bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hieracium waldsteinii (Asteraceae) and Onosma stellulata (Boraginaceae) as a Source of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Kostić Aleksandar Ž. , Mačukanović‐Jocić Marina P. , Milinčić Danijel D. , Petrović Jovana D. , Gašić Uroš M. , Gligorijević Nevenka N. , Jarić Snežana V. , Soković Marina D. , Tešić Živoslav Lj. , Pešić Mirjana B.
Published: February 2022

The current study aimed to phytochemically characterize (including a detailed phenolic profile) two endemic Balkan's species (Hieracium waldsteinii and Onosma stellulata) and determine their possible application as a source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. The main phenolic compound in both species (in all examined parts) was chlorogenic acid. Eriodictyol, genistein and naringenin were quantified only in H. waldsteinii while isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside and sinapic acid were characteristic for O. stellulata. The highest antioxidant activity (98 mg AAE/g dry weight for TAC assay) was ascribed to the flower extract of H. waldsteinii while the lowest results (∼4.3 mg AAE/g dry weight for FRP assay) were exhibited by the extracts obtained from the plant's stem. Antimicrobial assays showed moderate antibacterial, i. e., moderate/strong activity against several tested fungi (in particular Trichoderma viride). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive connection between phenolic compounds and reducing power of extracts as well as between total phenolic and flavonoid content and the obtained minimal inhibitory concentration recorded in antibacterial assays.
Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils against Oral Pathogens
Authors: Oliveira Thaís A. S. , Santiago Mariana B. , Santos Valmore H. P. , Silva Eliane O. , Martins Carlos H. G. , Crotti Antônio E. M.
Published: February 2022

This updated review article covers the literature between 2011 and 2021 on the antibacterial activity of EOs against the main bacteria that cause caries and periodontal diseases. The criteria to classify the in vitro antibacterial activity of EOs is updated and the most promising results are addressed.
Nitrogen Donor Protection for Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters
Authors: Yuan Shang‐Fu , Liu Wen‐Di , Liu Chun‐Yu , Guan Zong‐Jie , Wang Quan‐Ming
Published: February 2022

Surface organic ligands are critical in dictating the structures and properties of atomically precise metal nanoclusters. In contrast to the conventionally used thiolate, phosphine and alkynyl ligands, nitrogen donor ligands have not been used in the protection for well‐defined metal nanoclusters until recently. This review focuses on recent developments in atomically precise metal nanoclusters stabilized by different types of nitrogen donor ligands, in which the synthesis, total structure determination and various properties are covered. We hope that this review will provide insights into the rational design of N donor‐protected metal nanoclusters in terms of structural and functional modulation.
Phenylene‐Bridged Perylene Monoimides as Acceptors for Organic Solar Cells: A Study on the Structure–Property Relationship
Authors: Schweda Bettina , Reinfelds Matiss , Hofinger Jakob , Bäumel Georg , Rath Thomas , Kaschnitz Petra , Fischer Roland C. , Flock Michaela , Amenitsch Heinz , Scharber Markus Clark , Trimmel Gregor
Published: February 2022

A series of non‐fullerene acceptors based on perylene monoimides coupled in the peri position through phenylene linkers were synthesized via Suzuki‐coupling reactions. Various substitution patterns were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations in combination with experimental data to elucidate the geometry and their optical and electrochemical properties. Further investigations of the bulk properties with grazing incidence wide angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) gave insight into the stacking behavior of the acceptor thin films. Electrochemical and morphological properties correlate with the photovoltaic performance of devices with the polymeric donor PBDB‐T and a maximum efficiency of 3.17 % was reached. The study gives detailed information about structure–property relationships of perylene‐linker‐perylene compounds.
Experimental methods in chemical engineering: pH
Authors: Villasana Yanet , Moradi Nooshin , Navas‐Cárdenas Carlos , Patience Gregory S.
Published: February 2022

All chemical, biochemical, and biological processes depend on pH. Since the 1920s, when the first electrode was introduced to determine the concentration of hydrogen ions, pH measurement techniques have been evolving to fit the application at laboratory and industrial scales. These techniques include conventional methods based on electrical and optical methods like glass electrodes and variants. Most of the current methods still require a probe to be immersed in a solution. However, biomedical applications in the development stages involve non‐invasive probes that measure hydrogen ion concentration or electrical conductivity, which is related to the concentration of all ions. Instruments also measure both these properties simultaneously for water analysis, agriculture, and electrochemistry. pH drops by as much as 90% increasing temperature from 5–45°C (for MgSO4, NaCl, and an acetate buffer). The repeatability is excellent for a glass electrodes, which continues to be the measurement technique of choice for most laboratories, with a standard deviation of better than 0.08% for low molar concentrations (0.05 M) that increases to above 0.2% at high molar concentrations (>0.7 M). Besides the standard potentiometric methods, emerging techniques include ion‐sensitive field transistors, pH imaging, conductometric, acoustic microsensors, microcantilevers, and spectroscopy. In the first 6 months of 2020, Web of Science indexed almost 10 000 articles that mentioned pH as a keyword; most were in environmental sciences, multidisciplinary chemistry, and chemical engineering. Here, we review the latest developments, including spectroscopic methods, progress towards miniaturization, in particular for bio‐medical applications like skin and bio‐fluids, unconventional sampling, repeatability, and uncertainty.
Growth Behavior of Rubrene Thin Films on Hexagonal Boron Nitride in the Early Stage
Authors: Wei Yujia , Xue Di , Ji Lianlian , Lu Jie , Wang Qi , Jiang Xingyu , Sun Yinghui , Wang Zi , Huang Lizhen , Chi Lifeng
Published: February 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Two‐dimensional materials, with an in‐plane ordered and dangling‐bonding‐free surface, are ideal substrates for fabricating high‐ quality crystalline thin films. Here, we show a systematic study on the growth of a benchmark organic semiconductor, rubrene, on hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) substrate via physical vapor deposition from the initial amorphous phase to the final crystalline phase; the role of temperature in such transition and the epitaxy relationship between rubrene and h‐BN are revealed. With the increase of substrate temperature, the critical thickness of amorphous‐crystalline‐transition decreases and the morphology of crystalline phase also evolves from porous to terrace‐like. When substrate temperature reaches >100°C, the critical thickness reduces to only 0.5 nm and a precise layer‐by‐layer growth from the very first layer is achieved, which is quite rare for rubrene growing on other substrates. The high ordering can be attributed to the fine epitaxy relationship between rubrene films and the h‐BN surface lattice, and this film demonstrates good charge transport ability with a p‐type field‐effect mobility of >1 cm2·V–1·s–1.
Construction of Carbon‐Coated Cobalt Sulfide Hybrid Networks Inter‐Connected by Carbon Nanotubes for Performance‐Enhanced Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Zeng Xuehao , Tong Huigang , Chen Shi , Lu Jian , Wang Changlai , Tu Jinwei , Wang Pengcheng , Chen Qianwang
Published: February 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Because of its high theoretical capacity, transition metal sulfides have always been regarded as promising anode materials for potassium‐ion batteries. However, it is difficult for us to make use of transition metal sulfides due to their low conductivity, poor ionic diffusivity, sluggish reaction kinetics and severe volume expansion. Here, we developed a novel carbon‐coated CoSx@CNT material with carbon nanotubes inter‐connected (CCS@CNT), which shows an excellent potassium storage performance with a specific capacity of 550 mA·h·g–1 under the current of 50 mA·g–1 and 296 mA·h·g–1 at 1000 mA·g–1. The carbon layer can effectively alleviate volume expansion during charging and discharging process. And this special structure of inter‐connected hybrid networks with CNTs greatly improves the electron transport, ion diffusion coefficient and reaction kinetics of the material.
Undescribed Meroterpenoids from Hypericum japonicum with Neuroprotective Effects on H2O2 Insult SH‐SY5Y Cells Targeting Keap1‐Nrf2
Authors: Hu Linzhen , Wang Zhenzhen , Tong Zhou , Hu Ping , Kong Luqi , Luo Mengying , Li Xiao‐Nian , Zhang Yuexing , Huang Zhiyong , Zhang Yonghui
Published: February 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Unreported tautomeric/enantiomeric meroterpenoids, (±)‐hyperjaponols I—K (1—3), were discovered from Hypericum japonicum. Comprehensive chemical investigations established the absolute characteristics of these stereoisomers. The TS calculation demonstrated that 1a and 2a easily occur enol‐keto tautomerism with steady configurations individually. Amongst isolates, 1b showed the strongest neuroprotective activity with the concentration at 25 μmol/L on H2O2 insult SH‐SY5Y cells. In vitro molecular biological experiments manifested that 1b activated the Keap1‐Nrf2‐ARE pathway, leading to the promotion of Nrf2 nuclear translocation, downregulation of the expression level of Keap1, and upregulation of the levels of Nrf2, NQO‐1, and HO‐1. The results of in silico simulation showed that 1b possessed good binding features with Keap1 (5FNQ) via forming multiple typical hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds as well as less fluctuation of RMSD and RMSF during a natural physiological condition.
Augmented latent Dirichlet allocation model via word embedded clusters for mashup service clustering
Authors: Ramathulasi Thota , Rajasekharababu M.
Published: February 2022

Along with the growing number of mashups, there have been many changes in their diversity as well. With the creation of a wide variety of mashup services, it has become difficult to select and recommend appropriate web‐based APIs or services to launch an application based on the principle of mashup technology. In keeping with the methods already in place, we realized that the input/output parameters and text description which are key features directly from WSDL specification documents are increasingly being used in the mashup service innovation process. The quality of these methods can be enhanced by capturing hidden topic content from WSDL documents through the LDA (latent Dirichlet allocation). In this paper, the performance as concerns the LDA model can be enhanced by using some auxiliary features rather than limiting it to some extent. The reason for this is that the word vectors achieved by the word2vec tool is of advanced quality than the word vectors of the word gained by the LDA model. So, we proposed to innovate the novel mashup service innovation and clustering method with better efficiency and higher accuracy through word2vec. Here developed an improved LDA model with a word embedded cluster (called AUG‐LDA) that has a major impact on word vector quality. In this proposed approach, the LDA's training process can be semimonitored by first acquiring the word vectors through the word2vec tool and then merging the word clusters with the K‐means++ algorithm. This will enable better representations for the distribution of mashup services. This can be obtained by crawling the dataset from the website calledwww.programmableweb.comto perform a comprehensive experiment and demonstrate the proposed method. It has been proven that there is a better increase by comparing our approach with different metrics and the clustering accuracy values obtained by other methods.
A model‐based approach to user preference discovery in multi‐criteria recommender system using genetic programming
Authors: Gupta Shweta , Kant Vibhor
Published: February 2022

Multi‐criteria recommender systems (MCRSs) provide suggestions to users based on their preferences to various criteria. Incorporation of criteria ratings into recommendation framework can provide quality recommendations to users because these ratings can elicit users' preferences efficiently. However, elicitation of user's overall preference based on criteria ratings is a key issue in MCRS. Even though several aggregation methods for the elicitation of users' overall preference have been investigated in the literature, no method has been shown the superiority under all circumstances. Therefore, we propose a model based approach to user preference discovery in multi‐criteria RS using genetic programming (GP). In this work, we suggest three‐stage process to generate recommendations to users. First, we learn user preference transformation function to aggregate criteria ratings by using GP, and then we utilize the preference function, so derived, for computing similarities in MCRS. Finally, items are recommended to users. Experimental results on Yahoo! Movies dataset show the superiority of our proposed approach in comparison to other aggregation approaches.
Periodicity of Two‐Dimensional Bonding of Main Group Elements
Authors: Hess Peter
Published: February 2022

In the periodic table the position of each atom follows the ‘aufbau’ principle of the individual electron shells. The resulting intrinsic periodicity of atomic properties determines the overall behavior of atoms in two‐dimensional (2D) bonding and structure formation. Insight into the type and strength of bonding is the key in the discovery of innovative 2D materials. The primary features of 2D bonding and the ensuing monolayer structures of the main‐group II–VI elements result from the number of valence electrons and the change of atom size, which determine the type of hybridization. The results reveal the tight connection between strength of bonding and bond length in 2D networks. The predictive power of the periodic table reveals general rules of bonding, the bonding‐structure relationship, and allows an assessment of published data of 2D materials.
One‐Pot Synthesis of CoS2Merged in Polymeric Carbon Nitride Films for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Li Xiaochun , Wang Jiawen , Xia Jiawei , Fang Yuanxing , Hou Yidong , Fu Xianzhi , Shalom Menny , Wang Xinchen
Published: February 2022

Polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) has attracted intensive interest as sustainable, metal‐free semiconductor for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Charge transfer along the films acts as the main concern to restrict the performance due to the amorphous nature of polymer. Herein, gradient concentration of cobalt disulfide (CoS2) merged in PCN films was realized as CSCN photoanode by a one‐pot synthesis. Owing to the unique properties of CoS2, namely high conductivity, the charge transfer of the CSCN photoanode was promoted, and thus the performance for PEC water oxidation was improved. The optimal photoanode exhibited a photoanodic current of 200 μA cm−2at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode under air mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5G) illumination, which was approximately 4 times that of the pristine PCN photoanode. This work provides a new design of metal‐free photoanodes to improve the performance of water splitting.
Celsr family genes are dynamically expressed in embryonic and juvenile zebrafish
Authors: Joshi Bhagyashri , Gaur Himanshu , Hui Subhra Prakash , Patra Chinmoy
Published: February 2022

The Cadherin EGF LAG seven‐pass G‐type receptor (Celsr) family belongs to the adhesion G‐protein coupled receptor superfamily. In most vertebrates, the Celsr family has three members (CELSR1–3), whereas zebrafish display four paralogues (celsr1a, 1b, 2, 3). Although studies have shown the importance of the Celsr family in planar cell polarity, axonal guidance, and dendritic growth, the molecular mechanisms of the Celsr family regulating these cellular processes in vertebrates remain elusive. Zebrafish is an experimentally more amenable model to study vertebrate development, as zebrafish embryos develop externally, optically transparent, remain alive with malformed organs, and zebrafish is genetically similar to humans. Understanding the detailed expression pattern is the first step of exploring the functional mechanisms of the genes involved in development. Thus, we report the spatiotemporal expression pattern of Celsr family members in zebrafish nervous tissues. Our analysis shows that celsr1b and celsr2 are expressed maternally. In embryos, celsr1a, celsr1b, and celsr2 are expressed in the neural progenitors, and celsr3 is expressed in all five primary neural clusters of the brain and mantle layer of the spinal cord. In juvenile zebrafish, celsr1a, celsr1b, and celsr2 are presumably expressed in the neural progenitor enriched regions of the CNS. Therefore, the expression pattern of zebrafish Celsr family members is reminiscent of patterns described in other vertebrates or mammalian speciate. This indicates the conserved role of Celsr family genes in nervous system development and suggests zebrafish as an excellent model to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms of Celsr family genes in vertebrate neurogenesis.
Auction based cost‐efficient resource allocation by utilizing blockchain in fog computing
Authors: Jain Vibha , Kumar Bijendra
Published: February 2022

In the IoT‐cloud environment, the growing amount of spawn data may limit performance in terms of communication latency, network traffic, processing power, and energy usage. The introduction of fog computing extends the cloud services nearer to the edge of the network. Since these lightweight fog servers are not able to fulfill the demand of every user node and process each offloaded task due to the limited computation resources. Accordingly, an efficient resource management scheme is required to proficiently handle fog resources. The profit‐driven nature of both the fog service providers and user nodes increases the possibility of malicious activity while resource trading for their advantages or to privilege a bunch of devices. In this article, we designed a trusted and fair incentive mechanism that encourages buyers and sellers to trade by leveraging the benefits of blockchain and smart contracts. Especially, a combinatorial double auction employed market model is proposed which satisfies different economical properties such as individual rationality, budget balance, and truthfulness. Blockchain‐driven decentralized fog environments prevent the tampering of trade‐related information by the malicious nodes. Simulation results indicate that the proposed combinatorial double auction significantly improves the network utilization by improved winner determination and pricing model.
What is the case for teaching with cases in evaluation?
Authors: Linfield Kenneth J. , Tovey Tiffany L. S.
Published: February 2022

This article introduces the volume on Case‐Centered Teaching and Learning in Evaluation by presenting the general rationale for using cases as a part of instruction in evaluation and essential points about how cases can be used as a part of teaching and learning about evaluation. This volume is the product of “The Case Collaborative,” an ongoing partnership among the authors and additional participants. In this introductory article, we tell the story of how this partnership developed, the goals and objectives identified by the group, and the primary concepts and strategies involved in case‐centered evaluation teaching and learning. We introduce our working definition of cases and share the critical connection of this work to purposeful reflection on our practice as evaluation practitioners and teachers. This theme of reflective practice in our work is introduced here and threaded throughout the remainder of the NDE volume.
The health returns of attending university for the marginally eligible student
Authors: Heckley Gawain , Nordin Martin , Gerdtham Ulf‐G.
Published: February 2022

A key policy question is whether continued expansion of university education is beneficial for the marginally eligible student. In this paper we exploit an arbitrary university eligibility rule combined with regression discontinuity design to estimate the causal effect of university attendance on healthcare utilization amongst young adults in Sweden. We find that the eligibility rule leads to a clear jump in university attendance of between 10% and 14% points for both males and females. 2SLS estimates find that a 10% point increase in university attendance causes a roughly one percentage point increase in hospital admissions due to mental ill health for males, almost exclusively related to alcohol and narcotics. Our findings for females, however, imply the opposite, suggesting that university attendance decreases hospital admissions related to mental health. The results for males sit in contrast to results from previous studies, and suggest that the effect of university education on health for the male student at the margin of eligibility is different to that of the average student.
Comparative efficacy of lidocaine–prilocaine cream and vaginal misoprostol in reducing pain during levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion in women delivered only by cesarean delivery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hashem Ahmed T. , Mahmoud Mostafa , Aly Islam Bassem , Ibrahem Eid Mohamed , Ahmed Nancy , Mohamed Mamdouh Ahmed , Elkomy Rasha , Fouad Elgamel Amira , Hamada A. A. Ali , Khalil Eman M. , Ashour Ahmed S. A. , Said ali Ahmed , Taher Ayman , Hasan Hussein Amr , Elzahaby Iman , Hafez Mohamed Younes Mohamed , Salah Emad , Mojahed Eman M. , Talaat Bassem , ElHodiby Mohamed , Kamal Osman Nada , Adel Nour Dalia , Khamis Yasser , Aly Hamed Elsallamy Ayman , Ahmed Gehad Mahmoud , Kotb Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamed , Gad Allah Sherine H.
Published: February 2022

Objective

To compare efficacy of lidocaine–prilocaine (LP) cream versus misoprostol versus placebo before levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine device (LNG‐IUD) insertion.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital from April 30, 2020 to March 1, 2021 on 210 parous women willing to receive LNG‐IUD and delivered only by elective cesarean delivery (CD). Participants received 200 μg vaginal misoprostol or 5 ml of LP cream 5% or placebo 3 h before LNG‐IUS insertion. Primary outcome was pain during LNG‐IUD insertion, while secondary outcomes were pain 10 min post‐procedure, ease of insertion, patient satisfaction, insertion time, and drug side effects.

Results

Pain during LNG‐IUS insertion was reduced in LP group and misoprostol group compared to placebo group (2.1 ± 1.0 vs 3.7 ± 1.6; p <0.001) and (2.3 ± 1.3 vs 3.7 ± 1.6; p <0.001), respectively. Ease of procedure and patient satisfaction were significantly higher in LP and misoprostol groups than placebo (P <0.001). Need for additional analgesia was significantly higher in placebo group than in the other two groups (P = 0.009). Adverse events were not significantly different between the three groups except vomiting and abdominal cramps, which were higher with misoprostol.

Conclusion

LP cream and 200 μg of vaginal misoprostol administration before LNG‐IUD insertion in women delivered only by elective CD effectively reduced pain during insertion and 10 min post‐procedure with easier insertions, high patient satisfaction, and tolerable side effects. Pain reduction with LP cream was clinically significant.
Towards visual programming abstractions in Software‐Defined Networking
Authors: Rojas Elisa , Ollora Zaballa Eder , Noci Victoria
Published: February 2022

Since Software‐Defined Networking (SDN) emerged, the research community and industry have developed numerous projects and fostered novel use cases. However, engineers now need to learn how to program the control and data planes, which might slow down technology acceptance. To accelerate it, visual programming abstractions facilitate the incorporation of SDN technologies and assist in creating new applications. So far, very little effort has been made in this field. This letter presents an early‐stage SDN visual abstraction initiative based on the Scratch/Blockly programming framework, initially aimed at kids. The objective is to illustrate how this work could be extended to provide value‐added resources for network programming.
Peer feedback decreases impulsive choice in adolescents with and without attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: van Hoorn Jorien , de Water Erik , Dekkers Tycho J. , Pollak Yehuda , Popma Arne , Jansen Brenda R. J. , Huizenga Hilde M. , van Duijvenvoorde Anna C. K.
Published: February 2022

Background

Impulsivity is a core feature of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Previous work using the delay discounting task to assess impulsivity reveals that adolescents with ADHD tend to prefer a smaller‐immediate reward over a larger‐delayed reward, and this relates to problematic choices in daily life. To gain a better understanding of daily decision‐making in adolescence, it is important to examine the social context, as peers have a major influence on decisions. Peer influence often has a negative connotation, but also provides an opportunity to promote positive outcomes. To date, it is unclear if peers affect impulsive decision‐making in adolescents with ADHD, for better or for worse.

Methods

The aim of this preregistered study was to examine the effect of peer feedback on impulsive choice in male adolescents with and without ADHD (ages 13–23;N = 113). We utilized an adapted delay discounting task that was administered alone, in a social condition, and alone again. In the social condition, adolescents received either (between‐subjects) manipulated impulsive or non‐impulsive peer feedback. Impulsive peer feedback consisted of likes for choosing the smaller immediate reward, whereas non‐impulsive peers endorsed choosing the larger delayed reward.

Results

Preregistered analyses showed that non‐impulsive peer feedback resulted in decreased impulsive choice, whereas impulsive peer feedback did not alter decision‐making in adolescents with and without ADHD. Explorative analyses of inattention and hyperactivity‐impulsivity symptoms in the total sample, irrespective of diagnosis, showed that lower hyperactivity–impulsivity and more inattention symptoms were associated with increased susceptibility to non‐impulsive peer feedback.

Conclusions

Together, these findings indicate that peers may provide an opportunity to decrease impulsivity and emphasize individual differences in susceptibility to non‐impulsive peer feedback related to inattention and hyperactivity–impulsivity. Therefore, peer feedback may be a promising component in behavioral peer‐supported interventions in adolescents with ADHD.
Evolution of professionals' careers upon graduation in STEM and occupational turnover over time: Patterns, diversity characteristics, career success, and self‐employment
Authors: Dlouhy Katja , Froidevaux Ariane
Published: February 2022

While STEM occupational turnover constitutes a major concern for society given the importance of innovation and technology in today's global economy, it also represents an opportunity to achieve career sustainability for individuals. There is ample research on the reasons why students drop out from STEM education, but evidence on STEM professionals' career patterns and on correlates of occupational turnover after graduation is scarce. Drawing on the sustainable careers framework, the current study examines how STEM graduates' careers evolve over time, revealing diverse patterns of occupational turnover and the relationships of such career patterns with work diversity characteristics in terms of sex and ethnic minority status, career success, and self‐employment. Using longitudinal data from 1512 STEM graduates over 10 years, results of an optimal matching analysis demonstrate six career patterns that can be distinguished into three continuity (STEM, part‐STEM, non‐STEM) and three change (hybrid, boomerang, dropout) sustainable career patterns. We find differences in sex, but not in ethnic minority status, across career patterns. Further, professionals who change from STEM occupations to non‐STEM occupations show higher objective career success and are more often self‐employed than those following a continuous STEM career pattern. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Spatiotemporal variability of event‐based rainstorm: The perspective of rainfall pattern and concentration
Authors: He Sijing , Wang Zhaoli , Wang Dagang , Liao Weilin , Wu Xushu , Lai Chengguang
Published: February 2022

Rainfall pattern (RP) and precipitation concentration (PC) are two critical indices for measuring rainfall. Detecting their changes under global warming helps to understand better the rainfall variability and the flooding formation. Using the Guangdong Province, China, as a study case, five criteria were used to determine the independent precipitation events for hourly precipitation data from 1967 to 2012. The RP and PC of the events were identified, and then, their spatiotemporal variability was investigated further. The results show that (a) the occurrence frequency during 46 years, average rainfall amount and duration of independent rainfall in the coastal areas were higher than in other regions. (b) The dominant RPs in Guangdong are unimodal (more than 70%), especially the pattern with early peak (mode I; 39.5%); however, the number of stations with mode I as dominant RP decreased over time, while those with mode III (the pattern with late peak) increased. (c) Precipitation concentration index can be used for measuring the concentration of independent rainfall events, and its fixed minimum inter‐event time has significant impacts on RP and PC. The PC of the events with early peak is higher, and the concentration in the west is generally higher than those in the east under different RPs.
Reduction of uncertainties in surface heat flux over the Tibetan Plateau from ERA‐Interim to ERA5
Authors: Xin Yufei , Liu Jingbao , Liu Xiangwen , Liu Ge , Cheng Xinhong , Chen Yueli
Published: February 2022

Serving as the successor to the ERA‐Interim dataset, a new global reanalysis (i.e., ERA5) has been released by the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts. However, evaluation of the performance of ERA5 in relation to the Tibetan Plateau (TP) remains lacking. Using in situ eddy covariance observations from eight stations located on the TP, this study evaluated the uncertainties of both ERA5 and ERA‐Interim. Results showed that ERA5 effectively corrects the overestimation of both sensible heat flux (H) and latent heat flux (LE) over the TP, which is severe in ERA‐Interim. In most seasons, the bias errors (BEs) of H and LE are generally smaller in ERA5 than in ERA‐Interim, although the BEs of wintertime H and LE in spring and autumn are not decreased significantly from ERA‐Interim to ERA5. The spatiotemporal relationships with the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) and the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM) reanalysis data were investigated. Analysis of correlation coefficients and root mean squared errors revealed large inconsistency in H between ERA5/ERA‐Interim and GLDAS, but good agreement in LE between ERA5/ERA‐Interim and GLEAM. Overall, the level of agreement of ERA5 with GLEAM was better than that of ERA‐Interim. Anomaly correlation coefficients (ACCs) between the two ERA datasets (ERA5 and ERA‐Interim) and the two reference datasets (GLDAS and GLEAM) were also investigated. The ACC results further confirmed that ERA5 has better agreement than ERA‐Interim with GLEAM in terms of LE over the TP.
The use of connective tissue growth factor mimics for flexor tendon repair
Authors: Shen Hua , Tarafder Solaiman , Park Gayoung , Qiu Jichuan , Xia Younan , Lee Chang H. , Gelberman Richard H. , Thomopoulos Stavros
Published: February 2022

Intrasynovial flexor tendon lacerations of the hand are clinically problematic, typically requiring operative repair and extensive rehabilitation. The small‐molecule connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mimics, oxotremorine M (Oxo‐M) and 4‐PPBP maleate (4‐PPBP), have been shown to improve tendon healing in small animal models by stimulating the expansion and differentiation of perivascular CD146+ cells. To enhance intrasynovial flexor tendon healing, small‐molecule CTGF mimics were delivered to repaired canine flexor tendons via porous sutures. In vitro studies demonstrated that Oxo‐M and 4‐PPBP retained their bioactivity and could be released from porous sutures in a sustained manner. However, in vivo delivery of the CTGF mimics did not improve intrasynovial tendon healing. Histologic analyses and expression of tenogenic, extracellular matrix, inflammation, and remodeling genes showed similar outcomes in treated and untreated repairs across two time points. Although in vitro experiments revealed that CTGF mimics stimulated robust responses in extrasynovial tendon cells, there was no response in intrasynovial tendon cells, explaining the lack of in vivo effects. The results of the current study indicate that therapeutic strategies for tendon repair must carefully consider the environment and cellular makeup of the particular tendon for improving the healing response.
Cluster wild bootstrapping to handle dependent effect sizes in meta‐analysis with a small number of studies
Authors: Joshi Megha , Pustejovsky James E. , Beretvas S. Natasha
Published: February 2022

The most common and well‐known meta‐regression models work under the assumption that there is only one effect size estimate per study and that the estimates are independent. However, meta‐analytic reviews of social science research often include multiple effect size estimates per primary study, leading to dependence in the estimates. Some meta‐analyses also include multiple studies conducted by the same lab or investigator, creating another potential source of dependence. An increasingly popular method to handle dependence is robust variance estimation (RVE), but this method can result in inflated Type I error rates when the number of studies is small. Small‐sample correction methods for RVE have been shown to control Type I error rates adequately but may be overly conservative, especially for tests of multiple‐contrast hypotheses. We evaluated an alternative method for handling dependence, cluster wild bootstrapping, which has been examined in the econometrics literature but not in the context of meta‐analysis. Results from two simulation studies indicate that cluster wild bootstrapping maintains adequate Type I error rates and provides more power than extant small‐sample correction methods, particularly for multiple‐contrast hypothesis tests. We recommend using cluster wild bootstrapping to conduct hypothesis tests for meta‐analyses with a small number of studies. We have also created an R package that implements such tests.
Non‐volatile cysteine sulphoxides and volatile organosulphur compounds in cloves of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) local accessions from northern and central Italy
Authors: Ferioli Federico , Giambanelli Elisa , D'Antuono L. Filippo
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and other species of genus Allium are popular vegetables and food seasonings, owing to their spicy flavour and richness in health‐promoting compounds. Several local garlic types are still grown on a small scale in different Italian regions, not being however yet properly characterized for their chemical composition.

RESULTS

In the present investigation ten garlic and four elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) populations cultivated in northern and central Italy were evaluated for their alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxide (ACSO) and volatile compound profiles. Three non‐volatile ACSOs (methiin, alliin, and isoalliin) and 27 volatile compounds were identified and quantified. A high and significant within‐type variability was detected, with total ACSOs in the range 2759–5756, 4533–15 520, and 6565–10 643 mg kg−1 of fresh weight (f.w.). in elephant, white and red garlic, respectively. Elephant garlic showed a total sulphoxide content and a relative alliin amount significantly lower than white and red garlic. Remarkable within‐type differences were also assessed for volatile compound content, ranging 260–599, 333–981, and 618–845 mg kg−1 f.w. in elephant, white, and red garlic, respectively. Diallyl trisulphide was the major individual compound, accounting for more than 0.30 mg mg−1 of volatiles in all the analysed samples. The three garlic types were clearly separated by discriminant analysis of analytical traits.

CONCLUSION

This study investigated for the first time different Italian garlic and elephant garlic populations with respect to non‐volatile and volatile organosulphur compound content, allowing the possibility of selecting garlic accessions according to the bioactive content. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Tranexamic acid improves early postoperative mobilization in cancer patients undergoing endoprosthetic reconstruction
Authors: Haase Douglas R. , Mersereau Erik J. , Kimbrel Brandon , Bombardier Brenden , Templeton Kimberly J. , Rosenthal Howard G. , Sweeney Kyle R.
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease perioperative blood loss, transfusions, and cost in patients undergoing resection of aggressive bone tumors and endoprosthetic reconstruction. This study explored the effect of TXA administration on postoperative mobilization in these patients.

Methods

This study included 126 patients who underwent resection of an aggressive bone tumor and endoprosthetic reconstruction; 61 patients in the TXA cohort and 65 patients in the non‐TXA cohort. Postoperative physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy notes were reviewed; patient ambulation distance and duration of therapies were recorded.

Results

Patients in the TXA cohort ambulated further on all postoperative days, which was significant on postoperative Day 1 (POD1) (p = 0.002) and postoperative Day 2 (POD2) (p < 0.001). The TXA cohort ambulated 85% further per PT session 87.7 versus 47.4 ft (p < 0.001) and participated 14% longer, 36.1 versus 31.7 min (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified a significant inverse association between postoperative hospitalization length and POD1, POD2, postoperative Day 3, and total ambulation (p < 0.001). Blood transfusion was independently associated with a 1.5 day increase in postoperative hospitalization (95% confidence interval: 0.64–2.5; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

TXA administration was associated with increased postoperative ambulation and endurance. Increased postoperative ambulation was associated with decreased length of stay and increased likelihood to discharge home.
Hydrophobically Modified Cellulose Nanofibers‐Enveloped Solid Lipid Microparticles for Improved Antioxidant Cargo Retention
Authors: Bae Jiwoo , Seo Hye Min , Shin Kyounghee , Choi Jihyun , Lee Dong Ryeol , Jiang Zhiting , Shen Di , Kim Jin Woong
Published: February 2022

This study introduces a cellulose nanofiber surfactant system, in which the surface is hydrophobically modified with different alkyl chain structures for the effective envelopment of solid lipid microparticles (SLMs). To endow bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNFs) with excellent ability to assemble at the lipid–water interface, alkyl chains with designated molecular structures, such as decane, didecane, and eicosane, are covalently grafted onto the BCNF surface. Interfacial tension and interfacial rheology measurements indicate that dialkyl chain‐grafted BCNFs (diC10BCNF) exhibit strong interfibrillar association at the interface. The formation of a dense and tough fibrillary membrane contributes significantly to the enveloping of the SLMs, regardless of the lipid type. Because the diC10BCNF‐enveloped SLMs exhibit a core molecular crystalline phase at the microscale, they can immobilize an oil‐soluble antioxidant while maintaining its long‐term storage stability. These findings show that the cellulose‐surfactant‐based SLM technology is applicable to the stabilization and formulation of readily denatured active ingredients.
Identification of a novel ANK1 mutation in hereditary spherocytosis co‐existing with BWS
Authors: Zhang Qinghua , Zhang Chuan , Wang Yupei , Hao Shengjv , Shi Jingyun , Feng Xuan , Zheng Lei , Wang Xin , Xue Chen , Zhou Bingbo , Liu Furong , Zhao Fangping , Li Xuetao , Deng Liangyuan , Hou Jun , Meng Zhaoyan
Published: February 2022

Background

Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an inherited disorder affecting 1 in 10,500 to 13,700 newborns worldwide. The disease is caused in a vast majority of patients by a molecular defect in the imprinted chromosome 11p15.5. Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a form of hemolytic anemia associated with a variety of mutations leading to congenital red blood cell (RBC) membrane defects. The prevalence of HS varies by geographic regions around the world, ranging from 1.2 in 100,000 in Asia to 1 in 2000 in Northern Europe.

Methods and Results

Herein, we report for the first time a rare case diagnosed with co‐existing BWS and HS. Based on the classical presentations, including macroglossia, hepatosplenomegaly, and macrosomia, the patient was first suspected with BWS. MS‐MLPA confirmed the BWS diagnosis based on hypomethylation of maternal 11p15.5 (KCNQ1OT1), but no copy number variations in chromosome 11 was detected by CNV‐seq. Nevertheless, to scrutinize molecular causes of other symptoms of the patient, including anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and jaundice, a whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed. We identified a novel and de novo mutation in ANK1 gene (c.520delC). This frameshift mutation of ANK1 gene results in a truncated protein without important functional domains and impaired membrane stability and structure of the resultant red blood cells (RBCs), leading to a definitive diagnosis of HS.

Conclusion

The present case demonstrated that multiple genetic and epigenetic aberrations might co‐exist in the complex genetic diseases. For such kind of complicated cases, the different types of molecular tests, such as WES and MS‐MLPA, should be utilized in combination to reveal independent causal molecular events. The identifications from this study added new insights into the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the co‐existing HS and BWS.
Glycine Acts Through Estrogen Receptor Alpha to Mediate Estrogen Receptor Signaling, Stimulating Osteogenesis and Attenuating Adipogenesis in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Li Xiaoyun , Lin Qing , Cui Yan , Wang Haoyu , Wang Panpan , Yang Li , Ye Qianyun , Zhang Ronghua , Zhu Xiaofeng
Published: February 2022

Scope

Glycine is commonly used as an additive in bone health supplements, the activity and differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are essential to bone metabolism, but the effect of Glycine on bone metabolism and specific mechanism are not fully clarified.

Methods and results

The ovariectomized rats to evaluate the effects of Glycine on bone quality and quantity is constructed; then used an ER signaling inhibitor (ICI182780) and an ERα deficient BMSCs to explore how Glycine mediated ERα regulating the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs; furthermore, an autodock analysis is used to assess the affinity of Glycine and ERα. The results show that Glycine significantly moderated bone mass and bone microstructure in ovariectomized rats; Glycine stimulates the osteogenic differentiation and attenuates the adipogenic differentiation in OVX rats and BMSCs, and these effects could be abolished by ICI 182780; further docking experiment showes that Glycine and ERα have a stronger affinity, and finally proves that the impact of Glycine could be blocked by ERα.

Conclusion

Glycine stimulates osteogenesis and attenuates adipogenesis in ovariectomized rats, which process may involve in ERα mediated ER signaling pathway.
Portulaca oleracea L. Extract Alleviated Type 2 Diabetes Via Modulating the Gut Microbiota and Serum Branched‐Chain Amino Acid Metabolism
Authors: Bao Meili , Hou Kexin , Xin Chao , Zeng Deyong , Cheng Cuilin , Zhao Haitian , Wang Zhenyu , Wang Lu
Published: February 2022

Scope

Portulaca oleracea L. extracts (PE) show hypoglycemic function, but the precise mechanism remains obscure. This study is designed to investigate the association of the antidiabetes effect of PE with the gut microbiota modulation and BCAAs metabolism.

Methods and Results

The Orbitrap LC‐MS to Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Tribrid mass spectrometer is employed to analyze the major compounds in PE. The components of the intestinal microflora in diet‐induced/STZ‐treated diabetic mice are analyzed by high‐throughput 16S rRNA genes sequencing. The results show that PE improves blood glucose and insulin level, increases anti‐inflammatory cytokine level, lowers serum branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs), and increases serum glutamine level. PE also protects the mucosal epithelium of the colon and cecum from damage. On the impact of gut microbial composition, PE reduces the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and the abundance of the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Blautia, Ruminiclostridium_9, Dubosiella, and increases the abundance of the Bacteroides, Akkermansia, and Mucisprillum genera. Bacterial functionality prediction indicates PE potentially inhibits bacterial BCAAs biosynthesis, and promotes the tissue‐specific expression of BCAAs catabolic enzyme for reducing BCAAs supplementation.

Conclusion

These results reveal that PE improving T2D‐related biochemical abnormalities is associated not only with gut microbiota modification but also with the tissue‐specific expression of BCAAs catabolic enzyme.
Treatment planning for Flash radiotherapy: General aspects and applications to proton beams
Authors: Schwarz Marco , Traneus Erik , Safai Sairos , Kolano Anna , van de Water Steven
Published: February 2022

The increased radioresistence of healthy tissues when irradiated at very high dose rates (known as the Flash effect) is a radiobiological mechanism that is currently investigated to increase the therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy treatments. To maximize the benefits of the clinical application of Flash, a patient‐specific balance between different properties of the dose distribution should be found, that is, Flash needs to be one of the variables considered in treatment planning. We investigated the Flash potential of three proton therapy planning and beam delivery techniques, each on a different anatomical region. Based on a set of beam delivery parameters, on hypotheses on the dose and dose rate thresholds needed for the Flash effect to occur, and on two definitions of Flash dose rate, we generated exemplary illustrations of the capabilities of current proton therapy equipment to generate Flash dose distributions. All techniques investigated could both produce dose distributions comparable with a conventional proton plan and reach the Flash regime, to an extent that was strongly dependent on the dose per fraction and the Flash dose threshold. The beam current, Flash dose rate threshold, and dose rate definition typically had a more moderate effect on the amount of Flash dose in normal tissue. A systematic estimation of the impact of Flash on different patient anatomies and treatment protocols is possible only if Flash‐specific treatment planning features become readily available. Planning evaluation tools such as a voxel‐based dose delivery time structure, and the inclusion in the optimization cost function of parameters directly associated with Flash (e.g., beam current, spot delivery sequence, and scanning speed), are needed to generate treatment plans that are taking full advantage of the potential benefits of the Flash effect.