bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forest floor plant diversity drives the use of mature spruce forests by European bison
Authors: Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Borysowicz Joanna , Cholewińska Olga
Published: December 2020

The distribution of large ungulates in space is in large extent driven by the availability of forage, which in temperate forests depends on light availability, and associated plant diversity and cover. We hypothesized that the increased number of GPS fixes of European bison (Bison bonasus L.) in usually avoided spruce forests was an effect of higher plant species richness and cover of the forest floor, which developed owing to increased light availability enhanced by spruce mortality. We carried out 80 forest floor plant surveys combined with tree measurement on plots chosen according to the number of GPS locations of GPS‐collared European bison. The mean plant species richness per plot was higher on intensively visited plots (IV) than rarely visited (RV) plots (30 ± 5.75 (SD) versus. 26 ± 6.19 (SD)). The frequency of 34 plant species was higher on IV plots, and they were mainly herbaceous species (32 species), while a significant part of 13 species with higher frequency on RV plots was woody plants (5 species). The species richness of forbs was higher on IV plots, while other functional groups of plants did not differ. Tree stem density on the IV plots was lower than on the RV plots (17.94 ± 6.73 (SD) versus 22.9 ± 7.67 (SD)), and the mean value of Ellenberg's ecological indicator for light availability for all forest floor plant species was higher on IV plots. European bison visiting mature spruce forests was driven by higher forest floor plant cover and species richness, and high share and species richness of forbs. The two latter features may be translated into higher quality and diversity of forage. In spite of morphological characteristics suggesting that European bison is a species of mixed (mosaic) habitats, it seems to be well adapted to thrive in diverse forests.
Differences in morphology and in composition and release of parotoid gland secretion in introduced cane toads (Rhinella marina) from established populations in Florida, USA
Authors: Gardner Steven T. , Kepas Megen , Simons Casey R. , Horne Logan M. , Savitzky Alan H. , Mendonça Mary T.
Published: December 2020

Cane toads are highly toxic bufonids invasive in several locations throughout the world. Although physiological changes and effects on native predators for Australian populations have been well documented, Florida populations have received little attention. Cane toads were collected from populations spanning the invaded range in Florida to assess relative toxicity, through measuring morphological changes to parotoid glands, likelihood of secretion, and the marinobufagenin (MBG) content of secretion. We found that residual body indices increased in individuals from higher latitude populations, and relative parotoid gland size increased with increasing toad size. There was no effect of latitude on the allometric relationship between gland size and toad size. We observed an increase in likelihood of secretion by cane toads in the field with increasing latitude. Individuals from southern and northern populations did not vary significantly in the quantity of MBG contained in their secretion. Laboratory‐acclimated cane toads receiving injections of epinephrine were more likely to secrete poison with increasing dose, although there was no difference in likelihood of secretion between southern and northern populations. This suggests that differences between populations in the quantities of epinephrine released in the field, due to altered hypothalamic sensitivity upon disturbance, may be responsible for the latitudinal effects on poison secretion. Our results suggest that altered pressures from northward establishment in Florida have affected sympathetic sensitivity and defensive mechanisms of cane toads, potentially affecting risk to native predators.
Climate sensitivity of understory trees differs from overstory trees in temperate mesic forests
Authors: Rollinson Christine R. , Alexander M. Ross , Dye Alex W. , Moore David J. P. , Pederson Neil , Trouet Valerie
Published: December 2020

The response of understory trees to climate variability is key to understanding current and future forest dynamics. However, analyses of climatic effects on tree growth have primarily focused on the upper canopy, leaving understory dynamics unresolved. We analyzed differences in climate sensitivity based on canopy position of four common tree species (Acer rubrum,Fagus grandifolia,Quercus rubra, andTsuga canadensis) using growth information from 1,084 trees across eight sites in the northeastern United States. Effects of canopy position on climate response varied, but were significant and often nonlinear, for all four species. Compared to overstory trees, understory trees showed stronger reductions in growth at high temperatures and varied shifts in precipitation response. This contradicts the prevailing assumption that climate responses, particularly to temperature, of understory trees are buffered by the overstory. Forest growth trajectories are uncertain in compositionally and structurally complex forests, and future demography and regeneration dynamics may be misinferred if not all canopy levels are represented in future forecasts.
A novel functionalized chitosan nanoadsorbent for efficient elimination of malachite green from aqueous media
Authors: Tohidi Azar , Chaibakhsh Naz , Mohammadi Asadollah
Published: December 2020

In this study, a novel chitosan‐based nanoadsorbent has been synthesized by the reaction between nanochitosan and epoxy‐triazinetrione. The commercial cationic dye, malachite green, was chosen as a model dye in order to inspect the adsorption efficiency of the prepared adsorbent. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the adsorption process have been explored. According to the results, the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order model can well elucidate the adsorption process. The obtained thermodynamic parameters indicated that the removal process was spontaneous and endothermic (ΔH° = 95.0 kJ mol−1). The effects of several parameters on the dye elimination were studied using the response surface methodology approach. A high adsorption efficiency (95%) was obtained at 29.5 min, pH 7.9, and 7.5 mg of the adsorbent. At this condition, the removal efficiency of the unmodified adsorbent was 65.4%. The novel epoxy‐triazinetrione‐modified chitosan nanosorbent was found to be highly adequate for the treatment of wastewaters containing organic dyes.
MobiScan: An enhanced invisible screen‐camera communication system for IoT applications
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Liu Jiqiang , Ba Zhongjie , Tao Yaodong , Cheng Xiaochun
Published: December 2020

In recent years, dynamic and invisible screen‐camera short‐range communication for IoT devices have become a popular research field due to its superior user experience and no‐extra hardware required. However, most existing screen‐camera communication systems suffer from poor data security, high computational overhead, and limited capture angle, which make them infeasible in practice. In this work, we propose MobiScan, a dynamic and invisible screen‐to‐camera communication system that is able to ensure data security, real‐time communication, and flexible capture angle. MobiScan is composed of two parts: a novel fast frame correction scheme and a multilevel data pattern scheme to address the above problems. The fast frame correction scheme proposes a novel frame correct approach that utilizes the sensor data on the smartphone to correct the captured frame by reproducing the relationship between positions of the screen and the smartphone. Through this method, the scheme can save frame correction time without calculating frame content to identify the degree of deformation. The multilevel data pattern scheme protects the data privacy by sending the classified information to targeted users, which can reduce the time overhead and extend the application scenario by redesigning the data structure. The experimental results show that for flexible capture angle problem, the maximum capture angle is 180° in the rotate view and 60° in the side view, bottom view, and overlook view. For real‐time communication problem, the time overhead is reduced by 90% in the procedure of the frame correction. In the data decoding process, the time overhead is reduced by 10%. MobiScan enables a flexible capture angle on the PC platform for secure and real‐time communication.
Glassdoor's best places to work internationally: Are they best for shareholders?
Authors: Filbeck Greg , Zhao Xin , Warnaka Matthew
Published: December 2020

In 2015, Glassdoor published its first international Best Places to Work list in the United Kingdom. Since then, Glassdoor has begun publishing 10 different Best Places to Work lists in 9 different countries. Glassdoor's Best Places to Work lists are unique in that rankings are solely based upon employee reviews and are not influenced by self‐nominations or a cost paid by a company. With 64 million unique visitors each month, these Glassdoor lists have the potential to impact investors. In this paper, we explore whether firms appearing on lists for Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom result in short‐term announcement effects or long‐term abnormal returns on a raw‐ and risk‐adjusted basis. We find that the Canadian sample earns statistically significant abnormal returns in the announcement window 5 days after the announcement date. In the long run, we find that the Canadian sample also outperforms its matched sample and local index on a risk‐based basis.
Consumers care and firms should too: On the benefits of disclosing supplier monitoring activities
Authors: Duan Yanji , Hofer Christian , Aloysius John A.
Published: December 2020

Stakeholders increasingly put pressure on firms to ensure their suppliers' adherence to corporate social responsibility principles and standards. A firm's supplier monitoring activities (SMA) are, thus, central to achieving supply chain transparency. In an effort to help build a business case for SMA, this research explores the effect of SMA disclosures on consumers' attitude toward the firm and purchase intention. In so doing, we also examine how consumer attitude and purchase intention vary as a function of SMA disclosure characteristics. The results of three behavioral studies reveal more positive consumer attitude and higher purchase intention when a firm discloses that its supplier monitoring extends to lower‐tier suppliers (SMA depth) and the firm monitors its lower‐tier suppliers directly rather than relying on its first‐tier suppliers or third parties to do so (lower‐tier supplier monitoring mechanism). Greater SMA breadth—monitoring both suppliers' social and environmental activities—in turn, is not associated with more positive consumer attitude and higher purchase intention. Further, attitude toward the firm mediates the relationship between SMA disclosure characteristics and purchase intention. Collectively, these findings underline that consumers value firms' SMA and point toward an economic rationale for a firm's transparency regarding its supplier monitoring efforts.
Tibiofemoral bony morphology features associated with ACL injury and sex utilizing three‐dimensional statistical shape modeling
Authors: Polamalu Sene K. , Musahl Volker , Debski Richard E.
Published: December 2020

Statistical shape modeling was employed to assess three‐dimensional (3D) bony morphology between distal femurs and proximal tibiae of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injured knees, the contralateral uninjured knees of ACL injured subjects, and knees with no history of injury. Surface models were created by segmenting bone from bilateral computed‐tomography scans of 20 subjects of their ACL injured knees and non‐injured contralateral knees, and 20 knees of control subjects with no history of a knee injury. Correspondence particles were placed on each surface, and a principal component analysis determined modes of variation in the positions of the correspondence particles describing anatomical variation. ANOVAs assessed the statistical differences of 3D bony morphological features with main effects of injury state and sex. ACL injured knees were determined to have a more lateral femoral mechanical axis and a greater angle between the long axis and condylar axis of the femur. A smaller anterior–posterior dimension of the lateral tibial plateau was also associated with ACL injured knees. Results of this study demonstrate that there are more bony morphological features predisposing individuals for ACL injury than previously established. These bony morphological parameters may cause greater internal and valgus torques increasing stresses in the ACL. No differences were determined between the ACL injured knees and their uninjured contralateral knees demonstrating that knees of ACL injured individuals are at similar risk for injury. Further understanding of the effect of bony morphology on the risk for ACL injury could improve individualized ACL injury treatment and prevention.
Synthesis of Polyaniline Under Electrolytic Plasma on Carbon Fiber Fabric
Authors: Kunicki Lucas , Becker Daniela , Fontana Luis C. , Dalmolin Carla
Published: December 2020

Polyaniline is synthetized on carbon fiber through electrolytic plasma applied in an acid monomer solution, without an oxidant. Pulsed‐plasma carbon fiber surface treatment is performed with two 1.0 kV pulses for 1 µs with an 200 µs off period. Different treatment times and ultrasound presence, to create microbubbles that can help plasma formation, are tested. The ultrasonic bath is not effective to produce higher quantities of polymer. Furthermore, the film formed on the carbon fiber is chemically characterized through treatment in a basic solution followed by immersion in NMP, and through FT‐IR and XPS. The presence of nitrogen in the carbon fiber surface and the characteristic FT‐IR bands of delocalized electrons indicate that the electrolytic plasma treatment is efficient to synthesize polyaniline in its conducting form. Electrochemical activity is accessed by cyclic voltammetry, indicating the formation of electrodes with good reversibility and stability, thereby suitable for supercapacitor applications.
Carbon Dioxide/Nitrogen Separation Through Oxygenated Carbon Nanotubes‐Containing Polysulfone Membranes
Authors: Flores Marcelo Costa , Figueiredo Kátia Cecília de Souza
Published: December 2020

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)‐containing polysulfone (PSf) mixed matrix membranes (MMM) are prepared using phase inversion by immersion precipitation. MWCNT are functionalized with oxygen groups to allow the dispersion of the filler in the polymer solution. Membranes with 0, 1, 3 and 5% w/w MWCNTs in PSf are prepared. The addition of the filler changed the permeability of pure PSf. The best results are found for the 1 wt% membrane, with increase in CO2 permeability of 660% and ideal selectivity CO2/N2 of 547%. The MMM also exhibited good thermal stability for gas separation. DSC and SEM results revealed that the addition of 1wt% of the filler caused changes in chain arrangements and membrane morphology.
Development and Characterization of Pequi Oil (Caryocar coriaceum wittm.) Microparticles by Vibration Nozzle Encapsulation
Authors: Castelo Rachel Menezes , da Silva Luana Carvalho , Sousa Juliana Rabelo , Magalhães Hilton César Rodrigues , Furtado Roselayne Ferro
Published: December 2020

Pequi oil has a high content of bioactive compounds identified in its composition, which gives it excellent potential for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Oil microencapsulation offers favorable conditions for storage and controlled release in order to maintain its functional characteristics for a longer time. In this study, vibration nozzle microencapsulation technology is applied to the production of pequi oil microparticles using sodium alginate. After encapsulation, the electrolytic complexation of the particles with chitosan is performed. The influence of frequencies (1500, 1800, 2000, 2500 Hz) on particle size and morphology is evaluated using the 120 µm nozzle. The microparticles formed at 1800 and 2000 Hz presented smaller size and greater sphericity, respectively. The formation of the electrolytic complex from alginate and chitosan is confirmed by FTIR analysis. Frequency adjustment is important for obtaining spherical and homogeneous particles. The encapsulation efficiency of pequi oil in alginate‐chitosan matrix is 96.17%. Electrolytic complexation of the alginate particles with chitosan can improve the reinforcement of the matrix and favor future application in the industry.
Synthesis of Porous Polymeric Supports with PolyHIPE Structures Based on Styrene‐Divinylbenzene Copolymers
Authors: Torquato Ezaine C. C. , Brito Ana P. N. , Trovão Roberta S. , Oliveira Mirian A. , Smith Nathália S. , Pinto Martina C. C. , Pinto José Carlos , Cipolatti Eliane P. , Freire Denise M. G. , Marques Mônica R. C. , Costa Luciana C.
Published: December 2020

High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) can be applied as templates for synthesis of porous polymers, which can be used in several industrial areas as catalyst supports and column fillers. For this reason, the present work evaluated the use of HIPEs for synthesis of porous poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) (P[S‐co‐DVB]) particles through suspension polymerizations. Firstly, the effects of HIPE preparation conditions (surfactant concentration, stirring speed and the duration of the stirring step) on the properties of the obtained particles are investigated. As observed experimentally, the increase of the stirring speed, of the duration of the stirring step and of the surfactant concentration led to reduction of primary cavity dimensions and to higher number of interconnecting pores. Then, the effects of reaction parameters (DVB content, presence of a porogenic agent and the holdup of the organic phase) on the properties of obtained particles are also evaluated. It is observed that the addition of heptane as porogenic agent and the increase of the organic holdup led to increase of the specific area and porosity of the produced spherical polyHIPEs beads, which can exhibit specific area of 33 m².g−1, specific volume of pores of 0.25 cm³.g−1 and large pore diameters (ranging from 100–1100 Å). Thus, it is shown that the proposed technique can be used for manufacturing of new supports for enzyme immobilization.
Evaluation of Wet Bacterial Cellulose Degradation in Different Environmental Conditions
Authors: Camargo Michely Sayumi Alves , Cercal Ana Paula , Silveira Victoria Fonseca , Mancinelli Ketlin Critine Batista , Gern Regina Maria Miranda , Garcia Michele Cristina Formolo , Apati Giannini Pasiznick , dos Santos Schneider Andrea Lima , Pezzin Ana Paula Testa
Published: December 2020

The pollution caused by polymer waste is becoming a serious problem, because many petrochemical polymers persist in the environment and pollute it. In contrast to non‐degradable polymers, natural polymers derived from renewable sources are environment‐friendly and sustainable. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an abundant and reproducible biopolymer that is biocompatible and biodegradable and has a wide range of applications in different industrial segments. In order to evaluate the degradation behavior of BC, wet membranes are exposed to different environmental conditions. BC membranes are synthesized by Komagataeibacter hansenii and purified in NaOH solution. The degradation of the membranes are evaluated at different times in soil (SO), estuarine environment (EE), natural weathering (NW), and accelerated aging chamber (AAC). The samples are examined by visual analysis (VA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR/ATR) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. In general, in the soil and estuary environment, degradation is more intense, facilitating the presence of microorganisms in the media that promote microbial attack. The TGA and FTIR analyses, together with a VA, allowed the kinetics of membrane degradation to occur in the following order: SO > EE > NW > AAC.
Discriminating Dietary Responses by Combining Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Data in Nutrition Intervention Studies
Authors: Burton‐Pimentel Kathryn J , Pimentel Grégory , Hughes Maria , Michielsen Charlotte CJR , Fatima Attia , Vionnet Nathalie , Afman Lydia A , Roche Helen M , Brennan Lorraine , Ibberson Mark , Vergères Guy
Published: December 2020

Scope

Combining different “omics” data types in a single, integrated analysis may better characterize the effects of diet on human health.

Methods and results

The performance of two data integration tools, similarity network fusion tool (SNFtool) and Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker discovery using Latent variable approaches for “Omics” (DIABLO; MixOmics), in discriminating responses to diet and metabolic phenotypes is investigated by combining transcriptomics and metabolomics datasets from three human intervention studies: a postprandial crossover study testing dairy foods (n = 7; study 1), a postprandial challenge study comparing obese and non‐obese subjects (n = 13; study 2); and an 8‐week parallel intervention study that assessed three diets with variable lipid content on fasting parameters (n = 39; study 3). In study 1, combining datasets using SNF or DIABLO significantly improve sample classification. For studies 2 and 3, the value of SNF integration depends on the dietary groups being compared, while DIABLO discriminates samples well but does not perform better than transcriptomic data alone.

Conclusion

The integration of associated “omics” datasets can help clarify the subtle signals observed in nutritional interventions. The performance of each integration tool is differently influenced by study design, size of the datasets, and sample size.
Vitamin D Rescues Pancreatic β Cell Dysfunction due to Iron Overload via Elevation of the Vitamin D Receptor and Maintenance of Ca2+ Homeostasis
Authors: Lee Yoo Jeong , Kim Gyu Hee , Park Sang Ick , Lim Joo Hyun
Published: December 2020

Scope

Accumulating evidence indicates that micronutrients are related to metabolic diseases. However, comparatively less attention has been devoted to their influence on each other during the development of metabolic diseases. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, the effects of iron and vitamin D on pancreatic β cell functions are examined.

Methods and results

Iron overload is induced in INS‐1 rat insulinoma pancreatic β cells and it is found that iron overload dramatically reduce expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Iron overload‐induced β cell dysfunction is rescued by 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) cotreatment via restoration of VDR level and the consequent maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis. Iron accumulation is also observed in the islets of 22‐month‐old C57BL/6 mice fed with a chow diet (1000 IU vitamin D3 per kg). In contrast, islet iron accumulation and hyperinsulinemia are ameliorated in mice fed with a vitamin D3‐supplemented diet (20 000 IU kg−1).

Conclusion

The authors show that functional failure of β cells due to iron accumulation is rescued by 1,25(OH)2D3, and iron overload significantly reduces VDR levels in β cells. These results suggest that iron and vitamin D inversely influence pancreatic β cell function.
Three‐dimensional static and dynamic parallel transmission of the human heart at 7 T
Authors: Aigner Christoph Stefan , Dietrich Sebastian , Schmitter Sebastian
Published: December 2020

Three‐dimensional (3D) human heart imaging at ultra‐high fields is highly challenging due to respiratory and cardiac motion‐induced artifacts as well as spatially heterogeneous
profiles. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of applying 3D flip angle (FA) homogenization targeting the whole heart via static phase‐only and dynamic kT‐point in vivo parallel transmission at 7 T. 3D
maps of the thorax were acquired under free breathing in eight subjects to compute parallel transmission pulses that improve excitation homogeneity in the human heart. To analyze the number of kT‐points required, excitation homogeneity and radiofrequency (RF) power were compared using different regions of interest in six subjects with different body mass index (BMI) values of 20‐34 kg/m2 for a wide range of regularization parameters. One subset of the optimized subject‐specific pulses was applied in vivo on a 7 T scanner for six subjects in Cartesian 3D breath‐hold scans as well as in two subjects in a radial phase‐encoded 3D free‐breathing scan. Across all subjects, 3‐4 kT‐points achieved a good tradeoff between RF power and nominal FA homogeneity. For subjects with a BMI in the normal range, the 4 kT‐point pulses reliably improved the coefficient of variation by less than 10% compared with less than 25% achieved by static phase‐only parallel transmission. in vivo measurements on a 7 T scanner validated the
estimations and the pulse design, despite neglecting ΔB0 in the optimizations and Bloch simulations. This study demonstrates in vivo that kT‐point pTx pulses are highly suitable for mitigating nominal FA heterogeneities across the entire 3D heart volume at 7 T. Furthermore, 3‐4 kT‐points demonstrate a practical tradeoff between nominal FA heterogeneity mitigation and RF power.
UiO‐66 and hcp UiO‐66 Catalysts Synthesized from Ionic Liquids as Linker Precursors
Authors: Ermer Matthias , Mehler Julian , Rosenberger Björn , Fischer Marcus , Schulz Peter S. , Hartmann Martin
Published: December 2020

Using ionic liquids (ILs) as linker precursors, the well‐known metal‐organic framework (MOF) UiO‐66 (Universitetet i Oslo) and the recently reported MOF hcp UiO‐66 (hexagonal closed packed) have been successfully synthesized and characterized. The advantage of the applied novel synthesis approach is an economically and environmentally benign work‐up procedure, due to the better solubility of the IL. Additionally, the reactivity of the terephthalate anions is increased compared to terephthalic acid, resulting in faster MOF formation with an increased amount of defects in the MOF structure. In order to explore to the influence of defects on the catalytic performance, the cyclisation of citronellal to isopulegol was employed as test reaction. The activity of hcp UiO‐66 and fcc UiO‐66 (face centered cubic) is improved compared to other MOF or zeolite based catalysts, while the selectivity is similar.
Registration of ‘CP 10‐1716’ sugarcane
Authors: Gordon Vanessa S. , Islam M. Sariful , McCord Per H. , Sandhu Hardev S. , Zhao Duli , Davidson R. Wayne , Sood Sushma G. , Comstock Jack C. , Singh Maninder P. , Baltazar Miguel
Published: December 2020

‘CP 10‐1716’ (Reg. no. CV‐195, PI 691536) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was released (7 June 2018) through cooperative research by the USDA–ARS Sugarcane Field Station at Canal Point, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc. CP 10‐1716 is recommended for use on mineral (sand) soils in Florida. CP 10‐1716 resulted from polycross X07‐1257 (CP 00‐2180 × Mix07Q; male parent is unknown). Replicated trials at four sand soil locations, with yield data from 12 harvests and three crop cycles (i.e., plant cane, first ratoon, and second ratoon) showed that CP 10‐1716 had cane and sugar yields, and profitability (economic index, US$ ha−1), that were similar to check cultivars (‘CL 88‐4730’ and ‘CP 96‐1252’). Commercial recoverable sucrose (CRS) in CP 10‐1716 was significantly lower than the check averages, but the early CRS was not significantly different from the mean of the checks. The economic index for CP 10‐1716 vs. the mean of the checks was $2490 vs. $2445 ha−1, respectively, with CP 10‐1716 showing no significant difference from the mean of the checks. CP 10‐1716 was rated as moderately resistant to ratoon stunt disease and resistant to brown and orange rust, mosaic, smut, leaf scald, and yellow leaf disease on sand soils. CP 10‐1716 is positive for the Bru1 molecular marker that is one of the indicators for brown rust resistance. CP 10‐1716 has low to moderate freeze tolerance as it relates to sucrose degradation.
Astragalus species: Insights on its chemical composition toward pharmacological applications
Authors: Salehi Bahare , Carneiro Joara Nályda Pereira , Rocha Janaína Esmeraldo , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Morais Braga Maria Flaviana Bezerra , Sharifi‐Rad Javad , Semwal Prabhakar , Painuli Sakshi , Moujir Laila Moujir , de Zarate Machado Victoria , Janakiram Shriyaa , Anil Kumar Nanjangud Venkatesh , Martorell Miquel , Cruz‐Martins Natalia , El Beyrouthy Marc , Sadaka Carmen
Published: December 2020

Astragalus L. is widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. The genus is widely used in folk medicine and in dietary supplements, as well as in cosmetics, teas, coffee, vegetable gums, and as forage for animals. The major phytoconstituents of Astragalus species with beneficial properties are saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Astragalus extracts and their isolated components exhibited promising in vitro and in vivo biological activities, including antiaging, antiinfective, cytoprotective, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antidiabesity, and immune‐enhancing properties. Considering their proven therapeutic potential, the aim of this work is to give a comprehensive summary of the Astragalus spp. and their active components, in an attempt to provide new insight for further clinical development of these xenobiotics. This is the first review that briefly describes their ethnopharmacology, composition, biological, and toxicological properties.
High‐Throughput Optimization of Recombinant Protein Production in Microfluidic Gel Beads
Authors: Napiorkowska Marta , Pestalozzi Luzius , Panke Sven , Held Martin , Schmitt Steven
Published: December 2020

Efficient production hosts are a key requirement for bringing biopharmaceutical and biotechnological innovations to the market. In this work, a truly universal high‐throughput platform for optimization of microbial protein production is described. Using droplet microfluidics, large genetic libraries of strains are encapsulated into biocompatible gel beads that are engineered to selectively retain any protein of interest. Bead‐retained products are then fluorescently labeled and strains with superior production titers are isolated using flow cytometry. The broad applicability of the platform is demonstrated by successfully culturing several industrially relevant bacterial and yeast strains and detecting peptides or proteins of interest that are secreted or released from the cell via autolysis. Lastly, the platform is applied to optimize cutinase secretion in Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris) and a strain with 5.7‐fold improvement is isolated. The platform permits the analysis of >106 genotypes per day and is readily applicable to any protein that can be equipped with a His6‐tag. It is envisioned that the platform will be useful for large screening campaigns that aim to identify improved hosts for large‐scale production of biotechnologically relevant proteins, thereby accelerating the costly and time‐consuming process of strain engineering.
Utilization of Raman spectroscopy to identify breast cancer from the water content in surgical samples containing blue dye
Authors: Hubbard Thomas J. E. , Dudgeon Alexander P. , Ferguson Douglas J. , Shore Angela C. , Stone Nicholas
Published: December 2020

Breast conserving surgery (BCS) for breast cancer aims for optimal oncological results with minimal tissue excision. Positive margins due to insufficient resection results in significant numbers of patients requiring re‐excision, which could be resolved with intra‐operative margin analysis (IMA). High wavenumber (HWN) Raman Spectroscopy (RS) examines the difference in protein/lipid environment and water content in tissues. Fluorescence from haemoglobin and blue dye surgical pigments (commonly present in excised breast tissue) can confound HWN RS. We present a Raman system with 785 nm excitation laser and indium gallium arsenide camera capable of quantifying changes in water content in different environments (protein‐rich and lipid‐rich) by measuring the water/total area ratio (W/TAR) of the HWN spectrum. We demonstrate that haemoglobin and blue dye do not adversely affect water content analysis by the W/TAR calculation. Measurement of paired tumour/non‐tumour human breast tissue specimens showed the biochemical differences between tissues, and spectral analysis with W/TAR demonstrated large differences in water content and that our Raman system can accurately differentiate between tumour and non‐tumour tissue, even in the presence of surgical pigments. This provides proof of principle that this Raman system is suitable for further investigation with a view to providing IMA in the clinical environment.

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Effects of predeparture and postarrival cross‐cultural trainings on expatriates adjustment: A study of Chinese expatriates in Nigeria
Authors: Okpara John O. , Kabongo Jean D. , Lau Wai Kwan (Elaine)
Published: December 2020

The increase in economic globalization has created a need for multinational corporations to use expatriates to manage their foreign subsidiaries. Expatriate employees face many challenges that they can meet successfully only if they are well prepared through sound cross‐cultural training. In this exploratory study, we investigated the effects of cross‐cultural training on Chinese expatriates in Nigeria. We mainly focused on the relationship between predeparture and postarrival cross‐cultural training. In this study, we surveyed 198 Chinese expatriates in Nigeria and found that both predeparture and postarrival training have significant and positive influences on Chinese expatriates' adjustment. Additionally, our results demonstrated that language training and previous overseas experience also have positive effects on Chinese expatriates' adjustment in Nigeria. The implications of these findings are also discussed.
Aerodynamics of an airfoil with leading‐edge icing
Authors: Vinnes Magnus K. , Hearst R. Jason
Published: December 2020

The flow over the leading edge of an NREL S826 reference airfoil with three different icing‐inspired leading‐edge contamination geometries has been assessed experimentally. Particle image velocimetry was performed on the leading edge of the airfoil for a range of angles‐of‐attack between −4° and 16°. This work primarily focuses on the flow physics at Reynolds numbers (Rec = 455 000) within the Reynolds number independent regime of the airfoil. The present work illuminates our understanding of the flow phenomena as well as provides a validation dataset for future numerical work. From the acquired data, the mean velocity, turbulent kinetic energy and mean vorticity have been estimated. The results show how the different contamination geometries affect the point of separation. It is also shown that the intermittency of the flow behind horn‐shaped contamination is dependent on the angle‐of‐attack, even at angles above stall. Proper orthogonal decomposition was performed on the velocity fields to identify whether reduced order modelling is an appropriate tool for rapid estimation of these flows. It was found that a limited number of modes carried a large fraction of the fluctuating energy, demonstrating that reduced order modelling is feasible.
The “Bestsellers” of al-Andalus
Authors: Fierro Maribel
Published: December 2020

There is almost no library holding Arabic manuscripts that does not include copies of some works written by Andalusi scholars, such as al-Shāṭibı̄’s (d. 590/1194) poem on Qur’ānic readings and Ibn Mālik al-Jayyānı̄’s (d. 672/1274) poem on grammar. The popularity of these and other works—related in some cases to their didacticism and in others to their encyclopaedic character—can now be ascertained thanks to the database Historia de los Autores y Transmisores Andalusíes. But why did they become so popular given that similar works produced outside al-Andalus also enjoyed circulation in the Islamic world? Are these works today those that enjoy greater popularity from among the Andalusi production? This chapter aims to provide answers to these and other questions.
Kritische Betrachtung des Referentenentwurfs zum Erneuerbaren-Energien-Gesetz 2021 im Hinblick auf die Stromerzeugung
aus Photovoltaik
Authors: Flecken Jan
Published: December 2020

Aufgrund der rasch wechselnden Entwicklungen in der Energiebranche müssen die entsprechenden
Rahmenbedingungen im EEG sowie im übrigen Recht regelmäßig justiert werden. Deshalb hat
das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie am 14. September 2020 den Gesetzesentwurf zur Novellierung
des EEG veröffentlicht und den Ländern und Branchenverbänden zur Konsultation zukommen lassen.
Mit diesem Gesetzesentwurf soll das geltende EEG 2017 durch ein grundlegend novelliertes EEG ersetzt werden.
Die folgende Ausarbeitung beschreibt die wichtigsten Änderungen in Hinblick auf die Stromerzeugung
aus Photovoltaik. Außerdem werden die geplanten Änderungen mit Hilfe von zahlreichen Stellungnahmen
von Branchenvertretern kritisch betrachet und mögliche einheitliche Kritikmuster identifiziert.
Acting Surprised: Comparing Perceptions of Different Dynamic Deliberate Expressions
Authors: Zloteanu Mircea , Krumhuber Eva G. , Richardson Daniel C.
Published: December 2020

People are accurate at classifying emotions from facial expressions but much poorer at determining if such expressions are spontaneously felt or deliberately posed. We explored if the method used by senders to produce an expression influences the decoder’s ability to discriminate authenticity, drawing inspiration from two well-known acting techniques: the Stanislavski (internal) and Mimic method (external). We compared spontaneous surprise expressions in response to a jack-in-the-box (genuine condition), to posed displays of senders who either focused on their past affective state (internal condition) or the outward expression (external condition). Although decoders performed better than chance at discriminating the authenticity of all expressions, their accuracy was lower in classifying external surprise compared to internal surprise. Decoders also found it harder to discriminate external surprise from spontaneous surprise and were less confident in their decisions, perceiving these to be similarly intense but less genuine-looking. The findings suggest that senders are capable of voluntarily producing genuine-looking expressions of emotions with minimal effort, especially by mimicking a genuine expression. Implications for research on emotion recognition are discussed.
Computer Vision Approaches for Segmentation of Nanoscale Precipitates in Nickel-Based Superalloy IN718
Authors: Senanayake Nishan M. , Carter Jennifer L. W.
Published: December 2020

Extracting accurate volume fraction and size measurements ofγ″ andγ′ precipitates in iron-based superalloys from micrographs is challenging and conventionally involves manual image processing due to their smaller size, and similar crystal structures and chemistries. The co-precipitation of composite particles further complicates automated segmentation. In this work, different types of traditional machine learning approaches and a convolutional neural network (CNN) were compared to a non-machine learning approach, for the segmentation of the composite particles ofγ″ andγ′ precipitates. The objective was to optimize metrics of segmentation accuracy and the required computational resources. The data set contains 47 experimentally generated scanning electron micrographs of IN718 alloy samples, computationally increased to 188 images (900 × 900 px). All algorithms are containerized using singularity, publicly available, and can be modified without dependencies. The CNN and the random forest models achieve 95% and 94% accuracy, respectively, on the test images with better computational efficiency than the non-machine learning algorithm. The CNN tested accurately over a range of imaging conditions.
Introducing Language in the Workplace
Authors: Vine Bernadette
Published: December 2020

Assuming no prior linguistics background, this introductory textbook summarises key topics and issues from workplace discourse research in a clear and accessible manner. The topics covered include how people issue directives, use humour and social talk, and how they manage conflict and disagreement. The role of language in the enactment of identity is also explored, in particular leadership, gender, and cultural identity, along with the implications and applications of workplace research for training and communications skills development. Over 160 international examples are provided as illustration, which come from a wide range of workplace settings, countries and languages. The examples focus on authentic spoken discourse, to demonstrate how theory captures the patterns found in everyday interaction. Introducing Language in the Workplace provides an excellent up-to-date resource for linguistics courses as well as other courses that cover workplace discourse, such as business communication or management studies.
Memorials in Times of Transition
Authors: Buckley-Zistel Susanne , Schäfer Stefanie
Published: December 2020

Over the past decades, the practise of and research on transitional justice have expanded to preserving memory in the form of memorials. Memorials often employ a common architectural language and a set of political and ethical claims dictate the effect memory can or should have after large-scale violence: providing public sites of commemoration and mourning, putting past wrongs right, holding perpetrators accountable, vindicating the dignity of victims-survivors and contributing to reconciliation. Yet what are the general roles of memorials in transitions to justice? Who uses or opposes memorials, and to which ends? How – and what – do memorials communicate both explicitly and implicitly to the public? What is their architectural language? Questions such as these have long been pursued within the growing field of memory studies and provide valuable insights for researchers in transitional justice who mostly focus on the role of memorials as a mechanism to further some form of justice after the experience of violence. The goal of this volume is therefore to situate the analysis of transitional justice within memory studies’ broader critical understanding of the socio-political, aesthetic and ethical concerns underlying these memorial projects. It combines the two by providing a transnational selection of single case-studies that emphasise the global dimension of memory culture while couching it in current debates in the field of transitional justice. About the book ‘The collection has been well-selected to bring together a variety of perspectives on memorialisation practices and outcomes. [The] content makes a valuable and overdue contribution, bringing together two fields that have developed in parallel and with a lot to contribute to one another.’ Alison Atkinson-¬‐Phillips in Dialogues on Historical Justice and Memory (2014). ‘Memorials in Times of Transition represents an important and timely contribution to an emerging field of research […] This important volume is a significant step towards understanding the drive towards memorialization in diverse post-conflict contexts, the political impact of memorials and how memorialization intersects with other efforts towards coming to terms with difficult pasts.’ Sara Jones in Testimony (2015)
Evaluation of a home-based 7-day infection control strategy for healthcare workers following high-risk exposure to severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): A cohort study
Authors: Benea Carla , Rendon Laura , Papenburg Jesse , Frenette Charles , Imacoudene Ahmed , McDonald Emily G. , Nguyen Quoc D. , Rajda Ewa , Tran Estelle , Vameghestahbanati Motahareh , Benedetti Andrea , Behr Marcel A. , Smith Benjamin M.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Evidence-based infection control strategies are needed for healthcare workers (HCWs) following high-risk exposure to severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this study, we evaluated the negative predictive value (NPV) of a home-based 7-day infection control strategy.

Methods:

HCWs advised by their infection control or occupational health officer to self-isolate due to a high-risk SARS-CoV-2 exposure were enrolled between May and October 2020. The strategy consisted of symptom-triggered nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing from day 0 to day 7 after exposure and standardized home-based nasopharyngeal swab and saliva testing on day 7. The NPV of this strategy was calculated for (1) clinical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis from day 8–14 after exposure, and for (2) asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 detected by standardized nasopharyngeal swab and saliva specimens collected at days 9, 10, and 14 after exposure. Interim results are reported in the context of a second wave threatening this essential workforce.

Results:

Among 30 HCWs enrolled, the mean age was 31 years (SD, ±9), and 24 (80%) were female. Moreover, 3 were diagnosed with COVID-19 by day 14 after exposure (secondary attack rate, 10.0%), and all cases were detected using the 7-day infection control strategy: the NPV for subsequent clinical COVID-19 or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 detection by day 14 was 100.0% (95% CI, 93.1%–100.0%).

Conclusions:

Among HCWs with high-risk exposure to SARS-CoV-2, a home-based 7-day infection control strategy may have a high NPV for subsequent COVID-19 and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 detection. Ongoing data collection and data sharing are needed to improve the precision of the estimated NPV, and here we report interim results to inform infection control strategies in light of a second wave threatening this essential workforce.
Whither the Global in Chinese Higher Education? The Production of Space in China's “New Era” Universities
Authors: McDougall James I.
Published: December 2020

Since the 1990s, not only have China's universities become more in line with global standards but they now set them in some areas. This paper looks at how the production of space in Chinese higher education is employed in “new era” China to manage contested sites of globalization. From the spatial practice of scholarship to the representational spaces that map the educational bureaucracy, the production of space in Chinese higher education helps to organize social relations. This paper argues that the production of space in Chinese higher education is used to manage conflicts between global flows and localization as well as to serve national priorities. The paper contributes to ongoing discussions of the globalization of higher education and cultural studies of space and spatiality in contemporary China.
New Volcano, Old Caldera
Authors: Tripathy-Lang Alka
Published: December 2020

Researchers suggest a magma chamber sits within an old submarine caldera structure that extends into the mantle. Nearby, a new underwater volcano emerged with a flurry of seismicity.