bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visible‐Light‐Induced Selective Photolysis of Phosphonium Iodide Salts for Monofluoromethylations
Authors: Liu Qiang , Lu Yu , Sheng He , Zhang Chao‐Shen , Su Xiao‐Di , Wang Zhi‐Xiang , Chen Xiang‐Yu
Published: September 2021

The sigma (σ)‐hole effect has emerged as a promising tool to construct novel architectures endowed with new properties. A simple yet effective strategy for the generation of monofluoromethyl radicals is a continuing challenge within the synthetic community. Fluoromethylphosphonium salts are easily available, air‐ and thermally stable, as well as simple‐to‐handle. Herein, we report the ability of the σ‐hole effect to facilitate the visible‐light‐triggered photolysis of phosphonium iodide salts, a charge‐transfer complex, selectively giving fluoromethyl radicals. The usefulness and versatility of this new protocol are demonstrated through the mono‐, di‐, and trifluoromethylation of a variety of alkenes.
Novel meso‐substituted ferrocene‐appended porphyrins: Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical evaluation
Authors: Payami Elmira , Neshad Saeed , Aghaiepour Alireza , Teimuri‐Mofrad Reza
Published: September 2021

This paper focuses on the synthesis of the novel ferrocene‐appended porphyrin architectures and their zinc metal complexes. Tetraferrocenylporphyrins are a class of organometallic compounds where the porphyrin core is functionalized with a ferrocenyl unit at each of the four meso positions. Tetraferrocenylporphyrin derivatives were synthesized via a direct tetramerization reaction between some ferrocene carboxaldehyde derivatives and pyrrole in the presence of BF3·Et2O as an efficient catalyst. Moreover, a metalation reaction between tetraferrocenylporphyrin derivatives and zinc acetate was applied in the synthesis of related zinc complexes. The structures of the new organometallic compounds were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), 1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV–vis, and CHNS analyses. The redox‐active properties of the synthesized compounds were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis.
Transparent, flame‐retarded, self‐healable, mechanically strong polyurethane elastomers: Enabled by the synthesis of phosphorus/nitrogen‐containing oxime chain‐extender
Authors: Pan Gao‐Fei , Wang Zhe , Kong De‐Qing , Sun Tang‐Wen , Zhai Hui , Tian Tian , Wang Yu‐Fei , Xing Rui‐Guang , Zhang Bang‐Wen
Published: September 2021

Polyurethane (PU) elastomer has been widely used due to its excellent mechanics, acid and alkali resistance, abrasion resistance, and other properties. However, obtaining simultaneous mechanically strong, flame‐retarded, transparent, and efficient self‐heal ability of PU elastomer is of great challenge due to the structural design. Here, a phosphorus/nitrogen‐containing Oxime chain extender (PSK‐2) was introduced into the synthesis of PU elastomers to obtain a transparent, flame‐retarded, self‐healable, mechanically strong PU elastomers. The PU elastomers exhibited high tensile strength of ~23.3 MPa, breaking strain of ~1693%, good flame retardancy with high LOI of ~29.2%, and UL‐94 V1 rating with the addition of 4.67 mmol (mass fraction 1.37 wt%) PSK2. Furthermore, the PUPSK2 elastomer material also had good healing ability up to 60% at room temperature and good transparency of 83.7% at 350–800 nm visible.
Comparison of spatial distribution models to predict subtidal burying habitat of the forage fish Ammodytes personatus in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Robinson Clifford L.K. , Proudfoot Beatrice , Rooper Christopher N. , Bertram Douglas F.
Published: September 2021

The Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus) is a key forage species for many commercially important fish (e.g. salmon and groundfish), marine birds, and whales found in nearshore coastal waters of British Columbia, Canada.

Sand lance lack a swim bladder and have a requirement for low‐silt, medium‐coarse sandy sea‐bed habitat for burying. Little information is available describing the distribution of burying habitat, partly because there are no commercial fisheries for A. personatus in British Columbia.

This information is required by habitat and wildlife managers to identify and protect uncommon patches of burying habitats from detrimental activities, including dredging, infilling, and oil spills.

In this study, habitat distribution results from five suitability modelling algorithms were evaluated: maximum entropy, generalized linear model, generalized additive model, random forest, and an ensemble model of the latter three.

The maximum entropy model had the highest performance score (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.78) and was selected as the model that most accurately identified the presence of suitable A. personatus burying habitat.

Model results indicate that suitable burying habitat is primarily influenced by derived sea‐bed substrate, distance to estuary, distance to sand‐gravel beaches, and bottom sea temperature.

Overall, the spatial modelling identified only 105 km2 of highly suitable sand lance burying habitat, or 2.6% of the study area (0–150 m), primarily in Haro Strait, along the east coast of Vancouver Island, and in northern regions of the strait near Cortes, Savary, and Harwood islands.

Identification of this uncommon and patchy burying habitat will contribute to the ongoing conservation of an important coastal prey species.
Prediction of potential freshwater pearl mussel habitat aids in discovery of a large population of Margaritifera laevis in Iturup Island, Russia
Authors: Popov Igor
Published: September 2021

Freshwater pearl mussels (family Margaritiferidae) are sensitive to human impact and environmental changes. Large declines in their abundance have prompted studies of distribution and estimations of population densities.

Iturup Island, a part of Kuril Islands, Russia, is considered to be within the distribution area of freshwater pearl mussels, but this information is based on only two specimens collected several decades ago. Detailed survey of the island is challenging as most of its territory is nearly impassable.

A preliminary analysis of island rivers was carried out prior to the surveys to discover potential freshwater pearl mussel habitats. Based on previous experience from European Russia, freshwater pearl mussel habitat was expected to occur in rivers flowing out of lowland lakes.

Live individuals of Margaritifera laevis were found during surveys in one river together with the unionid Beringiana beringiana, which were also found in two other rivers where the predicted habitat occurred. Based on prediction and surveys, the occurrence of freshwater pearl mussels in other rivers of Iturup Island is unlikely.

Pearl mussels were concentrated in a small section of the Zmeika River with a population of about 100,000 mussels. Present threats to the population include overharvest of host fish masou salmon (Oncorhynchus masou).

Surveys using similar methods can help to reveal unknown freshwater mussel populations on other Kuril Islands and on the mainland.
Spawning aggregation behaviour in the Creole perch,Percichthys trucha(Percichthyidae): A target species for conservation
Authors: Fernández María Valeria , Macchi Patricio J. , Sosnovsky Alejandro , Zattara Eduardo E. , Lallement Mailén E. , Milano Daniela
Published: September 2021

Habitat fragmentation and loss threaten freshwater biodiversity worldwide. Habitats that are essential as fish spawning and nursery sites are critical, and must be identified for conservation purposes. Littoral zones within Patagonian lakes, especially shallow vegetated areas, represent important areas for the Creole perch,Percichthys trucha.

Spawning behaviour has been little studied, so it is not known whether these movements are performed in groups. A particular area of a deep lake in northern Patagonia was studied to identify the environmental conditions under which spawning occurs, and to analyse spawning aggregation behaviour in relation to the lunar cycle.

To identify spawning sites, spawning occurrence time, and the environmental parameters that determine it, fish capture data were analysed. Underwater cameras were also set up at three depth strata in the shallow zone to detect spawning aggregation behaviour. Aggregation was scored as the greatest number of individuals present in a single frame, and the number present per depth stratum. The relationship between the lunar cycle and Creole perch abundance by depth was then determined.

This is the first visual record of a spawning bed and the spawning aggregation behaviour of Creole perch in Patagonian lakes. The abundance of mature Creole perch in the shallow strata during the austral spring suggests that vegetated areas constitute spawning sites. Spawning aggregation takes place at a shallow depth 2 days before the full moon.

As the reproductive behaviours of Creole perch are important phenomena in the life history of the species, the results of this study have important implications for conservation and management.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work on the Bois d'Arc Lake Program
Authors: Payne Adam , Bradley Greg , Butler Fain
Published: September 2021

Key Takeaways

Construction of Bois d'Arc Lake, a US$1.6 billion program in north Texas, required a strategic approach to quality control, quality assurance, field management, and inspection.

Using a five‐package construction approach, the North Texas Municipal Water District has been able to break down the reservoir construction program into manageable projects.

While the construction program has been largely successful, lessons learned include establishing quality assurance processes early and determining document control processes.
The antibacterial mechanism of perilla rosmarinic acid
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Cui Xin , Zhang Min , Bai Baoqing , Yang Yukun , Fan Sanhong
Published: September 2021

Rosmarinic acid (RosA) is a phenolic acid compound extracted from perilla. In this experiment, the Oxford cup method was used to verify the antibacterial activity of PerillaRosA against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Bacillus subtilis. By polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the effect of RosA on bacterial nucleic acid and bacterial Na+/K+‐ATP‐ase activity, and scanning electron microscope to exploration of its antibacterial mechanism preliminarily. The results showed that RosA had antibacterial properties against all four bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of E. coli were 0.8 and 0.9 mg/ml, respectively. The MIC and MBC of Salmonella were 0.9 and 1.0 mg/ml, respectively. The MIC and MBC of S. aureus and B. subtilis were both 1.0 and 1.1 mg/ml. RosA has the bacteriostasis function, which can destroy bacterial cells and cell proteins and inhibit the activity of Na+/K+‐ATP‐ase in cells.
Spectroscopic and computational studies on the binding interaction between gallic acid and Pin1
Authors: Zhu Guo Fei , Lyu Shao Li , Liu Yang , Ma Chao , Wang Wang
Published: September 2021

Gallic acid (GA) is a natural ingredient in functional foods, which has various health‐promoting and antitumour effects. Peptidyl‐prolyl cis/trans isomerase Pin1 plays an important role in preventing the development of some malignant tumours. However, whether there was an interaction between Pin1 and GA remains unknown. In this work, the binding information of GA and Pin1 was investigated systematically using multiple spectral and computational methods. GA bound to Pin1 directly with moderate binding affinity in the order of 104 mol/L, therefore decreasing the activity of Pin1. Also, the binding process of GA to Pin1 was driven through weak van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonds, and electrostatic forces. In addition, the important residues Lys63, Arg68, and Arg69 played a significant role in maintaining the binding stability between Pin1 and GA. Interestingly, GA reduced the activity of Pin1 by affecting its conformational characteristics. Our present work showed that GA binds to Pin1 and inhibits its activity, affecting its structural and functional properties, which may contribute to the therapy of Pin1‐related diseases.
Cognitive impairment and all‐cause mortality among Chinese adults aged 80 years or older
Authors: Li Yaxi , Jiang Heng , Jin Xurui , Wang Huali , Ji John S. , Yan Lijing L.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The oldest‐old (aged ≥80 years) are the fastest growing population segment and age is related to cognitive impairment. We aimed to estimate the association between cognitive impairment and all‐cause mortality, in addition to the relationship with different cognitive subdomains among the oldest‐old in China.

Methods

We analyzed 25,285 participants recruited from 22 out of 30 provinces in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) from 1998 to 2008, with mortality follow‐up until 2014. Cognitive function was measured by the Chinese‐version 30‐item Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), classified as no (MMSE score: 25–30), mild (18–24), moderate (10–17), and severe (0–9) impairment. We used time‐dependent Cox model to evaluate the relationship between time‐varying cognition and mortality.

Results

The relationship between cognition and mortality showed a dose–response pattern among the overall population. Compared to those with no impairment, participants with moderate (HR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.28–1.56) and severe (HR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.59–1.96) cognitive impairment showed increased mortality risk. Impairment in the subdomain of orientation was independently associated with increased mortality risk (HR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.05–1.36) among participants without overall cognitive impairment. Urban and rural residents had similar mortality risk.

Conclusions

A consistent dose–response pattern existed between cognitive impairment and all‐cause mortality. Orientation was associated with mortality in the population without cognitive impairment. Similar mortality regardless of residence areas indicated scarce health care and treatment for cognitive impairment in China from 1998 to 2014.
Community identity profiles and COVID‐19‐related community participation
Authors: Wang Xiangkun , Yang Zhixu , Xin Ziqiang , Wu Yuntena , Qi Shisan
Published: September 2021

Prior studies have revealed that community identity promotes participation. However, it remains unclear whether heterogenous community identity profiles emerged and how they differed in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐related community participation. Thus, the current study used a person‐oriented approach to address these issues. A total of 1,083 Chinese residents participated in a national online survey in mid‐March 2020. A latent profile analysis found that residents belonged in one of four community identity profiles: Strong identifiers (43.7%), function‐dominant identifiers (25.0%), emotion‐dominant identifiers (19.8%) and weak identifiers (11.5%). The strong identifiers profile showed the most positive COVID‐19‐related community management attitude and the highest participation intention and participation behaviour among the four profiles. Compared with strong identifiers, other profiles displayed less positive management attitude and lower participation intention and, in turn, exhibited less participation behaviour. The findings can help community organizers and administrators design intervention programs targeting specific subgroups amid the COVID‐19 pandemic. Please refer to the Supplementary Materials section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Treating comorbid aggression with stimulants in children with ADHD
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2021

Many children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are prescribed adjunct medications in addition to stimulants for aggressive behavior, but this may not be necessary for all of them, researchers have found.
Placenta accreta in the first trimester: A case report
Authors: De Gennaro Elena , Orsaria Maria , Driul Lorenza
Published: September 2021

Placenta accreta is a severe complication of pregnancy normally diagnosed during the second trimester. Early detection could reduce the risk of hemorrhage during abortion or miscarriage; however, guidelines on first‐trimester diagnosis are lacking. We describe a case of placenta accreta during the first trimester with its sonographic and histological features.
A novel mutation in the glutaryl‐CoA dehydrogenase gene (GCDH) in an Iranian patient affected with Glutaric acidemia type 1
Authors: Rayat Sima , Morovvati Saeid
Published: September 2021

Our findings revealed the mutation c.536T>C (p. Leu179Pro) in GCDH gene although has not been reported so far, but the in‐silico analysis and clinical symptoms of the patient indicated that the mutation is pathogenic full stop. Also, it can be diagnosed and prevented in families affected by the disease.
Higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome in an elderly patient: Long‐term partial remission with low‐dose prednisone, G‐CSF, and epoetin alfa
Authors: Islam Anwarul
Published: September 2021

Currently, most patients with higher‐risk MDS are treated with 5‐azacitidine or decitabine. These agents are toxic. The treatment described here is safe, devoid of toxicity, fosters improved quality of life, and helps reduce transfusion requirements.
Engineering Pt Nanoparticles onto Resin‐Derived Iron and Nitrogen Co‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanostructure Boosts Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Liao Wei , Zhou Shangyan , Wang Zhengcheng , Liu Fei , Pan Hongyan , Xie Tian , Wang Qingmei
Published: September 2021

The high cost and deficiency of long‐term durability of carbon supported Pt catalysts have been regarded as obstacle that impeding their practical proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) technologies. Furtherly, iron and nitrogen co‐doped carbons (Fe/NC) are emerging as a steady electrocatalyst. Unfortunately, there are less‐active sites in acidic electrolyte. Herein, combining the advantages of Fe/NC and Pt catalysts, we propose an in‐situ surfactant‐free self‐templating solution reduction strategy to construct Pt nanoparticles (NPs) onto well‐devised Fe/NC porous nanostructures in order to manufacture highly performing Pt−Fe/NC catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The obtained Pt−Fe/NC catalyst displays excellent ORR performance, realizing an account of 2.53 improvement in specific activity and an account of 1.20 strengthening in mass activity toward ORR compared to the commercial Pt/C catalysts. Stability tests confirm that the as‐synthesized Pt−Fe/NC catalyst is more electrochemically steady than the commercial Pt/C catalysts on account of the electronic interaction between Pt and N which result from the difference in electronegativity. Our work provides a promising strategy for exploring the accomplishment of better ORR in acid electrolytes.
Interest and Competence Flexibility and Decision‐Making Difficulties: Mediating Role of Career Adaptability
Authors: Leung S. Alvin , Mo Jianhong , Cheng Yui‐Lei Grace
Published: September 2021

Using the career adaptability framework of Savickas and Porfeli (2012), we examined the relationship of career adaptability to interest and competence flexibility and career decision‐making difficulties. Participants were 535 male and 795 female Chinese senior secondary students in Hong Kong. Findings from hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that competence flexibility was associated with fewer career decision‐making difficulties and higher levels of career adaptability. Conversely, interest flexibility was associated with more decision‐making difficulties and lower levels of career adaptability. Path analyses revealed that career adaptability partially mediated the relationship of competence and interest flexibility with decision‐making difficulties. The mediating effects were significant for lack of information and inconsistent information (Gati et al., 1996), but not for readiness. Overall, findings supported the career adaptability framework. Research and practice implications are discussed, especially in relation to the career development needs of students in Chinese communities.
Traumatic Experiences and Female University Students’ Career Adaptability
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Smith Carol Klose
Published: September 2021

We examined the influence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the career development of female university students. Specifically, we predicted that IPV would mediate between ACEs and career adaptability. To test the data of 186 students, we performed structural equation modeling using SPSS and AMOS. Results indicated that ACEs were positively associated with IPV and negatively associated with career adaptability. Although IPV also showed a negative relationship with career adaptability, it did not significantly mediate the relationship between ACEs and career adaptability. We found evidence that childhood trauma can have long‐lasting negative consequences on career development. Therefore, need exists for counselors’ continued professional development about the influence of trauma on career development, as well as future empirical research with more educationally, ethnically, and culturally diverse samples.
Pre‐emergence herbicides, not carrier volume, impacted weed management in conventional tillage systems
Authors: Striegel Sarah , DeWerff Ryan P. , Arneson Nicholas J. , Oliveira Maxwel C. , Werle Rodrigo
Published: September 2021

The use of pre‐emergence (PRE) herbicides is resurging as a standard practice for weed management in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in the U.S. north‐central region. The increased use of PRE herbicides warrants investigation on the impact of spray carrier volume on weed control. Field experiments were established at Arlington, WI, in 2018 and 2019 and Janesville, WI, in 2018 to evaluate the influence of carrier volume on weed control of PRE herbicides in conventional tilled corn and soybean. Each experiment included three PRE herbicide premixes applied at crop planting at five carrier volumes (2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 17.5 gal acre−1). A nontreated control was also included in the experiment. Carrier volume did not influence weed control but PRE herbicide selection did. In corn, acetochlor + clopyralid + mesotrione and bicyclopyrone + mesotrione + S‐metolachlor provided 10–13% better annual grass, common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), and giant ragweed (A. trifida L.) control than fluthiacet‐methyl + pyroxasulfone. In soybean, dimethenamid‐P + saflufenacil resulted in similar common ragweed control as the flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone treatment (79–85%), and 6 and 14% higher annual grass control and biomass reduction, respectively, compared to metribuzin + chlorimuron‐ethyl at Arlington. At Janesville, due to the high giant ragweed density in soybean, all herbicide treatments provided low levels of giant ragweed control (48–56%). Results from these field experiments suggest that lower carrier volumes could be used for PRE herbicide applications without compromising weed control in conventional tillage systems.
Accessing Extended Fused Isoindolinones Via Sequential Anionic Intramolecular Cyclizations
Authors: Infante Genesis , Eisler Sara
Published: September 2021

Sequential anionic intramolecular cyclizations and modelling were used for the first time to access unusual fused heterocyclic frameworks in excellent yields. 5‐Exo‐digcyclizations yielded isoindolinone motifs and a subsequent 6‐exo‐ and 7‐endo‐digcyclization was directed to provide either fused isoquinoline or azepine frameworks. Regioselectivities were controlled by exploiting stereoelectronic effects via nC−→π*(Ph)interactions, and modelling studies provided reaction scope.
Rücklaufmengen und Verwertungswege von Altbatterien aus Elektromobilen in Deutschland
Authors: Glöser‐Chahoud Simon , Huster Sandra , Rosenberg Sonja , Schultmann Frank
Published: September 2021

Die Elektromobilität wird als Schlüsseltechnologie zur Senkung der CO2‐Emissionen im Straßenverkehr gesehen. In der Diskussion um die Klimabilanz der Elektromobilität wird allerdings der hohe ökologische Fußabdruck in der Herstellung batterieelektrischer Fahrzeuge wenig adressiert, der sich insb. durch die ressourcenintensive Traktionsbatterie ergibt. Neben der Bereitstellung von regenerativem Ladestrom ist eine effiziente Kreislaufführung der Batteriematerialien und eine möglichst lange Nutzung der Batteriesysteme und Komponenten Voraussetzung für die nachhaltige Gestaltung der Elektromobilität. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick zur kreislaufwirtschaftlichen Wertschöpfungskette von obsoleten Traktionsbatterien aus Elektromobilen. Mithilfe eines systemdynamischen und eines ereignisdiskreten Simulationsansatzes werden zukünftige Rücklaufmengen obsoleter Traktionsbatterien auf Basis aktueller Diffusionsszenarien abgeschätzt sowie unterschiedliche Verwertungsoptionen von 2nd‐Life‐Konzepten bis hin zu alternativen Recyclingverfahren dargestellt und diskutiert.
Effect of Solvophilic Chain Length in PISA Particles on Pickering Emulsion†
Authors: Zeng Min , Zhou Shuo , Sui Xiaofeng , Yuan Jinying
Published: September 2021

Main observation and conclusion

The morphology of polymeric nanoparticles prepared by polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) is depended on the degree of polymerization of the solvophilic and solvophobic blocks. Herein, a series of poly (N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly (benzyl methacrylate) (PDMA‐b‐PBzMA) diblock copolymer spherical nanoparticles were synthesized via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) mediated PISA. These diblock copolymer nanoparticles are with nearly the same hydrodynamic size and solvophobic chain length, but with different solvophilic chain length. We used these nanoparticles to stabilize the oil‐in‐water Pickering emulsion. We find that the stability of Pickering emulsion increases with the length of solvophilic chain of the nanoparticles. Moreover, the droplet size of the Pickering emulsion can be tailored by varying the oil/water ratio and concentration of nanoparticles.
Plasma catecholamine levels in the acute and subacute stages of takotsubo syndrome: Results from the Stockholm myocardial infarction with normal coronaries 2 study
Authors: Y‐Hassan Shams , Sörensson Peder , Ekenbäck Christina , Lundin Magnus , Agewall Stefan , Brolin Elin Bacsovics , Caidahl Kenneth , Cederlund Kerstin , Collste Olov , Daniel Maria , Jensen Jens , Hofman‐Bang Claes , Lyngå Patrik , Maret Eva , Sarkar Nondita , Spaak Jonas , Winnberg Oscar , Ugander Martin , Tornvall Per , Henareh Loghman
Published: September 2021

Aims

It is well‐accepted that takotsubo syndrome (TS) is characterized by a massive surge of plasma catecholamines despite lack of solid evidence. The objective of this study was to examine the hypothesis of a massive catecholamine elevation in TS by studying plasma‐free catecholamine metabolites in patients participating in the Stockholm myocardial infarction (MI) with normal coronaries 2 (SMINC‐2) study where TS constituted more than one third of the patients.

Methods and results

The patients included in the SMINC‐2 study were classified, according to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging findings (148 patients), which was performed at a median of 3 days after hospital admission. Plasma‐free catecholamine metabolites; metanephrine, normetanephrine, and methoxy‐tyramine were measured on day 2–4 after admission. Catecholamine metabolite levels were available in 125 patients. One hundred and ten (88%) of the 125 patients included in SMINC‐2 study, and 38 (86.4%) of the 44 patients with TS had completely normal plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine levels. All patients had normal plasma methoxy‐tyramine levels. Fourteen (11.2%) of the 125 patients included in SMINC‐2 study, and 5 (11.6%) of the 43 patients with TS had mild elevations (approximately 1.2 times the upper normal limits) of either plasma metanephrine or normetanephrine. One patient with pheochromocytoma‐triggered TS had marked elevation of plasma metanephrine and mild elevation of plasma normetanephrine. There were no significant differences between the number or degree of catecholamine metabolite elevations between the different groups of patients with CMR imaging diagnosis included in SMINC‐2 study.

Conclusion

There was no evidence of massive catecholamine elevations in the acute and subacute stages of TS apart from one patient with pheochromocytoma‐induced TS. Most of the TS patients had normal catecholamine metabolites indicating that blood‐borne catecholamines do not play a direct role in the pathogenesis of TS.
New insights into cisplatin ototoxicity
Authors: Brock Penelope R.
Published: September 2021

Lay Summary

Platinum‐containing chemotherapy is often used to treat children with cancer.

Although it is a very effective medication, unfortunately, it causes permanent hearing loss in more than one‐half of the children who receive it.

In this issue of Cancer, an article by Meijer and colleagues shows that very young children are affected early on in their treatment and suggests that the younger the child the more frequently their hearing should be tested during treatment.

This proposal is a real challenge for oncology centers and families practically, emotionally, and socioeconomically.

The findings are provocative but equally stimulating and encouraging; hopefully, they will lead to a new standard of multidisciplinary care for children receiving platinum chemotherapy.
Shorting attack: Predatory, destructive short selling on Proof‐of‐Stake cryptocurrencies
Authors: Lee Suhyeon , Kim Seungjoo
Published: September 2021

Bitcoin introduced blockchain which is the transparent and decentralized way of recording the lists of digital currency transactions. Bitcoin's blockchain uses Proof‐of‐Work as a Sybil control mechanism. However, PoW wastes energy since it uses hash computing competitions to find a block. Hence, various alternative mechanisms have been proposed. Among them, Proof‐of‐Stake, which is based on the deposit, has been spotlighted. As opposed to Proof‐of‐Work, Proof‐of‐Stake requires nodes to have a certain amount of tokens (stake) in order to qualify to validate blocks. The “one‐sentence philosophy” of proof of stake is not “security comes from burning energy,” but rather “security comes from putting up economic value‐at‐loss.” In this article, contrary to popular belief, we point out that this value‐at‐loss can be hedged by short selling or other financial products. We propose a “shorting attack,” which makes a profit by massive short selling and sabotage to a Proof‐of‐Stake‐based cryptocurrency. The shorting attack implies that the security of Proof‐of‐Stake‐based cryptocurrency can be vulnerable by a low stake ratio.
Overview of the Therapeutic Applications of Stem Cell–Derived Exosomes: A Research and Commercial Perspective
Authors: Heale Kali A. , Nath Suman C. , Rancourt Derrick E.
Published: September 2021

Progress in extracellular vesicle (EV) research over the past two decades has generated significant interest in using EVs in the biomedical field. Exosomes are a subgroup of EVs that comprise endocytic membrane‐bound nanovesicles of 40 to 160 nm diameter. These vesicles have been shown to facilitate intercellular communication via the delivery of cellular molecules. There are currently several exciting applications for exosomes being developed in therapeutics, diagnostics, drug delivery, and cellular reprogramming. Stem cell–derived exosomes present the opportunity to harness the power of stem cells while circumventing several of the risks associated with their use. This review summarizes the recent developments in exosome technology and lends a prospective view to the future of exosome use and application in research and medicine. Through a review of relevant patent filings, recent literature, and ongoing clinical trials, a valuable overview of the field of exosomes is provided. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
High‐Resolution, Highly‐Integrated Traction Force Microscopy Software
Authors: Mittal Nikhil , Han Sangyoon J.
Published: September 2021

Accurate measurement of cellular traction force is critical for understanding physical interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix. Traction force microscopy (TFM) has become the most widely used tool for this purpose. While TFM has made continual progress in terms of resolution and accuracy, there have been challenges regarding obtaining user‐friendly software and choosing the right values for parameters and sub‐processes associated with the software. Here we provide step‐by‐step instructions for a MATLAB‐based TFM software application equipped with multiple methods for image deformation quantification and force reconstruction, along with clarification on the computational meaning of the parameters within the software. We outline how to choose the optimal sub‐methods and values for parameters for each process, depending on the characteristics of images and purpose of the analyses. The software's runtime is 20, 4, and 0.05 min by Fast BEM L1 (Boundary Element Method L1‐regularization), Fast BEM L2 (L2‐regularization), and FTTC (Fourier Transform Traction Cytometry), respectively, in addition to 7 min of particle‐tracking velocimetry−based deformation tracking, for a single image (1280 × 960 pixel) on a standard workstation. Finally, the colocalization accuracies, in reference to a paxillin‐GFP image, are compared between the three force reconstruction methods. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Setting up the TFM package in MATLAB

Basic Protocol 2: Running the TFM package

Alternate Protocol 1: Stage drift correction: Efficient subpixel registration

Alternate Protocol 2: Force field calculation: FastBEM
GALAXY Workflow for Bacterial Next‐Generation Sequencing De Novo Assembly and Annotation
Authors: Wee Soon Keong , Yap Eric Peng Huat
Published: September 2021

Whole‐genome sequencing of prokaryotes is now readily available and affordable on next‐generation sequencing platforms. However, the process of de novo assembly can be complicated and tedious for those without a background in computational biology, bioinformatics, or UNIX. Licenses for commercial bioinformatics software may be costly and limited in flexibility. GALAXY is a powerful graphical open‐source code‐free bioinformatics platform that is freely available on multiple public and private servers. Here, we describe a bacterial de novo assembly workflow using GALAXY. It performs de novo genome assembly using short reads, long reads, or a hybrid method using both short and long reads. Genome annotation, prediction of antimicrobial resistance genes, and multi‐locus sequence typing are subsequently performed to characterize the draft genome. Performing genome assembly and annotation on this pipeline allows documentation, parameterization, and sharing, facilitating replication, reuse, and reproducibility of both data and methods. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Quality check of NGS reads

Basic Protocol 2: De novo assembly using Unicycler

Basic Protocol 3: Assembly quality check using QUAST and Bandage

Basic Protocol 4: Genome annotation using Prokka

Basic Protocol 5: Prediction of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs)

Basic Protocol 6: Multi‐locus sequence typing (MLST)
Sustainable consumption and production: Modelling product carbon footprint of beverage merchandise using a supply chain input‐process‐output approach
Authors: Wong Eugene Yin Cheung , Ho Danny C. K. , So Stuart , Poo Mark Ching‐Pong
Published: September 2021

The continuous increase in beverage consumption worldwide results in enormous energy consumption and carbon emission along the life cycle of beverage products. A novel input‐process‐output product carbon footprint (PCF) model is developed as a generic framework for products and services with complex operations along the supply chain. A PCF of a carbonated drink product is evaluated at each of the major stages in the product's life cycle with results compared to using GHG Protocol methodology. Results from cradle‐to‐grave analysis indicate retail and distribution has the largest emissions impact along the product life cycle. Retail distribution routing optimisation model is developed and retail vending equipment are analysed to explore opportunities for reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. Future sustainable development studies on the PCF of same beverage merchandises produced in various countries and mitigation measures using dynamic routing distribution could be carried out.
Cardiovascular disease in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Sato Kei , Sinclair Jane E , Sadeghirad Habib , Fraser John F , Short Kirsty R , Kulasinghe Arutha
Published: September 2021

Pre‐existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases the morbidity and mortality of COVID‐19 and is strongly associated with poor disease outcomes. However, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection can also trigger de novo acute and chronic cardiovascular disease. Acute cardiac complications include arrhythmia, myocarditis and heart failure, which are significantly associated with higher in‐hospital mortality. The possible mechanisms by which SARS‐CoV‐2 causes this acute cardiac disease include direct damage caused by viral invasion of cardiomyocytes as well as indirect damage through systemic inflammation. The long‐term cardiac complications associated with COVID‐19 are incompletely characterised and thought to include hypertension, arrhythmia, coronary atherosclerosis and heart failure. Although some cardiac‐related symptoms can last over 6 months, the effect of these complications on long‐term patient health remains unclear. The risk factors associated with long‐term cardiovascular disease remain poorly defined. Determining which patients are most at‐risk of long‐term cardiovascular disease is vital so that targeted follow‐up and patient care can be provided. The aim of this review was to summarise the current evidence of the acute and long‐term cardiovascular consequences of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and the mechanisms by which SARS‐CoV‐2 may cause cardiovascular disease.
Diagnostic clues for differentiating Merkel cell carcinoma from lymphoma in fine‐needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Liu Chih‐Yi , Lai Feng‐Jie , Chang Sheng‐Tsung , Chuang Shih‐Sung
Published: September 2021

Nodal fine needle aspiration (FNA) is usually the first procedure in the work‐up of malignancy of unknown primary. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous cancer more common in Caucasians but rare among Asians. It is a diagnostic challenge in evaluating FNA from a metastatic MCC without the knowledge of a current or prior history of skin cancer. We report the case of a Taiwanese male with cervical and axillary masses. The diagnosis of the FNA from the axillary lymph node was lymphoproliferative lesion suspicious for lymphoma. The histopathological evaluation of nodal biopsy revealed a metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma and the subsequent excision of the right palm tumor confirmed MCC. Retrospective review of the FNA and imprint cytology smears of the nodal biopsy showed nuclear molding, Indian filing and rare cytoplasmic pale bodies, but no lymphoglandular bodies. Cytologically metastatic MCC may mimic small round cell tumor including lymphoma, we consider these three cytological features as additional diagnostic clues for metastatic MCC. In this report, we present the cytologic and pathological features of this metastatic MCC and discuss the differential diagnosis of the cytologic mimickers.
Recent advances regarding endoscopic biliary drainage for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction
Authors: Kato Hironari , Matsumoto Kazuyuki , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: September 2021

Biliary drainage for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (UMHBO) is still associated with a number of controversies to be resolved. The superiority of bilateral drainage in comparison to unilateral drainage has not been proven obviously yet. However, bilateral drainage is necessary to treat obstructive jaundice in some UMHBO patients, and this may be connected with preservation of the functional liver volume. The partial stent‐in‐stent (SIS) method and side‐by‐side (SBS) method developed as bilateral drainage methods. There is no significant difference in the technical or clinical success rates of the SIS and SBS methods. In addition, these methods are comparable in terms of adverse events, patency period, and survival period. On the other hand, reintervention for recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) after the SBS method seems to be easier in comparison to cases with RBO after the SIS method; however, there is no remarkable difference in the clinical results of these procedures. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided biliary drainage also has become an option for patients with UMHBO. Left hepatic drainage using EUS‐guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS‐HGS) has become common; however, few studies have reported the results of bridging drainage for the right lobe using the EUS‐HGS route or EUS‐guided hepaticojejunostomy. A few studies addressed the results of newly designed stents, such as the 6‐mm braided metal stent and inside stent. The development of various drainage methods and new devices is necessary for the further advancement of endoscopic biliary drainage for patients with UMHBO, further studies to evaluate those methods and devices are warranted.
Successful removal of an accidentally swallowed press‐through package sheet using a detachable snare: A case report
Authors: Mawatari Fumihiro , Komatsu Naohiro , Oshiro Ryosaku , Arima Tetsuhiko , Fukuda Sachiko , Kita Yoshiko , Fukahori Aiko , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: September 2021

Accidental swallowing of press‐through package (PTP) sheets that could cause esophageal perforation is commonly encountered in emergency departments requiring early detection and removal. We report a case in which an accidentally swallowed PTP sheet was removed from the esophagus using a detachable snare after usual endoscopic methods proved ineffective. A Japanese woman in her 60s visited the emergency department with a persistent sore throat. Cervicothoracic computed tomography revealed presence of a PTP sheet in the cervical esophagus, and emergency endoscopy was performed. Pre‐endoscopy simulations using a sheet identical to the one swallowed by the patient indicated that the sheet would not have been retrievable using an overtube (its inner diameter was smaller than the sheet's diameter) and grasping forceps (they slipped off the sheet). It was successfully removed using a detachable snare, a device normally employed in colorectal polypectomy, allowing us to ligate the end of the sheet and pull it into the overtube. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of endoscopic removal of a PTP sheet from the esophagus using a detachable snare. We suggest that this novel method would facilitate removal of esophageal PTP sheets.
Extensive mucosal sloughing of the small intestine and colon in a patient with severe COVID‐19
Authors: Yamakawa Tsukasa , Ishigami Keisuke , Takizawa Ayumu , Takada Yumemi , Ohwada Sae , Yokoyama Yoshihiro , Kazama Tomoe , Hirayama Daisuke , Yoshii Shinji , Yamano Hiro‐O , Ohizumi Rina , Bunya Naofumi , Sugawara Taro , Tsujiwaki Mitsuhiro , Sugita Shintaro , Takahashi Satoshi , Narimatsu Eichi , Nakase Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) primarily cause respiratory symptoms. However, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms can also occur. The endoscopic characteristics of the GI tract in COVID‐19 patients remain unclear. We herein report a 62‐year‐old male with severe COVID‐19 who needed multidisciplinary treatment, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Despite the improvement in his respiratory status, GI bleeding developed. Capsule endoscopy and colonoscopy revealed extensive mucosal sloughing in the lower intestinal tract. Additionally, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the mRNA expression levels of various proinflammatory cytokines in the intestinal mucosal tissues. The results suggested a significant elevation of IL‐6, which could be involved in the pathophysiology of the GI involvement in COVID‐19. Further investigation with more clinical data, including endoscopic findings and molecular analyses, will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of COVID‐19‐associated GI injury.
A problem with variable selection in a comparison of correlative and process‐based species distribution models: Comments on Higgins et al., 2020
Authors: Booth Trevor H.
Published: September 2021

Comments are presented on an article published in October 2020 in Ecology and Evolution (“Predictive ability of a process‐based versus a correlative species distribution model”) by Higgins et al. This analyzed natural distributions of Australian eucalypt and acacia species and assessed the adventive range of selected species outside Australia. Unfortunately, inappropriate variables were used with the MaxEnt species distribution model outside Australia, so that large climatically suitable areas in the Northern Hemisphere were not identified. Examples from a previous analysis and from the use of the freely available spatial portal of the Atlas of Living Australia are provided to illustrate how the problem can be overcome. The comparison of methods described in the Higgins et al. paper is worthwhile, and it is hoped that the authors will be able to repeat their analyses using appropriate variables with the correlative model.
Germanium‐Carbdiyne: A 3D Well‐Defined sp‐Hybridized Carbon‐Based Material with Superhigh Li Storage Property
Authors: Yang Ze , Ren Xin , Song Yuwei , Li Xiaodong , Zhang Chunfang , Hu Xiuli , He Jianjiang , Li Jiazhu , Huang Changshui
Published: September 2021

Carbyne delivers various excellent properties for the existence of the larger number of sp‐hybridized carbon atoms. Here, a 3D well‐defined porous carbon material germanium‐carbdiyne (Ge‐CDY) which is comprised of only sp‐hybridized carbon atoms bridging by Ge atoms has been developed and investigated. The unique diamond‐like structure constructed by linear butadiyne bonds and sp3‐hybridized Ge atoms ensures the stability of Ge‐CDY. The large percentage of conjugated alkyne bonds composed of sp‐C guarantees the good conductivity and the low band gap, which were further confirmed experimentally and theoretically, endowing Ge‐CDY with the potential in electrochemical applications. The well‐defined 3D carbon skeleton of Ge‐CDY provides abundant uniform nanopores, which is suitable for metal ions storage and diffusion. Further half‐cell evaluation also demonstrated Ge‐CDY exhibited an excellent performance in lithium storage. All those indicating sp‐hybridized carbon‐based materials can exhibit great potential to possess excellent properties and be applied in the field of energy, electronic, and so on.
Microwave Dielectric Properties and Sintering Behavior of K20 Series Temperature‐Stable 0.91MgTiO3‐0.09(Ca0.8Na0.1Ce0.1)TiO3 Composite Ceramics
Authors: Yue Tao , Li Lingxia , Du Mingkun , Zhan Yu
Published: September 2021

Recently, the progress of miniaturization and integration for dielectric communication devices is being motivated by the rapidly‐developed communication technology. Microwave dielectric ceramics, the foundation of dielectric communication devices, have been receiving great attention. In this study, 0.91MgTiO3‐0.09(Ca0.8Na0.1Ce0.1)TiO3 ceramic (0.91MT‐0.09CNCT) was synthesized by the traditional solid‐phase process to tune the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) to zero. Compared with 0.95MgTiO3–0.05CaTiO3 ceramic, a Q×f value increased by 15 % was achieved in 0.91MT‐0.09CNCT ceramic, meanwhile, the sintering temperature of which was significantly lowered by 225 °C. In general, the τf value is related to the (Ca0.8Na0.1Ce0.1)TiO3 content and sintering temperature. At the same time, the 0.91MT‐0.09CNCT ceramic sintered at 1175 °C has competitive dielectric properties: ϵr=20.4, Q×f=66,000 GHz, τf=0.2 ppm/°C, which suggests it a promising candidate for dielectric communication devices with low cost and green synthesis.