bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defect‐Free Metal–Organic Framework Membrane for Precise Ion/Solvent Separation toward Highly Stable Magnesium Metal Anode
Authors: Zhang Yijie , Li Jiang , Zhao Wanyu , Dou Huanglin , Zhao Xiaoli , Liu Yuan , Zhang Bowen , Yang Xiaowei
Published: November 2021

Metallic magnesium batteries are promising candidates beyond lithium‐ion batteries; however, a passive interfacial layer because of the electro‐reduction of solvents on Mg surfaces usually leads to ultrahigh overpotential for the reversible Mg chemistry. Inspired by the excellent separation effect of permselective metal–organic framework (MOF) at angstrom scale, a large‐area and defect‐free MOF membrane directly on Mg surfaces is here constructed. In this process, the electrochemical deprotonation of ligand can be facilitated to afford the self‐correcting of intercrystalline voids until a seamless membrane formed, which can eliminate nonselective intercrystalline diffusion of electrolyte and realize selective Mg2+ transport but precisely separate the solvent molecules from the MOF channels. Compared with the continuous solvent reduction on bare Mg anode, the as‐constructed MOF membrane is demonstrated to significantly stabilize the Mg electrode via suppressing the permeation of solvents, hence contributing to a low‐overpotential plating/stripping in conventional electrolytes. The concept is demonstrated that membrane separation can serve as solid‐electrolyte interphase, which would be widely applicable to other energy‐storage systems.
Dropwise Condensation by Nanoengineered Surfaces: Design, Mechanism, and Enhancing Strategies
Authors: Liu Liying , Wang Shuangfeng , Zeng Xinjuan , Pi Pihui , Wen Xiufang
Published: November 2021

Condensation is a common heat transfer process widely used in power plants, seawater desalination, and refrigeration industry. Highly efficient condensation is of great importance to save energy, improve operating efficiency of energy systems, and protect the environment. Compared with its filmwise counterpart, dropwise condensation has much higher heat transfer efficiency and is projected as the future condensation process. Various nanoengineered surfaces, including superhydrophobic surfaces, hybrid surfaces with different combinations of surface wettability, and slippery liquid‐infused surfaces, have been designed and applied to sustain and enhance dropwise condensation. In this review, the theories related to surface wetting and liquid mobility are summarized first, followed by an overview of the recent progress on these three major types of nanoengineered surfaces in dropwise condensation. Their contribution to heat transfer enhancement is also discussed, emphasizing on the promotion of nucleation and droplet departure. Given the critical impact of flooding in condensation heat transfer, studies that addressed flooding phenomenon at high subcooling are further reviewed. Various applications that use dropwise condensation surfaces are also summarized. Current challenges in dropwise condensation with nanoengineered surfaces are provided in the end, together with perspectives to accelerate its commercialization.
Fine Particulate Matter Induces Childhood Asthma Attacks via Extracellular Vesicle‐Packaged Let‐7i‐5p‐Mediated Modulation of the MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zheng Rui , Du Mulong , Tian Man , Zhu Zhaozhong , Wei Chengcheng , Chu Haiyan , Gan Cong , Liang Jiayuan , Xue Renjie , Gao Fang , Mao Zhenguang , Wang Meilin , Zhang Zhengdong
Published: November 2021

Fine particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) is a major risk factor for acute asthma attacks in children. However, the biological mechanism underlying this association remains unclear. In the present study, PM2.5‐treated HBE cells‐secreted extracellular vesicles (PM2.5‐EVs) caused cytotoxicity in “horizontal” HBE cells and increased the contractility of “longitudinal” sensitive human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs). RNA sequencing showed that let‐7i‐5p is significantly overexpressed in PM2.5‐EVs and asthmatic plasma; additionally, its level is correlated with PM2.5 exposure in children with asthma. The combination of EV‐packaged let‐7i‐5p and the traditional clinical biomarker IgE exhibits the best diagnostic performance (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.855, 95% CI = 0.786–0.923). Mechanistically, let‐7i‐5p is packaged into PM2.5‐EVs by interacting with ELAVL1 and internalized by both “horizontal” recipient HBE cells and “longitudinal” recipient‐sensitive HBSMCs, with subsequent activation of the MAPK signaling pathway via suppression of its target DUSP1. Furthermore, an injection of EV‐packaged let‐7i‐5p into PM2.5‐treated juvenile mice aggravated asthma symptoms. This comprehensive study deciphered the remodeling of the extracellular environment mediated by the secretion of let‐7i‐5p‐enriched EVs during PM2.5‐induced asthma attacks and identified plasma EV‐packaged let‐7i‐5p as a novel predictor of childhood asthma.
Eutectic Etching toward In‐Plane Porosity Manipulation of Cl‐Terminated MXene for High‐Performance Dual‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Zhang Maiwen , Liang Ruilin , Yang Na , Gao Rui , Zheng Yun , Deng Ya‐Ping , Hu Yongfeng , Yu Aiping , Chen Zhongwei
Published: November 2021

Continuous discoveries in the field of metallic conductive MXenes have shown their feasibility as electrode materials, but their employment remains impeded by low surface area and inhomogeneous edge terminations generated by hazardous HF etching. To solve these problems, for the first time, a eutectic mixture etching strategy is utilized to accomplish one‐step synthesis of Cl‐terminated MXene (Ti3C2Cl2) with tunable in‐plane porosity from a MAX precursor (Ti3AlC2) through manipulating the phase transition of the selected salt melt. Specifically, the temperature and composition of the NaCl/ZnCl2 salt mixture are controlled to initiate a mechanism that creates and critically preserves the MXene pore structure, leading to substantial increment in material mesoporosity and a fourfold increase in surface area. Moreover, X‐ray spectroscopy analyses reveal increased TiC6 octahedral symmetry and density functional theory (DFT) modeling suggests a lower Li diffusion barrier, which imply high suitability for ion transport. Benefiting from these optimizations, mesoporous Ti3C2Cl2 delivers a high capacity of 382 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 as a dual‐ion battery anode, with capacity retention over 89% after 1000 cycles at 2.0 A g−1. Overall, this study presents a green chemistry approach that enables direct synthesis of MXenes with optimal porosity and surface termination for electrochemical applications, providing fresh insights for targeted structure modifications.
Political returns to ad hoc farm payments?
Authors: Janzen Joseph P. , Malone Trey , Schaefer K. Aleks , Scheitrum Daniel P.
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the extent to which ad hoc farm payments made under the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) and the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) affected voting patterns in the 2020 Presidential Election. MFP and CFAP payments were historically unique not only in terms of their magnitude, but also because they were authorized almost entirely by the incumbent Administration of President Donald Trump without direct Congressional authorization or appropriation. Our results indicate that these payments did influence county‐level voting outcomes. The observed response is driven almost exclusively by increased turnout among Trump supporters—we do not observe evidence that ad hoc payments generated widespread “vote switching” away from the Democratic or third‐party candidates and toward Trump. We find the MFP and CFAP programs generated 677,512 votes for Republican candidate Trump in the 2020 Presidential Election with an estimated cost‐per‐vote‐gained of $66,124. These votes induced by ad hoc farm payments were insufficient to change electoral college outcomes in any U.S. state.
Toward explainable and advisable model for self‐driving cars
Authors: Kim Jinkyu , Rohrbach Anna , Akata Zeynep , Moon Suhong , Misu Teruhisa , Chen Yi‐Ting , Darrell Trevor , Canny John
Published: November 2021

Humans learn to drive through both practice and theory, for example, by studying the rules, while most self‐driving systems are limited to the former. Being able to incorporate human knowledge of typical causal driving behavior should benefit autonomous systems. We propose a new approach that learns vehicle control with the help of human advice. Specifically, our system learns to summarize its visual observations in natural language, predict an appropriate action response (eg, “I see a pedestrian crossing, so I stop”), and predict the controls, accordingly. Moreover, to enhance the interpretability of our system, we introduce a fine‐grained attention mechanism that relies on semantic segmentation and object‐centric RoI pooling. We show that our approach of training the autonomous system with human advice, grounded in a rich semantic representation, matches or outperforms prior work in terms of control prediction and explanation generation. Our approach also results in more interpretable visual explanations by visualizing object‐centric attention maps. We evaluate our approach on a novel driving dataset with ground‐truth human explanations, the Berkeley DeepDrive eXplanation (BDD‐X) dataset.
Hybrid organic‐inorganic acid catalysts: The effect of active sites localization on catalytic characteristics in the processes of alcohols' etherification. A review
Authors: Vlasenko Nina V. , Strizhak Peter E.
Published: November 2021

This article reviews the various types of hybrid organic–inorganic resin catalysts: mixed and co‐precipitated composites, loaded, and tailored systems. The review gives a generalization of the authors' results in the field of synthesis and research of organic–inorganic resin catalysts, in the context of the main trends in the development of this field of science. Based on a comparison of the productivity of organic–inorganic and commercial sulfonic resins, the role of acid sites localization for determining the catalytic characteristics of sulfonic resin catalysts in ethanol and isopropanol etherification with isobutylene is discussed. Studies showed that acid sites of loaded sulfonic resins, localized on the external surface, have the highest productivity. The effect of morphology on the differences in the activity of different types of sulfonic resins in the etherification reactions is more pronounced for materials with limited accessibility of acid sites due to internal diffusion. With an increase in the accessibility of acid sites, the polarity and molecule size of the reacting alcohols become the predominant factors. These findings have an impact on the design of organic–inorganic resin catalysts with high performance.
Silk fibroin electrospun nanofiber blends with antibiotics and polyvinyl alcohol for burn wound healing
Authors: Yerra Aparna , Dadala Mary Mamatha
Published: November 2021

Silk fibroin, is a structural and protein‐based biomacromolecule produced from Bombyx mori silkworm. Silk fibroin has been widely being used for biomedical and biomaterial applications, tissue engineering, and drug delivery since a decade. The present study mainly focused to investigate the wound healing efficiency of the developed silk fibroin‐based extracellular electrospun nanofibrous matrix. Electrospun nanofibers were developed by blending the silk fibroin solution with antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicillin, and Nystatin) and polyvinyl alcohol. Results have shown that the developed extracellular matrix has antimicrobial sensitivity activity against the pathogens which causes infection by forming pus at the site of burn wounds. The cell adhesion and cell viability studies have shown a positive effect on L929 fibroblast cell lines. The morphological studies were carried out on SEM. The structural conformations of the developmental matrix were carried out on XRD. The wound healing efficiency of the developed matrix was checked by using a rat model. The results exhibited a dose dependent healing efficiency. The present results demonstrate the developed silk fibroin extracellular matrix promotes cell proliferation and helps in wound healing by controlled release of the antibiotics without losing their chemical properties.
Local procurement, shared value, and sustainable development: A case study from the mining sector in Mongolia
Authors: Fraser Jocelyn , Bat‐Erdene Zorig , Lyons Jon , Kunz Nadja
Published: November 2021

In emerging economies, tension can arise between the pursuits of economic development to alleviate poverty versus the protection of cultural traditions. In Mongolia, for example, efforts to expand the economy through the development of mineral resources have raised understudied questions about how to accommodate the economic benefits of mining without compromising traditional ways of life. In this case study, we consider the complex and cascading challenges confronting mining, traditional livelihoods, and sustainable development. Semi‐structured interviews with 62 participants over a 3‐year period were used to investigate the role the corporate strategy of local procurement to create shared value could have in reducing tensions in a remote region where mineral exploration and mine development is underway. The findings provide insight to the barriers and opportunities for company‐initiated local procurement practices that contribute to locally led sustainability initiatives and community resilience in emerging economies.
Determinants of corporate sustainability message sharing on social media: A configuration approach
Authors: Knight Hanne , Haddoud Mohamed Yacine , Megicks Phil
Published: November 2021

With an increasing number of consumers receiving information on social media, companies have adopted these channels to communicate their sustainability efforts. Digital channels enable reaching large audiences in a short period of time, and engaging consumers in message sharing activities to reap those rewards has its own challenges. Companies need to understand what increases sharing of their sustainability messages, but they must be mindful of not overstating their sustainability efforts which may be perceived as greenwashing. The Information Adoption Model is used to assess how message information quality and source credibility affect sharing of corporate sustainability messages. A fuzzy‐set Qualitative Comparative Analysis is conducted on a survey of UK social media users (n = 527). Results show that dimensions of information quality and source credibility act in combination to influence sustainability message sharing. The study informs managers what to stress in social media message planning to facilitate effective sustainability communications.
Citizens and cities: Leveraging citizen science and big data for sustainable urban development
Authors: Cappa Francesco , Franco Stefano , Rosso Federica
Published: November 2021

Citizen science (CS), that is, the involvement of citizens in data collection or analysis for research projects, is becoming more widespread. This is due to the increasing digitalization of the general public and due to the increasing number of grand challenges that society is facing. Thanks to the contributions of common citizens in data collection and data analysis conducted through technology‐mediated interactions, CS can produce a number of benefits for researchers, public organizations, policymakers, citizens, and society as a whole. Given the high density of socio‐economic activities in cities, CS can be implemented in a particularly effective way in urban environments to help tackle many “grand challenges”, namely, the pressing environmental and social issues that societies are facing at present. However, CS still has untapped potential to be explored. Indeed, we contend that even though CS involves citizens for precisely defined scientific objectives, the interaction that occurs can also be leveraged to collect data beyond the original aim, thereby producing big data (BD). Through a multiple case studies analysis, we highlight how CS can be used to collect BD as well, which can be a valuable resource for researchers, public organizations, and policymakers. With this aim in mind, this study proposes the definition of a citizen‐sourcing framework that jointly employs CS and BD, and it highlights which processes can be implemented to favor the sustainable development of urban environments. Moreover, we also discuss the looming dangers associated with citizen‐sourcing as a result of technology‐mediated interactions and the use of digital technologies, and we highlight possible future developments.
Correlated evolution of distinct signals associated with increased social selection in female white‐shouldered fairywrens
Authors: Jones John Anthony , Odom Karan J. , Hoppe Ian R. , Nason Doka , Ketaloya Serena , Karubian Jordan
Published: November 2021

Conspicuous female signals have recently received substantial scientific attention, but it remains unclear if their evolution is the result of selection acting on females independently of males or if mutual selection facilitates female change. Species that express female, but not male, phenotypic variation among populations represents a useful opportunity to address this knowledge gap. White‐shouldered fairywrens (Malurus alboscapulatus) are tropical songbirds with a well‐resolved phylogeny where female, but not male, coloration varies allopatrically across subspecies. We explored how four distinct signaling modalities, each putatively associated with increased social selection, are expressed in two populations that vary in competitive pressure on females. Females in a derived subspecies (M.a.moretoni) have evolved more ornamented plumage and have shorter tails (a signal of social dominance) relative to an ancestral subspecies (M.a.lorentzi) with drab females. In response to simulated territorial intrusions broadcasting female song, both sexes ofM.a.moretoniare more aggressive and more coordinated with their mates in both movement and vocalizations. Finally,M.a.moretonisongs are more complex thanM.a.lorentzi, but song complexity does not vary between sexes in either population. These results suggest that correlated phenotypic shifts in coloration and tail morphology in females as well as song complexity and aggression in both sexes may have occurred in response to changes in the intensity of social selection pressures. This highlights increased competitive pressures in both sexes can facilitate the evolution of complex multimodal signals.
A model comparison of fire return interval impacts on carbon and species dynamics in a southeastern U.S. pineland
Authors: Flanagan Steven A. , Hiers J. Kevin , Callaham Mac A. , Goodrick Scott , O’Brien Joseph J. , Starr Gregory , Wiesner Susanne , Klepzig Kier D. , Loudermilk E. Louise
Published: November 2021

Ecosystem process models can be used to predict forest response to disturbances at a range of scales. Selection of the spatial class of model should depend on the scale of the research or management question, and model type should depend on the ecosystem attributes of interest. In some cases, multiple classes of models could be used to address a single research question, with evaluations at each scale having potential benefits and drawbacks. This study examines two classes of models relative to how fire return intervals impact carbon and species dynamics in a southeastern U.S. pineland. A model that can be run as a global class model (ED) and a landscape class model (LANDIS‐II) were parameterized with species inventory data from an experimental Pinus Palustris (longleaf pine) forest in southwest Georgia, and simulations were calibrated with literature values, then validated with eddy‐covariance data from the study site. A variety of fire scenarios that included prescribed fire with a 2‐yr return interval, fire exclusion, and three wildfire scenarios (20‐, 50‐, and 100‐yr return intervals) were used for model runs. Results were compared and evaluated with regard to ecosystem carbon and species dynamics. Both models illustrated that prescribed fire provided the greatest carbon sequestration potential and most stable aboveground biomass through time when compared to the wildfire scenarios. The fire exclusion scenario for LANDIS‐II was the only scenario where prescribed fire did not provide the greatest carbon sequestration potential. However, fire exclusion on the order of centuries was a condition of this outcome and the occurrence of such long fire‐free periods is considered unrealistic in this fire‐prone landscape. Differences between models were primarily the result of the underlying characteristics of each model class, namely the spatial resolution and number of species included. In the end, two vastly different scale models supported the conclusion that high frequency prescribed fire in southeastern U.S. pinelands stabilizes carbon and maintains species composition in an ecosystem that is a known ecological hotspot.
Broad aggressive interactions among African carnivores suggest intraguild killing is driven by more than competition
Authors: Curveira‐Santos Gonçalo , Gigliotti Laura , Silva André P. , Sutherland Chris , Foord Stefan , Santos‐Reis Margarida , Swanepoel Lourens H.
Published: November 2021

Theory on intraguild killing (IGK) is central to mammalian carnivore community ecology and top‐down ecosystem regulation. Yet, the cryptic nature of IGK hinders empirical evaluations. Using a novel data source – online photographs of interspecific aggression between African carnivores – we revisited existing predictions about the extent and drivers of IGK. Compared with seminal reviews, our constructed IGK network yielded 10 more species and nearly twice as many interactions. The extent of interactions increased 37% when considering intraguild aggression (direct attack) as a precursor of killing events. We show that IGK occurs over a wider range of body‐mass ratios than predicted by standing competition‐based views, with highly asymmetrical interactions being pervasive. Evidence that large species, particularly hypercarnivore felids, target sympatric carnivores with a wide range of body sizes suggests that current IGK theory is incomplete, underestimating alternative competition pathways and the role of predatory and incidental killing. Our findings reinforce the potential for IGK‐mediated cascades in species‐rich assemblages and community‐wide suppressive effects of large carnivores.
Impact of the mesoscale structure of a bipartite ecological interaction network on its robustness through a probabilistic modeling
Authors: Chabert‐Liddell Saint‐Clair , Barbillon Pierre , Donnet Sophie
Published: November 2021

The robustness of an ecological network quantifies the resilience of the ecosystem it represents to species loss. It corresponds to the proportion of species that are disconnected from the rest of the network when extinctions occur sequentially. Classically, the robustness is calculated for a given network, from the simulation of a large number of extinction sequences. The link between network structure and robustness remains an open question. Setting a joint probabilistic model on the network and the extinction sequences allows analysis of this relation. Bipartite stochastic block models have proven their ability to model bipartite networks for example, plant‐pollinator networks: species are divided into blocks and interaction probabilities are determined by the blocks of membership. Analytical expressions of the expectation and variance of robustness are obtained under this model, for different distributions of primary extinction sequences. The impact of the network structure on the robustness is analyzed through a set of properties and numerical illustrations. The analysis of a collection of bipartite ecological networks allows us to compare the empirical approach to our probabilistic approach, and illustrates the relevance of the latter when it comes to computing the robustness of a partially observed or incompletely sampled network.
Analysis of the sound sources of lean premixed methane–air flames
Authors: Herff Sohel , Pausch Konrad , Meinke Matthias , Schröder Wolfgang
Published: November 2021

Two investigations on the sound generation mechanisms of lean methane–air flames are reviewed and linked. A two‐step approach is used for the analysis. First, the compressible conservation equations are solved in a large‐eddy simulation formulation to compute the acoustic source terms of the reacting fluid. Second, the acoustic source terms are used in computational aeroacoustics simulations to determine the acoustic field by solving the acoustic perturbation equations. To identify the contributions of the different source terms to the overall sound emission of the flames different source term formulations are considered in the computational aeroacoustics simulations. The results of various flames of increasing complexity are shown: harmonically excited laminar flames, a turbulent jet flame, and an unconfined and a confined swirl flame. The results show that in general the heat release source alone does not determine the acoustic emission of the flame. Only the acoustic emission of the unconfined swirl flame could be computed by the heat release source. To accurately predict the phase and the amplitude of the sound emission of the other flames the acceleration of density gradients occurring at the flame front must be included in the considered set of source terms.
Planktonic foraminiferal quantitative analysis across the Campanian/Maastrichtian boundary at the Pondicherry area, Cauvery Basin, Southern India
Authors: Nallamuthu Malarkodi , Hussein Orabi Orabi , Chandrashekhara Shashtri Bhargava Sharma , Srinivas Chethan Kumar
Published: November 2021

The late Campanian/Maastrichtian succession exposed at Pondicherry area affords one of the finest exposed marine sections in Cauvery Basin is examined for their foraminiferal contents. The biostratigraphic distribution of 71 species of planktonic foraminifera has been used to diagnose 11 planktonic zones and subzones and correlated to the worldwide bioevent. During the late Campanian, a great transgression event occurred associated with the global warming (CF8b zone) trend indicated by large double‐keeled foraminifera (Globotruncana aegyptiaca Nakkady) of oligotrophic conditions. The latest zone CF4 records a sharp decrease in Planktonic/Benthic (P/B), globotruncanids, rugoglobigerinids and heterohelicids implying a fall of sea level.
Factors associated with depression across age groups of older adults: The Singapore Chinese health study
Authors: Barrenetxea Jon , Pan An , Feng Qiushi , Koh Woon‐Puay
Published: November 2021

Objectives

We studied sociodemographic and health factors associated with depression across three age groups of community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods/Design

We used data from 16,785 participants from the third follow‐up of the Singapore Chinese Health Study (mean age: 73, range: 61‐96 years). We defined depression as having a score of ≥5 using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale. We used regression splines to examine the pattern of depression risk with age and applied multivariable logistic regression to study factors associated with depression.

Results

Increasing age was associated with depression in an inverted J‐shape relationship with the highest odds ratio (OR) at age 75. Compared to the youngest‐old (<70 years), the middle‐old (70‐80 years) had higher odds of depression [OR = 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09–1.31], while the oldest‐old (>80 years) had no increased risk (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.89–1.15). We also found demographic (men, lower education, unemployment), social (living alone, poor social support, no social activity) and health factors (instrumental limitations, poor physical function, function‐limiting pain, chronic diseases, cognitive impairment, poor sleep quality, poor self‐rated health) associated with depression. In stratified analysis by age groups, the OR estimates for lower education level, instrumental limitations and cognitive impairment decreased with age, whereas the risk of depression for men increased with age (all p‐values for interaction<0.03).

Conclusions

Compared to the youngest‐old, the likelihood of depression was highest among middle‐old adults and decreased to null in the oldest‐old. The associations between some factors and depression were attenuated with age, suggesting a coping mechanism among oldest‐old survivors.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging responses during perceptual decision‐making at 3 and 7 T in human cortex, striatum, and brainstem
Authors: Colizoli Olympia , de Gee Jan Willem , van der Zwaag Wietske , Donner Tobias H.
Published: November 2021

While functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at ultra‐high field (7 T) promises a general increase in sensitivity compared to lower field strengths, the benefits may be most pronounced for specific applications. The current study aimed to evaluate the relative benefit of 7 over 3 T fMRI for the assessment of responses evoked in different brain regions by a well‐controlled cognitive task. At 3 and 7 T, the same participants made challenging perceptual decisions about visual motion combined with monetary rewards for correct choices. Previous work on this task has extensively characterized the underlying cognitive computations and single‐cell responses in cortical and subcortical structures. We quantified the evoked fMRI responses in extrastriate visual cortical areas, the striatum, and the brainstem during the decision interval and the post‐feedback interval of the task. The dependence of response amplitudes on field strength during the decision interval differed between cortical, striatal, and brainstem regions, with a generally bigger 7 versus 3 T benefit in subcortical structures. We also found stronger responses during relatively easier than harder decisions at 7 T for dopaminergic midbrain nuclei, in line with reward expectation. Our results demonstrate the potential of 7 T fMRI for illuminating the contribution of small brainstem nuclei to the orchestration of cognitive computations in the human brain.
Road traffic injury in Lebanon: A prospective study to assess injury characteristics and risk factors
Authors: Ghoubaira Joseph , Diab Marwa , Nassereldine Hasan , Tamim Hani , Saadeh Samer , Price Raymond , Moustafa Moustafa , Al‐Hajj Samar
Published: November 2021

Background

Road traffic injury (RTI) is a significant yet poorly characterized cause of morbidity and mortality in the Middle East. This hospital‐based‐study examined RTI in Lebanon and provided an understanding of their characteristics.

Methods

We collected prospective RTI data from three participating hospitals over 3 months using a designed tool based on Canadian CHIRPP and WHO tools. We performed logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between contributing risk factors (age, sex) and injury types as well as the association of safety measures used (seatbelts or helmets) and body parts injured.

Results

A total of 153 patients were collected. Male preponderance with 72%, with mean age 32.6 (SD = 14.9) years. RTI was highest among passengers aged 15 to 29 (48%). Motorcyclists comprised the greatest injury proportion (38%), followed by vehicle‐occupants (35%), and pedestrians (25%) (P = .04). Hip injuries represented the most affected body part (48.7%), followed by head/neck (38.2%). Only 31% (n = 47) of victims applied safety measures (seatbelts or helmets). Six drivers (7%) reported cell phone use at collision. The use of safety measures was associated with a substantial reduction in head/neck injuries (P = .03), spine injuries (P = .049), and lower risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) (P = .02).

Conclusions

RTI is a major health problem in Lebanon. Safety measures, though poorly adhered to, were associated with less severe injuries, and should be further promoted via awareness campaigns and enforcement. Trauma registries are needed to assess the RTI burden and inform safety interventions and quality‐of‐care improvement programs.
β‐Caryophyllene inhibits Fas‐ receptor and caspase‐mediated apoptosis signaling pathway and endothelial dysfunction in experimental myocardial infarction
Authors: Yovas Anita , Ponnian Stanely Mainzen Prince
Published: November 2021

We planned to appraise the effects of β‐caryophyllene on Fas‐ receptor and caspase‐mediated apoptosis signaling pathway and endothelial dysfunction in rats infarcted with isoproterenol. Rats were induced myocardial infarction by using isoproterenol (100 mg/kg body weight [b.w]). Serum creatine kinase‐MB, serum cardiac troponin‐T, heart weight, heart rate, and heart lipid peroxidation were greatly (p < 0.05) augmented, while heart enzymatic antioxidants and plasma nonenzymatic antioxidants were greatly (p < 0.05) lessened in isoproterenol‐treated rats. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction study revealed augmented expressions of Fas‐receptor and caspases 8, 9, and 3 genes in myocardial infarcted rats. Furthermore, iNOS protein expression was amplified and eNOS protein was lessened in the myocardial infarcted heart. Three weeks pre‐ and cotreatment with β‐caryophyllene (20 mg/kg b.w) greatly (p < 0.05) protected isoproterenol‐treated rats against these altered structural, biochemical, molecular, and immunohistochemical parameters, by its anti‐cardiac hypertrophic, anti‐tachycardial, antioxidant, anti‐apoptotic, and anti‐endothelial dysfunction effects. In conclusion, these findings projected the use of β‐caryophyllene for the therapy of human myocardial infarction after clinical trials.
Global prevalence of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Petermann‐Rocha Fanny , Balntzi Viktoria , Gray Stuart R. , Lara Jose , Ho Frederick K. , Pell Jill P. , Celis‐Morales Carlos
Published: November 2021

Background

Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of muscle mass and strength. Despite the seriousness of this disease, a single diagnostic criterion has not yet been established. Few studies have reported the prevalence of sarcopenia globally, and there is a high level of heterogeneity between studies, stemmed from the diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia and the target population. The aims of this systematic review and meta‐analysis were (i) to identify and summarize the diagnostic criteria used to define sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia and (ii) to estimate the global and region‐specific prevalence of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia by sociodemographic factors.

Methods

Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science Core Collections were searched using relevant MeSH terms. The inclusion criteria were cross‐sectional or cohort studies in individuals aged ≥18 years, published in English, and with muscle mass measured using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance, or computed tomography (CT) scan. For the meta‐analysis, studies were stratified by diagnostic criteria (classifications), cut‐off points, and instruments to assess muscle mass. If at least three studies reported the same classification, cut‐off points, and instrument to measure muscle mass, they were considered suitable for meta‐analysis. Following this approach, 6 classifications and 23 subgroups were created. Overall pooled estimates with inverse‐variance weights obtained from a random‐effects model were estimated using the metaprop command in Stata.

Results

Out of 19 320 studies, 263 were eligible for the narrative synthesis and 151 for meta‐analysis (total n = 692 056, mean age: 68.5 years). Using different classifications and cut‐off points, the prevalence of sarcopenia varied between 10% and 27% in the studies included for meta‐analysis. The highest and lowest prevalence were observed in Oceania and Europe using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) and EWGSOP2, respectively. The prevalence ranged from 8% to 36% in individuals <60 years and from 10% to 27% in ≥60 years. Men had a higher prevalence of sarcopenia using the EWGSOP2 (11% vs. 2%) while it was higher in women using the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (17% vs. 12%). Finally, the prevalence of severe sarcopenia ranged from 2% to 9%.

Conclusions

The prevalence of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia varied considerably according to the classification and cut‐off point used. Considering the lack of a single diagnostic for sarcopenia, future studies should adhere to current guidelines, which would facilitate the comparison of results between studies and populations across the globe.
Tentacle muscles in brachiopods: Ultrastructure and relation to peculiarities of life style
Authors: Kuzmina Tatyana , Temereva Elena
Published: November 2021

Although the morphology of the brachiopod tentacle organ, the lophophore, is diverse, the organization of tentacles has traditionally been thought to be similar among brachiopods. We report here, however, that the structure of the tentacle muscles differs among brachiopod species representing three subphyla:Lingula anatina(Linguliformea: Linguloidea),Pelagodiscus atlanticus(Linguliformea: Discinoidea),Novocrania anomala(Craniiformea), andCoptothyris grayi(Rhynchonelliformea). Although the tentacle muscles in all four species are formed by myoepithelial cells with thick myofilaments of different diameters, three types of tentacle organization were detected. The tentacles of the first type occur inP. atlanticus, C. grayi, and in all rhynchonelliforms studied before. These tentacles have a well‐developed frontal muscle and a small abfrontal muscle, which may reflect the ancestral organization of tentacles of all brachiopods. This type of tentacle has presumably been modified in other brachiopods due to changes in life style. Tentacles of the second type occur in the burrowing speciesL. anatinaand are characterized by the presence of equally developed smooth frontal and abfrontal muscles. Tentacles of the third type occur inN. anomalaand are characterized by the presence of only well‐developed frontal muscles; the abfrontal muscles are reduced due to the specific position of tentacles during filtration and to the presence of numerous peritoneal neurites on the abfrontal side of the tentacles. Tentacles of the first type are also present in phoronids and bryozoans, and may be ancestral for all lophophorates.
Lipid exchanges between dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide monolayer and vesicles in the subphase
Authors: Feitosa Eloi , Adati Renata D. , Constantino Carlos J. L. , Aoki Pedro H. B.
Published: November 2021

Studies on the interaction of lipid monolayer with bilayer structures, such as vesicles, are relatively scarce in the literature. In order to ascertain whether these structures interact for cationic dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) monolayers at the aqueous surfaces of 0, 0.05, and 0.5 mmol L−1 DODAB vesicle dispersions, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and surface film balance experiments were carried out. DSC results confirmed the presence of unilamellar vesicles in the subphase, while changes in the monolayer surface pressure–area per molecule (π–A) isotherm profile yielded by the presence of DODAB vesicle in the subphase revealed monolayer‐vesicle interactions as a result of monomer exchanges between the monolayer and the vesicles with stronger effects at the higher vesicle concentration investigated.
Symbiotic stony and soft corals: Is their host‐algae relationship really mutualistic at lower mesophotic reefs?
Authors: Ferrier‐Pagès Christine , Bednarz Vanessa , Grover Renaud , Benayahu Yehuda , Maguer Jean‐François , Rottier Cecile , Wiedenmann Joerg , Fine Maoz
Published: November 2021

Mesophotic coral ecosystems (30–150 m depth) present a high oceanic biodiversity, but remain one of the most understudied reef habitats, especially below 60 m depth. Here, we have assessed the rates of photosynthesis and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and nitrogen (DIN) assimilation by Symbiodiniaceae associated with four soft coral species of the genus Sinularia and two stony coral species of the genus Leptoseris collected respectively at 65 and 80–90 m depth in the Gulf of Eilat. Our study demonstrates that both Leptoseris and Sinularia species have limited autotrophic capacities at mid‐lower mesophotic depths. DIC and DIN assimilation rates were overall ~ 10 times lower compared to shallow corals from 10 m depth in the same reef. While Leptoseris symbionts transferred at least 50% of the acquired nitrogen to their host after 8‐h incubation, most of the nitrogen was retained in the symbionts of Sinularia. In addition, the host tissue of Sinularia species presented a very high structural carbon to nitrogen ratio (C : N) compared to Leptoseris or to the shallow coral species, suggesting nitrogen limitation in these mesophotic soft corals. The limited capacity of soft coral symbionts to acquire DIN and transfer it to the coral animal, as well as the high C : N ratios, might explain the scarcity of symbiotic soft corals at mid‐lower mesophotic depths compared to their prevalence in the shallower reef. Overall, this study highlights the significance of DIN for the distribution of the Cnidarian‐ Symbiodiniaceae association at mesophotic depth.
Spectro‐Microscopic Characterization of Elastomers Subjected to Laser‐Induced Shock Waves
Authors: Huynh Nha Uyen , Gamez Carlos , Youssef George
Published: November 2021

The core of this research is separated into three domains, the ultrahigh strain rate response of elastomeric polymers, laser‐induced shock waves , and terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy (THz‐TDS). Elastomers, e.g., polyurea, constitute an advance class of materials suitable for many applications, specifically in high impact loading scenarios, thus, a laser‐induced shock wave (LSW) experimental technique is used to investigate the mechanical response of shock‐loaded polyurea. LSW can submit samples to a strain rate exceeding 106 s−1 at low strains, enabling determination of material intrinsic failure modes. The large deformation induced during shock loading may alter the macromolecule structure, which can only be detected spectroscopically. Therefore, this research incorporated terahertz bulk spectroscopy to detect and report molecular conformational changes. Microscopy techniques were also used to elucidate changes in the microscale properties, morphology, and topography. The interpretation of the results explicated brittle failure in terms of partial and total spallation and, remarkably, ductile failure leading to plastic deformation, including plastic bulging and adiabatic shearing, not previously associated with LSW technique. Furthermore, spectral changes found in the terahertz regime substantiated the validity of terahertz spectroscopy in elucidating the underlying mechanism associated with the impact mitigating properties of dynamically loaded polyurea.
Numerical surfaces of fractional Zika virus model with diffusion effect of mosquito‐borne and sexually transmitted disease
Authors: Veeresha Pundikala , Akinyemi Lanre , Oluwasegun Kayode , Şenol Mehmet , Oduro Bismark
Published: November 2021

This paper analyzes the dynamics of fractional partial differential equation (FPDE) model of Zika virus that incorporates diffusion using Atangana–Baleanu (AB) fractional derivative. Zika virus disease is an infection transmitted predominantly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito and may be a severe epidemic if not contained in its premature stages. The q‐homotopy analysis transform method is employed to analyze and compute the solutions for this nonlinear partial differential model, and the fractional derivative is defined in Atangana–Baleanu sense. We determine some new approximate numerical results for different values of parameters of alpha. Numerical models focused on various distributions of the population help to explain how the spread of humans and mosquitoes influences the disease's transmission. With the utilization fixed‐point hypothesis, the existence and uniqueness of the solutions obtained for the proposed model are presented.
Quantification of cerebral blood volume changes caused by visual stimulation at 3 T using DANTE‐prepared dual‐echo EPI
Authors: Li Linqing , Law Christine , Marrett Sean , Chai Yuhui , Huber Laurentius , Jezzard Peter , Bandettini Peter
Published: November 2021

Purpose

We investigate the influence of moving blood‐attenuation effects when using “delay alternating with nutation for tailored excitation” (DANTE) pulses in conjunction with blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) of functional MRI (fMRI) at 3 T. Based on the effects of including DANTE pulses, we propose quantification of cerebral blood volume (CBV) changes following functional stimulation.

Methods

Eighteen volunteers in total underwent fMRI scans at 3 T. Seven volunteers were scanned to investigate the effects of DANTE pulses on the fMRI signal. CBV changes in response to visual stimulation were quantified in 11 volunteers using a DANTE‐prepared dual‐echo EPI sequence.

Results

The inflow effects from flowing blood in arteries and draining vein effects from flowing blood in large veins can be suppressed by use of a DANTE preparation module. Using DANTE‐prepared dual‐echo EPI, we quantitatively measured intravascular‐weighted microvascular CBV changes of 25.4%, 29.8%, and 32.6% evoked by 1, 5, and 10 Hz visual stimulation, respectively. The extravascular fraction (∆S/S)extra at TE = 30 ms in total BOLD signal was determined to be 64.8 ± 3.4%, which is in line with previous extravascular component estimation at 3 T. Results show that the microvascular CBV changes are linearly dependent on total BOLD changes at TE = 30 ms with a slope of 0.113, and this relation is independent of stimulation frequency and subject.

Conclusion

The DANTE preparation pulses can be incorporated into a standard EPI fMRI sequence for the purpose of minimizing inflow effects and reducing draining veins effects in large vessels. Additionally, the DANTE‐prepared dual‐echo EPI sequence is a promising fast imaging tool for quantification of intravascular‐weighted CBV change in the microvascular space at 3 T.
Actuator fault detection for the discrete‐time switched systems based on delta operator approach
Authors: Du Dongsheng , Wu Yu , Yang Yue , Mao Zehui
Published: November 2021

In this article, the problem of actuator fault detection for the discrete‐time switched system is considered based on the delta operator approach. The procedure can be carried out effectively in the presence of the unknown input, the outside disturbance, and the actuator fault by using the observer‐based method and the mode‐dependent average dwell‐time (MDADT) technique. In order to detect the actuator fault, an unknown input observer (UIO) is employed as the residual generator. Then, sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee that the error system is asymptotically stable with an performance by means of the MDADT method and model‐dependent Lyapunov function technique. Furthermore, a specific design algorithm of the UIO is proposed. Finally, a circuit system is borrowed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained techniques.