bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing competency frameworks using natural language processing: An exploratory study
Authors: Garman Andrew N. , Erwin Taylor S. , Garman Tyler R. , Kim Dae Hyun
Published: July 2021

Background

Competency models provide useful frameworks for organizing learning and assessment programs, but their construction is both time intensive and subject to perceptual biases. Some aspects of model development may be particularly well‐suited to automation, specifically natural language processing (NLP), which could also help make them more generalizable and thus more learner‐centric.

Aims

In this study, we sought to evaluate the potential for NLP techniques be applied to competency framework development.

Materials & Methods

Using NLP, we developed a set of new competency frameworks from a sample of existing leadership competency models from the health professions (e.g. nursing, medicine, healthcare management, social work, spiritual care). We then arranged for a human reviewer who was blind to the frameworks’ sources to evaluate their relative coherence.

Results

The human‐developed frameworks tended to be viewed as more coherent than the NLP‐generated frameworks, however the coherence advantage was greatest for the least complex models, and there was no apparent advantage in the most complex model we tested.

Discussion

Although NLP did not consistently outperform the human‐developed model structures, the pattern of results suggested directions for further model refinement and future study.

Conclusion

Replicating this research with a broader sample of competency models will be important for establishing whether the observed relationship between NLP performance and model size is a more widely generalizable principle.
Centriole is the pivot co‐ordinating dynamic signaling for cell proliferation and organization during early development in the vertebrates
Authors: Jayarajan Roopasree O. ,   Adivitiya , Chakraborty Soura , Kateriya Suneel , Veleri Shobi
Published: July 2021

Vertebrates have an elaborate and functionally segmented body. It evolves from a single cell by systematic cell proliferation but attains a complex body structure with exquisite precision. This development requires two cellular events: cell cycle and ciliogenesis. For these events, the dynamic molecular signaling is converged at the centriole. The cell cycle helps in cell proliferation and growth of the body and is a highly regulated and integrated process. Its errors cause malignancies and developmental disorders. The cells newly proliferated are organized during organogenesis. For a cellular organization, dedicated signaling hubs are developed in the cells, and most often cilia are utilized. The cilium is generated from one of the centrioles involved in cell proliferation. The developmental signaling pathways hosted in cilia are essential for the elaboration of the body plan. The cilium's compartmental seclusion is ideal for noise‐free molecular signaling and is essential for the precision of the body layout. The dysfunctional centrioles and primary cilia distort the development of body layout that manifest as serious developmental disorders. Thus, centriole has a dual role in the growth and cellular organization. It organizes dynamically expressed molecules of cell cycle and ciliogenesis and plays a balancing act to generate new cells and organize them during development. A putative master molecule may regulate and co‐ordinate the dynamic gene expression at the centrioles. The convergence of many critical signaling components at the centriole reiterates the idea that centriole is a major molecular workstation involved in elaborating the structural design and complexity in vertebrates.
A case of lip edema caused by the accidental ingestion of a bar of soap
Authors: Fujihara Tatsuya , Ishida Ryosuke , Yamamori Yuji
Published: July 2021

The most common symptom following the accidental ingestion of a soap is lip edema. Although most cases are asymptomatic or exhibit mild symptoms, in some cases, aspiration pneumonia, oropharyngeal edema, and bronchial obstruction may be fatal.
Suspected Bartonella osteomyelitis in a dog
Authors: Easley Frankie , Taylor Lindsay , B. Breitschwerdt Edward
Published: July 2021

Bartonella associated osteomyelitis, while described in humans and a cat, has to our knowledge not been described in dogs. Infection with Bartonella spp. should be considered as a potential bacterial cause of osteomyelitis in dogs.
Additional ablation effect of low‐speed rotational atherectomy following high‐speed rotational atherectomy on early calcified in‐stent restenosis: A case report
Authors: Hamana Tomoyo , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Sawada Takahiro , Kawai Hiroya , Takaya Tomofumi
Published: July 2021

Optical frequency domain imaging‐guided additional low‐speed rotational atherectomy following sufficient high‐speed rotational atherectomy for early calcified in‐stent restenosis might be a safe and useful option for achieving additional large lumen gains and stent expansion.
Bier block as a successful management of a patient with intractable complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type 1: A case report
Authors: Emami Seyed Ali , Majedi Hossein , Espahbodi Ebrahim , Sanatkar Mehdi
Published: July 2021

Bier block was successful in the pain management of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type 1.
Cor‐Knot automated fastener in distal anastomosis of total aortic arch replacement: A case report
Authors: Sharaf Omar M. , Martin Tomas D. , Jeng Eric I.
Published: July 2021

Cor‐Knot fastener use in sternotomy‐based aortic arch procedures has not been reported. We present Cor‐Knot fastener use over a Hegar dilator in an anatomically challenging total aortic arch replacement with no short‐term and/or long‐term complications.
P/N Co‐doped Carbon Nanotubes with Dominated Capacity‐controlled Absorption Effect Enabling Superior Potassium Storage
Authors: Xiong Shuangsheng , Jiang Yang , Liang Wenjing , Deng Shuolei , Wang Yuanzhe , Luan Sunrui , Chen Rongna , Hou Li , Zhang Zhengguang , Gao Faming
Published: July 2021

Carbonaceous materials are considered to be the most promising anode materials of Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs). However, for most carbon‐based PIBs anode materials reported so far, they usually deliver low reversible capacities, insufficient cycle life and poor rate capability. In this work, we report a novel P/N co‐doped carbon nanotube (PNCNTs) material as the anode material for PIBs. The material with fully exposed active edges and open fast ion/electron transfer structure can effectively shorten the K+ transfer distance. Furthermore, the P/N co‐doping provides abundant electrochemical active adsorption sites and extended interlayer spacing, which facilitates the rapid insertion/removal of K+, increases the surface charge capacity and maintains the structural stability of the electrode material. As expected, when used as the anode material for PIBs, PNCNTs exhibited a high specific capacity (612.2 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1), excellent rate capability (190, 183 and 165 mA h g−1 at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 A g−1 after 500 cycles, respectively) as well as remarkable long‐term cycling stability (162 mA h g−1 at 2.0 A g−1 after 1400 cycles). Through further kinetic analysis and a simple first‐principles calculation, we revealed the dominated capacity‐controlled absorption mechanism of potassium storage in PNCNTs.
Dicyano‐Imidazole: A Facile Generation of Pure Blue TADF Materials for OLEDs
Authors: Yi Rong‐Huei , Liu Guan‐Yang , Luo Yan‐Teng , Wang Wei‐Yu , Tsai Han‐Yu , Lin Chien‐Hsiang , Shen Hsiang‐Ling , Chang Chih‐Hao , Lu Chin‐Wei
Published: July 2021

A series of dicyano‐imidazole‐based molecules with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties were synthesized to obtain pure blue‐emitting organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). The targeted molecules used dicyano‐imidazole with a short‐conjugated system as the electron acceptor to strong intermolecular π‐π interactions, and provide a relatively shallow energy level of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO). The cyano group was selected to improve imidazole as an electron acceptor due to its prominent electron‐transporting characteristics. Four different electron donors, that is, 9,9‐dimethyl‐9,10‐dihydroacridine (DMAC), 10H‐spiro(acridine‐9,9’‐fluoren) (SPAC), and 9,9‐diphenyl‐9,10‐dihydroacridine (DPAC), were used to alternate the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level to tune the emission color further. The crowded molecular structure in space makes the electron donor and acceptor almost orthogonal, reducing the energy gap (ΔEST) between the first excited singlet (S1) and the triplet (T1) states and introducing significant TADF property. The efficiencies of the blue‐emissive devices with imM‐SPAC and imM‐DMAC obtained in this work are the highest among the reported imidazole‐based TADF‐OLEDs, which are 13.8 % and 13.4 %, respectively. Both of Commission Internationale de l′Eclairage (CIE) coordinates are close to the saturated blue region at (0.17, 0.18) and (0.16, 0.19), respectively. Combining these tailor‐made TADF compounds with specific device architectures, electroluminescent (EL) emission from sky‐blue to deep‐blue could be achieved, proving their great potential in EL applications.
A Water Molecule Triggers Guest Exchange at a Mono‐Zinc Centre Confined in a Biomimetic Calixarene Pocket: a Model for Understanding Ligand Stability in Zn Proteins
Authors: Brunetti Emilio , Marcelis Lionel , Zhurkin Fedor E. , Luhmer Michel , Jabin Ivan , Reinaud Olivia , Bartik Kristin
Published: July 2021

In this study, the ligand exchange mechanism at a biomimetic ZnIIcentre, embedded in a pocket mimicking the possible constrains induced by a proteic structure, is explored. The residence time of different guest ligands (dimethylformamide, acetonitrile and ethanol) inside the cavity of a calix[6]arene‐based tris(imidazole) tetrahedral zinc complex was probed using 1D EXchange SpectroscopY NMR experiments. A strong dependence of residence time on water content was observed with no exchange occurring under anhydrous conditions, even in the presence of a large excess of guest ligand. These results advocate for an associative exchange mechanism involving the transient exo‐coordination of a water molecule, giving rise to 5‐coordinate ZnIIintermediates, and inversion of the pyramid at the ZnIIcentre. Theoretical modelling by DFT confirmed that the associative mechanism is at stake. These results are particularly relevant in the context of the understanding of kinetic stability/lability in Zn proteins and highlight the key role that a single water molecule can play in catalysing ligand exchange and controlling the lability of ZnIIin proteins.
Investigation of the interaction between nanoparticles, asphaltenes, and silica surfaces by real‐time quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation
Authors: Montoya Tatiana , Jaiswal Archana , Nassar Nashaat N.
Published: July 2021

The effects of nanofluids as wettability alternators and inhibitors of asphaltene precipitation and formation damage were studied in this work. Silicate‐based nanoparticles with different chemical surfaces, named neutral (NN), basic (BN), and acidic (AN), dispersed in NaCl brine were tested to observe their interactions with n‐C7 asphaltenes and silica surfaces using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM‐D). The properties of nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, BET, TPD, and HRTEM. Heptol 70 asphaltenes, pre‐adsorbed/deposited on SiO2 sensors were used for studying the concentration effect of 10 nm‐sized BN‐based nanofluids, which exhibited a decreasing trend in frequency shift in the following order 1 > 10 > 25 mg/L. For toluene asphaltenes, the frequency shifts in BN nanofluids changed with the following order of concentration 100 > 150 > 50 > 25 mg/L. The effect of particle size on frequency shift, tested for toluene asphaltenes demonstrated the following order 10 > 99 > 45 > 20 nm BN. A cycle injection test between asphaltenes and a nanofluid solution was performed to evaluate the effect of the nanoparticles in a sequence injection. Wettability alteration was assessed before and after nanofluid injection using contact angle measurements, which resulted in a decrease after nanofluid injection. In addition, atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements were performed on some of the samples to support the findings. The QSense data analysis software Q‐Tools was used to determine the thickness of the layer before and after the injection of nanofluids; the trend was similar to the change in frequency for all parameters. Finally, brine‐based nanofluids with 10 nm‐sized BN at 1 and 100 mg/L were more effective in treating the deposited asphaltenes in heptol 70 and toluene, respectively.
Experimental studies of catalyst deactivation due to carbon and sulphur during CO2 reforming of CH4 over Ni washcoated monolith in the presence of H2S
Authors: Pawar Vivek , Ponugoti Prakash V. , Janardhanan Vinod M. , Appari Srinivas
Published: July 2021

This study presents the CO2 reforming of CH4 over Ni coated monolith catalyst at 800°C and 101.325 kPa. The high CH4 to CO2 ratio employed in this study is similar to the CH4:CO2 ratio of >1 found in biogas. Cordierite monolith samples (0.258 channels per m2) washcoated with alumina are used for the experimental purpose. The study considers the combined deactivation effect due to sulphur poisoning and fouling due to carbon deposition. Four different cases with respect to the introduction and removal of H2S are considered. The rate of deactivation due to simultaneous carbon deposition and sulphur poisoning is much faster than the individual poisoning processes. The catalyst shows almost stable operation for 6 h without the presence of in the feed stream. From the conversion studies, it appears that the pre‐treatment of catalyst samples with H2S leads to negligible sulphur coverage. The sulphur poisoning effect is also found to be reversible.
Gelation Kinetics‐Structure Analysis of pH‐triggered Low Molecular Weight Hydrogelators
Authors: Lakshminarayanan Vasudevan , Chockalingam Cindhuja , Mendes Eduardo , van Esch Jan H.
Published: July 2021

Properties such as shear modulus, gelation time, structure of supramolecular hydrogels are strongly dependent on self‐assembly, gelation triggering mechanism and processes used to form the gel. In our work we extend reported rheology analysis methodologies to pH‐triggered supramolecular gels to understand structural insight using a model system based on N−N’ Dibenzoyl‐L‐Cystine pH‐triggered hydrogelator and Glucono‐δ‐Lactone as the trigger. We observed that Avrami growth model when applied to time‐sweep rheological data of gels formed at lower trigger concentrations provide estimates of fractal dimension which agree well compared with visualization of the microstructure as seen via Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, for a range of gelator concentrations.
Damped dust‐ion‐acoustic solitons in collisional magnetized nonthermal plasmas
Authors: Hassan Md. Rakib , Sultana S.
Published: July 2021

A multispecies magnetized collisional nonthermal plasma system, containing inertial ion species, noninertial electron species following nonthermal ‐distribution, and immobile dust particles, is considered to examine the characteristics of the dissipative dust‐ion‐acoustic soliton modes, theoretically and parametrically. The electrostatic solitary modes are found to be associated with the low‐frequency dissipative dust‐ion‐acoustic solitary waves (DIASWs). The ion‐neutral collision is taken into account, and the influence of ion‐neutral collisional effects on the dynamics of dissipative DIASWs is investigated. It is reported that most of the plasma medium in space and laboratory are far from thermal equilibrium, and the particles in such plasma system are well fitted via the ‐nonthermal distribution than via the thermal Maxwellian distribution. The reductive perturbation approach is adopted to derive the damped KdV (dKdV) equation, and the solitary wave solution of the dKdV equation is derived via the tangent hyperbolic method to analyse the basic features (amplitude, width, speed, time evolution, etc.) of dissipative DIASWs. The propagation nature and also the basic features of dissipative DIASWs are seen to influence significantly due to the variation of the plasma configuration parameters and also due to the variation of the supethermality index in the considered plasma system. The implication of the results of this study could be useful for better understanding the electrostatic localized disturbances, in the ion length and time scale, in space and experimental dusty plasmas, where the presence of excess energetic electrons and ion‐neutral collisional damping are accountable.
Ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid neoplasms with lipomatous stroma: Report of two cases
Authors: Toprak Mesut , Kashi Meena , Hamele‐Bena Diane , Villanueva Jocelyn , Wrzolek Monika , Hoffman Richard , Hiltzik David , Tong Guo‐Xia
Published: July 2021

Thyroid tumors with abundant adipose tissue component are rare, reportedly accounting for 0.98–2.8% of all thyroid nodules, and include entities such as thyroid lipoadenoma and thyroid carcinoma with lipomatous stroma (TCLS). They may be encountered on fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), which is widely used in evaluation of thyroid nodules. However, due to their relative rarity, adipose elements rarely are recognized preoperatively in these tumors. Herein, we report two cases of thyroid tumors with abundant adipose tissue, along with cytologic, histologic, and ultrasonographic features. Although an intermixture of adipose tissue and thyroid follicular cells is the key cytologic feature of thyroid tumors with adipose stroma, other cytologic findings, such as abundant fat droplets or isolated fragments of adipose tissue, also should raise the possibility of a fat‐containing tumor, particularly when a biopsy is performed by a cytopathologist under ultrasonographic guidance and adequate radiologic‐pathologic correlation. Cytopathologists should be aware that overlooking lesional adipose tissue within a thyroid neoplasm might give the false impression of a non‐diagnostic or sparsely cellular FNAB specimen.
Response of avian cavity nesters and carbon dynamics to forest management and climate change in the Northern Rockies
Authors: Walsh Eric S. , Hudiburg Tara W.
Published: July 2021

Forest ecosystem services (e.g., carbon and nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and wood products) in many moisture‐limited systems in the western USA are being impacted by climate change. Maintaining these services, increasing resiliency, and conserving wildlife habitat will depend on climate change adaptive forest management strategies. Studying the impacts of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land management plans on long‐term carbon cycling and wildlife habitat is imperative for evaluating and implementing adaptive management under climate change. In this study, we present the results of an integrated framework of forest landscape and avifauna niche suitability modeling, applied in the northern Rockies of Idaho (NRI). We report on the interactive effects of climate change, fire, and harvest management on carbon cycling and the distribution of suitable habitat of two avian cavity nesters: Flammulated Owl (Psiloscops flammeolus) and American Three‐toed Woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis). The net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB) of the NRI was predicted to be negative (carbon source) at the end of the century, primarily because of harvest removals on privately managed lands. This was despite increases in net ecosystem productivity stimulated by harvest. In contrast, NECB of USFS land was positive throughout the century. This was a direct result of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest Land Management Plan (Plan) objectives that were implemented via harvest prescriptions. Under climate warming, compositional shifts in Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii along with increases in mature/old‐growth forest stands were in agreement with the Plan's objectives. These and additional species composition shifts also maintained the realized niche of the Flammulated Owl and increased the potential niche of the American Three‐toed Woodpecker on USFS land by the end of the century. These projections highlight the potential for the NRI to remain viable wildlife habitat in a warming climate and to sequester carbon. The research demonstrates the benefits of an integration modeling framework as a tool to evaluate multi‐objective forest management directives.
Spatial turnover of multiple ecosystem functions is more associated with plant than soil microbial β‐diversity
Authors: Jing Xin , Prager Case M. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Gotelli Nicholas J. , Gruner Daniel S. , He Jin‐Sheng , Kirkman Kevin , MacDougall Andrew S. , McCulley Rebecca L. , Prober Suzanne M. , Seabloom Eric W. , Stevens Carly J. , Classen Aimée T. , Sanders Nathan J.
Published: July 2021

Biodiversity—both above‐ and belowground—influences multiple functions in terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, it is unclear whether differences in above‐ and belowground species composition (β‐diversity) are associated with differences in multiple ecosystem functions (e.g., spatial turnover in ecosystem function). Here, we partitioned the contributions of above‐ and belowground β‐diversity and abiotic factors (geographic distance, differences in environments) on the spatial turnover of multiple grassland ecosystem functions. We compiled a dataset of plant and soil microbial communities and six indicators of grassland ecosystem functions (i.e., plant aboveground live biomass, plant nitrogen [N], plant phosphorus [P], root biomass, soil total N, and soil extractable P) from 18 grassland sites on four continents contributing to the Nutrient Network experiment. We used Mantel tests and structural equation models to disentangle the relationship between above‐ and belowground β‐diversity and spatial turnover in grassland ecosystem functions. We found that the effects of abiotic factors on the spatial turnover of ecosystem functions were largely indirect through their influences on above‐ and belowground β‐diversity, and that spatial turnover of ecosystem function was more strongly associated with plant β‐diversity than with soil microbial β‐diversity. These results indicate that changes in above‐ and belowground species composition are one mechanism that interacts with environmental change to determine variability in multiple ecosystem functions across spatial scales. As grasslands face global threats from shrub encroachment, conversion to agriculture, or are lost to development, the functions and services they provide will more strongly converge with increased aboveground community homogenization than with soil microbial community homogenization.
Hyperglycaemia increases mortality risk in non‐diabetic patients with COVID‐19 even more than in diabetic patients
Authors: Morse Jennifer , Gay Wendy , Korwek Kimberly M. , McLean Laura E. , Poland Russell E. , Guy Jeffrey , Sands Kenneth , Perlin Jonathan B.
Published: July 2021

Aim

Diabetes has been identified as a risk factor for poor outcomes in patients with COVID‐19. We examined the association of hyperglycaemia, both in the presence and absence of pre‐existing diabetes, with severity and outcomes in COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

Data from 74,148 COVID‐19‐positive inpatients with at least one recorded glucose measurement during their inpatient episode were analysed for presence of pre‐existing diabetes diagnosis and any glucose values in the hyperglycaemic range (>180 mg/dl).

Results

Among patients with and without a pre‐existing diabetes diagnosis on admission, mortality was substantially higher in the presence of high glucose measurements versus all measurements in the normal range (70–180 mg/dl) in both groups (non‐diabetics: 21.7% vs. 3.3%; diabetics 14.4% vs. 4.3%). When adjusting for patient age, BMI, severity on admission and oxygen saturation on admission, this increased risk of mortality persisted and varied by diabetes diagnosis. Among patients with a pre‐existing diabetes diagnosis, any hyperglycaemic value during the episode was associated with a substantial increase in the odds of mortality (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.52–2.07); among patients without a pre‐existing diabetes diagnosis, this risk nearly doubled (OR: 3.07, 95% CI: 2.79–3.37).

Conclusion

This retrospective analysis identified hyperglycaemia in COVID‐19 patients as an independent risk factor for mortality after adjusting for the presence of diabetes and other known risk factors. This indicates that the extent of glucose control could serve as a mechanism for modifying the risk of COVID‐19 morality in the inpatient environment.
BCL6 BTB‐specific inhibitor reversely represses T‐cell activation, Tfh cells differentiation, and germinal center reaction in vivo
Authors: CAI Yanhui , Poli Adi Narayana Reddy , Vadrevu Surya , Gyampoh Kwasi , Hart Colin , Ross Brian , Fair Matt , Xue Fengtian , Salvino Joseph M. , Montaner Luis J.
Published: July 2021

Inhibition of the BCL6 BTB domain results in killing Diffuse Large B‐cell Lymphoma (DLBL) cells, reducing the T‐cell dependent germinal center (GC) reaction in mice, and reversing GC hyperplasia in nonhuman primates. The available BCL6 BTB‐specific inhibitors are poorly water soluble, thus, limiting their absorption in vivo and our understanding of therapeutic strategy targeting GC. We synthesized a prodrug (AP‐4‐287) from a potent BCL6 BTB inhibitor (FX1) with improved aqueous solubility and pharmacokinetics (PK) in mice. We also evaluated its in vivo biological activity on humoral immune responses using the sheep red blood cells (SRBC)‐vaccination mouse model. AP‐4‐287 had a significant higher aqueous solubility and was readily converted to FX1 in vivo after intraperitoneally (i.p.) administration, but a shorter half‐life in vivo. Importantly, AP‐4‐287 treatment led to a reversible effect on (1) the reduction in the frequency of splenic Ki67+ CD4+ T cells, Tfh cells, and GC B cells; (2) lower GC formation following vaccination; and (3) a decrease in the titers of antigen‐specific IgG and IgM antibodies. Our study advances the preclinical development of drug targeting BCL6 BTB domain for the treatment of diseases that are associated with abnormal BCL6 elevation.
Stereodivergent Total Syntheses of (+)‐Monomorine I and (+)‐Indolizidine 195B
Authors: Dawood Rafid S. , Stockman Robert A.
Published: July 2021

A simple and efficient stereoselective total syntheses of two natural products (+)‐monomorine I and (+)‐indolizidine 195B in high yields starting from a readily available alcohol is described. The key step in this synthetic route exploits the judicious use of solvent to enable a closed or open transition state in a nucleophilic addition of Grignard reagent to sulfinimine, giving selective access to two distinct diastereomers required for the formation of the two target natural products.
Model Studies on the Enzyme‐Regulated Stereodivergent Cascade Passerini Reaction
Authors: Wilk Monika , Brodzka Anna , Koszelewski Dominik , Samsonowicz‐Górski Jan , Ostaszewski Ryszard
Published: July 2021

The synthesis of chiral α‐acyloxy carboxamides containing two stereogenic centers continues to be a challenging field of organic chemistry. Herein, we have proposed and proved the feasibility of an enzyme regulated‐cascade reaction, which using the same substrates enables the formation of individual stereoisomers of α‐acyloxy carboxamides with up to 99 % ee. The access to the individual stereoisomeric products has been achieved by a combination of the enzymatic kinetic resolution of racemic vinyl esters, subsequent Passerini reaction, and enzymatic kinetic resolution of formed α‐acyloxy carboxamides. The presented studies are promising in exploratory proof‐of‐concept of enzyme‐controlled stereodivergent cascade to form an important class of chiral compounds for medicinal chemistry.
Electrochemical Biosensors Based on Micro‐fabricated Devices for Point‐of‐Care Testing: A Review
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Zhou Nandi
Published: July 2021

Point‐of‐care testing (POCT) is becoming a hot research topic that allows rapid, on‐site, and non‐professional measurements outside the central laboratory. The micro‐fabricated devices prepared by various micro‐machining technologies have shown the advantages of low reagent consumption, high‐throughput samples, and wearability. This review presents the recent progress of electrochemical biosensors based on various micro‐fabricated devices for POCT and the corresponding electrochemical techniques. Signal amplification strategies based on enzyme and nanotechnology are also illustrated for the more sensitive POCT applications of these micro‐fabricated devices. Consequently, the trends and challenges of electrochemical biosensors based on micro‐fabricated devices in POCT diagnosis are discussed.
Electrochemiluminescence Single‐cell Analysis on Nanostructured Interface
Authors: Zhou Juanhua , Zhang Shiyu , Liu Yang
Published: July 2021

Due to the heterogeneity of single cells, the development of single‐cell analysis methods is conducive to the research of cellular mechanisms, clinical diagnosis, and treatment. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) has the advantage of being controllable in time and space. Compared with spectroscopy, ECL does not require a light source, thus avoiding the interference of scattered light and luminescent impurities. Therefore, ECL is playing an increasingly important role in the field of single‐cell analysis. In ECL single‐cell analysis, it is important to construct a suitable nanostructure interface to realize signal conversion. This review first briefly introduced the ECL system commonly used in single‐cell analysis, then focused on the recent developments in ECL single‐cell analysis on nanostructure interface, finally discussed the future challenges and outlooks of ECL single‐cell analysis.
An intelligent novel approach for diesel engine life monitoring using infrared image processing technic
Authors: P. Baranitharan , S. Kumanan , S. Sudhagar
Published: July 2021

This investigation is carried out as an effort to apply infrared thermography for assessing diesel engine life monitoring. The thermal image from engine operation is quantified via applying image processing to evaluation engine life in terms of pixel values and it is associated with engine heat release rate (HRR) and oxides of nitrogen emission (NOx). The area of cylinder head heat (CHH) from infrared image and engine life possess inverse correlation. Engine analysis was conducted on direct injection, four‐stroke, and single‐cylinder diesel engine with a constant speed of 1500 rpm and a standard compression ratio of 17.5:1 at varying engine load (W) conditions. The engine behavior and infrared (IR) image processing analysis resulting from Aegle marmelos pyrolysis oil‐diesel opus (A20) was compared with neat diesel. Engine experimental and image processing output responses reveal that A20 fuel opus is suggested to attain the enhanced engine life as compared with diesel fuel.
Optimization of a three‐dimensional electrochemical process with granular activated carbon for diclofenac removal using response surface methodology
Authors: Mohammadi Sahar , Shirmohammadi Reza , Pakan Mahyar , Ghasempour Roghayeh , Alighardashi Abolghasem
Published: July 2021

In this study, a three‐dimensional electrochemical process with aluminum electrodes in the presence of granular activated carbon derived from walnut shell (WGAC) was employed to remove Diclofenac from synthetic water. Optimum operating conditions were determined using response surface methodology, also, an empirical relationship was established between response and independent variables (activated carbon amount, contact time, pH, and electrolyte concentration). The results showed that activated carbon amount and NaCl concentration were the most influential factors on the removal efficiency, and the most significant factor affecting electrical energy was NaCl concentration. Additionally, three‐dimensional electrochemical process with granular activated carbon has the potential to work in the pH range from 1 to 9. The optimal conditions to gain maximum removal efficiency and minimum electrical energy were determined to be 4.36 g granular activated carbon, 40 min contact time, and 4390 ppm of NaCl. In addition, to show the physical characteristics of activated carbon, the field emission scanning electron microscopy and BET analysis were applied, and Spectrophotometric technique was used to determine diclofenac concentration. Considering high removal efficiency and low electrical energy consumption, the three‐dimensional electrochemical process with WGAC can be considered a cost‐effective and practicable method to remove diclofenac from water and wastewater.
Aroma active alkylated pyrazines are produced by Basfia succiniciproducens as by‐products of succinic acid production
Authors: Birk Florian , Brescia Fabio F. , Fraatz Marco A. , Pelzer Ralf , Zorn Holger
Published: July 2021

Culture supernatants of Basfia succiniciproducens derived from the industrial production of succinic acid exhibit an intense nutty, root vegetable‐like, buttery and sourish smell. By means of headspace‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐olfactometry (HS‐GC‐MS‐O), 14 odour‐active compounds were perceived and identified using two GC‐columns of different polarity and comparison of retention indices and mass spectra to those of authentic reference compounds. Several alkylated pyrazines, including 2,3,5‐trimethylpyrazine, 5‐ethyl‐2,3‐dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5,6‐tetramethylpyrazine, 2,3,5‐trimethyl‐6‐ethylpyrazine, 2,3,5‐trimethyl‐6‐propylpyrazine and 2,3,5‐trimethyl‐6‐butylpyrazine were found to contribute to the aroma of the culture supernatant. Quantitation of the pyrazines was performed by means of dynamic headspace‐GC‐MS after standard addition, and 2,3,5,6‐tetramethylpyrazine (9.10 mg/L) was the most abundant compound. Waste streams of the biotechnological production of commodity chemicals may thus represent a sustainable resource for the isolation of aroma compounds.
Thermosolutal Marangoni convection of Bingham non‐Newtonian fluids within inclined lid‐driven enclosures full of porous media
Authors: Ahmed Sameh E. , Oztop Hakan F. , Elshehabey Hillal M.
Published: July 2021

Multiconvection modes together with the entropy generation due to Marangoni effects, movement of the side walls, and double‐diffusive convection within lid‐driven enclosures filled by a porous medium are examined. The current flow domain is an inclined non‐Darcy porous geometry having a top free surface where linear expressions in terms of the temperature and concentration are presented for the surface tension. The dynamic viscosity of the suspension has an exponential profile and the convective boundary conditions are taken into account. The finite volume method in which values of the pressure are computed using the SIMPLE algorithm is applied to solve the governing system. The non‐Newtonian Bingham fluids are applied for different governing parameters, such as Grashof number, Reynolds number, Marangoni number, Darcy number, inclination angle of the cavity, Biot number, Bingham number, and geometrical parameters. It is observed that a rise in the Bingham number from 0 to 0.5 causes a decrease in the average Bejan number up to 4.77%. Also, the averaged and mixing temperatures are augmented as the inclination angle is altered, regardless values of the Biot number.
Zur Ansprache des “Verkrautungszustandes” in Fließgewässern
Authors: Niemann E.
Published: July 2021

Vorgestellt wird ein einfaches Verfahren zur schnellen und gleichzeitig differenzierten Ansprache des Vcrkrautungszustandes von Fließgewässern für Zwecke der wasserwirtschaftlichen Praxis sowie zur ökologischen Beurteilung des Gewässers. Das Verfahren beruht auf der getrennten Bestimmung von Verkrautungsform und Verkrautungsgrad mit Hilfe eines Schlüssels, wobei die Verkrautungsform eine Synthese aus ökologischen und hydraulischen Einheiten darstellt. Die häufigsten Verkrautungsformen werden anhand von Bildern, die Anwendung anhand von Beispielen dargestellt.
Methods of Analyzing Quinones in Water and Their Application in Studying the Effects of Hydrophytes on Phenols. Part 3: Phenol Elimination under the Action of Aquatic Plants
Authors: Stom D. J. , Timofeeva S. S. , Kashina N. F. , Bielykh L. J. , Souslov S. N. , Boutoeov V. V. , Apartzin M. S.
Published: July 2021

In two test series, for which 10 and 2 … 4 g/1 wet matter of higher and lower aquatic plants from the lake Baikal and from the waters in the surroundings of Irkutsk were used, phenol solutions having concentrations of 10−3 … 10−5 M (1 … 5 mg/1) were applied. During the investigations the possible error clue to the presence of microorganisms was eliminated. The phenol decomposition by aquatic plants proceeds as a first‐order reaction. The results of analyses are summarized in several tables and graphical representations.
Environmental Effects on the Toxicity of Methyl Mercuric Chloride toChorella vulgaris.
Authors: Rai L. C. , Dey R.
Published: July 2021

The effect of different concentrations, viz. 0.01, 0.001 and 0.0001 ppm of methyl mercuric chloride on survival, growth behaviour and chlorophyll content ofChlorella vulgarishas been studied under various environmental conditions. Methyl mercury at 0.01 ppm is 100% toxic to the test alga. At a sublethal (0.001 ppm) dose of CH3HgCl, Chlorophyll a was more inhibited than Chlorophyll b. Toxicity was found to be very much under the influence of pH as at acid pH growth is highly reduced by a sublethal concentration, whereas the same concentration does not have an inhibitory influence in the alkaline range of pH. Eutrophic waters seem to reduce the heavy metal toxicity in general.
Die Nutzung des Wassers aus den Tagebauen nördlich Leipzigs
Authors: Arnold K.‐H.
Published: July 2021

Außerordentlich große Wassermengen werden bei der Entwässerung der Tagebaue gehoben, aber bisher nur zu einem geringen Teil unmittelbar für die Wasserversorgung genutzt. Die planmäßige und abgestimmte Nutzung der Naturressourcen verlangt die Prüfung der Möglichkeiten zur Nutzbarmachung zumindest eines Teiles dieser Wässer für die Trinkwasserversorgung besonders in Ballungsgebieten. Auf Grund der besonderen geologischen Gegebenheiten im Raum nördlich Leipzigs bestehen günstige Voraussetzungen. Maßnahmen zum Schutze und der Nutzung dieser Wässer sind eingeleitet. Bauaufwand und technische Ausrüstungen für die Wasserversorgung sind den Besonderheiten der Tagebauwasserbereitstellung anzupassen.
Microfluidic fabrication of imageable and resorbable polyethylene glycol microspheres for catheter embolization
Authors: Vogt Kyle , Aryan Lavanya , Stealey Samuel , Hall Andrew , Pereira Kieth , Zustiak Silviya P.
Published: July 2021

Radiopaque and degradable hydrogel microspheres have a range of potential uses in medicine including proper placement of embolic material during occlusion procedures, acting as inherently embolic materials, and serving as drug carriers that can be located after injection. Current methods for creating radiopaque microspheres are either unable to fully and homogeneously incorporate radiopaque material throughout the microspheres for optimal imaging capabilities, do not result in degradable or fully compressible microspheres, or require elaborate, time‐consuming preparation. We used a simple one‐step microfluidic method to fabricate imageable, degradable polyethylene glycol (PEG) microspheres of varying sizes with homogenous dispersion of barium sulfate—a biocompatible, high‐radiopacity contrast agent. The imageability of the microspheres was characterized using optical microscopy and microcomputed tomography as a function of barium sulfate loading. Microspheres with 20% wt/vol barium sulfate had a mean CT attenuation value of 1,510 HU, similar to that of cortical bone, which should enable visualization with soft tissue. Compared with unloaded microspheres, barium sulfate‐loaded ones saw an increase in gelation and degradation times and storage modulus and decrease in swelling. Imageable microspheres retained compressibility and were injectable via catheter. The developed radiopaque, degradable PEG microspheres have various potential uses for interventional radiologists and imaging laboratories.
Influence of enantiomeric polylysine grafted on gold nanorods on the uptake and inflammatory response of bone marrow‐derived macrophages in vitro
Authors: Ahmed Wajiha , Zhang Haolan , Gao Changyou
Published: July 2021

The macrophages take significant roles in homeostasis, phagocytosis of pathogenic organisms, and modulation of host defense and inflammatory processes. In this study, the enantiomeric poly‐D‐lysine (PDL) and poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) were conjugated to gold nanorods (AuNRs) to study their influence on the polarization of macrophages. The AuNRs capped with cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) (AuNRs@CTAB) exhibited larger toxicity to macrophages when their concentration was higher than 50 μg/ml, whereas the AuNRs@PDL and AuNRs@PLL showed neglectable toxicity at the same concentration compared with the control. The AuNRs@PDL and AuNRs@PLL were internalized into the macrophages with a higher value than the AuNRs@CTAB as revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) characterization. Unlike the grafted PDL/PLL on flat substrates, the AuNRs@PDL and AuNRs@PLL were not able to polarize M0 macrophages to any other phenotype after internalization as confirmed by ELISA, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy analysis. Nonetheless, the expression of M1 phenotype markers was reduced after the internalization of AuNRs@PDL and AuNRs@PLL by M1 macrophages. The assays of ELISA, flow cytometry, and reactive oxygen species levels exhibited decrease in inflammation of the M1 macrophages.
Glyoxylate reductase/hydroxypyruvate reductase regulates the free d‐aspartate level in mammalian cells
Authors: Katane Masumi , Matsuda Satsuki , Saitoh Yasuaki , Miyamoto Tetsuya , Sekine Masae , Sakai‐Kato Kumiko , Homma Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

Multiple d‐amino acids are present in mammalian cells, and these compounds have distinctive physiological functions. Among the free d‐amino acids identified in mammals, d‐aspartate plays critical roles in the neuroendocrine and endocrine systems, as well as in the central nervous system. Mammalian cells have the molecular apparatus necessary to take up, degrade, synthesize, and release d‐aspartate. In particular, d‐aspartate is degraded by d‐aspartate oxidase (DDO), a peroxisome‐localized enzyme that catalyzes the oxidative deamination of d‐aspartate to generate oxaloacetate, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying d‐aspartate homeostasis in cells. In this study, we established a cell line that overexpresses cytoplasm‐localized DDO; this cell line cannot survive in the presence of high concentrations of d‐aspartate, presumably because high levels of toxic hydrogen peroxide are produced by metabolism of abundant d‐aspartate by DDO in the cytoplasm, where hydrogen peroxide cannot be removed due to the absence of catalase. Next, we transfected these cells with a complementary DNA library derived from the human brain and screened for clones that affected d‐aspartate metabolism and improved cell survival, even when the cells were challenged with high concentrations of d‐aspartate. The screen identified a clone of glyoxylate reductase/hydroxypyruvate reductase (GRHPR). Moreover, the GRHPR metabolites glyoxylate and hydroxypyruvate inhibited the enzymatic activity of DDO. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of GRHPR and peroxisome‐localized DDO on d‐ and l‐aspartate levels in cultured mammalian cells. Our findings show that GRHPR contributes to the homeostasis of these amino acids in mammalian cells.
Recommendations for improving adolescent addiction recovery support in six northwest tribal communities
Authors: Whelshula Martina M. , LaPlante Debi A. , Nelson Sarah E. , Gray Heather M.
Published: July 2021

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities offer tangible and intangible resources, including centuries of indigenous wisdom and resiliency, to support their young people in recovery from substance use disorders. At the same time, tribal youth returning home from residential or inpatient treatment are vulnerable to relapse, especially if they encounter the same environmental triggers in which their substance misuse developed. This study endeavored to learn about community stakeholder perceptions of existing strengths and needs for supporting recovering adolescents among six tribal communities of the Inland Northwest. Using a Tribal Participatory Research approach, we conducted Group Level Assessments with key stakeholders representing educators/coaches, medical and behavioral health providers, social service providers, cultural leaders/elders, and legal professionals among each participating tribe (N = 166). We used content analysis to identify emergent themes among participants' recommendations for improving recovery support. The five emergent themes were (1) Communication, Collaboration, and Accountability among Tribal Departments and Agencies; (2) Community‐wide Education; (3) The Importance of Providing Wraparound/Supportive Services; (4) Youth‐focused Education, Services, and Events; and (5) Recovery Coaching Model. AI/AN culture was infused within nearly all recommendations for improving recovery support that composed these themes. We discuss specific ways to implement these recommendations, including the forthcoming development of a culturally‐grounded community‐wide mental health training program developed specifically for, and with, these tribes.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of N‐Acetylcysteine in Pediatric Patients With Inherited Metabolic Disorders Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
Authors: Sahasrabudhe Siddhee A. , Kartha Reena V. , Ng Michelle , Basso Lisa M. , Mishra Usha , Cloyd James C. , Orchard Paul J. , Brundage Richard C. , Coles Lisa D.
Published: July 2021

N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) has been used in patients with cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy as an antioxidant agent in association with hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). However, an understanding of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of intravenous NAC dosing in these patients is limited. If and how NAC pharmacokinetics change following the transplant is unknown. Toward that end, a total of 260 blood samples obtained from 18 pediatric patients with inherited metabolic disorders who underwent HSCT were included in a population pharmacokinetic analysis using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling. NAC clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (V) were explored on 3 occasions: –7, +7, and +21 days relative to transplant. Additionally, the effect of transplant procedure on NAC disposition was explored by accounting for between‐occasion variability. The covariate OCC was modeled as a fixed‐effect parameter on CL and/or V1. A 2‐compartment model adequately described the pharmacokinetics of total NAC. Weight‐based allometric scaling on pharmacokinetic parameters was assumed using standard coefficients. Estimates for CL, central (V1), and peripheral volume (V2), and intercompartment clearance were 14.7 L/h, 23.2 L, 17.1 L, 3.99 L/h, respectively, for a 70‐kg person. The data only supported between‐subject variability in CL (12%) and V1 (41%). Residual variability was estimated to be 16%. HSCT did not change CL and V1 significantly, and analysis across occasions did not reveal any trends. Pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were in general comparable to those reported previously in different populations. These results suggest that dosing of NAC does not need to be altered following HSCT.