bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional variants fine‐mapping and gene function characterization provide insights into the role of ZNF323 in schizophrenia pathogenesis
Authors: Li Shiwu , Li Xiaoyan , Liu Jiewei , Huo Yongxia , Li Long , Wang Junyang , Luo Xiong‐Jian
Published: February 2021

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disease characterized with positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive impairments. Although recent genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have identified over 145 risk loci for schizophrenia, pinpointing the causal variants and genes at the reported loci and elucidating their roles in schizophrenia remain major challenges. Here we identify a functional single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; rs213237) in ZNF323 promoter by using functional fine‐mapping. We found that allelic differences at rs213237 affected the ZNF323 promoter activity significantly. Consistently, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis showed that rs213237 was significantly associated with ZNF323 expression in diverse human brain tissues, suggesting that rs213237 may contribute to schizophrenia risk through regulating ZNF323 expression. Interestingly, we found that ZNF323 protein was localized in the nucleus and knockdown of ZNF323 in macaque neural stem cells (mNSCs) significantly impaired proliferation and survival of mNSCs. We further showed that stable knockdown of ZNF323 in SH‐SY5Y cells resulted in significant decrease of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein expression. Finally, transcriptome analysis revealed that ZNF323 may regulate pivotal schizophrenia risk genes (including VIPR2 and NPY) and schizophrenia‐associated pathways (including PI3K‐AKT and NOTCH signaling pathways), suggesting that ZNF323 may be a major regulator of schizophrenia risk genes. Our study reveals how a genetic variant in ZNF323 promoter contributes to schizophrenia risk through regulating ZNF323 expression. More importantly, our findings demonstrate that ZNF323 may have a pivotal role in schizophrenia pathogenesis through regulating schizophrenia risk genes and schizophrenia‐associated biological processes (including neurodevelopment, PI3K‐AKT, and NOTCH signaling pathways).
ZnO/Ag/Fe3O4 nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes employing Petasites hybridus rhizome water extract: A novel organometallic nanocatalyst for the synthesis of new naphthyridines
Authors: Hossaini Zinatossadat , Tabarsaei Navisa , Khandan Samira , Valipour Peyman , Ghorchibeigi Mona
Published: February 2021

In this study, ZnO/Ag/Fe3O4/CNTs nanoparticles (NPs) immobilized on carbon nanotubes (ZnO/Ag/Fe3O4/CNTs) were synthesized using Petasites hybridus rhizome water extract as a renewable, mild, and safe reducing agent and effective stabilizer without adding any surfactants. For the confirmation of the structure of the green synthesized NPs, various methods such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), FESEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy‐Dispersive X‐Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) were employed. The ZnO/Ag/Fe3O4/CNTs magnetic NPs as a high performance catalyst was employed for the preparation of naphthyridine derivatives in high yields via the multicomponent reactions of phthalaldehyde, 2‐aminoactonitrile, activated acetylenic compounds, α‐haloketones, triphenyphophine, and ammonium acetate in aqueous media at ambient temperature. Due to having isoquinoline core, we investigate antioxidant property of some synthesized compounds by diphenyl‐picrylhydrazine (DPPH) radical trapping and power of ferric reduction experiment. Furthermore, the disk diffusion test on Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria IS utilized for investigation of antimicrobial activity of some naphthyridines. The achieved outcomes of this experiment demonstrate that these synthesized compounds could prevent from growth of bacteria. Short time of reaction, high yields of product, easy separation of catalyst, and products are some benefits of this process.
Co (II), Cu (II), Mn (II), Ni (II), Pd (II), and Pt (II) complexes of bidentate Schiff base ligand: Synthesis, crystal structure, and acute toxicity evaluation
Authors: Lupașcu Gina , Pahonțu Elena , Shova Sergiu , Bărbuceanu Ștefania Felicia , Badea Mihaela , Paraschivescu Codruța , Neamțu Johny , Dinu Mihaela , Ancuceanu Robert Viorel , Drăgănescu Doina , Dinu‐Pîrvu Cristina Elena
Published: February 2021

5‐methoxy‐2‐(((2chloro‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)imino)methyl)phenol) (HL) and its cobalt (II), copper (II), manganese (II), nickel (II), palladium (II), and platinum (II) complexes, [Co(L)2]·4H2O (1), [Cu(L)2] (2), [Mn(L)2(H2O)2]·H2O (3), [Ni(L)2] (4), [Pd(L)2] (5), [Pt(L)2] (6), were synthesized and characterized. The compounds were investigated by different physico‐chemical techniques including IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, UV‐Vis, mass spectroscopies, elemental and thermal analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and molar electric conductivity. The molecular structures of the HL ligand and copper (II), nickel (II), and palladium (II) complexes were confirmed by X‐ray crystallography analysis on the monocrystal. Each metal ion, in these complexes, is four‐coordinated in N2O2 coordination environment. The coordination geometry of Ni2+ and Pd2+ is square planar due to cystallographically imposed inversion symmetry of the metal centers, and the coordination geometry of copper atom can be described as tetrahedrally distorted square planar. The assessed toxicity of the ligand and its complex combinations on plant cell of Triticum aestivum L. were macroscopically and microscopically consistent. The same substances were investigated for the animal cell toxicity on crustacean Artemia franciscana Kellogg, and Mn2+ complex did not record any lethal effect.
Effects of annealing temperature on both radial supporting performance and axial flexibility of poly(L‐lactic acid) braided stents
Authors: Tian Yuan , Liu Muqing , Liu Wentao , Cheng Jie , Wu Gensheng , Han Ting , Zhang Yi , Zhao Gutian , Ni Zhonghua
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the effects of annealing temperature on both radial supporting performance and axial flexibility of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) braided stents are studied. Stents are annealed at a series of temperatures ranging from 80 to 160°C for 1 h, then indicators of shaping effect, radial supporting performance, and axial flexibility are compared. Stents not annealed and annealed at 80°C cannot be completely shaped. In contrast, stents annealed at 100 to 160°C are well shaped showing radial shrinkage rate of 1.0 ± 0.2% and almost no axial elongation. The radial compressive force and axial force are gradually increased by 51.2% and 89.2%, respectively with the annealing temperature gradually increasing from 80 to 160°C, indicating that the radial supporting performance is improved but axial flexibility is weakened by a higher annealing temperature. Taken together, PLLA braided stents can be annealed at 100 to 120°C to obtain sufficient radial force and lower axial force simultaneously for clinical applications. Moreover, tensile test, X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry are performed for monofilaments annealed at different temperatures to further explore the effect mechanism of annealing temperature on the mechanical properties of stents. This study may provide helpful suggestions for the manufacture of biodegradable braided stents.
Design and properties of polyarylene ether nitrile copolymers with improved elongation at break
Authors: Liu Shuning , Liu Chenchen , Bai Zhongxiang , Zhang Weixi , Tong Lifen , Liu Xiaobo
Published: February 2021

Polyarylene ether nitrile (PEN) based on biphenol exhibits a high glass transition temperature of 216°C, a high tensile strength of 110 MPa, and low elongation at break of approximately 4%. A series of PEN random copolymers with improved elongation at break were synthesized using various bisphenol compounds and 2,6‐dichlorobenzonitrile (DCBN). The resulting PEN random copolymers exhibited a high glass transition temperature and thermal stability up to 513°C in a nitrogen atmosphere. PEN copolymers were amorphous and could easily be cast into transparent films with a tensile strength of 97.93–117.88 MPa and tensile modulus of 2187.98–2558.44 MPa. Most importantly, elongation at break of these PEN copolymers was higher than 13%. PEN copolymer films had a dielectric constant of 3.77–3.89 at 1 kHz and extremely low dielectric loss (<0.02). At the same time, the breakdown strength of PEN was in the range of 137.92–198.19 kV/mm and energy storage density was in the range of 0.32–0.68 J/cm3. Excellent mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties of PEN make it possible to use them as high‐temperature resistant dielectrics to act on high‐temperature resistant insulated cables.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor deficiency aggravates effects of fructose‐enriched diet on lipid metabolism in the mouse liver
Authors: Gligorovska Ljupka , Teofilović Ana , Vojnović Milutinović Danijela , Miladinović Nenad , Kovačević Sanja , Veličković Nataša , Djordjevic Ana
Published: February 2021

Dietary fructose can disturb hepatic lipid metabolism in a way that leads to lipid accumulation and steatosis, which is often accompanied with low‐grade inflammation. The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine with important role not only in the regulation of inflammation, but also in the modulation of energy metabolism in the liver. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of Mif deficiency in fructose‐induced disturbances of hepatic lipid metabolism and ectopic lipid accumulation. Wild type (WT) and Mif deficient (MIF−/−) C57Bl/6J mice were used to analyze the effects of 9‐week 20% fructose‐enriched diet on hepatic lipid metabolism (both lipogenesis and β‐oxidation) and histology, inflammatory status and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling. The results showed fructose‐induced elevation of lipogenic genes (fatty acid synthase (Fas) and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (Scd1) and transcriptional lipogenic regulators (liver X receptor (LXR), sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c), and carbohydrate response element‐binding protein (ChREBP)). However, microvesicular fatty changes, accompanied with enhanced inflammation, were observable only in fructose‐fed Mif deficient animals, and were most likely result of GR activation and facilitated uptake and decreased β‐oxidation of FFA, as evidenced by elevated protein level of fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) and decreased carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1) level. In conclusion, the results show that Mif deficiency aggravates the effects of energy‐rich fructose diet on hepatic lipid accumulation, most likely through enhanced inflammation and activation of GR signaling pathway.
The design basis for the integrated and continuous biomanufacturing framework
Authors: Coffman Jon , Bibbo Kenneth , Brower Mark , Forbes Robert , Guros Nicholas , Horowski Brian , Lu Rick , Mahajan Rajiv , Patil Ujwal , Rose Steven , Shultz Joseph
Published: February 2021

An 8 ton per year manufacturing facility is described based on the framework for integrated and continuous bioprocessing (ICB) common to all known biopharmaceutical implementations. While the output of this plant rivals some of the largest fed‐batch plants in the world, the equipment inside the plant is relatively small: the plant consists of four 2000 L single‐use bioreactors and has a maximum flow rate of 13 L/min. The equipment and facility for the ICB framework is described in sufficient detail to allow biopharmaceutical companies, vendors, contract manufacturers to build or buy their own systems. The design will allow the creation of a global ICB ecosystem that will transform biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The design is fully backward compatible with legacy fed‐batch processes. A clinical production scale is described that can produce smaller batch sizes with the same equipment as that used at the commercial scale. The design described allows the production of as little as 10 g to nearly 35 kg of drug substance per day.
Role‐based attention in deep reinforcement learning for games
Authors: Yang Dong , Yang Wenjing , Li Minglong , Yang Qiong
Published: February 2021

Reinforcement learning method that learns while interacting with the environment, relies heavily on the concept of state as the input to the policy and value function. In the task, the view of agent contains a lot of information, and it is difficult for the agent to learn to ignore the irrelevant information and focus on the key information. Inspired by recent work in attention models for computer vision, we present a role‐based attention model for reinforcement learning. The proposed model uses convolutional neural networks to generate soft attention maps, adding crucial role information in the task, forcing the agent to focus on important features and distinguish task‐related information. To validate the performance in complex problems, the proposed approach is evaluated in a challenging scenario, Football Academy in Google Research Football Environment, a newly released reinforcement learning environment with physics‐based three‐dimensional simulator. The experimental results demonstrate that agents using role‐based attention mechanism can perform better in football games.
Transcatheter valve‐in‐valve implantation versus surgical redo aortic root replacement in patients with degenerated freestyle aortic bioprosthesis
Authors: Vukadinovikj Andrijana , Baumgártner Eva , Bohmann Katja , Härter Denise , Wimmer‐Greinecker Gerhard , Burgdorf Christof
Published: February 2021

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve‐in‐valve implantation (ViV TAVI) represents a new treatment option for patients with degenerated aortic bioprosthesis. Comparative data to redo surgical aortic valve replacement (redo SAVR) are limited.

Objective

We investigated feasibility and outcome of ViV TAVI versus redo SAVR in patients with symptomatic degenerated Medtronic Freestyle aortic bioprosthesis (FSB).

Methods

Between January 2002 and February 2020, 25 patients with failed FSB underwent ViV TAVI and 10 patients with failed FSB underwent redo SAVR. Endpoints were defined according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 (VARC‐2) criteria.

Results

Age and logistic EuroSCORE II were higher in patients with ViV TAVI (75.4 ± 1.7 vs. 62.9 ± 5.1 years, p = .019; 11.5 ± 1.6 vs. 5.6 ± 5.6%, p = .007). Valve implantation was successful in all cases. Mean transvalvular pressure gradients were significantly lower in patients with redo SAVR than ViV TAVI (7.6 ± 1.0 vs. 10.3 ± 0.8 mmHg, p = .037). Aortic valve regurgitation was absent in 91% and 100% of patients with ViV TAVI and redo SAVR, respectively. Thirty‐day mortality rates were 12% in the ViV TAVI cohort versus 0% in the redo SAVR cohort (p = .542). Within the first year after hospital discharge, one patient after ViV TAVI had redo surgical intervention.

Conclusions

ViV TAVI and redo SAVR lead to excellent functional results in patients with degenerated FSB. Post‐procedural early complications must be considered particularly in patients with ViV TAVI because of higher clinical risk profiles.
Synthetic Approaches to Selenoesters
Authors: Baldassari Lucas L. , Lüdtke Diogo S.
Published: February 2021

Selenoesters are compounds of great synthetic relevance since they can be used in several types of chemical transformations and mainly due to their great capacity in the formation of acyl radicals. Therefore, the scientific community has been developing several methods for the synthesis of this class of molecules. This review will address the synthesis of these compounds from different starting materials, such as carboxylic acids derivatives (acid chlorides and anhydrides), aldehydes, selenoacetylenes and miscellaneous methods.
Base‐Promoted Formylation and N‐Difluoromethylation of Azaindoles with Ethyl Bromodifluoroacetate as a Carbon Source
Authors: Li Yang , Sun Ning , Zhang Cai‐Lin , Hao Meng
Published: February 2021

Main observation and conclusion

We reported for the first time that ethyl bromodifluoroacetate directly reacts with azaindole without transition metal catalysis to produce a difluoromethyl protected 5‐aldehyde group product in one step. It is worth mentioning that the reacted aldehyde group is only formed at the 5 position. In addition, this method has good substrate applicability and functional group tolerance. Finally, we also carried out some mechanism auxiliary experiments, which confirmed that the aldehyde‐based carbon comes from ethyl bromo‐ difluoroacetate.
Modelling human liver microphysiology on a chip through a finite element based design approach
Authors: Menezes Pedro Duarte , Gadegaard Nikolaj , Natal Jorge Renato M. , Pinto Sónia I. S.
Published: February 2021

Organ‐on‐a‐chip (OoaC) are microfluidic devices capable of growing living tissue and replicate the intricate microenvironments of human organs in vitro, being heralded as having the potential to revolutionize biological research and healthcare by providing unprecedented control over fluid flow, relevant tissue to volume ratio, compatibility with high‐resolution content screening and a reduced footprint. Finite element modelling is proven to be an efficient approach to simulate the microenvironments of OoaC devices, and may be used to study the existing correlations between geometry and hydrodynamics, towards developing devices of greater accuracy. The present work aims to refine a steady‐state gradient generator for the development of a more relevant human liver model. For this purpose, the finite element method was used to simulate the device and predict which design settings, expressed by individual parameters, would better replicate in vitro the oxygen gradients found in vivo within the human liver acinus. To verify the model's predictive capabilities, two distinct examples were replicated from literature. Finite element analysis enabled obtaining an ideal solution, designated as liver gradient‐on‐a‐chip, characterised by a novel way to control gradient generation, from which it was possible to determine concentration values ranging between3%and12%, thus providing a precise correlation with in vivo oxygen zonation, comprised between 3%–5% and 10%–12% within respectively the perivenous and periportal zones of the human liver acinus. Shear stress was also determined to average the value of0.037Pa, and therefore meet the interval determined from literature to enhance liver tissue culture, comprised between0.01 − 0.05Pa.
Investigation of the performances of advanced image classification‐based ground filtering approaches for digital terrain model generation
Authors: Yilmaz Volkan
Published: February 2021

The majority of the ground filtering techniques proposed so far use several user‐defined parameter values. Since no standard protocols exist to define these parameters, obtaining the optimum filtering performance is very hard, especially in large‐extent areas with abrupt topography changes. This, of course, reveals the necessity of some more efficient strategies to ease the ground filtering process in such areas. Utilizing classified images for ground filtering purpose may be of help to achieve this. Hence, this study, for the first time in the literature, investigated the performances of the state‐of‐the‐art machine learning algorithms maximum likelihood (ML), artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), and random forest (RF) in ground filtering of a UAS‐based point cloud. The used approaches were based on the assignment of the points corresponding to the ground‐related classes to the ground class. Evaluations showed that the SVM‐based ground filtering approach achieved the optimum filtering result. The SVM‐, ML‐, RF‐, and ANN‐based ground filtering methods achieved the total errors of 13.2%, 16.4%, 19.6%, and 21.9% in the test site, respectively.
Anion Transmembrane Nanochannels from Pore‐Forming Helices Constructed by the Dynamic Covalent Reaction of Dihydrazide and Dialdehyde Units
Authors: Zhang Chenyang , Zhang Jing , Li Wencan , Mao Shizhong , Dong Zeyuan
Published: February 2021

Anion transmembrane nanochannels constructed from dynamic covalent helices (DCHs) are reported. The dynamic covalent structures can be synthesized by one‐pot dynamic covalent reactions and helically self‐fold into nanotubes through intramolecular hydrogen bonding and π‐π interactions. Such helical structures can vertically self‐assemble into long nanofibers under π‐π stacking and their hollow nanocavities finally form ion permeation pathways across the lipid membranes. Single‐channel electrophysiology signals provide solid evidence of DCHs following the channel rather than the carrier mechanism. Owing to the pore‐forming capacity of DCHs, nanochannels are able to accelerate the movement of anions across lipid membranes with high transport activity (EC50=0.08 mol %). Moreover, DCH channels show dehydration energy dependent anion selectivity. This report highlights the importance of such DCHs as general channel scaffolds with economical synthesis and special nanocavities.
Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Combined with Swiss HIV Cohort Study Data Supports No Dose Adjustment of Bictegravir in Elderly Individuals Living With HIV
Authors: Stader Felix , Courlet Perrine , Decosterd Laurent A. , Battegay Manuel , Marzolini Catia
Published: February 2021

Clinical studies in aging people living with HIV (PLWH) are sparse for the novel integrase inhibitor bictegravir, leading to some uncertainty about dosing recommendations for elderly PLWH. The objective of this study was to investigate the continuous impact of aging on bictegravir pharmacokinetics by combining clinically observed data with modeling to support a safe and efficient anti‐HIV therapy with advanced age. A physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed for bictegravir with clinically observed data from phase I studies. The predictive model performance was verified using bictegravir plasma concentrations sampled as part of the general therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) program of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study in young (20–55 years) and elderly PLWH (55–85 years). The verified PBPK model subsequently predicted the continuous impact of aging on bictegravir pharmacokinetics across adulthood (20–99 years). Bictegravir exposure was unchanged in elderly compared with young PLWH when analyzing the TDM data of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. PBPK simulations predicted clinically observed data from 60 young and 32 elderly PLWH mostly within the 95% confidence interval, demonstrating the predictive power of the used modeling approach. Simulations predicted drug exposure to increase up to 40% during adulthood, which was not statistically significantly different from the age‐related pharmacokinetic changes of other HIV and non‐HIV drugs. Sex had no impact on the age‐related changes of bictegravir pharmacokinetics. Considering the safety margin of bictegravir, a dose adjustment for the novel integrase inhibitor isa priorinot necessary in elderly PLWH in the absence of severe comorbidities.
Preparation of an In2S3/TiO2 Heterostructure for Enhanced Activity in Carbon Dioxide Photocatalytic Reduction
Authors: Huang Guofang , Shen Qiuyue , Ma Xiaoyu , Zhong Junbo , Chen Jiufu , Huang Jingwei , Wang Lei , She Houde , Wang Qizhao
Published: February 2021

Constructing a heterojunction structure is considered to be a promising strategy for the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. Herein, In2S3/TiO2 composite materials were successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method and were used for the construction of a typical type II heterojunction. Through optimizing the In2S3/TiO2 ratio, a high separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron‐hole pairs has been achieved. Therefore, 5 % In2S3/TiO2 showed a CH4 production rate of 16.21 μmol g−1 h−1 without using additional sacrificial agent, and the catalytic activity far exceeds that of pure TiO2 nanosheets. The high catalytic activity of the hybrid catalyst can be ascribed to the high specific surface area, enhanced visible light harvesting ability and improved electron transport capability. In addition, based on the XPS valence band spectrum, UV/Vis DRS and photoelectrochemical characteristics, a possible mechanism for the reduction of CO2 by 5 % In2S3/TiO2 photocatalyst is proposed.
Optimization and parametric analysis of slotted microstrip antenna using particle swarm optimization and curve fitting
Authors: Verma Ramesh Kumar , Srivastava Dinesh Kumar
Published: February 2021

This article presents an optimization and analysis of open‐ended “+” shape slotted microstrip antenna utilizing curve fitting‐based particle swarm optimization (PSO) for bandwidth (BW) enhancement and resonant frequency (FR) stabilization at 2.40 GHz design frequency. The optimized antenna BW is obtained 48.68% (1155 MHz) resonating at 2.391 GHz compared to 37.01% (867 MHz) BW of nonoptimized antenna resonating at 2.481 GHz and 13.29% (312 MHz) BW of conventional antenna resonating at 2.353 GHz. The optimization is performed using MATLAB‐based PSO program with relationship equations generated by curve fitting software (Graphmatica) for BW and FR. The data for BW and FR is obtained by varying some selected parameters of open‐ended “+” shape slotted (nonoptimized) patch antenna using IE3D tool. Finally, the performance of optimized antenna is compared with nonoptimized open‐ended “+” shape slotted antenna and conventional antenna. A good agreement is observed between simulated and measured results. The resonating band 1.795 to 2.950 GHz of proposed antenna is suitable for WiMAX (2.3 GHz), WLAN (2.4 GHz), and other applications in partial L and S bands.
Pattern of circulating SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibody‐secreting and memory B‐cell generation in patients with acute COVID‐19
Authors: Byazrova Maria , Yusubalieva Gaukhar , Spiridonova Anna , Efimov Grigory , Mazurov Dmitriy , Baranov Konstantin , Baklaushev Vladimir , Filatov Alexander
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To predict the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), information regarding the immunological memory for disease‐specific antigens is necessary. The possibility of reinfection, as well as the efficacy of vaccines for COVID‐19 that are currently under development, will largely depend on the quality and longevity of immunological memory in patients. To elucidate the process of humoral immunity development, we analysed the generation of plasmablasts and virus receptor‐binding domain (RBD)‐specific memory B (Bmem) cells in patients during the acute phase of COVID‐19.

Methods

The frequencies of RBD‐binding plasmablasts and RBD‐specific antibody‐secreting cells (ASCs) in the peripheral blood samples collected from patients with COVID‐19 were measured using flow cytometry and the ELISpot assay.

Results

The acute phase of COVID‐19 was characterised by the transient appearance of total as well as RBD‐binding plasmablasts. ELISpot analysis indicated that most patients exhibited a spontaneous secretion of RBD‐specific ASCs in the circulation with good correlation between the IgG and IgM subsets. IL‐21/CD40L stimulation of purified B cells induced the activation and proliferation of Bmem cells, which led to the generation of plasmablast phenotypic cells as well as RBD‐specific ASCs. No correlation was observed between the frequency of Bmem cell‐derived and spontaneous ASCs, suggesting that the two types of ASCs were weakly associated with each other.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific Bmem cells are generated during the acute phase of COVID‐19. These findings can serve as a basis for further studies on the longevity of SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific B‐cell memory.
Sustained cellular immunity in adults recovered from mild COVID‐19
Authors: Rank Andreas , Löhr Phillip , Hoffmann Reinhard , Ebigbo Alanna , Grützner Stefanie , Schmid Christoph , Claus Rainer
Published: February 2021

Transient lymphocytopenia is frequently observed in acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). It remains a concern whether impairment of cellular immunity may be retained after COVID‐19. Here, we demonstrate by extensive lymphocyte profiling in 44 adults after mild COVID‐19 that cellular immunity is not fundamentally altered in convalescent patients. Except for increased activated CD8+ lymphocytes, total counts of B, T, and NK cells and their subsets did not differ significantly between patients after COVID‐19 and healthy controls after a median of 27 days (range 13–45) suggesting no residual cellular immune deficiency after recovery from mild COVID‐19.
Enhancement of image transmission using chaotic interleaving with discrete wavelet transform‐based single‐carrier frequency division multiple access system
Authors: Mehallel Elhadi , Abed Djamel , Boukaache Abdenour , Bouchemel Ammar
Published: February 2021

Long‐term evolution (LTE) system adopts single‐carrier frequency division multiple access (SC‐FDMA) technique for high data‐rate uplink wireless communication mainly due to its advantage of high power efficiency and low peak‐to‐average‐power ratio (PAPR). This paper presents a chaotic interleaving scheme for the discrete wavelet transform‐based SC‐FDMA (DWT SC‐FDMA) system to improve the transmission quality of images. This interleaving process is‐ based on applying the chaotic Baker map to the image before transmission. The proposed scheme combines the advantages of excellent orthogonality and spectral containment from DWT SC‐FDMA and performances enhancement from chaotic interleaving. The performances evaluation of the DWT‐SC‐FDMA system with the chaotic interleaving scheme for efficient image transmission is studied and compared with two schemes of SC‐FDMA‐based systems: discrete Fourier transform SC‐FDMA (DFT SC‐FDMA) and discrete cosine transform SC‐FDMA (DCT SC‐FDMA) over different wireless channel and subcarriers mapping modes. This comparison aims to select the most suitable structure of SC‐FDMA for the efficient transmission of the images.

The obtained results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme, which gives an improvement of peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) of about 36 dB (at SNR = 8 dB) is the case of SUI‐3 channel and a significant enhancement in bit‐error‐ratio (BER) performance.
Understanding 3D structural complexity of individual Scots pine trees with different management history
Authors: Saarinen Ninni , Calders Kim , Kankare Ville , Yrttimaa Tuomas , Junttila Samuli , Luoma Ville , Huuskonen Saija , Hynynen Jari , Verbeeck Hans
Published: February 2021

Tree functional traits together with processes such as forest regeneration, growth, and mortality affect forest and tree structure. Forest management inherently impacts these processes. Moreover, forest structure, biodiversity, resilience, and carbon uptake can be sustained and enhanced with forest management activities. To assess structural complexity of individual trees, comprehensive and quantitative measures are needed, and they are often lacking for current forest management practices. Here, we utilized 3D information from individual Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.) trees obtained with terrestrial laser scanning to, first, assess effects of forest management on structural complexity of individual trees and, second, understand relationship between several tree attributes and structural complexity. We studied structural complexity of individual trees represented by a single scale‐independent metric called “box dimension.” This study aimed at identifying drivers affecting structural complexity of individual Scots pine trees in boreal forest conditions. The results showed that thinning increased structural complexity of individual Scots pine trees. Furthermore, we found a relationship between structural complexity and stem and crown size and shape as well as tree growth. Thus, it can be concluded that forest management affected structural complexity of individual Scots pine trees in managed boreal forests, and stem, crown, and growth attributes were identified as drivers of it.
Which factors contribute most to genome size variation within angiosperms?
Authors: Wang Dandan , Zheng Zeyu , Li Ying , Hu Hongyin , Wang Zhenyue , Du Xin , Zhang Shangzhe , Zhu Mingjia , Dong Longwei , Ren Guangpeng , Yang Yongzhi
Published: February 2021

Genome size varies greatly across the flowering plants and has played an important role in shaping their evolution. It has been reported that many factors correlate with the variation in genome size, but few studies have systematically explored this at the genomic level. Here, we scan genomic information for 74 species from 74 families in 38 orders covering the major groups of angiosperms (the taxonomic information was acquired from the latest Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG IV) system) to evaluate the correlation between genome size variation and different genome characteristics: polyploidization, different types of repeat sequence content, and the dynamics of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTRs). Surprisingly, we found that polyploidization shows no significant correlation with genome size, while LTR content demonstrates a significantly positive correlation. This may be due to genome instability after polyploidization, and since LTRs occupy most of the genome content, it may directly result in most of the genome variation. We found that the LTR insertion time is significantly negatively correlated with genome size, which may reflect the competition between insertion and deletion of LTRs in each genome, and that the old insertions are usually easy to recognize and eliminate. We also noticed that most of the LTR burst occurred within the last 3 million years, a timeframe consistent with the violent climate fluctuations in the Pleistocene. Our findings enhance our understanding of genome size evolution within angiosperms, and our methods offer immediate implications for corresponding research in other datasets.
Activation of Molecular Hydrogen by Inter‐ and Intramolecular Al−N Lewis Pairs
Authors: Bodach Alexander , Nöthling Nils , Felderhoff Michael
Published: February 2021

The field of frustrated Lewis pair chemistry offers many opportunities to activate molecular hydrogen, but Al−N systems have not been established yet. In this work, we describe several intermolecular classical Al−N Lewis pairs and an intramolecular ortho‐ala‐aminoarene for the activation of molecular hydrogen. Their ability was investigated using the isotope exchange reaction from HD to H2 and D2. The herein studied intermolecular Lewis pairs were based on alkylalanes and N‐methyldiphenylamine, while the intramolecular Lewis pair was (o‐TMP−C6H4)AlH2 ((2‐(2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidin‐1‐yl)phenyl)‐aluminium dihydride). The activation of molecular hydrogen was carried out in toluene under mild conditions and monitored by 1H and 2H NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the Al−N interaction has been probed by 27Al NMR and crystallographic studies. Additionally, the crystal structure of pure AliBu3 was determined. These studies may attribute the pronounced reactivities of these Al−N compounds to elongated Al−N bond lengths.
Properties of graphite blocks consisting of ordered graphite flakes with bimodal particle size distribution
Authors: Lee Moon H. , Kim Byung C. , Kim Ho Y. , Jeong Euigyung , Jeong Sooyeon , Park Kwang S. , Han Joong T. , Woo Jong S.
Published: February 2021

Petroleum pitch‐based graphite blocks (GBs) attract considerable attention owing to their low cost, high yield, and possible application as heat sink components. However, no studies have systematically investigated the particle size distribution of GBs, their structures, and the relationship between the structures and thermal properties resulting from graphitization. Hence, herein, we present a novel method for fabricating petroleum pitch‐based GBs using natural graphite flakes (GFs) of sizes ranging between 50 and 500 μm and a bimodal particle size distribution. Furthermore, the effects of the mean GF particle size, pitch binder content, and microstructure of the GBs with low GF contents on compression molding with elevated hot‐pressing temperatures after graphitization are investigated. To investigate the effect of packing density with a GF size of 500 μm, we mix a small‐sized GF (50 μm) and low pitch binder content by kneading. In particular, specimens in the in‐plane direction with a bimodal particle size distribution of GFs and 10 wt% pitch binder yield optimum density and thermal conductivity values of 1.74 g m−3 and 384 Wm−1 K−1, respectively, after high‐temperature graphitization at 2600°C. These findings provide insights for developing high‐performance GBs for use in heat sink components with high thermal conductivity.
Polymer‐assisted fully recyclable flexible sensors
Authors: Tao Xinglei , Liao Shenglong , Wang Yapei
Published: February 2021

The increasing number of electronic sensors after their disposal is leading to severe environmental threatens due to the release of heavy metals or other nonrecyclable semiconductors in sensing units and have raised worldwide interest in the design of electronic sensors with longer‐term service life in order to reduce the discharge of electrical pollutants. From this point of view, there have been a great number of examples relevant to electronic sensors with self‐healing or recyclable properties. Unlike the enormous studies paid to self‐healing electronic sensors, a limited number of fully recyclable sensors have been exploited and there is no review article relevant to this topic so far. This minireview aims to summarize the recent progresses of electronic sensors that could be shredded and reshaped with the assistance of recyclable polymers. Two types of fully recyclable electronic sensors are mainly focused, including blended type via blending sensing conductors in the polymer matrix and intrinsic type composed of sensing polymers. According to their classification, we specifically demonstrate the basic design principle, recycling procedure, and sensing performance of those different types of recyclable electronic sensors. At last, a brief discussion regarding the remaining challenges and future perspectives of this new research area is delivered which hopefully provides inspirations to develop more fully recyclable electronic sensors with versatile functions.

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The prudential role of Basel III liquidity provisions towards financial stability
Authors: Papadamou Stephanos , Sogiakas Dimitrios , Sogiakas Vasilios , Toudas Kanellos
Published: February 2021

This paper examines the prudential role and the effectiveness of banking regulation in EU. Using a unique sample of banks' balance and off‐balance sheet data, we focus on the capital requirements (tier1) and the liquidity characteristics of the banking sector. The latter factor is accounted for by the Basel III net stable funding ratio (NSFR) that was launched on 2010 with effect on 2018 and refers to the long‐term liquidity provision of banks. By adopting a dynamic panel‐vector autoregression (VAR) analysis, we have found strong evidence in favor to the forecasting and prudential supervision role of NSFR, which provides the means for improving banks' performance and for promoting the stability in the banking sector. On the other hand, capital requirements (tier1) incorporate a responsive component to uncertainty in the financial system. Finally, our findings support the prudential role of Basel III liquidity provisions, which can play the role of leading indicators of financial stability of financial markets and specifically of the financial sector.
Assessing of growth, antioxidant enzymes, and phytohormone regulation in Cucurbita pepo under cadmium stress
Authors: Labidi Oumayma , Vives‐Peris Vicente , Gómez‐Cadenas Aurelio , Pérez‐Clemente Rosa M. , Sleimi Noomene
Published: February 2021

One of the major problems worldwide is soil pollution by trace metal elements, which limits plant productivity and threatens human health. In this work, we have studied the effect of different concentrations of cadmium on Cucurbita pepo plants, evaluating different physiological and biochemical parameters: hormone signaling, metabolite concentration (malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide) and, in addition, the antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were evaluated. The production of biomass decreased under the Cd‐stress. The results showed that C. pepo accumulates higher amounts of Cd2+ in roots than in shoots and fruits. Cd2+ differently affected the content of endogenous phytohormones. Furthermore, data suggest an essential involvement of roots in the regulation of tolerance to trace elements. As a result, indole acetic acid content increased in roots of treated plants, indicating that this phytohormone can stimulate root promotion and growth under Cd‐stress. Similarly, salicylic acid content in roots and shoots increased in response to Cd2+, as well as abscisic acid levels in roots and fruits. In roots, the rambling accumulation pattern observed for jasmonic acid and salicylic acid suggests the lack of a specific regulation role against trace element toxicity. The activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase decreased, disrupted by the metal stress. However, the proline, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content significantly increased in Cd2+in all the analyzed tissues of the stressed plants. All these data suggest that C. pepo plants are equipped with an effective antioxidant mechanism against oxidative stress induced by cadmium up to a concentration of 500 μM.
Cytotoxic and targeted systemic therapy in patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck
Authors: Tam Samantha , Gajera Mona , Luo Xiaoning , Glisson Bonnie S. , Ferrarotto Renata , Johnson Faye M. , Mott Frank E. , Gillison Maura L. , Lu Charles , Le Xiuning , Blumenschein George R. , Wong Michael K. , Rosenthal David I. , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , El‐Naggar Adel K. , Midgen Michael R. , Weber Randal S. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Gross Neil D.
Published: February 2021

Background

The outcomes of patients treated with cytotoxic or targeted systemic therapy is not well defined for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (cSCCHN).

Methods

Patients with cSCCHN treated with cytotoxic or targeted systemic therapy were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of distant metastasis (M1 vs. M0) at presentation. A proportional hazards model was used to assess for independent predictors of overall survival.

Results

Of 129 patients with cSCCHN, 20 (16%) were M1 and 109 (84%) were M0. Independent predictors of improved survival were M0 status, treatment of locally advanced disease with radiotherapy, and lower Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score.

Conclusions

Survival was worse in M1 patients treated with cytotoxic or targeted systemic therapy and poor baseline performance status but improved in those receiving radiotherapy. These data can serve as historical controls for future systemic therapy trials, including immunotherapy.
The female condom: What do Australian women say?
Authors: Botfield Jessica R. , Cucuzza Sarah , Kidman Prudence , Fenwick Sarah E. , Bateson Deborah
Published: February 2021

Background

The female condom is a barrier method for the prevention of sexually transmissible infections and unintended pregnancy. Uptake of this method remains low in Australia, although little research has been undertaken to explore this.

Methods

An interventional cross‐sectional study was undertaken in 2019 to explore the views and experiences of women in New South Wales. After trying the female condom, they were invited to complete an online survey and/or structured interview. Training in the use of the female condom was not provided. This paper reports on qualitative findings from open‐ended survey responses and interviews.

Results

In total, 284 participants completed the survey and 20 participated in an interview. Most were aware of the female condom prior to participating in the study, but few had used it previously. Four broad themes were identified from the data: (i) accessibility of the female condom, including cost and availability, (ii) supporting choice in different circumstances, (iii) aspects of empowerment and control and (iv) use of gendered language.

Conclusions

The female condom may be an acceptable option for many women in Australia. To support the choice of method and promote uptake, it will be important to increase the accessibility of the female condom by raising awareness and addressing the issues of cost and availability. Further exploration of issues regarding inclusive language and messaging in health promotion campaigns and marketing is warranted to ensure that this product is accessible for all people who may wish to use it, regardless of gender or sexuality. Similar research could be undertaken with men/partners and members of the LGBTQ+ community to explore their perspectives of the female condom.

So what?

To support contraceptive choice and promote the uptake of the female condom for those who desire this method, it will be important to address the issues of cost and availability. Accessibility will also be enhanced through the consideration of inclusive language and messaging in health promotion campaigns and marketing of the female condom.
Prediction and clinical utility of a liver cancer risk model in Chinese adults: A prospective cohort study of 0.5 million people
Authors: Yu Chengxiao , Song Ci , Lv Jun , Zhu Meng , Yu Canqing , Guo Yu , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Chen Zhengming , Jiang Tao , Ma Hongxia , Jin Guangfu , Shen Hongbing , Hu Zhibin , Li Liming ,   China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: February 2021

China has made rapid progress in reducing the incidence of HBV infection in the past three decades, along with a rapidly changing lifestyle and aging population. We aimed to develop and validate an up‐to‐date liver cancer risk prediction model with routinely available predictors and evaluate its applicability for screening guidance. Using data from the China Kadoorie Biobank, we included 486 285 participants in this analysis. Fifteen risk factors were included in the model. Flexible parametric survival models were used to estimate the 10‐year absolute risk of liver cancer. Decision curve analysis was performed to evaluate the net benefit of the model to quantify clinical utility. A total of 2706 participants occurred liver cancer over the 4 814 320 person‐years of follow‐up. Excellent discrimination of the model was observed in both development and validation datasets, with c‐statistics (95% CI) of 0.80 (0.79‐0.81) and 0.80 (0.78‐0.82) respectively, as well as excellent calibration of observed and predicted risks. Decision curve analysis revealed that use of the model in selecting participants for screening improved benefit at a threshold of 2% 10‐year risk, compared to current guideline of screening all HBsAg carriers. Our model was more sensitive than current guideline for cancer screening (28.17% vs 25.96%). We developed and validated a CKB‐PLR (Prediction for Liver cancer Risk Based on the China Kadoorie Biobank Study) model to predict the absolute risk of liver cancer for both HBsAg seropositive and seronegative populations. Application of the model is beneficial for precisely identifying the high‐risk groups among the general population.