bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise: a molecular tool to boost muscle growth and mitochondrial performance in heart failure?
Authors: Nijholt Kirsten T. , Sánchez‐Aguilera Pablo I. , Voorrips Suzanne N. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Westenbrink B. Daan
Published: December 2021

Impaired exercise capacity is the key symptom of heart failure (HF) and is associated with reduced quality of life and higher mortality rates. Unfortunately, current therapies, although generally lifesaving, have only small or marginal effects on exercise capacity. Specific strategies to alleviate exercise intolerance may improve quality of life, while possibly improving prognosis as well. There is overwhelming evidence that physical exercise improves performance in cardiac and skeletal muscles in health and disease. Unravelling the mechanistic underpinnings of exercise‐induced improvements in muscle function could provide targets that will allow us to boost exercise performance in HF. With the current review we discuss: (i) recently discovered signalling pathways that govern physiological muscle growth as well as mitochondrial quality control mechanisms that underlie metabolic adaptations to exercise; (ii) the mechanistic underpinnings of exercise intolerance in HF and the benefits of exercise in HF patients on molecular, functional and prognostic levels; and (iii) potential molecular therapeutics to improve exercise performance in HF. We propose that novel molecular therapies to boost adaptive muscle growth and mitochondrial quality control in HF should always be combined with some form of exercise training.
Impact of anaemia and the effect of empagliflozin in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: findings from EMPEROR‐Reduced
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Anker Stefan D. , Butler Javed , Filippatos Gerasimos , Iwata Tomoko , Salsali Afshin , Zeller Cordula , Pocock Stuart J. , Zannad Faiez , Packer Milton
Published: December 2021

Aims

Anaemia is frequent among patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and is associated with poor outcomes. Sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) increase haematocrit and may correct anaemia. This study aims to investigate the impact of empagliflozin on haematocrit and anaemia, and whether anaemia influenced the effect of empagliflozin in EMPEROR‐Reduced.

Methods and results

Mixed‐effects models and survival analysis. A total of 3726 patients (out of 3730) had baseline haematocrit values, 3013 (81%) had no anaemia and 713 (19%) had anaemia. Patients with anaemia were older (70.4 vs. 66.0 years), had lower body mass index (26.6 vs. 28.2 kg/m2), lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (54.2 vs. 63.9 ml/min/1.73 m2), and higher N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (2362 vs. 1800 pg/ml). Compared to patients without anaemia, those with anaemia had 1.5 to 2.5‐fold higher rates of cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality, total HF hospitalizations, and kidney composite outcomes. The effect of empagliflozin to reduce the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalizations, total HF hospitalizations, and kidney composite outcome was not modified by baseline anaemia status (interaction p > 0.1 for all). Compared to placebo, empagliflozin rapidly (as early as week 4) increased haematocrit and haemoglobin and reduced the rates of new‐onset anaemia throughout the follow‐up (22.6% in placebo vs. 12.3% in empagliflozin; hazard ratio 0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.41–0.59; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Anaemia was associated with poor outcomes. Empagliflozin reduced new‐onset anaemia throughout the follow‐up and improved HF and kidney outcomes irrespective of anaemia status at baseline.
Antioxidant Effects of Stevia rebaudiana Leaf and Stem Extracts on Lipid Oxidation in Salted Pacific Saury (Cololabis saira) during Processing
Authors: Liu Haimei , Yang Gangqiang , Zhao Qin , Li Haiyan , Niu Lihong , Wu Hongyan , Yu Hui
Published: December 2021

Stevia rebaudiana, cultivated as a sweetener, also contains numerous phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant activities. Here, the antioxidant effects of Stevia rebaudiana leaf (SRL) and stem (SRS) extracts on lipid oxidation in salted Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) fillets throughout the salting and drying process are investigated. Fish fillets treated with SRL and SRS extracts are monitored for lipid oxidation and physicochemical characteristics. The results show that both SRL and SRS extract treatment significantly retard lipid oxidation in the fish, shown by reductions in the levels of peroxide, conjugated diene, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. These effects can be attributed to both the antioxidant activity of the extracts and the possible inhibition of the fish lipoxygenase by the SRL and SRS extracts. Interestingly, the SRS extract has stronger activities than the SRL extract in inhibiting lipid oxidation during the fish drying process, despite having relatively lower DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferrous ion‐chelating ability, and reducing power. Notably, the SRS extract is more effective at hydroxyl radical scavenging than the SRL extract, suggesting the importance of hydroxyl radical scavenging during the fish drying process. Consequently, stevia extracts can be a source of natural antioxidants to minimize lipid oxidation in salted fish.

Practical applications: Current work demonstrates the antioxidant effect of the aqueous extracts of stevia leaf and stem against the lipid oxidation in salted Pacific saury during salting and drying process. The results open the way to the potential utilization of extracts from stevia leaf and stem, a by‐product of the sweetener industry, as alternative source of natural antioxidants for salted fish and meat.
Different genes may be involved in distal and local sensitization: A genome‐wide gene‐based association study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kouraki Afroditi , Doherty Michael , Fernandes Gwen S. , Zhang Weiya , Walsh David A. , Kelly Anthony , Valdes Ana M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Neuropathic pain symptoms and signs of increased pain sensitization in osteoarthritis (OA) patients may explain persistent pain after total joint replacement (TJR). Therefore, identifying genetic markers associated with pain sensitization and neuropathic‐like pain phenotypes could be clinically important in identifying targets for early intervention.

Methods

We performed a genome‐wide gene‐based association study (GWGAS) using pressure pain detection thresholds (PPTs) from distal pain‐free sites (anterior tibia), a measure of distal sensitization, and from proximal pain‐affected sites (lateral joint line), a measure of local sensitization, in 320 knee OA participants from the Knee Pain and related health in the Community (KPIC) cohort. We next performed gene‐based fixed‐effects meta‐analysis of PPTs and a neuropathic‐like pain phenotype using genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data from KPIC and from an independent cohort of 613 post‐TJR participants, respectively.

Results

The most significant genes associated with distal and local sensitization were OR5B3 and BRDT, respectively. We also found previously identified neuropathic pain‐associated genes—KCNA1, MTOR, ADORA1 and SCN3B—associated with PPT at the anterior tibia and an inflammatory pain gene—PTAFR—associated with PPT at the lateral joint line. Meta‐analysis results of anterior tibia and neuropathic‐like pain phenotypes revealed genes associated with bone morphogenesis, neuro‐inflammation, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cognitive function.

Conclusions

Overall, our results suggest that different biological processes might be involved in distal and local sensitization, and common genetic mechanisms might be implicated in distal sensitization and neuropathic‐like pain. Future studies are needed to replicate these findings.

Significance

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first GWAS for pain sensitization and the first gene‐based meta‐analysis of pain sensitization and neuropathic‐like pain. Higher pain sensitization and neuropathic pain symptoms are associated with persistent pain after surgery hence, identifying genetic biomarkers and molecular pathways associated with these traits is clinically relevant.
Screening of Synthetic Cathinones by Potentiometric Sensor Array and Chemometrics
Authors: Shishkanova Tatiana V. , Pospíšilová Eva , Prokopec Vadim
Published: December 2021

This work demonstrates the analytical applicability of single ion‐selective membranes (ISMs) and potentiometric sensor array to distinguish and detect cathinone derivatives. Potentiometric data from ISMs based on cation exchanger and varying content of calix[4]arene derivative were processed by principal component analysis (PCA). Such a combination of methods allowed discriminating various individual synthetic cathinones and their recognition from the mixture comprising primary amines (substituted amphetamines+aminoindane). Analytical parameters of ISM containing 1wt % of calix[4]arene derivative were sufficient to detect 1.0×10−4 mol.l−11‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐(ethylamino)butan‐1‐one and 2‐(methylamino)‐1‐phenylbutan‐1‐one (buphedrone) in both model and saliva samples.
Hurricanes alter 10Be concentrations in tropical river sediment but do not change regional erosion rate estimates
Authors: Quock Melinda , Schmidt Amanda H. , Corbett Lee B. , Bierman Paul R. , Hidy Alan J. , Caffee Marc
Published: December 2021

Tropical islands, including many in island arcs, are subjected to recurring disturbances from extreme storms such as tropical cyclones. To test whether such storms influence cosmogenic nuclide concentrations such that they do not reflect long‐term rates of erosion, we measured meteoric and in situ 10Be in river sediment samples from Dominica, an andesitic island in the Caribbean, before and after category five Hurricane Maria (in 2017). Populations of before‐ and after‐storm concentrations are statistically indistinguishable (n = 7 pairs for in‐situ 10Be, n = 11 pairs for meteoric 10Be). 10Be concentrations vary from −138% to +73% within before–after sample pairs relative to the mean of the pair. These new data suggest that the effects of extreme storms on the depth and amount of near‐surface erosion on Dominica vary spatially. Our data support the calculations of Niemi et al. (2005) and Yanites et al. (2009) suggesting that basin‐by‐basin comparisons of erosion rates based on cosmogenic nuclides should be approached with caution in small (<~100 km2) watersheds affected by mass movements and extreme storms. Erosion rates determined from in‐situ 10Be on Dominica (geometric mean = 0.102 mm y−1, n = 12) are low compared to similarly steep and wet areas globally and correlate positively with the spatial density of mass movements.
Hybrid‐360: An adaptive bitrate algorithm for tile‐based 360 video streaming
Authors: Yang Shujie , Hu Jialu , Jiang Ke , Xiao Han , Wang Mu
Published: December 2021

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has become a popular topic. VR videos, as one of the popular applications, can provide the user with an extraordinary and immersed video viewing experience and are gradually entering the public's vision. However, it has faced specific difficulties in the past few years. VR videos need specific collection and displaying equipment. Delivering VR videos needs extra bandwidth and storage space as they contain more information. Traditional adaptive bitrate (ABR) algorithms are mainly designed for 2D videos, and cannot directly apply to VR videos. The delay must be neglectable and there should be fewer stalls. If not, users can suffer from motion sickness. With the development of relevant technologies, those problems can be solved. Using a first‐class VR camera and a head‐mounted display, VR videos can be easily collected and displayed properly. In this work, Hybrid‐360, a novel tile‐based 360 video ABR algorithm, is proposed. Using reinforcement learning, the algorithm can make proper bitrate decisions for every tile in the VR video based on the network and client status. In addition, a system model is proposed to implement the tile‐based 360 ABR algorithm in the real world. Different from traditional 2D videos, VR videos have special characteristics, which brings the need to redesign quality of experience (QoE) model. Additional QoE factors are added into the QoE model, and the weights of every term are adjusted. Using a novel 360 video simulation platform, Hybrid‐360 is then compared with some classical ABR algorithms. It is found to be capable of balancing the video quality as well as video smoothness and fluentness. Also, the algorithm can provide users with a higher QoE.
Contribution of aroma‐active compounds to the aroma of Lu'an Guapian tea
Authors: Xiao Mingji , Zheng Fangling , Xiao Mengxuan , Qi An , Wang Huiqiang , Dai Qianying
Published: December 2021

In China, Lu'an Guapian (LAGP) tea consists of tea leaves without tea buds or stems. In this study, we evaluated the aromatic characteristics of LAGP by sensory analysis, aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), and odor activity values. The sensory analysis revealed that LAGP had cooked soybean‐like, cooked chestnut‐like, roasted, cooked corn‐like, fishy, fruity, floral, and grass aromas. Aroma‐active compounds from LAGP were identified by solvent extraction‐solid phase extraction (SE‐SPE) and headspace‐solid phase microextraction (HS‐SPME), and subjected to AEDA. A total of 91 aroma‐active compounds were identified by SE‐SPE‐AEDA with flavor dilution (FD) factors ranging from 1 to 4096. A total of 66 aroma‐active compounds were identified by HS‐SPME‐AEDA with FD of 1 to 128. Nine compounds with FD ≥64 and OAVs ≥1 were major aroma‐active compounds to the aroma of LAGP tea: raspberry ketone (raspberry), (E)‐β‐ionone (floral, raspberry), dimethyl sulfide (cooked corn‐like), indole (animal), phenylacetaldehyde (floral, honey‐like), 2‐ethyl‐3,5‐dimethylpyrazine (roasted), (Z)‐4‐heptenal (cooked soybean‐like, fishy), (Z)‐jasmone (jasmine), and geraniol (rose).
Information and the arrival rate of option trading volume
Authors: Zhang Mengyu , Verousis Thanos , Kalaitzoglou Iordanis
Published: December 2021

In this paper we investigate the interaction between liquidity and information in the options market and its impact on the pricing of the underlying asset. We model option trade duration and volume jointly, for the first time, as a natural measure of options' trading intensity and we associate it with differential degrees of information present in option trades. We report a highly significant association between option trading intensity with contemporaneous and future underlying volatility and returns, which is robust to the presence of other information measures, market factors, and structural forms.
T‐Cup: A Cheap, Rapid, and Simple Home Device for Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification
Authors: Velders Aldrik H. , Ossendrijver Michel , Keijser Bart J. F. , Saggiomo Vittorio
Published: December 2021

During the SARS‐CoV2 pandemic, it has become clear that centralized testing suffers from multiple bottlenecks. Logistics, number of machines, and people available to run the diagnostic tests are limited. A solution to those bottlenecks would be a fully decentralized system, where people can test themselves at home and only report back the outcome of the test in a centralized database. Here a noninstrumental device capable of achieving isothermal conditions useful for detecting the SARS‐CoV2 RNA using loop mediated amplification (LAMP) tests is presented. This device, compared to others reported in literature or present on the market, is cheap, easy to produce and use, and has little impact on the environment. Using a simple aluminum coffee capsule, a phase change material, and a 3D printed holder, this device, when placed in boiling water, is able to maintain a temperature of 65 °C for 25 min, required for running the LAMP reaction. In principle, this device can be applied to any LAMP reaction, and hence employed for many different applications, and can be deployed in large quantities in short amount of time.
Magnetic storm and term‐day observations at the Prague observatory Clementinum in the mid‐19th century
Authors: Hejda Pavel , Revallo Miloš , Valach Fridrich
Published: December 2021

Magnetic observations at the Clementinum Observatory were started in July 1839 and data up to 1917 were published in yearbooks. In addition to regular daily observations with a typical 2‐hr time step, two categories of data with a higher cadence were provided in the first decade. The first category captures 73 magnetic storms with their magnitude being of at least a moderate level. The second category is the dense observations during the days that had been agreed for joint measurements by the observatories organized in the Göttingen Magnetic Union (GMU), these measurements being known as term‐day observations. Whereas four terms per year were set by GMU, many observatories agreed to carry out additional observations in the eight remaining months. The term‐day observations also continued being performed for several years after the end of the GMU activities in 1841. Data of 120 term days from January 1840 to December 1849 were published. The declination was observed using the magnetic compass principle, while a bifilar apparatus was used to measure the horizontal intensity. When converting the data to the physical units of the SI, we have achieved the consistency of these high cadence data with previously published regular hourly observations of the geomagnetic field. This requirement was also met by considering the temperature dependence of measurements by the bifilar apparatus in determining the absolute values of horizontal intensity. Revealing the historical observations of the geomagnetic field can serve as a valuable material for studying the space weather in the past and may also contribute to the refinement of global field modelling.
Depositional age, provenance, and palaeoenvironment of the Lower Permian mudstones in the Qiangtang Basin, Tibet: Evidence from geochronology and geochemistry
Authors: Wang Zhongwei , Li Wangpeng , Wang Jian , Wei Hengye , Fu Xiugen , Song Chunyan , Zhan Wangzhong
Published: December 2021

The geochronology of tuffaceous sandstone and elemental geochemistry of mudstones in the Lower Permian Zhanjin Formation (well QZ‐5) in the Central Qiangtang Basin were studied to determine their depositional age, provenance, tectonic setting, and depositional conditions. Twenty‐six synchronous igneous zircons from tuffaceous sandstone at 596.5 m have a weighted average U–Pb age of 292.5 ± 2.5 Ma, tentatively constraining the sedimentary age of the Zhanjin Formation to the Early Permian. Low SiO2/Al2O3 and Th/Sc ratios indicate a low sedimentary recycling and compositional maturity for the source area of the Zhanjin Formation mudstones. The low Al2O3/TiO2, moderate‐high Fe2O3/Al2O3, high TiO2/Fe2O3, low‐moderate TiO2/Zr, and moderate Co/Th ratios combined with post‐Archean Australian shale‐normalized rare earth element distributions imply that the provenance of the Zhanjin Formation mudstones was mainly from the mixed mafic and felsic sources that is composed of basalt and rhyolite exposed in the Central Qiangtang Basin. The tectonic discrimination plots, low Fe2O3/TiO2, (La/Ce)N, and high Al2O3/(Al2O3 + Fe2O3) ratios reveal that the studied mudstones mostly formed in rift settings, consistent with the geologic evolutionary history of the Early Permian Qiangtang Basin. Trace element ratios (V/Cr and Cu/Zn), enrichment factors (MoEF), and δCe values combined with sedimentary features indicate that almost all the studied mudstones were deposited in an open marine environment along the continental margin, and were associated with oxic and dysoxic water columns.
The rs429358 Locus in Apolipoprotein E Is Associated With Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Cirrhosis
Authors: Innes Hamish , Nischalke Hans Dieter , Guha Indra Neil , Weiss Karl Heinz , Irving Will , Gotthardt Daniel , Barnes Eleanor , Fischer Janett , Ansari M. Azim , Rosendahl Jonas , Lin Shang‐Kuan , Marot Astrid , Pedergnana Vincent , Casper Markus , Benselin Jennifer , Lammert Frank , McLauchlan John , Lutz Philip L. , Hamill Victoria , Mueller Sebastian , Morling Joanne R. , Semmler Georg , Eyer Florian , von Felden Johann , Link Alexander , Vogel Arndt , Marquardt Jens U. , Sulk Stefan , Trebicka Jonel , Valenti Luca , Datz Christian , Reiberger Thomas , Schafmayer Clemens , Berg Thomas , Deltenre Pierre , Hampe Jochen , Stickel Felix , Buch Stephan
Published: December 2021

The host genetic background for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is incompletely understood. We aimed to determine if four germline genetic polymorphisms, rs429358 in apolipoprotein E (APOE), rs2642438 in mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component 1 (MARC1), rs2792751 in glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase (GPAM), and rs187429064 in transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2), previously associated with progressive alcohol‐related and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, are also associated with HCC. Four HCC case‐control data sets were constructed, including two mixed etiology data sets (UK Biobank and FinnGen); one hepatitis C virus (HCV) cohort (STOP‐HCV), and one alcohol‐related HCC cohort (Dresden HCC). The frequency of each variant was compared between HCC cases and cirrhosis controls (i.e., patients with cirrhosis without HCC). Population controls were also considered. Odds ratios (ORs) associations were calculated using logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, and principal components of genetic ancestry. Fixed‐effect meta‐analysis was used to determine the pooled effect size across all data sets. Across four case‐control data sets, 2,070 HCC cases, 4,121 cirrhosis controls, and 525,779 population controls were included. The rs429358:C allele (APOE) was significantly less frequent in HCC cases versus cirrhosis controls (OR, 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61‐0.84; P = 2.9 × 10−5). Rs187429064:G (TM6SF2) was significantly more common in HCC cases versus cirrhosis controls and exhibited the strongest effect size (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.45‐2.86; P = 3.1 × 10−6). In contrast, rs2792751:T (GPAM) was not associated with HCC (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.90‐1.13; P = 0.89), whereas rs2642438:A (MARC1) narrowly missed statistical significance (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84‐1.00; P = 0.043). Conclusion: This study associates carriage of rs429358:C (APOE) with a reduced risk of HCC in patients with cirrhosis. Conversely, carriage of rs187429064:G in TM6SF2 is associated with an increased risk of HCC in patients with cirrhosis.
Heat transfer past rotationally oscillating circular cylinder heated with time‐periodic pulsating temperature in a uniform flow
Authors: Ray Rajendra K. , Haty Amarjit , Kumar Atendra
Published: December 2021

The transient forced convection heat transfer from an impulsively started rotationally oscillating circular cylinder, heated with time‐periodic pulsating temperature in a two‐dimensional uniform, laminar and viscous flow of Newtonian, incompressible, constant property fluid is investigated in this paper. The two‐dimensional Navier‐Stokes and energy equations are solved using a higher‐order compact (HOC) finite difference scheme on non‐uniform polar grids. Computational code for solving the problem is written in C programming language and is validated against existing research works. The flow and heat transfer characteristics are mainly influenced by the amplitude of time‐periodic pulsating temperature (), period of time‐periodic pulsating temperature (), Prandtl number (), Reynolds number (), and cylinder oscillation parameters i.e. maximum rotational rate (), frequency ratio (). The numerical computations are done for the range of parameter values , , , , and . The backward heat transfer is observed for certain values of the amplitude of time‐periodic pulsating temperature and the amount of backward heat transfer enhances with increasing amplitude of temperature. High period value () of pulsating temperature is found to reduce the amount of heat convection downstream. The influence of pulsating temperature is discussed for an increase or decrease in heat transfer rate relative to the constant cylinder‐temperature case.
Evaluating the effects of social interaction on the results of preference assessments for leisure items
Authors: Kanaman Nicole A. , Hubbs Amber L. , Dozier Claudia L. , Jones Brooke A. , Foley Elizabeth , Brandt Julie Ackerlund
Published: December 2021

A variable that may influence the outcomes of stimulus preference assessments (SPAs) is whether social interaction is provided during the stimulus access period. In Experiment 1, we compared the outcomes of a Solitary paired stimulus preference assessment (PSPA) (toys only), Social PSPA (toys plus social interaction), and Combined PSPA (toys alone and toys plus social interaction) to determine whether the addition of social interaction influenced preference for toys in preschool children. In Experiment 2, we conducted a concurrent‐operant reinforcer assessment to compare the reinforcing efficacy of stimuli with and without social interaction. Experiment 1 showed preference for toys was stable across assessments (Solitary and Social PSPAs) and most participants preferred toys plus social interaction when compared in a single assessment (Combined PSPA). Experiment 2 showed that results of the Combined PSPA in Experiment 1 predicted the outcome of most participants' reinforcer assessments.
Tuning the quasi‐harmonic treatment of crystalline ionic liquids within the density functional theory
Authors: Červinka Ctirad
Published: December 2021

Five ionic liquids are selected for benchmarking the performance of quasi‐harmonic density functional theory (DFT) calculations of structural, phonon, and thermodynamic properties of their crystals. Data predicted by individual computational setups are sorted, establishing a distinct hierarchy among the first‐principles approaches. PBE‐D3 and B3LYP‐D3 functionals are coupled with various plane wave and Gaussian‐type orbital (GTO) basis sets. Propagation of the basis set superposition error and of the imperfections of both functionals into finite‐temperature properties is discussed in detail. PBE‐D3 together with a triple‐zeta GTO basis set often yields the most accurate predictions of predicted molar volume and heat capacity with errors at 1% and 8%, respectively, representing the state‐of‐the‐art for quasi‐harmonic DFT calculations for crystalline ionic liquids. Fortuitous error cancellation between the basis‐set superposition (overbinding) and PBE imperfection (overexpanding) strongly affects the overall accuracy, unlike the case of B3LYP/GTO calculations, impeding systematic convergence of the methodology towards higher accuracy.
Design, synthesis, and bioassay of novel 1‐(3‐chloropyridin‐2‐yl)‐5‐amino‐4‐pyrazole derivatives containing a 1,3,4‐thiadiazole thioether or sulfone moiety
Authors: Zheng Huanlin , Kuang Jiqing , Zhang Hong , Niu Xue , Wu Zhibing
Published: December 2021

A series of novel 1‐(3‐chloropyridin‐2‐yl)‐5‐amino‐4‐pyrazole derivatives containing a 1,3,4‐thiadiazole thioether or sulfone moiety were designed and synthesized. All the title compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS, and the intermediate 2 and title compound 5e were confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Bioassay evaluation revealed that compound 5a (54.2 ± 2.0%) and 5r (75.2 ± 3.9%) exhibited good curative and protection activity against TMV, respectively, which was slightly lower than that of ningnanmycin (57.1 ± 2.2% and 73.8 ± 3.4%). Compound 5b (64.7 ± 8.5% and 67.7 ± 2.1%) exhibited good curative and protective activity against CMV, which was better than that of ningnanmycin (55.8 ± 1.4% and 64.2 ± 5.8%). The lethality rates of 5a, 5c, 5d, 5h, 5j, 5n, 5o, 5p, 5q, 5r, 5t, 6a, and 6e against C. pipiens were 100% at a concentration of 10 μg/ml, as well as chlorantraniliprole (100%). These results may provide enough support to justify further molecular design and derivation.
Should I stay or should I go? The role of individual strivings in shaping the relationship between envy and avoidance behaviors at work
Authors: Tussing Danielle V. , Wihler Andreas , Astandu Timothy V. , Menges Jochen I.
Published: December 2021

Research on envy is dominated by a focus on approach‐oriented behaviors—when envious employees take action to reduce the gap between the self and envied targets. Surprisingly, little research has examined the relationship between envy and avoidance‐oriented behaviors, even though emotion regulation research suggests that avoidance is a common reaction to unpleasant, painful emotions such as envy. We seek to understand envy's consequences for workplace avoidance—namely, absenteeism and turnover. Drawing on theories about how people interpret and regulate emotions according to their goals, we suggest that employees' individual differences in motivational strivings shape the relationship between envy and avoidance behaviors. We propose that for employees high in communion or status striving, envy is associated with more absences and thereby increased turnover; for employees high in achievement striving, envy is associated with fewer absences and ultimately reduced turnover. A field study of supermarket employees shows general support for our conceptual model regarding communion and achievement strivings but a null effect for status striving. Our research expands the nomological network of envy by examining its impact on workplace avoidance, helps to shed light on contradictory findings in envy research, and offers implications for theories on work motivation, emotions, and avoidance behaviors.
Testing mean air temperature trends in southern Greece: A Bayesian approach
Authors: Tsiotas Georgios , Mamara Anna , Argiriou Athanassios , Tsoukala Aikaterini (Katerina)
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the variability and trends of the mean annual and seasonal surface air temperature in southern Greece, namely in Crete and in the islands of the southern Aegean Sea. The climatic data used are the mean monthly homogenized air temperature values of seven meteorological stations of the Hellenic Meteorological Service, for the period 1960–2004. A Bayesian trend analysis is performed by fitting alternative stochastic‐trend models based on the Log‐normal, the Normal, the Generalized Extreme Value and the Gumbel distributions. Posterior simulations results based on the best fitting model reveal the locations and time‐periods with the strongest and the weakest interannual trends for both mean and variance. Furthermore, a model comparison experiment based on Bayes Factors compares the above stochastic‐trend models with the corresponding ones with no‐time trends. The results are very significant since they reveal the locations and the seasons where interannual trends for both mean and variance have real grounds.
Effects of Si on N and P stoichiometry in degraded grassland of northern China
Authors: Hao Qian , Song Zhaoliang , Zhang Xiaodong , Li Qiang , Yang Weihua , Yang Shilei , Tan Qiqi
Published: December 2021

Ecological stoichiometry could provide scientific references for restoring degraded grassland. However, most of the research studies conducted on grasslands emphasise the main biogenic elements and ignore silicon (Si) changes, although Si has been considered to affect the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) accumulation in plants. In this study, we aimed to explore the N, P and Si relationships in plants and soil in grasslands of different degradation statuses of northern China. This study conducted intensive sampling, including samples of eight plant species, the aboveground parts of plant communities and corresponding soil profiles from 69 sites. In addition to the N, P and Si concentrations, multiple soil (e.g., grain size) and vegetation (e.g., coverage) parameters were measured or calculated. Our results showed that the N, P and dissolved Si (DSi) in soil profiles were mainly determined by soil properties, such as the soil water content and pH, whereas plant elemental concentrations were determined by plant families and species. The N concentrations within the same plant species were also significantly influenced by mean annual temperature. Additionally, we used the soil and vegetation parameters to indicate the degradation level and found that grassland degradation could decrease soil elemental concentrations, soil N/P and the N or P concentrations of plant species. The DSi in soil had significantly positive correlation with the plant N and P concentrations (p < 0.05) and showed high independent effect on them. Given the benefits of Si on plants, future management practices relating to grassland restoration should consider the Si cycle.
Temporal declines in Wadden Sea phytoplankton cell volumes observed within and across species
Authors: Hillebrand Helmut , Antonucci Di Carvalho Josie , Dajka Jan‐Claas , Dürselen Claus‐Dieter , Kerimoglu Onur , Kuczynski Lucie , Rönn Lena , Ryabov Alexey
Published: December 2021

Cell size is a master trait in the functional ecology of phytoplankton correlating with numerous morphological, physiological, and life‐cycle characteristics of species that constrain their nutrient use, growth, and edibility. In contrast to well‐known spatial patterns in cell size at macroecological scales or temporal changes in experimental contexts, few data sets allow testing temporal changes in cell sizes within ecosystems. To analyze the temporal changes of intraspecific and community‐wide cell size, we use the phytoplankton data derived from the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea monitoring program, which comprises sample‐ and species‐specific measurements of cell volume from 1710 samples collected over 14 yr. We find significant reductions in both the cell volume of most species and the weighted mean cell size of communities. Mainly diatoms showed this decline, whereas the size of dinoflagellates seemed to be less responsive. The magnitude of the trend indicates that cell volumes are about 30% smaller now than a decade ago. This interannual trend is overlayed by seasonal cycles with smaller cells typically observed in summer. In the subset of samples including environmental conditions, small community cell size was strongly related to high temperatures and low total phosphorus concentration. We conclude that cell size captures ongoing changes in phytoplankton communities beyond the changes in species composition. In addition, based on the changes in species biovolumes revealed by our analysis, we warn that using standard cell size values in phytoplankton assessment will not only miss temporal changes in size, but also lead to systematic errors in biomass estimates over time.
Periodically Functionalized Sequence‐Regulated Vinyl Polymers via Iterative Atom Transfer Radical Additions and Acyclic Diene Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Miyajima Masato , Satoh Kotaro , Kamigaito Masami
Published: December 2021

Sequence‐regulated vinyl polymers with functional groups, such as aliphatic, aromatic, hydroxy, amino, and carboxylic acid groups, as found in natural macromolecules such as proteins, are one of the ultimate targets in synthetic polymers. This study is directed toward the synthesis of periodically functionalized sequence‐regulated vinyl polymers using a series of reactions consisting of iterative atom transfer radical additions (ATRAs) of vinyl monomers, allylation, functionalization, protection, acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization, hydrogenation, and deprotection. The functionalized sequence‐regulated telechelic diene oligomers, possessing protected hydroxy, carboxylic acid, and amino groups in the pendant of the acrylate unit between two styrene units, are prepared by iterative ATRAs of two styrene molecules to methyl dichloroacetate followed by allylation of both C–Cl termini and substitution of methyl ester with the protected functionalized groups. The protected functionalized sequence‐regulated telechelic diene oligomers are then polymerized by ADMET polymerization to afford polymers with main‐chain internal olefins and protected functionalized side chains in the acryl units between the two styrene units. The subsequent hydrogenation and deprotection reactions produce a series of sequence‐regulated vinyl polymers with periodic polar functional groups such as –OH, –CO2H, and –NH3+Cl–. These functional groups affect the thermal properties and solubility of the polymers.
Compressive sensing‐based SAR imaging for undersampled echo
Authors: Chen Weizhi , Cheng Ziyue , Zhang Yueyuan , Chen Jiaqi , Zhan Huopan
Published: December 2021

In view of the fact that the traditional radar system follows the Nyquist sampling theory and have the constraint of high sampling rate, we analyze a low‐speed sampling radar imaging based on compressed sensing. In compressed sensing, it uses the low‐rank characteristics of the signal to make it non‐adaptively sample the signal at a rate of far lower than the Nyquist sampling rate, so that it can reduce the requirements of hardware. Therefore, it not only can help to solve the problems of power, size, weight, reliability, and cost, but also can be seen as an upgrade and supplement of the traditional radar.
Data‐driven algorithm for myelin water imaging: Probing subvoxel compartmentation based on identification of spatially global tissue features
Authors: Omer Noam , Galun Meirav , Stern Neta , Blumenfeld‐Katzir Tamar , Ben‐Eliezer Noam
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Multicomponent analysis of MRI T2 relaxation time (mcT2) is commonly used for estimating myelin content by separating the signal at each voxel into its underlying distribution of T2 values. This voxel‐based approach is challenging due to the large ambiguity in the multi‐T2 space and the low SNR of MRI signals. Herein, we present a data‐driven mcT2 analysis, which utilizes the statistical strength of identifying spatially global mcT2 motifs in white matter segments before deconvolving the local signal at each voxel.

Methods

Deconvolution is done using a tailored optimization scheme, which incorporates the global mcT2 motifs without additional prior assumptions regarding the number of microscopic components. The end results of this process are voxel‐wise myelin water fraction maps.

Results

Validations are shown for computer‐generated signals, uniquely designed subvoxel mcT2 phantoms, and in vivo human brain. Results demonstrated excellent fitting accuracy, both for the numerical and the physical mcT2 phantoms, exhibiting excellent agreement between calculated myelin water fraction and ground truth. Proof‐of‐concept in vivo validation is done by calculating myelin water fraction maps for white matter segments of the human brain. Interscan stability of myelin water fraction values was also estimated, showing good correlation between scans.

Conclusion

We conclude that studying global tissue motifs prior to performing voxel‐wise mcT2 analysis stabilizes the optimization scheme and efficiently overcomes the ambiguity in the T2 space. This new approach can improve myelin water imaging and the investigation of microstructural compartmentation in general.
Time course of capillary regression and an expression balance between vascular endothelial growthfactor‐Aand thrombospondin‐1 in the soleus muscle of hindlimb unloaded rats
Authors: Tanaka Masayuki , Kanazashi Miho , Kondo Hiroyo , Fujino Hidemi
Published: December 2021

Introduction/Aims

Skeletal muscle capillaries regress with disuse; however, information on time‐dependent changes in the expression of pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic factors in disused muscle is limited. This study aimed to clarify time‐dependent changes in skeletal muscle capillarization, pro‐angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A), and anti‐angiogenic thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) in the soleus muscle of hindlimb unloaded rat.

Methods

Eight‐week‐old male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups corresponding to different hindlimb unloading (HU) duration at 0, 1, 2, and 3 wk.

Results

Muscle atrophy and capillary regression worsened in the soleus muscle with longer periods of HU. The VEGF‐A protein expression level was lower at week 1 than at week 0. In addition, the value at week 3 was also lower than those at weeks 0, 1, and 2. The TSP‐1 protein expression level was higher at week 1 than that at week 0 but was similar at weeks 2 and 3. Moreover, reactive oxygen species, assessed by dihydroethidium fluorescence intensity on cryosection, were higher at weeks 2 and 3 than that at week 0.

Discussion

Depending on the HU period, VEGF‐A and TSP‐1 showed different expression patterns. In the early HU phase, TSP‐1 may play an important role in capillary regression. However, when HU extends for a longer period, decreased VEGF‐A, and/or increased oxidative stress may be more involved in capillary regression.
The Effect of Public Health Insurance on Criminal Recidivism
Authors: Aslim Erkmen G. , Mungan Murat C. , Navarro Carlos I. , Yu Han
Published: December 2021

Mental health and substance use disorders are highly prevalent among incarcerated individuals. Many prisoners reenter the community without receiving any specialized treatment and return to prison with existing behavioral health problems. We consider a Beckerian law enforcement theory to identify different channels through which access to healthcare may impact ex‐offenders’ propensities to recidivate, and empirically estimate the effect of access to public health insurance on criminal recidivism. By exploiting variation in state Medicaid expansion decisions, we find that increased access to healthcare through Medicaid coverage reduces recidivism among offenders convicted of violent and public order crimes. The decomposition of recidivism rates shows that this reduction is driven by marginal recidivists who, but for Medicaid expansions, would be reconvicted for the type of crime for which they were previously convicted. Analyses of potential mechanisms show an increase in criminal justice referrals to addiction treatment, which may reduce impulsive behavior. Back‐of‐the‐envelope calculations also indicate that there are substantial cost reductions from providing Medicaid coverage to former inmates.
Potential Race and Gender Biases in High‐Stakes Teacher Observations
Authors: Grissom Jason A. , Bartanen Brendan
Published: December 2021

Classroom observations are the largest component of evaluation ratings given to teachers in the multiple‐measure evaluation systems states have implemented in the last decade. Using data from the first eight years of Tennessee's teacher evaluation system, we document race and gender gaps in observation ratings and ask whether these gaps reflect true differences in instructional effectiveness. White and female teachers receive, on average, 0.15 standard deviations (SD) and 0.30 SD higher observation ratings than their Black and male colleagues. Gaps persist even conditional on other measures of teachers’ effectiveness, such as value‐added to student test scores or student attendance, consistent with potential bias. The Black–White gap is largest in schools where Black teachers are racially isolated and is partly explained by Black teachers’ propensity to be assigned less advantaged students within their schools. Teachers receive somewhat higher ratings from raters of the same race. We find no same‐gender rater effects and, beyond score differences associated with grade and subject taught, uncover few explanations for the large advantage women see in observation ratings. Our results suggest the need for steps to address bias in evaluation processes to ensure the accuracy of evaluation feedback and fair, equitable treatment of teachers in evaluation and staffing actions that rely on it.
The Role of Government in the Market for Electric Vehicles: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Shanjun , Zhu Xianglei , Ma Yiding , Zhang Fan , Zhou Hui
Published: December 2021

Governments in many countries have offered various incentives to promote the diffusion of electric vehicles (EVs). This study examines the effectiveness of various policy measures that underlie the rapid development of the EV market in China, by far the world's largest such market. The analysis is based on detailed data on EV sales, local and central government incentive programs, and charging stations in 150 cities from 2015 to 2018. The empirical framework addresses the potential endogeneity of key variables, such as local policies and charging infrastructure, by using a city‐border‐regression design and instrumental variable approach. We find that consumer subsidies for vehicle purchases accounted for more than half of EV sales in China. Nevertheless, investments in charging infrastructure were much more cost‐effective than consumer subsidies. An inexpensive policy that merely provided EVs with a distinctive, green license plate was strikingly effective. These findings demonstrate the varying efficacy of different policy instruments and highlight the critical role of the government in promoting clean technologies.
Widespread in situ follicular neoplasia in patients who subsequently developed follicular lymphoma
Authors: Dobson Rachel , Wotherspoon Andrew , Liu Shizhang Alexander , Cucco Francesco , Chen Zi , Tang Yuan , Du Ming‐Qing
Published: December 2021

In situ follicular neoplasia (ISFN) is usually an occasional incidental finding in lymph nodes by BCL2 immunohistochemistry, and its true scale is unknown. We have identified six cases of follicular lymphoma (FL) with a history of solid neoplasm 4–16 years ago, from which ISFN was identified widely in the surgically cleared lymph nodes (LNs). Using clone‐specific PCR and BaseScope in situ hybridisation with primers or probes specific to the VDJ or BCL2–IGHJ junction sequence, we confirmed the clonal identity among different ISFNs and overt‐FL in each of the four cases successfully investigated. Mutation analyses of overt‐FL by targeted next‐generation sequencing identified multiple potential pathogenic changes involving CREBBP, EZH2, KMT2D, TNFRS14, and STAT6. Further investigations of these mutations in paired ISFNs using Fluidigm PCR and Illumina sequencing showed the presence of the FL‐associated mutations in early lesions for two of the six cases investigated (CREBBP and KMT2D in one case and STAT6 in the other), with one case displaying stepwise accumulation of its observed mutations. Remarkably, there were considerable divergences in BCL2 variants among different ISFN‐involved lymph nodes in all four cases successfully investigated, indicating ongoing intraclonal diversification by somatic hypermutation machinery. Our findings demonstrate widespread distribution of ISFN lesions, further implicating their dynamic nature with the neoplastic cells undergoing active trafficking and clonal evolution. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.