bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incident Gout and Risk of First‐Time Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Prospective, Population‐Based Cohort Study in Sweden
Authors: Drivelegka Panagiota , Jacobsson Lennart T. H. , Lindström Ulf , Bengtsson Karin , Dehlin Mats
Published: September 2022

Objective

To investigate the risk of first‐time acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a large cohort of primary and secondary care patients with incident gout compared to the general population.

Methods

Using register data for the period 2007–2017, we conducted a prospective, population‐based cohort with 20,146 patients with incident gout (mean age 65.6 years; 67.4% male) and 83,517 matched population controls without prior history of coronary heart disease. We calculated incidence rates (IRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for baseline comorbidities and dispensed prescriptions. In a sensitivity analysis, we included gout cases and controls with no previously diagnosed comorbidity (6,075 cases and 44,091 controls).

Results

The IR of first‐time ACS was significantly increased in the gout cohort compared to controls (9.1 versus 6.3 of 1,000 person‐years). Unadjusted Cox regression showed that gout patients had higher risk of first‐time ACS compared to controls (HR 1.44 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.33–1.56]), with a higher HR in women (HR 1.64 [95% CI 1.41–1.90]) than in men (HR 1.36 [95% CI, 1.24–1.50]). In multivariable analysis, the risk diminished but remained significant (HR 1.15 [95% CI 1.06–1.25]). The risk was similar in the sensitivity analysis (HR 1.20 [95% CI 1.01–1.44]) and still higher in women (HR 1.34 [95% CI 0.86–2.08]) than in men (HR 1.18 [95% CI 0.97–1.44]).

Conclusion

Patients with incident gout have a 44% increased risk of first‐time ACS, higher in women than in men. This risk is largely explained by the underlying comorbidities, but there is still a modestly increased risk that may be due to gout‐related factors.
Evidence of Plasticity‐Driven Conductivity Drop in an Ultra‐Low‐k Dielectric Organosilicate Glass
Authors: Rusinowicz Morgan , Volpi Fabien , Parry Guillaume , Braccini Muriel , Boujrouf Chaymaa , Verdier Marc
Published: September 2022

Advanced devices (for microelectronics, energy storage, power sourcing) are complex architectures of metals and dielectrics subjected to harsh mechanical stresses. The functional reliability of the embedded dielectrics is driven by their ability to preserve their electrical properties (such as leakage and breakdown). Accordingly, understanding the interplay between the mechanical and electrical behaviors of dielectric films is critical to predict the lifetime of functional devices. In this study, the effect of plastic deformation on the electrical conduction of an ultra‐low‐k dielectric film is elucidated by combining in situ advanced experiments and finite element modeling. Experimentally, “electrical‐nanoindentation” tests emphasize the strong correlation between electrical and mechanical failures (leakage degradation, breakdown, plasticity, cracking). These experiments also reveal a counterintuitive electrical conduction drop under high mechanical stresses. This phenomenon is reproduced numerically by correcting the Poole–Frenkel conduction law with a strain‐dependent factor, and described analytically in terms of space‐charge build‐up induced by the trapping of holes at the mechanically generated defects. A threshold strain is identified as the keystone relating this strain‐dependent conduction to the current line distribution within the dielectric. This study provides a new understanding of the mechanical/electrical couplings in dielectrics, which opens promising insights into reliability issues for advanced devices.
Gigantic Effect due to Phase Transition on Thermoelectric Properties of Ionic Sol–Gel Materials
Authors: Liu Jin , Zeng Wei , Tao Xiaoming
Published: September 2022

Sol–gel phase transition in ionic thermoelectrical (i‐TE) materials induces large rapid change in viscosity and ionic transport process and is thus expected to yield a drastic variation in thermoelectric properties, crucial in low‐grade waste heat harvesting and wearable electronic applications. In this study, four types of i‐TE materials are prepared and examined. For the first time, a large rise in the thermopower by 6.5 times during the sol–gel transition of poloxamer/LiCl system is observed, an even greater ionic figure of merit by ≈23 times. The phenomenon is found to be universal as the large variation in thermopower is confirmed in the other transitional materials. The study further reveals the mechanism and proposes a model that deals with the whole process. Finally, six factors influencing the huge variation of the thermopower during the phase‐transition are probed and light is shed on the possible gigantic changes of thermopower during the phase transition. A possible route is uncovered to design and control the desired thermoelectric performances of materials, which can lead to a new sight in tunable i‐TE devices for low‐heat energy harvesting applications.
Room Temperature Triggered Single Photon Emission from Self‐Assembled GaN/AlN Quantum Dot in Nanowire
Authors: Chen Ling , Sheng Bowen , Sheng Shanshan , Wang Ping , Sun Xiaoxiao , Li Duo , Wang Tao , Tao Renchun , Liu Shangfeng , Chen Zhaoying , Ge Weikun , Shen Bo , Wang Xinqiang
Published: September 2022

Room temperature (RT) operation is one of the crucial requirements for the practical applications of single photon emitters. Here, RT triggered single photon emission from self‐assembled GaN quantum dots (QDs) embedded in AlN nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy on Si (111) substrate is demonstrated. Photoluminescence of GaN/AlN QDs show strong emission in the range of 3.6–4.1 eV at 4.7 K, with average full width at half maximum of ≈2.7 meV, the sharpest one reaches as narrow as 1.6 meV. The QD exhibits a fast‐radiative lifetime of ≈0.98 ns at 4.7 K due to strong quantum confinement. A clear antibunching effect is observable up to RT, with a second‐order correlation function at zero time delay g(2)(0) = 0.35 ± 0.05, confirming single photon emission at RT, manifesting strong potential for practical quantum information applications.
High‐Performance Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes Enabled by Passivating Defect and Constructing Dual Energy‐Transfer Pathway through Functional Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Gao Yanbo , Liu Yue , Zhang Fujun , Bao Xinyu , Xu Zehua , Bai Xue , Lu Min , Wu Yanjie , Wu Zhennan , Zhang Ye , Wang Quan , Gao Xiujun , Wang Yinghui , Shi Zhifeng , Hu Junhua , Yu William W. , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2022

Quasi‐2D perovskites have emerged as a promising luminescent material for perovskite light‐emitting diodes (Pe‐LEDs). However, efficiency and stability are still obstacles to practical application due to numerous defects and inefficient energy transfer of perovskite films. Herein, functional phenethylammonium bromine‐modified CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (PEA‐CsPbBr3 NCs) are first introduced as multifunctional additive to simultaneously improve abovementioned problems. PEA‐CsPbBr3 NCs not only serve as heteronuclear seeds and trigger growth, thus greatly reducing leakage current, but also deliver Cs+ and Br− to passivate the intrinsic defects inside film. More importantly, the PEA‐CsPbBr3 construct a new carrier‐transfer pathway from the small‐n phase of the quasi‐2D perovskite to the PEA‐CsPbBr3, which not only accelerates the energy‐transfer process but also promotes radiation recombination of carriers due to stronger quantum confinement effect. Afterward, the poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate/poly[9,9‐dioctylfluoreneco‐N‐[4‐(3‐methylpropyl)]diphenylamine]:black phosphorus quantum dot double hole‐transport layer is successfully constructed to enhance its carrier‐injection and charge‐transport abilities. Consequently, a champion external quantum efficiency of 25.32% and maximal brightness of 128 842 cd m−2 are achieved, which is the record efficiency of the quasi‐2D Pe‐LED with pure green emission at 530 nm. Moreover, an impressive 174 min lifetime is obtained at T50, which is about five times longer than the control device.
Load‐Dependent Friction Hysteresis for Graphitic Surfaces in n‐Hexadecane
Authors: Baboukani Behnoosh Sattari , Pitkar Ashutosh , Ye Zhijiang , Nalam Prathima C.
Published: September 2022

Sliding‐induced friction behavior of a single‐asperity silica probe against few‐layer (FL) graphene and bulk graphite is measured in the presence of n‐hexadecane using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The load‐dependent nanoscale friction measurements display friction hysteresis, i.e., higher friction forces during unloading of the contact than loading, at a given normal load. However, unlike hysteresis in friction of graphene measured in ambient, several unique trends are observed when the contact is immersed in n‐hexadecane. First, the friction hysteresis is measured up to a transition load and beyond which is found negligible; second, a similar behavior is observed on bulk graphite; and third, a friction strengthening of the contact persisted up to several nanometers. Quasi‐static force‐separation curves identify up to four layers of n‐hexadecane solvation layers on graphitic surfaces. Molecular dynamic simulations illustrate that the solvated n‐hexadecane molecules within the contact carry the probe load and determine the generated contact area, affecting friction hysteresis. Further, during AFM probe sliding, instead of a pucker, a molecular pile‐up of n‐hexadecane, in front of the tip is observed. These findings provide new perspectives on understanding of the dissipation mechanisms of graphene that predominantly are surrounded by structured liquid molecules.
Interfacial Engineering Based on Polyethylene Glycol and Cuprous Thiocyanate Layers for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Weiting , Dong Haiyue , Li Xingyu , Xia Tian , Zheng Guoyuan , Tian Nan , Mo Shuyi , Peng Yong , Yang Yang , Yao Disheng , Long Fei
Published: September 2022

Cuprous thiocyanate (CuSCN) is an ideal inorganic hole transport material for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, polar solvents for film deposition of CuSCN run a risk of destroying the perovskite light‐absorbing layer. There is also a poor contact between perovskites and CuSCN, restricting photovoltaic performance and operational stability of PSCs. In this work, a polyethylene glycol (PEG‐10000) is employed as an interlayer to effectively overcome the obstacles mentioned above. By introducing this ultra‐thin layer at the interface between (MAFA)Pb(IBr)3 and CuSCN, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability of the related PSCs are both greatly improved. The results confirm that the insertion of PEG cannot only prevent the destruction of bulk perovskites but also reduce the traps/defects at the interface through its strong chemical bonding with undercoordinated ions, which significantly lowers the potential barrier between the perovskite and the hole transport layer. An improved PCE of 19.2% can be achieved in the CuSCN‐based PSCs by interface engineering with PEG. The introduction of PEG can also protect the perovskite film from moisture attack, and greatly enhance device stability. The PEG‐treated PSCs without encapsulation maintain more than 90% of the initial efficiency after 1860 h in the ambient air.
Electrically Tunable, Fully Solid Reflective Optical Elements
Authors: Phillips Alexis T. , Schlafmann Kyle R. , Fowler Hayden E. , White Timothy J.
Published: September 2022

Electrochromic devices have seen widespread adoption in the automotive and aerospace industries and are increasingly considered for applications in the built environment, such as smart windows. Here, a distinctive approach is reported to realizing electrochromism in solid, polymeric materials. The optical elements are based on liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) that retain the cholesteric phase (CLCEs). By integrating flexible, optically transparent, and conductive electrodes the CLCEs are actuated as dielectric elastomer actuators. Application of an electric field causes a significant change in the reflection wavelength of fully solid CLCE. The electromechanical response (Maxwell stresses) is reversible. Both uniaxial and biaxial prestrain are shown to enhance and differentiate the stimuli‐response in the photonic device.
Boosting the Photocurrent in BiFeO3 Thin Films via a Domain‐Wall‐Defect Interaction
Authors: Zhang Hang-Bo , Yang Ming-Min , Alexe Marin
Published: September 2022

Ferroelectric domain walls are of great interest due to their nontrivial electronic properties. Herein, a large photocurrent is detected only in the stripe domain structure of BiFeO3 thin films. By the temperature‐resolved time‐dependent photocurrent measurements, the significant trapping effect is revealed to be associated with the abnormal photocurrent. Further optoelectronic measurements with the defect density tuned unveiled that the interaction between the defects and domain walls is essential to give a rise to a large photocurrent in BiFeO3 thin films. The study reveals a novel domain‐wall‐defect photovoltaic effect and provides a simple thermal annealing‐treatment strategy to boost the photocurrents and power output by several folds.
Supported residential services as a type of “total institution”: Implications for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Authors: Dearn Elroy , Ramcharan Paul , Weller Penelope , Brophy Lisa , Johnson Katherine
Published: September 2022

A policy norm enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006 reflected in Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme is for people with psychosocial and other disabilities to have choice and control over their lives and not to live in institutional settings. In Australia, private congregate care settings remain in most states and territories, yet are not recognised as institutional settings in policy or academic literature. This recognition is long overdue and is the focus of this article. The article reports on findings from an ethnographic study in a type of private congregate care setting in Victoria—supported residential services (SRS). Adopting criteria adopted by Davies (1989) from Goffman's notion of “total institution,” observations and interviews with 12 residents with psychosocial disability are analysed. These settings are found to meet many of the criteria for total institution. This finding has two critical implications for policy and practice. First, the extent to which institutionalisation in SRS impacts on the choices residents are able to make. Second, the extent to which independent support and advocacy are needed to ensure residents can exercise choice and control over their lives to find pathways out of SRS.
Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities and bovine serum albumin binding properties of benzimidazolium derivative NHC salts and their Ag(I)‐NHC complexes
Authors: Çelik Cem , Üstün Elvan , Şahin Neslihan , Tutar Uğur
Published: September 2022

Benzimidazole type N‐heterocyclic carbene molecules and their metal complexes have well‐known biological activity. Elemental silver and silver complexes also have antibacterial and antifungal activity. In this study, silver complexes with 1‐allyl 5,6‐dimethylbenzimidazolium derivative ligands were analyzed for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. Additionally, bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding properties of the molecules were analyzed by spectrophotometric methods, and the details of interactions of the molecules with BSA were investigated by molecular docking methods. While N‐heterocyclic carbene salts showed moderate antifungal and antibiofilm activity, silver complexes of these salts have strong antimicrobial activity with <1.9–15.6 μg/ml minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. On the other hand, carbene salts have better affinity against BSA than the complexes. Additionally, the interaction of the optimized complexes with SarA and BSA were analyzed by molecular docking methods. According to in vitro and in silico evaluation, the studied Ag complexes may be utilized for advanced studies.
Trans‐synaptic mechanisms orchestrated by mammalian synaptic cell adhesion molecules
Authors: Kim Jinhu , Wulschner Luis E. Gomez , Oh Won Chan , Ko Jaewon
Published: September 2022

Bidirectional trans‐synaptic signaling is essential for the formation, maturation, and plasticity of synaptic connections. Synaptic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are prime drivers in shaping the identities of trans‐synaptic signaling pathways. A series of recent studies provide evidence that diverse presynaptic cell adhesion proteins dictate the regulation of specific synaptic properties in postsynaptic neurons. Focusing on mammalian synaptic CAMs, this article outlines several exemplary cases supporting this notion and highlights how these trans‐synaptic signaling pathways collectively contribute to the specificity and diversity of neural circuit architecture.
Python scripting for biochemistry and molecular biology in Jupyter Notebooks
Authors: Craig Paul A. , Nash Jessica A. , Crawford T. Daniel
Published: September 2022

A programming workshop has been developed for biochemists and molecular biologists to introduce them to the power and flexibility of solving problems with Python. The workshop is designed to move users beyond a “plug‐and‐play” approach that is based on spreadsheets and web applications in their teaching and research to writing scripts to parse large collections of data and to perform dynamic calculations. The live‐coding workshop is designed to introduce specific coding skills, as well as provide insight into the broader array of open‐access resources and libraries that are available for scientific computation.
Boosting the detection performance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 test through a sensitive optical biosensor with new superior antibody
Authors: Lin Chih‐Yen , Wang Wen‐Hung , Li Meng‐Chi , Lin Yu‐Ting , Yang Zih‐Syuan , Urbina Aspiro Nayim , Assavalapsakul Wanchai , Thitithanyanont Arunee , Chen Kai‐Ren , Kuo Chien‐Cheng , Lin Yu‐Xen , Hsiao Hui‐Hua , Lin Kun‐Der , Lin Shang‐Yi , Chen Yen‐Hsu , Yu Ming‐Lung , Su Li‐Chen , Wang Sheng‐Fan
Published: September 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus emerged in late 2019 leading to the COVID‐19 disease pandemic that triggered socioeconomic turmoil worldwide. A precise, prompt, and affordable diagnostic assay is essential for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 as well as its variants. Antibody against SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S) protein was reported as a suitable strategy for therapy and diagnosis of COVID‐19. We, therefore, developed a quick and precise phase‐sensitive surface plasmon resonance (PS‐SPR) biosensor integrated with a novel generated anti‐S monoclonal antibody (S‐mAb). Our results indicated that the newly generated S‐mAb could detect the original SARS‐CoV‐2 strain along with its variants. In addition, a SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus, which could be processed in BSL‐2 facility was generated for evaluation of sensitivity and specificity of the assays including PS‐SPR, homemade target‐captured ELISA, spike rapid antigen test (SRAT), and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Experimentally, PS‐SPR exerted high sensitivity to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus at 589 copies/ml, with 7‐fold and 70‐fold increase in sensitivity when compared with the two conventional immunoassays, including homemade target‐captured ELISA (4 × 103 copies/ml) and SRAT (4 × 104 copies/ml), using the identical antibody. Moreover, the PS‐SPR was applied in the measurement of mimic clinical samples containing the SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus mixed with nasal mucosa. The detection limit of PS‐SPR is calculated to be 1725 copies/ml, which has higher accuracy than homemade target‐captured ELISA (4 × 104 copies/ml) and SRAT (4 × 105 copies/ml) and is comparable with qRT‐PCR (1250 copies/ml). Finally, the ability of PS‐SPR to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 in real clinical specimens was further demonstrated, and the assay time was less than 10 min. Taken together, our results indicate that this novel S‐mAb integrated into PS‐SPR biosensor demonstrates high sensitivity and is time‐saving in SARS‐CoV‐2 virus detection. This study suggests that incorporation of a high specific recognizer in SPR biosensor is an alternative strategy that could be applied in developing other emerging or re‐emerging pathogenic detection platforms.
Effects of a statutory reform on waiting times for outpatient psychotherapy: A multicentre cohort study
Authors: Singer Susanne , Engesser Deborah , Wirp Bernhild , Lang Klaus , Paserat Anke , Kobes Jörg , Porsch Udo , Mittag Martina , Taylor Katherine , Gianicolo Emilio , Maier Lena
Published: September 2022

Aims

Social inequality in access to mental health care is a current concern across the world. The authors determined whether differences in waiting times for outpatient psychotherapy changed after a statutory reform of the German psychotherapy law.

Methods

The dates of first contact, first visit and treatment start, along with socio‐demographic and clinical data, were extracted from patient records in community‐based psychotherapy practices. Predictors of waiting times for first visit and treatment start were investigated using multilevel Cox regression models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRadj).

Results

Data from 1548 patient records from nine practices were extracted. Before the reform, the time span between first contact and first visit was longer for patients with compulsory education than for patients with a college degree (HRadj 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.0), whereas this was no longer the case after the law changed (HRadj 1.0, 95% CI 0.8–1.3). Patients whose treatment was covered by the state were at higher risk of a long waiting time from last visit to treatment start compared with patients with statutory health insurance after the law changed (HRadj 0.4, 95% CI 0.3–0.7), which had not been the case before the law changed (HRadj 1.3, 95% CI 0.8–2.2).

Conclusions

Social inequality in access to psychotherapy was reduced in part by the updated psychotherapy law in terms of educational groups; however, it increased in other aspects. This shows how political decisions can powerfully impact clinical practice, ultimately helping one group of patients while disadvantaging another.
Rationally Engineering the Cofactor Specificity of LfSDR1 for Biocatalytic Synthesis of the Key Intermediate of Telotristat Ethyl
Authors: Li Hengyu , Zhang Wenhe , Che Changli , Wang Huibin , Jia Yutian , Gao Xiao , Jia Xian , Qin Bin , You Song
Published: September 2022

Switching cofactor preference of oxidoreductases from NADPH to NADH by rational engineering, replacing the expensive cofactor NADP+ with the cheap cofactor NAD+, is a focus of attention in the industrial application of oxidoreductases. This study focuses on the reversal of cofactor preference for short‐chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs). Combined with bioinformatics analyses and in silico analyses, a small and smart mutant library (Mu1‐Mu3) of LfSDR1 was rationally designed and constructed. Thus, the excellent NADH‐dependent recombinant LfSDR1‐V186A/G92V/E141L/G38D/T15A variant (Mu2) was obtained. Meanwhile, novel enzymatic processes for synthesis of the key intermediates [(R)‐2 and (S)‐4] of telotristat ethyl and crizotinib were successfully created, which mainly relied on Mu2 coupled with an FDH‐catalyzed cofactor regeneration system. A co‐expressed E. coli whole‐cell biocatalyst containing the genes of Mu2 and PpFDH was developed to reduce ketones 1 and 3. Finally, ketone 1 was almost completely converted into the product (R)‐2 with a space‐time yield of 115.7 g⋅L−1⋅d−1 and a 98.8 % ee value.
Pneumatic Pressure Control Using on‐off Valves with Pulse Width Modulation
Authors: De Carvalho Gabriel , Bideaux Eric , Massioni Paolo , Sesmat Sylvie , Bristiel Frederic
Published: September 2022

Servomotor‐controlled valves are widely used in industry for pressure control of pneumatic systems. However, as a first stage, they can cause significant hysteresis that can result in loss of pressure or flow control accuracy at the second stage level. To reduce this effect and improve accuracy, a possible solution relies on the use of on‐off switching valves controlled by Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). This approach is studied, firstly by analytically determining how the PWM parameters have to be tuned according to the on‐off valve characteristics, secondly by ensuring that these characteristics provide the desired behavior of the system, and finally by experimentally verifying whether the PWM control can successfully reduce hysteresis, without decreasing the application range.
Dynamic Friction Model for the Investigation of Stick‐Slip Oscillations
Authors: Wittmaack Martin , André Markus , Schmitz Katharina
Published: September 2022

The optimization of lubricated sealing systems with respect to the stick‐slip effect requires a friction model that describes the complex friction behavior in the lubricated contact area. This paper presents an efficient dynamic friction model based on the Stribeck curve, which allows to investigate the influencing parameters through finite element (FE) simulations. The simulation of a tribometer test using this friction model proofs that the model correlates well with the tribometer test results. It is shown that the system stiffness has a significant influence on the stick‐slip tendency of the system.
Chiral Recognition and Photoreaction of β‐Amino Acids with Iridium(III) Complexes
Authors: Xiong Ming‐Feng , Zhou Hai‐Yun , Huang Xiao‐Kang , Fan Jing‐Yan , Ye Bao‐Hui
Published: September 2022

Comprehensive Summary

β‐Amino acids (AAs), homologs of α‐AAs, are important building blocks of biological materials. Herein, chiral recognitions of β‐AAs with Ir(III) complexes are reported, in favor of formation of the thermodynamically stable Λ‐[Ir(pq)2(D‐β‐AAs)] and Δ‐[Ir(pq)2(L‐β‐AAs)] (pq is 2‐phenylquinoline) diastereomers. The photoreactions of [Ir(pq)2(β‐AA)] complexes are observed in an EtOH solution in the presence of O2 at room temperature. The primary β‐AAs complexes, such as rac‐[Ir(pq)2(β‐ala)] (β‐ala is β‐alanine), Δ‐[Ir(pq)2(D‐β‐ma)] and Λ‐[Ir(pq)2(D‐β‐ma)] (β‐ma is β‐methylalanine), Δ‐[Ir(pq)2(D‐β‐pa)] and Λ‐[Ir(pq)2(D‐β‐pa)] (β‐pa is β‐phenylalanine), and rac‐[Ir(pq)2(β‐dma)] (β‐dma is 3,3‐dimethyl‐β‐alanine), are interligand C—N cross‐coupling in situ between pq and β‐AAs ligands. The secondary β‐AA complexes Δ‐[Ir(pq)2(L‐β‐pro)] and Λ‐[Ir(pq)2(L‐β‐pro)] (β‐pro is β‐proline, 2‐(pyrrolidin‐2‐yl)acetic acid) are dehydrogenatively oxidized into imino acid complexes Δ‐[Ir(pq)2(L‐β‐pro‐2Hβ’)] and Λ‐[Ir(pq)2(L‐β‐pro‐2Hβ’)] (L‐β‐pro‐2Hβ’ = 2‐(3,4‐dihydro‐ 2H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)acetic acid), respectively. Moreover, the dehydrogenative reaction in Δ‐[Ir(pq)2(L‐β‐pro)] diastereomer is regioselective depending on the reaction temperature, affording Δ‐[Ir(pq)2(L‐β‐pro‐2Hβ’)] and Δ‐[Ir(pq)2(L‐β‐pro‐2Hβ)] (β‐pro‐2Hβ = 2‐(3,4‐dihydro‐ 2H‐pyrrol‐5‐yl)acetic acid) at low temperature. The chiral recognitions and photoreactions of Ir(III)‐β‐AAs complexes are much different from the previous observations in Ir(III)‐α‐AAs complexes.
Design, Synthesis, and in Vitro Evaluation of 4‐(4‐Hydroxyphenyl)piperazine‐Based Compounds Targeting Tyrosinase
Authors: Mirabile Salvatore , Germanò Maria Paola , Fais Antonella , Lombardo Lisa , Ricci Federico , Floris Sonia , Cacciola Anna , Rapisarda Antonio , Gitto Rosaria , De Luca Laura
Published: September 2022

Melanin biosynthesis is enzymatically regulated by tyrosinase (TYR, EC 1.14.18.1), which is efficiently inhibited by natural and synthetic phenols, demonstrating potential therapeutic application for the treatment of several human diseases. Herein we report the inhibitory effects of a series of (4‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)arylmethanone derivatives, that were designed, synthesised and assayed against TYR from Agaricus bisporus (AbTYR). The best inhibitory activity was predominantly found for compounds bearing selected hydrophobic ortho‐substituents on the aroyl moiety (IC50 values in the range of 1.5–4.6 μM). They proved to be more potent than the reference compound kojic acid (IC50=17.8 μM) and displayed competitive mechanism of inhibition of diphenolase activity of AbTYR. Docking simulation predicted their binding mode into the catalytic cavities of AbTYR and the modelled human TYR. In addition, these compounds displayed antioxidant activity combined with no cytotoxicity in MTT tests. Notably, the best inhibitor affected tyrosinase activity in α‐MSH‐stimulated B16F10 cells, thus demonstrating anti‐melanogenic activity.
Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Using a Self‐Assembled Octupolar Molecular System
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Jun , Abudulimu Abasi , Roldao Juan Carlos , Nam Hyunwoo , Gierschner Johannes , Lüer Larry , Park Soo Young
Published: September 2022

A highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution system was prepared by using an octupolar molecule as a building block of self‐assembled nanoparticles. The photocatalytic system showed an enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) rate upon the addition of halide ions, which was attributed to an external heavy atom effect enhancing intersystem crossing. The HER rate of the photocatalytic system was proportional to the atomic weight and concentration of halide ion additives, and its maximum HER rate reached 460 mmol/g ⋅ h in the presence of iodide ions and a metal co‐catalyst. Further, the photocatalytic system without any halide ion additives generated hydrogen gas utilizing seawater and stimulated sunlight with remarkable efficiency (apparent quantum yield∼3.8 %).
Specific Localization and Quantification of the Oligo‐Mouse‐Microbiota (OMM12) by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
Authors: Brugiroux Sandrine , Berry David , Ring Diana , Barnich Nicolas , Daims Holger , Stecher Bärbel
Published: September 2022

The oligo‐mouse‐microbiota (OMM12) is a widely used syncom that colonizes gnotobiotic mice in a stable manner. It provides several fundamental functions to its murine host, including colonization resistance against enteric pathogens. Here, we designed and validated specific fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes to detect and quantify OMM12 strains on intestinal tissue cross sections. 16S rRNA‒specific probes were designed, and specificity was validated on fixed pure cultures. A hybridization protocol was optimized for sensitive detection of the individual bacterial cells in cryosections. Using this method, we showed that the intestinal mucosal niche of Akkermansia muciniphila can be influenced by global gut microbial community context. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Localization and quantification of OMM12 single strains in mouse cecum cross section

Support Protocol: Establishment of specific FISH probe set for OMM12 syncom
Yield Monitoring for Profitability Mapping, On‐Farm Research, and Precision Conservation
Authors: Drohan Joy
Published: September 2022

Yield‐monitoring data can figure in consequential decisions that make a difference in the farm’s bottom line. Nowadays, most harvesters are equipped with yield‐monitoring technology. Some farmers are using yield maps to develop variable‐rate seeding and nutrient prescriptions while others have been reluctant to use the technology. This article will discuss using yield data for on‐farm decisions, calibrating yield monitors, and cleaning, managing, and standardizing data. This article focuses primarily on corn and soybean grown in the Midwest. But yield monitors are also used in harvesting other grain crops and are standard on new cotton pickers and sugarcane harvesters, so this discussion also applies to those crops. Earn 1.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Constant switching frequency‐based delta‐sigma modulation of single‐phase AC–AC zeta converter
Authors: Jeelani Naira , Hamid Bhat Abdul
Published: September 2022

Direct pulse width modulated (PWM) AC–AC converters, derived from their DC–DC counterparts, serve as promising media for AC–AC power conversion because they offer benefits, such as single‐stage power conversion, absence of bulky DC links, and small footprint. In this study, a single‐phase ( ) AC–AC zeta converter was analyzed under buck, boost, and buck‐boost operations. Delta‐sigma modulation (DSM) technique, known for its simple logic implementation, excellent reference‐tracking property, robust control, and fast transient response, was employed for the load voltage control of a AC–AC zeta converter. However, the conventional DSM technique relies on a fixed hysteresis band (FHB) for restricting the integrated (sigma) error (delta) between the reference and estimated control voltages within a narrow band, which causes the converter to operate at a variable switching frequency (VSF). Although VSF enhances the converter performance with low total harmonic distortion (THD) and high degree of flexibility over waveform quality, it poses serious implications such as higher switching losses, putting more strain on thermal management of switches. This paper presents a constant switching frequency‐based DSM technique based on an adaptive hysteresis band (AHB) for a AC–AC zeta converter. The converter is controlled using FHB‐DSM and AHB‐DSM techniques, and a comparison is drawn between the two in terms of various performance indices. In this comparison, FHB‐DSM serves as a benchmark and an optimum switching frequency based on AHB‐DSM technique is determined, which exhibits low switching losses while maintaining the same THD limits, dynamic response, and waveform quality as that of FHB‐DSM technique. The proposed strategy was validated by simulation studies in MATLAB/SIMULINK software. Furthermore, a real‐time simulator, OPAL‐RT (OP4510), was used to validate the study with real‐time implementation.
Shockwave and spallation in silver and other materials by sub‐ns laser pulse at 1016 W/cm2 intensity
Authors: Torrisi Lorenzo , Torrisi Alfio
Published: September 2022

The laser spallation effect due to intense shockwaves caused by a brief and intense laser pulse irradiating a target surface, 2 mm thick, has been investigated for silver and other materials. For 300 ps IR laser pulse, at intensities of the order of 1016 W/cm2, the shockwave may produce deformations of the back‐face in ductile materials, such as Ag, Cu and Al. In heavy materials with high tensile strength, such as Ta, the shockwave produces cracks in the bottom of the laser crater but not deformation in the back‐face, while in brittle materials, such as monocrystalline Ge, it produces only superficial cracks and flaking, but not deformation and spallation of the back‐face. In thick polymeric materials, such as high‐density polyethylene, the ablated crater shape is well defined and the shockwave is strongly damped, and no deformation has been observed in the back‐face. The laser ablation yield and the ion acceleration in the backward direction have been measured by mass lost and time‐of‐flight measurements. SEM microscopy of the different irradiated targets, showing details of the crater size, edges, flaking and deformation in the back‐face, useful for a discussion on the shockwave propagation and shock pressure calculation, is presented.
Outage analysis of two‐way relaying in SWIPT‐enabled CCRN with co‐channel interference
Authors: Ghosh Sutanu
Published: September 2022

This work investigates the dual impacts of co‐channel interference (CCI) on radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting (EH)‐enabled cooperative cognitive radio network (CCRN). CCRN is considered to be worked following overlay mode of spectrum sharing technique. One pair of cellular nodes are considered as primary users (PUs), and a pair of Internet‐of‐Things devices (IoDs) are considered as secondary users (SUs) of CCRN. IoDs are used to help the communication between cellular node and in benefit of that the devices can access the cellular spectrum. In one hand, the effect of CCI from different sources may deteriorate the received signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at IoDs, and on the other hand, scavenge of energy at IoDs from RF signal of CCI may improve the transmission of information from IoDs. Hybrid power time switching (HPTS) technique is adopted in the proposed model for harvesting energy from RF signals at IoDs following simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) principle. The closed form expressions of both PU and SU outage are derived to analyse the performance of two different networks. The joint effects of both power splitting and time switching factors on both PU and SU outage are shown in simulation results. The outage performances of both PU and SU networks with respect to different interference‐to‐noise (INR) level and transmission power are also shown in the results. The performance of the proposed system is found as better than the previous work on similar network architecture.
Follow up on a great career by failing retirement
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: September 2022

Loren O'Connor enjoyed a rewarding career in school psychology, disability services, and college teaching. Since retiring as Assistant Vice Chancellor and Assistant Professor at Brandman University, he continued to follow his passions for accessibility, disability rights — and travel. He and a partner have launched a business that incorporates those interests, Kolpin and O'Connor Global Consultants, LLC. “I continue to fail retirement,” O'Connor said.
You have to give power to empower your team
Authors: Skipworth Stan
Published: September 2022

Although there's a good amount of truth to the familiar adage “you have to spend money to make money,” the reality is that some people have much simply given to them and yet they may not have the skills to augment their resources beyond that point.
Bray‐Curtis (AFD) differentiation in molecular ecology: Forecasting, an adjustment (AA), and comparative performance in selection detection
Authors: Sherwin William B.
Published: September 2022

Geographic genetic differentiation measures are used for purposes such as assessing genetic diversity and connectivity, and searching for signals of selection. Confirmation by unrelated measures can minimize false positives. A popular differentiation measure, Bray‐Curtis, has been used increasingly in molecular ecology, renamed AFD (hereafter called BCAFD). Critically, BCAFD is expected to be partially independent of the commonly used Hill “Q‐profile” measures. BCAFD needs scrutiny for potential biases, by examining limits on its value, and comparing simulations against expectations. BCAFD has two dependencies on within‐population (alpha) variation, undesirable for a between‐population (beta) measure. The first dependency is derived from similarity to and . The second dependency is that BCAFD cannot be larger than the highest allele proportion in either location (alpha variation), which can be overcome by data‐filtering or by a modified statistic AA or “Adjusted AFD”. The first dependency does not forestall applications such as assessing connectivity or selection, if we know the measure's null behavior under selective neutrality with specified conditions—which is shown in this article for AA, for equilibrium, and nonequilibrium, for the commonly used data type of single‐nucleotide‐polymorphisms (SNPs) in two locations. Thus, AA can be used in tandem with mathematically contrasting differentiation measures, with the aim of reducing false inferences. For detecting adaptive loci, the relative performance of AA and other measures was evaluated, showing that it is best to use two mathematically different measures simultaneously, and that AA is in one of the best such pairwise criteria. For any application, using AA, rather than BCAFD, avoids the counterintuitive limitation by maximum allele proportion within localities.
Adaptive monitoring of coral health at Scott Reef where data exhibit nonlinear and disturbed trends over time
Authors: Abeysiri Wickrama Liyanaarachchige Pubudu Thilan , Fisher Rebecca , Thompson Helen , Menendez Patricia , Gilmour James , McGree James M.
Published: September 2022

Time series data are often observed in ecological monitoring. Frequently, such data exhibit nonlinear trends over time potentially due to complex relationships between observed and auxiliary variables, and there may also be sudden declines over time due to major disturbances. This poses substantial challenges for modeling such data and also for adaptive monitoring. To address this, we propose methods for finding adaptive designs for monitoring in such settings. This work is motivated by a monitoring program that has been established at Scott Reef; a coral reef off the Western coast of Australia. Data collected for monitoring the health of Scott Reef are considered, and semiparametric and interrupted time series modeling approaches are adopted to describe how these data vary over time. New methods are then proposed that enable adaptive monitoring designs to be found based on such modeling approaches. These methods are then applied to find future monitoring designs at Scott Reef where it was found that future information gain is expected to be similar across a variety of different sites, suggesting that no particular location needs to be prioritized at Scott Reef for the next monitoring phase. In addition, it was found that omitting some sampling sites/reef locations was possible without substantial loss in expected information gain, depending upon the disturbances that were observed. The resulting adaptive designs are used to form recommendations for future monitoring in this region, and for reefs where changes in the current monitoring practices are being sought. As the methods used and developed throughout this study are generic in nature, this research has the potential to improve ecological monitoring more broadly where complex data are being collected over time.
Mapping edaphic soils' conditions to identify conservation targets for pine barren and sandplain ecosystems in New York State
Authors: Corbin Jeffrey D. , Flatland Emma L.
Published: September 2022

Small habitat patches can be important reservoirs for biodiversity, capable of hosting unique species that are largely absent from the surrounding landscape. In cases where such patches owe their existence to the presence of particular soil types or hydrologic conditions, local‐scale edaphic variables may be more effective components for models that identify patch location than regional‐scale macroclimatic variables often used in habitat and species distribution models. We modeled the edaphic soil conditions that support pine barren, sandplain, and related ecosystems in New York State with the purpose of identifying potential locations for biodiversity conservation. We quantified soil percent sand and soil depth of 156 known high‐quality remnant pine barren and sandplain ecosystems to calculate threshold soil characteristics. We then mapped all soils in the state that were at least as sandy and deep as the threshold values we calculated. The total area of our map of suitable soil conditions was over 9500 km2, made up of forested (57%), urban (26%), agricultural (13%), and open (4%) land covers. Our analysis nearly doubled the recognized area of barren, shrubland, and grassland habitat on deep, sandy soils in New York State. Extensive forested and even agricultural cover on these soils could also be the subject of restoration to further support the biodiversity of these unique ecosystems. The presence of extensive soils in coastal and interior New York that, with the appropriate disturbance regime, have the potential to host pine barren and sandplain ecosystems offers a new perspective on these ecosystems' distribution in the past—and about how to better align conservation and restoration to preserve the future.
Larval crowding effects during early development in the Chinese oak silkmoth Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)
Authors: Morimoto Juliano
Published: September 2022

Chinese sericulture relies in part on the rearing of the Chinese oak silkmoth Antheraea pernyi, an insect with key cultural and ecological roles. While feeding primarily on oak, Antheraea species are known to accept alternative hosts such as birch Betula sp with little to no apparent negative fitness consequences. This opens up the range of hostplants that could be used for large‐scale rearing of A. pernyi for silk production and food, or used by this species in possible invasions. To date, however, the natural history and ecology of A. pernyi remain subject of investigation. For instance, we still do not know how individuals respond to crowding developmental environments, which is an important factor to consider for the ecology of the species as well as for commercial rearing. Here, I describe the implications of larval crowding to the survival and growth of A. pernyi larvae during early development. I show that higher crowding is associated with stronger negative effects on growth and survival, corroborating findings from other holometabolous insects. I then discuss the implications of this findings for our understanding of optimum larval crowding. Overall, the findings reveal important ecological information for an insect species key for provisioning and cultural ecosystem services.
The abundance of small mammals is positively linked to survival from nest depredation but negatively linked to local recruitment of a ground nesting precocial bird
Authors: Pakanen Veli‐Matti , Tornberg Risto , Airaksinen Eveliina , Rönkä Nelli , Koivula Kari
Published: September 2022

Generalist predators using small mammals as their primary prey are suggested to shift hunting alternative prey such as bird nests, when small mammals are in short supply (the alternative prey hypothesis, APH). Nest survival and survival of young individuals should be positively linked to small mammal abundance and negatively linked to predator abundance, but little information exists from survival of chicks, especially until recruitment. We test these predictions of the APH using 13 years (2002–2014) of life history data from a ground nesting shorebird breeding on coastal meadows. We use small mammal abundance in the previous autumn as a proxy for spring predator abundance, mainly of mammalian predators. We examine whether small mammal abundance in the spring and previous autumn explain annual variation in nest survival from depredation and local recruitment of the southern dunlinCalidris alpina schinzii. As predicted by the APH, survival from nest predation was positively linked to spring small mammal abundance and negatively linked to autumn small mammal abundance. Importantly, local recruitment showed opposite responses. This counterintuitive result may be explained by density‐dependent survival. When nest depredation rates are low, predators may show stronger numerical and functional responses to high shorebird chick abundance on coastal meadows, whereas in years of high nest depredation, few hatching chicks lure fewer predators. The opposite effects on nest and local recruitment demonstrate the diverse mechanisms by which population size variation in primary prey can affect dynamics of alternative prey populations.