bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Two‐Electron Silver Superatom Isolated from Thermally Induced Internal Redox Reaction of A Silver(I) Hydride
Authors: Zhong Yu‐Jie , Liao Jian‐Hong , Chiu Tzu‐Hao , Kahlal Samia , Lin Che‐Jen , Saillard Jean‐Yves , Liu C. W.
Published: March 2021

Rational syntheses under controllable reducing conditions in the preparation of superatoms with cluster electron number not exceeding two are challenging. Herein a dithiolate‐stabilized two‐electron silver nanocluster, Ag10{S2P(OiPr)2}8 (1), is isolated via a self‐redox reaction of Ag7(H){S2P(OiPr)2}6 without adding extra reducing agents. The metal framework of Ag7, a bicapped trigonal bipyramid, is highly correlated to that of Ag10, suggesting Ag7(H){S2P(OiPr)2}6 acts as both reducing agent and template in cluster growth. 1 is highly fluorescent at ambient temperature and TD‐DFT calculations indicate that the emission is of 1Px→1S nature.
Systemic Practice in the Time of COVID: Conversations Among Culturally Diverse Therapists
Authors: Amorin‐Woods Deisy , Andolfi Maurizio , Aponte Harry J
Published: March 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has changed the delivery of clinical services and education of health professionals, including family therapists. This paper distils two separate Zoom conversations between myself (as the lead author) and two eminent family therapists, Professors Maurizio Andolfi and Harry Aponte, where challenges and opportunities for the profession during and after the pandemic are discussed. Creativity and resourcefulness are two important elements therapists and educators have needed to access during the pandemic to find alternative ways to continue to provide clinical services and teaching. Most therapists have transitioned using online technology and various platforms such as Zoom and Skype; for some this has been a somewhat familiar experience, for most it has been a novel one. Key themes emerged from the conversations including the personal and professional ‘lived experiences’ of the pandemic; the financial impact on clients and students; the importance of touch for human social connection; the use of ‘self’ as an instrument of change and alternative platforms of service delivery and teaching. We reflected on what has been lost, such as the nuances inherent in face‐to‐face human interactions, and what has been gained, such as observing families in situ in their own environments.
Aging process of polyamidoamine dendrimers: Effect of pH and shaking in the fluorescence emission and aggregation‐state
Authors: Igartúa Daniela E. , Ybarra David E. , Cabezas Darío M. , Alonso Silvia del V. , Alvira Fernando C.
Published: March 2021

In the last years, it has been discovered and intensely studied the non‐traditional intrinsic luminescence of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers. Nevertheless, their aging process in aqueous suspension is scarcely studied, being unknown the causes of the changes in their luminescence properties. Hence, this work aims to characterize the amine‐terminated (DG4.0) and carboxylic acid‐terminated (DG4.5) PAMAM dendrimers of generations 4.0 and 4.5, respectively, through the aging process at three different pH conditions, stored with or without shaking. The UV–Vis absorption, the fluorescence emission, and the dendrimer‐size distribution are studied for up to 16 days. In a different way than the already published works, this work demonstrates that there is no chemical change in dendrimers through the aging process, even though changes in fluorescence emission are observed. Besides, the changes in the agglomeration patterns of dendrimers are not related to the change in the fluorescence emission through aging. Moreover, large aggregates of DG4.5 are present in water and need to be disrupted by shaking before an in vivo administration.
Resin‐silica composite nanoparticle grafted polyethylene membranes for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Gu Qian‐Qian , Fu Cui‐Liu , Sun Zhao‐Yan
Published: March 2021

To avoid the peeling‐off of ceramic nanoparticles (NPs) from polyolefin membranes usually occurred in commercially available ceramic NPs coated polyolefin separators for lithium batteries, we propose a simple one‐pot in‐situ reaction method to modify commercial polyethylene (PE) separators by surface grafting 3‐Aminophenol/formaldehyde (AF)/silica (SiO2) composite NPs. The AF/SiO2 composite NPs form self‐supporting connected pores on the modified layer of the separator surface, which ensures the transportation of Li+. Moreover, the PE@AF/SiO2 separators has higher electrolyte wettability and compatibility than neat PE separators attributed to the plentiful polar functional groups in the AF/SiO2 layer and AF/SiO2 composite NPs, resulting in higher lithium ion transference number (= 0.62) and ionic conductivity (σ = 0.722 mS cm−1). More importantly, the discharge capacity, capacity retention rate and coulombic efficiency (136.2 mA h g−1, 87.9% and 99%, respectively) after 200 cycles of Li|NMC half batteries with PE@AF/SiO2 separators, are all more excellent than that with the pure PE separator (125 mA h g−1, 83.1% and 85%, respectively). Our results show that the PE@AF/SiO2 separators obtained by this modification method have higher electrochemical stability in the lithium battery system.
Inhibitory Effect of Eugenol and trans‐Anethole Alone and in Combination with Antifungal Medicines on Candida albicans Clinical Isolates
Authors: Dąbrowska Marta , Zielińska‐Bliźniewska Hanna , Kwiatkowski Paweł , Łopusiewicz Łukasz , Pruss Agata , Kostek Mateusz , Kochan Ewa , Sienkiewicz Monika
Published: March 2021

One of the most common pathogens among yeasts is Candida albicans, which presents a serious health threat. The study aimed to check the antifungal properties of trans‐anethole and eugenol with selected antifungal medicines (AMs) against C. albicans clinical isolates. The checkerboard method was used to tests of interactions between these compounds. Achieved results indicated that eugenol showed synergistic and additive activities with miconazole and econazole against investigated clinical isolates, respectively. Moreover, the combination – trans‐anethole – miconazole also showed an additive effect against two clinical isolate. We tried to relate the results to changes in C. albicans cell sheaths under the influence of essential oils compounds (EOCs) performing the Fourier transform infrared spectra analysis to confirm the presence of particular chemical moieties in C. albicans cells. Nevertheless, no strong relationships was observed between synergistic and additive actions of used EOC‐AMs combinations and chemical moieties in C. albicans cells.
Fatal hypoglycemia with ciprofloxacin in a dialysis patient: A case report
Authors: Matoi Aisa , Taguchi Mana , Nishi Shinichi
Published: March 2021

In patients with renal dysfunction, it is important to avoid prescribing fluoroquinolones including ciprofloxacin.
Lagernder Tierdung: Afrikas übersehene Lachgasquelle
Authors: Feil Sylvia
Published: March 2021

Rund ein Viertel der weltweiten Bestände von Schafen, Ziegen und Rindern wird in Afrika gehalten. Nun wurde erstmals untersucht, inwieweit der im Tierdung gespeicherte Stickstoff in die Böden der Pferche übergeht und noch Jahre später als Lachgas von den Böden emittiert wird.
Two‐dimensional drift solitary structures in inhomogeneous magnetized OH ion plasmas with generalized (r, q) distributed electrons
Authors: Ali Gul‐e , Masood W. , Malik M. Usman , Ahmad Ali , Nasir Rubina
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the effect of generalized (r, q) distributed electrons on the linear and nonlinear coupling of drift and ion acoustic waves in a nonuniform plasma containing Hydrogen and Oxygen ions is investigated. In the linear regime, it is observed that increasing the percentage of flat‐topped (i.e. r > 0) electrons enhances the frequency of the coupled drift‐ion acoustic waves, whereas the increasing values of the spectral index q mitigates it. In the nonlinear regime, one‐ and two‐dimensional Korteweg de Vries‐like and Kadomtsev‐Petviashvili‐like equations are derived and their solutions are plotted for different ratios of ion number densities and for different values of double spectral indices r and q of the generalized distribution of electrons. It is found that only rarefactive structures exist for two‐dimensional solitons, however, both rarefactive and compressive structures are observed for the one‐dimensional case. The limiting cases of kappa and Maxwellian distributions are also discussed and their comparison with the generalized (r, q) distribution is thoroughly investigated. Spatial scales for the formation of rarefactive and compressive solitary structures are also discussed with reference to the changing electron distribution functions. The possible applications of the present study are also spelled out with special reference to space plasmas.
BOC‐PLAG1, a new fusion gene of pleomorphic adenoma: Identified in a fine‐needle aspirate by RNA next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Pei Jianming , Liu Jeffrey C. , Ehya Hormoz , Wei Shuanzeng
Published: March 2021

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign salivary gland tumor. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of PA exhibits variable combinations of bland ductal epithelial cells, myoepithelial cells, and characteristic magenta fibrillary stroma on Diff–Quik/Romanowsky stain. However, a cellular PA with scant chondromyxoid stroma can be a diagnostic challenge on FNA. Around 70% of PAs have a translocation involving PLAG1 or HMGA2. The presence of either PLAG1 or HMGA2 fusion gene can be used to diagnose PA since they have not been reported in other salivary gland tumors except for carcinoma ex PA. In this case report, we describe a case of cellular PA initially diagnosed on FNA as a “low grade salivary gland neoplasm, favor PA.” RNA next‐generation sequencing performed on the cell block showed a BOC‐PLAG1 fusion gene. The presence of PLAG1 fusion gene in conjunction with cytomorphology supported a diagnosis of PA. The mass was surgically removed and proved to be a cellular PA with scattered foci of chondromyxoid and collagenous stroma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported PA bearing BOC‐PLAG1. RNA next‐generation sequencing performed on cytology specimens can be helpful in achieving a more specific diagnosis of salivary gland tumors.
Measuring temporal patterns in ecology: The case of mast seeding
Authors: Fernández‐Martínez Marcos , Peñuelas Josep
Published: March 2021

Properly assessing temporal patterns is a central issue in ecology in order to understand ecosystem processes and their mechanisms. Mast seeding has traditionally been described as a reproductive behavior consisting of highly variable and synchronized reproductive events. The most common metric used to measure temporal variability and thus infer masting behavior, the coefficient of variation (CV), however, has been repeatedly suggested to improperly estimate temporal variability. Biases of CV estimates are especially problematic for non‐normally distributed data and/or data sets with a high number of zeros.

Some recent studies have already adopted new metrics to measure temporal variability, but most continue to use CV. This controversy has started a strong debate about what metrics to use.

We here summarize the problems of CV when assessing temporal variability, particularly across data sets containing a large number of zeros, and highlight the benefits of using other metrics of temporal variability, such as proportional variability (PV) and consecutive disparity (D). We also suggest a new way to look at reproductive behavior, by separating temporal variability from frequency of reproduction, to allow better comparison of data sets with different characteristics.

We suggest future studies to properly describe the temporal patterns in fully scientific and measurable terms that do not lead to confusion, such as variability and frequency of reproduction, using robust and fully comparable metrics.
A New Nanocomposite Based on Pt‐rGO Embedded Polymelamine Formaldehyde Nanocomposite for Reduction of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Alinajafi Hossein A. , Ensafi Ali A. , Rezaei B.
Published: March 2021

Here, polymelamine formaldehyde was decorated on the surface of reduced graphene oxide whose surface was then electrodeposited with a sub‐monolayer of platinum nanoparticles. The nanocomposite thus prepared was characterized using several spectroscopic methods. Using the nanocomposite as a potential electrocatalyst for carbon dioxide reduction, the products were detected by Raman spectroscopy, gas chromatography, 13C‐NMR spectroscopy, and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The analytical results identified methanol as the main product of CO2 reduction. Moreover, analysis of the liquid products confirmed methanol as the predominant product with a current density of 0.4 mA/cm and a Faradaic efficiency of 93 %.
Identifying i‐motif formation using capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Wang Bin , Chatterton Eric
Published: March 2021

Over the past few years, intercalated motifs (i‐motifs) have attracted attention due to the direct visualization of their existence in the nuclei of human cells. Traditionally, i‐motifs have been studied using expensive and complicated NMR, and/or relatively inexpensive but less common circular dichroism spectrometry. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using less expensive, less complicated, and more widely available CE as an alternative for i‐motif related research. The mobilities of two DNA and RNA i‐motifs in CE were determined under different pH conditions. Our results demonstrate that CE is able to identify and differentiate mostly folded, partially folded, and mostly unfolded DNA and RNA i‐motifs through changes in peak shape and migration time, thus providing a new method to study both i‐motif conformation and the interactions between i‐motifs and their ligands.
Approaching four decades of forest watershed research at Upper Penticton Creek, British Columbia: A synthesis
Authors: Winkler Rita D. , Allen Diana M. , Giles Tim R. , Heise Brian A. , Moore R. Dan , Redding Todd E. , Spittlehouse Dave L. , Wei Xiaohua
Published: March 2021

Over the past 35 years, the Upper Penticton Creek (UPC) Watershed Experiment has supported forest hydrology research in south‐central British Columbia (BC), Canada. This paper provides a synthesis of research results, highlights the challenges facing UPC and identifies new research directions. Clearcutting approximately 50% of two small, snow‐dominated (Dfb Koppen classification) watersheds advanced the timing of snowmelt‐generated high flows and decreased late‐summer low flows, relative to predictions based on pre‐treatment regressions. Changes in high flows did not have a significant effect on stream channels due to low stream power, coarse substrate, and limited riparian disturbance. Changes in summer low flows reduced modelled useable fish habitat by 20%–50%. Evaporation averaged 52% of the annual precipitation in the mature forest, was reduced to 30% in a clearcut, and recovered to 40% and 47% in a 10 and 25 year‐old stand, respectively. Groundwater recharge to the bedrock was estimated at 19% of annual precipitation, indicating that, even with the large uncertainty associated with this estimate, deep groundwater should not be ignored in the water balance. Suspended sediment, turbidity, and colour increased post‐logging; however, chemical surface water quality did not change. Aquatic community structure changed post‐logging; and although this affected the processing of organic matter, the effects on habitat quality were considered minimal. The information gained at UPC has supported provincial policies, management guidelines, forest stewardship plans and watershed risk assessments. The undisturbed control watershed, re‐growing treatment watersheds and ongoing long‐term hydrometric monitoring continue to provide opportunities for future research addressing issues such as the effects of young forests on streamflow and hydrologic recovery, and the influence of climate change on the hydrologic regime.
An alternative approach to the synthesis of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridine‐8‐carbonitriles, their crystal structure, and DFT calculations
Authors: Khomenko Dmytro M. , Shokol Tetyana V. , Doroshchuk Roman O. , Starova Viktoriia S. , Raspertova Ilona V. , Shova Sergiu , Lampeka Rostyslav D. , Volovenko Yulian M.
Published: March 2021

New representatives of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridine‐8‐carbonitriles were synthesized via the condensation of β‐diketones or β‐dialdehydes and characterized using MS spectrometry, 1H, 13C and, 19F NMR and IR spectroscopy. Crystal structures of two compounds were established using X‐ray analysis and showed that title compounds are prone to the formation of planar molecules. The absence of band responsible for CN stretching vibration in trifluoromethyl‐containing compounds was explained using the DFT calculations method, which also showed a significant influence of fluorines introducing on the energy gap between HOMO and LUMO.
Synthesis of antimicrobial azoloazines and molecular docking for inhibitingCOVID‐19
Authors: Muhammad Zeinab A. , Farghaly Thoraya A. , Althagafi Ismail , Al‐Hussain Sami A. , Zaki Magdi E. A. , Harras Marwa F.
Published: March 2021

Diverse new azoloazines were synthesized from the reaction of fluorinated hydrazonoyl chlorides with heterocyclic thiones, 1,8‐diaminonaphthalene, ketene aminal derivatives, and 4‐amino‐5‐triflouromethyl‐1,2,4‐triazole‐2‐thiol. The mechanistic pathways and the structures of all synthesized derivatives were discussed and assured based on the available spectral data. The synthesized azoloazine derivatives were evaluated for their antifungal and antibacterial activities through zone of inhibition measurement. The results revealed promising antifungal activities for compounds4,5,17a,b,19, and25against the pathogenic fungal strains used;Aspergillus flavusandCandida albicanscompared to ketoconazole. In addition, compounds4,5,19, and25showed moderate antibacterial activities against most tested bacterial strains. Molecular docking studies of the promising compounds were carried out on leucyl‐tRNA synthetase active site ofCandida albicans, suggesting good binding in the active site forming stable complexes. Moreover, docking of the synthesized compounds was performed on the active site of SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro to predict their potential as a hopeful anti‐COVID and to investigate their binding pattern.
Periodontitis, assessed using periodontal treatment as a surrogate marker, has no association with a first myocardial infarction in a Swedish population
Authors: Nordendahl Eva , Fored Michael , Kjellström Barbro , Ekbom Anders , Norhammar Anna , Gustafsson Anders
Published: March 2021

Background

Periodontitis is suggested to be associated with a risk of cardiovascular events. Using periodontal treatment recorded in Swedish national registries as a surrogate marker, we aimed to investigate whether periodontitis was associated with a first myocardial infarction.

Methods

This nationwide case‐control study, with data from national registries, involved 51,880 individuals with a first myocardial infarction in 2011 to 2013 (index date) and 246,978 controls matched 5:1 for age, gender, and geographic area. Periodontal treatment in the 3 years preceding the index date was classified as (1) no dental treatment, (2) no periodontal treatment, (3) one or more supragingival curettages, or (4) one or more treatments with scaling/root planing and/or periodontal surgery. Annual frequencies of treatment with scaling/root planing and/or periodontal surgery were also calculated. In all analyses, conditional logistic regression analyses estimated ORs for myocardial infarction with 95% CIs, adjusted for matched variables, income, education, and diabetes.

Results

Although fewer cases than controls received treatment with scaling/root planing and/or periodontal surgery (19.2% versus 19.8%, P < 0.001), annual frequencies for cases were higher. We found no association of scaling/root planing and/or periodontal surgery with a first myocardial infarction (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.05). We did observe a non‐significant trend, however, between risk of a first myocardial infarction and a high frequency of scaling/root planing and/or periodontal surgery (OR 1.14; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.29).

Conclusion

In the contemporary Swedish nationwide setting, no association between a first myocardial infarction and periodontitis, assessed as periodontal treatment, was found.
A novel ammoniation treatment of barley as a strategy to optimize rumen pH, feed degradability and microbial protein synthesis in sheep
Authors: Belanche Alejandro , Martín‐García Ignacio , Jiménez Elisabeth , Jonsson Nicholas N , Yañez‐Ruiz David R
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Meeting the energy and nitrogen (N) requirements of high‐performing ruminants at the same time as avoiding digestive disturbances (i.e. rumen acidosis) is a key priority in ruminant nutrition. The present study evaluated the effect of a cereal ammoniation treatment, in which barley grains are combined with urea and enzymes that catalyze the conversion of urea to ammonia to optimize rumen function. Twelve rumen cannulated sheep were randomly divided into two groups and fed a diet containing 60% of ammoniated barley (AMM) or untreated barley supplemented with urea (CTL) to investigate the impact on rumen fermentation and feed utilization.

RESULTS

AMM had higher total N content and effective rumen degradable N than untreated barely. AMM sheep had a consistently higher rumen pH throughout the day (6.31 versus 6.03) and tended to have a lower post‐prandial ammonia peak and higher acetate molar proportion (+5.1%) than CTL sheep. The rumen environment in AMM sheep favored the colonization and utilization of agro‐industrial by‐products (i.e. orange pulp) by the rumen microbes leading to a higher feed degradability. AMM sheep also had higher total tract apparent N digestibility (+21.7%) and urinary excretion of purine derivatives (+34%), suggesting a higher N uptake and microbial protein synthesis than CTL sheep.

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of AMM in the diet of ruminants represents a valid strategy for maintaining rumen pH within a physiological range and improving N utilization by the rumen microbes, which could have positive effects on the health and productivity of animals in intensive production systems. These findings warrant further studies under conventional farm conditions. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Contralateral Rerouting of Hypoglossal Nerve Implant Pulse Generator and Stimulation Lead
Authors: Macielak Robert J. , Olson Eric J. , Junna Mithri R. , Olson Michael D.
Published: March 2021

As use of hypoglossal nerve stimulators has become more widespread in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, certain scenarios have dictated alterations to the previously described surgical technique. This report describes a situation in which revision of a hypoglossal nerve stimulator implant was required given the need for breast cancer surgery. It serves as the first description of the contralateral rerouting of a stimulation lead to a left‐sided impulse generator and the first description of respiratory sensing lead placement within the left second intercostal space for such a device. Laryngoscope, 131:E2409–E2412, 2021
Pulmonary manifestations of immune dysregulation in CTLA‐4 haploinsufficiency and LRBA deficiency
Authors: Krone Katie A. , Winant Abbey J. , Vargas Sara O. , Platt Craig D. , Bartnikas Lisa M. , Janssen Erin , Lillehei Craig , Lee Edward Y. , Fishman Martha P. , Casey Alicia
Published: March 2021

Objective

The primary immunodeficiency syndromes of cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 (CTLA‐4) haploinsufficiency and lipopolysaccharide‐responsive and beige‐like anchor protein (LRBA) deficiency present with multisystem immune dysregulation. The aim of this study was to characterize and compare the pulmonary manifestations of these two diseases.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the pulmonary clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic characteristics of six patients with CTLA‐4 haploinsufficiency and four patients with LRBA deficiency with pulmonary involvement followed at a large tertiary care center.

Results

Chronic respiratory symptoms were more frequent in patients with LRBA deficiency versus CTLA‐4 haploinsufficiency (3/4 vs. 1/6). Cough was the most common respiratory symptom. Abnormalities in pulmonary exam and pulmonary function testing were more frequent in LRBA deficiency (4/4, 2/4) compared to CTLA‐4 haploinsufficiency (1/6, 2/6). Chest computed tomography (CT) findings included mediastinal lymphadenopathy (4/4 in LRBA deficiency vs. 1/4 in CTLA‐4 haploinsufficiency), pulmonary nodules (4/4, 3/4), ground‐glass opacification (4/4, 3/4), and bronchiectasis (3/4, 1/4). Lymphocytic inflammation, concentrated bronchovasculocentrically and paraseptally, was the predominant pathologic finding and was observed in all patients who had lung biopsies (N = 3 with LRBA deficiency; N = 3 with CTLA‐4 haploinsufficiency).

Conclusion

Despite phenotypic overlap amongst these diseases, LRBA deficiency demonstrated greater severity of pulmonary disease, indicated by respiratory symptoms, pulmonary exam, and intrathoracic radiologic findings. Chest CT was the most sensitive indicator of pulmonary involvement in both disorders. Lymphocytic inflammation is the key histologic feature of both disorders. Pediatric pulmonologists should consider these disorders of immune dysregulation in the relevant clinical context to provide earlier diagnosis, comprehensive pulmonary evaluation and treatment.
Vinculin orchestrates prostate cancer progression by regulating tumor cell invasion, migration, and proliferation
Authors: Zheng Xiaonan , Xu Hang , Gong Lina , Cao Dehong , Jin Tao , Wang Yan , Pi Jinkui , Yang Yang , Yi Xianyanling , Liao Dazhou , Jin Xi , Wei Qiang , Yang Lu , Li Hong , Ai Jianzhong
Published: March 2021

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of death in men, and effective treatment of PCa requires further development. Our study aimed to investigate the potential role of vinculin (VCL) in PCa progression in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

We investigated the methylation level of the VCL promoter based on the TCGA database. The knockdown efficacy of VCL gene expression was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, morphological changes in PCa cells were detected using phalloidin staining. The mobility of PCa cells was measured using transwell assays and high‐content analysis. Moreover, cell growth and viability were determined using the colony formation and cell counting kit‐8 assays. The role of VCL in tumor growth in vivo was investigated using a subcutaneous xenograft model generated by injecting tumor cells into the right flank of BALB/c nude mice.

Results

The methylation level of the VCL promoter in PCa was significantly downregulated concomitant with age and the progression of nodal metastasis. VCL expression was markedly decreased by shRNA. Importantly, VCL knockdown significantly changed the cell morphology; inhibited the migration, invasion, and movement; and repressed colony formation and viability of PCa cells in vitro. Furthermore, downregulation of VCL suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

Our study comprehensively evaluated the role of VCL in PCa progression in vivo and in vitro. The findings of the present study suggest that VCL can be a potential target for PCa prognosis and treatment.
Fabrication, characterization, and antibacterial properties of citric acid crosslinked PVA electrospun microfibre mats for active food packaging
Authors: Yu Dong , Feng Yang‐Yang , Xu Jing‐Xin , Kong Bao‐Hua , Liu Qian , Wang Hao
Published: March 2021

In this study, electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) microfibre mats incorporated with clove oil (CO) with high water‐stability and water absorption ability were prepared through a heat‐induced in situ cross‐linkage with citric acid (CA). The effects of CA content on the electrospinning solution properties and physical properties of the crosslinked microfibre mats were investigated. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the esterification could occur between hydroxyl groups on the PVA and carboxyl groups on citric acid. The established strong interactions of citric acid and PVA after crosslinking improved the thermal stability, mechanical properties, contact angle, and water stability. The bacterial growth kinetics and the disk diffusion assay proved that the PVA/CA/CO microfibre mats had an obvious inhibitory effect on E. coli and S. aureus. The results showed the PVA/CA/CO microfibre mats would be a promising package material for food products.
Finite‐gain event‐triggered interval observers design for continuous‐time linear systems
Authors: Rabehi Djahid , Meslem Nacim , Ramdani Nacim
Published: March 2021

This work introduces a new approach based on an event‐triggered mechanism (ETM) to design finite‐gaininterval observers for linear continuous‐time systems in the presence of unknown‐but‐bounded uncertainties with a priori known bounds on state disturbances and measurement noises. In this setting, aperiodic measurements sampling is controlled in a way to reduce online communication between the sensors and the estimation algorithm. The proposed ETM relies on a dynamic condition that depends on the width of the feasible domain of the system's uncertainties and the width of the estimated state enclosures. Moreover, the proposed approach guarantees the existence of a positive lower bound on the interevent times, which avoids the Zeno phenomenon. On the other hand, although the sensors data are used in an irregular sampling way, the‐stability performance of the estimation error is satisfied. Finally, simulation results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Novel Huntington's Disease Mouse Model to Assess the Role of Neuroinflammation on Disease Progression and to Develop Human Cell Therapies
Authors: Dahlenburg Heather , Cameron David , Yang Sheng , Bachman Angelica , Pollock Kari , Cary Whitney , Pham Missy , Hendrix Kyle , White Jeannine , Nelson Haley , Deng Peter , Anderson Joseph S. , Fink Kyle , Nolta Jan
Published: March 2021

Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by a trinucleotide CAG repeat expansion of the huntingtin gene (HTT) that affects 1 in every 10 000 individuals in the United States. Our lab developed a novel immune deficient HD mouse strain, the YACNSG, from a commonly used line, the YAC128 mouse, to enable transplantation studies using engineered human cells in addition to studying the impact of the immune system on disease progression. The primary goal of this project was to characterize this novel immune deQficient HD mouse model, using behavioral assays and histology to compare this new model to the immune competent YAC128 and immune deficient mice that had engraftment of a human immune system. Flow cytometry was used to confirm that the YACNSG strain lacked immune cells, and in vivo imaging was used to assess human mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) retention compared with a commonly used immune deficient line, the NSG mouse. We found that YACNSG were able to retain human MSCs longer than the immune competent YAC128 mice. We performed behavioral assessments starting at 4 months of age and continued testing monthly until 12 months on the accelerod and in the open field. At 12 months, brains were isolated and evaluated using immunohistochemistry for striatal volume. Results from these studies suggest that the novel immune deficient YACNSG strain of mice could provide a good model for human stem-cell based therapies and that the immune system appears to play an important role in the pathology of HD.
Antigen‐Presenting Hybrid Colloidal Crystal Clusters for Promoting T cells Expansion
Authors: Shou Xin , Zhang Hui , Wu Dan , Zhong Liping , Ni Dong , Kong Tiantian , Zhao Yongxiang , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: March 2021

T cell based‐immunotherapy has been a powerful strategy to eradicate tumor cells in clinical trials. Effectively expanding the therapeutic T cells for clinical demand is still a challenge. Here, artificial antigen‐presenting scaffolds are created for T cell ex vivo expansion. The antigen‐presenting hybrid colloidal crystal clusters (HCCCs) with multiple stimuli are generated by internal encapsulation with prosurvival cytokines and surface decoration with activating antibodies to CD3ε and CD28, respectively. With the large loading capacity endowed by their abundant nanoporous structures, the antigen‐presenting HCCCs can constantly release prosurvival cytokine IL‐2. It is found that following the direct and multiple stimulations, the antigen‐presenting HCCCs can effectively promote the expansion of T cells, which exhibits robust antitumor activity in vitro. Thus, the antigen‐presenting HCCCs provide a novel expansion platform for clinical manufacturing of T cells.
The Past, Present, and Future of Metal Halide Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Worku Michael , Ben-Akacha Azza , Blessed Shonde Tunde , Liu He , Ma Biwu
Published: March 2021

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as new‐generation highly efficient narrow‐band luminescent materials with applications in various optoelectronic devices, including photovoltaics (PVs), light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, and scintillators. Since the demonstration of efficient room‐temperature electroluminescence from MHPs in 2014, remarkable progress has been achieved in the development and study of light‐emitting MHP materials and devices. While the device efficiencies of MHP LEDs (PeLEDs) have significantly improved over a short period of time, their overall performance has not reached the levels of mature technologies yet, such as organic LEDs (OLEDs) and quantum dot LEDs (QDLEDs), to enable practical applications. Many issues and challenges, including low operational stability, lack of efficient blue PeLEDs, and toxicity of MHPs, remain to be addressed. Herein, some of the most exciting progress achieved in the development of efficient and stable PeLEDs during the last few years are introduced, the main issues and challenges in the field are discussed, and the prospects on addressing these issues and challenges are provided. With continuous effort, the potential of PeLEDs to become a commercially available LED technology for display and lighting applications in the future looks optimistic.
Constraining flavour patterns of scalar leptoquarks in the effective field theory
Authors: Bordone Marzia , Catà Oscar , Feldmann Thorsten , Mandal Rusa
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We investigate the viability of extending the Standard Model with S1 and S3 scalar leptoquarks when the flavour structure is parametrized in terms of Froggatt-Nielsen charges. In contrast to a similar analysis with a vector leptoquark, we find essentially two solutions for the charges that fit the experimental constraints, which are dominated by the current tensions in B decays. These two scenarios differ in their estimate of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, (g − 2), but they both predict sizeable contributions to τ → μγ, $$ {\overline{B}}_s $$

B
¯

s

→ τ±μ∓ and B+→ K+τ+μ− decays, whose branching ratios are close to the current experimental limits.
Non-thermal production of pNGB dark matter and inflation
Authors: Abe Yoshihiko , Toma Takashi , Yoshioka Koichi
Published: March 2021

Abstract

A pseudo Nambu-Goldstone boson (pNGB) is a natural candidate of dark matter in that it avoids the severe direct detection bounds. We show in this paper that the pNGB has another different and interesting face with a higher symmetry breaking scale. Such large symmetry breaking is motivated by various physics beyond the standard model. In this case, the pNGB interaction is suppressed due to the Nambu-Goldstone property and the freeze-out production does not work even with sufficiently large portal coupling. We then study the pNGB dark matter relic abundance from the out-of-equilibrium production via feeble Higgs portal coupling. Further, a possibility is pursued the symmetry breaking scalar in the pNGB model plays the role of inflaton. The inflaton and dark matter are unified in a single field and the pNGB production from inflaton decay is inevitable. For these non-thermally produced relic abundance of pNGB dark matter and successful inflation, we find that the dark matter mass should be less than a few GeV in the wide range of the reheating temperature and the inflaton mass.
Topological vertex for 6d SCFTs with ℤ2-twist
Authors: Kim Hee-Cheol , Kim Minsung , Kim Sung-Soo
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We compute the partition function for 6d$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 1 SO(2N) gauge theories compactified on a circle with ℤ2outer automorphism twist. We perform the computation based on 5-brane webs with two O5-planes using topological vertex with two O5-planes. As representative examples, we consider 6d SO(8) and SU(3) gauge theories with ℤ2twist. We confirm that these partition functions obtained from the topological vertex with O5-planes indeed agree with the elliptic genus computations.
Exome sequencing reveals predominantly de novo variants in disorders with intellectual disability (ID) in the founder population of Finland
Authors: Järvelä Irma , Määttä Tuomo , Acharya Anushree , Leppälä Juha , Jhangiani Shalini N. , Arvio Maria , Siren Auli , Kankuri-Tammilehto Minna , Kokkonen Hannaleena , Palomäki Maarit , Varilo Teppo , Fang Mary , Hadley Trevor D. , Jolly Angad , Linnankivi Tarja , Paetau Ritva , Saarela Anni , Kälviäinen Reetta , Olme Jan , Nouel-Saied Liz M. , Cornejo-Sanchez Diana M. , Llaci Lorida , Lupski James R. , Posey Jennifer E. , Leal Suzanne M. , Schrauwen Isabelle
Published: March 2021

The genetics of autosomal recessive intellectual disability (ARID) has mainly been studied in consanguineous families, however, founder populations may also be of interest to study intellectual disability (ID) and the contribution of ARID. Here, we used a genotype-driven approach to study the genetic landscape of ID in the founder population of Finland. A total of 39 families with syndromic and non-syndromic ID were analyzed using exome sequencing, which revealed a variant in a known ID gene in 27 families. Notably, 75% of these variants in known ID genes were de novo or suspected de novo (64% autosomal dominant; 11% X-linked) and 25% were inherited (14% autosomal recessive; 7% X-linked; and 4% autosomal dominant). A dual molecular diagnosis was suggested in two families (5%). Via additional analysis and molecular testing, we identified three cases with an abnormal molecular karyotype, including chr21q22.12q22.2 uniparental disomy with a mosaic interstitial 2.7 Mb deletion covering DYRK1A and KCNJ6. Overall, a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was identified in 64% (25/39) of the families. Last, we report an alternate inheritance model for 3 known ID genes (UBA7, DDX47, DHX58) and discuss potential candidate genes for ID, including SYPL1 and ERGIC3 with homozygous founder variants and de novo variants in POLR2F and DNAH3. In summary, similar to other European populations, de novo variants were the most common variants underlying ID in the studied Finnish population, with limited contribution of ARID to ID etiology, though mainly driven by founder and potential founder variation in the latter case.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urgent dental care delivery in a Swiss university center for dental medicine
Authors: Eggmann Florin , Haschemi Asin Ahmad , Doukoudis Dimitrios , Filippi Andreas , Verna Carlalberta , Walter Clemens , Weiger Roland , Zitzmann Nicola U. , Bornstein Michael M.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to assess whether the emergency service of a major Swiss dental institution faced different demands (patient volume, treatment needs, dental care characteristics) during a lockdown, issued to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with the weeks before and after.

Materials and methods

Data of patients receiving urgent care at a university center for dental medicine (Basel, Switzerland) during the 6-week lockdown, pre-lockdown, and post-lockdown periods were retrospectively evaluated. Statistical analysis involved tests for equal proportions and logistic regression models. The level of significance was set at α=0.05.

Results

The study comprised 3109 dental emergency visits in the period from February 2 to June 5, 2020. Daily caseloads increased during lockdown. Abscesses, orthodontic emergencies, and surgical follow-ups were more common during lockdown, whereas the number of dento-alveolar injuries declined (≤0.048). Urgent dental care provision involved intraoral radiographs more frequently in the pre-lockdown period compared with the following weeks (p<0.001). Among all treatments, aerosol-generating procedures dropped from 56.1% (pre-lockdown) to 21.3% during lockdown (p<0.001), while teledentistry follow-ups became more frequent (p<0.001). Patients with comorbidities sought urgent dental care less frequently during the post-lockdown period (p=0.004).

Conclusions

The lockdown significantly impacted the dental emergency service in terms of patients’ diagnoses, treatment needs, and the characteristics of the urgent care that was delivered.

Clinical relevance

Access to essential dental care must be monitored and safeguarded throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond as deferred care entails risks for serious sequelae and persons with comorbidities may change their dental care-seeking behavior.
Existence results for the mixed Cauchy–Dirichlet problem for a class of hyperbolic operators
Authors: Barbagallo Annamaria , Esposito Vincenzo
Published: March 2021

The paper concerns the study of the Cauchy–Dirichlet problem for a class of hyperbolic second-order operators with double characteristics in presence of transition in a domain of $${\mathbb {R}}^3$$

R

3

. Firstly, we establish some a priori local and global estimates. Then, we obtain some existence results.
A facile synthesis of mono dispersed spherical silver doped bioactive glass nanoparticle
Authors: Kazemian Zahra , Varzandeh Mohammad , Labbaf Sheyda
Published: March 2021

Bioactive glasses have attracted enormous attention in the field of biomaterials for dental and medical applications. Incorporation of antibacterial ions within BGs has been proved to be a promising approach to fortify their bactericidal character. In this study, homogenous BGs containing silver (Ag) ions were synthesized by sol–gel method. Subsequently, the presence of the embedded ions were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Moreover, released ions were measured in simulated body fluid (SBF) and their antibacterial effectiveness was further verified using minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests. A crystalline hydroxyapatite layer was formed on the Ag-BG surfaces at day 5 approved by X-ray diffraction indicating the preserved bioactivity. The resultant uniform, mono-dispersed and dense nanoparticles show 19 great potential for a range of orthopedic and dental applications.
Induced abortion among married women in China: a study based on the 1997–2017 China Fertility Surveys
Authors: Wei Zhixin , Yu Dian , Liu Hongyan
Published: March 2021

This study uses four sets of data from China Fertility Surveys completed during the years 1997–2017 to analyze the trend of induced abortion, with a focus on the twenty-first century. Married women of reproductive age who had a history of pregnancy during the 5 years prior to participating in a survey were the research object. The study also examines the variation of abortion proportions among different subgroups during different time periods, including an examination of the number and gender of children, place of residence, and contraceptive use of women who had induced abortions. The results show that the occurrence of induced abortion has decreased gradually, and that the risk of induced abortion was higher for those who had given birth to fewer children. However, induced abortion among women with two children has increased in recent years. It is noteworthy that induced abortions among childless premarital women have continued to increase in recent years, and that the sexual and reproductive health problems of adolescents remain of great concern. The occurrence of induced abortions after childbirth increased for those with one or two children, showing that the unmet need for contraception after childbirth should receive more attention. In addition, sex-selective abortion has been decreasing gradually, but still exists today.
Chalcopyrite Leaching in a Dimethyl Sulfoxide Solution Containing Copper Chloride
Authors: Takatori Kota , Kato Hidekazu , Yoshimura Akihiro , Matsuno Yasunari
Published: March 2021

Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) is the most refractory copper mineral when treated in conventional sulfate media leaching systems. This is the first study to examine the use of a dimethyl sulfoxide (CH3SOCH3, DMSO) solution containing copper chloride (CuCl2) for the leaching of chalcopyrite. Leaching experiments for a copper concentrate composed mainly of chalcopyrite were conducted at ambient pressure at 313–413 K. The leaching fractions of Cu, Fe, S, Au, and As were investigated. It was found that 90% of the Cu was extracted in 2 h, and 94% was extracted in 4 h at 373 K, which is competitive with other conventional processes. A DMSO solution containing CuCl2 could selectively dissolve the valuable metals Cu and Au from chalcopyrite, but leave minerals with little economic value such as pyrite (FeS2) and As in the residue. Chalcopyrite is oxidized by cupric ion in proportion to the stoichiometric ratio of Cu in the concentrate to the initial cupric ion in the DMSO solution, which is enhanced by the presence of oxygen below 373 K.
Preoperative Psychological Evaluation for Patients Referred for Penile Prosthesis Implantation
Authors: dos Reis Margareth de Mello Ferreira , Barros Eduardo Augusto Corrêa , Pollone Marilisa , Molina Maria Beatriz Gracia , Westin Caio Pereira de Vasconcellos , Glina Sidney
Published: March 2021

Background

Patients may remain dissatisfied after penile prosthesis implantation for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Studies showing the results of standardized protocols for preoperative psychological evaluation are lacking.

Purpose

To estimate the rate of patients considered psychologically unfit for penile prosthesis implantation and to compare their characteristics with those considered fit after the implementation of a standardized psychological profile evaluation protocol for men with erectile dysfunction.

Methods

Cross-sectional evaluation of men referred for penile prosthesis implantation by their urologists, based on organic causes for the erectile dysfunction, including a semi-structured (sexual and relational anamnesis of the patient and their partner, information about expectations about the results of the penile prosthesis implantation and possible complications) and a structured instrument including validated tools for the evaluation of depression and/or anxiety symptoms. These were the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey for quality of life, and the Five-Factor Model (FFM) for behavioral tendencies. After at least 3 interviews, the psychology team rated the patients as fit or unfit for surgery. Unfit patients were those with any of a set of warning signals indicating risk for dissatisfaction even after penile implantation.

Main outcome measure

The prevalence of patients considered “unfit for surgery.”

Results

The quality of life scores were good, but 27.6% of patients (95% confidence interval, CI: 16.7–40.9%) were unfit for surgery. Being unfit was associated with obesity (P = .027), anxiety and/or depression symptoms (P < .001) and high levels of neuroticism (P = .001).

Conclusion

The preoperative evaluation protocol combining standardized and validated tools shows that more than one-quarter of patients with a medical indication for penile prosthesis implantation were not in good psychological conditions for the surgery. The development of psychological evaluation protocols can help identify patients in need of adequate care before penile implantation.