bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ayer mineros, hoy ecoguías y concesionarios: tensiones en torno a la conservación ambiental, el uso de la tierra y el trabajo en Guasca, Cundinamarca
Authors: Rojas Arias Felipe
Published: November 2020

Al entrar a los predios de la Reserva Biológica Encenillo (RBE), ubicada en la vereda Trinidad del municipio de Guasca (Cundinamarca), pocos se imaginan que allí operó una mina de piedra caliza por más de sesenta años. Los cambios que han acontecido en esta vereda a partir del cierre de la mina, la constitución de esta área protegida, la tenencia de la tierra y la precariedad laboral, han generado tensiones a nivel local por cuenta del uso de los recursos naturales, en particular la tierra, y por la carencia de fuentes de trabajo para abastecer la demanda local. Las añoranzas por condiciones laborales más favorables en la época en que funcionó la mina, los reparos por la falta de oportunidades labores en la vereda y los desacuerdos por los usos de los recursos naturales y la apropiación territorial entre los administradores del área protegida y la población local, son los principales problemas que analiza esta obra a partir de un trabajo etnográfico.
APPLICATION OF IONIC EXCHANGE RESINS TO THE PREPARATION OF LUMINESCENT MATERIALS
Authors: WANG FANG-JEN
Published: November 2020

A method of purifying ZnSO4 by ion exchange resin is described. The nitroso-R=salt is selected as the anionic complex-formation agent, with the help of which heavy metal ions in ZnSO4 solution are seperated out by the anion exchanger. The properties of some resins from different manufacturers, the amonnt of anionic complex-formation agent to be applied, the condition under which ion exchange takes place and the regeneration of resin are presented. Results of testing of the final product by different methods are given.lon exchanger may also be utilized for the purification of chlorides of Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, -Na, etc., and some of the sulfates.
THEORY OF THE PARAMETRIC OSCILLATION OF MAGNETOACOUSTIC MODES
Authors: LI YIN-YUAN  , LENG ZHONG-AHG  , PAN SHOU-FU
Published: November 2020

By combining the equation of motion of a magneto-elastically coupled system derived from a classical hamiltonian and the Maxwell equations with the propagation factor neglected, we obtained a differential equation which determines the magnetic oscillations accompanying elastic vibrations of a ferrite specimen of the usual size for magnetic resonance experiments. To each normal mode of elastic vibration of the specimen there exists an associated magnetic oscillation (namely, a magneto-acoustic mode). We pointed out that the magneto-acoustic resonance phenomenon discovered by Spencer and Le Craw is a special case of the parametric oscillation involving a magnetoacoustic and a magnetostatic mode. The arrangements for observing the oscillation involving a certain magnetostatic mode and magnetoacoustic modes and the theoretical estimate of the threshold pumping power were discussed.We derived the equations coupling a magnetoacoustic and a magnetostatic mode under pumping. By analysing the (even or. odd) symmetry of the field quantities involved, we arrived at the selection rules for possible combinations of modes taking part in the parametric oscillations in a small sphere of ferrite.Finally, it was mentioned that attention should, be paid to the parametric amplification of the magnetic field accompanying thermal phonons as a possible source of noise in a ferrite microwave amplifier through the modulation of the pumping power.
STAR-DETECTOR FOR π--MESONS А.Ф.Дунайцев,Ю.Д. Прокошкин
Authors: А.Ф.杜纳耶切夫  , Ю.Д.布罗高舒金  , 唐孝威
Published: November 2020

In contrast to many other particles π- mesons at their stop-point effectively produce stars with large energy release. This phenomena has been used by us for selected detecting of π-mesons. The star-detector for π-mesons represents a simple telescope of two scintillation counters set in coincidence. The first counter is an ordinary counter with 100% efficiency for passing particles. The second counter of the star-detector works at a comparatively low voltage supply. Hence it detects the large light impulses only, produced in the scintillator as the result of π - stars. Its efficiency for the detecting of passing particles is very low. The photomultiplier of the second counter works as a spectrometric one with highly stabilized voltage supply. Using this detector one may quickly (in 15 minutes, the π-beam intensity being 103 per sec) measure the range and energy of π- mesons.The star-detector has the selected sensitiveness to π - mesons, its sensitiveness to π - mesons being at least 20 times larger than that to μ- mesons (see fig. 7).
Striatal direct and indirect pathway neurons differentially control the encoding and updating of goal-directed learning
Authors: Peak James , Chieng Billy , Hart Genevra , Balleine Bernard W
Published: November 2020

The posterior dorsomedial striatum (pDMS) is necessary for goal-directed action; however, the role of the direct (dSPN) and indirect (iSPN) spiny projection neurons in the pDMS in such actions remains unclear. In this series of experiments, we examined the role of pDMS SPNs in goal-directed action in rats and found that whereas dSPNs were critical for goal-directed learning and for energizing the learned response, iSPNs were involved in updating that learning to support response flexibility. Instrumental training elevated expression of the plasticity marker Zif268 in dSPNs only, and chemogenetic suppression of dSPN activity during training prevented goal-directed learning. Unilateral optogenetic inhibition of dSPNs induced an ipsilateral response bias in goal-directed action performance. In contrast, although initial goal-directed learning was unaffected by iSPN manipulations, optogenetic inhibition of iSPNs, but not dSPNs, impaired the updating of this learning and attenuated response flexibility after changes in the action-outcome contingency.
The amygdala instructs insular feedback for affective learning
Authors: Kargl Dominic , Kaczanowska Joanna , Ulonska Sophia , Groessl Florian , Piszczek Lukasz , Lazovic Jelena , Buehler Katja , Haubensak Wulf
Published: November 2020

Affective responses depend on assigning value to environmental predictors of threat or reward. Neuroanatomically, this affective value is encoded at both cortical and subcortical levels. However, the purpose of this distributed representation across functional hierarchies remains unclear. Using fMRI in mice, we mapped a discrete cortico-limbic loop between insular cortex (IC), central amygdala (CE), and nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM), which decomposes the affective value of a conditioned stimulus (CS) into its salience and valence components. In IC, learning integrated unconditioned stimulus (US)-evoked bodily states into CS valence. In turn, CS salience in the CE recruited these CS representations bottom-up via the cholinergic NBM. This way, the CE incorporated interoceptive feedback from IC to improve discrimination of CS valence. Consequently, opto-/chemogenetic uncoupling of hierarchical information flow disrupted affective learning and conditioned responding. Dysfunctional interactions in the IC↔CE/NBM network may underlie intolerance to uncertainty, observed in autism and related psychiatric conditions.
Defective memory engram reactivation underlies impaired fear memory recall in Fragile X syndrome
Authors: Li Jie , Jiang Rena Y , Arendt Kristin L , Hsu Yu-Tien , Zhai Sophia R , Chen Lu
Published: November 2020

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an X chromosome-linked disease associated with severe intellectual disabilities. Previous studies using the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse, an FXS mouse model, have attributed behavioral deficits to synaptic dysfunctions. However, how functional deficits at neural network level lead to abnormal behavioral learning remains unexplored. Here, we show that the efficacy of hippocampal engram reactivation is reduced in Fmr1 KO mice performing contextual fear memory recall. Experiencing an enriched environment (EE) prior to learning improved the engram reactivation efficacy and rescued memory recall in the Fmr1 KO mice. In addition, chemogenetically inhibiting EE-engaged neurons in CA1 reverses the rescue effect of EE on memory recall. Thus, our results suggest that inappropriate engram reactivation underlies cognitive deficits in FXS, and enriched environment may rescue cognitive deficits by improving network activation accuracy.
Effect of Organic Fertilization and Amino Acids on Growth, Chemical Composition and Capsaicin Content of Hot Pepper (Capsicum annum L var. Minimum) Plant
Authors: Hammam K. A. , Eisa E. A. , Dewidar A. A.
Published: November 2020

This investigation was conducted in a private farm, Samannoud district, El-Gharbia Governorate, Egypt, during two successive seasons of 2017 and 2018 to study the effect of organic fertilizers and foliar spray of amino acid on vegetative growth, fruit yield, chemical composition and capsaicin content of hot pepper (Capsicum annum L var. Minimum) plant. The experiment included 13 treatments obtained from cattle manure at rates of 60 and 30 N-units per fed. combined with amino acid at 0, 100 and 200 ppm as well as chicken fertilizer at rates of 60 and 30 N-units per fed combined with amino acid at 0, 100 and 200 ppm, besides the treatment of NPK at recommended dose as a control. A complete randomized block design with three replicates was adopted.

The obtained results showed that, the highest values from vegetative growth parameters,  fruit yield, chemicals composition and capsaicin content were obtained from plants treated with cattle manure full dose + 200 ppm amino acids , followed by plants treated with chicken manure full dose + 200 ppm amino acids compared with all treatments except plant height, the highest value was obtained from plants treated with NPK (control) in the two seasons. Amino acid had a great effect when added with organic fertilization, whether cattle manure or chicken fertilizer at a concentration of 100 or 200 ppm. Based on the previous results, it could be recommend that spraying amino acids (glycine and glutamine) at the rate of 200 ppm along with organic fertilizers at the rate of 60 nitrogen units per feddan get the highest fruits yield, Vitamin C and capsaicin of hot pepper.
All‐Optically Controlled Memristor for Optoelectronic Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Hu Lingxiang , Yang Jing , Wang Jingrui , Cheng Peihong , Chua Leon O. , Zhuge Fei
Published: November 2020

Neuromorphic computing (NC) is a new generation of artificial intelligence. Memristors are promising candidates for NC owing to the feasibility of their ultrahigh‐density 3D integration and their ultralow energy consumption. Compared to traditional electrical memristors, the emerging optoelectronic memristors are more attractive owing to their ability to combine the advantages of both photonics and electronics. However, the inability to reversibly tune the memconductance with light has severely restricted the development of optoelectronic NC. Here, an all‐optically controlled (AOC) analog memristor is realized, with memconductance that is reversibly tunable over a continuous range by varying only the wavelength of the controlling light. The device is based on the relatively mature semiconductor material InGaZnO and a memconductance tuning mechanism of light‐induced electron trapping and detrapping. It is found that the light‐induced multiple memconductance states are nonvolatile. Furthermore, spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity learning can be mimicked in this AOC memristor, indicating its potential applications in AOC spiking neural networks for highly efficient optoelectronic NC.
Compositional Fluctuations Locked by Athermal Transformation Yielding High Thermoelectric Performance in GeTe
Authors: Tsai Yi‐Fen , Wei Pai‐Chun , Chang Liuwen , Wang Kuang‐Kuo , Yang Chun‐Chuen , Lai Yen‐Chung , Hsing Cheng‐Rong , Wei Ching‐Ming , He Jian , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Wu Hsin‐Jay
Published: November 2020

Phase transition in thermoelectric (TE) material is a double‐edged sword—it is undesired for device operation in applications, but the fluctuations near an electronic instability are favorable. Here, Sb doping is used to elicit a spontaneous composition fluctuation showing uphill diffusion in GeTe that is otherwise suspended by diffusionless athermal cubic‐to‐rhombohedral phase transition at around 700 K. The interplay between these two phase transitions yields exquisite composition fluctuations and a coexistence of cubic and rhombohedral phases in favor of exceptional figures‐of‐merit zT. Specifically, alloying GeTe by Sb2Te3 significantly suppresses the thermal conductivity while retaining eligible carrier concentration over a wide composition range, resulting in high zT values of >2.6. These results not only attest to the efficacy of using phase transition in manipulating the microstructures of GeTe‐based materials but also open up a new thermodynamic route to develop higher performance TE materials in general.
Voltage‐Induced ON Switching of Magnetism in Ordered Arrays of Non‐Ferrimagnetic Nanoporous Iron Oxide Microdisks
Authors: Cialone Matteo , Nicolenco Aliona , Robbennolt Shauna , Menéndez Enric , Rius Gemma , Sort Jordi
Published: November 2020

Tailoring the magnetic properties of ordered arrays of patterned structures usually requires stringent control of their size, pitch, microstructure, and composition. Here, a fundamentally different approach to manipulate the magnetic behavior of lithographed microdisks, based on the application of electrical voltage, is demonstrated. First, highly porous iron oxide films with virtually no magnetic response (OFF state) are grown by sol–gel chemistry. Subsequently, arrays of microdisks (8 µm in diameter) are obtained combining lithography with wet chemical etching processes. Electrolyte‐gating (with an anhydrous electrolyte) is then employed to induce a tunable (i.e., “on‐demand”) ferromagnetic response in these disks (OFF–ON switching of magnetism) at room temperature. The changes in magnetic properties are attributed to magnetoelectrically‐driven oxygen ion migration, which is enhanced due to nanoporosity. This causes partial reduction of the oxide phases to metallic Fe. The effect can be considerably reversed by applying voltage of opposite polarity. These results are appealing for diverse technological applications that require the use of patterned structures with easily tunable magnetic properties, such as magnetic micro‐electro‐mechanical systems, microfluidic, and lab‐on‐a‐chip platforms for biomedical therapies and, ultimately, energy‐efficient magnetic memories or neuromorphic computing.
P(III)‐Mediated Cascade C‐N/C‐S Bond Formation: A Protocol towards the Synthesis of N,S‐Heterocycles and Spiro Compounds
Authors: Polina Saibabu , Putta V. P. Rama Kishore , Gujjarappa Raghuram , Singh Virender , Pujar Prasad Pralhad , Malakar Chandi C.
Published: November 2020

A P(III)‐mediated entry towards construction of C−N/C−S bond has been devised. The developed heterocyclization method was exercised for the synthesis of a diverse range of N,S‐heterocycles and related spiro molecules. P(NMe2)3 revealed the maximum efficacies under the aerobic reaction conditions and a spectrum of bis‐nucleophiles, and isothiocyanates were tolerated well to serve the access of manifold immense molecules.

magnified image
Immunity and amyloid beta, total tau and neurofilament light chain: Findings from a community‐based cohort study
Authors: Fani Lana , Ahmad Shahzad , Ikram M. Kamran , Ghanbari Mohsen , Ikram M. Arfan
Published: November 2020

Introduction

We investigated how components of immunity relate to biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in plasma and explored the influence of AD genetic risk factors in the population‐based Rotterdam Study.

Methods

In 7397 persons, we calculated the granulocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (GLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII). In 3615 of these persons, plasma amyloid‐beta (Aβ)42 and Aβ40 were measured. Next, we constructed an overall genetic risk score (GRS) based on genome‐wide significant variants, both including and excluding APOE ε4.

Results

All innate immunity phenotypes were related to higher Aβ, most strongly with a doubling in GLR leading to a 1.9% higher Aβ42 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.4 to 3.3%) and 3.2% higher Aβ40 (95% CI 2.0 to 4.3%). Higher AD GRS including APOE ε4 was associated with higher immunity markers.

Discussion

Higher levels of immunity markers were associated with higher Aβ in plasma. Participants with a higher genetic predisposition to AD had higher immunity markers, where these effects were mainly driven by APOE ε4.
Ein zweizähniger Iod(III)‐basierter Halogenbrückendonor als leistungsfähiger Organokatalysator**
Authors: Heinen Flemming , Reinhard Dominik L. , Engelage Elric , Huber Stefan M.
Published: November 2020

Im Gegensatz zu Iod(I)‐basierten Halogenbrückendonoren wurden von Iod(III) abgeleitete Derivate nur in einer Handvoll von Beispielen als einzähnige Lewis‐saure Organokatalysatoren verwendet. Hier berichten wir von der ersten Anwendung zweizähniger Bis(iodolium)salze als Organokatalysatoren in einer Michael‐ und einer Nitro‐Michael‐Additionsreaktion sowie in einer Diels‐Alder‐Reaktion, welche bisher noch nicht von nicht‐kovalenten Organokatalysatoren aktiviert worden war. In allen Fällen konnte der zweizähnige Halogenbrückendonor eindeutig den bislang stärksten Iod(I)‐basierten Organokatalysator übertreffen. Die zweizähnige Koordination der Substrate wurde mittels Strukturanalyse und DFT‐Rechnungen der Übergangszustände bestätigt. Insgesamt nähert sich die katalytische Aktivität der Bis(iodolium)‐Systeme somit jener starker Lewis‐Säuren wie BF3an.
Double Fence Porphyrins that are Compatible with Cobalt(II/III) Electrolyte for High‐Efficiency Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Ching‐Chin , Chen Jia‐Sian , Nguyen Vinh Son , Wei Tzu‐Chien , Yeh Chen‐Yu
Published: November 2020

A series of new double fence porphyrin dyes bJS1–bJS3, with eight long alkoxyl chains attached to four β‐phenyl groups, have been designed and synthesized. The single fence meso‐substituted counterparts mJS1–mJS3 were also prepared as reference dyes. Dyes bJS1–bJS3 and mJS1–mJS3 exhibit power conversion efficiencies of 8.03–10.69 % and 2.33–6.69 %, respectively. Based on photovoltaic studies, the remarkable cell performance of double fence porphyrin sensitizers can be attributed to reduced dye aggregation and a decreased charge‐recombination rate. Notably, porphyrins bJS2 and bJS3 exhibit better efficiency than the benchmark YD2‐o‐C8 (9.83 % in this work), demonstrating that the double fence structure is a promising design strategy for efficient porphyrin sensitizers in high‐performance DSSCs.
Functionalization of α‐C(sp3)−H Bonds in Amides Using Radical Translocating Arylating Groups
Authors: Radhoff Niklas , Studer Armido
Published: November 2020

α‐C−H arylation of N‐alkylamides using 2‐iodoarylsulfonyl radical translocating arylating (RTA) groups is reported. The method allows the construction of α‐quaternary carbon centers in amides. Various mono‐ and disubstituted RTA‐groups are applied to the arylation of primary, secondary, and tertiary α‐C(sp3)−H‐bonds. These radical transformations proceed in good to excellent yields and the cascades comprise a 1,6‐hydrogen atom transfer, followed by a 1,4‐aryl migration with subsequent SO2 extrusion.
Synthesis and Delayed Fluorescent Properties of p‐Nido‐Carborane‐Triarylborane Conjugates with a Methyl‐Substituted Phenylene Linker
Authors: Sujith Surendran , Lee Min Hyung
Published: November 2020

A series of p‐nido‐carborane‐triarylborane conjugates (nido‐1‐3) in which a methyl group is introduced at the ortho‐position to the carborane cage in the phenylene linker was prepared and characterized. All compounds exhibit broad low‐energy absorptions (λabs = ca. 350–400 nm) attributable to the intramolecular charge transfer transition from the nido‐carborane donor to the (MePh)BMes2 acceptor. Electrochemical studies confirm that oxidation occurs at the nido‐carborane while the boryl moieties are responsible for the reduction. All nido‐compounds show broad green emissions in tetrahydrofuran (THF) with good photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields (ΦPL = 24%–78%). In particular, different from the almost non‐thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties of unsubstituted para‐conjugates, the transient PL decay curves of nido‐1‐3 show the existence of weak TADF (τd = 0.9–1.4 μs in THF). The TADF properties are further supported by the very small singlet‐triplet energy splitting below 0.15 eV and are also observed in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films doped with nido‐1‐3.
Lipid‐suppressed and tissue‐fraction corrected metabolic distributions in human central brain structures using 2D 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at 7 T
Authors: Bhogal Alex A. , Broeders Tommy A. A. , Morsinkhof Lisan , Edens Mirte , Nassirpour Sahar , Chang Paul , Klomp Dennis W. J. , Vinkers Christiaan H. , Wijnen Jannie P.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) has the potential to add a layer of understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying brain diseases, disease progression, and treatment efficacy. Limitations related to metabolite fitting of low signal‐to‐noise ratios data, signal variations due to partial‐volume effects, acquisition and extracranial lipid artifacts, along with clinically relevant aspects such as scan time constraints, are among the challenges associated with in vivo MRSI.

Methods

The aim of this work was to address some of these factors and to develop an acquisition, reconstruction, and postprocessing pipeline to derive lipid‐suppressed metabolite values of central brain structures based on free‐induction decay measurements made using a 7 T MR scanner. Anatomical images were used to perform high‐resolution (1 mm3) partial‐volume correction to account for gray matter, white matter (WM), and cerebral‐spinal fluid signal contributions. Implementation of automatic quality control thresholds and normalization of metabolic maps from 23 subjects to the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) standard atlas facilitated the creation of high‐resolution average metabolite maps of several clinically relevant metabolites in central brain regions, while accounting for macromolecular distributions.

Partial‐volume correction improved the delineation of deep brain nuclei. We report average metabolite values including glutamate + glutamine (Glx), glycerophosphocholine, choline and phosphocholine (tCho), (phospo)creatine, myo‐inositol and glycine (mI‐Gly), glutathione, N‐acetyl‐aspartyl glutamate(and glutamine), and N‐acetyl‐aspartate in the basal ganglia, central WM (thalamic radiation, corpus callosum) as well as insular cortex and intracalcarine sulcus.

Conclusion

MNI‐registered average metabolite maps facilitate group‐based analysis, thus offering the possibility to mitigate uncertainty in variable MRSI data.
Increased transcription of TSPO, HDAC2, and HDAC6 in the amygdala of males with alcohol use disorder
Authors: De Carvalho Luana Martins , Wiers Corinde E. , Sun Hui , Wang Gene‐Jack , Volkow Nora D.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Repeated exposure to high doses of alcohol triggers neuroinflammatory processes that contribute to craving and mood dysfunction in alcohol use disorder (AUD). The upregulation of the translocator protein (TSPO) is considered a biomarker of neuroinflammation, and TSPO ligands have been used as neuroimaging biomarkers of neuroinflammation. Epigenetic mechanisms are also implicated in neuroinflammatory responses to alcohol, and elevated expression of HDAC2 and HDAC6 has been reported in the brain of animals exposed to chronic alcohol.

Methods

The present study examined the transcriptional regulation of TSPO, HDAC2, and HDAC6 in human postmortem brain tissue from males previously diagnosed with AUD (n = 11) compared to age‐matched nondependent males (n = 13) in four brain regions relevant to AUD: prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), hippocampus (HPP), and amygdala (AMY).

Results

Translocator protein mRNA levels in AMY and PFC and HDAC2 and HDAC6 mRNA levels in AMY were upregulated in AUD compared to controls. In AMY, TSPO mRNA levels were positively associated with HDAC2 and HDAC6 mRNA levels, suggesting a possible regulation of TSPO by HDAC2 and HDAC6 in this brain region. In contrast, there were no group differences for TSPO, HDAC2, and HDAC6 in NAc and HPP.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to find upregulated TSPO mRNA levels in AMY and PFC in postmortem brains from AUD consistent with neuroinflammation, and in the amygdala, they implicate epigenetic regulation of TSPO by HDAC2 and HDAC6.
Learning improvement of equipment operation by low‐cost personalized simulators to particular industrial installations
Authors: Costa Ángel M. , Bouzón Rebeca , Vergara Diego , Pita Manuel
Published: November 2020

Although there are different types of software resources—which in many cases favor a reduction in learning time—there are not too many options to develop a training simulator designed according to some particular real equipment. The case of the Engineering Equation Software is an effective tool that improves the learning of thermodynamics and the understanding of real thermodynamic cycles. In the present paper, an original programming procedure to improve the learning process of Marine Engineering students at the University of A Coruña (UDC) is shown. In particular, to test this learning procedure, an Operator Training Simulator is done by 117 students by the fusion of the contents of two subjects of the “Degree in Marine Technologies” of the UDC. The main advantage that this personalized simulator presents is confronting problems derived from equipment operation, thereby proving the necessary knowledge in operation based on the thermodynamic phenomena. The results showed that students who were trained with simulators showed a better understanding of the knowledge obtained.
Synechococcus and Other Bloom‐Forming Cyanobacteria Exhibit Unique Redox Signatures
Authors: Tokunou Yoshihide , Vieira Lemos Rita , Tsujimura Seiya , Okamoto Akihiro , Ledezma Pablo , Freguia Stefano
Published: November 2020

Cyanobacteria form dense blooms that impair water quality. Although the impact of blooms on water quality largely differs depending on the species of cyanobacteria, it is challenging to distinguish cyanobacterial species with conventional sensors due to their similar physicochemical properties. Here, we conducted cyclic voltammetry to three major bloom‐forming cyanobacteria, Synechococcus sp., Microcystis aeruginosa, and Anabaena circinalis without addition of redox active compounds nor chemical modifications of the working electrode. These cyanobacteria exhibited redox peaks with distinct potentials from each other, in the range of +0.60 – +0.75 V vs SHE. Because these redox potentials hardly overlap with those of other environmental electroactive bacteria, those redox peaks may be used as indicators of the onset of a cyanobacterial bloom. Given that the photo‐responsive current correlated with the cell density of Synechococcus sp., electrochemical measurement would be a promising technique for a novel cyanobacterial quantification sensor, with in‐built ability to identify cyanobacterial species.
Evaluation of competing risks prediction models using polytomous discrimination index
Authors: Ding Maomao , Ning Jing , Li Ruosha
Published: November 2020

For competing risks data, it is often important to predict a patient's outcome status at a clinically meaningful time point after incorporating the informative censoring due to competing risks. This can be done by adopting a regression model that relates the cumulative incidence probabilities to a set of covariates. To assess the performance of the resulting prediction tool, we propose an estimator of the polytomous discrimination index applicable to competing risks data, which can quantify a prognostic model's ability to discriminate among subjects from different outcome groups. The proposed estimator allows the prediction model to be subject to model misspecification and enjoys desirable asymptotic properties. We also develop an efficient computation algorithm that features a computational complexity of . A perturbation resampling scheme is developed to achieve consistent variance estimation. Numerical results suggest that the estimator performs well under realistic sample sizes. We apply the proposed methods to a study of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.
Machine‐Learning Approaches to Tune Descriptors and Predict the Viscosities of Ionic Liquids and Their Mixtures
Authors: Carrera Gonçalo V. S. M. , Nunes da Ponte Manuel
Published: November 2020

This work consists on a new chemoinformatic approach based on two complementary artificial intelligence concepts. Random Forest and Kohonen neural network are applied on this context. The former provides a relevance measure of the numerical descriptors encoding either an ionic liquid or its mixtures. The code of a given chemical system is weighted according that relevance measure. The Kohonen neural network is trained with a set of weighted chemical systems. The next step comprises the use of the trained neural network as platform to obtain a tuned profile of numerical descriptors representing a generical chemical system. The tuning mechanism involves the topology of a chemical system‐encoding vector in the neural network. The last step comprises the use of the tuned chemical systems to build predictive models of viscosities. The MOLMAP encoding technology is applied to represent ionic liquid systems and its mixtures.
Porpholactone Chemistry: Shining New Light on an Old Cofactor
Authors: Jin Guo‐Qing , Xue Hao‐Zong , Zhang Jun‐Long
Published: November 2020

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Jun‐Long Zhang, Peking University, Beijing. The cover picture shows the porpholactone cofactor, which play unique roles in molecular imaging and therapy (or theranostics), catalysis, as well as energy and optical materials. This class of molecules is ideal for more intriguing scientific research and future practical applications. Read the full text of the Minireview at 10.1002/cplu.202000494.
Next‐generation field courses: Integrating Open Science and online learning
Authors: Geange Sonya R. , von Oppen Jonathan , Strydom Tanya , Boakye Mickey , Gauthier Tasha‐Leigh J. , Gya Ragnhild , Halbritter Aud H. , Jessup Laura H. , Middleton Sara L. , Navarro Jocelyn , Pierfederici Maria Elisa , Chacón‐Labella Julia , Cotner Sehoya , Farfan‐Rios William , Maitner Brian S. , Michaletz Sean T. , Telford Richard J. , Enquist Brian J. , Vandvik Vigdis
Published: November 2020

As Open Science practices become more commonplace, there is a need for the next generation of scientists to be well versed in these aspects of scientific research. Yet, many training opportunities for early career researchers (ECRs) could better emphasize or integrate Open Science elements. Field courses provide opportunities for ECRs to apply theoretical knowledge, practice new methodological approaches, and gain an appreciation for the challenges of real‐life research, and could provide an excellent platform for integrating training in Open Science practices. Our recent experience, as primarily ECRs engaged in a field course interrupted by COVID‐19, led us to reflect on the potential to enhance learning outcomes in field courses by integrating Open Science practices and online learning components. Specifically, we highlight the opportunity for field courses to align teaching activities with the recent developments and trends in how we conduct research, including training in: publishing registered reports, collecting data using standardized methods, adopting high‐quality data documentation, managing data through reproducible workflows, and sharing and publishing data through appropriate channels. We also discuss how field courses can use online tools to optimize time in the field, develop open access resources, and cultivate collaborations. By integrating these elements, we suggest that the next generation of field courses will offer excellent arenas for participants to adopt Open Science practices.
Comparative transcriptomics reveals the molecular genetic basis of pigmentation loss inSinocyclocheiluscavefishes
Authors: Li Chunqing , Chen Hongyu , Zhao Yinchen , Chen Shanyuan , Xiao Heng
Published: November 2020

Cave‐dwelling animals evolve distinct troglomorphic traits, such as loss of eyes, skin pigmentation, and augmentation of senses following long‐term adaptation to perpetual darkness. However, the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying these phenotypic variations remain unclear. In this study, we conducted comparative histology and comparative transcriptomics study of the skin of eightSinocyclocheilusspecies (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) that included surface‐ and cave‐dwelling species. We analyzed four surface and four cavefish species by using next‐generation sequencing, and a total of 802,798,907 clean reads were generated and assembled into 505,495,009 transcripts, which contributed to 1,037,334 unigenes. Bioinformatic comparisons revealed 10,629 and 6,442 significantly differentially expressed unigenes between four different surface‐cave fish groups. Further, tens of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) potentially related to skin pigmentation were identified. Most of these DEGs (includingGNAQ,PKA,NRAS, andp38) are downregulated in cavefish species. They are involved in key signaling pathways of pigment synthesis, such as the melanogenesis, Wnt, and MAPK pathways. This trend of downregulation was confirmed through qPCR experiments. This study will deepen our understanding of the formation of troglomorphic traits in cavefishes.
Magnesium dietary intake and physical activity in Type 2 diabetes by gender in White, African‐American and Mexican American: NHANES 2011‐2014
Authors: Wu You , Datta Susmita , Little Bert B. , Kong Maiying
Published: November 2020

Aims

To analyse the causal relationships of nutrition intake and physical activity on haemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) stratified by gender and ethnicity.

Materials and Methods

An historical cohort of patients with diagnosed T2DM (n = 2831) was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011‐2014 public database, including but not limited to, measurements of physical activity, nutrition, body mass index (BMI) and HbA1c. Multivariate analyses and path analyses were employed to estimate the regression coefficients and path coefficients (ρ) of causal path models of physical activity and nutrition intake on HbA1c stratified by gender and three ethnicity groups (ie non‐Hispanic white, non‐Hispanic black and Mexican American).

Results

A significant causal path from increased physical activity to increased magnesium (Mg) intake to decreased HbA1c was found. In addition, increased physical activity significantly decreased BMI, which further decreased HbA1c. These results varied by gender and ethnicity but were directionally consistent. Physical activity decreased HbA1c through BMI for males and through Mg intake for females. Mexican American decreased HbA1c through Mg intake, while non‐Hispanic black had an increased HbA1c due to its ethnicity and through increased BMI.

Conclusions

The beneficial effects of physical activity on decreased HbA1c were mediated through the increased Mg intake and decreased BMI. This aligned with recent investigations of the inverse causal association of Mg intake with insulin resistance and with decreased inflammation.
The utility of environmental DNA from sediment and water samples for recovery of observed plant and animal species from four Mojave Desert springs
Authors: Palacios Mejia Maura , Curd Emily , Edalati Kiumars , Renshaw Mark A. , Dunn Roy , Potter Daniel , Fraga Naomi , Moore Jenna , Saiz Justin , Wayne Robert , Parker Sophie S.
Published: November 2020

Mojave Desert springs are fragile ecosystems, hosting endemic plants and animals, which are threatened by the increasing human demand for water and climate change. To develop management practices that will protect the groundwater‐dependent ecosystems at Mojave Desert springs, real‐time, low‐cost biodiversity monitoring, and assessments are required. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding uses DNA shed from organisms (e.g., skin cells, feces, and pollen) that are present in water, air, soil, or sediment samples to assess community composition. This approach can increase the detection sensitivity for rare and elusive species, compared with expensive and time‐consuming conventional methods, which also require taxonomic expertise. This study tests the effectiveness of eDNA techniques in capturing the observed Mojave Desert spring biodiversity in the winter and spring of 2019 at four distinct, naturally occurring springs. We also test the utility of sample types (water vs. sediment) for capturing biodiversity. We found that each of the four Mojave Desert springs supports a unique biological community. Sediment samples contained the greatest biodiversity, but all sample types captured species observed in the field by humans or camera traps. We also found no statistical difference in species richness captured in winter and spring except for the Cytochrome Oxidase I marker, for which winter had greater biodiversity. This study supports the use of eDNA metabarcoding as an effective tool to mirror observation by human observers of ecological communities in desert springs. The study demonstrates the importance of appropriately timing eDNA field sampling, primer selection, and using field‐based surveys of wildlife and plants in addition to eDNA detection. This study also identified gaps in reference sequence databases for Mojave biodiversity and encourages collaboration of eDNA researchers with managers for effective conservation management plans.
Hysteretic energy‐based state‐dependent fragility for ground‐motion sequences
Authors: Gentile Roberto , Galasso Carmine
Published: November 2020

A framework to derive state‐dependent fragility relationships of structures subjected to ground‐motion sequences (e.g. mainshock‐aftershock (MS‐AS) or triggered earthquakes) is proposed. The hysteretic energy dissipated in the sequence is adopted as the main demand parameter, as it is a cumulative measure monotonically increasing with the length of the excitation. For a structure subjected to earthquake‐induced ground motions, it is not possible to define a closed‐form representation of the hysteretic energy as a function of the peak deformation. However, based on theoretical considerations, the hysteretic energy‐peak deformation trend is discussed, highlighting that (a) the significant duration of the ground motion explains the variability of the hysteretic energy for a given peak deformation; (b) the
hysteretic energy dissipated in an AS decreases (for a given AS peak
displacement) if the peak displacement in the MS increases. A vector‐valued probabilistic seismic demand model consistent with these considerations is proposed in the form of a surface relating the hysteretic energy in the sequence to the peak deformation in the MS and a ground‐motion intensity measure of the AS. This is calibrated via sequential cloud‐based time‐history analyses. The framework is demonstrated for 14 reinforced concrete frame buildings with different height, plastic mechanisms, and infill distributions. The results show the feasibility of the proposed approach, effectively capturing damage accumulation without inconsistencies in the obtained statistical model. The framework may be used for risk‐assessment applications explicitly incorporating ground‐motion sequences. The hysteretic energy versus peak deformation relationship may also be exploited in problems involving long‐duration ground motions or soft soils.
Does boardroom gender diversity affect shareholder wealth? Evidence from bank mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Tampakoudis Ioannis , Andrikopoulos Andreas , Nerantzidis Michail , Kiosses Nikolaos
Published: November 2020

We explore the effect of the presence of female directors in boards of directors on the economic impact of bank mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Using a unique, hand‐collected dataset on 1,130 M&As announced by U.S. banks between 2003 and 2018, we find a significant negative relationship between female board membership and shareholder wealth after the banking crisis. Our results are robust to alternative model specifications that control for different proxies for gender diversity, heteroskedasticity, endogeneity and firm‐specific variables. Our findings suggest that board gender diversity should be promoted with caution, and policy makers should acknowledge its limitations as a corporate governance mechanism.
LMNB2 is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kong Weihao , Wu Zihao , Yang Mingwei , Zuo Xiaomin , Yin Guanfu , Chen Wei
Published: November 2020

Background

Previous studies have suggested Lamin B2 (LMNB2) as an oncogene in lung cancer. However, the role of LMNB2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.

Method

The expression of LMNB2 was compared between HCC samples and non‐tumor samples in multiple datasets. In addition, the prognostic value of LMNB2 in HCC was also investigated. Furthermore, the cBioPortal was utilized to analyze the genomic alternation of LMNB2 in HCC. Besides, co‐expression genes and functional enrichment analysis were evaluated using LinkedOmics to determine the function of LMNB2. Finally, the correlation between LMNB2 and immune infiltration was assessed using Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER).

Results

Elevated LMNB2 expression level was identified in HCC patients in multiple datasets. Moreover, increased levels of LMNB2 were associated with poor overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). The functional enrichment analysis revealed that LMNB2 plays an essential role via the cell cycle pathway, spliceosome, hippo‐signaling pathway, and metabolic pathways. Besides, copy number variation (CNV) and methylation were significantly associated with LMNB2 expression. Additionally, increased levels of LMNB2 were significantly associated with B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells.

Conclusion

LMNB2 is a potential HCC prognostic and diagnostic biomarker.
Hope attenuates the negative impact of general psychological distress on goal progress
Authors: Moss‐Pech Sara A. , Southward Matthew W. , Cheavens Jennifer S.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Symptoms of general psychological distress disrupt goal pursuit; however, not everyone is equally impacted by distress when pursuing goals. We tested whether hope, self‐efficacy, and/or grit buffered the impact of symptoms of general psychological distress on longitudinal goal progress.

Method

Undergraduate students reported on these constructs and, 2 months later, their progress toward five personal goals (N = 117).

Results

Although greater levels of baseline psychological distress predicted less goal progress, the impact of psychological distress on goal progress was moderated by hope, β = .20, SE = 0.07, p < .01. More specifically, at higher hope, participants reported similar goal progress regardless of baseline distress symptoms, while at lower hope, baseline distress was negatively associated with goal progress.

Conclusion

Hope may function as a buffer against the association between general psychological distress and impaired goal progress.
Theory and Effects in Consumer Psychology
Authors: Schwarz Norbert
Published: November 2020

Drawing on Calder, Brendl, Tybout, and Sternthal’s (2021) discussion of constructs and variables, I suggest that the verification approach’s focus on variables fosters a plethora of disconnected “effects” and a dearth of integrative theorizing in consumer behavior research. I discuss how publication practices and incentive structures are likely to contribute to these phenomena.
Miniaturized application of 3D‐printed large‐flow microreactor in extraction and separation of platinum, palladium and rhodium
Authors: Liu Xiaoling , Li Xiteng , Ju Shaohua , Gu Yongwan , Tan Wenjin , Li Xing , Wang Shuyi
Published: November 2020

Problems of long extraction time, large footprint, low single‐stage extraction efficiency, and complicated production processes in solvent extraction equipment in recycling of modern industrial precious metal waste liquids are addressed and application of miniaturized equipment to hydrometallurgy is proposed in this study. A 3D‐printed multichannel microfluidic reactor will likely replace traditional extraction equipment. The reactor was applied to experiments concerning tributyl phosphate extraction and separation of platinum, palladium and rhodium precious metal ions in a hydrochloric acid system. Results showed that, under the conditions of a ratio of 1:1 and a flow rate of 192.5 mL min‐1 (processing capacity of 1.5L h‐1), the extraction rates of platinum and palladium are 84.26% and 96%, and the separation coefficient is βPt/Rh and βPd /Rh is 132.35 and 753.5,moreover, the optimized extraction rate of platinum and palladium in the reactor increases by 2% and 1%, respectively. Hence, the extraction effect of this reactor is better than conventional industrial single‐stage extraction (extraction time 12min, platinum extraction rate 87.43%, palladium extraction rate 90.86%, separation coefficients βPd/Rh and βPt/Rh are only 65.3 and 45.7). In summary, compared with conventional extraction, microreactor extraction can increase the separation coefficient, shorten the extraction time, and the total processing capacity can reach the industrial production level. In addition, this study also discussed the influence of microreactor structure optimization on the extraction effect. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Metal ions coordinated immobilization of phenylalanine dehydrogenase by GO‐PEI with high activity recovery and enhanced stability
Authors: Yao Guangxiao , Liu Kailong , Wang Shiyan , Huo Heyu , Wang Shizhen
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Dehydrogenases dependent on NAD(P)H are widely applied for biosynthesis of chiral chemicals. However, they are unstable and easy denaturated compared with hydrolases. A new strategy for dehydrogenases immobilization with the advantages of easy operation and high activity recovery should be developed. Biocompatible hybrid materials (GO‐PEI‐M) have been obtained by metal ions coordinated polyethylenimine (PEI) functionalized graphene oxide (GO).

RESULTS

The immobilized enzyme recovery rates of GO‐PEI‐Mg (magnesium ion coordinated GO‐PEI) and GO‐PEI‐Mn (manganese ion coordinated GO‐PEI). In addition, the stability of GO‐PEI‐Mn‐PheDH (Phenylalanine Dehydrogenase) and GO‐PEI‐Mg‐PheDH was greatly improved, and it maintained 65% and 79% activity, respectively, after seven times reuse. In addition, the stability of GO‐PEI‐Mn‐PheDH (Phenylalanine Dehydrogenase) and GO‐PEI‐Mg‐PheDH was greatly improved. After seven times reuse, GO‐PEI‐Mn‐PheDH and GO‐PEI‐Mn‐PheDH and maintained 65% and 79% activity, respectively. An assembly mechanism was proposed from the perspectives of multi‐level interactions, including hydrogen bonding, electrostatic forces, and coordinated bonds.

CONCLUSION

GO‐PEI‐Metal ion hybrid materials offer a promising carrier for enzyme immobilization with the advantages of biocompatibility and relatively strong interaction. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry