bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Organoid for Woven Bone
Authors: Akiva Anat , Melke Johanna , Ansari Sana , Liv Nalan , van der Meijden Robin , van Erp Merijn , Zhao Feihu , Stout Merula , Nijhuis Wouter H. , de Heus Cilia , Muñiz Ortera Claudia , Fermie Job , Klumperman Judith , Ito Keita , Sommerdijk Nico , Hofmann Sandra
Published: March 2021

Bone formation (osteogenesis) is a complex process in which cellular differentiation and the generation of a mineralized organic matrix are synchronized to produce a hybrid hierarchical architecture. To study the mechanisms of osteogenesis in health and disease, there is a great need for functional model systems that capture in parallel, both cellular and matrix formation processes. Stem cell‐based organoids are promising as functional, self‐organizing 3D in vitro models for studying the physiology and pathology of various tissues. However, for human bone, no such functional model system is yet available. This study reports the in vitro differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells into a functional 3D self‐organizing co‐culture of osteoblasts and osteocytes, creating an organoid for early stage bone (woven bone) formation. It demonstrates the formation of an organoid where osteocytes are embedded within the collagen matrix that is produced by the osteoblasts and mineralized under biological control. Alike in in vivo osteocytes, the embedded osteocytes show network formation and communication via expression of sclerostin. The current system forms the most complete 3D living in vitro model system to investigate osteogenesis, both in physiological and pathological situations, as well as under the influence of external triggers (mechanical stimulation, drug administration).
An NRP1/MDM2‐Targeted D‐Peptide Supramolecular Nanomedicine for High‐Efficacy and Low‐Toxic Liver Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhou Yunjiang , Chen Yaxin , Tan Yingying , Hu Rong , Niu Miao‐Miao
Published: March 2021

Supramolecular nanomedicines based on self‐assembly of D‐peptides have been of great interest as potential candidates for cancer therapy. Neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) and mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) have been considered as the anticancer targets because of their overexpression in cancers. However, NRP1/MDM2‐targeted D‐peptide supramolecular nanomedicines remain unreported. Here, a potent anticancer D‐peptide supramolecular nanomedicine targeting NRP1 and MDM2, termed as NMTP‐5, is identified by using structure‐based virtual screening techniques. NMTP‐5 exhibits good biostability and strong cellular uptake performance. Moreover, NMTP‐5 displays strong anticancer activity to SK‐Hep‐1 cells in vitro and in vivo, with no apparent host toxicity. This work demonstrates that NMTP‐5 can be used as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of liver cancer.
Suppression of Nonradiative Recombination by Vacuum‐Assisted Process for Efficient Lead‐Free Tin Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wan Zhenxi , Ren Shengqiang , Lai Huagui , Jiang Yiting , Wu Xiaojun , Luo Jincheng , Wang Yunfan , He Rui , Chen Qiyu , Hao Xia , Wang Ye , Wu Lili , Constantinou Iordania , Zhang Wen‐Hua , Zhang Jingquan , Zhao Dewei
Published: March 2021

Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of lead (Pb)‐free tin (Sn)‐based perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) is much lower than that of their Pb‐based counterparts, which is mainly attributed to large open‐circuit voltage (VOC) loss and poor fill factor (FF). In this work, a strategy via vacuum‐assisted treatment of the Sn perovskite layer to self‐heal defects in Sn perovskite is reported, leading to suppression of nonradiative recombination and enhancement of carrier transport capability. Using this method, a maximum PCE of 10.3% is obtained for dual FA‐MA (MA = methylammonium and FA = formamidinium) cation Sn‐based PVSCs with an improved VOC of 0.631 V and FF of 75.5%. This work suggests a facile approach to finely inhibit the defects in the bulk or at interfaces for Sn‐based devices and further facilitate development of highly efficient Sn‐based PVSCs.
Management of COVID‐19 infection in organic acidemias
Authors: Kaur Shagun , Campbell Stephanie L. , Stockton David W.
Published: March 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected the health and healthcare of individuals of all ages worldwide. There have been multiple reports and reviews documenting a milder effect and decreased morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population, but there have only been a small number of reports discussing the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the setting of an inborn error of metabolism (IEM). Here, we report two patients with underlying metabolic disorders, propionic acidemia and glutaric aciduria type 1, and discuss their clinical presentation, as well as their infectious and metabolic management. Our report demonstrates that individuals with an underlying IEM are at risk of metabolic decompensation in the setting of a COVID‐19 infection. The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus does not appear to cause a more severe metabolic deterioration than is typical.
Enhanced interlaminar shear and impact performance of woven carbon/epoxy composites interleaved with needle punched high performance polyethylene fiber nonwoven
Authors: Jabbar Abdul , Ahmad Ahsan , Adnan Muhammad , Nawab Yasir , Javed Zafar , Irfan Muhammad
Published: March 2021

In this study, high‐performance polyethylene (HPPE) fiber‐based needle punched nonwovens were interleaved in cross‐plied woven carbon fabric/epoxy composite laminates to enhance their interlaminar and impact properties. The placement of needle punched nonwoven interleaves exhibited considerable enhancement in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), impact damage tolerance, and compression after impact (CAI) strength of laminates as evidenced by higher interlaminar strength, less absorbed energy, higher elastic energy, reduced damage degree, reduced out‐of‐plane deformation, higher load‐bearing capacity, and higher residual compressive strength as compared to control sample. In particular, the composite laminate with placement of interleaves in alternating sequence between carbon plies resulted in 205.76% increase in ILSS and 129, 103 and 85% increase in CAI at 10, 25, and 40 J impact energy, respectively. Moreover, damaged surface area and out‐of‐plane deformation reduced to 38.75% and 62.5%, respectively for the same specimen impacted at 40 J energy. These results suggest that the HPPE fiber‐based needle punched nonwoven interleaving can be adopted as a simple and low‐cost approach compared with other interleaving techniques, to enhance the resistance to delamination, impact performance, and damage tolerance of traditional structural laminates.
Intrathecal pain management with ziconotide: Time for consensus?
Authors: Matis Georgios , De Negri Pasquale , Dupoiron Denis , Likar Rudolf , Zuidema Xander , Rasche Dirk
Published: March 2021

This article summarizes recommendations made by six pain specialists who discussed the rationale for ziconotide intrathecal analgesia (ITA) and the requirement for evidence‐based guidance on its use, from a European perspective. Riemser Pharma GmbH (Greifswald, Germany), which holds the European marketing authorization for ziconotide, hosted the meeting. The group agreed that ITA is under‐used in Europe, adding that ziconotide ITA has potential to be a first‐line alternative to morphine; both are already first‐line options in the USA. Ziconotide ITA (initiated using a low‐dose, slow‐titration approach) is suitable for many patients with noncancer‐ or cancer‐related chronic refractory pain and no history of psychosis. Adopting ziconotide as first‐line ITA could reduce opioid usage in these patient populations. The group advocated a risk‐reduction strategy for all candidate patients, including compulsory prescreening for neuropsychosis, and requested US–European alignment of the licensed starting dose for ziconotide: the low‐and‐slow approach practiced in the USA has a better tolerability profile than the fixed high starting dose licensed in Europe. Of note, an update to the European Summary of Product Characteristics is anticipated in early 2021. The group acknowledged that the Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC) treatment algorithms for ziconotide ITA provide useful guidance, but recommendations tailored specifically for European settings are required. Before a consensus process can formally begin, the group called for additional European prospective studies to investigate ziconotide in low‐and‐slow dosing strategies, in different patient settings. Such data would enable European guidance to have the most appropriate evidence at its core.
Long‐term outcomes in patients with advanced adrenocortical carcinoma after image‐guided locoregional ablation or embolization
Authors: Mauda‐Havakuk Michal , Levin Elizabeth , Levy Elliot B. , Krishnasamy Venkatesh P. , Anderson Victoria , Jain Nidhi , Amalou Hayet , Fojo Tito , Edgerly Maureen , Wakim Paul G. , Hughes Marybeth S. , del Rivero Jaydira , Wood Bradford J.
Published: March 2021

Background

To evaluate outcomes and survival rates in patients with metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) who were treated with image‐guided locoregional treatments (IGLTs).

Purpose

To evaluate the overall survival (OS) and clinical impact of IGLT in the management of patients with advanced metastatic ACC.

Methods

Retrospective review of 39 patients treated with IGLT between 1999 and 2018 was performed. Short‐ and long‐term efficacy of treatments were defined based upon imaging and clinical data. Subgroup survival analysis was performed on patients with metastatic disease at diagnosis (N = 17) and compared with the same stage group from the most recent National Cancer Database (NCDB) report. Statistical analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Treatments were performed at different anatomic sites including liver (N = 46), lung (N = 14), retroperitoneum (N = 5), bone (N = 4), subcutaneous (N = 2), and intracaval (N = 1). Radiofrequency, microwave, cryoablation, or a combination of two modalities (45, 18, 3, 3, respectively) were used in 69 ablation sessions. Intra‐arterial procedures were performed in 12 patients in 18 treatment cycles (range 1–3 per patient). As of a 2019 analysis, 11 patients were alive with a mean follow‐up of 169 months (range 63–292 months) from diagnosis. Two‐ and 5‐year OS rates for all patients were 84.5% and 51%, respectively, and 76.5% and 59% for patients with metastatic disease at diagnosis (N = 17). This compares favorably with an NCDB report of 35% 5‐year survival rate for patients with metastatic disease. Female gender and longer time from diagnosis to first IGLT were found to be predictors of prolonged survival with hazard ratios of 0.23 (p < 0.001) and 0.66 (p = 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

IGLT may be associated with prolonged life expectancy in select patients with metastatic ACC.
#SoMe for #IC: Optimal use of social media in interventional cardiology
Authors: Goldsweig Andrew M. , Galper Benjamin Z. , Alraies Chadi , Arnold Suzanne V. , Daniels Matthew , Capodanno Davide , Tarantini Giuseppe , Cohen David J. , Aronow Herbert D.
Published: March 2021

Social media allows interventional cardiologists to disseminate and discuss research and clinical cases in real‐time, to demonstrate and learn innovative techniques, to build professional networks, and to reach out to patients and the general public. Social media provides a democratic platform for all participants to influence the conversation and demonstrate their expertise. This review addresses the use of social media for these purposes in interventional cardiology, as well as respect for patient privacy, how to get started on social media, the creation of high‐impact social media content, and the role of traditional journals in the age of social media. In the future, we hope that interventional cardiology fellowship programs will incorporate social media training into their curricula. In addition, professional societies may adapt to the rapid dissemination of data on social media by developing processes to update guidelines more rapidly and more frequently.
Management of refractory Mycobacterium abscessus sternal infection following reoperative cardiac surgery
Authors: Wojcik Brandon M. , Mitchell John D. , Chong Tae , Rove Jessica Y.
Published: March 2021

Mycobacterium abscessus surgical site infections are rare, but notoriously difficult to treat. Eradication requires aggressive surgical resection, removal of foreign material, prolonged antibiotics, and consideration of delayed reconstruction.
Atomically Dispersed Copper on N‐Doped Carbon Nanosheets for Electrocatalytic Synthesis of Carbamates from CO2 as a C1 Source
Authors: Li Shi‐Ming , Shi Yi , Zhang Jing‐Jie , Wang Ying , Wang Huan , Lu Jia‐Xing
Published: March 2021

The synthesis of carbamates by electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 is an effective method to realize the utilization of CO2 resources. The development of high‐performance electrocatalysts to complete this process more efficiently is of great significance to sustainable development. Owing to their unique structural characteristics, single‐atom catalysts are expected to promote the reaction process more efficiently. In this study, an atomically dispersed Cu species on N‐doped carbon nanosheet composite material (Cu−N−C) was prepared by metal‐organic framework derivatization. Compared with traditional Cu bulk electrodes, the Cu−N−C material has better catalytic performance for the synthesis of methyl N‐phenylcarbamate; and the optimized yield reached 71 % at room temperature and normal pressure. The Cu−N−C material has good stability that the catalytic performance does not decrease after repeated use for 10 times. In addition, the Cu−N−C material has good applicability to this catalytic system, and a variety of amines can be smoothly converted into corresponding carbamates.
High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and risk of type 2 diabetes: A nationwide cohort study and updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Xue , Tao Siyuan , Peng Jieru , Zhao Jian , Li Sheyu , Wu Nianwei , Wen Ying , Xue Qingping , Yang Chun‐Xia , Pan Xiong‐Fei
Published: March 2021

Objective

To prospectively examine the association of high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among middle‐aged and elderly Chinese, and validate the association in an updated meta‐analysis of prospective studies.

Methods

We used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, started in 2011–2012 with follow ups in 2013–2014 and 2015–2016. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regressions were applied to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between hs‐CRP level and incident T2DM. An updated meta‐analysis was conducted to combine our estimates with those in previous prospective studies.

Results

Included in the analyses were 7985 participants (mean age: 59.38 years; men: 46.73%). Higher hs‐CRP was associated with increased risk of T2DM (multivariable‐adjusted HR, 1.30; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.64 for comparing extreme quartiles). The association was stronger in participants with body mass index (BMI) of 24.0 kg/m2 or higher than those with a BMI lower than 24.0 kg/m2 (p for interaction = 0.038). In a meta‐analysis of 28 cohorts, 2 case‐cohort, and 6 nested case‐control studies among 125,356 participants with 10,759 cases, the pooled relative risk for T2DM was 1.77 (95% CI: 1.60, 1.96) for the highest versus lowest level of hs‐CRP.

Conclusions

Hs‐CRP was associated with higher risk of T2DM in middle‐aged and elderly Chinese, and this association was confirmed by an updated meta‐analysis of prospective studies. Our findings highlight the role of elevated hs‐CRP in the development of T2DM.
Protective role of vitamin D against oxidative stress in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Valle Maria Stella , Russo Cristina , Malaguarnera Lucia
Published: March 2021

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. There is much evidence showing that a high level of mitochondrial overproduction of reactive oxygen species in the diabetic retina contributes in modifying cellular signalling and leads to retinal cell damage and finally to the development of DR pathogenesis. In the last few decades, it has been reported that vitamin D is involved in DR pathogenesis. Vitamin D, traditionally known as an essential nutrient crucial in bone metabolism, has also been proven to be a very effective antioxidant. It has been demonstrated that it modulates the production of advanced glycosylated end products, as well as several pathways including protein kinase C, the polyol pathway leading to the reduction of free radical formation. It prevents the translocation of nuclear factor kappa B, preventing the inflammatory response, acting as an immunomodulator, and modulates autophagy and apoptosis. In this review, we explore the molecular mechanisms by which vitamin D protects the eye from oxidative stress, in order to evaluate whether vitamin D supplementation may be useful to mitigate the deleterious effects of free radicals in DR.
Bigger is not always better: Viability selection on body mass varies across life stages in a hibernating mammal
Authors: Jebb Alexandra H. M. , Blumstein Daniel T. , Bize Pierre , Martin Julien G. A.
Published: March 2021

Body mass is often viewed as a proxy of past access to resources and of future survival and reproductive success. Links between body mass and survival or reproduction are, however, likely to differ between age classes and sexes. Remarkably, this is rarely taken into account in selection analyses. Selection on body mass is likely to be the primary target accounting for juvenile survival until reproduction but may weaken after recruitment. Males and females also often differ in how they use resources for reproduction and survival. Using a long‐term study on body mass and annual survival in yellow‐bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer), we show that body mass was under stabilizing viability selection in the first years of life, before recruitment, which changed to positive directional selection as age increased and animals matured. We found no evidence that viability selection across age classes on body mass differed between sexes. By investigating the link between running speed and body mass, we show that the capacity to escape predators was not consistent across age classes and followed a quadratic relationship at young ages only. Overall, our results indicate that mature age classes exhibit traditional patterns of positive viability selection on body mass, as expected in a hibernating mammal, but that mass in the first years of life is subjected to stabilizing selection which may come from additional predation pressures that negate the benefits of the largest body masses. Our study highlights the importance to disentangle selection pressures on traits across critical age (or life) classes.
A rare 300 kilometer dispersal by an adult male white‐tailed deer
Authors: Moll Remington J. , McRoberts Jon T. , Millspaugh Joshua J. , Wiskirchen Kevyn H. , Sumners Jason A. , Isabelle Jason L. , Keller Barbara J. , Montgomery Robert A.
Published: March 2021

Despite the key roles that dispersal plays in individual animal fitness and meta‐population gene flow, it remains one of the least understood behaviors in many species. In large mammalian herbivores, dispersals might span long distances and thereby influence landscape‐level ecological processes, such as infectious disease spread. Here, we describe and analyze an exceptional long‐distance dispersal by an adult white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the central United States. We also conducted a literature survey to compare the dispersal to previous studies. This dispersal was remarkable for its length, duration, and the life history stage of the dispersing individual. Dispersal is typical of juvenile deer seeking to establish postnatal home ranges, but this dispersal was undertaken by an adult male (age = 3.5). This individual dispersed ~300 km over a 22‐day period by moving, on average, 13.6 km/day and achieving a straight‐line distance of ~215 km, which was ~174 km longer than any other distance recorded for an adult male deer in our literature survey. During the dispersal, which occurred during the hunting season, the individual crossed a major river seven times, an interstate highway, a railroad, and eight state highways. Movements during the dispersal were faster (mean = 568.1 m/h) and more directional than those during stationary home range periods before and after the dispersal (mean = 56.9 m/h). Likewise, movements during the dispersal were faster (mean = 847.8 m/h) and more directional at night than during the day (mean = 166.4 m/h), when the individual frequently sheltered in forest cover. This natural history event highlights the unpredictable nature of dispersal and has important implications for landscape‐level processes such as chronic wasting disease transmission in cervids. More broadly, our study underscores how integrating natural history observations with modern technology holds promise for understanding potentially high impact but rarely recorded ecological events.
Seven decades of southern range dynamics of Canada lynx
Authors: Marrotte Robby R. , Bowman Jeff
Published: March 2021

The range of the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) has contracted substantially from its historical range. Using harvest records, we found that the southern range of the lynx in Ontario in the late 1940s collapsed and then, in a short period of time, increased to its largest extent in the mid‐1960s when the lynx range spread south of the boreal forest for a decade. After this expansion, the southern range contracted northwards beginning in the 1970s. Most recently, there has been a slight expansion between 2010 and 2017. We have attributed these dynamics on the southern range periphery to the fluctuation of the boreal lynx population in the core of the species' range. In addition, connectivity to boreal lynx populations and snow depth seemed to condition whether the lynx expanded into an area. However, we did not find any evidence to suggest that these changes were due to anthropogenic landscape disturbances or competition. The boreal lynx population does not reach the peak abundance it once did, without which we would not expect to see large expansions of the southern lynx range as in the mid‐1960s. Our results suggest that the southern lynx range in Ontario has been driven by the magnitude of the boreal lynx population cycle, connectivity to the boreal forest, and snow conditions. Future persistence of lynx in the southern range periphery will likely depend on dynamics in the range core.
Plant community responses to integrating livestock into a reduced‐till organic cropping system
Authors: Larson Christian D. , Menalled Fabian D. , Lehnhoff Erik A. , Seipel Tim
Published: March 2021

The problems with herbicide‐ and tillage‐based weed management in agriculture are well documented and have precipitated research into finding alternatives. Integrating livestock grazing into organic agroecosystems has benefits and is a viable method for terminating cover crops, yet its impacts on weed communities are largely unknown. This lack of knowledge is particularly true in semi‐arid environments, including the Northern Great Plains, where we conducted our research. We compared weed community responses (biomass, species richness, Simpson’s diversity, composition) of a sheep‐grazed organic cropping system with those of two contrasting cropping systems (high input conventional no‐till, tilled organic) across a five‐year crop rotation (safflower, sweet clover, winter wheat, lentils, winter wheat). We found that the conventional no‐till and tilled organic systems suppressed weed biomass and reduced species richness and diversity, while the grazed organic resulted in higher weed biomass, species richness, and diversity. During the first two years of the study, the composition of the two organic communities were distinct from the conventional no‐till communities but were indistinguishable from one another. Over the final three years of the study, grazed organic communities were tightly grouped and became distinct from both the tilled and conventional communities. We found that weed biomass and diversity were highest in the sweet clover and lowest in the winter wheat. The spring annual crops, safflower and lentil, demonstrated similar weed biomass, species richness, and composition. Our findings indicate that integrating livestock into cropping systems alters plant communities and increases the agroecosystem plant biodiversity of semi‐arid organic farming and that specific crops interact with cropping systems to alter agroecosystem plant communities. However, the increase in weed biomass associated with our grazing treatment makes this approach impractical as the sole weed management strategy and necessitates that integrating livestock into semi‐arid organic cropping systems must be part of a larger integrated weed management program.
Inconsistent browning of northeastern U.S. lakes despite increased precipitation and recovery from acidification
Authors: Lapierre Jean‐Francois , Collins Sarah M. , Oliver Samantha K. , Stanley Emily H. , Wagner Tyler
Published: March 2021

Multiple studies have reported widespread browning of Northern Hemisphere lakes. Most examples are from boreal lakes that have experienced limited human influence, and browning has alternatively been attributed to changes in atmospheric deposition, climate, and land use. To determine the extent and possible causes of browning across a more geographically diverse region, we examined watercolor and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) time series in hundreds of northeastern U.S. lakes. The majority of lakes have increased in both DOC and color, but there were neither coherent spatial patterns in trends nor relationships with previously reported drivers. Color trends were more variable than DOC trends, and DOC and color trends were not strongly correlated, indicating a cause other than or in addition to increased loading of terrestrial carbon. Browning may be pronounced in regions where climate and atmospheric deposition are dominant drivers but muted in more human‐dominated landscapes with a limited extent of organic soils where other disturbances predominate.
A flower‐like α‐phase nickel‐cobalt‐manganese hydroxide modified with two‐dimensional Ti3C2 for high performance hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Jiaying , Chen Hanlin , Chen Zhi , Li Chao , Meng Xianhe , Fan Meiqiang , Ma Tingli
Published: March 2021

A flower‐like nickel‐cobalt‐manganese hydroxide (NiCoMn‐OH) modified with two‐dimensional Ti3C2 nanoflakes has been synthesized via simple one‐step hydrothermal method. The NiCoMn‐OH/Ti3C2 composite exhibits a high specific capacity of 670.3 C/g at a specific current of 1 A/g, higher than 614.6 C/g for NiCoMn‐OH and 8.9 C/g for Ti3C2 at the same conditions. The improved electrochemical performance is due to that Ti3C2 is absorbed and distributed on the surface of NiCoMn‐OH in its situ synthesis process and enhances its electro‐activity. The hybrid supercapacitor based on NiCoMn‐OH/Ti3C2 and RGO shows high specific capacity of 177.5 C/g at 0.5 A/g and 103.1 C/g at 10 A/g, retaining 93.28% of initial capacity after 5000 charge/discharge cycles at 7 A/g. The hybrid supercapacitor also displays extraordinary specific energy of 41.15 Wh/kg at a specific power of 375 W/kg and 21.46 Wh/kg even at 7.5 kW/kg.
An overview of ecological traps in marine ecosystems
Authors: Swearer Stephen E , Morris Rebecca L , Barrett Luke T , Sievers Michael , Dempster Tim , Hale Robin
Published: March 2021

Humans are altering marine ecosystems at unprecedented rates, and these changes can result in animals selecting poor‐quality habitats if the cues they use become misleading. Such “ecological traps” increase extinction risk, reduce ecosystem resilience, and are a consequence of human‐induced rapid environmental change. Although there is growing evidence for traps impacting terrestrial species, the phenomenon has so far received little attention from marine scientists. To explore why so few studies have attempted to identify traps in the ocean, we conducted a literature review of the major drivers of marine environmental change to determine how their impacts on habitat choice and species fitness are being assessed. From this we summarize the current evidence for marine traps, present case studies to show why the phenomenon is potentially common in the ocean, highlight ways to advance awareness and understanding of traps, and demonstrate how this information can help improve management of marine environments.
Stated versus revealed preferences: An approach to reduce bias
Authors: de Corte Kaat , Cairns John , Grieve Richard
Published: March 2021

Stated preference (SP) survey responses may not predict actual behavior, leading to hypothetical bias. We developed an approach that harnesses large‐scale routine data to help SP surveys provide more accurate estimates of revealed preferences (RPs), within a study which elicited preferences for alternative changes to the blood service in England. The SP survey responses were used to predict the mean number of annual whole blood donations. Ex ante, the iterative survey design estimated hypothetical bias by contrasting pilot SP survey responses (N = 1254), with individually linked data on RPs, to inform the main SP survey design (N = 25,187). Ex post, the analysis recognized mediation of the relationship between SP and RP when blood donation is deferred. The pilot survey reported that donors' intended donation frequency of 3.2 (men) and 2.6 (women) times per year, exceeded their actual frequency by 41% and 30% respectively. Choice scenario attributes for the main SP survey were then modified, and over‐prediction subsequently decreased to 34% for men and 16% for women. The mediating effect of deferrals explained 29% (men) and 86% (women) of the residual discrepancy between SP and RP. Future studies can use this approach to reduce hypothetical bias, and provide more accurate predictions for decision‐making.
The interplay between relational job design and cross‐training in predicting employee job/task citizenship performance
Authors: Hernaus Tomislav , Černe Matej , Škerlavaj Miha
Published: March 2021

Drawing on a relational perspective to human resource development and management (HRD/M), a multilevel and multisource field study has been conducted examining how HRM practices of job interaction requirements/task interdependence and HRD practice of cross‐training interplay in order to enhance employees' job/task citizenship performance (JCP). A two‐level research model from a sample of 43 organizations and 535 nested individuals demonstrates that socially enriched jobs (interactive and interdependent), when supplemented with organizational (system‐wide) cross‐training opportunities, increase extra efforts among employees to complete activities which are not part of their in‐role requirements. Thus, by applying a 1‐2‐1 moderation analysis, we offer new knowledge about social and cognitive aspects of human behavior above and beyond the traditional focus on narrowly defined job/task performance. In addition, we explicate how mutual understanding across job positions may practically contribute to achieving superior individual‐level JCP when relational architecture of the workplace is designed.
Higher Hand Grip Strength Is Associated With Greater Radius Bone Size and Strength in Older Men and Women: The Framingham Osteoporosis Study
Authors: McLean Robert R. , Samelson Elizabeth J. , Lorbergs Amanda L. , Broe Kerry E. , Hannan Marian T. , Boyd Steven K. , Bouxsein Mary L. , Kiel Douglas P.
Published: March 2021

Mechanical loading by muscles elicits anabolic responses from bone, thus age‐related declines in muscle strength may contribute to bone fragility in older adults. We used high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR‐pQCT) to determine the association between grip strength and distal radius bone density, size, morphology, and microarchitecture, as well as bone strength estimated by micro–finite element analysis (μFEA), among older men and women. Participants included 508 men and 651 women participating in the Framingham Offspring Study with grip strength measured in 2011–2014 and HR‐pQCT scanning in 2012–2015. Separately for men and women, analysis of covariance was used to compare HR‐pQCT measures among grip strength quartiles and to test for linear trends, adjusting for age, height, weight, smoking, and physical activity. Mean age was 70 years (range, 50–95 years), and men had higher mean grip strength than the women (37 kg vs. 21 kg). Bone strength estimated by μFEA‐calculated failure load was higher with greater grip strength in both men (p < 0.01) and women (p = 0.04). Higher grip strength was associated with larger cross‐sectional area in both men and women (p < 0.01), with differences in area of 6% and 11% between the lowest to highest grip strength quartiles in men and women, respectively. Cortical thickness was positively associated with grip strength among men only (p = 0.03). Grip strength was not associated with volumetric BMD (vBMD) in men. Conversely, there was a trend for lower total vBMD with higher grip strength among women (p = 0.02), though pairwise comparisons did not reveal any statistically significant differences in total vBMD among grip strength quartiles. Bone microarchitecture (cortical porosity, trabecular thickness, trabecular number) was not associated with grip strength in either men or women. Our findings suggest that the positive association between hand grip strength and distal radius bone strength may be driven primarily by bone size. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A novel and stable hydroxylamine salt generated from betaine hydrochloride and its application in the synthesis of cyclohexanone oxime
Authors: Ren Xiaoliang , Yang Qiusheng , Wang Shufang , Guan Congcong , Zhang Dongsheng , Ding Xiaoshu , Wang Yanji
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Hydroxylamine (NH2OH) is an important chemical raw material, which is widely used in large‐scale synthesis of cyclohexanone oxime (COX) for nylon 6 manufacture. At present, inorganic acids are usually employed to stabilize NH2OH to form solid hydroxylamine salts. However, most of these hydroxylamine salts suffer from the problems of serious equipment corrosion, environmental pollution and difficult recovery of the inorganic acids. To address these issues, herein, a novel betaine hydrochloride hydroxylamine (BHA) was formulated and applied for the production of COX.

RESULTS

The structure of BHA was identified using experimental analysis and density functional theory calculation. During the synthesis of COX from cyclohexanone (CYC), the BHA exhibited much higher reactivity than that of traditional NH2OH·HCl. Moreover, oximation reaction of CYC and BHA can also be conducted in CH3CN solution. And an almost 100% yield of COX was obtained under the conditions of 30 °C, 0.5 h and 1:1  molar ratio of BHA to CYC. Furthermore, the betaine hydrochloride released from BHA can be easily separated and recycled after the reaction, achieving a green route for the synthesis of COX.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel BHA was successfully prepared. It shows great advantage for use as an eco‐friendly and green carrier of NH2OH for preparing COX and forming a virtuous cycle. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Forward osmosis aided concentration of lycopene carotenoid from watermelon juice
Authors: Vani Bukke , Kalyani Swayampakula , Pabba Manideep , Sridhar Sundergopal
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The world is seeing a substantial rise in the awareness of the health benefits of concentrated fruit juices resulting from their nutritional, functional and sensory properties, which are similar to the availability of natural fresh fruits in the market. Watermelon concentrated juice is enriched with lycopene, an important ingredient used in functional foods such as energy drinks and nutraceutical supplements. Lycopene helps to combat the risk of cancer and heart disease, and has diuretic and anti‐inflammatory properties. Capturing the fresh flavor of watermelon without losing its nutritional value is a real challenge using current manufacturing techniques.

RESULTS

The present investigation describes using an indigenous hydrophilized polyamide membrane for the concentration of watermelon juice by forward osmosis (FO). The process enables juice concentration by retaining the original taste, color and nutrient contents. Bench‐scale experimental trials were carried out using the FO process in a countercurrent flow direction at different liquid flow rates of 1.0 to 2.0 L min−1 and draw agent solution concentrations of 0.2 to 1.0 mol L−1 NaCl. The process ensured the recovery of 96.01% lycopene from the concentrated juice, which was found satisfactory with PRO/II simulation, by removal of 70–80% pure water from the juice.

Conclusions

The experimental results demonstrated that the lycopene concentration factor showed a 4.14‐fold increase and could be stored successfully at 4 ± 1 °C for 30 days; the degradation of lycopene followed first‐order reaction kinetics. Hence, the pure extracted lycopene can be recommended for use in food, medicine, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, coloring agents and pharmaceuticals. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Development of a new biomimetic method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles based on fungal metabolites: optimization and antibacterial activity
Authors: Cisternas Carla , Tortella Gonzalo , Seabra Amedea B , Pieretti Joana C , Araya‐Castro Karla , Hermosilla Edward , Cristina Diez Maria , Rubilar Olga
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

A biomimetic method was developed for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Synthetic chemical compounds were used according to the metabolites present in the fungal extracts for the synthesis of AgNPs. The main objective of this study was to find a simple and effective synthesis method without the presence of a living organism.

METHODOLOGY

A central composite design combined with response surface methodology was used to optimize the necessary metabolite concentrations (flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), hydroquinone (HQ), and l‐cysteine (l‐cys)) for the synthesis of AgNPs. The design was assessed based on the size distribution and zeta potential of the nanoparticles. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the AgNPs against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens and Salmonella enterica was tested.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that AgNO3 (2 mmol L−1), HQ (20 mmol L−1), l‐cys (20 mmol L−1) and FAD (50.5 nmol L−1) at pH 8.4 were the optimal reaction parameters. The characterization allowed the determination of quasi‐spherical AgNPs with an average hydrodynamic size of 101 nm, a zeta potential of −24 mV and the presence of elemental silver (Ag0) in their composition. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed silver and l‐cys interactions, supporting the role of l‐cys as a coating agent. The antibacterial activity showed that AgNPs displayed a minimum inhibitory concentration of 20–30 μg mL−1 and a minimum bactericidal concentration of 30–40 μg mL−1.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the feasibility of the reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 using synthetic metabolites, which mimic the reduction and synthesis of fungal biomass. Therefore, it represents a new biocompatible, eco‐friendly and fast method to produce AgNPs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A multi‐proxy record of abrupt cooling events during the Windermere Interstadial at Crudale Meadow, Orkney, UK
Authors: Francis Christopher P. , Engels Stefan , Matthews Ian P. , Palmer Adrian P. , Timms Rhys G. O. , Jourdan Anne‐Lise , Candy Ian
Published: March 2021

Three clearly defined abrupt cooling events (ACEs) can be observed within Greenland Interstadial (GI)‐1 in the Greenland ice‐core records. However, the spatial variation in amplitude and timing of these ACEs is poorly understood due to the paucity of well‐dated records with quantified temperature reconstructions. This study presents high‐resolution chironomid‐inferred July air temperature (TJul) and oxygen isotope (δ18O) records from Crudale Meadow (Orkney Isles, UK). Three centennial‐scale ACEs punctuate the Windermere Interstadial at Crudale Meadow. The largest ACE shows an amplitude of 5.4 °C and a 1% isotopic decline and is centred on ~14.0 ka bp, consistent with the timing of the GI‐1d event in the Greenland stratigraphy. The two other observed ACEs are of smaller magnitude and are centred on ~13.6 ka bp and ~13.2 ka bp, with these smaller magnitude events tentatively correlated with the GI‐1cii and GI‐1b events, respectively, but lack sufficient chronological constraint to fully assess their timing. When comparing the Crudale Meadow record with other locations in the British Isles a strong relationship can be observed between the magnitude of TJul cooling and latitude, with a reduced signal in more southerly locations, indicating that oceanic forcing may be a key driver of the ACEs.
Classification of vocal tremor using updated consensus‐based tremor classification criteria
Authors: Torrecillas Vanessa , Dwenger Kaitlyn , Barkmeier‐Kraemer Julie M.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

This study characterized the clinical phenotypes of individuals with vocal tremor (VT) using tremor classification criteria published by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (IPMDS) including laryngeal features from the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS).

Methods

VT phenotypic descriptors were extracted from participant medical records from 2017 to 2019. Clinical phenotype descriptors included the: (a) chief complaint and discipline for the first appointment, (b) demographics, (c) tremor body distribution, condition, frequency, and progression, (d) exacerbating/alleviating factors, (e) treatment approaches, and (g) neurologic comorbidities. Descriptive statistics were conducted.

Results

Of 179 meeting inclusion criteria, 2/3 were female; tremor onset affected voice (43%) or extremity (32%) and 2/3 were documented with tremor duration of 3 years or more. Those with primary VT first saw otolaryngology or speech language pathology (59%), whereas those with primary extremity/head tremor first saw neurology (36%). Documentation commonly omitted tremor clinical features such as (a) observed conditions of tremor (64%), (b) laryngeal features (64%), and (c) tremor frequency (92%). Thus, VT classification was based on comorbidity in 49% of patients (ie, essential tremor (48%), dystonia (72%), and Parkinson's disease (100%)) and 32% had inadequate documentation to classify.

Conclusion

The majority of individuals with VT were unable to be classified based on documented clinical features highlighting the need for consistent multidisciplinary assessment of tremor affecting speech structures. The primary site of tremor determined the first discipline seen. Most commonly classified VT categories included essential tremor (47%), dystonia (28%), Parkinsonism (7%), and isolated VT (19%).

Level of Evidence

4.
Dual function of corporate social responsibility on R&D strategy: Moderating effect of board interlock
Authors: Tian Ming , Wang Teng , Li Xiaotong
Published: March 2021

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been known as a strategic factor that drives enterprises to innovate. However, the current scholarship has largely overlooked the influence of CSR on R&D strategy. This paper investigates the dual function of CSR on R&D strategy from resource and risk perspectives. By using an unbalanced panel dataset compiled from multiple archival sources of Chinese‐listed companies, this paper examines the influence of CSR on R&D strategy (depth and diversification) and the moderating function of board interlock. The results indicate that a U‐shaped relationship exists between CSR and R&D depth as well as between CSR and R&D diversification. Furthermore, board interlock moderates the relationship between CSR and R&D depth.
Qualitative analysis for a system of anisotropic parabolic equations with sign‐changing logarithmic nonlinearity
Authors: Boudjeriou Tahir
Published: March 2021

The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the global well‐posedness, asymptotic behavior, and blow‐up of solutions in finite time for a parabolic system of equations driven by the (p(x), q(x))‐Laplacian operator with variable exponents and sign‐changing nonlinearity. More precisely, we consider

where
is a smooth bounded domain, N ≥ 1,
are continuous functions and satisfy some conditions. The main characteristic of this paper is to study the global existence, asymptotic behavior, and blow‐up of solutions to the above system where the reaction terms are sign‐changing and satisfy neither the monotonicity condition nor the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition.
Learning and crisis coordination: Experiences from the Balkan refugee route
Authors: Nolte Isabella M. , Martin Eric C.
Published: March 2021

Recent cases of crisis and disaster responses highlight the difficulties of making coordinated responses when public and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) from different backgrounds are involved. In particular, when crises traverse organizational, national, and temporal boundaries, the transboundary nature of crises poses increasing problems for responders. This study examines coordination and learning in response to the unexpected mass movements of asylum seekers and refugees along the Balkan route during the 2015–2016 international refugee crisis. Our analysis uses data from 53 interviews and six focus groups with individuals involved in managing the crisis along the Balkan refugee route. The qualitative analysis shows that coordination and learning change over the course of this crisis in three major phases: chaos, settling in, and exit. While the initial response to a crisis leaves little room for sophisticated coordination and organizational learning, the introduction of more formalized coordination mechanisms can take place at the later stages. By showing that generative learning at these later stages of a crisis needs to be expanded, this study demonstrates the need for creating mechanisms for collecting and conserving knowledge during future crises and for transferring best practices from one country to another.