bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field‐Free Spin–Orbit Torque Switching in Perpendicularly Magnetized Synthetic Antiferromagnets
Authors: Wei Jinwu , Wang Xiao , Cui Baoshan , Guo Chenyang , Xu Hongjun , Guang Yao , Wang Yuqiang , Luo Xuming , Wan Caihua , Feng Jiafeng , Wei Hongxiang , Yin Gen , Han Xiufeng , Yu Guoqiang
Published: November 2021

Synthetic antiferromagnets (SAFs), formed through an interlayer antiferromagnetic exchange coupling of ferromagnetic layers, exhibit intriguing potential in next‐generation spintronic devices due to the zero net magnetization and the high thermal stability. Compared to ferromagnets that are conventionally widely employed, SAFs are expected to significantly improve the data density and stability due to the suppression of the net stray field. Thus far, it has been well established that the spin‐orbit torque (SOT) switching of SAF requires an in‐plane effective magnetic field to break inversion symmetry and thereby assist the Landau–Lifshitz dynamics. This field can either be externally applied or achieved through the exchange coupling given by an adjacent ferromagnetic layer. Such requirement hinders the application of SAFs since a net magnetization cannot be ruled out. Here, the field‐free SOT switching of an all‐SAF system with a significantly reduced net magnetization is demonstrated. The switching is demonstrated to be robust up to ≈460 K. This work paves the way for the practical applications of the SAFs in the SOT‐based memory devices.
The Importance of Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy and Equivalent Circuit Analysis on Nanoscale Molecular Electronic Devices
Authors: Jash Priyajit , Parashar Ranjeev Kumar , Fontanesi Claudio , Mondal Prakash Chandra
Published: November 2021

To understand the electrical and charge transport phenomena in either single or large‐scale molecular junctions, direct current (DC) measurements are mainly utilized. The current–voltage data obtained from DC measurements on molecular junctions (MJs) are employed to infer charge transport parameters, including barrier height, contact resistance, attenuation factor (β), and underlying transport mechanisms. However, DC measurements can not separate the individual electrical components, as it produces a total current that flows in the molecular junctions. Contact resistance obtained from the DC measurements by extrapolating plot of resistance versus chain length can not make exact value. In addition, defected SAMs‐based MJs or junctions having a protective layer, DC measurements alone can predict neither proper electrical values nor the correct transport mechanisms and it lacks frequency response. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) along with the circuit model enables the identification of individual electrical components of the molecular junctions and faultless contact resistance values that facilitate the model of actual transport mechanisms. In this Review, the working principle of electrical impedance spectroscopy and circuit modeling to digitize the experimental results on various molecular junctions, is discussed. Overall, the EIS technique can serve as an excellent analytical tool for the proper electrical characterization that is highly desirable for molecular electronics.
A Nanocoating Co‐Localizing Nitric Oxide and Growth Factor onto Individual Endothelial Cells Reveals Synergistic Effects on Angiogenesis
Authors: Jeong Hyejoong , Choi Daheui , Oh Yoogyeong , Heo Jiwoong , Hong Jinkee
Published: November 2021

The delivery of nitric oxide (NO)—an intrinsic cellular signaling molecule—is promising for disease treatment, in particular to vascular diseases, due to its endothelial‐derived inherent nature. The limited diffusion distance of labile NO prompts researchers to develop various carriers and targeting methods for specific sites. In contrast to the apoptotic effect of NO, such as anticancer, delivering low NO concentration at the desired targeting area is still intricate in a physiological environment. In this study, the layer‐by‐layer assembled nanocoating is leveraged to develop a direct NO delivery platform to individual endothelial cells (ECs). NO can be localized to individual ECs viaS‐nitrosothiol‐bound polyacrylic acid which is a polymer directly providing an endothelial‐like constant level of NO. To increase angiogenic activation along with NO, VEGF is additionally applied to specific receptors on the cell surface. Notably, the survival and proliferation of ECs are significantly increased by a synergistic effect of NO and VEGF co‐localized via nanocoating. Furthermore, the nanocoating remarkably promoted cell migration and tubule formation—prerequisites of angiogenesis. The proposed unique technology based on nanocoating demonstrates great potential for conferring desired angiogenic functions to individual ECs through efficient NO delivery.
Laser Direct Writing of Highly Ordered Two‐Level Hierarchical Microstructures for Flexible Piezoresistive Sensor with Enhanced Sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Chenying , Chen Rui , Xiao Chiqian , Zhao Huiyan , Wang Yuxin , Geng Da , Chen Songyue , Luo Tao , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2021

With the development of micro‐nano manufacturing technology, various hierarchical microstructures (HMs) are used to improve the sensitivity and measurement range of flexible pressure sensors. However, the fabrication of highly ordered HMs in simple, fast, and low‐cost ways remains a great challenge. In this work, laser direct writing technology is used to fabricate highly ordered HMs to enhance the sensitivity of flexible piezoresistive sensors. The HMs show a lateral expansion with the increasing pressure due to good flexibility and small force bearing areas, resulting in more significant change in contact area than the single‐level microstructures, which leads to an enhanced sensitivity. Two case studies are conducted to verify the performance of the sensor with laser processed HMs. Experimental results show that the pulsating blood pressure signal of radial artery can be detected by attaching the sensor on the wrist. When the sensor is attached on the neck, it can also detect the vibration signal of vocal cord when speaking. These results successfully demonstrate the potential of laser processing in fabricating highly ordered HMs to achieve highly sensitive flexible piezoresistive sensors for various applications, such as wearable health monitoring and human–computer interactions.
Multifunctional Dynamic Enamine‐Based Hydrogels with On‐Demand Removability for Wound Healing
Authors: Zeng Fanwei , Jiang Xueyu , Zhang Hao , Chen Minzhang , Lu Ang , Yu Aixi
Published: November 2021

To meet the urgent requirement in complex wound treatment, the injectable self‐healing biocompatible hydrogel with tunable mechanical properties, adhesion, on‐demanding removability, antibacterial properties, and hemostasis is designed. For the first time, hydrogels are fabricated through dynamic enamine bonds among dodecane grafted quaternized chitosan (DQCS) and ketone group functionalized polyvinyl alcohol (PVA‐Ket) to achieve efficient wound closure. Owing to the dynamic enamine bond, the hydrogel exhibits self‐healing, injectability and suitable mechanical properties. It can be easily injected into wound, adhere tightly, and bear deformation damage. Dodecyl groups and quaternary amine groups endow the biocompatible hydrogels outstanding antibacterial feature, hemostatic performance, and tissue adhesiveness (40.05 ± 3.21 kPa), which greatly facilitate the wound healing process. Owing to interaction between the amino acid and PVA‐Ket, the hydrogel exhibits painless on‐demand dissolution behavior, causing uninjurious separation from wound sites. Furthermore, in vivo study demonstrates that the hydrogel promotes wound healing by upregulating growth factors, alleviating the inflammation and promoting angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and the growth of granulation tissue, leading to a better curative effect than the commercial gauze and Atrauman. Ag in infected and uninfected wounds. Thus, the multifunctional dynamic enamine‐based hydrogel with on‐demand removability has great potential in clinical applications.
Magnetically Steerable Serial and Parallel Structures by Mold‐Free Origami Templating and Domain Setting
Authors: Yeow Bok Seng , Yang Haitao , Sivaperuman Kalairaj Manivannan , Gao Huxin , Cai Catherine Jiayi , Xu Shilei , Chen Po‐Yen , Ren Hongliang
Published: November 2021

Magnetically responsive elastomers generate continuous motions and locomotion through changes in external magnetic fields. The magnetic particles in an elastomer achieve shape‐morphing, but overall structural integrity can be limited by the compliance of elastomers. To overcome this limitation, magnetic elastomers are enhanced with programmable template creases to generate deployable structures as a library. Current methods to program magnetic domains into actuatable segments use sequential or continuous rasterized magnetization, which is gradual and requires dedicated equipment. To achieve faster magnetic domain programming, template folding for the magnetization process is explored. The crease pattern can reconfigure facets to attain the desired magnetization direction and act as discrete mechanical joints. Crease patterns from the foldable templates allow more variations in robotic kinematics and discretize the deformations. The approach using magnetic elastomers and folding templates as a library can simultaneously program a wide range of deployable mechanisms with inherent crease foldability. Additionally, magnetic responsive robots can encompass bistable actuation imparted from the crease design. Functionalization of magnetic origami structures is demonstrated by imbuing the template material with catalytic properties. These robots have the potential to be deployed from a compact folded form to confined environments, enabling a broader spectrum of minimally invasive procedures.
A Diastereoselective Catalytic Approach to Pentasubstituted Pyrrolidines by Tandem Anionic‐Radical Cross‐Over Reactions
Authors: Hidasová Denisa , Pohl Radek , Císařová Ivana , Jahn Ullrich
Published: November 2021

Pentasubstituted pyrrolidines are ubiquitous constituents of natural products and drugs, however the access options to them especially with respect to absolute and relative stereochemistry are not well developed. We report an asymmetric synthesis of N,2,3,4,5‐pentasubstituted pyrrolidines by oxidative single‐electron transfer‐catalyzed tandem aza‐Michael addition/radical 5‐exo cyclization/oxygenation reactions. The absolute stereochemistry is set by applying readily accessible chiral allylamines in asymmetric conjugate additions to various β‐substituted‐α,β‐unsaturated esters, which dependent on the substituent R2 sets the configuration of the two stereocenters next to the amine function, whereas two more are diastereoselectively generated by the radical 5‐exo cyclization step. This allows the diastereodivergent single‐step synthesis of pyrrolidines with four contiguous stereogenic centers. The stereoselectivity is rationalized by a predictive model.

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Manganese(III)‐Promoted Double Carbonylation of Anilines Toward α‐Ketoamides Synthesis
Authors: Chen Bo , Kuai Chang‐Sheng , Xu Jian‐Xing , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: November 2021

Employing anilines as nucleophiles in double carbonylation is a longstanding challenge. In this communication, a Mn(III)‐promoted double carbonylation of alkylborates or Hantzsch esters with anilines toward the synthesis of α‐ketoamides has been developed. By using easily available potassium alkyltrifluoroborates or Hantzsch esters as the starting material, and cheap and non‐toxic Mn(OAc)3 ⋅ 2H2O as the promotor, a broad range of alkyl α‐ketoamide derivatives were synthesized in moderate to good yields with excellent selectivity.

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Faradaic Pixels for Precise Hydrogen Peroxide Delivery to Control M‐Type Voltage‐Gated Potassium Channels
Authors: Abdullaeva Oliya S. , Sahalianov Ihor , Silverå Ejneby Malin , Jakešová Marie , Zozoulenko Igor , Liin Sara I. , Głowacki Eric Daniel
Published: November 2021

H2O2 plays a significant role in a range of physiological processes where it performs vital tasks in redox signaling. The sensitivity of many biological pathways to H2O2 opens up a unique direction in the development of bioelectronics devices to control levels of reactive‐oxygen species (ROS). Here a microfabricated ROS modulation device that relies on controlled faradaic reactions is presented. A concentric pixel arrangement of a peroxide‐evolving cathode surrounded by an anode ring which decomposes the peroxide, resulting in localized peroxide delivery is reported. The conducting polymer (poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), is exploited as the cathode. PEDOT selectively catalyzes the oxygen reduction reaction resulting in the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Using electrochemical and optical assays, combined with modeling, the performance of the devices is benchmarked. The concentric pixels generate tunable gradients of peroxide and oxygen concentrations. The faradaic devices are prototyped by modulating human H2O2‐sensitive Kv7.2/7.3 (M‐type) channels expressed in a single‐cell model (Xenopus laevis oocytes). The Kv7 ion channel family is responsible for regulating neuronal excitability in the heart, brain, and smooth muscles, making it an ideal platform for faradaic ROS stimulation. The results demonstrate the potential of PEDOT to act as an H2O2 delivery system, paving the way to ROS‐based organic bioelectronics.
Synergistic Engineering of Side Chains and Backbone Regioregularity of Polymer Acceptors for High‐Performance All‐Polymer Solar Cells with 15.1% Efficiency
Authors: Sun Cheng , Lee Jin‐Woo , Seo Soodeok , Lee Seungjin , Wang Cheng , Li Huan , Tan Zhengping , Kwon Soon‐Ki , Kim Bumjoon J. , Kim Yun‐Hi
Published: November 2021

Tuning the aggregation and crystalline properties of polymers is critical for realizing all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) with optimal blend morphology and high power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this study, a series of polymerized small‐molecule acceptors (PSMAs) is developed to investigate important relationships among their crystalline/aggregation properties, the blend morphology, and the device performance of the resulting all‐PSCs. A series of PSMAs (regiorandom (RRd)‐C12, RRd‐C20, RRd‐C24, regioregular (RRg)‐C20, and RRg‐C24) with simultaneously‐engineered i) side chain lengths of C12, C20, and C24, and ii) backbone regioregularities of RRd and RRg are synthesized to regulate their crystalline/aggregation properties. As a result, the highest PCE of 15.12% is obtained with all‐PSCs based on RRg‐C20 PSMA having regioregular backbone and optimal side chain length, attributed to high PSMA crystallinity and electron mobility as well as optimal blend morphology with a polymer donor. Thus, this study demonstrates the importance of simultaneous engineering of the backbone regioregularity and side‐chain structures of PSMAs to enhance electron mobility, optimize blend morphology and, thus, achieve highly efficient all‐PSCs.
Autoimmune conditions in the World Trade Center general responder cohort: A nested case‐control and standardized incidence ratio analysis
Authors: Sacks Henry S. , Smirnoff Margaret , Carson Deborah , Cooney Michael L. , Shapiro Moshe Z. , Hahn Christopher J. , Dasaro Christopher R. , Crowson Cynthia , Tassiulas Ioannis , Hirten Robert P. , Cohen Benjamin L. , Haber Richard S. , Davies Terry F. , Simpson David M. , Crane Michael A. , Harrison Denise J. , Luft Benjamin J. , Moline Jacqueline M. , Udasin Iris G. , Todd Andrew C. , Sloan Nancy L. , Teitelbaum Susan L.
Published: November 2021

Background

The World Trade Center (WTC) general responder cohort (GRC) was exposed to environmental toxins possibly associated with increased risk of developing autoimmune conditions.

Objectives

Two study designs were used to assess incidence and risks of autoimmune conditions in the GRC.

Methods

Three clinically trained professionals established the status of possible GRC cases of autoimmune disorders adhering to diagnostic criteria, supplemented, as needed, by specialists’ review of consenting responders’ medical records. Nested case‐control analyses using conditional logistic regression estimated the risk associated with high WTC exposure (being in the 9/11/2001 dust cloud or ≥median days' response worked) compared with low WTC exposure (all other GRC members'). Four controls were matched to each case on age at case diagnosis (±2 years), sex, race/ethnicity, and year of program enrollment. Sex‐specific and sensitivity analyses were performed. GRC age‐ and sex‐adjusted standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were compared with the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP). Complete REP inpatient and outpatient medical records were reviewed by specialists. Conditions meeting standardized criteria on ≥2 visits were classified as REP confirmed cases.

Results

Six hundred and twenty‐eight responders were diagnosed with autoimmune conditions between 2002 and 2017. In the nested case‐control analyses, high WTC exposure was not associated with autoimmune domains and conditions (rheumatologic domain odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77, 1.37; rheumatoid arthritis OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.70, 1.77). GRC members had lower SIR than REP. Women's risks were generally greater than men's.

Conclusions

The study found no statistically significant increased risk of autoimmune conditions with WTC exposures.
Lipid Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery
Authors: Xu Letao , Wang Xing , Liu Yun , Yang Guangze , Falconer Robert J. , Zhao Chun-Xia
Published: November 2021

Lipid nanoparticles have attracted significant interests in the last two decades, and have achieved tremendous clinical success since the first clinical approval of Doxil in 1995. At the same time, lipid nanoparticles have also demonstrated enormous potential in delivering nucleic acid drugs as evidenced by the approval of two RNA therapies and mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines. In this review, an overview on different classes of lipid nanoparticles, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers, is first provided, followed by the introduction of their preparation methods. Then the characterizations of lipid nanoparticles are briefly reviewed and their applications in encapsulating and delivering hydrophobic drugs, hydrophilic drugs, and RNAs are highlighted. Finally, various applications of lipid nanoparticles for overcoming different delivery challenges, including crossing the blood–brain barrier, targeted delivery, and various routes of administration, are summarized. Lipid nanoparticles as drug delivery systems offer many attractive benefits such as great biocompatibility, ease of preparation, feasibility of scale‐up, nontoxicity, and targeted delivery, while current challenges in drug delivery warrant future studies about structure–function correlations, large‐scale production, and targeted delivery to realize the full potential of lipid nanoparticles for wider clinical and pharmaceutical applications in future.
A Nanohook‐Equipped Bionanocatalyst for Localized Near‐Infrared‐Enhanced Catalytic Bacterial Disinfection
Authors: Fan Xin , Wu Xizheng , Yang Fan , Wang Lei , Ludwig Kai , Ma Lang , Trampuz Andrej , Cheng Chong , Haag Rainer
Published: November 2021

Novel bionanocatalysts have opened a new era in fighting multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria. They can kill bacteria by elevating the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of chemicals like H2O2. However, ROSs’ ultrashort diffusion distance limit their bactericidal activity. We present a nanohook‐equipped bionanocatalyst (Ni@Co‐NC) with bacterial binding ability that shows robust ROS‐generating capacity under physiological H2O2 levels. The Ni@Co‐NC's pH‐dependent performance confines its effects to the biofilm microenvironment, leaving healthy tissue unaffected. Furthermore, it can generate heat upon NIR laser irradiation, enhancing its catalytic performance while achieving heat ablation against bacteria. With the Ni@Co‐NC's synergistic effects, bacterial populations fall by >99.99 %. More surprisingly, the mature biofilm shows no recurrence after treatment with the Ni@Co‐NC, demonstrating its tremendous potential for treating MDR bacterial related infections.
Vektorielle Katalyse mit oberflächenverankerten nano‐metallorganischen Gerüsten in mikrofluidischen Reaktoren
Authors: Semrau Anna Lisa , Stanley Philip M. , Huber Dominik , Schuster Michael , Albada Bauke , Zuilhof Han , Cokoja Mirza , Fischer Roland A.
Published: November 2021

Vektorielle Katalyse – die Steuerung von mehrstufigen Reaktionen in einer programmierten Abfolge und durch definierte räumliche Lokalisierung in einem mikroskaligen Reaktor – ist ein grundlegendes Ziel in der bioinspirierten Katalyseforschung. Die Übertragung von Konzepten aus der natürlichen Kaskaden‐Biokatalyse zu künstlichen hierarchischen chemischen Systeme bleibt jedoch eine Herausforderung. Hier zeigen wir die Integration von zwei verschiedenen oberflächenverankerten, nanometergroßen metallorganischen Gerüsten (MOFs) in einem mikrofluidischen Reaktor zur Modellierung der vektoriellen Katalyse. Die Katalysatoren wurden an definierten Abschnitten entlang des Mikrokanals immobilisiert, dies ermöglichte eine zweistufige Kaskadenreaktion mit vollständiger Umsetzung nach 30 Sekunden und hohen Umsatzfrequenzen (TOF≈105 h−1).
Peptide–Bismuth Bicycles: In Situ Access to Stable Constrained Peptides with Superior Bioactivity
Authors: Voss Saan , Rademann Jörg , Nitsche Christoph
Published: November 2021

Constrained peptides are promising next‐generation therapeutics. We report here a fundamentally new strategy for the facile generation of bicyclic peptides using linear precursor peptides with three cysteine residues and a non‐toxic trivalent bismuth(III) salt. Peptide–bismuth bicycles form instantaneously at physiological pH, are stable in aqueous solution for many weeks, and much more resistant to proteolysis than their linear precursors. The strategy allows the in situ generation of bicyclic ligands for biochemical screening assays. We demonstrate this for two screening campaigns targeting the proteases from Zika and West Nile viruses, revealing a new lead compound that displayed inhibition constants of 23 and 150 nM, respectively. Bicyclic peptides are up to 130 times more active and 19 times more proteolytically stable than their linear analogs without bismuth.
Local Environment Determined Reactant Adsorption Configuration for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Acetone Hydrogenation to Propane
Authors: Wang Xuesi , Jiao Yan , Li Laiquan , Zheng Yao , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: November 2021

We demonstrate a widely applicable method to alter the adsorption configuration of multi‐carbon containing reactants by no catalyst engineering but simply adjusting the local reaction environment of the catalyst surface. Using electrocatalytic acetone to propane hydrogenation (APH) as a model reaction and common commercial Pt/Pt‐based materials as catalysts, we found local H+ concentration can significantly influence the adsorption mode of acetone reactant, for example, in vertical or flat mode, and target product selectivity. Electrocatalytic measurement combined with in situ spectroscopic characterizations reveals that the vertically adsorbed acetone is favorable for propane production while the flatly adsorbed mode suppresses the reaction. DFT calculations indicate that the H coverage on catalyst surface plays a decisive role in the adsorption configuration of acetone. The increased local acidity can facilitate the adsorption configuration of acetone from flat to vertical mode and suppress the competing hydrogen evaluation reaction, which consequently enhances the APH selectivity.
Polylactic acid/recycled wind turbine glass fiber composites with enhanced mechanical properties and toughness
Authors: Moslehi Amirhosein , Ajji Abdellah , Heuzey Marie‐Claude , Rahimizadeh Amirmohammad , Lessard Larry
Published: November 2021

The amount of composite waste from decommissioned wind turbine blades grows rapidly and recycling solutions should be generated to overcome this environmental challenge. This research aims to further develop a recycling method to recover components of dismantled turbine blades by reusing them as reinforcement for new composites. Recycled short glass fibers from shredded blade composites are incorporated into polylactic acid (PLA) to fabricate a composite (15 wt% fiber) that could be used for 3D filament fabrication. To improve the mechanical properties of the composite, a coupling agent was employed to refine the interactions between PLA and recycled glass fibers at the interface of the two components and enhance the adhesion. Due to the inherent brittleness of PLA, which is aggravated with the addition of recycled glass fibers, a toughening agent involving chain‐end modification was incorporated into the composite to improve the toughness of the system. The concurrent outcome of the coupling agent and the toughener on the morphology, mechanical properties and thermal behavior of the composite was evaluated. The incorporation of 1,2,3,4‐butane tetracarboxylic acid and silane‐treating of the recycled fibers improved the strength by 30% and elongation at break and impact strength of the composite 3 and 2 times, respectively.
Domain‐topic models with chained dimensions: Charting an emergent domain of a major oncology conference
Authors: Hannud Abdo Alexandre , Cointet Jean‐Philippe , Bourret Pascale , Cambrosio Alberto
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a contribution to the study of bibliographic corpora through science mapping. From a graph representation of documents and their textual dimension, stochastic block models can provide a simultaneous clustering of documents and words that we call a domain‐topic model. Previous work investigated the resulting topics, or word clusters, while ours focuses on the study of the document clusters we call domains. To enable the description and interactive navigation of domains, we introduce measures and interfaces that consider the structure of the model to relate both types of clusters. We then present a procedure that extends the block model to cluster metadata attributes of documents, which we call a domain‐chained model, noting that our measures and interfaces transpose to metadata clusters. We provide an example application to a corpus relevant to current science, technology and society (STS) research and an interesting case for our approach: the abstracts presented between 1995 and 2017 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, the major oncology research conference. Through a sequence of domain‐topic and domain‐chained models, we identify and describe a group of domains that have notably grown through the last decades and which we relate to the establishment of “oncopolicy” as a major concern in oncology.
Destination exoplanet: Habitability conditions influenced by stellar winds properties
Authors: Chebly Judy J. , Alvarado‐Gómez Julián D. , Poppenhaeger Katja
Published: November 2021

The cumulative effect of the magnetized stellar winds on exoplanets dominates over other forms of star‐planet interactions. When combined with photoevaporation, these winds will lead to atmospheric erosion. This is directly connected with the concept of habitable zone (HZ) planets around late‐type stars. Our knowledge of these magnetized winds is limited, making numerical models useful tools to explore them. In this preliminary study, we focus on solar‐like stars exploring how different stellar wind properties scale with one another. We used one of the most detailed physics‐based models, the 3D Alfvén wave solar model part of the Space Weather Modeling Framework, and applied it to the stellar winds domain. Our simulations showed that the magnetic field topology on the star surface plays a fundamental role in shaping the different stellar wind properties (wind speed, mass loss rate, and angular momentum loss rate). We conclude that a characterization of the Alfvén surface is crucial when studying star‐planet interaction as it can serve as an inner‐boundary of the HZ.
Effects of surgery on survival of patients aged 75 years or older with Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Ren Kehui , Yin Xufeng , Zhou Bingrong
Published: November 2021

Objective

To investigate whether surgery improves prognosis in elderly patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

Materials/Methods

Data of all patients with MCC diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Differences in baseline characteristics were analyzed among the age groups (75–80, 80–85, and ≥85 years). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to assess the effects of each variable on patient outcomes. The Kaplan–Meier curves were employed to evaluate MCC overall survival (OS) and MCC‐specific survival (MSS).

Results

A total of 1156 of patients with MCC met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The surgery rate decreased with age (75–80, 80–85, and ≥85 years were 93.3%, 91.1%, and 88.7%, respectively; p = 0.082). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that the OS of patients in the 80–85 years group (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–1.70; p = 0.001) and the ≥85 years group (HR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.80–2.63; p < 0.0001) was worse than that in the 75–80 years group. Compared with the non‐surgery groups, the HR for the surgery group was 0.75 for OS (95% CI = 0.56–1.00; p = 0.048) and 0.73 for MSS (95% CI = 0.48–1.10; p = 0.130). Subgroup analyses showed that patients aged ≥85 years undergoing surgery had better OS (HR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.45–0.95; p = 0.024).

Conclusions

MCC patients aged 75 years and older would benefit from surgical resection. However, surgical resection should be performed cautiously, and larger prospective clinical trials are needed to further verify these findings.
Dyadic Reports Using the Parental Support after Child Sexual Abuse Measure: Psychometrics and Associations with Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
Authors: Asgeirsdottir Bryndis Bjork , Huffhines Lindsay , Sigurvinsdottir Rannveig , Wherry Jeffrey N.
Published: November 2021

This study assessed the psychometric properties of a new measure, the Parental Support after Child Sexual Abuse (PSCSA) survey, and tested the association between parents' and children's parental support reports and children's post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. A total of 99 Icelandic children (86.5% girls, 6–18 years old, M = 13.9 years) starting therapy for child sexual abuse (CSA) and 98 non‐offending parents (90.6% mothers, 23–58 years old, M = 41.2 years) participated in the study. Participants completed questionnaires on parental support (PSCSA) and children's PTSD symptom severity (University of California at Los Angeles Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition). A total of 18 items were considered for the PSCSA parent version and nine for the PSCSA child version. Five reliable factors emerged for the parent version (Emotional support, Instrumental support, Self‐blame, Child blame and Disbelief) using 16 items and one factor (combined Emotional and instrumental support) emerged for the child's version using eight items. On average, ratings for both Emotional and Instrumental support were higher for parents than their children. Emotional support reported by both parents and children was negatively associated with PTSD symptom severity. The PSCSA survey is a promising dyadic measure for future research and clinical use in children's advocacy centres.

Key Practitioner Messages

The results indicate that the PSCSA survey is a valid and reliable measure of parental support following CSA.

Unlike prior measures, the PSCSA survey allows for the possibility of fathers to complete the questionnaire, reduces the number of items for children and captures greater variability in support.

Emotional support reported by both parents and children was negatively associated with PTSD symptom severity.

The PSCSA survey increases the feasibility of future research in this area and clinical use in children's advocacy centres and other settings.
Digital media consumption: Using metrics, patterns and dashboards to enhance data‐driven decision‐making
Authors: Chan Kaye , Uncles Mark
Published: November 2021

Dashboards are commonly used to inform data‐driven decision‐making by multiple stakeholders within and across businesses. The purpose of this article is to show how a comprehensive marketing model, the NBD‐Dirichlet, can be used to construct coherent and integrated dashboards. This is demonstrated using an example that offers practical guidance to practitioners and researchers for incorporating the model into a dashboard and showing how it can enhance visualisation, communication, and decision‐making. The example concerns digital media consumption behaviour, specifically the section choice behaviour of readers of an online magazine. The example demonstrates the utility of the NBD‐Dirichlet model to underpin a marketing management dashboard (RQ1), where model parameters are estimated from unstructured log‐file data (RQ2) using log‐likelihood estimation (RQ4). The example also shows the applicability of the model in analysing a non‐brand attribute, specifically magazine content sections (RQ3). From inspection of graphical and tabular dashboards, it is evident that magazine section content is read by consumers in ways we might expect given the well‐known Double Jeopardy (DJ) pattern of the NBD‐Dirichlet model (RQ5). There is no evidence of change‐of‐pace behavioural loyalty (RQ6), nor niche behavioural loyalty (RQ7). Finally, the article highlights the benefits of the NBD‐Dirichlet in business as not only a tool for underpinning dashboards but also for scenario planning (RQ8).
Synthesis of Glycerides of Fatty Acids by Inorganic Solid Catalysts: A Review
Authors: Alvarez Serafini Mariana S. , Tonetto Gabriela M.
Published: November 2021

Homogeneous catalysts in the synthesis of mono‐ and di‐glycerides have received wide acceptability due to their fast reaction rates. However, environmental issues and purification costs have led to the search for alternatives. Heterogeneous catalysts gained the attention of researchers because they can be applied to continuous processes, can be regenerated and can be used multiple times. This study reviews the available literature on solid catalysts used in the production of glycerides of fatty acids. It discusses the preparation methods, the reaction conditions and the results obtained in the three more important synthesis reactions: fatty acid esterification with glycerol, glycerolysis of fatty acid methyl ester and glycerolysis of triglycerides. The reported heterogeneous catalysts that were found to be the most active in the esterification reaction are the ones with strong acid sites. In the case of the glycerolysis, the most studied solid catalysts are Mg, Zn and Ca oxides, resulting in high monoglyceride yield.
Gold Self‐Relay Catalysis Enabling [3,3]‐Sigmatropic Rearrangement/Nazarov Cyclization and Allylic Alkylation Cascade for Constructing All‐Carbon Quaternary Stereocenters
Authors: Meng Fan‐Tao , Qin Xiao‐Yan , Li Jing , Zhang Tian‐Shu , Tu Shu‐Jiang , Jiang Bo , Hao Wen‐Juan
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Molecular scaffolds endowed with all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter are ubiquitous in natural products and significant bioactive molecules. However, efficient construction of this type of structure units is full of challenge due to their congested chemical environment. Herein, we report a new gold(I) self‐relay catalysis merging [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement/Nazarov cyclization with allylic alkylation starting from 1,3‐enyne acetates and allylic alcohols, producing a wide range of synthetically important allyl cyclopentenones with an all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter in good yields under mild conditions. This protocol demonstrates the precise control of regioselectivity, high functional group tolerance of substrates and the low loading of gold catalyst without inert atmosphere protection, providing a catalytic and efficient entry to all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters
A technical note on digitizing color mapped spectral power distribution images
Authors: Shailesh Kambadakone Ramesh , Shailesh Tanuja
Published: November 2021

Data visualization is producing images that communicate data in the form of visual objects like lines, points, bars, or colored areas. Often it is necessary to extract numerical data from these images for further analysis. There are a wide variety of data digitization tools, however, only limited formats of plot images can be digitized using them. There exists many data visualization formats spread across different domains of science. Some of these formats need tailored solutions. One such format is color mapped spectral power distribution images of light sources captured by proprietary spectrometers. In this work, a methodology is discussed to digitize spectral plots of light sources. Unlike typical digitization tools which extract data based on contrast difference, color, or morphological similarities, color mapped spectral plots contain blending colors across the x‐axis, without containing any notable morphological features. In this work, image processing is applied to extract the contour representing a spectral plot. For color mapped spectral plots, the importance of appropriate binary input images for edge detection algorithms is highlighted. There are only a few edge‐detection methods give the desired results except a few. Further, the importance of repeatedly adjusting threshold values in extracting desired contours is also discussed. The estimated and measured spectral parameters are in mutual agreement with each other thereby validating the adopted approach.
Evaluation of Proton Pump Inhibitor Esomeprazole on Crizotinib Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Participants
Authors: Xu Huiping , O'Gorman Melissa , Matschke Kyle , Boutros Tanya , Brega Nicoletta , Tan Weiwei , Bello Akintunde
Published: November 2021

Crizotinib is a small‐molecule, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that exhibits decreased aqueous solubility at a higher pH. This open‐label, randomized, phase 1 study (NCT01549574) evaluated the effect of multiple doses of the proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of crizotinib and the safety of crizotinib with or without esomeprazole in healthy adults. Participants received a single 250‐mg crizotinib dose after overnight fast or a single 250‐mg crizotinib dose following esomeprazole 40 mg/day for 5 days. After a washout of ≥14 days, participants crossed over to the alternate treatment. Blood samples for plasma analysis were taken up to 144 hours after crizotinib dosing and relevant PK parameters estimated. Safety was assessed in all participants receiving ≥1 dose of study medication. Fifteen participants were evaluable for PK and safety for each treatment. Coadministration with esomeprazole resulted in a slight decrease (≈10%) in the crizotinib geometric mean area under the plasma concentration–time profile from time 0 to infinity (adjusted geometric mean ratio, 89.81% [90% confidence interval, 79.05‐102.03]). Coadministration of esomeprazole did not affect peak crizotinib exposure. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in similar numbers between treatments; no serious or severe AEs occurred. The most common AE was diarrhea. Although esomeprazole decreased total exposure of crizotinib, it is not considered clinically meaningful, and dose modification is not required when crizotinib is coadministered with agents that affect gastric pH.
UniLectin, A One‐Stop‐Shop to Explore and Study Carbohydrate‐Binding Proteins
Authors: Imberty Anne , Bonnardel François , Lisacek Frédérique
Published: November 2021

All eukaryotic cells are covered with a dense layer of glycoconjugates, and the cell walls of bacteria are made of various polysaccharides, putting glycans in key locations for mediating protein‐protein interactions at cell interfaces. Glycan function is therefore mainly defined as binding to other molecules, and lectins are proteins that specifically recognize and interact non‐covalently with glycans. UniLectin was designed based on insight into the knowledge of lectins, their classification, and their biological role. This modular platform provides a curated and periodically updated classification of lectins along with a set of comparative and visualization tools, as well as structured results of screening comprehensive sequence datasets. UniLectin can be used to explore lectins, find precise information on glycan‐protein interactions, and mine the results of predictive tools based on HMM profiles. This usage is illustrated here with two protocols. The first one highlights the fine‐tuned role of the O blood group antigen in distinctive pathogen recognition, while the second compares the various bacterial lectin arsenals that clearly depend on living conditions of species even in the same genus. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

[Correction added on May 17, 2022, after first online publication: CSAL funding statement has been added.]

Basic Protocol 1: Searching for the structural details of lectins binding the O blood group antigen

Basic Protocol 2: Comparing the lectomes of related organisms in different environments
Illustrative Tutorials for ProThermDB: Thermodynamic Database for Proteins and Mutants
Authors: Kulandaisamy A. , Nikam Rahul , Harini K. , Sharma Divya , Gromiha M. Michael
Published: November 2021

ProThermDB (https://web.iitm.ac.in/bioinfo2/prothermdb/index.html) is a primary resource for protein stability, which contains experimentally determined thermodynamic data for proteins and their mutants. The most recent version of ProThermDB accumulates the data obtained from both high‐ and low‐throughput experimental biophysical methods. It includes comprehensive information at four different levels, i.e.: (i) protein sequence and structure; (ii) experimental conditions; (iii) thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy, melting temperature, enthalpy, etc.; and (iv) literature. In the following protocols, we present detailed tutorials for retrieving data using different search, display and sorting options, interpretation of search results, description of each entry‐level information category, data upload and download, cross‐links with other databases, and visualization options. This protocol consists of six pictorial exercises, which are useful for biologists/users to understand the contents and organization of data in ProThermDB. Further, potential applications of ProThermDB in protein engineering are discussed. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Retrieval of experimental thermodynamic data for wild‐type and mutants of a specific protein using a simple query

Basic Protocol 2: Retrieval of stabilizing point mutations, which are located at the interior of α‐helical regions, and obtaining data by thermal denaturation methods

Basic Protocol 3: Retrieval of destabilizing point mutations, which are in β‐sheets of exposed regions, and obtaining data by chemical denaturation methods (urea and GdnHCl)

Basic Protocol 4: Retrieval of stabilizing and destabilizing point mutations in a range of physiological conditions (pH: 6‐9 and T: 20°C‐25°C) and publication years (2010‐2020)

Support Protocol: Downloading the entire data of the database for academic research purposes and submission of new data in ProThermDB
Effect of biotic and abiotic factors on the production and degradation of fish environmental DNA: An experimental evaluation
Authors: Caza‐Allard Isabeau , Laporte Martin , Côté Guillaume , April Julien , Bernatchez Louis
Published: November 2021

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a very promising approach to facilitate and improve the aquatic species monitoring, which is crucial for their management and conservation. In comparison with the plethora of monitoring studies in the fields, relatively few studies have focused on experimentally investigating the “ecology” of eDNA, in particular pertaining to processes influencing the detection of eDNA. The paucity of knowledge about its ecology hampers the use of eDNA analysis to its full potential. In this study, we experimentally evaluated the impact of several biotic and abiotic factors on the rate of production and degradation of eDNA. Individuals of three freshwater fish species (brown bullhead, tench, and yellow perch) with distinct ecology were placed in two types of water from the St. Lawrence River (Québec, Canada) with very distinct physicochemical characteristics and at three different temperatures. Water samples were then filtered at predetermined time intervals, and quantitative PCR was used to quantify the eDNA in each sample. We found that temperature, species, water types, and some interactions between these factors had a strong effect on the production and degradation of eDNA. The results of this study enhance our knowledge about the ecology of eDNA, thus improving eDNA data interpretation.
Performance study of centrifugal air compressor for proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems
Authors: Liu Yunxia , Zhao Yuanyang , Yang Qichao , Liu Guangbin , Li Liansheng , Gao Zhicheng
Published: November 2021

Air supply systems are essential subsystems in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems. Compressors are the key devices of air supply systems that greatly influence the characteristics of fuel cells. The simulation and experimental researches on a small centrifugal compressor with high rotation speed have been presented in this paper. Firstly, the input parameters of a compressor are obtained based on the output power and operating pressure of PEM fuel cells. Then, a prototype of small centrifugal compressors applied in PEM fuel cells is designed, simulated with the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, and tested in actual working conditions. Finally, the simulation results show that the internal flow in compressors affects the performance strongly. The discharge pressure of the simulation is close to the test data in the studied working conditions, and the maximum error is less than 6%.
IRDB: Towards enjoying spatial, rate, and beam‐channel diversity in wireless networks for multimedia applications
Authors: Askari Zeinab , Avokh Avid
Published: November 2021

This work studies the problems of routing, beam‐channel selection, space/time division multiple accessing, and admission control for multi‐rate wireless networks equipped with directional antennas. The spatial diversity obtained by directional antennas enables neighboring nodes to use a same physical wireless channel simultaneously. On‐demand multimedia flows are considered, where each accepted multimedia request develops a bandwidth‐guaranteed tree. We propose a cross‐layer algorithm, named “interference and rate‐aware directional broadcasting (IRDB),” to efficiently improve the resource allocation in the network. In order to build the routing tree, the proposed algorithm jointly uses all three spatial, channel, and rate diversities. We also introduce an efficient interference‐ and rate‐aware metric for covering more neighboring nodes at the highest possible rate. As an advantage, it not only reduces the resource consumption, but also decreases interference. IRDB greedily schedules a new admitted session without re‐routing or violating the quality of service constraints of current sessions. Numerical results show that the proposed IRDB scheme achieves improved performance in terms of occupied time slots and call acceptance rate.
Synthesis and odour perception of a series of highly substituted cyclohexane derivatives
Authors: Saget Raphaël , Jaunky Piotr , Plessis Caroline , Duñach Elisabet
Published: November 2021

A series of novel‐substituted cyclohexane derivatives has been prepared and their olfactory evaluation is presented. The different structures are derived from the cyclization of an unsaturated ketal under catalytic conditions. Its further functionalization allowed for the preparation of a series of 22 new compounds. Most of the new cyclic compounds present fruity and/or woody notes.