bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intermediate wheatgrass seed size and moisture dynamics inform grain harvest timing
Authors: Heineck Garett C. , Schlautman Brandon , Law Eugene P. , Ryan Matthew R. , Zimbric Joseph W. , Picasso Valentin , Stoltenberg David E. , Sheaffer Craig C. , Jungers Jacob M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntermediate wheatgrass (IWG) [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D. R. Dewey subsp. intermedium] is being domesticated as a perennial grain crop. Advanced grain‐type IWG populations display variability in key physiological parameters related to seed development, making it difficult to determine grain harvest timing. A quantitative literature review of cool‐season grasses informed the modeling of IWG field trial data. Results revealed that multiple species exhibited a consistent multiphase dry‐down pattern from anthesis to a stabilized moisture content, which often included a rapid dry‐down phase that presaged maximum seed dry matter and gave insight into the relationship between floret shatter and maximum seed yield. A field trial was conducted at three locations in which IWG spikes were repeatedly sampled postanthesis and divided into three fractions to measure physiological patterns over growing degree days (GDDs). Similar to literature review results, IWG demonstrated a rapid dry‐down phase that started when seed moisture content was between 44.7 and 52.8% and decreased at a rate of −0.12 to −0.20% GDD−1 during this phase. At all locations, florets began shattering before seeds reached maximum dry matter, which resulted in reduced floret site utilization. Seed from distal fractions reached 95% dry matter 135 GDDs earlier than seed from basal fractions, while basal seeds were 21% larger than distal seeds. Timing of maximized seed yield per spike ranged from 530 to 701 GDDs after mid‐anthesis provided a starting point for estimating optimum IWG seed harvest timing under high and low shattering conditions and also supports the importance of repeated measurement of seed moisture to pinpoint optimal harvest time.
Hybrid 17‐level inverters based on T‐type flying‐capacitor and switched‐capacitor
Authors: Chen Shaojun , Ye Yuanmao , Wang Xiaolin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this work is to use fewer components to generate more output levels for power interfaces of low dc voltage sources such as fuel cells. First, two switched‐capacitor voltage lifters (SCVLs) with similar structure and same function are summarized. Each of them uses a single capacitor and has the advantage of identical voltage stress for all components. Then, the SCVLs are combined with a T‐type unit to develop two 17‐level inverters. The SCVLs is responsible for voltage boosting, while the T‐type unit uses two flying capacitors to increase the number of output levels. In addition to the use of three capacitors, the two 17‐level inverters employ 13 and 14 semiconductor switches respectively, and all components' voltage stresses do not exceed the dc input voltage. Simple structure, reduced capacitors' count, and low components' voltage stress are the main merits of the proposed inverters compared with other 17‐level inverters. Beyond theoretical analysis, both steady‐state and dynamic performances are verified experimentally, and the highest efficiency measured by the experiment is up to 97.8%.
From apolar gastrula to polarized larva: Embryonic development of a marine hydroid, Dynamena pumila
Authors: Vetrova Alexandra A. , Lebedeva Tatiana S. , Saidova Aleena A. , Kupaeva Daria M. , Kraus Yulia A. , Kremnyov Stanislav V. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn almost all metazoans examined to this respect, the axial patterning system based on canonical Wnt (cWnt) signaling operates throughout the course of development. In most metazoans, gastrulation is polar, and embryos develop morphological landmarks of axial polarity, such as blastopore under control/regulation from cWnt signaling. However, in many cnidarian species, gastrulation is morphologically apolar. The question remains whether сWnt signaling providing the establishment of a body axis controls morphogenetic processes involved in apolar gastrulation.ResultsIn this study, we focused on the embryonic development of Dynamena pumila, a cnidarian species with apolar gastrulation. We thoroughly described cell behavior, proliferation, and ultrastructure and examined axial patterning in the embryos of this species. We revealed that the first signs of morphological polarity appear only after the end of gastrulation, while molecular prepatterning of the embryo does exist during gastrulation. We have shown experimentally that in D. pumila, the direction of the oral‐aboral axis is highly robust against perturbations in cWnt activity.ConclusionsOur results suggest that morphogenetic processes are uncoupled from molecular axial patterning during gastrulation in D. pumila. Investigation of D. pumila might significantly expand our understanding of the ways in which morphological polarization and axial molecular patterning are linked in Metazoa.
A 2‐month post‐COVID‐19 follow‐up study on patients with dyspnea
Authors: Islam Md. Khairul , Hossain Mohammad Faisal , Molla Md. Maruf Ahmed , Sharif Md. Mohiuddin , Hasan Pratyay , Hossain Fahima Sharmin , Sikder Ayesha , Uddin Md Gias , Amin Md. Robed 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsDyspnea is one of the most common symptoms associated with the COVID‐19 caused by novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dyspnea, observe co‐variables, and find predictors of dyspnea after 2 months of recovery from COVID‐19.MethodsA total of 377 patients were included in the study based on their responses and clinical findings during initial admission to the hospital with COVID‐19. After excluding five deceased patients, a total of 327 patients were interviewed through telephone using a 12‐point dyspnea scale and using relevant questions to gauge the patient clinically. Interviews were carried out by trained physicians, and responses were recorded and stored. All analyses were carried out using the statistical programming language R.ResultsOf the total 327 participants in the study, 34% had stated that they were suffering from respiratory symptoms even after 2 months of COVID‐19. The study demonstrated that patient oxygen saturation level SpO2 (P = .03), D‐dimer (P = .001), serum ferritin (P = .006), and the presence and severity of dyspnea are significantly correlated. In addition to that, patient smoking history (P = .012) and comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (P = .021) were found to be statistically significant among groups.ConclusionThese findings of this study can be useful for predicting and managing long‐term complications of COVID‐19.
Photonic technique to study the effects of probiotics on chronic alcoholic brain cells by quantifying their molecular specific structural alterations via confocal imaging
Authors: Adhikari Prakash , Shukla Pradeep K. , Alharthi Fatemah , Rao Radhakrishna , Pradhan Prabhakar 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMolecular specific photonics localization method, the inverse participation ratio (IPR) technique, is a powerful procedure to probe the nano‐ to submicron scales structural alterations in cells/tissues in their abnormalities due to chronic alcoholism using confocal imaging. Chronic alcoholism introduces abnormalities in brain cells/tissue at the nanoscale level that results in behavioural and psychological disorders which are not well understood. On the other hand, probiotics such asLactobacillus plantarumenhances brain functions in chronic alcoholism. Using the IPR technique, we probe the molecular specific spatial structural alterations in glial brain cells astrocytes and microglia, as well as in chromatins in the nuclei of cortex brain cells, with or without probiotic treatments in chronic alcoholism. The results show chronic alcoholism alone harms brain cells and the probiotic treatment in chronic alcoholism reverses alcoholic damage in the brain cells/tissues toward normalcy.
Fabrication and in vitro study of3Dnovel porous hydroxyapatite/polyether ether ketone surface nanocomposite
Authors: Almasi Davood , Lau Woei Jye , Rasaee Sajad , Abbasi Kaveh 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe unique characteristics of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) including low elastic modulus, high mechanical strength, and biocompatibility have made it an attractive alternative for the metallic biomaterials. However, its bioinert property is always the main concern, which could lead to poor osseointegration and subsequent clinical failure of the implant. Changing the surface structure to porous structure and mixing it with bioactive hydroxyapatite (HA) are the common methods, which could be used to enhance the properties of the PEEK‐based implants. In this study, friction stir processing was utilized for the fabrication of porous HA/PEEK surface nanocomposite. Scanning electron microscopic image of the nanocomposite surface showed nano‐scale roughness of the porous structure. Water contact angle test confirmed the increase in the wettability of the treated specimens. In vitro bioactivity test via simulated body fluid solution, initial cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation assay also confirmed the enhancement in bioactivity of the treated surface in comparison to the bare PEEK. This surface modification method requires no special equipment and would not damage the heat‐sensitive PEEK substrate due to the low temperature used during the fabrication process.
Weather whiplash: Trends in rapid temperature changes in a warming climate
Authors: Lee Cameron C. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBoth research and media attention has shown an increasing interest in rapidly changing weather, colloquially termed “weather whiplash” events. This research examines the spatial and seasonal variability of trends in seasonally standardized short‐term temperature ranges across the globe. Trends are calculated for three different “range windows”: 7‐day ranges, 1‐day departure, and diurnal (24‐hr) temperature ranges. Results show that globally, over the 70‐year period of record 7‐ and 1‐day ranges are increasing substantially in all seasons, while diurnal trends are only changing (decreasing) significantly in boreal autumn. Since 1985, however, ranges at all three time windows have increased significantly. The most widespread changes are occurring as significant increases in these ranges in the Southern Ocean, Africa, and South America and in regions of coastal upwelling. Significant decreases in these ranges are noted mostly at the Arctic Ocean confluence with the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, especially in the Greenland, Iceland, and Norwegian Seas, and more recently, in northeastern Canada. Oceanic trends appear driven by changes in wind speeds, especially in the Southern Hemisphere where increasing open‐ocean winds are nearly ubiquitous. Trends in temperature variability over land are largely inverse of the long‐term changes in cloud cover. This research adds to a growing body of climate change literature examining temperature variability trends, and it represents the first examination of full 70‐year trends of many variables contained in the recently released ERA5 reanalysis.
Thermogelling Nanocomposite Hydrogel: PLGA Molecular Weight in PLGA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLGA Affecting the Thermogelling Behavior
Authors: Maeda Tomoki , Tanimoto Keishi , Hotta Atsushi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThermoresponsive gelation of the nanocomposites consisting of poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLGA) triblock copolymers and LAPONITE (LAPONITE/PLGA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLGA nanocomposites) is investigated by decreasing the molecular weights of PLGA as 1130, 900, and 470 g mol−1. As for the pure triblock copolymers, it is confirmed by UV–vis and SANS that a micellar structure with a hydrophobic core is formed even in the case of PLGA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLGA with the lowest PLGA molecular weight of 470 g mol−1 (Triblock0.5k). As for the nanocomposites with LAPONITE, it is found that the gelation temperature (Tgel) becomes less dependent on the PLGA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLGA concentration and more stable as the PLGA molecular weight decreases, and that Tgel of the nanocomposites almost linearly decreases as the LAPONITE concentration increases. Eventually, the nanocomposite with Triblock0.5k reaches Tgel between room temperature and physiological temperature. In addition, gradual degradation behavior is observed for the nanocomposite with Triblock0.5k. Considering the monomeric molecular weights of LA and GA at the LA/GA ratio of ≈2.0, it is concluded that the PLGA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLGA with the lower PLGA molecular weight (i.e., Triblock0.5k) can be effectively used for thermoresponsive and degradable hydrogels targeting biomedical applications.
Automated proteomic sample preparation: The key component for high throughput and quantitative mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Fu Qin , Murray Christopher I. , Karpov Oleg A. , Van Eyk Jennifer E. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSample preparation for mass spectrometry‐based proteomics has many tedious and time‐consuming steps that can introduce analytical errors. In particular, the steps around the proteolytic digestion of protein samples are prone to inconsistency. One route for reliable sample processing is the development and optimization of a workflow utilizing an automated liquid handling workstation. Diligent assessment of the sample type, protocol design, reagents, and incubation conditions can significantly improve the speed and consistency of preparation. When combining robust liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry with either discovery or targeted methods, automated sample preparation facilitates increased throughput and reproducible quantitation of biomarker candidates. These improvements in analysis are also essential to process the large patient cohorts necessary to validate a candidate biomarker for potential clinical use. This article reviews the steps in the workflow, optimization strategies, and known applications in clinical, pharmaceutical, and research fields that demonstrate the broad utility for improved automation of sample preparation in the proteomic field.
Documentation of advance care planning forms in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Takacs Sara M. , Comer Amber R. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive weakness. Survival is typically only a few years from symptom onset. The often‐predictable disease course creates opportunities to complete advance care planning (ACP) forms. The Physician Orders for Life‐Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is a broadly used ACP paradigm to communicate end‐of‐life wishes but has not been well‐studied in the ALS population.MethodsIn this retrospective chart review study, patients diagnosed with ALS seen between 2014 and 2018 at an academic ALS center were identified. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, and ACP data were collected.ResultsOf 513 patients identified, 30% had an ACP document. POLST forms were competed in 16.6% of patients with 73.8% of forms signed by a neurologist. Only 5.1% of patients saw a palliative care physician. Palliative care consultation was associated with having an POLST on file (P < .001). Patients with completed POLST forms were significantly more likely to have been seen in clinic more frequently (P < .001) and have a lower ALS Functional Rating Scale—Revised score on last visit (P = .005).DiscussionLess than one third of patients with ALS completed an ACP document, and only a small percentage completed POLST forms. The data suggest a need for greater documentation of goals of care in the ALS population.
Bionic micro‐interface lattice foam‐core composites: Manufacturing techniques, compression resistance, bursting strength, low‐velocity impact, and dynamic cushion efficacy
Authors: Lin Jia‐Horng , Yu Haiyang , Wang Hongyang , Li Ting‐Ting , Lou Ching‐Wen 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study proposes a high‐resilience foam‐core composite with bionic micro‐interface lattice structure using columnar lattice mold and two‐step foaming technique. This foam‐core composite uses polyamides nonwoven fabrics as the bionic surface layers and polyurethane foam as the bionic core layer. The foam cavity diameter and columnar interface area are adjusted by the polyols content and the column diameter, respectively. Effects of the cavity diameter and the column diameter on the compression resistance, static‐bursting strength, low‐velocity impact, and dynamic cushion efficacy of foam‐core composites are investigated. The results show that compression resistance, bursting strength, and cushion efficacy of the foam‐core composites are all increased by degrees with the cavity diameter when the content of polyols increases. When the cavity diameter was 195 μm, bionic micro‐interface foam‐core composite absorbed 99% low‐velocity impact energy. Existence of bionic micro‐interface lattice obviously improved the static compression and bursting properties. Bionic micro‐interface foam‐core composites with 16 mm‐diameter column have the lower and wider contact force peak compared to pomelo, 8 mm and 12 mm‐diameter column, indicating higher dynamic cushion efficacy. The resulted composite provides an idea of establishing bionic foam‐core cushion composites by foam interface, which is expected to be used as energy absorption material for commercial application.
SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine acceptability among caregivers of childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Wimberly Courtney E. , Towry Lisa , Davis Elizabeth , Johnston Emily E. , Walsh Kyle M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo explore willingness/hesitancy to vaccinate self and children against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) among caregivers of childhood cancer survivors (CCS).MethodsA 19‐question survey was sent to caregivers of CCS and completed between February 25 and April 13, 2021. Logistic regression was used to investigate relationships between willingness/hesitancy to vaccinate (a) self and (b) CCS, and demographic variables, confidence in the government and medical community's responses to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), and factors specific to the CCS community (e.g., previous participation in an investigational therapeutic trial).ResultsCaregivers (6% male) from 130 unique families completed the survey. Mean CCS age at survey was 15 years (SD 6.4). Mean CCS age at diagnosis was 4.3 years (SD 4.3). Mean time from CCS diagnosis to survey completion was 10 years (SD 6.2). Twenty‐one percent of caregivers expressed hesitancy to vaccinate themselves and 29% expressed hesitancy to vaccinate their CCS. Caregivers expressing confidence in the federal government's response to COVID‐19 were six‐fold likelier to express willingness to self‐vaccinate (p < .001) and were three‐fold likelier to express willingness to vaccinate their CCS (p = .011). Qualitative analysis of free‐text responses revealed three general themes, including (a) confidence in science, medicine, and vaccination as a strategy for health promotion, (b) confidence in SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination and belief that CCS are at greater risk of COVID‐19 complications, and (c) concerns about the swiftness of COVID‐19 vaccine development and insufficient safety/efficacy data in children and CCS.ConclusionsResults underscore the need for COVID‐19 vaccination education and outreach, even among families highly engaged with the medical community, and emphasize the importance of updating these families as relevant data emerge from vaccine trials and registries.
Reactive thermal evaporated amorphous tin oxide fabricated at room temperature and application in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Che Zhigang , Liu Ming , Li Fengchao , Shi Yanbin , Zhou Yurong , Zhou Yuqin , Liu Fengzhen 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTin oxide (SnOx) as a functional layer, such as electron transport layer (ETL) or buffer layer, is widely used in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, SnOx prepared by spin coating is not suitable to be applied to the solar cells with large area or rough substrates. In this paper, SnOx thin films served as the ETL of PSCs were prepared using a simple reactive thermal evaporation (RTE) method, and a convenient ultraviolet ozone treatment (UV‐O3) at room temperature was carried out to replace the common post‐annealing process. The SnOx ETL prepared by RTE is suitable for substrates with arbitrary morphology, and the performance of the PSCs can be improved significantly after the ultraviolet ozone treatment of the SnOx layer. A power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 20.62% was achieved on the planar PSCs with the RTE SnOx serving as the ETL. Conformal coverage of the RTE SnOx thin film and the perovskite layer on a textured Si surface was achieved, which is helpful for making fully textured monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells in the future.
Phosphonate herbicide interactions with quartz, montmorillonite, and quartz‐enriched agricultural soil
Authors: Glaser Michael J. , Richards Brian K. , Steenhuis Tammo S. , Aristilde Ludmilla 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPhosphonate‐based herbicides are extensively used in agriculture. Glyphosate was long considered immobile in soils due to strong complexation with metal oxides, but detection in agricultural effluents and surface waters points to glyphosate mobilization and transport. In particular, mechanisms of glyphosate adsorption and subsequent mobility from runoff‐prone soils enriched in quartz have not been fully elucidated. Here we used theoretical and experimental approaches to gain new insights on the soil mobility of glyphosate and two other phosphonate herbicides, glufosinate and fosamine. Molecular modeling simulations of optimized adsorbate complexes of the phosphonate herbicides with quartz and montmorillonite revealed Ca‐enhanced interactions for all three herbicides at both mineral interfaces, weak binding of Na‐complexed phosphonate herbicides on quartz, and more favorable interactions for glufosinate and fosamine with Na‐montmorillonite than for glyphosate. We conducted adsorption and desorption experiments to evaluate the mobility of glyphosate on quartz‐enriched agricultural soils. Consistent with our theoretical findings, adsorption experiments conducted with CaCl2 resulted in greater than a twofold increase in glyphosate retention compared with experiments with NaCl. The desorption experiments revealed release of about 30–90% of the initially bound glyphosate into solution, whereby Ca in the desorption solution promoted glyphosate mobility compared with Na. Furthermore, in all conditions, the relative initial wetness of the agricultural soil was correlated positively with the enhanced glyphosate mobilization, consistent with field‐scale reports that herbicide applied to soils following rain events were prone to runoff.