bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertical zonation of the Siberian Arctic benthos: bathymetric boundaries from coastal shoals to deep-sea Central Arctic
Authors: Vedenin Andrey , Galkin Sergey , Mironov Alexander N. , Gebruk Andrey
Published: June 2021

The bathymetric distribution of species of Annelida, Crustacea and Echinodermata from the region including the Kara, Laptev and East Siberian seas and the adjacent region of the deep-sea Central Arctic was analysed. We focused on vertical species ranges revealing zones of crowding of upper and lower species range limits. Using published data and in part the material obtained during the expeditions of the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, we evaluated species vertical distribution from 0 m to the maximum depth of the Central Arctic (~4,400 m). The entire depth range was divided into smaller intervals; number of upper and lower limits of species depth ranges was counted and plotted to visualize the range limits crowding. Several zones of crowding of vertical species range limits were found for all analysed macrotaxa. The most significant zones occurred at depths of 450–800 m and 1,800–2,000 m. The first depth zone corresponds to the boundary between the sublittoral and bathyal faunas. The last one marks the boundary between the bathyal and abyssal faunas. Depths of these boundaries differ from those reported from other Ocean regions; possible explanations of these differences are discussed.
Production of metabolites from Scenedesmus sp. and a microalgal consortium cultured in unconventional media
Authors: González-Falfán Kevin A , Guerrero-Barajas Claudia , Badillo-Corona Jesús A , Fernández-Linares Luis C
Published: June 2021

Growth comparisons were made between a microalgal consortium and Scenedesmus sp. cultivated in treated wastewater (TWw) enriched with 1 mL·L–1 Bayfolan Forte fertilizer (BM), TWw enriched with (NH4)2HPO4 (PAM), TWw enriched with NH4HCO3 (BCAM), tap water with piggery wastewater (PEM), tap water with piggery wastewater digestate (PDM), and raw wastewater (Ww). Nitrogen (N) content in the media, except for TWw, was adjusted to 80 mg·L–1 N (NH4+-N and NO3–-N). Unconventional low-cost media with lower nutrient contents (BM and TWw) showed adequate productions of biomass and lipids. PEM was the most advantageous medium, showing the highest biomass productivity with the consortium (191.25 ± 6.25 g·L–1·d–1) and a lipid productivity of 36.75 ± 9.90 mg·L–1·d–1. The fatty acid profile was composed mainly of C16 and C18. PAM, PEM, and PDM showed a higher proportion of saturated fatty acids (60%–69%), whereas the composition of unsaturated fatty acids was in the range of 31% to 38%. In PEM and PDM the removal of NH4+ was 100%; however, there were NH4+ losses (as NH3) due to volatilization (46%). Unconventional media, especially Ww, are an option for growing microalgae.
Occupational Performance of Hearing-Impaired and Normal-Hearing Workers in Korea
Authors: Kim Jinsook , Shin Yerim , Lee Seungwan , Lee Eunsung , Han Woojae , Lee Jihyeon
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the occupational performance of Korean workers with and without hearing loss and analyze the hearing-related difficulties in the working environment.Subjects and Methods: The Amsterdam checklist for hearing and work was used for the analyses and the occupational environments of the Korean workers were investigated. Out of 129 total participants, 86 workers experienced severe to profound hearing loss and 43 had the normal hearing ability. The hearing-impaired workers were recruited from two leading vocational centers and normal-hearing workers were their colleagues.Results: The hearing-impaired workers were found to take fewer sick leaves and exhibited higher rates of permanent job statuses compared to the normal-hearing workers. Workers with hearing loss rarely detected background sound; however, they could perceive reverberation more frequently. They felt more satisfied with their careers than the normal hearing workers as they received social support and needed to put their effort into hearing for most hearing activities. Furthermore, the effort in hearing increased with the increase in job demand, job control, social support, and career satisfaction. The working hours per week increased with the increase in age, education level, job demand, job control, and social support. Different trends were observed in 9 out of 12 variables while comparing the data from the present study with that obtained from the hearing-impaired workers of the Netherlands, indicating a large difference between countries.Conclusions: Although the hearing-impaired Korean workers operate diligently with good job positions, it is necessary to enhance their acoustic environment and provide them social support. Considering the cultural background of the hearing-impaired workers, the development of suitable vocational rehabilitation programs and specific questionnaires is strongly recommended worldwide.
Evaluation of the Performance of Ethylene Di-Amine Tetra-Acetic Acid Modified Activated Carbon for Lead ion Adsorption from Palm Kernel Shell
Authors: Yerima Y. , Eiroboyi I. , Raji W. A. , Osakue Y. I.
Published: June 2021

There is increasing research on the adsorption of lead because its use in industrial processes has resulted in various forms of environmental contamination and negative human health issues. Currently, researchers have intensified their search for low-cost adsorbents like activated carbon produced from nonfossil sources. This study is focused on the use of Ethylene Di-Amine Tetra-Acetic Acid for the adsorption of Lead ions. It was conducted to optimize the process variables in the production of Palm Kernel Shell Activated Carbon modified with Ethylene Di-Amine Tetra-Acetic Acid. A 23 three-level Central Composite Design was used to develop a statistical model for the optimization of the time (10-130) X1, pH (5.0 – 7.0) X2, and adsorbent dose (0.4 -5.0g)X3. Data obtained from RSM on activated carbon production were subjected to ANOVA and analyzed using a second-order polynomial equation. The extent of lead ion removal by Ethylene Di-Amine Tetra-Acetic Acid activated carbon from aqueous solution was 96.30% at the solution pH of 7.2, contact time of 70 minutes, and an adsorbent dose of 2.1g/L. The Langmuir isotherm model was in good agreement with the experimental data.
Quality Assessment of Powdered Maize Ogi Fortified with African Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) Flour
Authors: Ahaotu Ihuoma , Eni Chimebuka Victory , Maduka Ndukwe
Published: June 2021

Protein deficiency of fermented cereal gruel popularly known as ogi (akamu) is a justification to fortify it with African walnut. In this study, powdered maize ogi and walnut flour in the ratio 100:0; 90:10; 80:20 and 70:30 labelled AZ, BY, CX and DW, respectively were formulated. Sample ‘AZ’ served as the control. Microbiological analysis, proximate composition, and functional properties of the composite flour samples were determined using Standard methods. Sensory evaluation of ogi porridge prepared using the flour samples were carried out using 9-point Hedonic scale. Total heterotrophic bacterial and fungal count of the flour samples were within the range of 7.01-7.41 and 4.23-4.45 log10CFU/g, respectively. The frequency of occurrence of bacterial isolates from the flour samples include Corynebacterium spp. (27%), Micrococcus spp. (14%), Lactobacillus spp. (13%), Citrobacter spp. (13%), Pseudomonas spp. (13%), Bacillus spp. (13%) and Streptococcus spp. (7%) while the fungal isolates were Aspergillus spp. (45%), Rhizopus spp. (22%), Geotrichum spp. (22%) and Mucor spp. (11%). All the proximate parameters and functional properties of the flour samples showed significant differences (p<0.05) with the exception of protein content and bulk density, respectively. Sample ‘AZ’, ‘BY’, ‘CX’ and ‘DW’s protein content is 0.88±0.08%, 1.14±0.20%, 1.23±0.27% and 1.31±0.38%, respectively. The lipid content (2.00±0.75 - 15.20±0.61%), ash content (0.40±0.06 - 0.90±0.04%), emulsion capacity (2.98±0.14 - 5.62±0.17%), bulk density (0.56±0.06 - 0.61±0.06 g/ml), and swelling index (1.99±0.10 - 18.89±0.21%) of the flour samples increased as the level of walnut flour substitution increased with few exceptions. In contrast, other proximate parameters, gelatinization temperature (75.6±0.48 - 82.4±0.58 oC), water absorption (2.60±0.11 - 3.35±0.35 g/g) and oil absorption (1.56±0.06 - 1.80±0.08 g/g) capacity of the flour samples decreased with few exceptions. Although ogi porridge made from ‘BY’ is more desirable than using other fortified flour formulations, ogi porridge made from ‘AZ’ was assigned the highest score for all the sensory attributes except appearance. Interestingly, ogi porridge prepared using maize ogi flour fortified with walnut flour and 100% maize ogi flour were generally acceptable.
Plasticizers
Authors: Howick Christopher J.
Published: June 2021

A plasticizer is a substance the addition of which to another material makes that material softer and more flexible. Most often plasticizers are materials that, when added to a polymer, cause an increase in the flexibility and workability, brought about by a decrease in the glass‐transition temperature,Tg, of the polymer. The most widely plasticized polymer is poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) due to its excellent plasticizer compatibility characteristics, and the development of plasticizers closely follows the development of this commodity polymer. This article provides an overview of the important types of plasticizers that exist and gives details of the manufacture and how different production methods and starting materials affect the properties of the plasticizers. The mechanism of the action of plasticizers is described, in terms of plasticization theory and the chemical modifications that occur during this process, which accounts for the excellent performance of some plasticizer molecules and the apparently poor softening ability of others. These effects are used to make products that are familiar to daily life, and a change of plasticizer can produce changes in the properties of wall covering, cable sheathing, and so on. The current legislative and toxicological status of plasticizers is thoroughly reviewed to provide information about the environmental effects of the widespread use of these products.
Neglected Tropical Diseases: Reasons for ‘Neglect’ in Global Health and Directing Attention Towards Neglected Issues
Authors: Vanderslott Samantha
Published: June 2021

Why do some health topics attract attention, funding, action and resources, while others are neglected? How are priorities defined and agendas set in global health? What are the causes of persistent ignorance and inaction? Neglected tropical diseases are, as the name suggests, exemplary of a health issue that has been singled out as being neglected. Recently, a concerted effort has been made to address this neglect through a change in priorities and agenda‐setting that caused these diseases to be sidelined. However, the underlying reasoning and structures that led to neglect still remain, and attention must be redirected to prevent the continued neglect of these and other health issues.

Key Concepts

Attention, funding, action and resources in global health are not determined exclusively by needs.

Neglect of health issues, such as neglected tropical diseases, is a persistent problem.

Priorities and agenda‐setting must be reappraised to make sure certain health topics are not sidelined.

Neglected tropical diseases were able to move up the global policy agenda through advocacy.

The role of scientist advocates and metrics was key.
Bromoviridae: A Family of Plant Viruses with Tripartite Genomes
Authors: Chakravarty Antara , Rao Ayala LN
Published: June 2021

The familyBromoviridaecontains six genera of tripartite, plant‐pathogenic ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses, namelyAlfamovirus, Anulavirus, Bromovirus, Cucumovirus, IlarvirusandOleavirus. Viruses in this family exhibit the following salient features: (1) virions are nonenveloped with icosahedral or bacilliform geometries; (2) in each genus, the single‐strand, positive‐sense RNA genome of ∼8 kilobases (kb) is divided among three RNAs; (3) the 3' untranslated region of the viral RNAs adopts either a transfer ribonucleic acid‐like structure (TLS) or a series of stem loops that assume a TLS upon coat protein (CP) binding; (4) four progeny RNAs are packaged into either three homogeneous or four heterogeneous virions; (5) CP is required for the genome activation exclusively forAlfamovirusandIlarvirusgenera; (6) in all the genera, the replication and virion assembly occurs in the cytoplasmic compartment of the cell and (7) cell‐to‐cell and long‐distance spread involves both movement protein and CP. Finally, members ofBromoviridaeand other plant viruses commonly share mechanical and insect transmission properties.

Key Concepts

The genome of the member viruses of the familyBromoviridaecontains single‐strand, positive‐sense RNAs encoding few proteins.

A group of three RNA components represents the genome in tripartite viruses.

Vesicles or spherule‐like invaginations of host membranes induced by virus‐encoded gene products are the sites of viral replication.

Progeny RNA of tripartite viruses is packaged into three or four virions having either spherical or bacilliform morphology.

Genome packaging into stable virions requires specific interaction between the coat protein (CP) and the viral progeny RNA and is functionally coupled to replication, that is only the replicated progeny RNA is packaged into virions.

Cell‐to‐cell spread of the tripartite viruses requires both movement protein and CP.
Ingestion in Mammals
Authors: Laird Myra F
Published: June 2021

Living and fossil mammals are incredibly diverse in their feeding morphology and behaviours. For example, mammalian feeding adaptations range from filter feeding in whales to bats catching insects mid‐flight. Mammals share aspects of their cranial morphology compared to other vertebrates including the bones of the skull, the dentition, the cheek and chewing muscles, the lips and the lip musculature, the palate, the tongue and the pharynx. In addition to their anatomy, mammals are behaviourally distinct from other vertebrates through their food‐processing abilities inside and outside of the oral cavity, mastication, swallowing and the presence of suckling in infants. The appearance of these anatomical features and adaptations associated with these behaviours are key to distinguishing the earliest mammals in the fossil record.

Key Concepts

Mammals are distinguished through aspects of their craniodental anatomy and their feeding behaviours.

Feeding in adult mammals can be divided into four stages: preingestion, ingestion, food transport and swallowing.

Ingestion is constrained by size and mechanical properties of the food item.

Infant mammals use two feeding stages: suckling and swallowing.

Early fossil mammals are distinguished by adaptations to the feeding system.
Palaeoenvironments
Authors: Aberhan Martin , Ullmann Clemens V
Published: June 2021

Palaeoenvironments are depositional environments of the geological past. Palaeoenvironmental reconstructions use the combined evidence derived from physical characteristics of sedimentary deposits, fossil content and geochemical signatures of rocks and skeletal hard parts. Mineralogical composition, grain size, sedimentary structures and bedding of sediments provide essential information on environmental variables such as water depth, activity of currents and waves, substrate conditions and times of subaerial exposure. By incorporating information from neighbouring rocks, the ancient environment can be characterised by comparison with present‐day environments. Fossils allow to discriminate between marine and nonmarine palaeoenvironments. The abundance distribution of species in fossil assemblages and their diversity and ecological composition yield important information on the conditions of ancient ecosystems and can indicate the nature and degree of environmental stress. Sedimentological and palaeontological criteria are complemented by multifaceted geochemical data to combine into an effectively multidisciplinary approach to palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.

Key Concepts

Palaeoecologists, sedimentologists and geochemists study the sedimentary rock record and fossils to reconstruct ancient environments.

The physical characteristics of sedimentary deposits and rocks provide the fundamental source of information on the nature of ancient depositional environments.

Palaeoecological approaches use the fossil remains preserved in sedimentary deposits to reconstruct ancient environments.

The relative abundance of species in fossil assemblages and the diversity and ecological composition of palaeocommunities yield important information on the conditions of ancient ecosystems and can indicate stressed environments.

Geochemical proxies allow for quantitative constraints on palaeoenvironmental parameters including climatic and redox conditions.

The combination of sedimentological, palaeontological and geochemical data constitutes a powerful multiproxy approach to palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.
Flexible and Porous Nonwoven SiCN Ceramic Material via Electrospinning of an Optimized Silazane Solution
Authors: Ribeiro Luiz F. B. , Cunha Ricardo S. , de Noni Agenor , Machado Ricardo A. F. , Motz Günter , González Sergio Y. G.
Published: June 2021

The processing of nonwoven porous ceramics by combining the polymer‐derived ceramic (PDC) route with electrospinning offers an excellent strategy for developing new porous ceramic structures. Currently, the manufacturing of nonwoven porous materials from preceramic polymers is conducted by trial and error approaches. The necessity to predict the e‐spinnability conditions from properties assessment offers a potential tool to control the manufacture and the resulting material morphology. This work assesses the relationship between the preceramic polymer solutions and the resulting electrospun nonwoven morphology. For this, a commercially available liquid oligosilazane (Durazane 1800) is selectively cross‐linked to achieve a reliable and spinnable preceramic polymer (HTTS), which is then dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF). Based on the investigation of the rheological behavior of various polymer concentrations, three different polymer solution regimes (diluted, semidiluted, and concentrated) are identified and correlated with the resulting morphology of the e‐spun material (spherical particles, beaded fibers, and seamless fibers). After the pyrolysis, the nonwoven ceramics manufactured from the solution with 65 wt% of HTTS is converted to a SiCN ceramic nonwoven with 86% of open porosity, profiling as a promising candidate for developing high‐performance filter systems and catalytic supports in harsh environments.
Tunable Néel–Bloch Magnetic Twists in Fe3GeTe2 with van der Waals Structure
Authors: Peng Licong , Yasin Fehmi S. , Park Tae‐Eon , Kim Sung Jong , Zhang Xichao , Nagai Takuro , Kimoto Koji , Woo Seonghoon , Yu Xiuzhen
Published: June 2021

The advent of ferromagnetism in 2D van der Waals (vdW) magnets has stimulated high interest in exploring topological magnetic textures, such as skyrmions for use in future skyrmion‐based spintronic devices. To engineer skyrmions in vdW magnets by transforming Bloch‐type magnetic bubbles into Néel‐type skyrmions, a heavy metal/vdW magnetic thin film heterostructure has been made to induce interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI). However, the unambiguous identification of the magnetic textures inherent to vdW magnets, for example, whether the magnetic twists (skyrmions/domain walls) are Néel‐ or Bloch‐type, is unclear. Here we demonstrate that the magnetic twists can be tuned between Néel and Bloch‐type in the vdW magnet Fe3GeTe2 (FGT) with/without interfacial DMI. We use an in‐plane magnetic field to align the modulation wavevector q of the magnetizations in order to distinguish the Néel‐ or Bloch‐type magnetic twists. We observe that q is perpendicular to the in‐plane field in the heterostructure (Pt/oxidized‐FGT/FGT/oxidized‐FGT), while q aligns at a rotated angle with respect to the field direction in the FGT thin plate thinned from bulk. We find that the aligned domain wall twists hold fan‐like modulations, coinciding qualitatively with our computational results.
Constitutive Relations for Optically Active Anisotropic Media: A Review
Authors: Ossikovski Razvigor , Arteaga Oriol , Sturm Chris
Published: June 2021

The formal description of optical activity (OA) (circular birefringence and dichroism) has more than a 200‐year‐old history, dating back to the pioneering experiments of Arago and Biot. Despite the numerous contributions to it, including several reviews, the formalism of OA has not been treated in a self‐consistent and deductive manner, to the best of authors’ knowledge. Worse, some literature sources report different, apparently contradictory and incompatible, approaches. Willing to provide a general comprehensive review, as well as to clarify all ambiguous points, a unified, systematic, and logical approach to this topic is advanced. By applying a general formal pattern based on the energy conservation principle, the various sets of constitutive relations for optically active media are derived. The relationships allowing for conversions between different sets are presented, in view of their use in the matrix methods for computing the polarimetric responses of stratified structures. The OA tensors of the optically active crystal classes are likewise reported, and the intimate relation existing between crystal point symmetries and physical manifestations of natural OA, namely, rotatory power and longitudinal effect, is discussed. As an illustration, the theoretical developments are applied to the practically important case of planar metamaterial structures.
Visible Light Mediated Synthesis of Oxindoles
Authors: Singh Jitender , Sharma Anuj
Published: June 2021

Functionalized oxindoles are privileged heterocyclic scaffolds and common core structural motifs that are broadly present in numerous natural products and serve as key intermediates in the synthesis of biological products, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Oxindoles exhibit a broad pharmacological and physiological activities, and diverse range of applications in medicinal chemistry and biomedical research. Owing to these fascinating biological and physiological activities of oxindoles, several methodologies have been developed for the construction of oxindoles. In the past decade, the visible light mediated methodologies have attracted substantial attention and emerged as a promising approach for the construction of oxindoles. In this review, the visible light mediated synthesis of oxindoles have been described.

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Base cation saturation ratios, soil health, and yield in organic field crops
Authors: Chaganti Vijayasatya N. , Culman Steven W. , Herms Catherine , Sprunger Christine D. , Brock Caroline , Leiva Soto Andrea , Doohan Douglas
Published: June 2021

Base cation saturation ratio (BCSR) is a soil management philosophy that postulates having an ideal ratio of base cations for maximizing crop yields. This practice is widely used on organic farms, and BCSR practitioners commonly describe improvements in soil health and crop productivity. However, studies evaluating the efficacy of BCSR on soil biological and physical properties are lacking. This 6‐yr field study evaluated the effects of changing soil calcium/magnesium (Ca/Mg) ratios on organic corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields and comprehensive soil health properties at two sites in Ohio with contrasting soils. Three soil amendments—(a) control, (b) gypsum (calcium sulfate), and (c) epsom (magnesium sulfate)—were applied to drive soil Ca and Mg levels in opposite directions. Amendment application resulted in soil Ca/Mg ratios 1.6 and 2.5 times higher in gypsum soils relative to epsom soils. Soil biological health, measured by permanganate oxidizable carbon, mineralizable carbon, and soil protein, was not affected by either gypsum or epsom applications. Likewise, soil physical quality measured by aggregate stability, infiltration, and penetration resistance was not significantly affected by gypsum or epsom additions at either site. Amendment application did not affect crop yields and there was no significant relationship between crop yields and the range of soil Ca/Mg ratios. Results from this study do not provide any evidence that BCSR improves soil health and organic field crop productivity.
Pitch‐Black Nanostructured Copper Oxide as an Alternative to Carbon Black for Autonomous Environments
Authors: Wu Songtao , Reddy Gunugunuri K. , Banerjee Debasish
Published: June 2021

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems are becoming crucial for measuring the distance and creating a point cloud of the local environment, critical data for artificial intelligence to enable collision‐avoidance mechanisms. However, LiDAR utilizes radiation in the near‐infrared (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is prone to complete absorption by typical dark (such as painted by carbon black) colored objects, leading to loss of timely data points. Till date a very limited number of solutions have been put forward to address this. Herein, nanocrystallites of copper (II) oxide with specific prevalence of crystal facets that create nearly perfect black material at visible wavelengths are proposed. The sharp transition of absorbance near 700 nm wavelength light is attributed to the near‐unity ratio of (−111)/(111) the crystal facets and a crystal size of around 100 Å for the (−111) plane. Although indistinguishable from carbon black and with the same degree of measured blackness (My value 135.5), the nanocrystalline CuO shows 1500% better detectability by LiDAR. The study paves the way for the unconstrained use of dark objects in future society and infrastructure, moving a step closer toward fully autonomous operation of vehicles and robots.
Covalently Aligned Molybdenum Disulfide–Carbon Nanotubes Heteroarchitecture for High‐Performance Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Wu Xingjiang , Zhu Xiaolin , Tao Houyu , Wu Guan , Xu Jianhong , Bao Ningzhong
Published: June 2021

Advanced two‐dimensional nanosheets that promote the dynamic transportation and storage capacity of ions are significant for high‐performance electrochemical capacitors (ECs). However, such materials often possess a low energy density. We have developed an ordered heteroarchitecture of molybdenum disulfide‐carbon nanotubes (MoS2‐CNTs) in which CNTs are vertically grafted within a MoS2 framework by C−Mo covalent bonds. Benefiting from this in situ vertical bridge, high‐speed interlaminar conductivity, unimpeded ion‐diffusion channels and sufficient pseudocapacitive reactivity, the MoS2‐CNTs presents ultralarge capacitance (5485 F g−1) and good structural stability in potassium hydroxide electrolyte. Moreover, the all‐unified solid‐state flexible ECs obtained through direct‐write printing construction deliver high energy density (226 mWh g−1), good capacitance (723 F g−1) and stable high/low‐temperature operating ability, which can power a wearable health‐monitoring device.
Azetidines of pharmacological interest
Authors: Parmar Deepa R. , Soni Jigar Y. , Guduru Ramakrishna , Rayani Rahul H. , Kusurkar Rakesh V. , Vala Anand G.
Published: June 2021

Azetidines are almost unexplored among nitrogen‐containing saturated heterocycles due to difficulties associated with their synthesis. However, over the past few years, attempts have been made by scientists to advance their synthetic feasibility. Compounds with the azetidine moiety display an important and diverse range of pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antischizophrenic, antimalarial, antiobesity, anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiviral, antioxidant, analgesic, and dopamine antagonist activities, and are also useful for the treatment of central nervous system disorders and so forth. Owing to its satisfactory stability, molecular rigidity, and chemical and biological properties, azetidine has emerged as a valuable scaffold and it has drawn the attention of medicinal researchers. The present review sheds light on the traditional method of synthesis of azetidine and advancements in synthetic methodology over the past few years, along with its application with various examples, and its biological significance.
Simultaneous determination of monocrotaline and its N‐oxide metabolite in rat plasma using LC–MS/MS: Application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Lin Feifei , Pan Anni , Ye Yang , Liu Jia
Published: June 2021

Monocrotaline (MCT) is a pyrrolizidine alkaloid that can induce hepatic sinusoidal damage, pulmonary hypertension, renal toxicity, and heart disease. Monocrotaline N‐oxide (MNO), the primary metabolite of MCT, is less toxic; however, it can convert back to MCT to exhibit its toxicity. This study developed and validated a rapid and sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of MCT and monocrotaline N‐oxide in rat plasma. The method has a linearity over the concentration range of 1–2000 ng/mL with correlation coefficients (r) >0.997 for each analyte. The results of selectivity, matrix effect, accuracy and precision, and recovery were all within the acceptance criteria. The validated method has been successfully applied to study pharmacokinetic behaviors and bioavailability of MCT in rats. MCT was rapidly absorbed (Tmax: 0.400 ± 0.149 h) after oral administration, and the absolute bioavailability of MCT was 78.2%.
Associations between initiating antihypertensive regimens on stage I–III colorectal cancer outcomes: A Medicare SEER cohort analysis
Authors: Balkrishnan Rajesh , Desai Raj P. , Narayan Aditya , Camacho Fabian T. , Flausino Lucas E. , Chammas Roger
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis is associated with high mortality in the United States and thus warrants the study of novel treatment approaches. Vascular changes are well observed in cancers and evidence indicates that antihypertensive (AH) medications may interfere with both tumor vasculature and in recruiting immune cells to the tumor microenvironment based on preclinical models. Extant literature also shows that AH medications are correlated with improved survival in some forms of cancer. Thus, this study sought to explore the impact of AH therapies on CRC outcomes.

Patients and Methods

This study was a non‐interventional, retrospective analysis of patients aged 65 years and older with CRC diagnosed from January 1, 2007 to December 31st, 2012 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End‐Results (SEER)‐Medicare database. The association between AH drug utilization on AJCC stage I–III CRC mortality rates in patients who underwent treatment for cancer was examined using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The study cohort consisted of 13,982 patients diagnosed with CRC. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression showed that among these patients, the use of AH drug was associated with decreased cancer‐specific mortality (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.75–0.83). Specifically, ACE inhibitors (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.80–0.87), beta‐blockers (HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.84–0.91), and thiazide diuretics (HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.80–0.87) were found to be associated with decreased mortality. An association was also found between adherence to AH therapy and decreased cancer‐specific mortality (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90–0.98).

Conclusion

Further research needs to be performed, but AH medications may present a promising, low‐cost pathway to supporting CRC treatment for stage I–III cancers.
Three U.S. Post‐COVID Legislative, Regulatory, and Higher Education Recommendations: Future Considerations for Policy, Compliance, Accreditation, and Curricula
Authors: James Alton
Published: June 2021

The novel coronavirus has dramatically altered teaching and learning for the foreseeable future. In addition to economic and workforce effects, the present predicts gaps from learning deficiencies for all current K‐12 students (Education Journal, 2021). Therefore, the direct syllogism anticipates fewer numbers of qualified college applicants in the coming generation. Thus, bold action can mitigate negative potential future social disruption impacts. Virtual practitioner training, license and program reciprocity, and interdisciplinary studies can ensure quality practitioner mobility and the ability to meet the workforce needs of all fields across the nation—at local, state, regional, and national levels.
An Electrochemical Route for Special Oxidative Ring‐Opening of Indoles
Authors: Qin Hong , Yang Zhao , Zhang Zhen , Liu Chengkou , He Wei , Fang Zheng , Guo Kai
Published: June 2021

A novel electrochemical protocol for the oxidative cleavage of indoles has been developed, which oﬀers a simple way to access synthetically useful anthranilic acid derivatives. In undivided cells, a wide variety of indoles and alcohol compounds are examined to aﬀord amide ester aromatics without using extra oxidants and stoichiometric metal catalysts, which avoids the formation of undesired by‐products and exhibits high atom economy. The products we described in this perspective represent a synthetic intermediate in numerous drug molecules and industrial chemical reagents and remarkably show potential application in the future.
Molecular cell identities in the mediodorsal thalamus of infant mice and marmoset
Authors: Onishi Kohei , Kikuchi Satomi S. , Abe Takaya , Tokuhara Tomoko , Shimogori Tomomi
Published: June 2021

The mediodorsal thalamus (MD) is a higher‐order nucleus located within the central thalamus in many mammalian species. Emerging evidence from MD lesions and tracer injections suggests that the MD is reciprocally connected to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and plays an essential role in specific cognitive processes and tasks. MD subdivisions (medial, central, and lateral) are poorly segregated at the molecular level in rodents, leading to a lack of MD subdivision‐specific Cre driver mice. Moreover, this lack of molecular identifiers hinders MD subdivision‐ and cell‐type‐specific circuit formation and function analysis. Therefore, using publicly available databases, we explored molecules separately expressed in MD subdivisions. In addition to MD subdivision markers, we identified several genes expressed in a subdivision‐specific combination and classified them. Furthermore, after developing medial MD (MDm) or central MD (MDc) region‐specific Cre mouse lines, we identified diverse region‐ and layer‐specific PFC projection patterns. Comparison between classified MD marker genes in mice and common marmosets, a nonhuman primate model, revealed diverging gene expression patterns. These results highlight the species‐specific organization of cell types and their projections in the MD thalamus.
The Issue of Tissue: Approaches and Challenges to the Light Control of Drug Activity
Authors: Sharma Mayank , Friedman Simon H.
Published: June 2021

The front cover artwork is provided by the group of Professor Simon H. Friedman at the School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri–Kansas City (USA). The image depicts, in an abstract and minimalistic way, a central challenge for photopharmacology: the attenuation of light as it passes through tissue. Read the full text of the Minireview at 10.1002/cptc.202100001.
Urban landscapes increase dispersal, gene flow, and pathogen transmission potential in banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) in northern Botswana
Authors: Verble Kelton , Hallerman Eric M. , Alexander Kathleen A.
Published: June 2021

Disease transmission can be strongly influenced by the manner in which conspecifics are connected across a landscape and the effects of land use upon these dynamics. In northern Botswana, the territorial and group‐living banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) lives across urban and natural landscapes and is infected with a novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex pathogen, M. mungi. Using microsatellite markers amplified from DNA derived from banded mongoose fecal and tissue samples (n = 168), we evaluated population genetic structure, individual dispersal, and gene flow for 12 troops. Genetic structure was detectable and moderately strong across groups (FST = 0.086), with K = 7 being the best‐supported number of genetic clusters. Indications of admixture in certain troops suggest formation of new groups through recent fusion events. Differentiation was higher for troops inhabiting natural areas (FST = 0.102) than for troops in urban landscapes (FST = 0.081). While this suggests increased levels of gene flow between urban‐dwelling troops, the inclusion of a smaller number of study troops from natural land types may have influenced these findings. Of those individuals confirmed infected with M. mungi, the majority (73%, n = 11) were assigned to their natal group which is consistent with previous observations linking lower levels of dispersal with infection. Twenty‐one probable dispersing individuals were identified, with all suspected migrants originating from troops within the urban landscape. Findings suggest that urbanized landscapes may increase gene flow and dispersal behavior with a concomitant increase in the risk of pathogen spread. As urban landscapes expand, there is an increasing need to understand how land use and pathogen infection may change wildlife behavior and disease transmission potential.
Efficient D‐Xylose Hydrogenation to D‐Xylitol over a Hydrotalcite‐Supported Nickel Phosphide Nanoparticle Catalyst
Authors: Yamaguchi Sho , Mizugaki Tomoo , Mitsudome Takato
Published: June 2021

The hydrogenation of D‐xylose is an industrially reliable method for preparing D‐xylitol, which is a commonly consumed chemical. Herein, we report the highly efficient and selective hydrogenation of D‐xylose to D‐xylitol in water over a hydrotalcite (HT: Mg6Al2CO3(OH)16 ⋅ 4(H2O))‐supported nickel phosphide nanoparticle catalyst (nano‐Ni2P/HT). The HT support drastically increased the catalytic activity of the nano‐Ni2P, enabling D‐xylitol synthesis under mild reaction conditions. Notably, the selective hydrogenation of D‐xylose to D‐xylitol proceeded even under 1 bar of H2 or at room temperature for the first time. The nano‐Ni2P/HT catalyst also exhibited the highest activity among previously reported non‐noble metal catalysts, with a turnover number of 960. Moreover, the nano‐Ni2P/HT catalyst was reusable and applicable to a concentrated D‐xylose solution (50 wt %), demonstrating its high potential for the industrial production of D‐xylitol.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Cobalt(III) Corrole with an S‐Bound DMSO Ligand
Authors: Neuman Nicolás I. , Singha Hazari Arijit , Beerhues Julia , Doctorovich Fabio , Vaillard Santiago E. , Sarkar Biprajit
Published: June 2021

We have synthesized a low‐spin Co(III) complex of 5,15‐bis(4‐nitrophenyl)‐10‐(2‐methylcarboxyphenyl)corrole with an S‐bound dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) ligand (1DMSO) and determined the coordination mode through X‐ray diffraction for the first time. UV‐vis‐NIR spectral data show that the DMSO ligand does not dissociate in MeCN solution, and EPR results indicate that the first oxidation is ligand centered and suggest that not only DMSO remains bound but a second apical ligand, possibly MeCN, binds to the cobalt center. Multiconfigurational wavefunction electronic structure methods (CASSCF/NEVPT2) allowed us to determine that in the neutral complex the corrole behaves as an innocent trianionic ligand and that the σ‐donor effect of the S atom determines the low‐spin configuration by raising the energy of the Co 3dz2 orbital. While DFT calculations predict a ground open‐shell singlet for both S‐bound and O‐bound DMSO variants, CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations predict a closed‐shell singlet ground state in both cases. These calculations reproduce considerably well the UV‐vis‐NIR spectrum of 1DMSO in solution, validating the closed‐shell singlet description.
The disruptive effects of pain on the early allocation of attentional resources: An attentional blink study
Authors: Jones Scott P. , Walsh Joseph
Published: June 2021

Background

Recent evidence suggests that pain dampens attentional processes. However, much of this work has been based on higher‐order attentional tasks that involve only spatial attention. Other aspects of the process through which pain engages and holds attention are relatively understudied, in particular, temporal attention. The present set of studies explored how naturally occurring pain (i.e. acute headache) and pain‐valenced stimuli affect the ability to recall the second of two targets presented in rapid succession.

Methods

Across both experiments participants were required to indicate the presence of a predefined probe (T2) and, in the dual task, identify a target (T1). The probe (T2) was placed in three different temporal proximities (ranging from 70 to 1000 ms) following presentation of the target (T1). In Experiment 1, 36 participants completed a task that comprised a rapid stream of letters. Experiment 2 manipulated the threat value, and the complexity, of the stimuli by replacing letters with words. In the dual task condition, T1 was a word from one of four valence categories (neutral, positive, negative, pain).

Results

Being in acute pain reduced the accuracy of identification. This reduction in performance occurred regardless of the temporal positioning of the probe, consistent with previous work that suggests pain has an overall dampening effect. Furthermore, when the valence category of the word was pain‐related, T2 accuracy performance was negatively affected.

Conclusion

These findings add to the previous evidence that pain has a general dampening effect on attention and that pain‐related stimuli are difficult to disengage from.

Significance

Pain captures attention to allow cognate resources to be directed appropriately in response. However, the temporal effects of this attentional capture are poorly understood. Findings indicate that acute headache pain has a negative impact on participants’ performance when identifying the second of two targets presented in close temporal proximity, and that pain‐valenced stimuli exacerbate this effect. These findings demonstrate how pain affects early attention and highlights the potential role of disengagement, rather than orientation, of attention in the pain experience.
Comparison of nuclear data uncertainties with other nuclear fuel cycle uncertainty sources
Authors: Skarbeli Aris V. , de Eusebio‐Yebra Rubén , Romojaro Pablo , Álvarez‐Velarde Francisco , Cano‐Ott Daniel
Published: June 2021

Nuclear data uncertainties have proven to be crucial in many areas of nuclear science such as the reactor or isotopic calculations. Nevertheless, when it comes to fuel cycle simulations (which are nowadays including uncertainty analyses), their relevance is discussed. Although it has been reported that they have an impact on the inventories, it is not clear if their effect can be negligible when compared with uncertainties produced by other fuel cycle parameters and consequently, if nuclear data uncertainties have to be considered in the fuel cycle studies. In this work, this comparison has been addressed for an open fuel cycle. First, the nuclear data uncertainties contained in the covariance matrices have been propagated with a Monte Carlo methodology, which has been verified with an integral experiment. After that, the results have been compared with uncertainties typically taking part in fuel cycle simulations from two different perspectives: an unknown future fuel cycle with relatively large uncertainties and a past known fuel cycle with small uncertainties. Results show that even for the most conservative cases based on open fuel cycles using PWR technologies, the uncertainties due to nuclear data are larger or at least comparable to the fuel cycle uncertainties due to parameters. Henceforth, with the adoption of advanced nuclear fuel cycles using newer technologies, it is expected that nuclear data uncertainties will play even more relevance in fuel cycle analyses. With these results, it has been concluded that nuclear data cannot be disregarded in uncertainty assessments in fuel cycle studies.
PLAG1‐rearrangement in a uterine leiomyosarcoma with myxoid stroma and heterologous differentiation
Authors: Thiryayi Sakinah A. , Turashvili Gulisa , Latta Eleanor K. , Swanson David , Zhang Lei , Antonescu Cristina R. , Dickson Brendan C.
Published: June 2021

A variety of molecular alterations have been reported in uterine leiomyosarcomas, but most are considered nondiagnostic. There are, however, rare exceptions including PLAG1 rearrangement which has recently been identified in a subset of myxoid leiomyosarcomas. A 41‐year‐old woman presented with symptoms of a fibroid. She underwent a myomectomy which revealed a high‐grade uterine sarcoma with areas of myxoid stroma and heterologous elements. The tumor expressed desmin, smooth muscle actin, H‐caldesmon, and estrogen and progesterone receptors. RNA sequencing revealed a novel TRIM13‐PLAG1 fusion gene which was subsequently independently confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. On further evaluation the patient was found to have multiple pulmonary metastases and died due to disease progression shortly after diagnosis. This report describes a novel fusion partner of PLAG1 in a uterine leiomyosarcoma with myxoid leiomyosarcoma and heterologous elements, thereby broadening the spectrum of morphologic and genetic findings within this rare group of neoplasms.
Individual effects of four types of rotation modulation on Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a ferromagnetic fluid with couple stress
Authors: Meghana J. , Pranesh S.
Published: June 2021

The effect of trigonometric sine, square, triangular, and sawtooth wave types of rotation modulation on Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a ferromagnetic fluid with couple stress is investigated in this paper using linear and nonlinear analyses. The expression for the critical Rayleigh number and the correction Rayleigh number is deduced from the three‐mode linearized Lorenz model using the Venezian approach. The effect of rotation modulation on heat transport is studied using the generalized fifth‐order Lorenz model. The study reveals that the Taylor number stabilizes the no‐modulation system and decreases the heat transport, and this situation remains so in the presence of rotation modulation. It is found that the effect of all four types of modulation is to stabilize the system and diminish heat transport. It is also observed that the sawtooth wave type of modulation has the least diminishing effect on heat transport and the square wave type of modulation diminishes the most.
Disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow caused by prostate cancer diagnosed with only bone marrow biopsy
Authors: Wakamiya Takahito , Tamura Shinobu , Kojima Fumiyoshi , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Hara Isao
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow caused by prostate cancer is a rare condition with poor prognosis. Diagnosis has mostly been by primary prostate biopsy.

Case presentation

A 60‐year‐old man had malaise, low platelet count (9000/μL), and high prostate‐specific antigen (1382 ng/mL). Bone marrow biopsy showed strongly positive immunostaining NKX3.1, leading to diagnosis of prostate cancer bone marrow metastasis, cT3aN1M1b. Definitive diagnosis by prostate biopsy was difficult because of the sparsity of atypical glands. He had progression to castration‐resistant prostate cancer after 3 months of hormonal therapy, and received 27 courses of docetaxel and six courses of cabazitaxel as chemotherapy, but finally died of respiratory failure 33 months after the start of treatment.

Conclusion

Aggressive biopsy of the metastatic sites should be considered if a prostate biopsy at the primary site cannot be diagnosed definitively.