bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mixed methods evaluation of the acceptability of therapy using LEGO® bricks (LEGO® based therapy) in mainstream primary and secondary education
Authors: Barr Amy , Coates Elizabeth , Kingsley Ellen , de la Cuesta Gina Gomez , Biggs Katie , Le Couteur Ann , Wright Barry
Published: April 2022

Many autistic children and young people need extra support with social skills. Social skills programmes, such as LEGO® based therapy (LBT), are commonly used to help with these difficulties. The aim of this study was to examine the acceptability of LBT using qualitative interviews and questionnaires with facilitators and parents/guardians on behalf of autistic children and young people. Acceptability was measured in line with constructs of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Questionnaires were analyzed descriptively and between group comparisons were undertaken using the Mann–Whitney U Test. Telephone interviews were undertaken with a sub‐sample of facilitators. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and framework analysis was performed by two researchers supported by NVivo. The questionnaire response rate was 80% for facilitators and 77% for parents/guardians. Overall acceptability, measured on a 1–5 (minimum–maximum) scale, was high for both facilitators and parents/guardians with a median (range) of 5 (4–5) and 4 (3–5), respectively. Facilitators rated the acceptability of the programme significantly higher overall than parents (p < 0.001). Facilitators reported that participants and wider school staff viewed the programme positively. They observed improvements in communication and social skills during the sessions. Potential barriers to programme delivery, such as resources and staff schedules, were identified but facilitators reported that these challenges did not outweigh the benefits. There is increasing emphasis on the role of schools in seeking to improve social outcomes for autistic children therefore this high degree of acceptability makes this an attractive school‐based programme for schools, autistic children and their families.

Lay Summary

Social skills programmes, such as LEGO® based therapy (LBT), are often used to help autistic children and young people with their social skills. The acceptability of LBT with school staff and parents/guardians on behalf of children and young people was explored using interviews and questionnaires. Our results show that LBT is viewed as a highly acceptable programme that can help autistic children and young people improve their communication and social skills.
The pro‐apoptotic Bax gene modifies susceptibility to craniofacial dysmorphology following gastrulation‐stage alcohol exposure
Authors: Fish Eric W. , Mendoza‐Romero Haley N. , Love Charlotte A. , Dragicevich Constance J. , Cannizzo Michael D. , Boschen Karen E. , Hepperla Austin , Simon Jeremy M. , Parnell Scott E.
Published: April 2022

Background

During early development, alcohol exposure causes apoptotic cell death in discrete regions of the embryo which are associated with distinctive patterns of later‐life abnormalities. In gastrulation, which occurs during the third week of human pregnancy, alcohol targets the ectoderm, the precursor of the eyes, face, and brain. This midline tissue loss leads to the craniofacial dysmorphologies, such as microphthalmia and a smooth philtrum, which define fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). An important regulator of alcohol‐induced cell death is the pro‐apoptotic protein Bax. The current study determines if mice lacking the Bax gene are less susceptible to the pathogenic effects of gastrulation‐stage alcohol exposure.

Methods

Male and female Bax+/− mice mated to produce embryos with full (−/−) or partial (+/−) Bax deletions, or Bax+/+ wild‐type controls. On Gestational Day 7 (GD 7), embryos received two alcohol (2.9 g/kg, 4 hr apart), or control exposures. A subset of embryos was collected 12 hr later and examined for the presence of apoptotic cell death, while others were examined on GD 17 for the presence of FAS‐like facial features.

Results

Full Bax deletion reduced embryonic apoptotic cell death and the incidence of fetal eye and face malformations, indicating that Bax normally facilitates the development of alcohol‐induced defects. An RNA‐seq analysis of GD 7 Bax+/+ and Bax−/− embryos revealed 63 differentially expressed genes, some of which may interact with the Bax deletion to further protect against apoptosis.

Conclusions

Overall, these experiments identify that Bax is a primary teratogenic mechanism of gastrulation‐stage alcohol exposure.
Generation of a host cell line containing a MAR‐rich landing pad for site‐specific integration and expression of transgenes
Authors: Oliviero Claudia , Hinz Steffen C. , Bogen Jan P. , Kornmann Henri , Hock Björn , Kolmar Harald , Hagens Gerrit
Published: April 2022

In recent years, targeted gene integration (TI) has been introduced as a strategy for the generation of recombinant mammalian cell lines for the production of biotherapeutics. Besides reducing the immense heterogeneity within a pool of recombinant transfectants, TI also aims at shortening the duration of the current cell line development process. Here we describe the generation of a host cell line carrying Matrix‐Attachment Region (MAR)‐rich landing pads (LPs), which allow for the simultaneous and site‐specific integration of multiple genes of interest (GOIs). We show that several copies of each chicken lysozyme 5'MAR‐based LP containing either BxB1 wild type or mutated recombination sites, integrated at one random chromosomal locus of the host cell genome. We further demonstrate that these LP‐containing host cell lines can be used for the site‐specific integration of several GOIs and thus, generation of transgene‐expressing stable recombinant clones. Transgene expression was shown by site‐specific integration of heavy and light chain genes coding for a monospecific antibody (msAb) as well as for a bi‐specific antibody (bsAb). The genetic stability of the herein described LP‐based recombinant clones expressing msAb or bsAb was demonstrated by cultivating the recombinant clones and measuring antibody titers over 85 generations. We conclude that the host cell containing multiple copies of MAR‐rich landing pads can be successfully used for stable expression of one or several GOIs.
The triangular fibrocartilage complex in the human wrist: A scoping review toward uniform and clinically relevant terminology
Authors: van der Post Anne‐Sophie , Jens Sjoerd , Daams Joost G. , Obdeijn Miryam C. , Maas Mario , Oostra Roelof‐Jan
Published: April 2022

The aim of this scoping review was to assess the composition, terminology, and anatomy of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) of the wrist and propose unambiguous terminology regarding the individual components. The review was conducted according to the methodological framework by Arksey and O'Malley (International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 2005, 8, 19–32). Electronic databases were searched from inception until September 1, 2021 for original anatomical studies, using MeSH terms and keywords on terminology and anatomy of TFCC components. Studies using gross dissections or macro‐ or microscopic histology were included. Animal studies, fetal studies and studies with unknown disease status, were excluded. A total of 24 studies were included. The articular disc, the radioulnar ligaments, the meniscus homologue and the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon (sub)sheath were unanimously classified as TFCC components. One study did not include the ulnolunate and ulnotriquetral ligaments and only one study did include the ligamentum subcruentum. The largest disagreement existed regarding the inclusion of the ulnar collateral ligament. Terminological ambiguity was seen in “triangular fibrocartilage,” “triangular ligament,” “igamentum subcruentum,” and the “proximal and distal lamina.” Anatomical ambiguity existed especially regarding the radioulnar ligaments, the ulnar attachments of the TFCC and the ulnar collateral ligament. Definitions of the individual TFCC components are redundant, ambiguous, and ill‐defined and therefore subject to different interpretations. In order to preclude confusion, consensus regarding terminology is recommended. We proposed a concise definition of the healthy TFCC that can be used as a starting point for future studies and current clinical practice.
A phase I study of talazoparib (BMN 673) combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumors (NCI9782)
Authors: Leal Ticiana A. , Sharifi Marina N. , Chan Nancy , Wesolowski Robert , Turk Anita A. , Bruce Justine Y. , O'Regan Ruth M. , Eickhoff Jens , Barroilhet Lisa M. , Malhotra Jyoti , Mehnert Janice , Girda Eugenia , Wiley Elizabeth , Schmitz Natalie , Andrews Shannon , Liu Glenn , Wisinski Kari B.
Published: April 2022

Background

Inhibitors of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) proteins potentiate antitumor activity of platinum chemotherapy. This study sought to determine the safety and tolerability of PARP inhibitor talazoparib with carboplatin and paclitaxel.

Methods

We conducted a phase I study of talazoparib with carboplatin AUC5‐6 and paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 days 1, 8, 15 of 21‐day cycles in patients with advanced solid tumors. Patients enrolled using a 3 + 3 design in two cohorts with talazoparib for 7 (schedule A) or 3 days (schedule B). After induction with 4–6 cycles of triplet therapy, patients received one of three maintenance options: (a) continuation of triplet (b) carboplatin/talazoparib, or (c) talazoparib monotherapy.

Results

Forty‐three patients were treated. The MTD for both schedules was talazoparib 250mcg daily. The main toxicity was myelosuppression including grade 3/4 hematologic treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs). Dose modification occurred in 87% and 100% of patients for schedules A and B, respectively. Discontinuation due to TRAEs was 13% in schedule A and 10% in B. Ten out of 22 evaluable patients in schedule A and 5/16 patients in schedule B had a complete or partial response. Twelve out of 43 patients received ≥6 cycles of talazoparib after induction, with a 13‐month median duration of maintenance.

Conclusion

We have established the recommended phase II dose of Talazoparib at 250mcg on a 3‐ or 7‐day schedule with carboplatin AUC6 and paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15 of 21‐day cycles. This regimen is associated with significant myelosuppression, and in addition to maximizing supportive care, modification of the chemotherapy component would be a consideration for further development of this combination with the schedules investigated in this study.
Alienated and unsafe: Experiences of the first national UK COVID‐19 lockdown for vulnerable young people (aged 11–24 years) as revealed in Web‐based therapeutic sessions with mental health professionals
Authors: Mindel Charlotte , Salhi Louisa , Oppong Crystal , Lockwood Joanna
Published: April 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have disproportionately affected young people, and those who are vulnerable are disadvantaged further. Here, we seek to understand the experiences of vulnerable young people accessing Web‐based therapeutic support during the pandemic and early lockdown, as revealed through the observations of mental health professionals.

Methods

Four focus groups with 12 professionals from a digital mental health service were conducted to understand the experiences of vulnerable young people during the pandemic lockdown. Workshops with young people with diverse experiences resulted in the co‐design of the focus group topic guide and the interpretation and validation of analysis. The experiential inductive–deductive framework of thematic analysis was used to analyse the workshop transcripts.

Results

Four main themes and subsequent subthemes were identified: escalation of risk; the experience and consequence of loss; feeling supported and empowered; and feeling separate and isolated.

Conclusions

Findings reflect early data that suggest that those with existing vulnerability face an increased risk of poor outcomes through the pandemic and the restrictions of lockdown, but evidence is also provided of positive outcomes from lockdown and its function as a catalyst for change. Results reinforce the need for focused support for vulnerable young people as we emerge from lockdown, and point to supportive and protective factors of relevance to online and offline support provision.
Multivariate temporal process monitoring with graph‐based predictable feature analysis
Authors: Fan Wei , Zhu Qinqin , Ren Shaojun , Xu Bo , Si Fengqi
Published: April 2022

Dynamic latent variable (DLV) methods have been widely studied for high dimensional time series monitoring by exploiting dynamic relations among process variables. However, explicit extraction of predictable information is rarely emphasized in these DLV methods. In this paper, the graph‐based predictable feature analysis (GPFA) algorithm is introduced for statistical process monitoring due to its explicit predictability, and a novel index, prediction information, is designed to determine the number of its principal components for dimensionality reduction and parameter optimization. A GPFA‐based dynamic process monitoring framework is proposed to differentiate among dynamic faults, normal operating condition changes, and break in relation in the normal data. Case studies on the Tennessee Eastman process and a high‐pressure feedwater heater are conducted to demonstrate the superiority of GPFA over other approaches in terms of fault detection performance.
The Variability of Stable Water Isotopes and the Young Water Fraction in a Mountainous Catchment
Authors: Ye Sheng , Liu Lin , Chen Xiuxiu , Li Peng , Xu Guoce , Ran Qihua
Published: April 2022

Soil water movement is an important component in water cycle, which is also closely correlated with the transport of nutrients and contaminants in the catchment. Although there have been many studies in quantifying the water residence in soil, the understanding of the controlling factors is limited and could be controversial. Here, stable isotopes of water to explore the water age distribution in a mountainous catchment in the southwest China are used. The results are consistent with the regional climate pattern that the water vapor of the study catchment is brought by monsoons from Pacific Ocean in summer and prevailing westerly winds in winter. The estimated young water fraction is found to be strongly correlated with topographic gradient but presents no significant correlation with drainage area or vegetation coverage. Comparison between the difference in young water fraction of two adjacent sub‐catchments suggests that soil water in the steeper sub‐catchment tends to favor deep vertical infiltration, resulting in longer flow path, longer mean residence time, and smaller young water fraction. This difference between the soil water movement and the hydrological response revealed in this study has impacts on the biogeochemical cycles in the catchment.
Estrogen receptors observed at extranuclear neuronal sites and in glia in the nucleus accumbens core and shell of the female rat: Evidence for localization to catecholaminergic and GABAergic neurons
Authors: Almey Anne , Milner Teresa A. , Brake Wayne G.
Published: April 2022

Estrogens affect dopamine‐dependent diseases/behavior and have rapid effects on dopamine release and receptor availability in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Low levels of nuclear estrogen receptor (ER) α and ERβ are seen in the NAc, which cannot account for the rapid effects of estrogens in this region. G‐protein coupled ER 1 (GPER1) is observed at low levels in the NAc shell, which also likely does not account for the array of estrogens’ effects in this region. Prior studies demonstrated membrane‐associated ERs in the dorsal striatum; these experiments extend those findings to the NAc core and shell. Single‐ and dual‐immunolabeling electron microscopy determined whether ERα, ERβ, and GPER1 are at extranuclear sites in the NAc core and shell and whether ERα and GPER1 were localized to catecholaminergic or γ‐aminobutyric acid‐ergic (GABAergic) neurons. All three ERs are observed, almost exclusively, at extranuclear sites in the NAc, and similarly distributed in the core and shell. ERα, ERβ, and GPER1 are primarily in axons and axon terminals suggesting that estrogens affect transmission in the NAc via presynaptic mechanisms. About 10% of these receptors are found on glia. A small proportion of ERα and GPER1 are localized to catecholaminergic terminals, suggesting that binding at these ERs alters release of catecholamines, including dopamine. A larger proportion of ERα and GPER1 are localized to GABAergic dendrites and terminals, suggesting that estrogens alter GABAergic transmission to indirectly affect dopamine transmission in the NAc. Thus, the localization of ERs could account for the rapid effects of estrogen in the NAc.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of 2 Oral Formulations of Domperidone After Single‐Dose Administration in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Ye Libing , Shen Minmin , Chen Yingrong , Li Xiaofeng , Xu Min , Yao Chong , Yang Shuixin
Published: April 2022

To evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties and bioequivalence of 2 oral formulations of domperidone in healthy Chinese subjects, a randomized, open‐label, 2‐way crossover study was conducted under fasting and fed states. All 96 healthy subjects were randomized to receive a single oral dose of a 10‐mg generic domperidone tablet (test) or branded domperidone tablet (reference). Blood samples were collected at specified time intervals and analyzed for domperidone using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In the fasting test, 90% CIs of geometric mean ratios were 86.7% to 105.8% for maximum concentration, 96.7% to 106.1% for area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) from time 0 to the time of the last measurable plasma concentration, and 97.1% to 106.1% for AUC from time 0 extrapolated to infinity. In the fed test, the 90% CIs were 90.8% to 121.1%, 99.7% to 109.4%, and 99.4% to 109.1%, respectively. All 90% CIs were within the bioequivalence range of 80% to 125%, indicating that the 2 formulations were bioequivalent. In addition, the values of time to maximum concentration, terminal‐phase elimination half‐life, and AUC were significantly higher in the fed group than in the fasting group, suggesting that a high‐fat meal slowed down the absorption and elimination of domperidone and significantly increased domperidone exposure.
Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Phenotyping Using Pretreatment Uracil: A Note of Caution Based on a Large Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: de With Mirjam , Knikman Jonathan , de Man Femke M. , Lunenburg Carin A. T. C. , Henricks Linda M. , van Kuilenburg André B. P. , Maring Jan G. , van Staveren Maurice C. , de Vries Niels , Rosing Hilde , Beijnen Jos H. , Pluim Dick , Modak Anil , Imholz Alex L. T. , van Schaik Ron H. N. , Schellens Jan H. M. , Gelderblom Hans , Cats Annemieke , Guchelaar Henk‐Jan , Mathijssen Ron H. J. , Swen Jesse J. , Meulendijks Didier
Published: April 2022

In clinical practice, 25–30% of the patients treated with fluoropyrimidines experience severe fluoropyrimidine‐related toxicity. Extensively clinically validated DPYD genotyping tests are available to identify patients at risk of severe toxicity due to decreased activity of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), the rate limiting enzyme in fluoropyrimidine metabolism. In April 2020, the European Medicines Agency recommended that, as an alternative for DPYD genotype‐based testing for DPD deficiency, also phenotype testing based on pretreatment plasma uracil levels is a suitable method to identify patients with DPD deficiency. Although the evidence for genotype‐directed dosing of fluoropyrimidines is substantial, the level of evidence supporting plasma uracil levels to predict DPD activity in clinical practice is limited. Notwithstanding this, uracil‐based phenotyping is now used in clinical practice in various countries in Europe. We aimed to determine the value of pretreatment uracil levels in predicting DPD deficiency and severe treatment‐related toxicity. To this end, we determined pretreatment uracil levels in 955 patients with cancer, and assessed the correlation with DPD activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and fluoropyrimidine‐related severe toxicity. We identified substantial issues concerning the use of pretreatment uracil in clinical practice, including large between‐center study differences in measured pretreatment uracil levels, most likely as a result of pre‐analytical factors. Importantly, we were not able to correlate pretreatment uracil levels with DPD activity nor were uracil levels predictive of severe treatment‐related toxicity. We urge that robust clinical validation should first be performed before pretreatment plasma uracil levels are used in clinical practice as part of a dosing strategy for fluoropyrimidines.
Effects of irrigation and fertilization on soil salt migration, yield, and water use efficiency of winter wheat in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Chen Huanyu , Ren Angyan , Hu Zhaohua , Jia Chunqing , Wang Jianlin
Published: April 2022

Irrigation and fertilization are the most effective measures to inhibit soil salt accumulation and increase yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in saline soils. The present study used a split‐plot experimental design with irrigation as the main plot and fertilizer application as the subplot from 2014 to 2016. The experiment had four levels each of irrigation (W0, no irrigation; W1, one irrigation; W2, two irrigations; W3, three irrigations) and fertilization (M, no fertilizer; Y, cow manure; W, chemical fertilizer; and H, 50% cow manure and 50% chemical fertilizer). The study identified sowing, jointing, and maturity as the major salt accumulation periods. After irrigation, the 0‐ to 20‐cm soil salinity during presowing, jointing, and grain filling decreased by 1.09, 0.28, 0.19 g kg−1, and 0.76, 0.46, and 0.23 g kg−1, from 2014 to 2016. The wheat roots were mainly distributed in the 0‐ to 30‐cm soil layer. Meanwhile, wheat evapotranspiration (ET) ranged from 153 to 402 and 202 to 451 mm from 2014 to 2016, respectively; and the ET under W3W were 2.62‐ and 2.23‐times higher than W0M. Additionally, W3W increased yield of wheat by 567.0 and 422.2% from 2014 to 2016, compared with W0M. Generally, the water use efficiency (WUE) decreases as irrigation increases; however, this study found no significant difference in WUE between W2 and W3. Meanwhile, the chemical fertilizer resulted in the highest WUE, 3.16‐ and 2.63‐times higher than no fertilizer. Thus, the study proposes W3W as a suitable treatment for wheat in the Yellow River Delta.
Impact of environmental, social and governance disclosure on dividend policy: What is the role of corporate governance? Evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Ellili Nejla Ould Daoud
Published: April 2022

This study examines the nexus between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure and dividend policy by considering the major role of corporate governance. The sample consists of companies traded in the UAE financial markets during the period 2010–2020. Using data collected from Bloomberg and applying panel data regressions, the results indicated a positive relationship between ESG and dividend payouts. In addition, the results reveal that board of directors' independence is a mediator in the relationship between ESG disclosure and dividend payout, whereas institutional ownership and foreign ownership play a negative and positive moderating role between ESG and dividend payout, respectively. The findings could help UAE financial regulators integrate ESG information into the reporting process, implement effective corporate governance mechanisms to provide accurate information to shareholders, and manage their portfolios more efficiently. This study is the first to examine the relationship between ESG disclosure and dividend policies by considering corporate governance, and contributes to a better understanding of the financial impact of ESG disclosure on dividend policy.
A quantitative method for the simultaneous detection of SR9009 and SR9011 in equine plasma using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kwak Young Beom , Yu Jundong , Yoo Hye Hyun
Published: April 2022

SR9009 and SR9011 are metabolic modulators pharmacologically targeting REV‐ERB receptors as synthetic agonists. A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the detection of SR9009 and SR9011 in equine plasma was developed and validated. Plasma samples were pretreated by protein precipitation with methanol and were loaded onto an ACQUITY ultra performance liquid chromatography high‐strength silica C18 column (2.1 × 150 mm, 1.8 μm) for chromatographic separation. The mobile phase consisted of 5‐mM ammonium formate (pH 3.0) in distilled water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile, and a gradient elution was used at a flow rate of 0.25 ml/min. For the mass spectrometry detection, the selected reaction monitoring mode was used with transitions of 438.2 → 124.9 for SR9009, 479.2 → 125.1 for SR9011, and 292.2 → 109.1 for the internal standard (testosterone‐d3) in the positive ionization mode. The linearity, lower limit of quantification, intra‐ and inter‐day precision, accuracy, matrix effect, recovery, and stability were evaluated. The method was found to be accurate and reproducible for the quantitation of SR9009 and SR9011. The developed method was successfully applied to plasma samples of thoroughbreds injected intramuscularly with SR9009.
An efficient method of evaluating multiple concurrent management actions on invasive populations
Authors: Davis Amy J. , Farrar Randy , Jump Brad , Hall Parker , Guerrant Travis , Pepin Kim M.
Published: April 2022

Evaluating the efficacy of management actions to control invasive species is crucial for maintaining funding and to provide feedback for the continual improvement of management efforts. However, it is often difficult to assess the efficacy of control methods due to limited resources for monitoring. Managers may view effort on monitoring as effort taken away from performing management actions. We developed a method to estimate invasive species abundance, evaluate management effectiveness, and evaluate population growth over time from a combination of removal activities (e.g., trapping, ground shooting) using only data collected during removal efforts (method of removal, date, location, number of animals removed, and effort). This dynamic approach allows for abundance estimation at discrete time points and the estimation of population growth between removal periods. To test this approach, we simulated over 1 million conditions, including varying the length of the study, the size of the area examined, the number of removal events, the capture rates, and the area impacted by removal efforts. Our estimates were unbiased (within 10% of truth) 81% of the time and were correlated with truth 91% of the time. This method performs well overall and, in particular, at monitoring trends in abundances over time. We applied this method to removal data from Mingo National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri from December 2015 to September 2019, where the management objective is elimination. Populations of feral swine on Mingo NWR have fluctuated over time but showed marked declines in the last 3–6 months of the time series corresponding to increased removal pressure. Our approach allows for the estimation of population growth across time (from both births and immigration) and therefore, provides a target removal rate (above that of the population growth) to ensure the population will decline. In Mingo NWR, the target monthly removal rate is 18% to cause a population decline. Our method provides advancement over traditional removal modeling approaches because it can be applied to evaluate management programs that use a broad range of removal techniques concurrently and whose management effort and spatial coverage vary across time.
A machine‐learning approach to predict success of a biocontrol for invasive Eurasian watermilfoil reduction
Authors: White Diana T. , Antoniou Thibaud M. , Martin Jonathan M. , Kmetz William , Twiss Michael R.
Published: April 2022

Myriophyllum spicatum, more commonly known as Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), is one of the most invasive aquatic plants in North America, causing negative ecological and economic impacts in ecosystems where it proliferates. Many control strategies have been developed and implemented to mitigate EWM growth and spread, although the results are mixed and there is no consensus on lake‐specific strategies. Here, we describe the development of a predictive model using a support vector technique, that predicts the success of biological pest control using Euhrychiopsis lecontei (the milfoil weevil), a milfoil specialist, to reduce EWM in lakes. Such a model is informed by lake characteristics (limnological and landscape) and augmentation strategies. To develop our predictive model, we performed a metadata analysis from 133 published peer‐reviewed literature and professional reports of milfoil weevil augmentation field experiments that contained information on lake characteristics. The predictive model's algorithm uses a support vector machine (SMV) to learn patterns among lake characteristics, along with the recorded augmentation strategy and the reported success of each study, where success is a measure of EWM change over a season and is recorded in a variety of ways (e.g., EWM biomass change, EWM percent change, EWM visual change, etc.,). Overall, the model results suggests that shallower lakes, more frequent weevil augmentations, and larger weevil overwintering habitat are the most important predictors for EWM reduction success by weevil augmentation. Although watermilfoil weevil augmentation is a promising mitigation strategy, it may not work for all lakes. However, in terms of suggesting weevil augmentation, our model is a valuable tool for lake stakeholders and resource managers, who can use it to determine whether milfoil weevil augmentation, which can be very costly due to the difficulties in finding and raising milfoil weevils, will be a useful and sustainable approach to control EWM in their lake community.
Fire‐driven vegetation type conversion in Southern California
Authors: Syphard Alexandra D. , Brennan Teresa J. , Rustigian‐Romsos Heather , Keeley Jon E.
Published: April 2022

One consequence of global change causing widespread concern is the possibility of ecosystem conversions from one type to another. A classic example of this is vegetation type conversion (VTC) from native woody shrublands to invasive annual grasslands in the biodiversity hotspot of Southern California. Although the significance of this problem is well recognized, understanding where, how much, and why this change is occurring remains elusive owing to differences in results from studies conducted using different methods, spatial extents, and scales. Disagreement has arisen particularly over the relative importance of short‐interval fires in driving these changes. Chronosequence approaches that use space for time to estimate changes have produced different results than studies of changes at a site over time. Here we calculated the percentage woody and herbaceous cover across Southern California using air photos from ~1950 to 2019. We assessed the extent of woody cover change and the relative importance of fire history, topography, soil moisture, and distance to human infrastructure in explaining change across a hierarchy of spatial extents and regions. We found substantial net decline in woody cover and expansion of herbaceous vegetation across all regions, but the most dramatic changes occurred in the northern interior and southern coastal areas. Variables related to frequent, short‐interval fire were consistently top ranked as the explanation for shrub to grassland type conversion, but low soil moisture and topographic complexity were also strong correlates. Despite the consistent importance of fire, there was substantial geographical variation in the relative importance of drivers, and these differences resulted in different mapped predictions of VTC. This geographical variation is important to recognize for management decision‐making and, in addition to differences in methodological design, may also partly explain differences in previous study results. The overwhelming importance of short‐interval fire has management implications. It suggests that actions should be directed away from imposing fires to preventing fires. Prevention can be controlled through management actions that limit ignitions, fire spread, and the damage sustained in areas that do burn. This study also demonstrates significant potential for changing fire regimes to drive large‐scale, abrupt ecological change.
Optimizing management of invasions in an uncertain world using dynamic spatial models
Authors: Pepin Kim M. , Davis Amy J. , Epanchin‐Niell Rebecca S. , Gormley Andrew M. , Moore Joslin L. , Smyser Timothy J. , Shaffer H. Bradley , Kendall William L. , Shea Katriona , Runge Michael C. , McKee Sophie
Published: April 2022

Dispersal drives invasion dynamics of nonnative species and pathogens. Applying knowledge of dispersal to optimize the management of invasions can mean the difference between a failed and a successful control program and dramatically improve the return on investment of control efforts. A common approach to identifying optimal management solutions for invasions is to optimize dynamic spatial models that incorporate dispersal. Optimizing these spatial models can be very challenging because the interaction of time, space, and uncertainty rapidly amplifies the number of dimensions being considered. Addressing such problems requires advances in and the integration of techniques from multiple fields, including ecology, decision analysis, bioeconomics, natural resource management, and optimization. By synthesizing recent advances from these diverse fields, we provide a workflow for applying ecological theory to advance optimal management science and highlight priorities for optimizing the control of invasions. One of the striking gaps we identify is the extremely limited consideration of dispersal uncertainty in optimal management frameworks, even though dispersal estimates are highly uncertain and greatly influence invasion outcomes. In addition, optimization frameworks rarely consider multiple types of uncertainty (we describe five major types) and their interrelationships. Thus, feedbacks from management or other sources that could magnify uncertainty in dispersal are rarely considered. Incorporating uncertainty is crucial for improving transparency in decision risks and identifying optimal management strategies. We discuss gaps and solutions to the challenges of optimization using dynamic spatial models to increase the practical application of these important tools and improve the consistency and robustness of management recommendations for invasions.
A Tip‐Inhibitor Interphase Embedded with Soluble Polysulfides for High‐Voltage Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Cui Xueyang , Cheng Jiancong , Li Chen , Sun Zongqiang , Li Kaixuan , Wang Yajing , Fan Xiaoxiang , Tang Shuai , Lin Xiaodong , Yuan Ruming , Mao Bingwei , Zheng Mingsen , Dong Quanfeng
Published: April 2022

The high‐voltage battery has now become a goal in order to meet the demands for high energy density. However, the severe side reactions between Li metal and carbonate‐based electrolytes in this system result in unstable interphase, leading to non‐uniform Li‐ion flux and thus aggravating the dendrite growth of Li. The protect interphase, traditional solid electrolyte interface (SEI), is a loose solid layer consisted of many components, which generally does not possess the function of preventing the lithium budding. Herein, based on polysulfide solubility in ester, we proposed a strategy to eliminate the dendrite by constructing a unique SEI in which the dynamic polysulfides were in situ formed and encapsuled. For this purpose, a 2‐fluorophenylsulfur pentafluoride (2‐FSPF) was employed as an additive in carbonate‐based electrolyte that can be decomposed electrochemically during battery operation to form such a polysulfide‐rich interphase. These polysulfides with certain fluidity can adhere to dynamically the budding tip of Li metal, as a so‐called tip‐inhibitor, when the local current density of the tip rising, thus to hinder Li+ diffusion toward the tip, resulting in inhibiting the further growth of Li dendrites and leveling the Li deposition. At the current density of 1 mA cm−2, the average Coulombic efficiency of Li//Cu cells is as high as 98.39% during 600 cycles, and the stable cycling of Li//Li symmetric cell reaches 3500 h. Furthermore, due to the high anodic stability, the Li//high‐voltage LiCoO2 (LCO) full cells and Li–O2 battery achieve excellent cycle performance with lean electrolyte.
Natural Graphene Plasmonic Nano‐Resonators for Highly Active Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Platforms
Authors: Feng Xiaoqiang , Liu Zhiduo , Zhang Guanglin , Zhang Shan , Huang Shuiping , He Zhengyi , Wei Genwang , Yang Siwei , Zhu Yangguang , Ye Caichao , Lin Cheng‐Te , Ding Guqiao , Wang Gang
Published: April 2022

Highly sensitive and uniform three‐dimensional (3D) hybrid heterogeneous structures for use in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) experiments were fabricated by sequentially decorating high‐quality, ultra‐clean, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and Ag nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) onto 3D‐graphene. Finite‐difference time‐domain calculations and scanning Kelvin probe microscopy were used to verify that the Ag‐NPs/GQDs/3D‐graphene system facilitates substantial electromagnetic enhancement (due to the occurrence of two kinds of “gaps” between the Ag‐NPs that form 3D “hot spots”) and additional chemical enhancement (in detecting some π‐conjugated molecules). The SERS mechanism was explored in further detail via experimental analysis and confirmed by performing theoretical calculations. The large surface area of the 3D substrate (due to the large specific surface areas of the GQDs and 3D‐graphene) results in a better enrichment effect which helps produce lower detection limits. In particular, the detection limits obtained using the Ag‐NPs/GQDs/3D‐graphene platform can reach 10−11 M for rhodamine 6G, 10−10 M for methylene blue and dopamine, and 10−7 M for tetramethylthiuram disulfide and methyl parathion in apple juice (these are superior to most of the results reported using graphene‐based SERS substrates). In summary, the 3D‐platform Ag‐NPs/GQDs/3D‐graphene/Si shows outstanding SERS performance. It therefore has excellent application prospects in biochemical molecular detection and food safety monitoring.
Asymmetric Total Synthesis of All Rugulovasine Stereoisomers and Preliminary Evaluation of Their Biological Properties
Authors: Bartoccini Francesca , Regni Alessio , Retini Michele , Piersanti Giovanni
Published: April 2022

A unified enantioselective synthesis and the biological evaluation of all rugulovasine stereoisomers are reported. The syntheses are centered on the divergent and stereochemical modular combination of each enantiomer of 4‐amino Uhle's ketone and a methacrylate derivative to build the unsaturated oxaspirolactone moiety by the Dreiding‐Schmidt reaction, followed by Fukuyama alkylation to afford the required N‐methyl secondary amine in excellent yield. The modularity of this divergent approach, the diastereoselectivities of the reactions, and the late‐stage site‐selective methylation permit the rapid asymmetric syntheses of all rugulovasine stereoisomers, including the first total syntheses of optically pure (+)‐ and (−)‐rugulovasine B and their trideuteromethylated derivatives. All enantiopure stereoisomers of rugulovasine were tested for their binding affinities to dopamine, serotonin, and adrenergic neuroreceptors, revealing their preferred selectivity for the serotonin 1 A receptor.
Advances in the application of molecular sieves as catalysts for lignin depolymerization—HZSM‐5 as an example
Authors: Xu Jingyu , Jia Jiahai , Zhang Yunze , Wang Xing , Guo Yanzhu , Zhou Jinghui
Published: April 2022

At present, mankind faces the problem of increasingly serious global environmental crisis and growing shortage of petrochemical resources, making it more and more necessary to seek renewable substitute for petroleum. Biomass resources, which have received widespread attention and worldwide research, are the most common source of renewable carbon. Moreover, they are considered to be the major source of renewable green carbon today. Biomass resources contain three main aggregates, which are cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, as well as small amounts of other additional materials. Notably, the aromatic ring ethers linkage inside lignin molecules enables it to serve as a renewable and suitable feedstock for the production of aromatic chemicals and fuels. However, the recognition that lignin is the most difficult lignocellulosic biomass to degrade makes it much less valuable for practical applications. Therefore, in order to achieve high‐value conversion and utilization of lignin and replace non‐renewable fossil resources, the targeted conversion of lignin into chemicals and materials has become one of the major hot research areas. To this end, this article reviews research results on the use of molecular sieves (HZSM‐5) as catalysts for lignin degradation and conversion, providing an outlook on future research directions.
Effect of historical land‐use change on soil erosion in a Mediterranean catchment by integrating 137Cs measurements and WaTEM/SEDEM model
Authors: Lizaga Villuendas Ivan , Latorre Borja , Gaspar Leticia , Navas Ana
Published: April 2022

Soil erosion is especially severe in areas affected by intermittent heavy rainfalls after dry periods, and human practices such as deforestation. Mediterranean mountain environments underwent conversion of rangelands into croplands during the previous centuries to increase agricultural production but this process was reversed after land abandonment in the middle of the twentieth century allowing the natural revegetation. To understand the effect of the past practices and the current agricultural management, we have combined the strength of empirical data and spatially distributed modelling in a medium‐sized catchment representative of agroforestry landscapes of NE Spain. We developed an ensemble technique composed of 137Cs‐derived soil redistribution rates as specific point values and as grid‐based setup calibration for the WaTEM/SEDEM. Thus, we overcame the point specific limitation of the 137Cs measurement and the need for calibration of spatially distributed models that allow a spatial interpretation of soil redistribution in the catchment. We implemented an automated routine model tool to increase the calculation speed and calibrate the model thus, allowing estimates of the main model parameters for simulating a variety of temporal scenarios. With this method a good fit between modelled and measured soil redistribution rates (R2 = 0.82) was obtained (Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency: 0.79). Estimates were also consistent with the previous apportions of sediment provenance obtained by the fingerprinting technique. An increase of 300% in sediment export was predicted for the past scenario when most of the catchment was cultivated, while a reduction of 40% occurred in the future scenario of land abandonment. A high influence of input resolution was found, wherein model efficiency was reduced when pixel‐size was increased. Our study demonstrates that spatially distributed models combined with 137Cs‐derived rates provide a powerful tool to understand the driving factors of erosion and delineate the hotspot areas that could suffer high erosion if submitted to certain management practices.
Reasons for satisfaction with the use of the 52‐mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system
Authors: Laporte Montas , Charles Charles M. , Metelus Sherly , Souza Rafael B. , Peloggia Alessandra , Bahamondes Luis
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To assess the reasons to use, reasons they liked, satisfaction with, and possibilities of recommendation to other women of the levonorgestrel 52‐mg intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) by users.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at the University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil from January to July 2021. We enrolled users who came to the clinic, and we applied a pre‐tested structured questionnaire with open‐ended questions. We performed descriptive analyses of the variables, assessing the level of satisfaction with, and the reasons regarding the possibility of continuing to use, the IUS.

Results

Of the 517 enrolled women, 251 (48%) were aged 35 years or older (mean age 33.9 ± 9.0 years), 276 (53%) were white, 14 (3%) were adolescents, 155 (30%) were nulligravidas, and 307 (59.4%) reported experiencing amenorrhea in the last 90 days. Common reasons why women liked to use the LNG‐IUS included both the reduction of menstrual bleeding (419 women; 81%) and dysmenorrhea (290 women; 56.1%). Nine out of 10 users (517 women; 91%) were satisfied with the method, and the majority would recommend it to other women.

Conclusion

We found a high satisfaction rate among LNG‐IUS users mainly due to the reduction of both menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea.
Improving thermal stability of sulfide solid electrolytes: An intrinsic theoretical paradigm
Authors: Wang Shuo , Wu Yujing , Li Hong , Chen Liquan , Wu Fan
Published: April 2022

All‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) have been widely acknowledged as the key next‐generation energy storage technology/device, due to their high safety and energy density. Among all solid electrolytes (SEs) that have been studied for ASSBs, sulfide SEs represent the most promising technical route due to their ultra‐high ionic conductivity and desirable mechanical property. However, few results have been reported to study the thermal stability/safety issue of sulfide SEs and ASSBs. Herein, we develop the first‐of‐its‐kind theoretical paradigm and a new conceptual parameter Th to quantitatively calculate/predict the essential thermal stability of sulfide SEs. This theoretical paradigm takes all types of parameters (e.g. crystal structure, localized polyhedra configuration, bond energy, bond type, bond number, normalization factor, and the energy correction factor) into consideration, and more importantly, can be simplified into one straightforward equation for its convenient application in any crystalline systems. To prove its functionality, the typical experimental strategies (stoichiometric ratio control and elemental doping) are adopted for typical sulfide SEs (Li7P3S11, Li3PS4) to improve their thermal stabilities, based on the predictions obtained from the derived theory and equation. Moreover, the potential doping elements to improve thermal stability of sulfide SEs are screened throughout the whole periodic table, and the theoretically predicted trends correspond well with experimental evidence. This work may represent the most critical breakthroughs in the research field of thermal stability for sulfide SEs, not only because it fills the gap of this field, but also due to its precise and quantitative prediction based on a complete consideration of all parameters that determine their thermal stabilities. The handy model developed herein can also be applied to any crystalline materials.

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