bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of high‐cadence cycling for Parkinson’s disease in the community setting: A pragmatic feasibility study
Authors: McKee Kathleen E. , Johnson Remy K. , Chan James , Wills Anne‐Marie
Published: February 2021

Background

Efficacy of exercise to improve motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease (PD) has been established in multiple clinical trials. The Pedaling for Parkinson's ™ (PFP) program is an existing community‐based cycling intervention for individuals with PD. Although PFP program design was informed by in‐laboratory efficacy studies, the implementation and effectiveness of the program in the community have not been studied. This feasibility study explores implementation and effectiveness of PFP utilizing the RE‐AIM implementation evaluation framework.

Methods

This was a pragmatic open‐label multi‐site study. First, community‐based gyms were recruited to implement the PFP protocol with enhanced multi‐modal training and support. Second individuals with Hoehn and Yahr stage I‐III idiopathic PD were recruited to participate. Reach, effectiveness (both clinical scores and participant enjoyment), adoption, implementation (gym and participant fidelity, cost), and maintenance (sustainability) were assessed. Tracking of adverse events was used to monitor safety of the intervention.

Results

Reach was moderate: 59% of participants who expressed interest opted to participate. No effectiveness outcomes demonstrated a significant change from pre to post; however, the program was highly enjoyable (96% of participants who started classes enjoyed the program and 87% wished to continue). Adoption was poor with only four out of 34 gyms participating. The program had poor gym and moderate participant fidelity. The program was maintained for at least 4 months across all sites. The program was implemented safely.

Conclusion

Barriers to implementation of nonpharmacologic interventions such as exercise protocols limit reach and availability of these interventions to patients. Pilot studies are needed to inform and direct further implementation efforts. Our pilot study suggests the PFP cycling intervention should be modified prior to attempts at widespread implementation. Modifications made by gyms in this study suggest adaptations to the protocol that may increase fidelity and effectiveness.
Cerebral areas affected by unilateral acupuncture on SP3 in healthy volunteers: An explorative resting‐state fMRI study
Authors: Wang Feng , Yang Tiansong , Li Xiaoling , Liu Xiaohui , Cao Danna , Wang Delong , Yang Yan , Li Chaoran , Qu Yuanyuan , Zhao Xu , Sun Zhongren , Asakawa Tetsuya
Published: February 2021

Objective

The study aimed to explore the cerebral areas with changes in regional homogeneity (ReHo) and amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF) values induced by effective acupuncture on the Taibai (SP3) point.

Methods

In the study, 15 healthy right‐handed volunteers (seven males and eight females, 20–35 years old) were enrolled. The average ages of the subjects were 28.0 ± 4.24 years for males and 27.4 ± 3.65 years for females. A 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system was used to perform resting‐state functional MRI scan after sham and effective acupuncture on the SP3 point. The differences in cerebral ReHo and ALFF values between posteffective acupuncture and postsham acupuncture were compared using the SPM 12 software.

Results

ReHo values of bilateral BA18, cuneus, and BA17, along with BA41, BA22, postcentral gyrus, and BA7 on the right side, were decreased by effective SP3 acupuncture. The ALFF values of bilateral BA 30 and left parahippocampal area were increased, whereas the values of bilateral BA18, BA19, cuneus, posterior cingulate gyrus, and BA7, along with the right superior occipital lobule, postcentral gyrus, and left precuneus, were decreased.

Conclusions

The most dominant cerebral areas affected by SP3 acupuncture were bilateral visual‐related cortices (lingual gyrus, cuneus, and calcarine), along with the unilateral postcentral gyrus and superior parietal lobule. These findings may be potential explanations for the available clinical reports concerning the efficacy of SP3 acupuncture. Further clinical and experimental studies on SP3 acupuncture are required.
Understanding sustainable development flexibility: An information perspective
Authors: Yu Kangkang , Qian Cheng , Zhang Lingbo
Published: February 2021

Although flexibility has been considered critical in responding to uncertainty in a business environment, few studies have explored firms' flexibility in sustainable development. To understand the nature of firms that can respond better to uncertainty in their sustainable development practices, this study defines sustainable development flexibility and investigates the mechanism underlying its formation. The study proposes a conceptual framework on the interactions of managers' environmental attitude and cognitive style, as well as firms' information integration on sustainable development flexibility. A questionnaire survey was developed to test the corresponding hypotheses, and 241 valid responses were received from middle‐ and top‐level managers in Chinese firms. The results show that (a) the higher the manager's environmental attitude, the higher the firm's information integration and greater sustainable supply chain flexibility, and (b) the more intuitive the manager's cognitive style, the greater the impact of environmental attitude on sustainable development flexibility.
Time to SARS‐CoV‐2 clearance among patients with cancer and COVID‐19
Authors: Xu Wenxin , Piper‐Vallillo Andrew J. , Bindal Poorva , Wischhusen Jonathan , Patel Jaymin M. , Costa Daniel B. , Peters Mary Linton B.
Published: February 2021

Background

For cancer patients, coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) infection can lead to delays in cancer therapy both due to the infection itself and due to the need to minimize exposure to other patients and to staff. Clearance guidelines have been proposed, but expected time to clearance has not been established.

Methods

We identified all patients at a tertiary care hospital cancer center between 25 March 2020 and 6 June 2020 with a positive nasopharyngeal reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), a cancer‐related visit within 3 years, and at least one follow‐up assay. We determined the time to clearance using American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK‐NICE), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria. A matched non‐cancer comparison cohort was also identified.

Results

Thirty‐two cancer patients were identified. Nineteen were cleared by ASCO criteria, with estimated median time to clearance of 50 days. Fourteen patients resumed chemotherapy prior to clearance. Using UK‐NICE criteria, median time to clearance would have been 31 days, and using CDC criteria, it would have been 13 days. The matched non‐cancer cohort had similar clearance time, but with less frequent testing.

Conclusion

SARS‐CoV‐2 clearance times differ substantially depending on the criteria used and may be prolonged in cancer patients. This could lead to a delay in cancer care, increased use of clearance testing, and extension of infection control precautions.
Metabolic Profiling of Vasorelaxant Extract from Malvaviscus arboreus by LC/QTOF‐MS
Authors: Rodríguez‐Morales Sergio , Ocampo‐Medina Blanca , Romero‐Ceronio Nancy , Alvarado‐Sánchez Cuauhtémoc , Vilchis‐Reyes Miguel Ángel , Roa de la Fuente Luis Fernando , Ortiz‐Andrade Rolffy , Hernández‐Abreu Oswaldo
Published: February 2021

We aimed to develop a standardized methodology to determine the metabolic profile of organic extracts from Malvaviscus arboreus Cav. (Malvaceae), a Mexican plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension and other illnesses. Also, we determined the vasorelaxant activity of these extracts by ex vivo rat thoracic aorta assay. Organic extracts of stems and leaves were prepared by a comprehensive maceration process. The vasorelaxant activity was determined by measuring the relaxant capability of the extract to decrease a contraction induced by noradrenaline (0.1 μM). The hexane extract induced a significant vasorelaxant effect in a concentration‐ and endothelium‐dependent manner. Secondary metabolites, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, terpenes and one flavonoid, were annotated by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC/QTOF‐MS) in positive ion mode. This exploratory study allowed us to identify bioactive secondary metabolites from Malvaviscus arboreus, as well as identify potentially‐new vasorelaxant molecules and scaffolds for drug discovery.
CT23 knockdown attenuating malignant behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma cell is associated with upregulation of metallothionein 1
Authors: Ning Wanjing , Huang Miao , Wu Shengming , Wang Hong , Yao Jiali , Ge Yingying , Tang Yulu , Sun Kejian , Xie Xiaoxun , Hu Qiping
Published: February 2021

The cancer‐testis antigen 23 (CT23) gene has been reported in association with the pathogenesis and progress of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the alterations of gene expression profiling induced by CT23 knockdown in HCC cells remains largely unknown. In this study, the RNA interfering (RNAi) method was used to silence CT23 expression in BEL‐7404 cells. Microarray analysis was performed on mRNA extracted from the CT23 knockdown cells and the control cells to determine the alterations of gene expression profiles. The result showed a total of 1051 genes expressed differentially (two‐fold change), including 470 genes upregulated and 581 gene downregulated in the CT23 knockdown cells. A bioinformatic analysis showed that the functional differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were linked to cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, and metallothionein 1 (MT1) attained the maximum enrichment scores in functional annotation, classification, and pathway analysis of DEGs. Furthermore, Western blot analysis and cell behaviors assays verified that CT23 modulates cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis by regulating MT1 expression in HCC cells and non‐neoplastic hepatocytes. In summary, downregulated CT23 gene in BEL‐7404 cells might change the expressions of carcinogenesis and progression related genes in HCC by upregulating MT1 expression, which would provide insight into searching for a novel therapeutic target for HCC.
Transcatheter pulmonary denervation in patients with left heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and combined precapillary and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension: A prospective single center experience
Authors: Witkowski Adam , Szumowski Łukasz , Urbanek Piotr , Jastrzębski Jan , Skowroński Jarosław , Sobieszczańska‐Małek Małgorzata , Hoffman Piotr , Kowalik Ewa , Wiśniewska Joanna , Banasiak Adam , Parulski Adam , Zieliński Tomasz
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The present study was a prospective, single‐center, single‐arm study to investigate the efficacy of transcatheter pulmonary artery denervation (TPADN) in patients with combined postcapillary and precapillary PH (Cpc‐PH) associated with left heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HF‐rEF).

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction has a negative impact on outcome.

Methods

The combination of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PAPs) ≥60 mmHg, transpulmonary pressure gradient (TPG) ≥12 mmHg, nonreversible mean PAP, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) ≥3.5 Wood Units was considered as too high risk for heart transplantation (HTx). The clinical efficacy endpoint was an improvement in 6‐min walking test and the hemodynamic endpoints were changes in PAPs, PVR, and TPG between baseline and 6 months. Circumferential radiofrequency applications were delivered around distal main, left and right pulmonary arteries. At each ablation point temperature was 45°C and energy 10 W.

Results

TPADN was performed in 10 patients. At 6‐month in 5 patients we observed reduction in PAP, PVR, TPG, and DPG and then 1 had successful HTx, 2 are on HTx waiting list, 2 received LVADs, 2 patients did not improve, and 3 patients died.

Conclusions

TPADN may be beneficial in selected patients with HF‐rEF and Cpc‐PH.
Small Molecule Activation with Intramolecular “Inverse” Frustrated Lewis Pairs
Authors: Manankandayalage Chamila , Unruh Daniel K. , Krempner Clemens
Published: February 2021

The intramolecular “inverse” frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) of general formula 1‐BR2‐2‐[(Me2N)2C=N]‐C6H4 (3–6) [BR2=BMes2 (3), BC12H8, (4), BBN (5), BBNO (6)] were synthesized and structurally characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray analysis. These novel types of pre‐organized FLPs, featuring strongly basic guanidino units rigidly linked to weakly Lewis acidic boryl moieties via an ortho‐phenylene linker, are capable of activating H−H, C−H, N−H, O−H, Si−H, B−H and C=O bonds. 4 and 5 deprotonated terminal alkynes and acetylene to form the zwitterionic borates 1‐(RC≡C‐BR2)‐2‐[(Me2N)2C=NH]‐C6H4 (R=Ph, H) and reacted with ammonia, BnNH2 and pyrrolidine, to generate the FLP adducts 1‐(R2HN→BR2)‐2‐[(Me2N)2C=NH]‐C6H4, where the N‐H functionality is activated by intramolecular H‐bond interactions. In addition, 5 was found to rapidly add across the double bond of H2CO, PhCHO and PhNCO to form cyclic zwitterionic guanidinium borates in excellent yields. Likewise, 5 is capable of cleaving H2, HBPin and PhSiH3 to form various amino boranes. Collectively, the results demonstrate that these new types of intramolecular FLPs featuring weakly Lewis acidic boryl and strongly basic guanidino moieties are as potent as conventional intramolecular FLPs with strongly Lewis acidic units in activating small molecules.
Metal‐Dependent and Selective Crystallization of CAU‐10 and MIL‐53 Frameworks through Linker Nitration
Authors: Rabe Timo , Svensson Grape Erik , Engesser Tobias A. , Inge A. Ken , Ströh Jonas , Kohlmeyer‐Yilmaz Gitta , Wahiduzzaman Mohammad , Maurin Guillaume , Sönnichsen Frank D. , Stock Norbert
Published: February 2021

The reaction of the V‐shaped linker molecule 5‐hydroxyisophthalic acid (H2L0), with Al or Ga nitrate under almost identical reaction conditions leads to the nitration of the linker and subsequent formation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with CAU‐10 or MIL‐53 type structure of composition [Al(OH)(L)], denoted as Al‐CAU‐10‐L0, 2, 4, 6 or [Ga(OH)(L)], denoted as Ga‐MIL‐53‐L2. The Al‐MOF contains the original linker L0 as well as three different nitration products (L2, L4 and L4/6), whereas the Ga‐MOF mainly incorporates the linker L2. The compositions were deduced by 1H NMR spectroscopy and confirmed by Rietveld refinement. In situ and ex situ studies were carried out to follow the nitration and crystallization, as well as the composition of the MOFs. The crystal structures were refined against powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) data. As anticipated, the use of the V‐shaped linker results in the formation of the CAU‐10 type structure in the Al‐MOF. Unexpectedly, the Ga‐MOF crystallizes in a MIL‐53 type structure, which is usually observed with linear or slightly bent linker molecules. To study the structure directing effect of the in situ nitrated linker, pure 2‐nitrobenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid (m‐H2BDC‐NO2) was employed which exclusively led to the formation of [Ga(OH)(C8H3NO6)] (Ga‐MIL‐53‐m‐BDC‐NO2), which is isoreticular to Ga‐MIL‐53‐L2. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations confirmed the higher stability of Ga‐MIL‐53‐L2 compared to Ga‐CAU‐10‐L2 and grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations (GCMC) are in agreement with the observed water adsorption isotherms of Ga‐MIL‐53‐L2.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyrroles via Sequential Ketenimine Formation/Ag(I)‐Catalyzed Alkyne Cycloisomerisation Starting from Ylide Adducts
Authors: Xiong Jun , Mu Zhi‐Ying , Yao Gang , Zhang Jia‐An , Feng Qi‐Xun , He Hui‐Ting , Pang Yong‐Long , Shi Hang , Ding Ming‐Wu
Published: February 2021

Main observation and conclusion

A simple one pot synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles via ketenimine formation/Ag(I)‐catalyzed alkyne cycloisomerisation has been developed. The easily accessible phosphorane ylide derivatives reacted with isocyanates, producing highly active ketenimines that were then treated with amines, which afforded substituted pyrroles by a 5‐exo‐dig cyclization/isomerization in the presence of a Ag(I) catalyst in good overall yields.
Antiosteoporotic Tetrahydroxanthone Dimers from Aspergillus brunneoviolaceusFB‐2 Residing in Human Gut
Authors: Lv Xiao Jing , Ding Fei , Wei Ying Jie , Tan Ren Xiang
Published: February 2021

Main observation and conclusion

A complex community of human‐associated microorganisms plays diversely important roles in maintaining health, and the metabolites help to define whether a particular human‐associated microbe is a friend or a foe. This work shows that Aspergillus brunneoviolaceus FB‐2, derived from the stool of a healthy individual, produces a family of antiosteoporotic xanthone dimers including penibishexahydroxanthone A (1) and brunneoxanthones A—E (2—6, undescribed previously). The structures of 1—6 were elucidated by MS and NMR spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configuration of 2 was established by X‐ray crystallography. Compounds 4—6 are relatively rare examples of highly oxidized heterodimeric xanthones with an 8‐ketone functionality. Finally, the prednisolone‐induced osteoporotic zebrafish enabled our demonstration that the antiosteoporotic effects of 1—6 are dose‐dependent.
Assessment of Soil Trace Metal Pollution in the Xuejiping Mine Area, Yunan, China
Authors: Chen Wen‐De , Yao Wen‐Wen , Huang Zhong‐Xuan , Ying Qiao‐Chu , He Zheng‐Wei
Published: February 2021

Environmental pollution and risk assessment of trace metals in top soils of Xuejiping Mine in Xichang City are studied. Soil samples are collected around the mine areas. Seven trace metal elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and As) are analyzed to evaluate the pollution status using chemical speciation, geo‐accumulation index (Igeo), and the potential ecological risk index (RI). Results indicate that concentrations of trace metal elements in the mining area exceed soil background values in Yunnan Province. Trace metal elements are ranked according to the Igeo evaluation results (indicating the degree of pollution), as: Pb > As > Cu > Hg > Zn > Cd > Cr; trace elements are ranked as > > > > > > using the ecological risk index. These results indicate that the surface soil of the Xuejiping mining area is moderately polluted by trace metal elements. Therefore, effective measures can be taken to control the trace metals pollution in the mining area (especially for Pb and Cu).
Newer Non‐ionic A2B2‐Type Enzyme‐Responsive Amphiphiles for Drug Delivery
Authors: Krishna  , Parshad Badri , Achazi Katharina , Böttcher Christoph , Haag Rainer , Sharma Sunil K.
Published: February 2021

A new series of nonionic gemini amphiphiles have been synthesized in a multi‐step chemoenzymatic approach by using a novel A2B2‐type central core consisting of conjugating glycerol and propargyl bromide on 5‐hydroxy isophthalic acid. A pair of hydrophilic monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) and hydrophobic linear alkyl chains (C12/C15) were then added to the core to obtain amphiphilic architectures. The aggregation tendency in aqueous media was studied by dynamic light scattering, fluorescence spectroscopy and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. The nanotransport potential of the amphiphiles was studied for model hydrophobic guests, that is, the dye Nile Red and the drug Nimodipine by using UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Evaluation of the viability of amphiphile‐treated A549 cells showed them to be well tolerated up to the concentrations studied. Being ester based, these amphiphiles exhibit stimuli‐responsive sensitivity towards esterases, and a rupture of amphiphilic architecture was observed in the presence of immobilized Candida antarctica lipase (Novozym 435), thus facilitating release of the encapsulated guest from the aggregate.
Supported Metal Nanoparticles in Metal‐Organic Monoliths for Assembly of a Catalytic Microfluidic Reactor
Authors: Chen Junxing , Xin Yu , Wu Jinyi , Liao Peisen , Chen Liuping , Zhang Jianyong
Published: February 2021

A novel strategy has been developed to fabricate an Au@CrADC (ADC=5‐aminobenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylate) metal‐organic monolithic capillary in microfluidic reactors. Monolithic Cr3+‐based metal‐organic gel (MOG) as catalyst support is synthesized inside fused‐silica capillary employing a two‐step procedure including surface modification of carboxyl group to provide anchoring sites and subsequent MOG formation. Subsequently, Au nanoparticles are in situ immobilized in the monolithic MOG support as active catalysts. The resulting Au@CrADC monolithic capillary is used to assemble a catalytic microfluidic reactor. The catalytic activity of the Au@CrADC reactor is probed by using the oxidative alkyne coupling reaction to synthesize 1,3‐diynes. The catalytic microfluidic reactor demonstrates significantly enhanced catalytic activity in comparison with the corresponding reactions under batch conditions. Additionally, the microfluidic reactor shows high stability with no significant catalytic deactivation during repeated uses.
From the design of the shades to the sale of make‐up products: The contribution of the expertise of colorists during research and development
Authors: de Clermont‐Gallerande Hélène
Published: February 2021

At CHANEL, color is both a heritage and a source of innovation that allows them to offer approximately 350 new shades every year. The designer who creates a seasonal make‐up collection determines the shades one and a half year before the collection is launched. The inspiration is then translated into a “brief,” that is, into “words” and material samples. This must be accurate so that the scientists can transpose the colors as faithfully as possible. The colorists' work begins 15 months before the launch: Tone, undertone, opacity, brightness, and reflection. Each developed color is studied in its colorimetric composition to meet the target. Then every needed pigment proportion is determined to achieve the shade. Depending on the final application area, regulatory constraints linked to the chemical nature of the pigments present in the formula must be taken into consideration. All references are validated no later than 12 months before launch. A visual and spectrocolorimetric measurements are carried out to establish the industrial specifications for the manufacturing phase. The pilot phase focuses on the impact of the (manufactured) color quantity increase. The quality laboratory uses visual and instrumental methods to establish the conformity of supplier's pigments and finished products manufactured. Architectural design is used to showcase the color at the point of sale. During the whole process, the colorists will check and validate the colors reproducibility. Their skills are essential in make‐up industry.
Combined Gene Expression and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation From a Single Mouse Hippocampus
Authors: Helbling Jean‐Christophe , Kinouchi Kenichiro , Trifilieff Pierre , Sassone‐Corsi Paolo , Moisan Marie‐Pierre
Published: February 2021

All neuronal cells hold the same genetic information but vary by their structural and functional plasticity depending on the brain area and environmental influences. Such variability involves specific gene regulation, which is driven by transcription factors (TFs). In the field of neuroscience, epigenetics is the main mechanism that has been investigated to understand the dynamic modulation of gene expression by behavioral responses, stress responses, memory processes, etc. Nowadays, gene expression analyzed by real‐time quantitative PCR and TF binding estimated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) enables one to dissect this regulation. Because of the wide range of transgenic models, as well as cost‐effective aspects, mouse models are widely used neuroscience. Thus, we have set up a protocol that allows extraction of both RNA for gene expression analysis and chromatin for ChIP experiment from a single mouse hippocampus. Using such protocols, information regarding gene expression and regulatory molecular mechanisms from the same animal can be integrated and correlated with neurobiological and behavioral outcomes. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 19 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Hippocampus isolation from mouse brain

Basic Protocol 2: RNA extraction and gene expression analysis from a mouse half hippocampus

Basic Protocol 3: ChIP from one hemisphere side mouse hippocampus
Towards a typology of strategic corporate social responsibility through camouflage and courtship analogies
Authors: Crotty Jo , Holt Diane
Published: February 2021

This paper develops a theory of strategic corporate social responsibility responses, by drawing on the analogy of biological species‐level adaptations of camouflage and courtship found in the natural world. In so doing, we focus on the substantive response and associated strategic motivation to engage in different types of CSR within a mainstreaming environment; and the mechanisms by which it occurs in differing scenarios, framed through a biological interpretative lens. We presents eight strategic approaches to CSR, each defined by a camouflage or courtship approach. Each strategy is considered through the lens of their biological comparators and published case vignettes of CSR strategies within firms. The paper concludes by discussing a future research agenda building on the theoretical framework presented.
Controlled Synthesis and Structure Engineering of Transition Metal‐based Nanomaterials for Oxygen and Hydrogen Electrocatalysis in Zinc‐Air Battery and Water‐Splitting Devices
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Zhang Hong , Yao Yirong , Wang Jiajun , Guo Hao , Deng Yida , Han Xiaopeng
Published: February 2021

Electrocatalytic energy conversion plays a crucial role in realizing energy storage and utilization. Clean energy technologies such as water electrolysis, fuel cells, and metal‐air batteries heavily depend on a series of electrochemical redox reactions occurring on the catalysts surface. Therefore, developing efficient electrocatalysts is conducive to remarkably improved performance of these devices. Among numerous studies, transition metal‐based nanomaterials (TMNs) have been considered as promising catalysts by virtue of their abundant reserves, low cost, and well‐designed active sites. This Minireview is focused on the typical clean electrochemical reactions: hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, and oxygen reduction reaction. Recent efforts to optimize the external morphology and the internal electronic structure of TMNs are described, and beginning with single‐component TMNs, the active sites are clarified, and strategies for exposing more active sites are discussed. The summary about multi‐component TMNs demonstrates the complementary advantages of integrating functional compositions. A general introduction of single‐atom TMNs is provided to deepen the understanding of the catalytic process at an atomic scale. Finally, current challenges and development trends of TMNs in clean energy devices are summarized.
Optimization of Ni−Co−Fe‐Based Catalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction by Surface and Relaxation Phenomena Analysis
Authors: Attias Rinat , Vijaya Sankar Kalimuthu , Dhaka Kapil , Moschkowitsch Wenjamin , Elbaz Lior , Caspary Toroker Maytal , Tsur Yoed
Published: February 2021

Trimetallic double hydroxide NiFeCo−OH is prepared by coprecipitation, from which three different catalysts are fabricated by different heat treatments, all at 350 °C maximum temperature. Among the prepared catalysts, the one prepared at a heating and cooling rate of 2 °C min−1 in N2 atmosphere (designated NiFeCo−N2‐2 °C) displays the best catalytic properties after stability testing, exhibiting a high current density (9.06 mA cm−2 at 320 mV), low Tafel slope (72.9 mV dec−1), good stability (over 20 h), high turnover frequency (0.304 s−1), and high mass activity (46.52 A g−1 at 320 mV). Stability tests reveal that the hydroxide phase is less suitable for long‐term use than catalysts with an oxide phase. Two causes are identified for the loss of stability in the hydroxide phase: a) Modeling of the distribution function of relaxation times (DFRT) reveals the increase in resistance contributed by various relaxation processes; b) density functional theory (DFT) surface energy calculations reveal that the higher surface energy of the hydroxide‐phase catalyst impairs the stability. These findings represent a new strategy to optimize catalysts for water splitting.
Bioinspired Cooperative Photobiocatalytic Regeneration of Oxidized Nicotinamide Cofactors for Catalytic Oxidations
Authors: Liao Huan‐Xin , Jia Hao‐Yu , Dai Jian‐Rong , Zong Min‐Hua , Li Ning
Published: February 2021

Inspired by water‐forming NAD(P)H oxidases, a cooperative photobiocatalytic system has been designed to aerobically regenerate the oxidized nicotinamide cofactors. Photocatalysts enable NAD(P)H oxidation with O2 under visible‐light irradiation, producing H2O2 as a byproduct, which is subsequently used as an oxidant by the horseradish peroxidase mediator system (PMS) to oxidize NAD(P)H. The photobiocatalytic system shows a turnover frequency of 8800 min−1 in the oxidation of NAD(P)H. Photobiocatalytic NAD(P)H oxidation proceeds smoothly at pH 6–9. In addition to natural NAD(P)H, synthetic biomimetics are also good substrates for this regeneration system. Total turnover numbers of up to 180000 are obtained for the cofactor when the photobiocatalytic regeneration system is coupled with dehydrogenase‐catalyzed oxidations. It may be a promising protocol to recycle the oxidized cofactors for catalytic oxidations.
Local connections and the larval competency strongly influence marine metapopulation persistence
Authors: Cecino Giorgia , Treml Eric A.
Published: February 2021

The relationship between metapopulation stability and connectivity has long been investigated in ecology, however, most of these studies are focused on theoretical species and habitat networks, having limited ability to capture the complexity of real‐world metapopulations. Network analysis became more important in modeling connectivity, but it is still uncertain which network metrics are reliable predictors of persistence. Here we quantify the impact of connectivity and larval life history on marine metapopulation persistence across the complex seascape of southeast Australia. Our work coupled network‐based approaches and eigenanalysis to efficiently estimate metapopulation‐wide persistence and the subpopulation contributions. Larval dispersal models were used to quantify species‐specific metapopulation connectivity for five important fisheries species, each summarized as a migration matrix. Eigenanalysis helped to reveal metapopulation persistence and determine the importance of node‐level network properties. Across metapopulations, the number of local outgoing connections was found to have the largest impact on metapopulation persistence, implying these hub subpopulations may be the most influential in real‐world metapopulations. Results also suggest the length of the pre‐competency period may be the most influential parameter on metapopulation persistence. Finally, we identified two major hot spots of local connectivity in southeast Australia, each contributing strongly to multispecies persistence. Managers and ecologists would benefit by employing similar approaches in making more efficient and more ecologically informed decisions and focusing more on local connectivity patterns and larval competency characteristics to better understand and protect real‐world metapopulation persistence. Practically this could mean developing more marine protected areas at shorter distances and supporting collaborative research into the early life histories of the species of interest.
Exploring the links between secondary metabolites and leaf spectral reflectance in a diverse genus of Amazonian trees
Authors: Fine Paul V. A. , Salazar Diego , Martin Roberta E. , Metz Margaret R. , Misiewicz Tracy M. , Asner Gregory P.
Published: February 2021

Plant defense chemistry is often hypothesized to drive ecological and evolutionary success in diverse tropical forests, yet detailed characterizations of plant secondary metabolites in tropical plants are logistically challenging. Here, we explore a new integrative approach that combines visible‐to‐shortwave infrared (VSWIR) spectral reflectance data with detailed plant metabolomics data from 19 Protium (Burseraceae) tree species. Building on the discovery that different Protium species have unique chemistries yet share many secondary metabolites, we devised a method to test for associations between metabolites and VSWIR spectral data. Given species‐level variation in metabolite abundance, we correlated the concentration of particular chemicals with the reflectance of the spectral bands in a wavelength band per secondary metabolite matrix. We included 45 metabolites that were shared by at least 5 Protium species and correlated their per‐species foliar abundances against each one of 210 wavelength bands of field‐measured VSWIR spectra. Finally, we tested whether classes of similar metabolites showed similar relationships with spectral patterns. We found that many secondary metabolites yielded strong correlations with VSWIR spectra of Protium. Furthermore, important Protium metabolite classes such as procyanidins (condensed tannins) and phytosterols were grouped together in a hierarchical clustering analysis (Ward’s algorithm), confirming similarity in their associations with plant spectral patterns. We also found a significant correlation in the phenolics content between juvenile and canopy trees of the same species, suggesting that species‐level variation in defense chemistry is consistent across life stages and geographic distribution. We conclude that the integration of spectral and metabolic approaches could represent a powerful and economical method to characterize important aspects of tropical plant defense chemistry.
Effects of shrub encroachment on soil aggregates and organic carbon vary in different grasslands in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Zhu Yankun , Shen Haihua , Feng Yinping , Li He , Akinyemi Damilare Stephen , Hu Huifeng , Fang Jingyun
Published: February 2021

Widespread shrub encroachment in grasslands can lead to changes in soil aggregates and soil organic carbon (SOC), especially in deep soils. Soil aggregates physicochemically protect SOC and thus affect soil carbon sequestration. Characterizing the changes in soil aggregates and their organic carbon associated with shrub encroachment is critical for evaluating the ecological consequences of shrub encroachment in different grasslands. In this study, we investigated soil aggregates of various sizes and their associated organic carbon at maximum soil depths of 5 m in shrub patches and neighboring grass matrix in two types (desert and typical) of grasslands in Inner Mongolia, China. The mean weight diameter (MWD) of the soil aggregates was similar between the shrub patches and grass matrix in both grasslands. However, the proportion of each aggregate size fraction to whole soil in the shrub patches was significantly lower than that in the grass matrix in the desert grasslands, while there was no significant difference between the shrub patches and grass matrix in the typical grasslands. In addition, the organic carbon content of aggregates in the shrub patches was greater than that in the grass matrix in deep soil layers (>50 cm) but was lower in the topsoil (0–10 cm depth) in the desert grasslands. However, the organic carbon content of aggregates at all soil depths was greater in shrub patches than in the grass matrix in typical grasslands. Our results suggest that the effects of shrub encroachment on the soil aggregate proportion and associated organic carbon vary at different soil depths and in different grassland types. The results of this study also suggest that it is necessary to determine the size structure and its relation to carbon content for soil aggregates to accurately predict SOC dynamics with shrub encroachment.
Cardio‐microcurrent device for chronic heart failure: first‐in‐human clinical study
Authors: Kosevic Dragana , Wiedemann Dominik , Vukovic Petar , Ristic Velibor , Riebandt Julia , Radak Una , Brandes Kersten , Goettel Peter , Duengen Hans‐Dirk , Tahirovic Elvis , Kottmann Tatjana , Voss Hans Werner , Zdravkovic Marija , Putnik Svetozar , Schmitto Jan D. , Mueller Johannes , Rame Jesus Eduardo , Peric Miodrag
Published: February 2021

Aims

Most devices for treating ambulatory Class II and III heart failure are linked to electrical pulses. However, a steady electric potential gradient is also necessary for appropriate myocardial performance and may be disturbed by structural heart diseases. We investigated whether chronic application of electrical microcurrent to the heart is feasible and safe and improves cardiac performance. The results of this study should provide guidance for the design of a two‐arm, randomized, controlled Phase II trial.

Methods and results

This single‐arm, non‐randomized pilot study involved 10 patients (9 men; mean age, 62 ± 12 years) at two sites with 6 month follow‐up. All patients had New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III heart failure and non‐ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35%. A device was surgically placed to deliver a constant microcurrent to the heart. The following tests were performed at baseline, at hospital discharge, and at six time points during follow‐up: determination of LVEF and left ventricular end‐diastolic/end‐systolic diameter by echocardiography; the 6 min walk test; and assessment of NYHA classification and quality of life (36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey questionnaire). Microcurrent application was feasible and safe; no device‐related or treatment‐related adverse events occurred. During follow‐up, rapid and significant signal of efficacy (P < 0.005) was present with improvements in LVEF, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter, left ventricular end‐systolic diameter, and distance walked. For eight patients, NYHA classification improved from Class III to Class I (for seven, as early as 14 days post‐operatively); for one, to Class II; and for one, to Class II/III. 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey questionnaire scores also improved highly significantly.

Conclusions

Chronic application of microcurrent to the heart is feasible and safe and leads to a rapid and lasting improvement in heart function and a near normalization of heart size within days. The NYHA classification and quality of life improve just as rapidly.
Pd‐Catalyzed Cascade Metallo‐Ene Cyclization/Metallo‐Carbene Coupling of Allenamides
Authors: Cao Chengqiang , Yang Yi , Li Xin , Liu Yunxia , Liu Hui , Zhao Zengdian , Chen Lei
Published: February 2021

A highly efficient palladium‐catalyzed cascade metallo‐ene/metallo‐carbene coupling reaction was developed to produce 2,3‐dihydropyrrole derivatives in high yields. In this transformation, two new Csp3−Csp2 and Csp2−Csp2 bonds were constructed in one‐pot. The alkene was one of the most easily functionalized groups, making it possible for these molecules to be transformed into more complex molecules. More importantly, the final product possessed an attractive 1,3,8‐trienes scaffold, which was difficult to be synthesized.
Synthesis, Radiosynthesis, and in vitro Studies on Novel Hypoxia PET Tracers Incorporating [18F]FDR
Authors: Musolino Manuele , Fleming Ian N. , Schweiger Lutz F. , O'Hagan David , Dall'Angelo Sergio , Zanda Matteo
Published: February 2021

We report the synthesis of five radiotracers incorporating different oxyamine spacers between the hypoxia‐reactive 2‐nitroimidazole moiety and the 5‐[18F]‐fluorodeoxyribose ([18F]FDR, 12) prosthetic group: three linear alkyl chains with 3, 5, 7 carbon atoms (15 a–c), a cyclopropyl ring (15 d) and a 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazole (15 e). Experiments in hypoxic cells showed that 15 d displays superior uptake kinetics – and similar selectivity for hypoxic cells – relative to the gold standard hypoxia tracers [18F]fluoroazomycin arabinoside ([18F]FAZA) and [18F]fluoromisonidazole ([18F]FMISO). Lipophilicity and structural rigidity have strong influence on the selectivity of tracers 15 towards hypoxic cells: the lead tracer 15 d displays a logP=0.38 and the most rigid spacer. A sixth radiotracer (15 f), with a 2‐H‐imidazole replacing the 2‐nitroimidazole moiety of 15 d, was used to demonstrate that the cyclopropyl group does not play a meaningful role in the sensitivity towards hypoxia.
The effect of the anti‐diabetic drug metformin on musculoskeletal pain: A cross‐sectional study with 21,889 individuals from the UK biobank
Authors: Carvalho‐e‐Silva Ana Paula , Harmer Alison R. , Ferreira Manuela L. , Ferreira Paulo H.
Published: February 2021

Background

Although there is growing evidence of metformin's pleiotropic effects, including possible effects on pain, there is a lack of studies investigating the association of metformin with the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among a large cohort with type 2 diabetes cohort.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analyses were conducted with UK Biobank data from 21,889 participants with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, metformin use and musculoskeletal (back, knee, hip and neck/shoulder) pain were self‐reported. Participants reported musculoskeletal pain that had interfered with their usual activities in the last month (recent pain), and for more than 3 months (chronic pain). We performed logistic regression analyses for recent and chronic pain for each site and for multisite pain among participants with diabetes who did or did not take metformin.

Results

Participants using metformin had lower odds of musculoskeletal pain for back [recent OR 0.91, 95%CI 0.85 to 0.97; chronic OR 0.87, 95%CI 0.81 to 0.93], knee [recent OR 0.91, 95%CI 0.85 to 0.97; chronic OR 0.87, 95%CI 0.81 to 0.94] and neck/shoulder regions [chronic OR 0.92, 95%CI 0.85 to 0.99] but not hip pain. Participants using metformin also had lower odds of reporting chronic multisite musculoskeletal pain. The associations were generally stronger among women.

Conclusions

People with diabetes taking metformin were less likely to report back, knee, neck/shoulder and multisite musculoskeletal pain than those not taking metformin. Therefore, when treating these patients, clinicians should be aware that metformin may contribute to fewer reports of musculoskeletal pain. These effects should be investigated in future studies.

Significance

People with type 2 diabetes taking metformin are less likely to present with musculoskeletal pain than those not taking metformin. Metformin may have a protective effect for musculoskeletal pain, which appears to be stronger among women than men.
Structure and Process Optimization for Highly‐Efficient Membrane Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Ma Dongya , Wang Yu
Published: February 2021

To achieve a fluid uniform distribution, novel liquid distributors are introduced into a membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) cell. Herein, three fluid distributors with different structures are proposed, primarily including flow channels and distributed baffles. The effects of each liquid distributor on the fluid distribution are evaluated through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. As a result, Liquid distributor‐3 is demonstrated to be optimal, which can facilitate the fluid uniform distribution and relieve the impact of the inlet flow rate on the fluid distribution. Correspondingly, the adsorption capacity reaches up to 23.8 mg·g−1 for this novel MCDI cell under the 2000 mg·L−1 NaCl solution. To find a trade‐off between desalination performance and energy efficiency, a modified MCDI system based on two novel MCDI cells and three valves is established by analyzing three adsorption/desorption processes, including Process 1 (both adsorption and desorption in parallel), Process 2 (adsorption in series and desorption in parallel), and Process 3 (both adsorption and desorption in series). The best performance is obtained by Process 1, where the current efficiency increases by about 25% in the adsorption process and by about 37% during the desorption process compared with Process 3. This study lays a foundation for the commercial application of multicomponent MCDI technology.
High capacitive h‐MoO3 hexagonal rods and its applications towards lithium ion battery, humidity and nitrite sensing
Authors: Udayabhanu  , Pavitra Veerabhadrachar , Shivanna Marappa , Alharthi Fahad A. , Praveen Beekanahalli Mokshanatha , Ravikiran Yaled Thippeswamy , Byrappa Kullaiah , Nagaraju Ganganagappa
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the authors have investigated a suitable material for rechargeable lithium‐ion battery, which poses a challenge to the researchers in the search for alternate electrode materials. An analysis of humidity as well as nitrite sensing application, the potential of this material has been reported. MoO3 can reversibly store large amounts of Li; it can be a potential alternative electrode among currently existing anode materials. The self‐assembled hexagonal rods of h‐MoO3 as flowers have been synthesized via a simple and facile low temperature reflux method. The measured mean crystallite size and band gap (Eg) of h‐MoO3 hexagonal crystalline structure are 52 nm and 3.48 eV as per the XRD and UV‐vis DRS studies respectively. Hexagonal rod shaped h‐MoO3 anodes exhibit remarkable electrochemical stability, recyclability, high rate capability; which produce the initial discharge capacity of 1869 mAh g−1and then the capacity retained around 619 mAh g−1 at 100th cycle of charge‐discharge profile by applying the current rate of C/15. This simple and novel material synthesis provides unique morphology of hexagonal rods shaped h‐MoO3 flowers; and this scheme provides the facile pathways which enable the ease of electron transportation. The sensing activity of modified glassy electrode of h‐MoO3 has shown a limit of detection of 0.196 μM for 1 mM nitrite sensing. It also showed high humidity sensing response of 97.9 %, and indicated that the h‐MoO3 flowery material is well suitable for industrial applications.
Climate‐change impacts exacerbate conservation threats in island systems: New Zealand as a case study
Authors: Macinnis‐Ng Cate , Mcintosh Angus R , Monks Joanne M , Waipara Nick , White Richard SA , Boudjelas Souad , Clark Charlie D , Clearwater Michael J , Curran Timothy J , Dickinson Katharine JM , Nelson Nicola , Perry George LW , Richardson Sarah J , Stanley Margaret C , Peltzer Duane A
Published: February 2021

Rapid advances in eradicating invasive species from islands are improving conservation outcomes in these biodiversity hotspots. However, recent conservation gains could be reversed not only by future invasions from non‐native species but also by future extinctions of native taxa, both of which may be facilitated by – or exacerbated by interactions among drivers of – global environmental change. We highlight relevant knowledge gaps that must be filled to reduce uncertainty about the ecological effects of future climate change. We use Aotearoa New Zealand as a case study of island ecosystems to demonstrate that in addition to sea‐level rise, most ecologically meaningful impacts of climate change on biodiversity responses are indirect and due to exacerbation of existing threats, including the impact of invasive species as well as the loss and fragmentation of habitat. We identify key topics where progress is needed to future‐proof conservation management for island ecosystems susceptible to the direct and indirect effects of climate change.