bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Monomer Molecular Structure for Polymer Electrodes Fabricated through in‐situ Electro‐Polymerization Strategy
Authors: Wang Zhuanping , Yang Jixing , Chen Zifeng , Ye Long , Xu Yunhua 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn‐situ electro‐polymerization of redox‐active monomers has been proved to be a novel and facile strategy to prepare polymer electrodes with superior electrochemical performance. The monomer molecular structure would have a profound impact on electro‐polymerization behavior and thus electrochemical performance. However, this impact is poorly understood and has barely been investigated yet. Herein, three carbazole‐based monomers, 9‐phenylcarbazole (CB), 1,4‐bis(carbazol‐9‐yl)benzene (DCB), and 2,6‐bis(carbazol‐9‐yl)naphthalene (DCN), were applied to study the above issue systematically and achieve excellent long cycle performance. The monomers were rationally designed with different polymerizable sites and solubilities. It was found that a monomer with increased polymerizable sites and decreased solubility brought about enhanced electrochemical performance. This is because poor solubility could enhance utilization of the monomer for polymerization and more polymerizable sites could lead to a stable crosslinked polymer network after electro‐polymerization. DCN with four polymerizable sites and the poorest solubility displayed the best electrochemical performance, which showed stable cycling up to 5000 cycles with high capacity retention of 76.2 % (among the best cycle in the literature). Our work for the first time reveals the relationship between monomer structure and in‐situ electro‐polymerization behavior. This work could shed light on the structure design/optimization of monomers for high‐performance polymer electrodes prepared through in‐situ electro‐polymerization.
Analysis of plasma sheath propagation attenuation based on ray tracing
Authors: Zhou Junyang , Han Yiping 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBased on the complex Snell's law of lossy media, a ray tracing method is proposed to study the propagation attenuation characteristics of electromagnetic (EM) waves in plasma sheaths. The plasma sheath is modelled as layered media. This method considers the complex ray characteristics of inhomogeneous plane EM waves, tracks the propagation rays of EM waves in each layer of media, and calculates the propagation attenuation of EM waves in each layer of media according to the propagation direction of the complex rays. The attenuation during numerical cumulative propagation is the total attenuation of EM waves through the plasma sheath. By comparing the results with that obtained from the WKB method, the accuracy of the ray tracing algorithm is proved. The results of the propagation attenuation of a blunt cone model are calculated by the proposed method, and the effects of different parameters on the EM wave propagation attenuation in the plasma sheath are analysed at different heights, velocities, incident angles, and incident positions. Studying the propagation characteristics of EM waves in the plasma sheath is of importance in application for radar target tracking, blackout communication, and other issues.
Empirical analyses of the factors influencing fire severity in southeastern Australia
Authors: Lindenmayer David , Taylor Chris , Blanchard Wade 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFire severity is a key component of fire regimes, and understanding the factors affecting it is critical given the increasing incidence of wildfires globally. We quantified the factors affecting the severity of the 2019–2020 fires in Victoria, southeastern Australia. We constructed statistical models of relationships between fire severity (as reflected by two measures: Crown Burn and the composite measure of Crown Burn/Crown Scorch) and the main and interacting effects of five key covariates: fire progression zone (reflecting fire weather), time since previous major disturbance in the forest, forest type, slope, and aspect. The best supported models for the probability of a Crown Burn and the probability of a Crown Burn/Crown Scorch contained evidence of a three‐way interaction between fire weather, forest type, and time since previous major disturbance as well as two‐way interactions between (1) fire weather and slope, and (2) fire weather and aspect. There was an increase in the probability of Crown Burn and Crown Burn/Crown Scorch under more extreme fire weather in all forest types, with the effect especially elevated in dry forest. Our analyses also revealed a range of response curve shapes for the relationships between time since previous major disturbance and fire severity relationships and these varied by fire weather classes and forest type. Under severe fire weather conditions, we found that relationships between time since previous major disturbance and fire severity relationships often exhibited non‐linear, negative polynomial shape with a peak around 10–40 yr, especially for Crown Burn, although there also were instances of this distinctive curve shape in our Crown Burn/Crown Scorch fire severity analysis. Our analyses also contained strong evidence that fire severity was higher on steeper slopes and on more exposed northerly aspects under extreme fire weather. Our analyses suggest that forests managed for timber production near settlements may be at increased risk of high‐severity fire. This is because logging resets stand age to zero, after which there is a subsequent period of increased probability of high‐severity fire, particularly under extreme fire weather conditions. Therefore, policies to maintain cover of older forest near settlements should be considered.
Pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial soluble adenylyl cyclase in astrocytes causes activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase and induces breakdown of glycogen
Authors: Jakobsen Emil , Andersen Jens V. , Christensen Sofie K. , Siamka Olga , Larsen Martin R. , Waagepetersen Helle S. , Aldana Blanca I. , Bak Lasse K. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMobilization of astrocyte glycogen is key for processes such as synaptic plasticity and memory formation but the link between neuronal activity and glycogen breakdown is not fully known. Activation of cytosolic soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) in astrocytes has been suggested to link neuronal depolarization and glycogen breakdown partly based on experiments employing pharmacological inhibition of sAC. However, several studies have revealed that sAC located within mitochondria is a central regulator of respiration and oxidative phosphorylation. Thus, pharmacological sAC inhibition is likely to affect both cytosolic and mitochondrial sAC and if bioenergetic readouts are studied, the observed effects are likely to stem from inhibition of mitochondrial rather than cytosolic sAC. Here, we report that a pharmacologically induced inhibition of sAC activity lowers mitochondrial respiration, induces phosphorylation of the metabolic master switch AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), and decreases glycogen stores in cultured primary murine astrocytes. From these data and our discussion of the literature, mitochondrial sAC emerges as a key regulator of astrocyte bioenergetics. Lastly, we discuss the challenges of investigating the functional and metabolic roles of cytosolic versus mitochondrial sAC in astrocytes employing the currently available pharmacological tool compounds.
Living in rural area: A protective factor for a negative experience of the lockdown and the COVID‐19 crisis in the oldest old population?
Authors: Pérès Karine , Ouvrard Camille , Koleck Michèle , Rascle Nicole , Dartigues Jean‐François , Bergua Valérie , Amieva Hélène 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivesSome factors influence the experience of the COVID‐19 pandemic (health, loneliness, digital access...), but what about the living area? The objective was to compare between rural and urban areas, the psychological and social experiences of the older individuals with regard to the COVID‐19 crisis during the first French lockdown.MethodsThe sample included participants of three existing population‐based cohorts on aging. Telephone interviews conducted by psychologists focused on the lockdown period. Data collected included living environment, professional assistance, social support, contacts with relatives, difficulties encountered, health, and knowledge and representations of the epidemic. The negative experience was defined by the presence of at least two of the following items: high anxiety symptomatology, depressive symptoms, worries or difficulties during the lockdown and insufficient social support.ResultsThe sample included 467 participants, aged on average 87.5 years (5.2), 58.9% were female and 47.1% lived in rural areas. Persons living in rural area had better social support, greater family presence, a less frequent feeling of imprisonment (OR = 0.60, 95 CI% = 0.36‐0.99), 95% had a garden (vs. 56%), fewer depressive symptoms and lower anxiety scores, but also tended to lower comply with the health measures. Finally, they had an almost twofold lower risk of having a negative experience of the lockdown compared to their urban counterparts (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.33–0.92, p = 0.0223).ConclusionsThe oldest old living in rural area experienced the first lockdown better than the urbans. Living conditions, with access to nature, a greater social support and family presence, could have contributed to these findings.
Effectiveness and safety of non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation: A nationwide, population‐based study in Korea
Authors: Han Seongwook , Han Sola , Suh Hae Sun , Bang Oh Young , On Young Keun , Lee Myung‐Yong , Jang Sung‐Won , Won Mi‐Mi , Park Yoo‐Jung , Lee Ji‐Min , Kang Seongsik , Kim Young‐Hoon 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo compare the risk of stroke/systemic embolism (S/SE) and major bleeding (MB) between non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), this retrospective study was conducted using the Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA) claims database.MethodsPatients with AF who initiated NOACs (apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban) from July 1, 2015 to November 30, 2016 were included. We applied inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method using propensity score to make weighted populations having similar characteristics between groups. Hazard ratio (HR) of S/SE and MB were estimated by Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsOf the 39 783 patients with AF, 10 564; 11 418; and 17 801 used apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban, respectively. The mean CHA2DS2‐VASc and HAS‐BLED scores were 4.59 ~ 4.69 and 3.58 ~ 3.62, respectively, among all patients after applying IPTW. For S/SE, there were no significant differences between NOACs (HR [95% confidence interval (CI)]): apixaban vs dabigatran (0.99 [0.87‐1.13]), apixaban vs rivaroxaban (0.95 [0.84‐1.07]), and dabigatran vs rivaroxaban (0.96 [0.85‐1.08]). For MB (HR [95% CI]), both apixaban (0.77 [0.68‐0.86]) and dabigatran (0.88 [0.79‐0.98]) had a significantly lower risk compared with rivaroxaban. Apixaban also had a significantly lower risk of MB compared with dabigatran (0.87 [0.76‐0.99]).ConclusionsIn real‐world practice among Korean AF patients with relatively high risk of stroke and bleeding, there were no significant differences in the risk of S/SE between all NOAC comparisons. Apixaban was associated with lower risk of MB than dabigatran and rivaroxaban.
Antimicrobial activity of sophorolipids produced by Starmerella bombicola against phytopathogens from cherry tomato
Authors: de O Caretta Talita , I Silveira Victória A , Andrade Galdino , Macedo Fernando , P C Celligoi Maria Antonia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDPhytopathogenic microorganisms are the main cause of plant diseases, generating significant economic losses for the agricultural and food supply chain. Cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) are very perishable plants and highly demanding in the use of pesticides; therefore, alternative solutions such as biosurfactants have aroused as a potent substituent. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of sophorolipids against the phytopathogens Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium ultimum.RESULTSThe biosurfactant inhibited the mycelial growth in vitro with a minimum concentration of 2 mg mL−1. The application of sophorolipids at 1, 2 and 4 mg mL−1 in detached leaves of tomato before the inoculation of the fungus B. cinerea was the best treatment, reducing leaf necrosis by up to 76.90%. The use of sophorolipids for washing tomato fruits before the inoculation of B. cinerea was able to inhibit the development of gray mold by up to 96.27%.CONCLUSIONThe results for tomato leaves and fruits revealed that the biosurfactant acts more effectively when used preventively. Sophorolipids are stable molecules that show promising action for the potential replacement of pesticides in the field and the post‐harvest process against the main tomato phytopathogens. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Technical Considerations in Pedicle Management in Upper and Midfacial Free Flap Reconstruction
Authors: Swendseid Brian , Stewart Matthew , Mastrolonardo Eric , McCreary Eleanor , Heffelfinger Ryan , Luginbuhl Adam , Sweeny Larissa , Wax Mark K. , Curry Joseph 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesMid and upper face free flaps frequently are associated with challenges due to pedicle length. We sought to evaluate the frequency at which alternative pedicle maneuvers were required for these reconstructions and determine if there was any association with flap survival or postoperative complications.Study DesignRetrospective review at three tertiary care institutions.MethodsDatabase review.ResultsFree flap reconstruction of the upper and midface was performed in 295 patients (108 bony, 187 soft tissue). In 82% of cases, the vessels reached the ipsilateral neck for anastomosis to traditional target vessels. Arterial grafts were required in 2% of reconstructions (4% bony and 1% soft tissue). Venous grafting was required in 7% of reconstructions (21% fibula, 16% scapula, and 3% soft tissue) and was associated with an increase in flap failure rate (19% vs 3%, P = .003). The most common recipient artery for revascularization was the cervical facial artery (78%). Alternate recipient vessels were selected in 13% of cases, including the superficial temporal vessels (7%), distal facial branches through a separate facial incision (4%), and angular vessels (2%). Vein grafting was associated with a higher flap failure rate. Alternative maneuvers did not affect need for intraoperative pedicle revision or complications.ConclusionsIn upper and midface reconstruction, vascular grafting, targeting more distal branches of the facial system, or additional maneuvers to optimize pedicle orientation is often required to secure revascularization. Vein grafting is associated with a higher free flap failure rate. Scapular border flaps often require vascular grafting or atypical anastomotic locations.Level of Evidence3—Non randomized cohort study 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2465–2470, 2021
Attitudes and beliefs of older adults with acute low back pain: 12‐month results from the Brazilian cohort back complaints in the elders
Authors: Teixeira Luiza Faria , Diz Juliano Bergamaschine Mata , Moreira Bruno de Souza , Silva Silvia Lanziotti Azevedo da , Dias João Marcos Domingues , Pereira Leani Souza Máximo , Dias Rosângela Corrêa 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundPsychosocial factors have been identified as important predictors of onset, course and persistence of low back pain (LBP) in the general population.ObjectiveTo identify factors associated with attitudes/beliefs in older adults with LBP throughout a 12‐month follow‐up.MethodsA longitudinal investigation was conducted with 500 participants aged ≥60 years reporting a new (acute) episode of nonspecific LBP. Data were obtained at baseline, 6‐week, 3‐, 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐month interviews. The study variables were: [dependent] LBP‐related attitudes/beliefs that were assessed by the Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ); [independent] age; sex; LBP intensity ‘at‐the‐present‐time’ of interview and ‘over‐the‐past‐week’ before interview; LBP frequency; LBP‐related treatments; disability; mobility; depressive symptoms; self‐perceived recovery; expectation of pain improvement; and expectation for returning to activities. Data were analysed by multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsAt baseline, 85.7% of the participants were female, had mean age of 69.0 (6.3) years, mean BBQ score of 24.5 (6.5), and 79.6% reported pain complaints after an acute episode of LBP. After 12 months, participants maintained a mean BBQ score of 24.6 (6.6) and 63.3% still reported pain complaints after an acute episode of LBP at baseline. Multivariate analysis showed that disability, advancing age, poor expectation of pain improvement in 3 months, and mobility decline were significantly associated with worse BBQ scores during all follow‐ups.ConclusionAgeing, hopelessness, and physical and functional impairment impact pain‐related behaviours among older patients seeking healthcare due to acute LBP complaints. Their screening may assist in strategies to manage symptoms and prevent the persistence of pain.
Transcranial direct current stimulation reduces ischemia‐induced sensory disturbance in the hands of healthy subjects
Authors: Sunagawa Toru , Ueda Akio , Kurumadani Hiroshi , Zehry Hanan Ibrahim , Date Shota , Ishii Yosuke 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsThe treatment of entrapment neuropathies, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome, has significant challenges that have yet to be solved. To a large extent, the success of the treatment of peripheral nerve damage is dependent on brain plasticity during the recovery process. Recently, noninvasive brain stimulation procedures, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), to modulate brain activity have been developed. This study aimed to determine whether tDCS can improve artificially induced ischemic sensory disturbances in the finger.MethodsTen right‐handed, healthy volunteers, with an average age of 25.5 years, participated in this study. A rubber bandage at the base of the right index finger was used to induce a regional sensory disturbance for 30 minutes. An anodal tDCS was applied over their left M1 area 15 minutes into the session. The current perception threshold (CPT) in the index and little finger pad was evaluated using the PainVision system and used as a measure of the sensory threshold.ResultsIn the index finger, the CPT increased significantly with time, a finding that was absent after tDCS application.DiscussionIt has been reported that anodal tDCS over M1 primarily modulates the functional connectivity of sensory networks, and our findings demonstrate that it improved ischemia‐induced sensory disturbances. Modulating the central nervous system using tDCS represents a potential avenue for treating entrapment neuropathies.
The Effect of First Feeding Exposure of Larval Largemouth Bass to a Formulated Soybean Meal-Based or Soy Saponin-Supplemented Diet on Fish Growth Performance and Gut Microbiome
Authors: Kwasek Karolina , Wojno Michal , Patula Samuel , Oliaro Frank , Cabay Chrissy , Pinnell Lee J. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The negative effects of dietary soybean meal (SBM) can be counteracted with the use of nutritional programming (NP). Nutritional programming is an early feeding event during larval or juvenile stages that can alter physiological responses of the fish later in their life. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of introducing diets containing SBM or soy saponin to larval Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides on growth performance and gut microbiome composition of the fish in their pre-adult stage.The study found that NP introduced with a formulated SBM diet or dietary saponin for 21 d during the larval stages did not improve SBM utilization and growth performance in the pre-adult age, which likely resulted from poor utilization of dry feeds in Largemouth Bass during first feeding. Our study also found that NP with an SBM diet or dietary saponin did not have any significant effects on the Largemouth Bass gut microbiome, and there did not seem to be any gut microbiome modification associated with NP. However, age-related changes in the gut microbiome were documented.
Lower bound analysis of modified pseudo‐dynamic lateral earth pressures for retaining wall‐backfill system with depth‐varying damping using FEM‐Second order cone programming
Authors: Fathipour Hessam , Payan Meghdad , Jamshidi Chenari Reza , Senetakis Kostas 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRealistic constitutive ground models are critical in the evaluation of soil‐structure interaction problems and the assessment of key design parameters in the seismic analysis of infrastructure systems. In the present study, the modified pseudo‐dynamic lateral earth pressures acting on retaining structure with granular backfill of depth‐varying damping ratio are evaluated adopting the lower bound limit analysis in conjunction with the finite element (FE) discretization method using second‐order cone programming (SOCP). The earthquake loading is simulated by the propagation of shear and primary waves through non‐constant inertia forces in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. The influence of varying damping ratio alongside the retaining wall height on the seismic active and passive lateral earth pressures is effectively taken into account by adopting well‐established formulas published in the literature. It is shown that failing to consider the damping variation with depth while performing the modified pseudo‐dynamic analysis could lead to precarious, unrealistic estimates of design parameters.
2020 year in review: Neonatal pulmonology
Authors: Auten Richard L. , Ryan Rita M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPediatric Pulmonology publishes original research, reviews, and case reports related to a wide range of children's respiratory disorders. This review summarizes the past year's publications in the topic area of neonatal pulmonology, in the context of selected literature from other journals relevant to the discipline.
Synthesis and fungicidal activity of novel benzimidazole derivatives bearing pyrimidine‐thioether moiety against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Sun Changxing , Zhang Shuai , Qian Ping , Li Ying , Ren Wansheng , Deng Hao , Jiang Lin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDBotrytis cinerea is a serious plant fungus and strongly affects the yield and quality of crops. The main control strategy is the employment of fungicides. To research for efficient fungicide with novel structure, a series of novel benzimidazole derivatives bearing pyrimidine and thioether moieties were designed and synthesized.RESULTSSome target compounds such as 4h, 4i, 4k, 4l, 4m, 4s, 4t and 4u exhibited notable fungicidal activities, with half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values in the range 0.13–0.24 μg mL−1, which means that their activities were comparable or higher than that of carbendazim (EC50 = 0.21 μg mL−1). Among them, N‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐((4‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐6‐(4‐methoxyphenyl) pyrimidin‐2‐yl)thio)acetamide (4m) displayed the best activity (EC50 = 0.13 μg mL−1). Molecular electrostatic potential analysis of 4m elucidated that the NH moiety of benzimidazole ring was located in the positive potential region and may generate hydrogen bond with target amino acid residue. Molecular docking analysis revealed that there was one hydrogen bond and one 𝜋–𝜋 interaction between 4m and target protein.CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrated that the benzimidazole derivatives bearing pyrimidine and thioether moieties can be further optimized as a lead compound for the control of B. cinerea. The combination of molecular electrostatic potential and molecular docking analyses may provide a valuable reference for studying the interaction between the ligand and target protein. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.