bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allometric relationships, functional differentiations, and scaling of growth rates across 151 tree species in China
Authors: Zhao Meifang , Tian Shihong , Zhu Yu , Li Zhiqiang , Zeng Suping , Liu Shuguang
Published: May 2021

Chinese trees adapted to wet, warm, highly heterogeneous, and dynamic light environments might be expected to systematically differ from other non‐Chinese trees based on stem allometry and life em allo. However, our understanding of the extent to which how differentiation in forest architecture and species size influences tree allometry relates to fundamental physiological and ecological trade‐offs, climate, forest structure, and function is limited. We quantified height–diameter allometries and growth increments of 13,594 individuals of 151 tree species across China. Although trees grew statistically indistinguishably from the theoretically predicted exponent, the height–diameter allometries for trees in China deviated from tree patterns in other continental forests worldwide. Chinese trees showed substantially lower heights at a given diameter for larger trees and asymptotic heights (33.05 m), with values were 5.5% to 43.3% lower than those estimated for continental rain forest trees in South America, Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. In total, 149 of 151 species showed significant nonlinearity of height–diameter allometry with asymptotic heights ranging from 6.33 to 50.54 m; additionally, half (74/149 species) fell in the range of 20–33.5 m, averaging 21.98 ± 8.70 m (SE) for canopy trees. In subsets of canopy trees sampled from larger‐statured species and deciduous trees, the approximated maximum heights were 14–42% larger than those of smaller‐statured and evergreens and those in other wet and warmer regions found worldwide. These results suggest flexible phenotypic responses of height–diameter allometries to heterogeneous light conditions along understory‐canopy gradients. Average growth rates, varying from 0.02 to 0.78 cm/yr (mean of 0.25 cm/yr), were positively related to the asymptotic height, diameter at inflection, and allometric intercept but negatively correlated with the shape of the asymptotic curve and allometric slope. Species with asymptotic heights above 30 m or inflection sizes larger than 20 cm clearly depicted higher growth rates than smaller ones.
Use storytelling to show how your institution is distinct, encourage students to enroll
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: May 2021

At one time, colleges and universities benefited from their prestige and from the attitude that people need a degree to be successful, said Joseph Lapin, Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy at Archer Education. But there's been a major shift, Lapin added.
Beef flavor vegetable hamburger patties with high moisture meat analogs (HMMA) with pulse proteins‐peas, lentils, and faba beans
Authors: Kim Taehoon , Miller Rhonda , Laird Hannah , Riaz Mian N.
Published: May 2021

Pulses have been an excellence source of foods due to their nutritional profile including high protein content. In addition, they have less concerns about allergens, gluten, and genetically modified organisms. In this study, high moisture meat analogs (HMMA) that contained commercial pea protein (55.4% protein), lentil protein (55.4% protein), or faba bean protein (61.5% protein) mixed with other constant ingredients (pea isolates, and wheat gluten and canola oil) were produced using a twin‐screw extruder (TX‐52) with an attached cooling chamber. For consumer sensory tests and texture profile analysis, vegetable hamburger patties with HMMA were produced with the addition of spices, binders, and so on. Trained panelists reported that HMMA with pulses had higher scores on bean‐like, sweet, and cohesiveness of mass compared to HMMA with soy that had higher soy, cardboardy, hardness, and springiness scores. Compared to the control, consumer panelists indicated that samples containing pulse proteins had no differences in consumers’ liking for the cooked appearance and overall flavor, but had a lower overall texture liking score, and samples with faba bean proteins (FP) had a lower overall liking score. Cooked patties containing pulse proteins were redder and had more cooking yield. Patties with FP required less cooking time. Therefore, vegetable patties with pulse proteins are competitive with soy‐based samples.
Lessons Learned in Applying Benefit–Cost Analysis to Grid Modernization
Authors: Miller Theresa , Sams Andrew , Ludlow Will
Published: May 2021

Utility modernization efforts across the United States have contributed to more than $1 Trillion (USD) in total capital investment from investor‐owned utilities (IOUs) in the last decade. During the same time period, utility modernization regulatory filings have generated much discussion among regulators and stakeholders.
Earth Day Sets Stage for New US Climate Goals
Authors: Cartwright Echo D.
Published: May 2021

As people across the globe celebrated Earth Day this year, climate change and global efforts for reducing carbon emissions took center stage as President Biden held a two‐day Global Leaders' Summit on Climate. Virtually hosting more than 40 world leaders and top executives from various industry sectors, the event aimed to reset the global stage for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November in Glasgow and to demonstrate strong US commitment to decarbonization after four years of significant rollbacks on environmental regulations and inaction on climate change under the previous Administration.
Influence of conjugate heat transfer on the minimization of entropy generation for forced convective flow through parallel plate channel filled with porous material
Authors: Borah Abhijit , Pati Sukumar
Published: May 2021

A fluid–solid conjugate heat transfer model is developed to analyze the characteristics of entropy generation for forced convective steady hydrodynamically fully developed laminar flow of a Newtonian fluid through a parallel plate channel filled with porous material by modulating the following parameters: substrate thickness, the ratio of thermal conductivity of wall to fluid, Biot number, the axial temperature gradient in the fluid, and Peclet number. The exteriors of both the walls are subjected to the thermal boundary conditions of the third kind. The mass and Brinkman momentum conservation equations in the fluidic domain and the coupled energy conservation in both the solid and fluidic domain are solved analytically using the local thermodynamic equilibrium model, so as to derive closed‐form expressions for the velocity in the fluid and the temperature both in the fluid and solid walls in terms of relevant parameters. Suitable combinations of influencing factors, namely the geometric parameters of the system, fluid, flow, and substrate properties are identified for which global entropy generation rate is minimized. The findings may be helpful in the design of thermal systems frequently used in diverse engineering applications having heat transfer in the solid wall being a crucial parameter.
Comparing three‐dimensional models of placenta accreta spectrum with surgical findings
Authors: Mulligan Karen M. , Bartels Helena C. , Armstrong Fionnvola , Immel Erwin , Corcoran Siobhan , Walsh Jennifer M. , McAuliffe Fionnuala , McParland Peter , Carroll Stephen , Higgins Shane , Mahony Rhona , Donnelly Jennifer , Geoghegan Tony , Colleran Gabrielle , O’Cearbhaill Eoin , Downey Paul , Brennan Donal J.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is associated with significant maternal morbidity mainly related to blood loss. Pre‐operative planning is aided by antenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. We sought to assess whether three‐dimensional (3D) models from MR images were accurate when compared with surgical and pathological findings.

Methods

Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine files containing MR images with varying severity of PAS (n = 4) were modeled using 3D Slicer. Placenta, bladder, and myometrial defects were modeled. Myometrial defects at three different uterine locations were included—anterior, lateral and inferior. 3D models were used to identify the relationship between the myometrial defect and the internal cervical os. Findings were validated in a larger series of PAS cases (n = 14) where patterns of invasion were compared with estimated blood loss and distance from defect to the internal os.

Results

The defect illustrated in the four 3D models correlates to both surgical and pathological findings in terms of depth and pattern of invasion, location of defect, bladder involvement. Blood loss and topography of the defect from 3D modeling were examined in 14 further cases. Inferior defects were associated with increased blood loss compared with anterior defects. Increased distance from cervix was associated with reduced blood loss (R2 = 0.352, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional models of PAS provide an accurate preoperative description of placental invasion and should be investigated as a tool for selecting patients for uterine‐conserving surgery.

Accurate 3D models of placenta accreta spectrum are achievable and may provide additional information, such as distance of the defect from the internal os.
A Mediterranean cold front identification scheme combining wind and thermal criteria
Authors: Bitsa Evangelia , Flocas Helena A. , Kouroutzoglou John , Galanis George , Hatzaki Maria , Latsas George , Rudeva Irina , Simmonds Ian
Published: May 2021

The goal of this study is to advance an automated and objective scheme for the identification of cold fronts over the Mediterranean based on wind‐related criteria, MedFTS, by further incorporating thermal criteria, in order to improve the identification of cold fronts on a climatological basis. These thermal criteria are related to cold advection and the thermal front parameter, and their individual or combined contribution is systematically investigated considering different threshold values. For each combination of thermal criteria and/or threshold values, the results are validated with the aid of statistical indices and metrics, and the optimum scheme configuration for the identification of Mediterranean fronts is selected. The advanced version of MedFTS, named MedFTS_DT, having incorporated both dynamic and thermodynamic criteria, is applied and validated for a decade of fronts over the Mediterranean. It was found that the number of erroneously identified cold fronts over Greece was significantly reduced from MedFTS to MedFTS_DT version by almost 40%, as indicated by the statistical metrics. Therefore, the performance of MedFTS_DT is verified to be superior to MedFTS. As a further attempt to investigate the ability of MedFTS_DT to perform adequate climatological analysis in the Mediterranean, the frequency of the cold fronts was calculated over Greece during the period 2007–2016 on a monthly and seasonal basis, demonstrating that the scheme can capture the intra‐annual variations. Finally, the contribution of the cold fronts to the precipitation over the Mediterranean for the same period was investigated, further supporting the scheme's performance.
Oxidation and pyrolysis of methyl propyl ether
Authors: Johnson Matthew S. , Nimlos Mark R. , Ninnemann Erik , Laich Andrew , Fioroni Gina M. , Kang Dongil , Bu Lintao , Ranasinghe Duminda , Khanniche Sarah , Goldsborough S. Scott , Vasu Subith S. , Green William H.
Published: May 2021

The ignition, oxidation, and pyrolysis chemistry of methyl propyl ether (MPE) was probed experimentally at several different conditions, and a comprehensive chemical kinetic model was constructed to help understand the observations, with many of the key parameters computed using quantum chemistry and transition state theory. Experiments were carried out in a shock tube measuring time variation of CO concentrations, in a flow tube measuring product concentrations, and in a rapid compression machine (RCM) measuring ignition delay times. The detailed reaction mechanism was constructed using the Reaction Mechanism Generator software. Sensitivity and flux analyses were used to identify key rate and thermochemical parameters, which were then computed using quantum chemistry to improve the mechanism. Validation of the final model against the 1–20 bar 600–1500 K experimental data is presented with a discussion of the kinetics. The model is in excellent agreement with most of the shock tube and RCM data. Strong non‐monotonic variation in conversion and product distribution is observed in the flow‐tube experiments as the temperature is increased, and unusually strong pressure dependence and significant heat release during the compression stroke is observed in the RCM experiments. These observations are largely explained by a close competition between radical decomposition and addition to at different sites in MPE; this causes small shifts in conditions to lead to big shifts in the dominant reaction pathways. The validated mechanism was used to study the chemistry occurring during ignition in a diesel engine, simulated using Ignition Quality Test (IQT) conditions. At the IQT conditions, where the MPE concentration is higher, bimolecular reactions of peroxy radicals are much more important than in the RCM.
Pressure dependence of rate coefficients of unimolecular and chemical activation reactions connected to the potential energy wells of chlorinated monosilanes by RRKM calculations
Authors: Noda Kaito , Jagawa Yoshihiro , Fuwa Akio , Kunioshi Nílson
Published: May 2021

Rate coefficients for elementary reactions connected to the potential energy wells of SiHCl3, SiH2Cl2, SiHCl2, and SiH3Cl, which are important Si1 species in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes that use chlorosilanes as silicon source gases, were determined through Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) theory for various conditions of temperature and pressure. Many of the unimolecular decomposition channels and chemical activation reactions investigated in this work were found to be in the fall‐off regime under subatmospheric to moderately high‐pressure conditions, so that it is expected that accurate modeling of the gas phase in chlorosilane CVD reactors requires careful determination of the rate coefficients as functions of temperature and pressure for the conditions of interest, instead of using high‐pressure limit rate coefficients. The rate coefficients determined here were tabulated using Chebyshev coefficients and can be used in simulations of systems under a wide range of temperature and pressure conditions.
Efficacy of Minoxidil Combined With Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia. A Double‐Blind Half‐Head Controlled Trial
Authors: Ferrara Fernanda , Kakizaki Priscila , de Brito Fernanda Freitas , Contin Leticia Arsie , Machado Carla Jorge , Donati Aline
Published: May 2021

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a hair loss disorder that frequently affects the male population. Conventional treatment modalities are limited to minoxidil, 5α reductase inhibitors, and hair transplantation procedures. The efficacy of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation, in the treatment of AGA has been reported, yet little is known about the outcomes of combining photobiomodulation with other conventional therapies.

Objective

To evaluate hair growth improvement in males with AGA, during the administration of minoxidil with and without photobiomodulation, using a half‐head model.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Twenty‐one men with AGA agreed to undergo 12 minutes of low‐level laser irradiation (using a modified Capellux®), followed by topical minoxidil application (1 ml of 5% solution), to the affected scalp two times per day for 6 months. The photobiomodulation devices were modified such that the left half emitted light, and the right half did not. Efficacy was assessed by blinded analyses of clinical photos and automated phototrichograms (Trichoscan®) taken before treatment and after 3 and 6 months of therapy.

Results

None of the study participants experienced any adverse events. All patients showed improvements in hair coverage on both sides of the scalp at 3 and 6 months. On the side with combined treatments, the number of total hairs was significantly increased after 3 (P < 0.001) and 6 months (P = 0.001). A similar increase was also observed on the minoxidil‐only side, at both 3 (P < 0.001) and 6 months (P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were detected between sides (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Additional improvement was not observed with the association of photobiomodulation to topical minoxidil in male AGA. Differences from previous studies that might have influenced our result include non‐collimated light source, higher dosimetry, and a cohort with darker skin phototype and more severe alopecia. Lasers Surg. Med. 2021. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Government debt and fiscal execution efficiency
Authors: Chiu Yung‐ho , Huang Kuei‐Ying , Lin Tai‐Yu , Chang Tzu‐Han
Published: May 2021

Governments have used deficit policies in recent years, yet many still face fiscal debt problems. Thus, this research uses Range Directional Measure Dynamic Directional Distance Function model with negative data to explore the financial efficiency of local governments in Taiwan from 2011 to 2018. This article has three major contributions: (1) The research uses RDM Dynamic DDF model with negative data to solve the problem of negative values on input and output data and uses dynamic models to make up for the deficiencies of past research. (2) Due to the differences in regions, local governments have different fiscal budgets. Therefore, this article uses the Wilcoxon Test to explore the efficiency differences of local governments in different regions. (3) This article analyzes the impact of central subsidies and government deficits (debts) of local governments on fiscal efficiency, and discusses the efficiency of government fiscal execution. The results are as follows. (1) Seven counties and cities with the best efficiency, and seven local governments with poor efficiency. (2) The fiscal performances of outlying islands and eastern local governments are better than those of western local governments. (3) Kaohsiung City has the highest accumulated debt and Tainan City exhibits poor financial performance.
Study on dynamic characteristics of the cubic nonlinear economic system with time‐varying parameters
Authors: Li Meng
Published: May 2021

In this work, the homotopy‐perturbation method (HPM) proposed by J.‐H. He, one of the most effective methods, is implemented to find approximate solutions of a cubic nonlinear economic system with time‐varying parameters. Comparisons are made between the results of the proposed method and the numerical solutions. It illustrates the validity and the great potential of the HPM in solving nonlinear partial differential equations. HPM is also suitable for large parameter problems.
Pattern formation in nonlocal Kondo model
Authors: Cygan Szymon
Published: May 2021

We study a nonlocal evolution equation generalising a model introduced by Shigeru Kondo to explain colour patterns on a skin of a guppy fish. We prove the existence of stationary solutions using either the bifurcation theory or the Schauder fixed‐point theorem. We also present numerical studies of this model and show that it exhibits patterns similar to those modelled by well‐known reaction‐diffusion equations.
Nonprofit solutions for the post‐pandemic world
Authors: Schwan‐Rosenwald Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

Often overburdened and under‐resourced to begin with, many nonprofits were hit with a multilevel blow at the start of the pandemic: a sharp increase in demand amid volunteer fall off, resource constraints, and difficulties accessing their constituents to provide essential services and resources. Some have not been able to survive these conditions and have been forced to close permanently. Those that remain are in a precarious position, financially and capacity‐wise.
Dystrophin deficiency impairs vascular structure and function in the canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Kodippili Kasun , Thorne Pamela K , Laughlin M Harold , Duan Dongsheng
Published: May 2021

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a muscle‐wasting disease caused by dystrophin deficiency. Vascular dysfunction has been suggested as an underlying pathogenic mechanism in DMD. However, this has not been thoroughly studied in a large animal model. Here we investigated structural and functional changes in the vascular smooth muscle and endothelium of the canine DMD model. The expression of dystrophin and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS), and the structure and function of the femoral artery from 15 normal and 16 affected adult dogs were evaluated. Full‐length dystrophin was detected in the endothelium and smooth muscle in normal but not affected dog arteries. Normal arteries lacked nNOS but expressed eNOS in the endothelium. NOS activity and eNOS expression were reduced in the endothelium of dystrophic dogs. Dystrophin deficiency resulted in structural remodeling of the artery. In affected dogs, the maximum tension induced by vasoconstrictor phenylephrine and endothelin‐1 was significantly reduced. In addition, acetylcholine‐mediated vasorelaxation was significantly impaired, whereas exogenous nitric oxide‐induced vasorelaxation was significantly enhanced. Our results suggest that dystrophin plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of vascular endothelium and smooth muscle in large mammals. Vascular defects may contribute to DMD pathogenesis. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of a software‐defined baseband system for satellite telemetry and telecommand
Authors: Mwakyanjala Moses Browne , de Oliveira Élcio Jeronimo , van de Beek Jaap
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the validation of a software‐defined baseband (SDB) system for satellite telemetry and telecommand (TM/TC). The baseband system was developed using the open‐source GNU Radio development kit. It runs on a personal computer connected to a commercial‐off‐the‐shelf (CoTS) RF frontend. The validation process was performed by the use of a mission‐qualified satellite emulator, a state‐of‐the‐art baseband unit, and orbiting satellites. The baseband is designed to offer multimission support. Hence, it includes a suite of modulation schemes, line codes, matched filters, and Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) forward error correction codes (convolutional, Reed–Solomon, concatenated, and low‐density parity‐check [LDPC]) typically employed in TM/TC missions. The figures of merit used for the validation of the TM receiver are bit error rate (BER) and frame error rate (FER). For the TC transmitter, the validated features are modulation index, power spectrum, and the physical layer operations procedures (PLOP).

Graphical Abstract We present the validation of a software‐defined baseband system for satellite ground operations. Based on low‐cost software‐defined radios, the baseband show minimal performance degradation in a laboratory environement. Infield tests shows that the baseband is capable of supporting ground operations for orbiting satellites.
Superior formic acid electrooxidation activity on carbon nanotube‐supported binary Pd nanocatalysts prepared via sequential sodium borohydride reduction technique
Authors: Caglar Aykut , Kivrak Hilal
Published: May 2021

In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐supported M (Pd, Ni, Co, Mn, V, Zn)/MWCNT monometallic and M (Ni, Co, Zn, V, Ag, Mn)@(Pd/MWCNT) binary nanocatalysts were investigated to examine the effect of second metal promotion to Pd on formic acid electrooxidation (FAEO) activity. The sequential sodium borohydride (SBH) reduction technique was used for the preparation of nanocatalysts. For binary nanocatalysts, first of all, the monometallic Pd/MWCNT nanocatalyst was prepared. Then, second metal precursors (NiCI2, CoCl2, ZnCI2, V2O5, AgNO3, and MnCI2) were added to Pd/MWCNT and further reduced with NaBH4. After filtration and drying, binary nanocatalysts M@(Pd/MWCNT) were obtained. X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP‐MS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods were used to characterize the obtained nanocatalysts. In addition, cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were utilized to examine the electrochemical activities of the nanocatalysts for FAEO. The results indicate that Ni@(Pd/MWCNT) nanocatalyst is better than the other nanocatalysts with 10.75‐mA cm−2 specific and 2924.48‐mA mg−1 Pd mass activity. Furthermore, Ni@(Pd/MWCNT) nanocatalyst has 110.4‐m2 g−1 electrochemical active surface area (ECSA). Consequently, it is clear that Ni@(Pd/MWCNT) nanocatalyst is a promising nanocatalyst for direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs).
Effect of Different Site Trifluoromethylbenzoic Acid Organic Photosensitizer for Dye‐sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Shen Lisha , Yang Xichuan , An Jincheng , Zhang Li , Yang Kaiyuan , Deng Zijian
Published: May 2021

Two novel D‐A‐π‐A triazatruxene (TAT)‐based photosensitizers with different acceptor, namely SL201 and SL202, respectively, have been successfully synthesized and applied in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The trifluoromethyl as strong electron‐withdrawing group was introduced to different sites of benzoic acid, in order to enhance the electron‐withdrawing ability of the acceptor, broaden the light capture ability and improve power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the DSSCs. Due to the steric hindrance effect, the molecular planarity of the trifluoromethyl group at different positions in the molecule is different, which leads to different photovoltaic performance of DSSCs. Finally, the DSSCs based on SL202 obtain a higher PCE of 9.8 %, short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 15.3 mA/cm2, an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 927 mV and a fill factor (FF) of 0.69, compared with 9.0 % of SL201, using Co2+/Co3+ complex redox couple under standard AM 1.5G solar irradiation (100 mW/cm2). The same chemical group at different positions will produce different molecular planarity, further causing different photovoltaic performance of devices.
Copper‐Catalyzed Coupling of Arylethynes and Aryltriazenes to Access Libraries of 1,2‐Diketones and Their Efficacy in Synthesis of Triaryloxazoles, Imidazoles and Diaryl‐Diazepines
Authors: Sutar Suraj M. , Prabhala Pavankumar , Savanur Hemantkumar M. , Kalkhambkar Rajesh G. , Aridoss Gopalakrishnan , Laali Kenneth K.
Published: May 2021

Libraries of diaryl‐1,2‐diketones were synthesized by oxidative coupling of 1‐aryl‐ethynes with 1‐aryl‐triazenes, employing tetramethylguanidinium ionic liquid [TMG][CF3COO] and Cu(OAc)2. The synthesized compounds served as scaffolds for facile one‐pot synthesis of diverse libraries of pharmaceutically important heterocycles in ionic liquid solvents. Thus BMIM‐ionic liquid/CuI was utilized for the synthesis of triaryl‐oxazoles, [TMG][HSO4]/NH4OAc was used to prepare triaryl‐imidazoles, and [TMG][OAc] was employed for the synthesis of diaryl‐diazepines. Reactions were performed in fresh as well as in recycled ionic liquids. The reported methods expand the available protocols for the synthesis of diaryl‐1,2‐diketones, and enable facile access to pharmaceutically important nitrogen heterocycles.
Determinants of Adenosine A2A Receptors‐Perfluoroalkyl Sulfonates Complex: Multi‐Spectroscopic and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Huang Manting , Yong Li , Xu Jie , Zuo Yanqiu , Yi Zhongsheng , Liu Hongyan
Published: May 2021

In this study, we determined the binding characteristics of perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) to the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) using various spectroscopic methods and computer simulation technologies. UV‐absorption, fluorescence spectra, and three‐dimensional fluorescence spectra results revealed the changes in the micro‐environment of the secondary structure of A2AR. By comparing the fluorescence spectroscopy of A2AR in the absence and presence of PFSAs, we found that PFSAs induced the static fluorescence quenching of A2AR. The thermodynamic parameters ▵H and ▵S indicated that van der Waals forces and electrostatic interactions predominantly stabilized the pollutant‐protein system. A molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study of the A2AR and A2AR‐PFSAs complex shows that A2AR‐PFSAs are stable. This study describes the binding mechanism of PFSAs to A2AR, which is very helpful in improving our understanding of the effect of PFSAs on peripheral tissues and the central nervous system.
Mild, Efficient and Metal‐Free Strategies for Direct Diamination of α, β‐Unsaturated Ketones Using Different Iodine Sources
Authors: Sarkar Subhankar , Chatterjee Rana , Pal Satyajit , Majee Adinath
Published: May 2021

Reaction of α, β‐unsaturated ketone (chalcone) and secondary amine leads to direct diamination of chalcone by dehydrogenation and forming two C−N bonds. This diamination reaction of chalcones with morpholine has been carried out through two effective protocols. The use of N‐iodosuccinimide (NIS) in tetrahydrofuran solvent in one strategy, while the combination of NH2OH ⋅ HCl and NaIO4 in dichloromethane solvent in another are very effective and work at room temperature. No other additives are required for this conversion. Mild and metal free conditions, simple operation technique, good to excellent yields are the notable advantages of both these protocols.
Structural, Bioactivity, Molecular Docking, Spectroscopic and Electronic Properties of a Synthesized Meldrum's Acid Derivative
Authors: Gökce Halil , Alpaslan Gökhan , Kaya Serdal , Çakır Nezaket
Published: May 2021

The molecular structure, tautomeric forms (enol and keto), spectroscopic and electronic properties of a synthesized Meldrum's acid derivative were studied by using the experimental (SCXRD, FT‐IR, NMR and UV) and computational (DFT/B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level) methods. Hirshfeld surface analysis were used to investigate the presence of inter‐molecular interactions within crystal packing. The biological activity, drug‐likeness and interactions between the target protein and the ligand compound were studied byin silicoADME and molecular docking methods. The non‐linear optical (NLO) activity of the compound was determined with static computations of dipole moment, polarizability and first‐order hyperpolarizability values. Thermo‐chemical features were theoretically analyzed for both enol forms. Comparatively with the experimental vibrational frequencies, detailed assignments and interpretations of the computed harmonic vibrational wavenumbers were carried out in PED. The certain structural form at the room temperature of the compound was analyzed by1H‐ and13C‐NMR chemical shift studies. The UV, HOMO and LUMO analyses were studied to research electronic properties of the compound. The nature, structure and existence of the hyper‐conjugative interaction for the O−H⋅⋅⋅O intra‐molecular hydrogen bonding in two enolic forms were investigated with Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis. The reactive sites were obtained from atomic charges and Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) map.
Microwave‐Assisted Green Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydroquinazolinones under Base‐ and Catalyst‐Free conditions
Authors: Kerdphon Sutthichat , Jongcharoenkamol Jira , Chatwichien Jaruwan , Singh Thishana , Channei Duangdao , Choommongkol Vachira , Rithchumpon Puracheth , Meepowpan Puttinan
Published: May 2021

A facile and green one‐pot synthesis of 2,3‐dihydroquinazolinones, using microwave irradiation, has been developed. Dihydroquinazolinones were synthesized from 2‐aminobenzamide derivatives and various aldehydes in aqueous solution under base and catalyst free reaction conditions. The desired products, from aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes substrates, were obtained in 5 minutes with up to 99 % isolated yields.
Synthesis of Tetracyclic Indolines through Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Dearomative reaction of Aryl Iodides
Authors: Li Yuanfeng , Yue‐Su M. Sc. , Zhang Hong‐Yu , Zhang Yuecheng , Dong‐Han M. Sc. , Han Ya‐Ping , Zhao Jiquan , Liang Yong‐Min
Published: May 2021

A palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric intramolecular Heck reaction of aryl iodides with alkynyl carboxylic acids has been developed, delivering various indoline frameworks in moderate to excellent yields (up to 95 %) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 96 % ee) and diastereoselectivities (>20 : 1) using BINOL‐based phosphoramidite as chiral ligand. This cascade annulation protocol, which tolerates a broad variety of functional groups and is conducted under an argon atmosphere, provides efficient and atom‐economical access to structurally diverse 2,3‐disubstituted indolines bearing vicinal tertiary and quaternary stereocenters. Additionally, the synthetic products could be converted to useful unique indoline derivatives without loss of enantiomeric excess.
Corpus callosum size by neurosonography in fetuses with congenital heart defect and relationship with expected pattern of brain oxygen supply
Authors: Pérez‐Cruz M. , Gómez O. , Gibert M. , Masoller N. , Marimon E. , Lip‐Sosa D. , Bennasar M. , Bonet‐Carne E. , Gómez‐Roig M. D. , Martínez‐Crespo J. M. , Gratacós E. , Eixarch E.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To evaluate corpus callosum (CC) size by neurosonography (NSG) in fetuses with an isolated major congenital heart defect (CHD) and explore the association of CC size with the expected pattern of in‐utero oxygen supply to the brain.

Methods

A total of 56 fetuses with postnatally confirmed isolated major CHD and 56 gestational‐age‐matched controls were included. Fetuses with CHD were stratified into two categories according to the main expected pattern of cerebral arterial oxygen supply: Class A, moderately to severely reduced oxygen supply (left outflow tract obstruction and transposition of the great arteries) and Class B, near normal or mildly impaired oxygenated blood supply to the brain (other CHD). Transvaginal NSG was performed at 32–36 weeks in all fetuses to evaluate CC length, CC total area and areas of CC subdivisions in the midsagittal plane.

Results

CHD fetuses had a significantly smaller CC area as compared to controls (7.91 ± 1.30 vs 9.01 ± 1.44 mm2; P < 0.001), which was more pronounced in the most posterior part of the CC. There was a significant linear trend for reduced CC total area across the three clinical groups, with CHD Class‐A cases showing more prominent changes (controls, 9.01 ± 1.44 vs CHD Class B, 8.18 ± 1.21 vs CHD Class A, 7.53 ± 1.33 mm2; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Fetuses with major CHD had a smaller CC compared with controls, and the difference was more marked in the CHD subgroup with expected poorer brain oxygenation. Sonographic CC size could be a clinically feasible marker of abnormal white matter development in CHD. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Ultrasonographic application in the diagnosis and treatment of cystitis‐ pyelonephritis syndrome in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): A novel approach
Authors: Kumar Tarun , Jajoria Chetan , Sindhu Neelesh , Punia Sunil , Sharma Maneesh
Published: May 2021

Bovine cystitis is an inflammation of the urinary bladder that may ascend to ureters to cause pyelonephritis. The aim of this study performed in buffaloes was to investigate the use of ultrasonographic imaging in the diagnosis of cystitis‐pyelonephritis syndrome followed by a novel treatment regimen. In all four buffaloes, diagnosis was confirmed using trans‐rectal ultrasonography, revealing non‐specific thickening of bladder wall, with reduced capacity and floating hyperechoic contents. Kidneys showed dilatation of right and/or left ureter, with loss of lobulations and cortex medullary differentiation. Successful treatment was achieved by flushing of the urinary bladder using a number 18 Foleys catheter guided by ultrasound twice a day for 5 days with 2.5% liquid betadine in combination with oral administration of ammonium chloride (0.2 mg/kg body weight) for 7 days. A rapid recovery was confirmed by clinical examination after 7 days and a further follow‐up 2 months post‐treatment.
A semianalytical solution of the modified two‐dimensional diffusive root growth model
Authors: Wang Jun , Huang Guanhua , Zhan Hongbin , Mohanty Binayak , Li Jiusheng , Zotarelli Lincoln
Published: May 2021

Accurate estimation of the temporal and spatial root water uptake patterns in root zone is needed for an improved understanding of water and chemical transport dynamics in vadose zone. Rooting system is of great importance to describe the plant root water uptake directly. In this study, the diffusive root growth model was coupled with the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) crop growth model through changing the boundary condition, and a new semianalytical solution of the modified root diffusive model was derived considering the dynamic root length density distribution simulated by the EPIC crop growth model. To test the modified root growth model, the field‐measured data of maize (Zea mays L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) root length density distribution were used for parameter optimization. A MATLAB program was developed by coupling the modified root diffusive model with the genetic algorithm to facilitate the parameters optimization. Results showed that the simulated root length density distribution at different times was in a good agreement with the observed values. The RMSE and bias values ranged from 0.22 to 0.25 cm cm–3 and from −3.0 to 24.5%, respectively. The modified diffusive root growth model can therefore be used to simulate the two‐dimensional root growth during the crop growing period.
Approximate Bacon-Shor code and holography
Authors: Cao ChunJun , Lackey Brad
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We explicitly construct a class of holographic quantum error correction codes with non-trivial centers in the code subalgebra. Specifically, we use the Bacon-Shor codes and perfect tensors to construct a gauge code (or a stabilizer code with gauge-fixing), which we call the holographic hybrid code. This code admits a local log-depth encoding/decoding circuit, and can be represented as a holographic tensor network which satisfies an analog of the Ryu-Takayanagi formula and reproduces features of the sub-region duality. We then construct approximate versions of the holographic hybrid codes by “skewing” the code subspace, where the size of skewing is analogous to the size of the gravitational constant in holography. These approximate hybrid codes are not necessarily stabilizer codes, but they can be expressed as the superposition of holographic tensor networks that are stabilizer codes. For such constructions, different logical states, representing different bulk matter content, can “back-react” on the emergent geometry, resembling a key feature of gravity. The locality of the bulk degrees of freedom becomes subspace-dependent and approximate. Such subspace-dependence is manifest from the point of view of the “entanglement wedge” and bulk operator reconstruction from the boundary. Exact complementary error correction breaks down for certain bipartition of the boundary degrees of freedom; however, a limited, state-dependent form is preserved for particular subspaces. We also construct an example where the connected two-point correlation functions can have a power-law decay. Coupled with known constraints from holography, a weakly back-reacting bulk also forces these skewed tensor network models to the “large N limit” where they are built by concatenating a large N number of copies.
Sample preparation strategy for the detection of steroid-like compounds using MALDI mass spectrometry imaging: pulmonary distribution of budesonide as a case study
Authors: Zecchi Riccardo , Franceschi Pietro , Tigli Laura , Amidani Davide , Catozzi Chiara , Ricci Francesca , Salomone Fabrizio , Pieraccini Giuseppe , Pioselli Barbara , Mileo Valentina
Published: May 2021

Corticosteroids as budesonide can be effective in reducing topic inflammation processes in different organs. Therapeutic use of budesonide in respiratory diseases, like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and allergic rhinitis is well known. However, the pulmonary distribution of budesonide is not well understood, mainly due to the difficulties in tracing the molecule in lung samples without the addition of a label. In this paper, we present a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging protocol that can be used to visualize the pulmonary distribution of budesonide administered to a surfactant-depleted adult rabbit. Considering that budesonide is not easily ionized by MALDI, we developed an on-tissue derivatization method with Girard’s reagent P followed by ferulic acid deposition as MALDI matrix. Interestingly, this sample preparation protocol results as a very effective strategy to raise the sensitivity towards not only budesonide but also other corticosteroids, allowing us to track its distribution and quantify the drug inside lung samples.

Graphical abstract
Treatment and Prognosis of Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: A SEER Database Analysis
Authors: Chahrour Mohamad A. , Khachfe Hussein H. , Habib Joseph R. , El‐Asmar Rudy , Saifi Omran , Jamali Faek R.
Published: May 2021

Background

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEH) is a rare tumor that can affect multiple organs. Little is known about the pathophysiology, clinical course and management of this disease. The aim of this study is to determine survival rates and elucidate the role of various prognostic factors and therapeutic modalities as compared to surgery on patients with HEH.

Methods

A retrospective analysis on patients diagnosed with HEH between 2004 and 2016 was performed utilizing the SEER database. Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed to determine overall and cancer‐specific survival, and the log‐rank test was used to compare between groups. To explore prognostic factors and treatment outcomes, univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were developed.

Results

A total of 353 patients with HEH (median age: 50.4 years) were identified. The most common surgery performed was liver resection (90.8%). One‐year OS in the surgical group and non‐surgical group was 86.6% and 61.0%, respectively, while 5‐year OS was 75.2% and 37.4%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, surgery emerged as a favorable prognostic factor [HR (95%CI): 0.404 (0.215–0.758) p value = 0.005]. Age > 65 years [HR (95%CI): 2.548 (1.442–4.506) p value = 0.001] and tumor size > 10 cm [HR (95%CI): 2.401 (1.319–4.37) p value = 0.004] were shown to be poor survival prognostic factors.

Conclusion

HEH is a rare disease that is poorly understood. Surgical intervention is associated with improved survival rates. Multicenter prospective collaborations are needed to improve our limited knowledge about this neoplasm and determine the optimal treatment strategy.
Soil N2O flux and nitrification and denitrification gene responses to feed-induced differences in the composition of dairy cow faeces
Authors: Meyer Stephanie , Grüning Maren Marine , Beule Lukas , Karlovsky Petr , Joergensen Rainer Georg , Sundrum Albert
Published: May 2021

Faeces from cows with different milk yield and non-lactating cows were applied to soil to investigate whether soil N2O efflux is related to feeding-induced differences in faecal microbiome and abundances of nitrification and denitrification genes. Fungal 18S-rRNA gene abundance was the highest in the faeces of the non-lactating group. The 18S-rRNA/ergosterol ratio showed a strong positive correlation with the 18S-rRNA/fungal glucosamine ratio. The milk-yield groups did not affect the gene abundances of bacterial 16S rRNA, AOB amoA, nirS and nosZ clade I, or the 16S-rRNA/muramic acid (MurN) ratio. In contrast, nirK gene abundance was generally the lowest in the high-yield group. The 16S-rRNA/MurN ratio showed a strong positive correlation with the 16S-rRNA/bacterial PLFA ratio. Cow faeces application to soil increased microbial biomass and ergosterol contents as well as the gene abundances of 18S-rRNA and nosZ clade I, compared with the non-amended control soil. Cumulative ΣCO2 efflux was roughly twice as high as the control, without differences between the faeces treatments. Cumulative ΣN2O efflux showed a 16-fold increase after applying high-yield cow faeces to soil, which was above the sevenfold increase in the non-lactating faeces treatment. The ΣN2O efflux from soil was positively related to faecal MurN and total PLFA concentration but also to soil nirK at day 14. The comparison of genome markers with cell wall (glucosamine) and cell membrane components (ergosterol) showed that the fungal cells were much larger in energy-rich faeces than in C-limited soil. A cow diet reduced in protein decreased the ΣN2O efflux from faeces amended soil.
Characterization of technical skill progress in a standardized rabbit model for training in laparoscopic duodenal atresia repair
Authors: Etlinger Péter , Barroso Catarina , Miranda Alice , Moreira Pinto João , Lamas-Pinheiro Ruben , Ferreira Hélder , Leão Pedro , Kovács Tamás , Juhász László , Sasi Szabó László , Farkas András , Vajda Péter , Kálmán Attila , Géczi Tibor , Simonka Zsolt , Cserni Tamás , Nógrády Miklós , Fodor Gergely H. , Szabó Andrea , Correia-Pinto Jorge
Published: May 2021

Background

Laboratory skills training is an essential step before conducting minimally invasive surgery in clinical practice. Our main aim was to develop an animal model for training in clinically highly challenging laparoscopic duodenal atresia repair that could be useful in establishing a minimum number of repetitions to indicate safe performance of similar interventions on humans.

Materials and methods

A rabbit model of laparoscopic duodenum atresia surgery involving a diamond-shaped duodeno-duodenostomy was designed. This approach was tested in two groups of surgeons: in a beginner group without any previous clinical laparoscopic experience (but having undergone previous standardized dry-lab training, n = 8) and in an advanced group comprising pediatric surgery fellows with previous clinical experience of laparoscopy (n = 7). Each participant performed eight interventions. Surgical time, expert assessment using the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) score, anastomosis quality (leakage) and results from participant feedback questionnaires were analyzed.

Results

Participants in both groups successfully completed all eight surgeries. The surgical time gradually improved in both groups, but it was typically shorter in the advanced group than in the beginner group. The leakage rate was significantly lower in the advanced group in the first two interventions, and it reached its optimal level after five operations in both groups. The GOALS and participant feedback scores showed gradual increases, evident even after the fifth surgery.

Conclusions

Our data confirm the feasibility of this advanced pediatric laparoscopic model. Surgical time, anastomosis quality, GOALS score and self-assessment parameters adequately quantify technical improvement among the participants. Anastomosis quality reaches its optimal value after the fifth operation even in novice, but uniformly trained surgeons. A minimum number of wet-lab operations can be determined before surgery can be safely conducted in a clinical setting, where the development of further non-technical skills is also required.