bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operational Evaluation of Stern Boat Deployment Systems
Authors: Sheinberg R. , Cleary C. , DeBord F. , Thomas W. , Bachman R. , St. John J. , Minnich S.
Published: July 2021

Stern-ramp deployment of small boats is an essential feature of all new U.S. Coast Guard cutters. The first new cutter to enter service equipped with a stern-ramp is the USCGC BERTHOLF, the lead Maritime Security Cutter Large (WMSL). During the summer of 2009 a series of sea trials was completed aboard BERTHOLF to define safe operating conditions for stern launch and recovery, develop recommendations for system design improvements, and provide performance data for use during evaluation of future designs. This paper summarizes the results of the boat launch and recovery sea trials and provides recommendations for the design of future systems. Findings are compared to those given in a previous paper presented at the 2003 Annual Meeting (Sheinberg et al 2003) and revised design considerations are presented. These considerations include ramp geometry, limiting ship motions, small boat design features, and special systems such as well water flow management systems and boat capture mechanisms. Finally, the issue of predicting the performance of these systems using physical and numerical modeling techniques is revisited, design criteria are critically assessed, and the importance of operator training is discussed. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and are not to be construed as representing the views or official policy of the Commandant or of the United States Coast Guard.
Utilização das ferramentas da indústria 4.0 para a prototipagem no setor de vestuário
Authors: Bittencourt Leide Laura , Silveira Icléia , Rosa Lucas da , Novelli Daniela
Published: July 2021

As tecnologias digitais da Indústria 4.0, trazem benefícios para as empresas de vestuário, com a otimização dos processos, a velocidade de produção e a conexão entre as máquinas, que permite a integração de toda a cadeia de valor. O presente artigo aborda a utilização de ferramentas da indústria 4.0 na prototipagem de produtos de vestuário. Aplicou-se a pesquisa básica com fundamentos teóricos, com uma abordagem qualitativa e descritiva. A coleta de dados foi realizada em livros, artigos científicos, teses e dissertações, trazendo os princípios e pilares da indústria 4.0, bem como as ferramentas que possibilitam a prototipagem 3D (tridimensional) de produtos de vestuário. Destaca-se a relevância da pesquisa tendo em vista que a análise global da viabilidade técnica do produto, que avalia o traçado da modelagem, a vestibilidade, os aspectos ergonômicos e o caimento das peças, são feitos em ambiente virtual, dispensando assim: a plotagem dos moldes, seleção e preparação do tecido para o corte, traçado do risco e corte dos moldes e montagem (preparação e costura) das peças do modelo de vestuário. Os resultados da pesquisa revelam que é possível ter eficácia na produção e na redução do tempo de trabalho e benefícios sustentáveis com o uso das ferramentas de prototipagem 3D para produtos de vestuário, em termos sociais, ambientais e financeiros.
Structure and analysis of nanobody binding to the human ASIC1a ion channel
Authors: Wu Yangyu , Chen Zhuyuan , Sigworth Fred J , Canessa Cecilia M
Published: July 2021

ASIC1a is a proton-gated sodium channel involved in modulation of pain, fear, addiction, and ischemia-induced neuronal injury. We report isolation and characterization of alpaca-derived nanobodies (Nbs) that specifically target human ASIC1a. Cryo-electron microscopy of the human ASIC1a channel at pH 7.4 in complex with one of these, Nb.C1, yielded a structure at 2.9 Å resolution. It is revealed that Nb.C1 binds to a site overlapping with that of the Texas coral snake toxin (MitTx1) and the black mamba venom Mambalgin-1; however, the Nb.C1-binding site does not overlap with that of the inhibitory tarantula toxin psalmotoxin-1 (PcTx1). Fusion of Nb.C1 with PcTx1 in a single polypeptide markedly enhances the potency of PcTx1, whereas competition of Nb.C1 and MitTx1 for binding reduces channel activation by the toxin. Thus, Nb.C1 is a molecular tool for biochemical and structural studies of hASIC1a; a potential antidote to the pain-inducing component of coral snake bite; and a candidate to potentiate PcTx1-mediated inhibition of hASIC1a in vivo for therapeutic applications.
Tissue-specific targeting of DNA nanodevices in a multicellular living organism
Authors: Chakraborty Kasturi , Anees Palapuravan , Surana Sunaina , Martin Simona , Aburas Jihad , Moutel Sandrine , Perez Franck , Koushika Sandhya P , Kratsios Paschalis , Krishnan Yamuna
Published: July 2021

Nucleic acid nanodevices present great potential as agents for logic-based therapeutic intervention as well as in basic biology. Often, however, the disease targets that need corrective action are localized in specific organs, and thus realizing the full potential of DNA nanodevices also requires ways to target them to specific cell types in vivo. Here, we show that by exploiting either endogenous or synthetic receptor-ligand interactions and leveraging the biological barriers presented by the organism, we can target extraneously introduced DNA nanodevices to specific cell types in Caenorhabditis elegans, with subcellular precision. The amenability of DNA nanostructures to tissue-specific targeting in vivo significantly expands their utility in biomedical applications and discovery biology.
High potency of sequential therapy with only β-lactam antibiotics
Authors: Batra Aditi , Roemhild Roderich , Rousseau Emilie , Franzenburg Sören , Niemann Stefan , Schulenburg Hinrich
Published: July 2021

Evolutionary adaptation is a major source of antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens. Evolution-informed therapy aims to constrain resistance by accounting for bacterial evolvability. Sequential treatments with antibiotics that target different bacterial processes were previously shown to limit adaptation through genetic resistance trade-offs and negative hysteresis. Treatment with homogeneous sets of antibiotics is generally viewed to be disadvantageous as it should rapidly lead to cross-resistance. We here challenged this assumption by determining the evolutionary response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to experimental sequential treatments involving both heterogenous and homogeneous antibiotic sets. To our surprise, we found that fast switching between only β-lactam antibiotics resulted in increased extinction of bacterial populations. We demonstrate that extinction is favored by low rates of spontaneous resistance emergence and low levels of spontaneous cross-resistance among the antibiotics in sequence. The uncovered principles may help to guide the optimized use of available antibiotics in highly potent, evolution-informed treatment designs.
Epi-mutations for spermatogenic defects by maternal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Authors: Tando Yukiko , Hiura Hitoshi , Takehara Asuka , Ito-Matsuoka Yumi , Arima Takahiro , Matsui Yasuhisa
Published: July 2021

Exposure to environmental factors during fetal development may lead to epigenomic modifications in fetal germ cells, altering gene expression and promoting diseases in successive generations. In mouse, maternal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is known to induce defects in spermatogenesis in successive generations, but the mechanism(s) of impaired spermatogenesis are unclear. Here, we showed that maternal DEHP exposure results in DNA hypermethylation of promoters of spermatogenesis-related genes in fetal testicular germ cells in F1 mice, and hypermethylation of Hist1h2ba, Sycp1, and Taf7l, which are crucial for spermatogenesis, persisted from fetal testicular cells to adult spermatogonia, resulting in the downregulation of expression of these genes. Forced methylation of these gene promoters silenced expression of these loci in a reporter assay. These results suggested that maternal DEHP exposure-induced hypermethylation of Hist1h2ba, Sycp1, and Taf7l results in downregulation of these genes in spermatogonia and subsequent defects in spermatogenesis, at least in the F1 generation.
Large chromosomal deletions and impaired homologous recombination repairing in HEK293T cells exposed to polychlorinated biphenyl 153
Authors: Li Jiaci , Jing Yaqing , Liu Yi , Ru Yawei , Ju Mingyan , Zhao Yuxia , Li Guang
Published: July 2021

Background

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent pollutants with carcinogenesis and mutagenesis effects which have been closely associated with PCBs-induced DNA damage. However, the detailed DNA damage events and corresponding pathway alterations under PCBs poisoning is still not well understood.

Methods

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were used to explore genome wide variations and related pathway changes in HEK293T cells that challenged by 15 µM PCB153 for 96 h in vitro. Double strand breaks (DSBs) were measured by 53BP1 foci detection, altered pathways were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR).

Results

The results indicated that abundant copy number variations (CNVs), including four duplications and 30 deletions, occurred in PCB153-exposed HEK293T cells. Multiple large fragment deletions (>1 Mb) involving up to 245 Mb regions on many chromosomes. Missense mutations were found in six tumor susceptibility genes, two of which are key members participating in homologous recombination (HR) repair response, BRCA1 and BRCA2. RNA-seq data showed that PCB153 poisoning apparently suppressedHR repairing genes. Besides, 15 µM PCB153 exposure significantly increased 53BP1 foci formation and effectively reduced BRCA1, RAD51B and RAD51C expression, indicating an elevated DSBs and impaired HR repairing.

Conclusion

This study firstly reported multiple large chromosomal deletions and impaired HR repairing in PCB153-exposed HEK293T cells, which provided a new insight into the understanding of early response and the mechanism underlying PCB153 genotoxicity. The chromosomal instabilities might be related to the impaired HR repairing that induced by PCB153; however, further investigations, especially on actual toxic effects of human body, are needed to confirm such speculation.
Una mala palabra. Sobre una polémica desconocida en torno a la Historia de la literatura argentina de Ricardo Rojas
Authors:   Universidad de Buenos Aires, Tieffemberg Silvia
Published: July 2021

El presente trabajo propone el análisis de la primera polémica en torno a la Historia de la literatura argentina (1917-1922) de Ricardo Rojas. Esta polémica, desconocida hasta el momento, se desarrolla entre Juan de la Cruz Puig y el propio Rojas a través de los artículos “Una afrenta y una falsedad” y “Una mala palabra”, publicados en la revista Estudios en abril y mayo de 1918 respectivamente. El análisis contempla a sus protagonistas y el marco contextual que los albergó, en la perspectiva de lo que el crítico Jorge Panesi denomina “polémicas ocultas”.
Escenificar el archivo (hasta que el cuerpo aguante). Una lectura en torno a lo documental en Esto (no) es un testamento y Animales invisibles de La Laura Palmer
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Larraín Javiera
Published: July 2021

Este artículo plantea un análisis documental de las prácticas escénicas de archivo dispuestas en los montajes Esto (no) es un testamento y Animales invisibles de la compañía chilena La Laura Palmer. En consecuencia, se pretende indagar en las condiciones operatorias que administran y desmantelan la lógica archivística que los montajes proponen; a través de una revalorización de la colección de registros, objetos y testimonios que intentan poner en tensión los recuerdos privados e íntimos de los sujetos y el discurso oficialista de la memoria. Las prácticas artísticas −bajo esta óptica− se transforman en parte del archivo que La Laura Palmer busca explorar, con la intención de revisitar parte de los espacios institucionales que han forjado la Historia de la escena nacional chilena; en este caso la compañía de teatro ICTUS y el trabajo de los técnicos del emblemático Teatro Nacional Chileno.
On. Modo espejo eléctrico. Andrea Leyton Beltrán / Ilustraciones: Johanna Rodríguez Ahumada. Santiago: Palabra editorial, 2020. ISBN: 978-956-6085-07-2. 57 pp.
Authors: Arrate Marina
Published: July 2021

Lo primero que me llamó la atención en este texto de Andrea Leyton Beltrán, ilustrado por Johanna Rodríguez Ahumada, es su evidente poetización de la terminología web. Como anota Mónica Barrientos en el prólogo del libro: “Esta conciencia estética se produce en el reflejo que no es el espejo tradicional, sino la pantalla del computador que se extiende a la vivencia de la voz poética. El medio digital se ha hecho inseparable del acto creativo” (12); y más adelante, señala: “El espacio abierto del espejo electrónico se convierte en el lugar de asidero de la voz poética” (15).
Analysis of Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) among Smallholder Tomato Farmers in Buuri Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya
Authors: Kihoro David. M. , Micheni Pauline. K. , Ng’ang’a Florence. W.
Published: July 2021

The study examines the socioeconomic factors that influence the adoption of Integrated Pest Management in 152 smallholder tomato farmers in Buuri Sub-County, in Meru County Kenya. A random stratification sampling procedure was used to obtain smallholder tomato farmers and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data which was analyzed using a binary logistic regression model. The results showed that the average land size for tomato production in the area was 1 acre, with average yields of 35 tonnes per acre, Kshs 592,000 net returns/ acre for IPM adopters. The study established that gender type (5%), farm size (5%), labor (5%), and access to information (5%), and age of the farmers (5%) were statistically significant. Additionally, gender type resulted in an increase of adoption of IPM by 43%, farm size by 8%, labor by 11%, while access to information by 40%. The study concluded that different stakeholders should ensure a support system to various IPM practices to lower production costs and encourage adopting the techniques.
NDR/LATS‐family protein kinase genes are indispensable for embryogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yoon Hyuk Sung , Fujino Kaien , Liu Shenkui , Takano Tetsuo , Tsugama Daisuke
Published: July 2021

NDR/LATS‐family protein kinases are conserved among eukaryotes. These protein kinases in yeast and animals phosphorylate specific targets and regulate the cell cycle. Arabidopsis thaliana has eight NDR/LATS‐family protein kinase genes (NDR1‐8), of which NDR2, NDR4, and NDR5 are involved in regulating pollen development. However, the functions of the other NDR/LATS‐family protein kinase genes in plants are unclear. Here, we show that three putative phosphorylation sites of an Arabidopsis basic leucine zipper transcription factor, VIP1, correspond to NDR/LATS‐family protein kinase phosphorylation motifs and that two of these three sites are phosphorylated by NDR2, NDR3, or NDR8 in vitro. Expression of NDR1‐8 was detected in various tissues. An NDR4 NDR6 NDR7 NDR8 quadruple mutation caused embryonic lethality These results suggest that different NDR/LATS‐family protein kinases in plants have distinct physiological roles.
Dynamic Chiro‐Optics of Bio‐Inorganic Nanomaterials via Seamless Co‐Assembly of Semiconducting Nanorods and Polysaccharide Nanocrystals
Authors: Kang Saewon , Biesold Gill M. , Lee Hansol , Bukharina Daria , Lin Zhiqun , Tsukruk Vladimir V.
Published: July 2021

This study demonstrates a novel chiral organization of multi‐materials from semiconducting quantum nanorods (QNRs) co‐assembled into chiral nematic polysaccharide (cellulose) nanocrystals for active manipulation of chiro‐optical light emission properties in elastomeric materials. Highly emissive anisotropic QNRs with dimensions and surface chemistry commensurate with those of biological nanocrystals facilitate seamless co‐assembly into an integrated chiral nematic organization due to preferable enthalpic interactions and pairing processes. The resulting freestanding highly emissive bio‐inorganic elastomeric materials exhibit vivid iridescence and emission with a strong optical activity that manifests itself in active and tunable chiral photoluminescence with unusually large asymmetry. Intriguingly, large‐strain reversible mechanical deformation of physically crosslinked elastomers endows fully reversible alternation of helical structural configuration and corresponding linearly and circularly polarized photoluminescence. This study provides a platform to render dynamic optical functionality with reconfigurable light propagation/emission in bio‐inorganic elastomers for futuristic applications in chiral lasing, biosensing, optical gauges, and holographic display.
Förster Resonance Energy Transfer in Linear DNA Multifluorophore Photonic Wires: Comparing Dual versus Split Rail Building Block Designs
Authors: Cunningham Paul D. , Spillmann Christopher M. , Melinger Joseph S. , Ancona Mario G. , Kim Young C. , Mathur Divita , Buckhout‐White Susan , Goldman Ellen R. , Medintz Igor L.
Published: July 2021

DNA scaffolds provide a means to precisely organize chromophores into large biomimetic exciton networks and direct energy transport for nanoscale sensing and light‐harvesting applications. Here, a functional building block of minimal complexity that maximizes the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency is sought. Using a model system consisting of three FRET steps in a 4‐dye cascade: Cy3→Cy3.5→Cy5→Cy5.5, we evaluate how this building block employs multiple interacting versus redundant FRET pathways. Variants of a dual rail design, where one or two copies of each dye are aligned in rigid linear parallel rows, are compared to a split rail format, where varying degrees of spacing are introduced between the rows. The FRET processes are assessed via steady‐state, time‐resolved, and single‐molecule spectroscopy. Experiments and simulation reveal the dual rail design as more efficient than the split rail and suggest the design principle that efficient FRET networks must balance the increase in FRET rate from multiple interacting pathways with undesirable fluorescence quenching between dyes in close proximity. Hybrid fluorophore combinations are identified as a strategy to mitigate this quenching, leading to optimized dual rails capable of 50% end‐to‐end efficiency. These insights can help guide the design of functional photonic wires based on DNA scaffolds.
Design and Simulation of Innovative QCA Quaternary Logic Gates
Authors: Akbari‐Hasanjani Reza , Sabbaghi‐Nadooshan Reza
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a new cell configuration for quaternary Quantum Cellular Automata (QQCA) based on the calculation of polarization. The proposed QQCA cell is based on a three‐particle system that creates instability within a cell in the gate design. Therefore, a single‐particle system or binary QCA (bQCA) technology and a two‐particle system or Ternary QCA (TQCA) technology have been used to implement quaternary logic. The proposed cell can be implemented in two layers or in one, using input and output drives. According to the dimensions of the proposed model for QQCA and simulation of basic gates, designing with this cell is quite optimal; it requires five cells in the design of the AND and OR gates and two cells in the design of the NOT gate. Based on the number of cells used in the basic gates, the total area in the AND and OR gates is 576 × 10−6 µm2 and in the NOT gate is 276 × 10−6 µm2. The base gates are fully optimized and latency is equal to 0.25 clockcycle or 0.25 × 10−12s, which is reduced in comparison with prior works. Also, the power consumption of a cell in terms of quantum calculation and the proposed model is also investigated.
Simultaneous Energy Storage and Seawater Desalination using Rechargeable Seawater Battery: Feasibility and Future Directions
Authors: Son Moon , Park Sanghun , Kim Namhyeok , Angeles Anne Therese , Kim Youngsik , Cho Kyung Hwa
Published: July 2021

Rechargeable seawater battery (SWB) is a unique energy storage system that can directly transform seawater into renewable energy. Placing a desalination compartment between SWB anode and cathode (denoted as seawater battery desalination; SWB‐D) enables seawater desalination while charging SWB. Since seawater desalination is a mature technology, primarily occupied by membrane‐based processes such as reverse osmosis (RO), the energy cost has to be considered for alternative desalination technologies. So far, the feasibility of the SWB‐D system based on the unit cost per desalinated water ($ m−3) has been insufficiently discussed. Therefore, this perspective aims to provide this information and offer future research directions based on the detailed cost analysis. Based on the calculations, the current SWB‐D system is expected to have an equipment cost of ≈1.02 $ m−3 (lower than 0.60–1.20 $ m−3 of RO), when 96% of the energy is recovered and stable performance for 1000 cycles is achieved. The anion exchange membrane (AEM) and separator contributes greatly to the material cost occupying 50% and 41% of the total cost, respectively. Therefore, future studies focusing on creating low cost AEMs and separators will pave the way for the large‐scale application of SWB‐D.
A High‐Capacity, Long‐Cycling All‐Solid‐State Lithium Battery Enabled by Integrated Cathode/Ultrathin Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Lin Yanke , Wu Maochun , Sun Jing , Zhang Leicheng , Jian Qinping , Zhao Tianshou
Published: July 2021

Current all‐solid‐state lithium battery (ASSLB) manufacturing typically involves laborious fabrication and assembly of individual electrodes and solid electrolyte, which inevitably result in large interfacial resistances. Moreover, due to the unfavorable mechanical strength, most solid electrolytes are fabricated to be overly thick and are incapable of retarding lithium dendrite formation. These factors limit the attainable energy density and cyclability of ASSLBs. Here, a novel integrated cathode/solid electrolyte for scalable ASSLB manufacturing is reported by directly fabricating an ultrathin yet robust fiber network reinforced solid electrolyte on the cathode. The integrated design allows continuous ion conduction at both the interface and the entire cathode, thereby considerably reducing interfacial resistance and enabling higher cathode loading. Meanwhile, the strong fiber network endows the solid electrolyte with an ultrasmall thickness and superior dendrite suppression capability. As a result, the newly‐developed Li/LiFePO4 ASSLB achieves a high capacity of 155.2 mAh g–1 at 0.5 C and 45 °C with capacity retention of 84.3% after 500 cycles. Even with a cathode loading of 13 mg cm–2, the battery still delivers a capacity of 124.1 mAh g–1. Additionally, a pouch cell with this integrated design displays good electrochemical performance and safety, showing great promise for practical applications.
Aqueous Formate‐Based Li‐CO2 Battery with Low Charge Overpotential and High Working Voltage
Authors: Xue Hairong , Gong Hao , Lu Xueyi , Gao Bin , Wang Tao , He Jianping , Yamauchi Yusuke , Sasaki Takayoshi , Ma Renzhi
Published: July 2021

Li‐CO2 batteries (LCOBs) are considered to be an important strategy toward efficient carbon sequestration and energy storage. However, most typical discharge products (Li2CO3 and C) are insoluble and chemically stable, and require a high charge overpotential (≈3.5–4.5 V) to be decomposed. Herein, a novel aqueous LCOB with formic acid (HCOOH) as the discharge product is proposed. The soluble HCOOH can be directly utilized in the charge process without any further purification or compression, realizing a very facile electrochemical cycle. Nanoporous Pd films with a high electrochemical surface area exhibit a high bifunctional performance toward both CO2 reduction and formic acid oxidation. Accordingly, the assembled LCOB achieves a high working potential plateau of 2.61 V whereas the charge potential is significantly lowered to 2.87 V, delivering the highest energy efficiency of 91%. The present work demonstrates a brand‐new aqueous LCOB with HCOOH as the discharge product for utilizing CO2 as power source.
Disaster medicine and pandemic response: A novel curriculum to improve understanding of complex care delivery during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Peterson Todd , Wallace Doug , Evans Joel , Edwards Andrew , Patel Aashka , Willig James , Lineback Norman , Thompson Linda
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite a 2009 recommendation from the AMA that disaster medicine and public health response training should be implemented in medical schools, anywhere from 31% to 47% of medical education programs lack a formalized disaster medicine curriculum. A need for disaster medicine response training for University of Alabama medical students in an appropriately socially distanced format was identified during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Our emergency medicine faculty in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency Center for Disaster Preparedness (FEMA CDP) created and implemented a novel virtual disaster medicine and pandemic response course for third‐year medical students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). The course was administered via a teleconferencing platform (Zoom, Zoom Video Communications, Inc.) in spring 2020 to more than 130 medical students.

Results

Using pre‐ and postcourse surveys, we assessed a change in student confidence levels for their ability to explain topics covered in the course and their understanding of a chosen disaster. The students reported an average increase of 2.183 on a 5‐point scale, with a score of 5 representing “completely confident” and a score of 1 representing “not at all confident.” This course established the feasibility of a virtual instructor–led training (VILT) format for disaster medicine education and provided a template for the delivery of over 300 courses to more than 4,000 first responders and medical professionals through the FEMA CDP.

Conclusions

Through collaboration with the FEMA CDP, our UAB faculty were able to successfully deliver a novel virtual disaster‐preparedness and response course. The course resulted in subjective improvement of students’ content understanding while also establishing the feasibility and effectiveness of a VILT format that could be readily applied to future courses in undergraduate medical education and beyond.
Heating‐induced aggregation control for efficient sequential‐cast organic solar cells
Authors: Li Donghui , Guo Chuanhang , Zhang Xue , Du Baocai , Wang Pang , Cheng Shili , Cai Jinlong , Wang Hui , Liu Dan , Yao Huifeng , Hou Jianhui , Wang Tao
Published: July 2021

The aggregation and morphology within the photoactive layer is of considerable significance to boost the power‐conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, heating‐induced aggregation control of nonfullerene acceptor BTP‐eC7 during sequential casting was demonstrated. The large aggregates of BTP‐eC7 can be significantly reduced by sequential casting of BTP‐eC7 hot solution on the D18 fibrillar layer, and further eliminated by sequential casting of BTP‐eC7 hot solution on the D18 fibrillar layer heated on hot substrate, leading to stronger face‐on π–π stacking and appropriate phase separation within the photoactive layer to promote exciton dissociation and charge transfer. The maximum PCE of D18/BTP‐eC7 solar cells can be enhanced from 8.1% of room temperature casting to 15.9% of hot solution, hot‐substrate casting, therefore demonstrates that heating‐induced aggregation and sequential‐casting strategies are a promising approach in improving the performance of OSCs employing nonfullerene acceptors with limited solubility or strong crystallization ability.
Zn (II)‐Schiff base covalently anchored to CaO@SiO2: A hybrid nanocatalyst for green synthesis of 4H‐pyrans
Authors: Sameri Fatemeh , Bodaghifard Mohammad Ali , Mobinikhaledi Akbar
Published: July 2021

In this study, the Zn (II)‐Schiff base covalently anchored onto the surface of CaO@SiO2 nanoparticles. The structure of this hybrid nanomaterial (CaO@SiO2‐NH2‐Sal‐Zn) was characterized using the analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and inductively coupled plasma atomic mass spectrometry. The catalytic activity of this organic–inorganic hybrid nanostructure was investigated through the green synthesis of 4H‐pyran derivatives via one‐pot three‐component condensation reaction which high yields of desired products obtained under green media. The reusability experiments confirmed the stability and high performance of this hybrid nanomaterial under the reaction conditions. The retrievability of this catalyst was proved by recycling six times in reactions without significant loss in its activity. Green conditions, use of available materials, easy work‐up procedure, and high yield of products, low reaction times, and simple purification are some advantages of this protocol over earlier ones.
A triptycene derived hypercrosslinked polymer for gas capture and separation applications
Authors: Ansari Mosim , Bera Ranajit , Das Neeladri
Published: July 2021

This work describes facile synthesis of a porous polymeric material (T‐HCP) using readily available reagents. Specifically, T‐HCP is a thermally stable and hypercrosslinked polymer (HCP) that is essentially microporous with a high BET specific surface area (940 m2 g−1). Triptycene based polymers are known to feature internal free volume. Thus, the incorporation of triptycene units and extensive crosslinking by an external cross‐linker in T‐HCP makes it a promising adsorbent for small gas capture applications. Experimental results show that T‐HCP demonstrated good CO2 capture capacity of 132 mg g−1 (273 K, 1 bar). Molecular hydrogen storage capacity of T‐HCP is estimated to be 17.7 mg g−1 (77 K, 1 bar). T‐HCP revealed high CO2/N2 selectivity (up to 63) as well as promising CO2/CH4 (up to 9.1) selectivity suggesting its potential applicability for CO2 separation from flue and natural gases.
An investigation on the c‐MYC, AXIN1, and COL11A1 gene expression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Moradifard Shirin , Minuchehr Zarrin , Ganji Shahla Mohammad
Published: July 2021

The high incidence rate of CRC demands early diagnosis of the disease and readiness of diagnostic biomarker. In present study, we have investigated c‐MYC, AXIN1, and COL11A1 expression levels in course of CRC progression and their correlation with demographics and clinical risk factors. Fifty‐five tumors and 41 normal tissues were obtained from Tumor Bank of Iran, total RNA was extracted, cDNA was synthesized, and RT‐qPCR was performed. Results were analyzed using Rest 2009 and SPSS software. Analysis at mRNA level showed upregulation of the two genes; c‐MYC with a p‐value of 0.001 and COL11A1 with an observed p‐value of 0.02, while a p‐value of 0.04 indicated AXIN1 downregulation. The observed overexpression of COL11A1 in stage 0 compared to other stages of CRC asserts importance of this gene in CRC prognosis. Moreover, statistical analysis confirms a significant correlation between expression of these genes and several clinical risk factors of CRC. Our study supports the importance of the studied genes and provides further information regarding the molecular mechanism of CRC. Further studies on these genes could elucidate their pivotal role for both early detection and/or diagnosis of CRC in addition to have important biomarkers for CRC management available.
Synthesis and Processing by Design of High‐Nickel Cathode Materials
Authors: Wang Feng , Bai Jianming
Published: July 2021

The high demand of lightweight, high energy density batteries for energy storage promotes new materials discovery and development. Despite the large number of battery materials being discovered, very few of them have been commercially deployed, mostly bottlenecked by synthesis and processing – namely, making certain phases with the desired structure and properties to meet the multifaceted performance requirements. Alternative to the traditional trial and error, we present here an in situ study aided synthesis‐ and processing‐by‐design approach. With specific examples, we illustrate how to use the approach to identify reaction pathways in synthesis and processing of high‐Nickel (Ni) cathode materials for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries, thereby ensuring precise control of their structure, morphology, and surface properties. To the end, perspectives are provided on the wide applicability of the approach to solving critical issues inherent to high‐Ni cathodes and the new directions and opportunities in the area.
Topological Transformation of Mg‐Containing Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets for Efficient Photodriven CH4 Coupling
Authors: Xu Yanqi , Sun Xiaoliang , Wang Xian , He Lunhua , Wharmby Michael T. , Hua Xiao , Zhao Yufei , Song Yu‐Fei
Published: July 2021

Direct conversion of methane (CH4) to fuels and other high value‐added chemicals is an attractive technology in the chemical industry; however, practical challenges to sustainable processes remain. Herein, we report the preparation of a heterostructured Co‐doped MgO‐based catalyst through topological transformation of a MgCo‐layered double hydroxide (LDH) calcination from 200 to 1100 °C. Remarkably, the catalyst can activate CH4 coupling to produce C2H6 with a selectivity of 41.60 % within 3 h under full‐spectrum irradiation through calcination of LDH at 800 °C. Characterization studies and catalytic results suggest that the highly dispersed active sites and large interfaces amongst the Co‐doped MgO‐based catalysts enable surface activation of CH4 to methyl (CH3*), in turn promoting coupling of CH3* to C2H6. This study introduces a promising pathway for photodriven CH4 coupling to give high value‐added chemicals by using layered double hydroxides as a precursor.
Potassium Ion Conductivity in the Cubic Labyrinth of a Piezoelectric, Antiferromagnetic Oxoferrate(III) Tellurate(VI)
Authors: Albrecht Ralf , Hoelzel Markus , Beccard Henrik , Rüsing Michael , Eng Lukas , Doert Thomas , Ruck Michael
Published: July 2021

Orange‐colored crystals of the oxoferrate tellurate K12+6xFe6Te4−xO27 [x=0.222(4)] were synthesized in a potassium hydroxide hydroflux with a molar water–base ratio n(H2O)/n(KOH) of 1.5 starting from Fe(NO3)3 ⋅ 9H2O, TeO2 and H2O2 at about 200 °C. By using (NH4)2TeO4 instead of TeO2, a fine powder consisting of microcrystalline spheres of K12+6xFe6Te4−xO27 was obtained. K12+6xFe6Te4−xO27 crystallizes in the acentric cubic space group I
3d. [FeIIIO5] pyramids share their apical atoms in [Fe2O9] groups and two of their edges with [TeVIO6] octahedra to form an open framework that consists of two loosely connected, but not interpenetrating, chiral networks. The flexibility of the hinged oxometalate network manifests in a piezoelectric response similar to that of LiNbO3.The potassium cations are mobile in channels that run along the <111> directions and cross in cavities acting as nodes. The ion conductivity of cold‐pressed pellets of ball‐milled K12+6xFe6Te4−xO27 is 2.3×10−4 S ⋅ cm−1 at room temperature. Magnetization measurements and neutron diffraction indicate antiferromagnetic coupling in the [Fe2O9] groups.
Computational Evaluation of Me2TCCP as Lewis Acid
Authors: Roeleveld Julius J. , Ehlers Andreas Wolfgang , Mooibroek Tiddo Jonathan
Published: July 2021

Supramolecular adducts between dimethyl‐2,2,3,3‐tetracyanocyclopropane (Me2TCCP) with 21 small (polar) molecules and 10 anions were computed with DFT (B3LYP‐D3/def2‐TZVP). Their optimized geometries were used to obtain interaction energies, and perform energy decomposition and ‘atoms‐in‐molecules’ analyses. A set of 38 other adducts were also evaluated for comparison purposes. Selected examples were further scrutinized by inspection of the molecular electrostatic potential maps, Noncovalent Interaction index plots, the Laplacian, the orbital interactions, and by estimating the Gibbs free energy of complexation in hexane solution. These calculations divulge the thermodynamic feasibility of Me2TCCP adducts and show that complexation is typically driven by dispersion with less polarized partners, but by orbital interactions when more polarized or anionic guests are deployed. Most Me2TCCP adducts are more stable than simple hydrogen bonding with water, but less stable than traditional Lewis adducts involving Me3B, or a strong halogen bond such as with Br2. Several bonding analyses showed that the locus of interaction is found near the electron poor sp3‐hydridized (NC)2C−C(CN)2carbon atoms. An empty hybrid σ*/π* orbital on Me2TCCP was identified that can be held responsible for the stability of the most stable adducts due to donor‐acceptor interactions.
Tumor‐infiltrating FoxP3+ T cells are associated with poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hayashi Tomio , Yoshikawa Kazuhiro , Suzuki Susumu , Gosho Masahiko , Ueda Ryuzo , Kazaoka Yoshiaki
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy in the oral cavity. Moreover, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been recently implicated in the onset of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) positive and are normally involved in the mechanism by which organisms escape attacks from their own immune system; however, in tumors, these cells are known to suppress antitumor immunity and block the attack against tumors. The present study evaluated the associations of the number of Tregs and HPV infection with prognoses in patients with OSCC.

Material and methods

Samples from 106 patients diagnosed with OSCC were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for the identification of FoxP3+ Tregs and HPV. The relationship between the observed number of Foxp3‐positive cells, the presence/absence of HPV infection and associations with clinicopathological indicators were analyzed.

Results

Tissues were classified into high (High) and low (Low) Treg count groups, with 69 patients classified as High and 37 classified as Low. The prognoses were significantly better in the Low group compared with the High group (p = 0.04). FoxP3 expression may have had some effect on nodal metastases (p = 0.09). HPV antigens were detected in 65 patients, but there were no significant associations with prognosis (p = 0.34). HPV‐infected tumors were more common in the gums and tongues than in the lips, cheeks, and floor of the mouth (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

These results indicate that Tregs in tumor sites are associated with worsened prognoses of patients with OSCC and suggest potential therapies targeting Tregs in OSCC.
A new comparison framework to survey neural networks‐based vehicle detection and classification approaches
Authors: Hashemi Sajjad , Emami Hojjat , Babazadeh Sangar Amin
Published: July 2021

The vehicle detection and classification (VDC) problem has received much attention recently due to the increased security threats and the need to develop intelligent transportation systems. A large number of approaches have been proposed for the VDC problem using neural networks. To determine how neural networks‐based approaches have developed for the VDC in recent years, this paper surveys the VDC approaches through a literature review with the range Jan. 2012 through Apr. 2021. To do this, we introduce a new comparison framework to classify and compare the VDC approaches. Our proposed framework is composed of nine comparison dimensions: input data type, vehicle type, scale, scope, dynamicity, vehicle detection method, vehicle classification method, application, and evaluation method. Next, using the proposed framework, we discuss the evolution of the VDC approaches and identify several open issues that have emerged in the field. This paper provides a guide for researchers to use or design robust VDC systems with proper characteristics based on their needs.
Direct next‐generation sequencing analysis using endometrial liquid‐based cytology specimens for rapid cancer genomic profiling
Authors: Akahane Toshiaki , Kitazono Ikumi , Kobayashi Yusuke , Nishida‐Kirita Yukari , Yamaguchi Tomomi , Yanazume Shintaro , Tabata Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Tanimoto Akihide
Published: July 2021

Background

Genomic examination of cytology specimens is often performed on cell blocks or conventional smears rather than on liquid‐based cytology (LBC) specimens. Since LBC specimens preserve high‐quality DNA, cancer genome profiling using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is also attainable from residual LBC specimens. One of the advantages of using LBC specimens for NGS is that it allows direct extraction of DNA from residual specimens, avoiding a sacrifice of smear slides and minimizing genomic profiling processing time.

Methods

Endometrial LBC specimens were subjected to NGS analysis to validate the practicality of rapid cancer genomic profiling in a pathology laboratory. The extracted DNA was subjected to NGS using a customized cancer gene panel comprising 56 genes and 17 microsatellite regions. The workflow strategy was defined, and the processing time estimated for specimen sampling, cell counting, NGS run, and genome profiling.

Results

NGS analysis of most LBC specimens revealed somatic mutations, tumor mutation burden, and microsatellite instability, which were almost identical to those obtained from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues. The processing time for direct NGS analysis and cancer genomic profiling of the residual LBC specimens was approximately 5 days.

Conclusion

The residual LBC specimens collected using endometrial cytology were verified to carry a high tumor fraction for NGS analysis and could serve as an alternate source for rapid molecular classification and diagnosis of endometrial cancers, as a routine process in a pathology laboratory.
Developmental exposure to the synthetic progestin, 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate, disrupts the mesocortical serotonin pathway and alters impulsive decision‐making in rats
Authors: Fahrenkopf Allyssa , Li Grace , Wood Ruth I. , Wagner Christine K.
Published: July 2021

The synthetic progestin, 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17‐OHPC), is administered to women at risk for preterm birth during a critical period of fetal development for mesocortical pathways. Yet, little information is available regarding the potential effects of 17‐OHPC on the developing fetal brain. In rat models, the mesocortical serotonin pathway is sensitive to progestins. Progesterone receptor (PR) is expressed in layer 3 pyramidal neurons of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and in serotonergic neurons of the dorsal raphe. The present study tested the hypothesis that exposure to 17‐OHPC during development disrupts serotonergic innervation of the mPFC in adolescence and impairs behavior mediated by this pathway in adulthood. Administration of 17‐OHPC from postnatal days 1–14 decreased the density of SERT‐ir fibers within superficial and deep layers and decreased the density of synaptophysin‐ir boutons in all layers of prelimbic mPFC at postnatal day 28. In addition, rats exposed to 17‐OHPC during development were less likely to make impulsive choices in the Delay Discounting task, choosing the larger, delayed reward more often than controls at moderate delay times. Interestingly, 17‐OHPC exposed rats were more likely to fail to make any choice (i.e., increased omissions) compared to controls at longer delays, suggesting disruptions in decision‐making. These results suggest that further investigation is warranted in the clinical use of 17‐OHPC to better inform a risk/benefit analysis of progestin use in pregnancy.
Population structure, seasonal genotypic differentiation, and clonal diversity of weedy dandelions in three Boston area populations (Taraxacum sp.)
Authors: Mazumder Lisa , Kesseli Rick
Published: July 2021

Weedy dandelions have a worldwide distribution and thrive in urban environments despite a lack of sexual reproduction throughout most of its range. North American dandelions, introduced from Eurasia, are believed to be primarily, if not exclusively, apomictic triploids. In some European populations, apomicts co‐occur with diploid sexual individuals and hybridizations can create genetically unique apomicts, which may subsequently disperse and establish new populations globally. Using six nuclear microsatellite markers and a cpDNA intergenic spacer, we investigate the impact of this unusual natural history on population structure and diversity in three urban Boston area dandelion populations. Our results show high levels of genetic diversity within populations, spatial population structure, and seasonal genotypic differentiation in flowering times. We find evidence that sexual reproduction and recombination, presumably in Europe, and extensive gene flow drive these patterns of diversity and create the appearance of panmixia despite the lack of evidence for local sexual reproduction.
Trait‐based adaptability of Phragmites australis to the effects of soil water and salinity in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Zhou Dayou , Ni Yuehan , Yu Xiaona , Lin Kuixuan , Du Ning , Liu Lele , Guo Xiao , Guo Weihua
Published: July 2021

Phragmites australis is the dominant species in the Yellow River Delta and plays an important role in wetland ecosystems. In order to evaluate the relationship between phenotypic variation and environmental factors, explore how functional traits respond to changes in electrical conductivity and soil water content, and reveal the ecological strategies of P. australis, we investigated the ecological responses of P. australis to soil properties based on 96 plots along the coastal–inland regions in the Yellow River Delta of China. Within the range of soil water content (SWC, 9.39%–36.92%) and electrical conductivity (EC, 0.14–13.29 ms/cm), the results showed that (a) the effects of salinity were more important than the soil water content for the characterization of the morphological traits and that plant functional traits including leaf traits and stem traits responded more strongly to soil salinity than soil water content; (b) compared with morphological traits such as average height and internode number, physiological traits such as SPAD value, as well as morphological traits closely related to physiological traits such as specific leaf area and leaf thickness, showed stronger stability in response to soil water and salinity; and (c) under the condition of high electrical conductivity, P. australis improved its water acquisition ability by increasing indicators such as leaf water content and leaf thickness. In addition, with the increase in plant tolerance to stress, more resources were used to resist external stress, and the survival strategy was inclined toward the stress tolerator (S) strategy. Under low EC conditions, P. australis increased specific leaf area and leaf area for its growth in order to obtain resources rapidly, while its survival strategy gradually moved toward the competitor (C) strategy.