bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering the Origin and Formation of Aminopyrrole Moiety in Kosinostatin Biosynthesis
Authors: Hu Yu , Zhou Qiang , Zhang Zhuan , Pan Hai‐Xue , Ilina Yulia , Metsä‐Ketelä Mikko , Igarashi Yasuhiro , Tang Gong‐Li
Published: September 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Kosinostatin (KST) contains an uncommon aminopyrrole moiety, whose biosynthesis has remained elusive. Herein, aminopyrrolinic acid, which was generated by an L‐ectoine synthase‐like enzyme KstB3 via cyclization of L‐glutamine, was identified to be the real substrate of adenylation enzyme KstB1. Subsequently, a FAD‐dependent dehydrogenase KstB4 along with a transglutaminase‐like enzyme KstB6 were also involved in formation of aminopyrrole. These results provided an unusual pathway for 2‐aminopyrrole formation in KST biosynthesis.
Distributions of vesicular glutamate transporters 1 and 2 in the visual thalamus and associated areas of the cat
Authors: Abbas Farishta Reza , Zouahi Hadjer , Casanova Christian
Published: September 2021

Glutamate is packaged in vesicles via two main vesicular transporter (VGLUT) proteins, VGLUT1 and VGLUT2, which regulate its storage and release from synapses of excitatory neurons. Studies in rodents, primates, ferrets, and tree shrews suggest that these transporters may identify distinct subsets of excitatory projections in visual structures, particularly in thalamocortical pathways where they tend to correlate with modulatory and driver projections, respectively. Despite being a well‐studied model of thalamocortical connectivity, little is known about their expression pattern in the cat visual system. To expand current knowledge on their distribution and how they correlated with known driver and modulator projecting sites, we examined the protein expression patterns of VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 in the visual thalamus of the cat (lateral geniculate nucleus and the pulvinar complex). We also studied their expression pattern in relevant visual structures projecting to or receiving significant thalamic projections, such as the primary visual cortex and the superior colliculus. Our results indicate that both VGLUTs are consistently present throughout the cat visual system and show laminar or nuclei specificity in their distribution, which suggests, as in other species, that VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 represent distinct populations of glutamatergic projections.
Co‐localization of nociceptive markers in the lumbar dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord of dromedary camel
Authors: Javed Hayate , Rehmathulla Sumisha , Tariq Saeed , Ali Mahmoud A. , Emerald Bright Starling , Shehab Safa
Published: September 2021

Nociceptive markers in mice have been identified in two distinct peptidergic and nonpeptidergic neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and distributed in different laminae of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Recently, however, a study in humans showed a significant overlapping in these two populations. In this study, we investigated the distribution of various nociceptive markers in the lumbar DRG and spinal cord of the dromedary camel. Immunohistochemical data showed a remarkable percentage of total neurons in the DRG expressed IB4 binding (54.5%), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP; 49.5%), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1; 48.2%), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS; 30.6%). The co‐localization data showed that 89.6% and 74.0% of CGRP‐ and TRPV1‐labeled neurons, respectively, were IB4 positive. In addition, 61.6% and 84.2% of TRPV1‐ and NOS‐immunoreactive neurons, respectively, were also co‐localized with CGRP. The distribution of IB4, CGRP, TRPV1, substance P, and NOS immunoreactivities in the spinal cord were observed in lamina I and outer lamina II (IIo). Quantitative data showed that 82.4% of IB4‐positive nerve terminals in laminae I and IIo were co‐localized with CGRP, and 86.0% of CGRP‐labeled terminals were co‐localized with IB4. Similarly, 85.1% of NOS‐labeled nerve terminals were co‐localized with CGRP. No neuropeptide Y (NPY) or cholecystokinin (CCK) immunoreactivities were detected in the DRG, and no co‐localization between IB4, NPY, and CCK were observed in the spinal cord. Our results demonstrate marked convergence of nociceptive markers in the primary afferent neurons in camels, which is similar to humans rather than the mouse. The data also emphasizes the importance of interspecies differences when selecting ideal animal models for studying nociception and treating chronic pain.
Pharmacokinetic and Bioequivalence Evaluation of 2 Tadalafil Tablets in Healthy Male Chinese Subjects Under Fasting and Fed Conditions
Authors: Shao Rong , Yang Dan‐dan , Ruan Zou‐rong , Chen Jin‐liang , Hu Yin , Jiang Bo , Lou Hong‐gang
Published: August 2021

Tadalafil is an effective, reversible, and competitive phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor mainly used to treat erectile dysfunction. This study investigated the bioequivalence of generic and marketed formulations of 10‐mg tadalafil tablets under fasted and fed conditions. This open‐label, randomized, single‐dose, 2‐period crossover study included 53 healthy Chinese men (aged 20‐43 years). Plasma samples were collected from 0.5 hours before treatment to 72 hours after each dose and analyzed using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. Safety assessments were performed throughout the study. For the fasted state, the 90% confidence intervals of the geometric mean ratios between the generic and marketed formulations were 86.1% to 99.1% for the maximum plasma concentration and 88.4% to 100.3% for the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity, and the corresponding values under the fed state were and 99.9% to 108.4% and 95.7% to 104.3%, respectively. All data were within the accepted bioequivalence range of 80% to 125%. After consuming high‐fat, high‐calorie meals in the fed condition, the time to the maximum plasma concentration was similar between the formulations, and area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity and maximum plasma concentration were 10.2% and 6.55% higher, respectively, for the marketed formulation. Thus, food had no clinically relevant effect on tadalafil exposure following a single oral dose in healthy Chinese men. No serious adverse reactions were reported. These results indicated that the analyzed generic and marketed tadalafil tablets were bioequivalent with similar safety profiles.
Assessment of the Effect of Filgotinib on the Pharmacokinetics of Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, and Rosuvastatin in Healthy Adult Participants
Authors: Anderson Kacey , Nelson Cara H. , Gong Qi , Alani Muhsen , Tarnowski Thomas , Othman Ahmed A.
Published: September 2021

Filgotinib, an oral Janus kinase‐1 preferential inhibitor, is approved in Europe and Japan for adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity/mortality; thus, it is important to understand potential drug‐drug interactions of filgotinib with lipid‐lowering agents. This open‐label, randomized, 2‐way crossover study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin with and without filgotinib coadministration. Healthy participants (N = 27) received single doses of atorvastatin (40 mg) and of a pravastatin (40 mg)/rosuvastatin (10 mg) cocktail—alone or with filgotinib (200 mg once daily for 11 days)—on 2 different occasions with washout in between. Serial pharmacokinetic blood samples were collected, and safety was assessed. Pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated using 90% confidence intervals (CI) of the geometric least‐squares mean (GLSM) ratio of the test treatment (statin coadministration with filgotinib) vs statin alone, with prespecified lack‐of‐interaction bounds of 0.70 to 1.43. Coadministration of filgotinib did not affect atorvastatin area under the plasma concentration–time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUCinf; [GLSM ratios (90% CI): 0.91 (0.84‐0.99)]), but maximum concentration [Cmax] was slightly lower [0.82 (0.69‐0.99)]. The exposure of 2‐hydroxy‐atorvastatin was unaffected (GLSM ratios [90% CI], 0.98 [0.81‐1.19] for Cmax; 1.11 [1.02‐1.22] for AUCinf). Pravastatin AUCinf was also unaffected (GLSM ratios, 1.22 [1.05‐1.41], but Cmax was slightly higher 1.25 [1.01‐1.54]). Rosuvastatin exposure was moderately higher with filgotinib coadministration—GLSM ratios (90% CI), 1.68 (1.43‐1.97) for Cmax; 1.42 (1.30‐1.57) for AUCinf—but this was not considered clinically relevant. These results indicate that filgotinib has no clinically meaningful effect on exposure of atorvastatin, pravastatin, or rosuvastatin.
Responses to elevated carbon dioxide for postdrought recovery of turfgrass species differing in growth characteristics
Authors: Chapman Cathryn , Burgess Patrick , Huang Bingru
Published: August 2021

Elevated CO2 concentration affects plant responses to drought, but its effects on poststress recovery for perennial grass species with different growth habits are unclear. The objective was to determine how stoloniferous and bunch‐type grass species may exhibit differential responses to elevated CO2 concentration during drought stress and postdrought recovery upon rewatering due to different growth characteristics. Stoloniferous creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) ‘Penncross’ and bunch‐type tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort] ‘Sitka’ were grown at ambient CO2 (400 μl L−1) or elevated CO2 concentration (800 μl L−1) repeated in four growth chambers for 28 d, subsequently subjected to either irrigation (control) or drought stress (irrigation completely withheld) for 28 d, and then rewatered for 18 d. During drought stress, both species exposed to elevated CO2 maintained higher turf quality, leaf water content, and membrane stability than plants at ambient CO2. Elevated CO2 caused significant increases in the viability of stolon–node meristematic tissues in creeping bentgrass under drought stress and rapid regeneration of daughter plants during rewatering, as shown by increased shoot biomass and percent turfgrass cover. Elevated CO2 had no significant effects on the viability of crowns with meristematic tissues in tall fescue during drought nor shoot biomass or percent turfgrass cover during rewatering. The stoloniferous grass species was more responsive to elevated CO2 compared to bunch‐type species for poststress recovery, as creeping bentgrass rapidly regrew and recovered from drought damages. Such information is of great importance for making appropriate turfgrass selections and breeding improvements in growth habits in areas with prolonged drought and the anticipated rising CO2 levels.
An accelerated architecture of change‐point detection for FMCW radar mutual interference based on FPGA
Authors: Yang Siyuan , Li Songyi , Wu Jiayan , Chen Yong , Liu Zhenyu
Published: August 2021

The mutual interference between frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radars seriously affects autonomous driving. The interference will cause a short‐duration pulse‐like signal, which contains several change points in the time domain. The change‐point detection method called bottom‐up segmentation (BOTUP) is applied to deal with a short duration pulse‐like signal, which has excellent detection accuracy. However, the serial processing of BOTUP will cause considerable delay, which is not conducive to real‐time detection of automatic driving. In this paper, an accelerated architecture of BOTUP (ACC‐BOTUP) based on field‐programmable gate array (FPGA) is proposed. As BOTUP has segmented characteristics and without data dependency between the cost functions, a parallel structure is proposed to reduce the latency. Further, a pipeline structure is proposed to execute the operations of the cost functions in an overlapping manner. Compared with the original BOTUP (O‐BOTUP), the latency of ACC‐BOTUP is reduced by 82%, which is more suitable for real‐time detection in autonomous driving.
Landscape of T‐cell repertoires with public COVID‐19‐associated T‐cell receptors in pre‐pandemic risk cohorts
Authors: Simnica Donjete , Schultheiß Christoph , Mohme Malte , Paschold Lisa , Willscher Edith , Fitzek Antonia , Püschel Klaus , Matschke Jakob , Ciesek Sandra , Sedding Daniel G , Zhao Yu , Gagliani Nicola , Maringer Yacine , Walz Juliane S , Heide Janna , Schulze‐zur‐Wiesch Julian , Binder Mascha
Published: August 2021

Objectives

T cells have an essential role in the antiviral defence. Public T‐cell receptor (TCR) clonotypes are expanded in a substantial proportion of COVID‐19 patients. We set out to exploit their potential use as read‐out for COVID‐19 T‐cell immune responses.

Methods

We searched for COVID‐19‐associated T‐cell clones with public TCRs, as defined by identical complementarity‐determining region 3 (CDR3) beta chain amino acid sequence that can be reproducibly detected in the blood of COVID‐19 patients. Of the different clonotype identification algorithms used in this study, deep sequencing of brain tissue of five patients with fatal COVID‐19 delivered 68 TCR clonotypes with superior representation across 140 immune repertoires of unrelated COVID‐19 patients.

Results

Mining of immune repertoires from subjects not previously exposed to the virus showed that these clonotypes can be found in almost 20% of pre‐pandemic immune repertoires of healthy subjects, with lower representation in repertoires from risk groups like individuals above the age of 60 years or patients with cancer.

Conclusion

Together, our data show that at least a proportion of the SARS‐CoV‐2 T‐cell response is mediated by public TCRs that are present in repertoires of unexposed individuals. The lower representation of these clones in repertoires of risk groups or failure to expand such clones may contribute to more unfavorable clinical COVID‐19 courses.
Assessing changes in clusters of wildlife road mortalities after the construction of wildlife mitigation structures
Authors: Yamashita Thomas J. , Livingston Trinity D. , Ryer Kevin W. , Young John H. , Kline Richard J.
Published: September 2021

Collisions with vehicles can be a major threat to wildlife populations, so wildlife mitigation structures, including exclusionary fencing and wildlife crossings, are often constructed. To assess mitigation structure effectiveness, it is useful to compare wildlife road mortalities (WRMs) before, during, and after mitigation structure construction; however, differences in survey methodologies may make comparisons of counts impractical. Location‐based cluster analyses provide a means to assess how WRM spatial patterns have changed over time. We collected WRM data between 2015 and 2019 on State Highway 100 in Texas, USA. Five wildlife crossings and exclusionary fencing were installed in this area between September 2016 and May 2018 for the endangered ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and other similarly sized mammals. Roads intersecting State Highway 100 were mitigated by gates, wildlife guards, and wing walls. However, these structures may have provided wildlife access to the highway. We combined local hot spot analysis and time series analysis to assess how WRM cluster intensity changed after mitigation structure construction at fine spatial and temporal scales and generalized linear regression to assess how gaps in fencing and land cover were related to WRM cluster intensity in the before, during, and after construction periods. Overall, WRMs/survey day decreased after mitigation structure construction and most hot spots occurred where there were more fence gaps, and, while cluster intensity increased in a few locations, these were not at fence gaps. Cluster intensity of WRMs increased when nearer to fence gaps in naturally vegetated areas, especially forested areas, and decreased nearer to fence gaps in areas with less natural vegetation. We recommend that if fence gaps are necessary in forested areas, less permeable mitigation structures, such as gates, should be used. Local hot spot analysis, coupled with time series and regression techniques, can effectively assess how WRM clustering changes over time.
A penalized likelihood for multispecies occupancy models improves predictions of species interactions
Authors: Clipp Hannah L. , Evans Amber L. , Kessinger Brin E. , Kellner Kenneth , Rota Christopher T.
Published: September 2021

Multispecies occupancy models estimate dependence among multiple species of interest from patterns of co‐occurrence, but problems associated with separation and boundary estimates can lead to unreasonably large estimates of parameters and associated standard errors when species are rarely observed at the same site or when data are sparse. In this paper, we overcome these issues by implementing a penalized likelihood, which introduces a small bias in parameter estimates in exchange for a potentially large reduction in variance. We compare parameter estimates obtained from both penalized and unpenalized multispecies occupancy models fit to simulated data that exhibit various degrees of separation and to a real‐word data set of bird surveys with little apparent overlap between potentially interacting species. Our simulation results demonstrate that penalized multispecies occupancy models did not exhibit boundary estimates and produced lower bias, lower mean squared error, and improved inference relative to unpenalized models. When applied to real‐world data, our penalized multispecies occupancy model constrained boundary estimates and allowed for meaningful inference related to the interactions of two species of conservation concern. To facilitate the use of our penalized multispecies occupancy model, the techniques demonstrated in this paper have been integrated into the unmarked package in R programing language.
A 2000 to 2020 Practitioner's Guide to Chiral Amine‐Based Enantioselective Aldol Reactions: Ketone Substrates, Best Methods, in Water Reaction Environments, and Defining Nuances.
Authors: Nugent Thomas C. , de Vos Alice E. , Hussain Ishtiaq , El Damrany Hussein Hussein Ali , Goswami Falguni
Published: September 2021

An extensive introduction is provided for the non‐expert regarding enantioselective, amine catalyzed, aldol reactions (Sections 1–3). There, a broad perspective is provided regarding: methodology limitations, mechanism, in‐water versus on‐water definitions and their theoretical basis, small‐ and large‐scale physical‐mechanical aspects, solid versus liquid starting material considerations, reproducibility, ball milling, diketone substrates, etc. The thematic emphasis then turns to practical outcomes for the reaction of nineteen aliphatic, cyclic, and aromatic ketones with 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde and benzaldehyde prior to 2021. In doing so, 172 catalysts are highlighted. The ketone substrates are listed in the Table of Contents (Section 4) and their structures are shown in Figure 1. Each ketone is summarized by a: (i) schematic, (ii) text summary, (iii) catalyst Figures, and (iv) tabular reaction/product data. Individual ketone summaries, at times, represent the distillation of over six hundred and fifty research articles, and the data refinement and its tabular reconstitution is not reproducible using a chemical database search with filters. In the review's broadest use, the Figure 1 ketone structures serve as templates to extrapolate to hypothetical substrates holding more functionality, but of related steric and electronic similarity. This pseudo matching permits a rapid answer to, “Does this methodology suit the ketone substrate at hand or not?” In a positive outcome, the best reaction conditions (stoichiometry, catalyst structure and loading, solvent, time, etc.) to affect aldol product formation (yield, dr, and ee) are delineated. A second envisioned use, allows the directed construction of diketone substrates (after viewing the tabularized data of Section 4) capable of undergoing regioselective mono‐aldol product formation. This ketone regioselectivity tactic, reacting one carbonyl moiety while the other remains unreacted, avoids ketone protection‐deprotection, and is demonstrated for the advantageous synthesis of an Alzheimer drug candidate.
Triplet‐Forming Thionated Donor‐Acceptor Chromophores for Electrochemically Amphoteric Photosensitization
Authors: Wright Anna I. , Kariuki Benson M. , Wu Yi‐Lin
Published: September 2021

A series of piperidine‐naphthalene monoimide, donor−acceptor (D−A) chromophores and their thionated derivatives were prepared. The physical properties of the chromophores were studied by spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements and DFT calculations. Relative to their non‐thionated counterparts, the thionated D−A chromophores display enhanced visible‐light absorption and 1O2‐sensitization quantum yields and negligible fluorescence, suggesting facile triplet formation of this class of molecules. This behavior originates from the significant n‐π* character in the singlet excited state, resulting in large spin‐orbit coupling between the singlet/triplet manifolds regardless of the degree of D/A interactions. With the electrochemically active D/A moieties and high triplet energy, the thionated chromophores can be used as amphoteric photosensitizers to catalyze reductive and oxidative photoreactions with efficiency comparable to Ru(bpy)32+ as the sensitizer. Our results demonstrate that thiocarbonylation can be utilized in amide/imide‐containing D−A chromophores to provide a wide range of heavy‐atom‐free redox‐active photosensitizers.
Recent advances in dielectrophoresis toward biomarker detection: A summary of studies published between 2014 and 2021
Authors: Velmanickam Logeeshan , Jayasooriya Vidura , Vemuri Madhava Sarma , Tida Umamaheswara Rao , Nawarathna Dharmakeerthi
Published: August 2021

Dielectrophoresis is a well‐understood phenomenon that has been widely utilized in biomedical applications. Recent advancements in miniaturization have contributed to the development of dielectrophoretic‐based devices for a wide variety of biomedical applications. In particular, the integration of dielectrophoresis with microfluidics, fluorescence, and electrical impedance has produced devices and techniques that are attractive for screening and diagnosing diseases. This review article summarizes the recent utility of dielectrophoresis in assays of biomarker detection. Common screening and diagnostic biomarkers, such as cellular, protein, and nucleic acid, are discussed. Finally, the potential use of recent developments in machine learning approaches toward improving biomarker detection performance is discussed. This review article will be useful for researchers interested in the recent utility of dielectrophoresis in the detection of biomarkers and for those developing new devices to address current gaps in dielectrophoretic biomarker detection.
Downstream bioprocessing of human pluripotent stem cell‐derived therapeutics
Authors: Sart Sebastien , Liu Chang , Zeng Eric Z. , Xu Chunhui , Li Yan
Published: September 2021

With the advancement in lineage‐specific differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), downstream cell separation has now become a critical step to produce hPSC‐derived products. Since differentiation procedures usually result in a heterogeneous cell population, cell separation needs to be performed either to enrich the desired cell population or remove the undesired cell population. This article summarizes recent advances in separation processes for hPSC‐derived cells, including the standard separation technologies, such as magnetic‐activated cell sorting, as well as the novel separation strategies, such as those based on adhesion strength and metabolic flux. Specifically, the downstream bioprocessing flow and the identification of surface markers for various cell lineages are discussed. While challenges remain for large‐scale downstream bioprocessing of hPSC‐derived cells, the rational quality‐by‐design approach should be implemented to enhance the understanding of the relationship between process and the product and to ensure the safety of the produced cells.
Synthesis of Spherical Carbon‐Coated CoP Nanoparticles for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lu Huiying , Qian Ruifeng , Yao Tianhao , Li Chao , Li Li , Wang Hongkang
Published: August 2021

Transition metal phosphides are emerging as potential anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity and good thermal stability, but the severe volume changes during the charge/discharge process and low electrical conductivity have hampered their practical application. Herein, the facile synthesis of carbon‐coated CoP nanoparticles (CoP@C) with uniform spherical morphology is demonstrated through the solvothermal method followed by annealing and phosphating treatments, in which an interesting precursor, the Co–gluconate complex, is prepared as the Co/C sources. When used as the LIB anode, the CoP@C electrode displays excellent cycling stability with a reversible capacity of 483.4 mA h g−1 upon 1000 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. The superior lithium storage performance is attributed to the unique composite structure of CoP@C with the nanosized CoP particles wrapped into the carbon matrices, which can enhance the electrical conductivity, provide sufficient reaction sites, shorten the Li+ transport path, and buffer the volume changes of the electrode upon lithiation/delithiation. More importantly, the strategy of generating gluconate–metal complex as the metal‐ and carbon‐containing precursor can be widely applied in the synthesis of various functional materials for energy‐related applications.
A multigroup marine predator algorithm and its application for the power system economic load dispatch
Authors: Pan Jeng‐Shyang , Shan Jie , Chu Shu‐Chuan , Jiang Shi‐Jie , Zheng Shi‐Guang , Liao Lyuchao
Published: September 2021

Marine Predator Algorithm (MPA) is an optimization algorithm inspired by the behavior of predator and prey to catch their own food. MPA is simple and easy to implement. To further improve the performance of MPA, this paper proposes a Multigroup Marine Predator Algorithm (MGMPA). The multigroup mechanism is to divide the initial population into several independent groups. These groups generate the top predator and the Elite matrix based on different strategies and share information after a fixed iteration. Above strategies include the maximum of the same group, the average of the same group, the maximum of different groups and the average of different groups. To verify its performance, the paper compares MGMPA with some classic algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Parallel Particle Swarm Optimization (PPSO), Slap Swarm Algorithm (SSA), and Marine Predator Algorithm (MPA). In addition, the proposed MGMPA is also applied to solve Economic Load Dispatch problem (ELD). The experimental results show that the proposed MGMPA has significant advantages under the CEC2013 suite and obtains the minimum cost of power system operation and the maximum economic benefits in the application.
Utilization of human to nanogrid to support the energy storage system
Authors: Shariff Samir M. , Alam Mohammad S. , Rafat Yasser , Ahmad Furkan , Khan Mohammad I.
Published: September 2021

The serious growing concern of climate change has pushed the adoption of the sustainable energy systems such as wind energy, solar energy, etc. Likewise the renewable energy, energy harvesting from human motion may be utilized in various purposes. Based on the distributed power generation technology, the present study proposes a model of Human to Nanogrid that harnesses and stores the human energy used during a workout into banks of supercapacitors. There are specific machines at the fitness center that were chosen based on the maximum load they can lift and the exercises they can perform on specific muscle groups. This study examines the mechanical energy that different users generate from a machine over time, and compares the power output of the humans and the consumption of energy in a gymnasium. To calculate the payback period, break‐even analysis is conducted based on the collected data and the energy savings, emission reduction, and impact reduction analyses are conducted.
Machine learning for cooperative spectrum sensing and sharing: A survey
Authors: Janu Dimpal , Singh Kuldeep , Kumar Sandeep
Published: September 2021

With the rapid development of next‐generation wireless communication technologies and the increasing demand of spectrum resources, it becomes necessary to introduce learning and reasoning capabilities in cognitive radio networks (CRN). In particular, our focus is on two fundamental applications in CRNs, namely spectrum sensing (SS) and spectrum sharing. The application of machine learning (ML) techniques has added new aspects to SS and spectrum sharing. This paper offers a survey on various ML‐based algorithms in the cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) and dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) domain, with its emphasis on types of features extracted from primary user signal, types of ML algorithm, and performance metrics utilized for evaluation of ML algorithms. Starting with the basic principles and challenges of SS, this paper also justifies the applicability of supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement ML algorithms in the CSS domain. The application of ML algorithms, to solve the DSS problem has also been reviewed. Finally, the survey paper is concluded with some suggested open research challenges and future directions for ML application in next‐generation communication technologies.
Bricolage: A pluralistic approach to evaluating human ecosystem initiatives
Authors: Hargreaves Margaret
Published: September 2021

This article presents a reflection on the use of bricolage in two case illustrations. An eclectic approach, bricolage can be used as a transdisciplinary, mixed paradigm approach for reconciling the different ontological (“real world”) and epistemological (“theory of knowledge”) perspectives that complexity science and systems thinking bring to evaluation. Bricolage can be used in all four elements of evaluation design: (1) theoretical frameworks, (2) inquiry frameworks, (3) methods and metrics, and (4) values and valuing in evaluation. Bricolage can be applied to the choice of conceptual frameworks that define an evaluand; the selection of research questions or lines of inquiry that focus a study; the choice of data collection and analytic methods; and the implementation of strategies for incorporating and assessing value in evaluation.
Introducing systems‐ and complexity‐informed evaluation
Authors: Gates Emily F. , Walton Mat , Vidueira Pablo , McNall Miles
Published: September 2021

For the last several decades and recently amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic, many in the global evaluation communities call for shifts from linear, reductionist ways of thinking and working to approaches that embrace systems and complexity. In this introductory chapter, we orient readers to key systems and complexity traditions and terms and how these have been put to use in the evaluation field. Doing so provides a foundation from which to engage with the subsequent chapters. We close this chapter with highlights from the case examples featured in this issue.
Mitochondria‐specific nanocatalysts for chemotherapy‐augmented sequential chemoreactive tumor therapy
Authors: Huang Hui , Dong Caihong , Chang Meiqi , Ding Li , Chen Liang , Feng Wei , Chen Yu
Published: September 2021

Endogenic tumor chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is emerging as a tumor‐therapeutic strategy featuring in situ treatments with high efficiency and specificity based on the Fenton reaction principle. Considering the limitation of monotherapy and relatively insufficient intracellular level of endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in tumor tissues, a mitochondria‐specific nanocatalyst composed of cisplatin prodrug and gallic acid‐ferrous (GA‐Fe(II)) nanocomposites is successfully fabricated to fulfill chemotherapy‐augmented sequential chemoreactive tumor therapy. The bioactive cisplatin elevates the level of endogenous H2O2 through the activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX)‐related cascaded reactions, and the GA‐Fe(II) nanocomposites possessing sustainable Fenton catalytic activity subsequently catalyzes H2O2 into highly reactive and toxic hydroxyl radicals to substantially inhibit tumor progression. Especially, this mitochondria‐specific nanocatalyst amplifies oxidative stress, stimulates mitochondrial dysfunction, downregulates AKT/mTOR signaling and finally induces cell autophagic death. Both in vitro and in vivo measurements verify that the chemotherapy‐augmented sequential chemoreactive nanotherapy based on the mitochondria‐specific nanocatalyst implements excellent anticancer efficiency and avoids undesired side effects. This work reveals the enormous potential of chemotherapy‐augmented CDT for combating tumors.
Geochronology and geochemistry of a newly identified Permian hornblende gabbro suite in Aqishan–Yamansu Belt, eastern Tianshan, NW China: Implications on petrogenesis and tectonic setting
Authors: Jiang Hongjun , Chen Huayong , Gong Lin , Zhang Shuanliang , Chu Gaobin , Ai Yumin
Published: September 2021

Permian mafic‐ultramafic intrusions have great significance for understanding the geodynamic evolution of the Late Palaeozoic eastern Tianshan Orogen due to containing important information on the nature of mantle sources, crust–mantle interaction, and magmatic differentiation. Increasingly, more Permian mafic‐ultramafic intrusions are discovered in the Jueluotage belt, especially in the Kangguer ductile shear zone, whereas the mafic‐ultramafic intrusions in the Aqishan–Yamansu belt are ill‐informed. In this study, we provide zircon U–Pb geochronological, geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic data of a newly identified hornblende gabbro suite at the Shaquanzi Fe–Cu deposit in the Aqishan–Yamansu Belt. Zircon U–Pb dating results indicate that the Shaquanzi hornblende gabbro was emplaced at Early Permian (ca. 274–265 Ma). The rocks are calc‐alkaline and have arc‐like geochemical features, including enrichments in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs: Rb, Ba, K, Pb and Sr) and light rare‐earth elements (LREEs: Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, and Ti), and depletions in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs) with markedly negative Nb and Ta anomalies. The rocks also exhibit depleted‐mantle isotopic signatures, with positive bulk‐rock εNd(t) values of +3.34 to +4.44 and positive zircon εHf(t) values of +2.8 − +8.7, which are relatively more enriched than those of coeval mafic‐ultramafic intrusions from the Kangguer ductile shear zone, but similar to those in the Central Tianshan Massif. We suggest that the Shaquanzi mafic intrusion suite was generated by 10–30% partial melting of a depleted‐mantle source at over 85 km depth, corresponding to the garnet to garnet‐spinel stability field. And the mantle source had likely been metasomatized by slab‐derived fluids of previous subduction. Integrating with geochemical data of the coeval mafic‐ultramafic and felsic intrusive rocks in the adjacent tectonic belts of eastern Tianshan Orogen, we speculate that the Shaquanzi mafic intrusion was formed in a post‐collision extensional setting, probably triggered by slab breakoff. Metasomatism of the depleted lithospheric mantle had likely occurred during the pre‐Permian subduction of the Kangguer oceanic slab.
Inverse Association of Telomere Length With Liver Disease and Mortality in the US Population
Authors: Rattan Puru , Penrice Daniel D. , Ahn Joseph C. , Ferrer Alejandro , Patnaik Mrinal , Shah Vijay H. , Kamath Patrick S. , Mangaonkar Abhishek A. , Simonetto Douglas A.
Published: August 2021

Physiologic aging leads to attrition of telomeres and replicative senescence. An acceleration of this process has been hypothesized in the progression of chronic liver disease. We sought to examine the association of telomere length (TL) with liver disease and its impact on mortality risk. A cohort of 7,072 adults with leukocyte TL measurements from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999‐2002 with mortality follow‐up through 2015 was analyzed. Liver disease was defined by aminotransferase levels and classified into etiology‐based and advanced fibrosis categories. Multivariable‐adjusted linear regression models estimated effect sizes, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), of the presence of liver disease on TL. Cox regression models evaluated associations between TL and all‐cause mortality risk using adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). The cohort was representative of the US population with mean age 46.1 years and mean TL 5.79 kilobase pairs. No overall association between TL and liver disease was found; however, there was a significant negative association of TL and advanced liver fibrosis in individuals aged 65 and above. The liver disease cohort (HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.99‐1.51) and those with metabolic syndrome (HR 1.26, 95% CI 0.96‐1.67) had increased mortality risk with shorter TL. The relationship between TL and all‐cause mortality was stronger in women (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02‐2.23) and in non‐Hispanic Whites (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.02‐1.84). Conclusion: Shortened leukocyte TL is independently associated with advanced liver disease at older ages, and with a higher risk of all‐cause mortality in those with liver disease. These associations reaffirm the need to better understand the role of telomeres in the progression of liver disease.
Effects of flooding duration on the occurrence of three hardwood floodplain forest species inside and outside a dike relocation area at the Elbe River
Authors: Schindler Melanie , Donath Tobias W. , Terwei André , Ludewig Kristin
Published: August 2021

Floodplain forests have become rare in Europe due to anthropogenic changes. A critical aspect of their restoration is reintroducing flooding via dike relocation, as implemented at the Elbe River near Lenzen/Germany. How forest development is influenced by dike relocation is still unclear and difficult to predict. Inside the dike relocation area at the Elbe River, most trees were planted. Due to high tree mortality, we asked if the relative elevation of the planted trees and thus the number of flooding days inside the relocation area was comparable to the prevailing flooding regime in the surrounding active floodplain. Therefore, the positions of Ulmus laevis, Quercus robur, and Crataegus monogyna individuals were recorded using a DGPS and merged with a digital terrain model. Subsequently, relative elevations and numbers of flooding days per year and growing season (averages for 2011–2017) were calculated. The most flooding tolerant species, U. laevis, occurred at the lowest sites and tolerated the highest number of flooding days, followed by Q. robur, and finally by the least flooding tolerant species C. monogyna. All three species occurred at lower sites inside the dike relocation area and were exposed to longer flooding durations compared to sites outside the area. This was due to the complex morphology of this area and its special flooding and flow dynamics, which differed from the conditions in the surrounding active floodplain. Although the mean flooding duration was within the growth range of hardwood floodplain forests (Ficario‐Ulmetum), most individuals may not have established at the planted sites under natural conditions. Therefore, we recommend not relying only on plantings but also allowing natural succession. Then, species that can cope with the hydrological site characteristics may also establish in the long term.
Gingivitis resolution followed by optical coherence tomography and fluorescence imaging: A case study
Authors: Le Nhan , Cheng Harrison , Subhash Hrebesh , Kilpatrick‐Liverman LaTonya , Wang Ruikang K.
Published: August 2021

Gingivitis is highly prevalent in adults, and if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis. In this article, we present an interesting case study where the resolution of gingivitis was followed over a period of 10 days using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and light‐induced autofluorescence (LIAF). We demonstrate that OCT and its functional angiography can distinctively capture the changes during the resolution of gingivitis; while LIAF can detect red‐fluorescent signals associated with mature plaque present at the inflamed site. The acute inflammatory region showed evidence of angiogenesis based on the quantification of vessel density and number; while no angiogenesis was detected within the less inflamed region. Gingival thickness showed a reduction of 140 ± 26 μm on average, measured between the peak gingivitis event and the period wherein the inflammation was resolved. Vessels in the angiogenesis site was found to reduce exponentially. The mildly inflamed site showed a decreasing trend in the vessel size, which however was within the error of the measurement.
Research progress on the formation mechanism of azeotrope and its separation process in microwave field
Authors: Qi Junjie , Zeng Fanlai , Jia Hanbing , Fang Jing , Li Hao , Wen Xiufang , Fang Zhiqiang
Published: August 2021

In the process of petrochemical, coal chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, a large amount of azeotrope is usually produced. The traditional method of separating azeotrope consumes a lot of energy. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop a low energy consumption and high efficiency method of separating azeotrope to achieve economic benefits and reduce energy consumption. The use of microwave fields for enhanced distillation processes to separate azeotrope is currently of great interest. In this paper, the mechanism of azeotropic formation is reviewed from three aspects: experimental studies, quantum chemical calculations and molecular simulations, and the influence of cluster structure on azeotropic formation is analyzed. Then the paper discusses the experimental study of microwave‐enhanced distillation process to separate azeotrope and the molecular simulation process, and the mechanism of microwave‐assisted azeotropic separation and the feasibility of industrialization are analyzed. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Anaerobic co‐digestion of food waste and microalgae in an integrated treatment plant
Authors: Ferreira Luísa Ornelas , Astals Sergi , Passos Fabiana
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Anaerobic co‐digestion has been considered for improving anaerobic digesters’ stability and methane production, particularly for residues with low biodegradability or lack of alkalinity. Food waste was identified as a biomass with macro and micronutrients unbalance and low alkalinity content, both of which hamper its anaerobic digestion. The present study focused on evaluating the anaerobic co‐digestion of food waste and microalgal biomass harvested from an open pond treating food waste digestate.

RESULTS

According to BMP tests results, mono‐digestion of food waste showed low methane yield (~35–68 mL CH4·g VS−1), most likely due to acid accumulation, as was observed by the low pH and low methane content in biogas. Process stabilisation was further attested through anaerobic co‐digestion with microalgae at different proportions in terms of volatile solids (VS). The highest methane yield was obtained at 75:25 of food waste and microalgae (514 mL CH4·g VS−1), with the highest synergy between substrates (28% higher compared to theoretical value). Moreover, estimates for real scenarios of co‐digestion in an integrated treatment system composed of an anaerobic reactor and microalgae‐based ponds revealed that, due to low microalgae production, proportions of 99:1 would be more realistic.

CONCLUSION

Research showed how a higher proportion of food waste was preferable, although a minimum amount of microalgae seemed important for maintaining process stability and increasing methane production. In the demonstration‐scale plant, co‐digestion and co‐disposal was estimated to be more sustainable when carried out in solid‐state or with recirculation of treated effluent. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Patient experiences at dental school clinics: A comparative analysis of online reviews
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Alraqiq Hosam M.
Published: September 2021

Purpose/objectives

Online review sites have become popular platforms for health care consumers to rate their experiences. An analysis of online reviews can help dental school clinics learn from patient feedback that is not accessible through formal patient surveys. This study's objectives were to characterize patient‐generated reviews posted on the Yelp and Google review sites and assess any associations between dental schools’ ratings and their respective characteristics.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study analyzed patient‐generated Yelp and Google reviews regarding their experiences at 65 dental school clinics between June and August 2019. Quantitative analysis of selected dental school characteristics and patient ratings was performed using analysis of variance, with effect size measured by the omega‐squared (ω2) statistic. Statistical significance was set at p = 0.05. Qualitative analysis of review content was conducted using NVivo software.

Results

Among 65 dental schools in the Unite States, 63 schools (96.9%) had reviews available on Google, and 55 schools (84.6%) had reviews available on Yelp. A total of 4702 patient reviews were included in the analysis (2516 [53.5%] from Google [mean rating = 3.6 ± 0.6 stars] and 2186 [46.5%] from Yelp [mean rating = 3.1 ± 0.9 stars). A school location in the South/Midwest was significantly associated with a higher Yelp rating compared with a school location in the Northeast/West (ω2 = 0.140, 95% confidence interval = 0.002–0.310, p = 0.003). Qualitative analysis found that review content was predominantly negative; while subthemes in care delivery generated positive responses to care quality, those regarding the pre‐care and post‐care categories garnered negative responses. This finding was particularly true for comments addressing staff helpfulness, billing and payment, and clinic functioning.

Conclusions

This study's findings indicated that dental programs’ online reviews were predominantly negative and covered categories that were not addressed in existing satisfaction surveys.
Implication of light and scanning electron microscopy for pollen morphology of selected taxa of family Asteraceae and Brassicaceae
Authors: Umber Faria , Zafar Muhammad , Ullah Riaz , Bari Ahmed , Khan Muhammad Yahya , Ahmad Mushtaq , Sultana Shazia
Published: September 2021

The present study was intended to assess pollen morphological attributes of selected Asteraceous and Brassicaceous species from tehsil Esa Khel (Mianwali), Punjab using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) techniques for its systematic and taxonomic significance for correct identification. Pollen from 12 different species belongs to two plant families from various distributional localities were collected, acetolyzed and measured. Different palynomorphological features were investigated using LM and SEM techniques. In Asteraceous species, three types of pollen (tricolporate, trizonocolporate, and tetracolporate) were observed. Pollen shape was observed prolate‐spheroidal in three species while oblate and oblate‐spheroidal were detected inParthenium hysterophorusandErigeron bonariensis. While sculpturing pattern of exine were echinate, echinate fenestrate, echinate perforate and scabrate echinate. Mesocolpium measurement was calculated maximum forSonchus oleraceous(16.6 μm). Brassicaceae pollen were circular, lobate, tricolpate and exine show reticulate peculiarities. Whereas dominant shape was oblate‐spheroidal followed by prolate‐spheroidal and sub‐prolate inLepidium didymumandSisymbrium irio, respectively. Mesocolpium distance was noted highest inRaphanus raphanistrum(14.4 μm). Exine thickness was noted maximum inErigeron bonariensis(2.9 μm) in Asteraceous species and in Brassicaceae;Lepedium didymumexine measurement was 2.7 μm. The study showed that pollen micromorphology has important role to accurately identify and classify diverse plants genera belong to different families. Based on these taxonomic palynomorph features, the accurate identification of species from flora of tehsil Esa Khel, Mianwali were elaborated.