bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐step Ethylene Purification from an Acetylene/Ethylene/Ethane Ternary Mixture by Cyclopentadiene Cobalt‐Functionalized Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Wang Yutong , Hao Chunlian , Fan Weidong , Fu Mingyue , Wang Xiaokang , Wang Zhikun , Zhu Lei , Li Yue , Lu Xiaoqing , Dai Fangna , Kang Zixi , Wang Rongming , Guo Wenyue , Hu Songqing , Sun Daofeng
Published: March 2021

The separation of ethylene (C2H4) from a mixture of ethane (C2H6), ethylene (C2H4), and acetylene (C2H2) at normal temperature and pressure is a significant challenge. The sieving effect of pores is powerless due to the similar molecular size and kinetic diameter of these molecules. We report a new modification method based on a stableftwtopological Zr‐MOF platform (MOF‐525). Introduction of a cyclopentadiene cobalt functional group led to new ftw‐type MOFs materials (UPC‐612andUPC‐613), which increase the host‐guest interaction and achieve efficient ethylene purification from the mixture of hydrocarbon gases. The high performance ofUPC‐612andUPC‐613for C2H2/C2H4/C2H6separation has been verified by gas sorption isotherms, density functional theory (DFT), and experimentally determined breakthrough curves. This work provides a one‐step separation of the ternary gas mixture and can further serve as a blueprint for the design and construction of function‐oriented porous structures for such applications.
Designing a Single Protein‐Chain Reporter for Opioid Detection at Cellular Resolution
Authors: Kroning Kayla E. , Wang Wenjing
Published: March 2021

Mu‐opioid receptor (MOR) signaling regulates multiple neuronal pathways, including those involved in pain, reward, and respiration. To advance the understanding of MOR's roles in pain modulation, there is a need for high‐throughput screening methods of opioids in vitro and high‐resolution mapping of opioids in the brain. To fill this need, we designed and characterized a genetically encoded fluorescent reporter, called Single‐chain Protein‐based Opioid Transmission Indicator Tool for MOR (M‐SPOTIT). M‐SPOTIT represents a new and unique mechanism for fluorescent reporter design and can detect MOR activation, leaving a persistent green fluorescence mark for image analysis. M‐SPOTIT showed an opioid‐dependent signal to noise ratio (S/N) up to 12.5 and was able to detect as fast as a 30‐second opioid exposure in HEK293T cell culture. Additionally, it showed an opioid‐dependent S/N up to 4.6 in neuronal culture and detected fentanyl with an EC50 of 15 nM. M‐SPOTIT will potentially be useful for high‐throughput detection of opioids in cell cultures and cellular‐resolution detection of opioids in vivo. M‐SPOTIT's novel mechanism can be used as a platform to design other G‐protein‐coupled receptor‐based sensors.
Direct Allylic C(sp3)−H and Vinylic C(sp2)−H Thiolation with Hydrogen Evolution by Quantum Dots and Visible Light
Authors: Huang Cheng , Ci Rui‐Nan , Qiao Jia , Wang Xu‐Zhe , Feng Ke , Chen Bin , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu
Published: March 2021

Direct allylic C−H thiolation is straightforward for allylic C(sp3)−S bond formation. However, strong interactions between thiol and transition metal catalysts lead to deactivation of the catalytic cycle or oxidation of sulfur atom under oxidative condition. Thus, direct allylic C(sp3)−H thiolation has proved difficult. Represented herein is an exceptional for direct, efficient, atom‐ and step‐economic thiolation of allylic C(sp3)−H and thiol S−H under visible light irradiation. Radical trapping experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy identified the allylic radical and thiyl radical generated on the surface of photocatalyst quantum dots (QDs). The C−S bond formation does not require external oxidants and radical initiators, and hydrogen (H2) is produced as byproduct. When vinylic C(sp2)−H was used instead of allylic C(sp3)−H bond, the radical‐radical cross‐coupling of C(sp2)−H and S−H was achieved with liberation of H2. Such a unique transformation opens up a door toward direct C−H and S−H coupling for valuable organosulfur chemistry.
Improved event‐triggered sliding mode control of switched systems with disturbances
Authors: Wang Luyao , Yang Rongni , Zhang Huiyan
Published: March 2021

This paper is devoted to solving the problem of sliding mode control for discrete‐time switched systems with disturbances via an improved event‐triggered strategy. First, the switched sliding mode dynamics is obtained based on the pre‐designed sliding mode surface. Then, on the basis of the Lyapunov functional technique and the average dwell time approach, sufficient conditions for the existence of the concerned sliding mode dynamics are established. Third, the sliding mode control law is synthesized such that state trajectories of the considered switched system can be driven into the bounded sliding mode region and maintain there subsequently. Moreover, the event‐triggered scheme is proposed in close combination with key feature of sliding mode control, which is different from the most existing works. Finally, two examples including a single‐link robot arm system are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Evaluation of e‐OSPE as compared to traditional OSPE: A pilot study
Authors: Dutta Atanu Kumar , Goswami Kalyan , Murugayan Sathish Babu , Sahoo Sibasish , Pal Amit , Paul Chandramallika , Thallapaneni Sasikala , Biswas Soham
Published: March 2021

Objectively Structured Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE/OSPE) has been the backbone of the assessment system of graduate medical education for over three decades. We have developed an electronic Objectively Structured Practical Examination (e‐OSPE) in Medical Biochemistry using the freely available Google forms to mitigate the academic disruption posed by COVID‐19 pandemic in our resource‐poor setting. Ten e‐OSPE stations created, interlinked, and time‐restricted. Fifty undergraduate students appeared for the e‐OSPE examination on a prefixed date and time. Learner feedback was collected immediately after the completion of the examination. Facilitator feedback was also collected. Students' mean scores in e‐OSPE and traditional OSPE were 78.15% and 74.56%, respectively. Their difference was not statistically significant (paired t‐test two‐tailed p‐value 0.0979). Thus, the results of e‐OSPE are reliable as compared to traditional OSPE. Bland Altman Plot revealed 92% of students had scores that were in the agreeable limit of both traditional OSPE and e‐OSPE. Both the learners and facilitators were in consensus that the online format of e‐OSPE is a good alternative for assessment (0.67 and 0.82); their experience was good (0.72 and 0.92) and conduction was well organized (0.73 and 0.86). Several suggestions were also received to make e‐OSPE even more effective. In conclusion, this pilot study showed e‐OSPE can be an effective alternative to traditional OSPE when “in‐person” evaluation is not possible such as in the current era of COVID‐19 even in resource‐limited settings.
12‐Month outcomes of transcatheter tricuspid valve repair with the PASCAL system for severe tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Kitamura Mitsunobu , Fam Neil P. , Braun Daniel , Ruf Tobias , Sugiura Atsushi , Narang Akhil , Connelly Kim A. , Ho Edwin , Nabauer Michael , Hausleiter Jörg , Weber Marcel , Nickenig Georg , Davidson Charles J. , Thiele Holger , von Bardeleben Ralph Stephan , Lurz Philipp
Published: March 2021

Objectives

We investigated the durability of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) reduction and the clinical outcomes through 12 months after transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVr) with the PASCAL Transcatheter Valve Repair System.

Background

TTVr has rapidly developed and demonstrated favorable acute outcomes, but longer follow‐up data are needed.

Methods

Overall, 30 patients (age 77 ± 6 years; 57% female) received PASCAL implantation from September 2017 to May 2019 and completed a clinical follow‐up at 12 months.

Results

The TR etiology was functional in 25 patients (83%), degenerative in three (10%), and mixed in two (7%). All patients had TR severe or greater (massive or torrential in 80%) and heart failure symptoms (90% in NYHA III or IV) under optimal medical treatment. Single‐leaflet device attachment occurred in two patients. Moderate or less TR was achieved in 23/28 patients (82%) at 30 days, which was sustained at 12 months (86%). Two patients underwent repeat TTVr due to residual torrential TR (day 173) and recurrence of severe TR (day 280), respectively.

One‐year survival rate was 93%; 6 patients required rehospitalization due to acute heart failure. NYHA functional class I or II was achieved in 90% and 6‐minute walk distance improved from 275 ± 122 m at baseline to 347 ± 112 m at 12‐month (+72 ± 82 m, p < .01). There was no stroke, endocarditis, or device embolization during the follow‐up.

Conclusions

Twelve‐month outcomes from this multicenter compassionate use experience with the PASCAL System demonstrated high procedural success, acceptable safety, and significant clinical improvement.
Thermodynamics Determine the Diastereochemical Outcome of Catalytic Reactions
Authors: Marsden Stefan R. , Mestrom Luuk , Wijma Hein J. , Noordam Sander J. , McMillan Duncan G. G. , Hanefeld Ulf
Published: March 2021

Diastereomers are characterised by an intrinsic energy difference, and thermodynamics dictate their distribution within a dynamic equilibrium. The characteristic mechanistic reversibility and non‐ideal stereoselectivity of catalysts therefore simultaneously promote both synthesis and epimerization of products during the formation of diastereomers. This feature can even result in the thermodynamic inversion of a chiral centre against the catalyst's stereoselectivity. Here, we provide a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of factors that govern thermodynamic epimerization in catalysis, using enzymes as example. Our analysis highlights, that the deduction of a catalyst's stereoselectivity based on the absolute configuration of the isolated product constitutes a potential pitfall. The selective formation of either the thermodynamic‐, or the kinetic product is less determined by the catalyst, but rather by the reaction conditions. Next to low temperatures, a high maximal extent of conversion was identified to promote kinetically controlled conditions. For bimolecular reactions, conversions can be conveniently modulated via the use of one substrate in excess. Quantum mechanical calculations accurately predicted the diastereomeric excess under equilibrium conditions, which opens the prospect of a rational choice between thermodynamic and kinetic reaction control at an early stage of process design. Our findings are of critical importance for multi‐step syntheses of stereocomplex molecules via catalytic cascade reactions or artificial metabolic pathways, as the final stereochemistry may be determined by the absolute configuration of the product that is overall lowest in energy.
The establishment and future of integrated onco‐palliative care
Authors: Jan M. Yahya , Campbell Toby C.
Published: March 2021

Over the last decade, palliative care has successfully expanded to firmly establish its role in the clinical management of people with serious illness. To further increase its scope in oncology and its collaboration with other specialties, there is a need to pursue initiatives to advance research and medical education.
Transformation of Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Seshu J. , Moy Brian E. , Ingle Taylor MacMackin
Published: March 2021

Transformation techniques used to genetically manipulate Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, play a critical role in generating mutants that facilitate analyses of the role of genes in the pathophysiology of this bacterium. A number of borrelial mutants have been successfully isolated and characterized since the first electrotransformation procedure was established 25 years ago (Samuels, 1995). This article is directed at additional considerations for transforming infectious B. burgdorferi to generate strains retaining the plasmid profile of the parental strain, enabling analysis of transformants for in vitro and in vivo phenotypes. These methods are built on previously published protocols and are intended to add steps and tips to enhance transformation efficiency and recovery of strains amenable for studies involving colonization, survival, and transmission of B. burgdorferi during the vector and vertebrate phases of infection. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

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

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of stock cultures, propagation of spirochetes, and analysis of plasmid profiles

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of plasmid and linear DNA templates for transformation

Basic Protocol 3: Transformation of B. burgdorferi

Basic Protocol 4: Antibiotic selection of borrelial transformants

Basic Protocol 5: Isolation of borrelial transformants in agar overlays

Basic Protocol 6: Complementation of mutant borrelial strains in cis or in trans
RAG deficiencies: Recent advances in disease pathogenesis and novel therapeutic approaches
Authors: Bosticardo Marita , Pala Francesca , Notarangelo Luigi D.
Published: March 2021

The RAG1 and RAG2 proteins initiate the process of V(D)J recombination and therefore play an essential role in adaptive immunity. While null mutations in the RAG genes cause severe combined immune deficiency with lack of T and B cells (T−B− SCID) and susceptibility to life‐threatening, early‐onset infections, studies in humans and mice have demonstrated that hypomorphic RAG mutations are associated with defects of central and peripheral tolerance resulting in immune dysregulation. In this review, we provide an overview of the extended spectrum of RAG deficiencies and their associated clinical and immunological phenotypes in humans. We discuss recent advances in the mechanisms that control RAG expression and function, the effects of perturbed RAG activity on lymphoid development and immune homeostasis, and propose novel approaches to correct this group of disorders.
PD‐1‐specific “Blocking” antibodies that deplete PD‐1+ T cells present an inconvenient variable in preclinical immunotherapy experiments
Authors: Polesso Fanny , Munks Michael W. , Rott Katherine H. , Smart Savannah , Hill Ann B. , Moran Amy E.
Published: March 2021

Therapeutic antibodies blocking PD‐1‐/PD‐L1 interaction have achieved remarkable clinical success in cancer. In addition to blocking a target molecule, some isotypes of antibodies can activate complement, NK cells or phagocytes, resulting in death of the cell expressing the antibody's target. Human anti‐PD‐1 therapeutics use antibody isotypes designed to minimize such antibody‐dependent lysis. In contrast, anti‐PD‐1 reagents used in mice are derived from multiple species, with different isotypes, and are not engineered to reduce target cell death: few studies analyze or discuss how antibody species and isotype may impact data interpretation. We demonstrate here that anti‐PD‐1 therapy to promote activation and proliferation of murine PD‐1‐expressing CD8 T cells sometimes led instead to a loss of antigen specific cells. This phenomenon was seen in two tumor models and a model of virus infection, and varied with the clone of anti‐PD‐1 antibody. Additionally, we compared competition among anti‐PD‐1 clones to find a combination that allows detection of PD‐1‐expressing cells despite the presence of blocking anti‐PD1 antibodies in vivo. These data bring attention to the possibility of unintended target cell depletion with some commonly used anti‐mouse PD‐1 clones, and should provide a valuable resource for the design and interpretation of anti‐PD‐1 studies in mice.
Ameliorative effect of betanin on experimental cisplatin‐induced liver injury; the novel impact of miRNA‐34a on the SIRT1/PGC‐1α signaling pathway
Authors: El Shaffei Ismail , Abdel‐Latif Ghada A. , Farag Doaa B. , Schaalan Mona , Salama Rania M.
Published: March 2021

The anticancer agent, cisplatin (CIS), is associated with hepatotoxic effects related to activation of oxidative stress and inflammation pathways. CIS‐induced oxidative DNA damage reduces sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activity, which in turn, modulates the activity of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator 1‐alpha (PGC‐1α). Moreover, microRNA‐34a (miRNA‐34a) was shown to hinder both SIRT1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity. Thus, targeting such a pathway can alleviate CIS‐induced hepatotoxicity. Betanin (BET) is a natural red glycoside food dye obtained from beets, which is reported to exhibit antioxidant function. However, its role in CIS‐induced liver injury and the molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of BET on CIS‐induced acute hepatotoxicity through the SIRT1/PGC‐1α signaling pathway and illustrate the impact of miRNA‐34a. Seventy‐two rats were divided into six equal groups: (1) Control, (2) BET, (3) CIS, (4) CIS/BET, (5) CIS/EX527, and (6) CIS/BET/EX527. CIS‐induced liver injury was evidenced by deregulated BAX and BCL2 levels, decreased levels of AMP‐activated protein kinase and PGC‐1α expression, and decreased SIRT1 activity. Consequently, reduced levels of Nrf2 and the expression of associated heme oxygenase‐1 and glutamate‐cysteine ligase modifier subunit were observed. Intriguingly, BET succeeded in reducing the CIS‐induced liver injury through reducing miRNA‐34a expression and enhancing the SIRT1/PGC‐1α pathway. These findings coincide with the molecular docking results and the histopathological picture. In conclusion, the current research provided novel findings of the BET ameliorative effect on CIS‐induced liver injury through modulating miRNA‐34a expression and the SIRT1/PGC‐1α signaling cascade.
Effect of olive mill wastewaters on Scenedesmus sp. growth, metabolism and polyphenols removal
Authors: Dahmen‐Ben Moussa Ines , Maalej Amina , Masmoudi Mohamed A , Feki Firas , Choura Sirine , Baccar Nidhal , Jelail Lobna , Karray Fatma , Chamkha Mohamed , Sayadi Sami
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The three‐phase extraction process of olive oil produces highly contaminated wastewater (OMW). The elimination of this toxic by‐product is an important environmental issue that requires the development of an appropriate management solution. The cultivation of microalgae using OMW as growth medium was therefore studied using single (the culture medium was formed by 0% to 80% ultrafiltered olive mill wastewater (OMUF) or OMW added to BG11) and two‐stage strategies (microalgae were firstly cultivated in the BG11 medium. In the second stage, 40% and 80% of OMUF and OMW were added to the culture). In this work, biodegradation of OMW and subsequent extraction of lipid and antioxidant molecules was investigated as an ecofriendly method for the bioremediation and valorization of OMW.

RESULTS

For two‐stage cultivation, OMUF and OMW stress enhanced the intracellular amount of polyphenol accumulated in Scenedesmus sp. and exhibited the highest 2, 2‐diphenyl−1‐ picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2'‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzoline‐6‐sulfonate) radical (ABTS) scavenging ability compared with single‐stage cultivation. Moreover, the lipid profile is dominated by polyunsaturated acids. In the single‐stage cultivation, the Ch a, Ch b, carotenoid, carbohydrate and lipid content of 2.57, 7.4, 1.69, 368, and 644 g kg−1 were observed in 40% OMUF added culture, respectively, along with high biomass productivity and 58% of polyphenol removal. Moreover, the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that the biomass of Scenedesmus sp. cultured on 40% OMUF did not show any toxic effect, making it an efficient strategy.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that Scenedesmus sp. is a promising microalga for the biotreatment of OMW and the extraction of bioactive metabolites. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Use of ohmic heating as an alternative method for cooking pasta
Authors: Turgut Yelizcan , Turgut Sebahattin Serhat , Karacabey Erkan
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

In this study, the alternative method of ohmic heating (OH) was applied to investigate its potential usage in the cooking process for pasta and its comparison with the conventional method. For this purpose, OH was operated at four different voltage gradients (10, 20, 30, 40 V cm−1). The electrical conductivity of pasta σ (S m−1) was calculated for the temperature range 22–95 °C and a three‐phase linear relation between σ and temperature was determined.

RESULTS

According to the results, the energy consumption of the OH system and cooking time were lower than the conventional method. Energy conservation was about 73.7% at 40 V cm−1 and increased up to 90.4% (at 10 V cm−1) with lower voltage gradients. Total cooking time, cooking loss, water absorption, degree of gelatinization, volume uptake, energy consumption and sensorial properties were investigated. No significant differences between the results of samples cooked with the conventional method and OH at 30–40 V cm−1 were found in terms of starch gelatinization degree, volume change, water absorption, and sensorial analysis (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results revealed that OH did not cause any negative effects on the quality parameters of pasta samples, and positive effects were observed on energy and time saving. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development of machine learning model algorithm for prediction of 5‐year soft tissue myxoid liposarcoma survival
Authors: Kamalapathy Pramod N. , Ramkumar Dipak B. , Karhade Aditya V. , Kelly Sean , Raskin Kevin , Schwab Joseph , Lozano‐Calderón Santiago
Published: March 2021

Background

Predicting survival in myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) patients is very challenging given its propensity to metastasize and the controversial role of adjuvant therapy. The purpose of this study was to develop a machine‐learning algorithm for the prediction of survival at five years for patients with MLS and externally validate it using our institutional cohort.

Methods

Two databases, the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results program (SEER) database and an institutional database, were used in this study. Five machine learning models were created based on the SEER database and performance was rated using the TRIPOD criteria. The model that performed best on the SEER data was again tested on our institutional database.

Results

The net‐elastic penalized logistic regression model was the best according to our performance indicators. This model had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 when compared to the SEER testing data and an AUC of 0.76 when tested against institutional database. An application to use this calculator is available at https://sorg-apps.shinyapps.io/myxoid_liposarcoma/.

Conclusion

MLS is a soft‐tissue sarcoma with adjunct treatment options that are, in part, decided by prognostic survival. We developed the first machine‐learning predictive algorithm specifically for MLS using the SEER registry that retained performance during external validation with institutional data.
Influence of residents' perceptions of tourism development on their affective commitment, altruistic behavior, and civic virtue for community
Authors: Tang Ruohan , Kang Sung‐Eun , Lee Won Seok , Park Sunwoo
Published: March 2021

Using indigenous minorities in Xijian Miao Village in China as a case research, this research examined how residents' perceptions of tourism development could influence their affective commitment, altruistic behavior, and civic virtue. A total of 449 residents took part in the survey. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), this study found that affective commitment was significantly influenced by perceptions of tourism development. It also found that altruistic behavior and civic virtue had a positive relationship with residents' affective commitment.
Short‐term Oral Steroids Significantly Improves Chronic Rhinosinusitis Without Nasal Polyps
Authors: De Silva April P. , Schembri Mark A. , Sarah Angus H. , Chao Jessica , Yip Kwok Ho , Cildir Gökhan , Lopez Angel , Tumes Damon J. , Pant Harshita
Published: March 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

The efficacy of short‐term oral corticosteroids in chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) is unknown. The aim of this controlled study was to assess the immediate and long‐term outcomes from a short course of a commonly used oral corticosteroid, prednisolone, in well‐defined CRSsNP patients.

Study Design

Prospective, observational controlled study.

Methods

A prospective‐controlled study of CRSsNP patients treated with prednisolone at 0.5 mg/kg tapered over 10 days and non‐prednisolone treated CRSsNP patients (controls) and follow‐up at 2, 6, and 12 months. Baseline and follow‐up SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT)‐22, nasal endoscopy (Lund‐Kennedy), and sinus CT scan scores (Lund‐Mackay) were compared.

Results

At 2 months, there was a significant improvement in the SNOT‐22, nasal endoscopy, and sinus CT scan scores in the prednisolone group (P < .0001) compared with controls (p = ns, Mann–Whitney U test). 52.5% of prednisolone‐treated CRSsNP patients had improved symptoms and did not require sinus surgery at 12 months compared with 14.3% of controls (P < .001). Side‐effects were reported in 8.9% of prednisolone‐treated patients. Patients who benefited from prednisolone had a median symptom duration of 7.25 (99% confidence, upper limit of 11) months compared with 18 months in those requiring surgery.

Conclusions

Short‐term oral prednisolone significantly improved all three clinical measures of disease in CRSsNP patients and avoided surgical intervention in 52.5% patients in the first 12 months. Patients with symptoms for less than 11 months were most likely to benefit. The side‐effects of oral steroids require careful consideration and further studies are needed to ascertain appropriate dosage and treatment duration.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2618–E2626, 2021
Recent Advances of Polymer‐Based Pure Organic Room Temperature Phosphorescent Materials
Authors: Wang Jun , Lou Xin‐Yue , Wang Yan , Tang Jun , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: March 2021

Room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) has attracted broad attention due to their long lifetimes, large Stokes shift, and widespread applications. Achieving RTP emission has long been a challenging task under common conditions, for the necessary requirements of promoting intersystem crossing processes and suppressing nonradiative transitions are always tough to meet. Over the past decade, RTP has been obtained through several specific strategies, among which an important method lies in immobilizing phosphors into polymer matrices. Via the effect of steric overcrowding exerted by the polymeric structures, the phosphorescence of the initial phosphors can be promoted significantly. Hence, polymer‐based pure organic materials have proved to be one newly emerging subject in the field of RTP materials. In this review article, the progresses of polymer‐based pure organic room temperature phosphorescent materials are elaborated from four main approaches, including doped polymer systems, copolymer systems, homopolymer systems, and host–guest complexation systems, whereby the design principles, synthesis methods, possible mechanisms, and applications are summarized and discussed in detail.
Enhanced magnetohydrodynamic thermal convection in a partially driven cavity packed with a nanofluid‐saturated porous medium
Authors: Mondal Milan K. , Biswas Nirmalendu , Manna Nirmal K. , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: March 2021

Convective heat transfer characteristics in the purview of fundamentals of flow physics in a two‐sided partially driven cavity (PDC) are addressed in this work. The effect of partial translational motion on the sidewalls of PDC can significantly alter the convective heat transfer characteristics. To explore this novel idea, a square enclosure packed with Cu–water nanofluid‐saturated porous media under the influence of the external magnetic field, heated around a protruded heater mounted at the bottom wall. The cavity is cooled at the upper half of the two sidewalls—partially translating upward or downward direction. Fundamentals of the evolved flow physics and mixed convection heat transfer characteristics are analyzed numerically using extensively validated FORTRAN code based on the finite volume approach. The impacts of the relevant parameters on fluid flow and heat transfer are investigated systematically. The governing parameters are wall speed (Reynolds number) and its direction, convection regime (Richardson number), permeability (Darcy number and porosity), magnetic field strength (Hartmann number), and nanoparticles volume concentration. The results show that the thermal performance of PDC is greatly influenced by all of the above parameters. Heat transfer is enhanced significantly at higher Reynolds number, Richardson number, Darcy number, and porosity and increases in the nanoparticles volume fraction for the opposing flow case.
Elevation of fast but not slow troponin I in the circulation of patients with Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Barthel Benjamin L. , Cox Dan , Barbieri Marissa , Ziemba Michael , Straub Volker , Hoffman Eric P. , Russell Alan J.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

One of the hallmarks of injured skeletal muscle is the appearance of elevated skeletal muscle proteins in circulation. Human skeletal muscle generally consists of a mosaic of slow (type I) and fast (type IIa, IIx/d) fibers, defined by their myosin isoform expression. Recently, measurement of circulating fiber‐type specific isoforms of troponin I has been used as a biomarker to suggest that muscle injury in healthy volunteers (HV) results in the appearance of muscle proteins from fast but not slow fibers. We sought to understand if this is also the case in severe myopathy patients with Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (BMD, DMD).

Methods

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that selectively measures fast and slow skeletal troponin I (TNNI2 and TNNI1) was used to measure a cross‐section of patient plasma samples from HV (N = 50), BMD (N = 49), and DMD (N = 132) patients. Creatine kinase (CK) activity was also measured from the same samples for comparison.

Results

TNNI2 was elevated in BMD and DMD and correlated with the injury biomarker, CK. In contrast, TNNI1 levels were indistinguishable from levels in HV. There was an inverse relationship between CK and TNNI2 levels and age, but no relationship for TNNI1.

Discussion

We define a surprising discrepancy between TNNI1 and TNNI2 in patient plasma that may have implications for the interpretation of elevated muscle protein levels in dystrophinopathies.
Bingeing on High‐Fat Food Enhances Evoked Dopamine Release and Reduces Dopamine Uptake in the Nucleus Accumbens
Authors: Jones Sara R. , Fordahl Steve C.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Binge‐eating disorder (BED) disrupts dopamine neuron function, in part by altering dopamine transporter (DAT) activity. This study characterized the effects of high‐fat bingeing on presynaptic dopamine terminals and tested the hypothesis that acute low‐dose amphetamine would restore DAT function.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were given limited access (LimA) to a high‐fat diet (2 h/d, 3 d/wk) or standard chow (control). After 6 weeks, ex vivo fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry was used to characterize dopamine‐terminal adaptations in the nucleus accumbens. Prior to undergoing fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry, some mice from each group were given amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally).

Results

Escalation of high fat intake, termed bingeing, occurred in the LimA group and coincided with increased phasic dopamine release, reduced dopamine uptake rates, and increased dopamine receptor 2 (D2) autoreceptor function. Acute amphetamine selectively reversed dopamine uptake changes in the LimA group and restored the potency of amphetamine to inhibit uptake.

Conclusions

High‐fat bingeing enhanced dopaminergic signaling in the nucleus accumbens by promoting phasic dopamine release and reducing clearance. This study’s data show that amphetamine was efficacious in restoring impaired DAT function caused by high‐fat bingeing but did not reduce dopamine release to normal. These presynaptic changes should be considered if amphetamine‐like dopamine releasers are used as treatments for BED.
Recognizing and managing hereditary and acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in infants and children
Authors: Siddiqui Anam , Journeycake Janna M. , Borogovac Azra , George James N.
Published: March 2021

We describe how infants and children with hereditary and acquired autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) initially present and how they can be promptly diagnosed and effectively managed. These are uncommon disorders that are commonly misdiagnosed and can be rapidly fatal. TTP is caused by a severe deficiency of the plasma protease, A disintegrin and Metalloprotease with a ThromboSpondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13). Measurement of ADAMTS13 activity is becoming easily accessible. A common presentation of hereditary TTP is neonatal severe hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia. However, the median age of diagnosis is not until 5.5 years. Plasma is effective treatment for exacerbations and for prophylaxis. Plasma may be replaced by recombinant ADAMTS13 when it becomes available. Acquired TTP is more frequent in older children, in whom it is more common in girls and is commonly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. For acquired TTP, plasma exchange and immunosuppression are the current treatment for acute episodes; caplacizumab is now commonly used in adults and may replace plasma exchange.
Proteins linked to atherosclerosis and cell proliferation are associated with the shrunken pore syndrome in heart failure patients
Authors: Xhakollari Liana , Jujic Amra , Molvin John , Nilsson Peter , Holm Hannes , Bachus Erasmus , Leosdottir Margret , Grubb Anders , Christensson Anders , Magnusson Martin
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The “Shrunken pore syndrome” (SPS) is characterized by a difference in renal filtration between cystatin C and creatinine, resulting in a low eGFRcystatinC/eGFRcreatinine‐ratio. Studies have demonstrated a high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality for patients with SPS. In this discovery study, we explored associations between SPS and proteins implicated in cardiovascular disease and inflammation in patients with heart failure.

Experimental Design

Plasma samples from 300 individuals in HARVEST‐Malmö trial hospitalized for the diagnosis of heart failure (mean age 74.9 ± 11.5 years; 30.0% female), were analyzed with a proximity extension assay consisting of 92 proteins. A Bonferroni‐corrected p‐value of 0.05/92 = 5.4 × 10−4 was considered significant in the initial age and sex‐adjusted analyses. Presence of SPS was defined as eGFRcystatinC ≤ 60% of eGFRcreatinine.

Results

SPS presented with significant associations (p < 5.4 × 10−4) in age and sex‐adjusted logistic regressions with elevated levels of six proteins; scavenger receptor cysteine rich type 1 protein M130, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, tumor necrosis factor receptor 2, osteoprotegerin, interleukin‐2 receptor subunit alpha, and tyrosine‐protein kinase receptor UFO. All proteins remained associated (p < 0.05) with SPS after multivariate adjustments.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

In heart failure patients, SPS was associated with proteins linked to atherosclerosis and cell proliferation.
Determination of the Rashba and Dresselhaus Spin–Orbit Interaction Parameters and g‐Factor from the Critical Points of the Spectrum in a 2D Electron Gas in an In‐Plane Magnetic Field
Authors: Tkach Yurii Ya
Published: March 2021

A 2D electron gas with spin–orbit interaction (SOI) is known to form an anisotropic system with van Hove singularities controllable by a parallel magnetic field. The conductivity tensors of this system in the presence of both Rashba and Dresselhaus SOIs is studied. It is found that the diagonal elements of the conductivity tensor have sharp dips when the Fermi level passes through the singularity point of a spectrum. The energy position of these dips at different orientations of the magnetic field allows one to determine both SOI constants and the Landé g‐factor. The dependencies of the surface charge concentration on the Fermi level show a sharp change in the slope near the minimum of the spectrum due to the jumps of the density of states, while the van Hove singularities are not noticeable. In a zero magnetic field, the conductivity tensor has off‐diagonal terms which change the sign when the Fermi level passes the saddle points of the spectrum. The off‐diagonal terms evidence the appearance of the Hall voltage caused by the anisotropy of the Fermi surface and the scattering process.
A Review of Compact Carbon Design for Supercapacitors with High Volumetric Performance
Authors: Li Pei , Shang Tongxin , Dong Ximan , Li Huan , Tao Ying , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: March 2021

Volumetric performance is of great importance in today's energy storage devices, and is used to evaluate their competitiveness in the markets of miniaturized electronic devices and space‐constrained electric vehicles. Supercapacitors suffer from a low volumetric energy density in spite of their high power and long cycle life because of their use of porous but low‐density carbons. This review considers compact carbon design strategies for high volumetric performance supercapacitors based on four key electrode parameters: density, thickness, gravimetric capacitance, and nonactive components. A guide is provided for constructing a conductive additive‐/binder‐free self‐supported ultrathick, dense electrode to maximize the volumetric energy density. The research status of emerging micro‐supercapacitors and hybrid supercapacitors is then briefly discussed, emphasizing the importance of their volumetric performance and the opportunities as well as challenges they face in the trendy Internet of things applications or larger device systems.
Graphene Transfer: Paving the Road for Applications of Chemical Vapor Deposition Graphene
Authors: Song Yuqing , Zou Wentao , Lu Qi , Lin Li , Liu Zhongfan
Published: March 2021

Owing to the fascinating properties of graphene, fulfilling the promising characteristics of graphene in applications has ignited enormous scientific and industrial interest. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of graphene on metal substrates provides tantalizing opportunities for the large‐area synthesis of graphene in a controllable manner. However, the tedious transfer of graphene from metal substrates onto desired substrates remains inevitable, and cracks of graphene membrane, transfer‐induced doping, wrinkles as well as surface contamination can be incurred during the transfer, which highly degrade the performance of graphene. Furthermore, new issues can arise when moving to large‐scale transfer at an industrial scale, thus cost‐efficient and environment‐friendly transfer techniques also become imperative. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of transfer‐related issues and the corresponding experimental solutions and to provide an outlook for future transfer techniques of CVD graphene films on an industrial scale.
The Federal Reserve's response to the COVID‐19 contraction: An initial appraisal
Authors: Cachanosky Nicolás , Cutsinger Bryan P. , Hogan Thomas L. , Luther William J. , Salter Alexander W.
Published: March 2021

We provide an initial assessment of the Federal Reserve's policy response to the COVID‐19 contraction. We briefly review the historical episode and consider the standard textbook treatment of a pandemic on the macroeconomy. We summarize and then evaluate the Fed's monetary and emergency lending policies through the end of 2020. We credit the Fed with promoting monetary stability while maintaining that it could have done more. We argue that the Fed could have achieved stability without employing its emergency lending facilities. Although some facilities likely helped to promote general liquidity, others were primarily intended to allocate credit, which blurs the line between monetary and fiscal policy. These credit allocation facilities were unwarranted and unwise.
Sensing and sensitivity: Computational chemistry of graphene‐based sensors
Authors: Piras Anna , Ehlert Christopher , Gryn'ova Ganna
Published: March 2021

Highly efficient, tunable, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly electrochemical sensors featuring graphene‐based materials pose a formidable challenge for computational chemistry. In silico rationalization, optimization and, ultimately, prediction of their performance requires exploring a vast structural space of potential surface‐analyte complexes, further complicated by the presence of various defects and functionalities within the infinite graphene lattice. This immense number of systems and their periodic nature greatly limit the choice of computational tools applicable at a reasonable cost. An alternative approach using finite nanoflake models opens the doors to many more advanced and accurate electronic structure methods, while sacrificing the realism of representation. Locating the surface‐analyte complex is followed by an in‐depth in silico analysis of its energetic and electronic properties using, for example, energy decomposition schemes, as well as simulation of the signal, for example, a zero‐bias transmission spectra or a current–voltage curve, by means of the nonequilibrium Green's function method. These and other properties are examined in the context of a sensor's selectivity, sensitivity, and limit of detection with an aim to establish design principles for future devices. Herein, we analyze the advantages and limitations of diverse computational chemistry methods used at each of these steps in simulating graphene‐based electrochemical sensors. We present outstanding challenges toward predictive models and sketch possible solutions involving such contemporary techniques as multiscale simulations and high‐throughput screening.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
Handshape Classification in a Reverse Dictionary of Sign Languages for the Deaf
Authors: Abutalipov Alikhan , Janaliyeva Aigerim , Mukushev Medet , Cerone Antonio , Sandygulova Anara
Published: March 2021

This paper showcases the work that aims at building a user-friendly mobile application of a reverse dictionary to translate sign languages to spoken languages. The concept behind the reverse dictionary is the ability to perform a video-based search by demonstrating a handshape in front of a mobile phone’s camera. The user would be able to use this feature in two ways. Firstly, the user would be able to search for a word by showing a handshape for the application to provide a list of signs that contain that handshape. Secondly, the user could fingerspell the word letter by letter in front of the camera for the application to return the sign that corresponds to that word. The user can then look through the suggested videos and see their written translations. To offer other functionalities, the application also has Search by Category and Search by Word options. Currently, the reverse dictionary supports translations from Russian Sign Language (RSL) to Russian language.
Erratum to: Search for like-sign dileptons plus two jets signal in the framework of the manifest left-right symmetric model
Authors: Roitgrund Aviad , Eilam Gad
Published: March 2021

Discovery potential for the two dominant channels of the pp →+ WR → + e±e±jj process at the 14 TeV LHC for an integrated luminosity of 300 fb–l.
Weak cosmic censorship with self-interacting scalar and bound on charge to mass ratio
Authors: Song Yan , Hu Tong-Tong , Wang Yong-Qiang
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We study the model of four-dimensional Einstein-Maxwell-Λ theory minimally coupled to a massive charged self-interacting scalar field, parameterized by the quartic and hexic couplings, labelled by λ and β, respectively. In the absence of scalar field, there is a class of counterexamples to cosmic censorship. Moreover, we investigate the full nonlinear solution with nonzero scalar field included, and argue that these counterexamples can be removed by assuming charged self-interacting scalar field with sufficiently large charge not lower than a certain bound. In particular, this bound on charge required to preserve cosmic censorship is no longer precisely the weak gravity bound for the free scalar theory. For the quartic coupling, for λ < 0 the bound is below the one for the free scalar fields, whereas for λ > 0 it is above. Meanwhile, for the hexic coupling the bound is always above the one for the free scalar fields, irrespective of the sign of β.
Deep infection following reconstruction of pelvic fractures: prevalence, characteristics, and predisposing risk factors
Authors: Kanakaris Nikolaos Konstantinou , Ciriello Vincenzo , Stavrou Petros Zoi , West Robert Michael , Giannoudis Peter Vasiliou
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To identify the incidence, risk factors, and treatment course of patients who developed deep infection following fixation of pelvic fractures.

Methods

Over a period of 8 years patients who underwent pelvic reconstruction in our institution and developed postoperative infection were included. Exclusion criteria were pathological fractures and infections that were not secondary to post-traumatic reconstruction. The mean time of follow-up was 43.6 months (33–144). For comparison purposes, we randomly selected patients that underwent pelvic fracture fixation from our database (control group). A logistic regression was fitted to patient characteristics including age, sex, ISS, and diabetic status.

Results

Out of 858 patients, 18 (2.1%) (12 males), with a mean age of 41 (18–73) met the inclusion criteria. The control group consisted of 82 patients with a mean age of 41 years (18–72). The mean ISS was 27.7 and 17.6 in the infection and control group, respectively. The mean time from pelvic reconstruction to the diagnosis of infection was 20 days (7–80). The median number of trips to theatre was 3 (1–16). Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) was the most frequently isolated organism in the years prior to 2012. Eradication was achieved in 93% of the patients. The most important risk factors for deep infection were ISS (OR 1.08, 1.03–1.13), posterior sacral approach (OR 17.03, 1.49–194.40), and diabetes (OR 36.85, 3.54–383.70).

Conclusion

In this retrospective case–control study, deep infection following pelvic trauma was rare. A number of patient-, injury- and surgery-related factors have shown strong correlation with this serious complication.