bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired Formation of Anti‐Ultraviolet Micro‐Goose Bump PDMAEMA/PS Coatings
Authors: Zhu Xu , Wang Zhen , Yang Yuyun , Ma Ning , Zhang Xinyue
Published: August 2023

In this paper, inspired by the human‐giving goosebumps process, we demonstrated a rapid, versatile, and simple method to prepare anti‐UV microstructures polymer blend films with good morphology based on phase separation. Through the results of characterizations, it is proved that the microstructures are formed by polymer phase separation. Then the formation possibility of microstructures is proved by thermodynamic analysis. Moreover, the phase‐field model is used to simulate the formation of microstructures by the finite element method, which can illustrate the evolution process of the microstructures. Besides, the microstructures were prepared on different substrates through the simple phase separation method, which can verify the versatility of this method. In addition, the anti‐UV performance of the micro‐structure films was evaluated. This work proposed a simple and versatile route to prepare microstructures coating in different substrates, which exhibit well anti‐UV performance, and this work has the application potential for preventing material aging caused by UV radiation.
Nonlinear features of gaze behavior during joint attention in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Wang Hongan , Zhao Xin , Yu Dongchuan
Published: August 2023

Since children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might exhibit a variety of aberrant response to joint attention (RJA) behaviors, there is growing interest in identifying robust, reliable and valid eye‐tracking metrics for determining differences in RJA behaviors between typically developing (TD) children and those with ASD. Previous eye‐tracking studies have not been deeply investigated nonlinear features of gaze time‐series during RJA. As a main motivation, this study aimed to extract three nonlinear features (i.e., complexity, long‐range correlation, and local instability) of gaze time‐series during RJA in children with ASD, which can be measured by fractal dimension (FD), Hurst exponent (H), and largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE), respectively. To illustrate our idea, this study adopted a publicly accessible database, including eye‐tracking data collected during RJA from 19 children with ASD (7.74 ± 2.73) and 30 TD children (8.02 ± 2.89), and conducted a battery of nonparametric analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), where gender was used as covariable. Findings showed that gaze time‐series during RJA in autistic children may generally have greater FD but lower H than that in TD controls. This implies that children with ASD possess more complex and unpredictable gaze behaviors during RJA than TD children. Furthermore, nonlinear metrics outperformed traditional eye‐tracking metrics in obtaining higher identification performance with an accuracy of 82% and an AUC value of 0.81, distinguishing the differences between successful and failed RJA trails, and predicting the severity of ASD symptoms. Findings might bring some new insights into the understanding of the impairments in RJA behaviors for children with ASD.
Observational learning of atypical biological kinematics in autism
Authors: Foster Nathan C. , Bennett Simon J. , Pullar Kiri , Causer Joe , Becchio Cristina , Clowes Daniel P. , Hayes Spencer J.
Published: August 2023

Observing and voluntarily imitating the biological kinematics displayed by a model underpins the acquisition of new motor skills via sensorimotor processes linking perception with action. Differences in voluntary imitation in autism could be related to sensorimotor processing activity during action‐observation of biological motion, as well as how sensorimotor integration processing occurs across imitation attempts. Using an observational practice protocol, which minimized the active contribution of the peripheral sensorimotor system, we examined the contribution of sensorimotor processing during action‐observation. The data showed that autistic participants imitated both the temporal duration and atypical kinematic profile of the observed movement with a similar level of accuracy as neurotypical participants. These findings suggest the lower‐level perception‐action processes responsible for encoding biological kinematics during the action‐observation phase of imitation are operational in autism. As there was no task‐specific engagement of the peripheral sensorimotor system during observational practice, imitation difficulties in autism are most likely underpinned by sensorimotor integration issues related to the processing of efferent and (re)afferent sensorimotor information during trial‐to‐trial motor execution.
Development for a new 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitors of N‐((6‐(substituted‐amino)‐2‐methyl‐2H‐chromen‐2‐yl)methyl)‐N‐methyl benzenesulfonamide derivatives
Authors: Kim Young‐Chang , Abdildinova Aizhan , Shin Ye Jin , Han Dong Kyun , Hwang Jong Yeon , Cheon Hyae Gyeong , Gong Young‐Dae
Published: August 2023

5‐Lipoxygenase (5‐LO) is one of the significant drug targets for the development of various anti‐inflammatory drugs. Herein, we designed, optimized, and synthesized a novel N‐((6‐(substituted‐amino)‐2‐methyl‐2H‐chromen‐2‐yl)methyl)‐N‐methylbenzenesulfonamide derivatives as potential 5‐LO inhibitors. Among the synthesized compounds, 10a, 10b, and 10g exhibited inhibitory activity toward 5‐LO according to the in vitro studies including enzyme activity assay (≥78% inhibition rate at 1 μM) and cell‐based assay (≥72% inhibition rate at 1 μM). 10b was selected for further in vivo efficiency using an ear edema mouse model, which was induced by arachidonic acid. Oral administration of 10b successfully suppressed ear edema and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO activity). Molecular docking studies showed alkyl and pi‐alkyl interactions of compound 10b with Ile126 and Val110 of 5‐LO as well as a hydrogen bonding with Arg138 as key protein‐ligand interactions.
Improved control effect of pathological oscillations by using delayed feedback stimulation in neural mass model with pedunculopontine nucleus
Authors: Liu Yingpeng , Zhu Rui , Zhou Ye , Lü Jiali , Chai Yuan
Published: August 2023

Background

The role of delayed feedback stimulation in the discussion of Parkinson's disease (PD) has recently received increasing attention. Stimulation of pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is an emerging treatment for PD. However, the effect of PPN in regulating PD is ignored, and the delayed feedback stimulation algorithm is facing some problems in parameter selection.

Methods

On the basis of a neural mass model, we established a new network for PPN. Four types of delayed feedback stimulation schemes were designed, such as stimulating subthalamic nucleus (STN) with the local field potentials (LFPs) of STN nucleus, globus pallidus (GPe) with the LFPs of Gpe nucleus, PPN with the LFPs of Gpe nucleus, and STN with the LFPs of PPN nucleus.

Results

In this study, we found that all four kinds of delayed feedback schemes are effective, suggesting that the algorithm is simple and more effective in experiments. More specifically, the other three control schemes improved the control performance and reduced the stimulation energy expenditure compared with traditional stimulating STN itself only.

Conclusion

PPN stimulation can affect the new network and help to suppress pathological oscillations for each neuron. We hope that our results can gain an insight into the future clinical treatment.
Cerebral amyloid deposition predicts long‐term cognitive decline in hemorrhagic small vessel disease
Authors: Tsai Ya‐Chin , Tsai Hsin‐Hsi , Liu Chia‐Ju , Lin Sheng‐Sian , Chen Ya‐Fang , Jeng Jiann‐Shing , Tsai Li‐Kai , Yen Ruoh‐Fang
Published: August 2023

Background

To investigate the association between cerebral amyloid deposition and long‐term cognitive outcomes in patients with hemorrhagic small vessel disease (SVD) and survivors of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

Patients experiencing an ICH without overt dementia were prospectively recruited (n = 68) for brain MRI and Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) positron emission tomography scans at baseline. Cognitive function was assessed using the mini‐mental status examination (MMSE) and clinical dementia rating after an overall median follow‐up of 3.8 years. A positive amyloid scan was defined as a global PiB standardized uptake value ratio >1.2. Associations between follow‐up cognitive outcomes and neuroimaging markers were explored using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

PiB(+) patients were older (72.1 ± 7.8 vs. 59.9 ± 11.7, p = .002) and more frequently had cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) (63.6% vs. 15.8%, p = .002) than PiB(−) patients. PiB(+) was associated with a higher risk of dementia conversion (32.9 vs. 4.0 per 100‐person‐years, hazard ratio [HR] = 15.7 [3.0–80.7], p = .001) and MMSE score decline (58.8 vs. 9.9 per 100‐person‐years, HR = 6.2 [1.9–20.0], p = .002). In the non‐CAA subgroup (n = 52), PiB(+) remained an independent predictor of dementia conversion, p = .04). In the Cox models, PiB(+) was an independent predictor of dementia conversion (HR = 15.8 [2.6–95.4], p = .003) and MMSE score decline (HR = 5.7 [1.6–20.3], p = .008) after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions

Cerebral amyloid deposition potentially contributes to long‐term cognitive decline in SVD‐related ICH.
Factors correlated with excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with Parkinson's disease: A polysomnography study
Authors: Shen Yuan , Shi Haicun , Zhong JianGuo , Pan PingLei , Wang ShuFang , Chen MingZhu , Chen ZhiPeng , Liu ChunFeng
Published: August 2023

Objective

To explore the factors correlated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

A total of 239 PD patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of EDS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score≥10) (PD‐EDS vs. PD‐non‐EDS). Participants underwent an extensive assessment to determine demographic features, disease severity, polysomnography characteristics, and nonmotor symptoms.

Results

Of the 239 patients, 56 patients (23.4%) were classified as having PD combined with EDS. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS] score ≥4) (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI] = 4.897 [2.376–10.095], p < .001) and the respiratory‐related microarousal index (OR [95% CI] = 2.063 [1.085–3.923], p = .027) were independent risk factors for EDS in PD patients. A priori‐determined stratified analysis showed that after adjustment for confounding factors, the association of the respiratory‐related microarousal index with EDS was significant (OR = 4.404, 95% CI 1.673–11.592, p trend = .036) in patients with respiratory arousal index scores in the highest quintile compared with those with scores in the lowest quintile.

Conclusion

Our data revealed a close association among the respiratory‐related microarousal index, FSS scores, and EDS. It can be speculated that fragmented sleep and pathological abnormalities of the central nervous system resulting in changes in arousal are major influencing factors of EDS in PD.
Larynx myofibroblastic tumor, a rare case report
Authors: Bazan Inostroza Borja , Prada Pendolero Jorge , Eisenberg Plaza Gustavo , Adrados Magdalena , Raboso García‐Baquero Eduardo
Published: August 2023

Myofibroblastic tumors are extremely rare in the larynx, with just over 40 published cases. Despite being a benign tumor, it presents with a marked inflammatory character, local destruction, and the possibility of degeneration to malignant histological types with metastatic capacity. Anatomopathological differential diagnosis is fundamental in these cases.
Disseminated tuberculosis in an immunocompetent woman from the Himalayan region of Nepal: A case report
Authors: Subedi Ram Chandra , Acharya Subi , Adhikari Ayush , Banmala Sabin , Shiwakoti Tibbin Kumar , Karki Pearlbiga , Gurung Shekhar , Bhatta Bhuwan , Kharbuja Naresh , Paudel Raju
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Disseminated tuberculosis (TB) resulting from lymphohematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis during primary infection or reactivation of latent disease is rare among young immunocompetent patients. Central nervous system TB (CNS TB) is one of the most challenging clinical diagnoses with high fatality. Here, we describe a young immunocompetent female with no known comorbidities initially presented with military pulmonary TB and later developed CNS TB. This presentation of disseminated TB in immunocompetent patient warrant early diagnosis and treatment.
Barnyardgrass control in conventional and Clearfield rice grown under intermittent flooding
Authors: Atwill R. Lee , Bond Jason A. , Gore Jeffrey , Gholson Drew M. , Walker Tim , Spencer G. Dave , Oakley Graham R. , Reynolds D. Zach , Krutz L. Jason
Published: August 2023

In the mid‐southern United States, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is flooded primarily to suppress weed germination and growth. Two experiments were conducted to determine whether herbicide performance in conventional or Clearfield rice weed control programs was affected by intermittent flooding. The effects of flooding and herbicide program on barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.) P. Beauv] control, rice grain yield, and water applied were investigated at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS, on Sharkey clay (very fine, smectitic, thermic Chromic Epiaquert). For herbicides commonly applied in conventional (clomazone, quinclorac, pendimethalin, thiobencarb, fenoxaprop‐ethyl, cyhalofop‐butyl, and bisypriboac sodium) or Clearfield rice weed control programs (imazethapyr plus bispyribac‐sodium followed by imazethapyr, imazamox or bispyribac‐sodium), intermittent flooding had no adverse effect on barnyardgrass control relative to a continuous flood. Moreover, initiating irrigation when the perched water table drops to 8 inches below the soil surface had no effect on rice grain yield and reduced water applied by 51%. Mid‐southern US rice producers can capture the water‐saving benefits of intermittent flooding while having no adverse effects on herbicide activity or crop productivity in conventional and Clearfield systems.
Contact dermatitis syndrome to poison ivy
Authors: Seki Marina , Suzuki Marie , Okusa Takehiro , Ito Yuta , Nakada Tokio
Published: August 2023

Our case demonstrates strong allergic reactions to urushiol as stage 3A of allergic contact dermatitis syndrome.
Der Rote Keulenkopf
Authors: Petersen Frank
Published: August 2023

1935 isolierten der englische Chemiker Harold Ward Dudley und der schottische Frauenarzt John Chassar Moir das hochpotente, uterotone Ergometrin aus den Sklerotien des Roten Keulenkopfs. Forscherteams in England und den USA zeigten, dass alle damals bekannten Ergotalkaloide einen identischen Baustein besitzen, die Lysergsäure. Die neuen Erkenntnisse motivierten den Schweizer Naturstoffforscher Albert Hofmann dazu, die medizinalchemische und pharmakologische Lysergsäureforschung bei der Sandoz AG zu beginnen. Er arbeitete erstmalig eine synthetische Route von der Lysergsäure zum Ergometrin aus und entdeckte dabei das Methylergometrin. 1946 erhielt der neue Wirkstoff die Zulassung als Uterotonikum und für die Behandlung der Nachgeburtsblutungen. Auf der Suche nach einem Kreislaufstimulans synthetisierte Hofmann das Lysergsäurediethylamid (LSD), dessen psychotrope Eigenschaften er zufällig entdeckte. LSD belebte die Diskussion in der Psychiatrie aufs Neue, ob nicht körpereigene „Giftstoffe“ die Ursache einer Schizophrenie sein könnten. Der Nachweis des 5‐Hydroxytryptamins im Gehirn von Wirbeltieren und dessen Fähigkeit, die psychotogene Aktivität des LSD zu antagonisieren, deckten die chemischen Grundlagen der Psyche und ihrer Erkrankungen auf. Dieser Zusammenhang eröffnete die neuartige therapeutische Option, niedermolekulare Verbindungen zur Behandlung psychischer Störungen zu entwickeln. Als am Weizmann‐Institut in Israel die Hemmung der Prolaktinsekretion durch Ergotoxin entdeckt wurde, entschieden sich die Sandoz AG in Basel, das italienische Pharmaunternehmen Farmitalia und eine tschechische Arbeitsgruppe zu Wirkstoffentwicklungsprogrammen, aus denen die neue Arzneimittelklasse der spezifischen Dopamin‐D2‐Rezeptoragonisten hervorging. 1975 erhielt die Sandoz AG die Zulassung für 2‐Bromo‐α‐Ergokryptin zur Behandlung der Parkinson‐Krankheit sowie der weiblichen Infertilität, der Akromegalie und weiterer Erkrankungen, die durch Prolaktin‐ beziehungsweise Wachstumshormon‐sezernierende Hypophysenadenome hervorgerufen werden.
Mimickers of neuroendocrine tumors on endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspirate material: Need for caution
Authors: Wang Brant G. , Li Wenping , Lee Iris H. , Mani Haresh
Published: August 2023

Cytologic diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors can be straightforward on cytologic preparations, given the classical neuroendocrine morphology and expression of neuroendocrine markers confirmed by immunohistochemistry. However, overreliance on neuroendocrine markers can lead to misdiagnosis even if individual cell features suggest a neuroendocrine tumor. We present three unusual cases, two of which were initially diagnosed as neuroendocrine tumors and the third one carried preliminary diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor on endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspirates. These cases subsequently turned out to be cholangioblastic cholangiocarcinoma, metastatic melanoma, and gastric glomus tumor, respectively. We suggest approaches that could have pointed us towards the correct diagnosis at the outset and discuss potential pitfalls.
Comparative evaluation of mutagenic effects of two cone‐beam computed tomography in oral mucosa cells
Authors: Ayres Lucas Celestino Guezert , dos Santos Marcos Antônio Lima , da Mota Santana Lucas Alves , Avanci Lorrany da Silva , Souza Daniel Vitor de , Lima Bruno Natan Santana , Soares Andréa Ferreira , Sousa Sílvia Ferreira de , Trento Cleverson Luciano , Ribeiro Daniel Araki , Takeshita Wilton Mitsunari
Published: August 2023

Background

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the mutagenic effects in cells of the oral mucosa after exposure to two different cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

Eighteen adults were submitted to the different CBCT (Carestream CS8100 3D and I‐CAT). The cells were collected immediately before the CBCT exposure and 10 days later, when the material was placed on a slide and stained using the Feulgen/Fast Green technique. Microscopic analysis counted micronuclei and other nuclear alterations, which are indicative of cytotoxicity such as pyknosis, karyolysis, karyorrhexis, and binucletion. 2000 cells were analyzed. The statistical analysis was performed with the Wilcoxon Signed‐Rank test to compare the frequency of cellular alterations, and the Mann–Whitney U test to compare different CBCTs, both with a significance level of 5%.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the micronucleated cell count before and after the exposition to the ionizing radiation from I‐CAT (p = .298) and CS8100 3D (p = .203) A significate increase of pyknosis (p < .001), karyolysis (p < .001), karyorrhexis (p < .001), and binucletion (p < .001) were noted on I‐CAT CBCT. There was no statistically significant difference in cellular alterations in CS8100 3D CBCT.

Conclusion

Despite the increase in micronuclei after exposure, this study indicates that there is no evidence of genotoxicity. On the other hand, the I‐CAT CBCT produced cytotoxic effects.
Insights into the diet and trophic ecology of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) gained through DNA metabarcoding analyses of cloacal swabs
Authors: Clark Zach S. R. , Fish Jessica J. , Butcher Paul A. , Holland Owen J. , Sherman Craig D. H. , Rizzari Justin , Weeks Andrew R. , Miller Adam D.
Published: August 2023

The white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is one of the world's largest apex predators found throughout the world's temperate and subtropical marine environments. However, the species has suffered significant declines in recent decades and effective conservation programs require a sound knowledge of white shark biology and ecology. In particular, information on white shark diet across life stages and the species' range is needed to identify critical trophic interactions supporting shark populations and to predict the resilience of white sharks to environmental changes. In this study, we reassess the diet and trophic ecology of white sharks via the genetic analyses of cloacal swabs from 214 juvenile and subadult sharks from eastern Australia. Our findings are largely consistent with those of previous studies based on visual analyses of gut contents but highlight the unprecedented taxonomic resolution of prey items offered by genomic assessments of shark cloacal swabs. Diets consisted primarily of ray‐finned fishes, with Mugiliformes, Carangiformes, Perciformes, and Scombriformes being dominant prey taxa, but with elasmobranchs, marine mammals, and birds also being common dietary constituents. Statistical analyses revealed a significant effect of sex and sampling location on diet composition, indicating biological and spatial variability in diets and predatory behavior. Overall, these findings support the notion that juvenile and subadult white sharks are opportunistic predators, which may provide some level of resilience to shifts in marine resources. However, frequently consumed ray‐finned fishes, many of which are commercially targeted, may be key to supporting white shark populations in eastern Australia. This study represents the most comprehensive analysis of juvenile and subadult white shark diets performed to date and provides added confidence in the genomic analysis of cloacal swabs for dietary assessments of predatory species. These results are expected to help inform management geared toward conserving this important marine predator across the world's oceans.
Insights into the Self‐Filling Effects of Branched Isopropyl Groups on the Conformational and Supramolecular Properties of Isopropoxyprism[6]arene
Authors: Del Regno Rocco , Della Sala Paolo , Hickey Neal , Geremia Silvano , Talotta Carmen , Neri Placido , Gaeta Carmine
Published: August 2023

In this work, the direct macrocyclization of a prism[6]arene macrocycle bearing branched alkyl chains on the rims is reported. Isopropoxyprism[6]arene adopts in solution and in the solid state a cuboid D2‐conformation in which four isopropyl groups are folded inside the cavity, to give C−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions and filling the internal void. The conformational features of isopropoxyprism[6]arene have been studied by dynamic 1H NMR experiments. The presence of branched isopropyl chains on the prism[6]arene rims, stabilizes the cuboid D2‐conformation to a greater extent than ethyl or propyl groups in PrS[6]Et and PrS[6]nPr. The higher resistance of PrS[6]iPr to open its cuboid D2 conformation, with respect to PrS[6]Et and PrS[6]nPr, also affected its binding abilities. In fact, alkylammonium‐based endo‐cavity complexes of PrS[6]iPr show lower binding constant values than the analogous propoxy/ethoxy‐prism[6]arene complexes.
Probing passivity of corroding metals using scanning electrochemical probe microscopy
Authors: Skaanvik Sebastian Amland , Gateman Samantha Michelle
Published: August 2023

Passive films are essential for the longevity of metals and alloys in corrosive environments. A great deal of research has been devoted to understanding and characterizing passive films, including their chemical composition, uniformity, thickness, porosity, and conductivity. Many characterization techniques are conducted under vacuum, which do not portray the true in‐service environments passive films will endure. Scanning electrochemical probe microscopy (SEPM) techniques have emerged as necessary tools to complement research on characterizing passive films to enable the in situ extraction of passive film parameters and monitoring of local breakdown events of compromised films. Herein, we review the current research efforts using scanning electrochemical microscopy, scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (or droplet cell measurements), and local electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques to advance the knowledge of local properties of passivated metals. The future use of SEPM for quantitative extraction of local film characteristics within in‐service environments (i.e., with varying pH, solution composition, and applied potential) is promising, which can be correlated to nanostructural and microstructural features of the passive film and underlying metal using complementary microscopy and spectroscopy methods. The outlook on this topic is highlighted, including exciting avenues and challenges of these methods in characterizing advanced alloy systems and protective surface films.
Human impacts on infilling rates of hollows in landslide‐prone areas of western Japan: Estimation from radiocarbon dates and high‐resolution DEMs
Authors: Hattanji Tsuyoshi , Koga Wataru , Kawano Takatoshi , Harada Shunsuke , Furuichi Takahisa , Doshida Shoji , Tanaka Yasushi
Published: August 2023

The infilling rate of hollows is one of the primary factors affecting the recurrence interval of shallow landslides. Although many studies have focused on colluvium in hollows under various regional settings, few have directly estimated the infilling rates from radiocarbon dating and airborne LIDAR digital elevation models (DEMs) in shallow landslide scars. In this work, we analysed the radiocarbon dates of charcoal in the colluvium in the granitic mountains of Hiroshima and Hofu, where heavy rainfall has caused multiple shallow landslides in recent years. A total of 27 samples were collected from landslide scars in seven hollows, and the infilling rates were inferred from the calibrated radiocarbon ages and pre‐landslide depth of the samples estimated from the DEMs before the landslide event. Topographic parameters including local slope gradient and size of the source area were also measured using the DEMs. Our findings showed that the calibrated radiocarbon ages of colluvium in hollows ranged from about 350 to 1700 cal BP, and the infilling rates ranged from about 0.2 ± 0.2 to 5.4 ± 0.9 mm/y. In the two hollows with limited human impacts, the infilling rates were relatively low, and there is a trend of increase with increasing source‐area size and topographic curvature. In contrast, infilling rates were very high at two hollows with intensive human impacts where active surface erosion occurred from the 17th to the early 20th century. Three hollows located around the ruins of a medieval castle near the drainage divides of the source area also had relatively high infilling rates. For the hollows with intensive human impacts, the infilling rates were not controlled by topographic attributes such as source‐area size and curvature.
Seeking pedagogical opportunities to engage university students in emergency online learning: The role of online course experiences
Authors: Yin Hongbiao
Published: August 2023

Echoing the call for improving the definition and measurement of online student engagement, this study examined the association between students' engagement and their online course experiences in emergency online learning during COVID‐19. A sample of 5672 undergraduate students from eight higher education institutions in China participated in the study. The results of structural equation modeling analysis showed that students' online course experiences were significantly related to their motivation and/or engagement in emergency online learning. Three types of pedagogical factors influencing student engagement were identified, namely, three “extensively adaptive factors,” two “partially adaptive factors,” and one “dual‐effect factor.” These findings indicate the importance of teacher training for instructors to make better use of online learning, and reveal the pedagogical opportunities to improve student engagement in technology‐mediated learning in the postpandemic era.
Remission of carbon pollutants with the regional integration enlargement: Data from Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Ran Jiarui , Ju Chunhua , Yu Liping , Bao Fuguang , Hu Zhirong
Published: August 2023

Carbon emissions are a major global concern. As a result of the carbon peaking and neutrality goals, carbon emissions are of great significance to the coordinated development of regional economies and the green transformation and upgrading of industries. Using data from prefecture‐level cities for urban agglomeration enlargement in the Yangtze River Delta in 2010 and 2013, this study examined the impacts of the regional integration enlargement policy on urban carbon emissions and explored its mechanisms. Moreover, it uses the synthetic control method as an assessment tool to test the robustness of the assessment results and explore the intricacies and impacts of the integration. The evaluation results were robust based on a series of tests. The study found that regional integration as a result of the expansion of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration has had a mitigating effect on carbon emissions. Further analyses based on the mediating model found that industrial upgrading and green innovation were the main mediating variables through which the regional integration enlargement policy affected regional carbon emissions. Development of the Yangtze River Delta has affected carbon emissions by accelerating industrial and green innovation. The effect of industrial upgrading cancels out emission reductions due to green innovation.
Deal completion in cross border acquisitions waves: The role of deal timing and pace
Authors: Fuad Mohammad , Gaur Ajai S. , Pattnaik Chinmay
Published: August 2023

Research Summary

Cross‐border acquisitions (CBAs) exhibit a wave‐like pattern, clustering temporally, industry‐wise, and at the country level. We draw upon the bargaining power perspective and argue that CBA wave context alters the relative bargaining position between acquirer and target firms, which affects deal completion. Our findings suggest that acquisition wave deals have a lower likelihood of completion compared to non‐wave deals. However, within a CBA wave, we find that acquirers that move early and with a high acquisition pace have a higher likelihood of deal completion. We test our arguments on a simulation‐based dataset comprising 17,815 wave and non‐wave deals identified between 1990 and 2012 across 13 acquirer and 21 target countries. We contribute to the CBA literature by differentiating between wave and non‐wave environments and their impact on deal completion.

Managerial Summary

Cross‐border acquisitions (CBAs) often happen in waves that emerge at the industry and country‐levels. These waves are characterized by heightened level of acquisition activities such that the relative position of acquirer and target firms is different within waves as compared to outside of the waves. As a result, acquisition deals announced within waves are less likely to be completed than those announced outside of the waves. At the same time, acquiring firms that announce acquisitions at an early stage within a CBA wave and move with a faster speed to conduct more acquisitions are more likely to successfully close the deals than other firms.
Exploring young adult texts within the Historically Responsive Literacy Framework with preservice teachers
Authors: Pule Heather
Published: August 2023

While culturally responsive texts have become more common in teacher education, too often, preservice teachers (PTs) are not asked to examine how to use these books pedagogically. To address this issue, in a young adult (YA) literature course, the Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy (HRL) (Muhammad, 2000) Cultivating genius: An equity framework for culturally and historically responsive literacy, 2020; Scholastic) was used in conjunction with representative and inclusive YA trade books. Data analysis was conducted on PT's course work, including HRL unit plans, to determine whether PTs were able to implement Muhammad's (2020) framework using YA texts. The findings of this study show that PTs' understanding of the HRL tenets was at varying levels. While there were unit plans with learning goals that matched Muhammad's purpose and definition for each tenet and YA connections for every tenet, PTs showed a better understanding of the tenets of identity and intellect than skills and Criticality. Implications of these findings including exposing PTs to learning frameworks “written by people of color and designed for children of color” (Muhammad, 2020, p. 11) to create instruction that meets their future students' needs and does not just skim the surface of culturally responsive pedagogies.
Periprosthetic Joint Infections of the Knee Lastingly Impact the Bone Homeostasis
Authors: Bandick Evgeniya , Biedermann Lara , Ren Yi , Donner Stefanie , Thiele Mario , Korus Gabriela , Tsitsilonis Serafeim , Müller Michael , Duda Georg , Perka Carsten , Kienzle Arne
Published: August 2023

After periprosthetic joint infection (PJI)-dependent revision surgery, a significantly elevated number of patients suffer from prosthesis failure due to aseptic loosening and require additional revision surgery despite clearance of the initial infection. The mechanisms underlying this pathology are not well understood, as it has been assumed that the bone stock recovers after revision surgery. Despite clinical evidence suggesting decreased osteogenic potential in PJI, understanding of the underlying biology remains limited. In this study, we investigated the impact of PJI on bone homeostasis in a two-stage exchange approach at explantation and reimplantation. Sixty-four human tibial and femoral specimens (20 control, 20 PJI septic explantation, and 24 PJI prosthesis reimplantation samples) were analyzed for their bone microstructure, cellular composition, and expression of relevant genetic markers. Samples were analyzed using X-ray microtomography, Alcian blue and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, and RT-qPCR. In patients with PJI, bone volume (BV/TV; 0.173 ± 0.026; p < 0.001), trabecular thickness (164.262 ± 18.841 μm; p < 0.001), and bone mineral density (0.824 ± 0.017 g/cm2; p = 0.049) were reduced; trabecular separation (1833.939 ± 178.501 μm; p = 0.005) was increased. While prevalence of osteoclasts was elevated (N.Oc/BS: 0.663 ± 0.102, p < 0.001), osteoblast cell numbers were lower at explantation (N.Ob/BS: 0.149 ± 0.021; p = 0.047). Mean expression of bone homeostasis markers osteocalcin, osteopontin, Runx2, TSG-6, and FGF-2 was significantly reduced at prosthesis explantation. Despite partial recovery, all analyzed parameters were still significantly impacted at reimplantation. In contrast, mean expression of osteoclastogenesis-stimulating cytokine IL-17a was significantly increased at both explantation and reimplantation. In this study, we found a strong and lasting impact of PJI on the bone homeostasis on a molecular, cellular, and microstructural level. These changes may be responsible for the increased risk of prosthesis failure due to aseptic loosening. Our data suggest there is significant potential in modulating bone homeostasis to improve prosthesis fixation and long-term clinical outcome in affected patients. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Open shell versus closed shell bonding interaction in cyclopropane derivatives: EDA‐NOCV analyses
Authors: Suthar Sonam , Mondal Kartik Chandra
Published: August 2023

Cyclopropane ring is a very common motif in organic/bio‐organic compounds. The chemical bonding of this strained ring is taught to all chemistry students. This three‐membered cyclic, C3 ring is quite reactive which has attracted both, synthetic and theoretical chemists to rationalize/correlate its stability and bonding with its reactivity and physical properties over a century. There are a few bonding models (mainly the Bent–Bond model and Walsh model) of this C3 ring that are debated to date. Herein, we have carried out energy decomposition analysis coupled with natural orbital for chemical valence (EDA‐NOCV) to study the two most reactive bonds of cyclopropane rings of 49 different organic compounds containing different functional groups to obtain a much deeper bonding insight toward a more general bonding model of this class of compounds. The EDA‐NOCV analyses of fragment orbitals and susequent bond formation revealed that the nature of the CC bond of the cyclopropane (splitting two bonds at a time out of three CC bonds) ring is preferred to form two dative covalent CC bonds (between a singlet olefin‐fragment and an excited singlet carbene‐fragment with a vacant sp2 orbital and a filled p‐orbital) for the majority (37/49) of compounds over two covalent electron sharing bonds in some (7/49) compounds (between an excited triplet olefin and triplet carbene), while a few (5/49) compounds show flexibility to adopt either the electron sharing or dative covalent bond as both are equally possible. The effects of functional groups on the nature of chemical bond in cyclopropane rings have been studied in detail. Our bonding analyses are in line with the QTAIM analyses which produce small negative values of the Laplacian, significantly positive values of bond ellipticity, and accumulation of electron densities around the ring critical point of C3‐rings. These corresponding QTAIM parameters of C3‐rings are quite different for CC single bonds of normal hydrocarbons as expected. The chemical bonding in the majority of cyclopropane rings can be very similar to those of metal–olefin systems.
Make, buy, or ally?—A configurational approach to governance choices in vertical expansion
Authors: Lai Jingyi , Chen Yongqiang , Chen Yuting , Fu Yongcheng
Published: August 2023

Firms expand vertical boundaries by obtaining ownership of relevant resources. There are three means by which firms can achieve this goal: internal development, mergers and acquisitions (M&As), and equity joint ventures. From transaction cost theory and resource‐based view, this study analyzed how resource characteristics, environmental conditions, and firms' capabilities influence their governance choices by studying 30 cases involving architectural, engineering, and construction firms and employing a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis method. The findings reveal that all the antecedents jointly influenced firms' governance choices; however, they did so in a way that led to the firms' rejection as opposed to the implementation of one strategy. Firms avoided choosing internal development to circumvent high internal transaction costs or expand into new business rapidly. Firms excluded M&As when the similarity between new and existing resources was high to avoid resource redundancy. When market uncertainty was high, they did so to avoid investment risks. Moreover, when high external transaction costs were evident due to interactions and interdependency between firms and their partners, firms tended to choose a more integrated strategy and excluded equity joint ventures. The research indicates that firms' relational capabilities help them reduce external transaction costs and identify strategies with the lowest efficiency.
Nanofibers from soybean hull insoluble polysaccharides as Pickering stabilizers in oil‐in‐water emulsions formulated under acidic conditions
Authors: Reta Dominguez Camila V. , Wagner Jorge R. , Porfiri María C.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Pickering emulsions are a kind of emulsion stabilized by solid particles. These particles generate a physical or mechanical barrier that provides long‐term stability to emulsion. Cellulose nanofibers are effective Pickering emulsifiers given their long length, high flexibility and entanglement capability. In this work, soybean hull insoluble polysaccharides (HIPS) were used as source of cellulose nanofibers by using a combination of chemical and mechanical treatment. The chemical composition, morphology, flow behavior, water holding capacity (WHC) and emulsifying properties of the nanofibers were studied.

RESULTS

Nanofibers with diameters between 35 and 110 nm were obtained. The WHC increased significantly after the mechanical treatment, and the rheological behavior of the nanofibers was typical of cellulosic materials. Nanofibers were effective emulsifiers in oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions formulated under acidic conditions, without the need of using any additional surfactant. Emulsions were not affected by changes in the pH of the medium (3.00–5.00), and were stable to coalescence.

CONCLUSION

It is possible that cellulose nanofibers form an entangled network which acts as a mechanical steric barrier, providing stability to coalescence. These results are important for the development of effective O/W Pickering emulsifiers/stabilizers, with large applications in the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Inter‐population variability in movement parameters: practical implications for population density estimation
Authors: Palencia Pablo , Acevedo Pelayo , Hofmeester Tim R. , Sereno‐Cadierno Jorge , Vicente Joaquín
Published: August 2023

Motion‐sensitive cameras are popular as non‐invasive monitoring tools, and several methods have been developed to estimate population densities from camera data. These methods frequently rely on auxiliary movement data including the distance traveled by an individual in a day and the proportion of the day that an animal spends moving when individual recognition is not possible. The estimation of these movement parameters is time‐consuming, which could limit the applicability of cameras to estimate population density. To investigate the relevance of measuring movement parameters for the target population, we monitored 54 wildlife populations of red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in different seasons through Europe with cameras. We estimated 91‐day ranges and activity levels. We fitted mixed models for day range and activity level as response variables to assess if the inter‐population variability in movement was explained by a set of a priori relevant geographical, environmental, biological, and management predictors. We then explored the bias in density estimates obtained in 25 independent populations when using predicted movement data. There was high intra‐species variation in day range and activity level among species and populations. Only species explained a small proportion of this variability; other predictor variables did not. We observed bias in densities when predicting the day range and activity for independent populations. Considering the intra‐species variability in movement parameters and the consequent unacceptable bias in density estimates, we recommend that monitoring and conservation programs estimate movement parameters for the target population and survey populations from camera data for more accurate density estimates. While this increases the handling time needed to estimate densities, it is worth the cost because of the reliability of camera‐based methodologies to estimate needed movement parameters.
Liming and spring salamander abundance
Authors: Edwards Elise M. , Mosher Brittany A. , Pauley Thomas , Welch Shane , Waldron Jayme L.
Published: August 2023

Environmental acidification is affecting ecosystems around the globe, and as a result, managers are using limestone applications to mitigate the effects of acid rain and acid mine drainage. Limestone applications attempt to reverse acidification by increasing stream pH; however, liming can have variable effects on stream biota. We examined the effects of liming on spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) abundance in West Virginia, USA, from 10 June to 1 September 2013. We used multiple methods (i.e., leaf litterbags, visual encounter surveys, area constrained flip and search) to sample spring salamanders within 11 different streams in the Monongahela National Forest. Using N‐mixture models, which allow for estimation of abundance from count data and account for imperfect detection probabilities, we examined the effects of direct application liming (DAL) on spring salamander abundance. Direct application liming at a higher lime frequency did not have a significant effect on salamander abundance; however, we observed differences in spring salamander size in areas near the DAL site. These results have influenced management of limed streams and will enlighten managers to the effects of high frequency liming on salamander communities and other stream organisms, and will provide insights on how to mitigate potential impacts as a result of liming practices.
Wind‐driven currents and water masses shape spring phytoplankton distribution and composition in hydrologically complex, productive shelf waters
Authors: Ferronato Carola , Berden Giuliana , Rivarossa Martín , Guinder Valeria A.
Published: August 2023

The Northern Patagonian shelf (35–42°S SW South Atlantic) is a transitional area between the subtropical and subantarctic domains, where the shelf shifts from source to sink of atmospheric CO2. In the southeast portion (39–42°S, 61–55°W) of this area, winds interact with different water masses and picture a complex circulation that supports two productive frontal systems: the Mid‐Shelf Front (MSF) and the Patagonian Shelf‐break Front. We combined remote sensing (e.g., monthly surface chlorophyll a over the period: September–December 2002–2021), reanalysis (winds and surface currents), and in situ measurements from three cross‐shelf cruises in spring 2016, 2017, and 2019, to assess the underlying drivers of phytoplankton distribution. The anomalous high chlorophyll concentration in the MSF in spring 2016 was related to enhanced water mass retention by N‐NE winds. Contrasting phytoplankton assemblages emerged related to stratified waters in the shelf influenced by the Patagonian Current and vertically mixed waters at the continental edge (Malvinas Current). Large diatoms prevailed in the outer shelf followed by dinoflagellates, while nanoflagellates and microzooplankton dominated in the mid‐shelf. Furthermore, thickness of the subsurface chlorophyll maximum was broader in the early spring than in a more advanced state of the bloom where the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi was abundant. We showed that different time‐scale physical processes—winds, surface currents and vertical mixing—are underpinning the development of spring blooms with different taxa composition in the Patagonian shelf, where different water masses define the hydrological complexity that led to patchy phytoplankton.
DECENCY, AUTHENTICITY, AND APPROACHABILITY IN LEADERSHIP
Authors: Bishop Suzie , Shriver Sam
Published: August 2023

The authors, who are both leaders at The Center for Leadership Studies, provide details about their relationship with Frances Hesselbein. On their first meeting at Frances’ New York City office in 2017, they note that “Though degrees, plaques, awards and photos covered her walls, she made you feel as though you were the most important person in the room—you were valued, and you would be heard.” They believe Frances’ legacy will continue moving forward. One aspect of her wisdom regarding her legacy that the authors recount, “Regardless of the leadership approach you use in any particular situation, leading people is first and foremost about decency, authenticity and approachability.”