bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional morphology of the sperm‐containing chambers of the sea slug Okenia polycerelloides in the context of sexual selection
Authors: Sales Licia , Marian José Eduardo A. R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSea slugs are interesting models to study post‐copulatory sexual selection in simultaneous hermaphrodites due to the enormous variation of their reproductive systems. However, the knowledge of the functional morphology of their reproductive system is limited to few species, and it is rarely discussed in the context of sexual selection theory. In this study, we investigated the functional morphology of the sperm‐containing chambers (i.e., ampulla, seminal receptacle, and bursa copulatrix) of the reproductive system of Okenia polycerelloides (Ortea & Bouchet, 1983), based on light, confocal, and electron microscopy. Although the morphology of the ampulla is similar to other species, indicating that it is a site for autosperm storage, we found some sperm facing the ampullar epithelium, a feature commonly regarded as characteristic of the seminal receptacle of sea slugs. The seminal receptacle of O. polycerelloides showed secretory activity and contained sperm with distribution and orientation suggestive of stratification of allosperm from distinct mating events, a feature that would affect sperm competition. The bursa copulatrix had epithelial cells with secretory and absorptive characteristics, and contained degraded sperm and yolk granules within its lumen. Comparative analyses of the contents of each organ demonstrated that sperm digestion occurs in the bursa copulatrix and affects sperm heads first, changing their morphology from slender and curved to shorter and ellipsoid before complete lysis. Although digestion and absorption of surplus sperm are currently the main hypothesized functions for the bursa copulatrix, its role in cryptic female choice should not be ruled out. The close structural connection between the seminal receptacle and bursa copulatrix, as well as their muscular walls, would enable control over the fate of the sperm received in each mating event, that is, storage or digestion.
Thermoresponsive Cationic Block Copolymer Brushes for Temperature‐Modulated Stem Cell Separation
Authors: Nagase Kenichi , Ota Ayumu , Hirotani Tadashi , Yamada Sota , Akimoto Aya Mizutani , Kanazawa Hideko 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRecently, cell separation methods have become important for preparing cells for transplantation therapy. In this study, a thermoresponsive cationic block copolymer brush is developed as an effective cell separation tool. This brush is prepared on glass surfaces using two steps of activator regenerated by electron transfer–atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET‐ATRP). The cationic segment is prepared in the first step of the ARGET‐ATRP of N,N‐dimethylaminopropylacrylamide (DMAPAAm). In the second step, the thermoresponsive segment is prepared, attached to the bottom cationic segment, through ARGET‐ATRP with N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm). The cell adhesion behavior of the prepared thermoresponsive cationic copolymer, PDMAPAAm‐b‐PNIPAAm, brush is observed using umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSC), fibroblasts, and macrophages. At 37 °C, all three types of cells adhere to the thermoresponsive cationic copolymer brush. Then, by reducing the temperature to 20 °C, the adhered UCMSC are detached from the copolymer brush, whereas the fibroblasts and macrophages remain adhered to the copolymer brush. Using this copolymer brush, UCMSC can be purified from the cell mixture simply by changing the temperature. Therefore, the prepared thermoresponsive cationic copolymer brush is useful as a cell separation tool for the purification of mesenchymal stem cells.
Using One Photoredox Catalyst to Simultaneously Mediate Two Different Polymerizations for Photo‐Triggered Multi‐Component Orthogonal Polymerizations
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Shen Shuyi , Zhang Zhengbiao , Huang Yan , Weng Yuyan , Chen Gaojian 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe development of multi‐component orthogonal polymerizations (MOPs) with simple procedure and high efficiency is crucial for rational polymer synthesis. In this work, photo‐triggered Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) polymerization are first investigated, employing copper(II) thioxanthone carboxylate (Cu(TX)2) as photoredox catalyst and sunlight as stimuli. Then, the novel MOPs using one photoredox catalyst, Cu(TX)2 to simultaneously mediate two different photopolymerizations, are successfully realized in one‐pot, where photo‐induced electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization and photo‐activated CuAAC polymerization can effectively proceed in a one‐pot and non‐interfering fashion to afford predetermined copolymers with well‐defined structure.
Effect of microstructure and low cycle fatigue deformation on tensile properties of P91 steel
Authors: Mariappan K. , Shankar V. , Bhaduri A.K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIsothermal furnace heat treatments were carried out to simulate the microstructures of inter‐critical, fine grain and coarse grain heat‐affected zones of P91 steel weld joint at different soaking temperatures ranging from just above AC1 (837 °C) to well above AC3 (903 °C). Interrupted low cycle fatigue tests were performed on the specimens of P91 steel up to 5 %, 10 %, 30 %, and 50 % of the total fatigue life at the strain amplitude of ±0.6 %, strain rate of 0.003 s−1 and temperatures of 550 °C and 600 °C. Subsequently, tensile tests were conducted on the interrupt tested specimens at the same strain rate and temperatures. Soaking at the inter‐critical temperature region reduces / deteriorates the tensile and yield strengths of base metal compared to fine grain and coarse grain regions. The inter‐critical heat‐affected zone accounted higher damage contribution towards the overall tensile behavior of the actual P91 steel weld joint. Substructural coarsening during strain cycling at elevated temperatures attributes to the rapid reduction in the initial yield strength up to 10 % of fatigue life of P91 steel. A higher amount of plastic strain accumulation during low cycle fatigue deformation resulted in a decrease in fatigue life of the inter‐critical heat‐affected zone of P91 steel.
Thermomechanical treatment of A380 aluminum alloy for globular thixo feedstock
Authors: Dumanić I. , Krolo J. , Lela B. , Jozić S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe main aim of this paper is to present and evaluate thermomechanical treatment for semi‐solid feedstock production of A380 (AlSi9Cu3(Fe)) aluminum alloy. Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) is used to heavily deform and refine as cast dendritic microstructure with needle like eutectic appearance. The deformed microstructure is easily changed to globular microstructure by recovery and recrystallization mechanisms during heating at the semi‐solid temperature range which is a crucial factor for quality semi‐solid feedstock preparation. The microstructural evolutions investigations during semi‐solid heating at different holding times is carried out utilizing optical microscope and scanning electron microscope accompanied by energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy. Homogeneous distribution of the silicon particles and intermetallic compounds around globular primary aluminum phase is observed. The used approach is appropriate and seems highly promising for preparation of the quality semi‐solid feedstock.
The unconditional stability and mass‐preserving S‐DDM scheme for solving parabolic equations in three dimensions
Authors: Zhou Zhongguo , Gu Jingwen , Li Lin , Pan Hao , Wang Yan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this paper, the unconditional stability and mass‐preserving splitting domain decomposition method (S‐DDM) for solving three‐dimensional parabolic equations is analyzed. At each time step level, three steps (x‐direction, y‐direction, and z‐direction) are proposed to compute the solutions on each sub‐domains. The interface fluxes are first predicted by the semi‐implicit flux schemes. Second, the interior solutions and fluxes are computed by the splitting implicit solution and flux coupled schemes. Last, we recompute the interface fluxes by the explicit schemes. Due to the introduced z‐directional splitting and domain decomposition, the analysis of stability and convergence is scarcely evident and quite difficult. By some mathematical technique and auxiliary lemmas, we prove strictly our scheme meet unconditional stability and give the error estimates in L2‐norm. Numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the theoretical analysis.
Is Dietary Nonadherence Unique to Obesity and Weight Loss? Results From a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Stinson Emma J. , Piaggi Paolo , Votruba Susanne B. , Venti Colleen , Lovato‐Morales Barbara , Engel Scott , Krakoff Jonathan , Gluck Marci E. 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveWeight stigma is associated with poor dietary adherence, yet adherence is essential for weight loss and maintenance. This study aimed to determine differences in dietary adherence and perceived hunger between lean individuals and two groups of individuals with obesity.MethodsIn a 6‐week outpatient dietary intervention (23 males; aged 48  [SD 14] years), lean participants (n = 23; BMI 23  [SD 2] kg/m2) received a weight‐maintaining energy needs (WMEN) diet, and participants with obesity (BMI 36  [SD 7]) were randomized to either WMEN (n = 18) or a 35% calorie‐reduced (CR) diet (n = 19). All food was provided, and multiple adherence and hunger ratings were assessed daily and weekly on an outpatient basis and in person at twice‐weekly visits (e.g., 24‐hour recall, diaries).ResultsWeight decreased more in the group of CR individuals with obesity (β = −0.301 kg/wk, P = 0.02) compared with the group of lean individuals and the group of WMEN individuals with obesity. However, total percent adherence did not differ between groups (P = 0.60), and hunger scores did not change across groups over time (P = 0.08).ConclusionsResults indicate that there are no differences in dietary adherence between lean individuals and individuals with obesity and adherence is not associated with adiposity or hunger. Thus, the belief that nonadherence (e.g., lack of willpower) is unique to obesity is untrue and may perpetuate weight bias and stigma.
Web‐based virtual reality to enhance behavioural skills training and weight loss in a commercial online weight management programme: The Experience Success randomized trial
Authors: Thomas John Graham , Goldstein Carly M. , Bond Dale S. , Hadley Wendy , Tuerk Peter W. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryObjectiveCommercial online weight management programmes are popular and easily accessible but often lack training in empirically validated behaviour change strategies and produce suboptimal outcomes. This study evaluated the effects of a Web‐based virtual reality (VR) programme for enhancing behavioural skills training and weight loss when offered as an adjunct to a commercial online weight management programme.MethodsN = 146 adults with overweight/obesity (body mass index [BMI] 27‐40 kg/m2) were randomized to 6 months of no‐cost access to the Weight Watchers (WW) online platform alone or enhanced with the Experience Success (WW + ES) programme, consisting of four Web‐based VR sessions for training in behavioural weight‐loss skills related to the home environment, the workplace, physical activity and social situations (i.e., a party at a friend's house). Weight was measured at the research centre at baseline, 3 and 6 months.ResultsBoth groups achieved statistically significant weight loss across the trial, with no difference in mean ± standard error (SE) weight loss between WW and WW + ES at 3 months (2.7 ± 1.1 kg vs. 4.2 ± 1.1 kg, respectively; P = .086) but greater weight loss in WW + ES at 6 months (2.6 ± 1.3 kg vs. 4.9 ± 1.3 kg, respectively; P = .042).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the potential of Web‐based VR skills training to enhance outcomes of commercial online weight management programmes that are widely accessible. Compared with traditional didactic methods for online skills training, VR simulation provides opportunities to learn behavioural skills via modelling and experiment with skills in real‐world situations. More research is needed to identify specific behavioural mechanisms by which ES may improve outcomes.
Understanding soil water effects on nitrogen release from controlled‐release fertilizers
Authors: Verburg Kirsten , Bristow Keith L. , McLachlan Gordon D. , Muster Tim H. , Poole Jacinta M. , Mardel James I. , Zhao Zhigan , Wittwer‐Schmid Kathy , Wong Mike T. F. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractControlled‐release fertilizers (CRFs) have the potential to deliver crop production and environmental benefits through better control of applied nitrogen (N) in cropping systems. Whereas N release from CRFs can be impacted by several factors, there has been a widely held view that soil water has little effect on N release from polymer‐coated CRFs. Past research has often studied the soil water effect as a function of soil water content. This limits the transferability of results. In this study we measured N release from a polymer‐coated urea (PCU) and a polymer‐sulfur–coated urea (PSCU) using undisturbed soil cores at set matric potentials. Soil matric potential had a significant effect on N release from PCU. Release at −1,000 kPa was delayed by up to 30 d compared with −10 kPa. Optical stereo microscopy clarified that this was linked to differences in the rate of water absorption. Theoretical considerations demonstrate that these relatively large differences could not be explained by the effect of soil matric potential on vapor flow. It is possible that soil matric potential interacted with the properties of the coating to change its permeability or the involvement of liquid flow. The effect of soil water on N release from PSCU was less clear. The magnitude of the soil water effect is, therefore, product‐specific and dependent on coating properties. The soil matric potential provided a consistent description of release patterns between soils with contrasting soil water retention characteristics. Soil water effects should hence be studied as a function of soil matric potential.
Structural performance assessment of a 60‐year‐old reinforced concrete bent cap
Authors: Zaborac Jarrod , Perez Bernardo , Hrynyk Trevor , Bayrak Oguzhan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAs the world's reinforced concrete (RC) civil infrastructure continues to age and exhibit visual signs of distress (e.g., cracking), the challenge of how to process this visual information is becoming increasingly important. While research is ongoing in this field, limited work has been done involving structures that are truly representative of real‐world, aged civil infrastructure requiring assessment. Thus, this paper presents the results of an experimental program and subsequent numerical investigation into the performance of a diagonally cracked, RC bent cap that was removed from a 60‐year‐old bridge in Texas. Extensive work was done to document the cracking behavior and characterize the mechanical properties of the bent cap prior to ultimate load testing. The numerical investigation included both “conventional” methods and nonlinear finite element analysis (with and without consideration of existing damage). Ultimately, the results of the experimental and numerical investigations suggest that, while the bent cap was exhibiting large‐width shear cracks in service, the damage was not indicative of an impending shear failure.
Twenty‐year trends in patient referrals throughout the creation and development of a regional memory clinic network
Authors: Chen Yaohua , Lebouvier Thibaud , Skrobala Emilie , Volpe‐Gillot Lisette , Huvent‐Grelle Dominique , Jourdan Nathalie , Leroy Mélanie , Richard Florence , Pasquier Florence ,   and the Meotis network
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionMemory clinics (MCs) are the main model for dementia diagnosis and care. Following the development of a MC network in Northern France, our objectives were to assess its impact on patient characteristics over 20 years.MethodsThe characteristics of new consultants were studied from 1997 to 2016.ResultsNew consultants increased from 774 per year in 1997 to 26258 per year in 2016, as the number of MCs increased from 12 to 29. Over time, patients were progressively older and less educated, and more were living alone. A greater proportion of patients were referred by specialists. Referral delay and home‐to‐MC distance kept decreasing. The oldest patients were referred at a progressively less‐severe stage. The proportion of young patients kept increasing in the tertiary referral center.DiscussionsThe development of a region‐wide MC network led to increased referral of vulnerable patients and differentiation of the tertiary referral center over time.
Analytic bootstrap and Witten diagrams for the ABJM Wilson line as defect CFT1
Authors: Bianchi L. , Bliard G. , Forini V. , Griguolo L. , Seminara D. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We study local operator insertions on 1/2-BPS line defects in ABJM theory. Specifically, we consider a class of four-point correlators in the CFT1 with SU(1, 1|3) super- conformal symmetry defined on the 1/2-BPS Wilson line. The relevant insertions belong to the short supermultiplet containing the displacement operator and correspond to fluctuations of the dual fundamental string in AdS4× ℂP3 ending on the line at the boundary. We use superspace techniques to represent the displacement supermultiplet and we show that superconformal symmetry determines the four-point correlators of its components in terms of a single function of the one-dimensional cross-ratio. Such function is highly constrained by crossing and internal consistency, allowing us to use an analytical bootstrap approach to find the first subleading correction at strong coupling. Finally, we use AdS/CFT to compute the same four-point functions through tree-level AdS2 Witten diagrams, producing a result that is perfectly consistent with the bootstrap solution.
Electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid in artificial sweat using a flexible alginate/CuO-modified electrode
Authors: Ibarlucea Bergoi , Pérez Roig Arnau , Belyaev Dmitry , Baraban Larysa , Cuniberti Gianaurelio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA flexible sensor is presented for electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid in sweat based on single-step modified gold microelectrodes. The modification consists of electrodeposition of alginate membrane with trapped CuO nanoparticles. The electrodes are fabricated at a thin polyimide support and the soft nature of the membrane can withstand mechanical stress beyond requirements for skin monitoring. After characterization of the membrane via optical and scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry, the oxidative properties of CuO are exploited toward ascorbic acid for amperometric measurement at micromolar levels in neutral buffer and acidic artificial sweat, at ultralow applied potential (− 5 mV vs. Au pseudo-reference electrode). Alternatively, measurement of the horizontal shift of redox peaks by cyclic voltammetry is also possible. Obtaining a limit of detection of 1.97 μM, sensitivity of 0.103 V log (μM)−1 of peak shift, and linear range of 10–150 μM, the effect of possible interfering species present in sweat is minimized, with no observable cross-reaction, thus maintaining a high degree of selectivity despite the absence of enzymes in the fabrication scheme. With a lateral flow approach for sample delivery, repeated measurements show recovery in few seconds, with relative standard deviation of about 20%, which can serve to detect increased loss or absence of vitamin, and yet be improved in future by optimized device designs. This sensor is envisioned as a promising component of wearable devices for e.g. non-invasive monitoring of micronutrient loss through sweat, comprising features of light weight, low cost, and easy fabrication needed for such application.
A COVID-19 Airway Management Innovation with Pragmatic Efficacy Evaluation: The Patient Particle Containment Chamber
Authors: Maloney Lauren M. , Yang Ariel H. , Princi Rudolph A. , Eichert Alexander J. , Hébert Daniella R. , Kupec Taelyn V. , Mertz Alexander E. , Vasyltsiv Roman , Vijaya Kumar Thea M. , Walker Griffin J. , Peralta Edder J. , Hoffman Jason L. , Yin Wei , Page Christopher R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe unique resource constraints, urgency, and virulence of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has sparked immense innovation in the development of barrier devices to protect healthcare providers from infectious airborne particles generated by patients during airway management interventions. Of the existing devices, all have shortcomings which render them ineffective and impractical in out-of-hospital environments. Therefore, we propose a new design for such a device, along with a pragmatic evaluation of its efficacy. Must-have criteria for the device included: reduction of aerosol transmission by at least 90% as measured by pragmatic testing; construction from readily available, inexpensive materials; easy to clean; and compatibility with common EMS stretchers. The Patient Particle Containment Chamber (PPCC) consists of a standard shower liner draped over a modified octagonal PVC pipe frame and secured with binder clips. 3D printed sleeve portals were used to secure plastic sleeves to the shower liner wall. A weighted tube sealed the exterior base of the chamber with the contours of the patient’s body and stretcher. Upon testing, the PPCC contained 99% of spray-paint particles sprayed over a 90s period. Overall, the PPCC provides a compact, affordable option that can be used in both the in-hospital and out-of-hospital environments.
An approach to object-level stiffness regulation of hand-arm systems subject to under-actuation constraints
Authors: Ruiz Garate Virginia , Ajoudani Arash 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWhen using a tool with a robotic hand-arm system, the stiffness at the grasped object plays a key role in the interaction with the environment, allowing the successful execution of the task. However, the rapidly increasing use of under-actuated hands in robotic systems due to their robustness and simplicity of control, pose limitations to the achievable object-level stiffness. Indeed, due to the serial coupling of the hand and the arm, the resulting object-level stiffness is determined by the most compliant of both elements. To address this problem, we propose a novel controller that takes into account the limited achievable geometry of the object stiffness ellipsoid given by a hand with under-actuation constraints, and exploits the contribution of the robotic arm in reshaping the final stiffness towards the desired profile. The under-actuation is illustrated by a coordinated stiffening of the hand fingers. The proposed method is experimentally validated by a hand-arm system performing a peg-in-hole task.