bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of a Miniaturized Brazilian Disc Test for Strength Measurements of C‐Bonded Alumina Filter Materials
Authors: Takht Firouzeh Shahin , Abendroth Martin , Fischer Undine , Aneziris Christos G. , Kiefer Björn
Published: November 2021

Filtration of molten metals using open cell ceramic filters has proven the premises regarding the improvements of the final product quality. The Collaborative Research Center 920 has made a substantive record in developing carbon‐bonded alumina () filters. Considering the mechanical loads carried by these filters, material strength determination is a necessary step to improve their performance. The Brazilian disc test (BDT) is a method to determine mechanical properties of brittle materials with indirect tensile stresses. The simplicity of the specimen production, test application, as well as results evaluation makes this test attractive. Herein, experimental investigations of different variations of the BDT setup on specimens are conducted. Test variations mainly concern the geometry of the load application to ensure a defined failure of the specimens. Digital image correlation (DIC) technique is used to extract the necessary data for the evaluation of the results. Moreover, within an inverse parameter identification method finite element analysis is used to determine strength and elastic material parameters. Additionally, a high‐speed camera is used for the detection of crack formation. It can be concluded that a special variation of the BDT is a suitable method to evaluate the mechanical properties of .
Acridine Orange Hemi(Zinc Chloride) Salt as a Lewis Acid‐Photoredox Hybrid Catalyst for the Generation of α‐Carbonyl Radicals
Authors: Das Sanju , Mandal Tanumoy , De Sarkar Suman
Published: November 2021

A readily accessible organic‐inorganic hybrid catalyst is reported for the reductive fragmentation of α‐halocarbonyl compounds. The robust hybrid catalyst is a self‐stabilizing combination of ZnCl2 Lewis acid and acridine orange as the photoactive organic dye. Mechanistic specifics of this hybrid catalyst have been studied in detail using both photophysical and electrochemical experiments. A systematic study enabled the discovery of the appropriate Lewis acid for the effective LUMO stabilization of α‐halocarbonyl compounds and thereby lowering of reduction potential within the range of a standard organic dye. This strategy resolves the issues like dehalogenative hydrogenation or homo‐coupling of alkyl radicals by guiding the photoredox cycle through an oxidative quenching pathway. The cooperativity between the photoactive organic dye and the Lewis acid counterparts empowers functionalization with a wide range of coupling partners through efficient and controlled generation of alkyl radicals and serves as an appropriate alternative to the expensive late transition metal‐based photocatalysts. To demonstrate the application potential of this cooperative catalytic system, four different synthetic transformations of α‐carbonyl bromides were explored with broad substrate scopes.

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Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling and Sequential Reactions of Azides with Isocyanides
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Tan Pengpeng , Chang Wenxu , Zhang Zhenhua
Published: November 2021

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction of azides with isocyanides, as a new type of nitrene transformation, has become an expeditious method to prepare carbodiimides. Considering the compatibility of this coupling process with other systems, transition‐metal‐catalyzed sequential reactions have become more popular in recent years. These remarkable advances not only involve many interesting reaction processes, but also provide useful strategies for the construction of nitrogen‐containing structures, such as guanidines, amidines, isoureas, and heterocyclic compounds. This review will present a comprehensive picture of the development of transition‐metal‐catalyzed coupling process of azides with isocyanides and their applications in the preparation of nitrogen‐containing compounds. Catalytic coupling reactions followed by nucleophilic additions will be briefly introduced here. Most recent advances in catalytic cascade reactions involving a coupling process will be highlighted and make up the main part of this review.

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Multilayer Lateral Heterostructures of Van Der Waals Crystals with Sharp, Carrier–Transparent Interfaces
Authors: Sutter Eli , Unocic Raymond R. , Idrobo Juan‐Carlos , Sutter Peter
Published: November 2021

Research on engineered materials that integrate different 2D crystals has largely focused on two prototypical heterostructures: Vertical van der Waals stacks and lateral heterostructures of covalently stitched monolayers. Extending lateral integration to few layer or even multilayer van der Waals crystals could enable architectures that combine the superior light absorption and photonic properties of thicker crystals with close proximity to interfaces and efficient carrier separation within the layers, potentially benefiting applications such as photovoltaics. Here, the realization of multilayer heterstructures of the van der Waals semiconductors SnS and GeS with lateral interfaces spanning up to several hundred individual layers is demonstrated. Structural and chemical imaging identifies {110} interfaces that are perpendicular to the (001) layer plane and are laterally localized and sharp on a 10 nm scale across the entire thickness. Cathodoluminescence spectroscopy provides evidence for a facile transfer of electron‐hole pairs across the lateral interfaces, indicating covalent stitching with high electronic quality and a low density of recombination centers.
Respiratory manifestations in the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes
Authors: Bascom Rebecca , Dhingra Radha , Francomano Clair A.
Published: November 2021

Persons with the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) report a wide range of respiratory symptoms, most commonly shortness of breath, exercise limitation, and cough. Also reported are noisy breathing attributed to asthma, difficulty with deep inhalation, and inspiratory thoracic pain. The literature consists of case reports and small cross‐sectional and cohort studies. One case–control study estimated twofold to threefold greater respiratory disease burden among persons with EDS as compared to controls. The differential diagnosis for symptoms is broad. Structural alterations include pectus deformities, scoliosis, recurrent rib subluxations, and tracheobronchomalacia, associated with varying degrees of physiologic impairment. Those with vascular EDS have an increased risk of pneumothorax, intrapulmonary bleeding, cysts, and nonmalignant fibrous nodules. Functional aerodigestive manifestations such as inducible laryngeal obstruction may be misdiagnosed as asthma, with gastro‐esophageal dysmotility and reflux as common contributing factors. Inflammatory manifestations include costochondritis, bronchiectasis, and localized respiratory allergic and nonallergic mast cell activation. Cranio‐cervical instability can dysregulate respiratory control pathways. There is a need for careful phenotyping using standardized clinical tools and patient‐reported outcomes and continuing collaboration with aerodigestive specialists including otolaryngologists and gastroenterologists. Also needed is further evaluation of respiratory symptoms in persons with hypermobility spectrum disorders. Personalized monitoring strategies are invaluable for interpretation and long‐term management of respiratory symptoms.
Sample preparation for the analysis of key metabolites from cannabinoids biosynthesis in phytoplankton using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Ye Liyun , Budge Suzanne M.
Published: November 2021

Cannabinoids biosynthesis in phytoplankton has attracted much attention due to the rapid development of genetic tools and the optimization of genetic transformation methods in microalgae. To monitor the biosynthesis process, proper sample preparation and practical instrumental methods are needed to measure the various precursors, intermediates, cannabinoids, and their degradation products. The objective of this study was to develop a sample preparation procedure for the quantification of olivetolic acid (OA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), olivetol (OL), cannabidiol (CBD), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) using single‐quadrupole gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Isochrysis galbana was used as the model matrix. After methanol extraction, samples were purified using solid phase extraction (SPE), silylated with N‐methyl‐N‐(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide, and analyzed using GC–MS in electron ionization mode. A strong anion‐exchange SPE efficiently recovered OA, CBGA, CBDA, and THCA. A graphitized carbon black SPE was necessary to purify OL, CBD, and THC. Both columns removed amino acids, sugars, polyols, and pigments from the algae extract and prepared samples that are suitable for silylation and GC–MS analysis. The total protocol, including solvent extraction, SPE, silylation, and GC–MS analysis, was validated in accordance with the ICH guidelines. Performance characteristics of our method are superior to existing protocols with similar complexity in the literature.
Silver‐coated conductive composite fabric with flexible, anti‐flaming for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Li Ting‐Ting , Wang Xiaomeng , Wang Yanting , Shiu Bing‐Chiuan , Peng Hao‐Kai , Lou Ching‐Wen , Lin Jia‐Horng
Published: November 2021

With the development of modern electronic technology, there is an urgent need to prepare multifunctional polymer composite materials with flame retardant and electromagnetic shielding functions. Herein, use the chemical activity of polydopamine (PDA) to modify polyphenylene (PP) fabric to enhance its interface compatibility. Then, the dipping method was used to achieve the successful deposition of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of the PP non‐woven fabric, and by adjusting the concentration of the Ag precursor and the immersion time of the flame retardant constructed a conductive composite material with lightweight, flexible and has good flame retardant properties. The results showed that when the concentration of AgNO3 solution was 2% and the thickness was 0.166 mm, the average shielding effectiveness shielding effectiveness (SE) and SSE/t of the composite fabric reached 25.01 dB and 6097.56 dB cm2g−1, respectively. In particular, the composite fabric still maintained stable electrical conductivity after flame retardant treatment, and the average shielding effectiveness SE and SSE/t of the composite fabric reached 20.20 dB and 1518.80 dB cm2 g−1. The multifunctional conductive composite fabric prepared in this study has broad development prospects in the fields of electromagnetic shielding and smart wear.
Using MVDA with stoichiometric balances to optimize amino acid concentrations in chemically defined CHO cell culture medium for improved culture performance
Authors: Salim Taha , Chauhan Gaurav , Templeton Neil , Ling Wai Lam W.
Published: November 2021

Chemically defined (CD) media are routinely used in the production of biologics in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture and provide enhanced raw material control. Nutrient optimized CD media is an important path to increase cell growth and monoclonal antibody (mAb) productivity in recombinant CHO cell lines. However, nutrient optimization efforts for CD media typically rely on multifactorial and experimental design of experiment approaches or complex mathematical models of cellular metabolism or gene expression systems. Moreover, the majority of these efforts are aimed at amino acids since they constitute essential nutrients in CD media as they directly contribute to biomass and protein production. In this study, we demonstrate the utilization of multivariate data analytics (MVDA) coupled with amino acid stoichiometric balances (SBs) to increased cell growth and mAb productivity in efforts to support CD media development efforts. SBs measure the difference between theoretical demand of amino acids and the empirically measured fluxes to identify various catabolic or anabolic states of the cell. When coupled with MVDA, the statistical models were not only able to highlight key amino acids toward cell growth or productivity, but also provided direction on metabolic favorability of the amino acid. Experimental validation of our approach resulted in a 55% increase in total cell growth and about an 80% increase in total mAb productivity. Increased specific consumption of stoichiometrically balanced amino acids and decreased specific consumption of glucose was also observed in optimized CD media suggesting favorable consumption of desired nutrients and a potential for energy redistribution toward increased cellular growth and mAb productivity.
Application of journey maps to the development of emergent sustainability‐oriented technologies: Lessons for user involvement in agriculture
Authors: Moretti Débora Monteiro , Baum Chad M. , Wustmans Michael , Bröring Stefanie
Published: November 2021

This article foregrounds the challenges and necessity of promoting user involvement in traditional sectors, especially those that constitute strong pillars for sustainable development. As a case in point, the emergence of precision agriculture technologies requires novel methods to integrate users in innovation processes. Accordingly, this article discusses three applications of journey maps developed in collaboration with users and other stakeholders in the context of agriculture. We illustrate how design‐thinking tools such as journey maps offer the means to explore user experiences, spotting previously unknown needs or problems, generate value propositions with meaning and relevance, and foresee implementation issues not directly related to the technology in focus. This research, thus, contributes by first describing applications of journey maps which are relevant for traditional sectors that are undergoing disruption, and second, by highlighting the broader usefulness of such tools for facilitating coordination among the diverse actors who are ultimately central to innovation adoption and success.
Metal‐HisTag coordination for remote loading of very small quantities of biomacromolecules into PLGA microspheres
Authors: Albert Jason , Chang Rae Sung , Garcia George A. , Schwendeman Steven P.
Published: November 2021

Challenges to discovery and preclinical development of long‐acting release systems for protein therapeutics include protein instability, use of organic solvents during encapsulation, specialized equipment and personnel, and high costs of proteins. We sought to overcome these issues by combining remote‐loading self‐healing encapsulation with binding HisTag protein to transition metal ions. Porous, drug‐free self‐healing microspheres of copolymers of lactic and glycolic acids with high molecular weight dextran sulfate and immobilized divalent transition metal (M2+) ions were placed in the presence of proteins with or without HisTags to bind the protein in the pores of the polymer before healing the surface pores with modest temperature. Using human serum albumin, insulin‐like growth factor 1, and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), encapsulated efficiencies of immunoreactive protein relative to nonencapsulation protein solutions increased from ~41%, ~23%, and ~9%, respectively, without Zn2+ and HisTags to ~100%, ~83%, and ~75% with Zn2+ and HisTags. These three proteins were continuously released in immunoreactive form over seven to ten weeks to 73%–100% complete release, and GM‐CSF showed bioactivity >95% relative to immunoreactive protein throughout the release interval. Increased encapsulation efficiencies were also found with other divalent transition metals ions (Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+), but not with Ca2+. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was found to interfere with this process, reverting encapsulation efficiency back to Zn2+‐free levels. These results indicate that M2+‐immobilized self‐healing microspheres can be prepared for simple and efficient encapsulation by simple mixing in aqueous solutions. These formulations provide slow and continuous release of immunoreactive proteins of diverse types by using a amount of protein (e.g., <10 μg), which may be highly useful in the discovery and early preclinical development phase of new protein active pharmaceutical ingredients, allowing for improved translation to further development of potent proteins for local delivery.
Developing odontoma arising from calcifying odontogenic cyst: A case report
Authors: Moradzadeh Khiavi Monir , Mahdavi Nazanin , Awudu Asoma
Published: November 2021

Developing odontoma is a rare mixed odontogenic tumor that can arise with other odontogenic lesions. The association of COC with ameloblastic fibro‐odontoma is extremely rare. We report an extremely rare case of developing odontoma arising from a calcifying odontogenic cyst in a 17‐year‐old girl.
Optimization of a technology‐supported physical activity promotion intervention for breast cancer survivors: Results from Fit2Thrive
Authors: Phillips Siobhan M. , Penedo Frank J. , Collins Linda M. , Solk Payton , Siddique Juned , Song Jing , Cella David , Courneya Kerry S. , Ackermann Ronald T. , Welch Whitney A. , Auster‐Gussman Lisa A. , Whitaker Madelyn , Cullather Erin , Izenman Emily , Spring Bonnie
Published: November 2021

Background

The benefits of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for breast cancer survivors are well established. However, most are insufficiently active. Fit2Thrive used the Multiphase Optimization Strategy methodology to determine the effect of 5 intervention components on MVPA in this population.

Methods

Two hundred sixty‐nine participants (mean age, 52.5 years; SD, 9.9 years) received a core intervention (the Fit2Thrive self‐monitoring app and Fitbit) and were randomly assigned to 5 intervention components set to on/off in a full factorial experiment: support calls, deluxe app, buddy, online gym, and text messages. The intervention was delivered over 12 weeks with a 12‐week follow‐up. MVPA was measured via accelerometry at the baseline (T1), at 12 weeks (T2), and at 24 weeks (T3). The main effects and interaction effects at each time point were examined for all components.

Results

Trial retention was high: 91.8% had valid accelerometer data at T2 or T3. Across all conditions, there were significant increases in MVPA (+53.6 min/wk; P < .001) and in the proportion of survivors meeting MVPA guidelines (+22.3%; P < .001) at T2 that were maintained but attenuated at T3 (MVPA, +24.6 min/wk; P < .001; meeting guidelines, +12.6%; P < .001). No individual components significantly improved MVPA, although increases were greater for the on level versus the off level for support calls, buddy, and text messages at T2 and T3.

Conclusions

The Fit2Thrive core intervention (the self‐monitoring app and Fitbit) is promising for increasing MVPA in breast cancer survivors, but the components provided no additional increases in MVPA. Future research should evaluate the core intervention in a randomized trial and determine what components optimize MVPA behaviors in breast cancer survivors.
Order‐Unity 13C Nuclear Polarization of [1‐13C]Pyruvate in Seconds and the Interplay of Water and SABRE Enhancement
Authors: Adelabu Isaiah , TomHon Patrick , Kabir Mohammad S. H. , Nantogma Shiraz , Abdulmojeed Mustapha , Mandzhieva Iuliia , Ettedgui Jessica , Swenson Rolf E. , Krishna Murali C. , Theis Thomas , Goodson Boyd M. , Chekmenev Eduard Y.
Published: November 2021

Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange in SHield Enabled Alignment Transfer (SABRE‐SHEATH) is investigated to achieve rapid hyperpolarization of 13C1 spins of [1‐13C]pyruvate, using parahydrogen as the source of nuclear spin order. Pyruvate exchange with an iridium polarization transfer complex can be modulated via a sensitive interplay between temperature and co‐ligation of DMSO and H2O. Order‐unity 13C (>50 %) polarization of catalyst‐bound [1‐13C]pyruvate is achieved in less than 30 s by restricting the chemical exchange of [1‐13C]pyruvate at lower temperatures. On the catalyst bound pyruvate, 39 % polarization is measured using a 1.4 T NMR spectrometer, and extrapolated to >50 % at the end of build‐up in situ. The highest measured polarization of a 30‐mM pyruvate sample, including free and bound pyruvate is 13 % when using 20 mM DMSO and 0.5 M water in CD3OD. Efficient 13C polarization is also enabled by favorable relaxation dynamics in sub‐microtesla magnetic fields, as indicated by fast polarization buildup rates compared to the T1 spin‐relaxation rates (e. g., ∼0.2 s−1 versus ∼0.1 s−1, respectively, for a 6 mM catalyst‐[1‐13C]pyruvate sample). Finally, the catalyst‐bound hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate can be released rapidly by cycling the temperature and/or by optimizing the amount of water, paving the way to future biomedical applications of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate produced via comparatively fast and simple SABRE‐SHEATH‐based approaches.
Single Crystal Preparation and Luminescent Properties of Lu2O3:Eu Scintillator by Vertical Bridgman Method
Authors: Zheng Jiaqian , Liu Changjiang , Yu Haihang , Chen Lu , Yang Mei , Zhao Hengyu , Lu Baoqi , Yang Fan , Feng He
Published: November 2021

Europium‐doped lutetium oxide (Lu2O3:Eu) single crystal is grown by vertical Bridgman method for the first time. Correlated measurements of X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence spectra, optical transmittance, photoluminescence excitation, photoluminescence (PL), PL decay, and X‐ray excited luminescence (XEL) spectra are performed. The transmittance of about 80% above 300 nm indicates that the crystal is of good optical quality. By measuring actual Eu3+ concentration, the effective segregation coefficient of Eu3+ in the Lu2O3:Eu crystal is calculated to be 0.75. In the PL spectrum, the dominant emission peaks at 612 and 630 nm originate from the 5D0→7F2 transitions of Eu3+ in C2 site. It is worth mentioning that several emission peaks between 575 and 605 nm mainly ascribe to the transitions of different 5D0 levels to the split 7F1 levels of Eu(C2) or Eu(C3i). PL decay spectra indicate the decay time of 612 nm emission can be determined about 1.0 ms. The decay curve of 582.6 nm emission can be fitted into triple components, and the 5.3 and 1.4 ms components are attributed to Eu3+(C3i) and Eu3+(C2), respectively. The XEL strongest emission of Lu2O3:Eu sample is around 612 nm with a bright red luminescence that matches silicon photodetectors sensitivity.
Single‐Atomic Ruthenium Active Sites on Ti3C2 MXene with Oxygen‐Terminated Surface Synchronize Enhanced Activity and Selectivity for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Chen Gang , Ding Mingmei , Zhang Kai , Shen Zhen , Wang Yueting , Ma Jun , Wang Ao , Li Yiping , Xu Hang
Published: November 2021

Downsizing the catalyst to atom scale offers an effective way to maximize the atom utilization efficiency for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Herein, single‐atomic ruthenium (Ru) anchored on a chemically activated Ti3C2 with O‐terminated groups (Ti3C2O) was designed to catalyze the NRR process. The catalyst achieved a superior activity and selectivity with ammonia yield rate of 27.56 μg h−1 mg−1 and faradaic efficiency of 23.3 % at a low potential of −0.20 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. According to the atomic resolution images from aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, Ru sites on Ti3C2O achieved good dispersion on atomic scale. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis further demonstrated that the O‐termination groups were successfully activated. Density functional theory calculations combined with experiments revealed that single Ru sites binding to four oxygen were the main reaction centers that permitted the hydrogenation of *NNH2 to *NHNH2 in a novel distal/alternating hybrid path while reducing the energy barrier of the potential‐limiting step to 0.78 eV from 0.96 eV in the distal path alone or 1.18 eV in the alternating path alone, thereby significantly promoting the NRR dynamics.
Midfrontal theta oscillations and conflict monitoring in children and adults
Authors: Chevalier Nicolas , Hadley Lauren V. , Balthrop Kullen
Published: November 2021

Conflict monitoring is central in cognitive control, as detection of conflict serves as a signal for the need to engage control. This study examined whether (1) midfrontal theta oscillations similarly support conflict monitoring in children and adults, and (2) performance monitoring difficulty influences conflict monitoring and resolution. Children (n = 25) and adults (n = 24) completed a flanker task with fair or rigged response feedback. Relative to adults, children showed a smaller congruency effect on midfrontal theta power, overall lower midfrontal theta power and coherence, and (unlike adults) no correlation between midfrontal theta power and N2 amplitude, suggesting that reduced neural communication efficiency contributes to less efficient conflict monitoring in children than adults. In both age groups, response feedback fairness affected response times and the P3, but neither midfrontal theta oscillations nor the N2, indicating that performance monitoring difficulty influenced conflict resolution but not conflict monitoring.
Genetic variation in transcriptional regulation of wheat seed starch content and its conversion to bioethanol
Authors: Mukherjee Shalini , Koramutla Murali Krishna , Levin David B. , Ayele Belay T.
Published: November 2021

Starch deposited in the endosperm of cereal seeds serves as a source of food and animal feed, and as a substrate for bioethanol production. To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic variation in seed size and seed starch content, this study investigated transcriptional regulation of starch biosynthesis genes during seed filling in two wheat genotypes that exhibit contrasting phenotype in seed size. Our data showed that variation in starch accumulation during seed filling is closely associated with modulations in the expression patterns of specific starch biosynthesis genes including TaAGPL1, TaAGPS2, TaGBSSI, TaSSI, TaSSIV, TaSBEIIa, TaISA1, and TaISA3, as well as alterations in the activity of AGPase, GBSS, and SS enzymes. Consistently, the genotype that produces larger seeds that are characterized by a higher seed starch content generated higher amounts of fermentable sugars and bioethanol before and after fermentation, respectively. Since the amount of phenol per seed dry weight is higher in the genotype that produces smaller seeds, the prevalence of lower starch to bioethanol conversion efficiency in this genotype, despite the higher amount of glucose generated per bioavailable starch, suggests that the phenolic compounds interfere with the fermentation process and thereby affecting the bioethanol yield.
Bioactive compounds and functional properties of Rambai (Baccaurea motleyana Müll. Arg.) fruit: A comprehensive review
Authors: Debnath Pradip , Ahmad Sayed Koushik , Mahedi Rezwan Ahmed , Ganguly Amlan , Sarker Kishore Kumar
Published: November 2021

Rambai (Baccaurea motleyana Müll. Arg.), a member of the Phyllanthaceae family, is one of the underutilized fruits native to Indonesia, Malaya Peninsula, and Thailand. Nowadays, B. motleyana is cultivated for its fruits in many parts of Northern Australia, China, and Southeast Asia. The edible part of the fruit is white and contains reddish arillodes that taste sweet to acid‐sweet. The ripe fruit is consumed fresh and can be processed into juice, jams, organic vinegar, and wine. Traditionally, the fruit and its bark are used to treat stomach and eye diseases, respectively. The fruits of B. motleyana are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fibers, and they also contain bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and terpenes. This scientific review describes the nutritional composition, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of B. motleyana. In addition, most recent information is provided to promote the widespread consumption of B. motleyana fruit as well as to create research interest on this interesting species among the scientific community.
The lithospheric effective elastic thickness and its tectonic implications in the Ordos Block and adjacent areas
Authors: Chen Qing , Neubauer Franz , Dong Yunpeng , Tan Xianfeng , Chen Hao
Published: November 2021

The Ordos Block, located at the western edge of the North China Block, is a stable rigid block. It is characterized by inactive tectonic activity and rare earthquakes, while the south‐west margin of this block and adjacent areas present the opposite features. There is still considerable ambiguity with regard to the lithospheric mechanical strength in these areas. The effective elastic thickness (Te), widely used for comprehending the mechanism of cratonic deformation and lithospheric dynamics, is a proxy of the lithospheric strength. This study provided detailed two‐dimensional lithospheric Te spatial variations in the Ordos and adjacent areas by using coherence analysis of the topography and Bouguer anomaly. The result showed that the higher Te values in the Ordos Block varied from 80 to 100 km and implied that it is capable of strong rigidity. The lower Te values were distributed over the Qinling Block (20–45 km), the Qilian Block and Haiyuan arcuate tectonic region (20–40 km), as well as the Baryan‐Har Block (15–30 km). By comparing the Te values with the geophysical results, we believe that the higher Te value in the Ordos Block was supported not only by the crust, but also by the upper mantle. In contrast, the mechanical strength of the south‐west margin, especially the Baryan‐Har Block and western Qinling Block, was mainly borne by the brittle upper crust, but the tectonic activity and brittle failure likely resulted in a lower Te. Furthermore, we found that a large number of shallow earthquakes were located above low‐velocity and low‐resistivity layers, most of which probably occurred in the brittle upper crust with small mechanical strength.
Late onset of type 2 diabetes is associated with mitochondrial tRNATrp A5514G and tRNASer(AGY) C12237T mutations
Authors: Yang Liuchun , Guo Qinxian , Leng Jianhang , Wang Keyi , Ding Yu
Published: November 2021

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunctions caused by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) pathogenic mutations play putative roles in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) progression. But the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood.

Methods

A large Chinese family with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) underwent clinical, genetic, and molecular assessment. PCR and sequence analysis are carried out to detect mtDNA variants in affected family members, in addition, phylogenetic conservation analysis, haplogroup classification, and pathogenicity scoring system are performed. Moreover, the GJB2, GJB3, GJB6, and TRMU genes mutations are screened by PCR‐Sanger sequencing.

Results

Six of 18 matrilineal subjects manifested different clinical phenotypes of diabetes. The average age at onset of diabetic patients is 52 years. Screening for the entire mitochondrial genomes suggests the co‐existence of two possibly pathogenic mutations: tRNATrp A5514G and tRNASer(AGY) C12237T, which belongs to East Asia haplogroup G2a. By molecular level, m.A5514G mutation resides at acceptor stem of tRNATrp (position 3), which is critical for steady‐state level of tRNATrp. Conversely, m.C12237T mutation occurs in the variable region of tRNASer(AGY) (position 31), which creates a novel base‐pairing (11A‐31T). Thus, the mitochondrial dysfunctions caused by tRNATrp A5514G and tRNASer(AGY) C12237T mutations, may be associated with T2DM in this pedigree. But we do not find any functional mutations in those nuclear genes.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that m.A5514G and m.C12337T mutations are associated with T2DM, screening for mt‐tRNA mutations is useful for molecular diagnosis and prevention of mitochondrial diabetes.
Emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants can potentially break set epidemiological barriers in COVID‐19
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Parashar Rakesh , Kumar Sujeet , Faiq Muneeb A , Kumari Chiman , Kulandhasamy Maheswari , Narayan Ravi K. , Jha Rakesh K. , Singh Himanshu N. , Prasoon Pranav , Pandey Sada N. , Kant Kamla
Published: November 2021

Young age, female sex, absence of comorbidities, and prior infection or vaccination are known epidemiological barriers for contracting the new infection and/or increased disease severity. Demographic trends from the recent coronavirus disease 2019 waves, which are believed to be driven by newer severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants, indicate that the aforementioned epidemiological barriers are being breached and a larger number of younger and healthy individuals are developing severe disease. The new SARS‐CoV‐2 variants have key mutations that can induce significant changes in the virus‐host interactions. Recent studies report that, some of these mutations, singly or in a group, enhance key mechanisms, such as binding of the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein with the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in the host‐cells, increase the glycosylation of spike protein at the antigenic sites, and enhance the proteolytic cleavage of the spike protein, thus leading to improved host‐cell entry and the replication of the virus. The putative changes in the virus–host interactions imparted by the mutations in the RBD sequence can potentially be the reason behind the breach of the observed epidemiological barriers. Susceptibility for contracting SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and the disease outcomes are known to be influenced by host‐cell expressions of ACE2 and other proteases. The new variants can act more efficiently, and even with the lesser availability of the viral entry‐receptor and the associated proteases, can have more efficient host‐cell entry and greater replication resulting in high viral loads and prolonged viral shedding, widespread tissue‐injury, and severe inflammation leading to increased transmissibility and lethality. Furthermore, the accumulating evidence shows that multiple new variants have reduced neutralization by both, natural and vaccine‐acquired antibodies, indicating that repeated and vaccine breakthrough infections may arise as serious health concerns in the ongoing pandemic.
Complete genomic analysis of uncommon G12P[11] rotavirus causing a nosocomial outbreak of acute diarrhea in the newborns in New Delhi, India
Authors: Ranshing Sujata , Ganorkar Nital , Ramji Siddarth , Gopalkrishna Varanasi
Published: November 2021

Rotaviruses (RVs) are the major causative agents of acute gastroenteritis in children, but in neonates, RV infections are generally nosocomial in origin and mostly asymptomatic. However, there have been infrequent reports of nosocomial outbreaks of clinical disease in this population. In this study, we describe uncommon RV genotype; G12P[11] associated with an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis in the neonatal ward and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in New Delhi, North India. Full‐genome analyses of the pathogenic G12P[11] strain was carried out to map the genotype constellation and further to explore the variations in the antigenic epitopes on the immunodominant VP7 and VP4 proteins, the amino acid sequences were compared with neonatal strains; ROTAVAC® (G9P[11]) and asymptomatic G12P[11] and also other G/P‐type matched strains. The study revealed G12–P[11]–I1–R1–C1–M1–A1–N1–T1–E1–H1 human Wa‐like genotype constellation and highlights evidence of gene reassortment. No significant differences were observed in the sequences of structural (except VP3) and nonstructural encoding genes of G12P[11] strains recovered from symptomatic and asymptomatic neonates. Presence of additional N‐linked glycosylation site was noted in the G12 strains, as a consequence of a change from Asp→Asn at amino acid position 238. Interestingly, only two and four amino acids substitution within the 7‐1a and 8‐1 antigenic epitope were observed, respectively, compared with asymptomatic G12P[11] strain. The study emphasizes the importance of close monitoring of RV outbreaks in neonates for early alarming of novel strain.
Effectiveness and safety of Ivermectin in COVID‐19 patients: A prospective study at a safety‐net hospital
Authors: Ozer Muhammet , Goksu Suleyman Yasin , Conception Reena , Ulker Esad , Balderas Rodolfo Magallanes , Mahdi Mohammed , Manning Zulfiya , To Kim , Effendi Muhammad , Anandakrishnan Rajashree , Whitman Marc , Gugnani Manish
Published: November 2021

Ivermectin has been found to inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) replication in vitro. It is unknown whether this inhibition of SARS‐CoV‐2 replication correlates with improved clinical outcomes. To assess the effectiveness and safety of ivermectin in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19. A total of 286 patients with COVID‐19 were included in the study. Univariate analysis of the primary mortality outcome and comparisons between treatment groups were determined. Logistic regression and propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for confounders. Patients in the ivermectin group received 2 doses of Ivermectin at 200 μg/kg in addition to usual clinical care on hospital Days 1 and 3. The ivermectin group had a significantly higher length of hospital stay than the control group; however, this significance did not maintain on multivariable logistic regression analysis. The length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and duration of mechanical ventilation were longer in the control group. However, a mortality benefit was not seen with ivermectin treatment before and after PSM (p values = 0.07 and 0.11, respectively). ICU admission, and intubation rate were not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.49, and p = 1.0, respectively). No differences were found between groups regarding the length of hospital stay, ICU admission, intubation rate, and in‐hospital mortality.
Transient neonatal shoulder paralysis causes early osteoarthritis in a mouse model
Authors: Forrester Lynn Ann , Fang Fei , Jacobsen Timothy , Hu Yizhong , Kurtaliaj Iden , Roye Benjamin D. , Edward Guo X. , Chahine Nadeen O. , Thomopoulos Stavros
Published: November 2021

Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) occurs in approximately 1.5 of every 1,000 live births. The majority of children with NBPP recover function of the shoulder. However, the long‐term risk of osteoarthritis (OA) in this population is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the development of OA in a mouse model of transient neonatal shoulder paralysis. Neonatal mice were injected twice per week for 4 weeks with saline in the right supraspinatus muscle (Saline, control) and botulinum toxin A (BtxA, transient paralysis) in the left supraspinatus muscle, and then allowed to recover for 20 or 36 weeks. Control mice received no injections, and all mice were sacrificed at 24 or 40 weeks. BtxA mice exhibited abnormalities in gait compared to controls through 10 weeks of age, but these differences did not persist into adulthood. BtxA shoulders had decreased bone volume (−9%) and abnormal trabecular microstructure compared to controls. Histomorphometry analysis demonstrated that BtxA shoulders had higher murine shoulder arthritis scale scores (+30%), and therefore more shoulder OA compared to controls. Articular cartilage of BtxA shoulders demonstrated stiffening of the tissue. Compared with controls, articular cartilage from BtxA shoulders had 2‐fold and 10‐fold decreases in Dkk1 and BMP2 expression, respectively, and 3‐fold and 14‐fold increases in Col10A1 and BGLAP expression, respectively, consistent with established models of OA. In summary, a brief period of paralysis of the neonatal mouse shoulder was sufficient to generate early signs of OA in adult cartilage and bone.
A bovine nucleus pulposus explant culture model
Authors: Salzer Elias , Mouser Vivian H. M. , Tryfonidou Marianna A. , Ito Keita
Published: November 2021

Low back pain is a global health problem that is frequently caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) give the healthy nucleus pulposus (NP) a high fixed charge density (FCD), which creates an osmotic pressure that enables the disc to withstand high compressive forces. However, during IVDD sGAG reduction in the NP compromises biomechanical function. The aim of this study was to develop an ex vivo NP explant model with reduced sGAG content and subsequently investigate biomechanical restoration via injection of proteoglycan‐containing notochordal cell‐derived matrix (NCM). Bovine coccygeal NP explants were cultured in a bioreactor chamber and sGAG loss was induced by chondroitinase ABC (chABC) and cultured for up to 14 days. Afterwards, diurnal loading was studied, and explant restoration was investigated via injection of NCM. Explants were analyzed via histology, biochemistry, and biomechanical testing via stress relaxation tests and height measurements. ChABC injection induced dose‐dependent sGAG reduction on Day 3, however, no dosing effects were detected after 7 and 14 days. Diurnal loading reduced sGAG loss after injection of chABC. NCM did not show an instant biomechanical (equilibrium pressure) or biochemical (FCD) restoration, as the injected fixed charges leached into the medium, however, NCM stimulated proliferation and increased Alcian blue staining intensity and matrix organization. NCM has biological repair potential and biomaterial/NCM combinations, which could better entrap NCM within the NP tissue, should be investigated in future studies. Concluding, chABC induced progressive, time‐, dose‐ and loading‐dependent sGAG reduction that led to a loss of biomechanical function.

Keywords

biomechanics | intervertebral disc | matrix degradation | low back pain | proteoglycans
Holocene environments on the west‐central Kola Peninsula (north‐west Russia): lithology, chronology and biostratigraphy records from Lake Tikozero and a neighbouring bog
Authors: Korsakova Olga , Kolka Vasily , Tolstobrov Dmitry , Savelieva Larisa , Kosova Anna , Petrov Alexei , Semyonova Lyudmila
Published: November 2021

The paper studies sediments from Lake Tikozero that have accumulated successively in the littoral of Lake pre‐Imandra, Imandra lagoon, and an open lake isolated from a parental freshwater body. The ‘Apatity’ bog was concurrently formed on the Lake Imandra coast. Lithological, 14C, pollen and diatom data and findings of previous investigations provide the regional Holocene stratigraphy, which is subdivided into the early (c. 11 550–8200 cal a bp), middle (c. 8200–4000 cal a bp) and late (last 4000 cal a bp) Holocene sub‐stages. In the early Holocene, environments became favourable for diatoms after c. 9700 cal a bp. Birch phytocoenoses and pine forests with birch flourished in the area. In the middle Holocene, the west‐central Kola Peninsula was covered by a pine‐birch forest with alders. Lake Tikozero became shallow and desiccated in a warm and dry climate between c. 6300 and 4000 cal a bp; and a Sphagnum raised bog developed in the adjacent area, provoked by lowering of the water table. Spruce appeared in a pine‐birch forest and indicates a colder and wetter climate in the late Holocene. The flooding of Lake Imandra created a number of new small lakes; and fens occurred along the wet shores.
Preoperative prognostic nutritional index and systemic immune‐inflammation index predict survival outcomes in osteosarcoma: A comparison between young and elderly patients
Authors: Ma Cong , Yu Ronghui , Li Junhong , Guo Jingjing , Xu Jianyun , Wang Xiaoyan , Liu Ping
Published: November 2021

Objective

This retrospective study of patients with osteosarcoma investigated the following biomarkers of inflammation and nutritional status: neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII). The efficacies of these indicators to predict overall survival (OS) of young and elderly patients were compared.

Methods

The data of 125 patients with osteosarcoma, comprising the young (≤20 years) and elderly (60–80 years), were reviewed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated to determine the optimal cut‐off value and area under the ROC curve of each potential biomarker. Kaplan–Meier curves and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to perform survival analyses.

Results

The cut‐off values for low and high PNI ( ≤48.5, >48.5) and low and high SII (≤607.3, >607.3) were determined. Osteosarcoma patients in low PNI group or high SII group exhibited poorer OS relative to those in high PNI or low SII groups. The univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that preoperative PNI and SII were independent prognostic factors for OS in both the young and elderly subjects.

Conclusion

Preoperative PNI and SII can be viable biomarkers of prognosis for both young and elderly patients with osteosarcoma. Awareness of these valuable indexes will enable clinicians to evaluate the inflammatory and nutritional status of these patients and establish a framework for individualized therapy.
Dispersion Polymerization versus Emulsifier‐Free Emulsion Polymerization for Nano‐Object Fabrication: A Comprehensive Comparison
Authors: Zhong Feng , Pan Cai‐Yuan
Published: November 2021

Although the preparation of nano‐objects by emulsifier‐free controlled/living radical emulsion polymerization has drawn much attention, the morphologies of these formed objects are difficult to predict and to reproduce because of the much more complex nucleation mechanisms of emulsion polymerization compared to only one self‐assembling nucleation mechanism of controlled radical dispersion polymerization. The present study compares dispersion polymerization with emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerization in terms of nucleation mechanism, polymerization kinetics, and disappearance behavior of the macrochain transfer agent, gel permeation chromatograms curves of the obtained block copolymer as well as the structural and morphological differences between the produced nano‐objects on the basis of published data. Moreover, the effects of the inherently heterogeneous nature of emulsion polymerization on the mechanism of reversible addition‐fragmentation transfer polymerization and the nano‐object morphology are examined, and efficient agitation and adequate solubility of the core‐forming monomer in water are identified as the most crucial factors for the fabrication of nonspherical nano‐objects.
Fractional‐order dynamical model for electricity markets
Authors: Dassios Ioannis , Kërçi Taulant , Baleanu Dumitru , Milano Federico
Published: November 2021

In this article, we use a generalized system of differential equations of fractional‐order to incorporate memory into an electricity market model. By using this idea, essential information from the past, such as the behavior of market participants, namely, suppliers and consumers, can be used and have impact on future decisions. We construct the fractional‐order dynamical model, study its solutions, and provide closed formulas of solutions. Finally, we provide an application by using the proposed formula of solutions as well as a numerical example which also compares the proposed model with a conventional, integer‐order electricity market model. Results indicate that the inclusion of memory leads market participants to adopt a conservative behavior.