bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three de novo variants in KMT2A (MLL) identified by whole exome sequencing in patients with Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome
Authors: Luo Sukun , Bi Bo , Zhang Wenqian , Zhou Rui , Chen Wei , Zhao Peiwei , Huang Yufeng , Yuan Li , He Xuelian
Published: September 2021

Background

Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome (WSS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by short stature, hypertrichosis, intellectual disability, developmental delay, along with facial dysmorphism. WSS patients exhibit great phenotypic heterogeneities. Some variants in KMT2A (MLL) gene have been identified as the cause of WSS.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing on the probands followed by Sanger sequencing validations in the family were applied to determine genetic variants. In silico analyses were used for predicting potential effects of the variants.

Results

We identified three novel de novo heterozygous variants: c.883A>T (p.Lys295*), c.4171C>T (p.Gln1391*), and c.3499T>C (p.Cys1167Arg), in KMT2A gene from three unrelated Chinese WSS patients. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines, these three variants were classified as pathogenic, pathogenic and likely pathogenic variant, respectively. By reviewing all the available cases with same mutated KMT2A regions as the three patients had, we found that in addition to the representative symptoms, our patients exhibited some sporadically observed symptoms, such as severe ophthalmological symptoms, endocardial fibroelastosis, cytomegalovirus infection, and feet eversion. We also revealed that variants in different KMT2A regions contribute to the phenotypic heterogeneity of WSS, highlighting challenges in the diagnosis of syndromic disorders spanning a broad phenotypic spectrum.

Conclusion

Our study would aid in further broadening our knowledge about the genotype–phenotype correlation of WSS.
Oscillation of fourth‐order neutral differential equations with damping term
Authors: Bartušek Miroslav , Došlá Zuzana
Published: September 2021

The fourth‐order neutral differential equation with damping term is investigated. There are given conditions that are optimal in a certain sense, guaranteeing the oscillation of all proper solutions. The continuability of solutions and the existence of nonoscillatory bounded solutions are investigated as well. Some results are new for equation without delays.
Wideband self‐packaged antenna based on substrate‐integrated suspended line platform for 5G millimeter‐wave application
Authors: Wang Xiyao , Luo Yu , Ma Kaixue , Yang Wanchen , Xue Quan , Che Wenquan
Published: September 2021

A wideband antenna based on substrate‐integrated suspended line (SISL) platform is presented for the fifth generation (5G) communication applications. The antenna is composed of two dipoles and differentially driven by coupled slot between dipole arms to achieve symmetrical radiation pattern on both E and H plane. Combining with the multilayer feature of the SISL, a metallic cavity under the dipole is formed to improve the antenna bandwidth and radiation performance. To verify the proposed antenna, one prototype was fabricated using the conventional printed circuit board process and a balun structure was designed to provide the differential excitation. The measured results indicate that the proposed dipole antenna with differential feeding network achieves a large −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 58% from 24.5 to 44.5 GHz and a peak gain of 8.2 dBi. The proposed antenna is a promising candidate for 5G communications due to its advantages of wideband, high gain, low cost, and convenient integration with differential active circuits.
An iterative reconstruction method based on monochromatic images for dual energy CT
Authors: Zhang Weibin , Zhao Shusen , Pan Huiying , Zhao Yunsong , Zhao Xing
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) scans objects using two different X‐ray spectra to acquire more information, which is also called dual spectral CT (DSCT) in some articles. Compared to traditional CT, DECT exhibits superior material distinguishability. Therefore, DECT can be widely used in the medical and industrial domains. However, owing to the nonlinearity and ill condition of DECT, studies are underway on DECT reconstruction to obtain high quality images and achieve fast convergence speed. Therefore, in this study, we propose an iterative reconstruction method based on monochromatic images (IRM‐MI) to rapidly obtain high‐quality images in DECT reconstruction.

Methods

An IRM‐MI is proposed for DECT. The proposed method converts DECT reconstruction problem from the basis material images decomposition to monochromatic images decomposition to significantly improve the convergence speed of DECT reconstruction by changing the coefficient matrix of the original equations to increase the angle of the high‐ and low‐energy projection curves or reduce the condition number of the coefficient matrix. The monochromatic images were then decomposed into basis material images. Furthermore, we conducted numerical experiments to evaluate the performance of the proposed method.

Results

The decomposition results of the simulated data and real data experiments confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared to the extended algebraic reconstruction technique (E‐ART) method, the proposed method exhibited a significant increase in the convergence speed by increasing the angle of polychromatic projection curves or decreasing the condition number of the coefficient matrix, when choosing the appropriate monochromatic images. Therefore, the proposed method is also advantageous in acquiring high quality and rapidly converged images.

Conclusions

We developed an iterative reconstruction method based on monochromatic images for the material decomposition for DECT. The numerical experiments using the proposed method validated its capability of decomposing the basis material images. Furthermore, the proposed method achieved faster convergence speed compared to the E‐ART method.
Industry strategy: Paired goals
Authors: Haldimann Richard
Published: September 2021

Which of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals has Clariant selected, why those, and how does the company intend to achieve them?
Chemiedidaktik: Funken selbstgemacht
Authors: Scheid Michael , Rusan Magdalena , Klapötke Thomas M. , Schwarzer Stefan
Published: September 2021

Die Mischung, die Wunderkerzen funkeln lässt, ist nichts für Kinder – die Bestandteile sind gesundheitsschädlich und können explosiv sein. Das muss nicht sein: Chemiker und Chemiedidaktiker aus München haben eine Mischung entwickelt, die Schülerinnen und Schüler ab der Jahrgangsstufe fünf sicher handhaben können.
Abschluss und dann?
Authors: Pereira Jaé Angela , Gajda Alina
Published: September 2021

Finde es heraus im GDCh‐Mentoring‐Programm CheMento! Jetzt bewerben und aktiv den ersten Schritt ins Berufsleben planen.
Magnetic water cleaning
Authors: Halik Marcus , Sarcletti Marco , Zahn Dirk
Published: September 2021

Hazardous water pollution caused by pure or chemically refined hydrocarbons – e.g., crude oil, nano‐ and microplastics, or herbicides – can be removed by rust. Nanoscience combined with chemical recognition motifs on surfaces enables an efficient and sustainable technique.
Protecting plant communities with weed killers
Authors: Sesin Verena , Freeland Joanna R. , Davy Christina M.
Published: September 2021

Herbicides are designed to kill plants. At certain concentrations, herbicides remove all kinds of plants, making them a popular tool to control weeds and invasive plants. But this is risky if the goal is to protect native plant communities.
Closed loop variable gain ILC for a class of nonlinear parabolic distributed parameter systems with moving boundaries
Authors: Dai Xisheng , Zhang Hai , Wu Qiqi , Tian Senping
Published: September 2021

This article researched the output tracking problem of a class of nonlinear parabolic distributed parameter systems with moving boundaries. Considering the large deviation of the initial state reset of the system, a closed‐loop variable gain accelerated iterative learning control algorithm is designed. And sufficient condition for the convergence of the tracking error is given. Through rigorous theoretical analysis guaranteed that the tracking error of the system converges to zero in the positive direction of the iteration axis in the sense of the norm. Finally, the effectiveness of the designed algorithm is verified by a numerical simulation.
First Isolation and Structure Elucidation of GDNT‐β‐Glu – Tetraether Lipid Fragment from Archaeal Sulfolobus Strains
Authors: Scholte Alexander , Hübner Christoph , Ströhl Dieter , Scheufler Olaf , Czich Steffen , Börke Julia M. , Hildebrand Gerhard , Liefeith Klaus
Published: September 2021

Due to their special chemical structure, tetraether lipids (TEL) represent essential elements of archaeal membranes, providing these organisms with extraordinary properties. Here we describe the characterization of a newly isolated structural element of the main lipids. The TEL fragment GDNT‐β‐Glu was isolated from Sulfolobus metallicus and characterized in terms of its chemical structure by NMR‐ and MS‐investigations. The obtained data are dissimilar to analogically derived established structures – in essence, the binding relationships in the polar head group are re‐determined and verified. With this work, we provide an important contribution to the structure elucidation of intact TEL also contained in other Sulfolobus strains such as Solfulobus acidocaldarius and Sulfolobus solfataricus.
Durable changes in the gut microbiome in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Bhuta Roma , DeNardo Bradley , Wang Jing , Atoyan Janet , Zhang Ying , Nelson David , Shapiro Jason
Published: September 2021

There are limiteddata on long‐term changes in the gut microbiome after acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy. We compared the gut microbial composition in stool samples of nine survivors of childhood ALL with 10 healthy sibling controls using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Analysis of beta diversity within family units demonstrated a significant difference in bacterial strains between patients and healthy siblings. A significant difference in alpha diversity between patients and their healthy siblings was noted using Pielou's evenness. The composition of the gut microbiome differs between pediatric ALL survivors and healthy sibling controls for years after completion of therapy.
Ein Quantenrechner im Computerschrank
Authors: Pogorelov Vanya , Marciniak Christian , Schindler Philipp , Monz Thomas
Published: September 2021

Quantencomputer versprechen schnellere Lösungen für viele Probleme. Bisher sind mehrere Prototypen realisiert worden, die jedoch allesamt eine penibel kontrollierte Laborumgebung benötigen. Um wirklich nützlich zu sein, müssen Quantencomputer ihren Weg aus dem Labor und in ein Rechenzentrum finden. Forscher der Universität Innsbruck und das Startup AQT haben nun den ersten Prototypen eines Quantencomputer in einem handelsüblichen Computerschrank demonstriert – und dabei neue Rekorde aufgestellt.
Registration of ‘Driver’ hard red spring wheat
Authors: Glover K. D. , Kleinjan J. L. , Graham C. , Ali S. , Byamukama E. , Jin Y. , Ingemansen J. A. , Turnipseed E. B. , Dykes L.
Published: September 2021

Widespread acceptance of new hard red spring wheat (HRSW; Triticum aestivum L). cultivars by South Dakota growers relies heavily on a favorable combination of essential production characteristics, such as agronomic performance, resistance to prominent diseases, and acceptable end‐use quality potential. Additional characteristics, however, such as lodging resistance are also important to growers. Steadily increasing levels of lodging resistance in new cultivar releases are a significant goal of the South Dakota State University (SDSU) HRSW breeding program. The objective of this research was to release a new HRSW cultivar with elevated resistance to lodging that is also capable of meeting grower expectations with respect to essential production characteristics. ‘Driver’ (Reg. no. CV‐1187, PI 698121) was developed by the SDSU‐HRSW breeding program and released by the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (SDAES) to Certified seed producers in early 2020. The cross MN06075‐4/SD4165 was completed during spring 2011 and the resulting population was advanced via an early‐generation bulk‐testing program where F4:7 seed was included in the 2015 preliminary yield trial and designated as SD4625. Prior to release, SD4625 also was tested in the advanced yield trial from 2016 through 2019 as well as crop performance testing trials from 2017 through 2019. Driver was released for its combination of agronomic potential, disease resistance, acceptable end‐use quality, and lodging resistance.
Use of telehealth and eHealth technologies in patient care by psycho‐oncology service providers in low–middle‐income countries during the COVID‐19
Authors: Estapé Tania , Phillip Errol J. , Bergerot Cristiane Decat
Published: September 2021

Key points

A high number of mental health cancer care providers from low–middle‐income countries (LMICs) reported that they are working during the COVID‐19 as both clinicians and researchers

Less than 50% of providers surveyed were taking care of patients with comorbid cancer and COVID‐19. They also reported that this pandemic had drastically impacted the number of patients seen per week

Due to COVID‐19, mental health cancer care providers from LMICs had to incorporate technology into their practice (with and without the support from an institution). Telephone, videoconferencing, text messages, and telehealth have been great resources by which to offer psychosocial support to their patients

Notably, despite the fact that mental health cancer care providers from LMICs have been able to offer eHealth interventions during the pandemic, they are experiencing notable challenges in delivering this type of intervention, often due to limited technology resources in their countries

The vast majority of mental health cancer providers from LMICs would like to be trained to offer eHealth interventions and to develop this type of supportive care resource in their countries
NMR hawk‐eyed view of AlphaFold2 structures
Authors: Zweckstetter Markus
Published: September 2021

The prediction of the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of proteins from the amino acid sequence made a stunning breakthrough reaching atomic accuracy. Using the neural network‐based method AlphaFold2, 3D structures of almost the entire human proteome have been predicted and made available (https://www.alphafold.ebi.ac.uk). To gain insight into how well AlphaFold2 structures represent the conformation of proteins in solution, I here compare the AlphaFold2 structures of selected small proteins with their 3D structures that were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Proteins were selected for which the 3D solution structures were determined on the basis of a very large number of distance restraints and residual dipolar couplings and are thus some of the best‐resolved solution structures of proteins to date. The quality of the backbone conformation of the AlphaFold2 structures is assessed by fitting a large set of experimental residual dipolar couplings (RDCs). The analysis shows that experimental RDCs fit extremely well to the AlphaFold2 structures predicted for GB3, DinI, and ubiquitin. In the case of GB3, the accuracy of the AlphaFold2 structure even surpasses that of a 1.1 Å crystal structure. Fitting of experimental RDCs furthermore allows identification of AlphaFold2 structures that are best representative of the protein's conformation in solution as seen for the EF hands of the N‐terminal domain of Ca2+‐ligated calmodulin. Taken together, the analysis shows that structures predicted by AlphaFold2 can be highly representative of the solution conformation of proteins. The combination of AlphaFold2 structures with RDCs promises to be a powerful approach to study structural changes in proteins.
Prioritizing the candidate genes related to cervical cancer using the moment of inertia tensor
Authors: Thummadi Neelesh Babu , T. Mallikarjuna , Vindal Vaibhav , P. Manimaran
Published: September 2021

It is well known that cervical cancer poses the fourth most malignancy threat to women worldwide among all cancer types. There is a tremendous improvement in realizing the underlying molecular associations in cervical cancer. Several studies reported pieces of evidence for the involvement of various genes in the disease progression. However, with the ever‐evolving bioinformatics tools, there has been an upsurge in predicting numerous genes responsible for cervical cancer progression and making it highly complex to target the genes for further evaluation. In this article, we prioritized the candidate genes based on the sequence similarity analysis with known cancer genes. For this purpose, we used the concept of the moment of inertia tensor, which reveals the similarities between the protein sequences more efficiently. Tensor for moment of inertia explores the similarity of the protein sequences based on the physicochemical properties of amino acids. From our analysis, we obtained 14 candidate cervical cancer genes, which are highly similar to known cervical cancer genes. Further, we analyzed the GO terms and prioritized these genes based on the number of hits with biological process, molecular functions, and their involvement in KEGG pathways. We also discussed the evidence‐based involvement of the prioritized genes in other cancers and listed the available drugs for those genes.
Vapor heat treatment against Planococcus lilacinus Cockerell (Hemiptera:Pseudococcidae) on dragon fruit
Authors: Ren Lili , Qian Lu , Xue Meiling , Peng Caiyun , Chen Naizhong , Zhan Guoping , Liu Bo
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

The coffee mealybug Planococcus lilacinus Cockerell, is an invasive pest that infests dragon fruit [Selenicereus undatus (Haworth) D.R. Hunt], that may require a phytosanitary treatment to meet quarantine requirements. In this study, vapor heat treatment was conducted to disinfest P. lilacinus on dragon fruit and the quality of dragon fruit was evaluated thereafter.

RESULTS

Adult female P. lilacinus was the most heat‐tolerant stage at 47, 48 and 49 °C. The death kinetic model and probit model were used to predict LT99.9968 at the three temperatures. The treatment times predicted by the kinetic model that could effectively disinfest adult female P. lilacinus females were 120.84, 78.06 and 67.96 min at 47, 48 and 49 °C, respectively. In a confirmatory test of vapor heat treatment at 49 °C for 70 min, complete mortality was recorded for 33 195 adult females infesting 148 dragon fruits; thus, the efficacy level of disinfestation was 99.9910% at 95% confidence level. The quality of dragon fruit generally was not affected by heat treatment, fruit firmness was increased remarkably and respiration rate was significantly decreased.

CONCLUSION

Our result indicates that vapor heat treatment at 49 °C for a duration of 70 min is an effective phytosanitary treatment for control of P. lilacinus on dragon fruit that minimally impacts fruit quality. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Combination of rhizosphere bacteria isolated from resistant potato plants for biocontrol of potato late blight
Authors: Feng Shun , Jin Liang , Tang Shicai , Jian Yongfei , Li Zhengguo
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Potato late blight (PLB) caused by Phytophthora infestans is one of the most devastating plant diseases. The heavy use of chemical control agents is at odds with the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture practices. It is necessary to screen the antagonistic microorganisms of P. infestans and provide a new choice of PLB biocontrol.

RESULTS

In vitro, eight bacterial strains (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) isolated from the rhizosphere of resistant potato plants had a significant inhibitory effect on the mycelium growth of P. infestans, and the inhibition rate was 35.02–79.20%. These isolates were assigned to Streptomyces, Pseudomonas, Saccharothrix and Nocardiopsis by phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA genes. Their physiological and biochemical characteristics suggested that they can produce cellulase and catalase, which may help to inhibit the infection of P. infestans. In vivo, each strain significantly inhibited the infection of P. infestans after individual inoculation into potato tubers, and no strains posed a pathogenic threat to tubers. In the field environment, multibacterial treatment significantly reduced the disease index. Compared with the control, multibacterial and single H treatment significantly increased the microbial species and abundance of the potato rhizosphere and enriched potential beneficial bacteria such as Rhizobiaceae. Meanwhile, multi‐bacterial and single H treatment significantly reduced the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Bacillaceae.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide some valuable native strains from the potato rhizosphere with the ability to inhibit P. infestans in vivo and in vitro, which may be a new option for PLB biocontrol. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Magnetoelectric Switching Energy of Antiferromagnetic Cr2O3 Used for Spintronic Logic Devices and Memory
Authors: Ye Shujun
Published: September 2021

Magnetoelectric (ME) switching energy is the most important aspect in the practical application of antiferromagnetic (AFM) Cr2O3‐based perpendicular exchange‐coupling heterostructures, but it is not fully understood. This study firstly clarifies the relation between the applied magnetic/electric field and surface spin directions (domain status) as well as the perpendicular exchange bias sign in this system. Secondly, the asymmetric ME switching behavior for both Cr2O3 and its perpendicular exchange‐coupling heterostructures is discussed. Finally, a model is developed to examine the energy required during the ME switching of the above system. It was found that the surface status and microstructure of Cr2O3 are essential factors influencing the system's ME switching energy. This work contributes to realizing low‐energy information writing for AFM Cr2O3 used in spintronic logic devices and memory.
Hierarchically Interlaced 2D Copper Iodide/MXene Composite for High Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Karthikeyan Vaithinathan , Theja Vaskuri C. S. , De Souza Maria Merlyne , Roy Vellaisamy A. L.
Published: September 2021

A hierarchical layered architecture in thermoelectric materials works as an ad hoc methodology for strengthening the unique inherent properties. Herein, an excellent thermoelectric behavior in novel 2D copper iodide nanoflakes is demonstrated by compositing with Ti3C2 MXene nanoinclusions. The interlaced architecture of the CuI/Ti3C2 composite lifts the electrical conductivity over two orders by efficient charge transport mechanisms. The thermal conductivity of CuI/Ti3C2 composite is reduced by drastic suppression of mid‐ and high‐frequency phonons by interfacial energy barrier scattering. The structural engineering approach yields a massive power factor of 225 μW m−1 K−2 and a figure of merit value of 0.48 in CuI/5 vol% Ti3C2 composite. A straightforward approach of tuning the figure of merit in Earth‐abundant, nontoxic thermoelectric materials to develop future sustainable energy sources is established.
Recent Advances in Synthesis of Pyrazole Derivatives using Functionalized Catalysts Immobilized on Silica
Authors: Mustafa Atif , Siddiqui Shaheen , Umar Khan Mohd , Qasem Ali Abdulaziz Abdullah , Siddiqui Zeba N.
Published: September 2021

The pyrazole moiety is found as an integral structural unit in a variety of pharmacologically and agrochemically significant chemicals. The anti‐inflammatory (celecoxib), anti‐obesity (rimonabant), analgesic (difenamizole), antipsychotic (CDPPB), H2‐receptor agonist (betazole), and antidepressant (fezolamide) activities of pyrazole‐based drugs have demonstrated their pharmacological importance. Various synthetic methodologies have been devised as a result of the above‐mentioned advantages of pyrazole‐based compounds, including solvent‐free approach, catalyst‐free method, homogeneous catalysis, heterogeneous catalysis, microwave irradiation technique, ultrasonication, etc. In the area of heterogeneous catalysis, silica functionalized catalysts have garnered a lot of interest among diverse heterogeneous catalysts. The significant advancements in silica functionalized heterogeneous catalysts for the production of pyrazole‐based compounds are highlighted in this review.
Enhanced Water Splitting Reaction Performance using TiO2 Deposited with Graphene Quantum Dots Grafted onto Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Sangkhun Weradesh , Wanwong Sompit , Wootthikanokkhan Jatuphorn , Sinthiptharakoon Kitiphat , Kumnorkaew Pisist
Published: September 2021

This study explores the feasibility of enhancing the water splitting performance of hybrid photo‐electrocatalyst made from graphene quantum dots (GQDs) grafted with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) deposited on crystal facet engineered TiO2 (Ti). The effect of the Au NPs size on photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting performance was systematically investigated. It was found that the TiO2 with co‐exposed {001}‐{010} facet deposited with large particle size of Au NPs showed an enhancement in PEC performance, due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). By contrast, the system containing Au NPs with smaller size retarded the transport rate of free electrons because of their high electron affinity. Interestingly, the hybrid catalyst (GQDs‐Aud40/Ti) delivered a considerable high current density (0.535 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs RHE), as compared to the pristine TiO2 (0.267 mA/cm2). This was due to the capability of GQDs in acting as an electron extractor, withdrawing hot electrons produced by Au NPs and inhibiting the charge recombination. Overall, this work demonstrated that the PEC water splitting performance of TiO2 based photo‐electrocatalyst can be synergistically enhanced by combining the plasmonic effect of Au NPs and electron extractor properties of GQDs.
An Unexpected C‐S Bond Transformation with High Chemoselectivity for the Synthesis of Aryl‐Benzyl Sulfones
Authors: Liu Teng , Shen Xianfu , Liu Zining , Shi Rong , Wei Wen , Xu Yanli , Cheng Feixiang
Published: September 2021

In this report, an unexpected C−S bond transformation involving a high chemoselectivity between sulfonylhydrazides and dibenzyl phosphite catalyzed by NaI under mild conditions has been developed. This alternative protocol could provide a metal‐free route to access a diverse aryl‐benzyl sulfones in good to excellent yields.
2‐Mercapto Benzoxazole Derivatives as Novel Leads: Urease Inhibition, In Vitro and In Silico Studies
Authors: Balogun Modinat M. , Shamim Shahbaz , Khan Khalid M. , Salar Uzma , Oladosu Ibrahim A. , Lateef Mehreen , Wadood Abdul , Taha Muhammad , Moronkola Dorcas O. , Rehman Ashfaq U. , Rahim Fazal , Perveen Shahnaz
Published: September 2021

Twenty‐three benzoxazole derivatives were prepared through two‐step reaction strategy. The precursor, 2‐mercapto benzoxazole was synthesized by reacting 2‐amino phenol with carbon disulfide in the presence of potassium hydroxide. Then, 2‐mercapto benzoxazole was further reacted with substituted phenacyl/benzyl bromide to afford a range of substituted 2‐mercapto benzoxazole analogs. All compounds were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques including mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and investigated against urease enzyme. All analogs revealed good to moderate urease inhibition, ranging from IC50 = 17.50±0.10 to 42.50±0.44 μM. Few derivatives showed superior activity than thiourea (IC50=21.50±0.47 μM), standard inhibitor of urease enzyme. Structure‐activity relationship (SAR) revealed the crucial participation of various structural features in the inhibitory process. Compounds bearing methoxy and halogen substituents were found to show more potency as compared with other molecules. Molecular docking showed various interesting interactions established by molecules (ligand) with the active pocket of urease enzyme.
Nanomaterials as Nanofertilizers and Nanopesticides: An Overview
Authors: Okey‐Onyesolu Chinenye Faith , Hassanisaadi Mohadeseh , Bilal Muhammad , Barani Mahmood , Rahdar Abbas , Iqbal Javed , Kyzas George Z.
Published: September 2021

Nanotechnology has acquired increasing interest recently in agriculture and crop production for achieving proficient utilization of resources by developing nanodelivery systems for agrochemical products or sensors (for nutrient status or water). The development of new nanofertilizers provides a promising opportunity to improve plant mineral nutrition. According to the reports, nanostructured materials are more efficient than traditional fertilizers, with a site‐specific and controlled release of nutrients that not only increased the efficacy of plant uptake but also reduced negative environmental effects due to the loss of nutrients into the environmental matrices. In this section, we illustrate various kinds of novel nanostructured materials as promising carriers for nutrients such as nanoclays, carbon nanodots, carbon nanotubes, and nanofibers, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, carbon‐based nanomaterials, and polymeric nanoparticles. Also, the impact of nanomaterials on pesticides is discussed. They play a great contribution to enhancing agricultural productivity involving for gradual release and proper pesticide dosage to aid pest control. Different nanomaterials used are discussed contributing to the reduction of the exposure of humans to pesticides.
Advanced design of cathodes and interlayers for high‐performance lithium‐selenium batteries
Authors: Dong Yanfeng , Lu Pengfei , Ding Yajun , Shi Haodong , Feng Xinliang , Wu Zhong‐Shuai
Published: September 2021

Lithium‐selenium (Li‐Se) batteries have attracted ever‐increasing attention owing to high volumetric capacity comparable to lithium‐sulfur batteries and excellent electronic conductivity of Se. However, unsatisfactory energy density and cycling life of Li‐Se batteries mainly caused by low utilization of Se and shuttle effect of polyselenides (PSes) seriously prevent their commercial applications. Herein, this work systematically reviews the recent advances of the state‐of‐the‐art cathodes and interlayers in high‐performance Li‐Se batteries. First, the fundamental chemistries of Li‐Se batteries are introduced in terms of various Se precursors and electrochemical behaviors. Second, the main strategies in cathodes and interlayers for addressing poor conductivity of Se and shuttle effects of PSes are summarized as three‐dimensional conductive skeletons for Se, physical confinement of Se, chemisorption and catalytic conversion of PSes, and free‐standing interlayers and interlayers on separators. Further, the synthesis strategies and enhanced electrochemical performance are specially exemplified to highlight the possible enlightenments for constructing advanced cathodes and interlayers. Finally, the future challenges and perspectives of advanced cathodes and interlayers in high‐performance Li‐Se batteries are briefly discussed.
When it is not primary progressive aphasia: A scoping review of spoken language impairment in other neurodegenerative dementias
Authors: Suárez‐González Aida , Cassani Alice , Gopalan Ragaviveka , Stott Joshua , Savage Sharon
Published: September 2021

Background

Progressive difficulties with spoken language occur across the spectrum of degenerative dementia. When not a primary presenting and dominant symptom, language difficulties may be overlooked in favor of more prominent cognitive, behavior, or motor deficits. The aim of this scoping review is to examine the extent and nature of the research evidence describing (1) the spoken language impairments found in non‐language led dementias, (2) their impact on everyday living, and (3) the reported language interventions.

Methods

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, OVID‐EMBASE, PsycINFO, and SpeechBITE using terms related to spoken language for the following dementia types: Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), cortico‐basal syndrome (CBS), behavior variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD), posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), and motor neuron disease associated with FTD (MND+FTD). Risk of bias was assessed with the QualSyst tool.

Results

Seventy‐three eligible studies were included. A wide range of spoken language impairments were reported, involving both linguistic (e.g., syntactic processing) and other cognitive (e.g., sustained attention) underlying mechanisms. Although the severity of these deficits was scarcely reported, in some cases they manifested as non‐fluent, dynamic, and global aphasias. No papers in the review described either the impact of these language impairments on everyday living or language therapies to treat them.

Discussion

There is a need to understand better the level of disability produced by language impairment in people living with non–language‐led dementias. Our findings suggest three calls for action: (1) research studies should assess the clinical relevance of any spoken language deficits examined, (2) both linguistic and cognitive underlying mechanisms should be fully described (to inform the design of effective language and behavioral interventions), and (3) trials of language therapy should be conducted in those groups of individuals where significant language impairment is proved.
Complex gastroschisis: a new indication for fetal surgery?
Authors: Joyeux L. , Belfort M. A. , De Coppi P. , Basurto D. , Valenzuela I. , King A. , De Catte L. , Shamshirsaz A. A. , Deprest J. , Keswani S. G.
Published: September 2021

Gastroschisis (GS) is a congenital abdominal wall defect, in which the bowel eviscerates from the abdominal cavity. It is a non‐lethal isolated anomaly and its pathogenesis is hypothesized to occur as a result of two hits: primary rupture of the ‘physiological’ umbilical hernia (congenital anomaly) followed by progressive damage of the eviscerated bowel (secondary injury). The second hit is thought to be caused by a combination of mesenteric ischemia from constriction in the abdominal wall defect and prolonged amniotic fluid exposure with resultant inflammatory damage, which eventually leads to bowel dysfunction and complications. GS can be classified as either simple or complex, with the latter being complicated by a combination of intestinal atresia, stenosis, perforation, volvulus and/or necrosis. Complex GS requires multiple neonatal surgeries and is associated with significantly greater postnatal morbidity and mortality than is simple GS. The intrauterine reduction of the eviscerated bowel before irreversible damage occurs and subsequent defect closure may diminish or potentially prevent the bowel damage and other fetal and neonatal complications associated with this condition. Serial prenatal amnioexchange has been studied in cases with GS as a potential intervention but never adopted because of its unproven benefit in terms of survival and bowel and lung function. We believe that recent advances in prenatal diagnosis and fetoscopic surgery justify reconsideration of the antenatal management of complex GS under the rubric of the criteria for fetal surgery established by the International Fetal Medicine and Surgery Society (IFMSS). Herein, we discuss how conditions for fetoscopic repair of complex GS might be favorable according to the IFMSS criteria, including an established natural history, an accurate prenatal diagnosis, absence of fully effective perinatal treatment due to prolonged need for neonatal intensive care, experimental evidence for fetoscopic repair and maternal and fetal safety of fetoscopy in expert fetal centers. Finally, we propose a research agenda that will help overcome barriers to progress and provide a pathway toward clinical implementation. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Internationalization of Universities: 70 Years of Experience
Authors: Filippov Vladimir
Published: September 2021

The creation of the IAU 70 years ago was one of the consequences of evolving international life following the Second World War. This featured the evolution of organizations such as the United Nations, UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the European Union. In higher education, new international policies led to the internationalization of universities (Altbach, 2010). From the beginning, the IAU became one of the international platforms where universities exchanged experiences and built relations. In the acting strategy of IAU adopted in 2016, internationalization is one of the four priorities.
Promoting Values Together: Global Currency with Local Impact for Universities
Authors: Noorda Sijbolt , Lock David-John
Published: September 2021

The missions of the Magna Charta Observatory (MCO) and the International Association of Universities (IAU) have much in common. They both serve universities, are global in their reach but sensitive to local situations, and, fundamentally, they are based on values, values which have both global currency and local impact.
Mitigating Corruption in Higher Education
Authors: Denisova-Schmidt Elena
Published: September 2021

The lack of academic integrity, fraud, and other forms of unethical behaviour are problems that higher education faces in both developing and developed countries, at mass and elite universities, and public and private institutions. While academic misconduct is not new, massification, internationalization, privatization, digitalization, and commercialization have placed ethics higher on the agenda for many universities (Denisova-Schmidt and De Wit 2017; Denisova-Schmidt 2018, 2019; Bretag 2020).
Towards the Other Side of Complexity: Values and Decisions in a Time of Uncertainty
Authors: Knobel Marcelo
Published: September 2021

Humanity is experiencing a moment of great uncertainty. This is not the first time a pandemic threatens the lives of millions of people. However, the speed with which governments and scientists are reacting to events is unprecedented. In an incredibly short time after the discovery of the virus, public health measures were implemented, and the development of defences in the form of public policies, medical therapies, and vaccines began. At this precarious moment, when the proliferation of information (and misinformation) from a variety of sources contribute to the spread of panic, universities and the scientific community emerge as the best and most reliable sources of information. It is only highly qualified specialists who can truly address the pandemic and its terrible economic, political, and public health consequences.
Africa’s Destiny and Higher Education Transformation
Authors: Nawangwe Barnabas
Published: September 2021

Africa, the cradle of mankind and civilization, presents the best example of a people falling from the most culturally and technologically advanced society to the most backward and marginalized. While other ancient civilizations like China, Babylon, and India either transformed and survived or persisted in the case of China, the Egyptian civilization was destroyed and was never to recover. The University of Sankore at Timbuktu, established in the 13th century and recognized by many scholars as one of the oldest universities on earth, is testimony to the advancement in scholarship that Africa had attained before any other civilization. But that is all history. Instead, Africa remains the most marginalized continent, viewed by many as a hopeless sleeping giant without any hope for awakening and moving forward as part of a modern global society.
The Changing Role of Universities in Lithuanian Society
Authors: Spurga Saulius , Žalėnienė Inga
Published: September 2021

The Lithuanian Republic was re-established on 11 March 1990 after the fall of the USSR, marking the beginning of a wave of reforms in the country’s higher education (HE) sector. The prevailing assumption had been that, as a Soviet society, Lithuania enjoyed a high level of education at the tertiary level. Yet, the facts of the matter speak differently; during the Soviet period, only about 10% of the general population went on to obtain HE qualifications.
The Dawn for a New Era for Higher Education
Authors: Martin Mirta , Abrams Jacob
Published: September 2021

Colleges and universities cannot immunize themselves against COVID-19 by simply shutting their gates and throwing away the key, nor can they claim ignorance of the broader social and economic storms impacting their students. Rather, institutions of higher education must embrace their core mission to educate and improve the lives of their students.
The Future of Higher Education: A New Paradigm Shift Addressing Students’ Diversity
Authors: Arar Khalid , Chen David
Published: September 2021

Recent higher education (HE) trends, including broader accessibility, privatization, increased demands for accountability, and technological implementation, have largely neglected consideration of human diversity, including the individual learner’s nature and learning style. Two distinctive scientific perspectives pertain to these individual differences.
The Disruptive Futures of Education—Post-COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Razak Dzulkifli Abdul
Published: September 2021

The year 2020 is mostly known to many as an inflection point. A metaphorical vision to look far ahead, with clarity, taking on the various “disruptions” that have been much touted, namely, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Since its pronouncement, four years ago, during the 2016 World Economic Forum in Davos, the world of higher education has been inundated with demands to introduce the so-called ‘Education 4.0’.
Education: We Must Keep Our Promise
Authors: Bergan Sjur
Published: September 2021

Describing the promise of Education for the future could be done very summarily: without education, no future - or at least not one worth waiting for. While true, this summary description is nevertheless unsatisfactory. It does not say why education is crucial, and what the role of higher education should be.
Unsupervised event classification with graphs on classical and photonic quantum computers
Authors: Blance Andrew , Spannowsky Michael
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Photonic Quantum Computers provide several benefits over the discrete qubit-based paradigm of quantum computing. By using the power of continuous-variable computing we build an anomaly detection model to use on searches for New Physics. Our model uses Gaussian Boson Sampling, a #P-hard problem and thus not efficiently accessible to classical devices. This is used to create feature vectors from graph data, a natural format for representing data of high-energy collision events. A simple K-means clustering algorithm is used to provide a baseline method of classification. We then present a novel method of anomaly detection, combining the use of Gaussian Boson Sampling and a quantum extension to K-means known as Q-means. This is found to give equivalent results compared to the classical clustering version while also reducing the $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
complexity, with respect to the sample’s feature-vector length, from $$ \mathcal{O}(N) $$
O

N

to $$ \mathcal{O}\left(\log (N)\right) $$
O

log

N

.
Real-time gravitational replicas: low dimensional examples
Authors: Colin-Ellerin Sean , Dong Xi , Marolf Donald , Rangamani Mukund , Wang Zhencheng
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We continue the study of real-time replica wormholes initiated in [1]. Previously, we had discussed the general principles and had outlined a variational principle for obtaining stationary points of the real-time gravitational path integral. In the current work we present several explicit examples in low-dimensional gravitational theories where the dynamics is amenable to analytic computation. We demonstrate the computation of Rényi entropies in the cases of JT gravity and for holographic two-dimensional CFTs (using the dual gravitational dynamics). In particular, we explain how to obtain the large central charge result for subregions comprising of disjoint intervals directly from the real-time path integral.
Himalayan Tectonic Belt: Morlet Wavelet Variation and Seismic Harmony
Authors: Xu Yebang , Burton Paul W.
Published: September 2021

Morlet wavelet analysis is a method of studying the periodic spectrum of non-stationary physical signals and is applied to the Himalayan Tectonic Belt to explore whether there is any seismic periodicity, and to explore the possibility of harmony or commonality of properties among the seismic activities of different zones. The earthquake sequence during 1951–2016 with magnitudes M ≥ 6.0 is analysed. Wavelet non-periodicity for the Centre zone suggests a non-uniform spatial–temporal distribution of earthquake movement between plates which may relate with the rare great earthquakes, while the periodicities for the west and east zones may suggest the concurrence with the adjustment of the tectonic movement of the east- and west-end regions of the Himalayan Tectonic Belt relative to its central core. These three zones collectively form the Himalayan Tectonic Belt. This contains a periodicity of about five years of seismic activity that tests successfully with a 95% confidence statistic. Borrowing from the concept of musical harmony, this is the significant seismic harmonic which reflects the Belt’s pervasive tectonic stress and an overall harmony of continent–continent plate convergence. Morlet wavelet analysis also reveals the Himalayan Tectonic Belt and the Pamir–Hindu Kush Tectonic Zone to be engaged as a big new family: the Himalayan Tectonic Belt Plus. It is demonstrated that this new whole also has seismic harmony with the common property again being the 5-year periodicity. This indicates a unified structure of pervading active stress and seismic harmony permeating the overall seismicity.
Anwendungspraktische Limitationen bei der Aufklärung im Rahmen von Arzneimitteltherapien
Authors: Meyer Thomas , Steuer Melanie
Published: September 2021

Der Erfolg einer Pharmakotherapie wird durch das Auftreten unerwünschter Arzneimittelwirkungen und die nur schwer vorhersehbaren Interaktionen zwischen mehreren Arzneimitteln bei Polypharmazie begrenzt. Bei Berücksichtigung der komplexen Wirkungsweise von Arzneimitteln einschließlich ihrer jeweils spezifischen Nebenwirkungsprofile werden an das ärztliche Aufklärungsgespräch mit Blick auf das Gebot einer patientengerechten Verständlichkeit hohe Anforderungen gestellt, insbesondere in Bezug auf eine ordnungsgemäße und vollständige Durchführung der Risiko- und Alternativaufklärung, aber auch hinsichtlich der Sicherungsaufklärung. Doch diese Anforderungen lassen sich praktisch wohl kaum jemals im medizinischen Alltag wirklich umsetzen. In diesem Artikel sollen deshalb anhand ausgewählter, aktueller Rechtsprechung die anwendungspraktischen Limitationen bei der Aufklärung vor der Einleitung und Überwachung einer Arzneimitteltherapie diskutiert werden. Im Besonderen wird auf bestehende Konfliktpotenziale zwischen dem Patientenrechtegesetz und dem sogenannten „Recht auf Nichtwissen“ hingewiesen.