bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urbanization drives geographically heterogeneous freshwater salinization in the northeastern United States
Authors: Utz Ryan , Bidlack Samantha , Fisher Burch , Kaushal Sujay
Published: June 2022

Rising trends in freshwater salinity, collectively termed the Freshwater Salinization Syndrome (FSS), constitute a global environmental concern. Given that the FSS has been observed in diverse settings, key questions regarding the causes, trend magnitudes, and consequences remain. Prior work hypothesized that FSS is driven by state factors, such as human‐centered land use change, geology, and climate. Here, we identify the fundamental overriding factors driving FSS within the northeastern United States and quantify the diversity of FSS severity within the region. Specifically, we analyzed decadal‐scale trends in specific conductance (a salinity proxy) for 333 lotic sites over four decades. Next, we quantified potential variables driving the rising or falling trends, including impervious surface cover (ISC), winter temperature and precipitation, watershed size, and ambient conductance. Temperature and ISC were considered the most likely candidates for predicting FSS severity because road salts have previously emerged as the fundamental regional driver. Most (62.5%) sites exhibited patterns of significantly increasing conductance; thus, the overall regional state reflects advancing FSS. However, others exhibited an absence of change (28.8%) or decreasing values (8.7%), and slope magnitude did change with latitude. Linear modeling demonstrated that two variables—ISC and watershed size—constitute the best predictors of long‐term conductance trends and that an intercept not significantly different than zero suggests that the FSS does not reign in the absence of urbanization. We also detected areas with consistently decreasing trends despite moderate ISC. Therefore, within the region, advancing urbanization causes the typical condition of advancing FSS, but heterogeneity also exists.
Neuropilin‐1 is present on Foxp3+ T regulatory cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles and mediates immunity against skin transplantation
Authors: Campos‐Mora Mauricio , De Solminihac Javiera , Rojas Carolina , Padilla Cristina , Kurte Mónica , Pacheco Rodrigo , Kaehne Thilo , Wyneken Úrsula , Pino‐Lagos Karina
Published: June 2022

Among the mechanisms of suppression that T regulatory (Treg) cells exert to control the immune responses, the secretion of small extracellular vesicles (sEV) has been recently proposed as a novel contact‐independent immunomodulatory mechanism. Previous studies have demonstrated that Treg cells produce sEV, including exosomes, able to modulate the effector function of CD4+ T cells, and antigen presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells (DCs) through the transfer of microRNA, cytokines, the production of adenosine, among others. Previously, we have demonstrated that Neuropilin‐1 (Nrp1) is required for Tregs‐mediated immunosuppression mainly by impacting on the phenotype and function of effector CD4+ T cells. Here, we show that Foxp3+ Treg cells secrete sEV, which bear Nrp1 in their membrane. These sEV modulate effector CD4+ T cell phenotype and proliferation in vitro in a Nrp1‐dependent manner. Proteomic analysis indicated that sEV obtained from wild type (wt) and Nrp1KO Treg cells differed in proteins related to immune tolerance, finding less representation of CD73 and Granzyme B in sEV obtained from Nrp1KO Treg cells. Likewise, we show that Nrp1 is required in Treg cell‐derived sEV for inducing skin transplantation tolerance, since a reduction in graft survival and an increase on M1/M2 ratio were found in animals treated with Nrp1KO Treg cell‐derived sEV. Altogether, this study describes for the first time that Treg cells secrete sEV containing Nrp1 and that this protein, among others, is necessary to promote transplantation tolerance in vivo via sEV local administration.
Start with why: The transfer of work meaningfulness from leaders to followers and the role of dyadic tenure
Authors: Kipfelsberger Petra , Raes Anneloes , Herhausen Dennis , Kark Ronit , Bruch Heike
Published: June 2022

Leaders are expected to enhance the work meaningfulness of followers, but little insight exists on the role of leaders' own experience of meaningfulness in that process. We propose a leader–follower transfer model of work meaningfulness through visionary leadership, grounded in self‐concept‐based theory, in which leader–follower dyadic tenure shapes the effects of visionary leadership on followers. Moreover, we suggest that work meaningfulness can enhance followers' goal achievement and reduce turnover intentions. We tested and confirmed our moderated‐mediation model in two independent, multisource, multilevel field data sets of 79 mid‐level leaders and 871 employees in Study 1 and 68 CEOs and 596 mid‐level leaders in Study 2. We also empirically ruled out a series of alternative transfer mechanisms, including transformational and transactional leadership, leader–member exchange, and all subdimensions of transformational leadership. This research contributes to the scholarly discussions on work meaningfulness and visionary leadership and offers novel insights for practitioners to enhance work meaningfulness in their organizations.
Comparative proteome analysis of the ligamentum flavum of patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis
Authors: Yabe Yutaka , Hagiwara Yoshihiro , Tsuchiya Masahiro , Minowa Takashi , Takemura Taro , Hattori Shinya , Yoshida Shinichirou , Onoki Takahiro , Ishikawa Keisuke
Published: June 2022

Background

Thickening of the ligamentum flavum is considered to be the main factor for lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). Although some mechanisms have been speculated in the thickening of the ligamentum flavum, there are only a few comprehensive approaches to investigate its pathology. The objective of this study was to investigate the pathology of thickened ligamentum flavum in patients with LSCS based on protein expression levels using shotgun proteome analysis.

Methods

Ligamentum flavum samples were collected from four patients with LSCS (LSCS group) and four patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) as controls (LDH group). Protein mixtures were digested and analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. To compare protein expression levels between the LSCS and LDH groups, the mean Mascot score was compared. Biological processes were assessed using Gene Ontology analysis.

Results

A total of 1151 proteins were identified in some samples of ligamentum flavum. Among these, 145 proteins were detected only in the LSCS group, 315 in the LDH group, and 691 in both groups. The demonstrated biological processes occurring in the LSCS group included: extracellular matrix organization, regulation of peptidase activity, extracellular matrix disassembly, and negative regulation of cell growth. Proteins related to fibrosis, chondrometaplasia, and amyloid deposition were found highly expressed in the LSCS group compared with those in the LDH group.

Conclusions

Tissue repair via fibrosis, chondrometaplasia, and amyloid deposits may be important pathologies that occur in the thickened ligamentum flavum of patients with LSCS.
Roosting ecology of Gould's wild turkeys in southeastern Arizona
Authors: Bakner Nicholas W. , Fyffe Nathan , Oleson Brittany , Smallwood Alex , Heffelfinger James R. , Chamberlain Michael J. , Collier Bret A.
Published: June 2022

Availability of suitable roosting sites influences distribution of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) across the landscape. In semi‐arid environments, roosts are limited to riparian corridors capable of supporting trees large enough to provide suitable roost sites. Gould's wild turkeys (M. g. mexicana) are spatially restricted to mountainous semi‐arid areas of southwestern United States and Mexico, and information on their distribution and habitat use is limited. We evaluated roost site selection and fidelity of Gould's wild turkeys relative to environmental gradients and forested land cover during 2016–2017 in southeastern Arizona, USA. We monitored 51 global positioning system (GPS)‐tagged individuals and collected 7,954 night roost locations. We quantified specific roost site characteristics at 274 unique roost locations. Gould's wild turkeys roosted in forested communities dominated by mature pine (Pinus spp.) and oak (Quercus spp.), and exhibited substantive roost site fidelity. Roost sites were selected at moderate elevations (range = 1,254–2,894 m), and were predominately on north‐facing slopes with slight incline (<11°), suggesting little plasticity in selection of roost sites. Conserving habitat with topography and vegetative structure similar to those described in our study is likely to improve ongoing restoration and management of Gould's wild turkeys.
Hospital Prices for Pediatric Tympanostomy Tube Placement and Adenotonsillectomy in 2021
Authors: Miller Ashley L. , Xiao Roy , Rathi Vinay K. , Wang Annette A. , Rutter Michael J. , Hartnick Christopher J. , Sethi Rosh K. V.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Hospital prices vary substantially for myringotomy with tympanostomy tube placement (M&T) and adenotonsillectomy (T&A). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently implemented hospital price transparency requirements to help families make financially informed decisions about where to seek care. We sought to determine price availability and the extent of price variation for these procedures.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of the Turquoise Health Hospital Rates Data Platform, which extracts prices for facility fees from publicly available hospital chargemasters. We determined the proportion of hospitals serving pediatric patients that published payer‐specific prices for M&T and T&A. We additionally characterized the extent of variation in payer‐specific prices both across and within hospitals.

Results

Approximately 40% (n = 909 of 2,266 hospitals) serving pediatric patients disclosed prices for M&T or T&A. Among disclosing hospitals, across‐center ratios (adjusted for Medicare hospital wage indices) ranged from 11.0 (M&T; 10th percentile adjusted median price: $536.80 versus 90th percentile adjusted median price: $5,929.93) to 23.4 (revision adenoidectomy age >12 years; 10th percentile: $393.82 versus 90th percentile: $9,209.88). Median within‐center price ratios for procedures ranged from 2.2 to 2.7, indicating that some private payers reimbursed the same hospital more than twice as much as other payers for the same procedure.

Conclusion

The majority of hospitals serving pediatric patients were non‐compliant with federal requirements to disclose prices for M&T and T&A. Among disclosing hospitals, there was wide variation in payer‐specific prices between and within institutions. Further research is necessary to understand whether disclosure of prices will enable families to make more financially informed decisions.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:948–955, 2023
Whole LWIR Directional Thermal Emission Based on ENZ Thin Films
Authors: Ying Yunbin , Ma Binze , Yu Jianbo , Huang Yun , Ghosh Pintu , Shen Weidong , Qiu Min , Li Qiang
Published: June 2022

Long‐wave infrared (LWIR) of 8–14 μm is an imperative atmospheric transmission window for applications such as infrared detectors, radiative cooling, and infrared stealth. Attempts to manipulate thermal emission in the LWIR band consist of either directional emission but narrowband or LWIR emission but non‐directional. Directional thermal emission covering the entire LWIR band has remained elusive, so far. Here, a whole LWIR directional thermal emitter is introduced consisting of top epsilon‐near‐zero (ENZ) films (SiO2/SiO/Al2O3), a dielectric gap (Ge), and bottom ENZ films (TiO2/Ta2O5) on a metal. The emitter exhibits high emissivity (>0.9) in p‐polarization at specific directions (72°–82°) covering the entire 8–14 μm atmospheric window. Additionally, infrared encryption information on the emitter can only be observed in p‐polarization in the oblique direction. This approach introduces a new route toward simultaneous control of bandwidth and directionality of thermal emission and has inclusive applications such as infrared camouflage and energy management.
Cryptography Metasurface for One‐Time‐Pad Encryption and Massive Data Storage
Authors: Li Zhenfei , Kong Xianghong , Zhang Jin , Shao Linda , Zhang Dajun , Liu Ji , Wang Xiong , Zhu Weiren , Qiu Cheng‐Wei
Published: June 2022

Compared with traditional encryption methods, one‐time‐pad encryption shows theoretically unbreakable characteristics in cryptography owing to the randomness of the generated keys which are generally the same length as the target message. Here, a novel one‐time‐pad encryption strategy is proposed for combining one‐time‐pad keys storage and associated information authentication in metasurface platform. In the concept, visual secret sharing protocol is used to generated one‐time‐pad key by encoding each pixel of secret to two shared sub‐pixels, while each share reveals no information about original image. Then instead of overlaying the two shares to retrieve the secret, the two shares are further encoded to two random polarization key sequences of horizontal and vertical polarization states in an anisotropic metasurface for encryption. In decryption, a single anisotropic metasurface is adopted as the ciphertext to reconstruct target image combined with the doubly‐encrypted polarization keys. By replacing the conventional multichannel metasurface‐based encryption methods with the digital‐based one‐time‐pad encryption, this work enables the reusability of the metasurface and paves the way toward a new methodology for massive data storage.
Immersive Tuning the Guided Waves for Multifunctional On‐Chip Metaoptics
Authors: Yang Rui , Wan Shuai , Shi Yangyang , Wang Zejing , Tang Jiao , Li Zhongyang
Published: June 2022

With the great promise to reshape the landscape of photonic integrated circuits (PIC), the introduction of metasurface onto optical waveguide integration gives rise to tremendous potential functionalities via converting the guided waves to free‐space, including directional beam‐steering, mode‐conversion, optical on‐chip router, etc. Despite these endeavors, on‐chip metaoptics still faces critical challenges to achieve multifunctionalities with dynamic switchable ability between arbitrary‐encoding channels. Here, a series of novel on‐chip metaoptics functionalities are originally proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Through utilizing a serial optimization algorithm of computer‐generated hologram (CGH), a 3D hologram with multiple sliced information channels is successfully enabled to project above the on‐chip space. Moreover, by strategically exploring water immersive tuning scheme, on‐chip dynamic tuning in real‐time is realized for dual‐channel arbitrary‐encoded hologram, practically verified as a large‐scale easy‐accessible switch method. Eventually, the encoding freedom is further expanded by breaking the degeneracy of forward/backward guided propagations, beyond the state‐of‐art of multiplexing and information storage capacity. This study can easily find paths to numerous practical applications in the next generation of AR display, 3D vision, optical storage, and photonics integrated devices.
Fully Printed Flexible Piezoelectric Nanogenerators with Triethoxyvinylsilane (TEVS) Coated Barium Titanate (BTO) Nanoparticles for Energy Harvesting and Self‐Powered Sensing
Authors: Li Hai , Song Young‐Seok , Kim Tae‐Wook , Lee Myong‐Hoon , Lim Sooman
Published: June 2022

The improvement of wearable electronics is making energy harvesters appealing, as they lessen the requirement for regular recharge of wearable gadgets. In this work, fully printed, flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) with excellent performance are created using a 3D printing technology. This fully‐printing method is based on triethoxyvinylsilane (TEVS) coated barium titanate (BTO) nanoparticles, polyvinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene (PVDF–TrFE), and silver electrode for additive manufacturing. The organic vinyl silane (VS) functional groups, which form a strong bond between inorganic nanoparticles and polymer, contribute to the homogeneous dispersion of BTO nanoparticles in the matrix. Consquently, these fully printed VS–BTO/PVDF–TrFE PENGs outperform their untreated counterpart in terms of output voltage and power density, with a higher output voltage of 54 V even after 13 500 cycles and a higher power density of 28.5 µW cm−2. In practice, as‐printed devices may actively adapt to human movement and detect the pulse from multipoint mechanical activity identification. The fully printed PENGs developed in this work show excellent potential to be used in wearable electronics for a new generation of sensing applications.
The role of social projection in consumers' commonness fallacy
Authors: Basu Shankha , Zhu Jingyu , Savani Krishna
Published: June 2022

Recent research suggests that consumers often exhibit the “commonness fallacy” by overestimating the likelihood of others choosing a frequently consumed item (e.g., vanilla ice cream) rather than a less frequently consumed item (e.g., tiramisu). This research tests whether the extent to which consumers perceive their choices as similar to others—their social projection tendency—explains the commonness fallacy. Two preregistered studies (N = 605) found that consumers with a higher social projection tendency overestimated the extent to which others would choose commonly consumed options if they themselves chose such options over less commonly consumed options. However, social projection cannot fully explain the commonness fallacy as participants with lower social projection tendencies also displayed the commonness fallacy in both studies. The findings delineate the commonness fallacy from consumers' well‐documented tendency to view others' choices as similar to their own.
The dark side of executives' professional background: Evidence from Chinese firm's stock price crash risk
Authors: Jiang Xinfeng , Zhu Jiayi , Akbar Ahsan , Hou Ziyu , Bao Xiaolan
Published: June 2022

It is unclear whether and how the CEO's financial background influences a firm's stock price crash risk. We take a sample of China's listed firms to empirically explore this association. The study finds that the CEO's financial background has a positive impact on the stock price crash risk. Besides, we find the mediating influence of earnings management in this nexus as CEOs with a financial background use their expertise to engage in real activity earnings management. Further analysis reveals that the association between CEO's financial background and stock price crash risk gets more pronounced in non‐state enterprises and with CEO power.
New xylose transporters support the simultaneous consumption of glucose and xylose in Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhu Xinna , Fan Feiyu , Qiu Huanna , Shao Mengyao , Li Di , Yu Yong , Bi Changhao , Zhang Xueli
Published: June 2022

Glucose and xylose are two major components of lignocellulose. Simultaneous consumption of glucose and xylose is critical for engineered microorganisms to produce fuels and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. Although many production limitations have been resolved, glucose‐induced inhibition of xylose transport remains a challenge. In this study, a cell growth‐based screening strategy was designed to identify xylose transporters uninhibited by glucose. The glucose pathway was genetically blocked in Escherichia coli so that glucose functions only as an inhibitor and cells need xylose as the carbon source for survival. Through adaptive evolution, omics analysis and reverse metabolic engineering, a new phosphoenolpyruvate: carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) galactitol transporter (GalABC, encoded by EcolC_1640, EcolC_1641, and EcolC_1642 genes) that is not inhibited by glucose was identified. Inactivation of adenylate cyclase led to increased expression of the EcolC_1642 gene, and a point mutation in gene EcolC_1642 (N13S) further enhanced xylose transport. During the second round of gene mining, AraE and a new ABC transporter (AraFGH) of xylose were identified. A point mutation in the transcription regulator araC (L156I) caused increased expression of araE and araFGH genes without arabinose induction, and a point mutation in araE (D223Y) further enhanced xylose transport. These newly identified xylose transporters can support the simultaneous consumption of glucose and xylose and have potential use in producing chemicals from lignocellulose.
Accelerated 3D myelin water imaging using joint spatio‐temporal reconstruction
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hun , Yi Jaeuk , Kim Jun‐Hyeong , Ryu Kanghyun , Han Dongyeob , Kim Sewook , Lee Seul , Kim Deog Young , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To enable acceleration in 3D multi‐echo gradient echo (mGRE) acquisition for myelin water imaging (MWI) by combining joint parallel imaging (JPI) and joint deep learning (JDL).

Methods

We implemented a multistep reconstruction process using both advanced parallel imaging and deep learning network which can utilize joint spatiotemporal components between the multi‐echo images to further accelerate 3D mGRE acquisition for MWI. In the first step, JPI was performed to estimate missing k‐space lines. Next, JDL was implemented to reduce residual artifacts and produce high‐fidelity reconstruction by using variable splitting optimization consisting of spatiotemporal denoiser block, data consistency block, and weighted average block. The proposed method was evaluated for MWI with 2D Cartesian uniform under‐sampling for each echo, enabling scan times of up to approximately 2 min for 3D coverage.

Results

The proposed method showed acceptable MWI quality with improved quantitative values compared to both JPI and JDL methods individually. The improved performance of the proposed method was demonstrated by the low normalized mean‐square error and high‐frequency error norm values of the reconstruction with high similarity to the fully sampled MWI.

Conclusion

Joint spatiotemporal reconstruction approach by combining JPI and JDL can achieve high acceleration factors for 3D mGRE‐based MWI.
Modeling the Effect of Hyperoxia on the Spin–Lattice Relaxation Rate R1 of Tissues
Authors: Bluemke Emma , Stride Eleanor , Bulte Daniel Peter
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Inducing hyperoxia in tissues is common practice in several areas of research, including oxygen‐enhanced MRI (OE‐MRI), which attempts to use the resulting signal changes to detect regions of tumor hypoxia or pulmonary disease. The linear relationship between PO2 and R1 has been reproduced in phantom solutions and body fluids such as vitreous fluid; however, in tissue and blood experiments, factors such as changes in deoxyhemoglobin levels can also affect the ΔR1.

Theory and Methods

This manuscript proposes a three‐compartment model for estimating the hyperoxia‐induced changes in R1 of tissues depending on B0, SO2, blood volume, hematocrit, oxygen extraction fraction, and changes in blood and tissue PO2. The model contains two blood compartments (arterial and venous) and a tissue compartment. This model has been designed to be easy for researchers to tailor to their tissue of interest by substituting their preferred model for tissue oxygen diffusion and consumption. A specific application of the model is demonstrated by calculating the resulting ΔR1 expected in healthy, hypoxic and necrotic tumor tissues. In addition, the effect of sex‐based hematocrit differences on ΔR1 is assessed.

Results

The ΔR1 values predicted by the model are consistent with reported literature OE‐MRI results: with larger positive changes in the vascular periphery than hypoxic and necrotic regions. The observed sex‐based differences in ΔR1 agree with findings by Kindvall et al. suggesting that differences in hematocrit levels may sometimes be a confounding factor in ΔR1.

Conclusion

This model can be used to estimate the expected tissue ΔR1 in oxygen‐enhanced MRI experiments.
Incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in older adults
Authors: Camacho‐Soto Alejandra , Searles Nielsen Susan , Faust Irene M. , Bucelli Robert C. , Miller Timothy M. , Racette Brad A.
Published: June 2022

Introduction/Aims

We investigated the age‐ and sex‐specific incidence and survival of Medicare beneficiaries with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in patients 66 to 90 years of age.

Methods

We identified all incident ALS cases within a population‐based sample of Medicare beneficiaries in 2009 (total: 22 000 177 person‐years at risk for ALS). We calculated age‐ and sex‐specific incidence in 2009 according to multiple, progressively more stringent case definitions. Our most inclusive definition required one ALS code, whereas the most restrictive definition required at least one additional ALS code more than 6 months after the first code, including one from a neurologist. We identified associated imaging studies and electrodiagnostic testing and followed all cases through the end of 2014 to determine survival.

Results

The overall incidence for our most inclusive definition was 22.84 per 100 000 person‐years for men and 16.05 per 100 000 person‐years for women. The overall incidence was 5.72 per 100 000 person‐years for men and 3.99 per 100 000 person‐years for women for our most restrictive definition. For our most inclusive definition, fewer than 39.7% of cases ever had an ALS diagnosis from a neurologist, more than 50% had an electrodiagnostic test or imaging study, and 40.1% survived less than 1 year after diagnosis, with 25.5% of these cases surviving no more than 6 months. Cases not meeting the most restrictive definition were more likely than those who did meet the restrictive definition to be older, black, or Asian.

Discussion

The oldest and marginalized Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with ALS are less likely to be included in epidemiological studies with restrictive definitions, but future studies will need to assess the accuracy of diagnosis.
Nursing students' attitudes and associated factors towards older people in Heilongjiang Province, northern China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fu Yang , Zhang Jiarui , Cao Lei , Ma Junling , Zhu Hong , Dong Yan , Yin Mei , Shi Lei
Published: June 2022

Aim

Attitudes toward older persons could affect services that are provided to them and change the value of the care they receive. The attitude of nursing students toward older persons is very important as it will affect their care of older patients in future. However, in China, the attitude of higher vocational nursing students toward older persons has not been widely studied. The purpose of this study is to explore the attitudes and factors toward older people among nursing students in higher vocational colleges in Heilongjiang Province.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted using cluster sampling. A total of 1106 nursing students from two higher vocational colleges in Heilongjiang Province participated. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors influencing nursing students’ attitudes toward older people.

Conclusion

This study showed that the vocational college nursing students have a positive attitude towardolder persons. However, the proportion of respondents taking care of older persons as their first choice in their future career needs to be increased. Advanced vocational colleges should pay attention to the attitudes of nursing students toward older persons, and strengthen the education of career development planning, which has practical significance in meeting the diversified health needs of older persons and ensuring healthy aging.
Effect of alkali surface treatment and compatibilizer agent on tensile and morphological properties of date palm fibers‐based high density polyethylene biocomposites
Authors: Hachaichi Amina , Nekkaa Sorya , Amroune Salah , Jawaid Mohammad , Alothman Othman Y. , Dufresne Alain
Published: June 2022

The objective of the present study is to develop an environment friendly alternative material based on available and local bio‐source from the wastes of Algerian date palm trees, date palm twigs fiber (DPF) was selected as an effective reinforcing material for high density polyethylene (HDPE) biocomposite. Two types of treatments have been used including sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment to obtain DPF1 followed by potassium permanganate (KMnO4) treatment to obtain DPF2 for aim to improve fiber‐matrix compatibility, HDPE biocomposite reinforced with different ratios of DPF1 and DPF2 varying from 10 to 30 wt% were elaborated, characterized, and compared to select the preferred treatment and percent of DPF which can be used with high properties. The results obtained indicates that the incorporating of 30 wt% of DPF2 in HDPE biocomposite led to an improve in the mechanical and morphological properties. In fact, the improvement in interfacial properties improve ultimate biocomposite performance, and thus qualified its use in different industrial application. The maleic anhydride grafted high‐density polyethylene (HDPE‐g‐MA) was incorporated as a coupling agent to the reinforced biocomposite of 30 wt% DPF2/HDPE with two different loading (7 and 10 wt%), Also, the treatments were seen to enhance the tensile strength and elastic modulus. Additionally, the biocomposites observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed more intimate contact between the fibers and HDEP matrix after surface modification. The results suggested that the successful sample with best characteristics which can be advised is 30 wt% DPF2/HDPE/10 wt% HDPE‐g‐MA, that offer their use in many applications particularly in the automotive industry.
Effect of cyclic tests on the shape memory performance of GO‐CF hybrid‐reinforced SMPC
Authors: Guo Haiyin , Ma Yuqin , Wang Gangfeng , Xu Wei , Zhao Tingting , Li Fei , Xu Yi
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the effect of cyclic tests on the shape memory performance of graphene oxide‐carbon fiber (GO‐CF) hybrid‐reinforced shape memory polymer composite (SMPC). The shape memory performance was evaluated by four indexes: shape fixation rate, shape recovery rate, recovery time, and maximum recovery force. The results showed that the service life of the GO‐CF hybrid‐reinforced SMPC prepared by the vacuum infiltration hot‐press forming experimental system process (VIHPS) was 16 cycles. After 16 repetitions, the shape fixation rate decreased by approximately 6.6% and the shape recovery rate decreased by approximately 14.0%. At this time, the shape recovery rate was lower than 90%. The recovery time increased by 62.2% and the maximum recovery force decreased by 70.1%. The maximum recovery force exhibited the highest performance attenuation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to photograph and analyze the microstructures of the samples under various cyclic tests. It was concluded that the main factor affecting the shape memory performance of GO‐CF hybrid‐reinforced SMPC is the life of fiber bundle. During cyclic testing, the fiber was prone to kinks, tensile damage and other defects, which increased the probability of reducing the length of the fiber bundle. Therefore, the probability of fiber fracture was improved, and the shape memory performance of the GO‐CF hybrid‐reinforced SMPC was attenuated.
Development of approach for flavonoid profiling of biotechnological raw materials Iris sibirica L. by HPLC with high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Karpitskiy Dmitriy A. , Bessonova Elena A. , Kartsova Liudmila A. , Tikhomirova Liudmila I.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Iris L. are promising in medicine due to the biological activity of extracts. Iris sibirica L. is spread in Russia but its phytochemical composition has not been studied in detail though it is included in the Red Book. For this reason, I. sibirica L. biotechnology is in high demand. One of the key points in biotechnology is the regulation of plant metabolism using phytohormones. Obtaining of chromatographic metabolite profiles allows to control this process.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop an approach for effective control of biotechnological raw materials of I. sibirica L. by flavonoid profiles using high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) and to investigate the influence of phytohormones in nutrient media on content of flavonoids.

Methodology

Iris sibirica L. regenerated plants were grown on Murashige–Skoog media with 6‐benzylaminopurine (6‐BAP) and α‐naphtylacetic acid (NAA) additives. To optimise extraction conditions, the design of the experiment was used. Profiles of polyphenols were obtained by HPLC–MS/MS in the positive and negative ionisation modes.

Results

The process for efficient extraction from leaves of I. sibirica L. were developed. The factors influencing the extraction efficiency of flavonoids have been determined. A total of 36 compounds were identified by HPLC–MS/MS. Among them isoflavones and their glycosides are the main classes. Addition of an auxin‐like hormone increased the non‐polar flavonoid levels, but decreased the polar ones. The variation in concentration of cytokinin (6‐BAP) affected almost all of the analytes.

Conclusion

The methodology for effective control of I. sibirica L. raw plant material biotechnology was developed by analysing obtained chromatographic polyphenol profiles.
surfaltr: An R/Bioconductor package to benchmark surface protein isoforms by rapid prediction and visualization of transmembrane topologies
Authors: Gangras Pooja , Merchant Aditi
Published: June 2022

Cell surface proteins form a major fraction of the druggable proteome and can be used for tissue‐specific delivery of oligonucleotide/cell‐based therapeutics. Surface protein isoforms are regulated by alternative splicing, which drives subcellular localization and transmembrane (TM) topology thereby shaping cell type specific signatures. Current advances in multiomic approaches have developed interest in discovery of tissue‐specific alternatively spliced or novel surface protein isoforms. However, there exists a need for bioinformatic approaches for rapidly benchmarking the large number of isoforms identified by these approaches. To address this gap, we have developed, surfaltr, an R package which takes user input isoforms, pairs them with the known principal isoform of the gene, predicts TM topologies, and generates a customizable graphical output. Further, surfaltr facilitates prioritization of topologically diverse isoform pairs through incorporation of three different ranking metrics and through protein alignment functions. Here, we demonstrate the utility of our R package by evaluating the mouse retina‐specific novel surface protein isoforms identified in Ray et al. 2020. surfaltr is freely available through Bioconductor (https://bioconductor.org/packages/surfaltr) and the vignette provides extensive instructions for implementation.
The effect of probiotic administration on metabolomics and glucose metabolism in CF patients
Authors: Gur Michal , Zuckerman‐Levin Nehama , Masarweh Kamal , Hanna Moneera , Laghi Luca , Marazzato Massimiliano , Levanon Shir , Hakim Fahed , Bar–Yoseph Ronen , Wilschanski Michael , Bentur Lea
Published: June 2022

Background and objectives

Cystic fibrosis (CF)‐related diabetes (CFRD) affects 50% of CF adults. Gut microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) aggravates their inflammatory response and contributes to insulin resistance (IR). We hypothesized that probiotics may improve glucose tolerance by correcting dysbiosis.

Methods

A single‐center prospective pilot study assessing the effect of Vivomixx® probiotic (450 billion/sachet) on clinical status, spirometry, lung clearance index (LCI), and quality of life (QOL) questionnaires; inflammatory parameters (urine and stool metabolomics, blood cytokines); and glucose metabolism (oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT]), continuous glucose monitoring [CGM], and homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA‐IR) in CF patients.

Results

Twenty‐three CF patients (six CFRD), mean age 17.7 ± 8.2 years. After 4 months of probiotic administration, urinary cysteine (p = 0.018), lactulose (p = 0.028), arabinose (p = 0.036), mannitol (p = 0.041), and indole 3‐lactate (p = 0.046) significantly increased, while 3‐methylhistidine (p = 0.046) and N‐acetyl glutamine (p = 0.047) decreased. Stool 2‐Hydroxyisobutyrate (p = 0.022) and 3‐methyl‐2‐oxovalerate (p = 0.034) decreased. Principal component analysis, based on urine metabolites, found significant partitions between subjects at the end of treatment compared to baseline (p = 0.004). After 2 months of probiotics, the digestive symptoms domain of Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire‐Revised improved (p = 0.007). In the nondiabetic patients, a slight decrease in HOMA‐IR, from 2.28 to 1.86, was observed. There was no significant change in spirometry results, LCI, blood cytokines and CGM.

Conclusions

Changes in urine and stool metabolic profiles, following the administration of probiotics, may suggest a positive effect on glucose metabolism in CF. Larger long‐term studies are needed to confirm our findings. Understanding the interplay between dysbiosis, inflammation, and glucose metabolism may help preventing CFRD.
Nanoscale Stress Localization Effects on the Radiation Susceptibility of GaN High‐Mobility Transistors
Authors: Rasel Md Abu Jafar , Stepanoff Sergei , Haque Aman , Wolfe Douglas E. , Ren Fan , Pearton Stephen
Published: June 2022

Nanoscale localized mechanical stress fields develop unavoidably in microelectronic devices due to structural and processing aspects. Their global average is too small to influence bandgap or mobility, but it is proposed that stress localization can influence defect nucleation sites under radiation. This is investigated on gallium nitride high‐electron‐mobility transistors (GaN HEMTs). Using transmission electron microscopy, we spatially resolved the stress field in the AlGaN layer for both pristine and 10 Mrad gamma‐irradiated HEMTs. The quantitative nanobeam electron diffraction and geometric phase analysis indicate that tensile stressed localizations experience higher radiation‐induced strain. This finding is explained by the tensile stress dependence of the carrier concentration and mobility in the AlGaN layer. Since gamma radiation damage is inflicted by high‐energy electrons only, localized regions of higher tensile stress in the AlGaN layer are expected to be more susceptible to gamma rays.
Automatic vocabulary and graph verification for accurate loop closure detection
Authors: Yue Haosong , Miao Jinyu , Chen Weihai , Wang Wei , Guo Fanghong , Li Zhengguo
Published: June 2022

Localizing previously visited places during long‐term localization and mapping, that is, loop closure detection (LCD), is a crucial technique to correct accumulated inconsistencies. In common bag‐of‐words (BoW) model, a visual vocabulary is built to associate features for detecting loops. Currently, methods that build vocabularies off‐line determine scales of the vocabulary by trial‐and‐error, which results in unreasonable feature association. Moreover, the detection precision of the algorithm declines due to perceptual aliasing given that the BoW‐based method ignores the positions of visual features. To build the optimal vocabulary automatically and eliminate human heuristics, we propose a natural convergence criterion based on the comparison between the radii of nodes and the drifts of feature descriptors in vocabulary construction. Furthermore, a novel topological graph verification method is proposed for validating loop candidates, which can effectively distinguish visual ambiguities by involving geometrical position of features and thus improve the precision of LCD. Experiments on various public datasets verify the effectiveness of our proposed approach.
Effects of Triazole Functionalized SiO2/TiO2 Nanoparticles in Polyurethane Coating: A Study on Structural, Thermal, Dynamic Mechanical, Morphological and Electrochemical Properties in Marine Environment
Authors: Xavier Joseph Raj
Published: June 2022

Newly synthesized functional nanoparticles, 3‐amino‐1, 2, 4‐triazole‐5‐thiol (ATAT)/SiO2−TiO2 nanoparticles, investigated by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, were added to the polyurethane (PU) matrix. The produced PU‐ATAT/SiO2−TiO2 nanocomposite coated steel specimen was studied by Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), potentiodynamic polarization and Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for their barrier properties against corrosion. The coating resistance (Rcoat) of the PU‐ATAT/SiO2−TiO2 nanocomposite was found to be 2956.90 kΩ.cm2. It was found that the coating resistance of PU‐ATAT/SiO2−TiO2 nanocomposite coating was over 50 % higher than that of the PU coating. The current measured along the scratched surface of the PU‐ATAT/SiO2−TiO2 nanocomposite coating was found to be very less (1.65 nA). The degradation products analyzed by SEM/EDX and XRD displayed the enriched ATAT/SiO2−TiO2 nanoparticles which hindered the passage of electrolytes into the interface of coating. The hydrophobic nature of the PU‐ATAT/SiO2−TiO2 nanocomposite coating (θ=115.4°) was confirmed by water contact angle measurement. The least oxygen permeability was observed in the PU‐ATAT/SiO2−TiO2. The improved mechanical properties were found by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) for the PU‐ATAT/SiO2−TiO2 nanocomposite coating. Therefore, the newly synthesized PU‐ATAT/SiO2−TiO2 nanocomposite provided an outstanding barrier and mechanical properties due to the addition of ATAT/SiO2−TiO2 nanoparticles to the polyurethane, which obstructed the degradation of materials and assisted in prolonging the life of the coated steel.
Three‐Dimensional Hierarchical Porous Fe, N‐Doped Hollow Carbon Nanospheres as Stable Electrocatalyst for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Both Acidic and Alkaline Electrolytes
Authors: Sun Wei‐Li , Xu Chao , Guo Peng‐Peng , Lu Chen , Yang Kun‐Zu , Wei Ping‐Jie , Liu Jin‐Gang
Published: June 2022

3D hierarchical porous Fe, N‐doped hollow carbon nano‐spheres (Fe−N−C HPNCs) as efficient ORR electrocatalyst were obtained using melamine‐formaldehyde resin (MF) nanospheres as thermal sacrificial hard template to optimize the pore structure and provide nitrogen source to the catalyst. The optimized Fe−N−C HPNCs catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity with onset (Eonset) and half‐wave (E1/2) potential (Eonset=1.07 V; E1/2=0.90 V vs. RHE) superior to commercial Pt/C catalyst in 0.1 M KOH solution, and demonstrated excellent stability. When applied as cathode electro‐catalyst in a Zn‐air battery, it produced maximum power density (Pmax) of 127 mW cm−2, which is higher than that of commercial Pt/C (Pmax=119 mW cm−2). It also showed good activity (Eonset=0.89 V; E1/2=0.78 V) in 0.1 M HClO4 electrolyte with significantly enhanced stability (ΔE1/2=−7 mV) relative to the Pt/C catalyst (ΔE1/2=−27 mV).
Hybrid Triboelectric‐Electromagnetic Magnetic Energy Harvester‐Based Sensing for Wireless Monitoring of Transmission Lines
Authors: Yuan Zhihao , Jin Xu , Li Ruonan , Wang Baocheng , Han Chengcheng , Shi Yapeng , Wu Zhiyi , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: June 2022

Magnetic energy is an abundant and persistent form of energy radiating from various sources. Here, a hybrid triboelectric‐electromagnetic magnetic energy harvester (HMEH) system consisting of a modified pendulum unit is proposed, interacting mechanically with two multilayered TENGs and remotely with Cu coils. Systematic studies are conducted on magneto‐mechano‐energy conversion from power transmission lines. The pendulum is made out of a thin PET plate, with two permanent magnets stuck at each side of the free end of the PET plate. Two multilayered TENGs (each of which has one layer fixed at the same angle while other layers are set free) are located at both sides of the pendulum unit. The coils and the magnets make up the electromagnetic generator (EMG). Multilayered TENGs are connected in parallel with the EMG (each unit is connected to an independent rectifying bridge), and it is possible to charge a 100 µF capacitor to 4.78 V within 55 s. The HMEH system is used to power up a thermometer continuously via a 47 µF capacitor. Furthermore, a design for a wireless early warning system for potential fire hazards due to overheating is realized, revealing potential applications for self‐powered wireless monitoring of transmission lines.
Light‐Assisted Li–O2 Batteries with Lowered Bias Voltages by Redox Mediators
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Yang Yuting , Hu Xu , Zhang Qinming , Wang Chengyi , Wei Jinping , Xie Zhaojun , Zhou Zhen
Published: June 2022

The enormous overpotential caused by sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction and the oxygen evolution reaction prevents the practical application of Li–O2 batteries. The recently proposed light‐assisted strategy is an effective way to improve round‐trip efficiency; however, the high‐potential photogenerated holes during the charge would degrade the electrolyte with side reactions and poor cycling performance. Herein, a synergistic interaction between a polyterthiophene photocatalyst and a redox mediator is employed in Li–O2 batteries. During the discharge, the voltage can be compensated by the photovoltage generated on the photoelectrode. Upon the charge with illumination, the photogenerated holes can be consumed by the oxidization of iodide ions, and thus the external circuit voltage is compensated by photogenerated electrons. Accordingly, a smaller bias voltage is needed for the semiconductor to decompose Li2O2, and the potential of photogenerated holes decreases. Finally, the round‐trip efficiency of the battery reaches 97% with a discharge voltage of 3.10 V and a charge voltage of 3.19 V. The batteries show stable operation up to 150 cycles without increased polarization. This work provides new routes for light‐assisted Li–O2 batteries with reduced overpotential and boosted efficiency.
Synergetic Dual‐Ion Centers Boosting Metal Organic Framework Alloy Catalysts toward Efficient Two Electron Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Liu Meihuan , Su Hui , Cheng Weiren , Yu Feifan , Li Yuanli , Zhou Wanlin , Zhang Hui , Sun Xuan , Zhang Xiuxiu , Wei Shiqiang , Liu Qinghua
Published: June 2022

Herein, a strategy of synergetic dual‐metal‐ion centers to boost transition‐metal‐based metal organic framework (MOF) alloy nanomaterials as active oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation is proposed. Through a facile one‐pot wet chemical method, a series of MOF alloys with unique Ni–M (M–Co, Cu, Zn) synergetic centers are synthesized, where the strong metallic ions 3d–3d synergy can effectively inhibit O2 cleavage on Ni sites toward a favorable two‐electron ORR pathway. Impressively, the well‐designed NiZn MOF alloy catalysts show an excellent H2O2 selectivity up to 90% during ORR, evidently outperforming that of NiCo MOF (45%), and NiCu MOF (55%). Moreover, it sustains efficient activity and robust stability under a continuous longterm ORR operation. The correlative in situ synchrotron radiation X‐ray adsorption fine structure and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses reveal at the atomic level that, the higher Ni oxidation states species, regulated via adjacent Zn2+ ions, are favorable for optimizing the adsorption energetics of key *OOH intermediates toward fast two electron ORR kinetics.