bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Buckling and Ultimate Strength of Perforated Plate Panels under Axial Compression: Experimental and Numerical Investigations with Design Formulations
Authors: Kim Ul-Nyeon , Choe Ick-Heung , Paik Jeom  Kee
Published: July 2021

It has been recognized that the current shipbuilding industry design practice for perforated plates is not relevant with relatively large opening size and/or with large plate thickness, and it is believed that this problem has caused structural damage accidents in actual ship structures with opening. The motive of the present study was initiated to resolve this issue by introducing a new design formulation of the critical buckling strength for perforated plates which is now pertinent to the structural design application at a safety side. For this purpose, a series of experimental and numerical studies are undertaken on buckling and ultimate strength of plates and stiffened panels with an opening and under axial compressive actions. A total of 90 perforated plates and also a total of 9 stiffened panels with an opening are tested until and after the ultimate strength is reached, where important parameters of influence such as the plate aspect ratio, the plate slenderness ratio, the opening size and shape, and the opening location are varied. Elastic-plastic large deflection finite element analyses are performed on the test structures. Existing and newly-derived design formula solutions of buckling and ultimate strength on the test plate panels are compared with experimental results and nonlinear finite element computations, indicating that the critical buckling strength formulation developed in the present study as well as an existing ultimate strength formula is useful for design and strength assessment of steel plate panels with an opening. The experimental database on buckling collapse of steel plate panels with an opening will be very useful for future use. Details of experiments and numerical computations together with insights developed from the present study are documented.
Academic Mobility and Epistemological Change in State Socialist Romania
Authors: Hîncu Adela
Published: July 2021

This article explores the connection between academic mobility, epistemological change, and generational belonging in state socialist Romania. Drawing on insights from intellectual history and recent literature on the use of generation as an analytical concept for the study of state socialism, it addresses academic mobility both as a generation-defining experience and a source of epistemological change. On the issue of generations, it reviews the types of academic mobility available and their roles in the careers of social scientists trained before 1945, in the early 1950s, and after the re-institutionalization of sociology in 1966. Across these three generations, this article analyzes how academic mobility was reflected in the knowledge produced on one theme in particular: quality of life. Empirical and theoretical research on quality of life in Romania was carried out under the umbrella of futurology (early 1970s), socialist modes of living/lifestyle studies (late 1970s–early 1980s), and finally demography and migration studies (1980s).
Wagner: Bauman
Authors: Best Shaun
Published: July 2021

Book review of:

Wagner, Izabela (2020) Bauman: A Biography. Cambridge: Polity Press 510 pp.ISBN: 978-1-5095-2686-4Price: £25,00
Sobre presidencias y precedencias en protocolo oficial: análisis de caso
Authors: Bueno Fernández Begoña
Published: July 2021

El Protocolo Oficial del Estado, en cualquier país, se basa en dos fundamentos esenciales: la normativa legal vigente, ya sea de carácter nacional, autonómico o local, y las costumbres y tradiciones inveteradas. La principal normativa de protocolo existente en España es el Real Decreto 2099/1983, de 4 de agosto, por el que se aprueba el Ordenamiento General de Precedencias en el Estado. Este texto legislativo establece el régimen de precedencias de los cargos y entes públicos en los actos oficiales.
Psychological foundations of the development of coherent speech in children with simultaneous visual and mental disabilities
Authors: Ismailova Indira Sedredinovna , Ponomareva Viktoriya Viktorovna
Published: July 2021

This article describes the psychological foundations of conducting a formative experiment on the development of coherent speech in children with simultaneous visual and mental pathologies, or in other words, children with complex sensory-mental disorders. The goal of this work is to determine the stages of correctional work of the formative experiment on the development of coherent speech in children with complex visual and mental disabilities. The subject of this research is the process of psychological-pedagogical impact reflected in the process of correctional work on the development of coherent speech among primary school students with visual and mental disabilities. The object of this research is the primary school students of 3rd and 4th grade with complex visual and mental disabilities of various severity in a boarding school for children with visual impairments. The scientific novelty of this research consists in optimization of activity of a pedagogue specializing in the development different types of coherent speech – dialogues, conversations and stories based on the picture among primary school students with sensory-mental disorders, which is of particular importance for school practice as it indicates the techniques for improving the quality of their speech and their social adaptation in the society. The author also underlines the importance of such work with children for fulfilling their personal potential in the context of the requirements of the principle of social justice. Accuracy of acquired results is defined by substantiation of the initial theoretical and methodological positions; comprehensive application of theoretical and empirical methods adequate to the object,  subject, goals and objectives of the research, long-term practical activity of the author dedicated to the development of coherent oral speech in primary schools students n with visual and mental disabilities.
Stable isotope analyses identify trophic niche partitioning between sympatric terrestrial vertebrates in coastal saltmarshes with differing oiling histories
Authors: Moyo Sydney , Bennadji Hayat , Laguaite Danielle , Pérez-Umphrey Anna A. , Snider Allison M. , Bonisoli-Alquati Andrea , Olin Jill A. , Stouffer Philip C , Taylor Sabrina S. , López-Duarte Paola C. , Roberts Brian J. , Hooper-Bui Linda , Polito Michael J.
Published: July 2021

Bioindicator species are commonly used as proxies to help identify the ecological effects of oil spills and other stressors. However, the utility of taxa as bioindicators is dependent on understanding their trophic niche and life history characteristics, as these factors mediate their ecological responses. Seaside sparrows (Ammospiza maritima) and marsh rice rats (Oryzomys palustris) are two ubiquitous terrestrial vertebrates that are thought to be bioindicators of oil spills in saltmarsh ecosystems. To improve the utility of these omnivorous taxa as bioindicators, we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis to quantify their trophic niches at saltmarshes in coastal Louisiana with differing oiling histories. We found that rats generally had lower trophic positions and incorporated more aquatic prey relative to seaside sparrows. The range of resources used (i.e.,trophic niche width) varied based on oiling history. Seaside sparrows had wider trophic niches than marsh rice rats at unoiled sites, but not at oiled sites. Trophic niche widths of conspecifics were less consistent at oiled sites, although marsh rice rats at oiled sites had wider trophic niches than rats at unoiled sites. These results suggest that past oiling histories may have imparted subtle, yet differing effects on the foraging ecology of these two co-occurring species. However, the temporal lag between initial oiling and our study makes identifying the ultimate drivers of differences between oiled and unoiled sites challenging. Even so, our findings provide a baseline quantification of the trophic niches of sympatric seaside sparrows and marsh rice rats that will aid in the use of these species as indicators of oiling and other environmental stressors in saltmarsh ecosystems.
PRÁTICA DOCENTE DE PROFESSORES DE DIREITO NO ENSINO SEMIPRESENCIAL
Authors: Teixeira Fábio , De Pesce Marly Kruger , Kataniwa Letícia Cassino
Published: July 2021

Recente alteração legislativa viabilizou a oferta de até 40% da carga horária dos cursos presenciais em atividades a distância, ou seja, o ensino semipresencial. Nesse contexto, o objetivo da pesquisa foi compreender como o professor do curso de Direito, que atua em disciplinas semipresenciais, percebe sua prática docente. Por meio da técnica de grupo focal, a pesquisa, de abordagem qualitativa, ouviu professores de uma instituição privada que lecionam estas disciplinas. Os dados apontam que os professores não tiveram uma sólida formação para atuar no ensino semipresencial. Esses também reconhecem a importância do material didático e a necessidade de se criar uma cultura da semipresencialidade, para que o aluno tenha participação ativa no processo de ensino e aprendizagem.
Incidence and Progression of Hallux Valgus: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Menz Hylton B. , Marshall Michelle , Thomas Martin J. , Rathod‐Mistry Trishna , Peat George M. , Roddy Edward
Published: July 2021

Objective

Hallux valgus is a common and disabling condition. The objective of the present study was to identify factors associated with hallux valgus incidence and progression.

Methods

Participants were from a population‐based prospective cohort study, the Clinical Assessment Study of the Foot. All adults ages ≥50 years who were registered at 4 general practices in North Staffordshire, UK, were invited to take part in a postal survey at baseline and at 7‐year follow‐up, which included health questionnaires and self‐assessment of hallux valgus using line drawings.

Results

Complete baseline and follow‐up data were available for 1,482 participants (739 women and 743 men, mean ± SD age 62.9 ± 8.1 years), of whom 450 (30.4%) had hallux valgus in at least 1 foot at baseline. Incident hallux valgus was identified in 207 (20.1%) participants (349 [15.4%] feet) and was associated with baseline age, poorer physical health, foot pain, and wearing shoes with a very narrow toe‐box shape between the ages of 20 and 29 years. Hallux valgus progression was identified in 497 (33.6%) participants (719 [24.3%] feet) but was not associated with any baseline factors.

Conclusion

Incident hallux valgus develops in 1 in 5 adults ages ≥50 years over a 7‐year period and is related to age, poorer physical health, foot pain, and previous use of constrictive footwear. Progression occurs in 1 in 3 adults. These findings suggest that changes in first metatarsophalangeal joint alignment may still occur beyond the age of 50 years.
NASADAD's former federal affairs director shares success stories
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2021

When good people leave good organizations in the substance use disorder field, it's important to write down some of their observations of what happened during their tenure, and that's how we spent an hour on July 1 — in a delightful telephone conversation with Shalini Wickramatilake, federal affairs manager for the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) from 2015 until this month. Often working behind the scenes, she was able to talk about her work and share many of the details. And over the years, she has helped ADAW with many of the nitty‐gritty facts going on with funding issues.
Binding to Amyloid‐β Protein by Photothermal Blood‐Brain Barrier‐Penetrating Nanoparticles for Inhibition and Disaggregation of Fibrillation
Authors: Geng Hao , Pan Yu‐chen , Zhang Ran , Gao Dong , Wang Zijuan , Li Boying , Li Ning , Guo Dong‐sheng , Xing Chengfen
Published: July 2021

Excess accumulation of amyloid‐β (Aβ) protein in the brain is the primary pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Inhibition of Aβ fibrillation and disaggregation of Aβ fibrils is an attractive therapeutic and preventive strategy for Aβ‐induced AD. Here, near infrared (NIR) light‐responsive nanoparticles (NPs) composed of amphiphilic guanidinocalix[5]arene (GC5A), 4‐(dodecyloxy)benzamido‐terminated methoxy poly(ethylene glycol), and photothermal conjugated polymer PDPP are fabricated. The NIR light‐responsive NPs can efficiently penetrate the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), inhibit amyloid‐β 42 (Aβ42) fibrillation, and disaggregate fibrils after NIR light irradiation. Through the advantage of containing GC5A, the NPs exhibit extremely strong binding affinity for the Aβ42 protein. Interestingly, upon NIR light irradiation, benefiting from the high photothermal conversion efficiency of PDPP, NPs generate local heat and effectively promote the BBB permeability. Moreover, NPs are multifunctional platforms for the inhibition of Aβ42 fibrillation and disaggregation of fibrils after irradiation with NIR light, distinctly reducing cytotoxicity and eliminating Aβ42 plaques in the hippocampus of AD mice. Hence, NPs provide an interesting strategy for the inhibition and disaggregation of Aβ42 fibrillation and present an excellent therapeutic strategy for amyloidosis.
Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots Encapsulated Biodegradable Hollow Mesoporous MnO2: Dual‐Modality Cancer Imaging and Synergistic Chemo‐Phototherapy
Authors: Wu Yafeng , Chen Zixuan , Yao Zhipeng , Zhao Kaige , Shao Fengying , Su Juan , Liu Songqin
Published: July 2021

To achieve an accurate diagnosis and efficient tumor treatment, developing a facile and powerful strategy to build multifunctional nanotheranostics is highly desirable. Benefiting from the distinct characteristics of black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs), herein, a versatile nanoprobe (H‐MnO2/DOX/BPQDs) is constructed for dual‐modality cancer imaging and synergistic chemo‐phototherapy. The hollow mesoporous MnO2 (H‐MnO2) nanoparticles are sequentially decorated with a cationic polymer poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and an anionic polymer poly (acrylic acid) (PAA). The obtained H‐MnO2‐PAH‐PAA is covalently grafted with BPQDs‐PEG‐NH2 via a carbodiimide cross‐linking reaction and then loaded with anti‐cancer drug DOX to form final nanoprobe H‐MnO2/DOX/BPQDs. Under the tumor microenvironment, H‐MnO2/DOX/BPQDs is degraded to release encapsulated functional molecules DOX and BPQDs. DOX acts as the chemotherapy and fluorescence imaging agent, and BPQDs endows the nanoprobe with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) abilities under dual laser irradiation of 630 and 808 nm. H‐MnO2 offers contrasts for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and facilitates conversion of endogenous H2O2 to oxygen, thereby relieving tumor hypoxia and enhancing PDT efficacy. All in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the designed nanoprobe displays dual‐modality MRI/FL imaging and synergistic chemotherapy/PDT/PTT, which ultimately enhances the accuracy of cancer diagnosis and therapeutic performance.
Enantioselective Synthesis of SpirothiazolonesviaCooperative Catalysis
Authors: Franc Michael , Císařová Ivana , Veselý Jan
Published: July 2021

Cooperative amino‐ and palladium catalysis utilizing heterocyclic systems containing strongly coordinating and adsorptive sulfur atom remains an underdeveloped area. Herein, we describe an enantioselective cyclization of enals with thiazole derivatives catalyzed with the combination of achiral Pd(0) complexes and chiral secondary amines. Chiral spirocyclic thiazolones were produced in yields ranging from 41% to 98% with stereoselectivities (from 5:1 to 12:1 dr, and 95–99% ee). Moreover, the developed strategy allows access to highly substituted chiral cyclopentane derivatives by additional transformations of spirocyclic thiazolones.

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Prevalence of incivility between ophthalmology and emergency medicine residents during interdepartmental consultations
Authors: Mgboji Glory E. , Woreta Fasika A. , Fliotsos Michael J. , Zafar Sidra , Ssekasanvu Joseph , Srikumaran Divya , Zhao Jiawei , Buccino Daniel L. , Regan Linda
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Since incivility is linked to adverse effects in patient care and health care worker well‐being, evaluation of the prevalence of incivility during the formative years of residency training is warranted. The aim of this study was to determine the perceived presence and degree of incivility between emergency medicine (EM) and ophthalmology residents during emergency department (ED) consultations.

Methods

We conducted a single‐site, survey‐based study, targeted to ophthalmology and EM residents. The survey we distributed included questions adapted from validated and widely used surveys measuring incivility in the workplace (Workplace Incivility Scale) and incivility within the ED.

Results

Ophthalmology (13/15, 86.7%) and EM (42/48, 87.5%) residents participated, with an overall response rate of 55 of 63 (87.3%). Most residents (47/55, 85.5%) reported some degree of incivility during consultations, with a greater proportion of females reporting incivility (100%) than males (77.4%, p = 0.033). A total of 52.7% of respondents reported occurrence of incivility on a quarterly basis; 21.8% reported monthly, 10.9% weekly, and none daily. Incivilities were reported most commonly during nonurgent consults (85.5%). The two most common incivilities reported by trainees were when the other party paid little attention to their statements or opinions (80% of residents) or doubted their professional judgment (74.5% of residents). More female trainees reported jokes being told at their expense compared to males (15.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.049). Residents most often attributed incivility to stress (78.2%), loss of empathy/burnout (63.6%), or attempts to shift responsibility to another party (60.0%). Among EM residents surveyed, incivility was identified as occurring most often during consultations with surgical specialties.

Conclusions

Incivility during interdepartmental consultations between EM and ophthalmology is commonly reported by physicians‐in‐training. It occurs more often during consultations deemed as nonurgent and is more commonly reported by females. Given its associations with adverse outcomes, interventions to decrease incivility early in training may be warranted.
Investigation of cool‐season species, seeding rate, and nitrogen fertilization in sod production: I. Establishment and sod tensile strength
Authors: Braun Ross C. , Watkins Eric , Hollman Andrew B. , Mihelich Nicole T. , Patton Aaron J.
Published: July 2021

New regulations aimed at reducing soil erosion along with changing building and residential codes are increasing sod demand, especially low‐input species, which are currently in very short supply and require research.Replicated field experiments were established in Indiana and Minnesota to quantify the effect of turfgrass species (strong creeping red fescue [Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin], Chewings fescue [F. rubra ssp. commutata Gaudin], tall fescue [F. arundinacea Schreb.], and Kentucky bluegrass [Poa pratensis L.]), seeding rate (1, 2, and 3 pure live seed cm−2), andN fertilization (98, 196, and 294 kg N ha−1 yr−1) on the production, quality, and harvest limitations of sod. Sod strength and handling were measured at sod harvests from 11 to 24 months after planting (MAP). Results indicate that strong creeping red fescue produces quality sod, likely because of the fast establishment and rhizomatous growth habit, and had higher or similar sod strength as Kentucky bluegrass at optimum N rates. Optimum N rates for strong creeping red fescue were two to three times lower than Kentucky bluegrass. Chewings fescue had less sod strength than strong creeping red fescue but more than tall fescue, and at times similar to Kentucky bluegrass. Overall, turfgrass species had the largest effect on sod strength and handling, while seeding or N rates had less impact on sod strength, especially with fine fescues. Sod growers may be able to produce fine fescue sod with good sod strength using lower seeding and N rates, and shorter production periods.
Polyvinyl alcohol/silver electrospun nanofibers: Biocidal filter media capturing virus‐size particles
Authors: Blosi Magda , Costa Anna Luisa , Ortelli Simona , Belosi Franco , Ravegnani Fabrizio , Varesano Alessio , Tonetti Cinzia , Zanoni Ilaria , Vineis Claudia
Published: July 2021

In response to the nowadays battle against SARS‐CoV‐2, we designed a new class of high performant filter media suitable to advance the facemask technology and provide new efficient widespread solutions against virus propagation. By means of the electrospinning technology we developed filter media based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers doped with AgNPs combining three main performance requirements: high air filtration efficiency to capture nanometer‐size particles, low airflow resistance essential to ensure breathability and antimicrobial activity to inactivate aerosolized microorganisms. PVA/AgNPs electrospun nanofibers were produced by electrospinning the dispersion of colloidal silver into the PVA water solution. A widespread physicochemical characterization was addressed to the Ag colloidal suspension. The key functional performances of the electrospun nanofibers were proven by water stability, antibacterial activity, and filtration efficiency and pressure drop measurements performed under conditions representative of facemasks. We assessed a total bacterial depletion associated to a filtering efficiency towards nano‐aerosolized particles of 97.7% higher than required by the EN149 standard and a pressure drop in line with FFP1 and FFP2 masks, even at the highest filtration velocity. Such results pave the way to the application of PVA/AgNPs electrospun nanofibers in facemasks as advanced filtering media for protecting against airborne microorganisms.
Biosensors based on aptamer‐conjugated gold nanoparticles: A review
Authors: Nooranian Samin , Mohammadinejad Arash , Mohajeri Taraneh , Aleyaghoob Ghazaleh , Kazemi Oskuee Reza
Published: July 2021

Simply synthetized gold nanoparticles have been highly used in medicine and biotechnology as a result of their biocompatibility, conductivity, and being easily functionalized with biomolecules such as aptamer. Aptamer‐conjugated gold nanoparticle structures synergically possess characteristics of both aptamer and gold nanoparticles including high binding affinity, high biocompatibility, enhanced target selectivity, and long circulatory half‐life. Aptamer‐conjugated gold nanoparticles have extensively gained considerable attention for designing of biosensing systems due to their interesting optical and electrochemical features. Moreover, biosensors based on aptamer‐gold nanoparticles are easy to use, with fast response, and inexpensive which make them ideal in individualized medicine, disease markers detection, food safety, and so forth. Moreover, due to high selectivity and biocompatibility of aptamer‐gold nanoparticles, these biosensing platforms are ideal tools for targeted drug delivery systems. The application of this nanostructure as diagnostic and therapeutic tool has been developed for detection of cancer in the early stage by detecting cancer biomarkers, pathogens, proteins, toxins, antibiotics, adenosine triphosphate, and other small molecules. This review obviously demonstrates that this nanostructure effectively is applicable in the field of biomedicine and possesses potential of commercialization aims.
Waste sugarcane bagasse‐derived nanocatalyst for microwave‐assisted transesterification: Thermal, kinetic and optimization study
Authors: Nazir Muhammad H. , Ayoub Muhammad , Zahid Imtisal , Shamsuddin Rashid B. , Zulqarnain  , Ameen Mariam , Sher Farooq , Farrukh Sarah
Published: July 2021

The production of biodiesel has increased globally during the last decade to overcome the problems of increasing prices of petro‐diesel and the depletion of fossil fuels. The present study aimed to utilize agro‐waste sugarcane bagasse (SCB) to synthesize a heterogeneous acid catalyst for biodiesel production using waste cooking oil. Waste sugarcane bagasse was converted into biochar through partial carbonization and activated via sulfonation by using acid solutions of different concentration i.e., 1M, 3M, 5M and concentrated sulfuric acid at a sulfonation temperature of 180 °C for 5 h. The prepared catalysts were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) technique, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and the Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Sulfur (CHNS) analyzer. The prepared catalyst exhibited an excellent surface area of 20.78 m2 g–1 and a total acid density of 3.94 mmol g–1. The biodiesel production process was optimized by varying reaction temperature from (40–70 °C), methanol to oil molar ratio (5:1–20:1), catalyst loading (1–7 wt.%) and reaction time (5–25 min) by using a microwave reactor. The maximum conversion of 95.45% and yield of 92.12% was obtained under optimum conditions: catalyst loading 5 wt%, methanol‐to‐oil molar ratio (15:1), temperature (60 °C) after 15 min. The results of the experiments were validated by using response surface methodology, which validated the predicted model. The kinetic study of experiments showed that the use of sulfonated catalysts lowered the activation energy (10.5 kJ mol–1) and reactants attained an equilibrium point after a short interval under microwave heating. Reusability of catalyst up to seven cycles with 77.34% yield of biodiesel using low‐grade feedstock showed that the catalyst is stable and can be used for sustainable biodiesel production. The utilization of wastes for catalyst synthesis and for biodiesel production can help to minimize the overall production cost of biodiesel. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Pairing of orthogonal chaperones with a cytochrome P450 enhances terpene synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kim Jae‐Eung , Son So‐Hee , Oh Seung Soo , Kim Sun Chang , Lee Ju Young
Published: July 2021

The supply of terpenes is often limited by their low extraction yield from natural resources, such as plants. Thus, microbial biosynthesis has emerged as an attractive platform for the production of terpenes. Many strategies have been applied to engineer microbes to improve terpene production capabilities; however, functional expression of heterologous proteins such as cytochrome P450 enzymes (P450s) in microbes is a major obstacle. This study reports the successful pairing of cognate chaperones and P450s for functional heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This chaperone pairing was exploited to facilitate the functional assembly of the protopanaxadiol (PPD) biosynthesis pathway, which consists of a P450 oxygenase and a P450 reductase redox partner originating from Panax ginseng and Arabidopsis thaliana, respectively. We identified several chaperones required for protein folding in P. ginseng and A. thaliana and evaluated the impact of the coexpression of the corresponding chaperones on the synthesis and activity of PPD biosynthesis enzymes. Expression of a chaperone from P. ginseng (PgCPR5), a cognate of PPD biosynthesis enzymes, significantly increased PPD production by more than 2.5‐fold compared with that in the corresponding control strain. Thus, pairing of chaperones with heterologous enzymes provides an effective strategy for the construction of challenging biosynthesis pathways in yeast.
Nitrilase immobilization and transposition from a micro‐scale batch to a continuous process increase the nicotinic acid productivity
Authors: Teepakorn Chalore , Zajkoska Petra , Cwicklinski Gregory , De Berardinis Véronique , Zaparucha Anne , Nonglaton Guillaume , Anxionnaz‐Minvielle Zoé
Published: July 2021

In recent years, many biocatalytic processes have been developed for the production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. In this context, enzyme immobilization methods have attracted attention for their advantages, such as continuous production and increased stability. Here, enzyme immobilization methods and a collection of nitrilases from biodiversity for the conversion of 3‐cyanopyridine to nicotinic acid were screened. Substrate conversion over 10 conversion cycles was monitored to optimize the process. The best immobilization conditions were found with cross‐linking using glutaraldehyde to modify the PMMA beads. This method showed good activity over 10 cycles in a batch reactor at 30 and 40°C. Finally, production with a new thermostable nitrilase was examined in a continuous packed bed reactor, showing very high stability of the biocatalytic process at a flow rate of 0.12 ml min–1 and a temperature of 50°C. The complete conversion of 3‐cyanopyridine was obtained over 30 days of operation. Future steps will concern reactor scale‐up to increase the production rate with reasonable pressure drops.
Predictors of response to erenumab after 12 months of treatment
Authors: Baraldi Carlo , Castro Flavia Lo , Cainazzo Maria Michela , Pani Luca , Guerzoni Simona
Published: July 2021

Objective

Erenumab is a monoclonal antibody acting against calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor and approved for the preventive treatment of chronic migraine. The aim of the present study is to identify clinical predictors of good response in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse‐headache.

Material and methods

This was a retrospective single‐center not funded study. Enrolled patients were affected by chronic migraine and medication overuse‐headache treated with erenumab monthly, up to 1 year. At 1 year, patients were classified as good responders if they displayed a ≥50% reduction in the number of headache days per months compared to the baseline.

Results

After 1 year, a significant improvement in the number of headache days per months, analgesic consumption, 6‐items headache impact test, and migraine disability assessment questionnaire scores were obtained compared to the baseline. Patients who obtained a ≥50% reduction in the number of headache days per month compared to the baseline displayed a longer history of medication overuse‐headache, a higher number of painkillers taken per month at the baseline and a higher number of failed preventive treatments in the past.

Conclusions

Patients with longer medication overuse‐headache duration, higher analgesic intake, and a higher number of previous preventive treatment failures may receive less benefit with erenumab.
Centronuclear myopathy due to a de novo nonsense variant and a maternally inherited splice‐site variant in TTN: A case report
Authors: Huang Sheng , Ma Yinan , Zhang Yu , Xiong Hui , Chang Xingzhi
Published: July 2021

Next‐generation sequencing has resulted in an explosion of rare de novo TTN variants. The clinical interpretation of these de novo variants in patients with recessive titinopathy is very difficult. Here, we provided a useful way to identify compound heterozygous mutations with a de novo one.
Analysis of Hydrocyclone Geometry via Rapid Optimization Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhao Lixin , Reifsnyder Samuel , Gao Sheng , Jiang Minzheng , Huang Xueqiang , Jiang Minghu , Liu Yang , Rosso Diego
Published: July 2021

Hydrocyclones exploit density gradients for the centrifugal separation of dispersions in a continuous liquid. Selection of the geometrics for optimal separation is case specific, like the media characteristics. The existing optimization method based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) provides a powerful analytical tool but requires long computational times. The most common praxis for CFD optimization is via the single‐factor optimization method (SFOM). In this study, a novel approach is presented as an improved rapid optimization method that implements a dynamic‐mesh and user‐defined function optimization method (DUOM). The DUOM adapts the dynamic‐mesh approach from other applications to the optimization analysis of hydrocyclones. The DUOM reduced the computational time by 31.1 %, compared to the SFOM.
Bedeutung von Makromolekülen im Kampf gegen das Coronavirus
Authors: Köhler Jens , Thoma Anne , Braun Susanne , Pich Andrij , Herrmann Andreas
Published: July 2021

Die Rolle der Polymere in der Pandemiebekämpfung sind vielfältig. Sie reichen von der persönlichen Schutzausrüstung mit Brillen und Visieren aus Polyethylenterephthalat (PET) und Polycarbonat (PC) über die Mund‐Nasen‐Bedeckungen mit inneren Lagen aus feinem, schmelzgeblasenem Polypropylen‐Vlies bis hin zu den Abstrichstäbchen aus Polystyrol und Nylon oder Viskose, die in der Diagnostik verwendet werden. Die mRNA‐Impfstoffe von BioNTech/Pfizer und Moderna, welche die ersten Vakzine in Europa waren, die als Corona‐Vakzine zugelassen wurden, basieren auf sequenz‐definierten Polyanionen, die schnell und ohne großen Aufwand hergestellt und an auftretende Virusmutationen angepasst werden können. Ohne den vielfältigen Einsatz von Polymeren wird es demnach kein schnelles Ende der Pandemie geben.
Nonparametric estimation of unrestricted distributions and their jumps
Authors: Mynbaev Kairat , Martins‐Filho Carlos , Henderson Daniel J.
Published: July 2021

We consider‐135 nonparametric estimation of a distribution function F associated with a random variable X based on a random sample. First, for x, a point of continuity of F, we define a class of estimators for F(x) and obtain their rates of convergence. Contrary to the existing literature, we impose no restriction on the existence or smoothness of the derivatives of F. The traditional kernel estimator for F(x) is a member of the class. Second, for x that is either the location of a jump discontinuity or an isolated point of the support, we define a class of estimators for the jump px = F(x) − F(x−) and obtain their rates of convergence. Again, no additional restriction is imposed on F beyond right‐continuity. Our results are of significant practical use, as there are numerous examples in economics, finance and biomedicine of distributions that have point masses. Our main insight is also applied to obtain new inversion theorems for characteristic functions and explicit estimates for convergence rates. A small simulation study provides some evidence on the finite sample properties of our proposed estimators and contrasts their performance with some existing alternatives. An empirical section illustrates the use of our estimators using data on global elevation and data associated with “P‐hacking” in economics journals.
Hybrid recommender system based on fuzzy neural algorithm
Authors: Dashti Seyed Ebrahim , Sarafraz Maryam
Published: July 2021

The internet has provided much information to the users, and the huge amount of information has caused the overhead information problem so that recommender systems, as a solution by recommending related items, try to find the users favorite items. Most recommender systems recommend specific items based on user profile settings and past privileges. Various approaches, such as collaborative refinement and content‐based refinement, are used to build the recommender system. The proposed framework utilizes popular and unpopular user‐specific items and is built on the integration of the fuzzy neural network associative exploration approach (Anfis) with a collaborative refinement approach. This study proposes a hybrid recommender system that provides two‐dimensional space (user * Item) ancillary information to reflect users' preferences and items. Experimental results from experiments on the actual Movielens 1 m 6040 dataset and 3952 videos show that the mean error (MAE) of 2.79 compared to other low‐resolution methods also predicts a correct percentage of 21.75 to other windshields. Besides, experimental results show higher precision of the proposed system comparing to the former recommender systems.
Privacy‐preserving mechanism for mixed data clustering with local differential privacy
Authors: Yuan Liujie , Zhang Shaobo , Zhu Gengming , Alinani Karim
Published: July 2021

In big data mining, the K‐prototypes has become a popular clustering method for mixed data owing to its simplicity and efficiency. However, the data clustering process of the K‐prototypes method will cause the risk of user privacy leakage because user data usually contain sensitive information. To address this issue, general solutions introduce a trusted third‐party model for privacy protection in clustering analysis, but it is difficult to find a fully trusted entity in reality. In this article, we propose a local differential privacy K‐prototypes (LDPK) mechanism, which does not require any trusted third party to perform privacy preprocessing on user data. Our mechanism first uses local differential privacy to disturb user data, then completes the clustering through the interaction between server and user. Furthermore, we propose a privacy protection enhancement mechanism (ELDPK) by extending the LDPK mechanism, which disturbs the user's clustering information in each iteration to protect user privacy further. Theoretical analysis proves the privacy and feasibility of our proposed scheme, and the experimental results prove that our proposed scheme can guarantee the quality of the clustering results under the premise of satisfying the local differential privacy.
Identification of resistance loci toward Phytophthora sojae in South Korean soybean plant introductions 407974B and 424487B
Authors: Bolaños‐Carriel Carlos , Batnini Amine , McHale Leah K. , Dorrance Anne E.
Published: July 2021

Phytophthora root and stem rot is a major constraint to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production worldwide. Deployment of single dominant Resistance to Phytophthora sojae (Rps) genes are an effective management strategy for this disease. However, due to increasing diversity in P. sojae populations for pathotype, new effective Rps genes are needed. Two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, each derived from a cross with Williams (susceptible) and resistant accessions PI 407974B and PI 424487B, were evaluated for resistance with one or more P. sojae pathotypes: OH1 (vir 7), OH4 (vir 1a, 1c, 7), OH7 (vir 1a, 3a, 3c, 4, 5, 6, 7), OH25 (vir 1a, 1b, 1c, 1k, 7), and 1.S.1.1 (1a, 1b, 1k, 2, 3a, 3c, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8). Molecular maps were assembled with BARCSoySNP6K BeadChip, simple‐sequence repeat, and Kompetitive Allele Specific polymerase chain reaction markers. A total of three Rps loci were mapped, one near Rps1 on Chromosome 3 and two near Rps4/6 on chromosome 18. Quantitative trait loci and straight linkage maps confirmed the loci. Resistance to P. sojae pathotypes 1.S.1.1 and/or OH7 was mapped to Chromosome 3 in the PI 407974B RIL population. PI 407974B and PI 424487B RIL populations have Rps loci on chromosome 18 toward OH4 and OH25, respectively, which are near the Rps4/6 region. Although these PIs may have novel Rps genes/alleles and could assist in the deployment and pyramiding of resistance against P. sojae, care should be taken because these may condition defense reactions to some P. sojae pathotypes but not to all.
Circular Aqueous Fmoc/t‐Bu Solid‐Phase Peptide Synthesis
Authors: Pawlas Jan , Rasmussen Jon H.
Published: July 2021

Circular economy and aqueous synthesis are attractive concepts for sustainable chemistry. Here it is reported that the two can be combined in the universal method for peptide chemistry, fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl(Fmoc)/t‐Bu solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). It was demonstrated that Fmoc/t‐Bu SPPS could be performed under aqueous conditions using standard Fmoc amino acids (AAs) employing TentaGel S as resin and 4 : 1 mixture of water with inexpensive green solvent PolarClean. This resin/solvent combination played a crucial dual role by virtue of improving resin swelling and solubility of starting materials. In a model coupling, TCFH and 2,4,6‐collidine afforded a full conversion at only 1.3 equiv. AA, and these conditions were used in SPPS of Leu enkephaline amide affording the model peptide in 85 % yield and 86 % purity. A method to recycle the waste by filtration through a mixed ion exchange resin was developed, allowing reusing the waste without affecting quality of the peptide. The method herein obviates the use of unconventional or processed AAs in aqueous SPPS while using lower amounts of starting materials. By recycling/reusing SPPS waste the hazardous dipolar aprotic solvents used in SPPS were not only replaced with an aqueous medium, solvent use was also significantly reduced. This opens up a new direction in aqueous peptide chemistry in which efficient use of inexpensive starting materials and waste minimization is coupled with the universal Fmoc/t‐Bu SPPS.
Nahdlatul Ulama's “Funny Brigade”: Piety, Satire, and Indonesian Online Divides
Authors: Hoesterey James Bourk
Published: July 2021

Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), arrived relatively late on the Islamic social media scene. By the time Nahdlatul Ulama leadership recognized and commissioned the need for online advocacy, a generation of young media‐savvy preachers had already stoked the embers of sectarian divides and cast suspicion on those deemed secular or liberal. Even within Nahdlatul Ulama, a sprawling network of religious leaders and Islamic schools mostly in Central and East Java, the rise of social media revealed internal schisms about the meaning of Islam and the future politics of NU. By 2015, some Nahdlatul Ulama members began to speak in the name of an NU Straight Brigade (NU Garis Lurus) that proclaimed to return Nahdlatul Ulama to its original roots purportedly betrayed by current NU leadership. In response, a diverse group of NU youth – notorious for a love of humor – formed the NU Funny Brigade (NU Garis Lucu), a social media community that used satire and humor to temper the accusations of NU Garis Lurus and to mobilize social media as a uniting force within Nahdlatul Ulama and Indonesia more broadly. In this article, I examine the interplay between these two Nahdlatul Ulama communities, paying special attention to how social media reveals fragments and fault lines, while also providing online space to bridge doubts and divides.
Crk adaptor proteins are necessary for the development of the zebrafish retina
Authors: Stergas Helaina R. , Kalbag Zoë , St. Clair Riley M. , Talbot Jared C. , Ballif Bryan A. , Ebert Alicia M.
Published: July 2021

Background

The development of the central nervous system (CNS) requires critical cell signaling molecules to coordinate cell proliferation and migration in order to structure the adult tissue. Chicken tumor virus #10 Regulator of Kinase (CRK) and CRK‐like (CRKL) are adaptor proteins with pre‐metazoan ancestry and are known to be required for patterning laminated structures downstream of Reelin (RELN), such as the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus. CRK and CRKL also play crucial roles in a variety of other growth factor and extracellular matrix signaling cascades. The neuronal retina is another highly laminated structure within the CNS that is dependent on migration for proper development, but the cell signaling mechanisms behind neuronal positioning in the retina are only partly understood.

Results

We find that crk and crkl have largely overlapping expression within the developing zebrafish nervous system. We find that their disruption results in smaller eye size and loss of retinal lamination.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that Crk adaptors are critical for proper development of the zebrafish neural retina in a crk/crkl dose‐dependent manner.
Comparing fine‐scale structural and hydrologic connectivity within unimproved and improved grassland
Authors: Ellis Nicola , Brazier Richard , Anderson Karen
Published: July 2021

Grasslands vary with diverse forms and functions ranging from monocultures of perennial rye grass to more biodiverse unimproved grasslands which cover around 5% of Europe. Despite the broad diversity of grassland types, within environmental and flood risk models grasslands are frequently represented by a singular set of hydrological and structural parameters which belies their diversity and complexity. This study aimed to determine empirically the extent to which improved versus unimproved grasslands exhibit different hydrological connectivity. Working in SW England at neighbouring field sites with comparable slopes and rainfall regimes, we used unpiloted aerial vehicles to survey a tussocky Molinia caerulea dominated unimproved grassland field (MCUG) field and a Lolium perenne dominated improved grassland (LPIG) field. Using digital photogrammetry workflows applied to the overlapping aerial images, we produced a digital surface model (DSM) at 0.03‐m resolution from which flow pathways were modelled using GIS and compared with 1‐m LiDAR and DSM produced by a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). MCUG had longer, tortuous pathways through the dense tussock network with a drainage density of 2.54 m m−2. This was significantly greater than drainage density in the LPIG (1.82 m m−2). As a result of this study, we rescaled the Manning's n value for MCUG according to photogrammetrically‐derived roughness values. We suggest it should lie between 0.075 and 0.09. Our data shows that MCUG can play an important role in reducing overland flow impacts when compared to LPIG through lower connectivity which can delay run‐off to rivers.
Dissimilarity of species interaction networks: how to partition rewiring and species turnover components
Authors: Fründ Jochen
Published: July 2021

Describing variation of species interaction networks across space and time promises a better understanding of how species communities respond to global change. To understand this variation, it has been suggested to partition network dissimilarity into one component driven by species turnover, that is, changes in community composition, and another component reflecting rewiring, that is, flexibility of interactions among shared species. The latter makes a strong case for investing the enormous effort in empirically recording interactions, instead of simply building networks based on community data. Here, I present a flexible R function (available in the R package bipartite) to calculate network dissimilarity and its components, with binary and quantitative networks. With this new tool, I compare two published methods for partitioning network dissimilarity, using conceptual examples, published plant–pollinator networks, and a set of simulations. This comparison highlights that the method that has received most attention overestimates the importance of rewiring for total network dissimilarity. In contrast, an earlier‐proposed method is derived from additive partitioning of the sets of interactions and thus accurately represents the two dissimilarity components. Furthermore, I argue that the term rewiring is not well defined in network ecology and that there are reasons why both methods overestimate the importance of rewiring, in particular with quantitative networks. The availability of a unified function to calculate multiple aspects of network dissimilarity will foster its critical application to characterize network dynamics and to identify underlying drivers. Studies on network dissimilarity and rewiring will have to be more careful in the choice of method and its interpretation.
Did COVID‐19 make any positive contributions to higher education?
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: July 2021

There has been no shortage of dire predictions and lamentations over the negative impact the pandemic has had on higher education. There is no denying that student enrollment, graduation, and mobility were disrupted last year.