bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nasal resonance changes after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal skull base surgery: Analysis of voice quality
Authors: Kasemsiri Pornthep , Duangthongphon Pichayen , Prathanee Benjamas , Thongrong Cattleya 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo study the effect of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery on voice quality in patients with pituitary lesions.MethodsAn observational study comparing voice quality before and after surgery was conducted between September 2015 and September 2017 at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Pituitary tumor patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery were recruited. The nasal corridors were created with a type I (preserving both middle turbinates with a rescue flap) or type II (cutting one middle turbinate with a raised nasoseptal flap) for the binostril with four‐hand technique. All patients were evaluated for nasal resonance, acoustic parameters, acoustic perception, and self‐assessment of their satisfaction with postoperative voice changes with a visual analog scale (VAS). The patients were evaluated 1 day before surgery and at 1 and 3 months after surgery.ResultsForty‐four patients, including 19 males and 25 females with a mean age of 50.0 ± 15.6 years, were enrolled. Mean scores for nasal resonance and all acoustic parameters were not significantly changed after surgery for either nasal corridor type (p > .05). Regarding acoustic perception, word and sentence and GIRBAS scores showed no significant difference before and after surgery (p > .09) in either type of nasal corridor. There was no incidence of hypernasality voice after surgery. Patients' self‐satisfaction ratings (i.e., VAS) with voice quality were high and showed no significant change 1 and 3 months postsurgery (p > .05).ConclusionsThese endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approaches are minimally invasive skull base surgery techniques that have minimal effects on postsurgery voice quality.Trial RegistrationThis trial was registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT02828514).Level of Evidence4.
Multi‐Network Poly(β‐cyclodextrin)/PVA/Gelatin/Carbon Nanotubes Composite Hydrogels Constructed by Multiple Dynamic Crosslinking as Flexible Electronic Devices
Authors: Liu Fangfei , Liu Xiong , Gu Haibin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMultifunctional hydrogels with good stretchability and self‐healing properties have attracted considerable attention in the field of flexible electronic devices. However, hydrogels constructed by traditional chemical crosslinking usually have poor mechanical properties and lack self‐healing, adhesion, and biocompatibility, which cannot meet the requirements of flexible wearable devices. This work introduced multiple dynamic crosslinking, including borate ester bond, Schiff‐base, and host–guest interaction, into polymer networks to fabricate triple‐network gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol/carbon nanotube composite hydrogels with good self‐healing ability (healing efficiency of 95.0%), mechanical strength (54.6 kPa), stretchability (778%), biocompatibility, conductivity, adhesion, and remodeling properties. Carbon nanotubes can serve as the filler to improve the electrical conductivity of the triple‐network hydrogels. The resulting hydrogel can be made into a strain sensor with high strain sensitivity (gauge factor up to 16.0). More importantly, the strain sensor can be used to monitor various human and organ movements. Owing to its good self‐healing ability, the self‐healed hydrogel sensor also can detect human movements with almost the same electrical signal strength as the original one. This study gives novel insights for the design of multifunctional self‐healing hydrogels that have great potential in various application fields such as electronic skins, soft robots, and wearable devices.
Extended latissimus dorsi flap with propeller ascending design for reconstruction of a complex lateral lumbar defect: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Brunetti Beniamino , Marchica Paolo , Morelli Coppola Marco , Salzillo Rosa , Tenna Stefania , Bassetto Franco , Persichetti Paolo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractLateral lumbar defects are rarely encountered and difficult to manage because of the limited reach of loco‐regional flaps and the unfavorable position of recipient vessels for microsurgical transfer. The purpose of this report is to describe the innovative application of an extended latissimus dorsi (LD) flap with propeller ascending design in the field of lumbar reconstruction, reviewing current reconstructive options accepted for lateral lumbar defect. A 68‐year‐old male patient underwent wide full thickness resection for a solitary hepatocellular carcinoma metastatic lesion arising in the left lumbar region, resulting in an extensive soft‐tissue defect (20 x 13 cm) with deep structures exposure. An extended LD flap with propeller ascending orientation was obliquely designed, with the distal third of the skin island laying over the trapezius muscle. The skin paddle measured 34 x 9 cm. The flap, including a cuff of proximal LD muscle spared by the oncological resection and a fasciocutaneous superior extension, underwent 90°clockwise rotation on the main thoracodorsal artery perforator and further caudal advancement allowed by section of the LD cranial tendinous insertion. The rotation‐advancement movement allowed tension‐free flap insetting, while donor site was closed by primary intention. The post‐operative course was uneventful without any complications registered. At 12‐months follow‐up, a satisfactory result and a stable coverage were achieved. Due to the surgical complexity traditionally associated with the repair of defects located in the lumbar region, the case reported may help to provide a new alternative solution to extend the indications of local flaps in similar cases and simplify such reconstructions.
A wide‐band balanced‐to‐unbalanced power divider using microstrip‐slotline‐SIW transitions
Authors: Xu Sha , Zhu Haoshen , Feng Wenjie 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a wide‐band balanced‐to‐unbalanced power divider is presented using a novel multi‐layer microstrip‐slotline to substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) structure. The equivalent circuit of proposed microstrip‐slotline‐SIW transition is analyzed and verified with EM simulations, showing good wide‐band response. By combining four microstrip‐slotline‐SIW transitions with symmetric and antisymmetric arrangement, a compact balanced‐to‐unbalanced power divider is realized. To verify the proposed design, a prototype was also fabricated and characterized. At differential‐mode, the measurements show a 4.3 dB insertion loss (|Ssd21|) and >12 dB return loss (|Sdd11|) over 5.7–10.7 GHz. These are in good agreement with simulation results.
Caregiver‐perceived neighborhood safety and pediatric asthma severity: 2017–2018 National Survey of Children's Health
Authors: Hoque Shushmita , Goulding Melissa , Hazeltine Max , Ferrucci Katarina A. , Trivedi Michelle , Liu Shao‐Hsien 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between caregiver‐perceived neighborhood safety and pediatric asthma severity using a cross‐sectional, nationally representative sample.Study DesignUsing data from the 2017–2018 National Survey of Children's Health, children aged 6–17 years with primary caregiver report of a current asthma diagnosis were included (unweighted N = 3209; weighted N = 3,909,178). Perceived neighborhood safety, asthma severity (mild vs. moderate/severe), demographic, household, and health/behavioral covariate data were collected from primary caregiver report. Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to estimate the association between perceived neighborhood safety and caregiver‐reported pediatric asthma severity.ResultsApproximately one‐third of children studied had moderate/severe asthma. A total of 42% of children with mild asthma and 52% of children with moderate/severe asthma identified as Hispanic or non‐Hispanic Black. Nearly 20% of children with mild asthma and 40% of children with moderate/severe asthma were from families living below the federal poverty level (FPL). Children living in neighborhoods perceived by their caregiver to be unsafe had higher prevalence of moderate/severe asthma compared to those in the safest neighborhoods (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.34; 95% confidence interval: 1.04–1.74). This association was found to be independent of race/ethnicity, household FPL, household smoking, and child's physical activity level after adjusting for covariates.ConclusionsChildren living in neighborhoods perceived by their caregiver to be unsafe have higher prevalence of moderate or severe asthma. Further investigation of geographic context and neighborhood characteristics that influence childhood asthma severity may inform public health strategies to reduce asthma burden and improve disease outcomes.
The diversity of aphid parasitoids inEast Africaand implications for biological control
Authors: Woolley Victoria C , Tembo Yolice LB , Ndakidemi Baltazar , Obanyi Janet N , Arnold Sarah EJ , Belmain Steven R , Ndakidemi Patrick A , Ogendo Joshua O , Stevenson Philip C 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDHymenopteran parasitoids provide key natural pest regulation services and are reared commercially as biological control agents. Therefore, understanding parasitoid community composition in natural populations is important to enable better management for optimized natural pest regulation. We carried out a field study to understand the parasitoid community associated withAphis fabaeon East African smallholder farms. Either common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) or lablab (Lablab purpureus) sentinel plants were infested withAphis fabaeand deployed in 96 fields across Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi.RESULTSA total of 463 parasitoids emerged from sentinel plants of which 424 were identified by mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) barcoding.Aphidius colemaniwas abundant in Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi, whileLysiphlebus testaceipeswas only present in Malawi. The identity ofAphidius colemanispecimens were confirmed by sequencing LWRh and 16S genes and was selected for further genetic and population analyses. A total of 12Aphidius colemanihaplotypes were identified. Of these, nine were from our East African specimens and three from the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD).CONCLUSIONAphidius colemaniandLysiphlebus testaceipesare potential targets for conservation biological control in tropical smallholder agro‐ecosystems. We hypothesize that high genetic diversity in East African populations ofAphidius colemanisuggests that this species originated in East Africa and has spread globally due to its use as a biological control agent. These East African populations could have potential for use as strains in commercial biological control or to improve existingAphidius colemanistrains by selective breeding.
Systemic fungicidal activity of phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid‐valine conjugate against tobacco sore shin and its translocation and accumulation in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Zhang Min , Xiao Yongxin , Hsiang Tom , Hu Ciyin , Li Junkai 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDTobacco sore shin caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn is a major soil‐borne fungal disease of tobacco, gradually causing infected stems to become thin and dry, leading to great losses to Chinaʼs tobacco industry. Fungicides with phloem mobility are needed for application to foliage to effectively control root or vascular system pathogens. In this study, phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid‐valine conjugate (PCA‐Val) with strong phloem mobility was tested for control of tobacco sore shin. In vitro fungicidal activity, systemicity, and in vivo efficacy of PCA‐Val against R. solani in tobacco seedling were evaluated.RESULTSIn vitro fungicidal activity of PCA‐L‐Val against R. solani was lower than that of PCA or PCA‐D‐Val, but the in vivo protective activity and curative activity of PCA‐L‐Val was the highest among these chemicals tested. The systemicity tests in tobacco seedlings revealed that PCA did not possess phloem mobility, while PCA‐L‐Val and PCA‐D‐Val exhibited strong phloem mobility and could be transported and accumulated in the lower part of the seedling as well as throughout the phloem. In addition, we also found that, just like reported hormone amino acid conjugates, PCA‐L‐Val could be hydrolyzed by tobacco seedlings, to release free PCA.CONCLUSIONSThe current research results indicated that PCA‐L‐Val possess good phloem transport in tobacco and promising in vivo antifungal activity against R. solani, which can be used as a phloem‐mobile fungicide against tobacco sore shin in production practice.
The Role of Time Constraints and Domain Knowledge in Reading Comprehension Tests: The Case of Text‐First versus Questions‐First Strategies
Authors: Yeari Menahem , Schlesinger Liran Markel , Moshka Ella 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe present study examined the processing and performance of examinees in reading comprehension (RC) tests, when they read the whole text prior to its questions (text‐first strategy [TFs]) compared to reading the text while and for answering the questions (questions‐first strategy [QFs]). Previous studies have been inconclusive regarding the benefit of TFs, and no studies to date have indicated a benefit for QFs, although test‐taking guidebooks and test‐preparation courses and websites regularly recommend the latter strategy. This study examined whether and how test time constraints and examinees’ domain knowledge modulate the effect of TFs and QFs on examinees’ performance accuracy, performance time, and text search efficiency in RC tests, when they answer high‐ versus low‐level questions. University students with and without domain knowledge were asked to read two expository texts and answer open‐ended questions under TFs and QFs settings, with or without time limitation. Findings demonstrated higher performance accuracy, shorter performance time, and lower search efficiency for QFs as compared to TFs setting, particularly when the task was timed. Domain knowledge enhanced performance accuracy regardless of strategy and time constraints, although performance time and search efficiency were similar for high‐ and low‐knowledge groups. These findings suggest that university students should apply QFs in timed tests with open‐ended questions, and demonstrate the manner in which both strategies can be implemented effectively under different conditions. The theoretical implications of the present findings for goal‐oriented models and RC tests’ validity are further elaborated in the Discussion section.
Cross‐sectional study of students' molecular explanations of inheritance patterns
Authors: Castro‐Faix Moraima , Duncan Ravit G. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractGenetics is a core topic in the biology curriculum of many countries. Learning genetics is difficult for multiple reasons, including the need to reason about complex mechanisms—and to link mechanisms—that occur at different time and space scales. Previous research in genetics education explores students' understandings of inheritance patterns or their understandings of molecular genetics; only a handful of studies examined how students understand the connection between molecular mechanisms and inheritance patterns. Moreover, we know little about how such understandings develop over the secondary and undergraduate levels. To address this gap, we conducted a cross‐sectional interview study with middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students after they had experienced “status‐quo” instruction in genetics. We analyzed student responses using a cognitive model of molecular genetics that describes two key domain‐specific knowledge resources: heuristics and explanatory schemas. Our findings extended this model to account for reasoning about inheritance patterns as well as identifying the knowledge resources used by students with different levels of education. This allowed us to present a snapshot of a progression describing the gradual use of these heuristics and schemas across different grades. We discuss the implications of the tentative progression for instruction aimed at supporting reasoning across time and space scales in genetics.
Intramolecular Diels‐Alder Approach to the Construction of Fused Bicyclic 8/6 Ring System of Variecolin
Authors: Hossain Md. Firoj , Ghosh Subrata 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBicyclo annulations of fused 6/6 and 8/6 ring systems on to a carbohydrate derivative have been achieved. The key step involves an intramolecular Diels‐Alder reaction of a diene and a dienophile tethered through a carbohydrate ring resulting in tricyclic architectures having fused bicycle 6/6 and 8/6 ring systems. The tricyclic structure containing the fused bicyclo 8/6 ring is functionalized for elaboration to the tetracyclic sesterterpene variecolin.
Tracking Confined Reaction Based on Host–Guest Interaction Using Single‐Molecule Conductance Measurement
Authors: Yuan Saisai , Qian Qiaozan , Zhou Yu , Zhao Shiqiang , Lin Luchun , Duan Ping , Xu Xinghai , Shi Jie , Xu Wei , Feng Anni , Shi Jia , Yang Yang , Hong Wenjing 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe host–guest interaction acts as an essential part of supramolecular chemistry, which can be applied in confined reaction. However, it is challenging to obtain the dynamic process during confined reactions below micromolar concentrations. In this work, a new method is provided to characterize the dimerization process of the guest 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridinyl) ethylene in host cucurbit[8]curil using scanning tunneling microscope‐break junction (STM‐BJ) technique. The guest reaction kinetics is quantitatively by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and in situ single‐molecule junctions. It is found that in the single‐molecule conductance measurements, the electrical signals of the reactants with a concentration as low as 5 × 10−6 m are clearly detected, and the reaction kinetics at micromolar concentrations are further obtained. However, in NMR measurements, the characteristic peak signal of the reactants is undetectable when the concentration of the reactants is lower than 0.5 × 10−3 m and it cannot be quantified. In addition, the strong electric field from the nanogap accelerates the reaction. This work reveals that single‐molecule STM‐BJ techniques are more sensitive for tracking confined reactions than that by NMR techniques and can be used to study effect of extremely strong electric field on kinetics.
Switching‐Modulated Phase Change Memory Realized by Si‐Containing Block Copolymers
Authors: Park Tae Wan , Park Woon Ik 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe phase change memory (PCM) is one of the key enabling memory technologies for next‐generation non‐volatile memory device applications due to its high writing speed, excellent endurance, long retention time, and good scalability. However, the high power consumption of PCM devices caused by the high switching current from a high resistive state to a low resistive state is a critical obstacle to be resolved before widespread commercialization can be realized. Here, a useful approach to reduce the writing current of PCM, which depends strongly on the contact area between the heater electrode and active layer, by employing self‐assembly process of Si‐containing block copolymers (BCPs) is presented. Self‐assembled insulative BCP pattern geometries can locally block the current path of the contact between a high resistive film (TiN) and a phase‐change material (Ge2Sb2Te5), resulting in a significant reduction of the writing current. Compared to a conventional PCM cell, the BCP‐modified PCM shows excellent switching power reduction up to 1/20 given its use of self‐assembled hybrid SiFexOy/SiOx dot‐in‐hole nanostructures. This BCP‐based bottom–up process can be extended to various applications of other non‐volatile memory devices, such as resistive switching memory and magnetic storage devices.
Benzannulation Reactions: A Case for Perspective Change From Arene Decoration to Arene Construction
Authors: Swami Bhawna , Yadav Deepak , Menon Rajeev S. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBenzannulation reactions involve construction of a benzene ring from acyclic precursors. This class of reactions offer a versatile and often superior alternative to aromatic substitution for construction of substituted arenes. Selected pioneering and recent reports of various benzannulation reactions are categorised and discussed in this review.
Pd(0)‐Catalyzed Deacylative Allylations (DaA) Strategy and Application in the Total Synthesis of Alkaloids
Authors: Kundu Sourav , Munda Mintu , Nandi Rhituparna , Bisai Alakesh 
Published: November 2021

AbstractNatural product synthesis has been the prime focus for the development of new carbon‐carbon bond forming transformations. In particular, the construction of molecules with all‐carbon quaternary centers remain one of the most facinating targets. In this regard, transition‐metal catalyzed processes have gained imporatnce owing to their mild nature. Towards this, Pd(0)‐catalyzed decarboxylative allylations (DcA) is worth mentioning and has emerged as a convenient method for synthesis of molecules even in their enantioenriched form. However, in order to have a flexible approach that facilitate rapid production of derivatives by utilizing commercially available allyl alcohols, the concept of Pd(0)‐catalyzed deacylative allylations (DaA) methodology gains popularity. In these reactions, the transfer of an acyl group has a functional role in activating the allylic alcohol (proelectrophile) toward reaction with Pd(0)‐catalysts. We present here an Account on newly conceptualized deacylative allylations (DaA) methodology and its applications in the synthesis of various intermediates and building blocks. Further, its potential in the total synthesis of naturally occurring alkaloids have been summarized in this personal account.
Single‐nucleotide mosaicism in citrus: Estimations of somatic mutation rates and total number of variants
Authors: Perez‐Roman Estela , Borredá Carles , López‐García Usach Antoni , Talon Manuel 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMost of the hundreds of citrus varieties are derived from spontaneous mutations. We characterized the dynamics of single‐nucleotide mosaicism in a 36‐yr‐old clementine (Citrus ×clementina hort. ex Tanaka) tree, a commercial citrus whose vegetative behavior is known in detail. Whole‐genome sequencing identified 73 reliable somatic mutations, 48% of which were transitions from G/C to A/T, suggesting ultraviolet (UV) exposure as mutagen. The mutations accumulated in sectorized areas of the tree in a nested hierarchy determined by the branching pattern, although some variants detected in the basal parts were also found in the new growth and were fixed in some branches and leaves of much younger age. The estimate of mutation rates in our tree was 4.4 × 10−10 bp−1 yr−1, a rate in the range reported in other perennials. Assuming a perfect configuration and taking advantage of previous counts on the number of total leaves of typical clementine trees, these mutation determinations allowed to estimate for the first time the total number of variants present in a standard adult tree (1,500–5,000) and the somatic mutations generated in a typical leaf flush (0.92–1.19). From an evolutionary standpoint, the sectoral distribution of somatic mutations and the habit of periodic foliar renewal of long‐lived plants appear to increase genetic heterogeneity and, therefore, the adaptive role of somatic mutations reducing the mutational load and providing fitness benefits.