bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interface‐Engineered Dendrite‐Free Anode and Ultraconductive Cathode for Durable and High‐Rate Fiber Zn Dual‐Ion Microbattery
Authors: Zhai Shengli , Wang Na , Tan Xuehai , Jiang Keren , Quan Zhongyi , Li Yunwei , Li Zhi
Published: January 2021

Despite the advantages of the fiber‐shaped Zn‐ion microbattery (FZMB) in powering wearable electronics, several fundamental challenges hinder its practical application, mainly including dendrite growth on Zn anodes (leading to short cycle life) and low electrical conductivity of cathode (resulting in poor rate performance). Herein, a facile approach of sputtering a nano‐thin conductive carbon layer on Zn anode to effectively suppress dendrite growth and a dual‐conductive polymer strategy to fabricate ultraconductive core‐sheath fiber cathode (poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) fiber@polyaniline nanobulges) are demonstrated. The carbon layer suppresses Zn dendrites by uniformizing surface electric field and providing abundant nucleation sites. The superior conductivity of the cathode is inherited from two conductive polymers (in particular, PEDOT:PSS fibers have an ultrahigh conductivity of 3676 S cm−1) and their strong intermolecular interactions. The resulting FZMB shows excellent stability (over 100% capacity retention after 3000 cycles) and supercapacitor‐level rate performance (73% capacity retention from 0.1 to 10 A g−1). Kinetics and mechanism studies reveal that the surface‐controlled dual‐ion migration mechanism is also correlated with the high rate performance. The corresponding quasi‐solid‐state device exhibits high stability under extreme deformation conditions and superior water‐proof capability (94.6% capacity retention after 12 h underwater immersion), demonstrating great practical application potential.
A Dual‐Responsive Antibiotic‐Loaded Nanoparticle Specifically Binds Pathogens and Overcomes Antimicrobial‐Resistant Infections
Authors: Ye Mingzhou , Zhao Yi , Wang Yuyuan , Zhao Miao , Yodsanit Nisakorn , Xie Ruosen , Andes David , Gong Shaoqin
Published: January 2021

Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) infections are a growing threat to public health and there is a general lack of development in new antibiotics. Here, a dextran‐coated stimuli‐responsive nanoparticle (NP) that encapsulates the hydrophobic antibiotic, rifampicin, and specifically binds bacteria to overcome AMR infections is reported. The NP shows a strong affinity with a variety of pathogens in vitro and effectively accumulates in the bacterial infected tissues. The NP is activated by either low pH or high reactive oxygen species in the infectious microenvironment, and releases both cationic polymer and rifampicin that display synergistic activity against AMR pathogens. The NP carrier also enables the antibiotic to penetrate both bacterial biofilms and mammalian cells, thus allowing the elimination of biofilm and intracellular infections. The NP formulation demonstrates both safety and efficacy in two animal infection models against either Gram‐negative or Gram‐positive AMR pathogens.
Hybrid 0D Antimony Halides as Air‐Stable Luminophores for High‐Spatial‐Resolution Remote Thermography
Authors: Morad Viktoriia , Yakunin Sergii , Benin Bogdan M. , Shynkarenko Yevhen , Grotevent Matthias J. , Shorubalko Ivan , Boehme Simon C. , Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: January 2021

Luminescent organic–inorganic low‐dimensional ns2 metal halides are of rising interest as thermographic phosphors. The intrinsic nature of the excitonic self‐trapping provides for reliable temperature sensing due to the existence of a temperature range, typically 50–100 K wide, in which the luminescence lifetimes (and quantum yields) are steeply temperature‐dependent. This sensitivity range can be adjusted from cryogenic temperatures to above room temperature by structural engineering, thus enabling diverse thermometric and thermographic applications ranging from protein crystallography to diagnostics in microelectronics. Owing to the stable oxidation state of Sb3+, Sb(III)‐based halides are far more attractive than all major non‐heavy‐metal alternatives (Sn‐, Ge‐, Bi‐based halides). In this work, the relationship between the luminescence characteristics and crystal structure and microstructure of TPP2SbBr5 (TPP = tetraphenylphosphonium) is established, and then its potential is showcased as environmentally stable and robust phosphor for remote thermography. The material is easily processable into thin films, which is highly beneficial for high‐spatial‐resolution remote thermography. In particular, a compelling combination of high spatial resolution (1 µm) and high thermometric precision (high specific sensitivities of 0.03–0.04 K−1) is demonstrated by fluorescence‐lifetime imaging of a heated resistive pattern on a flat substrate, covered with a solution‐spun film of TPP2SbBr5.
Efficient and Clean Nickel Catalyzed α‐Allylation Reaction of Nitriles
Authors: Mouhsine Bouchaib , Karim Abdallah , Dumont Clément , Suisse Isabelle , Sauthier Mathieu
Published: January 2021

A clean method has been developed for the α‐allylation of phenyl and alpha alkyl phenyl acetonitrile with allylic alcohols. The reaction is catalyzed by nickel complexes in situ generated from a combination of Ni(cod)2 and the dppf ligand and performed at 80 °C in methanol as reaction solvent. Accordingly to this simple and base‐free protocol that only yields water as a side‐product, many allylic nitriles were synthetized with good yields.

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Practical Synthesis of α‐Trifluoromethylated Pyridines Based on Regioselective Cobalt‐Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cycloaddition using Trifluoromethylated Diynes with Nitriles
Authors: Kumon Tatsuya , Yamada Shigeyuki , Agou Tomohiro , Fukumoto Hiroki , Kubota Toshio , Hammond Gerald B. , Konno Tsutomu
Published: January 2021

Regioselective cobalt‐catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition using fluorine‐containing diynes with nitriles was described. Cycloaddition of fluorinated diynes with nitriles under the influence of CoCl2(phen), zinc bromide, and zinc dust in dichloroethane at 80 °C for 3 h took place smoothly, exclusively affording the corresponding α‐fluoroalkylated pyridines in excellent yields. In addition, dinitriles as substrate were also found to be suitable for this reaction, giving the corresponding fluoroalkylated bipyridine derivatives in excellent yields.

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Synthesis of Oxazolidinones by a Hypervalent Iodine Mediated Cyclization of N‐Allylcarbamates
Authors: Das Mirdyul , Rodríguez Arantxa , Lo Pui Kin Tony , Moran Wesley J.
Published: January 2021

The preparation of oxazolidinones by the hypervalent iodine mediated cyclization of allylcarbamates is described. A versatile range of substrates can be converted into substituted oxazolidinones primed for further transformations. Derivatization of the products at both ends is demonstrated. A preliminary attempt at the enantioselective formation of an oxazolidinone using a chiral iodane is also presented.

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Progress and Perspective: MXene and MXene‐Based Nanomaterials for High‐Performance Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Xu Xiaodan , Zhang Yelong , Sun Hongyang , Zhou Jianwen , Yang Fan , Li Hao , Chen Hao , Chen Yucheng , Liu Zheng , Qiu Zhenping , Wang Da , Ma Lipo , Wang Jiawei , Zeng Qingguang , Peng Zhangquan
Published: January 2021

MXene, an emerging family of 2D transition metal carbides/nitride (MXene) materials, has attracted growing attention since its initial discovery in 2011. Owing to their extraordinary electrical conductivity, high mechanical stability, various functional groups, and large interlayer space, MXene and MXene‐based nanomaterials have shown significant energy‐storage capability. Firstly, research progress on the preparation strategies and properties of MXene are summarized. Secondly, the current state‐of‐the‐art advances of MXene and MXene‐based nanomaterials as advanced electrodes for energy storage devices, including lithium‐ion batteries, sodium‐ion batteries, potassium‐ion batteries, and supercapacitors are reviewed. Finally, the key challenges and perspectives for further enhancing their electrochemical performances are also outlined. This Progress Report offers a reference and scientific inspiration for the design and preparation of high‐performance MXene and MXene‐based nanomaterials to meet the increasing need for next‐generation energy‐storage systems.
Recent Advances in Deformable Circuit Components with Liquid Metal
Authors: Bury Elizabeth , Chun Seth , Koh Amanda S.
Published: January 2021

Deformable electronics, specifically those incorporating liquid metal, allow for previously inaccessible mechanical behavior and exciting new technologies. This is demonstrated by recent, promising advances in the fabrication, characterization, device performance, and applications of liquid metal electronics. Through the use of liquid metals and soft, stretchable materials, it is shown that devices that provide stretchability and improved safety and comfort between humans and machines can achieve comparable or better electrical performance than conventional alternatives. Many of the latest major advances in liquid metal electronics focus on fundamental, deformable, passive circuit components and materials including capacitors, inductors, resistors, electrodes, wires, and composite materials, such as advances in biomimicry and deformation‐based sensing using both capacitors and inductors. Liquid metal passive components and materials have led to further progress in deformable secondary devices and applications such as antennas, actuators, power sources, and thermal management devices, including mechanical tuning for antennas, self‐sensing actuators, and power sources operational under stress. While deformable liquid metal electronics are still faced with challenges, the continued expansion of the field of liquid metal circuits is dramatically altering the research landscape of reconfigurable, self‐healable, and magnetically controllable electronics and revolutionalizing the way that electronics will be used in the future.
Passive acoustic identification of bubble flow regime based on synchrosqueezing wavelet transform and deep learning
Authors: Zhang Ling , Xing Yun , Wu Dazhuan , Chu Ning
Published: January 2021

A passive acoustic method based on synchrosqueezing wavelet transform (SWT) and deep learning was proposed to automatically identify bubble flow regimes in process industries. The method was established on the bijection relationship between bubble flow regime and the time‐frequency (TF) textures of its passive acoustic emission (PAE) signals. Specifically, the PAE signal of the bubble flow was first acquired by hydrophones, then converted into TF representations (TFRs) by SWT and finally used to train convolutional neural network (CNN) to identify bubble flow regimes automatically. The effects of TF analysis method and CNN architecture were studied: the SWT represented TF textures of PAE signals the best, and its combination with ResNet gave the highest identification accuracy of 99.67%. As its main contribution, the method validated the feasibility of PAE and CNN in bubble flow regime identification, and achieved automatic identification of bubble flow regime with high accuracy and barely no subjective interference.
An efficient algorithm for community detection in complex weighted networks
Authors: Samandari Masooleh Leila , Arbogast Jeffrey E. , Seider Warren D. , Oktem Ulku , Soroush Masoud
Published: January 2021

Community detection decomposes large‐scale, complex networks “optimally” into sets of smaller sub‐networks. It finds sub‐networks that have the least inter‐connections and the most intra‐connections. This article presents an efficient community detection algorithm that detects community structures in a weighted network by solving a multi‐objective optimization problem. The whale optimization algorithm is extended to enable it to handle multi‐objective optimization problems with discrete variables and to solve the problems on parallel processors. To this end, the population's positions are discretized using a transfer function that maps real variables to discrete variables, the initialization steps for the algorithm are modified to prevent generating unrealistic connections between variables, and the updating step of the algorithm is redefined to produce integer numbers. To identify the community configurations that are Pareto optimal, the non‐dominated sorting concept is adopted. The proposed algorithm is tested on the Tennessee Eastman process and several benchmark community‐detection problems.
The origin of Darwin’s “abominable mystery”
Authors: Buggs Richard J.A.
Published: January 2021

The phrase “Darwin’s abominable mystery” is frequently used with reference to a range of outstanding questions about the evolution of the plant group today known as the angiosperms. Here, I seek to more fully understand what prompted Darwin to coin the phrase in 1879, and the meaning he attached to it, by surveying the systematics, paleobotanical records, and phylogenetic hypotheses of his time. In the light of this historical research, I argue that Darwin was referring to the origin only of a subset of what are today called angiosperms: a (now obsolete) group equivalent to the “dicotyledons” of the Hooker and Bentham system. To Darwin and his contemporaries, the dicotyledons’ fossil record began abruptly and with great diversity in the Cretaceous, whereas the gymnosperms and monocotyledons were thought to have fossil records dating back to the Carboniferous or beyond. Based on their morphology, the dicotyledons were widely seen by botanists in Darwin’s time (unlike today) as more similar to the gymnosperms than to the monocotyledons. Thus, morphology seemed to point to gymnosperm progenitors of dicotyledons, but this hypothesis made the monocotyledons, given their (at the time) apparently longer fossil record, difficult to place. Darwin had friendly disagreements about the mystery of the dicotyledons’ abrupt appearance in the fossil record with others who thought that their evolution must have been more rapid than his own gradualism would allow. But the mystery may have been made “abominable” to him because it was seen by some contemporary paleobotanists, most notably William Carruthers, the Keeper of Botany at the British Museum, as evidence for divine intervention in the history of life. Subsequent developments in plant systematics and paleobotany after 1879 meant that Darwin’s letter was widely understood to be referring to the abrupt appearance of all angiosperms when it was published in 1903, a meaning that has been attached to it ever since.
Coccidioidomycosis outbreak among inmate wildland firefighters: California, 2017
Authors: Laws Rebecca L. , Jain Seema , Cooksey Gail Sondermeyer , Mohle‐Boetani Janet , McNary Jennifer , Wilken Jason , Harrison Robert , Leistikow Bruce , Vugia Duc J. , Windham Gayle C. , Materna Barbara L.
Published: January 2021

Background

In California, state prison inmates are employed to fight wildfires, which involves performing soil‐disrupting work. Wildfires have become more common, including areas where Coccidioides, the soil‐dwelling fungus that causes coccidioidomycosis, proliferates. However, work practices that place wildland firefighters at risk for coccidioidomycosis have not been investigated.

Methods

On August 17, 2017, the California Department of Public Health was notified of a cluster of coccidioidomycosis cases among Wildfire A inmate wildland firefighters. We collected data through medical record abstraction from suspected case‐patients and mailed a survey assessing potential job task risk factors to Wildfire A inmate firefighters. We described respondent characteristics and conducted a retrospective case–control investigation to assess coccidioidomycosis risk factors.

Results

Among 198 inmate firefighters who worked on Wildfire A, 112 (57%) completed the survey. Of 10 case‐patients (four clinical and six laboratory‐confirmed), two were hospitalized. In the case–control analysis of 71 inmate firefighters, frequently cutting fire lines with a McLeod tool (odds ratio [OR]: 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–37.2) and being in a dust cloud or storm (OR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.1–17.4) were associated with illness. Two of 112 inmate firefighters reported receiving coccidioidomycosis training; none reported wearing respiratory protection on this wildfire.

Conclusions

Wildland firefighters who use hand tools and work in dusty conditions where Coccidioides proliferates are at risk for coccidioidomycosis. Agencies that employ them should provide training about coccidioidomycosis and risk reduction, limit dust exposure, and implement respiratory protection programs that specify where respirator use is feasible and appropriate.
Circulating free DNA in the plasma of individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Kallionpää Roope A. , Ahramo Kaisa , Aaltonen Marianna , Pennanen Paula , Peltonen Juha , Peltonen Sirkku
Published: January 2021

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant syndrome whose characteristic manifestations include benign neurofibromas, yet NF1 is also associated with a high risk of cancer. Measurements of circulating free plasma DNA (cfDNA) are gaining wider applicability in cancer diagnostics, targeting of therapy, and monitoring of therapeutic response. Individuals with NF1 are likely to be followed up using this method, but the effects of NF1 and neurofibromas on cfDNA levels are not known. We studied peripheral blood samples from 19 adults with NF1 and 12 healthy controls. The cfDNA was isolated from plasma with QIAamp Circulating Nucleic Acid Kit and quantified using the Qubit 2.0 Fluorometer. The cfDNA concentration of each sample was normalized relative to the plasma protein concentration. The normalized median concentration of cfDNA in plasma was 19.3 ng/ml (range 6.6–78.6) among individuals with NF1 and 15.9 ng/ml (range 4.8–47.0) among controls (p = .369). Individuals with NF1 who also had plexiform neurofibroma (pNF) showed non‐significantly elevated cfDNA concentration compared to individuals with NF1 and without known pNF (median 25.4 vs. 18.8 ng/ml, p = .122). The effect of NF1 on cfDNA seems to be relatively small and NF1 is therefore unlikely to hamper the use of cfDNA‐based assays.
Increased performance in juvenile baboons is consistent with ontogenetic changes in morphology
Authors: Boulinguez‐Ambroise Grégoire , Herrel Anthony , Berillon Gilles , Young Jesse W. , Cornette Raphaël , Meguerditchian Adrien , Cazeau Cyrille , Bellaiche Laurence , Pouydebat Emmanuelle
Published: January 2021

Objectives

In many primates, the greater proportion of climbing and suspensory behaviors in the juvenile repertoire likely necessitates good grasping capacities. Here, we tested whether very young individuals show near‐maximal levels of grasping strength, and whether such an early onset of grasping performance could be explained by ontogenetic variability in the morphology of the limbs in baboons.

Material and methods

We quantified a performance trait, hand pull strength, at the juvenile and adult stages in a cross‐sectional sample of 15 olive baboons (Papio anubis). We also quantified bone dimensions (i.e., lengths, widths, and heights) of the fore‐ (n = 25) and hind limb (n = 21) elements based on osteological collections covering the whole development of olive baboons.

Results

One‐year old individuals demonstrated very high pull strengths (i.e., 200% of the adult performance, relative to body mass), that are consistent with relatively wider phalanges and digit joints in juveniles. The mature proportions and shape of the forelimb elements appeared only at full adulthood (i.e., ≥4.5 years), whereas the mature hind limb proportions and shape were observed much earlier during development.

Discussion

These changes in limb performance and morphology across ontogeny may be explained with regard to behavioral transitions that olive baboons experience during their development. Our findings highlight the effect of infant clinging to mother, an often‐neglected feature when discussing the origins of grasping in primates. The differences in growth patterns, we found between the forelimb and the hind limb further illustrate their different functional roles, having likely evolved under different ecological pressures (manipulation and locomotion, respectively).
Iron Oxidation in Escherichia coli Bacterioferritin Ferroxidase Centre, a Site Designed to React Rapidly with H2O2 but Slowly with O2
Authors: Pullin Jacob , Wilson Michael T. , Clémancey Martin , Blondin Geneviève , Bradley Justin M. , Moore Geoffrey R. , Le Brun Nick E. , Lučić Marina , Worrall Jonathan A. R. , Svistunenko Dimitri A.
Published: January 2021

Both O2 and H2O2 can oxidize iron at the ferroxidase center (FC) of Escherichia coli bacterioferritin (EcBfr) but mechanistic details of the two reactions need clarification. UV/Vis, EPR, and Mössbauer spectroscopies have been used to follow the reactions when apo‐EcBfr, pre‐loaded anaerobically with Fe2+, was exposed to O2 or H2O2. We show that O2 binds di‐Fe2+ FC reversibly, two Fe2+ ions are oxidized in concert and a H2O2 molecule is formed and released to the solution. This peroxide molecule further oxidizes another di‐Fe2+ FC, at a rate circa 1000 faster than O2, ensuring an overall 1:4 stoichiometry of iron oxidation by O2. Initially formed Fe3+ can further react with H2O2 (producing protein bound radicals) but relaxes within seconds to an H2O2‐unreactive di‐Fe3+ form. The data obtained suggest that the primary role of EcBfr in vivo may be to detoxify H2O2 rather than sequester iron.
One Polyketide Synthase, Two Distinct Products: Trans‐Acting Enzyme‐Controlled Product Divergence in Calbistrin Biosynthesis
Authors: Tao Hui , Mori Takahiro , Wei Xingxing , Matsuda Yudai , Abe Ikuro
Published: January 2021

Calbistrins are fungal polyketides consisting of the characteristic decalin and polyene moieties. Although the biosynthetic gene cluster of calbistrin A was recently identified, the pathway of calbistrin A biosynthesis has largely remained uninvestigated. Herein, we investigated the mechanism by which the backbone structures of calbistrins are formed, by heterologous and in vitro reconstitution of the biosynthesis and a structural biological study. Intriguingly, our analyses revealed that the decalin and polyene portions of calbistrins are synthesized by the single polyketide synthase (PKS) CalA, with the aid of the trans‐acting enoylreductase CalK and the trans‐acting C‐methyltransferase CalH, respectively. We also determined that the esterification of the two polyketide parts is catalyzed by the acyltransferase CalD. Our study has uncovered a novel dual‐functional PKS and thus broadened our understanding of how fungi synthesize diverse polyketide natural products.
Phonetic Inflexibility in Autistic Adults
Authors: Kissine Mikhail , Geelhand Philippine , Philippart De Foy Marie , Harmegnies Bernard , Deliens Gaétane
Published: January 2021

This study examined whether the atypical speech style that is frequently reported in autistic adults is underpinned by an inflexible production of phonetic targets. In a first task, 20 male autistic adults and 20 neuro‐typicals had to read and produce native vowels. To assess the extent to which phonetic inflexibility is due to an overall fine‐grained control of phonetic behavior or to a lack of flexibility in the realization of one's phonological repertoire, the second task asked participants to reproduce artificial vowel‐like sounds. Results confirmed the presence of a greater articulatory stability in the production of native vowels in autistic adults. When instructed to imitate artificial vowel‐like sounds, the autistic group did not better approximate the targets' acoustic properties relative to neuro‐typicals but their performance at reproducing artificial vowels was less variable and influenced to a greater extent by the articulatory properties of their own vocalic space. These findings suggest that the greater articulatory stability observed in autistic adults arises from a lack of flexibility in the production of their own native vowels. The two phonetic tasks are devoid of any pragmatic constraint, which indicates that phonetic inflexibility in autism is partly independent of register selection.

Lay Summary

Autistic and neuro‐typical adults took part in two tasks: one in which they produced vowels from French, their native tongue, and the other where they imitated unfamiliar vowels. Autistic adults displayed significantly less variation in their production of different French vowels. In imitating unfamiliar vowels, they were more influenced by the way they pronounce French vowels. These results suggest that the atypical speech style, frequently attested in autistic individuals, could stem from an unusually stable pronunciation of speech sounds.
Dämpfungskennwerte des Schotteroberbaus auf Eisenbahnbrücken
Authors: Stollwitzer Andreas , Fink Josef
Published: January 2021

Der Einfluss des Schotteroberbaus auf das dynamische Verhalten von Eisenbahnbrücken ist nach wie vor noch mit Unklarheiten behaftet und ein wesentlicher Grund für die in der ingenieurpraktischen Brückendynamik fortwährend thematisierte Diskrepanz zwischen Messung und Rechnung. Hinsichtlich der Berücksichtigung seiner Steifigkeits‐ und insbesondere seiner Dämpfungseigenschaften in dynamischen Berechnungen steht zwar eine weite Bandbreite an Rechenmodellen zur Verfügung, die zugehörigen Kennwerte streuen jedoch enorm und verdeutlichen insofern die Notwendigkeit einer gezielten Erforschung des vom Brückentragwerk getrennten Schotteroberbaus. Eine an der TU Wien entwickelte Versuchsanlage, welche eine dynamische Analyse des isolierten Schotteroberbaus ermöglicht, dient als Grundlage für die Bestimmung von dynamischen Kennwerten. Mit dem Fokus auf Energiedissipation infolge vertikaler Relativbewegungen im Schotteroberbau werden aufbauend auf den Reibungsmechanismen im Schotter und unter Kombination von Theorie und Empirie Dämpfungskennwerte bestimmt. Die ermittelten Kennwerte zeigen eine klare Beschleunigungsabhängigkeit und repräsentieren einen Teilaspekt eines umfassenderen Rechenmodells.
Biodiesel production by lipase‐catalyzed reactions: bibliometric analysis and study of trends
Authors: Almeida Francisco L C , Travália Beatriz M , Gonçalves Igor S , Forte Marcus Bruno Soares
Published: January 2021

Biodiesel has become increasingly important in recent years as a potential substitute for petroleum diesel. Different techniques and catalysts have been developed and widely investigated for biodiesel production via enzymatic biocatalysis. In this review, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to examine the global scenario and identify trends in lipase‐catalyzed biodiesel production in the past three decades. Challenges, advantages, disadvantages, and novel methods are also discussed. Publication frequency increased over the studied period, with China, Brazil, and India emerging as the most productive countries in terms of total number of publications and number of publications per journal. Papers from the field of bioenergy and bioprocesses received the highest number of citations. Keyword analysis revealed that immobilized lipase (magnetic nanoparticles and cross‐linked enzyme aggregates), different feedstocks, ionic liquids, ultrasonication, and metabolic engineering were relevant to lipase‐catalyzed biodiesel production. It is concluded that the research emphasis on biodiesel production is moving toward the use of non‐edible oils, ultrasound, and ionic liquids for achieving high‐enzyme activity and substrate conversion. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Arithmetic computation with probability words and numbers
Authors: Mandel David R. , Dhami Mandeep K. , Tran Serena , Irwin Daniel
Published: January 2021

Probability information is regularly communicated to experts who must fuse multiple estimates to support decision making. Such information is often communicated verbally (e.g., “likely”) rather than with precise numeric (point) values (e.g., “.75”), yet people are not taught to perform arithmetic on verbal probabilities. We hypothesized that the accuracy and logical coherence of averaging and multiplying probabilities will be poorer when individuals receive probability information in verbal rather than numerical point format. In four experiments (N = 213, 201, 26, and 343, respectively), we manipulated probability communication format between subjects. Participants averaged and multiplied sets of four probabilities. Across experiments, arithmetic accuracy and coherence was significantly better with point than with verbal probabilities. These findings generalized between expert (intelligence analysts) and non‐expert samples and when controlling for calculator use. Experiment 4 revealed an important qualification: Whereas accuracy and coherence were better among participants presented with point probabilities than with verbal probabilities, imprecise numeric‐probability ranges (e.g., “.70 to .80”) afforded no computational advantage over verbal probabilities. Experiment 4 also revealed that the advantage of the point over the verbal format is partially mediated by strategy use. Participants presented with point estimates are more likely to use mental computation than guesswork, and mental computation was found to be associated with better accuracy. Our findings suggest that where computation is important, probability information should be communicated to end users with precise numeric probabilities.
In vitro effects of citral on the human myometrium: Potential adjunct therapy to prevent preterm births
Authors: Muñoz‐Pérez Víctor Manuel , Ortiz Mario I. , Salas‐Casa Andrés , Pérez‐Guerrero Jessica , Castillo‐Pacheco Narmi , Barragán‐Ramírez Guillermo , Hernándes‐Alejandro Mario
Published: January 2021

Background

Premature infants contribute to infant morbidity and mortality especially in low resource settings. Information on tocolytic and/or anti‐inflammatory effects of several plant extracts, such as citral, could help prevent preterm birth cases and reduce the number of preterm infants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro tocolytic and anti‐inflammatory effect of citral on myometrial tissues of the human uterus.

Methods

Myometrial samples from uteri obtained after hysterectomy were used in functional tests to evaluate the inhibitory effect of citral on PGF‐2α induced contractions. The intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels generated in response to citral in human myometrial homogenates were measured by ELISAs. Forskolin was used as a positive control. The anti‐inflammatory effect of citral was determined through the measurement of two pro‐inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) and interleukin (IL)‐1β, and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10, in human myometrial explants stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Results

Citral was able to induce a significant inhibition of PGF‐2α induced contractions at the highest concentration level (p < .05). Citral caused a concentration‐dependent increase in myometrial cAMP levels (p < .05) and a concentration‐dependent decrease in LPS‐induced TNFα and IL‐1β production, while IL‐10 production increased significantly (p < .05). The anti‐inflammatory and tocolytic effects induced by citral could be associated with an increase in cAMP levels in human myometrial samples.

Conclusion

These properties place citral as a potentially safe and effective adjuvant agent in preterm birth cases, an obstetric and gynecological problem that requires urgent attention.
Subcloning induces changes in the DNA‐methylation pattern of outgrowing Chinese hamster ovary cell colonies
Authors: Weinguny Marcus , Klanert Gerald , Eisenhut Peter , Lee Isac , Timp Winston , Borth Nicole
Published: January 2021

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are the most extensively used mammalian production system for biologics intended for use in humans. A critical step in the establishment of production cell lines is single cell cloning, with the objective of achieving high productivity and product quality. Despite general use, knowledge of the effects of this process is limited. Importantly, single cell cloned cells display a wide array of observed phenotypes, which so far was attributed to the instability and variability of the CHO genome. In this study we present data indicating that the emergence of diverse phenotypes during single cell cloning is associated with changes in DNA methylation patterns and transcriptomes that occur during the subcloning process. The DNA methylation pattern of each analyzed subclone, randomly picked from all outgrowing clones of the experiment, had unique changes preferentially found in regulatory regions of the genome such as enhancers, and de‐enriched in actively transcribed sequences (not including the respective promoters), indicating that these changes resulted in adaptations of the relative gene expression pattern. The transcriptome of each subclone also had a significant number of individual changes. These results indicate that epigenetic regulation is a hidden, but important player in cell line development with a major role in the establishment of high performing clones with improved characteristics for bioprocessing.
Recombineering facilitates the discovery of natural product biosynthetic pathways in Pseudomonas parafulva
Authors: Zheng Wentao , Wang Xue , Chen Yuwei , Dong Yachao , Zhou Diao , Liu Ruxin , Zhou Haibo , Bian Xiaoying , Wang Hailong , Tu Qiang , Ravichandran Vinothkannan , Zhang Youming , Li Aiying , Fu Jun , Yin Jia
Published: January 2021

Microbial natural products among other functions they play a vital role in the disease prevention in humans, animals and plants. Pseudomonas parafulva CRS01‐1 is a broad‐spectrum antagonistic bacterium present in plants. However, no natural products have been isolated from this strain till date. Corresponding biosynthetic gene clusters to natural products is an effective method for bioprospecting, for which, genome manipulation tools are essential. We previously developed Pseudomonas‐specific phage‐derived homologous recombination systems for genetic engineering in four Pseudomonas species. Herein, we report the application of these recombineering systems in Pseudomonas parafulva CRS01‐1, along with structural elucidation and bioactivity evaluation of natural products. The Pseudomonas recombineering toolbox established before in different four species is efficient for genome mining and bioactive metabolite discovery from more distant species.
Keeping the inner voice inside the head, a pilot fMRI study
Authors: Stephane Massoud , Dzemidzic Mario , Yoon Gihyun
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The inner voice is experienced during thinking in words (inner speech) and silent reading and evokes brain activity that is highly similar to that associated with external voices. Yet while the inner voice is experienced in internal space (inside the head), external voices (one's own and those of others) are experienced in external space. In this paper, we investigate the neural basis of this differential spatial localization.

Methods

We used fMRI to examine the difference in brain activity between reading silently and reading aloud. As the task involved reading aloud, data were first denoised by removing independent components related to head movement. They were subsequently processed using finite impulse response basis function to address the variations of the hemodynamic response. Final analyses were carried out using permutation‐based statistics, which is appropriate for small samples. These analyses produce spatiotemporal maps of brain activity.

Results

Reading silently relative to reading aloud was associated with activity of the “where” auditory pathway (Inferior parietal lobule and middle temporal gyrus), and delayed activity of the primary auditory cortex.

Conclusions

These pilot data suggest that internal space localization of the inner voice depends on the same neural resources as that for external space localization of external voices—the “where” auditory pathway. We discuss the implications of these findings on the possible mechanisms of abnormal experiences of the inner voice as is the case in verbal hallucinations.
Outcomes in refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: results from a multicenter real‐world study in China
Authors: Wang Shuo , Wang Li , Hu Jianda , Qian Wenbin , Zhang Xi , Hu Yu , Zhu Qi , Chen Bobin , Wu Depei , Chang Chung‐Chou H. , Xu Pengpeng , Zheng Xiaoyun , Wei Juying , Liu Yao , Cui Guohui , Tang Yong , Ma Yan , Huang Haiwen , Yi Hongmei , Zhao Weili
Published: January 2021

Background

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients refractory to rituximab‐based immunochemotherapy have a dismal prognosis. However, the definition of refractory DLBCL remains inconsistent and no large cohort study data is available from Asian countries. To validate the definition and outcomes of refractory DLBCL in China, we conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study.

Methods

The REtrospective AnaLysis of Treatment REspoNse of refractory DLBCL (REAL‐TREND) study was performed using real‐world data from 8 centers in China. DLBCL patients with curative intent were included in the REAL‐TREND dataset. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and compared by the log‐rank test. Due to heterogeneity in response rates among different centers, the response rates of refractory patients were pooled using random‐effect models. Multivariate survival analysis was performed using the Cox regression model.

Results

A total of 2778 DLBCL patients diagnosed between January, 2010 and December, 2015 were enrolled to this study. After validating previous definitions, the SCHOLAR‐1 study was most suitable to define refractory DLBCL. The estimated 5‐year cumulative incidence of refractory patients was 20% (95% confidence Interval [CI] = 18%‐22%). After the determination of refractory disease, overall response rate and complete remission rate were 30% (95% CI = 22%‐38%) and 9% (95% CI = 4%‐15%), respectively. Patients with either no response to immunochemotherapy or relapse within 12 months after stem‐cell transplantation had inferior survival with a median OS of 5.9 months (95% CI = 5.5‐7.1 months) and 2‐year OS rate of 16% (95% CI = 12%‐20%). International prognostic index score 4‐5 (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.47‐3.35), central nervous system relapse (HR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.04‐1.97), and best response status (HR = 2.68; 95% CI = 1.42‐5.03 for partial remission. HR = 5.97, 95% CI = 3.21‐11.11 for stable disease/progressive disease) were independent unfavorable prognostic factors.

Conclusions

This is the first large‐scale Asian cohort study focusing on outcomes of refractory DLBCL. The definition of the SCHOLAR‐1 study identifies patients with homogenously inferior survival, thus is appropriate to select refractory DLBCL. Due to poor clinical outcomes in the rituximab era, patients with refractory DLBCL may be potential candidates for novel treatment modalities.
Efficacy and safety of sorafenib plus vitamin K treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma: A phase II, randomized study
Authors: Haruna Yoshimichi , Yakushijin Takayuki , Kawamoto Seiichi
Published: January 2021

The previous retrospective study suggested that dosing vitamin K may enhance the anticancer action of sorafenib against hepatocellular carcinoma. To confirm it, we performed a phase II, randomized, open‐label study. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were randomly assigned to receive sorafenib + vitamin K2 (menatetrenone, 45 mg daily, orally) or sorafenib only. Between 1 May 2012 and 1 May 2016, 68 patients were screened. Forty‐four eligible patients were assigned at a 1:1 ratio to each cohort. The objective response rate in the vitamin K‐dosed group was significantly higher than that in the sorafenib only group (27.3% vs 4.5%, respectively; p = 0.039). The median time of progression‐free survival was significantly extended in the vitamin K‐dosed group compared with the sorafenib only group (4.9 months vs 2.7 months, respectively; hazard ratio (HR), 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.21–0.89; p = 0.018). Although there was no significant difference between the two groups in the median time of overall survival, patients in the vitamin K‐dosed group with a complete response or partial response achieved a significantly extended median time of overall survival compared with the other patients in the vitamin K‐dosed group or the patients in the sorafenib only group (26.1 months vs 9.0 months; HR, 0.34; 95% CI: 0.11–0.95; p = 0.046 or 11.5 months; HR, 0.16; 95% CI: 0.034–0.70; p = 0.006, respectively). Dosing vitamin K could augment the anticancer action of sorafenib against HCC.
Real world outcomes of combination and timing of immunotherapy with radiotherapy for melanoma with brain metastases
Authors: Moyers Justin T. , Chong Esther G. , Peng Jiahao , Tsai Hsin Hsiang Clarence , Sufficool Daniel , Shavlik David , Nagaraj Gayathri
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Immunotherapy (IT) and radiotherapy (RT) have improved overall survival in patients with melanoma with brain metastasis (MBM). We examined the real‐world survival impact of IT and RT combination and timing strategies.

Materials and Methods

From the facility‐based National Cancer Database (NCDB) data set, 3008 cases of MBM were identified between 2011 and 2015. Six treatment cohorts were identified: stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) + IT, SRS alone, whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) + IT, WBRT alone, IT alone, and none. Concurrent therapy was defined as IT given within 28 days before or after RT; nonconcurrent defined as IT administered within 28–90 days of RT. The co‐primary outcomes were propensity score‐adjusted overall survival by treatment regimen and overall survival by RT and IT timing.

Results

Median overall survival (mOS) was performed for each treatment category; SRS +IT 15.77 m; (95%CI 12.13–21.29), SRS alone (9.33 m; 95%CI: 8.0–11.3), IT alone (7.29 m; 95%CI: 5.35–12.91), WBRT +IT (4.89 m; 95%CI: 3.65–5.92), No RT or IT (3.29 m; 95%CI: 2.96–3.75), and WBRT alone (3.12 m; 95%CI 2.79–3.52). By propensity score matching, mOS for SRS +IT (15.5 m; 95%CI: 11.5–20.2) was greater than SRS alone (10.1 m; 95%CI: 8.4–11.8) (p = 0.010), and median survival for WBRT +IT (4.6 m; 95%CI: 3.4–5.6) was greater than WBRT alone (2.9 m; 95%CI: 2.5–3.5) (p < 0.001). In the SRS +IT group, 24‐month landmark survival was 47% (95%CI; 42–52) for concurrent versus 37% (95%CI; 30–44) for nonconcurrent (p = 0.40).

Conclusion

Those who received IT in addition to WBRT and SRS experienced longer survival compared to RT modalities alone, while those receiving concurrent SRS and IT trended toward improved survival versus nonconcurrent therapy.
Argireline: Needle‐Free Botox as Analytical Challenge
Authors: Kluczyk Alicja , Ludwiczak Julita , Modzel Maciej , Kuczer Mariola , Cebrat Marek , Biernat Monika , Bąchor Remigiusz
Published: January 2021

Argireline‐containing cosmetics attract public interest due to their confirmed reduction of facial wrinkles. Argireline is a peptide that works by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters in the neuromuscular junction, producing a botox‐like effect. Therefore, it is used as a safe needle‐free alternative to botox treatment. In this work we investigated the presence of Argireline in cosmetic creams and sera by application of reversed phase liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (RP‐HPLC/MS and MS/MS). The analysis revealed the presence of argireline and its oxidized form in several different cosmetics. The methionine residue in Argireline sequence was indicated as oxidation point according to neutral loss MS studies. The developed sample preparation strategy minimizes and monitors methionine oxidation, bringing to our attention the question of impact of ingredients on the stability of cosmetic product.
Efficacy of the novel technique HIRANODOME in preventing distal embolization during endovascular treatment of femoropopliteal lesions
Authors: Fukagawa Tomoya , Hirano Keisuke , Mori Shinsuke , Yamawaki Masahiro , Kobayashi Norihiro , Tsutsumi Masakazu , Honda Yohsuke , Makino Kenji , Ito Yoshiaki
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The efficacy and clinical outcomes of a novel technique “HIRANODOME” (Interim hemostatic technique with HIgh pressure for Regional blood flow in the superficial femoral Artery, NOninvasive Distal protection Occlusion MEthod) in preventing distal embolization during endovascular treatment (EVT) of femoropopliteal lesions were evaluated.

Background

Distal embolization of femoropopliteal lesions may worsen limb ischemia or cause limb loss. Conventional filter wires are cumbersome and expensive and may cause vessel injury. HIRANODOME can, therefore, be a feasible and noninvasive alternative.

Methods

Between April 2007 and August 2018, 94 consecutive patients who underwent EVT for femoropopliteal lesions along with anticipated distal embolization were identified. About 9 out of these 94 patients were excluded due to filter device use and 8 were excluded due to acute limb ischemia. Consequently, 77 patients using HIRANODOME for distal protection were included. HIRANODOME involved wrapping the Tometakun around the knee to enable external compression of the popliteal artery, thereby blocking the blood flow.

The evaluation items were 30‐day mortality, 30‐day major amputation, prevention from distal embolization, and thrombus capture rate.

Results

The mean age was 74.4 ± 10.3 years, 53.2% were men, 55.8% were diabetic, and 9.1% were on hemodialysis. The mean lesion length was 199.5 ± 94.4 mm; 79.2% were class C/D lesions (TASC II classification). The 30‐day mortality and major amputation rates were 1.9 and 1.0%, respectively. The rate of prevention of distal embolization or no‐flow/slow‐flow phenomenon was 93.4%. Capture of thrombus was observed in 66 lesions (62.3%).

Conclusions

The HIRANODOME technique was effective in preventing distal embolization during EVT of femoropopliteal lesions.
A case of porokeratotic adnexal ostial nevus misdiagnosed as wart
Authors: Kwon Bo Ram , Kim Rosa , Byun Ji Yeon , Choi You Won , Choi Hae Young , Lee Min Young
Published: January 2021

Porokeratotic adnexal ostial nevus may be misdiagnosed as wart based on clinical appearance and morphology. An accurate diagnosis through skin biopsy is crucial, as is the inclusion of rare disorders such as porokeratotic adnexal ostial nevus in the differential diagnosis.
Reversible hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy post prolonged out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest: A case series
Authors: Ata Fateen , Bint I Bilal Ammara , Tajelsir Abdalla Osman Omnia , Arif Muhammad Awais , Elhassan Mawahib , hamid Tahir , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Choudry Hassan , Abushahba Galal
Published: January 2021

This article highlights the possibility of positive outcomes associated with prolonged CPR and anoxic brain injury contesting the idea that such patients will invariably end up in a persistent vegetative state.