bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A target enrichment probe set for resolving the flagellate land plant tree of life
Authors: Breinholt Jesse W. , Carey Sarah B. , Tiley George P. , Davis E. Christine , Endara Lorena , McDaniel Stuart F. , Neves Leandro G. , Sessa Emily B. , von Konrat Matt , Chantanaorrapint Sahut , Fawcett Susan , Ickert‐Bond Stefanie M. , Labiak Paulo H. , Larraín Juan , Lehnert Marcus , Lewis Lily R. , Nagalingum Nathalie S. , Patel Nikisha , Rensing Stefan A. , Testo Weston , Vasco Alejandra , Villarreal Juan Carlos , Williams Evelyn Webb , Burleigh J. Gordon
Published: January 2021

PREMISE

New sequencing technologies facilitate the generation of large‐scale molecular data sets for constructing the plant tree of life. We describe a new probe set for target enrichment sequencing to generate nuclear sequence data to build phylogenetic trees with any flagellate land plants, including hornworts, liverworts, mosses, lycophytes, ferns, and all gymnosperms.

METHODS

We leveraged existing transcriptome and genome sequence data to design the GoFlag 451 probes, a set of 56,989 probes for target enrichment sequencing of 451 exons that are found in 248 single‐copy or low‐copy nuclear genes across flagellate plant lineages.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that target enrichment using the GoFlag451 probe set can provide large nuclear data sets that can be used to resolve relationships among both distantly and closely related taxa across the flagellate land plants. We also describe the GoFlag 408 probes, an optimized probe set covering 408 of the 451 exons from the GoFlag 451 probe set that is commercialized by RAPiD Genomics.

CONCLUSIONS

A target enrichment approach using the new probe set provides a relatively low‐cost solution to obtain large‐scale nuclear sequence data for inferring phylogenetic relationships across flagellate land plants.
Curved Perylene Diimides Fused with Seven‐Membered Rings
Authors: Fujimoto Keisuke , Izawa Seiichiro , Takahashi Ayumu , Inuzuka Toshiyasu , Sanada Kazutaka , Sakamoto Masami , Nakayama Yasuo , Hiramoto Masahiro , Takahashi Masaki
Published: January 2021

Curved perylene diimides fused with seven‐membered rings have been synthesized using a regioselective bay‐functionalization method and Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular C−H/C−Br coupling reaction. X‐Ray analysis and temperature‐dependent NMR spectroscopy revealed the curved molecular structure with a certain degree of conformational flexibility. The curved and expanded π‐conjugation altered the electronic properties while retaining the intrinsic properties of the parent perylene diimide. Despite the absence of solubilizing N‐substituents, the curved perylene diimides showed sufficient solubility for application in solution‐processed organic photovoltaic devices. The devices showed superior performance with a power conversion efficiency of up to 2.76% due to suppressed charge recombination. Our detailed investigations suggest that the introduction of a curved structure enables the removal of the bulky N‐substituents, which is an effective way to achieve a thin‐film morphology suitable for photoelectric conversion.
Cyclical inverse interpolation: An approach for the inverse interpolation of black‐box models using tensor product representations
Authors: Csapo Adam B.
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes a novel approach to inverse interpolating black‐box models, referred to as the cyclical inverse interpolation method (CIIM). The approach relies on the use of a multivariate surrogate function, expressed as a tensor product (TP) model, to systematically generate candidate inputs to the given black‐box model with the goal of obtaining interpolated outputs. While the proposed approach is largely agnostic as to the form of this surrogate function, some of its properties, such as the semantics of its input dimensions with respect to the black box model, are constructively defined. The paper demonstrates the viability of the proposed approach both from a theoretical perspective and through numerical examples. Based on these results, it is argued that the approach can be used for the exploratory identification of black‐box models that have scalar‐valued outputs and can be particularly useful in working with black‐box models that have a large number of inputs and exhibit highly nonlinear behavior.
Distributed impulsive control for secure consensus of nonlinear dynamical networks with node delay under denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Shi Yu‐Lun , Liu Zhi‐Wei
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates secure consensus problems of nonlinear dynamical networks (NDNs) with node delay under denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks, which can cause a break in communication links. It will lead to packet loss. To ensure the secure consensus in this scenario, we propose an effective impulsive control which only based on sampled information from neighbor nodes. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory and the impulsive comparison principle, an upper bound of the average impulse interval is derived to ensure the exponential consensus of NDNs under DoS attacks, and the convergence rate can be estimated. Finally, a numerical example is provided to check the theory results.
Interdecadal variability of intensity of the Madden–Julian oscillation
Authors: Wang Ziyue , Li Tim , Sun Ying
Published: January 2021

The interdecadal variability of intensity of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) during boreal winter was investigated based on two reanalysis datasets (NOAA 20CR and ERA‐20C). Both the reanalysis datasets reveal statistically significant power spectrum peaks at 12–20‐year periods. A composite analysis shows that during the active interdecadal phase, eastward propagating MJO activity was strengthened over the equatorial warm pool expanded from the Indian Ocean (IO) to the western Pacific (WP). The cause of the enhanced MJO variability was attributed to the interdecadal change of background mean precipitation in situ. A further diagnosis shows that the increase of the background precipitation over the Maritime Continent and the WP was attributed to interdecadal warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in situ, whereas the increase of the precipitation over the IO resulted from the local convective instability due to the increase of wind induced surface evaporation and moisture. The strengthened background precipitation impacted the MJO strength through the increase of the interdecadal background moisture in the lower and middle troposphere induced by anomalous vertical moisture advection.
Consequences of minimal length discretization on line element, metric tensor, and geodesic equation
Authors: Tawfik Abdel Nasser , Diab Abdel Magied , Shenawy Sameh , El Dahab Eiman Abou
Published: January 2021

When minimal length uncertainty emerging from a generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) is thoughtfully implemented, it is of great interest to consider its impacts on gravitational Einstein field equations (gEFEs) and to try to assess consequential modifications in metric manifesting properties of quantum geometry due to quantum gravity. GUP takes into account the gravitational impacts on the noncommutation relations of length (distance) and momentum operators or time and energy operators and so on. On the other hand, gEFE relates classical geometry or general relativity gravity to the energy–momentum tensors, that is, proposing quantum equations of state. Despite the technical difficulties, we intend to insert GUP into the metric tensor so that the line element and the geodesic equation in flat and curved space are accordingly modified. The latter apparently encompasses acceleration, jerk, and snap (jounce) of a particle in the quasi‐quantized gravitational field. Finite higher orders of acceleration apparently manifest phenomena such as accelerating expansion and transitions between different radii of curvature and so on.
An Overview on Design Parameters of Practical Lithium‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Jin Liming , Yuan Jianmin , Shellikeri Annadanesh , Naderi Roya , Qin Nan , Lu Yanyan , Fan Runlin , Wu Qiang , Zheng Junsheng , Zhang Cunman , Zheng Jim P.
Published: January 2021

Lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs), composed of a lithium ion battery (LIB)‐type electrode and an electrochemical capacitor (EC)‐type electrode (non‐Faradic), operating in a lithium ion‐containing electrolyte, have the potential to deliver high energy density, high power density and long cycle life simultaneously. In this minireview, we focus on the development of practical LICs, which has been barely introduced in previous reviews, to supplement their development course. This minireview includes the introduction of fundamentals, analysis of the key parameters, and review of the key technologies of practical LIC systems. The practical LIC technologies have been summarized and discussed in contrast to the commercial ECs. Finally, we propose the future research for LICs in terms of materials and their properties, which aims to provide guidelines for the researchers in the fields of LICs.
Green marketing as an environmental practice: The impact on green satisfaction and green loyalty in a business‐to‐business context
Authors: Gelderman Cees J. , Schijns Jos , Lambrechts Wim , Vijgen Simon
Published: January 2021

Many companies have developed a green marketing strategy, aimed at promoting and selling green environmental products. While the majority of articles on this topic report on studies in a business‐to‐consumer setting, this research focusses on the impact of green marketing strategies on the satisfaction and loyalty of professional buyers in a business‐to‐business setting. Hypotheses were tested with survey data from 148 Dutch professional purchasers in the cleaning industry. The results emphasize the impact and importance of product quality, product price and corporate image. The most notable and strong impact on satisfaction and loyalty was found for the salesperson expertise.
Pericardial effusion uncovering underlying hypothyroidism
Authors: Ponnapalli Anoosha , Deliwala Smit S. , Zayed Yazan , Bachuwa Ghassan
Published: January 2021

Pericardial effusion may be the tipping point to unravel hypothyroidism. Large effusions may not correlate with severity of cardiovascular compromise. Medical therapy over surgical intervention is appropriate if no evidence of cardiac tamponade.
Analysis of Technology Potential of a Metal‐based Latent Heat Storage for Backup Process Steam Supply
Authors: Heim Silas , Komogowski Lars
Published: January 2021

An analysis of technology potential of a metal‐based high temperature latent heat storage for the application of process steam backup for industrial parks in Germany was carried out. To investigate the integration of the storage into a process steam network, dynamic process simulations were performed. Furthermore, the analysis includes ecological and economical calculations for various fuel types of industrial power plants, plant sizes and auxiliary fuels. Basis of all calculations is an extensive research conducted on the industrial parks in Germany with a dedicated power plant and process steam utilization.
Design of Polymers for Intracellular Protein and Peptide Delivery
Authors: Cheng Yiyun
Published: January 2021

Cytosolic protein delivery techniques are of great importance for cell biology, biotechnology and protein drug development. The design of carriers with robust efficiency in cytosolic protein delivery is challenging. This account provides a progress report of polymeric carriers for this purpose in our group. During the past years, we have developed several types of functionalized polymers for cytosolic protein and peptide delivery by engineering polymers with ligands such as guanidinium, boronate, coordination ligands and fluoroalkyls. The designed polymers showed improved protein/peptide binding affinities, and successfully delivered various cargo proteins into the cytosol of living cells, while maintaining their bioactivity. In addition, the polymers showed potent efficiencies in the delivery of tumor antigens, therapeutic peptides, toxins and antioxidant proteins in vivo. We hope these polymers could be translated for protein delivery in the treatment of various diseases in the future.

What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group?

Fluorinated polymers for cytosolic biomolecule delivery.

How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers?

I get into this field by unexpected discoveries when designing polymeric gene delivery systems. Usually, modification of polymers with hydrophobic ligands yields more efficient gene carriers. Fluoroalkyl ligands were

proposed as one type of hydrophobic candidates in our experiments. Interestingly, the fluorous ligand modified polymers showed unprecedented efficiency in gene delivery. More importantly, the polymers exhibited excellent serum resistance and could achieve high efficiency at extremely low polymer dose. These unexpected discoveries motivated us to investigate the fluorine effect of fluorinated materials in gene, protein and peptide delivery.
Use of Partial Area Under the Curve in Bioavailability or Bioequivalence Assessments: A Regulatory Perspective
Authors: Fang Lanyan , Uppoor Ramana , Xu Mingjiang , Sharan Satish , Zhu Hao , Tampal Nilufer , Li Bing , Zhang Lei , Lionberger Robert , Zhao Liang
Published: January 2021

Peak drug concentration (Cmax) and total exposure, such as area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) from time zero to infinity may be insufficient for assessing relative bioavailability (BA) or bioequivalence (BE) among two products in cases where rapid onset of action or controlled duration of effect is needed to ensure similar drug efficacy. Regulatory agencies have recommended the use of partial AUC (pAUC) as an additional exposure measure for relative BA or BE assessments. The pAUC metric describes pharmacokinetic profiles with the focus on quantification of exposures over specific time intervals to support the determination of relative BA or BE for these drug products in relation to respective reference products. The principles and rationales for using pAUCs are included in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s general BA or BE guidances. Specific pAUC recommendations are also reflected in product‐specific guidances for generic drug development published by the FDA. Rationales for the use of pAUCs in relative BA or BE assessments are based on drug‐specific and product‐specific considerations. This white paper introduces the general framework, including rationales for pAUC recommendations, and provides an overview of the current status, challenges, and the FDA considerations on the use of pAUC for relative BA or BE assessments in the United States.
Decolonising the science curriculum in England: Bringing decolonial science and technology studies to secondary education
Authors: Gandolfi Haira Emanuela
Published: January 2021

Recent ‘decolonising the curriculum’ movements have called for Higher Education to rethink how it engages with diversity and colonialism in its lectures and syllabi. But what can these ideas mean for science subjects in secondary schools? Grounded on a decolonial perspective around the Science and Technology Studies (STS) field, this paper explores the implications from decolonial perspectives for school science by addressing the following questions: how can science teachers decolonise mainstream science curricula such as the National Curriculum in England with inputs from the STS field? And, what can this endeavour bring to the teaching and learning of science? To support this investigation, a collaborative curriculum development endeavour with a science teacher at a comprehensive school in London/United Kingdom is explored. This experience involved planning and teaching four science topics from the National Curriculum in England to a year 8 classroom (students aged 12–13) and a qualitative investigation was carried out through interviews, observations and informal conversations over the school year. Findings reveal that rather than competing for space in an already overcrowded curriculum, decolonial ideas can help teachers to enrich and better integrate different science topics, while also addressing contemporary concerns about critical thinking and representativeness in (science) education.
Factor analysis of the eating disorder examination in a sample of female adolescents and adults with eating disorders
Authors: Kjeldbjerg Marie L. , Clausen Loa , Højgaard David R. M. A.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Studies of the construct validity of the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) show mixed results and none have included samples of adults with a sole diagnosis of either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Thus, we examine the EDE's construct validity in a Danish clinical sample of adolescents and adults with eating disorders.

Method

Confirmatory factor analyses of the four‐factor model indicated by the original four subscales and subsequent ad hoc exploratory factor analyses were performed in a sample of patients with eating disorders (N = 1,586) divided into five subsamples based on age and diagnosis: (a) adolescents with anorexia nervosa, (b) women with anorexia nervosa, (c) women with bulimia nervosa, and women with atypical versions of (d) anorexia nervosa, and (e) bulimia nervosa.

Results

The four‐factor model was not confirmed in these five subsamples. Subsequent exploratory factor analyses did not reveal a single model fit for all five groups. Rather, eating‐disorder symptoms can be understood through a one‐, two‐, or three‐factor model depending on the subsample.

Discussion

The four‐factor model indicated by the original EDE subscales cannot be supported. The four subscales should be used with great care, if used at all, in trying to understand specific symptoms of eating disorders.
Zoobenthos community turnover in a 1650‐yr lake‐sediment record of climate‐driven hydrological change
Authors: Van der Meeren Thijs , Verschuren Dirk
Published: January 2021

In fluctuating lake ecosystems, the severity of anthropogenic disturbance is often difficult to assess because the magnitude of natural dynamics rivals or surpasses that of ecosystem alteration due to human impact. Consequently, it is also difficult to evaluate the resilience of these ecosystems' plant and animal communities to that impact. Unfortunately, lake ecosystem response to natural cycles of lake‐level and salinity fluctuation at multi‐annual time scales is poorly understood, due to complex relationships between hydrological dynamics and the local availability or distribution of ecological niches. We present a 1650‐yr‐long paleoecological record from Lake Naivasha in Kenya (East Africa) which traces community assembly and turnover in two prominent groups of benthic invertebrates (chironomids and ostracods) in response to a climate‐driven sequence of 10 major lake‐level fluctuations. Over this time period, lake depth (inferred from sedimentology) fluctuated between ~3 and >35 m, and salinity (inferred from fossil diatom assemblages) varied between ~100 and ~23,500 µS/cm. Prior to ~780 yr ago, the unique community response to salinity was stronger than to lake depth. Around that time the lake transitioned to a more open hydrology, relatively stable freshwater conditions and greater prevalence of macrophyte‐associated benthic habitat, so that community response to variations in lake depth (and surface area) became stronger. Notably, major community restructuring in the course of this transition was not synchronous between the two groups, because it depended on the proliferation of key freshwater species in each group. Our results imply that (1) climate‐sensitive lake ecosystems are more likely controlled by salinity change if both its amplitude and frequency are large enough to induce ecological species sorting; (2) community response to such salinity changes may be predictable, and likely to show coherence across different groups of aquatic biota; and (3) the timing of major community restructuring strongly depends on the ecology of key species, and whether the species sorting is driven by salinity change itself or indirectly by the salinity‐dependent availability of ecological niches.
Post‐landslide soil and vegetation recovery in a dry, montane system is slow and patchy
Authors: Buma Brian , Pawlik Łukasz
Published: January 2021

Landslides are common disturbances in forests around the world, and a major threat to human life and property. Landslides are likely to become more common in many areas as storms intensify. Forest vegetation can improve hillslope stability via long, deep rooting across and through failure planes. In the U.S. Rocky Mountains, landslides are infrequent but widespread when they do occur. They are also extremely understudied, with little known about the basic vegetation recovery processes and rates of establishment which restabilize hills. This study presents the first evaluation of post‐landslide vegetation recovery on forested landslides in the southern Rocky Mountains. Six years after a major landslide event, the surveyed sites have very little regeneration in initiation zones, even when controlling for soil coverage. Soils are shallower and less nitrogen rich in initiation zones as well. Rooting depth was similar between functional groups regardless of position on the slide, but deep‐rooting trees are much less common in initiation zones. A lack of post‐disturbance tree regeneration in these lower elevation, warm/dry settings, common across a variety of disturbance types, suggests that complete tree restabilization of these hillslopes is likely to be a slow or non‐existent, especially as the climate warms. Replacement by grasses would protect against shallow instabilities but not the deeper mass movement events which threaten life and property.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Covalent Porphyrin‐Cobalt Diimine‐Dioxime Dyad for Photoelectrochemical H2 Evolution
Authors: Charisiadis Asterios , Giannoudis Emmanouil , Pournara Zoi , Kosma Aimilia , Nikolaou Vasilis , Charalambidis Georgios , Artero Vincent , Chavarot‐Kerlidou Murielle , Coutsolelos Athanassios G.
Published: January 2021

The utilization of solar energy via photoelectrochemical cells (PEC) towards hydrogen (H2) production is a promising approach in the field of artificial photosynthesis. In this work, the synthesis and complete characterization of the first covalently linked porphyrin‐cobalt diimine‐dioxime dyad (ZnP‐Co) is reported. The synthetic procedure that was followed is based on simple and high yielding reactions, without using any noble metal. Photophysical investigation of the dyad revealed sufficient electronic communication between the sensitizer and the catalyst in the excited state. Finally, NiO films were sensitized with ZnP‐Co and the H2‐evolving photoelectrochemical activity of the resulting photocathode was assessed. The modest performances could be rationalized thanks to photolysis and post‐operando characterizations of the system, thus providing some guidelines toward the design of more efficient porphyrin‐based assemblies.
A Review on Extraction Techniques and Its Future Applications in Industry
Authors: Geow Chin Hong , Tan Mei Ching , Yeap Swee Pin , Chin Nyuk Ling
Published: January 2021

Extraction is a mandatory process for most of the industries, especially in the food processing industry to obtain the targeted compounds from various sources such as plant or seed samples. This review paper provides information about various extraction techniques that are normally used in the edible oil extraction industry. Five extraction techniques are presented in this paper. Among all the techniques presented in this paper, pressing and solvent extraction methods are considered as traditional techniques while supercritical fluid extraction, microwave assisted extraction, and ultrasound assisted extractions are considered as advanced techniques. Both advantages and disadvantages of supercritical fluid extraction, microwave assisted and ultrasound assisted extractions are discussed. Furthermore, the parameters that would affect the output of each technique are included in each section. Nowadays, research is going on to further enhance the extraction method to obtain a higher extraction yield or increase the quality of the extraction product. The enhancement can be either combining two or more extraction techniques into one complete process or modifying the available technique alone. Therefore, the theoretical knowledge provided in this review will be useful for future researchers who are interested in enhancing the extraction techniques.

Practical Applications: Extraction is a mandatory process in edible oil extraction industry. Extraction industry is always looking for a process which is high efficiency and low extraction cost. Therefore, various advanced techniques or treatments are applied to optimize the oil yield and shorten the extraction time. This paper provides a review on various techniques by summarizing both advantages and disadvantages of each technique. The information can be very useful for improving the current extraction technique to further optimize the oil yield or enhance the quality of oil.
Elaboration of Lutein‐Loaded Nanoliposomes Using Supercritical CO2
Authors: Martino Mathieu , Mouahid Adil , Trucillo Paolo , Badens Elisabeth
Published: January 2021

A batch process for producing lutein‐loaded liposomes using supercritical CO2 is studied. The effects of the variation of pressure (10 and 15 MPa), temperature (308, 313, and 318 K), and lutein to lipid ratio (0.5 and 1 wt%) on the liposome average size and size distribution are investigated, as well as on the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of lutein. This process is worked in a repeatable manner and is allowed the production of nanoliposomes with mean diameters (MDs) ranging from 65 ± 33 to 77 ± 40 nm, obtaining lutein EEs ranging from 82.1 ± 3.7% to 91.9 ± 2.9%. Temperature, pressure, and lutein to lipid ratio seem to have no impact on size, size distribution, and EE on formed liposomes. The use of low temperatures and low pressures allows the obtainment of liposomes with diameters less than 100 nm and limits the process energy cost. Moreover, the supercritical CO2‐assisted batch process effectively encapsulates lutein into liposome, an antioxidant molecule used for the prevention of retinal damage. Liposomes formed by this supercritical process have the desired characteristics for human target delivery.

Practical applications: This work on the optimization of a process for developing liposomes in a supercritical environment has applications in medicine. Indeed, the liposomes formed with this process are nanoliposomes with a size of less than 80 nm. In addition, excellent lutein EEs (hydrophobic molecules) show that the liposomes formed constitute excellent coating matrices for the protection of active ingredients. These reasons make these liposome matrices applicable in nanomedicine (injection of sensitive drugs requiring protection before injection). The elaboration process also makes it possible to form liposomes with desired properties by changing pressure, temperature, or lecithin concentration. Therefore, this work focuses on the properties of liposomes as a function of the operating conditions.
Candlenut oil: review on oil properties and future liquid biofuel prospects
Authors: Shaah Marwan Abdulhakim , Allafi Faisal , Hossain Md Sohrab , Alsaedi Alyaa , Ismail Norli , Kadir Mohd Omar Ab , Ahmad Mardiana Idayu
Published: January 2021

The rapid depletion of diesel fuel, increasing energy demand, and environmental pollution concerns are increasing worldwide interest in the production of liquid biofuels. Biofuel (bio‐aviation and biodiesel) is a potential and plausible alternative to diesel fuel to substantially mitigate the environmental impact of future energy demand. Non‐edible crop oil is viewed as a potential feedstock for liquid biofuel production owing to the massive demand for edible oil as a food source. However, the major limitation of utilizing non‐edible crop oil for biodiesel production is the cost due to the high price of feedstocks and the limited supply of large‐scale biodiesel production. Candlenut trees can grow in harsh and arid climates due to low moisture requirements. Therefore, candlenut can be cultivated in the most unused lands, particularly in developing countries along coasts and riverbanks and in deserts and other wastelands unsuitable for edible crops. Additionally, candlenut seed contains a high amount of oil (30%‐60%). Thus, candlenut oil is a promising source for commercial biodiesel production. The present study was conducted to review the possibilities and challenges of utilizing candlenut as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production. Additionally, several important aspects related to candlenut oil processing, such as extraction technology, physicochemical properties, biodiesel production technologies, and advantages and limitations of candlenut biodiesel production are discussed.
Model for sustainable development based on system dynamics and energy–economy–environment coordination: A case study of Beijing, China
Authors: Wu Hongliang , Peng Daoxin , Wang Ling
Published: January 2021

In developing countries, the contradiction between environmental protection and economic development has become increasingly serious. The current research focuses on: how to coordinate the relationship between economic development and environmental protection. This study considers energy consumption and environmental emission reduction as the research object. An energy–economy–environment simulation system was developed using Vensim as a modeling platform to clarify the relationship between energy consumption, economic development, and environmental pollution. Based on the data gleaned from Beijing's energy system, the availability of the simulation model is verified through historical inspection and operational tests. Finally, based on the energy–economy–environment simulation system, different development scenarios have been set up to analyze the development trends of energy consumption, economic development, and environmental emission reduction under different scenarios. The results show that the development prospects under the coordinated development scenario are the most reasonable and effective, taking into account the coordinated development of all the three aspects, especially in terms of carbon emission reduction.
Grounding the 2018 AEA Evaluator Competencies in the Broader Context of Professionalization
Authors: Ayoo Sandra , Wilcox Yuanjing , LaVelle John M. , Podems Donna , Barrington Gail Vallance
Published: January 2021

Professionalization has become a major focus of discussion in the evaluation community, and the process of professionalizing the field of evaluation has provoked strong reactions, both positive and negative, from scholars and practitioners alike. The purpose of this chapter is not to take a stand on the merit or worth of the arguments that proponents and detractors routinely make, but to situate the newly approved 2018 AEA Evaluator Competencies within the larger framework of professionalization. This chapter first presents a broad overview of the steps involved in professionalizing any field, then uses it to describe the history of professionalization and competencies development within AEA. Looking broadly, it concludes with a summary of current professionalizing activities around the world.
An additional record of the genus Mespilodaphne (Lauraceae) for Panama
Authors: Espinosa Alex F. , Guillén Lucila , van der Werff Henk , Ceballos Jorge , Ortiz Orlando O.
Published: January 2021

During a floristic study in Altos de Campana National Park (Panama Oeste Province), in 1993, an interesting unknown Lauraceae species with very large fruits and double‐rimmed cupules was collected. Twenty years later, it became possible to obtain flowering vouchers, which were important to identify this peculiar entity. Through micro‐morphological studies of flowers, we determined that this unknown taxon is a new country record of the genus Mespilodaphne. The new record, Mespilodaphne morae (Gómez‐Laur.) Trofimov, is illustrated using SEM micrographs, as well as photographs of the vegetative and reproductive structures of live material.
A nonnegative and shape‐preserving global transport model on cubed sphere using high‐order conservative collocation scheme
Authors: Huang Pei , Chen Chungang , Li Xingliang , Shen Xueshun , Xiao Feng
Published: January 2021

A numerical model for global tracer transport is implemented by using Gauss–Legendre‐point conservative collocation (GLPCC) scheme on cubed sphere. Three‐point GLPCC scheme can achieve fifth‐order accuracy in the spherical geometry. To remove the spurious oscillations in the regions with strong gradients or discontinuities, the hierarchical reconstruction (HR) is applied to the “troubled cells” identified by a smoothness indicator based on the WENO concept. To assure the positivity‐preserving property, a flux correction operation is adopted to impose the restriction on the mass reduction due to the fluxes leaving the cell edges. The proposed numerical scheme aims to remove the nonphysical oscillations while preserving the accuracy in the smooth regions and maintain the compact spatial stencil as far as possible by making full use of degrees of freedom. The proposed schemes are evaluated by simulating the widely used benchmark tests for advection equation in one dimension and multidimensions of spherical geometry. Numerical results show that the fifth‐order accuracy is well preserved for smooth problems, while numerical oscillations can be effectively removed and the nonnegativity of the solutions is strictly guaranteed. It is very promising to develop the practical numerical model for tracer transport computation in atmospheric general circulation models using the proposed numerical framework.
Outpatient prescribing trends, rational use of medicine and impact of prescription audit with feedback at a tertiary care centre in India
Authors: Atal Shubham , Jhaj Ratinder , Mathur Akanksha , Rai Niket , Misra Saurav , Sadasivam Balakrishnan
Published: January 2021

Background

Rational use of medicines (RUM) is highly desired worldwide yet many shortcomings are found. This study aims to evaluate prescription pattern and RUM using World Health Organisation (WHO) prescribing indicators. The impact of audit and feedback has also been studied, along with comparison with published data.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study was conducted in the outpatient department setting of a tertiary care centre in central India. Data were collected from 2719 prescriptions across different departments from hospital pharmacies from 2016 to 2018 at different time periods. The data was analysed using WHO core prescribing indicators.

Results

Average number of drugs per prescription was found to be 2.53 ± 1.23 (WHO optimal value ≤ 2). The mean values of prescribing indicators for antibiotics (19.82% vs. ≤ 30%) and injection prescribing (1.98% vs. ≤10%) were within optimal values. Generic prescribing (15.96% vs. 100%) and prescribing from National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM; 37.37% vs. 100%) were found to be significantly lesser. Annual audit and feedback showed improvement in generic prescribing and prescribing from NLEM, but the other trends continued to be similar.

Conclusion

While use of antibiotics and injections among outpatients was found to be rational, there is scope of improvement in most domains that can be addressed with appropriate interventions.
How to get cows to enter the parlour more efficiently
Authors: Ohnstad Ian
Published: January 2021

Background: Entry and exit of cows into the milking parlour are two elements of the milking routine that account for a significant amount of time. Therefore, it is essential that these are optimised as far as possible to make the process as efficient and streamlined as it can be.

Aim of the article: This article guides practitioners on how they can help farmers to improve efficiency with regards to cows entering the milking parlour.
Changes to IR35 and what this will mean for the vet profession
Authors: Sweeney Ben
Published: January 2021

Changes to IR35 tax legislation will come into force from April this year, affecting all locums who currently work via a limited company and those practices who engage locum services. This article explains the implications of the changes for the veterinary profession and outlines the alternatives available for those wishing to continue carrying out locum work.
Latin squares from multiplication tables
Authors: Dębski Michał , Grytczuk Jarosław
Published: January 2021

Consider the usual multiplication table in which all entries strictly greater than were deleted. Can we fill in the empty places so that the resulting table will become a multiplication table of a group? This intriguing question arose in connection to the famous Graham's Greatest Common Divisor Problem. We prove here a weaker statement, namely, that one may always complete such a partial multiplication table to a Latin square. Our result is more general, as it guarantees the possibility of completion of any partial Latin square, provided that the shape of the empty part satisfies certain conditions. We also point on connections of our result to a far‐reaching extension of Graham's problem involving graphs and homogeneous arithmetic progressions.
Effects of different morphologic abnormalities on hemodynamics in patients with venous pulsatile tinnitus: A four‐dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Li Xiaoshuai , Qiu Xiaoyu , Ding Heyu , Lv Han , Zhao Pengfei , Yang Zhenghan , Gong Shusheng , Wang Zhenchang
Published: January 2021

The effects of morphologic abnormalities, including sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence (SSWD), transverse sinus stenosis (TSS), and sigmoid sinus diverticulum (SSD), on hemodynamics in venous pulsatile tinnitus (PT) patients have not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SSWD, TSS, and SSD on the hemodynamics of transverse‐sigmoid sinus in venous PT patients. This was a prospective study with 44 venous PT patients and 12 healthy controls. A 3 T/four‐dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging with fast field echo was used. Computed tomography arteriography/venography was used to assess ipsilateral SSWD, TSS, and SSD. Maximum velocity (Vmax), average velocity (Vavg), and average flow (Flowavg) were measured. Blood flow patterns were independently assessed by three neuroradiologists. One‐way analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis test was also used. On the symptomatic side, all patients had SSWD, 33 patients had TSS, and 22 patients had SSD. Compared with healthy controls, patients with TSS, without TSS, with SSD, and without SSD all showed higher Vmax (all p < 0.050), Vavg (all p < 0.050), and Flowavg (all p < 0.050). Patients with TSS showed higher Vmax (p < 0.050) and Vavg (p < 0.050) than those without TSS, and no significant difference in Flowavg was found between the two groups (p = 0.408). No significant differences in Vmax, Vavg, and Flowavg were found between patients with and without SSD (all p = 1.000). Jet‐like flow in the stenosis and downstream of the stenosis was observed in all patients with TSS. Vortex in SSD was observed in 15 patients with SSD (68%). High blood velocity and flow may be characteristic markers of venous PT. SSWD may be a necessary condition for venous PT. TSS may further increase the blood velocity and form a jet‐like flow. SSD may be related to vortex formation but had no significant effect on blood velocity and flow.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Specific inhibition of IL‐6 receptor attenuates inflammatory bone loss in experimental periodontitis
Authors: Apolinário Vieira Gustavo H. , Aparecida Rivas Ana Carolina , Figueiredo Costa Karine , Ferreira Oliveira Luis Fernando , Tanaka Suzuki Kleber , Reis Messora Michel , Sprone Ricoldi Milla , Gonçalves de Almeida Adriana Luisa , Taba Mario
Published: January 2021

Background

Periodontal pathogenesis takes into consideration that disease results from a complex inflammatory immune response. Among the major cytokines related to periodontal damage, interleukin (IL)‐6 enhances a cascade of tissue destruction. Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanized monoclonal anti‐human IL‐6 receptor that inhibits IL‐6‒mediated proinflammatory activity. This study aimed to elucidate whether TCZ inhibits the deleterious effect of ligature‐induced periodontitis.

Methods

Experimental ligature‐induced periodontitis was treated with systemic administration of TCZ intraperitoneally in three different concentration dosages (2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, and 8 mg/kg. Euthanasia occurred at 7 and 14 days after the initiation of the study. Local changes in the alveolar bone were measured by bone volume, the ratio of bone volume, and trabecular thickness using microcomputed tomography. Attachment loss and inflammatory infiltrate were evaluated by histology. Immune response was analyzed focusing on the Th17 pattern.

Results

TCZ inhibited alveolar bone resorption and attachment loss in 7 and 14 days for all dosage groups in comparison to controls (P  < 0.05). Besides, TCZ induced lower expression of inflammatory infiltrate (P <0.05) and less production of Th17‐related cytokines (P <0.05) and RANKL (P <0.05).

Conclusions

The inhibition of IL‐6‒mediated proinflammatory activity by IL‐6R blocking reduced alveolar bone resorption and attachment loss supported by the modulation of the Th17 periodontal response. Considering the inflammatory status, modulatory therapy may be a promising approach to periodontal disease.
Nutritional, anti‐nutritional, antioxidant, physicochemical and functional characterization of Australian acacia seed: effect of species and regions
Authors: Adiamo Oladipupo Q , Netzel Michael E , Hoffman Louwrens C , Gidley Michael J , Sultanbawa Yasmina
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Acacia seed (AS) is an underutilized legume widely distributed in the world, with majority of the species (>70%) found in Australia. Generally, the seeds are not only rich in protein, dietary fibre and potassium, but also possess anti‐nutritional compounds. In recent years, there have been an increase in the cultivation of some Australian acacia species such as Acacia victoriae, Acacia cowleana and Acacia coriacea from different regions. However, there is limited information on the composition, anti‐nutrients, antioxidant and functional properties of flour from these widely grown Australian AS species. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the properties of these Australian AS species from different geographical regions.

RESULTS

The A. cowleana and A. coriacea were characterized by high protein, fat, potassium and soluble carbohydrate. However, higher starch and fibre contents were present in A. victoriae. Greater amounts of anti‐nutrients, total phenolics and flavonoids were found in A. cowleana and A. coriacea seeds, whereas A. victoriae had higher 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging capacity. A. victoriae and A. coriacea demonstrated the highest water absorption and solubility index, respectively. However, A. cowleana showed the highest oil absorption index. There was less variation in the composition and properties within species from different regions.

CONCLUSION

All samples showed promising nutritional characteristics, although with sufficient diversity to indicate that Australian acacia seeds can be utilized to develop a range of new (functional) food products. Overall, the information obtained will help the food industries with the selection of AS species for food application.
Changes in photosynthetic traits and their responses to increasing fertilization rates in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) during decades of genetic improvement
Authors: Bao Xueyan , Li Zhigang , Yao Xingdong
Published: January 2021

Backround

Changes in photosynthetic traits (PTs) during the long‐term genetic improvement of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) yield have been studied, but detailed information on whether PT responses to environmental stress have improved, and their correlations with seed yield, are still unknown. Our objectives were to describe the changes in soybean PTs – leaf area index (LAI), leaf chlorophyll content (Chl), net photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance (gs), and transpiration rate (E) – during decades of genetic improvement, and to detect whether the responses to increasing fertilizer application rates (FRs) of the PTs of 13 different soybean cultivars released in various decades differed.

Results

All of the soybean PTs increased significantly along with the year in which each cultivar was released, under different FR treatments, indicating that PTs have improved during decades of genetic breeding. Medium FR (nitrogen) treatment (150 kg ha −1) increased PT values, to different extents, at all the investigated growth stages. Leaf area index, Chl, and PN of the old and middle cultivar groups at the full bloom (R2), full seed (R6), and beginning maturity (R7) stages decreased significantly under high FR treatment (300 kg ha−1) compared with the medium FR treatment. The former had no effect on any of the PTs of new cultivar group, or had promotive effects. Thus, the photosynthetic capacities of the new cultivars are more tolerant to high FR‐related stress than older cultivars.

Conclusions

The photosynthetic capacities, and tolerance to high FR‐related stress, of soybean cultivars that were released in different years improved after long‐term genetic breeding. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Pseudo‐allergic compounds screened from Shengmai injection by using high‐expression Mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor X2 cell membrane chromatography online coupled with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry
Authors: Sun Wei , Wang Saisai , Liang Peida , Zhou Huaxin , Zhang Liyang , Jia Qianqian , Fu Jia , Lv Yanni , Han Shengli
Published: January 2021

Adverse drug reactions of traditional Chinese medicine injection mainly manifested as pseudo‐allergic reactions. In the present study, ginsenoside Rd, Ro, and Rg3 were identified as pseudo‐allergic components in Shengmai injection by a high‐expression Mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor X2 cell membrane chromatography coupled online with high‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Their pseudo‐allergic activities were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assay. The three compounds were further found to induce pseudo‐allergic reaction through Mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor X2. Therefore, we concluded that ginsenoside Rd, Ro and Rg3 may be potential allergens that cause pseudo‐allergic reactions. This study might be helpful for the safe use of Shengmai injection.