bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper Complexes of the Tetradentate N,N′‐Bis(2‐amino‐3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐2,2′‐diaminobiphenyl Ligand
Authors: Leconte Nicolas , Berthiol Florian , Philouze Christian , Thomas Fabrice
Published: March 2021

The ligand N,N′‐bis(2‐amino‐3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐2,2′‐diaminobiphenyl was synthesized and coordinated to copper. Complex 1+ was structurally characterized, showing two deprotonated diiminobenzoquinone ligands coordinated to a single Cu(I) center. The paramagnetic complexes 1 and 12+ were generated and characterized by EPR and Vis‐NIR spectroscopy. Complex 1 exhibits an isotropic resonance at g=2.00, which is reminiscent of Cu(I) diiminosemiquinone species. The dication 12+ exhibits a metal‐based ground spin state and hence is described as a Cu(II) diiminobenzoquinone complex. Both 1 and 1+ show a NIR band (954, 980 nm) of high intensity (>20 mM−1 cm−1) assigned to ligand‐based charge transfer transitions.
European* clinical practice recommendations on opioids for chronic noncancer pain – Part 1: Role of opioids in the management of chronic noncancer pain
Authors: Häuser Winfried , Morlion Bart , Vowles Kevin E. , Bannister Kirsty , Buchser Eric , Casale Roberto , Chenot Jean‐François , Chumbley Gillian , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Dom Geert , Jutila Liisa , O'Brien Tony , Pogatzki‐Zahn Esther , Rakusa Martin , Suarez–Serrano Carmen , Tölle Thomas , Krčevski Škvarč Nevenka
Published: March 2021

Background

Opioid use for chronic non‐cancer pain (CNCP) is complex. In the absence of pan‐European guidance on this issue, a position paper was commissioned by the European Pain Federation (EFIC).

Methods

The clinical practice recommendations were developed by eight scientific societies and one patient self‐help organization under the coordination of EFIC. A systematic literature search in MEDLINE (up until January 2020) was performed. Two categories of guidance are given: Evidence‐based recommendations (supported by evidence from systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials or of observational studies) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) statements (supported either by indirect evidence or by case‐series, case‐control studies and clinical experience). The GRADE system was applied to move from evidence to recommendations. The recommendations and GCP statements were developed by a multiprofessional task force (including nursing, service users, physicians, physiotherapy and psychology) and formal multistep procedures to reach a set of consensus recommendations. The clinical practice recommendations were reviewed by five external reviewers from North America and Europe and were also posted for public comment.

Results

The key clinical practice recommendations suggest: (a) first optimizing established non‐pharmacological treatments and non‐opioid analgesics and (b) considering opioid treatment if established non‐pharmacological treatments or non‐opioid analgesics are not effective and/or not tolerated and/or contraindicated. Evidence‐ and clinical consensus‐based potential indications and contraindications for opioid treatment are presented. Eighteen GCP recommendations give guidance regarding clinical evaluation, as well as opioid treatment assessment, monitoring, continuation and discontinuation.

Conclusions

Opioids remain a treatment option for some selected patients with CNCP under careful surveillance.

Significance

In chronic pain, opioids are neither a universal cure nor a universally dangerous weapon. They should only be used for some selected chronic noncancer pain syndromes if established non‐pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options have failed in supervised pain patients as part of a comprehensive, multi‐modal, multi‐disciplinary approach to treatment. In this context alone, opioid therapy can be a useful tool in achieving and maintaining an optimal level of pain control in some patients.
Spatial deformation for nonstationary extremal dependence
Authors: Richards Jordan , Wadsworth Jennifer L.
Published: March 2021

Modeling the extremal dependence structure of spatial data is considerably easier if that structure is stationary. However, for data observed over large or complicated domains, nonstationarity will often prevail. Current methods for modeling nonstationarity in extremal dependence rely on models that are either computationally difficult to fit or require prior knowledge of covariates. Sampson and Guttorp (1992) proposed a simple technique for handling nonstationarity in spatial dependence by smoothly mapping the sampling locations of the process from the original geographical space to a latent space where stationarity can be reasonably assumed. We present an extension of this method to a spatial extremes framework by considering least squares minimization of pairwise theoretical and empirical extremal dependence measures. Along with some practical advice on applying these deformations, we provide a detailed simulation study in which we propose three spatial processes with varying degrees of nonstationarity in their extremal and central dependence structures. The methodology is applied to Australian summer temperature extremes and UK precipitation to illustrate its efficacy compared with a naive modeling approach.
Taguchi‐based optimization of design and fuel parameters of partially premixed charge CI engine fuelled with biodiesel and butanol blends
Authors: Subramani Saravanan , Ramasamy Kaliyanasunder
Published: March 2021

Simultaneous control of NOx and smoke emission of compression ignition engine was the major challenge for the researchers as their formation mechanisms are inversely proportional to each other. In the present study, combustion process was modified as partially premixed charge combustion (PPCC) which supplies a premixed charge of fuel and air through inlet valve in addition to the fuel injected into the cylinder. This resulted in reduction of combustion temperature with lean air fuel ratio. To investigate the influence of various factors on these emissions, six design factors and two fuel factors of the engine were selected as factors and NOx, smoke, and brake thermal efficiency were selected as responses for the investigation. Experimental test matrix was designed based on Taguchi L18 orthogonal array. Multi response Signal to Noise (MRSN) ratio was calculated for the response variables and the optimum combination level of factors was obtained simultaneously using Taguchi's parametric design and the same was tested experimentally. Influence of each factor and most influencing factor on the chosen objective was determined by analyzing the variance of the MRSN ratio. This investigation reveals that among the factors tested, main injection fuel is the most influencing factor with a maximum percentage contribution of 44.5. It has been observed that normal combustion mode parameters have more influence with a percentage of contribution of 80 when compared with the parameters of PPCC mode. It has also been observed that fuel factors have higher percentage contribution of 53 compared with the design factors contribution of 43.6.
Analyses of seizure responses supportive of a novel trial design to assess efficacy of antiepileptic drugs in infants and young children with epilepsy: Post hoc analyses of pediatric levetiracetam and lacosamide trials
Authors: Johnson Martin E. , McClung Carrie , Bozorg Ali M.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Recently, a novel trial design has been proposed to overcome challenges with traditional placebo‐controlled trials of antiepileptic drugs in infants and young children (≥1 month of age) (Auvin S, et al. Epilepsia Open 2019;4:537‐43). The proposed time‐to‐event trial design involves seizure counting by caregivers and allows adjustment of the duration of the baseline period and duration of exposure to placebo or potentially ineffective treatment based on the patient's seizure burden and response. We performed post hoc analyses to mimic this trial design and evaluate its viability. As these analyses required trials with prolonged baseline and treatment periods and diary data, which is not a typical design of trials in infants and young children (1 month to <4 years of age), data from two trials in pediatric patients (4‐16 years of age) were used.

Methods

We performed post hoc analyses of two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials of adjunctive levetiracetam (N159; NCT00615615) and lacosamide (SP0969; NCT01921205) in children and adolescents (4‐16 years of age) with focal‐onset seizures. In these analyses, patients were followed until they completed the 10‐week maintenance period, discontinued during the maintenance period, or reached their “nth” seizure (n = number of seizures patient had during baseline). Efficacy was assessed by determining time to nth seizure.

Results

In the analyses of both trials, patients on levetiracetam or lacosamide had a 34% lower risk of reaching their baseline seizure count during their 10‐week maintenance period than patients on placebo. The previously published primary results of these trials also demonstrated efficacy of adjunctive levetiracetam and lacosamide.

Significance

Although these were post hoc analyses of trials in older children (4‐16 years of age), our results provide supportive evidence for the utility of the novel time‐to‐event trial design for future trials in infants and young children (1 month to <4 years of age).
A fresh look at primary prevention for health risks
Authors: Peter Richard
Published: March 2021

The author analyzes how risk preferences affect primary prevention for health risks using Kihlstrom and Mirman (1974) transformation function approach. This ensures consistency of ordinal preferences. Higher risk aversion may increase or decrease optimal prevention depending on a probability threshold. Higher downside risk aversion always has a negative effect on optimal prevention. Our findings corroborate the role of downside risk aversion as an important determinant of optimal prevention for health risks but renders fear of sickness irrelevant. We also point out several unique properties of prevention for health risks compared to financial risks.
Parental and partner role functioning and personal recovery in bipolar disorder
Authors: Wynter Edward , Meade Tanya , Perich Tania
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Bipolar disorder research has primarily focused on clinical outcomes but there is increasing understanding of the importance of personal recovery. This study aimed to explore the relationship between functioning in key social roles including parenting and intimate relationships with personal recovery.

Method

Participants with bipolar disorder (N = 393) were recruited to participate in an online survey. Participants provided clinical information and completed measures of personal recovery, parental and intimate relationship functioning.

Results

Parental functioning and intimate relationship functioning were found to be significantly associated with recovery scores with higher scores being associated with greater recovery. Parental functioning was also found to have a predictive effect, with higher parental functioning predicting greater recovery scores.

Conclusions

This study suggests that greater parental functioning may have an important role in the experience of personal recovery for people living with bipolar disorder. Future studies should further assess how supporting parenting may contribute recovery outcomes.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐4429 restrains colorectal cancer cell invasion and migration via regulating SMAD3‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Li Hongwen , Liang Weijie , Zhang Hongyu , Shui Yifang , Zhang Zhe
Published: March 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the commonest human cancers and the fourth primary cause of cancer‐related death. Previous studies have reported that miR‐4429 develops anticancer function in follicular thyroid carcinoma and non‐small cell lung cancer. However, whether miR‐4429 is implicated in the CRC progression remains to be clarified. The aim of our current study was to explore the potential role of miR‐4429 in CRC. According to the result of quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis, miR‐4429 was expressed at a low level in CRC cells. Gain‐of‐function assays showed that the upregulation of miR‐4429 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in CRC, whereas miR‐4429 inhibition led to the opposite results. It was uncovered from mechanism experiments that miR‐4429 targeted forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and therefore regulating SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3) expression. Rescue experiments elucidated that miR‐4429 influenced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT process in CRC by targeting FOXM1 to inactivate SMAD3. In conclusion, our study revealed that miR‐4429 targeted FOXM1 to decrease SMAD3 expression and thus impeding cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT process of CRC cells.
Overexpressed COL5A1 is correlated with tumor progression, paclitaxel resistance, and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Jinguo , Zhang Jihong , Wang Fanchen , Xu Xiaolin , Li Xin , Guan Wencai , Men Ting , Xu Guoxiong
Published: March 2021

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains the leading cause of cancer‐related death among gynecological cancers. The present study examined the role of collagen type V alpha 1 (COL5A1) and the characteristics of COL5A1 as an oncogenic protein in OC. The association of COL5A1 with paclitaxel (PTX)‐resistance and stemness in OC was also studied and the multidatabase and big data analyses of the prognostic value, coexpression network, genetic alterations, and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells of COL5A1 were elucidated. We found that COL5A1 expression was high in OC cells and tissues. Knockdown of COL5A1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of OC cells. Further study also showed that COL5A1 was overexpressed in PTX‐resistant OC cells compared to respective PTX‐sensitive cells. Additionally, COL5A1 was more enriched in OC stem cell‐like cells. Silencing COL5A1 expression decreased the OC cell resistance to PTX and inhibited the ability of OC‐spheroid formation. Survival analysis predicted that the elevated COL5A1 expression was associated with a worse survival outcome and correlated to the tumor stage of OC patients. The estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT) algorithm analysis also unveiled the correlation of several tumor‐infiltrating immune cells with the expression of COL5A1. Taken together, our data demonstrate that COL5A1 is a biomarker to predict OC progression and PTX‐resistance and represents a promising target for OC treatment.
Rethinking our Work with Leaders: Using Developmental Threshold Zones in Coaching
Authors: Drake David B.
Published: March 2021

The current paper brings together three bodies of work, each of which contributes to a new approach to learning and development, and identifies three elements that can be used with leaders in coaching: security, stories, and scaffolding. In particular, it looks at how Developmental Threshold Zones (Drake, 2018a) can be used to enrich the coaching process and outcomes with leaders. The first section explores attachment theory and its contribution to understanding how leaders secure themselves relationally. The second section explores narrative coaching and its contribution to understanding how leaders develop and move through change. The third section explores Vygotsky's (1934/1987, 1978) work on zones of proximal development and its contribution to our understanding of the scaffolding leaders need into order to grow. Each section contributes to the our understanding of how to use Developmental Threshold Zones (DTZs) and how it can be used in coaching to facilitate transformative experiences for leaders using their own stories.
Leading the team, but feeling dissatisfied: Investigating informal leaders' energetic activation and work satisfaction and the supporting role of formal leadership
Authors: Chiu Chia‐Yen (Chad) , Nahrgang Jennifer D. , Bartram Ashlea , Wang Jing , Tesluk Paul E.
Published: March 2021

Most research on informal leadership focuses on the benefits of leading, with little attention placed on exploring the potential negative implications for individuals with informal leadership status. We integrate adaptive leadership theory and conservation of resources theory to highlight the energetic activation level and work satisfaction of informal leaders based on four complementary studies. Results of Study 1 (survey) confirmed a negative association between individuals' informal leadership status and their work satisfaction, particularly under conditions of low formal leadership support. In Study 2 (interviews), we concluded that experienced low energetic activation level is the key mechanism explaining the informal leadership status‐work satisfaction relationship. In Study 3 (survey), we then confirmed that when formal leadership support is absent, individuals' informal leadership status is negatively associated with their work satisfaction through the mediation of their lowered energetic activation. Finally, based on a scenario manipulation (Study 4), we reported that informal leaders, as compared to non‐leaders, had a lower energetic activation level and thus lower satisfaction under the condition of low formal leadership support. Our findings contribute to the literature by highlighting the energetic activation of engaging in informal leadership roles and the continued relevance of formal leadership support to informal leaders.
Is portal vein embolization safe and effective for patients with impaired liver function?
Authors: Konishi Takaaki , Takamoto Takeshi , Hashimoto Takuya , Makuuchi Masatoshi
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

Portal vein embolization (PVE) is a safe and effective procedure used to increase the safety of extensive hepatectomy for selected patients. However, it is unknown whether PVE is safe for patients with impaired liver functional reserve.

Methods

Patients who underwent PVE from April 2007 to September 2016 in our hospital were retrospectively assessed. According to indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICG‐R15), we divided patients into Group A (≤10%), Group B (10%–20%), and Group C (>20%). We described and compared the treatment course and the outcome among the three groups.

Results

A total of 106 patients were assessed and divided into groups A (n = 46), B (n = 49), and C (n = 11). The morbidity and mortality after PVE showed no significant differences among the three groups (A:B:C = 37%:53%:64%, p = .16; A:B:C = 0%:0%:0%, p = 1.00, respectively). The morbidity and mortality after successive hepatectomy also showed no significant differences among the three groups (A:B:C = 55%:71%:78%, p = .19; A:B:C = 0%:2%:0%, p = 1.00, respectively).

Conclusion

A patient with impaired liver functional reserve (ICG‐R15 > 20%) can be a candidate for PVE and successive hepatectomy, as safely as a patient with normal and slightly impaired liver functional reserve (ICG‐R15 ≤ 20%).
Isolation of saturated alkylresorcinols from rye grains by countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Hammerschick Tim , Wagner Tim , Vetter Walter
Published: March 2021

Alkylresorcinols (5‐alkyl‐1,3‐dihydroxybenzenes) are amphiphilic phenolic lipid compounds that are abundant in cereals with highest contents in rye. Alkylresorcinols are suspected to show a wide range of favourable biological activities. For such and further testing, highly pure alkylresorcinol standards are required. Especially, purities >> 98% were partly difficult to obtain in the past. Here, we aimed to isolate the most abundant (saturated) alkylresorcinols from rye using countercurrent chromatography. To achieve very high purity, alkylresorcinol‐containing extract (∼7.14 g) of rye grains (cold extracts with cyclohexane/ethyl acetate (46/54, w/w)) were preparatively transesterified followed by a preparative hydrogenation. Countercurrent chromatography separation of ∼1 g hydrogenated and transesterified rye grain extract using the solvent system n‐hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (9:1:9:1, v/v/v/v) yielded 51.8 mg AR17:0, 77.4 mg AR19:0, 57.2 mg AR21:0, 28.8 mg AR23:0 and 11.5 mg AR25:0 with purities >99% in either case. The isolated alkylresorcinol homologues can be used for subsequent bioassays.
Fluorescence properties of humic substances transformed in ectohumus horizons of Podzols affected by alkaline fly‐ash
Authors: Mielnik Lilla , Weber Jerzy , Podlasiński Marek , Kocowicz Andrzej
Published: March 2021

Lignite burning is still the main source of energy in many countries, generating huge amounts of alkaline residues deposited in dumping sites, which affects the surrounding environment. There are only a few publications dealing with the effects on pH changes of surface horizons, but there are no reports on the impact on other soil properties. The aim of this paper was to characterize the changes occurring in the soil organic matter (SOM) of ectohumus horizons of Podzols located near the dumping site and at the control site. Conventional one‐dimensional, synchronous, and three‐dimensional fluorescence can provided a new information on differences in the structure of humic substances (HS), which are crucial constituents of SOM. Humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA), originally present in the ectohumus horizon, indicated a lower degree of humification, and were characterized by a looser structure, than HS that were extracted from soils affected by fly‐ash. The neutralization of the soil reaction resulting from the deposition of fly‐ash favored the formation of higher humified HS, characterized by a higher concentration of aromatic rings in the core of the molecule and the presence of double conjugated bonds. The fluorescence technique could be applicable to monitor the chemical modification of soils in regions affected by ashes but also all factors changing soil pH. The conducted research has shown that fluorescence spectroscopy can be successfully used as a sensitive technique to characterize qualitatively structures of different organic substances present in terrestrial and aquatic systems.
Integrated Silicon Fourier Transform Spectrometer with Broad Bandwidth and Ultra‐High Resolution
Authors: Li Ang , Fainman Yeshaiahu
Published: March 2021

An ultra‐high resolution Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) realized in silicon photonic platform that can operate with broad band, narrow band as well as a combination of broad band and narrow band signals is reported. The ultra‐high resolution of the spectrometer is achieved by exploiting multiple techniques: a Michelson interferometer (MI) structure to increase the optical path delay (OPD), a hybrid waveguide design to reduce insertion loss, an optimized heater and air trenches to achieve higher thermal efficiency. Moreover, to further increase the OPD of the spectrometer to increase its resolution, a novel multiple interferometers approach is employed which combines balanced MI with N statically imbalanced MIs, thereby increasing the OPD of a single MI by factor of N + 1. An FTS spectrometer consisting of N = 2 such MIs is fabricated and experimentally characterized using unknown broad bandwidth input signal spectra of about 180 nm centered around 1550 nm, a narrow line laser input signal, and a combination of broad and narrow band signals demonstrating spectral resolution of about 0.16 nm.
Periodic Assembly of Polyethylene Spherulites Re‐Investigated by Breakthrough Interior Dissection
Authors: Nagarajan Selvaraj , Woo Eamor M.
Published: March 2021

A completely novel 3D dissection approach is taken to re‐investigate high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) crystallized into periodic architectures in a wide range of Tc. This work first discovers that ring bands present in HDPE are crystallized in a quite wide Tc range (90–120 °C) all within regime‐III growth. With further detailed analyses of the top‐surface‐relief patterns and 3D architectures of HDPE spherulites, this work has fully clarified the periodic morphology packed with alternate ways of single‐crystal aggregates in correlation with the optical banding patterns. The proposed assembly mechanism sheds light that the periodic bands are actually composed of a cross‐hatch grating structure in that the alternately perpendicular orientations from the ridge to valley bands being related to the interior radial to tangential lamellae. Such grating architectures in the interiors of HDPE can be viewed as a mimicry resembling shish‐kebab lamellae self‐aligned by Archimedean spiral‐spins from the nucleus center.
Treatment efficacy of high‐dose creatine supplementation in a child with creatine transporter (SLC6A8) deficiency
Authors: Shi Kaili , Zhao Huimin , Xu Shuming , Han Hong , Li Wenjuan
Published: March 2021

Background

Creatine transporter deficiency is an inborn error of metabolism caused by a deficiency in the creatine transporter protein encoded by the SLC6A8 gene. Previous treatment with creatine supplementation, either alone or in combination with creatine precursors (arginine or glycine), has been attempted; the efficacy of therapy, however, remains controversial.

Methods and Results

To analyze the treatment efficacy of high‐dose creatine supplementation on creatine transporter deficiency, we reported a child diagnosed with creatine transporter deficiency, who was treated with a conventional dose of creatine (400 mg/kg/d) for 1 month, then twice the dose (800 mg/kg/d) for 2 months, and finally 3 times the dose (1200 mg/kg/d) for 3 months. The patient tolerated the treatment well and showed improvements in muscle mass and strength when the creatine dose was gradually increased to 1200 mg/kg/d. However, when assessed by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H‐MRS), the brain creatine concentration did not increase, and there was no improvement in speech and neurodevelopmental symptoms.

Conclusion

We conclude that high‐dose creatine supplementation (1200 mg/kg/d) alone improved muscular symptoms, but did not improve cognitive symptoms and brain creatine concentration assessed using H‐MRS. Therefore, new treatment strategies are required for the management of creatine transporter deficiency.
Maximal‐entropy driven determination of weights in least‐square approximation
Authors: Giordano Domenico , Iavernaro Felice
Published: March 2021

We exploit the idea to use the maximal‐entropy method, successfully tested in information theory and statistical thermodynamics, to determine approximating function's coefficients and squared errors' weights simultaneously as output of one single problem in least‐square approximation. We provide evidence of the method's capabilities and performance through its application to representative test cases by working with polynomials as a first step. We conclude by formulating suggestions for future work to improve the version of the method we present in this paper.
Weighted variable Lorentz regularity for degenerate elliptic equations in Reifenberg domains
Authors: Zhang Junqiang , Yang Dachun , Yang Sibei
Published: March 2021

Let w be a Muckenhoupt
weight and Ω a Reifenberg flat domain in
. Assume that q ∈ (0, ∞] and p(·) :  Ω → (1, ∞) is a variable exponent satisfying the
‐Hölder continuous condition. In this article, the authors investigate the weighted variable Lorentz Lp(·), q(Ω, w) regularity of the weak solutions of second‐order degenerate elliptic equations in divergence form with Dirichlet boundary condition, under the assumption that the degenerate coefficients belong to weighted BMO spaces with small norms.
Identification and characterization of sex‐biased and differentially expressed miRNAs in gonadal developments of the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Luo Bi‐Yun , Xiong Xin‐Yi , Liu Xue , He Xue‐Ying , Qiu Gao‐Feng
Published: March 2021

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a posttranscriptional downregulator that plays a vital role in a wide variety of biological processes. In this study, we constructed five ovarian and testicular small RNA libraries using two somatic libraries as reference controls for the identification of sex‐biased miRNAs and gonadal differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) of the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. A total of 535 known and 243 novel miRNAs were identified, including 312 sex‐biased miRNAs and 402 gonadal DEMs. KEGG pathway analysis showed that DEM target genes were statistically enriched in MAPK, Wnt, and GnRH signaling pathway, and so on. A number of the sex‐biased miRNAs target genes associated with sex determination/differentiation, such as IAG, Dsx, Dmrt1, and Fem1, while others target the genes related to gonadal development, such as P450s, Wnt, Ef1, and Tra‐2c. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay in vitro further confirmed that miR‐34 and let‐7b can downregulate IAG expression, miR‐9‐5p, let‐7d, let‐7b, and miR‐8915 can downregulate Dsx. Taken together, these data strongly suggest a potential role for the sex‐biased miRNAs in sex determination/differentiation and gonadal development in the crab.
Effects of neonatal exposure to methoxychlor on corpus luteum in gilts: A transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Witek Patrycja , Enguita Francisco J. , Grzesiak Malgorzata , Costa Marina C. , Gabriel André , Koziorowski Marek , Slomczynska Maria , Knapczyk‐Stwora Katarzyna
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the effects of neonatal exposure to methoxychlor (MXC), a synthetic organochlorine used as an insecticide with estrogenic, antiestrogenic, and antiandrogenic activities, on luteal function in pigs. Piglets were injected subcutaneously with MXC (20 μg/kg body weight) or corn oil (control) between postnatal Days 1 and 10 (N = 5/group). Corpora lutea from sexually mature gilts were examined for luteal steroid and prostaglandin concentrations and processed for total RNA isolation and subsequent RNA sequencing. Intra‐luteal concentrations of androstenedione and prostaglandin E2 were greater, while that of estrone was lower when compared to control. Fifty‐three differentially expressed (DE) microRNAS (miRNAs) (p‐adjusted <.05 and log2(fold change) ≥.5) and 359 DE genes (p‐adjusted <.05 and log2(fold change) ≥1) were identified in luteal tissue in response to neonatal MXC treatment. MXC was found to affect the expression of genes related to lipogenesis, steroidogenesis, membrane transport, immune response, cell signaling and adhesion. These results suggest an earlier onset of structural luteolysis in pigs caused by MXC actions in neonates. Since negative correlation analysis showed the potential interactions of miRNAs with specific messenger RNAs, we propose that these miRNAs are potential mediators of the long‐term MXC effect on the CL function in pigs.
Lack of drug interaction between levetiracetam and high‐dose methotrexate in patients with lymphoma
Authors: DeFino Catherine E. , Barreto Jason N. , Pawlenty Amanda G. , Ruff Michael W. , Carabenciov Ivan D. , Mara Kristin C. , Thompson Carrie A.
Published: March 2021

Study Objective

To determine whether there is a drug‐drug interaction precluding the concomitant use of levetiracetam and high‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX).

Design

Retrospective analysis.

Setting

Large academic tertiary care medical center.

Patients

Adult lymphoma patients who received HDMTX as a 4‐h infusion with or without concomitant levetiracetam.

Measurements and Main Results

Generalized estimating equations clustered on patient were used to assess each outcome. The primary outcome was the incidence of delayed MTX elimination (MTX level >1 µmol/L at 48 h). Secondary outcomes included incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and hospital length of stay (LOS). The 430 included patients receiving 1993 doses of HDMTX had a median (IQR) age of 66 (57.5, 72.6) years, 88 (20.5%) received concomitant levetiracetam with at least one dose of MTX, 267 (62.1%) were male, and 397 (92.3%) were Caucasian. HDMTX doses ranged from 1 to 8 g/m2. The most common lymphoma diagnoses were systemic diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL; 58.5%) and systemic DLBCL with central nervous system (CNS) involvement (32.8%). Rates of delayed elimination with and without levetiracetam were 13.4% and 16.3%, respectively (OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.47–1.34, p = 0.39). AKI occurred in 15.6% and 17.0% of patients with and without concomitant levetiracetam, respectively (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.52–1.33, p = 0.28). The median LOS with and without levetiracetam was 4.2 and 4.1 days, respectively (p = 0.039). On multivariable analyses, only age, body surface area, diagnosis of systemic DLBCL with CNS involvement, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, total bilirubin, and dose of HDMTX were associated with delayed elimination.

Conclusions

High‐dose methotrexate administered with concomitant levetiracetam was not associated with increased risk for delayed MTX elimination or AKI. These results support that levetiracetam and HDMTX are safe for coadministration.
Characteristics of cancer patients who died by suicide: A quantitative study of 15‐year coronial records
Authors: Men Vera Y. , Emery Clifton R. , Yip Paul S. F.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Cancer patients have elevated suicide risk compared to the general population. However, little is known about the characteristics of cancer patients who have died by suicide. The objectives of the study were to compare the characteristics of suicide cases with, and without cancer, and determine whether age was associated with differences in characteristics.

Methods

A total of 14,446 suicide cases between 2003 and 2017 in Hong Kong were identified using Coroner's Court reports. Cases were grouped by cancer status, based on medical history in the reports. Information extracted from the reports included sociodemographic variables and detailed descriptions of the suicide event. Univariate analyses and overall and subgroup multiple logistic regressions were performed to compare characteristics between the two groups.

Results

Of the 14,446 suicide cases, 1,461 (10.11%) had a cancer history. Compared to noncancer cases, cancer patients were generally older and less likely to live alone; more likely to use violent methods; less likely to have histories of physical and psychiatric problems; and more likely to communicate about their suicidal intent before death. Age was significantly associated with differences between cancer and noncancer cases.

Conclusions

Cancer suicide cases have different characteristics from noncancer cases. Mental health screening may not be sufficient for suicide prevention among cancer patients. Healthcare professionals and caregivers should be aware of cancer patients' suicide risk, even when there are no signs of psychiatric disturbance.
Computational study of inversion‐topomerization pathways in 1,3‐dimethylcyclohexane and 1,4‐dimethylcyclohexane: Ab initio conformational analysis
Authors: Bian Huiting , Zhang Yifan , Wang Yongjin , Zhao Jun , Ruan Xiaohui , Li Jing
Published: March 2021

This work concerns the special conformational behaviors for di‐substituted cyclohexanes that inherently depend on spatial orientations of side chains in flexible cyclic ring. The 1,3‐dimethylcyclohexane and 1,4‐dimethylcyclohexane in both cis‐ and trans‐configurations were focused here to unravel their inversion‐topomerization mechanisms. Full geometry optimizations were separately performed at B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) and MP2/6‐311++G(d,p) levels to explicitly identify all distinguishable molecular structures, and thereby the complete interconversion routes were carefully explored. Additional quantum calculations were carried out by G4 and CCSD(T)/6‐311++G(d,p) methods to acquire high‐level single point energies. With respect to quantum results, conformational analysis was conducted to study determinations, thermodynamic stabilities, and relative energies of distinct conformers. Temperature‐dependent populations of local minima for each dimethylcyclohexane were computed by Boltzmann distribution within 300–2500 K. Moreover, their unique inversion and topomerization processes were fully investigated, and potential energy surfaces were illustrated with the rigorous descriptions in two or three‐dimensional schemes for clarify.
High‐Fidelity Geometric Quantum Gates with Short Paths on Superconducting Circuits
Authors: Li Sai , Xue Jing , Chen Tao , Xue Zheng‐Yuan
Published: March 2021

Geometric phases are robust against certain types of local noises, and thus provide a promising way toward high‐fidelity quantum gates. However, comparing with the dynamical ones, previous implementations of nonadiabatic geometric quantum gates usually require longer evolution time, due to the needed longer evolution path. Here, a scheme is proposed to realize nonadiabatic geometric quantum gates with short paths based on simple pulse control techniques, instead of deliberated pulse control in previous investigations, which can thus further suppress the influence from the environment induced noises. Specifically, the idea is illustrated on a superconducting quantum circuit, which is one of the most promising platforms for realizing practical quantum computer. As the current scheme shortens the geometric evolution path, ultra‐high gate fidelity can be obtained, especially for the two‐qubit gate case, as verified by the numerical simulation. Therefore, the protocol suggests a promising way toward high‐fidelity and robust quantum computation on a solid‐state quantum system.
Derivation of empirical XPS relative sensitivity factors from silicate glasses
Authors: Shallenberger Jeffrey R. , Smith Nicholas J. , Banerjee Joy
Published: March 2021

Quantification of spectral data from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy is frequently done using relative sensitivity factors (RSFs) provided by instrument or software vendors. Understanding of the key factors that impact the amount of signal observed from a given photoelectron peak has improved substantially over the past 30+ years, which permits calculation of RSFs from first principles. Here, we have examined a series of in vacuo fractured silicate glass samples covering a wide range of elemental compositions that allow determination of empirical RSFs for the photoelectron peaks of several important elements. RSFs for three common X‐ray‐induced Auger lines (two Mg KLL and one Na KLL) have also been evaluated. These results are then compared with standard RSF libraries provided by instrument manufacturers, as well as those derived from first principles. The empirically derived RSFs differ by up to 10% for several photoelectron peaks and directly impact the accuracy of the resulting measured composition. We explore likely causes of these discrepancies and conclude that satellite losses, as recently discussed by Brundle and Crist, are a significant factor that must be accounted for if first principles RSFs are to be used. In the absence of suitable empirical RSFs for the material family of interest, we propose systematically measuring satellite losses for different materials to develop an empirical table of yield losses for more accurate quantification using first principles RSFs.
Benzothiazole Encapped Silane and Its Nano Composites for Sequential Detection of Copper Ions and Cysteine in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Singh Gurjaspreet , Chowdhary Kavita , Singh Akshpreet , Satija Pinky , Shilpy  , Diksha  , Suman  , Sushma  , Mohit
Published: March 2021

This work describes the study of photophysical properties of triazolelinked benzothiazole based Silane (K3) and its nanoparticles (K3‐NPs). Interestingly, both K3 and K3‐NPs exhibited highly selective chemo‐sensing ablility for Cu2+ ions. The significance of N, S and triazole group in synthesized compounds for Cu2+ sensing has been confirmed by structure‐property studies. Concentration dependent colorimetric metal sensing studies indicate that Cu2+ can be detected up to 10 μM. DFT studies, colorimetric analysis, Cyclic Voltametry, absorption and emission spectroscopy techniques helped us to evaluate efficiency towards amino acids along with copper complexation.
Bi Nanoparticles Embedded in 2D Carbon Nanosheets as an Interfacial Layer for Advanced Sodium Metal Anodes
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhu Xiaolong , Wang Guanyao , Xu Gang , Wu Minghong , Liu Hua‐Kun , Dou Shi‐Xue , Wu Chao
Published: March 2021

Sodium metal is regarded as one of the most prospective next‐generation anodes material owing to its high theoretical capacity, low redox potential, low cost, and natural abundance. Its most notable problem is the dendrite growth during Na plating/striping, which causes not only the safety concern but also the generation of inactive Na. Here, it is demonstrated that 2D carbon nanosheets embedded by bismuth nanoparticles (NPs) (denoted as Bi⊂CNs) serve as a robust nucleation buffer layer to endow the sodium metal anodes (SMAs) with high Coulombic efficiencies (CEs) and dendrite‐free deposition during long‐term cycling. The embedded Bi nanoparticles significantly reduce the nucleation barrier through the “sodiophilic” Na–Bi alloy. Meanwhile, the carbon frameworks effectively circumvent the gradual failure of those Na–Bi nucleation sites. As a result, the metallic Na on the Bi⊂CNs nucleation layer is repeatedly plated/stripped for nearly 7700 h (1287 cycles) at 3 mA h cm−2 with an average CE of 99.92%. Moreover, the Na||Na symmetric cells with the Bi⊂CNs buffer layer are stably plated/stripped for 4000 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mA h cm−2. It is found that the cycling stability is closely related to the Na utilization of SMAs and current rate.
Requirements for Making Thick Junctions of Organic Solar Cells based on Nonfullerene Acceptors
Authors: Nyman Mathias , Sandberg Oskar J. , Li Wei , Zeiske Stefan , Kerremans Robin , Meredith Paul , Armin Ardalan
Published: March 2021

Organic bulk‐heterojunction solar cells based on the newly developed nonfullerene electron acceptors have the potential for very low‐cost energy production. However, to enable large‐scale production with common printing techniques, the active layer thicknesses need to be increased by up to an order of magnitude, which is currently not possible without significant loss in performance. Herein, the requirements for making nonfullerene acceptor (NFA)‐based solar cells with thick active layers and high efficiencies are clarified. The charge carrier mobility, unintentional doping concentrations, and bimolecular recombination prefactor in the model high‐efficiency system PM6 (Poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl‐3‐fluoro)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene))‐alt‐(5,5‐(1′,3′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐5′,7′‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1′,2′‐c:4′,5′‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione)]):Y6 (2,2′‐((2Z,2′Z)‐((12,13‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3,9‐diundecyl‐12,13‐dihydro‐[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐e]thieno[2″,3″:4′,5′]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]pyrrolo[3,2‐g]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐b]indole‐2,10‐diyl)bis(methanylylidene))bis(5,6‐difluoro‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diylidene))dimalononitrile) are determined. The results are implemented in a combined electro‐optical device model, which is used to determine the effect of varying these parameters on the efficiency. The results show that a mobility imbalance and doping can lead to improved performance at large thicknesses, partially contradicting previous studies performed on fullerene‐based systems. The findings highlight the importance of determining electron and hole mobilities selectively, as well as characterizing recombination and doping concentrations.
Key proteins of proteome underlying sperm malformation of rats exposed to low fenvalerate doses are highly related to P53
Authors: Huang Shaoping , Lu Ying , Li Suying , Zhou Tao , Wang Jing , Xia Jiangyan , Zhang Xinxin , Zhou Zuomin
Published: March 2021

Fenvalerate (Fen) is an endocrine disruptor, capable of interfering with the activity of estrogen and androgen. Our objective was to explore the molecular mechanisms of Fen on sperm in vivo. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were orally exposed to 0, 0.00625, 0.125, 2.5, 30 mg/kg/day Fen for 8 weeks. Sperm morphology, differential proteomics of sperm and testes, bioinformatic analysis, western blotting (WB), and RT‐PCR were used to explore the mechanism of Fen on sperm. Data showed that low Fen doses significantly induced sperm malformations. In sperm proteomics, 47 differentially expressed (DE) proteins were enriched in biological processes (BPs) related to energy metabolism, response to estrogen, spermatogenesis; and enriched in cellular components (CCs) relating to energy‐metabolism, sperm fibrous sheath and their outer dense fibers. In testicular proteomics, 56 DE proteins were highly associated with mRNA splicing, energy metabolism; and enriched in CCs relating to vesicles, myelin sheath, microtubules, mitochondria. WB showed that the expression of selected proteins was identical to their tendency in 2D gels. Literature indicates that key DE proteins in proteomic profiles (such as Trap1, Hnrnpa2b1, Hnrnpk, Hspa8, and Gapdh) are involved in P53‐related processes or morphogenesis or spermatogenesis. Also, P53 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased by Fen; bioinformatic re‐analysis showed that 88.5% DE proteins and P53 formed a complex interacting network, and the key DE proteins were coenriched with P53‐related BPs. Results indicate that key DE proteins of proteome underlying sperm malformations of rats exposed to low Fen doses are highly related to P53.
Rapid cultivation of anammox bacteria by forming free cells in a membrane bioreactor
Authors: Li Beiying , Song Yuxin , Liu Conghe , He Yanqing , Ma Bin
Published: March 2021

The low growth rate of anammox bacteria is one of the main obstacles to its broad use in removing biological nitrogen in sewage treatment. Free cells show the characteristics of relatively rapid growth. To increase the growth rate, this study cultivated free‐living anammox bacteria using a membrane bioreactor. The particle size distributions showed that more than 95.48% of biomass was less than 50 μm in size, and the growth rate of free‐living anammox bacteria was shortened to 5.68 days after cultivation. Candidatus Brocadia was the most important anammox genus, with a relative abundance of 8.83%. The key functional genes, including hzs, hdh, and hao, were identified and expressed using metagenomic and metaproteomic analyses. After the rapid cultivation of the free‐living anammox bacteria, a potential method shortening the start‐up time was proposed to rapidly form anammox biofilm by attaching to carriers.

Practitioner points

The free‐living anammox bacteria are cultivated in a membrane bioreactor.

More than 95.48% of biomass size is less than 50 μm.

The doubling time of these free anammox bacteria was 5.68 days.

The key functional genes of anammox bacteria were identified and expressed.

A novel method is proposed to rapidly form anammox biofilm.
Health Professionals and the Climate Crisis: Trusted Voices, Essential Roles
Authors: Maibach Edward , Frumkin Howard , Ahdoot Samantha
Published: March 2021

Climate change has triggered a global public health emergency that, unless adequately addressed, is likely to become a multigenerational public health catastrophe. The policy actions needed to limit global warming deliver a wide range of public health benefits above and beyond those that will result from limiting climate change. Moreover, these health benefits are immediate and local, addressing one of the most vexing challenges of climate solutions: that the benefits of greenhouse gas reduction are seen as long‐term and global, which are remote from the concerns of many jurisdictions. In this commentary, we identify roles that health professionals and health organizations can play, individually and collectively, to advance equitable climate and health policies in their communities, health systems, states, and nations. Ultimately, health voices can work across national boundaries to influence the world's commitments to the Paris Agreement, arguably the world's most important public health goal.