bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining Team Communication and Mutual Support as Drivers of Work Performance among Team Members
Authors: Samuel Edosomwan Henry , Matthew Oguegbe Tochukwu
Published: April 2021

This study examined team communication and mutual support as drivers of work performance among team members in the organization. The cross-sectional research design was used and with standardized  instruments, data were collected from 133 participants from manufacturing organizations consisting of 63.9% males and 36.1% females whose age ranged from 21-54 years with a mean age of 31.71(SD, 8.7). Work performance was grouped into task performance, contextual performance and counterproductive work behaviour. The hypotheses were tested with the simple regression analysis. Data analysis revealed that team communication positively predicted task performance (β = .56, p < 0.01) and contextual performance (β = .55, p < 0.01) while it negatively predicted counterproductive work behaviour (β = -.21, p < 0.05). Also, mutual support positively predicted task performance (β = .80, p < 0.01) and contextual performance (β = .80, p < 0.01) while it negatively predicted counterproductive work behaviour (β = -.17, p < 0.05). The study recommends that management should encourage employees to work together and also educate them on these key behaviours (communication and mutual support) to help enhance employee performance in the organization.
Central registries: What are they? Part 1
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2021

For the first time in years — decades — light was shed on central registries last month. Central registries were created to prevent dual enrollment in opioid treatment programs (OTPs). States which had central registries at all, managed them or contracted them out. Central registries were born of the confidentiality rule, 42 CFR Part 2, making an exemption for sharing patient information so that patients would not go to more than one methadone program at a time. And for decades they went along doing their job (especially in New York state, where the central registry is ironclad in terms of protecting patient data).
Green Lithography for Delicate Materials
Authors: Grebenko Artem , Bubis Anton , Motovilov Konstantin , Dremov Viacheslav , Korostylev Evgeny , Kindiak Ivan , Fedorov Fedor S. , Luchkin Sergey , Zhuikova Yuliya , Trofimenko Aleksandr , Filkov Gleb , Sviridov Georgiy , Ivanov Andrey , Dull Jordan T. , Mozhchil Rais , Ionov Andrey , Varlamov Valery , Rand Barry P. , Podzorov Vitaly , Nasibulin Albert G.
Published: April 2021

A variety of unconventional materials, including biological nanostructures, organic and hybrid semiconductors, as well as monolayer, and other low‐dimensional systems, are actively explored. They are usually incompatible with standard lithographic techniques that use harsh organic solvents and other detrimental processing. Here, a new class of green and gentle lithographic resists, compatible with delicate materials and capable of both top‐down and bottom‐up fabrication routines is developed. To demonstrate the excellence of this approach, devices with sub‐micron features are fabricated on organic semiconductor crystals and individual animal's brain microtubules. Such structures are created for the first time, thanks to the genuinely water‐based lithography, which opens an avenue for the thorough research of unconventional delicate materials at the nanoscale.
Effect of Recombinant Human Perlecan Domain V Tethering Method on Protein Orientation and Blood Contacting Activity on Polyvinyl Chloride
Authors: Chandrasekar Keerthana , Farrugia Brooke L. , Johnson Lacey , Marks Denese , Irving David , Elgundi Zehra , Lau Kieran , Kim Ha Na , Rnjak‐Kovacina Jelena , Bilek Marcela M. , Whitelock John M. , Lord Megan S.
Published: April 2021

Surface modification of biomaterials is a promising approach to control biofunctionality while retaining the bulk biomaterial properties. Perlecan is the major proteoglycan in the vascular basement membrane that supports low levels of platelet adhesion but not activation. Thus, perlecan is a promising bioactive for blood‐contacting applications. This study furthers the mechanistic understanding of platelet interactions with perlecan by establishing that platelets utilize domains III and V of the core protein for adhesion. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is functionalized with recombinant human perlecan domain V (rDV) to explore the effect of the tethering method on proteoglycan orientation and bioactivity. Tethering of rDV to PVC is achieved via either physisorption or covalent attachment via plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) treatment. Both methods of rDV tethering reduce platelet adhesion and activation compared to the pristine PVC, however, the mechanisms are unique for each tethering method. Physisorption of rDV on PVC orientates the molecule to hinder access to the integrin‐binding region, which inhibits platelet adhesion. In contrast, PIII treatment orientates rDV to allow access to the integrin‐binding region, which is rendered antiadhesive to platelets via the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain. These effects demonstrate the potential of rDV biofunctionalization to modulate platelet interactions for blood contacting applications.
Microchannel and Nanofiber Array Morphology Enhanced Rapid Superspreading on Animals’ Corneas
Authors: Miao Weining , Zheng Shuang , Zhou Jiajia , Zhang Bo , Fang Ruochen , Hao Dezhao , Sun Li , Wang Dianyu , Zhu Zhongpeng , Jin Xu , Tian Ye , Jiang Lei
Published: April 2021

The dynamic spreading phenomenon of liquids is vital for both understanding wetting mechanisms and visual reaction time‐related applications. However, how to control and accelerate the spreading process is still an enormous challenge. Here, a unique microchannel and nanofiber array morphology enhanced rapid superspreading (RSS) effect on animals’ corneas with a superspreading time (ST) of 830 ms is found, and the respective roles of the nanofiber array and the microchannel in the RSS effect are explicitly demonstrated. Specifically, the superspreading is induced by in‐/out‐of‐plane nanocapillary forces among the nanofiber array; the microchannel is responsible for tremendously speeding up the superspreading process. Inspired by the RSS strategy, not only is an RSS surface fabricated with an ST of only 450 ms, which is, respectively, more than 26 and 1.8 times faster than conventional superamphiphilic surfaces and animal's corneas and can be applied as RSS surfaces on video monitors to record clear videos, but also it is demonstrated that the RSS effect has tremendous potential as advanced ophthalmic material surfaces to enhance its biocompatibility for clear vision.
Contactless Bio‐Electrofunctionalization of Planar Micropores
Authors: Ismail Abdulghani , Pham Pascale , Descamps Lucie , Maziz Ali , Descamps Emeline , Leïchlé Thierry , Marche Patrice N. , Livache Thierry , Raillon Camille , Roupioz Yoann , Mailley Pascal , Buhot Arnaud , Leroy Loïc , Bouchet‐Spinelli Aurélie
Published: April 2021

The localized functionalization of pores and channels of micrometric and sub‐micrometric sizes is a bottleneck in surface chemistry. A method for the regioselective chemical functionalization of planar pores is presented, that are, restrictions in microfluidic channels, here made of SiO2‐coated silicon. This strategy, based on bipolar electrochemistry, exploits the combined presence of the constriction and a localized deoxidation pattern within the pore that affects the electrical field distribution inside the microfluidic channel. It is not only shown that it is capable of regioselectively functionalizing a planar pore at relatively small potential difference applied across it, but also the possibility of positioning the functionalization area inside or at the edges of the pore depending on the design of the deoxidation pattern is proved. These results are in perfect correlation with the numerical simulations of electric field distribution in micropores carried out using the software Comsol Multiphysics. This functionalization technique is therefore very promising, particularly in the field of biosensors. A specific DNA hybridization test has been successfully carried out, which represents a first step toward bioanalytical and health applications.
Achieving Multifunctional Detection of Th4+ and UO22+ in the Post‐Synthetically Modified Metal–Organic Framework and Application of Functional MOF Membrane
Authors: Li Jin Xiao , Guan Qing Lin , You Zi Xin , Wang Yu , Shi Zhan , Xing Yong Heng , Bai Feng Ying , Sun Li Xian
Published: April 2021

The field of post‐synthesis modification has aroused widespread concern from diverse perspectives, including chemistry, biology, and material science. Post‐synthesis modification can introduce rich functionality into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) without destroying the main structure of MOFs. Based on this research status, a series of lanthanide metal–organic frameworks ([Ln2(NH2‐BDC)2.5(CH3COO)(DMA)(H2O)]•DMA, Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd and Tb, NH2‐BDC = 2‐aminoterephthalic acid, DMA = N,N‐Dimethylacetamide) with 3D network structures, are synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis. Due to the presence of uncoordinated amino groups in the ligands, a series of post‐synthesis modified compounds are successfully synthesized through aldimine condensation reaction. Based on the good fluorescence properties and stable structure of coordination polymers and post‐synthesis modified compounds in water or organic solvents, they are able to be used as potential fluorescence sensor for the detection of Th4+, UO22+, and Cr2O72−, and the calculation result shows that the post‐synthesis modified compounds are more sensitive to the detection of analytes (Th4+, UO22+ and Cr2O72−) than coordination polymers. In addition, the MOF membrane prepared by self‐assembly of [Eu2(NH2‐BDC)2.5(CH3COO)(DMA)(H2O)]•DMA and ternary soap‐free copolymer (VAc‐AA‐BA) emulsion can be used first for detecting aldehyde vapors.
The future of simulation‐based medical education: Adaptive simulation utilizing a deep multitask neural network
Authors: Ruberto Aaron J. , Rodenburg Dirk , Ross Kyle , Sarkar Pritam , Hungler Paul C. , Etemad Ali , Howes Daniel , Clarke Daniel , McLellan James , Wilson Daryl , Szulewski Adam
Published: April 2021

Background

In resuscitation medicine, effectively managing cognitive load in high‐stakes environments has important implications for education and expertise development. There exists the potential to tailor educational experiences to an individual's cognitive processes via real‐time physiologic measurement of cognitive load in simulation environments.

Objective

The goal of this research was to test a novel simulation platform that utilized artificial intelligence to deliver a medical simulation that was adaptable to a participant's measured cognitive load.

Methods

The research was conducted in 2019. Two board‐certified emergency physicians and two medical students participated in a 10‐minute pilot trial of a novel simulation platform. The system utilized artificial intelligence algorithms to measure cognitive load in real time via electrocardiography and galvanic skin response. In turn, modulation of simulation difficulty, determined by a participant's cognitive load, was facilitated through symptom severity changes of an augmented reality (AR) patient. A postsimulation survey assessed the participants’ experience.

Results

Participants completed a simulation that successfully measured cognitive load in real time through physiological signals. The simulation difficulty was adapted to the participant's cognitive load, which was reflected in changes in the AR patient's symptoms. Participants found the novel adaptive simulation platform to be valuable in supporting their learning.

Conclusion

Our research team created a simulation platform that adapts to a participant's cognitive load in real‐time. The ability to customize a medical simulation to a participant's cognitive state has potential implications for the development of expertise in resuscitation medicine.
Older Neighbors and The Neighborhood Context of Child Well‐Being: Pathways to Enhancing Social Capital for Children
Authors: Jespersen Brooke V. , Korbin Jill E. , Spilsbury James C.
Published: April 2021

Drawing on Coleman’s concept of social capital, researchers have investigated how the quality of neighborhood social networks influences child development and well‐being. The role of non‐kin older neighbors in advancing child well‐being through the enhancement of social capital, however, has been under‐studied. Our objective was to delineate specific pathways through which non‐kin older neighbors contribute to neighborhood quality for children and families and potentially advance child well‐being. We examined open‐ended interview data from 400 parents who cared for at least one child under 18 years of age and resided in 20 neighborhoods in Cleveland, Ohio. A subsample of 113 parents connected older neighbors to neighborhood quality for families and children in their narratives. Our analysis identified three primary pathways through which parents positively linked older neighbors to neighborhood quality: older neighbors support parents and children, promote neighborhood safety, and contribute to neighborhood residential stability. These contributions are evidence of intergenerational closure, reciprocated exchange, and informal social control working together to create social capital in neighborhoods for children. It is by enhancing social capital that older neighbors potentially improve child well‐being. We discuss the implications of our findings for neighborhood research and practice.
Heat resistant microporous membranes based on soluble poly(aryl ether ketone) copolymers for lithium ion battery separator
Authors: Huang Zhihui , Chen Jiamiao , Huo Yanping , Zhao Jingwei
Published: April 2021

To improve the safety and electrochemical properties of lithium ion batterie (LIB), a series of novel organic soluble poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) copolymers were synthesized and used to fabricate LIB separators. The PAEK copolymers exhibited superior structural thermal stability and flame retardant, with glass transition temperature (Tg) above 150°C, oxygen index above 30 and no thermal decomposition before 500°C. Accordingly, the fabricated separators exhibited superior dimensional stability. The mechanical properties and electrolyte uptakes of the separators, as well as the electrochemical properties of the cells assembled with the separators were affected by the morphology and porosity of the separators. The separators with sponge‐like structure exhibited less electrolyte uptakes but better mechanical properties than that of the ones with finger‐like structure. The cell with finger‐like structure separator exhibited poorer electrochemical properties than sponge‐like structure separator, which might be caused by the collapse of some finger hole during the assemble process due to its poor mechanical properties. The charge–discharge performances of the cells after treated at 150°C demonstrates that the PAEK separators could be promising candidates for high‐safety LIB.
Toward corporate sustainability through human resources development: Contributions from Brazilian companies
Authors: Belfort Aline Paiva Garcia , Mathias Maria Augusta Siqueira , Nunhes Thaís V. , Salgado Andréia Maria Pedro , Oliveira Otávio José
Published: April 2021

Many companies have already experienced the benefits sustainability may bring in terms of positive impacts on society, the environment, and its market value. Despite this, most of them do not know how Human Resource Development (HRD) could effectively promote employees' commitment to results and facilitate organizational change. The main objective of this paper is to propose guidelines for the development of human resources that contributes toward sustainability in organizations. The drivers of sustainability and HRD identified in the literature supported the analyses of 19 GRI G4 sustainability reports from Brazilian companies included in the BM&F Bovespa Corporate Sustainability Index (2016). The analyses allowed the characterization of the companies' sustainability and HRD initiatives, as well as the elaboration of ten HRD guidelines to foster corporate sustainability. This work contributes to the articulation on how the concepts of HRD and sustainability are related, promoting the discussion about the drivers of the HRD that can support managers in the journey toward sustainable development.
Marine Polysaccharides: Occurrence, Enzymatic Degradation and Utilization
Authors: Bäumgen Marcus , Dutschei Theresa , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: April 2021

Macroalgae species are fast growing and their polysaccharides are already used as food ingredient due to their properties as hydrocolloids or they have potential high value bioactivity. The degradation of these valuable polysaccharides to access the sugar components has remained mostly unexplored so far. One reason is the high structural complexity of algal polysaccharides, but also the need for suitable enzyme cocktails to obtain oligo‐ and monosaccharides. Among them, there are several rare sugars with high value. Recently, considerable progress was made in the discovery of highly specific carbohydrate‐active enzymes able to decompose complex marine carbohydrates such as carrageenan, laminarin, agar, porphyran and ulvan. This minireview summarizes these achievements and highlights potential applications of the now accessible abundant renewable resource of marine polysaccharides.
Thin‐Film Composite Forward‐Osmosis Membranes Reinforced on Woven Mesh and Nonwoven Backing Fabric Supports
Authors: Sheikhi Mohammad , Mirshekar Leila , Kamarehie Bahram , Ghaderpoori Mansour , Ramavandi Bahman , Amini Fahim , Fadaie Nasim , Sahebi Soleyman
Published: April 2021

Thin‐film composite (TFC) forward‐osmosis (FO) membranes were developed on different woven and nonwoven backing fabrics as support. Embedded backing fabrics have a significant effect on the membrane film sublayer by imparting porosity, membrane mechanical strength, and thickness. Woven and nonwoven backing fabric supports have been used for FO membranes cast on the commercial scale. There are also a few studies on the laboratory scale, but repeating them seems to be a challenge. The results herein show that TFC membranes with nonwoven incorporated substrates gain a higher water flux while keeping the specific reverse salt flux low.
Multiscale Analysis to Determine the Sensitive Zones for Temperature Sensor Location in Tubular Reactors
Authors: Moguel‐Castañeda Jazael G. , Hernandez‐Ayala Juan L. , Gomez‐Rodriguez Rafael , Bastidas‐Oyanedel Juan‐Rodrigo , Hernandez‐Martinez Eliseo
Published: April 2021

The sensitivity of benchmark tubular reactors subject to temperature and concentration of external perturbations was investigated. Two case studies were evaluated, a pseudo‐homogeneous axial dispersion dimensionless tubular reactor and a heterogeneous tubular reactor to produce maleic anhydride. For the dimensionless reactor model, the highest sensitivities in the reactor were located at the center and at the outlet for temperature and concentration disturbances, respectively, while for the heterogeneous reactor model the sensitivity does not undergo significant changes with feed disturbances. When variations in the most sensitive position occur, a cascade controller can be improved using multiple temperature sensors. The evaluation on weighting assignment of the temperature measurements for the cascade control scheme is also described.
Measured Growth Rates of Ibuprofen: Comparing Single Crystal and Bulk Suspensions Data
Authors: Nguyen Thai Thu Hien , Turner Thomas D. , Matinong Andrea M. E. , Marziano Ivan , Hammond Robert B. , Roberts Kevin J.
Published: April 2021

The design of industrial crystallization processes usually employs laboratory‐scale experimental data which must be correlated with the full‐scale process for effective technology transfer. In this context, the measured growth rates of single crystals of ibuprofen in stagnant ethanolic solutions are compared with data recorded for a population of crystals crystallized in an agitated 7‐mL reactor. The single crystal growth rates are found to be rather close to those determined in the agitated reactor, with both being also in good agreement with previously published data at the 750‐mL scale, suggesting that studies on single crystals can have utility for the purpose of crystallization process design and optimization.
Hydrophobic Metal−Organic Frameworks and Derived Composites for Microelectronics Applications
Authors: Thanasekaran Pounraj , Su Cing‐Huei , Liu Yen‐Hsiang , Lu Kuang‐Lieh
Published: April 2021

The extraordinary characteristic features of metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) make them applicable for use in a variety of fields but their conductivity in microelectronics over a wide relative humidity (RH) range has not been extensively explored. To achieve good performance, MOFs must be stable in water, i. e., under humid conditions. However, the design of ultrastable hydrophobic MOFs with high conductivity for use in microelectronics as conducting and dielectric materials remains a challenge. In this Review, we discuss applications of an emerging class of hydrophobic MOFs with respect to their use as active sensor coatings, tunable low‐κ dielectrics and conductivity, which provide high‐level roadmap for stimulating the next steps toward the development and implementation of hydrophobic MOFs for use in microelectronic devices. Several methodologies including the incorporation of long alkyl chain and fluorinated linkers, doping of redox‐active 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), the use of guest molecules, and conducting polymers or carbon materials in the pores or surface of MOFs have been utilized to produce hydrophobic MOFs. The contact angle of a water droplet and a coating can be used to evaluate the degree of hydrophobicity of the surface of a MOF. These unique advantages enable hydrophobic MOFs to be used as a highly versatile platform for exploring multifunctional porous materials. Classic representative examples of each category are discussed in terms of coordination structures, types of hydrophobic design, and potential microelectronic applications. Lastly, a summary and outlook as concluding remarks in this field are presented. We envision that future research in the area of hydrophobic MOFs promise to provide important breakthroughs in microelectronics applications.
„Circular Economy” – ein neues und zugleich altes Arbeitsgebiet der Reaktionstechnik
Authors: Freund Hannsjörg , Sauer Jörg , Wachsen Olaf
Published: April 2021

No abstract.
CRLF2 and IKZF1 abnormalities in Mexican children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and recurrent gene fusions: exploring surrogate markers of signaling pathways
Authors: Moreno Lorenzana Dafné , Juárez Velázquez María del Rocío , Reyes León Adriana , Martínez Anaya Daniel , Hernández Monterde Adrián , Salas Labadía Consuelo , Navarrete Meneses María del Pilar , Zapata Tarrés Marta , Juárez Villegas Luis , Jarquín Ramírez Berenice , Cárdenas Cardós Rocío , Herrera Almanza Martha , Paredes Aguilera Rogelio , Pérez Vera Patricia
Published: April 2021

The gene fusions BCR‐ABL1, TCF3‐PBX1, and ETV6‐RUNX1 are recurrent in B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) and are found with low frequency in coexistence with CRLF2 (cytokine receptor‐like factor 2) rearrangements and overexpression. There is limited information regarding the CRLF2 abnormalities and dominant‐negative IKZF1 isoforms associated with surrogate markers of Jak2, ABL, and Ras signaling pathways. To assess this, we evaluated 24 Mexican children with B‐ALL positive for recurrent gene fusions at diagnosis. We found CRLF2 rearrangements and/or overexpression, dominant‐negative IKZF1 isoforms, and surrogate phosphorylated markers of signaling pathways coexisting with recurrent gene fusions. All the BCR‐ABL1 patients expressed CRLF2 and were positive for pCrkl (ABL); most of them were also positive for pStat5 (Jak2/Stat5) and negative for pErk (Ras). TCF3‐PBX1 patients with CRLF2 abnormalities were positive for pStat5, most of them were also positive for pCrkl, and two patients were also positive for pErk. One patient with ETV6‐RUNX1 and intracellular CRLF2 protein expressed pCrkl. In some cases, the activated signaling pathways were reverted in vitro by specific inhibitors. We further analyzed a TCF3‐PBX1 patient at relapse, identifying a clone with the recurrent gene fusion, P2RY8‐CRLF2, rearrangement, and phosphorylation of the three surrogate markers that we studied. These results agree with the previous reports regarding resistance to treatment observed in patients with recurrent gene fusions and coexisting CRLF2 gene abnormalities. A marker phosphorylation signature was identified in BCR‐ABL1 and TCF3‐PBX1 patients. To obtain useful information for the assessment of treatment in B‐ALL patients with recurrent gene fusions, we suggest that they should be evaluated at diagnosis for CRLF2 gene abnormalities and dominant‐negative IKZF1 isoforms, in addition to the analyses of activation and inhibition of signaling pathways.
Cocooning against COVID‐19: The argument for vaccinating caregivers of patients with cancer
Authors: Woodfield Maresa C. , Pergam Steven A. , Shah Parth D.
Published: April 2021

Current national COVID‐19 vaccination guidelines and recommendations focus vaccine guidance on patients with cancer. In this COVID‐19 vaccination race, “cocoon vaccination” strategies, which include informal caregivers and household contacts as priority groups for SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination, could be an additional strategy used to protect patients with cancer who may have limited immune responses to current vaccinations. Medical systems specializing in cancer care should support education and vaccination campaigns which target informal caregivers and household contacts in addition to cancer patients.
Dual‐isotope isoscapes for predicting the scale of fish movements in lowland rivers
Authors: Winter Emily R. , Hindes Andrew M. , Lane Steve , Britton J. Robert
Published: April 2021

Assessments of patterns of animal movements are important for understanding their spatial ecology. Geostatistical models of stable isotope (SI) landscapes (isoscapes) provide a complementary tool to telemetry for assessing and predicting animal movements, but are rarely applied to riverine species. Often single‐isotope gradients in freshwater environments are insufficiently variable to provide high isoscape resolution at relatively fine spatial scales. This is potentially overcome using dual‐isotope assignment procedures, and thus, the aim here was to apply single (δ13C) and dual (δ13C and δ15N) isoscapes to assigning riverine fish to origin and predicting their movements. Using the River Bure, England, as the study system, the foraging locations of a small‐bodied lowland river fish (roach Rutilus rutilus) of low vagility were predicted using their SI data and those of a common prey item (amphipods). These foraging locations were then compared to their capture locations, with the distance between these being their predicted displacement distance. The results indicated significant enrichment of δ13C and δ15N with distance downstream in roach fin tissue and amphipods; roach bivariate isotopic niches were spatially variable, with no niche overlap between upstream and downstream river reaches. Furthermore, the dual‐isoscape assignment procedure resulted in the lowest predicted displacement distances for roach, therefore enhancing model performance. The dual‐isoscape approach was then applied to determining the predicted displacement distance of individual common bream Abramis brama, a larger, more vagile species, with these data then compared against the subsequent spatial extent of their movements recorded by acoustic telemetry. When using a high probability density threshold for isotope assignment, the predicted displacement distance of common bream was a significant predictor of the spatial extent of their subsequent movements recorded by acoustic telemetry, although it was less able to predict the direction of displacement. This first probabilistic assignment to origin for riverine species using a dual‐isotope isoscape technique demonstrated that where the required spatial resolution of animal movements in freshwater is moderately broad (5–10 km), dual‐isotope isoscapes can provide a reliable alternative or complementary method to telemetry.
Options for reducing uncertainty in impact classification for alien species
Authors: Clarke David A. , Palmer David J. , McGrannachan Chris , Burgess Treena I. , Chown Steven L. , Clarke Rohan H. , Kumschick Sabrina , Lach Lori , Liebhold Andrew M. , Roy Helen E. , Saunders Manu E. , Yeates David K. , Zalucki Myron P. , McGeoch Melodie A.
Published: April 2021

Impact assessment is an important and cost‐effective tool for assisting in the identification and prioritization of invasive alien species. With the number of alien and invasive alien species expected to increase, reliance on impact assessment tools for the identification of species that pose the greatest threats will continue to grow. Given the importance of such assessments for management and resource allocation, it is critical to understand the uncertainty involved and what effect this may have on the outcome. Using an uncertainty typology and insects as a model taxon, we identified and classified the causes and types of uncertainty when performing impact assessments on alien species. We assessed 100 alien insect species across two rounds of assessments with each species independently assessed by two assessors. Agreement between assessors was relatively low for all three impact classification components (mechanism, severity, and confidence) after the first round of assessments. For the second round, we revised guidelines and gave assessors access to each other’s assessments which improved agreement by between 20% and 30% for impact mechanism, severity, and confidence. Of the 12 potential reasons for assessment discrepancies identified a priori, 11 were found to occur. The most frequent causes (and types) of uncertainty (i.e., differences between assessment outcomes for the same species) were as follows: incomplete information searches (systematic error), unclear mechanism and/or extent of impact (subjective judgment due to a lack of knowledge), and limitations of the assessment framework (context dependence). In response to these findings, we identify actions that may reduce uncertainty in the impact assessment process, particularly for assessing speciose taxa with diverse life histories such as Insects. Evidence of environmental impact was available for most insect species, and (of the non‐random original subset of species assessed) 14 of those with evidence were identified as high impact species (with either major or massive impact). Although uncertainty in risk assessment, including impact assessments, can never be eliminated, identifying, and communicating its cause and variety is a first step toward its reduction and a more reliable assessment outcome, regardless of the taxa being assessed.
Decline of novel ecosystems used by endangered species: the case of piping plovers, least terns, and aggregate mines
Authors: Jorgensen Joel G. , Brenner Stephen J. , Greenwalt Lauren R. , Vrtiska Mark P.
Published: April 2021

Sand and gravel mining creates novel ecosystems along the Platte, Loup, and Elkhorn rivers in Nebraska, USA. Piping plovers and least terns are state and/or federally threatened and endangered species, respectively, that nest and raise young at these sites and their derivatives. Despite hosting relatively large numbers of piping plovers and least terns for decades, an important question that has largely gone unaddressed is whether the industry that has produced these novel ecosystems is stable and will continue to produce habitat consistently in the future. We evaluated how the number, size, and spatial distribution of different site types hosting different numbers of nesting plovers and terns have changed over time and how current trends in the number of different site types will affect future habitat using a multi‐state modeling approach. Overall area and total number of sites declined during the period 1993–2020. More important, one site type, traditional mines, are being replaced by another site type, modern mines, which host lower numbers of nests of both species. The difference between these two site types is primarily how waste sand is stored. Traditional mines store waste sand in spoil piles or plumes along the edge of a lake created by the mining process, forming relatively large expanses of nesting habitat used by both species. Modern mines store waste sand in limited quantities along the edge of the lake but also in piles away from the lake. Traditional mines also differ from modern mines in that they are routinely converted to housing developments with intermediate transition sites that host the largest number of nests for brief periods. Based on the previous 28 yr of decline, traditional mines and their productive derivatives are projected to continue to decline, thereby further reducing overall nesting habitat. Piping plovers and least terns are expected to nest in our study sites for the foreseeable future, but overall numbers are expected to be smaller than what has been observed in previous decades. Local declines in our study area will have local and regional implications for the recovery and management of these two species of conservation concern.
Diversity and niche differentiation of a mixed pine–oak forest in the Sierra Norte, Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Martin Meredith P. , Peters Charles M. , Asbjornsen Heidi , Ashton Mark S.
Published: April 2021

This study examined tree species diversity, distribution, and community differentiation patterns along an elevation gradient in pine–oak forest in the Sierra Norte mountains in Oaxaca, Mexico. Pine and oak are ecologically and economically valuable both locally and globally, but their dynamics are poorly understood in seasonally dry montane forests. This is a biome that is both widespread, with high human use and importance, and widely understudied. The community‐managed forest we studied contained high levels of tree diversity (32 total species), with especially high levels of oak (10 species) and pine (eight species) diversity compared to other pine–oak forests in Mexico. Tree communities in the study area demonstrated high levels of species turnover across sites, especially at mid and low elevations, as well as high levels of oak species coexistence within communities, with a mean of three oak species per 1000 m2. We identified three distinct tree vegetation types using multivariate ordination and cluster analyses and found that both tree distributions and community assemblages are primarily differentiated by elevation, but also by soil type, topography, and likely successional disturbance from historical land use. Oak communities in the study area followed patterns of phylogenetic overdispersion with species from different sections (red and white) co‐occurring more frequently than species from the same section, and demonstrated differences in reported reproductive phenology, with coexisting species alternately fruiting in rainy and dry seasons. This differentiation in both oak species' environmental associations and in fruiting phenology has important management and conservation implications as Mexico becomes more arid with climate change. This study also provided key information for local management as different forest types should have different silvicultural management regimes, as well as essential baseline data useful for a broader theoretical understanding of how closely related species coexist in communities.
Maduramicin induces cardiotoxicity via Rac1 signaling‐independent methuosis in H9c2 cells
Authors: Gao Xiuge , Ji Chunlei , Wang Junqi , Song Xinhao , Zuo Runan , Zhang Jingjing , Chen Xiaorong , Ji Hui , Peng Lin , Guo Dawei , Jiang Shanxiang
Published: April 2021

Maduramicin frequently induces severe cardiotoxicity in target and nontarget animals in clinic. Apoptotic and non‐apoptotic cell death mediate its cardiotoxicity; however, the underlying non‐apoptotic cell death induced by maduramicin remains unclear. In current study, a recently described non‐apoptotic cell death “methuosis” caused by maduramicin was defined in mammalian cells. Rat myocardial cell H9c2 was used as an in vitro model, showing excessively cytoplasmic vacuolization upon maduramicin (0.0625–5 μg/mL) exposure for 24 h. Maduramicin‐induced reversible cytoplasmic vacuolization of H9c2 cells in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. The vacuoles induced by maduramicin were phase lucent with single membrane and were not derived from the swelling of organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosome, and Golgi apparatus. Furthermore, maduramicin‐induced cytoplasmic vacuoles are generated from micropinocytosis, which was demonstrated by internalization of extracellular fluid‐phase marker Dextran‐Alexa Fluor 488 into H9c2 cells. Intriguingly, these cytoplasmic vacuoles acquired some characteristics of late endosomes and lysosomes rather than early endosomes and autophagosomes. Vacuolar H+‐ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1 efficiently prevented the generation of cytoplasmic vacuoles and decreased the cytotoxicity of H9c2 cells triggered by maduramicin. Mechanism studying indicated that maduramicin activated H‐Ras‐Rac1 signaling pathway at both mRNA and protein levels. However, the pharmacological inhibition and siRNA knockdown of Rac1 rescued maduramicin‐induced cytotoxicity of H9c2 cells but did not alleviate cytoplasmic vacuolization. Based on these findings, maduramicin induces methuosis in H9c2 cells via Rac‐1 signaling‐independent seriously cytoplasmic vacuolization.
Time Will Fly During Future Fun (But Drag Until Then)
Authors: Tonietto Gabriela N. , VanEpps Eric M. , Malkoc Selin A. , Maglio Sam J.
Published: April 2021

Consumers’ lives are filled with scheduled events—both positive and negative. The current research examines how the valence of future scheduled events colors consumers’ temporal judgments in relation to such events: the time until their onset, the time during the events, and the time until their offset. We propose that the lay theory espousing “time flies when you’re having fun” leads consumers to judge that positive (vs. negative) future events of equivalent objective distance and duration are farther away and shorter. Operating in tandem, these elements produce two novel phenomena: (a) The end of positive and negative events can feel similarly far from the present, and (b) The beginning and end of positive events can feel similarly far from the present, whereby, in some circumstances, the event’s duration is effectively eliminated in the mind’s eye. Four studies provide evidence for these predictions, informing future directions regarding prospective time perception.
Learning to Interpret Pediatric Vocal Fold Mobility: A Laryngeal Ultrasound Training Module
Authors: Alexander Nicole L. , Tran Brandon , Zhu Huirong , Ongkasuwan Julina
Published: April 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Vocal fold movement impairment (VFMI) in infants and children is most commonly evaluated by flexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL). FNL in this population can be challenging due to movement, floppy supraglottic structures, or secretions. Laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) may be an alternative, less invasive means of evaluating VFMI that also decreases aerosolization during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The primary objective was to examine LUS interpretation proficiency for VFMI via an educational module. A secondary outcome was to determine whether quantitative measurements increase interpretation accuracy.

Study Design

Prospective cohort trial.

Methods

Medical students, residents, fellows, faculty, and staff were recruited to complete the module, composed of a 13‐minute teaching video followed by 20 cases. Participants determined both qualitatively (subjective assessment) and then quantitatively (through protractor measurements of the vocal fold to arytenoid angle) whether there was normal versus impaired vocal fold mobility.

Results

Thirty participants completed the LUS training module, and about one‐third were otolaryngology residents. On average, each participant correctly identified 18 cases. The mean rank percent correct for quantitative measurements was significantly higher than that of qualitative interpretations (P < .0001). Measurements significantly caused participants to change their answer correctly compared to incorrectly (P < .0001). As the module progressed, there was no significant trend of more correct interpretations (P = .30). The sensitivity was higher for quantitative interpretations (89.0% vs. 87.3%) but specificity remained unchanged (92.6%).

Conclusion

Quantitative measurements may increase LUS interpretation accuracy. There was not a specific number of cases interpreted to achieve learning proficiency. LUS is an easily learned method to evaluate for VFMI across all training levels.

Level of Evidence

3 (local cohort study nonrandomized) Laryngoscope, 131:2545–2549, 2021
A unified algorithm for the selection of collocation stencils for convex, concave, and singular problems
Authors: Jacquemin Thibault , Bordas Stéphane P. A.
Published: April 2021

We introduce in this article a unified algorithm which allows the selection of collocation stencils, based on the visibility criterion, for convex, concave, and singular problems solved using a collocation method. The algorithm can be applied to any 2D or 3D problem. We show the importance of using a threshold angle, in conjunction with the visibility criterion, to assess of the inclusion of a node in the support of a collocation center. We also show how the algorithm can be used to assess the presence of a node in a defined domain. Such algorithm is particularly useful in the context of model refinement.
Fatigue crack propagation behavior of polyether ether ketone under biaxial loading
Authors: Meng Guolong , Hu Jiaqi , Liu Zhenduo , Gao Hong , Gao Lilan
Published: April 2021

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has become a promising material in total joint replacement. However, it still faces the risk of fatigue fracture during service. In this paper, the effects of biaxial stress ratio λ, cyclic stress ratio R, and load phase difference θ on fatigue crack propagation (FCG) behavior of PEEK are investigated. In the case of vertical cracks, results show that the FCG rate of PEEK increases with the R value, while decreases with the increase of λ value. Furthermore, the effective stress intensity factor range ΔKeff can uniformly describe the biaxial FCG behavior at different cyclic stress ratios. In the case of 45° slant cracks, compared with mode‐I intensity factor range ΔKI, the energy release rate range ΔG is more accurate for describing the FCG behavior under various load phase differences. In addition, the investigation on the 45° crack propagation path shows that a bifurcated Y‐shaped crack appears under 180° load phase difference, while no bifurcated crack appears under 90° load phase difference and uniaxial loading. Three different methods are used to predict the crack propagation path. The comparison results show that the maximum circumferential stress (MTS) criterion can well predict the crack propagation path under out‐of‐phase biaxial loading and uniaxial loading.
The effects of using an ionic liquid as a solvent for a reaction that proceeds through a phenonium ion
Authors: Gilbert Alyssa , Haines Ronald S. , Harper Jason B.
Published: April 2021

A unimolecular reaction that proceeds predominantly through a phenonium ion intermediate was investigated in mixtures of an ionic liquid and methanol. Varying the proportion of the ionic liquid in the reaction mixture led to an increase in the rate constant compared with methanol when very small amounts of ionic liquid were present in the reaction mixture and a decrease when higher proportions of the salt were present. Activation parameters determined for the process showed that the effect of changing the solvent composition on the rate constant was due to a key interaction between the ionic liquid and the transition state of the process, similar to other unimolecular processes. Analysis of the stereochemistry of the products demonstrated that the ionic liquid had no effect on either the ratio of the stereochemistry of the substitution products, or the ratio of the substitution and eliminations mechanisms occurring in solution.
Composite Color Converters Based on Tb3Al5O12:Ce Single‐Crystalline Films and Y3Al5O12:Ce Crystal Substrates
Authors: Markovskyi Anton , Gorbenko Vitalii , Zorenko Tetiana , Nizhankovskiy Sergey , Fedorov Aleksander , Zorenko Yuriy
Published: April 2021

The development of a novel composite phosphor converter based on single‐crystalline films of Tb3Al5O12:Ce garnet and Y3Al5O12:Ce single‐crystal substrate is reported. The liquid phase epitaxy growth method is chosen for the fabrication of the Tb3Al5O12:Ce/Y3Al5O12:Ce epitaxial structures with excellent photoconversion properties for application in white light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). The influence of Ce3+ concentration and thickness of Y3Al5O12:Ce substrate as well as the thickness of Tb3Al5O12:Ce films on the photoconversion properties is investigated for the construction of warm white LEDs prototypes based on the developed composite phosphor converters.
Adaptive event based predictive lateral following control for unmanned ground vehicle system
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Hongming , Wang Zhuping , Huang Chao , Li Yan
Published: April 2021

In this article, the lateral path following problem of unmanned ground vehicle with bounded disturbances is studied. A dual‐mode model predictive control (MPC) algorithm based on adaptive event triggered mechanism is proposed. Compared with the existing MPC algorithm, adaptive event triggered model predictive control (AEMPC) can ensure the tracking accuracy and reduce the optimization computation. Feasibility and stability of AEMPC algorithm are guaranteed by constraint region parameter design. Finally, simulation results of the vehicle dynamics model are given, and the comparisons are made.
Labor‐saving technologies in Manantali, Mali
Authors: Koenig Dolores
Published: April 2021

Facing enduring labor shortages, West Africans have long adopted labor‐saving technologies. Using data from a study of 108 households in 2016–18 in Manantali, Mali, this article looks at the availability, adoption, uses, and outcomes of common labor‐saving technologies in agriculture, domestic provision, transport, and telecommunications. People were attracted by technologies that they deemed useful. Locally available and relatively inexpensive technologies were more readily adopted than more expensive devices that required sophisticated management. The adoption of labor‐saving devices in one sphere of activity often had spillover effects into others. For example, the use of labor‐saving devices in food preparation allowed women to spend more time in agriculture. In turn, greater production gave women more produce to sell and more income to address personal and collective needs. The adoption of labor‐saving devices led to only incremental changes in global and local hierarchies, in part because people adopted many technologies so that they could maintain aspects of their life in changing circumstances. Although industrially produced goods mostly came from outside Mali, many locals learned to repair imported technologies, and some spare parts were locally made. As women demonstrated their ability to use greater resources to make village‐wide contributions, local hierarchies of gender have been attenuated.