bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Ferrocene‐Appended β‐Ketoimines and Related BF2 Derivatives with Significant Aggregation‐Induced Emission and Second‐Order Nonlinear Optical Properties
Authors: David Ezhumalai , Colombo Alessia , Dragonetti Claudia , Palanisami Nallasamy
Published: January 2021

A series of new β‐ketoimines containing a ferrocene moiety and their BF2 complexes have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The solvatochromism of the β‐ketoimines was studied, putting in evidence a redshift with increasing solvent polarity. This positive solvatochromism can be attributed to a more polarized excited state compared with the ground state, due to intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) transitions. The β‐ketoimines exhibited weak emission, attributable to the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) phenomenon. This ESIPT effect is suppressed upon restriction of the keto‐enamine tautomerism, induced upon addition of BF3⋅OEt2, which afforded the related BF2 complexes, characterized by an enhancement of the fluorescence through the ICT effect. Both the β‐ketoimines and BF2 complexes exhibited significant aggregation‐induced emission behavior in mixtures of CH3CN/H2O, due to restriction of intramolecular rotation in the aggregated state. The frontier molecular orbital levels, ground‐ and excited‐state dipole moments (μg and μe), and the origin of electronic absorption spectra were studied by time‐dependent DFT calculations. The second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were determined by the electric‐field‐induced second‐harmonic generation technique. The μβ1907 values of the β‐ketoimines increased upon the formation of the related BF2 complexes, mainly due to an enhancement of the ground‐state dipole moment. The results presented here reveal that some of these novel compounds are excellent multifunctional candidates for NLO and luminescence applications.
Twisting versus Delocalization in CAAC‐ and NHC‐Stabilized Boron‐Based Biradicals: The Roles of Sterics and Electronics
Authors: Schmid Paul , Fantuzzi Felipe , Klopf Jonas , Schröder Niklas B. , Dewhurst Rian D. , Braunschweig Holger , Engel Volker , Engels Bernd
Published: January 2021

Invited for the cover of this issue is Bernd Engels, Holger Braunschweig, Volker Engel and their coworkers at University of Würzburg. The image depicts bridged boron compounds which possess fascinating relationships between their composition and their geometrical and electronic structures, the latter ranging from closed‐shell to biradical triplet or singlet ground state. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202004619.
Transition Metal‐Free N‐Arylation of Amino Acid Esters with Diaryliodonium Salts
Authors: Kervefors Gabriella , Kersting Leonard , Olofsson Berit
Published: January 2021

A transition metal‐free approach for the N‐arylation of amino acid derivatives has been developed. Key to this method is the use of unsymmetric diaryliodonium salts with anisyl ligands, which proved important to obtain high chemoselectivity and yields. The scope includes the transfer of both electron deficient, electron rich and sterically hindered aryl groups with a variety of different functional groups. Furthermore, a cyclic diaryliodonium salt was successfully employed in the arylation. The N‐arylated products were obtained with retained enantiomeric excess.
Direct Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Dithioacetals
Authors: Bognar Sabine , van Gemmeren Manuel
Published: January 2021

Sabine Bognar and Manuel van Gemmeren from the WWU Münster have been invited to contribute the cover of this issue. The image depicts a volcano to symbolize the general theme of sulfur chemistry, whereas the piles of rubble reflect the selectivity of the reaction. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202004835.
2‐Fluoro‐5‐nitrophenyldiazonium: A Novel Sanger‐Type Reagent for the Versatile Functionalization of Alcohols
Authors: Fischer Oliver , Heinrich Markus R.
Published: January 2021

As a novel Sanger‐type reagent, 2‐fluoro‐5‐nitrophenyldiazonium tetrafluoroborate enabled the versatile functionalization of primary and secondary aliphatic alcohols. Based on a mild nucleophilic aromatic substitution of the fluorine atom under unprecedented, base‐free conditions, the diazonium unit on the aromatic core of the resulting aryl‐alkyl ether could be employed for such diverse transformations as radical C−H activation and cyclization, as well as palladium catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions.
Battery‐Buffered Alkaline Water Electrolysis Powered by Photovoltaics
Authors: Becker Maik , Brauns Jörn , Turek Thomas
Published: January 2021

The combination of an alkaline water electrolyzer (AWE) with a battery system powered by photovoltaics (PV) for the production of green hydrogen is investigated. A model describes the power distribution between these three subsystems (AWE, battery and PV). Variation of AWE and battery power and capacity is carried out for two locations, to identify the most appropriate setup, where the highest energy usage and operating time can be reached. The battery helps to reduce the power level of the AWE. However, an estimation of the costs indicates that further optimization is necessary.
Cu‐Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization of Ketoxime Acetates and Alkynals Enabling Synthesis of Acylpyrroles
Authors: Xu Zhenhua , Xian Ning , Chen Hongbiao , Deng Guo‐Jun , Huang Huawen
Published: January 2021

Main observation and conclusion

A facile copper‐based catalytic system has been developed to enable efficient cyclization of methylketoximes and alkynals. This protocol provides a viable entry to synthetically and pharmaceutically useful 2‐acylpyrroles with a broad range of compatible functionalities. Mechanistically, a key acyl migration is probably involved that leads to the formation of N‐acyl pyrroles or otherwise NH pyrroles by further hydrolysis. More importantly, the present reaction system also gives an opportunity to realize three‐component pyrrole assembly by simple addition of carboxylic acid.
Distributed frameworks for detecting distributed denial of service attacks: A comprehensive review, challenges and future directions
Authors: Patil Nilesh Vishwasrao , Rama Krishna C. , Kumar Krishan
Published: January 2021

A distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack is a significant threat to web‐based applications and hindering legitimate traffic (denies access to benign users) by overwhelming the victim system or its infrastructure (service, bandwidth, networking devices, etc.) with a large volume of attack traffic. It leads to a delay in responses or sometimes a crash victim system. Even a few moments of pause in web‐based applications lead to a huge monetary loss and a bad reputation in the market. Several approaches available in the literature to protect websites from different types of DDoS attacks. However, incidents and volume sizes of DDoS attacks are growing quarter by quarter. Further, various challenges in the traditional framework based defense mechanisms: itself becoming a victim of attacks while analyzing a massive amount of traffic, require more time for detection process, no coordination among the modules, etc. This paper presents a comprehensive DDoS defense deployment taxonomy and critically reviewed existing distributed frameworks based DDoS attack detection systems. Further, characterized several existing distributed processing frameworks to select an appropriate one for deploying DDoS attack detection mechanisms. Finally, several evaluation metrics, open issues, discussion on available datasets including their limitations, and future directions are presented.
Boosted Charge Transfer Efficacy of an All‐Solid‐State Z‐Scheme BiOI‐CD‐CdS Photocatalyst for Enhanced Degradation of 4‐Nitrophenol and Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol under Visible Light**
Authors: Verma Neha , Ananthakrishnan Rajakumar
Published: January 2021

Recently, utilization of solar light for chemical reactions has become a popular approach. Inspired by nature, we fabricated a ternary system, BiOI‐CD‐CdS, which is more durable and shows multiple photocatalytic applications. The incorporated carbon dots (CD) serve as a solid‐state electron mediator and Z‐scheme facilitator. The material was employed for photooxidative degradation of 4‐nitrophenol (a pollutant) and selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol into the corresponding aldehyde in an acetonitrile medium. In this study, 10 wt % BiOI‐CD‐CdS (denoted as 10 wt % BCC) shows the highest photocatalytic performance compared to the individual semiconductors BiOI and CdS, and gave a degradation rate constant (k) of 12.67×10−3 min−1 (4‐nitrophenol), which is 17.5 times and 6.5 times higher than its individual components. Moreover, the catalyst offers a 90 % conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde with high selectivity (98 %). Directed by mechanistic insight, the charge transfer process was observed between BiOI and CdS, where CD serves as an electron mediator/charge separator. The radicals formed by the photocatalysis are superoxide (O2.−), hydroxyl radicals (.OH), and holes (h+). The intermediates and mechanistic pathways were traced using HPLC, GC‐MS, and EPR studies. Moreover, the work demonstrated a smart strategy for designing a ternary Z‐scheme photocatalytic system, which could be useful for environmental decontamination and selective organic transformation under visible light.
Delivering the Full Potential of Oxygen Evolving Electrocatalyst by Conditioning Electrolytes at Near‐Neutral pH
Authors: Nishimoto Takeshi , Shinagawa Tatsuya , Naito Takahiro , Takanabe Kazuhiro
Published: January 2021

This study reports on the impact of identity and compositions of buffer ions on oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance at a wide range of pH levels using a model IrOx electrocatalyst. Rigorous microkinetic analysis employing kinetic isotope effects, Tafel analysis, and temperature dependence measurement was conducted to establish rate expression isolated from the diffusion contribution of buffer ions and solution resistance. It was found that the OER kinetics was facile with OH− oxidation compared to H2O, the results of which were highlighted by mitigating over 200 mV overpotential in the presence of buffer to reach 10 mA cm−2. This improvement was ascribed to the involvement of the kinetics of the local OH− supply by the buffering action. Further digesting the kinetic data at various buffer pKa and the solution bulk pH disclosed a trade‐off between the exchange current density and the Tafel slope, indicating that the optimal electrolyte condition can be chosen at a different range of current density. This study provides a quantitative guideline for electrolyte engineering to maximize the intrinsic OER performance that electrocatalyst possesses especially at near‐neutral pH.
Separating binge‐eating disorder stigma and weight stigma: A vignette study
Authors: Hollett Kayla B. , Carter Jacqueline C.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Vignette research on binge‐eating disorder (BED) stigma is limited and lacking methodological rigor. Existing studies lack control vignettes and typically present characters with overweight or obesity, introducing the confound of weight stigma. This study examined BED stigma while addressing these limitations.

Method

Participants (N = 421) were assigned to read one of six vignettes describing a woman with either BED or no BED as well as either no mention of weight, a recommended weight, or an obese weight. Four questionnaires examined personality stereotypes, emotional reactions to the character, desire for social distance from the character, and blame attributions.

Results

The character with BED was ascribed more negative personality characteristics and faced less positive emotional reactions than the character without BED, regardless of weight status. However, BED stigma did not emerge for social distance or blame attributions. Regarding weight stigma, evidence was limited and moderated by the presence of BED, suggesting no additive effect between BED stigma and weight stigma. In fact, blame attributions toward the character with obesity were reduced by the presence of BED.

Discussion

The results reveal that BED is a highly stigmatized eating disorder and suggest that weight stigma may be driven by assumptions about a person's eating behavior rather than their body size per se. Future studies must consider the relationship between BED stigma and weight stigma when assessing either form of stigma. The results also indicate new information to be integrated into anti‐weight stigma campaigns as well as policy and public health initiatives.
Sudden challenges in teaching ecology and aligned disciplines during a global pandemic: Reflections on the rapid move online and perspectives on moving forward
Authors: Bacon Karen L. , Peacock Julie
Published: January 2021

The challenges facing higher education in response to COVID‐19 are significant and possibly none more so than in ecology and aligned disciplines. Not only did most ecology lecturers have to rush lectures and tutorials online, but also laboratory and field classes. We reflect on our experience of this move and also consider those of 30 other ecology‐aligned teaching academics to summarize the challenges faced in the move online early in 2020 and the developing plans for adapting ecology teaching and learning going into the 2020/21 academic year. The move online had the most significant impact on field classes, with more of these canceled than lectures or laboratory classes. Most respondents to an online poll also highlighted that many respondents (~45%) felt that ecology was more impacted by COVID‐19 that even other STEM disciplines. The availability of technological solutions is key to moving forward and will hopefully enhance the teaching and learning experience for many beyond the current crisis.
Foraging trip duration of honeybee increases during a poor air quality episode and the increase persists thereafter
Authors: Cho Yoori , Jeong Sujong , Lee Dowon , Kim Sang‐Woo , Park Rokjin J. , Gibson Luke , Zheng Chunmiao , Park Chan‐Ryul
Published: January 2021

Increased concentration of airborne particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere alters the degree of polarization of skylight which is used by honeybees for navigation during their foraging trips. However, little has empirically shown whether poor air quality indeed affects foraging performance (foraging trip duration) of honeybee. Here, we show apparent increases in the average duration of honeybee foraging during and after a heavy air pollution event compared with that of the pre‐event period. The average foraging duration of honeybees during the event increased by 32 min compared with the pre‐event conditions, indicating that 71% more time was spent on foraging. Moreover, the average foraging duration measured after the event did not recover to its pre‐event level. We further investigated whether an optical property (Depolarization Ratio, DR) of dominant PM in the atmosphere and level of air pollution (fine PM mass concentration) affect foraging trip duration. The result demonstrates the DR and fine PM mass concentration have significant effects on honeybee foraging trip duration. Foraging trip duration increases with decreasing DR while it increases with increasing fine PM mass concentration. In addition, the effects of fine PM mass concentration are synergistic with overcast skies. Our study implies that poor air quality could pose a new threat to bee foraging.
Plant coexistence without asymmetry in competitor–colonizer abilities or spatial heterogeneity in resource distribution
Authors: Pękalski Andrzej , Wang Hsiao‐Hsuan
Published: January 2021

Species coexistence is a central issue in plant community ecology. Among processes potentially promoting coexistence is the competition–colonization trade‐off: the idea that inferior competitors can coexist with superior competitors if they are better colonizers. The competition–colonization trade‐off usually assumes superior competitors have an impact on inferior competitors, but not vice versa. In the absence of spatial heterogeneity in resource distribution, this absolute asymmetry often is considered a necessary condition for coexistence. We used a spatially explicit, individual‐based model to demonstrate that coexistence is possible without strict asymmetry in competitor–colonizer abilities in a habitat in which distribution of resources is spatially homogeneous through time. Our results (1) indicated a strong tendency for spatial clustering of similar plant types (better competitor or better colonizer) due primarily to local intraspecific competition, (2) identified characteristics of competition–colonization trade‐offs that permit long‐term coexistence vs. those that lead to relatively rapid extinction of one plant type, and (3) suggested range of trade‐offs permitting coexistence decrease as a power function of length of competition time.
Cis and Trans Isomers of Fe(II) and Co(II) Complexes with Oxadiazole Derivatives ‐ Structural and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Zoufalý Pavel , Kliuikov Andrii , Čižmár Erik , Císařová Ivana , Herchel Radovan
Published: January 2021

Four complexes with bidentate N,N‐donors 2‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐5‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (fpo) and 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐5‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (pto) with general formula [M(L)2(NCS)2] (M=Co(II), L=fpo for (1); M=Co(II), L=pto for (2); M=Fe(II), L=fpo (3); M=Fe(II), L=pto (4)) are reported. Analysis and characterization of the samples was performed using standard physico‐chemical techniques – elemental analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Magnetic properties for 1–4 revealed large magnetic anisotropy of Co(II) complexes, and AC susceptibility measurements confirmed their single‐molecule magnetic behaviour. Furthermore, the theoretical calculations at DFT and CASSCF/NEVPT2 level of theory were exploited to better understand magnetism of these compounds.
Babassu Cake in Goat Diet Improves Growth Performance and Quality and Fatty Acid Profile of Meat
Authors: Oliveira Thamys P. R. , Cutrim Júnior José A. A. , Costa Joaquim B. , Gois Glayciane C. , Queiroz Mário A. Á. , Quadros Cedenir P. , Wagner Roger , Vendruscolo Raquel G. , Figueirêdo Neto Acácio , Rodrigues Rafael T. S.
Published: January 2021

Babassu cake (BC) is a byproduct from oil extraction from babassu palm kernels. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of including BC levels (0%, 6%, 12%, and 18% on a dry matter basis) in the diet of 28 kids (n = 7 per treatment) on productive performance, and quality and profile of fatty acids (FA) of meat (loin). The inclusion of BC in the diet increases dry matter intake (P = 0.0005), average daily gain (P = 0.0222), slaughter body weight (P = 0.0424) of goats, and increased fat (P = 0.0424), unsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.0041), monounsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.0163), and isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (rumenic acid; P = 0.0002) content and polyunsaturated fatty acids:saturated fatty acids ratio (P = 0.0430) of meat. However, there are reductions in the levels of stearic acid (P < 0.0001) and saturated fatty acids (P = 0.0041) and in the thrombogenicity index (P = 0.0219) of meat. The inclusion of BC in the goat diet improves its growth performance and the quality and fatty acid profile of meat.
Tris(5‐aryl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazolyl)benzotrithiophenes – Discotic Liquid Crystals with Enormous Mesophase Ranges
Authors: Tober Natalie , Winter Johannes , Jochem Matthias , Lehmann Matthias , Detert Heiner
Published: January 2021

C3‐symmetrical, alkoxyphenyl substituted 2,5,8‐(tris‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)benzo [1,2‐b; 3,4‐b′; 5,6‐b′′]trithiophenes (OXD‐BTT) are synthesized via threefold Huisgen‐reaction. A broad variation of alkoxy substitution pattern and chain lengths is reported. The thermal behavior was investigated via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM) and thermogravimetry (TGA). Optical properties were studied via UV‐Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Structural information of the LC phases was gained from X‐ray diffraction on oriented fibers. OXD‐BTT provide enormous phase widths (ΔT≥289 K) with clearing points close to thermal decomposition. Most of the derivatives exhibit two different mesophases, the lower phase with a rectangular 3D‐structure and a hexagonal 2D‐lattice at higher temperature. The variation of the chain length allows a tuning of melting and clearing points. OXD‐BTT emit blue light with fluorescence quantum yields up to 30 % in good solvents. The emission is very sensitive to aggregation, thus, in poor solvents the emission intensity decreases, and red shift of maxima occurs.
Inability of GSTT1 to activate iodinated halomethanes to mutagens in Salmonella
Authors: DeMarini David M. , Warren Sarah H. , Smith Weston J. , Richardson Susan D. , Liberatore Hannah K.
Published: January 2021

Drinking water disinfection by‐products (DBPs), including the ubiquitous trihalomethanes (THMs), are formed during the treatment of water with disinfectants (e.g., chlorine, chloramines) to produce and distribute potable water. Brominated THMs (Br‐THMs) are activated to mutagens via glutathione S‐transferase theta 1 (GSTT1); however, iodinated THMs (I‐THMs) have never been evaluated for activation by GSTT1. Among the I‐THMs, only triiodomethane (iodoform) has been tested previously for mutagenicity in Salmonella and was positive (in the absence of GSTT1) in three strains (TA98, TA100, and BA13), all of which have error‐prone DNA repair (pKM101). We evaluated five I‐THMs (chlorodiiodomethane, dichloroiodomethane, dibromoiodomethane, bromochloroiodomethane, and triiodomethane) for mutagenicity in Salmonella strain RSJ100, which expresses GSTT1, and its homologue TPT100, which does not; neither strain has pKM101. We also evaluated chlorodiiodo‐, dichloroiodo‐, and dibromoiodo‐methanes in strain TA100 +/− rat liver S9 mix; TA100 has pKM101. None was mutagenic in any of the strains. The I‐THMs were generally more cytotoxic than their brominated and chlorinated analogues but less cytotoxic than analogous trihalonitromethanes tested previously. All five I‐THMs showed similar thresholds for cytotoxicity at ~2.5 μmoles/plate, possibly due to release of iodine, a well‐known antimicrobial. Although none of these I‐THMs was activated by GSTT1, iodoform appears to be the only I‐THM that is mutagenic in Salmonella, only in strains deficient in nucleotide excision repair (uvrB) and having pKM101. Given that only iodoform is mutagenic among the I‐THMs and is generally present at low concentrations in drinking water, the I‐THMs likely play little role in the mutagenicity of drinking water.
Unboxing the vague notion of policy goals: Comparison of Croatian public policies
Authors: Petek Ana , Baketa Nikola , Kekez Anka , Kovačić Marko , Munta Mario , Petković Krešimir , Šinko Marjeta , Zgurić Borna
Published: January 2021

This study aims at empirically improving public policy theory by unfolding the concept of policy goals and contributing to their classifications. The research focuses on the thematic dimension of policy goals and investigates 11 Croatian governmental strategies using qualitative content analysis. The research identifies original policy goal types and classifies them into sector‐, process‐, evaluation‐, instrument‐, and value‐oriented goals. Article concludes with a more comprehensive definition of policy goals, as governmental statements about desired futures in relation to specific sectoral purposes, values, and principles in democratic political systems, policymaking process improvements, necessary instrumental innovations, and evaluation standards that should be fulfilled. The application of this definition and developed goals’ classification reveals that elements of policy‐process theories, evaluation research, policy design theory and instrument analysis, democracy theory, and sector‐specific research need to be synthesized to better understand the concept of policy goals and to advance their research.
On the predictive skill of morphodynamic models for onshore sandbar migration
Authors: Hewageegana Viyaktha Hithaishi , Canestrelli Alberto
Published: January 2021

A simplified process‐based approach for evaluating onshore sandbar migration is presented in this study. This approach takes wave‐averaged parameters as input and computes sediment transport processes using a reconstructed intra‐wave orbital velocity signal. The proposed method guarantees good predictive skills for multiple onshore sandbar migration cases without an ad hoc calibration for each scenario. The study differs from previous onshore sandbar migration models, where calibration and testing are performed on just one or few events, and model assessment for uncalibrated realizations is rarely carried out. The present version of the model only addresses onshore sandbar migrations. For the onshore migration cases analyzed, the model has better predictive skills than state‐of‐the‐art morphodynamic models (XBeach and Unibest‐TC).
Stizostedion Rafinesque, (Percidae) is the Valid Generic Name for Walleye, Sauger, and Eurasian Pikeperch
Authors: Bruner John Clay
Published: January 2021

Theodore Nicholas Gill’s misconception of Lorenz Okenfuss’s use of the Latvian vernacular name Sander for Cuvier’s French vernacular name Les Sandres, as a properly coined Latin name, led to Gill’s and subsequent authors’ incorrect acceptance of Sander as the senior synonym for Stizostedion. However, some authors, aware Sander is a common name and never proposed as a valid generic name, have continued using the correct generic name Stizostedion. American Fisheries Society guidelines for publication in their journals and the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences requires authors to use the current edition of Common and Scientific Names of Fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which has incorrectly used Sander in the last two editions. Thus, fishery biologists have been forced to use an incorrect generic name for one of the most important freshwater fisheries of North America.
Influence of fermentation temperature on in situ heteropolysaccharide formation (Lactobacillus plantarum TMW 1.1478) and texture properties of raw sausages
Authors: Velasco Lina , Loeffler Myriam , Torres Isabel , Weiss Jochen
Published: January 2021

This study puts a focus on the influence of microbial in situ heteropolysaccharide (HePS) formation on the quality of raw fermented sausages (salami). Since exopolysaccharide‐production is often triggered by sub‐optimal growth conditions, the influence of different fermentation temperatures was also investigated. For this reason, the sausage batter was inoculated with (Lactobacillus plantarum TMW 1.1478) or without (L. sakei TMW 1.2037; control) a HePS‐producing starter culture (inoculation concentration ~108 CFU/g), and the sausages fermented at either 10, 16, or 24°C (7 days), followed by a drying period at 14°C until the final weight loss of 31% was reached. Microbial growth, pH, and weight loss development were monitored and the products further characterized using texture profile analysis and a sensory test. HePS in the salami matrix were determined using confocal laser scanning microscopy and a semi‐quantitative data interpretation approach. Sausages containing L. plantarum were found to be significantly (p < .05) softer compared with control samples, which was also confirmed in the sensory analysis. The different fermentation temperatures had an influence on the drying speed. Here, sausages produced with L. plantarum needed more time to reach the final weight loss of 31% as compared to control samples, which could be attributed to the presence of exopolysaccharides in the matrix (p < .05). Using HePS‐forming starter cultures in raw fermented sausage manufacturing can lead to products with a softer texture (undesired in Europe) depending on the strain and processing conditions used, highlighting the importance of a suitable starter culture selection in food processing.
The effect of exogenous 24‐epibrassinolide pretreatment on the quality, antioxidant capacity, and postharvest life of wucai (Brassica campestris L.)
Authors: Yuan Lingyun , Nie Libing , Ji Qiang , Zheng Yushan , Zhang Liting , Zhu Shidong , Hou Jinfeng , Chen Guohu , Wang Chenggang
Published: January 2021

The quality of green leafy vegetables is easily lost during the postharvest period. The effect of exogenous 24‐epibrassinolide (EBR) pretreatment on the quality of wucai was evaluated in the present study. Wucai plants were sprayed twice with 0.1 μM EBR before harvesting. Two storage temperatures were tested: 25°C and 4°C. At 4°C, EBR pretreatment significantly delayed the degradation of the pigment and plant water loss. Furthermore, we measured the activity of key enzymes of the ascorbic acid (AsA)‐glutathione (GSH) cycle, the content of the main metabolites, and the expression of the AsA metabolism‐related genes in leaves. The results indicated that all three plants showed stronger antioxidant capacity after EBR pretreatment. At 4°C and 25°C, the storage time of wucai was 20 days and 7 days after EBR treatment, while the samples could be stored for 14 days and 4 days without EBR treatment application, respectively. At 4°C, the nutritional properties of wucai pretreated with EBR, such as total free amino acids, total soluble sugar, and cellulose contents, were higher than those of the control, while the content of nitrite and lignin was lower than that of the control. Hence, EBR pretreatment was able to enhance the antioxidant capacity of wucai, maintain normal leaf color and shape during storage, and delay the decline of nutritional properties; therefore, EBR pretreatment has potential commercial value for prolonging the market life of wucai.
Differences in energy metabolism and mitochondrial redox status account for the differences in propensity for developing obesity in rats fed on high‐fat diet
Authors: Lu Yipin , Li Yingrui , Sun Yongjuan , Ma Shuhua , Zhang Kai , Tang Xue , Chen Ailing
Published: January 2021

Obesity is a metabolic disease that is accompanied by oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with the occurrence and development of obesity. However, it is unclear if there are differences in mitochondrial redox homeostasis and energy metabolism between obesity‐prone (OP) and obesity‐resistant (OR) individuals and if these differences account for the different susceptibilities to developing obesity. The present study aimed to compare the regulation of energy metabolism between OP and OR rats during high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced oxidative stress. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control group and the HFD group. The HFD group was further divided into the OP and OR groups based on body weight gain (upper 1/3 for OP; lower 1/3 for OR) after eight weeks on HFD. Rats were sacrificed at the 8th and 20th week, and serum and organs were collected. At 8 weeks, HFD decreased mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme activity and increased the production of ROS in the OP rats, which was accompanied by unusual mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and decreased ATP production. When the feeding period was extended beyond the 8 weeks, the energy expenditure of the OP rats reduced further, resulting in elevated blood lipids and glucose levels and increased body weight. In contrast, the OR rats had higher mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme activity and normal redox homeostasis throughout the period, which was beneficial in energy utilization and ATP production. Thus, the increase in energy expenditure in the OR rats reduced the HFD‐induced weight gain. Mitochondrial function and antioxidant defense might be involved in the different propensities for developing obesity. Consequently, the ability of OR rats to resist obesity may be attributed to their ability to maintain mitochondrial function and redox balance.
Geochemical and isotopic studies of potassic granite from the western Dharwar Craton, southern India: Implications for crustal reworking in the Neoarchean
Authors: Sebastian Sibin , Bhutani Rajneesh , Balakrishnan Srinivasan , Tomson Joseph Kallukalam , Shukla Anil Dutt
Published: January 2021

The Neoarchean potassic granite from the Hosadurga region adjacent to the Chitradurga greenstone belt (CGB), part of the western Dharwar Craton (WDC), is studied for its petrogenesis. The combined field, petrographic, whole‐rock elemental, and Nd–Sr isotope data of granite and associated Tonalite–Trondhjemite–Granodiorite (TTG) gneiss from this region are presented here. The granites are alkali‐calcic to calc‐alkalic in terms of modified alkali lime index (MALI) and are weakly peraluminous (molar Al2O3/(CaO + Na2O + K2O) = 1.0–1.1). The geochemical data indicate that these are formed by the melting of TTG gneiss at depths above the garnet stability field. Isotopic data (εNd = −2.9 to −7.6 at T = 2,600 Ma, ISr = 0.715–0.729, TDM > 3.0 Ga) also show the involvement of Archean crustal sources. Trace element modelling was carried out using non‐modal equilibrium melting equation, which constraints partial melting of TTG source to a low degree (11%) for the formation of this granite. This model could also produce a major element composition consistent with this granite. The upper bounds on the magmatic temperatures (724–785°C) assessed from zircon saturation thermometry suggest that fluid influx is required. TTG samples show variable and very high positive epsilon Nd values (1.5–8.9), higher than the contemporaneous mantle, suggesting re‐melting of mafic crust. The observed high Nd isotope ratios in TTG indicate involvement of a mafic source that formed as early as ~3.8 Ga, probably as a result of global differentiation of the early Earth.
Functional cooperation of the hedgehog and androgen signaling pathways during developmental and repairing myelination
Authors: Laouarem Yousra , Kassoussi Abdelmoumen , Zahaf Amina , Hutteau‐Hamel Tom , Mellouk Amine , Bobé Pierre , Mattern Claudia , Schumacher Michael , Traiffort Elisabeth
Published: January 2021

Hedgehog morphogens control fundamental cellular processes during tissue development and regeneration. In the central nervous system (CNS), Hedgehog signaling has been implicated in oligodendrocyte and myelin production, where it functions in a concerted manner with other pathways. Since androgen receptor (AR) plays a key role in establishing the sexual phenotype of myelin during development and is required for spontaneous myelin regeneration in the adult CNS, we hypothesized the existence of a possible coordination between Hedgehog and androgen signals in oligodendrocyte and myelin production. Here, we report complementary activities of both pathways during early postnatal oligodendrogenesis further revealing that persistent Hedgehog signaling activation impedes myelin production. The data also uncover prominent pro‐myelinating activity of testosterone and involvement of AR in the control of neural stem cell commitment toward the oligodendroglial lineage. In the context of CNS demyelination, we provide evidence for the functional cooperation of the pathways leading to acceleration of myelin regeneration that might be related to their respective role on microglial and astroglial responses, higher preservation of axonal integrity, lower neuroinflammation, and functional improvement of animals in an immune model of CNS demyelination. Strong decreases of deleterious cytokines in the CNS (GM‐CSF, TNF‐α, IL‐17A) and spleen (IL‐2, IFN‐γ) stand as unique features of the combined drugs while the potent therapeutic activity of testosterone on peripheral immune cells contributes to increase tolerogenic CD11c+ dendritic cells, reduce the clonal expansion of conventional CD4+ T cells and increase CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Altogether, these data might open promising perspectives for demyelinating diseases.
Human Hepatitis B Virus Negatively Impacts the Protective Immune Crosstalk Between Natural Killer and Dendritic Cells
Authors: De Pasquale Claudia , Campana Stefania , Barberi Chiara , Sidoti Migliore Giacomo , Oliveri Daniela , Lanza Marika , Musolino Cristina , Raimondo Giovanni , Ferrone Soldano , Pollicino Teresa , Ferlazzo Guido
Published: January 2021

Background and Aims

Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in the clearance of human viruses but their activity is significantly impaired in patients infected with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Cooperation with dendritic cells (DCs) is pivotal for obtaining optimal NK cell antiviral function; thus, we investigated whether HBV might impact the ability of DCs to sustain NK cell functions.

Approach and Results

Human DCs were poor stimulators of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) production by NK cells when exposed to HBV, while maintaining the capability to trigger NK cell cytotoxicity. HBV prevented DC maturation but did not affect their expression of human leukocyte antigen class I, thus allowing DCs to evade NK cell lysis. Tolerogenic features of DCs exposed to HBV were further supported by their increased expression of IL‐10 and the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase, which contributed to the impairment of DC‐mediated NK cell IFN‐γ production and proliferation, respectively. HBV could also inhibit the expression of inducible immunoproteasome (iP) subunits on DCs. In fact, NK cells could induce iP subunit expression on DCs, but they failed in the presence of HBV. Remarkably, circulating blood DC antigen1 (BDCA1)+DCs isolated from patients with CHB were functionally compromised, hence altering, in turn, NK cell responses.

Conclusions

The abnormal NK–DC interplay caused by HBV may significantly impair the efficacy of antiviral immune response in patients with CHB.
Feasibility of virtual reality behavior skills training for preservice clinicians
Authors: Clay Casey J. , Schmitz Brittany A. , Balakrishnan Bimal , Hopfenblatt James P. , Evans Ashley , Kahng SungWoo
Published: January 2021

Effective training procedures include behavioral skills training (BST), which involves providing written and verbal instructions, modeling of the skill, rehearsal of the skill, and feedback on the performance. This training typically involves in vivo experience in which trainees and students are exposed to risks such as proximity to infectious disease, behavioral issues such as aggression, and errors in teaching performance. Conducting BST in a virtual reality (VR) context involving virtual individuals with problem behavior may be an effective means of mitigating these risks. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of training students to conduct functional communication training (FCT) in a VR environment using BST. We trained 13 preservice college students to implement FCT for attention and escape functions. We found VR BST was effective at increasing correct steps performed of FCT to mastery criterion levels with all participants. Future researchers should examine generalization and maintenance of VR BST.
Interobserver agreement: A preliminary investigation into how much is enough?
Authors: Hausman Nicole L. , Javed Noor , Bednar Molly K. , Guell Madeleine , Schaller Erin , Nevill Rose E. , Kahng SungWoo
Published: January 2021

Interobserver agreement (IOA) is important for research and practice, and supports the consistency of behavioral data (Kahng et al., 2011). Although general parameters for how much IOA is needed have been suggested (Bailey & Burch, 2018), it is unknown if the total number of sessions with IOA might impact the IOA coefficient. In this study, IOA was reanalyzed using functional analysis data at various cutoffs. Obtained IOA from these analyses was then compared to the original IOA. Overall, results suggested that, at least when using highly trained observers in a structured clinical setting, there were no significant differences in IOA across cutoffs. However, IOA was sensitive to overall rate of responding in the functional analysis. These data are encouraging, particularly for practitioners, because they provide preliminary support that the amount of sessions with IOA may not be as important as the consistency of the data.
Characterization of the 3YSZ/CNT/HAP coating on the Ti6Al4V alloy by electrophoretic deposition
Authors: Naseri Hadi , Ghatee Mojtaba , Yazdani Arash , Mohammadi Majid , Manafi Sahebali
Published: January 2021

In this article, the effects of the simultaneous addition of the 3 mol % yttria‐stabilized zirconia (3YSZ) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforcements on different properties of the natural hydroxyapatite (HAP) coating were studied. The electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process was implemented to prepare thin coatings on the Ti6Al4V substrate. The coatings were then sintered at 1000 ° C under vacuum for 2 hr and the mechanical properties of them were studied by the nano‐indentation method. The microsture and phase content of the coatings were investigated by the scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction methods, respectively. The electrochemical properties of the samples were studied by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The biocompatibility of the coatings was evaluated by the MTT test under standard conditions. It was found that the proper voltage and duration for the deposition of the coatings were 20 V and 4 min, while the longer deposition time of up to 6 min. Was tolerable in the coatings containing 5 wt % of the CNTs. The hardness and Young's modulus of the coatings were improved significantly by the siumultaneous addition of 3YSZ and CNTs, but the effect of nanotubes was more prominent. It was also found that the composite coating had marginally lower biocompatibility, as compared to the natural HAP, which was probably due to their lower roughness. The corrosion resistance of the HAP was not affected by the presence of 3YSZ particles, while the addition of CNTs improved the corrosion resistance of the coatings.
Biocompatiblemagnesium‐dopedbiphasic calcium phosphate for bone regeneration
Authors: Ballouze Rama , Marahat Muhammad Hanif , Mohamad Sharlina , Saidin Nor Aini , Kasim Shah Rizal , Ooi Jer Ping
Published: January 2021

Autologous bone grafting remains the gold standard for almost all bone void‐filling orthopedic surgery. However, autologous bone grafting has several limitations, thus scientists are trying to identify an ideal synthetic material as an alternative bone graft substitute. Magnesium‐doped biphasic calcium phosphate (Mg‐BCP) has recently been in the spotlight and is considered to be a potential bone substitute. The Mg‐BCP is a mixture of two bioceramics, that is, hydroxyapatite (HA) and β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP), doped with Mg2+, and can be synthesized through chemical wet‐precipitation, sol–gel, single diffusion gel, and solid state reactions. Regardless of the synthesis routes, it is found that the Mg2+preferentially accommodates in β‐TCP lattice instead of the HA lattice. The addition of Mg2+to BCP leads to desirable physicochemical properties and is found to enhance the apatite‐forming ability as compared to pristine BCP.In vitroresults suggest that the Mg‐BCP is bioactive and not toxic to cells. Implantation of Mg‐BCP inin vivomodels further affirmed its biocompatibility and efficacy as a bone substitute. However, like the other bioceramics, the optimum physicochemical properties of the Mg‐BCP scaffold have yet to be determined. Further investigations are required regarding Mg‐BCP applications in bone tissue engineering.
Longitudinal Functional Study of Murine Aging: A Resource for Future Study Designs
Authors: Evans Daniel S , O'Leary Monique N , Murphy Ryan , Schmidt Minna , Koenig Kristin , Presley Michael , Garrett Brittany , Kim Ha‐Neui , Han Li , Academia Emmeline C , Laye Matt J , Edgar Daniel , Zambataro Christopher A , Barhydt Tracey , Dewey Colleen M , Mayfield Jarrott , Wilson Joy , Alavez Silvestre , Lucanic Mark , Kennedy Brian K , Almeida Maria , Andersen Julie K , Kapahi Pankaj , Lithgow Gordon J , Melov Simon
Published: January 2021

Aging is characterized by systemic declines in tissue and organ functions. Interventions that slow these declines represent promising therapeutics to protect against age‐related disease and improve the quality of life. In this study, several interventions associated with lifespan extension in invertebrates or improvement of age‐related disease were tested in mouse models to determine if they were effective in slowing tissue aging in a broad spectrum of functional assays. Benzoxazole, which extends the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans, slowed age‐related femoral bone loss in mice. Rates of change were established for clinically significant parameters in untreated mice, including kyphosis, blood glucose, body composition, activity, metabolic measures, and detailed parameters of skeletal aging in bone. These findings have implications for the study of preclinical physiological aging and therapies targeting aging. Finally, an online application was created that includes the calculated rates of change and that enables power and variance to be calculated for many clinically important metrics of aging with an emphasis on bone. This resource will help in future study designs employing novel interventions in aging mice. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Patient Healthcare Trajectory and its Impact on the Cost-Effectiveness of Fracture Liaison Services
Authors: Senay Andréa , Fernandes Julio C , Delisle Josée , Morin Suzanne N , Dragomir Alice , Nazha Sara , Perreault Sylvie
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to assess the cost-utility of a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) with a systematic follow-up according to patients' follow-up compliance trajectories. The Lucky Bone™ FLS is a prospective cohort study conducted on women and men (≥40 years) with fragility fractures. Dedicated personnel of the program identified fractures, investigated, treated, and followed patients systematically over 2 years. Groups of follow-up compliance trajectories were identified, and Markov decision models were used to assess the cost-utility of each follow-up trajectory group compared to usual care. A lifetime horizon from the perspective of the healthcare payer was modeled. Costs were converted to 2018 Canadian dollars and incremental cost-utility ratios (ICURs) were measured. Costs and benefits were discounted at 1.5%. A total of 532 participants were followed in the FLS (86% women, mean age of 63 years). Three trajectories were predicted and interpreted; the high followers (HFs, 48.4%), intermediate followers (IFs, 28.1%), and low followers (LFs, 23.5%). The costs of the interventions per patient varied between $300 and $446 for 2 years, according to the follow-up trajectory. The FLS had higher investigation, treatment, and persistence rates compared to usual care. Compared to usual care, the ICURs for the HF, IF, and LF trajectory groups were $4250, $21,900, and $72,800 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, respectively ($9000 per QALY gained for the overall FLS). Sensitivity analyses showed that the HF and IF trajectory groups, as well as the entire FLS, were cost-effective in >67% of simulations with respect to usual care. In summary, these results suggest that a high-intensity FLS with a systematic 2-year follow-up can be cost-effective, especially when patients attend follow-up visits. They also highlight the importance of understanding the behaviors and factors that surround follow-up compliance over time as secondary prevention means that they are at high risk of re-fracture. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).