bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Benefits of Candidly Reporting Consumer Research
Authors: Janiszewski Chris , van Osselaer Stijn M. J.
Published: June 2021

Quantitative consumer research papers (i.e., papers relying on experiments, surveys, or secondary data) tend to be written using a deductive reporting template. Articles begin with a review of the literature, hypotheses are deduced from existing theory, experiments test the hypotheses, and results are reported. We contend that this reporting template is inconsistent with how many research projects are actually conducted. Research is often more inductive (i.e., the hypotheses are data‐driven) or abductive (i.e., deduced hypotheses are revised owing to data). Given these realities, we propose a reporting template that provides more flexibility. We anticipate that allowing authors to use a more flexible reporting template will (a) encourage more exploration, (b) allow researchers to use exploratory data to help make a case for new constructs, (c) facilitate the development of novel theory, and (d) reduce the incentive to engage in suboptimal research behaviors.
Fried egg sign: A typical ultrasonography feature of neurolymphomatosis
Authors: Lee Ying‐Chieh , Huang Guo‐Shu , Chang Wei‐Chou , Hsu Yi‐Chih
Published: June 2021

Neurolymphomatosis (NL) is a rare condition caused by non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma or leukemia. We present a case of NL and describe ultrasound features, including the “fried egg sign” in which there is a clear demarcation between an avascular echogenic core and a hypoechoic vascularized peripheral zone that may help to distinguish NL from primary nerve sheath tumors.
Utility of [4‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)pyrimidin‐2‐yl]cyanamide in synthesis of some heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Hussein Bahgat R. M. , Khodairy Ahmed
Published: June 2021

N‐[4‐(3‐Methoxyphenyl)pyrimidin‐2‐yl]cyanamide (1) was reacted with morpholine and respective binuclephilic reagents namely: ethylenediamine, o‐phenylenediamine, o‐aminothiophenol, or o‐aminophenol to give the corresponding carboximidamide 2, imidazolidine 3, and benzazoles 4–6. While its reaction with hydrazides in DMF at 90°C, gave the corresponding 1,2,4‐triazols 7–11. Also, treatment of cyanamide 1 with heterocycles having both nucleophilic and electrophilic groups (─NH2/─COOEt) in iso‐propanol in presence of catalytic amount of Conc. HCl, gave the corresponding thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidinone 12 and unexpected thieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidine 13 instead of bis‐thieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidine 14, respectively. While, its reaction with ethyl 5‐amino‐1,3‐thiazole‐4‐carboxylate yielded the unexpected N‐(pyrimidin‐2‐yl)urea 15 rather than the corresponding thiazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidine 16. Unexpected N‐(pyrimidin‐2‐yl)thiourea 17 was obtained, when cyanamide 1 reacted with potassium thiolates in iso‐propanol with catalytic amount of Conc. HCl.
Optimized seeding rate and nitrogen topdressing ratio for simultaneous improvement of grain yield and bread‐making quality in bread wheat sown on different dates
Authors: Dong Shuxin , Zhang Xiu , Chu Jinpeng , Zheng Feina , Fei Liwei , Dai Xinglong , He Mingrong
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Sowing date, seeding rate, and nitrogen (N) topdressing ratio have strong effects on grain yield (GY) and bread‐making quality (BQ) in bread wheat. Simultaneous improvement in GY and BQ in bread wheat has long been a challenge due to the inverse relationship between GY and grain protein concentration (GPC). In this study, we investigated whether the GY and BQ of bread wheat sown on different dates could be improved simultaneously by optimizing the seeding rate and the N topdressing ratio.

RESULTS

Delaying sowing beyond a certain period led to decreases in both GY and BQ. Optimizing the seeding rate and N topdressing ratio enhanced the N uptake during pre‐ and post‐anthesis, as well as N remobilization during grain filling for all wheat plants sown on different dates, thereby increasing the GPC and the total N per grain (Ntot). Consequently, grain protein composition was improved, resulting in an increased glutenin/gliadin ratio, sodium dodecyl sulfate‐insoluble glutenin/total glutenin (i.e., glutenin polymerization index), and high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunit/ low‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunit (HMW‐GS/LMW‐GS) ratio. Increased GPC and improved grain protein composition enhanced BQ.

CONCLUSION

The mechanism underlying simultaneous improvement in GY and GPC as well as Ntot was the greater increase in N accumulation in grains per unit area relative to increases in GY, or total grain number per unit area. The GY and BQ can be improved simultaneously regardless of sowing date by optimizing the seeding rate and N topdressing ratio via enhanced N uptake and N remobilization into grains. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Enhancement of anthocyanin and chromatic profiles in ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ (Vitis vinifera L.) by foliar nitrogen fertilizer during veraison
Authors: Cheng Xianghan , Wang Panpan , Chen Qianyi , Ma Tingting , Wang Rui , Gao Yajun , Zhu Hongda , Liu Yuan , Liu Buchun , Sun Xiangyu , Fang Yulin
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The influence of foliar nitrogen fertilizer during veraison (FNFV) on anthocyanin accumulation and chromatic characteristics of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grapes over two seasons was investigated.

RESULTS

Urea and phenylalanine fertilizers (TU and TP, respectively) and a control were sprayed three times at veraison. In 2018, TU displayed a significant enhancement in total individual anthocyanin content and a* and Cab* profiles. In 2019, FNAV significantly improved the content of total non‐acylated, acylated anthocyanin and total individual anthocyanin, and the profiles of L*, a* and Cab*, except a* in TU. The whole process from phenylalanine variation to anthocyanin accumulation in grape skins was analyzed. On the whole, after the first FNFV to harvest, the increase in phenylalanine metabolism, abscisic acid content, effects of PAL (Phenylalanine ammonia lyase), UFGT (UDP glucose‐flavonoid 3‐O‐glucosyltransferase) and transcript concentrations of VvPAL and VvUFGT involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis were also strong evidence explaining the increased anthocyanin and chromatic profiles in 2019.

CONCLUSION

Overall, FNFV for nitrogen‐deficient grapevines could significantly improve grape color, especially in the 2019 veraison with a proper climate. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of parboiling conditions on zinc and iron retention in biofortified and non‐biofortified milled rice
Authors: Taleon Victor , Hasan Md Zakiul , Jongstra Roelinda , Wegmüller Rita , Bashar Md Khairul
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Zinc‐biofortified rice could contribute to zinc intake in deficient populations, but processing it into parboiled rice could affect this potential benefit. Zinc and iron true retention (TR) in milled rice produced under conditions resembling household and commercial parboiled methods was evaluated. Zinc and iron TR in milled rice obtained from biofortified and non‐biofortified rice subjected to different soaking temperatures during parboiling was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Conditions resembling commercial parboiling methods resulted in 52.2–59.7% zinc TR and 55.4–79.1% iron TR, whereas those used for household parboiling resulted in 70.7–79.6% zinc TR and 78.2–119.8% iron TR. Zinc TR in milled (8–16% bran removal) biofortified and non‐biofortified parboiled rice was 50.6–66.8% when soaking rough rice at 20 °C and 29.9–56.0% when soaking rough rice at 65 °C; both had lower zinc TR than non‐parboiled rice (58.0–80.6%). Iron TR was generally similar between milled non‐parboiled and parboiled rice (26.2–67.6%) and between parboiled biofortified and non‐biofortified milled rice.

CONCLUSION

Parboiling conditions used to obtain milled rice targeted for own household consumption resulted in higher zinc and iron TR compared to parboiling conditions used for milled rice targeted for markets. More zinc from the inner endosperm moved towards the outer layers at high soaking temperature, resulting in lower zinc TR for milled parboiled rice soaked in hotter water. Parboiled rice soaked at temperatures used in households could provide more zinc to diets compared to rice soaked in hotter water commonly used in large rice mills, especially when rice is extensively milled. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
INTENTIONING: THE KEY TO REACHING GENDER PARITY IN LEADERSHIP
Authors: Feldt Gloria
Published: June 2021

Author Gloria Feldt raises the paradox that while there are many leadership advancement programs for women in U.S.‐based companies, “women in corporate life nevertheless occupy only an estimated 26.5 percent of executive and upper management positions.” Surveys show that many women are indeed ambitious about moving into the top ranks of corporations. Yet there is still a disconnect with the statistics on top leadership positions. Why is this the case? She points to examples of high‐profile women who have achieved chief executive officer (CEO) status: Meg Whitman, formerly at Hewlett Packard, Mary Barra, General Motors’ CEO, and Ursula Burns, previously of Xerox. Yet “many more women stay over‐long at a dead‐end job or move laterally from company to company feeling under valued, under appreciated and under‐compensated.” Feldt explains the difference between ambition and intention. Ambition reflects desire and determination to achieve something, yet intention puts this into action. Feldt dubs this “intentioning.” Feldt states that this “begins with assuming an active leadership role and embracing the power to achieve one's highest and boldest goals.” It requires asking four questions; which in her words are: What's happening now? What do you want to happen instead? How are you going to make it happen? What's next?
Exploring customers' responses to online service failure and recovery strategies during Covid‐19 pandemic: An actor–network theory perspective
Authors: Ozuem Wilson , Ranfagni Silvia , Willis Michelle , Rovai Serena , Howell Kerry
Published: June 2021

While the debate on online service failure and recovery strategies has been given considerable attention in the marketing and information systems literature, the evolving Covid‐19 pandemic has brought about new challenges both theoretically and empirically in the consumption landscape. To fully understand customers' responses to service failure during a crisis we asked 70 millennials from three European Countries—Italy, France, and the UK—to describe their responses to service failure during the Covid‐19 pandemic (30 completed a 4‐week diary and 40 completed a 4‐week qualitative survey). Drawing on phenomenological, constructivist, and hermeneutical approaches, and utilizing an actor–network theory perspective, the current study proposes a new framework for understanding customers' responses to online service failure and recovery strategies during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Conclusions highlight implications for theory, policy, and management practice through extending comprehensions of service failure recovery processes by examining how marketing policies generate different social impacts during a crisis situation which facilitate the achievement of customer satisfaction and positive outcomes.
One‐Pot Fabrication of Hierarchically Bicontinuous Polystyrene Monoliths with Homogeneous Skeletons and Glycopolymer Surfaces
Authors: Peng Wen‐Shu , Lin Yang‐Yang , Sun Yong‐Jun , Zhu Bing‐Qi , Li Shi‐Hai , Li Jing , Qu Jian‐Bo
Published: June 2021

The hierarchically bicontinuous polystyrene monoliths (HBPMs) with homogeneous skeletons and glycopolymer surfaces are fabricated for the first time based on the medium internal phase emulsion (MIPE) templating method via activator generated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization (AGET ATRP). The synergistic self‐assembly of amphiphilic diblock glycopolymer (ADG) and Pluronic F127 (PF127) at the oil/water interface via hydrogen bonding interaction contributes to the formation of bicontinuous MIPE with deformed neighboring water droplets, resulting in the highly interconnected HBPM after polymerization. There is a bimodal pore size distribution in the HBPM, that is, through pores (150–5000 nm) and mesopores (10–150 nm). The HBPMs as prepared show excellent biocompatibility, homogeneous skeletons, strong mechanical strength, and high bed permeability, overcoming the practical limitations of the second generation of polystyrene (PS) monoliths. Glycoprotein concanavalin A (Con A) can be easily and quickly separated by the HBPM in hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) mode. These results suggest the HBPMs have great potentials in catalysis, separations, and biomedical applications.
Continuous Pilot‐Scale Wet‐Spinning of Biocompatible Chitin/Chitosan Multifilaments from an Aqueous KOH/Urea Solution
Authors: Huang Junchao , Zhong Yi , Zhang Xi , Xu Huan , Zhu Caizhen , Cai Jie
Published: June 2021

Chitin is a promising natural polymer with great potential as a biomedical, hygiene, absorbent, and food‐packing material. Producing chitin multifilament and assembling them into textiles is an efficient way of preparing these materials, with wet‐spinning a major method used to produce man‐made fibers. Unfortunately, dissolving chitin, producing a stable and suitable chitin dope, and ensuring filament strength are the main obstacles to the production of chitin multifilament. Based on recent research into chitin dissolution, solution properties, and high‐strength chitin‐based materials, chitin multifilament wet‐spinning is no longer only a hypothetical strategy. Here, a pilot‐scale wet‐spinning method is introduced that overcomes the abovementioned limitations. A stable chitin spinning dope is prepared by dissolution and aging in an aqueous KOH/urea solution. A chitin multifilament is prepared by wet‐spinning using a pilot‐scale wet‐spinning apparatus and aqueous alcohol/salt coagulation. After deacetylation, the chitosan multifilament possesses a dense structure and low crystallinity, but excellent mechanical properties. The chitin/chitosan multifilaments exhibit excellent cytocompatibilities and have promising prospects in biomedical applications. The method developed in this work provides a new approach for the pilot‐scale wet‐spinning of chitin/chitosan multifilaments.
Synchrotron X‐Ray Analysis and Morphology Evidence for Stereo‐Assemblies of Periodic Aggregates in Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) with Unusual Photonic Iridescence
Authors: Liao Yu‐Hsuan , Nagarajan Selvaraj , Woo Eamor M. , Chuang Wei‐Tsung , Tsai Yi‐Wei
Published: June 2021

3D morphology of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), crystallized in the presence of diluents of poly(1,3‐trimethylene adipate) and poly(ethylene oxide), is probed using a novel approach coupled with selective etching. For interpreting the mechanisms of crystal periodic aggregation, various microscopic techniques and synchrotron microbeam X‐ray analysis are used to observe the top surface in connection with the 3D crystal assemblies. Periodic grating architectures, with the cross‐bar pitch exactly matching with the optical band spacing, are proved in banded PHB. The crystals under the ridge branch out to spawn finer crystals orienting/bending horizontally underneath the valley band, repeating till species drainage or impingement. The grating structure in the banded PHB resembles many nature's iridescence crystals and is further proved by photonic reflection results as a critical breakthrough novel finding.
Synthesis of Pyrrole‐Based Poly(arylenevinylene)s via Co‐Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Alkynes
Authors: Iwamori Ryota , Sato Ryota , Kuwabara Junpei , Yasuda Takeshi , Kanbara Takaki
Published: June 2021

Polyaddition via the Co‐catalyzed hydroarylation of 1‐(2‐pyrimidinyl)pyrrole with aromatic diynes affords poly(arylenevinylene)s under mild conditions. This reaction avoids production of stoichiometric amounts of by‐products. Although structural analysis of the obtained polymers reveals the presence of 1,1‐vinylidene unit, switching the counter anion of the Co catalyst and steric hindrance of the diyne monomers improves the regioselectivity of the polymers. When a catalyst with bulky counter anions is used for the reaction of less hindered diyne monomers, 1,2‐vinylene linkages are formed dominantly over 1,1‐vinylidene linkages (93:7). The effect of the regioselectivity of the polymer on the optical and semiconducting properties is also evaluated.
CEO attributes, investment decisions, and firm performance: New insights from upper echelons theory
Authors: Ali Rizwan , Rehman Ramiz Ur , Suleman Sana , Ntim Collins Gyakari
Published: June 2021

The study examines the role of a CEO in enhancing a firm's performance through the mediating effect of investment decisions in the emerging economy of Pakistan. Distinctly, fixed‐effects panel regression method is employed to examine the said nexus of nonfinancial firms listed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange. It is empirically unearthed that CEO attributes, namely, age, tenure, ownership, financial education, and career experience, are positively related to firm performance in general and capital investment decisions in particular. Second, capital investment decisions partially and significantly mediate the nexus between CEO attributes and firm performance with few exceptions that confirm the theoretical implications of upper echelons theory in an emerging economy context.
Grafting pH‐Responsive Copolymers to Cold Water‐Soluble Starch Using Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization
Authors: Fritz Alexander T. , Cazotti Jaime C. , Garcia‐Valdez Omar , Smeets Niels M. B. , Dubé Marc A. , Cunningham Michael F.
Published: June 2021

Starch biopolymers are made pH‐responsive through the grafting of copolymers based on poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) and poly(2‐(diethylaminoethyl) methacrylate) (PDEAEMA). This is the first report of the grafting to modification of soluble starch via nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP). The pH‐sensitive amino‐based polymers are first synthesized in bulk by NMP where a small amount of styrene is added to improve the reaction control. A 4‐vinylbenzyl chloride functionalized cold water‐soluble starch (CWS) is then modified with the copolymers via a grafting to mechanism. The final CWS grafted copolymers have high starch contents (≈75 wt%). These grafted materials are shown to be pH‐responsive by titration, switching from positive zeta potential at low pH to negative zeta potential at high pH. The measured zero zeta potential intersect at the polymer pKaH corresponds well with literature for PDMAEMA but poorly for PDEAEMA, owing to the hydrophobic local environment for PDEAEMA.
Abundance and Distribution of American Eel in a Heavily Dammed Urban River
Authors: Camhi Merry , Bednarski Michael , LaBelle Jake , Waldman John
Published: June 2021

The American Eel Anguilla rostrata is a catadromous fish found in rivers along the East Coast of North America. American Eel populations have declined throughout their range for several reasons, including habitat fragmentation caused by damming, which hinders access to much of their historic lotic habitats. This study examined differences in abundance and size structure across river segments divided by nine dams in the Bronx River, New York, a heavily urbanized system. American Eels were sampled via multipass electrofishing at nine sites over the course of 3 years. American Eels 250 mm TL or larger were implanted with passive integrated transponder tags to estimate survival and movements. Estimates of abundance were calculated for electrofishing data using the Huggins closed-capture model. Density was estimated based on area surveyed, abundance data, and estimated weights of American Eels. Eel mops were used to evaluate the presence and relative abundance of different life stages of American Eels (glass, elver, and small yellow phases). Our results showed decreased abundance in upstream areas, with a corresponding increase in average size. Density, by weight, was consistent among sites. Tagging data showed minimum apparent survival of up to 0.29 and only a single movement between dammed segments, demonstrating high site fidelity. Eel mop sampling revealed that although glass- and elver-stage American Eels were common downstream, relative abundance decreased rapidly above the first dam. These results suggest that the Bronx River American Eel population is structured by physical barriers to passage, density-dependent limitations, high stationariness, and high apparent survival.
Nonlinear consolidation of soft foundation improved by prefabricated vertical drains based on elliptical cylindrical equivalent model
Authors: Tian Yi , Wu Wenbing , Wen Minjie , Jiang Guosheng , El Naggar M. Hesham , Mei Guoxiong
Published: June 2021

This study builds up an elliptical cylindrical equivalent model (ECEM) of prefabricated vertical drains (PVD)‐improved foundation which incorporates the nonlinear variation of compressibility and permeability and the preconsolidate state of soil. An exact solution and a simplified solution are derived for the nonlinear consolidation model under a combined vacuum and surcharge preloading. Considering the stratification of improved soil and the reduction of vacuum pressure along PVD, a precise settlement prediction method is proposed. The rightness and applicability of present solutions are verified by carrying out a series of comparative analyses. Also, a parametric study is conducted to investigate the characteristics of nonlinear consolidation under different , , over‐consolidation ratios (OCRs). The results show that, when the applied load has no impact on the dissipation of excess pore‐water pressure, whereas a larger applied load would induce a quicker settlement rate; the consolidation rate would be underestimated if the over‐consolidated stress history is neglected, and greater OCR produces more obvious underestimation.
Absence of human papillomavirus in nasopharyngeal swabs from infants in a population at high risk of human papillomavirus infection
Authors: Smith‐Vaughan Heidi C , Cheng Allen C , Tabrizi Sepehr N. , Wurzel Danielle F , Beissbarth Jemima , Leach Amanda J , Morris Peter S , Binks Michael J , Torzillo Paul J , Chang Anne B , Marsh Robyn L
Published: June 2021

Maternal urogenital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may place neonates at risk of HPV acquisition and subsequently lower respiratory infections as HPV can influence development of immunity. The respiratory HPV prevalence is not known in remote‐dwelling Aboriginal infants, who are at high risk of respiratory infection and where the population prevalence of urogenital HPV in women is high. These data are necessary to inform HPV vaccination regimens. A retrospective analysis using PCR specific for HPV was performed on 64 stored nasopharyngeal swabs from remote‐dwelling Aboriginal infants < 6 months of age, with and without hospitalised pneumonia. HPV DNA was not detected in any specimen. Despite the negative result, we cannot exclude a role for HPV in respiratory infections affecting infants in this population; however, our data do not support HPV as an important contributor to acute respiratory infection in remote‐dwelling Aboriginal children.
Association between mutation profiles and clinicopathological features in Chinese patients with thyroid cancer
Authors: Jing Changwen , Cao Haixia , Ma Rong , Wu Jianzhong , Wang Zhuo
Published: June 2021

Recently, mutation profiles provided new insights into comprehensive understanding of TC biology by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). We explored association between mutation profiles and clinicopathological features in Chinese patients with thyroid cancer (TC). Two hundred and twenty‐five formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens from surgically removed thyroid samples were detected with 15 target genes by NGS. Mutation profiles and clinicopathological features were analyzed. Two hundred and seven mutations including two hundred mutations in 81.40% papillary thyroid carcinoma samples, three mutations in 50.00% MTC samples, and four mutations in 100% anaplastic thyroid carcinoma samples were detected. There were 19.56% samples without any mutations in target genes, 69.78% samples harbored mutations in single gene, 9.78% samples carried two gene mutations, and 0.89% samples had triple different gene mutations. For PTC, BRAF mutations were predominant, TERT mutations are more prevalent in advanced PTC and RET fusion was only observed among the PTC. For MTC, RET point mutations were predominant. For samples carried more than one gene mutations, the allelic frequency of mutants were almost similar. Multiple mutations in TC patients were significantly more frequent in cases of patients aged 55 and over (p <.001) and advanced American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) cancer stage (p <.001). Gender (p = .309) and pathological subtype (p = .121) did not show significant correlation with mutations. Analysis between mutation profiles and clinicopathological features provides new insights into the biology of TC and is expected to increase the accuracy of diagnosis and prognostication in TC, leading to improved precision treatment for TC patients.
Nano‐ and Microscale Optical and Electrical Biointerfaces and Their Relevance to Energy Research
Authors: Hou Kun , Yang Chuanwang , Shi Jiuyun , Kuang Boya , Tian Bozhi
Published: June 2021

Different research fields in energy sciences, such as photovoltaics for solar energy conversion, supercapacitors for energy storage, electrocatalysis for clean energy conversion technologies, and materials‐bacterial hybrid for CO2 fixation have been under intense investigations over the past decade. In recent years, new platforms for biointerface designs have emerged from the energy conversion and storage principles. This paper reviews recent advances in nano‐ and microscale materials/devices for optical and electrical biointerfaces. First, a connection is drawn between biointerfaces and energy science, and how these two distinct research fields can be connected is summarized. Then, a brief overview of current available tools for biointerface studies is presented. Third, three representative biointerfaces are reviewed, including neural, cardiac, and bacterial biointerfaces, to show how to apply these tools and principles to biointerface design and research. Finally, two possible future research directions for nano‐ and microscale biointerfaces are proposed.
Separation of pharmaceutically active compounds by multimodal chromatography with ultraviolet detection
Authors: Grybinik Sofiya , Dousa Michal , Bosakova Zuzana
Published: June 2021

This research focused on pharmaceutically active ingredients analyzed by mixed‐mode liquid chromatography. For this purpose, 16 analytes were chosen with acidic, basic, or neutral properties that were analyzed under different conditions. These analytes play an important role in the pharmaceutical industry and improved separation will make drug control more efficient. Mixed‐mode chromatography is becoming an increasingly popular method for the analysis of diverse compounds due to the process being based on the combination of two or more interaction modes. The use of the mixed‐mode stationary phase can be especially beneficial for the development of new drugs which may have specific physical and chemical properties. Data obtained from measurements on three different mixed‐mode columns (WAX‐1, WCX‐1, and HILIC‐1) were used to construct the plots illustrating the relationship between the retention factors of the analytes and organic modifier content, buffer concentration, and buffer pH. As a result of the known chemical structures of the analyzed molecules and analysis of these plots, possible interaction mechanisms in various chromatographic systems were proposed. Conclusions enabled suggestions for the optimization of chromatographic conditions to be made as well as the improved selection of the stationary phase for different types of analytes.
Molecular Display on Protein Nanocompartments: Design Strategies and Systems Applications
Authors: Szyszka Taylor N. , Jenner Eric N. , Tasneem Nuren , Lau Yu Heng
Published: June 2021

The design of biomimetic systems in the laboratory is a long‐sought goal for systems chemists and synthetic biologists alike. Fundamental to this design is the generation of self‐assembled structures capable of mimicking compartmentalisation, which includes the encapsulation of molecular cargo as well as the display of molecules on the exterior. Protein nanocompartments are fast becoming popular scaffolds for these systems due to their robust self‐assembly, ability to encapsulate non‐native cargo, and amenability to surface modifications. In this Review, we discuss the primary methods for displaying a wide array of molecular motifs on compartment surfaces. We discuss benefits and drawbacks of each type of display and examine three recent case studies wherein molecular display was a critical design element in the construction of multi‐enzyme chemical systems. The analyses and case studies presented in this Review aim to provide a critical summary of the technologies currently used for molecular display to add another dimension to the design of chemical systems and nanoreactors.
Glycosyl Sulfonates Beyond Triflates
Authors: Bennett Clay S.
Published: June 2021

While glycosyl triflates are frequently invoked as intermediates in many chemical glycosylation reactions, the chemistry of other glycosyl sulfonates remains comparatively underexplored. Given the reactivity of sulfonates can span several orders of magnitude, this represents an untapped resource for the development of stereoselective glycosylation reactions. This personal account describes our laboratories efforts to take advantage of this reactivity to develop β‐specific glycosylation reactions. Initial investigations led to the development of 2‐deoxy‐sugar tosylates as highly selective donors for β‐glycoside synthesis, an approach which has been used to great success by our group and others for the construction of deoxy‐sugar oligosaccharides and natural products. Subsequent studies demonstrate that “matching” the reactivity of the sulfonate to that of the sugar donor leads to highly selective SN2‐glycosylations with a range of substrates.
Biodiagnostics in an era of global pandemics—From biosensing materials to data management
Authors: Broza Yoav Y. , Haick Hossam
Published: June 2021

The novel corona virus SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) has exposed the world to challenges never before seen in fast diagnostics, monitoring, and prevention of the outbreak. As a result, different approaches for fast diagnostic and screening are made and yet to find the ideal way. The current mini‐review provides and examines evidence‐based innovative and rapid chemical sensing and related biodiagnostic solutions to deal with infectious disease and related pandemic emergencies, which could offer the best possible care for the general population and improve the approachability of the pandemic information, insights, and surrounding contexts. The review discusses how integration of sensing devices with big data analysis, artificial Intelligence or machine learning, and clinical decision support system, could improve the accuracy of the recorded patterns of the disease conditions within an ocean of information. At the end, the mini‐review provides a prospective on the requirements to improve our coping of the pandemic‐related biodiagnostics as well as future opportunities.
Infection by haemopathogens and tick infestation of sheep during summer season in Constantine region, Northeast Algeria
Authors: Foughali Asma Amina , Jedidi Mohamed , Dhibi Moktar , Mhadhbi Moez , Sassi Limam , Berber Ali , Bitam Idir , Gharbi Mohamed
Published: June 2021

A study on tick infestation of 43 sheep with clinical symptoms of piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis was carried out during summer seasons of 2016 and 2017 in 34 sheep flocks from Beni Hamidene locality, district of Constantine, Northeast Algeria. Only animals with clinical symptoms of piroplasmosis and/or anaplasmosis were checked for tick infestation. Among the 43 examined sheep, 58 ± 15% were infested by ticks. A total of 185 adult ticks (100 males and 85 females) were collected from the 25 sheep. Two tick genera, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma consisting of four species were collected, Rhipicephalus bursa was the most frequent tick (164/185; 88.6 ± 4.6%), followed by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (16/185; 8.6 ± 4%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (4/185; 2.2 ± 2.1%) and Hyalomma scupense (1/185; 0.5 ± 1%). Mean overall tick infestation intensity was 7.4. Mixed infestations with two tick species were found in 10 sheep (23.3 ± 12.6%). All farmers (34/34) used ivermectin, and only 11% of them used acaricide to control ticks. The majority of R. bursa ticks (87/185; 45 ± 7%) were located on the ears 37/185; 20 ± 6%) and the testicles (50/185; 27 ± 6%). Giemsa‐stained blood smears examination showed the presence of three haemopathogens: Anaplasma spp. (19/43; 44 ± 15%); Babesia spp. (6/43; 14 ± 10%) and Theileria spp. (1/43; 2 ± 4%). These results showed the presence of several low infestation burdens by ticks transmitting three haemopathogens.
Climate mitigation policies and the potential pathways to conflict: Outlining a research agenda
Authors: Gilmore Elisabeth A. , Buhaug Halvard
Published: June 2021

Climate policies will need to incentivize transformative societal changes if they are to achieve emission reductions consistent with 1.5°C temperature targets. To contribute to efforts for aligning climate policy with broader societal goals, specifically those related to sustainable development, we identify the effects of climate mitigation policy on aspects of socioeconomic development that are known determinants of conflict and evaluate the plausibility and importance of potential pathways to armed conflict and political violence. Conditional on preexisting societal tensions and socioeconomic vulnerabilities, we isolate effects on economic performance, income and livelihood, food and energy prices, and land tenure as most likely to increase conflict risks. Climate policy designs may be critical to moderate these risks as different designs can promote more favorable societal outcomes such as equity and inclusion. Coupling research with careful monitoring and evaluation of the intermediate societal effects at early stages of policy implementation will be a critical part of learning and moderating potential conflict risks. Importantly, better characterizing the future conflict risks under climate policy allows for a more comprehensive comparison to the conflict risk if mitigation is not implemented and graver climate damages are experienced.

This article is categorized under:

The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Benefits of Mitigation
Using Camera Collars to Study Survival of Migratory Caribou Calves
Authors: Vuillaume Barbara , Richard Julien H. , Côté Steeve D.
Published: June 2021

Monitoring survival of juveniles in wild populations of vertebrates is challenging because capture and marking of neonates may influence survival and induce biases. Camera collars have proven effective in resource and habitat selection studies, but their effectiveness to assess offspring survival is unknown. Our objective was to monitor the survival of neonates using camera collars installed on 24 preparturient female migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) of the Rivière‐aux‐Feuilles herd, from 2016 to 2018, in Nunavik, Canada. Females were captured with a net gun fired from a helicopter and pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound. Cameras recorded a 10‐second video every 20 min from 1 June until 1 September 2017, when the collar detached automatically. We used Cormack‐Jolly‐Seber models to assess survival and resighting probabilities of calves based on their observation in the videos. Three collars failed, recording less than 30% of the expected videos, including one on a female that did not give birth. Among the 21 females wearing a functional collar, one gave birth to a stillborn calf. We analyzed 25,820 videos recorded from 20 collars. Calf sightings in videos were less frequent as the monitoring period advanced, but we estimated the probability of observing a live calf at 0.77 (SE = 0.42) over the sampling period. Videos indicated a survival rate of 0.67 (SE = 0.11) from birth to 1 September. Our results suggest that camera collars installed on adult females can be used to reliably assess offspring survival, and thus improve our understanding of caribou population dynamics. The application of camera collars should be useful for other large vertebrate species for which the assessment of neonate survival is lacking or difficult to obtain. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Management Schemes, not Philopatry or Breeding Experience, Affect Nest Success of Songbirds in Vermont Hayfields
Authors: Denny Kylie , Perlut Noah , Strong Allan
Published: June 2021

Songbirds can benefit from natal philopatry through prior knowledge about site‐specific resources and local adaptation to environmental conditions. Likewise, breeding experience may also play a role in reproductive success. However, for birds that breed in managed habitats, management activities may overwhelm any potential benefits of philopatry or breeding experience. We examined the effect of site fidelity on reproductive success in 1,823 bobolink and Savannah sparrow nests in agricultural grasslands in Vermont, USA. From 2003–2019 we monitored the nests of 51 female Savannah sparrows and 72 female bobolinks that returned to breed on or near fields in which they hatched between 2002 and 2018). Using program MARK, we found that daily nest survival (DNS) differed between species and grassland treatment types and was not affected by philopatry. Bobolinks had greater DNS than Savannah sparrows, and DNS was generally greater on late‐hayed fields than either early‐hayed fields or rotationally‐grazed pastures. Our results show that despite the potential for increased fitness through site fidelity or breeding experience, agricultural management has an equal or greater influence on female reproductive success. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Definition of a Digital Tool to Create Physical Artifacts: The Case of the Gamers4Nature Project
Authors: Beça Pedro , Ribeiro Sofia , Aresta Mónica , Santos Rita , Veloso Ana Isabel
Published: June 2021

In a context where the urgency to act towards the promotion of environmental awareness is imperative, the Gamers4Nature (G4N) project aims to encourage the active participation of students in the creation of mobile games addressing environmental-related themes. This chapter introduces the G4N Cards Set Canvas, a tool integrated into the G4N portal-repository. The G4N Cards Set Canvas is a digital tool that allows the design of environmental-related thematic cards and has two main goals: (i) to provide the G4N project with a tool to ease the creation of the thematic cards for the Toolkit to Game Design by environmental organizations and/or teachers; (ii) to be used by users with no experience in the design field. This tool will be developed following a User-Centered Design approach, with iterative and systematic reviews of the tool, and it will emphasize the connection between the physical (i.e. Toolkit) and digital (i.e. portal-repository) artifacts. A snowball literature review and an overview of design and presentation tools and platforms currently available did not reveal the existence of suitable platforms to create graphical design contents while complying with a brand’s standard’s manual for non-experienced users in the design field. Thus, an opportunity for novelty arises from this gap, adding a layer of concern with designing a usable and accessible tool for the end-users.
Demokratische Öffentlichkeit und der Filterblasen-Effekt – ein Problem für die Politische Bildung?
Authors: Binder Ulrich , Tenorth Heinz-Elmar
Published: June 2021

Der Modus der Integration moderner Gesellschaften heißt ‚Kommunikation‘. Für die generalisierende Verbreitung von Kommunikation sind in großen Teilen die Massenmedien zuständig. Durch diese Quelle der Umweltbeobachtung wird das, was in der Öffentlichkeit kommuniziert werden kann, zentral beeinflusst. Insofern erscheint es plausibel, von Veränderungen im (digital-)medialen Bereich auf solche der Öffentlichkeitsverfassung zu schließen. Inwieweit die Annahme stimmt, und inwiefern das die politische Bildung tangiert, sind die Leitfragen des Beitrags.
On Galilean conformal bootstrap
Authors: Chen Bin , Hao Peng-xiang , Liu Reiko , Yu Zhe-fei
Published: June 2021

Abstract

In this work, we develop conformal bootstrap for Galilean conformal field theory (GCFT). In a GCFT, the Hilbert space could be decomposed into quasiprimary states and its global descendants. Different from the usual conformal field theory, the quasiprimary states in a GCFT constitute multiplets, which are block-diagonized under the Galilean boost operator. More importantly the multiplets include the states of negative norms, indicating the theory is not unitary. We compute global blocks of the multiplets, and discuss the expansion of four-point functions in terms of the global blocks of the multiplets. Furthermore we do the harmonic analysis for the Galilean conformal symmetry and obtain an inversion formula. As the first step to apply the Galilean conformal bootstrap, we construct generalized Galilean free theory (GGFT) explicitly. We read the data of GGFT by using Taylor series expansion of four-point function and the inversion formula independently, and find exact agreement. We discuss some novel features in the Galilean conformal bootstrap, due to the non-semisimpleness of the Galilean conformal algebra and the non-unitarity of the GCFTs.
Stochastic reaction–diffusion equations on networks
Authors: Kovács M. , Sikolya E.
Published: June 2021

We consider stochastic reaction–diffusion equations on a finite network represented by a finite graph. On each edge in the graph, a multiplicative cylindrical Gaussian noise-driven reaction–diffusion equation is given supplemented by a dynamic Kirchhoff-type law perturbed by multiplicative scalar Gaussian noise in the vertices. The reaction term on each edge is assumed to be an odd degree polynomial, not necessarily of the same degree on each edge, with possibly stochastic coefficients and negative leading term. We utilize the semigroup approach for stochastic evolution equations in Banach spaces to obtain existence and uniqueness of solutions with sample paths in the space of continuous functions on the graph. In order to do so, we generalize existing results on abstract stochastic reaction–diffusion equations in Banach spaces.
Ablation rate after radioactive iodine therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer at intermediate or high risk of recurrence: a systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Klain Michele , Nappi Carmela , Zampella Emilia , Cantoni Valeria , Green Roberta , Piscopo Leandra , Volpe Fabio , Manganelli Mariarosaria , Caiazzo Elisa , Petretta Mario , Schlumberger Martin , Cuocolo Alberto
Published: June 2021

Purpose

We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis to investigate the successful ablation rate after radioiodine (RAI) administration in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) at intermediate-high risk of recurrence.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted according to the PRISMA statement.

Results

The final analysis included 9 studies accounting for 3103 patients at intermediate-high risk of recurrence. In these patients, the successful ablation rates ranged from 51 to 94% with a 71% pooled successful ablation and were higher in intermediate (72%) than in high (52%)-risk patients. Despite the rigorous inclusion standards, a significant heterogeneity among the evaluated studies was observed. Higher administered RAI activities are associated with a lower successful ablation rate in the whole population and in the subgroup of high-risk patients. Furthermore, pooled recurrence rate in intermediate-risk patients achieving successful ablation was only 2% during the subsequent 6.4-year follow-up while the pooled recurrence rate was 14% in patients who did not achieve a successful ablation.

Conclusion

In a large sample of 3103 patients at intermediate-high risk of persistent/recurrent disease, 71% of patients achieved a successful ablation. In these intermediate-risk patients, the probability of subsequent recurrence is low and most recurrence occurred in those with already abnormal findings at the first control.
Modulation of environmental conditions on the significant difference in the super cyclone formation rate during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons over the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Li Zhi , Xue Yuhuan , Fang Yue , Li Kuiping
Published: June 2021

Unlike other tropical ocean basins, the Bay of Bengal (BoB) has two tropical cyclone (TC) seasons: a pre-monsoon season (Pre-MS) and a post-monsoon season (Post-MS). More interestingly, during the period from 1981 to 2016, the global maximum and minimum formation rates of super cyclones (SCs, categories 4 and 5) occurred in the Pre-MS and Post-MS, respectively, in the BoB. Methods including Butterworth filter, box difference index analysis and quantitative diagnosis were utilized herein to detect what and how background environmental factors cause significantly different SC formation rates between the Pre- and Post-MS. Diagnosis results revealed that the vertical temperature difference (VTD) mainly determines whether TCs can develop into SCs during the Post-MS, similar to Pre-MS. It’s in agreement with previous studies demonstrating that the VTD is controlled by the low-level temperature during the Post-MS but is determined by the upper-level temperature during the Pre-MS. The results also revealed that the background sea surface temperature is much higher in the Pre-MS than in the Post-MS and forces higher 1000 hPa-level air temperature. Additionally, there is higher saturated specific humidity (qs) due to the higher temperature in the Pre-MS. The differences in the bottom-level temperature and qs cooperate to predominantly contribute to the significant difference in Vpot2, which could denote the maximum potential intensity of TC, eventually leading to the remarkably different SC formation rates between the Pre- and Post-MS in the BoB.
Evaluation of a new body-focused group therapy versus a guided self-help group program for adults with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES): a pilot randomized controlled feasibility study
Authors: Senf-Beckenbach Philine , Hoheisel Matthias , Devine Janine , Frank Arnina , Obermann Laura , Rose Matthias , Hinkelmann Kim
Published: June 2021

Objective

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), a common phenomenon in neurological settings, are regarded as a paroxysmal type of functional neurological disorder (FND). In a substantial proportion, PNES are disabling with poor long-term outcomes and high economic costs. Despite the clinical and financial consequences of PNES, there is still a lack of controlled clinical trials on the treatment of this challenging disorder. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility and collect first evidence of the efficacy of a group based-intervention in PNES-patients.

Methods

A pilot randomized controlled feasibility study with a parallel-group design was performed in adult outpatients with PNES to evaluate a new body-focused group therapy (CORDIS) versus guided self-help groups. Self-assessment of dissociation (Dissociation Experience Scale—DES-20) and seizure severity (Liverpool Seizure Severity Scale—LSSS) were assessed two weeks before and two weeks after the treatment intervention and also six months after treatment as primary outcome parameters.

Results

A total of 53 patients were recruited from a specialized outpatient clinic, and out of those, 29 patients completed either the body-focused group therapy program (n = 15) or a guided self-help group (SHG) therapy (n = 14). When analyzing the ITT sample (n = 22 CORDIS group,n = 20 SHG), both groups showed an effect on seizure severity and level of dissociation. In the per protocol sample (n = 13 CORDIS group,n = 12 SHG), CORDIS was superior to the self-help group for reducing seizure severity 6 months after the treatment.

Significance

CORDIS is a newly developed body-focused group therapy program for adults with PNES. Further studies should include a multicentric design with a higher number of participants.