bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the evolution of mimicry in avian nestlings
Authors: Londoño Gustavo A. , Sandoval‐H Juliana , Sallam Mohamed F. , Allen Julie M.
Published: April 2022

Batesian mimicry (BM), where a nontoxic species resembles a toxic species with aposematic coloring, has been recently described for a Neotropical species of the suboscine passerine (Laniocera hypopyrra). Understanding the order and series in which these characteristics evolved is unknown and requires character information from closely related taxa. Here, we trace the origin of mimetic traits and how they evolved by examining antipredator characteristics using images and other field‐collected trait data from nest and nestlings along with data available in the literature for the Laniisominae clade and closely related taxa. We found that morphological modifications of the downy feathers appeared first in the broader clade leading to the Laniisominae clade followed by further morphological and behavioral characteristics within the Laniisominae clade leading to the full BM. Images of nestlings in the Laniisominae and closely related clades demonstrated the extent of antipredator and camouflage characteristics. We found a complex set of behavioral and morphological traits in this clade for reducing predation from hiding to camouflage to mimicry. We further propose the evolution of two distinctive mimicry strategies in the Laniisominae clade: (1) Batesian Mimicry, as described above and (2) Masquerade, resemblance to inedible objects commonly found in their local environment. This complex set of antipredator traits shed light on the diversity of antipredator characteristics in avian nestlings, particularly in neotropical areas where the avian diversity is highest. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of species in the neotropics that lack basic natural history information on nesting traits, and therefore, we are likely missing critical information on the diversity of antipredator characteristics across avian nestlings.
A Furan‐Substituted Polymeric Hole‐Transporting Material for Energy Level Regulation and Less Planarity in Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Junwoo , Lee Duck Hoon , Kim Younghoon , Park Jin Young , You Hyung Ryul , Park Taiho , Kim Minjun , Choi Jongmin
Published: April 2022

For efficient colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells (CQD‐SCs), thiol‐passivated p‐type CQDs are generally used as a hole‐transporting material (HTM); however, there are issues with the control of optoelectrical properties, low thiol passivation rate, and poor morphology with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of approximately 11%. Although polymeric HTMs have been introduced to address these issues, maximizing efficiency and achieving green‐solvent processability and thermal stability for commercialization is necessary. Here, we synthesize a novel benzodifuran (BDF)‐based HTM (asy‐ranPBTBDF) showing an electron‐deficient state, low steric hindrance, and low planarity compared to those of a typical benzodithiophene (BDT)‐based HTM (asy‐ranPBTBDT). BDF properties lead to deep high occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels, close π–π stacking, excellent solubility, and amorphous properties related to efficiency, green‐solvent processability, and thermal stability. With these benefits, the asy‐ranPBTBDF‐based CQD‐SC showed enhanced open‐circuit voltage (VOC) (0.65 V) and PCE (13.29%) compared to those of the asy‐ranPBTBDT‐based device (0.63 V and 12.22%) in toxic processes with chlorobenzene. The asy‐ranPBTBDF‐based CQD‐SC showed a PCE of 12.51% in a green‐solvent process with 2‐methylanisole and improved thermal stability at 80 °C (83.8% retaining after 24 h) owing to less lateral crystallization than the asy‐ranPBTBDT‐based device (60.8% retaining after 24 h).
Seismic analysis and test facilities of deep‐water bridges considering water–structure interaction: A state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Li Zhong‐Xian , Zheng Qingtao , Wu Kun , Shi Yundong
Published: April 2022

Deep‐water bridges are susceptible to severe damages under strong earthquakes. Water–structure interaction will considerably affect the dynamic performance of deep‐water bridges. In the past few decades, researchers have conducted extensive studies on the water–structure interaction and dynamic behavior of bridges through theoretical, numerical, and experimental investigations. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the calculation method for earthquake and wave‐induced hydrodynamic forces. The seismic responses of deep‐water bridges under individual or combined excitation of earthquake, wave, and current are discussed to explore the influence of water–structure interaction on the seismic capacity of deep‐water bridges. Finally, the development of testing facilities that can simulate the water–structure interaction is summarized. Particularly, a new multifunctional dual underwater shaking table system built‐in Tianjin University that can simulate multiple‐support excitation and water–structure interaction simultaneously is introduced in detail for the first time.
The gas diffusion electrode setup as a testing platform for evaluating fuel cell catalysts: A comparative RDE‐GDE study
Authors: Nösberger Sven , Du Jia , Quinson Jonathan , Berner Etienne , Zana Alessandro , Wiberg Gustav K.H. , Arenz Matthias
Published: April 2022

Gas diffusion electrode (GDE) setups have been recently introduced as a new experimental approach to test the performance of fuel cell catalysts under high mass transport conditions, while maintaining the simplicity of rotating disk electrode (RDE) setups. In contrast to experimental RDE protocols, for investigations using GDE setups only few systematic studies have been performed. In literature, different GDE arrangements were demonstrated, for example, with and without an incorporated proton exchange membrane. Herein, we chose a membrane‐GDE approach for a comparative RDE–GDE study, where we investigate several commercial standard Pt/C fuel cell catalysts with respect to the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Our results demonstrate both the challenges and the strengths of the new fuel cell catalyst testing platform. We highlight the analysis and the optimization of catalyst film parameters. That is, instead of focusing on the intrinsic catalyst ORR activities that are typically derived in RDE investigations, we focus on parameters, such as the catalyst ink recipe, which can be optimized for an individual catalyst in a much simpler manner as compared to the elaborative membrane electrode assembly (MEA) testing. In particular, it is demonstrated that ∼50% improvement in ORR performance can be reached for a particular Pt/C catalyst by changing the Nafion content in the catalyst layer. The study therefore stresses the feasibility of the GDE approach used as an intermediate “testing step” between RDE and MEA tests when developing new fuel cell catalysts.
Shift your career from financial aid to enrollment management
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2022

AVENTURA, Fla. — Only 5% of enrollment management vice presidents came from financial aid offices. But that transition can make sense for the professional and for the institution. Chuck Knepfle, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Portland State University; Janelle Kilgore, Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management at the University of North Dakota; and Matt Moore, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Operations and Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Sinclair College, explained their path from financial aid to enrollment management at a session at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Strategic Enrollment Management Conference. Read on for tips for how to make that transition.
A Brief Note on Pollinator Exposure to Co-Formulants and Adjuvants
Authors: Straw Edward A.
Published: April 2022

Bees and other pollinators are exposed to co-formulants and adjuvants at very high levels in agriculture. Thorough, targeted, assessment of the toxicity of co-formulants and adjuvants is urgently required. Created with BioRender.com.
Quantifying the “avoided” biodiversity impacts associated with economic development
Authors: Bull Joseph W , Sonter Laura J , Gordon Ascelin , Maron Martine , Narain Divya , Reside April E , Sánchez Luis E , Shumway Nicole , von Hase Amrei , Quétier Fabien
Published: April 2022

Achieving global sustainability objectives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals or Aichi Targets, including remaining within planetary boundaries, necessitates proactively avoiding a proportion of the environmental impacts otherwise expected to result from economic development. Quantifying these “avoided” impacts is important for monitoring progress toward meeting sustainability objectives, but doing so in a consistent way is fraught with difficulty. Using the mitigation of biodiversity impacts by development projects as an example, we explored the challenges of defining and measuring impact avoidance. Avoidance can be defined as either action‐based or outcome‐based, and classified by whether it is achieved through project cancellation, spatial avoidance, design‐based avoidance, or temporal avoidance. We also examined what drives different types of project proponents to implement avoidance measures. To support empirical quantification of the contribution that avoidance makes toward conservation goals, we present a framework for structuring assessments of biodiversity impact avoidance. Our framework has widespread applicability in conservation science, policy, and practice, as well as relevance for broader policies that seek to avoid environmental and social impacts.
Genetic characterization and quantitative trait relationship using multivariate techniques reveal diversity among tomato germplasms
Authors: Ene Chikezie Onuora , Abtew Wosene Gebreselassie , Oselebe Happiness Ogba , Ozi Friday Ugadu , Ikeogu Ugochukwu Nathaniel
Published: April 2022

Tomato accessions collected from different sources were evaluated to study their diversity, genotype–traits association, as well as pinpoint most selective trait(s) in a controlled environment in Jimma, Ethiopia. The two terms pot experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The genotype–trait (GT) biplot revealed high percentage variability above 70% in related growth traits for the first and second principal components (PC) summed up, in the two trials, whereas related floral and fruit traits association indicated medium to high (55%–65%) total explained variations in both seasons. It further showed that ‘wild parent’, ‘CLN2498D’, ‘CLN2498F’, ‘UC Dan India’, ‘Ruma’, ‘PT4722A’, ‘CLN2679F’, ‘CLN2585C’ and ‘CLN2585D’ were the best performers in most of the related growth, floral, and fruit traits in those seasons. Principal component analysis showed that traits, such as plant height, number of branches, leaves, nodes, internodes, stem girth, style length, stigma length and diameter, flower length and width, number of flowers per truss, number of fruits per truss, and fruit weight per plant, in the first dimension were positively related to yield and consistent with high loading factors in both seasons and could be underpinned highly important in breeding for increased fruit yield. Clustering and its comparison of means showed that ‘CLN2498D’, ‘PT4722A’, ‘Ruma’, ‘Tropimech’, and ‘UC Dan India’ of cluster I in both trials expressed the best traits including related growth, floral, and fruit traits. Therefore, selection for any trait would favor accessions in this cluster.
Optimal cut‐off points of fat mass index and visceral adiposity index associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bagheri Amir , Khosravy Tina , Moradinazar Mehdi , Nachvak Seyed Mostafa , Pasdar Yahya , Soleimani Davood , Samadi Mehnoosh
Published: April 2022

Background

Indices, based on anthropometrics with or without non‐anthropometric components, are predictive of cardio‐metabolic outcomes. Fat mass index (FMI) is similar to BMI except measured fat mass replaces body weight. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) combines anthropometric measures with lipid measurements TG/HDL. The relationship of these indices to incident type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has not been established. Therefore, we have evaluated the predictive power and optimal cut‐off points of FMI, and VAI with T2DM in a cross‐sectional population study.

Methods

These population‐based cross‐sectional study comprised 8411 adults aged 35–65 years using data from the Ravansar Non‐Communicable Diseases (RaNCD) cohort. VAI and FMI were defined as previously published. Optimal cut‐off points for association with incident T2DM were determined from receiver‐operating curves (ROC).

Results

The optimal cut‐off point for VAI was 4.86 (AUC: 0.673; 95% CI: 0.65–0.69) and FMI 9.3 (AUC: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.55–0.59), and for T2DM in our study population. The odds ratios (OR) for T2DM were nearly identical, for VAI 1.098 (95% CI: 1.08–1.11) and for FMI 1.08 (95% CI: 1.05–1.10).

Conclusions

In the current population study, VAI and FMI were weakly associated with T2DM. Therefore, it seems that anthropometric measures are unlikely to be strong mediators of T2DM compared to historical and other factors in the population studied.
Intelligent detection and applied research on diabetic retinopathy based on the residual attention network
Authors: Yu Moye , Wang Yi
Published: April 2022

This study proposes a high‐accuracy (ACC) algorithm to automatically detect diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) in retinal fundus images. Three DR datasets were obtained for use in this study: EyePACS, Messidor, and IDRid. In the EyePACS dataset, two DR classifications and five classifications experiments were conducted. The Messidor and IDRid dataset were graded DR and DME. After preprocessing, enhancement, and normalizing, common convolutional neural networks (CNN) were used to obtain the classification results. Afterward, an optimization method residual attention network (RAN) was introduced that was based on the residual attention module, and incorporated dilated convolution, so as to optimize the experimental results. The focal loss was then added to solve the imbalance problem. Next, a five‐fold cross‐validation strategy was introduced so as to assess and optimize the proposed model, after which the prediction ACC, sensitivity, specificity, area under receiver operating curve, and Kappa score were assessed. The proposed method RAN was shown to achieve 89.2% ACC (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8782–0.9123) for two DR classifications (normal and abnormal) on the EyePACS dataset, 89.8% ACC (95% CI, 0.8751–0.9275) for two DR classifications on the Messidor dataset. The IDRid dataset achieved an ACC of 71.5% (95% CI, 0.6941–0.7423) for the two DR classifications. RAN mainly improves the results of commonly used CNN methods on the same dataset. Therefore, the classification and diagnosis of DR may be improved by adopting the proposed method.
Rapid progression of myelofibrosis in polycythemia vera patient carrying SRSF2 c.284C>A p.(Pro95His) and unique ASXL1 splice site c.1720‐2A>G variant
Authors: Kanduła Zuzanna , Kroll‐Balcerzak Renata , Lewandowski Krzysztof
Published: April 2022

Background

The prognosis in polycythemia vera (PV) is comparatively favorable, but individual myelofibrosis/leukemic progression risk is heterogeneous. About a quarter of patients progress to the fibrotic phase after 20 years.

Methods

Multiplex PCR, allele‐specific qPCR, high‐resolution melt analysis, and Sanger sequencing were used to detect BCR‐ABL, JAK2, ASXL1, SRSF2, U2AF1, and IDH1/2 variants.

Results

Herein, we present a PV patient with rapid progression to secondary myelofibrosis probably due to the coexistence of homozygous JAK2 V617F mutation, SRSF2 c.284C>A p.(Pro95His) and splice site variant of ASXL1 c.1720‐2A>G. The detected ASXL1 variant was first described in Bohring–Opitz syndrome and has not been reported in hematological malignancies so far. In the presented case, the ASXL1 VAF was stable (50%) during the 4‐year follow‐up, despite an evident increase in the JAK2 V617F VAF. Family history revealed cerebral palsy in the patient's grandson; however, germline character of the ASXL1 variant was excluded.

Conclusion

The biological consequences of the variant acquisition by hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) seem to be similar to other mutations of ASXL1 responsible for the truncation of ASXL1 protein, formation of hyperactive ASXL1–BAP1 (BRCA1‐associated protein‐1) complexes, and finally, the promotion of aberrant myeloid differentiation of HSC. Our report supports the hypothesis that ASXL1 alteration cooperates with JAK2 V617F leading to biased lineage skewing, favoring erythroid and megakaryocytic differentiation, accelerating the progression of PV to the fibrotic phase.
Mutation patterns and prognostic analysis of BRAF/KRAS/PIK3CA in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Chengfeng , Pan Diling
Published: April 2022

Background and objective

Aberrant gene expression and abnormal signaling pathways often occur in patients with colorectal cancer, in which mutations in B‐Raf Proto‐Oncogene (BRAF), KRAS Proto‐Oncogene (KRAS), and Phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐Bisphosphate 3‐Kinase Catalytic Subunit Alpha (PIK3CA) are quite common. In this study, the relationship between BRAF, KRAS, and PIK3CA mutations and clinicopathologic features and prognosis of colorectal cancer patients was investigated.

Methods

One hundred and fifty patients with colorectal cancer admitted to Affiliated people's Hospital (Fujian Provincial People's Hospital), Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were collected and grouped according to the mutation patterns of BRAF, KRAS, and PIK3CA. The association between BRAF, KRAS, and PIK3CA mutations and pathological factors (age, sex, etc.) was analyzed using the Chi‐square test. Subsequently, survival analysis was performed to screen the impact factors of overall survival time by Kaplan–Meier (K‐M) curve, and Cox regression model was established for the selected factors.

Results

BRAF, KRAS, and PIK3CA mutations were not associated with age, sex, and alcoholism. K–M curve and log‐rank test results demonstrated that among the factors included in this study, overall survival rate of colorectal cancer patients was only associated with mutation factors. The prognosis of KRAS+/PIK3CA−/BRAF−mutant and KRAS−/PIK3CA−/BRAF+mutant patients was better than that of KRAS+/PIK3CA+/BRAF−mutant patients.

Conclusion

The mutant patterns of BRAF, KRAS, and PIK3CA were not related to the general and clinicopathological features of patients. The mutant pattern could be used as an independent prognostic factor for colorectal cancer.
Deficit irrigation impacts on greenhouse gas emissions under drip‐fertigated maize in the Great Plains of Colorado
Authors: Flynn Nora E. , Stewart Catherine E. , Comas Louise H. , Del Grosso Stephen J. , Schnarr Cassandra , Schipanski Meagan , von Fischer Joseph C. , Stuchiner Emily R. , Fonte Steven J.
Published: April 2022

Precise water and fertilizer application can increase crop water productivity and reduce agricultural contributions to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Regulated deficit irrigation (DI) and drip fertigation control the amount, location, and timing of water and nutrient application. Yet, few studies have measured GHG emissions under these practices, especially for maize (Zea mays L.). The objective was to quantify N2O and CO2 emission from DI and full irrigation (FI) within a drip‐fertigated maize system in northeastern Colorado. During two growing seasons of measurement, treatments consisted of mild, moderate, and extreme DI and FI. Deficit irrigation was managed based on growth stage so that full evapotranspiration (ET) was met during the yield‐sensitive reproductive stage, but less than full crop ET was applied during the late vegetative and maturation growth stages. In the first year, mild DI (90% ET) reduced N2O emissions by 50% compared with FI. In the second year, compared with FI, moderate DI (69–80% ET) reduced N2O emissions by 15%, and extreme DI (54–68% ET) reduced N2O emissions by 40%. Only extreme DI in the second year significantly reduced CO2 emissions (by 30%) compared with FI. Mild DI reduced yield‐scaled emissions in the first year, but moderate and extreme DI had similar yield‐scaled emissions as FI in the second year. The surface drip fertigation resulted in total GHG emissions that were one‐tenth of literature‐based measurements from sprinkler‐irrigated maize systems. This study illustrates the potential of DI and drip fertigation to reduce N2O and CO2 emissions in irrigated cropping systems.
Timing of operation in children with a prenatal diagnosis of choledochal cyst: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Guan Xisi , Li Junting , Wang Zhe , Zeng Jixiao , Zhong Wei , Yu Jiakang
Published: April 2022

Background/Purpose

There is currently no consensus on the timing of operative correction for patients with a prenatal diagnosis of choledochal cyst (CDC). This study aims to retrospectively analyze patients with prenatally diagnosed CDCs to identify the optimal timing of operative correction and the importance of cyst size as a predictor of the appearance of symptoms related to the CDC.

Methods

We reviewed 125 patients with a prenatal diagnosis of CDC who were admitted to Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center from July 2015 to July 2020. After dividing the patients into a symptomatic group (n = 37) and an asymptomatic group (n = 88), according to whether they had any clinical symptoms at the time of their operation, we compared their clinical data and postoperative outcomes. The asymptomatic group was divided into a <1 month group; a ≥1 month and <4 months group; and a ≥4 months group according to their postnatal age at operation; postoperative complications of the three groups were then compared. We were also interested in the effect of cyst size (width and length) for predicting the development of symptoms related to the CDC.

Results

The time of onset of symptoms after birth was mainly concentrated in the first 3 months (48.6%). The median width and length of cysts measured by preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in the symptomatic group were greater than those in the asymptomatic group (43 mm vs 28 mm and 71 mm vs 45 mm, respectively; P < .05). The serum levels of the liver‐related enzymes ALT, AST, and GGT, and the serum level of DBIL, were greater in the symptomatic group than in the asymptomatic group (P < .05). The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and duration of postoperative hospital stay in the symptomatic group were greater than those in the asymptomatic group (P < .05). In the asymptomatic group, there were no statistically significant differences in the surgical data and postoperative complications between the <1 month group, the ≥1 month and <4 months group, and the ≥4 months group. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the length of the cyst in predicting symptoms was 0.747, the best cut‐off point was 5.2 cm, and the sensitivity and specificity were 78% and 70%, respectively. The AUROC of the width of the cyst was 0.704, the best cut‐off point was 4.1 cm, and the sensitivity and specificity were 68% and 75%, respectively.

Conclusion

We maintain that it is advantageous to receive surgical treatment in the asymptomatic period for patients with a prenatally diagnosed CDC. A cyst size of length >5.2 cm and width >4.1 cm suggested that clinical symptoms might appear, and that surgery should be carried out as soon as possible, even in the neonatal period.
Contrasting controls on seasonal and spatial distribution of marine cable bacteria (Candidatus Electrothrix) and Beggiatoaceae in seasonally hypoxic Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Malkin Sairah Y. , Liau Pinky , Kim Carol , Hantsoo Kalev G. , Gomes Maya L. , Song Bongkeun
Published: April 2022

Marine cable bacteria (Candidatus Electrothrix) and large colorless sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria (e.g., Beggiatoaceae) are widespread thiotrophs in coastal environments but may exert different influences on biogeochemical cycling. Yet, the factors governing their niche partitioning remain poorly understood. To map their distribution and evaluate their growth constraints in a natural setting, we examined surface sediments across seasons at two sites with contrasting levels of seasonal oxygen depletion in Chesapeake Bay using microscopy coupled with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and biogeochemical characterization. We found that cable bacteria, dominated by a single phylotype closely affiliated to Candidatus Electrothrix communis, flourished during winter and spring at a central channel site which experiences summer anoxia. Here, cable bacteria density was positively correlated with surface sediment chlorophyll, a proxy of phytodetritus sedimentation. Cable bacteria were also present with a lower areal density at an adjacent shoal site which supports bioturbating macrofauna. Beggiatoaceae were more abundant at this site, where their biomass was positively correlated with sediment respiration, but additionally potentially inhibited by sulfide accumulation which was evident during one summer. A springtime phytodetritus sedimentation event was associated with a proliferation of Beggiatoaceae and multiple Candidatus Electrothrix phylotypes, with cable bacteria reaching 1000 m length cm−2. These observations indicate the potential impact of a spring bloom in driving a hot moment of cryptic sulfur cycling. Our results suggest complex interactions between benthic thiotroph populations, with bioturbation and seasonal oscillations in bottom water dissolved oxygen, sediment sulfide, and organic matter influx as important drivers of their distribution.
Synergistic Effects of Mechanical, Thermal, and Optical Properties of Polyimide Composite Films Reinforced with WO3 Nanorods
Authors: Niu Yongan , Shi Zenghui , Pei Yingjin , Shi Zihang , Cao Xianqi , Feng Jianming , Zhang Xin
Published: April 2022

In this study, WO3 nanorods are directly blended with polyamic acid (PAA) solutions to improve the electrochromic capacity of WO3/PAA composite films. Specifically, the hexagonal WO3 nanorods are prepared as inorganic reinforcements using a hydrothermal method and modified by γ‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane. After curing at 300 °C, the WO3 nanorods/polyimide (PI) composite films demonstrate excellent mechanical and thermal properties. The tensile strength of the 1 wt% WO3/PI composite film is ≈110.27 MPa. The thermal stability of the 5 wt% WO3/PI composite film is better than that of the others, and the T5 (5% thermal weight loss temperature) value is ≈560.05 °C. Moreover, the WO3/PAA composite films demonstrate electrochromic behaviors. The electrochromic range of the 5 wt% WO3/PAA composite film exceeds to 68%. For the WO3/PAA samples, the oxidation peak of the WO3 nanorods is evident in the cyclic voltammetry curves. The color contrast of WO3/PI nanocomposites can be enhanced owing to the significant synergistic effects of the electron donor–acceptor system.
Simulation of two‐phase air–liquid flows in a closed bioreactor loop: Numerical modeling, experiments, and verification
Authors: Nizovtseva Irina G. , Starodumov Ilya O. , Schelyaev Alexander Y. , Aksenov Andrey A. , Zhluktov Sergey V. , Sazonova Marina L. , Kashinsky Oleg N. , Timkin Leonid S. , Gasenko Vladimir G. , Gorelik Roman S. , Chernushkin Dmitri V. , Oshkin Igor Y.
Published: April 2022

Improvements in technology for the production of microbial biomass from natural gas, which have been gaining importance in recent years, require the development and optimization of energy‐efficient bioreactor designs. The most advanced methods for developing and scaling up industrial biotechnological processes rely on detailed hydrodynamic modeling, in addition to classical approaches, as the main tool for analysis and large‐scale transfer of experimental information. This paper presents the results of a simulation of flows in a bioreactor circuit using the latest mathematical methods and numerical flow analysis tools for two‐phase bubble flows based on experimental data.
Impact of intra‐axonal kurtosis on fiber orientation density functions estimated with fiber ball imaging
Authors: Jensen Jens H.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To determine the impact of an intra‐axonal kurtosis on estimates of the fiber orientation density function (fODF) obtained with fiber ball imaging (FBI).

Theory and Methods

Standard FBI assumes Gaussian diffusion within individual axons and estimates the fODF by applying an inverse generalized Funk transform to diffusion MRI data for b‐values of 4000 s/mm2 or higher. However, recent work based on numeric simulations shows that diffusion inside axons is non‐Gaussian with an intra‐axonal kurtosis of ∼ 0.4. Here, the theory underlying FBI is extended to incorporate an intra‐axonal kurtosis. This is done to first order in the intra‐axonal kurtosis without making assumptions about the details of the diffusion dynamics and to all orders for a specific model based on a gamma distribution of diffusivities. The first order approximation is used to assess the effect of an intra‐axonal kurtosis on FBI estimates for the fODF and axonal water fraction. The gamma distribution model is used to test the validity of the approximation.

Results

The first order approximation indicates the estimated fODF is altered by a few percent for an intra‐axonal kurtosis of 0.4 in comparison to predictions of standard FBI. If one neglects the intra‐axonal kurtosis, the angular resolution of the point spread function for the fODF is changed by <1°, whereas the axonal water fraction is overestimated by ∼ 5%. The gamma distribution model shows that the first order approximation is accurate to within a few percent.

Conclusion

The intra‐axonal kurtosis has a small impact on fODFs estimated with FBI.
Influencing factors of burnout and its dimensions among mental health workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Zhu Hongjin , Xie Shiqi , Liu Xiaolin , Yang Xiaoyun , Zhou Jianrong
Published: April 2022

Aim

To examine the demographic and work characteristics of mental health workers associated with burnout during the COVID‐19 epidemic and to examine the relationship between burnout and humanistic care ability.

Design

Online cross‐sectional design.

Methods

270 mental health workers in Chongqing, China, were recruited via WeChat from 1 to 31 December 2020. Online self‐administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were analyzed by t‐tests and one‐way analyses of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, mental health workers had a high prevalence of burnout and a low level of humanistic care ability. Work factors including profession, work shift, work pressure, work‐family conflict, practice environment satisfaction, salary satisfaction, and humanistic care ability were significantly associated with burnout and its subdimension.
In situ one‐step fabrication of layered double hydroxide deposited on cellulose: Effect of modified cellulose on physical properties of polyurethane composites
Authors: Viscusi Gianluca , D'Amico Francesca , Gorrasi Giuliana
Published: April 2022

The article reports the fabrication of cellulose‐layered double hydroxide (LDH) obtained by urea hydrolysis method. A wide characterization was carried out to assess the morphological, spectroscopic and barrier properties of LDH modified cellulose. The cellulose‐LDH was then used as hybrid reinforcement in polyurethane (PU) composites. A slight improvement in thermal stability of PU was achieved and a better hydrophilicity was obtained, due to the intrinsic polarity of LDH. Elastic modulus of PU composites increased up to 48 MPa for a filler loading of 10% wt. Finally, UV barrier properties were studied in the range 280–700 nm. The produced composite showed a noticeable decrease in light transmission as the reinforcement content increase, displaying high light‐blocking properties with a quasi‐total resistance to transmission in UV range.
Preparation and UV‐curing properties of oxazolidine‐2‐one based acrylates
Authors: Liu Qiaoyang , Mei Wantong , Zhou Hongyong , Wang Jiaxi
Published: April 2022

Three oxazolidine‐2‐one based acrylates monomers were synthesized by the reaction of oxazolidine‐2‐one with 1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA), neopentyl glycol diacrylate (NPGDA) and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). The molecular structures of the products were characterized by FT‐IR, 1H NMR and electrospray ionization high resolution mass spectrometry (ESI‐HRMS). The photo‐polymerization kinetics of the synthesized oxazolidine‐2‐one based acrylates were investigated by real‐time infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the oxazolidine‐2‐one based acrylates with 1 wt% 2‐isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) could be cured to form a transparent film under UV irradiation. The UV curing speed of oxazolidine‐2‐one based acrylates with 1 wt% ITX was better than that of TMPTA with 1 wt% ITX and 3 wt% ethyl 4‐(dimethylamino) benzoate (EDB) as co‐initiator. Based on the HRMS analysis of oligomers extracted from the UV‐cured film, the plausible photopolymerization mechanism was proposed. The synthesized monomer formula with CN996 resin can be 3D printed forming various models with smooth surface, good accuracy, excellent thermal stability and 99.4% gel content.
Using controlled radiolysis of melamine to reinforce melamine‐urea‐formaldehyde resin impregnated wood
Authors: Zheng An , Tang Yingying , Zhang Mingxin
Published: April 2022

The effect of electron beam (EB) irradiation (0 to 80 kGy) on the mechanical properties of melamine‐urea‐formaldehyde (MUF) impregnated wood prepared from Pinus sylvestris is investigated. The results of the compressive strength parallel to grain measurement demonstrate EB irradiation can enhance the mechanical properties of MUF impregnated wood, with optimal results achieved at 20 kGy. Additionally, the formaldehyde emission of impregnated wood has been significantly reduced. This enhancement is promoted by the dispersibility and crosslinking efficiency of melamine in the dealkylation stage under low‐dose irradiation. However, the deamination and the destruction of triazine ring becomes significant at higher irradiation dosage, resulting in deterioration of mechanical properties as demonstrated by Raman spectroscopy,13C‐NMR, and SEM.
Solanum galapagense‐derived purple tomato fruit color is conferred by novel alleles of the anthocyanin fruit and atroviolacium loci
Authors: Fenstemaker Sean , Sim Leah , Cooperstone Jessica , Francis David
Published: April 2022

One hypothesis for the origin of endemic species of tomato on the Galápagos islands postulates a hybridization of Solanum pimpinellifolium and Solanum habrochaites. Solanum galapagense accession LA1141 has purple fruit pigmentation, previously described in green‐fruited wild tomatoes such as S. habrochaites or Solanum chilense. Characterization of LA1141 derived purple pigmentation provides a test of the hybridization hypothesis. Purple pigmentation was recovered in progenies derived from LA1141, and the anthocyanins malvidin 3(coumaroyl)rutinoside‐5‐glucoside, petunidin 3‐(coumaroyl) rutinoside‐5‐glucoside, and petunidin 3‐(caffeoyl)rutinoside‐5‐glucoside were abundant. Fruit color was evaluated in an introgression population, and three quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were mapped and validated in subsequent populations. The loci atroviolacium on chromosome 7, Anthocyanin fruit on chromosome 10, and uniform ripening also on chromosome 10 underly these QTLs. Sequence analysis suggested that the LA1141 alleles of Aft and atv are unique relative to those previously described from S. chilense accession LA0458 and Solanum cheesmaniae accession LA0434, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the LA1141 Aft genomic sequence did not support a green‐fruited origin, and the locus clustered with members of the red‐fruited tomato clade. The LA1141 allele of Aft is not the result of an ancient introgression from the green‐fruited clade and underlies a gain of anthocyanin pigmentation in the red‐fruited clade.
A note on an enhanced dynamic authentication scheme for mobile satellite communication systems
Authors: Kumar Uddeshaya , Garg Manish
Published: April 2022

Recently, Yulei Chen and Jianhua Chen (An enchanced dynamic authentication scheme for mobile satellite communication systems. Int J Satell Commun Netw. 2020; 39(3): 250‐262) presented an enhanced dynamic authentication scheme for mobile satellite communication systems in 2020. The authors found that there is a flaw in the authentication phase of the scheme proposed by Yulei Chen and Jianhua Chen's scheme. Due to this flaw, user is unable to authenticate to NCC (network control center) and also fails to establish the session key with NCC. In this paper, the authors improved the Yulei Chen and Jianhua Chen's scheme. In the proposed scheme, it is shown that user is able to authenticate to NCC (network control center) and also establish the session key with NCC. The authors also demonstrate that the computation cost and communication cost are also decreased.
Transcending terminology can elevate student affairs assessment value
Authors: Levy Joseph D.
Published: April 2022

Despite assessment's rising reputation and importance, institutions still struggle to meet internal and external stakeholders’ needs as evidenced by recognized accreditors citing assessment as their top area of concern. With regulation changes, literature advances, and increasingly diverse student needs, multiple opportunities exist for leveraging assessment to advance institutional betterment and quality assurance. In light of that reality, this article examines increased expectations for co‐curricular and student affairs assessment, exploring how to define terms and use assessment to enable collaboration across an institution.
Closer contact with students can pay off in enrollment, retention
Authors: Enos Gary A.
Published: April 2022

No one should underestimate the importance of offering a personal touch when working with students who may face multiple barriers to enrollment and completion, said Scott Behrens, Ph.D., Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success at Monroe County Community College in Michigan. Behrens still finds the phone calls he places to students to be among his favorite aspects of the job.
Who can claim innovation and benefit from it? Gender and expectancy violations in reward‐based crowdfunding
Authors: Seigner Benedikt David Christian , Milanov Hana , McKenny Aaron F.
Published: April 2022

Research Summary

Although reward‐based crowdfunding is lauded for its promise to democratize funding for innovation, claiming innovation in campaign texts has an ambiguous link to crowdfunding performance. We draw from Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT) and, in a field study of 2,185 Kickstarter campaigns, find that innovation claims yield better fundraising performance for women than men, particularly in male‐stereotyped categories. An experiment did not identify the expected indirect effects of innovation claims on crowdfunding performance through ability trustworthiness. However, it revealed that women are perceived as more able when launching campaigns in male‐stereotyped categories, suggesting that EVT and ability perceptions may still play an important but unhypothesized role. We extend research on the role of gender in crowdfunding and strategic entrepreneurship and make several suggestions for future research.

Managerial Summary

The value of making innovation claims in reward‐based crowdfunding is ambiguous, creating an unclear picture of how entrepreneurs should present new products on these platforms. In a field study of 2,185 Kickstarter campaigns, we show that female entrepreneurs benefit more from making innovation claims than their male peers, especially in male‐dominated categories. While we suggested that these effects occur due to differences in backers' perceptions of the entrepreneur's ability, this mechanism was not supported in an experiment. However, we found that women are perceived as more able when launching crowdfunding campaigns in male‐dominated industry categories. Taken together, our research suggests that in reward‐based crowdfunding, women might benefit from violating gender expectations when backers view these violations as either positive or ambiguous.
Preparation of biomass‐derived phosphorus‐doped microporous carbon material and its application in dye adsorption and CO2 capture
Authors: Wu Ren , Hang Yongping , Li Jinhao , Bao Agula
Published: April 2022

Microporous P‐doped carbon materials are synthesized by a pyrolysis method using MCM‐22 as a template, sucrose as a precursor, and phosphoric acid as phosphorus sources. The results show that the pore structure of the carbon materials can be adjusted by changing the amount of phosphoric acid and template. When the P/C molar ratio is 0.075, the obtained P‐doped microporous carbon material shows excellent specific surface area up to 621 m2/g and shows a high adsorption capacity of 199.40 mg/g for crystal violet dye, with a removal rate of 98.9%. When testing the CO2 adsorption capacity, it was found that the maximum adsorption capacity reached 63 mg/g and remained stable after 10 adsorption and desorption cycles, with excellent cycle stability. The adsorption obeys pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model, and the adsorption isotherm follows the Langmuir model.
Simple fabrication of a phosphorus‐doped hierarchical porous carbon via soft‐template method for efficient CO2capture
Authors: Gong Lingzhen , Hang Yongping , Li Jinhao , Dai Gang , Bao Agula
Published: April 2022

Hierarchical porous carbons are widely used as adsorbents, catalyst supports, electrode materials, and other applications because of their high specific surface area (SSA), varied pore structure, adjustable porosity, and excellent physicochemical stability. Introducing heteroatoms such as N, P, or S, with electronegativities different from that of carbon, into the carbon skeleton can change the chemical properties of the surface and the density of the electron cloud around the carbon matrix, thus altering interactions of CO2molecules with the surface and improving CO2adsorption capacity. Therefore, doping heteroatoms in carbon materials has attracted a great amount of attention. In this paper, the template method was used with F108 (polyethylene glycol–polypropylene glycolpolyethylene glycol) as the template, resorcinol and formaldehyde solutions as the carbon sources, phosphoric acid as the phosphorus source, and KOH as the activator to prepare phosphorus‐doped hierarchical porous carbons. Through a series of characterization and CO2adsorption experiments, the influence of the amount of KOH and template agent on the pore structure of carbon materials was studied. We conclude that these phosphorus‐doped hierarchical porous carbon materials are promising CO2adsorbents.
Phase‐Selective Synthesis of Ruthenium Phosphide in Hybrid Structure Enables Efficient Hybrid Water Electrolysis Under pH‐Universal Conditions
Authors: Qian Qizhu , Wang Wentao , Wang Gongrui , He Xiaoyue , Feng Yafei , Li Ziyun , Zhu Yin , Zhang Yangyang , Zhang Genqiang
Published: April 2022

Hydrazine‐assisted hybrid water electrolysis is an energy‐saving approach to produce high‐purity hydrogen, whereas the development of pH‐universal bifunctional catalysts encounters a grand challenge. Herein, a phase‐selective synthesis of ruthenium phosphide compounds hybrid with carbon forming pancake‐like particles (denoted as RuxP/C‐PAN, x = 1 or 2) is presented. The obtained RuP/C‐PAN exhibits the highest catalytic activity among the control samples, delivering ultralow cell voltages of 0.03, 0.27, and 0.65 V to drive 10 mA cm−2 using hybrid water electrolysis corresponding to pH values of 14, 7, and 0, respectively. Theoretical calculation deciphers that the RuP phase displays optimized free energy for hydrogen adsorption and reduced energy barrier for hydrazine dehydrogenation. This work may not only open up a new avenue in exploring universally compatible catalyst to transcend the limitation on the pH value of electrolytes, but also push forward the development of an energy‐saving hydrogen generation technique based on emerging hybrid water electrolysis.
Rational Regulation of the Molecular Aggregation Enables A Facile Blade‐Coating Process of Large‐area All‐Polymer Solar Cells with Record Efficiency
Authors: Chen Dong , Liu Siqi , Huang Bin , Oh Jiyeon , Wu Feiyan , Liu Jiabin , Yang Changduk , Chen Lie , Chen Yiwang
Published: April 2022

Developing robust materials is very critical and faces a big challenge for high‐performance large‐area all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) by printing methods. Herein, the authors combine the advantages of the terpolymerization strategy with the non‐conjugated backbone strategy to regulate the molecular aggregation rationally during the film‐forming printing process, facilitating a facile printing process for large‐area all‐PSCs. A series of terpolymer acceptors PYSe‐Clx (x = 0, 10, 20, and 30) is also developed, which can effectively fine‐tune the morphology and photoelectric properties of the active layer. The PBDB‐T: PYSe‐Cl20‐based all‐PSC delivers a significantly improved power cconversion efficiency (PCE) than the one with PBDB‐T: PYSe (14.21% vs 12.45%). By addition of a small amount of non‐conjugated polymer acceptor PTClo‐Y, the ternary all‐PSC reaches a PCE of 15.26%. More importantly, the regulation of molecular aggregation enables a facile blade‐coating process of the large‐area device. A record PCE of 13.81% for large‐area devices (1.21 cm2) is obtained, which is the highest value for large‐area all‐PSCs fabricated by blade‐coating. The environmentally friendly solvent processed large‐area device also obtains an excellent performance of 13.21%. This work provides a simple and effective molecular design strategy of robust materials for high‐performance large‐area all‐PSCs by a printing process.
Graphene Quantum Dots Pinned on Nanosheets‐Assembled NiCo‐LDH Hollow Micro‐Tunnels: Toward High‐Performance Pouch‐Type Supercapacitor via the Regulated Electron Localization
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Liu Cong , Meng Tao , Deng Wenyue , Zheng Lihong , Yi Fenyun , Gao Aimei , Shu Dong
Published: April 2022

A combined delicate micro‐/nano‐architecture and corresponding surface modification at the nanometer level can co‐tailor the physicochemical properties to realize an advanced supercapacitor electrode material. Herein, nanosheets‐assembled nickel‐cobalt‐layered double hydroxide (NiCo‐LDH) hollow micro‐tunnels strongly coupled with higher‐Fermi‐level graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are reported. The unique hollow structure endows the electrolyte accessible to more electroactive sites, while 2D nanosheets have excellent surface chemistry, which favors rapid ion/electron transfer, synergistically resulting in more super‐capacitive activities. The experimental and density functional theory calculations recognize that such a precise decoration generally tunes the charge density distribution at the near‐surface due to the Fermi‐level difference of two components, thus regulating the electron localization, while decorating with conductive GQDs co‐improves the charge mobility, affording superior capacitive response and electrode integrity. The as‐acquired GQDs@LDH‐2 electrode yields excellent capacitance reaching ≈1628 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and durable cycling longevity (86.2% capacitive retention after 8000 cycles). When coupled with reduced graphene oxide‐based negative electrode, the hybrid device unveils an impressive energy/power density (46 Wh kg−1/ 7440 W kg−1); moreover, a flexible pouch‐type supercapacitor can be constructed based on this hybrid system, which holds high mechanical properties and stable energy and power output at various situations, showcasing superb application prospects.