bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lake sturgeon seasonal movements in regulated and unregulated Missouri River tributaries
Authors: Moore Michael J. , Paukert Craig P. , Brooke Brandon L. , Moore Travis L.
Published: September 2021

Spatio‐temporal movement patterns of aquatic organisms drive many ecological processes. However, dams block migrations and alter the hydrologic and thermal regimes influencing movement behaviour of freshwater fishes. In North America, many recovering southern Lake Sturgeon populations occur in rivers with hydroelectric dams, but few studies have examined the impact of hydrologic alteration on their seasonal movements. We conducted a 3‐year telemetry study of 96 adult and subadult Lake Sturgeon to compare their migratory responses to temperature and hydrology in adjacent regulated and unregulated tributaries of the Missouri River. Many other populations of Lake Sturgeon use tributaries primarily for spring spawning; however, in our study, Lake Sturgeon used Missouri River tributaries during 78% of the year. Differences in river size, hydrologic and thermal regimes in the regulated Osage River may have contributed to the greater year‐round residency, later initiation, more frequent directional changes and longer duration of spring migrations compared to the unregulated Gasconade River. Lake Sturgeon made spring upstream migrations at temperatures of 13–19°C and elevated discharges in both rivers. However, Osage River migrants responded less to changes in discharge or temperature during spring migrations, especially those that overwintered at upstream locations. Fall tributary migrations occurred in the Osage River at rising or high discharges but were uncommon in the Gasconade River. Our identification of the influences of abiotic variables on the timing, duration and extent of Lake Sturgeon seasonal migrations can help guide management of habitat and hydrology in regulated rivers to recover migratory fishes globally.
Boosting High‐Voltage and Ultralong‐Cycling Performance of Single‐Crystal LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 Cathode Materials via Three‐in‐One Modification
Authors: Zhang Bao , Shen Jixue , Wang Qi , Hu Changqing , Luo Bi , Liu Yun , Xiao Zhiming , Ou Xing
Published: September 2021

LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 is extensively researched as one of the most widely used commercially materials for Li‐ion batteries at present. However, the poor high‐voltage performance (≥4.3 V) with low reversible capacity limits its replacement for LiCoO2 in high‐end digital field. Herein, three‐in‐one modification, Na‐doping and Al2O3@Li3BO3 dual‐coating simultaneously, is explored for single‐crystalline LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (N‐NCM@AB), which exhibits excellent high‐voltage performance. N‐NCM@AB displays a discharge‐specific capacity of 201.8 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C with a high upper voltage of 4.6 V and maintains 158.9 mAh g−1 discharge capacity at 1 C over 200 cycles with the corresponding capacity retention of 87.8%. Remarkably, the N‐NCM@AB ||graphite pouch‐type full cell retains 81.2% of its initial capacity with high working voltage of 4.4 V over 1600 cycles. More importantly, the fundamental understandings of three‐in‐one modification on surface morphology, crystal structure, and phase transformation of N‐NCM@AB are clearly revealed. The Na+ doped into the Li–O slab can enhance the bond energy, stabilize the crystal structure, and facilitate Li+ transport. Additionally, the interior surface layer of Li+‐ions conductor Li3BO3 relieves the charge transfer resistance with surface coating, whereas the outer surface Al2O3 coating layer is beneficial for reducing the active materials loss and alleviating the electrode/electrolyte parasite reaction. This three‐in‐one strategy provides a reference for the further research on the performance attenuation mechanism of NCM, paving a new avenue to boost the high‐voltage performance of NCM cathode in Li‐ion batteries.
Room Temperature Synthesis of [Pd(cyclam)]5{H3Nb6O19}2 ⋅ 26H2O: a Suitable Precursor for the in‐situ Generation of a Highly Active Catalyst for Light‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Müscher‐Polzin Philipp , Poschmann Michael , Näther Christian , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: September 2021

The first Pd2+ containing polyoxoniobate [Pd(cyclam)]5{H3Nb6O19}2 ⋅ 26H2O (I) was prepared at room temperature. In the structure, two hexaniobate clusters are surrounded by a bi‐capped cube formed by Pd2+ centered complexes. This motif is arranged in a layer‐like fashion with crystal water molecules located between cations and anions. Temperature resolved in‐situ X‐ray diffraction experiments demonstrate that successive removal of the crystal water molecules leads to formation of several crystalline intermediate phases. Water sorption investigations show that thermally removed H2O can be successfully reintegrated proceeding via two distinct steps. The catalytic performance for the light‐driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was investigated in a sacrificial system and fluorescein Na+ salt as sensitizer yielding a high value of 90 μmol/h H2. Surprisingly, a composite Pd@Na7[HNb6O19] ⋅ 15H2O is in‐situ formed during the catalytic reaction by cation exchange with simultaneous reduction of Pd2+ nanoparticles decorating the hexaniobate support. The recovered catalyst was even more active producing 157 μmol/h H2 with an apparent quantum efficiency of 1.85 %. Photocatalytic experiments performed with ex‐situ generated Pd nanoparticles deposited on Na7[HNb6O19] ⋅ 15H2O show much lower activities indicating a synergistic effect of the in‐situ generated Pd@Na7[HNb6O19] ⋅ 15H2O catalyst.
Oxidation of Dithia Compounds: Comparative Experimental and Theoretical Studies on 1,3‐Bis(methylthio)propane, Bis(methylthio)methane, and meso‐4,6‐Dimethyl‐1,3‐dithiane
Authors: Vallejos González Victorino , Podlech Joachim
Published: September 2021

1,3‐Bis(methylthio)propane, bis(methylthio)methane, and meso‐4,6‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dithiane were oxidized with 1–4 equivalents of hydrogen peroxide, meta‐chloroperbenzoic acid, sodium periodate, or potassium permanganate, respectively, and the amounts of oxidized substrates (sulfoxides and/or sulfones) were determined by NMR spectroscopy. Sulfanyl groups in the former starting material turned out to behave like independent functions, while a mutual influence of the sulfur functions was verified in the latter compounds. A meaningful investigation was possible in the conformationally constrained dithiane derivative. Oxidation of the dithiane with stoichiometric amounts of periodate led to exclusive formation of bissulfoxides, while hydrogen peroxide and meta‐chloroperbenzoic acid yielded the possible products less specifically and permanganate preferentially furnished sulfones. The experimental investigations were supported by calculations on energies and stereoelectronic effects of starting materials, products, and transition states. The unique property of permanganate to exclusively yield sulfones might be due to its special oxidation mechanism, where the sulfur is not only acting as nucleophile, but concomitantly as electrophilic moiety.
Use of Cellulose for the Production of Photocatalytic Films for Hydrogen Evolution Along the Lines of Paper Production
Authors: Schwarze Michael , Thiel Tabea A. , Tasbihi Minoo , Schroeter Michael , Menezes Prashanth W. , Walter Carsten , Driess Matthias , Schomäcker Reinhard
Published: September 2021

Following the example of photovoltaics, one approach to large‐scale photocatalytic hydrogen production is the irradiation of a correspondingly large catalyst area. Paper production is a process in which large areas can already be produced based on the main component: cellulose. Herein, the TiO2 photocatalyst modification PC500, which also uses platinum nanoparticles as a cocatalyst, is supported in two different ways using cellulose. On the one hand, the catalyst is fixed to the surface of a commercial filter paper and, on the other hand, a photocatalytic paper is produced. For comparison, the catalyst is immobilized by means of drop coating using Nafion and measured as a suspension. The cellulose‐stabilized films are active and hydrogen production is comparable with the activity obtained from the drop‐coating method. The experiments show that the aggregation behavior of cellulose can be used to produce photocatalytically active films. The preparation is easy and can be applied to different kinds of (photo)catalysts. Although the films are very active, their stability during reaction due to swelling and hydrogen production must be further improved.
Essential oil from the leaves of Elsholtzia communis (Collett & Hemsl.) Diels from North East India: Studies on chemical profiling, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and ACE inhibitory activities
Authors: Nath Shyamalendu , Tamuli Kashyap J. , Saikia Snigdha , Narzary Bardwi , Gogoi Barnali , Bordoloi Manobjyoti , Neipihoi   , Dutta Deepjyoti , Sahoo Ranjan K. , Das Aparoop , Barua Iswar C. , Baruah Chandana C.
Published: September 2021

Elsholtzia communis (Collett & Hemsl.) Diels (family: Lamiaceae) is a wild edible plant employed as a remedy for skin irritation and consumed as vegetables by the indigenous tribes of North East, India. In view of its traditional uses, our present study aims to characterize the chemical constituents of the essential oil isolated from the leaf of E communis and evaluate its antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antioxidant and angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme inhibiting properties. GC‐FID and GC‐MS analyses of the essential oil led to the identification of fifty‐one compounds with a yield of 0.88% (v/w). 71.72% of compounds are identified under the category of oxygenated monoterpenes, where neral (28.85%) and geranial (24.1%) were the most prevalent compounds. Ethyl geranate (4.82%), methyl nerate (4.71%), piperitone (4.07%) and caryophyllene oxide (3.75%) were other major constituents of the oil. The oil displayed excellent antifungal properties against C albicans with MIC value of 7.5 ± 0.13 µg/mL, comparable with that of fluconazole (7.5 ± 0.25 µg/mL). Cytotoxic assay of the essential oil disclosed significant results with IC50 value of 8.09 ± 2.67 µg/mL and 26.13 ± 0.90 µg/mL against HeLa and L6 cell lines, respectively. DPPH scavenging capability was assessed using ascorbic acid (1.57 ± 0.001 µg/mL) as reference. The result explicates promising antioxidant behaviour of the oil (21.92 ± 0.074 µg/mL). The oil (23.82 ± 0.078 µg/mL) was also found to possess potential ACE inhibitory effects, with ramipril (9.35 ± 0.02 µg/mL) serving as standard. The diverse pharmacological properties of the essential oil truly justify its traditional uses.
Goal attainment scaling for patients with low back pain in rehabilitation: A systematic review
Authors: Haladay Douglas , Swisher Laura , Hardwick Dustin
Published: September 2021

Background and aims

Goal attainment scaling (GAS) has been widely applied to chronic conditions; however, only recently has it been used for patients with low back pain (LBP). The objectives of this systematic review were to (a) examine the characteristics and rigor of published studies of GAS in the rehabilitation of patients with LBP, (b) describe how GAS has been applied in patients with LBP, and (c) evaluate the responsiveness and validity of GAS as an outcome measure in patients with LBP.

Methods

A systematic search of the CINAHL, PubMed, and MEDLINE databases was performed (1968 and 1 September 2020) in addition to hand searching. Studies including GAS procedures in patients with LBP during rehabilitation were included in the review. Two authors independently selected studies for inclusion and determined levels of evidence using the Oxford Levels of Evidence and rated each study for quality using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale and reporting transparency using the STROBE statement checklist.

Results

Six Level IV and one Level III/IV study were included in this review (search produced 248 studies for review). These studies assessed GAS feasibility, validity, sensitivity, and association with other outcome measures in patients with LBP. Findings suggest that patients with LBP are able to identify and set individualized goals during GAS, while GAS may be more sensitive to change and may measure different aspects of the patient experience as compared with fixed‐item patient‐reported measures. Additionally, GAS may have a therapeutic effect while improving patient outcomes and may be associated with patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

Based on this review, GAS shows promise as a feasible patient‐centered measure that may be more responsive to change than traditional outcome measures. However, GAS has been inadequately developed and validated for use during rehabilitation in patients with LBP.
Functional Molecular Crystals in Biology
Authors: Wagner Avital , Wen Qiang , Pinsk Noam , Palmer Benjamin A.
Published: September 2021

Highly reflective crystals of small organic molecules are the functional materials in a wide variety of optical systems in animals. We present a perspective on this field of organic biomineralization and review evidence for the widespread distribution of organic crystals in animals. These materials were, until recently, largely overlooked principally because the crystals are lost during conventional electron microscopy preparation procedures. We document the discovery of the crystalline pteridines as a new class of biological crystals and explain why many more organic biocrystals will likely be discovered and where they may be found. We examine the chemical basis for the extraordinary optical properties of the crystals and review some of their newly discovered biological functions. The study of biogenic molecular crystals promises to yield fascinating insights into photonic systems in animals and will inspire the development of artificial optical materials.
Mechanoluminescent hybrids from a natural resource for energy‐related applications
Authors: Wang Chunfeng , Ma Ronghua , Peng Dengfeng , Liu Xianhu , Li Jing , Jin Boru , Shan Aixian , Fu Yu , Dong Lin , Gao Wenchao , Wang Zhong Lin , Pan Caofeng
Published: September 2021

Mechanoluminescent (ML) materials that directly convert mechanical energy into photon emission have emerged as promising candidates for various applications. Despite the recent advances in the development of both novel and conventional ML materials, the limited access to ML materials that simultaneously have the attributes of high brightness, low cost, self‐recovery, and stability, and the lack of appropriate designs for constructing ML devices represent significant challenges that remain to be addressed to boost the practical application of ML materials. Herein, ML hybrids derived from a natural source, waste eggshell, with the aforementioned attributes are demonstrated. The introduction of the eggshell not only enables the preparation of the hybrid in a simple and cost‐effective manner but also contributes to the homochromatism (red, green, or blue emission), high brightness, and robustness of the resultant ML hybrids. The significant properties of the ML hybrids, together with the proposed structural design, such as porosity or core–shell structure, could expedite a series of mechanic‐optical applications, including the self‐luminous shoes for the conversion of human motions into light and light generators that efficiently harvest water wave energy. The fascinating properties, versatile designs, and the efficient protocol of “turning waste into treasure” of the ML hybrids represent significant advances in ML materials, promising a leap to the practical applications of this flouring material family.

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Paddy ponding water management to reduce methane emission based on observations of methane fluxes and soil redox potential in the Red River Delta, Vietnam*
Authors: Matsuda Soken , Nakamura Kimihito , Hung Tran , Quang Le Xuan , Horino Haruhiko , Hai Pham Thanh , Ha Nguyen Dang , Hama Takehide
Published: September 2021

Reducing methane (CH4) emissions from paddy fields that contribute to the greenhouse effect has been addressed recently through the application of the alternate wetting and drying irrigation method. However, in poorly drained areas, such as the Red River Delta in Vietnam, the soil cannot be dried immediately, and so CH4 can continue to be produced unintentionally. Therefore, the purpose of this case study was to identify the optimal ponding water management schedule to reduce CH4 emissions by using the measured data of ponding depth, soil redox potential (Eh), and CH4 fluxes from field experiments and to show its effects on CH4 emission and water conservation. Observations in the winter–spring cropping season showed that the non‐flooding period of 3–8 days suppressed CH4 emission, and the continuous flooding period of 14–22 days caused CH4 re‐emission. Information regarding the non‐flooding period to be maintained and the flooding period to be avoided to suppress CH4 emission was not obtained for the summer–autumn cropping season due to abundant rainfall. The proposed schedule could suppress CH4 emission by 27%–85% and increase the amount of conserved water by up to 18% compared with traditional flooding protocols, but it may increase irrigation water due to the frequency and the amount of re‐flooding.
Cytotoxic effect of carbohydrate derivatives of digitoxigenin involves modulation of plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase
Authors: Valadares Jéssica Martins de Moura , Bajaj Sumit O. , Li Hongyan , Wang Hua‐Yu L. , Silva Simone Cavalcante , Garcia Israel José Pereira , Pereira Duane Gischewiski , Azalim Pedro , Quintas Luis Eduardo Menezes , Noël François , Cortes Vanessa Faria , O'Doherty George Augustine , Barbosa Leandro Augusto
Published: September 2021

Cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin and digitoxin, are compounds that interact with Na+/K+‐ATPase to induce anti‐neoplastic effects; however, these cardiac glycosides have narrow therapeutic index. Thus, semi‐synthetic analogs of digitoxin with modifications in the sugar moiety has been shown to be an interesting approach to obtain more selective and more effective analogs than the parent natural product. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the cytotoxic potential of novel digitoxigenin derivatives, digitoxigenin‐α‐L‐rhamno‐pyranoside (1) and digitoxigenin‐α‐L‐amiceto‐pyranoside (2), in cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa) and human diploid lung fibroblasts (Wi‐26‐VA4). In addition, we studied the anticancer mechanisms of action of these compounds by comparing its cytotoxic effects with the potential to modulate the activity of three P‐type ATPases; Na+/K+‐ATPase, sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA), and plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase (PMCA). Briefly, the results showed that compounds 1 and 2 were more cytotoxic and selectivity for HeLa tumor cells than the nontumor cells Wi‐26‐VA4. While the anticancer cytotoxicity in HeLa cells involves the modulation of Na+/K+‐ATPase, PMCA and SERCA, the modulation of these P‐type ATPases was completely absent in Wi‐26‐VA4 cells, which suggest the importance of their role in the cytotoxic effect of compounds 1 and 2 in HeLa cells. Furthermore, the compound 2 inhibited directly erythrocyte ghosts PMCA and both compounds were more cytotoxic than digitoxin in HeLa cells. These results provide a better understanding of the mode of action of the synthetic cardiac glycosides and highlights 1 and 2 as potential anticancer agents.
CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10 serum levels increase in syphilitic patients with seroresistance
Authors: Dong Xiaoyan , Zhang Junwu , Yang Fangfang , Liu Jinlin , Peng Yumeng , Ge Yumei
Published: September 2021

Background

Recently, the rise of syphilitic seroresistance brings great confusion to the clinical diagnosis and treatment of syphilis, and no clear diagnostic marker has been found to distinguish syphilitic seroresistance from other progression of syphilis. This study evaluated the serum chemokines levels of CCL2, CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10 and its correlation with blood routine, coagulation, and biochemical indexes in seroresistant syphilitic patients.

Method

Serum levels of chemokines were quantitatively determined by Flow Cytometric Bead Array (CBA). The results expressed in pg/ml. Clinical parameters were detected and analyzed according to the clinical laboratory standards. A correlation analysis was subsequently performed.

Results

The seroresistant syphilitic patients increased significantly serum chemokines levels of CXCL8 (***p < 0.001), CXCL9 (***p < 0.001), and CXCL10 (**p < 0.01) when compared to noninfected individuals, but the CCL2 was not statistically significant, and serum CXCL8 shows a strong association with platelets (r = 0.51, **p = 0.004) and serum CXCL10 was significantly positively related to INR levels (r = 0.49, **p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Increasing serum abnormalities in CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10 level combining with platelets of peripheral blood and plasmatic INR in syphilis patients may be helpful for the diagnosis of serofast state.
Factors affecting dental students’ postgraduate plans: A multi‐site study
Authors: Harrison James L. , Platia Christina L. , Ferreira Leticia , Soh Margaret , Bugueño Juan M. , Thompson Tammy L. , Quock Ryan L. , Finkelman Matthew , Uzel Naciye G.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This multi‐site study examined dental students’ postgraduate plans and factors affecting them, perceptions of pathways with the best future, and whether those postgraduate plans changed during dental school.

Methods

An online survey was made available to all four dental classes (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021) and advanced standing/international dental students at eight US dental schools. The survey questionnaire consisted of two parts: (1) 14 questions pertaining to demographic information and (2) 11 questions pertaining to career path choices and possible influencing factors.

Results

Overall response rate was approximately 38.4% (1459/3800). For those responding 34.0% planned to enroll in a general dentistry residency, followed by associate dentist in a private practice (31.4%), and specialty residency (17.6%). Quality of life, to increase knowledge/clinical skills, and intellectual satisfaction were most often rated extremely important factors; Influence of family members in dentistry and prestigious specialty received the most responses of not important. General dentistry was perceived to have the best future in terms of overall impact on the profession, potential for positive impact on patient's quality of life, and personal quality of life; oral and maxillofacial surgery was believed to have the best future in terms of salary. Students changed their postgraduate plan during dental school 43.0% of the time, with race (p = 0.006) and year of progress toward degree (p < 0.001) being significant associations.

Conclusions

General dentistry remains the most popular pathway. Many dental students change their plans during dental school; a better understanding of these trends and contributing factors may aid development of practice readiness curricula.
Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking study of thiophene‐, piperazine‐, and thiazolidinone‐based hybrids as potential antimicrobial agents
Authors: Desai Nisheeth C. , Rupala Yogesh M. , Khasiya Ashvinkumar G. , Shah Keyur N. , Pandit Unnat P. , Khedkar Vijay M.
Published: September 2021

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria exacerbates the issue of antimicrobial resistance. Bacteria that cause common or serious infections have evolved resistance to every new antibiotic that has been introduced into the market, to varying degrees, over several decades. Faced with this reality, one of society's most urgent needs is for new antimicrobial drugs with novel mechanisms of action. With this objective, we describe here the development of a novel set of compounds including piperazine‐ and thiophene‐based thiazolidinones(5a–i)and thiophene‐thiazolidinones(6a–i). Compounds(5a–i)and(6a–i)were developed, synthesized, and tested for their antimicrobial activity, and their structures were elucidated with the help of various analytical techniques. Compounds5aand5dshowed excellent antibacterial efficacy againstPseudomonas aeruginosa, with MICs of 50 μg/ml, whereas compounds6cand6eshowed similar potency againstStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coli, respectively. The antifungal efficacy of compounds5eand6iagainstCandida albicanswas outstanding (MIC = 50 μg/ml). The only compound that had excellent antifungal efficacy againstAspergillus nigerwas compound5e(MIC = 50 μg/ml). The chemico‐in silico‐biology approach could provide valuable insights into the potential of this novel hybridized scaffold for the development of promising antimicrobial agents.
The systemic characterization of aptamer cocktail for bacterial detection studied by graphene oxide‐based fluorescence resonance energy transfer aptasensor
Authors: Li Baichang , Feng Dongwei , Miao Yunfei , Liang Xuewang , Gu Le , Lan Hongying , Gao Shimeng , Zhang Yaxi , Deng Yulin , Geng Lina
Published: September 2021

Aptamers have gained significant attention as the molecular recognition element to replace antibodies in sensor development and target delivery. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that unlike the wide application of polyvalent antibodies, existing researches on the combined use of heterologous aptamers with similar recognition affinity and specificity for target detection were sporadic. Herein, first, the wide existence of polyaptamer for bacteria was revealed through the summary of existing literature. Furthermore, based on the establishment of a sensitive aptamer cocktail/graphene oxide fluorescence resonance energy transfer polyaptasensor with a detection limit as low as 10 CFU/ml, the systemic characterization of aptamer cocktails in bacterial detection was carried out by taking E. coli, Vi. parahemolyticus, S. typhimurium, and C. sakazakii as the assay targets. It was turned out that the polyaptasensors for C. sakazakii and S. typhimurium owned prevalence in the broader concentration range of target bacteria. While the polyaptasensors for E. coli and V. parahemolyticus outperformed monoaptasensor mainly in the lower concentration of target bacteria. The linear relationships between fluorescence recovery and the concentration of bacteria were also discussed. The different characteristics of the bacterial cellular membrane, including the binding affinity and the robustness to variation, are analyzed to be the main reason for the diverse detection performance of aptasensors. The study here enhances a sensor detection strategy with super sensitivity. More importantly, this systemic study on the aptamer cocktail in reference to antibodies will advance the in‐depth understanding and rational design of aptamer based biological recognition, detection, and targeting.
Estimating the uncertainty of Australian area‐average temperature anomalies
Authors: Grainger Simon , Fawcett Robert , Trewin Blair , Jones David , Braganza Karl , Jovanovic Branislava , Martin David , Smalley Robert , Webb Vanessa
Published: September 2021

An important metric for communicating the context and impact of climate change is regionally or nationally averaged temperature anomalies. Quantifying the associated uncertainty adds confidence in the reporting of temperature records and trends. For area‐averaged temperature anomalies derived from point‐source observations we model the uncertainty by a three‐step process: (1) observation random error; (2) spatial analysis grid point uncertainty; and (3) area‐average uncertainty. Each step should reflect the method used to calculate the area average. For Australian area‐average temperature anomalies, the observation random error is modelled as the sum of the sampling uncertainty and the uncertainty in the adjustment process. Daily maximum and minimum temperature time series from the 104 non‐urban locations of the Australian Climate Observation Reference Network—Surface Air Temperature (ACORN‐SAT) version 2 dataset for 1981–2010 are used to estimate the sampling uncertainty, based on predicted location pair zero‐distance correlations having values of less than 1.0. ACORN‐SAT version 2 breakpoint information is used to estimate the uncertainty from the selection of reference stations used in the detection and homogenization processes. Monthly area‐average temperature uncertainty is estimated for the 1910–2018 period from Monte Carlo simulations using the observation uncertainty and the available ACORN‐SAT network for each month. The uncertainty in annual area‐average temperature anomalies is then obtained from the monthly uncertainties and inter‐month correlations modelled with a periodic auto‐regressive model. The ±2σ annual mean temperature area‐average uncertainty is ±0.084°C in 2018 and ± 0.176°C in 1910. The larger value in 1910 is primarily due to decreased ACORN‐SAT coverage over areas of inland Australia. The Australian annual mean temperature change and associated uncertainty from ACORN‐SAT version 2 over 1910–2018 is found to be 1.42 ± 0.28°C. This is consistent with global air temperature warming by around 1°C since 1850.
Vulnerability of an arid zone coastal wetland landscape to sea level rise and intense storms
Authors: Lovelock Catherine E. , Reef Ruth , Masqué Pere
Published: September 2021

Arid zone coastal wetlands provide disproportionally important ecosystem services due to their relatively high levels of productivity relative to adjacent terrestrial systems. However, these wetlands are vulnerable to sea level rise as sediments needed for vertical accretion are limited. In order to assess the processes important for vertical accretion in arid zone coastal wetlands, we assessed vertical accretion across an arid zone wetland landscape in Western Australia. We found that overall coastal wetlands were declining in elevation at −0.18 mm yr−1 (± standard error 0.12 mm yr−1). Vertical accretion in mangroves was evident in years of high mean sea level, but this was insufficient to counteract shallow subsidence. The high intertidal cyanobacterial mat and salt flat zones were eroding, particularly in years of high rainfall. We observed retreat of the seaward mangrove fringe associated with tree mortality caused by cyclones, but we also observed recruitment of mangroves onto the high intertidal cyanobacterial mat zone, attributed to higher sea levels. Our study found complexity in the factors causing landscape change across the intertidal zone, where variation in sea level, intense storms, and other climatic and biotic factors interact.
Soliton Burst and Bi‐Directional Switching in the Platform with Positive Thermal‐Refractive Coefficient Using an Auxiliary Laser
Authors: Zhao Yanjing , Chen Liao , Zhang Chi , Wang Weiqiang , Hu Hao , Wang Ruolan , Wang Xinyu , Chu Sai T. , Little Brent , Zhang Wenfu , Zhang Xinliang
Published: September 2021

Dissipative Kerr solitons in optical microresonators enable the generation of stable ultrashort pulses and phase‐locked frequency combs, leading to their widespread applications. For traditional platforms with positive thermal‐refractive coefficient, strong thermal effect increases the difficulties of soliton triggering and prohibits the deterministic control of soliton number. Here, using an auxiliary laser to tune thermal effect, soliton burst and bi‐directional switching are demonstrated in high‐index doped silica glass platform. First, by varying the parameters of the auxiliary laser, the thermal effect tuning of the microresonator is studied with different thermal compensation states achieved, leading to distinct soliton switching features. Especially, the solitons burst and bi‐directional switch in over‐compensated state. The corresponding process is recorded in real time based on a temporal magnification system, uncovering transient dynamics from continuum background noise to soliton formation. Finally, the deterministic generation of solitons is enabled with controllable soliton number spanning from 1 to 21. The present work provides insight into soliton dynamics and enables soliton generation on demand with a large range of soliton numbers inside a single device.
Ionic Transport and Thermodynamic Interaction in Precision Polymer Blend Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Kim Kyoungmin , Nguyen Nam , Marxsen Stephanie F. , Smith Sage , Alamo Rufina G. , Kennemur Justin G. , Hallinan Daniel T.
Published: September 2021

Single‐ion conducting polymer electrolytes are of interest for use with advanced battery electrodes such as lithium metal, but achieving sufficiently high conductivity has been challenging. In this work, a model system containing charged sites that are precisely spaced along the polymer backbone is explored. Precision sulfonated poly(4‐phenylcyclopentene) lithium salt (p5PhS‐Li) with a high degree of sulfonation (> 90%) is synthesized and blended with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) to investigate the thermodynamic and transport properties. Melting point depression is measured via differential scanning calorimetry, ionic conductivity,κ, is determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and the fraction of current carried by Li+is estimated based on steady‐state current measurements. In conjunction with a density measurement, melting point depression is used to find an effective Flory–Huggins interaction parameter,χeff=   − 0.21, suggesting miscibility of the blend.κspans a large range from 2 × 10−11to 2 × 10−7S cm−1over the composition and temperature range investigated. The fraction of charge carried by lithium ions also spans a significant range from 0.12 in majority PEO blend to 0.98 in majorityp5PhS‐Li blend. This study addresses several limitations of sulfonated polystyrene and opens up the possibility of precisely controlling the spacing of other anion types.
Enhancement of Electrochromic Switching Properties with Tröger's Base‐Derived Intrinsic Microporous Polyamide Films
Authors: Pai Min‐Hao , Hu Chien‐Chieh , Liou Guey‐Sheng
Published: September 2021

The formation of Tröger's Base (TB) configuration is a useful approach to synthesize polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM). Herein, the V‐shaped TB scaffold is incorporated to prepare electrochromic (EC) polyamide with electroactive triphenylamine (TPA) moiety. The presence of intrinsic microporosity derived from inefficient packing of TB scaffolds can facilitate the counterions diffusion between electroactive species and electrolytes. Consequently, the resulting TB‐based polyamide exhibits enhanced EC behaviors, such as a lower driving potential, reduced the difference of redox potentials ΔE, and shorter switching response time compared to the corresponding EC counterpart polyamide.
Increasing Coastal and Continental Shelf Water Temperatures Influence the Start of the Glass Eel Fishery and Recruitment Abundance for American Eels in Atlantic Coastal Nova Scotia
Authors: Jessop B. M.
Published: September 2021

The effect on fish life history of warming oceanic water temperatures is a modern concern. Warming coastal and continental shelf sea surface temperatures (SSTs) were examined for their effect on the arrival of American Eel Anguilla rostrata glass eels to coastal waters as represented by the start of commercial elver fisheries along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. Elver fishery start dates were significantly earlier for a group of three rivers along the coast southwest of centrally located Halifax and for a northeastern group of two rivers. Between 1996 and 2020, fishery start dates became earlier by about 26 d for the southwestern river group and by about 34 d for the northeastern group. Progressively earlier starts to elver runs and associated commercial fisheries have implications for fisheries management when fixed fishing seasons become mismatched with run timing. Coastal and continental shelf SSTs were significantly higher for the southwestern river group than for the northeastern river group. Fishery start dates were significantly correlated with coastal and continental shelf SSTs only for the southwestern river group and not for the northeastern river group. The annual elver index for the East River, Chester, increased significantly between 1996 and 2018 and was significantly correlated with coastal and continental shelf SSTs, suggesting that increasing oceanic water temperatures influence glass eel recruitment. Elver relative condition had no significant effect on elver recruitment and was not affected by continental shelf SSTs.
New brand introduction and selling mode choice for online retailers with network effect
Authors: Zhong Boyuan , Shen Houcai
Published: September 2021

This paper builds a game‐theoretic model to examine online retailers' decisions of whether to introduce a new brand and whether to sell it in reselling or agency selling mode if introduced, given one existing brand supplier ex ante. We find it is not always more profitable for the online retailer to introduce the new brand. Interestingly, when determining to introduce the new brand, the online retailer may prefer the agency selling mode even though the commission fee becomes negligible and may not choose the agency selling even if the retailer can earn all sale profit as commission.
Benefits and challenges of nanomaterials in assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Silva José Roberto Viana , Barroso Pedro Alves Aguiar , Nascimento Danisvânia Ripardo , Figueira Ciro Siqueira , Azevedo Venância Antonia Nunes , Silva Bianca R. , Santos Ricardo Pires dos
Published: September 2021

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) have contributed to preserve fertility in humans and to increase multiplication of genetically superior animals. Despite being highly practiced worldwide, ART presents some challenges, especially because gametes and embryos are kept in vitro for a variable period of time, and the oxidative stress in vitro can have negative impact on oocyte competence and embryo development. Nanotechnology needs to be considered to help overcome some of those impairments, since it can provide strategies to deliver antioxidants and hormones to gametes and embryos in vitro. The application of nanotechnology to ART can allow the development of new protocols using nanomaterials to improve in vitro oocyte competence and embryo production. This review discusses the applicability of nanomaterials to improve sperm selection, to deliver antioxidants and hormones to preantral follicles, oocytes, and embryos in vitro, as well as the concerns about using nanotechnology in ART.
The numerical simulation of the mechanical failure behavior of shear thickening fluid/fiber composites: A review
Authors: Zhang Xingteng , Yan Ruosi , Zhang Qianyu , Jia Lixia
Published: September 2021

This study reveals the finite element modeling of mechanical failure behavior of shear thickening fluid (STF)/fiber composites under impact. Numerical analysis and finite element modeling of the rheological properties of non‐Newtonian fluid, STF are introduced. This review summarizes the model coupling methods in finite element modeling and the mechanical failure behavior prediction models of STF/fiber composites under impact. Further, the influencing factors on the accuracy of mechanical failure simulation models are analyzed. Factors such as the friction between fibers, shear rate, filler particles in the fibers, hysteresis effect and the boundary conditions should be considered in simulating the shear thickening effect of the composites.
Expanding the family of extracellular chaperones: Identification of human plasma proteins with chaperone activity
Authors: Geraghty Nicholas J. , Satapathy Sandeep , Kelly Megan , Cheng Flora , Lee Albert , Wilson Mark R.
Published: September 2021

Proteostasis, the balance of protein synthesis, folding and degradation, is essential to maintain cellular function and viability, and the many known intracellular chaperones are recognized as playing key roles in sustaining life. In contrast, the identity of constitutively secreted extracellular chaperones (ECs) and their physiological roles in extracellular proteostasis is less completely understood. We designed and implemented a novel strategy, based on the well‐known propensity of chaperones to bind to regions of hydrophobicity exposed on misfolding proteins, to discover new ECs present in human blood. We used a destabilized protein that misfolds at 37°C as “bait” to bind to potential ECs in human serum and captured the complexes formed on magnetic beads. Proteins eluted from the beads were identified by mass spectrometry and a group of seven abundant serum proteins was selected for in vitro analysis of chaperone activity. Five of these proteins were shown to specifically inhibit protein aggregation. Vitronectin and plasminogen activator‐3 inhibited both the in vitro aggregation of the Alzheimer's β peptide (Aβ1–42) to form fibrillar amyloid, and the aggregation of citrate synthase (CS) to form unstructured (amorphous) aggregates. In contrast, prothrombin, C1r, and C1s inhibited the aggregation of Aβ1–42 but did not inhibit CS aggregation. This study thus identified five novel and abundant putative ECs which may play important roles in the maintenance of extracellular proteostasis, and which apparently have differing abilities to inhibit the amorphous and amyloid‐forming protein aggregation pathways.
Novel putative polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic degrading enzymes from the environmental metagenome
Authors: Karunatillaka Isuru , Jaroszewski Lukasz , Godzik Adam
Published: September 2021

Several plastic degrading enzymes have been described in the literature, most notably PETases that are capable of hydrolyzing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. One of them, the PETase from Ideonella sakaiensis, a bacterium isolated from environmental samples within a PET bottle recycling site, was a subject of extensive studies. To test how widespread PETase functionality is in other bacterial communities, we used a cascade of BLAST searches in the JGI metagenomic datasets and showed that close homologs of I. sakaiensis PETase can also be found in other metagenomic environmental samples from both human‐affected and relatively pristine sites. To confirm their classification as putative PETases, we verified that the newly identified proteins have the PETase sequence signatures common to known PETases and that phylogenetic analyses group them with the experimentally characterized PETases. Additionally, docking analysis was performed in order to further confirm the functional assignment of the putative environmental PETases.
The review of alpha‐linolenic acid: Sources, metabolism, and pharmacology
Authors: Yuan Qianghua , Xie Fan , Huang Wei , Hu Mei , Yan Qilu , Chen Zemou , Zheng Yan , Liu Li
Published: September 2021

α‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n‐3) is a carboxylic acid composed of 18 carbon atoms and three cis double bonds, and is an essential fatty acid indispensable to the human body. This study aims to systematically review related studies on the dietary sources, metabolism, and pharmacological effects of ALA. Information on ALA was collected from the internet database PubMed, Elsevier, ResearchGate, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, and Europe PMC using a combination of keywords including “pharmacology,” “metabolism,” “sources.” The following findings are mainly contained. (a) ALA can only be ingested from food and then converted into eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in the body. (b) This conversion process is relatively limited and affected by many factors such as dose, gender, and disease. (c) Pharmacological research shows that ALA has the anti‐metabolic syndrome, anticancer, antiinflammatory, anti‐oxidant, anti‐obesity, neuroprotection, and regulation of the intestinal flora properties. (d) There are the most studies that prove ALA has anti‐metabolic syndrome effects, including experimental studies and clinical trials. (e) The therapeutic effect of ALA will be affected by the dosage. In short, ALA is expected to treat many diseases, but further high quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of ALA.
Delhi Model with Chemistry and aerosol framework (DM‐Chem) for high‐resolution fog forecasting
Authors: Jayakumar A. , Gordon Hamish , Francis Timmy , Hill Adrian A. , Mohandas Saji , Sandeepan B. S. , Mitra A. K. , Beig Gufran
Published: September 2021

We introduce here the Delhi Model with Chemistry and aerosol framework (DM‐Chem), a high‐resolution (330 m) visibility and fog forecasting model with the UK Chemistry and Aerosol scheme. DM‐Chem is developed at the National Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) in collaboration with UK Met Office and Carnegie Mellon University. We present a revised visibility scheme here which uses prognostic aerosols (mass and number concentration) from the two‐moment prognostic Global Model of Aerosol Processes (GLOMAP) ‐mode aerosol scheme. This scheme represents aerosol microphysical processes and the internal mixing of chemical components within five log‐normal size modes. The cloud microphysics parameterization also makes use of the GLOMAP scheme to predict cloud droplet number concentration (). Therefore we are able to evaluate the performance of the scheme indirectly by comparing the predicted with that derived from Moderate‐Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) retrievals over the Indo‐Gangetic Plain. Aerosol emissions for the inner (330 m) nest are prescribed with a high‐resolution inventory for Delhi, from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting project (SAFAR). Winter‐time stubble burning is represented using the MODIS‐based Fire Energetics and Emissions Research inventory, updated daily. In this article we consider case studies spanning both foggy and haze days of winter 2019–2020. The model compares well with the observed visibility and its spatial and diurnal patterns. The SAFAR emissions help improve the near‐surface model fields. For the “haze” case, the single scattering albedo (SSA) is high along the regions of high AOD, and the surface radiative cooling is enhanced. During the “foggy” case, the SSA is not clearly related to AOD, but aerosol absorption does lead to a minor surface warming via the semi‐direct effect at the time of onset of fog. The DM‐Chem entered operational mode at NCMRWF from winter 2020 and provides high‐resolution visibility forecast for Delhi and the adjoining region.
A case of intradiaphragmatic bronchogenic cyst with an abnormally high serum level of CA19‐9
Authors: Kamimura Go , Ueda Kazuhiro , Suzuki Soichi , Aoki Masaya , Nagata Toshiyuki , Sato Masami
Published: September 2021

Bronchogenic cysts that occur within the diaphragm are rare and difficult to diagnose preoperatively. We experienced the case of a patient with an abnormally high serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) level before surgery. The diagnosis of intradiaphragmatic bronchogenic cyst was made at the time of surgery. The patient was a 50‐year‐old woman with upper abdominal pain with an incidentally elevated serum CA19‐9. Although the tumour location could not be established on images, a tumour within the diaphragm was confirmed during the operation. The diaphragm was incised and the tumour was removed together with the capsule. Bronchial cysts were diagnosed histopathologically, and immunohistochemical examination revealed that the bronchial epithelial cells were positive for CA19‐9. When managing patients with bronchogenic cysts in the diaphragm, it is difficult to make a preoperative diagnosis or determine the location of the tumour; thus, careful planning is required before surgery.
Green Synthesis of Pyrazolo Pyrano Pyrimidine Derivatives Using ZnFe2O4/GA as a New Effective Catalyst in Water Media
Authors: Amini Haneye , Neamani Shekofeh , Moradi Leila
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, Solid acid catalysts which are the great replacement for the homogenous acid catalysts have attracted a great attention. In this research, glutamic acid anchored on ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4/GA) was prepared as a reusable heterogeneous catalyst. FT‐IR, FESEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, TEM VSM and TGA analysis proved the structure of the prepared composite. The obtained catalyst was applied for the green synthesis of some pyrazolo pyrano pyrimidines through the four component reaction. The products were achieved in high to excellent yields and characterized using spectroscopic methods.