bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of fans and their effects on the turf microenvironment and disease development
Authors: Peacock Charles H. , Lyford Paul R.
Published: February 2022

Common turf management practices such as close mowing, high fertilization rates, and frequent watering, in combination with stressful environmental conditions, can cause creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) golf greens to decline during the summer months in warm humid climates. Conditions that prevent the natural movement of air across a putting surface can contribute to severe disease problems. Electric fans are being used to provide increased airflow across putting greens on many golf courses. The objectives of this study were to determine if fans could reduce brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani) disease incidence by altering the microenvironment at the canopy surface and reduce canopy temperature and leaf wetness duration and improve turf quality. The study was conducted on a mature stand of creeping bentgrass surrounded by heavy vegetation that impeded the natural movement of air across the putting surface. Fans were used to supplement ambient wind with up to 2.7 m s−1 air velocity across the experiential plots. Three 372‐W, 35.5‐cm diameter nonoscillating fans were used and operated continuously throughout the study. As wind velocity increased, turf canopy temperatures decreased. Average canopy temperatures were 28 °C at 2.7 m s−1 and 32 °C at 0.3 m s−1. Duration of leaf wetness also decreased as wind speed increased. Average disease incidence ranged from 11 to 33% at the lowest velocities, and 0 to 7% in plots with the highest wind velocities. Results indicate that using fans on creeping bentgrass golf greens significantly affected the microclimate and disease severity was reduced with higher wind velocities.
Prognostic value of pulmonary ultrasound score combined with plasma miR‐21‐3p expression in patients with acute lung injury
Authors: Liu Renyang , Zhao Guoxu , Wang Qinyu , Gong Fangxiao
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the value of the combination between lung ultrasound score (LUS) and the expression of plasma miR‐21‐3p in predicting the prognosis of patients with acute lung injury (ALI).

Patients and methods

A total of 136 ALI patients were divided into survival (n = 86) and death groups (n = 50), or into low/middle‐risk (n = 77) and high‐risk groups (n = 59) according to APACHE II scores. Bioinformatics was used to explore the mechanism of action of miR‐21‐3p in humans. Real‐time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of miR‐21‐3p in plasma, and LUS was recorded. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and Pearson correlation were also used.

Results

The LUS and expression level of plasma miR‐21‐3p in the death and high‐risk groups were significantly higher than those in the survival and low/middle‐risk groups (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). miR‐21‐3p expression leads to pulmonary fibrosis and promotes the deterioration of ALI patients by regulating fibroblast growth factor and other target genes. ROC curve analysis showed that the best cutoff values for LUS and plasma miR‐21‐3p expression were 18.60 points and 1.75, respectively. LUS score and miR‐21‐3p combined predicted the death of ALI patients with the largest area under the curve (0.907, 95% CI: 0.850–0.964), with sensitivity and specificity of 91.6% and 85.2%, respectively. The expression level of plasma miR‐21‐3p was positively correlated with LUS in the death group (r = 0.827, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

LUS and expression level of miR‐21‐3p in plasma are correlated with the severity and prognosis of ALI patients, and their combination has a high value for the prognostic assessment of ALI patients.
Serum amyloid A‐to‐albumin ratio as a potential biomarker to predict the activity, severity, and poor prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhao Liang , Zhang Qun , Feng Zhigang , Zhang Jinshan , He Feng
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the predictive value of serum amyloid A‐to‐albumin ratio (SAR) for active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), severe active SLE, and poor prognosis of SLE.

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐six patients with SLE undergoing treatment in our hospital were selected. The demographic characteristics, clinical data, and disease prognosis of all patients were collected and analyzed.

Results

There were significant differences in SLEDAI, total glyceride (TG), serum amyloid A (SAA), SAR, urinary microalbumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), albumin (ALB), complement 3 (C3), anti‐dsDNA, anti‐Sm positive rate, and anti‐dsDNA positive rate between active SLE and stable SLE patients. TG, SAR, C3, ACR, and positive anti‐dsDNA were independent influencing factors of active SLE, and the odds ratio (OR) values were 2.342, 10.921, 0.832, 1.451, and 2.476, respectively. The area under curves (AUCs) of SAA, ALB, and SAR for predicting active SLE and severe active SLE were 0.743, 0.724, 0.787, 0.711, 0.686, and 0.733, respectively. The AUC of SAR for predicting the poor prognosis of active SLE was 0.719. High SAR, high ACR, low C3, and positive anti‐dsDNA were high risk factors for poor prognosis. Kaplan–Meier (K‐M) survival analysis showed that patients with high SAR, high ACR, low C3, and positive anti‐dsDNA had shorter continuous remission time than that with low SAR, low ACR, high C3, and negative anti‐dsDNA.

Conclusion

SAR had high predictive value for active SLE, severe active SLE, and poor prognosis of SLE. High SAR may be a potential marker for predicting the activity and prognosis of Chinese patients with SLE.
Combined training improves the diagnostic measures of sarcopenia and decreases the inflammation in HIV‐infected individuals
Authors: Ghayomzadeh Morteza , Hackett Daniel , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Gholami Mohammad , Hosseini Rouzbahani Negin , Azevedo Voltarelli Fabrício
Published: February 2022

Background

HIV‐related sarcopenia is an emerging health issue that often remains undiagnosed and can lead to reduced quality of life, independence, and premature death if untreated. This study investigated the effects of a 6 month combined training (resistance plus aerobic exercise) (CT) intervention on diagnostic measures of sarcopenia, including grip strength, appendicular lean mass index (ALMI), and gait speed.

Methods

Forty participants were randomized into either a CT group (n = 20; age = 38.3 ± 4.9 years) or a control group (CON;n = 20; age = 37.9 ± 5.1 years). Participants in the CT group performed three supervised sessions per week for 6 months, consisting of weekly reverse linear periodized resistance training followed by 20 min aerobic training. Participants in the CON group were instructed to continue with their current lifestyle habits. Assessments were completed at baseline and after 6 months. Statistical analyses were performed using a two‐way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for sex and preintervention values. Primary outcomes included grip strength, ALMI, and gait speed. Secondary outcomes were changes in levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 and TNF‐α), IGF‐1, and myostatin. Associations were explored between changes in inflammatory markers (IL‐6 and TNF‐α), gait speed, and ALMI with grip strength.

Results

A significant increase in ALMI was found for CT compared with CON (0.29 ± 0.13 kg/m2vs. −0.11 ± 0.14 kg/m2, respectively;P < 0.001). Significant improvements in grip strength (7.86 ± 8.50 kg for CT vs. −1.58 ± 2.47 kg for CON) and gait speed (0.16 ± 0.07 m/s2for CT vs. −0.06 ± 0.52 m/s2for CON; bothP < 0.001) were also observed in CT compared with CON. Reduction in inflammatory biomarkers was found in CT compared with CON (IL‐6; TNF‐α, bothP < 0.001). An increase in IGF‐1 (74.36 ± 56.64 pg/mm3for CT vs. 7.19 ± 99 pg/mm3for CON;P < 0.001) and a decrease in myostatin (−158.90 ± 62.03 pg/mm3for CT vs. −43.33 ± 146.60 pg/mm3for CON;P < 0.001) was found following CT compared with the CON group. Change in grip strength was correlated with changes in IL‐6 (r = −0.65,P < 0.001), TNF‐α (r = −0.63,P < 0.001), gait speed (r = 0.63,P < 0.001), and ALMI (r = 0.54,P = 0.001), but not IGF‐1 and myostatin. No adverse events were recorded, and compliance with the CT exercise sessions was high (>85%).

Conclusions

Combined training appears to be an effective means to counteract sarcopenia and improve various inflammatory markers and growth hormones in people living with HIV.
Investigating the photocatalytic role of Ag3PO4 and CdS composites based on CNTs to degrade methyl orange under visible light
Authors: Karami Tayebe , Alijani Hassan , Abdouss Majid , Ahmadi Zahed
Published: February 2022

Wastewater treatment, if done at a high efficiency and a low price, can be widely used as a strategy to deal with water shortage to a great extent. Advanced oxidation process is one of the best methods of removing colour contaminants from water, and the photocatalytic process, which functions based on semiconductors, is known as an advanced oxidation method. In this research, Ag3PO4/CdS/CNT (Ag/Cd/CN) photocatalyst was prepared using a simple precipitation method with different ratios and Ag/Cd/CN (3:1:15 wt%) nanocomposite showed the best result, so it was finally used to remove methyl orange from water in visible light irradiation. The prepared photocatalyst was detected by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy analyses. In addition, the morphology of the prepared photocatalyst was investigated and it determined that cadmium sulphide and silver phosphate particles were spread evenly on carbon nanotubes. According to the results of diffuse reflectance spectra analysis, the band gap of the optimum photocatalyst declined from 2.38 eV to 1.97 eV, in comparison with silver phosphate, and the decrease in photoluminescence resulted in the nanocomposite particles being coupled successfully. The distribution of the particles' sizes was analysed by DLS. Furthermore, BET determined mesopores in the prepared nanocomposite. This experiment was designed by Design Expert 7, where the pH parameters, photocatalyst amount, and time were all optimized. As a result, 0.4 g/L of the photocatalyst, prepared in pH = 2.5 and in 60 min, managed to degrade methyl orange (MO) by 98%. The best result was obtained at 45 °C. The prepared photocatalyst showed high stability in dye removal after being used for five cycles. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
In situ load of sulfur species on hollow carbon spheres as advanced electrode for superior electrochemical activity
Authors: Liu Yantao
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Hollow carbon nanospheres (HCNS) were successfully prepared using silica as a template. After that, elemental sulfur particles were grown in situ on the surface of the hollow carbon nanospheres by a solution method to prepare HCNS/S composites.

RESULTS

The morphology and crystal structure of the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The electrochemical performance of the samples was tested by constant charge and discharge, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectra using coin 2032 half batteries. The electrochemical tests indicated that the as‐prepared HCNS/S composites exhibited an initial specific capacity of 1162 mA h g−1 at the current density of 0.2 C.

CONCLUSION

The electrochemical impedance spectra showed that the as‐prepared HCNS/S composites displayed superior electronic conductivity during electrochemical cycles. The employment of HCNS/S composites is beneficial for the improvement of electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur batteries. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Application of dose‐addition analyses to characterize the abuse‐related effects of drug mixtures
Authors: Doyle Michelle R , Gannon Brenda M , Mesmin Melson P , Collins Gregory T
Published: February 2022

Polysubstance use makes up a majority of drug use, yet relatively few studies investigate the abuse‐related effects of drug mixtures. Dose‐addition analyses provide a rigorous and quantitative method to determine the nature of the interaction (i.e., supraadditive, additive, or subadditive) between two or more drugs. As briefly reviewed here, studies in rhesus monkeys have applied dose‐addition analyses to group level data to characterize the nature of the interaction between the reinforcing effects of stimulants and opioids (e.g., mixtures of cocaine + heroin). Building upon these foundational studies, more recent work has applied dose‐addition analyses to better understand the nature of the interaction between caffeine and illicit stimulants such as MDPV and methamphetamine in rats. In addition to utilizing a variety of operant procedures, including drug discrimination, drug self‐administration, and drug‐primed reinstatement, these studies have incorporated potency and effectiveness ratios as a method for both statistical analysis and visualization of departures from additivity at both the group and individual subject level. As such, dose‐addition analyses represent a powerful and underutilized approach to quantify the nature of drug–drug interactions that can be applied to a variety of abuse‐related endpoints in order to better understand the behavioral pharmacology of polysubstance use.
Effect of mechanical cleaning protocols in the fiber post space on the adhesive interface between universal adhesive and root dentin
Authors: Castro‐Núnez Gabriela Mariana , dos Santos José Rodolfo Estruc Verbicário , Zaniboni Joissi Ferrari , Escalante‐Otárola Wilfredo Gustavo , Porto Thiago Soares , Kuga Milton Carlos
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cleaning protocols on the presence of residues, open dentinal tubules, and bond strength of a self‐etch adhesive plus a dual‐cure resin cement to dentin in the fiber‐post space. The methods for cleaning utilized were conventional irrigation (CI), rotary brush with continuous rotary movement (RB), and continuous ultrasonic irrigation (CUI). Sixty bovine incisors were used for fiber‐post space preparation. Thirty roots were divided into three groups (n = 10) according to the cleaning protocols and submitted to scanning electron microscope to evaluate presence of residues and relative quantity of open dentinal tubules on dentin surface. Similar protocols were performed in the other thirty roots (n = 10) using a self‐etching adhesive system (Scotchbond Universal) and a dual‐cure resin cement (Relyx Unicem 2). After 6 months cervical, middle, and apical thirds sections of fiber‐post space were submitted to push‐out testing. To data ANOVA and Tukey's test were employed (α = 5%). RB and CUI showed the lowest presence of residues on dentin surface (p = .015) and the highest bond strength values (p < .001), regardless of the dentin third. CUI presented the highest quantity of open dentinal tubules in middle and apical thirds (p < .001). CI presented the lowest bond strength value of resin cement, regardless of dentin third (p < .001). Mechanical cleaning protocols, such as RB and CUI, presented better surface cleaning capabilities and higher bond strength than CI with dual‐cure resin cement employed. The use of a mechanical cleaning protocol seems to cause appropriate condition on the root dentin surface. Mechanical cleaning of root dentin provided greater bond strength of the self‐etching system with dual resin cement. Conventional irrigation did not provide adequate root dentin cleaning.

Research Highlights

• The use of a mechanical cleaning protocol seems to cause appropriate condition on the root dentin surface.

• Mechanical cleaning of root dentin provided greater bond strength of the self‐etching system with dual resin cement.

• Conventional irrigation did not provide adequate root dentin cleaning.
Ascorbic acid attenuates activation and cytokine production in sepsis-like monocytes
Authors: Schmidt Tobias , Kahn Robin , Kahn Fredrik
Published: February 2022

Sepsis manifests due to the host's dysregulated immune response to infection. High-dose ascorbic acid (AA) has emerged as a potential treatment of sepsis, yet little is known regarding how AA influences the immune system in sepsis, such as monocytes. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of high-dose AA on monocyte polarization and cytokine production in vitro. Monocytes isolated from healthy donors (n = 6) were polarized in vitro for 48 h using LPS or lipoteichoic acid (LTA). Polarization was confirmed by surface marker expression using flow cytometry. In parallel, monocytes from septic patients (n = 3) were analyzed for polarization markers as a comparison with the in vitro polarization. The effect of AA on monocyte polarization was then evaluated. Finally, monocytes were analyzed for cytokine production by intracellular staining. Both LPS and LTA induced polarization in healthy monocytes in vitro, with increased expression of both pro (M1) (CD40 and PDL1, p < 0.05) and anti-inflammatory (M2) (CD16 and CD163, p < 0.05) polarization markers. This pattern resembled that of monocytes from septic patients. Treatment with AA significantly inhibited surface expression of CD16 and CD163 (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, AA attenuated LPS- or LTA-induced cytokine production of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF. In conclusion, AA attenuates proinflammatory cytokine production and diminishes up-regulation of CD16 and CD163, but not of CD40 and PDL-1 in LPS- or LTA-polarized monocytes. This study provides important insight into the effects of high-dose AA on monocytes and potential implications in sepsis.
Back Cover Image
Authors: Wu Han , Shi Wenzheng , Huang Haiyuan , Chen Luzhu , Li Nian , Du Yufan , Pei Nuo , Sun Jie
Published: February 2022

The back cover image is based on the Original Article The impact of Flavourzyme on flavor, antioxidant activity and sensory attributes of salted grass carp by brine injection and brining by Shi Wenzheng et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.11506.

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Cardiac Size, Shape, and Ventricular Contractility in Fetuses at Sea Level With an Estimated Weight Less‐than 10th Centile
Authors: Lee Wesley , Mack Lauren M. , Miremadi Roxanna , Furtun Betul Yilmaz , Sangi‐Haghpeykar Haleh , DeVore Greggory R.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To investigate cardiac size, shape, and ventricular contractility in fetuses with estimated fetal weight (EFW) <10th centile at sea level (Houston).

Methods

A prospective ultrasound study examined 37 fetuses with EFW <10th centile at sea level. High‐frequency cine clips were used to evaluate the 4‐chamber view including end‐diastolic measurements and global sphericity index. The size, shape, and contractility of both ventricles were analyzed with speckle tracking methods. Z scores were calculated using the mean ± standard deviation (SD) derived from normal controls. Measurements were abnormal if their Z score values were <−1.65 or >+1.65. The proportion of small fetuses with abnormal parameters was compared to normal reference ranges. Results were compared to a similar published study of small fetuses at higher altitude in Denver.

Results

About one‐third of Houston fetuses with EFW <10th centile had enlarged globular shaped 4‐chamber hearts with increased right ventricle (RV) area, RV basal‐apical length, RV base width, and left ventricle (LV) basal‐apical length measurements. Bilateral ventricular hypertrophy was often present. An increased proportion of Houston fetuses had increased ventricular contractility. However, decreased ventricular contractility was more prevalent for higher altitude fetuses.

Conclusions

Third trimester fetuses at sea level, with an EFW <10th centile, were often associated with enlarged and globular‐shaped hearts. They had increased global and longitudinal ventricular contractility as compared to controls. Higher altitude fetuses also had enlarged globular‐shaped hearts but with a greater proportion of cases having decreased ventricular contractility as compared to the sea level cohort.
Degradation of soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity and functionality accompanied by the aggravation of pepper Phytophthora blight in a facility shed in Southwest China
Authors: Li Minghui , Cai Peng , Hou Shaowei , Cheng Zhang , Wu Fuyong , Lin Xiangui , Hu Junli
Published: February 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play a vital role in plant's resistance against soil‐borne pathogens including Phytophthora capsici, which causes the devastating Phytophthora blight and threatens pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivation worldwide. In order to understand the interaction of indigenous AM fungal community and P. capsici during the aggravation of Phytophthora blight, a survey was performed in a facility shed in Southwest China. The blight severity of pepper plants was evaluated based on a 0–5 scale (L0–L5), and the corresponding root AM fungal colonization, and the abundance and community composition of AM fungi as well as the population of P. capsici in root‐adjacent soil, were all investigated. Along with the rise of disease severity, increased soil P. capsici population was shown. In contrast, there were significant decreases in root colonization rate and the diversity indices rather than the abundance of soil AM fungi. The root colonization rate and the diversity indices of AM fungi all showed significant negative correlations with soil P. capsici population. Compared to plants with lower disease severities (L0–L2), higher severities (L3–L5) significantly modified soil AM fungal community composition, mainly through replacing the beneficial Glomus phylotypes by Paraglomus ones. Overall, the results disclosed the dynamic competition between indigenous AM fungi and P. capsici behind the onset of pepper Phytophthora blight, which highlights the importance of establishing soil suppressiveness on the control of soil‐borne diseases.
Brownification reduces oxygen gross primary production and community respiration and changes the phytoplankton community composition: An in situ mesocosm experiment with high‐frequency sensor measurements in a North Atlantic bay
Authors: Soulié Tanguy , Stibor Herwig , Mas Sébastien , Braun Benjamin , Knechtel Johanna , Nejstgaard Jens C. , Sommer Ulrich , Vidussi Francesca , Mostajir Behzad
Published: February 2022

In recent decades, the increase in terrestrial inputs to freshwater and coastal ecosystems, especially occurring at northern latitudes, has led to a process of water color darkening known as “brownification.” To assess how brownification affects plankton community composition and functioning in northern coastal areas, an in situ mesocosm experiment using a highly colored humic substance to simulate a brownification event was performed in a North Atlantic bay (Hopavågen, Norway) in August 2019. Manual sampling for analyses of nutrient concentrations, phytoplankton pigments and zooplankton abundances was combined with high‐frequency (every 15 min) monitoring of key environmental variables to investigate the response of the plankton community in terms of oxygen metabolism and community composition. In response to brownification, the oxygen gross primary production (GPP) and community respiration (R) slowed down significantly, by almost one‐third. However, GPP and R both decreased to the same extent; thus, the oxygen metabolic balance was not affected. Moreover, the chlorophyll‐a concentration significantly decreased under brownification, by 9% on average, and the chemotaxonomic pigment composition of the phytoplankton changed, indicating their acclimation to the reduced light availability. In addition, brownification seemed to favor appendicularians, the dominant mesozooplankton group in the mesocosms, which potentially contributed to lowering the phytoplankton biomass. In conclusion, the results of this in situ mesocosm experiment suggest that brownification could induce significant changes in phytoplankton and zooplankton community composition and significantly alter the overall oxygen metabolism of plankton communities in a northern Atlantic bay.
From “Invented here” to “Use it everywhere!”: A Learning health system from bottom and/or top?
Authors: Colldén Christian , Hellström Andreas
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Departing from a practical problem of how to use digitalization to improve care quality and efficiency, this paper investigates how the concept of Learning Health Systems (LHSs) can be applied to an existing organization. LHSs offer a vision for how healthcare can accelerate both scale‐up of innovations and quality improvements at all levels. However, aligning stakeholders at different levels to convergent development is challenging and translation and adaptation of the LHS concept to fit with the existing organization is essential.

Methods

A one‐year longitudinal action research (AR) study was conducted within five psychiatric departments at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden. Translation of the LHS concept to the local circumstances within the organization was set as the aim, to both improve practice and further scientific understanding. An AR group led the practical and scholarly work and holistic data were collected, including field notes, documents, recordings, and workshops. Data were analyzed by an insider‐outsider approach.

Results

The one‐year study is described to provide insights into the process of designing a locally adapted LHS using an AR approach. Practical needs were identified and iteratively matched with theory to form a local LHS model. A conflict between top‐down and bottom‐up views on development emerged, where higher‐level management tended to prioritize uniform solutions and developers local learning. An adapted solution to balance these approaches was negotiated, consisting of a technical and an organizational part.

Conclusions

The conflict between top‐down and bottom‐up approaches for how to implement LHSs needs to be considered both in practical work to transform care organizations and in scientific studies of LHSs. The approach to translate, rather than instrumentally implement, LHSs to real‐world settings is suggested as advantageous. Furthermore, designing such endeavors as AR projects can provide excellent conditions to create LHSs that work in practice.
Influence of cyanate ester modifier on the thermal, mechanical, and corrosive properties of epoxy composite coating
Authors: Liu Qian , Wang Zhenyu , Han En‐Hou
Published: February 2022

Cyanate ester (CE) was employed to modify epoxy resin (EP) by chemical reaction, and the thermal, mechanical, and corrosion properties were systematically studied. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectra were carried out to determine the curing kinetic parameters, suitable curing procedure, and reaction mechanism. The glass transition temperature and thermal stability were investigated employing dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and thermogravimetry measurement. Furthermore, the mechanical and corrosive properties were evaluated, using test techniques such as mechanical testing machine, abrasion tester, axle rod flexibility tester, scanning electron microscope, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results verified that an appropriate amount of CE could significantly improve the comprehensive performance of EP. However, a satisfactory effect would not be achieved when the modifier is inadequate or excessive.
Decompositions and linear superpositions of B‐type Kadomtsev‐Petviashvili equations
Authors: Hao Xiazhi , Lou Senyue
Published: February 2022

The existence of decomposition solutions of the well‐known nonlinear BKP hierarchy is explored. It is shown that these decompositions provide simple and interesting relationships between classical integrable systems and the BKP hierarchy. Further, some special decomposition solutions display a rare property: they can be linearly superposed. With the emphasis on the case of the fifth BKP equation, the structure characteristic having linear superposition solutions is analyzed. Finally, we obtain similar superposed solutions in the dispersionless BKP hierarchy.
A Practitioner's Dilemma Mass Spectrometry‐Based Annotation and Identification of Human Plasma and Urinary Polyphenol Metabolites
Authors: Kuhnert Nikolai , Clifford Michael N.
Published: February 2022

The practitioner's dilemma in metabolite assignment can be described as follows: for compound and metabolite identification, strict guidelines should be followed using authentic standards only, or uncertainties in structure assignment of compounds with the certainty of consequential errors should be accepted. These uncertainties arise due to limitation of software and databases in combination with the complexity of the human body fluid samples.
On‐chip miniaturized bandpass filter using gallium arsenide‐based integrated passive device technology
Authors: Wu Wen‐Jing , Yuan Bo , Zhao Wen‐Sheng , Wang Gaofeng
Published: February 2022

The paper proposes a miniaturized bandpass filter (BPF) using gallium arsenide (GaAs)‐based integrated passive device (IPD) technology. The proposed filter is evolved from traditional third order BPF, and it achieves a wide operation frequency band covering three 5G sub‐bands including 3.4–3.5 GHz, 3.5–3.6 GHz, and 4.8–4.9 GHz. The performance of out‐of‐band rejection is improved by introducing three transmission zeros (TZs). As known, adding cross coupling and LC resonator are the general methods to improve out‐of‐band rejection. Therefore, the first TZ at 5.85 GHz is obtained at the upper sideband by adding a capacitive coupling between the source port and resonator 2, which is a cross‐coupling mode. According to the coupling matrix, the value of the added capacitance can be calculated and optimized. Another TZ at 2.36 GHz is occurred at the left side of passband as a serial LC resonator is connected in parallel with filter near the input port. The third TZ at 7.74 GHz is generated at the upper sideband due to a serial LC resonator connected in parallel with the load terminal of the filter. The values of components in LC resonators can be calculated, too. Finally, the whole filter is optimized in full‐wave electromagnetic simulation software HFSS. The proposed filter is fabricated and measured, and the results show that it has a wide −10 dB frequency band from 3.3 GHz to 4.9 GHz and a maximum insertion loss of 2.5 dB. In addition, it has a good frequency selectivity with a rectangular coefficient of 1.67 and out‐of‐band suppression higher than 20 dB in a wide stopband. The filter adopts compact placement and has a relative miniaturized electrical size of 0.298 , which is about 55% smaller than recently reported one.
Detection of tissue pH with quantitative chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Igarashi Takahiro , Kim Hahnsung , Sun Phillip Zhe
Published: February 2022

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a novel means for sensitive detection of dilute labile protons and chemical exchange rates. By sensitizing to pH‐dependent chemical exchange, CEST MRI has shown promising results in monitoring tissue statuses such as pH changes in disorders like acute stroke, tumor, and acute kidney injury. This article briefly reviews the basic principles for CEST imaging and quantitative measures, from the simplistic asymmetry analysis to multipool Lorentzian decoupling and quasi‐steady‐state reconstruction. In particular, the advantages and limitations of commonly used quantitative approaches for CEST applications are discussed.
Health care use by adults with obesity: A French cohort study
Authors: Feral‐Pierssens Anne‐Laure , Matta Joane , Rives‐Lange Claire , Goldberg Marcel , Zins Marie , Carette Claire , Czernichow Sébastien
Published: February 2022

Objective

Studies on obesity costs have focused on global costs of people with obesity but scarcely investigated their precise use of health care. The aim of this study is to document real‐life health care use across obesity classes.

Methods

Data of participants with obesity and enrolled in the CONSTANCES cohort were analyzed. Health care use was defined as ≥1 visit to general practitioners, specialists, emergency departments, and inpatient hospital admissions versus none over a 3‐year period prior to enrollment and was obtained from the Universal Health Insurance database. Multivariate regression models were conducted and adjusted for comorbidities and social deprivation markers with medical visits as the outcome variables and compared people with class II and III obesity versus class I obesity.

Results

Out of the 10,774 participants with obesity, 613 (5.7%) had class III obesity, and 2,076 (19.3%) had class II obesity. Compared with participants with class I obesity, class III obesity participants had higher odds of visiting emergency departments (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.07‐1.61) and various specialist physicians (pneumologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists) but lower odds of visiting gynecologists (OR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.55‐0.87). Participants with class II obesity had lower odds of visiting general practitioners, dentists, and psychiatrists. There was no difference with regard to hospital admissions.

Conclusion

Health care use by people with obesity differs across classes.
NBMA Promotes Spermatogenesis by Mediating Oct4 Pathway
Authors: Yang Jinfei , Lin Dengfeng , Yao Weiwei , Yun Damin , Zhou Liwei , Gao Sheng , Sun Fei
Published: February 2022

Non‐obstructive azoospermia is one of the most common causes of male infertility, but there is still no specific treatment drug. Given that the Oct4 (Octamer‐binding transcription factor 4) has an important regulatory effect on spermatogenesis, activating it can effectively promote spermatogenesis, so it is of great value to develop Oct4‐targeted drug design and elucidating its mechanism of action. Here, we screened out the Oct4‐targeted drug molecule NBMA (N‐benzyl‐4‐methoxy‐2‐(1‐(4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)vinyl)aniline) by computer‐assisted technology, and found that it has a significant promoting effect on spermatogenesis in the established mouse azoospermia model. Subsequently, through transcriptome sequencing and enrichment analysis, real‐time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot experiments revealed that NBMA promotes the differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells by activating the Oct4 pathway, thereby promoting spermatogenesis. This study proves that NBMA is a molecule with great potential to be developed as a therapeutic drug for azoospermia. It also shows that computer‐assisted, chemical and biological multidisciplinary methods play a very important role in innovative drug discovery.
Weight changes following antidiabetic mediation use: Real‐world evidence from health system data
Authors: Lyu Beini , Grams Morgan E. , Inker Lesley A. , Chang Alex R. , Selvin Elizabeth , Shin Jung‐Im
Published: February 2022

Objective

Newer antidiabetic medications such as sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA) result in weight loss in clinical trials. However, the real‐world effectiveness remains unclear. The magnitude of weight change associated with antidiabetic medication using real‐world data was examined.

Methods

Patients with diabetes who initiated SGLT2i (n = 906), GLP1RA (n = 782), dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4i, n = 1881), or sulfonylureas (n = 3255) in Geisinger Health System were identified. Outcomes were percent weight change per year and time to 5% weight loss. Propensity scores were used to account for differences across groups.

Results

The mean ± SD age of patients was 57.5 ± 14.1 years, 3381 (49.5%) were female, and 6450 (94.5%) had body mass index ≥25 kg/m2. Compared with sulfonylureas, newer antidiabetic medications were associated with significant weight loss (−3.2% [95% confidence interval: −3.8%, −2.6%] per year for SGLT2i; −2.9% [−3.6%, −2.3%] per year for GLP1RA; and −1.7% [−2.1%, −1.3%] per year for DPP4i). SGLT2i and GLP1RA were also associated with significant weight loss compared with DPP4i. Among patients with overweight or obesity, SGLT2i and GLP1RA users were more likely to achieve 5% weight loss compared with sulfonylureas and DPP4i.

Conclusions

In real‐world practice, SGLT2i and GLP1RA were associated with significant weight loss compared with sulfonylureas and DPP4i. These results may further motivate uptake of SGLT2i and GLP1RA, especially among patients who were overweight or had obesity.
The earliest events in BRAF‐mutant colorectal cancer: exome sequencing of sessile serrated lesions with a tiny focus dysplasia or cancer reveals recurring mutations in two distinct progression pathways
Authors: Bleijenberg Arne GC , IJspeert Joep EG , Mulder Jos BG , Drillenburg Paul , Stel Herbert V , Lodder Elisabeth M , Carvalho Beatriz , Jansen Jade , Meijer Gerrit , van Eeden Susanne , Dekker Evelien , van Noesel Carel JM
Published: February 2022

Around 15–30% of colorectal cancers (CRC) develop from sessile serrated lesions (SSLs). After many years of indolent growth, SSLs can develop dysplasia and rapidly progress to CRC through events that are only partially understood. We studied molecular events at the very early stages of progression of SSLs via the MLH1‐proficient and deficient pathways to CRC. We collected a cohort of rare SSLs with a small focus (<10 mm) of dysplasia or cancer from the pathology archives of three hospitals. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed on DNA from nonprogressed and progressed components of each SSL. Putative somatic driver mutations were identified in known cancer genes that were differentially mutated in the progressed component. All analyses were stratified by MLH1 proficiency. Forty‐five lesions with a focus dysplasia or cancer were included, of which 22 (49%) were MLH1‐deficient. Lesions had a median diameter of 10 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 8–15), while the progressed component had a median diameter of 3.5 mm (IQR 1.75–4.75). Tumor mutational burden (TMB) was high in MLH1‐deficient lesions (23.9 mutations per MB) as compared to MLH1‐proficient lesions (6.3 mutations per MB). We identified 34 recurrently mutated genes in MLH1‐deficient lesions. Most prominently, ACVR2A and RNF43 were affected in 18/22 lesions, with mutations clustered in three hotspots. Most lesions with RNF43 mutations had concurrent mutations in ZNRF3. In MLH1‐proficient lesions APC (10/23 lesions) and TP53 (6/23 lesions) were recurrently mutated. Our results show that the mutational burden is exceptionally high even in the earliest MLH1‐deficient lesions. We demonstrate that hotspot mutations in ACVR2A and in the RNF43/ZNRF3 complex are extremely common in the early progression of SSLs along the MLH1‐deficient serrated pathway, while APC and TP53 mutations are early events in the the MLH1‐proficient pathway. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Reinforcing urea‐formaldehyde based composite foam by formation of tailored chemical/mechanical interlocking structure
Authors: Li Chuanlong , Ye Lin , Zhao Xiaowen
Published: February 2022

Urea‐formaldehyde (UF) foam is considered to be a potential alternative for commercial polymeric foams due to its intrinsic flame retardancy and inexpensiveness, but it showed high brittleness and low strength, which restricts its wide applications. In this work, glass fiber powder (GF) was selected as the reinforcing filler, and by formation of tailored chemical/mechanical interlocking structure for the composite system, UF foam was highly reinforced. The surface of GF was coated with granular polydopamine (PDA) layer through self‐polymerization of dopamine, and then, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were further grafted onto GF surface with high grafting ratio via the bridge effect of PDA to construct a network like entanglement structure. The active groups of PDA layer on GF surface generated chemical/hydrogen bonding interactions with UF matrix, while rough CNTs network structure promoted the mechanical interlocking between GF and UF resin. Such multiple interfacial enhancement improved the stress transmission ability of the interface, exhibiting “supporting” on the cell wall and “cracks bridging” effect of GF. Compared with neat UF foam, the composite foam exhibited smaller cell size, narrower cell size distribution, higher cell density, more complete closed cell structure, while compressive strength and modulus of the composite foam increased by 78.7% and 90.08%, respectively. Moreover, the composite foam showed improved thermal stability and excellent flame retardancy with V‐0 rating of UL‐94 tests.
Improved chemical resistance of transparent bisphenol A polycarbonate materials
Authors: Hoeks Theo , Goossens Jan , Vermeulen Han , Shaikh Abbas Alli G.
Published: February 2022

Bisphenol A polycarbonate (BPA‐PC) is an important engineering plastic with unique properties. However, it has some inherent flaws like chemical resistance toward greases and oils. Hence, to improve the chemical resistance the effect of small amounts of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) functionalized with allyl glycidyl epoxy (AGE) were evaluated. Low amounts of PBT and AGE provided a transparent blend composition with an allyl functionality. Detailed structural analysis by 1H‐NMR showed the addition reaction of AGE‐epoxy with acid end group of PBT, followed by an expected substitution reaction of the modified PBT with BPA‐PC. This unique blend composition exhibited Tg of 131°C and melting temperature (Tm) of 221°C by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Further, the microscopy study of blend revealed the stable morphology of PBT domain distributed into PC matrix indicating chemical compatibilization. The mechanical property evaluation of the blend demonstrated an improved flow, an increase in modulus, tensile strength, and higher elongation at break. Thus, a chemical compatible transparent blend of BPA‐PC and PBT with allyl group functionalization has been achieved and first evaluations show slight improvement of chemical resistance toward Banana Boat Sun cream over the BPA‐PC homopolymer.
Registration of G11‐7013 soybean germplasm with high meal protein and resistance to soybean cyst nematode, southern root‐knot nematode, and stem canker
Authors: Li Zenglu , Bachleda Nicole , Wilson Brice , Wood E. Dale , Buck James W. , Carter Thomas E. , Mian M. A. Rouf , Fallen Benjamin , Noe James , Buckley Blair
Published: February 2022

G11‐7013 (Reg. no. GP‐447, PI 699240) is a conventional maturity group (MG) VII soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] line. It contains a 50% genetic background of an accession from South Africa by pedigree, with resistance to soybean cyst nematode race 3 (Heterodera glycines), southern root‐knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), and stem canker (Diaporthe aspalathi) and high meal protein. G11‐7013 was developed and released by the University of Georgia (UGA) Agricultural Experiment Stations in 2020. G11‐7013 is an F5–derived plant selection from ‘Boggs’ × PI 221717. G11‐7013 consistently yielded more than the elite parent Boggs in UGA advanced yield trials. Across 25 environments in the United Soybean Board Southern Protein Diversity Yield Trials MG‐VII, G11‐7013 yielded a range of 93–104% of the elite check cultivar mean over 5 yr, with an average of 98% of check means. G11‐7013 has a protein content of 436 g kg–1, a meal protein value of 51%, and an oil content of 217 g kg–1. G11‐7013 exceeds the desired meal protein levels required for soybean and derives from a diverse genetic background. Because of its high yield, high protein content, disease resistance package, and diverse pedigree, G11‐7013 can be used as a parental stock in both public and private sectors to develop high‐yielding, high‐meal‐protein soybean cultivars.
Isotopic composition of heterogeneous ice wedges in peatlands of the Pur‐Taz interfluve (northern West Siberia)
Authors: Tikhonravova Yana , Slagoda Elena , Butakov Vladislav , Koroleva Ekaterina , Simonova Galina , Sysolyatin Robert
Published: February 2022

Heterogeneous ice wedges were studied within the peatland of the drained lake on the Pur‐Taz interfluve (67°20′14.8″, 078°55′47.1″, Northwest Siberia). The elements of the ice‐wedge structure were identified: young ice wedge, shoulders, selvages, closed‐cavity ices, and ice lenses in a peatland. Different genetic types of ice (ice vein, congelation ice, and segregated ice) were revealed by analyzing the elements of the ice‐wedge structure under polarized light and analyzing their chemical compositions. Genetic types of the ice indicate the different mechanisms of ice‐wedge formation. The ice vein forms due to fast bilateral freezing of primarily meltwater in a thermal contraction crack. The congelation ice forms due to the slow freezing of free water that has accumulated into a thermokarst cavity. The segregated ice forms due to pore water migration to the freezing zone. The elements of the ice‐wedge structure have variable stable isotope values (δ18O from −13.5‰ to −21.9‰ and δD from −87.7‰ to −154.6‰). The high range of deuterium excess values (13.8‰ to 32‰) indicates fractionation at condensation. The mean winter paleotemperature calculated using Vasil’chuk’s equations for the ice‐wedge pats formed by the ice veins varied in the range of −18 to −22°C, which is not very different from current values and is consistent with the isotopic data of ice wedges from nearby regions of Northwest Siberia. The paleotemperature average error can equal 4.5°C if we ignore the data on the ice petrographic analysis. The error depends on where and how the ice wedges are sampled, because of varying genetic types within the ground ice. This could lead to different palaeoclimatological interpretations.
Surface‐soil carbon stocks greater under well‐managed grazed pasture than row crops
Authors: Becker Ashley E. , Horowitz Leah S. , Ruark Matthew D. , Jackson Randall D.
Published: February 2022

Under the intensifying effects of climate change, agricultural practices that increase soil organic C (SOC) provide an opportunity to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Grazed pasture has the potential to increase SOC, but knowledge gaps remain about the effects of grazing frequency and intensity on SOC pools. We explored SOC quantity and quality in paired pastures and row crops and across grazing management gradients in southern and central Wisconsin. On average, pastures had 12.41 Mg ha−1 more SOC in surface soils (0–15 cm) than their row crop counterparts, but were not different in subsurface soils (15–30 cm). Soil organic C was inversely correlated with grazing frequency (i.e., rest period) but no correlation with grazing intensity (i.e., residual height) was observed. Less stable particulate organic matter‐C (POM‐C) was correlated with grazing frequency and intensity in the same way as SOC, whereas more stable mineral‐associated organic matter‐C was not correlated with either grazing management parameter. Soil organic C and POM‐C increased linearly with pasture age (∼32 g C m−2 yr−1). Well‐managed grazing on cool‐season perennial pastures with undisturbed soils offers the best agricultural opportunity for helping to mitigate climate change via SOC sequestration.
Understanding Synthesis and Structural Variation of Nanomaterials Through In Situ/Operando XAS and SAXS
Authors: Fang Lingzhe , Seifert Soenke , Winans Randall E. , Li Tao
Published: February 2022

Nanostructured materials with high surface area and low coordinated atoms present distinct intrinsic properties from their bulk counterparts. However, nanomaterials’ nucleation/growth mechanism during the synthesis process and the changes of the nanomaterials in the working state are still not thoroughly studied. As two indispensable methods, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) provides nanomaterials’ electronic structure and coordination environment, while small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) offers structural properties and morphology information. A combination of in situ/operando XAS and SAXS provides high temporal and spatial resolution to monitor the evolution of nanomaterials. This review gives a brief introduction to in situ/operando SAXS/XAS cells. In addition, the application of in situ/operando XAS and SAXS in preparing nanomaterials and studying changes of working nanomaterials are summarized.