bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stretchable Broadband Plasmonic Photodetector Based on a Hybrid and Composite of Metal Nanoparticles and Organic Semiconductor
Authors: Trung Tran Quang , Dang Vinh Quang , Lee Nae‐Eung
Published: October 2021

The development of stretchable broadband photodetectors for applications in wearable optoelectronics and personal healthcare still has some limitations in obtaining materials, designing device structures, and developing reliable fabrication processes. Here, stretchable broadband plasmonic photodetectors (SBPPDs) by fabricating plasmonic photodetectors on a stress‐adaptable modulated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate are proposed. The plasmonic photodetectors are developed via two approaches for the sensing layers: (i) hybrid of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and (ii) nanocomposite of AgNPs embedded into PEDOT:PSS. These sensing layers are directly formed on the substrate to be capable of sustaining tensile strain. The working principle of SBPPDs is based on the injection of hot‐carriers generated from surface plasmon decay on AgNPs to PEDOT:PSS under visible (Vis) and near‐infrared (NIR) illumination. Both SBPPDs show high responsivity to wavelengths of Vis (565 nm), Vis (660 nm), NIR (880 nm), and NIR (970 nm) as well as reliable electrical performance under applied stretching up to 30%. The proposed SBPPDs are promising for future stretchable wearable optoelectronics.
Black Phosphorus for Directed Molecular Assembly with Weak Electronic Coupling
Authors: Bouatou Mehdi , Harsh Rishav , Chacon Cyril , Girard Yann , Repain Vincent , Bellec Amandine , Rousset Sylvie , Smogunov Alexander , Dappe Yannick J. , Lagoute Jérôme
Published: October 2021

The combination of 2D materials with organic molecules offer the possibility to obtain low dimensional hybrid materials with tailored properties. Black phosphorus is a monoelemental semiconducting material with a nonplanar puckered atomic structure. Here, porphyrin molecules on black phosphorus are studied and it is shown that they self‐assemble with an epitaxial relationship indicating that the molecule‐surface interaction largely dominates the molecule–molecule interaction. The atomic structure of black phosphorus is found to be at the origin of the substrate driven self‐assembly. Despite this strong interaction with molecules, the electronic coupling is found to be weak allowing the molecules to maintain the properties of their gas phase, which is the usual behavior for van der Waals materials. Therefore, the combination of the peculiar puckered structure with the van der Waals nature of black phosphorus provides this material with the ability to interact strongly enough with adsorbed molecules to drive their assembly but weakly enough to keep their electronic properties intact.
Visible and Online Detection of Near‐Infrared Optical Vortices via Nonlinear Photonic Crystals
Authors: Liu Yuan , Chen Wei , Zhang Wang , Ma Chao‐Qun , Chen Huai‐Xi , Xiong Yi‐Feng , Yuan Rui , Tang Jie , Chen Peng , Hu Wei , Xu Fei , Lu Yan‐Qing
Published: October 2021

Near‐infrared (NIR) optical vortices (OVs), which carry specific orbital angular momentum, are believed to greatly increase the capacity of conventional optical communication systems. However, due to the equipment limits in invisible wavelengths, NIR OVs detection remains a great difficulty. Here, the up‐conversion imaging technology is exploited to circumvent using NIR detectors. A lithium niobate crystal with its quadratic susceptibility modulated by a specially designed Dammann vortex grating is fabricated to realize the frequency conversion—from NIR to the visible region—while converting multiplexed OVs to Gaussian modes in specific multichannels. During the detection process, the most of energies of the detected OVs are preserved, which can be considered as online detection. Additionally, at least 400 nm applicable wavelength range of this method is experimentally demonstrated, as well as up to 25 independent detection channels. Compared with existing solutions, this scheme enables a large‐broadband wavelength, low energy loss, and multiprocessing channels platform for visible detection of NIR OVs, showing great potential to be applied in optical communication systems.
Transannulation of Pyridotriazoles with Naphthoquinones and Indoles: Synthesis of Benzo[f]Pyrido[1,2‐a]Indoles and Indolizino[3,2‐b]indoles
Authors: Rawat Deepa , Adimurthy Subbarayappa
Published: October 2021

Ruthenium catalysed denitrogenative transannulation of pyridotriazoles with naphthoquinones provided the transannulated benzo[f]pyrido[1,2‐a]indoles derivatives in good to excellent yields. While pyridotriazoles with indoles in presence of PivOH and oxone yield indolizino[3,2‐b]indoles under metal‐free conditions. Quinone annulation proceeds through ruthenium‐carbenoid intermediate while indole annulation may proceed via a diazo‐pyridinium intermediate. Control experiments suggest that both the transformations follow the ionic mechanism.

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Diffusion coefficient analysis method using data statistical processing to reduce interference fringe noise effects
Authors: Tominaga Kohji , Orikasa Isamu , Tomaru Momoko , Osada Takuma , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Inatomi Yuko , Suzuki Shinsuke
Published: October 2021

We proposed a simple statistical analysis method of minute concentration changes for measuring diffusion coefficient with reduced interference fringe noise effect. In the “Soret‐Facet Mission,” the one‐dimensional diffusion equation discretized by the finite difference method was applied for temporal homogenization processes of the minute concentration gradient induced by the Soret effect with random noises. Measured diffusion coefficient Dexp was determined by evaluating the obtained apparent diffusion coefficient distributions D. The measured value Dexp obtained by the proposed processes was found to be valid because the measured value Dexp was close to the theoretical one Dth calculated by the Darken equation and the reference one Dref calculated in” Facet Mission” in the same solution system, respectively. In addition, by analyzing about 1/16th of the total field of view, it was possible to obtain a diffusion coefficient that are more than 95% convergent for the measured value Dexp obtained from the full field of view analysis.
High‐yield production of p‐diethynylbenzene through consecutive bromination/dehydrobromination in a microreactor system
Authors: Yang Zhirong , Yang Yue , Zhang Xuefeng , Du Wei , Zhang Jing , Qian Gang , Duan Xuezhi , Zhou Xinggui
Published: October 2021

Polyarylacetylene resins have received great attention due to their outstanding heat resistance, while the absence of an efficient method to produce their monomer, p‐diethynylbenzene (p‐DEB), has discouraged their commercial development. Industrial production of p‐DEB consists of bromination and dehydrobromination in a semi‐batch reactor, state of the art yield from which is only 70%–75%. Herein, a combined effort of byproduct characterization and density functional theory calculations revealed that side reactions mainly consisted of aromatic substitution which would be promoted by thermal runaway derived from exothermic bromination due to higher activation energy of side reactions. From these considerations, we developed a microreactor system to enhance heat transfer thereby mitigating byproduct formation, from which a p‐DEB yield of 99.2% could be achieved. Moreover, the high heat removal efficiency avoided the use of slow feeding and reactant dilution required in semi‐batch operation, thereby shortening the reaction time to 14 s while generating more concentrated product.
Efficacy and safety of ferric carboxymaltose infusion in reducing anemia in patients receiving chemotherapy for nonmyeloid malignancies: A randomized, placebo‐controlled study (IRON‐CLAD)
Authors: Makharadze Tamta , Boccia Ralph , Krupa Anna , Blackman Nicole , Henry David H. , Gilreath Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2021

Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA) are effective for chemotherapy‐induced anemia (CIA) but associated with serious adverse events. Safer alternatives would be beneficial in this population. The efficacy and safety of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) as monotherapy for CIA was evaluated. This Phase 3, 18‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study randomized adults with ≥ 4 weeks of chemotherapy remaining for treatment of nonmyeloid malignancies with CIA to FCM (two 15 mg/kg infusions 7 days apart; maximum dose, 750 mg single/1500 mg total) or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was percentage of patients with decreases in hemoglobin (Hb) ≥ 0.5 g/dL from weeks 3 to 18; the key secondary efficacy endpoint was change in Hb from baseline to week 18. Inclusion criteria included: (Hb) 8–11 g/dL, ferritin 100–800 ng/mL, and transferrin saturation (TSAT) ≤35%. In 244 patients (n = 122, both groups), the percent of patients who maintained Hb within 0.5 g/dL of baseline from weeks 3 to 18 was significantly higher with FCM versus placebo (50.8% vs. 35.3%; p = 0.01). Mean change in Hb from baseline to week 18 was similar between FCM and placebo (1.04 vs. 0.87 g/dL) but significantly greater with FCM with baseline Hb ≤ 9.9 g/dL (1.08 vs. 0.42 g/dL; p = 0.01). The percent with ≥ 1 g/dL increase from baseline was significantly higher with FCM versus placebo (71% vs. 54%; p = 0.01), occurring in a median 43 versus 85 days (p = 0.001). Common adverse events in the FCM arm included neutropenia (17%), hypophosphatemia (16%), and fatigue (15%). FCM monotherapy effectively maintained Hb and was well tolerated in CIA.
Catalytic Control of Spiroketal Formation in Rubromycin Polyketide Biosynthesis
Authors: Toplak Marina , Saleem‐Batcha Raspudin , Piel Jörn , Teufel Robin
Published: October 2021

The medically important bacterial aromatic polyketide natural products typically feature a planar, polycyclic core structure. An exception is found for the rubromycins, whose backbones are disrupted by a bisbenzannulated [5,6]‐spiroketal pharmacophore that was recently shown to be assembled by flavin‐dependent enzymes. In particular, a flavoprotein monooxygenase proved critical for the drastic oxidative rearrangement of a pentangular precursor and the installment of an intermediate [6,6]‐spiroketal moiety. Here we provide structural and mechanistic insights into the control of catalysis by this spiroketal synthase, which fulfills several important functions as reductase, monooxygenase, and presumably oxidase. The enzyme hereby tightly controls the redox state of the substrate to counteract shunt product formation, while also steering the cleavage of three carbon‐carbon bonds. Our work illustrates an exceptional strategy for the biosynthesis of stable chroman spiroketals.
Total Synthesis of Dolabriferol C by a Highly Stereoselective One‐Pot Coupling of a meso‐3,7‐Diketone with Two Chiral Aldehydes
Authors: Diddi Naveen , Ward Dale E.
Published: October 2021

Total synthesis of the noncontiguous polypropionate dolabriferol C was achieved by retro‐Claisen fragmentation of its putative contiguous precursor under mild conditions, thus establishing the former as a plausible isolation artifact. The precursor was prepared by a novel one‐pot three‐component bisaldol coupling of a meso (Z,Z)‐bisenolate (generated in situ from a 3,7‐diketone) with two enantioenriched aldehydes to set the absolute configuration of seven stereocenters in one step. The first aldol reaction proceeded with enantioselective desymmetrization of the bisenolate to produce an enantiomerically pure enolate–aldolate. Quenching at this stage enabled a streamlined synthesis of dolabriferol. Addition of a racemic aldehyde to the enolate–aldolate resulted in aldol coupling with kinetic resolution of the “matched” aldehyde; overall, a sequential enantiotopic‐group‐selective (SEGS) bisaldol reaction. Because the desired adduct results from the “mismatched” aldol reaction, use of enantioenriched aldehyde was required.
Residual levels and dietary risk assessment of bifenthrin and dinotefuran and its major metabolites in open wheat field conditions
Authors: Li Pengfei , Hu Jiye
Published: October 2021

To evaluate the residual levels of bifenthrin and dinotefuran, a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) and high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous detection of bifenthrin and dinotefuran and its major metabolites in wheat was developed and validated. Dietary risk assessments were further performed based on the relevant residual data from 12 wheat fields, toxicology data and dietary patterns. In wheat grain and straw, the recoveries of all analytes ranged from 77 to 102% with the relative standard deviation <9.7% and the limit of quantitation 0.05 mg kg−1. The highest terminal residue of bifenthrin in wheat grain was 0.069 mg kg−1 and dinotefuran was 0.34 mg kg−1. Residual concentrations of bifenthrin and dinotefuran decreased to <0.05 and 0.15 mg kg−1 at 21 days (pre‐harvest interval), respectively. The chronic risk quotient ranged from 6.4 to 62.7% and the acute risk quotient varied from 0.38 to 17.73%. The chronic and acute dietary risks caused by the terminal residues of the two insecticides were negligible for Chinese populations. The recommended pre‐harvest interval was proposed to ensure safe wheat consumption. These data could provide a scientific reference to establish the Chinese maximum residue limit of dinotefuran in wheat.
Does Machiavellianism meaningfully differ from psychopathy? It depends
Authors: Sharpe Brinkley M. , Collison Katherine L. , Lynam Donald R. , Miller Joshua D.
Published: October 2021

Machiavellianism is a personality construct characterized by cynicism, callousness, and skillful manipulation of others to achieve personal gains. We review the Machiavellianism literature with a particular focus on its measurement alongside narcissism and psychopathy in the so‐called “Dark Triad” (DT). We discuss criticisms of Machiavellianism on the grounds of insufficient construct validity as well as its virtual indistinguishability from psychopathy when assessed by commonly used instruments. As a response to these criticisms, we offer the super‐short form of the Five Factor Machiavellianism Inventory (FFMI‐SSF) as an alternative. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the FFMI‐SSF in relation to psychopathy and basic personality traits (i.e., the Five Factor Model) and to compare it to widely used measures of the DT and psychopathy in a large undergraduate sample (n = 1004).
Quantitative Analysis of Bioactive Carbazole Alkaloids in Murraya koenigii (L.) from Six Different Climatic Zones of India Using UPLC/MS/MS and Their Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Nandan Shiv , Singh Sumit K. , Singh Pratibha , Bajpai Vikas , Mishra Ashwanee K. , Joshi Trapti , Mahar Rohit , Shukla Sanjeev K. , Mishra Dipak K. , Kanojiya Sanjeev
Published: October 2021

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng (Curry leaf) is a commercially important medicinal plant in South Asia, containing therapeutically valuable carbazole alkaloids (CAs). Thus, the quantitative evaluation of these compounds from different climatic zones of India are an important aspect for quality assessment and economic isolation of targeted compounds from the plant. In this study, quantitative estimation of CAs among 34 Indian natural populations of M. koenigii was assessed using UPLC/MS/MS. The collected populations represent the humid subtropical, tropical wet & dry, tropical wet, semi‐arid, arid, and montane climatic zones of India. A total of 11 CAs viz. koenine‐I, murrayamine A, koenigine, koenimbidine, koenimbine, O‐methylmurrayamine A, girinimbine, mahanine, 8,8’’‐biskoenigine, isomahanimbine, and mahanimbine were quantified using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) experiments within 5.0 min. The respective range for natural abundance of CAs were observed as 0.097–1.222, 0.092–5.014, 0.034–0.661, 0.010–1.673, 0.013–7.336, 0.010–0.310, 0.010–0.114, 0.049–5.288, 0.031–1.731, 0.491–3.791, and 0.492–5.399 mg/g in leaves of M. koenigii. The developed method shown linearity regression coefficient (r2>0.9995), LOD (0.003–0.248 ng/mL), LOQ (0.009–0.754 ng/mL), and the recovery was between 88.803–103.729 %. The bulk of these CAs were recorded in their highest concentrations in the humid subtropical zone, followed by the tropical wet & dry zones of India. Further, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed which differentiated the climatic zones according to the dominant and significant CAs contents within the populations. The study concludes that the method established is simple, rapid, with high sample throughput, and can be used as a tool for commercial purposes and quality control of M. koenigii.
Comparative evaluation of amino acid composition and protein profile of gliadin from different extraction protocols
Authors: Rani Monika , Siddiqi Raashid Ahmad , Sogi Dalbir Singh , Gill Balmeet Singh
Published: October 2021

Significance and background

Gliadin is known to trigger the celiac disease or gluten sensitivity affecting around 70 million people globally. Its detection in early stages has become a controversial issue due to lack of efficient gliadin extraction procedures. The efficiency of gliadin extraction procedure is therefore an important critical step to the results of detection of gluten‐derived products from either rapid immunoreactivity assay kit or analytical mass analysis. Hence, four gliadin extraction procedures were investigated using six wheat cultivars and analyzed for their physiochemical analysis.

Findings

The relative proportion of ω‐gliadin, α/β‐, γ‐gliadin, HMW‐NG, and amino acid concentration of gliadin varied with the extraction protocol. The higher proportion of α/β‐, γ‐gliadin was found in Weiss extraction protocol (79.74%–88.62%) and lowest in Wallace (50.70%–58.91%). The ω‐gliadin was found to be significantly (p ≤ .05) highest in DuPont (9.78%–22.54%) and lowest in Weiss protocol (0.46%–1.04%). The region between 36 and 44 kDa showed well‐resolved bands in DuPont, while a dense mass in other extraction protocols. Amino acid score was found to be significantly (p ≤ .05) higher in DuPont (79.53–91.75 g/100 g), followed by Osborne (67.17–81.16 g/100 g), Wallace (68.54–77.58 g/100 g), and Weiss (60.97–79.16 g/100 g) extracted gliadin.

Conclusion

The extraction protocol was found to influence the proportion of different protein fractions as well as amino acid concentration.

Significance and novelty

The insight obtained gives a better understanding of how the same protein behaves when extracted with different extraction protocols.
Drag Reduction Performance and Stability of an Organic Polymer, Surfactant, and Their Complexes
Authors: Abdulbari Hayder A. , Amir Rasidah
Published: October 2021

Long‐chained polymeric drag‐reducing agents suffer from mechanical degradation when exposed to a high‐shearing environment during the transportation of liquids in turbulent flow mode. Improving the polymer's resistance to shear forces using chemical methods is time‐consuming and associated with high costs. The drag reduction performance and stability of xanthan gum polymer, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide surfactant, and their physically formed complexes were investigated using a high‐shear rotating‐disk apparatus. The results demonstrated that all the examined additives could act as effective drag‐reducing agents, and their complexes showed modified mechanical degradation and drag reduction performances.
Reflections on the intriguing occurrence of some recently isolated natural products as racemates and scalemic mixtures
Authors: Zask Arie , Ellestad George A.
Published: October 2021

This review continues our interest in the intriguing reports of a variety of new racemic natural products (at least 11 in the past 4 years). These include the polyphenolic racemate galewone, the polycyclic prenylated acylphloroglucinol garcinielliptone; variecolortide, a combination of an anthraquinone and a isochinulin‐type alkaloid; the isoindoline alkaloid irpexine, the new hybrid phenylproanoid asarone; colletopyandione an indolydenepyradione; the enantiomerically enriched (scalemic) neolignans, gardenifolins; and meroterpenoid pabmaragramin in addition to some marine lipids. We also present a recent biomimetic synthesis of the polyketide preuisolactone A; synthesis of the polyketide spiromamakone A, which also corrected the proposed structure of another metabolite as identical to spiromamakone A; and the melicolones A and B. The continuing reports of natural racemates provoke speculation as to their role in the producing organism.
Effects of early‐life exposure to dust mite allergen and endotoxin on the development of asthma and wheezing: The Japan Environment and Children's Study
Authors: Hasunuma Hideki , Yoda Yoshiko , Tokuda Narumi , Taniguchi Naoko , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Shima Masayuki ,   The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) Group
Published: October 2021

Background

The effects of early‐life exposure to house dust mite allergen and endotoxin on the development of asthma are unclear in the literature. We investigated the association of early‐life exposure (0–36 months old) to house dust mite allergen and endotoxin with asthma incidence.

Methods

In this novel, large‐scale, nationwide birth cohort study, 5017 participants were randomly selected from those who met the eligibility criteria. House dust was vacuum‐sampled from the children's mattresses within homes and assayed for the presence of dust mite allergen (Der 1) and endotoxin. The participants were classified into four quartiles (Q1–Q4) according to exposure levels. We defined the incidence of asthma and wheezing using questionnaires at 12, 24, and 36 months old. Odds ratios (ORs) of the incidence of asthma and wheezing by age in Der 1 and endotoxin exposure level were estimated using logistic regression.

Results

The cumulative incidence rates of asthma and wheezing during 0–36 months were 10.4% and 38.1%, respectively. Significant ORs were observed in asthma onset during 12–24 months old, asthma onset during 24–36 months old, and wheezing onset during 0–12 months old in the Q4 Der 1 group. In the Q4 endotoxin group, significant positive associations between endotoxin exposure and asthma (OR 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–3.85) and wheezing (OR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.01–3.12) onset during 24–36 months old were found.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that high levels of early‐life exposure to Der 1 and endotoxin in mattresses may be involved in the development of asthma.
A Patent Review on SARS Coronavirus Main Protease (3CLpro) Inhibitors
Authors: Chia C. S. Brian , Xu Weijun , Shuyi Ng Pearly
Published: October 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic is an unprecedented global health emergency causing more than 4.2 million fatalities as of 30 July 2021. Only three antiviral therapies have been approved or granted emergency use authorization by the FDA. The SARS‐CoV‐2 3CL protease (3CLpro) is deemed an attractive drug target as it plays an essential role in viral polyprotein processing and pathogenesis, although no inhibitors have been approved. This patent review discusses SARS coronavirus 3CLpro inhibitors that have been filed up to 30 July 2021, giving an overview on the types of inhibitors that have generated commercial interest, especially amongst drug companies. Insights into the common structural motifs required for active site binding is also discussed.
A reputation‐based RPL protocol to detect selective forwarding attack in Internet of Things
Authors: Patel Anshuman , Jinwala Devesh
Published: October 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) is an internet of smart objects where smart objects communicate with each other. IoT objects are deployed in open medium with dynamic topology. Due lack of infrastructure and centralized management, IoT present serious vulnerabilities to security attacks. Therefore, security is an essential prerequisite for the real‐world deployment of IoT. In this work, we propose reputation‐based RPL protocol where reputation‐based mechanism is embedded into RPL protocol to enhance its capabilities against selective forwarding attack. Reputation is calculated by evaluating data forwarding behavior of IoT node. Data forwarding behavior of IoT node is evaluated by the difference between monitored actual packet loss and estimated normal loss. Calculated reputation value is considered in parent selection. Simulation results show that the proposed approach can accurately detect and isolate selective forwarding attack with improving data delivery ratio of the IoT network.
Does the legacy of historical thinning treatments foster resilience to bark beetle outbreaks in subalpine forests?
Authors: Morris Jenna E. , Buonanduci Michele S. , Agne Michelle C. , Battaglia Mike A. , Harvey Brian J.
Published: October 2021

Promoting ecological resilience to increasing disturbance activity is a key management priority under warming climate. Across the Northern Hemisphere, tree mortality from widespread bark beetle outbreaks raises concerns for how forest management can foster resilience to future outbreaks. Density reduction (i.e., thinning) treatments can increase vigor of remaining trees, but the longevity of treatment efficacy for reducing susceptibility to future disturbance remains a key knowledge gap. Using one of the longest‐running replicated experiments in old‐growth subalpine forests, we measured stand structure following a recent (early 2000s) severe mountain pine beetle (MPB; Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreak to examine the legacy of historical (1940s) thinning treatments on two components of resilience. We asked: ‘How did historical thinning intensity affect (1) tree‐scale survival probability and stand‐scale survival proportion (collectively “resistance” to outbreak) for susceptible trees (lodgepole pine [Pinus contorta] ≥ 12 cm diameter) and (2) post‐outbreak stand successional trajectories?’ Overall outbreak severity was high (MPB killed 59% of susceptible individuals and 78% of susceptible basal area), and historical thinning had little effect on tree‐scale and stand‐scale resistance. Tree‐scale survival probability decreased sharply with increasing tree diameter and did not differ from the control (uncut stands) in the historical thinning treatments. Stand‐scale proportion of surviving susceptible trees and basal area did not differ from the control in historically thinned stands, except for treatments that removed nearly all susceptible trees, in which survival proportion approximately doubled. Despite limited effects on resistance to MPB outbreak, the legacy of historical treatments shifted dominance from large‐diameter to small‐diameter lodgepole pine by the time of outbreak, resulting in historically thinned stands with ~2× greater post‐outbreak live basal area than control stands. MPB‐driven mortality of large‐diameter lodgepole pine in control stands and density‐dependent mortality of small‐diameter trees in historically thinned stands led to convergence in post‐outbreak live tree stand structure. One exception was the heaviest historical thinning treatments (59–77% basal area removed), for which sapling dominance of shade‐tolerant, unsusceptible conifers was lower than control stands. After six decades, thinning treatments have had minimal effect on resistance to bark beetle outbreaks, but leave persistent legacies in shaping post‐outbreak successional trajectories.
Sensitive periods during the development and expression of vertebrate sexual signals: A systematic review
Authors: McDermott Molly T. , Safran Rebecca J.
Published: October 2021

Many sexually selected traits exhibit phenotypic plasticity. Despite a growing appreciation for the ecological context in which sexual selection occurs, and for the role of plasticity in shaping traits associated with local adaptation and divergence, there is an important gap in knowledge about the onset and duration of plasticity in sexual trait expression. Integrating this temporal dimension of plasticity into models of sexual selection informs our understanding of the information conveyed by sexual traits and our predictions related to trait evolution, and is critical in this time of unprecedented and rapid environmental change. We conducted a systematic review of 869 studies to ask how trait modalities (e.g., visual and chemical) relate to the onset and duration of plasticity in vertebrate sexual signals. We show that this literature is dominated by studies of coloration in birds and fish, and most studies take place during the breeding season. Where possible, we integrate results across studies to link physiology of specific trait modalities with the life stage (e.g., juvenile, breeding, or nonbreeding) during which plasticity occurs in well‐studied traits. Limitations of our review included a lack of replication in our dataset, which precluded formal analysis. We argue that the timing of trait plasticity, in addition to environmental context, is critical for determining whether and how various communication signals are associated with ecological context, because plasticity may be ongoing or occur at only one point in an individual's lifetime, and determining a fixed trajectory of trait expression. We advocate for careful consideration of the onset and duration of plasticity when analyzing how environmental variation affects sexual trait expression and associated evolutionary outcomes.
Benefits and harms of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2‐I) and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAAS‐I) versus SGLT2‐Is alone in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Seidu Samuel , Kunutsor Setor K , Topsever Pinar , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: October 2021

Introduction

It is uncertain if the combination of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2‐Is) and renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitors (RAAS‐Is) provides better cardio‐renal clinical outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared with SGLT2‐Is alone. Using a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we evaluated the efficacy and safety with respect to cardio‐renal outcomes of the combination of SGLT2 and RAAS inhibitors vs SGLT2‐Is in patients with T2DM.

Methods

Studies were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and search of bibliographies to May 2021. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias of each study. Study‐specific risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled. Quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE.

Results

Nine articles comprising 8 RCT evaluations (n = 34,551 participants) that compared SGLT2‐Is with placebo in patients with T2DM against a background of standard care and reported subgroup results for those treated with or without RAAS‐Is at baseline were included. No RCT specifically investigated the combination of SGLT2 and RAAS inhibitors compared with SGLT2‐Is alone. The RRs (95% CIs) for composite cardiovascular outcome and composite CVD death/heart failure hospitalization comparing SGLT2‐Is vs placebo in patients on RAAS‐Is were 0.93 (0.85–1.01) and 0.88 (0.76–1.02), respectively. The corresponding estimates for patients not on RAAS‐Is were 0.78 (0.65–0.93) and 0.73 (0.65–0.82), respectively. There was no evidence of interactions between RAAS‐I status and the effects of SGLT2‐Is for both outcomes. Single study results showed that SGLT2‐Is vs placebo reduced the risk of composite kidney outcome and cardiovascular death in patients with RAAS inhibition. The effect of SGLT2 inhibition vs placebo on kidney parameters, genital infections, volume depletion, hyperkalaemia, hypokalaemia, hypoglycaemia and other adverse events was similar in patients with or without RAAS inhibition. The quality of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate.

Conclusions

Aggregate published data suggest that the combination of SGLT2 and RAAS inhibitors in the treatment of patients with T2DM may be similar in efficacy and safety if not superior to SGLT2‐Is alone. Head‐to‐head comparisons of the two interventions are warranted to inform T2DM management. The use of SGLT2 inhibition as a first‐line therapy in T2DM or its early use in the prevention of renal deterioration and cardiovascular complications in addition to its glycaemic control deserves further study.
Judgement of the multidisciplinary team is an important predictor of mortality after cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Passos Luiz Carlos Santana , Viana Tainá Teixeira , Carvalho William , Grimaldi Aline , Roriz Pollianna , Figueiredo Clara , Nascimento Thais , Vieira de Melo Rodrigo Morel
Published: October 2021

Aims

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in appropriately selected patients with heart failure improves symptoms and survival. It is necessary to correctly identify patients who will benefit most from this therapy. We aimed to assess the predictive power of the multidisciplinary team's clinical judgement in the short‐term death after CRT implantation.

Methods and results

Patients with heart failure and referred for the first CRT implant were prospectively included. Prior to implantation, all patients underwent a systematic assessment with a team composed of social work, nurse, psychologist, nutritionist, and clinical cardiologist. Based on this assessment, patients could be contraindicated to CRT or referred to the procedure as favourable or unfavourable. All patients should complete 12 months of follow‐up; 172 patients were referred for CRT, 21 (12.2%) were contraindicated after the multidisciplinary team evaluation, 71 (47%) referred to CRT as non‐favourable implants, and 80 (53%) as favourable implants. All‐cause mortality occurred in only 2 (2.5%) patients in the favourable group and in 30 (42.3%) in the non‐favourable group, P < 0.001 (log rank). Among the 20 variables used as possible predictors of worse prognosis by the multidisciplinary team, four were independently associated with mortality in the follow‐up after the multivariate analysis: 1 year MAGGIC score between 40% and 49%, relative risk (RR) 5.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–18.6, P = 0.016; poor pharmacological adherence, RR 4.9, 95% CI 1.6–15.6, P = 0.007; glomerular filtration rate <35 mL/min/1.73 m2, RR 3.0, 95% CI 1.1–8.5, P = 0.041; and right ventricular dysfunction, RR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2–5.7, P = 0.018.

Conclusions

The clinical judgement before the CRT implantation performed by a multidisciplinary team through the analysis of clinical and psychosocial variables is a strong predictor of short‐term mortality.
Zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopic compositions of Palaeoproterozoic meta‐granitoids in the Lesser Himalaya, Nepal: Tectonostratigraphic implications
Authors: Yang Ping , Shi Meifeng , Tan Fuwen , Rajaure Sudhir , Tripathi Ganesh N. , He Lei , Li Zaihui , Zhan Wangzhong
Published: October 2021

The Lesser Himalayan Belt in the northern margin of Indian Shield preserves abundant sedimentary and magmatic records related to the assembly and breakup of the Columbia supercontinent. However, the Palaeoproterozoic tectonic history of the northern margin of the Indian Shield and its position in the Columbia supercontinent are still controversial. Based on detailed geological investigations in the Dailekh area of western Nepal, we conducted zircon U–Pb dating and Lu–Hf isotopic analysis for meta‐granitoids that intruded into the Lesser Himalayan Crystalline and Metasediments. The Dungeshworl granitic augen gneiss, meta‐monzogranite, and tonalitic gneiss yielded crystallization ages of 1,829 ± 12 Ma, 1,856 ± 11 Ma, and 1,852 ± 11 Ma respectively, which demonstrate that the deposition limits of both the Lesser Himalayan Crystalline and Metasediments are the Palaeoproterozoic. Zircon εHf(t) values of these meta‐granitoids range from −3.99 to +0.18, with corresponding depleted mantle two‐stage model (TDM2) ages of 2.41–2.62 Ga, indicating that they formed by reworking of Neoarchean to Palaeoproterozoic crust. Synthesizing existing geochronological, petrochemical, and zircon Lu–Hf isotopic data for metamorphic sedimentary and igneous rocks from the entire Lesser Himalayan Belt, we suggest that the Palaeoproterozoic magmatism in the northern margin of Indian Shield may be formed within subduction‐related tectonics responded to the assembly of Columbia supercontinent.
Hyperthermal events recorded in the Palaeogene carbonate sequence of southern Gulf of Mexico—Santa Elena borehole, Yucatan Peninsula
Authors: García‐Garnica Edgar M. , Pérez‐Cruz Ligia
Published: October 2021

Based on geochemical and magnetic susceptibility analyses, maximum warming events (hyperthermal) in the Palaeogene are recognized in the carbonate rocks of the Santa Elena borehole (SEB) in the Yucatan Peninsula, the Palaeocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and the Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 (ETM‐2). The site records the continental shelf marine response during these global events. Major and trace element records (Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Si, and Ti), Ca/Fe, Si/Al ratios, and magnetic susceptibility are used as proxies of terrigenous input, and Ba/Al ratio as a proxy of palaeoproductivity. The hyperthermal events are characterized by the dilution and/or dissolution of biogenic carbonates. The high input of terrigenous materials is linked to extreme precipitation, common during these warming events. Our records suggest a decrease in palaeoproductivity associated with a nutrients gradient in a shallow ecosystem, with deeper thermocline and stratified column water. The PETM is characterized by high eustatic sea‐level conditions, with a high contribution of detrital material, indicating sedimentary condensation and marked increase in precipitation, calcite dilution and/or dissolution, and low productivity. The ETM‐2 event is less extreme than the PETM, with high precipitation, although evaporation could also play an important role, as evidenced by the presence of evaporites in this interval. These changes might affect the higher trophic levels of the shelf sea ecosystem, declining productivity. The study contributes to our understanding of the global and regional effects of these past warming events and the future climate change.
The interaction of delayed retirement initiative and the multilevel social health insurance system on physical health of older people in China
Authors: Yuan Bocong , Li Jiannan , Liang Wenqi
Published: October 2021

With many social challenges posed by an ageing population, the delayed retirement initiative has received wide attention from policymakers. However, China's current multi‐level social health insurance system seems not perfect and not ready for the delayed retirement initiative. The public are generally concerned that the benefits of late retirees cannot be well guaranteed. Using data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and the chorological design (CHARLS‐2015 and ‐2018 waves), this study finds that (1) late retirement could be beneficial for physical health among older adults; (2) there have disparities between the effects of different social health insurances on physical health among older adults; (3) social health insurances could weaken the benefits of late retirement to physical health among older adults. Results imply that China's current multi‐level social medical insurance system may lag behind the proposed delayed retirement initiative and have policy limitations for late retirees.
Targeting microRNA for improved skin health
Authors: Li Xi , Ponandai‐Srinivasan Sakthi , Nandakumar Kutty Selva , Fabre Susanne , Xu Landén Ning , Mavon Alain , Khmaladze Ia
Published: October 2021

Background

In human skin, miRNAs have important regulatory roles and are involved in the development, morphogenesis, and maintenance by influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, immune regulation, and wound healing. MiRNAs have been investigated for many years in various skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, as well as malignant tumors. Only during recent times, cosmeceutical use of molecules/natural active ingredients to regulate miRNA expression for significant advances in skin health/care product development was recognized.

Aim

To review miRNAs with the potential to maintain and boost skin health and avoid premature aging by improving barrier function, preventing photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and chronological aging/senescence.

Methods

Most of the cited articles were found through literature search on PubMed. The main search criteria was a keyword “skin” in combination with the following words: miRNA, photoaging, UV, barrier, aging, exposome, acne, wound healing, pigmentation, pollution, and senescence. Most of the articles reviewed for relevancy were published during the past 10 years.

Results

All results are summarized in Figure 1, and they are based on cited references.

Conclusions

Thus, regulating miRNAs expression is a promising approach for novel therapy not only for targeting skin diseases but also for cosmeceutical interventions aiming to boost skin health.
The impacts of R&D investment and stock markets on clean‐energy consumption and CO2 emissions in OECD economies
Authors: Alam Md Samsul , Apergis Nicholas , Paramati Sudharshan Reddy , Fang Jianchun
Published: October 2021

The goal of this paper is to examine to what extent R&D investment and stock market development promote clean‐energy consumption and environmental protection across a panel of 30 OECD economies. Based on the theoretical approach, study employs robust panel econometric models, which account for cross‐sectional dependence in the analysis and uses annual data, spanning the period 1996–2013. The empirical results illustrate that R&D and stock market have a significant long‐run equilibrium relationship with clean energy and CO2 emissions. The long‐run elasticities display that R&D and stock market growth have a significant positive impact on clean‐energy consumption, while they have a negative effect on the growth of CO2 emissions. Given these findings, the paper suggests that the policy makers in the OECD economies should realize that it is worth investing in R&D activities as it is promoting the use of clean energy and ensuring low carbon economies. Therefore, the policymakers have to initiate effective policies to promote R&D activities and also encourage the firms that are listed in the stock market to adopt environmental friendly policies.
Mental health and resilience during the coronavirus pandemic: A machine learning approach
Authors: Samuelson Kristin W. , Dixon Kelly , Jordan Joshua T. , Powers Tyler , Sonderman Samantha , Brickman Sophie
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study explored risk and resilience factors of mental health functioning during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

A sample of 467 adults (M age = 33.14, 63.6% female) reported on mental health (depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], and somatic symptoms), demands and impacts of COVID‐19, resources (e.g., social support, health care access), demographics, and psychosocial resilience factors.

Results

Depression, anxiety, and PTSD rates were 44%, 36%, and 23%, respectively. Supervised machine learning models identified psychosocial factors as the primary significant predictors across outcomes. Greater trauma coping self‐efficacy and forward‐focused coping, but not trauma‐focused coping, were associated with better mental health. When accounting for psychosocial resilience factors, few external resources and demographic variables emerged as significant predictors.

Conclusion

With ongoing stressors and traumas, employing coping strategies that emphasize distraction over trauma processing may be warranted. Clinical and community outreach efforts should target trauma coping self‐efficacy to bolster resilience during a pandemic.
Highly efficient synthesis and NMR features of novel fused pyrimidothiazinium trihalogenides
Authors: Onysko Mikhajlo , Svalyavin Oleg , Slivka Marina , Slivka Mikhailo , Baumer Vjacheslav , Lendel Vasil
Published: October 2021

Condensed pyrimidines are a popular class of heterocyclic compounds because they have a wide range of biological activity. This article aims to evaluate the simple, catalyst‐free procedure of synthesis of novel fused pyrimidothiazines. An efficient access to a series of pyrazolo[4′,3′:5,6]pyrimido[2,1‐b][1,3]thiazinium, pyrazolo[3′,4′:5,6]pyrimido[2,1‐b][1,3]‐thiazinium, and benzo[b]thieno[4′,3′:5,6]pyrimido[2,1‐b][1,3]thiazinium trihalogenides was developed via electrophilic heterocyclization of corresponding pyrimidine cinnamyl thioethers under the action of halogens. The XDR and complex NMR investigations were used for solving of final products structure; the anisochronism was observed in the NMR spectra of synthesized compounds for the pairs of ortho‐ and meta‐protons, as well as the N‐phenyl substituents associated with them.
“It's a burden, it's a nuisance. I wish I didn't have these other ailments”: a qualitative exploration of comorbidities management among older people living with HIV who use drugs in Vancouver, British Columbia
Authors: Chayama Koharu Loulou , Ng Cara , Small Will , Ivsins Andrew , McNeil Ryan
Published: October 2021

Introduction

People living with HIV (PLHIV) who use illicit drugs (other than or in addition to cannabis) are living longer due to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Older PLHIV who use drugs have an increased risk for comorbidities, and managing multiple health conditions is a growing concern among this population. However, in‐depth understandings of the lived realities and complexities of living with HIV alongside comorbidities among older PLHIV who use drugs remain limited. We sought to explore how older PLHIV who use drugs manage their comorbid conditions in a setting with universal ART access.

Methods

Between January 2019 and March 2020, semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews were conducted in Vancouver, Canada with 42 older PLHIV who use drugs and were living with at least one comorbidity. All participants were currently on ART, and had initiated treatment at least 2 years prior to the interviews. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive approaches.

Results

Several themes were identified through this analysis. First, comorbidities were perceived as more urgent health concerns and prioritized over HIV. Second, stigma and discrimination hindered access to care for comorbidities. Third, the concurrent management of HIV and comorbidities was often challenging due to unmanaged or poorly managed comorbidities. Fourth, the potential impact of ART on the development of comorbidities was a source of concern and frustration. Finally, integrated treatment approaches facilitated engagement with HIV and comorbidities care.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the need for HIV care to shift from a primary focus on managing HIV to an integrated, patient‐centred approach that addresses both HIV and non‐HIV‐related health needs, as well as an equitable and non‐judgemental delivery of such care for an ageing population of PLHIV who use drugs.