bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Solidification Conditions on Grain Refinement Capacity of TiC in Directionally Solidified Ti6Al4V Alloy
Authors: Date Naoki , Yamamoto Shunya , Watanabe Yoshimi , Sato Hisashi , Nakano Shizuka , Sato Naoko , Suzuki Shinsuke
Published: June 2021

In this study, the effects of solidification conditions on the grain refinement capacity of heterogeneous nuclei TiC in directionally solidified Ti6Al4V alloy were investigated using experimental and numerical approaches. Ti6Al4V powder with and without TiC particles in a Ti6Al4V sheath was melted and directionally solidified at various solidification rates via the floating zone melting method. In addition, by using the phase field method, the microstructural evolution of directionally solidified Ti6Al4V was simulated by varying the temperature gradient G and solidification rate V. As the solidification rate increased, the increment of the prior β grain number by TiC addition also increased. There are two reasons for this: first, the amount of residual potent heterogeneous nuclei TiC is larger. Second, the amount of TiC particles that can nucleate becomes larger. This is because increasing the constitutional undercooling ΔT
c leads to the activation of a smaller radius of heterogeneous nuclei and a higher nucleation probability from each radius. At a cooling rate R higher than that in the floating zone melting experiment (R = 3 to 1000 K/s), the maximum degree of constitutional undercooling ΔT
c,Max has a peak value, which suggests that constitutional undercooling ΔT
c has a smaller contribution at higher cooling rates, such as those that occur during electron beam melting (EBM), including laser powder bed fusion (LPBF).
Response of density-related fine root production to soil and leaf traits in coniferous and broad-leaved plantations in the semiarid loess hilly region of China
Authors: Sun Meimei , Zhai Bo-Chao , Chen Qiu-Wen , Li Guoqing , Du Sheng
Published: June 2021

Fine roots are the most active and functional component of root systems and play a significant role in the acquisition of soil resources. Density is an important structural factor in forest plantations but information on changes in fine roots along a density gradient is limited. In this study, plantations of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.) with four density classes were analyzed for the influence of soil and leaf traits on fine root growth. Fine root biomass increased with stand density. High fine root biomass was achieved through increases in the fine root production and turnover rate in the high-density black locust plantations and through an increase in fine root production in the pine plantations. In the high-density Chinese pine stand, there was a high fine root turnover which, coupled with high fine root production, contributed to a high fine root biomass. Overall, fine root production and turnover rate were closely related to soil volumetric water content in both kinds of plantations, while fine root biomass, especially the component of necromass, was related to soil nutrient status, which refers to phosphorous content in black locust plantations and nitrogen content in Chinese pine plantations. There was a close linkage between leaf area index and fine root dynamics in the black locust plantations but not in the pine plantations.
Exposures and suspected intoxications during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: preliminary results from an Italian poison control centre
Authors: Crescioli Giada , Lanzi Cecilia , Gambassi Francesco , Ieri Alessandra , Ercolini Anita , Borgioli Giulia , Bettiol Alessandra , Vannacci Alfredo , Mannaioni Guido , Lombardi Niccolò
Published: June 2021

Data on cleaner and disinfectant exposure and misuse-related acute intoxications in Italy during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic are still lacking. The aim of the present study was to analyse and describe cleaner and disinfectant-related intoxications during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in an Italian poison control centre. Data were obtained from the toxicological consultations requested to the Toxicology Unit and Poison Centre, Careggi University Hospital, Florence (Italy). We compared data from January 1st to April 30th of 2019 and 2020. Data concerning probable or acute intoxication from any causative agent in the general population (all age groups), from private individuals or from Regional and National health structures, were included in the analysis. A toxicological evaluation was also performed to calculate the Poisoning Severity Score.

In 2019, 451 phone counselling sessions were performed and compared to a total of 410 calls received during the same period of 2020. In both periods, the majority of events occurred in paediatric (0–17 years) and adult (18–65 years) patients, who were mainly exposed to one toxic agent, and intoxications took place principally at home due to domestic accidents. The oral route of intoxication was the most frequently observed one, followed by inhalation of toxic agents, which increased by 4.7% in 2020. In 2020, sanitizers and cleaners were reported in 21.6% of cases compared to 12.5% in 2019. This is the first study describing cleaner and disinfectant-related intoxications in Italy. Our results suggested a possible misuse of these products during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, underling the effects of home isolation on mental health and unintentional toxic exposures.
Life Cycle Assessment of Total Fatty Acid (TFA) Production from Microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica at Different Sites and Under Different Sustainability Scenarios
Authors: Gaber Kirsten , Rösch Christine , Biondi Natascia
Published: June 2021

The environmental sustainability of the microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica cultivation for total fatty acid (TFA) production was analyzed using life cycle assessment (LCA). Pilot data provided by the plant operator from cultivation in Italy using Green Wall Panel (GWP®) photobioreactors were upscaled to a 20-ha production process, and an LCA was conducted and assessed for the Italian regions of Tuscany and Sicily. Two additional scenarios were modelled to analyze the influence of more sustainable framework conditions, respectively nutrient recycling and renewable energy supply. The results show that environmental impacts per functional unit are around 15% less at the site with optimal growth conditions. Between 60 and 80% of the impacts are due to the energy demand during plant operation, infrastructure, and nutrient demand. Nutrient recycling and the gain of an energy credit from the separated biocrude with the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process reduce the environmental impacts in all six International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) impact categories by an average of 11% compared to a scenario without nutrient recycling. The additional consideration of a renewable energy supply allows for an average reduction of 36% and together with the nutrient recycling of an average of 45% for the global warming potential (GWP) and most of the other impact categories.
The transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap for autologous breast reconstruction: focus on donor site morbidity
Authors: Siegwart Laura C. , Fischer Sebastian , Diehm Yannick F. , Heil Jörg M. , Hirche Christoph , Kneser Ulrich , Kotsougiani-Fischer Dimitra
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The transverse musculocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap is as a valuable alternative in autologous breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the donor site morbidity and secondary refinement procedures after TMG flap breast reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted, including all patients who received TMG flap breast reconstructions, from January 2012 to August 2019. Primary outcomes were surgical site complications of the donor site and secondary refinement procedures carried out for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes for the medial thigh. Secondary outcomes of interest were lipofilling procedures for optimization of the reconstructed breasts.

Results

Ninety-nine patients received 159 TMG flaps for breast reconstruction. Patients’ mean BMI was 23.5 (15.6–32.5) kg/m2. Bilateral breast reconstructions were performed in 60.6%. The mean flap volume was 330 (231–440) g. Surgical site complications occurred in 14.5% of the TMG donor sites and wound dehiscence was the most common complication (9.4%). Lymphedema occurred in 1.8% of the donor thighs. Aesthetic refinement procedures were performed in 25.2% on the donor thigh or contralateral thigh. Secondary lipofilling was performed in 54.1% of the reconstructed breasts and fat was harvested in only 11.9% from the legs.

Conclusion

The TMG flap breast reconstruction combines low donor site morbidity with adequate volume for appealing breast results, particularly in slim-to-normal weight patients. However, patients should be informed about the likelihood of secondary refinement procedures on the donor site and the need of lipofilling to optimize the breast shape and volume.
What Do You Mean by Trust? Establishing Shared Meaning in Interdisciplinary Design for Assistive Technology
Authors: Schwaninger Isabel , Güldenpfennig Florian , Weiss Astrid , Fitzpatrick Geraldine
Published: June 2021

The topic of trust has attracted increasing interest within HRI research, and is particularly relevant in the context of social robots and their assistance of older people at home. To make this abstract concept of trust more tangible for developers of robotic technologies and to connect it with older people’s living spaces and their daily practices, we propose a light-weight method drawing on elicitation cards to be used at early stages of participatory design. The cards were designed to serve as a guide for qualitative interviews at ideation phases. This was accomplished by using the cards connected to the living spaces of the participants, their daily practices, and ‘provocative’ questions to structure conversations. We developed the method with 10 inexperienced interviewers who conducted 10 qualitative interviews on the topic of trust without cards, and who tested the cards with 10 older adults. Our findings indicate that the method served as a powerful facilitator of conversations around the topic of trust and enabled interviewers to engage with everyday practices of older adults; it also facilitated a more active role for older adults during the conversations. As indicators of findings that can come from the cards, salient trust-related themes that emerged from the analysis of card usage were the desire for control, companionship, privacy, understandability, and location-specific requirements with regards to trust.
Characterization and evaluation of the effects of mine discharges on surface water resources for irrigation: a case study of the Enyigba Mining District, Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Obasi P. N. , Eyankware M. O. , Akudinobi B. E. B.
Published: June 2021

Mining activities generate much wastes which degenerate into various geochemical components and affect the natural composition of surface water resources. They cause Acid Mine Drainage (AMDs) and influence the hydrochemical evolution of the hydrogeological systems. This study employed hydrochemical parameters to characterize and evaluate the effects of mine discharges on irrigation surface water in the mining district of Enyigba, SE Nigeria. Twenty-four water samples were collected from surface water sources used for subsistence irrigation farming and analyzed for pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), sodium (Na+), potassium (K), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), bicarbonate (HCO3−), chloride (Cl−) and sulfate (SO42−), while various irrigation parameters including Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (MAR), Sodium Percentage (Na %), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Permeability Index (PI), Total Hardness (TH), Kelly Ratio (KR) and Electrical Conductivity (EC) were deduced. Result indicates hydrogeochemical trend of Cl− > Mg2+ > Ca2+  > SO42− > HCO3− + CO3 > Na+ + K+, while hydrogeochemical facies from Piper Trilinear plot, Durov and Schoeller plots shows that the dominant ionic species are the Mg2+, Cl−, and SO42−. Irrigation parameters such as SSP, MAR, Na %, SAR, PI, KR and EC indicate that majority of water sample are very good to moderately suitable for irrigation. Five samples around Amorie and Ameka are within the hard category for TH, which could be attributed to the high concentration of dissolved magnesium and calcium ion in the area. Apart from mine discharges, rock water interaction also affects the composition of surface water resources of the area.
Expression gradient of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors from proximal to distal segments of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Augusciak-Duma Aleksandra , Stepien Karolina L. , Lesiak Marta , Gutmajster Ewa , Fus-Kujawa Agnieszka , Botor Malwina , Sieron Aleksander L.
Published: June 2021

Abdominal aortic aneurysm refers to abnormal, asymmetric distension of the infrarenal aortic wall due to pathological remodelling of the extracellular matrix. The distribution of enzymes remodelling the extracellular matrix and their expression patterns in the affected tissue are largely unknown. The goal of this work was to investigate the expression profiles of 20 selected genes coding for metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the proximal to the distal direction of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. RNA samples were purified from four lengthwise fragments of aneurysm and border tissue obtained from 29 patients. The quantities of selected mRNAs were determined by real-time PCR to reveal the expression patterns. The genes of interest encode collagenases (MMP1, MMP8, MMP13), gelatinases (MMP2, MMP9), stromelysins (MMP3, MMP7, MMP10, MMP11, MMP12), membrane-type MMPs (MMP14, MMP15, MMP16), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP1, TIMP2, TIMP3, TIMP4), and ADAMTS proteinases (ADAMTS1, ADAMTS8, and ADAMTS13). It was found that MMP, TIMP, and ADAMTS are expressed in all parts of the aneurysm with different patterns. A developed aneurysm has such a disturbed expression of the main participants in extracellular matrix remodelling that it is difficult to infer the causes of the disorder development. MMP12 secreted by macrophages at the onset of inflammation may initiate extracellular matrix remodelling, which, if not controlled, initiates a feedback loop leading to aneurysm formation.
Carbon-Based MOF Derivatives: Emerging Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Agents
Authors: Zhang Xue , Qiao Jing , Jiang Yanyan , Wang Fenglong , Tian Xuelei , Wang Zhou , Wu Lili , Liu Wei , Liu Jiurong
Published: June 2021

To tackle the aggravating electromagnetic wave (EMW) pollution issues, high-efficiency EMW absorption materials are urgently explored. Metal–organic framework (MOF) derivatives have been intensively investigated for EMW absorption due to the distinctive components and structures, which is expected to satisfy diverse application requirements. The extensive developments on MOF derivatives demonstrate its significantly important role in this research area. Particularly, MOF derivatives deliver huge performance superiorities in light weight, broad bandwidth, and robust loss capacity, which are attributed to the outstanding impedance matching, multiple attenuation mechanisms, and destructive interference effect. Herein, we summarized the relevant theories and evaluation methods, and categorized the state-of-the-art research progresses on MOF derivatives in EMW absorption field. In spite of lots of challenges to face, MOF derivatives have illuminated infinite potentials for further development as EMW absorption materials.
Eiphosoma laphygmae, a classical solution for the biocontrol of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda?
Authors: Allen Tabea , Kenis Marc , Norgrove Lindsey
Published: June 2021

The fall armyworm,Spodoptera frugiperda, an American Lepidoptera, is invasive in Africa and Asia and currently one of the most damaging cereal pests in the tropics. The ichneumonid parasitoid,Eiphosoma laphygmae, is a potential classical biological control agent. We assessed existing knowledge on biology, identified natural distributions, collated reported parasitism rates from field studies and determined which other parasitoids co-occurred. We discussed the suitability ofE. laphygmaefor classical biological control as well as identified limitations and knowledge gaps. We conducted a systematic literature review and had 185 hits, retaining 52 papers. Reports on the natural distribution ofE. laphygmaewere restricted to the American tropics, ranging from North-East Mexico to Sao Paulo State, Brazil. There were only two single and unconfirmed records of it on other hosts, suggesting that the parasitoid may be specific toS. frugiperda,but this needs confirmation. In fields whereE. laphygmaeoccurred naturally, it was the second most important contributor to fall armyworm mortality, after the braconidChelonus insularis. On average,E. laphygmaeparasitized 4.5% of fall armyworm in field studies. The highest parasitism rates were from Costa Rica (13%) and Minas Gerais, Brazil (14.5%). However, these parasitism rates are probably largely underestimated because of likely biases in sampling and parasitism rate calculations.Eiphosoma laphygmaeappeared to establish better in more diverse, weedy systems. As African farming systems often have high diversity, this may favour the establishment and parasitism ofE. laphygmaeif eventually introduced as a classical biological control agent.
The assessment of annual rainfall field by applying different interpolation methods in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Ananias Denis Rafael Silveira , Liska Gilberto Rodrigues , Beijo Luiz Alberto , Liska Geraldo José Rodrigues , de Menezes Fortunato Silva
Published: June 2021

An accurate analysis of spatial rainfall distribution is of great importance for managing watershed water resources, in addition to giving support to meteorological studies and agricultural planning. This work compares the performance of two interpolation methods: Inverse distance weighted (IDW) and Kriging, in the analysis of annual rainfall spatial distribution. We use annual rainfall data for the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) from 1961 to 2017. To determine which proportion of the sample results in more accurate rainfall distribution maps, we use a certain amount of points close to the estimated point. We use mean squared error (MSE), coefficient of determination (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE) and modified Willmott's concordance index (md). We conduct random fields simulations study, and the performance of the geostatistics and classic methods for the exposed case was evaluated in terms of precision and accuracy obtained by Monte Carlo simulation to support the results. The results indicate that the co-ordinary Kriging interpolator showed better goodness of fit, assuming altitude as a covariate. We concluded that the geostatistical method of Kriging using nine closer points (50% of nearest neighbors) was the one that better represented annual rainfall spatial distribution in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
Reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic through digital connectivity with customers: the Italian experience
Authors: Bettiol Marco , Capestro Mauro , Di Maria Eleonora , Micelli Stefano
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 has deeply impacted the firm’s competitiveness because of the restrictions that limited the relationships with existing and new customers. The pandemic has pushed firms to rely on digital technologies to redefine business processes as well as customer relationships and marketing strategies. The digital technological portfolio firms may rely on to face the COVID-19 related challenges spanning from the established web-based technologies to the more recent Industry 4.0 tools related to the fourth industrial revolution. In this regard, the paper aims at exploring which digital technologies allowed firms to positively react to the pandemic to overcome their constraints in managing the market relationships. Based on an original qualitative analysis on 26 Italian SMEs carried out during the first Italian lockdown in 2020, the paper identifies three strategies in the use of digital technologies to support customer relationship management and market expansion. It emerges specifically the strategic importance of web-based technologies (videoconferencing, CRM and e-commerce) to support firm competition and performance through customer interactions and digital experience, advancing the literature on firms’ reaction strategies during turbulent and crisis times.
Is Female Wellness Affected When Men Blame Them for Erectile Dysfunction?
Authors: Dubin Justin M. , Wyant W. Austin , Balaji Navin C. , Efimenko Iakov V. , Rainer Quinn C. , Mora Belen , Paz Lisa , Winter Ashley G. , Ramasamy Ranjith
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Several studies have investigated the association between erectile dysfunction (ED), its treatment, and female sexual dysfunction, but the impact of males blaming their female partners for their ED remains unknown.

Aims

To investigate whether women who are blamed by their male partners for their ED experience worse overall sexual function and satisfaction.

Methods

We performed a global, cross-sectional web-based survey to investigate female perceptions of ED. We distributed the 30-item survey via email, Reddit, Amazon Mechanical Turk, and Facebook. Women 18 years of age or older were eligible to participate and answered questions based on a 5-point Likert scale. Women were grouped by ages 18-29, 30-39, and 40 and older.

Main Outcome Measures

The survey collected data that included general demographics and questions regarding experiencing male blame for ED and its relationship with each subject's sexual health and wellness.

Results

A total of 13,617 females participated in the survey. Of the women surveyed, 79% have experienced their partner losing their erection during sexual activity and approximately 1 out of 7 women (14.7%) had experienced being blamed by their partner for loss of their erection. Women who were blamed for their partner's ED were more likely to end the sexual encounter, were less sexually satisfied, and were more likely to end relationships due to their partner's ED.

Conclusion

Approximately 1 out of 7 women have experienced male blame for their partner's ED which is associated with negative impacts on female mental health, sexual satisfaction and the success of the overall partnership. Because of its widespread impact on female wellness, male blame should be considered during evaluation of female sexual history and men must be educated on the significant impact their reactions during intimacy have on their female partners and their relationships as a whole.
Consensus clinical approach for a newly diagnosed systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis among members of the pediatric rheumatology Arab group
Authors: Alkwai Hend M. , Mirza Aisha , Abdwani Reem , Asiri Abdulrahman , Bakry Reima , Alenazi Abdullatif , Khawaja Khulood , Lotfy Hala , Almutairi Muna , Muzaffer Mohammed , Al-Suwairi Wafaa , Alzyoud Raed , Al-Mayouf Sulaiman M.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is a diagnosis of exclusion. The complex nature and clinical variety of the disease, as well as the vast clinical variation of disease presentation, may lead to difficulties in disease detection and subsequent delays in treatment.

Aim:

To provide a consensus guidance on the management of newly diagnosed sJIA patients among pediatric rheumatologists in Arab countries.

Methods:

This work was conducted in two phases. The first phase utilized an electronic survey sent through an email invitation to all pediatric rheumatologists in Arab countries. In the second phase, a Task Force of ten expert pediatric rheumatologists from Arab countries met through a series of virtual meetings. Results obtained in phase one were prioritized using a nominal group and Delphi-like techniques in phase two.

Results:

Seven overarching principles and a set of recommendations were approved by the Task Force to form the final consensus.

Conclusion:

This is the first consensus on a clinical approach for pediatric rheumatic diseases among Arab pediatric rheumatologists. It is presented as a guidance on the clinical approach to sJIA that requires further evidence, and future updates are anticipated.
Arctic Cyclones and Their Interactions With the Declining Sea Ice: A Recent Climatology
Authors: Valkonen E. , Cassano J. , Cassano E.
Published: June 2021

In this study, we applied a cyclone tracking algorithm to multiple reanalyses and categorized the detected cyclones based on season, intensity, and sea ice state to provide an Arctic cyclone climatology with emphasis on cyclone‐sea ice interactions over the Arctic Ocean and adjacent waters. Our study period is from 1979 to 2015 and the reanalyses we are using are ERA‐Interim, ERA5, and CFSR. As for our intensity variable, we use Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE), which has commonly been used as an intensity metric in the tropics but has not been utilized for high latitudes before. ACE has the advantage that it relates the cyclone intensity to the kinetic energy of the cyclone and therefore better represents the cyclone impact/interaction with the surface. We performed comparisons with the other more commonly used intensity metrics to assess the use of the ACE metric in the Arctic. Our main findings include increased cyclone counts with higher trends toward the end of the study period. Cold season cyclone counts were also found to be related to decreased sea ice concentration throughout the year. We also show that there is a relationship between the cyclone intensity measured by ACE and the surface state. Less sea ice was shown to be related to higher cyclone intensities. Comparisons between the the three reanalysis data sets are also presented.
Seismic Discontinuities Across the North American Caribbean Plate Boundary From S‐to‐P Receiver Functions
Authors: Possee Daniel , Rychert Catherine , Harmon Nicholas , Keir Derek
Published: June 2021

The evolution of the Caribbean plate has resulted in the formation of volcanic arcs, the Caribbean Large Igneous Province (CLIP) and micro‐plates across the plate boundary zones. The northern plate boundary with the North American plate has been particularly segmented with the transition from oblique subduction to oblique collision moving from east to west. However, there are few constraints on the seismic structure of the upper mantle across the plate boundary. Here we use S‐to‐P receiver functions to map seismic velocity discontinuities across the plate boundary, placing constraints on crustal and lithospheric thicknesses, as well as the structures associated with subduction and collision. We image a velocity increase with depth, consistently seen at 28–34 ± 4 km along the plate boundary, which corresponds to the Moho. A second strong velocity increase with depth is observed at depths of 64–66 ± 5 km, which is related to the presence of subducting slabs and anisotropic effects. We image a velocity decrease with depth at 95–135 ± 7 km, which reflects a lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary that varies in depth across the plate boundary. The deepest negative discontinuity spatially maps to the CLIP. We suggest that a deep melting depth at 135 km, associated with an elevated potential mantle temperature of 1585 ± 20°C during CLIP formation, caused a depleted and dehydrated root to the base of melting, thus thickening the lithosphere.
Neutral Wind Profiles During Periods of Eastward and Westward Equatorial Electrojet
Authors: Yamazaki Y. , Harding B. J. , Stolle C. , Matzka J.
Published: June 2021

The equatorial electrojet (EEJ) is a band of zonal electric current flowing along the magnetic equator in the dayside E‐region ionosphere. The direction of the EEJ is often eastward but sometimes westward. The mechanism for generating westward EEJ is not fully understood. This study examines the relationship between the eastward/westward EEJ and equatorial neutral winds using simultaneous observations of the EEJ from the European Space Agency's Swarm satellite mission and thermospheric winds from the Michelson Interferometer for Global High‐resolution Thermospheric Imaging on NASA's Ionospheric Connection Explorer mission during December 2019–January 2021. Significant differences are found in the average zonal wind profiles between times of eastward and westward EEJ. The EEJ intensity correlates negatively (R = −0.54) and positively (R = 0.58) with the eastward wind velocities at ∼110 and ∼140 km, respectively. The results suggest that the modulation of the zonal electric field by the equatorial zonal wind plays a role in producing the westward EEJ.
Enantioselective decarboxylative protonation and deuteration of β-ketocarboxylic acids
Authors: Mizutani Haruna , Kawanishi Ryouta , Shibatomi Kazutaka
Published: June 2021

Highly enantioselective decarboxylative protonation and duteriation of β-keto acids are achieved.
Properties of diamane anchored with different groups
Authors: Ge Liangbing , Liu Huan , Wang Jianling , Huang Haoliang , Cui ZhangZhang , Huang Qiuping , Fu Zhengping , Lu Yalin
Published: June 2021

Diamanes anchored with different anion groups have been systematically studied with density functional theory.
Nonmetal-doping of noble metal-based catalysts for electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Zhao , Lu Xinhua , Teng Jingrui , Zhou Yingmei , Zhuang Wenchang
Published: June 2021

The recent progress in nonmetal doped noble metal-based catalysts for advanced electrocatalysis is summarized.
Technology‐driven 5G enabled e‐healthcare system during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Alshammari Nasser , Sarker Md Nazirul Islam , Kamruzzaman M.M. , Alruwaili Madallah , Alanazi Saad Awadh , Raihan Md Lamiur , AlQahtani Salman Ali
Published: June 2021

Technology‐driven control measures could be an important tool to control the COVID‐19 pandemic crisis. This study evaluates the potentiality of emerging technologies such as 5G and 6G communication, Deep Learning (DL), big data, Internet of Things (IoT) etc. for controlling the COVID‐19 transmission and ensuring health safety. The healthcare sector is able to provide a unified, rapid, and incessant service to people by applying modern wireless connectivity tools like 5G or 6G during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study has identified eight key areas of applications for the COVID‐19 management like infection detection; travel history analysis; identification of infection symptoms; early detection; transmission identification; access to information in lockdown; movement of people; and development of medical treatments and vaccines. Data have been collected from the respondents living in Sakaka city, KSA during pandemic. This study reveals that most people receive information from social networking sites, health professionals, and television without facing any challenges. The analysis shows that, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, about 42% of respondents felt tense always or most of the time in a day. Only 28.6% of respondents felt tense sometimes, whereas the remainder (about 30%) did not feel tense in relation to the COVID‐19 crisis. Satisfaction with COVID‐19‐related information is also positively correlated with COVID‐19‐related information literacy (r = 0.53, p < 0.01) that is also positively correlated with depression or emotion, anxiety, and stress (r = ‐0.15, p < 0.05). The long‐term pandemic is creating several psychological symptoms including anxiety, stress, and depression, irrespective of age.
MicroRNA as Biomarkers for Platelet Function and Maturity in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Pedersen Oliver Buchhave , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Kristensen Steen Dalby , Nissen Peter H. , Hvas Anne-Mette
Published: June 2021

Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are at increased risk of suffering myocardial infarction. Platelets are key players in thrombus formation and, therefore, antiplatelet therapy is crucial in the treatment and prevention of CVD. MicroRNAs (miRs) may hold the potential as biomarkers for platelet function and maturity. This systematic review was conducted using the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). To identify studies investigating the association between miRs and platelet function and maturity in patients with CVD, PubMed and Embase were searched on October 13 and December 13, 2020 without time boundaries. Risk of bias was evaluated using a standardized quality assessment tool. Of the 16 included studies, 6 studies were rated “good” and 10 studies were rated “fair.” In total, 45 miRs correlated significantly with platelet function or maturity (rho ranging from –0.68 to 0.38, all p < 0.05) or differed significantly between patients with high platelet reactivity and patients with low platelet reactivity (p-values ranging from 0.0001 to 0.05). Only four miRs were investigated in more than two studies, namely miR-223, miR-126, miR-21 and miR-150. Only one study reported on the association between miRs and platelet maturity. In conclusion, a total of 45 miRs were associated with platelet function or maturity in patients with CVD, with miR-223 and miR-126 being the most frequently investigated. However, the majority of the miRs were only investigated in one study. More data are needed on the potential use of miRs as biomarkers for platelet function and maturity in CVD patients.
Acetylene derivatives of quinones and their transformation products: synthesis, reactivity and applied aspects
Authors: Vasilevsky S. F. , Stepanov A. A.
Published: June 2021

The review summarizes the data on the methods of synthesis, reactivity and practical applications of acetylene derivatives of quinones and their transformation products published for the last 15 years. The specificity of alkynylquinones associated with the activation of the triple bond by the quinoid moiety is addressed. The triple bond activation is responsible for high reactivity of these compounds, which makes it possible to design and perform complex cascade transformations, providing a rational route to multipurpose products. The general patterns and specific features of the reactivity of this class of compounds are systematically reviewed. Particular attention is given to fundamentally important redox processes and new heterocyclization reactions. The mechanisms of these transformations are considered. The prospects of the practical application of alkynylquinones and their transformation products in optics, electronics, medicinal chemistry and other areas of human activity are discussed.
 The bibliography includes 141 references.
MIC-100, a new system for high-throughput phenotyping of instantaneous leaf photosynthetic rate in the field
Authors: Tanaka Yu , Taniyoshi Kazuki , Imamura Ayumu , Mukai Ryo , Sukemura Shun , Sakoda Kazuma , Adachi Shunsuke
Published: June 2021

Photosynthesis occurs mainly in plant leaves and is a fundamental process in the global carbon cycle and in crop production. The exploitation of natural genetic variation in leaf photosynthetic capacity is a promising strategy to meet the increasing demand for crops. The present study reports the newly developed photosynthesis measurement system ‘MIC-100,’ with a higher throughput for measuring instantaneous photosynthetic rate in the field. MIC-100 is established based on the closed system and directly detects the CO2 absorption in the leaf chamber. The reproducibility, accuracy, and measurement throughput of MIC-100 were tested using soybean (Glycine max L. (Merr.)) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown under field conditions. In most cases, the coefficient of variance (CV) for repeated-measurements of the same leaf was less than 0.1. The photosynthetic rates measured with the MIC-100 model showed a significant correlation (R2 = 0.93–0.95) with rates measured by a widely used gas-exchange system. The measurement throughput of the MIC-100 is significantly greater than that of conventional open gas-exchange systems under field conditions. Although MIC-100 solely detects the instantaneous photosynthetic rate under a given environment, this study demonstrated that the MIC-100 enables the rough evaluation of leaf photosynthesis within the large-scale plant populations grown in the field.
Diplodia seriata (grapevine trunk disease).
Authors: Reeder Robert
Published: June 2021

Diplodia seriata is a cosmopolitan and plurivorous fungal species occurring on woody hosts belonging to many plant genera and families (Punithalingam and Waller, 1973; Phillips et al., 2007; Slippers et al., 2007). The fungus is encountered in many habitats, but has a primarily temperate distribution and is present on most continents. D. seriata causes canker, dieback, fruit rot and leaf spot diseases on economically important forest and horticultural species (Farr and Rossman, 2020). Reports of the virulence of this pathogen vary depending upon the crop, varieties and hosts involved and it is often regarded as a stress-related pathogen taking advantage of weak or stressed plants. In common with other members of the Botryosphaeriaceae, D. seriata is capable of living endophytically inside plants (Crous et al., 2006; Slippers and Wingfield, 2007) and latent infections of fruits can result in storage rots. The pathogen is dispersed through both pycnidia and ascospores with conidia regarded as the most important inoculum source for short-distance spread. Infection is through wounds, natural openings, or direct penetration of the host tissue. There is no evidence that this species is seedborne although some members of the Botryosphaeriaceae have been shown to be present in seeds (Gure et al., 2005). The extensive host range of this species means that it is more likely to become established in new areas, as establishment will not depend on the presence of specific hosts. The widespread distribution of this species is presumably as a result of the word-wide movement agricultural, forestry and ornamental plants.
Pantoea stewartii (bacterial wilt of maize).
Authors:   UK, CABI
Published: June 2021

Economic losses in maize due to P. stewartii subsp. stewartii have been inconsequential in North America for the past 50 years except for a few, small sporadic outbreaks and a few extensive epidemics on susceptible sweetcorn hybrids (Pepper, 1967; Anderson, 1986; Anderson and Buzzell, 1986; Pataky et al., 1996; Pataky et al., 2000b). The lack of economic importance of this disease in North America is due primarily to adequate levels of resistance incorporated into maize hybrids that are grown where the disease occurs. Stewart's wilt caused substantial economic losses in the 1930s before the development of resistant cultivars (Pepper, 1967). Severe losses due to Stewart's wilt were reported in Italy in the 1940s and the disease reoccurred there as an important problem in the 1980s (Anon., 1983; Mazzucchi, 1984).
Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. medicaginis (Fusarium wilt of alfalfa).
Authors: Samac Deborah A.
Published: June 2021

Fusarium oxysporum is a common soil inhabitant around the world. It is regarded as a species complex that includes non-pathogenic, plant pathogenic, and human pathogenic strains. The plant pathogens cause wilt diseases on most crop plants. F. oxysporum f.sp. medicaginis causes a fatal wilt disease on Medicago sativa, M. truncatula, and Vicia sativa. It is found throughout the USA and in Alberta, Canada. The limited reports of Fusarium wilt of alfalfa outside of these areas suggests that the pathogen is native to North America. The pathogen is potentially invasive through movement of infested soil; it is not seedborne. Infected alfalfa plants usually die several months after infection and can lead to significant stand and yield losses. Nearly all modern commercial cultivars are highly resistant or resistant to Fusarium wilt. F. oxysporum f.sp. medicaginis is not on an alert list nor is it a regulated pathogen.
Pre- and postharvest factors affecting quality and safety of Pepper (
Piper nigrum
L.)
Authors: Shango Abdul J. , Mkojera Beatha T. , Majubwa Ramadhani O. , Mamiro Delphina P. , Maerere Amon P.
Published: June 2021

The quality and safety of pepper (
Piper nigrum
L.) are a function of crop management practices, harvest maturity, harvesting methods and subsequent handling after harvest, including storage conditions and processing methods. The review shows that volatile oil decreases with shade intensity (15–30%). Essential oil, oleoresin, piperine and monoterpenes (thujene, α-pinene, sabinene, limonene, α-phellandrene and linalool) increase with altitude, while β-caryophyllene and total phenol decrease with increase in altitude. Fermentation of ripe pepper fruits forms odorants (butanoic acid, 3-methylindole, and 4-methylphenol) attributing intense faecal/shed-like off-flavour white pepper powder. Low-drying temperature (≤56°C) and duration (≤3 hrs) lead to low bulk density (0.17 g/ml) and low moisture loss (31%). Excessive soaking of black peppercorns prior to mechanical decortication reduces volatile oil and increases moisture content and broken berries. Availability of heavy metals in grinding machines increases the level of heavy metals; Fe (69.8–1147 mg/kg), Pb (21.3–947 μg/kg) and V (64.1–1072 μg/kg) in pepper powder. Storing peppercorns along with other materials enhances cross-contamination of heavy metals; Pb, Cd and Cr. High moisture content (>13%) and farmers’ unawareness resulted in high (2200 to >30000 cfu/g) mycotoxins contamination. Environmental and industrial pollutants such as plasticizers, bisphenol A, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides are also pepper contaminants of high merit. Radiofrequency pasteurization, vacuum-assisted steaming, ethylene oxide fumigation, atmospheric pressure plasma, dry heat sterilization, gamma-irradiation and ultraviolet-C light treatments are among strategies to enhance the quality and safety of pepper. More precautions also have to be taken to regulate the shade, drying temperature and duration, soaking duration, hygienic processing and storage in order to retain quality, minimize the risk of microbial or chemical contaminations and comply with standards.
An integrated approach for copy number variation discovery in parent–offspring trios
Authors: Liu Yongzhuang , Wu Xiaoliang , Wang Yadong
Published: June 2021

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of parent–offspring trios has become widely used to identify causal copy number variations (CNVs) in rare and complex diseases. Existing CNV detection approaches usually do not make effective use of Mendelian inheritance in parent–offspring trios and yield low accuracy. In this study, we propose a novel integrated approach, TrioCNV2, for jointly detecting CNVs from WGS data of the parent–offspring trio. TrioCNV2 first makes use of the read depth and discordant read pairs to infer approximate locations of CNVs and then employs the split read and local de novo assembly approaches to refine the breakpoints. We use the real WGS data of two parent–offspring trios to demonstrate TrioCNV2’s performance and compare it with other CNV detection approaches. The software TrioCNV2 is implemented using a combination of Java and R and is freely available from the website at https://github.com/yongzhuang/TrioCNV2.
Defining stage in mucinous tumours of the appendix with peritoneal dissemination: the importance of grading terminology: systematic review
Authors: Martín-Román L , Lozano P , Vásquez W , Palencia N , Gómez Y , Fernández-Aceñero M J , González-Bayón L
Published: June 2021

Background

Mucinous appendiceal neoplasms with peritoneal dissemination (PD) show a wide spectrum of clinical behaviour. Histological grade has been correlated with prognosis, but no universally accepted histological grading has been established. The aim of this systematic review was to provide historical insight to understand current grading classifications, basic histopathological features of each category, and to define which classification correlates best with prognosis.

Methods

MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies that reported survival across different pathological grades in patients with mucinous neoplasm of the appendix with PD treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. PRISMA guidelines were followed.

Results

Thirty-eight studies were included. Ronnett’s classification was the most common (9 studies). Classifications proposed by the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) (6 studies) and the seventh or eighth edition of the AJCC (7 studies) are gaining in popularity. Nine studies supported a two-tier, 12 a three-tier, and two a four-tier classification system. Three studies demonstrated that acellular mucin had a better prognosis than low-grade pseudomyxoma peritonei in the PSOGI classification or M1bG1 in the eighth edition of the AJCC classification. Four studies demonstrated that the presence of signet ring cells was associated with a worse outcome than high-grade pseudomyxoma peritonei in the PSOGI classification and M1bG2 in the eighth edition of the AJCC.

Conclusion

There is a great need for a common language in describing mucinous neoplasms of the appendix with PD. Evolution in terminology as a result of pathological insight turns the four-tiered PSOGI classification system into a coherent classification option.
Obese Individuals Show Disrupted Dynamic Functional Connectivity between Basal Ganglia and Salience Networks
Authors: Tan Zongxin , Li Guanya , Zhang Wenchao , Wang Jia , Hu Yang , Li Hao , Zhang Lei , Lv Shuai , Jia Zhenzhen , Li Xiaohua , Han Yu , Cui Guangbin , Manza Peter , Volkow Nora D , Nie Yongzhan , Ji Gang , Wang Gene-Jack , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2021

Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have showed obesity (OB)-related alterations in intrinsic functional connectivity (FC) within and between different resting-state networks (RSNs). However, few studies have examined dynamic functional connectivity (DFC). Thus, we employed resting-state fMRI with independent component analysis (ICA) and DFC analysis to investigate the alterations in FC within and between RSNs in 56 individuals with OB and 46 normal-weight (NW) controls. ICA identified six RSNs, including basal ganglia (BG), salience network (SN), right executive control network/left executive control network, and anterior default-mode network (aDMN)/posterior default-mode network. The DFC analysis identified four FC states. OB compared with NW had more occurrences and a longer mean dwell time (MDT) in state 2 (positive connectivity of BG with other RSN) and also had higher FC of BG–SN in other states. Body mass index was positively correlated with MDT and FCs of BG–aDMN (state 2) and BG–SN (state 4). DFC analysis within more refined nodes of RSNs showed that OB had more occurrences and a longer MDT in state 1 in which caudate had positive connections with the other network nodes. The findings suggest an association between caudate-related and BG-related positive FC in OB, which was not revealed by traditional FC analysis, highlighting the utility of adding DFC to the more conventional methods.
Critical parameters and procedures for anaerobic cultivation of yeasts in bioreactors and anaerobic chambers
Authors: Mooiman Christiaan , Bouwknegt Jonna , Dekker Wijb J C , Wiersma Sanne J , Ortiz-Merino Raúl A , de Hulster Erik , Pronk Jack T
Published: June 2021

All known facultatively fermentative yeasts require molecular oxygen for growth. Only in a small number of yeast species, these requirements can be circumvented by supplementation of known anaerobic growth factors such as nicotinate, sterols and unsaturated fatty acids. Biosynthetic oxygen requirements of yeasts are typically small and, unless extensive precautions are taken to minimize inadvertent entry of trace amounts of oxygen, easily go unnoticed in small-scale laboratory cultivation systems. This paper discusses critical points in the design of anaerobic yeast cultivation experiments in anaerobic chambers and laboratory bioreactors. Serial transfer or continuous cultivation to dilute growth factors present in anaerobically pre-grown inocula, systematic inclusion of control strains and minimizing the impact of oxygen diffusion through tubing are identified as key elements in experimental design. Basic protocols are presented for anaerobic-chamber and bioreactor experiments.