bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precopulatory oral sex contact plays an important role in copulatory success in a cryptic desert beetle
Authors: Qin Xinghu , Yang Jinshu , Ma Jingchuan , Lock Thomas Ryan , Wang Guangjun , Zhang Zehua
Published: August 2021

Precopulatory courtship plays an essential role in the insemination process and influences postcopulatory behavior between males and females. Male precopulatory oral stimulation of female genitals is rare for invertebrates. Here, we describe an intriguing oral sexual courtship in a cryptic desert beetle Platyope mongolica Faldermann. The males repeatedly contact the female's genitals using their mouths to gain consent to mate. Furthermore, the rate at which males contact the female's genitals relates to the copulation success in a series of observations. However, interference in oral sexual contacts decreased the proportion of successful copulation. Further no‐choice tests found homosexual behavior between males with antenna removed. We report the precopulatory oral sexual behavior and its important role for copulation success in P. mongolica for the first time. These findings highlight the significance of oral sexual courtship in sexual selection.
Ecosystem functions in degraded riparian forests of southeastern Kenya
Authors: Habel Jan Christian , Ulrich Werner
Published: August 2021

Species community structures shape ecosystem functions, which are mostly stronger pronounced in intact than in degraded environments. Riparian forests in semiarid Africa provide important habitats for endangered plant and animal species and provide various ecosystem functions, that is, services to people settling along these streams. Most of these riparian forests are severely disturbed by human activities and dominated by invasive exotic plant species in the meanwhile. Thus, ecosystem functions are negatively influenced. While most studies have analyzed a specific metric to measure the degree of ecosystem function, little is known about how strongly different ecosystem functions respond to anthropogenic disturbances in parallel. In this study, we analyzed a set of four proxies of ecosystem functions, ground‐dwelling arthropod abundances, pollination, seed dispersal, and predation, along a highly disturbed riparian forest in southeastern Kenya. We assessed the land cover and land use manually and with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Our data show that ecosystem functions respond differently to vegetation cover, human disturbances, and the availability of the invasive exotic shrub Lantana camara. The occurrence of representatives from the groups Saltatoria and Formicidae profits from heterogeneous habitat structures and natural riparian forest, while representatives of the Araneae profit from high proportion of agricultural fields. In general, predation is higher in mixed land use and natural riparian forest, while pollination and seed dispersal showed no significant trend in regard on land coverage. Along with this, predation also increased with rising proportion of natural riparian forest, while the proportion of agricultural land negatively affects predation, but in parallel showed a slightly significant positive trend with seed dispersal. Human disturbances and the occurrence of the invasive exotic L. camara shrub did not significantly affect our metrics of ecosystem functioning, except of the negative impact of human disturbances on pollinators. In conclusion, our results underpin that ecosystem functions respond highly variable and individually to environmental changes.
Trends, risk factors, and outcomes of post‐operative stroke after heart transplantation: an analysis of the UNOS database
Authors: Alvarez Paulino , Kitai Takeshi , Okamoto Toshihiro , Niikawa Hiromichi , McCurry Kenneth R. , Papamichail Adamantia , Doulamis Ilias , Briasoulis Alexandros
Published: August 2021

Background

Post‐operative stroke increases morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. Data on characteristics and outcomes of stroke after heart transplantation (HTx) are limited.

Methods and results

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database from 2009 to 2020 to identify adults who developed stroke after orthotropic HTx. Heart transplant recipients were divided according to the presence or absence of post‐operative stroke. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality. A total of 25 015 HT recipients were analysed, including 719 (2.9%) patients who suffered a post‐operative stroke. The stroke rates increased from 2.1% in 2009 to 3.7% in 2019, and the risk of stroke was higher after the implantation of the new allocation system [odds ratio 1.29, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.06–1.56, P = 0.01]. HTx recipients with post‐operative stroke were older (P = 0.008), with higher rates of prior cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (P = 0.004), prior cardiac surgery (P < 0.001), longer waitlist time (P = 0.04), higher rates of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support (P < 0.001), left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) (P < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (P = 0.003), and longer ischaemic time (P < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment for recipient and donor characteristics, age, prior cardiac surgery, CVA, support with LVAD, ECMO, ischaemic time, and mechanical ventilation at the time of HTx were independent predictors of post‐operative stroke. Stroke was associated with increased risk of 30 day and all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.49, 95% CI 1.12–1.99, P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Post‐operative stroke after HTx is infrequent but associated with higher mortality. Redo sternotomy, LVAD, and ECMO support at HTx are among the risk factors identified.
Solution‐Processable Multi‐Substituted Buckybowls: Synthesis of Diindeno(1,2,3,4‐defg:1’,2’,3’,4’‐mnop)chrysene Derivatives
Authors: Yoshida Naoki , Akasaka Ryuhei , Awakura Yusuke , Amaya Toru , Iwasawa Tetsuo
Published: August 2021

Preparative synthesis of a new, soluble, and functionalized buckybowl is described. The precursor of dibenzo[g,p]chrysene having four bromine atoms at two fjord regions undertook palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular cyclization to afford a skeletal buckybowl, namely, diindeno(1,2,3,4‐defg:1’,2’,3’,4’‐mnop)chrysene. The resulting curved scaffold possesses two important substituents: four‐fold alkyls increasing solubility and four‐fold methoxy groups that could be further functionalized. These two features, coupled with the gently curved π‐system, enable general access to solution‐compatible and multi‐functional buckybowl molecules.
Reduced emotion recognition from nonverbal cues in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Blomberg Maximilian , Schlegel Katja , Stoll Linda , Febry Hagen , Wünsch‐Leiteritz Wally , Leiteritz Andreas , Brockmeyer Timo
Published: August 2021

Objective

Recent models of anorexia nervosa (AN) emphasise the role of reduced emotion recognition ability (ERA) in the development and maintenance of the disorder. However, methodological limitations impede conclusions from prior research. The current study tries to overcome these limitations by examining ERA with an audio‐visual measure that focuses strictly on multimodal nonverbal cues and allows to differentiate between ERA for different emotion categories.

Method

Forty women with AN and 40 healthy women completed the Geneva Emotion Recognition Test. This test includes 83 video clips in which 10 actors express 14 different emotions while saying a pseudo‐linguistic sentence without semantic meaning. All clips contain multimodal nonverbal cues (i.e., prosody, facial expression, gestures, and posture).

Results

Patients with AN showed poorer ERA than the healthy control group (d = 0.71), particularly regarding emotions of negative valence (d = 0.26). Furthermore, a lower body weight (r = 0.41) and longer illness duration (ρ = −0.32) were associated with poorer ERA in the AN group.

Conclusions

Using an ecologically valid instrument, the findings of the study support illness models emphasising poor ERA in AN. Directly addressing ERA in the treatment of AN with targeted interventions may be promising.
Radiative heat transport and unsteady flow in an irregular channel with aggregation kinematics of nanofluid
Authors: Jestine Sandra , Mahanthesh Basavarajappa
Published: August 2021

In this study, an unsteady free convective heat transfer and the laminar flow of incompressible nanoliquid in a wavy channel subjected to the nanoparticles aggregation effects were studied. For the investigation, ethylene glycol‐based nanofluid with titania nanoparticles was used. Here, the role of the nanoparticle aggregation, thermal radiation, applied magnetic field, and internal heat absorption is examined. A semi‐analytical solution of the complicated partial differential equation is obtained by the method of regular perturbation. The effect of several parameters on velocity and temperature profile has been studied. In addition, Nusselt number (Nu) and skin friction are also examined and analyzed with the help of graphs. It has been observed that the velocity profile enhances with aggregation effect than without aggregation effect. The aggregation effects are minimal for smaller volume fraction of nanoparticles. A reverse trend near the wavy wall is visible for all parameters. The magnitude of velocity decreased as an effect of the applied magnetic field, while the magnitude of velocity increased due to radiative heat flux. Furthermore, the heat sink mechanism reduces the magnitude of the nanofluid temperature.
Elevated serum levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐18 in chronic methamphetamine users
Authors: Luo Yayan , He Hongbo , Ou Yufen , Zhou Yanling , Fan Ni
Published: August 2021

Objective

Chronic methamphetamine use causes aberrant changes in cytokines. Our aim was to analyze the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐18 in chronic methamphetamine users. Associations between cytokines levels with the demographic properties, methamphetamine use properties, and psychiatric symptoms in chronic methamphetamine users were also evaluated.

Methods

Seventy‐eight chronic methamphetamine users who did not continue methamphetamine exposure since hospitalization and 64 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐18 were detected using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Psychopathological symptoms of chronic methamphetamine users were evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory.

Results

Serum levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐18 were significantly increased in methamphetamine users who did not continue methamphetamine exposure since hospital admission (average days since last methamphetamine use = 39.06 ± 7.48) when compared to those in controls. Serum IL‐6 levels showed significant positive associations with BDI score and current frequency of methamphetamine use in chronic methamphetamine users.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that increased TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐18 levels may have an important role in chronic methamphetamine use‐associated psychopathological symptoms.
Dependence of the substituent energy on the level of theory
Authors: Jabłoński Mirosław , Krygowski Tadeusz M.
Published: August 2021

Most often, the substituent effects are described using rather troublesome Hammett constants. Quite recently, it has been proposed to use the so‐called substituent energy, which is based on total energies of the X‐substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and phenyl. This article concerns the influence of the applied level of theory (i.e., both the basis set and the method) on the determined values of the substituent energies. For this purpose, the energies of the NH2 and NO2 groups in 16 unique positions of naphthalene, anthracene, tetracene, phenanthrene, and pyrene were calculated using 10 different basis sets and 23 various exchange‐correlation functionals representing the entire Jacob's Ladder, from local, through gradient‐ and meta‐gradient‐corrected, to hybrid and double‐hybrid ones. Additionally, using even larger 6‐311++G(2df,2p) basis set, the energies of NH2, NO2, CN, and Cl were also computed. Both the basis set and the method used have little effect on the substituent energy if the substituent is in the benzene‐like position. On the contrary, the effect of the level of theory is pronounced especially in the case of the most spatially crowded 4‐substituted phenanthrene. Substituent energies have been shown to be very useful theoretical parameters describing the proximity effect in the substituted derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Fabrication of a novel biopolymer‐based nanocomposite (nanoTiO2‐chitosan‐plum kernel shell) and adsorption of cationic dyes
Authors: Pehlivan Erol , Parlayıcı Şerife
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) onto a novel biosorbent. Rapid industrialization pollutes water resources, causing serious environmental problems. Physical and chemical treatments were performed for biosorbent modification.

RESULTS

In the present work, nano (n)TiO2 was inserted into chitosan (Cts)‐epichlorohydrin (ECH)‐plum kernel shell (PKS) and the final product was characterized by various modern techniques such as Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Under optimized conditions, the maximum adsorption capacities of MB and MG by Cht/PKS/nTiO2‐ECH (termed nTiO2‐Composite) determined by the Langmuir model were 86.96 and 108.70 mg g−1, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG°, ΔH°, ΔS° and Ea were calculated, confirming the interaction of dyes with nTiO2‐Composite as exothermic and spontaneous.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the newly synthesized nTiO2‐Composite has a very high performance in dye removal. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
N‐Annulated perylene diimide dimers and tetramer non‐fullerene acceptors: impact of solvent processing additive on their thin film formation behavior
Authors: Laventure Audrey , Stanzel Samantha , Payne Abby‐Jo , Lessard Benoît H , Welch Gregory C
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

We aim to determine whether the rationale of designing a tetrameric non‐fullerene acceptor (NFA) to minimize its aggregation compared to its dimer counterparts proves to be a valid strategy in the context of organic photovoltaic (OPV) processing involving solvent additives. We investigate the impact of the molecular design and the processing additive on the thin film formation behavior of four N‐annulated perylene diimide (NPDIx) derivatives. We compare three dimers and a tetramer, processed from a solution containing 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO), which are used as NFAs and as a processing solvent additive, respectively, in the OPV fabrication.

RESULTS

We prepared OPV devices using the PTB7‐Th:NPDIx model system and rationalized the change in their power conversion efficiency (PCE) based on the thin film morphology of the four NDPIx compounds. While the PCE of the OPV devices prepared using the dimers and 1% (v/v) DIO showed a 20–30% drop, those prepared using the tetramer and the same processing conditions showed an 80% drop. Our analysis demonstrates that DIO processing solvent additive‐induced crystallization of the tetramer is the cause of its low performance in OPV devices.

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight that relying solely on the tetramer perylene diimide design strategy to prevent the aggregation observed in dimers is not always reliable when processing solvent additives are used in the OPV fabrication. Both the molecular design and the processing solvent additive impact the aggregation behavior of the NFA and need to be taken into account to optimize OPV devices active layer morphology. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Change and attribution of pan evaporation throughout the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau during 1979–2017 using China meteorological forcing dataset
Authors: Yao Tianci , Lu Hongwei , Yu Qing , Feng Wei , Xue Yuxuan
Published: August 2021

Pan evaporation (Epan) analysis in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) is important for improving the understanding of the climatic and environmental changes in the QTP and China. However, uneven station coverage, sparse and inconsistent observations hamper the in‐depth understanding of the spatiotemporal Epan patterns throughout the QTP over long time periods. Based on the PenPan model driven by the monthly gridded China meteorological forcing dataset, this study attempted to estimate monthly and annual grid pan evaporation (EPenPan) for the pan with a depth of 10 cm and a diameter of 20 cm at 0.1° resolution throughout the QTP and its surrounding areas during 1979–2017, then the spatiotemporal variations in EPenPan as well as the potential causative climatic variables were thoroughly examined. Results showed that the spatiotemporal patterns of EPenPan were in reasonably good agreement with the observations. The high values of mean annual EPenPan tended to distribute in the areas with water limitation or strong solar radiation like the southwest QTP. The wide decreases in annual EPenPan have reversed in the study area in around 1993, with some exceptions such as the continuous increase in the southwest QTP and monotonous decrease in the areas to the west and east of the Qaidam Basin. Comparatively, the trends in annual EPenPan in the QTP were less than the surrounding areas in the different periods, and overall accelerating annual EPenPan appeared in the both areas after 1993. With the Budyko curve, it was expected that drought severity would increase in the south of the surrounding areas in future, but the warming and wetting in the other areas would be kept. The wind speed (WS) was the primary contributor to decreasing annual EPenPan in the study area before 1993. Nevertheless, the most dominant factor for increasing EPenPan was vapour pressure deficit in the QTP and WS in the surrounding areas during 1994–2017.
Women's entrepreneurship in developing countries from a family perspective: Past and future
Authors: Jaim Jasmine
Published: August 2021

Studies of the distinct experience of women entrepreneurs in non‐Western settings are rare. Extant studies of women's entrepreneurship focus, almost exclusively, on developed Western economies and tend to underplay the role of the family, which has become unnaturally separated from entrepreneurship research. Based on a structured literature review, this article advances the understanding of how family related issues shape women's gendered experience as entrepreneurs in developing countries. It addresses the diversity of experiences of women entrepreneurs, and discusses both the positive and negative aspects of familial issues, as well as some broader contextual features related to the family. It offers an agenda for future research on this topic, and provides a useful guide for policy makers and practitioners intending to facilitate women's entrepreneurship in developing countries.
Finite element modeling of temporal bone graft changes in XLIF: Quantifying biomechanical effects at adjacent levels
Authors: Ramakrishna Vivek A. S. , Chamoli Uphar , Larosa Alessandro G. , Mukhopadhyay Subhas C. , Prusty B. Gangadhara , Diwan Ashish D.
Published: August 2021

Extreme lateral interbody fusion allows for the insertion of a large‐footprint interbody cage while maintaining the presence of natural stabilizing ligaments and the facets. It is unclear how the load‐distribution mechanisms through these structures alter with temporal changes in the bone graft. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of temporal bone graft changes on load distribution among the cage, graft, and surrounding spinal structures using finite element analysis. Thoracolumbosacral spine computed tomography data from an asymptomatic male subject were segmented into anatomical regions of interest and digitally stitched to generate a surface mesh of the lumbar spine (L1‐S1). The interbody cage was inserted into the L4‐L5 region during surface meshing. A volumetric mesh was generated and imported into finite element software for pre‐processing, running nonlinear static solves, and post‐processing. Temporal stiffening was simulated in the graft region with unbonded (Soft Callus, Temporal Stages 1–3, Solid Graft) and bonded (Partial Fusion, Full Fusion) contact. In flexion and extension, cage stress reduced by 20% from the soft callus to solid graft state. Force on the graft was directly related to its stiffness, and load‐share between the cage and graft improved with increasing graft stiffness, regardless of whether contact was fused with the endplates. Fused contact between the cage‐graft complex and the adjacent endplates shifted load‐distribution pathways from the ligaments and facets to the implant, however, these changes did not extend to adjacent levels. These results suggest that once complete fusion is achieved, the existing load paths are seemingly diminished.
Fast and specific detection of staphylococcal PJI with bacteriophage‐based methods within 104 sonicate fluid samples
Authors: Šuster Katja , Cör Andrej
Published: August 2021

The number of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) cases is increasing along with total joint arthroplasties. There is currently no diagnostic test available with 100% sensitivity to identify PJI. The aim of the study was to assess and compare two different bacteriophage K‐based methods with standard microbiological culturing methods to detect staphylococci. Samples were retrieved from 104 patients undergoing revision surgery due to suspected PJI. Implants were subjected to sonication and sonicate fluid (SF) was assessed with the methods of qPCR detection of bacteriophage K DNA and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) detection after bacteriophage K lysis. The results were compared with the results of standard microbiological culturing methods. PJI was confirmed in 33 cases according to the PJI definition. Using the methods of ATP and bacteriophage K DNA detection 100% specificity and predictive value were achieved. The sensitivity of qPCR detection was higher (81.25%) than the sensitivity of ATP detection (62.50%) when analyzing SF directly. The sensitivity of the methods significantly improved (to 94.12%) with SF pre‐cultivation. Importantly, both methods provided results in 3–4 h when analyzing SF directly, while results from pre‐cultivated SF were obtained 19–20 h after sample collection. Our results suggest that bacteriophage‐based methods are specific and sensitive and importantly, faster than standard culturing methods. The addition of new bacteriophages to expand the bacterial detection spectrum could lead to the development of a faster, more sensitive, specific, and also economical, and handy method for PJI diagnosis.
Neanderthals on the Lower Danube: Middle Palaeolithic evidence in the Danube Gorges of the Balkans
Authors: Borić Dušan , Cristiani Emanuela , Hopkins Rachel , Schwenninger Jean‐Luc , Gerometta Katarina , French Charly A. I. , Mutri Giuseppina , Ćalić Jelena , Dimitrijević Vesna , Marín‐Arroyo Ana B. , Jones Jennifer R. , Stevens Rhiannon , Masciana Alana , Uno Kevin , Richter Kristine Korzow , Antonović Dragana , Wehr Karol , Lane Christine , White Dustin
Published: August 2021

The article presents evidence about the Middle Palaeolithic and Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition interval in the karst area of the Danube Gorges in the Lower Danube Basin. We review the extant data and present new evidence from two recently investigated sites found on the Serbian side of the Danube River – Tabula Traiana and Dubočka‐Kozja caves. The two sites have yielded layers dating to both the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic and have been investigated by the application of modern standards of excavation and recovery along with a suite of state‐of‐the‐art analytical procedures. The presentation focuses on micromorphological analyses of the caves’ sediments, characterisation of cryptotephra, a suite of new radiometric dates (accelerator mass spectrometry and optically stimulated luminescence) as well as proteomics (zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry) and stable isotope data in discerning patterns of human occupation of these locales over the long term.
Short‐term outcomes after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy constructed by π‐shaped method versus overlap method
Authors: Wang Yinkui , Liu Zining , Shan Fei , Ying Xiangji , Zhang Yan , Li Shuangxi , Jia Yongning , Jiang Zijian , Yang Xuesong , Li Bailong , Li Ziyu , Ji Jiafu
Published: August 2021

Background

Regarding the overlap anastomosis and recently introduced π‐shaped anastomosis, there is no consensus on which intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (EJS) methods are preferred using linear stapler in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG). This study aims to evaluate the short‐term outcomes using two methods.

Methods

Patients with upper gastric cancer underwent TLTG with either π‐shaped (n = 48) or the modified overlap method using knotless barbed sutures (MOBS) (n = 37) were included in our study. Intraoperative and perioperative outcomes were compared.

Results

All patients achieved R0 resection margin. The overall esophagojejunal (E‐J)‐related complications rate was 7.06%. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative complications, margin distance, numbers of lymph nodes (LNs), length of stay. In the π‐shaped group, anastomosis time (19.61 ± 7.17 min vs. 27.09 ± 3.59 min, p < 0.001) was significantly lower. The consumable costs for surgery were similar (44 507.74¥ [42 933.03–46 937.29] vs. 43 718.36¥ [42 743.25–47 256.06], p = 0.825). The first defection time was significantly longer in π‐shaped group (131.00 h [93.75–171.25] vs. 100.00 h [85.00–120.00], p = 0.026), whereas the other postoperative recovery parameters were similar. No mortality was observed.

Conclusions

Both methods showed similar short‐term postoperative outcomes. The π‐shaped technique was faster than the MOBS method without significantly increasing the supplies costs. Large prospective studies are warranted.
Conceptualising risk in cruise holidays: A critical review
Authors: Holland Jennifer , Weeden Clare , Palmer Catherine , Lester Jo‐Anne
Published: August 2021

The knowledge base for cruise holidays is conceptually underdeveloped and narrowly focused on health and safety and environmental concerns. This critical review of risk research in relation to ocean cruising identifies knowledge gaps revealing the significance of factors such as financial, performance, time‐loss, opportunity, functional, social and psychological risk. This review calls for a wider conceptualisation of risk that moves beyond an emphasis on physical risk. A deeper understanding of risk in ocean cruising contributes to cruise research and to the wider discourse in tourism and risk studies, and provides significant empirical and conceptual insights for future research.
Low Rates of PIT‐Tag Loss in an Insectivorous Bat Species
Authors: Van Harten Emmi , Lentini Pia E. , Eastick Danielle L. , Bender Robert , Lumsden Lindy F. , Visintin Casey , Griffiths Stephen R.
Published: August 2021

The rate of loss of tags used to mark individuals is an important consideration in wildlife research and monitoring. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags (or microchips) generally have high retention rates; however, tag loss rates for small mammals such as insectivorous bats are poorly understood. We double‐marked a population of Gould's wattled bats (Chalinolobus gouldii) with forearm bands and PIT tags (with the injection site sealed with surgical adhesive) in January and February 2020 to determine rates of subsequent tag loss over the short‐ (1–2 months) and medium‐ (13–14 months) term. Loss of PIT tags occurred in 4 (2.7%) of 146 recaptured individuals, all within 2 months of microchipping. We also recorded 1 occurrence of band loss 11 months after banding. Our study supports assertions that PIT‐tag retention rates in small mammals are high, and suggests that rates of tag loss in small bat species are low when surgical adhesive is applied. Quantifying the rate of tag loss enables this variable to be incorporated into mark‐recapture models. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Bistable Color‐Tunable Liquid Crystal Fiber by the Method of Mechanical Drawing with Synchronous Ultraviolet Polymerization
Authors: Wang Yingli , Zhang Mengxue , He Xiaoxian , Zhang Wenzhao , Wu Shuanghong , Huang Xiaoping , Yu He , Wang Xiangru
Published: August 2021

A color‐tunable fiber is demonstrated to reflect colors by switching the electric field on a chiral liquid crystal (CLC) with different helical twisting powers. With the purpose of bistability and low power consumption, the mechanism of the CLC fiber proposed in this study is an electric‐field‐induced phase change. To maintain the balance of wearable flexibility and mechanical stability, the liquid crystal fiber is constructed by the method of mechanical drawing with synchronous ultraviolet polymerization. To be a typical 1D structure, the central core of the CLC fiber is made of an aluminum wire, which is used to load the driving voltage as well as a mechanical support. In addition, there are three claddings surrounding the central core: the color‐tunable cladding filling with CLC material, the polymer cladding to anchor the liquid crystal, and the outer transparent electrode cladding. Bistable color change is realized by switching two given voltages corresponding to the planar state (P‐state) and focal conic state (FC‐state). Furthermore, to knit N fibers together, 2N colors can be realized by applying electric voltages to the fiber bundle.
Bioinspired Stimuli‐Responsive Hydrogel with Reversible Switching and Fluorescence Behavior Served as Light‐Controlled Soft Actuators
Authors: Gao Qiaofeng , Pan Pengju , Shan Guorong , Du Miao
Published: August 2021

Stimuli‐responsive materials with multiple functions occupy a significant position in the research of bionic artificial intelligence materials. It is a challenge to integrate rapid shape deformation and color change synergistically by a simple method in the same system. Herein, an effective strategy to develop an anisotropic bilayer hydrogel actuator with unified complex deformation and color change is proposed via combining the near‐infrared (NIR) light‐responsive graphene oxide/poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (GO‐PNIPAM) active hydrogel layer and an UV light‐responsive fluorescent poly(acrylic acid [4‐(1,2,2‐triphenylvinyl)] benzyl ester/N‐isopropylacrylamide) passive hydrogel layer. The actuator can undergo light‐controlled sapphire fluorescence color change and complex shape deformation simultaneously or separately under light irradiation. It can be remotely manipulated without the requirement for additional reagents, and the irradiation dosage can be accurately modulated through adjusting the irradiation parameters. This work provides new perspectives of intelligent systems with synergistic multiple functions, including smart robots, environmental sensors, and intelligent biomimetic devices.
Improved Toughness of Polylactide by Binary Blends with Polycarbonate with Glycidyl and Maleic Anhydride‐Based Compatibilizers
Authors: Tejada‐Oliveros Ramon , Gomez‐Caturla Jaume , Sanchez‐Nacher Lourdes , Montanes Nestor , Quiles‐Carrillo Luis
Published: August 2021

This work reports on the development of polylactide (PLA) and polycarbonate (PC) blends with different compatibilizers with enhanced toughness. Since both polymers are immiscible, two types of compatibilizers are tested: petrochemical‐based copolymers Xibond 160 and Xibond 920 with maleic anhydride and epoxy groups, respectively, and natural‐based compatibilizers with the same functionalities, namely maleinized linseed oil (MLO) and, epoxidized linseed oil (ELO). Mechanical, thermal, and morphological characterization shows better properties for the PLA/PC (80/20 wt%) blends with chemically modified natural oils (ELO and MLO). The addition of 5 phr (parts per hundred resin) of MLO gives the maximum values for impact strength and elongation at break. Moreover, the glass transition temperature (Tg) slightly decreases with the addition of natural compatibilizers, thus showing some plasticization effect. Petroleum‐derived compatibilizers give interesting results regarding tensile strength and stiffness without plasticization. PLA/PC blends show higher thermal stability than neat PLA, regardless of the compatibilizer used, since PC is much more thermally stable than PLA. The obtained results indicate that both petroleum‐based and natural‐derived compatibilizers positively contribute to enhance the properties of the binary PLA/PC blends. Nevertheless, the results with MLO suggest this is an interesting biobased solution to provide increased toughness to PLA/PC blends.
Cellulose‐Nanofiber‐Reinforced Rubber Composites with Resorcinol Resin Prepared by Elastic Kneading
Authors: Noguchi Toru , Bamba Yasuo , Miura Takashi , Iwamoto Rie , Endo Morinobu , Isogai Akira
Published: August 2021

A resorcinol resin/water dispersion and a rubber latex are added to 1% 2,2,6,6,‐tetramethylpyperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TEMPO‐CNFs) dispersed in water, followed by oven drying at 40 °C for 20 h to prepare a dried TEMPO‐CNF/resorcinol resin/latex rubber (DTRL) mixture with a weight ratio of 1/0.5/3. DTRL is then added to a nitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR) or a carboxy group‐containing NBR (X‐NBR) sheet, and the mixture is kneaded by a two‐roll mill at 20–30 °C with high shear forces. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the crosslinked DTRL/rubber composite sheets remarkably increased from 10 and 12 MPa, respectively, for the reference sheet to 24 and 82 MPa, respectively, for the DTRL/rubber composite sheets containing ≈10 vol% TEMPO‐CNFs. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that no TEMPO‐CNF agglomerates are present in the DTRL/rubber composite sheets. The tensile properties of the composite sheets are the best when a X‐NBR sheet and NBR latex are used as the matrix rubber and latex in DTRL preparation, respectively. When water‐extracted DTRL (WDTRL, mass recovery ratio ≈94%) is used in place of DTRL, the WDTRL/rubber composite sheets show sufficient water resistance, while the tensile properties are almost the same as those of the DTRL/rubber composite sheets.
Highly Thermal Stable Polyimides Applied in Flexible Resistive Memory
Authors: Gao Jyun‐Yu , Chen Chun‐Kai , Lin Yan‐Cheng , Kuo Chi‐Ching , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: August 2021

Flexible memory devices are one of the most crucial elements in the wearable electronics. In this work, polyimides (PIs)‐based flexible resistive memory devices with an excellent thermal and mechanical durability are demonstrated. Four kinds of functional PIs are derived from the heterocyclic diamines including 2,6‐diaminodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (OODA) and 2,6‐diaminothianthrene, and dianhydrides including 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride. PI with diamine of OODA and dianhydride of 6FDA (PI(OODA_6FDA)) possesses outstanding thermal and mechanical properties with a high glass transition temperature of 352 °C, a low coefficient of thermal expansion of 28.1 ppm K−1, and a high elongation at break of 10%. In addition, PI(OODA_6FDA)‐based memory shows write‐once‐read‐many behavior with a high on/off current ratio of 106 and a stable data retention, attributed to the donor–acceptor charge transfer between the polymer chains. The retained current levels at a low resistive state can be observed even with thermal treatment at 200 °C for 24 h or 1000 times cyclic bending at a bending radius of 5 mm. These results demonstrate the potential of heterocyclic PIs for flexible resistive memory.
Mass spectrometry analysis of saponins
Authors: Savarino Philippe , Demeyer Marie , Decroo Corentin , Colson Emmanuel , Gerbaux Pascal
Published: August 2021

Saponins are amphiphilic molecules of pharmaceutical interest and most of their biological activities (i.e., cytotoxic, hemolytic, fungicide, etc.) are associated to their membranolytic properties. These molecules are secondary metabolites present in numerous plants and in some marine animals, such as sea cucumbers and starfishes. Structurally, all saponins correspond to the combination of a hydrophilic glycan, consisting of sugar chain(s), linked to a hydrophobic triterpenoidic or steroidic aglycone, named the sapogenin. Saponins present a high structural diversity and their structural characterization remains extremely challenging. Ideally, saponin structures are best established using nuclear magnetic resonance experiments conducted on isolated molecules. However, the extreme structural diversity of saponins makes them challenging from a structural analysis point of view since, most of the time, saponin extracts consist in a huge number of congeners presenting only subtle structural differences. In the present review, we wish to offer an overview of the literature related to the development of mass spectrometry for the study of saponins. This review will demonstrate that most of the past and current mass spectrometry methods, including electron, electrospray and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization ionizations, gas/liquid chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry, collision‐induced dissociation including MS3 experiments, multiple reaction monitoring based quantification, ion mobility experiments, and so forth, have been used for saponin investigations with great success on enriched extracts but also directly on tissues using imaging methods.
Continuous Subcutaneous Apomorphine Infusion before Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation: A Prospective, Comparative Study in 20 Patients
Authors: Fernández‐Pajarín Gustavo , Sesar Ángel , Ares Begoña , Jiménez‐Martín Isabel , Gelabert Miguel , Arán‐Echabe Eduardo , Relova José Luis , Castro Alfonso
Published: August 2021

Background

Studies comparing the clinical efficacy of apomorphine infusion (APO) with subsequent subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) in advanced Parkinson's disease (aPD) are currently lacking. Retrospective data have shown that patients treated with APO are usually older, have a more prolonged disease, and a more severe phenotype.

Objective

To compare the benefit of APO with that of STN‐DBS on motor, non‐motor, cognitive, and quality of life in the same patient when given sequentially.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed 20 aPD patients over 3 different treatment phases: baseline (optimized medical treatment), during APO treatment, and during subsequent STN‐DBS treatment. The APO and STN‐DBS phases were stable for 6 months, and evaluation of the different treatments was separated by 6 months.

Results

Compared to baseline, APO, and STN‐DBS reduced mean daily off time by 70.5% and 89.3% (P = 0.012), respectively, and scores for Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) IV by 27.5% and 80.5% (P ≤ 0.001), Non‐motor symptoms scale (NMSS) by 24.6% and 49.3% (P ≤ 0.001), Montgomery Asberg depression scale (MADRS) by 7.4% and 39.0% (P = 0.27), Starkstein apathy scale (SAS) by 51.1% and 39.9% (P = 0.734), Parkinson's disease sleep scale 2 (PDSS‐2) by 25.7% and 56.7% (P ≤ 0.001), and Parkinson's disease questionnaire 39 item (PDQ‐39) by 39.6% and 64.9% (P ≤ 0.001). Global cognition did not change with either therapy, but phonetic fluency worsened after STN‐DBS compared to APO (P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Both APO and STN‐DBS improved motor and non‐motor symptoms and quality of life compared to optimized medical treatment in aPD. Overall, STN‐DBS was the most effective treatment, but APO showed a pronounced benefit on motor symptoms. Effective treatment for aPD should not be delayed, even when waiting for surgery.
Recommendations for intraoperative mesh brachytherapy: Report of AAPM Task Group No. 222
Authors: Feng Wenzheng , Rivard Mark J. , Carey Elizabeth M. , Hearn Robert A. , Pai Sujatha , Nath Ravinder , Kim Yongbok , Thomason Cynthia L. , Boyce Dale E. , Zhang Hualin
Published: August 2021

Mesh brachytherapy is a special type of a permanent brachytherapy implant: it uses low‐energy radioactive seeds in an absorbable mesh that is sutured onto the tumor bed immediately after a surgical resection. This treatment offers low additional risk to the patient as the implant procedure is carried out as part of the tumor resection surgery. Mesh brachytherapy utilizes identification of the tumor bed through direct visual evaluation during surgery or medical imaging following surgery through radiographic imaging of radio‐opaque markers within the sources located on the tumor bed. Thus, mesh brachytherapy is customizable for individual patients. Mesh brachytherapy is an intraoperative procedure involving mesh implantation and potentially real‐time treatment planning while the patient is under general anesthesia. The procedure is multidisciplinary and requires the complex coordination of multiple medical specialties. The preimplant dosimetry calculation can be performed days beforehand or expediently in the operating room with the use of lookup tables. In this report, the guidelines of American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) are presented on the physics aspects of mesh brachytherapy. It describes the selection of radioactive sources, design and preparation of the mesh, preimplant treatment planning using a Task Group (TG) 43‐based lookup table, and postimplant dosimetric evaluation using the TG‐43 formalism or advanced algorithms. It introduces quality metrics for the mesh implant and presents an example of a risk analysis based on the AAPM TG‐100 report. Recommendations include that the preimplant treatment plan be based upon the TG‐43 dose calculation formalism with the point source approximation, and the postimplant dosimetric evaluation be performed by using either the TG‐43 approach, or preferably the newer model‐based algorithms (viz., TG‐186 report) if available to account for effects of material heterogeneities. To comply with the written directive and regulations governing the medical use of radionuclides, this report recommends that the prescription and written directive be based upon the implanted source strength, not target‐volume dose coverage. The dose delivered by mesh implants can vary and depends upon multiple factors, such as postsurgery recovery and distortions in the implant shape over time. For the sake of consistency necessary for outcome analysis, prescriptions based on the lookup table (with selection of the intended dose, depth, and treatment area) are recommended, but the use of more advanced techniques that can account for real situations, such as material heterogeneities, implant geometric perturbations, and changes in source orientations, is encouraged in the dosimetric evaluation. The clinical workflow, logistics, and precautions are also presented.
Noninvasive quantification of cerebrovascular pressure changes using 4D Flow MRI
Authors: Marlevi David , Schollenberger Jonas , Aristova Maria , Ferdian Edward , Ma Yue , Young Alistair A. , Edelman Elazer R. , Schnell Susanne , Figueroa C. Alberto , Nordsletten David A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Hemodynamic alterations are indicative of cerebrovascular disease. However, the narrow and tortuous cerebrovasculature complicates image‐based assessment, especially when quantifying relative pressure. Here, we present a systematic evaluation of image‐based cerebrovascular relative pressure mapping, investigating the accuracy of the routinely used reduced Bernoulli (RB), the extended unsteady Bernoulli (UB), and the full‐field virtual work‐energy relative pressure (WERP) method.

Methods

Patient‐specific in silico models were used to generate synthetic cerebrovascular 4D Flow MRI, with RB, UB, and WERP performance quantified as a function of spatiotemporal sampling and image noise. Cerebrovascular relative pressures were also derived in 4D Flow MRI from healthy volunteers (), acquired at two spatial resolutions (dx = 1.1 and 0.8 mm).

Results

The in silico analysis indicate that accurate relative pressure estimations are inherently coupled to spatial sampling: at dx = 1.0 mm high errors are reported for all methods; at dx = 0.5 mm WERP recovers relative pressures at a mean error of 0.02 ± 0.25 mm Hg, while errors remain higher for RB and UB (mean error of −2.18 ± 1.91 and −2.18 ± 1.87 mm Hg, respectively). The dependence on spatial sampling is also indicated in vivo, albeit with higher correlative dependence between resolutions using WERP (k = 0.64, R2 = 0.81 for dx = 1.1 vs. 0.8 mm) than with RB or UB (k = 0.04, R2 = 0.03, and k = 0.07, R2 = 0.07, respectively).

Conclusion

Image‐based full‐field methods such as WERP enable cerebrovascular relative pressure mapping; however, accuracy is directly dependent on utilized spatial resolution.
Longitudinal changes in respiratory and upper limb function in a pediatric type III spinal muscular atrophy cohort after loss of ambulation
Authors: Wolfe Amy , Scoto Mariacristina , Milev Evelin , Muni Lofra Robert , Abbott Lianne , Wake Ruth , Rohwer Annemarie , Main Marion , Baranello Giovanni , Mayhew Anna , Marini‐Bettolo Chiara , Muntoni Francesco
Published: August 2021

Introduction/Aims

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type III is a relatively mild form of SMA. Few studies have investigated the changes in both respiratory and upper limb function within this population after loss of ambulation. The aim of this study was to assess change in percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC% predicted) and change in the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) score in these patients throughout a 24‐month period after loss of ambulation. Effect of scoliosis and its surgical correction, disease duration since loss of ambulation, weight, and height were also investigated.

Methods

Retrospective analyses were performed on 24 nonambulant SMA III patients from data collected at two centers in the United Kingdom.

Results

The FVC% predicted score showed a significant progressive deterioration of 17% over the 24‐month period. Respiratory deterioration correlated significantly with age, weight, disease duration since loss of ambulation, and spinal correctional surgery. Longitudinal RULM data were available for 16 patients; a significant deterioration was observed with a mean decrease in score of 3 over 24 months. Age correlated negatively with RULM score, as did height and time since loss of ambulation. A significant positive correlation between FVC% predicted and RULM was demonstrated.

Discussion

This study highlights how SMA type III patients have progressive deterioration of respiratory and upper limb function after loss of ambulation. Combining data from these assessments could provide insight into clinical progression, inform clinical trials, and provide assistance in managing disease progression expectations for patients.