bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tailored Double Emulsions Made Simple
Authors: Wang Junwei , Hahn Simon , Amstad Esther , Vogel Nicolas
Published: October 2021

Double emulsions, such as water‐in‐oil‐in‐water droplets, are important material platforms for conducting fundamental research and for technological applications. To date, well‐defined double‐emulsion droplets consisting of a single water core and a thin oil shell can be exclusively formed with sophisticated microfluidic devices. The fabrication, preparation, and operation of such devices is challenging, which reduces the availability of tailored double emulsions to a limited community of experts. Here, a simple method is introduced to produce single‐core double emulsions with high yield in large quantities, using a vortex mixer. Utilizing the density difference between the dispersed droplet and the continuous phase, this two‐step emulsification method can achieve very small core droplet diameters below 10 μm and ultrathin shells with thicknesses below 1 μm. A detailed picture of the formation mechanism is provided and it is demonstrated that the process can be extended to produce multishell and multicore emulsions. Finally, its application is demonstrated to produce structurally colored colloidal supraparticles with unprecedented uniformity and yield. The method allows the creation of tailored double emulsions with minimal time, cost, effort, and expertise, and may widen its application to nonspecialized scientific communities.
Patterned Electrode Assisted One‐Step Fabrication of Biomimetic Morphing Hydrogels with Sophisticated Anisotropic Structures
Authors: Zhu Qing Li , Dai Chen Fei , Wagner Daniel , Khoruzhenko Olena , Hong Wei , Breu Josef , Zheng Qiang , Wu Zi Liang
Published: October 2021

Anisotropic structures are ubiquitous in nature, affording fascinating morphing behaviors. Biomimetic morphing materials can be developed by spatially controlling the orientations of molecules or nanofillers that produce anisotropic responses and internal stresses under external stimuli. However, it remains a serious challenge to fabricate materials with sophisticated anisotropic architectures. Here, a facile strategy to fabricate morphing hydrogels with elaborately ordered structures of nanosheets, which are oriented under distributed electric field and immobilized by polymerization to form a poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) matrix, is proposed. Diverse sophisticated anisotropic structures are obtained by engineering the electric field through the patterns and relative locations of the electrodes. Upon heating, the monolithic hydrogels with through‐thickness and/or in‐plane gradients in orientation of the nanosheets deform into various three‐dimensional configurations. After incorporating gold nanoparticles, the hydrogels become photoresponsive and capable of programmable motions, for example, dynamic twisting and flipping under spatiotemporal stimuli. Such a strategy of using patterned electrodes to generate distributed electric field should be applicable to systems of liquid crystals or charged particles/molecules to direct orientation or electrophoresis and form functional structures. The biomimetically architectured hydrogels would be ideal materials to develop artificial muscles, soft actuators/robots, and biomedical devices with versatile applications.
Divided‐wall distillation column design using molecular tracking
Authors: Montonati Gianluca , Nazemzadeh Nima , Abildskov Jens , Mansouri Seyed Soheil
Published: October 2021

Divided‐wall column (DWC) is an intensified separation process and so far developing a simple procedure for designing these units has been challenging. In this work, the concept of molecular tracking has been integrated with conventional methods to build a simple and easy‐to‐use methodology for designing DWCs for multicomponent separations. Application of the proposed approach is highlighted through several three‐ and four‐component mixtures. The configuration obtained using molecular tracking gives a design with lower energy demands for the column reboiler, compared to other design methodology, which directly impacts the OPEX of the system.
Understanding afterschool engagement: Investigating developmental outcomes for adolescents
Authors: Sjogren Ashlee L. , Zumbrunn Sharon , Broda Michael , Bae Christine L. , Deutsch Nancy L.
Published: October 2021

Though student engagement is hypothesized to be a factor in explaining student level differences in afterschool programs, the measurement of student engagement in this context is inconsistent, and findings from the small number of studies about how engagement impacts developmental and academic outcomes are mixed. In this study, we tested the factor structure of Wang and colleagues' school engagement scale with a sample of middle school students (N = 197) who attended an afterschool program in an urban setting. Results suggest that a bifactor model of engagement best fits the data, meaning that engagement consists of four specific factors (affective, behavioral, cognitive, social) and a global factor. We then used structural equation modeling to examine the relationship between engagement, academic outcomes, and positive youth development (PYD). Results also showed positive associations with student mathematics achievement and PYD, but no significant associations were found between engagement and English achievement. This study provides a theoretically aligned way to measure engagement and evidence to support engagement as a key factor in predicting youth outcomes in an out‐of‐school context.
Evaluation of staging criteria for disposition and airway intervention in emergency department angioedema patients
Authors: Dass Conor , Mahaffa Maggie , Dang Elizabeth , Campbell Ronna , Ballas Zuhair , Lee Sangil
Published: October 2021

Aim

Angioedema is a nonpitting edema that can lead to death secondary to airway obstruction. Previously, a staging system based on localization of the angioedema was proposed for risk stratification of likelihood of need for admission or airway intervention. This study aims to evaluate a staging system based on angioedema localization as a method of predicting need for admission or airway intervention.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of angioedema cases that presented to an academic emergency department (ED) from August 1, 2006, to January 31, 2018. Data were collected on location of swelling, treatment setting, and medical and procedural interventions. Cases were categorized by modified Ishoo criteria, defined as follows: 1, lips, face, periorbital, extremities, total body/diffuse swelling; 2, soft palate, posterior pharynx; 3, tongue; 4, larynx. Predictive probability of disposition by stage was then compared.

Results

A total of 320 patients were included in this study (median age, 44 years; 54.4% female). Stage 4 was more likely to require intensive care unit care without (probability 17%) and with (67%) airway intervention compared with stage 1 without (2.5%) and with (0.1%) airway intervention. Conversely, stage 1 was more likely to be treated in ED and discharged (85%) compared with stage 4 (0%). Stage 4 was also more likely to require airway intervention (67%) compared with other stages (1, 0.1%; 2, 8.6%; 3, 16%).

Conclusion

Higher‐stage patients were more likely to require higher levels of care and airway intervention. Thus, the staging system appears to be a valid method of predicting risk among ED angioedema patients.
Designer Outer Membrane Protein Facilitates Uptake of Decoy Molecules into a Cytochrome P450BM3‐Based Whole‐Cell Biocatalyst
Authors: Karasawa Masayuki , Yonemura Kai , Stanfield Joshua Kyle , Suzuki Kazuto , Shoji Osami
Published: October 2021

We report an OmpF loop deletion mutant, which improves the cellular uptake of external additives into an Escherichia coli whole‐cell biocatalyst. Through co‐expression of the OmpF mutant with wild‐type P450BM3 in the presence of decoy molecules, the yield of the whole‐cell biotransformation of benzene could be considerably improved. Notably, with the decoy molecule C7AM‐Pip‐Phe the yield duodecupled from 5.7 % to 70 %, with 80 % phenol selectivity. The benzylic hydroxylation of alkyl‐ and cycloalkylbenzenes was also examined, and with the aid of decoy molecules, propylbenzene and tetralin were converted to 1‐hydroxylated products with 78 % yield and 94 % (R) ee for propylbenzene and 92 % yield and 94 % (S) ee for tetralin. Our results suggest that both the decoy molecule and substrate traverse the artificial OmpF channel, synergistically boosting whole‐cell bioconversions.
Dynamic Exchange of Substituents in a Prebiotic Organocatalyst: Initial Steps towards an Evolutionary System
Authors: Closs Anna C. , Bechtel Maximilian , Trapp Oliver
Published: October 2021

All evolutionary biological processes lead to a change in heritable traits over successive generations. The responsible genetic information encoded in DNA is altered, selected, and inherited by mutation of the base sequence. While this is well known at the biological level, an evolutionary change at the molecular level of small organic molecules is unknown but represents an important prerequisite for the emergence of life. Here, we present a class of prebiotic imidazolidine‐4‐thione organocatalysts able to dynamically change their constitution and potentially capable to form an evolutionary system. These catalysts functionalize their building blocks and dynamically adapt to their (self‐modified) environment by mutation of their own structure. Depending on the surrounding conditions, they show pronounced and opposing selectivity in their formation. Remarkably, the preferentially formed species can be associated with different catalytic properties, which enable multiple pathways for the transition from abiotic matter to functional biomolecules.
Preparation and thermal performance of nitrocellulose coated by polydopamine
Authors: Yang Zhao , Fan Wen‐Hao , Ding Ya‐Jun , Xiao Zhong‐Liang
Published: October 2021

The existing stabilizers for nitrocellulose (NC) have various disadvantages of harming human health and polluting the environment, which does not meet the requirements of “green” propellants. This research work investigates the self‐polymerization of dopamine to prepare polydopamine (PDA) coated NC composites, and explores the effects of PDA on the thermal stability of NC. SEM, FT‐IR, and RAMAN were applied to investigate the changes of NC surface morphology and chemical structure. The results show that PDA is effectively coated on the NC surface and form a dense PDA film. The thermal decomposition behavior of NC was studied by TG and DSC, and the thermal decomposition activation energy was calculated. The results showed that the thermal stability of the physical mixture did not improve. The thermal stability of the complex increases first and then decreases with increasing of the concentration of dopamine hydrochloride. The optimal reaction conditions are that the concentration of dopamine hydrochloride is 3 g/L and the reaction time is 24 h. The thermal decomposition activation energy of the sample under the optimal conditions is 190.00 kJ/mol, 8.91% higher than that of NC (174.45 kJ/mol), which proves that PDA has the ability to improve the thermal stability of NC.
A Carbohydrate‐based Synthetic Approach to Diverse Structurally and Stereochemically Complex Chiral Polyheterocycles
Authors: Bhuyan Samuzal , Das Dharmendra , Chakraborty Amit , Mandal Susanta , Dhanabal Kumaraswamy , Roy Biswajit Gopal
Published: October 2021

Chiral polyheterocycles are one of the most frequently encountered scaffolds in natural products and in current drugs repertoire. A carbohydrate‐based diversity oriented synthetic (DOS) approach has been employed for gaining access to many structurally diverse and stereochemically complex rigid polyheterocyclic molecules with multiple chiral hydroxyl groups to enhance aqueous solubility. Inexpensive chiral pool of D‐Glucose has been judiciously exploited to get access of complex chiral polyheterocyclic structures using inexpensive, common achiral reagents and domino‐Knoevenagel hetero‐Diels‐Alder (DKHDA) reaction as one of the key synthetic tools. Stereochemistry of newly generated stereocenters of polycyclic structures are unambiguously determined through NMR and X‐ray crystallographic study. A chemoinformatic comparison (PCA and PMI) with 40 branded blockbuster drugs showed that newly generated polyheterocycles have good three‐dimensional scaffold diversity and most of these pass the Lipinski filter of drug‐likeness.
Asymmetric Total Syntheses, Stereostructures, and Cytotoxicities of Marine Bromotriterpenoids Aplysiol B (Laurenmariannol) and Saiyacenol A
Authors: Nishikibe Kento , Nishikawa Keisuke , Kumagai Momochika , Doe Matsumi , Morimoto Yoshiki
Published: October 2021

There are marine cytotoxic bromotriterpenoids, named the thyrsiferol family that are structurally characterized by some tetrahydropyran (THP) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) rings. The thyrsiferol family belongs to natural products that are often difficult to determine their stereostructures even by the current, highly advanced spectroscopic methods, especially in acyclic systems including stereogenic tetrasubstituted carbon centers. In such cases, it is effective to predict and synthesize the possible stereostructures. Herein, to elucidate ambiguous stereostructures and unassigned absolute configurations of aplysiol B, laurenmariannol, and saiyacenol A, members of the thyrsiferol family, we carried out their asymmetric chemical syntheses featuring 6‐exo and 5‐exo oxacyclizations of epoxy alcohol precursors and 6‐endo bromoetherification of a bishomoallylic alcohol. In this paper, we report total assignments of their stereostructures through their asymmetric chemical syntheses and also their preliminary cytotoxic activities against some tumor cells. These results could not have been achieved without depending on asymmetric total synthesis.
Compact radio sources: Triggering and feedback
Authors: Tadhunter Clive , Morganti Raffaella , Santoro Francesco , Bernhard Emmanuel
Published: October 2021

CSS/GPS objects represent a key stage in the evolution of powerful radio AGN in which the jets are expanding through the denser, kpc‐scale ISM in the host galaxies. Therefore, it is important both to understand how such radio AGN are triggered as galaxies evolve and to directly quantify the impact of the outflows induced by the jet‐cloud interactions. Here, we show that CSS/GPS sources are likely to be triggered in galaxy mergers, just like powerful radio AGN in general. However, they are both more gas‐rich and have higher star formation rates on average than their more extended counterparts. Also, whereas observations frequently show evidence for strong jet‐cloud interactions in CSS/GPS in the form of warm outflows, in most cases these warm outflows are unlikely to be energetic enough to affect the star formation histories of the entire host galaxies outside the central kpc. Rather, much of the mass, energy, and momentum of the outflows appear to be tied up in neutral and molecular outflows, which may have a more important impact on the host galaxies. Finally, we consider whether CSS/GPS sources are impostors in flux‐limited samples due to the effect of the strong jet‐cloud interactions on their radio luminosities.
Assessment and treatment of problem behavior maintained by escape from attention
Authors: Cengher Mirela , O'Connor Julia T. , Strohmeier Craig W.
Published: October 2021

This study describes the assessment and treatment of problem behavior for two participants whose functional analysis results identified escape from attention as the function of problem behavior. Treatment involved functional communication training to teach an appropriate alternative behavior that produced escape from attention. Additionally, in both cases, we expanded treatments by using graduated exposure to attention to facilitate increases in social interaction while maintaining low levels of problem behavior. We discuss findings as they relate to (a) functional analysis procedures to identify escape from attention as a function for problem behavior, (b) treatment strategies to reduce problem behavior, and (c) treatment strategies aimed at decreasing escape from, and avoidance of, social interaction for individuals who demonstrate this problem behavior function.
Establishment of a pig CRISPR/Cas9 knockout library for functional gene screening in pig cells
Authors: Yu Chuanzhao , Zhong Haiwen , Yang Xiaohui , Li Guoling , Wu Zhenfang , Yang Huaqiang
Published: October 2021

Background

As an important farm animal, pig functional genomic study can help understand the molecular mechanism related to the key economic traits of pig, such as growth, reproduction, or disease. The genome‐scale library based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated endonuclease Cas9 (Cas9) system facilitates discovery of key genes involved in a specific function or phenotype, allowing for an effective “phenotype‐to‐genotype” strategy for functional genomic study.

Methods and Results

We designed and constructed a pig genome‐scale CRISPR/Cas9 knockout library targeting 16,888 genes with 970,001 unique sgRNAs. The library is a single‐vector system including both Cas9 and sgRNA, and packaged into lentivirus for an easy cell delivery for screening. To establish a screening method in pig cells, we used diphtheria toxin (DT)‐induced cell death as a model to screen the host genes critical for DT toxicity in pig PK‐15 cells. After lentiviral transduction and two sequential screening with DT treatment, the highest‐ranking candidates we identified were previously validated genes, HBEGF, DPH1, DPH2, DPH3, DPH5, DNAJC24, and ZBTB17, which are DT receptor and the key factors involved in biosynthesis of diphthamide, the target of DT action. The function and gene essentiality of candidates were further confirmed by gene knockout and DT toxicity assay in PK‐15 cells.

Conclusions

Our CRISPR knockout library targeting pig whole genome establishes a promising platform for pig functional genomic analysis.
Surgical safe zones for oblique lumbar interbody fusion of L1‐5: A cadaveric study
Authors: Deng Donghai , Liao Xuqiang , Wu Ruihui , Zhou Yunfei , Huang Xingqiu , Shi Chenglong , Shi Benchao , Min Shaoxiong
Published: October 2021

To evaluate the operating range and morphology of the surgical safe zone for oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF). Twenty embalmed full‐torso cadaveric specimens were dissected. The oblique corridor and the distance between adjacent lumbar arteries were measured in a static state and with psoas major retraction. The morphology and size of the safe zone for OLIF and the location of the lumbar sympathetic trunk were also recorded. The oblique corridor of the L1‐L5 segments was significantly greater in the retracted state than in the static state (p < 0.05). With psoas major retraction, the distances between adjacent lumbar arteries at L1‐4 were significantly greater (p < 0.05) than those in the static state. The lumbar sympathetic trunk is just located in the safe zone and travels downward adjacent to the psoas major. The shape of the safe zone for OLIF was approximately an oblique upward parallelogram at L1/2 and L2/3, an isosceles trapezoid at L3/4, and an irregular quadrangle or triangle at L4/5. The safe zone for OLIF at L1/2, L2/3, and L3/4 was significantly larger during retraction than in the static state (p < 0.05). On the lateral side of the lumbar spine there is a natural surgical safe zone for OLIF, which can provide a sufficient operating space. The safe zone has a certain morphological pattern in L1‐5 segments and psoas major retraction can significantly enlarge it.
Accidental ingestion of swamp stone: A new and hazardous source of lead poisoning
Authors: Aghabikloo Abbas , Zamani Nazanin
Published: October 2021

It is important to find sources for lead poisoning and educate the population about the danger of this heavy metal. The epidemiologic studies for evaluating BLL can help develop a guideline for screening endangered populations and providing treatment.
Modification of Amorphous Mesoporous Zirconia Nanoparticles with Bisphosphonic Acids: A Straightforward Approach for Tailoring the Surface Properties of the Nanoparticles
Authors: Hossain Khohinur , Florean Luca , Del Tedesco Anna , Cattaruzza Elti , Geppi Marco , Borsacchi Silvia , Canton Patrizia , Benedetti Alvise , Riello Pietro , Scarso Alessandro
Published: October 2021

The use of readily prepared bisphosphonic acids obtained in few steps through a thio‐Michael addition of commercially available thiols on tetraethyl vinylidenebisphosphonate enables the straightforward surface modification of amorphous mesoporous zirconia nanoparticles. Simple stirring of the zirconia nanoparticles in a buffered aqueous solution of the proper bisphosphonic acid leads to the surface functionalization of the nanoparticles with different kinds of functional groups, charge and hydrophobic properties. Formation of both chemisorbed and physisorbed layers of the bisphosphonic acid take place, observing after extensive washing a grafting density of 1.1 molecules/nm2 with negligible release in neutral or acidic pH conditions, demonstrating stronger loading compared to monophosphonate derivatives. The modified nanoparticles were characterized by IR, XPS, ζ‐potential analysis to investigate the loading of the bisphosphonic acid, FE‐SEM to investigate the size and morphologies of the nanoparticles and 31P and 1H MAS NMR to investigate the coordination motif of the phosphonate units on the surface. All these analytical techniques demonstrated the strong affinity of the bisphosphonic moiety for the Zr(IV) metal centers. The functionalization with bisphosphonic acids represents a straightforward covalent approach for tailoring the superficial properties of zirconia nanoparticles, much straightforward compared the classic use of trisalkoxysilane or trichlorosilane reagents typically employed for the functionalization of silica and metal oxide nanoparticles. Extension of the use of bisphosphonates to other metal oxide nanoparticles is advisable.
COVID‐19 and patients with cancer: Investigating treatment impact, information sources, and COVID‐19–related knowledge, attitudes, and practices
Authors: Ugas Mohamed A. , Samoil Diana , Avery Lisa , Berlin Alejandro , Giuliani Meredith E. , Papadakos Tina J. , Quartey Naa Kwarley (Linda) , Papadakos Janet K.
Published: October 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has caused enormous strain on public health. Patients with cancer are particularly susceptible to the disease, and their treatment plans have been threatened by public health restrictions designed to contain the spread.

Methods

This study examined the effects of the pandemic on cancer patients' psychology, knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning COVID‐19 as well as their perceptions of the impact of COVID‐19 on their cancer health care services. A survey was sent to 5800 patients at a cancer center in Toronto, Canada. Descriptive results were summarized. Qualitative feedback was coded and summarized. To examine for potential associations, regression models were tested for the outcomes of patient psychological well‐being, knowledge, attitudes, and practices, and they accounted for several demographic, health literacy, and disease variables.

Results

A total of 1631 surveys were completed. Most patients saw their appointments shifted to virtual visits, and for a substantial minority, there was no change. A majority of the patients (62%) expressed fears about contracting the virus. There were no independent predictors of COVID‐19–related knowledge. Fears were more pronounced among patients who did not speak English and those who used social media more often. Female participants, those who scored higher on knowledge questions, and those who used cancer center materials were more likely to take preventative measures against infection.

Conclusions

This study provides a snapshot of the state of cancer patient treatment and the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients between the first 2 waves of the pandemic. The study's results can inform our understanding of adaptation to conditions during and after the outbreak.
Miniaturized flexible metamaterial antenna of circularly polarized high gain‐bandwidth product for radio frequency energy harvesting
Authors: Alaukally Malak Naem Nashoor , Elwi Taha A. , Atilla Dogu Cagdas
Published: October 2021

A discussion of using an ultrawide band (UWB) Hilbert‐shaped metamaterial (MTM) antenna structure for RF energy harvesting is exemplified in this article to conduct the use of organic substrates. Therefore, the proposed design is structured as a low profile rectangular MTM array in the context of wearable systems. The antenna is mounted on a prepared indium‐nickel oxide‐based polymerized Palm fiber (INP) substrate and backed with a ground plane of square electromagnetic band gap (EBG) defects. Fifteen samples of INP substrate are prepared for this study. Thus, the prepared INP substrates characterizations are tested using a T‐resonator transmission line technique printed on an FR4 substrate. In this technique, the measured scattering parameters are interpreted from two resonators with two different characteristics impedance to be employed for retrieving the relative permittivity (εr) and permeability (μr). This process is included to ensure the prepared substrate properties controllability for microwave devices manufacturing. After that, the proposed antenna is manufactured from silver nanoparticle (SNP) printout. The performance of the proposed antenna is tested numerically and experimentally. It is found that the proposed antenna shows an UWB response to start from 3 and up to 10 GHz that suits different applications including IoT, 5G, and WiMAX system networks. The measured gain spectrum shows four peaks at 3.5, 4.2, 5.4, and 6 GHz with gain values of 1.1, 2, 3.4, and 3.9 dBi, respectively. Finally, the conversion efficiency of RF harvesting is measured experimentally for the antenna in case of flat profile and bended structure at the frequency bands of interest to reveal insignificant changes.
Novel localizations of TRPC5 channels suggest novel and unexplored roles: A study in the chick embryo brain
Authors: Ahmed Sharifuddin Rifat , Liu Elise , Yip Alissa , Lin Yuqi , Balaban Evan , Pompeiano Maria
Published: October 2021

Mammalian TRPC5 channels are predominantly expressed in the brain, where they increase intracellular Ca2+ and induce depolarization. Because they augment presynaptic vesicle release, cause persistent neural activity, and show constitutive activity, TRPC5s could play a functional role in late developmental brain events. We used immunohistochemistry to examine TRPC5 in the chick embryo brain between 8 and 20 days of incubation, and provide the first detailed description of their distribution in birds and in the whole brain of any animal species. Stained areas substantially increased between E8 and E16, and staining intensity in many areas peaked at E16, a time when chick brains first show organized patterns of whole‐brain metabolic activation like what is seen consistently after hatching. Areas showing cell soma staining match areas showing Trpc5 mRNA or protein in adult rodents (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellar Purkinje cells). Chick embryos show protein staining in the optic tectum, cerebellar nuclei, and several brainstem nuclei; equivalent areas in the Allen Institute mouse maps express Trpc5 mRNA. The strongest cell soma staining was found in a dorsal hypothalamic area (matching a group of parvicellular arginine vasotocin neurons and a pallial amygdalohypothalamic cell corridor) and the vagal motor complex. Purkinje cells showed strong dendritic staining at E20. Unexpectedly, we also describe neurite staining in the septum, several hypothalamic nuclei, and a paramedian raphe area; the strongest neurite staining was in the median eminence. These novel localizations suggest new unexplored TRPC5 functions, and possible roles in late embryonic brain development.
Comparative genomics suggests local adaptations in the invasive small hive beetle
Authors: Liu Yuanzhen , Henkel Jan , Beaurepaire Alexis , Evans Jay D. , Neumann Peter , Huang Qiang
Published: October 2021

Invasive species are a major driver of ecological and environmental changes that affect human health, food security, and natural biodiversity. The success and impact of biological invasions depend on adaptations to novel abiotic and biotic selective pressures. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptations in invasive parasitic species are inadequately understood. Small hive beetles, Aethina tumida, are parasites of bee nests. Originally endemic to sub‐Saharan Africa, they are now found nearly globally. Here, we investigated the molecular bases of the adaptations to novel environments underlying their invasion routes. Genomes of historic and recent adults A. tumida from both the endemic and introduced ranges were compared. Analysis of gene–environment association identified 3049 candidate loci located in 874 genes. Functional annotation showed a significant bias toward genes linked to growth and reproduction. One of the genes from the apoptosis pathway encodes an “ecdysone‐related protein,” which is a crucial regulator in controlling body size in response to environmental cues for holometabolous insects during cell death and renewal. Genes whose proteins regulate organ size, ovary activation, and oviposition were also detected. Functions of these enriched pathways parallel behavioral differences between introduced and native A. tumida populations, which may reflect patterns of local adaptation. The results considerably improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and ecological factors driving adaptations of invasive species. Deep functional investigation of these identified loci will help clarify the mechanisms of local adaptation in A. tumida.
Trade‐offs of forest management scenarios on forest carbon exchange and threatened and endangered species habitat
Authors: McDowell Nate G. , Tan Zeli , Hurteau Matthew D. , Prasad Rajiv
Published: October 2021

Management of forest lands under climate warming poses challenges to managers, some of which are difficult to predict. Examining the trade‐offs associated with forest stewardship choices is essential to avoid consequences associated with loss of natural capital. We utilized LANDIS‐II process model simulations for three forested sites located in disparate parts of the United States with the purpose of understanding the trade‐offs imposed by management choices under climate warming and associated wildfire. There were only small trade‐offs that emerged from the simulations, between habitat area for threatened and endangered species (TES), net ecosystem exchange for CO2(NEE), and risk of wildfire. Stand management in the form of thinning and prescribed burning typically increased NEE while simultaneously increasing habitat for TES, while reducing the risk of wildfire. These benefits were also observed under a climate warming scenario; however, the benefits were greatly outweighed by the negative impacts of warming on both TES habitat and NEE. Balancing these ecosystem services via thinning and burning treatments is a strategic approach to mitigate risks of wildfire both currently and under a warming future climate.
Of olives and carp: interactive effects of an aquatic and a terrestrial invader on a stream‐riparian ecosystem
Authors: Heinrich Kaleb K. , Baxter Colden V. , Bell Alex T. C. , Hood James M.
Published: October 2021

Multiple invasive species may interact, influencing one another and generating synergistic effects on food webs and ecosystem processes. We investigated the interaction between two non‐native species widespread in the western USA: common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), an invasive riparian tree associated with di‐nitrogen fixation. Deep Creek, Idaho, was an International Biological Program site in the early 1970s; at that time, carp were rare and Russian olive was absent. Subsequently, Russian olive was introduced and established a dense stand, increasing allochthonous inputs and nitrogen‐rich benthic organic matter. Since 1971, carp density has increased ~4× (an increase our bioenergetic analysis suggests could not have been sustained in the absence of Russian olive). Carp gut contents in 2013–2014 revealed, on average, ~40% olives, and, similarly, stable isotope analyses revealed ~58% of carp tissues were derived from olives. A small‐scale, short‐term experimental exclusion of these subsidized carp caused ~3× increases in macrophytes and chlorophyll‐a, suggesting they may limit algae and macrophyte biomass. Moreover, carp that consumed olives excreted more nitrogen (~2× more ammonium, ~2× more total dissolved nitrogen, and ~3× more total nitrogen) compared to those that had not, which may amplify recycling and export from streams invaded by both species. This scenario is characteristic of an “invasional meltdown,” with attendant changes in food webs and ecosystem processes.
Telemetry reveals migratory drivers and disparate space use across seasons and age‐groups in American horseshoe crabs
Authors: Bopp Justin J. , Sclafani Matthew , Frisk Michael G. , McKown Kim , Ziegler‐Fede Catherine , Smith David R. , Cerrato Robert M.
Published: October 2021

Identifying mechanisms that underpin animal migration patterns and examining variability in space use within populations is crucial for understanding population dynamics and management implications. In this study, we quantified the migration rates, seasonal changes in migratory connectivity, and residency across population demographics (age and sex) to understand the proximate cues of migration timing in American horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus). Juvenile (n = 25) and adult (n = 70) horseshoe crabs were tracked with acoustic telemetry techniques for a 3‐yr period in Moriches Bay, NY. Connectivity metrics and residency probability were quantified through spatial network analysis and empirically derived Markov Chain models (EDMC), respectively. The migratory probability of adult horseshoe crabs between Moriches Bay and the Atlantic Ocean was estimated to be 41.0% (95% CI: 34.0–59.8); in contrast, only 8% (95% CI: 1.2–31.6) of juveniles migrated into the ocean. Migration timing was influenced by the interaction of photoperiod and temperature, revealing seasonal differences in migration timing and a 50% narrower range of photoperiod and temperature over which fall migrations occurred compared to spring. Sex‐specific differences in space use and connectivity within each season were largely absent; however, centralized habitats were important for maintaining connectivity across all seasons. EDMC results revealed that when standardized to the number of horseshoe crab detections on each receiver, the centrally located habitats in Moriches Bay and Inlet accounted for >50% of the total relative residency probability within most seasons, indicating these areas may be preferred by adult horseshoe crabs. Ontogenetic differences in maximum spatial extent, space use, and connectivity were observed in the bay, as juveniles exhibited lower linkages between locations (n = 4) relative to adults (n = 13) during the same temporal period. Our work highlights the application of novel quantitative approaches for addressing the movement dynamics of horseshoe crabs that can be readily applied to other taxa in the context of wildlife conservation.
Drivers of farmers’ intention to adopt integrated pest management: a case study of vegetable farmers in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Fawad Z. A. , Manzoor Syed Amir , Gul Hafiza Tahira , Ali Mudssar , Bashir Muhammad Amjad , Akmal Muhammad , Haseeb Muhammad , Imran Muhammad Usama , Taqi Muhammad , Manzoor Syed Asad , Lukac Martin , Joseph Shimat V.
Published: October 2021

Integrated pest management adoption is quite low around the globe, particularly in developing countries, due to different factors. Here, we examine the factors affecting the intention of Pakistani farmers to adopt integrated pest management practices in vegetable production using a structured questionnaire. We interviewed 301 vegetable growers in Multan, Pakistan. The reliability and validity of the data, along with the underlying relationship between the observed variables, were identified through exploratory factor analysis. The majority of the farmers (79.4%) relied on pesticides for pest control. More than four out of 10 of the respondents (43.8%) reported that okra received the highest application of pesticides followed by potato (24.5%) and cauliflower (17.9%). Integrated pest management was currently non‐existent among the vegetable growers of the study area. The latent factors—“knowledge of the adverse effects of pesticide,” “belief in the efficacy of non‐chemical pest control measures,” “perceived barriers to the adoption of integrated pest management,” “progressive farming approach,” and “intention to adopt integrated pest management”—were subsequently confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. The structural equation model suggested that the intention to adopt integrated pest management is significantly affected by farmers’ knowledge of the adverse effects of pesticides (β = 0.274, z‐value = 3.082, P = 0.002). An increase in farmers’ awareness of the harmful effects of pesticides could lead to integrated pest management adoption for pest control. The scale for intention to adopt integrated pest management developed in this study can be used in future studies and provide valuable insights to the policymakers for devising integrated pest management adoption campaigns in the study area.
Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis in patients after TAVR: clinical and echocardiographic findings and long term survival
Authors: Shimoni Sara , Zikri Meital , Haberman Dan , Livschitz Shay , Tshori Sagi , Fabricant Yacov , Meledin Valery , Gandelman Gera , Goland Sorel , George Jacob
Published: October 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of amyloid transthyretin (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis in patients 1–2 years after trans‐catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and to assess their clinical and echocardiographic outcome and long‐term survival.

Methods and results

We enrolled 88 patients, mean age 81 years, 534 (390–711) days after TAVR. Patients underwent a Tc99m‐PYP scintigraphy for the diagnosis of ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. Eleven (12.5%) participants were diagnosed with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. Eighty eight per cent of patients without amyloidosis were in New York Heart Association Classes 1–2 after TAVR, compared with 64% patients with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis (P = 0.022). There were no differences in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (P = 0.69) between patients with and without ATTR cardiac amyloidosis at enrolment. The LV mass index and pulmonary artery pressure were significantly higher in patients with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis (P = 0.046 and P = 0.002, respectively). Global longitudinal strain and myocardial work efficiency were significantly lower in patients with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis (P = 0.031 and P = 0.048, respectively). We assessed changes in echocardiographic data, from the time of TAVR to enrolment, and as expected, there was a significant decrease in aortic valve gradient in both groups. There was a significant reduction in LV mass and LV mass index and improvement in basal segment LV strain in the ATTR cardiac amyloidosis negative group (P = 0.045, P = 0.046 and 0.023, respectively). However, in the ATTR cardiac amyloidosis group the change in LV mass and LV mass index and LV basal strain values was not significant (P = 0.24, P = 0.13 and P = 0.35, respectively). The were no significant changes in other echocardiographic parameters in both groups. The patients were followed for 1150 (1086–1221) days after enrolment. Twenty seven patients had at least one cardiac hospitalization during of follow up, of them seven were with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis and 20 patients without amyloidosis (P = 0.017). Eighteen patients (20%) died during follow up; 12 (14%) patients died due to cardiac causes. There was no difference in all‐cause and cardiac mortality between patients with and without ATTR cardiac amyloidosis (P = 0.6 and P = 0.53, respectively).

Conclusions

The long‐term survival after TAVR is not significantly affected by the presence of ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. However, the clinical course of these patients and the LV hemodynamic improvement is less favourable. This hypothesis‐generating study suggests screening for ATTR cardiac amyloidosis in patients who underwent TAVR and have limited clinical or echocardiographic improvement, because they may potentially improve with new therapies for ATTR cardiac amyolidosis.
Photobioreactors for cultivation and synthesis: Specifications, challenges, and perspectives
Authors: Chanquia Santiago N. , Vernet Guillem , Kara Selin
Published: October 2021

Due to their versatility and the high biomass yield produced, cultivation of phototrophic organisms is an increasingly important field. In general, open ponds are chosen to do it because of economic reasons; however, this strategy has several drawbacks such as poor control of culture conditions and a considerable risk of contamination. On the other hand, photobioreactors are an attractive choice to perform cultivation of phototrophic organisms, many times in a large scale and an efficient way. Furthermore, photobioreactors are being increasingly used in bioprocesses to obtain valuable chemical products. In this review, we briefly describe different photobioreactor set‐ups, including some of the recent designs, and their characteristics. Additionally, we discuss the current challenges and advantages that each different type of photobioreactor presents, their applicability in biocatalysis and some modern modeling tools that can be applied to further enhance a certain process.
Impacts of De‐NOx system layouts of a diesel passenger car on exhaust emission factors and monetary penalty
Authors: Gao Jianbing , Chen Haibo , Liu Ye , Li Ying
Published: October 2021

Automobile emissions are significantly dependent on the after‐treatment system performance, which is partly determined by exhaust temperature. Regarding diesel passenger cars, after‐treatment systems generally include diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). The layouts affect their temperature variations because of the heat loss and thermal capacity of tailpipes and after‐treatment systems. As for the original layout of DOC+DPF+SCR, nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions are the main concerns of diesel vehicle emissions, especially under cold‐start conditions. Ammonia Creation and Conversion Technology (ACCT) system shows excellent performance of reducing cold‐start NOx emissions; additionally, the damage costs of individual exhaust emissions are different greatly, which may change the priority of emission reductions when considering monetary penalty. In this article, the impacts of the after‐treatment system layouts on the exhaust emission reductions were investigated based on a diesel passenger car; additionally, SCR and ACCT systems as the De‐NOx devices were adopted individually in corresponding scenarios; the after‐treatment system layouts were assessed from the viewpoints of both emission factors and monetary penalty. The results indicated that the ACCT system presented much better NOx reduction effectiveness than SCR system over different layouts. NOx reduction efficiency was very sensitive to vehicle operation conditions over the upstream layouts of NOx reduction devices. The layout‐1 of DOC+ACCT+DPF showed the lowest global emission factors from the diesel passenger car. DPF was much easier to achieve regeneration under the original layout conditions due to its shortest distance to the engine. The layout‐2 of ACCT+DOC+DPF had the minimum monetary penalty factor of exhaust emissions from this diesel passenger car.
Dapiglutide, a novel dual GLP‐1 and GLP‐2 receptor agonist, attenuates intestinal insufficiency in a murine model of short bowel
Authors: Reiner Johannes , Berlin Peggy , Held Jascha , Thiery Johanna , Skarbaliene Jolanta , Griffin Jonathan , Russell Wayne , Eriksson Per‐Olof , Berner‐Hansen Mark , Ehlers Luise , Vollmar Brigitte , Jaster Robert , Witte Maria , Lamprecht Georg
Published: October 2021

Background

Extensive intestinal resection may lead to short bowel (SB) syndrome, resulting in intestinal insufficiency or intestinal failure (IF). Intestinal insufficiency and IF involve deficiency of the proglucagon‐derived hormones glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and GLP‐2. Two major problems of SB are epithelial surface loss and accelerated transit. Standard treatment now targets intestinal adaptation with a GLP‐2 analogue to enlarge absorptive surface area. It is possible that additional benefit can be gained from a combination of GLP‐1 and GLP‐2 activity, with the aim to enlarge intestinal surface area and slow intestinal transit.

Methods

The GLP‐1– and GLP‐2–specific effects of the novel dual GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) and GLP‐2 receptor (GLP‐2R) agonist dapiglutide (rINN) were characterized in rodents. Furthermore, in a murine SB model of intestinal insufficiency with 40% ileocecal resection, the influence of dapiglutide on intestinal growth, body weight, food intake, volume status, and stool water content was tested against vehicle and sham‐operated male mice.

Results

Dapiglutide significantly improves oral glucose tolerance, reduces intestinal transit time, and promotes intestinal growth. In the SB mouse model, dapiglutide promotes body weight recovery, despite unchanged intake of liquid diet. Dapiglutide promotes significant intestinal growth, as indicated by significantly increased villus height as well as intestinal length. Furthermore, dapiglutide reduces stool water losses, resulting in reduced plasma aldosterone.

Conclusion

Dapiglutide possesses specific and potent GLP‐1R and GLP‐2R agonist effects in rodents. In the murine SB model, combined unimolecular GLP‐1R and GLP‐2R stimulation with dapiglutide potently attenuates intestinal insufficiency and potentially also IF.
Stability of an infinite star‐shaped network of strings by a Kelvin–Voigt damping
Authors: Bchatnia Ahmed , El Mufti Karim , Yahia Rania
Published: October 2021

We deal with N0 + N1 mixed elastic strings bounded and unbounded with Kelvin–Voigt damping. We show that the energy decays polynomially if and only if the lengths satisfy the irrationality condition
.