bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Betanin and Allicin Ameliorate Adriamycin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats by Ameliorating Cardiac Ischemia and Improving Antioxidant Efficiency
Authors: Al-Thubiani W. S. , Abuzinadah O. A. H. , El-Aziz G. S. Abd
Published: March 2021

Aims: To investigate the protective effects of betanin and allicin against adriamycin (ADR)-induced cardiotoxicity.

Study Design: Experimental animal model.

Place and Duration of Study: King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 10 days.

Methodology: Adult female Wistar rats were allocated to the following groups (n = 10 per group): Control, received water, a standard diet for 10 days and i.p normal saline on day 8; ADR, intraperitoneal injection with 15 mg/kg ADR as a single dose on day 8; ADR+BE, betanin (20 mg/kg) administration followed by i.p. injection of ADR (15 mg/kg); ADR+ALL, allicin (20 mg/kg) administration followed by i.p. injection of ADR; and ADR+BE+ALL, equal volumes of betanin and allicin followed by ADR (15 mg/kg). Hemodynamic characteristics of the cardiovascular system and electrocardiography were evaluated. Blood samples were obtained to assess cardiac enzymes; cardiac homogenates were processed to analyze oxidative and antioxidant parameters and low-grade inflammatory indicators. Histopathological evaluation of heart tissues was also conducted.

Results: Rats pre-administered betanin and allicin were protected from ADR-associated ischemia based on the significant (P < .05) shortening of QT, QTC interval, QRS, and T peak Tend interval compared with the ADR group. Betanin and allicin pre-treatment significantly decreased the ADR-induced elevated serum creatine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase levels. ADR-elevated cardiac oxidative parameters, along with the serum concentrations of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha and the cardiac transforming growth factor-beta, were significantly inhibited by betanin and allicin. Histopathological findings confirmed the biochemical results. Betanin and allicin reduced ADR-induced heart damage by inhibiting several pathways, including those of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Conclusion: Betanin and allicin may be promising cardioprotective agents owing to their antioxidant and cytoprotective properties and could thus be used as adjuvant treatment for cancer therapy.
Stress Response and Nutrient Homeostasis in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Exposed to Graphene Quantum Dots Are Modulated by Particle Surface Functionalization
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wu Xinyue , Guo Zhiling , Yang Xiaonan , Hu Xiangang , Lynch Iseult
Published: March 2021

A 5‐d germination assay and a 14‐d hydroponic trial are performed to evaluate the impacts of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) on lettuce. Results show that GQDs are toxic to lettuce plants and that the effects are highly dependent on particle surface functionalization and plant growth stage. The germination rate is not affected by aminated GQDs (N‐GQDs) and carboxylated GQDs (C‐GQDs) but is reduced by hydroxylated GQDs (O‐GQDs) by 39–71%. During the hydroponic trial, N‐GQDs (50 mg L−1) increase the root dry weight by 34%, while C‐GQDs and O‐GQDs reduce it by 39% and 43%, respectively. Shoot dry weight is not affected by N‐GQDs but is reduced by C‐GQDs (44%) and O‐GQDs (36–55%) treatments. C‐GQDs and O‐GQDs cause oxidative damage, disruption of mineral and organic nutrients homeostasis, impairment of photosynthesis, and modulates the levels of phytohormones. Light‐triggered reactive oxygen species generation and oxidation of antioxidants in plants are the critical reason for the phytotoxicity and explain the difference between the different functionalizations. These findings suggest that GQDs may not be as safe as expected. Future studies should consider the modulation of surface chemistry to achieve optimal safety of GQDs, and more plant species should be tested over a longer‐term scale.
3D Printing of Transparent Spinel Ceramics with Transmittance Approaching the Theoretical Limit
Authors: Wang Haomin , Liu Li Ying , Ye Pengcheng , Huang Zhangyi , Ng Andrew Yun Ru , Du Zehui , Dong Zhili , Tang Dingyuan , Gan Chee Lip
Published: March 2021

3D printing of transparent ceramics has attracted great attention recently but faces the challenges of low transparency and low printing resolution. Herein, magnesium aluminate spinel transparent ceramics with transmittance reaching 97% of the theoretical limit are successfully fabricated using a stereolithography‐based 3D printing method assisted by hot isostatic pressing and the critical factors governing the transparency are revealed. Various transparent spinel lenses and microlattices are printed at a high resolution of ≈100–200 µm. The 3D printed spinel lens demonstrates fairly good optical imaging ability, and the printed spinel diamond microlattices as a transparent photocatalyst support for TiO2 significantly enhance its photocatalytic efficiency compared with its opaque counterparts. Compared with other 3D printed transparent materials such as silica glass or organic polymers, the printed spinel ceramics have the advantages of broad optical window, high hardness, excellent high‐temperature stability, and chemical resistance and therefore, have great potential to be used in various optical lenses/windows and photocatalyst supports for application in harsh environments.
Analogue Optical Spatiotemporal Differentiator
Authors: Zhou Yi , Zhan Junjie , Chen Rui , Chen Wenjie , Wang Yubo , Shao Yifan , Ma Yungui
Published: March 2021

As a significant part in optical computation, analogue optical spatial/temporal differentiators could play a great role in all‐optical signal processing, feature extraction, and optical storage. In the past few years, they have experienced rapid development but mostly for a single function. For many scenarios, optical computation with integrated functionalities is highly desired. In this work, an analogue optical spatiotemporal differentiator utilizing all‐dielectric multilayer is proposed. The film stack is specifically engineered to satisfy the requirements for both spatial and temporal transfer functions of the ideal differentiator. The time‐space performance of the device is numerically examined from the output field profile of the classical Gaussian beam or pulse. A wavelength‐scale high resolution for edge detection is attained using the integrated differentiator. This work may pave a potential way to establish ultracompact, high‐bandwidth, and real‐time optical multiple functional computation systems.
Primary Luminescent Nanothermometers for Temperature Measurements Reliability Assessment
Authors: Martins Joana Costa , Bastos Ana R. N. , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Wang Xin , Chen Guanying , Carlos Luís D.
Published: March 2021

The potential applications in disparate fields led to a rapid evolution of luminescence thermometry. In particular, luminescent thermometry based on trivalent lanthanide ions (Ln3+) has become very popular in the past decade due to the unique versatility, stability, and narrow emission band profiles covering a broad spectral range (from ultraviolet to the infrared) with relatively high emission quantum yields. Nevertheless, the reliability of Ln3+ ratiometric nanothermometry measurements is recently questioned in a few works reporting fake temperature readouts caused by experimental artifacts and even intrinsic effects. Using NaYF4:Er3+/Yb3+@NaNdF4@PAA (PAA stands for polyacrylic acid) core–shell nanoparticles, it is shown that how the primary luminescent thermometer concept can be used to correct the thermometric parameter (the intensity ratio of the Er3+ 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transitions) from the interference of the intruding 2H9/2 → 4I13/2 emission ensuring, thereafter, reliable temperature measurements.
A Combined Model of Human iPSC‐Derived Liver Organoids and Hepatocytes Reveals Ferroptosis in DGUOK Mutant mtDNA Depletion Syndrome
Authors: Guo Jingyi , Duan Lifan , He Xueying , Li Shengbiao , Wu Yi , Xiang Ge , Bao Feixiang , Yang Liang , Shi Hongyan , Gao Mi , Zheng Lingjun , Hu Huili , Liu Xingguo
Published: March 2021

Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDS) is a group of severe inherited disorders caused by mutations in genes, such as deoxyribonucleoside kinase (DGUOK). A great majority of DGUOK mutant MDS patients develop iron overload progressing to severe liver failure. However, the pathological mechanisms connecting iron overload and hepatic damage remains uncovered. Here, two patients’ skin fibroblasts are reprogrammed to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and then corrected by CRISPR/Cas9. Patient‐specific iPSCs and corrected iPSCs‐derived high purity hepatocyte organoids (iHep‐Orgs) and hepatocyte‐like cells (iHep) are generated as cellular models for studying hepatic pathology. DGUOK mutant iHep and iHep‐Orgs, but not control and corrected one, are more sensitive to iron overload‐induced ferroptosis, which can be rescued by N‐Acetylcysteine (NAC). Mechanically, this ferroptosis is a process mediated by nuclear receptor co‐activator 4 (NCOA4)‐dependent degradation of ferritin in lysosome and cellular labile iron release. This study reveals the underlying pathological mechanisms and the viable therapeutic strategies of this syndrome, and is the first pure iHep‐Orgs model in hereditary liver diseases.
DeepVISP: Deep Learning for Virus Site Integration Prediction and Motif Discovery
Authors: Xu Haodong , Jia Peilin , Zhao Zhongming
Published: March 2021

Approximately 15% of human cancers are estimated to be attributed to viruses. Virus sequences can be integrated into the host genome, leading to genomic instability and carcinogenesis. Here, a new deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model is developed with attention architecture, namely DeepVISP, for accurately predicting oncogenic virus integration sites (VISs) in the human genome. Using the curated benchmark integration data of three viruses, hepatitis B virus (HBV), human herpesvirus (HPV), and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), DeepVISP achieves high accuracy and robust performance for all three viruses through automatically learning informative features and essential genomic positions only from the DNA sequences. In comparison, DeepVISP outperforms conventional machine learning methods by 8.43–34.33% measured by area under curve (AUC) value enhancement in three viruses. Moreover, DeepVISP can decode cis‐regulatory factors that are potentially involved in virus integration and tumorigenesis, such as HOXB7, IKZF1, and LHX6. These findings are supported by multiple lines of evidence in literature. The clustering analysis of the informative motifs reveales that the representative k‐mers in clusters could help guide virus recognition of the host genes. A user‐friendly web server is developed for predicting putative oncogenic VISs in the human genome using DeepVISP.
Electronic View of Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Energy Harvesting: Mechanisms and Applications
Authors: Lu Qiuyang , Sun Mingzi , Huang Bolong , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2021

Harvesting energy from rain, waves, and river flows has been an old problem for over 100 years. Hydropower is capable of the features of huge quantity, low cost, and renewability. To date, the investigations on triboelectrification have shed a light on flexible and sufficient energy harvesting methods from hydropower or ambient motions. A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has become the most promising energy harvesting system in recent years. Herein, the background of hydropower is first introduced to highlight the urgent need of novel energy conversion devices. Meanwhile, the detailed working principle of contact electrification (CE) is summarized by focusing on the origins of charge and how such a charge is induced. With systematic studies, the common modes of charge generation systems are well investigated. Then, the fabrications of various types of CE‐based devices are introduced with the potential modifications to achieve high applicability in specific circumstances. In addition, the multifunctional devices for distinctive energy harvesting processes constructed by TENG are also reviewed. Due to real‐time response to environmental variation, TENG‐based self‐powered sensors and wearable healthcare devices have also become promising candidates in the scientific field as well as different aspects of daily life.
Urea‐Assisted Synthesis and Tailoring Cobalt Cores for Synergetic Promotion of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Acid and Alkaline Media
Authors: Jia Gan , Zheng Xinyue , Chen Yong , Hao Weichang , Li Zhaosheng , Zou Zhigang
Published: March 2021

Interconnected N‐doped carbon nanotubes enclosed with Co nanoparticles have been synthesized by a strategy of urea‐assisted pyrolysis of bimetallic metal–organic framework (MOF) precursor. The modulation of Co/Zn ratio in bimetallic MOF precursors can not only regulate spatial dispersion and local structural disorder of Co cores, but also lead to the alterable proportion of the component nitrogen types in catalysts, which impacts the charge distribution of the carbon sheath and further ameliorates the charge transfer. Moreover, urea, an assisted nitrogen/carbon source, plays an active role in the formation and growth of N‐doped carbon nanotubes. Such Co–N–C system results in more provided active sites (e.g., Co and Co–Nx moieties), noncorrosive metal cores protected by carbon materials as well as short diffusion pathway of ions due to the synergetic effect of core–sheath structure. Benefiting from these controllable strategies, C1Z1 (pyrolysis product of Co0.5Zn0.5‐ZIF and urea precursor) embraces the current density of 10 mA cm−2 at the overpotential of 251 and 279 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acid and alkaline media, respectively, which enables it to be an efficient electrocatalyst for HER under both extreme pH conditions.
Influence of agronomic and kernel‐related properties on popping expansion in popcorn
Authors: Saito Marcelo Akira , Alves Alex Viana , Kuritza Danilo de Paula , de Souza Yure Pequeno , Maioli Maria Fernanda de Souza Dias , Amaral Júnior Antônio Teixeira do , Bento Antônio Carlos , Scapim Carlos Alberto , Pinto Ronald José Barth
Published: March 2021

Knowledge about relationships between traits can contribute to raising the efficiency of selection of superior genotypes. The objective of this study was to estimate the correlations, direct and indirect effects of agronomic, chemical and physical traits of kernels on popping expansion (PE) in popcorn (Zea mays L.). The trial was carried out in the 2017/2018 growing season, in Maringá ‐ PR, with 49 treatments, which consisted of 43 popcorn, four flint, and two sweet corn. The trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Multiple agronomic, chemical, physical, and popcorn quality traits were evaluated. Analysis of variance was performed to estimate the coefficients of phenotypic and genotypic correlations and the direct and indirect effects of path analysis. The genotypes were partitioned into genotype within each kernel type (popcorn, flint, and sweet corn) and two more contrasts (popcorn vs. [flint + sweet corn]) and flint vs. sweet corn. Positive phenotypic (.76) and genotypic correlations (.81) between popping expansion and pericarp thickness were detected. Kernel length had negative phenotypic (−.75) and genotypic correlations (−.78) with PE. Path analysis indicated that pericarp thickness has a direct and positive effect on PE and that the observed positive correlation with thermal diffusivity of the kernel pericarp and kernel length can be explained by indirect effects of the pericarp thickness. Evaluating kernel length may be most prudent considering economical and practical constraints to popcorn breeding programs.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 1,2,4‐oxadiazole‐containing pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridinones as a new series of AMPKɑ1β1γ1 activators
Authors: Xiao Zhihong , Peng Yajun , Zheng Bifeng , Chang Qi , Guo Yating , Chen Zhuo , Li Qianbin , Hu Gaoyun
Published: March 2021

Adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a key role in maintaining whole‐body homeostasis and has been regarded as a therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Herein, a series of 1,2,4‐oxadiazole‐containing pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridinone derivatives is reported as AMPKɑ1β1γ1 activators. The in vitro biological assay demonstrated that compounds 12k (EC50[AMPKα1γ1β1] = 180 nM) and 13q (EC50[AMPKα1γ1β1] = 2 nM) displayed significant enzyme activation. Mechanism studies indicated that both compounds reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species in a rat kidney fibroblast cell line (NRK‐49F) stimulated by transforming growth factor‐β and induced early apoptosis of NRK‐49F cells at 10 μM. Molecular docking studies suggested that 13q exhibited critical hydrogen‐bond interactions with the critical amino acid residues Lys29, Lys31, Asn111, and Asp88 at the binding site of the AMPK protein. These results enrich the structure pool of AMPK activators and provide novel lead compounds for the subsequent development of compounds with a promising therapeutic potential against DN.
Dynamic Changes in the Nasal Microbiome Associated With Disease Activity in Patients With Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
Authors: Rhee Rennie L. , Lu Jiarui , Bittinger Kyle , Lee Jung‐Jin , Mattei Lisa M. , Sreih Antoine G. , Chou Sherry , Miner Jonathan J. , Cohen Noam A. , Kelly Brendan J. , Lee Hongzhe , Grayson Peter C. , Collman Ronald G. , Merkel Peter A.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Little is known about temporal changes in nasal bacteria in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). This study was undertaken to examine longitudinal changes in the nasal microbiome in association with relapse in GPA patients.

Methods

Bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was performed on nasal swabs from 19 patients with GPA who were followed up longitudinally for a total of 78 visits, including 9 patients who experienced a relapse and 10 patients who remained in remission. Relative abundance of bacteria and ratios between bacteria were examined. Generalized estimating equation models were used to evaluate the association between bacterial composition and 1) disease activity and 2) levels of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) with specificity for proteinase 3 (PR3), adjusted for medication.

Results

CorynebacteriumandStaphylococcuswere the most abundant bacterial genera across all nasal samples. Patients with quiescent disease maintained a stable ratio ofCorynebacteriumtoStaphylococcusacross visits. In contrast, in patients who experienced a relapse, a significantly lower ratio was observed at the visit prior to relapse, followed by a higher ratio at the time of relapse (adjustedP< 0.01). Species‐level analysis identified an association between a higher abundance of nasalCorynebacterium tuberculostearicumand 1) relapse (adjustedP= 0.04) and 2) higher PR3‐ANCA levels (adjustedP= 0.02).

Conclusion

In GPA, significant changes occur in the nasal microbiome over time and are associated with disease activity. The occurrence of these changes months prior to the onset of relapse supports a pathogenic role of nasal bacteria in GPA. Our results uphold existing hypotheses implicatingStaphylococcusas an instigator of disease and have generated a novel finding involvingCorynebacteriumas a potential mediator of disease in GPA.
New Spectroscopic Insight into the Deactivation of a ZSM‐5 Methanol‐to‐Hydrocarbons Catalyst
Authors: Zachariou Andrea , Hawkins Alexander P. , Suwardiyanto  , Collier Paul , Barrow Nathan , Howe Russell F. , Parker Stewart F. , Lennon David
Published: March 2021

The nature of the hydrocarbon pool at different stages of the methanol‐to‐hydrocarbons reaction over ZSM‐5 is examined. A combination of reaction testing, analytical and spectroscopic techniques is employed to investigate changes in the nature and form of the hydrocarbon pool as a function of reaction conditions and reaction time. It is shown that inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy (INS) complements other spectroscopic methods for observing molecular components in the hydrocarbon pool of working catalysts. INS is uniquely able to spectroscopically identify the form of coke species present in deactivated catalysts.
Charakterisierung und Störstoffanalyse von rückgewonnenen Stoffströmen aus Wärmedämmverbundsystemen
Authors: Fehn Thomas , Kugler Felix , Tübke Beatrice , Schweppe Rainer , Mebert Phillip , Krcmar Wolfgang , Teipel Ulrich
Published: March 2021

Aufgrund steigender energetischer Anforderungen ist der Anteil an verbauten Wärmedämmverbundsystemen (WDVS) in den vergangenen 50 Jahren deutlich gestiegen. Trotz der Langlebigkeit dieser Systeme fallen zunehmend WDVS‐Abfälle an, deren Nutzungsphase beendet ist. Aufgrund der komplexen Bauweise sowie einer Vielzahl an unterschiedlich verbauten Materialien der vergangenen Generationen bestehen viele Unsicherheiten und Probleme bei der sortenreinen und schadstoffarmen Aufbereitung solcher Systeme. Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde ein Aufbereitungsverfahren für WDVS entwickelt. Damit gelingt eine weitestgehende Rückgewinnung verwertbarer Werkstofffraktionen. Diese wurden auf etwaige Stör‐ und Schadstoffe wie Flammschutzmittel sowie auf deren Reinheit untersucht.
Functional‐coefficient regression models with GARCH errors
Authors: Yuan Yuze , Bai Lihua , Jiang Jiancheng
Published: March 2021

The GARCH models are widely used to model various financial data with nonlinearity and heteroscedasticity structures. In this article, we propose a functional‐coefficient regression model with GARCH(r, s) errors to model these kinds of data. To deal with the effect of heteroscedasticity, we introduce a two‐step approach to estimating the unknown coefficient functions and the volatility, which results in unweighted and weighted local linear estimators. Asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators are established. Our results demonstrate that the weighted estimator is more efficient than the unweighted one, and the functional coefficients can be estimated by the weighted estimator as if the volatility was known. Both simulations and real data examples support our theoretical results. In particular, when there are GARCH effects, our two‐step estimator mimics the oracle estimator, with the true volatility being known in advance.
Vacuum‐Processed Metal Halide Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Bhaumik Saikat , Kar Manav Raj , Thorat Bhaskar N. , Bruno Annalisa , Mhaisalkar Subodh G.
Published: March 2021

In less than a decade, organic–inorganic metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have shown tremendous progress in the field of light‐emitting applications. Perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have reached external quantum efficiencies (EQE) exceeding 20 % and they have been recognized as a potential contender of the commercial display technologies. However, perovskite thin films in PeLEDs are generally deposited via a spin‐coating process, which is not favourable for large area device fabrication. Despite the great success of solution‐processed PeLEDs, very few articles have been reported on vacuum processed PeLEDs and the improvements in their optoelctronic performances are also progressing slowly. On the other hand, vacuum processing techniques are mostly used in organic LED technology as they can guarantee (i) the absence of solvent during thin‐film growth, (ii) process scalability over large area substrates, and (iii) precise thin‐film thickness control. This thin‐film growth process is suitable for application in the advancement of a large variety of display technologies. In this Review, we present an overview of current research advances in the field of perovskite thin films grown via vacuum techniques, a study of their photophysical properties, and integration in PeLEDs for the generation of different colors. We also highlight the current challenges and future prospects for the further development of vacuum processed PeLEDs.
Refractory neutrophils and monocytes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease after repeated bouts of prolonged exercise
Authors: Spijkerman Roy , Hesselink Lillian , Bertinetto Carlo , Bongers Coen C. W. G. , Hietbrink Falco , Vrisekoop Nienke , Leenen Luke P. H. , Hopman Maria T. E. , Jansen Jeroen J. , Koenderman Leo
Published: March 2021

Background

Neutrophils and monocytes are key immune effector cells in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is associated with chronic inflammation in the gut. Patients with stable IBD who perform exercise have significantly fewer flare‐ups of the disease, but no underlying mechanism has been identified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the responsiveness/refractoriness of these innate immune cells after repeated bouts of prolonged exercise in IBD patients and controls.

Methods

Patients with IBD and age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were recruited from a cohort of walkers participating in a 4‐day walking event. Blood analysis was performed at baseline and after 3 days of walking. Responsiveness to the bacterial/mitochondrial‐stimulus N‐Formylmethionine‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLF) was tested in granulocytes and monocytes by measuring the expression of activation markers after adding this stimulus to whole blood.

Results

In total 38 participants (54 ± 12 years) were included in this study: 19 walkers with and 19 walkers without IBD. After 3 days of prolonged exercise, a significant increase in responsiveness to fMLF was observed in all participants irrespective of disease. However, IBD patients showed significantly less responsiveness in neutrophils and monocytes, compared with non‐IBD walkers.

Conclusions

Increased responsiveness of neutrophils and monocyte to fMLF was demonstrated after repetitive bouts of prolonged exercise. Interestingly, this exercise was associated with relative refractoriness of both neutrophils and monocytes in IBD patients. These refractory cells might create a lower inflammatory state in the intestine providing a putative mechanism for the decrease in flare‐ups in IBD patients after repeated exercise.
A cost‐effective LoRa‐based customized device for agriculture field monitoring and precision farming on IoT platform
Authors: Swain Mahendra , Hashmi Mohammad Farukh , Singh Rajesh , Hashmi Abdul Wahab
Published: March 2021

Low‐power wide area networks (LPWAN) applications are emerging as a new paradigm, over Internet of Things (IoT) platform. LoRa (long range) is playing a key role in information exchange between motes. This paper illustrates a mathematical optimization technique of LoRa modulation, i.e., frequency shift chirp modulation. Mathematical optimization for low power and LoRa has been validated with customized hardware designed for agricultural application. The performance analysis with channel modulation is mentioned in the networks. LoRa link budget concerning various obstacles calculated and losses are noted during testing. In context to the agricultural application, customized motes have been deployed in an agricultural field for field monitoring. The mathematical model is validated using a hardware device. Further data collection and data analysis are mentioned. Code optimization techniques are implemented to improve the overall efficiency of the device. Localization of sensor nodes also discussed to cover all the area of coverage. A comparative analysis is a showcased between SNR (signal‐to‐noise ratio) and RSSI (received signal strength indicator).
Unblinding in Randomized Controlled Trials: A Research Ethics Case
Authors: Bhatia Ayesha , Appelbaum Paul S. , Wisner Katherine L.
Published: March 2021

A pregnant woman was enrolled in a double‐blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which participants were randomized to a placebo or a drug being tested to prevent a hypertensive complication. After completing the trial, the research participant insisted on being told which drug she received to prepare for a future pregnancy. This case highlights an element of RCT procedure that has received minimal attention—whether to unblind study participants at the end of their participation. Given that unblinding is not standard practice for nonserious adverse events, what actions are justifiable for the investigators to take? To synthesize the information about this case, we used the CASES model, created by the National Center for Ethics in Health Care to analyze ethics cases. Ethical principles that guide research emphasize communication with participants and the importance of reducing harm within the constraints of the scientific goals. Participants may value knowing which drug they received for future health care decision‐making. We review information about the benefits and harms of unblinding.
Migrating Whooping Cranes avoid wind‐energy infrastructure when selecting stopover habitat
Authors: Pearse Aaron T. , Metzger Kristine L. , Brandt David A. , Shaffer Jill A. , Bidwell Mark T. , Harrell Wade
Published: March 2021

Electricity generation from renewable‐energy sources has increased dramatically worldwide in recent decades. Risks associated with wind‐energy infrastructure are not well understood for endangered Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) or other vulnerable Crane populations. From 2010 to 2016, we monitored 57 Whooping Cranes with remote‐telemetry devices in the United States Great Plains to determine potential changes in migration distribution (i.e., avoidance) caused by presence of wind‐energy infrastructure. During our study, the number of wind towers tripled in the Whooping Crane migration corridor and quadrupled in the corridor’s center. Median distance of Whooping Crane locations from nearest wind tower was 52.1 km, and 99% of locations were >4.3 km from wind towers. A habitat selection analysis revealed that Whooping Cranes used areas ≤5.0 km (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.8–5.4) from towers less than expected (i.e., zone of influence) and that Whooping Cranes were 20 times (95% CI 14–64) more likely to use areas outside compared to adjacent to towers. Eighty percent of Whooping Crane locations and 20% of wind towers were located in areas with the highest relative probability of Whooping Crane use based on our model, which comprised 20% of the study area. Whooping Cranes selected for these places, whereas developers constructed wind infrastructure at random relative to desirable Whooping Crane habitat. As of early 2020, 4.6% of the study area and 5.0% of the highest‐selected Whooping Crane habitat were within the collective zone of influence. The affected area equates to habitat loss ascribed to wind‐energy infrastructure; losses from other disturbances have not been quantified. Continued growth of the Whooping Crane population during this period of wind infrastructure construction suggests no immediate population‐level consequences. Chronic or lag effects of habitat loss are unknown but possible for long‐lived species. Preferentially constructing future wind infrastructure outside of the migration corridor or inside of the corridor at sites with low probability of Whooping Crane use would allow for continued wind‐energy development in the Great Plains with minimal additional risk to highly selected habitat that supports recovery of this endangered species.
Snowmelt timing affects short‐term decomposition rates in an alpine snowbed
Authors: Venn Susanna E. , Thomas Haydn J. D.
Published: March 2021

Alpine snowbed communities are characterized as having areas of longer lasting snow cover duration compared with the surrounding landscape. The predictable accumulation of deep and long‐lasting snow on lee side ridges drives a unique ecology, providing stable microclimatic conditions under the snow through winter, supplying meltwater in spring, and controlling many biological processes. The timing and rate of plant litter decomposition are key controls on the nutrient balance of snowbed communities, and are thought to be strongly driven by snow dynamics. However, little is known about how the patterns and timing of snowmelt affect decomposition, nor how long these effects last into the growing season. We investigated the influence of snowmelt timing on decomposition rates across an alpine snowbed community by burying standardized plant litter (rooibos and green tea), at three incubation times (whole year, winter+spring, and summer), across three snowmelt zones. Decomposition rate (as percent mass loss of tea) was significantly higher in early‐melting zones compared to late‐melting zones, particularly for the recalcitrant litter (rooibos tea). Decomposition was also affected by the season(s) of incubation and was greatest where tea was buried for the whole year, or only over summer, with winter   + spring only incubations decomposing the least. However, decomposition was more strongly influenced by litter quality (type of tea) than either the timing of snowmelt or seasonality. These results provide further understanding about how changes to the timing of snowmelt may in turn transform these rare and unique plant communities.
Lower density of arthropod biomass in small high‐Andes Polylepis fragments affects habitat use in insectivorous birds
Authors: Cahill Jennifer R. A. , Merckx Thomas , Van Dyck Hans , Fernández Milton , Matthysen Erik
Published: March 2021

Polylepis forests are endemic to the high‐Andes, with trees characterized by multi‐layered, exfoliating bark‐providing protection against harsh, high‐elevation conditions, both for individual trees and the wide array of organisms dependent on them. However, Polylepis habitat has suffered severe human‐induced land conversion and currently mainly occurs as fragmented remnants only. Here, we studied the effects of fragment size on local ambient temperature and on biomass of bark and its bark‐dwelling arthropods. We did so by comparing multiple samples at the edge and interior of both large and small fragments, while also accounting for branch size, tree width, and tree structure. Because arthropod biomass is likely to impact higher trophic levels, we also studied abundance and foraging behavior of two bird species specialized on Polylepis forest. We show that arthropod biomass was relatively higher in wider, larger trees, which were preferred for foraging by both bird species. Moreover, we show that small forest fragments are not only environmentally less buffered but are also characterized by lower amounts of bark and lower densities of bark‐dwelling arthropods than larger fragments. Our study highlights the conservation value of large trees. Also, we advise it is now timely to test to what degree restoration efforts to increase fragment size could mitigate the negative effects of reduced arthropod biomass for higher trophic levels of endemic specialist insectivores.
Environmental context alters the magnitude of conspecific negative density dependence in a temperate forest
Authors: Brown Alissa J. , White Peter S. , Peet Robert K.
Published: March 2021

Conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD) is an important driver of stand‐level tree diversity in temperate forests. CNDD can occur via two main processes. First, soil pathogens and herbivores form a halo of high enemy density surrounding established trees at local spatial scales. As a result, seedlings and saplings residing within this halo experience reduced growth and survival. Second, intraspecific competition can lead to local depletion of resources, reducing the performance of conspecific seedlings and saplings, and encouraging spatial mixing of tree species. While seedlings and saplings respond to nearby conspecific adults, they are simultaneously responding to local environmental conditions. Solar radiation, soil moisture, and soil nutrients can all influence tree recruitment patterns. Furthermore, these environmental factors can influence densities and activities of soil pathogens, as well as seedling and sapling carbon balance. As a result, we expect small‐scale variation in the abiotic environment to influence the magnitude of CNDD, although this expectation has thus far received little attention. We combined tree stem and environmental data from a mapped oak‐hickory forest plot to evaluate whether the local environment modulates the direction or magnitude of negative density dependence. We tested for the interaction between conspecific and heterospecific basal area within a sapling's neighborhood and each of five environmental covariates: index of canopy gaps, soil organic matter, soil cations, topographic curvature, and topographic slope/aspect. We found that increasing local conspecific and heterospecific basal areas reduced sapling growth and that the conspecific basal area reduced sapling growth more so than did heterospecific basal area. Furthermore, we observed significant interactions between adult tree density and all environmental covariates that differed depending on the category of nearby adults (i.e., conspecific vs. heterospecific), and this effect was most important with variations in soil organic matter, soil cations, and topographic slope/aspect. We conclude that tree basal area not only interacts with environmental conditions to influence sapling growth, but more importantly, that small‐scale environmental conditions interact with the density of nearby conspecifics to modulate sapling growth. Thus, if this result proves general, a central mechanism underlying the maintenance of diversity can be modified by small‐scale environmental conditions.
Reverse remodelling by sacubitril/valsartan predicts the prognosis in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Moon Mi‐Gil , Hwang In‐Chang , Choi Wonsuk , Cho Goo‐Yeong , Yoon Yeonyee E. , Park Jun‐Bean , Lee Seung‐Pyo , Kim Hyung‐Kwan , Kim Yong‐Jin
Published: March 2021

Aims

Despite well‐established benefits of sacubitril/valsartan for cardiac reverse remodelling and the prognosis of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), there are some patients with limited therapeutic response, even with optimal therapy. We assessed the treatment response to sacubitril/valsartan in patients with HFrEF, focusing on the association between reverse remodelling and the prognosis.

Methods and results

Using a retrospective cohort of consecutive patients with HFrEF treated with sacubitril/valsartan, we compared the time trajectory of cardiac function in 415 patients (1258 echocardiograms), according to the occurrence of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for HF during a median follow‐up of 19.1 (interquartile range, 10.9–27.6) months. A higher sacubitril/valsartan dose was associated with a better prognosis, whereas advanced age, diabetes, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, left atrial enlargement, and pulmonary hypertension were associated with a worse prognosis. Patients without an event (n = 337; 81.2%) showed LV reverse remodelling (LV ejection fraction ≥45% or LV end‐systolic volume reduction by 15% from baseline), which was typically observed within 6 months of sacubitril/valsartan treatment. Reverse remodelling achievement was significantly associated with a better prognosis. However, patients without reverse remodelling had a worse prognosis, as poor as that in patients with HFrEF not treated with sacubitril/valsartan.

Conclusions

In patients with HFrEF treated with sacubitril/valsartan, LV reverse remodelling reflects the treatment response and predicts the prognosis, whereas a lack of reverse remodelling indicates the lack of treatment benefits. Prediction and assessment of reverse remodelling may facilitate the selection of patients with greater benefits by sacubitril/valsartan.
Synthesis of Aminoallenes via Selenium‐π‐Acid‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of N‐Fluorinated Sulfonimides with Simple Alkynes
Authors: Rode Katharina , Ramadas Narasimhamurthy Poorva , Rieger Rene , Krätzschmar Felix , Breder Alexander
Published: March 2021

The facile synthesis of aminoallenes, accomplished by a selenium‐π‐acid‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of an N‐fluorinated sulfonimide with simple, non‐activated alkynes, is reported. Until now, aminoallenes were difficult to be accessed by customary means, inasmuch as pre‐activated and, in part, intricate starting materials were necessary for their synthesis. In sharp contrast, the current study shows that ordinary internal alkynes can serve as simple and readily available precursors for the construction of the aminoallene motif. The operating reaction conditions tolerate numerous functional groups such as esters, nitriles, (silyl)ethers, acetals, and halogen substituents, furnishing the target compounds in up to 86 % yield.
Multi‐scale seismic reliability assessment of networks by centrality‐based selective recursive decomposition algorithm
Authors: Lee Dongkyu , Song Junho
Published: March 2021

As lifeline networks such as transportation or electricity networks in modern societies are intricately interlocked, a small number of components damaged by natural or man‐made disasters can have a great impact on network performance. For this reason, it is essential to assure the capability of rapid assessment of network reliability to make prompt follow‐up measures. Despite the rapid development of various algorithms and computing power, the capability is still limited due to computational cost for analyzing the connectivity of a single origin and destination (O/D) node pair in large‐scale networks. Therefore, this paper introduces a new algorithm utilizing network centrality, termed “centrality‐based selective recursive decomposition algorithm” (CS‐RDA). By preferentially decomposing the node which is most likely to belong to the min‐cut identified based on the betweenness centrality, the convergence of the bounds on the O/D connectivity can be expedited significantly. This paper also introduces a new multi‐scale analysis approach termed “edge‐betweenness algorithm.” The algorithm groups components such that its modularity is maximized, by sequentially removing edges that have the highest level of betweenness centrality. As a result, the reliability of large‐scale networks can be accurately evaluated in a short time owing to the reduced complexity of the simplified network. The proposed methods are successfully demonstrated by a hypothetical network example, the highway bridge networks in San Jose and San Diego in California, USA.
Significantly hypoglycemic effect of a novel functional bread rich in mulberry bark and improving the related functions of liver, pancreas, and kidney, on T2D mice
Authors: Weng Yu‐Jie , Zhang Meng , Wang Jiang , Zhang Yu‐Qing
Published: March 2021

To develop a novel functional food with lowering blood glucose for diabetics, the mixed bread containing mulberry branch bark powder (MBBP) was used for the oral administration of the type 2 diabetic (T2D) mice induced by streptozocin (STZ), high‐fat and high‐sugar diet for 7 weeks. 5%, 10%, and 15% MBBP bread diets had a significatively positive influence on the biochemical indicators, histological examination, and immunohistochemistry observations in T2D mice. The 15% MBBP‐rich bread diet evidently retarded loss weight of T2D mice, and decreased in FBG by about 55% and in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels by about 30%. Its glucose tolerance and serum insulin levels were very close to normal level. The abnormal lipid metabolism and insulin‐related index of T2D mice in both the 10% and 15% MBBP bread diet groups were partly reversed. The Western blotting results showed that the expression levels of key proteins in PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were decreased and expression levels of immunoproteins PPARγ, TNF‐α, P65, and IL6 were increased. In general, oral MBBP bread diets effectively restored some functions and repaired damage to the pancreas, liver, and kidney in T2D mice. Therefore, MBBP is potential to develop into a novel functional food additive with significantly hypoglycemic effect.
Head and neck cancer and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Saka‐Herrán Constanza , Jané‐Salas Enric , Estrugo‐Devesa Albert , López‐López José
Published: March 2021

The objective was to assess the effects of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on head and neck cancer (HNC) outcomes. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register databases were searched. Risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and by the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Meta‐analyses were performed with the RevMan software. Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. Quality scores for observational studies ranged between 5 and 8 stars and the RCT was assessed as high risk of bias. NSAIDs use was associated with a 13% risk reduction of HNC (OR: 0.87 95% CI 0.77–0.99). NSAIDs use was associated with a 30% reduced cancer‐specific mortality and with a 40% decreased risk on disease‐recurrence. NSAIDs may have a modest protective effect on HNC risk and a positive impact on cancer‐specific survival and disease‐recurrence. The findings do not support a protective role of aspirin on HNC outcomes.
Effect of urea fertilizer concentration on water and nitrogen transport and transformation in soil in a film‐hole multi‐line interference infiltration system*
Authors: Tuo Yunfei , Shen Fangyuan , Yang Cuiping , Zhang Lijuan , Wang Fei , Wang Qian , Zheng Yang , Du Wenjuan
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to elucidate the effects of urea concentration on soil water distribution and nitrogen transport and transformation.

Soil box tests were carried out in the laboratory for the multidirectional cross‐infiltration of urea fertilizer solutions with concentrations of 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 g l¯¹ to study the characteristics of soil water distribution and nitrogen transport and transformation in the process of multidirectional infiltration of urea fertilizer solutions with different concentrations.

Under the same irrigation time, the soil moisture content and ammonium and nitrate nitrogen increased with increasing fertilizer concentration. At the same fertilizer concentration, the soil moisture content and ammonium and nitrate nitrogen increased with increasing irrigation time. At the same distribution time, the soil moisture content and its rate of decrease increased with increasing fertilizer concentration.

The correlation coefficients of the empirical formula were all greater than 0.90, and the standard error was very low. Moreover, based on a significance test at the 0.05 significance level, it could be seen that this empirical formula reflected the soil water distribution and nitrogen transport and transformation rules in multidirectional confluence infiltration through membrane holes with different fertilizer concentrations.
Culturally Sustaining Disciplinary Literacy for Bi/Multilingual Learners: Creating a Translanguaging Social Studies Classroom
Authors: Hernandez Garcia Mina , Schleppegrell Mary J.
Published: March 2021

This department explores the concept of disciplinary literacy—the conceptual understandings and ways of reading, thinking, and writing involved in critiquing and constructing knowledge in a discipline—and its intersections with aspects of culturally sustaining pedagogy. Columns highlight high‐quality disciplinary literacy learning opportunities across subject areas that engage students in critically examining the world around them, interrogating accepted knowledge, contributing their own perspectives to shape that knowledge, and sustaining and developing the literacies needed to do this work.