bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rub‐Resistant Antibacterial Surface Conversion Layer on Stainless Steel
Authors: Huang Haiyue , Barber Olivia Willilams , Yu Zhilong , Park Hun , Hu Xiaobing , Chen Xinqi , Chen Chun‐Hu , Hartmann Erica M. , Huang Jiaxing
Published: February 2022

Stainless steels are widely used in hospitals and public transportation vehicles as one of the most common touch surfaces. Retrofitting stainless steel surfaces with an antimicrobial layer can bring potential public health benefits by reducing the ability of inanimate objects, or fomites, to transmit infections. Here, a facile surface conversion reaction between stainless steel and a solution of KMnO4 and CuSO4 is reported, which leads to a conformal and robust oxyhydroxide layer. Microscopy observations show that the layer is amorphous, continuous, and pinhole‐free with a thickness of only 10–15 nm. The coating adheres strongly to stainless steel and can resist rubbing in simulated friction tests, which is attributed to its intermixing with the substrate without forming a sharp interface. Cu ions incorporated into the surface layer can be released into water droplets deposited on the surface and induce antimicrobial activities against bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14) after 30 min of contact.
Oxygen Vacancy Transition in HfOx‐Based Flexible, Robust, and Synaptic Bi‐Layer Memristor for Neuromorphic and Wearable Applications
Authors: Saleem Aftab , Kumar Dayanand , Singh Amit , Rajasekaran Sailesh , Tseng Tseung‐Yuen
Published: February 2022

In this work, a reliable bilayer flexible memristor is demonstrated using TaOx/HfOx Bi‐layer (BL) to mimic synaptic characteristics by using oxygen concentration engineering in the oxide layers. Due to low Gibbs free energy of TaOx layer and stable properties of the single layer memristor, TaOx is inserted in the HfOx‐based memristor for making the BL flexible device. Such device exhibits stable gradual switching behavior with low set/reset voltages (1 V/−1 V) and multilevel cell characteristic making it favorable for synaptic application. The presence of oxide layers and change in oxygen vacancy concentration in two layers are examined by transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Further, the device shows potentiation and depression epochs for more than 10 000 pulses and switching up to bending radius of 4 mm for 1000 bending cycles. The device mimics biological synaptic time‐dependent plasticity (STDP) operation when presynaptic and postsynaptic pulses are applied on top and bottom electrodes, respectively. The relationship between nonlinearity coefficient and control parameters in STDP is derived and established. It achieves more that 96% accuracy only after 20 iterations for neuromorphic application when a system of 2500 synapses incorporating 50 × 50 pixel image for recognition is deployed.
The Role of Electrolyte Composition in Enabling Li Metal‐Iron Fluoride Full‐Cell Batteries
Authors: Wygant Bryan R. , Merrill Laura C. , Harrison Katharine L. , Talin A. Alec , Ashby David S. , Lambert Timothy N.
Published: February 2022

FeF3 conversion cathodes, paired with Li metal, are promising for use in next‐generation secondary batteries and offer a remarkable theoretical energy density of 1947 Wh kg−1 compared to 690 Wh kg−1 for LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4; however, many successful studies on FeF3 cathodes are performed in cells with a large (>90‐fold) excess of Li that disguises the effects of tested variables on the anode and decreases the practical energy density of the battery. Herein, it is demonstrated that for full‐cell compatibility, the electrolyte must produce both a protective solid‐electrolyte interphase and cathode‐electrolyte interphase and that an electrolyte composed of 1:1.3:3 (m/m) LiFSI, 1,2‐dimethoxyethane, and 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl‐2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl ether fulfills both these requirements. This work demonstrates the importance of verifying electrode level solutions on the full‐cell level when developing new battery chemistries and represents the first full cell demonstration of a Li/FeF3 cell, with both limited Li and high capacity FeF3 utilization.
The Intriguing Landscape of Single‐Cell Protein Analysis
Authors: Xie Haiyang , Ding Xianting
Published: February 2022

Profiling protein expression at single‐cell resolution is essential for fundamental biological research (such as cell differentiation and tumor microenvironmental examination) and clinical precision medicine where only a limited number of primary cells are permitted. With the recent advances in engineering, chemistry, and biology, single‐cell protein analysis methods are developed rapidly, which enable high‐throughput and multiplexed protein measurements in thousands of individual cells. In combination with single cell RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry, single‐cell multi‐omics analysis can simultaneously measure multiple modalities including mRNAs, proteins, and metabolites in single cells, and obtain a more comprehensive exploration of cellular signaling processes, such as DNA modifications, chromatin accessibility, protein abundance, and gene perturbation. Here, the recent progress and applications of single‐cell protein analysis technologies in the last decade are summarized. Current limitations, challenges, and possible future directions in this field are also discussed.
Flexible Platform Oriented: Unipolar‐Type Hybrid Dual‐Channel Scalable Field‐Effect Phototransistors Array Based on Tellurium Nanowires and Tellurium‐Film with Highly Linear Photoresponsivity
Authors: Naqi Muhammad , Choi Kyung Hwan , Cho Yongin , Rho Hyun Yeol , Cho Haewon , Pujar Pavan , liu Na , Kim Hyun‐Suk , Choi Jae‐Young , Kim Sunkook
Published: February 2022

Here, a novel method is introduced to synthesize the uniform hybrid structure of tellurium nanowires (TeNWs) and tellurium‐film (Te‐film) for flexible field‐effect transistor (FET) array device to exhibit excellent electrical, mechanical, and optical performance. To fabricate such a device, all the processes are performed at low temperatures (< 100 °C) with easy processing methods. The uniformity of the hybrid structure of TeNWs/Te‐film is confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy with a comparison of the bare TeNWs‐film. Electrical properties of the TeNWs/Te‐based FET device exhibits high mobility of 5.35 cm2 V−1 s−1 and on/off ratio of >104 along with stable and uniform results of the transistor array device, which consists of 50 devices. The optical properties show highly linear photodetection behavior in terms of threshold voltage shift, responsivity, sensitivity, photocurrent, detectivity, and time‐domain behavior. Also, the various stability tests are performed to confirm the consistency of the device in terms of positive bias stress, negative bias stress, positive bias illumination stress, long‐term stability response (up to 60 days), mechanical bending stress, and the results reveal a constant and consistent behavior of the device, which can be attributed to enable wide range applications in the field of electronics devices.
Effect of LED light on the growth and physiological indices of blueberry
Authors: Zhang Dong , Liu Yongqiang , Ni Chenyu , Chen Jianjun
Published: February 2022

Light‐emitting diode (LED) is a recent type of light source characterized by low energy consumption and high photoelectric conversion efficiency and can be used in modern smart agriculture. However, there are few published studies on the use of LED light, especially on blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), despite its importance in boosting the economies of many countries. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the effects of light quality on blueberry seedling tissue cultures morphological and physiological parameters with emphasis on the influence of different light wavelengths. In the research, we used white light (i.e., fluorescent lamp) and four treatments of composite LED light (blue wavelength [B]/red wavelength [R] = 1:2 [1B2R], B/R = 1:4 [1B4R], B/R = 2:1 [2B1R], B/R = 4:1 [4B1R]). The results showed that: the number of leaves, stem, and fresh weight increased when exposed to 2B1R; stem length, thickness, and fresh weight were higher in the 1B2R treatment; chlorophyll, carotenoid pigments, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were enhanced under treatment 1B2R; soluble sugar, anthocyanin, and proline were greater when exposed to 2B1R; soluble protein was higher with 1B4R; and malondialdehyde increased in the 4B1R treatment. Overall, it can be said that 1B2R LED lights enhanced the selected parameters in blueberry seedlings and can be used as the main light source in the cultivation of blueberry factory seedlings.
Predicting the diameters of droplets produced in turbulent liquid–liquid dispersion
Authors: Thomas John A. , DeVincentis Brian , Wutz Johannes , Ricci Francesco
Published: February 2022

The droplet size distribution in liquid–liquid dispersions is a complex convolution of impeller speed, impeller type, fluid properties, and flow conditions. In this work, we present threea priorimodeling approaches for predicting the droplet diameter distributions as a function of system operating conditions. In the first approach, called the two‐fluid approach, we use high‐resolution solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations to directly model the flow of each phase and the corresponding droplet breakup/coalescence events. In the second approach, based on an Eulerian–Lagrangian model, we describe the dispersed fluid as individual spheres undergoing ongoing breakup and coalescence events per user‐defined interaction kernels. In the third approach, called the Eulerian–Parcel model, we model a sub‐set of the droplets in the Eulerian–Lagrangian model to estimate the overall behavior of the entire droplet population. We discuss output from each model within the context of predictions from first principles turbulence theory and measured data.
Shape‐size sieving of trans‐ and cis‐piperylene isomers with gallate‐based metal‐organic frameworks
Authors: Chen Jie , Wang Jiawei , Guo Lidong , Liu Ying , Yang Qiwei , Zhang Zhiguo , Yang Yiwen , Bao Zongbi , Ren Qilong
Published: February 2022

The isolation of C5 diolefins, mainly consisting of trans‐piperylene, cis‐piperylene, and isoprene, is a challenging task and requires complex and energy‐intensive separation schemes. Particularly, the segregation of trans/cis‐piperylene is the most challenging operation for geometric isomers. Here, we report an isostructural family of metal‐organic frameworks, Mg‐, Co‐, and Ni‐gallate, which are perfectly suitable for the precise matching of trans‐piperylene molecules while excluding the slightly large cis‐piperylene molecules, contributing to remarkable separation of trans/cis‐piperylene via shape‐size sieving. Significantly, Mg‐gallate exhibits high affinity for trans‐piperylene, leading to an outstanding trans/cis‐piperylene uptake selectivity of 4.22 (298 K, 0.1 bar) in adsorption isotherms. This excellent separation performance is further attested by single‐crystal x‐ray diffraction of Ni‐gallate loaded with trans‐piperylene isomer. In breakthrough tests, M‐gallate materials not only display excellent separation performance of trans‐ and cis‐piperylene but also can accomplish complete segregation of the ternary mixture (trans‐piperylene/cis‐piperylene/isoprene) into individual compounds combined with zeolite 5A.
Detecting regions of homozygosity improves the diagnosis of pathogenic variants and uniparental disomy in pediatric patients
Authors: Wen Jiadi , Chai Hongyan , Grommisch Brittany , DiAdamo Autumn , Dykas Daniel , Ma Deqiong , Popa Andreea , Zhao Chen , Spencer‐Manzon Michele , Jiang Yong‐Hui , McGrath James , Li Peining , Bale Allen , Zhang Hui
Published: February 2022

Chromosomal microarray analysis using single nucleotide polymorphism probes can detect regions of homozygosity (ROH). This confers a potential utility in revealing autosomal recessive (AR) diseases and uniparental disomy (UPD). Results of genetic testing among pediatric patients from 2015 to 2019 were evaluated. Diagnostic findings with detected ROH from large consecutive case series in the literature were reviewed. Of 2050 pediatric patients, 65 (3%) had one or more ROH and 31 (53%) had follow‐up whole exome sequencing (WES) and methylation studies. Seven homozygous variants were detected and four of them from three patients (9.6%) were within the detected ROH and classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants for AR diseases. One patient (3%) had segmental UPD15q for a diagnosis of Prader–Willi syndrome. Additive diagnostic yield from ROH reporting was at least 0.2% (4/2050) of pediatric patients. These results were consistent with findings from several large case series reported in the literature. Detecting ROH had an estimated baseline predictive value of 10% for AR diseases and 3% for UPD. Consanguinity revealed by multiple ROH was a strong predictor for AR diseases. These results provide evidence for genetic counseling and recommendation of follow‐up WES and methylation studies for pediatric patients reported with ROH.
Culturally Safe Integrative Systemic Therapy for First Nations Families Living with Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Thompson Jessy
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes a culturally safe integrative systemic model for supporting First Nations people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Firstly, this paper examines BPD from a systemic perspective by observing its impact on family and therapeutic systems. An overview of the empirical evidence for integrative systemic therapy demonstrates its suitability for working with BPD, particularly when combining systemic, psychodynamic, and cognitive‐behavioural paradigms. A case example illustrating a client's journey using the proposed model is presented to explain how elements of Bowen family systems therapy, narrative therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy are blended with cultural components to form a culturally safe integrative systemic approach. An initial evaluation demonstrated positive preliminary therapeutic outcomes, with the main strengths being the cultural additions and the mitigation of power struggles in the treatment and family systems that are reported in the literature as detrimental to BPD interventions. Limitations concerning the practicality of replication in mainstream settings are noted, particularly where full cultural safety may be more difficult to achieve. The paper suggests that integrative systemic approaches combined with cultural elements may be effective when supporting First Nations families living with BPD. Finally, this is currently the only integrative culturally safe therapeutic approach proposed for this cohort, making it unique given the overall paucity of empirical evidence in the field.
Applying a public health approach to autism research: A framework for action
Authors: Schendel Diana , Roux Anne M. , McGhee Hassrick Elizabeth , Lyall Kristen , Shea Lindsay , Vivanti Giacomo , Wieckowski Andrea Trubanova , Newschaffer Craig , Robins Diana L.
Published: February 2022

Most published autism research, and the funding that supports it, remains focused on basic and clinical science. However, the public health impact of autism drives a compelling argument for utilizing a public health approach to autism research. Fundamental to the public health perspective is a focus on health determinants to improve quality of life and to reduce the potential for adverse outcomes across the general population, including in vulnerable subgroups. While the public health research process can be conceptualized as a linear, 3‐stage path consisting of discovery – testing – translation/dissemination/implementation, in this paper we propose an integrated, cyclical research framework to advance autism public health objectives in a more comprehensive manner. This involves discovery of primary, secondary and tertiary determinants of health in autism; and use of this evidence base to develop and test detection, intervention, and dissemination strategies and the means to implement them in ‘real world’ settings. The proposed framework serves to facilitate identification of knowledge gaps, translational barriers, and shortfalls in implementation; guides an iterative research cycle; facilitates purposeful integration of stakeholders and interdisciplinary researchers; and may yield more efficient achievement of improved health and well‐being among persons on the autism spectrum at the population‐level.

Lay Summary

Scientists need better ways to identify and address gaps in autism research, conduct research with stakeholders, and use findings to improve the lives of autistic people. We recommend an approach, based in public health science, to guide research in ways that might impact lives more quickly.
Comparative Study of Conventional Electrolytes for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Horia Raymond , Nguyen Dan‐Thien , Eng Alex Yong Sheng , Seh Zhi Wei
Published: February 2022

Conventional magnesium salts are generally considered to be passivating to the magnesium anode, hence chloride‐based electrolyte additives are often added to circumvent this issue. As a result, the performance of conventional magnesium salts has rarely been assessed in a chloride‐free system. This work provides a comparative study on the electrochemical performance and interfacial reaction of four commercially available magnesium salts with tetrabutylammonium borohydride as moisture scavenger. Magnesium bis(hexamethyldisilazide) was found to be the most reductively stable and enabled excellent magnesium plating/stripping without chloride additive. Investigation of the solid electrolyte interphase revealed a thin organic polyether layer that was conducive to magnesium‐ion migration. The results also showed that a minuscule amount of chloride (20 mM) improved the reversibility of magnesium plating/stripping but was still corrosive towards the current collector, thus establishing that chloride‐free electrolyte is most appropriate for future development of rechargeable magnesium batteries.
Correcting conditional mean imputation for censored covariates and improving usability
Authors: Lotspeich Sarah C. , Grosser Kyle F. , Garcia Tanya P.
Published: February 2022

Missing data are often overcome using imputation, which leverages the entire dataset to replace missing values with informed placeholders. This method can be modified for censored data by also incorporating partial information from censored values. One such modification proposed by Atem et al. (2017, 2019a, 2019b) is conditional mean imputation where censored covariates are replaced by their conditional means given other fully observed information. These methods are robust to additional parametric assumptions on the censored covariate and utilize all available data, which is appealing. However, in implementing these methods, we discovered that these three articles provide nonequivalent formulas and, in fact, none is the correct formula for the conditional mean. Herein, we derive the correct form of the conditional mean and discuss the bias incurred when using the incorrect formulas. Furthermore, we note that even the correct formula can perform poorly for log hazard ratios far from . We also provide user‐friendly R software, the imputeCensoRd package, to enable future researchers to tackle censored covariates correctly.
Early onset of efficacy with erenumab for migraine prevention in Japanese patients: Analysis of two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies
Authors: Hirata Koichi , Takeshima Takao , Sakai Fumihiko , Imai Noboru , Matsumori Yasuhiko , Tatsuoka Yoshihisa , Numachi Yotaro , Yoshida Ryuji , Peng Cheng , Mikol Daniel D. , Lima Gabriel Paiva da Silva , Cheng Sunfa
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In two 24‐week migraine prevention studies in Japan, erenumab was associated with significantly greater reductions in migraine frequency versus placebo over Weeks 13–24 (primary endpoint). This post hoc analysis evaluated the onset of efficacy within the first 4 weeks after the initiation of erenumab from the 24‐week double‐blind periods of these studies.

Methods

Placebo‐adjusted differences in least squares mean (LSM) change from baseline in weekly migraine days (WMD) were assessed weekly in each study and by migraine type (episodic (EM]/chronic [CM]) (Study 20170609).

Results

A total of 407 patients from Study 20120309 (70 mg: N = 135; 140 mg: N = 136; placebo: N = 136) and 261 patients from Study 20170609 ([EM] 70 mg: N = 78; placebo: N = 81; [CM] 70 mg: N = 52; placebo: N = 50) were included. For Study 20120309, onset of efficacy was observed as early as Week 1 in favor of erenumab versus placebo. Placebo‐adjusted differences in LSM (95% confidence interval [CI]) change from baseline in WMD at Week 1 were −0.38 (−0.71 to −0.05; p = .022) and −0.49 (−0.82 to −0.16; p = .004) in favor of erenumab 70 and 140 mg, respectively. For Study 20170609, significant placebo‐adjusted differences were observed with erenumab 70 mg at Week 1 in patients with EM (LSM [95% CI]: −0.55 [−0.97 to −0.12; p = .012]), and at Week 2 in patients with CM (LSM [95% CI]: −0.81 [−1.53 to −0.09; p = .028]) and for the overall population (LSM [95% CI]: −0.71 [−1.09 to −0.33; p < .001]).

Conclusions

Erenumab treatment significantly reduced WMD compared with placebo. Onset of erenumab efficacy occurred as early as Week 1 in patients with migraine.
Integrated bioactive scaffold with aptamer‐targeted stem cell recruitment and growth factor‐induced pro‐differentiation effects for anisotropic meniscal regeneration
Authors: Li Hao , Zhao Tianyuan , Cao Fuyang , Deng Haoyuan , He Songlin , Li Jianwei , Liu Shuyun , Yang Zhen , Yuan Zhiguo , Guo Quanyi
Published: February 2022

Reconstruction of the knee meniscus remains a significant clinical challenge owing to its complex anisotropic tissue organization, complex functions, and limited healing capacity in the inner region. The development of in situ tissue‐engineered meniscal scaffolds, which provide biochemical signaling to direct endogenous stem/progenitor cell (ESPC) behavior, has the potential to revolutionize meniscal tissue engineering. In this study, a fiber‐reinforced porous scaffold was developed based on aptamer Apt19S‐mediated mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐specific recruitment and dual growth factor (GF)‐enhanced meniscal differentiation. The aptamer, which can specifically recognize and recruit MSCs, was first chemically conjugated to the decellularized meniscus extracellular matrix (MECM) and then mixed with gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) to form a photocrosslinkable hydrogel. Second, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)‐loaded poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) and transforming growth factor‐β3 (TGF‐β3)‐loaded PLGA microparticles (MPs) were mixed with aptamer‐conjugated MECM to simulate anisotropic meniscal regeneration. These three bioactive molecules were delivered sequentially. Apt19S, which exhibited high binding affinity to synovium‐derived MSCs (SMSCs), was quickly released to facilitate the mobilization of ESPCs. CTGF incorporated within PLGA NPs was released rapidly, inducing profibrogenic differentiation, while sustained release of TGF‐β3 in PLGA MPs remodeled the fibrous matrix into fibrocartilaginous matrix. The in vitro results showed that the sequential release of Apt19S/GFs promoted cell migration, proliferation, and fibrocartilaginous differentiation. The in vivo results demonstrated that the sequential release system of Apt/GF‐scaffolds increased neomeniscal formation in rabbit critical‐sized meniscectomies. Thus, the novel delivery system shows potential for guiding meniscal regeneration in situ.
Electrochemical Polymerization of a Carbazole‐Tethered Cobalt Phthalocyanine for Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Li Shangxing , Iwami Hikaru , Kondo Mio , Masaoka Shigeyuki
Published: February 2022

The four‐electron oxidation of water (2H2O→O2+4H++4e−) is critical for artificial photosynthesis. In nature, this reaction is efficiently catalyzed by photosystem II via cooperative catalytic centers and charge transporters. However, the integration of water oxidation catalysts and charge transporters in artificial systems remains challenging. In this report, a function‐integrated water oxidation catalyst produced by the electrochemical polymerization of a cobalt phthalocyanine complex bearing carbazole moieties is described. The monomer complex, Co(czPc) (H2czPc=tetrakis(9H‐carbazole‐9‐ethoxy)phthalocyanine), was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy measurements. The electrochemical polymerization of Co(czPc) was confirmed using cyclic voltammetry measurements and yielded poly‐Co(czPc) on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode. Poly‐Co(czPc) showed excellent charge‐transport ability and superior electrocatalytic water oxidation performance to that of the corresponding nonpolymeric system.
Flow Virometry for Characterizing the Size, Concentration, and Surface Antigens of Viruses
Authors: Maltseva Mariam , Langlois Marc‐André
Published: February 2022

Application of flow cytometry principles for the analysis of viruses has been referred to as flow virometry (FVM). FVM is a multiparametric, high‐throughput, and sensitive technique that allows viral particles to be detected, quantified, and characterized based on the biophysical properties of the virus and the expression of proteins on their surface. More specifically, by calibrating the flow cytometer with reference materials, it is possible to measure the concentration of intact viral particles in a sample, the abundance of a target antigen on the surface of the virus, and the relative diameter of the virus. Here, we describe a comprehensive overview of procedures used to stain, detect, and quantify viral and host‐derived proteins located on the surface of retroviruses. These outlined techniques can be applied for the rapid phenotypic characterization of retroviruses, other enveloped viruses, and generally most viruses at the single‐particle level through the direct staining of viruses collected from the supernatant of infected cells, without the need for enrichment or purification. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Virus production

Basic Protocol 2: Instrument setup, standardization, and quality control for fluorescence quantification

Basic Protocol 3: Flow virometry analysis

Basic Protocol 4: Viral surface antigen staining and fluorescence quantification

Support Protocol: Determination of the optimal antibody concentration for virus staining

Basic Protocol 5: Gain configuration optimization
Ultrahigh‐Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Carotenoid‐Derived Hormones and Apocarotenoids in Plants
Authors: Mi Jianing , Liew Kit Xi , Al‐Babili Salim
Published: February 2022

Carotenoid oxidative cleavage products, apocarotenoids (APOs), are a class of important plant secondary metabolites, which include phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA) and strigolactones (SLs), and growth regulators and signaling molecules such as β‐cyclocitral, zaxinone, anchorene, β‐apo‐11‐carotenoids, and retinal. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of these bioactive compounds is crucial for understanding their metabolism and may also enable discovering further regulatory APOs. The state‐of‐the‐art mass spectrometry (MS) technology has advanced the detection of plant APOs; however, it is still challenging to perform an accurate analysis of the low‐level phytohormones ABA and SL and the structurally diverse APOs from complex plant matrices. Here, we describe ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography‐MS (UHPLC‐MS) methods to determine carotenoid‐derived hormones and APOs from plants by integrating ultrasound‐assisted extraction and solid‐phase extraction. These assays enable an accurate quantification of carotenoid‐derived hormones and APOs from plant tissues by using an UHPLC hybrid quadrupole‐Orbitrap mass spectrometer. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: UHPLC‐MS analysis of APOs from rice roots

Support Protocol: Preparation of dried plant root powder

Basic Protocol 2: UHPLC‐MS analysis of SLs from rice roots

Basic Protocol 3: UHPLC‐MS analysis of ABA from rice roots
The MRTN Approach to Making Nitrogen Rate Recommendations: Background and Implementation
Authors: Nafziger Emerson , Sawyer John , Laboski Carrie , Franzen David
Published: February 2022

Based on a seminal paper published by Stanford in 1973, many land grant universities adopted N rate guidelines that used expected yield times a factor (such as 1.2 lb N/bu), with adjustments for previous crop, to formulate N rate recommendations for corn. However, discrepancies between yield‐based N rate recommendations and recent N response data led to the development of an empirical approach, using N response data to generate optimum N rates. The idea of combining crop N response data, dubbed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) approach, was initiated in the mid‐2000s and is today used in seven Corn Belt states. Earn 1.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by taking the quiz for the article at https://bit.ly/35Fy683. View all CEUs at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Cardiac energetics in patients with chronic heart failure and iron deficiency: an in‐vivo 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Papalia Francesco , Jouhra Fadi , Amin‐Youssef George , Shah Ajay M. , Charles‐Edwards Geoffrey , Okonko Darlington O.
Published: February 2022

Aims

Iron deficiency (ID) is prevalent and adverse in chronic heart failure (CHF) but few human studies have explored the myocardial mechanism(s) that potentially underlie this adversity. Because mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) provides over 90% of the hearts adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and iron is critical for OXPHOS, we hypothesized that patients with CHF and ID would harbour greater cardiac energetic impairments than patients without ID.

Methods and results

Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to quantify the phosphocreatine (PCr) to ATP (PCr/ATP) ratio, an index of in‐vivo cardiac energetics, in CHF patients and healthy volunteers. Cardiac structure and function was assessed from magnetic resonance short stack cines. Patients with (n = 27) and without (n = 12) ID, and healthy volunteers (n = 11), were similar with respect to age and gender. The PCr/ATP ratio was lower in patients with ID (1.03 [0.83–1.38]) compared to those without ID (1.72 [1.51–2.26], p < 0.01) and healthy volunteers (1.39 [1.10–3.68], p < 0.05). This was despite no difference in cardiac structure and function between patients with and without ID, and despite adjustment for the presence of anaemia, haemoglobin levels, cardiac rhythm, or New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. In the total CHF cohort, the PCr/ATP ratio correlated with ferritin levels (rho = 0.4, p < 0.01), and was higher in NYHA class I than class II or III patients (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Iron deficiency is associated with greater cardiac energetic impairment in patients with CHF irrespective of anaemia and cardiac structure and function. Suppression of cardiac mitochondrial function might therefore be a mechanism via which ID worsens human CHF.
Influence of ejection fraction on biomarker expression and response to spironolactone in people at risk of heart failure: findings from the HOMAGE trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Verdonschot Job A.J. , Girerd Nicolas , Bozec Erwan , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Collier Timothy , Mariottoni Beatrice , Cosmi Franco , Hazebroek Mark , Cuthbert Joe , Petutschnigg Johannes , Heymans Stephane , Staessen Jan A. , Pieske Burkert , Edelman Frank , Clark Andrew L. , Díez Javier , González Arantxa , Rossignol Patrick , Cleland John G. , Zannad Faiez
Published: February 2022

Aims

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) can provide haemodynamic information and may influence the response to spironolactone and other heart failure (HF) therapies. We aimed to study patient characteristics and circulating protein associations with LVEF, and whether LVEF influenced the response to spironolactone.

Methods and results

HOMAGE enrolled patients aged >60 years at high risk of developing HF with a LVEF ≥45%. Overall, 527 patients were randomized to either spironolactone or standard of care for ≈9 months, and 276 circulating proteins were measured using Olink® technology. A total of 364 patients had available LVEF determined by the Simpson's biplane method. The respective LVEF tertiles were: tertile 1: <60% (n = 122), tertile 2: 60%–65% (n = 121), and tertile 3: >65% (n = 121). Patients with a LVEF >65% had smaller left ventricular chamber size and volumes, and lower natriuretic peptide levels. Compared to patients with a LVEF <60%, those with LVEF >65% had higher levels of circulating c‐c motif chemokine ligand‐23 and interleukin‐8, and lower levels of tissue plasminogen activator, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), S100 calcium binding protein A12, and collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1). Spironolactone significantly reduced the circulating levels of BNP and COL1A1 without significant treatment‐by‐LVEF heterogeneity: BNP change β = −0.36 log2 and COL1A1 change β = −0.16 log2 (p < 0.0001 for both; interaction p > 0.1 for both). Spironolactone increased LVEF from baseline to month 9 by 1.1% (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Patients with higher LVEF had higher circulating levels of chemokines and inflammatory markers and lower levels of stretch, injury, and fibrosis markers. Spironolactone reduced the circulating levels of natriuretic peptides and type 1 collagen, and increased LVEF.
Examination of warm transfer on extending sheet by variation iteration method strategy and investigation of arrangements for optimizing liquid properties
Authors: Pasha Pooya , Alibak Ali Hosin , Nabi Hossein , Tat Shahdost Farzad
Published: February 2022

This study aimed at investigating the variation of heat transfer and velocity changes of the fluid flow along the vertical line on a surface drawn from both sides. In the beginning, several parameters such as Prandtl number and viscoelastic effect were evaluated for heat transfer and fluid velocity by the variation iteration method. The results were compared with the numerical method. The second part of the description relates to the use Response surface method (RSM method) in the Design Expert software. In this paper, by using the RSM, optimized the fluid velocity and heat transfer passing from the stretching sheet. By increasing the Prandtl number, the convection heat transfer by 43% increased the ratio of the minimum Prandtl number. By balanced modes for Prandtl number and viscoelastic parameter and wall temperature, the best optimization occurred for fluid velocity and fluid temperature with f = 0.67 and θ = 0.606. The results of the Variation Iteration method are accurate for the nonlinear solution. As the value of k increases, the value of fluid velocity increased and by increasing the Prandtl number, the value of temperature decreases.
Experimental investigation of a low‐prestressed self‐centering energy dissipative brace
Authors: Xiao Yi , Eberhard Marc O. , Zhou Ying , Stanton John F. , Shen Jiehao
Published: February 2022

Self‐centering energy dissipative (SCED) braces have the potential to contribute greatly to building resiliency, because the braces can limit both maximum and residual story drifts during earthquakes. An obstacle to widespread adoption of existing SCED systems is that they require high prestressing forces, corresponding to more than half of the brace yield strength. To address this problem, a new low‐prestressed SCED (LP‐SCED) system has been proposed, which has a flag‐shaped force–deformation hysteresis but needs only a low level of prestressing force. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation to establish the properties of the new system's key components, as well as prototypes of the full brace specimen. The tested system had a prestressing force equal to only 3∼4% of the brace yield force. The tested systems had a stable, flag‐shaped force–deformation hysteresis relationship, even after being subjected to deformations corresponding to 3.4% story drift. Eventually, when the imposed deformations were sufficiently large, the brace stiffness increased dramatically, which helps to reduce drift concentrations that may be critical in braced‐frame structures under extreme earthquakes. The yielding and damage were restricted to the mild‐steel dissipaters, which could be replaced easily after each test, and in practice, they could be replaced easily after an earthquake.
Protective effects of curcumin/cyclodextrin polymer inclusion complex against hydrogen peroxide‐induced LO2 cells damage
Authors: Chen Jianping , Li Jiarui , Fan Tugui , Zhong Saiyi , Qin Xiaoming , Li Rui , Gao Jialong , Liang Yuanwei
Published: February 2022

The objective of the present study was to explore the protective effects of the curcumin/cyclodextrin polymer (CUR/CDP) inclusion complex on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced LO2 cells damage. In this study, a H2O2‐induced cells oxidative injury model was established to test the protective effects of the CUR/CDP inclusion complex. The cell viability of cells was detected by the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were detected by assay kits. The cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected using the dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence assay. Western blotting analysis was conducted to assess the changes of phosphorylated‐p53 and caspase‐3. The results showed that 700 μM H2O2‐treated LO2 cells for 3 h resulted in a significant decrease of cell viability to 53.00 ± 1.68%, which established the cell oxidative injury model. Cells treated with H2O2 led to a significant increase of extracellular LDH activity, MDA content, and ROS level, and decreased CAT activity. Treatment with CUR/CDP significantly reversed the changes of the above indicators. Moreover, CUR/CDP treatment at 20 and 40 μg/ml inhibited H2O2‐induced increase in phosphorylated‐p53 and caspase‐3 expression, indicating that CUR/CDP suppressed cell apoptosis to alleviate liver injury. The results of those studies demonstrated that CUR/CDP had a protective effect on the oxidative damage of LO2 cells, and it could be developed as a new type of natural liver protection product to apply in the prevention of liver injury.
Tobacco smoking and solid fuels for cooking and risk of liver cancer: A prospective cohort study of 0.5 million Chinese adults
Authors: Wen Qiaorui , Chan Ka Hung , Shi Kexiang , Lv Jun , Guo Yu , Pei Pei , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Du Huaidong , Gilbert Simon , Avery Daniel , Hu Weijie , Chen Junshi , Yu Canqing , Chen Zhengming , Li Liming ,   China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: February 2022

Previous research found tobacco smoking and solid fuel use for cooking to increase the risk of chronic liver disease mortality, but previous cohort studies have not investigated their independent and joint associations with liver cancer incidence in contemporary China. The China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study recruited 0.5 million adults aged 30 to 79 years from 10 areas across China during 2004 to 2008. Participants reported detailed smoking and fuel use information at baseline. After an 11.1‐year median follow‐up via electronic record linkage, we recorded 2997 liver cancer cases. Overall, 29.4% participants were current smokers. Among those who cooked at least once per month, 48.8% always used solid fuels (ie, coal or wood) for cooking. Tobacco smoking and solid fuel use for cooking were independently associated with increased risks of liver cancer, with hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of 1.28 (1.15‐1.42) and 1.25 (1.03‐1.52), respectively. The more cigarettes consumed each day, the earlier the age of starting smoking or the longer duration of solid fuels exposure, the higher the risk (Ptrend < .001, =.001, =.018, respectively). Compared with never smokers who had always used clean fuels (ie, gas or electricity), ever‐smokers who had always used solid fuels for cooking had a 67% (95% CIs: 1.29‐2.17) higher risk. Among Chinese adults, tobacco smoking and solid fuel use for cooking were independently associated with higher risk of liver cancer incidence. Stronger association was observed with higher number of daily cigarette consumption, the earlier age of starting smoking and longer duration of solid fuel use.
MicroRNA‐34a‐5p as a promising early circulating preclinical biomarker of doxorubicin‐induced chronic cardiotoxicity
Authors: Desai Varsha G. , Vijay Vikrant , Lee Taewon , Han Tao , Moland Carrie L. , Phanavanh Bounleut , Herman Eugene H. , Stine Kimo , Fuscoe James C.
Published: February 2022

Cardiotoxicity is a serious adverse effect of an anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX), which can occur within a year or decades after completion of therapy. The present study was designed to address a knowledge gap concerning a lack of circulating biomarkers capable of predicting the risk of cardiotoxicity induced by DOX. Profiling of 2083 microRNAs (miRNAs) in mouse plasma revealed 81 differentially expressed miRNAs 1 week after 6, 9, 12, 18, or 24 mg/kg total cumulative DOX doses (early‐onset model) or saline (SAL). Among these, the expression of seven miRNAs was altered prior to the onset of myocardial injury at 12 mg/kg and higher cumulative doses. The expression of only miR‐34a‐5p was significantly (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.1) elevated at all total cumulative doses compared with concurrent SAL‐treated controls and showed a statistically significant dose‐related response. The trend in plasma miR‐34a‐5p expression levels during DOX exposures also correlated with a significant dose‐related increase in cardiac expression of miR‐34a‐5p in these mice. Administration of a cardioprotective drug, dexrazoxane, to mice before DOX treatment, significantly mitigated miR‐34a‐5p expression in both plasma and heart in conjunction with attenuation of cardiac pathology. This association between plasma and heart may suggest miR‐34a‐5p as a potential early circulating marker of early‐onset DOX cardiotoxicity. In addition, higher expression of miR‐34a‐5p (FDR < 0.1) in plasma and heart compared with SAL‐treated controls 24 weeks after 24 mg/kg total cumulative DOX dose, when cardiac function was altered in our recently established delayed‐onset cardiotoxicity model, indicated its potential as an early biomarker of delayed‐onset cardiotoxicity.
Towards optimal boundary integral formulations of the Poisson–Boltzmann equation for molecular electrostatics
Authors: Search Stefan D. , Cooper Christopher D. , van't Wout Elwin
Published: February 2022

The Poisson‐Boltzmann equation offers an efficient way to study electrostatics in molecular settings. Its numerical solution with the boundary element method is widely used, as the complicated molecular surface is accurately represented by the mesh, and the point charges are accounted for explicitly. In fact, there are several well‐known boundary integral formulations available in the literature. This work presents a generalized expression of the boundary integral representation of the implicit solvent model, giving rise to new forms to compute the electrostatic potential. Moreover, it proposes a strategy to build efficient preconditioners for any of the resulting systems, improving the convergence of the linear solver. We perform systematic benchmarking of a set of formulations and preconditioners, focusing on the time to solution, matrix conditioning, and eigenvalue spectrum. We see that the eigenvalue clustering is a good indicator of the matrix conditioning, and show that they can be easily manipulated by scaling the preconditioner. Our results suggest that the optimal choice is problem‐size dependent, where a simpler direct formulation is the fastest for small molecules, but more involved second‐kind equations are better for larger problems. We also present a fast Calderón preconditioner for first‐kind formulations, which shows promising behavior for future analysis. This work sets the basis towards choosing the most convenient boundary integral formulation of the Poisson–Boltzmann equation for a given problem.
Blood biomarkers in white stork (Ciconia ciconia) nestlings show different responses in several areas of Croatia
Authors: Bjedov Dora , Velki Mirna , Lackmann Carina , Begović Lidija , Mikuška Tibor , Jurinović Luka , Mikuška Alma
Published: February 2022

White stork nestlings can provide quantitative data on the quality of the environment, as they are dependent on their parents that provide locally foraged food. Blood was sampled from the brachial vein (n = 109) and the sampling was performed in parallel with ringing during breeding season 2020 from five areas in eastern Croatia: Lonjsko polje, Jelas polje, Slavonski Brod–east, Podunavlje, and Donje Podravlje. In the present study, for the first time in Croatia, the following enzymatic biomarkers were assessed in white stork nestlings: activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CES), glutathione S‐transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR), as well as nonenzymatic biomarkers: levels of glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). All endpoints were measured in two blood fractions: plasma and a postmitochondrial fraction (S9). Nestlings from Podunavlje and Donje Podravlje, areas known for intensive agriculture, showed lower AChE and CES activity when compared to the other investigated areas, indicating the presence of inhibitory xenobiotics. Higher oxidative stress was observed in Slavonski Brod–east, an area surrounded by metal and engineering industry, and Podunavlje compared to the other sampling areas. Hence, this study shows the impact of pollutants from the surrounding metal, petroleum, and agricultural industry might have on the biomarkers in white stork nestlings, which are often seen as early‐warning signals.
N‐Functionalization of 4‐amino‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐pyrroles: Synthesis of N‐alkyl derivatives and 1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl‐pyrrole scaffolds
Authors: Zachow Lucimara L. , Mittersteiner Mateus , Bonacorso Helio G. , Martins Marcos A. P. , Zanatta Nilo
Published: February 2022

The N‐functionalization of 4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromethyl‐1H‐pyrroles using alkyl halides is reported. The selectivity of the alkylation reaction was highly dependent on the nature of the alkyl halide and the reaction conditions applied, that is, methyl iodide may furnish N‐methyl or N,N‐dimethyl pyrroles, while allyl bromide furnishes N‐allyl or N,C‐diallyl analogs and propargyl bromide furnishes exclusively N‐propargyl pyrroles. The alkylated products were obtained between 65%–90% yields and were subjected to CuAAC reactions, which furnished conjugated 1,2,3‐triazoles in good yields (72%–91%). The structures of the obtained compounds were unambiguously determined via 2D‐NMR experiments.
Michael Scott and Authentic Leadership: What we Learn About Leadership from The Office
Authors: Aust Philip
Published: February 2022

The current study examines the actions of Michael Scott, self‐proclaimed “World's Best Boss”, to determine how he communicates leadership on The Office. Using Northouse's (2020) definition of leadership, Scott's behavior is content analyzed to establish his particular message transmission tendencies. Further, given Scott's unique management style, George's (2003) dimensions of authentic leadership are used to code Scott's behavior as Scranton's regional manager. Based on a quantitative coding of shows, two main findings are advanced. First, Scott's leadership prioritizes verbal over nonverbal messages. Second, Scott's approach to leadership emphasizes the authentic dimensions of close relationships, clear purpose, and a caring heart most often with his employees. Scenes from The Office are identified that validate these findings and feature authentic leadership theory in action. Pragmatically, the current research offers trainers, managers, and teachers a resource for educating trainees and students on the role of verbal and nonverbal messages in leadership as well as a tool for developing authentic leadership in others.