bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of persimmon and mandarin peel pastes and their uses in food
Authors: Tsurunaga Yoko , Takahashi Taido , Nagata Yoshiaki
Published: January 2021

Fruit peels are often produced as a byproduct of processing and are usually disposed of as industrial waste. We conducted a study on the effective use of peels for the food industry using persimmons and mandarins as models. The production of persimmon and mandarin peel pastes, their flavor components, color, polyphenol contents, physical properties, and uses in foods (jam, cookies, and madeleines) were studied. The effects of heat treatment for sterilization, to effectively use persimmon and mandarin peels, were also investigated. The amount of water added to produce the optimum persimmon and mandarin peel pastes was 0.5× and 2.0× the weight of the respective peel samples. The main flavor components, as per GC‐MS spectra of persimmon and mandarin peel pastes, were 4 and 1, respectively. The Folin assay showed the polyphenol contents of persimmon and mandarin pastes as 33.9 mg and 236.3 mg of catechin equivalent per 100 g of fresh fruit, respectively. The persimmon paste specifically improved the physical properties of cookies, whereas the mandarin paste was well suited to all the processed food forms. Heat treatment for sterilization decreased cohesiveness but increased breaking strength and adhesiveness in persimmon and mandarin pastes.
Comparison of geological models for the simulation of CO2 migration: a case study in Ordos, China
Authors: Wang Siwen , Wang Yibo , Zheng Yikang , Chang Xu , Li Jun , Zeng Rongshu
Published: January 2021

At the deep saline‐aquifer level, geological storage of CO2 is considered to be one of the most effective geological methods for reducing greenhouse gas concentrations and emissions. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of different geological models in simulating CO2 storage as part of the Ordos Shenhua project, which is the first and the largest demonstration project in China. The project has injected 300 000 t of CO2 into low‐permeability saline aquifers at a depth of 1600 m. The injection procedure began in May 2011 and ended in April 2015. We studied the impact of different models on the predicted gas saturation distribution of the CO2 plume 50 years after well shutoff, using the CO2STORE module in the Eclipse E300 simulator. In our simulation comparisons, four 3D geological models are established, including the flat constant model, flat sequential Gaussian model, seismic constant model, and seismic sequential Gaussian model. The seismic sequential Gaussian model is the most precise model, which is established through the sequential Gaussian co‐simulation method under the constraints of the seismic profile. Actual monitoring data were applied for historical pressure fitting in the four different geological models. Through the comparison of the four models, it can be concluded that the seismic sequential Gaussian model simulated CO2 migration more effectively. The results of this project can provide support for safety assessments in the later stages of deep monitoring programs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isotopic fractionation induced by a surface effect influences the estimation of the hydrological process of topsoil
Authors: Chen Guo , Li Xiaozhen , Qin Wenyi , Lei Ningfei , Sun Luan Zi , Cao Longxi , Tang Xiaolu
Published: January 2021

Isotopic heterogeneity in soil water has hindered the application of isotope compositions (δ18O and δ2H) in soil water dynamics. This heterogeneity has been suggested to be caused by soil properties such as organic matter (OM) and clay content. However, this is yet to be verified in field soil. We sampled the organic layer (O‐horizon soil) with highly decomposed organic material and the A‐horizon soil in western Sichuan, China, and equilibrated these samples with vapour created by unconfined labelling water. The relationship between soil properties and isotopic fractionation (εT/U) between unconfined water and the total soil water was used to determine the line‐conditioned excess (lc‐excess) and source rain of A‐horizon field soil by removing the influence of confined water. Equilibration experiments demonstrated a significant isotopic difference between the εT/U levels in the A‐horizon and O‐horizon soils, indicating that OM plays an important role in isotopic fractionation. In field samples, the lc‐excess of the unconfined A‐horizon water was, on an average, 2.5‰ higher than that of bulk soil water. The average offsets between the annual rain and the estimated source rain of soil water decreased by 5.0 and 0.5‰ for hydrogen and oxygen after removing the influence of confined water. Isotopic heterogeneity should not be ignored while examining the evaporation of soil water, soil source rain, and hence the recent ‘two water worlds’ hypothesis, which is especially true for cases in which the soils contain high levels of OM.
The role of corporate governance in attracting foreign investment: An empirical investigation of Saudi‐listed firms in light of vision 2030
Authors: Alregab Hend
Published: January 2021

Following the introduction of the Saudi Vision 2030, diverse developments have been considered concerning corporate governance as an effort to open Saudi Arabia's economy to the world. Identifying the significance of attracting foreign investment is considered an approach to accomplish one of the vision's targets. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of improved corporate governance policies on the magnitude of foreign investment. Regression analysis was employed using the data of 153 listed companies in the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) from 2015 to 2019 to examine the effect of three corporate governance indicators on foreign investment. Specifically, ownership structure was represented by institutional ownership, ownership concentration and managerial ownership. Board composition was identified by board size and independence. Executive pay was measured by the total top executive pay and the presence of long‐term incentive plans (LTIPs). Findings indicated that foreign investment is positively associated with ownership concentration, board independence and the presence of LTIPs in compensation packages. A negative and significant association was found with institutional ownership and managerial ownership.
Nexus between non‐performing loans and economic growth in emerging countries: Evidence from Turkey with wavelet coherence approach
Authors: Kartal Mustafa Tevfik , Kirikkaleli Derviş , Ayhan Fatih
Published: January 2021

The study aims to capture the co‐movement between non‐performing loans (NPLs) and economic growth (EG) in Turkey using the quarterly data from 2005/Q1 to 2019/Q4 and applying the wavelet coherence approach, which allows the study to explore both the long‐run and short‐run causal linkages between NPLs and EG in Turkey. The findings reveal that (a) there is a significant vulnerability in NPLs and EG over the selected period at different frequency levels; (b) EG in Turkey has a strong power for explaining NPLs in the long‐run; (c) EG causes NPLs in Turkey in the short‐term between 2007 and 2010, which implies that the credit growth in the period with the increasing NPLs supports EG of Turkey. The outcomes of the tests underline the importance of EG for predicting NPLs in Turkey.
Dynamic causality between PPI and CPI in China: A rolling window bootstrap approach
Authors: Sun Jing , Xu Jinhui , Cheng Xin , Miao Jichao , Mu Hairong
Published: January 2021

The relationship between PPI and CPI is one of the hotspots in the study of macroeconomics. Taking China as an example, the paper tests dynamic causality between PPI and CPI during the period of 2000:M1‐2019:M12. In view of structural mutations in time series variables, the bootstrap rolling‐window causality test is applied to restudy the dynamic causal relationship. As a result, it exists bidirectional transmission mechanism between CPI and PPI, both positive transmission of PPI to CPI and reverse transmission of CPI to PPI. In addition to putting more emphasis on transmission mechanism and causality between PPI and CPI, formulation of macroeconomic policy needs to focus on the correlation between PPI and CPI, and then the government can implement more targeted measures, such as strengthening the comprehensive application of monetary policy and fiscal policy, further deepening the supply‐side reform, optimizing the industrial structure to strengthen internal relationship between CPI and PPI.
Evaluation of guidelines on the use of vaginal mesh implants for pelvic organ prolapse using the AGREE II instrument
Authors: Tsiapakidou Sofia , Campani Nygaard Christiana , Pape Janna , de Mattos Lourenço Thais R. , Falconi Gabriele , Betschart Cornelia , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. ,   CHORUS: An International Collaboration for Harmonising Outcomes, Research, and Standards in Urogynaecology and Women's Health (https://i‐chorus.org/)
Published: January 2021

Objective

To systematically evaluate the content and quality of national and international guidelines on vaginal mesh procedures for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

We searched PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect from inception to March 2020 and organizations’ websites. The quality of the guidelines was assessed independently by six appraisers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument.

Results

Five guidelines were included. Most guidelines recommended individualized treatments, clinical observation, and conservative treatment for asymptomatic women discouraging the use of mesh. Vaginal pessary and pelvic floor muscle training are unanimously considered effective treatments. Only two guidelines recommended weight loss. Each guideline recommended patient counseling supported by data on success rates and complications. Most guidelines highlighted the importance of a specialist experienced surgeon, multidisciplinary teams, and national/international registries. All guidelines highlighted potential benefits of the use of mesh and reported possible complications.

The overall quality rating ranged between 4.2 and 6.3, suggestive of moderate to high quality. The highest mean score (92.5%) pertained to “Scope and Purpose” and “Clarity of Presentation”, and the lowest to “Editorial Independence” (18%). Three out of five guidelines were “strongly recommended” by the appraisers.

Conclusion

Although most guidelines were of moderate to high quality, methodological applicability, stakeholder involvement, and editorial independence were domains with low scores.
Exploring a possibility of using Raman spectroscopy for detection of Lyme disease
Authors: Farber Charles , Morey Rohini , Krimmer Mark , Kurouski Dmitry , Rogovskyy Artem S.
Published: January 2021

Lyme disease (LD), one of the most prevalent tick‐borne diseases in the United States (US), is caused by Borreliella burgdorferi sensu stricto (Bb). To date, in the US, LD diagnostics is primarily based on validated two‐tiered serological testing, which overall exhibits low sensitivity among other drawbacks. In the present study, a potential of Raman spectroscopy (RS) to detect Bb infection in mice has been explored. For that, C3H mice were infected with wild‐type Bb strains, 297, B31, or B31‐derived mutant, ∆vlsE. Blood samples taken prior to and post Bb infection were subjected to RS. The data demonstrated that RS did not directly detect Bb spirochetes in blood, but rather sensed biochemical changes associated with Bb infection. Despite Bb infection‐associated blood changes detectable by RS were very limited, the partial least square discriminant analysis showed that the average true positive rates were 86% for 297 and 89% for B31 and ∆vlsE.
Recent developments on magnetic molecular imprinted polymers (MMIPs) for sensing, capturing, and monitoring pharmaceutical and agricultural pollutants
Authors: Aylaz Gulgun , Kuhn Joel , Lau Elizabeth CHT , Yeung Chi‐Chung , Roy Vellaisamy AL , Duman Memed , Yiu Humphrey HP
Published: January 2021

Among the many classes of pollutants, bioactive contaminants including pesticides, herbicides, and other pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) are causing significant concern. These chemicals have been linked directly to contamination of freshwater and food sources, threatening water and food security. Contamination from antibiotics, one class of PhACs, is also considered to link strongly to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Pollution from these contaminants has hit developing countries harder as a consequence of less stringent legislation on waste discharge from agricultural industries. Current sampling and monitoring methods [e.g. liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS)] are expensive, time‐consuming, immobile and require skilled users. Recent development of devices fitted with molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been found to be particularly attractive owing to their low cost, stability, high selectivity and mobility. MIPs also can be used to extract these organic pollutants at low concentrations. The latest development of magnetic MIPs (MMIPs) further facilitates the separation and recovery of these absorbents by using an external magnetic field after the target molecules have been bound, thus avoiding laborious centrifugation and filtration for separation and recovery. The purpose of this perspective is to summarize the recent development of MMIPs in the past ten years. We will focus on their applications in food industries and the agricultural sector. Several potential developments in combined analytical techniques using MMIPs also will be discussed. As pollution to our environment is now a focal point in human life, new analytical techniques based on MMIPs will be of great interest to the science communities. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Techno‐economic analysis of the valorization of brewers spent grains: production of xylitol and xylo‐oligosaccharides
Authors: Swart Lukas J , Petersen Abdul M , Bedzo Oscar KK , Görgens Johann F
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Brewers spent grains (BSG) represents ≤85% of a brewery's solid waste and common disposal to landfill is increasingly more difficult. Yet BSG is a food‐grade by‐product with potential economic valorization that can significantly improve resource efficiency and reduction in carbon emissions. This study investigated valorization of BSG through the application of novel high solids hydrothermal processing technology in a small‐scale biorefinery, annexed to a brewery. It focused on three scenarios for the production of: (A) the sugar replacement xylitol; (B) prebiotic xylo‐oligosaccharide (XOS); and (C) co‐production of xylitol and XOS. Economic assessment was conducted by comparing the capital and operating expenditure from process simulations created in Aspen Plus®. The process models developed were supplemented with experimental data to improve accuracy.

RESULTS

Internal rate of return (IRR) values obtained were greater than the hurdle rate of 9.7% for all scenarios when considering a conservative market price for xylitol and XOS as US$4500 t–1, yet dedicated production of XOS was economically more favourable with a minimum required selling price (MRSP) of US$2509 t–1 compared to US$4153 t–1 for xylitol. Additionally, the scenario for co‐production of xylitol and XOS achieved the lowest MRSP of US$2182 t–1. By‐products significantly contributed to 32.7%, 14.2% and 27.5% of the revenue generated in scenarios A, B and C, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results provide a good platform from which to develop the cost‐effective commercial production of XOS and xylitol from BSG. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
The natural history of glycogen storage disease type Ib in England: A multisite survey
Authors: Halligan Rebecca , White Fiona J. , Schwahn Bernd , Stepien Karolina M. , Kamarus Jaman Nazreen , McSweeney Mel , Kitchen Steve , Gribben Joanna , Dawson Charlotte , Lewis Katherine , Cregeen David , Mundy Helen , Santra Saikat
Published: January 2021

Glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSDIb) is characterized by hepatomegaly and fasting hypoglycaemia as well as neutropaenia and recurrent infections. We conducted a retrospective observational study on a cohort of patients with GSDIb across England. A total of 35 patients, with a median age of 9.1 years (range 1‐39 years), were included in the study. We examined the genotype and phenotype of all patients and reported 14 novel alleles. The phenotype of GSDIb in England involves a short fasting tolerance that extends into adulthood and a high prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Growth is difficult to manage and neutropaenia and recurrent infections persist throughout life. Liver transplantation was performed in nine patients, which normalized fasting tolerance but did not correct neutropaenia. This is the first natural history study on the cohort of GSDIb patients in England.
Terahertz compressive imaging: understanding and improvement by a better strategy for data selection
Authors: Xing Chungui , Qi Feng , Liu Zhaoyang , Wang Yelong , Guo Shuxu
Published: January 2021

Compressive sensing (CS) is a novel sampling modality, which indicates the signals can be sampled at a rate much below the Nyquist sampling rate. CS has increasing interest recently due to high demand of rapid, efficient, and in‐expensive signal processing applications in the μmWave and mmWave frequencies, such as communication and imaging. There have been a lot of theoretical studies on this topic, but there is a lack of systematic experimental analysis of the implementation method itself. In this paper, we have investigated the influencing factors of terahertz compressive sensing based on experimental results, including illumination and the size of the pixel. Besides, to differentiate from current approaches, which generally make full use of the data, we propose to sort the data first and select a part of them based on amplitude, which might deliver a better image by prompting the mathematical calculations compulsively. We believe that such considerations given above would help to make a better system design and improve the performance of compressive imaging, and these results will also be helpful in the application of terahertz communication.
On weakly informative prior distributions for the heterogeneity parameter in Bayesian random‐effects meta‐analysis
Authors: Röver Christian , Bender Ralf , Dias Sofia , Schmid Christopher H. , Schmidli Heinz , Sturtz Sibylle , Weber Sebastian , Friede Tim
Published: January 2021

The normal‐normal hierarchical model (NNHM) constitutes a simple and widely used framework for meta‐analysis. In the common case of only few studies contributing to the meta‐analysis, standard approaches to inference tend to perform poorly, and Bayesian meta‐analysis has been suggested as a potential solution. The Bayesian approach, however, requires the sensible specification of prior distributions. While noninformative priors are commonly used for the overall mean effect, the use ofweakly informativepriors has been suggested for the heterogeneity parameter, in particular in the setting of (very) few studies. To date, however, a consensus on how to generally specify a weakly informative heterogeneity prior is lacking. Here we investigate the problem more closely and provide some guidance on prior specification.
Genetic aluminium resistance coupled with foliar magnesium application enhances wheat growth in acidic soil
Authors: Kibria Mohammad Golam , Barton Louise , Rengel Zed
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Soil acidity causes an increase in the solubility of toxic aluminium (Al), inhibiting root growth and limiting plant access to soil water and nutrients. Toxicity of Al decreases growth and development more in Al‐sensitive than Al‐resistant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes. Applying magnesium (Mg) may alleviate Al toxicity in acidic soil. It is unclear if growing Al‐resistant wheat, coupled with Mg application, will enhance wheat growth and physiological responses in acidic soil. Wheat was grown in the reconstituted acidic soil profile in a three‐factor glasshouse experiment comprising foliar Mg at [Mg] = 0 and 200 mg L−1 (using magnesium sulfate), wheat genotypes ES8 (Al sensitive) and ET8 (Al resistant), and four soil treatments [non‐amended soil (pH0.1 M CaCl2    4.0); 100% of the recommended lime dose in subsoil to raise pH to 6.0; or 20 mg Mg kg−1 soil to the whole soil profile (as magnesium sulfate or magnesium chloride)].

RESULTS

Applying foliar Mg to Al‐resistant wheat significantly increased shoot dry weight (24%), subsoil root dry weight (12%), subsoil coarse (>0.2 mm in diameter) root length (12%), net photosynthetic rate (28%), and total leaf area (10%) compared with plants not treated with foliar Mg. Combining foliar Mg application with subsoil liming increased the subsoil total root length by 1.3‐fold compared with zero foliar Mg. Without foliar Mg, subsoil liming and soil Mg amendment significantly (by 10%) enhanced shoot growth and total leaf area compared with non‐amended soil.

CONCLUSION

Growing an Al‐resistant genotype coupled with applying Mg foliarly and to soil improved wheat growth in an acidic soil. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Response of area‐ and yield‐scaled N2O emissions from croplands to deep fertilization: a meta‐analysis of soil, climate, and management factors
Authors: Chen Hui , Liao Qingxi , Liao Yitao
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important and persistent greenhouse gas making a significant contribution to global climate change. Deep fertilization has been demonstrated to increase crop yield and nutrient use efficiency by decreasing losses of volatilization and surface runoff. However, N2O emissions from croplands induced by deep fertilization are variable and mitigation strategies remain uncertain. This study aimed to (i) quantify the response of area‐scaled (N2O emissions) and yield‐scaled N2O emissions (N2O intensity) from croplands to deep fertilization, and (ii) identify the soil, climate, and management factors that mitigate N2O emissions and N2O intensity under deep fertilization.

RESULTS

Compared with the control, deep fertilization increased N2O emissions by 18.6% (P < 0.001) but decreased N2O intensity by 20.1% (P = 0.018). By adopting deep fertilization, N2O emissions could be significantly mitigated in rice‐paddies soils (−48.8%), with fertilizer depth > 10 cm (−33.0%), and with fertilizer N amount > 200 kg N ha−1 (−8.2%). N2O intensity following deep fertilization significantly decreased in soils with pH ≤6 (−22.5%), at sites with precipitation of 500–1000 mm (−25.5%), in rice‐paddies soils (−53.0%), with the method of mixed fertilizer in the control (−21.2%), and with fertilizer depth > 10 cm (−33.6%).

CONCLUSION

This study provides a basis for assessing the effect of deep fertilization on N2O emissions and provides potential measures to mitigate N2O emissions associated with deep fertilization practices.
Impacts of climate change on wind erosion in Southern Africa between 1991 and 2015
Authors: Zhao Chaonan , Zhang Hanbing , Wang Man , Jiang Hong , Peng Jian , Wang Yanglin
Published: January 2021

Wind erosion is the main form of soil erosion in arid and semiarid areas. It leads to soil loss and land degradation, which aggravates ecosystem vulnerability and threatens regional sustainable development. Exploring wind erosion and associating driving factors can provide useful information to reduce soil wind erosion and solve corresponding environmental problems. Southern Africa is characterized with severe soil wind erosion, which has brought a series of socioeconomic issues, such as food crises and poverty. This study used meteorological and remote sensing data, and the revised wind erosion equation (RWEQ) model to explore the spatio‐temporal dynamics of soil erosion in Southern Africa from 1991 to 2015. The impact of climate change on soil wind erosion was also analyzed. The results showed that wind erosion fluctuated during the study period, which first showed a downward trend and then stabilized at a relatively low level after 2010. Soil wind erosion across 66.65% of the study area significantly decreased (p < .05) and near‐surface wind speed was the most important influencing factor. The decrease of wind speed can significantly reduce the soil wind erosion across 39.89% of the study area. Temperature and precipitation were significantly related to soil wind erosion over 18.96% and 24.63% of the study area, respectively. Both can indirectly affect soil wind erosion through their impacts on vegetation cover. This study will help decision‐makers to identify high‐risk areas for soil erosion in Southern Africa and to take countermeasures effectively.
BMPR1B gene in brachydactyly type 2–A family with de novo R486W mutation and a disease phenotype
Authors: Bednarek Marcin , Trybus Marek , Kolanowska Monika , Koziej Mateusz , Kiec‐Wilk Beata , Dobosz Artur , Kotlarek‐Łysakowska Marta , Kubiak‐Dydo Anna , Użarowska‐Gąska Ewelina , Staręga‐Rosłan Julia , Gaj Paweł , Górzyńska Izabela , Serwan Katarzyna , Świerniak Michał , Kot Adam , Jażdżewski Krystian , Wójcicka Anna
Published: January 2021

Background

Brachydactylies are a group of inherited conditions, characterized mainly by the presence of shortened fingers and toes. Based on the patients’ phenotypes, brachydactylies have been subdivided into 10 subtypes. In this study, we have identified a family with two members affected by brachydactyly type A2 (BDA2). BDA2 is caused by mutations in three genes: BMPR1B, BMP2 or GDF5. So far only two studies have reported the BDA2 cases caused by mutations in the BMPR1B gene.

Methods

We employed next‐generation sequencing to identify mutations in culpable genes.

Results and Conclusion

In this paper, we report a case of BDA2 resulting from the presence of a heterozygous c.1456C>T, p.Arg486Trp variant in BMPR1B, which was previously associated with BDA2. The next generation sequencing analysis of the patients’ family revealed that the mutation occurred de novo in the proband and was transmitted to his 26‐month‐old son. Although the same variant was confirmed in both patients, their phenotypes were different with more severe manifestation of the disease in the adult.
Shallow‐water equations with complete Coriolis force: Group properties and similarity solutions
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos
Published: January 2021

The group properties of the shallow‐water equations with the complete Coriolis force are the subject of this study. In particular, we apply the Lie theory to classify the system of three nonlinear partial differential equations according to the admitted Lie point symmetries. For each case of the classification problem, the one‐dimensional optimal system is determined. The results are applied for the derivation of new similarity solutions.
Development of 19F‐detected 1,1‐ADEQUATE for the characterization of polyfluorinated and perfluorinated compounds
Authors: Raab Jeffrey , Pelmus Marius , Buevich Alexei V. , Reibarkh Mikhail , Tischenko Evgeny , Frey Michael , Williamson R. Thomas , Crouch Ronald C. , Martin Gary E.
Published: January 2021

Polyfluorinated and perfluorinated compounds in the environment are a growing health concern. 19F‐detected variants of commonly employed heteronuclear shift correlation experiments such as heteronuclear single quantum correlation (HSQC) and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) are available; 19F‐detected experiments that employ carbon–carbon homonuclear coupling, in contrast, have never been reported. Herein, we report the measurement of the 1JCC and nJCC coupling constants of a simple perfluorinated phthalonitrile and the first demonstration of a 19F‐detected 1,1‐ADEQUATE experiment.
Complete Reduction to Amplitude Frequency Table (CRAFT)—A perspective
Authors: Krishnamurthy Krish
Published: January 2021

The CRAFT (Complete Reduction to Amplitude Frequency Table) technique, based on Bayesian analysis approach, converts FID and/or interferogram (time domain) to a frequency‐amplitude table (tabular domain) in a robust, automated, and time‐efficient fashion. This mini review/perspective presents an introduction to CRAFT as a processing workflow followed by a discussion of several practical 1D and 2D examples of its applicability and associated benefit. CRAFT provides high quality quantitative results for complex systems without any need for conventional preprocessing steps, such as phase and baseline corrections. Two‐dimensional time domain data are typically truncated, particularly in the evolution dimension, and conventional processing after zero‐filling and t1max‐matched apodization masks potentially available peak resolution. The line broadening introduced by extensive zero‐filling and severe apodization functions leads to the lack of clear resolution of cross peaks. CRAFT decimation of interferograms, on the other hand, requires minimal or no apodization prior to extraction of the NMR parameters and significantly improves the spectral linewidth of the cross peaks along F1 dimension compared to conventional (FT) processing. The tabular representation of the CRAFT2d cross peaks information can be visualized in a variety of frequency domain formats for conventional spectral interpretation as well as quantitative applications. A simple workflow to generate in silico oversampled interferogram (iSOS) is presented, and its potential benefit in CRAFT decimation of highly crowded 2D NMR is demonstrated. This report is meant as a collective thesis to present a potentially new paradigm in data processing that questions the need for hitherto unchallenged preprocessing steps, such as phase and baseline correction in 1D and zero‐fill/severe apodization in 2D.
Dog size and variability in the Late Eneolithic: Drilled teeth from Corded Ware graves in Bohemia
Authors: Kyselý René
Published: January 2021

The hundreds of drilled dog teeth—mainly incisors and canines—found as ornaments in the graves of women and children from the Corded Ware culture in Bohemia, Czech Republic, provide a unique opportunity for biometric investigation. Large series of teeth often found in a single burial set enable consideration of variability in intra‐site dog size, which in contrast to many later cultures/periods appears to be surprisingly low, probably due to random inter‐breeding. The dogs in this Late Eneolithic (Copper Age) culture must have been relatively small: Their teeth are comparable with those of present‐day medium‐sized breeds, such as Fox Terrier, Cocker Spaniel and Standard Schnauzer, which are usually 35–50 cm high at the withers. Also discussed here are the placing of Corded Ware dogs in the context of other cultures, possible inter‐grave and inter‐culture differences, and the young age of the dogs whose teeth were used in the ornaments.
Feasibility/acceptability of an acceptance‐based therapy intervention for diverse adolescent girls with overweight/obesity
Authors: Cardel Michelle I. , Lee Alexandra M. , Chi Xiaofei , Newsome Faith , Miller Darci R. , Bernier Angelina , Thompson Lindsay , Gurka Matthew J. , Janicke David M. , Butryn Meghan L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Behavioral obesity interventions using an acceptance‐based therapy (ABT) approach have demonstrated efficacy for adults, yet feasibility and acceptability of tailoring an ABT intervention for adolescents remains unknown.

Objective

This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of an ABT healthy lifestyle intervention among diverse adolescent cisgender girls with overweight/obesity (OW/OB).

Methods

Adolescent cisgender girls aged 14–19 with a BMI of ≥85th percentile‐for‐sex‐and‐age were recruited for participation in a single‐arm feasibility study. The primary outcomes were recruitment and retention while the secondary outcome was change in BMI Z‐score over the 6‐month intervention. Exploratory outcomes included obesity‐related factors, health‐related behaviors, and psychological factors.

Results

Recruitment goals were achieved; 13 adolescents (>60% racial/ethnic minorities) participated in the intervention, and 11 completed the intervention (85% retention). In completers (n = 11), a mean decrease in BMI Z‐score of −0.15 (SD = 0.34, Cohen's d = −0.44) was observed. Improvements were also noted for change in percentage of 95th percentile (d = −0.35), percent body fat (d = −0.35), quality of life (d = 0.71), psychological flexibility (d = −0.86), and depression (d = −0.86).

Conclusions

These preliminary findings suggest an ABT healthy lifestyle intervention tailored for adolescent cisgender girls with OW/OB may be an acceptable treatment that could lead to improvements in BMI Z‐score, obesity‐related measures, and psychological outcomes.
Agricultural credit and agricultural productivity across Indian states: An analysis
Authors: Manoharan Nikitha , Varkey Rittu Susan
Published: January 2021

The study analyses the relationship between formal agricultural credit and agricultural productivity in India. Secondary data have been collected from various sources for the selected states of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal for the time period 1990–1991 to 2017–2018. Fixed effect model is used to perform the state‐level panel data analysis to establish the relationship between the agricultural credit and agricultural productivity. In addition to this, the study also focuses on analysing the effectiveness of Doubling of agricultural credit policy. The findings from the analysis show that direct agricultural credit and doubling of agricultural credit policy has a positive impact on productivity, whereas the indirect credit has a significant negative impact on productivity. In order to increase agricultural productivity, policies should focus on providing direct credit at a larger scale.
Homogeneous iron‐doped carbon‐nitride‐based organo‐catalysts for sensational photocatalytic performance driven by visible light
Authors: Arif Nayab , Uddin Ikram , Hayat Asif , Khan Wasim Ullah , Ullah Saif , Hussain Majid
Published: January 2021

In this study, Fe2O3/graphitic carbon nitride (g‐CN) composites were fabricated using a simple calcination method. Iron chloride and urea were used as starting precursors for preparation of heterojunction composites (Fe2O3/g‐CN) by a quick stirring and calcination method. A sequence of Fe2O3/g‐CN composites were obtained by putting a specific amount of Fe2O3 on the surface of g‐CN at varied temperature (400, 450 and 500 °C). We accomplished a combined analysis using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), elemental analysis spectra (EAS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and photoluminescence spectra (Pl) of resulting samples. Our findings demonstrate that Fe/CNx composites demonstrating a significant improvement in the separation of photogenerated carriers and hole formation, leading towards momentous photocatalytic activity. For the first time, the as‐synthesized composites were used for hydrogen production (water reduction) and methylene blue photodegradation under visible light illumination (λ = 420 nm). The superior sample Fe/CN450 exhibits an exceptional photocatalytic efficiency in both electron generation (hydrogen evolution rate) and hole formation (photodegradation) with a rate of 91.1% at 180 min. Along with this, Fe/CN450 has excellent photochemical stability in hydrogen evolution and pollutant removal. The potential photocatalytic mechanism of Fe/CN450 composite is compared with experimental results to characterize the photocatalytic phenomenon as a whole. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Biological features, gene expression profile, and mechanisms of drug resistance of two‐ and three‐dimensional hepatocellular carcinoma cell cultures
Authors: Mei Nan , Zhao Ni , Tian Tao , Jiao Min , Li Chunli
Published: January 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with insidious onset and rapid progression. Its treatment is often difficult owing to tumor resistance. In this study, we aimed to understand the different biological characteristics, gene expression profiles, and drug resistance mechanisms of HCC cells cultured under different conditions. A conventional adherence method and a liquid overlay technique were used to prepare two‐ and three‐dimensional cultures of Bel‐7402 and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu)‐resistant Bel‐7402 (Bel‐7402/5‐Fu) cells. Morphological characteristics were assessed via microscopy, and cell cycle distribution and apoptotic rate were obtained using flow cytometry. Cell sensitivity to different concentrations of drugs was detected with 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. Gene expression profiles and signal transduction pathways of Bel‐7402 and Bel‐7402/5‐Fu cells under different culture conditions were determined using gene chips. Cells in three‐dimensional culture were suspended and they grew into dense multicellular spheroid (MCS) structures, aggregating with each other. In contrast to cells in the two‐dimensional culture, cell cycle arrest was observed in MCSs. The sensitivity of Bel‐7402 cells in the two‐dimensional culture to drugs at high concentrations was significantly higher than that of cells in the three‐dimensional culture (p < .05). The apoptotic rate of Bel‐7402 and Bel‐7402/5‐Fu cells was also higher in the two‐dimensional culture (p < .05). Signal transduction pathway analysis showed that after Bel‐7402 cells acquired resistance to 5‐Fu, CCND1, MCM2, and MCM3 gene expression was upregulated in the G1 to S cell cycle control signal transduction pathway, CDKN1C and CCNG2 gene expression was downregulated, and MCM2 and MCM3 gene expression was upregulated in the DNA replication signal transduction pathway. Therefore, the liquid overlay technique is a simple, low‐cost procedure to successfully construct three‐dimensional culture models of HCC. This study provides new information and methods for exploring the molecular mechanisms of liver cancer resistance, clinical treatment, development of molecular information, and interventional prevention.
Crop protection compounds – trends and perspective
Authors: Sparks Thomas C , Bryant Robert J
Published: January 2021

The Industry responsible for the discovery and development of crop protection compounds has undergone dramatic changes and increasing consolidation since the initial innovations in synthetic organic fungicides, herbicides and insecticides in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Likewise, there have been striking changes in the rate of introduction of new crop protection compounds over the past 70 years. While numerous studies over the past five decades have signaled the ongoing decline in the numbers of new active ingredients (AIs), a detailed analysis of the trends in the rate of introduction of crop protection compounds shows a more complex pattern in the overall output of new AIs. The recent (post‐2000) decline in the numbers of new herbicides is the primary source of the perceived decline in overall numbers. When herbicides are excluded, the output of new fungicides and insecticides has been relatively constant, especially for the past 20 years. A notable observation is that innovation, as measured by the number of compounds representing a new chemical class (First‐in‐Class) has been relatively constant for the past 70 years, and most recently has been driven by the appearance of new fungicides and insecticides. Thus, the discovery and development of new AIs for crop protection and public health continues, in spite of the many challenges and changes to the Industry. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Innovators' gains from incumbents' exit options in R&D alliances: A reconciliation of real options and transaction costs logics
Authors: Özdemir Mahmut N. , van den Ende Jan
Published: January 2021

Research summary

The transaction costs logic suggests that innovators cannot gain value from incumbents' unconditional termination rights in their R&D alliances with them because incumbents use these rights either to protect their own interests or as bargaining chips ex post. By contrast, the real options logic suggests that innovators can gain value from these rights because they provide them with an opportunity to release their resources from their troubled alliances. We reconcile the two logics by showing that incumbents' unconditional termination rights are their exit options in their R&D alliances and they are value‐enhancing for innovators; yet, innovators' gains from them depend on the likelihood of their opportunistic uses by incumbents at their exercises. The tests in the biopharmaceutical R&D alliances setting support our hypotheses.

Managerial summary

Incumbents form R&D alliances with innovators to explore new technologies and innovators join these alliances to commercialize their technologies. Yet, innovators typically possess alternative commercialization options activated once their alliances are terminated. In such R&D intensive alliances, granting unconditional termination rights to incumbents help innovators gain value from their R&D alliances. This is because incumbents' unconditional termination rights operate as their exit options and they enable easy and timely terminations of R&D alliances. This, in turn, allows innovators not to persist in troubled R&D alliances and to begin with exploring alternative commercialization options. However, the likelihood of opportunism at exit option exercises matters. The innovators' gains from exit options are likely to be higher as partner‐specific alliance experience increases because the joint history mitigates opportunism.
Facile Synthesis of BiOCl Nanoflakes with Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Chen Ying , Xin Yanmei , Yao Congfei , Miao Yuqing
Published: January 2021

BiOCl has been identified to be a promising semiconductor material with exceptional performance for photodegradation of organic pollutants. In this work, a feasible strategy to synthesize octagon‐like BiOCl nanoflakes (G‐BiOCl NFs) with novel morphology was developed by one‐step solvothermal reaction in ethylene glycol/water solution with the addition of glutamate acid. The obtained G‐BiOCl NFs with large surface areas and negatively charged surfaces possessed excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of organic pollutant Rhodamine B (RhB). RhB was almost completely degraded in only 4 mins under ultraviolet−visible light irradiation. It was confirmed that the holes and .O2− played crucial roles in the RhB photocatalytic degradation process. This work provided a new strategy for the preparation of efficient photocatalysts.
In Silico and Biological Evaluation of N‐(2‐methoxyphenyl) Substituted Pyrazoles Accessed via a Sonochemical Method
Authors: Venkata Basaveswara Rao Mandava , Veera Durga Rao Bodapati , Vijaya Vardhini Suryadevara , Nagendra Kumar A. V. D. , Rao Gorja Dhilli , Kapavarapu Ravikumar , Pal Manojit
Published: January 2021

In view of remarkable biological properties including anticancer activities of N‐aryl pyrazoles we have explored N‐(2‐methoxyphenyl) substituted pyrazoles and related derivatives as potential cytotoxic agents. In silico methods were adopted to understand/predict the biochemical and physiological effects, toxicity, and biological profiles of these compounds thereby assessing the potential drug‐likeness of the hit molecule. The target compounds were conveniently prepared via a sonochemical method involving the C−N bond forming reactions in the presence of CuI in DMSO. A library of N‐aryl pyrazole derivatives were synthesized via coupling of iodoarenes with pyrazole whereas the use of other N‐heteroarene such as imidazole and pyrrole in place of pyrazole afforded the corresponding product. The in vitro evaluation of all these compounds was carried out against MDAMB‐231 and MCF‐7 cell lines and subsequently against SIRT1. The pyrazole derivative 3 c showed encouraging growth inhibition of both MDAMB‐231 and MCF‐7 cell lines (59 and 48 % at 10 μM, respectively) and inhibition of SIRT1 (IC50 ∼ 6.21±0.42 μM) in vitro. The molecular docking studies suggested H‐bonding (involving OMe group), Van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions of 3 c with important amino acid residues in the catalytic domain of SIRT1. Overall, cell‐based as well as enzyme assay, molecular modelling, in silico ADME/TOX prediction and in vitro stability studies suggested 3 c as a potential hit molecule.
Electrochemical Asymmetric Reduction of Ketoesters Induced by β‐Cyclodextrin Modified by (1S,2S)‐(+)‐1,2‐Diaminocyclohexane
Authors: Wang Zhuo‐Lin , Zhao Yi‐Jun , Xiong Rui , Yang Li‐Rong , Wang Huan , Lu Jia‐Xing
Published: January 2021

Chiral cyclohexanediamine was chemically bonded to β‐cyclodextrin as an inducer to induce the asymmetric reduction of ketoesters under electrochemical conditions. The reaction was carried out in an undivided glass cell to form the optically active products. The whole experiment was carried out under mild conditions without high temperature and high pressure. For the electrochemical asymmetric reduction reaction of ethyl benzoylacetate, 63 % yield and 50 % ee value can be obtained.
Reflective functioning and men's mental health: Associations with resilience and personal growth initiative
Authors: Kealy David , Rice Simon M. , Seidler Zac E. , Oliffe John L. , Ogrodniczuk John S.
Published: January 2021

Mentalizing, or reflective functioning, refers to the capacity to reflect on one's own and others' mental states in terms of desires, intentions, and feelings. Reflective functioning in men's mental health is poorly understood, particularly in reference to men's resilience and motivation for personal growth. Using a cross‐sectional design, the present study investigated impaired reflective functioning in relation to resilience and personal growth initiative among men with mental health concerns. An online sample of 1065 men self‐reporting mental health concerns completed measures of reflective functioning, psychological distress, resilience, and personal growth initiative. Logistic regression examined reflective functioning in relation to likely serious mental illness, including interaction with age. Subsequent regression analyses controlled for distress severity in examining associations with resilience and personal growth initiative, and in examining the potential mediating role of reflective functioning. Impaired reflective functioning was significantly associated with serious psychological distress irrespective of age and, after controlling for distress severity, with resilience and personal growth initiative. Moreover, impaired reflective functioning was a significant mediator of the relationship between resilience and personal growth initiative. Findings provide preliminary support for reflective functioning as salient to men's resilience and agency for personal change, indicating a potentially important target in men's mental health work.