bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employee’s Performance in Small and Medium Enterprises: A Human Resource Management Critical Analysis
Authors: Lubon Cliff Kirl
Published: April 2022

Performance management is an important step in the organization’s human resource management because it hones and improves employee performance. Determining the extent of functional flexibility in human resource management, organizational communication, leadership behaviors, and employee performance, including their significant relationship, as well as the significant effects, is the aim of this study. A descriptive survey and correlational research design were utilized to gather the said information through a questionnaire with 498 respondents. It was revealed through weighted mean, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis that there was a significant low positive correlation between functional flexibility in human resource management and employee performance, organizational communication and employee performance, transformational leadership behaviors and employee performance, and transactional leadership behaviors with employee performance. Given the overall results, the study concluded that all four (4) independent variables had significant effects on employee performance in Small and Medium Enterprises.
El pensamiento del maestro Eckhart ¿Discípulo de santo Tomás?
Authors:   Universidad Pontificia Comillas, España, Bara-Bancel Silvia
Published: April 2022

La controvertida cuestión de la relación entre Eckhart y Tomás de Aquino se clarifica al considerar el itinerario de ambos dominicos, casi contemporáneos. Los dos llegaron a ser maestros de la universidad de París, pero Eckhart estuvo más orientado hacia la predicación en ámbitos con una profunda sed espiritual (monjas, beguinas…). Eckhart sigue a Tomás en numerosos aspectos: la convicción de que hay una única verdad, el esquema exitus-reditus, etc. Sin embargo, Eckhart destaca ciertos principios ontológicos y se sitúa en la perspectiva de Dios, y considera que la eternidad divina es un “ahora presente”. Por ello, la bienaventuranza eterna ya es posible, irrumpe en el fondo del alma de la persona desprendida.
COVID-19 Associated Guillain-Barré Section Syndrome- A Case Series
Authors: Saini Pankaj Kumar , Gupta Rahul , Gupta Gaurav Kumar
Published: April 2022

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection with associated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused modified and compromised immune system that gave rise to various immune mediated disease. Various studies on both central and peripheral nervous system involvement has been reported. The common syndromes reported are meningoencephalitis, myelitis and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) etc. This case series reports four cases (45 years old male, 35 years old female, 50 years old male and 65 years old male patients) presenting with the duration from onset of viral illness to neurologic manifestations ranging from 4 days to 60 days. One patient had a typical course of viral symptoms preceding GBS findings and two patient presented with GBS later. A patient was found to be IgG seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 and presented 2 months later of recovery from infection while one case had onset of weakness while having respiratory symptoms. These cases had Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) who presented with acute flaccid paralysis two to three weeks following COVID-19 infection. All the patients received Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) as treatment and showed significant improvement. It can be concluded that COVID-19 viral infection is probably related as a causal factor for immune mediated illness like GBS and early identification and treatment has good recovery.
Differences in the Use of Formal and Informal Care Services among Older Adults after the Implementation of the Dependency Act in Spain
Authors:   University of Cantabria, Cantarero David , Pascual Marta , Rodríguez-Sánchez Beatriz ,   University Complutense of Madrid
Published: April 2022

Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the aim of this study is to infer the impact that the Spanish System for Personal Autonomy and Dependency might have on formal and informal care use through the performance of logit random-effects regression models by applying a differences-in-differences approach. Dependency levels were created depending on the limitations on the performance of instrumental and basic activities of daily living. Formal care consisted on home help and nursing home care, whereas informal care referred to the reception of care by relatives or friends, from inside or outside the household. Additional covariates, such as socioeconomic characteristics and health status variables, were included. Our results show that the negative dependency effects on informal care reception are intensified after the implementation of the Dependency Act, as the interaction between being a moderate dependent and wave 4 (year 2010) is significant and positive. In case of formal care, the joint assessment of the implementation of the DA and the different dependency levels did not report a significant effect, although they were significantly associated with formal care use independently. Bearing in mind the demographic ageing, our results highlight the need for the efficient planification of long-term care systems and social support services, especially for informal caregivers, in order to satisfy the care demands and reduce the caregiving burden.
A Universal Key to Rationally Select Which, Among Nonparametric Species Richness Estimators, Performs Best According to Each Particular Incomplete Sampling
Authors: Béguinot Jean
Published: April 2022

Since most samplings of local species communities are bound to remain substantially incomplete for practical reasons, a wide variety of nonparametric estimators of the number of unrecorded species have been proposed over the past fifty years. Unfortunately, the distinct formulations of each of these estimators naturally lead to substantially divergent estimates. The will to try to select, in each case, the estimator expected to be the more accurate has long been carried out only on a purely empirical, even arbitrary, basis (as is evident from the extensive consultation of much of the past literature on estimating species richness of incompletely sampled communities). So that extrapolating the true species richness of a community from its incomplete survey has long remained quite unsatisfactory. Indeed, the definition of a truly rational procedure for selecting the most accurate (least-biased) estimator actually requires a solidly established theoretical framework, involving to conform, as best as possible, to the general mathematical characteristics of the Species Accumulation Function. Accordingly, unveiling, first of all, these mathematical characteristics of the Species Accumulation Function was a decisive step forward in this perspective. Thereby making it now possible to propose an objective key to rationally select the one, within the series of various estimators, which, depending on each particular sampling, happens to be the least biased in this particular case, thus providing the most accurate estimate of the number of still unrecorded species. And, consequently, making it possible, now, to deliver the best estimate of the true species richness of a local community, despite its being incompletely surveyed.
Antibacterial Effect of Cinnamon Oil against Uropathogenic Multidrug Resistant
Authors: Alkhafaji Rana Thamer Hadi , Jayashankar M.
Published: April 2022

Cinnamon is known for its antimicrobial activity and the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of its essential oil against ten of the multidrug-resistant uropathogenic by agar well diffusion assays.  The diameters of the inhibition zone to the Cinnamon oil were 27 mm for S. aureus, 24 mm for E coli,    20 mm for P.aeruginosa,   22 mm for K.pneumoniae, 23 mm for E.aerogenes & P. mirabilis,    24 mm for E. faecalis, and   27 mm for N.gonorrhoeae, A.baumanni, S.epidermis. In this study, the antimicrobial effects of the cinnamon essential oil are evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the inhibition zone, and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Cinnamon was the most effective agent in inhibiting A.baumanni, N.gonorrhoeae, S. epidermis, E. faecalis and E. coli with the lowest MIC (0.0313%) while S.aureus, E. aerogenes and P. aeruginosa with MIC (0.125%) while P. mirabilis was 0.0625% in our study. The MBC was 0. 25% for A.baumanni, 0.5 % for N, gonorrhoeae, S. epidermis, E. faecalis, and K. pneumonia, while 1% S.aureus, E. aerogenes, P. mirabilis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa.
Monoclonal Antibodies: Usage in the Treatment of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Rada Santosh Kumar , Maramreddy Hema Latha
Published: April 2022

Since the COVID-19 emergence in December 2019, significant efforts are being made in the hunt for appropriate medical interventions. This forces scientists to produce or discover traditional curative medications, preventive vaccinations, or passive immunological techniques as quickly as possible. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have drawn a lot of interest throughout this context. COVID-19 approved Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) medications for the outpatient treatment of mild to moderate symptoms for many monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) aimed against the Receptor binding domain of the S protein of the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We investigated the feasibility of monoclonal antibodies for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 infection in this review. Human monoclonal antibodies targeted SARS-CoV-2 viral protein domains, especially the spike protein area, and hyper-immune plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients are also included in this review. In summary, monoclonal antibodies are the promising remedies that could be used to regulate the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 infection causal agent) through immunotherapy, vaccine development, and viral screening.
Carnitine and its Derivatives as a Potential Option for Cardiovascular, Neurologic and Metabolic Complications of COVID-19
Authors: Nafisi Sara , Afsharirad Bentelhoda , Khalili Hossein , Hatamkhani Shima
Published: April 2022

As a multisystem disease, COVID-19 and its treatment demonstrate a wide variety of complications. Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid derivative that plays an essential role in the metabolism of fatty acids and alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress. We investigated the possible role of carnitine and its derivatives in COVID-19-induced fatigue, cardiovascular, neurological, and reproductive system complications. A thorough literature search was performed using the keywords and their synonym words including COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, SARS, MERS, Carnitine, and L-Carnitine. Non-English literature and conference abstracts were not included. Animal experiments were excluded unless supporting the basic evidence for carnitine efficacy. Oxidative stress and Inflammatory factors are vital in cellular injury pathways caused by COVID-19. Carnitine and SARS-Cov-2 followed common cytokine and stress oxidative-related cellular pathways. Carnitine may act as a protective antioxidant against SARS-Cov-2 infection by modulating proinflammatory cytokines. Considering the safety profile of carnitine, it may have promising clinical results in alleviating COVID-19 severity and its complications.
Correlation of Serum Urate Levels and Lichen Planus in Male and Female Patients
Authors: Mughal Hira , Bano Shazia , Kalhoro Hafiz Bashir Ahmed , Meraj Munazzah , Khalid Zonish , Khan Sabira Baz
Published: April 2022

Aim: To correlate serum urate level in male and female patients with lichen planus (LP) presenting at Dermatology department, Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro.

Methodology: This Cross-sectional study was conducted from 2019 to 2020.Total 126 patients, divided into two equal groups male(n=63) and female (n=63), between the age of 20-50 years and duration of disease from one month after eruption of lesion to 18 months were incorporated in this study. The patients having gout, obesity, chronic kidney disease, Pregnant ladies, smoker and those taking serum urate   lowering drugs or steroids were excluded from this study. After taking history with clinical examination, patients were subject to height, weight, BMI, and duration of disease in months was stated.

Results: Total 126 patients with age range between 20-50 years and the mean age was 32.5 ± 4.47 years in male and 35.3±6.74 years in females were analyzed. The mean BMI was 23.6 ± 2.68 kg/m2 in male and 22.5 ± 3.47 in kg/m2 females were recorded. The mean duration of disease was 35.4 ± 16.92 and 37.12 ± 18.92 weeks were recorded in male and female respectively. The mean serum urate level in Idiopathic Lichen Planus patients was 3.82 ± 0.79 mg/dL in male and 2.3+0.43 mg/dL in female were observed.

Conclusion: Our study results indicate that there is a positive correlation between LP and serum serum urate   levels in male and female patients.
Biophysical characterization as a tool to predict amyloidogenic and toxic properties of amyloid‐β42 peptides
Authors: Shobo Adeola , Röntgen Alexander , Hancock Mark A. , Multhaup Gerhard
Published: April 2022

Amyloid‐β42 (Aβ42) peptides are central to the amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD). As biological mimetics, properties of synthetic Aβ peptides usually vary between vendors and batches, thus impacting the reproducibility of experimental studies. Here, we tested recombinantly expressed Aβ42 (Asp1 to Ala42) against synthetic Aβ42 from different suppliers using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS), circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, thioflavin T aggregation, surface plasmon resonance, and MTT cell viability assays. Overall, our recombinant Aβ42 provided a reproducible mimetic of desired properties. Across experimental approaches, the combined detection of Aβ42 dimers and random coil to β‐sheet transition only correlated with aggregation‐prone and cytotoxic peptides. Conclusively, combining MALDI‐MS with CD appears to provide a rapid, reliable means to predict the ‘bioactivity’ of Aβ42.
DNA‐Based Single Molecule Force Sensor For Characterization of α5β1 Integrin Tension Required for Invadopodia Formation and Maturation in Cancer Cells
Authors: Kim Kyung Ah , Vellampatti Srivithya , Hwang Sun Ha , Kim Byoung Choul
Published: April 2022

Invadopodia are involved in cancer invasion by generating mechanical forces and secreting proteolytic enzymes. It is hypothesized that physical forces applied to integrin, especially α5β1 integrin, are strongly associated with the generation of invadopodial forces and protrusive activity of invadopodia; however, their mechanical relationship remains elusive. Here, a new deoxyribonucleic acid‐based force probe is developed for mapping α5β1 integrin tension with single‐molecule precision. Using this probe, the formation and maturation of invadopodia depending on integrin type and tension are investigated. In addition, the spatio‐temporal analysis of the integrin tension map is performed to measure changes in integrin tension and invadopodial force in each stage of invadopodia development. Consequently, it is found that α5β1 integrin tension above 40 pN is critical not only for adhesion but also for the maturation of invadopodia, eventually leading to the generation of a strong invadopodial force greater than 100 pN through α5β1 integrin‐ligand complexes with actomyosin contractility. This biophysical mechanism underlying the invadopodia formation and mechanical activation may provide new insights into cancer invasion and metastasis.
Ionic Liquid‐Based Redox Active Electrolytes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Sun Li , Zhuo Kelei , Chen Yujuan , Du Quanzhou , Zhang Suojiang , Wang Jianji
Published: April 2022

Supercapacitors (SCs) are fascinating energy storage devices due to their delivery of exceptional power density and long cycling stability. Unfortunately, their practical applications are still impeded by relatively inferior energy density, which is proportional to the square of the operating voltage of SCs. Ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes have a wide electrochemical stability window and thus can be used to significantly increase the energy density of SCs. The introduction of redox active species into IL‐based electrolytes effectively contributes to pseudocapacitance. Accordingly, IL‐based redox active electrolytes (IL‐REs) for SCs are springing up rapidly in recent years. This review provides an overall insight into various IL‐REs, including the ILs mixed with other redox active species, the ILs possessing redox active groups themselves, and the IL‐based redox gel polymer electrolytes for SCs. The basic understanding of IL electrolytes and IL‐REs is introduced and discussed as well as the application of the IL‐REs in SCs. Then, the energy storage mechanisms of these IL‐REs are discussed, and finally, current challenges and perspectives are highlighted for future research in this promising field.
Quantum‐Engineered Devices Based on 2D Materials for Next‐Generation Information Processing and Storage
Authors: Pal Arnab , Zhang Shuo , Chavan Tanmay , Agashiwala Kunjesh , Yeh Chao‐Hui , Cao Wei , Banerjee Kaustav
Published: April 2022

As an approximation to the quantum state of solids, the band theory, developed nearly seven decades ago, fostered the advance of modern integrated solid‐state electronics, one of the most successful technologies in the history of human civilization. Nonetheless, their rapidly growing energy consumption and accompanied environmental issues call for more energy‐efficient electronics and optoelectronics, which necessitate the exploration of more advanced quantum mechanical effects, such as band‐to‐band tunneling, spin–orbit coupling, spin–valley locking, and quantum entanglement. The emerging 2D layered materials, featured by their exotic electrical, magnetic, optical, and structural properties, provide a revolutionary low‐dimensional and manufacture‐friendly platform (and many more opportunities) to implement these quantum‐engineered devices, compared to the traditional electronic materials system. Here, the progress in quantum‐engineered devices is reviewed and the opportunities/challenges of exploiting 2D materials are analyzed to highlight their unique quantum properties that enable novel energy‐efficient devices, and useful insights to quantum device engineers and 2D‐material scientists are provided.
Poly(2‐n‐propyl‐2‐oxazoline) Surface Modified Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensor for Highly Sensitive Detection of Alkali Cyanides, Alkali Chlorides, and Other Ionic Species in Water
Authors: Harbeck Mika , Erbahar Dilek D. , Gürol Ilke , de la Rosa Victor R. , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: April 2022

Poly(2‐oxazoline)s are a class of organic polymers having tertiary amide groups in their chemical structure. They are currently under intense study for potential applications in many different fields due to the tunability of their physical and chemical properties. In this work, poly(2‐oxazoline)s are demonstrated for the first time as the sensing elements for chemical sensors. More specifically, a poly(2‐n‐propyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PnPropOx) with a xanthate end‐group is synthesized and used to modify a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) transducer. The general liquid sensing properties and sensor responses of the resulting PnPropOx‐QCM sensor to a variety of ionic compounds in aqueous solutions have been evaluated revealing excellent liquid sensing properties showing a strong response to alkali chlorides and cyanides, especially. The sensor response is fast and fully reversible and the selectivity for alkali chlorides and cyanides is remarkably high. The observed sensitivity using 5 MHz PnPropOx‐QCMs reaches ≈8 Hz µM−1 at 30 °C, enabling analyte detection down to a limit of detection of 0.2 µM concentration. According to these results, it can be concluded that PnPropOx, and possibly poly(2‐oxazoline)s in general, is very promising as a sensing material for chemical sensors in liquids to selectively detect a variety of ionic species.
Laser Cutting of Metal‐Halide‐Perovskite Wafers for X‐Ray Detector Integration
Authors: Deumel Sarah , Reg Yvonne , Huerdler Judith E. , Hussenether Lukas , Schmidt Oliver , Barabash Anastasia , Heiss Wolfgang , Tedde Sandro F.
Published: April 2022

To realize various applications, structuring methods of metal‐halide perovskites are of great importance. Most of the common techniques have focused on thin layers and suffer from limitations for thick layers. But thicknesses of several hundred micrometers are necessary, especially for the application field of medical X‐ray detection. In order to scale perovskite‐based X‐ray detectors from small laboratory devices to realistic product sizes, new manufacturing strategies such as laser cutting are necessary. Here the potential of structuring any configurable geometry out of thick, freestanding methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) wafers with ultrashort pulse (USP) laser at a wavelength of 1064 nm, is shown. A small difference in the laser parameters causes a significant variation of the perovskite from material decomposition to almost no effects. With the chosen parameter set of the USP laser, the MAPbI3 wafer can be shaped so that just slight changes in the morphology and no difference in the X‐ray performance can be seen. This method offers the possibility of scaling up perovskite X‐ray detectors in the future without significant signal loss.
A Role for Insulin‐like Growth Factor 1 in the Generation of Epileptic Spasms in a murine model
Authors: Ballester‐Rosado Carlos J. , Le John T. , Lam Trang T. , Mohila Carrie A. , Lam Sandi , Anderson Anne E. , Frost James D. , Swann John W.
Published: April 2022

Objective

Infantile spasms are associated with a wide variety of clinical conditions, including perinatal brain injuries. We have created a model in which prolonged infusion of tetrodotoxin (TTX) into the neocortex, beginning in infancy, produces a localized lesion and reproduces the behavioral spasms, electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities, and drug responsiveness seen clinically. Here, we undertook experiments to explore the possibility that the growth factor IGF‐1 plays a role in generating epileptic spasms.

Methods

We combined long‐term video EEG recordings with quantitative immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses to unravel IGF‐1's role in spasm generation. Immunohistochemistry was undertaken in surgically resected tissue from infantile spasms patients. We used viral injections in neonatal conditional IGF‐1R knock‐out mice to show that an IGF‐1‐derived tripeptide (1‐3)IGF‐1, acts through the IGF‐1 receptor to abolish spasms.

Results

Immunohistochemical methods revealed widespread loss of IGF‐1 from cortical neurons, but an increase in IGF‐1 in the reactive astrocytes in the TTX‐induced lesion. Very similar changes were observed in the neocortex from patients with spasms. In animals, we observed reduced signaling through the IGF‐1 growth pathways in areas remote from the lesion. To show the reduction in IGF‐1 expression plays a role in spasm generation, epileptic rats were treated with (1‐3)IGF‐1. We provide 3 lines of evidence that (1‐3)IGF‐1 activates the IGF‐1 signaling pathway by acting through the receptor for IGF‐1. Treatment with (1‐3)IGF‐1 abolished spasms and hypsarrhythmia‐like activity in the majority of animals.

Interpretation

Results implicate IGF‐1 in the pathogenesis of infantile spasms and IGF‐1 analogues as potential novel therapies for this neurodevelopmental disorder. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:45–60
Introducing 4s–2p Orbital Hybridization to Stabilize Spinel Oxide Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liang Gemeng , Olsson Emilia , Zou Jinshuo , Wu Zhibin , Li Jingxi , Lu Cheng‐Zhang , D'Angelo Anita M. , Johannessen Bernt , Thomsen Lars , Cowie Bruce , Peterson Vanessa K. , Cai Qiong , Pang Wei Kong , Guo Zaiping
Published: April 2022

Oxides composed of an oxygen framework and interstitial cations are promising cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. However, the instability of the oxygen framework under harsh operating conditions results in fast battery capacity decay, due to the weak orbital interactions between cations and oxygen (mainly 3d–2p interaction). Here, a robust and endurable oxygen framework is created by introducing strong 4s–2p orbital hybridization into the structure using LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 oxide as an example. The modified oxide delivers extraordinarily stable battery performance, achieving 71.4 % capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 1 C. This work shows that an orbital‐level understanding can be leveraged to engineer high structural stability of the anion oxygen framework of oxides. Moreover, the similarity of the oxygen lattice between oxide electrodes makes this approach extendable to other electrodes, with orbital‐focused engineering a new avenue for the fundamental modification of battery materials.
Wachstum von N‐heterocyclischen Carbenen auf Cu(100) und Cu(111): von einzelnen Molekülen bis hin zu Inseln mit magischen Zahlen
Authors: Navarro Juan J. , Das Mowpriya , Tosoni Sergio , Landwehr Felix , Koy Maximilian , Heyde Markus , Pacchioni Gianfranco , Glorius Frank , Roldan Cuenya Beatriz
Published: April 2022

N‐Heterocyclische Carbene (NHCs) haben ausgezeichnete Eigenschaften als Bausteine von selbstorganisierten Monoschichten (SAMs). Bevor diese Moleküle in technologischen Anwendungen zum Einsatz kommen können, ist als grundlegender Schritt der Einfluss des Substrates auf molekulare Anordnungen zu verstehen. Hier untersuchen wir die molekulare Anordnung eines Modell‐NHC auf Cu(100) und Cu(111). Während auf Cu(100) meist ungeordnete Phasen auftreten, bilden sich auf Cu(111) wohldefinierte Strukturen, die abhängig von der Bedeckung Inseln mit bevorzugter Anzahl von Molekülen (magische Zahlen) bis hin zu Streifenanordnungen zeigen. Diese Arbeit präsentiert das erste Beispiel von aus NHC gebildeten Inseln mit magischen Zahlen auf ebenen Oberflächen. Diffusion und Kommensurabilität sind wesentliche Faktoren zur Aufklärung der beobachteten Anordnungen. Diese Ergebnisse geben Aufschluss über die Molekül‐Substrat‐Wechselwirkung und eröffnen die Möglichkeit, auf NHC‐Verbindungen basierte Nanostrukturen abzustimmen.
A Simple Fluorescence Affinity Assay to Decipher Uranyl‐Binding to Native Proteins
Authors: Laporte Fanny , Chenavier Yves , Botz Alexandra , Gateau Christelle , Lebrun Colette , Hostachy Sarah , Vidaud Claude , Delangle Pascale
Published: April 2022

Determining the affinity of proteins for uranyl is key to understand the toxicity of this cation and to further develop decorporation strategies. However, usual techniques to achieve that goal often require specific equipment and expertise. Here, we propose a simple, efficient, fluorescence‐based method to assess the affinity of proteins and peptides for uranyl, at equilibrium and in buffered solution. We first designed and characterized an original uranyl‐binding fluorescent probe. We then built a reference scale for uranyl affinity in solution, relying on signal quenching of our fluorescent probe in presence of high‐affinity uranyl‐binding peptides. We finally validated our approach by re‐evaluating the uranyl‐binding affinity of four native proteins. We envision that this tool will facilitate the reliable and reproducible assessment of affinities of peptides and proteins for uranyl.
Synthesis of Single‐Layer Two‐Dimensional Metal–Organic Frameworks M3(HAT)2 (M=Ni, Fe, Co, HAT=1,4,5,8,9,12‐hexaazatriphenylene) Using an On‐Surface Reaction
Authors: Lyu Cheng‐Kun , Gao Yi‐Fan , Gao Zi‐Ang , Mo Song‐Yu , Hua Mu‐Qing , Li En , Fu Shu‐Qing , Chen Jia‐Yan , Liu Pei‐Nian , Huang Li , Lin Nian
Published: April 2022

1,4,5,8,9,12‐Hexaazatriphenylene (HAT) is one of the smallest polyheterocyclic aromatic building blocks for forming conjugated metal–organic frameworks (cMOFs). However, the strong inter‐molecular steric hindrance impedes the growth of HAT‐based cMOFs. Here we employ on‐surface synthesis to grow single‐layer two‐dimensional cMOFs of M3(HAT)2 (M=Ni, Fe, Co). Using scanning tunnelling microscopy and density‐functional theory (DFT) analysis, we resolve that the frameworks comprise a hexagonal lattice of HAT molecules and a Kagome lattice of metal atoms. The DFT analysis indicates that Ni, Co and Fe carry a magnetic moment of 1.1, 2.5, and 3.7 μB, respectively. We anticipate that the small π‐conjugated core of HAT and strong bidentate chelating coordination give rise to appealing electronic and magnetic properties.
Synergistic effects of nanosized supramolecular complex inlaid with silver nanoparticles: Catalysis, sensors, and biological activities
Authors: Abd El‐Aziz Dina M. , Etaiw Safaa Eldin H. , Fouda Mona M.
Published: April 2022

Nanosized supramolecular complex (SC), {[Cu2(CN)3(phen)3]5H2O}, 1, inlaid with silver nanoparticles was synthesized and characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of Ag/SC1 nanocomposite as heterogeneous catalysts against methylene blue (MB) dye exhibits phenomenal degradation efficiency in presence of H2O2 under different conditions better than the nanosized SC1. Scavenger techniques proved that •OH radicals represent the main oxidant species for the mineralization of hazardous dyes. The photoluminescence property of Ag/SC1 nanocomposite demonstrates its remarkable ability to act as a high‐performance luminescent sensor towards nitrobenzene, Fe3+, Hg2+, and Sn2+ ions. In vitro cytotoxicity and cell viable activity of Ag/SC1 nanocomposite against a set of different human cancer cell lines shows that the highest level was recorded against hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG‐2) cells. DNA binding ability of Ag/SC1 nanocomposite signifies that the composite has weak DNA binding activity. Antioxidant activity demonstrates that Ag/SC1 nanocomposite exhibits weak activity towards scavenging behavior of ABTS•+ and good anti‐hemolytic activity of red blood cells comparing with ascorbic acid. The antimicrobial activity of Ag/SC1 nanocomposite against some bacterial strains offered better antibacterial properties than the nanosized SC1.
2,2,2‐Trifluoroethanol‐mediated hydroarylation of fluorinated alkynes with indoles: Application to diindolylmethanes
Authors: Flury Philipp , Eppler Olga , Schollmeyer Dieter , Laufer Stefan , Pillaiyar Thanigaimalai
Published: April 2022

A new mild and practically simple alkyne hydroarylation protocol for the synthesis of 3‐(indol‐3‐yl)‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid esters by the reaction of indole derivatives with ethyl/methyl 4,4,4‐trifluoro‐3‐(indol‐3‐yl)but‐2‐enoates in trifluoroethanol was developed. This method has the following advantages: no catalyst, atom economy, high yields, broad substrate scope, and large‐scale synthesis. The potential application of this protocol was further demonstrated by the synthesis of a variety of CF3‐substituted synthons and a new class of (un)symmetrical 3,3ʹ‐diindolylmethanes with a quaternary carbon core that might be biologically active.
Multiomics approaches and genetic engineering of metabolism for improved biorefinery and wastewater treatment in microalgae
Authors: Kuo Eva YuHua , Yang Ru‐Yin , Chin Yuan Yu , Chien Yi‐Lin , Chen Yu Chu , Wei Cheng‐Yu , Kao Li‐Jung , Chang Yi‐Hua , Li Yu‐Jia , Chen Te‐Yuan , Lee Tse‐Min
Published: April 2022

Microalgae, a group of photosynthetic microorganisms rich in diverse and novel bioactive metabolites, have been explored for the production of biofuels, high value‐added compounds as food and feeds, and pharmaceutical chemicals as agents with therapeutic benefits. This article reviews the development of omics resources and genetic engineering techniques including gene transformation methodologies, mutagenesis, and genome‐editing tools in microalgae biorefinery and wastewater treatment (WWT). The introduction of these enlisted techniques has simplified the understanding of complex metabolic pathways undergoing microalgal cells. The multiomics approach of the integrated omics datasets, big data analysis, and machine learning for the discovery of objective traits and genes responsible for metabolic pathways was reviewed. Recent advances and limitations of multiomics analysis and genetic bioengineering technology to facilitate the improvement of microalgae as the dual role of WWT and biorefinery feedstock production are discussed.
Predicting student performance in computing courses based on programming behavior
Authors: Araya Ignacio , Beas Victor , Stamulis Katrina , Allende‐Cid Héctor
Published: April 2022

In the context of programming language courses, offering early and personalized assistance to students with difficulties in solving code exercises is fundamental to helping them improve their performance. To this end, it is desirable to detect those students with behavioral patterns that could potentially result in poor performance in a timely manner. In this study, we analyze different behavioral metrics for predicting the performance of students in a 2nd‐year computer science course. Metrics are extracted from practical sessions, that is, code exercise labs that may be finished online during a period of 5–7 days. In addition to well‐known metrics (e.g., the relative time spent solving compilation/execution errors or skills for removing compilation errors), we also incorporate metrics that take into account the work habits of students (e.g., timestamps in which the student has undertaken 25%, 50%, and 75% of the exercise lab) and similarity between codes. With a sample of 224 students from seven different course groups, we construct robust predictors by training different machine learning models, reaching an R2 value of up to 0.40. We also perform a machine learning‐based analysis for detecting the most relevant response variables and analyze their relations to the final grades of students. The results show that the newly considered metrics have enough predictive power to be considered in the model. Finally, we graphically illustrate the nonlinear and seemingly interdependent relations that exist between predictor and response variables.
Germline mutations in penetrant cancer predisposition genes are rare in men with prostate cancer selecting active surveillance
Authors: Brady Lauren , Newcomb Lisa F. , Zhu Kehao , Zheng Yingye , Boyer Hilary , Sarkar Navonil De , McKenney Jesse K. , Brooks James D. , Carroll Peter R. , Dash Atreya , Ellis William J. , Filson Christopher P. , Gleave Martin E. , Liss Michael A. , Martin Frances , Morgan Todd M. , Thompson Ian M. , Wagner Andrew A. , Pritchard Colin C. , Lin Daniel W. , Nelson Peter S.
Published: April 2022

Background

Pathogenic germline mutations in several rare penetrant cancer predisposition genes are associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer (PC). Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of pathogenic germline mutations in men with low‐risk PC on active surveillance, and assess whether pathogenic germline mutations associate with grade reclassification or adverse pathology, recurrence, or metastases, in men treated after initial surveillance.

Methods

Men prospectively enrolled in the Canary Prostate Active Surveillance Study (PASS) were retrospectively sampled for the study. Germline DNA was sequenced utilizing a hereditary cancer gene panel. Mutations were classified according to the American College of Clinical Genetics and Genomics' guidelines. The association of pathogenic germline mutations with grade reclassification and adverse characteristics was evaluated by weighted Cox proportional hazards modeling and conditional logistic regression, respectively.

Results

Overall, 29 of 437 (6.6%) study participants harbored a pathogenic germline mutation of which 19 occurred in a gene involved in DNA repair (4.3%). Eight participants (1.8%) had pathogenic germline mutations in three genes associated with aggressive PC: ATM, BRCA1, and BRCA2. The presence of pathogenic germline mutations in DNA repair genes did not associate with adverse characteristics (univariate analysis HR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.36–2.06, p = 0.7). The carrier rates of pathogenic germline mutations in ATM, BRCA1, and BRCA2did not differ in men with or without grade reclassification (1.9% vs. 1.8%).

Conclusion

The frequency of pathogenic germline mutations in penetrant cancer predisposition genes is extremely low in men with PC undergoing active surveillance and pathogenic germline mutations had no apparent association with grade reclassification or adverse characteristics.
2‐Aminopurine Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Probing a Glucose Binding Aptamer
Authors: Lu Chang , Jimmy Huang Po‐Jung , Zheng Jingkai , Liu Juewen
Published: April 2022

Glucose is the most important analyte for biosensors. Recently a DNA aptamer was reported allowing binding‐based detection. However, due to a relatively weak binding affinity, it is difficult to perform binding assays to understand the property of this aptamer. In this work, we replaced the only adenine base in the aptamer binding pocket with a 2‐aminopurine (2AP) and used fluorescence spectroscopy to study glucose binding. In the selection buffer, glucose increased the 2AP fluorescence with a Kd of 15.0 mM glucose, which was comparable with the 10 mM Kd previously reported using the strand displacement assay. The binding required two Na+ ions or one Mg2+ that cannot be replaced by Li+ or K+. The binding was weaker at higher temperature and its van't Hoff plot indicated enthalpy‐driven binding. While other monosaccharides failed to achieve saturated binding even at high concentrations, two glucose‐containing disaccharides, namely trehalose and sucrose, reached a similar fluorescence level as glucose although with over 10‐fold higher Kd values. Detection limits in both the selection buffer (0.9 mM) and in artificial interstitial fluids (6.0 mM) were measured.
Adult‐onset noncirrhotic hyperammonemic encephalopathy probably caused by splenorenal shunts
Authors: Yoshizawa Kazuhiro , Yonezawa Naoki , Takei Tetsuhiro , Sugiki Kei
Published: April 2022

This case illustrates adult‐onset noncirrhotic hyperammonemic encephalopathy, which is most likely caused by splenorenal shunts and is a rare but potentially fatal cause of altered mentation in the critical care setting. Splenorenal shunts should be considered as a differential in cases of hyperammonemic encephalopathy without liver cirrhosis.
Emotional state recognition from text data using machine learning and deep learning algorithm
Authors: Shah Vandana , Mehta Meet
Published: April 2022

Emotional state recognition is a process to identify user's feelings and emotions for various purposes. Emotional state examination from text comprises of extricating data about feelings, opinions, and even feelings passed on by scholars toward subjects of interest. Web‐based media is producing a tremendous measure of assessment rich information as remarks, notices, blog entries, and so forth. It is trying to comprehend the most recent patterns and rundowns the state or general feelings about items because of the enormous variety and size of web‐based media information, and this makes the need of computerized and ongoing conclusion extraction and mining. Sentiment analysis is difficult because of the existence of bad or abusive language with misspellings words. One of the major natural language processing research area is inclined toward understanding human emotions. Emotional state analysis acts like an amazing treasure and powerful tool, which renders its service to the field of deep learning. It can help service providers to fetch the requisite information to collect and identify the sentiments of the database. Principle issues that exist in the current procedures are: powerlessness to perform well in various areas, deficient exactness and execution in assessment examination dependent on lacking named information, inadequacy to manage complex sentences that require more than emotional words and basic examining. It is as yet hard for a greater part of instruments to decisively assess what genuinely is a negative, unbiased and a positive articulation. It is not advanced enough to successfully deal with sarcasm or context. So there is requirement to develop a machine learning algorithm to analyze the text data and give more better and accurate results.
A improved detection method for lung nodule based on multi‐scale 3Dconvolutional neural network
Authors: Tan Yumeng , Fu Xupeng , Zhu Jianbo , Chen Lina
Published: April 2022

Low detection sensitivity and high false positives are two main challenges from traditional lung nodule detection model. In order to improve reliability of detection model, we proposed a multi‐scale three‐dimensional convolutional neural network lung nodule detection method which can simultaneously detect lung nodules and reduce false positives. First, a 3D UNet++‐like architecture with an encoding‐decoding structure is regarded as a feature extraction network and combines it with the region proposal network. The multi‐feature fusion method can fully learn features at different levels through the cross‐layer connection between the encoder and the decoder. Second, the layers of the 3D UNet++‐like architecture are connected by residual blocks, which enhance feature reuse and speeds up the convergence speed of the network. Finally, the three input sizes are input into the 3D neural network, and their classification results are merged, thus to find the final nodule determination result. Based on the LUNA16 dataset, the experiment result shows that average sensitivity is 87.3% and be increased 7.8% than the UNet++ network in our model. And if the number of candidate nodules is 48, the sensitivity is as high as 96.2%, it increases 8.1% than the VGG16 network. Obviously, that the improved model can significantly improve detection sensitivity and reduce false positives, which can provide a valuable theoretical reference for clinical medicine.
Exposure‐Response Modeling and Simulation to Support Human Dosing of Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent Product
Authors: Beliveau Martin , Anderson Deborah , Barker Doug , Kodihalli Shantha , Simard Emilie , Hall Christine , Richardson Jason S.
Published: April 2022

Botulism antitoxin heptavalent (A, B, C, D, E, F, and G – Equine; BAT) product is a sterile solution of F(ab')2 and F(ab')2‐related antibody fragments prepared from plasma obtained from horses that have been immunized with a specific serotype of botulinum toxoid and toxin. BAT product is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic botulism following documented or suspected exposure to botulinum neurotoxin serotypes A to G in adults and pediatric patients. Pharmacokinetic and exposure‐response models were used to explore the relationship between BAT product exposure and the probability of survival, and the occurrence of relevant moderate clinical signs observed during the preclinical development of BAT product to justify the clinical dose. The predicted probability of survival in humans for all serotypes of botulinum neurotoxin was more than 95.9% following intravenous administration of one vial of BAT product. Furthermore, this BAT product dose is expected to result in significant protection against clinical signs in human adults for all botulinum neurotoxin serotypes. Our exposure response model indicates that we have sufficient antitoxin levels to give full protection at various theoretical exposure levels and, based on neutralization capacity/potency of one dose of BAT product, it is expected to exceed the amount of circulating botulinum neurotoxin.
Model‐Based Prediction of Irinotecan‐Induced Grade 4 Neutropenia in Advanced Cancer Patients: Influence of Demographic and Clinical Factors
Authors: Karas Spinel , Mathijssen Ron H. J. , van Schaik Ron H. N. , Forrest Alan , Wiltshire Tim , Innocenti Federico , Bies Robert R.
Published: April 2022

Severe neutropenia is the major dose‐liming toxicity of irinotecan‐based chemotherapy. The objective was to assess to what extent a population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model including patient‐specific demographic/clinical characteristics, individual pharmacokinetics, and absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) can predict irinotecan‐induced grade 4 neutropenia. A semimechanistic population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model was developed to describe neutrophil response over time in 197 patients with cancer receiving irinotecan. For covariate analysis, sex, race, age, pretreatment total bilirubin, and body surface area were evaluated to identify significant covariates on system‐related parameters (mean transit time (MTT) and ɣ) and sensitivity to neutropenia effects of irinotecan and SN‐38 (SLOPE). The model‐based simulation was performed to assess the contribution of the identified covariates, individual pharmacokinetics, and baseline ANC alone or with incremental addition of weekly ANC up to 3 weeks on predicting irinotecan‐induced grade 4 neutropenia. The time course of neutrophil response was described using the model assuming that irinotecan and SN‐38 have toxic effects on bone marrow proliferating cells. Sex and pretreatment total bilirubin explained 10.5% of interindividual variability in MTT. No covariates were identified for SLOPE and γ. Incorporating sex and pretreatment total bilirubin (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC‐ROC): 50%, 95% CI 50–50%) or with the addition of individual pharmacokinetics (AUC‐ROC: 62%, 95% CI 53–71%) in the model did not result in accurate prediction of grade 4 neutropenia. However, incorporating ANC only at baseline and week 1 in the model achieved a good prediction (AUC‐ROC: 78%, 95% CI 69–88%). These results demonstrate the potential applicability of a model‐based approach to predict irinotecan‐induced neutropenia, which ultimately allows for personalized intervention to maximize treatment outcomes.
Simultaneous analysis of antigen‐specific B and T cells after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and vaccination
Authors: Newell Krista L. , Waldran Mitchell J. , Thomas Stephen J. , Endy Timothy P. , Waickman Adam T.
Published: April 2022

Conventional methods for quantifying and phenotyping antigen‐specific lymphocytes can rapidly deplete irreplaceable specimens. This is due to the fact that antigen‐specific T and B cells have historically been analyzed in independent assays each requiring millions of cells. A technique that facilitates the simultaneous detection of antigen‐specific T and B cells would allow for more thorough immune profiling with significantly reduced sample requirements. To this end, we developed the B and T cell tandem lymphocyte evaluation (BATTLE) assay, which allows for the simultaneous identification of SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike reactive T and B cells using an activation induced marker (AIM) T cell assay and dual‐color B cell antigen probes. Using this assay, we demonstrate that antigen‐specific B and T cell subsets can be identified simultaneously using conventional flow cytometry platforms and provide insight into the differential effects of mRNA vaccination on B and T cell populations following natural SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.