bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Critical Race Theory to Understand Trial Participation Among Black Individuals With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Qualitative Study of Patients and Caregivers
Authors: Sneed Rodlescia S. , Mason Maryann , Williams Jessica N. , Sinnette Corine , Taber Kreager , Mancera‐Cuevas Karen , Curry Gina , Canessa Patricia , Ramsey‐Goldman Rosalind , Feldman Candace H.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Black patients with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) experience greater disease incidence and severity than White patients, and yet they are underrepresented in SLE clinical trials. We applied Critical Race Theory to qualitatively explore the influence of racism on the underrepresentation of Black patients in SLE clinical trials and to develop a framework for future intervention.

Methods

We conducted focus group sessions in Chicago and Boston with Black adults (ages ≥18 years) with SLE and their caregivers. We queried the participants about their knowledge regarding clinical trials, factors that might motivate or hinder trial participation, and how race and experiences of racism might impact clinical trial participation. Focus group responses were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.

Results

We held 4 focus groups (n = 31 participants); 20 participants had SLE, and 11 were caregivers. All participants were Black, 90% were women, and the mean age was 54 years. Qualitative analyses revealed several themes that negatively impact trial participation, including mistrust related to racism, concerns about assignment to placebo groups, strict study exclusion criteria, and SLE‐related concerns. Factors that motivated trial participation included recommendations from physicians and reputable institutions, a desire to help the greater good, and culturally sensitive marketing of trials.

Conclusion

Actions to improve clinical trial participation among Black individuals should focus on reframing how trial information is presented and disseminated and on reevaluating barriers that may restrict trial participation. Additionally, researchers must acknowledge and respond to the presence of racial bias in health care. Community–academic partnerships may help build trust and reduce fears of mistreatment among Black individuals with SLE.
Agreement Between Physician Evaluation and the Composite Response Index in Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Zheng Boyang , Wang Mianbo , McKenna Kerry , Shapiro Lee , Silver Richard , Csuka Mary Ellen , van den Hoogen Frank , Robinson David , Pauling John D. , Hummers Laura , Krieg Thomas , Del Galdo Francesco , Spiera Robert , Jones Niall , Khalidi Nader , Vacca Alessandra , de Vries‐Bouwstra Jeska K. , Gordon Jessica , Baron Murray ,   for the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: May 2021

Objective

Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a highly heterogeneous disease. A provisionally approved Composite Response Index in diffuse cutaneous SSc (CRISS) was developed as a 1‐year outcome measure for clinical trials. Our goal was to further validate the CRISS by examining agreement between CRISS definitions for improved/non‐improved with physicians' evaluation of disease.

Methods

Patient profiles from a large observational cohort were created for 50 random diffuse cutaneous SSc patients of <5 years disease duration with improved CRISS scores after 1 year and 50 with non‐improved CRISS scores. Profiles described disease features used during the initial CRISS development at baseline and at 1 year. Each profile was independently rated by 3 expert physicians. Majority opinion determined whether a patient was improved or not improved, and kappa agreement with the CRISS cutoff of 0.6 was calculated.

Results

Patients had mean ± SD disease duration of 2.2 ± 1.3 years. There was substantial agreement between the physician majority opinion about each case and the CRISS (κ = 0.76 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.64–0.88]). The agreement between each individual physician opinion and the CRISS was also substantial (κ = 0.70 [95% CI 0.62–0.78]). All CRISS non‐improvers were also rated as non‐improved by physician majority; however, 12 CRISS improvers were rated as non‐improved by physicians.

Conclusion

There was substantial agreement between the dichotomous CRISS rating and physician assessment of diffuse cutaneous SSc patients after 1 year. This supports the use of a CRISS cutoff at 0.6 for improvement versus non‐improvement, although the CRISS tended to rate more patients as improved than did physicians.
Topological Silicon Photonics
Authors: Tan Dawn T. H.
Published: May 2021

The field of topological photonics has seen tremendous and wide‐ranging developments in recent years. Evolving from the broader field of topological insulators, topological photonics systems today harness a variety topological phases. These include the Su–Schreifer–Heeger, quantum Hall, quantum valley Hall and quantum spin Hall topologies. Importantly, the latter two generate edge states with opposite group velocities and opposite spin, respectively, allowing unidirectional light propagation and advanced photonic routing to occur. Amongst these exciting developments is a subset of advancements made in topological silicon photonics, which could potentially lend its appeal to complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) photonics applications, including telecommunications, data communications, quantum photonics, future exascale supercomputers, photonic neuromorphic computing, and infrared sensing. The fundamental underpinnings of these topological phases lead to interesting features, including chirality, scatter‐free light propagation around sharp bends, and importantly topological protection against defects, disorder, and scattering. This topological protection may be harnessed toward tunable light propagation, photon‐pair generation, quantum spatial entanglement, robust photonic routing, and beyond. Herein, the recent advancements made in the burgeoning field of topological silicon photonics are discussed.
Nitric and nitrous oxide fluxes from intensifying crop agriculture in the seasonally dry tropical Amazon–Cerrado border region
Authors: Huddell Alexandra , Neill Christopher , Maracahipes‐Santos Leonardo , Cerri Carlos Eduardo Pellegrino , Menge Duncan
Published: May 2021

Rapid expansion and intensification of crop agriculture in the tropics may accelerate ecosystem losses of reactive nitrogen (N). We quantified emissions of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in forest, single‐cropped soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and N‐fertilized double‐cropped soybean–maize (Zea mays L.) at three N fertilizer levels within the largest area of recent cropland expansion on earth, in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes in Brazil. The NO emissions were 2.1 kg N ha‒1 yr‒1 in forest, 0.6 kg N ha‒1 yr‒1 in soybean, and 1.3 kg N ha‒1 yr‒1 in soybean–maize. The N2O fluxes were <1.1 kg N ha‒1 yr‒1 across all land uses. As fertilization levels increased from 80 to 160 kg N ha−1 yr‒1 in soybean–maize double‐cropped sites, NO emissions increased from 0.6 to 6.7 kg N ha−1 mo‒1 in the month immediately after fertilization, but N2O emissions only increased from 0.6 to 1.8 kg N ha−1 mo‒1. These results indicate that NO emissions do not increase when forests are converted to croplands under current fertilization levels, and that NO will respond more strongly than N2O fluxes to increases in fertilizer applications. Our findings suggest that if N fertilization rates in the region were increased, NO fluxes could increase rapidly.
Recurrent NFIA K125E substitution represents a loss‐of‐function allele: Sensitive in vitro and in vivo assays for nontruncating alleles
Authors: Uehara Tomoko , Sanuki Rikako , Ogura Yurie , Yokoyama Atsushi , Yoshida Takeshi , Futagawa Hiroshi , Yoshihashi Hiroshi , Yamada Mamiko , Suzuki Hisato , Takenouchi Toshiki , Matsubara Kohei , Hirata Hiromi , Kosaki Kenjiro , Takano‐Shimizu Toshiyuki
Published: May 2021

Nuclear factor I A (NFIA) is a transcription factor that belongs to the NFI family. Truncating variants or intragenic deletion of the NFIA gene are known to cause the human neurodevelopmental disorder known as NFIA‐related disorder, but no patient heterozygous for a missense mutation has been reported. Here, we document two unrelated patients with typical phenotypic features of the NFIA‐related disorder who shared a missense variant p.Lys125Glu (K125E) in the NFIA gene. Patient 1 was a 6‐year‐old female with global developmental delay, corpus callosum anomaly, macrocephaly, and dysmorphic facial features. Patient 2 was a 14‐month‐old male with corpus callosum anomaly and macrocephaly. By using Drosophila and zebrafish models, we functionally evaluated the effect of the K125E substitution. Ectopic expression of wild‐type human NFIA in Drosophila caused developmental defects such as eye malformation and premature death, while that of human NFIA K125E variant allele did not. nfia‐deficient zebrafish embryos showed defects of midline‐crossing axons in the midbrain/hindbrain boundary. This impairment of commissural neurons was rescued by expression of wild‐type human NFIA, but not by that of mutant variant harboring K125E substitution. In accordance with these in vivo functional analyses, we showed that the K125E mutation impaired the transcriptional regulation of HES1 promoter in cultured cells. Taken together, we concluded that the K125E variant in the NFIA gene is a loss‐of‐function mutation.
SCpRh(III)‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Aryl C−H Addition to Nitroalkenes
Authors: Wu Zhi‐Jie , Zhang Ru , Gu Qing , You Shu‐Li
Published: May 2021

Rh‐catalyzed enantioselective direct addition of benzamide C−H bond to nitroalkenes was developed. In the presence of chiral SCpRh(III) catalyst, an array of C−H adducts was obtained in moderate to excellent yields and enantioselectivity (57–92% yields, 71–92% ee) under mild conditions. The reaction conditions accommodate a wide range of diverse functional groups.
Stable isotope evidence (Fe, Cu) suggests that sex, but not aging is recorded in rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) bone
Authors: Boucher Renee D. , Alavi Shauhin E. , de Jong Hylke N. , Godfrey Linda V. , Vogel Erin R.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Here, we examine (1) if the sex‐related differences in iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) isotope ratios, represented as δ56Fe and δ65Cu values, respectively observed in humans exist in bulk occipital bone and incisors of male and female non‐human primates, and (2) if the variation of Fe and Cu isotope ratios, known to vary in human blood as a factor of age are similar in non‐human primate bone.

Materials and Methods

Isotope ratios were measured from the skeletal elements of 20 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) with known life history traits. The metals were purified by column chromatography and their isotope ratios measured by MC‐ICP‐MS. Data were analyzed using generalized additive models (GAM).

Results

When accounting for age and sex independently, we found a significant relationship between δ65Cu values and occipital bone, but not in incisors. There were no significant relationships observed between δ56Fe values, occipital bone, or incisors. Similarly, there were no significant relationships observed between δ56Fe values, δ65Cu values, and age.

Discussion

We suggest that Cu and Fe isotope ratios have the potential to be useful supplementary tools in future research in biological anthropology, but additional studies are needed to further verify the relationship between sex, age, δ65Cu, and δ56Fe values in primates.
Glucose‐assisted preparation of n‐TiO2‐P25/Ag: An efficient and robust photocatalyst for enhancing visible‐light photo‐oxidation of benzyl alcohol
Authors: Shamsi Taiebeh , Amoozadeh Ali
Published: May 2021

This paper describes the novel method of Ag deposition on the surface of TiO2, additionally investigates the photocatalytic properties of the new photocatalyst in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol under visible‐light as well as sunlight. Silver nanoparticles were deposited on surface of titanium dioxide through the Tollens test method. Ag(0) has been prepared in situ by reduction of [Ag (NH3)2]+ by glucose as a moderate and green reducing agent for the first time. The properties of n‐TiO2‐P25/Ag were investigated through X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive X‐Ray (EDX), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES), BET analysis, UV–visible/DRS techniques, and photoluminescence (PL) analysis.
An Iridium Complex as an AIE‐active Photosensitizer for Image‐guided Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Yang Ke , Zhou Yi , Wang Yaping , Zhao Shaojing , Wu Xiaoli , Peng Xiao , Huang Li , Jiang Lirong , Lan Minhuan , Yi Xiao‐Yi
Published: May 2021

Image‐guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) has received growing attention due to its non‐invasiveness and precise controllability. However, the PDT efficiency of most photosensitizers are decreased in living system due to the aggregation‐caused singlet oxygen (1O2) generation decreasing. Herein, we present an Iridium (III) pyridylpyrrole complex (Ir‐1) featuring of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and 1O2 generation characteristics for image‐guided PDT of cancer. Ir‐1 aqueous solution exhibits bright red phosphorescence peaked at 630 nm, large Stokes shift of 227 nm, and good 1O2 generation ability. The 1O2 generating rate of Ir‐1 in EtOH/water mixture solution is 2.3 times higher than that of Rose Bengal. In vitro experimental results revealed that Ir‐1 has better biocompatibility and higher phototoxicity compared with clinically used photosensitizers (Rose Bengal and Ce6), suggesting that Ir‐1 can serve as a photosensitizer for image‐guided PDT of cancer.
3D printing of lignin: Challenges, opportunities and roads onward
Authors: Ebers L.‐S. , Arya Aditi , Bowland C. C. , Glasser W. G. , Chmely S. C. , Naskar A. K. , Laborie M.‐P.
Published: May 2021

As the second most abundant biopolymer on earth, and as a resource recently becoming more available in separated and purified form on an industrial scale due to the development of new isolation technologies, lignin has a key role to play in transitioning our material industry towards sustainability. Additive manufacturing (AM), the most efficient‐material processing technology to date, has likewise made great strides to promote sustainable industrial solutions to our needs in engineered products. Bringing lignin research to AM has prompted the emergence of the nascent “lignin 3D printing” field. This review presents the recent state of art of this promising field and highlights its challenges and opportunities. Following a review of the industrial availability, molecular attributes, and associated properties of technical lignins, we review R&D efforts at implementing lignin systems in extrusion‐based and stereolithography (SLA) printing technologies. Doing so underlines the adage of lignin research that “all lignins are not created equal,” and stresses the opportunity nested in this chemical diversity created mostly by differences in isolation conditions to molecularly select and tune the attributes of technical lignin systems towards desirable properties, be it by modification or polymer blending. Considering the AM design process in its entirety, we finally propose onward routes to bring the full potential to this emerging field. We hope that this review can help promote the unique value and overdue industrial role of lignin in sustainable engineered materials and products.
Mannich Reaction as a Key Strategy for the Synthesis of Trifluoroethyl Derived Tertiary and Secondary Amine
Authors: Jin Yi , Su Guodong , Yu Jiangang
Published: May 2021

A Mannich reaction of 2,2,2‐trifluoroethylamine hydrochloride, paraformaldehyde and acetophenone was described both in oil bath and microwave‐heating conditions to give main products varied from trifluoroethyl derived tertiary to secondary amine. In the microwave‐heating manner, the reaction was carried out in a commercial available microwave oven and took only 10 min to complete this transformation. After a simple post‐treatment including washing and recrystallization, the product of trifluoroethyl derived secondary amine was obtained in high yield (71.4%).
Ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 53 inhibits the occurrence and development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma through NF‐κB pathway inactivation
Authors: Gui Dingwen , Dong Zhufeng , Peng Wei , Jiang Weidong , Huang Geng , Liu Gang , Ye Zhihua , Wang Yang , Xu Zuwei , Fu Jinlun , Luo Shuai , Zhao Yunfei
Published: May 2021

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant diseases in the urinary system with more than 140,000 related deaths annually. Ubiquitination–deubiquitination homeostasis is an important factor in ccRCC progression; ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 53 (USP53) belongs to the family of deubiquitinating enzymes, but its functions are rarely reported.

Methods

Databases obtained from GEO and TCGA were analyzed to reveal the role of USP53 in ccRCC. CCK‐8/BrdU and EDU assays were used to detect the proliferation of ccRCC after USP53 overexpression or knockdown. A tumor xenograft experiment was used to verify the effect of the proliferation of ccRCC after USP53 knockdown. Transwell assays were used to detect the metastasis of ccRCC after USP53 overexpression or knockdown. RNA sequencing and western blot analysis were employed to detect the change in genes after USP53 overexpression and knockdown. Then we tested the effect of USP53 on IκBα protein stability through western blot analysis. Detect the effect of USP53 on IκBα ubiquitination in vitro by immunoprecipitation method.

Results

USP53 expression was downregulated in ccRCC tissues and USP53 expression was significantly negatively correlated with the tumor progression and clinical prognosis. The ability of growth and metastasis of ccRCC was inhibited after USP53 overexpression. In addition, USP53 knockdown promoted ccRCC growth and metastasis. Moreover, USP53 knockdown promoted the ability of clone formation of ccRCCin vivo. NF‐κB signaling pathway significantly enriched and downregulated in USP53 overexpressed cells, and genes in the NF‐κB pathway (such as IL1B, CXCL1‐3, RELA, RELB, etc.) were obviously downregulated in USP53 overexpressed cells. USP53 overexpression decreased the phosphorylation of IKKβ and P65 in both Caki‐1 and 786‐O cells, and the expression of IκBα was increased. Phosphorylation of IKKβ and P65 was increased in both Caki‐1 and 786‐O cells after USP53 knockdown. As the expression of USP53 increases, the protein expression of IκBα was also gradually increased and USP53 reduced the ubiquitination of IκBα.

Conclusion

In summary, our data indicate that USP53 inhibits the inactivation of the NF‐κB pathway by reducing the ubiquitination of IκBα to further inhibit ccRCC proliferation and metastasis. These findings may help understand the pathogenesis of ccRCC and introduce new potential therapeutic targets for kidney cancer patients.
Supersaturated oxygen therapy in acute anterior myocardial infarction: Going small is the next big thing
Authors: Ahmad Khansa , Abbott J. Dawn
Published: May 2021

Key Points

Improving myocardial salvage and reducing infarct size to optimize post‐myocardial infarction sequelae of heart failure and mortality remain an important goal in the primary PCI era.

Intra‐coronary supersaturated oxygen therapy is relatively new with unknown long‐term outcomes.

The current study presents evidence of improved clinical outcomes after supersaturated oxygen therapy but is limited in size and study design necessitating further investigation before widespread adoption.
Albumin Conjugates of Thiosemicarbazone and Imidazole‐2‐thione Prochelators: Iron Coordination and Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Sung Yu‐Shien , Wu Wangbin , Ewbank Megan A. , Utterback Rachel D. , Marty Michael T. , Tomat Elisa
Published: May 2021

The central role of iron in tumor progression and metastasis motivates the development of iron‐binding approaches in cancer chemotherapy. Disulfide‐based prochelators are reductively activated upon cellular uptake to liberate thiol chelators responsible for iron sequestration. Herein, a trimethyl thiosemicarbazone moiety and the imidazole‐2‐thione heterocycle are incorporated in this prochelator design. Iron binding of the corresponding tridentate chelators leads to the stabilization of a low‐spin ferric center in 2 : 1 ligand‐to‐metal complexes. Native mass spectrometry experiments show that the prochelators form stable disulfide conjugates with bovine serum albumin, thus affording novel bioconjugate prochelator systems. Antiproliferative activities at sub‐micromolar levels are recorded in a panel of breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer cells, along with significantly lower activity in normal fibroblasts.
Monetizing impacts of Spanish companies toward the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Diaz‐Sarachaga Jose Manuel
Published: May 2021

Corporate sustainability reporting has gained increasing prominence over the last years to quantitative and qualitatively reflect progress of enterprises toward sustainability. However, the measurement of the economic contribution of firms in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is still a pending issue. This research aims at bridging this gap by devising a new system that monetizes impacts of Spanish companies in the fulfillment of the SDGs. A panel of three experts in sustainability determined a set of 33 suitable indicators that represent the SDGs. Best–Worst method was then used to perform a multi‐criteria decision analysis to determine weighting factors through responses from a two‐part questionnaire circulated to 50 national respondents. The application of the new tool to a Spanish firm underlined a weak linkage between some SDGs and business activities, and the complexity of disaggregating accounting data to feed the metrics of the new framework. The development of instruments that associate the challenges of the 2030 Agenda with corporate accounting was recommended.
Synergistic Effects of Chlorination and Branched Alkyl Side Chain on the Photovoltaic Properties of Simple Non‐Fullerene Acceptors with Quinoxaline as the Core
Authors: Ye Shounuan , Chen Shuaishuai , Li Shuixing , Pan Youwen , Xia Xinxin , Fu Weifei , Zuo Lijian , Lu Xinhui , Shi Minmin , Chen Hongzheng
Published: May 2021

To date, the fused‐ring electron acceptors show the best photovoltaic performances, and the development of simple non‐fullerene acceptors via intramolecular noncovalent interactions can reduce synthetic costs. In this work, four simple non‐fullerene acceptors with an A‐D‐A’‐D‐A configuration (QCIC1, QCIC2, QCIC3, and QCIC4) were synthesized. They contained the same conjugated backbone (A’: quinoxaline; D: cyclopentadithiophene; A: dicyano‐indanone) but different halogen atoms and alkyl side chains. Due to the chlorination on the end‐groups and the most and/or longest branched alkyl side chains on the backbone, the blended film composed of QCIC3 and donor poly{[2,6′‐4,8‐di(5‐ethylhexylthienyl)benzo [1,2‐b : 4,5‐b′]dithiophene]‐alt‐[5,5‐(1′,3′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐5′,7′‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1′,2′‐c : 4′,5′‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione)]} (PBDB‐T) exhibited the strongest π‐π stacking and the most suitable phase‐separation domains among the four blended films. Therefore, the QCIC3‐based organic solar cells yielded the highest power conversion efficiency of 10.55 %. This work provides a pathway to optimize the molecular arrangements and enhance the photovoltaic property of simple electron acceptors through subtle chemical modifications.
Fungal community response to long‐term soil warming with potential implications for soil carbon dynamics
Authors: Pec Gregory J. , van Diepen Linda T. A. , Knorr Melissa , Grandy A. Stuart , Melillo Jerry M. , DeAngelis Kristen M. , Blanchard Jeffrey L. , Frey Serita D.
Published: May 2021

The direction and magnitude of climate warming effects on ecosystem processes such as carbon cycling remain uncertain. Soil fungi are central to these processes due to their roles as decomposers of soil organic matter, as mycorrhizal symbionts, and as determinants of plant diversity. Yet despite their importance to ecosystem functioning, we lack a clear understanding of the long‐term response of soil fungal communities to warming. Toward this goal, we characterized soil fungal communities in two replicated soil warming experiments at the Harvard Forest (Petersham, Massachusetts, USA) which had experienced 5°C above ambient soil temperatures for 5 and 20 yr at the time of sampling. We assessed fungal diversity and community composition by sequencing the ITS2 region of rDNA using Illumina technology, along with soil C concentrations and chemistry. Three main findings emerged: (1) long‐, but not short‐term warming resulted in compositional shifts in the soil fungal community, particularly in the saprotrophic and unknown components of the community; (2) soil C concentrations and the total C stored in the organic horizon declined in response to both short‐ (5 yr) and long‐term (20 yr) warming; and (3) following long‐term warming, shifts in fungal guild relative abundances were associated with substantial changes in soil organic matter chemistry, particularly the relative abundance of lignin. Taken together, our results suggest that shifts with warming in the relative abundance of fungal functional groups and dominant fungal taxa are related to observed losses in total soil C.
A biological invasion impacts ecosystem services: cane toads change the rate of scavenging and the suite of scavengers
Authors: Pettit Lachlan , Ward‐Fear Georgia , Shine Richard
Published: May 2021

By affecting the abundance of key native species, invasive taxa may disrupt ecosystem services. In Australia, large monitor lizards (Varanus spp.) play critical roles as scavengers and apex predators. Our broadscale surveys (across two transects, 1300 and 2500 km) show that in tropical areas where the arrival of fatally toxic cane toads (Rhinella marina) has massively reduced the abundance of monitors (Varanus panoptes), rates of removal of deployed baits are more than halved, and the assemblages of scavengers are dominated by birds or mammals rather than reptiles. In contrast, populations of another monitor species in eastern Australia (Varanus varius) were little affected by toad arrival, as were scavenging rates and assemblages. The mechanisms responsible for those shifts, and their consequences on ecosystem services, warrant further research.
Application of Non‐Precious Bifunctional Catalysts for Metal‐Air Batteries
Authors: Haller Steffen , Gridin Vladislav , Hofmann Kathrin , Stark Robert W. , Albert Barbara , Kramm Ulrike I.
Published: May 2021

Zinc‐air batteries have several advantages in comparison with the lithium‐ion technology as they enable the use of earth‐abundant elements, work at low cost, are lightweight, and are also much safer in application. In addition to the chemistry related to the zinc electrode, efficient and stable bifunctional catalysts are required for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR, for discharging) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER, for charging) on the air‐electrode side. Herein, a family of non‐precious metal catalysts is investigated as possible bifunctional composite: metal–nitrogen–carbon (MNC) catalysts for ORR, and metal oxyhydroxides as OER catalysts (Ox). The effect of transition metal and metal loading in these composite MNC + Ox catalysts on ORR and OER activities in half‐cell measurements is discussed. The catalysts were characterized using X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy to identify their phase composition. For the most active material, a potential gap of 0.79 V between OER and ORR was obtained, respectively. In a zinc‐air cell, this catalyst moreover showed a peak power density of 62 mW cm−2 and a charge–discharge gap of 0.94 V after 26 h of charge–discharge cycling.
Asymptotic preserving schemes on conical unstructured 2D meshes
Authors: Blanc Xavier , Delmas Vincent , Hoch Philippe
Published: May 2021

In this article, we consider the hyperbolic heat equation. This system is linear hyperbolic with stiff source terms and satisfies a diffusion limit. Some finite volume numerical schemes have been proposed which reproduce this diffusion limit. Here, we extend such schemes, originally defined on polygonal meshes, to conical meshes (using rational quadratic Bezier curves). We obtain really new schemes that do not reduce to the polygonal version when the conical edges tend to straight lines. Moreover, these schemes can handle curved unstructured meshes so that geometric error on initial data representation is reduced and geometry of the domain is improved. Extra flux coming from conical edge (through his midedge point) has a deep impact on the stabilization when compared with the original polygonal scheme. Cross‐stencil phenomenon of polygonal scheme has disappeared, and issue of positivity for the diffusion problem (although unresolved on distorted mesh and/or with varying cross‐section) has been in some sense improved.
The effect of prior radiation on the success of ventral skull base reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yong Michael , Wu Yu Qi , Su Shirley , Hanna Ehab , Prisman Eitan , Thamboo Andrew , Walgama Evan
Published: May 2021

The incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak after ventral skull base reconstruction is a primary outcome of interest to skull base surgeons. Exposure to pre‐operative radiation may put patients at an increased risk of skull base reconstructive failure. A systematic search identified studies which included patients receiving ventral skull base reconstruction in the setting of pre‐operative radiation. A meta‐analysis using a random effects model was conducted to estimate an odds ratio of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in patients exposed to pre‐operative radiation. A meta‐analysis of 13 studies demonstrated that the odds ratio of CSF leak was 1.73 (95% CI 0.98–3.05). The majority of studies (77%) used vascularized tissue grafts for reconstruction. We identified an increased incidence of CSF leak among patients undergoing ventral skull base reconstruction after prior radiation therapy, although not of statistical significance. Skull base surgeons should exercise caution when planning reconstruction in this population.
Toxicity of quantum dots on target organs and immune system
Authors: Liang Ying , Zhang Tao , Tang Meng
Published: May 2021

Quantum dots (QDs), due to their superior luminous properties, have been proven to be a very promising biological probe, which can be used as a candidate material for clinical applications. The toxicity of QDs in the environment and biological systems has caused widespread concern in the nanosphere, but their immune toxicity and their impact on the immune system are still relatively unknown. At present, the research on the toxicity of QDs is mainly focused on in vitro models, but few have systematically evaluated their adverse effects on target organs. Animal studies have shown that QDs can be accumulated in various organs due to their main exposure routes, thereby posing a potential threat to major organs. This review briefly describes general characteristics and the wide medical applications of QDs and focuses on the adverse effects of QDs on major target organs, such as liver, lung, kidney, brain, and spleen, after acute and chronic exposure. QDs mainly cause changes in the corresponding indicators of target organs, such as oxidative damage, and in severe cases cause hyperemia, tissue necrosis, and even death. In addition to causing direct damage to target organs, QDs can also cause a large number of immune cells to accumulate and cause inflammatory reactions when causing damage to other major organs. Whether it is to avoid the risk of people contacting QDs in production and life, or to realize the clinical applications of QDs, is very essential to conduct systematic in vivo toxicity assessment of QDs.
Ti‐9Mnβ‐type alloy exhibits better osteogenicity thanTi‐15Mnalloy in vitro
Authors: Swain Subhasmita , Ong Joo L. , Narayanan Ramaswamy , Rautray Tapash R.
Published: May 2021

Ti‐9Mn and Ti‐15Mn were prepared using an arc furnace in order to understand their osteogenic behavior as a biomedical implant. Ti‐9Mn surface showed a significantly lower contact angle value (41%) as compared with the Ti‐15Mn surface. The higher Ra and lower hydrophilicity values of Ti‐9Mn alloy as compared with Ti‐15Mn alloy indicates that Ti‐9Mn can have better osteoconductive properties. ALP activity of the osteoblast cells on the Ti‐9Mn alloy was elevated by 45% on day 7 and 20% on day 14 as compared to the Ti‐15Mn alloy that reflects faster induction of osteoblast phenotypes of MG63 cells. Filopodia and lamellipodia structures were spread more on the Ti‐9Mn specimens as compared to the Ti‐15Mn alloy. Cell viability on Ti‐9Mn alloy increased by 25% and 32%, respectively after 7 and 14 days of culture as compared to Ti‐15Mn alloy. On day 14 of culture, the relative expression of RUNX2, COL1, and OC on Ti‐9Mn alloy were elevated by 35%, 21%, and 30% respectively than the Ti‐15Mn alloy. Ti‐9Mn alloy also exhibited an inductive effect on the cell proliferation, and upregulation in the expression of ALP, RUNX2, and OC that is, the genes related to osteoblastic differentiation. Hence, the present in vitro results suggest that Ti‐9Mn can be a preferred implant material than the Ti‐15Mn alloy.
Insight into the influence of defect sites in mixed phase of mesoporous titania nanoparticles toward photocatalytic degradation of 2‐chlorophenol: Effect of light source
Authors: Marfur Nor Amira , Jaafar Nur Farhana
Published: May 2021

The impact of different light irradiation was studied on photocatalytic degradation of 2‐chlorophenol (2‐CP) using mesoporous titania nanoparticles (MTNs) prepared by microwave‐assisted methods. The photoactivity of MTNs was also compared with pretreated commercial TiO2 and Degussa P25 (P25). The reactions were conducted for 2.5 hr under UV‐A, UV‐C, sunlight, and visible light using a batch reactor. The catalysts were characterized by X‐ray powder diffractometer, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The characterization results confirmed that MTN consisted a composition of 21% rutile phase and 79% anatase phase with Ti3+ site defects (TSDs) and oxygen vacancies (OVs) in their structures because of their anionic surfactant nature, microwave heating, and high calcination temperature during the catalyst preparation. Besides, the photoactivity of MTN upon degradation of 2‐CP under sunlight has exhibited the best performance with 100% degradation followed by UV‐A, visible light, and UV‐C with degradation of 96, 52, and 39%, respectively. MTNs showed a remarkable performance due to their mixed‐phase crystalline structures as well as the formation of TSDs and OVs, which improved the charge migration, lowered the band gap energy, and reduced the rate of electron–hole recombination, thus succeeded to be activated under a wide range of light responses.
Acmella oleracea extract increases collagen content and organization in partially transected tendons
Authors: Moro Selma Delgado de Souza , de Oliveira Fujii Lucas , Teodoro Luis Felipe Rodrigues , Frauz Katleen , Mazoni Alysson Fernandes , Esquisatto Marcelo Augusto Maretto , Rodrigues Rodney Alexandre Ferreira , Pimentel Edson Rosa , de Aro Andrea Aparecida
Published: May 2021

Acmella oleracea contains spilanthol as the main active compound, which possesses analgesic and anti‐inflammatory effects that can favor tendon reorganization. To analyze the effect of A. oleracea on the content and organization of collagen in injured tendons, the calcaneal tendon of male Lewis rats was partially transected and treated at the site of injury with a topical application of 20% A. oleracea ointment (AO group) or with the ointment base without the plant extract (B group). The animals were euthanized 21 days after partial transection. Higher collagen concentration was observed in the AO group than in the B group, and morphological analysis using polarization microscopy showed higher birefringence in the AO group than in the B group, indicating higher collagen organization. No difference was observed in the number of fibroblasts, blood vessels, proteoglycan distribution, and maximum load between the B and AO groups. In conclusion, topical application of 20% A. oleracea ointment increased the molecular organization and content of collagen, thus indicating a potential application in tendon repair. Studies on the later phases of the tendon healing process are necessary to demonstrate the possible biomechanical changes after the application of A. oleracea ointment.
Sulfur fertility management to enhance methionine and cysteine in soybeans
Authors: Rushovich Dana , Weil Ray
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Soybeans (Glycine max) are a major protein source both for humans and non‐ruminant livestock; however, the usability of soybean protein is limited by the concentration of the essential sulfur (S)‐containing amino acids methionine and cysteine (MET+CYS). Traditional efforts to improve protein quality in soybeans have largely been focused on plant breeding but soil S fertility may also influence seed MET+CYS concentration. Crop S deficiencies are increasingly common due to soil depletion by high yields and reduced atmospheric deposition. We report on a survey of commercial soybean fields and two replicated split‐plot field experiments in the mid‐Atlantic region, USA. The experimental treatments were two levels (0 or 100 kg S ha−1) of broadcast gypsum (CaSO4) and two levels (0 or 11 kg‐S ha−1) of foliar Epsom salt (MgSO4) applied to two soybean cultivars. The objective was to assess the variability of, and effect of, S fertilization on S and MET+CYS concentrations in soybean seeds.

RESULTS

Sulfur ranged from 2.35 to 3.54 mg g−1 and MET+CYS ranged from 5.5 to 9.2 mg g−1 protein in seeds from commercial fields surveyed. Sulfur application increased seed MET+CYS concentration 1.3 to twofold in two replicated field experiments. Overall, MET+CYS concentration in protein ranged from 3.9 to 12.8 mg g−1 and was linearly predicted (R2 = 0.65) by seed S.

CONCLUSIONS

Soybean seed S and MET+CYS concentrations vary widely. We show that field‐scale S application can greatly enhance soybean MET+CYS content and therefore protein quality. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluation of atmospheric galvanic aluminum corrosion in electrical transmission towers at different sites in the Valparaíso region, Chile. Wire‐on‐Bolt Test (CLIMAT)
Authors: Valverde Bárbara , Vera Rosa , Henríquez Nicole , Olave Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

This study evaluates environmental aggressiveness and atmospheric galvanic corrosivity categories in Chile (Classification of Industrial and Marine ATmospheres test) by installing bolts in electrical transmission towers in the Valparaiso region across four exposure sites: Playa Ancha, San Sebastián, Las Vegas, and San Felipe. Classifications of marine corrosion index (MCI), industrial corrosion index (ICI), and atmospheric corrosion index (ACI) used different galvanic couples: aluminum/steel for MCI, aluminum/copper for ICI, and aluminum/polyethylene for ACI. Corrosion indices varied by season (summer, autumn, winter, and spring), for which couples were exchanged every 3 months. Intraseason variation depended mainly on the meteorochemical variables of the zone, the Cl−/SO2 ratio, and the presence of general and pitting corrosion in the aluminum. The results indicate that, regardless of environmental condition, the aluminum in Al/steel (MCI) and Al/copper (ICI) couples presented a higher corrosion rate than when not forming a galvanic couple (ACI). Moreover, under higher environmental chloride, these differences increase. The Playa Ancha station presented the highest ACI.
Third‐order tunable filter with CFBW using two quarter‐wavelength resonators
Authors: Narayana Shriman , Singh Yatendra Kumar
Published: May 2021

A tunable third‐order bandpass filter (BPF) with constant fractional bandwidth (CFBW) is presented. Only two quarter‐wavelength resonators have been used in comb‐line fashion to design the third‐order BPF. The physical dimensions of the resonators have been decided to satisfy the filter specifications by synthesizing the coupling matrix. Using modal voltage waveform analysis, locations of the varactors to be connected are identified to tune the first three modes of the resonators to form the BPF. The varactors connected symmetrically between the two quarter‐wavelength resonators can only control the odd modes, while the varactors loaded at the resonator ends can control the odd and even modes simultaneously. Moreover, the capacitance ranges of the varactors have been chosen to achieve the desired tuning of the filter. The center frequency of the filter is tunable from 640 to 840 MHz with CFBW of approximately 32%.
The Renascence of One Ancient Recipe for Synthesizing Luminescent Cs4PbBr6 Microcrystals
Authors: Song Tao , Ma Bo , Wang Hao , Zhang Xiao-Dong , Zhao Min , Zheng Pei-Zhu , Gao Fei , Wang Qiang , Zhang Hao-Li
Published: May 2021

One ancient recipe to produce rocky candies has found new applications in synthesizing Cs4PbBr6 microcrystals, one 0D perovskite with [PbBr6]4− octahedra isolated by Cs+ bridges that enable quantum confinement and high exciton binding energy favorable for photoluminescence (PL). Herein, various threads are used as seeds to grow perovskites microcrystals, in a way similar to rocky candy production recorded in ancient Chinese recipes. The Cs4PbBr6 growth is an exothermic enthalpy driving process, with the surface energy differentiation determining the formation of rhombohedra shape. The synthesized Cs4PbBr6 microcrystals show a large PL quantum yield (PLQY) of 31.5% and are used to fabricate white and green light‐emitting diodes with high performance. Learning from history, this work provides one controllable and generally applicable avenue of fabricating high‐quality perovskite crystals with promising applications in photonic and optoelectronic devices, and the elucidation of the growth mechanism offers useful guidance for critical factors directing crystal fabrications in future work.
Fighting “bad science” in the information age: The effects of an intervention to stimulate evaluation and critique of false scientific claims
Authors: Tseng Anita S. , Bonilla Sade , MacPherson Anna
Published: May 2021

With developments in technology (e.g., “Web 2.0” sites that allow users to author and create media content) and the removal of publication barriers, the quality of science information online now varies vastly. These changes in the review of published science information, along with increased facility of information distribution, have resulted in the spread of misinformation about science. As such, the role of evaluation when reading scientific claims has become a pressing issue when educating students. While recent studies have examined educational strategies for supporting evaluation of sources and plausibility of claims, there is little extant work on supporting students in critiquing the claims for flawed scientific reasoning. This study tested the efficacy of a structured reading support intervention for evaluation and critique on cultivating a critical awareness of flawed scientific claims in an online setting. We developed and validated a questionnaire to measure epistemic vigilance, implemented a large‐scale (N = 1081) Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of an original reading activity that elicits evaluation and critique of scientific claims, and measured whether the intervention increased epistemic vigilance of misinformation. Our RCT results suggested a moderate effect in students who complied with the treatment intervention. Furthermore, analyses of heterogeneous effects suggested that the intervention effects were driven by 11th‐grade students and students who self‐reported a moderate trust in science and medicine. Our findings point to the need for additional opportunities and instruction for students on critiquing scientific claims and the nature of specific errors in scientific reasoning.
The consequentialist problem with prepunishment
Authors: Greene Preston ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: May 2021

This paper targets a nearly universal assumption in the philosophical literature: that prepunishment is unproblematic for consequentialists. Prepunishment threats do not deter, as deterrence is traditionally conceived. In fact, a pure prepunishment legal system would tend to increase the criminal disposition of the grudgingly compliant. This is a serious problem since, from many perspectives, but especially from a consequentialist one, a primary purpose of punishment is deterrence. I analyze the decision theory behind pre- and postpunishments, which helps clarify both what deterrence is and how it operates in consequentialist justifications of punishment. I end by sketching a road map for the future of prepunishment as artificial intelligence and other technological advances generate increasing possibilities for its use.
Efficacy of serious exergames in improving neuropsychiatric symptoms in neurocognitive disorders: Results of the X‐TORP cluster randomized trial
Authors: Robert Philippe , Albrengues Claire , Fabre Roxane , Derreumaux Alexandre , Pancrazi Marie Pierre , Luporsi Isabelle , Dubois Bruno , Epelbaum Stéphane , Mercier Grégoire , Foulon Pierre , Bremond François , Manera Valeria
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a serious exergame in improving the neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients with neurocognitive disorders.

Methods

X‐Torp is a serious exergame combining motor and cognitive activities. Ninety‐one subjects (mean age = 81.7 years, mean Mini‐Mental State Examination = 18.3) were recruited in 16 centers. Centers were randomized into intervention and control centers. Subjects underwent assessment for cognitive and behavioral symptoms at baseline (BL), the end of the intervention (W12), and 12 weeks after the end of the intervention (W24).

Results

The comparison of neuropsychiatric symptoms between BL and W12 and W24 showed that subjects of the intervention group improved in apathy between BL and W12. Mixed analysis (time BL, W12, W24 x group) indicated a significant increase in apathy and neuropsychiatric symptoms in the control subjects.

Discussion

The use of X‐Torp improved neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly apathy. Future studies should more consistently use behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms as outcome measures.
Underwater archaeobotany: plant and wood analyses from the Vrouw Maria, a 1771 shipwreck in the Finnish Baltic Sea
Authors: Lempiäinen-Avci Mia , Timonen Tuuli , Harju Pirkko , Alvik Riikka
Published: May 2021

Archaeobotanical analyses together with historical records can provide unique information about the cargoes and histories of sunken ships, which are found as wrecks at the bottom of the seas all over the world. An interdisciplinary research project was undertaken on the Vrouw Maria (Lady Mary), a Dutch wooden two-masted merchant ship that sank on October 9th in 1771 in the Finnish Baltic Sea. She rested at a depth of 41 m and was in good condition when discovered. Based on written sources and archaeological research, the ship was carrying a valuable cargo including, for example, sugar, dyes, cloth, porcelain, wood and goods that the Russian nobility had ordered. Among them were paintings that the Russian Empress Catherine the Great (1729–1796) had bought at an auction in Amsterdam. Samples from four wooden barrels and from one wooden packing crate among the ship’s cargo were investigated. Botanical analysis revealed products such as stimulants, dyes and fruits originating from the Mediterranean, India, Africa and South America. One of the most intriguing finds from the cargo was Indigofera tinctoria L. (true indigo), a valuable dye plant. Our paper presents the botanical data analysed from the barrels and summarizes the plants mentioned in the historical records on the cargo of the Vrouw Maria.