bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Super Absorbent Polymer and Humic Acid on Maize Yield and Nutrient Uptake on Rainfed Alfisols
Authors: Rajamani Kasthuri , Reddy K. Indudhar , Srinivas A.
Published: January 2022

The advances and development in agriculture depend not only on mechanization and new hybrid seeds but also on the improvement of soil physical and chemical properties which in turn help to increase crop productivity in dry land soils. A field study was carried out to study the influence of superabsorbent polymer at 2.5 and 4.5 kg ha-1and humic acid at 15 and 30 kg ha-1 alone and their combinations with recommended 100% fertilizers on yield, uptake, and photosynthetic pigments of maize grown on rainfed alfisols at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Telangana. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications, consisting of nine treatments. Further, results showed that conjoint application of hydrogel@4.5 kg ha-1 + humic acid@30 kg ha-1 along with 100% RDF package significantly increased the pooled grain and stover yield (7136 and 8457 kg ha-1) of maize. Irrespective level of hydrogel and humic acid combinations with 100% RDF increased the macronutrient uptake by grain and stover, which further build up the total uptake. A similar pattern was also observed in corresponding to grain and stover yield.The chlorophyll “a”, “b” and total chlorophyll content (1.81, 1.69 1.54; 0.69, 0.62, 0.55 and 2.65, 2.46 and 2.24 mg g-1 in fresh plant weight at 30, 60 and 90 DAS) significantly influenced by application of hydrogel@4.5 kg ha-1+ humic acid@30 kg ha-1.  In conclusion, the present investigation indicates the positive interaction between humic acid and super absorbent polymer which improved nutrient uptake and maize yield.
Effect of Weather Parameters on the Incidence of Thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman on Bt Cotton
Authors: Devi R. Sunitha , Mahadevappa S. G.
Published: January 2022

The field experiments were conducted during kharif season of year 2014 & 2015 at Agricultural Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana state, India to study the influence of weather parameters on the incidence of thrips population on Bt cotton. The results revealed that the peak incidence of thrips population was recorded on 35th Standard Week i.e., last week of August (32.87 thrips leaf–1) during kharif, 2014 and two peaks i.e., 35th Standard Week i.e., last week of August (33.93 thrips leaf–1) and 40th  Standard Week i.e., the first week of October (40.40 thrips leaf–1) were recorded during kharif, 2015. Thereafter, its population declined gradually during both seasons. Correlations worked out between thrips population and weather parameters revealed that, one week (0.51*) and two weeks lag (0.65**) minimum temperature, one week lag (0.56**) morning relative humidity showed significant and positive influence, while one week lag (–0.44*) evaporation showed significant negative influence on thrips incidence. The prediction model developed for the thrips population revealed that the model explained the variation to an extent of 54 per cent in thrips incidence under the influence of minimum temperature and morning relative humidity.
Recall vs. Recognition: How the Strength of Sponsor Awareness Influences the Perceived Brand Personality
Authors: Runkel Andreas , Preuß Holger
Published: January 2022

Aim: The aim of this paper is to investigate whether remembering a sponsor actively (recall) or passively (recognition) has an influence on the perceived brand image. Because brand personality is a psychological and multi-dimensional construct, it is worthwhile to investigate the influence of information retrieval from the long-term memory.

Study design:  The study contains two independent samples. On the one hand spectators were interviewed at different sports events that were sponsored by the same brand (field sample). Additionally, a representative sample of the population was drawn and questioned about the same brand outside the environment of sports events (online sample).

Place and Duration of Study: Both samples were collected in the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany within a period of four months.

Methodology: In total, 2761 questionnaires from spectators and 1000 questionnaires from representative online sample of the population in the same region were collected. Regression analyses were conducted to compare the influence of sponsor awareness on brand image with other drivers of image transfer found in literature.

Results: Both tests (recall and recognition) show a significant influence on brand image, but they defer in the extent and the addressed dimensions of brand personality. Logistic regressions show that a low sponsor awareness is sufficient to strengthen some general positive brand associations, whereas it requires a higher sponsor awareness to raise intended associations successfully.

Conclusion: The strength of sponsor awareness should be considered when selecting the test procedure (recall or recognition test) for measuring image outcomes – both in marketing research and sponsorship controlling. Depending on the type of objectives the sponsor wants to achieve, this can be crucial for a sponsor in strategic management.
Innovative and Sustainable Materials in Architectural Engineering
Authors: Elzefzafy Hend
Published: January 2022

The advantages of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite material have attracted architectural engineers as alternative construction materials. FRP materials are noncorrosive, lightweight, exhibit high tensile strength, and stiffness, are easily fabricated and constructed. For architectural applications, FRP materials are fabricated using a polymer matrix, such as epoxy, vinyl ester, or polyester, and reinforced with various grades of carbon, glass, and/or aramid fibers. In this study, FRP coupons have been tested under axial tensile load to evaluate the strength of these materials for architectural application. Coupon specimens were cut from two different types of glass-FRP (GFRP) tubes namely: Type I and II, the two types had constant internal diameter equal to 152 mm. The GFRP tubes Type I consist of six layers with (±60°) fibers angles oriented mainly in the hoop direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubes, the total thickness is 2.65 mm. While GFRP tubes I consist of fourteen layers with different fibers angles (±65, ±45, ±65) and the total thickness are 6.4 mm. The test results were presented and discussed. The strength of the coupon showed an acceptable level to be used for architectural application. Some of the FRP composites successful applications are briefly presented and discussed to provide the appropriate background for the application of FRP composites in architectural engineering. The promising results presented for the GFRP materials represent a further step toward architectural application.
The Effect of Obesity, Hypertension and Diabetes on Health-related Quality of Life among the Elderly in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province
Authors: Mulhim Othman Al , Alhumud Salman Abdulrahman
Published: January 2022

Aims: This study explores the cumulative effects of cardiovascular risk factors on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) among the elderly.

Study Design: Our study comprises a cross-sectional design.

Place and Duration of Study: The Nov 2021 population-based research represents the Saudi Eastern Province population aged 60 years and above.

Methodology: Information was collected through home-based personal interviews using a structured questionnaire on the participants' health. The participants provided informed verbal consent. On each scale of the SF-36 questionnaire, multiple linear regression examined the relationships between obesity, hypertension, diabetes and HRQL after adjusting for sociodemographic data and lifestyle factors.

Results: Diabetes and hypertension registered the worst HRQL among males on all the scales (‒53.8 to ‒22.0 points according to the scale) in the two-factor cluster and male clusters except social functioning and role-emotional. Obesity and diabetes registered the worst HRQL on all the scales (–24.4 to –40.4 points according to the scale) in the two-factor female cluster except physical functioning, bodily pain and general health, and on all scales in female clusters except physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, social functioning and role-emotional.

Conclusion: Our study shows that obesity, hypertension and diabetes (as separate factors and in combination) negatively affect HRQL.
A System for Machine Translation from English to Ebira using the Rule-based Approach
Authors: Abdulmusawir Tijani Musari , Ayegba Sani Felix , Kayode Yahaya Musa , Chinemerem Eze Christian
Published: January 2022

This research work is aimed at bridging the knowledge gap between the most popular knowledge rich English language and the minority Ebira language spoken by the Ebira people, a minority ethnic group in part of Nigeria. Across the globe and on the internet, English language has become the most widely used language for knowledge dissemination. And presently, the majority of the indigenous people of Ebiral and also known as “Anebira” are still not proficient in their use of English language which as a result prevents them from gaining full knowledge disseminated in English language. Hence, the need to develop an automated Machine Translation System capable of translating English text to Ebira text which will help the people to tap from the abundant knowledge conveyed in English language for effective and fast development in their social, political, scientific, philosophical and economic areas of life. The system was designed to consolidate on human translators’ effort and not to replace them. A comprehensive study and analysis of the two languages was carried out with the help of Ebira native speakers in Ebiraland Kogi central and some professional English language tutors at FCE Okene. The knowledge gathered provided the basis for the design and testing of the rule base, inference engine, bilingual dictionary which are important components for the proposed automated system for translation of English text to Ebira text using PHP. Making use of the word in the bilingual dictionary, the system will successfully translate your English text to Ebira. The system was evaluated using one of the popular automatic method of evaluating MT systems BLEU (Bilingual Evaluation Understudy). And an accuracy of 81.5% in translation was achieved. An improved system in the future is recommended to accommodate more complex sentences for the more benefit of the good people of Enebira.
Ti4O7/g‐C3N4 Nanocomposites as an Excellently Durable and Active Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wu Dekai , Yang Chengzhe , Sun Jie , Zhong Peng , Ma Xiaohua , Lei Yimin
Published: January 2022

In this paper, Ti4O7/g‐C3N4 nanocomposites are successfully prepared by hydrothermal and carbothermal reduction reaction. It shows large specific surface area and electrochemical active surface area (ECSA = 187.82 cm2) and can act as an oxidation reduction reaction catalyst. Compared with commercial Pt/C catalyst, Ti4O7/g‐C3N4 nanocomposites show good catalytic activity in alkaline medium. The peak potential, onset potential, and half‐wave potential are 0.74 (versus RHE), 0.96 (versus RHE), and 0.74 V (versus RHE), respectively. It is worth mentioning that Ti4O7/g‐C3N4 catalyst shows better methanol tolerance and cycle stability than commercial Pt/C catalyst. The relative current density attenuation is less than 30% after a long cycle of 24 h.
Face to Face at the Cathode Electrolyte Interphase: From Interface Features to Interphase Formation and Dynamics
Authors: Kühn Sebastian P. , Edström Kristina , Winter Martin , Cekic‐Laskovic Isidora
Published: January 2022

Development of high‐performing lithium‐based batteries inevitably calls for a profound understanding and elucidation of the reactivity at the electrode–liquid electrolyte interface and its impact on the overall performance and safety. The formation, composition, properties, and mechanisms of the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) formation and function are still to a large extent unknown for most lithium‐based battery materials, whereas the same is well considered for the solid electrolyte interphase on negative electrodes in the literature. In particular, in high voltage regions >4.3 V, the oxidative stability limit of most liquid electrolytes is reached and new mechanisms, involving surface reactivity of the active material beside electrolyte decomposition, contribute to the interfacial reactivity and nature of the CEI. Focusing on lithium‐based cell chemistries, this review aims to highlight the impact of the still less understood electrolyte decomposition chemistry, dictated by the nature of its components, as well as the in‐depth research on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of CEI formation and evolution at positive electrode material surface and sub‐surfaces.
Ultrafast Coherence Delocalization in Real Space Simulated by Polaritons
Authors: Xiang Bo , Yang Zimo , You Yi‐Zhuang , Xiong Wei
Published: January 2022

Coherence delocalization has been investigated on a coupled‐cavity molecular polariton platform in time, frequency, and spatial domains, enabled by ultrafast two‐dimensional infrared hyperspectral imaging. Unidirectional coherence delocalization (coherence prepared in one cavity transferred to another cavity) has been observed in frequency and real space. This directionality is enabled by the dissipation of delocalized photon from high‐energy to low‐energy modes, described by Lindblad dynamics. Further experiments show that when coherences are directly prepared between polaritons from different cavities, only energetically nearby polaritons can form coherences that survive the long‐range environmental fluctuation. Together with the Lindblad dynamics, this result implies that coherences delocalize through a one‐step mechanism where photons transfer from one cavity to another, shedding light to coherence evolution in natural and artificial quantum systems. This new optical platform based on molecular vibrational polariton thus demonstrates a way of combining photon and molecular modes to simulate coherence dynamics in the infrared regime.
Ultrasensitive DNA‐Biomacromolecule Sensor for the Detection Application of Clinical Cancer Samples
Authors: Li Fengqin , Yang Weiqiang , Zhao Bingru , Yang Shuai , Tang Qianyun , Chen Xiaojing , Dai Huili , Liu Peifeng
Published: January 2022

Diagnostic testing of biological macromolecules is of great significance for early warning of disease and cancer. Nevertheless, restricted by limited surface area and large steric hindrance, sensitive detection of macromolecules with interface‐based sensing method remains challenging. Here, a “biphasic replacement” electrochemical aptamer‐based (BRE‐AB) sensing strategy which placed capture reaction of the biomacromolecule in a homogeneous solution phase and replaced with a small diameter of single‐stranded DNA to attach to the interface is introduced. Using the BRE‐AB sensor, the ultrasensitive detection of luteinizing hormone (LH) with the detection limit of 10 × 10−12 m is demonstrated. Molecular Dynamics simulations are utilized to explore the binding mechanism of aptamer and target LH. Moreover, it is confirmed that the BRE‐AB sensor has excellent sensing performance in whole blood and undiluted plasma. Using the BRE‐AB sensor, the LH concentrations in 40 clinical samples are successfully quantified and it is found that LH is higher expressed in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, the sensor enables simple, low‐cost, and easy to regenerate and reuse, indicating potentially applicable for point‐of‐care biological macromolecules diagnostics.
Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Oxidation Resistance of Zirconium Diboride Ceramics via Grain‐Refining and Dislocation Regulation
Authors: Xu Haiyue , Ji Wei , Guo Weiming , Li Yulin , Zou Ji , Wang Weimin , Fu Zhengyi
Published: January 2022

Zirconium diboride (ZrB2) is considered as one of the most promising ultra‐high temperature materials for the applications in extreme environments. However, the difficulty in fabrication of ZrB2 limits its industrial applications. In this study, fully dense and grain‐refined ZrB2 is prepared under ultra‐high pressure of 15 GPa at low temperature of 1450 °C. The as‐prepared ZrB2 exhibits excellent mechanical and oxidation‐resistant properties. Compared with raw powder, the grain size decreases 56%. Compared with high‐temperature sintered control specimen beyond 2000 °C, the hardness and fracture toughness increase about 46% and 69%, respectively, the dislocation density increase 3 orders of magnitude, while the grain size considerably decrease 96%. According to work hardening, Hall–Petch and Taylor dislocation hardening effects, the refined grains, substructures, and high dislocation density caused by plastic deformation during sintering can enhance the mechanical properties. The unique structure contributes to a threshold oxidation temperature increase of ≈250 °C relative to the high‐temperature sintered ZrB2, achieving one of the highest values (1100 °C) among the reported monolithic ultra‐high temperature ceramics. A developed densification mechanism of dislocation multiplication with grain refining is proposed and proved to dominate the sintering, which is responsible for simultaneous improvements in mechanical and oxidation‐resistant properties.
Chaotic mixing in a free‐helix extruder using a new solution to the biharmonic equation
Authors: Campbell Gregory A. , Taylor Ross , Wetzel Mark D. , Chempath Shaji , Bomma Sirisha , St. John Samuel , Hunt Diana , Powers David L.
Published: January 2022

A recently published approach for modeling the cross flow in an extruder channel using a new solution to the biharmonic equation is utilized in a study of chaotic mixing in a free‐helix single‐screw extruder. This novel extruder was designed and constructed with the screw flight, also referred to as the helix, detached from the screw core. The flight‐helix had straight sides that more closely emulated rectangular channel theory than the nominal sloped sides of a conventional single screw channel. Each of the screw elements could be rotated independently to obtain chaotic motion in the screw channel. Using the new extruder, experimental evidence for the increased mixing of a dye, for both a Dirac and droplet input, with a chaotic flow field relative to the traditional residence time distribution is presented. These experimental results are compared using the new biharmonic equation‐based model. Comparing the experimental chaotic mixing with theoretical calculations was facilitated by a recently published technique for accurately placing the dye in the extruder channel. Because of the ability to periodically rotate only the flight/helix, the chaotic mixing results are minimally confounded by the existence of Moffatt eddies.
Triggers for chemical product design: A systematic literature review
Authors: Rivera Gil Jose Luis , Serna Juliana , Arrieta‐Escobar Javier A. , Narváez Rincón Paulo César , Boly Vincent , Falk Veronique
Published: January 2022

The product design project is a complex problem because objectives and constraints must be considered simultaneously, the sustainability context is highly relevant and specific, decision‐making involves not only customer needs but also of other stakeholders, especially the organization in which the design project takes place. This work presents a systematic literature review of design methodologies for chemical products to identify how that problem has been addressed and which are the future challenges to be met. The review involved the analysis of 262 research papers and 336 patents, classified according to the chemical product type, the design phase studied, and whether they consider association with a business context. The study highlights the need for holistic product design methodologies applicable from the early design stages, covering the assessment of customer needs and the requirements of other stakeholders, as well as the business context where the design process is carried out.
Lean mass, grip strength, and hospital‐associated disability among older adults in Health ABC
Authors: Abay Rebecca J. Y. , Gold Laura S. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Andrews James S.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Older adults with cognitive impairment, including those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, are particularly at risk for hospitalization and hospital‐associated disability. Understanding of key risk factors for hospital‐associated disability is limited. Sarcopenia, age‐related declines in muscle mass and strength, is common in older adults with cognitive impairment and may be an important risk factor for hospital‐associated disability.

Methods

Using data from the Health ABC Study, we examined associations of pre‐hospitalization appendicular lean mass (ALM) and grip strength with the development of a new activity of daily living (ADL) disability at the next annual assessment after hospitalization.

Results

Grip strength, but not ALM, was negatively associated with increased risk of hospital‐associated ADL disability, and this association was greater among those with cognitive impairment compared to those without.

Discussion

Lower grip strength may be an important risk factor for hospital‐associated ADL disability in older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairment.
Decreased renal function is associated with incident dementia: An IMRD‐THIN retrospective cohort study in the UK
Authors: Lee Siang Ing , Cooper Jennifer , Fenton Anthony , Subramanian Anuradhaa , Taverner Tom , Gokhale Krishna M. , Phillips Katherine , Patel Mitesh , Harper Lorraine , Thomas G. Neil , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Decreased renal function is a potential risk factor for dementia.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study of 2.8 million adults aged ≥50 years used the IMRD‐THIN database, representative of UK primary care, from January 1, 1995 to February 24, 2020. The associations between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) with incident all‐cause dementia were analyzed using Cox regression.

Results

In the eGFR cohort (n = 2,797,384), worsening renal dysfunction was associated with increased hazard of all‐cause dementia, with greatest hazard at eGFR 15–30 ml/min/1.73min2 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19–1.33). In the ACR cohort (n = 641,912), the hazard of dementia increased from ACR 3–30 mg/mmol (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.10–1.15) to ACR > 30 mg/mmol (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.18–1.33).

Discussion

Worsening eGFR and albuminuria have graded associations with the risk of dementia, which may have significant implications for the care of patients with kidney disease.
Genome‐wide analysis identified abundant genetic modulators of contributions of the apolipoprotein E alleles to Alzheimer's disease risk
Authors: Nazarian Alireza , Loika Yury , He Liang , Culminskaya Irina , Kulminski Alexander M.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε2 and ε4 alleles have beneficial and adverse impacts on Alzheimer's disease (AD), respectively, with incomplete penetrance, which may be modulated by other genetic variants.

Methods

We examined whether the associations of the APOE alleles with other polymorphisms in the genome can be sensitive to AD‐affection status.

Results

We identified associations of the ε2 and ε4 alleles with 314 and 232 polymorphisms, respectively. Of them, 35 and 31 polymorphisms had significantly different effects in AD‐affected and ‐unaffected groups, suggesting their potential involvement in the AD pathogenesis by modulating the effects of the ε2 and ε4 alleles, respectively. Our survival‐type analysis of the AD risk supported modulating roles of multiple group‐specific polymorphisms. Our functional analysis identified gene enrichment in multiple immune‐related biological processes, for example, B cell function.

Discussion

These findings suggest involvement of local and inter‐chromosomal modulators of the effects of the APOE alleles on the AD risk.
A new outlook in oxidative transformations and coupling reactions via in situ generation of organic chloramines
Authors: Govada Grace Victoria , Sabbasani Rajasekhara Reddy
Published: January 2022

Owing to their various modes of coordinating and oxidizing reactivity, organic chloramines represent versatile building blocks for the synthesis of an ample range of multiatomic organic compounds. The present review focuses on synthetic methodologies using their dichotomous nature, which is the basis of their reactivity as oxidant and substrate. This is the first ever review covering the extensive applications of this large class of N–Cl compounds (organic chloramines) especially using one‐pot reaction strategies for various organic transformations, and construction of bonds such as chlorination (C–Cl, S–Cl), oxidation (C=O), cross‐coupling (C–N, CONR, S–N), cyclization, substitution, rearrangement, and catalysis, have been described, briefly to highlight important aspects of the organic chloramines in organic synthesis.
Stochastic evolution of distributions and functional Bollinger bands
Authors: Bernis Guillaume , Brunel Nicolas , Kornprobst Antoine , Scotti Simone
Published: January 2022

We use mixture of percentile functions to model credit spread evolution, which allows to obtain a flexible description of indices and their components at the same time. We show regularity results in order to extend mixture percentile to the dynamic case. We characterize the stochastic differential equation of the flow of cumulative distribution function and we link it with the ordered list of the components of the credit index. The main financial goal is to introduce a functional version of Bollinger bands. The crossing of bands by the spread is associated with a trading signal. Finally, we show the richness of the signals produced by functional Bollinger bands compared with standard one with a practical example in credit asset.
A robust, accurate, sensitive LC–MS/MS method to measure indoxyl sulfate, validated for plasma and kidney cells
Authors: Ahmed Sabbir , Sparidans Rolf W. , Lu Jingyi , Mihaila Silvia M. , Gerritsen Karin G. F. , Masereeuw Rosalinde
Published: January 2022

Proximal tubular damage is an important prognostic determinant in various chronic kidney diseases (CKDs). Currently available diagnostic methods do not allow for early disease detection and are neither efficient. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is an endogenous metabolite and protein‐bound uremic toxin that is eliminated via renal secretion, but accumulates in plasma during tubular dysfunction. Therefore, it may be suitable as a tubular function marker. To evaluate this, a fast bioanalytical method was developed and validated for IS in various species and a kidney cell line using LC–MS/MS. An isotope‐labeled IS potassium salt as an internal standard and acetonitrile (ACN) as a protein precipitant were used for sample pretreatment. The analyte was separated on a Polaris 3 C18‐A column by gradient elution using 0.1% formic acid in water and ACN, and detected by negative electrospray ionization in selected reaction monitoring mode. The within‐day (≤ 4.0%) and between‐day (≤ 4.3%) precisions and accuracies (97.7 to 107.3%) were within the acceptable range. The analyte showed sufficient stability at all conditions investigated. Finally, applying this assay, significantly higher plasma and lower urine concentrations of IS were observed in mice with diabetic nephropathy with tubular damage, which encourages validation toward its use as a biomarker.
Brief humanistic counselling with an adolescent client experiencing obsessive‐compulsive difficulties: A theory‐building case study
Authors: Ralph Stuart , Cooper Mick
Published: January 2022

Background

obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic, debilitating psychological condition. To date, there has been no published research exploring brief humanistic counselling as an intervention for OCD. This study presents a case study of an adolescent client with obsessive‐compulsive difficulties (‘Sunil’) receiving school‐based humanistic counselling.

Aims

(a) To test humanistic counselling for an adolescent client experiencing obsessive‐compulsive difficulties; (b) to help improve brief humanistic counselling in its approach to working with adolescent clients experiencing obsessive‐compulsive difficulties.

Method

This research used a mixed methods theory‐building case study, based on a rich case record.

Results

The brief counselling did not reduce Sunil's obsessive‐compulsive difficulties. The core conditions were delivered in sessions, and the counselling allowed for the client to share traumatic memories and build peer relationships. However, the counselling did not seem to be directive at targeting Sunil's obsessive‐compulsive difficulties, and the silence in sessions was experienced by the client as awkward.

Implications

Further research should be conducted investigating the therapeutic and problematic aspects of brief humanistic counselling for OCD. These include an in‐depth look at the impact of silence on the young person, integration of process‐guiding tools and the counsellor not enabling compulsive in‐session rituals.
Resilience: A timely topic for the children's mental health crisis
Authors: Walters Anne S.
Published: January 2022

Mindcast, a podcast devoted to children's mental health and produced at Bradley Hospital, had its debut this past week. Podcasting is a new venture for us at Bradley, and in full disclosure, I am co‐hosting the series with my colleague Dr. Gregory Fritz. One of the first episodes is devoted to resilience, an especially timely topic in view of the children's mental health crisis.
Low risks for antidepressants in pregnancy, but challenges remain
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2022

Despite the findings by a recent large Danish study that children whose mothers take antidepressants during pregnancy are at low risk of developmental impacts on their child, there are still concerns by clinicians and parents about the wisdom of taking these medications. A major challenge for all studies of maternal drug use is the serious confounder of the effects of the condition itself on the children.
A Convenient and Stable Heterogeneous Nickel Catalyst for Hydrodehalogenation of Aryl Halides Using Molecular Hydrogen
Authors: Leonard David K. , Ryabchuk Pavel , Anwar Muhammad , Dastgir Sarim , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias
Published: January 2022

Hydrodehalogenation is an effective strategy for transforming persistent and potentially toxic organohalides into their more benign congeners. Common methods utilize Pd/C or Raney‐nickel as catalysts, which are either expensive or have safety concerns. In this study, a nickel‐based catalyst supported on titania (Ni‐phen@TiO2‐800) is used as a safe alternative to pyrophoric Raney‐nickel. The catalyst is prepared in a straightforward fashion by deposition of nickel(II)/1,10‐phenanthroline on titania, followed by pyrolysis. The catalytic material, which was characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS, consists of nickel nanoparticles covered with N‐doped carbon layers. By using design of experiments (DoE), this nanostructured catalyst is found to be proficient for the facile and selective hydrodehalogenation of a diverse range of substrates bearing C−I, C−Br, or C−Cl bonds (>30 examples). The practicality of this catalyst system is demonstrated by the dehalogenation of environmentally hazardous and polyhalogenated substrates atrazine, tetrabromobisphenol A, tetrachlorobenzene, and a polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE).
Quantifying the capacity for contemporary trait changes to drive intermittent predator–prey cycles
Authors: van Velzen Ellen , Gaedke Ursula , Klauschies Toni
Published: January 2022

A large and growing body of theory has demonstrated how the presence of trait variation in prey or predator populations may affect the amplitude and phase of predator–prey cycles. Less attention has been given to so‐called intermittent cycles, in which predator–prey oscillations recurrently disappear and re‐appear, despite such dynamics being observed in empirical systems and modeling studies. A comprehensive understanding of the conditions under which trait changes may drive intermittent predator–prey dynamics, as well as their potential ecological implications, is therefore missing. Here we provide a first systematic analysis of the eco‐evolutionary conditions that may give rise to intermittent predator–prey cycles, investigating 16 models that incorporate different types of trait variation within prey, predators, or both. Our results show that intermittent dynamics often arise through predator–prey coevolution, but only very rarely when only one trophic level can adapt. Additionally, the frequency of intermittent cycles depends on the source of trait variation (genetic variation or phenotypic plasticity) and the genetic architecture (Mendelian or quantitative traits), with intermittency occurring most commonly through Mendelian evolution, and very rarely through phenotypic plasticity. Further analysis identified three necessary conditions for when trait variation can drive intermittent cycles. First, the intrinsic stability of the predator–prey system must depend on the traits of prey, predators, or both. Second, there must be a mechanism causing the recurrent alternation between stable and unstable states, leading to a “trait” cycle superimposed on the population dynamics. Finally, these trait dynamics must be significantly slower than the predator–prey cycles. We show how these conditions explain all the abovementioned patterns. We further show an important unexpected consequence of these necessary conditions: they are most easily met when intraspecific trait variation is at high risk of being lost. As trait diversity is positively associated with ecosystem functioning, this can have potentially severe negative consequences. This novel result highlights the importance of identifying and understanding intermittent cycles in theoretical studies and natural systems. The new approach for detecting and quantifying intermittency we develop here will be instrumental in enabling future study.
How accurate is citizen science? Evaluating public assessments of coastal water quality
Authors: Gunko Ruslan , Rapeli Lauri , Scheinin Matias , Vuorisalo Timo , Karell Patrik
Published: January 2022

Citizen science is changing society's contribution to research projects worldwide. Non‐experts are no longer just spectators, they are active participants and supporters of scientific work. Using citizen science, that is, data collected by laypeople, the opportunities to collect large‐scale data on the environment are increasing. Such community‐based and citizen scientific approaches can provide useful tools as local people can be trained to accurately take measurements that can be used in scientific studies. However, little is known about how well volunteer‐based non‐standard subjective assessments of the environment based on prior experience only and no training compare with scientifically measured estimates of that environment. In this paper, we tested how well measures of coastal water quality assessed by local inhabitants corresponds with objective water quality data collected using scientific instruments. Our results showed that over 70% of the respondents assessed water quality in the right direction and almost 60% were correct in their estimates. We found that socio‐demographic factors affect the assessments, but do not markedly improve reliability. We conclude that simple questionnaires can be used to assess general coastal water quality.
Investigation on the effect of the flow passage geometry of diesel injector nozzle on injection process parameters and engine performances
Authors: Markov Vladimir , Sa Bowen , Kamaltdinov Vyacheslav , Neverov Vsevolod , Zherdev Anatoly
Published: January 2022

In the paper, the method based on optimization of flow passage geometry of diesel injector nozzle to improve the quality of fuel injection and atomization process has been studied. Designs of injector nozzles have been developed to enhance the quality of these processes. These nozzles’ feature is the implementation of local hydraulic resistances—different grooves on the needle tip, which enhance the flow turbulence in the nozzle's flow passage. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to study the effect of the nozzle flow passage geometry on parameters of fuel flow, such as mass flow rate, velocity, turbulence, and cavitation. The influence of local hydraulic resistances on the needle tip over these parameters has been evaluated. The optimal geometry of the grooves has been chosen. Experimental studies of a four‐cylinder diesel engine D‐243 equipped with injectors with serial and modified nozzles have been carried out. The possibility of improving the fuel efficiency and emission performances by using the modified nozzles has been confirmed. At the maximum power condition, the use of the modified nozzles reduced the brake‐specific fuel consumption from 275.2 to 270.4 g/(kW∙h) (by 1.7%) and reduced exhaust smoke from 23.5% to 12.5% on the Hartridge scale (by 46.8%). However, at the same time, the emission of NOx increased from 1743 to 1923 ppm (by 10.3%). Moreover, there was a tendency to decrease the content of CO and unburned HC in the exhaust gases.
Tracing forming mechanism of the sparry calcite growth in the lacustrine shale of east China: A glimpse into the role of organic matter in calcite transformation
Authors: Khan Danish , Qiu Longwei , Liang Chao , Martizzi Paolo , Mirza Kamran , Liu Jingjing
Published: January 2022

The formation of sparry calcite is very common in fine‐grained sedimentary rocks worldwide. Sparry calcite is formed from the diagenetic calcite crystals having a grain size > 50 μm. It is also widely distributed in the Es3x shale of the Eocene Shahejie Formation in the Zhanhua Depression, Bohai Bay Basin. The detailed investigations of the Es3x shale show that the sparite crystals start appearing at a burial depth > 3,000 m and the total organic carbon content (TOC) is >3 wt%. It indicates that the sparry calcite formed at high depths and in the most organic‐rich intervals of the studied shale. The presence of organic matter (OM) laminae parallel to the sparry calcite laminae, and sparry calcite along the edges of the OM show a direct physical relationship between sparry calcite and OM. It suggests that the diagenetic system was not influenced by hydrothermal fluids and only the OM is possibly responsible for the formation of sparry calcite in the studied shale. Sparry calcite forms in the thermally mature oil window, and oil generation in the Es3x shale causes the dissolution of micrite, providing the ions source for sparry calcite formation. Therefore, the geothermal gradient, as well as oil generation and kerogen maturation, are responsible for sparry calcite growth in the studied shale. The proposed model shows that the sparry calcite can form in the pores formed by elastic deformation as well as in the microfractures in the study area. In laminated shale, sparry calcite followed three stages of its formation, including (a) formation of laterally discrete calcite crystals, (b) lateral intergrowth of equant calcite crystals and (c) lateral intergrowth of fibrous calcite. Likewise, the genesis of sparry calcite in the non‐laminated shale also followed the same three phases; however, elastic deformation played a dominant and an important role in this variety of shale. Based on the detailed interpretations, we suggest that the OM, microfractures and elastic deformation act as major contributors in the formation and maturation of sparry calcite. We expect that this study also highlights the growth mechanism and maturation of sparry calcite in the Zhanhua Depression as well as other similar rift‐related basins around the globe.
Hydration patterns of rings in drugs and relationship to lipophilicity: A DFT study
Authors: Haritha Mambatta , Suresh Cherumuttathu H.
Published: January 2022

Rings are one of the major scaffold components of drugs in medicinal chemistry, due to their unique electronic distribution, scaffold rigidity, and three‐dimensionality while lipophilicity is considered as a vital parameter of rings that can influence the reactivity, metabolic stability, and toxicity. We have analyzed the electronic features, hydration patterns, solvation effect and lipophilicity data for 51 most widely used ring systems in drugs. Molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) topology analysis has been used to assess the electronic distribution in rings which provided an easy interpretation of the most suitable hydration patterns of the ring with H2O molecule. Further, the global minimum of ring…H2O complex has been utilized to predict lipophilicity (logP) with the incorporation of implicit solvation effect. Classification of ring systems based on their molecular weight into four categories, viz. small ring ‘sr’, medium ring ‘mr’, large ring ‘lr’ and extra large ring ‘xlr’ systems has led to the finding of strong correlations between logP and hydration energy withR = 0.942, 0.933, 0.968 and 0.933, respectively. The micro solvation model is found to be useful for locating the hydrophobic‐hydrophilic border for each category of rings in terms of hydration energy whereas the implicit solvation model used for two solvents, n‐octanol and water on the most stable hydrated structure led to a global correlation between logP and solvation energy ratio. This correlation predicts a limiting logP value −7.03 for the most hydrophilic ring system and also suggests a clear partitioning of the ring molecules into hydrophobic and hydrophilic classes. The MESP topology‐guided approach to understand the electronic features and hydration patterns of rings in drugs lead to powerful predictions on their lipophilicity behavior.
Dental education practices during COVID‐19: A scoping review
Authors: Kerkstra Robin L. , Rustagi Khyati A. , Grimshaw Alyssa A. , Minges Karl E.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Dental education was brought to a halt with the emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). Traditional dental education comprised students working closely with instructors in a clinical laboratory setting; however, public health precautions necessitated a shift to a virtual learning platform. A scoping review of dental education practices since the start of the pandemic will help to understand approaches instructors have taken to provide dental education during this unprecedented time and suggest future applications of virtual learning in dental education.

Methods

We performed an exhaustive scoping literature search of primary peer‐reviewed intervention articles published between December 2019 and April 2021 using the following databases: Academic Search Premier, Cochrane Library, Embase, ERIC, LitCovid, MedEdPortal, MedRxiv, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science. The selection process included two independent reviewers through each phase of review. Articles were categorized and analyzed by domain.

Results

A total of 629 articles were identified; after titles and abstracts were reviewed, 66 articles were selected for full‐text review. Following full‐text review, 41 articles met eligibility criteria and comprised our study sample. Articles were arranged within domains of assessment, instruction, instructional technology, and software. The advantages to online dental education included improved accessibility, willingness to accept new assessment techniques, and lower anxiety levels. Barriers included problems with technology, classroom time management, lack of student interaction, and absence of hands‐on training.

Conclusion

Evidence suggests emerging best practices in dental education during COVID‐19, and recommendations for the future of virtual and distance learning in dental education.
Functional morphology of cardiac stomach of Nile catfish (Clarias gariepinus): Histological, scanning, and ultrastructural studies
Authors: Mokhtar Doaa M.
Published: January 2022

The present study was done on 20 adult specimens of Nile catfish (Clarias gariepinus) to demonstrate the morphological characteristics of the cardiac region of the stomach. The cardiac mucosa was characterized by a large number of well‐defined long folds. The surface epithelial cells were simple columnar type covered with distinct microvilli and connected by desmosomes. Few PAS‐ and AB‐ positive goblet cells were found between the surface epithelium. In addition, many lymphocytes, macrophages, and blood capillaries were seen in the epithelial layer. The lamina propria was exclusively occupied by simple branched gastric (cardiac) glands that fill most of the thickness of the mucosa and open into gastric pits. The gastric glands were composed of numerous secretory tubules that were lined with one type of cells with a cytoplasm containing numerous electron‐dense granules, well‐developed rER, mitochondria, and a large number of free ribosomes. Moreover, macrophages were distributed in the lamina propria and submucosa. Telocytes were observed in the cardiac region for the first time around the glands, blood vessels, between the muscular layer, and in the serosa. A large number of mast cells could be identified in the submucosa around the blood vessels. The presence of many immune cells in the wall of the cardiac stomach suggests involvement in immune response in addition to its digestive function.

Research highlights

The study exposed many cell types in the wall of the cardiac stomach of Nile catfish including mast cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils that suggests an involvement in the immune response. The current study is the first one to highlight the distribution of telocytes in the fish stomach.
Predicting sequence and structural features of effective piRNA target binding sites
Authors: Singh Garima , Mallick Bibekanand
Published: January 2022

Piwi‐interacting RNA (piRNA) targets are usually identified through base pairing between the piRNA seed region and complementary bases on the target mRNAs, which often results in false predictions. Cross‐linking immunoprecipitation (CLIP) study emerges as a promising method that enables accurate identification of PIWI‐clade‐based targets containing RNA‐binding sites. In the present study, we have analyzed the piRNA‐target CLIP‐Seq datasets to uncover the additional characteristic features of piRNA targets. We studied important sequence and structural features using IP+ and IP− set targets that might enhance the accuracy of target site predictions. Analysis has revealed substantial enrichment of AU in target sites as well as in and around the 30 nts upstream and downstream of target sites in IP+ set relative to IP− set that might be contributing to lowering the minimal folding energy of target sites of IP+ set that might be easing the base pairing between piRNA and their targets. We have also found a lower MFE threshold (en) and higher miRanda score for piRNA targets. Interestingly, we have found that majority of the target sites are residing within 3′UTR, suggesting 3′UTR as a preferential target site like that of miRNA targets. Thus, we hypothesize that our findings on additional key features of piRNA target sites might be valuable in identifying the potential targets of piRNA accurately, which will aid in decrypting their functional importance.