bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between personality, season, and wounding receipt in zoo‐housed Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata): A multi‐institutional study
Authors: Doelling Christina R. , Cronin Katherine A. , Ross Stephen R. , Hopper Lydia M.
Published: September 2021

It is important to those managing Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) in captive settings to understand predictors of wounding. While studies have demonstrated that season (breeding or nonbreeding) and sex predict rates of wounding received by zoo‐housed Japanese macaques, we investigated whether individual differences in personality ratings also might explain some of the observed interindividual variance in wounding. Such patterns were previously observed in rhesus macaques (M. mulatta), such that individuals rated higher on Anxiety and Confidence received greater wounding. Here, we collected wounding data over 24 months on 48 Japanese macaques from eight AZA‐accredited zoos. Each macaque was also rated by keepers using a 26‐item personality questionnaire. Principle components analysis of these ratings revealed four personality components: Openness, Friendliness, Dominance, and Anxiety/Reactivity. The model with the best fit revealed an interaction effect between season (breeding vs. nonbreeding) and the personality component Friendliness, such that individuals rated higher on Friendliness incurred fewer wounds in the nonbreeding season. The second‐best model revealed both a main effect of the season as well as an interaction effect between season and Openness, such that macaques rated higher in Openness received more wounds in the nonbreeding season than those rated lower in Openness. Thus, as with rhesus macaques, personality mediated wounding receipt rate in Japanese macaques, although different personality components explained interindividual variance in wounding for these two species. These differences likely reflect species differences in behavior and personality structure, as well as the influence of differing management practices, highlighting the importance of species‐specific approaches for captive primate care and welfare. This study provides further support for understanding primate personality to create individualized strategies for their care.
Unprecedented formation of a μ‐oxobridged dimeric copper (II) complex: Evaluation of structural, spectroscopic, and electronic properties by using theoretical studies and investigations biological activity studies of new Schiff bases derived from pyrazolone
Authors: Parvarinezhad Sakineh , Salehi Mehdi , Kubicki Maciej , Khaleghian Ali
Published: September 2021

Novel Schiff base Cu (II) complex was synthesized in the present work through condensation of salicylaldehyde with 4‐aminoantipyrine derivative and characterized by spectral and analytical techniques. Crystal structure of the Cu (II) complex was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction technique. The structure of the complex is quite unexpected and unprecedented. The observation can be due to the in situ oxidation of the methyl groups of the 4‐aminoantipyrine of the Schiff base ligand to CH2OH. Cu2L2 is a two‐centered Ci‐symmetry complex that is bridged by two oxygen atoms from two ligand molecules, with four‐coordinated Cu (II) ion's in a very regular square‐planar fashion. The electrochemical properties of complex in DMSO displayed the electronic effects on the groups on redox potential. Various computational studies such as DFT (density functional theory), MEPs (molecular electrostatic potential), and HS (Hirshfeld surface analysis) were performed to understand the properties of different interactions of the compounds. The DFT computations, geometry optimization of the ligand, and Cu (II) complex (1) were optimized using the B3LYP method with (6‐311G) basis set. Also, HS analysis is used for decoding intermolecular interactions in the crystal system and contribution of component units for the construction of the 3D architecture. Anticancer effects of the ligand and complex in MTT assay against cancer cell lines SW480 were studied. The antioxidant activity results show that the ligand and complex have antioxidant and anticancer activity. Molecular docking study was also carried out for the complex to find its binding affinity to protein B‐cell lymphorna (BCL‐2, PDB ID: 4LXD).
Effect of polyethylene glycol and nano clay on swelling, diffusion, network parameters and drug release behavior of interpenetrating network copolymer
Authors: Samanta Himadri Sekhar , Ray Samit Kumar
Published: September 2021

Controlled release of a drug from a biocompatible nontoxic polymer at a predetermined rate by maintaining a constant drug level for a specific time period causes its maximum utility with reduced side effect and more efficient cure of the disease. Accordingly, several composite hydrogels were synthesized by free radical crosslink copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AM), and N'N‐methylene bis acrylamide (MBA, crosslinker) in water in the presence of varied amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and nano sized sodium montmorillonite (NaMMT) clay. The structures of the hydrogels were characterized. The effect of the synthesis and process parameters on the swelling, diffusion, network parameters, and drug release properties of the polymer networks were studied. The hydrogel containing 3.2 wt% NaMMT clay and 24 wt% PEG showed the best equilibrium swelling ratio (33.2 g/g), drug entrapment efficiency (86%), and drug release properties (96.6% in 30 h at pH of 7.4) for a model drug riboflavin. The results indicate a significant improvement of swelling and drug release properties of the polymer in the presence of PEG and NaMMT clay in the gel network.
Silk fibroin/polycaprolactone nanofibrous membranes loaded with natural Manuka honey for potential wound healing
Authors: Lan Dongwei , Zhang Yuqin , Zhang Haiqiang , Zhou Jiale , Chen Xiang , Li Zhi , Dai Fangyin
Published: September 2021

Antibacterial wound dressing, an effective barrier between the wound and the foreign environment, has the ability to inhibit and even kill the bacteria around the wound so that it can accelerate the wound healing. However, the loaded antibacterial agents of antibiotics and metal ions on wound dressings caused the new problems of drug resistance and toxicity. To develop a novel wound dressing with the natural antibacterial property agent, here, natural Manuka honey (MH), silk fibroin (SF), and polycaprolactone (PCL) were mixed to prepare nanofibrous membranes by electrospinning. The SEM observation showed the good microscopic morphology of SF/PCL/MH nanofibrous membranes that the fibers were even and smooth. With the addition of MH, the membranes gained the accepted stress and the excellent flexibility to adapt to wound contour. In addition, their hydrophilic property was beneficial to cell adhesion and proliferation. Most importantly, SF/PCL/MH nanofibrous membranes exhibited excellent sustained release effect and antibacterial properties. The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans reached 99.88%, 99.70%, and 98.95%, respectively when 75% natural antimicrobial agent MH was loaded. Moreover, SF/PCL/MH membranes showed good cytocompatibility. These results indicated the fabricated SF/PCL/MH nanofibrous membranes are a kind of novel dressing with good antimicrobial property.
Tree bark utilization in insulating bio‐aggregates: a review
Authors: Giannotas George , Kamperidou Vasiliki , Barboutis Ioannis
Published: September 2021

This review gives an overview of recent advances in research on the role of tree bark material in bark‐cement bio‐composites, and their potential as building insulation materials. Suberin and other bark extractives seem to be of great importance for the insulation properties of such composites. Bark is a readily available, biological raw material with unique properties and it has revealed promising results as a bio‐insulation material, either alone or in mixtures with different matrices (cement, lime, resins, polymers, etc.). The thermal, mechanical, acoustic, and hygroscopic properties of these bark‐insulating composites depend on several factors, primarily the type of tree bark, the density and mechanical strength of the bark, the density of the boards produced, and the ratio of bark material to the binder material used in the board production (cement, lime, resins, polymers, etc.). The size of granules and the thickness of the board produced seem to be factors with a lower impact on the properties of the bark‐cement composites. A low proportion of bark fibers or particles (0.5–1%) in bark‐cement composites has proven highly beneficial to their mechanical and thermal properties and ensures higher workability of the mixture. Different modification treatments of bark material should be investigated, with the aim of decreasing the bark extractives content, to improving the cement setting, decreasing the unstable hemicellulose components and their hygroscopic nature, improving the bark particles’ durability in alkaline environments, and upgrading their adherence properties. As the demand for alternative, sustainable structural materials keeps rising, the cement‐bark composites will undoubtedly keep attracting the attention of the scientific and industrial world. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Reproductive toxicity assessment of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride in CD® rats
Authors: Hostetler Keith A. , Fisher Louan C. , Burruss Benjamin L.
Published: September 2021

Aim

To determine the potential of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC) and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC) to induce reproductive toxicity in CD® rats in two independent 2‐generation reproduction studies conducted according to Good Laboratory Practices and standardized testing guidelines.

Materials and Methods

Male and female rats (parents and offspring) were allowed continual free access to diets containing concentrations of ADBAC (0, 300, 1,000, or 2,000 ppm) or DDAC (0, 300, 750, or 1,500 ppm), beginning with F0 generation adults at 10 weeks prior to breeding.

Results

No clinical signs of toxicity were observed in parental rats or their offspring in either study. Dietary exposure of parental rats to ADBAC or DDAC at the highest concentrations produced transient decreases in body weight and/or body weight changes with no or minimal corresponding reduction in food consumption. Offspring (F1 and F2) in the highest concentration group in each study also exhibited reduced body weights, often with a corresponding reduction in weight change, beginning on postnatal day (PND) 14 through weaning on PND 28. This reduction in pup body weight corresponded to initiation of self‐feeding.

Conclusions

Based on reduced body weights, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for adult and offspring systemic toxicity was 1,000 ppm for ADBAC and 750 ppm for DDAC (equivalent to approximate daily oral doses of 59 and 45 mg/kg/day, respectively). The reproductive and developmental NOAEL for F0, F1, and F2 generation male and female rats was 2,000 ppm for ADBAC and 1,500 ppm for DDAC (equivalent to approximate daily oral doses of 118 and 91 mg/kg/day, respectively).
Characterization of cell cycle and apoptosis in Chinese hamster ovary cell culture using flow cytometry for bioprocess monitoring
Authors: Ji Xiaodan , Lee Young Je , Eyster Tom , Parrillo Alexis , Galosy Sybille , Ao Zhaohui , Patel Pramthesh , Zhu Yuan
Published: September 2021

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are by far the most important mammalian cell lines used for producing antibodies and other therapeutic proteins. It is critical to fully understand their physiological conditions during a bioprocess in order to achieve the highest productivity and the desired product quality. Flow cytometry technology possesses unique advantages for measuring multiple cellular attributes for a given cell and examining changes in cell culture heterogeneity over time that can be used as metrics for enhanced process understanding and control strategy. Flow cytometry‐based assays were utilized to examine the progression of cell cycle and apoptosis in three case studies using different antibody‐producing CHO cell lines in both fed‐batch and perfusion bioprocesses. In our case studies, we found that G0/G1 phase distribution and early apoptosis accumulation responded to subtle changes in culture conditions, such as pH shifting or momentary glucose depletion. In a perfusion process, flow cytometry provided an insightful understanding of the cell physiological status under a hypothermic condition. More importantly, these changes in cell cycle and apoptosis were not detected by a routine trypan blue exclusion‐based cell counting and viability measurement. In summary, integration of flow cytometry into bioprocesses as a process analytical technology tool can be beneficial for establishing optimum process conditions and process control.
Progress in Bio‐Based Phenolic Foams: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Sarika P. R. , Nancarrow Paul , Khansaheb Abdulrahman , Ibrahim Taleb
Published: September 2021

Phenolic foams are widely used as insulation materials in construction, transportation, and spacecraft industries due to their flame retardancy, thermal stability, low toxicity, and low smoke generation. However, these foams are typically produced from non‐renewable resources. With increasing environmental pollution, volatility in petrochemical prices, and depletion of petroleum resources, the demand for polymeric materials produced from renewable resources is ever‐increasing. Numerous recent studies have introduced biomass as an alternative resource for petroleum‐based raw materials for producing phenolic foams. In addition to their environmental benefits, bio‐based phenolic foams exhibit properties similar or even superior to traditional phenolic foams. In this review, traditional phenolic foams are discussed. Recent progresses on synthesis of foams from bio‐based resources, modification of the bio‐alternatives, performance enhancements, and comparison with traditional phenolic foams are outlined. Challenges and methods to further improve performance characteristics of bio‐based phenolic foams and their expanding range of applications are highlighted.
Regulated lytic cell death in breast cancer
Authors: Liu Mingcheng , Wang Lirong , Xia Xiaojing , Wu Yundi , Zhu Chunling , Duan Mingyuan , Wei Xiaobing , Hu Jianhe , Lei Liancheng
Published: September 2021

Breast cancer (BC) is a very common cancer among women and one of the primary causes of death in women worldwide. Because BC has different molecular subtypes, the challenges associated with targeted therapy have increased significantly, and the identification of new therapeutic targets has become increasingly urgent. Blocking apoptosis and inhibiting cell death are important characteristics of malignant tumours, including BC. Under adverse conditions, including exposure to antitumour therapy, inhibition of cell death programmes can promote cancerous transformation and the survival of cancer cells. Therefore, inducing cell death in cancer cells is fundamentally important and provides new opportunities for potential therapeutic interventions. Lytic forms of cell death, primarily pyroptosis, necroptosis and ferroptosis, are different from apoptosis owing to their characteristic lysis, that is, the production of cellular components, to guide beneficial immune responses, and the application of lytic cell death (LCD) in the field of tumour therapy has attracted considerable interest from researchers. The latest clinical research results confirm that lytic death signalling cascades involve the BC cell immune response and resistance to therapies used in clinical practice. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding the various forms of LCD, placing a special emphasis on signalling pathways and their implications in BC, which may facilitate the development of novel and optimal strategies for the clinical treatment of BC.
Perforated jejunal diverticulitis with extensive diverticulosis: A case report
Authors: Hadrich Zied , Ben Ameur Hazem , Masmoudi Abderrahmen , Zouari Amine , Boujelben Salah , Mzali Rafik
Published: September 2021

Jejunal diverticulitis is a rare condition that almost occurs in the elderly. An extensive diverticulosis associated is exceptional and can make the treatment more challenging.
Titanosilicate Epoxidation Catalysts: A Review of Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Smeets Valentin , Gaigneaux Eric M. , Debecker Damien P.
Published: September 2021

Epoxidation reactions are tremendously important for modern chemistry, as they lead to series of highly useful bulk and fine chemicals, monomers, and intermediates for organic synthesis. Progress in epoxidation processes goes hand in hand with the advancement made in catalysis science. In this context, heterogeneous catalysts, and particularly Ti‐based formulations, are playing a central role and have seen tremendous developments over the past two decades, leveraging on advanced materials science. The aim of this review is to illustrate the various strategies of titanosilicate catalysts preparation that can lead to more versatile, more performant, and greener epoxidation processes. We successively cover (i) supported catalysts, obtained by the grafting of Ti species onto preformed silica supports, (ii) microporous crystalline titanosilicates (zeolites), and (iii) amorphous titanosilicates obtained by sol‐gel chemistry. For each category, with an emphasis on catalyst preparation, the challenges that have to be tackled to boost catalyst performance are highlighted. From that point, we present a critical review of the different approaches that have been proposed in the primary literature to tailor the properties that govern catalysts performance (activity, selectivity, stability, ease of handling). This is done by better controlling the nature of the active surface species, adapting particles size and shape, optimizing texture, modifying surface chemistry, etc. These lines of attack encompass molecular approaches for the grafting of well‐defined species, top‐down and bottom‐up synthesis of hierarchically porous zeolites, advanced sol‐gel routes potentially performed in non‐conventional media or coupled with original processing, preparation of self‐standing monoliths, etc. Future research directions are discussed with emphasis on the application scope of new catalytic materials and possible approaches to increase catalyst performance.
Morphology Engineering of Fullerene (C60) Microstructures Featuring Surface Cracks with Enhanced Photoluminescence and Microscopic Recognition Properties
Authors: Chen Ning , Shen Yanglin , Xu Ting , Shen Wangqiang , Lu Xing
Published: September 2021

Surface cracks could improve the optical and photoelectronic properties of crystalline materials as they increase specific surface area, but the controlled self‐assembly of fullerene (C60) molecules into micro‐/nanostructures with surface cracks is still challenging. Herein, we report the morphology engineering of novel C60microstructures bearing surface cracks for the first time, selecting phenetole and propan‐1‐ol (NPA) as good and poor solvents, respectively. Our systematic investigations reveal that phenetole molecules initially participate in the formation of the ends of the C60microstructures, and then NPA molecules are involved in the gradual growth of the sidewalls of the microstructures. Therefore, the surface cracks of C60microstructures can be finely regulated by adjusting the addition of NPA and the crystallization time. Interestingly, the cracked C60microstructures show superior photoluminescence properties relative to the smooth microstructures due to the increased specific surface area. In addition, C60microstructures with wide cracks show preferential recognition of silica particles over C60particles owing to electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged C60microstructures and the positively charged silica microparticles. These C60crystals with surface cracks have potential applications from optoelectronics to biology.
Association of mental health diagnosis with race and all‐cause mortality after a cancer diagnosis: Large‐scale analysis of electronic health record data
Authors: Chen William C. , Boreta Lauren , Braunstein Steve E. , Rabow Michael W. , Kaplan Lawrence E. , Tenenbaum Jessica D. , Morin Olivier , Park Catherine C. , Hong Julian C.
Published: September 2021

Background

Disparity in mental health care among cancer patients remains understudied.

Methods

A large, retrospective, single tertiary‐care institution cohort study was conducted based on deidentified electronic health record data of 54,852 adult cancer patients without prior mental health diagnosis (MHD) diagnosed at the University of California, San Francisco between January 2012 and September 2019. The exposure of interest was early‐onset MHD with or without psychotropic medication (PM) within 12 months of cancer diagnosis and primary outcome was all‐cause mortality.

Results

There were 8.2% of patients who received a new MHD at a median of 197 days (interquartile range, 61‐553) after incident cancer diagnosis; 31.0% received a PM prescription; and 3.7% a mental health–related visit (MHRV). There were 62.6% of patients who were non‐Hispanic White (NHW), 10.8% were Asian, 9.8% were Hispanic, and 3.8% were Black. Compared with NHWs, minority cancer patients had reduced adjusted odds of MHDs, PM prescriptions, and MHRVs, particularly for generalized anxiety (Asian odds ratio [OR], 0.66, 95% CI, 0.55‐0.78; Black OR, 0.60, 95% CI, 0.45‐0.79; Hispanic OR, 0.72, 95% CI, 0.61‐0.85) and selective serotonin‐reuptake inhibitors (Asian OR, 0.43, 95% CI, 0.37‐0.50; Black OR, 0.51, 95% CI, 0.40‐0.61; Hispanic OR, 0.79, 95% CI, 0.70‐0.89). New early MHD with PM was associated with elevated all‐cause mortality (12‐24 months: hazard ratio [HR], 1.43, 95% CI, 1.25‐1.64) that waned by 24 to 36 months (HR, 1.18, 95% CI, 0.95‐1.45).

Conclusions

New mental health diagnosis with PM was a marker of early mortality among cancer patients. Minority cancer patients were less likely to receive documentation of MHDs or treatment, which may represent missed opportunities to identify and treat cancer–related mental health conditions.
The HighPerMeshes framework for numerical algorithms on unstructured grids
Authors: Alhaddad Samer , Förstner Jens , Groth Stefan , Grünewald Daniel , Grynko Yevgen , Hannig Frank , Kenter Tobias , Pfreundt Franz‐Josef , Plessl Christian , Schotte Merlind , Steinke Thomas , Teich Jürgen , Weiser Martin , Wende Florian
Published: September 2021

Solving partial differential equations (PDEs) on unstructured grids is a cornerstone of engineering and scientific computing. Heterogeneous parallel platforms, including CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs, enable energy‐efficient and computationally demanding simulations. In this article, we introduce the HighPerMeshes C++‐embedded domain‐specific language (DSL) that bridges the abstraction gap between the mathematical formulation of mesh‐based algorithms for PDE problems on the one hand and an increasing number of heterogeneous platforms with their different programming models on the other hand. Thus, the HighPerMeshes DSL aims at higher productivity in the code development process for multiple target platforms. We introduce the concepts as well as the basic structure of the HighPerMeshes DSL, and demonstrate its usage with three examples. The mapping of the abstract algorithmic description onto parallel hardware, including distributed memory compute clusters, is presented. A code generator and a matching back end allow the acceleration of HighPerMeshes code with GPUs. Finally, the achievable performance and scalability are demonstrated for different example problems.
A Useful and Sustainable Role for N‐of‐1 Trials in the Healthcare Ecosystem
Authors: Selker Harry P. , Cohen Theodora , D’Agostino Ralph B. , Dere Willard H. , Ghaemi S. Nassir , Honig Peter K. , Kaitin Kenneth I. , Kaplan Heather C. , Kravitz Richard L. , Larholt Kay , McElwee Newell E. , Oye Kenneth A. , Palm Marisha E. , Perfetto Eleanor , Ramanathan Chandra , Schmid Christopher H. , Seyfert‐Margolis Vicki , Trusheim Mark , Eichler Hans‐Georg
Published: September 2021

Clinicians and patients often try a treatment for an initial period to inform longer‐term therapeutic decisions. A more rigorous approach involves N‐of‐1 trials. In these single‐patient crossover trials, typically conducted in patients with chronic conditions, individual patients are given candidate treatments in a double‐blinded, random sequence of alternating periods to determine the most effective treatment for that patient. However, to date, these trials are rarely done outside of research settings and have not been integrated into general care where they could offer substantial benefit. Designating this classical, N‐of‐1 trial design as type 1, there also are new and evolving uses of N‐of‐1 trials that we designate as type 2. In these, rather than focusing on optimizing treatment for chronic diseases when multiple approved choices are available, as is typical of type 1, a type 2 N‐of‐1 trial tests treatments designed specifically for a patient with a rare disease, to facilitate personalized medicine. While the aims differ, both types face the challenge of collecting individual‐patient evidence using standard, trusted, widely accepted methods. To fulfill their potential for producing both clinical and research benefits, and to be available for wide use, N‐of‐1 trials will have to fit into the current healthcare ecosystem. This will require generalizable and accepted processes, platforms, methods, and standards. This also will require sustainable value‐based arrangements among key stakeholders. In this article, we review opportunities, stakeholders, issues, and possible approaches that could support general use of N‐of‐1 trials and deliver benefit to patients and the healthcare enterprise. To assess and expand the benefits of N‐of‐1 trials, we propose multistakeholder meetings, workshops, and the generation of methods, standards, and platforms that would support wider availability and the value of N‐of‐1 trials.
PeacoQC: Peak‐based selection of high quality cytometry data
Authors: Emmaneel Annelies , Quintelier Katrien , Sichien Dorine , Rybakowska Paulina , Marañón Concepción , Alarcón‐Riquelme Marta E. , Van Isterdael Gert , Van Gassen Sofie , Saeys Yvan
Published: September 2021

In cytometry analysis, a large number of markers is measured for thousands or millions of cells, resulting in high‐dimensional datasets. During the measurement of these samples, erroneous events can occur such as clogs, speed changes, slow uptake of the sample etc., which can influence the downstream analysis and can even lead to false discoveries. As these issues can be difficult to detect manually, an automated approach is recommended. In order to filter these erroneous events out, we created a novel quality control algorithm, Peak Extraction And Cleaning Oriented Quality Control (PeacoQC), that allows for automated cleaning of cytometry data. The algorithm will determine density peaks per channel on which it will remove low quality events based on their position in the isolation tree and on their mean absolute deviation distance to these density peaks. To evaluate PeacoQC's cleaning capability, it was compared to three other existing quality control algorithms (flowAI, flowClean and flowCut) on a wide variety of datasets. In comparison to the other algorithms, PeacoQC was able to filter out all different types of anomalies in flow, mass and spectral cytometry data, while the other methods struggled with at least one type. In the quantitative comparison, PeacoQC obtained the highest median balanced accuracy and a similar running time compared to the other algorithms while having a better scalability for large files. To ensure that the parameters chosen in the PeacoQC algorithm are robust, the cleaning tool was run on 16 public datasets. After inspection, only one sample was found where the parameters should be further optimized. The other 15 datasets were analyzed correctly indicating a robust parameter choice. Overall, we present a fast and accurate quality control algorithm that outperforms existing tools and ensures high‐quality data that can be used for further downstream analysis. An R implementation is available.
The predictive power of pollination syndromes: Passerine pollination in heterantherous Meriania macrophylla (Benth.) Triana (Melastomataceae)
Authors: Valverde‐Espinoza José Miguel , Chacón‐Madrigal Eduardo , Alvarado‐Rodríguez Olman , Dellinger Agnes S.
Published: September 2021

The cloud forest species Meriania macrophylla (Benth.) Triana has pseudocampanulate flowers with bulbous stamen appendages, typical for the passerine pollination syndrome found in the Melastomataceae tribe Merianieae. The species is further characterized by strong stamen dimorphism (heteranthery), a condition otherwise associated with pollen‐rewarding bee‐pollinated species (both in Melastomataceae and beyond). In passerine‐pollinated Merianieae, however, flowers usually only show weak stamen dimorphism. Here, we conducted field and laboratory investigations to determine the pollinators of M. macrophylla and assess the potential role of strong heteranthery in this species. Our field observations in Costa Rica confirmed syndrome predictions and indeed proved pollination by passerine birds in M. macrophylla. The large bulbous set of stamens functions as a food‐body reward to the pollinating birds, and as trigger for pollen release (bellows mechanism) as typical for the passerine syndrome in Merianieae. In contrast to other passerine‐pollinated Merianieae, the second set of stamens has seemingly lost its rewarding and pollination function, however. Our results demonstrate the utility of the pollination syndrome concept even in light of potentially misleading traits such as strong heteranthery.
MPeat—A fully coupled mechanical‐ecohydrological model of peatland development
Authors: Mahdiyasa Adilan W. , Large David J. , Muljadi Bagus P. , Icardi Matteo , Triantafyllou Savvas
Published: September 2021

Mathematical models of long‐term peatland development have been produced to analyse peatland behaviour. However, existing models ignore the mechanical processes that have the potential to provide important feedback. Here, we propose a one‐dimensional model, MPeat, that couples mechanical, ecological and hydrological processes via poroelasticity theory, which couples fluid flow and solid deformation. Poroelasticity formulation in the MPeat is divided into two categories, fully saturated and unsaturated. To validate this formulation, we compare numerical solutions of the fully saturated case with analytical solutions of Terzaghi's problem. Two groups of MPeat simulations are run over 6,000 years using constant and variable climate, and the results are compared to those of two other peat growth models, DigiBog and the Holocene Peat Model. Under both climatic conditions, MPeat generates the expected changes in bulk density, active porosity and hydraulic conductivity at the transition from the unsaturated to the saturated zone. The range of values of peat physical properties simulated by MPeat shows good agreement with field measurement, indicating plausible outputs of the proposed model. Compared to the other peat growth models, the results generated by MPeat illustrate the importance of poroelasticity to the behaviour of peatland. In particular, the inclusion of poroelasticity produces shallower water table depth, accumulates greater quantities of carbon and buffers the effect of climate changes on water table depth and carbon accumulation rates. These results illustrate the importance of mechanical feedbacks on peatland ecohydrology and carbon stock resilience.
Variable responses of carbon and nitrogen contents in vegetation and soil to herbivory and warming in high‐Arctic tundra
Authors: Petit Bon Matteo , Böhner Hanna , BrÅthen Kari Anne , Ravolainen Virve Tuulia , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg Svala
Published: September 2021

Chemical responses of tundra vegetation and tundra soil to environmental changes are likely to differ, with implications for ecosystem functioning, yet they are rarely compared. Here, we aimed at comparing sensitivity and magnitude of short‐term carbon and nitrogen responses of three main tundra ecosystem compartments: vascular plants, mosses, and soil, to two environmental perturbations: herbivore disturbance and warming. In a full‐factorial field experiment in the high‐Arctic Svalbard, we simulated herbivore disturbance as spring grubbing activity by pink‐footed geese (Anser brachyrhynchus) and passively increased summer temperatures using open‐top chambers. Manipulations were set up within three habitats that differ in soil moisture and carried out for two consecutive growing seasons. Overall, we found small and few significant responses to herbivore disturbance and warming, suggesting that carbon and nitrogen contents of high‐Arctic ecosystems are relatively resistant to these perturbations, at least in the short term. However, the three ecosystem compartments still differed in their sensitivity to perturbations (vascular plants > soil > mosses), and this was exacerbated by their differential sensitivity across habitats (mesic > moist > wet). Also, while vascular plants responded to herbivore disturbance in mesic and wet habitats and to warming in mesic and moist habitats, soil and mosses only responded to herbivore disturbance in mesic and wet habitats, respectively. Responses to treatments were generally consistent across the two growing seasons, despite great differences in temperature conditions and large between‐year variations in the chemical composition of the three ecosystem compartments. These findings highlight the potential for environmental perturbations to have small, yet differential short‐term impacts on the carbon and nitrogen contents of vascular plants, mosses, and soil, both within and between tundra habitats. Our results imply that assessments of a single ecosystem compartment in a given context cannot be extrapolated to the whole ecosystem, thus stressing the importance of considering both vegetation and soil carbon and nitrogen responses, and how they display across habitats, in order to better understand how environmental changes might affect biogeochemical processes in the tundra. Longer‐term studies should dig deeper into the relative role of (simulated) global change drivers vs. natural inter‐annual climatic fluctuations for tundra ecosystem carbon and nitrogen dynamics.
Breeding dispersal in a resident boreal passerine can lead to short‐ and long‐term fitness benefits
Authors: Fuirst Matthew , Strickland Dan , Norris D. Ryan
Published: September 2021

Whether an individual disperses or remains site‐faithful between breeding seasons can have important impacts on individual fitness and population dynamics. While several studies have identified factors influencing the probability of breeding dispersal, the consequences of dispersal are much less certain, particularly over an individual’s lifetime. Here, we use 81 cases (13 paired and 55 single dispersals) of breeding dispersal across 55 yr of breeding and re‐sighting data from an individually marked population of Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis) at the southern edge of their range in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario to determine both the short‐ (year after dispersal) and long‐term (lifetime) consequences of breeding dispersal. In the year following dispersal, adults had larger brood sizes and higher nest success compared to the year prior to dispersal. However, when adults dispersed during the fall/winter, they had significantly later lay dates and lower rates of nest success than adults that dispersed during the summer. Additionally, most breeders dispersed to territories of higher quality and individuals that dispersed to a territory of lesser quality experienced lower rates of nest success. Importantly, individuals that dispersed at least once in their lifetime produced an average of 2.7 more young and recruited an average of 0.9 more juveniles into the population compared to individuals that remained site‐faithful. Our study provides rare evidence of both the short‐ and long‐term benefits of breeding dispersal in Canada jays and demonstrates how the timing of dispersal can also have consequences for individual reproductive performance.
Damming salmon fry: evidence for predation by non‐native warmwater fishes in reservoirs
Authors: Murphy Christina A. , Romer Jeremy D. , Stertz Kevin , Arismendi Ivan , Emig Ryan , Monzyk Fred , Johnson Sherri L.
Published: September 2021

Complex predator–prey interactions over time have the potential to limit survival of threatened native species. Reservoirs created by large dams in temperate ecosystems are sites where both coldwater and warmwater fish species overlap in distributions, forming assemblages that would not occur under natural settings. For example, in many western North American reservoirs, juvenile native salmonids now overlap with native and non‐native predators such as Northern Pikeminnow Ptychocheilus oregonensis and bass Micropterus spp. Currently, native Northern Pikeminnow are considered by many to be the most formidable predator of salmon smolts in freshwater systems of the Pacific Northwest. However, their consumption of salmon fry and the role of non‐native warmwater predators remain unclear. Predation on fry has proved more difficult to identify than on smolts, due to smaller sizes and high digestibility, but is important for prioritizing management strategies. Here, we use multiple lines of evidence, including large datasets of stable isotopes and fish stomach contents, to identify which fish consume Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha fry (<55 mm) as they enter reservoirs below their spawning grounds in the Middle Fork Willamette River, Oregon. Unexpectedly, we found that non‐native warmwater game fishes, including bass and crappie Pomoxis spp., preyed more heavily on Chinook Salmon fry in the spring than native fish predators including Northern Pikeminnow. Of the native species, only Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss showed evidence for significant predation on Chinook Salmon fry. Fish management in reservoirs that attempts to promote both warmwater and coldwater recreational fisheries simultaneously may thus be in conflict, necessitating future prioritization of species composition in individual reservoirs. This prioritization is especially important as these species include popular game fishes as well as salmonids threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Understanding predation pressure by popular invasive game fishes on sensitive life stages will allow managers and policymakers to evaluate trade‐offs in the management of these novel assemblages.
Right ventricular dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation in functional mitral regurgitation
Authors: Truong Vien T. , Ngo Tam N.M. , Mazur Jan , Nguyen Hoai T.M. , Pham Thuy T.M. , Palmer Cassady , Pham Khanh N.P. , Phan Hoang T. , Lee Kwan S. , Bannehr Marwin , Butter Christian , Gyoten Takayuki , Chung Eugene S.
Published: September 2021

Aim

The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic importance of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients with moderate–severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) receiving MitraClip procedure. RVD and TR grade are associated with cardiovascular mortality in the general population and other cardiovascular diseases. However, there are limited data from observational studies on the prognostic significance of RVD and TR in FMR receiving MitraClip procedure.

Methods and results

A systemic review and meta‐analysis were performed using MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase to assess the prognostic value of RVD and TR grade for mortality in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) receiving MitraClip procedure. Hazard ratios were extracted from multivariate models reporting on the association of RVD and TR with mortality and described as pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals. A total of eight non‐randomized studies met the inclusion criteria with seven studies having at least 12 months follow‐up with a mean follow‐up of 20.9 months. Among the aforementioned studies, a total of 1112 patients (71.5% being male) were eligible for being included in our meta‐analysis with an overall mortality rate of 28.4% (n = 316). Of the enrolled patients, RVD was present in 46.1% and moderate–severe TR in 29.2%. RVD was significantly associated with mortality compared to normal RV function (HR, 1.79, 95% CI, 1.39–2.31, P < 0.001, I2 = 0). Patients with moderate–severe TR showed increased risk of mortality compared with those in the none‐mild TR group (HR, 1.61. 95% CI, 1.11–2.33, P = 0.01, I2 = 14).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis demonstrates the prognostic importance of RVD and TR grade in predicting all‐cause mortality in patients with significant FMR. RV function and TR parameters may therefore be useful in the risk stratification of patients with significant FMR undergoing MitraClip procedure.
Exploring factors related to non‐adherence to exergaming in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Jaarsma Tiny , Klompstra Leonie , Strömberg Anna , Ben Gal Tuvia , Mårtensson Jan , van der Wal Martje H.L. ,   HF‐Wii study team
Published: September 2021

Aims

This study aimed to explore factors related to non‐adherence to exergaming in patients with heart failure.

Methods and results

Data from patients in the exergame group in the HF‐Wii trial were used. Adherence to exergaming was defined as playing 80% or more of the recommended time. Data on adherence and reasons for not exergaming at all were collected during phone calls after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Logistic regression was performed between patients who were adherent and patients who were non‐adherent. Secondly, a logistic regression was performed between patients who not exergamed at all and patients who were adherent to exergaming. Finally, we analysed the reasons for not exergaming at all with manifest content analysis. Almost half of the patients were adherent to exergaming. Patients who were adherent had lower social motivation [odds ratio (OR) 0.072; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.054–0.095], fewer sleeping problems (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.76–0.092), and higher exercise capacity (OR 1.003; 95% CI 1.001–1.005) compared with patients who were non‐adherent. Patients who not exergamed at all had lower cognition (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.06–1.31) and more often suffered from peripheral vascular disease (OR 3.74; 95% CI 1.01–13.83) compared with patients who were adherent to exergaming. Patients most often cited disease‐specific barriers as a reason for not exergaming at all.

Conclusions

A thorough baseline assessment of physical function and cognition is needed before beginning an exergame intervention. It is important to offer the possibility to exergame with others, to be able to adapt the intensity of physical activity.
Metal‐Free Hydroxyalkylative Radical Addition/Cyclization of Unactivated Alkenes for the Synthesis of Hydroxyalkylated Ring‐Fused Quinazolinones
Authors: Yang Zixian , Shan Yujia , Yu Jin‐Tao , Pan Changduo
Published: September 2021

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of ring‐fused quinazolinone derivatives through hydroxyalkyl radical‐initiated cyclization was developed, providing a series of five‐ and six‐membered ring‐fused hydroxyl‐containing quinazolinones in moderate to good yields. This reaction was conducted under metal‐free conditions using dicumyl peroxide as the radical initiator. Notably, this is the first example of the construction of ring‐fused quinazolinones through the radical C(sp3)−H functionalization of simple alcohols and was successfully utilized in the synthesis of Phaitanthrin A derivative.
Bluebirds Experience Impaired Hatching Success in Conventionally Sprayed Apple Orchard Habitats: A 31-Year Study
Authors: Read William F. , English Simon G. , Hick Kristina G. , Bishop Christine A.
Published: September 2021

We analyzed the reproductive success of eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) nesting in apple orchards and non-orchard nest-boxes in southern Ontario, Canada, from 1988 to 2018. Using data from 2397 nest-boxes monitored at 20 orchard sites and 52 non-orchard sites, we first modeled phenological parameters typically linked to climate change across both site types. We found that the first egg of each brood was laid significantly earlier in the season each year over our 31-year study. Clutch initiation occurred 4 days earlier in the spring in 2018 compared to 1988. Average clutch size in the first or second brood did not change significantly during our 31-year study; however, clutches were significantly smaller in orchards compared to non-orchards (0.10 ± 0.03 fewer eggs between sites). Nests built in orchards were also at 6.1-fold greater risk of parasitism and 2.1-fold greater risk of depredation than nests in non-orchards. After accounting for depredation and nest parasitism, hatching success was still significantly lower in orchards than in non-orchards. Overall, hatching success was 4%–5% lower in orchards. The probability of successfully fledging did not differ significantly between site types. In 2012, a ban on use of the organophosphate insecticide azinphos-methyl in orchards was enacted in Canada. We did not find a difference in hatching or fledging success in orchards after the ban. In our assessment of available data, we conclude that any pesticide effect on hatching success of eastern bluebirds in sprayed orchards is most likely the consequence of long-term exposure to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) compounds in orchard soils and bioaccumulation in eggs rather than pesticides in use since regulation of DDT in the 1970s. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3369–3378. © 2021 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Average reduced model to simulate solutions for heat and mass transfer through porous material
Authors: Berger Julien , Abdykarim Madina
Published: September 2021

The design of numerical tools to model the behavior of building materials is a challenging task. The crucial point is to save computational costs and maintain the high accuracy of predictions. There are two main limitations on the time scale choice, which places an obstacle to solving the above issues. The first one is the numerical restriction. A number of research studies are dedicated to overcome this limitation and it is shown that it can be relaxed with innovative numerical schemes. The second one is the physical restriction. It is imposed by the properties of a material, the phenomena itself, and the corresponding boundary conditions. This study is focused on the study of a methodology that enables to overcome the physical restriction on the time grid; a so‐called average reduced model is suggested. It is based on smoothing the time‐dependent boundary conditions. Besides this, the approximate solution is decomposed into average and fluctuating components. The primer is obtained by integrating the equations over time, whereas the latter is a user‐defined EM. The methodology is investigated for both heat diffusion and coupled heat and mass transfer. It is demonstrated that the signal core of the boundary conditions is preserved and the physical restriction can be relaxed. The model proved to be reliable, accurate, and efficient also in comparison with the experimental data of 2 years. The implementation of the scarce time‐step of is justified. It is shown, that by maintaining the tolerable error, it is possible to cut computational effort up to almost four times in comparison with the complete model with the same time grid.