bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The building bridges initiative in health sciences and medical education: Fostering connections between Brazil and the United States
Authors: Curcio Daniella , Laitman Jeffrey T.
Published: May 2021

Building Bridges is an outreach initiative that has focused upon effectuating increased communication among biomedical scientists, educators, and students in Brazil and the United States—the countries with the greatest number of medical schools in the Americas. It has been a developing project over the last 6 years, and has involved faculty, students, and civic leaders from many universities in the two countries. This Special Issue of The Anatomical Record is a continuation of the Building Bridges initiative, and brings to the fore attention onto some of the creative research being done in biomedical science, evolutionary science, biomedical education, and current health topics in Brazil. Fostering open routes of communication among scientists is a core humanistic value that is at the heart of progress and is the center of our actions. This paper reviews the history of the Building Bridges Initiative.
Identification of osteosarcoma by microRNA‐coupled nuclease digestion on interdigitated electrode sensor
Authors: Yin Guorui , Fu Bing , Xu Bo , Han Jinggang , Xue Yufeng , Chen Hulin , Zhang Xubin , Wang Guixin
Published: May 2021

Osteosarcoma is a type of tumor originating from the bone cells, most often from long bones. Children and adolescents are mainly affected by osteosarcoma. Identifying the condition with osteosarcoma is mandatory to provide proper treatment to the affected patients. This research work has introduced an identification of an osteosarcoma biomarker “miRNA‐21” on the interdigitated electrochemical sensor by nuclease digestion. The target RNA sequence of miRNA‐21 was hybridized to the capture DNA and placed on the sensing electrode surface with the aid of the biotin–streptavidin interaction. The unhybridized immobilized single‐standard capture DNA was digested by S1‐nuclease. The current response of the digestion level was considered as the duplex formation between the target and capture DNA. Using this technique, the detection limit of the target was reached to 1 fM and a similar response of current was noted with the target RNA–spiked human serum, indicating the selective identification of target RNA. Further, single mismatched, triple mismatched, and random miRNA sequences (miRNA‐195) failed to interact with the immobilized capture DNA, representing the specific identification of target RNA. This nuclease digestion technique with miRNA‐21 identification helps in detecting osteosarcoma and related issues.
Achieving holistic care for refugees: The experiences of educators and other stakeholders in Surrey and Greater Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Barber Susan
Published: May 2021

In 2020, the global number of refugees reached record levels, pressuring asylum countries to determine more effective methods for facilitating integration. This article explores an array of stakeholder practices towards refugees in Surrey and Greater Vancouver, Canada. It is based on questionnaires and interviews that elicit the perceptions and struggles of 40 settlement workers, health and mental health professionals, Members of Parliament, educators, librarians, scholars and grassroots organisations, who work with refugees. The findings show that stakeholders often feel isolated, ‘working in silos’ and wasting time and money due to uncoordinated services and a lack of interagency communication. They feel it is also unreasonable to expect Government‐Assisted Refugees (GARs) to learn English and complete job training in preparation for independent living within 1 year of support. Both refugee adults and children suffer from high levels of trauma, often compounded by interrupted or no schooling. Since education is essential to refugee success, I argue that teachers play a role in filling the gap, often uniquely positioned to form ongoing, safe and trusting relationships with refugee students and their families. For many teachers, it is an ethos of care, compassion and social justice acquired in teacher education programmes that increases refugee resilience, sense of belonging and wellbeing. This article identifies what new collaborations between teachers and other stakeholders might accomplish, including communication back to government policymakers. Recommendations encompass initiating online registries of services and low‐cost housing in neighbourhoods where community schools and services are interlinked, possibly achieving holistic care for all refugees.
How do small businesses pursue sustainability? The role of collective agency for integrating planned and emergent strategy making
Authors: Luederitz Christopher , Caniglia Guido , Colbert Barry , Burch Sarah
Published: May 2021

Research on sustainability strategy in large corporations has shown that carefully planned strategies can address environmental and social concerns. However, we still lack clarity on how small businesses form sustainability strategies. Assuming that small businesses can—or should—carefully plan strategies is inappropriate considering that such organizations often lack the needed resources, foresight, and formalized decision‐making structures. Building on the study of two craft breweries in Canada and Germany, we detail how a combination of planned and emergent actions enables owners, employees, and external stakeholders to jointly form strategic sustainability orientation. Developing these findings into an integrated activity‐based model, we show the need to move beyond the dichotomy between planned and emergent strategizing. We contribute a human‐centered perspective to the sustainability strategy literature and suggest that research should take the role of people in small businesses more seriously as here interpersonal relationships and collective agency are central in forming strategic sustainability orientation.
RAG1 co‐expression signature identifies ETV6‐RUNX1‐like B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children
Authors: Chen Dongfeng , Camponeschi Alessandro , Nordlund Jessica , Marincevic‐Zuniga Yanara , Abrahamsson Jonas , Lönnerholm Gudmar , Fogelstrand Linda , Mårtensson Inga‐Lill
Published: May 2021

B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP‐ALL) can be classified into subtypes according to the genetic aberrations they display. For instance, the translocation t(12;21)(p13;q22), representing the ETV6‐RUNX1 fusion gene (ER), is present in a quarter of BCP‐ALL cases. However, around 10% of the cases lack classifying chromosomal abnormalities (B‐other). In pediatric ER BCP‐ALL, rearrangement mediated by RAG (recombination‐activating genes) has been proposed as the predominant driver of oncogenic rearrangement. Herein we analyzed almost 1600 pediatric BCP‐ALL samples to determine which subtypes express RAG. We demonstrate that RAG1 mRNA levels are especially high in the ETV6‐RUNX1 (ER) subtype and in a subset of B‐other samples. We also define 31 genes that are co‐expressed with RAG1 (RAG1‐signature) in the ER subtype, a signature that also identifies this subset of B‐other samples. Moreover, this subset also shares leukemia and pro‐B gene expression signatures as well as high levels of the ETV6 target genes (BIRC7, WBP1L, CLIC5, ANGPTL2) with the ER subtype, indicating that these B‐other cases are the recently identified ER‐like subtype. We validated our results in a cohort where ER‐like has been defined, which confirmed expression of the RAG1‐signature in this recently described subtype. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the RAG1‐signature identifies the ER‐like subtype. As there are no definitive genetic markers to identify this novel subtype, the RAG1‐signature represents a means to screen for this leukemia in children.
IBSP, a potential recurrence biomarker, promotes the progression of colorectal cancer via Fyn/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Yan , Qin Ying , Dai Mengmeng , Liu Liping , Ni Yong , Sun Qinsheng , Li Lulu , Zhou Yaoyao , Qiu Cheng , Jiang Yuyang
Published: May 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a frequently occurring digestive system cancer and postoperative tumor metastasis and recurrence are the main reasons for the failure of CRC treatment. The aim of this study was to identifying and validating key genes associated with metastatic recurrence of CRC. RNA expression of three datasets (GSE17538, GSE32323, and GSE29623) was used for biomarker discovery. We identified integrin‐binding sialoprotein (IBSP) as a candidate biomarker which was validated in three clinical cohorts (GSE41258, GSE21510, and GSE39582) and our clinical specimens. The results suggested that IBSP expression significantly increased at mRNA and protein levels among CRC cases, which was associated with metastatic recurrence, metastasis, high risk of recurrence, and poor survival in CRC. Consistent results were obtained in CRC cells. The relative level of serum IBSP evidently increased among CRC patients relative to normal controls, and downregulated after operation. As suggested by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), the IBSP level was associated with cell‐matrix adhesion in CRC. Functional experiments in vitro showed that IBSP promoted the growth and aggressiveness of CRC, and the potential mechanism by which IBSP promoted carcinogenesis of CRC was the abnormal activation of Fyn/β‐catenin signaling pathway. To sum up, findings in the present work indicate that IBSP can serve as the candidate biomarker for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of CRC.
Dimeric Acylphloroglucinol Derivatives with New Skeletons from Leptospermum scoparium
Authors: Xia Kai , Gu Ji‐Hong , Fu Xiao‐Xue , Li Ni‐Ping , Chen Mu , Huang Qian , Wang Wen‐Jing , Ye Wen‐Cai , Wang Lei
Published: May 2021

Leptosparones A–F (1–6), six new dimeric acylphloroglucinol derivatives with unprecedented skeletons, were isolated from Leptospermum scoparium. Compounds 1–3 and 5–6 are phenylpropanoyl‐phloroglucinol dimers, while 4 is a phenylpropanoylphloroglucinol‐isovalerylphloroglucinol hybrid. Structurally, these compounds represent the first examples of dimeric phloroglucinols with unprecedented C(7′)−C(8) linkage between the phloroglucinol core and the acyl side chain. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analyses of spectroscopic data, single crystal X‐ray diffraction and chemical calculations. In addition, all compounds showed inhibitory effects against α‐glucosidase with IC50 values ranging from 39.5 to 186.8 μM.
Versatile Coordination of AgI and CuI Ions towards cyclo‐As5 Ligands
Authors: Moussa Mehdi Elsayed , Fleischmann Martin , Balázs Gábor , Virovets Alexander V. , Peresypkina Eugenia , Shelyganov Pavel A. , Seidl Michael , Reichl Stephan , Scheer Manfred
Published: May 2021

The reactions of the cyclo‐As5 complex [Cp*Fe(η5‐As5)] (B) with the AgI and CuI salts of the weakly coordinating anion (WCA) [FAl{OC6F10(C6F5)}3]− ([FAl]−) are studied. These reactions allow the synthesis of the mononuclear complexes [M(η5 : η2‐B)2][FAl] (M=Ag (1), Cu (2)) when a ratio of B/M(FAl) 2 : 1 is used. Compound 1 shows an unusual disorder of the central AgI cation between two π‐coordinating cyclo‐As5 ligands, which is absent in 2 pointing to a weak interaction of the Ag center towards the cyclo‐As5 ligands in B. When the ratio of B/Ag(FAl) is changed to 3 : 1 or 1 : 1, the respective coordination compounds [Ag(η2‐B)3][FAl] (3) and [Ag2(η2 : η2‐B)2][FAl]2 (4) are accessible. The coordination modes of the cyclo‐As5 units in 1, 3 and 4 are all different, reflecting the adaptive coordination behavior of B towards AgI ions. The optimized geometries in the gas phase of 1–4 are determined by DFT calculations to support the bonding situation observed in their solid‐state structures.
Re‐entrant Photoinduced Morphological Transformation and Temperature‐Dependent Kinetic Products of a Rectangular Amphiphilic Diarylethene Assembly
Authors: Kotani Yasunobu , Yasuda Haruka , Higashiguchi Kenji , Matsuda Kenji
Published: May 2021

An amphiphilic rectangular‐shaped photochromic diarylethene bearing two hydrophobic alkyl chains and two hydrophilic tri(ethylene glycol) chains was synthesized, and its photoinduced morphological transformation in water was investigated. Two unexpected phenomena were revealed in the course of the experiments: a re‐entrant photoinduced macroscopic morphological transformation and temperature‐dependent kinetic products of supramolecular assembly. When the pure closed‐ring isomer was dispersed in water, a re‐entrant photoinduced morphological transformation, that is, a photoinduced transition from the hydrated phase to the dehydrated phase and then back to the hydrated phase, was observed by optical microscopy upon irradiation with green light at 20 °C; this was interpreted by the V‐shaped phase diagram of the LCST transition. The aqueous assembly of the pure closed‐ring isomer was controlled by changing the temperature; specifically, rapid cooling to 15 and 5 °C gave J and H aggregates, respectively, as the kinetic products. The thermodynamic product at both temperatures was a mixture of mostly H aggregate with a small amount of J aggregate. This behavior was rationalized by the temperature‐dependent potential energy surface of the supramolecular assembly.
Charge Transfer Metal‐Organic Framework Containing Redox‐Active TTF/NDI Units for Highly Efficient Near‐Infrared Photothermal Conversion
Authors: Yan Tong , Li Yu‐Yang , Su Jian , Wang Hai‐Ying , Zuo Jing‐Lin
Published: May 2021

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), as a class of new inorganic‐organic hybrid crystal materials, could have important applications in near‐infrared (NIR) photothermal conversion. Herein, a new charge‐transfer MOF (Co‐MOF) with mixed ligands of H4TTFTB and bpmNDI incorporating redox‐active tetrathiafulvalene/naphthalene diimide (TTF/NDI) units into one system is reported. Due to the presence of TTF/NDI oxidative and reductive couples, stable radicals can be observed in the MOF. In addition, charge transfer from the electron donor (TTF) to the acceptor (NDI) results in a broad absorption in the NIR region. The Co‐MOF exhibited an efficient photothermal effect induced by irradiation with a NIR laser. Under the 808 nm laser (0.7 W cm−2) illumination, the temperature of the Co‐MOF increased from room temperature to 201 °C in only 10 s. Furthermore, a series of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films doped with trace amounts of Co‐MOF showed efficient NIR photothermal conversion. When a Co‐MOF@PDMS (0.6 wt %) film is irradiated by 808 nm laser with power of 0.5 W cm−2, it′s temperature can reach a plateau at 62 °C from 20 °C within 100 s. Our experimental results from the Co‐MOF@PDMS film demonstrate that the effectiveness and feasibility of the material is promising for photothermal applications.
Colonic epithelial cathelicidin (LL‐37) expression intensity is associated with progression of colorectal cancer and presence of CD8+ T cell infiltrate
Authors: Porter Ross J , Murray Graeme I , Alnabulsi Abdo , Humphries Matthew P , James Jacqueline A , Salto‐Tellez Manuel , Craig Stephanie G , Wang Ji M , Yoshimura Teizo , McLean Mairi H
Published: May 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality. Here, we define the colonic epithelial expression of cathelicidin (LL‐37) in CRC. Cathelicidin exerts pleotropic effects including anti‐microbial and immunoregulatory functions. Genetic knockout of cathelicidin led to increased size and number of colorectal tumours in the azoxymethane‐induced murine model of CRC. We aimed to translate this to human disease. The expression of LL‐37 in a large (n = 650) fully characterised cohort of treatment‐naïve primary human colorectal tumours and 50 matched normal mucosa samples with associated clinical and pathological data (patient age, gender, tumour site, tumour stage [UICC], presence or absence of extra‐mural vascular invasion, tumour differentiation, mismatch repair protein status, and survival to 18 years) was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The biological consequences of LL‐37 expression on the epithelial barrier and immune cell phenotype were assessed using targeted quantitative PCR gene expression of epithelial permeability (CLDN2, CLDN4, OCLN, CDH1, and TJP1) and cytokine (IL‐1β, IL‐18, IL‐33, IL‐10, IL‐22, and IL‐27) genes in a human colon organoid model, and CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocyte phenotyping by immunohistochemistry, respectively. Our data reveal that loss of cathelicidin is associated with human CRC progression, with a switch in expression intensity an early feature of CRC. LL‐37 expression intensity is associated with CD8+ T cell infiltrate, influenced by tumour characteristics including mismatch repair protein status. There was no effect on epithelial barrier gene expression. These data offer novel insights into the contribution of LL‐37 to the pathogenesis of CRC and as a therapeutic molecule.
Dispersed dummy selection approach for location‐based services to preempt user‐profiling
Authors: Manju Anamala Balaji , Sumathy Subramanian
Published: May 2021

Location‐based services (LBS) provide specific personalized services based on the location information provided by the user. Disclosing the users' private data is a challenging issue prevailing in LBS. Users become victims of online user‐profile disclosure risks when they continuously utilize the services and attempt to disclose private data. The proposed dispersed dummy selection‐based approaches such as dispersed dummy selection including actual location (DDSIA) and dispersed dummy selection excluding actual location (DDSEA) avert user‐profiling issue. The dummy locations are chosen based on the auxiliary information of the location, user, and physical dispersion. The auxiliary information about the location is fetched from the local fog servers, and auxiliary information about the user is stored and retrieved from the cloud storage. An anonymous circular area is considered to ensure the dummy locations are dispersed, and the user‐location correlations get dissipated. The detailed analysis of the proposed approaches is explored with the real‐world map data, and its effectiveness is verified with simulations using Matlab. In addition, the qualitative analysis tests the resistance of the dummies against human observations. The results obtained substantiate that the proposed approaches are efficient in terms of dispersion degree and resistance to human observations that avert user profiling.
Is the postoperative discomfort after connective tissue harvesting from the palate influenced by the use of a bipolar coagulator? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tirone Federico , Salzano Stefano , Panuello Paola , Pozzatti Laura , Rodi Donata
Published: May 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the effect of the use of a bipolar coagulator on postoperative pain and complications when used during connective tissue harvesting from the palate.

Material and methods

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 57 sequential patients requiring a connective tissue graft for periodontal or implant surgery. All samples were harvested superficially and de‐epithelized outside the mouth. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups: in one group, the bipolar coagulator was used before suturing to control bleeding, and in the other group, the coagulator was not used. The surgeon was unaware of the randomization until the end of the harvesting phase. Self‐reported maximum pain, number of painkillers used, bleeding events, emergency visits at the clinic were recorded 7 days after surgery.

Results

Fifty patients were randomized and treated (seven were excluded for different reasons). The mean harvested area was 75.24 mm2 (SD, 33.96), and the mean thickness of the samples was 2.47 mm (SD, 0.75). The mean self‐reported pain value on the visual analog scale was 3.37 (SD, 2.30), and the mean number of pain medications used was 7.1 (SD, 6.60). Seven patients made an emergency visit each, and 17 delayed bleeding events were reported by 15 patients. No statistically significant differences were reported in postoperative pain, postoperative bleeding, and emergency visit to the clinic between the groups that did and did not use the bipolar coagulator. When smoking habits were taken into consideration, the number of pain medications was higher among male smokers and older smokers than among male non‐smokers and younger smokers. This study was not able to find a relationship between harvested sample dimension or thickness and postoperative discomfort.

Conclusions

The bipolar coagulator can be used during connective tissue harvesting from the palate to control bleeding without influencing postoperative pain.
Exchange fluid model derived from quantum kinetic theory for plasmas
Authors: Haas Fernando
Published: May 2021

Starting from quantum kinetic theory for ideal plasmas with exchange effects, the quantum hydrodynamic equations are derived from taking moments of the corresponding exchange‐Vlasov equation. The case of an electron‐ion plasma where ions are entirely classical is considered. The linear dispersion relation for ion‐acoustic waves is found from the macroscopic equations and compared with exchange quantum kinetic theory, yielding a qualitative agreement apart from a numerical factor of order one in the exchange contribution, assuming a Maxwellian background as a first step, for analytical simplicity. The validity conditions of the treatment are discussed and exchange effects are shown to be necessarily a correction, within the ideal and long wavelength approximations.
Quintuple parasitism of a great reed warbler nest by common cuckoos
Authors: Marton Attila
Published: May 2021

Multiple parasitism in obligate avian brood parasites occurs when several brood parasitic females lay their eggs in the nest of the same host. While multiple parasitism is common in the highly social, nonevicting cowbird species (Molothrus sp.), in which multiple parasitic nestlings can be raised simultaneously by the same hosts, it is less common in the case of cuckoo species (Cuculus sp.). The first cuckoo nestling to hatch from the egg evicts all nestmates; therefore, it is costly for cuckoo females to lay eggs in already parasitized nests. However, this can occur in sites with very high parasitism rates, and it can even increase the breeding success of the brood parasites, as the presence of multiple parasitic eggs in the nest of the host decreases rejection rates. Here, we present a case of a quintuple brood parasitism of a great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) nest, an extreme form of multiple brood parasitism.
Integrating counts, telemetry, and non‐invasive DNA data to improve demographic monitoring of an endangered species
Authors: Moeller Anna K. , Nowak J. Joshua , Neufeld Lalenia , Bradley Mark , Manseau Micheline , Wilson Paul , McFarlane Samantha , Lukacs Paul M. , Hebblewhite Mark
Published: May 2021

Population monitoring can take many different forms, and monitoring elusive and endangered species frequently involves a variety of sparse data from different sources. Small populations are often hard to sample precisely and without bias, so when estimates of vital rates like survival or recruitment point to conflicting population trends, it can be hard to determine which is more correct. Furthermore, data can be extremely hard to collect on small populations and it can be helpful to find a way to use all available hard‐won data. To address these issues, we developed an integrated population model (IPM) using all available data to estimate vital rates and abundance for a case study of an endangered woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) population. This IPM allowed us to incorporate data from juvenile recruitment surveys, telemetry‐based survival, aerial population counts and mark–resight data, and non‐invasive capture–recapture DNA data to better understand population status and trend. We estimated survival, abundance, and recruitment of four age classes of male and female caribou: young, juveniles, subadults, and adults. The four‐age class structure of the IPM allowed us to estimate recruitment from reproductive‐aged female caribou alone, even though it can be difficult to distinguish age classes—and even sexes—in the field. As part of our IPM, we developed a novel mixture model to break apart data from different age classes when age is unobservable, as it typically is from non‐invasive DNA samples. This helped us decrease bias in juvenile and adult survival estimates from scat data, which was important to our understanding of the population dynamics. Overall, our integrated model provided more precise estimates of population trends than any one method (e.g., telemetry or non‐invasive DNA) alone. This IPM provides a useful, flexible tool for biologists to monitor populations and provides a valuable example of the benefits of integrated population modeling approaches for endangered species management and recovery.
Long live the data! Embedded data management at a long‐term ecological research site
Authors: Kaplan Nicole E. , Baker Karen S. , Karasti Helena
Published: May 2021

Open‐access data associated with research efforts depend upon managing, packaging, and preserving data for sharing with collaborators and the public. The U.S. Long‐Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network, established in 1980, provides an early example of embedded data management supporting long‐term, place‐based research and contributes to our understanding of the enactment of open data access within scientific research arenas. Here, we examine collective data activities enabled by embedding data management within the Shortgrass Steppe (SGS) research site. Study of the SGS LTER, a member of the U.S. LTER Network for more than three decades, provided a unique opportunity to investigate data management practices and challenges during the life cycle of a long‐term project. It illustrates how a continuous, uninterrupted focus on data management positioned in dynamic interaction with researchers at a site as well as with an active network‐wide data management committee can stimulate the growth of both data expertise and data infrastructure. We report on an ethnographic study by a collaborative team of researchers, all having been involved with the LTER network and well‐positioned for investigating data management challenges faced during the periods of activation, maturation, and decommissioning of a project at a research site. Termination of the SGS site's membership in the U.S. LTER Network prompted rethinking about long‐term data management. During the decommissioning phase, we document how views on temporality and data management strategies shift from planning for a longitudinal, ongoing site to wrapping up a long‐term project. Striving to ensure “long live the data” at the end, novel data arrangements, such as development of a digital legacy project collection, contribute to data stewardship. Lastly, from this study of a long‐term research site, we offer five recommendations about data management and describe strategies pertinent to planning for data management and open access for other research projects.
Pain referral area is reduced by remote pain
Authors: Palsson Thorvaldur S. , Doménech‐García Victor , Boudreau Shellie S. , Graven‐Nielsen Thomas
Published: May 2021

Background

Endogenous pain inhibitory mechanisms are known to reduce pain intensity, but whether they influence the size and distribution of pain referral is unclear. This study aimed to determine if referred pain is reduced by applying a remote, conditioning painful stimulus.

Methods

Twenty‐four healthy men participated in this randomized, crossover study with a control and conditioning session. Referred pain was induced from the infraspinatus muscle (dominant side) by a painful pressure for 60 s. When applying pressure, the intensity was adjusted to a local pain intensity of 7/10 on a numerical rating scale. In the conditioning session, tonic painful pressure was simultaneously applied to the non‐dominant leg during induction of referred pain. The area of referred pain was drawn onto a digital body chart and size extracted for data analysis.

Results

For the total group and in a subgroup with distinct patterns of referred pain (n = 15/24), the pain area perceived in the back and front+back was smaller during the conditioning compared with the control (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between sessions in a subgroup only demonstrating local pain (n = 9/24).

Conclusions

Engaging the descending noxious inhibitory control reduced the size of pain areas predominately when distinct pain referral was present. Assuming a conditioning effect of descending inhibitory control acting on dorsal horn neurons, these findings may indicate that mechanisms underlying pain referral can be modulated by endogenous control. The findings may indicate that referred pain may be a useful proxy to evaluate sensitivity of central pain mechanisms as previously suggested.

Significance

The current results indicate a link between endogenous inhibition and pain referral. Descending inhibitory control effects on pain referral support a spinal mechanism involved in pain referral. Future studies should investigate whether the spatial characteristics of referred pain (e.g. size, frequency of affected body regions and distribution away from the primary nociceptive stimulus) can useful to evaluate the efficiency of endogenous pain modulation.
Analyzing the frequency dynamics of volatility spillovers across precious and industrial metal markets
Authors: Liu Tangyong , Gong Xu , Lin Boqiang
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates the volatility spillovers across precious and industrial metal markets over the period 1993–2019 based on the DY and ​BK methods. Results are summarized as follows: (1) while volatility spillovers across industrial metals are higher than across precious metals, the opposite occurs during crisis periods where precious metals cause net volatility spillovers to industrial metals; (2) volatility spillovers of the two metal groups show different dynamics in the short‐, medium‐ and long‐term components, especially in the short‐ and medium‐term components.
Sarcomas with sclerotic epithelioid phenotype harboring novel EWSR1‐SSX1 fusions
Authors: Antonescu Cristina R. , Rosenberg Andrew E. , Xie Ziyu , Zhang Lei , Perell Katharina Anne , Loya Anand C.
Published: May 2021

Undifferentiated sarcomas remain difficult to classify. Despite the remarkable advances in sarcoma classification made by the increased application of RNA sequencing in clinical practice, the unexpected result of a novel gene fusion raises further questions regarding the tumor histogenesis and subclassification. In this study, we present two high grade sarcomas with epithelioid phenotype occurring in the deep‐soft tissues (shoulder, thigh) of young adults which based on the non‐specific pathologic findings were deemed unclassified and subjected to targeted RNA sequencing for further diagnostic interpretation. The results showed an identical EWSR1 exon 7‐SSX1 exon 5 fusion. The breakpoints in both genes represent similar hot spots as seen in Ewing sarcoma and synovial sarcoma, generating a fusion transcript predicted to be in frame, and to retain the same protein domains within the fusion oncoprotein. These results were further confirmed by FISH analysis for both break‐apart and fusion come‐together assays in both genes. Both tumors showed a round to epithelioid morphology associated with extensive stromal hyalinization and necrosis. One case showed scattered psammomatous calcifications. The tumors shared a similar immunoprofile, including reactivity for EMA, CK, TLE1, BCOR, and CD99, while negative for S100, SOX10, CD34, SMA, and desmin. Both cases showed MUC4 positivity (one diffuse, one patchy), while one case showed patchy ALK positivity. One patient developed lymph node metastases, while the other showed no evidence of disease at 6‐month follow‐up. Neither case fit in any known pathologic categories. Larger series are needed to interrogate if the presence of EWSR1‐SSX1 fusion defines a novel pathologic entity of a sarcoma with epithelioid cytomorphology, sclerotic stroma, and epithelial differentiation immunohistochemically.
Effect of low‐level roadway tunneling on gas drainage for underlying coal seam mining: Numerical analysis and field application
Authors: Xu Chao , Sun Haoshi , Wang Kai , Qin Liangliang , Guo Chaofei , Wen Zhijie
Published: May 2021

Coalbed methane (CBM), which is extremely rich in deep coal reserves in China, is not only the material cause of gas explosion and coal‐gas outburst disasters but also a clean and environmentally friendly energy source. Gas drainage must be carried out during deep coal mining to avoid gas accidents while obtaining clean energy. The low‐level roadway is an effective gas drainage measure for coal seams with high coal‐gas outburst risk and low‐permeability, and it can simultaneously realize the functions of gas drainage before and during mining. Roadway tunneling has a strong influence on the stress and permeability properties of the adjusted coal seams, and further determines the gas drainage efficiency and the layout of the air‐return roadway. Taking the Pingshu Coal Mine as an example, this paper analyzes the influence of the vertical distance between the low‐level roadway and the underlying coal seam, and the influence of the width and height of the low‐level roadway on the stress relief and deformation characteristics. The results indicate that the low‐level roadway tunneling results in a nonuniform stress disturbance of coal seam #15. And a reasonable layout and size parameters of the air‐return roadway in coal seam #15 were proposed based on which gas drainage practices were carried out with good effects in panel #15211. The research can effectively guide the elimination of coal and gas outburst in return air roadway, and achieve the purpose of safe and rapid tunneling coal roadway under the environment of highly‐gassy coal seam. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hydropedological approach to simulate streamflow and soil water contents with SWAT+
Authors: van Tol Johan , Bieger Katrin , Arnold Jeffrey G.
Published: May 2021

Reflecting internal catchment hydrological processes in hydrological models is important for accurate predictions of the impact of climate and land‐use change on water resources. Characterizing these processes is however difficult and expensive due to their dynamic nature and spatio‐temporal variability. Hydropedology is a relatively new discipline focusing on the synergistic integration of hydrology, soil physics and pedology. Hydropedological interpretations of soils and soil distribution can be used to characterize key hydrological processes, especially in areas with no or limited hydrometric measurements. Here we applied a hydropedological approach to reflect flowpaths through detailed routing in SWAT+ for a 157 ha catchment (Weatherley) in South Africa. We compared the hydropedological approach and a standard (no routing) approach against measured streamflow (two weirs) and soil water contents (13 locations). The catchment was treated as ‘ungauged’ and the model was not calibrated against hydrometric measurements in order to determine the direct contribution of hydropedology on modelling efficiency. Streamflow was predicted well without calibration (NSE > 0.8; R2 > 0.82) for both approaches at both weirs. The standard approach yielded slightly better streamflow predictions. The hydropedological approach resulted in considerable improvements in the simulation of soil water contents (R2 increased from 0.40 to 0.49 and PBIAS decreased from 40% to 20%). The routing capacity of SWAT+ as employed in the hydropedological approach reduced the underestimation of wetland water regimes drastically and resulted in a more accurate representation of the dominant hydrological processes in this catchment. We concluded that hydropedology can be a valuable source of ‘soft data’ to reflect internal catchment structure and processes and, potentially, for realistic calibrations in other studies, especially those conducted in areas with limited hydrometric measurements.
Spectrum‐dependent photonic synapses based on 2D imine polymers for power‐efficient neuromorphic computing
Authors: Zhang Junyao , Shi Qianqian , Wang Ruizhi , Zhang Xuan , Li Li , Zhang Jianhua , Tian Li , Xiong Lize , Huang Jia
Published: May 2021

2D polymers (2DPs) have attracted increasing interests in sensors, catalysis, and gas storage applications. Furthermore, 2DPs with unique band structure and tunable photophysical properties also have immense potential for application in photonic neuromorphic computing. Here, photonic synaptic transistors based on 2DPs as the light‐tunable charge‐trapping medium are developed for the first time. The resulted organic transistors can successfully emulate common synaptic functions, including excitatory postsynaptic current, pair‐pulse facilitation, the transition of short‐term memory to long‐term memory, and dynamic filtering. Benefitting from the high photosensitivity of the 2DP, the devices can be operated under a low operating voltage of −0.1 V, and achieve an ultralow energy consumption of ~0.29 pJ per event. In addition, the heterostructure formed between the 2DP and organic semiconductor enables spectrum‐dependent synaptic responses, which facilitates the simulation of visual learning and memory processes in distinct emotional states. The underlying mechanism of spectrum‐dependent synaptic‐like behaviors is systematically validated with in situ atomic force microscopy based electrical techniques. The spectrum‐enabled tunability of synaptic behaviors further promotes the realization of optical logic functions and associative learning. This work inspires the new application of 2DPs in photonic synapses for future neuromorphic computing.

image
The role of BAG3 in health and disease: A “Magic BAG of Tricks”
Authors: Lin Heng , Koren Shon A. , Cvetojevic Gregor , Girardi Peter , Johnson Gail V. W.
Published: May 2021

The multi‐domain structure of Bcl‐2‐associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) facilitates its interaction with many different proteins that participate in regulating a variety of biological pathways. After revisiting the BAG3 literature published over the past ten years with Citespace software, we classified the BAG3 research into several clusters, including cancer, cardiomyopathy, neurodegeneration, and viral propagation. We then highlighted recent key findings in each cluster. To gain greater insight into the roles of BAG3, we analyzed five different published mass spectrometry data sets of proteins that co‐immunoprecipitate with BAG3. These data gave us insight into universal, as well as cell‐type‐specific BAG3 interactors in cancer cells, cardiomyocytes, and neurons. Finally, we mapped variable BAG3 SNPs and also mutation data from previous publications to further explore the link between the domains and function of BAG3. We believe this review will provide a better understanding of BAG3 and direct future studies towards understanding BAG3 function in physiological and pathological conditions.
Hydrogenation of biomass derivatives over Ni/clay catalyst: significant impacts of the treatment of clay with NaOH on the reaction network
Authors: Tian Hongli , Shao Yuewen , Sun Kai , Gao Guoming , Zhang Lijun , Zhang Shu , Xu Leilei , Hu Guangzhi , Hu Xun
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Ordinary clay is a natural material with bulk volume that can potentially be used as a low‐cost support material for a catalyst after activation.

RESULTS

In this study, ordinary clay was pretreated with NaOH and used as the support of a nickel catalyst. The treatment of the clay with NaOH significantly increased the mesopores, remarkably promoting the dispersion of Ni and enhancing the thermal stability of nickel by increasing the interaction of nickel with the support. In addition, the activation of the clay with NaOH created abundant alkaline sites and, correspondingly, reduced the acid sites on the catalyst surface.

CONCLUSION

The presence of the alkaline sites suppressed the acetalization and etherification in the conversion of either furfural or vanillin in ethanol, making hydrogenation the dominant reaction route. The alkaline sites with an electron‐rich nature also suppressed the further hydrogenation of the furan ring in furfuryl alcohol with ethanol as the reaction medium. The nickel catalyst with the untreated clay as support did not have such an effect and the abundant acidic sites made the acetalization/etherification the competitive reactions of hydrogenation. The acidic/basic properties of the Ni/clay before and after the pretreatment with NaOH significantly impacted the reaction network in the hydrogenation reactions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The facile fabrication and structural control of carbon‐MIL‐125 by coupling pre‐hydrolysate and Ti‐MOF for photocatalytic sterilization under visible light
Authors: Sha Lei , Ji Xingxiang , Si Hongyu , Zhang Liqiong , Li Changwei , Wu Qin , Zhao Xin , Chen Honglei
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Carbon‐MIL‐125 can be successfully prepared from pre‐hydrolysate and metal oxide TiO2 (Ti‐MOF) by coupling hydrothermal and carbonization processes. The use of this pre‐hydrolysate to prepare carbon (C)‐based materials could provide a value‐added product and allow the more complete use of bioresources. Combining the photocatalytic bactericidal properties of Ti‐MOF and adsorption capacity of biomass‐based C materials could further improve the antibacterial efficiency of the materials, and C could expand the response range of TiO2 to light and reduce the reorganization rate of photogenerated electrons and holes. This strategy could potentially increase the rate and efficiency of catalytic reactions.

RESULTS

The morphologies and structures of samples were controlled via one‐ and two‐step routes. The obtained samples exhibited 1‐2 μm size and different morphologies. C1‐MIL‐125 showed a spherical morophology via ont‐step, C2‐MIL‐125 displayed a new type of rough tablet structure via two‐step. Meanwhile, Ti exists in the form of the mixture of TiO2 in the anatase and rutile phases. The catalytic activity of mixed TiO2 forms is higher than pure anatase or rutile, removal of Escherichia coli could reach 99.00% and 98.67% under a xenon lamp via one‐ and two‐step processes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This work could realize high value‐added utilization of biomass and is expected to provide new prospects for the design of superior photocatalysts for water disinfection. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanisms involved in the production of differently colored feathers in the structurally colored swallow tanager (Tersina viridis; Aves: Thraupidae)
Authors: Bazzano Lisandro T. , Mendicino Lucas R. , Inchaussandague Marina E. , Skigin Diana C. , García Natalia C. , Tubaro Pablo L. , Barreira Ana S.
Published: May 2021

Non‐iridescent, structural coloration in birds originates from the feather's internal nanostructure (the spongy matrix) but melanin pigments and the barb's cortex can affect the resulting color. Here, we explore how this nanostructure is combined with other elements in differently colored plumage patches within a bird. We investigated the association between light reflectance and the morphology of feathers from the back and belly plumage patches of male swallow tanagers (Tersina viridis), which look greenish‐blue and white, respectively. Both plumage patches have a reflectance peak around 550 nm but the reflectance spectrum is much less saturated in the belly. The barbs of both types of feathers have similar spongy matrices at their tips, rendering their reflectance spectra alike. However, the color of the belly feather barbs changes from light green at their tips to white closer to the rachis. These barbs lack pigments and their morphology changes considerably throughout. Toward the rachis, the barb is almost hollow, with a reduced area occupied by spongy matrix, and has a flattened shape. By contrast, the blue back feathers' barbs have melanin underneath the spongy matrix resulting in a much more saturated coloration. The color of these barbs is also even along the barbs' length. Our results suggest that the color differences between the white and greenish‐blue plumage are mostly due to the differential deposition of melanin and a reduction of the spongy matrix near the rachis of the belly feather barbs and not a result of changes in the characteristics of the spongy matrix.
Analysis of deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 pathogenesis based on single-cell RNA sequencing of monocytes
Authors: Watanabe Naoki , Gao Shouguo , Wu Zhijie , Batchu Sai , Kajigaya Sachiko , Diamond Carrie , Alemu Lemlem , Raffo Diego Quinones , Hoffmann Patrycja , Stone Deborah , Ombrello Amanda K , Young Neal S
Published: May 2021

Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by loss-of-function variants in the ADA2 gene. DADA2 typically presents in childhood and is characterized by vasculopathy, stroke, inflammation, immunodeficiency, as well as hematologic manifestations. ADA2 protein is predominantly present in stimulated monocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages. To elucidate molecular mechanisms in DADA2, CD14+ monocytes from 14 patients and 6 healthy donors were analyzed using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Monocytes were purified by positive selection based on CD14 expression. Subpopulations were imputed from their transcriptomes. Based on scRNA-seq, monocytes could be classified as classical, intermediate, and nonclassical. Further, we used gene pathway analytics to interpret patterns of up- and down-regulated gene transcription. In DADA2, the frequency of nonclassical monocytes was higher compared with that of healthy donors, and M1 macrophage markers were up-regulated in patients. By comparing gene expression of each monocyte subtype between patients and healthy donors, we identified upregulated immune response pathways, including IFNα/β and IFNγ signaling, in all monocyte subtypes. Distinctively, the TNFR2 noncanonical NF-κB pathway was up-regulated only in nonclassical monocytes. Patients’ plasma showed increased IFNγ and TNFα levels. Our results suggest that elevated IFNγ activates cell signaling, leading to differentiation into M1 macrophages from monocytes and release of TNFα. Immune responses and more general response to stimuli pathways were up-regulated in DADA2 monocytes, and protein synthesis pathways were down-regulated, perhaps as stress responses. Our identification of novel aberrant immune pathways has implications for therapeutic approaches in DADA2 (registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT00071045).