bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farmers’ Perception of the Conservation of Afzelia africana around the Benoue National Park and Adaptation to the Drought in Controlled Condition of Afzelia africana Plants
Authors: Amougou Constantin Alega , Tchobsala . , Megeuni Clautilde , Mbamba Jean Paul Celvin Mbamba , Haiwa Gilbert , Baïyabe Il-Mataï , Kenko Daniel Brice Nkontcheu , Egbe Awo Miranda
Published: December 2022

Aims: Afzelia africana is one of the most popular woody forage resources used by pastoralists in northern Cameroon in the dry season. In order to contribute to the sustainable management of this species in the Benoue National Park (BNP) and its surroundings, a study was conducted on the perception and conservation of this species, the knowledge of fodder ligneous by the riparian population of the BNP and adaptation to the drought of its seedlings.

Methodology: A survey was carried out in four surrounding villages of the BNP with 100 people per villages (Banda, Gamba, Sackdje and Guidjiba) making a total of 400 respondents. A hundred seedlings were monitored during two dry seasons and the mortality rate was calculated at the end of each dry season.

Results: This study determined the impact of drought on the survival of this species. The percentages of male respondents according to age group were 30%, 23%, 15%, 6% and 5% respectively for respondents whose age range was between 20-30 years, 10 and 20 years, 30- 40 years, 40 to 50 years and over 50 years. For the female sex these percentages are 10%, 5%,5% and 1% for the respective age groups of 10- 20 years, 20-30 years, 30-40 years and 40 to 50 years. On knowledge of A. africana, men have better knowledge with 80%; 74%; 70% and 64% respectively for Banda, Guidjiba, Gamba and Sackdje. On its conservation, 44% of the sample responded favorably. Sixteen forage trees belonging to 10 families were reported by the respondents, the Caesalpiniaceae family and the Mimosaceae family, were the most represented (nearly 18.75%). The average drought mortality rate was 20% after two droughts.

Conclusion: Such a study is a fundamental prerequisite for the development of restoration and sustainable management strategies for Afzelia africana in the Bénoué National Park (North Cameroon).
Traffic patterns, more than adjacent land use, influence element content of roadside forbs for insect pollinators
Authors: Shephard Alexander M. , Agnew Lauren , Herdtle Annika , Mitchell Timothy S. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Snell‐Rood Emilie C.
Published: December 2022

Roadsides are targeted for restoration of pollinator‐friendly plants. Yet, roads are sources of macronutrient, micronutrient and heavy metal pollution that may contaminate roadside plants. Adjacent landscape features such as railroads and agriculture provide additional macronutrient and heavy metal pollution that may exacerbate traffic effects. However, we lack perspective on how roads combine with rural landscape features to influence nutrition of roadside plants, which could have implications for pollinator health.

We surveyed roadsides across Minnesota, USA and measured foliar levels of dietary macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium), a micronutrient (sodium) and metals (iron, zinc, copper, chromium, nickel, lead, aluminium and cadmium) in six abundant roadside forb species used by insect pollinators: Asclepias syriaca, Dalea purpurea, Monarda fistulosa, Ratibida pinnata, Solidago spp. and Trifolium pratense. We aimed to determine (1) how road variables (traffic volume and distance from road) combine with adjacent land use (railroad and agriculture) to influence element content of roadside forbs and (2) whether some forb species show consistent differences in their accumulation of potentially toxic heavy metals, which could inform selection of species to plant along roadsides.

We found that foliar concentrations of nine elements increased with greater traffic volume (nitrogen, phosphorous, iron, zinc, copper, chromium, nickel, lead and aluminium), and concentrations of six elements declined with distance from the road (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, iron, zinc and copper). Leaves collected adjacent to railroad had less phosphorous, potassium, iron, nickel and aluminium than leaves collected from sites not adjacent to railroad. Additionally, leaves collected from sites adjacent to agriculture had lower copper levels than leaves from sites without adjacent agriculture. We found no evidence that particular ford species along roadsides consistently rank higher than other species in their accumulation of heavy metals.

Our results show that traffic alters more elements in roadside plants than does adjacent landscape context, alleviating concerns that landscape features exacerbate pollutant levels in roadside pollinator habitat. However, nutrient contamination of most roadside plants is unlikely to reach toxic levels for insect pollinators. This work is consistent with the positive conservation potential of low to moderate traffic roadsides for pollinators.
A Multi‐Layer Stacked Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on a Rotation‐to‐Translation Mechanism for Fluid Energy Harvesting and Environmental Protection
Authors: Zhou Hanlin , Wei Xuelian , Wang Baocheng , Zhang Enyang , Wu Zhiyi , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: December 2022

Energy shortage and environmental degradation are two important challenges facing humanity. Here, a multi‐layer stacked triboelectric nanogenerator (MLS‐TENG) based on a rotation‐to‐translation mechanism is reported for fluid energy harvesting and environmental protection. The mechanism transforms fluid‐induced rotation into a reciprocal translation of the MLS‐TENG, enabling the conversion of fluid energy into electrical energy. In addition, benefiting from a multi‐layer stacked structural design, the open‐circuit voltage is increased from 860 to 2410 V and an efficient energy harvesting rate of 2 mJ min−1 is obtained in an actual river. Furthermore, with the assistance of the MLS‐TENG, a self‐powered wireless temperature and humidity monitoring system and a metal anticorrosion system are successfully established. Ambient monitoring data can be transmitted continuously at an interval of 49.7 s, and the corrosion rate of steel is significantly slowed down. This study provides guidance for efficient harvesting of ambient fluid energy, with promising applications in environmental monitoring and protection.
Highly Sensitive Tin‐Lead Perovskite Photodetectors with Over 450 Days Stability Enabled by Synergistic Engineering for Pulse Oximetry System
Authors: He Lijuan , Hu Gangjian , Jiang Jizhong , Wei Wei , Xue Xingzheng , Fan Ke , Huang Haitao , Shen Liang
Published: December 2022

Low‐bandgap tin (Sn)‐lead (Pb) halide perovskites can achieve near‐infrared response for photodetectors. However, the Sn‐based devices suffer from notorious instability and high defect densities due to the oxidation propensity of Sn2+. Herein, a multifunctional additive 4‐amino‐2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorobenzoic acid (ATFBA) is presented, which can passivate surface defects and inhibit the oxidation of Sn2+ through hydrogen bonds and chelation coordination from the terminal amino and carboxyl groups. The perfluorinated benzene ring structure of ATFBA affords the passivator assembled at the grain boundaries to enhance the water resistance. With the synergistical passivation of these functional groups, the Sn–Pb perovskite photodetector exhibits a remarkable responsivity of 0.52 A W‐1 and an excellent specific detectivity of 5.34 × 1012 Jones at 850 nm, along with remaining 97% of its initial responsivity over 450 days. Benefitting from high sensitivity, the photodetector is integrated into a pulse oximetry sensor visualization system, yielding accurate blood oxygen saturation and heart rate with less than 2% error. This work paves the avenue toward constructing high‐performance and stable Sn–Pb perovskite photodetectors for practical applications.
Pd/Cu‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Densely Substituted Propargylamines with Aromatic Acyl Chlorides Followed by the Treatment with a Base: Access to Dihydro‐3H‐Pyrrol‐3‐Ones
Authors: Volkov Pavel A. , Khrapova Kseniya O. , Telezhkin Anton A. , Bidusenko Ivan A. , Schmidt Elena Yu. , Albanov Alexander I. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: December 2022

Pd/Cu‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of propargylamines with aromatic acyl chlorides (PdCl2, CuI, Ph3P, 40–45 °C) provides α‐aryl(hetaryl)aminoacetylenic ketones in a yield of up to 97%. The latter undergo cyclization to 1,2,5‐triaryl(hetaryl)‐1,2‐dihydro‐3H‐pyrrol‐3‐ones in up to 93% yield after the treatment with KOH or Et2NH (40–55 °C, aqueous ethanol). The one‐pot synthesis of the pyrrol‐3‐ones (in up to 62% yields) by consecutive treatment of the above propargylamines with acyl chlorides (PdCl2/CuI/Ph3P) and a base (KOH) in aqueous ethanol has been also developed.

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Magnetic Catheter Placement in Neonates: A Handheld Solution to Radiation Exposure and Operational Delays
Authors: Swanepoel Liam , Przybysz Alexander , Fourie Pieter , Kosel Jurgen
Published: December 2022

The use of subcutaneous devices has greatly advanced the field of medicine and surgery. However, localizing these devices internally requires imaging techniques such as X‐ray or ultrasound. A novel magnetic tracking system for subcutaneous medical devices is presented, providing the capability for precise device localization in an extremely compact and portable pocket‐size format. It is entirely benign, avoids X‐rays, and can be used to immediately confirm the proper instrument placement. It is implemented on umbilical catheters and endotracheal tubes and is characterized by bench‐test, cadaveric, and in vivo studies. The systems consist of a magnetic tip fixed to the distal end of the subcutaneous device, as well as a Magnetic Sensing‐Array Device that utilizes a matrix of magnetic field sensors to localize the magnetic tip. The bench‐tests show a high localization accuracy for a distance up to 4 cm. The accuracy is slightly reduced during cadaveric and in vivo tests, due to factors impacting the application, such as the dermal surface topography. Regardless, the magnetic subcutaneous medical device tracking system is shown to be robust in performance and functionality in real‐world clinical applications, and with its intuitive approach and portability, it has the potential to make real‐time subcutaneous device tracking widely accessible.
Role of Dipolar Interactions on the Determination of the Effective Magnetic Anisotropy in Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: García‐Acevedo Pelayo , González‐Gómez Manuel A. , Arnosa‐Prieto Ángela , de Castro‐Alves Lisandra , Piñeiro Yolanda , Rivas José
Published: December 2022

Challenging magnetic hyperthermia (MH) applications of immobilized magnetic nanoparticles require detailed knowledge of the effective anisotropy constant (Keff) to maximize heat release. Designing optimal MH experiments entails the precise determination of magnetic properties, which are, however, affected by the unavoidable concurrence of magnetic interactions in common experimental conditions. In this work, a mean‐field energy barrier model (ΔE), accounting for anisotropy (EA) and magnetic dipolar (ED) energy, is proposed and used in combination with AC measurements to a specifically developed model system of spherical magnetic nanoparticles with well‐controlled silica shells, acting as a spacer between the magnetic cores. This approach makes it possible to experimentally demonstrate the mean field dipolar interaction energy prediction with the interparticle distance, dij, ED≈ 1/dij3 and obtain the EA as the asymptotic limit for very large dij. In doing so, Keff uncoupled from interaction contributions is obtained for the model system (iron oxide cores with average sizes of 8.1, 10.2, and 15.3 nm) revealing to be 48, 23, and 11 kJ m−3, respectively, close to bulk magnetite/maghemite values and independent from the specific spacing shell thicknesses selected for the study.
Synthesis of Highly Tunable Alloy Nanocatalyst through Heterogeneous Doping Method
Authors: Kim Yong Beom , Kim Seunghyun , Kim Jinwook , Kim Jun Kyu , Jeong Seung Jin , Oh DongHwan , Jung WooChul
Published: December 2022

The combination of supported metal nanoparticles and functional host oxides catalyze many major industrial reactions. However, uniform dispersion and ideal chemical configuration of such nanoparticles, which determines the catalytic activity, are often difficult to achieve. In this study, a unique combination is proposed of heterogeneous doping and ex‐solution for the fabrication of Pt–Ni alloy nanoparticles on CeO2. By manipulating the reducing conditions, both the particle size and composition are precisely controlled, thereby achieving a highly dispersed and stable alloy nanocatalyst. The unique behavior of controlled alloy composition is elucidated through classical diffusion and precipitation kinetics with elemental analysis of the grain boundaries. Finally, Pt–Ni alloy nanocatalysts are successfully tuned showcasing a breakthrough performance compared to single element catalyst in reverse water gas shift reaction with superior stability and reproducibility.
Ultrafast and Stable Organic Single‐Crystal Vertical Phototransistor for Self‐Powered Photodetection and High‐Speed Imaging
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Qin Shuchao , Du Qianqian , Gan Yuquan , Zhao Jing , Li Mengru , Zheng Xialian , Wang Anran , Liu Yunlong , Li Shuhong , Dong Ruixin , Nie Zhonghui , Liu Cailong , Wang Wenjun , Wang Fengqiu
Published: December 2022

Organic semiconductor crystals herald new opportunities for fabricating high‐performance optoelectronic devices, due to their intrinsic properties including outstanding charge transport properties, long exciton lifetime, and diffusion length. Despite remarkable progress in key figures of merit, the cut‐off frequency and responsivity are still lagging behind for most currently reported organic devices. Here, a high‐performance broadband vertical phototransistor based on rubrene single crystal, whose response covers the UV to visible range (300–650 nm) is reported. It shows a record‐high −3 dB bandwidth of ≈18 kHz and a maximum photoresponsivity of 105 A W−1. Due to the asymmetric Schottky contact and excellent light absorption of organic crystal, the device exhibits excellent zero‐bias photoresponse even under ultralow light illumination (≈114 fW). In particular, such organic vertical phototransistor holds good air stability and environmental robustness, and even without any form of encapsulation, no degradation of performance is observed for 2 months continuous operating. In addition, several single‐pixel imaging to show its potential for practical applications are demonstrated. The results provide a promising strategy to fabricate ultrafast and sensitive organic photodetectors for future video‐frame‐rate imaging.
Intercropping chickpea–flax for yield and disease management
Authors: Zhou Yi , Chen Chengci , Franck William L. , Khan Qasim , Franck Sooyoung , Crutcher Frankie K. , McVay Kent , McPhee Kevin
Published: December 2022

Ascochyta
blight (caused by Ascochyta rabiei) is a primary concern of chickpea production worldwide. Intercropping chickpea with a non‐host crop has the potential to suppress this disease and improve resource use efficiency for enhanced crop yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of seeding rate and row configuration of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)–flax (Linum usitatissimum L) intercropping on (1) yield and seed quality, (2) disease incidence and severity of Ascochyta blight of chickpea, and (3) land productivity of this intercropping system. Field trials were conducted at the Eastern Agricultural Research Center, Sidney, MT, and the Southern Agricultural Research Center, Huntley, MT, in 2020 and 2021. Chickpea was planted with flax in four intercropping configurations (70% chickpea–30% flax in mixed rows, 50% chickpea–50% flax in alternate rows, 50% chickpea–50% flax in mixed rows, and 30% chickpea–70% flax in mixed rows). Chickpea yield decreased with increased flax proportion in the mixed rows intercrop. Flax displayed higher competitiveness than chickpea, resulting in decreased yield and protein concentration in chickpea but increased yield and protein content in flax. Land equivalent ratio of intercropping was greater than one, showing improved land productivity (2%–23% greater than monocropping). Intercropping reduced Ascochyta blight disease incidence and severity; the 50% chickpea–50% flax and 30% chickpea–70% flax intercropping configurations could reduce the disease severity to 50% (in Huntley) and 67% (in Sidney) of that in the monocropping. These results indicated that seed ratio and planting configurations of chickpea–flax intercropping may be manipulated to increase land use efficiency and reduce Ascochyta blight in chickpea. Canadian Development Center ‘CDC Leader’ yielded greater than Royal in the higher disease pressure environment in Huntley indicated that selection of disease resistant cultivars is important for managing Ascochyta blight in chickpea.
Three Tiers to biological escape velocity: The quest to outwit aging
Authors: Palmer Raymond D.
Published: December 2022

As longevity companies emerge with new products and the fields of anti‐aging research develop new cutting‐edge therapies, three distinct classes of longevity methodologies emerge. This discussion finds that there are three clear classes (Tiers) of longevity systems that are currently under development, and all three will be paramount to achieve biological escape velocity (where tissues can be repaired faster than aging can damage them). These classes are referred to as Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 treatments and are described in detail below. These three Tiers are required for easy identification for pharmaceutical companies and research companies to determine the type of therapy they may choose to deliver being noninvasive, invasive, time consuming, or simple end user products. Specific targets and goals need to be defined clearly from an early perspective in the development of these technologies for future precision medicines. This allows consumers of future anti‐aging technologies to consider which Tier a particular therapy may be, delivering a more informed choice.
Illusory Responses across the Lewy Body Disease Spectrum
Authors: Shahid Marian , Rawls Ashley , Ramirez Veronica , Ryman Sephira , Santini Veronica E. , Yang Laurice , Sha Sharon J. , Hall Jacob N. , Montine Thomas J. , Lin Amy , Tian Lu , Henderson Victor W. , Cholerton Brenna , Yutsis Maya , Poston Kathleen L.
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study was undertaken to study pareidolias, or perceived meaningful objects in a meaningless stimulus, in patients across the Lewy body (LB) disease spectrum, where most do not report hallucinations or delusions.

Methods

We studied illusory responses on the Noise Pareidolia Task in 300 participants (38 cognitively impaired LB, 65 cognitively unimpaired LB, 51 Alzheimer disease spectrum [AD‐s], 146 controls). Pairwise between‐group comparisons examined how diagnosis impacts the number of illusory responses. Ordinal regression analysis compared the number of illusory responses across diagnosis groups, adjusting for age, sex, and education. Analyses were repeated after removing participants with reported hallucinations or delusions.

Results

Cognitively impaired LB participants were 12.3, 4.9, and 4.6 times more likely than control, cognitively unimpaired LB, and AD‐s participants, respectively, to endorse illusory responses. After adjusting for age, sex, and education, the probability of endorsing 1 or more illusory responses was 61% in the cognitively impaired LB group, compared to 26% in AD‐s, 25% in cognitively unimpaired LB, and 12% in control participants. All results were similar after repeated analysis only in participants without hallucinations or delusions. In LB without hallucinations or delusions, 52% with mild cognitive impairment and 66.7% with dementia endorsed at least 1 illusory response.

Interpretation

We found illusory responses are common in cognitively impaired LB patients, including those without any reported psychosis. Our data suggest that, prior to the onset of hallucinations and delusions, the Noise Pareidolia Task can easily be used to screen for unobtrusive pareidolias in all LB patients. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:702–714
Arterial circle of the brain in the common wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)
Authors: Zdun Maciej , Melnyk Oleksii O. , Ruszkowski Jakub J. , Hetman Mateusz
Published: December 2022

The main aim of this study was to analyze the arterial circle of the brain and rostral epidural rete mirabile in specimens of the common wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus). The arterial circle of the brain is a circulatory anastomosis that supplies blood to particular lobes of the brain and surrounding structures. The study was conducted on male and female adults (n = 12) by bilateral injection of an acetone solution of vinyl superchloride or latex LBS3060, which resulted in a cast of arteries of the head and encephalic base. We describe the exact structure of the arterial circle of the brain and rostral epidural rete mirabile. The shape of the arterial circle of the brain in the common wildebeest is heart‐shaped, as in other Bovidae. It is formed by bilateral rostral cerebral arteries, caudal communicating arteries, and the basilar artery, with a general pattern of vessels forming and branching off from the arterial circle of the brain, as described in other ruminants. The rostral cerebral and caudal communicating arteries emerge from an intracranial segment of the internal carotid artery, which in turn arises from vessels of the rostral epidural rete mirabile. This structure, well developed in the examined individuals, has mechanisms underlying selective cooling of the brain, protecting animals from hyperthermia, and affecting body water balance.
Recent Progress of Organic Semiconductor Materials in Spintronics
Authors: Zhu Yanuo , Jiang Qinglin , Zhang Jiang , Ma Yuguang
Published: December 2022

Spintronics, a new discipline focusing on the spin‐dependent transport process of electrons, has been developing rapidly. Spin valves are the most significant carriers of spintronics utilizing the spin freedom of electrons. It is expected to pierce “Moore's Law” and become the core component in processors of the next generation. Organic semiconductors advance in their adjustable band gap, weak spin‐orbit coupling and hyperfine interaction, excellent film‐forming property, having enormous promise for spin valves. Here, the principle of spin valves is introduced, and the history and progress in organic spin injection and transport materials are summarized. Then we analyze the influence of spinterface on device performance and introduce reliable methods of constructing organic spin valves. Finally, the challenges for spin valves are discussed, and the future is proposed. We aim to draw the attention of researchers to organic spin valves and promote further research in spintronics through this paper.
Yoga‐integrated psychotherapy for emotion dysregulation: A pilot study
Authors: Childs‐Fegredo Jasmine , Fontana Elisa , Moran Mary , Faulkner Paul
Published: December 2022

Aims & Objectives

Yoga has been evidenced as beneficial for physical and mental health. This study sought to pilot the acceptability and feasibility of a yoga‐integrated psychotherapy (YiP) intervention, aimed at alleviating difficulties in emotion regulation. A further aim was to explore the perceived effectiveness of YiP in alleviating depression, anxiety and improving well‐being.

Methods

Seven participants who scored significantly on the Difficulties in Emotion Dysregulation Scale (DERS) took part in a psychological assessment session followed by six weekly one hr therapy sessions. Participants completed self‐report measures in each session to quantify the effects of each YiP session on emotion regulation, well‐being, depression and anxiety. Following seven sessions, five participants completed qualitative follow‐up interviews to explore subjective experiences of YiP and any perceived impacts.

Findings

An ANOVA that contained data from seven participants who completed all six sessions revealed that DERS scores were significantly lower, and well‐being scores were significantly higher, at both mid and end‐points than at baseline. Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews identified five themes: “YiP assists the client's psychological and emotional processing,” “YiP improves insight and focus,” “YiP is culturally sensitive,” “the body facilitates regulation and resilience” and “YiP is acceptable & impactful.”

Conclusion

The study presents promising findings for the integration of yoga into psychotherapeutic practice and indicates that YiP may have beneficial effects on emotion regulation and psychological well‐being. Future research should use randomised controlled methodologies to examine the ability of YiP to alleviate a wide range of affective symptoms using a larger sample of participants.
Synthesis and Antioxidant Evaluation ofO‐Methylated Emodacidamides: Starting from Parietin, a Secondary Metabolite of LichenXanthoria parietina
Authors: Avan İlker , Akbulut Volkan Mustafa
Published: December 2022

Polyhydroxy‐anthraquinones bearing amino acids are found rather seldom in nature. Emodacidamides, isolated from a marine‐derived fungus,Penicilliumsp. SCSIO sof101 by Luo et al. (2017) are the first natural example of amino acid conjugated anthraquinone. In this study,O‐methylated emodacidamides and emodinic acid‐anilides were synthesized starting from parietin, extracted from the lichenXanthoria parietina(L.) Th. Fr. The structural elucidations of prepared compounds were confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR analyses including HSQC and HMBC techniques. In addition, all newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for the antioxidant activities with free radical 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging. The synthesized compounds showed low to moderate antioxidant and DPPH scavenging activities. The antioxidant activities were supported within quantum chemical calculations using the DFT−B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level of theory. It is observed that the antioxidant activity of emodacidamides mostly depends on the phenolic groups on anthraquinone ring. The phenolic groups on other substituents help to improve antioxidant activity and also the position of hydroxy group is a decisive factor for antioxidant ability.
Colorimetric Determination of Adenylation Domain Activity in Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetases by Using Chrome Azurol S
Authors: Kahlert Lukas , Lichstrahl Michael S. , Townsend Craig A.
Published: December 2022

Adenylation domains are the main contributor to structural complexity among nonribosomal peptides due to their varied but stringent substrate selection. Several in vitro assays to determine the substrate specificity of these dedicated biocatalysts have been implemented, but high sensitivity is often accompanied by the cost of laborious procedures, expensive reagents or the requirement for auxiliary enzymes. Here, we describe a simple protocol that is based on the removal of ferric iron from a preformed chromogenic complex between ferric iron and Chrome Azurol S. Adenylation activity can be rapidly followed by a decrease in absorbance at 630 nm, visualized by a prominent color change from blue to orange.
Rescue right ventricular outflow tract stenting for refractory hypoxic spells
Authors: Sasikumar Navaneetha , Mohanty Satish , Balaji Seshadri , Kumar Raman Krishna
Published: December 2022

Background

While right ventricular outflow tract stenting (RVOTS) has become an acceptable alternative to palliative surgery in Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and similar physiologies, its utility for relief of refractory hypoxic spells is unclear.

Methods

Patients who underwent RVOTS for emergency relief of refractory hypoxic spells were identified. Specific modifications to enable expeditious RVOTS included use of stent delivery systems (guiding catheter or long sheath) upfront to minimize catheter exchanges; using coronary wires to cross RVOT initially; stabilizing the catheter with a wire in the aorta while crossing RVOT with a second wire.

Results

From 2015 to 2022, 11 patients underwent RVOTS for hypoxic spells refractory to medical management. Their median age was 27 days (IQR 8.5–442.5); weight 3.27 kg (2.7–8.96); 9 males. Median pulmonary annulus Z score was −4.13 (IQR−4.85 to −0.86). Thirteen stents with median diameter 5 (4–6.5) mm and length 19 (16–19.75) mm were implanted, fluoroscopy time:13.6 (11–26.3) min; procedure time (60, 30–70 min). All were ventilated. Oxygen saturations improved from 45% (40–60) to 90% (84–92); (p < 0.0001) with no major complications. Postprocedure ventilation was needed for 21 (20–49) hours and 4 required diuretic infusion for pulmonary over‐circulation. Four needed re‐stenting 13 days to 5 months later. At median follow‐up of 7 (4–17) months; 2 died from unrelated causes, 3 underwent surgery (two correction and one aorto‐pulmonary shunt) and 6 await surgery.

Conclusion

RVOTS enables safe, expeditious and effective short‐term palliation for refractory hypoxic spells. Specific technical modifications facilitate safety, ease and swiftness.
Self‐Healable, Malleable, Ecofriendly Recyclable and Robust Polyimine Thermosets Derived from Trifluoromethyl Diphenoxybenzene Backbones
Authors: Yu Ping , Wang Haiyue , Wang Yi , Liu Dapeng , Xin Yumeng , Li Ruiguang , Jia Xuemeng , Liu Lin , Zhang Dongen , Wang Chunyu , Zhao Jun , Zhang Zhaoming , Yan Xuzhou
Published: December 2022

Dynamic covalent chemistry opens up great opportunities for a sustainable society by producing reprocessable networks of polymers and even thermosets. However, achieving the closed‐loop recycling of polymers with high performance remains a grand challenge. The introduction of aromatic monomers and fluorine into covalent adaptable networks is an attractive method to tackle this challenge. Therefore, we present a facile and universal strategy to focus on the design and applications of polyimine vitrimers containing trifluoromethyl diphenoxybenzene backbones in applications of dynamic covalent polymers. In this study, fluorine‐containing polyimine vitrimer networks (FPIVs) were fabricated, and the results revealed that the FPIVs not only exhibited good self‐healability, malleability and processability without the aid of any catalyst, but also possessed decent mechanical strength, superior toughness and thermal stability. We hope that this work could provide a novel pathway for the design of high‐performance polyimine vitrimers by recycling of plastic wastes.
A Versatile Step‐Growth Polymerization Route to Functional Polyesters from an Activated Diester Monomer
Authors: Biswas Subhendu , Das Anindita
Published: December 2022

This work describes a versatile and efficient condensation polymerization route to aliphatic polyesters by organo‐catalyzed (4‐dimethylaminopyridine) transesterification reactions between an activated pentafluorophenyl‐diester of adipic acid and structurally different diols. By introducing “monofunctional impurity” or “stoichiometric imbalance,” this methodology can afford well‐defined end‐functionalized polyesters with predictable molecular weights and narrow dispersity under mild conditions without any necessity for the removal of the byproducts to accelerate the polymerization reaction, which remains a major challenge in conventional polyester synthesis with non‐activated diesters. Wide substrate scope with structurally different monomers and the synthesis of block copolymers by chain extension following either ring‐opening polymerization or controlled radical polymerization have been successfully demonstrated. Some of the polyesters synthesized by this newly introduced approach show high thermal stability, crystallinity, and enzymatic degradation in aqueous environments.
Computational analysis of effects of clot length on Acute ischemic stroke recanalization under different cyclic aspiration loading conditions
Authors: Patki Priyanka , Simon Scott , Manning Keefe B. , Costanzo Francesco
Published: December 2022

Acute ischemic stroke, the second leading cause of death worldwide, results from occlusion of a cerebral artery by a blood clot. Application of cyclic aspiration using an aspiration catheter is a current therapy for the removal of lodged clots. In this study, we perform finite element simulations to analyze deformation of long clots, having length to radius ratio of 2–10, which corresponds to clot‐length of 2.85–14.25 mm, under peak‐to‐peak cyclic aspiration pressures of 10–50 mmHg, and frequencies of 0.5, 1, and 2 Hz. Our computational system comprises of a nonlinear viscoelastic solid clot, a hyperelastic artery, and a nonlinear viscoelastic cohesive zone, the latter modeling the clot–artery interface. We observe that clots having length‐to‐radius ratio approximately greater than two separate from the inner arterial surface somewhere between the axial and distal ends, irrespective of the cyclic aspiration loading conditions. The stress distribution within the clot shows large tensile stresses in the clot interior, indicating the possibility of simultaneous fragmentation of the clot. Thus, this study shows us the various failure mechanisms simultaneously present in the clot during cyclic aspiration. Similarly, the stress distribution within the artery implies a possibility of endothelial damage to the arterial wall near the end where the aspiration pressure is applied. This framework provides a foundation for further investigation to clot fracture and adhesion characterization.
A simple and efficient adaptive time stepping technique for low‐order operator splitting schemes applied to cardiac electrophysiology
Authors: Ogiermann Dennis , Perotti Luigi E. , Balzani Daniel
Published: December 2022

We present a simple, yet efficient adaptive time stepping scheme for cardiac electrophysiology (EP) simulations based on standard operator splitting techniques. The general idea is to exploit the relation between the splitting error and the reaction's magnitude—found in a previous one‐dimensional analytical study by Spiteri and Ziaratgahi—to construct the new time step controller for three‐dimensional problems. Accordingly, we propose to control the time step length of the operator splitting scheme as a function of the reaction magnitude, in addition to the common approach of adapting the reaction time step. This conforms with observations in numerical experiments supporting the need for a significantly smaller time step length during depolarization than during repolarization. The proposed scheme is compared with classical proportional–integral–differential controllers using state‐of‐the‐art error estimators, which are also presented in details as they have not been previously applied in the context of cardiac EP with operator splitting techniques. Benchmarks show that choosing the time step as a sigmoidal function of the reaction magnitude is highly efficient and full cardiac cycles can be computed with precision even in a realistic biventricular setup. The proposed scheme outperforms common adaptive time stepping techniques, while depending on fewer tuning parameters.
A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative literature on personal recovery and voice hearing
Authors: Hall Bradley , Terry Rachel , Hayward Mark
Published: December 2022

Background

Personal recovery literature has been influential in the conceptualization of emotional distress and service provision. While personal recovery in psychosis has been well‐studied, voice hearing literature has not been reviewed to elucidate recovery processes.

Method

Five databases were systematically searched to identify relevant qualitative recovery literature. Twelve eligible studies were included in this review, and an appraisal tool was applied to assess quality. Thematic synthesis was used to examine the results.

Results

Three superordinate themes were found relating to ‘Recovery Phases’, ‘Recovery Facilitators’ and ‘Barriers to Recovery’. Papers included descriptions of finding voices distressing initially yet moving towards integrating and accepting voices. Searching for meaning versus seeking distance from voices were pivotal processes to recovery pathways. Enabling and disrupting recovery experiences are discussed within a proposed model.

Conclusions

Recovery in voice hearing is an individual and potentially ongoing process. Future research should seek to examine recovery factors in voice hearing longitudinally and add further evidence to the supportive role services can play in recovery and voice hearing.
Corporate social irresponsibility: What we know and what we need to know
Authors: Iborra María , Riera Marta
Published: December 2022

Corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) is a critical issue for managers and researchers. In fact, the number of studies on this subject from diverse literature is rapidly increasing, seeking to answer questions regarding the core elements of CSI, its antecedents, and consequences. This paper offers a comprehensive literature review of this topic, identifying and assessing previous studies, synthesizing their findings, and highlighting knowledge gaps. Additionally, it offers recommendations regarding how to move forward. Our review identified 155 studies published from 1962 to 2020 that describe the antecedents, outcomes, mediators, and moderators of CSI according to different levels of analysis. We contribute to the social issues in management literature in that we analyze the facilitators and inhibitors of CSI and the consequences for firms using a multilevel approach. Finally, we provide guidance for future research by assessing the core elements that define the level of irresponsibility—harm to others and intentionality.
A lumped‐element balun design with multi‐interference suppression for push–pull power amplifier
Authors: Ma Wei , Wang Meiyu , Yan Xiang , Qin Kefan , Xiao Zhiming , Hu Weibo
Published: December 2022

In this article, a lumped‐element balun with multi‐interference suppression is implemented and presented. Originated from the conventional lattice LC balun, the balun combining two Π‐networks is expended to four new topologies. By constructing frequency traps and out‐of‐phase combining pathways, the new topologies can realize two‐ or three‐interference suppression while maintaining well‐matched input/output impedances. The concept is studied theoretically in both even and odd mode circuits, and analytical design equations are also derived. Based on the design theory, four interference suppression balun topologies are proposed for push–pull power amplifiers. To verify the design concept, two of the four topologies working at 1 GHz are prototyped and measured. The measured results agree well with the analysis and simulation results. The two baluns both achieve good performance with low insertion loss better than −3.9 dB, low return loss less than −13.6 dB, good interference suppression more than 24.7 dB, and small phase unbalance less than 0.8°. Furthermore, the proposed balun is used in a gallium nitride push–pull power amplifier to validate the 2nd and 3rd harmonic suppression. The amplifier works at 1 GHz with a typical gain of 16.7 dB. At least −45 dBc interference suppression, 52.6% power‐added efficiency, and 34.6 dBm P1dB output power are obtained.
Maternal distress, DNA methylation, and fetal programing of stress physiology in Brazilian mother–infant pairs
Authors: Wiley Kyle S. , Camilo Caroline , Gouveia Gisele , Euclydes Verônica , Panter‐Brick Catherine , Matijasevich Alicia , Ferraro Alexandre Archanjo , Fracolli Lislaine Aparecida , Chiesa Anna Maria , Miguel Euripedes Constantino , Polanczyk Guilherme V. , Brentani Helena
Published: December 2022

Maternal prenatal psychosocial stress is associated with adverse hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPAA) function among infants. Although the biological mechanisms influencing this process remain unknown, altered DNA methylation is considered to be one potential mechanism. We investigated associations between maternal prenatal psychological distress, infant salivary DNA methylation, and stress physiology at 12 months. Mother's distress was measured via depression and anxiety in early and late pregnancy in a cohort of 80 pregnant adolescents. Maternal hair cortisol was collected during pregnancy. Saliva samples were collected from infants at 12 months to quantify DNA methylation of three stress‐related genes (FKBP5, NR3C1, OXTR) (n = 62) and diurnal cortisol (n = 29). Multivariable linear regression was used to test for associations between prenatal psychological distress, and infant DNA methylation and cortisol. Hair cortisol concentrations in late pregnancy were negatively associated with two sites of FKBP5 (site 1: B = −22.33, p = .003; site 2: B = −15.60, p = .012). Infants of mothers with elevated anxiety symptoms in late pregnancy had lower levels of OXTR2 CpG2 methylation (B = −2.17, p = .03) and higher evening salivary cortisol (B = 0.41, p = .03). Furthermore, OXTR2 methylation was inversely associated with evening cortisol (B = −0.14, p‐value ≤ .001). Our results are, to our knowledge, the first evidence that the methylation of the oxytocin receptor may contribute to the regulation of HPAA during infancy.
Inclusion of juvenile stages improves diversity assessment and adds to our understanding of mite ecology – A case study from mires in Norway
Authors: Seniczak Anna , Seniczak Stanisław , Iturrondobeitia J. Carlos , Marciniak Martyna , Kaczmarek Sławomir , Mąkol Joanna , Kaźmierski Andrzej , Zawal Andrzej , Schwarzfeld Marla D. , Flatberg Kjell Ivar
Published: December 2022

Arachnid orders, Mesostigmata, Trombidiformes, and Sarcoptiformes, commonly known as ‘mites’, are abundant in mires, both as adults and as juveniles. However, due to the challenges of identification, the juvenile forms are often excluded from analyses. This is the first study in mires that included all three mite orders identified to the species level, including juvenile instars. We aimed to compare how diversity and the response to ecological variables differed if only the adults (ad) vs. the total number of specimens (ad+juv) are considered. Samples of 20Sphagnumspecies (five subgenera) were collected and mites were extracted using Berlese funnels. Overall, nearly 60,000 mites were analyzed; of these Mesostigmata made up 1.87% of the total, Trombidiformes −0.27%, and Sarcoptiformes −97.86%. The study revealed 154 species (33 Mesostigmata, 24 Trombidiformes, and 97 Sarcoptiformes), the highest diversity of mites ever reported from mires. The inclusion of juveniles increased observed species richness by 6%, with 10 species (one Mesostigmata, six Trombidiformes, and three Sarcoptiformes) represented only by juvenile forms. Seventeen species are new to Norway (four Mesostigmata, one Sarcoptiformes, and 12 Trombidiformes, including five undescribed species of Stigmaeidae and Cunaxidae). Four of these were represented in the samples only by juveniles. Including the juveniles explained a greater amount of the variability of Trombidiformes (explanatory variables account for 23.60% for ad, and 73.74% for ad+juv) and Mesostigmata (29.23% − ad, 52.91% − ad+juv), but had less of an impact for Sarcoptiformes (38.48% − ad, 39.26% − ad+juv). Locality,Sphagnumsubgenus and species, wetness, and trophic state significantly affected the mite communities and should be taken into consideration when studying mires. Since juvenile stages contribute significantly to mite diversity in mires, they should also be included in mite studies in other habitats.
High consistency of trophic niches in generalist arthropod species (Oribatida, Acari) across soil depth and forest type
Authors: Lu Jing‐Zhong , Cordes Peter Hans , Maraun Mark , Scheu Stefan
Published: December 2022

Many traits including trophic niche parameters are attributed to species. However, generalist species may vary in trophic niches with environments, making species‐based knowledge hard to extrapolate beyond local food webs. Here we tested trophic consistency in oribatid mite species (Acari), one of the most abundant arthropods that occupy all trophic levels in soil food webs. We used stable isotope analysis to compare trophic niches of 40 Oribatida species that co‐occur in litter (OL) and soil (0–5 cm, mainly OF/H, AH) of five forest types (native European beech, non‐native Douglas fir, range‐expanding Norway spruce, two beech–conifer mixed forests). Although stable isotope signatures of bulk material differed between litter and soil,13C and15 N values of Oribatida species were remarkably stable irrespective of soil depth. Furthermore, Oribatida were more enriched in13C in European beech than in coniferous forests, but forest type little affected15 N values of Oribatida across a range of site conditions. We conclude that Oribatida species occupy virtually identical trophic niches (δ13C and δ15N values) irrespective of the soil depth they colonize and that forest management including non‐native tree species little affects trophic position (δ15N values) of oribatid mites. Our findings suggest that the trophic position can be used as a trait in community analysis of Oribatida across forest ecosystems. Our results further indicate that trophic niches of generalist species can be highly consistent irrespective of environment.
A multi‐level exploration of the relationship between temperature and species diversity: Two cases of marine phytoplankton
Authors: Gao Junfeng , Su Qiang
Published: December 2022

The relationship between temperature (T) and diversity is one of the most important issues in ecology. It provides a key direction not only for exploring the determinants of diversity's patterns, but also for understanding diversity's responses to climate change. Previous studies suggested that T–diversity relationships could be positive, negative, or unimodal. Although these studies accumulated many informative achievements, they might be unsatisfied due to (1) investigating inadequate range of T, (2) selecting incomplete diversity metrics, and (3) making insufficiently detailed analysis of correlation. In this study, species diversity is estimated by four most commonly used diversity metrics and three parameters of species abundance distribution (SAD), and two global datasets of marine phytoplankton (covering a wider range of T) are used to evaluate the T–diversity relationships according to a piecewise model. Results show that all aspects of diversity (except evenness) have the similar relationship with T in the range of lower T, noting that diversity significantly increases as T increases. However, in the range of higher T, diversity may significantly decrease or nearly constant, which indicates that their relationships may be the unimodal or asymptotic. The asymptotic relationship found by this study is assumed that increasing diversity with T will gradually approach the Zipf's law (1:1/2:1/3…). If such assumption can be verified by future investigations, the intrinsic mechanism of the asymptotic relationship is likely to be crucial in understanding the T–diversity relationships.