bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complementary Actions of Tungsten Oxides and Carbon to Catalyze the Redox Reaction of VO2+/VO2+ in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Kimura Kento , Miyahara Yuto , Kondo Yasuyuki , Yokoyama Yuko , Abe Takeshi , Miyazaki Kohei
Published: September 2021

Redox flow batteries (RFBs), which are based on the redox reaction of vanadium ions, are expected to be a promising energy buffer for renewable energy because of their large‐scale potential. However, the reaction overvoltage associated with the redox of vanadium ions is large, and highly active electrocatalysts are urgently needed. In this study, we prepared thin‐film model electrodes to evaluate the catalytic activities of tungsten oxide, which is known to be an electrocatalyst for accelerating the redox of vanadium ions and investigated the reaction mechanism. The results showed that tungsten oxide only catalyzed the reduction of VO2+, while carbon only catalyzed the oxidation of VO2+, but not both redox reactions. Our results revealed for the first time that the catalytic sites active in the charging and discharging of RFB are different, which is an important finding for the construction of highly active electrocatalysts.
Super‐Flexible Carbon Nanofiber Networks Containing PAN/PVP and Composites Coated with NiCo2O4 Nanosheets as Self‐Supporting Electrodes for Supercapacitors and Sodium‐Ion Batteries**
Authors: Chai Shanshan , Dong Kangze , Wu Tong , Wu Qingsheng
Published: September 2021

The rapid development of wearable electronics requests a higher energy‐storage‐device flexibility. Nevertheless, the fabrication of high‐performance electrodes for achieving the goal of super‐flexibility remains challenging. In this work, novel super‐flexible PAN/PVP carbon nanofiber networks (PAN/PVP CNFs, PCF) are prepared by electrospinning followed by in situ carbonisation, whose micro‐mesoporous structure could disperse stress during folding and super‐flexible PCF/NCONS self‐supporting electrodes are fabricated through the electrodeposition of NiCo2O4 nanosheets (NCONS) with three‐dimensional membrane structure on the PCF firmly. The obtained PCF/NCONS cannot only achieve 8000 times folding, but also show high electrochemical performance for both supercapacitors and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). For supercapacitor, the specific capacitance of the PCF/NCONS reaches 1403.5 F/g at 1 A/g and it could maintain at 95.7 % after 2000 cycles. The PCF/NCONS electrodes are also used to fabricate an asymmetric supercapacitor device. The device exhibit high energy density (26.96 Wh/kg), high power density (3870.69 W/kg at 14.52 Wh/kg) and outstanding cycling stability (96.8 % retention after 3000 cycles). For SIBs, the PCF/NCONS electrodes show a high reversible capacity of 227.68 mAh/g after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A/g. The super‐flexible PCF/NCONS electrodes have a wide application prospect for flexible electronics.
Thiophene with Oligoethylene Oxide Side Chain Enables Random Terpolymer Acceptor to Achieve Efficient All‐Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Feiyan , Liu Jinliang , Liu Jiabin , Oh Jiyeon , Huang Bin , Chen Dong , Liu Zuoji , He Qiannan , Yang Changduk , Chen Lie
Published: September 2021

The development of high‐performance polymer acceptors is the key challenge for all‐polymer solar cells (All‐PSCs), especially related morphology control in the blend film. Herein, we introduce a thiophene with oligoethylene oxide side chain (TOE) as the third unit into a D‐A copolymer PYT by simple random polymerization. Rigid‐fused unit Y5 with large planar or quasi‐plane surfaces are partially substituted to obtain a series of novel random terpolymers PYT‐TOE(x) (x represents the molar ratio of TOE unit). The electron‐deficient unit Y5 partly replaced by electron‐rich unit TOE realizes the increase of LUMO energy levels. More importantly, a moderate amount loading of TOE not only modulate the polymer acceptor solubility and molecule arrangement, but also perfect the compatibility between the polymer donor and acceptor. Thus, optimized crystallinity and π‐π stacking of blend film are obtained, which is favorable for charge transfer and better film morphology. Eventually, accompanied by improved JSC, VOC and FF simultaneously, the device photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) increase from 11.75 % for PBDB‐T:PYT to 12.77 % for PBDB‐T:PYT‐TOE(10). These results indicate that the random ternary copolymerization of small molecule acceptor with functional third unit TOE is a simple but effective strategy to develop polymer acceptors for high‐efficiency All‐PSCs.
Lanthanide‐Hypophosphite Frameworks with Guanidinium Guest Showing High Proton Conductivity
Authors: Li Quan‐Wen , Li Zhao‐Yang , Li Kai , Xia Bin , Li Na , Bu Xian‐He
Published: September 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Proton‐conductive metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted great attention for their promising application in membrane fuel cells. To explore proton‐conductive MOFs with high performance, here we present four lanthanide‐hypophosphite frameworks with distinct amine guests. These complexes possess a general formula [AH][Gd2(H2PO2)7] (AH = protonated amines). Due to the rich hydrogen bond networks, complex 1 with guanidinium as guest shows high proton conductivity of 1.75 × 10–2 S·cm–1 at a relative humidity of 97% (368 K). We also studied the magnetic properties of complex 1 and reveal that the hypophosphite ligand transfers weak antiferromagnetic interactions between Gd3+ ions.
Comparison of six assessment tools to screen for obstructive sleep apnea in patients with hypertension
Authors: Zheng Zhenzhen , Sun Xishi , Chen Riken , Lei Wei , Peng Min , Li Xiongbin , Zhang Nuofu , Cheng Junfen
Published: September 2021

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often accompanied by other complications, especially hypertension.

Hypothesis

The purpose of this study is to compare the application value of six tools in the screening of OSA in patients with hypertension. Compared with other questionnaires, we hypothesized that Berlin performed better in screening hypertensive patients suspected of OSA.

Methods

In this study, we collected the basic data and polysomnography (PSG) data of patients diagnosed with hypertension who underwent PSG at the Sleep Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from April 2012 to March 2021. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, area under the curv (AUC) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of the six screening tools were then calculated, and their correlation with the sleep apnea hypopnea index (AHI) analyzed.

Results

There were 303 males (303/398, 76.1%) out of 398 hypertension patients suspected of OSA. The area under the curve of the Berlin questionnaire's receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve reached 0.753 (95%CI: 0.707–0.794). When the AHI was 5, 15 and 30 times/h as the cut‐off points, the sensitivity and negative predictive value of Berlin were the highest at 0.947 and 0.630, 0.970 and 0.851, and 0.988 and 0.957 respectively, while the specificity and positive predictive value of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were the highest at 0.696 and 0.729, 0.750 and 0.887, and 0.674 and 0.575 respectively. The DOR value of the Berlin questionnaire could reach 18.333 when the AHI cut‐off point was 30 times/h. Berlin had the largest rank correlation coefficient with AHI at 0.466.

Conclusion

The Berlin questionnaire can be considered a priority for the screening and stratifying of hypertensive patients suspected of OSA.
Bioisosteric Modification of To042: Synthesis and Evaluation of Promising Use‐Dependent Inhibitors of Voltage‐Gated Sodium Channels
Authors: Milani Gualtiero , Cavalluzzi Maria Maddalena , Altamura Concetta , Santoro Antonella , Perrone Mariagrazia , Muraglia Marilena , Colabufo Nicola Antonio , Corbo Filomena , Casalino Elisabetta , Franchini Carlo , Pisano Isabella , Desaphy Jean‐François , Carrieri Antonio , Carocci Alessia , Lentini Giovanni
Published: September 2021

Three analogues of To042, a tocainide‐related lead compound recently reported for the treatment of myotonia, were synthesized and evaluated in vitro as skeletal muscle sodium channel blockers possibly endowed with enhanced use‐dependent behavior. Patch‐clamp experiments on hNav1.4 expressed in HEK293 cells showed that N‐[(naphthalen‐1‐yl)methyl]‐4‐[(2,6‐dimethyl)phenoxy]butan‐2‐amine, the aryloxyalkyl bioisostere of To042, exerted a higher use‐dependent block than To042 thus being able to preferentially block the channels in over‐excited membranes while preserving healthy tissue function. It also showed the lowest active transport across BBB according to the results of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) interacting activity evaluation and the highest cytoprotective effect on HeLa cells. Quantum mechanical calculations and dockings gave insights on the most probable conformation of the aryloxyalkyl bioisostere of To042 in solution and the target residues involved in the binding, respectively. Both approaches indicated the conformations that might be adopted in both the unbound and bound state of the ligand. Overall, N‐[(naphthalen‐1‐yl)methyl]‐4‐[(2,6‐dimethyl)phenoxy]butan‐2‐amine exhibits an interesting toxico‐pharmacological profile and deserves further investigation.
Facile Synthesis of ZnPc‐Polydopamine Co‐loaded Nanoparticles for Synergetic Photodynamic‐Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Qin Jinglei , Guo Lanying , Yang Tingyu , Wu Xi , Wang Zhi , Xie Fang , Peng Hongshang
Published: September 2021

A major obstacle to clinical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is tissue hypoxia in a solid tumor, which substantially reduces therapeutic efficacy by insufficient oxygen supply. To tackle this issue, herein, we reported a type of facilely prepared multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) for combined treatment of PDT and photothermal therapy (PTT). A novel dopamine‐modified epoxysilane (GSDA) was firstly synthesized from 3‐glycidoxypropyl(trimethoxy) silane and dopamine via ring‐opening reaction, which was subsequently incorporated into NPs along with zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) via a reprecipitation‐encapsulation method. Interestingly, polydopamine (PDA) was found to be automatically developed inside NPs by oxidative polymerization of dopamine monomers. Owing to strong‐light‐absorption PDA and ZnPc, the resultant biocompatible NPs exhibited high photothermal conversion efficiency (η=46.4%) and a decent singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ=0.28), respectively, under the irradiation of 808 nm and 660 nm light. Synergetic treatment was then performed on tumor cells using the multifunctional NPs, i. e., PDT followed by PTT, and enhanced phototherapeutic efficacy was achieved, particularly in the case of hypoxia. This work demonstrates that (i) the newly‐synthesized GSDA might function as a bi‐functional coupling agent for silica and PDA coating, and (ii) the simply‐prepared NPs are very promising for synergetic PDT/PTT of solid tumors.
Spark‐based parallel processing whale optimization algorithm
Authors: Alshayeji Mohammad , Behbehani Bader , Ahmad Imtiaz
Published: September 2021

Swarm intelligence meta‐heuristic optimization algorithms for optimizing engineering applications have become increasingly popular. The whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is a recent and effective swarm intelligence optimization algorithm that mimics humpback whales' behaviors when optimizing a problem. Applying the algorithm to achieve optimal solutions has shown good results compared to most meta‐heuristic optimization algorithms. However, complex applications might require the processing of large‐scale computations, which results in down‐scaling computational throughput of WOA. Apache Spark, a well‐known parallel data processing framework, is the most recent distributed computing framework and has been proven to be the most efficient. In this article, we propose a WOA implementation on top of Apache Spark, represented as SBWOA, to enhance its computational performance while providing higher scalability of the algorithm for handling more complex problems. Compared with the recently reported MapReduce WOA (MR‐WOA), and serial implementation of WOA, our approach achieves significant enhancements with respect to computational performance for the highest population size with the maximum number of iterations. SBWOA successfully handles higher‐complexity problems which require complex computations.
Adamantane Substitution Effects on Crystallization and Electrooptical Properties of Epindolidione and Quinacridone Dyes
Authors: Richtar Jan , Ciganek Martin , Prochazkova Anna Jancik , Kovalenko Alexander , Seelajaroen Hathaichanok , Kratochvíl Matouš , Weiter Martin , Yumusak Cigdem , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar , Lukeš Vladimir , Krajcovic Jozef
Published: September 2021

The synthesis, experimental and theoretical study of the novel air‐stable four adamantane‐bearing dyes based on the trans‐epindolidione (EPI) and trans‐quinacridone (QA) cores are presented. Compared to the parent EPI and QA, the methyl‐/ethyladamantyl substitution ensures that their structural stability in crystals is preserved due to the self‐organizing properties of adamantyl groups. The investigated materials are solution‐processable in common organic solvents and possess excellent thermal stability. The very good solubility was achieved by a one‐step short and easy synthesis, which resulted in moderate yields of a new family of synthesized dyes. The ethyladamantyl EPI derivative (3) exhibits a unique rise in thermal stability reaching 412 °C. The resulting electrochemical band gap carried out on thin‐film evaporated on ITO‐coated glass electrodes was in the range of 2.4–2.5 eV. The experimental HOMO energies range from −6.2 to −6.0 eV, and LUMO energies lay between −3.7 and −3.5 eV. The prepared compounds are characterized by strong fluorescence in solutions and in powder, suggesting a decrease in the extent of non‐radiative relaxation processes.
Thermochemiluminescence‐Based Sensitive Probes: Synthesis and Photophysical Characterization of Acridine‐Containing 1,2‐Dioxetanes Focusing on Fluorophore Push‐Pull Effects
Authors: Moroni Giada , Calabria Donato , Quintavalla Arianna , Lombardo Marco , Mirasoli Mara , Roda Aldo , Gioiello Antimo
Published: September 2021

N‐substituted acridine‐containing 1,2‐dioxetanes have been recently proposed as thermochemiluminescence (TCL) universal labels for bioanalytical applications. The TCL properties of these compounds markedly depend on the nature of substituents of the acridine ring. In the attempt to obtain new TCL probes with improved properties and stability, the push‐pull approach was adopted, in which both electron withdrawing and electron donating groups are present in the acridine moiety. The results have been useful to better understand the role of the different decorations at the acridine fluorophore in modulating the photophysical properties and the activation parameters of 1,2‐dioxetane labels. Moreover, the great versatility and innovation of these molecules make them extremely attractive for bioanalytical applications, in particular as labels for immune‐ and gene‐probe assays.
First‐Principles Molecular Dynamics Study of the Threshold Displacement Energy in LiFe5O8
Authors: Tan Shijie , Zhang Wei , Jiao Feng , Zhou Yongchuan , Yang Lu , Shi Wenwu , Wang Zhiguo
Published: September 2021

The threshold displacement energies (TDEs) of lattice atoms in lithium ferrite (LiFe5O8) are calculated using first‐principles molecular dynamics simulations. The TDEs vary with crystal direction and sublattice. The weighted average TDEs are 34.65, 28.54, 38.85, 37.92, and 34.31 eV for FeTetra, FeOct, Li, OI, and OII atoms in LiFe5O8, respectively. The FeOct primary knock‐on atom (PKA) has the smallest TDE. Various defects, including vacancies (, , , , and ), interstitials (IFe, ILi and IO), antisite defects (, and ), split interstitials (, , , and ), crowding defects (CrowFeFeFe) and exchange defects (OO), are formed by low‐energy recoil events. The effect of the presence of these defects on the magnetic behavior in LFO is investigated using density functional theory. The occupation of the octahedral and tetrahedral sublattice in LiFe5O8 has an important effect on magnetization. The net magnetization decreases or increases when a Fe atom at an octahedral or tetrahedral site is replaced by a nonmagnetic atom, respectively. These results are helpful for using irradiation to tune the magnetic behavior of LiFe5O8 and applying magnetic devices based on LiFe5O8 in the presence of irradiation.
Risk of dementia in APOE ε4 carriers is mitigated by a polygenic risk score
Authors: Ebenau Jarith L. , van der Lee Sven J. , Hulsman Marc , Tesi Niccolò , Jansen Iris E. , Verberk Inge M.W. , van Leeuwenstijn Mardou , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Barkhof Frederik , Prins Niels D. , Scheltens Philip , Holstege Henne , van Berckel Bart N.M. , van der Flier Wiesje M.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

We investigated relationships among genetic determinants of Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid/tau/neurodegenaration (ATN) biomarkers, and risk of dementia.

Methods

We studied cognitively normal individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort and SCIENCe project. We examined associations between genetic variants and ATN biomarkers, and evaluated their predictive value for incident dementia. A polygenic risk score (PRS) was calculated based on 39 genetic variants.
The APOE gene was not included in the PRS and was analyzed separately.

Results

The PRS and APOE ε4 were associated with amyloid‐positive ATN profiles, and APOE ε4 additionally with isolated increased tau (A–T+N–). A high PRS and APOE ε4 separately predicted AD dementia. Combined, a high PRS increased while a low PRS attenuated the risk associated with ε4 carriers.

Discussion

Genetic variants beyond APOE are clinically relevant and contribute to the pathophysiology of AD. In the future, a PRS might be used in individualized risk profiling.
Dementia with Lewy bodies research consortia: A global perspective from the ISTAART Lewy Body Dementias Professional Interest Area working group
Authors: D'Antonio Fabrizia , Kane Joseph P.M. , Ibañez Agustin , Lewis Simon J.G. , Camicioli Richard , Wang Huali , Yu Yueyi , Zhang Jing , Ji Yong , Borda Miguel Germán , Kandadai Rukmini Mridula , Babiloni Claudio , Bonanni Laura , Ikeda Manabu , Boeve Bradley F. , Leverenz James B. , Aarsland Dag ,   the ISTAART Lewy body dementias Consortia Working Group
Published: September 2021

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) research has seen a significant growth in international collaboration over the last three decades. However, researchers face a challenge in identifying large and diverse samples capable of powering longitudinal studies and clinical trials. The DLB research community has begun to focus efforts on supporting the development and harmonization of consortia, while also continuing to forge networks within which data and findings can be shared. This article describes the current state of DLB research collaborations on each continent. We discuss several established DLB cohorts, many of whom have adopted a common framework, and identify emerging collaborative initiatives that hold the potential to expand DLB networks and diversify research cohorts. Our findings identify geographical areas into which the global DLB networks should seek to expand, and we propose strategies, such as the creation of data‐sharing platforms and the harmonization of protocols, which may further potentiate international collaboration.
Psoriasis medications: The future
Authors: Russo Gerardo J. , Marushchak Olga , Lebwohl Mark G.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by dysregulation of keratinocytes and presenting as sharply demarcated, scaly, erythematous plaques and varying levels of systemic involvement.1‐3 The pathogenesis of the disease is multifactorial and includes immunologic, genetic, and environmental factors.3 Increased understanding of the involved immune‐mediated inflammatory pathways has led to the development of new targeted therapies.3 This review focuses on the safety and efficacy of novel topical, oral, and injectable therapeutic options for treatment of psoriasis.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to present safety and efficacy data on current and upcoming topical, oral, and biologic therapies for the treatment of psoriasis.

Methods: Review of randomized controlled trials on the efficacy and safety of current and upcoming topical, oral, and biologic therapies via an electronic literature search using PubMed, The Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and data presented at AAD VMX 2021.

Results: A total of 15 oral, topical or biologic therapies were included and the latest clinical trial safety and efficacy data was presented for the following therapies: tapinarof, roflumilast, tofacitinib, deucravacitinib, baricitinib, abrocitinib, bimekizumab, sonelokimab, secukinumab, risankizumab, guselkumab, ustekinumab, ixekizumab, tildrakizumab, and brodalumab.

Conclusion: There are many new and exciting topical, oral and biologic therapies for the treatment of psoriasis. With many novel biologics undergoing clinical trials, providers will have numerous options when deciding which therapy is best for each patient.
The neurobehavioral relationship between executive function and creativity during early childhood
Authors: Wang Jue , Sakata Chifumi , Moriguchi Yusuke
Published: September 2021

Increasing evidence from behavior and neuroimaging research indicates that executive function (EF) is related to creativity. However, most of these studies focused on adult and adolescent populations. The relationship between EF and creativity is unknown when EF undergoes rapid development during early childhood, due to the preschoolers’ marginal skills of expressing their ideas, orally or in writing. Using a nonverbal, open‐ended test, the present study examined whether creative thinking was related to cognitive flexibility in young children. Preschool children (N = 26) performed the Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS) and the Unusual Box Test (UBT), while their brain activation was recorded using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We did not find any significant correlation between children's cognitive flexibility and creative thinking. However, fNIRS analyses showed that children's brain activation in the lateral prefrontal regions was significantly greater during the test phases of the UBT. Additionally, children who strongly recruited their ventrolateral prefrontal regions during the post‐switch phases of the DCCS recruited the same regions while performing the UBT. Taken together, these findings suggest that children recruit their lateral prefrontal regions when expressing creative thinking, and that such creative thinking could be partially supported by cognitive flexibility in early childhood.
River connectivity and climate behind the long‐term evolution of tropical American floodplain lakes
Authors: Lopera‐Congote Laura , Salgado Jorge , Isabel Vélez María , Link Andrés , González‐Arango Catalina
Published: September 2021

This study presents the long‐term evolution of two floodplains lakes (San Juana and Barbacoas) of the Magdalena River in Colombia with varying degree of connectivity to the River and with different responses to climate events (i.e., extreme floods and droughts). Historical limnological changes were identified through a multiproxy‐based reconstruction including diatoms, sedimentation, and sediment geochemistry, while historical climatic changes were derived from the application of the Standardised Precipitation‐Evapotranspiration Index. The main gradients in climatic and limnological change were assessed via multivariate analysis and generalized additive models. The reconstruction of the more isolated San Juana Lake spanned the last c. 500 years. Between c. 1,620 and 1,750 CE, riverine‐flooded conditions prevailed as indicated by high detrital input, reductive conditions, and dominance of planktonic diatoms. Since the early 1800s, the riverine meander became disconnected, conveying into a marsh‐like environment rich in aerophil diatoms and organic matter. The current lake was then formed around the mid‐1960s with a diverse lake diatom flora including benthic and planktonic diatoms, and more oxygenated waters under a gradual increase in sedimentation and nutrients. The reconstruction for Barbacoas Lake, a waterbody directly connected to the Magdalena River, spanned the last 60 years and showed alternating riverine–wetland–lake conditions in response to varying ENSO conditions. Wet periods were dominated by planktonic and benthic diatoms, while aerophil diatom species prevailed during dry periods; during the two intense ENSO periods of 1987 and 1992, the lake almost desiccated and sedimentation rates spiked. A gradual increase in sedimentation rates post‐2000 suggests that other factors rather than climate are also influencing sediment deposition in the lake. We propose that hydrological connectivity to the Magdalena River is a main factor controlling lake long‐term responses to human pressures, where highly connected lakes respond more acutely to ENSO events while isolated lakes are more sensitive to local land‐use changes.
The effects of released pheasants on invertebrate populations in and around woodland release sites
Authors: Hall Andrew , Sage Rufus A. , Madden Joah R.
Published: September 2021

The release of gamebirds for recreational shooting exerts a series of effects on the ecosystems into which they are placed. Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) are omnivorous and eat invertebrates, especially when young or, if females, when breeding. Consequently, the release of large numbers of pheasants into woodland release pens may affect local invertebrate populations. Previous studies have reported mixed evidence. We conducted pitfall trapping at 13 sites (49 pens) in central England over 2 years (totaling 65 pen measures), comprising three surveys annually, immediately prior to releases in mid‐summer, 4 weeks later when most birds were still in the pens, and another 5 weeks later when most birds had dispersed. We compared traps inside and 25 m outside pens in the same wood. We considered release densities and whether the birds had prior experience of eating invertebrates. While accounting for overall seasonal declines in invertebrates trapped, we detected changes for total invertebrate biomass and total counts indicative of released pheasants causing local decreases inside pens, either directly by predation or indirectly by modifying vegetation. There were also relative decreases outside pens when the pheasants start to disperse, suggesting that the released pheasants may be affecting invertebrates in those nearby areas or that their earlier effects inside the pen, modifying vegetation or increasing invertebrate activity, increased the relative susceptibility of invertebrates there to trapping. However, these effects were not seen for specific invertebrate groups believed to be especially susceptible to pheasants. For slugs and detritivores, we detected small population increases inside pens. Across the study period, decreases for most measures were greater outside pens than inside them. We conclude that any effects pheasants have on invertebrate communities at release sites in woodlands are complex and that long‐term and taxon‐specific studies should be considered to understand the local net ecological effects of gamebird releases on invertebrates.
Estimating viral prevalence with data fusion for adaptive two‐phase pooled sampling
Authors: Hoegh Andrew , Peel Alison J. , Madden Wyatt , Ruiz Aravena Manuel , Morris Aaron , Washburne Alex , Plowright Raina K.
Published: September 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of efficient sampling strategies and statistical methods for monitoring infection prevalence, both in humans and in reservoir hosts. Pooled testing can be an efficient tool for learning pathogen prevalence in a population. Typically, pooled testing requires a second‐phase retesting procedure to identify infected individuals, but when the goal is solely to learn prevalence in a population, such as a reservoir host, there are more efficient methods for allocating the second‐phase samples.

To estimate pathogen prevalence in a population, this manuscript presents an approach for data fusion with two‐phased testing of pooled samples that allows more efficient estimation of prevalence with less samples than traditional methods. The first phase uses pooled samples to estimate the population prevalence and inform efficient strategies for the second phase. To combine information from both phases, we introduce a Bayesian data fusion procedure that combines pooled samples with individual samples for joint inferences about the population prevalence.

Data fusion procedures result in more efficient estimation of prevalence than traditional procedures that only use individual samples or a single phase of pooled sampling.

The manuscript presents guidance on implementing the first‐phase and second‐phase sampling plans using data fusion. Such methods can be used to assess the risk of pathogen spillover from reservoir hosts to humans, or to track pathogens such as SARS‐CoV‐2 in populations.
Quantifying patch‐specific seed dispersal and local population dynamics to estimate population spread of an endangered plant species
Authors: Zhu Jinlei , Hrušková Karolína , Pánková Hana , Münzbergová Zuzana
Published: September 2021

Aim

Habitat loss and fragmentation impose high extinction risk upon endangered plant species globally. For many endangered plant species, as the remnant habitats become smaller and more fragmented, it is vital to estimate the population spread rate of small patches in order to effectively manage and preserve them for potential future range expansion. However, population spread rate has rarely been quantified at the patch level to inform conservation strategies and management decisions. To close this gap, we quantify the patch‐specific seed dispersal and local population dynamics of Minuartia smejkalii, which is a critically endangered plant species endemic in the Czech Republic and is of urgent conservation concern.

Location

Želivka and Hrnčíře, Czechia.

Methods

We conducted demographic analyses using population projection matrices with long‐term demographic data and used an analytic mechanistic dispersal model to simulate seed dispersal. We then used information on local population dynamics and seed dispersal to estimate the population spread rate and compared the relative contributions of seed dispersal and population growth rate to the population spread rate.

Results

We found that although both seed dispersal and population growth rate in M. smejkalii were critically limited, the population spread rate depended more strongly on the maximal dispersal distance than on the population growth rate.

Main conclusions

We recommend conservationists to largely increase the dispersal distance of M. smejkalii. Generally, efforts made to increase seed dispersal ability could largely raise efficiency and effectiveness of conservation actions for critically endangered plant species.
Regioselective ortho‐Palladation of [2.2]Paracyclophane Scaffolds: Accessing Planar and Central Chiral N,C‐Palladacycles
Authors: Zippel Christoph , Bartholomeyzik Teresa , Friedmann Christian , Nieger Martin , Hassan Zahid , Bräse Stefan
Published: September 2021

In this report, we describe a series of cyclophanyl‐derived mono‐ and binuclear N,C‐palladacycles by regioselective ortho‐palladation of amine‐functionalized [2.2]paracyclophanes. Employing Pd(OAc)2 followed by LiCl and with the subsequent modular treatment of Ph3P, Cy3P, and (Ph2PCH2)2, this strategy allows to prepare stable cyclophanyl‐derived planar and central chiral N,C‐palladacycles in a highly selective manner. The regioselective ortho‐palladation mono‐ and bimetallic product formation was analyzed by detailed spectroscopic techniques, mass spectrometry and unambiguously confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis.
Effect of Different Calcination Temperatures on the High‐Temperature Properties of AlPO4‐Coated Modified Spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Material
Authors: Chang Long-Jiao , Cao Shi-Yuan , Luo Shao-Hua , Li Kun , Bi Xiao-Long , Wei An-Lu , Liu Jia-Nan
Published: September 2021

Herein, it is aimed to synthesize a LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 material with good cycle performance, high specific capacity, and excellent electrochemical performance by a high‐temperature solid‐state method and surface coating modification processes. To improve the cyclic performance of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 at elevated temperature (55 °C), the AlPO4 coating process conditions are studied. The effect of the calcination temperature on the performance of the AlPO4 coating is focused on. In the range of 3.5–5.1 V, the sample of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 coated with AlPO4 is calcined at 600 °C and capacity retention is 97.5% after 100 cycles at high temperature (55 °C). The results show that the preparation of AlPO4 coating under appropriate process conditions effectively prevents the corrosion of hydrogen fluoride (HF) on the electrode material in the electrolyte and improves the high‐temperature cycling performance of the material.
Statistical damage constitutive model based on self‐consistent Eshelby method for natural gas hydrate sediments
Authors: Wang Feifei , Wang Zizhen , Zhang Di , Wang Zhenqing
Published: September 2021

Natural gas hydrate (NGH) is widely distributed in marine sediments and continental permafrost, which is a promising energy resource. The sustainable and safe exploration and production of NGH requires fully understanding of its mechanical behaviors, which is still a challenge to our community. In this paper, a statistical damage constitutive model named SC‐SDCM is developed for NGH sediments. The NGH sediments are regarded as two phases: the matrix phase of solid mineral grains, pore fluid, and gas, and the inclusion phase of hydrate crystal. The effective elastic parameters of such two‐phase composite are estimated by self‐consistent method (SC) according to the equivalent inclusion principle of micromechanics. The mesoscopic element strength of the NGH sediments is described by the Weibull statistical distribution and the damage theory of composite materials. And then combined with the Drucker‐Prager failure criterion of microelement, the damage constitutive model of NGH sediments is established. The new SC‐SDCM is tested to be reliable and robust by triaxial experimental observations on artificial cores and naturally occurring samples under different confining pressures and hydrate saturations. The SC‐SDCM could properly describe the stiffness, peak strength, and strain softening properties of the NGH sediments. Moreover, the predictions of SC‐SDCM are closest to the experiment observations compared to several published constitutive models, especially for the near‐ and after‐damage stages with relatively high hydrate saturation.
Nonlinear modeling of hydroturbine dynamic characteristics using LSTM neural network with feedback
Authors: Chen Jinbao , Xiao Zhihuai , Liu Dong , Hu Xiao , Ren Gang , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2021

Nonlinear modeling of the hydroturbine is one of the current research hot spots. The existing nonlinear hydroturbine model lacks “memory capability,” which means that the output of the model is not related to the historical input and output; that is, the model is a description of the static characteristics of the hydroturbine. To address this issue, based on actual operation data, this paper proposes long short‐term memory artificial neural network (LSTMNN) with output feedback to realize real‐time dynamic modeling of hydroturbine. Firstly, the torque characteristic sample data are calculated from the actual operation data, and the operation data of the hydropower unit are converted into the discharge characteristic sample data through hydroturbine test data. Then, by training LSTM neural networks with different feedback orders, the optimal order is got, and at the same time, the superiority of replacing time lag with the output feedback is verified. On this basis, a feedback‐based hydroturbine LSTMNN model is obtained. Finally, the proposed modeling method is compared with standard back‐propagation neural network with output feedback (F‐BPNN), through which the effectiveness and applicability are verified. The results show that: (a) By introducing output feedback, the accuracy of nonlinear hydroturbine model can be increased and the proposed modeling method is better than F‐BPNN; (b) the hydroturbine LSTMNN model can not only describe the static characteristics, but also reflect the real‐time dynamic characteristics; (c) taking the actual operation data of hydroturbine as the sample data source, the proposed modeling method can replace the traditional modeling method and effectively improve the numerical simulation accuracy.
Exploring Diversity in Graduate and Professional School Applications
Authors: Holtzman Steven , Minott Tamara , Devasia Nimmi , Kirova Dessi , Klieger David
Published: September 2021

Gathering a diverse student body is important for institutions of higher education (IHEs) at the graduate/professional level. However, it is impossible to select a diverse student body from a homogenous group of candidates. Thus the aim of this study is to discover the extent to which diversity goals in admissions are precluded by the lack of diversity in the applicant pool. To explore this, the proportion of score reports sent to the 150 largest graduate/professional schools and sent for each major was compared, from each gender, race, and socioeconomic status (SES) grouping, to proportions from the overall applicant pool of graduate/professional students. Additionally, differences in the distance graduate/professional school applicants are willing to consider traveling by gender, race/ethnicity, and SES were investigated. Results show that differences exist in the gender, race, and SES distributions for score reports sent to different schools and for different majors as well as in the distance an applicant is willing to consider traveling for graduate/professional school. The patterns found for gender, racial, and socioeconomic diversity provide possibilities for researchers to work further together with graduate/professional schools to tackle the important challenge of increasing diversity in graduate/professional education.
Climate and wildfire adaptation of inland Northwest US forests
Authors: Hessburg Paul F , Charnley Susan , Gray Andrew N , Spies Thomas A , Peterson David W , Flitcroft Rebecca L , Wendel Kendra L , Halofsky Jessica E , White Eric M , Marshall John
Published: September 2021

After a century of intensive logging, federal forest management policies were developed in the 1990s to protect remaining large trees and old forests in the western US. Today, due to rapidly changing ecological conditions, new threats and uncertainties, and scientific advancements, some policy provisions are being re‐evaluated in interior Oregon and Washington. The case for re‐evaluation is clearest where small‐ to large‐sized, immature, fast‐growing, fire‐intolerant trees have filled in forests after both a long period of fire exclusion and the harvest of large, old trees. This infilling has created abundant fuel ladders that increase patch and landscape vulnerability to severe wildfires, which now threaten many forests. As climate change continues to alter fire regimes, we recommend that landscape‐level planning is needed to determine where fire‐tolerant and intolerant forest successional conditions are best retained on the landscape. Critical to our proposal are effective public engagement, collaboration, and tribal consultation.
Texture changes during chilled storage of wild and farmed blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) fed different diets
Authors: Castro Pedro Luis , Rincón Laura , Álvarez Blanca , Ginés Rafael
Published: September 2021

The impact of changes in dietary lipids and protein sources on texture was evaluated on farmed blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) throughout 14 days of ice storage and compared with wild fish. A commercial diet formulated with a high proportion of lipids, and two diets formulated with an important reduction of lipid levels by 60% and adding either plant protein sources (LL diet) or fishmeal (LL + diet) were supplied during growth until commercial size was attained. In the wild fish, the raw fillet hardness was significantly higher than in farmed fish during the entire ice‐storage period. In the farmed fish, an increase of muscle lipid accumulation and change of fiber density were responsible for the variations in texture in the raw fillet. The highest reduction was found in fish fed with diets LL+ and LL. The texture parameters studied on the cooked fillets showed no significant differences, neither attributable to the diets nor to the ice‐storage period.
Association between depressive symptoms and disability in older adults of 12 high Andean communities from Peru
Authors: Valenzuela‐Iglesias Mia F. , Ccama‐Leiva J. Lorena , Urrunaga‐Pastor Diego , Runzer‐Colmenares Fernando M. , Parodi José F.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Our objective was to evaluate the association between depressive symptoms and disability in older adults residing in 12 high Andean communities in Peru.

Material and Methods

We carried out a secondary data analysis of a cross‐sectional study that included older adults (60 years or older) from 12 high Andean communities in Peru from 2013 to 2019. Depressive symptoms were defined as a score of two or more in the abbreviated Geriatric Depression Scale, while disability was defined as a score of less than 95 in the Barthel index. We also included sociodemographic characteristics, medical and personal history, and functional and performance‐based tests. We used crude and adjusted Poisson regression models to evaluate the association of interest and estimated prevalence ratios (PR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

We included 442 older adults with a mean age of 73 ± 6.9 in the analysis; 63.1% (n = 279) were women, and 79.9% (n = 353) had no education or incomplete primary school. 50.9% (n = 225) of the participants had depressive symptoms, and 49.8% (n = 220) had disability. The adjusted Poisson regression model showed that depressive symptoms increased the probability of disability (adjusted PR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.34–2.08; p < 0.001) in older adults living at high altitude.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms was associated with a greater probability of disability in older adults living at high altitude. Longitudinal studies are needed for better understanding of this association in high altitude populations along with timely interventions to reduce the impact of both geriatric syndromes.
A simple permutation‐based test of intermodal correspondence
Authors: Weinstein Sarah M. , Vandekar Simon N. , Adebimpe Azeez , Tapera Tinashe M. , Robert‐Fitzgerald Timothy , Gur Ruben C. , Gur Raquel E. , Raznahan Armin , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Alexander‐Bloch Aaron F. , Shinohara Russell T.
Published: September 2021

Many key findings in neuroimaging studies involve similarities between brain maps, but statistical methods used to measure these findings have varied. Current state‐of‐the‐art methods involve comparing observed group‐level brain maps (after averaging intensities at each image location across multiple subjects) against spatial null models of these group‐level maps. However, these methods typically make strong and potentially unrealistic statistical assumptions, such as covariance stationarity. To address these issues, in this article we propose using subject‐level data and a classical permutation testing framework to test and assess similarities between brain maps. Our method is comparable to traditional permutation tests in that it involves randomly permuting subjects to generate a null distribution of intermodal correspondence statistics, which we compare to an observed statistic to estimate ap‐value. We apply and compare our method in simulated and real neuroimaging data from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort. We show that our method performs well for detecting relationships between modalities known to be strongly related (cortical thickness and sulcal depth), and it is conservative when an association would not be expected (cortical thickness and activation on then‐back working memory task). Notably, our method is the most flexible and reliable for localizing intermodal relationships within subregions of the brain and allows for generalizable statistical inference.
Long term care insurance with state‐dependent preferences
Authors: De Donder Philippe , Leroux Marie‐Louise
Published: September 2021

We study the demand for Long Term Care (LTC hereafter) insurance in a setting where agents have state‐dependent preferences over both a daily life consumption good and LTC expenditures. We assume that dependency creates a demand for LTC expenditures while decreasing the marginal utility of daily life consumption, for any given consumption level. Agents optimize over their consumption of both goods as well as over the amount of LTC insurance (LTCI). We first show that some agents optimally choose not to insure themselves, while no agent wishes to buy complete insurance, in accordance with the so‐called LTCI puzzle. At equilibrium, the transfer received from the insurer covers only a fraction of the LTC expenditures. The demand for LTCI need not increase with income when preferences are non state‐dependent or insurance is actuarially unfair. Also, preferences have to be state‐dependent with no insurance bought to rationalize the empirical observation of a higher marginal utility at equilibrium when autonomous. Finally, focusing on iso‐elastic preferences, we recover the empirical observation that health/LTC expenditures are not very sensitive to income, and we show that LTCI as a fraction of income should decrease with income and then become nil above a threshold.
FIGO good practice recommendations on the use of pessary for reducing the frequency and improving outcomes of preterm birth
Authors: Grobman William A. , Norman Jane , Jacobsson Bo ,   the FIGO Working Group for Preterm Birth
Published: September 2021

A pessary is a device made of synthetic material that is placed in the vagina and has been used for prevention of preterm birth. It has been suggested that a potential mechanism of the pessary is alteration of the cervico‐uterine angle to a more posterior position, which reduces cervical compression in women with a singleton pregnancy and a short cervical length. Pessaries should not be used in routine clinical care to reduce the frequency of preterm birth or to improve outcomes (e.g. neonatal outcomes) related to preterm birth. In women with a twin pregnancy—regardless of cervical length—pessaries should not be used in routine clinical care to reduce the frequency of preterm birth or to improve outcomes (e.g. neonatal outcomes) related to preterm birth. Presently there is no sufficient evidence suggesting that pessaries should be used as a standard treatment to prevent preterm birth; their use should be reserved for study populations.
FIGO good practice recommendations on the importance of registry data for monitoring rates and health systems performance in prevention and management of preterm birth
Authors: Frøen J. Frederik , Bianchi Ana , Moller Ann‐Beth , Jacobsson Bo ,   the FIGO Working Group for Preterm Birth
Published: September 2021

FIGO calls for strengthening of health information systems for reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health services, co‐designed with users, to ensure the timely accessibility of actionable high‐quality data for all stakeholders engaged in preventing and managing preterm birth consequences. FIGO calls for strengthening of investments and capacity for implementing digital registries and the continuity of reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health services in line with WHO recommendations, and strengthening of the science of implementation and use of registries—from local quality improvement to big data exploration.