bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Esophageal achalasia diagnosed in people previously diagnosed with an eating disorder: Epidemiological study using record‐linkage
Authors: Goldacre Michael , Benians Robin , Goldacre Raph
Published: August 2021

Objective

Occasionally, patients with eating disorders have been subsequently diagnosed with esophageal achalasia. We sought to establish whether eating disorders and achalasia coexisted more often than expected by chance alone.

Method

National record‐linkage study of hospital inpatients in England, between 2001 and 2017. Use of Cox proportional hazards to compare the occurrence of achalasia in cohorts of people with or without anorexia nervosa (AN), and with or without bulimia nervosa (BN), with adjustment of the comparisons for such confounders as age, sex, and year of admission.

Results

There were 18,500 people in the AN cohort, 11,300 in the BN cohort, and 8.7 million in the comparison cohort. The Cox regression hazard ratio, comparing the AN cohort with the reference cohort, was 3.4 (95% confidence interval 1.8–6.3) and that in the BN cohort was 4.2 (2.2–8.2).

Discussion

AN and achalasia, and BN and achalasia, were diagnosed in the same individuals, more often than expected by chance. Clinicians should be aware of the possible associations with achalasia because the treatment of eating disorders and achalasia is different.
What is winter? Modeling spatial variation in bat host traits and hibernation and their implications for overwintering energetics
Authors: Hranac C. Reed , Haase Catherine G. , Fuller Nathan W. , McClure Meredith L. , Marshall Jonathan C. , Lausen Cori L. , McGuire Liam P. , Olson Sarah H. , Hayman David T. S.
Published: August 2021

White‐nose syndrome (WNS) has decimated hibernating bat populations across eastern and central North America for over a decade. Disease severity is driven by the interaction between bat characteristics, the cold‐loving fungal agent, and the hibernation environment. While we further improve hibernation energetics models, we have yet to examine how spatial heterogeneity in host traits is linked to survival in this disease system. Here, we develop predictive spatial models of body mass for the little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and reassess previous definitions of the duration of hibernation of this species. Using data from published literature, public databases, local experts, and our own fieldwork, we fit a series of generalized linear models with hypothesized abiotic drivers to create distribution‐wide predictions of prehibernation body fat and hibernation duration. Our results provide improved estimations of hibernation duration and identify a scaling relationship between body mass and body fat; this relationship allows for the first continuous estimates of prehibernation body mass and fat across the species' distribution. We used these results to inform a hibernation energetic model to create spatially varying fat use estimates for M. lucifugus. These results predict WNS mortality of M. lucifugus populations in western North America may be comparable to the substantial die‐off observed in eastern and central populations.
Influence of the large‐Z effect during contact between butterfly sister species
Authors: Nelson Erik D. , Cong Qian , Grishin Nick V.
Published: August 2021

Recently diverged butterfly populations in North America have been found to exhibit high levels of divergence on the Z chromosome relative to autosomes, as measured by fixation index, . The pattern of divergence appears to result from accumulation of incompatible alleles, obstructing introgression on the Z chromosome in hybrids (i.e., the large‐Z effect); however, it is unknown whether this mechanism is sufficient to explain the data. Here, we simulate the effects of hybrid incompatibility on interbreeding butterfly populations using a model in which populations accumulate cross‐incompatible alleles in allopatry prior to contact. We compute statistics for introgression and population divergence during contact between model populations and compare our results to those for 15 pairs of butterfly species interbreeding along a suture zone in central Texas. Time scales for allopatry and contact in the model are scaled to glacial and interglacial periods during which real populations evolved in isolation and contact. We find that the data for butterflies are explained well by an otherwise neutral model under slow fusion conditions. In particular, levels of divergence on the Z chromosome increase when interacting clusters of genes are closely linked, consistent with clusters of functionally related genes in butterfly genomes.
Tree‐ring stable isotopes and radiocarbon reveal pre‐ and post‐eruption effects of volcanic processes on trees on Mt. Etna (Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Seiler Ruedi , Hajdas Irka , Saurer Matthias , Houlié Nicolas , D'Arrigo Rosanne , Kirchner James W. , Cherubini Paolo
Published: August 2021

Early detection of volcanic eruptions is of major importance for protecting human life. Ground deformation and changes in seismicity, geochemistry, petrology, and gravimetry are used to assess volcanic activity before eruptions. Studies on Mt. Etna (Italy) have demonstrated that vegetation can be affected by pre‐eruptive activity before the onset of eruptions. During two consecutive years before Mt. Etna's 2002/2003 flank eruption, enhanced vegetation index (NDVI) values were detected along a distinct line which later developed into an eruptive fissure. However, the mechanisms by which volcanic activity can lead to changes in pre‐eruption tree growth processes are still not well understood. We analysed δ13C, δ18O and14C in the rings of the survived trees growing near to the line where the pre‐eruptive increase in NDVI was observed in order to evaluate whether the uptake of water vapour or fossil volcanic CO2could have contributed to the enhanced NDVI. We found a dramatic decrease in δ18O in tree rings formed before 2002/2003 in trees close to the eruption fissure, suggesting uptake of volcanic water by trees during pre‐eruptive magma degassing. Moist conditions caused by outgassing of ascending magma may also have led to an observed reduction in tree‐ring δ13C following the eruption. Furthermore, only ambiguous evidence for tree uptake of degassed CO2was found. Our results suggest that additional soil water condensed from degassed water vapour may have promoted photosynthesis, explaining local increases in NDVI before the 2002/2003 Mt. Etna flank eruption. Tree‐ring oxygen stable isotopes might be used as indicators of past volcanic eruptions.
Blood pressure visit‐to‐visit variability and outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhou Bingyang , Ma Yu , Hu Yuecheng , Li Ximing , Cong Hongliang
Published: August 2021

Aims

Previous studies report that blood pressure (BP) variability is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. However, studies have not fully explored this association in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This study sought to explore the association between visit‐to‐visit variability (VVV) of BP and clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF.

Methods and results

A total of 1988 patients (mean age of 67.73 ± 9.22, 51.7% female) from the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) trial were included in this study. BP‐VVV was determined by standard deviation (SD) of mean systolic BP (SBP‐SD) from six measurements (baseline and months 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12) during the first 12 months after randomization. Mean on‐treatment SBP during the first 12 months was 127.77 ± 10.42 mmHg, and the median of SBP‐SD was 8.15 mmHg. A total of 192 (9.7%) patients met the primary outcome during the subsequent median follow‐up of 35.16 months, including a composite of cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalization, or aborted cardiac arrest. Multiple Cox regression analysis showed that SBP‐SD was independently associated with the increased risk of the primary outcome after adjusting for age, gender, method of BP measurement, treatment, renal function and common co‐morbidities, and the mean SBP during the first 12 months [hazard ratio (HR) for fourth vs. first quartile, 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07–2.49; P = 0.024]. Analysis showed that SBP‐SD as continuous variable was associated with a 23% increase in the risk of primary outcome (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.06–1.43; P = 0.006).

Conclusions

The findings of the current study show that high SBP‐VVV in patients with HFpEF is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes independent of the mean on‐treatment SBP.
Coordination Chemistry and Sensing Properties Towards Anions and Metal Ions of a Simple Fluorescent Urea
Authors: Montis Riccardo , Aragoni M. Carla , Arca Massimiliano , Coles Simon J. , Lippolis Vito , Milia Jessica , Orton James B. , Pala Laura , Picci Giacomo , Pivetta Tiziana , Caltagirone Claudia
Published: August 2021

The coordination and sensing properties towards anions and transition metal ions of the simple novel fluorescent urea 1‐(2‐aminophenyl)‐3‐(naphthalen‐1)‐yl)urea (L) were investigated in solution, and in the solid state. An electron donating amine group in the molecular skeleton of L decreased the acidity of the urea NHs that are usually deprotonated by basic anions and allowed for a good degree of affinity towards fluoride in DMSO‐d6‐0.5 %H2O. Moreover, the amine moiety acted as a further binding group for metal ions. Indeed, L was able to bind Zn2+ both in solution and in the solid state, and to respond to the presence of this metal ion in MeCN with an enhancement of the fluorescence emission. Although solution studies evidenced the formation of a 1 : 1 complex of L with Zn2+, complexes with a 2 : 1 ligand‐to‐metal stoichiometry were isolated in the solid state. DFT calculations helped to clarify the stability reasons behind these results.
Authenticity assessment of dairy products by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Masci Maurizio , Zoani Claudia , Nevigato Teresina , Turrini Aida , Jasionowska Renata , Caproni Roberto , Ratini Patrizia
Published: August 2021

Milk and derivatives are a very important part in the diet of the world population. Products from goat, buffalo, and sheep species have a greater economic value than the cow ones, therefore, authenticity frauds by improperly adding cow's milk occur frequently: dairy products are among the seven more attractive foods for adulteration. Milk from each of the above‐cited animal species has its own definite profile of whey proteins (variants of α‐lactalbumin and β‐lactoglobulin) and its definite profile of caseins (variants of αS1‐, αS2‐, β‐, and κ‐casein). Such proteins can be usefully exploited as markers of authenticity by using capillary electrophoresis which is the technique of choice for the analysis of proteins. Due to the multiple adjustable parameters that are unknown to other analytical techniques, capillary electrophoresis is able to detect frauds in milk mixtures and cheese with little use of solvents, fast analysis time, and ease of operation. This makes it attractive and competitive for routine checks that are very important to fight the adulteration market. Advantages and limitations are discussed.
Quantized precoding and companding schemes for PAPR reduction in UFMC‐based massive MIMO downlink systems
Authors: Chintala Vijaya Durga , Sundru Anuradha
Published: August 2021

Universal‐filtered multi‐carrier (UFMC) is a promising waveform technology, which inherits the robustness of FBMC and simplicity of OFDM. In this article, the UFMC waveform is combined with the massive multi‐user multiple‐input and multiple‐output (MU‐MIMO) technology to meet the desired needs of future wireless networks. In order to eliminate MU interference (MUI), the precoding is essential in massive MU‐MIMO downlink. However, the transmitted signals produced by the precoders have high peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR), thus resulting in reduction of power efficiency of the system. Hence, this article proposes the quantized MU precoding and companding schemes to increase the power efficiency of UFMC‐based massive MU‐MIMO downlink systems. A nonlinear quantized precoder called squared‐infinity norm Douglas‐Rachford splitting (SQUID), which generates signals with constant envelope, is proposed. The proposed SQUID precoder reduces the power consumption and MUI of UFMC‐based massive MU‐MIMO systems. Moreover, a piecewise linear companding (PLC) scheme, which further reduces the PAPR by employing two threshold values and one companding parameter, is also proposed. The simulation results confirm that the proposed UFMC‐based massive MU‐MIMO with quantized nonlinear SQUID precoding provides better performance than quantized linear precoders. Besides, the proposed system with the PLC scheme offers better PAPR reduction of 4.5 dB when compared with linear nonsymmetrical transform and ‐law schemes.
Optogenetic‐mediated cardiovascular differentiation and patterning of human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Hellwarth Peter B. , Chang Yun , Das Arundhati , Liang Po‐Yu , Lian Xiaojun , Repina Nicole A. , Bao Xiaoping
Published: August 2021

Precise spatial and temporal regulation of dynamic morphogen signals during human development governs the processes of cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation to form organized tissues and organs. Tissue patterns spontaneously emerge in various human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) models. However, the lack of molecular methods for precise control over signal dynamics limits the reproducible production of tissue patterns and a mechanistic understanding of self‐organization. We recently implemented an optogenetic‐based OptoWnt platform for light‐controllable regulation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in hPSCs for in vitro studies. Using engineered illumination devices to generate light patterns and thus precise spatiotemporal control over Wnt activation, here we triggered spatially organized transcriptional changes and mesoderm differentiation of hPSCs. In this way, the OptoWnt system enabled robust endothelial cell differentiation and cardiac tissue patterning in vitro. Our results demonstrate that spatiotemporal regulation of signaling pathways via synthetic OptoWnt enables instructive stem cell fate engineering and tissue patterning.
Early Cretaceous Greater Kerguelen Large Igneous Province and its plumbing systems: A contemplation on concurrent magmatic records of the eastern Indian Shield and adjoining regions
Authors: Srivastava Rajesh K.
Published: August 2021

A detailed contemplation is attempted to comprehend the likely connection of a large number of Early Cretaceous mafic, felsic, alkaline (kimberlite, lamproites, ultramafic lamprophyre, etc.), and carbonatite magmatic records of the eastern and north‐eastern region of the Indian Shield and adjoining regions. All these Early Cretaceous magmatic records occupied a large area, covering adjoining regions of south‐eastern Tibet, eastern and north‐eastern India, western Australia, Eastern Indian Ocean, southern Kerguelen Plateau, and north‐eastern Antarctica, are supposed to be part of the Greater Kerguelen Large Igneous Province (LIP) and likely to be related to the break‐up of East Gondwana. Available age results, chiefly ranging from ca. 145 to 100 Ma, support a genetic connection with the Kerguelen mantle plume. However, there are other lines of evidences, particularly radiogenic isotope data that preclude direct involvement of any mantle plume component; likely to be derived from decompression melting related to passive rifting. Two major magmatic phases, ca. 145–130 Ma and ca. 124–100 Ma, have been distinctly identified, which could be related to distinct rifting events. Break‐up of East Gondwana had happened at ca. 137 Ma with separation of Western Australia from Greater India. Later, ca. 124–122 Ma, separation of Antarctica from Eastern India occurred. The later magmatic phases (after ca. 120 Ma) are likely to have an indirect connection with the Greater Kerguelen LIP probably with the mantle plume providing extra heat for melting.
White matter degeneration revealed by fiber‐specific analysis relates to recovery of hand function after stroke
Authors: Cheng Bastian , Petersen Marvin , Schulz Robert , Boenstrup Marlene , Krawinkel Lutz , Gerloff Christian , Thomalla Götz
Published: August 2021

Recent developments of higher‐order diffusion‐weighted imaging models have enabled the estimation of specific white matter fiber populations within a voxel, addressing limitations of traditional imaging markers of white matter integrity. We applied fixel based analysis (FBA) to investigate the evolution of fiber‐specific white matter changes in a prospective study of stroke patients and upper limb motor deficit over 1 year after stroke. We studied differences in fiber density and macrostructural changes in fiber cross‐section. Motor function was assessed by grip strength. We conducted a whole‐brain analysis of fixel metrics and predefined corticospinal tract (CST) region of interest in relation to changes in motor functions. In 30 stroke patients (mean age 62.3 years, SD ±16.9; median NIHSS 4, IQR 2–5), whole‐brain FBA revealed progressing loss of fiber density and cross‐section in the ipsilesional corticospinal tract and long‐range fiber tracts such as the superior longitudinal fascicle and trans‐callosal tracts extending towards contralesional white matter tracts. Lower FBA metrics measured at the brainstem section of the CST 1 month after stroke were significantly associated with lower grip strength 3 months (p = .009, adjusted R2 = 0.259) and 1 year (T4: p < .001, adj. R2 = 0.515) after stroke. Compared to FA, FBA metrics showed a comparably strong association with grip strength at later time points. Using FBA, we demonstrate progressive fiber‐specific white matter loss after stroke and association with functional motor outcome. Our results promote the application of fiber‐specific analysis to detect secondary neurodegeneration after stroke in relation to clinical recovery.
Incomplete information model of credit default of micro and small enterprises
Authors: Chen Tingqiang , Wang Suyang
Published: August 2021

This research constructs a credit default estimation model for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) under the condition of changing information asymmetry. The model is established through the refinement, abstraction and portrayal of the core elements contained in the default trigger mechanism; this mechanism is based on the cash flow, the default boundary and the distribution of actual cash flow in the framework of the incomplete information model. By relaxing the assumption that the bank can fully observe the customer's initial information, this work constructs a theoretical model with practical application value that can effectively describe the default risk of MSEs. Numerical simulation shows that the model can accurately estimate the default probability of MSEs by quantitatively modelling the mechanism of default risk management and control which is applicable to the risk characteristics of MSEs. The model is also suitable for the continuous dynamic estimation and forecast of individual customer credit application and post‐lending risk.
The role of mothers’ self‐compassion on mother–infant bonding during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A longitudinal study exploring the mediating role of mindful parenting and parenting stress in the postpartum period
Authors: Fernandes Daniela V. , Canavarro Maria C. , Moreira Helena
Published: August 2021

The current COVID‐19 pandemic is a challenging time for postpartum mothers, and associated challenges may have a negative impact on their parenting and, consequently, on mother–infant bonding. This study aimed to longitudinally explore whether mothers’ self‐compassion was associated with mother–infant bonding and whether this relationship was mediated by mindful parenting and parenting stress. A total of 125 Portuguese mothers of infants aged between 0 and 12 months completed an online survey at two assessment points during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic (T1: April–May 2020; T2: June–July 2020). The survey included several questionnaires assessing sociodemographic, clinical, and COVID‐19 information; self‐compassion; mindful parenting; parenting stress; and mother–infant bonding. Mothers presented significantly higher levels of self‐compassion, less impaired mother–infant bonding, and lower levels of depressive symptoms at T2 than T1. Higher levels of self‐compassion at T1 predicted less impaired mother–infant bonding at T2, and this relationship was mediated by higher levels of mindful parenting and lower levels of parenting stress (both assessed at T1). These results highlight the relevance of mothers’ self‐compassion to establishing mother–infant bonding in the postpartum period, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the important role of mindful parenting and parenting stress in determining this relationship.
A Protocol for Generalized occam
Authors: Bornat Richard
Published: August 2021

The programming advantages of output guards in guarded commands are sketched. A protocol is described which allows the use of guarded commands with both input and output guards and communication via one‐one channels. A proof is offered that the protocol will make progress towards process‐pairing in every eventuality. A bound of six protocol messages per enabled guard is demonstrated. An implementation of the protocol in occam is described. A proof of the implementation is outlined.
LGBTQ+ conversion therapy and applied behavior analysis: A call to action
Authors: Conine Daniel E. , Campau Sarah C. , Petronelli Abigail K.
Published: August 2021

The term conversion therapy refers to any practices intended to alter a person's sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or any combination thereof. The present‐day scientific consensus is that such practices are not only ineffective, but highly harmful and fundamentally unethical. However, historical connections exist between applied behavior analysis and the design and dissemination of conversion therapy practices. The purpose of this paper is to highlight these connections and to call for further attention and action from contemporary behavior analysts on this matter. Specifically, we call for continued discussion and review of previously published conversion therapy papers according to present‐day guidelines for ethical research, position statements from professional organizations, additional ethics guidelines for behavior‐analytic practice, and future behavior‐analytic research and practice efforts that support LGBTQ+ people.
MCML: Combining physical constraints with experimental data for a multi‐purpose meta‐generalized gradient approximation
Authors: Brown Kristopher , Maimaiti Yasheng , Trepte Kai , Bligaard Thomas , Voss Johannes
Published: August 2021

The predictive power of density functional theory for materials properties can be improved without increasing the overall computational complexity by extending the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for electronic exchange and correlation to density functionals depending on the electronic kinetic energy density in addition to the charge density and its gradient, resulting in a meta‐GGA. Here, we propose an empirical meta‐GGA model that is based both on physical constraints and on experimental and quantum chemistry reference data. The resulting optimized meta‐GGA MCML yields improved surface and gas phase reaction energetics without sacrificing the accuracy of bulk property predictions of existing meta‐GGA approaches.
Optimal fractional‐order adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system‐based droop controller for DFIG‐wind turbine to control load frequency of hybrid microgrid
Authors: Asgharpour‐Alamdari Hossein
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to ameliorate the contribution capability of doubly fed induction generator to damp the frequency and output power deviation of stand‐alone hybrid microgrid system. Skyrocketing progress in converter‐interfaced renewable energy sources leads to weakness of islanded microgrids' inertia which imposes some problems in the frequency control and hybrid system stability. This problem can be effectively solved by utilizing renewable resources with high harvestable energy such as doubly fed induction generator‐wind turbine. Furthermore, the alternative energy resources have been taken into account to participate in strength of weak inertia of the microgrid. Since the conventional controller like proportional integral derivative droop controller cannot present efficient damping term because of their slow controlling action in order to diminish the frequency and output power deviation. In this regard, a fractional‐order adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system droop is here introduced to stabilize the frequency within a satisfactory secure range with low fluctuation over the conventional droop controllers. To attain an accurate control action, multi‐objective sine cosine algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of based on multi‐criterion objective functions. To verify the performance of proposed droop controller, it has been tested under different scenarios. At last, the simulation results reveal that sine cosine algorithm‐based proposed droop controller can significantly enhance the microgrids' inertia and diminish the frequency and output power deviation.
Histological tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy correlates to Immunoscore in colorectal cancer liver metastases patients
Authors: Zhang Chong , Wang Xiangyu , Han Jiahao , Zhang Rui , Chen Zhenmei , Li Yitong , Ma Xiaochen , Zhang Guo , Fan Jie , Chen Jinhong
Published: August 2021

Background

This study investigated the correlation between tumor regression grade (TRG) score and Immunoscore, and prognostic values of TRG score and a risk score in colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLMs) patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

Patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy from 2014 to 2019 were selected. TRG score and Immunoscore were evaluated in 200 CRLMs. A risk score combining TRG score, Immunoscore, and clinical risk score (CRS) was defined and divided patients into the low‐, medium‐, and high‐risk groups. Differences in relapse‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) between groups were determined.

Results

The densities of CD3+ and CD8+ immune cells were higher in TRG1–3 group than in TRG4–5 group, and the ratio of high Immunoscores was higher in TRG1–3 group than in TRG4–5 group (60.0% vs. 15.8%, p < 0.001). Patients in TRG1–3 group had significantly longer RFS and OS than those in TRG4–5 group. The low‐risk group shows a significantly higher 2‐year RFS and 5‐year OS rate than the medium‐ and high‐risk group (RFS: 59.9%, 36.2%, and 6.4%, p < 0.001; OS: 82.0%, 41.0%, and 16.9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

TRG score may be proposed to evaluate the prognosis of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and may be used for predicting the postoperative survival of CRLMs.
Optimal intermittent administration interval of parathyroid hormone 1‐34 for bone morphogenetic protein‐induced bone formation in a rat spinal fusion model
Authors: Abe Tetsutaro , Miyazaki Masashi , Ishihara Toshinobu , Kanezaki Shozo , Tsubouchi Yuhta , Tsumura Hiroshi
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Both bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) and teriparatide (parathyroid hormone [PTH] 1‐34) are used to enhance bone healing. There is still no established opinion regarding the optimum dose and administration method. We investigated the optimal administration method for the combination of BMP‐2 and PTH 1‐34 in a rat spinal fusion model.

Methods

Group I was implanted with a control carrier. Groups II, III, and IV were implanted with a carrier containing 3 μg of recombinant human BMP‐2 (rhBMP‐2). In addition, following implantation, PTH 1‐34 injections were administered to Group III thrice a week (total, 180 μg/kg/week) and Group IV six times a week (total, 180 μg/kg/week). The rats were euthanized after 8 weeks, and their spines were explanted; assessed by manual palpation, radiographs, and high‐resolution micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT); and subjected to histological analysis. Serum markers of bone metabolism were also analyzed.

Results

Manual palpation tests showed that the fusion rates in Groups III and IV were considerably higher than those in Group I. They also had higher radiographic scores than Group I and II. Micro‐CT analysis revealed Tb.Th in the Group IV had higher values than that in the Group I, II, III with significant differences and Tb.Sp in the Group IV had lower values than that in the Group I, II, III with significant differences. Serum marker analysis revealed that Group IV had higher osteocalcin and lower tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐5b than Group III. Histological analysis indicated that Group IV had enhanced trabecular bone structure.

Conclusions

Frequent administration of PTH may be better in making thicker and strengthening the trabecular bone structure in newly formed bone in the rat spinal fusion model using insufficient BMP‐2.
The academic labour of knowledge mobilization: What scholarly publishers need to know
Authors: Merga Margaret K.
Published: August 2021

While scholarly publishers have become increasingly interested in supporting the sharing of research beyond academia in recent times, there are few first‐hand accounts from academics that illustrate the realities and complexities of this process. As such, scholarly publishers may be somewhat in the dark about what is actually involved in such knowledge mobilization, and how to best support it. In this autoethnographic account, I describe my experience as an early career researcher involved in the creation of 14 scholarly outputs on the 2016Western Australian Study in Children's Book Readingproject. I illustrate how these scholarly outputs led to media engagements and Plain Language publications, and then were transformed into unique initiatives driven by schools and state government. The academic labour involved in these knowledge mobilization components are depicted as substantial. I also critically interrogate my own research training background and dispositions to identify some reasons for my adoption of knowledge mobilization as a priority, despite perceiving a general lack of support and recognition for this work. Finally, given the pragmatic considerations I raise in this article, I outline ways that scholarly publishers can support academic researchers to engage in knowledge mobilization more regularly and effectively.
Resilience of phytoplankton dynamics to trophic cascades and nutrient enrichment
Authors: Carpenter Stephen R. , Arani Babak M.S. , Van Nes Egbert H. , Scheffer Marten , Pace Michael L.
Published: August 2021

Resilience was compared for alternate states of phytoplankton pigment concentration in two multiyear whole‐lake experiments designed to shift the manipulated ecosystem between alternate states. Mean exit time, the average time between threshold crossings, was calculated from automated measurements every 5 min during summer stratification. Alternate states were clearly identified, and equilibria showed narrow variation in bootstrap analysis of uncertainty. Mean exit times ranged from 13 to 290 h. In the reference ecosystem, Paul Lake, mean exit time of the low‐pigment state was about 100 h longer than mean exit time of the high‐pigment state. In the manipulated ecosystem, Peter Lake, mean exit time of the high‐pigment state exceeded that of the low‐pigment state by 30 h in the cascade experiment. In the enrichment experiment mean exit time of the low‐pigment state was longer than that of the high‐pigment state by about 100 h. Mean exit time is a useful measure of resilience for stochastic ecosystems where high‐frequency measurements are made by consistent methods over the full range of ecosystem states.
Monitoring of Donor‐Derived Cell‐Free DNA by Short Tandem Repeats: Concentration of Total Cell‐Free DNA and Fragment Size for Acute Rejection Risk Assessment in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Fernández‐Galán Esther , Badenas Celia , Fondevila Constantino , Jiménez Wladimiro , Navasa Miquel , Puig‐Butillé Joan Anton , Brunet Mercè
Published: August 2021

Monitoring of graft function is essential during the first months after liver transplantation (LT), but current liver function tests (LFTs) lack the specificity and sensitivity to ensure an efficient diagnosis of acute rejection (AR). Recently, donor‐derived cell‐free DNA (ddcfDNA) has emerged as a noninvasive biomarker to assess graft integrity. This study evaluated the feasibility of measuring the ddcfDNA through short tandem repeat (STR) analysis by quantitative fluorescent‐polymerase chain reaction (QF‐PCR) and to assess the role of the concentration and fragment size of total cfDNA as AR biomarkers. The total concentration and fragment size of cfDNA and the ddcfDNA percentage were monitored in plasma of 20 patients without rejection and 7 patients with T‐cell–mediated AR during the first 3 months after LT. The median ddcfDNA percentage was 3‐fold higher before AR diagnosis (34.8%; P < 0.001) and moderately higher at AR confirmatory diagnosis (23.8%; P = 0.049) compared with that of nonrejector patients (10.6%), showing a better performance (area under the curve = 84.6%) than conventional LFTs to predict the risk of rejection within the first 2 weeks following LT. The fraction of 100‐250‐bp cfDNA fragments was higher at AR diagnosis compared with that of nonrejector patients (68.0% versus 57.9%, P = 0.02). STR amplification by QF‐PCR may be an alternative strategy for rapid ddcfDNA quantification, which is easily implementable in clinical laboratories. The results of this pilot study indicate that ddcfDNA increases very early, even 1‐2 weeks before the diagnosis of AR, and so it could be useful as a prognostic biomarker in improving patient risk stratification.
Lollipop‐Inspired Multilayered Drug Delivery Hydrogel for Dual Effective, Long‐Term, and NIR‐Defined Glaucoma Treatment
Authors: Wang Feifei , Song Yuning , Huang Jinlong , Wu Bingxuan , Wang Yanan , Pang Yulian , Zhang Wei , Zhu Zhenling , Ma Fangli , Wang Xiaolei , Zhang Xu
Published: August 2021

Glaucoma is an ophthalmic disease that is characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Eye drops are the preferred choice to reduce IOP for the treatment of glaucoma. However, the bioavailability of eye drops is low (<5%). Their long‐term frequent administration cannot ensure patient compliance, which is the main reason for treatment failure. Inspired by lollipop, herein, a multilayered sodium alginate‐chitosan (SA‐CS) hydrogel ball (HB) decorated by zinc oxide‐modified biochar (ZnO‐BC) is developed as a new drug delivery system. The multilayer structure encapsulate timolol maleate (TM) and levofloxacin inside the different layers to realize the sustained release of drugs, which can control ocular hypertension and prevent infection effectively. The results show that the release of TM can be sustained in vitro for longer than 2 weeks. Moreover, IOP is also effectively reduced in vivo. Meanwhile, the photothermal conversion activity of ZnO‐BC can regulate drug release on demand after stimulation by near‐infrared irradiation. More importantly, the designed HB also shows good biocompatibility and antibacterial properties in vitro and in vivo. In summary, ZnO‐BC‐SA‐CS HB can effectively reduce IOP and is expected to replace the classical tedious eye drop strategy, having potential utilization value in the treatment of glaucoma.
3D‐Printed Flexible Piezoresistive Sensors for Stretching and Out‐of‐Plane Forces
Authors: Xiang Dong , Zhang Zixi , Wu Yuanpeng , Shen Jiabin , Harkin‐Jones Eileen , Li Zhenyu , Wang Ping , Zhao Chunxia , Li Hui , Li Yuntao
Published: August 2021

Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphite nanosheet (GNP)‐filled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are 3D‐printed into flexible piezoresistive sensors via fused filament fabrication. The sensor, with a customized lever‐cross structure, allows detection of stretching and out‐of‐plane forces of different magnitudes and frequencies. The out‐of‐plane force direction is obtained by combing the relative electrical resistance change in the cross section of the sensor with a force analysis. The 75‐CNT/25‐GNP sensor (CNT‐to‐GNP mass ratio of 75%‐to‐25%) demonstrates excellent sensing performance at a total nanoparticle loading of 3 wt%. The linearity of the 75‐CNT/25‐GNP sensor is 0.98, while those of the 100‐CNT and 50‐CNT/50‐GNP sensors are 0.93 and 0.86, respectively. The gauge factor of the 75‐CNT/25‐GNP sensor is 52% higher than that of the 100‐CNT sensor, and its sensing strain range is 79% above that of the 50‐CNT/50‐GNP sensor. Excellent sensing stability is demonstrated for the 75‐CNT/25‐GNP sensor after 1500 stretching (out‐of‐plane force) cycles. The synergistic effect of CNTs and GNPs on sensing performance of piezoresistive sensors is clearly shown in this study.
A Carbodiimide Cross‐Linked Silk Fibroin/Sodium Alginate Composite Hydrogel with Tunable Properties for Sustained Drug Delivery
Authors: Wang Yiyu , Niu Chunqing , Shi Jian , Yu Wenlong , Zhu Chunhong , Zhang Qin , Mizuno Mamoru
Published: August 2021

Carbodiimide cross‐linked silk fibroin (SF)/sodium alginate (SA) composite hydrogels with superior stability and tunable properties are developed by varying preparation parameters. SF/SA blend ratio modulation allows to achieve composite hydrogel gelation times of 18–65 min, and rheological analysis shows that the speed of gel formation, the hydrogel network's density, and the hydrogels’ compressive properties are closely related to the blend ratio. The G′ of different hydrogels varies substantially from 28 to 413 Pa, and the hydrogel with higher SF content has a greater stiffness. The composite hydrogels present appropriate porosity of 76.63–85.09% and pore size of 316–603 µm. Hydrogel stability improves significantly after cross‐linking, and substantial swelling occurs due to the hydrophilicity of SA. The 7/3 and 6/4 SF/SA hydrogels are more resistant to degradation in PBS, and cytotoxicity testing confirmed their biocompatibility. For release studies in vitro, two model compounds are used as drug models, tetracycline hydrochloride, and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Different ratios of SF/SA have a greater influence on the release of BSA. This study provides a practical preparation method for flexible SF/SA composite hydrogels, which can help design hydrogels with specific physicochemical properties for different applications, especially drug delivery.
Molecular Weight Distribution in Di Metal Cyanide Catalyzed Polymerization 2: Numerical Simulation of Chain Activation/Deactivation and Diffusion Effects
Authors: Klinger Marcel , Bachmann Rolf , Jupke Andreas
Published: August 2021

A kinetic model for the dynamic simulation of Di Metal Cyanide (DMC) catalyzed alkoxylation is proposed. The model covers the characteristic “catch‐up” kinetics, favoring the growth of small polymers, and high molecular weight tailing (HMWT), which broadens the distribution toward large polymers. Computations are based on the direct numerical integration of fundamental reaction kinetics of a living polymerization with chain length dependent reaction coefficients. It is observed that “catch‐up” kinetics can be modeled by molecular weight (MW) dependent propagation and activation constants. The formation of HMWT can be described by MW dependent segmental growth. Thereby, the segmental growth is influenced by chain length dependent deactivation constants and effects of polymer diffusion. Simulations of (semi‐)batch operations return an appropriate reproduction of measured polymer distributions. Processes with continuous addition of starters (CAOS) and single stage continuous (CSTR) processes are compared to (semi‐)batch operations. Kinetics without “catch‐up” mechanism have a strongly broadened MWD in CAOS/CSTR processes, compared to (semi‐)batch operations. Also, the concentration of short chained polymers, which act as catalyst poison, is increased. In contrast, CAOS/CSTR simulations with “catch‐up” mechanism result in a MWD comparable to results from (semi‐)batch operations and there is no accumulation of short chained polymers.
Simulation of Polymer Melt Injection Molding Filling Flow Based on an Improved SPH Method with Modified Low‐Dissipation Riemann Solver
Authors: Ren Mengke , Gu Junfeng , Li Zheng , Ruan Shilun , Shen Changyu
Published: August 2021

Simulations are performed for the polymer melt injection molding filling flow using an improved SPH (smoothed particle hydrodynamics) method. For improving the numerical stability of the high‐pressure and high‐viscosity injection molding filling simulation, a modified low‐dissipation Riemann solver is proposed, and the Tait equation of state and several improvements are adopted in the improved SPH method. Simulations with three cavities are performed for verification of the SPH method, including a simple long rectangular cavity and two relatively complex cavities for study of injection flow balancing. For each cavity, the pressure and velocity results of the injection molding filling simulation are demonstrated, discussed, and compared with the results of the corresponding Moldflow simulation. Furthermore, results of particle motion tracking are also analyzed for an insight into the fountain flow effect. The SPH simulation results indicate that the improved SPH method can well weaken the non‐physical pressure oscillation with reasonable pressure results and controlled melt compressibility, and the SPH results are in good agreement with the Moldflow results.
Diagnosing Parameter Estimability Problems in Polymerization Models
Authors: Liu Fei F. , Vo Anh‐Duong D. , McAuley Kimberley B.
Published: August 2021

To understand why some parameters are difficult to estimate in polymerization models, a new diagnostic methodology is proposed. This method is then used to investigate whether parameter estimability difficulties arise from the small influence of certain parameters on model predictions or from correlated effects with other parameters. The proposed method builds on a popular orthogonalization‐based parameter‐ranking algorithm that ranks parameters from the most estimable to the least estimable. A nylon 6/6,6 copolymerization model and a bio‐based polyether (PO3G) model are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. Diagnosis of the nylon 6/6,6 model reveals that correlated behavior among six parameters related to nylon 6 cyclic dimer formation leads to parameter‐estimation difficulties. Diagnosis of the PO3G model reveals that difficulties in estimating low‐ranked parameters are mainly due to low‐sensitivities of some parameters and to lack of information about these parameters in the data. The proposed methodology will help future modelers make decisions about simplification of their model equations and about possible future experiments aimed at obtaining reliable parameter estimates and model predictions.
Dynamic optimal control of firms' green innovation investment and pricing strategies with environmental awareness and emission tax
Authors: Li Dongdong
Published: August 2021

This paper develops a dynamic optimal control model to investigate the effects of consumer environmental awareness and emission tax on firms' green innovation investment and pricing strategies. Our main results show the following: (i) when both consumer environmental awareness and emission tax are present, the firm's reaction to environmental awareness may be non‐monotone, although a higher emission tax always yields higher green innovation investment and price; (ii) competition in an environmentally sensitive market increases the investment of the firm's green innovation; (iii) raising emission tax may be a better policy choice than promoting consumer environmental awareness when the market size is small.
Do family firms perform better under financial constraints? Financial constraints, family firms and performance
Authors: Patel Pankaj C. , Guedes Maria João
Published: August 2021

We investigate whether financial constraints impair the performance of SMEs and possibly lead to firm failure. More importantly, we address the question of whether family SMEs fare better in terms of performance and survival when operating under financial constraints. We draw on data covering 2,475,210 firm‐year observations from 458,025 firms and use a recently developed financial constraint measure, ASCL (age, size, cash flow and leverage). We find that financial constraints decrease performance and increase the hazard of failure. However, family firms improve their performance and lower the hazard of failure under increasing financial constraints. These findings have implications for understanding the worth of family firms in improving performance under financial constraints.
A low‐temperature dynamic 1H, 13C, and 77Se NMR study of 2,2′‐selenodicyclohexanol
Authors: Shainyan Bagrat A. , Kurkutov Evgeny O. , Kleinpeter Erich
Published: August 2021

2,2′‐Selenodicyclohexanol 1 was shown to exist as two (all‐trans‐achiral and all‐trans‐chiral) stereoisomers with all C–Se and C–OH bonds in equatorial orientations. When the temperature is lowered, the 1H, 13C, and 77Se NMR spectra exhibit a strongly one‐sided dynamic process, which involves sterically hindered rotation about the C–Se bond. Structures, free energy differences of the rotamers ΔG°, and the rotational barrier were determined and confirmed by quantum chemical calculations at the M06‐2X/6‐311++G**, M06‐2X/cc‐pVTZ, and MP2/6‐311+G** levels of theory.
Ferroelectret energy harvesting with 3D‐printed air‐spaced cantilever design
Authors: Ben Dali Omar , von Seggern Heinz , Sessler Gerhard Martin , Pondrom Perceval , Zhukov Sergey , Zhang Xiaoqing , Kupnik Mario
Published: August 2021

Vibrational energy harvesters of air‐spaced cantilever design, utilizing ferroelectrets as the electroactive element, are a very recent concept. Such systems, based on the piezoelectric effect are further studied with harvesters of improved design, partially implemented by additive manufacturing. The focus of the present work is on the dependence of frequency response, resonance frequency, and generated power on the distance of the ferroelectret from the cantilever beam and on the pre‐stressing of the ferroelectret. Experimental data are compared with both analytical and numerical evaluations. It is found that the power generated can be increased by one to two orders of magnitude by proper choice of distance. A suitable pre‐stress yields another increase of power by a factor of 2 to 10 and linearizes the response.Thus, normalized output powers more than 1000 W referred to an acceleration of 9.81 ms and a seismic mass of 3.5 g, can be achieved, which significantly exceeds previous results of cantilever‐based energy harvesters.
On non‐stationary polarization methods in FFT‐based computational micromechanics
Authors: Schneider Matti
Published: August 2021

Polarization‐type methods are among the fastest solution methods for FFT‐based computational micromechanics. However, their performance depends critically on the choice of the reference material. Only for finitely contrasted materials, optimum‐selection strategies are known. This work focuses on adaptive strategies for choosing the reference material, details their efficient implementation, and investigates the computational performance. The case of porous materials is explicitly included. As a byproduct, we introduce a suitable convergence criterion that permits a fair comparison to strain‐based FFT solvers and Eyre–Milton type implementations.