bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical activity for elderly persons in public spaces: an integrated review / Atividade física para pessoas idosas realizada em espaços públicos: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Souto Hugo Costa , Costa Sandra Barbosa da , Ferreira Olívia Galvão Lucena
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: identificar as evidências disponíveis na literatura científica publicada sobre atividade física para pessoas idosas realizada em espaços públicos. Método: revisão integrativa, mediante 21 artigos na BDENF, Index Psicologia, LILACS e MEDLINE no período de 2008 a 2018.  Resultados: pessoas idosas praticantes de atividade física em academias e em praças apresentaram melhor desempenho em teste de aptidão física e melhor capacidade funcional do que os idosos sedentários. Dentre as principais dificuldades encontradas pelos idosos: problemas de saúde e inviabilização de espaços públicos adequados para a prática de atividade física. Conclusão: mostrou-se a relevância da atividade física para idosos realizada em espaços públicos, a partir dos benefícios de sua realização e por se tratar de uma atividade de baixo custo, no entanto, ainda é preciso a implementação de ações e estratégias para diminuir as dificuldades encontradas pelos idosos para a realização da atividade física em espaços públicos.
Hierarchical recursive signal modeling for multifrequency signals based on discrete measured data
Authors: Xu Ling , Chen Feiyan , Ding Feng , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hayat Tasawar
Published: March 2021

This paper studies the problem of parameter estimation for the multifrequency sine signals, which have multiple characteristic parameters such as the amplitudes, phases, and frequencies. It is noted that the signal output is nonlinear with respect to the phase and frequency parameters while it is linear with respect to the amplitude parameters. This feature inspires us to separate all of the characteristic parameters into a linear parameter set and a nonlinear parameter set, where the linear set is composed of the amplitude parameters and the nonlinear set is composed of the phase parameters and the frequency parameters. After the parameter separation, two identification submodels are constructed for optimizing the linear parameter set and the nonlinear parameter set. Then the nonlinear identification model becomes a linear identification submodel and a nonlinear identification submodel. Therefore, the nonlinear optimization for minimizing the objective function is converted into the combination of the quadratic optimization and nonlinear optimization. Based on the separable identification submodels, a recursive least squares subalgorithm and a recursive gradient subalgorithm are proposed for identifying the linear parameters and nonlinear parameters, respectively. Moreover, an interactive estimation algorithm is designed to remove the related parameter sets between the subalgorithms and a hierarchical identification method is presented by combining the subalgorithms. For the purpose of tracking the time‐varying, a forgetting factor is introduced to improve the convergence speed. The numerical examples are provided to qualify the performance of the proposed method based on some performance measures.
In Vivo Molding of Airway Stents
Authors: Mencattelli Margherita , Mondal Abhijit , Miale Roberta , Van Story David , Peine Joseph , Li Yingtian , Artoni Alessio , Kaza Aditya K. , Dupont Pierre E.
Published: March 2021

Like ready‐to‐wear clothing, medical devices come in a fixed set of sizes. While this may accommodate a large fraction of the patient population, others must either experience suboptimal results due to poor sizing or must do without the device. Although techniques have been proposed to fabricate patient‐specific devices in advance of a procedure, this process is expensive and time consuming. An alternative solution that provides every patient with a tailored fit is to create devices that can be customized to the patient's anatomy as they are delivered. This paper reports an in vivo molding process in which a soft flexible photocurable stent is delivered into the trachea or bronchi over a ultraviolet (UV)‐transparent balloon. The balloon is expanded such that the stent conforms to the varying cross‐sectional shape of the airways. UV light is then delivered through the balloon curing the stent into its expanded conformal shape. The potential of this method is demonstrated using phantom, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments. This approach can produce stents providing equivalent airway support to those made from standard materials while providing a customized fit.
Synergistic Effect between S and Se Enhancing the Electrochemical Behavior of SexSy in Aqueous Zn Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Wei , Ma Yongsong , Li Peng , Jing Xiaoyun , Jiang Kai , Wang Dihua
Published: March 2021

Developing high‐capacity conversional cathode materials for aqueous Zn batteries is promising to improve their energy densities but challenging as well. In this work, three kinds of selenium–sulfur solid solutions and their composites (denoted as SeS14 @ 3D‐NPCF, SeS5.76 @ 3D‐NPCF, and SeS2.46 @ 3D‐NPCF) are proposed and systematically investigated. Due to the introduction of Se and its synergistic effect with S, their physical and electrochemical properties are manipulated; in particular, by optimizing the Se content in these composites, SeS5.76 @ 3D‐NPCF shows a capacity of 1222 mAh g−1 and flat plateau of 0.71 V at 0.2 A g−1, reaching an ultrahigh energy density of 867.6 Wh kg−1 (based on SeS5.76), superior rate capacity of 713 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1, and stable cycling of 75% capacity retention after 500 cycles. In addition, the Zn storage kinetics is determined by the discharge process, during which SeS5.76 @ 3D‐NPCF is converted into ZnSe and ZnS. More importantly, theoretical calculations reveal that Se can tailor the electron density difference, band structure, and reaction energy of S, which increase its conductivity and reactivity to facilitate the electrochemical reaction with Zn. This work explores high performance conversional cathode materials for aqueous Zn metal batteries and presents an effective strategy to modify their intrinsic properties.
A Bio‐Conjugated Fullerene as a Subcellular‐Targeted and Multifaceted Phototheranostic Agent
Authors: Di Giosia Matteo , Soldà Alice , Seeger Markus , Cantelli Andrea , Arnesano Fabio , Nardella Maria I. , Mangini Vincenzo , Valle Francesco , Montalti Marco , Zerbetto Francesco , Rapino Stefania , Calvaresi Matteo , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: March 2021

Fullerenes are candidates for theranostic applications because of their high photodynamic activity and intrinsic multimodal imaging contrast. However, fullerenes suffer from low solubility in aqueous media, poor biocompatibility, cell toxicity, and a tendency to aggregate. C70@lysozyme is introduced herein as a novel bioconjugate that is harmless to a cellular environment, yet is also photoactive and has excellent optical and optoacoustic contrast for tracking cellular uptake and intracellular localization. The formation, water‐solubility, photoactivity, and unperturbed structure of C70@lysozyme are confirmed using UV‐visible and 2D 1H, 15N NMR spectroscopy. The excellent imaging contrast of C70@lysozyme in optoacoustic and third harmonic generation microscopy is exploited to monitor its uptake in HeLa cells and lysosomal trafficking. Last, the photoactivity of C70@lysozyme and its ability to initiate cell death by means of singlet oxygen (1O2) production upon exposure to low levels of white light irradiation is demonstrated. This study introduces C70@lysozyme and other fullerene‐protein conjugates as potential candidates for theranostic applications.
Engineered Cytokines for Cancer and Autoimmune Disease Immunotherapy
Authors: Uricoli Biaggio , Birnbaum Lacey A. , Do Priscilla , Kelvin James M. , Jain Juhi , Costanza Emma , Chyong Andrew , Porter Christopher C. , Rafiq Sarwish , Dreaden Erik C.
Published: March 2021

Cytokine signaling is critical to a range of biological processes including cell development, tissue repair, aging, and immunity. In addition to acting as key signal mediators of the immune system, cytokines can also serve as potent immunotherapies with more than 20 recombinant products currently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved to treat conditions including hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and various cancers. Yet despite their biological importance and clinical utility, cytokine immunotherapies suffer from intrinsic challenges that limit their therapeutic potential including poor circulation, systemic toxicity, and low tissue‐ or cell‐specificity. In the past decade in particular, methods have been devised to engineer cytokines in order to overcome such challenges and here, the myriad strategies are reviewed that may be employed in order to improve the therapeutic potential of cytokine and chemokine immunotherapies with applications in cancer and autoimmune disease therapy, as well as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. For clarity, these strategies are collected and presented as they vary across size scales, ranging from single amino acid substitutions, to larger protein‐polymer conjugates, nano/micrometer‐scale particles, and macroscale implants. Together, this work aims to provide readers with a timely view of the field of cytokine engineering with an emphasis on early‐stage therapeutic approaches.
Highway to Success—Developing Advanced Polymer Therapeutics
Authors: Ashford Marianne B. , England Richard M. , Akhtar Nadim
Published: March 2021

Polymer therapeutics are advancing as an important class of drugs. Polymers have already demonstrated their value in extending the half‐life of proteins. They show great potential as delivery systems for improving the therapeutic index of drugs, via biophysical targeting and more recently with more precision targeting. They are also important for intracellular delivery of nucleic acid based drugs. The same frameworks that have been successfully applied to improve the small molecule drug development can be adopted. This approach together with improved pathophysiological disease knowledge and critical developability considerations, imperative given the size and complexity of polymer therapeutics, provides a structured framework that should improve their clinical translation and exploit their functionality and potential. Progress in understanding the right target, gaining the right tissue and cell exposure, ensuring the right safety, selecting the right patient population is discussed. The right commercial considerations are outlined and the need for a multi‐disciplinary approach is emphasized. Crucial developability factors together with scientific and technical advancements to enable pharmaceutical development of a quality robust product are addressed. It is argued that by applying this structured approach to their design and development, polymer therapeutics will continue to grow and develop as important next generation medicines.
The Dynamic Counterbalance of RAC1‐YAP/OB‐Cadherin Coordinates Tissue Spreading with Stem Cell Fate Patterning
Authors: Jiang Shengjie , Li Hui , Zeng Qiang , Xiao Zuohui , Zhang Xuehui , Xu Mingming , He Ying , Wei Yan , Deng Xuliang
Published: March 2021

Tissue spreading represents a key morphogenetic feature of embryonic development and regenerative medicine. However, how molecular signaling orchestrates the spreading dynamics and cell fate commitment of multicellular tissue remains poorly understood. Here, it is demonstrated that the dynamic counterbalance between RAC1–YAP and OB‐cadherin plays a key role in coordinating heterogeneous spreading dynamics with distinct cell fate patterning during collective spreading. The spatiotemporal evolution of individual stem cells in spheroids during collective spreading is mapped. Time‐lapse cell migratory trajectory analysis combined with in situ cellular biomechanics detection reveal heterogeneous patterns of collective spreading characteristics, where the cells at the periphery are faster, stiffer, and directional compared to those in the center of the spheroid. Single‐cell sequencing shows that the divergent spreading result in distinct cell fate patterning, where differentiation, proliferation, and metabolism are enhanced in peripheral cells. Molecular analysis demonstrates that the increased expression of RAC1–YAP rather than OB‐cadherin facilitated cell spreading and induced differentiation, and vice versa. The in vivo wound healing experiment confirms the functional role of RAC1–YAP signaling in tissue spreading. These findings shed light on the mechanism of tissue morphogenesis in the progression of development and provide a practical strategy for desirable regenerative therapies.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhanced coix responses to phosphorous forms but not for faba bean in intercropping systems, under controlled environment
Authors: Bei Shuikuan , Xu Meng , Lyu Xinkai , Chen Caixia , Li Ailian , Qiao Xu
Published: March 2021

Cereal/legume intercropping typically provides overyielding, particularly in low‐input agriculture. We examined the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in responses to different P forms [Ca10(OH)2(PO4)6 (Ca‐P), sodium phytate (Na‐P), and KH2PO4 (K‐P)] in coix (Coix lacryma‐jobi L.)/faba bean (Vicia faba L.) intercropping systems. Shoot biomass of coix was significantly affected by P forms but not for faba bean. The Na‐P and K‐P treatments significantly enhanced shoot P concentration of coix with AMF inoculation conditions, however, Na‐P and K‐P treatments significantly enhanced the shoot P concentration of faba bean without AMF inoculation conditions. Monoculture faba bean had greater concentrations of malate and citrate and lower pH values than in intercropping, and than in monoculture coix. The growth of intercropped coix was promoted by the neighboring faba bean. We conclude that the difference utilized strategies in P forms of coix and faba bean, which improved intercropping productivity.
Head injury and 25‐year risk of dementia
Authors: Schneider Andrea L. C. , Selvin Elizabeth , Latour Lawrence , Turtzo L. Christine , Coresh Josef , Mosley Thomas , Ling Geoffrey , Gottesman Rebecca F.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Head injury is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Long‐term associations of head injury with dementia in community‐based populations are less clear.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 14,376 participants (mean age 54 years at baseline, 56% female, 27% Black, 24% with head injury) enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Head injury was defined using self‐report and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth/Tenth Revision (ICD‐9/10) codes. Dementia was defined using cognitive assessments, informant interviews, and ICD‐9/10 and death certificate codes.

Results

Head injury was associated with risk of dementia (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3‐1.57), with evidence of dose‐response (1 head injury: HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.13‐1.39, 2+ head injuries: HR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.86‐2.46). There was evidence for stronger associations among female participants (HR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.51‐1.90) versus male participants (HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.00‐1.32), P‐for‐interaction < .001, and among White participants (HR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.40‐1.72) versus Black participants (HR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.02‐1.45), P‐for‐interaction = .008.

Discussion

In this community‐based cohort with 25‐year follow‐up, head injury was associated with increased dementia risk in a dose‐dependent manner, with stronger associations among female participants and White participants.
Enhancement of Radiative and Nonradiative Emission in Random Lasing Plasmonic Nanofibers
Authors: Singh Mahi R , Brassem Grant , Yastrebov Sergey
Published: March 2021

A theory of light–matter interaction in plasmonic nanofibers is developed. When probe light propagates inside the nanofiber, it induces surface plasmon polariton (SPPs) and electric dipoles in metallic nanoparticles. The dipoles interact with each other via dipole–dipole interaction (DDI). The energy of photonic bound states in the presence of the SPP and DDI fields are calculated. It has been demonstrated that the number of bound states can be controlled by the strength of SPP and DDI couplings. The spontaneous decay rate for the quantum emitters have been calculated and it is found that decay rate is enhanced when the exciton energy is in resonance with the bound photon energy. Further, it is predicted that the spontaneous decay rate also enhances when the exciton and SPP energies are in resonance. Finally, the photoluminescence in nanofiber is calculated using the density matrix method. The authors' theory is compared with experiments and found a good agreement between theory and experiments. It has been demonstrated that the quenching of the photoluminescence intensity increases as the concentration of the MNPs increases. The findings of the paper can be used to fabricate random lasers and also for inventing new types of nanosensors and nanoswitches.
Enhancement of dynamic mechanical properties and flame resistance of nanocomposites based on epoxy and nanosilica modified with KR‐12 coupling agent
Authors: Ho Ngoc Minh , Nguyen Thuy Chinh , Tran Thi Thanh Van , Nguyen Tien Dung , Thai Hoang
Published: March 2021

The epoxy/silica nanocomposites containing a wide range of isopropyltri[di(octyl) phosphate] titanate coupling agent (KR‐12) modified nanosilica (m‐nanosilica) loading (0–7 wt%) cured with tetrabutyl titanate hardener were prepared. Their morphology, thermal stability, thermal expansion, and mechanical properties including hardness, abrasion resistance were investigated. The wetting ability of epoxy‐nanosilica systems on glass surface was assessed based on static contact angle. The obtained results showed that the contact angle of the nanocomposites containing m‐nanosilica is slightly changed as compared to the contact angle of pure epoxy resin and lower than that of the nanocomposite containing unmodified nanosilica. The data of dynamic mechanical analysis of the nanocomposites using different nanosilica content indicated that the presence of m‐nanosilica lowered the recovery energy of the nanocomposites to 41.62% as compared to neat epoxy. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the nanocomposites confirmed that the m‐nanosilica increased the flame retardance of epoxy matrix. When using 7 wt% of m‐nanosilca, the LOI value of the nanocomposite was 27.4 while this index of neat epoxy was 21.6. The scanning electron microscopic images of residual char combustion of the nanocompsites indicated a formation of nanosilica layer contributed to restrain combustion of the material.
Furfural to FDCA: systematic process design and techno‐economic evaluation
Authors: Dubbink Guus H C , Geverink Thomas R J , Haar Bas , Koets Harald W , Kumar Abhay , van den Berg Henk , van der Ham Aloijsius G J , Lange Jean‐Paul
Published: March 2021

2,5‐Furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is a promising intermediate for producing polyethylene furan dicarboxylate, an alternative to polyethylene terephthalate that combines a significantly lower greenhouse gas footprint with better mechanical and gas barrier properties. This work presents a process design and techno‐economic evaluation for producing FDCA from non‐edible biomass via the oxidation of furfural to furoate salt, and subsequent carboxylation to furandicarboxylate salt. Major technical uncertainties are associated with the possible polymerization of furfural in the oxidation step and the state of salt phase in the carboxylation step. Based on the furfural market price of $1400/ton this process requires a minimum selling price of 2000 ± 500 $/ton FDCA. To compete with purified terephthalic acid (PTA), it requires a premium of 100% for better performance and sustainability, or a combination of much cheaper furfural and a much lower capital expenditures (CAPEX). © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Banks' business strategy and environmental effectiveness: The monitoring role of the board of directors and the managerial incentives
Authors: Galletta Simona , Mazzù Sebastiano , Naciti Valeria
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how banks' climate strategies affect environmental performance. To extend this line of research, the carbon disclosure of worldwide banks is examined. In particular, we focus on specific governance strategies: board of director monitoring and managerial incentives. Panel data are employed on a sample taken from 330 bank‐year observations in the period after the financial crisis. The results show an increase in environmental performance through the implementation of managerial incentives related to climate change, associated with the highest level of responsibility of the board of directors. Overall, the present study contributes to both the academic literature and corporate governance, highlighting the importance of banks' business strategy on climate change risks and opportunities with respect to environmental performance goals.
S‐scheme W18O49/Mn0.2Cd0.8S Heterojunction for Improved Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Ma Xiaoli , Li Dujuan , Su Peng , Jiang Zhibo , Jin Zhiliang
Published: March 2021

To deal with the energy crisis brought by economic development and solve the traditional situation where only fossil fuels can be used, we prepared S‐scheme heterojunction composite photocatalyst W18O49/Mn0.2Cd0.8S for photocatalytic hydrogen production by Physical stirring method. The hydrogen production performance of composite photocatalyst W18O49/Mn0.2Cd0.8S in visible light is evaluated by a series of photocatalytic analysis and characterization methods. The results showed that the hydrogen production activity was the highest when the load ratio of W18O49 was 5 %, and the hydrogen production amount reached 268.65 μmol (5373 μmol h−1 g−1) for 5 h, which was 2.96 times of the hydrogen production amount of pure Mn0.2Cd0.8S (90.76 μmol). The results show that the improvement of hydrogen production performance is mainly due to the formation of S‐scheme heterojunction between W18O49 and Mn0.2Cd0.8S contact interface, which promotes the consumption of ineffective electrons and holes, increases the rate of charge separation and transfer, reduces the activation energy of the catalytic reaction system, and enhances the performance of photocatalytic hydrogen production. The successful completion of this work provides a new idea for the modification of Mn0.2Cd0.8S semiconductor material and improves its application in photocatalytic hydrogen production.
Alkali Metal (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) Mediation in Magnesium Hexamethyldisilazide [Mg(HMDS)2] Catalysed Transfer Hydrogenation of Alkenes
Authors: Gentner Thomas X. , Kennedy Alan R. , Hevia Eva , Mulvey Robert E.
Published: March 2021

Though s‐block organometallics are indispensable tools in synthetic chemistry, their impact in homogeneous catalysis has been small compared to that for transition metals. Surprisingly, however, Group 1 and 2 compounds have recently been utilised in hydroelementation catalysis. For example, transfer hydrogenation of alkenes to alkanes has been catalysed by Group 2 (Ca, Sr, Ba) bis‐hexamethyldisilazides (HMDS), though reactions failed with magnesium. Stimulated by the knowledge that alkali metals can mediate applications of other compounds, this study reports successful catalytic transfer hydrogenation of alkenes with magnesium bis‐hexamethyldisilazide when combined with alkali metals in heterobimetallic complexes. By screening all Group 1 metals (Li−Cs), the efficiency of these catalyses gives an indication of the relative power of the synergistic effect exerted on magnesium by the alkali metal. The Cs−Mg partnership shows the best efficiency with styrene, while K−Mg works best with 1,1‐diphenylethylene.
Double‐Coated Fe2N@TiO2@C Yolk‐Shell Submicrocubes as an Advanced Anode for Potassium‐Ion Batteries†
Authors: Du Yichen , Weng Wangsuo , Zhang Zhuangzhuang , He Yanan , Xu Jingyi , Yang Tian , Bao Jianchun , Zhou Xiaosi
Published: March 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Rationally designing inexpensive iron nitrides that have large conductivity, high theoretical capacity, and rapid ionic diffusion kinetics is of great importance for realizing their practical application in potassium‐ion batteries. In this work, we have constructed double‐shelled Fe2N@TiO2@C yolk‐shell submicrocubes with porous Fe2N yolk as an anode material for stable and high‐rate capability potassium‐ion batteries. This special structure can effectively buffer the large volume variation of electrode during cycling, supply abundant reaction sites to host potassium ions, and enhance electronic conductivity of the electrode material. Benefiting from these structural and compositional advantages, the Fe2N@TiO2@C yolk‐shell submicrocube anode delivers high specific capacity, long‐term cyclability, and remarkable rate property.
Scheduling independent tasks in cloud environment based on modified differential evolution
Authors: Chen Jinchao , Han Pengcheng , Liu Yifan , Du Xiaoyan
Published: March 2021

Cloud computing has been widely adopted in practical applications due to its strong calculating ability and high parallel feature. Although cloud computing can achieve significant cost reduction and flexibility enhancement, it results in a serious task scheduling problem. As one of the key techniques for automate management of cloud resources, task scheduling plays an important role in improving system utilization and supporting load balancing. In this article, we focus on the scheduling problem of independent tasks in cloud environment with heterogeneous and distributed resources. First, with models of resources and tasks, we present an exact formulation based on linear programming to fully search solution space and produce optimal allocation schemes for tasks. Then, inspired from the differential evolution method, we propose a population‐based approach to allocate tasks to their suitable resources such that the total time cost would be minimized. Experiments with multi‐task sets are conducted to show the convergence and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Bio‐signal‐processing‐based convolutional neural networks model for music program scene editing
Authors: Kim Pyoung Won
Published: March 2021

Popular songs have evolved from vinyl records (voice files) to music videos. Sound and video can be mixed and presented in such a manner that only sound is heard. Scenes from music programs require continuous editing to maximize audience immersion. Music program scene editing is developed through the expertise of a television program director (PD). The PD considers detailed editing methods by the analyzing lyrics and the singer's choreography to express a song in a rhythmic video. This study presents an algorithm for music program scene editing that determines the size of a shot, evaluating the psychological distance between singer and viewers after measuring the pitch contour of a song.
Development of a decision support system tool to predict the pulmonary function using artificial neural network approach
Authors: Kalantary Saba , Pourbabaki Reza , Jahani Ali , Sadeghi Yarandi Mohsen , Samiei Sajjad , Jahani Reza
Published: March 2021

The spirometry is considered a preclinical tool for the evaluation of the respiratory system. The formal lung volumes measurement and health status lung system are made using spirometry. Artificial neural network (ANN) has been introduced in solving complex problems in a large number of different settings, including medical diagnosis support system as predictive power. An objective of this research was intended to investigate the development of a new decision support system (DSS) using ANN modeling approaches and algorithms to predict pulmonary function in people. The spirometry data and general characteristics, anthropometric data, and body composition parameters (N = 130) were obtained from subjects. The classification of pulmonary function was performed by the multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) model. Findings show that the MLP model is capable of classifying respiratory abnormalities in different people. The ANN model was totally 93.6%, 92.3%, 84.6%, and 91.5% successful in correctly classified in training, validation, test, and all data, respectively. Also, a DSS tool was created that allows the evaluation and classification of the results of spirometry data. It appears that ANNs are useful in classification pulmonary function.
Internet addiction and maladaptive schemas: The potential role of disconnection/rejection and impaired autonomy/performance
Authors: Ostovar Shahla , Bagheri Reyhaneh , Griffiths Mark D. , Mohd Hashima Intan Hashimah
Published: March 2021

Introduction and objectives

Problematic internet use (PIU) has become public health concern, particularly among adolescents and emerging adults. There is growing interest concerning the potential impacts of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) on PIU and its most severe manifestation internet addiction (IA). However, a deeper understanding of these relationships is needed regarding of effects of schemas on IA. The purpose of the present study was to explore the role of EMSs among adults.

Methods

The sample comprised 714 Iranian participants who completed a self‐report survey comprising sociodemographic variables, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form (YSQ‐SF). The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM).

Results

Findings indicated that there was a positive and significant relationship between EMS domains and IA. The results confirmed that disconnection/rejection schema domains and impaired autonomy/performance schema domains were significantly related with IA. The results of the analysis of convergent validity and discriminant validity were acceptable among the nine reflective constructs.

Conclusion

Findings of the present study indicated that existence of underlying EMSs may be a vulnerability factor for developing IA and adds to the growing body of cyberpsychology literature that has examined the relationships between the EMSs and IA.
CRISPR‐Cas9 Based Genome Editing in Wheat
Authors: Smedley Mark A. , Hayta Sadiye , Clarke Martha , Harwood Wendy A.
Published: March 2021

The development and application of high precision genome editing tools such as programmable nucleases are set to revolutionize crop breeding and are already having a major impact on fundamental science. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), and its CRISPR‐associated protein (Cas), is a programmable RNA‐guided nuclease enabling targeted site‐specific double stranded breaks in DNA which, when incorrectly repaired, result in gene knockout. The two most widely cultivated wheat types are the tetraploid durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum L.) and the hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Both species have large genomes, as a consequence of ancient hybridization events between ancestral progenitors. The highly conserved gene sequence and structure of homoeologs among subgenomes in wheat often permits their simultaneous targeting using CRISPR‐Cas9 with single or paired single guide RNA (sgRNA). Since its first successful deployment in wheat, CRISPR‐Cas9 technology has been applied to a wide array of gene targets of agronomical and scientific importance. The following protocols describe an experimentally derived strategy for implementing CRISRP‐Cas9 genome editing, including sgRNA design, Golden Gate construct assembly, and screening analysis for genome edits. © 2021 The Authors.

This article was corrected on 26 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Selection of sgRNA target sequence for CRISPR‐Cas9

Basic Protocol 2: Construct assembly using Golden Gate (MoClo) assembly

Basic Protocol 3: Screening for CRISPR‐Cas9 genome edits

Alternate Protocol: BigDye Terminator reactions for screening of CRISPR‐Cas9 genome edits
Coordinated features in jaw and neck muscle activities induced by chewing of soft and hard gum in healthy subjects
Authors: Ishii Tomohiro , Narita Noriyuki , Endo Hiroshi , Wakami Masanobu , Okubo Masakazu , Uchida Takeshi , Kantake Ikuo , Shibutani Koh
Published: March 2021

Backgrounds

Jaw and neck muscles may be activated by chewing load using a hard food. However, it remains unclear how effects the gum hardness to the coordinated features in jaw and neck muscle activities during chewing performance.

Objectives

This study was conducted to quantitatively elucidate the effects of the hardness of the gum on coordinated features in jaw and neck muscle activities using intermuscular EMG–EMG transfer function and EMG–EMG coherence function analyses in 18 healthy subjects.

Methods

Jaw and neck muscle activities were aggregated into the first peak frequency of the power spectrum, and power, gain, phase, and coherence parameters between jaw and neck muscle activities were examined in the first peak frequencies during soft and hard gum chewing.

Results

The first peak frequency was not significantly different between soft and hard gum chewing. In contrast, power values of the jaw and neck muscles were significantly increased by chewing of hard gum as compared with soft gum, whereas gain, phase, and coherence were not significantly changed by gum hardness.

Conclusions

The chewing rhythm, the quantitative and temporal coordination, and the functional coordination in jaw and neck muscle activities were not changed during soft and hard gum chewing, as well as increased jaw and neck muscles activities. It is therefore concluded that the chewing rhythmicity and jaw and neck muscles coordination accompanied with the increased jaw and neck muscle activities are maintained under the condition of the chewing load using gum hardness in the healthy individuals.
Fuzzy COmplex PRoportional ASsessment of alternatives‐based Node Cooperation Enforcing Trust Estimation Scheme for enhancing Quality of Service during reliable data dissemination in Mobile Ad hoc Networks
Authors: Sirisala Srinivasulu , Rama Krishna S.
Published: March 2021

Trust is considered as the most significant factor that helps in enforcing cooperation among the autonomous nodes of Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANETs). The computation of trust is essential for assessing the level of cooperation rendered by each individual mobile toward the activity of data routing. The calculation of trust in a self‐configuring and infrastructure‐less network is a challenge due to the dynamic movement of mobile nodes. Moreover, the trust of intermediate nodes in the routing path needs to be estimated for preventing the deterioration of network performance. In this paper, a Fuzzy COPRAS‐based Node Cooperation Enforcing Trust Estimation (FCOPRAS‐NCETE) Scheme was proposed for maintaining superior Quality of Service (QoS) in the event of reliable data dissemination. This proposed FCOPRAS‐NCETE Scheme was proposed for comprehensive ranking of mobile nodes acting as intermediate nodes between the source and destination nodes. It incorporated the benefits of fuzzy set theory and COmplex PRoportional ASsessment of alternatives (COPRAS) to determine the trust of intermediate nodes for isolating them from the routing path in the uncertain routing process with the objective to maintain superior QoS in the network. The simulation experiments of the proposed FCOPRAS‐NCETE Scheme conducted using ns‐2 confirmed its predominance in improving the throughput, packet dissemination rate, packet loss rate, energy consumptions and total overhead with different number of mobile nodes, CBR traffic rate and pairs of source and destination nodes in the network.
Multiple modes of selection can influence the role of phenotypic plasticity in species' invasions: Evidence from a manipulative field experiment
Authors: Lacey Elizabeth P. , Herrera Freddy O. , Richter Scott J.
Published: March 2021

In exploring the roles of phenotypic plasticity in the establishment and early evolution of invading species, little empirical attention has been given to the importance of correlational selection acting upon suites of functionally related plastic traits in nature. We illustrate how this lack of attention has limited our ability to evaluate plasticity's role during invasion and also, the costs and benefits of plasticity. We addressed these issues by transplanting clones of European‐derivedPlantago lanceolataL. genotypes into two temporally variable habitats in the species' introduced range in North America. Phenotypic selection analyses were performed for each habitat to estimate linear, quadratic, and correlational selection on phenotypic trait values and plasticities in the reproductive traits: flowering onset and spike and scape lengths. Also, we measured pairwise genetic correlations for our “colonists.” Results showed that (a) correlational selection acted on trait plasticity after transplantation, (b) selection favored certain combinations of genetically correlated and uncorrelated trait values and plasticities, and (c) using signed, instead of absolute, values of plasticity in analyses facilitated the detection of correlational selection on trait value‐plasticity combinations and their adaptive value. Based on our results, we urge future studies on species invasions to (a) measure correlational selection and (b) retain signed values of plasticity in order to better discriminate between adaptive and maladaptive plasticity.
Phylogeography and genetic diversity of the widespread katydid Ducetia japonica (Thunberg, 1815) across China
Authors: Zhou Zhi‐Jun , Zhen Yun‐Xia , Guan Bei , Ma Lan , Wang Wen‐Jing
Published: March 2021

Habitat fragmentation can lower migration rates and genetic connectivity among remaining populations of native species. Ducetia japonica is one of the most widespread katydids in China, but little is known about its genetic structure and phylogeographic distribution. We combined the five‐prime region of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI‐5P), 11 newly developed microsatellite loci coupled with an ecological niche model (ENM) to examine the genetic diversity and population structure of D. japonica in China and beyond to Laos and Singapore. Both Bayesian inference (BI) and haplotype network methods revealed six mitochondrial COI‐5P lineages. The distribution of COI‐5P haplotypes may not demonstrate significant phylogeographic structure (NST > GST, p > .05). The STRUCTURE analysis based on microsatellite data also revealed six genetic clusters, but discordant with those obtained from COI‐5P haplotypes. For both COI‐5P and microsatellite data, Mantel tests revealed a significant positive correlation between geographic and genetic distances in mainland China. Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) analyses indicated that the population size of D. japonica's three major mitochondrial COI‐5P lineages were seemingly not affected by last glacial maximum (LGM, 0.015–0.025 Mya). The ecological niche models showed that the current distribution of D. japonica was similar to the species’ distribution during the LGM period and only slightly extended in northern China. Further phylogeographic studies based on more extensive sampling are needed to identify specific locations of glacial refugia in northern China.
Mismatched diets: defining the nutritional landscape of grasshopper communities in a variable environment
Authors: Lawton Douglas , Le Gall Marion , Waters Cathy , Cease Arianne J.
Published: March 2021

Animal populations must be able to acquire an adequate amount of nutrients to persist regardless of what environment they are in. In highly variable environments, such as drylands where food sources are limited, this potential mismatch between physiological demands and what is available in the environment is accentuated. For herbivores, the balance of macronutrients (protein and carbohydrate) is particularly important and both nutrients are highly variable in plants both spatially and temporally. Whereas it is known that many herbivores will forage multiple plants to achieve an optimal nutritional ratio (termed the intake target), it is less known how herbivores with different life history strategies address this in variable environments. In this study, we measured the intake targets of three grasshopper species with differing life history strategies, two migratory and one non‐migratory, at three locations in New South Wales, Australia. We measured nutrient variation in plants spatially and temporally by sampling three different locations and repeated the measurement twice for one of these locations. At all three locations and both times, host plant protein differed substantially but carbohydrate content remained constant. The non‐migratory grasshopper species shifted their intake target, presumably to redress nutrient imbalances. On the other hand, the two migratory grasshopper species largely maintained the same intake target, even when in a nutritionally suboptimal environment. These results suggest that non‐migratory species are likely more limited in their capacity to forage for optimal diets and may rely more on digestion to survive in nutritionally suboptimal locations. In contrast, migratory grasshoppers may migrate to obtain the nutrients they need instead of redressing imbalances locally. Therefore, a strong metapopulation structure may aid in the persistence of migratory species at larger spatial scales. Since herbivores, especially insects, are important from nutrient cycling to food chains, understanding how populations persist in nutritionally variable environments is important to the overall ecosystem functioning. Further research should consider how nutritional demands drive population dynamics and how it changes with life history strategies.
Invasive annual grass interacts with drought to influence plant communities and soil moisture in dryland restoration
Authors: Garbowski Magda , Johnston Danielle B. , Baker Dirk V. , Brown Cynthia S.
Published: March 2021

Understanding the combined effects of drought and invasive species on plant community development and soil moisture could provide valuable insight into the mechanisms hindering successful native plant establishment in dryland restoration projects. We implemented a re‐vegetation experiment at two sites in Colorado, USA (one each in the Western Great Plains and Cold Desert ecoregions) to investigate the effects of drought (66% reduction of ambient growing season rainfall), non‐nativeBromus tectorumseed addition (465 seeds/m2), and superabsorbent polymer soil amendment (25 g/m2) on plant community development and soil volumetric water content at 5 and 30 cm depth. Drought resulted in higherB. tectorumcover at the Western Great Plains site but lowerB. tectorumcover at the Cold Desert site. These contrasting results suggest drought may interact with site‐specific precipitation patterns to influenceB. tectorumestablishment. At the Western Great Plains site, drought reduced seeded forb cover andB. tectorumseed addition reduced seeded grass cover, highlighting how the effects of drought and invasive species may vary depending on which functional group is assessed. At the Cold Desert site, drought andB. tectorumseed addition each decreased seeded species cover from approximately 8% to 3%. Superabsorbent polymer effects were limited to slight increases in overall seeded grass cover at the Western Great Plains site from 2.2% to 4.9%. Both drought andB. tectorumseed addition reduced soil volumetric water content but in some cases effects depended on interactions between the two treatments, site, or soil depth. Notably, at the Cold Desert site the reduction in soil volumetric water content resulting fromB. tectorumseed addition with ambient precipitation exceeded that of the drought treatment alone at 5 and 30 cm depth. Our results demonstrate that drought and invasive species both negatively influence native plant establishment and soil moisture, and in some cases may interact. Considering both abiotic and biotic stressors as well as their interactions in restoration planning could improve our understanding of native plant establishment and improve re‐vegetation outcomes.
Copper‐Free One‐Pot Sonogashira‐Type Coupling for the Efficient Preparation of Symmetric Diarylalkyne Ligands for Metal‐Organic Cages**
Authors: Lehr Marc , Paschelke Tobias , Bendt Victoria , Petersen André , Pietsch Lorenz , Harders Patrick , McConnell Anna J.
Published: March 2021

The often time‐consuming and challenging multi‐step synthesis of ligands for metal‐organic cages is a limiting factor for the discovery and application of new cages. We report a highly efficient copper‐free one‐pot Sonogashira‐type coupling for the preparation of symmetric diarylalkyne ligands on both a small and large scale; bipyridine‐ and benzimidazole‐based ligands for the self‐assembly of Co4L6 cages were synthesized in short reaction times and high isolated yields directly from aryl halide precursors. This one‐pot method reduces the synthetic burden of ligand synthesis and will facilitate the preparation of ligands with additional functionality for applications of their corresponding cages.
A novel ultralow conductivity electromanipulation buffer improves cell viability and enhances dielectrophoretic consistency
Authors: Hyler Alexandra R. , Hong Daly , Davalos Rafael V. , Swami Nathan S. , Schmelz Eva M.
Published: March 2021

Cell separation has become a critical diagnostic, research, and treatment tool for personalized medicine. Despite significant advances in cell separation, most widely used applications require the use of multiple, expensive antibodies to known markers in order to identify subpopulations of cells for separation. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) provides a biophysical separation technique that can target cell subpopulations based on phenotype without labels and return native cells for downstream analysis. One challenge in employing any DEP device is the sample being separated must be transferred into an ultralow conductivity medium, which can be detrimental in retaining cells’ native phenotypes for separation. Here, we measured properties of traditional DEP reagents and determined that after just 1–2 h of exposure and subsequent culture, cells’ viability was significantly reduced below 50%. We developed and tested a novel buffer (Cyto Buffer) that achieved 6 weeks of stable shelf‐life and demonstrated significantly improved viability and physiological properties. We then determined the impact of Cyto Buffer on cells’ dielectric properties and morphology and found that cells retained properties more similar to that of their native media. Finally, we vetted Cyto Buffer's usability on a cell separation platform (Cyto R1) to determine combined efficacy for cell separations. Here, more than 80% of cells from different cell lines were recovered and were determined to be >70% viable following exposure to Cyto Buffer, flow stimulation, electromanipulation, and downstream collection and growth. The developed buffer demonstrated improved opportunities for electrical cell manipulation, enrichment, and recovery for next generation cell separations.
Investigation of the Negative Process as the Limiting Factor of Vanadium Flow Battery
Authors: Wang Shaoliang , Xu Zeyu , Jing Minghua , Fan Xinzhuang , Liu Jianguo , Yan Chuanwei
Published: March 2021

The electrochemical behavior of the positive and negative electrode reactions for a vanadium flow battery (VFB) on a pyrolytic graphite electrode is investigated. It is found that there is a significant difference in the electrochemical characteristics of the positive and negative electrode reactions, and the negative electrode reaction often exhibits an inferior electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the charge/discharge tests of the VFB with commercial carbon felts as the electrodes are conducted to further make clear the effect of positive and negative electrode processes on the VFB performance. The results indicate that the negative electrode process greatly limits the battery performance of the VFB and enhancement of the battery performance by improving the negative electrode process will be more effective. Therefore, the negative electrode process is the limiting factor of the VFB and more attention should be paid to improving the electrochemical performance of the negative electrode process.