bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β‐Catenin Limits Osteogenesis on Regenerative Materials in a Stiffness‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Zhou Qi , Ren Xiaoyan , Oberoi Michelle K. , Bedar Meiwand , Caprini Rachel M. , Dewey Marley J. , Kolliopoulos Vasiliki , Yamaguchi Dean T. , Harley Brendan A. C. , Lee Justine C.
Published: September 2021

Targeted refinement of regenerative materials requires mechanistic understanding of cell–material interactions. The nanoparticulate mineralized collagen glycosaminoglycan (MC‐GAG) scaffold is shown to promote skull regeneration in vivo without additive exogenous growth factors or progenitor cells, suggesting potential for clinical translation. This work evaluates modulation of MC‐GAG stiffness on canonical Wnt (cWnt) signaling. Primary human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are differentiated on two MC‐GAG scaffolds (noncrosslinked, NX‐MC, 0.3 kPa vs conventionally crosslinked, MC, 3.9 kPa). hMSCs increase expression of activatedβ‐catenin, the major cWnt intracellular mediator, and the mechanosensitive YAP protein with near complete subcellular colocalization on stiffer MC scaffolds. Overall Wnt pathway inhibition reduces activatedβ‐catenin and osteogenic differentiation, while elevating BMP4 and phosphorylated Smad1/5 (p‐Smad1/5) expression on MC, but not NX‐MC. Unlike Wnt pathway downregulation, isolated canonical Wnt inhibition withβ‐catenin knockdown increases osteogenic differentiation and mineralization specifically on the stiffer MC.β‐catenin knockdown also increases p‐Smad1/5, Runx2, and BMP4 expression only on the stiffer MC material. Thus, while stiffness‐induced activation of the Wnt and mechanotransduction pathways promotes osteogenesis on MC‐GAG, activatedβ‐catenin is a limiting agent and may serve as a useful target or readout for optimal modulation of stiffness in skeletal regenerative materials.
A Review of the Terahertz Conductivity and Photoconductivity of Carbon Nanotubes and Heteronanotubes
Authors: Burdanova Maria G. , Tsapenko Alexey P. , Kharlamova Marianna V. , Kauppinen Esko I. , Gorshunov Boris P. , Kono Junichiro , Lloyd‐Hughes James
Published: September 2021

Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is an ideal non‐contact and non‐destructive technique that probes the electrical conductivity of nanomaterials. This review presents the current status of research in the THz properties of quasi‐1D materials, such as nanotubes (NTs) and NT heterostructures. Detailed descriptions of THz experimental methods (THz time‐domain spectroscopy, optical pump‐THz probe spectroscopy) and conductivity extraction methods are presented along with the physical models (Drude, plasmon, effective medium theories, etc.) supporting them. Optoelectronic applications, such as optical modulators, switches, and shielding devices, are discussed and illustrate a bright future for these materials.
Manufacturing for the Masses: A Novel Concept for Consumer 3D Printer Networks in the Context of Crisis Relief
Authors: Raeymaekers Bart , Leang Kam K. , Porfiri Maurizio , Xu Shenghan
Published: September 2021

Local or national crises, such as natural disasters, major infrastructure failures, and pandemics, pose dire threats to manufacturing. The concept of a rideshare‐like distributed network of consumer‐type 3D printers is proposed to address the limited ability of the industrial base to quickly respond to abrupt changes in critical product demand or to disruptions in manufacturing and supply‐chain capacity. The technical challenges that prevent the implementation of such a network are discussed, including 1) remote qualification of 3D printers, 2) dynamic routing algorithms with reactive and predictive components, which take advantage of real‐time information about current events that may affect the network, and 3) performance evaluation of the network. Furthermore, a cyber‐infrastructure that enables autonomous operation and reconfiguration of the network to render it “crisis‐proof” by minimizing human involvement is introduced. The concept of a distributed network of consumer‐type 3D printers allows anyone with a 3D printer and access to the internet to manufacture critical supplies, triggered by actual and predicted customer demand. Beyond crisis relief, distributed networks of manufacturing assets have broad relevance, and they can establish a virtual marketplace to exchange manufacturing capacity. Thus, this future manufacturing platform has the potential to transform how to manufacture for the masses.
Engineering Cell‐Based Systems for Smart Cancer Therapy
Authors: Mirkhani Nima , Gwisai Tinotenda , Schuerle Simone
Published: September 2021

Due to the difficulty of targeting systemically delivered therapeutics for cancer, interest has grown in exploiting biological agents to enhance tumor accumulation and mediate localized drug delivery. Equipped with onboard sensing and active motility, some cells respond to specific cues of the tumor microenvironment, making them ideal candidates for smart cancer therapy. Herein, recent progress and developments are presented on the use of four of the most promising cell‐based systems for tumor targeting and drug delivery—immune cells, stem cells, platelets, and bacteria. Strategies to further enhance specificity at the tissue and cell level are discussed, including genetic engineering, chemical cell surface modification, and the use of external physical stimuli. With crucial ongoing efforts addressing the safety and efficacy of living intelligent therapeutics, a new era of cancer medicine is on the horizon.
Noncovalent CH–π and π–π Interactions in Phosphoramidite Palladium(II) Complexes with Strong Conformational Preference
Authors: Žabka Matej , Naviri Lavakumar , Gschwind Ruth M.
Published: September 2021

The weak noncovalent interactions and flexibility of ligands play a key role in enantioselective metal‐catalyzed reactions. In transition metal complexes and their catalytic applications, the experimental assessment and the design of key interactions is as difficult as the prediction of the enantioselectivities, especially for flexible, privileged ligands such as chiral phosphoramidites. Therefore, the interligand interactions in cis‐PdIIL2Cl2 phosphoramidite complexes were investigated by NMR spectroscopy and computations. We were able to induce a strong conformational preference by breaking the symmetry of the C2‐symmetric side chain of one of the ligands, and shift the equilibrium between hetero‐ and homocomplexes towards heterocomplexes because of interligand interactions in the cis‐complexes. The modulation of aryl substituents was exploited, along with the solvent effect. The combined CH–π and π–π interactions reveal design patterns for binding and folding of chiral ligands and catalysts.
Heterojunction‐Based Electron Donators to Stabilize and Activate Ultrafine Pt Nanoparticles for Efficient Hydrogen Atom Dissociation and Gas Evolution
Authors: Sun Lu‐Han , Li Qi‐Yuan , Zhang Shi‐Nan , Xu Dong , Xue Zhong‐Hua , Su Hui , Lin Xiu , Zhai Guang‐Yao , Gao Peng , Hirano Shin‐Ichi , Chen Jie‐Sheng , Li Xin‐Hao
Published: September 2021

Platinum (Pt) is the most effective bench‐marked catalyst for producing renewable and clean hydrogen energy by electrochemical water splitting. There is demand for high HER catalytic activity to achieve efficient utilization and minimize the loading of Pt in catalysts. In this work, we significantly boost the HER mass activity of Pt nanoparticles in Ptx/Co to 8.3 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C by using Co/NC heterojunctions as a heterogeneous version of electron donors. The highly coupled interfaces between Co/NC and Pt metal enrich the electron density of Pt nanoparticles to facilitate the adsorption of H+, the dissociation of Pt−H bonds and H2 release, giving the lowest HER overpotential of 6.9 mV vs. RHE at 10 mA cm−2 in acid among reported HER electrocatalysts. Given the easy scale‐up synthesis due to the stabilization of ultrafine Pt nanoparticles by Co/NC solid ligands, Ptx/Co can even be a promising substitute for commercial Pt/C for practical applications.
Towards High‐Performance Resistive Switching Behavior through Embedding a D‐A System into 2D Imine‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Li Chenyu , Li Dong , Zhang Weifeng , Li Hao , Yu Gui
Published: September 2021

Developing new materials for the fabrication of resistive random‐access memory is of great significance in this period of big data. Herein, we present a novel design strategy of embedding donor (D) and acceptor (A) fragments into imine‐linked frameworks to construct resistive switching covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for high‐performance memristors. Two D‐A‐type two‐dimensional COFs,COF‐BT‐TTandCOF‐TT‐TVT, were designed and synthesized using a conventional solvothermal approach, and high‐quality thin films of these materials deposited on ITO substrate exhibited great potential as an active layer for memristors. Rewritable memristors based on 100 nm thickCOF‐TT‐BTandCOF‐TT‐TVTfilms showed a high ON/OFF current ratio (ca. 105and 104) and low driving voltage (1.30 and 1.60 V). The cycle period and retention time forCOF‐TT‐BT‐based rewritable devices were as high as 319 cycles and 3.3×104 s at a constant voltage of 0.1 V (160 cycles and 1.2×104 s for theCOF‐TT‐TVTmemristor).
Selective1HαNMR Methods Reveal Functionally Relevant Prolinecis/transIsomers in Intrinsically Disordered Proteins: Characterization of Minor Forms, Effects of Phosphorylation, and Occurrence in Proteome
Authors: Sebák Fanni , Ecsédi Péter , Bermel Wolfgang , Luy Burkhard , Nyitray László , Bodor Andrea
Published: September 2021

It is important to identify prolinecis/transisomers that appear in several regulatory mechanisms of proteins, and to characterize minor species that are present due to the conformational heterogeneity in intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). To obtain residue level information on these mobile systems we introduce two1Hα‐detected, proline selective, real‐time homodecoupled NMR experiments and analyze the proline abundant transactivation domain of p53. The measurements are sensitive enough to identify minor conformers present in 4–15 % amounts; moreover, we show the consequences of CK2 phosphorylation on thecis/trans‐proline equilibrium. Using our results and available literature data we perform a statistical analysis on how the amino acid type effects thecis/trans‐proline distribution. The methods are applicable under physiological conditions, they can contribute to find key proline isomers in proteins, and statistical analysis results may help in amino acid sequence optimization for biotechnological purposes.
Repurposing π Electrophilic Cyclization/Dealkylation for Group Transfer
Authors: Kaplan Joseph A. , Issaian Adena , Stang Martin , Gorial David , Blum Suzanne A.
Published: September 2021

A metal‐free regio‐ and stereocontrolled group‐transfer route toward the synthesis of trisubstituted alkenes is described. In this route, an electrophilic heterocyclization is followed by ring‐opening group transfer. Specifically, a thioboration reaction transforms readily available alkynyl sulfide precursors into alkenyl boronates and alkenyl sulfides with defined regio‐ and stereochemistry in one synthetic step using commercially available B‐chlorocatecholborane (ClBcat). Mechanistic studies identified the likely pathway as proceeding through zwitterionic rather than haloborated intermediates. The regio‐ and stereochemistry set in the initial cyclization step is preserved in the final acyclic alkene product, producing alkenes with up to four modifiable substituents with predictable regio‐ and stereochemistry. Downstream functionalization reactions showcase the versatility of the substitutions of the resulting alkenes. The mechanistic concept maps onto future reaction designs, given the abundance of known electrophiles and nucleophiles for electrophilic heterocyclization/dealkylation sequences.
Taxonomic diversity and distribution of the genus Proterorhinus (Teleostei: Gobiidae) in the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot with conservation implications
Authors: Zarei Fatah , Esmaeili Hamid Reza , Schliewen Ulrich K. , Abbasi Keyvan
Published: September 2021

The magnitude of biodiversity in the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot remains largely unknown, because species diversity is usually assessed based on morphology. One ecologically important fish group with cryptic diversity is the tubenose goby members of the genus Proterorhinus, for which recent studies have shown that species assignments are difficult.

Using mitochondrial COI data (652 bp) from 59 widespread localities, a phylogenetic and phylogeographical framework is applied to assess the species‐level status of different Caucasian populations of Proterorhinus, previously classified as Proterorhinus nasalis. We infer how post‐Miocene evolution of the Caspian basin may have shaped the present diversity and distribution of P. nasalis.

The results suggest that Proterorhinus diversity in the Caucasus has been underestimated: (i) specimens from Azerbaijan and the Samur River delta on the Caspian shore share haplotypes with Proterorhinus semipellucidus; (ii) specimens from the Black Sea shore at Kodori Bay, the Kintrishi, and Mcnishta rivers of Georgia share haplotypes with two lineages of Proterorhinus semilunaris; and (iii) south Caspian specimens from the Iranian sites studied belong to P. nasalis.

A pattern of low haplotype and nucleotide diversity was observed in P. nasalis, suggesting a founder event by a single or a few mitochondrial haplotypes following the isolation between the Black and Caspian seas in the early Pliocene or a demographic bottleneck during salinity and lake‐level changes in the Babadjanian, Balakhanian and Tyurkyanian stages.

Integrative use of genetic assessments for monitoring Caucasian biodiversity will help to understand the extent of biodiversity and reliably assess threat status for critical species. Considering the species' narrow distribution range, small population size and low genetic variability, P. nasalis may merit an upgrade from Least Concern to an IUCN Red List Threatened Category (i.e. Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered).
Design and Synthesis Strategies: 2D Materials for Electromagnetic Shielding/Absorbing
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhang Jianchao , Shuai Xiaofeng , Zhao Ruihua , Guo Tianyu , Li Kexun , Wang Donghong , Ma Chen , Li Jinping , Du Jianping
Published: September 2021

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials possess special physical and chemical properties. They have been proved to have potential application advantage in the microwave absorption (MA) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Particularly, they exhibit positive shielding and absorbing response to EMI. Here, the research progress of preparation, electromagnetic performance and microwave shielding/absorbing mechanisms of 2D composite materials are introduced. Effective preparation routes including introducing heteroatoms, constructing unique structures and 2D composite materials are described. Furthermore, the application prospects and challenges for the development of novel EMI materials are expatiated.
Study of anti‐windup pi controllers with different coupling–decoupling tuning gains in motor speed
Authors: Chiah Thong Ling , Hoo Choon Lih , Chung Edwin Chin Yau
Published: September 2021

Proportional‐integral (PI) controller is still a widely used closed‐loop controller in industrial applications due to its simplicity. PI controllers experience difficulty in having both non‐overshoot with short rise time. Such unfavorable response is due to its coupled tuning‐gains and the integral windup, which eventually leads to system instability. Various anti‐windup techniques have been proposed. However, similar to the conventional PI controllers, most of these techniques have coupled proportional and integral tuning gains that affect one another. The controllers contain adaptive switching between the conventional and its designated integral control depending on the saturation state. This paper proposes a robust non‐switching anti‐windup PI controller with semi‐decoupling tuning gain. Speed control simulation and experimental testing are conducted to investigate the impact of the various tuning gain dependency. The proposed controller shows a fast response with no overshoot as compared to the conventional and other non‐switching anti‐windup PI controllers with coupling and decoupling tuning gain at certain loading conditions.
The role of somatosensory stimulation in social phobia—An analysis of hand coordination in patients and therapeutic dyads during psychodynamic psychotherapy
Authors: Reinecke Katharina C. H. , Neumann Niklas D. , Joraschky Peter , Lausberg Hedda
Published: September 2021

In the psychotherapeutic treatment of social phobia, the hand movement behaviour exhibited during the interaction provides information about the success of the therapy. In particular, the degree of mutual somatosensory stimulation of the hands (hands moving on each other, as a unit, apart) appears to be relevant regarding the patient's mental state. To test this hypothesis, the present study investigates hand coordination in the course of psychotherapy in patients with and without symptom improvement and in the corresponding therapeutic dyads. Forty‐two videos of patient–therapist dyads consisting of 21 patients (n = 11 non‐improved; n = 10 improved; according to Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale self‐assessment) from the Social Phobia Research Network project were investigated in early psychotherapy sessions and in pre‐last sessions. Hand movements of four randomised video sequences per dyad were analysed with NEUROGES®‐ELAN. Patients with non‐improved symptoms displayed shorter act apart coordination and more act on each other coordination than patients with improved symptoms. Patients displayed more act apart and act on each other and less act as a unit coordination than therapists. In therapeutic dyads, act on each other coordination in early sessions, as well as short act apart coordination, was significantly related to non‐improvement. Patients with non‐improved symptoms are characterised by more hand coordination associated with a high degree of somatosensory stimulation serving self‐regulation (act on each other), as well as short complex gestural expressions (act apart). Thus, hand coordination constitutes a progression and outcome parameter informing on somatosensory stimulation.
Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse: The Effect of an Educational Programme on the Attitude, Knowledge and Behaviours of a Sample of Iranian Nurses
Authors: Khanjari Sedigheh , Salahi Elham , Zarei Khadijeh , Ranjbar Fahimeh , Haghani Hamid , Ebrahimi Ghassemi Akhtar
Published: September 2021

Key Practitioner Messages

Iranian nurses can face difficulties in identifying and reporting suspected child abuse.

Education can support Iranian nurses to identify and report suspected child abuse; learning from the government's approved Bill on the Protection of Children and Adolescents (PCA) and adhering to the PCA is therefore timely.

The educational programme presented here showed promise in promoting nurses' knowledge and skills with respect to recognising and reporting child abuse in Iran.
Hydrate‐Based CO2 Capture through Nano Dry Gels + Tetrahydrofuran – A Kinetic and Thermodynamic Study
Authors: Golkhou Fatemeh , Haghtalab Ali
Published: September 2021

The synergic effects of four combinations of nano dry gels plus tetrahydrofuran (THF) on the CO2 capture and hydrate phase equilibrium were investigated. It was found that the hydrate phase equilibrium condition was almost identical with the mixture of nano dry gel + THF and THF solution. The gas storage capacity and CO2 uptake rate increased significantly by THF concentration increment up to 19.06 wt % in the dry gel structure compared to a similar THF solution. The hydrate induction time decreased at higher ratios of THF. The mixture of dry gel + THF acted as a stabilizer during the hydrate dissociation process. Considering the gas storage capacity, kinetics, and thermodynamic promoting effect, a mixture including 19.06 wt % THF was favorable for hydrate‐based CO2 capture compared to the other combinations investigated in this study.
A Study in Red: The Overlooked Role of Azo‐Moieties in Polymeric Carbon Nitride Photocatalysts with Strongly Extended Optical Absorption
Authors: Mitoraj Dariusz , Krivtsov Igor , Li Chunyu , Rajagopal Ashwene , Im Changbin , Adler Christiane , Köble Kerstin , Khainakova Olena , Hniopek Julian , Neumann Christof , Turchanin Andrey , da Silva Ivan , Schmitt Michael , Leiter Robert , Lehnert Tibor , Popp Jürgen , Kaiser Ute , Jacob Timo , Streb Carsten , Dietzek Benjamin , Beranek Radim
Published: September 2021

The unique optical and photoredox properties of heptazine‐based polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) materials make them promising semiconductors for driving various productive photocatalytic conversions. However, their typical absorption onset at ca. 430–450 nm is still far from optimum for efficient sunlight harvesting. Despite many reports of successful attempts to extend the light absorption range of PCNs, the determination of the structural features responsible for the red shift of the light absorption edge beyond 450 nm has often been obstructed by the highly disordered structure of PCNs and/or low content of the moieties responsible for changes in optical and electronic properties. In this work, we implement a high‐temperature (900 °C) treatment procedure for turning the conventional melamine‐derived yellow PCN into a red carbon nitride. This approach preserves the typical PCN structure but incorporates a new functionality that promotes visible light absorption. A detailed characterization of the prepared material reveals that partial heptazine fragmentation accompanied by de‐ammonification leads to the formation of azo‐groups in the red PCN, a chromophore moiety whose role in shifting the optical absorption edge of PCNs has been overlooked so far. These azo moieties can be activated under visible‐light (470 nm) for H2 evolution even without any additional co‐catalyst, but are also responsible for enhanced charge‐trapping and radiative recombination, as shown by spectroscopic studies.
Elemental Sulfur and Dimethyl Sulfoxide‐Promoted Oxidative Cyclization of Trifluoroacetimidohydrazides with Methylhetarenes for the Synthesis of 3‐Hetaryl‐5‐trifluoromethyl‐1,2,4‐triazoles
Authors: Zhang Jiajun , Tang Jianhua , Chen Zhengkai , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: September 2021

Main observation and conclusion

A metal‐free approach for the synthesis of 3‐hetaryl‐5‐trifluoromethyl‐1,2,4‐triazoles via sulfur/dimethyl sulfoxide‐promoted oxidative cyclization of readily available trifluoroacetimidohydrazides with methylhetarenes has been developed. This transformation proceeds in cascade sulfur‐mediated generation of thioaldehyde, condensation, intramolecular cyclization and oxidative aromatization sequence.
Prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events in Alberta, Canada: A real‐world evidence study
Authors: Chen Guanmin , Farris Megan S. , Cowling Tara , Pinto Lionel , Rogoza Raina M. , MacKinnon Erin , Champsi Salimah , Anderson Todd J.
Published: September 2021

Background

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Data from Canadian populations regarding the burden of ASCVD are limited. Therefore, we describe the 5‐year period prevalence of ASCVD and subsequent major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) outcomes among patients with ASCVD in Alberta, Canada.

Methods

A retrospective, observational study was conducted by linking provincial health services data, vital statistics, and pharmaceutical dispenses data. Five‐year period prevalence of clinical ASCVD was captured between 2011 and 2016, and a cohort of adult patients with an initial clinical ASCVD event were identified between 2012 and 2016. One‐year incidence rates (IRs) of subsequent MACE outcomes were calculated as composite and individual measures. A subgroup of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as their index event was examined.

Results

There were 198 573 patients (mean [standard deviation] age: 63.9 [15.6] years; 56.6% males) identified with clinical ASCVD between 2012 and 2016. Overall, the 5‐year period prevalence of ASCVD in Alberta was 89.9 per 1000 persons and the 1‐year IR for a primary MACE outcome was 6.15 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.03–6.26) per 100 person‐years. Among the ASCVD cohort, 9465 had an AMI as their index event and the IR for a primary MACE outcome was 14.30 (95% CI: 13.45–15.20) per 100 person‐years.

Conclusions

This study found that the prevalence of ASCVD and the rate of subsequent MACE outcomes 1 year following the initial ASCVD event are substantial, particularly among patients with an AMI. Secondary prevention strategies aimed at lowering this risk are needed for patients with ASCVD.
Health plan‐based mailed fecal testing for colorectal cancer screening among dual‐eligible Medicaid/Medicare enrollees: Outcomes of 2 program models
Authors: Baldwin Laura‐Mae , Coronado Gloria D. , West Imara I. , Schwartz Malaika R. , Meenan Richard T. , Vollmer William M. , Petrik Amanda F. , Shapiro Jean A. , Kulkarni‐Sharma Yogini R. , Green Beverly B.
Published: September 2021

Background

Health insurance plans are increasingly offering mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) programs for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, but few studies have compared the outcomes of different program models (eg, invitation strategies).

Methods

This study compares the outcomes of 2 health plan–based mailed FIT program models. In the first program (2016), FIT kits were mailed to all eligible enrollees; in the second program (2018), FIT kits were mailed only to enrollees who opted in after an outreach phone call. Participants in this observational study included dual‐eligible Medicaid/Medicare enrollees who were aged 50 to 75 years and were due for CRC screening (1799 in 2016 and 1906 in 2018). Six‐month FIT completion rates, implementation outcomes (eg, mailed FITs sent and reminders attempted), and program‐related health plan costs for each program are described.

Results

All 1799 individuals in 2016 were sent an introductory letter and a FIT kit. In 2018, all 1906 were sent an introductory letter, and 1905 received at least 1 opt‐in call attempt, with 410 (21.5%) sent a FIT. The FIT completion rate was 16.2% (292 of 1799 [95% CI, 14.5%‐17.9%]) in 2016 and 14.6% (278 of 1906 [95% CI, 13.0%‐16.2%]) in 2018 (P = .36). The overall implementation costs were higher in 2016 ($40,156) than 2018 ($34,899), with the cost per completed FIT slightly higher in 2016 ($138) than 2018 ($126).

Conclusions

An opt‐in mailed FIT program achieved FIT completion rates similar to those of a program mailing to all dual‐eligible Medicaid/Medicare enrollees.

Lay Summary

Health insurance plans can use different program models to successfully mail fecal test kits for colorectal cancer screening to dual‐eligible Medicaid/Medicare enrollees, with nearly 1 in 6 enrollees completing fecal testing.
Running exercise protects spinophilin‐immunoreactive puncta and neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex of APP/PS1 transgenic mice
Authors: Zhu Lin , Fan Jin‐hua , Chao Feng‐lei , Zhou Chun‐ni , Jiang Lin , Zhang Yi , Luo Yan‐min , Zhang Lei , Xiao Qian , Yang Hao , Zhang Shan‐shan , Wu Hong , Tang Yong
Published: September 2021

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is thought to be closely associated with emotional processes, decision making, and memory. Previous studies have identified the prefrontal cortex as one of the most vulnerable brain regions in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Running exercise has widely been recognized as a simple and effective method of physical activity that enhances brain function and slows the progression of AD. However, the effect of exercise on the mPFC of AD is unclear. To address these issues, we investigated the effects of 4 months of exercise on the numbers of spinophilin‐immunoreactive puncta and neurons in the mPFC of 12‐month‐old APPswe/PSEN1dE9 (APP/PS1) transgenic AD model mice using stereological methods. The spatial learning and memory abilities of mice were tested using the Morris water maze. Four months of running exercise delayed declines in spatial learning and memory abilities. The stereological results showed significantly lower numbers of spinophilin‐immunoreactive puncta and neurons in the mPFC of APP/PS1 mice than in the wild‐type control group. The numbers of spinophilin‐immunoreactive puncta and neurons in the mPFC of running APP/PS1 mice were significantly greater than those in the APP/PS1 control mice. In addition, running‐induced improvements in spatial learning and memory were significantly associated with running‐induced increases in spinophilin‐immunoreactive puncta and neurons numbers in the mPFC. Running exercise could delay the loss of spinophilin‐immunoreactive puncta and neurons in the mPFC of APP/PS1 mice. This finding might provide an important structural basis for exercise‐induced improvements in the spatial learning and memory abilities of individuals with AD.
Comparative Performance of PETase as a Function of Reaction Conditions, Substrate Properties, and Product Accumulation
Authors: Erickson Erika , Shakespeare Thomas J. , Bratti Felicia , Buss Bonnie L. , Graham Rosie , Hawkins McKenzie A. , König Gerhard , Michener William E. , Miscall Joel , Ramirez Kelsey J. , Rorrer Nicholas A. , Zahn Michael , Pickford Andrew R. , McGeehan John E. , Beckham Gregg T.
Published: September 2021

There is keen interest to develop new technologies to recycle the plastic poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). To this end, the use of PET‐hydrolyzing enzymes has shown promise for PET deconstruction to its monomers, terephthalate (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). Here, the Ideonella sakaiensis PETase wild‐type enzyme was compared to a previously reported improved variant (W159H/S238F). The thermostability of each enzyme was compared and a 1.45 Å resolution structure of the mutant was described, highlighting changes in the substrate binding cleft compared to the wild‐type enzyme. Subsequently, the performance of the wild‐type and variant enzyme was compared as a function of temperature, substrate morphology, and reaction mixture composition. These studies showed that reaction temperature had the strongest influence on performance between the two enzymes. It was also shown that both enzymes achieved higher levels of PET conversion for substrates with moderate crystallinity relative to amorphous substrates. Finally, the impact of product accumulation on reaction progress was assessed for the hydrolysis of both PET and bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). Each enzyme displayed different inhibition profiles to mono(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) and TPA, while both were sensitive to inhibition by EG. Overall, this study highlights the importance of reaction conditions, substrate selection, and product accumulation for catalytic performance of PET‐hydrolyzing enzymes, which have implications for enzyme screening in the development of enzyme‐based polyester recycling.
Upconversion nanoparticle‐assisted single‐molecule assay for detecting circulating antigens of aggressive prostate cancer
Authors: Chen Yinghui , Shimoni Olga , Huang Guan , Wen Shihui , Liao Jiayan , Duong Hien T. T. , Maddahfar Mahnaz , Su Qian Peter , Ortega David Gallego , Lu Yanling , Campbell Douglas H. , Walsh Bradley J. , Jin Dayong
Published: September 2021

Sensitive and quantitative detection of molecular biomarkers is crucial for the early diagnosis of diseases like metabolic syndrome and cancer. Here we present a single‐molecule sandwich immunoassay by imaging the number of single nanoparticles to diagnose aggressive prostate cancer. Our assay employed the photo‐stable upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as labels to detect the four types of circulating antigens in blood circulation, including glypican‐1 (GPC‐1), leptin, osteopontin (OPN), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as their serum concentrations indicate aggressive prostate cancer. Under a wide‐field microscope, a single UCNP doped with thousands of lanthanide ions can emit sufficiently bright anti‐Stokes' luminescence to become quantitatively detectable. By counting every single streptavidin‐functionalized UCNP which specifically labeled on each sandwich immune complex across multiple fields of views, we achieved the Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.0123 ng/ml, 0.2711 ng/ml, 0.1238 ng/ml, and 0.0158 ng/ml for GPC‐1, leptin, OPN and VEGF, respectively. The serum circulating level of GPC‐1, leptin, OPN, and VEGF in a mixture of 10 healthy normal human serum was 25.17 ng/ml, 18.04 ng/ml, 11.34 ng/ml, and 1.55 ng/ml, which was within the assay dynamic detection range for each analyte. Moreover, a 20% increase of GPC‐1 and OPN was observed by spiking the normal human serum with recombinant antigens to confirm the accuracy of the assay. We observed no cross‐reactivity among the four biomarker analytes, which eliminates the false positives and enhances the detection accuracy. The developed single upconversion nanoparticle‐assisted single‐molecule assay suggests its potential in clinical usage for prostate cancer detection by monitoring tiny concentration differences in a panel of serum biomarkers.
Understanding the Alkylation Mechanism of 3‐Chloropiperidines – NMR Kinetic Studies and Isolation of Bicyclic Aziridinium Ions
Authors: Helbing Tim , Georg Mats , Stöhr Fabian , Carraro Caterina , Becker Jonathan , Gatto Barbara , Göttlich Richard
Published: September 2021

The present study describes the kinetic analysis of the 3‐chloropiperidine alkylation mechanism. These nitrogen mustard‐based compounds are expected to react via a highly electrophilic bicyclic aziridinium ion, which is readily attacked by nucleophiles. Halide abstraction using silver salts with weakly coordinating anions lead to the isolation of these proposed intermediates, whereas their structure was confirmed by single crystal XRD. Kinetic studies of the aziridinium ions also revealed notable reactivity differences of the C5 gem‐methylated compounds and their unmethylated counterparts. The observed reactivity trends were also reflected by NMR studies in aqueous solution and DNA alkylation experiments of the related 3‐chloropiperidines. Therefore, the underlying Thorpe‐Ingold effect might be considered as another option to adjust the alkylation activity of these compounds.
Highly production of dihydroxystrearic acid from catalytic epoxidation process by in situ peracid mechanism
Authors: Jalil Mohd Jumain , Azmi Intan Suhada , Hadi Abdul
Published: September 2021

Epoxidized vegetable oils are great concern as they are obtained from sustainable, and renewable natural resources. The epoxidation of palm oil‐derived oleic acid was carried out by using in situ generated performic acid to produce epoxidized palm oil‐derived oleic acid. The maximum conversion of palm oil‐derived oleic acid into oxirane was 86% by applying the in situ peracid mechanism. Based on the Fourier‐transform infrared spectrum, the hydroxyl group was observed within a wavenumber range of 1210–1320 cm−1. Last, a mathematical model was developed using Runge–Kutta method and after 100 iterations, the reaction rate parameters were obtained as follows:= 0.046 mol·L−1·min−1,= 39.058 mol·L−1·min−1,= 2.789 mol·L−1·min−1, and= 0.0235 mol·L−1·min−1for of dihydroxystearic acid production.
Lattice Boltzmann modeling of the capillary rise of non‐Newtonian power‐law fluids
Authors: Shan Fang , Du Hongyan , Chai Zhenhua , Shi Baochang
Published: September 2021

In this work, a lattice Boltzmann (LB) model is proposed to study the capillary rise phenomena of two‐phase immiscible non‐Newtonian power‐law fluids. The main advantage of the LB model is that it not only allows us to solve the problems of two‐phase flow with a large density difference, but also can overcome the numerical instability caused by the change of relaxation time in the collision operator. In this model, two LB evolution equations are used to solve the conservative Allen–Cahn equation for capturing phase interface and incompressible Navier–Stokes equations for non‐Newtonian power‐law fluid dynamics. Some benchmark examples, including a droplet spreading on a smooth wall and two‐phase power‐law fluid flows between parallel plates, are used to test present LB model, and the results show that the present model is efficient and accurate in the study of two‐phase power‐law fluid flows. Furthermore, we pay attention to the phenomena of capillary rise of non‐Newtonian fluids, and carry out a parametric study on the effects of the gravity, viscosity, contact angle, power‐law index, and displaced fluids. The results show that the factors mentioned above have some significant influences on the rising process of the absorbed fluids.
Analysis of volatility characteristics of five jujube varieties in Xinjiang Province, China, by HS‐SPME‐GC/MS and E‐nose
Authors: Liu Yuxing , Sang Yueying , Guo Jingyu , Zhang Weida , Zhang Tianyu , Wang Hai , Cheng Shaobo , Chen Guogang
Published: September 2021

In this study, headspace solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC/MS) was used to identify individual volatile compounds in five jujube varieties, and E‐nose was used to identify their flavor. The results showed that a total of 45 volatile compounds were detected by GC‐MS in the five varieties, and the proportion of acids was the highest (38.29%–54.95%), followed by that of aldehydes (22.94%–47.93%) and esters (6.33%–26.61%). Moreover, different varieties had obviously different volatile components. E‐nose analysis showed that the R7 and R9 sensors were more sensitive to the aroma of jujube than other sensors. The strong response of R7 sensor was attributed to terpenes (or structurally similar substances) in jujube fruit, such as 1‐penten‐3‐one, 2‐octenal, (E)‐2‐heptanaldehyde, and (E)‐2‐hexenal and that of R9 sensor was attributed to the cyclic volatile components such as benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, and methyl benzoate. The multivariate data analysis (PCA, OPLS‐DA, and HCA) of the results of GC/MS and E‐nose showed that the five varieties could be divided into three groups: (1) Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Huizao (HZ) and Z. jujuba cv. Junzao (JZ). Acids were the main volatile components for this group (accounting for 47.44% and 54.95%, respectively); (2) Z. jujuba cv. Hamidazao (HMDZ). This group had the most abundant volatile components (41), and the concentrations were also the highest (1285.43 µg/kg); (3) Winter jujube 1 (Z. jujuba cv. Dongzao, WJ1) and Winter jujube 2 (Z. jujuba cv. Dongzao, WJ2). The proportion of acids (38.38% and 38.29%) and aldehydes (40.35% and 38.19%) were similar in the two varieties. Therefore, the combination of headspace solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and E‐nose could quickly and accurately identify the volatile components in jujube varieties from macro‐ and microperspectives. This study can provide guidance for the evaluation and distinguishing of jujube varieties and jujube cultivation and processing.
Intrinsic neural network dynamics in catatonia
Authors: Sambataro Fabio , Hirjak Dusan , Fritze Stefan , Kubera Katharina M. , Northoff Georg , Calhoun Vince D. , Meyer‐Lindenberg Andreas , Wolf Robert C.
Published: September 2021

Catatonia is a transnosologic psychomotor syndrome with high prevalence in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). There is mounting neuroimaging evidence that catatonia is associated with aberrant frontoparietal, thalamic and cerebellar regions. Large‐scale brain network dynamics in catatonia have not been investigated so far. In this study, resting‐state fMRI data from 58 right‐handed SSD patients were considered. Catatonic symptoms were examined on the Northoff Catatonia Rating Scale (NCRS). Group spatial independent component analysis was carried out with a multiple analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) approach to estimate and test the underlying intrinsic components (ICs) in SSD patients with (NCRS total score ≥ 3; n = 30) and without (NCRS total score = 0; n = 28) catatonia. Functional network connectivity (FNC) during rest was calculated between pairs of ICs and transient changes in connectivity were estimated using sliding windowing and clustering (to capture both static and dynamic FNC). Catatonic patients showed increased static FNC in cerebellar networks along with decreased low frequency oscillations in basal ganglia (BG) networks. Catatonic patients had reduced state changes and dwelled more in a state characterized by high within‐network correlation of the sensorimotor, visual, and default‐mode network with respect to noncatatonic patients. Finally, in catatonic patients according to DSM‐IV‐TR (n = 44), there was a significant correlation between increased within FNC in cortico‐striatal state and NCRS motor scores. The data support a neuromechanistic model of catatonia that emphasizes a key role of disrupted sensorimotor network control during distinct functional states.
Activation of p53 After Irradiation Impairs the Regenerative Capacity of the Mouse Liver
Authors: Urabe Makiko , Hikita Hayato , Saito Yoshinobu , Kudo Shinnosuke , Fukumoto Kenji , Mizutani Naoki , Myojin Yuta , Doi Akira , Sato Katsuhiko , Sakane Sadatsugu , Makino Yuki , Kodama Takahiro , Sakamori Ryotaro , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: September 2021

Radiation therapy is one of the treatment methods for hepatocellular carcinoma. However, radiation tolerance of the liver is low, and the detailed effect of radiation on liver regeneration has not been clarified. C57BL/6J mice or hepatocyte‐specific p53 knockout (KO) mice (albumin [Alb]‐Cre Trp53flox/flox
) were irradiated with a single fraction of 10 Gy localized to the upper abdomen. We performed 70% partial hepatectomy (PHx) 24 hours after irradiation. Liver regeneration was assessed by proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)‐ and Ki‐67‐positive hepatocyte ratios and liver‐to‐body weight ratio after PHx. To establish a fibrosis model, CCl4 was orally administered for 8 weeks. The murine hepatocyte cell line BNL CL.2 (CL2) was irradiated with 10 Gy. Irradiation activated p53, induced downstream p21 in the liver, and delayed liver regeneration after PHx. While PHx increased hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels and activated Met with or without irradiation in the regenerative liver, it activated Akt and extracellular kinase 1 and 2 (Erk 1/2) less in irradiated mice than in nonirradiated mice. In CL2 cells cultured with HGF, irradiation suppressed cell growth by decreasing phosphorylated Akt and Erk 1/2 levels, which was abolished by small interfering RNA‐mediated p53 knockdown but not by p21 knockdown. Hepatocyte‐specific knockout of p53 in mice abolished the irradiation‐induced suppression of both liver regeneration and Akt and Erk 1/2 activation after PHx. In the fibrotic mouse model, the survival rate after PHx of irradiated p53 KO mice was higher than that of wild‐type mice. Conclusion: p53 but not p21 is involved in the impaired regenerative ability of the irradiated liver.
The need for management education of healthcare management employees
Authors: Jankelová Nadežda , Joniaková Zuzana , Romanová Anita
Published: September 2021

Given the wide professional discussion on the dominating professional focus of healthcare managers at the expense of management knowledge, the main goal of this paper is to verify the extent, to which management education of healthcare workers affects the level of their management skills.

Methodology

The Descriptive statistics methods have been used to answer research questions regarding the differences in the perception of the managerial skills and their disposition importance between managers with a completed management education and without it. Emphasis was placed on people management skills and communication skills. The research sample consisted of 253 healthcare managers.

Results

Managers with a completed specialized management study are characterized by higher values of entrepreneurial competences and communication skills. They also have exceptional skills in the area of initiator of change. Another significant difference is the higher adaptation of roles and low critique of their subordinates. They are oriented at workers and relationships with them.

Conclusion

Our results show that management education of healthcare managers significantly contributes to the implementation of newer approaches to people management and the use of the necessary management skills, which are a source of higher efficiency in the context of the present world of work and its challenges.
Internet of Things adoption barriers in the Indian healthcare supply chain: An ISM‐fuzzy MICMAC approach
Authors: Desingh Videsh , R Baskaran
Published: September 2021

Internet of things (IoT) plays a significant role in offering a wide range of benefits to the healthcare supply chain. It improves the quality of patient care, reduces the cost of medical procedures, maintaining flawless operations and supports clinical decisions. Despite strong policy interest and vast potential benefits of IoT in the healthcare supply chain, the actual adoption rate is relatively low and it's in the nascent stage in developing countries like India. The objective of this paper is to identify and analyze the potential barriers which would restrain the healthcare industry from adopting IoT. Based on the review of the literature and brainstorming with experts from industry and academia, 14 barriers were identified for IoT adoption. The contextual relationship between the identified barriers was developed using interpretive structural modeling and the obtained results were used as input to fuzzy MICMAC analysis to determine the driving and dependence power of the IoT adoption barriers. From the result, Legal and regulatory standards, Lack of IT Infrastructure are major barriers influencing the adoption of IoT in the healthcare supply chain. The findings will support the decision‐makers to understand the contextual relationship between the IoT adoption barriers in the Indian healthcare supply chain.
A study on heat transfer in three‐dimensional nonlinear convective boundary layer flow of nanomaterial considering the aggregation of nanoparticles
Authors: Mahanthesh B. , Srikantha N. , Mackolil Joby
Published: September 2021

Thermal systems of solar collectors, electronic cooling, nuclear reactors, and combustion operate at high thermal conditions, and in such circumstances, the density relation of the working fluids with the thermal field may not be linear. The working fluid features are significantly affected by nonlinear density temperature fluctuations. Therefore, a theoretical study of the quadratic Boussinesq approximation (with quadratic density temperature [QDT] variation) and quadratic Rosseland radiation on the three‐dimensional boundary layer dynamics and heat transport of ethylene glycol‐based titania nanomaterial is carried out. The phenomenon of the kinematics of nanoparticle aggregation is also analyzed by considering modified models proposed by Maxwell–Bruggeman and Krieger–Dougherty for thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity. The flow is induced by the elongation of a flexible flat plate in two directions. A comparison of heat transfer features of linear elongation of the plate and nonlinear elongation of the plate is conducted. The Rosseland radiative heat flux is studied in three different forms. The governing nonlinear equations are treated using apt nondimensionalization, stretching transformation, and then by using the Richardson extrapolation method. The results are presented via plots to analyze the impact of key parameters involved in the model. The magnitude of the nanomaterial temperature is enhanced due to the kinematics of nanoparticle aggregation. Among linear, quadratic, and nonlinear forms of Rosseland radiative heat flux, the quadratic radiative heat is more suitable when QDT is considered. A positive relationship is found between heat transfer and volume fraction and a positive relationship is observed between heat transfer and the QDT factor. The magnitude of the velocities and thermal field is higher for flow driven due to the linear elongation of the plate than the nonlinear case.