bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NIR‐Actuated Remote Activation of Ferroptosis in Target Tumor Cells through a Photothermally Responsive Iron‐Chelated Biopolymer Nanoplatform
Authors: Xue Chencheng , Li Menghuan , Liu Changhuang , Li Yanan , Fei Yang , Hu Yan , Cai Kaiyong , Zhao Yanli , Luo Zhong
Published: February 2021

Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated cell death that shows promise for tumor treatment. Most current ferroptosis tumor therapies are based on the intrinsic pathological features of the malignancies, and it would be of clinical significance to develop ferroptosis‐inducing strategies with improved tumor specificity and modulability. Here we report a polydopamine‐based nanoplatform (FeIIPDA@LAP‐PEG‐cRGD) for the efficient loading of Fe2+ and β‐lapachone (LAP), which could readily initiate ferroptosis in tumor cells upon treatment with near‐infrared light. PDA nanostructures could generate mild hyperthermia under NIR irritation and trigger the release of the ferroptosis‐inducing Fe2+ ions. The NIR‐actuated photothermal effect would also activate cellular heat shock response and upregulate the downstream NQO1 via HSP70/NQO1 axis to facilitate bioreduction of the concurrently released β‐lapachone and enhance intracellular H2O2 formation to promote the Fe2+‐mediated lipid peroxidation.
Tailoring the Microporosity of Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity for Advanced Gas Separation by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Chen Xiuling , Wu Lei , Yang Huimin , Qin Yong , Ma Xiaohua , Li Nanwen
Published: February 2021

Tailoring the microporosity of intrinsically microporous polymers at the atomic level is one of the biggest challenges in achieving high‐performance polymeric gas separation membranes. In this study, for the first time, the Al2O3 atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique was used to modify the microporosity of a typical polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM‐1) at the atomic level. PIM‐1 with six ALD cycles (PIM‐1‐Al2O3‐6) exhibited simultaneous high thermal, mechanical, pure‐ and mixed‐gas separation, and anti‐aging properties. The O2/N2, H2/N2, and H2/CH4 separation performances were adequate above the latest trade‐off lines. PIM‐1‐Al2O3‐6 showed CO2 and O2 permeabilities of 624 and 188 Barrer, combined with CO2/CH4 and O2/N2 selectivities of 56.2 and 8.8, respectively. This significantly enhanced performance was attributed to the strong size sieving effect induced by the Al2O3 deposition.
Two Cryptic Self‐Resistance Mechanisms in Streptomyces tenebrarius Reveal Insights into the Biosynthesis of Apramycin
Authors: Zhang Qian , Chi Hao‐Tian , Wu Linrui , Deng Zixin , Yu Yi
Published: February 2021

Apramycin is a clinically promising aminoglycoside antibiotic (AGA). To date, mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis and self‐resistance of apramycin remain largely unknown. Here we report that apramycin biosynthesis proceeds through unexpected phosphorylation, deacetylation, and dephosphorylation steps, in which a novel aminoglycoside phosphotransferase (AprU), a putative creatinine amidohydrolase (AprP), and an alkaline phosphatase (AprZ) are involved. Biochemical characterization revealed that AprU specifically phosphorylates 5‐OH of a pseudotrisaccharide intermediate, whose N‐7′ acetyl group is subsequently hydrolyzed by AprP. AprZ is located extracellularly where it removes the phosphate group from a pseudotetrasaccharide intermediate, leading to the maturation of apramycin. Intriguingly, 7′‐N‐acetylated and 5‐O‐phosphorylated apramycin that were accumulated in ΔaprU and ΔaprZ respectively exhibited significantly reduced antibacterial activities, implying Streptomyces tenebrarius employs C‐5 phosphorylation and N‐7′ acetylation as two strategies to avoid auto‐toxicity. Significantly, this study provides insight into the design of new generation AGAs to circumvent the emergence of drug‐resistant pathogens.
Macrocyclic Arenes‐Based Conjugated Macrocycle Polymers for Highly Selective CO2 Capture and Iodine Adsorption
Authors: Dai Dihua , Yang Jie , Zou Yong‐Cun , Wu Jia‐Rui , Tan Li‐Li , Wang Yan , Li Bao , Lu Tong , Wang Bo , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: February 2021

Incorporating synthetic macrocycles with unique structures and distinct conformations into conjugated macrocycle polymers (CMPs) can endow the resulting materials with great potentials in gas uptake and pollutant adsorption. Here, four CMPs (CMP‐n, n=1–4) capable of reversibly capturing iodine and efficiently separating carbon dioxide are constructed from per‐triflate functionalized leaning tower[6]arene (LT6‐OTf) and [2]biphenyl‐extended pillar[6]arene (BpP6‐OTf) via Pd‐catalyzed Sonogashira–Hagihara cross‐coupling reaction. Intriguingly, owing to the appropriate cavity size of LT6‐OTf and the numerous aromatic rings in the framework, the newly designed CMP‐4 possesses an outstanding I2 affinity with a large uptake capacity of 208 wt % in vapor and a great removal efficiency of 94 % in aqueous solutions. To our surprise, with no capacity to accommodate nitrogen, CMP‐2 constructed from BpP6‐OTf is able to specifically capture carbon dioxide at ambient conditions.
Structural Revision of Natural Cyclic Depsipeptide MA026 Established by Total Synthesis and Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Analysis
Authors: Uchiyama Chihiro , Fukuda Akane , Mukaiyama Minagi , Nakazawa Yoshiki , Kuramochi Yuka , Muguruma Kyohei , Arimoto Mitsue , Ninomiya Akihiro , Kako Koichiro , Katsuyama Yohei , Konno Sho , Taguchi Akihiro , Takayama Kentaro , Taniguchi Atsuhiko , Nagumo Yoko , Usui Takeo , Hayashi Yoshio
Published: February 2021

A revised structure of natural 14‐mer cyclic depsipeptide MA026, isolated from Pseudomonas sp. RtlB026 in 2002 was established by physicochemical analysis with HPLC, MS/MS, and NMR and confirmed by total solid‐phase synthesis. The revised structure differs from that previously reported in that two amino acid residues, assigned in error, have been replaced. Synthesized MA026 with the revised structure showed a tight junction (TJ) opening activity like that of the natural one in a cell‐based TJ opening assay. Bioinformatic analysis of the putative MA026 biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) of RtIB026 demonstrated that the stereochemistry of each amino acid residue in the revised structure can be reasonably explained. Phylogenetic analysis with xantholysin BGC indicates an exceptionally high homology (ca. 90 %) between xantholysin and MA026. The TJ opening activity of MA026 when binding to claudin‐1 is a key to new avenues for transdermal administration of large hydrophilic biologics.
Fluorescent Membrane Tension Probes for Early Endosomes
Authors: Piazzolla Francesca , Mercier Vincent , Assies Lea , Sakai Naomi , Roux Aurelien , Matile Stefan
Published: February 2021

Fluorescent flipper probes have been introduced recently to image membrane tension in live cells, and strategies to target these probes to specific membranes are emerging. In this context, early endosome (EE) targeting without the use of protein engineering is especially appealing because it translates into a fascinating transport problem. Weakly basic probes, commonly used to track the inside of acidic late endosomes and lysosomes, are poorly retained in EE because they are sufficiently neutralized in weakly acidic EE, thus able to diffuse out. Here, we disclose a rational strategy to target EE using a substituted benzylamine with a higher pKa value as a head group of the flipper probe. The resulting EE flippers are validated for preserved mechanosensitivity, ready for use in biology, particularly to elucidate the mechanics of endocytosis.
Sterically‐Locked Donor–Acceptor Conjugated Polymers Showing Efficient Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence
Authors: Rao Jiancheng , Yang Liuqing , Li Xue , Zhao Lei , Wang Shumeng , Tian Hongkun , Ding Junqiao , Wang Lixiang
Published: February 2021

Donor–acceptor (D–A) conjugated polymers often possess a significant frontier molecular orbital overlap because of the conjugation elongation, leading to no thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) caused by a large singlet‐triplet energy splitting (▵EST). Herein a novel steric locking strategy is proposed by incorporating methyl groups into D–A conjugated polymers. Benefitting from the methyl hindrance, the torsion between the donor and acceptor can be well tuned to form a sterically‐locked conformation, so that the unwanted relaxation toward planarity and thus conjugation elongation is prevented to boost hole–electron separation. The resultant D–A conjugated polymer achieves an extremely low ΔEST of 0.09 eV to enable efficient TADF. The corresponding doped and non‐doped devices are fabricated via a solution process, revealing a record‐high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 24.0 % (79.4 cd A−1, 75.0 lm W−1) and 15.3 % (50.9 cd A−1, 47.3 lm W−1).
Fe/Fe3C Boosts H2O2 Utilization for Methane Conversion Overwhelming O2 Generation
Authors: Xing Yicheng , Yao Zheng , Li Wenyuan , Wu Wenting , Lu Xiaoqing , Tian Jun , Li Zhongtao , Hu Han , Wu Mingbo
Published: February 2021

H2O2 as a well‐known efficient oxidant is widely used in the chemical industry mainly because of its homolytic cleavage into .OH (stronger oxidant), but this reaction always competes with O2 generation resulting in H2O2 waste. Here, we fabricate heterogeneous Fenton‐type Fe‐based catalysts containing Fe‐Nx sites and Fe/Fe3C nanoparticles as a model to study this competition. Fe‐Nx in the low spin state provides the active site for .OH generation. Fe/Fe3C, in particular Fe3C, promotes Fe‐Nx sites for the homolytic cleavages of H2O2 into .OH, but Fe/Fe3C nanoparticles (Fe0 as the main component) with more electrons are prone to the undesired O2 generation. With a catalyst benefiting from finely tuned active sites, 18 % conversion rate for the selective oxidation of methane was achieved with about 96 % selectivity for liquid oxygenates (formic acid selectivity over 90 %). Importantly, O2 generation was suppressed 68 %. This work provides guidance for the efficient utilization of H2O2 in the chemical industry.
Construction of Heptagon‐Containing Molecular Nanocarbons
Authors: Chaolumen  , Stepek Iain A. , Yamada Keigo E. , Ito Hideto , Itami Kenichiro
Published: February 2021

Molecular nanocarbons containing heptagonal rings have attracted increasing interest due to their dynamic behavior, electronic properties, aromaticity, and solid‐state packing. Heptagon incorporation can not only induce negative curvature within nanocarbon scaffolds, but also confer significantly altered properties through interaction with adjacent non‐hexagonal rings. Despite the disclosure of several beautiful examples in recent years, synthetic strategies toward heptagon‐embedded molecular nanocarbons remain relatively limited due to the intrinsic challenges of heptagon formation and incorporation into polyarene frameworks. In this Review, recent advances in solution‐mediated and surface‐assisted synthesis of heptagon‐containing molecular nanocarbons, as well as the intriguing properties of these frameworks, will be discussed.
The Folding Landscapes of Human Telomeric RNA and DNA G‐Quadruplexes are Markedly Different
Authors: Müller Diana , Bessi Irene , Richter Christian , Schwalbe Harald
Published: February 2021

We investigated the folding kinetics of G‐quadruplex (G4) structures by comparing the K+‐induced folding of an RNA G4 derived from the human telomeric repeat‐containing RNA (TERRA25) with a sequence homologous DNA G4 (wtTel25) using CD spectroscopy and real‐time NMR spectroscopy. While DNA G4 folding is biphasic, reveals kinetic partitioning and involves kinetically favoured off‐pathway intermediates, RNA G4 folding is faster and monophasic. The differences in kinetics are correlated to the differences in the folded conformations of RNA vs. DNA G4s, in particular with regard to the conformation around the glycosidic torsion angle χ that uniformly adopts anti conformations for RNA G4s and both, syn and anti conformation for DNA G4s. Modified DNA G4s with 19F bound to C2′ in arabino configuration adopt exclusively anti conformations for χ. These fluoro‐modified DNA (antiTel25) reveal faster folding kinetics and monomorphic conformations similar to RNA G4s, suggesting the correlation between folding kinetics and pathways with differences in χ angle preferences in DNA and RNA, respectively.
Desymmetrization of Prochiral Cyclobutanones via Nitrogen Insertion: A Concise Route to Chiral γ‐Lactams
Authors: Sietmann Jan , Ong Mike , Mück‐Lichtenfeld Christian , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Wahl Johannes M.
Published: February 2021

Asymmetric access to γ‐lactams is achieved via a cyclobutanone ring expansion using widely available (1S,2R)‐1‐amino‐2‐indanol for chiral induction. Mechanistic analysis of the key N,O‐ketal rearrangement reveals a Curtin–Hammett scenario, which enables a downstream stereoinduction (up to 88:12 dr) and is corroborated by spectroscopic, crystallographic, and computational studies. In combination with an easy deprotection protocol, this operationally simple sequence allows the synthesis of a range of optically pure γ‐lactams, including those bearing all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters. In addition, the formal synthesis of drug molecules baclofen, brivaracetam, and pregabalin further demonstrates the synthetic utility and highlights the general applicability of the presented method.
Amino Acid‐Functionalized Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Asymmetric Base–Metal Catalysis
Authors: Newar Rajashree , Akhtar Naved , Antil Neha , Kumar Ajay , Shukla Sakshi , Begum Wahida , Manna Kuntal
Published: February 2021

We report a strategy to develop heterogeneous single‐site enantioselective catalysts based on naturally occurring amino acids and earth‐abundant metals for eco‐friendly asymmetric catalysis. The grafting of amino acids within the pores of a metal‐organic framework (MOF), followed by post‐synthetic metalation with iron precursor, affords highly active and enantioselective (>99 % ee for 10 examples) catalysts for hydrosilylation and hydroboration of carbonyl compounds. Impressively, the MOF‐Fe catalyst displayed high turnover numbers of up to 10 000 and was recycled and reused more than 15 times without diminishing the enantioselectivity. MOF‐Fe displayed much higher activity and enantioselectivity than its homogeneous control catalyst, likely due to the formation of robust single‐site catalyst in the MOF through site‐isolation.
Supramolecular complexes of Ni (II) and Co (II) 4‐aminobenzoate with 3‐cyanopyridine: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, crystal structure, and enzyme inhibitory properties
Authors: Sertçelik Mustafa , Öztürkkan Özbek Füreya Elif , Taslimi Parham , Necefoglu Hacali , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: February 2021

Two new complexes, [M (AB)2(CP)2(H2O)2] (where M = Ni and Co AB = 4‐aminobenzoate and CP = cyanopyridine), were synthesized and characterized using different techniques (elemental analysis, FT‐IR spectrophotometer, LC/MS, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and TGA/DTA analysis). As a result of X‐ray structural analysis, it was determined that complexes are isostructural. In the crystalline structures, MII ions are bridged with their carboxylate oxygen and aminopyridine nitrogen atoms and their symmetry‐related counterparts to form a two‐dimensional polymeric structure. The MII ion is octa‐coordinated with two nitrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms of the AB and two atoms of the CP anions. In this study, the effect of these molecules, containing a biologically active group, was investigated on important metabolic enzymes (carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes I and II (hCA I and II), achethylcholinesterase (AChE), and α‐glycosidase (α‐Gly) enzymes).
COVID‐19 in the Perioperative Setting: Applying a Hierarchy of Controls to Prevent Transmission
Authors: Alvino Rebecca T. , Caughell Carolyn M.
Published: February 2021

The evolution of SARS‐CoV‐2 from a zoonotic virus to a novel human pathogen resulted in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) global pandemic. Health care delivery and infection prevention and control recommendations continue to evolve to protect the safety of health care personnel, patients, and visitors while researchers and policymakers learn more about SARS‐CoV‐2 and COVID‐19. The perioperative setting is unique in that it exposes clinicians and personnel to increased risks through the invasive nature of surgical care. Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Hierarchy of Controls as a model, this article presents risk mitigation strategies for preventing the transmission of COVID‐19 in the perioperative environment. The goals are to identify and eliminate potential exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 when surgery is necessary for patients who are suspected or confirmed to have COVID‐19 or who have an unknown infection status.
Perioperative Nurse Educators: Rapid Response to the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Peneza Daphny , White‐Edwards Karen Y. , Bricker Crystal , Mahabee‐Betts Mary , Wagner V. Doreen
Published: February 2021

During the initial response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, hospital leaders limited or halted the scheduling of elective surgical procedures. Perioperative nurse educators participated in a rapid response to develop innovative strategies and use a variety of modalities to provide information and education activities for staff members who were reassigned to different hospital areas. Residency program educators used alternative teaching methods to accommodate the lack of clinical rotations and allow orienting nurses to progress in an OR nurse residency program. Limited access to ORs and social distancing rules prevented nursing students from completing clinical rotations in health care settings, and academic educators developed flexible solutions to meet the students’ needs. Perioperative educators can use guidance from national and international organizations to assist leaders and staff members with managing patient care during the pandemic. This article presents specific information on perioperative nurse educator roles and responses during the pandemic.
Community Hospital Perioperative Services Department Responds to the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Messinger Melissa , McNeill Margaret M.
Published: February 2021

Early in 2020, government leaders declared a public health emergency because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak. After World Health Organization leaders declared that the spread of COVID‐19 was a pandemic, it became evident that patients suspected or confirmed to have COVID‐19 would present for surgery at our community hospital, the only facility in the county. The Maryland governor charged hospital administrators with expanding bed capacity in anticipation of a surge of critically ill patients. Concurrently, the Maryland secretary of health prohibited all elective procedures. During the early phase of preparation and response, processes, information, and hospital capabilities and capacity changed frequently and rapidly. Effective communication, teamwork, and interprofessional and interdepartmental collaboration helped us prepare to deliver safe surgical care to patients during the pandemic and maintain safety for all involved. This article describes our health care facility’s response to the pandemic and lessons learned during the process.
Clinical Issues—February 2021
Authors: Wood Amber
Published: February 2021

THIS MONTH

Moving the surgical lights over a sterile field

Key words: surgical lights, light handles, sterile field contamination, surgical site infection (SSI).

Transport stretchers in the OR

Key words: transport stretcher, bed linens, cross-contamination, sterile field, infectious disease.

Using positive‐pressure ORs for patients who require airborne precautions

Key words: airborne precautions, positive‐pressure airflow, positive‐pressure OR, anteroom.

Discontinuing the use of intraoperative bacitracin irrigation

Key words: bacitracin for injection, antibiotic irrigation, antimicrobial irrigation, surgical site infection (SSI).
Molecular design and synthesis of crosslinked polyimides using radical isomerization of vinylcyclopropane with thiols
Authors: Okamoto Shusuke , Sudo Atsushi , Endo Takeshi
Published: February 2021

Reactive polyimides bearing a vinylcyclopropane (VCP) moiety in the main chain were successfully synthesized from the corresponding diamine with the VCP moiety. Their radical crosslinking using a dithiol proceeded with the radical ring‐opening reaction (RROR) of the VCP moiety to afford the corresponding crosslinked polyimides with the CC bonds in crosslinking moieties. Thermal properties of those crosslinked polyimides were evaluated by thermal gravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. As a result, the increase of the crosslinking degree in the crosslinked polymer exhibited great residual weight at 600°C. In contrast, the tendency of the glass transition temperature was inverse because the increase in the amount of dithiol unit as a crosslinker would enhance the mitigation of the polymer packing structure and activates the mobility of polymer chains.
Enhanced properties of poly(ε‐caprolactone)/polyvinylpyrrolidone electrospun scaffolds fabricated using 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol
Authors: Goreninskii Semen , Danilenko Nadezhda , Bolbasov Evgeniy , Evtina Anastasia , Buldakov Mikhail , Cherdyntseva Nadezhda , Saqib Muhammad , Beshchasna Natalia , Opitz Joerg , Filimonov Victor , Tverdokhlebov Sergei
Published: February 2021

Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PCL/PVP) scaffolds with various composition were fabricated from 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP) solution using the same electrospinning parameters in order to reveal the effect of polymer ratio on the material properties. The obtained materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy, and tensile testing. The strengthening effect of PVP was observed: Young modulus of PCL/PVP scaffold with 50/50 polymer ratio was found at 105.4 ± 8.4 MPa which is six times higher comparing to those of PCL scaffold. PVP‐containing scaffolds were extremely hydrophilic with PVP concentration of 5 wt% (vs. 25 wt% in previous reports) leading to full wetting of the material. in vitro studies showed an improved viability of HeLa cells cultured with the composites containing higher concentrations of PVP. Owing to the application of HFIP, PCL‐based materials were loaded with cyclophosphamide for the first time and the PVP‐containing materials demonstrated the intensified initial release of the model compound. Utilizing HFIP for the fabrication of PCL/PVP scaffolds significantly widens their application for drug delivery systems due to a good solubility of proteins, drugs, and other biologically active compounds in this solvent.
Facile preparation for gelatin/hydroxyethyl cellulose‐SiO2 composite aerogel with good mechanical strength, heat insulation, and water resistance
Authors: Peng Tangping , Zhu Jundong , Huang Tao , Jiang Chongwen , Zhao Fuxing , Ge Shengzhuo , Xie Le
Published: February 2021

The advanced thermal insulation materials with low cost and high mechanical properties play an important role in transport packaging and thermal protection fields. An inorganic/organic composite aerogel was prepared through hydrogen bonds and chemical crosslinking among silica aerogel particles, gelatin (GA), and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). The as‐prepared GA/HEC‐SiO2 composite aerogels were characterized by compression tests, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analyzer, and contact angle tests to investigate the chemical composition and physical structure. The GA/HEC‐SiO2 composite aerogels exhibited a strong mechanical strength (0.53–4.01 MPa), a high compression modulus (1.33–11.52 MPa), a lower volume density (0.035–0.081 g/cm3), thermal conductivity as low as 0.035 W/[m K]), a porosity of more than 93%, and hydrophobic angle as high as 150.01° after hydrophobic modification. These results indicate that biopolymer composite aerogels embedded with SiO2 aerogel particles display a bright future in thermal insulation.
Aramid nanofiber reinforced nitrile rubber assisted by cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Guo Zonglei , Guo Dashuang , Liu Fujun , Wang Hui , Song Jianhui
Published: February 2021

A fiber‐reinforced rubber composite was prepared by mixing aramid nanofibers (ANF) suspension and nitrile rubber (NBR) latex. The effects of ANF content and corresponding surface modification on the microstructure, vulcanization performance, processing and mechanical properties of composite materials, were systematically investigated. We found that, compared with commonly used short‐cut aramid fibers, ANF fillers tend to form a stronger filling network within NBR matrix, resulting in a pronounced Payne effect. By improving the interfacial adhesion via dopamine (DA) coating onto ANF surface, the tensile strength can be further enhanced as expected. Besides, to eliminate the detriment of mechanical performance due to residual sodium polyacrylate in the course of flocculation, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) was adopted to serve as a thickener during solution mixing. The incorporation of CNC can significantly improve the mechanical properties, which identifies a synergistic reinforcement effect arising from the cooperation of two types of fillers.
Self‐healing performance assessment of epoxy resin and amine hardener encapsulated polymethyl methacrylate microcapsules reinforced epoxy composite
Authors: Pittala Raj Kumar , Ben B. Satish , Ben B. Avinash
Published: February 2021

In order to study the effect of healing materials viscosity on the self‐healing performance of polymer composite, mostly available epoxy resin of viscosity 10–12 Pa.s and amine hardener of viscosity 0.01–0.02 Pa.s were chosen as two different healing materials and successfully encapsulated. Effect of core to shell(c/s) ratio on the synthesis of epoxy microcapsules was investigated and 1:1 c/s ratio is suggested as an ideal ratio to synthesize epoxy capsules. Chemical structure and thermal decomposition patterns of both microcapsules and capsules reinforced composite were analyzed. Tensile strength, impact strength and fracture toughness of capsules reinforced self‐healing epoxy composite were evaluated. It was observed that the toughness of epoxy composite increased with the increase in microcapsules concentration. An optimum healing efficiency of 66% was observed with the addition of 7.5 wt% epoxy and hardener microcapsules at equal weight ratio. Stresses developed in the pure epoxy composite crack front were analyzed using Ansys V18.1.
Assessing the spatial–temporal response of groundwater‐fed anchialine ecosystems to sea‐level rise for coastal zone management
Authors: Marrack Lisa , Wiggins Chad , Marra John J. , Genz Ayesha , Most Rebecca , Falinski Kim , Conklin Eric
Published: February 2021

As a result of sea‐level rise (SLR), coastal anchialine pool habitats will be lost in some locations and will expand inland into low‐lying areas in others. New and existing habitats may risk additional SLR‐related degradation from non‐native species transmission, groundwater pollution, and increased contact with human infrastructure. Despite a worldwide distribution, anchialine ecosystems and biota have been largely omitted from SLR risk assessments for coastal ecosystems.

Anchialine pools and caves are composed of brackish groundwater that connects to the marine environment through porous rocky substrate but have no overland connection to the ocean. They support unique endemic biota.

The goal of this study was to develop methods to assess potential impacts to anchialine pools from future coastal flooding, using the island of Hawai'i as a case study. Flood predictions incorporated pool surveys, groundwater‐level measurements, and statistical analysis of flood frequencies observed in tide gauges combined with regional scenario‐based projections of future sea levels. High‐resolution geospatial models were then generated to predict anchialine pool location, density, and risk factors for the next 60 years.

Along 40 km of coastline, up to 80% of current anchialine pools will be lost by 2080 as pools merge with ocean habitats; however, as groundwater flooding occurs more frequently and new habitats are created inland, the total pool counts will rise from 509 in 2018 to 1,000 by 2080. As a result of extreme water‐level events, non‐native fishes are predicted to disperse into 42% of pools by 2030. Based on current conditions, development and cesspool risks are quite low for anchialine pools in the study area.

Outcomes from this study are guiding conservation actions, including habitat restoration, non‐native fish removal, and development planning decisions in coastal areas. This study illustrates methods that can be used to assess the effects of SLR on anchialine pool habitats worldwide.
Expansion of Alternative Autoantibodies Does Not Follow the Evolution of Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibodies in Preclinical Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Analysis in At‐Risk First Degree Relatives
Authors: Anaparti Vidyanand , Smolik Irene , Meng Xiaobo , O’Neil Liam , Jantz Mackenzie A. , Fritzler Marvin J. , El‐Gabalawy Hani
Published: February 2021

Objective

Co‐occurrence of autoantibodies specific for ≥1 autoimmune disease is widely prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. To understand the prevalence of polyautoimmunity in preclinical RA, we performed a comprehensive autoantibody assessment in a First Nations cohort of at‐risk first‐degree relatives (FDR) of RA patients, a subset of whom subsequently developed RA (progressors).

Methods

Venous blood was collected from all study participants (n = 50 RA patients and 64 FDR) at scheduled visits, and serum was stored at −20°C. High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein level, anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) status, and autoantibody status were determined using commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. Rheumatoid factor (RF) was detected by nephelometry. Antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA) were identified using Hep‐2 indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and classified according to international consensus nomenclature as various anti‐cell (AC) patterns.

Results

Of our study cohort, 78.9% had positive ANA reactivity (≥1:80), which was either a homogenous, fine‐speckled (AC‐1 and AC‐4) or mixed IFA pattern. Importantly, the AC‐4 and mixed ANA patterns were also observed in progressors at the time of disease onset. While all of the RA patients showed a high prevalence of arthritis‐associated autoantibodies, they also had a high prevalence of extractable nuclear antigen–positive autoantibodies to other autoantigens. In FDR, we did not observe any increase in serum autoreactivity to nonarthritis autoantigens, either cross‐sectionally or in samples collected longitudinally from progressors prior to RA onset.

Conclusion

While alternative autoimmunity and ANA positivity are widely prevalent in First Nations populations, including asymptomatic, seronegative FDR, expansion of alternative autoimmunity does not occur in parallel with ACPA expansion in FDR and is restricted to patients with established RA.
Probing of extragalactic background light with TeV gamma‐ray observations
Authors: Sinitsyna Vera G. , Sinitsyna Vera Yu , Borisov Sergei S. , Mirzafatikhov Rim M. , Balygin Kirill A. , Klimov Anatolii I. , Ostashev Igor E. , Moseiko Nikolai I.
Published: February 2021

Extragalactic Background Light (EBL) radiation contains an information about the cosmological processes including the history of stars and galaxies formation. The detection of γ‐ray sources in the energy range 0.8–40 TeV at red‐shifts from z = 0.018 to z = 1.375 with SHALON telescopes led to the constraint of the EBL density, as the TeV γ‐rays can be absorbed due to interaction of low‐energy photons of EBL. It is compared with data from measurements and models. Also, the observations of sources with z > 2 from first and second Fermi LAT AGN catalogue have been started in the year 2014, and the first results on B2 242 + 43 (z = 2.243) and B2 0743 + 25 (z = 2.979) quasars are presented. The detection of TeV γ‐ray sources at high red‐shifts is the evidence of less average spectral density of EBL and thus the less star formation rate at early evolution stage than it is previously believed.
Non‐local chiral quark model at finite chemical potential in the presence of an intense magnetic field
Authors: Ferraris Sebastián Alberto , Grunfeld Ana Gabriela , Scoccola Norberto Nerio
Published: February 2021

We study the behavior of two‐flavor dense quark matter under the influence of an external magnetic field B in the framework of an extended Nambu‐Jona‐Lasinio model with non‐local and separable interactions. This non‐locality is incorporated in the model by using a Gaussian form factor. We find that within this model there is a decrease of the critical chiral restoration chemical potential for a rather wide range of increasing magnetic fields.
Fusion dynamics of 12C + 12C reaction: An astrophysical interest within the relativistic mean‐field approach
Authors: Rana Shilpa , Kumar Raj , Bhuyan Mrutunjaya
Published: February 2021

The 12C + 12C fusion reaction plays a significant role in the later phases of stellar evolution. For a better understanding of the evolution involved, one must understand the corresponding fusion‐fission dynamics and reaction characteristics. In the present analysis, we have studied the fusion cross‐section along with the S‐factor for this reaction using the well‐known M3Y and recently developed R3Y nucleon‐nucleon (NN) potential along with the relativistic mean‐field densities in double‐folding approach. The density distributions and the microscopic R3Y NN potential are calculated using the NL3* parameter set. The ℓ‐ summed Wong model is employed to investigate the fusion cross‐section, with ℓmax‐values from the sharp cut‐off model. The calculated results are also then compared with the experimental data. It is found that the R3Y interaction gives a reasonable agreement with the data.
Atypical Head Movement during Face‐to‐Face Interaction in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Zhao Zhong , Zhu Zhipeng , Zhang Xiaobin , Tang Haiming , Xing Jiayi , Hu Xinyao , Lu Jianping , Peng Qiongling , Qu Xingda
Published: February 2021

The present study implemented an objective head pose tracking technique—OpenFace 2.0 to quantify the three dimensional head movement. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typical development (TD) were engaged in a structured conversation with an interlocutress while wearing an eye tracker. We computed the head movement stereotypy with multiscale entropy analysis. In addition, the head rotation range (RR) and the amount of rotation per minute (ARPM) were calculated to quantify the extent of head movement. Results demonstrated that the ASD group had significantly higher level of movement stereotypy, RR and ARPM in all the three directions of head movement. Further analyses revealed that the extent of head movement could be significantly explained by movement stereotypy, but not by the amount of visual fixation to the interlocutress. These results demonstrated the atypical head movement dynamics in children with ASD during live interaction. It is proposed that head movement might potentially provide novel objective biomarkers of ASD.

Lay Summary

Our study used an objective tool to quantify head movement in children with autism. Results showed that children with autism had more stereotyped and greater head movement. We suggest that head movement tracking technique be widely used in autism research.
High production of d‐psicose from d‐fructose by immobilized whole recombinant Bacillus subtilis cells expressing d‐psicose 3‐epimerase from Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Sun Jiandong , Qi Hongqing , Wang Liang , Wang Jihui , Li Cheng
Published: February 2021

d‐Psicose 3‐epimerase (DPEase) can catalyze the isomerization of d‐fructose to be rare sugar d‐psicose, which has wide application prospects in the food and medical fields. In this study, the DPEase gene from Agrobacterium tumefaciens was constructed into plasmid pMA5, and was successfully expressed in the host Bacillus subtilis WB600 (B. subtilis). After optimization of the fermentation conditions, whole recombinant B. subtilis WB600/pMA5‐At‐DEPase(O) cells produced d‐psicose from d‐fructose with a conversion rate of 29.01 ± 0.19%, which could be used for the efficient synthesis of d‐psicose. To further improve the whole recombinant B. subtilis application, B. subtilis cells were immobilized onto a gel bead biocatalyst by Ca‐alginate. After optimization of the biotransformation conditions, the conversion rate of the immobilized biocatalyst reached 20.74 ± 0.39%, which was lower than the free cells. However, the results showed that the immobilized biocatalyst had higher thermal/pH stability and storability, and the gel beads could be recycled for at least six batches. The results showed that the amount of d‐psicose generated reached 32.83 ± 2.56 g/L with the immobilized biocatalyst after six times biotransformation, whereas the free cells produced only approximately 10.44 ± 0.07 g/L. The results showed that immobilized recombinant B. subtilis cells are promising to use for the efficient synthesis of d‐psicose.
Luftbrunnenanlage des Burgtheaters Wien: Nachhaltige Klimatisierungsstrategien
Authors: Kain Günther , Idam Friedrich , Huber Alfons , Goldsteiner Markus
Published: February 2021

Das Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts errichtete Burgtheater in Wien ist eines der bedeutendsten Sprechtheater Europas. Es verfügt über eine aus der Errichtungszeit stammende Luftbrunnenanlage zur Frischluftversorgung und Konditionierung des Zuschauerhauses. Dabei wird Frischluft im nahegelegenen Volksgarten angesaugt und über einen unterirdischen Gang und Bodenauslässe in den Zuschauerraum geführt. Warme, verbrauchte Luft wird über die Decke des Zuschauerhauses und eine drehbare Öffnung auf dem Dach des Theaters abgeführt. Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurden an maßgeblichen Stellen des Belüftungssystems Sensoren zur Überwachung von Lufttemperatur, Luftgeschwindigkeit und Luftfeuchtigkeit platziert. Schließlich wurden Optimierungspotenziale in der Betriebssteuerung und eine adiabate Luftkühlung durch Wasservernebelung evaluiert. Es konnten dabei erfolgsversprechende Handlungsoptionen zur nachhaltigen Konditionierung des Burgtheaters formuliert werden.
Schalldämmung und Schallschutz – Vergleich von bewertetem Bau‐Schalldämm‐Maß R'w und bewerteter Standard‐Schallpegeldifferenz DnT,w
Authors: Neubauer Reinhard O.
Published: February 2021

In DIN 4109 wird die Schalldämmung, ausgedrückt mit der kennzeichnenden Größe R′w, zur Beschreibung des Schallschutzes verwendet. Schalldämmung und Schallschutz beschreiben jedoch unterschiedliche Sachverhalte. Die Schalldämmung kennzeichnet eine Qualität eines Trennbauteils als „Widerstand” mit der kennzeichnenden Größe „Schalldämm‐Maß, R” und der Schallschutz beschreibt eine Qualität des Schutzes zwischen zwei Räumen vor Schallübertragungen und wird mit der kennzeichnenden Größe „Schallpegeldifferenz, D” ausgedrückt. Durch Vergleich beider Kenngrößen wird klar, dass ein Unterschied bestehen muss, der sich nicht nur algebraisch in den Gleichungen darstellen lässt. Werden gleiche Räume objektiv und subjektiv untersucht, zeigen sich Unterschiede sowohl in der Einzahlangabe als auch in der Wahrnehmung. Insbesondere im Hörvergleich hat sich gezeigt, dass das bewertete Schalldämm‐Maß (R′w) uneinheitlich in subjektiver Hinsicht bewertet wird, wohingegen die bewertete Standard‐Schallpegeldifferenz (DnT,w) eine deutliche „Korrelation” zeigt.
Kommunale Sporthallen in Deutschland – Bestandssituation und Perspektiven
Authors: Horst Patricia , Messari‐Becker Lamia
Published: February 2021

Sportstätten haben sowohl im Hinblick auf ihre soziokulturelle Funktion als auch aus Sicht des gebäudebezogenen Umwelt‐ und Klimaschutzes eine besondere Bedeutung. Den größten Anteil deutscher Sportstätten bilden Sporthallen, die vorwiegend durch die Kommunen betrieben werden und größtenteils zu Zeiten des Goldenen Plans (1960/70er‐Jahre) erbaut wurden. Um die positiven Effekte auf das Sporttreiben und somit auf die Lebensqualität sowie auf das Erreichen der gebäudebezogenen Umwelt‐ und Klimaschutzziele nutzen zu können, bedarf es einer definierten Quantität und Qualität dieser Anlagen. Inwieweit die Sportstätten – insbesondere kommunale Sporthallen – den quantitativen und qualitativen Bedarf decken können und welche Perspektiven für den Sporthallenbestand aus Sicht der Nachhaltigkeit resultieren, wird im folgenden Aufsatz diskutiert.
Untersuchungen zum sommerlichen Wärmeschutz – Teil 1: Vergleich der Nachweisverfahren unter Berücksichtigung zukünftiger Klimadaten
Authors: Hoffmann Sabine , Kheybari Abolfazl Ganji
Published: February 2021

In einer dreiteiligen Artikelreihe wird der Nachweis des sommerlichen Wärmeschutzes mit verschiedenen Methoden und unterschiedlichen Randbedingungen untersucht. Während Teil 1 die herkömmlichen Verfahren nach DIN 4108‐2 miteinander vergleicht und unter dem Aspekt der sich verändernden Klimabedingungen betrachtet, beschäftigt sich Teil 2 mit mehrdimensionalen Simulationsansätzen für Sonnenschutz. In Teil 3 werden zusätzlich Modellierungsverfahren vorgestellt, die für die korrekte Wiedergabe spezieller Geometrien und hoch reflektierender Materialien bei Verschattungssystemen von Bedeutung sind.

Im vorliegenden Teil 1 der Artikelreihe wird eine Analyse der herkömmlichen Nachweisverfahren, nämlich des Tabellenverfahrens mit Sonneneintragskennwert sowie der dynamischen Gebäudesimulation, durchgeführt. Beide Methoden werden im Hinblick auf die Auswirkungen wichtiger Aspekte und Maßnahmen des sommerlichen Wärmeschutzes (Klimaregion, Orientierung, Fensterflächenanteil, Lüftung, thermische Masse, Sonnenschutz) untersucht und mit einander verglichen. Für die Gebäudesimulation werden neben dem vorgeschriebenen Klimadatensatz (TRY 2010) auch Zukunftsklimadaten verwendet, die den Zeitraum 2021 – 2050 repräsentieren (TRY 2035).
Pharmacological and interventional treatment of benign prostatic obstruction: An evidence‐based comparative review
Authors: Malde Sachin , Lam Wayne , Adwin Zainal , Hashim Hashim
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The recommended treatment for bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) after the failure of behavioral therapy and fluid modification includes pharmacological, minimally invasive interventional, and surgical approaches. Each option has different risk and benefit profiles, and the urologist must be aware of the unique characteristics of each option in order to be able to accurately counsel the patients based on their individual values and preferences. We provide a comparative review of the commonest pharmacological and most widely performed interventional/surgical treatments for BPO, discussing the evidence for the treatment characteristics that are most useful for the practicing urologist.

Methods

A search of the PubMed database was performed for articles reporting on the following treatments for LUTS due to BPO: α‐blockers, 5α‐reductase inhibitors, phosphpdiesterase‐5 inhibitors, prostatic urethral lift (Urolift), convective radiofrequency water vapor thermal therapy (Rezum), Temporary implantable Nitinol Device (iTIND), prostate artery embolization (PAE), transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), Aquablation, and anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP). We performed a narrative review focussing on the following outcomes: efficacy, safety, durability, duration of catheterization, length of stay, re‐treatment rate, efficacy in special situations (enlarged median lobe, prostate size, urinary retention, and anticoagulant use), and sexual adverse events.

Results

AEEP offers the greatest long‐term improvement in maximum flow rate, IPSS, and prostate volume reduction, with lowest re‐treatment rate, followed by PVP, TURP, and Aquablation. Urolift, Rezum, and PAE have similar efficacy for prostate volume up to 80cc, and all are more effective than the pharmacological treatment. Urolift offers the lowest rate of sexual dysfunction, followed by Rezum, and both can be performed as a day case under local anesthesia.

Conclusion

Several treatment options exist to treat voiding LUTS due to BPO. Newer minimally invasive treatments reduce the hospital stay and postoperative complications, whereas AEEP provides the greatest long‐term symptom improvement at the expense of higher morbidity and sexual dysfunction. Men should be counseled regarding all suitable treatment options as some may favor reduced efficacy in association with reduced side effects.
Evaluation of Temperature Increase From Joule Heat in Numerical Tooth Model by Applying 500 kHz Current for Apical Periodontitis Treatment—Effect of Applied Voltage and Tooth Conductivity
Authors: Tarao Hiroo , Akutagawa Masatake , Emoto Takahiro , Takei Amane , Yumoto Hiromichi , Tominaga Toshihiko , Ikehara Toshitaka , Kinouchi Yosuke
Published: February 2021

For apical periodontitis treatments, a new method with the insertion of an electrode into the root canal of a tooth and application of a current at 500 kHz to sterilize the area by Joule heat has attracted attention. However, few studies have quantified the temperature increase in the root canal. This study aimed to investigate the basic characteristics of the temperature increase in a simple and standard tooth model when energizing a current at 500 kHz to the numerical tooth model with typical electrical and physical properties. We developed a numerical model of a standard tooth (dentin) and periodontal tissues consisting of an alveolar bone, cortical bone, and gingiva, and physiological saline in a root canal and calculated the temperature increase inside the numerical model by a coupled analysis of current and heat when a voltage was applied across the electrodes. The calculated results for the different applied voltages showed a temperature increase at the apical portion of the root canal, which increased with the applied voltage even for the same total supplied energy. The temperature increase occurred at the apical portion of the root canal as the tooth conductivity decreased. When the tooth conductivity was high, a current passed through the dentin, which led to a decrease in the temperature at the apical portion of the root canal. However, a chemical solution with a higher conductivity in the root canal tended to increase the temperature at the apical portion of the root canal, regardless of the tooth conductivity. More efficient approaches for increasing the spatial and temporal temperature for the tooth model target are needed. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Comparing two equivalence‐based instruction protocols and self‐study for teaching logical fallacies to college students
Authors: Gallant Emily E. , Reeve Kenneth F. , Reeve Sharon A. , Vladescu Jason C. , Kisamore April N.
Published: February 2021

The current study compared two equivalence‐based instruction (EBI) protocols to each other and to a self‐study control group to teach classes of logical fallacies to college students. The two different EBI protocols were stimulus‐pairing yes–no (SPYN) responding and match‐to‐sample (MTS). Four three‐member logical fallacy classes were taught (i.e., ad hominem, circular argument, faulty analogy, and slippery slope). Class members consisted of the fallacy definition, fallacy name, and multiple examples of vignettes of each fallacy. Three vignette exemplars per class were used to program for generalization across vignettes, and two more were reserved to assess generalization. Written and computerized tests were completed before training, immediately following training, and at a 1‐week follow‐up session. The results showed that both MTS and SPYN EBI procedures were superior to self‐study procedures with respect to computerized test outcomes, but not written test outcomes. In addition, the effects of MTS and SPYN were similar to one another regarding equivalence class formation, computerized tests, and written tests. These results increase the range of procedures that may be used to establish equivalence classes.