bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic simulation of top load test on poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles: An experimental study on dispersion of elastic properties
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Tung , Luo Yun‐Mei , Chevalier Luc , Lesueur François
Published: April 2021

During the stretch blowing molding process, the elongation of macromolecular chains modifies the final mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottle. Especially Young's modulus can be multiplied by two or more in the longitudinal direction and more than three times in the circumferential direction in the cylindrical region of the blown bottle and leads to orthotropic elastic properties. Using digital image correlation, we performed an identification process using two global tests. First, the virtual field method on a specific plane specimen with a hole, allows the identification of the Poisson's ratio. Second, the modulus is measured using a 3D digital image correlation from bottles under internal pressure. The shear modulus is then identified from the heterogeneous tension tests in the first step. Since all the induced mechanical properties exhibit dispersions, a probabilistic description of the orthotropic behavior law is managed and a stochastic simulation of the top load test is performed in order to define a confidence region for the bottle performance. The results of the simulation are validated by experimental measurements of top load tests performed on PET bottles.
Preparation of zinc‐coordinated‐DPA functionalized polyesters for gene condensation
Authors: Shao Xuefei , He Junnan , Zhao Xuemei , Zheng Yubin , Zheng Nan
Published: April 2021

Cationic polyesters have been widely utilized as efficient gene delivery carriers. Their ability in binding genes was majorly based on the electrostatic effect between the positive charges of polymers and the negatives charges of genes. It has been well known that large numbers of positive charges on the polymers would lead to undesired toxicity although strong gene binding capability. It was of great interest to developed a polymer with reduced positive charges while enhanced gene condensation ability. In this work, a library of polyesters functionalized by zinc‐coordinated‐dimethylpyridinium amine (DPA‐Zn) have been successfully prepared by the polycondensation method starting from dimethyl 1,3‐acetonedicarboxylate and 10 diols, followed by the post‐modification using dimethylpyridinium amine and zinc nitrate. The post‐modification efficiency was systemically evaluated and the optimized functionalization efficiency could reach around 50%. The gene condensation ability of the targeting polymers was also evaluated using gel retardation assay and dynamic light scatting. The results indicated that DPA‐Zn functionalized polyesters could bind gene into nanocomplexes with the sizes around 200 nm.
Tunable morphology and resistivity of ternary polymer composites of carbon black/low density polyethylene/ethylene‐vinyl acetate with carbon blacks having different surface properties
Authors: Lan Tian , Brigandi Paul , Yu Xindi , Tran Michael Q. , Cogen Jeffrey M. , Person Timothy J. , Huang Jessica , Gu Junsi , Ziebarth Robin , Talreja Manish , Katepalli Hari
Published: April 2021

Medium to extra‐high voltage electrical cables typically comprise a semiconductive polymer composite layer to homogenize the electromagnetic field through the cables. The semiconductive layers usually contain a high content of carbon black (CB) for reduced electrical resistivity. In this study, we found that both the morphology and resistivity of a ternary polymer composite of CB/low density polyethylene (LDPE)/ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) depend on CBs used and the order of addition. Three types of CB were investigated. CB‐A, which has the lowest surface energy and the most uniform surface energy profile, exhibits a strong affinity to LDPE and always segregates in the LDPE phase whether it is first added in the LDPE phase or the EVA phase. CB‐B and CB‐C, which have higher and less homogeneous surface energies, distribute differently with different orders of addition. We observe a significant reduction in the percolation threshold of CB‐A in the CB/LDPE/EVA composite, but not with CB‐B or CB‐C. Adding CB‐A in the LDPE phase first results in substantially lower resistivity than adding it in the EVA phase first, whereas adding CB‐B or CB‐C in the LDPE phase first results in higher resistivity than adding them in the EVA phase first.
Biodegradable hot melt adhesive based on partially saponified polyvinyl acetate/cellulose diacetate blend
Authors: Kim Yong‐Ho , Ri Jin‐Hyok , Pak In‐Ho , Ri Yong‐Chol , Yu Ju‐Hyon , Om Chol‐Yi , An Jun‐Myong , Pak Chol‐Ung , Kye Song‐Hyok
Published: April 2021

Recycling the polymer material from the waste has a great advantage in reducing the cost of the biodegradable hot melt adhesive and solving environmental problems. Cellulose diacetate obtained from the acid hydrolysis of discarded cellulose triacetate‐based cinematographic films was blended with low molecular weight partially saponified polyvinyl acetate. The degree of substitution of cellulose diacetate and the degree of saponification of partially saponified polyvinyl acetate to obtain the binary blends having excellent compatibility were determined by FTIR and DSC. TGA showed that these blends have sufficient thermal stability for hot melt adhesive applications. The viscoelastic properties of the blends were evaluated by DMA and melt viscosity. The shear strength and the biodegradability of the final hot melt adhesive were examined according to the amount of cellulose diacetate in the blends. The results indicate that adding 20% of cellulose diacetate can reduce the cost of partially saponified polyvinyl acetate ‐based hot melt adhesive while improving the adhesive strength.
Wood‐inspired polyacrylonitrile foam with hierarchically aligned porous structure for application in water purification
Authors: Xu Yuan , Ma Sitian , Liu Changjun , Wang Linfeng , Wang Han , Xu Weilin , Zhuang Yan , Yang Hongjun
Published: April 2021

The main purpose of this study is to verify the excellent absorption efficiency of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) foam which has a hierarchically aligned porous structure similar to wood for water purification. Ice template and freeze drying method was employed to prepare the PAN foam, and the performance of the prepared sample was characterized by advanced technology. Experimental data revealed that the micromorphology, absorption efficiency, and mechanical properties were tunable by controlling the polymer concentration in solution. The PAN foam prepared at 7 wt% not only had excellent absorption efficiency, but also had great water flux. The highest absorption efficiency of the PAN foam prepared at 7 wt% for the model dye, methylene blue, reached 97.83%. Therefore, a new strategy for water purification by filtration using a scaffold with a hierarchically aligned porous structure is possible.
Equilibrium and kinetics study of methyl violet adsorption by pineapple leaf fibers‐cl‐poly(acrylic acid‐co‐2‐dimethyl amino ethyl acrylate) hydrogel
Authors: Jana Subinoy , Ray Jagabandhu , Mondal Barun , Samanta Santu Kumar , Tripathy Tridib
Published: April 2021

The pine apple leaf fiber‐cl‐poly(acrylic acid‐co‐2‐dimethyl amino ethyl acrylate) hydrogel is prepared by crosslinked graft copolymerization of acrylic acid and 2‐(dimethyl amino) ethyl acrylate onto the pine apple leaf fibers to be used as an adsorbent for the remove dye from aqueous solutions. Several characterization techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy field emission scanning electron microscopy‐Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The synthesized hydrogel shows strong water swelling characteristics (780.93%) and also exhibits faster deswelling property. The methyl violet (MV) adsorption data are fitted well with the Freundlich isotherm model with maximum monolayer adsorption capacities 625 mg/g for MV. The equilibrium kinetics follow pseudo second order model together with intra particle diffusion, one step process. Thermodynamic parameters show that the MV adsorption by the hydrogel is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The overall removal efficiency is found to be 98.23% under optimum condition.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): Poly(styrenesulfonate)/copper phthalocyanine disulfonic acid composite films
Authors: Wu Siqi , Wang Yihan , Hu Lizhi , Yin Qiang , Du Kai , Yin Qinjian , Huang Libin
Published: April 2021

A series of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate)/copper phthalocyanine disulfonic acid (PEDOT: PSS/CuPc‐[SO3H]2) composite films were prepared by using CuPc‐(SO3H)2 as the dopant. EG treatment was applied to further improve the thermoelectric properties of PEDOT: PSS/CuPc‐(SO3H)2 composites. Structural analyses indicated the strong π − π interactions existed between PEDOT: PSS and CuPc‐(SO3H)2, and led to more ordered regions in the composite films, and benefit the conductivity. CuPc‐(SO3H)2 can greatly improve the thermoelectric properties of PEDOT: PSS/CuPc‐(SO3H)2 composite films, which have a Seebeck coefficient of 13.2 μV K−1 and a conductivity of 2.8 × 105 S/m with 20 wt% CuPc‐(SO3H)2 at room temperature, and the corresponding power factor is 48.8 μW m−1 K−2, which is almost 6.83 times higher than the PEDOT: PSS films without CuPc‐(SO3H)2.
Multi‐contact hybrid thermal conductive filler Al2O3@AgNPs optimized three‐dimensional thermal network for flexible thermal interface materials
Authors: Huang Zhengqiang , Wu Wei , Drummer Dietmar , Liu Chao , Wang Yi , Wang Zhengyi
Published: April 2021

In this work, a multi‐contact Al2O3@AgNPs hybrid thermal conductive filler was synthesized by in‐situ growth method to fill high thermal conductivity polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐based composites to prepare TIMs. And the thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties of the composite materials were studied. During the synthesis process of the multi‐contact hybrid filler, different concentrations of silver ions were reduced to generate silver nanoparticles and attached to the surface of Al2O3. Al2O3@AgNPs/PDMS thermally conductive composites were prepared by changing the filler addition. Using SEM, XPS, and XRD is used to characterize the morphology and chemical composition of Al2O3@AgNPs hybrid filler. The thermal conductivity of PDMS‐based composites with different AgNPs content under 70 wt% filler loading was studied. The results show that the thermal conductivity of PDMS‐based composites filled with 7owt%Al2O3@3AgNPs/PDMS multi‐contact hybrid filler is 0.67 W/m·K, which is 3.72 times that of pure PDMS, and is higher than that of unmodified Al2O3 with the same addition amount. /PDMS composite material has a high thermal conductivity of 24%. This work provides a new idea for the design and manufacture of high thermal conductivity hybrid fillers for TIMs.
Characterization of Benzo[a]naphtho[2,3‐f]pentalene: Interrelation between Open‐shell and Antiaromatic Characters Governed by Mode of the Quinoidal Subunit and Molecular Symmetry
Authors: Konishi Akihito , Horii Koki , Iwasa Haruna , Okada Yui , Kishi Ryohei , Nakano Masayoshi , Yasuda Makoto
Published: April 2021

The singlet open‐shell character and antiaromaticity are intriguing features in π‐conjugated carbocycles. These two exhibit similar chemical and physical properties. However, they rarely coexist in the same molecule. Understanding the interrelation between the open‐shell and antiaromatic characteristics in the same molecule is crucial to control the electronic properties. Herein we describe the synthesis and characterization of a new member of diareno[a,f]pentalene, benzo[a]naphtho[2,3‐f]pentalene 6. Unlike its isomer 5 with a closed‐shell ground state, 6 exhibits an appreciable open‐shell character and a moderate antiaromatic feature. The behaviors of the open‐shell index (y0) against the difference of the proton chemical signal (Δδ(H1)) between pentalenide dianions/neutral pentalenes for our reported pentalenes 1, 4, 5, and 6 give a thought‐provoking conclusion about the interrelation between open‐shell and antiaromatic characteristics in this series. The mode of the incorporated quinoidal moiety and the formal molecular symmetry are critical to balance these two characteristics.
Evaluating small‐scale simulation training of firearm safety to children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Orner Margaret E. , Miltenberger Raymond G. , Maxfield Trevor
Published: April 2021

Every year children are unintentionally injured or killed due to finding an unattended firearm. Although research evaluating various approaches to teach safety skills shows that behavioral skills training and in situ training (IST) are effective, limited research exists evaluating small‐scale simulation training in teaching safety skills to children. Furthermore, there is no research evaluating this approach with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study evaluated the effectiveness of small‐scale simulation training in teaching firearm safety to 5–6‐year‐old children with ASD. Simulation training was effective for one participant, IST was necessary for one participant, and an incentive was required for the third participant to demonstrate the safety skills.
The unique molecular targets associated antioxidant and antifibrotic activity of curcumin in in vitro model of acute lung injury: A proteomic approach
Authors: Shaikh Sadiya Bi , Najar Mohd Altaf , Prabhu Ashwini , Rex D. A. B. , Chanderasekaran Jaikanth , Behera Santosh Kumar , Modi Prashant Kumar , Prasad Thottethodi Subrahmanya Keshava , Bhandary Yashodhar Prabhakar
Published: April 2021

Bleomycin (BLM) injury is associated with the severity of acute lung injury (ALI) leading to fibrosis, a high‐morbidity, and high‐mortality respiratory disease of unknown etiology. BLM‐induced ALI is marked by the activation of a potent fibrogenic cytokine transcription growth factor beta‐1 (TGFβ‐1), which is considered a critical cytokine in the progression of alveolar injury. Previously, our work demonstrated that a diet‐derived compound curcumin (diferuloylmethane), represents its antioxidative and antifibrotic application in TGF‐β1‐mediated BLM‐induced alveolar basal epithelial cells. However, curcumin‐specific protein targets, as well as its mechanism using mass spectrometry‐based proteomic approach, remain elusive. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, a quantitative proteomics approach and bioinformatics analysis were employed to identify the protein targets of curcumin in BLM or TGF‐β1‐treated cells. With subsequent in vitro experiments, curcumin‐related pathways and cellular processes were predicted and validated. The current study discusses two separate proteomics experiments using BLM and TGF‐β1‐treated cells with the proteomics approach, various unique target proteins were identified, and proteomic analysis revealed that curcumin reversed the expressions of unique proteins like DNA topoisomerase 2‐alpha (TOP2A), kinesin‐like protein (KIF11), centromere protein F (CENPF), and so on BLM or TGF‐β1 injury. For the first time, the current study reveals that curcumin restores TGF‐β1 induced peroxisomes like PEX‐13, PEX‐14, PEX‐19, and ACOX1. This was verified by subsequent in vitro assays. This study generated molecular evidence to deepen our understanding of the therapeutic role of curcumin at the proteomic level and may be useful to identify molecular targets for future drug discovery.
Simple extraction of toxicologically relevant psychotropic compounds and metabolites from whole blood using mini‐QuEChERS followed by UPLC–MS/MS analysis
Authors: da Silva Cristiane Pires , Dal Piaz Luiz Paulo Pugen , Gerbase Fernando Engel , Müller Victoria Vendramini , Lizot Lilian de Lima Feltraco , Antunes Marina Venzon , Linden Rafael
Published: April 2021

The determination of psychotropic drugs and metabolites in blood is relevant in the context of both therapeutic drug monitoring and clinical and forensic toxicology. LC–MS/MS is the preferred method for these assays. However, LC–MS/MS is particularly susceptible to matrix ionization effects and appropriate sample preparation is required to minimize these effects. In this study, a simple, single‐step, mini‐QuEchERS extraction procedure, coupled to UPLC–MS/MS, was developed and validated for the determination of 15 toxicologically relevant compounds in whole blood, including psychoactive drugs and some metabolites. The assay was linear in the range of 25–1,000 ng ml−1, fulfilling criteria for accuracy and precision. Extraction yields (71.9–87.7%) and matrix effects (−3.3 to +4.4%, with the exception of codeine, which had matrix effects of −35.36 to −28.14%) were acceptable for the majority of the evaluated compounds, using a single internal standard. The assay was applied to 238 clinical specimens from patients admitted to an emergency service, with 22 samples presenting quantifiable concentrations of 11 different compounds. The developed assay is a simple and efficient strategy for determination of target psychotropic drugs and metabolites in forensic and clinical toxicology.
The Structural Characterization of a Novel Water‐Soluble Polysaccharide from Edible Mushroom Leucopaxillus giganteus and Its Antitumor Activity on H22 Tumor‐Bearing Mice
Authors: Niu Lulu , Wu Yaru , Liu Huiping , Wang Qing , Li Mengyu , Jia Qi
Published: April 2021

In the present study, a novel cold water‐soluble polysaccharide fraction (LGP) with the average molecular weight of 1.78×106 Da was extracted and purified from Leucopaxillus giganteus and its primary structure as well as in vivo antitumor activity was evaluated. The monosaccharide composition of LGP was determined by ion chromatography to be galactose, xylose, glucose and fucose in a molar ratio of 2.568 : 1.209 : 1 : 0.853. Its backbone was composed of α‐D‐Glu, α‐D‐Xyl, α‐D‐Gal and α‐L‐Fuc. The results of in vivo antitumor experiment demonstrated that LGP could effectively protect immune organs, has excellent antitumor activity, and inhibit the proliferation of H22 solid tumors in a dose‐dependent manner. By analyzing Annexin V‐FITC/PI staining, cell cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential detection assay, we concluded that LGP induced apoptosis of H22 cells via S phase arrest and mitochondria‐mediated apoptotic pathway. Our results could provide valuable information for the potential application of LGP as an anti‐hepatoma agent.
In‐hospital outcomes and usage of embolic protection devices in percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary artery bypass grafts: Insights from a Japanese nationwide registry
Authors: Oba Yusuke , Inohara Taku , Takahashi Masao , Fukutomi Motoki , Funayama Hiroshi , Ando Hirohiko , Kohsaka Shun , Amano Tetsuya , Ikari Yuji , Kario Kazuomi
Published: April 2021

Objectives

We evaluated the in‐hospital outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for bypass graft vessels (GV‐PCI) compared with those of PCI for native vessels (NV‐PCI) using data from the Japanese nationwide coronary intervention registry.

Methods

We included PCI patients (N = 748,229) registered between January 2016 and December 2018 from 1,123 centers. We divided patients into three groups: GV‐PCI (n = 2,745); NV‐PCI with a prior coronary artery bypass graft (pCABG) (n = 23,932); and NV‐PCI without pCABG (n = 721,552).

Results

GV‐PCI implementation was low, and most cases of PCI in pCABG patients were performed in native vessels (89.7%) in contemporary Japanese practice. The risk profile of patients with pCABG was higher than that of those without pCABG. Consequently, GV‐PCI patients had a significantly higher in‐hospital mortality than NV‐PCI patients without pCABG after adjusting for covariates (odds ratio [OR] 2.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66–3.36, p < .001). Of note, embolic protection devices (EPDs) were used in 18% (n = 383) of PCIs for saphenous vein grafts (SVG‐PCI) with a significant variation in its use among institutions (number of PCI: hospitals that had never used an EPD vs. EPD used one or more times = 240 vs. 345, p < .001). The EPDs used in the SVG‐PCI group had a significantly lower prevalence of the slow‐flow phenomenon after adjusting for covariates (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21–0.91, p = .04).

Conclusion

GV‐PCI is associated with an increased risk of in‐hospital mortality. EDP use in SVG‐PCI was associated with a low rate of the slow‐flow phenomenon. The usage of EPDs during SVG‐PCI is low, with a significant variation among institutions.
Understanding How Degree of Crystallinity Affects Electrochemical Kinetics of Sodium‐Ion in Brown TiO2 Nanotubes
Authors: Babu Binson , Shaijumon M. M.
Published: April 2021

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted significant attention as an emerging alternative to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The charge and discharge performance of the electrode material are affected by various intrinsic parameters, including Na‐ion diffusion coefficient, ionic conductivity, concentration, etc., which are further related to the structure and crystallinity of the material. Herein, the kinetics of Na‐ion intercalation into low and high crystalline brown TiO2 nanotubes are studied by using galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Various parameters such as intercalation capacity, partial sodium ion conductivity
, diffusion time constant (
), characteristic diffusion length
), etc., are analyzed during sodiation/de‐sodiation, and the dependence of these parameters with the degree of crystallinity of the material is discussed. The chemical diffusion coefficients (
) are determined at different intercalation and de‐intercalation potentials, which showed similar behaviour within a range of 10−15–10−18 cm2 s−1, with a slightly higher value for high crystalline brown TiO2. The correlation between the diffusion behavior of Na‐ions in high and low crystalline brown TiO2 nanotubes and their degree of crystallinity provides insights into the electrochemical performance of TiO2 anodes.
In‐Situ Generated Trimetallic Molybdate Nanoflowers on Ni Foam Assisted with Microwave for Highly Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Duan Yanjie , Huang Zhixiong , Zhao Cheng , Ren Jingyu , Dong Xiangbin , Jia Runping , Xu Xiaowei , Shi Shaojun
Published: April 2021

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is considered as a critical half‐cell reaction of water splitting, the kinetics of which is sluggish even not favored, thus requiring highly active electrocatalysts to shrink the reaction energy barrier and improve the energy conversion efficiency. In this study, In‐situ generated trimetallic molybdate nanoflowers on Ni foam by a straightforward and time‐saving solvothermal method assisted with microwave, not only bring synergistic effect into full play between multiple metals, but also construct a well‐defined nanoflower‐like structure accompanied by larger specific area (273.3 m2 g−1) and smaller size than the pristine NiMoO4. The resulting Ni0.9Al0.1MoO4‐NF requires a relatively low overpotential of 266 mV for OER at 10 mA cm−2, which outperforms commercial RuO2 catalysts (274 mV). Such excellent performance compares favorably to most previously reported NiMoO4‐based electrocatalysts for OER. This work not only supplies a facile method to construct a well‐defined nanoflower‐like structure on foam, but also broadens our horizons into the mechanism of OER in alkaline conditions.
Urea‐Urease Reaction in Controlling Properties of Supramolecular Hydrogels: Pros and Cons
Authors: Panja Santanu , Adams Dave J.
Published: April 2021

Supramolecular hydrogels are useful in many areas such as cell culturing, catalysis, sensing, tissue engineering, drug delivery, environmental remediation and optoelectronics. The gels need specific properties for each application. The properties arise from a fibrous network that forms the matrix. A common method to prepare hydrogels is to use a pH change. Most methods result in a sudden pH jump and often lead to gels that are hard to reproduce and control. The urease‐urea reaction can be used to control hydrogel properties by a uniform and controlled pH increase as well as to set up pH cycles. The reaction involves hydrolysis of urea by urease and production of ammonia which increases the pH. The rate of ammonia production can be controlled which can be used to prepare gels with differing properties. Herein, we show how the urease‐urea reaction can be used for the construction of next generation functional materials.
A New Research Infrastructure for Investigating Flow Hydraulics and Process Equipment at Critical Fluid Properties
Authors: Windmeier Christoph , Flegiel Felix , Döß Alexander , Franz Ronald , Schleicher Eckhard , Wiezorek Michael , Schubert Markus , Hampel Uwe
Published: April 2021

An optimized equipment design for natural gas processing and liquefaction plants becomes increasingly difficult with changing process conditions: Particularly low values of surface tension create rising challenges on the design of phase separators and column internals. The TERESA test rig at HZDR was designed to allow the investigation of multiphase thermohydraulics and phase separator performance under critical fluid properties in industrial dimensions. A versatile pipe test section is available in DN200 and equipment internals may be tested in a sectional DN300/DN500 test separator. The applied test fluid shows a high vapor‐liquid density difference between 1470 and 940 kg m−3, viscosity as low as 0.12 mm2s−1, and surface tension down to 1.3 mN m−1. Volumetric liquid and vapor flow rates may be varied up to 9 and 530 m3h−1 in the test rig, respectively.
Principal component‐guided sparse regression
Authors: Tay Jingyi K. , Friedman Jerome , Tibshirani Robert
Published: April 2021

We propose a new method for supervised learning, the “principal components lasso” (“pcLasso”). It combines the lasso (ℓ1) penalty with a quadratic penalty that shrinks the coefficient vector toward the feature matrix's leading principal components (PCs). pcLasso can be especially powerful if the features are preassigned to groups. In that case, pcLasso shrinks each group‐wise component of the solution toward the leading PCs of that group. The pcLasso method also carries out selection of feature groups. We provide some theory and illustrate the method on some simulated and real data examples.
Upregulation of eIF4E, but not other translation initiation factors, in dendritic spines during memory formation
Authors: Gindina Sofya , Botsford Benjamin , Cowansage Kiriana , LeDoux Joseph , Klann Eric , Hoeffer Charles , Ostroff Linnaea
Published: April 2021

Local translation can provide a rapid, spatially targeted supply of new proteins in distal dendrites to support synaptic changes that underlie learning. Learning and memory are especially sensitive to manipulations of translational control mechanisms, particularly those that target the initiation step, and translation initiation at synapses could be a means of maintaining synapse specificity during plasticity. Initiation predominantly occurs via recruitment of ribosomes to the 5′ mRNA cap by complexes of eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs), and the interaction between eIF4E and eIF4G1 is a particularly important target of translational control pathways. Pharmacological inhibition of eIF4E–eIF4G1 binding impairs formation of memory for aversive Pavlovian conditioning as well as the accompanying increase in polyribosomes in the heads of dendritic spines in the lateral amygdala (LA). This is consistent with a role for initiation at synapses in memory formation, but whether eIFs are even present near synapses is unknown. To determine whether dendritic spines contain eIFs and whether eIF distribution is affected by learning, we combined immunolabeling with serial section transmission electron microscopy (ssTEM) volume reconstructions of LA dendrites after Pavlovian conditioning. Labeling for eIF4E, eIF4G1, and eIF2α—another key target of regulation—occurred in roughly half of dendritic spines, but learning effects were only found for eIF4E, which was upregulated in the heads of dendritic spines. Our results support the possibility of regulated translation initiation as a means of synapse‐specific protein targeting during learning and are consistent with the model of eIF4E availability as a central point of control.
A probabilistic approach for modelling bone fracture healing under Ilizarov circular fixator
Authors: Ganadhiepan Ganesharajah , Miramini Saeed , Mendis Priyan , Patel Minoo , Zhang Lihai
Published: April 2021

Bone fracture treatments using Ilizarov circular fixator (ICF) involve dealing with uncertainties about a range of critical factors that control the mechanical microenvironment of the fracture site such as ICF configuration, fracture gap size, physiological loading etc. To date, the effects of the uncertainties about these critical factors on the mechanical microenvironment of the fracture site have not been fully understood. The purpose of this study is to tackle this challenge by using computational modelling in conjunction with engineering reliability analysis. Particularly, the effects of uncertainties in fracture gap size (GS), level of weight‐bearing (P), ICF wire pretension (T) and wire diameter (WD) on the fracture site mechanical microenvironment at the beginning of the reparative phase of healing was investigated in this study. The results show that the mechanical microenvironment of fracture site stabilised with ICF is very sensitive to the uncertainties in P and GS. For example, an increase in the coefficient of variation of P (COVP) from 0.1 to 0.9 (i.e., an increase in the uncertainty in P) could reduce the probability of achieving a favourable mechanical microenvironment within the fracture site (i.e., Probability of Success, PoS) by more than 50%, while an increase in the coefficient of variation of GS (COVGS) from 0.1 to 0.9 could decrease PoS by around 30%. In contrast, an increase in the uncertainties in T and WD (COV increase from 0.1 to 0.9) has little influence on the fracture site mechanical microenvironment (PoS changes <5%).
Predictive breeding in maize during the last 90 years
Authors: Bernardo Rex
Published: April 2021

This article traces the 90‐yr history and speculates on future applications of predictive breeding in maize (Zea mays L.). Predictive breeding started in the 1930s when superior double‐cross maize hybrids were identified based on the mean of the four nonparental single crosses. The advent of recurrent selection in the 1940s led to methods to predict the mean of the next cycle of selection. The shift to single‐cross hybrids in the 1960s necessitated methods to predict their performance, and genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) was developed in 1994 for predicting single‐cross performance for yield and other agronomic traits. In the 1990s, rapid recurrent selection with molecular markers led to the use of multiple regression for predicting the performance of individual plants undergoing selection. After Meuwissen, Hayes, and Goddard published their landmark article on genomewide selection in 2001, prediction methods shifted from multiple regression with fixed marker effects to ridge regression and Bayesian models with random marker effects. Subsequent research showed that GBLUP and ridge regression are equivalent when a trait is controlled by many small‐effect loci distributed throughout the genome. Two trends that have strongly persisted in maize predictive breeding in the last 90 yr are leverage of resources and extraction of information from relatives. Predictive breeding in the 2020s will continue to expand in terms of what is being predicted and what predictive methods are used. Because predictions rely on having good phenotypic data for developing black‐box prediction models, phenotyping will remain the cornerstone of predictive breeding.
The role of ThyroSeq V3 testing in the management of patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules on fine needle aspiration
Authors: Selvaggi Suzanne M.
Published: April 2021

Background

The multigene genomic classifier ThyroSeq V3 has proven to be an effective triage modality in the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules. This study reports on the clinical management of patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules.

Methods

ThyroSeq V3 testing at our institution was implemented April 1, 2019. Over a 17‐month period (1 April 2019 through 31 August 2020). Thirty five indeterminate thyroid nodules were sent for testing; diagnoses included FLUS, suspicious for a follicular/Hurthle cell neoplasm (SFN/SHCN) and suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma (SPTC). There were 26 females, nine males; mean age 56 years. Aspirated nodules, mean size of 2 cm, were evaluated by rapid on site evaluation with adequacy assessed by the cytopathologist via telecytology.

Results

Of the 35 nodules, 17 (49%) were positive and 18 (51%) were negative on ThyroSeq Testing. All of the 17 positive nodules (four FLUS, 10 SFN/SHCN, three SPTC) showed neoplastic lesions; five adenomas, one NIFTP and 11 carcinomas on surgical resection. Only 4 (22%) of the 18 nodules that were negative were resected and showed two colloid/adenomatous nodules, one NIFTP and one follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. As FLUS FNAs were the majority of the indeterminate nodules, a comparison was made pre‐and post ThyroSeq testing. Prior to ThyroSeq testing the majority (69%) of the nodules were resected as compared to 36% post implementation; a statistically significant value (P < .005). Surgical resection yielded a majority of benign nodules pre‐ThyroSeq testing, 68%, as compared to post‐ThyroSeq testing, 25%.

Conclusion

Implementation of ThyroSeq V3 testing has led to improvements in clinical management of patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules.
Nitrosamine formation from the reaction of methamphetamine with gaseous nitrous acid
Authors: Mayer Alexandra , Rindelaub Joel , Miskelly Gordon M.
Published: April 2021

Methamphetamine is the most commonly seized amphetamine‐type stimulant (ATS) worldwide. Chemical residues associated with the use or manufacture of methamphetamine can persist in the air and surfaces in a property for over 5 years and potentially pose risks to the health and safety of the public. When a house is tested for contamination, the test focuses on the presence of surface methamphetamine residue; however, other hazardous chemicals may also be present, including methamphetamine precursors and reaction products. As little has been reported about the ageing of the methamphetamine inside dwellings, there is currently large uncertainty regarding its fate and/or degradation products in such environments. If the indoor reactivity of methamphetamine is similar to that of nicotine‐derived third‐hand smoke, the production of a carcinogenic nitrosamine is an expected result. Thus, this proof‐of‐concept study investigated the reaction of methamphetamine with the common gaseous indoor oxidant nitrous acid (HONO) and monitored the fate of the resulting reaction products in simulated laboratory experiments to further understand the potential health risks associated with contaminated properties. Surface methamphetamine residue was observed to decrease with an exponential decay with an upper limit of 2.38 ± 0.5 × 10−3 min−1 upon exposure to HONO gas (5.7 ppmv, 0.25 L min−1). N‐nitrosomethamphetamine (NMA), a suspected human mutagen and carcinogen, was detected to have a steady‐state formation over the sampling time frame, with a surface area concentration of 0.87 μg/100 cm2, suggesting that the risks to public health for properties contaminated with methamphetamine may be currently underestimated.
Nontargeted detection of designer androgens: Underestimated role of in vitro bioassays
Authors: Lund Rachel A. , Cooper Elliot R. , Wang Hui , Ashley Zoe , Cawley Adam T. , Heather Alison K.
Published: April 2021

Androgens, both steroidal and nonsteroidal in nature, are among the most commonly misused substances in competitive sports. Their recognized anabolic and performance enhancing effects through short‐ and long‐term physiological adaptations make them popular. Androgens exist as natural steroids, or are chemically synthesized as anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) or selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). In order to effectively detect misuse of androgens, targeted strategies are used. These targeted strategies rely heavily on mass spectrometry, and detection requires prior knowledge of the targeted structure and its metabolites. Although exquisitely sensitive, such approaches may fail to detect novel structures that are developed and marketed. A nontargeted approach to androgen detection involves the use of cell‐based in vitro bioassays. Both yeast and mammalian cell androgen bioassays demonstrate a clear ability to detect AAS and SARMS, and if paired with high resolution mass spectrometry can putatively identify novel structures. In vitro cell bioassays are successfully used to characterize designer molecules and to detect exogenous androgens in biological samples. It is important to continue to develop new and effective detection approaches to prevent misuse of designer androgens, and in vitro bioassays represent a potential solution to nontargeted detection strategies.
Restrictive eating disorders in higher weight persons: A systematic review of atypical anorexia nervosa prevalence and consecutive admission literature
Authors: Harrop Erin N. , Mensinger Janell L. , Moore Megan , Lindhorst Taryn
Published: April 2021

Objective

Currently, there is debate in the eating disorders field regarding how to define atypical anorexia (AAN), how prevalent it is in community and clinical settings, and how AAN rates compare with low‐weight AN. This systematic review assesses AAN literature from 2007 to 2020, to investigate: (a) the demographic characteristics of AAN studies, (b) the prevalence of AAN compared with AN, (c) the range of operational definitions of AAN and the implications of these definitions, and (d) the proportion of patients with AAN and AN represented in consecutive admission and referral samples.

Method

PsychINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, Greylit.org, and ProQuest databases were searched according to methods for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses systematic reviews, yielding 3,184 potential articles. Seventy‐five eligible studies were coded for sixty‐one variables.

Results

Clinical samples predominantly included younger, female, white samples with limited diversity. In epidemiological designs, AAN was typically as common or more common than AN, and AAN rates varied significantly based on the population studied and operational definitions. In consecutive clinical samples, AAN was frequently less represented.

Discussion

Although AAN appears to occur more frequently than AN in communities, fewer patients with AAN are being referred and admitted to eating disorder specific care, particularly in the United States. Given the significant medical and psychosocial consequences of AAN, and the importance of early intervention, this represents a crucial treatment gap. Additionally, results suggest the need for fine‐tuning diagnostic definitions, greater diversity in AAN studies, and increased screening and referral for this vulnerable population.
Regeneration of tropical montane cloud forests increases water yield in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Teixeira Gabriela M. , Figueiredo Pablo H. A. , Salemi Luiz Felippe , Ferraz Silvio F. B. , Ranzini Mauricio , Arcova Francisco C. S. , de Cicco Valdir , Rizzi Nivaldo Eduardo
Published: April 2021

Tropical montane cloud forests (TMCF) have paramount importance with regards to hydrological and ecological functions. Despite such importance in terms of water provision, they are one of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet. One important topic that is still unclear is related to TMCF regeneration: can it recover the hydrological function of such critical ecosystems? In the present paper, the hydrological effects of the natural regeneration of TMCF were examined. We selected three catchments with different degrees of TMCF, and we examined the relationship between the amount of TMCF over time and hydrological variables such as water yields and baseflow using a time series (1984–2011). Our results suggest that the increase in TMCF cover can contribute to increases in water yield. This pattern was found in a catchment with an increase of approximately 20% of forest cover. In catchments with TMCF increase lower than this threshold, water yield and flow path were influenced by hydroclimatic variables such as air temperature and rainfall. The effect of the reduction in water yield, in accordance with the increase in mean temperature, sheds light on possible consequences of climate change on ecosystem services produced in foggy environments. In light of these findings, aiming to increase the water yield, we recommend that regions frequently affected by fog are prioritized for forest restoration or conservation. To ensure significant effects, regeneration and/or successional development of TMCF has to reach at least 20% of a catchment area.
The allometry of locomotion
Authors: Cloyed Carl S. , Grady John M. , Savage Van M. , Uyeda Josef C. , Dell Anthony I.
Published: April 2021

Organismal locomotion mediates ecological interactions and shapes community dynamics. Locomotion is constrained by intrinsic and environmental factors and integrating these factors should clarify how locomotion affects ecology across scales. We extended general theory based on metabolic scaling and biomechanics to predict the scaling of five locomotor performance traits: routine speed, maximum speed, maximum acceleration, minimum powered turn radius, and angular speed. To test these predictions, we used phylogenetically informed analyses of a new database with 884 species and found support for our quantitative predictions. Larger organisms were faster but less maneuverable than smaller organisms. Routine and maximum speeds scaled with body mass to 0.20 and 0.17 powers, respectively, and plateaued at higher body masses, especially for maximum speed. Acceleration was unaffected by body mass. Minimum turn radius scaled to a 0.19 power, and the 95% CI included our theoretical prediction, as we predicted. Maximum angular speed scaled higher than predicted but in the same direction. We observed universal scaling among locomotor modes for routine and maximum speeds but the intercepts varied; flying organisms were faster than those that swam or ran. Acceleration was independent of size in flying and aquatic taxa but decreased with body mass in land animals, possibly due to the risk of injury large, terrestrial organisms face at high speeds and accelerations. Terrestrial mammals inhabiting structurally simple habitats tended to be faster than those in complex habitats. Despite effects of body size, locomotor mode, and habitat complexity, universal scaling of locomotory performance reveals the general ways organisms move across Earth’s complex environments.
LiPAA with Short‐chain Anion Facilitating Li2Sx (x ≤ 4) Reduction in Lean‐electrolyte Lithium–sulfur Battery
Authors: Zhang Jizong , Chen Mingming , Si Yu , Guo Jian , Wu Tianli , Wang Chengyang , Wang Xiaolei
Published: April 2021

Lean electrolyte usage in lithium–sulfur battery (LSB) meets the demand of the high energy density. However, lean condition makes the electrolyte‐related interface discrete, leading to retardation of ion transfer that depends on interfaces. Consequently, electrochemical reactions face restraint. Herein, lithium polyacrylate acid (LiPAA) with short‐chain anions (molecular weight of 2000) is introduced into the cathode. Because of the polysulfide (PS)‐philic instinct of the short‐chain PAA anions, short‐chain PS is captured inside of the cathode. In addition, LiPAA supplies Li+ to the short‐chain PS captured. The strong interaction between Li2S4 and LiPAA effectively decreases Li2S4 migration to the anode during discharging. In a sense, the ion mass transfer pattern is thus changed comparing to traditional long‐way mode between cathode and anode. Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) proves that the interfacial reaction resistance is greatly decreased in the region where Li2Sx (x ≤ 4) reduction contributes most. In the same time, the reversibility of electrochemical reduction/oxidation is improved. Owing to the accelerated Li2Sx (x ≤ 4) reduction, Li implanting of only 0.3 wt.% plus O introduction up to 1.4 wt.% enables the LSB perform well even with 1/4 of regular electrolyte dosage (5 μL mg−1) and high‐sulfur loading (4.2 mg cm−2), increasing its rate capacity C0.8/0.5 from 52.6% (without the LiPAA) to 92.3% (with the LiPAA) as well as a capacity of 518.7 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles at 0.8 mA cm−2.
Loss of microRNA‐147 function alleviates synovial inflammation through ZNF148 in rheumatoid and experimental arthritis
Authors: Jiang Congshan , Wu Xiaoying , Li Xiaowei , Li Mengyao , Zhang Wentao , Tao Pei , Xu Jing , Ren Xiaoyu , Mo Lingfei , Guo Yuanxu , Wang Si , Geng Manman , Zhang Fujun , Tian Juan , Zhu Wenhua , Meng Liesu , Lu Shemin
Published: April 2021

MicroRNA‐147 (miR‐147) had been previously found induced in synoviocytes by inflammatory stimuli derived from T cells in experimental arthritis. This study was designed to verify whether loss of its function might alleviate inflammatory events in joints of experimental and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Dark Agouti (DA) rats were injected intradermally with pristane to induce arthritis, and rno‐miR‐147 antagomir was locally administrated into individual ankle compared with negative control or rno‐miR‐155‐5p antagomir (potential positive control). Arthritis onset, macroscopic severity, and pathological changes were monitored. While in vitro, gain or loss function of hsa‐miR‐147b‐3p/hsa‐miR‐155‐5p and ZNF148 was achieved in human synovial fibroblast cell line SW982 and RA synovial fibroblasts (RASF). The expression of miRNAs and mRNAs was detected by using RT‐quantitative PCR, and protein expression was detected by using Western blotting. Anti‐miR‐147 therapy could alleviate the severity, especially for the synovitis and joint destruction in experimental arthritis. Gain of hsa‐miR‐147b‐3p/hsa‐miR‐155‐5p function in TNF‐α stimulated SW982 and RASF cells could upregulate, in contrast, loss of hsa‐miR‐147b‐3p/hsa‐miR‐155‐5p function could downregulate the gene expression of TNF‐α, IL‐6, MMP3, and MMP13. Hence, such alteration could participate in synovial inflammation and joint destruction. RNAi of ZNF148, a miR‐147's target, increased gene expression of TNF‐α, IL‐6, MMP3, and MMP13 in SW982 and RASF cells. Also, mRNA sequencing data showed that hsa‐miR‐147b‐3p mimic and ZNF148 siRNA commonly regulated the gene expression of CCL3 and DEPTOR as well as some arthritis and inflammation‐related pathways. Taken together, miR‐147b‐3p contributes to synovial inflammation through repressing ZNF148 in RA and experimental arthritis.
New Strategies towards Bulky Bis(alkyl)‐ and Bis(silyl)‐ Substituted Polysilanes as Precursor Molecules for Desilylation and Dechlorination Experiments
Authors: Lainer Thomas , Pillinger Michael , Fischer Roland C. , Jones Cameron , Haas Michael
Published: April 2021

Herein we report on a series of bulky bis(alkyl)‐ and bis(silyl)‐ substituted polysilanes. Moreover, we performed desilylation and dechlorination experiments with them. These compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X‐ray crystallography. It was found that the selective formation of silyl mono‐ and di‐anions is crucial for the successful isolation of these polysilanes. Moreover, we utilized a multiple silyl abstraction methodology to obtain the spiro‐compounds 6 and 8. The latter was tested as a precursor molecule for the synthesis of bis(silyl)silylenes.