bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contingent view on the relationship between proactive environmental strategy and corporate performance: Toward stakeholder engagement
Authors: Li Donghong , Liao Yi‐Chuan , Ma Pengcheng
Published: May 2022

Sustainability issues have become an integral part of business strategies, but we are yet to fully understand the relationship between environmentalism and performance. Because of prior studies generating inconsistent empirical results, this study tests the proposition that the relationship between a proactive corporate environmental strategy and a firm's performance depends heavily on the nature of the organization's important stakeholders. The stakeholder relationships tested included government relationships, product–customer relationships, and collaborations with suppliers. Survey data from the managers of 405 Chinese firms were analyzed. The results showed that the relationship between a proactive environmental strategy and firm performance varies with the level of the firm‐government relationship, and product strategy.
The effects of prenatal stress on neural responses to infant cries in expectant mothers and fathers
Authors: Peoples Sarah G. , Lowell Amanda F. , Bunderson Madison , Bartz Cody , Yip Sarah W. , Rutherford Helena J.V.
Published: May 2022

The perinatal period is characterized by distinct neurobiological and psychological changes initiated prenatally, which may both facilitate postpartum caregiving and increase vulnerability to stress. Parents need to adapt to the high demands of caregiving, which include responding to salient infant cues, such as infant cries. Therefore, assessing the impact of prenatal stress exposure on parents’ neural processing of infant cries may elucidate mechanisms conferring early risk for detrimental perinatal outcomes. Using event‐related potentials, we examined whether prenatal perceived stress affected neural markers of perceptual (N1, P2) and attentional (LPP) processes elicited by high‐ and low‐distress infant cries in expectant mothers (n = 38) and fathers (n = 30). Results evidenced that prenatal perceived stress impacted parents’ sustained attentional processing (LPP) of infant cries, but not early perceptual responses (N1, P2). Specifically, higher levels of prenatal perceived stress were associated with a greater LPP response to low‐distress, but not high‐distress, infant cries. There were no parental sex differences in prenatal perceived stress or neural responses to infant cries. Increased attentional processing of low‐distress cries in highly stressed parents may reflect uncertainty regarding infant distress level, thereby requiring more attentional resources. Overall, our results suggest that prenatal stress impacts processing of infant cues, even before birth.
Recommendations to enhance breeding bird diversity in managed plantation forests determined using LiDAR
Authors: Tew Eleanor R. , Conway Greg J. , Henderson Ian G. , Milodowski David T. , Swinfield Tom , Sutherland William J.
Published: May 2022

Widespread afforestation is a crucial component of climate mitigation strategies worldwide. This presents a significant opportunity for biodiversity conservation if forests are appropriately managed. Within forests, structural and habitat diversity are known to be critical for biodiversity but pragmatic management recommendations are lacking. We make a comprehensive assessment of the effects of habitat variables on bird populations using data from over 4000 ha of forested landscape. We combine high‐resolution remote sensing data with comprehensive management databases to classify habitat attributes and measure the response of six taxonomic and functional diversity metrics: species richness, Shannon diversity, functional richness, functional evenness, functional divergence, and functional dispersion. We use a novel approach that combines hierarchical partitioning analysis with linear models to determine the relative importance of different habitat variables for each bird diversity metric. The age class of forest stands was consistently the most important variable across all bird diversity metrics, outperforming other structural measures such as horizontal and vertical heterogeneity and canopy density. Shrub density and gap fraction were each significantly associated with one bird diversity metric. In contrast, variables describing within‐stand structural heterogeneity (vertical and horizontal) were generally less important while tree species identity (e.g., conifer or broadleaved) was not significant for any bird diversity metric. Each of the six bird diversity metrics had different patterns of independent variable importance and significance, emphasizing the need to consider multiple diversity metrics in biodiversity assessments. Similarly, the optimal resolution for remote sensing metrics varied between structural variables and bird diversity metrics, suggesting that the use of remote sensing data in biodiversity studies could be greatly improved by first exploring different resolutions and data aggregations. Based on the results from this comprehensive study, we recommend that managers focus on creating habitat diversity at the between‐, rather than exclusively within‐stand scale, such as by creating a matrix of different age classes, to maximize bird diversity. This recommendation for forest managers is powerful yet pragmatic in its simplicity.
A wolf in sheep's clothing: Predatory fish have convergent consumptive effects but divergent predation‐risk effects
Authors: Bohenek Jason R. , Pintar Matthew R. , Breech Tyler M. , Resetarits William J.
Published: May 2022

Although consumptive effects of predators have long been central to ecology, predation‐risk effects have emerged as major components of predator–prey interactions. Both consumptive and predation‐risk effects should vary with predator functional traits (e.g., hunting mode, gape size), where consumption rates and induction of morphological and behavioral defenses correlate with prey‐specific predator threat. Ambush predators, in contrast with active predators, may face selection pressure to be cryptic to avoid detection by prey. Thus, ambush predators may change prey density through consumptive effects but have reduced or absent predation‐risk effects. We performed two mesocosm experiments with free‐roaming and caged predators to explore post‐colonization interactions of the chemically camouflaged, large‐gaped, ambush predator, pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus), active, large‐gaped green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), and active, small‐gaped golden topminnow (Fundulus chrysotus), with larval gray treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis) and mole salamanders (Ambystoma talpoideum). We examined the consumptive and predation‐risk effects of each predator on amphibian mortality, growth rates, tail morphology, and polyphenisms. Large‐gaped pirate perch and green sunfish had strong, equivalent consumptive effects, but only the free‐roaming active predator, green sunfish, suppressed the growth of survivors through risk‐induced trait responses. Caged green sunfish induced much stronger non‐consumptive mortality than pirate perch in gray treefrogs, an effect that was absent for mole salamanders; golden topminnows had intermediate effects. Tail defenses were a function of prey mortality and only manifested in free‐roaming predator treatments, suggesting the necessity of predator attacks or conspecific alarm signals. Likewise, mole salamander polyphenism was unaffected by caged predators, whereas free‐roaming green sunfish prevented all metamorphosis. Free‐roaming golden topminnows increased the proportion of individuals remaining as larvae, and pirate perch increased the proportion of paedomorphs and metamorphs. Overall, the prey had positively correlated anti‐predator responses across life stages, suggesting multicomponent defenses. Predator effects varied with functional traits with large‐gaped predators having strong consumptive effects, but active predators causing stronger risk‐induced changes in growth compared to cryptic ambush predators, which provides more evidence for chemical camouflage. Our results emphasize the role of hunting mode and gape size in determining consumptive and predation‐risk effects, and that predation‐risk effects cannot be reliably predicted from consumptive effects.
Evaluating the foraging performance of individual honey bees in different environments with automated field RFID systems
Authors: Colin Théotime , Warren Ryan J. , Quarrell Stephen R. , Allen Geoff R. , Barron Andrew B.
Published: May 2022

Measuring individual foraging performance of pollinators is crucial to guide environmental policies that aim at enhancing pollinator health and pollination services. Automated systems have been developed to track the activity of individual honey bees, but their deployment is extremely challenging. This has limited the assessment of individual foraging performance in full‐strength bee colonies in the field. Most studies available to date have been constrained to use downsized bee colonies located in urban and suburban areas. Environmental policy‐making, on the other hand, needs a more comprehensive assessment of honey bee performance in a broader range of environments, including in remote agricultural and wild areas. Here, we detail a new autonomous field method to record high‐quality data on the flight ontogeny and foraging performance of honey bees, using radio frequency identification (RFID). We separate bee traffic into returning and exiting tunnels to improve data quality solving many previous limitations of RFID systems caused by traffic jams and the parasitic coupling of RFID antennae. With this method, we assembled a large RFID dataset made of control bee colonies from experiments conducted in different locations and seasons. We hope our results will be a starting point to understand how ontogenetic and environmental factors affect the individual performance of honey bees and that our method will enable large‐scale replication of individual pollinator performance studies.
Sedimentary DNA of a human‐impacted lake in Western Canada (Cultus Lake) reveals changes in micro‐eukaryotic diversity over the past ~200 years
Authors: Gauthier Joanna , Walsh David , Selbie Daniel T. , Domaizon Isabelle , Gregory‐Eaves Irene
Published: May 2022

Although the use of genetic analyses of sedimentary DNA to track changes in biodiversity has increased over the last decade, questions remain as to how well DNA captures past ecological conditions. Even less is known about how extracellular and intracellular DNA are archived in lake sediments and whether the two fractions yield similar information. Here we characterized the changes of micro‐eukaryotic communities over the past ~200 years in Cultus Lake (British Columbia, Canada), for which a rich body of limnological data and a pre‐existing multi‐proxy paleolimnological study exist. We generated and analyzed 18S rRNA gene amplicons and found that extracellular and intracellular DNA provided different insights, with the preservation of extracellular DNA compromised in sediments older than ~30 years. Principal Coordinates and indicator species analyses based on intracellular DNA showed that changes in micro‐eukaryotic diversity occurred at similar time periods as those identified with the classical paleolimnological study. For instance, decreases of Opisthokonta amplicons occurred during years with elevated numbers of sockeye salmon spawners, which might be associated with an increase of herbivory by juvenile sockeye salmon. Furthermore, two diatom species identified morphologically exhibited similar temporal dynamics to two diatom taxa identified genetically, suggesting that sedimentary DNA can track past diatom species changes as well as micro‐eukaryotic community changes. Overall, our study provides insights into the use of extracellular and intracellular DNA in sedimentary records and showed that sedimentary DNA enriches our understanding of micro‐eukaryotic community changes over centennial time scales.
Copper‐Catalyzed Regioselective Halogenation of Anilides with N‐Fluorobenzenesulfonimide
Authors: Jin Lianwen , Zeng Xiaoli , Li Siyang , Qiu Guofu , Liu Peng
Published: May 2022

Here described a copper‐catalyzed direct chlorination and bromination of anilides in the presence of N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide as oxidant. This protocol shows excellent regioselectivity and mono‐substitution with inexpensive KCl or NaBr as the halogen source and industrially friendly solvent.
A Unified Strategy for the Synthesis of Natural Products Containing δ‐Hydroxy‐γ‐ Lactones through a Photoredox ATRA Reaction.
Authors: Fuentes‐Pantoja Francisco J. , Cordero‐Vargas Alejandro
Published: May 2022

A unified strategy for the synthesis of natural products containing δ‐hydroxy‐γ‐lactones as the main core is reported. This strategy is based on a photocatalyzed radical ionic sequence for the preparation of γ‐lactones. Depending on the necessities of the synthetic targets, the reaction conditions can be adjusted to access a diastereoisomeric mixture or a single diasteroisomer of the lactones. Also, δ‐lactones can be prepared by this method. The utility of this procedure was demonstrated by the total synthesis of five natural products.
The Right Recognition of Rights
Authors: Jennings Bruce
Published: May 2022

In Reimagining Human Rights: Religion and the Common Good (Georgetown University Press, 2021), the noted theologian William R. O'Neill has undertaken a task as difficult as it is important in reimagining the theory and practice of human rights and global justice in a world where both are on the wane. The ongoing changes are often too dispersed and evolve too slowly for this reimagining to be undertaken by conventional political and diplomatic means. Learning to speak a new language of human rights requires, as O'Neill insists, social action and the voice of moral protest and storytelling. Moreover, reimagining rights requires new ways of thinking as well as acting and seeks the guidance of critical interpretation and theorizing. This is a book that learns from political liberators as much as from creative thinkers, and one that hears the searing testimony of victims of torture and the hope‐giving theology of memory, neighborliness, and love.
Tools supporting polypharmacy management in Italy: Factors determining digital technologies' intention to use in clinical practice
Authors: Catrini Elisabetta , Ferrario Lucrezia , Mazzone Antonino , Varalli Luca , Gatti Federico , Cannavacciuolo Lorella , Ponsiglione Cristina , Foglia Emanuela
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

INTERCheckWEB is one of the most outstanding digital technologies, that could be implemented at the hospital level, supporting the clinicians in the evaluation of the therapy appropriateness, reducing the potentially inappropriate prescriptions, for the improvement of the clinical decision‐making process. The paper aims at investigating the relationship between clinicians' behaviors towards digital decision support system in therapy appropriateness for elderly patients in polytherapy in medical departments, defining the factors that could influence clinicians to use INTERCheckWEB, for supporting drugs' prescription.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered to 70 clinicians referring to Internal Medicine wards, of four Italian hospitals. The authors assessed how perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, image, and output quality, would affect INTERCheckWeb intention to use. Inferential statistics, by means of a regression analysis, were conducted to define the main aspects useful to understand the factors impacting on such digital technology adoption in clinical practice.

Results

The regression analysis reported that image, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, as well as the moderator effect of the voluntary use between the perceived usefulness and the intention to use, are the factors that most influence the use of INTERCheckWEB (adjusted R2 = 0.870).

Conclusions

Results demonstrated that clinicians would use INTERCheckWEB, when available, to identify all the information on situations that could be dangerous for the patients, thus limiting the drug–drug interactions, optimizing the overall patient's clinical pathway. Furthermore, the implementation of INTERCheckWEB could also contribute to the proper management of COVID‐19 patients, since both hospitalized and symptomatic COVID‐19 patients are frequently older, with comorbidities.
Longitudinal profile of neutralizing and binding antibodies in vaccinated and convalescent COVID‐19 cohorts by chemiluminescent immunoassays
Authors: Dou Xiaowen , Wang Enyun , Jiang Ruiwei , Li Min , Xiong Dan , Sun Baoqing , Zhang Xiuming
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Surrogate rapid serological assay was urgently demanded for accessibly interpretation of immunity potency and duration of neutralizing antibody against SARS‐CoV‐2. The longitudinal trajectory of antibody profile with a reliable large‐scale assay was crucial to judge the protective immune status, avoid futile therapy and provide insight into the booster vaccination minimizing the risk of COVID‐19.

Methods

A total of 195 volunteers were enrolled for a two‐doses procedure (0 and 28 days) of inactive vaccination, as well as ten COVID‐19 convalescents. The serum was collected at six time point and detected by chemiluminescent immunoassay with SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibody (Nab), SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody (RBD IgG) and RBD total antibody. The diagnostic results and the correlation of antibody level were evaluated among three serological (Nab, RBD IgG, and RBD total antibody) assay, as well as with an authorized cPass kit (Nab). Referred to the assay‐specific threshold, the seroconversion rate and dynamic titer of antibody were exhibited from 0 to 56 days since vaccination.

Results

There was no difference observed with diagnostic results between neutralizing and RBD IgG antibody (p > 0.05). Both diagnostic results of neutralizing and RBD IgG antibody testing differentiated from RBD total antibody assay (p < 0.05). The coefficient of correlation (R) was above 0.90 among the levels of those three antibodies, more than 0.60 in comparison with neutralizing antibody by cPass enzyme‐linked immunoassay. The “S” varying pattern for various antibodies level was observed with time extension after vaccination. The seroconversion rate was below 11.1% in 2 weeks after the priming dose, while the value climbed to 81% in 1 week after the boosting dose. The seroconversion rate was maintained around 91%. The inactive vaccine elicited 81‐fold higher antibody levels after finished the vaccination schedule than that at the basic point. Besides, the level of neutralizing antibody induced by vaccine was found with a 0.2‐fold ratio by comparison with that in COVID‐19 convalescents.

Conclusion

The humoral immune response products including SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing, RBD IgG antibody and total antibody and the varying pattern of the antibody profile could be rapidly detected by CILA method. Meanwhile, the continuing and dynamic determination was attributed to evaluate the protection effect of humoral immunity against the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Greek government‐debt crisis events and European financial markets: News surprises on Greek bond yields and inter‐relations of European financial markets
Authors: Gkillas Konstantinos , Katsiampa Paraskevi , Vortelinos Dimitrios I. , Wohar Mark E.
Published: May 2022

We study the impact of Greek government‐debt crisis events on inter‐relations of European financial markets during the European sovereign debt crisis. To this end, we examine the effects of three categories of Greek government‐debt crisis events in the realized correlations and correlation jumps of government bonds, CDS, and stock indices of seven European countries (i.e., France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain) via the respective dummy variables and news surprises on 2‐year, 5‐year, and 10‐year government bonds and CDS in a non‐parametric framework by employing Tobit regression models. According to the results, the direction of most impacts on correlations and correlation jumps is negative, suggesting that the Greek government‐debt crisis events reduced the homogeneity among member states in the Eurozone. We also investigate the types of Greek government‐debt crisis events that have the highest impacts on correlations and correlation jumps and find that the highest impacts mainly result from news originating from Greek and European sources.
Predictors of mental health difficulties and subjective wellbeing in adolescents: A longitudinal study
Authors: Lereya Suzet Tanya , Patalay Praveetha , Deighton Jessica
Published: May 2022

Background

Mental health and subjective well‐being are of great interest in both health policy and research. There has been considerable debate regarding whether mental health difficulties and subjective wellbeing are two distinct domains or different ends of a single mental health spectrum. This study investigates if predictors of mental health difficulties and subjective wellbeing are the same or different in a large‐scale community‐based sample in the United Kingdom.

Methods

13,500 adolescents in year 7 (aged 11–12) and again in year 8 (aged 12–13) completed surveys on emotional strengths and skills, support networks, mental health difficulties and wellbeing. Socio‐demographic factors were gathered from the National Pupil Database. Mental health difficulties and wellbeing scores were standardized to allow comparisons.

Results

The correlation between mental health difficulties and subjective wellbeing was −0.48, indicating a moderate overlap between the two domains. Some of the predictors (e.g., gender, ethnicity, problem solving, emotion regulation) in year 7 predicted both mental health difficulties and subjective wellbeing in year 8. However, some of the predictors in year 7 only predicted mental health difficulties (e.g., special education needs, empathy) and some only subjective wellbeing (e.g., prosocial behaviour, peer support) in year 8.

Conclusion

This study provides further evidence for differences in what predicts adolescents’ mental health difficulties and subjective wellbeing. It highlights the importance of not only focusing on preventing or treating symptoms of mental illness but also focusing on improving children’s wellbeing.
Experience and clinical efficacy of gut‐directed hypnotherapy in an Asian population with refractory irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Sasegbon Ayodele , Hasan Syed S , Whorwell Peter J , Vasant Dipesh H
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

Recent studies have highlighted the high worldwide prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and disparities in its management between ethnic groups. For instance, gut‐directed hypnotherapy (GDH), one of the most effective evidence‐based treatments for IBS, is not recommended in Asian countries partly due to lack of population‐specific outcome data. In this context, we evaluated the outcomes of GDH in an Asian population.

Methods

Consecutive British Asian patients with refractory IBS who received 12‐sessions of GDH using the Manchester protocol were included. Patients were treated by a team including a therapist able to speak several Asian languages. All patients prospectively completed the following questionnaires before and after GDH: IBS symptom severity score (IBS‐SSS), hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), non‐colonic symptom score, and the quality‐of‐life (QOL) score. The primary outcome measure was response to GDH defined by ≥50‐point reduction in IBS‐SSS. Pre‐ and post‐treatment data were compared statistically.

Results

Forty‐four Asian patients with IBS (age 49 ± 13 years; 29 [66%] female; baseline IBS‐SSS: 332.8 ± 94.6) completed GDH. Overall, 37 of 44 (84%) achieved a ≥50‐point reduction in IBS‐SSS and 25 of 44 (57%) achieved ≥30% reduction in abdominal pain scores. Following GDH, there were also significant mean improvements in IBS‐SSS (−132.1,P < 0.0001), non‐colonic symptom score (P < 0.0001), QOL score (P < 0.0001), HADS‐anxiety (P < 0.0001), and HADS‐depression (P < 0.0001), compared with baseline.

Conclusion

Regardless of the ethnicity of the therapist, GDH was highly effective with similar response rates to outcomes in other IBS populations, supporting the development of GDH in Asian countries.
Characterization of m6A modifications in the contemporary Zika virus genome and host cellular transcripts
Authors: Liu Yu , Li Kai , Xu Yan‐Peng , Zhu Zhu , Zhao Hui , Li Xiao‐Feng , Ye Qing , Yi Chengqi , Qin Cheng‐Feng
Published: May 2022

Zika virus (ZIKV) suddenly evolved from a neglected arthropod‐borne flavivirus into a pandemic pathogen during 2015–2016. A panel of amino acid mutations has been shown to be responsible for the enhanced neurovirulence and transmissibility of ZIKV. Recent studies have demonstrated that ZIKV genomic RNA is modified by host N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) machinery during viral replication in host cells, and the m6A profiles vary among different isolates and different host cells. In the present study, using a contemporary Asian ZIKV strain isolated in 2019 (SZ1901) as a model, we profiled m6A modifications on both the viral genome RNA and cellular transcripts from the ZIKV‐infected human hepatocarcinoma cell line Huh7. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP‐seq) identified a unique m6A map in the genome of ZIKV strain SZ1901 that is different from all previous isolates. Meanwhile, ZIKV infection induced m6A upregulation in the CDS regions but downregulation in the 3′ untranslated region of host RNA transcripts. The m6A peak intensity in the majority of host genes was downregulated, including ISG‐related genes. Overall, our study describes unique viral and host m6A profiles in contemporary ZIKV‐infected Huh7 cells, highlighting the complexity and importance of m6A modification during viral infection.
The multistability of delayed competitive neural networks with piecewise non‐monotonic activation functions
Authors: Zhang Yan , Qiao Yuanhua , Duan Lijuan , Miao Jun
Published: May 2022

This paper addresses the problem of multistability of competitive neural networks with nonlinear, non‐monotonic piecewise activation functions and time‐varying delays. Several sufficient conditions are proposed to guarantee the existence of
equilibrium points and the locally exponential stability of
equilibrium points, where
is a positive integer and determined by the property of activation functions and the parameters of neural networks. The quantitative relationship between the equilibrium points of the system and the zero roots of the bounding functions is given. In addition, the attraction basins of the exponentially stable equilibrium points are obtained. Finally, a numerical simulation is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Utility of the ALSFRS‐R for predicting ALS and comorbid disease neuropathology: The Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank
Authors: Colvin Leigh E. , Foster Zachariah W. , Stein Thor D. , Thakore‐James Manisha , Salajegheh Mohammad Kian , Carr Kendall , Spencer Keith R. , Abdul Rauf Nazifa , Adams Latease , Averill James G. , Walker Sean E. , Robey Ian , Alvarez Victor E. , Huber Bertrand R. , McKee Ann C. , Kowall Neil W. , Brady Christopher B.
Published: May 2022

Introduction/Aims

The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) functional rating scale‐revised (ALSFRS‐R) is commonly used to track ALS disease progression; however, there are gaps in the literature regarding the extent to which the ALSFRS‐R relates to underlying central nervous system (CNS) pathology. The current study explored the association between ALSFRS‐R (total and subdomain) scores and postmortem neuropathology (both ALS‐specific and comorbid disease).

Methods

Within our sample of 93 military veterans with autopsy‐confirmed ALS, we utilized hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) to identify discrete profiles of motor dysfunction based on ALSFRS‐R subdomain scores. We examined whether emergent clusters were associated with neuropathology. Separate analyses of variance and covariance with post‐hoc comparisons were performed to examine relevant cluster differences.

Results

Analyses revealed significant correlations between ALSFRS‐R total and subdomain scores with some, but not all, neuropathological variables. The HCA illustrated three groups: Cluster 1—predominantly diffuse functional impairment; Cluster 2—spared respiratory/bulbar and impaired motor function; and Cluster 3—spared bulbar and impaired respiratory, and fine and gross motor function. Individuals in Cluster 1 (and to a lesser degree, Cluster 3) exhibited greater accumulation of ALS‐specific neuropathology and less comorbid neuropathology than those in Cluster 2.

Discussion

These results suggest that discrete patterns of motor dysfunction based on ALSFRS‐R subdomain scores are related to postmortem neuropathology. Findings support use of ALSFRS‐R subdomain scores to capture the heterogeneity of clinical presentation and disease progression in ALS, and may assist researchers in identifying endophenotypes for separate assessment in clinical trials.
Quantitative muscle analysis in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy usingwhole‐body fat‐referenced MRI: Protocol development, multicenter feasibility, and repeatability
Authors: Widholm Per , Ahlgren André , Karlsson Markus , Romu Thobias , Tawil Rabi , Wagner Kathryn R. , Statland Jeffrey M. , Wang Leo H. , Shieh Perry B. , van Engelen Baziel G. M. , Cadavid Diego , Ronco Lucienne , Odueyungbo Adefowope O. , Jiang John G. , Mellion Michelle L. , Dahlqvist Leinhard Olof
Published: May 2022

Introduction/Aims

Functional performance tests are the gold standard to assess disease progression and treatment effects in neuromuscular disorders. These tests can be confounded by motivation, pain, fatigue, and learning effects, increasing variability and decreasing sensitivity to disease progression, limiting efficacy assessment in clinical trials with small sample sizes. We aimed to develop and validate a quantitative and objective method to measure skeletal muscle volume and fat content based on whole‐body fat‐referenced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for use in multisite clinical trials.

Methods

Subjects aged 18 to 65 years, genetically confirmed facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 1 (FSHD1), clinical severity 2 to 4 (Ricci's scale, range 0–5), were enrolled at six sites and imaged twice 4–12 weeks apart with T1‐weighted two‐point Dixon MRI covering the torso and upper and lower extremities. Thirty‐six muscles were volumetrically segmented using semi‐automatic multi‐atlas‐based segmentation. Muscle fat fraction (MFF), muscle fat infiltration (MFI), and lean muscle volume (LMV) were quantified for each muscle using fat‐referenced quantification.

Results

Seventeen patients (mean age ± SD, 49.4 years ±13.02; 12 men) were enrolled. Within‐patient SD ranged from 1.00% to 3.51% for MFF and 0.40% to 1.48% for MFI in individual muscles. For LMV, coefficients of variation ranged from 2.7% to 11.7%. For the composite score average of all muscles, observed SDs were 0.70% and 0.32% for MFF and MFI, respectively; composite LMV coefficient of variation was 2.0%.

Discussion

We developed and validated a method for measuring skeletal muscle volume and fat content for use in multisite clinical trials of neuromuscular disorders.
Interaction between social behavior and paternal age in offspring of the same paternal mice
Authors: Tanaka Miho , Sato Atsushi , Kotajima‐Murakami Hiroko , Kashii Hirofumi , Hagino Yoko , Ide Soichiro , Ikeda Kazutaka
Published: May 2022

Aim

Previous studies reported that advanced paternal age (APA) may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. However, effects of APA on behaviors have not been investigated in offspring of the same paternal mice. The present study sought to identify behavioral differences in mouse offspring of the same fathers at different paternal ages.

Methods

We assessed locomotor activity, anxiety‐like behavior, and social behavior in male mouse offspring that were born from the same fathers at three different paternal ages (3, 12, and 15 months old).

Results

No differences in locomotor activity or anxiety‐like behavior were observed among any of the offspring groups. In the three‐chamber test, although the control group (3‐month‐old paternal age) exhibited significantly higher approach behavior toward the novel mouse compared with the novel object, the APA groups (12‐ and 15‐month‐old paternal ages) did not exhibit significant approach toward the novel mouse.

Conclusion

Offspring of 3‐month‐old fathers but not 12‐ or 15‐month‐old APA fathers exhibited social preference behavior. Although the present study was only exploratory, it demonstrated an interaction between social behavior and paternal age in offspring of the same paternal mice.
Structure–property relations in semi‐crystalline combinatorial poly(urethane‐isocyanurate)‐type hydrogels
Authors: Driest Piet J , Dijkstra Dirk J , Stamatialis Dimitrios , Grijpma Dirk W
Published: May 2022

Within the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, the development of tough hydrogel biomaterials is a challenging topic that has received much attention over the past few years. Recently, a method was developed to synthesize tough combinatorial poly(urethane‐isocyanurate) (PUI)‐type hydrogels by the trimerization of mixtures of NCO‐functionalized prepolymers. As this synthesis approach allows a large degree of freedom in terms of polymer network design with a high level of control over the polymer network structure, the resulting systems are ideally suited for studying structure–property relations in tough hydrogel systems. In this work, we aim to systematically investigate the influence of introducing a hydrophobic component into a PUI polymer network on the mechanical properties of the resulting PUI hydrogels. Additionally, the effect of (the degree of) crystallinity of the hydrophobic network component is investigated. For this, two series of combinatorial PUI hydrogels are synthesized, based on a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) prepolymer and increasing amounts of either a crystallizable hydrophobic prepolymer (poly(ε‐caprolactone)) or an amorphous hydrophobic prepolymer (poly(propylene glycol)). It is shown that the toughness of amorphous PUI hydrogels is hardly influenced by the hydrophobic content, whereas the toughness of semi‐crystalline PUI hydrogels strongly increases with increasing hydrophobic content. Also, the toughness of the latter hydrogels increases further with increasing degree of crystallinity of the hydrogel. Finally, it is shown that the semi‐crystalline PUI hydrogels are promising materials for biomedical adhesive and coating applications, as well as for load‐bearing biomedical applications within the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. © 2022 Covestro Deutschland AG. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Comparative Study on the Damage Effects in the Deflagration Process of Typical Liquid Propellants
Authors: Xu Fei‐Yang , Li Hua‐Bo , Sang Fu‐Nao , Zhang Yan , Wang Yan‐Ru , Ge Ze‐Chen , Luo Yi‐Min , Liu Xi‐Chen , Liu Da‐Bin , Xu Sen
Published: May 2022

To study the damage effects caused by accidental deflagration of liquid propellants during production, storage, transportation and use, the information of the deflagration processes and the shock wave hazards of three typical liquid propellants under external flame stimulation were obtained by a high‐speed camera and a shock wave pressure acquisition system. Additionally, in the same situation, the highest temperature of the surface fireball and the law of fireball of the thermal radiation were also studied by an infrared thermal imager and heat flux test system. High‐speed video results showed that the fireball of DT‐3 developed most violently of the three liquid propellants; anhydrous hydrazine took the second place and metallized gelled MMH was the weakest. The average TNT equivalents of 18 kg anhydrous hydrazine, 18 kg DT‐3, 120 kg anhydrous hydrazine and 120 kg DT‐3 were 0.724, 0.629, 0.000375 and 0.0293 respectively. The peak values of thermal radiation flux were in the order of DT‐3>anhydrous hydrazine>metallized gelled methylhydrazine. The corresponding death radius in the accident was supposed to be 20–30 m. Experimental results indicated that package design pressure of liquid propellant had a significant effect on the intensity of the reaction response to the action of flame stimulation. Within a certain range, the package design pressure of liquid propellant should be appropriately reduced to improve its security in storage and use. The study provided a theoretical guidance for the explosion protection of liquid propellant in case of accidental deflagration.
Exceptional Algebroids and Type IIA Superstrings
Authors: Hulík Ondřej , Valach Fridrich
Published: May 2022

We study exceptional algebroids in the context of warped compactifications of type IIA string theory down to n dimensions, with . In contrast to the M‐theory and type IIB case, the relevant algebroids are no longer exact, and their locali moduli space is no longer trivial, but has 5 distinct points. This relates to two possible scalar deformations of the IIA theory. The proof of the local classification shows that, in addition to these scalar deformations, one can twist the bracket using a pair of 1‐forms, a 2‐form, a 3‐form, and a 4‐form. Furthermore, we use the analysis to translate the classification of Leibniz parallelisable spaces (corresponding to maximally supersymmetric consistent truncations) into a tractable algebraic problem. We finish with a discussion of the Poisson–Lie U‐duality and examples given by tori and spheres in 2, 3, and 4 dimensions.
Battery failure analysis and characterization of failure types
Authors: Berg Sean
Published: May 2022

This article is an introduction to lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) battery types, types of failures, and the forensic methods and techniques used to investigate the origin and cause to identify failure mechanisms. This article discusses common types of Li‐ion battery failure with a greater focus on the thermal runaway, which is a particularly dangerous and hazardous failure mode. Forensic methods and techniques that can be used to characterize battery failures will also be discussed. This is the first article in a six‐part series. The first article describes ways in which Li‐ion batteries can fail, followed by a discussion of challenges assessing the reliability of such a rapidly evolving technology in article two. The third article discusses potential mitigation strategies for BESS facilities, and the fourth article discusses the consequences of catastrophic failure in a BESS. Article five provides a review of available analytical approaches to evaluate existing structures and design new structures for protection from Li‐ion battery hazards. The final article is an overview of Li‐ion BESS failures and risk management considerations.
Development of Low‐Gain Avalanche Detectors in the Frame of the Acceptor Removal Phenomenon
Authors: Lauer Kevin , Peh Katharina , Krischok Stefan , Reiß Stephanie , Hiller Erik , Ortlepp Thomas
Published: May 2022

Low‐gain avalanche detectors (LGAD) suffer from an acceptor removal phenomenon due to irradiation. This acceptor removal phenomenon is investigated in boron, gallium, and indium implanted samples by 4‐point‐probe (4pp) measurements, low‐temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy (LTPL), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) before and after irradiation with electrons and protons. Different co‐implantation species are evaluated with respect to their ability to reduce the acceptor removal phenomenon. In case of boron, the beneficial effect is found to be most pronounced for the low‐dose fluorine and high‐dose nitrogen co‐implantation. In case of gallium, the low‐dose implantations of carbon and oxygen are found to be beneficial. For indium, the different co‐implantation species have no beneficial effect. SIMS boron concentration depth profiles measured before and after irradiation show no indication of a fast movement of boron at room temperature. Hence, the discussed BSi–Sii‐defect explanation approach of the acceptor removal phenomenon seems to be more likely than the other discussed Bi–Oi‐defect explanation approach.
Laser Thermal Treatment‐Induced MgxZn1−xO Gradient Film and Photodetector with Solar‐Blind UV Response
Authors: Wang Hongbin , Tang He , Liu Quansheng , Li Rui
Published: May 2022

Mg
x
Zn1−x
O is a ternary oxide semiconductor, which has an important application prospect in solar‐blind UV detection fields. Herein, Mg
x
Zn1−x
O gradient film is realized utilizing the sol–gel method and laser thermal treatment process. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and absorption curve show that the gradient film has a single (002) crystal orientation and a single absorption edge. Field‐emission scanning electron microscope and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy characterization and finite‐element analysis simulation prove that the laser thermal treatment temperature on the gradient film decreases from 1100 to 600 °C, corresponding to the Mg2+ component gradually increasing from 35% to 54% and the bandgap broadening from 3.75 to 5.08 eV. Metal–semiconductor–metal‐structured photodetectors (PDs) are fabricated based on the gradient film. The high responsivity is attributed to the capture and the prolonged lifetime of photogenerated holes. Herein, an idea for the preparation of gradient film and the development of UVC and UVA multiband PDs is provided.
A study of the hydraulic parameters and ecological significance of braided rivers under flow variations
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Hong , You Lihua , Zhu Zaixiang , Li Yong , Lu Yun
Published: May 2022

One‐dimensional numerical simulations based on the actual braided‐channel geometry in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River can be used to calculate the characteristics of braided channels in terms of their branching conditions and hydraulic parameters. Numerical modeling in the study area showed that a higher number of branches at fish‐spawning grounds may provide more suitable habitats for local organisms to survive. During most of the year, the distributions of the flow velocity and water depth in the higher‐branching channels were significantly lower than those in the lower‐branching channels. The hydromorphological index of diversity (HMID) of higher‐branching channels was higher than that of lower‐branching channels during all water periods, which showed the higher habitat heterogeneity of higher‐branching channels. The Froude numbers of higher‐branching channels ranged from 0.1 to 0.3, and the stable flow regime partially explained why higher‐branching channels are important habitats for fish‐spawning and nurseries. The lower flow velocities and water depths in the higher‐branching channels may have met the hydraulic habitat conditions for the survival of juvenile fish. This article analyses the characteristics of the hydraulic parameters and the ecological significance of braided river channels and provides theoretical support for the protection of fish habitats in braided rivers.
Substrate‐dependent enhancement of the durability of EPD graphene coating as a macroscale solid lubricant
Authors: Chen Sulin , Hong Hong , Shen Bin
Published: May 2022

Graphene has exhibited outstanding properties of reducing friction and wear when it is utilized as a novel solid lubricant, while its durability, especially at the macroscale, remains a challenge for robust industrial applications. In this study, we demonstrate a remarkable substrate‐dependent enhancement of the durability and load capacity of graphene film prepared with electrophoretic deposition method. The tribological performance of graphene films on four typical engineering material surfaces was examined. Graphene films exhibit highly consistent coefficients of friction ranging from 0.1 to 0.16, decreasing by 76%–87% compared with that obtained for the bare substrates (0.60–0.83). As for durability, graphene films on the stainless steel and titanium alloy substrates show largely enhanced lifetime compared with that on the silicon or cemented carbide substrates. The graphene film on titanium allay can sustain up to 260,000 cycles, 10–20 times longer than that on brittle substrates. Such a remarkably enhanced durability should be attributed to the relatively higher ductility of the substrates and its high adhesion with graphene, which is beneficial for forming a dense layer of graphene‐containing tribo‐film within the sliding interface. The results of this study may provide a useful guideline for utilizing graphene films as solid lubricants in engineering fields.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of 4‐Aryl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines as Potent Anticancer Agent and Their In‐Silico Studies
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Yadav Neha , Jain Harshita , Deswal Nidhi , Upadhyay Ravindra Kumar , Leekha Ankita , Verma Anita Kamra , Kareem Abdul , Chikati Rajasekhar , Kumar Lalita S
Published: May 2022

In our effort directed toward the discovery of novel potent anticancer agents, a large library of novel 4‐aryl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines (23‐58) with heterocyclic ring at 4, position of aryl group has been synthesized through Hantzsch synthesis. These synthesized hybrids have been well characterized and evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against a panel of human cancer cell lines viz. EAC, HEK, and MCF cell lines by MTT assay. The cytotoxic activity has been revealed by the effects of various types of substituent present on the dihydropyridine ring. All the synthetics (23‐58) have shown good potency against EAC cell line. However, compounds 36, 40, 42, and 54 have displayed significant inhibitory potential against both EAC and MCF‐7 cell lines. In addition, these promising analogues have been selected for their molecular docking studies against 5TVQ protein to know the binding affinity which was identified to be a plausible target site. Compound 42 has exerted the highest inhibition effect on cancerous cells and more potency than the reference drug, doxorubicin even at low concentration (1μg/ml) and showed non‐toxicity to human normal cells suggesting high safety to normal cells. Compound 42 has also shown the highest docking score and inhibition constant which could be regarded as convincing lead for further clinical pursuit.
Facile Synthesis of MOF‐Derived One‐Dimensional Nitrogen‐doped Carbon/Ni Composites and their Application as Catalysts and Protein Adsorbents
Authors: Pan Wentao , Zheng Jing , Du Hong , Zhang Baishun , Xu Jingli , Zhang Min
Published: May 2022

Metallic nickel is of particular interest because of its low cost, magnetic property, and multifunctional uses. Herein, a facile strategy to fabricate one dimensional(1D) carbon microrods with magnetic Ni nanoparticles(NPs) by one‐step carbonization of nickel‐ion‐nitrilotriacetic acid coordination polymer microrods (Ni‐NTA) has been presented. After the carbonization, the original morphology of Ni‐NTA microrods is preserved well. Fine magnetic Ni NPs are well dispersed in the carbon matrix, which possesses an impressive saturation capacity for Histidine‐rich protein, BHb. Moreover, such N‐doped carbon microrods with well‐dispersed Ni NPs on its surface present an excellent catalytic performance and stability by using the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol as a model reaction. Notably, the selected Ni‐NTA microrods and melamine act as Ni‐precursor and N‐doped carbon sources play a vital role in the formation of 3D hierarchical carbon dendrites composed of carbon microfiber trunks and carbon nanotube branches.