bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bithiazole Inhibitors of Phosphatidylinositol 4‐Kinase (PI4KIIIβ) as Broad‐Spectrum Antivirals Blocking the Replication of SARS‐CoV‐2, Zika Virus, and Human Rhinoviruses
Authors: Grazia Martina Maria , Vicenti Ilaria , Bauer Lisa , Crespan Emmanuele , Rango Enrico , Boccuto Adele , Olivieri Noemi , Incerti Matteo , Zwaagstra Marleen , Allodi Marika , Bertoni Simona , Dreassi Elena , Zazzi Maurizio , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , Maga Giovanni , Radi Marco
Published: August 2021

Over half a century since the description of the first antiviral drug, “old” re‐emerging viruses and “new” emerging viruses still represent a serious threat to global health. Their high mutation rate and rapid selection of resistance toward common antiviral drugs, together with the increasing number of co‐infections, make the war against viruses quite challenging. Herein we report a host‐targeted approach, based on the inhibition of the lipid kinase PI4KIIIβ, as a promising strategy for inhibiting the replication of multiple viruses hijacking this protein. We show that bithiazole inhibitors of PI4KIIIβ block the replication of human rhinoviruses (hRV), Zika virus (ZIKV) and SARS‐CoV‐2 at low micromolar and sub‐micromolar concentrations. However, while the anti‐hRV/ZIKV activity can be directly linked to PI4KIIIβ inhibition, the role of PI4KIIIβ in SARS‐CoV‐2 entry/replication is debated.
Colorectal cancer adjuvant chemotherapy trends among a nonelderly veteran cohort at a southern veterans health administration
Authors: Martin Richard L. , Edwards Gretchen C. , Samuels Lauren R. , Eng Cathy , Roumie Christianne L.
Published: August 2021

Background

For patients with high‐risk stage II or stage III colorectal cancer (CRC), adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) improves survival, yet use varies substantially across medical oncology settings.

Aim

Utilization of guideline concordant CRC AC was assessed at a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility to determine quality improvement initiatives.

Methods and Results

The study was a retrospective review of CRC surgeries from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2015 at a South Regional VHA. Inclusion criteria consisted of pathologic high‐risk stage II or stage III CRC, with exclusion for age ≥80, age ≥75 hospitalized with major co‐morbidity in the prior year, and death or discharge to hospice within 30 days of the index surgery. The primary predictor was year‐group; partitioned 2000–2005, 2006–2010, 2011–2015 to account for changes in NCCN high risk stage II definitions. Primary outcome was AC receipt. Secondary outcome was reason for chemotherapy omission. Among 180 eligible surgeries (121 colon and 59 rectal cancers), patients were mostly male (96%), white (79%) and with median age 64 years. Overall, 117 (65%) received AC. Compared to 2000–2005, patients undergoing surgery between 2011 and 2015 were less likely to receive AC (odds ratio 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14–0.82), due to more patients declining AC (27% vs. 6%, p < .01) in the NCCN eligible cohort (N = 180), and (32% vs. 8%, p < .01) in an analysis of patients who completed appointments and had AC recommended by providers (N = 146).

Conclusions

Survival benefitting AC decreased over time among a nonelderly Veteran cohort eligible for AC. Evaluating care decisions and trends within other VHA facilities and outside the VHA are warranted.
Identification of PSMD14 as a potential novel prognosis biomarker and therapeutic target for osteosarcoma
Authors: Gong Yubao , Wei Zheng‐Ren
Published: August 2021

Background

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor. The survival rate of osteosarcoma patients has not significantly increased in the past decades. Uncovering the mechanisms of malignancy, progression, and metastasis will shed light on the development of new therapeutic targets and treatment for osteosarcoma.

Aim

The aim of this study is to identify potential osteosarcoma biomarker and/or therapeutic targets by using integrated bioinformatics analysis.

Methods and results

We utilized existing gene expression datasets to identify differential expressed genes (DEGs) that could serve as osteosarcoma biomarkers or even as therapeutic targets. We found 48 DEGs were overlapped in three datasets. Among these 48 DEGs, PSMD14 was on the top of the up‐regulated gene list. We further found that higher PSMD14 expression was correlated with higher risk group (younger age group, ≤20.83 years of age), metastasis within 5 years and higher grade of tumor. Higher PSMD14 expression in osteosarcoma had positive correlation with higher infiltration of CD8+ T cells, neutrophils and myeloid dendritic cells. Kaplan‐Myer survival data further revealed that higher expression of PSMD14 predicted significantly worse prognosis (p = .013). Gene set enrichment analysis was further performed for the DEGs related to PSMD14 in osteosarcoma. We found that lower PSMD14 expression group had more immune responses such as interferon γ, α responses, inflammation response etc. However, the higher PSMD14 expression group had more cell proliferation‐related biological processes, such as G2M checkpoints and Myc targets. Through establishing protein–protein interaction networks using PSMD14 related DEGs, we identified 10 hub genes that were all ribosomal proteins. These hub genes may play roles in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis, progression and/or metastasis.

Conclusion

We identified PSMD14 gene as a possible osteosarcoma biomarker, and/or a possible therapeutic target.
Bioequivalence Assessment of an Oral Fixed‐Dose Formulation of Dutasteride‐Tamsulosin 0.5 mg/0.4 mg: A Randomized, Single‐Blind, Single‐Dose, 2‐Period Crossover Study in Mexican Population Under Fasted Conditions
Authors: Piñeyro‐Garza Everardo , Gómez‐Silva Magdalena , Gamino María E. , Delgado‐Roche Livan
Published: August 2021

The aim of the present study was to compare the bioavailability and to demonstrate the bioequivalence between a dutasteride‐tamsulosin 0.5 mg/0.4 mg capsule formulation and the regulatory reference drug (Combodart®, GlaxoSmithKline). A randomized, single‐blind, single‐dose, 2‐way crossover study under fasting conditions, with at least a 28‐day washout period was carried out in healthy volunteers. Plasma concentrations of drugs were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The pharmacokinetic analysis included maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from time 0 to 72 hours, and AUC from baseline to infinity. The test formulation was considered bioequivalent if the geometric mean ratios (test/reference) were within the predetermined range of 80% to 125%. Safety and tolerability were evaluated by clinical assessment. The confidence intervals for the log‐transformed test/reference ratios for dutasteride, Cmax (95.4‐109.2) and AUC from baseline to 72 hours (93.2‐109.1), and for tamsulosin, Cmax (101.9‐119.8), AUC from baseline to the last quantifiable concentration (91.4‐106.3) and AUC from baseline to infinity (90.9‐103.3), were within the allowed limit specified by the regulatory authorities (80%‐125%). In addition, both test and reference drugs were safe and tolerated. These results demonstrated the bioequivalence of test product (Dakart®) compared with Combodart®.
Improving Reproducibility in Hydrogen Storage Material Research
Authors: Broom Darren P. , Hirscher Michael
Published: August 2021

Research into new reversible hydrogen storage materials has the potential to help accelerate the transition to a hydrogen economy. The discovery of an efficient and cost‐effective method of safely storing hydrogen would revolutionise its use as a sustainable energy carrier. Accurately measuring storage capacities – particularly of novel nanomaterials – has however proved challenging, and progress is being hindered by ongoing problems with reproducibility. Various metal and complex hydrides are being investigated, together with nanoporous adsorbents such as carbons, metal‐organic frameworks and microporous organic polymers. The hydrogen storage properties of these materials are commonly determined using either the manometric (or Sieverts) technique or gravimetric methods, but both approaches are prone to significant error, if not performed with great care. Although commercial manometric and gravimetric instruments are widely available, they must be operated with an awareness of the limits of their applicability and the error sources inherent to the measurement techniques. This article therefore describes the measurement of hydrogen sorption and covers the required experimental procedures, aspects of troubleshooting and recommended reporting guidelines, with a view of helping improve reproducibility in experimental hydrogen storage material research.
Light‐Induced Migration of Spin Defects in TiO2 Nanosystems and their Contribution to the H2 Evolution Catalysis from Water
Authors: Bad'ura Zdeněk , Naldoni Alberto , Qin Shanshan , Bakandritsos Aristides , Kment Štěpán , Schmuki Patrik , Zoppellaro Giorgio
Published: August 2021

The photocatalytic activity for H2 production from water, without presence of hole scavengers, of thermally reduced TiO2 nanoparticles (H‐500, H‐700) and neat anatase were followed by in‐situ continuous‐wave light‐induced electron paramagnetic resonance technique (CW‐LEPR), in order to correlate the H2 evolution rates with the electronic fingerprints of the photoexcited systems. Under UV irradiation, photoexcited electrons moved from the deep lattice towards the superficially exposed Ti sites. These photogenerated redox sites mediated (e−+h+) recombination and were the crucial electronic factor affecting catalysis. In the best‐performant system (H‐500), a synergic combination of mobile electrons was observed, which dynamically created diverse types of Ti3+ sites, including interstitial Ti3+, and singly ionized electrons trapped in oxygen vacancies (VO.). The interplay of these species fed successfully surface exposed Ti4+ sites, which became a catalytically active, fast reacting Ti4+⇄Ti3+ state that was key for the H2 evolution process.
Metal‐Nitrogen‐Carbon Cluster‐Decorated Titanium Carbide is a Durable and Inexpensive Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalyst
Authors: Beom Cho Sung , He Cheng , Sankarasubramanian Shrihari , Singh Thind Arashdeep , Parrondo Javier , Hachtel Jordan A. , Borisevich Albina Y. , Idrobo Juan‐Carlos , Xie Jing , Ramani Vijay , Mishra Rohan
Published: August 2021

Clusters of nitrogen‐ and carbon‐coordinated transition metals dispersed in a carbon matrix (e. g., Fe−N−C) have emerged as an inexpensive class of electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Here, it was shown that optimizing the interaction between the nitrogen‐coordinated transition metal clusters embedded in a more stable and corrosion‐resistant carbide matrix yielded an ORR electrocatalyst with enhanced activity and stability compared to Fe−N−C catalysts. Utilizing first‐principles calculations, an electrostatics‐based descriptor of catalytic activity was identified, and nitrogen‐coordinated iron (FeN4) clusters embedded in a TiC matrix were predicted to be an efficient platinum‐group metal (PGM)‐free ORR electrocatalyst. Guided by theory, selected catalyst formulations were synthesized, and it was demonstrated that the experimentally observed trends in activity fell exactly in line with the descriptor‐derived theoretical predictions. The Fe−N−TiC catalyst exhibited enhanced activity (20 %) and durability (3.5‐fold improvement) compared to a traditional Fe−N−C catalyst. It was posited that the electrostatics‐based descriptor provides a powerful platform for the design of active and stable PGM‐free electrocatalysts and heterogenous single‐atom catalysts for other electrochemical reactions.
Chaotic dynamics in memristive circuits with different ϕ − q characteristics
Authors: Liu Yue , Iu Herbert Ho‐Ching , Guo Shuxu , Li Hui
Published: August 2021

There are two ideal memristive devices, first‐order memristor and second‐order memristor, which could be widely applied in nonlinear electronic circuits. The main difference between them is their ϕ − q characteristics. However, there are only a few studies available in the literature about the different dynamic behavior that can be observed when they are connected in the same circuit in turns. In this paper, to demonstrate the different consequences for the above situation, the complex dynamics of a memristive band‐pass filter (BPF) are analyzed in detail as one of the classical first‐order circuits. Also, the existence of coexisting attractors, hysteretic dynamics, and antimonotonicity are confirmed. Subsequently, the impact of memristor coefficients on the working dynamics of BPF is revealed. The conclusion is that a higher‐order memristor can lead to a greater number of chaotic attractors and more complex nonlinearity, which is the basis to determine that substitutability and interchangeability of equivalent memristance do not apply for memristor devices with the different ϕ − q relationship when analyzing memristive circuits. Finally, the experimental simulations are presented to further prove the above theoretical analysis. Additionally, other circuits, such as the Chua circuit and the Jerk circuit, are also investigated in order to verify our analysis. In particular, a full Feigenbaum tree is demonstrated in the Chua circuit.
Predator biomass and vegetation influence the coastal distribution of threespine stickleback morphotypes
Authors: Yanos Casey L. , Haanstra Eeke P. , Colgan Carey Fiona , Passmore Sorsha A. , Eklöf Johan S. , Bergström Ulf , Hansen Joakim P. , Fontaine Michael C. , Maan Martine E. , Eriksson Britas Klemens
Published: August 2021

Intraspecific niche differentiation can contribute to population persistence in changing environments. Following declines in large predatory fish, eutrophication, and climate change, there has been a major increase in the abundance of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in the Baltic Sea. Two morphotype groups with different levels of body armor—completely plated and incompletely plated—are common in coastal Baltic Sea habitats. The morphotypes are similar in shape, size, and other morphological characteristics and live as one apparently intermixed population. Variation in resource use between the groups could indicate a degree of niche segregation that could aid population persistence in the face of further environmental change. To assess whether morphotypes exhibit niche segregation associated with resource and/or habitat exploitation and predator avoidance, we conducted a field survey of stickleback morphotypes, and biotic and abiotic ecosystem structure, in two habitat types within shallow coastal bays in the Baltic Sea: deeper central waters and shallow near‐shore waters. In the deeper waters, the proportion of completely plated stickleback was greater in habitats with greater biomass of two piscivorous fish: perch (Perca fluviatilis)and pike (Esox lucius). In the shallow waters, the proportion of completely plated stickleback was greater in habitats with greater coverage of habitat‐forming vegetation. Our results suggest niche segregation between morphotypes, which may contribute to the continued success of stickleback in coastal Baltic Sea habitats.
Identifying and predicting occurrence and abundance of a vocal animal species based on individually specific calls
Authors: Bailey H. , Fandel A. D. , Silva K. , Gryzb E. , McDonald E. , Hoover A. L. , Ogburn M. B. , Rice A. N.
Published: August 2021

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) offers opportunities to collect data on the occurrence of vocal species for long periods of time, at multiple locations, and under a range of environmental conditions. Some species emit individually distinctive calls, including bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that produce signature whistles. Our study used PAM to determine the seasonal occurrence of bottlenose dolphins and utilized individually specific signature whistles to (1) track individuals spatially and temporally, (2) assess site fidelity off Maryland (MD), USA, (3) estimate the minimum abundance of dolphins in the study area, and (4) develop a dynamic habitat‐based relative abundance model applicable as a real‐time dolphin relative abundance prediction tool. Acoustic recorders were deployed at two sites offshore of Ocean City, MD, and at one site in the upper Chesapeake Bay, MD. Acoustic recordings from 2016 to 2018 were analyzed for signature whistles, and re‐occurrences of individual whistles were identified using a combination of machine learning and manual verification. A habitat‐based density model was created using the number of signature whistles combined with environmental conditions. A total of 1518 unique signature whistles were identified offshore of Maryland and in the upper Chesapeake Bay. There were 184 re‐occurrences of 142 whistles, with a mean of 135 d between re‐occurrences (range = 1–681 d). These repeated detections of the same individuals occurred most frequently at the site near Ocean City, MD, indicating the highest site fidelity. Re‐occurrences were recorded among all three sites, indicating movement of dolphins between the Chesapeake Bay and off the Atlantic coast of Maryland. The weekly number of individual dolphins detected off the Atlantic coast was significantly related to two environmental variables: sea surface temperature and chlorophyll a concentration. This habitat model could be used to predict relative dolphin abundance offshore of Maryland and inform management within the region, including in relation to offshore wind energy development and other stakeholders.
Effects of stand edges on the structure, functioning, and diversity of a temperate mountain forest landscape
Authors: Pöpperl Franziska , Seidl Rupert
Published: August 2021

Human land use is fragmenting forests around the globe, increasing the edge density in forest landscapes. More frequent natural disturbances also increase the presence of edges in forest ecosystems. Studying a mountain landscape in the Eastern Alps, we contrasted 661 plots situated at varying distances from a stand edge with 615 plots sampled in forest interiors. Our objectives were (1) to analyze the strength of edge effects on forest structure, functioning, and diversity; (2) to determine the penetration depth of edge effects into the forest interior; and (3) to quantify the difference between permanent edges (i.e., to a different land cover type) and transient edges (as created e.g., by natural disturbances). Edges affected forest biomass accumulation negatively (basal area, litter depth, live tree carbon), but had positive effects on diversity (variation in tree diameter, effective plant species number, plant species richness, number of red‐listed plant species). Biodiversity indicators responded most strongly to the presence of edges. The maximum distance of a significant edge effect was <50 m across all indicators. Effects on forest structure and functioning were generally stronger at transient edges compared to permanent edges. Our findings highlight that both permanent and transient edges have a considerable influence on forest ecosystems and should be considered more explicitly in the analysis and management of forest landscapes.
Cucurbiturils Monofunctionalized on the Methylene Bridge and Their Host‐Guest Properties
Authors: Kandrnálová Markéta , Šindelář Vladimír
Published: August 2021

Monofunctionalization of cucurbiturils is essential for transferring these potent supramolecular macrocyclic hosts into real‐world application. Here, we present the synthesis of cucurbit[6]urils 1 and 2 in which one methylene bridge is modified by a single substituent containing a nitro or an ammonium group. We investigated host–guest properties in water and 0.2 M NaCl using 1H NMR and isothermal titration calorimetry, particularly for 2. The macrocycle 2 self‐associated into dimeric aggregates in pure water, but readily disassembled in the presence of NaCl or organic cations. Cucurbit[7]uril was able to encapsulate the ammonium substituent of 2 inside its cavity resulting in a complex of 1 : 1 stoichiometry with an association constant of 3.1×105 M−1. The presented host–guest properties together with further possible derivatization showcase the potential of cucurbiturils modified in the methylene position such as 1 and 2 for the development of advanced supramolecular systems.
Synthesis of Diverse Seleno‐Glycolipids via the Transacetalization of Selenoacetals
Authors: Fukuo Hayata , Suzuki Tatsuya , Shimabukuro Junpei , Komura Naoko , Tanaka Hide‐Nori , Imamura Akihiro , Ishida Hideharu , Ando Hiromune
Published: August 2021

Seleno‐glycolipids, in which glycosidic oxygens are replaced with selenium atoms, are attractive detergents for X‐ray structural studies of membrane proteins. However, the development of seleno‐glycolipids has been hampered by difficulties associated with their chemical syntheses. In this study, we report a facile synthesis of novel seleno‐glycolipids with various glycan and lipid moieties, which proceeds via transacetalization of selenoacetals and glycosyl imidates. This work not only provides a route to monoseleno‐glycolipids, but also demonstrates the first synthesis of diseleno‐glycolipids.
Performance Analysis and Optimization of Solar Thermochemical Water‐Splitting Cycle with Single and Multiple Receivers
Authors: Budama Vishnu Kumar , Brendelberger Stefan , Roeb Martin , Sattler Christian
Published: August 2021

Solar thermochemical water‐splitting cycle models for hydrogen production with single and multiple receivers working between 1773 and 1173 K are developed. The receiver pressures and aperture sizes are optimized for maximum cycle efficiency. The efficiency of the cycle increases with the number of receivers because of the decrease in vacuum pump work. The solar‐to‐fuel efficiency is increased by 14% going from a one receiver system to a four‐receiver system. The performance analyses of the cycles with varying direct normal irradiance (DNI) shows that the advantage of multiple receivers vanishes as DNI decreases because of the constant radiation losses from the receiver apertures. These radiation losses from the aperture can be lowered when a receiver with a variable aperture size is used. The efficiency of a two‐receiver system increases by 48% at DNI 300 W m−2% and 15% at DNI 900 W m−2 using a variable aperture size. The performance of the multireceiver systems with variable aperture size is discussed using a linear regression model. In addition, the option of cogeneration of hydrogen and electricity in a multireceiver system is analyzed. The efficiencies of single‐, two‐, three‐, and four‐receiver systems for cogeneration are 19.6%, 20.0%, 20.57%, and 21.1%, respectively.
Electronically Integrated Mesoporous Ag–TiO2 Nanocomposite Thin films for Efficient Solar Hydrogen Production in Direct Sunlight
Authors: Mani Sunesh S. , Rajendran Sivaraj , Nalajala Naresh , Mathew Thomas , Gopinath Chinnakonda S.
Published: August 2021

The synthesis of mesoporous TiO2 by a solution‐based assembly process and Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites is provided. The efficacy of Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite as photocatalyst in thin‐film form is demonstrated for solar hydrogen generation in sunlight. Integration of Ag with TiO2 dramatically enhanced the H2 production: with 1 wt% Ag on TiO2 (TiAg‐1), the H2 yield was observed to be 4.59 mmol h−1 g−1, which is 2.3 (30) times larger than 0.5 wt% Ag on TiO2. TiAg‐1 shows 4.3 times higher activity in film form compared with its powder counterpart. High photocatalytic efficiency is attributed to the surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag, electronic integration of Ag with TiO2, and subsequent valence band broadening, large distribution of Ag nanoparticles and abundant Ag‐TiO2 Schottky junctions, and the later minimizes electron–hole recombination. Interparticle mesoporous network increases necking and the high surface area offers easy accessibility of the reactants to a large number of active sites.
Highly Efficient Solar Steam Generation under Low Solar Flux via Carbon‐Nanotube‐Modified Sugarcane
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Chang , Zhao Man , Wang Jian , Tian Xinxia
Published: August 2021

Solar steam generation is considered as one of the most promising technologies for water desalination. The key to its widespread application is to achieve a simple, scalable, and cost‐effective method to fabricate a high‐performance solar–thermal material under low solar flux conforming to the real conditions. Herein, inspired by the unique structure of natural sugarcane, a novel strategy is demonstrated to construct a solar–thermal material composed of carbon nanotubes and sugarcane for solar steam generation. The carbon nanotube layer provides a blackbody‐like high solar absorption and the sugarcane simultaneously serves as the thermal insulator and water channel due to the honeycomb structure with closed/open pores and the excellent hydrophilicity. Based on these, this as‐prepared absorber could achieve an evaporation rate of 1.65 kg m−2 h−1 and a conversion efficiency up to 94.2% under 1 sun illumination, comparable or even higher than most of the reported solar steam generation devices. Significantly, the efficiencies are all above 88.9% even under the low solar flux (<1 sun), surpassing those of other reported solar steam generation devices under ambient conditions. Such a sugarcane‐inspired design could provide a low‐cost and scalable solution to the pressing global clean‐water‐shortage problem.
Comparisons Among Approaches to Link Tests Using Random Samples Selected Under Suboptimal Conditions
Authors: Kim Sooyeon , Walker Michael E.
Published: August 2021

Equating the scores from different forms of a test requires collecting data that link the forms. Problems arise when the test forms to be linked are given to groups that are not equivalent and the forms share no common items by which to measure or adjust for this group nonequivalence. We compared three approaches to adjusting for group nonequivalence in a situation where not only is randomization questionable, but the number of common items is small. Group adjustment through either subgroup weighting, a weak anchor, or a mix of both was evaluated in terms of linking accuracy using a resampling approach. We used data from a single test form to create two research forms for which the equating relationship was known. The results showed that both subgroup weighting and weak anchor approaches produced nearly equivalent linking results when group equivalence was not met. Direct (random groups) linking methods produced the least accurate result due to nontrivial bias. Use of subgroup weighting and linking using the anchor test only marginally improved linking accuracy compared to using the weak anchor alone when the degree of group nonequivalence was small.
Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharide attenuates high‐sugar–induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells and Drosophila melanogaster larvae
Authors: He Dan , Yan Liping , Zhang Jiaqi , Li Fang , Wu Yu , Su Laijin , Chen Peichao , Wu Mingjiang , Choi Jong‐il , Tong Haibin
Published: August 2021

Lipid accumulation is a major factor in the development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Currently, there is a lack of intervention or therapeutic drugs against NAFLD. In this study, we investigated the ability of Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharide (SFPS) to reduce lipid accumulation induced by high sugar in HepG2 cells and Drosophila melanogaster larvae. The results indicated that SFPS significantly (p < .01) decreased the accumulation of lipid droplets in high sugar–induced HepG2 cells. Furthermore, SFPS also suppressed the expression of Srebp and Fas (genes involved in lipogenesis) and increased the expression of PPARɑ and Cpt1 (genes that participated in fatty acid β‐oxidation) in these cells. SFPS markedly reduced the content of triglyceride of the third instar larvae developed from D. melanogaster eggs reared on the high‐sucrose diet. The expression of the Srebp and Fas genes in the larvae was also inhibited whereas the expression of two genes involved in the β‐oxidation of fatty acids, Acox57D‐d and Fabp, was increased in the larval fat body (a functional homolog of the human liver). We also found that SFPS ameliorated developmental abnormalities induced by the high‐sucrose diet. These results of this study suggest that SFPS could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
The impact of institutions on the entrepreneurial orientation‐performance relationship
Authors: Wales William , Shirokova Galina , Beliaeva Tatiana , Micelotta Evelyn , Marino Louis
Published: August 2021

Research summary

In this study, we theorize how regulatory, normative, and cognitive institutions moderate the entrepreneurial orientation (EO)‐performance relationship. We test our hypotheses using data from entrepreneurial ventures in 31 countries. In countries with well‐developed legal and financial institutions and where entrepreneurship is normatively supported, entrepreneurs achieve higher returns from an entrepreneurial strategic posture. Institutions positively moderate this relationship through increased resource access, a critical element for innovative entrepreneurial strategies. The effect of institutions is further moderated by the stage of economic development. We advance our understanding of EO by exploring country‐level institutional boundary conditions to its value and extend institutional theory through evidence of its moderating effects and interactions with economic development.

Managerial summary

A country's institutional environment influences the extent to which firms benefit from being entrepreneurially orientated (EO). Based on data from 31 countries, we show that entrepreneurs receive higher returns from an entrepreneurial strategic posture in countries where institutions—legal and financial systems, entrepreneurship education, and cultural support for entrepreneurship—are more developed. Well‐developed institutions increase returns from EO indirectly by enhancing the ability of firms to access the resources needed to experiment and generate value from their strategic orientation. The influence of institutions on the EO‐performance relationship further depends upon the stage of economic development of a country, with institutional impact being more pronounced within “efficiency‐driven” economies compared to more developed “innovation‐driven” economies.
Outcomes between intensity‐modulated radiation therapy versus 3D‐conformal in early stage glottic cancer
Authors: Amini Arya , Morgan Rustain , Meyer Elisabeth , Fakhoury Kareem , Ladbury Colton , Bickett Thomas , McDermott Jessica D. , Stokes William , Karam Sana D.
Published: August 2021

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate practice patterns and outcomes between intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and 3D‐conformal radiation (3D‐CRT) in early stage glottic cancer.

Methods

The linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database was used to identify and compare patient and disease profiles, mortality, and toxicity in patients with T1‐2 larynx cancer undergoing definitive radiation (RT).

Results

A total of 1520 patients underwent definitive radiation with 3D‐CRT (n = 1309) or IMRT (n = 211). Non‐white race, those with a Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥2, T2 disease, and those treated at community practices were more likely to undergo IMRT. Rates of IMRT increased from 2006 to 2015, while relative rates of 3D‐CRT decreased. Two‐year CSS was superior with 3D‐CRT (hazard ratio [HR], 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22–0.65; p < 0.001). There was no difference in OS between 3D‐CRT and IMRT (p = 0.119).

Conclusions

Patients receiving 3D‐CRT had improved CSS compared to IMRT with no difference in OS.
Distinct Hepatic Gene‐Expression Patterns of NAFLD in Patients With Obesity
Authors: Subudhi Sonu , Drescher Hannah K. , Dichtel Laura E. , Bartsch Lea M. , Chung Raymond T. , Hutter Matthew M. , Gee Denise W. , Meireles Ozanan R. , Witkowski Elan R. , Gelrud Louis , Masia Ricard , Osganian Stephanie A. , Gustafson Jenna L. , Rwema Steve , Bredella Miriam A. , Bhatia Sangeeta N. , Warren Andrew , Miller Karen K. , Lauer Georg M. , Corey Kathleen E.
Published: August 2021

Approaches to manage nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are limited by an incomplete understanding of disease pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to identify hepatic gene‐expression patterns associated with different patterns of liver injury in a high‐risk cohort of adults with obesity. Using the NanoString Technologies (Seattle, WA) nCounter assay, we quantified expression of 795 genes, hypothesized to be involved in hepatic fibrosis, inflammation, and steatosis, in liver tissue from 318 adults with obesity. Liver specimens were categorized into four distinct NAFLD phenotypes: normal liver histology (NLH), steatosis only (steatosis), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis without fibrosis (NASH F0), and NASH with fibrosis stage 1‐4 (NASH F1‐F4). One hundred twenty‐five genes were significantly increasing or decreasing as NAFLD pathology progressed. Compared with NLH, NASH F0 was characterized by increased inflammatory gene expression, such as gamma‐interferon‐inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (IFI30) and chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 9 (CXCL9), while complement and coagulation related genes, such as C9 and complement component 4 binding protein beta (C4BPB), were reduced. In the presence of NASH F1‐F4, extracellular matrix degrading proteinases and profibrotic/scar deposition genes, such as collagens and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1), were simultaneously increased, suggesting a dynamic state of tissue remodeling. Conclusion: In adults with obesity, distinct states of NAFLD are associated with intrahepatic perturbations in genes related to inflammation, complement and coagulation pathways, and tissue remodeling. These data provide insights into the dynamic pathogenesis of NAFLD in high‐risk individuals.
Spirocyclic Amide Acetal Synthesis by [CpRu]‐Catalyzed Condensations of α‐Diazo‐β‐Ketoesters with γ‐Lactams
Authors: Pertschi Romain , Brun Elodie , de Aguirre Adiran , Guénée Laure , Poblador‐Bahamonde Amalia I. , Lacour Jérôme
Published: August 2021

The synthesis of spirocyclic amide acetals (33–93 %) has been achieved through Ru(II)‐catalyzed condensations ofN‐carbamate protected pyrrolidinones with metal carbenes derived from α‐diazo‐β‐ketoesters. Thanks to the mildness of the diazo decomposition conditions induced by a 1 : 1 combination of [CpRu(MeCN)3][BArF] and 1,10‐phenanthroline, the formation of the sensitive products is possible. Full characterization of this carbonyl‐ylide mediated process is provided by DFT calculations.
An evaluation of the course of facial sunscreen coverage and sustainability over an 8‐hour workday among outdoor workers
Authors: Kobwanthanakun Waritch , Silpa‐archa Narumol , Wongpraparut Chanisada , Pruksaekanan Chutipon , Manuskiatti Woraphong
Published: August 2021

Background

Reapplication of sunscreen every 2 hours is recommended, especially after swimming, sweating, or working outdoors. However, the sustainability of sunscreen during the workday among outdoor workers is still unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the course of facial sunscreen coverage and sustainability over an 8‐hour workday among outdoor workers.

Materials and Methods

This open‐label trial included 20 healthy subjects who spend at least 80% of their workday outdoors. All volunteers applied 2 mg/cm2 of provided broad‐spectrum sunscreen mixed with the invisible blue fluorescent agent to all parts of their face in the morning. A VISIA‐CR camera was used to capture facial fluorescence intensity every 2 hours, and digital image analysis software was used to quantify fluorescence intensity at six areas of the face at each time point for 8 hours.

Results

Sunscreen coverage declined most rapidly during the first 2 hours with a mean reduction of 18.31%. By the end of the 8‐hour study workday, the mean decrease in sunscreen coverage was 31.63% (range: 17.39%‐45.29%).

Conclusion

Reapplication of sunscreen is essential among outdoor workers. After 4 hours, the amount of sunscreen remaining on the face may not be sufficient for protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Thermodiffusion, chemical reaction, and Hall and ion‐slip impacts on MHD rotating flow past an infinite vertical porous plate
Authors: Veera Krishna M.
Published: August 2021

The current scrutiny explores the impacts of thermodiffusion, chemical reaction, and Hall and ion‐slip impacts lying on unsteady heat and mass transport of free convective hydromagnetic flow enclosed past a semi‐infinite porous plate within a gyratory frame under the accomplishment of a transverse magnetic field and convective boundary conditions. The nondimensional governing equations are solved systematically by means of the finite element method. Through the facilitation of graphical profiles, the outcomes of a variety of significant parameters within the boundary layer are addressed. In addition, the local skin friction coefficient and rates of heat and mass transports in expressions of the local Nusselt number and local Sherwood number are presented digitally in tabulation form, although it is originated that the Nusselt number and Sherwood number remain constant with varying all pertinent parameters. It is found that the porous medium impact on the boundary layer growth is significant due to the increase in the thickness of the hydrodynamic boundary layer and the decrease in the thickness of the thermal and concentration boundary layers. The resultant velocity enhances with increasing rotation, Hall and ion‐slip parameters.
The role of manipulation of concrete representations in early cardinal comprehension
Authors: Rodríguez Jimena , Salsa Analía , Martí Eduardo
Published: August 2021

This study examines the impact of manipulation on the performance of 3.5‐ and 4‐year‐old children in the Give‐N task with concrete representations (sets of bottle caps and pictures of dots) and spoken number words. In this task, children were asked to give a certain number of items (cookies) using the three representational formats. Children were assigned to one of two conditions: manipulation (children could physically interact with the objects and pictures) or observation (children watched as the experimenter presented the representations). Results show that manipulation had different effects according to the age of the children. For 3.5‐year‐olds, manipulation with objects but not with pictures consisted in task‐irrelevant actions, and hindered performance. For 4‐year‐olds, however, manipulation with both concrete representations were task related and did not disrupt performance. The mere contemplation of the objects and pictures, without physically interacting with them, facilitated performance in both age groups, in comparison with number words. Emerging cardinal comprehension seems to be influenced not only by the kind of representations used by children, but also by the type of physical exploration afforded during the task.
Safety recognition and analysis in skiing with future internet framework support
Authors: Yang Zhilin
Published: August 2021

Skiing plays an important role in the international sports events, especially for 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. During such skiing competition, the communication network is necessary to provide the support of data transmission so as to guarantee the real‐time situation feedback regarding athletes. As we know, the skiers make the highly dynamic movement, which cannot be supported by the traditional IP‐based Internet. On the contrary, the future Internet especially Information‐Centric Networking (ICN) paradigm can provide the inherent support of mobility. Therefore, this letter employs ICN framework to catch the information of mobile skiers. Based on this framework, this letter proposes a safety recognition and analysis method, including feature extraction at the user‐side and movement recognition at the server‐side based on neural network. The experiments are made based on the dataset from 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, and the results have demonstrated that the novel method is very acceptable. In particular, the proposed scheme has some improvements, that is, 0.575% recall ratio, 0.431% precision ratio and 0.415% F1 value, respectively, compared with the baseline. This future indicates that the proposed method can provide a significant reference for 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
Assessment of global health programs at accredited dental schools in the United States
Authors: Beck Nicole A. , Roudnitsky Emily , Ritchie Collin A. , Mitra Shivani S. , Afshar Salim
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Oral diseases pose a serious global health challenge. As such, dental education must integrate global health with emphasis on scalable and sustainable solutions. The aim of our study was to capture the scope of global health programs offered to dental students in the United States and identify ways in which dental schools may modify their curricula to improve global health knowledge and accessibility for students.

Materials and methods

For this cross‐sectional, cohort study, the investigators sent a confidential and electronic survey to 213 faculty members at the 67 accredited dental schools in the United States. This voluntary survey was distributed in September and October of 2020 with answers being self‐reported.

Results

A total of 40 different schools are represented in this study, representing 59.7% of accredited dental schools in the United States. Using descriptive statistics, the results present existing global health opportunities, barriers preventing schools from expanding global health education, and necessary resources that schools without a program need to establish one.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate promising findings, in relation to global health being a vital part of dental education. However, there is an urgent need for enhanced and more structured education in this space. As the global burden of oral disease contributes to the degree and severity of noncommunicable diseases worldwide, the development of a sustainable, preventive primary care approach must integrate oral health, making future dental professionals a crucial component of global health.
TPI1‐reduced extracellular vesicles mediated by Rab20 downregulation promotes aerobic glycolysis to drive hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Liu Bonnie Hei Man , Tey Sze Keong , Mao Xiaowen , Ma Angel Po Yee , Yeung Cherlie Lot Sum , Wong Samuel Wan Ki , Ng Tung Him , Xu Yi , Yao Yue , Fung Eva Yi Man , Tan Kel Vin , Khong Pek‐Lan , Ho Daniel Wai‐Hung , Ng Irene Oi‐Lin , Tang Alexander Hin Ning , Cai Shao Hang , Yun Jing Ping , Yam Judy Wai Ping
Published: August 2021

Rab GTPases are major mediators that ensure the proper spatiotemporal regulation of intracellular trafficking. Functional impairment and altered expression of Rab proteins have been revealed in various human cancers. There is an emerging evidence about the role of Rab proteins in the biogenesis of extracellular vesicles (EVs). In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), using RNA sequencing comparing expression profiles of adjacent non‐tumorous tissues and HCC, Rab20 is identified to be the most frequently downregulated Rab member in HCC. Functionally, restoration of Rab20 in metastatic HCC cells results in the release of EVs with a diminished activity to promote cell growth, motility and metastasis. Conversely, EVs released from normal liver cells with Rab20 knockdown loses suppressive effect on HCC cell growth and motility. Proteomic profiling revealed the level of triosephosphate isomerase 1 (TPI1), a glycolytic enzyme, in EVs to be positively associated with Rab20 expression of the releasing cells. TPI1 targeted to be expressed in EVs released by Rab20 knockdown cells compromises the oncogenic activity of EVs. Besides, EVs released by TPI1 knockdown cells recapitulates the promoting effect of EVs derived from HCC cells with Rab20 underexpression. Aerobic glycolysis is beneficial to the survival and proliferation of tumour cells. Here, we observed that the enhanced cell growth and motility are driven by the enhanced aerobic glycolysis induced by EVs with reduced TPI1. The addition of glycolytic inhibitor blocks the promoting effect of EVs with reduced TPI1. Taken together, our study provides a mechanistic link among tumour cell‐derived EVs and glucose metabolism in HCC with Rab20 deregulation.
Degree sum conditions for the existence of homeomorphically irreducible spanning trees
Authors: Ito Taisei , Tsuchiya Shoichi
Published: August 2021

In 1990, Albertson, Berman, Hutchinson, and Thomassen proved a theorem which gives a minimum degree condition for the existence of a spanning tree with no vertices of degree 2. Such a spanning tree is called a homeomorphically irreducible spanning tree (HIST). In this paper, we prove that every graph of order () contains a HIST if for any nonadjacent vertices and . The degree sum condition is best possible.
Asymmetry of daily mean temperature series over China and its frontal mechanism
Authors: Quan Heng , Chai Wenmi , Fu Zuntao
Published: August 2021

We analyse the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis temperature time series over China and find that daily mean temperature at 850 hPa pressure level warms gradually and cools rapidly, which is known as the asymmetry property. Previous studies pointed out that front events contribute to this asymmetry property, but only presented indirect evidences. Here, we confirm this conjecture with more convincing and direct evidences. The time series of front events are obtained over China by an improved objective front detection algorithm. The high Pearson correlation between time series of monthly temperature asymmetry measure and time series of monthly front events over some specific regions indicates they are closely related to each other and front events indeed contribute to temperature asymmetry. We discover that the North China Plain is a representative region where front events contribute to temperature asymmetry significantly. Further diagnostic analysis by temperature tendency equation shows that the asymmetry of daily mean temperature series is due to the asymmetry between the frequency and intensity (mainly the intensity of meridional nonlinear advection term) of cold and warm fronts in North China Plain.
A 40‐year climatology of summer heavy hourly rainfall over mountainous Shanxi in China
Authors: Dong Chunqing , Zhang Da‐Lin
Published: August 2021

In this study, a statistical analysis of the spatiotemporal characteristics of summer heavy hourly rainfall (HHR) events during 1979–2018 over mountainous Shanxi Province is performed in order to examine regional climate change over such a transition region between North China and Northwest China. Results show that the regional 40‐year annual mean summer rainfall is about 272 mm, about 37% of which is associated with HHR events. High‐frequency and high‐intensity HHR events tend to take place in eastern mountainous subregions, whereas most basin subregions experience HHR events with low frequency and low intensity, showing the important influences of local topography and its interaction with prevailing large‐scale flows. The important topographical influences are also reflected by the observations that most mountainous subregions exhibit a major late‐afternoon peak with a secondary early morning maximum, and that the associated diurnal variations are much greater in amplitude than those in basin subregions. It is found that the regional total annual summer rainfall has a decreasing trend during the first 20 years, mostly by non‐HHR contributions, but a rapid increasing trend during the recent 20 years, with dominant HHR contributions. Most subregions with the increasing trends of HHR frequency are those dominated by rapidly increasing surface temperatures. In particular, more frequent HHR events occur over major urbanization areas, that are in close proximity to complex topography, during the recent two decades. The decadal trends in HHR are found to be correlated to the distribution and intensity changes of the East Asian summer monsoon. The above results have important implications to the operational prediction of HHR events, and a better understanding of regional climate change over mountainous Shanxi Province.