bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging Ferroelectrics: Reinterpreting Charge Gradient Microscopy as Potential Gradient Microscopy
Authors: Maguire Jesi R. , Waseem Hamza , McQuaid Raymond G. P. , Kumar Amit , Gregg J. Marty , Cochard Charlotte
Published: March 2022

Charge gradient microscopy (CGM) is a scanning probe imaging mode, particularly well‐suited for the characterization of ferroelectrics. The implementation of the technique is straightforward; it involves monitoring currents that spontaneously develop between a passive conducting atomic force microscopy tip and Earth, as the tip is scanned across the specimen surface. However, details on the fundamental origin of contrast and what images mean, in terms of associated ferroelectric microstructures, are not yet fully understood. Here, by comparing information from CGM and Kelvin probe force microscopy, obtained from the same sets of ferroelectric domains (in both lithium niobate and barium titanate), it is shown that CGM reasonably reflects the spatial derivative of the measured surface potential. This is conceptually different from measuring local gradients in the surface bound‐charge density or in any associated screening charges: after all, clear CGM signals are seen, even when polarization is entirely in‐plane (where the bound charge density is uniformly zero, but gradients in surface potential are still fully expected). It is therefore suggested that CGM in ferroelectrics may be more accurately called potential gradient microscopy.
Equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies of new materials based on xanthan gum and cobalt ferrite for dye adsorption
Authors: Spiridon Iuliana , Apostol Irina , Anghel Narcis Cătălin , Zaltariov Mirela Fernanda
Published: March 2022

The present work is focused on developing new eco‐friendly materials based on xanthan gum (XG) and cobalt ferrite (CF) nanoparticles with adsorptive properties. CF powder was prepared by the co‐precipitation method. Esterification of XG was performed in order to improve its hydrophobic character, resulting in xanthan acrylate (XGAC). Thin films were prepared and characterized. The influence of pH and materials' composition on their water uptake capacity was investigated. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to evaluate the dye adsorption capacity of the materials. Materials comprising CF showed the highest values of dye removal percentage (up to 83%). The adsorption capacity of XGACCF for Methyl Blue (MB) was 65.56 mg g−1, while the same material retained 63.35 mg g−1 of Basic Fuchsine (BF) dye solution. Equilibrium adsorption data were well fitted to two (Langmuir and Dubinin–Radushkevich) isotherm models. The adsorption kinetics were analyzed by the pseudo‐first‐order model, pseudo‐second‐order model, and Elovich model. A spontaneous endothermic physisorption process was recorded for MB adsorption, while BF retention was evaluated as an exothermic process.
Synthesis of inherently helical nanofibers: Effects of solidification of electrified jet during electrospinning
Authors: Yoon Jihyun , Myung Jun Ho , Kim Yong‐Min , Jeon Seung‐Yeol , Sun Jeong‐Yun , Yu Woong‐Ryeol
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a helical fiber was fabricated through electrospinning by increasing the vapor pressure of the solvent, increasing the conductivity of the polymer solution and forming an uneven electrical field distribution around the jet. Fiber morphology during electrospinning of a dielectric polymer solution was observed to dramatically change from straight to helical due to rapid solidification of the jet as vapor pressure of the solvent increased. A similar effect was observed with conductive solutions prepared by adding large amounts of metal ion to the polymer solution. The addition of metal ion induced strong electrical stresses, causing the electrified jet to rapidly solidify in the early stage of electrospinning. Simulations revealed that the jet near the nozzle tip was subject to a strong electrical field due to increased charge density. The thickness of the emerging fiber was rapidly reduced with fast and simultaneous solidification, resulting in helical nanofibers. In addition, by using the asymmetric spinnerets, an uneven electric field distribution around jet was generated, maximizing the fiber curvature and increasing the helical fiber ratio.
Recent weakening linkage between Arctic oscillation and Aleutian low during boreal winter and its impact on surface temperature over Eastern Eurasia
Authors: Hwang Seung‐On , Yeh Sang‐Wook , Oh Sae‐Yoon , Lee Johan
Published: March 2022

We investigated interdecadal relationship changes between the Arctic oscillation (AO) and Aleutian low (AL) for the period 1980–2021 along with the linkage on surface air temperature (SAT) over Eastern Eurasia during the boreal winter (December–January–February). The AO–AL relationship has weakened since the mid‐1990s. To explore a possible explanation, we compared atmospheric fields for two contrasting periods, one when the AO–AL relationship is the strongest (1986–2006) and one when it is the weakest (2000–2020). In both periods, atmospheric circulation over the Arctic region for the two AO–AL in‐phase relationships (i.e., either +AO/+AL or –AO/−AL) evolves with negative AO‐like patterns, contributing to a weakening AO–AL relationship in concurrent with a cool SAT in Eastern Eurasia. We found that the correlation between AL and SAT over Eastern Eurasia decreases, while the AO and SAT correlation remains unchanged. This implies that low‐frequency atmospheric circulation changes such as those of the AO and AL should be considered when studying SAT changes in Eastern Eurasia.
Disparities in drinking water compliance: Implications for incorporating equity into regulatory practices
Authors: Allaire Maura , Acquah Sarah
Published: March 2022

Disparities in drinking water quality pose harm to public health across the United States. Yet, few studies have systematically analyzed disproportionate exposure to impaired drinking water. This study sheds light on disparities in health‐based drinking water violations and the shortcomings of regulatory assessment that only considers equity in terms of variation in compliance across system size. We examine the relationship between health‐based violations, utility size, and socioeconomic factors, using probit regression and a balanced panel dataset of 1693 community water systems in California from 2000 to 2018. Demographics of water systems are developed using areal weighting. We find evidence of water equity concerns. Violation rates are several times higher at systems serving low‐income areas and communities of color. These disparities are present even in models stratified by size of service population. Our findings highlight that equity in environmental regulation could be improved by considering factors beyond system scale.
Springer Quartier Hamburg – Tragwerk und Baugrube – Aspekte aus der Planungspraxis
Authors: Schadow Thomas
Published: March 2022

Auf dem früheren Gelände des Axel Springer Verlags in der Innenstadt von Hamburg wurde ein Neubaukomplex errichtet sowie das denkmalgeschützte ehemalige Verlagshochhaus instand gesetzt und modernisiert. In diesem Bericht werden die statisch‐konstruktiven Herausforderungen der Tragwerksplanung im Bestand sowie beim Neubau erläutert. Darüber hinaus werden technische Aspekte der Baugrube für drei Untergeschosse des Neubaus und des Abbruchs der Bestandsgebäude beschrieben.
Der Carbonbeton und die Architektur
Authors: Henn Gunter
Published: March 2022

Carbonbeton ist nicht nur der neue Beton ohne Nebenwirkungen, er kann auch der Architektur neue Flügel verleihen. Wand und Dach des CUBE‐Pavillons in Dresden sind kontinuierlich aus einem Stück gestaltet. Das verleiht dem Gebäude eine besondere Eleganz und neue Ästhetik.
Development and external validation of a nomogram for individualized adjuvant imatinib duration for high‐risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Ruolin , Wu Yingxin , Gong Jin , Zhao Rui , Li Li , Wan Qianyi , Lian Nan , Shen Xiaoding , Xia Lin , Shen Yuhou , Xiao Haitao , Wu Xiaoting , Chen Yi , Cen Ying , Xu Xuewen
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The main emphasis of the research about adjuvant imatinib for high‐risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is prolonging the treatment duration and ignores the heterogeneous that 10‐year recurrence rates ranged from about 20%–100%. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of different durations of adjuvant imatinib on outcomes in high‐risk GISTs to explore the feasibility of individual treatment.

Methods

We analyzed 855 high‐risk GIST patients from three centers who underwent macroscopically complete resection between December 2007 and September 2020. The patients were divided into training (n =564) and two validation cohorts (n = 238 and53) based on their source. Recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was the primary point. Cox multivariate analysis was used to develop the nomogram. C‐index, time‐dependent area under the curves, and calibration plots were used to assess the performance of the nomogram.

Results

Univariate analysis showed that longer adjuvant imatinib was significantly associated with better 5‐year RFS (p < 0.0001). Further investigation identified that the same high‐risk patients with lower tumor‐associated recurrence risk benefitted little from prolonged treatment and that the recommended adjuvant imatinib duration was insufficient for those with higher recurrence risk. A nomogram for predicting 2‐, 3‐, and 5‐year RFS based on different treatment durations and four major risk factors, namely, tumor site, size, mitotic count, and rupture status, was built and validated, with a C‐index of 0.82, 0.74, and 0.70 in training and two external validation cohorts, respectively. An online dynamic nomogram was further developed for clinical applications (https://ruolinliu666.shinyapps.io/GIST/), offering predictive recurrence rates based on different treatment durations and tumor features.

Conclusions

We developed a nomogram to predict the recurrence risk for high‐risk patients according to tumor features and treatment durations of imatinib to help physicians on decision‐making for individualized treatment duration.
Central diabetes insipidus after total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophrectomy: A case report
Authors: Maharaj Aarti , Jana Kundan , Boodhai Brent , Janga Kalyana C. , Fein Elie , Greenberg Sheldon
Published: March 2022

Postoperative polyuria due to diabetes insipidus (DI) is commonly reported complication of pituitary surgery. However, central DI postabdominal surgery is rare and related to unmasking of pre‐existing DI or prolonged surgery with significant intraoperative blood loss. A thorough workup needs to be performed to exclude central DI in such patients.
Neomodified Koyanagi technique for severe hypospadias with one‐stage sealed Y‐shaped penis foreskin vascular protection surgery
Authors: Zu Jiancheng , Chen Yifu , Liu Yu , He Tianqu , Wang Yanling , Zu Yuee , Peng Xiangwen
Published: March 2022

Proximal hypospadias defects represent the most challenging aspect of maintaining blood supply to the flap, which eventually leads to a high rate of complications. We modified a sealed Y‐shaped penis foreskin vascular protection technique, which can repair the urethra in a single stage. The inner plate of the foreskin was cut along the coronal sulcus, and both sides of the urethral plate were cut as deep as Buck's fascia. The "Y"‐shaped foreskin flaps on both sides of the mouth that are continuous with the urethral plate were sutured to form a new urethral skin tube. The urethral skin tube was turned to the ventral side, and the foreskin was reshaped and sutured. A total of 89 children had their urinary catheters removed 4 weeks after the operation. All children were evaluated at least once a year for 3 consecutive years. There were 11 patients with urine leakage that occurred after the operation. These children, diagnosed with urine leakage, underwent successful repair after the leakage occurred. There were no urethral strictures after the operation. The one‐time success rate of this operation was 87.6% (78/89), and the incidence of urethral fistula was 12.6% (11/89). The results showed that sealed Y‐shaped penis foreskin vascular protection surgery was safer and had a higher operation rate than the traditional hypospadias repair technique. Modifying Koyanagi repair by our improved Koyanagi hypospadias repair is an excellent technique with relatively low complication rates.
Delayed presentation of cannabis induced pancreatitis
Authors: Song David , Geetha Harinivaas Shanmugavel , Jain Samkit , Reyes Jonathan Vincent , Jaiswal Vikash , Nepal Gaurav , Lieber Joseph
Published: March 2022

A thorough history and identifying risk factors are pivotal in establishing the cause of pancreatitis and preventing recurrences to curb the incidence of chronic pancreatitis and/or pancreatic cancer.
Subgroup analysis for functional partial linear regression model
Authors: Ma Haiqiang , Liu Chao , Xu Sheng , Yang Jin
Published: March 2022

In a functional partial linear regression (FPLR) model, where the response variable is scalar while the explanatory variables involve both infinite‐dimensional functional predictors and finite‐dimensional scalar covariates, the relationships between the response and the explanatory variables are often assumed to be the same for all subjects. This article relaxes this assumption and considers a subgroup analysis for the FPLR model, which allows the intercepts to vary for different subgroups from a heterogeneous population. By projecting the functional predictors onto the corresponding eigenspace, the subgroup analysis based on the FPLR model can be simplified to a framework that is similar to the classical subgroup analysis problem. To automatically identify subgroups among observations and estimate the regression parameters of interest, we combine the functional principal component analysis with the concave pairwise penalized approach and develop an ADMM algorithm for functional subgroup analysis. We also establish the consistency of the proposed estimators under mild conditions. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the concave penalized subgroup approach could potentially achieve substantial gains over the ordinary FPLR model. The analysis of data from a creative achievement study is used to illustrate the practical performance of the subgroup analysis for the FPLR model.
An investigation of whether emotion regulation mediates the relationship between attachment insecurity and suicidal ideation and behaviour
Authors: Turton Holly , Berry Katherine , Danquah Adam , Green Jessica , Pratt Daniel
Published: March 2022

Objective

The aim of this research was to examine relationships between attachment insecurity and suicidal ideation and behaviour. Secondary aims were to explore the mediating role of emotion dysregulation and the moderating role of betrayal trauma in explaining hypothesised relationships.

Method

Sixty‐five participants with experience of suicidal ideation completed questionnaire measures assessing attachment security, suicide ideation, emotion regulation, betrayal trauma, depressive symptoms and hopelessness.

Results

A direct relationship was found between avoidant attachment and suicide ideation after controlling for age and gender. Multiple suicide attempters had higher anxious attachment. Anxious and avoidant attachment, suicide ideation and betrayal trauma were associated with emotion dysregulation. The relationship between attachment insecurity and suicide ideation was not mediated by emotion dysregulation. In the mediation model, only anxious attachment remained a significant predictor of emotion regulation and there was no significant effect of emotion regulation nor betrayal trauma, on suicide ideation.

Conclusion

Suicidal individuals may benefit from therapeutic intervention that explores attachment‐related difficulties and therapies such as dialectical behavioural therapy, which support skills in emotional regulation. Future longitudinal research should identify other important mediators of the association between attachment and suicidality to develop more targeted psychological interventions for suicidality.
Histone methyltransferase Smyd2 contributes to blood‐brain barrier breakdown in stroke
Authors: Wang Jinghuan , Zhong Wen , Cheng Qianwen , Xiao Chenxi , Xu Jie , Su Zhenghua , Su Haibi , Liu Xinhua
Published: March 2022

Background

The blood‐brain barrier (BBB) plays a principal role in the healthy and diseased central nervous systems, and BBB disruption after ischaemic stroke is responsible for increased mortality. Smyd2, a member of the SMYD‐methyltransferase family, plays a vital role in disease by methylation of diverse substrates; however, little is known about its role in the pathophysiology of the brain in response to ischaemia‐reperfusion injury.

Methods

Using oxygen glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R)‐induced primary brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and Smyd2 knockdown mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion, we evaluated the role of Smyd2 in BBB disruption. We performed loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function studies to investigate the biological function of Smyd2 in ischaemic stroke.

Results

We found that Smyd2 was a critical factor for regulating brain endothelial barrier integrity in ischaemia‐reperfusion injury. Smyd2 is upregulated in peri‐ischaemic brains, leading to BBB disruption via methylation‐mediated Sphk/S1PR. Knockdown of Smyd2 in mice reduces BBB permeability and improves functional recovery. Using OGD/R‐induced BMECs, we demonstrated that Sphk/S1PR methylation modification by Smyd2 affects ubiquitin‐dependent degradation and protein stability, which may disrupt endothelial integrity. Moreover, overexpression of Smyd2 can damage endothelial integrity through Sphk/S1PR signalling.

Conclusions

Overall, these results reveal a novel role for Smyd2 in BBB disruption in ischaemic stroke, suggesting that Smyd2 may represent a new therapeutic target for ischaemic stroke.
Curriculum as a language of ethical engagement: Reducing epistemological barriers, continuing the dialogue
Authors: Baldwin Andrea
Published: March 2022

This paper focused on how students from diverse local and international backgrounds in selected business classes at Washington Adventist University in the USA were affected by the negative rhetoric and actionsd'effacerof President Trump over his presidency and also how they were experiencing their studies. A qualitative approach was utilised to collect data via a questionnaire in which 11 students participated. The results are, therefore, not generalisable but can provide insights for further exploration of curriculum and classroom deliberations with diverse student populations. Results showed that all 11 students were studying with students of diverse backgrounds. Six of seven international students found their studies liberating when compared to their home country. It showed that 10 of 11 students were negatively affected by President Trump's rhetoric about racism and anti‐immigrant statements. All 11 felt that their professors understood them. This last result is meaningful due to a commitment to the core values of the institution. With many students discovering mental health challenges today, it is a positive outcome to know that students feel understood. This can be motivating to the maintenance of ethical engagement in curriculum discourses, reducing epistemological barriers and promoting socio‐emotional comfort and acceptance of students of international and diverse backgrounds.
Crisis‐ready educational design: The case of mathematics
Authors: Foster Colin , Burkhardt Hugh , Schoenfeld Alan
Published: March 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has made abundantly clear how far our school systems are from being crisis‐ready. The lockdowns seen across many parts of the world left schools and teachers scrambling to provide parents with whatever teaching materials they could find to enable some semblance of distance learning to take place. Despite heroic efforts, the immediate solutions found were far from optimal. This should not be surprising, since no curriculum or school system was ever designed with crisis‐readiness in mind. In this article, we look back at the experience of school education during the pandemic, but mainly forward to what educational design can learn to make school curricula and systems more robust and crisis‐ready. Taking the mathematics curriculum as our focus, we set out design strategies and tactics devised to ensure that all students are equitably engaged in productive struggle with important content and processes, feel that they have agency over their mathematics, and receive actionable formative feedback on their learning. Through a fully‐worked out example, we illustrate the sorts of approaches that we envisage, and we conclude by discussing how we might transition towards such a curriculum.
Drought responses in floodplain forests obtained by remotely sensed and tree‐ring data
Authors: Nguyen Nga T. , Symmank Matthew , Keim Richard F.
Published: March 2022

Forest and water‐resources management in floodplains requires an understanding of the nature of drought specific to ecosystems there. The complex relationships among floodplain vegetation, topography and hydrology affect water availability. This paper investigated whether hydrological assumptions within meteorological drought indicators and ecophysiological assumptions within remote‐sensing drought indicators reflect drought deficits as they occur in floodplain forests. We compared the performance of widely used meteorological and remote‐sensing drought indicators in floodplain forests to tree‐ring validation using five species at three floodplains in eastern Texas, USA. We found that the water balance in the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index and the water loss estimated by the Evaporative Stress Index were useful models of water deficits in floodplain forests at the site and sub‐site scales, respectively. Hydrological and stand conditions varied among sites enough to affect the specific patterns of tree‐species responded to drought. However, of the species we examined, tree rings in green ash were the most consistently affected by drought across floodplains and were the most closely correlated with both meteorological and remotely sensed drought indicators. Finally, drought effects varied by species and among and within floodplains, but generally, growth of trees in topographically drier sites was more closely correlated with drought indicators.
Potential microbial enzyme activity in seasonal snowpack is high and reveals P limitation
Authors: Hoffman Abigail S. , van Diepen Linda T. A. , Albeke Shannon E. , Williams David G.
Published: March 2022

Microbes in snow and ice ecosystems in polar regions contribute substantially to C, N, and P cycling, but few studies have explored microbial activity in seasonal snow. The purpose of this study was to explore the relative importance of snow microbial processing of C, N, and P compounds in atmospheric deposition and litter and detect elemental limitations of snow microbes in Rocky Mountain conifer forests. Enzyme activity in snow was orders of magnitude greater than activity reported for lentic and lotic waters in similar environments. Proportions of C/P‐ and C/N‐acquiring enzymes suggest that snow samples were P limited, or C and P co‐limited, while lentic and lotic waters were more N limited. As such, microbes in seasonal snow may change the composition of nutrients and carbon, but these processes are vulnerable to changes in atmospheric deposition and snow extent and duration, which could affect nutrient processing across large areas.
Effects of large mammalian herbivory, previous fire, and year of burn on fire behavior in an African savanna
Authors: Young Truman. P. , Kimuyu Duncan N. , LaMalfa Eric M. , Werner Chhaya M. , Jones Connor , Masudi Phyllis , Ang'ila Robert , Sensenig Ryan L.
Published: March 2022

Fire, herbivores, and climatic factors are all major drivers of savanna and grassland dynamics, and they interact in complex ways, which are still in the process of being explored. In particular, herbivores can reduce fire intensity by removal of biomass, and this could be reinforced by herbivores’ attraction to recently burned sites, although grassland resilience may limit the temporal depth of such effects. Fire temperature is the most common fire metric reported for grassland fire, but additional aspects of fire behavior can also be measured. Using a set of controlled, replicated experiments, we examined the effects of year of burn, herbivory by livestock and wildlife, previous burn, and weather history on fire behavior in an African savanna. Multiple measures of fire behavior (minimum fire temperature, flame front speed, fire residence time, maximum flame height, and flame length) in 36 controlled burns were positively intercorrelated. Burns conducted in 2018 were significantly cooler, especially at heights >0.5 m above the ground, than those in 2013, a wetter year with more grass fuel. Grass fuel loads and fire temperatures were reduced by the presence of livestock and wildlife. Our sampling methods did not for the most part reveal expected differences in fire temperatures or other behaviors between the reburned plots and those burned for the first time in 2018, with or without herbivores, suggesting strong postfire resilience in this semiarid savanna rangeland.
Natural 15N abundance of ammonium and nitrate in soil profiles: New insights into forest ecosystem nitrogen saturation
Authors: Gurmesa Geshere Abdisa , Hobbie Erik A. , Zhang Shasha , Wang Ang , Zhu Feifei , Zhu Weixing , Koba Keisuke , Yoh Muneoki , Wang Chuankuan , Zhang Qiuliang , Fang Yunting
Published: March 2022

Assessment of nitrogen (N) saturation of forests is critical to the evaluation of the manner in which ecosystems will respond to current and future global changes such as N deposition. However, quantifying N saturation remains a challenge. We developed a conceptual model of N saturation stages in forest ecosystems based on (1) a hypothetical relative rate of ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification, (2) concentrations of ammonium and nitrate in the soil, and (3) 15N enrichment pattern of bulk soil N, ammonium, and nitrate in the soil profile. We tested the hypotheses using data from forests located at five sites across eastern Asia. The fraction of nitrate in total inorganic N indicated that the sites represent an N saturation gradient with one boreal forest at stage 1 (least saturated), three temperate forests at stage 2, and one tropical forest at stage 3 (most saturated). The δ15N of bulk soil N increased from topsoil to subsoil more sharply at N‐limited sites than at the N‐rich sites along the N deposition gradient. We also found distinct 15N enrichment patterns of bulk soil N, ammonium, and nitrate in the soil profile across the study sites. At stage 1, nitrate was more 15N‐depleted than ammonium only in the organic soil horizon, indicating limited nitrification, while the 15N depletion of nitrate to ammonium was observed in the deeper mineral soil at stages 2 and 3. Furthermore, ammonium was more 15N‐depleted than bulk soil N at stages 1 and 2 but more 15N‐enriched than bulk soil N at stage 3. Our study suggests that soil profile patterns of δ15N of bulk soil N, ammonium, and nitrate provide information about the relative rates of mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification and thus can be an additional measure of N saturation of forest ecosystems across broad environmental gradients.
2‐Hydrazonyl‐Propandihydrazide – A Versatile Precursor for High‐Energy Materials
Authors: Harter Alexander G. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Riedelsheimer Christian , Stierstorfer Jörg , Strobel Sebastian M. , Voggenreiter Michael
Published: March 2022

In this work, 2‐hydrazonyl‐propandihydrazide (2), a new precursor for energetic materials based on diethyl 2,2‐diazidomalonate (1) was investigated. Therefore, its versatility was shown by various secondary reactions, including formation of energetic salts (3–5), the synthesis of a nitrogen‐rich bistriazole (10) and a highly instable diazido derivative (6). In addition, a Curtius degradation could be observed in detail. When possible, the compounds were analyzed by low temperature X‐ray diffraction. All measurable compounds were analyzed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and regarding their sensitivity towards impact and friction according to BAM standard techniques. All promising compounds were evaluated regarding their energetic behavior using the EXPLO5 code (V6.05) and compared to RDX and CL‐20. In addition, compound 2 was investigated towards its aquatic toxicity, using the bioluminescent bacteria vibrio fischeri.
Synthesis and SAR of 2,3‐Dihydro‐1‐benzofuran‐4‐carboxylates: Potent Salicylic Acid‐Based Lead Structures against Plant Stress
Authors: Bojack Guido , Brown Ronald W. , Dittgen Jan , Heinemann Ines , Helmke Hendrik , Hills Martin J. , Hohmann Sabine , Holstein Philipp M. , Schmutzler Dirk , Frackenpohl Jens
Published: March 2022

New 2,3‐dihydro‐1‐benzofuran‐4‐carboxylic acid derivatives have been identified as potent lead structures against drought and cold stress in crops starting from the synthetic exploration of stabilized analogs of the natural product lunularic acid. An optimized Lewis‐acid mediated cyclization gave a short and efficient access to the envisaged 2,3‐dihydro‐1‐benzofuran‐4‐carboxylates. Enantioselective approaches were investigated to assess the potential impact of the chiral center on in vivo activity. Whilst 2,3‐dihydro‐1‐benzofuran‐4‐carboxamides and 2,3‐dihydro‐1‐benzofuran‐4‐carboxylates carrying phenyl substituents with electron‐withdrawing groups exhibited only low to moderate in vivo activity, the corresponding 2,3‐dihydro‐1‐benzofuran‐4‐carboxylates carrying optimized electron‐donating substituents in the phenyl moiety revealed strong in vivo activity, both against drought stress in several broad‐acre crops, as well as against cold stress in corn. Remarkably, several 2,3‐dihydro‐1‐benzofuran‐4‐carboxylates showed stronger efficacy than the internal standards used in our in vivo SAR study.
Electrochemical reduction of quinones in ethaline chosen as an example of deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Zhen Fangchen , Hapiot Philippe
Published: March 2022

The electrochemical reduction of a series of substituted benzoquinone have been examined in ethaline chosen as an example of ionic deep eutectic solvent. Experiments show the importance of hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the quinones or its intermediates and the solvent. The effects are notably visible on the values of reduction potentials that are much more positive in ethaline than in a molecular solvent like acetonitrile and by the small difference between the first and second reduction potentials. The amplitude of the stabilization increases with the donor character of the substituent. Concerning the second reduction, the peak currents are considerably smaller than those of the first reduction and almost disappear at high scan rates (above 50 V s−1). This behavior could be explained considering a chemical step prior to the electron transfer that becomes the limiting step (CE mechanism). As a remarkable feature, the electron transfer kinetics remain fast despite the hydrogen‐bonding interactions (ks = 0.12–0.14 cm s−1).
Are There Longitudinal Effects of Forest Harvesting on Carbon Quality and Flow and Methylmercury Bioaccumulation in Primary Consumers of Temperate Stream Networks?
Authors: Charbonneau Kelli L. , Kidd Karen A. , Kreutzweiser David P. , Sibley Paul K. , Emilson Erik J. S. , O'Driscoll Nelson J. , Gray Michelle A.
Published: March 2022

Forest harvesting affects dissolved organic matter (DOM) and aqueous mercury inputs as well as the food web structure in small-headwater streams, but how these upstream changes manifest downstream is unclear. To address this uncertainty, we examined DOM quality, autochthony in the caddisfly Hydropsychidae (using δ2H), and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in stream water and the caddisfly along a longitudinal gradient (first- to fourth-order streams, subcatchments of 50–1900 ha) in paired partially harvested and reference catchments in central Ontario, Canada. Although measures of DOM quality (specific ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm 2.20–11.62) and autochthony in caddisflies (4.9%–34.0%) varied among sites, no upstream-to-downstream differences in these measures were observed between the paired harvested and reference catchments. In contrast, MeHg levels in stream water (0.06–0.35 ng/L) and caddisflies (29.7–192 µg/kg dry wt) were significantly higher in the upstream sites but not the farthest downstream sites in the harvested catchments compared to the reference catchments. This suggests that while current mitigation measures used by forestry companies did not prevent elevated MeHg in water and invertebrates at smaller spatial scales (subcatchments of 50–400 ha), these upstream impacts did not manifest at larger spatial scales (subcatchments of 800–1900 ha). The present study advances our understanding of spatially cumulative impacts within harvested catchments, which is critical to help forest managers maintain healthy forest streams and their provisioning of aquatic ecosystem services. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1490–1507. © 2022 SETAC
Bioactive inorganic particles‐based biomaterials for skin tissue engineering
Authors: Ma Jingge , Wu Chengtie
Published: March 2022

The challenge for treatment of severe cutaneous wound poses an urgent clinical need for the development of biomaterials to promote skin regeneration. In the past few decades, introduction of inorganic components into material system has become a promising strategy for improving performances of biomaterials in the process of tissue repair. In this review, we provide a current overview of the development of bioactive inorganic particles‐based biomaterials used for skin tissue engineering. We highlight the three stages in the evolution of the bioactive inorganic biomaterials applied to wound management, including single inorganic materials, inorganic/organic composite materials, and inorganic particles‐based cell‐encapsulated living systems. At every stage, the primary types of bioactive inorganic biomaterials are described, followed by citation of the related representative studies completed in recent years. Then we offer a brief exposition of typical approaches to construct the composite material systems with incorporation of inorganic components for wound healing. Finally, the conclusions and future directions are suggested for the development of novel bioactive inorganic particles‐based biomaterials in the field of skin regeneration.
Organizational social activities and knowledge management behaviors: An affective events perspective
Authors: Good Jessica R. L. , Halinski Michael , Boekhorst Janet A.
Published: March 2022

Research indicates that relationship‐oriented HR practices can increase organizational knowledge, yet we know little about the effects of relationship‐oriented HR practices on employee knowledge management behaviors. Drawing from affective events theory, we examine the indirect effect of participation in one type of relationship‐oriented HR practice (i.e., organizational social activities) on three knowledge management behaviors (i.e., knowledge sharing, knowledge hiding, and knowledge manipulating) via positive affect, as well as the conditional indirect effect of intrinsic motivation for organizational social activities on these relationships. Utilizing a time‐separated field study (n = 163), our analysis reveals positive affect fully mediates the relationship between participation in organizational social activities and (a) knowledge sharing and (b) knowledge hiding, and partially mediates the relationship between participation in organizational social activities, and (c) knowledge manipulating. Most interestingly, we unexpectedly found a positive direct effect of participation in organizational social activities on knowledge manipulation, even though the indirect effect via positive affect was negative. The results also indicate that, for individuals with high intrinsic motivation for social activities, there is a significant indirect effect of participation in organizational social activities on all three knowledge management behaviors.
A scoping review of Singapore parenting: Culture‐general and culture‐specific functions of parenting styles and practices
Authors: Cheung Hoi Shan , Lim Elinor
Published: March 2022

Cross‐cultural studies on parenting have identified cultural nuances that may impact the form and functions of parenting styles and practices in different contexts. This scoping review is undertaken with the aim of identifying such nuances in an under‐studied culture, as a starting point to understand and compare the forms and functions of parenting in Asia and beyond. A review of 27 studies showed that optimal parenting styles and practices were associated with positive child development outcomes in Singapore, similar to what has been observed in Western contexts. However, some parenting behaviours that were typically considered to be sub‐optimal were not invariably related to poorer child outcomes in Singapore, indicating that there may be protective cultural factors related to the interpretation of parental control. Adopting an emic approach to parenting research would deepen our understanding of the cultural generality and specificity of practices, ensuring that the design and implementation of parenting interventions are culturally appropriate and effective.
A 40‐year‐old man with a rapidly growing intrascrotal tumor in the fibroma–thecoma group
Authors: Anraku Tsutomu , Hashidate Hideki , Nakahara Asa , Imai Tomoyuki , Kawakami Yoshiaki
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Tumors in the fibroma–thecoma group are benign tumors, typically found in the ovaries of postmenopausal women and occasionally develop in the testes. These tumors are mostly treated with radical orchiectomy because preoperative diagnosis confirming the benign nature is difficult.

Case presentation

A 40‐year‐old man was incidentally pointed out to have a right intrascrotal mass, measuring approximately 10 cm on computed tomography. Malignant testicular tumor was suspected based on the location and size of the tumor. The patient underwent right radical orchiectomy. Histologically, the tumor had no evidence of malignancy, and the diagnosis of tumors in the fibroma–thecoma group was made. The patient had no recurrence 8 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Intrascrotal tumors in the fibroma–thecoma group are rare benign tumors and mostly treated with radical orchiectomy due to concerns about malignancies. Further investigation is needed for accurate preoperative diagnosis, and we should be aware of these rare tumors.
Custom design and biomechanical clinical trials of 3D‐printed polyether ether ketone femoral shaft prosthesis
Authors: Wu Chao , Zeng Baifang , Deng Jiayan , Shen Danwei , Wang Xiangyu , Tan Lun , Liu Xin , Qiu Guigang
Published: March 2022

During the surgical resection and reconstruction of a pathological femoral fracture, the removal of the femoral tumor leaves a large bone defect. Thus, it is necessary to reconstruct the defect and perform internal fixation. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has been widely used in spinal fusion and cranioplasty given its excellent biomechanical properties, biocompatibility, and stability. The typical design method of femoral prosthesis is based on the contralateral mirror image model (M‐model), and we propose a novel method for designing femoral prosthesis, which is based on the cross section and centerline of the mirrored femur (C‐model). In this study, the femoral shaft prostheses based on two models were manufactured using fused deposition modeling technology, and we use mechanical test and finite element analysis (FEA) to reveal the differences in mechanical properties of the two models. The mechanical results showed that the maximum loading force and yield strength were increased by 3% and 6% in the C‐model prosthesis compared with the M‐model prosthesis, respectively. In FEA, the results indicate that the C‐model prosthesis could reduce the stress concentration by 5.4%–10.9% compared to the M‐model prosthesis. Finally, the 3D‐printed PEEK femoral shaft prosthesis based on C‐model was implanted, no early complications occurred. Postoperative radiological examination indicated that the prosthesis and the femoral osteotomy end were closely matched and fixed well.
Spatial−temporal analysis of HIV/AIDS and syphilis in mainland China from 2007 to 2017
Authors: Huang Jiaofeng , Wu Haicong , Lin Su , Lu Lingling , Zheng Jiaolong , Liu Bang , Kumar Rahul , Li Dongliang
Published: March 2022

Human immune deficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and syphilis are the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) worldwide, as well as in China. The objective of this study is to describe the trend of spatial and temporal variation of HIV/AIDS and syphilis in mainland China from 2007 to 2017. Stratified analysis was conducted according to age and the GDP per capita. Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) was calculated and spatial autocorrelation analysis was used to evaluate the epidemiology and identify clusters. The morbidity of new HIV infection increased from 2.5034/100 000 in 2007 to 6.9247/100 000 in 2017, with an EAPC of 9.84 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.07–10.60). From 2007 to 2017, the morbidity of syphilis presented a significant upward trend from 15.8834/100 000 to 34.4867/100 000 (EAPC = 6.48, 95% CI: 4.23–8.73). The number of new HIV infections (205 084) and syphilis (921 279) were highest in the 20–30 years old group, where the incidence decreased with age over 20 years. In general, HIV and syphilis infection had the same incidence trend according to age and time stratification. The morbidity of new HIV infection was mainly reported from Xinjiang and southwestern China. As for syphilis, the highest was found in Zhejiang in Xinjiang and southeast coastal areas. Both HIV and syphilis infection showed a nonrandom positive correlation by Moran's I value. The High‐High cluster areas of HIV infection were concentrated in southwestern and eastern China due to syphilis. A highly significant positive correlation was found between gross domestic product per capita and syphilis infection (p < 0.05) but was not associated with HIV infection. The incidence of AIDS/HIV and syphilis is increasing year by year, and a higher prevalence is found in younger individuals. More attention should be paid to HIV infection in the southwest, syphilis in southeast coastal areas, and both the two diseases in Xinjiang.
Impact of corticosteroid use on the clinical response and prognosis in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis who underwent an upgrade to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Suzuki Yuya , Takami Mitsuru , Fukuzawa Koji , Kiuchi Kunihiko , Shimane Akira , Sakai Jun , Nakamura Toshihiro , Yatomi Atsusuke , Sonoda Yusuke , Takahara Hiroyuki , Nakasone Kazutaka , Yamamoto Kyoko , Tani Ken‐ichi , Iwai Hidehiro , Nakanishi Yusuke , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: March 2022

Background

Corticosteroids are widely used in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). In addition, upgrading to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is sometimes needed. This study aimed to investigate the impact of corticosteroid use on the clinical outcomes following CRT upgrades.

Methods

A total of 48 consecutive patients with non‐ischemic cardiomyopathies who underwent CRT upgrades were retrospectively reviewed and divided into three groups: group 1 included CS patients taking corticosteroids before the CRT upgrade (n = 7), group 2, CS patients not taking corticosteroids before the CRT upgrade (n = 10), and group 3, non‐CS patients (n = 31). The echocardiographic response, heart failure hospitalizations, and cardiovascular deaths were evaluated.

Results

The baseline characteristics during CRT upgrades exhibited no significant differences in the echocardiographic data between the three groups. After the CRT upgrade, responses regarding the ejection fraction (EF) and end‐systolic volume (ESV) were significantly lower in CS patients than non‐CS patients (ΔEF: group 1, 6.7% vs. group 2, 7.7% vs. group 3, 13.6%; p = .039, ΔESV: 3.0 ml vs. ‐12.7 ml vs. ‐37.2 ml; p = .008). The rate of an echocardiographic response was lowest in group 1 (29%). There were, however, no significant differences in the cumulative freedom from a composite outcome among the three groups (p = .19). No cardiovascular deaths occurred in group 1.

Conclusion

The echocardiographic response to an upgrade to CRT and the long‐term prognosis in patients with CS should be carefully evaluated because of the complex etiologies and impact of immunosuppressive therapy.
The impact of chief risk officer appointments on firm risk and operational efficiency
Authors: Li Huashan , Lam Hugo K. S. , Ho William , Yeung Andy C. L.
Published: March 2022

To exercise risk control at the corporate level, firms often appoint Chief Risk Officers (CROs) to their top management team. By establishing CRO positions, firms can reduce firm risk and potential financial losses caused by operational disruptions. Yet, by inducing stringent control measures on risks, security, and compliance, CRO appointments might create unwieldy bureaucracies with operational hurdles and incur burdensome costs that offset efficiency. Using longitudinal secondary data collected from multiple sources, we analyze the impact of CRO appointments on firm risk and operational efficiency of 435 publicly listed firms in the United States from 2006 to 2016. Our results indicate that CRO appointments not only reduce risks, but also improve efficiency in operations. We delve into the power of CROs and find that more powerful CROs are more effective in enhancing the operational efficiency of firms. We further examine the contextual factors and reveal that firms operating under high industry litigation threats and industry dynamism improve operational efficiency to a greater extent after CRO appointments. Overall, CROs' appointments are more beneficial to firms when they have stronger power in the top management team and when the operating environments are uncertain and volatile.
Wolf monitoring in Scandinavia: evaluating counts of packs and reproduction events
Authors: Åkesson Mikael , Svensson Linn , Flagstad Øystein , Wabakken Petter , Frank Jens
Published: March 2022

Large carnivores are elusive and use large areas, which causes monitoring to be challenging and costly. Moreover, management to reduce conflicts and simultaneously ensure long‐term population viability require precise population estimates. In Scandinavia, the monitoring of wolves (Canis lupus) is primarily based on counting packs, identifying reproduction, and genetically identifying territorial wolves from noninvasive DNA samples. We assessed the reliability of wolf monitoring in Scandinavia by estimating the detectability of territorial pairs, packs, and reproduction. Our data, comprising snow‐tracking data and DNA‐identified individuals from 2005–2016, covered 11 consecutive winter monitoring seasons (Oct–Mar). Among 343 cases where we identified a wolf pack, territorial wolves were also detected in the same area during the previous season in 323 (94.2%) cases. In only 6 of the remaining 20 cases, there was no prior knowledge of territorial wolves in the area. Among the 328 detected reproduction events (litter born to a pack), we detected 97% during the monitoring period and identified the rest ≥1 year later from kinship assessments of all DNA‐detected individuals. These results suggest that we failed to detect only few packs with reproduction events during the monitoring season that followed breeding. Yearly monitoring of territorial individuals and continuous updates of the pedigree allowed us to retrospectively identify reproduction events and packs that were not identified earlier.