bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mammal-exclusion fencing improves the nesting success of an endangered native Hawaiian waterbird
Authors: Christensen Dain L. , Harmon Kristen C. , Wehr Nathaniel H. , Price Melissa R.
Published: March 2021

Invasive predator control is often critical to improving the nesting success of endangered birds, but methods of control vary in cost and effectiveness. Poison-baiting or trapping and removal are relatively low-cost, but may have secondary impacts on non-target species, and may not completely exclude mammals from nesting areas. Mammal-exclusion fencing has a substantial up-front cost, but due to cost savings over the lifetime of the structure and the complete exclusion of mammalian predators, this option is increasingly being utilized to protect threatened species such as ground-nesting seabirds. However, non-mammalian predators are not excluded by these fences and may continue to impact nesting success, particularly in cases where the fence is designed for the protection of waterbirds, open to an estuary or wetland on one side. Thus, there remains a research gap regarding the potential gains in waterbird nesting success from the implementation of mammal-exclusion fencing in estuarine systems. In this study, we compared the nesting success of endangered Hawaiian Stilts (Ae‘o; Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) within a mammal-exclusion fence to that of breeding pairs in a nearby wetland where trapping was the sole means for removing invasive mammals. We predicted success would be greater for breeding pairs inside the exclusion fence and the hatchlings inside the enclosure would spend more time in the nesting area than hatchlings at the unfenced site. During a single breeding season following construction of a mammal-exclusion fence, we used motion-activated game cameras to monitor nests at two sites, one site with mammal-exclusion fencing and one site without. Clutch sizes and hatch rates were significantly greater at the fenced site than the unfenced site, but time spent by chicks in the nesting area did not differ between sites. These results add to the mounting body of evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of mammal-exclusion fencing in protecting endangered birds and suggests it can aid endangered Hawaiian waterbirds toward recovery. These results also suggest that the single greatest predatory threat to the Hawaiian Stilt may be invasive mammals, despite a host of known non-mammalian predators including birds, crabs, turtles, and bullfrogs, as the complete exclusion of mammals resulted in significant gains in nesting success. As additional fences are built, future studies are necessary to compare nesting success among multiple sites and across multiple seasons to determine potential gains in fledging success and recruitment.
Comparative transcriptome analysis during seeds development between two soybean cultivars
Authors: Peng Li , Qian Linlin , Wang Meinan , Liu Wei , Song Xiangting , Cheng Hao , Yuan Fengjie , Zhao Man
Published: March 2021

Soybean is one of the important economic crops, which supplies a great deal of vegetable oil and proteins for human. The content of nutrients in different soybean seeds is different, which is related to the expression of multiple genes, but the mechanisms are complicated and still largely uncertain. In this study, to reveal the possible causes of the nutrients difference in soybeans A7 (containing low oil and high protein) and A35 (containing high oil and low protein), RNA-seq technology was performed to compare and identify the potential differential expressed genes (DEGs) at different seed developmental stages. The results showed that DEGs mainly presented at the early stages of seeds development and more DEGs were up-regulated at the early stage than the late stages. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that the DEGs have diverged in A7 and A35. In A7, the DEGs were mainly involved in cell cycle and stresses, while in A35 were the fatty acids and sugar metabolism. Specifically, when the DEGs contributing to oil and protein metabolic pathways were analyzed, the differences between A7 and A35 mainly presented in fatty acids metabolism and seeds storage proteins (SSPs) synthesis. Furthermore, the enzymes, fatty acid dehydrogenase 2, 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase and 9S-lipoxygenase, in the synthesis and elongation pathways of fatty acids, were revealed probably to be involved in the oil content difference between A7 and A35, the SSPs content might be due to the transcription factors:Leafy Cotyledon 2and Abscisicacid-intensitive 3, while the sugar transporter, SWEET10a, might contribute to both oil and protein content differences. Finally, six DEGs were selected to analyze their expression using qRT-PCR, and the results were consistent with the RNA-seq results. Generally, the study provided a comprehensive and dynamic expression trends for the seed development processes, and uncovered the potential DEGs for the differences of oil in A7 and A35.
Clinical and Paraclinical Aspects of Febrile Convulsions in Children at the Ziguinchor Peace Hospital: Documentary Study
Authors: Thiam Lamine , Coundoul Adama , Coly Isabelle Jokébé , Seck Ndiogou , Boiro Djibril , Ndongo Aliou Abdoulaye , Basse Idrissa , Diouf François Niokhor , Ndiaye Moustapha , Fall Amadou Lamine , Ndiaye Ousmane
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Febrile seizures are seizures associated with fever in children. They represent a frequent reason for consultation in pediatric emergencies. Febrile convulsions are often qualified as benign pathologies but they are a source of concern, explaining the number of tolls imposed on these children. The aim of the study was to report the practice to a hospital in Senegal.

Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of children's records, from January 1, 2015 to January 31, 2020. Were included, patients aged less than or equal to 5 years, hospitalized in the pediatric department of the Ziguinchor Peace Hospital, for a febrile convulsion. Newborns and children with psychomotor development abnormalities were excluded. We have studied the clinical and etiological data.

Results: We collected 85 (51 boys, 34 girls) cases of febrile convulsions, ie a hospital frequency of 10,6%. The mean age of the patients was 23,6 months, peaking in infants 12 to 18 months. The mean temperature was 38,8° C and the seizure was tonic-clonic in 64,7%. We noted 57 cases of simple febrile convulsions (67,1%) and 28 cases of complicated febrile convulsions (32,9%). The etiology of fever was dominated by otorhinolaryngologic infections (42,4%); malaria (18,8%) and bronchopulmonary infections (08,2%). The average length of hospital stay was 02,8 days. We deplored two deaths (02,4%).

Conclusion: Febrile convulsions are common in children under 5 years old. They are secondary to respiratory tract infections and malaria.
Occupant evacuation elevators as a measure for crowd management and evacuation for people with mobility impairments in high‐rise buildings
Authors: Minegishi Yoshikazu
Published: March 2021

Fire evacuation in high‐rise buildings has difficulties owing long‐distance descent with few staircases, long evacuation times, and the congestion of evacuees. Additionally, evacuation measures for the elderly and people with mobility impairments are required. To solve these problems, an evacuation strategy in which able‐bodied people and people with mobility impairments evacuate together with standard passenger elevators (EVs) without discrimination was proposed in this study. This strategy exploits typical architectural and EV configurations optimally designed for main building functions and daily transportation demands. The feasibility of this strategy was discussed through case studies of large‐area rental office‐type and mixed‐use high‐rise buildings. At a fire floor, to avoid excessive dependence on the boarding control of emergency service personnel, intensive EV service was proposed. By reducing the waiting time, evacuees are expected to be sober‐minded when entering the EVs or staying on the floors. For the evacuation of the non‐fire floors, the EV capacities are insufficient. In this case, able‐bodied evacuees are encouraged to use the staircases, and occupants in the other zones are encouraged to wait or evacuate with EVs to prevent merging in the staircases. This guiding method using signage and voice alarm system was also discussed.
Repatriating leopards into novel landscapes of a South African province
Authors: Power R. John , Venter Leanne , Botha Mia‐Vasti , Bartels Paul
Published: March 2021

1. Leopards are often translocated away from where they are caught as non‐lethal human‐wildlife conflict mitigation. It is alleged that leopards fail to settle where they are translocated to, owing to territoriality. We address the need to publish more accounts of successful repatriation of leopards, but also include novel applications aimed at orphans and confiscated leopards.

2. We satellite collared 16 leopards which included a mixture of relocated and translocated leopards, of which the latter included conventional damage causing animals (DCAs, viz ‘problem animals’), orphans and confiscations. We determined standard home‐range metrics and assessed home‐range stabilization as a means of determining site fidelity. Premature mortality and site infidelity, that is homing back to origins, were considered failures. We looked at range stabilization by examining successive monthly ranges against that of the preceding month, that is utilization distribution overlap indices (UDOIs).

3. Relocations turned out to be residents (˜3 km, n = 3), while they were immune to intervention, while translocations resulted in 50% success (n = 12), which were invariably confiscated adults of unknown origin, and simulations of natal dispersals of orphans (˜25 km, n = 3). DCAs never settled where released (˜90 km, n = 5). Resident leopards showed high monthly UDOIs, and for those translocated a minimum of 0.15 was benchmarked to suggest range stability, which also reflected large spatial ranging.

4. Success in home‐range establishment was associated with landscapes which were unsaturated by other leopards, but anthropogenic threats still persisted, such that survival after a year was ˜45%, but was not different to the normal background mortality of areas outside protected areas in the country. Operations are costly, particularly that to do with veterinary treatment, immobilization, collars and temporary keeping, but such costs can be carried by public interest groups.

5. All adults (>3 years) of known origin should be relocated (transported distance < home‐range diameter), while subadults (1–3 years) can be considered for translocations (transported distance > home‐range diameter), while heeding ecological and genetic considerations, and not exceeding ˜400 km. Other non‐lethal mitigation should however be considered before translocation of leopards is contemplated. These findings can be applicable to solitary felids with a similar social organization.
Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Wen‐Hsiu , Lai Chien‐Chih , Huang Yi‐Fan , Li Tzu‐Hao , Tsao Yen‐Po , Chen Wei‐Sheng , Chang Yu‐Sheng
Published: March 2021

Objective

To evaluate Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) infection risk in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Taiwan.

Methods

We identified 24,367 patients with SLE from the National Health Insurance research database between 1997 and 2012 and compared the PJP incidence rates (IRs) with those in 243,670 age‐ and sex‐matched non‐SLE controls. PJP risk in the patients was evaluated using a Cox multivariate proportional hazards model.

Results

The SLE patients exhibited a significantly higher PJP risk than the controls, with an IR of 2.63 per 10,000 person‐years and IR ratio of 27.65 (95% confidence interval 17.2–45.3; P < 0.001). Male sex (hazard ratio [HR] 2.42, P < 0.01), end‐stage renal disease (ESRD; HR 1.74, P = 0.01), recent use of mycofenolate mofetil (MMF; HR 4.43, P < 0.001), intravenous steroid pulse therapy (HR 108.73, P < 0.001), and average oral dosage of >7.5 mg/day prednisolone or equivalent treatment (HR 4.83, P < 0.001) were associated with PJP in SLE, whereas hydroxychloroquine use reduced its risk (HR 0.51, P = 0.01). Of note, cyclophosphamide was not associated with PJP infection in the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.

Conclusion

Patients with SLE have a considerably high PJP risk. Cyclophosphamide does not increase PJP risk. Male sex, ESRD, MMF use, intravenous steroid pulse therapy, and oral prednisolone or equivalent treatment (>7.5 mg/day) are risk factors for PJP, whereas hydroxychloroquine use reduces PJP risk.
A Passion to Repurpose: Flexibility in the Future
Authors: Evans Martyn
Published: March 2021

Martyn Evans is Creative Director of U+I, which specialises in complex, mixed‐use, community‐focused property development and regeneration projects. He looks at AHMM's engagement with office design, in particular their commercial, spatial reconfiguration, occupancy, newbuild, refurbishment and retrofitting expertise – a terrain within which they are renowned innovators.
À La Recherche d'AHMM
Authors: Merrick Jay
Published: March 2021

Some practices have outlier offices very much subservient to the head office, but AHMM have created a successful Oklahoma office in the US, which they often use as a testbed for their more radical ideas. This is due to the city being less bound up in red tape than the UK, and consequently it is easier to build. Architectural critic Jay Merrick charts the office's evolution.
Colourful Collaboration: Creating Joyous Ambiences
Authors: Myerscough Morag
Published: March 2021

London‐based artist and designer Morag Myerscough has a long history working in collaboration with AHMM, a story that dates back to the very beginnings of both studios. Myerscough specialises in colourful wayfinding super‐graphics and place‐making architectural interventions. Here she describes some of her work with the practice.
Environmental Design From the Intuitive to the Parametric
Authors: Bellew Patrick
Published: March 2021

Founding Director of London's Atelier Ten environmental engineering consultants, Patrick Bellew lifts the lid on some of his firm's numerous interactions with AHMM and their continuing, joint aspirations to create greener, sustainable buildings that rejoice in bringing together science and art.
Transparent Polymer‐Ceramic Hybrid Antifouling Coating with Superior Mechanical Properties
Authors: Chen Runze , Zhang Yunsheng , Xie Qingyi , Chen Zixin , Ma Chunfeng , Zhang Guangzhao
Published: March 2021

Antifouling coatings are often required to have both excellent fouling resistance and mechanical properties for their applications. This study reports a water‐borne antifouling coating consisting of an amine‐terminated hyperbranched polysiloxane and a fouling resistant epoxy‐zirconium particle, where the former is prepared using amine‐functionalized silanes, and the latter is prepared via the reaction of zirconium alkoxide with epoxy‐functionalized silanes and zwitterionic silanes. Such a hybrid coating is transparent (>99.5% transmittance) and exhibits a combination of polymeric and ceramic characteristics, namely, it has not only high hardness (7–9 H) and adhesion (≈3 MPa) to substrates but also good flexibility (≤10 mm bending diameter). The presence of the zwitterionic group allows the coating to have excellent oil repellency and fouling resistance. The effects of composition and structure on the mechanical properties and antifouling performance are investigated. This study aims to develop antifouling coatings to be used in foldable displays, optical sensors, and biomedical facilities.
Development of a Biomimetic Hydrogel Based on Predifferentiated Mesenchymal Stem‐Cell‐Derived ECM for Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Antich Cristina , Jiménez Gema , de Vicente Juan , López‐Ruiz Elena , Chocarro‐Wrona Carlos , Griñán‐Lisón Carmen , Carrillo Esmeralda , Montañez Elvira , Marchal Juan A.
Published: March 2021

The use of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) as a biomaterial has been an important step forward for the development of functional tissue constructs. In addition to tissues and organs, cell cultures are gaining a lot of attention as an alternative source of dECM. In this work, a novel biomimetic hydrogel is developed based on dECM obtained from mesenchymal stem cells (mdECM) for cartilage tissue engineering. To this end, cells are seeded under specific culture conditions to generate an early chondrogenic extracellular matrix (ECM) providing cues and elements necessary for cartilage development. The composition is determined by quantitative, histological, and mass spectrometry techniques. Moreover, the decellularization process is evaluated by measuring the DNA content and compositional analyses, and the hydrogel is formulated at different concentrations (3% and 6% w/v). Results show that mdECM derived hydrogels possess excellent biocompatibility and suitable physicochemical and mechanical properties for their injectability. Furthermore, it is evidenced that this hydrogel is able to induce chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) without supplemental factors and, furthermore, to form hyaline cartilage‐like tissue after in vivo implantation. These findings demonstrate for the first time the potential of this hydrogel based on mdECM for applications in cartilage repair and regeneration.
Fabrication of Quasi‐2D Shape‐Tailored Microparticles using Wettability Contrast‐Based Platforms
Authors: Neto Mafalda D. , Stoppa Aukha , Neto Miguel A. , Oliveira Filipe J. , Gomes Maria C. , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Levkin Pavel A. , Oliveira Mariana B. , Mano João F.
Published: March 2021

The ability to fabricate materials with ultrathin architectures enables the breakthrough of low‐dimensional structures with high surface area that showcase distinctive properties from their bulk counterparts. They are exploited in a wide range of fields, including energy harvesting, catalysis, and biomedicine. Despite such versatility, the fine tuning of the lateral dimensions and geometry of these structures remains challenging. Prepatterned platforms gain significant attention as enabling technologies to process materials with highly controlled shapes and dimensions. Herein, different nanometer‐thick particles of various lateral sizes and geometries (e.g., squares, circles, triangles, hexagons) are processed with high precision and definition, taking advantage of the wettability contrast of oleophilic–oleophobic patterned surfaces. Quasi‐2D polymeric microparticles with high shape‐ and size‐fidelity can be retrieved as freestanding objects in a single step. These structures show cell‐mediated pliability, and their integration in gravity‐enforced human adipose‐derived stem cell spheroids leads to an enhanced metabolic activity and a modulated secretion of proangiogenic factors.
Efficient Sky‐Blue Bipolar Delayed Fluorescence Luminogen for High‐Performance Single Emissive Layer WOLEDs
Authors: Chen Hao , Liu Huijun , Shen Pingchuan , Zeng Jiajie , Jiang Ruming , Fu Yan , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2021

Luminogens with high photoluminescence efficiencies and high triplet (T1) energy levels are desired to achieve high‐performance white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs). In this work, a sky‐blue luminogen (DCB‐BP‐SFAC) with enhanced delayed fluorescence in aggregated state, bipolar carrier transport ability and high T1 energy level is developed. DCB‐BP‐SFAC exhibits bright sky‐blue electroluminescence (EL) in both non‐doped and doped OLEDs with maximum external quantum efficiencies of 14.8% and 23.5%. DCB‐BP‐SFAC can function as efficient host for green, orange and red phosphorescent materials as well as thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters with excellent EL performance. In addition, fluorescence/phosphorescence hybrid and all‐fluorescence WOLEDs with a single emissive layer are fabricated by adopting DCB‐BP‐SFAC as emitter and host simultaneously. The all‐fluorescence WOLED shows two‐color warm‐white light with good EL efficiencies of 47.1 cd A−1, 46.2 lm W−1, and 19.1%. The excellent performance of these OLEDs demonstrates the great application potential of DCB‐BP‐SFAC in practical display and lighting devices.
Efficient Circularly Polarized Electroluminescence from Chiral Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters Featuring Symmetrical and Rigid Coplanar Acceptors
Authors: Xie Feng‐Ming , Zhou Jing‐Xiong , Zeng Xin‐Yi , An Zhi‐Dong , Li Yan‐Qing , Han Dong‐Xue , Duan Peng‐Fei , Wu Zheng‐Guang , Zheng You‐Xuan , Tang Jian‐Xin
Published: March 2021

Circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes (CP‐OLEDs) that enable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) are promising for 3D display and photonic applications. However, the device efficiency and CPL character of CP‐OLEDs still lag behind the practical requirements. Here, two pairs of axially chiral emitting enantiomers, flexible (R/S)‐ODQPXZ and rigid (R/S)‐ODPPXZ, are reported by fusing (R/S)‐octahydro‐binaphthol chiral source, diphenyl quinoxaline (DQ)/dibenzo[a,c]phenazine (DP) acceptors and phenoxazine (PXZ) donors. The symmetrical chiral‐acceptor‐donor configuration endows them thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties with small singlet–triplet energy gaps of 0.16 and 0.07 eV, high photoluminescence quantum yields of 92% and 89% in doped films, and obvious mirror‐image CPL characteristics, respectively. The CP‐OLEDs based on these TADF enantiomers not only show a maximum external quantum efficiency of 28.3% with yellow emission for (R/S)‐ODQPXZ and 20.3% with orange‐red emission for (R/S)‐ODPPXZ, but also display the CPL with dissymmetry factors (gEL) of 6.0 × 10−4 and 2.4 × 10−3, respectively. The high efficiency and obvious CPL of (R)‐ODPPXZ arise from a synergetic interplay of the TADF skeleton and the rigid coplanar acceptor for efficient chiral induction and suppressed intramolecular rotational quenching.
Dual Size/Charge‐Switchable Nanocatalytic Medicine for Deep Tumor Therapy
Authors: Wu Wencheng , Pu Yinying , Shi Jianlin
Published: March 2021

Elevating intratumoral levels of highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) by nanocatalytic medicine for tumor‐specific therapy without using conventional toxic chemodrugs is recently of considerable interest, which, however, still suffers from less satisfactory therapeutic efficacy due to the relatively poor accumulation at the tumor site and largely blocked intratumoral infiltration of nanomedicines. Herein, an ultrasound (US)‐triggered dual size/charge‐switchable nanocatalytic medicine, designated as Cu‐LDH/HMME@Lips, is constructed for deep solid tumor therapy via catalytic ROS generations. The negatively charged liposome outer‐layer of the nanomedicine enables much‐prolonged blood circulation for significantly enhanced tumoral accumulation, while the positively charged Fenton‐like catalyst Cu‐LDH released from the liposome under the US stimulation demonstrates much enhanced intratumoral penetration via transcytosis. In the meantime, the co‐released sonosensitizer hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) catalyze the singlet oxygen (1O2) generation upon the US irradiation, and deep‐tumoral infiltrated Cu‐LDH catalyzes the H2O2 decomposition to produce highly toxic hydroxyl radical (·OH) specifically within the mildly acidic tumor microenvironment (TME). The efficient intratumoral accumulation and penetration via the dual size/charge switching mechanism, and the ROS generations by both sonosensitization and Fenton‐like reactions, ensures the high therapeutic efficacy for the deep tumor therapy by the nanocatalytic medicine.
Cell‐Laden Multiple‐Step and Reversible 4D Hydrogel Actuators to Mimic Dynamic Tissue Morphogenesis
Authors: Ding Aixiang , Jeon Oju , Tang Rui , Lee Yu Bin , Lee Sang Jin , Alsberg Eben
Published: March 2021

Shape‐morphing hydrogels bear promising prospects as soft actuators and for robotics. However, they are mostly restricted to applications in the abiotic domain due to the harsh physicochemical conditions typically necessary to induce shape morphing. Here, multilayer hydrogel actuator systems are developed using biocompatible and photocrosslinkable oxidized, methacrylated alginate and methacrylated gelatin that permit encapsulation and maintenance of living cells within the hydrogel actuators and implement programmed and controlled actuations with multiple shape changes. The hydrogel actuators encapsulating cells enable defined self‐folding and/or user‐regulated, on‐demand‐folding into specific 3D architectures under physiological conditions, with the capability to partially bioemulate complex developmental processes such as branching morphogenesis. The hydrogel actuator systems can be utilized as novel platforms for investigating the effect of programmed multiple‐step and reversible shape morphing on cellular behaviors in 3D extracellular matrix and the role of recapitulating developmental and healing morphogenic processes on promoting new complex tissue formation.
Significantly Enhanced Electrochemical Redox for High‐Performance Electrochemical Capacitor via Active Ion‐Tunnel Oriented BaCoF4 Electrodes
Authors: Guo Changjin , Xie Jiyang , Wang Jing , Li Lun , Zhu Zhu , Xie Lin , Mao Yongyun , Hu Wanbiao
Published: March 2021

Active plane and specific morphology with reduced particle sizes have long been considered a promising strategy to achieve superior electrochemical properties, but the active sites involved may not be sufficiently utilized or the surface atomic configurations may obscure the activity. Herein, a novel structural “active orientation” strategy is developed to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings and improve the efficiency at active sites. A transition‐metal fluoride BaCoF4 is well controlled to thin the dimensions along an active orientation through a sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate assisted solution chemistry route. The active orientation facilitates the opening of the ionic pathways, for example, OH– in the electrolyte, to take full advantage of the redox activity of the electrochemically active Co2+/Co3+ cations in ‐BaCoF4, resulting in significantly enhanced electrochemical redox performance. A high specific capacitance (692 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 in 6 m KOH electrolyte) is achieved owing to active‐tunnels orientation, ≈five‐fold higher compared to its bulk counterpart. Strikingly, the asymmetric electrochemical capacitor (AEC) fabricated with ‐BaCoF4 and activated carbon exhibits an ultrahigh energy density of 147.7 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1.025 kW kg−1 (also >100 Wh kg−1 at 5 kW kg−1), much higher than the majority of existing AEC systems.
Exceeding Single‐Pass Equilibrium with Integrated Absorption Separation for Ammonia Synthesis Using Renewable Energy—Redefining the Haber‐Bosch Loop
Authors: Smith Collin , Torrente‐Murciano Laura
Published: March 2021

The synthesis of ammonia through the Haber‐Bosch process has been at the foundation of the chemical industry for over 100 years, but when the energy and feedstock sources switch from fossil fuels to renewable electricity, the process needs to be reimagined. Herein, the successful integration of ammonia synthesis and separation is demonstrated in a recycle‐less process setting the foundations of green ammonia technology. The ruthenium‐based catalyst uses a nanostructured CeO2 support and Cs electronic promotion to remove hydrogen and ammonia inhibition, respectively, creating a catalyst with low‐temperature (<300 °C) activity that quickly approaches equilibrium. The absorbent uses MnCl2 to avoid the acid releasing decomposition of conventional absorbents like MgCl2, and a support of SiO2 to simultaneously enhance MnCl2 dispersion and improve stabilization. This integrated catalyst‐absorbent system reproducibly exceeds single‐pass ammonia synthesis equilibrium. Kinetic models of the catalyst and absorbent successfully predict the experimental long‐term behavior and facilitate the design of an integrated system. These results present a framework for aligning intermittent and isolated renewable energy with ammonia synthesis by decreasing capital complexity and increasing process agility—adapting to a shifting energy landscape to continue providing fertilizers with minimum CO2 penalty and pioneer energy storage.
Vanadium Dioxide Cathodes for High‐Rate Photo‐Rechargeable Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Deka Boruah Buddha , Mathieson Angus , Park Sul Ki , Zhang Xiao , Wen Bo , Tan Lifu , Boies Adam , De Volder Michael
Published: March 2021

Photovoltaics are an important source of renewable energy, but due to the intermittent nature of insolation, solar cells usually need to be connected to rechargeable batteries, electrochemical capacitors or other energy storage devices, which adds to the complexity and cost of these systems. In this work, a cathode design for photo‐rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries (photo‐ZIBs) is reported, that is inherently capable of harvesting sunlight to recharge without the need for external solar cells. The proposed photocathodes, comprising a composite of vanadium dioxide nanorods and reduced graphene oxide, are engineered to provide the necessary charge separation and storage for photocharging under illumination. The photo‐ZIBs achieve capacities of ≈282 mAh g−1 in the dark and ≈315 mAh g−1 under illumination, at 200 mA g−1, demonstrating the use of light not only to charge the devices, but additionally to enhance their capacity. The photo‐ZIBs also demonstrate enhanced high‐rate capabilities under illumination, as well as a capacity retention of ≈90% over 1000 cycles. The proposed photo‐ZIBs are considered a promising new technology for addressing energy poverty, due to their high performance and inherent cost‐efficiency and safety.
Cerebellofaciodental syndrome in an adult patient: Expanding the phenotypic and natural history characteristics
Authors: Honjo Rachel Sayuri , Castro Matheus Augusto Araújo , Ferraciolli Suely Fazio , Soares Junior Luiz Alberto Valente , Pastorino Antonio Carlos , Bertola Débora Romeo , Miyake Noriko , Matsumoto Naomichi , Kim Chong Ae
Published: March 2021

Cerebellofaciodental syndrome is characterized by facial dysmorphisms, intellectual disability, cerebellar hypoplasia, and dental anomalies. It is an autosomal‐recessive condition described in 2015 caused by pathogenic variants in BRF1. Here, we report a Brazilian patient who faced a diagnostic challenge beginning at 11 months of age. Fortunately, whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed, detecting the BRF1 variants NM_001519.3:c.1649delG:p.(Gly550Alafs*36) and c.421C>T:p.(Arg141Cys) in compound heterozygosity, thus finally achieving a diagnosis of cerebellofaciodental syndrome. The patient is currently 25 years old and is the oldest patient yet reported. The clinical report and a review of published cases are presented. Atlanto‐occipital fusion, a reduced foramen magnum and basilar invagination leading to compression of the medulla‐spinal cord transition are skeletal findings not reported in previous cases. The description of syndromes with dental findings shows that such anomalies can be an important clue to relevant differential diagnoses. The cooperation of groups from different international centers made possible the resolution of this and other cases and is one of the strategies to bring medical advances to developing countries, where many patients with rare diseases are difficult to diagnose definitively.
Unprecedented 2D Homochiral Hybrid Lead‐Iodide Perovskite Thermochromic Ferroelectrics with Ferroelastic Switching
Authors: Zeng Yu‐Ling , Huang Xue‐Qin , Huang Chao‐Ran , Zhang Hua , Wang Fang , Wang Zhong‐Xia
Published: March 2021

Chiral perovskites have emerged as a significant class of materials showing promising optoelectronic and spintronic applications. Reports of chiral perovskite ferroelectrics, however, have been scarce. In this work, we have successfully synthesized homochiral lead–iodide perovskite ferroelectrics [(R)‐N‐(1‐phenylethyl)ethane‐1,2‐diaminium]PbI4 and [(S)‐N‐(1‐phenylethyl)ethane‐1,2‐diaminium]PbI4 by introducing a methyl group into the organic cation of the parent (N‐benzylethane‐1,2‐diaminium)PbI4. Vibrational circular dichroism spectra identify the chiral mirroring relationship. They both undergo 222F2‐type paraelectric–ferroelectric behavior at around 378 K coupled with clear ferroelastic domain “ON/OFF” switching. Besides, they exhibit an evident thermochromism with color change from orange–yellow to orange–red. To our knowledge, the discovery of integrated ferroelectricity, ferroelasticity, and reversible thermochromism in chiral perovskites is unprecedented.
Recent Strategies for Carbon−Halogen Bond Formation Using Nickel
Authors: Marchese Austin D. , Adrianov Timur , Lautens Mark
Published: March 2021

Nickel catalysis has demonstrated the capability of performing a broad range of synthetically challenging transformations over the last decade. Though recent literature has focused on the formation of C−C and C−N bonds, a variety of breakthroughs in the field of C−X bond generation have also been reported. A diverse range of strategies using nickel have been developed, in an effort to expand the scope and synthetic utility of these halogenation methods. This Minireview will cover six emerging strategies in this field including: oxidatively induced C−X reductive elimination, triflate‐to‐halogen exchange reactions, directed C−H halogenation, non‐directed electrophilic C−H halogenation of arenes, enantioselective α‐fluorination of carbonyl containing compounds, and 1,2‐difunctionalization‐halogenation reactions. The final section has been split into two parts: nickel‐catalyzed hydrohalogenation and nickel‐catalyzed carbohalogenation reactions.
High yield room temperature conversion of carbon dioxide into cyclic carbonates catalyzed by mixed metal oxide (CuO‐ZnO) nano‐flakes/micro‐flakes (Cozi‐nmf)
Authors: Velpuri Venkateswara Rao , Muralidharan Krishnamurthi
Published: March 2021

Capturing and converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful organic molecules and polymers is the best way of alleviating excessive release of it from industrial sources to the environment. Cyclic carbonate synthesis by cycloaddition from CO2 and epoxides through a catalytic process is a 100% atom economic reaction established five decades ago. Despite the availability of many efficient catalytic systems, there are shortcomings in either tedious preparatory procedure of catalyst, separation problem associated with homogeneous catalysis, or the requirement of pure CO2. In this work, we report the catalytic system based on copper and zinc mixed metal oxides (CuO‐ZnO) nano‐flakes/micro‐flakes (Cozi‐nmf) for cycloaddition of CO2 with various epoxides at room temperature under solvent‐free conditions. The novel recyclable heterogeneous catalyst was prepared via a simple procedure successfully at room temperature by grinding process. The synthesis of both catalyst and cyclic carbonates described here is greener and used inexpensive source materials to produce them. The yields of the synthesized cyclic carbonates were more than 95%, except for many reactions. The high efficiency of Cozi‐nmf as a catalyst is explained based on the availability of the bare catalyst surface, which promoted the hindrance free movement of electrons and adsorption of substrate effectively.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Surgical Intervention for Treating Cervical Disc Disease
Authors: Karasin Beth , Grzelak Monica
Published: March 2021

Cervical disc disease includes chronic disc degeneration, stenosis, spondylosis, and disc herniation; providers initially treat these conditions conservatively through symptomatic care. When conservative measures fail, surgery may be indicated. It is important to explore all the surgical options available and the risks and benefits of each procedure. An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a procedure involving the removal of disc material to achieve neural tissue decompression and placement of a bone graft or interbody implant and a cervical plate and screws to stabilize the spinal column at one or more vertebral levels. This article briefly reviews the anatomy of the spine and treatment options for cervical disc disease; presents an in‐depth review of the ACDF procedure, including the expected perioperative course and care considerations; and concludes with a case report of a 37‐year‐old woman who underwent an ACDF at the C5‐C6 and C6‐C7 vertebral levels of the spine.
Crystallization, structure, and enhanced mechanical property of ethylene‐octene elastomer crosslinked with dicumyl peroxide
Authors: Wang Yuan‐Xia , Shi Ying , Wang Chen‐Chen , Cheng Jia‐Hui , Wang Ying , Shao Wen‐Jun , Liu Li‐Zhi
Published: March 2021

Crosslinking of polyolefin elastomer (POE, ENGAGE™ 8480) with Dicumyl Peroxide (DCP) can have effects on its crystallization dynamics, crystal structure, and properties. The POE crosslinked uniformly has significantly lower crystalline ability than the one with only amorphous phase crosslinked, which, in turn, has weaker crystalline ability than neat POE. The crystallinity and melting point depend on how the POE is crosslinked. The neat POE and POE crosslinked in amorphous phase only, are investigated with DSC and in‐situ tensile/synchrotron radiation (WAXD/SAXS). In situ tensile/synchrotron X‐ray during a uniaxial stretching process indicates that severe crystal fragmentation is observed at a strain around 45%, and with further increase in strain. The stress in the crosslinked POE is significantly larger than neat POE. For both samples, crystal orientation increases sharply within the strain range up to 88% where orientation‐induced new crystals aligned in stretching direction are observed. The long period increases more in stretching direction for the crosslinked POE, consistent with larger stress in this sample, and the stress difference is more pronounced at large strains (27.3 vs. 10.9 MPa at a strain 435%). Permanent set of the crosslinked POE is smaller, consistent with less oriented crystals observed after the test for permanent set.
Upcycling of polypropylene with various concentrations of peroxydicarbonate and dilauroyl peroxide and two processing steps
Authors: Stanic Sascha , Koch Thomas , Schmid Klaus , Knaus Simone , Archodoulaki Vasiliki‐Maria
Published: March 2021

The influence of two peroxides (peroxydicarbonate/dilauroyl peroxide) with various concentrations (10–200 mmol/kg PP) and their effective opportunity to introduce long chain branched (LCB) were investigated. The dependence of a single and double extrusion step and the changes of the properties were studied. Experiments were carried out in a single screw extruder at 180°C for the first extrusion step (modification) and at 240°C for the second extrusion step (processing simulation). Melt flow rate and dynamic rheological properties were studied at a measuring temperature of 230°C. For the definitive determination of long chain branched polypropylene (LCB‐PP) served the extensional rheology measurements. The mechanical properties were examined via tensile test and impact tensile test. Summarized, LCB (melt strength) could be observed via extensional rheology for all modified specimens and the mechanical properties were maintained or even improved for the modified samples. Particularly, samples containing dilauroyl peroxide display excellent mechanical properties in this study.
Synthesis and antitumor potential of new arylidene ursolic acid derivatives via caspase‐8 activation
Authors: He Baoen , Zhu Zuchang , Chen Fenglian , Zhang Rong , Chen Weiqiang , Zhang Te , Wang Tao , Lei Jiamei
Published: March 2021

Continuing our studies on NO‐donating ursolic acid–benzylidene derivatives as potential antitumor agents, we designed and synthesized a series of new arylidene derivatives containing NO‐donating ursolic acid and aromatic heterocyclic units. Compounds 5c and 6c showed a significant broad‐spectrum antitumor activity. Compound 5c exhibited nearly three‐ to nine‐fold higher cytotoxicity as compared with the parent drug in A549, MCF‐7, HepG‐2, HT‐29, and HeLa cells, and it was also found to be the most potent apoptosis inducer of MCF‐7 cells. More importantly, compound 5c arrested the MCF‐7 cell cycle in the G1 phase, which was associated with caspase activation and a decrease of the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio. Meanwhile, compound 5c caused changes in morphological features, dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. A docking study revealed that the nitroxyethyl moiety of compound 5c may form hydrogen bonds with caspase‐8 amino acid residues (SER256 and HIS255). Together, these data suggest that NO‐donating ursolic acid–arylidene derivatives are potent apoptosis inducers in tumor cells.
Effectiveness of Allopurinol in Reducing Mortality: Time‐Related Biases in Observational Studies
Authors: Suissa Samy , Suissa Karine , Hudson Marie
Published: March 2021

Objective

The treatment of gout with allopurinol is effective at reducing urate levels and the frequency of flares. Several observational studies have shown important reductions in mortality with allopurinol use, with wide variations in results. We undertook this review to assess the extent of bias in these studies, particularly time‐related biases such as immortal time bias.

Methods

We searched the literature to identify all observational studies describing the effect of allopurinol use versus nonuse on all‐cause mortality.

Results

We identified 12 observational studies, of which 3 were affected by immortal time bias and 3 by immeasurable time bias, while the remaining 6 studies avoided these time‐related biases. Reductions in all‐cause mortality with allopurinol use were observed among the studies with immortal time bias, with a pooled hazard ratio (HR) of death associated with allopurinol of 0.71 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.50–1.01), as well as in those with immeasurable time bias (pooled HR 0.62 [95% CI 0.56–0.67]). The 6 studies that avoided these biases demonstrated a null effect of allopurinol on mortality (pooled HR 0.99 [95% CI 0.87–1.11]), though the lack of an analysis based on treatment adherence may have attenuated the effect.

Conclusion

Observational studies are important to provide real‐world data on medication effects. The observational studies showing significantly decreased mortality with allopurinol treatment cannot be used as evidence, however, mainly due to time‐related biases that tend to greatly exaggerate the potential benefit of treatments. The ALL‐HEART randomized trial, which is currently underway and evaluates the effect of adding allopurinol to usual care (compared to no added treatment), will provide reliable evidence on mortality.
Observer‐based trajectory control for directional drilling process
Authors: Cai Zhen , Lai Xuzhi , Wu Min , Chen Luefeng , Lu Chengda
Published: March 2021

This paper is concerned with observer‐based trajectory control of directional drilling system with rotary steering devices. Since the trajectory orientation cannot be measured directly, most of the existing results implicitly assume that the trajectory orientation is equal to the measurement of orientation of the bottom hole assembly (BHA) or the drill bit, which would bring in certain control errors in practice. To avoid such control errors, in this paper, a trajectory control approach is established, which includes a state observer to estimate the trajectory orientation based on the measurement of the BHA orientation. Firstly, the relationship between the trajectory orientation and the BHA orientation is analyzed, and a trajectory evolution model is introduced according to the analysis. Secondly, based on this trajectory evolution model, a variable transformation technique is applied such that a trajectory tracking control problem is formulated. Thirdly, a feedback control strategy is devised based on the estimation of the trajectory orientation for trajectory tracking. Fourthly, stability analysis of the closed‐loop system is discussed, and the design of the controller and state observer is done. Finally, a typical case is used to illustrate the correctness and effectiveness of our approach.
Educational classifications of autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability among school‐aged children in North Carolina: Associations with race, rurality, and resource availability
Authors: Kim Eunsoo Timothy , Franz Lauren , Fannin Danai Kasambira , Howard Jill , Maslow Gary
Published: March 2021

Disparities exist in the recognition of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) in racial/ethnic minorities in the United States. This study examined whether rurality, race/ethnicity, and low resource availability are associated with disparities in primary educational classifications of ASD and ID in North Carolina (NC). Descriptive maps were created. Multilevel logistic regression models examined two separate outcomes (mild ID vs. ASD; moderate/severe ID vs. ASD). For the interaction term included in the model (race/ethnicity and residence), predicted probabilities were estimated and plotted. The effects of other covariates were also estimated. Rural counties had fewer students with ASD and a greater number of students with ID compared to urban counties. The majority of students with ASD were non‐Hispanic Whites, while the majority of students with ID were non‐Hispanic Blacks. Compared to non‐Hispanic White students, non‐Hispanic Black students were overrepresented in the ID classification and underrepresented in the ASD classification across urban and rural areas. Indicators of low resource availability were also associated with higher probabilities of ID vs. ASD classification. Differences in primary educational classification based on urban–rural divide, race/ethnicity, and resource availability are important to understand as they may point to disparities that could have significant policy and service implications. Because disparities manifest through complex interactions between environmental, socioeconomic and system‐level factors, reduction in these disparities will require broader approaches that address structural determinants. Future research should utilize disparity frameworks to understand differences in primary educational classifications of ASD and ID in the context of race/ethnicity and rurality.

Lay Summary

Rural counties in North Carolina had fewer students with ASD and a greater number of students with ID compared to urban counties. Compared to non‐Hispanic White students, non‐Hispanic Black students were over‐represented in the ID educational classification and underrepresented in the ASD classification. Differences in classification of ASD and ID based on urban–rural divide, race/ethnicity, and resource availability may point to disparities that could have significant policy and service implications. Autism Res 2021, 14: 1046–1060. © 2021 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Tolerogenic and immunogenic states of Langerhans cells are orchestrated by epidermal signals acting on a core maturation gene module
Authors: Polak Marta E. , Singh Harinder
Published: March 2021

Langerhans cells (LCs), residing in the epidermis, are able to induce potent immunogenic responses and also to mediate immune tolerance. We propose that tolerogenic and immunogenic responses of LCs are directed by signaling from the epidermis and involve counter‐acting gene circuits that are coupled to a core maturation gene module. We base our analysis on recent genetic and genomic findings facilitating the understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling these divergent immune functions. Comparing gene regulatory network (GRN) analyses of various types of dendritic cells (DCs) including LCs we integrate signaling‐dependent (TGFβ, EpCAM, β‐Catenin) and transcription factor (IRF4, IRF1, NFκB) regulated gene circuits that appear to orchestrate the distinctive LC functional states. Our model proposes, that while epidermal signaling in the steady‐state promotes LC tolerogenic function, the disruption of cell‐cell contacts coupled with inflammatory signaling induces LC immunogenic programing. The conceptual framework emphasizes the sensing of discrete epidermal and inflammatory cues by resident LCs in dictating their genomic programing and cell state dynamics.