bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of Escherichia coli minimal ter operon to UVC and auto-aggregation: pilot study
Authors: Jánošíková Lenka , Pálková Lenka , Šalát Dušan , Klepanec Andrej , Soltys Katarina
Published: May 2021

Aim

The study of minimal ter operon as a determinant of tellurium resistance (TeR) is important for the purpose of confirming the relationship of these genes to the pathogenicity of microorganisms. The ter operon is widespread among bacterial species and pathogens, implicated also in phage inhibition, oxidative stress and colicin resistance. So far, there is no experimental evidence for the role of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) minimal ter operon in ultraviolet C (UVC) resistance, biofilm formation and auto-aggregation. To identify connection with UVC resistance of the minimal ter operon, matched pairs of Ter-positive and -negative E. coli cells were stressed and differences in survival and whole genome sequence analysis were performed. This study was aimed also to identify differences in phenotype of cells induced by environmental stress.

Methods

In the current study, a minimal ter operon(terBCDEΔF) originating from the uropathogenic strain E. coli KL53 was used. Clonogenic assay was the method of choice to determine cell reproductive death after treatment with UVC irradiation at certain time intervals. Bacterial suspensions were irradiated with 254 nm UVC-light (germicidal lamp in biological safety cabinet) in vitro. UVC irradiance output was 2.5 mW/cm2 (calculated at the UVC device aperture) and plate-lamp distance of 60 cm. DNA damage analysis was performed using shotgun sequencing on Illumina MiSeq platform. Biofilm formation was measured by a crystal violet retention assay. Auto-aggregation assay was performed according to the Ghane, Babaeekhou & Ketabi (2020).

Results

A large fraction of Ter-positive E. coli cells survived treatment with 120-s UVC light (300 mJ/cm2) compared to matched Ter-negative cells; ∼5-fold higher resistance of Ter-positive cells to UVC dose (p = 0.0007). Moreover, UVC surviving Ter-positive cells showed smaller mutation rate as Ter-negative cells. The study demonstrated that a 1200-s exposure to UVC (3,000 mJ/cm2) was sufficient for 100% inhibition of growth for all the Ter-positive and -negative E. coli cells. The Ter-positive strain exhibited of 26% higher auto-aggregation activities and was able to inhibit biofilm formation over than Ter- negative strain (**** P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Our study shows that Ter-positive cells display lower sensitivity to UVC radiation, corresponding to a presence in minimal ter operon. In addition, our study suggests that also auto-aggregation ability is related to minimal ter operon. The role of the minimal ter operon (terBCDEΔF) in resistance behavior of E. coli under environmental stress is evident.
Effectiveness of a clinical decision-support tool on adherence to prescribing and practice guidelines of high-risk antidepressant medications in geriatric patients
Authors: VanDaele Madeline A. , Smith Jordan O. , Franck Jessica Bovio
Published: May 2021

Introduction

TCAs and paroxetine, a SSRI, are associated with safety risks in geriatric patients because of anticholinergic properties. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of a clinical decision-support tool (CDST) on adherence with medication prescribing and practice guidance to enhance patient safety.

Methods

Mental health clinical pharmacy specialists and clinical pharmacy leadership led a multidisciplinary creation and integration of a CDST within a Veterans Health Administration EHR. The CDST focused on the following elements when prescribing TCAs and paroxetine in geriatric patients: clinical justification for initiation of the medication, provision of patient/caregiver education specific to the medication prescribed, evaluation of comprehension of education provided, medication reconciliation, and follow-up completed within 30 days of medication initiation. Following activation of the CDST in the EHR, measures were evaluated before intervention and after intervention.

Results

After intervention, an increase was observed in the primary outcome of the proportion of patients having documentation of all of the following: clinical justification for medication initiation, provision of patient/caregiver education, evaluation of comprehension of education provided, medication reconciliation, and follow-up completed within 30 days of medication initiation (P = .01). Individual proportions of patients with documented medication reconciliation and follow-up completed within 30 days significantly increased. All other secondary outcomes numerically increased but did not reach statistical significance.

Discussion

Improvement was seen in adherence with prescribing and practice guidance following the implementation of the CDST. This suggests the beneficial role of CDSTs within the EHR to optimize patient safety.
Scientific production of nursing on material and sterilization center: a bibliometric study / Produção de enfermagem em centro de material e esterilização: estudo bibliométrico
Authors: Fassarella Cintia Silva , Noronha Isabela da Rosa , Noronha Isabele da Rosa , Luna Aline Affonso , Camerini Flávia Giron
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: identificar a produção científica em revistas brasileiras com Qualis A1, A2, B1 e B2 sobre Centro de Material e Esterilização. Método: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e quantitativo, do tipo bibliométrico. Foram selecionados artigos científicos disponíveis no período de 1973 a 2017, publicados em revistas científicas brasileiras, com classificação no Qualis A1, A2, B1 e B2. Resultados: dos 286 artigos identificados, 108 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Houve predomínio da investigadora Graziano 20 (18,52%), do objeto de estudo sobre qualidade de esterilização 26 (24,08%), da abordagem metodológica quantitativa 63 (58,33%), e da população-alvo mais estudada foi à equipe de enfermagem 56 (51,85%). Conclusão: a produção científica brasileira em Centro de Material e Esterilização avançou nas últimas décadas, no entanto ainda carece de produção científica, especialmente relacionada às boas práticas e aos avanços tecnológicos disponíveis na área.
Loktanella
Authors: Wang Tao , Whitman William B. , Wirth Joseph S.
Published: May 2021

Lok.tan.el'la. N.L. fem. n.
Loktanella
named after Tjhing‐Lok Tan from the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven, who contributed to our understanding of marine and polar bacteriology and ecology.

Proteobacteria / Alphaproteobacteria / Rhodobacterales / Rhodobacteraceae / Loktanella

Gram‐negative‐staining, aerobic, non‐spore‐forming, catalase‐ and oxidase‐positive, cocci, ovoids or rods. Halophilic or moderately halotolerant. Optimal growth typically occurs at 25°C and pH 7.5–8. Capable of utilizing a large variety of organic carbon compounds. The majority of strains produce acids from sugars and are nonmotile. The major fatty acid is C
18:1
ω7
c
. The major quinone is ubiquinone 10 (Q‐10). Species have been isolated globally from seawater and microbial mats from marine environments. Members of the family
Rhodobacteraceae
. The type species is
Loktanella salsilacus
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 60–66.3.

Type species
:
Loktanella salsilacus
Van Trappen et al. 2004
VP
.
Limimaricola
Authors: Wang Tao , Wirth Joseph S. , Whitman William B.
Published: May 2021

Li.mi.ma.ri'co.la. L. masc. n.
limus
slime, mud, ooze, silt; L. neut. n.
mare, maris
the sea; L. suff ‐
cola
(from L. n.
incola
) dweller, inhabitant; N.L. masc. n.
Limimaricola
inhabitant of sea slime, referring to the isolation environment of the type species.

Proteobacteria / Alphaproteobacteria / Rhodobacterales / Rhodobacteraceae / Limimaricola

Gram‐negative‐staining, aerobic, and catalase‐ and oxidase‐positive rods, ovoids or cocci. Colony colors are variable, depending on the species. Slightly halophilic, and most species require NaCl for growth. Optimal growth typically occurs between 25 and 30°C, 2–3% (w/v) NaCl, and pH 7.0. Capable of utilizing a large variety of organic carbon compounds. The species can utilize cellobiose, citrate,
d
‐fructose, and sucrose as sole sources of carbon and energy but not benzoate, formate,
l
‐glutamate, or trehalose. The major fatty acid is C
18:1
ω7
c
. The major quinone is ubiquinone 10 (Q‐10). Species have been isolated from marine biofilms, sediments, sea sand, and seawater. Member of the family
Rhodobacteraceae
. The type species is
Limimaricola hongkongensis
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 66.7–70.3.

Type species
:
Limimaricola hongkongensis
Wirth and Whitman 2018
VP
(basonym:
Loktanella hongkongensis
Lau et al. 2004).
Enteroscipio
Authors: Huch Melanie , Stoll Dominic A. , Danylec Nicolas
Published: May 2021

En.te.ro.sci'pi.o. Gr. neut. n.
enteron
, gut; L. masc. n.
scipio
, staff, rod; N.L. masc. n.
Enteroscipio
, a rod from the gut.

Actinobacteria / Coriobacteriia / Eggerthellales / Eggerthellaceae / Enteroscipio

The genus
Enteroscipio
is a member of the family
Eggerthellaceae
within the order
Eggerthellales
, class
Coriobacteriia
, and phylum
Actinobacteria
. Cells of the genus
Enteroscipio
are Gram‐stain‐positive, nonmotile, and ovoid rods. The cell length is 0.93 ± 0.17 μm, and the diameter is 0.42 ± 0.07 μm. Cells occur singly or in short chains and do not produce endospores. Cells of
Enteroscipio rubneri
grow on solid as well as in liquid media within 48–72 h at 37°C under strictly anaerobic conditions. Arginine is hydrolyzed. Cells do not produce catalase, indole, oxidase, and urease. Acid is not produced from sugars. The major cellular fatty acids are C
15:0
anteiso, C
16:0
DMA, and C
18:1
ω9
c
. The detected respiratory quinones are MK‐5 (95%) and MK‐6 (5%). Polar lipid analysis determined six glycolipids, three phospholipids, one phosphatidylglycerol, one diphosphatidylglycerol, and one unidentified lipid. The genome size is 2.83 Mb, and the DNA G + C content is 62.4 mol% (genome analysis). Plasmids have not been isolated. The known habitat is the human gut.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 62.4 (genome analysis).

Type species
:
Enteroscipio rubneri
Danylec et al. 2018
VP
.
An Ultrasensitive Contact Lens Sensor Based On Self‐Assembly Graphene For Continuous Intraocular Pressure Monitoring
Authors: Liu Zhiduo , Wang Gang , Ye Chen , Sun Hongyan , Pei Weihua , Wei Chunrong , Dai Wen , Dou Zhiqiang , Sun Qingyu , Lin Cheng‐Te , Wang Yijun , Chen Hongda , Shen Guozhen
Published: May 2021

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the leading cause of glaucoma. As glaucoma is an irreversible neurological eye disease, it is urgent to realize timely and accurate IOP detection for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Here, a contact lens sensor for continuous IOP monitoring using self‐assembly graphene (SAG), is developed. The combination of face‐to‐face water transfer printing and micro‐electromechanical systems technology can realize the batch preparation of such a sensor. The sensor has good light transmittance and temperature stability. It exhibits an ultra‐high IOP sensitivity of 1.0164 mV mm Hg−1 on a silicone eye, and 3.166 mV mm Hg−1 in vitro on the porcine eye with remarkable linearity. The sensitivity of the proposed sensor is high enough to be read by a commercial radio frequency identification read–write system for continuous wireless monitoring of IOP. Furthermore, the as‐prepared sensor can work as normal for 24 h in phosphate buffer saline.
Self‐Healing Titanium Dioxide Nanocapsules‐Graphene/Multi‐Branched Polyurethane Hybrid Flexible Film with Multifunctional Properties toward Wearable Electronics
Authors: Zhou Jianlin , Liu Han , Sun Yangyi , Wang Chaoxia , Chen Kunlin
Published: May 2021

The integration of self‐healing capabilities into flexible electronics arouses extensive attention. The application of self‐healing electronics with multifunctional properties in a variety of exceptional environments has been identified to be significantly challenging and not yet proven to be fully viable thus far. In the present study, the self‐healing octadecane loaded titanium dioxide nanocapsules (OTNs)‐graphene/multi‐branched polyurethane (PU) hybrid flexible multifunctional film is successfully prepared. The prepared film exhibits a novel self‐repair capability that consists of disulfide bonds in the leading chains for efficient self‐healing of PU damage, as well as multiple amino groups in the branches for damage between OTNs‐graphene and PU. Impacted by the constructed self‐healing system and well‐dispersed OTNs‐graphene, the prepared flexible film demonstrates a prominent performance in piezoresistive sensing and a desirable outcome of ultraviolet protection properties, which can effectively prolong its service life, especially when used outdoors. Moreover, the film exhibits thermal insulating properties, capable of offering a suitable route for thermal protection of bio‐integrated wearable electronic devices system. Thus, this self‐healing multifunctional film is promising in wearable electronics, human–machine interaction, artificial intelligence devices, etc.
Stretchable and Self‐Healable Organohydrogel as Electronic Skin with Low‐Temperature Tolerance and Multiple Stimuli Responsiveness
Authors: Liang Yongzhi , Liang Haiyi
Published: May 2021

The design and fabrication of electronic skin that mimics the human somatosensory system has attracted a great deal of attention. However, existing materials could hardly achieve the unique characteristics that natural skin possesses, including excellent mechanical flexibility, self‐healing ability, the sensory ability of tension, pressure, temperature, humidity, and the ability to secrete sweat through various sensory receptors and nervous pathways. In this paper, a new type of stretchable (over 2150%), tough (over 4 MJ m−3), conductive (up to 1.68 S m−1), and self‐healable (self‐healing efficiency up to 100%) organohydrogel with low‐temperature tolerance (stretchable below −50 °C) and multiple stimuli responsiveness is prepared by a simple “one‐pot” strategy at room temperature. The synthesized electronic skin with this organohydrogel can detect slight changes in tension, pressure, temperature, and humidity, and even distinguish between saline and alkaline solutions, showing high sensitivity in the broad strain window. This organohydrogel also has application prospects in humanoid robotics, flexible energy storage technologies, and health‐monitoring devices.
Aqueous Rechargeable Multivalent Metal‐Ion Batteries: Advances and Challenges
Authors: Pan Zhenghui , Liu Ximeng , Yang Jie , Li Xin , Liu Zhaolin , Loh Xian Jun , Wang John
Published: May 2021

Aqueous rechargeable multivalent metal‐ion batteries (ARMMBs) have a great potential to meet the future demands in the wide spectrum of energy storage applications, ranging from wearables/portables to large‐scale stationary energy storage. This is owing to the abundance of the electrode materials, their eco‐friendliness, high safety, fast‐charging capability, high power density, and long‐cycling capability. There has been considerable progress in ARMMBs over the past ten years. However, their rather narrow operating voltage window and insufficient energy density are still the main barriers to their use as alternative power sources to replace the widely used lithium‐ion batteries. In this overview, the key advantages and current challenges for ARMMBs with respect to the cathode materials, electrolytes, metal anodes, and their integrations into full cells are first examined. The recent approaches in addressing these key challenges are then looked into, focusing on the new designs of advanced electrode materials, electrolytes, and also their interfaces. Finally, perspectives on the near‐future development of ARMMBs are presented, together with a brief roadmap, where one of main pursuits will be to translate ARMMBs from current laboratory prototypes to commercialization/industrialization.
FRET‐Integrated Polymer Brushes for Spatially Resolved Sensing of Changes in Polymer Conformation
Authors: Besford Quinn A. , Yong Huaisong , Merlitz Holger , Christofferson Andrew J. , Sommer Jens‐Uwe , Uhlmann Petra , Fery Andreas
Published: May 2021

Polymer brush surfaces that alter their physical properties in response to chemical stimuli have the capacity to be used as new surface‐based sensing materials. For such surfaces, detecting the polymer conformation is key to their sensing capabilities. Herein, we report on FRET‐integrated ultrathin (<70 nm) polymer brush surfaces that exhibit stimuli‐dependent FRET with changing brush conformation. Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) polymers were chosen due their exceptional sensitivity to liquid mixture compositions and their ability to be assembled into well‐defined polymer brushes. The brush transitions were used to optically sense changes in liquid mixture compositions with high spatial resolution (tens of micrometers), where the FRET coupling allowed for noninvasive observation of brush transitions around complex interfaces with real‐time sensing of the liquid environment. Our methods have the potential to be leveraged towards greater surface‐based sensing capabilities at intricate interfaces.
Synthesis of a Boron–Imidazolate Framework Nanosheet with Dimer Copper Units for CO2 Electroreduction to Ethylene
Authors: Shao Ping , Zhou Wei , Hong Qin‐Long , Yi Luocai , Zheng Lirong , Wang Wenjing , Zhang Hai‐Xia , Zhang Huabin , Zhang Jian
Published: May 2021

Fundamental understanding of the dependence between the structure and composition on the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) would guide the rational design of highly efficient and selective electrocatalysts. A major impediment to the deep reduction CO2 to multi‐carbon products is the complexity of carbon–carbon bond coupling. The chemically well‐defined catalysts with atomically dispersed dual‐metal sites are required for these C−C coupling involved processes. Here, we developed a catalyst (BIF‐102NSs) that features Cl− bridged dimer copper (Cu2) units, which delivers high catalytic activity and selectivity for C2H4. Mechanistic investigation verifies that neighboring Cu monomers not only perform as regulator for varying the reaction barrier, but also afford distinct reaction paths compared with isolated monomers, resulting in greatly improved electroreduction performance for CO2.
Security and privacy with opacity‐based state observation for finite state machine
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Xia Chengyi , Chen Shengyong
Published: May 2021

Topics on security and privacy are very fundamental and important in the Internet of Things (IoT). In this paper, we explore the impact of state observation on the opacity of IoT, which is modeled by Moore‐type finite state machine. Firstly, to characterize the intrusion estimator under the event‐state observation, a multi‐linear algebraic expression is proposed through the Boolean semi‐tensor product (STP), and on the basis of the novel representation, the validation criterion is given by some matrix manipulations. Subsequently, considering that the input information may not be measured due to the physical shielding of the system against external intruders, we continue to discuss the opacity with state observation by a permutation structure matrix. Meanwhile, the verification of opacity with event‐state observation is generalized to the one with only state observation. Finally, we offer an example to illustrate the effectiveness of the newly proposed method. Taken together, the current results are helpful to provide a novel theoretical approach for investigating the privacy‐preserving problem in the area of IoT and complex cyber‐physical networks.
MiR‐3130‐5p is an intermediate modulator of 2q33 and influences the invasiveness of lung adenocarcinoma by targeting NDUFS1
Authors: Zhan Juan , Sun Shenghua , Chen Yixing , Xu Chaoqun , Chen Qinwei , Li Minjie , Pei Yihua , Li Qiyuan
Published: May 2021

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have reported a handful of loci associated with lung cancer risk, of which the pathogenic pathways are largely unknown. We performed cis‐expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping for 376 lung cancer related GWAS loci in 227 TCGA lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and reported two risk loci as eQTL of miRNA. Among the miRNAs in association with lung cancer risk, we further predicted and validated miR‐3130‐5p as an intermediate modulator of risk loci 2q33 and the tumor suppressor NDUFS1. We assessed the phenotypic impacts of the interaction between miR‐3130‐5p and NDUFS1 in both lung cancer cell lines and mice xenograft models. As a result, miR‐3130‐5p directly regulates the expression of NDUFS1 and the corresponding tumor invasiveness, migration and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our findings provide important clues for the pathogenic mechanism of 2q33 in lung carcinogenesis which informs clinical diagnosis and prognosis of LUAD.

We performed a cis‐eQTL analysis for 376 lung cancer risk loci based on the expression profiles of 251 miRNAs in a cohort of 227 TCGA lung adenocarcinoma. We report a novel pathogenic pathway of 2q33 via miR‐3130‐5p and NDUFS1.
Influence of parents, peers, and media on adolescents' consumer knowledge, attitudes, and purchase behavior: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Mishra Anubhav , Maity Moutusy
Published: May 2021

Adolescents are considered a critical consumer segment due to their huge spending power and significant influence in family purchase decisions. Parents, peers, and media are the three essential socialization agents that significantly influence adolescents' consumer knowledge (awareness), attitudes (attitude toward ad, brand, and price), and purchase behavior via the process of consumer socialization. This meta‐analysis investigates the impact of these agents by integrating findings from 36 studies, including 194 relationships among 29,209 adolescent respondents. The study examines the moderating role of various cultural dimensions (individualistic, power distance, and masculinity), publication year, and age. The findings reveal that peers have the maximum number of significant effects, followed by media and parents. Parents and peers have a stronger impact on adolescents' attitudes toward brand in cultures that are high in individualism and power distance. The effects for many focal relationships are stronger in recent publications, which confirms the critical influence of the external environment, including access to the Internet and social media. Age, culture, and publication year moderate key relationships. The study contributes to consumer socialization literature and has practical implications for marketers interested in teenage consumers.
Dental stem cell banking: Techniques and protocols
Authors: Khaseb Sanaz , Orooji Mahdi , Pour Majid Ghasemian , Safavi Seyed Mohammadreza , Eghbal Mohammad Jafar , Rezai Rad Maryam
Published: May 2021

Dental tissue‐derived stem cells (DSCs) provide an easy, accessible, relatively noninvasive promising source of adult stem cells (ASCs), which brought encouraging prospective for their clinical applications. DSCs provide a perfect opportunity to apply for a patient's own ASC, which poses a low risk of immune rejection. However, problems associated with the long‐term culture of stem cells, including loss of proliferation and differentiation capacities, senescence, genetic instability, and the possibility of microbial contamination, make cell banking necessary. With the rapid development of advanced cryopreservation technology, various international DSC banks have been established for both research and clinical applications around the world. However, few studies have been published that provide step‐by‐step guidance on DSCs isolation and banking methods. The purpose of this review is to present protocols and technical details for all steps of cryopreserved DSCs, from donor selection, isolation, cryopreservation, to characterization and quality control. Here, the emphasis is on presenting practical principles in accordance with the available valid guidelines.
Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide on 3D Printed Electrodes
Authors: Vaněčková Eva , Bouša Milan , Shestivska Violetta , Kubišta Jiří , Moreno‐García Pavel , Broekmann Peter , Rahaman Motiar , Zlámal Martin , Heyda Jan , Bernauer Milan , Sebechlebská Táňa , Kolivoška Viliam
Published: May 2021

Rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) intensify global warming. Electrochemical reduction of CO2 allows its conversion into value‐added chemicals. This work presents the first application of 3D printing to manufacture catalysts for this process. Carbon nanotube‐based electrodes printed by fused deposition modeling were functionalized by copper electroplating. The combination of scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical characterization revealed that the electroplating leads to randomly positioned hemispherical copper microparticles with charge transfer characteristics approaching those of planar interfaces. The activity of catalysts was inspected in the saturated solution of CO2 in aqueous KHCO3 electrolyte by monitoring the concentration of formate (HCOO−) as one of reaction products. The Faradaic efficiency vs. electrode potential dependence found in this work is comparable to characteristics reported for conventionally prepared micro‐structured copper catalysts. Procedures devised and implemented in this work pave the way for the development of 3D printed electrocatalysts with controlled micro‐architecture, activity and product selectivity.
Silver(I)‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes challenge cancer; evaluation of their anticancer properties and in silico studies
Authors: Şahin‐Bölükbaşı Serap , Cantürk‐Kılıçkaya Pakize , Kılıçkaya Ozan
Published: May 2021

Because of the continuous need for efficient therapeutic agents against various kinds of cancers and infectious diseases, the pharmaceutical industry has to find new candidates and strategies to develop novel and efficient drugs. They increasingly use computational tools in R&D stages for screening extensive sets of drug candidates before starting pre‐clinical and clinical trials. N‐Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) can be evaluated as good drug candidates because they offer both anti‐cancer and anti‐inflammatory features with their general low‐toxicity profiles. To date, different kinds of NHCs (Cu, Co, Ni, Au, Ag, Ru, etc.) have been synthesized and their therapeutic uses has been shown. Here, we have reviewed the recent studies focused on Ag(I)‐NHC complexes and their anti‐cancer activities. Also, existing examples of the usage of density functional theory and structure–activity relationship have been evaluated.
MultiGWAS: An integrative tool for Genome Wide Association Studies in tetraploid organisms
Authors: Garreta Luis , Cerón‐Souza Ivania , Palacio Manfred Ricardo , Reyes‐Herrera Paula H.
Published: May 2021

The genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) are essential to determine the genetic bases of either ecological or economic phenotypic variation across individuals within populations of the model and nonmodel organisms. For this research question, the GWAS replication testing different parameters and models to validate the results' reproducibility is common. However, straightforward methodologies that manage both replication and tetraploid data are still missing. To solve this problem, we designed the MultiGWAS, a tool that does GWAS for diploid and tetraploid organisms by executing in parallel four software packages, two designed for polyploid data (GWASpoly and SHEsis) and two designed for diploid data (GAPIT and TASSEL). MultiGWAS has several advantages. It runs either in the command line or in a graphical interface; it manages different genotype formats, including VCF. Moreover, it allows control for population structure, relatedness, and several quality control checks on genotype data. Besides, MultiGWAS can test for additive and dominant gene action models, and, through a proprietary scoring function, select the best model to report its associations. Finally, it generates several reports that facilitate identifying false associations from both the significant and the best‐ranked association Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) among the four software packages. We tested MultiGWAS with public tetraploid potato data for tuber shape and several simulated data under both additive and dominant models. These tests demonstrated that MultiGWAS is better at detecting reliable associations than using each of the four software packages individually. Moreover, the parallel analysis of polyploid and diploid software that only offers MultiGWAS demonstrates its utility in understanding the best genetic model behind the SNP association in tetraploid organisms. Therefore, MultiGWAS probed to be an excellent alternative for wrapping GWAS replication in diploid and tetraploid organisms in a single analysis environment.
New Magnetic and Luminescent Dy(III) and Dy(III)/Y(III) Based Tetranuclear Silsesquioxane Cages
Authors: Kulakova Alena N. , Nigoghossian Karina , Félix Gautier , Khrustalev Victor N. , Shubina Elena S. , Long Jérôme , Guari Yannick , Carlos Luis D. , Bilyachenko Alexey N. , Larionova Joulia
Published: May 2021

We report here the synthesis, structure, luminescence, and magnetic properties of three new cage‐like tetranuclear silsesquioxanes (Et4N)2[(PhSiO1..5)8(Y0.75Dy0.25O1.5)4(O)(NO2.5)6(EtOH)2(MeCN)2] and (Cat)2[(PhSiO1.5)8(DyO1.5)4(O)(NO2.5)6(EtOH)2(MeCN)2] (Cat=Et4N or Ph4P). They present a characteristic green‐yellow emission. The Y3+/Dy3+ compound displays in addition a field‐induced Single Molecule Magnet (SMM) behavior making it the first reported bifunctional magneto‐luminescent silsesquioxane.
Cross-Ecosystem Fluxes of Pesticides from Prairie Wetlands Mediated by Aquatic Insect Emergence: Implications for Terrestrial Insectivores
Authors: Kraus Johanna M. , Kuivila Kathryn M. , Hladik Michelle L. , Shook Neil , Mushet David M. , Dowdy Kelen , Harrington Rachel
Published: May 2021

Contaminants alter the quantity and quality of insect prey available to terrestrial insectivores. In agricultural regions, the quantity of aquatic insects emerging from freshwaters can be impacted by insecticides originating from surrounding croplands. We hypothesized that, in such regions, adult aquatic insects could also act as vectors of pesticide transfer to terrestrial food webs. To estimate insect-mediated pesticide flux from wetlands embedded in an important agricultural landscape, semipermanetly and temporarily ponded wetlands were surveyed in cropland and grassland landscapes across a natural salinity gradient in the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota (USA) during the bird breeding season in 2015 and 2016 (n = 14 and 15 wetlands, respectively). Current-use pesticides, including the herbicide atrazine and the insecticides bifenthrin and imidacloprid, were detected in newly emerged insects. Pesticide detections were similar in insects emerging from agricultural and grassland wetlands. Biomass of emerging aquatic insects decreased 43%, and insect-mediated pesticide flux increased 50% along the observed gradient in concentrations of insecticides in emerging aquatic insects (from 3 to 577 ng total insecticide g–1 insect). Overall, adult aquatic insects were estimated to transfer between 2 and 180 µg total pesticide wetland–1 d–1 to the terrestrial ecosystem. In one of the 2 study years, biomass of emerging adult aquatic insects was also 73% lower from agricultural than grassland wetlands and was dependent on salinity. Our results suggest that accumulated insecticides reduce the availability of adult aquatic insect prey for insectivores and potentially increase insectivore exposure to insect-borne pesticides. Adult aquatic insects retain pesticides across metamorphosis and may expose insectivores living near both agricultural and grassland wetlands to dietary sources of toxic chemicals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2282–2296. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Abstract
Development of a novel hybrid cognitive model validation framework for implementation under COVID‐19 restrictions
Authors: Stone Paul B. , Nelson Hailey Marie , Fendley Mary E. , Ganapathy Subhashini
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to develop a method for validation of cognitive models consistent with the remote working situation arising from COVID‐19 restrictions in place in Spring 2020. We propose a framework for structuring validation tasks and applying a scoring system to determine initial model validity. We infer an objective validity level for cognitive models requiring no in‐person observations, and minimal reliance on remote usability and observational studies. This approach has been derived from the necessity of the COVID‐19 response, however, we believe this approach can lower costs and reduce timelines to initial validation in post‐Covid‐19 studies, enabling faster progress in the development of cognitive engineering systems. A three‐stage hybrid validation framework was developed based on existing validation methods and was adapted to enable compliance with the specific limitations derived from COVID‐19 response restrictions. This validation method includes elements of argument‐based validation combined with a cognitive walkthrough analysis, and reflexivity assessments. We conducted a case study of the proposed framework on a developmental cognitive model of cardiovascular surgery to demonstrate application of a real‐world validation task. This framework can be easily and quickly implemented by a small research team and provides a structured validation method to increase confidence in assumptions as well as to provide evidence to support validity claims in the early stages of model development.
A heuristic international glimpse at SARS‐CoV‐2 effects on work‐home equilibrium and women
Authors: Gulotta Crystal J. , Madeira‐Revell Kirsten , Fendley Mary E.
Published: May 2021

This article takes a condensed look at the impact that SARS‐CoV‐2 has had on the work‐life balance of women engineers across the world in industry, military and academia. The same impact has been felt by all women, not only in science, as it is this gender status that inevitably ties women together, facing the same challenges, and cannot be separated by category of employment, or lack thereof. Studies from around the world give us insight into how the pandemic has instigated changes and influenced choices made between work and domestic demands. Globally, women are burdened with challenges that may compromise their progression in male‐dominated fields, such as engineering. Taking a glimpse at this issue for women through an international lens, we identify potential human factors methods to respond to this global problem, offering tools and forewarnings for improving our efforts in designing for, and maintaining equilibrium for women in engineering, technology, academia, and beyond.
Integration of human factors/ergonomics in healthcare systems: A giant leap in safety as a key strategy during Covid‐19
Authors: Rodríguez Yordán , Hignett Sue
Published: May 2021

In this article, we present a model for integrating Human Factors/Ergonomics (HFE) into healthcare systems to make them more robust and resilient. We believe that to increase the impact of HFE during and after the Covid‐19 pandemic this integration should be carried out simultaneously at all levels (micro, meso, and macro) of the healthcare system. This new model recognizes the interrelationship between HFE and other system characteristics such as capacity, coverage, robustness, integrity, and resilience. We hope that the model will serve as a reference for a giant leap to design and improve the safety and effectiveness of healthcare services from a holistic (systems) perspective.
It's About Time: Temporal Management in Feature‐Based Product Line Engineering
Authors: Clements Paul
Published: May 2021

Feature‐based product line engineering employs the PLE factory concept in which all development occurs for any product line product. Any organization employing this paradigm in a contract‐based (as opposed to a mass market) context must answer the question: Who pays for the work inside the factory that may benefit multiple contracts? The answer can be surprisingly complex, involving security, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property protection issues of both the PLE organization and its customers. This article offers a method for answering this question by establishing processes to create charge numbers to which everyone working in the PLE factory can charge their effort. These processes must connect the funding supply to the funding consumption in a way that is fair, equitable, and compliant with applicable rules and regulations.
Tumors modulate fenestrated vascular beds and host endocrine status
Authors: Hargreaves Adam , Barry Simon T. , Bigley Alison , Kendrew Jane , Price Shirley
Published: May 2021

Allograft and xenograft transplantation into a mouse host is frequently utilized to study cancer biology, tumor behavior, and response to treatment. Preclinical studies employing these models often focus solely upon the intra‐tumoral effects of a given treatment, without consideration of systemic toxicity or tumor–host interaction, nor whether this latter relationship could modulate the toxicologic response to therapy. Here it is demonstrated that the implantation and growth of a range of human‐ and mouse‐derived cell lines leads to structural vascular and, potentially, functional changes within peripheral endocrine tissues, a process that could conceivably ameliorate the severity of anti‐angiogenic‐induced fenestrated vessel attenuation. Observations suggest a multifactorial process, which may involve host‐ and tumor‐derived cytokines/growth factors, and the liberation of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells. Further investigation revealed a structurally comparable response to the administration of exogenous estrogen. These findings, in addition to providing insight into the development of clinical anti‐angiogenic “adaptation,” may be of significance within the “cancer‐cachexia” and cancer‐related anemia syndromes in man.
Assessment of subclinical left atrial myocardial dysfunction in essential hypertension patients with normal left ventricle function by two‐dimensional strain and volume‐derived variables
Authors: Huang Jun , Ni Cai‐Fang , Yang Chao , Yan Zi‐Ning , Fan Li
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To investigate subclinical left atrial (LA) myocardial dysfunction in essential hypertension (EHT) patients by using volume‐derived and two‐dimensional strain.

Methods

We enrolled in this study 51 normal subjects and 95 EHT patients. The LA volume‐derived index was measured in apical 4‐ and 2‐chamber views. LA strain and strain rate, reservoir, conduit, and booster pump functions were measured by two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).

Results

LA ejection fraction (LAEF) and absolute strain‐derived values were significantly lower in EHT patients than in controls. LAEF (total, passive), absolute values of LA strain (S‐reservoir and S‐conduit), and strain rate (Sr‐reservoir and Sr‐conduit) were significantly lower in EHT patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) than in patients without LVH and in controls. However, there were no significant difference in active LAEF or S‐booster pump and Sr‐booster pump functions between EHT patients without LVH and normal subjects. The areas under the curves of the combination of volume‐derived values, LA strain, and strain rate were significantly higher than those of individual indices.

Conclusion

In our population, EHT patients showed impaired LA functions and greater stiffness than normal subjects. EHT patients with LVH showed greater impairment of LA reservoir and conduit functions than patients without LVH. EHT patients without LVH had normal LA booster pump function, which was impaired in patients with LVH. Volume‐derived and 2D strain values could provide a sensitive and reproducible method for detecting subclinical LA myocardial dysfunction in EHT.
JNK/Elk1 signaling and PCNA protein expression in the brain of hibernating frog Pelophylax esculentus
Authors: Falvo Sara , Santillo Alessandra , Di Fiore Maria Maddalena , Rosati Luigi , Chieffi Baccari Gabriella
Published: May 2021

Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and neurogenesis are known to play a role in neuronal survival during hibernation. Herein, we investigate the activity of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK) and Ets like‐1 protein (Elk1) kinase involved in cell survival, as well as the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a cell proliferation marker, in the brain of the frog Pelophylax esculentus. The study was conducted on female and male frogs collected during the annual cycle. Our results demonstrated that JNK activity increased during the hibernating phase in relation to the active phase. Interestingly, P‐Elk1 levels were positively correlated with P‐JNK levels, suggesting that the JNK/Elk1 pathway is pivotal in mediating neuroprotective adaptations that are essential to successful hibernation. On the contrary, we detected higher PCNA expression levels during the active period compared with the hibernating period. A sex dimorphism was observed in the expression levels of P‐JNK/P‐Elk1 that were specifically higher in males, and in the expression of PCNA reporting higher levels in female brains. Much remains to be learned regarding the regulation of hibernation, however, our findings provide new insights into the role of MAPK and proliferative pathways in hibernation, adding new knowledge concerning the mechanisms activated in the brain of ectothermic species to counteract the damage resulting from extreme temperatures.
Shoring up the foundations of production to respiration ratios in lakes
Authors: Brothers Soren , Vadeboncoeur Yvonne
Published: May 2021

The ratio of primary production to ecosystem respiration rates (P:R ratio) is an ostensibly simple calculation that is used to characterize lake function, including trophic status, the incorporation of terrestrial organic carbon into lacustrian food webs, and the direction of carbon dioxide (CO2) flux between a lake and the atmosphere. However, many predictive links between P:R ratios and lake ecosystem function stem from a historically plankton‐centric perspective and the common use of the diel oxygen curve approach. We review the evolution of the use of P:R ratios and examine common assumptions underlying their application to (1) eutrophication, (2) carbon flux through lake food webs, and (3) the role of lakes in the global carbon budget. Foundational P:R studies have been complicated principally by the following: most P:R ratios were calculated from mid‐lake measurements and failed to incorporate nonplanktonic dynamics; there has been confusion regarding the food web implications when P:R ≠ 1; and CO2 fluxes between lakes and the atmosphere are influenced by nonmetabolic processes. We argue for a re‐assessment, or shoring up, of several fundamental assumptions that continue to guide metabolism research in lakes by accounting for mixing, benthic‐littoral processes, groundwater fluxes, and abiotic controls on gas dynamics to better understand lake food webs and accurately integrate lake ecosystems into landscape‐scale carbon cycling models.
Management of Biliary Stricture in Pediatric Liver Transplantation Patients: Long‐Term Outcomes
Authors: Yan Kimberly L. , Gomes Antoinette S. , Monteleone Phillip A. , Venick Robert S. , McDiarmid Sue V. , Vargas Jorge H. , Farmer Douglas G.
Published: May 2021

Postoperative biliary complications have been reported to occur in 10% to 33% of pediatric liver transplantation (LT) recipients. Percutaneous intervention has become the primary treatment method for these complications; however, the efficacy and outcomes of these patients have not been well studied. Institutional pediatric LT from 1998 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed to determine the patients referred for percutaneous treatment of post‐LT biliary strictures. Clinical parameters, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiograms (PTCs), biliary catheter placement, cholangioplasty, and long‐term outcomes were analyzed. Of the 396 consecutive pediatric LT recipients during our study period, 50 (12.6%) were diagnosed with biliary strictures on PTC. LT biliary reconstructions were Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy in 28 patients (56%), choledochojejunostomy in 11 patients (22%), and choledochocholedochostomy in 11 patients (22%). Median age at LT was 23.2 months (interquartile range [IQR], 10.9‐90.6), and 14 patients (28%) developed hepatic artery thrombosis. A total of 44 patients (88%) were treated with internal/external biliary catheters, of whom 38 (76%) underwent balloon cholangioplasty. By 12 months, 84% of patients had complete stricture resolution and catheter removal. Median total duration of catheter drainage was 152 days (IQR, 76‐308). A total of 8 patients required additional surgery (biliary reconstruction or repeat LT [re‐LT]) or died with a drainage catheter in place from complications unrelated to PTC intervention. Among the 6 patients (12%) treated with unilateral external biliary drainage catheters, 2 had catheters removed for inadequate drainage but then had spontaneous biliary obstruction resolution, 1 underwent duct reconstruction, and 3 required long‐term catheterization. Biliary strictures following pediatric LT can be successfully treated with internal/external biliary drainage catheters and cholangioplasty if the stricture can be crossed. However, patients with isolated strictured ducts may require long‐term external catheter drainage until re‐LT or percutaneous obliteration of isolated ducts.
Hybrid apes in the Anthropocene: Burden or asset for conservation?
Authors: Palmer Alexandra , Sommer Volker , Msindai Josephine Nadezda
Published: May 2021

Conservationists often view hybrid animals as problematic, at least if anthropogenic influence caused the intermixing to occur. However, critics propose that humans should respect non‐human autonomy, reject and accept the creatures they have helped to create.

Based on two case studies of our own ethological, genetic and ethnographic research about chimpanzee and orangutan subspecies hybrids, we assess what, if anything, should be done about such animals. We consider problems posed by cross‐bred apes relating to: (a) Breeding—Do hybrids really experience reduced reproductive success? How are population‐level concerns and welfare of individual animals balanced in conservation breeding? (b) Essentialism—Are anti‐hybrid arguments based on essentialist or purist thinking? Does essentialism vary by conservation context? (c) Pragmatism—How do socio‐economic circumstances influence whether hybrids are embraced or ignored? Does the erosion of ‘untouched nature’ render hybrids more important?

We show that answers to these questions are complex and context‐specific, and that therefore decisions should be made on a case‐by‐case basis. For example, we find that anti‐hybrid arguments are essentialist in some cases (e.g. ape management in zoos) but not in others (e.g. ape reintroduction). Thus, rather than present recommendations, we conclude by posing nine questions that conservationists should ask themselves when making decisions about taxonomic hybrids.

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A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Synthesis of Multisubstituted Indanedione Based Spiropyrans via Oxa‐Michael/Michael Cascade Reaction
Authors: Reddy Yeruva Pavankumar , Gudise Veera Babu , Settipalli Poorna Chandrasekhar , Anwar Shaik
Published: May 2021

A sequential formal [4+2] cyclization involving cascade protocol has been developed for the construction of multisubstituted six‐membered spirocyclic scaffolds by using 2‐arylidene‐1, 3‐indanedione and nitro allylic alcohol. This method generates four stereocenters in spiropyran ring with high diastereoselctivity (99 : 1) under mild reaction conditions.
An Individual Amino Acid as a Possible Prebiotic Catalyst
Authors: Agazani Omer , Tulpin Alon , Reches Meital
Published: May 2021

The front cover artwork is provided by Mrs. Zehava Cohen from the graphical unit of the Hebrew University based on the idea of Mr. Omer Agazani and Prof. Meital Reches. The image shows the structure of L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) in a “prebiotic environment”. We demonstrate the possibility that DOPA, an individual amino acid, could act as a prebiotic catalyst. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/syst.202100005.