) materials featuring renewable mechanical‐to‐optical conversion have shown promising prospects in stress sensing, lighting, and display. However, the advancement in ML applications is being restrained by the obstacles in developing efficient ML materials and understanding the underlying ML mechanisms. Herein, a matrix evolution strategy to modulate the local microstructure and electronic environment around the luminescent activators is proposed, which not only supports the batch development of new ML materials but also provides a well‐connected platform for systematically revealing the mechanism of achieving efficient ML performance. The feasibility of the strategy is proved by constructing and evaluating a series of ML materials with matrix‐dependent luminescent properties in experimental‐theoretical collaboration. It is demonstrated that the construction of piezoluminescence is available in both non‐centrosymmetric and centrosymmetric matrices without being restricted by lattice symmetry. The inter‐electronic‐levels and shallow electron traps formed by activator doping enhance the electron recombination efficiency through tunneling and conduction band transfer pathways. The results are expected to accelerate the exploitation of ML material systems and to deepen the comprehensive apprehending of ML mechanisms, thereby guiding the rational design and widespread use of efficient ML materials.
An Electron Acceptor Analogue for Lowering Trap Density in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yihang , Cai Guilong , Li Yawen , Zhang Zhenzhen , Li Tengfei , Zuo Xia , Lu Xinhui , Lin Yuze
Published: March 2021

Typical organic semiconductor materials exhibit a high trap density of states, ranging from 1016 to 1018 cm−3, which is one of the important factors in limiting the improvement of power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of organic solar cells (OSCs). In order to reduce the trap density within OSCs, a new strategy to design and synthesize an electron acceptor analogue, BTPR, is developed, which is introduced into OSCs as a third component to enhance the molecular packing order of electron acceptor with and without blending a polymer donor. Finally, the as‐cast ternary OSC devices employing BTPR show a notable PCE of 17.8%, with a low trap density (1015 cm−3) and a low energy loss (0.217 eV) caused by non‐radiative recombination. This PCE is among the highest values for single‐junction OSCs. The trap density of OSCs with the BTPR additives, as low as 1015 cm−3, is comparable to and even lower than those of several typical high‐performance inorganic/hybrid counterparts, like 1016 cm−3 for amorphous silicon, 1016 cm−3 for metal oxides, and 1014 to 1015 cm−3 for halide perovskite thin film, and makes it promising for OSCs to obtain a PCE of up to 20%.
Microelectronics‐Free, Augmented Telemetry from Body‐Worn Passive Wireless Sensors
Authors: Hajiaghajani Amirhossein , Tseng Peter
Published: March 2021

Wearable wireless passive sensors are powerful potential building blocks of modern body area networks. However, these sensors are often hampered by numerous issues including restrictive read‐out distances due to near‐field coupling, fundamental tradeoffs in size/spectral performance, and unreliable sensor tracking during activity. Here, to overcome such issues implementing wearable sensing systems exhibiting coupled magnetic resonances are demonstrated. This approach is utilized to augment wireless telemetry from fully wearable, passive (zero electronics) resonator chains. Secondary receiver coils are integrated into fabric or skin to facilitate augmented read‐out from epidermal sweat, moisture, or pressure sensors—herein exhibiting enhanced read‐out range, relaxed constraints in sensor size (sensor spectral response becomes untethered from size) and reader‐sensor orientation. Unlike existing schemes, this readout method enables decoupled co‐readout of the sensor's distance and status, employed here for co‐measurement with human respiration. This type of decoupled readout can help compensate for movements that are so common in wearable monitoring. Simple to implement and requiring no microelectronics, this scheme streamlines into existing, body‐worn passive wireless telemetric systems with minimal modification.
Directional Emission from Tungsten Disulfide Monolayer Coupled to Plasmonic Nanowire‐on‐Mirror Cavity
Authors: Chaubey Shailendra K. , A Gokul M. , Paul Diptabrata , Tiwari Sunny , Rahman Atikur , Kumar G. V. Pavan
Published: March 2021

Influencing spectral and directional features of exciton emission characteristics from 2D transition metal dichalcogenides by coupling it to plasmonic nanocavities has emerged as an important prospect in nanophotonics of 2D materials. Herein, the directional photoluminescence emission from a tungsten disulfide (WS2) monolayer sandwiched between a single‐crystalline plasmonic silver nanowire (AgNW) waveguide and a gold (Au) mirror is experimentally studied, thus forming a AgNW–WS2–Au cavity. Using polarization‐resolved Fourier‐plane optical microscopy, the directional emission characteristics from the distal end of the AgNW–WS2–Au cavity are quantified. Given that the geometry simultaneously facilitates local field enhancement and waveguiding capability, its utility in 2D material‐based, on‐chip nanophotonic signal processing is envisaged, including nonlinear and quantum optical regimes.
Trojan Horse Delivery of 4,4′‐Dimethoxychalcone for Parkinsonian Neuroprotection
Authors: Zhang Wenlong , Chen Huaqing , Ding Liuyan , Gong Junwei , Zhang Mengran , Guo Wenyuan , Xu Pingyi , Li Shiying , Zhang Yunlong
Published: March 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive deterioration of dopamine (DA) neurons, and therapeutic endeavors are aimed at preventing DA loss. However, lack of effective brain delivery approaches limits this strategy. In this study, a “Trojan horse” system is used for substantia nigra‐targeted delivery of a blood brain barrier‐penetrating peptide (RVG29) conjugated to the surface of nanoparticles loaded with the natural autophagy inducer 4,4′‐dimethoxychalcone (DMC) (designated as RVG‐nDMC). Here, the neuroprotective effects of DMC are demonstrated in PD. Specifically, RVG‐nDMC penetrates the blood brain barrier with enhanced brain‐targeted delivery efficiency and is internalized by DA neurons and microglia. In vivo studies demonstrate that RVG‐nDMC ameliorates motor deficits and nigral DA neuron death in PD mice without causing overt adverse effects in the brain or other major organs. Moreover, RVG‐nDMC reverses tyrosine hydroxylase ubiquitination and degradation, alleviates oxidative stress in DA neurons, and exerts antiinflammatory effects in microglia. The “Trojan horse” strategy for targeted delivery of DMC thus provides a potentially powerful and clinically feasible approach for PD intervention.
3D Printed Li–S Batteries with In Situ Decorated Li2S/C Cathode: Interface Engineering Induced Loading‐Insensitivity for Scaled Areal Performance
Authors: Xue Lanxin , Zeng Li , Kang Wenbin , Chen Haiyan , Hu Yin , Li Yaoyao , Chen Wei , Lei Tianyu , Yan Yichao , Yang Chengtao , Hu Anjun , Wang Xianfu , Xiong Jie , Zhang Chuhong
Published: March 2021

Holding manifold advantages including environmental benignity, enhanced structural robustness, and high capacity, Li2S as a competitive substitute of sulfur in Li–S batteries is receiving escalating attention. However, serious issues rooted in its intrinsic poor conductivity and sluggish mass transport present the significant challenge of achieving high active material use with appealing kinetics for effective scaling in areal capacitance under elevated loading densities. This renders current Li2S cathodes incapable of securing energy availability that responds to power‐hungry modern electronics. Here for the first time, an interfacial engineering approach is devised by in situ decorating a 3D printed carbonaceous scaffold with uniform surface‐deposited Li2S and by healing the printed adjacent interface to eliminate the interfacial resistance. As a result, facile mass transport throughout the whole printed matrix is enabled. 3D printed electrodes with high active material use and loading‐insensitive performance delivering outstanding areal capacity and fast kinetics of 6.29 mAh cm−2 at 6 mA cm−2 under an impressive loading density of 10 mg cm−2 are realized, which are among the best results reported for Li2S‐based batteries. The thrilling performance points to a highly effective approach that advances the performance of Li2S cathodes closer toward real‐world applications.
Improving winter wheat grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency using nitrogen application time and rate
Authors: Aula Lawrence , Omara Peter , Oyebiyi Fikayo B. , Eickhoff Elizabeth , Carpenter Jonathan , Nambi Eva , Fornah Alimamy , Raun William R.
Published: March 2021

Preplant nitrogen (N) application, which involves placing nutrients in the soil before seeding, has been an integral part of crop production systems for decades. Some producers are known to apply N at least 21 d before planting. This may increase N loss and lower grain yield. This study evaluated the effect of timing and rate of N application on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield and N use efficiency (NUE). An experiment with a factorial arrangement of treatments was set up in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included four N rates (0, 45, 90, and 135 kg ha–1) with each applied 7 or 30 d before planting, and at Feekes 5 (FK5). Grain N was analyzed using LECO CN dry combustion analyzer. The difference method [Grain N from (fertilized plot – check plot)]/N applied was used to compute NUE. Nitrogen application rate significantly affected grain yield (P ≤ .01). Although the rate may be temporally and spatially variable, approximately 90 kg N ha–1 was required to obtain yields that differ markedly from the check. Mid‐season applied N (FK5) had similar yields to preplant applied N in two of four site‐years and significantly increased yield at one site in 2020. Out of two sites, the timing of N application had a substantial effect on NUE in both years (P ≤ 0.11). In this case, NUE was increased by as much as 9.5% for midseason applied N compared to 30 d before planting N application time.
Rhodium(I)‐Catalyzed C2‐Selective Decarbonylative C−H Alkylation of Indoles with Alkyl Carboxylic Acids and Anhydrides
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Zhao Haoqiang , Xu Xin , Zhang Xin , Yu Zexin , Li Lingchao , Wang Peng , Shi Qian , Xu Lijin
Published: March 2021

A Rh(I)‐catalyzed chelation‐assisted C2‐selective C−H decarbonylative alkylation of indoles with readily available, cheap, safe and structurally diverse alkyl carboxylic acids or anhydrides has been developed. A wide variety of primary and secondary alkyl carboxylic acids and differently substituted indoles are compatible with this transformation, allowing facile synthesis of various C2‐alkylated indoles with high efficiency and broad tolerance of diverse functional groups. The reaction proceeds in the absence of any external oxidant, and the presence of readily installable and removable N‐pyrimidyl directing group is critical for catalysis. The process is convenient and scalable, and avoids the use of a dried solvent and an inert atmosphere. Moreover, selective C7‐alkylation and C2, C7‐dialkylation have also been achieved by slightly modifying the reaction conditions.
Copper Catalyzed Direct Synthesis of Unsymmetrically Substituted Oxalamides From Bromodifluoroacetamide and Tertiary Amines
Authors: Chen Hongtai , Wang Lianxin , Liu Yujie , Guo Minjie , Zhao Wentao , Tang Xiangyang , Wang Guangwei
Published: March 2021

An efficient method for the synthesis of unsymmetrical oxalamides has been developed using bromodifluoroacetamide and tertiary amines under mild reaction conditions. This protocol provides a convenient and straightforward strategy for the rapid construction of various unsymmetrically N‐substituted oxalamides moieties in a single step.
Circular RNA circCLK3 promotes the progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma via miR‐455‐5p/PARVA axis
Authors: Yu Huiming , Yu Zhifen , Wang Xiaowei , Wang Dazhao
Published: March 2021

A previous study has elucidated that circular RNA circCLK3 acts as an oncogenic gene in cervical cancer. However, the role and regulatory mechanism of circCLK3 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) remain unknown. Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to examine targeted gene expression in different groups. Cell viability and proliferation were investigated by MTT and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assays. Cell migration and invasion were detected by Transwell assays, and cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry analysis. The interaction among genes was investigated using luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull‐down assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. In the present study, our findings revealed the upregulated expression of circCLK3 in TSCC tissues and cell lines. CircCLK3 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in TSCC. Moreover, circCLK3 acted as a molecular sponge for miR‐455‐5p. PARVA was the target gene of miR‐455‐5p. Furthermore, the negative correlation between expression of miR‐455‐5p and circCLK3 or PARVA in TSCC tissues was discovered. Rescue assays indicated that PARVA overexpression reversed the circCLK3 knockdown‐mediated inhibitory effects on the progression of TSCC. In summary, circCLK3 exerts its carcinogenic effects on TSCC progression via absorbing miR‐455‐5p to upregulate PARVA, which expands our knowledge on the underlying mechanism of TSCC.
Gamma aminobutyric acid signaling disturbances and altered astrocytic morphology associated with Bisphenol A induced cognitive impairments in rat offspring
Authors: Singha Syna Pervaiz , Memon Samreen , Kazi Salman Ahmed Farsi , Nizamani Ghulam Shah
Published: March 2021

Background

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well‐recognized endocrine disruptor and is globally used in the manufacture of many plastic items. Multiple studies suggest links between prenatal BPA exposure and alterations in neurodevelopment and behaviors in children, even at lower levels. This study was conducted to reveal the role of astrocyte morphology and Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling in BPA induced cognitive defects in the offspring of Wistar albino rats when exposed during the prenatal and postnatal periods.

Methods

Dams of Wistar albino rats were exposed to a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight of BPA throughout the pregnancy and lactation period until the third postnatal day (PND). After delivery of pups, cognitive tests were carried out on the 21st, 24th, and 28th PNDs. Blood samples were collected for measurement of serum GABA levels. On the same day as the blood collections, pups were sacrificed and their right frontal cortices were dissected out. Immunohistochemical analysis for glial fibrillar acidic protein + astrocytes was conducted.

Results

Pre and postnatal BPA exposure led to anxiety like behavior in pups. This exposure also resulted in reduced serum GABA concentrations. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed reduced astrocyte numbers as well as decreased numbers of dendritic spines in the BPA exposed pups.

Conclusion

BPA exposure during critical periods of development leads to cognitive impairments that correlate with the defects in the GABA signaling pathways and deteriorated morphology of the astrocytes in the offspring of the Wistar rats.
Fast Correction of Errors in the DFT‐Calculated Energies of Gaseous Nitrogen‐Containing Species
Authors: Urrego‐Ortiz Ricardo , Builes Santiago , Calle‐Vallejo Federico
Published: March 2021

Modeling adsorption phenomena on surfaces by DFT calculations often involves substantial errors, resulting in inaccurate predictions of catalytic activities. Such errors partly stem from the inaccurate description of the energetics of free molecules. Herein, we use a semiempirical group‐additivity method to correct the DFT‐calculated heats of formation of 106 carbon‐ and nitrogen‐containing gaseous compounds belonging to 15 different chemical families. PBE, PW91, RPBE and BEEF‐vdW initially yield mean absolute errors (MAEs) with respect to experiments in the range of 0.32–0.75 eV. After correcting the systematic errors, the overall MAEs decrease to ∼0.05 eV. Additionally, upon applying the corrections to three types of reaction enthalpies, the resulting MAEs are below 0.10 eV. These functional‐group corrections can be used in (electro)catalysis to correct the gas‐phase references necessary to evaluate equilibrium potentials and adsorption energies, predict error cancellation, and assess conflicting experimental data.
Catalytic Cracking of Diverse Vacuum Residue Hydrocracking Gas Oils
Authors: Stratiev Dicho , Shishkova Ivelina , Ivanov Mihail , Dinkov Rosen , Georgiev Borislav , Argirov Georgi , Atanassova Vassia , Vassilev Petar , Atanassov Krassimir , Yordanov Dobromir , Popov Aleksey , Padovani Alessia , Hartmann Ulrike , Nenov Svetoslav
Published: March 2021

Ten gas oils and one deasphalted hydrocracked vacuum residue obtained from ebullated‐bed vacuum residue hydrocracking have been cracked in a laboratory advanced catalyst evaluation unit on a commercial fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst. It was found that the eleven secondary heavy oils obey second‐order reaction kinetics. The relations between gas oil properties and FCC conversion, product yields, and quality were evaluated by means of intercriteria analysis. It could be stated that the FCC conversion strongly correlates with the gas oil Kw characterization factor. The product yields were established to depend on the secondary gas oil carbon atoms number, aromatic ring index, paraffinic and aromatic carbon content, and the total aromatics content.
Dimerization of Hexadecene with Acid Mesoporous Silica‐Alumina Catalysts
Authors: Kumar Narendra , Lindblad Marina , Makkonen Jaana , Sippola Väinö , Österholm Heidi , Tiitta Marja
Published: March 2021

Catalytic dimerization of 1‐hexadecene is shown to be a promising path to make high quality base oil. The base oil is produced by hexadecene dimerization with acid mesoporous silica‐alumina catalyst, followed by distillation and hydrogenation. The base oil stock had a high viscosity index (typically 140–150) and a low volatility (Noack typically less than 8 %). The best performance in hexadecene dimerization was achieved with the MCM‐22 zeolite embedded MCM‐41 catalyst within the silica‐alumina catalysts compared. Commercial mesoporous silica‐alumina catalysts behaved similarly to a non‐commercial MCM‐41 catalyst. Y‐zeolite and ion exchange resin Amberlyst‐35 deactivated fast.
Ammonium Ion and Structural Water Co‐Assisted Zn2+ Intercalation/De‐Intercalation in NH4V4O10∙0.28H2O†
Authors: Zhu Ting , Mai Bo , Hu Ping , Liu Ziang , Cai Congcong , Wang Xuanpeng , Zhou Liang
Published: March 2021

Main observation and conclusion

The cathode material plays a crucial role in the performances of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs). Herein, we report an ammonium vanadate (NH4V4O10∙0.28H2O, NHVO) aqueous ZIB cathode material. The obtained NHVO microflowers manifest high discharge capacity (410 mA·h∙g–1 at 0.2 A∙g–1), long‐term durability (76% capacity retention over 500 cycles), as well as ideal rate performance (112 mA·h∙g–1 at 10 A∙g–1). The impressive electrochemical performance can be attributed to the ammonium ion and structural water co‐assisted Zn2+ intercalation/de‐intercalation, which has been demonstrated by various ex‐situ and in‐situ characterizations. The superior electrochemical performance makes the NHVO microflower an ideal candidate cathode material for aqueous ZIBs.
Chemical Synthesis of Circular RNAs with Phosphoramidate Linkages for Rolling‐Circle Translation
Authors: Nakamoto Kosuke , Abe Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Recently, many types of circular RNAs have been reported in human cells. One interesting aspect of circular RNAs is their translation into proteins. We previously discovered that circular RNA without a stop codon can be translated into long repeating peptides via rolling‐circle translation in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Because the rate‐limiting step of translation—ribosome binding—occurs only once in rolling‐circle translation, the translation efficacy is very efficient compared to translation of linear mRNAs. However, preparation of circular RNAs involves costly and time‐consuming enzymatic methods, and there was no practical non‐enzymatic method. We recently reported a chemical synthesis strategy using short RNA fragments and one or two phosphoramidate linkages. In this article, we describe the chemical synthesis and purification methods for preparation of circular RNAs for rolling‐circle translation. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 20 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of 3′‐amino‐modified guanosine controlled‐pore glass

Basic Protocol 2: Solid‐phase synthesis of linear RNA fragments

Basic Protocol 3: Chemical synthesis of circular RNAs
Genomic association with pathogen carriage in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)
Authors: Martin Alynn M. , Cassirer E. Frances , Waits Lisette P. , Plowright Raina K. , Cross Paul C. , Andrews Kimberly R.
Published: March 2021

Genetic composition can influence host susceptibility to, and transmission of, pathogens, with potential population‐level consequences. In bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), pneumonia epidemics caused by Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae have been associated with severe population declines and limited recovery across North America. Adult survivors either clear the infection or act as carriers that continually shed M. ovipneumoniae and expose their susceptible offspring, resulting in high rates of lamb mortality for years following the outbreak event. Here, we investigated the influence of genomic composition on persistent carriage of M. ovipneumoniae in a well‐studied bighorn sheep herd in the Wallowa Mountains of Oregon, USA. Using 10,605 SNPs generated using RADseq technology for 25 female bighorn sheep, we assessed genomic diversity metrics and employed family‐based genome‐wide association methodologies to understand variant association and genetic architecture underlying chronic carriage. We observed no differences among genome‐wide diversity metrics (heterozygosity and allelic richness) between groups. However, we identified two variant loci of interest and seven associated candidate genes, which may influence carriage status. Further, we found that the SNP panel explained ~55% of the phenotypic variance (SNP‐based heritability) for M. ovipneumoniae carriage, though there was considerable uncertainty in these estimates. While small sample sizes limit conclusions drawn here, our study represents one of the first to assess the genomic factors influencing chronic carriage of a pathogen in a wild population and lays a foundation for understanding genomic influence on pathogen persistence in bighorn sheep and other wildlife populations. Future research should incorporate additional individuals as well as distinct herds to further explore the genomic basis of chronic carriage.
Late gadolinium enhancement characteristics in giant cell myocarditis
Authors: Yang Shujuan , Chen Xiuyu , Li Jinghui , Sun Yang , Song Jialin , Wang Hongyue , Zhao Shihua
Published: March 2021

Aims

This study aims to demonstrate the characteristics of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients with giant cell myocarditis (GCM).

Methods and results

Six patients histologically diagnosed with GCM were retrospectively recruited in this study. All of them underwent CMR during hospitalization. The distribution and extent of LGE were assessed on both ventricles, and the AHA‐17 segment model was used for left ventricular (LV) analysis. Nine case reports with CMR in GCM were reviewed and summarized to investigate the features of LGE further. LGE was detected on both ventricular walls in all subjects. For a detailed analysis of LGE in the LV, the extent ranged from 21.6% to 56%. Among 70 segments (68.6%) involved by LGE, the subendocardial LGE was the most common pattern (46/102, including 24 segments located in the right‐sided septum), followed by the subepicardial pattern (23/102). The right‐sided septum, the subepicardial anterior wall, and the subendocardial right ventricular (RV) wall were observed in all subjects. To summarize the results of the present study with these case reports, the three most common patterns of LGE are the right‐sided septum (73%), the subepicardial anterior wall (60%), and the subendocardial RV wall (53%).

Conclusions

Extensive LGE seems to be common in GCM, affecting both LV and RV walls. Apart from subepicardial LGE, subendocardial LGE, which was used to be implicated in ischaemic disease, was frequently presented in GCM. The right‐sided subendocardial septum, the subepicardial anterior wall, and the subendocardial RV wall might be the vulnerable areas of LGE in GCM.
Electrical and Structural Characterization of Large‐Format Lithium Iron Phosphate Cells Used in Home‐Storage Systems
Authors: Yagci Mehmet C. , Behmann René , Daubert Viktor , Braun Jonas A. , Velten Dirk , Bessler Wolfgang G.
Published: March 2021

This article presents a comparative experimental study of the electrical, structural, and chemical properties of large‐format, 180 Ah prismatic lithium iron phosphate (LFP)/graphite lithium‐ion battery cells from two different manufacturers. These cells are particularly used in the field of stationary energy storage such as home‐storage systems. The investigations include 1) cell‐to‐cell performance assessment, for which a total of 28 cells are tested from each manufacturer; 2) electrical charge/discharge characteristics at different currents and ambient temperatures; 3) internal cell geometries, components, and weight analysis after cell opening; 4) microstructural analysis of the electrodes via light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy; 5) chemical analysis of the electrode materials using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy; and 6) mathematical analysis of the electrode balances. The combined results give a detailed and comparative insight into the cell characteristics, providing the essential information needed for system integration. The study also provides complete and self‐consistent parameter sets for the use in cell models needed for performance prediction or state diagnosis.
Advanced Exergy and Exergoeconomic Analysis of a Gas Power System with Steam Injection and Air Cooling with a Compression Refrigeration Machine
Authors: Barreto Deibys , Fajardo Juan , Caballero Gaylord Carrillo , Escorcia Yulineth Cardenas
Published: March 2021

Gas turbine power plants have been widely studied, and as a result the negative effects on their output power and thermal efficiency have been known when operating in atmospheric conditions exceeding ISO conditions. For this reason, different technologies and methodologies have been implemented, aiming to increase the output power and improve the thermal efficiency. Unfortunately, the lack of operational parameters for this system limited its characterization and implementation of strategies to improve its performance. Advanced exergetic and exergoeconomic analyses have been applied to improve energy and economic performance in steam injection gas turbine (STIG) cycle power plants with air cooling with a compression refrigeration machine. Results shows that the main sources of irreversibilities and higher costs are in the Combustion Chamber (CC), Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) and Gas Turbine (GT). From these components, the components of the HRSG and GT have the greatest potential for improvement, and this can be achieved by improving the overall configuration of the system, due to the fact that the destruction of exogenous exergy is in more significant measure avoidable. While the higher costs of investment can be reduced in the Combustion Chamber and Gas Turbine.
Site Assessment for Wet and Dry Concentrated Solar Power Plant Integration Using an Analytical Hierarchy Process–Geographic Information System Approach: A Case Study in the Marrakesh‐Safi Region
Authors: Jbaihi Ouafae , Ouchani Fatima-Zahra , Alami Merrouni Ahmed , Cherkaoui Mohamed , Maaroufi Mohammed , Ghennioui Abdellatif
Published: March 2021

Herein, a combination of a multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM) technique and geographic information system (GIS) is established to identify the most appropriate sites for the installation of large‐scale concentrated solar power (CSP) plants in the Marrakech‐Safi region located in mid‐south Morocco. For this purpose, numerous criteria affecting its deployment, such as climate, orography, location, and water resources, are taken into account. As a CSP plant requires cooling for its power block cycle, wet and dry cooling options are explored to assess the suitability of the field of study to host CSP plants with both scenarios. Results reveal that 62.4% of the study area is deemed appropriate for CSP plant hosting. Moreover, 16.1% and 7.6% of the suitable surface area is evaluated as highly suitable for wet and dry cooling systems, respectively. Nevertheless, the excellent areas represent 4.5% for both scenarios.
Energy Efficient Seawater Desalination: Strategies and Opportunities
Authors: Goh Pei Sean , Liang Yong Yeow , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi
Published: March 2021

With the change in climate patterns, rapid industrialization, and population growth, the increasing water and energy demand became a major concern in the past decades. Desalination has been touted as the answer to the global water crisis, due to its capability in producing high‐quality fresh water from saline water. The continual research and innovations in the desalination field have resulted in the commercialization of large‐scale desalination in many water scarce regions. In the energetic context, all desalination processes are energy intensive. With the necessity to make desalination a more affordable and sustainable process, the energy efficiency of desalination is becoming an important topic. Herein, it is aimed to provide insights into the recent efforts and strategies established to tackle the energy‐related issues of both, thermal‐based and membrane‐based desalination processes. Depending on the principle of various commercial and emerging desalination processes, the directions of energy efficiency improvements, which include operating condition optimization, high‐performance material development, and renewable energy exploitation are discussed. The ideas and strategies reviewed herein, whether in their implementation or theoretical stage, are expected to provide insights into the possible improvement for application in commercial desalination plants.
A bibliometric analysis of food safety governance research from 1999 to 2019
Authors: Shen Cong , Wei Mingxia , Sheng Yilong
Published: March 2021

Although the number of food governance‐related studies increased rapidly in the recent decade, the current academic research still lacked systematic integration of food safety governance. To clarify the development trends of research therein, this study summarized research articles concerning food safety governance by the Web of Science Core Collection. An in‐depth bibliometric analysis was then conducted through CiteSpace to summarize the current characters and hot spots of food safety governance research, and predicted future research trends. Results showed that food safety governance was multidisciplinary, which included environmental science, food science, economics, and agriculture. The United States had the largest number of relevant articles, and Wageningen University was the most influential scientific research institution. Among all the journals in this field, Food Policy ranked the first in publication volume and co‐citation frequency. The development of food safety governance research was divided into three processes, namely the separate formulation of the standards for public and private sectors, the joint implementation of these standards, and co‐governance by multiple sectors. The most popular research hot spots in this field were food safety policy integration and public–private partnership of food safety governance. Lower‐ and middle‐income countries focused more on food supply and food system design, and regrettably not on food safety. Higher‐income countries cared more about food safety and food nutrition. Besides, researchers of higher‐income countries also concentrated on consumers' voices in participating in food safety governance. Food safety co‐governance, online food governance, the willingness to buy safe food, and food safety governance under pandemics were considered as future research directions.
Corporate social impact and auditor changes
Authors: Han Shipeng , Rezaee Zabihollah , Tuo Ling , Wu Jia
Published: March 2021

Corporate social impact has great influence on companies’ financial and litigation risk. Especially, corporate social irresponsibility raises auditors’ concerns about audit risk. Prior research finds that auditors charge higher audit fees to companies engaging in social irresponsible activities. In this study, we investigate the potential effects of corporate social impact on auditor–client relationship. Our results suggest that the likelihood of auditor changes is greater for the socially irresponsible companies and increases with severity. Additional tests suggest that socially irresponsible companies are more likely to have disagreements with their departing auditors and change to smaller auditors. Our findings are robust under different measures and specifications. Our study contributes to the literature by providing incremental evidence that auditors integrate clients’ social impact into their risk management and client selection. Our findings suggest that corporate social impact has become another determinant of auditor–client relationship and has profound effect on audit market competition.