bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing Limitations of Aggregation‐Induced Photocarrier Trapping for Photovoltaic Stability via Tailoring Intermolecular Electron–Phonon Coupling in Highly Efficient Quaternary Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Kang‐Ning , Du Xiao‐Yan , Chen Zhi‐Hao , Wang Tong , Yang Zhang‐Qiang , Yin Hang , Yang Ye , Qin Wei , Hao Xiao‐Tao
Published: December 2021

The kinetic aggregation of nonfullerene acceptors under nonequilibrium conditions can induce electron–phonon interaction roll‐off and electronic band structure transition, which represents an important limitation for long‐term operational stability of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the fundamental underlying mechanisms have received limited attention. Herein, a photophysical correlation picture between intermolecular electron–phonon coupling and trapping of electronic excitation is proposed based on the different aggregation behaviors of BTP‐eC9 in bulk‐heterojunction and layer‐by‐layer processed multicomponent OSCs. Two separate factors rationalize their correlation mechanisms: 1) the local lattice and/or molecular deformation can be regarded as the results of BTP‐eC9 aggregates in binary system under continuous heating, which brings about attenuated intermolecular electron–phonon coupling with intensified photocarrier trapping. 2) The higher density of trap states with more extended tails into the bandgap give rise to the formation of highly localized trapped polarons with a longer lifetime. The stabilized intermolecular electron–phonon coupling through synergistic regulation of donor and acceptor materials effectively suppresses unfavorable photocarrier trapping, delivering the improved device efficiency of 18.10% and enhanced thermal stability in quaternary OSCs. These results provide valuable property–function insights for further boosting photovoltaic stability in view of modulating intermolecular electron–phonon coupling.
Endowing inorganic nanomaterials with circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Han Dongxue , Li Chengxi , Jiang Chengyu , Jin Xue , Wang Xiongbin , Chen Rui , Cheng Jiaji , Duan Pengfei
Published: December 2021

Recently, materials with circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) properties have attracted substantial attention because they offer new perspectives in fundamental research and wide applications in photonics, bio‐encoding, catalysis, and so forth. Such importance has recently promoted the development of CPL‐active materials from the traditional realm of organics to newly released areas in inorganics. Due to the advantages of inorganic nanomaterials in stability, high luminescent quantum efficiency, material diversity, and the diversity of shapes and sizes, extensive research about CPL active inorganic nanomaterials has been done in the past decades leading to great signs of progress on synthesis, characterizations, and potential applications. In this review, therefore, we will thoroughly describe the general design principles of inorganic nanomaterials with CPL activity, basically according to the origins of chirality in inorganic nanomaterials: intrinsic chirality in inorganic nanomaterials, ligand‐induced chirality, and structural chirality caused by the supramolecular assembly, respectively. The representative applications of the CPL‐active inorganic nanomaterials are presented with respect to challenges, prospective, and problems that unsolved to date.
The protective gene dose effect of the APOEε2 allele on gray matter volume in cognitively unimpaired individuals
Authors: Salvadó Gemma , Ferreira Daniel , Operto Grégory , Cumplido‐Mayoral Irene , Arenaza‐Urquijo Eider M. , Cacciaglia Raffaele , Falcon Carles , Vilor‐Tejedor Natàlia , Minguillon Carolina , Groot Colin , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Barkhof Frederik , Scheltens Philip , Ossenkoppele Rik , Kern Silke , Zettergren Anna , Skoog Ingmar , Hort Jakub , Stomrud Erik , van Westen Danielle , Hansson Oskar , Molinuevo José Luis , Wahlund Lars‐Olof , Westman Eric , Gispert Juan Domingo ,   ALFA study†, BioFINDER, ADNI
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Harboring two copies of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε2 allele strongly protects against Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the effect of this genotype on gray matter (GM) volume in cognitively unimpaired individuals has not yet been described.

Methods

Multicenter brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs) from cognitively unimpaired ε2 homozygotes were matched (1:1) against all other APOE genotypes for relevant confounders (n = 223). GM volumes of ε2 genotypic groups were compared to each other and to the reference group (APOE ε3/ε3).

Results

Carrying at least one ε2 allele was associated with larger GM volumes in brain areas typically affected by AD and also in areas associated with cognitive resilience. APOE ε2 homozygotes, but not APOE ε2 heterozygotes, showed larger GM volumes in areas related to successful aging.

Discussion

In addition to the known resistance against amyloid‐β deposition, the larger GM volumes in key brain regions may confer APOE ε2 homozygotes additional protection against AD‐related cognitive decline.
Improving thermo‐oxidative stability and mediums resistance of nitrile rubber via surface superhydrophobic modification
Authors: Lu Xiaolong , Wang Jianshu , Cai Shuwei , Niu Ben , He Qin , He Xianru
Published: December 2021

Recently, the research of blending anti‐aging modification of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) has been widely reported, but the surface effect in the rubber aging process has been obviously ignored. Starting from the surface microstructure design, the construction of surface protection barrier may be a new anti‐aging way. In this paper, the surface superhydrophobic NBRsurf‐polydopamine (PDA)‐(SiO2‐g‐PFOMA) is prepared through a ordered modification of two‐step physical deposition to NBR with PDA and SiO2 grafted with Perfluorooctylmethacrylate (SiO2‐g‐PFOMA). By comparing the mechanical properties before and after aging, it is found that the DA surface pretreatment significantly improves the NBR thermo‐oxidative aging. On this basis, surface superhydrophobic SiO2‐g‐PFOMA microstructure has set up to further prevents NBR from the attack of corrosive media such as acid, alkali, salt and water. After aging in HCl solution at 90°C for 96 h, the fracture strength, elongation and aging coefficient of NBRsurf‐PDA‐(SiO2‐g‐PFOMA) compared with unmodified NBR(KB) were increased by 2.28 MPa, 48.76% and 0.18, respectively. This work can offer an surface anti‐aging technology to NBR.
Calculation of the ovule number in the genus Salix: A method for taxa differentiation
Authors: Marchenko Аlexander M. , Kuzovkina Yulia A.
Published: December 2021

Premise

Recent investigations have demonstrated that the number of ovules present in the ovaries of the willow flower (Salix spp., Salicaceae) can be used to confirm the identification of species and hybrids. We present the method to calculate the ovule number, along with examples demonstrating its use for both species and hybrid verification.

Methods and Results

The best time to obtain a reliable ovule count is at the beginning of anthesis before numerous hairs develop in the ovary or after seed dispersal when the funiculi on the placenta can be counted. The ovules in all of the ovaries of one catkin should be counted, and the ovule index is recorded as their minimum–maximum range. The ovule number of a hybrid is the statistical mean of the ovule number of its parents.

Conclusions

Ovule quantification is a useful tool that, in conjunction with traditional morphological and modern molecular techniques, presents additional evidence to support taxonomic decisions. The ovule number can also assist in species identification, classification, and in hybridization studies to verify the parentage of willow hybrids.
Abschätzung der Kippstabilität für gabelgelagerte Einfeldträger aus Stahlbeton und Spannbeton
Authors: Röder Friedrich‐Karl
Published: December 2021

Die im Folgenden vorgestellte Vorgehensweise beschreibt eine Methode, die Kippstabilität für gabelgelagerte Einfeldträger aus Stahlbeton und Spannbeton recht zuverlässig abzuschätzen. Zuerst werden die für das Kippen maßgebenden Steifigkeiten, seitliche Biegesteifigkeit (EIz) und Torsionssteifigkeit (GIt), für das vorhandene Hauptbiegemoment My ermittelt. Mit diesen Steifigkeiten wird anschließend mittels einer aus dem Verzweigungsproblem bekannten Gleichung das kritische Kippmoment Mkr bestimmt. Mit Mkr und MEd,y wird dann ein Verhältniswert gebildet, mit dem aus den vorgegebenen Vorverformungen die entsprechenden Endverformungen berechnet werden. Über den Winkel der Endverdrehung ergibt sich ein Nebenbiegemoment Mz. Abschließend erfolgt die Überprüfung der Tragfähigkeit für die nun vorliegende zweiachsige Biegung. Diese Vorgehensweise wird ausführlich an zwei Beispielen gezeigt. An 15 Stahlbeton‐ und 45 Spannbetonträgern wird das Abschätzverfahren über einen Traglastvergleich mit einem genaueren Verfahren validiert. Ergänzend wird noch eine näherungsweise Ermittlung des Torsionsmoments am Auflager angegeben.
Dual‐channel charge transfer doping of graphene by sulfuric acid
Authors: Park Kwanghee , Ryu Sunmin
Published: December 2021

Two‐dimensional materials represented by graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides undergo charge transfer (CT) processes and become hole‐doped in strong mineral acids. Nonetheless, their mechanisms remain unclear or controversial. This work proposes and verifies two distinctive CT channels in sulfuric acids, respectively, driven by oxygen reduction reaction involving O2/H2O redox couples and reduction of bisulfate or related species. Acid‐induced changes in the charge density of graphene were in situ quantified as a function of oxygen content using Raman spectroscopy. At acid concentrations lower than 6 M, the former channel is operative, requiring dissolved O2. Above 6 M, the degree of CT was even higher because the former is cooperated with by the latter channel, which does not need dissolved oxygen. The mechanism revealed in this study will advance our fundamental understanding of how low‐dimensional materials interact with chemical environments.
Hamstring branches of the sciatic nerve as donors for neurotization of the superior gluteal nerve: A cadaveric feasibility study
Authors: Murthy Nikhil K. , Iwanaga Joe , Tubbs R. Shane , Spinner Robert J.
Published: December 2021

Although superior gluteal nerve (SGN) injury can have significant morbidity, to date, surgical strategies for its repair are scant in the literature. Specifically, neurotization options have not been explored. To address this deficiency in the literature, the current cadaveric feasibility study was performed. Via a transgluteal approach on 16 cadaveric sides, the proximal sciatic nerve and the entrance of the SGN into the gluteus medius and minimus were identified. Additionally, branches from the sciatic nerve to the hamstring muscles were traced proximally to confirm their position in relation to the sciatic nerve as a whole. These branches were cut at the level of the ischial tuberosity and teased away from the sciatic nerve proximally to the greater sciatic foramen and transferred superolateral to the SGN. The diameter of each nerve branch was measured as well as its available length for reaching the SGN. All branches of the sciatic nerve to the hamstring muscles arose from the anteromedial part of the nerve. The mean diameters of the branches to the semimembranosus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris muscles were 2.1, 1.9, and 1.5 mm, respectively. The mean diameter of the SGN was 3.1 mm and the mean distance from this entrance point to the ischial spine was 7.2 cm. The mean length of the donor nerve was 8.5 cm. Based on our study, use of a tibial‐innervated hamstring branch as a donor for nerve transfer to the SGN is feasible.
Coping styles and optimism predict different aspects of well‐being in a randomised controlled trial of a tailored counselling intervention for injured workers
Authors: Abegglen Sandra , Hegy Julia Katharina , Schade Volker , Hoffmann‐Richter Ulrike , Znoj Hansjörg
Published: December 2021

Objective

Many injured people suffer from reduced well‐being and emotional distress even with mild‐to‐moderate accident‐related injuries. This study aimed to identify moderators of treatment efficacy of a highly tailored multidisciplinary counselling intervention for injured workers.

Methods

We conducted exploratory moderator analyses of a prospective randomised controlled trial with 192 mild to moderately injured workers (71.9% men; Mage = 50) who were randomised to either a control group with case management only, or an intervention group with case management plus tailored counselling intervention. Seven moderators, including five coping styles, as well as dispositional optimism and pessimism, were assessed at baseline. The outcome measures, assessed at baseline and 12 months (post‐measure) and 18 months (follow‐up measure) post‐injury, concerned five aspects of well‐being: job and life satisfaction, negative feelings, well‐being related to family and personal health.

Results

We found differential treatment effects, as participants low in social diversion (d = 0.26), high in emotion‐oriented coping (d = 0.64) and low in optimism (d = 0.48) benefited from the tailored counselling intervention and showed enhanced well‐being in different aspects of life. No other effects were significant.

Conclusion

The results suggest that our tailored counselling intervention has a modest effect on negative feelings for mild to moderately injured workers. Generally, dispositional optimism and coping styles should be considered in rehabilitation interventions of injured workers.
Release of Molecular Cargo from Polymer Systems by Mechanochemistry
Authors: Küng Robin , Göstl Robert , Schmidt Bernd M.
Published: December 2021

The design and manipulation of (multi)functional materials at the nanoscale holds the promise of fuelling tomorrow's major technological advances. In the realm of macromolecular nanosystems, the incorporation of force‐responsive groups, so called mechanophores, has resulted in unprecedented access to responsive behaviours and enabled sophisticated functions of the resulting structures and advanced materials. Among the diverse force‐activated motifs, the on‐demand release or activation of compounds, such as catalysts, drugs, or monomers for self‐healing, are sought‐after since they enable triggering pristine small molecule function from macromolecular frameworks. Here, we highlight examples of molecular cargo release systems from polymer‐based architectures in solution by means of sonochemical activation by ultrasound (ultrasound‐induced mechanochemistry). Important design concepts of these advanced materials are discussed, as well as their syntheses and applications.
Lights and Shadows of DMSO as Solvent for Tin Halide Perovskites
Authors: Pascual Jorge , Di Girolamo Diego , Flatken Marion A. , Aldamasy Mahmoud H. , Li Guixiang , Li Meng , Abate Antonio
Published: December 2021

In 2020 dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the ever‐present solvent for tin halide perovskites, was identified as an oxidant for SnII. Nonetheless, alternatives are lacking and few efforts have been devoted to replacing it. To understand this trend it is indispensable to learn the importance of DMSO on the development of tin halide perovskites. Its unique properties have allowed processing compact thin‐films to be integrated into tin perovskite solar cells. Creative approaches for controlling the perovskite crystallization or increasing its stability to oxidation have been developed relying on DMSO‐based inks. However, increasingly sophisticated strategies appear to lead the field to a plateau of power conversion efficiency in the range of 10–15 %. And, while DMSO‐based formulations have performed in encouraging means so far, we should also start considering their potential limitations. In this concept article, we discuss the benefits and limitations of DMSO‐based tin perovskite processing.
Chemically Synthesized, Self‐Assembling Small Interfering RNA‐Prohead RNA Molecules Trigger Dicer‐Independent Gene Silencing
Authors: Hill Alyssa C. , van Leeuwen Daniël , Schlösser Verena , Behera Alok , Mateescu Bogdan , Hall Jonathan
Published: December 2021

RNA interference (RNAi) mediated by small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes is a powerful therapeutic modality, but the translation of siRNAs from the bench into clinical application has been hampered by inefficient delivery in vivo. An innovative delivery strategy involves fusing siRNAs to a three‐way junction (3WJ) motif derived from the phi29 bacteriophage prohead RNA (pRNA). Chimeric siRNA‐3WJ molecules are presumed to enter the RNAi pathway through Dicer cleavage. Here, we fused siRNAs to the phi29 3WJ and two phylogenetically related 3WJs. We confirmed that the siRNA‐3WJs are substrates for Dicer in vitro. However, our results reveal that siRNA‐3WJs transfected into Dicer‐deficient cell lines trigger potent gene silencing. Interestingly, siRNA‐3WJs transfected into an Argonaute 2‐deficient cell line also retain some gene silencing activity. siRNA‐3WJs are most efficient when the antisense strand of the siRNA duplex is positioned 5′ of the 3WJ (5′‐siRNA‐3WJ) relative to 3′ of the 3WJ (3′‐siRNA‐3WJ). This work sheds light on the functional properties of siRNA‐3WJs and offers a design rule for maximizing their potency in the human RNAi pathway.
Association between serum urate and CSF markers of Alzheimer's disease pathology in a population‐based sample of 70‐year‐olds
Authors: Fatima Tahzeeb , Jacobsson Lennart T.H. , Kern Silke , Zettergren Anna , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Johansson Lena , Dehlin Mats , Skoog Ingmar
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The relationship between urate and biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology has not been investigated.

Methods

We examined whether serum concentration of urate was associated with cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, amyloid beta (Aβ)42, Aβ40, phosphorylated tau (p‐tau), total tau (t‐tau), neurofilament light (NfL), and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, in cognitively unimpaired 70‐year‐old individuals from Gothenburg, Sweden. We also evaluated whether possible associations were modulated by the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele.

Results

Serum urate was positively associated with Aβ42 in males (β = 0.55 pg/mL, P = .04). There was a positive urate–APOE ε4 interaction (1.24 pg/mL, Pinteraction = .02) in relation to Aβ42 association. The positive urate and Aβ42 association strengthened in male APOE ε4 carriers (β = 1.28 pg/mL, P = .01).

Discussion

The positive association between urate and Aβ42 in cognitively healthy men may suggest a protective effect of urate against deposition of amyloid protein in the brain parenchyma, and in the longer term, maybe against AD dementia.
Artificial Hybrid Solid Electrolyte‐Mediated Ca Metal for Ultradurable Room Temperature 5 V Calcium Batteries
Authors: Song Huawei , Wang Chengxin
Published: December 2021

The anodic stability and reversibility of Ca metal electrodeposition/dissolution have always been hampered by surface passivation and anion corrosion, especially in F‐based carbonate ester electrolytes at high device voltages. To avoid direct Ca metal/electrolyte reactions, an artificial hybrid solid electrolyte layer (AHSEL), which is characteristic of sodium/calcium carbonate and calcium hydride nitride nanocrystals of size <10 nm encapsulated by amorphous C, N species, is constructed on calcium with good ion conductivity (≈0.01 mS cm−1) and uniform coating of thickness ≈20 μm. After cycling in the KPF6 electrolyte, AHSEL is transformed into Na/K/Ca hybrid solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs), which is a compact layer composed of monodisperse nanocrystals (mostly Ca2NH) and small amorphous zones, thus greatly suppressing the fluoridation of the Ca deposit. Consequently, the plating/stripping performance of AHSEL‐modified Ca (AHSEL‐Ca) is markedly improved compared with that of pristine Ca, lasting for >1400 h at a polarization shift of <0.4 mV/h. The AHSEL‐Ca anode also endows Ca batteries with superior anodic stability with a ceiling voltage of up to 5.0 V, a high discharge voltage (>3.3 V), a large capacity of ≈80 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1, and an ultralong lifespan ≈5000 cycles.
Development of a Novel Molecularly Imprinted Polyvinylimidazole/Functionalized Carbon Black Nanocomposite‐based Paste Electrode for Electrochemical Sensing of Imazethapyr in Rice Samples
Authors: Angelis Pedro Nunes , Casarin Juliana , Gonçalves Júnior Affonso Celso , Rocha Luana Rianne , Prete Maiyara Carolyne , Tarley César Ricardo Teixeira
Published: December 2021

This paper reports the development of a simple electroanalytical method for imazethapyr (IMT) determination in rice samples based on molecularly imprinted polymer and functionalized carbon black paste electrode (MIP‐fCBPE). Carbon black (CB) was functionalized by the insertion of oxygenated functional groups upon acid treatment with HNO3 and H2SO4. The functionalized carbon black (fCB) presented higher performance for IMT determination than the CB without functionalization. The insertion of molecularly imprinted polyvinylimidazole (MIP‐VN) in the fCBPE promoted a significant increase in the cathodic peak current even at low proportions (7.5 % w/w) due to the specific binding sites for IMT recognition. For IMT determination, DPV parameters were optimized by the Doehlert matrix applying 0.1 V for 60 s as pre‐treatment in acetate buffer solution (pH 3.0) as supporting electrolyte. The proposed method showed low limit of detection (0.03 μmol L−1), a wide linear range (0.10–70.00 μmol L−1), and good precision in terms of repeatability of intraday measures (RSD%=3.6). The method was applied in rice samples after microwave‐assisted extraction of IMT and the accuracy of the method was evaluated by addition/recovery assays (96.3–105.7 %), being statistically attested using HPLC‐DAD as reference technique.
A New Electrochemical Sensor Based on Carbon Black Modified With Palladium Nanoparticles for Direct Determination of 17α‐Ethinylestradiol in Real Samples
Authors: dos Santos Fernandes Juliana , Fernandes Julia Oliveira , Bernardino Cassiano Augusto Rolim , Mahler Claudio Fernando , Braz Bernardo Ferreira , Santelli Ricardo Erthal , Cincotto Fernando Henrique
Published: December 2021

Electrochemical sensors to quantify concentrations of emerging pollutants have attracted great attention from the industry and scientific community. Nanomaterials such as carbon black have been applied in sensors to identify substances that are toxic to the environment and human health due to their excellent electroanalytical properties. The aim of the study was to develop a novel electrochemical sensor for the endocrine disruptor hormone determination. To our knowledge, for the first time the synthesis of material based on carbon black containing immobilized palladium nanoparticles, with the application for the hormone ethinylestradiol, is reported in the literature. The material was synthesized, characterized, and applied to the determination in tap water and human urine of the synthetic hormone 17α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2), which is currently considered an emerging pollutant. The morphology, structure and electrochemical performance of the sensors were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in sodium phosphate buffer solution at pH 5.0 allowed the generation of a method to quantify the concentration of 17α‐ethinylestradiol in a linear range of 0.5–119.0 μmol L−1, obtaining 81.0 nmol L−1 of calculated limit of detection (LOD). The system was efficient in detecting 17α‐ethinylestradiol in real urine samples and showed no interferences for ascorbic acid, uric acid, progesterone, and dopamine. It is noteworthy that the results obtained showed good recovery values, considering that the urine samples were not previously treated or pre‐concentrated, which suggests the development of an electrochemical sensor that works in situ and in real time to monitor relevant substances in the control clinical and environmental, with the possibility of point‐of‐care analyses.
Passifloroideae from coastal Piauí, Brazil
Authors: da Silva Kaylhitta Lima , dos Santos Alessandra Souza , Silva Maria Francilene Souza , Mayo Simon Joseph , de Andrade Ivanilza Moreira
Published: December 2021

In this floristic study, four species of Passiflora (Passiflora cincinnata, P. foetida, P. misera, P. subrotunda) were recorded in the coastal region of the Brazilian State of Piauí. The taxa occur in habitats with moist, muddy, sandy and stony substrates. The most prevalent species were P. foetida and P. subrotunda. An identification key is provided, together with descriptions of the species and data on their occurrence and distribution in the study region.
Facilitating Machine Learning‐Guided Protein Engineering with Smart Library Design and Massively Parallel Assays
Authors: Chu Hoi Yee , Wong Alan S. L.
Published: December 2021

Protein design plays an important role in recent medical advances from antibody therapy to vaccine design. Typically, exhaustive mutational screens or directed evolution experiments are used for the identification of the best design or for improvements to the wild‐type variant. Even with a high‐throughput screening on pooled libraries and Next‐Generation Sequencing to boost the scale of read‐outs, surveying all the variants with combinatorial mutations for their empirical fitness scores is still of magnitudes beyond the capacity of existing experimental settings. To tackle this challenge, in‐silico approaches using machine learning to predict the fitness of novel variants based on a subset of empirical measurements are now employed. These machine learning models turn out to be useful in many cases, with the premise that the experimentally determined fitness scores and the amino‐acid descriptors of the models are informative. The machine learning models can guide the search for the highest fitness variants, resolve complex epistatic relationships, and highlight bio‐physical rules for protein folding. Using machine learning‐guided approaches, researchers can build more focused libraries, thus relieving themselves from labor‐intensive screens and fast‐tracking the optimization process. Here, we describe the current advances in massive‐scale variant screens, and how machine learning and mutagenesis strategies can be integrated to accelerate protein engineering. More specifically, we examine strategies to make screens more economical, informative, and effective in discovery of useful variants.
Maternal caregiving representations of the infant in the first year of life: Associations with prenatal and concurrent reflective functioning
Authors: Alismail Fatimah , Stacks Ann M. , Wong Kristyn , Brown Suzanne , Beeghly Marjorie , Thomason Moriah
Published: December 2021

Few studies have examined whether maternal caregiving representations are associated with maternal reflective functioning (MRF), especially when MRF is evaluated longitudinally beginning in pregnancy. This study addresses this gap by evaluating whether prenatal and postnatal MRF are associated with mothers’ caregiving representations assessed at 7 months postpartum, and by exploring theoretically unexpected MRF scores in each of the representational categories. Forty‐seven mothers were recruited during their last trimester of pregnancy from an obstetrics clinic at a university hospital located in a large mid‐western city in the United States. During pregnancy, mothers completed the Pregnancy Interview, and at 7 months postpartum they completed the Parent Development Interview (PDI) and the Working Model of the Child Interview. Results indicate that higher prenatal and postnatal MRF increased the odds of being classified as balanced versus disengaged. At 7 months, MRF also increased the odds of being balanced vs. distorted. Ten mothers who were classified as balanced or distorted had unexpected prenatal MRF scores, and six mothers had unexpected MRF scores when representations were assessed concurrently. Mothers classified as balanced with low MRF scores tended to have a low level of education, whereas mothers classified as distorted with high MRF scores had responses that were hostile, helpless, and role‐reversed.
Msi2‐mediated MiR7a‐1 processing repression promotes myogenesis
Authors: Yang Wenjun , Yang Lele , Wang Jianhua , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Sheng , Yin Qi , Suo Jinlong , Ma Ruimiao , Ye Yuzhen , Cheng Hong , Li Jinsong , Hui Jingyi , Hu Ping
Published: December 2021

Background

Most of the microRNAs (MiRs) involved in myogenesis are transcriptional regulated. The role of MiR biogenesis in myogenesis has not been characterized yet. RNA‐binding protein Musashi 2 (Msi2) is considered to be one of the major drivers for oncogenesis and stem cell proliferation. The functions of Msi2 in myogenesis have not been explored yet. We sought to investigate Msi2‐regulated biogenesis of MiRs in myogenesis and muscle stem cell (MuSC) ageing.

Methods

We detected the expression of Msi2 in MuSCs and differentiated myotubes by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‐qPCR) and western blot. Msi2‐binding partner human antigen R (HuR) was identified by immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry analysis. The cooperative binding of Msi2 and HuR on MiR7a‐1 was analysed by RNA immunoprecipitation and electrophoresis mobility shift assays. The inhibition of the processing of pri‐MiR7a‐1 mediated by Msi2 and HuR was shown by Msi2 and HuR knockdown. Immunofluorescent staining, RT‐qPCR and immunoblotting were used to characterize the function of MiR7a‐1 in myogenesis. Msi2 and HuR up‐regulate cryptochrome circadian regulator 2 (Cry2) via MiR7a‐1 was confirmed by the luciferase assay and western blot. The post‐transcriptional regulatory cascade was further confirmed by RNAi and overexpressing of Msi2 and HuR in MuSCs, and the in vivo function was characterized by histopathological and molecular biological methods in Msi2 knockout mice.

Results

We identified a post‐transcription regulatory cascade governed by a pair of RNA‐binding proteins Msi2 and HuR. Msi2 is enriched in differentiated muscle cells and promotes MuSC differentiation despite its pro‐proliferation functions in other cell types. Msi2 works synergistically with another RNA‐binding protein HuR to repress the biogenesis of MiR7a‐1 in an Msi2 dose‐dependent manner to regulate the translation of the key component of the circadian core oscillator complex Cry2. Down‐regulation of Cry2 (0.6‐fold, vs. control, P < 0.05) mediated by MiR7a‐1 represses MuSC differentiation. The disruption of this cascade leads to differentiation defects of MuSCs. In aged muscles, Msi2 (0.3‐fold, vs. control, P < 0.01) expression declined, and the Cry2 protein level also decreases (0.5‐fold, vs. control, P < 0.05), suggesting that the disruption of the Msi2‐mediated post‐transcriptional regulatory cascade could attribute to the declined ability of muscle regeneration in aged skeletal muscle.

Conclusions

Our findings have identified a new post‐transcriptional cascade regulating myogenesis. The cascade is disrupted in skeletal muscle ageing, which leads to declined muscle regeneration ability.
Facile precipitation microfluidic synthesis of Monodisperse and inorganic hollow microspheres for Photocatalysis
Authors: Li Chunlin , Wang Zhiyu , Xie Hua , Bao Jun , Wei Yingxu , Lin Bingcheng , Liu Zhongmin
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Hollow microspheres have potential applications for wide‐range fields, especially photocatalysis, attracting tremendous attention in material science. However, conventional synthesis of hollow microspheres involves complicated procedures, high cost and poor yields, greatly impeding their development. Due to the limitations of raw material for the polymerization or hydrolysis routes so far the hollow materials prepared in a microfluidics chip were limited to some specific substances.

RESULTS

Herein, a controllable precipitating reaction strategy in droplets was presented to form the hollow structure from easily accessible industrial chemical materials (such as nitrates of Zinc, Copper and Cobalt, and Ferrous sulfate). After generating monodisperse droplets and followed introducing precipitant into the droplets in a microfluidics chip, the spherical shell was constructed through the accumulation of precipitated particles at the oil/water interface of droplets and further particle growth on the inner shell. As a result, hollow microspheres with a Janus shell of different inner and outer morphology were formed. The photocatalytic activities of these hollow microspheres were evaluated for RhB photodegradation oxidation based on heterogeneous photo‐Fenton. The photocatalytic activities of the fresh hollow samples showed better than their solid samples or their oxidized hollow samples.

CONCLUSION

With microfluidic technology, the transition‐metallic inorganic hollow microspheres can be rapid, low‐costly manufactured through direct precipitation reaction in droplets. The prepared α‐Co(OH)2 hollow microspheres showed promising photocatalytic activity. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Cryoprecipitate as an alternative to platelet transfusion in thrombocytopenia
Authors: Crispin Philip , Hicks Sarah , Coupland Lucy A. , Ali Sidra , Gardiner Elizabeth E.
Published: December 2021

Platelet transfusions are not always available for bleeding in severe thrombocytopenia, as storage outside of major centers is limited by their short shelf‐life. Data are lacking to support alternative available blood products; however, additional fibrinogen has been shown to enhance clot formation in vitro. To test the hypothesis that cryoprecipitate supplementation could improve clot formation in severe thrombocytopenia, eight hematological malignancy patients with platelet counts under 10 × 109/L each had 10 units of apheresis cryoprecipitate transfused prior to planned prophylactic platelet transfusions. The primary endpoint of thromboelastometry amplitude at 20 min increased by a mean of 5.1 mm (p < 0.01) following cryoprecipitate transfusion despite persisting thrombocytopenia. Thromboelastometry clotting times reduced by a mean of 7.8 s (p < 0.05) and alpha angle increased by a mean of 10.6⁰ (p < 0.01). These results are consistent with cryoprecipitate enhancing the strength of the fibrin/platelet meshwork within the forming thrombus. While platelet transfusion remains the standard of care, where platelet supplies are limited, these data provide a rationale for the use of cryoprecipitate to obtain hemostasis in bleeding thrombocytopenic patients.
The Art of MA Leadership: A Brief Introduction to Wayfinding for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Balda Janis Bragan , Stanberry Joanna
Published: December 2021

The current article explores a nascent configuration of leadership, long present in its practices but without a name. Emerging from a phenomenographic study of leaders for local sustainability, it is widely observable when we look. People, regardless of formal roles or identities, are responding to a call for transformation in discoverable, recognizable, and variegated ways not yet fully described. Rather than a model or process, we employ a heuristic device and represent leadership that answers this call as Ma Leadership. The essay argues that it is coming from ourselves in a renewed form of cooperation and collaboration. As a response to the instinctual bias for heroic and singular narratives, Ma Leadership orients us in the unbounded system, a wayfinding that surfaces the connections among and between systems.
Incidence and trends of middle ear cholesteatoma surgery and mastoidectomy in Australia—A national hospital morbidity database analysis
Authors: Li Jonathan , Jufas Nicholas , Forer Martin , Patel Nirmal
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate the incidence of middle ear cholesteatoma surgery and assess trends in mastoidectomy procedures in Australia.

Study design

Cross‐sectional population‐based study using data from the National Hospital Morbidity Database.

Methods

Admitted care episodes containing the principal diagnosis of middle ear cholesteatoma were analyzed for two 12‐month periods of 2007–2008 and 2017–2018. Surgical admissions involving mastoidectomy were identified by procedure codes. Incidence rate per 100,000 person‐years were compared between study periods.

Results

Of the 3855 middle ear cholesteatoma admissions, 3558 (92.3%) involved surgery, with the incidence rate for cholesteatoma surgical admissions estimated at 8.6 per 100,000 (95% CI: 8.2–9.0) and 8.1 per 100,000 (95% CI: 7.7–8.5) for 2017–2018 and 2007–2008, respectively. Population aged 10–19 years had the highest age‐specific incidence rate at 12.5 per 100,000 (95% CI: 11.3–13.9) for 2017–2018. The 60 years and over age groups had the highest decennial percentage increase. Mastoidectomy procedures were consistently used in over half of all surgical admissions. An increase in the rate of canal wall up (CWU) mastoidectomy procedure related admissions was observed (rate ratio of 1.62 [95%CI: 1.41–1.86], P <.001) and was offset by a decreased rate of canal wall down (CWD) procedure associated admissions (0.69 [95% CI: 0.61–0.78], P <.001]).

Conclusions

The incidence rate of cholesteatoma surgery in Australia is estimated at 8.6 per 100,000. Mastoidectomy continues to play an essential role in cholesteatoma surgery with a trend favoring CWU over CWD mastoidectomy.

Level of evidence: 4
The impact of genotype on outcomes in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A systematic review
Authors: Szabo Shelagh M. , Gooch Katherine L. , Mickle Alexis T. , Salhany Renna M. , Connolly Anne M.
Published: December 2021

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is associated with progressive muscle weakness, loss of ambulation (LOA), and early mortality. In this review we have synthesized published data on the clinical course of DMD by genotype. Using a systematic search implemented in Medline and Embase, 53 articles were identified that describe the clinical course of DMD, with pathogenic variants categorizable by exon skip or stop‐codon readthrough amenability and outcomes presented by age. Outcomes described included those related to ambulatory, cardiac, pulmonary, or cognitive function. Estimates of the mean (95% confidence interval) age at LOA ranged from 9.1 (8.7‐9.6) years among 90 patients amenable to skipping exon 53 to 11.5 (9.5‐13.5) years among three patients amenable to skipping exon 8. Although function worsened with age, the impact of genotype was less clear for other outcomes (eg, forced vital capacity and left ventricular ejection fraction). Understanding the distribution of pathogenic variants is important for studies in DMD, as this research suggests major differences in the natural history of disease. In addition, specific details of the use of key medications, including corticosteroids, antisense oligonucleotides, and cardiac medications, should be reported.
A peptidoform based proteomic strategy for studying functions of post‐translational modifications
Authors: Liu Yansheng
Published: December 2021

Protein post‐translational modifications (PTMs) generate an enormous, but as yet undetermined, expansion of the produced proteoforms. In this Viewpoint, we firstly reviewed the concepts of proteoform and peptidoform. We show that many of the current PTM biological investigation and annotation studies largely follow a PTM site‐specific rather than proteoform‐specific approach. We further illustrate a potentially useful matching strategy in which a particular “modified peptidoform” is matched to the corresponding “unmodified peptidoform” as a reference for the quantitative analysis between samples and conditions. We suggest this strategy has the potential to provide more directly relevant information to learn the PTM site‐specific biological functions. Accordingly, we advocate for the wider use of the nomenclature “peptidoform” in future bottom‐up proteomic studies.
Tough and self‐healable carrageenan‐based double network microgels enhanced physical hydrogels for strain sensor
Authors: Sun Huan , Li Shitong , Li Ke , Liu Yanhua , Tang Cheng , Liu Zhuangzhuang , Zhu Lin , Yang Jia , Qin Gang , Chen Qiang
Published: December 2021

Double network hydrogels (DN gels) demonstrate extremely high strength and toughness; however, conventional DN gels are fully chemically crosslinked, which are often softening and lack self‐healing. Here, a new type of fully physical DN (P‐DN) gels, that is, K+ ions crosslinked κ‐carrageenan (K+C) microgel (MG) composite hydrophobically crosslinked polyacrylamide (HPAAm) gels or K+C‐MG/HPAAm gels, in which the HPAAm gel was physically crosslinked by hydrophobic interactions as well as topologically crosslinked by P‐DN microgels, were prepared by a facile one‐pot method. At the optimal condition, K+C‐MG/HPAAm gel exhibited high strength (0.36 MPa) and high toughness (968 J/m2). In addition, it can rapidly recover from softening and display good fatigue resistance. Notably, K+C‐MG/HPAAm gel also demonstrated self‐healing properties on account of its physical nature. Because there are anionic κ‐carrageenan and KCl, K+C‐MG/HPAAm gels are ionic conductive, which were used as strain sensors to monitor the human motions. We believe our K+C‐MG/HPAAm gels provide a new insight in the field of DN gels.
Modeling the stimulation by glutathione of the steady state kinetics of an adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter
Authors: Fan Chengcheng , Rees Douglas C.
Published: December 2021

We report the steady state ATPase activities of the ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) exporter NaAtm1 in the absence and presence of a transported substrate, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), in detergent, nanodiscs, and proteoliposomes. The steady state kinetic data were fit to the “nonessential activator model” where the basal ATPase rate of the transporter is stimulated by GSSG. The detailed kinetic parameters varied between the different reconstitution conditions, highlighting the importance of the lipid environment for NaAtm1 function. The increased ATPase rates in the presence of GSSG more than compensate for the modest negative cooperativity observed between MgATP and GSSG in lipid environments. These studies highlight the central role of the elusive ternary complex in accelerating the ATPase rate that is at the heart of coupling mechanism between substrate transport and ATP hydrolysis.
Toroidal & Orbifold Compactifications at Large D and D‐Duality
Authors: Lüst Dieter
Published: December 2021

In this paper I will further investigate the spectrum of quantum gravity or string theories at large number of dimensions. We will see that volumes of certain orbifolds shrink at large D. It follows that the mass spectra of the leading Kaluza‐Klein towers and also of wrapped brane states on these orbifolds possess a non‐trivial dependence on D: KK modes become heavy at large D, whereas wrapped branes become light. This observation can be used either to apply the Large Dimension Conjecture or, as we will do, to investigate the possibility of a D‐duality symmetry, which relates in gravity compactifications of different dimensions. We will set up the general rules for D‐duality in higher dimensional gravity. However due to existence of the critical dimensions, D‐duality is quite restricted in string theory. As simple tests for D‐duality in string theory, we will discuss the duality between M‐theory on a two‐dimensional orbifold, namely the Möbius strip, and an IIB S‐fold on a circle, which corresponds to the heterotic CHL string, as well the duality between a (truncated) 12‐dimensional theory on a three‐dimensional orbifold and another IIB S‐fold compactification. Finally I also comment on the possible existence of exotic theories at large D.
Crystal structure of O‐ureidoserine racemase found in the d‐cycloserine biosynthetic pathway
Authors: Oda Kosuke , Sakaguchi Takemasa , Matoba Yasuyuki
Published: December 2021

The O‐ureidoserine racemase (DcsC) is an enzyme found from the biosynthetic gene cluster of antitubercular agent d‐cycloserine. Although DcsC is homologous to diaminopimelate epimerase (DapF) that catalyzes the interconversion between ll‐ and dl‐diaminopimelic acid, it specifically catalyzes the interconversion between O‐ureido‐l‐serine and its enantiomer. Here we determined the crystal structure of DcsC at a resolution of 2.12 Å, implicating that the catalytic mechanism of DcsC shares similarity with that of DapF. Comparing the structure of the active center of DcsC to that of DapF, Thr72, Thr198, and Tyr219 of DcsC are likely to be involved in the substrate specificity.
Isolation and characterization of ACE‐I inhibitory peptides from ribbonfish for a potential inhibitor of the main protease of SARS‐CoV‐2: An in silico analysis
Authors: G. Yathisha Undiganalu , Srinivasa Mahendra Gowdru , Siddappa BC Revana , P Mandal Subankar , Dixit Sheshagiri R. , Pujar G. V. , Bangera Sheshappa Mamatha
Published: December 2021

Recently, multifunctional fish peptides (FWPs) have gained a lot of attention because of their different biological activities. In the present study, three angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE‐I) inhibitory peptides [Ala‐Pro‐Asp‐Gly (APDG), Pro‐Thr‐Arg (PTR), and Ala‐Asp (AD)] were isolated and characterized from ribbonfish protein hydrolysate (RFPH) and described their mechanism of action on ACE activity. As per the results, peptide PTR showed ≈ 2 and 2.5‐fold higher enzyme inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.643 ± 0.0011 μM) than APDG (IC50 = 1.061 ± 0.0127 μM) and AD (IC50 = 2.046 ± 0.0130 μM). Based on experimental evidence, peptides were used for in silico analysis to check the inhibitory activity of the main protease (PDB: 7BQY) of SARS‐CoV‐2. The results of the study reveal that PTR (−46.16 kcal/mol) showed higher binding affinity than APDG (−36.80 kcal/mol) and AD (−30.24 kcal/mol) compared with remdesivir (−30.64 kcal/mol). Additionally, physicochemical characteristics of all the isolated peptides exhibited appropriate pharmacological properties and were found to be nontoxic. Besides, 20 ns molecular dynamic simulation study confirms the rigid nature, fewer confirmation variations, and binding stiffness of the peptide PTR with the main protease of SARS‐CoV‐2. Therefore, the present study strongly suggested that PTR is the perfect substrate for inhibiting the main protease of SARS‐CoV‐2 through the in silico study, and this potential drug candidate may promote the researcher for future wet lab experiments.
Recurrent COVID‐19 infection in a case of rituximab‐induced hypogammaglobulinaemia
Authors: Daniel Jefferson , Thangakunam Balamugesh , Isaac Barney Thomas Jesudason , Moorthy Mahesh , Christopher Devasahayam Jesudas
Published: December 2021

Patients with immunodeficiency are at an increased risk of recurrent COVID‐19 infection. They may lack the natural immune response that usually confers long‐lasting immunity. Here, we present our experience managing one such patient, who had a COVID‐19 infection twice, 5 months apart. He had a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and computed tomography (CT) thorax with classical findings of COVID‐19 on both occasions. He had multiple negative RT‐PCR tests and two CT scans without COVID‐19 features between these two infections. While the antibody response to the first infection was not detectable, the response to the second infection was robust. Live attenuated vaccines are contraindicated in patients with immunodeficiency, and other vaccines may not elicit an adequate immune response. A high index of suspicion for recurrent COVID‐19 is warranted in this group of patients.