bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Electronic Origin of the Zeta Potential is Supported by the Redox Mechanism on an Aqueous Dispersion of Exfoliated Graphite
Authors: Damasceno João Paulo Vita , Kubota Lauro Tatsuo
Published: October 2022

Herein we have proposed that a redox mechanism can produce surface charges and negative zeta potential on an aqueous graphite dispersion. Graphite was kept in contact with a concentrated ammonia aqueous solution, washed, and exfoliated in water, resulting in a dispersion with lyophobic nature. Ammonia treatment did not provide functional groups or nitrogen doping to graphite. Moreover, this material was washed twice before sonication to remove most hydroxide. Therefore, neither functional groups, nitrogen atoms, nor hydroxide excess is responsible for the zeta potential. Kelvin probe force microscopy has shown that the ammonia‐treated and exfoliated graphite has higher Fermi level than the water‐treated material, indicating that the contact between ammonia and graphite promotes redox reactions that provide electrons to graphite. These electrons raise the Fermi level of graphite and generate the negative zeta potential, consequently, they account for the colloidal stability.
Genetic population structure of the critically endangered stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) in the Black Sea basin: Implications for conservation
Authors: Holostenco Daniela Nicoleta , Ciorpac Mitică , Firidin Șirin , Eroglu Oguzhan , Memiș Devrim , Paraschiv Marian , Honț Ștefan , Iani Marian , Tošić Katarina , Taflan Elena , Porea Daniela , Kersten Petra , Aydın İlhan , Suciu Radu , Gessner Jörn , Rîșnoveanu Geta , Kohlmann Klaus
Published: October 2022

Stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) is a species of great conservation concern throughout its range. Over the past century, it has experienced a dramatic decline in abundance and distribution in the Black Sea basin. Information regarding the genetic structure of the species is very limited in the region, despite its crucial importance for developing adequate management plans for the species’ conservation and recovery.

Samples from 163 A. stellatus were analysed using mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA markers to investigate the species’ genetic characteristics in the north‐western and southern Black Sea.

Both genetic markers revealed high genetic diversity (153 haplotypes and 264 alleles) and low genetic differentiation of marine and freshwater catches. The north‐western Black Sea population is undergoing a slight demographic expansion after a bottleneck event induced by overfishing and dam constructions.

The genetic population structure indicates a single genetic cluster in the north‐western Black Sea region and signs of admixture of two genetic clusters in the southern region. It also provides the first evidence for a remnant reproductive stellate sturgeon micro‐population in rivers of Turkey and Georgia.

A sturgeon fishing ban and stocking activities carried out during the last decades, largely without any prior genetic assessment of the sturgeon populations, added little conservation value. Outreach initiatives and urgent actions are required to foster the recovery of this Critically Endangered species in the region.

Reconstruction of the connectivity of the rivers and the enhancement of habitats and spawning grounds are beneficial to all sturgeon species. An ex‐situ conservation programme for Turkish rivers which flow into the Black Sea would be beneficial to help conserve the genetic resources until the habitats and migration routes become functional. Moreover, genetic screening and recruitment programmes must be functional for all rivers flowing into the Black Sea.
NRF2, a crucial modulator of skin cells protection against vitiligo, psoriasis, and cancer
Authors: Panieri Emiliano , Telkoparan‐Akillilar Pelin , Saso Luciano
Published: October 2022

The skin represents a physical barrier between the organism and the environment that has evolved to confer protection against biological, chemical, and physical insults. The inner layer, known as dermis, is constituted by connective tissue and different types of immune cells whereas the outer layer, the epidermis, is composed by different layers of keratinocytes and an abundant number of melanocytes, localized in the stratum basale of the epidermis. Oxidative stress is a common alteration of inflammatory skin disorders such as vitiligo, dermatitis, or psoriasis but can also play a causal role in skin carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (NRF2) has emerged as a crucial regulator of cell defense mechanisms activating complex transcriptional programs that facilitate reactive oxygen species detoxification, repair oxidative damage and prevent xenobiotic‐induced toxicity. Accumulating evidence suggests that the keratinocytes, melanocytes, and other skin cell types express high levels of NRF2, which is known to play a pivotal role in the skin homeostasis, differentiation, and metabolism during normal and pathologic conditions. In the present review, we summarize the current evidence linking NRF2 to skin pathophysiology and we discuss some recent modulators of NRF2 activity that have shown a therapeutic efficacy in skin protection against tumor initiation and common inflammatory skin conditions such as vitiligo or psoriasis, with a particular emphasis on natural compounds.
The Transformation of Inorganic to Organic Carbonates: Chasing for Reaction Pathways in Mechanochemistry
Authors: Sander Miriam , Fabig Sven , Borchardt Lars
Published: October 2022

Mechanochemical reactions are solvent‐free alternatives to solution‐based syntheses enabling even conventionally impossible transformations. Their reaction pathways, however, usually remain unexplored within the heavily vibrating, dense milling vessels. Here, we showcase how the green organic solvent diethyl carbonate is synthesized mechanochemically from inorganic alkali carbonates and how the complementary combination of milling parameter studies, synchrotron X‐ray diffraction real time monitoring, and quantum chemical calculations reveal the underlying reaction pathways. With this, reaction intermediates are identified, and chemical concepts of solution‐chemistry are challenged or corroborated for mechanochemistry.
New exponentiated generalized censored regression models: Monte Carlo simulation and application
Authors: Yenilmez İsmail , Mert Kantar Yeliz
Published: October 2022

The standard maximum likelihood estimator of censored regression models is constructed under the assumption of the normal distribution and it yields inefficient results in case of non‐normal asymmetric data or/and presence of outlier(s). In the analysis of censored real‐life data encountered in many disciplines such as finance, medical sciences, and engineering, there is often a violation of the assumption of normality. In this paper, we propose a generalization of the censored normal regression based on the extended normal distribution (EGT). The generalized model, with two additional shape parameters as a and b, includes classical Tobit model for a = 0 and b = 0 and Alpha‐Power Tobit model for a = 1. It provides very flexible estimation in cases symmetric‐asymmetric data and especially in case non‐normal asymmetric data or/and presence of outlier(s). In addition, Lehmann type II‐G Tobit model (LTII‐GT) is also proposed for b = 1 as a special case of generalization. The performance of proposed two new generalizations of Tobit, namely EGT and LTII‐GT has been compared with Tobit, Alpha‐Power Tobit, and classical estimators by means of a comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation study. The performance of proposed models' ML estimators is illustrated on a real data set. The superiority of the proposed estimators is shown.
Comparative analysis of reflected impedance between fractional‐order and integer‐order wireless power transfer systems
Authors: Zhao Xiaoguang , Yang Jingjing , Xie Wenyan , Shu Xujian , Jiang Yanwei
Published: October 2022

In a magnetic coupled wireless power transfer (WPT) system, reflected impedance is the equivalent impedance reflected from receiver to transmitter, playing an important role in transfer efficiency. However, the study on the reflected impedance of fractional‐order magnetic coupled WPT systems is lacking. Therefore, this paper analyzes the reflected impedance characteristics of fractional‐order WPT systems. Based on circuit theory, comparative investigations about the reflected impedance of fractional‐order and integer‐order WPT systems are performed. It is demonstrated that the reflected impedance of the fractional‐order WPT system has a stronger anti‐interference ability against the shift of coupling coefficient and resonant frequency than the integer‐order WPT system. The experimental results verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis.
Diabetes induced by checkpoint inhibition in nonobese diabetic mice can be prevented or reversed by a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor
Authors: Ge Tingting , Phung Amber‐Lee , Jhala Gaurang , Trivedi Prerak , Principe Nicola , De George David J , Pappas Evan G , Litwak Sara , Sanz‐Villanueva Laura , Catterall Tara , Fynch Stacey , Boon Louis , Kay Thomas W , Chee Jonathan , Krishnamurthy Balasubramanian , Thomas Helen E
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have achieved clinical success in cancer treatment, but this treatment causes immune‐related adverse events, including type 1 diabetes (T1D). Our aim was to test whether a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, effective at treating spontaneous autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, can prevent diabetes secondary to PD‐L1 blockade.

Methods

Anti‐PD‐L1 antibody was injected into NOD mice to induce diabetes, and JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor LN3103801 was administered by oral gavage to prevent diabetes. Flow cytometry was used to study T cells and beta cells. Mesothelioma cells were inoculated into BALB/c mice to induce a transplantable tumour model.

Results

Anti‐PD‐L1‐induced diabetes was associated with increased immune cell infiltration in the islets and upregulated MHC class I on islet cells. Anti‐PD‐L1 administration significantly increased islet T cell proliferation and islet‐specific CD8+ T cell numbers in peripheral lymphoid organs. JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor treatment blocked IFNγ‐mediated MHC class I upregulation on beta cells and T cell proliferation mediated by cytokines that use the common γ chain receptor. As a result, anti‐PD‐L1‐induced diabetes was prevented by JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor administered before or after checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Diabetes was also reversed when the JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor was administered after the onset of anti‐PD‐L1‐induced hyperglycaemia. Furthermore, JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor intervention after checkpoint inhibitors did not reverse or abrogate the antitumour effects in a transplantable tumour model.

Conclusion

A JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor can prevent and reverse anti‐PD‐L1‐induced diabetes by blocking IFNγ and γc cytokine activities. Our study provides preclinical validation of JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor use in checkpoint inhibitor‐induced diabetes.
Integrating satellite altimeter data and geomorphic in‐stream flow tool to assess reach average hydraulic habitat of the Ganga River dolphin
Authors: Sonkar Gaurav Kailash , Gaurav Kumar , Rai Atul Kumar , Taigor Sitaram , Beg Zafar
Published: October 2022

The Ganga River ecosystem is under severe anthropogenic stress. Flow regulations through structural barriers alter the geomorphic and hydraulic geometry of riverine habitats. Determining the ecological health of river habitats under the contemporary modification is detrimental to its restoration and management. This study evaluates reach averaged hydraulic habitat of the endangered Ganga River dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in a stretch between Bijnor and Narora barrages. We consider an optimal minimum flow depth as the determining factor of habitat suitability. Field measurement of the hydraulic geometry and flow characteristics show that the optimal flow depth is available in the study reach during the monsoon period, while in the pre‐monsoon, the minimum depth is present only in the reach upstream to Narora barrage. We use a geomorphic instream flow tool (GIFT) and satellite altimeter water level data to simulate reach averaged hydraulic habitat in varying flow conditions in area upstream of Narora barrage. We observe that to maintain the minimum flow depth which supports the dolphin habitat in the study reach, an optimal discharge of about
is essential. Furthermore, we develop a water‐level (altimeter) and discharge (simulated from GIFT) rating curve for the study reach. It can be used to get a first‐order estimate of discharge for a given water level or vice versa. This study indicates that the altimetry datasets are good precursors for estimating averaged hydraulic habitat of rivers in the data‐scarce regions. The application of altimeter data can be a boon in the effective management of river habitat health over a reach scale.
Scorpiands: Quinquedentate Ligands that Couple the Rigidity of Cyclam and the Flexibility of a Coordinating Side Chain
Authors: Fabbrizzi Luigi
Published: October 2022

This review tells the story of scorpiands, polyamine ligands which, when specifically stimulated, act as scorpions, and of their metal complexes, scorpiates. Scorpiands consist of a tetramine macrocycle (typically cyclam) capable of firmly including a transition metal and of a side chain ending with a nitrogen containing coordinating group: under unperturbed conditions the coordinating group is bound to the metal (ON), but on addition of acid the nitrogen is protonated and comes off the metal (OFF). Alternating acid/base addition makes the side chain move imitating the tail of a scorpion that bites a prey firmly immobilized by the claws. Occurrence of the ON‐OFF motion is monitored by the colour change of the scorpiate complexes associated to the change of coordination or by fluorescence quenching/restoring when a light‐emitting substituent is linked to the side arm. Scorpiate complexes can be considered optical molecular switches and, from a different standpoint, molecular machines able to convert chemical energy into mechanical work.
Peptide Conjugated Dihydroazulene/Vinylheptafulvene Photoswitches in Aqueous Environment
Authors: Corbet Brian P. , Schlüter J. Malte , Cotroneo Elena R. , Crespi Stefano , Simeth Nadja A.
Published: October 2022

Light‐responsive molecules have seen a major advance in modulating biological functions in recent years. Especially photoswitches are highly attractive building blocks due to the reversible nature of their light‐mediated reactivity. They are frequently used to affect both the properties of small bioactive compounds and biomacromolecules if incorporated suitably. Despite their success in a plethora of applications, only a limited set of photochromic core structures is routinely employed and a large number of photochromic couples are under‐investigated in biological context. Broadening the toolbox of photoswitches available to modulate biological activity would open new avenues and unlock the full potential of photoswitchable molecules for biological studies. In this work, we explore the photochemical and thermal properties of the dihydroazulene/vinylheptafulvene photochromic couple as peptide conjugates in aqueous environment.
Collective mobilisation as a contest for influence: Leading for change or against the status quo?
Authors: Subašić Emina , Mohamed Shaistha , Reynolds Katherine J. , Rushton Clare , Haslam S. Alexander
Published: October 2022

Leadership is central to understanding social continuity and change, though rarely features in the study of collective action. Across three experiments (total N = 687), we examine how followers’ support for pro‐change leaders (Experiments 1–3) and pro‐status quo leaders (Experiments 1–2) varies as a function of leader alignment with group normative trajectory, the presence (vs. absence) of competing leaders, and shared group membership with followers. When pro‐change leaders were aligned with the normative trajectory of the group, they elicited higher collective action and voting intentions compared to pro‐status quo leaders (Experiments 1–2). When change leaders were non‐aligned, participants instead supported the pro‐status quo alternative (Experiment 1–2). Finally, the presence of leadership contests with aligned change leaders (Experiment 2) and pro‐status quo leaders (Experiments 2–3) reduced collective action and support for non‐aligned change leaders or those facing a polarised followership. Implications for research at the nexus of leadership and collective action are discussed.
Delineation of stratigraphic traps within the basin floor fans of Miocene sedimentary sequences, offshore Indus, Pakistan using inverted acoustic impedance simulations
Authors: Naseer Muhammad Tayyab , Naseem Shazia , Khalid Raja Hamad , Shah Muhammad Ali , Khalid Perveiz
Published: October 2022

Deep‐water clastic settings frame major stratigraphic plays the world over. The advanced seismic interpretation tools provide prediction of accurate physical characteristics of undiscovered reservoirs, including their lithology, thickness, and porosity. The designed amplitude spectrum (DAS)‐based processing tool on Full spectrum seismic may yield a remarkable stratigraphy. This study deals with the prediction of thick and porous (possibly gas‐rich) litho‐facies using the DAS tool on high‐resolution seismal profiles within the offshore Indus Basin (OIB), SW Pakistan. The seismic and trace envelope magnitudes bound the demarcation of stratigraphic traps. The DAS processing tool on relative acoustic impedance inversion (RAI) magnitude demarcates the aggradational porous sandstone‐filled reservoirs, which are encased within a transgressive non‐porous shale‐filled channel‐levee system. The thickness predicted by band‐limited seismic acoustic impedance (AI) simulation for channels, point bars, and levees is 28, 27, and 24 m, respectively. The DAS‐based RAI processing on AI reservoir simulation accurately resolves the lenses of channel sandstone, point bars and levees, and confirms the channelized basin floor fans (BFFs) with an average 11, 34, 24, and 52 m thickness and a lateral extent between 10 and 25 km. The western zones have implications for basin development, which have accumulated the porous and thickest reservoir facies inside the aggradational parasequences of BFFs of Miocene sedimentary sequences. Hence, the presented scheme of exploration serves as a comparable example for exploring the hydrocarbon‐bearing plays inside OIB and global deep‐water depositional systems.
Evidence for independent representational contents in inhibitory control subprocesses associated with frontoparietal cortices
Authors: Gholamipourbarogh Negin , Ghin Filippo , Mückschel Moritz , Frings Christian , Stock Ann‐Kathrin , Beste Christian
Published: October 2022

Inhibitory control processes have intensively been studied in cognitive science for the past decades. Even though the neural dynamics underlying these processes are increasingly better understood, a critical open question is how the representational dynamics of the inhibitory control processes are modulated when engaging in response inhibition in a relatively automatic or a controlled mode. Against the background of an overarching theory of perception‐action integration, we combine temporal and spatial EEG signal decomposition methods with multivariate pattern analysis and source localization to obtain fine‐grained insights into the neural dynamics of the representational content of response inhibition. For this purpose, we used a sample of N = 40 healthy adult participants. The behavioural data suggest that response inhibition was better in a more controlled than a more automated response execution mode. Regarding neural dynamics, effects of response inhibition modes relied on a concomitant coding of stimulus‐related information and rules of how stimulus information is related to the appropriate motor programme. Crucially, these fractions of information, which are encoded at the same time in the neurophysiological signal, are based on two independent spatial neurophysiological activity patterns, also showing differences in the temporal stability of the representational content. Source localizations revealed that the precuneus and inferior parietal cortex regions are more relevant than prefrontal areas for the representation of stimulus–response selection codes. We provide a blueprint how a concatenation of EEG signal analysis methods, capturing distinct aspects of neural dynamics, can be connected to cognitive science theory on the importance of representations in action control.
Hippocampal cellular functional organization for fear memory: Effects of sleep
Authors: Cho Jiyeon , Pavlides Constantine
Published: October 2022

Memory is vital to our daily existence. Although a large number of studies have suggested that the hippocampus is dedicated to long‐term memory, understanding how memory is anatomically encoded within the hippocampal neuronal network is still lacking. Previously our laboratory showed that hippocampal pyramidal cells are organized in cell clusters to encode both spatial and episodic memory. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that “cluster‐type” is a functional organization principal in the hippocampus to encode all types of memory. Here, we tested whether contextual fear, another hippocampus‐dependent memory, is also organized in cell clusters. We further investigated the possibility that post‐learning sleep may affect functional organization. Cluster formation was examined by assessing the topographic localization of active cells using immediate early gene (IEG, Zif268) imaging methods. The first experiment provides evidence of a cluster‐type organization in the hippocampus for fear memory by showing a spatial distribution of adjacent Zif268 positive cells. Exposure to the context itself, without electric shocks, induced a similar cellular formation; however, the degree of clustering was significantly lower. The second experiment provides evidence that sleep plays a role in the refinement and long‐term stability of the clusters. The present results confirm the existence of a cluster‐type topographic functional neuronal organization in the hippocampus for memory, and further suggest that post‐learning sleep enhances the cluster‐type organization.
Women know about perineal trauma risk but do not know how to prevent it: Knowledge, attitude, and practice
Authors: Gondim Edna Jéssica Lima , Moreira Mayle Andrade , Lima Amene Cidrão , de Aquino Priscila de Souza , do Nascimento Simony Lira
Published: October 2022

Objective

To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) preparation for birth among postpartum women, and its related factors.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study conducted in a maternity unit among Brazilian women aged 14 years or older during the first 72 h postpartum, who desired and had vaginal birth. Sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric data were collected using a standardized form from medical charts. A 15‐question questionnaire was used to measure the KAP of PFM preparation for birth. Knowledge was categorized as: poor, average, and good.

Results

In all, 326 women completed the survey (mean age 24.3 ± 6.2 years) and 167 (51.2%) women had poor knowledge. The attitude of searching for information on how to prevent perineal trauma was reported by 14 (4.3%) women. Only 13 (4.0%) participants reported that they had practiced at least one session of PFM preparation during pregnancy (PFM training, perineal massage, etc.) Multivariate analysis showed that lower educational level was associated with poor knowledge (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The KAP of PFM preparation for birth is inadequate among postpartum women. Health education regarding PFM care during pregnancy and postpartum should be addressed among pregnant women, specifically younger women with lower levels of education and income.
Impact of saline infusion and citrate infusion rate during donor plasmapheresis
Authors: Evers Josef , Schreiber George B. , Taborski Uwe
Published: October 2022

The purpose of our research was to evaluate the effects of saline infusion to counteract incidents of severe hypotension during donor plasmapheresis (DP; synonym with plasma donation), and on immunoglobulin G (IgG) content in collected plasma, and on donor hematological values. It examines the clearance (Cl) of IgG during DP without saline to calculate the distribution of citrate and citrate infusion rate (CIR) during DP. It is based on three studies: an observation of saline infusion in donors with severe drops in blood pressure at DP, and two crossover trials of 32 repeat plasma donors each on saline infusion during DP. We observed 50 cases with a significant drop of mean systolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg in 1 year, predominantly in young, female first‐time donors. In trial 1, there was a reduction of IgG concentration in collected plasma related to the average IgG serum concentration without saline to 85.5% vs to 80.5% with saline (P < .001). In trial 2, there was an important 11%‐12% increase of the donor hematological values without saline during DP. An average of 84.6% of citrate was removed in retained plasma; our calculated minimal CIR of 0.16 ± 0.17 mg/kg/min was confirmed by other empirical studies. Our research has led to significant improvements in the practice of DP: (a) Saline should be infused at DP as clinically indicated in agreement with the donor. (b) Young, female first‐time donors require special care. (c) The long‐time effects of minimal amounts of citrate on bone metabolism are improbable.
Persistent epigenetic alterations in transcription factors after a sustained virological response in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sugimachi Keishi , Araki Hiromitsu , Saito Hideyuki , Masuda Takaaki , Miura Fumihito , Inoue Kentaro , Shimagaki Tomonari , Mano Yohei , Iguchi Tomohiro , Morita Masaru , Toh Yasushi , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Ito Takashi , Mimori Koshi
Published: October 2022

Background and Aim

The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) persists in a condition of sustained virologic response (SVR) after hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication. Comprehensive molecular analyses were performed to test the hypothesis that epigenetic abnormalities present after an SVR play a role in hepatocarcinogenesis.

Methods

Whole‐genome methylome and RNA sequencing were performed on HCV, SVR, and healthy liver tissue. Integrated analysis of the sequencing data focused on expression changes in transcription factors and their target genes, commonly found in HCV and SVR. Identified expression changes were validated in demethylated cultured HCC cell lines and an independent validation cohort.

Results

The coincidence rates of the differentially methylated regions between the HCV and SVR groups were 91% in the hypomethylated and 71% in the hypermethylated regions in tumorous tissues, and 37% in the hypomethylated and 36% in the hypermethylated regions in non‐tumorous tissues. These results indicate that many epigenomic abnormalities persist even after an SVR was achieved. Integrated analysis identified 61 transcription factors and 379 other genes that had methylation abnormalities and gene expression changes in both groups. Validation cohort specified gene expression changes for 14 genes, and gene ontology pathway analysis revealed apoptotic signaling and inflammatory response were associated with these genes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that DNA methylation abnormalities, retained after HCV eradication, affect the expression of transcription factors and their target genes. These findings suggest that DNA methylation in SVR patients may be functionally important in carcinogenesis, and could serve as biomarkers to predict HCC occurrence.
X‐linked BCOR variants identified in Chinese Han patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Suo Mei‐Jiao , Chen Wei‐Cheng , Xu Zi‐Qing , Tian Gui‐Xiang , Li Ting , Li Ping , Sheng Wei , Huang Guo‐Ying , Ma Xiao‐Jing
Published: October 2022

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) frequently manifests as a complex phenotype and approximately one‐third of cases may be caused by genetic factors. BCOR, an X‐linked gene encoding the corepressor of BCL6, has been demonstrated to be closely involved in human heart development. However, whether BCOR variants represent the genetic etiology underlying CHD needs further investigation.

Methods

We performed whole exome sequencing on CHD nuclear families and identified a candidate gene, BCOR, by robust bioinformatic analysis and medical literature searches. Targeted DNA sequencing of the candidate gene was conducted and then the association between variants and the risk of developing CHD was analyzed. The effects of BCOR mutations on gene expression, localization, protein interaction, and signaling pathways were evaluated in vitro.

Results

We identified a BCOR hemizygous missense variant (c.1448C>T, p.Pro483Leu) in a male proband presented with CHD/heterotaxy. Sanger sequencing confirmed that this variant was inherited from his asymptomatic mother. Interestingly, through literature searches, we observed another novel BCOR hemizygous missense variant (c.1619G>A, p.Arg540Gln) in a CHD patient with heterotaxy, supporting the pathogenic evidence of BCOR variants. Functional experiments conducted in vitro revealed that the variant p.Pro483Leu altered the subcellular localization of BCOR protein, disrupted its interaction with BCL6, and significantly promoted cell proliferation, whereas the variant p.Arg540Gln displayed no obvious effects. Nevertheless, transcriptional analysis revealed that down‐regulation of BCOR substantially enhanced the activities of mitogen‐activated protein and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase‐AKT signaling pathways, which are closely attributed to heart development. Targeted sequencing of 932 sporadic CHD patients enriched nine variants of BCOR predicted as likely rare and damaging and a septal defect was present in 81.8% (9/11) of them, including the two probands, which was consistent with the possible phenotype caused by BCOR defects.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study indicate that variants in BCOR may predispose individuals to CHD in the Chinese Han population.
Microscopic anatomy of the integument in the ribbon worm Micrura bella (Stimpson, 1857) (Pilidiophora, Nemertea)
Authors: Pereverzeva Alexandra O. , Chernyshev Alexei V. , Magarlamov Timur Yu
Published: October 2022

The integument of ribbon worms in the order Heteronemertea is distinct from the integuments in the other taxa of nemerteans due to the presence of a special subepidermal glandular layer, the cutis. Among heteronemerteans, the ultrastructure of the cutis has been studied only in the Lineus ruber species complex. In the current study, ultrastructural (transmission electron microscopy) and histochemical studies of the epidermis and the cutis of Micrura bella from the basal Lineage A of the family Lineidae were performed. The epidermis consisted of ciliated and serous gland cells and is separated from the cutis by a layer of the subepidermal extracellular matrix; the basal lamina was not detected. The cutis comprised musculature, two types of mucous and four types of granular gland cells, and pigment cells with four types of granules. In the cutis of juvenile worms, type II granular gland cells and type II mucous cells were not observed. The integument of the caudal cirrus consisted of ciliated and serous gland cells and two intraepidermal lateral nerve cords; the cutis was absent. The compositions of the integument glands of M. bella and the L. ruber species complex are similar, except for the presence of type IV granular gland cells with narrow rod‐shaped and lamellated granules exhibiting an alternating dark and light transverse layers and type II mucous cells found only in M. bella.
Quantification of Prostate Cancer Metabolism Using 3D Multiecho bSSFP and Hyperpolarized [1‐13C] Pyruvate: Metabolism Differs Between Tumors of the Same Gleason Grade
Authors: Chowdhury Rafat , Mueller Christoph A. , Smith Lorna , Gong Fiona , Papoutsaki Marianthi‐Vasiliki , Rogers Harriet , Syer Tom , Singh Saurabh , Brembilla Giorgio , Retter Adam , Bullock Max , Caselton Lucy , Mathew Manju , Dineen Eoin , Parry Thomas , Hennig Jürgen , von Elverfeldt Dominik , Schmidt Andreas B. , Hövener Jan‐Bernd , Emberton Mark , Atkinson David , Bainbridge Alan , Gadian David G. , Punwani Shonit
Published: October 2022

Background

Three‐dimensional (3D) multiecho balanced steady‐state free precession (ME‐bSSFP) has previously been demonstrated in preclinical hyperpolarized (HP) 13C‐MRI in vivo experiments, and it may be suitable for clinical metabolic imaging of prostate cancer (PCa).

Purpose

To validate a signal simulation framework for the use of sequence parameter optimization. To demonstrate the feasibility of ME‐bSSFP for HP 13C‐MRI in patients. To evaluate the metabolism in PCa measured by ME‐bSSFP.

Study Type

Retrospective single‐center cohort study.

Phantoms/Population

Phantoms containing aqueous solutions of [1‐13C] lactate (2.3 M) and [13C] urea (8 M). Eight patients (mean age 67 ± 6 years) with biopsy‐confirmed Gleason 3 + 4 (n = 7) and 4 + 3 (n = 1) PCa.

Field Strength/Sequences

1H MRI at 3 T with T2‐weighted turbo spin‐echo sequence used for spatial localization and spoiled dual gradient‐echo sequence used for B0‐field measurement. ME‐bSSFP sequence for 13C MR spectroscopic imaging with retrospective multipoint IDEAL metabolite separation.

Assessment

The primary endpoint was the analysis of pyruvate‐to‐lactate conversion in PCa and healthy prostate regions of interest (ROIs) using model‐free area under the curve (AUC) ratios and a one‐directional kinetic model (kP). The secondary objectives were to investigate the correlation between simulated and experimental ME‐bSSFP metabolite signals for HP 13C‐MRI parameter optimization.

Statistical Tests

Pearson correlation coefficients with 95% confidence intervals and paired t‐tests. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Strong correlations between simulated and empirical ME‐bSSFP signals were found (r > 0.96). Therefore, the simulation framework was used for sequence optimization. Whole prostate metabolic HP 13C‐MRI, observing the conversion of pyruvate into lactate, with a temporal resolution of 6 seconds was demonstrated using ME‐bSSFP. Both assessed metrics resulted in significant differences between PCa (mean ± SD) (AUC = 0.33 ± 012, kP = 0.038 ± 0.014) and healthy (AUC = 0.15 ± 0.10, kP = 0.011 ± 0.007) ROIs.

Data Conclusion

Metabolic HP 13C‐MRI in the prostate using ME‐bSSFP allows for differentiation between aggressive PCa and healthy tissue.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Functional Movement Disorders and Deep Brain Stimulation: A Multi‐Center Study
Authors: Marsili Luca , Keeling Elizabeth G. , Maciel Ricardo , Contarino Maria Fiorella , Zutt Rodi , Okun Michael S. , Almeida Leonardo , Deeb Wissam , Kern Drew , Macias‐Garcia Daniel , Carrillo Fatima , Mir Pablo , Merola Aristide , Espay Alberto J. , Fasano Alfonso
Published: October 2022

Background

Functional movement disorders (FMD) are a commonly under‐recognized diagnosis in patients with underlying neurodegenerative diseases. FMD have been observed in patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease (PD) and other movement disorders. The prevalence of coexisting FMD among movement disorder‐related DBS patients is unknown, and it may occur more often than previously recognized.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed the relative prevalence and clinical characteristics of FMD occurring post‐DBS, in PD and dystonia patients (FMD+, n = 29). We compared this cohort with age at surgery‐, sex‐, and diagnosis‐matched subjects without FMD post‐DBS (FMD−, n = 29).

Results

Both the FMD prevalence (0.2%–2.1%) and the number of cases/DBS procedures/year varied across centers (0.15–3.65). A total of nine of 29 FMD+ cases reported worse outcomes following DBS. Although FMD+ and FMD− manifested similar features, FMD+ showed higher psychiatric comorbidity.

Conclusions

DBS may be complicated by the development of FMD in a subset of patients, particularly those with pre‐morbid psychiatric conditions.
Trendbericht Theoretische Chemie 2022: Quantenmechanik und Molekulardynamik
Authors: Rossi Mariana
Published: October 2022

Maschinelles Lernen eignet sich, um Photochemie und somit elektronisch angeregte Zustände zu beschreiben; klassische Molekulardynamiktechniken erlauben, bestimmte Aspekte der nuklearen Quanteneffekte in Probleme der physikalischen Chemie einzubeziehen, und was Finite‐Feld‐Methoden mit alten Sternen zu tun haben.
Nachruf: Günter Schmid (1937 – 2022)
Authors: Simon Ulrich , Fenske Dieter
Published: October 2022

Am 4. August 2022 starb Günter Schmid, Professor für anorganische Chemie. Er war ein umtriebiger Visionär und gilt als ein Wegbereiter der Nanochemie.
Energie: Chinas Wasserstoffstrategie
Authors: Schmid Rolf , Xiong Xing
Published: October 2022

China könnte zu einer führenden Nation bei nichtfossilem Wasserstoff werden. Damit lassen sich Brennstoffe ersetzen und die Importabhängigkeit von Erdöl und Erdgas verringern. Das passt zu Chinas umweltpolitischen Zielen und ist eine Antwort auf geopolitische Spannungen und Handelskonflikte.
Direkte (Hetero‐)Arylierung – konjugierte Polymere in Grün
Authors: Lissel Franziska
Published: October 2022

Polymere Halbleiter sind die Herzstücke der organischen Elektronik. Sie werden in der Regel über übergangsmetallkatalysierte Polykondensationen hergestellt. Diese sind nicht atomökonomisch, zudem entstehen oft toxische Nebenprodukte. Die direkte (Hetero‐)Arylierung macht polymere Halbleiter weniger umweltschädlich und nachhaltiger zugänglich.
Regionales FCI‐Stipendiat:innen‐Treffen in München
Authors: Großkopf Johannes , Langschwager Tim
Published: October 2022

Anfang August kamen die durch den Fonds der Chemischen Industrie geförderten Liebig‐ und Kekulé‐Stipendiat:innen in Garching zusammen. Insgesamt elf Promovierende und vier Habilitanden der Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU) sowie der Technischen Universität München (TUM) folgten der Einladung von Golo Storch, Nachwuchsgruppenleiter an der TU München und ehemaliger Liebig‐Stipendiat, und präsentierten ihre Forschungsergebnisse. Zudem berichteten Max Siebert und der ehemalige Chemiefonds‐Stipendiat Sebastian Pallmann und über ihren Werdegang von der Promotion in die Industrieforschung.
Evidence for etiologic field changes in tongue distant from tumor in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue
Authors: Gu Xiaolian , Wang Lixiao , Coates Philip J , Gnanasundram Sivakumar Vadivel , Sgaramella Nicola , Sörlin Jonas , Erdogan Baris , Magan Mustafa , Nylander Karin
Published: October 2022

Oral cancer is a paradigm of Slaughter's concept of field cancerization, where tumors are thought to originate within an area of cells containing genetic alterations that predispose to cancer development. The field size is unclear but may represent a large area of tissue, and the origin of mutations is also unclear. Here, we analyzed whole exome and transcriptome features in contralateral tumor‐distal tongue (i.e. distant from the tumor, not tumor‐adjacent) and corresponding tumor tissues of 15 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue. The number of point mutations ranged from 41 to 237 in tumors and from one to 78 in tumor‐distal samples. Tumor‐distal samples showed mainly clock‐like (associated with aging) or tobacco smoking mutational signatures. Tumors additionally showed mutations that associate with cytidine deaminase AID/APOBEC enzyme activities or a UV‐like signature. Importantly, no point mutations were shared between a tumor and the matched tumor‐distal sample in any patient. TP53 was the most frequently mutated gene in tumors (67%), whereas a TP53 mutation was detected in only one tumor‐distal sample, and this mutation was not shared with the matched tumor. Arm‐level copy number variation (CNV) was found in 12 tumors, with loss of chromosome (Chr) 8p or gain of 8q being the most frequent events. Two tumor‐distal samples showed a gain of Chr8, which was associated with increased expression of Chr8‐located genes in these samples, although gene ontology did not show a role for these genes in oncogenic processes. In situ hybridization revealed a mixed pattern of Chr8 gain and neutral copy number in both tumor cells and adjacent nontumor epithelium in one patient. We conclude that distant field cancerization exists but does not present as tumor‐related mutational events. The data are compatible with etiologic field effects, rather than classical monoclonal field cancerization theory. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Achievement of 25.54% power conversion efficiency by optimization of current losses at the front side of silicon heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Tang Tianwei , Yu Cao , Peng Chen‐Wei , Dong Gangqiang , He Chenran , Ran Xiaochao , Jiang Hao , Allen Vince , Cao Xinmin , Zhou Jian
Published: October 2022

Parasitic absorption in the front window layers of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) films and carrier selective collection layers and the optical shading losses from the metallic finger grid mainly limit the current generation in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. In this work, we demonstrate an improved short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 40.24 mA/cm2 through a combination of novel window layers composed of transition metal doped indium oxide (IMO) and hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon oxide (nc‐SiOx:H) films and Cu plating for SHJ solar cells. By introducing water vapor during direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering deposition process, IMO films show a large optical band gap (Eg) of about 3.88 eV and high mobility up to 83.2 cm2/V·s, while maintaining a low carrier concentration, which leads to high transparency and low near‐infrared (NIR) free carrier absorption (FCA). In addition to its high deposition rate and crystalline volume fraction, we found that nc‐SiOx:H films deposited by very high frequency (VHF) excited plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) show an excellent surface passivation quality, which not only improves the open circuit voltage (Voc) of SHJ cells but also increases the Jsc through improved carrier selective collection. The quantified Jsc breakdown analysis was performed to identify the room for improvement, and it showed that the front shading loss (about 1.32 mA/cm2) is the largest portion. By combining the benefits of these window layer enhancements with the further use of fine line width and conductivity of Cu plating, SHJ solar cells, with a Jsc improvement of 0.57 mA/cm2 and a certified efficiency of 25.54%, were achieved on a total area of 274.5 cm2 using in‐house pilot production line equipment.
Outcome of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis and solid organ transplantation
Authors: Ørum Matilde B. , Rönsholt Frederikke F. , Jeppesen Majbritt , Bendstrup Elisabeth , Katzenstein Terese L. , Ott Peter , Perch Michael , Pressler Tacjana , Qvist Tavs , Jensen‐Fangel Søren
Published: October 2022

We report a case series of four patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and previous solid organ transplantation (SOT) receiving elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy for 6 months or more. Data was collected retrospectively. The treatment was well tolerated and all patients reported subjective improvements.
Impacts of the QBO and ENSO on upper‐tropospheric Rossby‐wave activity associated with the North Atlantic and Mediterranean storm tracks
Authors: Esmaeli Saeed , Mohebalhojeh Ali R. , Mirzaei Mohammad
Published: October 2022

The differences in North Atlantic and Mediterranean storm tracks between the phases of the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are investigated using a form of wave‐activity diagnostic suitable for transient eddies. Using the JRA‐55 reanalysis data for the 60‐year period 1958–2017, various monthly‐mean diagnostics for the wave‐activity flux and its divergence are presented, with focus on the 300‐hPa level as representing the upper‐tropospheric activity. This is carried out for the phases of the QBO and ENSO separately, as well as for their joint distributions, during early and late winter, corresponding to November–December and January–March periods, respectively. Results show that, in both early and late winter, the sole impact of the QBO manifests itself in making the Mediterranean storm track stronger during the easterly phase of the QBO. There is a significant contrast between the wave‐emission areas of the North Atlantic and Mediterranean storm tracks, in that the latter acts as a local source. For the North Atlantic storm track, the phase of ENSO determines the location of wave reception. Overall, among the joint distributions, the most marked impact is that of ENSO under the westerly phase of the QBO, followed by that of the QBO under La Niña in late winter. Comparison with the signature of the North Atlantic Oscillation indicates that the stratospheric pathway for both QBO and ENSO impacts is likely to be stronger in late winter.
Suppressing Phase Segregation in Wide Bandgap Perovskites for Monolithic Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells with Reduced Voltage Loss
Authors: Wang Chen , Shao Wenlong , Liang Jiwei , Chen Cong , Hu Xuzhi , Cui Hongsen , Liu Chenwei , Fang Guojia , Tao Chen
Published: October 2022

Wide bandgap (WBG) perovskites through tuning iodine/bromine ratios are capable of merging with narrow bandgap organic bulk heterojunctions to construct tandem solar cells to overcome the Shockley–Queisser limitation. However, WBG perovskites readily suffer from light‐induced halide ion migration, leading to detrimental phase segregation and hence severe open‐circuit voltage (VOC) loss. Here, to solve this issue, lead thiocyanate (Pb(SCN)2) and 2‐thiopheneethylammonium chloride (TEACl) are synergistically employed to passivate and stabilize WBG perovskites with 1.79 eV bandgap. It is demonstrated that the synergetic employment of Pb(SCN)2 and TEACl suppresses light‐induced phase segregation, passivates WBG perovskite defects, and reduces non‐radiative recombination, hence alleviating VOC loss. As a result, optimized WBG perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are obtained with an impressive VOC of 1.26 V and power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 17.0%. Furthermore, the interconnection layer is optimized to minimize the VOC loss and construct two‐terminal perovskite/organic tandem solar cells with a narrow bandgap organic blend bulk heterojunction of PM6:Y6 and achieve a champion PCE of 22.29% with a high VOC of 2.072 V. In addition, these tandem solar cells maintain 81% of their initial efficiency after 1000 h continuous tracking at the maximum power point (MPP) under 100 mW cm−2 white light illumination.