bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Managers Use the Available Non-Committed Financial Resources at Their Discretion in Response to Stakeholder Pressure?
Authors: Braune Eric , Hikkerova Lubica , Boncori Anne-Laure
Published: November 2021

We propose to explore the research question of whether managers use available non-committed financial resources at their discretion to respond to stakeholder pressure. To address this question, we investigate the relationship between the corporate social performance (CSP) of industrial companies listed on Standard & Poor’s 500 and the financial resources (financial slack) at the discretion of their managers. We find that managers can use financial slack to extend and intensify the CSP of their companies. In terms of types of CSP, these resources are not allocated to reduce the impacts of their companies’ activities on the environment. They are rather oriented toward addressing social issues and social conditions. Moreover, we find that management decisions concerning the allocation of slack resources toward an increase in CSP vary according to a company’s risk profile.
Social Capital and Cost of Bank Loans During the Financial Crisis
Authors: Hmaittane Abdelmajid , Mnasri Mohamed , Bouslah Kais , M’Zali Bouchra
Published: November 2021

This study examines the effect of the lender’s social capital on the link between the borrower’s social capital and the cost of bank loans. We exploit the last financial crisis as an exogenous shock to trust during which social capital becomes more valuable. Our findings suggest that when a lender’s social capital is high, borrowers with high social capital pay 46.22 basis points less on their bank loans than those with low social capital.
Le rôle de la certification dans le développement de collaborations entre acteurs aux logiques partiellement distinctes : le cas du commerce équitable
Authors: Huybrechts Benjamin , Nicholls Alex
Published: November 2021

Comment la certification éthique affecte-t-elle les collaborations entre des partenaires aux logiques institutionnelles partiellement distinctes, par exemple des entreprises de commerce équitable et des entreprises de la grande distribution ? En comparant des collaborations avec et sans recours à la certification du commerce équitable en Belgique, nous observons que cette certification permet de multiplier et de standardiser ces collaborations. Néanmoins, elle maintient également les rapports de pouvoir dans leur dimension économique et limite le potentiel d’enrichissement mutuel. En l’absence de certification, les négociations sont spécifiques à chaque collaboration, ce qui entrave leur réplication mais permet un plus grand enrichissement mutuel des partenaires.
Meritocracia: ¿luz verde o luz roja?
Authors:   Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Mohammadi Leila
Published: November 2021

La última serie exitosa de Netflix, El juego de calamar, ha establecido un nuevo récord de audiencias en todo el mundo. Esta serie coreana también ha generado muchos debates, desde críticas por inspirar violencia a través de juegos infantiles hasta lecciones de marketing y memes en las redes sociales.
ZNAČAJ INTERNETA KAO MEDIJA MARKETINŠKIH KOMUNIKACIJA I NJIHOV UTICAJ NA KREIRANJE STRATEGIJE POSLOVANJA
Authors: Stankov Sanja , Rakić Aleksandar , Bajić Jasmina
Published: November 2021

Kvalitetno i uspešno poslovanje u svetu povezano je sa činjenicom da je sve ono što piše na internetu od velike važnosti. Internet je savremeni, interaktivni medij s ogromnim potencijalom u marketinškom komuniciranju. Onlajn reputacija je prednost svih onih koji žele da njihov posao ponese epitet „organizacije od poverenja“. Organizacijama koje se trude da održe dobru reputaciju, mišljenje ljudi je najbitnije, kako u realnom tako i u digitalnom svetu, jer dobra internet reputacija utiče, pre ili kasnije i na rezultat poslovanja. Ono što je, međutim, za menadžere marketinga svakako najvažnije jeste analiza korisnika interneta, koji po svojim demografskim karakteristikama predstavljaju specifičan tržišni segment. U radu će biti prezentovani primeri korišćenja interneta kao medija s ciljem poboljšanja onlajn poslovanja organizacije “023 Status”.
ODGOVORNOST ONLAJN MEDIJSKIH PORTALA ZA KOMENTARE ČITALACA
Authors: Čošabić Jasna
Published: November 2021

Brz razvoj interneta se takođe odrazio na odgovornost onlajn medijskih portala. Za razliku od klasičnog načina izražavanja medija, kao što su TV, radio i štampane novine, onlajn mediji su više izloženi otvorenim interakcijama sa svojim korisnicima. Ono što se objavljuje nije više pod suverenom kontrolom medija. Odgovornost klasičnih medija je direktna i jasna. Zakoni o zaštiti od klevete u demokratskim društvima obuhvataju građansku odgovornost novinara i urednika. Međutim, onlajn medijski portali sadrže ne samo članke koje su napisali novinari i odobrili urednici, već takođe sadrže i komentare korisnika interneta, tako stavljajući bilo koje lice na mjesto novinara, koje može putem onlajn medijskih portala da utiče na javnost. Ovaj rad analizira nedavnu praksu Evropskog suda za ljudska prava, koji je u predmetu „Delfi protiv Estonije“ utvrdio da odluka kojom je onlajn portal „Delfi“ smatran odgovornim za komentare internetskih korisnika, nije predstavljala povredu slobode izražavanja portala, i tako naznačio da onlajn medijski portali mogu biti odgovorni za komentare čitalaca. Međutim, u drugoj presudi MTE protiv Mađarske, koja je donesena 2. februara 2016. godine, Sud je donio suprotnu odluku. Šta je uzrok takve promjene u zaštiti slobode izražavanja? Kako su ove odluke uticale na smjernice Savjeta Evrope (donesene u aprilu 2016) o zaštiti slobode medija i novinara i slobode interneta?
Analysis of core genes for colorectal cancer prognosis based on immune and stromal scores
Authors: Zhu Yi , Zhou Yuan , Jiang HongGang , Chen ZhiHeng , Lu BoHao
Published: November 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies.An early diagnosis and an accurate prognosis are major focuses of CRC research. Tumor microenvironment cells and the extent of infiltrating immune and stromal cells contribute significantly to the tumor prognosis.

Methods

Immune and stromal scores were calculated based on the ESTIMATE algorithm using the sample expression profile of the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. GSE102479 was used as the validation database. Differentially expressed genes whose expression was significantly associated with the prognosis of CRC patients were identified based on the immune matrix score. Survival analysis was conducted on the union of the differentially expressed genes. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database to identify the closely connected modules. To conduct functional enrichment analysis of the relevant genes, GO and KEGG pathway analyses were performed with Cluster Profiler. Pivot analysis of the ncRNAs and TFs was performed by using the RAID2.0 database and TRRUST v2 database. TF-mRNA regulatory relationships were analyzed in the TRRUST V2 database. Hubgene targeting relationships were screened in the TargetScan, miRTarBase and miRDB databases. The SNV data of the hub genes were analyzed by using the R maftools package. A ROC curve was drawn based on the TCGA database. The proportion of immune cells was estimated using CIBERSORT and the LM22 feature matrix.

Results

The results showed that the matrix score was significantly correlated with colorectal cancer stage T. A total of 789 differentially expressed genes and 121 survival-related prognostic genes were identified. The PPI network showed that 22 core genes were related to the CRC prognosis. Furthermore, four ncRNAs that regulated the core prognosis genes, 11 TFs with regulatory effects on the core prognosis genes, and two drugs, quercetin and pseudoephedrine, that have regulatory effects on colorectal cancer were also identified.

Conclusions

We obtained a list of tumor microenvironment-related genes for CRC patients. These genes could be useful for determining the prognosis of CRC patients. To confirm the function of these genes, additional experiments are necessary.
Both landscape heterogeneity and configuration determine Woodlarks (Lullula arborea) breeding territories
Authors: Resch Marlies , Suarez-Rubio Marcela
Published: November 2021

Farmland birds have declined in the last decades mostly due to agriculture intensification. The Woodlark Lullula arborea, a farmland species of conservation concern and protected by the European Bird Directive, occurs in a variety of habitats across its geographic range. Although habitat heterogeneity has been recognized as a key feature, the preference or avoidance of particular habitat attributes might differ across its range because different localities may have distinct conditions. Such variation would challenge conservation efforts at the local level. Our aim was to assess habitat associations of Woodlarks and determine whether the habitat attributes identified as important in other locations across its range could be generalised and applied to Austrian populations. In addition, habitat associations can be influenced by land-use change. We examined changes in land use from 2007 to 2016 in 15 municipalities surrounding areas occupied by Woodlarks. We quantified the composition and configuration of the local landscape surrounding 18 singing males’ territories and 16 non-territory sites. We found that the probability of Woodlarks territories increased with landscape heterogeneity between 50% and 70%, increased with dispersed bare soil patches, decreased with overall patch density and were away from dirt roads. Contrary to our expectation, there was no indication of land-use change. In contrast to previous studies, vegetation height, the presence and proximity to woodland were not identified as important habitat characteristics. Thus, some conservation recommendations can be derived from other localities, for example, maintaining or enhancing landscape heterogeneity. However, others should be adapted to local conditions. In Austria, conservation efforts should focus on including dispersed patches of bare soil and limiting the development of dirt roads nearby Woodlark territories, in addition to promoting a heterogeneous landscape.
Tree‐Inspired Ultralong Hydroxyapatite Nanowires‐Based Multifunctional Aerogel with Vertically Aligned Channels for Continuous Flow Catalysis, Water Disinfection, and Solar Energy‐Driven Water Purification
Authors: Xiong Zhi‐Chao , Zhu Ying‐Jie , Wang Zhong‐Yi , Chen Yu‐Qiao , Yu Han‐Ping
Published: November 2021

Water pollution and freshwater shortage have deteriorated the global water crisis. Developing sustainable methods to alleviate contaminated water has become an urgent affair. Herein, inspired by water transportation and transpiration of natural trees, the authors report an ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires‐based biomimetic aerogel with vertically aligned channels and multiple functions for continuous flow catalysis, water disinfection, solar energy‐driven water purification, and seawater desalination. Ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires act as carriers to immobilize catalyst nanoparticles and serve as building blocks to assemble with chitosan to form the biomimetic aerogel with structure‐function integration. Benefiting from the interconnected cellular structure, unidirectional aligned channels, nanowire‐interwoven networked pore wall, and evenly distributed catalyst nanoparticles, the biomimetic aerogel exhibits high catalytic activity (97.6% treatment efficiency) and permeability (1786 L m−2 h−1), excellent recyclability and stability in continuous flow catalytic degradation of methylene blue solely driven by gravity. The biomimetic aerogel exhibits excellent performance for bacteria removal and anti‐biofouling. The superior photothermal conversion and heat confinement properties enable the biomimetic aerogel with a high efficiency (86.7%) for solar energy‐driven seawater desalination and wastewater purification under one sun irradiation. The multifunctional biomimetic aerogel has promising applications in catalytic reactions, wastewater remediation, and environmental engineering.
A Super‐Boosted Hybrid Plasmonic Upconversion Process for Photodetection at 1550 nm Wavelength
Authors: La Ju A. , Lee Seongyu , Hong A‐Ra , Byun Ji Young , Kang JoonHyun , Han Il Ki , Cho Younghak , Kang Gumin , Jang Ho Seong , Ko Hyungduk
Published: November 2021

A super‐boosted hybrid plasmonic upconversion (UC) architecture comprising a hierarchical plasmonic upconversion (HPU) film and a polymeric microlens array (MLA) film is proposed for efficient photodetection at a wavelength of 1550 nm. Plasmonic metasurfaces and Au core–satellite nanoassembly (CSNA) films can strongly induce a more effective plasmonic effect by providing numerous hot spots in an intense local electromagnetic field up to wavelengths exceeding 1550 nm. Hence, significant UC emission enhancement is realized via the amplified plasmonic coupling of an HPU film comprising an Au CSNA and UC nanoparticles. Furthermore, an MLA polymer film is synergistically coupled with the HPU film, thereby focusing the incident near‐infrared light in the micrometer region, including the plasmonic nanostructure area. Consequently, the plasmonic effect super‐boosted by microfocusing the incident light, significantly lowers the detectable power limit of a device, resulting in superior sensitivity and responsivity at weak excitation powers. Finally, a triple‐cation perovskite‐based photodetector coupled with the hybrid plasmonic UC film exhibits the excellent values of responsivity and detectivity of 9.80 A W−1 and 8.22 × 1012 Jones at a weak power density of ≈0.03 mW cm−2, respectively, demonstrating that the device performance is enhanced by more than 104 magnitudes over a reference sample.
Soluble Organic Cathodes Enable Long Cycle Life, High Rate, and Wide‐Temperature Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Mengjie , Yang Jixing , Shi Yeqing , Chen Zifeng , Bai Panxing , Su Hai , Xiong Peixun , Cheng Mingren , Zhao Jiwei , Xu Yunhua
Published: November 2021

Organic electrode materials free of rare transition metal elements are promising for sustainable, cost‐effective, and environmentally benign battery chemistries. However, severe shuttling effect caused by the dissolution of active materials in liquid electrolytes results in fast capacity decay, limiting their practical applications. Here, using a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) that is in situ formed on Nafion‐coated separators, the shuttle reaction of organic electrodes is eliminated while maintaining the electrochemical performance. The synergy of physical confinement by GPE with tunable polymer structure and charge repulsion of the Nafion‐coated separator substantially prevents the soluble organic electrode materials with different molecular sizes from shuttling. A soluble small‐molecule organic electrode material of 1,3,5‐tri(9,10‐anthraquinonyl)benzene demonstrates exceptional electrochemical performance with an ultra‐long cycle life of 10 000 cycles, excellent rate capability of 203 mAh g−1 at 100 C, and a wide working temperature range from −70 to 100 °C based on the solid–liquid conversion chemistry, which outperforms all previously reported organic cathode materials. The shielding capability of GPE can be designed and tailored toward organic electrodes with different molecular sizes, thus providing a universal resolution to the shuttling effect that all soluble electrode materials suffer.
Robust and Repeatable Biofabrication of Bacteria‐Mediated Drug Delivery Systems: Effect of Conjugation Chemistry, Assembly Process Parameters, and Nanoparticle Size
Authors: Zhan Ying , Fergusson Austin , McNally Lacey R. , Davis Richey M. , Behkam Bahareh
Published: November 2021

Bacteria‐mediated drug delivery systems comprising nanotherapeutics conjugated onto bacteria synergistically augment the efficacy of both therapeutic modalities in cancer therapy. Nanocarriers preserve therapeutics’ bioavailability and reduce systemic toxicity, while bacteria selectively colonize the cancerous tissue, impart intrinsic and immune‐mediated antitumor effects, and propel nanotherapeutics interstitially. The optimal bacteria–nanoparticle (NP) conjugates will carry the maximal NP load with minimal motility speed hindrance for effective interstitial distribution. Furthermore, a well‐defined and repeatable NP attachment density distribution is crucial to determining these biohybrid systems’ efficacious dosage and robust performance. Herein, our nanoscale bacteria‐enabled autonomous delivery system (NanoBEADS) platform is utilized to investigate the effects of assembly process parameters of mixing method, volume, and duration on NP attachment density and repeatability. The effect of linkage chemistry and NP size on NP attachment density, viability, growth rate, and motility of NanoBEADS is also evaluated. It is shown that the linkage chemistry impacts NP attachment density while the self‐assembly process parameters affect the repeatability and, to a lesser extent, attachment density. Lastly, the attachment density affects NanoBEADS’ growth rate and motility in an NP size‐dependent manner. These findings will contribute to the development of scalable and repeatable bacteria–NP biohybrids for applications in drug delivery and beyond. An interactive preprint version of the article can be found here: https://www.authorea.com/doi/full/10.22541/au.163100509.93917936.
Cobalt Catalyzed N‐Methylation of Amides using Methanol
Authors: Paul Bhaskar , Maji Milan , Panja Dibyajyoti , Kundu Sabuj
Published: November 2021

N‐Methylation of amide with methanol is reported in the presence of an in‐situ generated cobalt catalyst. With this simple protocol, various amides were methylated in up to 99% yield. Notably, the involvement of active cobalt (I) hydride in this methylation process was revealed by control experiments. Deuterium labelling studies were carried out using methanol‐d4, taking benzamide and the possible intermediate N‐(hydroxymethyl)benzamide to understand this transformation. Additionally, DFT calculations for the amide−formaldehyde coupling were performed to elucidate the influence of catalyst in this step.
Observer‐based finite‐time event‐triggered H∞ control for nonlinear switched systems with interval time‐varying delay
Authors: Dong Yali , Deng Mengxiao , Ding Mengying
Published: November 2021

The problem of observer‐based finite‐time event‐triggered H∞ control for nonlinear uncertain switched systems is investigated in this paper. An observer‐based event‐triggered controller is constructed using a state observer. The event‐triggering updating strategies for the control law are designed. The multiple Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and average dwell time technique are utilized to derive some sufficient conditions that guarantee the switched system is observer‐based event‐triggered H∞ finite‐time stabilizable. We give the observer gain and controller gain. At the end of this paper is a numerical example that illustrates the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed approaches.
Young radio sources: From newly born to short‐lived objects
Authors: Orienti Monica , Dallacasa Daniele
Published: November 2021

The evolutionary stage of a powerful radio source originated by an active galactic nucleus is related to its linear size. Following the evolution models, intrinsically compact objects would evolve into the population of classical radio galaxies. However, the fraction of young radio sources in flux density‐limited samples is much larger than what is expected from the number counts of large radio sources, suggesting the existence of short‐lived objects. We present results of multi‐epoch very large array and very long baseline array observations of a sub‐sample of extreme GPS sources that should be at the very beginning of their radio evolution. We also briefly introduce a new project aiming at determining the incidence of short‐lived objects among a statistically complete sample of young radio sources.
Network ambidexterity and environmental performance: Code‐sharing in the airline industry
Authors: Payán‐Sánchez Belén , Pérez‐Valls Miguel , Plaza‐Úbeda José Antonio , Vázquez‐Brust Diego
Published: November 2021

The most common form of horizontal collaboration within the airline industry is code‐sharing, which provides firms with many economic and operational benefits, although what happens in the environmental area is less certain. How should companies address code‐sharing to contribute to sustainability? The main objective of this work is to analyse the impact that this type of horizontal collaboration can have on the environmental performance of airlines. From this, we propose that network ambidexterity—the ability to balance exploration with new partners and exploitation with prior partners—is an adequate strategy to solve agency problems derived from collaboration practices to achieve environmental outcomes. Using hierarchical regression analysis, our results reinforce code‐sharing as a critical resource for the improvement of environmental performance and identify the moderating role of network ambidexterity in the impact of alliances on environmental performance.
Introducing Korean adolescent counselling systems: Implications for future directions
Authors: Jo Hang , Kim Nayoung , Yoon Eunhui
Published: November 2021

Adolescence is the period when teenagers need to enhance competencies, develop independence and experience important transitions in their lives. In addition to typical developmental tasks, Korean adolescents experience unique stressors due to highly competitive nature of the educational system in the country. It is commonly believed that they are more likely to get high‐paying jobs or higher social status once they enter prestigious universities. This belief forces the students to spend a considerable amount of time studying and results in pressure to show high levels of academic performance. Consequently, Korean adolescents experience excessive academic stress, which may lead to a broad range of psychological difficulties. These stressors have led to an increased number of clients seeking counselling services in the past years, with a total of 5 million students at all school levels presenting in 2018. The presenting issues and concerns included interpersonal relationships, academic/career difficulties, mental health issues and juvenile delinquency. In order to best serve adolescent clients, Korea has different service delivery systems including Community Youth Safety‐Net (CYS‐Net). This system provides at‐risk adolescents with customised services including counselling, protection, education and shelters by linking youth‐related resources in the community. Overall, the current article provides information regarding the Korean counselling system for adolescents. Specifically, we present (a) characteristics of the counselling system, (b) prevalence of presenting issues in counselling, (c) client characteristics, (d) service delivery systems, and (e) employment status of adolescent counsellors and school counsellors. Future directions for Korean adolescent counselling and implications are discussed.
Hypocalcemia and massive pulmonary embolism in SLE patient with COVID‐19 infection: A case report
Authors: Yousif Elnaeem Yousif Mohammed , Eljack Moh.Mah.Fadel Allah , Alfatih Mohammed , Abdulkarim Mohammed , Ibrahim mohamed Abdirizak , Abbasher Hussien Mohamed Ahmed Khabab , S. Hassan Haroun Mazin
Published: November 2021

A 16‐year‐old female patient presented to our ED with fever and coughing of blood for 3 days. She is known to have SLE for 5 months and takes oral prednisone. She was tested positive for COVID‐19. She developed hypocalcemia with clinically diagnosed massive pulmonary embolism. She was treated with heparin and recovered.
High‐Spin and Low‐Spin State Perferryl Intermediates: Reactivity‐Selectivity Correlation in Fe(PDP) Catalyzed Oxidation of (+)‐Sclareolide
Authors: Zima Alexandra M. , Babushkin Dmitrii E. , Lyakin Oleg Y. , Bryliakov Konstantin P. , Talsi Evgenii P.
Published: November 2021

Five iron complexes of the Fe(PDP) family, giving rise to the low‐spin (S=1/2) and high‐spin (S=3/2) perferryl oxygen‐transferring intermediates, have been screened in the C−H oxidation of the bulky steroidal substrate (3aR)‐(+)‐sclareolide with H2O2. The regioselectivity of oxidation (preferentially at the C2 methylenic site) increases when passing from the catalyst systems exhibiting more reactive, low‐spin perferryl oxygen‐transferring species to those featuring their less reactive, high‐spin counterparts. Furthermore, the C2 hydroxylation chemoselectivity increases in the same order, being the highest for the least reactive intermediate in the series; this observation is explained in terms of the more product‐like transition state.
Effect of Electrolyte and Electrode Configuration on Cu‐Catalyzed Nitric Oxide Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Krzywda Piotr M. , Paradelo Rodríguez Ainoa , Benes Nieck E. , Mei Bastian T. , Mul Guido
Published: November 2021

Reduction of nitric oxide was investigated using Cu electrodes in acid and neutral pH conditions. Analysis of Cu discs in stagnant electrolyte by Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry (EC‐MS), revealed the favorable formation of ammonia (and hydrogen) in acidic electrolyte, while N2O and N2 are formed in significant quantities at neutral conditions. Additional performance evaluation of Cu electrodes in hollow fiber geometry, was performed using 10 vol % NO in Ar supplied through the porous electrode structure and off‐line determination of ammonia by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The pH dependent performance of the Cu hollow fiber is in agreement with EC‐MS data at low gas flow rates, showing the highest ammonia selectivity in acidic conditions. However, at relatively high gas flow rates, almost 90 % faradaic efficiency and a NH3 production rate of 400 μmol h−2 cm−2 were obtained in neutral electrolyte at −0.6 V vs RHE, likely due to enhanced availability of NO at the electrode surface, suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction. This approach shows conversion of waste NO gas to valuable green fertilizer components is possible.
Dual Activation of Unsaturated Amides with Schwartz's Reagent: A Diastereoselective Access to Cyclopentanols and N,O‐Dimethylcyclopentylhydroxylamines.
Authors: Coelho Aurélien , Souvenir Zafindrajaona Mahasoa‐Salina , Vallée Alexis , Behr Jean‐Bernard , Vasse Jean‐Luc
Published: November 2021

The diastereoselective access to cyclopentanols and N,O‐dimethylcyclopentylhydroxylamines from 4‐pentenoic acid‐derived Weinreb amides is described. Based on the concomitant generation of both the nucleophilic and the electrophilic poles by hydrozirconation of the amide and the C=C double bond, the cyclisation may be tuned towards cyclopentanols or N,O‐dimethylcyclopentylhydroxylamines depending on the ring‐closure promotor. An extension to cis 3‐substituted N,O‐dimethylcyclohexylhydroxylamines is also presented.
Extraneural recurrence of an intracranial nongerminomatous germ cell tumor to cervical lymph nodes in a pediatric patient: Case report
Authors: Howell Jackson , Dandoy Christopher , Wright Jordan M. , Chow Lionel , El‐Sheikh Ayman , Dole Mukund , Vatner Ralph E. , Kamian Kambiz
Published: November 2021

Background

Intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) comprise 3%–5% of pediatric primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors in Western countries. Though they are related in embryonic origin to gonadal GCTs, which are considered highly treatable with cisplatin‐based chemotherapy regimens, intracranial GCTs vary in malignant potential and sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy, generally carrying a worse prognosis. Metastases of intracranial GCTs outside of the CNS are rare, indicate a poor prognosis, and their salvage treatment is not well established.

Case

A 15‐year‐old boy presented with bifocal (suprasellar and pineal) intracranial nongerminomatous germ cell tumors of mixed origin. The tumors were treated to full response with a multimodal approach of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgical resection, and adjuvant craniospinal proton radiation. Nine months following treatment completion, the patient presented with an enlarged cervical lymph node determined on excisional biopsy to be a recurrence of pure germinoma from the primary tumors. Salvage treatment involved high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation; however, the patient denied further treatment prior to planned focal radiotherapy. Thirty months post‐treatment, the patient is well with no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusion

This case demonstrated the successful salvage treatment of an extraneural recurrence of an intracranial GCT using surgical resection and a high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem‐cell transplantation regimen, highlighting the unique factors which led to the selection of this regimen.
A study on path planning optimization of mobile robots based on hybrid algorithm
Authors: Garip Zeynep , Karayel Durmuş , Erhan Çimen Murat
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study is to develop a novel hybrid meta‐heuristic algorithm for optimal path planning of the mobile robot. A novel hybrid algorithm based on particle swarm optimization (PSO), firefly algorithm (FA), and cuckoo search (CS) is proposed in order to improve the efficiency of algorithms and minimize the cost performance criterion in path planning. First, A MATLAB based interface was designed to easily perform all activities such as generating maps by processing the images taken from the camera, finding paths with algorithms, communicating with robots, and navigating according to path information that the robot determines with algorithms. Second, for path planning in mobile robots, the developed CS‐PSO‐FA hybrid algorithm and CS, FA, PSO algorithms were carried out both simulation and experimentally without hitting obstacles in similar working environments. In addition, various applications are performed in the various simulation environments to verify the developed CS‐PSO‐FA hybrid algorithm and the obtained results are compared. In conclusion, it is demonstrated that the path obtained with the novel hybrid CS‐PSO‐FA algorithm is shorter than CS, PSO, and FA algorithms and thus has a higher performance and the feasibility.
Synthesis and Characterization of Green Polyurethane Coatings Derived from Niger‐Seed‐Oil‐Based Polyesteramide Polyols
Authors: Doke Ranjeet B. , Paraskar Pavan M. , Rajput Yogeshsing N. , Kulkarni Ravindra D.
Published: November 2021

Polymeric researchers are trying to use renewable resources for polymeric resins in the coating industry to reduce fossil or petroleum feedstock reliance significantly. The present research attempts to develop a polyurethane (PU) coating for the first time from Niger seed oil (NSO). The polyesteramide polyols are synthesized by amidation of Niger seed oil with diethanolamine and further esterification with different biobased dicarboxylic acids (phthalic, itaconic, and dimer) to introduce a required functionality of hydroxyl group. Spectroscopic studies of Niger‐seed‐oil‐based fatty diethanolamide and polyesteramide polyols are carried out by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The polyurethane coatings are prepared from synthesized polyesteramide polyols and hexamethylene diisocyanate biuret (HDI‐B). The cross‐link density of PU coatings demonstrated by gel content method and the corrosion study is carried by salt water immersion technique. The PU coatings are also studied for glass transition temperature (Tg) and thermal stability by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis.

Practical Applications: The long aliphatic chain provides flexibility, whereas the rigid structure of polyols enhances the hardness of PU coating. The phthalic‐based PU metal coatings depict excellent hardness, gloss, hydrophobicity, and chemical resistance compared to itaconic and dimer‐acid‐based PU.
Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Curative Treatment Receipt and Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wagle Nikita Sandeep , Park Sulki , Washburn David , Ohsfeldt Robert L. , Rich Nicole E. , Singal Amit G. , Kum Hye‐Chung
Published: November 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) disproportionately affects racial, ethnic, and low socioeconomic status (SES) populations. However, the interaction between race, ethnicity, and neighborhood SES in HCC prognosis is not well explored. This study evaluates the interaction between race and ethnicity and neighborhood SES on curative treatment utilization and overall survival among patients with HCC in the United States. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 13,874 patients aged ≥65 years diagnosed with HCC from 2001 through 2015 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Medicare‐linked database. We performed multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between race, ethnicity, and curative treatment receipt across SES. We also evaluated the association between curative treatment receipt and overall survival using a Cox proportional hazards model. Among 13,874 patients, only 2,617 (18.9%) patients received curative treatment. Overall, Black patients had lower odds of receiving curative treatment than White patients (odds ratio [OR], 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64‐0.91). When stratified by neighborhood SES, Black patients living in high‐poverty neighborhoods had lower odds of curative treatment receipt (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.49‐0.84) and worse survival (hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.25). Conversely, Hispanic and Asian patients had similar curative treatment receipt compared to White patients across all socioeconomic levels. Conclusion: Disparities in curative treatment receipt and overall survival are pronounced between Black and White patients. Black–White disparities appear to be moderated by neighborhood SES and are particularly evident among those living in high‐poverty neighborhoods.
Infertility and same‐sex attraction in women
Authors: Kanazawa Satoshi , Larere Adrien
Published: November 2021

Abstract

A polygyny hypothesis of female sexual fluidity proposes that women may have been evolutionarily selected to be sexually fluid, in order to have occasional sex with their cowives in polygynous marriage to reduce tension and conflict inherent in such marriage, while at the same time reproducing children with their husbands. Among others, the hypothesis predicts that women who are biologically (but not surgically) infertile would experience greater same‐sex attraction. Biological infertility stems from natural, evolutionarily familiar causes such as menopause, whereas surgical infertility stems from artificial, evolutionarily novel causes such as tubal ligation or hysterectomy. Consistent with the prediction, the analyses of the National Survey of Family Growth data showed that biological infertility, but not surgical infertility, was significantly associated with same‐sex self‐identified labels, behavior and sexual attraction in women. Biological infertility nearly doubled the odds of women having engaged in same‐sex behavior and the number of same‐sex partners in the last 12 months and nearly tripled the number of same‐sex partners in life. In sharp contrast, biological infertility was not associated (and surgical infertility was significantly negatively associated) with same‐sex attraction in men.
Practical tips for anaesthesia of donkeys
Authors: Sefton Abigail , Thiemann Alex
Published: November 2021

Background: Donkeys make up a small but important percentage of patients seen by equine and mixed practices, but, while similar to horses in many respects, they have different management needs. Many of these differences are evident in the anaesthesia setting, and differentiating the treatment of donkeys from ‘small horses’ can lead to better outcomes for patients, owners and practices.

Aim of the article: This article highlights the differences between donkeys and horses with regards to induction and maintenance of anaesthesia and provides practical tips about performing safe anaesthesia of donkeys.
Valuing veterinary receptionists: setting the practice ‘tone'
Authors: Page Gillian , Sadiwskyj Lynsey
Published: November 2021

The post‐millennial veterinary practice has moved far beyond its beloved James Herriot beginnings. The extensive treatments and services in a modern veterinary setting are supported by advanced technology and a diverse and specialised set of referral providers. This complex veterinary environment, along with the ever‐increasing expectations and demands of clients, places a huge demand on the whole practice team. This article aims to highlight that in order for practices to meet these demands and for the team to remain healthy while delivering such a high‐level service, it is essential to realise the potential of all members of the vet and support team, both clinical and non‐clinical.
Understanding the effects of prompting immediately after problem behavior occurs during functional communication training
Authors: Landa Robin K. , Hanley Gregory P. , Gover Holly C. , Rajaraman Adithyan , Ruppel Kelsey W.
Published: November 2021

When reported, the methods for prompting functional communication responses (FCRs) following problem behavior during functional communication training (FCT) vary. Some researchers have prompted the FCR immediately following problem behavior but doing so may inadvertently strengthen problem behavior as the first link in an undesirable response chain. This study investigated the effects of prompting FCRs following problem behavior during FCT with 4 children who exhibited severe problem behavior. Problem behavior remained low and FCR rates were near optimal when prompts were delivered immediately following problem behavior for 2 participants. Delaying prompts following problem behavior was instrumental for FCR acquisition for 1 participant but led to escalation of problem behavior for a 2nd participant. The conditions under which immediate prompts following problem behavior may improve or worsen FCT are discussed.
Autophagy‐lysosome dysfunction is involved in gastric ischemia‑reperfusion injury by promoting microglial activation in the paraventricular nucleus
Authors: Feng Aiqin , Gao Lin , Yue Peijian , Liu Yue , Zhou Qiaoyu , Ren Zhiping , Teng Junfang
Published: November 2021

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is a specific center in the brain that regulates gastric mucosal injury following gastric ischemia‑reperfusion (GI‐R) injury. This study aimed to investigate whether autophagy‐lysosome dysfunction in the PVN tissues of GI‐R rats is involved in the gastric injury, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The rat model of GI‐R was established by clamping the celiac artery for 30 min and reperfusion for different hours (1, 3, and 6 h). The gastric injury was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining of the stomach and the gastric mucosal index. The autophagy–lysosome dysfunction in the PVN was evaluated by the protein levels of LC3 II and Beclin‐1 (markers for autophagosome activity) and the activity of acid phosphatase (a representative lysosomal enzyme). Immunohistochemical staining of ionized calcium‐binding adaptor molecule 1 in the PVN was performed to evaluate microglial activation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and phosphorylated γ‐aminobutyric acid B receptor (p‐GABABR) expression in the PVN were also examined. The results revealed that, in GI‐R rats, the shorter the reperfusion duration, the more severe the gastric mucosal damage. The autophagy–lysosome dysfunction exhibited by GI‐R rats further enhanced microglial activation, ROS production, p‐GABABR expression, and gastric injury. In addition, activating microglial cells increased ROS production, p‐GABABR expression, and gastric injury in GI‐R rats, while inhibiting microglial activation resulted in the opposite results. Taken together, autophagy–lysosome dysfunction induced by GI‐R aggravated the gastric injury by inducing microglia activation.
Ultrafast Photochromic Self‐Healing Polymer Gels with Tunable Fluorescence
Authors: Gao Jie , Zhang Wen‐Da , Wang Lin‐Lin , Chen Yu‐Xuan , Shi Ya‐Xiang , Ji Wei , Xu Zexiao , Yan Xiaodong , Gu Zhi‐Guo
Published: November 2021

Photoresponsive self‐healing polymer gels have great potential in the fields of optical information storage, artificial intelligence, and wearable flexible devices. Herein, a series of photoresponsive self‐healing gels based on dynamic imine bonds are synthesized in which the photoresponsive functions are achieved by the incorporation of the chromophore 1,2‐bis(5′‐formyl‐2′‐methylthien‐3′‐yl)perfluorocyclopentene (DEA) and the fluorophore 2,5‐dimethoxybenzene‐1,4‐diformaldehyde derivatives (DBD) through the Schiff base reactions between DEA/DBD and aminopropylmethylsiloxane‐dimethylsiloxane copolymers. The gels show ultrafast photoresponsive ability with the transition from yellow to blue within 10 s under 254 nm UV–Vis and subsequent color restoration within 20 s under visible light, derived from the fast ring‐closure and ‐opening transition of DEA. Interestingly, the molecular states of DEA have influence on the on–off intensity of the fluorescence. The gels with ring‐opened DEA show stronger blue fluorescence than the ones with ring‐closed DEA. In addition, the cross‐linked dynamic imine bond enables the gels to self‐heal quickly, and the wound disappears within 10 min without any external stimuli.
Role of membrane proteins in bacterial resistance to antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Vimberg Vladimir , Buriánková Karolína , Mazumdar Aninda , Branny Pavel , Novotná Gabriela B.
Published: November 2021

Several natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including the novel semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide antibiotics telavancin, dalbavancin, and oritavancin, have been approved for clinical use to address the growing problem of multiple antibiotic‐resistant Gram‐positive bacterial infections. Nevertheless, the efficacy of these antibiotics has already been compromised. The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic led to the increased clinical use of all antibiotics, further promoting the development of bacterial resistance. Therefore, it is critical to gain a deeper understanding of the role of resistance mechanisms to minimize the consequential risks of long‐term antibiotic use and misuse. Here, we summarize for the first time the current knowledge of resistance mechanisms that have been shown to cause resistance to clinically used AMPs, with particular focus on membrane proteins that have been reported to interfere with the activity of AMPs by affecting the binding of AMPs to bacteria.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus Strain LRH05 Intervention Ameliorated Body Weight Gain and Adipose Inflammation via Modulating the Gut Microbiota in High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Chen Yung‐Tsung , Chiou Shiou‐Yun , Hsu Ai‐Hua , Lin Yu‐Chun , Lin Jin‐Seng
Published: November 2021

Scope

This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanism of a specific probiotic strain on suppression of adipogenesis and inflammatory response in white adipose tissue (WAT) of high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice.

Methods and Results

Eight strains are screened in vitro for candidates of potential probiotics. Lactobacillus rhamnosus LRH05 (LRH05) and Lactobacillus reuteri LR47 (LR47) are screened out with lower triglyceride expression in vitro. The mice are fed a control diet (CD), HFD, or HFD supplemented with a dose of LRH05 or LR47 at 109 CFU per mouse per day for 10 weeks (n = 8), respectively. The results demonstrate that LRH05, but not LR47, significantly reduce body weight gain and the weight of WAT, as well as improve hepatic steatosis and glucose intolerance. LRH05 regulates the Mogat1, Igf‐1, Mcp‐1, and F4/80 mRNA expression and decreases macrophage infiltration in WAT. LRH05 shows an increase in butyric and propionic acid‐producing bacteria, including Lachnoclostridium, Romboutsia, and Fusobacterium that is coincident with the increased fecal propionic acid and butyric acid levels.

Conclusion

LRH05 shows a strain‐specific effect on ameliorating the pro‐inflammatory process by reducing inflammatory macrophage infiltration and the expression of inflammation‐related genes in mice. Thus, LRH05 can be considered a potential probiotic strain to prevent obesity.
Preparation and Wetting Mechanism of Laser‐Etched Composite Self‐Assembled 1H,1H,2H,2H‐Perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane Superhydrophobic Surface Coating
Authors: Lan Ling , Wang Haidou , Zhu Lina , Di Yuelan , Kang Jiajie , Qiu Junhong
Published: November 2021

Herein, a grid‐like microstructure is prepared on the surface of 3Cr13 stainless steel through nanosecond laser etching, and the self‐assembled 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDS) coating is further composited to prepare a superhydrophobic surface with a contact angle of 164° and a rolling angle of 3°. The effect of laser etching cycles on the surface microstructure and surface wettability before and after the self‐assembly is studied. With an increase in the etching cycles, a stable grid‐like microstructure is gradually formed on the surface, and subsequently, a composite structure of grooves and pits is formed. After the self‐assembly of the PFDS coating, two superhydrophobic surfaces with different wetting properties are obtained. Furthermore, as the etching cycles increase, the surface changes from a superhydrophobic and high‐adhesion state to a superhydrophobic and low‐adhesion state. The decrease in surface energy is mainly attributed to the C−F group in the PFDS molecule. The experimental results show that PFDS molecules are deposited easily in case of the convex surface, thereby facilitating the formation of superhydrophobic low‐adhesion surfaces. Finally, the superhydrophobic surface is still maintained after cumulative ultrasonic cleaning in deionized water for 75 min, showing good reusability and stability.
Theoretical Study on the Mechanism of the Initial Ammonolysis Reactions of the Main Raw Materials for the Formation of SiBCN Ceramics
Authors: Xie Ju , Shi Huizhong , Yang Yanwu , Xi Ziqing , Zhang Jie , Ni Lubin
Published: November 2021

A detailed mechanism investigation of the formation of B−N, Si−N and C−N bonds is conducive to the design and synthesis of siliconboroncarbonitride (SiBCN) ceramics to meet application requirements under extreme conditions. Boron trichloride (BCl3), methyldichlorosilane (MDCS) and methylvinyldichlorosilane (MVCS) are the most commonly used raw materials, and they can react with amino compounds, such as ammonia (NH3), methyl ammonium (CH3NH2), and hexamethyldisilazane (HMDZ, (CH3)6Si2NH) in the synthesis of SiBCN precursors. In this paper, quantum chemical calculations were used to study the ammonolysis mechanism of three raw materials with three amino compounds at the M06‐2X/6‐311G(d,p) level of theory. The structural properties, reaction pathways, energy barriers, reaction rates, and other aspects were discussed in detail. The results show that compounds containing B−N, Si−N and C−N bonds can be formed through a synergistic reaction mechanism with the release of ammonium chloride or trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS). The ammonolysis processes of BCl3 have absolute advantages in both kinetics and thermodynamics. The reaction of MDCS has the lowest energy barrier. All ammonolysis reactions are thermodynamically exothermic processes. The calculated results agree well with the experimental observations and provide an explanation for the initiation process of precursor synthesis.