bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Oxidation of Tartrazine in Aqueous Solution Using a Pillared Clay with Aluminum and Iron
Authors: Gálvez-Serna Ángel David , Macías-Quiroga Iván Fernando , Giraldo-Gómez Gloria Inés , Dávila-Arias María Teresa , Sanabria-González Nancy Rocío
Published: February 2021

In this work, pillared bentonite with Al−Fe (Al−Fe−PILC) was synthesized and used as a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst in the oxidation of tartrazine azo-dye in an aqueous solution. The modification of bentonite with the Al-Fe mixed system in a concentrated medium, with ultrasound assisted intercalation was carried out, and the obtained catalyst was characterized by XRF, XRD, and N2 adsorption at 77 K. The oxidation of tartrazine with Al−Fe−PILC, using different amounts of H2O2, expressed as a multiple (1, 3, 6, and 9) of a stoichiometry amount required to completely oxidize the dye was evaluated. The reaction of catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of the dye with 400 mg of Al−Fe−PILC and 6 times the stoichiometric amount of H2O2 at 25 °C, reached 98.2±1.8% of decolorization, 51.9±1.9% of TOC removal and 71.5±1.8% of TN removal. Results of this study show that the oxidation of tartrazine increased with the amount of H2O2 up to a certain limit. This oxidation process can be considered as an alternative for treating wastewater containing azo-dye because the reaction takes place under mild experimental conditions (room temperature and atmospheric pressure). Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA  License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Ultrasensitive Exhaled Breath Sensors Based on Anti‐Resonant Hollow Core Fiber with In Situ Grown ZnO‐Bi2O3 Nanosheets
Authors: Liu Wei , Zheng Yu , Wang Zhe , Wang Zhixun , Yang Jiao , Chen Mengxiao , Qi Miao , Ur Rehman Shafiq , Shum Perry Ping , Zhu Ling , Wei Lei
Published: February 2021

Combination of anti‐resonant hollow‐core fiber (HCF) and semiconductor nanomaterial is an effective strategy to obtain high‐performance gas sensors with exceptional sensitivity and low power consumption. However, controlling the semiconductor morphology onto HCF is a major challenge to achieve the desired gas sensor with the enhanced sensitivity. Here, a ZnO‐Bi2O3 nanosheets (NSs) heterostructure is grown in situ on the surface of HCF by sol–gel and hydrothermal methods. ZnO‐Bi2O3 NSs serving as electron acceptors trap electrons after acetone adsorption and then change the refractive index of the surface of HCF. Benefiting from the unique sheet structure and the synergetic effects for multi‐component, the resulting ZnO‐Bi2O3 NSs enabled HCF gas sensor exhibits high sensitivity, selectivity, and repeatability for detecting acetone at room temperature, particularly in the low concentration range, with the theoretical limit of detection down to 140 parts‐per‐billion. Meanwhile, the successful application of the ZnO‐Bi2O3 NSs enabled HCF gas sensor to distinguish the exhaled breath from the healthy individuals and simulated diabetic cases is demonstrated, which paves the way to achieve non‐invasive, ultra‐sensitivity gas sensing at room temperature for the early diagnosis of diabetes.
Hydrogel as a Superwetting Surface Design Material for Oil/Water Separation: A Review
Authors: Lv Yong , Xi Xiangju , Dai Lei , Tong Shuhua , Chen Zhirong
Published: February 2021

Oil/water separation is significantly important to the ecological system. A variety of materials have been explored to address this issue via the rational control of surface morphology, nanostructures, and chemical compositions of materials. Among them, hydrogels emerge as a potential option because of their interfacial features (i.e., superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity). Hydrogel‐coated materials are well studied and proven to have high efficiency in separating different oil/water mixtures under various conditions. This review provides an extensive summary and analyses on the progress of this topic, mainly focusing on the preparation of corresponding hydrogel‐coated materials and their performance and mechanism in oil/water separation. The perspective and the outlook for future studies are also given. This article may provide readers with guidance to quickly enter this area and give researchers some inspiration for future work.
In Situ Electrolyte Gelation to Prevent Chemical Crossover in Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Yang Zelong , He Guang
Published: February 2021

Chemical crossover is one of the key factors affecting the stable cycling of Li metal batteries using conventional carbonate electrolyte. Solid state electrolyte can help solve this problem, but has serious electrolyte/electrode problems that may cause non‐uniform Li deposition. Herein, a simple strategy to balance the chemical crossover and interfacial problems by employing composite gel electrolyte composed of PEO‐based polymer electrolyte and liquid LiPF6 electrolyte, is reported. The high viscosity of the gel polymer can effectively prevent side reaction products and also ensures good contact between electrolyte and electrode. Meanwhile, Li+ migration number of the colloidal polymer electrolyte is as high as 0.67, allowing the cells to be operated at room temperature. The full battery assembled with commercial high‐capacity LiFePO4 (12 mg cm–2) has a specific capacity of 110 mAh g–1 after 160 cycles along with high Coulombic efficiency. Further structural analyses confirm the LiFePO4 cathodes are well maintained after long‐term cycling, indicating the simple cell engineering process is effective to prevent the shuttling of undesired ions and thus protects LiFePO4 cathode from corrosion due to chemical crossover.
Gold‐Catalyzed Synthesis of π‐Extended Carbazole‐Based Systems and their Application as Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Hendrich Christoph M. , Hannibal Valentin D. , Eberle Lukas , Hertwig Leif E. , Zschieschang Ute , Rominger Frank , Rudolph Matthias , Klauk Hagen , K. Hashmi A. Stephen
Published: February 2021

Herein we describe a gold‐catalyzed bidirectional synthesis of N‐heteropolycyclic compounds bearing carbazole moieties – namely π‐extended benzodicarbazoles and π‐extended indolocarbazoles. Overall, four previously unknown core structures were synthesized. This approach is convergent, modular and the gold‐catalyzed key step comprises of a cascade reaction starting from stable di‐azido compounds. The obtained molecules were fully characterized and their optical and electronic properties as well as their performance in organic thin‐film transistors generated by vacuum deposition were studied. Charge‐carrier mobilities of up to 0.3 cm2/Vs were measured.

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Silica‐Microencapsulated Orange Oil for Sustainable Pest Control
Authors: Sciortino Marzia , Scurria Antonino , Lino Claudia , Pagliaro Mario , D'Agostino Fabio , Tortorici Simona , Ricupero Michele , Biondi Antonio , Zappalà Lucia , Ciriminna Rosaria
Published: February 2021

An ultralow amount of sub‐micron spherical SiO2 particles encapsulating 7 wt% crude orange oil (SiliOrange) suspended in water shows surprisingly high insecticidal activity against the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis, and significantly reduces the progeny of cotton aphid Aphis gossypii under laboratory testing conditions. Considering the ease of reproducible preparation of the material and the biocompatible nature of both silica and orange essential oil, these results may open the route to sustainable pest control using new biopesticide water‐based formulations based on sol–gel microencapsulated orange oil.
Ice Inhibition for Cryopreservation: Materials, Strategies, and Challenges
Authors: Chang Tie , Zhao Gang
Published: February 2021

Cryopreservation technology has developed into a fundamental and important supporting method for biomedical applications such as cell‐based therapeutics, tissue engineering, assisted reproduction, and vaccine storage. The formation, growth, and recrystallization of ice crystals are the major limitations in cell/tissue/organ cryopreservation, and cause fatal cryoinjury to cryopreserved biological samples. Flourishing anti‐icing materials and strategies can effectively regulate and suppress ice crystals, thus reducing ice damage and promoting cryopreservation efficiency. This review first describes the basic ice cryodamage mechanisms in the cryopreservation process. The recent development of chemical ice‐inhibition molecules, including cryoprotectant, antifreeze protein, synthetic polymer, nanomaterial, and hydrogel, and their applications in cryopreservation are summarized. The advanced engineering strategies, including trehalose delivery, cell encapsulation, and bioinspired structure design for ice inhibition, are further discussed. Furthermore, external physical field technologies used for inhibiting ice crystals in both the cooling and thawing processes are systematically reviewed. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives in the field of ice inhibition for high‐efficiency cryopreservation are proposed.
Direct Proof of the Reversible Dissolution/Deposition of Mn2+/Mn4+ for Mild‐Acid Zn‐MnO2 Batteries with Porous Carbon Interlayers
Authors: Moon Hyeonseok , Ha Kwang‐Ho , Park Yuwon , Lee Jungho , Kwon Mi‐Sook , Lim Jungwoo , Lee Min‐Ho , Kim Dong‐Hyun , Choi Jin H. , Choi Jeong‐Hee , Lee Kyu Tae
Published: February 2021

Mild‐acid Zn‐MnO2 batteries have been considered a promising alternative to Li‐ion batteries for large scale energy storage systems because of their high safety. There have been remarkable improvements in the electrochemical performance of Zn‐MnO2 batteries, although the reaction mechanism of the MnO2 cathode is not fully understood and still remains controversial. Herein, the reversible dissolution/deposition (Mn2+/Mn4+) mechanism of the MnO2 cathode through a 2e− reaction is directly evidenced using solution‐based analyses, including electron spin resonance spectroscopy and the designed electrochemical experiments. Solid MnO2 (Mn4+) is reduced into Mn2+ (aq) dissolved in the electrolyte during discharge. Mn2+ ions are then deposited on the cathode surface in the form of the mixture of the poorly crystalline Zn‐containing MnO2 compounds through two‐step reactions during charge. Moreover, the failure mechanism of mild‐acid Zn‐MnO2 batteries is elucidated in terms of the loss of electrochemically active Mn2+. In this regard, a porous carbon interlayer is introduced to entrap the dissolved Mn2+ ions. The carbon interlayer suppresses the loss of Mn2+ during cycling, resulting in the excellent electrochemical performance of pouch‐type Zn‐MnO2 cells, such as negligible capacity fading over 100 cycles. These findings provide fundamental insights into strategies to improve the electrochemical performance of aqueous Zn‐MnO2 batteries.
Proportion of ripe fruit weight and volume to green coffee: Differences in 43 genotypes of Coffea canephora
Authors: Partelli Fábio Luiz , Oliosi Gleison , Dalazen Jéssica Rodrigues , da Silva Cleidson Alves , Vieira Henrique Duarte , Espindula Marcelo Curitiba
Published: February 2021

The processing yield or performance, which includes drying and depulping of coffee fruits, can be calculated as the relationship between the volume of ripe coffee fruits and green coffee weight and is a relevant characteristic for the development of new cultivars. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the processing performance of 42 genotypes and one population of Coffea canephora. The treatments consisted of 42 C. canephora genotypes propagated by cuttings and one seed‐derived population arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The genotypes were harvested when 80% of the fruits were in the ripe stage (red berries). We evaluated the relationship of the volume to weight of ripe fruit (ripe fruit volume [RFV]/ripe fruit weight [RFW]), the percentage of seed per fruit (% of seeds), the yield (in liters of ripe coffee) required to produce a 60‐kg bag of green coffee, and the relationship between RFW and dry green bean weight (RFW/dry seed weight [DSW]). The results were subjected to ANOVA, and the means were grouped by the Scott–Knott test (p ≤ .05). The mean yield of the evaluated genotypes was 347.57 L bag–1 of green coffee (between 294.01 and 439.72 L bag–1). A lower seed per fruit percentage identifies genotypes with a lower yield and higher RFW/DSW ratio. The genotypes Z21, 700, AD1, LB1, Emcapa 143, and AP required less than 315 L of ripe coffee to produce one 60‐kg bag of green coffee beans.
Gold‐Catalyzed Carboxylative Cyclization Reactions: Recent Advances
Authors: Sayantika Bhakta Ms. , Ghosh Tapas
Published: February 2021

Gold catalysis is being recognized as “Hot Topic” in synthetic organic chemistry in the 21st century. In this context, homogeneous and heterogeneous gold complexes have proved themselves as worthy catalysts toward synthesis of heterocycles which are in turn constituents of several building blocks of biologically important molecules and natural products. Carbon dioxide being green carboxylative reagent considering its non‐toxicity along with effectiveness, sustainability and abundance as carbon synthon, readily participates in carboxylative cyclization methodology for the synthesis of bio‐active heterocycles such as lactones, isocoumarins, 2‐oxazolidinones, etc. However, carboxylative cyclization methodology is still a challenging endeavor for organic chemists due to thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of the substrates. This minireviewemphasizes on the CO2‐incorporated cyclization reactions triggered by suitable gold‐catalysts.
Genetic diversity, structure, and admixture in Mayans from Guatemala and Mexico based on 15 short tandem repeats
Authors: Aguilar‐Velázquez José Alonso , Stephenson‐Ojea Mishel Marie , García‐King Marco David , Rangel‐Villalobos Héctor
Published: February 2021

Objective

To analyze the genetic origin, relationships, structure, and admixture in Mayan Native American groups from Guatemala and Mexico based on 15 autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) loci commonly used in human identification (HID).

Methods

We genotyped 513 unrelated Mayan samples from Guatemala based on 15 STR loci (AmpFlSTR® Identifiler kit). Moreover, we included 4408 genotypes previously reported, as following: Mayas from Guatemala and Mexico (n = 1666) and from Latin American, European, and African (n = 2742) populations. Forensic parameters, genetic distances, admixture, and population structure were assessed.

Results

Forensic parameters of the 15 STRs in different Mayan groups from Guatemala were reported. Low (Fst = 0.78%; p = 0.000) and non‐significant differentiation (Fst = 1.8%; p = 0.108) were observed in Mayas from Guatemala and Mexico, respectively. The relative homogeneity observed among Mayan groups supported theories of extensive pre‐Columbian gene flow and trade throughout the Mayan Empire. The distribution of the three Native American ancestries among these Mayan groups did not support the presumable Guatemalan origin of Tojolabal and Lacandon people (South, Mexico). The nonsignificant differentiation between Ladinos and Mayas suggests a relative panmixia in Guatemala. Mestizos from southeastern Mexico and Guatemala constitute a core of Native American ancestry in Latin America related to the Mayan Empire in Central America.

Conclusions

The higher European admixture and homogeneity in Mexican Mayas of the Yucatan Peninsula suggest more intensive post‐Columbian gene flow in this region than in Guatemalan Mayas.
Age‐Related Cognitive Changes as a Function of CAG Repeat in Child and Adolescent Carriers of Mutant Huntingtin
Authors: Schultz Jordan L. , van der Plas Ellen , Langbehn Douglas R. , Conrad Amy L. , Nopoulos Peg C.
Published: February 2021

Limited data exists regarding the disease course of Huntington's Disease (HD) in children and young adults. Here, we evaluate the trajectory of various cognitive skill development as a function of cytosine‐adenine‐guanine (CAG) repeat length in children and adolescents that carry the mutation that causes HD. We discovered that the development of verbal skills seems to plateau earlier as CAG repeat length increases. These findings increase our understanding of the relationship between neurodegeneration and neurodevelopment and may have far‐reaching implications for future gene‐therapy treatment strategies. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:1036–1040
Chemistry 2030: A Roadmap for a New Decade
Authors: Garcia‐Martinez Javier
Published: February 2021

This new decade poses many new challenges at many different levels. The SIDE vision for Chemistry 2030 gathers the main recommendations from various organizations and initiatives and provides a roadmap for the advancement of chemistry and to respond to increasingly complex and interconnected challenges.
A numerical approach for radiative cooling in relativistic outflows
Authors: Rueda‐Becerril Jesús M.
Published: February 2021

In high‐energy astrophysics scenarios such as Blazars, gamma‐ray bursts, or pulsar wind nebulae, it is highly probable that ultrarelativistic particles interact with photons in their environment through scattering. As long as the energy of the particle is greater than the energy of the interacting photon, the (classical) scattering is known to be in the Thomson regime. Otherwise, quantum effects will affect the scattering cross section, and we enter into the so‐called Klein‐Nishina regime. It is well known that radiative cooling in the Thomson regime is very efficient, leading to soft high‐energy spectra. However, observations have shown that, in many cases, the high‐energy spectrum of some objects is rather hard. This has led to the assumption that perhaps particles are not being cooled down efficiently. Asymptotic approximations of the Klein‐Nishina regime have been formulated in the last decades in order to account for these corrections in the distribution of particles responsible for the observed spectrum of high‐energy sources. In this work, we present a numerical approach of the Klein‐Nishina corrections to the radiative cooling. It has been developed to simulate the evolution of a distribution of particles interacting with photons in their surroundings via inverse Compton scattering.
Epigenomic features revealed by ATAC‐seq impact transgene expression in CHO cells
Authors: Lee Zion , Raabe Marina , Hu Wei‐Shou
Published: February 2021

Different regions of a mammalian genome have different accessibilities to transcriptional machinery. The integration site of a transgene affects how actively it is transcribed. Highly accessible genomic regions called super‐enhancers have been recently described as strong regulatory elements that shape cell identity. Super‐enhancers have been identified in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using the Assay for Transposase‐Accessible Chromatin Sequencing (ATAC‐seq). Genes near super‐enhancer regions had high transcript levels and were enriched for oncogenic signaling and proliferation functions, consistent with an immortalized phenotype. Inaccessible regions in the genome with low ATAC signal also had low transcriptional activity. Genes in inaccessible regions were enriched for remote tissue functions such as taste, smell, and neuronal activation. A lentiviral reporter integration assay showed integration into super‐enhancer regions conferred higher reporter expression than insertion into inaccessible regions. Targeted integration of an IgG vector into thePlecsuper‐enhancer region yielded clones that expressed the immunoglobulin light chain gene mostly in the top 20% of all transcripts with the majority in the top 5%. The results suggest the epigenomic landscape of CHO cells can guide the selection of integration sites in the development of cell lines for therapeutic protein production.
Bioprocess Development for 2,3‐Butanediol Production by Paenibacillus Strains
Authors: Tinôco Daniel , Pateraki Chrysanthi , Koutinas Apostolis A. , Freire Denise M. G.
Published: February 2021

This review focuses on the fermentation potential of GRAS (generally recognized as safe) bacteria that belong to Paenibacillus species on the production of 2,3‐butanediol (2,3‐BDO). P. polymyxa, P. peoriae, and P. brasilensis were reported as highly efficient microbial producers of 2,3‐BDO and acetoin. The factors contributing to the fermentative production of 2,3‐BDO are addressed with particular emphasis on crucial fermentation parameters, precursors that increase fermentation efficiency, and the significance of metabolic pathways. Several carbon sources from renewable resources can be consumed by Paenibacillus strains, which favors the development of alternative biorefinery concepts including the production of 2,3‐BDO within a circular bio‐economy approach. Downstream separation and purification processes used for the recovery of bio‐based 2,3‐BDO are also discussed. The production of 2,3‐BDO isomers with high stereoisomeric purity can lead to new applications and markets. Paenibacillus strains could be a viable alternative to biosafety level 2 strains that were widely investigated for the production of 2,3‐BDO.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Silylation of Csp−H by Silacyclobutanes
Authors: He Tao , Li Bin , Liu Lichuan , Ma Wenpeng , He Wei
Published: February 2021

The signature reactivity of silacyclobutane (SCB) is their cycloaddition reactions with various π bonds. Recently, the first cases were disclosed where SCBs reacted with both Csp2−H and Csp3−H σ bonds in an intramolecular fashion. Herein, it is reported that SCB is also an efficient reagent for Csp−H bond silylation. Thus, rhodium‐catalyzed intermolecular reactions between SCBs and terminal alkynes produced a series of symmetrical and unsymmetrical tetraorganosilicons bearing a Csp−Si functionality. Preliminary studies suggested that the reaction did not involve a cycloaddition pathway, but instead a direct activation of Csp−H bonds.
Coronary arterial geometry: A comprehensive comparison of two imaging modalities
Authors: Blanco Pablo J. , Bulant Carlos A. , Bezerra Cristiano G. , Maso Talou Gonzalo D. , Pinton Fabio A. , Ziemer Paulo G. P. , Feijóo Raúl A. , García‐García Héctor M. , Lemos Pedro A.
Published: February 2021

The characterization of vascular geometry is a fundamental step towards the correct interpretation of coronary artery disease. In this work, we report a comprehensive comparison of the geometry featured by coronary vessels as obtained from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and the combination of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) with bi‐plane angiography (AX) modalities. We analyzed 34 vessels from 28 patients with coronary disease, which were deferred to CCTA and IVUS procedures. We discuss agreement and discrepancies between several geometric indexes extracted from vascular geometries. Such an analysis allows us to understand to which extent the coronary vascular geometry can be reliable in the interpretation of geometric risk factors, and as a surrogate to characterize coronary artery disease.
A novel structured sparse fully connected layer in convolutional neural networks
Authors: Matsumura Naoki , Ito Yasuaki , Nakano Koji , Kasagi Akihiko , Tabaru Tsuguchika
Published: February 2021

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are one of the factors supporting the rapid development of artificial intelligent techniques. However, as the ability of the network increases, the size of the network becomes larger. Thus far, several works related to reduction of the network size have been tackled. In many cases, these approaches produce an unstructured network which prevents efficient parallel computation. To avoid this problem, we propose a novel structured sparse fully connected layer (FCL) in the CNNs. The aim of our proposed approach is reduction of the number of network parameters in the FCLs which occupy a large part of network parameters. Unlike the general FCLs used in the popular CNNs such as VGG‐16, the proposed approach reduces the connection between the last convolutional layer and the first FCL. In addition, we show an implementation for the proposed sparse FCLs on the GPU using cuBLAS. As a result for ILSVRC‐2012 dataset, the proposed approach achieves a 21.3 times compression with 0.68% top‐1 accuracy and 0.31% top‐5 accuracy decreases for VGG‐16. The implementation of the proposed FCLs achieves speed‐up factor 14.97 and 16.67 for forward and backward propagation compared to that for the noncompressed FCLs, respectively.
Family climate in children living with parents who harmfully consume alcohol
Authors: Iacopetti Cinzia , Londi Ilaria , Patussi Valentino , Cosci Fiammetta
Published: February 2021

The family climate has notable impact on cognitive, emotional, behavioural, social and physical development of children and adolescents and can be influenced by parents' health status. The present study aimed at evaluating whether living with a parent with alcohol use disorder negatively influences the perceived emotional family climate, parental attitudes and internal representations of family relationships. Forty‐five children living with a parent with alcohol use disorder and 45 controls, matched for sex and age, completed the Level of Expressed Emotion Scale and the Family Attitudes Questionnaire. Their significant parent completed the Parental Attitudes Scale. The results suggested that living with a parent with an alcohol use disorder increased the risk of having perceived higher levels of emotional response, attitude towards illness and expectations from their parents; it also increased the probability of being exposed to lower parental pleasure and of having represented worse family relationships. Emotion regulation interventions might be useful to protect children living with a parent with alcohol use disorder from a potential chaotic and unpredictable family environment.
Executive personality and sustainability: Do extravertedchief executive officersimprove corporate social responsibility?
Authors: Hrazdil Karel , Mahmoudian Fereshteh , Nazari Jamal A.
Published: February 2021

We utilise IBM's Watson Personality Insights service to infer chief executive officers' (CEOs') Big Five personality traits and examine whether CEO extraversion, an important personality trait associated with assertive behaviour, decisive thinking, and desire for social engagement, is associated with firms' corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. Using a longitudinal dataset of Standard & Poor 500 firms for 2008–2016, we find that firms led by extraverted CEOs' experience higher CSR performance (both environmental and social), even after controlling for other personality traits and other CEO‐ and firm‐specific characteristics. In addition, we find that the relationship between CEO extraversion and CSR performance is more pronounced among industries with higher environmental impact. Consistent with upper echelons theory, our results suggest that firms' strategic environmental and social decisions are significantly influenced by the personal characteristics of corporate executives.
Optimal sensing energy and sensing interval in cognitive radio networks with energy harvesting
Authors: Abdelfattah Islam S. , Rabia Sherif I. , Abdelrazek Amr M.
Published: February 2021

Cognitive radio networks with energy harvesting aim to improve spectrum utilization and allow users to move freely. Cognitive radio technology enhances the utilization of the spectrum by permitting the unlicensed user (secondary user) to use the channel during the absence of the licensed user (primary user). A major issue in this approach is that the secondary user needs to sense the channel frequently, which leads to energy wasting. This problem can be dealt with using the notion of sensing interval where the channel is sensed every multiple of time slots. In this paper, we consider the problem of determining the optimal sensing energy and the optimal sensing interval that maximize the secondary user throughput and minimize both the consumed energy and the interference to the primary user. By formulating this optimization problem as a mixed observable Markov decision process, a dynamic policy for the secondary user is generated taking into account the total accumulated secondary user reward. Numerical results show that the proposed policy outperforms existing results, especially when the secondary user prefers the transmission mode to the energy‐saving mode. Additionally, the numerical results show that applying sensing interval concept for both idle and busy sensing results is better than applying it for the idle case only.
Ras/MAPK dysregulation in development causes a skeletal myopathy in an activating BrafL597V mouse model for cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome
Authors: Maeda Yoshiko , Tidyman William E. , Ander Bradley P. , Pritchard Catrin A. , Rauen Katherine A.
Published: February 2021

Background

Cardio‐facio‐cutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a human multiple congenital anomaly syndrome that is caused by activating heterozygous mutations in either BRAF, MEK1, or MEK2, three protein kinases of the Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. CFC belongs to a group of syndromes known as RASopathies. Skeletal muscle hypotonia is a ubiquitous phenotype of RASopathies, especially in CFC syndrome. To better understand the underlying mechanisms for the skeletal myopathy in CFC, a mouse model with an activating BrafL597V allele was utilized.

Results

The activating BrafL597V allele resulted in phenotypic alterations in skeletal muscle characterized by a reduction in fiber size which leads to a reduction in muscle size which are functionally weaker. MAPK pathway activation caused inhibition of myofiber differentiation during embryonic myogenesis and global transcriptional dysregulation of developmental pathways. Inhibition in differentiation can be rescued by MEK inhibition.

Conclusions

A skeletal myopathy was identified in the CFC BrafL597V mouse validating the use of models to study the effect of Ras/MAPK dysregulation on skeletal myogenesis. RASopathies present a novel opportunity to identify new paradigms of myogenesis and further our understanding of Ras in development. Rescue of the phenotype by inhibitors may help advance the development of therapeutic options for RASopathy patients.
Toll‐like receptor 3 expression in myeloid cells is essential for efficient regeneration after acute pancreatitis in mice
Authors: Hidalgo‐Sastre Ana , Kuebelsbeck Ludwig A. , Jochheim Leonie S. , Staufer Lina M. , Altmayr Felicitas , Johannes Widya , Steiger Katja , Ronderos Monica , Hartmann Daniel , Hüser Norbert , Schmid Roland M. , Holzmann Bernhard , von Figura Guido
Published: February 2021

Stringent regulation of the inflammatory response is crucial for normal tissue regeneration. Here, we analyzed the role of Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) in pancreatic regeneration after acute pancreatitis (AP). AP was induced by caerulein treatment in mice with global TLR3 deficiency (TLR3OFF) or in mice re‐expressing TLR3 exclusively in the myeloid cell lineage (TLR3Mye). Compared to WT mice, TLR3OFF mice had a markedly increased formation of acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia (ADM) that persisted until day 7 after initiation of AP. Pancreatic tissue of WT mice was completely regenerated after 5 days with no detectable ADM structures. The enhancing effect of TLR3‐deficiency on ADM formation was closely linked with an increased and prolonged accumulation of macrophages in pancreata of TLR3OFF mice. Importantly, the phenotype of TLR3OFF mice was rescued in TLR3Mye mice, demonstrating the causative role of myeloid cell selective TLR3 signaling. Moreover, in vitro stimulation of macrophages through TLR3 initiated cell death by a caspase‐8‐associated mechanism. Therefore, these findings provide evidence that TLR3 signaling in myeloid cells is sufficient to limit inflammation and ADM formation and to promote regeneration after AP. Notably, resolution of inflammation after AP was associated with macrophage sensitivity to TLR3‐mediated cell death.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Out‐of‐Plane Oriented Active Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Esper Julian D. , Helmer Alexandra , Wu Yanlin , Bachmann Julien , Klupp Taylor Robin N.
Published: February 2021

The performance of secondary batteries, of which the lithium‐ion battery is one of the most well known, depends not only on the active electrode materials but also on the electrode architecture. In particular, the reduction in electrode tortuosity is expected to enable batteries with high active material utilization and fast charging and discharging capabilities. Herein, it is shown how electrophoretic deposition can be used to produce electrodes comprising hybrid particles of cobalt(II,III) oxide‐coated rutile‐mica oriented in an out‐of‐plane fashion. Key to this process is a sacrificial anode which leads to charging of the flake‐shaped particles and formation of a holding layer cementing them perpendicular to the substrate. Moreover, the electrochemical performance of lithium‐ion battery anodes with out‐of‐plane and in‐plane oriented architectures is compared. The out‐of‐plane orientation of the flake‐like particles results in better utilization of active material, lower charge‐transfer impedance, and faster ion diffusion. Moreover, for a range of charge/discharge rates, the specific capacity is over three times higher in comparison to an electrode with the same material oriented in an in‐plane architecture. The approach to electrode structuring is both facile and scalable and can be readily applied in the future to produce other electrochemical energy storage device electrodes.
Strategy for large‐scale monolithic Perovskite/Silicon tandem solar cell: A review of recent progress
Authors: Kim Chan Ul , Jung Eui Dae , Noh Young Wook , Seo Seong Kuk , Choi Yunseong , Park Hyesung , Song Myoung Hoon , Choi Kyoung Jin
Published: February 2021

For any solar cell technology to reach the final mass‐production/commercialization stage, it must meet all technological, economic, and social criteria such as high efficiency, large‐area scalability, long‐term stability, price competitiveness, and environmental friendliness of constituent materials. Until now, various solar cell technologies have been proposed and investigated, but only crystalline silicon, CdTe, and CIGS technologies have overcome the threshold of mass‐production/commercialization. Recently, a perovskite/silicon (PVK/Si) tandem solar cell technology with high efficiency of 29.1% has been reported, which exceeds the theoretical limit of single‐junction solar cells as well as the efficiency of stand‐alone silicon or perovskite solar cells. The International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics (ITRPV) predicts that silicon‐based tandem solar cells will account for about 5% market share in 2029 and among various candidates, the combination of silicon and perovskite is the most likely scenario. Here, we classify and review the PVK/Si tandem solar cell technology in terms of homo‐ and hetero‐junction silicon solar cells, the doping type of the bottom silicon cell, and the corresponding so‐called normal and inverted structure of the top perovskite cell, along with mechanical and monolithic tandemization schemes. In particular, we review and discuss the recent advances in manufacturing top perovskite cells using solution and vacuum deposition technology for large‐area scalability and specific issues of recombination layers and top transparent electrodes for large‐area PVK/Si tandem solar cells, which are indispensable for the final commercialization of tandem solar cells.

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Loading rates dependency of strength anisotropy in coal: Based on the three‐dimensional reconstruction modeling technology
Authors: Song Honghua , Zhao Yixin , Wang Jiehao , Jiang Yaodong , Wang Xinzhong
Published: February 2021

We explored the dependency of strength anisotropy on loading rate in coal both experimentally and numerically. An improved numerical modeling method was developed for this investigation to reduce the random error caused by the mechanical differences of coal specimens. After that, specimens with different anisotropy angles (the angle between the coring direction and bedding plane orientation) were processed (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°). These specimens were then scanned by the X‐ray Computed Tomography (CT) and tested by unconfined loading frame. Uniaxial compressive simulations were performed on 15 numerical models with different anisotropy angles at various loading rates (1.0 × 10−6, 5.0 × 10−6, 10.0 × 10−6, and 20.0 × 10−6 mm/step). The results indicate that the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of coal generally first decreases and then increases as the anisotropy angle increases from 0° to 90° for all loading rates. It is also found that the UCS increases significantly with the increasing loading rate at anisotropic angles of 30° and 45°, while it is less obvious at anisotropic angles of 0° and 90°. This results in a reduced USC anisotropy at high loading rates. Meanwhile, a negative exponential equation is obtained to describe the variation of UCS with the loading rate at different anisotropic angles. And a unified equation is then developed and verified to define the UCS as a function of the loading rate and anisotropic angle.
Somatic mutation profiles as molecular classifiers of ulcerative colitis‐associated colorectal cancer
Authors: Mäki‐Nevala Satu , Ukwattage Sanjeevi , Olkinuora Alisa , Almusa Henrikki , Ahtiainen Maarit , Ristimäki Ari , Seppälä Toni , Lepistö Anna , Mecklin Jukka‐Pekka , Peltomäki Päivi
Published: February 2021

Ulcerative colitis increases colorectal cancer risk by mechanisms that remain incompletely understood. We approached this question by determining the genetic and epigenetic profiles of colitis‐associated colorectal carcinomas (CA‐CRC). The findings were compared to Lynch syndrome (LS), a different form of cancer predisposition that shares the importance of immunological factors in tumorigenesis. CA‐CRCs (n = 27) were investigated for microsatellite instability, CpG island methylator phenotype and somatic mutations of 999 cancer‐relevant genes (“Pan‐cancer” panel). A subpanel of “Pan‐cancer” design (578 genes) was used for LS colorectal tumors (n = 28). Mutational loads and signatures stratified CA‐CRCs into three subgroups: hypermutated microsatellite‐unstable (Group 1, n = 1), hypermutated microsatellite‐stable (Group 2, n = 9) and nonhypermutated microsatellite‐stable (Group 3, n = 17). The Group 1 tumor was the only one with MLH1 promoter hypermethylation and exhibited the mismatch repair deficiency‐associated Signatures 21 and 15. Signatures 30 and 32 characterized Group 2, whereas no prominent single signature existed in Group 3. TP53, the most common mutational target in CA‐CRC (16/27, 59%), was similarly affected in Groups 2 and 3, but DNA repair genes and Wnt signaling genes were mutated significantly more often in Group 2. In LS tumors, the degree of hypermutability exceeded that of the hypermutated CA‐CRC Groups 1 and 2, and somatic mutational profiles and signatures were different. In conclusion, Groups 1 (4%) and 3 (63%) comply with published studies, whereas Group 2 (33%) is novel. The existence of molecularly distinct subgroups within CA‐CRC may guide clinical management, such as therapy options.
Investigating the efficiency of foreign exchange reserves using stochastic frontier analysis: Evidence across the globe
Authors: Agrawal Rachna , Verma Ashima
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the efficiency of the use of foreign exchange reserves (FER) by 21 nations over 5 years across the globe. The study follows an analytical research design to analyse the efficiency levels in the use of foreign exchange reserves using stochastic frontier analysis (SFA). Three models under SFA, that is, Cobb–Douglas production frontier for panel data with half‐normal distributions, translog production frontier with panel data assuming truncated normal distributions and total technical efficiency effects model with panel data, have been used to study efficiency levels. The research uses the nominal value of exports and foreign direct investment as inputs and foreign exchange reserves as output. The results indicate that out of 21 nations, developing countries are found to be more efficient in comparison to developed countries in the use of FER.
The presentation and outcomes of Hermansky‐Pudlak syndrome in obstetrics and gynecological settings: A systematic review
Authors: Obeng‐Tuudah Deborah , Hussein Brwa A. , Hakim Amir , Gomez Keith , Abdul Kadir Rezan
Published: February 2021

Background

Hermansky‐Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a rare autosomal‐recessive disorder with clinical manifestations of bleeding diathesis, multi‐organ disease and variable oculocutaneous albinism (OCA). In women, it can cause life‐threatening obstetric and gynecological (OB/GYN) bleeding.

Objective

To summarize OB/GYN presentations, outcomes, and management strategies in women with HPS.

Search strategy

Main databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection and Google Scholar) were searched from inception until June 30, 2020.

Selection criteria

Case reports/series of women with confirmed HPS.

Data collection and analysis

A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines. Methodological quality assessment performed using adapted Newcastle Ottawa scale.

Main results

A total 29 pregnancies in 15 women and 2 gynecological patients were identified. Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), the most common bleeding symptom, was reported in 8/15 (53%) of women. HMB and post‐partum hemorrhage (PPH) led to diagnosis of HPS in 5/17 (29%) women. Primary PPH was reported in 12/27 (44%) of viable pregnancies; half were major PPH. In 17 pregnancies with known HPS diagnosis, 9 had hemostatic cover with desmopressin and 8 with platelet transfusion. Major PPH occurred in 3/9 (33%) pregnancies covered with desmopressin compared with none in the platelet group.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of HPS should be considered in women with OCA presenting with HMB or PPH. Hemostatic management options include desmopressin and platelet transfusion. Management should be multidisciplinary with close collaboration between OB/GYN and hematology teams.
Long noncoding RNA CRNDE functions as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in osteosarcoma, as well as promotes its progression via inhibition of miR‐335‐3p
Authors: Yu Yali , Wang Leiming , Li Zijun , Zheng Yan , Shi Zhisong , Wang Guanghui
Published: February 2021

Background

This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value, as well as the role of long‐chain noncoding RNA (lncRNA) colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) in osteosarcoma (OS).

Materials and Methods

A quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay was to determine lncRNA CRNDE and microRNA‐335‐3p (miR‐335‐3p) expressions. The Kaplan–Meier analysis was to analyze the relationship between lncRNA CRNDE expression and survival in patients with OS. Receiver operating characteristic curves were to evaluate the diagnostic value of lncRNA CRNDE in OS. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays were used to predict and confirm the relationship between lncRNA CRNDE and miR‐335‐3p. Cell counting Kit‐8 and transwell migration assays assessed the role of lncRNA CRNDE and miR‐335‐3p in OS cells.

Results

lncRNA CRNDE expression was upregulated and miR‐355‐3p expression was downregulated in OS. In patients with OS, low lncRNA CRNDE expression demonstrated higher overall survival, whereas high lncRNA CRNDE expression was an independent poor prognostic factor. Furthermore, increased lncRNA CRNDE expression was associated with distant metastasis and the tumor‐node‐metastasis stage in patients with OS, which can be considered as an independent diagnostic biomarker in OS. We revealed that miR‐335‐3p was the target of lncRNA CRNDE. It also demonstrated that knockdown of lncRNA CRNDE inhibited OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and inhibition of miR‐355‐3p promoted this effect. Finally, miR‐335‐3p partially mediated the stimulatory effects of lncRNA CRNDE in OS.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that lncRNA CRNDE is a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for OS, and the lncRNA CRNDE/miR‐335‐3p axis participates in OS progression.
Solvent‐free synthesis of compounds containing chromene core catalyzed by novel Brønsted acidic ionic liquids‐ClO4
Authors: Taib Layla A. , Keshavarz Mosadegh , Parhami Abolfath
Published: February 2021

A series of novel sulfonic acid‐functionalized Brønsted acidic ionic liquids (BAILs) with perchlorate counter anion are introduced. These ionic liquid catalysts were prepared through simple and eco‐friendly procedures in high yields. Various analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared, 1H and 13C NMR, electro‐spray ionization mass spectrometry, elemental analysis (CHNS), and thermogravimetric techniques were used for well characterization of these catalysts. Next, the prepared BAILs were applied as efficient catalysts with high yields under solvent‐free conditions for the synthesis of chromenes. The proposed method offers several superiorities, such as high yields, decreased reaction times, cleaner reactions, and the lack of laborious workup or purification procedures. The simplicity in operation, applicability, and feasibility of this protocol for diverse substrates makes it an efficient alternative to conventional methods.
Methylome and transcriptome profiling revealed epigenetic silencing of LPCAT1 and PCYT1A associated with lipidome alterations in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Mao Zhanrui , Li Ting , Zhao Hui , Wang Xiaoyan , Kang Yixin , Kang Yani
Published: February 2021

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine diseases of fertile women and a major cause of infertility. The regulatory effects of DNA methylation on gene transcription and downstream lipid metabolism have not been explored in PCOS. In this study, MBD‐seq and RNA‐seq were performed on ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS patients and controls, and methylation specific PCR and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to validate the results. Then lipidomic profiling was conducted on serum of PCOS patients and controls using UPLC‐MS. We identified 73 genes with differently methylated promoters and 830 differently expressed genes. The promoter regions of LPCAT1 and PCYT1A were hypermethylated, accompanied by downregulation of their messenger RNA expression, which may be involved in the regulation of PCOS through downstream glycerophospholipid metabolism and phosphatidylcholine synthesis. The lipid profiling results showed significant changes in 21 lipids, which demonstrated the disturbance in glycerophospholipid metabolism and glycerolipid metabolism pathways. Furthermore, the metabolites‐genes interaction network was constructed to illustrate the association of aberrant methylome and transcriptome with lipidome alterations in glycerolipid and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways. Our study suggested that the methylation silencing of LPCAT1 and PCYT1A may promote glycerophospholipids metabolism dysregulation, which provided a novel genetic and lipometabolic basis for the pathogenesis of PCOS.