bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on Pancreatic Gene Expression in Diabetic Rats Treated with Moringa oleifera Leaf
Authors: Nwakulite Arvin , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Nwanjo H. U. , Nwosu D. C. , Nnatuanya I. N. , Vincent C. C. N. , Amaechi Chukwudi Ofodile , Ochiabu Ogochukwu, Mary-Theodora Barbara , Ibekwe Adaobi Maryann , Okafor Chukwuma J. , Obeagu Getrude Uzoma , Amadi Nkiruka Millicent
Published: May 2021

Moringa oleifera leaf have been used for treatment of diabetes, in this work we studied pancreatic gene expression. The gene expression was done by PCR machine. The plant was harvested from garden within Madonna University and was identified in the Department of Pharmacognosy of the University by Dr P. Osuagwu. Each of the extracts was analyzed for bioactive components using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Male wistar albino rats (n=40) six weeks old weighing 150-250g were purchased from the animal farm of Madonna University Elele. From this work we observed that, there was significant increase in the expression of ADIPOQ gene in the diabetic rats treated with 300mg/kg of M. oleifera leaf (1.52±0.13), when compared with that of the non-diabetic rats (1.00±0.02). From this study, it could be inferred that M. oleifera leaf powder contains polyphenols that inhibit carbohydrate metabolism, reduced blood glucose level, enhance expression ADIPOQ genes.
Identification of two methylated fragments of an SDC2 CpG island using a sliding window technique for early detection of colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Ruibin , Qu Bing , Wan Kangkang , Lu Changming , Li Tingting , Zhou Fuxiang , Lin Jun
Published: May 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer types globally with a 5‐year survival rate of < 50% in China. Aberrant DNA methylation is one of the hallmarks of tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Here, we investigated the clinical performance of two differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in SDC2 CpG islands for the detection of CRC. A sliding window technique was used to identify the DMRs, and methylation‐specific PCR assay was used to assess the DMRs in 198 CRC samples and 54 normal controls. Two DMRs (DMR2 and DMR5) were identified using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, and the hypermethylation of DMR2 and DMR5 was detected in 90.91% (180/198) and 89.90% (178/198) of CRC samples, respectively. When combining DMR2 and DMR5, the sensitivity for CRC detection was 94.4% higher than that of DMR2 or DMR5 alone. Based on the above results, we propose using DMR2 and DMR5 as a sensitive biomarker to detect CRC.
Mixed‐Valence Ce/Zr Metal‐Organic Frameworks: Controlling the Oxidation State of Cerium in One‐Pot Synthesis Approach
Authors: Ronda‐Lloret Maria , Pellicer‐Carreño Isaac , Grau‐Atienza Aida , Boada Roberto , Diaz‐Moreno Sofia , Narciso‐Romero Javier , Serrano‐Ruiz Juan Carlos , Sepúlveda‐Escribano Antonio , Ramos‐Fernandez Enrique V.
Published: May 2021

The preparation of MOFs including a metal with an easily exchangeable oxidation state, while maintaining the same crystal structure and stability, is of paramount importance for myriad applications. In this work, a new synthesis method is reported that can be used to prepare Ce/Zr‐MOFs (UiO‐66 structure) having only Ce(III), a mixed‐valence Ce(IV)/Ce(III), or only Ce(IV) cations, as desired. The materials are characterized using a large number of techniques, including X‐ray absorption and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies.
Quenching‐Resistant Solid‐State Photoluminescence of Graphene Quantum Dots: Reduction of π−π Stacking by Surface Functionalization with POSS, PEG, and HDA
Authors: Park Minsu , Jeong Yangho , Kim Hyung Suk , Lee Woochan , Nam Sang‐Hyeon , Lee Sukki , Yoon Hyewon , Kim Jin , Yoo Seunghyup , Jeon Seokwoo
Published: May 2021

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have attracted great attention as next‐generation luminescent nanomaterials due to the advantages of a low‐cost process, low toxicity, and unique photoluminescence (PL). However, in the solid‐state, the strong π−π stacking interactions between the basal planes of GQDs lead to aggregation‐caused PL quenching (ACQ), which impedes practical application to light‐emitting devices. Here, surface functionalized GQDs (F‐GQDs) by polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and hexadecylamine (HDA) to reduce π−π stacking‐induced ACQ is presented. The POSS‐, PEG‐, and HDA‐functionalized GQDs show a significant enhancement in PL intensity compared to bare GQDs by 9.5‐, 9.0‐, and 5.6‐fold in spin‐coated film form and by 8.3‐, 7.2‐, and 3.4‐fold in drop‐casted film form, respectively. Experimental results and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that steric hindrance of the functionalization agent contributes to reducing the π−π stacking between adjacent GQDs and thereby enabling quenching‐resistant PL in the solid‐state. Moreover, the GQD‐based white light‐emitting diodes fabricated by mounting HDA‐GQDs on a UV‐LED chip exhibits efficient down‐conversion for white light emission with a high color rendering index of 86.2 and a correlated‐color temperature of 5612 K at Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage coordinates of (0.333, 0.359).
Polarons and Charge Localization in Metal‐Halide Semiconductors for Photovoltaic and Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Buizza Leonardo R. V. , Herz Laura M.
Published: May 2021

Metal‐halide semiconductors have shown excellent performance in optoelectronic applications such as solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, and detectors. In this review the role of charge–lattice interactions and polaron formation in a wide range of these promising materials, including perovskites, double perovskites, Ruddlesden–Popper layered perovskites, nanocrystals, vacancy‐ordered, and other novel structures, is summarized. The formation of Fröhlich‐type “large” polarons in archetypal bulk metal‐halide ABX3 perovskites and its dependence on A‐cation, B‐metal, and X‐halide composition, which is now relatively well understood, are discussed. It is found that, for nanostructured and novel metal‐halide materials, a larger variation in the strengths of polaronic effects is reported across the literature, potentially deriving from variations in potential barriers and the presence of interfaces at which lattice relaxation may be enhanced. Such findings are further discussed in the context of different experimental approaches used to explore polaronic effects, cautioning that firm conclusions are often hampered by the presence of alternate processes and interactions giving rise to similar experimental signatures. Overall, a complete understanding of polaronic effects will prove essential given their direct influence on optoelectronic properties such as charge‐carrier mobilities and emission spectra, which are critical to the performance of energy and optoelectronic applications.
Underwater Communication and Optical Camouflage Ionogels
Authors: Yu Zhenchuan , Wu Peiyi
Published: May 2021

Marine animals, such as leptocephalus and jellyfish, can sense external stimuli and achieve optical camouflage in the aquatic environment. Fabricating an intelligent soft sensor that can mimic the capabilities of transparent marine animals and function underwater can enable transformative applications in various novel fields. However, previously reported soft sensors struggle to meet the requirements of adhesion, self‐healing ability, optical transparency, and stable conductivity in the aquatic environment. Herein, high‐performance ionogels by virtue of ion–dipole and ion–ion interactions between fluorine‐rich poly(ionic liquid) and ionic liquid are designed. The hydrophobic dynamic viscoelastic networks provide excellent properties for ionogels, including optical transparency, adjustable mechanical properties, underwater self‐healing ability, underwater adhesiveness, conductivity, and 3D printability. A mechanically compliant and visually invisible underwater soft sensor based on ionogel is developed. This sensor can achieve optical camouflage, human‐body‐motion detection, and barrier‐free communication in the aquatic environment. A novel contactless sensing mechanism based on changing the electron transfer pathway is proposed. Several interesting functions, such as detection of water environment changes, recognition of objects, delivery of information, and even identification of human standing posture can be realized. Importantly, the ionogel sensor can avoid fatigue and physical damage in the sensing process.
The Martini Model in Materials Science
Authors: Alessandri Riccardo , Grünewald Fabian , Marrink Siewert J.
Published: May 2021

The Martini model, a coarse‐grained force field initially developed with biomolecular simulations in mind, has found an increasing number of applications in the field of soft materials science. The model's underlying building block principle does not pose restrictions on its application beyond biomolecular systems. Here, the main applications to date of the Martini model in materials science are highlighted, and a perspective for the future developments in this field is given, particularly in light of recent developments such as the new version of the model, Martini 3.
Liquid Wells as Self‐Healing, Functional Analogues to Solid Vessels
Authors: Scheiger Johannes M. , Kuzina Mariia A. , Eigenbrod Michael , Wu Yanchen , Wang Fei , Heißler Stefan , Hardt Steffen , Nestler Britta , Levkin Pavel A.
Published: May 2021

Liquids are traditionally handled and stored in solid vessels. Solid walls are not functional, adaptive, or self‐repairing, and are difficult to remove and re‐form. Liquid walls can overcome these limitations, but cannot form free‐standing 3D walls. Herein, a liquid analogue of a well, termed a “liquid well” is introduced. Water tethered to a surface with hydrophobic–hydrophilic core–shell patterns forms stable liquid walls capable of containing another immiscible fluid, similar to fluid confinement by solid walls. Liquid wells with different liquids, volumes, and shapes are prepared and investigated by confocal and Raman microscopy. The confinement of various low‐surface‐tension liquids (LSTLs) on surfaces by liquid wells can compete with or be complementary to existing confinement strategies using perfluorinated surfaces, for example, in terms of the shape and height of the confined LSTLs. Liquid wells show unique properties arising from their liquid aggregate state: they are self‐healing, dynamic, and functional, that is, not restricted to a passive confining role. Water walls can be easily removed and re‐formed, making them interesting as sacrificial templates. This is demonstrated in a process termed water‐templated polymerization (WTP). Numerical phase‐field model simulations are performed to scrutinize the conditions required for the formation of stable liquid wells.
3D‐Printed Bioreactor with Integrated Impedance Spectroscopy for Cell Barrier Monitoring
Authors: Linz Georg , Rauer Sebastian Bernhard , Kuhn Yasmin , Wennemaring Simon , Siedler Laura , Singh Smriti , Wessling Matthias
Published: May 2021

Cell culture experiments often suffer from limited commercial availability of laboratory‐scale bioreactors, which allow experiments to be conducted under flow conditions and additional online monitoring techniques. A novel 3D‐printed bioreactor with a homogeneously distributed flow field enabling epithelial cell culture experiments and online barrier monitoring by integrated electrodes through electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is presented. Transparent and conductive indium tin oxide glass as current‐injecting electrodes allows direct visualization of the cells, while measuring EIS simultaneously. The bioreactor's design considers the importance of a homogeneous electric field by placing the voltage pick‐up electrodes in the electrical field. The device's functionality is demonstrated by the cultivation of the epithelial cell line Caco‐2 under continuous flow and monitoring of the cell layer by online EIS. The collected EIS data were fitted by an equivalent electric circuit, resulting in the cell layer's resistance and capacitance. This data is used to monitor the cell layer's reaction to ethylene glycol‐bis‐(2‐aminoethyl ether)‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid and forskolin. These two model substances show the power of impedance spectroscopy as a non‐invasive way to characterize cell barriers. In addition, the bioreactor design is available as a print‐ready file in the Appendix, enabling its use for other scientific institutions.
A Soft Touch: Wearable Tactile Display of Softness Made of Electroactive Elastomers
Authors: Frediani Gabriele , Boys Hugh , Ghilardi Michele , Poslad Stefan , Busfield James J. C. , Carpi Federico
Published: May 2021

Fingertip‐mounted tactile displays of softness are needed for various virtual‐ or augmented‐reality applications such as surgical simulation, tele‐operation, computer‐aided design, 3D model exploration, and tele‐presence. Displaying a virtual softness on a fingertip requires the generation of quasi‐static large displacements at moderate forces (as opposed to high‐frequency small vibrations at high forces), via a deformable surface, to control both the contact area and the indentation depth of the skin. State‐of‐the‐art actuation technologies are unable to combine simple structure, low weight, and low size, as well as energy efficiency and silent operation. Here, the progress on the development of a non‐vibratory display of softness made of electroactive polymers is reported. It consists of a hydrostatically coupled dielectric elastomer actuator, shaped as a bubble interfaced to the fingertip, having a weight of 6 g. Prototypes can generate displacements up to 3.5 mm and forces up to 1 N. By combining this technology with a compact hand tracking sensor, a simple and cost‐effective virtual‐reality system is demonstrated. A psychophysical study engaging 15 volunteers in poke and pinch tactile tasks shows that users can properly distinguish between different stimuli rendered by the display, with an accuracy correlated to the perceptual difficulty of the tactile comparative task.
Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Toward Solid‐State and Platinum‐Free Photovoltaics
Authors: Fagiolari Lucia , Varaia Erica , Mariotti Nicole , Bonomo Matteo , Barolo Claudia , Bella Federico
Published: May 2021

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have become a strong reality in the field of hybrid photovoltaics. Their ability to operate in diffused light conditions and the possibility of fabrication of modules bearing different colors make these cells attractive for different applications, for example, wearable electronics, building integration, etc. This review focuses on one of the compounds rather often studied for DSSCs, namely, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). It has been introduced both as a substitute for liquid electrolytes, in order to facilitate cells fabrication and increase their durability, and as an alternative to platinum for counter electrodes. The literature counts many studies on PEDOT and this manuscript collects them following a classification criterion based on applications, functionalization/doping strategies, and deposition methods. In addition to comparing the performance obtained for PEDOT‐based systems with those of traditional cells (i.e., assembled with liquid iodine‐based electrolytes and platinum cathodes), the manuscript also offers a brief analysis of costs and sustainability aspects, built up on experimental data found in the literature; this latter is expected to constitute a precious resource to catalyze the attention of the scientific community on relevant and preliminary aspects when figuring out the industrial scalability of newly proposed cell components.
Merging Biology and Photovoltaics: How Nature Helps Sun‐Catching
Authors: Cavinato Luca M. , Fresta Elisa , Ferrara Sara , Costa Rubén D.
Published: May 2021

Accomplishing sustainability in optoelectronics, in general, and photovoltaics (PV), in particular, represents a crucial milestone in green photonics. Third generation PV technologies, such as organic solar cells (OSCs), perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have reached a mature age and are slowly making their way in the market as complementary devices to the first generation solar cells. For example, they are well suited for high‐end smart applications, like flexible and wearable devices, fully transparent solar cells and windows, and biocompatible devices for medical applications. In this context, major efforts have been conducted to realize easy‐to‐do and low‐cost recycling devices without losing performance level. This has fueled a strong cooperation between engineering, biology, chemistry, and physics fields to discover new strategies for cost‐effectiveness preparation and implementation of bio‐derived materials in highly performing PVs. The recent efforts of these groups are honored here, providing a general overview on bio‐derived materials suitable for PV applications as well as an in‐depth revision of the most relevant and recent advances obtained by merging biology and third generation PV technologies.
Investigating the normalization and normative views of gestational weight gain: Balancing recommendations with the promotion and support of healthy pregnancy diets
Authors: Moffat Tina , McKerracher Luseadra , Oresnik Sarah , Atkinson Stephanie A. , Barker Mary , McDonald Sarah D. , Murray‐Davis Beth , Sloboda Deborah M.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is increasingly monitored in the United States and Canada. While promoting healthy GWG offers benefits, there may be costs with over‐surveillance. We aimed to explore these costs/benefits.

Methods

Quantitative data from 350 pregnant survey respondents and qualitative focus group data from 43 pregnant/post‐partum and care‐provider participants were collected in the Mothers to Babies (M2B) study in Hamilton, Canada. We report descriptive statistics and discussion themes on GWG trajectories, advice, knowledge, perceptions, and pregnancy diet. Relationships between GWG monitoring/normalization and worry, knowledge, diet quality, and sociodemographics—namely low‐income and racialization—were assessed using χ2tests and a linear regression model and contextualized with focus group data.

Results

Most survey respondents reported GWG outside recommended ranges but rejected the mid‐20th century cultural norm of “eating for two”; many worried about gaining excessively. Conversely, respondents living in very low‐income households were more likely to be gaining less than recommended GWG and to worry about gaining too little. A majority had received advice about GWG, yet half were unable to identify the range recommended for their prepregnancy BMI. This proportion was even lower for racialized respondents. Pregnancy diet quality was associated with household income, but not with receipt or understanding of GWG guidance. Care‐providers encouraged normalized GWG, while worrying about the consequences of pathologizing “abnormal” GWG.

Conclusions

Translation of GWG recommendations should be done with a critical understanding of GWG biological normalcy. Supportive GWG monitoring and counseling should consider clinical, socioeconomic, and community contexts.
A natural history of Chlorocebus dryas from camera traps in Lomami National Park and its buffer zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo, with notes on the species status of Cercopithecus salongo
Authors: Alempijevic Daniel , Boliabo Ephrem M. , Coates Kathryn F. , Hart Terese B. , Hart John A. , Detwiler Kate M.
Published: May 2021

The natural history and taxonomic status of two central African primates, Cercopithecus dryas and Cercopithecus salongo have long been in question. Recent studies confirmed that C. dryas is a basal member of the savanna monkey clade, and that it prefers dense undergrowth in lowland rainforest. While these studies advanced our knowledge of this enigmatic species, key aspects of its natural history remain poorly documented. Furthermore, the lack of a field study that documents pelage patterns of both sexes and different age classes of C. dryas has led to a disagreement over the validity of C. salongo as a sister taxon to C. dryas. Using the results of two multi‐strata camera trap surveys in Lomami National Park (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and its buffer zone, we conducted a third survey in the understory of degraded forest to accumulate videos of C. dryas/salongo. We used these videos to test the hypothesis that C. dryas and C. salongo are synonymous, and to assess the species' group composition, density, behavior and vocalizations. Camera traps revealed an ontogenetic change in pelage pattern that supports the view that C. salongo is the adult of C. dryas. Videos revealed that adult males develop a blue perineum and scrotum, and a red subcaudal patch, similar to other savanna monkeys. We provide a preliminary assessment of C. dryas' group composition, density, behavior, and vocalizations. This long‐overlooked monkey is an exceptional member of the Chlorocebus clade, and all aspects of its biology require further investigation.
New developments in drone‐based automated surface survey: Towards a functional and effective survey system
Authors: Orengo Hector A. , Garcia‐Molsosa Arnau , Berganzo‐Besga Iban , Landauer Juergen , Aliende Paloma , Tres‐Martínez Sergi
Published: May 2021

This paper presents new developments on drone‐based automated survey for the detection of individual items or fragments of material culture visible on the ground surface. Since the publication of our original proof of concept, awarded with the Journal of Archaeological Science and Society for Archaeological Sciences Emerging Investigator Award 2019, additional funding has allowed us to implement a series of improvements to the method. These aim to improve detection capabilities and the extraction of items' shapes and increase flight autonomy, control, area covered per flight and the type of environments in which the method can be applied while reducing computing needs, processing time and expertise necessary for its application. This paper provides an account of the methods followed to achieve these objectives, their preliminary results and the current development for their implementation into a free and open‐source system that can be used by the archaeological community at large.
Forgotten Botany: The Politics of Knowledge within the Royal Botanical Garden of New Spain**
Authors: Toledano Anna
Published: May 2021

Spanish naturalists established the Viceregal Botanical Garden of New Spain in Mexico City in 1788 to advance agriculture, manufacturing, and medicine. This colonial institution also served the ideological role of cultivating agents of empire. Rather than establish the garden in the already robust tradition of American botany, the Spanish appropriated this space, employing Creole students and servant workers to Europeanize local botanical knowledge through taxonomic colonialism. The different agendas at work in the botanical garden, which straddled the colonial and revolutionary periods in Mexico, destabilized not only this institution, but also the empire itself from the ground up. That the contributions of the agents of the garden have been forgotten is evidence of the fragility and failure of a European institution in the American colonial state.
N6‐methyladenosine Steers RNA Metabolism and Regulation in Cancer
Authors: Dong Shenghua , Wu Yutong , Liu Yadi , Weng Hengyou , Huang Huilin
Published: May 2021

As one of the most studied ribonucleic acid (RNA) modifications in eukaryotes, N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) has been shown to play a predominant role in controlling gene expression and influence physiological and pathological processes such as oncogenesis and tumor progression. Writer and eraser proteins, acting opposite to deposit and remove m6A epigenetic marks, respectively, shape the cellular m6A landscape, while reader proteins preferentially recognize m6A modifications and mediate fate decision of the methylated RNAs, including RNA synthesis, splicing, exportation, translation, and stability. Therefore, RNA metabolism in cells is greatly influenced by these three classes of m6A regulators. Aberrant expression of m6A regulators has been widely reported in various types of cancer, leading to cancer initiation, progression, and drug resistance. The close links between m6A and cancer shed light on the potential use of m6A methylation and its regulators as prognostic biomarkers and drug targets for cancer therapy. Given the notable effects of m6A in reversing chemoresistance and enhancing immune therapy, it is a promising target for combined therapy. Herein, we summarize the recent discoveries on m6A and its regulators, emphasizing their influences on RNA metabolism, their dysregulation and impacts in diverse malignancies, and discuss the clinical implications of m6A modification in cancer.
Social media use: What are adolescents communicating?
Authors: Resnikoff Annie W. , Nugent Nicole R.
Published: May 2021

Social media platforms provide users with access to constant communication through sharing thoughts, updating relationship statuses, posting comments, sharing pictures and videos, direct messaging, and viewing and reacting to information posted by those in their ever‐growing social networks. Even before the COVID‐19 pandemic, 97% of adolescents and 72% of adults in the United States reported using some form of social media (Anderson & Jiang, 2018), representing a pervasive shift in the ways that individuals experience their social environment. Particularly among those who are not themselves “digital natives” (individuals raised with pervasive technology), there has been much interest and often concern about adolescent experiences online, and how online interactions may uniquely impact self‐critical thoughts, interfere with emotional well‐being, or influence psychological distress. Is it all negative, or can social media provide growth and comfort, too? In an effort to answer these crucial questions, we need to know about the content and patterns of adolescent social media use.
AACAP issues new fact sheet on racism and children
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2021

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) issues a new fact sheet to help children understand racism and to combat it. Below is important information from that fact sheet. You may want to share it with your children.
Tuberculosis with Evans syndrome: A case report
Authors: Gyawali Sagar , Joshi Utsav , Kharel Zeni , Khanal Shambhu , Shrestha Anjan
Published: May 2021

Evans syndrome and tuberculosis could be predisposing factors for one another, or there may be a common pathophysiological denominator for the co‐occurrence. Further research is needed for a better understanding of pathophysiology and treatment.
A brother and sister with the same karyotype: Case report of two siblings with partial 3p duplication and partial 9p deletion and sex reversal
Authors: Cordes Selby Susan , Iwata‐Otsubo Aiko , Delk Paula , Nebesio Todd D. , Gohil Anisha , Matlock Peggy , Torres‐Martinez Wilfredo , Vance Gail H.
Published: May 2021

Two siblings with the same male unbalanced karyotype demonstrate sex reversal. The older sib appeared phenotypically female and the younger sib demonstrated a male gender. The female had gonadal dysgenesis with bilateral ovatestes. The male had bilateral testes. The report discusses the phenotypical differences and genes associated with sex reversal.
Surgical repair of a giant congenital left atrial aneurysm presenting with respiratory distress in a neonate
Authors: Al‐Dairy Alwaleed , Aljasem Hazem , Srour Samir
Published: May 2021

The presentation of congenital left atrial aneurysm is extremely rare in neonates. The neonate may suffer from severe respiratory distress symptoms, and by then, early surgical management is lifesaving.
Absorption of Sulfur Dioxide by Iron(II) Hydroxide Solution in a Multiplate Bubble Column under Magnetic Field
Authors: Yörük Özgü , Zıraman Duygu Uysal , Uysal Bekir Zühtü
Published: May 2021

In this work, the utilization of iron(II) hydroxide (Fe(OH)2) slurry as the absorbent in wet flue gas desulfurization was investigated. The most important reason for selecting Fe(OH)2 is that iron sulfate, formed by captured sulfur dioxide, can be converted back to Fe(OH)2. First, in the experiments, a bubble column was used with continuous gas and liquid flow. Second, perforated plates were used in the same column. Lastly, a magnetic field was applied to this multiplate bubble column so that the flow of Fe(OH)2 slurry could be affected by the magnetic field because of the electric charge of Fe2+. It was found that the multiplate bubble column performed better than the single‐stage bubble column, and application of the magnetic field further enhanced the absorption efficiency.
Concept of a Flexible Wetted‐Wall Column for the Distillation of Specialty Chemicals
Authors: Reitze Arnulf , Grünewald Marcus , Riese Julia
Published: May 2021

The trend of increasing product diversity and decreasing production amounts led to the requirement of higher flexibility of production processes of specialty chemicals. Conventional distillation columns, mostly equipped with structured packings, lack the flexibility to handle product changeovers and throughput. Thus, a newly designed distillation column for specialty chemicals is presented. A numerical model was implemented to analyze the potential of the wetted‐wall column. The simulation of the distillation of a binary methanol/water mixture demonstrated that the wetted‐wall column can generate the desired concentration and temperature profiles. Furthermore, analyses of the pressure drop and separation efficiency with the test system chlorobenzene/ethylbenzene were conducted.
Copolymer Membrane Fabrication for Highly Efficient Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion Separation
Authors: Hamta Afshin , Ashtiani Farzin Zokaee , Karimi Mohammad , Sadeghi Yegane , MoayedFard Sareh , Ghorabi Shima
Published: May 2021

The microfiltration membrane separation process in oil effluent treatment was investigated experimentally. The flux of poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) with 25 wt % (SAN25) and 30 wt % (SAN30) of acrylonitrile fraction using different solvents in two different feed types (distilled water and 5000 mg L−1 stabilized oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion) was studied. In the case of the O/W emulsion, the performance of the membranes was evaluated using oil rejection. The chemical oxygen demand test was used to analyze the oil concentration in the permeate and to calculate the rejection. The results show a decline in the O/W treatment flux in comparison with the distilled water. The water permeate of SAN25 using dimethylformamide and N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone was 200 and 170 L m−2h−1, respectively, and permeate flux values of 290 and 210 L m−2h−1 were obtained using SAN30.
Fluorescence Imaging Methodology for Oil‐in‐Water Concentration Measurements
Authors: Köpplin Jessica , Bednarz Lena , Hagemeier Thomas , Thévenin Dominique
Published: May 2021

A Pitot‐tube jet pump for separating and transporting liquids of different densities is in use for processing oil‐polluted water. The remaining oil‐in‐water (OiW) concentration is a main indicator for the process efficiency and requires a precise measuring method. Hence, a simple approach delivering reliable oil concentrations has been developed in this project. The measurement principle relies on the image acquisition of an OiW emulsion, where the oil phase is seeded with a selective dye tracer. In this concept study, a detailed description of the preparation procedure is provided. Suitable operation parameters leading to sufficiently stable emulsions have been obtained. Finally, a calibration function was determined. It can be used to correlate uniquely the image intensity to the oil concentration.
Pd/Cu Dual‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Highly Functional All‐Carbon Quaternary Stereocenters from Vinyl Carbonates
Authors: Xue Sijing , Lücht Alexander , Benet‐Buchholz Jordi , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: May 2021

The challenging metal‐catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of highly functional quaternary carbon centers using decarboxylative C(sp3)−C(sp3) bond formation reactions is reported. The key substrate, a vinyl cyclic carbonate, is activated to provide concomitantly both the requisite nucleophile (by formal umpolung) and electrophile reaction partner preceding the asymmetric cross‐coupling process. A wide screening of reaction conditions, additives and catalyst precursors afforded a protocol that gave access to a series of compounds featuring densely functionalized, elusive quaternary carbon stereocenters in appreciable yield and with enantiomeric ratios (er's) of up to 90 : 10.
Expanding the Topological Landscape by a G‐Column Flip of a Parallel G‐Quadruplex
Authors: Mohr Swantje , Jana Jagannath , Vianney Yoanes Maria , Weisz Klaus
Published: May 2021

Canonical G‐quadruplexes can adopt a variety of different topologies depending on the arrangement of propeller, lateral, or diagonal loops connecting the four G‐columns. A novel intramolecular G‐quadruplex structure is derived through inversion of the last G‐tract of a three‐layered parallel fold, associated with the transition of a single propeller into a lateral loop. The resulting (3+1) hybrid fold features three syn⋅anti⋅anti⋅anti G‐tetrads with a 3’‐terminal all‐syn G‐column. Although the ability of forming a duplex stem‐loop between G‐tracts seems beneficial for a propeller‐to‐lateral loop rearrangement, unmodified G‐rich sequences resist folding into the new (3+1) topology. However, refolding can be driven by the incorporation of syn‐favoring guanosine analogues into positions of the fourth G‐stretch. The presented hybrid‐type G‐quadruplex structure as determined by NMR spectroscopy may provide for an additional scaffold in quadruplex‐based technologies.
Von der analogen zur mobilen Instandhaltung
Authors: Garms Christoph
Published: May 2021

Der Schritt von der analogen zur mobilen Instandhaltung ist für die unterschiedlichsten Branchen wichtig und notwendig. Nicht nur, um Prozesse intern zu digitalisieren und Teams dem aktuellen Zeitalter näherzubringen, sondern um überhaupt wettbewerbsfähig zu bleiben. Nur so können mittelständische Unternehmen in den kommenden Jahren auf ihren eigenen Märkten und international an der Spitze bleiben. Dass mobile Instandhaltung sich problemlos mit der gesamten Digitalisierungsstrategie synchronisieren läßt zeigt z. B.Infraserv Höchst. Der Industriepark in Frankfurt am Main konnte dank Neptune Software den Entwicklungsaufwand durch 22 Applikationen auf allen gängigen Betriebssystemen um 70 % reduzieren, den Einrichtungsaufwand um 80 % und die Durchlaufzeit der Wartungs‐ und Inspektionskette um weitere 40 % senken. Dies hat das Unternehmen auch dazu gebracht, neue Technologien wie eine digitale Datenbrille einzuführen, die bis heute die weltweit erste komplette SAP integrierte Lösung ist.
Data integration and visualization techniques for post‐cytometric analysis of complex datasets
Authors: Hedin Fanny , Konstantinou Maria , Cosma Antonio
Published: May 2021

The increasing number of measurable markers and the need to integrate flow cytometry datasets with data generated by other high throughput technologies, require the use of innovative tools, easy enough to be used by people with diverse levels of informatics skills. Flow cytometry analysis software has principally been designed for single sample analysis and it does not cover all the successive analysis steps such as integration with metadata and complex visualization. Here, we illustrated the use of data integration and visualization tools generally used in the business sector to analyze datasets generated by mass and flow cytometry. We selected a study that used mass cytometry to characterize immune cells in lung adenocarcinoma and a second study that used flow cytometry to characterize the expression signature of CD markers on human immune cells. These two examples showed the effectiveness of these tools in the analysis of cytometry data and the possibility to expand their use in any field of biology.
Central obesity, smoking habit, and hypertension are associated with lower antibody titres in response to COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine
Authors: Watanabe Mikiko , Balena Angela , Tuccinardi Dario , Tozzi Rossella , Risi Renata , Masi Davide , Caputi Alessandra , Rossetti Rebecca , Spoltore Maria Elena , Filippi Valeria , Gangitano Elena , Manfrini Silvia , Mariani Stefania , Lubrano Carla , Lenzi Andrea , Mastroianni Claudio , Gnessi Lucio
Published: May 2021

Aims

To explore variables associated with the serological response following COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine.

Methods

Eighty‐six healthcare workers adhering to the vaccination campaign against COVID‐19 were enrolled in January–February 2021. All subjects underwent two COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine inoculations (Pfizer/BioNTech) separated by 3 weeks. Blood samples were collected before the 1st and 1–4 weeks after the second inoculation. Clinical history, demographics, and vaccine side effects were recorded. Baseline anthropometric parameters were measured, and body composition was performed through dual‐energy‐X‐ray absorptiometry.

Results

Higher waist circumference was associated with lower antibody (Ab) titres (R = −0.324, p = 0.004); smokers had lower levels compared to non‐smokers [1099 (1350) vs. 1921 (1375), p = 0.007], as well as hypertensive versus normotensive [650 ± 1192 vs. 1911 (1364), p = 0.001] and dyslipideamic compared to those with normal serum lipids [534 (972) vs 1872 (1406), p = 0.005]. Multivariate analysis showed that higher waist circumference, smoking, hypertension, and longer time elapsed since second vaccine inoculation were associated with lower Ab titres, independent of BMI, age. and gender.

Conclusions

Central obesity, hypertension, and smoking are associated with lower Ab titres following COVID‐19 vaccination. Although it is currently impossible to determine whether lower SARS‐CoV‐2 Abs lead to higher likelihood of developing COVID‐19, it is well‐established that neutralizing antibodies correlate with protection against several viruses including SARS‐CoV‐2. Our findings, therefore, call for a vigilant approach, as subjects with central obesity, hypertension, and smoking could benefit from earlier vaccine boosters or different vaccine schedules.
Automated analysis of lateral river connectivity and fish stranding risks. Part 2: Juvenile Chinook salmon stranding at a river rehabilitation site
Authors: Larrieu Kenneth G. , Pasternack Gregory B.
Published: May 2021

The dynamics of fish stranding have not been academically investigated within the context of physical adjustments to rivers for habitat enhancement purposes. River projects may aim to help fish populations but instead may function as attractive nuisances reducing populations because of unaccounted‐for stranding risk. This study applies a novel algorithm to predict spatially explicit, meter‐resolution fish stranding risk at a river rehabilitation site in California to address three scientific questions. Postproject disconnected wetted area predictions were validated against water surface elevation measurements and time lapse photography of flow reductions and stranding events. A comparison of preproject, final design, and postproject topographies revealed that the occurrence and severity of stranding events is highly sensitive to side‐channel topographic structure and postproject morphodynamic change. Even with moderate flows, side‐channel exits tend to close off by bars built across them via bedload transport. Implications for river management practices and river rehabilitation project design are discussed.
Development of an environmental DNA assay for detecting multiple shark species involved in human–shark conflicts in Australia
Authors: van Rooyen Anthony , Miller Adam D. , Clark Zach , Sherman Craig D. H. , Butcher Paul A. , Rizzari Justin R. , Weeks Andrew R.
Published: May 2021

The number of human–shark interactions has increased worldwide during the past decade resulting in injuries and fatalities. In Australia, the white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), and bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) are responsible for the majority of fatal incidents. On the southeast coast of Australia, monitoring programs currently rely on SMART (Shark‐Management‐Alert‐in‐Real‐Time) drumlines and mesh nets to catch, tag, and monitor shark movement. However, these methods are laborious, costly, and involve the capture of only a fraction of the total shark population. Here, we develop a multiplex environmental DNA assay capable of detecting all three shark species simultaneously from water samples by targeting conserved but specific mitochondrial sequences that are characteristic of each species. The specificity of the assay was validated by testing for cross‐amplification across a range of non‐target but co‐occurring shark species from eastern Australia. We test the sensitivity of the assay on water samples collected from shark capture events and sites where these shark species are known to frequent, and undertake DNA sequencing on positive samples to confirm species haplotype authenticity. Samples collected from one of these sites also demonstrate that eDNA detections are dependent on shark activity in the area. This assay will allow for rapid detection of DNA from each shark species in water samples, providing a cost‐effective alternative for monitoring sharks along the east coast of Australia and potentially elsewhere.
Right ventricular expression of NT‐proBNP adds predictive value to REVEAL score in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Chang Wei‐Ting , Shih Jhih‐Yuan , Hong Chon‐Seng , Lin Yu‐Wen , Chen Yi‐Chen , Ho Chung‐Han , Chen Zhih‐Cherng , Roan Jun‐Neng , Hsu Chih‐Hsin
Published: May 2021

Aims

The Registry to Evaluate Early and Long‐Term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL) risk scores differentiate survivals in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, measurements of N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in the peripheral blood may not adequately reflect early‐stage decompensated heart failure (HF). Given that right heart catheterization (RHC) can facilitate measurements of intracardiac NT‐proBNP, in this study our aim was to evaluate the predictive role of right ventricular (RV) NT‐proBNP measurements in patients with PAH.

Methods and results

We prospectively collected intracardiac blood samples for NT‐proBNP measurements from patients diagnosed with World Health Organization Group I PAH during RHC. Clinical information including the aetiology of PAH (idiopathic, connective tissue disease, or congenital heart disease) and REVEAL scores were recorded. The primary endpoint was hospitalization for decompensated HF; median duration of follow‐up was 28 months. Among the 62 patients evaluated, 12 reached the designated endpoint. REVEAL risk scores were higher among patients hospitalized for HF. We detected no significant differences in plasma NT‐proBNP levels in peripheral circulation, in the right atrium, or in pulmonary arterial blood; however, significantly higher levels of NT‐proBNP were detected in the RV in patients diagnosed with PAH. RV NT‐proBNP was a sensitive predictor (cut‐off value 1500 pg/mL) of subsequent hospitalization for HF. Our findings indicate that RV NT‐proBNP levels add predictive value to REVEAL scores with respect to future hospitalization due to HF.

Conclusions

Right ventricular NT‐proBNP levels combined with REVEAL 2.0 could predict the development of subsequent HF in patients with PAH and may be a potential biomarker.
Brown Allylation: Application to the Synthesis of Natural Products
Authors: Boiarska Zlata , Braga Tommaso , Silvani Alessandra , Passarella Daniele
Published: May 2021

Asymmetric allylation represents an important reaction applied in the natural product synthesis. The stereoselective introduction of an allyl group allows to obtain versatile chiral building blocks, which may further undergo various transformations due to the presence of the carbon–carbon double bond. In this review, we address the Brown allylation, which involves the conversion of aldehydes into homoallylic alcohols using B‐allyldiisopinocampheylborane as a chiral reagent. We provide a comprehensive overview of the reaction and highlight its application in the synthesis of natural products, while assessing its performance in comparison to other approaches. The total of 17 syntheses have been described, including the synthesis of biologically active macrolides disciformycin B, biselyngbyolide B, peloruside A, and gliomasolide A, bis‐piperidine alkaloid (−)‐anaferine and dysoxylactam A.
Efficient phenol degradation by laccase immobilized on functional magnetic nanoparticles in fixed bed reactor under high‐gradient magnetic field
Authors: Xia Ting‐Ting , Feng Mei , Liu Chun‐Lei , Liu Chun‐Zhao , Guo Chen
Published: May 2021

Enzymatic degradation of emerging contaminants has gained great interest for the past few years. However, free enzyme often incurs high costs in practice. The immobilized laccase on the polyethylenimine (PEI)‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4–NH2–PEI–laccase) was fabricated to efficiently degrade phenolic compounds continuously in a newly fixed bed reactor under a high‐gradient magnetic field. The degradation rate of continuous treatment in the bed after 18 h was 2.38 times as high as that of batch treatment after six successive operations with the same treatment duration. Under the optimal conditions of volume fraction of nickel wires mesh, flow rate of phenol solution, phenol concentration, and Fe3O4–NH2–PEI–laccase amount, the degradation rate of phenol kept over 70.30% in 48 h continuous treatment. The fixed bed reactor filled with Fe3O4–NH2–PEI–laccase provided a promising avenue for the continuous biodegradation of phenolic compounds for industrial wastewater in practice.
Enhancing bioenergy production from food waste by in situ biomethanation: Effect of the hydrogen injection point
Authors: Okoro‐Shekwaga Cynthia Kusin , Ross Andrew , Camargo‐Valero Miller Alonso
Published: May 2021

The increasing rate of food waste (FW) generation around the world is a growing environmental concern, notwithstanding, its valorisation through anaerobic digestion (AD) makes it a potential resource. Moreover, there is a growing demand to optimise the biomethane from AD for gas‐to‐grid (GtG) and vehicular applications. This has spurred researches on hydrogen gas (H2) injection into AD systems to enhance the biological conversion of H2 and carbon dioxide (CO2) to methane (CH4), a process known as biomethanation. A simplistic approach for biomethanation is to add H2 directly into working AD reactors (in situ biomethanation). However, a competition for the injected H2 towards other biological reactions besides H2/CO2 conversion to CH4 could follow, thus, reducing the efficiency of the system. Hence, this study was conducted to understand how different H2 injection points would affect H2/CO2 conversion to CH4 during FW in situ biomethanation, to identify an optimal injection point. Experiments were designed using H2 equivalent to 5% of the head‐space of the AD reactor at three injection points representing different stages of AD: before volatile fatty acids (VFA) accumulation, during VFA accumulation and at depleted VFA intermediates. Lower potential for competitive H2 consumption before the accumulation of VFA enabled a high H2/CO2 conversion to CH4. However, enhanced competition for soluble substrates during VFA accumulation reduced the efficiency of H2/CO2 conversion to CH4 when H2 was added at this stage. In general, 12%, 4% and 10% CH4 increases as well as 39%, 25% and 34% CO2 removal were obtained for H2 added before VFA accumulation, during VFA accumulation and at depleted VFA intermediates, respectively. For immediate integration of biomethanation with existing AD facilities, it is suggested that the required H2 be obtained biologically by dark fermentation.