bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the potential for ‘Gene Conservation Units’ to conserve genetic diversity in wild populations
Authors: Minter Melissa , O'Brien David , Cottrell Joan , Ennos Richard , Hill Jane K. , Hall Jeanette
Published: May 2021

1. Genetic diversity is important for species persistence and Gene Conservation Units (GCUs) have been implemented for forest trees to protect genetic diversity and evolutionary processes in situ. The Convention on Biological Diversity stipulates the protection of genetic diversity as an Aichi target, and so we explore the potential for GCUs to be implemented more widely.

2. Our global systematic review showed that GCUs are currently implemented primarily for plant species of economic importance (109/158 species studied), but a questionnaire sent to land managers and conservationists (60 U.K. participants) revealed strong support for fully integrating genetic information into conservation management (90% agree), and for creating GCUs for other plant and animal taxa.

3. Using four case studies of U.K. species of conservation importance which vary in genetic threat and population dynamics (two insect species, a fungus and a plant), we highlight that GCU implementation criteria need to be flexible to account for variation in effective breeding population size and geographic extent of target species. The wider uptake of GCUs would ensure that threatened genetic diversity is protected and support evolutionary processes that aid adaptation to changing environments.
Emerging Applications of Solid Catalysts with Ionic Liquid Layer Concept in Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Gui‐Rong , Etzold Bastian J. M.
Published: May 2021

The concept of solid catalysts with ionic liquid layer (SCILL) originates from the field of heterogeneous catalysis, where it offers a unique way to regulate both the catalytic activity and selectivity. In recent years, applying this concept in electrocatalysis represented a new, exciting, and growing research field. Herein, emerging applications of the SCILL concept in the context of electrocatalysis for key energy storage/conversion processes such as oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, and CO2 reduction reactions are comprehensively reviewed. Alongside case studies highlighting the history, development and latest progress of the SCILL concept, mechanistic underpinnings on the roles of ILs in each application are critically discussed. At the same time, the key challenges and future opportunities in fully leveraging the SCILL concept for either regulating the performance of electrocatalysts or gaining mechanistic understandings for those electrocatalytic processes with complex reaction pathways are outlined.
Surpassing 13% Efficiency for Polythiophene Organic Solar Cells Processed from Nonhalogenated Solvent
Authors: Xiao Jingyang , Jia Xiao'e , Duan Chunhui , Huang Fei , Yip Hin‐Lap , Cao Yong
Published: May 2021

Benefiting from low cost and simple synthesis, polythiophene (PT) derivatives are one of the most popular donor materials for organic solar cells (OSCs). However, polythiophene‐based OSCs still suffer from inferior power conversion efficiency (PCE) than those based on donor–acceptor (D–A)‐type conjugated polymers. Herein, a fluorinated polythiophene derivative, namely P4T2F‐HD, is introduced to modulate the miscibility and morphology of the bulk heterojunction (BHJ)‐active layer, leading to a significant improvement of the OSC performance. The Flory–Huggins interaction parameters calculated from the surface energy and differential scanning calorimetry results suggest that P4T2F‐HD shows moderate miscibility with the popular nonfullerene acceptor Y6‐BO (2,2′‐((2Z,2′Z)‐((12,13‐bis(2‐butyloctyl)‐3,9‐diundecyl‐12,13‐dihydro‐[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐e]thieno[2′,3′:4′,5′]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]pyrrolo[3,2‐g]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐b]indole‐2,10‐diyl)bis(methanylylidene))bis(5,6‐difluoro‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diylidene))dimalononitrile), while poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is very miscible with Y6‐BO. As a result, the P4T2F‐HD case forms desired nanoscale phase separation in the BHJ film while the P3HT case forms a completely mixed BHJ film, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS). By optimizing the cathode interface and the morphology of the P4T2F‐HD:Y6‐BO films processed from nonhalogenated solvents, a new record PCE of 13.65% for polythiophene‐based OSCs is demonstrated. This work highlights the importance of controlling D/A interactions for achieving desired morphology and also demonstrates a promising OSC system for potential cost‐effective organic photovoltaics.
Dual‐Solvent Li‐Ion Solvation Enables High‐Performance Li‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Hansen , Yu Zhiao , Kong Xian , Huang William , Zhang Zewen , Mackanic David G. , Huang Xinyi , Qin Jian , Bao Zhenan , Cui Yi
Published: May 2021

Novel electrolyte designs to further enhance the lithium (Li) metal battery cyclability are highly desirable. Here, fluorinated 1,6‐dimethoxyhexane (FDMH) is designed and synthesized as the solvent molecule to promote electrolyte stability with its prolonged –CF2– backbone. Meanwhile, 1,2‐dimethoxyethane is used as a co‐solvent to enable higher ionic conductivity and much reduced interfacial resistance. Combining the dual‐solvent system with 1 m lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), high Li‐metal Coulombic efficiency (99.5%) and oxidative stability (6 V) are achieved. Using this electrolyte, 20 µm Li||NMC batteries are able to retain ≈80% capacity after 250 cycles and Cu||NMC anode‐free pouch cells last 120 cycles with 75% capacity retention under ≈2.1 µL mAh−1 lean electrolyte conditions. Such high performances are attributed to the anion‐derived solid‐electrolyte interphase, originating from the coordination of Li‐ions to the highly stable FDMH and multiple anions in their solvation environments. This work demonstrates a new electrolyte design strategy that enables high‐performance Li‐metal batteries with multisolvent Li‐ion solvation with rationally optimized molecular structure and ratio.
Laser‐Scanning‐Guided Assembly of Quasi‐3D Patterned Arrays of Plasmonic Dimers for Information Encryption
Authors: Yang Fan , Ye Shunsheng , Dong Wenhao , Zheng Di , Xia Yifan , Yi Chenglin , Tao Jing , Sun Chang , Zhang Lei , Wang Lu , Chen QianYun , Wang Yazi , Nie Zhihong
Published: May 2021

The application of plasmonic dimeric nanostructures in color displays, data storage, and especially metamaterials necessitates the patterning of dimers into ordered arrays, but controllable assembly of plasmonic nanoparticles into patterned dimer arrays on substrates still remains a challenge. Here, a facile laser‐scanning‐based strategy to fabricate quasi‐3D patterned arrays of plasmonic nanoparticle dimers with controlled orientation for plasmonic information encryption is reported. Laser scanning of polymer‐covered plasmonic nanoparticle (e.g., gold) arrays selectively exposes the surface of irradiated nanoparticle via localized photothermal heating, guiding the assembly of another type of nanoparticles onto the exposure nanoparticle surface to form dimers on substrates. This combined top‐down/bottom‐up approach is highly flexible in forming high‐resolution patterns of plasmonic dimers from nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes. The z‐axis orientation, interparticle spacing, and nanoparticle size and shape of plasmonic dimers can be precisely tuned, enabling the modulation of the coupled resonances of the dimer arrays. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the patterned dimer arrays can be used in information encryption where their plasmonic color can be repeatedly displayed and erased. This work provides an important addition to tools for the fabrication of patterned complex plasmonic nanostructures from as‐synthesized nanoparticles with broad applications.
K‐Ion Battery Cathode Design Utilizing Trigonal Prismatic Ligand Field
Authors: Wu Nanzhong , Zhou Xiaolong , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Yao Wenjiao , Song Tianyi , Tang Yongbing
Published: May 2021

The intrinsic physical and chemical properties of materials are largely governed by the bonding and electronic structures of their fundamental building units. The majority of cathode materials contain octahedral TMO6 (TM = transition metal), which dominates the redox chemistry during electrochemical operation. As a less symmetric form of TMO6, the trigonal prismatic geometry is not a traditionally favored coordination configuration as it tends to lose the crystal‐field stabilization energy and thus generate large ligand repulsion. Herein, a K‐ion battery cathode design, K2Fe(C2O4)2, is shown​, where the TMO6 trigonal prism (TP) is not only electrochemically active but stable enough to allow for excellent cycling stability. Detailed synchrotron X‐ray absorption spectroscopy measurements reveal the evolution of localized fine structure, evidencing the electrochemical activity, reversibility, and stability of the TP motif. The findings are expected to expand the toolbox for the rational design of electrode materials by taking advantage of TP as a structural gene.
Impact of Hierarchization on the Textural Properties of MCM‐22 Based Zeolites
Authors: Sachse Alexander , Aumond Thibaud , Rousseau Julie , Batonneau‐Gener Isabelle
Published: May 2021

The impact of zeolite hierarchization is often highlighted in terms of increased mesopore volume or specific surface area and preservation of micropore volume. Yet, although these targets may be achieved, the accessibility to certain micropores might be negatively affected during hierarchization. A set of hierarchical MCM‐22 based materials is prepared based on desilication treatments of MCM‐22, of the layered precursor MCM‐22(P) and of the hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) swollen precursor swMCM‐22(P), and by the pillaring of swMCM‐22(P) leading to MCM‐36. A new methodology is presented based on comparing the micropore volume of pristine materials with their n‐nonane retaining counterparts. A definition of the accessible micropore volume fraction is given, which relates to the amount of surface 12‐MR cups. This approach hence allows quantifying which type of microporosity is preferentially destroyed during hierarchization treatments of MCM‐22. Besides comparing the development of mesoporosity, specific surface area, and the evolution of micropore volume during hierarchization treatments, the accessible micropore volume fraction allows for a distinct definition of the hierarchization quality for MCM‐22 based materials. Despite an important increase in interlayer‐mesopore volume and specific surface area for MCM‐36, the accessible micropore volume fraction is found to be just 3% higher than for MCM‐22.
Intramolecular Through‐Space Charge Transfer Based TADF‐Active Multifunctional Emitters for High Efficiency Solution‐Processed OLED
Authors: Li Bing , Yang Zhan , Gong Wenqi , Chen Xinhui , Bruce Duncan W. , Wang Shengyue , Ma Huili , Liu Yu , Zhu Weiguo , Chi Zhenguo , Wang Yafei
Published: May 2021

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) has been explored actively in luminescent organic materials. Yet, realizing such TADF‐active, multifunctional emitters with high emission efficiency still remains hugely challenging. In this context, a series of twist‐conjugated organic molecules bearing diphenylsulfone and 9,9‐dimethylacridine moieties are designed and prepared, and are found to show, in one molecule, TADF, room‐temperature phosphorescence, triboluminescence, and aggregation‐induced emission enhancement. In addition, remarkably high photoluminescence quantum efficiency, up to ≈100%, is achieved for these novel molecules. Single‐crystal analysis and theoretical calculations reveal that the through‐space charge transfer (TSCT) effect in these molecules is responsible for both the multifunctional emission and high emission efficiency. A maximum external quantum efficiency of 20.1% is achieved, which is among the highest recorded in a solution‐processable device containing TSCT‐based TADF materials. These results illustrate a new approach to achieving highly efficient TADF‐active, multifunctional emitters.
Enhanced Ferroelectric Properties in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Films Using a HfO0.61N0.72 Interfacial Layer
Authors: Kim Beom Yong , Park Hyeon Woo , Hyun Seung Dam , Lee Yong Bin , Lee Suk Hyun , Oh Minsik , Ryoo Seung Kyu , Lee In Soo , Byun Seungyong , Shim Doosup , Cho Deok‐Yong , Park Min Hyuk , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: May 2021

Fluorite structured ferroelectrics, such as (Hf, Zr)O2, attract much interest due to their scalability and compatibility with complementary metal‐oxide semiconductors, which make them superior to the conventional ferroelectrics. However, their reliability issues, including their limited endurance, are yet to be resolved. Such issues have been reported to be strongly correlated to the formation and drift of oxygen vacancies concentrated in the interfacial region adjacent to TiN electrodes. In this study, the effect of inserting a sacrificial HfO0.61N0.72 interfacial layer between a TiN bottom electrode and a ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin film is investigated. The insertion of the 2 nm‐thick HfO0.61N0.72 interfacial layer decreases the inclusion of the undesirable non‐ferroelectric phase by ≈60% and increases the remanent polarization by more than 30%. The reaction barrier property of the sacrificial HfO0.61N0.72 layer significantly enhances the reliability of the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 film, and thus, improves the endurance of the film beyond 1.5 × 1011 switching cycles. This is the highest endurance among the reported values for fluorite‐structured ferroelectrics with the remanent polarization kept higher than 10 µC cm‐2.
Transcranial color‐coded duplex sonography reliably identifies intracranial vasculopathy in adult patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Edjlali Myriam , Gobin‐Metteil Marie‐Pierre , Mélé Nicolas , Maïer Benjamin , Habibi Anoosha , Kauv Paul , Hosseini Hassan , Mas Jean‐Louis , Oppenheim Catherine , Galactéros Frédéric , Bartolucci Pablo , Calvet David
Published: May 2021

In order to prevent stroke, screening for disease‐related intracranial vasculopathy using Doppler ultrasound is recommended in sickle‐cell disease (SCD) children. How to screen such vasculopathy in adults remains largely unknown. The objective of this study was to assess whether transcranial color‐coded duplex sonography (TCCD) is sensitive and specific enough to identify SCD adult patients with vasculopathy, compared with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Sickle cell disease adults followed in referral centers at high risk of vasculopathy were included in this study. Transcranial color‐coded duplex sonography examination and 3‐D time‐of‐flight MRA were performed on the same day. On MRA, vasculopathy was defined by the presence of at least one ≥50% arterial stenosis. On TCCD, vasculopathy was defined by a time‐averaged mean of the maximum velocity (TAMx) stenotic/prestenotic ratio ≥ 3, an occlusion, or a Moyamoya pattern. Vasculopathy was also considered as present when TAMx ratio could not be calculated because of the presence of severe cervical lesions. Among 80 included patients, quality of MRA was insufficient in three patients. Among the 38 patients with vasculopathy on MRA, 37 had a vasculopathy according to TCCD criteria: TAMx ratio ≥ 3 or intracranial occlusion in 33 patients and cervical lesion in four patients. A Moyamoya pattern was identified with TCCD in all 17 patients with Moyamoya on MRA. Sensitivity and specificity of TCCD to identify patients with ≥50% vasculopathy on MRA were (n = 37/38) 97% and (n = 28/34) 82%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were (n = 37/43) 86% and (n = 28/29) 97%, respectively. Note, TCCD may be used to identify SCD adult patients with vasculopathy.
Reproductive males are effective at managing conflict in captive Sulawesi crested macaques (Macaca nigra)
Authors: Cowl Veronica B. , Walker Susan L. , Shultz Susanne
Published: May 2021

Group size, density, and composition significantly influence the expression of agonism and, as demography is frequently manipulated in captivity, natural mechanisms of conflict management may be disrupted. Here, we examine how changes to the social and physical environment of a captive group of Sulawesi crested macaques,Macaca nigra, influenced mechanisms of conflict management. The initial group was comprised of females, juveniles, and castrated males; under a series of management interventions, the group was moved to a new enclosure, 75% of the castrated adult males were removed, 67% of the females were contracepted, a novel, intact male was introduced, and the group was allowed access to an outdoor enclosure. Despite a decreasing trend in aggression following the changes to the social group, we found no significant differences in aggression or intervention behavior in the 5‐week periods immediately following changes to the social group, apart from a significant decrease in aggression following the introduction of the novel male. This decrease in the frequency of aggression was still evident 10 weeks after the interventions occurred, and was coupled with a decrease in the intensity of aggression. Moreover, the intensity of aggression as well as the frequency of aggression and intervention were significantly lower under low‐density conditions. Our results highlight how management changes to the social and physical environment can influence aggressive behavior, albeit following a period of acclimation. We discuss the relative impacts of social group composition, social density, and individual reproductive status on the management of conflict behavior in a captive setting.
Performance of shear wave elastography: A single centre pilot study of mixed etiology liver disease patients with normal BMI
Authors: Laroia Shalini Thapar , Vellore Srinivasan Shyam , Yadav Komal , Rastogi Archana , Kumar Senthil , Kumar Guresh , Kumar Manoj
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To assess the performance of shear wave ultrasound elastography (SWE) for non‐invasive grading of fibrosis in normal BMI patients with varied aetiology chronic liver disease.

Method

Prospective SWE liver and spleen stiffness (LS, SS respectively) of 124 patients (94 men, mean age 45.4 ± 12.4 years, mean BMI 19.66 ± 1.49) with CLD of mixed aetiology, who underwent liver biopsy, between January 2019–20 was analysed using receiver operating curve (ROC) and classification analysis regression tree (CART) to determine fibrosis cut‐off values and nominal logistical regression to quantify fibrosis.

Results

Of 124 patients, 50 (40%) had non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), 31 (25%) chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 43 (35%) alcoholic liver disease (ALD) on biopsy. Overall mean LS and SS of the study population was 11.81 ± 5.9 and 16.88 ± 10.8 kPa, respectively. LS cut‐off value <8 kPa was consistent with F0, 9–14 kPa for F1‐F2 and >14.9 kPa for F3‐F4 fibrosis on biopsy. On application of CART, LS value < 5.3 kPa was discriminative for NASH, 5.32 to <12.64 kPa for CHB, >12.64 kPa for ALD, SS <15.3 kPa was discriminative for NASH, 15.3–30 kPa for CHB and >30 kPa for ALD in our study population.

Conclusion

SWE is a viable non‐invasive tool for assessment of liver fibrosis grading in a population of mixed aetiology CLD. LS values in conjunction with SS are promising predictors of F2‐F3 fibrosis with potential to discriminate select categories like CHB and NASH in such a population.
Adaptive Bayesian phase I clinical trial designs for estimating the maximum tolerated doses for two drugs while fully utilizing all toxicity information
Authors: Zhang Yuzi , Kutner Michael , Chen Zhengjia
Published: May 2021

The combined treatments with multiple drugs are very common in the contemporary medicine, especially for medical oncology. Therefore, we developed a Bayesian adaptive Phase I clinical trial design entitled escalation with overdoing control using normalized equivalent toxicity score for estimating maximum tolerated dose (MTD) contour of two drug combination (EWOC‐NETS‐COM) used for oncology trials. The normalized equivalent toxicity score (NETS) as the primary endpoint of clinical trial is assumed to follow quasi‐Bernoulli distribution and treated as quasi‐continuous random variable in the logistic linear regression model which is used to describe the relationship between the doses of the two agents and the toxicity response. Four parameters in the dose–toxicity model were re‐parameterized to parameters with explicit clinical meanings to describe the association between NETS and doses of two agents. Noninformative priors were used and Markov chain Monte Carlo was employed to update the posteriors of the four parameters in dose–toxicity model. Extensive simulations were conducted to evaluate the safety, trial efficiency, and MTD estimation accuracy of EWOC‐NETS‐COM under different scenarios, using the EWOC as reference. The results demonstrated that EWOC‐NETS‐COM not only efficiently estimates MTD contour of multiple drugs but also provides better trial efficiency by fully utilizing all toxicity information.
Board Considerations for Covid‐19 Vaccine Programs
Authors: Opitz Erica L. , Gomez Diana Pérez
Published: May 2021

Erica L. Opitz and Diana Perez Gomez are attorneys with Chamberlain Hrdlicka, a law firm headquartered in Houston, providing expertise on a variety of matters relating to corporate governance; commercial contract, mergers and acquisitions: and privately held securities, among others. In this article, they discuss the key factors that the board should weigh when deciding whether to require their employees to receive the COVID‐19 vaccine.
Blood pressure in dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and subjective cognitive decline related to time of death
Authors: Hestad Knut Asbjørn , Engedal Knut , Selbæk Geir , Strand Bjørn Heine
Published: May 2021

Objective

It is unknown whether systolic blood pressure (SBP) drop is part of the normal aging process or due to the onset of dementia for some people. SBP drop is referring to the decrease in blood pressure often seen before death. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine whether SBP at time of diagnosis of dementia, mild cognitive impairment, or subjective cognitive decline was associated with years prior to death, and whether these associations were modified by diagnoses, age, and sex.

Methods

Participants were 2,236 patients from the Norwegian Registry of Persons Assessed for Cognitive Symptoms (NorCog), who died during follow‐up (2009–2017) for whom we had valid blood pressure measurements. Mean age at diagnosis was 77.5 years (SD 8.3), and patients were followed for an average of 3.9 years (SD 2.2, maximum 10.5 years). The patients had subjective cognitive decline (95), mild cognitive impairment (573), dementia (1,401), or no diagnoses related to cognitive deficits (167). SBP as dependent variable was regressed against years prior to death.

Results

In men, SBP was 1.8 mmHg lower per year closer to death (p < .01), and this trend was linear without any acceleration. This association between years prior to death and SBP in men was not modified by age, year of diagnosis, or diagnosis. There was no such association in women.

Conclusion

SBP was significantly lower for those diagnosed close to death in men, but not in women. This association was not modified by either age or onset of diagnosis. Thus, the lowering of SBP is more related to closeness to death and sex than to dementia or age. The downward trend was linear all 10 years prior to death, with no acceleration closer to death.
Metal‐Free Deoxygenation of Amine N‐Oxides: Synthetic and Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Lecroq William , Schleinitz Jules , Billoue Mallaury , Perfetto Anna , Gaumont Annie‐Claude , Lalevée Jacques , Ciofini Ilaria , Grimaud Laurence , Lakhdar Sami
Published: May 2021

We report herein an unprecedented combination of light and P(III)/P(V) redox cycling for the efficient deoxygenation of aromatic amine N‐oxides. Moreover, we discovered that a large variety of aliphatic amine N‐oxides can easily be deoxygenated by using only phenylsilane. These practically simple approaches proceed well under metal‐free conditions, tolerate many functionalities and are highly chemoselective. Combined experimental and computational studies enabled a deep understanding of factors controlling the reactivity of both aromatic and aliphatic amine N‐oxides.
Treatment of donor‐specific antibody‐mediated rejection after heart transplantation by IgM‐enriched human immunoglobulin
Authors: Immohr Moritz Benjamin , Akhyari Payam , Aubin Hug , Westenfeld Ralf , Mehdiani Arash , Bruno Raphael Romano , Sipahi Nihat Firat , Erbel‐Khurtsidze Sophiko , Reinecke Petra , Tudorache Igor , Lichtenberg Artur , Boeken Udo
Published: May 2021

Antibody‐mediated graft rejection caused by donor‐specific antibodies (DSA‐MR) remains a serious problem after heart transplantation (HTx). IgM‐enriched human intravenous immunoglobulin (IGM‐IVIG) consists of 76% IgG, 12% IgM, and 12% IgA and provides a new multifactorial approach for DSA‐MR. Between 2017 and 2020, four (P1–4) of 102 patients developed DSA‐MR after HTx in our department and were repetitively treated with IGM‐IVIG in combination with anti‐thymocyte globulin. While in P1 and P4, DSA‐MR occurred within the early post‐operative interval, P2 and P3 developed DSA‐MR approximately 1 year after transplantation. An impairment of ventricular function was observed in three of four patients. Furthermore, P1 and P4 suffered from malign ventricular arrhythmias. After the application of IGM‐IVIG, the ventricular function recovered, and all patients could be discharged from the hospital. As part of a multifactorial therapeutic approach, treatment with IGM‐IVIG seems to be a safe and effective strategy to address DSA‐MR.
Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling of Tetrahydroisoquinolines and 2‐Fluoro‐1,3‐benzodithiole‐1,1,3,3‐tetraoxide: A New Synthetic Approach to α‐Monofluoromethyl Tertiary Amines
Authors: Huang Bao‐qin , Chen Yuan , Zhang Xue‐jing , Yan Ming
Published: May 2021

A cross dehydrogenative coupling reaction of tetrahydroisoquinolines with 2‐fluoro‐1,3‐benzodithiole‐1,1,3,3‐tetraoxide had been developed. CuBr/TBHP was identified as the best catalyst and oxidant. A variety of coupling products were obtained with good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. 1‐Monofluoromethyl tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives were prepared via a subsequent desulfonylation with sodium amalgam. This method provides a new synthetic approach to α‐monofluoromethyl tertiary amines.
Determination of Tedizolid Phosphate Using Graphene Nanocomposite Based Solid Contact Ion Selective Electrode; Green Profile Assessment by Eco‐scale and GAPI Approach
Authors: Moaaz Eman M. , Mahmoud Amr M. , Fayed Ahmed S. , Rezk Mamdouh R. , Abdel‐Moety Ezzat M.
Published: May 2021

Antibiotics determination plays a major role in minimizing antimicrobial resistance starting from quality control of pharmaceutical formulations to therapeutic drug monitoring. Green modified glassy carbon electrode has been developed for determination of tedizolid phosphate; new antibiotic prodrug; in presence of its active metabolite. The graphene transducer interlayer, dispersed with PVC, improved the electrode stability and standard potential reproducibility. Graphene hydrophobicity prevented the water layer formation between the sensing layers that decreased the potential drift down to 267 μV h−1. Electrochemical impedance showed a low resistance value for graphene containing sensor due to its high electron transfer ability.
Microplastics release from victuals packaging materials during daily usage
Authors: Guan Qing‐Fang , Yang Huai‐Bin , Zhao Yu‐Xiang , Han Zi‐Meng , Ling Zhang‐Chi , Yang Kun‐Peng , Yin Chong‐Han , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: May 2021

Plastic packaging materials are widely used because of their advantages of light weight, low cost, and convenience, especially as victuals packaging materials. Approximately 146 million metric tons of plastics were used for packaging in 2015, but most of these plastics had already been discarded and followed by serious white pollution. What's worse, the victuals packaging materials, especially polystyrene (PS) foam containers, can release microplastics (MPs) during daily usage. Through the combination of various appropriate chemical (eg, spectroscopy) and physical (eg, microscopy) characterization and analysis, the existence of MPs is proved and MPs can be intuitively observed. Although the impacts of MPs on ecosystems and human health are still under discussion, existing studies have shown that MPs can be integrated into habitats through soil transportation, affecting the health of various terrestrial invertebrates. Faced with this shocking reality, reducing the use of PS foam containers at high temperatures and developing healthy materials to substitute these plastics are promising solutions.

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Variation law of roof stress and permeability enhancement effect of repeated hydraulic fracturing in low‐permeability coal seam
Authors: Liangwei Li , Wenbin Wu
Published: May 2021

Hydraulic fracturing experiments were conducted to study the change of initial fracture pressure and roof stress under repeated hydraulic fracturing in coal mines and to investigate the actual penetration enhancement effect on coal seams. The results show that as the fracturing is repeated, a lower initiation pressure is required. The roof stress changes consistently with water injection pressure. First, the stress in the area around the water injection hole gradually increases, and then stress transfers to the surroundings. With the re‐implementation of fracturing, the area of increased stress expands, and the scope of influence of hydraulic fracturing also becomes larger. When fracturing in a coal mine, for the same total fracturing time, the total water injection volume of repeated fracturing is 35% higher than that of single fracturing, and the affected area is increased by 31%. The concentration of repeated hydraulic fracturing is about 36% higher than that of a single hydraulic fracturing, and the pure flow of gas drainage is increased by about 1.3 times. The results of this study can guide the efficient implementation of hydraulic fracturing underground in coal mines, so as to achieve a larger impact range of coal seam hydraulic fracturing and better gas drainage effects.
Alcohol‐Associated Liver Disease Before and After COVID‐19—An Overview and Call for Ongoing Investigation
Authors: Moon Andrew M. , Curtis Brenda , Mandrekar Pranoti , Singal Ashwani K. , Verna Elizabeth C. , Fix Oren K.
Published: May 2021

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has exacted a heavy toll on patients with alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The collective burden of ALD and AUD was large and growing, even before the COVID‐19 pandemic. There is accumulating evidence that this pandemic has had a large direct effect on these patients and is likely to produce indirect effects through delays in care, psychological strain, and increased alcohol use. Now a year into the pandemic, it is important that clinicians fully understand the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on patients with ALD and AUD. To fill existing gaps in knowledge, the scientific community must set research priorities for patients with ALD regarding their risk of COVID‐19, prevention/treatment of COVID‐19, changes in alcohol use during the pandemic, best use of AUD treatments in the COVID‐19 era, and downstream effects of this pandemic on ALD. Conclusion: The COVID‐19 pandemic has already inflicted disproportionate harms on patients with ALD, and ongoing, focused research efforts will be critical to better understand the direct and collateral effects of this pandemic on ALD.
Double HCG trigger improves recovery of oocytes in women with a paucifollicular response to ovarian stimulation: A pilot study
Authors: Tesarik Jan , Galán‐Lázaro Maribel , Mendoza Nicolas , Mendoza‐Tesarik Raquel
Published: May 2021

Objective

To examine whether adding a second HCG trigger, 12.5 h after the first (36.5 h before ovarian puncture), can facilitate recovery of oocytes in women with a paucifollicular response to ovarian stimulation.

Methods

A total of 85 women aged 35–42 years, with a paucifollicular response to ovarian stimulation and who had experienced a total failure of oocyte recovery after the standard HCG ovulation trigger 36.5 h before ovarian puncture, were subsequently treated by the same protocol but with the addition of a second HCG trigger 12.5 h later. The recovered oocytes were inseminated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and all available embryos were transferred 3 days later.

Results

The double trigger enabled recovery of cumulus oophorus cells from most of the follicles in the women who experienced failure of total recovery of oocytes after a single trigger. Fifteen patients became pregnant, and no signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were observed. Nine women delivered a healthy child.

Conclusion

In women aged 35–42 years with a paucifollicular response to ovarian stimulation, a double HCG trigger appears to improve the rate of oocyte recovery. The conclusion of this pilot study needs to be confirmed by larger prospective trials.
A possible way to prevent the progression of bone lesions in multiple myeloma via Src‐homology‐region‐2‐domain‐containing‐phosphatase‐1 activation
Authors: Kanegasaki Shiro , Tsuchiya Tomoko
Published: May 2021

On the basis of our recent findings, in which multiple receptor‐mediated mast cell functions are regulated via a common signaling cascade, we posit that the formation and functioning of osteoclasts are also controlled by a similar common mechanism. These cells are derived from the same granulocyte/monocyte progenitors and share multiple receptors except those that are cell‐specific. In both types of cells, all known receptors reside in lipid rafts, form multiprotein complexes with recruited signaling molecules, and are internalized upon receptor engagement. Signal transduction proceeds in a chain of protein phosphorylations, where adaptor protein LAT (linker‐for‐activation‐of‐T‐cells) plays a central role. The key kinase that associates LAT phosphorylation and lipid raft internalization is Syk (spleen‐tyrosine‐kinase) and/or an Src‐family‐kinase, most probably Lck (lymphocyte‐specific‐protein‐tyrosine‐kinase). Dephosphorylation of phosphorylated Syk and Lck by activated SHP‐1 (Src‐homology‐region‐2‐domain‐containing‐phosphatase‐1) terminates the signal transduction and endocytosis of receptors, resulting in inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and other functions. In malignant plasma cells (MM cells) too, SHP‐1 plays a similar indispensable role in controlling signal transduction required for survival and proliferation, though BLNK (B‐cell‐linker‐protein), a functional equivalent of LAT and SLP‐76 (SH2‐domain‐containing‐leukocyte‐protein‐of‐76‐kDa) in B cells, is used instead of LAT. In both osteoclasts and MM cells, therefore, activated SHP‐1 acts negatively in receptor‐mediated cellular functions. In osteoblasts, however, activated SHP‐1 promotes differentiation, osteocalcin generation, and mineralization by preventing both downregulation of transcription factors, such as Ostrix and Runx2, and degradation of β‐catenin required for activation of the transcription factors. SHP‐1 is activated by tyrosine phosphorylation and micromolar doses (M‐dose) of CCRI‐ligand‐induced SHP‐1 activation. Small molecular compounds, such as A770041, Sorafenib, Nitedanib, and Dovitinib, relieve the autoinhibitory conformation. Activation of SHP‐1 by M‐dose CCRI ligands or the compounds described may prevent the progression of bone lesions in MM.
Emotion dysregulation moderates the relationship between alcohol use and eating pathology among heavy‐drinking college men
Authors: Horvath Sarah A. , Kolp Haley M. , Andersen Catherine V. , Johnson Ellen E. , Racine Sarah E. , Borsari Brian , Stuart Gregory L. , Gidycz Christine A. , Shorey Ryan C.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

There is limited research examining the relationship between alcohol use and eating pathology in men or factors that may moderate this association. The current study investigated the relationship between alcohol use and eating pathology, and examined emotion dysregulation as a moderator of this association, among heavy‐drinking college men.

Method

Men mandated to receive an alcohol intervention (N = 88; average age = 19 years) completed questionnaires related to alcohol use, emotion dysregulation, and eating pathology.

Results

Results demonstrated positive relationships between alcohol use and some eating pathology, and a significant interaction between alcohol use and emotion dysregulation. However, results were contrary to hypotheses, such that there was a positive relationship between alcohol use and eating pathology at low levels of emotion dysregulation.

Conclusion

Future studies should continue to examine the overall presentation of eating pathology in men and investigate factors that may impact the relationship between alcohol use and eating pathology.
Understanding and interpretation of a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) genetic test result by pediatric providers who do not specialize in genetics
Authors: Menke Chelsea , Nagaraj Chinmayee B. , Dawson Brian , He Hua , Tawde Sanjukta , Wakefield Emily G.
Published: May 2021

The advancement of genetic testing technologies has allowed for better diagnosis and management of patients, but also results in more variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) due to the increased number of genes being analyzed. There are more genetic tests available and more providers who do not specialize in genetics ordering genetic testing, but few studies examining how providers who do not specialize in genetics interpret VUSs. This study surveyed pediatric providers at a midwestern pediatric care center who do not specialize in genetics about their understanding of a mock genetic test report with a VUS result and whether their understanding of the result was associated with experience ordering genetic tests. Participants’ preferences about content of the report and steps taken to understand the result were also examined. Of the 51 participants, 33% correctly answered both knowledge questions about the VUS result: one asking them to interpret the result and one asking them how they would explain the result to the patient. There was no association between answering both knowledge questions correctly and types of previous genetic tests ordered (p > .1 for 8 types of genetic tests), having received a genetic test report with a VUS result (p = .58), having referred patients to a genetics professional (p = .74), or feeling comfortable discussing a positive, negative, or VUS genetic test result (p > .4). This suggests that having previous experience ordering genetic tests does not contribute to the participants’ knowledge about a variant of uncertain significance. Most participants reported that the amount of information in each section of the mock report was adequate. Participants were likely to reference multiple resources to better understand a VUS result, including published literature (82%), gene‐specific databases (67%), and colleagues (63%). While these results cannot be generalized to all institutions, institutions can use the two knowledge questions to determine participants’ understanding of genetic test results. This will help healthcare institutions determine methods that will best aide their providers who order genetic testing but do not specialize in genetics in learning more about the genetic testing process and better utilize results to improve patient care.
Sensitive recognition of ractopamine using GQDs‐DPA as organic fluorescent probe
Authors: Sadinejad Kosar , Mirzaie Arezoo , Pashazadeh‐Panahi Paria , Hasanzadeh Mohammad
Published: May 2021

A novel spectrofluorimetric sensing platform was designed for Ractopamine measurement in aqueous and plasma samples. d‐penicillamine functionalized graphene quantum dots (DPA‐GQDs) was utilized as a fluorescence probe, which was synthesized through the pyrolysis of citric acid in the presence of DPA. This one‐pot down‐top strategy causes to high‐yield controllable synthesis method. The reaction time and probe concentration were optimized. Then, the fluorescence intensity of aqueous samples containing different Ractopamine concentrations and 500 ppm DPA‐GQDs were measured at 25°C with an excitation wavelength of 274 nm. The sensing platform was also applied to detect Ractopamine in untreated plasma samples. The fluorescence spectroscopy technique responses indicated a linear relationship between the peak fluorescence intensity and ractopamine concentration in the range of 0.25‐15 ppm with low limit of quantification of 0.25 ppm was for aqueous and plasma samples, respectively.
Multitask Learning Based Three‐Dimensional Striatal Segmentation of MRI: fMRI and PET Objective Assessments
Authors: Serrano‐Sosa Mario , Van Snellenberg Jared X. , Meng Jiayan , Luceno Jacob R. , Spuhler Karl , Weinstein Jodi J. , Abi‐Dargham Anissa , Slifstein Mark , Huang Chuan
Published: May 2021

Background

Recent studies have established a clear topographical and functional organization of projections to and from complex subdivisions of the striatum. Manual segmentation of these functional subdivisions is labor‐intensive and time‐consuming, and automated methods are not as reliable as manual segmentation.

Purpose

To utilize multitask learning (MTL) as a method to segment subregions of the striatum consisting of pre‐commissural putamen (prePU), pre‐commissural caudate (preCA), post‐commissural putamen (postPU), post‐commissural caudate (postCA), and ventral striatum (VST).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Eighty‐seven total data sets from patients with schizophrenia and matched controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T and 3.0 T, T1‐weighted (SPGR SENSE, 3D BRAVO).

Assessment

MTL‐generated segmentations were compared to the Imperial College London Clinical Imaging Center (CIC) atlas. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was used to compare the automated methods to manual segmentations. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging: 60 minutes of emission data were acquired using [11C]raclopride. Data were reconstructed by filtered back projection (FBP) with computed tomography (CT) used for attenuation correction. Binding potential values, BPND, and region of interest (ROI) time series and whole‐brain connectivity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) images were compared between manual and both automated segmentations.

Statistical Tests

Pearson correlation and paired t‐test.

Results

MTL‐generated segmentations showed excellent spatial agreement with manual (DSC ≥0.72 across all striatal subregions). BPND values from MTL‐generated segmentations were shown to correlate well with manual segmentations with R2 ≥ 0.91 in all caudate and putamen subregions, and R2 = 0.69 in VST. Mean Pearson correlation coefficients of the fMRI data between MTL‐generated and manual segmentations were also high in time series (≥0.86) and whole‐brain connectivity (≥0.89) across all subregions.

Data Conclusion

Across both PET and fMRI task‐based assessments, results from MTL‐generated segmentations more closely corresponded to results from manually drawn ROIs than CIC‐generated segmentations did. Therefore, the proposed MTL approach is a fast and reliable method for three‐dimensional striatal subregion segmentation with results comparable to manually segmented ROIs.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiomics‐Based Machine Learning Prediction of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer in Equivocal PI‐RADS 3 Lesions
Authors: Hectors Stefanie J. , Chen Christine , Chen Johnson , Wang Jade , Gordon Sharon , Yu Miko , Al Hussein Al Awamlh Bashir , Sabuncu Mert R. , Margolis Daniel J.A. , Hu Jim C.
Published: May 2021

Background

While Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) 4 and 5 lesions typically warrant prostate biopsy and PI‐RADS 1 and 2 lesions may be safely observed, PI‐RADS 3 lesions are equivocal.

Purpose

To construct and cross‐validate a machine learning model based on radiomics features from T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI) of PI‐RADS 3 lesions to identify clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), that is, pathological Grade Group ≥ 2.

Study type

Single‐center retrospective study.

Population

A total of 240 patients were included (training cohort, n = 188, age range 43–82 years; test cohort, n = 52, age range 41–79 years). Eligibility criteria were 1) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐targeted biopsy between 2015 and 2020; 2) PI‐RADS 3 index lesion identified on multiparametric MRI; (3) biopsy performed within 1 year of MRI. The percentages of csPCa lesions were 10.6% and 15.4% in the training and test cohorts, respectively.

Field strength/sequence

A 3 T; T2WI turbo‐spin echo, diffusion‐weighted spin‐echo echo planar imaging, dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI with time‐resolved T1‐weighted imaging.

Assessment

Multislice volumes‐of‐interest (VOIs) were drawn in the PI‐RADS 3 index lesions on T2WI. A total of 107 radiomics features (first‐order histogram and second‐order texture) were extracted from the segmented lesions.

Statistical Tests

A random forest classifier using the radiomics features as input was trained and validated for prediction of csPCa. The performance of the machine learning classifier, prostate specific antigen (PSA) density, and prostate volume for csPCa prediction was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

The trained random forest classifier constructed from the T2WI radiomics features good and statistically significant area‐under‐the‐curves (AUCs) of 0.76 (P = 0.022) for prediction of csPCa in the test set. Prostate volume and PSA density showed moderate and nonsignificant performance (AUC 0.62, P = 0.275 and 0.61, P = 0.348, respectively) for csPCa prediction in the test set.

Conclusion

The machine learning classifier based on T2WI radiomic features demonstrated good performance for prediction of csPCa in PI‐RADS 3 lesions.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

2
Artificial intelligence techniques in finance and financial markets: A survey of the literature
Authors: Milana Carlo , Ashta Arvind
Published: May 2021

Both academic and nonacademic literature is evolving following the oscillating development of artificial intelligence (AI) and computing power's evolution in their application to finance and financial markets. The limits to economic growth encountered after the financial crisis and, successively, the recent pandemic bursts have posed new challenges to AI‐related technologies. The surveyed publications have given hope in harvesting improved efficiency, new data, information, advisory and management services, risk mitigation, and some unanswered questions regarding negative impacts on sustainable growth and increasing economic welfare.
Artificial intelligence and fintech: An overview of opportunities and risks for banking, investments, and microfinance
Authors: Ashta Arvind , Herrmann Heinz
Published: May 2021

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is creating a rush of opportunities in the financial sector, but financial organizations need to be aware of the risks inherent in the use of this technology. Financial organizations are integrating AI in their operations: in‐house, outsourced, or ecosystem‐based. The growth of AI‐based fintech firms has encouraged several mergers and acquisitions among financial service providers and wealth managers as they grapple with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. AI's unique promise of combined cost reduction and increased differentiation makes it generally attractive across the board. However, perhaps other than fraud detection, these benefits depend on the scale of an organization. Risk arises from nonrepresentative data, bias inherent in representative data, choice of algorithms, and human decisions, based on their AI interpretations (and whether humans are involved at all once AI has been unleashed). Risk reduction requires a vigilant division of labour between AI and humans for the foreseeable future.