bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced culturing of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells on surface modified polystyrene Petri dishes fabricated by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system
Authors: Lim Hyuna , Park Yoonsoo , Jang Sujeong , Park Heonyong , Cho Yong Ki , Jung Donggeun
Published: July 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have received considerable attention as therapeutic cells for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, because of their ability to replace damaged cells or regenerate surrounding cells. There are many technical difficulties in the mass production of high‐quality stem cells because the stem cells must maintain an efficient proliferative cell state during in vitro culture. The results of this study show that plasma surface‐modification enhanced significantly the culture of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) on the polystyrene (PS) Petri dishes. Ar, O2, pyrrole, and 4,7,10‐trioxa‐1,13‐tridecanediamine (TTDDA) were used as the gas and/or precursors for plasma modification. Specifically, surfaces of PS Petri dishes, coated with plasma polymerized pyrrole (ppPy) and plasma polymerized TTDDA (ppTTDDA) were found to contain amine and carboxyl functional groups, respectively. Ar and O2 plasma‐treated PS Petri dishes have similar culture abilities (±1.2 times) to commercially available tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) dishes, and PS Petri dishes coated with ppPy and ppTTDDA have significantly enhanced culture abilities (2.4 times) at 96 hr compared with TCPS dishes. Western blotting was performed using antibodies against stem cell marker proteins to confirm the stemness properties of stem cells, in the sense that the expressions of the antibody proteins such as CD44, CD73, and CD105 in plasma modified samples were similar to or higher than those in TCPS dishes.
Pyrrole/thiophene π‐bridged two triphenylamine electron donor and substituted thiobarbituric electron acceptor for D‐π‐A‐D‐featured DSSC applications
Authors: Mersal Gaber A. M. , Toghan Arafat , Yahia Ibrahim S. , El‐Sheshtawy Hamdy S.
Published: July 2021

We designed a series of organic dyes based on two triphenylamine units (electron donors), pyrrole/thiophene (π‐bridge) and N‐substituted alkyl thiobarbituric acid (electron acceptors) to construct the D‐π‐A‐D photosensitizer systems. The electronic structures and photophysical properties of the sensitizers were investigated by density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT). The potential use of the dyes as photosensitizers in DSSCs was explored by calculating the light harvesting efficiency (LHE), electrons driving force injection (ΔGinject), the open‐circuit photovoltage (VOC), and surface interaction with semiconductor (TiO2). From alkyl‐substituted sensitizers, N‐ethyl derivatives TPAA3 and TPAB3 performance for ΔGinject (−1.69 and −1.65 eV) and VOC (1.43, and 1.11 eV) was superior to the other dyes. In addition, the anchoring ability of the N‐substituted alkyl derivatives was higher than the cyanoacrylic dyes.
COVID‐19 partial school closures and mental health problems: A cross‐sectional survey of 11,000 adolescents to determine those most at risk
Authors: Mansfield Karen L. , Newby Danielle , Soneson Emma , Vaci Nemanja , Jindra Christoph , Geulayov Galit , Gallacher John , Fazel Mina
Published: July 2021

Background

Understanding adolescents' mental health during lockdown and identifying those most at risk is an urgent public health challenge. This study surveyed school pupils across Southern England during the first COVID‐19 school lockdown to investigate situational factors associated with mental health difficulties and how they relate to pupils' access to in‐school educational provision.

Methods

A total of 11,765 pupils in years 8–13 completed a survey in June–July 2020, including questions on mental health, risk indicators and access to school provision. Pupils at home were compared to those accessing in‐school provision on risk and contextual factors and mental health outcomes. Multilevel logistic regression analyses compared the effect of eight risk and contextual factors, including access to in‐school provision, on depression, anxiety and self‐reported deterioration in mental wellbeing.

Results

Females, pupils who had experienced food poverty and those who had previously accessed mental health support were at greatest risk of depression, anxiety and a deterioration in wellbeing. Pupils whose parents were going out to work and those preparing for national examinations in the subsequent school year were also at increased risk. Pupils accessing in‐school provision had poorer mental health, but this was accounted for by the background risk and contextual factors assessed, in line with the allocation of in‐school places to more vulnerable pupils.

Conclusions

Although the strongest associations with poor mental health during school closures were established risk factors, further contextual factors of particular relevance during lockdown had negative impacts on wellbeing. Identifying those pupils at greatest risk for poor outcomes is critical for ensuring that appropriate educational and social support can be given to pupils either at home or in‐school during subsequent lockdowns.
Naturally‐occurring dietary salicylates in the genesis of functional gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Pilot study
Authors: Tuck Caroline J , Malakar Sreepurna , Barrett Jacqueline S , Muir Jane G , Gibson Peter R
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim

An elimination‐rechallenge dietary approach targeting naturally‐occurring bioactive chemicals has been proposed to alleviate functional gastrointestinal symptoms. A major focus of this approach is salicylates. This study aimed to address the potential role of dietary salicylates in the induction of symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods

A pilot, double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over trial of 2‐week low‐ versus high‐salicylate diets (6.6 and 27.9 g/day salicylate, respectively) was undertaken. All foods were provided containing minimal quantities of other potential food triggers. Gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms were measured daily using a 100‐mm visual‐analogue‐scale.

Results

Ten participants with IBS completed the study, including one with known aspirin‐sensitivity. Overall, no differences in symptoms were observed (P = 0.625; Friedman test). However, clear symptom provocation was seen in the aspirin‐sensitive participant, with all abdominal symptoms and tiredness worsening during the high‐salicylate diet. A similar trend was seen in another participant, where abdominal symptoms gradually worsened during the high‐salicylate diet.

Conclusions

These results provide some evidence that food‐related salicylates may influence the genesis of symptoms in a subset of patients with IBS. A larger cohort is needed to determine the incidence of salicylate‐sensitivity and further evaluate the diet as a potential therapeutic target.

The protocol was registered at www.anzctr.org.au (ACTRN12620001250921).
Genetic variants of APEX1 p.Asp148Glu and XRCC1 p.Gln399Arg with the susceptibility of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Saad Ahmad M. , Abdel‐Megied Ahmed E. S. , Elbaz Rizk A. , Hassab El‐Nabi Sobhy E. , Elshazli Rami M.
Published: July 2021

The DNA repair genes have a crucial function in the base excision repair (BER) mechanism among different cancerous disorders, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The foremost objective of this study is to explore the association of genetic variants of the APEX1 p.Asp148Glu and the XRCC1 p.Gln399Arg with the susceptibility of HCC and to identify the computational bioinformatics frameworks of these missense variants. A total of 250 participants were enrolled in this study, including 150 HCC patients and 100 cancer‐free controls. The genomic DNA was characterized and genotyped by applying the PCR‐CTPP method. The frequency of the APEX1 (rs1130409*Glu) allele was statistically significant with increased risk of HCC (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.12–2.45), while the XRCC1 (rs25487*Gln) allele conferred a protection against the progression of HCC (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.42–0.96). Furthermore, HCC patients carrying the APEX1 p.Asp148Glu and the XRCC1 p.Gln399Arg variants indicated no significant difference with the clinical, and laboratory parameters (p > .05). Our findings confirmed that the APEX1 p.Asp148Glu variant was associated with increased risk of HCC, while the XRCC1 p.Gln399Arg variant revealed protection against the development of HCC.
Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria with different muscle assessments including muscle ultrasound with hospitalized internal medicine patients
Authors: Ozturk Yelda , Deniz Olgun , Coteli Suheyla , Unsal Pelin , Dikmeer Ayse , Burkuk Suna , Koca Meltem , Cavusoglu Cagatay , Dogu Burcu Balam , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Halil Meltem
Published: July 2021

Background

The aim of this study is to identify cutoff values for muscle ultrasound (US) to be used in Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, and to define the effect of reduced muscle mass assessment on malnutrition prevalence at hospital admission.

Methods

A total of 118 inpatients were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Six different muscles were evaluated by US. Following defining thresholds for muscle US to predict low muscle mass measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, malnutrition was diagnosed by GLIM criteria with seven approaches, including calf circumference, mid‐upper arm circumference (MAC), handgrip strength (HGS), skeletal muscle index (SMI), rectus femoris (RF) muscle thickness, and cross‐sectional area (CSA) in addition to without using the reduced muscle mass criterion.

Results

The median age of patients was 64 (18–93) years, 55.9% were female. RF muscle thickness had moderate positive correlations with both HGS (r = 0.572) and SMI (r = 0.405). RF CSA had moderate correlation with HGS (r = 0.567) and low correlation with SMI (r = 0.389). The cutoff thresholds were 11.3 mm (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.835) and 17 mm (AUC = 0.737) for RF muscle thickness and 4 cm² (AUC = 0.937) and 7.2 cm² (AUC = 0.755) for RF CSA in females and males, respectively. Without using the reduced muscle mass criterion, malnutrition prevalence was 46.6%; otherwise, it ranged from 47.5% (using MAC) to 65.2% (using HGS).

Conclusions

Muscle US may be used in GLIM criteria. However, muscle US needs a standard measurement technique and specific cutoff values in future studies.
Development of a gas‐phase Raman instrument using a hollow core anti‐resonant tubular fibre
Authors: Brooks William S.M. , Partridge Matthew , Davidson Ian A.K. , Warren Charles , Rushton George , Large Joseph , Wharton Michael , Storey Jonathan , Wheeler Natalie V. , Foster Michael J.
Published: July 2021

Versatile and flexible gas analysis for compositional identification and quantification is a demand found in a variety of diverse sectors. As such, a compact, deployable instrument exhibiting both high specificity and sensitivity is a highly attractive proposition for a wide range of applications. In this paper, we describe a gas phase Raman spectroscopy‐based device using state‐of‐the‐art anti‐resonant (tubular) hollow core micro‐structured optical fibre (HC‐MOF). This fibre architecture allows the use of lengths that are typically longer than have been demonstrated previously, allowing substantially enhanced interaction lengths between the pump laser and the gas sample to be achieved, addressing the sensitivity challenges typically observed in gas‐phase Raman measurements and enabling application for remote sensing in hazardous environments. We describe the successful development of a compact, fibre‐integrated instrument and present results obtained during a test campaign at an industrial laboratory; marking a milestone in gas‐phase Raman spectroscopy. The unique properties of the MOF used allowed a 20‐m length to be utilised, representing a new record length for gas phase Raman measurements. The identification and quantification of a variety of gas species, ranging from simple homonuclear diatomic gases to heteronuclear organic gas species were achieved, and, building on previous studies, the instruments stability, gas concentration linearity response, and the hollow core fibre filling and purging characteristics were investigated.
Impact of Face Masks on Speech Acoustics and Vocal Effort in Healthcare Professionals
Authors: McKenna Victoria S. , Kendall Courtney L. , Patel Tulsi H. , Howell Rebecca J. , Gustin Renee L.
Published: July 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

We investigated speech acoustics and self‐reported vocal symptoms in mask‐wearing healthcare professionals. We hypothesized that there would be an attenuation of spectral energies and increase in vocal effort during masked speech compared to unmasked speech.

Study Design

Within and between subject quasi‐experimental design.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 21 healthcare providers (13 cisgender female, 8 cisgender male; M = 32.9 years; SD = 7.9 years) and assessed acoustics and perceptual measures with and without a face mask in place. Measurements included: 1) acoustic Vowel Articulation Index (VAI); 2) cepstral and spectral acoustic measures; 3) traditional vocal measures (e.g., fundamental frequency, intensity); 4) relative fundamental frequency (RFF); and 5) self‐reported ratings of vocal effort and dyspnea.

Results

During masked speech, there was a significant reduction in VAI, high‐frequency information (>4 kHz), and RFF offset 10, as well as a significant increase in cepstral peak prominence and perceived vocal effort. Further analysis showed that high‐frequency attenuation was more pronounced when wearing an N95 mask compared to a simple mask.

Conclusions

Face masks pose an additional barrier to effective communication that primarily impacts spectral characteristics, vowel space measures, and vocal effort. Future work should evaluate how long‐term mask use impacts vocal health and may contribute to vocal problems.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:391–397, 2022
The immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin‐type drugs towards inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
Authors: Efferth Thomas , Oesch Franz
Published: July 2021

The sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. is well established for malaria therapy, but its bioactivity spectrum is much broader. In this review, we give a comprehensive and timely overview of the literature regarding the immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin‐type compounds toward inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Numerous receptor‐coupled signaling pathways are inhibited by artemisinins, including the receptors for interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), β3‐integrin, or RANKL, toll‐like receptors and growth factor receptors. Among the receptor‐coupled signal transducers are extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase (PI3K), AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK), phospholipase C γ1 (PLCγ), and others. All these receptors and signal transduction molecules are known to contribute to the inhibition of the transcription factor nuclear factor κ B (NF‐κB). Artemisinins may inhibit NF‐κB by silencing these upstream pathways and/or by direct binding to NF‐κB. Numerous NF‐κB‐regulated downstream genes are downregulated by artemisinin and its derivatives, for example, cytokines, chemokines, and immune receptors, which regulate immune cell differentiation, apoptosis genes, proliferation‐regulating genes, signal transducers, and genes involved in antioxidant stress response. In addition to the prominent role of NF‐κB, other transcription factors are also inhibited by artemisinins (mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR], activating protein 1 [AP1]/FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homologue [FOS]/JUN oncogenic transcription factor [JUN]), hypoxia‐induced factor 1α (HIF‐1α), nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NF‐ATC1), Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT), NF E2‐related factor‐2 (NRF‐2), retinoic‐acid‐receptor‐related orphan nuclear receptor γ (ROR‐γt), and forkhead box P‐3 (FOXP‐3). Many in vivo experiments in disease‐relevant animal models demonstrate therapeutic efficacy of artemisinin‐type drugs against rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus erythematosus, arthrosis, and gout), lung diseases (asthma, acute lung injury, and pulmonary fibrosis), neurological diseases (autoimmune encephalitis, Alzheimer's disease, and myasthenia gravis), skin diseases (dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis), inflammatory bowel disease, and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Randomized clinical trials should be conducted in the future to translate the plethora of preclinical results into clinical practice.
An Epigenetic Signature is Associated with Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D in Colorectal Cancer Tumors
Authors: Boughanem Hatim , Izquierdo Andrea G. , Hernández‐Alonso Pablo , Arranz‐Salas Isabel , Casanueva Felipe F. , Tinahones Francisco J. , Crujeiras Ana B. , Macias‐Gonzalez Manuel
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Vitamin D has been widely associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) through different insights. This study aims to explore the association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and the global DNA methylation in tumor from CRC patients.

Methods and Results

A genome‐wide DNA methylation analysis is conducted in 20 CRC patients under categorical (10 patients have 25(OH)D <30 ng mL−1; 10 patients with 25(OH)D ≥30 ng mL−1) and continuous models of 25(OH)D. A total of 95 differentially methylated CpGs (DMCpGs) are detected under the categorical model (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05), while 16 DMCpGs are found under the continuous model. Regional analysis showed eight vitamin D‐associated differentially methylated regions (DMR). Between them, a DMR is the most significant at cAMP‐Dependent Protein Kinase Inhibitor Alpha (PKIA) locus. Furthermore, seven genes, including PKIA gene, have more or equal than two significant DMCpGs. The protein networking analysis found pathways implicated in cell adhesion and extracellular matrix, as well as signaling transduction.

Conclusions

This study identifies novel epigenetic loci associated with serum 25(OH)D status. Interestingly, also, a positive association between vitamin D and DNA methylation in the CRC context is found, suggesting a role in CRC. Further studies are warranted to clarify and replicate these results.
Maternal Exposure to Oxidized Soybean Oil Impairs Placental Development by Modulating Nutrient Transporters in a Rat Model
Authors: Wang Chuanqi , Liu Yang , Wang Huiting , Gao Feng , Guan Xin , Shi Baoming
Published: July 2021

Introduction

As an exogenous food contaminant, dietary oxidized lipid impairs growth and development, and triggers chronic diseases in humans or animals. This study explores the effects of soybean oil with different oxidative degree on the placental injury of gestational rats.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐two female adult rats are randomly assigned to four groups. The control group is fed the purified diet with fresh soybean oil (FSO), and the treatment groups are fed purified diets with lipid content replaced by oxidized soybean oil (OSO) at 200, 400, and 800 mEqO2kg−1from conception until delivery. On day 20 of gestation, OSO decreased placental and embryonic weights as the oxidative degree increased linearly and quadratically. The expression of Bax showed a linear increase, and Bcl‐2 decreased as the oxidative degree increased. The expression of Fosl1 and Esx1 is linearly and quadratically decreased in OSO‐treated groups than FSO group. OSO decreased the level of IL‐10 but increased expression of IL‐1β in placenta and plasma. OSO remarkably upregulates levels of Fatp1 and Glut1 and decreases expression of Snat2 and Glut3.

Conclusion

OSO aggravates placental injury by modulating nutrient transporters and apoptosis‐related genes, impedes placental growth and development, and ultimately leads to the decrease of fetal weight.
Altered Adiponectin Response in Older Women Following Dextrose and High‐Fat Dietary Challenges
Authors: Herpich Catrin , Kochlik Bastian , Haß Ulrike , Weber Daniela , Grune Tilman , Norman Kristina
Published: July 2021

Scope

Despite its beneficial properties, higher adiponectin concentrations are paradoxically associated with mortality in advanced age. Several mechanisms are being discussed. However, little is known about postprandial regulation of adiponectin in older adults. We assessed age‐specific differences of the adiponectin response to different test meals considering potential determinants.

Methods and Results

Older (n = 20) and younger (n = 22) women are randomized to a dextrose (DEX) or high‐fat (HF) dietary challenge. Postprandial adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) concentrations are measured before and 60, 120, 240 min after ingestion. We assessed postprandial changes and group differences using linear mixed models controlled for possible determinants. In younger women, postprandial adiponectin remains stable after both test meals. In contrast, adiponectin increases following DEX and decreases after HF in older women, irrespective of control variables. Postprandial adiponectin is positively associated with malondialdehyde and inversely associated with interleukin‐6 following DEX and also negatively associated with metabolic parameters after both test meals. In older women, elevated postprandial FGF21 concentrations are associated with a higher adiponectin response (β = 30.7, 95% CI 10.6–50.8,p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Adiponectin response is associated with type of dietary challenge, age, and FGF21 response. Age‐group differences are partly attributable to metabolic parameters and oxidative stress.
A new 2D‐3D registration gold‐standard dataset for the hip joint based on uncertainty modeling
Authors: D'Isidoro Fabio , Chênes Christophe , Ferguson Stephen J. , Schmid Jérôme
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Estimation of the accuracy of 2D‐3D registration is paramount for a correct evaluation of its outcome in both research and clinical studies. Publicly available datasets with standardized evaluation methodology are necessary for validation and comparison of 2D‐3D registration techniques. Given the large use of 2D‐3D registration in biomechanics, we introduced the first gold standard validation dataset for computed tomography (CT)‐to‐x‐ray registration of the hip joint, based on fluoroscopic images with large rotation angles. As the ground truth computed with fiducial markers is affected by localization errors in the image datasets, we proposed a new methodology based on uncertainty propagation to estimate the accuracy of a gold standard dataset.

Methods

The gold standard dataset included a 3D CT scan of a female hip phantom and 19 2D fluoroscopic images acquired at different views and voltages. The ground truth transformations were estimated based on the corresponding pairs of extracted 2D and 3D fiducial locations. These were assumed to be corrupted by Gaussian noise, without any restrictions of isotropy. We devised the multiple projective points criterion (MPPC) that jointly optimizes the transformations and the noisy 3D fiducial locations for all views. The accuracy of the transformations obtained with the MPPC was assessed in both synthetic and real experiments using different formulations of the target registration error (TRE), including a novel formulation of the TRE (uTRE) derived from the uncertainty analysis of the MPPC.

Results

The proposed MPPC method was statistically more accurate compared to the validation methods for 2D‐3D registration that did not optimize the 3D fiducial positions or wrongly assumed the isotropy of the noise. The reported results were comparable to previous published works of gold standard datasets. However, a formulation of the TRE commonly found in these gold standard datasets was found to significantly miscalculate the true TRE computed in synthetic experiments with known ground truths. In contrast, the uncertainty‐based uTRE was statistically closer to the true TRE.

Conclusions

We proposed a new gold standard dataset for the validation of CT‐to‐X‐ray registration of the hip joint. The gold standard transformations were derived from a novel method modeling the uncertainty in extracted 2D and 3D fiducials. Results showed that considering possible noise anisotropy and including corrupted 3D fiducials in the optimization resulted in improved accuracy of the gold standard. A new uncertainty‐based formulation of the TRE also appeared as a good alternative to the unknown true TRE that has been replaced in previous works by an alternative TRE not fully reflecting the gold standard accuracy.
Combination therapy with onasemnogene and risdiplam in spinal muscular atrophy type 1
Authors: Oechsel Kelly F. , Cartwright Michael S.
Published: July 2021

Introduction/Aims

There are currently three medications approved for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but the use of these medications in combination has not been well described.

Methods

This is a retrospective report of four cases of SMA treated with dual onasemnogene and risdiplam therapy at our institution.

Results

Following onasemnogene therapy, all four patients experienced a perceived plateau of therapeutic benefit, at which time daily risdiplam was started. Transient fatigue and weakness was seen in two patients following risdiplam initiation, but this resolved within 1 mo. One patient was hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and post‐viral pneumonia, weeks following risdiplam initiation. No other adverse effects related to onasemnogene and risdiplam combination therapy were identified and all patients experienced objective and subjective improvement.

Discussion

Combination therapy with onasemnogene and risdiplam in patients with SMA appears to be well‐tolerated. Further large prospective trials are needed to determine whether dual therapy is more efficacious than monotherapy, and to identify rare adverse events that may occur with the use of combination therapy.
Rethinking the utility of acetylcholine receptor antibody titer as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for myasthenia gravis
Authors: Lee Ikjae , Sanders Donald
Published: July 2021

See article on pages 483–487 in this issue
Economic Effect of Hybrid Catfish (Channel Catfish ♀ × Blue Catfish ♂) Growth Variability on Traditional and Intensive Production Systems
Authors: Gosh Kamal , Hanson Terry R. , Drescher David , Robinson Dalton , Bugg William , Chatakondi Nagaraj , Kumar Ganesh , Jeffers Carl , Dunham Rex A.
Published: July 2021

Using hybrid catfish (Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus ♀ × Blue Catfish I. furcatus ♂) is one path toward intensification that can lower production costs and increase net returns. However, hybrid catfish have experienced growth variability resulting in undersized and oversized fish. Analyzing the economic effect of this issue is critical, as fish processors often require a specific size range of fish from the producers. Comparative economic analyses were performed using enterprise budgets and sensitivity analyses on hybrid catfish production data obtained from single-batch (SB), multiple-batch (MB), and split-pond (SP) systems. Results indicated that the SP system had the highest net returns (US$8,164/ha) resulting from greater availability of premium-sized fish (0.45–1.81 kg; sales price = $2.46/kg), followed by SB and MB systems, respectively. Lower prices received for undersized (<0.45 kg; sales price = $2.34/kg) and oversized (>1.81 kg; sales price = $2.08/kg) fish resulted in revenue losses of $287, $594, and $611 per hectare in SB, MB, and SP systems, respectively. An inverse relationship between the dockage rate and net returns was observed. Economic analyses also showed that the net returns were greater when large-sized fingerlings (~20 cm) were stocked relative to medium-sized fingerlings (≤18 cm) in the SP and SB systems, while the opposite was true for the MB system. Stocking of graded hybrids in SB, MB, and SP production could provide higher net returns from these systems.
Survey on stochastic distribution systems: A full probability density function control theory with potential applications
Authors: Wang Aiping , Wang Hong
Published: July 2021

Complex systems seen either in general engineering practice or economics are subjected to ever increased uncertainties that are mostly represented as random variables or parameters, and the characteristics of random variables are represented by their probability density functions (PDFs). Controlling their PDFs means to shape their stochastic distributions and in general it would provide a full treatment for system analysis and operational control and optimization. This leads to the development of stochastic distribution control (SDC) systems theory in the past decades, where the original aim of the controller design is to realize a shape control of the distributions of certain random variables in their PDFs sense for some engineering processes. Indeed, once the PDFs of these random variables or parameters are used to describe their distribution characters, the control task is to obtain control signals so that the output PDFs of stochastic systems are made to follow their target PDFs. The subject of SDC was initially originated for non‐Gaussian stochastic control systems design but has found a wide spectrum of applications in general systems in terms of data‐driven modeling, analysis, signal processing (filtering), data mining via multivariable statistics, decision‐making (optimization) for systems subjected to uncertainties and even in economics. In this context, SDC constitutes an effective primer tool for complex system analysis, control and operational optimizations. In this review paper, a detailed survey of the developments on the research of SDC systems will be made together with their wide spectrum applications and future perspectives.
Declarations of ‘Self‐Reliance’: Alternative Visions of Dependency, Citizenship and Development in Vanuatu
Authors: Smith Rachel E.
Published: July 2021

This article discusses how dependency's antonym, ‘self‐reliance’ expresses and shapes aspirations for development, and ideas about citizenship in Vanuatu. This ‘keyword’ was popularized in the process of decolonization and nation‐building in Vanuatu, and influenced by Dependency Theory, Pan‐Africanism, Black Internationalism, and trans‐Pacific visions of decolonization and development. But vernacular ideas of ‘self‐reliance’ also articulate different aspirations for development at ‘grassroots’ community level, as will be shown in two case studies. The first is a community with a high degree of engagement in New Zealand's seasonal worker programme. The second is around the cultivation of kava — a plant with relaxant and soporific properties — for burgeoning domestic and export markets.
‘Cutting the Colonial Cord’? Tensions of Value and the Relationship between Tokelau and New Zealand
Authors: Hoëm Ingjerd
Published: July 2021

This article discusses concepts of self‐government, dependence and independence in the light of Tokelau and New Zealand practices. Kin‐based forms of mutual dependence are compared with the demands for specific forms of self‐governance practiced by the New Zealand administration. Tensions of value have emerged between village based political leadership, and the public servants of the administrative infrastructure. The smallness of Tokelau's land area is complemented by its considerable maritime resources secured by an Exclusive Economic Zone. Tokelau's need for New Zealand administrative support to administer its fishing quotas, and for military policing of its maritime boundaries, makes Tokelau dependent on the greater power. The relationships of dependency going the other way, that is New Zealand's dependence on the marine wealth of Tokelau and its strategic value as Pacific partner, are largely obscured by the policies that demand Tokelau reaches an internationally approved standards of governmental practices for it to be able to govern its own affairs. The two forms of dependency, one based on reciprocity and mutuality, and the other, rooted in an economic logic of self‐sufficiency are entangled in everyday life in Tokelau. However, the practices of economic self‐sufficiency work over time to erode the viability of the local subsistence economy.
Introduction: Dependence in Oceania
Authors: Martin Keir
Published: July 2021

It is nearly half a century from the wave of decolonisation and national independence that swept across the Pacific in the 1970s and early 1980s. Yet despite this, as across the rest of the world, issues of what can be considered appropriate dependence and independence are far from settled. From the achievement of political independence across much of Oceania onwards, debate raged as to whether or not ‘real’ independence had come with it. And alongside this ran a related controversy as to whether or not Oceanic societies had a greater tendency to valorise interpersonal interdependence than their former Western colonisers, and if this essential cultural difference really did exist, whether it was to be valorised and protected or to be denigrated and overcome. In the Introduction to this special issue, I argue, along with many of the papers in this collection, that although these two discussions are often treated separately, they are interlinked and that arguments over the appropriateness of (in)dependence in public debate and in academic discussion need to be seen in the context of global controversies on this subject.
Reflections from the team: Co‐creating visual media about ecological processes for young people
Authors: Thomas Merryn J. , Giannoulatou Ioanna Daphne , Kocak Ethan , Tank Wes , Sarnowski Ryan , Jones Peter E. , Januchowski‐Hartley Stephanie R.
Published: July 2021

Many migratory fish populations are declining, threatened by human‐induced pressures such as habitat loss and fragmentation caused by dams, roads, land use change, climate change and pollution. However, public awareness of fish migration and associated human pressures remains limited.

It is important to communicate about hard‐to‐see and complex environmental topics and issues, such as fish migration, with young people, who stand to be the most affected by ongoing global changes. Young people are also at a critical stage in their attitude formation and may be particularly receptive to learning enrichment and engagement for behaviour change about environmental issues.

Arts‐based methods can be particularly effective in fostering broad personal connections with nature, especially for complex topics like fish migration. The collaborative and creative processes involved in developing such media often lack critique, which limits learning from previous experiences.

In this article, we reflect on the co‐creation of the Shout Trout Workout (STW), a lyric poem, comic and music video for 8‐ to 14‐year‐olds, designed to entertain, engage and enrich learning about migratory fishes and aquatic environments. We chart the process of creation, including conception of ideas, writing the poem, fact‐checking and developing the storyline with scientists and creating a comic and music video with visual artists and musicians.

We explore some of the challenges and merits of collaborative working, consider the impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the creative and initial engagement process and share what we learned about creative input, communication and respect. We also discuss how the experience shaped our thoughts about the nature of co‐creation itself, and how in creating STW, collaborators contributed to the process in multiple, nuanced and unanticipated ways (e.g. artistic input, ideas, science, dissemination), representing a spectrum of co‐creative practice.

We hope that sharing our experiences and reflections is useful and inspiring for other cross‐disciplinary collaborations, and for those who aim to create learning enrichment and engagement material about ecological processes and environmental issues for young people.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Construction of bio‐safety flame retardant coatings on polyethylene terephthalate fabric with ammonium phytate and cyclodextrin
Authors: Guo Qianqian , Yang Yufan , Li Lu , Sun Jun , Liu Wei , Gu Xiaoyu , Li Hongfei , Zhang Sheng
Published: July 2021

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric has been widely used in textile industry for decades. However, it faces poor flame retardant performance and dripping problem during burning. In our study, a novel intumescent flame retardant coating containing bio‐materials ammonium phytate (APA) and cyclodextrin (CD) had been constructed on PET fabrics surface via pad‐dry‐cure method. The fire performance, mechanical properties and bio‐safety of APA/CD coated fabric were evaluated. PET fabric coated with 19%APA/6%CD showed a limiting oxygen index value of 29.5% with self‐extinguish from fire and no melt dripping during the vertical burning test. Cone calorimetry test revealed that treated PET fabric significantly suppressed heat release and mass loss. The peak heat release rate was decreased from 277.1 KW/m2 of PET fabric to 158.3 KW/m2 of PET‐19%APA/6%CD sample. Furthermore, the residue of treated fabric after combustion was also increased significantly. Tensile strength test showed that the maximum force of fabric was improved by 109.5% in warp direction and 24.2% in weft direction after treatment. Skin irritation test indicated that APA/CD coated PET fabric did not cause erythema and edema to rabbit skin and exhibited satisfactory bio‐safety. All these results suggest that this study proposes a viable way to produce bio‐safety flame retardant PET fabrics.
Preparing and characterizing biodegradable materials for ureteral stents
Authors: Cui Haipo , Zhang Kui , Gao Chenguang , Kang Yahong , Jiang Hongyan , He Yingrong
Published: July 2021

The development and application of biodegradable ureteral stents is of clinical significance for patients with ureteral stenosis and obstruction. We prepared five types of degradable monofilament, namely poly‐L‐lactide, poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ glycolide) (85% L‐lactide, 15% glycolide), poly(L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide‐co‐ε‐ caprolactone) (89% L‐lactide, 8% glycolide, and 3% ε‐caprolactone), poly(L‐lactide‐ co‐D,L‐lactide) (95% L‐lactide, 5% D,L‐lactide), and poly(lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (95% L‐lactide, 5% ε‐caprolactone), by melt extrusion and secondary drawing processes, after which degradation experiments were carried out in simulated urine at 37°C for 2 months. Because residues in the urinary systems of patients can cause complications, it is important that biodegradable ureteral stents are completely degraded after 6 weeks. Poly‐L‐lactide did not completely degrade under the abovementioned conditions and its molecular weight changed little. On the other hand, the poly(L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) monofilament degraded slightly faster than that prepared from poly‐L‐lactide; however it maintained a certain mechanical strength after 8 weeks, which is not ideal for a woven ureteral stent. The poly(L‐lactide‐co‐D,L‐lactide), poly(L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone), and poly(lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) monofilaments exhibited good tensile strengths and elongations at break in the first four weeks, which were reduced to almost zero in the eighth week. Ureteral stents made of these polymers can open narrow urethras at early stages and degrade completely at later stages. Based on its degradation rate, we conclude that the poly(lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) monofilament is the best material for the preparation of ureteral stents.
In‐silico screening and microsecond molecular dynamics simulations to identify single point mutations that destabilize β‐hexosaminidase A causing Tay‐Sachs disease
Authors: Almanasra Ahmad , Havranek Brandon , Islam Shahidul M.
Published: July 2021

β‐hexosaminidase A (HexA) protein is responsible for the degradation of GM2 gangliosides in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Tay‐Sachs disease occurs when HexA within Hexosaminidase does not properly function and harmful GM2 gangliosides begin to build up within the neurons. In this study, in silico methods such as SIFT, PolyPhen‐2, PhD‐SNP, and MutPred were utilized to analyze the effects of nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) on HexA in order to identify possible pathogenetic and deleterious variants. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that two mutants, P25S and W485R, experienced an increase in structural flexibility compared to the native protein. Particularly, there was a decrease in the overall number and frequencies of hydrogen bonds for the mutants compared to the wildtype. MM/GBSA calculations were performed to help assess the change in binding affinity between the wildtype and mutant structures and a mechanism‐based inhibitor, NGT, which is known to help increase the residual activity of HexA. Both of the mutants experienced a decrease in the binding affinity from −23.8 kcal/mol in wildtype to −20.9 and −18.7 kcal/mol for the P25S and W485R variants of HexA, respectively.
Adaptive robust barrier‐based control of a 3D flexible riser system subject to boundary displacement constraints
Authors: Ma Ge , Tan Zhifeng , Liu Yiming , Zhao Zhijia , Zou Tao
Published: July 2021

This article involves an adaptive robust barrier‐based control of a three‐dimensional riser system subject to system uncertainties and output constraints. A barrier‐based Lyapunov function and a dynamical online update technique are merged to develop new adaptive robust control schemes for dampening the vibration, compensating for parametric uncertainties, and dealing with the constraints in the system. A rigorous Lyapunov analysis is exploited to guarantee the uniformly bounded stability in the controlled system. Finally, the efficacy of the designed approach is validated via simulation results.
Political affinity and investors' response to the acquisition premium in cross‐border M&A transactions — A moderation analysis
Authors: Fieberg Christian , Lopatta Kerstin , Tammen Thomas , Tideman Sebastian A.
Published: July 2021

This article investigates the moderating effect of political affinity between countries on investors' reactions to the premium in cross‐border acquisitions (CBAs). Based on a sample of 1,183 CBAs between 1999 and 2018, we find that political affinity positively moderates the relationship between the acquisition premium and the acquiring and target firms' stock market return. We argue that investors use political affinity to assess the reliability of the premium (i.e., management's overall perception of a given deal's synergistic potential). This is in line with prior literature reasoning that, unlike strong political affinity, weak political affinity increases the likelihood of government intervention, decreases the likelihood of deal completion, and results in higher premiums to mitigate the previous effects, thus potentially increasing the likelihood of value destruction.
Mechanical and Chemical Interactions in Atomically Defined Contacts
Authors: Yesilpinar Damla , Schulze Lammers Bertram , Timmer Alexander , Hu Zhixin , Ji Wei , Amirjalayer Saeed , Fuchs Harald , Mönig Harry
Published: July 2021

Providing fundamental insights in atomic interactions, dedicated methods in atomic force microscopy allow measuring the threshold forces needed to move single adsorbed atoms or molecules. However, the chemical and structural properties of the probe‐tip can drastically influence the results. Establishing atomically defined contacts in such experiments, the tips in the present study are functionalized with various chemically and structurally different terminations. Xenon atoms are moved along an atomically defined metal/metal‐oxide boundary where all tips show a pulling mechanism and slight force variations, which are assigned to polarization effects within the tip‐sample junction. Detaching Xe atoms from the boundary involves a significantly higher energy barrier where chemical reactive Cu‐tips cause Xe pickup before any lateral manipulation. Passivating the tip by inert probe particles (Xe or CO) allows further approaching the surface Xe atom. Yet, the small vertical attraction and pronounced tip relaxations prevent reaching sufficient threshold forces inducing manipulation. In contrast, the high structural rigidity of oxygen‐terminated Cu‐tips allows manipulations even beyond the threshold where they evolve from initial pulling, via sliding to pushing mode. The detailed quantitative analysis of the processes in the atomically defined junctions emphasizes the mechanical and chemical interactions for highly controlled experiments with piconewton sensitivity.
Modeling and verifying NDN‐based IoV using CSP
Authors: Chen Ningning , Zhu Huibiao , Yin Jiaqi , Fei Yuan , Xiao Lili , Zhu Minghua
Published: July 2021

As a crucial component of intelligent transportation system, Internet of Vehicles (IoV) plays an important role in the smart and intelligent cities. However, current Internet architectures cannot guarantee efficient data delivery and adequate data security for IoV. Therefore, Named Data Networking (NDN), a leading architecture of Information‐Centric Networking (ICN), is introduced into IoV. Although problems about data distribution can be resolved effectively, the combination of NDN and IoV causes some new security issues. In this paper, we apply Communicating Sequential Processes (CSP) to formalize NDN‐based IoV. We mainly focus on its data access mechanism and model this mechanism in detail. By feeding the formalized model into the model checker Process Analysis Toolkit (PAT), we verify four vital properties, namely, deadlock freedom, data reliability, PIT deletion faking, and CS caching pollution. According to verification results, the model cannot ensure the security of data with the appearance of intruders. To solve these problems, we construct a blockchain‐based mechanism by creating a blockchain‐based distribution trusted platform on top of NDN‐based IoV. Through the analysis of the improved model, the blockchain‐based mechanism can truly guarantee the security of NDN‐based IoV.
Experimental investigation and prediction of copper slag incorporated self‐compacting concrete using artificial neural network
Authors: S. Dinesh , D. Brindha
Published: July 2021

This research work is aimed to carryout experimental investigation on copper slag incorporated self‐compacting (SCC) concrete; here, copper slag is used as a replacement to fine aggregate in the range of 0–100%. The self‐compacting concrete is manufactured with powder matrix incorporating cement, flyash, metakaolin, and silicafume. The powder matrix is decided based on the objective of flow properties and strength properties. The fresh concrete properties of various mixes were studied and collected. Then, the concrete is casted as cubes and cylinders and tested for its strength behavior. The flow properties of copper slag‐replaced mix were within stipulated guideline values by EFNARC, and early age strength attainment gets affected by the replacement of copper slag. The collected experimental results were designed to a data set categorizing as input and target. This data set is then used as a parameter in feed forward artificial neural network (ANN) and a predictive model is developed. This predictive model is then compared with the existing experimental values and tested for its performance. The results show that ANN provides a reliable predictive model for both flow and strength properties.
Recent Advances on Photoinduced Cascade Strategies for the Synthesis of N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Correia José Tiago M. , Santos Marilia S. , Pissinati Emanuele F. , da Silva Gustavo P. , Paixão Márcio W.
Published: July 2021

Over the last decade, visible‐light photocatalysis has proved to be a powerful tool for the construction of N‐heterocyclic frameworks, important constituents of natural products, insecticides, pharmacologically relevant therapeutic agents and catalysts. This account highlights recent developments and established methods towards the photocatalytic cascades for preparation of different classes of N‐heterocycles, giving emphasis on our contribution to the field.