bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Populations: Origins and Evolution
Authors: Barbujani Guido
Published: November 2021

We can reconstruct aspects of our shared history as
Homo sapiens
from the bones of ancestors who have lived and died over the past 200 000 years, from the archaeological traces they left behind, and from DNA. Fossil, archaeological and genetic evidence agree in showing that all living humans trace back their ancestry to Africa. Around 100 000 years ago, anatomically modern humans dispersed from there, eventually giving rise to all non‐African populations. The timing, the consequences and many details of the evolutionary processes accompanying such dispersion are still under investigation but can be inferred from patterns of genomic variation among individuals and populations, and from the study of ancient DNA. This way, we have been able to reconstruct aspects of human evolution and prehistory in a previously unconceivable detail. Open questions include the extent and consequences of
Homo sapiens
interactions with archaic human forms, the routes followed by the populations expanding out of Africa, and the often complex relationships between modern ethnic identities and genetic ancestry.

Key Concepts

Populations of anatomically modern human originated in Africa, probably not in a single place and not necessarily at the same time

Despite human populations being much larger, the overall human genetic diversity is the lowest in all primates, and these small differences are mainly accounted for by individual differences within populations

Variation has been observed at more than 20% of nucleotide sites in our 3.3 billion nucleotide‐pairs genome, but a typical genome differs from the reference human genome at 4.1–5.0 million sites, that is less than 0.2% of the total genome length

In a typical genome, there are 2100–2500 structural variants, affecting another 0.8% of its total length

African genomes harbour more diversity than those from any other continent, and a large share of the genetic diversity in these continents is represented by subsets of African alleles.

Patterns of genetic resemblance in humans are far more complicated than any scheme of racial classification can account

The Neandertal contribution to non‐African genomes is currently estimated between 1.5 and 2.1%, whereas Denisovan ancestry seems largely limited to Melanesian and Oceanian populations (4–6%)

Research is in progress to establish whether models of single or multiple dispersals from Africa better account for current genome diversity
Industrial Melanism
Authors: Grant Bruce S
Published: November 2021

Industrial melanism refers to the evolution of dark body colours in animal species that live in habitats blackened by industrial soot. The phenomenon has been documented in numerous species that hide from predators by blending in with their backgrounds. Peppered moths provide one example. Before the industrial revolution, peppered moths in the UK were speckled, pale grey, but after their habitats became polluted with soot from coal‐fired industries, melanic (black) phenotypes became numerous and spread to other regions. Away from industrial centres, the pale phenotype remained common. Following clean air legislation a century later, the atmosphere improved, soot‐damaged habitats gradually recovered, and the pale phenotype returned as the predominant form. Parallel changes have occurred in America. The melanic and pale phenotypes are determined by genes, and the changes in their percentages in populations reflect natural selection. Experiments identify bird predation on the moth phenotypes as the primary agent of selection.

Key Concepts

The natural colour patterns of animals are adaptations produced by natural selection.

A change in frequency (percentage) of genetically determined phenotypes in natural populations is direct evidence of evolutionary change.

Mutations introduce new genetic variation to a population, but recurrent mutations occur too rarely to bring about rapid changes in the frequency of genes.

Random changes in the frequency of genes (genetic drift) are irregular and unpredictable in direction.

Directional, rapid changes in the frequency of genetically determined phenotypes in populations result from natural selection.

Historical records on phenotypic frequencies from population samples allow the assessment of natural selection.

Gene flow (migration) retards genetic differentiation among geographically widespread populations.

Clines indicate different selection pressures along environmental gradients; when selection is removed, migration homogenises the differences along a cline.

Parallel evolution is ‘nature's replicate experiment’.
Atomic Force Microscopy Investigation of the In Situ‐Formed Oxide Layer at the Interface of Al2O3−C/Steel Melt in Terms of Adhesion Force and Roughness in a Model System
Authors: Ditscherlein Lisa , Zienert Tilo , Dudczig Steffen , Aneziris Christos , Peuker Urs Alexander
Published: November 2021

Herein, the in situ‐formed layers on carbon‐bonded alumina refractories immersed in liquid 42CrMo4 steel at 1650 °C are investigated with regard to their macro‐ and microroughness, wetting properties, as well as adhesive interactions. Colloidal probe (CP) atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to describe the adhesion in a water‐based model system. To take the interaction between melt and the in situ layer into account, the adhesive force is measured via drop probe AFM using a model system with mercury droplets. For poorly wetted in situ layer samples, adhesion forces increase with smaller hold times in the melt due to a less homogeneous layer and vice versa if only van der Waals forces act. In contrast, the influence of the immersion time in the melt and the lattice parameter of the crystals on the layer is of minor importance for melt droplet−layer adhesion.
Discovery of a Novel Amino Lipid That Improves Lipid Nanoparticle Performance through Specific Interactions with mRNA
Authors: Cornebise Mark , Narayanan Elisabeth , Xia Yan , Acosta Edward , Ci Lei , Koch Hillary , Milton Jaclyn , Sabnis Staci , Salerno Timothy , Benenato Kerry E.
Published: November 2021

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are capable of delivering messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) efficiently and systemically as a result of both particle composition and architecture. The particle architecture is determined by how the various components interact with one another to establish a stable equilibrium through self‐assembly. The Coulombic attraction between the anionic oligonucleotide cargo and the ionizable amino lipid within the encapsulation media contributes to the coalescence of the particles, but other interactions are also involved. Prior exploration of amino lipids for mRNA delivery via a traditional medicinal chemistry approach suggests that hydrogen bonding between a hydroxyl headgroup and the mRNA contributes to improved LNP in vivo expression. Herein, expansion of that work culminating in the discovery of a novel squaramide lipid that enables robust LNPs with high levels of expression is described. Molecular dynamics simulations and biophysical evidence both support the hypothesis that the squaramide is making specific interactions with mRNA resulting in particles with a more stable and efficient structure.
Interface‐Enhanced Ferromagnetism with Long‐Distance Effect in van der Waals Semiconductor
Authors: Zhu Wenxuan , Song Cheng , Han Lei , Bai Hua , Wang Qian , Yin Siqi , Huang Lin , Chen Tongjin , Pan Feng
Published: November 2021

Ferromagnetic semiconductors discovered in 2D materials open an avenue for highly integrated and multifunctional spintronics. The Curie temperature (TC) of existing 2D ferromagnetic semiconductors is extremely low and the modulation effect of their magnetism is limited compared with their 2D metallic counterparts. The interfacial effect is found to effectively manipulate the 3D magnetism, providing a unique opportunity for tailoring the 2D magnetism. Here, it is demonstrated that the TC of a 2D ferromagnetic semiconductor Cr2Ge2Te6 (CGT) can be enhanced by 130% (from ≈65 K to above 150 K) when adjacent to a tungsten layer. The interfacial W–Te bonding contributes to the TC enhancement with a strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, guaranteeing efficient magnetization switching by the spin‐orbit torque with a low current density at 150 K. Distinct from the rapid attenuation in conventional magnets, the interfacial effect exhibits a weak dependence on CGT thickness and a long‐distance effect (more than 10 nm) due to the weak interlayer coupling inherent to 2D magnets. This work not only reveals a unique interfacial behavior in 2D materials, but also advances the process toward practical 2D spintronics.
Binder‐Free ω‐Li3V2O5 Catalytic Network with Multi‐Polarization Centers Assists Lithium–Sulfur Batteries for Enhanced Kinetics Behavior
Authors: Yang Bin Ze , Xie Ping , Luo Qin , Li Zhi Wei , Zhou Cai Ying , Yin Yan Hong , Liu Xian Bin , Li Ye Sheng , Wu Zi Ping
Published: November 2021

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have tremendous attractive interest for their high theoretical energy density, natural abundance, and environmental friendliness. However, the commercialization remains constrained by the shuttle effect and sluggish kinetics of polysulfides. Herein, a spraying/discharging strategy is employed to fabricate binder‐free ω‐Li3V2O5 (ω‐LVO) catalytic network with multi‐polarization centers by intercalating Li‐ions into tetrahedral V2O5 for addressing the mentioned issues. Li (0.51 eV) and V (0.57 eV), which have a strong positive electric potential, and O (−0.57 eV), which has a strong negative electric potential, exhibit high polarity that can capture polysulfides effectively. In addition, the amounts of the polarity sites would be significantly increased because the catalyst is composed of light elements. Therefore, the ω‐LVO octahedron can catalyze polysulfides to short‐chains sufficiently. The blue shift in synchronous ultraviolet‐visible spectra and ultra‐low Tafel plots of 34 and 20 mV dec−1 at two discharge plateaus demonstrate excellent kinetics behavior even with a low catalyst loading. Furthermore, the conductive networks facilitate electronic/ionic transmission and thereby boost their electrochemical performances. This work offers an efficacious method to promote kinetics behaviors and lessen the gap between theoretical specific capacities and future commercialization of LSBs.
Quenching‐Resistant Multiresonance TADF Emitter Realizes 40% External Quantum Efficiency in Narrowband Electroluminescence at High Doping Level
Authors: Jiang Pengcheng , Miao Jingsheng , Cao Xiaosong , Xia Han , Pan Ke , Hua Tao , Lv Xialei , Huang Zhongyan , Zou Yang , Yang Chuluo
Published: November 2021

Multiresonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) emitters manifest great potential for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) due to their high exciton‐utilization efficiency and narrowband emission. Nonetheless, their tendency toward self‐quenching caused by strong interchromophore interactions would induce doping sensitivity and deteriorate the device performances, and effective strategy to construct quenching‐resistant emitters without sacrifycing color purity is still to be developed. By segregating the planar MR‐TADF skeleton using two bulky carbazolyl units, herein a highly emissive molecule with enhanced quenching resistance is reported. The steric effect largely removes the formation of detrimental excimers/aggregates, and boosts the performance of the corresponding devices with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) up to 40.0% and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 25 nm, representative of the only example of single OLED that can concurrently achieve narrow bandwidth and high EL efficiency surpassing 40% to date. Even at doping ratio of 30 wt%, the EQEmax is retained to be 33.3% with nearly unchanged emission spectrum. This work provides a viable approach to realize doping‐insensitive MR‐TADF devices with extreme EL efficiency and color purity for high‐end OLED displays.
A Multifunctional Flexible Ferroelectric Transistor Sensor for Electronic Skin
Authors: Liu Weilin , Lin Dong , Zeng Wanyu , Wang Qinhao , Yang Jiang , Peng Zengchong , Zhang Qun , Zhu Guodong
Published: November 2021

Electronic skin (E‐skin) is a device that mimics the functions of human skin and is attracting more and more attention as a novel platform for human–machine interaction, health diagnostics, therapeutics, robotics, prosthesis, and monitoring. Here, a flexible ferroelectric field‐effect transistor (FeFET) is developed as a multifunctional sensor prototype for electronic skin. Ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene) and amorphous tungsten‐doped indium oxide are utilized to construct the FeFET. The device possesses three‐in‐one sensing performance. It can monitor external stress with a linear sensitivity of 4.6 nA kPa−1 in broad pressure range between 50 Pa and 150 kPa and detect temperature change between 0 and 70 °C. Electrostatic interaction further endows the device with proximity sensing function to perceive the approach of a charged object. The device is further developed for detection of a human's physiological signals, such as pulsation and respiration, and finger's action. It shows good bending endurance which maintains its transfer characteristic after 1000 cycles of bending operation. Moreover, the device's responses to both temperature change and charged objects are investigated when it is under bending condition with radius of curvature down to 1.09 mm. This multifunctional sensor prototype is expected to contribute to the next‐generation E‐skin.
Biophysical Considerations in the Rational Design and Cellular Targeting of Flexible Polymeric Nanoparticles
Authors: Farokhirad Samaneh , Kandy Sreeja Kutti , Tsourkas Andrew , Ayyaswamy Portonovo S. , Eckmann David M. , Radhakrishnan Ravi
Published: November 2021

How nanoparticle (NP) mechanical properties impact multivalent ligand–receptor‐mediated binding to cell surfaces, the avidity, propensity for internalization, and effects due to crowding remains unknown or unquantified. Through computational analyses, the effects of NP composition from soft, deformable NPs to rigid spheres, effect of tethers, the crowding of NPs at the membrane surface, and the cell membrane properties such as cytoskeletal interactions are addressed. Analyses of binding mechanisms of three distinct NPs that differ in type and rigidity (core‐corona flexible NP, rigid NP, and rigid‐tethered NP) but are otherwise similar in size and ligand surface density are reported; moreover, for the case of flexible NP, NP stiffness is tuned by varying the internal crosslinking density. Biophysical modeling of NP binding to membranes together with thermodynamic analysis powered by free energy calculations is employed, and it is shown that efficient cellular targeting and uptake of NP functionalized with targeting ligand molecules can be shaped by factors including NP flexibility and crowding, receptor–ligand binding avidity, state of the membrane cytoskeleton, and curvature inducing proteins. Rational design principles that confer tension, membrane excess area, and cytoskeletal sensing properties to the NP which can be exploited for cell‐specific targeting of NP are uncovered.
Indirect to Direct Charge Transfer Transition in Plasmon‐Enabled CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Zhang Yimin , Yan Lei , Guan Mengxue , Chen Daqiang , Xu Zhe , Guo Haizhong , Hu Shiqi , Zhang Shengjie , Liu Xinbao , Guo Zhengxiao , Li Shunfang , Meng Sheng
Published: November 2021

Understanding hot carrier dynamics between plasmonic nanomaterials and its adsorbate is of great importance for plasmon‐enhanced photoelectronic processes such as photocatalysis, optical sensing and spectroscopic analysis. However, it is often challenging to identify specific dominant mechanisms for a given process because of the complex pathways and ultrafast interactive dynamics of the photoelectrons. Here, using CO2 reduction as an example, the underlying mechanisms of plasmon‐driven catalysis at the single‐molecule level using time‐dependent density functional theory calculations is clearly probed. The CO2 molecule adsorbed on two typical nanoclusters, Ag20 and Ag147, is photoreduced by optically excited plasmon, accompanied by the excitation of asymmetric stretching and bending modes of CO2. A nonlinear relationship has been identified between laser intensity and reaction rate, demonstrating a synergic interplay and transition from indirect hot‐electron transfer to direct charge transfer, enacted by strong localized surface plasmons. These findings offer new insights for CO2 photoreduction and for the design of effective pathways toward highly efficient plasmon‐mediated photocatalysis.
Based On Confined Polymerization: In Situ Synthesis of PANI/PEEK Composite Film in One‐Step
Authors: Lin Ziyu , Cao Ning , Sun Zhonghui , Li Wenying , Sun Yirong , Zhang Haibo , Pang Jinhui , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: November 2021

Confined polymerization is an effective method for precise synthesis, which can further control the micro‐nano structure inside the composite material. Polyaniline (PANI)‐based composites are usually prepared by blending and original growth methods. However, due to the strong rigidity and hydrogen bonding of PANI, the content of PANI composites is low and easy to agglomerate. Here, based on confined polymerization, it is reported that polyaniline /polyether ether ketone (PANI/PEEK) film with high PANI content is synthesized in situ by a one‐step method. The micro‐nano structure of the two polymers in the confined space is further explored and it is found that PANI grows in the free volume of the PEEK chain, making the arrangement of the PEEK chain more orderly. Under the best experimental conditions, the prepared 16 µm‐PANI/PEEK film has a dielectric constant of 205.4 (dielectric loss 0.401), the 75 µm‐PANI/PEEK film has a conductivity of 3.01×10−4 S m−1. The prepared PANI/PEEK composite film can be further used as electronic packaging materials, conductive materials, and other fields, which has potential application prospects in anti‐static, electromagnetic shielding materials, corrosion resistance, and other fields.
Tunable Two‐Channel Magnetotransport in SrRuO3 Ultrathin Films Achieved by Controlling the Kinetics of Heterostructure Deposition
Authors: Ko Eun Kyo , Lee Han Gyeol , Lee Sangmin , Mun Junsik , Kim Jinkwon , Lee Ji Hye , Kim Tae Heon , Chung Jin‐Seok , Chung Suk Bum , Park Sang Hwa , Yang Sang Mo , Kim Miyoung , Chang Seo Hyoung , Noh Tae Won
Published: November 2021

In the field of oxide heterostructure engineering, there are extensive efforts to couple the various functionalities of each material. The Berry curvature‐driven magnetotransport of SrRuO3 ultrathin films is currently receiving a great deal of attention because it is extremely sensitive to the electronic structures near the Fermi surface driven by extensive physical parameters such as spin–orbit coupling and inversion symmetry breaking. Although this is beneficial in terms of heterostructure engineering, it renders transport behavior vulnerable to nanoscale inhomogeneity, resulting in artifacts called “hump anomalies.” Here, a method to tune the magnetotransport properties of SrRuO3 ultrathin films capped by LaAlO3 layers is developed. The kinetic process of pulsed laser deposition by varying the growth pressure during LaAlO3 layer deposition is systematically controlled. Furthermore, the effects of nanoscale inhomogeneity on the Berry curvature near the Fermi surface in SrRuO3 films are investigated. It is found that the high kinetic energy of the capping layer adatoms induces stoichiometric modification and nanoscale lattice deformation of the underlying SrRuO3 layer. The control of kinetics provides a way to modulate magnetization and the associated magnetotransport of the SrRuO3 layer.
Generating and evaluating explanations of attended and error‐inducing input regions for VQA models
Authors: Ray Arijit , Cogswell Michael , Lin Xiao , Alipour Kamran , Divakaran Ajay , Yao Yi , Burachas Giedrius
Published: November 2021

Attention maps, a popular heatmap‐based explanation method for Visual Question Answering, are supposed to help users understand the model by highlighting portions of the image/question used by the model to infer answers. However, we see that users are often misled by current attention map visualizations that point to relevant regions despite the model producing an incorrect answer. Hence, we propose Error Maps that clarify the error by highlighting image regions where the model is prone to err. Error maps can indicate when a correctly attended region may be processed incorrectly leading to an incorrect answer, and hence, improve users' understanding of those cases. To evaluate our new explanations, we further introduce a metric that simulates users' interpretation of explanations to evaluate their potential helpfulness to understand model correctness. We finally conduct user studies to see that our new explanations help users understand model correctness better than baselines by an expected 30% and that our proxy helpfulness metrics correlate strongly () with how well users can predict model correctness.
Dysautonomia in the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders—With a focus on the postural tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Mathias Christopher J. , Owens Andrew , Iodice Valeria , Hakim Alan
Published: November 2021

Dysautonomia (autonomic dysfunction) occurs in the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). Symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, presyncope, and syncope, especially when standing upright. Symptoms of orthostatic intolerance are usually relieved by sitting or lying and may be exacerbated by stimuli in daily life that cause vasodilatation, such as food ingestion, exertion, and heat. Neurocardiovascular dysautonomia may result in postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), a major cause of orthostatic intolerance. It is defined by a rise in heart rate of >30 beats per minute (bpm) in adults and >40 bpm in teenagers while upright, without a fall in blood pressure (BP; orthostatic hypotension). In some, it can be compounded by the presence of low BP. For many, there is delay in clinicians recognizing the nature of the symptoms, and recognizing EDS or HSD, leading to delays in treatment. The onset of PoTS may be linked to an event such as infection, trauma, surgery, or stress. Gastrointestinal and urinary bladder involvement may occur, along with thermoregulatory dysfunction. In some, the mast cell activation syndrome may be contributary, especially if it causes vasodilatation. This paper reviews neurocardiovascular dysautonomia with an emphasis on PoTS, its characteristics, associations, pathophysiology, investigation, and treatment.
Space charge performance of epoxy composites with improved thermal property at high temperature under high electric field
Authors: Dai Chao , Zhu Guangyu , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Miyake Hiroaki , Sato Kosuke , Chen Xiangrong , Paramane Ashish
Published: November 2021

This article investigates the high‐temperature space charge dynamics of epoxy composites consisting of micro and nano‐AlN fillers under a high electric field. The test temperatures are selected for the space charge measurement based on the glass transition temperature. An indigenously designed pulse electro‐acoustic system measures the space charge distribution up to 150°C. The stepwise‐increasing field is applied to the test samples from 20 to 100 kV/mm at the rate of 20 kV/mm. The epoxy hybrid composites show negligible space charge accumulation at room temperature and low electric fields, which increases at high temperatures and high electric fields. The hybrid composite with 1 wt% nanoparticle has a dielectric breakdown at 100 and 150°C under 100 kV/mm with an evident amount of accumulated charges. In the hybrid composites with 3 and 5 wt% nanofillers, the breakdown is observed under 80 and 100 kV/mm, respectively, at 150°C. Notably, the micro‐nano filler addition significantly improves the thermal conductivity of the epoxy resin. The uniform dispersion of the fillers affects the electrical and thermal properties of the epoxy. The charge dynamics‐related mechanism is proposed on the basis of morphological characterization and thermal properties of epoxy and its composites.
Surface tension and interfacial tension of polyolefins and polyolefin blends
Authors: Charfeddine Ilhem , Majesté Jean‐Charles , Carrot Christian , Lhost Olivier
Published: November 2021

This paper focuses on the calculation of the interfacial tension of two systems: low‐density polyethylene with isotactic polypropylene and high‐density polyethylene with syndiotactic polypropylene. For this, three methods to measure the interfacial tension are compared: the use of Palierne's model, and Gramespacher and Meissner's model, both based on additional elasticity or long relaxation times brought by shape recovery of dispersed phase, and ab‐initio calculation, which requires the knowledge of the surface tension of the neat polymer measured at the same temperature. For that, a database collected from the literature is built in the first section of this paper, whether for the studied systems or for other systems of various olefinic homopolymers or copolymers with polypropylene. The results show the effectiveness of the Gramespacher and Meissner's model to calculate the interfacial tension of the studied systems for which the results were in agreement with ab‐initio calculation and Palierne's model. Extension of the ab‐initio calculation to olefinic copolymers was proposed.
The observations of the gigahertz‐peaked spectra pulsars
Authors: Rożko Karolina
Published: November 2021

In this short overview, we summarize the current knowledge of the pulsar spectra that exhibit turnovers between 0.5 and 1.5 GHz. We focus on the observations of pulsars, for which the analysis of their spectra allowed a formulation of the hypothesis that external mechanisms are responsible for the high‐frequency turnovers. Among these, we discuss the cases of the binary pulsar B1259‐63, the Sagittarius A* radiomagnetar (SGR J1745‐2900), the variable spectrum of pulsar (PSR) B1800‐21, and PSR J1740 + 1000.
Fructose diet ameliorates effects of macrophage migration inhibitory factor deficiency on prefrontal cortex inflammation, neural plasticity, and behavior in male mice
Authors: Vratarić Miloš , Šenk Vladimir , Bursać Biljana , Gligorovska Ljupka , Ignjatović Djurdjica , Kovačević Sanja , Veličković Nataša , Djordjevic Ana
Published: November 2021

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine that represents a link between diet‐induced inflammation and insulin resistance. Our aim was to examine whether fructose diet affects inflammation and insulin signaling in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of Mif knockout mice (MIF‐KO), and their possible link to neural plasticity and behavior. We analyzed nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) and glucocorticoid signaling, expression of F4/80, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, TLR‐4, MyD88, arginase 1 (Arg‐1), mannose receptor (Mrc‐1), and leukemia inhibitory factor (Lif) to assess inflammation in the PFC of C57/BL6J and MIF‐KO mice consuming 20% fructose solution for 9 weeks. Insulin receptor (IR), IRS‐1 serine phosphorylations (307 and 1101) and activity of PKCα, Akt, GSK‐3β and AMPKα were used to analyze insulin signaling. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) mRNA levels, together with synapthophysin and PSD‐95 protein level and calcium calmodulin‐dependent kinase 2 (CaMKII) activity, were used as plasticity markers. Behavior was examined in elevated plus maze, light dark box and novel object recognition test. The results showed concomitant increase of Tnf‐α, Tlr‐4, MyD88 and M2 microglia markers (Arg‐1, Mrc‐1, Lif) in the PFC of MIF‐KO, paralleled with unchanged glucocorticoid and insulin signaling. Increase of BDNF and IGF‐1 was paralleled with increased CaMKII activity, decreased PSD‐95 protein level, anxiogenic behavior, and impaired memory in MIF‐KO mice. Fructose feeding restored these parameters in the PFC to the control level and mitigated behavioral changes, suggesting that ameliorating effects of fructose on neuroinflammation and behavior depend on the presence of MIF.
Impact of sex on outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Latif Azka , Ahsan Muhammad Junaid , Lateef Noman , Aurit Sarah , Mirza Mohsin M. , Siller‐Matula Jolanta M , Mamas Mamas A. , Parikh Manish , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Abbott J. Dawn , Bhatt Deepak L. , Velagapudi Poonam
Published: November 2021

Background

Women are underrepresented in chronic total occlusion (CTO) trials and little is known about sex differences in the outcomes of CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This meta‐analysis aims to compare the outcomes of CTO PCI in males and females.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was performed for studies comparing outcomes of CTO PCI in females versus males from inception to January 26, 2021. The current statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 15.1 software (Stata Corporation, TX); P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

Fourteen observational studies were included in the analysis with 75% males and 25% females. The mean age was 64.47 ± 10.5 years and 68.98 ± 9.5 years for males and females, respectively. The median follow‐up duration was 2.4 years. Males had a higher Japanese‐CTO (J‐CTO) score compared with females (MD = −0.17; 95% CI: −0.25 to −0.10). Females had statistically higher success rates of CTO PCI (RR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01 to1.05), required less contrast volume (MD = −18.64: 95% CI: −30.89 to −6.39) and fluoroscopy time (MD = −9.12; 95% CI: −16.90 to −1.34) compared with males. There was no statistical difference in in‐hospital (RR = 1.50; 95% CI: 0.73 to 3.09) or longer term (≥6 months) all‐cause mortality (RR = 1.10; 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.42) between the two groups.

Conclusions

CTO PCI is feasible and safe in female patients with comparable outcomes in female versus male patients.
Radiation response of soft‐tissue extramedullary plasmacytoma in multiple myeloma—A case report
Authors: Gaube Alexandra , Nica Silvia Gabriela , Dobrea Camelia , Neicu Stefania Ariana , Moldoveanu Vanessa Gabriela , Serbanescu Magda , Calangiu Filip Stefan
Published: November 2021

We report the case of a 79‐year‐old female patient previously treated for multiple myeloma that was referred to our hospital due to a growing painless right arm tumor. Imaging and pathology results confirmed the diagnosis of extramedullary plasmacytoma. The patient underwent external beam radiotherapy with complete clinical response at follow‐up.
Imidazolyl‐Phenylcarbazole‐Based Host Materials and Their Use for Co‐host Designs in Phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Yi Rong‐Huei , Lei Ya‐Chun , Tseng Yeh‐Hsiang , Lin Yi‐Fan , Cheng Yen‐Chia , Fang Yu‐Chuan , Ho Cheng‐Yung , Tsai Wei‐Wen , Chang Chih‐Hao , Lu Chin‐Wei
Published: November 2021

In recent years, owing to the demand for high‐efficiency phosphorescent organic light‐emitting devices (PhOLEDs), many studies have been conducted on the development of bipolar host materials. A series of imidazolyl‐phenylcarbazole‐based host materials, i. e., im‐CzP, im‐CzPCz, im‐CzPtBu, and im‐OCzP, were synthesized to obtain high‐efficiency green and red‐emitting PhOLEDs. With im‐OCzP as the host, satisfactory peak efficiencies of 22.2 (77.0 cd A−1 and 93.1 lm W−1) and 14.1 % (9.0 cd A−1 and 10.1 lm W−1) could be obtained, respectively. To further improve the performance of the devices, an electron transport material, bis‐4,6‐(3,5‐di‐3‐pyridylphenyl)‐2‐methylpyrimidine (B3PyMPM) was selected to construct a co‐hosted system. The efficiency of im‐OCzP combined with B3PyMPM forming co‐hosts could also achieve high values of 23.0 (80.0 cd A−1 and 98.8 lm W−1) and 16.5 % (10.2 cd A−1 and 13.4 lm W−1) for green and red PhOLEDs, respectively. These results exhibited that the proposed bipolar hosts have great flexibility in adjusting the carrier balance of EML in OLEDs, demonstrating their ingenious design and high potential.
Pivotal Role of Holes in Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction on TiO2
Authors: Moustakas Nikolaos G. , Lorenz Felix , Dilla Martin , Peppel Tim , Strunk Jennifer
Published: November 2021

Evidence is provided that in a gas‐solid photocatalytic reaction the removal of photogenerated holes from a titania (TiO2) photocatalyst is always detrimental for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The coupling of the reaction to a sacrificial oxidation reaction hinders or entirely prohibits the formation of CH4 as a reduction product. This agrees with earlier work in which the detrimental effect of oxygen‐evolving cocatalysts was demonstrated. Photocatalytic alcohol oxidation or even overall water splitting proceeds in these reaction systems, but carbon‐containing products from CO2 reduction are no longer observed. H2 addition is also detrimental, either because it scavenges holes or because it is not an efficient proton donor on TiO2. The results are discussed in light of previously suggested reaction mechanisms for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The formation of CH4 from CO2 is likely not a linear sequence of reduction steps but includes oxidative elementary steps. Furthermore, new hypotheses on the origin of the required protons are suggested.
Joint Venture of Metal Cluster and Amphiphilic Cationic Minidendron Resulting in Near Infrared Emissive Lamellar Ionic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Ebert Max , Carrasco Irene , Dumait Noée , Frey Wolfgang , Baro Angelika , Zens Anna , Lehmann Matthias , Taupier Gregory , Cordier Stephane , Jacques Emmanuel , Molard Yann , Laschat Sabine
Published: November 2021

Inorganic red‐NIR emissive materials are particularly relevant in many fields like optoelectronic, bioimaging or solar cells. Benefiting from their emission in devices implies their integration in easy‐to‐handle materials like liquid crystals, whose long‐range ordering and self‐healing abilities could be exploited and influence emission. Herein, we present red‐NIR emissive hybrid materials obtained with phosphorescent octahedral molybdenum cluster anions electrostatically associated with amphiphilic guanidinium minidendrons. Polarized optical microscopy and X‐ray analysis show that while the minidendron chloride salts self‐organize into columnar phases, their association with the dianionic metal cluster leads to layered phases. Steady‐state and time‐resolved emission investigations demonstrate the influence of the minidendron alkyl chain length on the phosphorescence of the metal cluster core.
Preparation of Polyfunctionalized Aromatic Nitriles from Aryl Oxazolines
Authors: Hess A. , Guelen H. C. , Alandini N. , Mourati A. , Guersoy Y. C. , Knochel P.
Published: November 2021

A selective ortho,ortho’‐functionalization of readily available aryl oxazolines by two successive magnesiations with sBu2Mg in toluene followed by trapping reactions with electrophiles, such as (hetero)aryl iodides or bromides, iodine, tosyl cyanide, ethyl cyanoformate or allylic bromides (39 examples, 62–99 % yield) is reported. Treatment of these aryl oxazolines with excess oxalyl chloride and catalytic amounts of DMF (50 °C, 4 h) provided the corresponding nitriles (36 examples, 73–99 % yield). Conversions of these nitriles to valuable heterocycles are reported, and a tentative mechanism is proposed.
Label ranking‐based recommendation system to rank crops for agroecological units
Authors: Suchithra Marathezhath Subramanian , Pai Maya L.
Published: November 2021

Data mining and machine learning techniques help to predict suitable crops in ranking order for a given location with its soil nutrient status. We proposed a tuned bagging‐based K‐nearest neighbor ensemble label ranker and it is used to predict the ranked crops for density‐based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) based compressed crop‐ranked agricultural data. This ensemble integrates the commonly used Borda rank aggregation method, but there is a possibility to improve the performance of our proposed algorithm by selecting the most suitable rank aggregation based on the improvement in the label ranked dataset. The results of the study show that Copeland performed better than Borda aggregation with a 6.65% improvement in the performance of our algorithm, while it is 5.16% for Borda. The voting rule selection (VRS) is also integrated into our study with dataset‐level and instance‐level learning on crop‐ranked datasets. VRS and Copeland aggregation methods shared the first rank position with 46.14% and 45.67% improvement in the ranked datasets. The instance‐level winning percentage of crop ranked data for VRS, Copeland, and Borda is 61.44%, 56.23%, and 47.81%, respectively. This study has observed that in the case of a tuned K‐nearest neighbor label ranking algorithm, the VRS and Copeland voting rule performs better than Borda.
Identifying causal mechanisms in psychotherapy: What can we learn from causal mediation analysis?
Authors: Hesser Hugo
Published: November 2021

Despite widespread interest in the development of process‐based psychotherapies, little is still known about the underlying processes that underpin our most effective therapies. Statistical mediation analysis is a commonly used analytical method to evaluate how, or by which processes, a therapy causes change in an outcome. Causal mediation analysis (CMA) represents a new advancement in mediation analysis that employs causally defined direct and indirect effects based on potential outcomes. These novel ideas and analytical techniques have been characterized as revolutionary in epidemiology and biostatistics, although they are not (yet) widely known among researchers in clinical psychology. In this paper, I outline the fundamental concepts underlying CMA, clarify the differences between the CMA approach and the traditional approach to mediation, and identify two important data analytical aspects that have been emphasized as a result of these recent advancements. To illustrate the key ideas, assumptions, and mathematical definitions intuitively, an applied clinical example from a previously published randomized controlled trial is used. CMA's main contributions are discussed, as well as some of the key challenges. Finally, it is argued that the most significant contribution of CMA is the formalization of mediation in a unified causal framework with clear assumptions.
Soil Test Levels to Guide Nutrient Stewardship: Phosphorus and Potassium Focus for the North‐Central Region
Authors: Jones John , Bruulsema Tom , Tarik Saad
Published: November 2021

While monitoring soil test levels for essential crop nutrients is most important on the field or subfield scale, assessing trends across broader geographies can indicate the direction of where past and current management practices are leading us. This article discusses the soil fertility status of the U.S., specifically the North‐Central region, informed by the 2020 North American Soil Test Summary, and what can be interpreted to guide nutrient management decisions at different geographical scales. Earn 1 CEU in Nutrient Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://bit.ly/3aR26gE. View all CEUs online at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Responses of American black bears to spring resources
Authors: Bowersock Nathaniel R. , Litt Andrea R. , Merkle Jerod A. , Gunther Kerry A. , van Manen Frank T.
Published: November 2021

In temperate regions of the world, food resources are seasonally limited, which causes some wildlife species to seek out nutrient‐rich resources to better meet their caloric needs. Animals that utilize high‐quality resources may reap fitness benefits as they prepare for mating, migration, or hibernation. American black bears (Ursus americanus) are omnivores that consume both plant and animal food resources to meet macronutrient needs. Black bears capitalize on high‐quality food resources, such as soft mast in summer and hard mast during autumn, but we know less about the importance of resource quality during spring. Therefore, we sought to understand the relationship between the spatiotemporal variation in the availability of food and resource selection of black bears during spring. We also aimed to infer potential changes in foraging tactics, from opportunistic foraging to more active selection. Although black bears are described as opportunistic omnivores, we hypothesized they select areas with high‐quality forage when available. We instrumented 7 black bears with GPS collars in 2017 and 2018 and estimated fine‐scale resource selection with integrated step‐selection functions. We found evidence that black bear movements were influenced by forage quality of vegetative food resources. However, we failed to find evidence that black bears actively alter their movements to take advantage of seasonal neonate elk. Although black bears represent a substantial cause of mortality for neonate elk, we found that black bears likely feed on neonates encountered opportunistically while traveling between patches of high‐quality forage. Few studies have shown evidence of an omnivorous species capitalizing on spatiotemporal variation in forage quality, yet our data suggest this may be an important strategy for species with diverse diets, particularly where resources are seasonally limited.
Effects of geographic variation in host plant resources for a specialist herbivore's contemporary and future distribution
Authors: Carvajal Acosta A. Nalleli , Mooney Kailen
Published: November 2021

Species distributions are driven by abiotic and biotic factors, but the importance of variation in the availability and quality of critical resources is poorly understood. Disentangling the relative importance of these factors—abiotic environment, availability of critical resources, and resource quality—will be important to modeling species current distributions and responses to projected climate change. We address these questions using species distribution models (SDMs) for the western monarch butterfly population (Danaus plexippus), whose larvae feed exclusively on Asclepias species known for their heterogeneous distribution and variation in host quality. We modeled the distribution of 24 Asclepias species to compare three monarch distribution models with increasing levels of complexity: (1) a null model using only environmental factors (climate envelope model), (2) a model using environmental factors and Asclepias availability estimated as species richness, (3) and a model using environmental factors and Asclepias’ availability weighted by host plant quality as assessed through a greenhouse bioassay of larval performance. Asclepias models predicted that half of the Asclepias species will expand their ranges and shift toward higher latitudes, while half will contract. These patterns were uncorrelated with host plant quality. Among the three monarch models, the climate envelope model was the poorest performing. Models accounting for host plant availability performed best, while accounting for host plant quality did not improve model performance. The climate envelope model estimated more restrictive contemporary and future monarch ranges compared to both host plant models. Although all three models predicted future monarch range expansions, the projected future distributions varied among models. The climate envelope model predicted range expansions along the Pacific coast and contractions inland. In contrast, the host plant availability and quality models predicted range expansions in both of these regions and, as a result, 14% and 19% increases in distribution (respectively) relative to the climate envelope model. These models do not include other factors affecting monarch persistence. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that accounting for information on host plant availability and response to climate change is necessary to predict future species distributions, but that variation in the quality of those critical resources may be of secondary importance.
Modeling abundance, distribution, movement and space use with camera and telemetry data
Authors: Chandler Richard B. , Crawford Daniel A. , Garrison Elina P. , Miller Karl V. , Cherry Michael J.
Published: November 2021

Studies of animal abundance and distribution are often conducted independently of research on movement, despite the important links between processes. Movement can cause rapid changes in spatial variation in density, and movement influences detection probability and therefore estimates of abundance from inferential methods such as spatial capture–recapture (SCR). Technological developments including camera traps and GPS telemetry have opened new opportunities for studying animal demography and movement, yet statistical models for these two data types have largely developed along parallel tracks. We present a hierarchical model in which both datasets are conditioned on a movement process for a clearly defined population. We fitted the model to data from 60 camera traps and 23,572 GPS telemetry locations collected on 17 male white‐tailed deer in the Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, USA during July 2015. Telemetry data were collected on a 3–4 h acquisition schedule, and we modeled the movement paths of all individuals in the region with a Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process that included individual‐specific random effects. Two of the 17 deer with GPS collars were detected on cameras. An additional 20 male deer without collars were detected on cameras and individually identified based on their unique antler characteristics. Abundance was 126 (95% CI: 88–177) in the 228 km2 region, only slightly higher than estimated using a standard SCR model: 119 (84–168). The standard SCR model, however, was unable to describe individual heterogeneity in movement rates and space use as revealed by the joint model. Joint modeling allowed the telemetry data to inform the movement model and the SCR encounter model, while leveraging information in the camera data to inform abundance, distribution and movement. Unlike most existing methods for population‐level inference on movement, the joint SCR‐movement model can yield unbiased inferences even if non‐uniform sampling is used to deploy transmitters. Potential extensions of the model include the addition of resource selection parameters, and relaxation of the closure assumption when interest lies in survival and recruitment. These developments would contribute to the emerging holistic framework for the study of animal ecology, one that uses modern technology and spatio‐temporal statistics to learn about interactions between behavior and demography.
Left atrial unloading with an 8 mm septal cutting balloon to treat postcapillary pulmonary hypertension: a case report
Authors: Bauer Fabrice , Besnier Emmanuel , Aludaat Chadi , Breil Romain , Bettinger Nicolas , Fauvel Charles , Wurtz Véronique , Raitiere Olivier , Si Belkacem Nassima , Bouhzam Najime
Published: November 2021

We report the case of a 58‐year‐old female with severe postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (averaged mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 49 mmHg, pulmonary arterial wedge pressure 29 mmHg, and right atrial pressure 8 mmHg) due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. A left‐to‐right atrial shunt was created using an 8 mm cutting balloon, under transesophageal echocardiography guidance. Both pulmonary arterial and wedge pressure dramatically decreased after the procedure. Symptoms immediately improved and benefits were sustained at 6 months of follow‐up. This case suggests that iatrogenic septal defect using a cutting balloon could be an option to treat symptomatic postcapillary pulmonary hypertension.