bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ZnSnN2in Real Space and k‐Space: Lattice Constants, Dislocation Density, and Optical Band Gap
Authors: Olsen Vegard Skiftestad , Øversjøen Vetle , Gogova Daniela , Pécz Béla , Galeckas Augustinas , Borgersen Jon , Karlsen Kjetil , Vines Lasse , Kuznetsov Andrej
Published: May 2021

Semiconducting II‐IV nitrides exhibit tunability of optoelectronic properties similar to that of the group III nitrides, while comprising earth‐abundant and potentially low‐cost elements. However, the II‐IV nitrides synthesis is immature, limiting the explorations. Herein, ZnSnN2hetero‐epitaxial films grown by high‐power impulse magnetron sputtering, having the quality at the level of the III‐nitrides layers grown without dislocation‐reducing strategies are demonstrated. This breakthrough, in addition to paving the way toward potential applications, enables reliable measurements of the ZnSnN2properties in real space andk‐space. In particular, for wurtzite ZnSnN2films with total dislocation density of ≤ 5 × 1010cm−2, the lattice parameters and the optical band gap (Eg) are determined with the accuracy not being accessible before for this material, e.g.Eg = 1.67 ± 0.03 eV. Thus, looking retrospectively, the authors’ data set the ZnSnN2—and perhaps more generally the II‐IV nitrides—at the stage comparable to that of the beginning of the III‐nitrides rising era.
Terahertz Microfluidic Sensing with Dual‐Torus Toroidal Metasurfaces
Authors: Xu Jinjin , Liao Denggao , Gupta Manoj , Zhu Yiming , Zhuang Songlin , Singh Ranjan , Chen Lin
Published: May 2021

Toroidal excitation manifests as currents flowing on the surface of a torus along its meridians that are known as poloidal currents. Several intriguing phenomena such as nonradiating anapole excitation, dynamic Aharonov–Bohm effect, and vector potential in the absence of electromagnetic fields occur in the presence of toroidal excitations. Toroidal resonances in metamaterials also offer a platform to probe strong light–matter interactions in its proximity due to the nonradiating confinement of photons. Here, a dual‐torus toroidal flexible metasurface containing an array of overlapped split ring resonators is experimentally demonstrated, which results in strong field confinement for enhanced sensing of polar liquid analytes. Microfluidic integrated dual‐torus toroidal resonance experimentally shows significantly higher sensitivity of 124.3 GHz per refractive index unit compared to a single torus toroidal resonance. Flexible metasurfaces supporting dual torus toroidal resonance can find a wide range of applications in the development of ultrasensitive terahertz molecular sensors for probing real time monitoring of chemicals and biomolecules.
The delineation of the Wolf‐Hirschhorn syndrome over six decades: Illustration of the ongoing advances in phenotype analysis and cytogenomic technology
Authors: Battaglia Agatino , Carey John C.
Published: May 2021

Since Hirschhorn's description in 1961, the history and chronology of the clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular characterization of Wolf‐Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) elegantly demonstrates the remarkable advances in genetic technology over the last six decades that have paralleled the delineation of the phenotype. After mention in the Human Chromosome Newsletter of a child with a visible deletion of the top of a B chromosome group, 4–5, Hirschhorn and colleagues companioned their report with that of Wolf et al. in Humangenetik in 1965, and the condition was recognized and named. The 1960–1970s witnessed the description of many of the now classic chromosome disorders, including WHS, while HRB allowed for the recognition of chromosome syndromes with smaller deletions/duplications. FISH probes, developed in the next two decades, enabled the characterization of the critical region of WHS and improved clinical diagnosis with subtelomeric probes. Cytogenomic microarray in the early‐mid 2000s led to both improved diagnosis of WHS patients and documentation of microdeletions of <5 megabases, helping to characterize the critical regions for specific component phenotypes (e.g., seizures, face). Recently exome sequencing technology has led to the discovery of WHS patients with WHSC1 loss of function variants, displaying some cardinal features of the phenotype (face, growth, and developmental delay).
Plasma amyloid β levels are driven by genetic variants near APOE, BACE1, APP, PSEN2: A genome‐wide association study in over 12,000 non‐demented participants
Authors: Damotte Vincent , van der Lee Sven J. , Chouraki Vincent , Grenier‐Boley Benjamin , Simino Jeannette , Adams Hieab , Tosto Giuseppe , White Charles , Terzikhan Natalie , Cruchaga Carlos , Knol Maria J. , Li Shuo , Schraen Susanna , Grove Megan L. , Satizabal Claudia , Amin Najaf , Berr Claudine , Younkin Steven ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Gottesman Rebecca F. , Buée Luc , Beiser Alexa , Knopman David S. , Uitterlinden Andre , DeCarli Charles , Bressler Jan , DeStefano Anita , Dartigues Jean‐François , Yang Qiong , Boerwinkle Eric , Tzourio Christophe , Fornage Myriam , Ikram M. Arfan , Amouyel Philippe , de Jager Phil , Reitz Christiane , Mosley Thomas H. , Lambert Jean‐Charles , Seshadri Sudha , van Duijn Cornelia M.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

There is increasing interest in plasma amyloid beta (Aβ) as an endophenotype of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Identifying the genetic determinants of plasma Aβ levels may elucidate important biological processes that determine plasma Aβ measures.

Methods

We included 12,369 non‐demented participants from eight population‐based studies. Imputed genetic data and measured plasma Aβ1‐40, Aβ1‐42 levels and Aβ1‐42/Aβ1‐40 ratio were used to perform genome‐wide association studies, and gene‐based and pathway analyses. Significant variants and genes were followed up for their association with brain positron emission tomography Aβ deposition and AD risk.

Results

Single‐variant analysis identified associations with apolipoprotein E (APOE) for Aβ1‐42 and Aβ1‐42/Aβ1‐40 ratio, and BACE1 for Aβ1‐40. Gene‐based analysis of Aβ1‐40 additionally identified associations for APP, PSEN2, CCK, and ZNF397. There was suggestive evidence for interaction between a BACE1 variant and APOE ε4 on brain Aβ deposition.

Discussion

Identification of variants near/in known major Aβ‐processing genes strengthens the relevance of plasma‐Aβ levels as an endophenotype of AD.
Endocircular Li Carbon Rings
Authors: Yang Yi‐Fan , Cederbaum Lorenz S.
Published: May 2021

By employing accurate state‐of‐the‐art many‐electron quantum‐chemistry methods, we establish that monocyclic carbon rings can accommodate Li guest atoms. The low‐lying electronic states of these endocircular systems are analyzed and found to include both charge‐separated states where the guest Li atom appears as a cation and the ring as an anion and encircled‐electron states where Li and the ring are neutral. The electron binding energies of the encircled‐electron states increase drastically at their highly symmetric equilibrium geometries with increasing size of the ring, and in Li@C24, this state becomes the ground state. Li is very weakly bound vertical to the rings in the low‐lying encircled‐electron states, hinting to van‐der‐Waals binding. Applcations are mentioned.
Stimuli‐Responsive Deep‐Blue Organic Ultralong Phosphorescence with Lifetime over 5 s for Reversible Water‐Jet Anti‐Counterfeiting Printing
Authors: Zhang Jingyu , Xu Shen , Wang Zijie , Xue Peiran , Wang Wuji , Zhang Longyan , Shi Yuqi , Huang Wei , Chen Runfeng
Published: May 2021

Organic ultralong room temperature phosphorescence (OURTP) materials with photophysical properties sensitive to external stimulus are highly attractive for advanced applications. However, most OURTP molecules are in crystal and OURTP materials with good practicability and stimulus‐responsive character are hard to be achieved. Here, we report, for the first time, the highly efficient, ultralong‐lived and deep‐blue OURTP materials by simply doping boron phosphor into cyanuric acid host. Host–guest OURTP composites with abundant and tunable H‐bond network are highly stable in air with ultralong lifetime of 5.08 s at room temperature. They are sensitive to water, which can strength the H‐bond network to significantly enhance OURTP quantum yield from 16.1 % to 37.6 %. Anti‐counterfeiting paper was easily prepared for water‐jet printing; the jet‐printed high‐resolution OURTP patterns can be easily erased by solvent fuming for another printing/erasing cycle with high reversibility.
Numerical study of the falling film wettability and heat transfer on the inclined plates with different corrugated structures
Authors: Wan Zhihua , Li Yanzhong
Published: May 2021

In this study, 2D and 3D models of corrugated plates using the volume of fluid (VOF) model were set up to simulate the influence of corrugated structure on the wettability and heat transfer. The results show that compared with the triangular corrugation, the rectangular corrugation has a slower growth rate of wetting ratio (WR) as the Weber number (We) increases under the same corrugation lengthLeand corrugation depthDe. The averageWRof the triangular corrugation is 2.8% less than that of the smooth plate. For the triangular corrugation, the higherLecontributes to improving wettability, but the average heat transfer coefficienthavgfirst decreases to the minimum atLe = 5 mm and then increases 8% to 9% to a steady value untilLe = 8 mm.WRdecreases withDeatWe ≤ 0.76. AWRcorrelation considering the corrugation steepnessSt(St = De/Le) and a criticalRecorrelation corresponding to the minimum wetting rate were fitted for the liquid oxygen. As the inclination angleϕincreases, the average film thickness decreases andhavgincreases untilϕ = 75°, while the variation rate slows down afterwards. AtRe = 1200,havghas a decreasing trend atSt ≤ 0.13, increases atSt ≥ 0.14 and reaches a plateau afterSt = 0.24 asStincreases. It increases by 30.6%, 47.4%, and 44.4% for the inclination angleϕ = 30°, 60°, 90° cases fromSt = 0.14 to 0.24. The enhancement is caused by the vortices existing atSt ≥ 0.14.
Efficient Red Electroluminescence From Phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazole‐Naphtho[2,3‐c][1,2,5]thiadiazole Donor‐Acceptor Derivatives
Authors: Tang Xiangyang , Liu Hui , Liu Futong , He Xin , Xu Xuehui , Chen Jianwu , Peng Qiming , Lu Ping
Published: May 2021

Red emission is one of the three primary colors and is indispensable for full color displays. Fluorescent materials that can generate efficient red electroluminescence (EL) are limited and need to be developed. In this work, we report efficient red emitters based on phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazole‐naphtho[2,3‐c][1,2,5]thiadiazole donor‐acceptor derivatives. The molecules, abbreviated as PINzP and PINzPCN, exhibited high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) up to unity in doped films. They can also reach a relatively high PLQY of ∼30% in neat films. PINzP and PINzPCN were capable of generating efficient red EL in doped devices with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 6.96% and 5.92%, respectively.
Electromagnetic Dosimetry for Isolated Mitochondria Exposed to Near‐Infrared Continuous‐Wave Illumination in Photobiomodulation Experiments
Authors: Amaroli Andrea , Benedicenti Stefano , Bianco Bruno , Bosco Alessandro , Clemente Vargas Mario Rene , Hanna Reem , Kalarickel Ramakrishnan Praveen , Raffetto Mirco , Ravera Silvia
Published: May 2021

This paper presents results on the electromagnetic field computed inside isolated mitochondria when they are exposed to near‐infrared illuminations with reference to photobiomodulation experiments. The accurate calculation of the electromagnetic dose is considered to be important for a better understanding of the mechanism of interaction of light with these organelles and to improve the reliability and repeatability of the experiments. To get such results, we introduce several models. Even though they refer to a well‐defined experimental setup, different models are necessary to take into account the possible different dispositions of the mitochondria, and of the differences in their dimensions and in their constitutive parameters. Different wavelengths and polarizations are considered as well. The effects of all parameters on the electromagnetic field inside mitochondria are discussed. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
A scalable bubble‐free membrane aerator for biosurfactant production
Authors: Bongartz Patrick , Bator Isabel , Baitalow Kristina , Keller Robert , Tiso Till , Blank Lars Mathias , Wessling Matthias
Published: May 2021

The bioeconomy is a paramount pillar in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Still, the industrialization of bioprocesses is limited by economical and technical obstacles. The synthesis of biosurfactants as advanced substitutes for crude‐oil‐based surfactants is often restrained by excessive foaming. We present the synergistic combination of simulations and experiments towards a reactor design of a submerged membrane module for the efficient bubble‐free aeration of bioreactors. A digital twin of the combined bioreactor and membrane aeration module was created and the membrane arrangement was optimized in computational fluid dynamics studies with respect to fluid mixing. The optimized design was prototyped and tested in whole‐cell biocatalysis to produce rhamnolipid biosurfactants from sugars. Without any foam formation, the new design enables a considerable higher space–time yield compared to previous studies with membrane modules. The design approach of this study is of generic nature beyond rhamnolipid production.
The relationship between body image and emotional and cognitive impairment after brain damage: A preliminary study
Authors: Corallo Francesco , Tarda Dominique , Coppola Valentina , Bonanno Lilla , Lo Buono Viviana , Palmeri Rosanna , De Cola Maria Cristina , Di Cara Marcella , Romeo Laura , Raciti Loredana , Todaro Antonino , Logiudice Anna Lisa , Bramanti Placido , Marino Silvia , Formica Caterina
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The image of one's own body derives from experimentation of one's own body pattern. The emotional experience can lead to a real or distorted self‐representation. After brain damage, a disorder of body image is frequent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of body image following acquired brain injury (ABI).

Methods

Forty‐six hospitalized patients were enrolled and subdivided into two groups depending on the etiology of the damage: traumatic or vascular. For each group, we considered their cognitive level and mood. Patients underwent a broad battery of tests to investigate different domains: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI‐II); Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM‐A); Clinical Insight Rating Scale (CIRS); Body Image Scale (BIS); Human Figure Drawing (HFD). The latter was used to assess the implicit body image of each patient.

Results

Both groups showed a significant relationship between BDI‐II and BIS. A positive correlation was found between BIS and HAM‐A, but only in the traumatic group. We showed a positive correlation between MoCA and HFD. In addition, we observed some subitems of MoCA as predictive variables in HFD, which differ in the two groups. In a traumatic group, the visuospatial domain is predictive in HFD, as well as age of patients’ and education. In the vascular groups, orientation, naming, abstraction, and language domains are instead predictive.

Conclusions

The results confirm the crucial role of the cognitive level and mood on self‐perception.
Environmental attitude in the board. Who are the “green directors”? Evidences from Italy
Authors: Cosma Simona , Schwizer Paola , Nobile Lorenzo , Leopizzi Rossella
Published: May 2021

Board members' attitudes towards environmental protection are an important antecedent of how companies define and implement sustainability initiatives, but little is known about directors' attitudes and the factors associated with these. Using survey data on Italian board members, the research sought to explore the relationships between these individual's personal attributes, especially those related to their roles on boards, and their attitudes towards environmental protection. The findings suggest that female directors, directors with financial background, and independent directors are positively related to attitudes towards environmental protection. In the financial sector, younger board members and risk committee members show stronger environmental attitudes. The results could be of interest to policymakers because the board member attributes identified may require a stronger regulatory focus in order to achieve public policy's environmental protection objectives and to governance bodies in terms of defining board committees' composition and selecting “green directors” oriented towards environmental issues.
Incorporation of TePhe into Expressed Proteins is Minimally Perturbing
Authors: Jia Bu Yong , Nitz Mark
Published: May 2021

Tellurium is a versatile heavy chalcogen with numerous applications in chemical biology, providing valuable probes in mass cytometry, fluorescence imaging and structural biology. L‐Tellurienylalanine (TePhe) is an analogue of the proteinogenic amino acid L‐phenylalanine (Phe) in which the phenyl side chain has been replaced by a 5‐membered tellurophene moiety. High incorporation level of TePhe in expressed proteins at defined sites is expected to facilitate studies in proteomics, protein NMR spectroscopy, and structure elucidation. As a model we chose immunoglobulin‐binding Protein G, B1 domain (GB1) to validate TePhe as a suitable structural analogue for Phe. We demonstrate that approximately 1 in 2 of all Phe sites within GB1 can be substituted with TePhe through expression in standard non‐Phe‐auxotrophic E. coli in Phe‐deficient media containing glyphosate, an inhibitor of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis. The TePhe content of the GB1 sample can be further increased to 85 % through HPLC. Using NMR and CD spectroscopy, we confirm that the Phe‐to‐TePhe substitution has negligible impact on the global structure and stability of GB1.
Paired‐like homeodomain transcription factor 2 affects endometrial cell function and embryo implantation through the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Zhang Hongshuo , Qi Jia , Guo Jinqiu , Wang Yufei , Guan Ying , Fan Jianhui , Sui Linlin , Xu Yuefei , Kong Li , Yan Bin , Kong Ying
Published: May 2021

The successful implantation of embryos is crucial for pregnancy in mammals. This complex process is inevitably dependent on the development of the endometrium. The paired‐like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (PITX2) is involved in a variety of biological processes, but whether it is involved in embryo implantation has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate uterine expression and regulation of PITX2 during implantation. We found that PITX2 was elevated in the human endometrium in the secretory phase. The results of the pregnant mouse models showed that PITX2 expression was spatiotemporal in mouse endometrial tissue throughout peri‐implantation period, and it was significantly upregulated at the time of implantation. Interestingly, PITX2 was mainly localized to the glandular epithelium cells on D2.5‐3.5 of pregnancy, while D5.5‐6.5 was largely expressed in stromal cells. In vitro, PITX2 regulated endometrial cells proliferation, migration, invasion, and other functions through the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. In addition, a significant decrease in the rate of embryo implantation was observed after injecting PITX2 small interfering RNA into the uterine horn. These results demonstrate the effects of PITX2 on the physiological function of endometrial cells and embryo implantation, suggesting a role in the endometrial regulatory mechanism during implantation.
Predicting pectin performance strength using near‐infrared spectroscopic data: A comparative evaluation of 1‐D convolutional neural network, partial least squares, and ridge regression modeling
Authors: Einarson Kasper A. , Baum Andreas , Olsen Terkel B. , Larsen Jan , Armagan Ibrahim , Santacoloma Paloma A. , Clemmensen Line K. H.
Published: May 2021

We compare the application of different modeling strategies in order to predict physical properties of five different industrial pectin formulations based on near‐infrared spectral data. Methods from the chemometric toolbox, such as partial least squares regression (PLS1 and PLS2) and ridge regression, were employed and compared to the performance of a 1‐D convolutional neural network (CNN). The pectin formulations were modeled in two major scenarios, individually using local models, and jointly using global models, which resulted in better prediction performance of the 1‐D CNN.
Heterometallic d8–d10 Coupling of Rh(I) and M(0) (M=Pd, Pt) in a Sandwich Framework of π‐Conjugated Ligands
Authors: Inoue Iori , Yamamoto Koji , Sakaki Shigeyoshi , Murahashi Tetsuro
Published: May 2021

A heterometallic M−M′ bond formation is a key to construct atomically precise bimetallic clusters and materials. However, it is sometimes not straightforward to construct a heterometallic M−M′ bond through conventional methods including redox condensation. Here, we found that a sandwich framework of π‐conjugated unsaturated hydrocarbon ligands provides a unique coordination environment that facilitates unusual coupling of d8 RhI and d10 M0 (M=Pd, Pt). The molecular orbital analysis showed that the electron‐accepting ability of the sandwich framework through back‐donation allows the formation of a dσ‐type Rh−Pd bond in a (d–d)18 electron system.
Cu/CuxS‐Embedded N,S‐Doped Porous Carbon Derived in Situ from a MOF Designed for Efficient Catalysis
Authors: Wang Dongsheng , Fan Mingyue , He Tingyu , Zeng Fanming , Hu Xiaoli , Li Chun , Su Zhongmin
Published: May 2021

The reasonable design of the precursor of a carbon‐based nanocatalyst is an important pathway to improve catalytic performance. In this study, a simple solvothermal method was used to synthesize [Cu(TPT)(2,5‐tdc)] ⋅ 2H2O (Cu‐MOF), which contains N and S atoms, in one step. Further in‐situ carbonization of the Cu‐MOF as the precursor was used to synthesize Cu/CuxS‐embedded N,S‐doped porous carbon (Cu/CuxS/NSC) composites. The catalytic activities of the prepared Cu/CuxS/NSC were investigated through catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) to 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP). The results show that the designed Cu/CuxS/NSC has exceptional catalytic activity and recycling stability, with a reaction rate constant of 0.0256 s−1, and the conversion rate still exceeds 90 % after 15 cycles. Meanwhile, the efficient catalytic reduction of dyes (CR, MO, MB and RhB) confirmed its versatility. Finally, the active sites of the Cu/CuxS/NSC catalysts were analyzed, and a possible multicomponent synergistic catalytic mechanism was proposed.
How Comparable are Microbial Electrochemical Systems around the Globe? An Electrochemical and Microbiological Cross‐Laboratory Study
Authors: Santoro Carlo , Babanova Sofia , Cristiani Pierangela , Artyushkova Kateryna , Atanassov Plamen , Bergel Alain , Bretschger Orianna , Brown Robert K. , Carpenter Kayla , Colombo Alessandra , Cortese Rachel , Erable Benjamin , Harnisch Falk , Kodali Mounika , Phadke Sujal , Riedl Sebastian , Rosa Luis F. M. , Schröder Uwe
Published: May 2021

Invited for this month′s cover is the collaborative work among Univ. of Milano‐Bicocca, Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico S.p.A., Univ. degli Studi di Milano, Univ. of California Irvine, Univ. of New Mexico, CNRS Toulouse. Technische Univ. Braunschweig, Aquacycl LLC, J. Craig Venter Institute, Helmholtz‐Centre for Environmental Research. The image shows a sketch of a microbial fuel cell and a target indicating the need of developing common standards for the field of microbial electrochemical technologies. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202100294.
The Effects of Gas Saturation of Electrolytes on the Performance and Durability of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Bläubaum Lars , Röse Philipp , Schmidt Leon , Krewer Ulrike
Published: May 2021

Traces of species in batteries are known to impact battery performance. The effects of gas species, although often reported in the electrolyte and evolving during operation, have not been systematically studied to date and are therefore barely understood. This study reveals and compares the effects of different gases on the charge‐discharge characteristics, cycling stability and impedances of lithium‐ion batteries. All investigated gases have been previously reported in lithium‐ion batteries and are thus worth investigating: Ar, CO2, CO, C2H4, C2H2, H2, CH4 and O2. Gas‐electrolyte composition has a significant influence on formation, coulombic and energy efficiencies, C‐rate capability, and aging. Particularly, CO2 and O2 showed a higher C‐rate capability and a decrease in irreversible capacity loss during the first cycle compared to Ar. Similar discharge capacities and aging behaviors are observed for CO, C2H4 and CH4. Acetylene showed a large decrease in performance and cycle stability. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the gases mainly contribute to changes in charge transfer processes, whereas the effects on resistance and solid electrolyte interphase performance were minor. Compared to all other gas–electrolyte mixtures, the use of CO2 saturated electrolyte showed a remarkable increase in all performance parameters including lifetime.
Recent Progress in the Chemical Upcycling of Plastic Wastes
Authors: Chen Xi , Wang Yudi , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2021

The massive generation of plastic wastes without satisfactory treatment has induced severe environmental problems and gained increasing attentions. In this Minireview, recent progresses in the chemical upcycling of plastic wastes by using various methods (mainly in the past three to five years) is summarized. The chemical upcycling of plastic wastes points out a “plastic‐based refinery” concept, which is to use the plastic wastes as platform feedstocks to produce highly valuable monomeric or oligomeric compounds, putting the plastic wastes back into a circular economy. The different chemical methods to upcycle plastic wastes, including hydrogenolysis, photocatalysis, pyrolysis, solvolysis, and others, are introduced in each section to valorize diverse plastic feedstocks into value‐added chemicals, materials, or fuels. In addition, other emerging technologies as well as the new generation of plastic thermosets are covered.
Clinico‐pathological comparison of patients with autopsy‐confirmed Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and mixed pathology
Authors: Chatterjee Atri , Hirsch‐Reinshagen Veronica , Moussavi Syed Ali , Ducharme Blake , Mackenzie Ian R. , Hsiung Ging‐Yuek Robin
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) frequently demonstrate coexistent AD neuropathological change (ADNC) and Lewy body pathology (LBP) at autopsy. We investigated the effects of ADNC and LBP on the clinical presentation of these patients.

Methods

We retrospectively compared clinical and pathological features of patients with different severity of ADNC and LBP. We also compared the burden of medullary LBP between patients with and without autonomic dysfunction.

Results

Compared to pure ADNC, patients with AD/LBP have higher prevalence of DLB symptoms. Autonomic dysfunction strongly predicted the presence of LBP in patients with clinically diagnosed AD, but was not associated with increased LBP burden in the medulla. Severity of ADNC, but not LBP, was associated with cerebral atrophy.

Discussion

Clinical presentation of patients with AD/LBP differs from patients with pure ADNC or LBP. Autonomic dysfunction is a useful marker of otherwise unsuspected LBP.
Rhabdomyosarcoma with epithelioid morphology: A challenging cytologic diagnosis in a pleural effusion
Authors: Rodgers Shannon , Datta Lagnajita , Perry Kyle D. , Stone Chad H.
Published: May 2021

Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are rare malignant skeletal muscle tumors that present more commonly in pediatric populations. The WHO currently classifies RMS into four types, embryonal, alveolar, pleomorphic, and spindle cell/sclerosing variants. Epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma (EpiRMS) is another rare, recently described subtype of RMS presenting in older patients with a male predominance and has a rapidly progressive clinical course with frequent metastases. EpiRMS closely mimics poorly differentiated carcinoma or melanoma, demonstrating discohesive large epithelioid cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, frequent glassy cytoplasmic inclusions, large vesicular nuclei, and prominent nucleoli. We present a case of metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma with features reminiscent of EpiRMS presenting as a pleural effusion, closely followed by an inguinal lymph node biopsy. The malignant cells in the pleural fluid were diffusely positive for desmin, negative for MyoD1, myogenin, S100 and SOX10, and retained INI‐1 expression. Subsequent lymph node biopsy demonstrated identical malignant epithelioid cells that were positive for desmin, myoD1 and myogenin, and a cytological diagnosis of “metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma, favor epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma” was given considering the concurrent lymph node biopsy morphology and immunoprofile. A diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma, though rare and challenging, should not be overlooked when considering malignant cells with an epithelioid morphology in cytology specimens.
Looking for the needle in a downsized haystack: Whole‐exome sequencing unravels genomic signals of climatic adaptation in Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Authors: George Jan‐Peter , Schueler Silvio , Grabner Michael , Karanitsch‐Ackerl Sandra , Mayer Konrad , Stierschneider Michael , Weissenbacher Lambert , van Loo Marcela
Published: May 2021

Conifers often occur along steep gradients of diverse climates throughout their natural ranges, which is expected to result in spatially varying selection to local climate conditions. However, signals of climatic adaptation can often be confounded, because unraveled clines covary with signals caused by neutral evolutionary processes such as gene flow and genetic drift. Consequently, our understanding of how selection and gene flow have shaped phenotypic and genotypic differentiation in trees is still limited.

A 40‐year‐old common garden experiment comprising 16 Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) provenances from a north‐to‐south gradient of approx. 1,000 km was analyzed, and genomic information was obtained from exome capture, which resulted in an initial genomic dataset of >90,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms. We used a restrictive and conservative filtering approach, which permitted us to include only SNPs and individuals in environmental association analysis (EAA) that were free of potentially confounding effects (LD, relatedness among trees, heterozygosity deficiency, and deviations from Hardy–Weinberg proportions). We used four conceptually different genome scan methods based on FST outlier detection and gene–environment association in order to disentangle truly adaptive SNPs from neutral SNPs.

We found that a relatively small proportion of the exome showed a truly adaptive signal (0.01%–0.17%) when population substructuring and multiple testing was accounted for. Nevertheless, the unraveled SNP candidates showed significant relationships with climate at provenance origins, which strongly suggests that they have featured adaptation in Douglas‐fir along a climatic gradient. Two SNPs were independently found by three of the employed algorithms, and one of them is in close proximity to an annotated gene involved in circadian clock control and photoperiodism as was similarly found in Populus balsamifera.

Synthesis. We conclude that despite neutral evolutionary processes, phenotypic and genomic signals of adaptation to climate are responsible for differentiation, which in particular explain disparity between the well‐known coastal and interior varieties of Douglas‐fir.
Long‐term clinical experience with cardiac contractility modulation therapy delivered by the Optimizer Smart system
Authors: Kuschyk Jürgen , Falk Peter , Demming Thomas , Marx Oliver , Morley Deborah , Rao Ishu , Burkhoff Daniel
Published: May 2021

Aims

We assessed long‐term effects of cardiac contractility modulation delivered by the Optimizer Smart system on quality of life, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), mortality and heart failure and cardiovascular hospitalizations.

Methods and results

CCM‐REG is a prospective registry study including 503 patients from 51 European centres. Effects were evaluated in three terciles of LVEF (≤25%, 26–34% and ≥35%) and in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and normal sinus rhythm (NSR). Hospitalization rates were compared using a chi‐square test. Changes in functional parameters of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHFQ) and LVEF were assessed with Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, and event‐free survival by Kaplan–Meier analysis. For the entire cohort and each subgroup, NYHA class and MLWHFQ improved at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months (P < 0.0001). At 24 months, NYHA class, MLWHFQ and LVEF showed an average improvement of 0.6 ± 0.7, 10 ± 21 and 5.6 ± 8.4%, respectively (all P < 0.001). LVEF improved in the entire cohort and in the LVEF ≤25% subgroup with AF and NSR. In the overall cohort, heart failure hospitalizations decreased from 0.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66–0.82] prior to enrolment to 0.25 (95% CI 0.21–0.28) events per patient‐year during 2‐year follow‐up (P < 0.0001). Cardiovascular hospitalizations decreased from 1.04 (95% CI 0.95–1.13) events per patient‐year prior to enrolment to 0.39 (95% CI 0.35–0.44) events per patient‐year during 2‐year follow‐up (P < 0.0001). Similar reductions of hospitalization rates were observed in the LVEF, AF and NSR subgroups. Estimated survival was significantly better than predicted by MAGGIC at 1 and 3 years in the entire cohort and in the LVEF 26–34% and ≥35% subgroups.

Conclusions

Cardiac contractility modulation therapy improved functional status, quality of life, LVEF and, compared to patients' prior history, reduced heart failure hospitalization rates. Survival at 1 and 3 years was significantly better than predicted by the MAGGIC risk score.
Structure Effects Induced by High Mechanical Compaction of STAM‐17‐OEt MOF Powders
Authors: Terracina Angela , McHugh Lauren N. , Mazaj Matjaz , Vrtovec Nika , Agnello Simonpietro , Cannas Marco , Gelardi Franco M. , Morris Russell E. , Buscarino Gianpiero
Published: May 2021

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for many potential applications, spacing from gas storage to catalysis. However, the powder form they are generally made of is not suitable, mainly because of the low packing density. Powder compaction is therefore necessary, but also challenging because of its typical mechanical fragility. Indeed, generally, MOF powders undergo irreversibly damages upon densification processes, for example partially or totally loosing microporosity and catalytic activity. In this work, we have deeply studied the compaction effects on the flexible Cu(II)‐based MOF STAM‐17‐OEt (Cu(C10O5H8) ⋅ 1.6 H2O), whose chemical composition is close to that of HKUST‐1, obtaining that, by contrast, STAM‐17‐OEt is extremely suitable for mechanical compaction processes with pressures up to 200 MPa, which increase its packing density and its catalytic activity, and then also preserve the characteristic porosity, flexibility and water stability of STAM‐17‐OEt. The results are supported by many experimental techniques including EPR spectroscopy, PXRD diffraction, CO2 isotherms studies and catalytic tests.
Synthesis of (+) and (‐)‐Streptomyces coelicolor Butanolide 5 (SCB‐5)
Authors: Donges Jonas , Hofmann Sandra , Brüggemann Moritz , Frank Andrea , Schollmeyer Dieter , Nubbemeyer Udo
Published: May 2021

Various 1‐(1‐hydroxyalkyl) paraconyl alcohols are important signaling molecules within antibiotics production in Streptomyces sp. Intending developing a flexible convergent chemical synthesis of such butanolides, a zwitterionic aza‐Claisen rearrangement was chosen as reliable strategy generating the central stereotriad. Reaction of enantiopure N‐allyl pyrrolidines and 4‐phenylbutenoic acid fluoride delivered defined configured amides displaying the 2,3,1’ stereotriads. The configuration was determined by the allyl alcohol moiety indicating a complete remote stereo control. Amide removal by iodolactonization and proceeding reductions, halocyclization and elimination gave key alkylidene tetrahydrofuran derivatives. Stepwise degradation of the olefins through ozonolysis, reductive work‐up and protecting group removal delivered both enantiomers of the target Streptomyces coelicolor butanolide 5.
Life cycle assessment for hydrothermal carbonization of urban organic solid waste in comparison with gasification process: A case study of Southern Chile
Authors: Corvalán Constanza , Espinoza Pérez Andrea Teresa , Díaz‐Robles Luis A. , Cubillos Francisco , Vallejo Fidel , Gómez Jaime , Pino‐Cortés Ernesto , Espinoza‐Pérez Lorena , Pelz Stefan K. , Paczkowski Sebastian , Rumberg Michael , Carrasco Samuel , Silva Javier , Lapuerta Magín , Cereceda‐Balic Francisco , Pazo Amparo , Monedero Esperanza , Meriño Juan Figueroa
Published: May 2021

Most developing countries lack sufficient legal and management infrastructure to dispose of urban solid waste (USW). The continuous increase of USW generation requires evaluating different treatments for developing countries based on the life cycle assessment methodology to compare the environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gases and leachate. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and gasification processes are presented as potential solutions for USW treatment due to their efficiency in producing energy for local requirements. This study aimed to compare both technologies for Temuco and Padre Las Casas cities in Southern Chile that show severe air pollution and USW management problems. The results indicated that gasification had a better environmental performance than HTC when the conversion of 1 ton of organic fraction USW was analyzed. However, since HTC achieved higher energy efficiency, it had a lower environmental impact than gasification, considering the production of 1 MWh. For a definitive choice of the technology to be used, it is necessary to compare other variables, including economic and social aspects, to provide a holistic perspective.
Response analysis of yielding structures coupled to rocking walls with supplemental damping
Authors: Aghagholizadeh Mehrdad , Makris Nicos
Published: May 2021

Given that the coupling of a framing structure to a strong, rocking wall enforces a first‐mode response, this paper investigates the dynamic response of a yielding single‐degree‐of‐freedom oscillator coupled to a stepping rocking wall with supplemental damping (either hysteretic or linear viscous) along its sides. The full nonlinear equations of motion are derived, and the study presents an earthquake response analysis in terms of inelastic spectra. The study shows that for structures with preyielding period s, the effect of supplemental damping along the sides of the rocking wall is marginal even when large values of damping are used. The study uncovers that occasionally, the damped response matches or exceeds the undamped response; however, when this happens, the exceedance is marginal. The paper concludes that for yielding structures with strength less than of their weight, the use of supplemental damping along the sides of a rocking wall coupled to a yielding structure is not recommended. The paper shows that supplemental damping along the sides of the rocking wall may have some limited beneficial effects for structures with longer preyielding periods (say ). Nevertheless, no notable further response reduction is observed when larger values of hysteretic or viscous damping are used.
Inhibition of Metamorphosis, Thyroid Gland, and Skeletal Ossification Induced by Hexavalent Chromium in Bufo gargarizans Larvae
Authors: Wang Wenxiang , Yang Yijie , Chen Aixia , Song Xiuling , Chai Lihong
Published: May 2021

Hexavalent chromium (Cr [VI]) is one of the major detrimental heavy metal pollutants. In the present study, Bufo gargarizans were exposed to 0, 52, 104, 208, and 416 μg/L Cr (VI) from Gosner stage 2 until metamorphosis; and growth, development, and histological characteristics of the thyroid gland and skeletal ossification were examined. The results demonstrated that the survival rate of larvae exposed to Cr (VI) was not different from that measured in animals from the control group. However, high levels of Cr (VI) (104, 208, and 416 μg/L) were associated with significantly delayed growth and development. The suppression of skeletal ossification was observed at high Cr (VI) levels. Besides, histological alterations of the thyroid gland, such as follicular cell hyperplasia, colloid depletion, and peripheral colloid vacuolation, were found in 52 to 416 μg/L Cr (VI) treatments. The results of the present study highlight reductions in growth and development as well as percent metamorphosis and skeletal ossification due to histological alteration of the thyroid gland during exposure to Cr (VI) in B. gargarizans larvae. The present investigation could provide a basis for understanding the detrimental effects of Cr (VI) in amphibian larvae. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2474–2483. © 2021 SETAC
The Sulfoximine Insecticide Sulfoxaflor and Its Photodegradate Demonstrate Acute Toxicity to the Nontarget Invertebrate Species Daphnia magna
Authors: Gauthier Jeremy R. , Mabury Scott A.
Published: May 2021

The environmental fate and persistence of sulfoxaflor is of significant interest given the potential for the insecticide to impact nontarget organisms, particularly pollinating and aquatic species. In the present study we examine the potential for sulfoxaflor, a new sulfoximine insecticide, to undergo degradation and transformation in sediments and the aquatic environment. Following application of the active substance as a foliar spray or seed coating, sulfoxaflor can be found in the soil at a mass percentage of up to 61% of the total applied concentration. The low soil sorption coefficient (KD) of sulfoxaflor of 0.103 signifies the potential for sulfoxaflor to undergo transport into nearby surface waters via groundwater run-off. In soils and sediments sulfoxaflor produces a sulfoxaflor-urea analog with a varying half-life of 5.0 to 8.5 d depending on the sediment type. Once in surface waters, sulfoxaflor can undergo photolysis to a sulfoxaflor alcohol derivative with a half-life of 35 h. The photodegradate demonstrates reduced aquatic toxicity to Daphnia magna, but the photolytic half-life may be too long to mitigate the acute toxicity of the parent substance sulfoxaflor to D. magna, which was found to have a 48-h median effect concentration of 361 µg/L. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2156–2164. © 2021 SETAC
Identifying Chemicals and Mixtures of Potential Biological Concern Detected in Passive Samplers from Great Lakes Tributaries Using High-Throughput Data and Biological Pathways
Authors: Alvarez David A. , Corsi Steven R. , De Cicco Laura A. , Villeneuve Daniel L. , Baldwin Austin K.
Published: May 2021

Waterborne contaminants were monitored in 69 tributaries of the Laurentian Great Lakes in 2010 and 2014 using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) and polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS). A risk-based screening approach was used to prioritize chemicals and chemical mixtures, identify sites at greatest risk for biological impacts, and identify potential hazards to monitor at those sites. Analyses included 185 chemicals (143 detected) including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), legacy and current-use pesticides, fire retardants, pharmaceuticals, and fragrances. Hazard quotients were calculated by dividing detected concentrations by biological effect concentrations reported in the ECOTOX Knowledgebase (toxicity quotients) or ToxCast database (exposure–activity ratios [EARs]). Mixture effects were estimated by summation of EAR values for chemicals that influence ToxCast assays with common gene targets. Nineteen chemicals—atrazine, N,N-diethyltoluamide, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, dl-menthol, galaxolide, p-tert-octylphenol, 3 organochlorine pesticides, 3 PAHs, 4 pharmaceuticals, and 3 phosphate flame retardants—had toxicity quotients >0.1 or EARs for individual chemicals >10–3 at 10% or more of the sites monitored. An additional 4 chemicals (tributyl phosphate, triethyl citrate, benz[a]anthracene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene) were present in mixtures with EARs >10–3. To evaluate potential apical effects and biological endpoints to monitor in exposed wildlife, in vitro bioactivity data were compared to adverse outcome pathway gene ontology information. Endpoints and effects associated with endocrine disruption, alterations in xenobiotic metabolism, and potentially neuronal development would be relevant to monitor at the priority sites. The EAR threshold exceedance for many chemical classes was correlated with urban land cover and wastewater effluent influence, whereas herbicides and fire retardants were also correlated to agricultural land cover. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2165–2182. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Exposure–activity ratios estimated from chemical concentrations and high-throughput toxicological assays provide a measure of the potential biological risk due to exposure to various chemical classes measured in tributaries of the Great Lakes. PAH = polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.
Polychlorinated Diphenyl Sulfides: An Emerging Class of Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Substances in the Environment
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Xuesheng , Shi Jiaqi , Feng Mingbao , Wang Xiaoxiang , Crump Doug , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: May 2021

Polychlorinated diphenyl sulfides (PCDPSs) have recently attracted increasing attention due to their potential adverse effects on human and ecosystem health. We present a review regarding their environmental occurrence, persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity, and biotransformation. The existing literature demonstrates that PCDPSs are ubiquitous in various environmental matrices, are persistent in the environment, and have long-range transport potential. In addition, the high bioaccumulation potential of these emerging pollutants, especially the low chlorinated PCDPS congeners, has been confirmed based on both theoretical calculations and experimental investigations. Moreover, a spectrum of adverse effects, such as acute liver injury, retardation of development, reproductive disorders, and increased mortality have been widely reported in vertebrates. These adverse outcomes were associated with oxidative stress and activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptors. Given these findings, PCDPSs represent candidate persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances and thus deserve further research to fully elucidate their environmental behavior and fate, and evaluate the risks to human and ecosystem health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2657–2666. © 2021 SETAC