bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 3D approach to model the taper of irregular tree stems: making plots biomass estimates comparable in tropical forests
Authors: Bauwens S. , Ploton P. , Fayolle A. , Ligot G. , Loumeto J. J. , Lejeune P. , Gourlet‐Fleury S.
Published: September 2021

In tropical forests, the high proportion of trees showing irregularities at the stem base complicates forest monitoring. For example, in the presence of buttresses, the height of the point of measurement (HPOM) of the stem diameter (DPOM) is raised from 1.3 m, the standard breast height, up to a regular part of the stem. WhileDPOMis the most important predictor for tree aboveground biomass (AGB) estimates, the lack of harmonizedHPOMfor irregular trees in forest inventory increases the uncertainty in plot‐level AGB stock and stock change estimates. In this study, we gathered an original non‐destructive three‐dimensional (3D) data set collected with terrestrial laser scanning and close range terrestrial photogrammetry tools in three sites in central Africa. For the 228 irregularly shaped stems sampled, we developed a set of taper models to harmonizeHPOMby predicting the equivalent diameter at breast height (DBH′) from aDPOMmeasured at any height. We analyzed the effect of using DBH′ on tree‐level and plot‐level AGB estimates. To do so, we used destructive AGB data for 140 trees and forest inventory data from eight 1‐ha plots in the Republic of Congo. Our results showed that our best simple taper model predicts DBH′ with a relative mean absolute error of 3.7% (R2 = 0.98) over a wideDPOMrange of 17–249 cm. Based on destructive AGB data, we found that the AGB allometric model calibrated with harmonizedHPOMdata was more accurate than the conventional local and pantropical models. At the plot level, the comparison of AGB stock estimates with and withoutHPOMharmonization showed an increasing divergence with the increasing share of irregular stems (up to −15%). The harmonization procedure developed in this study could be implemented as a standard practice for AGB monitoring in tropical forests as no additional forest inventory measurements is required. This would probably lead to important revisions of the AGB stock estimates in regions having a large number of irregular tree stems and increase their carbon sink estimates. The growing use of three‐dimensional (3D) data offers new opportunities to extend our approach and further develop general taper models in other tropical regions.
Influence of reproductive output on divorce rates in polar seabirds
Authors: Mercier Guillaume , Yoccoz Nigel G. , Descamps Sébastien
Published: September 2021

The high occurrence of social monogamy in birds has led to questions about partner fidelity, or the perennial nature of monogamy from one breeding season to another. Despite the evolutionary advantages of partner fidelity, divorce occurs among 95% of bird species. We aimed to describe patterns of divorce and partner fidelity in five seabird species breeding in Arctic and Antarctic regions and investigated the influence of breeding status on pair bond maintenance. For four out of the five species considered, we observed low divorce rates (respectively 1.9%, 3.3%, 2.5%, and 0.0% for Brünnich's guillemot, glaucous gull, Antarctic petrel, and south polar skua), while the divorce rate was much higher (19.1%) for the black‐legged kittiwake. For kittiwakes, the divorce rate was lower for pairs that managed to raise their chick to 15 days of age, while the effect of breeding success on divorce in the four other species could not be tested due to the rareness of divorce events. Our results emphasize the potentially large temporal (interannual) variations that should be taken into account in understanding divorce and partner fidelity in seabirds.
Identifying existing management practices in the control of Striga asiatica within rice–maize systems in mid‐west Madagascar
Authors: Scott Donald , Scholes Julie Diane , Randrianjafizanaka Meva Tahiry , Randriamampianina Jean Augustin , Autfray Patrice , Freckleton Robert P.
Published: September 2021

Infestations by the parasitic weed genus Striga result in significant losses to cereal crop yields across sub‐Saharan Africa. The problem disproportionately affects subsistence farmers who frequently lack access to novel technologies. Effective Striga management therefore requires the development of strategies utilizing existing cultural management practices. We report a multiyear, landscape‐scale monitoring project for Striga asiatica in the mid‐west of Madagascar, undertaken over 2019–2020 with the aims of examining cultural, climatic, and edaphic factors currently driving abundance and distribution. Long‐distance transects were established across the middle‐west region of Madagascar, over which S. asiatica abundance in fields was estimated. Analysis of the data highlights the importance of crop variety and legumes in driving Striga density. Moreover, the dataset revealed significant effect of precipitation seasonality, mean temperature, and altitude in determining abundance. A composite management index indicated the effect of a range of cultural practices on changes in Striga abundance. The findings support the assertion that single measures are not sufficient for the effective, long‐term management of Striga. Furthermore, the composite score has potential as a significant guide of integrated Striga management beyond the geographic range of this study.
Neutral theory reveals the challenge of bending the curve for the post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
Authors: Buschke Falko T.
Published: September 2021

In October, nations of the world will begin negotiations for the post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity. An influential ambition is “bending the curve of biodiversity loss,” which aims to reverse the decline of global biodiversity indicators. A second relevant, yet less prominent, milestone is the 20th anniversary of the publication of The Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity and Biogeography. Here, I apply neutral theory to show how global biodiversity indicators for population size (Living Planet Index) and extinction threat (Red List Index) decline under neutral ecological drift. This demonstrates that declining indicators are not solely caused by deterministic species‐specific or geographical patterns of biodiversity loss. Instead, indicators are sensitive to nondirectional stochasticity. Thus, “bending the curve” could be assessed relative to a counterfactual based on neutral theory, rather than static baselines. If used correctly, the 20‐year legacy of neutral theory can be extended to make a valuable contribution to the post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
Population structure of chum salmon and selection on the markers collected for stock identification
Authors: Kitada Shuichi , Kishino Hirohisa
Published: September 2021

Genetic stock identification (GSI) is a major management tool of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus Spp.) that has provided rich genetic baseline data of allozymes, microsatellites, and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the Pacific Rim. Here, we analyzed published data sets for adult chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), namely 10 microsatellites, 53 SNPs, and a mitochondrial DNA locus (mtDNA3, control region, and NADH‐3 combined) in samples from 495 locations in the same distribution range (n = 61,813). TreeMix analysis of the microsatellite loci identified the greatest convergence toward Japanese/Korean populations and suggested two admixture events from Japan/Korea to Russia and the Alaskan Peninsula. The SNPs had been purposively collected from rapidly evolving genes to increase the power of GSI. The largest expected heterozygosity was observed in Japanese/Korean populations for microsatellites, whereas it was largest in Western Alaskan populations for SNPs, reflecting the SNP discovery process. A regression of SNP population structures on those of microsatellites indicated the selection of the SNP loci according to deviations from the predicted structures. Specifically, we matched the sampling locations of the SNPs with those of the microsatellites and performed regression analyses of SNP allele frequencies on a 2‐dimensional scaling (MDS) of matched locations obtained from microsatellite pairwise FST values. The MDS first axis indicated a latitudinal cline in American and Russian populations, whereas the second axis showed differentiation of Japanese/Korean populations. The top five outlier SNPs included mtDNA3, U502241 (unknown), GnRH373, ras1362, and TCP178, which were identified by principal component analysis. We summarized the functions of 53 nuclear genes surrounding SNPs and the mtDNA3 locus by referring to a gene database system and propose how they may influence the fitness of chum salmon.
Optimized CeO2 Nanowires with Rich Surface Oxygen Vacancies Enable Fast Li‐Ion Conduction in Composite Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Gao Lu , Wu Nan , Deng Nanping , Li Zhenchao , Li Jianxin , Che Yong , Cheng Bowen , Kang Weimin , Liu Ruiping , Li Yutao
Published: September 2021

Low‐cost and flexible solid polymer electrolytes are promising in all‐solid‐state Li‐metal batteries with high energy density and safety. However, both the low room‐temperature ionic conductivities and the small Li+ transference number of these electrolytes significantly increase the internal resistance and overpotential of the battery. Here, we introduce Gd‐doped CeO2 nanowires with large surface area and rich surface oxygen vacancies to the polymer electrolyte to increase the interaction between Gd‐doped CeO2 nanowires and polymer electrolytes, which promotes the Li‐salt dissociation and increases the concentration of mobile Li ions in the composite polymer electrolytes. The optimized composite polymer electrolyte has a high Li‐ion conductivity of 5 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 30 °C and a large Li+ transference number of 0.47. Moreover, the composite polymer electrolytes have excellent compatibility with the metallic lithium anode and high‐voltage LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC) cathode, providing the stable cycling of all‐solid‐state batteries at high current densities.
Prevalence, clinical and instrumental features of left bundle branch block‐induced cardiomyopathy: the CLIMB registry
Authors: Sanna Giuseppe D. , De Bellis Annamaria , Zecchin Massimo , Beccu Eleonora , Carta Patrizia , Moccia Eleonora , Canonico Mario E. , Parodi Guido , Sinagra Gianfranco , Merlo Marco
Published: September 2021

Aims

Although increasingly recognized as a distinct pathological entity, left bundle branch block‐induced cardiomyopathy (LBBB‐ICMP) is not included among the possible aetiologies of acquired dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM). While diagnostic criteria have been proposed, its recognition remains principally retrospective, in the presence of clinical and instrumental red flags. We aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical and instrumental features of LBBB‐ICMP in a large cohort of patients with DCM.

Methods and results

We analysed a cohort of 242 DCM patients from a two‐centre registry. Inclusion criteria were age > 18, non‐ischaemic or non‐valvular DCM, and LBBB on electrocardiogram. LBBB‐ICMP was defined according to previously proposed diagnostic criteria: (i) neither family history nor clinically identifiable potential causes for DCM; (ii) negative genetic testing; (iii) echocardiographic features including non‐severe chamber dilation, normal absolute and relative wall thickness, marked dyssynchrony, and normal right ventricular function; and (iv) absence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). From the entire cohort, we identified 30 subjects (similar in terms of New York Heart Association class I or II in 80% vs. 75%, P = 0.56; QRS width of 150 ± 22 vs. 151 ± 24 ms, P = 0.82; and cardiac remodelling of baseline end‐diastolic diameter 66 ± 8 vs. 65 ± 10 mm, P = 0.53) with a comprehensive dataset including CMR and genetic testing, required to verify the presence of the diagnostic criteria proposed for LBBB‐ICMP. The main characteristics of this subgroup were 73% males, age 45 ± 13 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 30 ± 10%, LGE in 38% of patients, and QRS complex of 150 ± 22 ms. Patients were under guideline‐directed medical therapy, and 57% of them were treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Two patients (6.67%, 50% males, age 53 ± 13 years) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria proposed for LBBB‐ICMP. After a follow‐up of 44 (12–76) months, LVEF was normal and QRS width significantly reduced (from 154 ± 25 to 116 ± 52 ms) in patients with LBBB‐ICMP. Both patients were under optimal medical treatment, and one was implanted with CRT‐D. Neither of the two patients experienced death, malignant ventricular arrhythmia, or heart failure hospitalization at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Left bundle branch block‐induced cardiomyopathy emerges as a distinct pathological entity, promptly identifiable in a minority but not negligible proportion of patients with newly diagnosed DCM and LBBB, using a series of diagnostic criteria including CMR and genetic testing. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the clinical course of LBBB‐ICMP.
Peripheral microvascular dysfunction is associated with plaque progression and adverse long‐term outcomes in heart transplant patients
Authors: Ozcan Ilke , Toya Takumi , Corban Michel T. , Ahmad Ali , Lerman Lilach O. , Kushwaha Sudhir S. , Lerman Amir
Published: September 2021

Aims

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is the major cause of increased morbidity and mortality after heart transplantation. Peripheral endothelial dysfunction (PED) is associated with early atherosclerosis and future risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in non‐heart transplant population. We aimed to investigate the association of PED with future MACE, and plaque progression assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) after heart transplantation.

Methods and results

We included 66 transplant patients who underwent serial IVUS surveillance for CAV and baseline assessment of peripheral endothelial function using reactive hyperaemia peripheral arterial tonometry. PED was defined as reactive hyperaemia index < 2. The primary endpoint of the study was to investigate the association of PED with CAV progression assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). CAV progression was assessed as the change (Δ) in plaque volume divided by segment length, and Δ plaque index (plaque volume/vessel volume), adjusted for the time between IVUS measurements (median 3.0 [2.2, 3.1] years). The secondary endpoint was to investigate the association between PED and future MACE, which was defined as any incident of revascularization, heart failure hospitalization, stroke, myocardial infarction, re‐transplantation, and death. Patients with PED (n = 27) had more yearly plaque progression (0.50 ± 0.66 vs. 0.15 ± 0.50 mm3/mm/year, P = 0.02) and a higher Δ plaque index (2.41 ± 2.53% vs. 0.69 ± 2.22%, P = 0.01). Patients with PED were more likely to experience MACE during a median follow‐up of 8.2 years (interquartile range [7.6, 8.4]), after adjustment for potential cofounders such as age, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, total rejection score, baseline International Society for Heart & Lung Transplantation CAV grade, and indication of transplantation. (hazard ratio 2.15, 95% confidence interval [1.09, 4.23], P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Peripheral endothelial dysfunction is associated with increased plaque progression and adverse long‐term cardiovascular outcomes in transplant patients. PED assessment might be a useful clinical tool for risk stratification after heart transplantation.
Highly Emissive Cerium(III) Thiocyanate Complexes Reevaluated Using a Silane‐Treated Quartz Cell
Authors: Kuramochi Yusuke , Ohminato Kotaro , Sayama Shunsuke , Satake Akiharu
Published: September 2021

We found that Ce(III) ion is oxidized to form Ce(IV) ion on a quartz cell in air‐saturated organic solvents, causing a strong absorption that overlaps with the absorption of the Ce(III) complex. Due to the strong absorption, the emission quantum yield (Φem) of the luminescent Ce(III) complex was underestimated. A silane treatment on the quartz cell, which prevents the formation of the Ce(IV) species even in air, and titration experiments under an Ar atmosphere enabled correct evaluation of the luminescent properties where the Φem of an electrically neutral Ce(SCN)3 reached 91 % in acetonitrile.
Artificial Chemical Nuclease and Cytotoxic Activity of a Mononuclear Copper(I) Complex and a Related Binuclear Double‐Stranded Helicate
Authors: Levín Pedro , Balsa Lucía M. , Silva Carlos P. , Herzog Austin E. , Vega Andrés , Pavez Jorge , León Ignacio E. , Lemus Luis
Published: September 2021

Copper complexes are promising candidates for anticancer drugs, because of their redox properties and the ability to generate ROS (reactive oxygen species) in the cellular media. Most of the reported complexes with anticancer properties are based on Cu(II), which must be reduced to Cu(I) to exert the therapeutic action. Here, we report on the synthesis and characterization of two novel copper(I) complexes, a mononuclear complex [Cu(L1)2](ClO4) (1) and a binuclear helicate [Cu2(L2)2](ClO4)2 (2) (L1=2‐ethoxy‐1,10‐phenanthroline, L2=1,2‐bis((1,10‐phenanthrolin‐2‐yl)oxy)ethane), which were designed to be structurally comparable, in order to evaluate the effect of nuclearity on the artificial nuclease activity. The activity of helicate (2) was higher than that of the monometallic (1), and the DNA cleavage mechanism is through the generation of hydroxyl radical in a Fenton‐like reaction, which occurs after oxidation of Cu(I) by O2. Also, helicate (2) showed a higher cytotoxic effect against different cancer cells lines, while both complexes are more active than cisplatin.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Functional Properties of Seed Oil from Four Different Cultivars of S. Wilsoniana
Authors: Wen Shasha , Sun Yiwen , Li Yonglin , Wen Yuxiu , Gao Yuan , Sagymbek Altayuly , Yu Xiuzhu
Published: September 2021

A study is conducted to explore the under‐utilized resources of Swida wilsoniana seed oil (SWSO). Physicochemical properties of four cultivars of SWSO and their fatty acid composition, phytochemicals, oxidation stabilities, and antioxidant capacities are evaluated. The results indicate that SWSO is abundant in unsaturated fatty acids (76.02–82.43%) and contained a high phytochemical content. Gamma‐tocotrienol (206.03 ± 0.21–215.84 ± 0.17 mg kg−1), β‐amyrin (107.12 ± 0.27–192.30 ± 1.17 mg kg−1), and betulin (32.82 ± 0.59–88.20 ± 0.37 mg kg−1) are major components of SWSO compared to familiar oils. The induction period (5.08–5.80 h) is negatively correlated with unsaturated fatty acid content (r = −0.948**, P < 0.01), particularly linoleic acid (r = −0.938**, P < 0.01). A high antioxidant capacity is observed in SWSO which is primarily attributed to tocopherol/tocotrienol content (0.832*–0.963**). SWSO can be regarded as a new resource and a high‐quality ingredient for dietary foods and other applications.

Practical applications: The favorable physicochemical characteristics and functional properties of SWSO indicate that it may be used as a novel and daily edible oil through moderate refining. It also exhibits promise to protect the artery and liver as a special oil for use as shortening and frying because of its ideal FAC and antioxidant capacity. In addition, SWSO may be suitable for the cosmetics industry. Furthermore, more varieties should be obtained to verify and refine the correlations between chemical composition and antioxidant properties. In addition, the specific phenolics in SWSO should be identified to better characterize the relationship between polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity.
Regiochemical Effects on the Carbohydrate Binding and Selectivity of Flexible Synthetic Carbohydrate Receptors with Indole and Quinoline Heterocyclic Groups
Authors: Thakur Khushabu , Shlain Milan A. , Marianski Mateusz , Braunschweig Adam B.
Published: September 2021

Synthetic carbohydrate receptors (SCRs) that bind cell‐surface carbohydrates could be used for disease detection, drug‐delivery, and therapeutics, or for the site‐selective modification of complex carbohydrates, but their potential has not been realized because of remaining challenges associated with binding affinity and substrate selectivity. We have reported recently a series of flexible SCRs based upon a biaryl core with four pendant heterocyclic groups that bind glycans selectively through noncovalent interactions. Here we continue to explore the role of heterocycles on substrate selectivity by expanding our library to include a series of indole and quinoline heterocycles that vary in their regiochemistry of attachment to the biaryl core. The binding of these SCRs to a series of biologically‐relevant carbohydrates was studied by 1H NMR titrations in CD2Cl2 and density‐functional theory calculations. We find SCR030, SCR034 and SCR037 are selective, SCR031, SCR032, and SCR039 are strong binders, and SCR033, SCR035, SCR036, and SCR038 are promiscuous and bind weakly. Computational analysis reveals the importance of C−H⋅⋅⋅π and H‐bonding interactions in defining the binding properties of these new receptors. By combining these data with those obtained from our previous studies on this class of flexible SCRs, we develop a series of design rules that account for the binding of all SCRs of this class, and anticipate the binding of future, not‐yet imagined tetrapodal SCRs.
Organic Transformation of Benzothiophenes by C−S Bond Cleavage Beyond Reductive Desulfurization
Authors: Huang Jirong
Published: September 2021

As the analogues of indole bicyclic system, benzothiophenes are often overlooked in organic transformation, and synthetic methods developed mostly rely on the acidic protons at C2 or C3 position, known as C−H functionalization. Complementary to the structural modification of benzothiophenes, C−S bond cleavage can realize the skeleton reconstruction. Reduction of benzothiophenes always involves the C−S bond cleavage, especially in the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of petroleum products. Beyond reductive desulfurization, although C−S bond cleavage of benzothiophenes has been achieved by diverse methodologies, there is no systematic review on such topic. Herein, transformation of benzothiophenes via C−S bond cleavage in organic synthesis will be presented along with briefly delineated mechanism.
Synthesis of Aryl Methyl Sulfides from Arysulfonyl Chlorides with Dimethyl Carbonate as the Solvent and C1 Source
Authors: Miao Ren‐Guan , Qi Xinxin , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: September 2021

A new procedure for the synthesis of aryl methyl sulfides from dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and arylsulfonyl chlorides has been achieved. In this strategy, DMC plays a dual role as both, C1 building block and green solvent. Arylsulfonyl chlorides served as the sulfur precursors, and a variety of aryl methyl sulfides were obtained in moderate to excellent yields with good functional group tolerance. Additionally, alkylsulfonyl chloride and dibenzyl carbonate are proven to be suitable substrates as well.
How Lewis Acids Catalyze Ene Reactions
Authors: Tiekink Eveline H. , Vermeeren Pascal , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Hamlin Trevor A.
Published: September 2021

The catalytic effect of various Lewis acids (LAs) on the ene reaction between propene (ene) and but‐3‐en‐2‐one (enophile) was studied quantum chemically using density functional theory and with coupled‐cluster theory. The studied LAs efficiently accelerate the ene reaction by lowering the reaction barrier up to 12 kcal mol−1compared to the uncatalyzed reaction. Our detailed activation strain and Kohn‐Sham molecular orbital analyses reveal that coordination of a LA catalyst to the enophile decreases the reaction barrier of the ene reaction by inducing an asymmetry in the π‐electronic system, which increases the asynchronicity and hence relieves the otherwise highly destabilizing activation strain and Pauli repulsion between the closed‐shell filled π‐orbitals of the ene and enophile. In all, these findings further demonstrate the generality of thePauli‐lowering catalysisconcept.
Fabrication of Translucid Gold‐Nanocellulose Electrodes and their Potential Application as Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor
Authors: Kroff Macarena , Fornazari Ana Luiza , Correa‐Encalada Daniel , Rubio Maria José , Hevia Samuel A. , del Río Rodrigo
Published: September 2021

In this work, we describe the fabrication of a transparent gold electrode based on nanocellulose. The electrode was prepared via electron beam evaporation of gold onto nanocellulose films previously spread over a glass slip. Electrodes with different thickness of Au was fabricated, and the material's optical, morphological and electrical properties were assessed. Finally, as a proof of concept, a possible application of this electrode in hydrogen peroxide sensing was performed. The results show that a thin layer of gold on a nanocellulose translucid film allows obtaining a conductive transparent surface that could be used to design a transparent electrode.
A “Clickable” Electrodeposited Polymer Films Based on 3‐Ethynylthiophene for the Covalent Immobilization of Proteins. Application to a Label‐free Electrochemical Immunosensor for Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus Determination
Authors: Svalova T. S. , Medvedeva M. V. , Kozitsina A. N.
Published: September 2021

An original electrodeposited polymer film, based on 3‐ethynylthiophene, for covalent immobilization of proteins via “click” reaction of copper catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition was developed. The best characteristics have demonstrated the layer‐by‐layer immobilized 3,4‐ethylendioxythiophene‐3‐ethynylthiophene composite film. The bovine serum albumin and antibodies have been successfully immobilized on the surface of planar platinum electrode. The approach has been applied to label‐free electrochemical immunosensors for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus determination. The immunosensors demonstrated LODs 7.2 CFU/mL for Escherichia coli and 15.9 CFU/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, linear range 102–106 CFU/mL and could be promising for environmental and food control.
High resolution and rapid separation of bacteria from blood using elasto‐inertial microfluidics
Authors: Narayana Iyengar Sharath , Kumar Tharagan , Mårtensson Gustaf , Russom Aman
Published: September 2021

Improved sample preparation has the potential to address unmet needs for fast turnaround sepsis tests. In this work, we report elasto‐inertial based rapid bacteria separation from diluted blood at high separation efficiency. In viscoelastic flows, we demonstrate novel findings where blood cells prepositioned at the outer wall entering a spiral device remain fully focused throughout the channel length while smaller bacteria migrate to the opposite wall. Initially, using microparticles, we show that particles above a certain size cut‐off remain fully focused at the outer wall while smaller particles differentially migrate toward the inner wall. We demonstrate particle separation at 1 μm resolution at a total throughput of 1 mL/min. For blood‐based experiments, a minimum of 1:2 dilution was necessary to fully focus blood cells at the outer wall. Finally, Escherichia coli spiked in diluted blood were continuously separated at a total flow rate of 1 mL/min, with efficiencies between 82 and 90% depending on the blood dilution. Using a single spiral, it takes 40 min to process 1 mL of blood at a separation efficiency of 82%. The label‐free, passive, and rapid bacteria isolation method has a great potential for speeding up downstream phenotypic and genotypic analysis.
A Microcapsule‐Assistant Self‐Healing Magnesium Battery Cathodes
Authors: Liu Jinyun , Wang Yan , Yang Chaoyu , Mu Kai , Wang Shiyu , Pan Zeng , Zhang Min , Si Ting
Published: September 2021

Self‐healing secondary batteries have attracted great attention for constructing stable energy‐storage systems. Herein, a novel self‐healing rechargeable magnesium battery cathode is developed using self‐healing microcapsules in a vanadium pentoxide microflower‐based cathode. The microcapsules are prepared through a microfluidic approach. The core of the microcapsule contains a conductive hydrogel and carbon nanospheres, and the shell composes of a UV‐curved polymer. When the self‐healing Mg battery cathode cracks, the microcapsules break and release the core into the cracks, rebuilding the pathways for the electron transport and enabling a stable electrochemical performance. The presented cathode displays a good capacity of 105 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 100 mA g−1 and it delivers a stable capacity of 98.3 mAh g−1 after long‐term cycling 1000 times at 200 mA g−1. A recoverable rate‐performance and a good temperature tolerance are also achieved. It is expected that the general preparation approach of the self‐healing microcapsules and the long‐term stable Mg battery will find broad applications for developing many emerging energy‐storage systems.
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: Matrix Nanostructured Composites as Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors
Authors: Zakharov Yuri , Simenyuk Galina , Kachina Ekaterina , Pugachev Valery , Dodonov Vadim , Yakubik Denis , Trosnyanskaya Tatiana , Ismagilov Zinfer
Published: September 2021

Herein, nanostructured composites (NSCs) based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) filled with the individual (IH) and mixed (MH) Ni/Co hydroxides nanoparticles are prepared and an influence of NSC morphology and texture on their electrical capacitance is considered. It is found that MWCNTs have a channel diameter (2−5 nm), external diameter (18−23 nm), and wall width (2−12 nm). In NSCs obtained by precipitation of hydroxides from chloride aqueous solutions in an alkaline medium, the filler particles are formed as nanocrystallites inside the channels as well as aggregates composed of crystallites (up to 10 nm in size) situated on the external MWCNT surface. These aggregates look like islands, 15−16 nm wide, and are at least 200 nm long. Functionalization via ozonation causes nontrivial effects of an increase in the size and anisometry of the MH crystallites. The dependence of the NSC electrical capacitance on the content of fillers appears to be extreme. The content in the range of 5−10 wt% which allows increasing the capacitance by 1.2 and 1.5 times as compared with that for MWCNTs is optimal for scanning rates of 80 and 10 mV s−1, respectively.
Status epilepticus in the Canadian Arctic: A public health imperative hidden in plain sight
Authors: Ng Marcus C. , Pavlova Milena
Published: September 2021

Objective

The World Health Organization, International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), and International Bureau for Epilepsy have called epilepsy a public health imperative, with appropriate emphasis on low‐to‐middle‐income countries (LMIC). Although Canada is a high‐income country (HIC), income is not distributed uniformly. Furthermore, epilepsy data from the national statistical agency explicitly overlook the Arctic by excluding these territories. A common neurologic emergency, status epilepticus (SE) is a life‐threatening manifestation of epilepsy that demands prompt treatment to avoid death and long‐term sequelae. Therefore, we examined the rate of SE in a well‐defined Canadian Arctic region.

Methods

This study takes epidemiologic advantage of the Kivalliq Region's geographical isolation, which is accessible only by air. All SE patients requiring emergency care are consistently flown 1200‐1900 kilometers to a single designated hospital in a distinct southern part of Canada for further management and electroencephalography (EEG). We conducted a retrospective database and chart review at this “bottleneck” hospital to identify patients with seizure(s) severe enough to justify emergency airborne medical evacuation over a 11.25‐year period from 2009 to 2020.

Results

We screened 40 392 EEGs to yield 117 distinct medical evacuations for “operational SE” from 99 patients to derive estimated SE incidences of 99.9 evacuations per 100 000/year and 84.5 patients per 100 000/year. The average time from seizure onset to EEG was 3.2 days. Only 16.2% of SE patients had known epilepsy. For “confirmed SE” cases meeting ILAE criteria, or cases with persistently epileptiform EEG despite days of empiric treatment, estimated incidence was 77.7 evacuations per 100 000/year and 64.9 patients per 100 000/year.

Significance

High SE and epilepsy rates in the Canadian Arctic are consistent with LMIC rather than HIC. Our findings demonstrate the paradox of LMIC‐equivalent epilepsy populations camouflaged within HIC. Our findings also highlight the long‐standing plight of these under‐served and overlooked populations hidden in plain sight.
Feeling imperfect and imperfectly feeling: A network analysis on perfectionism, interoceptive sensibility, and eating symptomatology in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Martini Matteo , Marzola Enrica , Brustolin Annalisa , Abbate‐Daga Giovanni
Published: September 2021

Objective

In recent years, the network analysis (NA) methodology has been applied to identify the central features of the psychopathology of anorexia nervosa (AN) and specific connections to previously recognized vulnerabilities. However, an NA investigating both multidimensional perfectionism and interoceptive sensibility in connection to eating symptomatology is currently missing.

Method

A total of 260 individuals (139 patients with AN, 121 healthy control individuals) completed the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness and the Eating Disorders Inventory‐2. Using state‐of‐the‐art techniques, we estimated a main network with data from all participants and then compared the two separated networks. We checked the variables for empirical overlap through goldbricker, combined as suggested and implemented the empirical measure of the bridge nodes.

Results

Ineffectiveness and need for control over self and body (resulting from combining Asceticism and Drive for Thinness) were the most central nodes, whereas perfectionistic evaluative concerns (resulting from combining Doubts about Actions and Concern over Mistakes) and mistrust in body sensations were the bridge nodes. No significant differences between the patient and control networks emerged.

Conclusions

Perfectionistic evaluative concerns and mistrust in body sensations could be key components in the relationships among perfectionism, interoceptive sensibility and eating symptomatology.
Synthesis of a dual‐functionalized carbon‐based material as catalyst and supercapacitor for efficient hydrogen production and energy storage: Pd‐supported pomegranate peel
Authors: Akdemir Murat , Karakaş Duygu Elma , Kaya Mustafa
Published: September 2021

In the current study, firstly, pomegranate peel (PP) was treated with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and palladium chloride (PdCl2) solution. So, the PP‐supported Pd (PP‐H3PO4‐Pd) catalyst was synthesized for hydrogen production by the methanolysis reaction. In this context, different burning temperatures (300°C, 400°C, 500°C, and 600°C), and burning times (30, 45, 60, and 90 minutes) were examined to test the activity of the PP‐H3PO4‐Pd catalyst by the methanolysis reactions. As a result of studies, the most active catalyst was obtained by burning 45 minutes at 300°C (2 mL PdCl2solution 2% w/w). The maximum hydrogen production rate (HPR) obtained at 60°C by the methanolysis reaction was found as 37 240.4 mL min−1 g cat−1and the activation energy was calculated to be 26.83 kJ mol−1. Within the scope of this study, secondly, this PP‐H3PO4‐Pd catalyst was used as a supercapacitor active material for the first time to store electricity. Electrochemical characterization results were substantially similar to supercapacitor curves in the literature. At the current density of 1 A/g, the gravimetric capacitance of the prepared electrode was calculated as 84 F/g. Considering factors such as capacity, cost, and efficiency; the capacitance values of the produced ultracapacitor have a significant level.
Numerical prediction of breakup mode of contracting gas filament in liquid
Authors: Ma Yang , Cheng Yongpan , Zhang Dongjie , Zhang Ke , Wang Fan
Published: September 2021

The breaking up of gas filament in liquid is important in many industrial and scientific applications. In this study, a transient axisymmetric model with the level set method is built up to examine the dynamics of a contracting gas filament, and to determine the effects of the aspect ratio, Ohnesorge (Oh) number, and viscosity ratio on its breakup mode. The filament undergoes no break, middle break, or end‐pinching modes with increasing aspect ratio at either a low or a high Oh number, and one critical initial aspect ratio is observed for each Oh number. The fate of the filament is determined by the interaction of capillary waves on its surface, and can be predicted accurately by using the one‐dimensional wave superposition method. The decreasing viscosity ratio of liquid over gas reduces the critical initial aspect ratio for the fate transition between the no break and breakup modes, and this effect is reduced at a low viscosity ratio. These findings may be helpful in fabricating gas bubbles and their breakup suppression.
Effects of total mixed ration with various silage on growth performance, serum parameters, ruminal fermentation, and bacteria community profile in beef cattle
Authors: Zhang Xia , Wang Hucheng , Guo Xusheng
Published: September 2021

The possibilities of using high‐quality forages in incorporation with total mixed ration (TMR) during the fattening period of beef cattle have been investigated. A total of 30 Simmental bulls (438.94 ± 11.45 kg) were selected and randomly divided into two groups, TMR with single corn silage (SS) and TMR with various silage (MS). The whole experiment consisted of 15 days preparation period and 69 days experimental period. Rumen fluid and blood samples were taken from six beef cattle per treatment at the end of the experiment. The results showed that the average daily gain of the MS group (1.56 kg/day) was higher than (p < .05) the SS group (1.30 kg/day), and a decrease of feed conversion ratio in the MS (10.83) group was observed compared with SS group (12.36) (p < .05). The concentration of total volatile fatty acids for MS group was greater than (p < .05) the SS group. The activities of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase from MS group were also higher than the SS group, but lower urea nitrogen was found in the MS group from serum (p < .05). In addition, the abundances of the Prevotella‐1 and Verrucomicrobia were higher in the MS group than the SS group (p < .05). An increase in the flavonoid biosynthesis was detected in the MS group compared with the SS group by Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. The present findings suggest that it is economical and healthy to substitute high‐quality forage +low level of concentrate for a relatively low proportion forage +high level of concentrate in a finishing diet of beef cattle, which was a feasible and healthy strategy in the intensive feeding system.
Utilizing Zirconium MOF‐functionalized Fiber Substrates Prepared by Molecular Layer Deposition for Toxic Gas Capture and Chemical Warfare Agent Degradation
Authors: Gorzkowska‐Sobas Agnieszka , Lausund Kristian Blindheim , de Koning Martijn C. , Petrovic Veljko , Chavan Sachin M. , Smith Martin W. , Nilsen Ola
Published: September 2021

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous organic‐inorganic solids extensively explored for numerous applications owing to their catalytic activity and high surface area. In this work MOF thin films deposited in a one‐step, molecular layer deposition (MLD), an all‐gas‐phase process, on glass wool fibers are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and their capabilities towards toxic industrial chemical (TIC) capture and chemical warfare agents (CWA) degradation are investigated. It is shown that despite low volume of the active material used, MOFs thin films are capable of removal of harmful gaseous chemicals from air stream and CWA from neutral aqueous environment. The results confirm that the MLD‐deposited MOF thin films, amorphous and crystalline, are suitable materials for use in air filtration, decontamination, and physical protection against CWA and TIC.
Highly Efficient Multiscale Fog Collector Inspired by Sarracenia Trichome Hierarchical Structure
Authors: Chen Huawei , Ran Tong , Zhang Kaiteng , Chen Dengke , Gan Yang , Wang Zelinlan , Jiang Lei
Published: September 2021

Fog harvesting through bionic strategies to solve water shortage has drawn considerable attention. Recently, an ultrafast fog harvesting and transport mode was identified in Sarracenia trichome, which is mainly attributed to its superslippery capillary force induced by its unique hierarchical microchannel. However, the underlying effect of hierarchical microchannel‐induced ultrafast transport on fog harvesting and the multiscale structural coupling effect on highly efficient fog harvesting are still great challenges. Herein, a bionic Sarracenia trichome (BST) with an on‐demand regular hierarchical microchannel is designed using a one‐step thermoplastic stretching approach on a glass fiber bundle. The BST is engineered to harbor major channels confined by an inner gear pattern along with junior microchannels that are automatically assembled by the glass fiber monofilaments. The BST shows enhanced capillary condensation and fog harvesting performance, in part due to its coupling effect with a Janus membrane (JM). Hence, a highly efficient multiscale fog collector is developed, in which a gradient high‐pressure field is purposely formed to improve by threefold fog harvesting performance compared with a single‐scale structure. This easy manufacturing and low‐cost fog collector may represent a useful tool for harvesting fog water for production and living and pave the way for further investigations.
Validating dynamicity in resting state fMRI with activation‐informed temporal segmentation
Authors: Duda Marlena , Koutra Danai , Sripada Chandra
Published: September 2021

Confirming the presence (or absence) of dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) states during rest is an important open question in the field of cognitive neuroscience. The prevailing dFC framework aims to identify dynamics directly from connectivity estimates with a sliding window approach, however this method suffers from several drawbacks including sensitivity to window size and poor test–retest reliability. We hypothesize that time‐varying changes in functional connectivity are mirrored by significant temporal changes in functional activation, and that this coupling can be leveraged to study dFC without the need for a predefined sliding window. Here, we introduce a data‐driven dFC framework, which involves informed segmentation of fMRI time series at candidate FC state transition points estimated from changes in whole‐brain functional activation, rather than a fixed‐length sliding window. We show our approach reliably identifies true cognitive state change points when applied on block‐design working memory task data and outperforms the standard sliding window approach in both accuracy and computational efficiency in this context. When applied to data from four resting state fMRI scanning sessions, our method consistently recovers five reliable FC states, and subject‐specific features derived from these states show significant correlation with behavioral phenotypes of interest (cognitive ability, personality). Overall, these results suggest abrupt whole‐brain changes in activation can be used as a marker for changes in connectivity states and provides new evidence for the existence of time‐varying FC in rest.
The impact of dopaminergic treatment over cognitive networks in Parkinson's disease: Stemming the tide?
Authors: Aracil‐Bolaños Ignacio , Sampedro Frederic , Pujol Jesus , Soriano‐Mas Carles , Gónzalez‐de‐Echávarri José María , Kulisevsky Jaime , Pagonabarraga Javier
Published: September 2021

Dopamine‐replacing therapies are an effective treatment for the motor aspects of Parkinson's disease. However, its precise effect over the cognitive resting‐state networks is not clear; whether dopaminergic treatment normalizes their functional connectivity‐as in other networks‐ and the links with cognitive decline are presently unknown. We recruited 35 nondemented PD patients and 16 age‐matched controls. Clinical and neuropsychological assessments were performed at baseline, and conversion to dementia was assessed in a 10 year follow‐up. Structural and functional brain imaging were acquired in both the ON and practical OFF conditions. We assessed functional connectivity in both medication states compared to healthy controls, connectivity differences within participants related to the ON/OFF condition, and baseline connectivity of PD participants that converted to dementia compared to those who did not convert. PD participants showed and increased frontoparietal connectivity compared to controls: a pattern of higher connectivity between salience (SN) and default‐mode (DMN) networks both in the ON and OFF states. Within PD patients, this higher SN‐DMN connectivity characterized the participants in the ON state, while within‐DMN connectivity prevailed in the OFF state. Interestingly, participants who converted to dementia also showed higher SN‐DMN connectivity in their baseline ON scans compared to nonconverters. To conclude, PD patients showed higher frontoparietal connectivity in cognitive networks compared to healthy controls, irrespective of medication status, but dopaminergic treatment specifically promoted SN‐DM hyperconnectivity.
Terminology framing global learning and internationalization discussions
Authors: Longerbeam Susan , Cuyjet Michael
Published: September 2021

This article clarifies language in internationalization literature and its uses by collegiate faculty. Terms such as internationalization often have widely varied interpretations by people who use them worldwide. We explore the more common meanings and uses for terms used in this volume. To avoid cultural hegemony, we attempted to be as unambiguous as possible when applying the terms across various cultures. We engage here in a brief analysis of such terms as cultural strengths, cultural humility, cultural competence, cultural sensitivity, cultural intelligence, and cultural agility and how those concepts are manifested in the faculty and student populations involved in global learning programs and activities.
Academic capitalism and the conflicting ideologies of higher education as a public good and commodity
Authors: Fredricks‐Lowman Imani , Smith‐Isabell Natesha
Published: September 2021

In this article, we provide an overview of the rise of academic capitalism based on the ongoing commodification and entrepreneurial trends in higher education. We begin by outlining the historical mission of higher education institutions (HEIs) and shift to discussing the current higher education landscape. In particular, we discuss how strategies regarding the financial security of the HEI benefit from the diversification of their revenue streams between education, industry, and research. We conclude with a discussion of how internationalization strategies have been impacted by the emergence of academic capitalism.
Internationalization at home strategies examined through the intersections of racism, linguicism, and ableism
Authors: Kim Hyejung
Published: September 2021

Internationalization at home (IaH) strategies target the majority of non‐mobile students to improve global competencies within their home institution. However, visible differences in social identities including race/ethnicity, language, dis/ability can create invisible social boundaries between students, further impeding the achievement of international and intercultural competencies. This article utilizes the intersections of racism, linguicism, and ableism as a proxy of diversity to discuss the implementation of IaH for diverse learners in postsecondary institutions in the global society. The first part of this article delineates each site of minoritization followed by the intersectionality in the educational experiences of diverse learners with multiple vulnerabilities. Finally, inclusive IaH strategies are suggested to embrace the diversity that fosters intercultural and international competencies in students’ home institutions.