bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dial‐A‐Particle: Precise Manufacturing of Plasmonic Nanoparticles Based on Early Growth Information—Redefining Automation for Slow Material Synthesis
Authors: Pinho Bruno , Torrente‐Murciano Laura
Published: July 2021

Nanomaterials are at the core of many scientific discoveries in catalysis, energy and healthcare to name a few. However, their deployment is limited by the lack of reproducible and precise manufacturing technologies on‐demand. In this work, a precision automated technology is demonstrated for nanoparticles synthesis with wide‐range tunable sizes (≈4–100 nm). Dial‐a‐particle capabilities are achieved by a combination of a fast integrated multipoint particle sizing combined with a “plug‐n‐play” modular platform with reactors in series, distributed feed and in situ multipoint analysis. Real‐time early growth information accurately predicts the resulting particle properties. Such real‐time simple feedback control can overcome repeatability and stability issues associated with controllable (e.g., conditions) and uncontrollable (e.g., fouling, ageing, and impurities) variations leading to self‐regulated, highly stable multistage systems with no human intervention even with long residence times (from a few minutes to hours). This is a paradigm shift from machine learning (ML) methodologies, which are restricted to trained networks with rich data sets, impractical in non‐reproducible processes and limited to short residence times (e.g., within few minutes). The approach is demonstrated for plasmonic silver and gold nanoparticles showing agile control within minutes, opening the door for automation of more complex multistage procedures such as composites, multielement materials, and particle functionalization.
A Tour‐Guide through Carbon Nitride‐Land: Structure‐ and Dimensionality‐Dependent Properties for Photo(Electro)Chemical Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Lau Vincent Wing‐hei , Lotsch Bettina V.
Published: July 2021

Despite the explosion in the number of publications on the graphitic carbon nitride family of materials, much still remains unknown about their structure and the underlying properties responsible for their various applications. This critical review covers the state‐of‐the‐art in the understanding of their structure–property–photocatalysis relationship, from their molecular constituents to stacking as a (quasi) two‐dimensional structure, highlighting the areas in which there is wide agreement and those still unresolved. This review first recounts how the structural understanding of these materials has evolved since the 19th century, followed by a commentary on the best practice for unambiguously characterizing their molecular structure and two‐dimensional stacking arrangements. The recent literature is then examined to elucidate how individual molecular moieties affect their various material properties, particularly their chemical and opto–electronic properties, carrier dynamics, and catalytic reactivity, and how their use for energy applications can be impacted by the structural features across each dimension. Lastly, the translation of the aforementioned fundamental insights to rational molecular design is demonstrated, highlighting the synthesis of heptazine‐based materials for order‐of‐magnitude improvement in photocatalytic reactivity, as well as the unusual phenomenon of stabilization of light‐induced electrons, an effect currently exploited for a new paradigm in solar energy storage.
Comparative neuropathology in aging primates: A perspective
Authors: Freire‐Cobo Carmen , Edler Melissa K. , Varghese Merina , Munger Emily , Laffey Jessie , Raia Sophia , In Selena S. , Wicinski Bridget , Medalla Maria , Perez Sylvia E. , Mufson Elliott J. , Erwin Joseph M. , Guevara Elaine E. , Sherwood Chet C. , Luebke Jennifer I. , Lacreuse Agnès , Raghanti Mary A. , Hof Patrick R.
Published: July 2021

While humans exhibit a significant degree of neuropathological changes associated with deficits in cognitive and memory functions during aging, non‐human primates (NHP) present with more variable expressions of pathological alterations among individuals and species. As such, NHP with long life expectancy in captivity offer an opportunity to study brain senescence in the absence of the typical cellular pathology caused by age‐related neurodegenerative illnesses commonly seen in humans. Age‐related changes at neuronal population, single cell, and synaptic levels have been well documented in macaques and marmosets, while age‐related and Alzheimer's disease‐like neuropathology has been characterized in additional species including lemurs as well as great apes. We present a comparative overview of existing neuropathologic observations across the primate order, including classic age‐related changes such as cell loss, amyloid deposition, amyloid angiopathy, and tau accumulation. We also review existing cellular and ultrastructural data on neuronal changes, such as dendritic attrition and spine alterations, synaptic loss and pathology, and axonal and myelin pathology, and discuss their repercussions on cellular and systems function and cognition.
Supramolecular Assembly of Conjugated Polymers under Vibrational Strong Coupling
Authors: Joseph Kripa , Kushida Soh , Smarsly Emanuel , Ihiawakrim Dris , Thomas Anoop , Paravicini‐Bagliani Gian Lorenzo , Nagarajan Kalaivanan , Vergauwe Robrecht , Devaux Eloise , Ersen Ovidiu , Bunz Uwe H. F. , Ebbesen Thomas W.
Published: July 2021

Strong coupling plays a significant role in influencing chemical reactions and tuning material properties by modifying the energy landscapes of the systems. Here we study the effect of vibrational strong coupling (VSC) on supramolecular organization. For this purpose, a rigid‐rod conjugated polymer known to form gels was strongly coupled together with its solvent in a microfluidic IR Fabry–Perot cavity. Absorption and fluorescence studies indicate a large modification of the self‐assembly under such cooperative VSC. Electron microscopy confirms that in this case, the supramolecular morphology is totally different from that observed in the absence of strong coupling. In addition, the self‐assembly kinetics are altered and depend on the solvent vibration under VSC. The results are compared to kinetic isotope effects on the self‐assembly to help clarify the role of different parameters under strong coupling. These findings indicate that VSC is a valuable new tool for controlling supramolecular assemblies with broad implications for the molecular and material sciences.
Single Dynamic Covalent Bond Tailored Responsive Molecular Junctions
Authors: Hu Yong , Li Jin , Zhou Yu , Shi Jie , Li Guopeng , Song Hang , Yang Yang , Shi Jia , Hong Wenjing
Published: July 2021

Responsive molecular devices are one of the core units for molecular electronics, and dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs) provide the opportunity for the fabrication of responsive molecular devices. Herein we employ a single dynamic acyl hydrazone bond to fabricate tailored molecular devices using the scanning tunneling microscopy break‐junction technique (STM‐BJ) and the eutectic Ga‐In technique (EGaIn). We found that the single‐DCB‐tailored molecular devices exhibited acid‐base and/or photo‐thermal response with three well‐defined molecular conductance states. The reversible switching has the ON/OFF ratio of ≈10 between each state for single‐molecule junctions and ≈3 for the SAMs‐based molecular junctions. Combined with the density functional theory calculations, we revealed that the multiple conductance states of these molecular junctions originate from the dynamic acyl hydrazone bond exchange and C=N isomerization. Our work opens the avenue towards the design of tailored single‐molecule electrical devices by implanting dynamic covalent bonds in molecular architectures.
Nickel/β‐CD‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling of aryl boronic acids with aryl halides in water
Authors: Payamifar Sara , Kazemi Foad , Kaboudin Babak
Published: July 2021

In this study, a convenient nickel‐catalyzed protocol has been introduced for the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction. A simple mixture of Ni(II) and unfunctionalized β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) was used to cross‐coupling of aryl halides with aryl boronic acids for the synthesis of biaryls in water. β‐CD is a water‐soluble seminatural cyclic oligosaccharide, environmentally friendly biomaterial, inexpensive, and commercially available ligand. This ligand with low solubility in usual organic solvents has been used for the synthesis of biaryls in good to excellent yields. The cross‐coupling results in the presence of Ni(II)/β‐CD catalytic system showed that the coupling reaction carried out with appropriate yields for both electron‐rich and electron‐deficient aryl halides. The coupling reaction completed in water as a green solvent. The catalyst was also recycled for four runs with a small decrease in its catalytic activity. The presented new method allows an easier and more cost‐efficient synthesis of biaryls from the reaction of arylboronic acids with various aryl halides in water.
Twenty‐five essential research questions to inform the protection and restoration of freshwater biodiversity
Authors: Harper Meagan , Mejbel Hebah S. , Longert Dylan , Abell Robin , Beard T. Douglas , Bennett Joseph R. , Carlson Stephanie M. , Darwall William , Dell Anthony , Domisch Sami , Dudgeon David , Freyhof Jörg , Harrison Ian , Hughes Kathy A. , Jähnig Sonja C. , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Lansdown Richard , Lintermans Mark , Lynch Abigail J. , Meredith Helen M. R. , Molur Sanjay , Olden Julian D. , Ormerod Steve J. , Patricio Harmony , Reid Andrea J. , Schmidt‐Kloiber Astrid , Thieme Michele , Tickner David , Turak Eren , Weyl Olaf L. F. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: July 2021

Freshwater biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate. Freshwater conservationists and environmental managers have enough evidence to demonstrate that action must not be delayed but have insufficient evidence to identify those actions that will be most effective in reversing the current trend.

Here, the focus is on identifying essential research topics that, if addressed, will contribute directly to restoring freshwater biodiversity through supporting ‘bending the curve’ actions (i.e. those actions leading to the recovery of freshwater biodiversity, not simply deceleration of the current downward trend).

The global freshwater research and management community was asked to identify unanswered research questions that could address knowledge gaps and barriers associated with ‘bending the curve’ actions. The resulting list was refined into six themes and 25 questions.

Although context‐dependent and potentially limited in global reach, six overarching themes were identified: (i) learning from successes and failures; (ii) improving current practices; (iii) balancing resource needs; (iv) rethinking built environments; (v) reforming policy and investments; and (vi) enabling transformative change.

Bold, efficient, science‐based actions are necessary to reverse biodiversity loss. We believe that conservation actions will be most effective when supported by sound evidence, and that research and action must complement one another. These questions are intended to guide global freshwater researchers and conservation practitioners, identify key projects and signal research needs to funders and governments. Our questions can act as springboards for multidisciplinary and multisectoral collaborations that will improve the management and restoration of freshwater biodiversity.
Giving shape to large digital libraries through exploratory data analysis
Authors: Organisciak Peter , Schmidt Benjamin M. , Downie J. Stephen
Published: July 2021

The emergence of large multi‐institutional digital libraries has opened the door to aggregate‐level examinations of the published word. Such large‐scale analysis offers a new way to pursue traditional problems in the humanities and social sciences, using digital methods to ask routine questions of large corpora. However, inquiry into multiple centuries of books is constrained by the burdens of scale, where statistical inference is technically complex and limited by hurdles to access and flexibility. This work examines the role that exploratory data analysis and visualization tools may play in understanding large bibliographic datasets. We present one such tool, HathiTrust+Bookworm, which allows multifaceted exploration of the multimillion work HathiTrust Digital Library, and center it in the broader space of scholarly tools for exploratory data analysis.
Stumpf gestoßene Betonfertigteilstützen mit großen Stabdurchmessern aus hochfestem Bewehrungsstahl
Authors: Wolfger Hannes , Kollegger Johann
Published: July 2021

Die Verwendung von Fertigteilen im Hochhausbau ist im Vergleich zur Ortbetonbauweise eine sehr wirtschaftliche Option. Insbesondere Stahlbetonstützen werden häufig in einer vorgefertigten Ausführungsvariante als ein‐ oder mehrstöckige Elemente ausgewählt. Im Stoßbereich können aufgrund der Diskontinuitätsstelle einige Probleme auftreten, welche einen Verlust an Tragfähigkeit verursachen können. In diesem Beitrag werden experimentelle Untersuchungen an Fertigteilstützen mit hochfester Längsbewehrung und Stumpfstoßverbindung beschrieben. Die Tests wurden an insgesamt 18 Fertigteilstützen mit verschiedenen Stumpfstoßausführungsvarianten an der TU Wien durchgeführt. Der hochfeste Stahl zeichnet sich durch eine hohe Streckgrenze von 670 N/mm2 sowie die sehr großen verfügbaren Stabdurchmesser von bis zu 75 mm aus. Basierend auf diesen beiden Vorteilen gegenüber herkömmlichem Bewehrungsstahl mit einer Streckgrenze von 550 N/mm2 und Stabdurchmessern von max. 40 mm kann die Anzahl der benötigten Bewehrungsstäbe deutlich reduziert werden. Die Verwendung hochfester Materialien führt zu einem höheren Wirkungsgrad, kleineren Querschnitten und geringeren Kosten.
Stumpfstöße bei hochbewehrten Fertigteilstützen und großen Stabdurchmessern
Authors: Matz Henrik , Empelmann Martin
Published: July 2021

Während die Vorfertigung von Betonbauteilen im Industriebau bereits seit einigen Jahren gängige Praxis ist, gewinnt die Fertigteilbauweise auch im Einsatz in Hochhäusern kontinuierlich an Bedeutung. Ausgeführte Bauvorhaben zeigen, dass sich hierdurch neben beschleunigten Baufortschritten auch hochwertige und wirtschaftliche Bauausführungen realisieren lassen. Ein weiterer Trend ist die Verwendung von hohen Längsbewehrungsgraden und großen Stabdurchmessern, durch den geringere Stützenabmessungen und größere nutzbare Flächen generiert werden. Für Hochhäuser müssen die Fügestellen der Fertigteilstützen zur zuverlässigen Übertragung von hohen Normalkräften ausgebildet werden. Während das Tragverhalten von stumpf gestoßenen Fertigteilstützen aus normalfestem und hochfestem Beton bereits eingehend untersucht wurde, fehlen jedoch Untersuchungen und Erfahrungen mit stumpf gestoßenen Fertigteilstützen bei Verwendung von hohen Bewehrungsgraden und großen Stabdurchmessern. Im vorliegenden Bericht werden experimentelle Untersuchungen an stumpf gestoßenen hochbewehrten Stahlbetonstützen beschrieben und ausgewertet. Mithilfe eines FE‐Modells wird das Tragverhalten von Stumpfstößen beschrieben und eine erste Parameterstudie zu Einflüssen auf die Tragfähigkeit von Stumpfstößen durchgeführt. Anhand dieser Auswertung wird die Übertragbarkeit vorhandener Regelungen bzw. Vorschläge bewertet.
Maximin design of cluster randomized trials with heterogeneous costs and variances
Authors: van Breukelen Gerard J. P. , Candel Math J. J. M.
Published: July 2021

Cluster randomized trials evaluate the effect of a treatment on persons nested within clusters, with clusters being randomly assigned to treatment. The optimal sample size at the cluster and person level depends on the study cost per cluster and per person, and the outcome variance at the cluster and the person level. The variances are unknown in the design stage and can differ between treatment arms. As a solution, this paper presents a Maximin design that maximizes the minimum relative efficiency (relative to the optimal design) over the variance parameter space, for trials with two treatment arms and a quantitative outcome. This maximin relative efficiency design (MMRED) is compared with a published Maximin design which maximizes the minimum efficiency (MMED). Both designs are also compared with the optimal designs for homogeneous costs and variances (balanced design) and heterogeneous costs and homogeneous variances (cost‐conscious design), for a range of variances based upon three published trials. Whereas the MMED is balanced under high uncertainty about the treatment‐to‐control variance ratio, the MMRED then tends towards a balanced budget allocation between arms, leading to an unbalanced sample size allocation if costs are heterogeneous, similar to the cost‐conscious design. Further, the MMRED corresponds to an optimal design for an intraclass correlation (ICC) in the lower half of the assumed ICC range (optimistic), whereas the MMED is the optimal design for the maximum ICC within the ICC range (pessimistic). Attention is given to the effect of the Welch–Satterthwaite degrees of freedom for treatment effect testing on the design efficiencies.
Teaching choice‐making within activity schedules to children with autism
Authors: Deel Nicole M. , Brodhead Matthew T. , Akers Jessica S. , White Allison N. , Miranda David Ray G.
Published: July 2021

Though the value of choice‐making opportunities in behavioral interventions is well established, specific demonstrations of its applications are limited. In this study, we first taught participants to independently complete two types of activity schedules: a choice activity schedule (i.e., one that allowed the participants to choose the sequence of activities) and a no choice activity schedule (i.e., one in which the sequence was predetermined by the researcher). Then, we evaluated participant preference between the before‐mentioned schedules, and a control activity schedule (i.e., baseline contingencies). Obtained preference was idiosyncratic across participants, highlighting the importance of individualized preference assessments in the context of play. Implications and future directions are discussed, including a refined framework for incorporating choice into independent activity schedule completion.
Volumetric glutamate imaging (GluCEST) using 7T MRI can lateralize nonlesional temporal lobe epilepsy: A preliminary study
Authors: Hadar Peter N. , Kini Lohith G. , Nanga Ravi Prakash Reddy , Shinohara Russell T. , Chen Stephanie H. , Shah Preya , Wisse Laura E. M. , Elliott Mark A. , Hariharan Hari , Reddy Ravinder , Detre John A. , Stein Joel M. , Das Sandhitsu , Davis Kathryn A.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Drug‐resistant epilepsy patients show worse outcomes after resection when standard neuroimaging is nonlesional, which occurs in one‐third of patients. In prior work, we employed 2‐D glutamate imaging, Glutamate Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (GluCEST), to lateralize seizure onset in nonlesional temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) based on increased ipsilateral GluCEST signal in the total hippocampus and hippocampal head. We present a significant advancement to single‐slice GluCEST imaging, allowing for three‐dimensional analysis of brain glutamate networks.

Methods

The study population consisted of four MRI‐negative, nonlesional TLE patients (two male, two female) with electrographically identified left temporal onset seizures. Imaging was conducted on a Siemens 7T MRI scanner using the CEST method for glutamate, while the advanced normalization tools (ANTs) pipeline and the Automated Segmentation of the Hippocampal Subfields (ASHS) method were employed for image analysis.

Results

Volumetric GluCEST imaging was validated in four nonlesional TLE patients showing increased glutamate lateralized to the hippocampus of seizure onset (p = .048, with a difference among ipsilateral to contralateral GluCEST signal percentage ranging from −0.05 to 1.37), as well as increased GluCEST signal in the ipsilateral subiculum (p = .034, with a difference among ipsilateral to contralateral GluCEST signal ranging from 0.13 to 1.57).

Conclusions

The ability of 3‐D, volumetric GluCEST to localize seizure onset down to the hippocampal subfield in nonlesional TLE is an improvement upon our previous 2‐D, single‐slice GluCEST method. Eventually, we hope to expand volumetric GluCEST to whole‐brain glutamate imaging, thus enabling noninvasive analysis of glutamate networks in epilepsy and potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes.
An Ortho‐Tetraphenylene‐Based “Geländer” Architecture Consisting Exclusively of 52 sp2‐Hybridized C Atoms
Authors: Dekkiche Hervé , Malinčik Juraj , Prescimone Alessandro , Häussinger Daniel , Mayor Marcel
Published: July 2021

A new type of “Geländer” molecule based on a ortho‐tetraphenylene core is presented. The central para‐quaterphenyl backbone is wrapped by a 4,4’‐di((Z)‐styryl)‐1,1’‐biphenyl banister, with its aryl rings covalently attached to all four phenyl rings of the backbone. The resulting helical chiral bicyclic architecture consists exclusively of sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms. The target structure was assembled by expanding the central ortho‐tetraphenylene subunit with the required additional phenyl rings followed by a twofold macrocyclization. The first macrocyclization attempts based on a twofold McMurry coupling were successful but low yielding; the second strategy, profiting from olefin metathesis, provided satisfying yields. Hydrogenation of the olefins resulted in a saturated derivative of similar topology, thereby allowing the interdependence between saturation and physico‐chemical properties to be studied. The target structures, including their solid‐state structures, were fully characterized. The helical chiral bicycle was synthesized as a racemate and separated into pure enantiomers by HPLC on a chiral stationary phase. Comparison of recorded and simulated chiroptical properties allowed the enantiomers to be assigned.
Outcomes of TP53‐mutant acute myeloid leukemia with decitabine and venetoclax
Authors: Kim Kunhwa , Maiti Abhishek , Loghavi Sanam , Pourebrahim Rasoul , Kadia Tapan M. , Rausch Caitlin R. , Furudate Ken , Daver Naval G. , Alvarado Yesid , Ohanian Maro , Sasaki Koji , Short Nicholas J. , Takahashi Koichi , Yilmaz Musa , Tang Guilin , Ravandi Farhad , Kantarjian Hagop M. , DiNardo Courtney D. , Konopleva Marina Y.
Published: July 2021

Background

TP53 mutation (TP53mut) confers an adverse prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Venetoclax with hypomethylating agents is a current standard for older patients; however, recent reports suggest that TP53mut confers resistance to venetoclax. The authors investigated the outcomes of patients with TP53mut AML who were treated with a 10‐day decitabine and venetoclax (DEC10‐VEN) (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03404193).

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed AML received decitabine 20 mg/m2 for 10 days every 4 to 6 weeks for induction, followed by decitabine for 5 days after response. The venetoclax dose was 400 mg daily. TP53mut was identified in bone marrow samples using next‐generation sequencing, with sensitivity of 5%. Outcomes were analyzed according to European LeukemiaNet 2017 guidelines.

Results

Among 118 patients (median age, 72 years; age range, 49‐89 years), 63 (53%) had secondary AML, 39 (33%) had AML with complex karyotype, and 35 (30%) had TP53mut AML. The median TP53 variant allele frequency was 32% (interquartile range, 16%‐65%), 8 patients (23%) had only a single TP53 mutation, 15 (43%) had multiple mutations, and 12 (34%) had mutation and deletion. Outcomes were significantly worse in patients who had TP53mut AML compared with those who had wild‐type TP53 AML, with an overall response rate of 66% vs 89% (P = .002), a complete response/complete response with incomplete hematologic recovery rate of 57% vs 77% (P = .029), and a 60‐day mortality of 26% vs 4% (P < .001), respectively. Patients with TP53mut versus wild‐type TP53 had shorter overall survival at 5.2 versus 19.4 months, respectively (hazard ratio, 4.67; 95% CI, 2.44‐8.93; P < .0001), and shorter relapse‐free survival at 3.4 versus 18.9 months (hazard ratio, 4.80; 95% CI, 1.97‐11.69; P < .0001), respectively. Outcomes with DEC10‐VEN in patients with TP53mut AML were comparable to historical results with 10‐day decitabine alone.

Conclusions

Patients with TP53mut AML have lower response rates and shorter survival with DEC10‐VEN.
Impact of COVID‐19 outbreak on Italian healthcare workers versus general population: Results from an online survey
Authors: Mansueto Giovanni , Lopes Fabiana Leão , Grassi Luigi , Cosci Fiammetta
Published: July 2021

Objective

COVID‐19 pandemic has been a stressful condition. We explored life changes and health‐related consequences of COVID‐19 outbreak in Italian healthcare workers in comparison to the general population.

Methods

A total of 593 subjects participated to the online CoRonavIruS Health Impact Survey. Life events and changes, physical health and worries were evaluated referring to 2 weeks prior to the survey. Mood states and daily behaviour were retrospectively evaluated referring to 3 months before COVID‐19 (T1) and 2 weeks prior to the survey (T2). Student t test, Mann–Whitney test and multivariate logistic regression analyses were run.

Results

Five hundred and twenty‐one subjects were analysed (healthcare workers: n = 163, 31.84%; general population: n = 349, 68.16%). Healthcare workers were more likely to report fatigue and have spent more time outside home during the 2 weeks prior to the survey than the general population (χ2(df) = 266.03(17), p < 0.001, R2 = 0.57). From T1 to T2, healthcare workers had a significant increase in negative mood, worry, restlessness, loneliness and a decrease in happiness, while subjects from the general population had a statistically significant increase in negative mood, worry, attention, concentration difficulties and a decrease in happiness, pleasure related to daily activities, time spent outdoors and alcohol use.

Conclusion

In the framework of a growing literature on healthcare workers' status during the COVID‐19 pandemic, the present study allowed to identify fatigue and loneliness as psychosomatic modifiable variables in need of being monitored and, possibly managed, to ameliorate the health status of healthcare workers.
Differences in the Platelet mRNA Landscape Portend Racial Disparities in Platelet Function and Suggest Novel Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Garofano Kaitlin , Park C. Sehwan , Alarcon Cristina , Avitia Juan , Barbour April , Diemert David , Fraser Claire M. , Friedman Paula N. , Horvath Anelia , Rashid Kameron , Shaazuddin Mohammed , Sidahmed Alfateh , O’Brien Travis J. , Perera Minoli A. , Lee Norman H.
Published: July 2021

The African American (AA) population displays a 1.6 to 3‐fold higher incidence of thrombosis and stroke mortality compared with European Americans (EAs). Current antiplatelet therapies target the ADP‐mediated signaling pathway, which displays significant pharmacogenetic variation for platelet reactivity. The focus of this study was to define underlying population differences in platelet function in an effort to identify novel molecular targets for future antiplatelet therapy. We performed deep coverage RNA‐Seq to compare gene expression levels in platelets derived from a cohort of healthy volunteers defined by ancestry determination. We identified > 13,000 expressed platelet genes of which 480 were significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AAs and EAs. DEGs encoding proteins known or predicted to modulate platelet aggregation, morphology, or platelet count were upregulated in AA platelets. Numerous G‐protein coupled receptors, ion channels, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines not previously associated with platelet function were likewise differentially expressed. Many of the signaling proteins represent potential pharmacologic targets of intervention. Notably, we confirmed the differential expression of cytokinesIL32andPROK2in an independent cohort by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and provide functional validation of the opposing actions of these two cytokines on collagen‐induced AA platelet aggregation. Using Genotype‐Tissue Expression whole blood data, we identified 516 expression quantitative trait locuses with Fst values > 0.25, suggesting that population‐differentiated alleles may contribute to differences in gene expression. This study identifies gene expression differences at the population level that may affect platelet function and serve as potential biomarkers to identify cardiovascular disease risk. Additionally, our analysis uncovers candidate novel druggable targets for future antiplatelet therapies.
Corporate social responsibility perceptions and sustainable safety behaviors among frontline employees: The mediating roles of organization‐based self‐esteem and work engagement
Authors: Hur Won‐Moo , Rhee Seung‐Yoon , Lee Eun Ju , Park Hyewon
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable safety behaviors among frontline employees. Drawing on social identity and social exchange theories, this study hypothesized that frontline employees' organization‐based self‐esteem (OBSE) and work engagement mediate the relationship between CSR perceptions and sustainable safety behaviors. Using data collected from 222 flight attendants in South Korea, structural equation modeling was conducted to test the research hypotheses. The results showed that CSR perceptions were positively related to extra‐role safety behaviors. Further, OBSE mediated the positive relationship between CSR perceptions and extra‐role safety behaviors, and work engagement mediated the positive relationship between CSR perceptions and in‐role safety behaviors. The theoretical and managerial implications as well as the study limitations are articulated. Additionally, future research directions for promoting sustainable safety practices in high‐contact service settings are suggested.
Stakeholder pressure for eco‐friendly practices, international orientation, and eco‐innovation: A study of small and medium‐sized enterprises in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen Phong , Adomako Samuel
Published: July 2021

The literature on stakeholder management suggests that involving stakeholders in the decision‐making process of firms is an ethical requirement and a valuable strategic resource for businesses to derive competitive advantage. However, the extent to which stakeholder pressure influences eco‐product innovation lacks theoretical clarity. This article extends the eco‐innovation literature by investigating the role of stakeholder pressure on eco‐innovation through the mediating mechanism of environmental commitment. In addition, it examines the moderating impact of international orientation on the environment commitment–eco‐innovation nexus. The results from a sample of 255 Vietnamese small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) indicate that the influence of both primary and secondary stakeholder pressure on eco‐innovation is mediated by environmental commitment. In addition, the positive relationship between environmental commitment and eco‐innovation increases with a firm's level of international orientation. The findings provide a nuanced understanding of the role of stakeholder in eco‐innovation.
Generation of plasma cells and CD27−IgD− B cells during hantavirus infection is associated with distinct pathological findings
Authors: Kerkman Priscilla F , Dernstedt Andy , Tadala Lalitha , Mittler Eva , Dannborg Mirjam , Sundling Christopher , Maleki Kimia T , Tauriainen Johanna , Tuiskunen‐Bäck Anne , Wigren Byström Julia , Ocaya Pauline , Thunberg Therese , Jangra Rohit K , Román‐Sosa Gleyder , Guardado‐Calvo Pablo , Rey Felix A , Klingström Jonas , Chandran Kartik , Puhar Andrea , Ahlm Clas , Forsell Mattias NE
Published: July 2021

Objective

Human hantavirus infections can cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). The pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood, nor if they affect the humoral immune system. The objective of this study was to investigate humoral immune responses to hantavirus infection and to correlate them to the typical features of HFRS: thrombocytopenia and transient kidney dysfunction.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive characterisation of longitudinal antiviral B‐cell responses of 26 hantavirus patients and combined this with paired clinical data. In addition, we measured extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its breakdown products in circulation and performed in vitro stimulations to address its effect on B cells.

Results

We found that thrombocytopenia was correlated to an elevated frequency of plasmablasts in circulation. In contrast, kidney dysfunction was indicative of an accumulation of CD27−IgD− B cells and CD27−/low plasmablasts. Finally, we provide evidence that high levels of extracellular ATP and matrix metalloproteinase 8 can contribute to shedding of CD27 during human hantavirus infection.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that thrombocytopenia and kidney dysfunction associate with distinctly different effects on the humoral immune system. Moreover, hantavirus‐infected individuals have significantly elevated levels of extracellular ATP in circulation.
Plant material selection, collection, preservation, and storage for nuclear DNA content estimation
Authors: Čertner Martin , Lučanová Magdalena , Sliwinska Elwira , Kolář Filip , Loureiro João
Published: July 2021

In theory, any plant tissue providing intact nuclei in sufficient quantity is suitable for nuclear DNA content estimation using flow cytometry (FCM). While this certainly opens a wide variety of possible applications of FCM, especially when compared to classical karyological techniques restricted to tissues with active cell division, tissue selection and quality may directly affect the precision (and sometimes even reliability) of FCM measurements. It is usually convenient to first consider the goals of the study to either aim for the highest possible accuracy of estimates (e.g., for inferring genome size, detecting homoploid intraspecific genome size variation, aneuploidy, among others), or to decide that histograms of reasonable resolution provide sufficient information (e.g., ploidy level screening within a single model species). Here, a set of best practices guidelines for selecting the optimal plant tissue for FCM analysis, sampling of material, and material preservation and storage are provided. In addition, factors potentially compromising the quality of FCM estimates of nuclear DNA content and data interpretation are discussed.
Low complexity iterative decoding of Reed–Solomon convolutional concatenated codes
Authors: Samy Ramy , Mahran Ashraf , Mohasseb Yahya
Published: July 2021

The power limitation is the predominant challenge for achieving a reliable communication transmission for aerospace systems. Therefore, it is appealing to use robust channel coding techniques with a low decoding complexity. The robust forward error correction scheme that uses a Reed–Solomon as an outer code concatenated with a convolutional code as an inner code is an attractive scheme whose applications are widely used in wireless and space communications. However, iterative soft‐decision decoding of that concatenated code is still an open research challenge. This paper proposes a reduced complexity iterative decoding algorithm for this concatenated coding scheme. The soft‐output adaptive Viterbi algorithm with a dynamic discarding threshold has been adopted to decode the inner convolutional code while the outer decoder will be based on a bit‐level modified Chase algorithm. We have used the Hamming metric instead of the Euclidean metric, which is not only much less complex but also overcomes the lack of channel information on the outer decoder input. Simulation results using the proposed soft information exchange decoding mechanism show that a considerable performance enhancement over the classical decoding scheme as well as a significant reduction in complexity over the existing decoding algorithms that use an iterative process to decode this concatenated coding scheme. The adaptive decoding of the inner convolutional code can gain a complexity reduction of 90%after 5 iterations compared to the soft‐output Viterbi algorithm while maintaining the small performance loss from the maximum a posteriori decoding algorithm.
The in vivo metabolism of Furazadrol in greyhounds
Authors: Pranata Andy , Curtis Blake , Waller Christopher C. , Caldwell Karen , Zahra Paul W. , Karamatic Steven L. , McLeod Malcolm D.
Published: July 2021

Samples of the ‘dietary supplement’ Furazadrol sourced through the internet have been reported to contain the designer anabolic androgenic steroids [1′,2′]isoxazolo[4′,5′:2,3]‐5α‐androstan‐17β‐ol (furazadrol F) and [1′,2′]isoxazolo[4′,3′:2,3]‐5α‐androstan‐17β‐ol (isofurazadrol IF). These steroids contain an isoxazole fused to the A‐ring and were designed to offer anabolic activity while evading detection, raising concerns over the potential for abuse of this preparation in sports. The metabolism of Furazadrol (F:IF, 10:1) was studied by in vivo methods in greyhounds. Urinary phase II Furazadrol metabolites were detected as glucuronides after a controlled administration. These phase II metabolites were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis by Escherichia coli β‐glucuronidase to afford the corresponding phase I metabolites. Using a library of synthetically derived reference materials, the identities of seven urinary Furazadrol metabolites were confirmed. Major confirmed metabolites were isofurazadrol IF, 4α‐hydroxyfurazadrol 4α‐HF and 16α‐hydroxy oxidised furazadrol 16α‐HOF, whereas the minor confirmed metabolites were furazadrol F, 4β‐hydroxyfurazadrol 4β‐HF, 16β‐hydroxyfurazadrol 16β‐HF and 16β‐hydroxy oxidised furazadrol 16β‐HOF. One major hydroxyfurazadrol and two dihydroxyfurazadrol metabolites remained unidentified. Qualitative excretion profiles, limits of detection and extraction recoveries were established for furazadrol F and major confirmed metabolites. These investigations identify the key urinary metabolites of Furazadrol following oral administration, which can be incorporated into routine screening by anti‐doping laboratories to aid the regulation of greyhound racing.
Evaluation of camera trap‐based abundance estimators for unmarked populations
Authors: Amburgey S. M. , Yackel Adams A. A. , Gardner B. , Hostetter N. J. , Siers S. R. , McClintock B. T. , Converse S. J.
Published: July 2021

Estimates of species abundance are critical to understand population processes and to assess and select management actions. However, capturing and marking individuals for abundance estimation, while providing robust information, can be economically and logistically prohibitive, particularly for species with cryptic behavior. Camera traps can be used to collect data at temporal and spatial scales necessary for estimating abundance, but the use of camera traps comes with limitations when target species are not uniquely identifiable (i.e., “unmarked”). Abundance estimation is particularly useful in the management of invasive species, with herpetofauna being recognized as some of the most pervasive and detrimental invasive vertebrate species. However, the use of camera traps for these taxa presents additional challenges with relevancy across multiple taxa. It is often necessary to use lures to attract animals in order to obtain sufficient observations, yet lure attraction can influence species’ landscape use and potentially induce bias in abundance estimators. We investigated these challenges and assessed the feasibility of obtaining reliable abundance estimates using camera‐trapping data on a population of invasive brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) in Guam. Data were collected using camera traps in an enclosed area where snakes were subject to high‐intensity capture–recapture effort, resulting in presumed abundance of 116 snakes (density = 23/ha). We then applied spatial count, random encounter and staying time, space to event, and instantaneous sampling estimators to photo‐capture data to estimate abundance and compared estimates to our presumed abundance. We found that all estimators for unmarked populations performed poorly, with inaccurate or imprecise abundance estimates that limit their usefulness for management in this system. We further investigated the sensitivity of these estimators to the use of lures (i.e., violating the assumption that animal behavior is unchanged by sampling) and camera density in a simulation study. Increasing the effective distances of a lure (i.e., lure attraction) and camera density both resulted in biased abundance estimates. Each estimator rarely recovered truth or suffered from convergence issues. Our results indicate that, when limited to unmarked estimators and the use of lures, camera traps alone are unlikely to produce abundance estimates with utility for brown treesnake management.
Experimental seed sowing reveals seedling recruitment vulnerability to unseasonal fire
Authors: Miller Russell G. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Merritt David J. , Miller Ben P. , Enright Neal J.
Published: July 2021

Unseasonal fire occurrence is increasing globally, driven by climate change and other human activity. Changed timing of fire can inhibit postfire seedling recruitment through interactions with plant phenology (the timing of key processes, e.g., flower initiation, seed production, dispersal, germination), and therefore threaten the persistence of many plant species. Although empirical evidence from winter‐rainfall ecosystems shows that optimal seedling recruitment is expected following summer and autumn (dry season) fires, we sought experimental evidence isolating the mechanisms of poor recruitment following unseasonal (wet season) fire. We implemented a seed‐sowing experiment using nine species native to fire‐prone, Mediterranean‐climate woodlands in southwestern Australia to emulate the timing of postfire recruitment and test key mechanisms of fire seasonality effects. For seeds sown during months when fire is unseasonal (i.e., August–September: end of the wet winter season), seedling recruitment was reduced by up to 99% relative to seeds sown during seasonal fire months (i.e., May–June: end of the dry summer season) because of varying seed persistence, seedling emergence, and seedling survival. We found that up to 70 times more seedlings emerged when seeds were sown during seasonal fire months compared to when seeds were sown during unseasonal fire months. The few seedlings that emerged from unseasonal sowings all died with the onset of the dry season. Of the seeds that failed to germinate from unseasonal sowings, only 2% survived exposure on the soil surface over the ensuing hot and dry summer. Our experimental results demonstrate the potential for unseasonal fire to inhibit seedling recruitment via impacts on pregermination seed persistence and seedling establishment. As ongoing climate change lengthens fire seasons (i.e., unseasonal wildfires become more common) and managed fires are implemented further outside historically typical fire seasons, postfire seedling recruitment may become more vulnerable to failure, causing shifts in plant community composition towards those with fewer species solely dependent on seeds for regeneration.
Species diversity of freshwater shrimp in Henan Province, China, based on morphological characters and COI mitochondrial gene
Authors: Zhou Chuan‐jiang , Feng Meng‐xia , Tang Yong‐tao , Yang Chang‐xing , Meng Xiao‐lin , Nie Guo‐xing
Published: July 2021

Freshwater shrimp are a rich species group, with a long and problematic taxonomic history attributed to their wide distribution and similar morphological characteristics. Shrimp diversity and species identification are important cornerstones for fisheries management. However, identification based on morphological characteristics is a difficult task for a nonspecialist. Abundant freshwater shrimp species are distributed in the waters of Henan Province, but investigations of freshwater shrimp are limited in this region, especially concerning molecular features. Here, we combined morphology and DNA barcodes to reveal the species diversity of freshwater shrimp in Henan province. A total of 1,200 freshwater shrimp samples were collected from 46 sampling sites, and 222 samples were chosen for further microscopic examination and molecular delimitation. We used tree‐based methods (NJ, ML, and bPTP) and distance‐based methods (estimation of the paired genetic distances and ABGD) to delimit species. The results showed that there were nine morphospecies based on morphological characteristics; all could effectively be defined by molecular methods, among which bPTP and ABGD defined 13 and 8 MOTUs, respectively. The estimation of the paired genetic distances of K2P and the p‐distances had similar results. Mean K2P distances and p‐distances within species were both equal to 1.2%. The maximum intraspecific genetic distances of all species were less than 2%, with the exception of Palaemon modestus and M. maculatum. Various analyses have shown that P. modestus and M. maculatum have a large genetic differentiation, which may indicate the existence of cryptic species. By contrast, DNA barcoding could unambiguously discriminate 13 species and detect cryptic diversity. Our results demonstrate the high efficiency of DNA barcoding to delimit freshwater shrimp diversity and detect the presence of cryptic species.
A density estimation model of plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) supporting camera‐monitoring programs
Authors: Jia Ying‐Hui , Qiu Jun , Ma Cang , Wang Jin‐Zhao , Wang Guang‐Qian , Li Fang‐Fang
Published: July 2021

As an important species in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, the roles played by plateau pikas in grassland degradation and protection are controversial. The behavior characteristics and population density of this species are important in answering this question, but these traits have not been fully elucidated to date. Camera‐capture methods have been used widely in recent years to characterize or calculate population density with the advantage of simple operation and nonintrusive investigation. However, establishing the relationship between actual population density and monitoring data with the condition that individual identification is not possible is a major challenge for this method. In this study, a model composed of a behavioral module and a burrow system module is proposed and applied to simulate the moving path of each individual pika. Based on Monte Carlo method, the model is used to develop the relationship between population density and recorded capture number, which is compared with the results derived from the random encounter model (REM) based on field observations. The simulated results mixed with the calculated density based on observation data could reach R2 = 0.98 using linear fitting, with proper parameter settings. A novel index named activity intensity of pikas per population density is also proposed, providing information on both the ecological physical characteristics and monitoring space. The influence of different parameters on this index, mainly the pika number per burrow system, pika activity time outside the burrow, and activity intensity, is discussed. The proposed methodology can be applied to different scenarios in further studies when behavioral characteristics of pikas change for such reasons as climate change and vegetation degradation.