bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A missense in HSF2BP causing primary ovarian insufficiency affects meiotic recombination by its novel interactor C19ORF57/BRME1
Authors: Felipe-Medina Natalia , Caburet Sandrine , Sánchez-Sáez Fernando , Condezo Yazmine B , de Rooij Dirk G , Gómez-H Laura , Garcia-Valiente Rodrigo , Todeschini Anne Laure , Duque Paloma , Sánchez-Martin Manuel Adolfo , Shalev Stavit A , Llano Elena , Veitia Reiner A , Pendás Alberto M
Published: August 2020

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a major cause of infertility, but its etiology remains poorly understood. Using whole-exome sequencing in a family with three cases of POI, we identified the candidate missense variant S167L in HSF2BP, an essential meiotic gene. Functional analysis of the HSF2BP-S167L variant in mouse showed that it behaves as a hypomorphic allele compared to a new loss-of-function (knock-out) mouse model. Hsf2bpS167L/S167L females show reduced fertility with smaller litter sizes. To obtain mechanistic insights, we identified C19ORF57/BRME1 as a strong interactor and stabilizer of HSF2BP and showed that the BRME1/HSF2BP protein complex co-immunoprecipitates with BRCA2, RAD51, RPA and PALB2. Meiocytes bearing the HSF2BP-S167L variant showed a strongly decreased staining of both HSF2BP and BRME1 at the recombination nodules and a reduced number of the foci formed by the recombinases RAD51/DMC1, thus leading to a lower frequency of crossovers. Our results provide insights into the molecular mechanism of HSF2BP-S167L in human ovarian insufficiency and sub(in)fertility.
Osteopathic Medical Licensing Compliance With the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990
Authors: Lincoln Katherine A. , Wagner Beth E.
Published: August 2020

Context

Physicians have an increased rate of depression and suicide compared with nonphysician peers. State medical licensure questions about mental health deter physicians from seeking mental health care. Several previous studies have examined state medical licensing board compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, but none have included osteopathic licensing boards.

Objective

To evaluate compliance of state osteopathic medical licensing boards with ADA requirements regarding mental health.

Methods

State medical licensing applications for 51 states, including the District of Columbia (DC), and 16 states with osteopathic licensing entities were reviewed for ADA compliance in questions about mental health. In states where both osteopathic and allopathic applications were available, questions and compliance were compared.

Results

Fourteen of 51 states (including DC) were grossly out of compliance with ADA statutes. In states where osteopathic and allopathic licensing were both available, 7 of 16 asked different mental health questions of osteopathic physicians than their allopathic physician counterparts. Of those 7 states, 6 of the osteopathic boards were out of compliance with ADA, while their allopathic counterparts were either compliant or intermediately compliant.

Conclusion

To improve physician wellbeing, corrective action must be taken to create ADA-compliant language in medical licensing so physicians can seek treatment for mental health conditions without discrimination by licensing boards. Osteopathic physicians should be aware that there is a discrepancy in state licensure compliance compared with allopathic requirements in some states.
Idiosyncratic liver pigment alterations of five frog species in response to contrasting land use patterns in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Franco-Belussi Lilian , Provete Diogo B. , Borges Rinneu E. , De Oliveira Classius , Santos Lia Raquel S.
Published: August 2020

Background

Changes in land use trigger environmental changes that can lead to decreased biodiversity and species loss. The liver is an essential detoxification organ that reflects systemic physiological responses to environmental changes. Here, we tested whether contrasting land use patterns influence the amount of substances from the hepatic cellular catabolism and melanomacrophages (MMs) of five anuran species in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Methods

We collected the same five species of pond-dwelling frogs in one protected area and in an area with intense agricultural activity. We used routine histological and histochemical techniques to quantify the area occupied by lipofuscin, melanin, and hemosiderin in the liver of two frogsLeptodactylus fuscus,Physalaemus cuvieri, and three tree-frogsDendropsophus minutus,Scinax fuscomarginatus, andBoana albopunctata. We classified land use types in a buffer around each pond based on satellite images. We then used a double-constrained Correspondence Analysis, a recently developed ecological method to relate functional traits to environmental variables, to test the effect of each land use type on the area of each liver pigment.

Results

There was an increase in the amount of melanin in environments with high proportion of agriculture, as well as variation in the amount of lipofuscin and hemosiderin. Liver pigments ofP. cuvieriandB. albopunctatavaried more strongly in response to land use types, suggesting they could be good indicator species. Therefore, the area of MMs in the liver and the metabolic products in their cytoplasm can be used as biomarkers of environmental changes in regions with intense agricultural activities. Our results add a new perspective to the influence of land use patterns on environmental health by highlighting the effect of environmental changes on internal morphological aspects of animals.
An analysis of Atrioventricular Canal Defect (AVCD) in Children in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, West Africa
Authors: Tabansi P. N. , Otaigbe B. E.
Published: August 2020

Aims: This was to determine the demographic and echocardiographic characteristics of AVCD patients and analyse the types of defect associated with the presence or absence of obvious phenotypic syndromes in children in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Methodology: It is a prospective study of children with AVCD seen over a 5 years period. Data on age, gender, presence or absence of chromosomal/genetic syndrome, age at onset of symptoms and age at presentation to the hospital, parental age, echocardiographic description, and outcome were analysed.

Results: Eighty-one cases of AVCD were analyzed with a male to female ratio of 1.1:1. Age ranged from birth to five years with a Mean Age of 5.5 months and Mode 3 months. There were more non-syndromic patients 46(56.8%) compared to 35(43.2%) patients with features of chromosomal syndrome. Complete AVCD with a common atrioventricular valve was the commonest findings in syndromic and non-syndromic children. Transitional AVCD was seen only in syndromic patients. Non-syndromic patients had more complex additional cardiac anomalies.

Conclusion: That more than 50% of cases of AVCD seen were in non-syndromic children in the Niger Delta is worrisome because this is an oil exploratory region known for constant gas flaring and environmental pollutants.
Nigerian Medicinal Plants for the Management of Liver Diseases: A Review
Authors: Nnamudi Anthony Chibuzor , Onyeche Vincent Onyekachukwu , Ebohon Osamudiamen , Ogaranya Ijeoma Nina Eke-
Published: August 2020

The liver, despite its crucial role in metabolism is prone to several metabolic injuries and insults manifesting as liver damage. Thus, liver diseases arise from multiple aetiologies. In Nigeria, chronic liver diseases are rampant and constitute a significant cause of morbidity. Globally, medicinal plants play crucial roles in healthcare. Several Nigerian medicinal plants are used in the management of various liver disorders. This review focuses on medicinal plants that are used in the management of liver diseases in Nigeria. The search for novel active principles from plants must be sustained due to increasing prevalence of various liver ailments, challenges associated with liver transplantation and poor healthcare funding. The identification, isolation and characterization of active compounds from Nigerian medicinal plants could lead to the potential development of affordable and effective drugs for the management of liver diseases.
Potential Ecological Risk of Swamps Sediments in Illegal Refineries Sites: A Case Study of Isoko South, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Akpomrere O. R. , Uguru H.
Published: August 2020

This study was carried to determine the level of heavy metals toxicity in swampy forest of Isoko South, Delta State, Nigeria. Sediments samples were collected from nine spatial points, within the swampy forest of Enwhe community of Delta State, Nigeria. The study area contained clusters of illegal crude oil refineries, before they were destroyed by the Nigeria military, during the first quarter of 2020. A total area of 1 km2 of the swampy environment was covered in this study. Six toxic heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Ni) contents, in the sediments were determined in accordance to international approved standards. The results revealed that the activities of the illegal refineries located in the study area, significantly increased the heavy metals toxicity in the sediments.  When compared with the results obtained from a reference point, the concentrations of the heavy metals were significantly higher, across the study area. Within the study area, spatial points B and D sediments contained the highest heavy metals concentrations. In addition, the study revealed that contamination factor of the sediments ranged between moderate and high degree of heavy metals contamination. This portrayed the potential ecological risks of the illegal refineries activities, to the environment of the region. Therefore, if these illegal refineries activities are allowed to continue unabated, they will cause a serious ecological risk to the Niger Delta region ecosystems.
Analysis of Inflation Rates in Ethiopia Using Vector Autoregressive Models
Authors: Fufa Gemechu Bekana
Published: August 2020

This study aims to analyze the inflation rates by using Vector Autoregressive models. Vector Autoregressive (VAR) Models, Testing Stationary: Unit root test, Estimating the Order of the VAR, Cointegration Analysis (testing of cointegration), and Vector Error Correction (VEC) Models were used in this study for data analysis. Comparisons were made between food price index and nonfood price index using descriptive analysis. The findings of the study suggest that the percentage of food price index in higher than nonfood price index. The results also imply the existence of short-term adjustments and long – term dynamics in the CPI, FPI, and NFPI. Unit root test reveals that all the series are nonstationary at level and stationary at first difference. The result of Johansen test indicates the existence of one cointegration relation between the variables. The final result shows that a Vector Error Correction (VEC) model of lag two with one cointegration equation best fits the data. To contain inflation rates, therefore, the policy interventions aimed at tackling the current situation of inflation rates need to take into account the priorities of the government as the effect of policy instruments and means of solutions.
LAMPU RESIN “KOTAK LAMPU” UNTUK SERVICE LEARNING USAHA KECIL MENENGAH KAYU
Authors: Jason Christ , Fame Canizio Dranuciacao , Tulistyantoro Lintu
Published: August 2020

UKM atau biasa disebut Usaha Kecil Menengah merupakan salah satu usaha yang banyak berkontribusi terhadap perekonomian negara. UKM candra mas merupakan salah satu UKM yang bisnisnya banyak melibatkan kayu. Berangkat dari masalah banyaknya kayu bekas sisa UKM yang tidak digunakan, mahasiswa melakukan proses perkuliahan dengan metode Service-Learning dimana mahasiswa akan terlibat langsung dalam membantu menyelesaikan masalah yang ada untuk mengembangkan keterampilan akademik sekaligus rasa tanggung jawab dan komitmen mahasiswa. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode Service-Learning yang tahapannya dimulai dengan mengidentifikasi masalah yang ada, mencari solusi, menghasilkan produk akhir hingga tahap test untuk mendapatkan feedback. Hasilnya adalah produk lampu yang dapat dilepas pasang dengan nilai estetik menggunakan resin dan kayu untuk merefleksikan cahayanya.UKM or commonly called Small and Medium Enterprises is one of the businesses that has contributed the most to the country's economy. Candra mas UKM is one of the UKMs whose businesses used a lot of wood. Departing from the problem of the amount of used wood left over from UKM that is not used, students conduct a lecture process using the Service-Learning method where students will be directly involved in helping solve existing problems to develop academic skills as well as students' sense of responsibility and commitment. The research method is using the Service-Learning method whose stages begin with identifying existing problems, finding solutions, producing the final product, to the test stage to get feedback. The result is a removable lighting product with aesthetic value with using resin and wood to reflect the light.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among professional drivers: A systematic review
Authors: Joseph Leonard , Standen Miles , Paungmali Aatit , Kuisma Raija , Sitilertpisan Patraporn , Pirunsan Ubon
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Professional drivers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal pain (MSP) due to risk factors such as prolonged sitting, whole body vibration, awkward posture, and repetitive actions. This review investigates the reported prevalence of MSP among professional drivers.

Methods

An electronic search of Medline (1946 + via OvidSP), Embase (1974 + OvidSP), CINAHL (1982+), AMED, PubMed, and Web of Science from 1990 to July 2019 was performed. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using three quality assessment tools for cross-sectional, case-control, and prospective cohort studies. The prevalence of MSP was reported using descriptive analysis.

Results

A total of 56 studies conducted in 23 different countries across a total of 14 types of occupational transport were reviewed. Data of a total pooled population of 18 882 professional drivers were analyzed for MSP. The prevalence of MSP ranged between 43.1% and 93%. The low back was the most frequently reported body region for MSP with a meta-prevalence rate of 53% (N = 9998). Neck, shoulder, and upper back were the other common regions with high prevalence.

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of MSP in professional drivers and low back was the most frequently reported body region, followed by neck, upper back, shoulder, knee, hip/thigh, wrist, ankle, and elbow. MSP is complicated in nature and therefore in-depth exploration of causal relationships between MSP and risk factors is necessary so that appropriate healthcare programs can be initiated to prevent and treat MSP effectively.
Extremely Rapid Self‐Healable and Recyclable Supramolecular Materials through Planetary Ball Milling and Host–Guest Interactions
Authors: Park Junsu , Murayama Shunsuke , Osaki Motofumi , Yamaguchi Hiroyasu , Harada Akira , Matsuba Go , Takashima Yoshinori
Published: August 2020

The host–guest interaction as noncovalent bonds can make polymeric materials tough and flexible based on the reversibility property, which is a promising approach to extend the lifetime of polymeric materials. Supramolecular materials with cyclodextrin and adamantane are prepared by mixing host polymers and guest polymers by planetary ball milling. The toughness of the supramolecular materials prepared by ball milling is approximately 2 to 5 times higher than that of supramolecular materials prepared by casting, which is the conventional method. The materials maintain their mechanical properties during repeated ball milling treatments. They are also applicable as self‐healable bulk materials and coatings, and they retain the transparency of the substrate. Moreover, fractured pieces of the materials can be re‐adhered within 10 min. Dynamic mechanical analysis, thermal property measurements, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and microscopy observations reveal these behaviors in detail. Scars formed on the coating disappear within a few seconds at 60 °C. At the same time, the coating shows scratch resistance due to its good mechanical properties. The ball milling method mixes the host polymer and guest polymer at the nano level to achieve the self‐healing and recycling properties.
A Multifunctional Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Conveyor Belt Structure for High‐Precision Vortex Detection
Authors: Yang Huake , Hu Jie , Yang Hongmei , Liu Wenlin , Wang Zhao , Zeng Qixuan , Li Qianying , Zhang Dazhi , Xi Yi , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: August 2020

Vortex is one of the most common natural phenomena. However, its monitoring and measurement has always been difficult in both research and water conservancy projects. A multifunctional device is designed to detect the vortex based on the capability of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), utilizing the relative motion principle of a conveyor transmission structure that is driven by the relative motion of upper and lower parts to generate electrical signals. The TENG based on a conveyor belt structure (CB‐TENG) having three electrodes can monitor the vortex in real time and measure the rotating speed of the vortex. The output time domain of different electrodes corresponds to different rotation directions; therefore, the vortex direction can be determined according to electrical signal characteristics. Additionally, the wheel speed sensor (accuracy up to 98.11%) and wind speed sensor based on CB‐TENG are fabricated and tested, which proves the feasibility and high efficiency of the scheme and demonstrates the wide application of CB‐TENG.
Low Amplified Spontaneous Emission and Lasing Thresholds from Hybrids of Fluorenes and Vinylphenylcarbazole
Authors: Shukla Atul , Mai Van T. N. , Senevirathne A. M. Chathuranganie , Allison Ilene , McGregor Sarah K. M. , Lepage Romain J. , Wood Michael , Matsushima Toshinori , Moore Evan G. , Krenske Elizabeth H. , Sandanayaka Atula S. D. , Adachi Chihaya , Namdas Ebinazar B. , Lo Shih‐Chun
Published: August 2020

Organic semiconductor dyes have attracted high interest as laser gain media owing to their judicious features of solution processability, lightweight, high mechanical flexibility, high wavelength‐tunability, and low‐cost manufacture. In this work, fluorene‐carbazolylstyryl hybrids are reported, SFCz and BSTFCz, as new solution processable organic semiconductor laser dyes to show high molar extinction coefficients (up to 1.98 × 105 dm3 mol−1 cm−1), high photoluminescence quantum yields (up to 81 ± 4%), high radiative decay constants (up to 1.24 × 109 s−1), and low film amplified spontaneous emission thresholds (down to 0.70 µJ cm−2). By using mixed‐order distributed feedback laser structures, extremely low lasing threshold of 0.5 µJ cm−2 is achieved. To elucidate their electroluminescent properties, simple solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diodes based on the new materials are fabricated to show good external quantum efficiencies (2%) and high brightness (≈2800 cd m−2). The results indicate the ease in material synthesis and fabrication enabling solution‐processed low‐threshold lasing toward future injection laser.
Synthesis of Decahydrocyclobuta[cd]indene Skeletons: Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Hydroarylation and Relay Thiophene‐Promoted Intramolecular [2+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Gao Dingding , Wang Feng , Liu Xing‐Yu , Feng Kai‐Rui , Zhao Jia‐Ying , Wang Yu‐Hui , Yang Xiao‐Di , Tian Ping , Lin Guo‐Qiang
Published: August 2020

The preparation of decahydrocyclobuta[cd]indene skeleton was accomplished through rhodium(III)‐catalyzed hydroarylation and relay thiophene‐promoted intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition. This tandem reaction exhibited broad substrate scope (24 examples) and good functional group compatibility. Control experiments revealed the important role of sulfur (S) heteroatom, thus a tentative mechanism with thiophene‐promoted double Michael additions was proposed to explain this formal [2+2] cycloaddition. Moreover, the resulting polycyclic products displayed potent anti‐cancer activities against breast cancer cell lines MDA‐MB‐468.

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One‐Pot Access to Sulfonyl 2‐Arylnaphthalenes via Wacker Oxidation of Sulfonyl o‐Allylchalcones
Authors: Hsueh Nai‐Chen , Tsai Min‐Chen , Chang Meng‐Yang
Published: August 2020

Under the oxygen atmosphere conditions, PdCl2/CuCl2‐mediated one‐pot Wacker‐type decarboxylative benzannulation of sulfonyl o‐allylchalcones provides sulfonyl naphthalenes and carboxylic acids in MeOH at reflux. A plausible mechanism is proposed and discussed herein. This high‐yield protocol provides a highly effective intramolecular ring‐closure via one carbon‐carbon double bond (C=C) formation.

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Progress and Perspectives Beyond Traditional RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Nothling Mitchell D. , Fu Qiang , Reyhani Amin , Allison‐Logan Stephanie , Jung Kenward , Zhu Jian , Kamigaito Masami , Boyer Cyrille , Qiao Greg G.
Published: August 2020

The development of advanced materials based on well‐defined polymeric architectures is proving to be a highly prosperous research direction across both industry and academia. Controlled radical polymerization techniques are receiving unprecedented attention, with reversible‐deactivation chain growth procedures now routinely leveraged to prepare exquisitely precise polymer products. Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is a powerful protocol within this domain, where the unique chemistry of thiocarbonylthio (TCT) compounds can be harnessed to control radical chain growth of vinyl polymers. With the intense recent focus on RAFT, new strategies for initiation and external control have emerged that are paving the way for preparing well‐defined polymers for demanding applications. In this work, the cutting‐edge innovations in RAFT that are opening up this technique to a broader suite of materials researchers are explored. Emerging strategies for activating TCTs are surveyed, which are providing access into traditionally challenging environments for reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization. The latest advances and future perspectives in applying RAFT‐derived polymers are also shared, with the goal to convey the rich potential of RAFT for an ever‐expanding range of high‐performance applications.
Synergistic Effect of Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles Decorated Carbon Nanotubes in Quantum Dots/TiO2 for Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Selopal Gurpreet Singh , Mohammadnezhad Mahyar , Besteiro Lucas V. , Cavuslar Ozge , Liu Jiabin , Zhang Hui , Navarro‐Pardo Fabiola , Liu Guiju , Wang Maorong , Durmusoglu Emek G. , Acar Havva Yagci , Sun Shuhui , Zhao Haiguang , Wang Zhiming M. , Rosei Federico
Published: August 2020

Here, a facile approach to enhance the performance of solar‐driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is described by means of the synergistic effects of a hybrid network of plasmonic Au nanoparticles (NPs) decorated on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The device based on TiO2–Au:CNTs hybrid network sensitized with colloidal CdSe/(CdSexS1−x)5/(CdS)1 core/alloyed shell quantum dots (QDs) yields a saturated photocurrent density of 16.10 ± 0.10 mA cm−2 [at 1.0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)] under 1 sun illumination (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2), which is ≈26% higher than the control device. The in‐depth mechanism behind this significant improvement is revealed through a combined experimental and theoretical analysis for QDs/TiO2–Au:CNTs hybrid network and demonstrates the multifaceted impact of plasmonic Au NPs and CNTs: i) hot‐electron injection from Au NPs into CNTs and TiO2; ii) near‐field enhancement of the QDs absorption and carrier generation/separation processes by the plasmonic Au NPs; iii) enhanced photoinjected electron transport due to the highly directional pathways offered by CNTs. These results provide fundamental insights on the properties of QDs/TiO2–Au:CNTs hybrid network, and highlights the possibility to improve the performance of other solar technologies.
Effects of prescribed fire on soil properties in a pine rockland ecosystem
Authors: Freidenreich Ariel , Harris Brittany , Dattamudi Sanku , Betancourt Eric , Reis Mariana Santos , Jayachandran Krishnaswamy
Published: August 2020

We investigated the impact of a single prescribed fire on soil properties of a pine rockland (PR) ecosystem (South Florida, USA) that had never been burned since establishment in 1978. Soil samples were collected before the prescribed fire (T0) and 1 wk (T1), 4 wk (T4), and 10 wk (T10) postburn and analyzed for chemical characteristics (pH, C, N, P, organic matter) and culturable bacterial and fungal cells. Soil organic matter showed a significant decrease after the burn as a result of fuel combustion. However, a significant increase in soil fungal and bacterial communities in postburn samples was observed, possibly resulting from higher P, N, and micronutrient availability in the soil after burning. Our study indicates that culturable soil microbes can respond to even small and undetectable soil chemical changes. This case study suggests that fast‐growing soil microbes respond more rapidly than chemical properties to a prescribed burn and may have an impact on recovering of native vegetation communities.
Hyperphosphatasia with mental retardation syndrome type 4 in three unrelated South African patients
Authors: Bezuidenhout Heidre , Bayley Samantha , Smit Liani , Kinnear Craig , Möller Marlo , Uren Caitlin , Urban Michael F.
Published: August 2020

Hyperphosphatasia with mental retardation syndrome (HPMRS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in genes involved in glycosylphosphatidylinositol metabolism that result in a similar phenotype. We describe the first three patients with HPMRS from sub‐Saharan Africa. Detection was assisted by Face2Gene phenotype matching and confirmed by the presence of elevated serum alkaline phosphatase. All three patients had severe intellectual disability, absent speech, hypotonia and palatal abnormality (cleft palate in two, very high‐arched palate in one), no or minimal brachytelephalangy, and high serum alkaline phosphatase levels. Additional findings included seizures in two, and brain imaging abnormalities in two. In all three patients HPMRS was a top‐20 gestalt match using Face2Gene. The overall phenotype is consistent with descriptions in the literature of HPMRS type 4, although not specific to it. Whole exome sequencing in the index patient and his mother detected a candidate variant in a homozygous state in the index patient (PGAP3:c.557G>C, p.Arg186Thr) and heterozygous in the mother. Further variant interpretation indicated pathogenicity. Sanger sequencing of another two patients identified the same homozygous, pathogenic variant, confirming a diagnosis of HPMRS type 4. The shared homozygous variant in apparently unrelated families, and in the absence of consanguinity, suggests the possibility of genetic drift due to a population bottleneck effect, and further research is recommended.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Spiro[indoline‐3,7′‐pyrrolo[1,2‐a]azepines] via Sequential [3+2] Cycloaddition and Ring Expansion Reaction
Authors: Wu Wen‐Tao , Han Ying , Sun Jing , Yan Chao‐Guo
Published: August 2020

Spiro[indoline‐3,7′‐pyrrolo[1,2‐a]azepines] were conveniently synthesized in satisfactory yields and with high diastereoselectivity from three‐component reaction of L‐proline, isatins and chalcones and sequential reaction with dimethyl but‐2‐ynedioate or methyl propiolate in refluxing methanol. The ferrocenyl‐chalcones and dibenzylideneacetones were also successfully used in this one‐pot two‐step reaction to give novel ferrocenyl and styryl‐substituted spiro compounds. The reaction mechanism included domino [3+2] cycloadddtition reaction of azomethine ylide with chalcone and ring‐expansion reaction of in situ generated spiro[indoline‐3,3′‐pyrrolizine] with electron‐deficient alkynes.
Achieving Ultrahigh Molecular Weights with Diverse Architectures for Unconjugated Monomers through Oxygen‐Tolerant Photoenzymatic RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Li Ruoyu , An Zesheng
Published: August 2020

Achieving well‐defined polymers with ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) is an enduring pursuit in the field of reversible deactivation radical polymerization. Synthetic protocols have been successfully developed to achieve UHMWs with low dispersities exclusively from conjugated monomers while no polymerization of unconjugated monomers has provided the same level of control. Herein, an oxygen‐tolerant photoenzymatic RAFT (reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer) polymerization was exploited to tackle this challenge for unconjugated monomers at 10 °C, enabling facile synthesis of well‐defined, linear and star polymers with near‐quantitative conversions, unprecedented UHMWs and low dispersities. The exquisite level of control over composition, MW and architecture, coupled with operational ease, mild conditions and environmental friendliness, broadens the monomer scope to include unconjugated monomers, and to achieve previously inaccessible low‐dispersity UHMWs.
Ultrafast Semi‐Solid Processing of Highly Durable ZIF‐8 Membranes for Propylene/Propane Separation
Authors: Ma Qiang , Mo Kai , Gao Shushu , Xie Yafang , Wang Jinzhao , Jin Hua , Feldhoff Armin , Xu Shutao , Lin Jerry Y. S. , Li Yanshuo
Published: August 2020

ZIF‐8 membranes have emerged as the most promising candidate for propylene/propane (C3H6/C3H8) separation through its precise molecular sieving characteristics. The poor reproducibility and durability, and high cost, thus far hinder the scalable synthesis and industrial application of ZIF‐8 membranes. Herein, we report a semi‐solid process featuring ultrafast and high‐yield synthesis, and outstanding scalability for reproducible fabrication of ZIF‐8 membranes. The membranes show excellent C3H6/C3H8 separation performance in a wide temperature and pressure range, and remarkable stability over 6 months. The ZIF‐8 membrane features dimethylacetamide entrapped ZIF‐8 crystals retaining the same diffusion characteristics but offering enhanced adsorptive selectivity for C3H6/C3H8. The ZIF‐8 membrane was prepared on a commercial flat‐sheet ceramic substrate. A prototypical plate‐and‐frame membrane module with an effective membrane area of about 300 cm2 was used for efficient C3H6/C3H8 separation.
Sequential Chiral Induction and Regulator‐Assisted Chiral Memory of Pillar[5]arenes
Authors: Fa Shixin , Egami Kouichi , Adachi Keisuke , Kato Kenichi , Ogoshi Tomoki
Published: August 2020

Chirality transfer is widely observed in life processes, and many artificial chiral transfer systems have been developed. In these systems, chiral information is transferred from chiral inducers to chiral acceptors by a direct chiral induction process and a direct chiral memorization process. We have developed ternary nondirect chiral transfer systems based on pillar[5]arenes, in which a third factor was introduced as a regulator. The planar chirality of an acceptor was induced and memorized by a chiral inducer with precise control by a regulator. In the chiral induction period, the feed sequence of the chiral inducer and regulator affected the chiral induction behavior of the chiral acceptor. The chiral memory ability of the acceptor was substantially improved by the combined action of the chiral inducer and regulator.
Analysing the risks of adopting circular economy initiatives in manufacturing supply chains
Authors: Ethirajan Manavalan , Arasu M Thanigai , Kandasamy Jayakrishna , K.E.K Vimal , Nadeem Simon Peter , Kumar Anil
Published: August 2020

The concept of circular economy (CE) has proven its worth due to the scarcity of natural resources and huge amounts of wastage which impacts the environment. Thus, the adoption of the CE concept in the supply chain becomes critical. However, due to the complex nature of processes/activities in the circular supply chain (CSC), managing risk has become a priority to avoid disruption. In current literature, no discussion has been conducted on how to analyse the risks in the context of CSC. Therefore, to fill this literature gap, this study concentrates on identifying and analysing the risks to promote effective circular initiatives in supply chains in the context of the manufacturing industry, thus minimising the negative environmental impact. A total of 31 risks were identified through an extensive literature review and discussions with experts. A grey‐based decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method is applied by incorporating the experts' knowledge to compute prominence and cause/effect scores to develop an interrelationship map. Finally, a vulnerability matrix for risk categories is developed using the average of prominence and cause/effect scores of risks. The results show that transparent process is the most prominent risk and branding is the least significant risk. By using the average prominence and cause/effect score, a risk category, namely, financial risk, is identified as most vulnerable to CSC. These findings will help industry managers not only to prepare business strategies in the adoption of CE initiatives in supply chains by eliminating risks but also in minimising negative environmental impact.
Hydrodissection technique with t‐tube placement in atelectatic ear
Authors: Tzoi Eleana , Garefis Konstantinos , Kupriotou Anastasia , Nikolaidis Vasileios , Markou Konstantinos
Published: August 2020

Hydrodissection technique is a safe way to establish a fully functional tympanic membrane in cases of early stages of atelectatic ears.
Carbon Nanotubes@Nickel Cobalt Sulfide Nanosheets for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Bian Ruilin , Song Dan , Si Wenping , Zhang Tao , Zhang Yuxin , Lu Pengyi , Hou Feng , Liang Ji
Published: August 2020

As new and alternative energy storage devices to batteries and traditional capacitors, supercapacitors exhibit both high power and high energy density as well as good cycle life. NiCo2S4, a spinel‐structured transition metal sulfide with a high specific capacity, is considered to be a promising electrode material for supercapacitors with great application potential. However, the poor electrical conductivity of NiCo2S4 results in poor rate and cycle performance of the material, which limits its practical application. In this work, we design a composite by loading NiCo2S4 on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to enhance the conductivity. The best‐performing CNTs@NiCo2S4 electrode materials were obtained after the optimized heat‐treatment of CNTs@SiO2 precursors. At a current density of 1 A g−1, the CNTs@NiCo2S4 composite exhibits a specific capacity of 216.4 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention of 75 % after 2000 cycles. Even at a high current density of 5 A g−1, the capacity can still retain 87 % of that under 1 A g−1. It is demonstrated that the electrochemical performance of NiCo2S4 can be effectively boosted by combining with conductive CNTs.
Intermolecular Hydroaminoalkylation of Propadiene
Authors: Kaper Tobias , Fischer Malte , Warsitz Michael , Zimmering René , Beckhaus Ruediger , Doye Sven
Published: August 2020

Intermolecular hydroaminoalkylation reactions of propadiene with selected secondary amines take place in the presence of a 2,6‐bis(phenylamino)pyridinato titanium catalyst. The corresponding products, synthetically useful allylamines, are formed in convincing yields and with high selectivities. In addition, propadiene easily inserts into the titanium‐carbon bond of a titanaaziridine.
New technology on the horizon: Fast analytical screening technique FNA (FAST‐FNA) enables rapid, multiplex biomarker analysis in head and neck cancers
Authors: Pai Sara I. , Faquin William C. , Sadow Peter M. , Pittet Mikael J. , Weissleder Ralph
Published: August 2020

PD‐L1 profiling was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a companion diagnostic for anti‐PD1 treatment in patients with head and neck cancer, ushering in a new era for precision medicine. However, the routine development and implementation of such testing is still limited by current clinical workflows and the lack of better and more comprehensive alternatives. In this review, the authors discuss the real‐world challenges of clinically based biomarker testing and highlight the advantages of developing fine‐needle aspiration (FNA)‐based biomarker testing that would enable frequent and serial tumor sampling. A conceptual and technological innovation is introduced, fast analytical screening technique (FAST)‐FNA (FAST chemistry‐enabled FNA), which is being developed to inform immunotherapy treatment options in patients with head and neck cancer and to assist with the development of the next generation of predictive biomarkers.
Adaptive pursuit learning for energy‐efficient target coverage in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Upreti Ramesh , Rauniyar Ashish , Kunwar Jeevan , Haugerud Hårek , Engelstad Paal , Yazidi Anis
Published: August 2020

With the proliferation of technologies such as wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and the Internet of things (IoT), we are moving towards the era of automation without any human intervention. Sensors are the principal components of the WSNs that bring the idea of IoT into reality. Over the last decade, WSNs are being used in many application fields such as target coverage, battlefield surveillance, home security, health care monitoring, and so on. However, the energy efficiency of the sensor nodes in WSN remains a challenging issue due to the use of a small battery. Moreover, replacing the batteries of the sensor nodes deployed in a hostile environment frequently is not a feasible option. Therefore, intelligent scheduling of the sensor nodes for optimizing its energy‐efficient operation and thereby extending the life‐time of WSN has received a lot of research attention lately. In particular, this article investigates extending the lifetime of the WSN in the context of target coverage problems. To tackle this problem, we propose a scheduling technique for WSN based on a novel concept within the theory of learning automata (LA) called pursuit LA. Each sensor node in the WSN is equipped with an LA so that it can autonomously select its proper state, that is, either sleep or active, with an aim to cover all targets with the lowest energy cost possible. Our comprehensive experimental testing of the proposed algorithm not only verifies the efficiency of our algorithm, but it also demonstrates its ability to yield a near‐optimal solution. The results are promising, given the low computational footprint of the algorithm.
Hierarchical Aluminum Vanadate Microspheres with Structural Water: High‐Performance Cathode Materials for Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc Batteries
Authors: Pang Qiang , He Wei , Zhao Hainan , Yu Xiangyu , Wei Yingjin , Tian Ying , Xing Mingming , Fu Yao , Luo Xixian
Published: August 2020

Controlling morphology, adopting metal cations and introducing crystal water are three effective strategies to improve the electrochemical performance of various battery electrodes. However, the effects of simultaneously applying these three strategies to aqueous rechargeable zinc batteries (ARZBs) are rarely demonstrated. Herein, hierarchical H11Al2V6O23.2 (HAVO) microspheres were successfully prepared using a simple hydrothermal method, and used as cathode material for ARZBs. The as‐prepared HAVO microspheres exhibited superior electrochemical performance than the dehydrated AlV3O9 (AVO) microspheres, i. e. they have a larger specific capacity of 390.4 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1, a better rate capability of 191.4 mA h g−1 at 5000 mA g−1 and a higher cycling stability of up to 1000 cycles with a capacity retention of 80.9 %. The excellent electrochemical performance of HAVO is due to the synergistic effects of the shortened ion diffusion distance in primary HAVO nanosheets, the improved electronic conductivity, and structural stability by adopting Al3+ into the lattice, the enhanced charge transfer properties and ion diffusion coefficient of the electrode due to the existence of crystal water. Therefore, this work may offer a new route for the design and synthesis of more advanced electrode materials for ARZBs.
Ameloblastoma diagnosis by fine‐needle aspiration cytology supplemented by cell block samples
Authors: Zaidi Ariba , Srinivasan Radhika , Rajwanshi Arvind , Dey Pranab , Gupta Kirti
Published: August 2020

Ameloblastomas are rarely encountered in clinical practice, accounting for only 1% of tumors and cysts of the jaw although they are one of the most common odontogenic neoplasms. The cytological features are described in a few case reports only. The aim of this study was to describe the morphological features of ameloblastoma in fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and highlight the contribution of cell blocks in their diagnosis. Three cases of ameloblastoma diagnosed on FNAC (FNAC) with cell block samples were retrieved and evaluated in detail. Radiological correlation was performed in three cases. Follow‐up histopathology of the resected specimen was available in two cases. Cytology smears showed clusters of basaloid cells with high nucleocytoplasmic(N/C) ratio and dense chromatin. Focal squamoid differentiation was present in one case and cystic change predominated in one case. The characteristic morphology of the tumor was better appreciated on cell block section with cribriform and trabecular arrangement of tumor cells with peripheral nuclear palisading with foci of squamoid differentiation and cystic change. Cell blocks from aspirates act as mini‐biopsies and contribute to accurate diagnoses of ameloblastomas of the mandible, thereby emphasizing their contribution to the proper management of these uncommon neoplasms.
Large‐scale molecular barcoding of prey DNA reveals predictors of intrapopulation feeding diversity in a marine predator
Authors: Voelker Madelyn R. , Schwarz Dietmar , Thomas Austen , Nelson Benjamin W. , Acevedo‐Gutiérrez Alejandro
Published: August 2020

Predator–prey interactions are critical in understanding how communities function. However, we need to describe intraspecific variation in diet to accurately depict those interactions. Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are an abundant marine predator that prey on species of conservation concern. We estimated intrapopulation feeding diversity (variation in feeding habits between individuals of the same species) of harbor seals in the Salish Sea. Estimates of feeding diversity were examined relative to sex, month, and location using a novel approach that combined molecular techniques, repeated cross‐sectional sampling of scat, and a specialization metric (within‐individual consistency in diet measured by the Proportional Similarity Index ()). Based on 1,083 scat samples collected from five haul‐out sites during four nonsequential years, we quantified diet using metabarcoding techniques and determined the sex of the scat depositor using a molecular assay. Results suggest that intrapopulation feeding diversity was present. Specialization was high over short periods (24–48 hr, = 0.392, 95% CI = 0.013, R = 100,000) and variable in time and space. Females showed more specialization than males, particularly during summer and fall. Additionally, demersal and benthic prey species were correlated with more specialized diets. The latter finding suggests that this type of prey likely requires specific foraging strategies and that there are trade‐offs between pelagic and benthic foraging styles for harbor seals. This differential feeding on prey species, as well as between sexes of harbor seals, indicates that predator–prey interactions in harbor seals are complex and that each sex may have a different impact on species of conservation concern. As such, describing intrapopulation feeding diversity may unravel hitherto unknown complex predator–prey interactions in the community.
Slope position and water use by trees in a headwater catchment dominated by Japanese cypress: Implications for catchment‐scale transpiration estimates
Authors: Tsuruta Kenji , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Kosugi Yoshiko , Makita Naoki , Katsuyama Masanori , Kosugi Ken'ichirou , Tani Makoto
Published: August 2020

We assessed tree transpiration at three slope positions with different soil water conditions in a small Japanese cypress‐dominated catchment under a humid climate using the sap flow technique. Differences in canopy transpiration (EC) were explained by total sapwood area (AS_tree) of the stand rather than by sap flux density at the three slope positions. Although soil water storage nearly reached the lower limit of plant available water during the growing season at mid‐slope and ridge positions with shallow soils, we observed no clear reductions in EC. EC was maintained by canopy stomatal conductance (GC) in addition to large ratios of fine root to total root biomass in trees growing at mid‐slope and ridge positions. Conversely, in a riparian area characterized by high soil moisture throughout the growing season, EC was maintained by variations in GC and a lower ratio of fine root to total root biomass. Our results suggest that Japanese cypress trees adapted to variations in soil water conditions associated with different slope positions under a humid region, by short‐term stomatal regulation as well as long‐term morphological changes in traits such as AS_tree and fine root biomass. Because AS_tree was highly correlated with diameter at breast height (DBH), whole‐tree transpiration was also correlated with DBH across the three slope positions. Our results suggest that the distribution of DBH size classes in a catchment could be a useful parameter for estimating catchment‐scale transpiration irrespective of topographic gradients and associated variations in soil water conditions.
Isoforms analysis of recombinant human erythropoietin by polarity‐reversed capillary isoelectric focusing
Authors: Ren Ting‐jun , Zhang Xiao‐xia , Li Xiang , Chen Hong‐xu
Published: August 2020

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO) has been extensively used as a pharmaceutical product for treating anemia in the clinic. Glycosylation of rhuEPO was crucial for affecting biological activity, immunogenicity, and pharmacokinetics. Because of the heterogeneity of glycan, the structure of rhuEPO was complex with several isoforms. Characterization of isoforms was important for quality control of rhuEPO. Here, an improved cIEF method has been established and validated. A polarity‐reversed focusing step was used by reversing both the polarity of the voltage and the catholyte and anolyte vials. A weak base (100 mM ammonium hydroxide solution) was used as a chemical mobilizer to make the acidic bands mobilize stably to the detection window. Compared with CZE method in European Pharmacopoeia, the numbers of isoforms and their peak area percentage were highly consistent. Better reproducibility and higher resolution have been obtained by the improved cIEF method. Moreover, in improved cIEF method, the isoelectric points (pI) of each isoform can be calculated and used for identification. It was also the first time that the cIEF method was fully validated for rhuEPO analysis according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines.
An Excellent Fe, N Co‐Doped Porous Biomass Carbon Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalyst: Effect of Zinc‐Based Activators on Catalytic Activity
Authors: Li Yecheng , Hu Haocheng , Song Jie , Wu Yanling , Lv Xuehui , Xiao Zuoxu , Wang Fuling , Chen Yanli
Published: August 2020

An iron cation double isolated strategy is applied to construct Fe, N‐containing porous biomass carbon oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. Two different activating agents, Zn(NO3)2 and ZnCl2, are used respectively, using one‐pot co‐pyrolysis over the rangooncreeper fruit (RF) biomass template absorbed with the Fe‐PPy (Fe3+‐bonded by polypyrrole matrix) and Fe‐bipyridine (Fe3+‐bonded by 2,2‐bipyridine ligands). It is found that the resulting product Zn(NO3)2‐Fe/C/N@bio‐C provides bigger specific area and higher mesoporous volume ratio than those provided by ZnCl2‐Fe/C/N@bio‐C. Zn(NO3)2‐Fe/C/N@bio‐C also exhibits better ORR property (E1/2 = 0.95 V, Eonset = 0.86 V, and JL = 6.21 mA cm−2) in an alkaline medium compared to those of ZnCl2‐Fe/C/N@bio‐C (Eonset = 0.89 V, E1/2 = 0.77 V, and JL = 6.20 mA cm−2). This work provides useful guidance for designing and developing high‐performance non‐noble‐metal‐based bio‐carbon catalysts by a combination between regulating the distribution of the precursor of metal active sites and efficient Zn‐based activator.