bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giant Photo‐Magneto‐Thermoelectric Effect of End‐On Oriented PEDOT Grown from Self‐Assembled 3D Tectons
Authors: Kim Byeonggwan , Cho Cheolhyun , Han Minsu , Attias André‐Jean , Kim Eunkyoung
Published: August 2021

Conductive polymers (CPs) are arranged in the end‐on direction on graphene surfaces using 3D tectons of ZnPc assemblies, to control carrier transport from hot to cold via external magnetic fields. Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)s doped with tosylate are synthesized using monomer seeds that are complexed through pyridine units to 3D tectons on graphene via surface‐confined host‐guest chemistry, to provide an end‐on‐oriented polymer film on graphene with a high degree of crystallinity. The film shows free‐electron‐like charge transport properties, with an enhanced Hall mobility, and an increased Seebeck coefficient compared to the CP on graphene that is prepared without 3D tectons. A magneto‐thermoelectric (MTE) effect is reproducibly observed for the film device. Taking advantage of a large photothermal effect of the polymer film, a photon‐mode MTE effect is demonstrated for the first time. Both dark and photo‐MTE effects correlate well to the generated Lorentz force. These results provide a unique tool to program carrier transport in thin‐film via external magnetic stimuli with a temperature gradient.
Magnetization‐Switchable Implant System to Target Delivery of Stem Cell‐Loaded Bioactive Polymeric Microcarriers
Authors: Go Gwangjun , Yoo Ami , Kim Seokjae , Seon Jong Keun , Kim Chang‐Sei , Park Jong‐Oh , Choi Eunpyo
Published: August 2021

Various magnetic microcarrier systems capable of transporting cells to target lesions are developed for therapeutic agent‐based tissue regeneration. However, the need for bioactive molecules and cells, the potential toxicity of the microcarrier, and the large volume and limited workspace of the magnetic targeting device remain challenging issues associated with microcarrier systems. Here, a multifunctional magnetic implant system is presented for targeted delivery, secure fixation, and induced differentiation of stem cells. This magnetic implant system consists of a biomaterial‐based microcarrier containing bioactive molecules, a portable magnet array device, and a biocompatible paramagnetic implant. Among biomedical applications, the magnetic implant system is developed for knee cartilage repair. The various functions of these components are verified through in vitro, phantom, and ex vivo tests. As a result, a single microcarrier can load ≈1.52 ng of transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β1) and 3.3 × 103 of stem cells and stimulate chondrogenic differentiation without extra bioactive molecule administration. Additionally, the implant system demonstrates high targeting efficiency (over 90%) of the microcarriers in a knee phantom and ex vivo pig knee joint. The results show that this implant system, which overcomes the limitations of the existing magnetic targeting system, represents an important advancement in the field.
Modular‐Peptides‐Based Ternary Complex for Precisely Tracking the Targeted Process and Delivery of Gene/Chemo‐Drug
Authors: Hu Jing‐Jing , Yuan Qiming , Dong Xiaoqi , Cheng Yong , Yuan Lizhen , Dai Jun , Xia Fan , Lou Xiaoding
Published: August 2021

Highly effective transporting and real‐time monitoring of the drug delivery system (DDS) has attracted much attention from researchers. However, separately tracking the multiple components in a complex DDS as well as its delivery process is challengeable. Here, a multi‐fluorescence‐labeled ternary complex is designed for delivering the therapeutic agents and monitoring the multiple components. Ternary complex (A@TR) is formed by three parts, including a) the carrier module TFD, which is a cell‐penetrating peptide (TAT) conjugated with anti‐cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and fluorescent molecule fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC); b) therapeutic genes (ASO); c) the targeting module RDP based on a cyclic RGDFK peptide and aggregation‐induced‐emission luminogen PyTPE. The labeling of FITC through the covalent bond can stably track the location of anticancer drugs and genes in the long term. Meanwhile, the mark of PyTPE can monitor the process of targeting‐mediated endocytosis over time. After being internalized by tumor cells selectively, chemodrug and therapeutic genes can achieve a superior tumor inhibited effect. By utilizing the multi‐channel fluorescence, this ternary complex could achieve precisely monitoring the targeted binding process of DDS and delivery processes of therapeutic agents.
Metal‐Insulator‐Insulator‐Metal Diodes with Responsivities Greater Than 30 A W−1 Based on Nitrogen‐Doped TiOx and AlOx Insulator Layers
Authors: Alshehri Abdullah H. , Shahin Ahmed , Mistry Kissan , Ibrahim Khaled H. , Yavuz Mustafa , Musselman Kevin P.
Published: August 2021

Metal‐insulator‐insulator‐metal diodes based on nitrogen‐doped titanium dioxide (NTiOx) and aluminum oxide (NAlOx) are fabricated and characterized for the first time. Pt/TiOx‐NTiOx/Pt and Pt/TiOx‐NAlOx/Pt diodes with 30 nm of TiOx or NTiOx and 5 nm of NAlOx are compared to undoped Pt/TiOx/Pt and Pt/TiOx‐AlOx/Pt diodes of similar thickness. The nitrogen atoms are expected to modify the barrier heights and produce electron traps in the insulators. This changes the conduction mechanisms of the doped diodes, including the introduction of unidirectional, defect‐mediated Poole–Frenkel transport and trap‐assisted tunneling, which increase the performance of the doped diodes. The representative figures of merit observed for a Pt/TiOx‐NAlOx/Pt diode at 0.5 V include an asymmetry of 8.76 × 103, nonlinearity of 4, and zero‐bias responsivity of 22.3 A W−1. Zero‐bias responsivities as high as 36.8 A W−1 are obtained, which surpass the 19.4 A W−1 theoretical limit for Schottky diodes. Notably, this defect‐engineering approach is found to improve the figures of merit without an unwanted increase in diode resistance. A thinner Pt/NTiOx‐NAlOx/Al diode is also produced, which has a low zero‐bias resistance of 36 Ω, nonlinearity of 3.7, and zero‐bias responsivity of 1.7 A W−1.
All‐Metal Oxide Transparent Photovoltaic for High‐Speed Binary UV Communication Window
Authors: Patel Malkeshkumar , Bhatnagar Priyanka , Bist Shristi , Kim Joondong
Published: August 2021

Optoelectronic devices that are self‐powered and have a high transparency are of interest for application in versatile next‐generation “see‐through” platforms. However, current optoelectronic photodetectors often have drawbacks including a high driving power and a relatively slow response speed. In this work, large‐area transparent photovoltaic devices (TPVD) are reported that can be easily prepared at room temperature from eco‐friendly and abundant materials. The TPVD consists of a zinc oxide/nickel oxide heterostructure as the light‐harvester and ultraviolet (UV) blocker, and its photovoltaic performance is evaluated using silver nanowire (AgNW) electrodes composed of NWs with varying diameters. As a result of surface plasmons in the AgNW electrode, TPVDs with AgNWs that have a larger diameter exhibit enhanced transparency and photovoltaic performance, with a photovoltage of 520 mV under standard AM1.5 light illumination. Importantly, the binary electric signal produced can be decoded without the need for electronic filter circuits or a threshold. A UV communication system is further designed based on the TPVD for application as a self‐powered, binary Morse‐code signal with a high response speed. This work integrates the features of a transparent power generator and transparent optoelectronics into a UV photodetector, and it can enable the application of self‐reliant devices for communications, imaging, and sensors.
Asymptomatic Venous Thromboembolism After Hepatobiliary–Pancreatic Surgery: Early Detection Using D‐dimer and Soluble Fibrin Monomer Complex Levels
Authors: Hayashi Hikaru , Shimizu Akira , Kubota Koji , Notake Tsuyoshi , Sugenoya Shinsuke , Masuo Hitoshi , Hosoda Kiyotaka , Yasukawa Koya , Kobayashi Ryoichiro , Soejima Yuji
Published: August 2021

Aim

The aim was to investigate the usefulness of a preemptive management strategy that includes monitoring serum D‐dimer (DD) and soluble fibrin monomer complex (SFMC) levels for early detection and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after hepatobiliary–pancreatic (HBP) surgery.

Methods

Overall, 678 patients who underwent HBP surgery between January 2010 and March 2020 were enrolled. Patients with increased postoperative serum DD or SFMC levels underwent contrast‐enhanced computed tomography, and those with VTE received anticoagulant agents. The VTE risk factors were investigated using multivariable analysis. Postoperative changes in DD and SFMC levels were verified, and their ability to identify VTE was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

VTE developed in 83 patients (12.2%), and no symptomatic VTE or death due to VTE was observed. Multivariable analysis identified female sex (odds ratio [OR] 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41–3.60; P < .001) and surgery duration of ≥401 min (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.27–3.35; P < .001) as independent risk factors for VTE. Maximum serum DD and SFMC levels in patients who developed VTE were significantly higher than those in patients without VTE (DD, 15.1 vs 8.9 μg/mL, P < .001; SFMC, 18.0 vs 10.2 μg/mL, P < .001, respectively). Both DD (n = 678) and the combination of DD and SFMC levels (n = 230) showed a good ability to detect VTE (area under the ROC curve, 0.804 and 0.761, respectively).

Conclusion

Our preemptive strategy of monitoring serum DD and SFMC levels enables early detection and treatment intervention of VTE after HBP surgery.
Dry methane reforming with nickel–cobalt bimetallic catalysts based on halloysite nanoclay modified by alkaline melting method
Authors: Bakhtiari Kazem , Shahbazi Kootenaei Amirhossein , Maghsoodi Sarah , Azizi Shima , Tabatabaei Ghomsheh Seyed Mostafa
Published: August 2021

Catalysts, including (10% Ni)/AMHA, (10% Ni + 5% Co)/AMHA, (5% Ni + 5% Co)/AMHA, and (5% Ni + 10% Co)/AMHA, were prepared by simultaneous impregnation of Ni and Co on alkaline molten halloysite (AMHA) and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field diffusion scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR), temperature‐programmed oxidation (TPO), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). The catalysts were evaluated in dry reforming of methane (DRM) at temperatures of 700 to 850°C and with a volumetric composition of a feed gas of 40% CH4, 40% CO2, and 20% Ar in a fixed bed reactor. Catalyst performance tests showed that the nickel catalyst based on milled and alkaline molten nano‐halloysite had a relatively poor performance. After impregnation of cobalt metal with different concentrations in the presence of nickel, the functional properties increased. Characteristic observations and experiments showed a very positive effect of cobalt metal on the catalyst performance. The presence of cobalt reinforcing metal along with nickel improves the activity and stability and reduces catalyst coking. Moreover, increasing cobalt along with nickel leads to better dispersion of the active phase of nickel, improved catalyst regeneration, and stable production of synthetic gas from methane and carbon dioxide. The effect of cobalt and nickel ratio on the catalyst structure, conversion rate of methane and carbon dioxide, stability, and carbon deposition rate were investigated. The conversion rate increases at high temperatures. Also, the resulting gas composition is suitable for Fischer–Tropsch reactions.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of N4‐hydrazone derivatives of 5,7‐dihydro‐6H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐6‐one as novel anticancer agents with antimetastatic adjunct efficacy
Authors: Zhao Zhichang , Wang Hongjun , Tian Nana , Yan Hong , Wang Juan
Published: August 2021

To obtain new anticancer agents with antimetastatic adjunct efficacy, a series of novel N4‐hydrazone derivatives of 5,7‐dihydro‐6H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐6‐one were designed and synthesized by an eight‐step reaction, with appropriate yields. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against A549 and MCF‐7 cells and for antiplatelet aggregation activity in vitro. The results showed that compounds 25 and 35 not only showed potent antiproliferative activity against the A549 (IC50 = 15.3 and 21.4 μM) and MCF‐7 (IC50 = 15.6 and 10.9 μM) cell lines but also showed certain antiplatelet aggregation activity (inhibition rates: 47.0% and 45.8%). These results indicated that the structural modification on the N4‐hydrazone moiety of 5,7‐dihydro‐6H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐6‐one is promising to obtain novel anticancer compounds with antimetastatic adjunct efficacy. In addition, a molecular docking study was performed to investigate the possible targets, and these results indicated that compounds 25 and 35 have the potential to target EGFR, HER2, and P2Y12.
Children’s epistemic reasoning about social inclusion of aggressive peers in a culturally diverse school
Authors: Scholes Laura , Wallace Elizabeth , Walker Sue , Lunn Brownlee Jo , Lawson Veronica
Published: August 2021

Moral reasoning in values education can promote a democratic way of life. It involves addressing behaviour expectations in responses to violence or bullying. There is increasing interest in how children make moral judgments about social inclusion within diverse cultural settings. Critical research highlights the relationship between epistemic cognition (views about the nature of knowledge and knowing) and reasoning. In this paper, we argue that this relationship is likely to be important in reasoning about moral values for inclusion in culturally diverse schools. However, we know little about how children in diverse educational settings reason about and enact school values for inclusion. Our study addresses this gap by examining primary school children’s epistemic reasoning about the social inclusion of peers with a focus on justifications for inclusion/exclusion of aggressive peers. Twenty‐six children (10–11 years old) from one culturally diverse school community in Australia were asked to illustrate (drawings) and reflect on (15–20 minute interviews) a conflict situation involving exclusion from play. The findings showed that most children reasoned about including/excluding others based on a ‘one right answer’ pattern which reflected an explicit focus on following the school rules. Fewer children moved ‘beyond right answers’ to show transition towards perceiving multiple perspectives in their reasoning about inclusion/exclusion. Implications for values education are discussed.
Neolignans and Sesquiterpenoid from Piper yunnanense
Authors: Chen Yu‐Xi , You Yun‐Xia , Rao Li , Liu Yu , He Qian , Xu You‐Kai , Lin Bin , Zhang Chuan‐Rui
Published: August 2021

Two biphenyl‐type neolignans with a rare dibenzofuran skeleton, including a new one piyunneolignan A (1) and a known one piperneolignan D (2), together with a new sesquiterpenoid piyunin A (3), were isolated from the leaves and twigs of Piper yunnanense. Their structures were established on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. Piyunneolignan A (1) featured a rare C‐2−C‐2′/C‐3−O−C‐3′ linkage. Compounds 1–3 were evaluated for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities against a panel of bacteria, fungi, and human cancer cell lines, respectively.
Koninginin W, a New Polyketide from the Endophytic Fungus Trichoderma koningiopsis YIM PH30002
Authors: Wang Yong‐Liang , Hu Bin‐Yuan , Qian Meng‐An , Wang Zi‐Hang , Zou Jing‐Mei , Sang Xu‐Yan , Li Lei , Luo Xiao‐Dong , Zhao Li‐Xing
Published: August 2021

A new compound named koninginin W (1) and four known polyketides (2–5) were isolated from endophytic fungus Trichoderma koningiopsis YIM PH30002 of Panax notoginseng. The structures of 1 ‐ 5, including absolute configuration of 1, were elucidated on the detailed analysis of the HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and X‐ray crystallographic data. Koninginin W (1) presented weak antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhimurium.
Phase Separation‐Promoted Redox Deracemization of Secondary Alcohols over a Supported Dual Catalysts System
Authors: Zhao Zhitong , Wang Chengyi , Chen Qipeng , Wang Yu , Xiao Rui , Tan Chunxia , Liu Guohua
Published: August 2021

Unification of oxidation and reduction in a one‐pot deracemization process has great significance in the preparation of enantioenriched organic molecules. However, the intrinsic mutual deactivation of oxidative and reductive catalysts and the extrinsic incompatible reaction conditions are unavoidable challenges in a single operation. To address these two issues, we develop a supported dual catalysts system to overcome these conflicts from incompatibility to compatibility, resulting in an efficient one‐pot redox deracemization of secondary alcohols. During this transformation, the TEMPO species onto the outer surface of silica nanoparticles catalyze the oxidation of racemic alcohols to ketones, and the chiral Rh/diamine species in the nanochannels of the thermoresponsive polymer‐coated hollow‐shell mesoporous silica enable the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of ketones to chiral alcohols. To demonstrate the general feasibility, a series of orthogonal oxidation/ATH cascade reactions are compared to prove the compatible benefits in the elimination of their deactivations and the balance of the cascade directionality. As presented in this study, this redox deracemization process provides various chiral alcohols with enhanced yields and enantioselectivities relative to those from unsupported dual catalysts systems. Furthermore, the dual catalysts can be recycled continuously, making them an attractive feature in the application.
Cascade Reaction to Selectively Synthesize Multifunctional Indole Derivatives by IrIII‐Catalyzed C−H Activation
Authors: Chai Xin‐Yue , Xu Hui‐Bei , Dong Lin
Published: August 2021

An effective and condition‐controlled way to synthesize with high selectivity a variety of functionalized indoles with potent biological properties has been developed. Notably, 2,4‐dialkynyl indole products were obtained by direct double C−H bond alkynylation, whereas alkynyl at the C4 position could convert to carbonyl to generate 2‐alkynyl‐3,4‐diacetyl indoles fast and effectively. Additionally, a one‐pot relay catalytic reaction led to 2,5‐di‐alkynyl‐3,4‐diacetyl indoles when using a carbonyl group as the directing group and by controlling the type and quantity of additives. A possible mechanism was proposed based on many studies including deuterium‐exchange experiments, the necessary conditions of product conversion, and the effect of water on the reaction.
Profiling and Validation of Live‐Cell Protein Methylation with Engineered Enzymes and Methionine Analogues
Authors: Weiss Nicole , Seneviranthe Chamara , Jiang Ming , Wang Ke , Luo Minkui
Published: August 2021

Protein methyltransferases (PMTs) regulate many aspects of normal and disease processes through substrate methylation, with S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM) as a cofactor. It has been challenging to elucidate cellular protein lysine and arginine methylation because these modifications barely alter physical properties of target proteins and often are context dependent, transient, and substoichiometric. To reveal bona fide methylation events associated with specific PMT activities in native contexts, we developed the live‐cell Bioorthogonal Profiling of Protein Methylation (lcBPPM) technology, in which the substrates of specific PMTs are labeled by engineered PMTs inside living cells, with in situ–synthesized SAM analogues as cofactors. The biorthogonality of this technology is achieved because these SAM analogue cofactors can only be processed by the engineered PMTs—and not native PMTs—to modify the substrates with distinct chemical groups. Here, we describe the latest lcBPPM protocol and its application to reveal proteome‐wide methylation and validate specific methylation events. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Live‐cell labeling of substrates of protein methyltransferases GLP1 and PRMT1 with lcBPPM‐feasible enzymes and SAM analogue precursors

Support Protocol: Gram‐scale synthesis of Hey‐Met

Basic Protocol 2: Click labeling of lcBPPM cell lysates with a biotin‐azide probe

Alternate Protocol: Click labeling of small‐scale lcBPPM cell lysates with a TAMRA‐azide dye for in‐gel fluorescence visualization

Basic Protocol 3: Enrichment of biotinylated lcBPPM proteome with streptavidin beads

Basic Protocol 4: Proteome‐wide identification of lcBPPM targets with mass spectrometry

Basic Protocol 5: Validation of individual lcBPPM targets by western blot
Potential biomarkers and targets of mitochondrial dynamics
Authors: Li Liyang , Qi Ruixue , Zhang Linlin , Yu Yuexin , Hou Jiayun , Gu Yutong , Song Dongli , Wang Xiangdong
Published: August 2021

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the imbalance of cellular homeostasis and the development of diseases, which is regulated by mitochondria‐associated factors. The present review aims to explore the process of the mitochondrial quality control system as a new source of the potential diagnostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for diseases, including mitophagy, mitochondrial dynamics, interactions between mitochondria and other organelles (lipid droplets, endoplasmic reticulum, endosomes, and lysosomes), as well as the regulation and posttranscriptional modifications of mitochondrial DNA/RNA (mtDNA/mtRNA). The direct and indirect influencing factors were especially illustrated in understanding the interactions among regulators of mitochondrial dynamics. In addition, mtDNA/mtRNAs and proteomic profiles of mitochondria in various lung diseases were also discussed as an example. Thus, alternations of mitochondria‐associated regulators can be a new category of biomarkers and targets for disease diagnosis and therapy.
Long‐term study reveals top‐down effect of crabs on a California salt marsh
Authors: Beheshti Kathryn M. , Wasson Kerstin , Angelini Christine , Silliman Brian R. , Hughes Brent B.
Published: August 2021

Consumers can structure plant communities and may function as keystone species or ecosystem engineers. In salt marshes, the prevailing paradigm has shifted in recent decades from nearly complete focus on bottom‐up processes to inclusion of top‐down effects. Although the number of studies investigating top‐down control continues to climb, few experiments span multiple years, so temporal variability in or long‐term impacts of consumers have not been well characterized. In addition, while top‐down control has been found to be common in Western and Eastern Atlantic and Western Pacific salt marshes, our study is one of the first to experimentally consider top‐down control of salt marsh plants in the Eastern Pacific. We conducted a five‐year field experiment along eroding creekbank edges of a California salt marsh in which we manipulated densities of the shore crab, Pachygrapsus crassipes, and tracked marsh responses over time. Our results demonstrate that, through both consumption and engineering activities, this superabundant crab is regulating marsh vegetation and soil structure. Experimentally reducing crab abundance enhanced vegetation biomass and sediment bulk density. Moreover, root biomass and bulk density—factors known to increase marsh resilience to erosion and sea‐level rise—decreased linearly with increasing burrow density. Our long‐term study uniquely revealed that burrows can persist for years after crab abundances are reduced and that plant responses from grazer exclusions gradually strengthen over time, likely due to the relatively slow growth of woody perennial foundational plants. Since shore crabs are abundant throughout the marsh in most major estuaries within the range of the species (from Baja California, Mexico to Oregon, USA), we hypothesize that this species is exerting significant, yet underappreciated top‐down control and modifying the sediment properties of many West Coast salt marshes.
Disentangling climate from soil nutrient effects on plant biomass production using a multispecies phytometer
Authors: Wilfahrt Peter A. , Schweiger Andreas H. , Abrantes Nelson , Arfin‐Khan Mohammed A. S. , Bahn Michael , Berauer Bernd J. , Bierbaumer Michael , Djukic Ika , van Dusseldorp Marleen , Eibes Pia , Estiarte Marc , von Hessberg Andreas , Holub Petr , Ingrisch Johannes , Schmidt Inger Kappel , Kesic Lazar , Klem Karel , Kröel‐Dulay György , Larsen Klaus S. , Lõhmus Krista , Mänd Pille , Orbán Ildikó , Orlovic Sasa , Peñuelas Josep , Reinthaler David , Radujković Dajana , Schuchardt Max , Schweiger Julienne M.‐I. , Stojnic Srdjan , Tietema Albert , Urban Otmar , Vicca Sara , Jentsch Anke
Published: August 2021

Plant community biomass production is co‐dependent on climatic and edaphic factors that are often covarying and non‐independent. Disentangling how these factors act in isolation is challenging, especially along large climatic gradients that can mask soil effects. As anthropogenic pressure increasingly alters local climate and soil resource supply unevenly across landscapes, our ability to predict concurrent changes in plant community processes requires clearer understandings of independent and interactive effects of climate and soil. To address this, we developed a multispecies phytometer (i.e., standardized plant community) for separating key drivers underlying plant productivity across gradients. Phytometers were composed of three globally cosmopolitan herbaceous perennials, Dactylis glomerata, Plantago lanceolata, and Trifolium pratense. In 2017, we grew phytometer communities in 18 sites across a pan‐European aridity gradient in local site soils and a standardized substrate and compared biomass production. Standard substrate phytometers succeeded in providing a standardized climate biomass response independent of local soil effects. This allowed us to factor out climate effects in local soil phytometers, establishing that nitrogen availability did not predict biomass production, while phosphorus availability exerted a strong, positive effect independent of climate. Additionally, we identified a negative relationship between biomass production and potassium and magnesium availability. Species‐specific biomass responses to the environment in the climate‐corrected biomass were asynchronous, demonstrating the importance of species interactions in vegetation responses to global change. Biomass production was co‐limited by climatic and soil drivers, with each species experiencing its own unique set of co‐limitations. Our study demonstrates the potential of phytometers for disentangling effects of climate and soil on plant biomass production and suggests an increasing role of P limitation in the temperate regions of Europe.
Self‐Catalyzed Rechargeable Lithium‐Air Battery by in situ Metal Ion Doping of Discharge Products: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Study
Authors: Yuan Mengwei , Sun Zemin , Yang Han , Wang Di , Liu Qiming , Nan Caiyun , Li Huifeng , Sun Genban , Chen Shaowei
Published: August 2021

Lithium‐air battery has emerged as a viable electrochemical energy technology; yet a substantial overpotential is typically observed, due to the insulating nature of the discharge product Li2O2 that hinders the reaction kinetics and device performance. Furthermore, finite solid–solid/–liquid interfaces are formed between Li2O2 and catalysts and limit the activity of the electrocatalysts in battery reactions, leading to inadequate electrolytic efficiency. Herein, in‐situ doping of Li2O2 by select metal ions is found to significantly enhance the lithium‐air battery performance, and Co2+ stands out as the most effective dopant among the series. This is ascribed to the unique catalytic activity of the resulting Co‐Ox sites towards oxygen electrocatalysis, rendering the lithium‐air battery self‐catalytically active. Theoretical studies based on density functional theory calculations show that structural compression occurs upon Co2+ doping, which lowers the energy barrier of Li2O2 decomposition. Results from this study highlight the significance of in situ electrochemical doping of the discharge product in enhancing the performance of lithium‐air battery.
Connecting ecosystem services science and policy in the field
Authors: Ruhl JB , Salzman James , Arnold Craig Anthony , Craig Robin , Hirokawa Keith , Olander Lydia , Palmer Margaret , Ricketts Taylor H
Published: August 2021

Conservation and provision of ecosystem services (ES) have been adopted as high‐level policy in many countries, yet there has been surprisingly little application of these broad policies in the field; for example, ES are rarely considered in permit issuance or other discrete agency actions. This large implementation gap arises in part because the science that drove general policy interest in ES differs from the science needed for practical application. A better understanding of the environmental policy toolkit can guide more effective research to support agency decisions. Here, we outline the framework used to teach environmental policy instruments through the “Five P’s”: prescription, property, penalty, payment, and persuasion. We then discuss the discrete ES research required to effectively implement each tool. To support greater conservation of ES in the field, scientists and policy makers must clearly recognize what each needs from the other.
A novel method of generating RNAi libraries for high‐throughput gene function analysis of creeping bentgrass
Authors: Hao Jingjie , Ma Conglie , Yin Yanhai , Fei Shui‐zhang
Published: August 2021

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool for gene function analysis, particularly for outcrossing polyploid species where simultaneous mutations of multiple alleles of a gene with similar but nonidentical sequences may not be readily achieved with the novel clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 gene editing tools. The most effective RNAi strategy in plants is to use long hairpin RNAi (lhRNAi) constructs containing inverted repeats (IRs) of target genes. Previously, we used a Phi29‐Amplified RNAi Construct method to create a single lhRNAi construct that was shown to be highly effective in gene silencing in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon (L.) P.Beauv. Here, we describe a method of creating a library of lhRNAi constructs ready for high‐throughput gene function analysis in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.), an important turfgrass species. A cDNA population in which salt‐responsive genes were enriched by suppression subtractive hybridization was used as the source of IRs. Sequencing of 13 randomly selected colonies from the lhRNAi library showed that the size of IRs varied from 184 to 994 bp, which is appropriate for RNAi, and nine of the IRs were shown to be homologous to known genes in closely related grasses. In addition to the demonstration of the proof‐of‐concept of creating an expression‐ready library, the salt stress‐specific lhRNAi library represents a valuable resource for studying the functions of salt‐responsive genes in creeping bentgrass. The method described here is broadly applicable to all plant species where an efficient plant transformation platform is available.
Suppression of reactive oxygen species in endothelial cells by an antagonist of growth hormone‐releasing hormone
Authors: Akhter Mohammad S. , Barabutis Nektarios
Published: August 2021

Growth hormone‐releasing hormone (GHRH) is a hypothalamic hormone, which regulates the secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland. The effects of GHRH extend beyond the GH—insulin‐like growth factor I axis, and that neuropeptide has been involved in the potentiation of several malignancies and other inflammatory disorders. The development of GHRH antagonists (GHRHAnt) delivers an exciting possibility to counteract the pathogenesis of the GHRH‐related effects in human pathophysiology, especially when considered that GHRHAnt support endothelial barrier integrity. Those GHRHAnt‐mediated effects are exerted at least in part due to the suppression of major inflammatory pathways, and the modulation of major cytoskeletal components. In the present study, we measured the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells, human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, and human lung microvascular endothelial cells exposed to GHRH or a commercially available GHRHAnt. Our findings reveal the antioxidative effects of GHRHAnt in all three cell lines, which express GHRH receptors. The redox status of NIH/3T3 cells, which do not produce GHRH receptors, was not significantly affected by GHRH or GHRHAnt. Hence, the application of GHRHAnt in pathologies related to increased ROS production should be further investigated.
Experimental models of Barth syndrome
Authors: Pu William T.
Published: August 2021

Mutation of the gene Tafazzin (TAZ) causes Barth syndrome, an X‐linked disorder characterized by cardiomyopathy, skeletal muscle weakness, and neutropenia. TAZ is an acyltransferase that catalyzes the remodeling of cardiolipin, the signature phospholipid of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Here, we review the major model systems that have been established to study the role of cardiolipin remodeling in mitochondrial function and the pathogenesis of Barth syndrome. We summarize key features of each model and provide examples of how each has contributed to advance our understanding of TAZ function and Barth syndrome pathophysiology.
Resistance exercise training with protein supplementation improves skeletal muscle strength and improves quality of life in late adolescents and young adults with Barth syndrome: A pilot study
Authors: Bohnert Kathryn L. , Ditzenberger Grace , Bittel Adam J. , de las Fuentes Lisa , Corti Manuela , Pacak Christina A. , Taylor Carolyn , Byrne Barry J. , Reeds Dominic N. , Cade W. Todd
Published: August 2021

Background

Muscle weakness and exercise intolerance contribute to reduced quality of life (QOL) in Barth syndrome (BTHS). Our group previously found that 12 weeks of resistance exercise training (RET) improved muscle strength, however, did not increase muscle (lean) mass or QOL in n = 3 young adults with BTHS. The overall objective of this pilot study was to examine the safety and effectiveness of RET plus daily protein supplementation (RET + protein) on muscle strength, skeletal muscle mass, exercise tolerance, cardiac function, and QOL in late adolescents/young adults with BTHS.

Methods

Participants with BTHS (n = 5, age 27 ± 7) performed 12 weeks of supervised RET (60 minutes per session, three sessions/week) and consumed 42 g/day of whey protein. Muscle strength, muscle mass, exercise capacity, cardiac function, and health‐related QOL were assessed pre‐post intervention.

Results

RET + protein was safe, increased muscle strength and quality of life, and tended to increase lean mass.

Conclusions

RET + protein appears safe, increases muscle strength and quality of life and tends to increase lean mass. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and to fully determine the effects of RET + protein in individuals with BTHS.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Strain in Suspected Myocarditis With Preserved LV‐EF: A Comparison Between Patients With Negative and Positive Late Gadolinium Enhancement Findings
Authors: Chen Yan , Sun Zhonghua , Xu Lei , Liu Jiayi , Li Yu , Zhang Nan , Liu Dongting , Wen Zhaoying
Published: August 2021

Background

Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is absent in many patients with suspected myocarditis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LV‐EF), which poses difficulties in diagnosis and risk stratification.

Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of ventricular myocardial strain in patients with suspected myocarditis, preserved LV‐EF, and negative Lake Louis Criteria (LLC) by comparing the findings in LGE negative and LGE positive patients.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 108 patients with clinically suspected myocarditis who did not satisfy LLC were divided into LGE negative (N = 65) and LGE positive (N = 43) groups. A control group consisted of 50 healthy volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

Steady‐state free precession cine and phase‐sensitive inversion recovery segmented gradient echo LGE sequences at 3.0 T.

Assessment

Myocardial strain of the ventricles was evaluated by feature tracking, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were assessed during follow‐up since the date of magnetic resonance examination.

Statistical Tests

Independent‐samples t test, Mann–Whitney U test, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and Cox proportional hazard regression were performed. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Cardiac function and myocardial deformability were impaired in all patients relative to controls. Left ventricular‐global radial (LV‐GRS), circumferential (LV‐GCS), and longitudinal (LV‐GLS) strain had diagnostic value, even in LGE negative patients (sensitivity = 0.446, 0.523, and 0.662; specificity = 0.92, 0.80, and 0.64; AUC = 0.685, 0.675, and 0.648, respectively). After a median follow‐up of 530.5 (interquartile range: 168.5–969.25) days, MACE occurred in 18 (16.67%) patients. Right ventricular GLS showed prognostic value in all patients and in LGE negative patients, both in univariable analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.049, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001–1.099 and HR 1.068, 95% CI 1.011–1.127, respectively) and in multivariable Cox survival analysis. LV‐GLS was associated with MACE in LGE positive patients in multivariable Cox survival analysis.

Data Conclusion

Myocardial strain provides diagnostic and prognostic value in suspected myocarditis with preserved LV‐EF, even in the absence of LGE.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

2
Device for Assessing Knee Joint Dynamics During Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Jogi Sandeep P. , Thaha Rafeek , Rajan Sriram , Mahajan Vidur , Venugopal Vasantha K. , Mehndiratta Amit , Singh Anup
Published: August 2021

Background

Knee assessment with and without load using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide information on knee joint dynamics and improve the diagnosis of knee joint diseases. Performing such studies on a routine MRI‐scanner require a load‐exerting device during scanning. There is a need for more studies on developing loading devices and evaluating their clinical potential.

Purpose

Design and develop a portable and easy‐to‐use axial loading device to evaluate the knee joint dynamics during the MRI study.

Study Type

Prospective study.

Subjects

Nine healthy subjects.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 0.25 T standing‐open MRI and 3.0 T MRI. PD‐T2‐weighted FSE, 3D‐fast‐spoiled‐gradient‐echo, FS‐PD, and CartiGram sequences.

Assessment

Design and development of loading device, calibration of loads, MR safety assessment (using projectile angular displacement, torque, and temperature tests). Scoring system for ease of doing. Qualitative (by radiologist) and quantitative (using structural similarity index measure [SSIM]) image‐artifact assessment. Evaluation of repeatability, comparison with various standing stances load, and loading effect on knee MR parameters (tibiofemoral bone gap [TFBG], femoral cartilage thickness [FCT], tibial cartilage thickness [TCT], femoral cartilage T2‐value [FCT2], and tibia cartilage T2‐value [TCT2]). The relative percentage change (RPC) in parameters due to the device load was computed.

Statistical Test

Pearson's correlation coefficient (r).

Results

The developed device is conditional‐MR safe (details in the manuscript and supplementary materials), 15 × 15 × 45 cm3 dimension, and <3 kg. The ease of using the device was 4.9/5. The device introduced no visible image artifacts, and SSIM of 0.9889 ± 0.0153 was observed. The TFBG intraobserver variability (absolute difference) was <0.1 mm. Interobserver variability of all regions of interest was <0.1 mm. The load exerted by the device was close to the load during standing on both legs in 0.25 T scanner with r > 0.9. Loading resulted in RPC of 1.5%–11.0%, 7.9%–8.5%, and −1.5% to 13.0% in the TFBG, FCT, and TCT, respectively. FCT2 and TCT2 were reduced in range of 1.5–2.7 msec and 0.5–2.3 msec due to load.

Data Conclusion

The proposed device is conditionally MR safe, low cost (material cost < INR 6000), portable, and effective in loading the knee joint with up to 50% of body weight.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Differential diagnosis of wide QRS tachycardia: A review
Authors: Abedin Zainul
Published: August 2021

Differential diagnosis of wide QRS tachycardia (WQRST) on the electrocardiogram remains a challenging exercise. Correct diagnosis is important for prescribing appropriate therapy and determining prognosis. Differential diagnosis of wide QRS tachycardia revolves around differentiation between supraventricular tachycardia with aberrant conduction and ventricular tachycardia. Observations such as clinical history, findings of physical examination during tachycardia, AV dissociation, QRS morphology in lead V1 and lead V6, precordial concordance, RS complexes in precordial leads, contralateral bundle branch block during wide QRS tachycardia, R wave morphologies in lead aVR, and ventricular initial/terminal velocity of conduction ratio can help arrive at the correct diagnosis with reasonable accuracy. The observations described here can help arrive at the correct diagnosis of WQRST with both reasonable accuracy and confidence.
Probabilistic rainfall generator for tropical cyclones affecting Louisiana
Authors: Villarini Gabriele , Zhang Wei , Miller Paul , Johnson David R. , Grimley Lauren E. , Roberts Hugh J.
Published: August 2021

This study focuses on the development of a probabilistic rainfall generator for tropical cyclones (TCs) affecting Louisiana. We consider 12 storms making landfall along the Louisiana coast during 2002–2017 and generate ensembles of high‐resolution (~5 km and 20 min) TC‐rainfall fields for each storm. We develop a data‐driven multiplicative model, relating observed rainfall to the rainfall obtained from a parametric TC rainfall model (Interagency Performance Evaluation Task Force Rainfall Analysis [IPET]) through the product of a deterministic and a stochastic component; the former accounts for rain‐dependent biases, while the latter for the stochastic nature of the rainfall processes. As a preliminary step, we describe the overall bias of the IPET model as a function of total TC rainfall within the state and maximum wind speed at landfall. We then estimate the rain‐dependent bias using a cubic spline. Finally, we characterize the random errors in terms of their probability distribution and spatial correlation. We show that the marginal distribution of the logarithm of the random errors can be described by a mixture of four Gaussian distributions, and its spatial correlation is estimated based on the nonparametric Kendall's τ. We then present a methodology to generate ensembles of random fields with the specified statistical properties. Here, the generation of probabilistic rainfall comes from the statistical modelling of the uncertainties between IPET rainfall and observations. While these results are valid for Louisiana and the IPET model, the methodology can be generalized to other parametric rainfall models and regions, and it represents a viable tool to improve our quantification of the risk associated with TC rainfall.
Targeted transcriptomic analyses of RNA isolated from formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded human menisci
Authors: Monibi Farrah A. , Pannellini Tania , Croen Brett , Otero Miguel , Warren Russell , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: August 2021

Formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) biospecimens are a valuable and widely‐available resource for diagnostic and research applications. With biobanks of tissue samples available in many institutions, FFPE tissues could prove to be a valuable resource for translational orthopaedic research. The purpose of this study was to characterize the molecular profiles and degree of histologic degeneration on archival fragments of FFPE human menisci obtained during arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. We used FFPE menisci for multiplexed gene expression analysis using the NanoString nCounter® platform, and for histological assessment using a quantitative scoring system. In total, 17 archival specimens were utilized for integrated histologic and molecular analyses. The median patient age was 22 years (range: 14–62). We found that the genes with the highest normalized counts were those typically expressed in meniscal fibrocartilage. Gene expression differences were identified in patient cohorts based on age (≤40 years), including genes associated with the extracellular matrix and tissue repair. The majority of samples showed mild to moderate histologic degeneration. Based on these data, we conclude that FFPE human menisci can be effectively utilized for molecular evaluation following a storage time as long as 11 years. Statement of Clinical Significance: The integration of histological and transcriptomic analyses described in this study will be useful for future studies investigating the basis for biological classification of meniscus specimens in patients. Further exploration into the genes and pathways uncovered by this study may suggest targets for biomarker discovery and identify patients at greater risk for osteoarthritis once the meniscus is torn.
Delayed detection of passive motion in shoulders with a rotator cuff tear
Authors: Takahashi Kazuhiro , Shitara Hitoshi , Ichinose Tsuyoshi , Sasaki Tsuyoshi , Hamano Noritaka , Hasegawa Makoto , Yamaji Takehiko , Tazawa Masayuki , Chikuda Hirotaka , Wada Naoki
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to test whether or not the threshold to the detection of passive motion (TTDPM) and passive joint position sense on the affected shoulder of patients with rotator cuff tear (RCT) was impaired compared to those on the unaffected side and to investigate the relationship between the tear size and changes in the TTDPM and passive joint position sense induced by RCT. This study included 21 patients with unilateral RCT before arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. To investigate proprioception in this study, we measured the TTDPM and passive joint position sense in abduction and external rotation using an isokinetic dynamometer. The tear size was evaluated intraoperatively under direct arthroscopic visualization. The TTDPM in abduction and external rotation was significantly longer on the affected side than on the unaffected side. However, the angular absolute error in passive joint position sense in abduction and external rotation was not significantly different between the limbs. A comparison according to the tear size impaired proprioception of the TTDPM in the larger tear group showed significantly longer values than in the smaller group. There was impaired proprioception of TTDPM in patients with RCT, and the impaired proprioception was related to tear severity. Impaired proprioception of TTDPM may inhibit consistent muscle recruitment to achieve precise control. Our results suggest that clinicians should consider proprioceptive exercises for impaired proprioception in their treatment for conservative or postoperative patients.