bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of RyR2 Ser‐2814 by CaMKII mediates β1‐adrenergic stress induced Ca2+‐leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Baier Maria J. , Noack Jannis , Seitz Mark Tilmann , Maier Lars S. , Neef Stefan
Published: August 2021

Adrenergic stimulation, while being the central mechanism of cardiac positive inotropy, is a universally acknowledged inductor of undesirable sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leak. However, the exact mechanisms for this remained unspecified so far. This study shows that Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)‐specific phosphorylation of ryanodine receptor type 2 at Ser‐2814 is the pivotal mechanism by which SR Ca2+ leak develops downstream of β1‐adrenergic stress by increase of the leak/load relationship. Cardiomyocytes with a Ser‐2814 phosphoresistant mutation (S2814A) were protected from isoproterenol‐induced SR Ca2+ leak and consequently displayed improved postrest potentiation of systolic Ca2+ release under adrenergic stress compared to littermate wild‐type cells.
Adaptive Cylindrical Wireless Metasurfaces in Clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Chi Zhonghai , Yi Yi , Wang Yakui , Wu Maopeng , Wang Lixue , Zhao Xihai , Meng Yonggang , Zheng Zhuozhao , Zhao Qian , Zhou Ji
Published: August 2021

The signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is one of the most important criteria for evaluating the image quality in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and metasurfaces with unique electromagnetic properties provide a novel method for SNR improvement. However, their applications in clinical MRI are highly restricted by the inhomogeneous enhancement of the magnetic field and interference in the radio frequency (RF) transmitting field. In this study, an adaptive cylindrical wireless metasurface (ACWM) with homogeneous field enhancement and adaptive resonant modes is reported. The ACWM automatically switches its resonant modes between the partial (transmitting period) and whole (receiving period) resonance, which enables it to not only eliminate the interference in RF transmitting field, but also greatly enhance the SNR. Its adaptability also makes the ACWM applicable to all common clinical sequences without any modifications in the scan parameters. The SNR of MRI images of the human wrist, acquired with ACWM, is two to four times compared with the conventional coil. This work offers a practical control method to fill the scientific knowledge gaps between the preclinical research and medical applications for metasurfaces, and suggests a novel and powerful tool for diagnosing and evaluating human diseases.
Efficient Organic Upconversion Devices for Low Energy Consumption and High‐Quality Noninvasive Imaging
Authors: Du Xiaoyang , Han Jiayue , He Zeyu , Han Chao , Wang Xiaomu , Wang Jun , Jiang Yadong , Tao Silu
Published: August 2021

Infrared upconversion devices (UCDs) enable low‐cost visualization of infrared optical signals without utilizing a readout circuit, which is of great significance for biological recognition and noninvasive dynamic monitoring. However, UCDs suffer from inferior photon to photon (p–p) efficiency and high turn‐on voltage (Von) for upconversion operation, hindering a further expansion in highly resolved infrared imaging. Herein, an efficient organic UCD integrating an interfacial exciplex emitter and a well‐designed near‐infrared (NIR) detector reveals a high efficiency up to 12.92% and a low Von down to 1.56 V. The low Von gives the capacity for detecting weak NIR light down to 3.2 µW cm–2, significantly expanding the detection power scale of UCDs. Thus, the imaging linear dynamic range (I‐LDR) is highly bias‐tunable, ranging from 13.23 to 84.4 dB. The high I‐LDR enables highly resolved and strong‐penetration bioimaging especially for thick biological sections, indicating great potential in noninvasive defect and pathological detection.
Mechanically Tunable Superhydrophobic Surfaces Enabled by the Rational Manipulation of Microcrack Networks in Nanoporous Films
Authors: Mazaltarim Ali J. , Torres Angel , Morin Stephen A.
Published: August 2021

Adaptive materials with tunable superhydrophobic surfaces promise to impact a range of fluid handling technologies; however, adaptive superhydrophobic materials remain difficult to fabricate, control, and switch rapidly. Here, a versatile method for generating hierarchically structured and adaptive superhydrophobic silicone films for the rational control of surface wettability and droplet adhesion is reported. Specifically, mechanical tension is utilized to manipulate networks of microcracks in nanoporous layers supported on elastomeric silicone films, enabling dynamic modulation of superhydrophobicity and droplet adhesion. The reported mechano‐responsive superhydrophobic surfaces are applied to directional droplet shedding and “no‐loss” droplet transport and are used to generate artificial “skins” with droplet tweezing capabilities. This approach provides materials with enhanced functionality useful to a range of emergent technologies, including adaptive textiles, biocompatible (wearable) sensors, soft robotics, anti‐icing systems, “no‐loss” droplet manipulators, and thermal management devices.
Biallelic ITGB4 variants in familial pyloric atresia without epidermolysis bullosa: Report of two families with five siblings
Authors: Soyer Tutku , Karaosmanoglu Beren , Taskiran Ekim Z. , Kiper Pelin Özlem Şimşek , Karnak İbrahim , Boduroğlu Koray , Utine Gülen Eda
Published: August 2021

Pyloric atresia (PA) is a rare gastrointestinal anomaly that occurs either as an isolated lesion or in association with other congenital or hereditary anomalies. Familial occurrence of PA with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) has been well documented and variants in ITGA6, ITGB4, and PLEC are known to cause EB with PA. However, no gene variants have been defined in familial isolated PA. Five siblings with familial isolated PA are presented that suggest biallelic ITGB4 variants may underlie the development of PA without EB. Five siblings from two unrelated families with isolated PA were studied with exome sequencing (ES) to identify the genetic etiology in isolated familial cases. Exome sequencing was performed in one affected patient from each family. Validation and segregation studies were done by Sanger sequencing. Parents were first cousins in one family but there was no consanguinity in the other family. Type‐2 PA was detected in both families and none of the probands had associated anomalies. All patients underwent successful gastroduodenostomy and have been under follow‐up uneventfully. All patients had biallelic ITGB4 variants, c.2032G > T p.(Asp678Tyr) being a novel one. Biallelic ITGB4 variants may underlie the development of PA without associated EB. Further detection of variants in this gene may establish any possible genotype–phenotype correlations.
Nonhuman primates at the intersection of aging biology, chronic disease, and health: An introduction to the American Journal of Primatology Special Issue on aging, cognitive decline, and neuropathology in nonhuman primates
Authors: Shively Carol A. , Lacreuse Agnès , Frye Brett M. , Rothwell Emily S. , Moro Manuel
Published: August 2021

Aging across the Primate Order is poorly understood because ages of individuals are often unknown, there is a dearth of aged animals available for study, and because aging is best characterized by longitudinal studies which are difficult to carry out in long‐lived species. The human population is aging rapidly, and advanced age is a primary risk factor for several chronic diseases and conditions that impact healthspan. As lifespan has increased, diseases and disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) have become more prevalent, and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias have become epidemic. Nonhuman primate (NHP) models are key to understanding the aging primate CNS. This Special Issue presents a review of current knowledge about NHP CNS aging across the Primate Order. Similarities and differences to human aging, and their implications for the validity of NHP models of aging are considered. Topics include aging‐related brain structure and function, neuropathologies, cognitive performance, social behavior and social network characteristics, and physical, sensory, and motor function. Challenges to primate CNS aging research are discussed. Together, this collection of articles demonstrates the value of studying aging in a breadth of NHP models to advance our understanding of human and nonhuman primate aging and healthspan.
Distorted Sandwich α‐Diimine PdII Catalyst: Linear Polyethylene and Synthesis of Ethylene/Acrylate Elastomers
Authors: Liu Yu‐Sheng , Harth Eva
Published: August 2021

The introduction of m‐xylyl substituents to α‐diimine PdII catalyst promotes living ethylene polymerization at room temperature and low pressure to yield high molecular weight polyethylene (PE) with low branching (<17/1000 C). m‐Xylyl groups provide a highly effective blockage to the axial sites of the catalytic center and form a distorted sandwich geometry. The shielding prevents chain‐transfer and easy accessibility of polar monomers, leading to a living polymerization. Conducting a light irradiation as part of the one‐step metal‐organic insertion light initiated radical (MILRad) process leads to diblock copolymers of ethylene and acrylates. Incorporation of different acrylate block sequences can significantly modify the mechanical and chemical properties of block copolymers which can be modulated to be a hard plastic, elastomer, or semi‐amorphous polymer.
Dihydrogen Activation by Lithium‐ and Sodium‐Aluminyls
Authors: Evans Matthew J. , Anker Mathew D. , McMullin Claire L. , Neale Sam E. , Coles Martyn P.
Published: August 2021

To date, aluminyl anions have been exclusively isolated as their potassium salts. We report herein the synthesis of the lithium and sodium aluminyls,M2[Al(NONDipp)]2(M=Li, Na. NONDipp=[O(SiMe2NDipp)2]2−; Dipp=2,6‐iPr2C6H3). Both compounds crystallize from non‐coordinating solvent as “slipped” contacted dimeric pairs with strongM⋅⋅⋅π(aryl) interactions. Isolation from Et2O solution affords the monomeric ion pairs (NONDipp)Al‐M(Et2O)2, which contain discrete Al−Li and Al−Na bonds. The ability of the full series of Li, Na and K aluminyls to activate dihydrogen is reported.
Compressive Strain Modulation of Single Iron Sites on Helical Carbon Support Boosts Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Yang Jia , Wang Zhiyuan , Huang Chun‐Xiang , Zhang Yida , Zhang Qinghua , Chen Cai , Du Junyi , Zhou Xiao , Zhang Ying , Zhou Huang , Wang Lingxiao , Zheng Xusheng , Gu Lin , Yang Li‐Ming , Wu Yuen
Published: August 2021

Designing and modulating the local structure of metal sites is the key to gain the unique selectivity and high activity of single metal site catalysts. Herein, we report strain engineering of curved single atomic iron‐nitrogen sites to boost electrocatalytic activity. First, a helical carbon structure with abundant high‐curvature surface is realized by carbonization of helical polypyrrole that is templated from self‐assembled chiral surfactants. The high‐curvature surface introduces compressive strain on the supported Fe−N4 sites. Consequently, the curved Fe−N4 sites with 1.5 % compressed Fe−N bonds exhibit downshifted d‐band center than the planar sites. Such a change can weaken the bonding strength between the oxygenated intermediates and metal sites, resulting a much smaller energy barrier for oxygen reduction. Catalytic tests further demonstrate that a kinetic current density of 7.922 mA cm−2 at 0.9 V vs. RHE is obtained in alkaline media for curved Fe−N4 sites, which is 31 times higher than that for planar ones. Our findings shed light on modulating the local three‐dimensional structure of single metal sites and boosting the catalytic activity via strain engineering.
Zinc‐[7]helicenocyanin und sein diskretes π‐gestapeltes homochirales Dimer
Authors: Zhang Fangyuan , Radacki Krzysztof , Braunschweig Holger , Lambert Christoph , Ravat Prince
Published: August 2021

In dieser Publikation stellen wir einen neuartigen Ansatz zur Herstellung eines diskreten Dimers aus chiralem Phthalocyanin (Pc) vor, wobei wir die flexible Molekülgeometrie von Helicenen nutzen, die eine strukturelle Vernetzung und eine starke Aggregationstendenz von Pcs ermöglicht. Die synthetisierte [7]Helicen‐Pc‐Hybrid‐Molekularstruktur, Zink‐[7]Helicenocyanin (Zn‐7HPc), bildet ausschließlich ein stabiles Dimer aus zwei homochiralen Molekülen. Die Dimerisierungskonstanten wurden auf 8.96×106 M−1 bzw. 3.42×107 M−1 in THF bzw. DMSO geschätzt, was auf eine bemerkenswerte Stabilität des Dimers hindeutet. Darüber hinaus zeigt Zn‐7HPc ein chirales Selbstorganisationsverhalten, so dass sich auch in der racemischen Probe bevorzugt ein homochirales Dimer bildet. Die zwei Phthalocyanin‐Untereinheiten in der dimeren Form interagieren stark miteinander, was sich in einer großen Komproportionierungskonstante und der Beobachtung einer IV‐CT‐Bande für den thermodynamisch stabilen gemischt‐valenten Zustand zeigt.
Side‐Chain Type Polysulfates: Their Synthesis, AIE Properties and Applications for p‐Nitrophenol Detection in Water
Authors: Wu Jiacheng , Wan Haibo , Zhou Shiyuan , Gu Peiyang , Zhu Yutao , Xu Qingfeng , Lu Jianmei
Published: August 2021

Two small molecular monomers, ph‐TPE and ph‐TPE‐CN, and their homopolymers Poly (ph‐TPE) and Poly (ph‐TPE‐CN) containing tetra phenylethylene and sulfate structures, were synthesized by a sulfur (VI) fluorine exchange click reaction (SuFEx) and radical polymerization. All the monomers and polymers exhibit a typical aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) effect both in the solid state and aggregated state. Moreover, based on the intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect between the tetra phenylethylene chromophore and p‐nitrophenol, both polymers could be used for the selective detection of p‐nitrophenol. The detection limit and reactivity coefficient of Poly (ph‐TPE) are 0.081 μM and 5.15×104 M−1, respectively, whereas the detection limit and reactivity coefficient of Poly (ph‐TPE‐CN) are 0.077 μM and 1.81×104 M−1, respectively. This can be attributed to the greater sensitivity of Poly (ph‐TPE‐CN) to p‐nitrophenol than that of Poly (ph‐TPE). This work provides a new methodology for the preparation and broadening application of side‐chain type AIE‐active polysulfate fluorescent probes.
Biological tailoring of novel sophorolipid molecules and their derivatives
Authors: Li Shun , Qian Xiujuan , Xu Lijie , Xu Ning , Liu Shixun , Xu Anming , Xin Fengxue , Zhou Jie , Dong Weiliang , Jiang Min
Published: August 2021

A sophorolipid (SL) is a kind of glycolipid surfactant that has been much studied due to its excellent surface activity and physiological properties. However, the mixed structure of SLs and expensive separation costs have limited their application in advanced industries. Developing a tailored strategy to produce targeted SLs, with specific physicochemical properties, for direct application in various industries like agriculture, cleaning, and medicine, has become one of the main objectives of SL biological production. In this review, different characteristics of various SLs with various structures are classified in detail. The classification corresponds to their specific applications in different industries. Microorganisms for the production of specific SLs are also summarized, with emphasis on the metabolism pathways and regulation mechanisms. Strategies applied for SL biological tailoring, including selection of fermenting substrates, fermentation process optimization, metabolic engineering and downstream separation, are comprehensively reviewed. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Consumers' choice behavior: An interactive effect of expected eudaimonic well‐being and green altruism
Authors: Mansoor Mahnaz , Paul Justin
Published: August 2021

Grounded in the behavioral reasoning theory, this study aims to determine the impact that green brand awareness (GBA) and perceived green brand credibility (PGBC) have on consumers' choice behavior for green electronics in the context of an emerging country. Furthermore, by focusing on a novel perspective of expected eudaimonic well‐being, the mediatory role of expected self‐acceptance (ESA) and expected social contribution (ESC) and the moderating role of green altruism were empirically tested. Data were collected surveying 556 consumers from twin cities of Pakistan applying longitudinal research design. The findings indicate the direct and indirect impacts of GBA and PGBC on consumers' choice behavior via ESA and ESC as mediators. Also, the interactive effect of green altruism with ESA and ESC has been found to augment consumers' choice behavior. Moreover, this study encourages organizations to focus on the consumers' perceptions of self‐responsiveness and social responsibility to attract them to choose green brands.
Computer‐Guided Trypanocidal Activity of Natural Lactones Produced by Endophytic Fungus of Euphorbia umbellata
Authors: Gusmão Amanda Santos , Abreu Lucas Silva , Tavares Josean Fechine , de Freitas Humberto Fonseca , Silva da Rocha Pita Samuel , dos Santos Elda Gonçalves , Caldas Ivo Santana , Vieira André Alexandre , Silva Eliane Oliveira
Published: August 2021

Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are affected by Chagas’ disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Since the current treatment lack efficacy, specificity, and suffers from several side‐effects, novel therapeutics are mandatory. Natural products from endophytic fungi have been useful sources of lead compounds. In this study, three lactones isolated from an endophytic strain culture were in silico evaluated for rational guidance of their bioassay screening. All lactones displayed in vitro activity against T. cruzi epimastigote and trypomastigote forms. Notably, the IC50 values of (+)‐phomolactone were lower than benznidazole (0.86 vs. 30.78 μM against epimastigotes and 0.41 vs. 4.88 μM against trypomastigotes). Target‐based studies suggested that lactones displayed their trypanocidal activities due to T. cruzi glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (TcGAPDH) inhibition, and the binding free energy for all three TcGAPDH‐lactone complexes suggested that (+)‐phomolactone has a lower score value (−3.38), corroborating with IC50 assays. These results highlight the potential of these lactones for further anti‐T. cruzi drug development.
Revisiting Alkane Hydroxylation with m‐CPBA (m‐Chloroperbenzoic Acid) Catalyzed by Nickel(II) Complexes
Authors: Shinke Tomoya , Itoh Mayu , Wada Takuma , Morimoto Yuma , Yanagisawa Sachiko , Sugimoto Hideki , Kubo Minoru , Itoh Shinobu
Published: August 2021

Mechanistic studies are performed on the alkane hydroxylation with m‐CPBA (m‐chloroperbenzoic acid) catalyzed by nickel(II) complexes, NiII(L). In the oxidation of cycloalkanes, NiII(TPA) acts as an efficient catalyst with a high yield and a high alcohol selectivity. In the oxidation of adamantane, the tertiary carbon is predominantly oxidized. The reaction rate shows first‐order dependence on [substrate] and [NiII(L)] but is independent on [m‐CPBA]; vobs=k2[substrate][NiII(L)]. The reaction exhibited a relatively large kinetic deuterium isotope effect (KIE) of 6.7, demonstrating that the hydrogen atom abstraction is involved in the rate‐limiting step of the catalytic cycle. Furthermore, NiII(L) supported by related tetradentate ligands exhibit apparently different catalytic activity, suggesting contribution of the NiII(L) in the catalytic cycle. Based on the kinetic analysis and the significant effects of O2 and CCl4 on the product distribution pattern, possible contributions of (L)NiII−O. and the aroyloxyl radical as the reactive oxidants are discussed.
Low‐Valent Germanylidene Anions: Efficient Single‐Site Nucleophiles for Activation of Small Molecules
Authors: Gendy Chris , Mikko Rautiainen J. , Mailman Aaron , Tuononen Heikki M.
Published: August 2021

Rare mononuclear and helical chain low‐valent germanylidene anions supported by cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene and hypermetallyl ligands were synthesised by stepwise reduction from corresponding germylene precursors via stable and isolable germanium radicals. The electronic structures of the anions can be described with ylidene and ylidone resonance forms with the Ge−C π‐electrons capable of binding even weak electrophiles. The germanylidene anions reacted with CO2 to give μ‐CO2‐κC:κO complexes, a rare coordination mode for low‐valent germanium and inaccessible for the related neutral germylones. These results implicate low‐valent germanylidene anions as efficient single‐site nucleophiles for activation of small molecules.
Intratumoral injection of caerin 1.1 and 1.9 peptides increases the efficacy of vaccinated TC‐1 tumor‐bearing mice with PD‐1 blockade by modulating macrophage heterogeneity and the activation of CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Ni Guoying , Yang Xiaodan , Li Junjie , Wu Xiaolian , Liu Ying , Li Hejie , Chen Shu , Fogarty Conor E , Frazer Ian H , Chen Guoqiang , Liu Xiaosong , Wang Tianfang
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Developing a vaccine formula that alters the tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes to be more immune active against a tumor is key to the improvement of clinical responses to immunotherapy. Here, we demonstrate that, in conjunction with E7 antigen‐specific immunotherapy, and IL‐10 and PD‐1 blockade, intratumoral administration of caerin 1.1/1.9 peptides improves TC‐1 tumor microenvironment (TME) to be more immune active than injection of a control peptide.

Methods

We compared the survival time of vaccinated TC‐1 tumor‐bearing mice with PD‐1 and IL‐10 blockade, in combination with a further injection of caerin 1.1/1.9 or control peptides. The tumor‐infiltrating haematopoietic cells were examined by flow cytometry. Single‐cell transcriptomics and proteomics were used to quantify changes in cellular activity across different cell types within the TME.

Results

The injection of caerin 1.1/1.9 increased the efficacy of vaccinated TC‐1 tumor‐bearing mice with anti‐PD‐1 treatment and largely expanded the populations of macrophages and NK cells with higher immune activation level, while reducing immunosuppressive macrophages. More activated CD8+ T cells were induced with higher populations of memory and effector‐memory CD8+ T subsets. Computational integration of the proteome with the single‐cell transcriptome supported activation of Stat1‐modulated apoptosis and significant reduction in immune‐suppressive B‐cell function following caerin 1.1 and 1.9 treatment.

Conclusions

Caerin 1.1/1.9‐containing treatment results in improved antitumor responses. Harnessing the novel candidate genes preferentially enriched in the immune active cell populations may allow further exploration of distinct macrophages, T cells and their functions in TC‐1 tumors.
Hybrid scheme of precoder with μ‐law compander for PAPR reduction and nonlinearity improvement in ADO‐OFDM system
Authors: Sharan Nishant , Ghorai Swapan Kumar
Published: August 2021

The application of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) in a visible light communication (VLC) system increases the peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) of the system. Owing to high PAPR, the intrinsic nonlinearity of LED is an important issue in an asymmetrically clipped DC‐biased optical OFDM (ADO‐OFDM) system. In this paper, a hybrid scheme is proposed to reduce the PAPR as well as to mitigate the nonlinearity in an ADO‐OFDM system. The proposed method is a combination of two ADO‐OFDM formats: precoded ADO‐OFDM and μ‐ADO‐OFDM. The preprocessing of the input using a predetermined matrix (PM) in the precoder relieves the need for a handshake at the receiver. The compression of the peak values and enhancement of low amplitudes of the precoded signal in the time domain yield a low PAPR of 2.4 dB only. Besides PAPR reduction, the union of precoder and compander boosts the bit error rate (BER) performance of the traditional ADO‐OFDM system for μ≤128. The combination of precoder with compander decreases the power requirements for high bit rate transmission for a reference BER of 10−3. In this work, nonlinearity is quantified in terms of error vector magnitude (EVM) in percent. The hybrid scheme shows an EVM of 17.23% for 0 dB input backoff power (IBO) much less than 66.4% EVM for a simple ADO‐OFDM system. In addition to low PAPR and mitigation of nonlinearity, the proposed method shows the improvement in power spectral density (PSD) of the system.
Biomass Homogeneity Reinforced Carbon Aerogels Derived Functional Phase‐Change Materials for Solar–Thermal Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Zhang Qingfeng , Xia Tingfeng , Zhang Qihan , Zhu Yucao , Zhang Huanzhi , Xu Fen , Sun Lixian , Wang Xiaodong , Xia Yongpeng , Lin Xiangcheng , Peng Hongliang , Huang Pengru , Zou Yongjin , Chu Hailiang , Li Bin
Published: August 2021

We devised a functional form stable composite phase‐change materials (PCMs) to achieve a three‐dimensional (3D) interconnected porous carbon aerogel structure for encapsulating polyethylene glycol (PEG). A novel homogeneity reinforced carbon aerogel with a well‐interconnected porous structure was constructed by combining a flexible carbon resource from biomass guar gum with hard‐brittle carbon from polyimide, to overcome severe shrinkage and poor mechanical performance of traditional carbon aerogel. The supporting carbon aerogel‐encapsulated PEG produced the novel composite PCMs with good structure stability and comprehensive energy storage performance. The results showed that the composite PCMs displayed a well‐defined 3D interconnected structure, and their energy storage capacities were 171.5 and 169.5 J/g, which changed only slightly after 100 thermal cycles, and the composites could maintain the equilibrium temperature at 50.0−58.1 °C for about 760.3 s. The thermal conductivity of the composites could reach 0.62 W m−1 K−1, which effectively enhanced the thermal response rate. And the composite PCMs exhibited good leakage‐proof performance and excellent light–thermal conversion. The compressive strength of the composite PCMs can improve up to 1.602 MPa. Results indicate that this strategy can be efficiently used to develop novel composite PCMs with improved comprehensive thermal performance and high light–thermal conversion.
Camelina sativaComposition, Attributes, and Applications: A Review
Authors: Mondor Martin , Hernández‐Álvarez Alan Javier
Published: August 2021

Camelina sativaseeds are rich in oil (30–49%) and protein (24–31%). They contain ω‐3 acids, ω‐6 acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds, among others. From an agricultural perspective, growing of this crop is of interest due to its short growth cycle and low fertilizer and water input requirements. Camelina is also tolerant to cold and drought and is consequently well adapted to grow in semiarid regions. Camelina is mainly cultivated for its oil in Europe and North America. In this review, the processes applied for camelina oil extraction, composition, and attributes, as well as the food and nonfood applications of camelina oil are reviewed. Applications include animal feed, functional foods, materials, biofuels, and agrochemicals. Valorization of the camelina protein found in the meal after the oil extraction is also discussed.

Practical Applications: The need to develop an integrated process consisting of a degumming step to extract the mucilage from the whole camelina seeds, followed by an oil extraction step, and finally by a protein extraction step is highlighted. There is also a need to develop food applications of camelina oil. More research works should also focus on the utilization of camelina oil in food applications and in specialty applications such as functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications.
Bootstrap VAR forecasts: The effect of model uncertainties
Authors: Fresoli Diego
Published: August 2021

VAR models are popular to forecast macroeconomic time series. However, the model, the parameters, and the error distribution are rarely known without uncertainty, so bootstrap methods are applied to deal with these sources of uncertainties. In this paper, the performance of the popular forecast Bonferroni cubes based on the Gaussian method and variants of the bootstrap procedure that incorporate error distribution, parameter uncertainty, bias correction, and lag order uncertainty are compared. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that the best performance of bootstrap cubes are obtained when the parameter uncertainty is considered, being the bias and model uncertainties important for long‐run forecast regions in persistent VAR models. Similar conclusions are found in an empirical application based on a four variate system containing US monthly percent changes of the industrial production index, the S&P500 stock market index, its dividend yield, and the unemployment rate.
From letters to composed concepts: A magnetoencephalography study of reading
Authors: Flick Graham , Abdullah Osama , Pylkkänen Liina
Published: August 2021

Language comprehension requires the recognition of individual words and the combination of their meanings to yield complex concepts or interpretations. This combinatory process often requires the insertion of unstated semantic material between words, based on thematic or feature knowledge. For example, the phrase horse barn is not interpreted as a blend of a horse and a barn, but specifically a barn where horses are kept. Previous neuroscientific evidence suggests that left posterior and anterior temporal cortex underpin thematic and feature‐based concept knowledge, respectively, but much remains unclear about how these areas contribute to combinatory language processing. Using magnetoencephalography, we contrasted source‐localized responses to modifier‐noun phrases involving thematic relations versus feature modifications, while also examining how lower‐level orthographic processing fed composition. Participants completed three procedures examining responses to letter‐strings, adjective‐noun phrases, and noun–noun combinations that varied the semantic relations between words. We found that sections of the left anterior temporal lobe, posterior temporal lobe, and cortex surrounding the angular gyrus were all engaged in the minimal composition of adjective‐noun phrases, a more distributed network than in most prior studies of minimal composition. Of these regions, only the left posterior temporal lobe was additionally sensitive to implicit thematic relations between composing words, suggesting that it houses a specialized relational processing component in a wider composition network. We additionally identified a left occipitotemporal progression from orthographic to lexical processing, feeding ventral anterior areas engaged in the combination of word meanings. Finally, by examining source signal leakage, we characterized the degree to which these responses could be distinguished from one another using source estimation.
Comparison of traveling‐subject and ComBat harmonization methods for assessing structural brain characteristics
Authors: Maikusa Norihide , Zhu Yinghan , Uematsu Akiko , Yamashita Ayumu , Saotome Kousaku , Okada Naohiro , Kasai Kiyoto , Okanoya Kazuo , Yamashita Okito , Tanaka Saori C. , Koike Shinsuke
Published: August 2021

Multisite magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used in clinical research and development. Measurement biases—caused by site differences in scanner/image‐acquisition protocols—negatively influence the reliability and reproducibility of image‐analysis methods. Harmonization can reduce bias and improve the reproducibility of multisite datasets. Herein, a traveling‐subject (TS) dataset including 56 T1‐weighted MRI scans of 20 healthy participants in three different MRI procedures—20, 19, and 17 subjects in Procedures 1, 2, and 3, respectively—was considered to compare the reproducibility of TS‐GLM, ComBat, and TS‐ComBat harmonization methods. The minimum participant count required for harmonization was determined, and the Cohen's d between different MRI procedures was evaluated as a measurement‐bias indicator. The measurement‐bias reduction realized with different methods was evaluated by comparing test–retest scans for 20 healthy participants. Moreover, the minimum subject count for harmonization was determined by comparing test–retest datasets. The results revealed that TS‐GLM and TS‐ComBat reduced measurement bias by up to 85 and 81.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, ComBat showed a reduction of only 59.0%. At least 6 TSs were required to harmonize data obtained from different MRI scanners, complying with the imaging protocol predetermined for multisite investigations and operated with similar scan parameters. The results indicate that TS‐based harmonization outperforms ComBat for measurement‐bias reduction and is optimal for MRI data in well‐prepared multisite investigations. One drawback is the small sample size used, potentially limiting the applicability of ComBat. Investigation on the number of subjects needed for a large‐scale study is an interesting future problem.
Applicability of droplet digital polymerase chain reaction for minimal residual disease monitoring in Philadelphia‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Ansuinelli Michela , Della Starza Irene , Lauretti Alessia , Elia Loredana , Siravo Veronica , Messina Monica , De Novi Lucia Anna , Taherinasab Akram , Canichella Martina , Guarini Anna , Foà Robin , Chiaretti Sabina
Published: August 2021

In Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL), minimal residual disease (MRD) is the most relevant prognostic factor. Currently, its evaluation is based on quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (Q‐RT‐PCR). Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) was successfully applied to several haematological malignancies. We analyzed 98 samples from 40 Ph+ ALL cases, the majority enrolled in the GIMEMA LAL2116 trial: 10 diagnostic samples and 88 follow‐up samples, mostly focusing on positive non‐quantifiable (PNQ) or negative samples by Q‐RT‐PCR to investigate the value of ddPCR for MRD monitoring. DdPCR BCR/ABL1 assay showed good sensitivity and accuracy to detect low levels of transcripts, with a high rate of reproducibility. The analysis of PNQ or negative cases by Q‐RT‐PCR revealed that ddPCR increased the proportion of quantifiable samples (p < 0.0001). Indeed, 29/54 PNQ samples (53.7%) proved positive and quantifiable by ddPCR, whereas 13 (24.1%) were confirmed as PNQ by ddPCR and 12 (22.2%) proved negative. Among 24 Q‐RT‐PCR‐negative samples, 13 (54.1%) were confirmed negative, four (16.7%) resulted PNQ and seven (29.2%) proved positive and quantifiable by ddPCR. Four of 5 patients, evaluated at different time points, who were negative by Q‐RT‐PCR and positive by ddPCR experienced a relapse. DdPCR appears useful for MRD monitoring in adult Ph+ ALL.
Health halo or genuine product development: Are better‐for‐you alcohol products actually healthier?
Authors: Keric Danica , Myers Gael , Stafford Julia
Published: August 2021

Issue addressed

Alcoholic products marketed as better‐for‐you is an emerging trend in Australia that has received limited research attention to date. This study aimed to examine the nutrient profiles of alcoholic products marketed as better‐for‐you that are available in the Australian market.

Methods

We extracted the details of alcoholic product announcements published on the Drinks Trade website in 2019 and 2020 containing at least one keyword used to promote better‐for‐you products. The alcohol, energy, carbohydrate and sugar content of each product was recorded and assessed against existing classifications for alcohol strength and sugar and carbohydrate content.

Results

We identified 144 products promoted as better‐for‐you. The majority of products (85%, n = 122) were classified as full‐strength, and the median alcohol content across each alcohol product category was classified as full‐strength. Most of the energy content came from alcohol, with 62% of products deriving at least 75% of their energy content from alcohol.

Conclusions

Alcoholic products marketed as better‐for‐you appear to rely on an illusion of healthfulness, without addressing the ingredient of most concern to health, the alcohol content.

So what?

Controls on alcohol marketing should be expanded to limit the use of health and nutrient claims. Mandatory labelling of alcoholic products with nutrition information would support consumers to be better informed about the contents of alcoholic products.
Postpartum hemorrhage: Moving from response to prevention for Alaska Native mothers
Authors: Hadley Megan E. , Day Gretchen , Beans Julie A. , Groen Reinou S.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To identify risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage in a population of Alaska Native women.

Methods

A case‐control study of 384 women (128 cases, 256 controls) delivering between August 1, 2018, and July 31, 2019, was conducted at a Level III maternal referral center for Alaska Native women in Alaska. Risk factors were assessed via retrospective chart review, and bivariate and conditional regression analyses were conducted to determine odds ratios (ORs) between women with and without postpartum hemorrhage.

Results

Body mass index ≥40 (OR 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–4.5), antepartum bleeding (OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.2–31.6), previous postpartum hemorrhage (OR 5, 95% CI 2.6–9.8), suspected macrosomia (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4–5.3), macrosomia with birthweight ≥4000 g (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.8–5.3), pre‐eclampsia with magnesium sulfate (OR 4.0, 95% CI 2.0–8.0), length of third stage of labor >20 min (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1–4.4), oxytocin use >12 h (OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.0–14.6), residence in a rural community (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.6), and vitamin D supplementation (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.6) were associated with greater risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Analysis of clinical and geographic risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage in Alaska Native women identified important targets for prevention.
Cross‐platform comparison of next‐generation sequencing and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for detecting KRAS/NRAS/BRAF/PIK3CA mutations in cfDNA from metastatic colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Xu Xiaojing , Huang Fei , Cao Minlu , Chen Xinning , Wang Hao , Jiang Huiqin , Yu Yiyi , Shen Minna , Yang Yihui , Wang Beili , Liu Tianshu , Guo Wei
Published: August 2021

Background

Examining tumor KRAS/NRAS/BRAF/PIK3CA status in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is essential for treatment selection and prognosis evaluation. Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma is a feasible source for tumor gene analysis.

Methods

In this study, we recruited mCRC patients and analyzed their KRAS/NRAS/BRAF/PIK3CA status in cfDNA using two platforms, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF). The performance between the two platforms and the concordance rate between cfDNA and tissue were analyzed. The relationship between cfDNA‐related variables and clinical variables was also assessed. Tumor mutations in cfDNA from patients receiving continuous treatments were monitored in the follow‐ups.

Results

Next‐generation sequencing and MALDI‐TOF had similar specificity (100.0% vs. 99.3%) and negative predictive value (99.9% vs. 99.4%), whereas NGS had higher sensitivity (97.1% vs. 85.3% of MALDI‐TOF) and positive predictive value (100% vs. 82.9% of MALDI‐TOF). The overall concordance rate of NGS and MALDI‐TOF was 98.6%. For the reportable types of mutations in both cfDNA and tissue, the concordance rate was 96.1%. Among 28 tissue‐positive patients, the allele frequencies of tumor mutations in cfDNA were higher in patients with primary tumor burden (p = 0.0141). Both CEA and CA 19‐9 were positively correlated with cfDNA concentration (r = 0.3278 and r = 0.3992). The allele frequencies of tumor mutations changed with disease progression.

Conclusions

Next‐generation sequencing showed slightly better performance in detecting cfDNA mutations and was more suitable for clinical practice. cfDNA‐related variables reflected the tumor status and showed a promising potential in monitoring disease progression.
IL‐23/IL‐17 axis and soluble receptors isoforms sIL‐23R and sIL‐17RA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis‐presenting periodontitis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Montaño Ruth , Bernard‐Medina Ana Guilaisne , Oregon‐Romero Edith , Martínez‐Rodríguez Vianeth María del Carmen , Pita‐López María Luisa , Gómez‐Meda Belinda Claudia , Guerrero‐Velázquez Celia
Published: August 2021

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (P) are chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by joint and radiographic bone loss, respectively. IL‐23 and IL‐17 have an essential role in the immunopathogenesis of RA, and P. IL‐23 stimulates Th17 cells through which produces IL‐17, IL‐21, and RANKL. IL‐17 stimulates fibroblasts to produce RANKL, which initiates bone loss in the joints in RA and the periodontal tissue in periodontitis. The aim of this study was to determine the expression pattern of IL‐23/IL‐17 axis and soluble receptors isoforms sIL‐23R and sIL‐17RA of patients with RA presenting P (RAP).

Material and methods

Healthy subjects (HS) (n = 42), patients with P (n = 40), RA (n = 20), and patients with RAP (n = 40) were included. Plasma samples were obtained to evaluate the IL‐23, IL‐17A, sIL‐23R, and sIL‐17RA by ELISA technique. A nonparametric Mann‐Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between groups. A Chi‐square was used to compare gender, grade and stage of periodontitis, and DAS28‐ESR between the groups. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to study the association between the molecules and clinical parameters.

Results

IL‐23 levels were increased in the RAP group, and lower sIL‐23R levels were found in the RAP groups. However, IL‐17A was lower in the P and RAP group but not in RA patients. RAP group showed a decrease IL‐17A levels in advanced stages of the periodontal disease.

Conclusion

These results suggest that IL‐23 and IL‐17A tend to downregulate their expression patterns when patients present both rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis.
Mental health and wellness in Canadian dental schools: Findings from a national study
Authors: Maragha Tala , Donnelly Leeann , Schuetz Christian , von Bergmann HsingChi , Brondani Mario
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To survey the mental health and wellbeing content in the curricula, services, and activities of the 10 Canadian dental schools, and to explore the specifics of this area in the Faculty of Dentistry (FoD) at The University of British Columbia (UBC).

Methods

An electronic survey consisted of four major categories: curricular activities and services, structural approaches, infrastructural approaches, and evaluation methods, was distributed to all Canadian dental schools. A situational analysis was conducted at UBC's FoD via document appraisal and key informants’ exploratory interviews.

Results

Eight dental schools responded to the survey showing that didactic sessions being the pedagogical method to deliver resilience content. None of the responding schools reported formally evaluating their mental health content. Through situational analysis, a relational map that identified four major areas contributing to students’ mental health at UBC's FoD was generated which includes four major aspects: (1) curricular content on mental health, (2) informal wellbeing and mental health networks, (3) protective, and (4) risk factors influencing students’ mental health.

Conclusions

As this study described the mental health and wellbeing activities, services, and curricular content across multiple Canadian dental schools, the diverse approaches each school adopted and how personal and professional aspects of students’ lives being attempted to be addressed are a critical starting point to engage educators in dentistry. The situational analysis outcome, where a detailed description of the mental health situation at UBC's FoD, can be used to guide in‐depth studies of the area of wellbeing at other dental schools.
Holes in the spinous processes of woolly mammoth vertebrae: spatial and temporal distribution, and the causes of pathology formation
Authors: Leshchinskiy Sergey V. , Kuzmin Yaroslav V. , Boudin Mathieu , Amon Leeli
Published: August 2021

The latest data on holes in the spinous processes of the vertebrae of woolly mammoths, a rare pathology, are presented. This was identified at 19 sites of northern Eurasia. Such destructive changes are recorded ca. 34–12k 14C a bp, and only two sites dated to >50k and >41k 14C a bp. The main hypotheses about hole formation are: vertebral abnormalities; bone infections; genetic traits; and unfavourable geochemical environment. The pathology occurred in mammoths of all age groups, and could have arisen at the embryonic stage. There are two types: classic holes associated with osteolytic changes; and very rarely tumour‐like lesions. The most likely cause of the lesions is alimentary osteodystrophy caused by chronic mineral starvation. The aetiology of this disease is usually associated with a deficiency or excess of macro‐ and microelements in the geochemical landscape, and through forage and water this leads to a severe metabolic disorder. Analysis of palaeopathological data shows two waves of geochemical stress in animals, ca. 26–18k and ca. 16–12k 14C a bp. Therefore, the woolly mammoth extinction can be viewed as a non‐linear function, with two peaks of high mortality corresponding to the Last Glacial Maximum and the Lateglacial.
Impact of katabatic winds on the environment of Neanderthals during the Middle Palaeolithic in westernmost Europe
Authors: Lefort Jean‐Pierre , Monnier Jean‐Laurent , Renouf John , Danukalova Guzel
Published: August 2021

Compilation of the offshore and onshore altitudinal limits of the loess deposits of western France and southern England shows that they were deposited by low‐level wind fields. These relate to (i) the deflation of silt‐rich sediment extracted from the outwash plains of the not far distant British–Irish Ice Sheet and from the palaeo‐rivers of the Channel, and (ii) the existence of north and north‐western palaeo‐winds deduced from particle size analysis and heavy mineral distribution, and suggest (iii) that loess particles were transported by strong katabatic winds blowing from the northern ice‐covered regions towards Brittany and Normandy. Comparison between the main orientation of Neanderthal shelters and the direction of the katabatic winds shows that they were perpendicular to each other. The dominant orientation of the shelters was apparently ruled by these winds. A small‐scale study concentrating on the penultimate glaciation shows that in contrast to Brittany and Normandy where loess deposits accumulated on north‐facing cliffs, in England the same particles were deposited on the leeside of the hills. The existence of deflation zones, violently swept by Marine Isotope Stage 6 katabatic winds south of the British–Irish ice sheet, was probably at the origin of the restricted number of Neanderthals at that time in England. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.