bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydroboration of Nitriles, Esters, and Carbonates Catalyzed by Simple Earth‐Abundant Metal Triflate Salts
Authors: Thenarukandiyil Ranjeesh , Satheesh Vanaparthi , Shimon Linda J. W. , de Ruiter Graham
Published: March 2021

During the past decade earth‐abundant metals have become increasingly important in homogeneous catalysis. One of the reactions in which earth‐abundant metals have found important applications is the hydroboration of unsaturated C−C and C−X bonds (X=O or N). Within these set of transformations, the hydroboration of challenging substrates such as nitriles, carbonates and esters still remain difficult and often relies on elaborate ligand designs and highly reactive catalysts (e. g., metal alkyls/hydrides). Here we report an effective methodology for the hydroboration of challenging C≡N and C=O bonds that is simple and applicable to a wide set of substrates. The methodology is based on using a manganese(II) triflate salt that, in combination with commercially available potassium tert‐butoxide and pinacolborane, catalyzes the hydroboration of nitriles, carbonates, and esters at room temperature and with near quantitative yields in less than three hours. Additional studies demonstrated that other earth‐abundant metal triflate salts can facilitate this reaction as well, which is further discussed in this report.
Surface Functionalization of a γ‐Graphyne‐like Carbon Material via Click Chemistry
Authors: Xiong Huatian , Zou Haiyuan , Liu Hong , Wang Mei , Duan Lele
Published: March 2021

Surface functionalization of carbon materials is of interest in many research fields, such as electrocatalysis, interfacial engineering, and supercapacitors. As an emerging carbon material, γ‐graphyne has attracted broad attention. Herein, we report that the surface functionalization of a γ‐graphyne‐like carbon material (γ‐G1) is achieved by immobilizing functional groups via the click chemistry. Texture analysis of aberration‐corrected microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemistry confirm the successful surface modification of γ‐G1 through a strong covalent linkage 1,2,3‐triazole. The direct linkage of functional groups on γ‐G1 via the click chemistry represents a general method for preparing other functional materials by using γ‐graphyne‐like materials as a skeleton.
A Thorough Analysis of Two Different Pre‐Lithiation Techniques for Silicon/Carbon Negative Electrodes in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Overhoff Gerrit Michael , Nölle Roman , Siozios Vassilios , Winter Martin , Placke Tobias
Published: March 2021

Silicon (Si) is one of the most promising candidates for application as high‐capacity negative electrode (anode) material in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high specific capacity. However, evoked by huge volume changes upon (de)lithiation, several issues lead to a rather poor electrochemical performance of Si‐based LIB cells. The Coulombic efficiency (CEff) during the first cycle(s), especially when using nano‐sized Si, is relatively low, due to the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Pre‐lithiation approaches can increase the CEff by compensating active lithium losses during the first cycle(s). Here, we evaluate the beneficial impact of pre‐lithiated Si/C electrodes for their application in NCM111||Si/C cells by comparing two approaches, i. e., electrochemical pre‐lithiation and pre‐lithiation by direct contact to Li metal foil. The SEI composition and surface morphology of pre‐lithiated Si/C electrodes as well as the impact of reducing active Li losses on individual electrode potentials over cycling are revealed. For long‐term cycling, both pre‐lithiation techniques lead to a distinct improvement of the overall capacity as well as the CEff for the first 40 cycles due to i) the pre‐formed SEI and ii) a Li reservoir within the anode. Depletion of the active Li from NCM111 is significantly reduced and we can confirm that both pre‐lithiation techniques improve the cycling performance of NCM111||Si/C cells in an almost equal manner.
Biodiesel production process using solid acid catalyst: influence of market variables on the process's economic feasibility
Authors: Gebremariam Shemelis Nigatu , Marchetti Jorge Mario
Published: March 2021

There are a number of efficient alternative technologies for the production of fuel‐quality biodiesel from various feedstock types. The solid acid catalyzed transesterification process is one such approach. In this study, the whole process of biodiesel fuel production using solid acid catalysts has been simulated using commercially known software – SuperPro Designer – and the effects of some selected market variables on the economic feasibility of the whole process have been investigated. The market variables considered are oil cost, biodiesel price, alcohol cost, catalyst cost, labor cost, tax variation, maintenance cost, and glycerol selling price. Net present value and project payback time have been used as the parameters for evaluating the effect of changes in these market variables on the economic feasibility of the process. Possible market variations in oil cost and biodiesel price strongly affect the viability of the production process, whereas changes in labor cost and equipment maintenance cost could show less effect. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Latency‐based functional analysis and treatment of elopement
Authors: Kamlowsky Marissa E. , Wilder David A. , Ertel Hallie , Hodges Ansley C. , Colon Natalia , Domino Laurel
Published: March 2021

Although functional analysis (FA) methodology has been used to identify treatments for elopement, the results of some of these analyses have been confounded by the retrieval of participants. Recently, researchers have used latency‐based FAs, which eliminate the retrieval component during a session, to assess elopement. In the current study, we replicated previous research using latency‐based FAs to assess elopement exhibited by three children with autism. In addition, we evaluated function‐based treatments for each participant. The treatments effectively decreased elopement for all participants, partially validating the latency‐based FAs.
Team‐based learning versus traditional didactic lectures in teaching clinical biochemistry at King Abdulaziz University; learning outcomes and student satisfaction
Authors: Alamoudi Aliaa Amr , Al Shawwa Lana Adey , Gad Hoda , Tekian Ara
Published: March 2021

Team‐based learning (TBL), which encourages students to become active rather than passive learners, has gained world‐wide popularity in medical education due to its proven positive effect on more than one aspect of the educational process. At King Abdulaziz University (KAU), clinical biochemistry is still taught in the form of didactic lectures, and while there is a need for introducing active learning, student learning response from TBL has not been explored. In this quasi‐experimental non‐equivalent comparison group design, we compared learning outcomes and student satisfaction in a clinical biochemistry course taught either via TBL to second year clinical nutrition students (n = 33) or via traditional lectures to same year nursing students (n = 70). The same summative post‐course exam was given to both student groups to assess impact on learning. Focus group discussion and a self‐administered questionnaire were used to gain insight into clinical nutrition students' level of satisfaction with TBL. In the post‐course exam results of recall and reasoning questions, nursing students (Lectures) scored an average of 38% ± 2.4 in the recall questions while clinical nutrition students (TBL) scored higher with an average of 74.5% ± 4.3 (p < .0001). In reasoning questions, nursing students (Lectures) scored lower than clinical nutrition students (TBL), 23% ± 2.7 versus 40% ± 4.2, respectively (p < .001). In comparing results of pre‐ and post‐test recall questions within each group, there was no significant difference between pre‐ and post‐results for nursing students (Lectures) while clinical nutrition students (TBL) showed a significant increase in post‐versus pre‐test results of 71% versus 41% (p < .0001). In the final summative post‐course exam, nursing students scored an average of 60% ± 2.4 while clinical nutrition students (TBL) scored significantly higher with an average of 78% ± 2.4 (p < .001). Qualitative studies revealed that accountability and team‐work were positive aspects perceived by students regarding TBL. The study showed that 84% of surveyed students enjoyed the experience, however, when asked about challenges self‐study was their main challenge. TBL proved to be a successful, learner‐centered approach for clinical nutrition students at KAU in their clinical biochemistry course resulting in improved learning outcomes and higher student satisfaction when compared with traditional didactic methods of teaching.
Environmental degradation, energy consumption and sustainable development: Accounting for the role of economic complexities with evidence from World Bank income clusters
Authors: Adedoyin Festus Fatai , Nwulu Nnamdi , Bekun Festus Victor
Published: March 2021

The anthropogenic consequences of renewable and non‐renewable energy consumption, economic growth, and air transport have been assessed enormously in the literature. However, given the complexities in many economies of the world today, it is important to reassess the ecological concerns of these factors in light of the Environmental Kuznets Curve framework. Therefore, this current study investigates the global assessment using data from World Bank Development database from 1995 to 2016. Evidence from the method employed, sys‐GMM, revealed that the economic complexities index increases the carbon emission in low‐income groups while it significantly decreases the carbon emission for upper‐middle and high‐income groups. For the combined group, the EKC hypothesis holds, and ECI significantly hampers carbon emissions. For the other variables, it is worthy of note that (1) economic growth contributes to the high carbon contents across the income group especially for low‐income, upper‐middle‐income and high‐income group; (2) the effects of air transport on carbon emission is positive for lower‐middle‐income and high‐income group and negative for the upper‐middle‐income group; (3) the use of coal rents and energy use leads to high release of carbon contents across all the income groups; and (4) a significant increase in the utilization of energy leads to increase in carbon contents except for lower‐income group, it leads to a decrease. From this empirical assessment, vital energy policy directions are suggested.
Green process innovation and operational performance: The role of proactive environment strategy, technological capabilities, and organizational learning
Authors: Bhatia Manjot Singh
Published: March 2021

With increase in the focus on environmental protection, firms are integrating sustainability issues in process and product innovations. Firms can contribute toward sustainability and also improve operational performance through green innovation practices. However, the adoption of green innovation practices depends on the proactivity of top managers toward environment management. In this paper, we study the relationships between proactive environment strategy, green process innovation (GPRI), and operational performance. Further, we examine the mediating effect of dynamic capabilities (DCs) (technological capabilities and organizational learning) between GPRI and operational performance. The proposed framework is tested by data collected from the Indian manufacturing industries and using partial least squares (PLS) technique. The findings demonstrate proactive environment strategy as an important antecedent for GPRI practices. Second, technological capabilities and organizational learning mediate between GPRI and operational performance. The results of the study are useful for managers in the manufacturing firms, who are interested to implement GPRI practices or who are in the early stage of implementing the GPRI practices.
Set your department apart by focusing on vulnerable populations
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: March 2021

Tom Torregrossa has had a lot of highlights in his career, first as a law enforcement officer for Monroe, Louisiana, and then as Director of University Police for the University of Louisiana, Monroe. But one sticks out like a sore thumb: his nomination as a finalist for campus security director of the year by Campus Safety Magazine.
How Portland State University is reimagining unarmed campus security patrols
Authors: Rahn Josh
Published: March 2021

The past couple of years have been challenging ones for campus security and public safety agencies. On the one hand, the COVID‐19 pandemic turned 2020 on its head, requiring administrators to adapt quickly to circumstances few could have predicted.
Nonmissile penetrating head injury with a wooden table leg: An illustrative case
Authors: Finneran Megan M. , Marotta Dario A. , Nardone Emilio M.
Published: March 2021

Penetrating head injuries are relatively uncommon and require a unique approach. This report highlights a previously unreported mechanism of injury with a table leg and the steps required to evaluate and promptly treat the patient.
Selective Oxidation of Methane to Methanol over Ceria‐Zirconia Supported Mono and Bimetallic Transition Metal Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Lyu Yimeng , Jocz Jennifer N. , Xu Rui , Williams Olivia C. , Sievers Carsten
Published: March 2021

Several ceria‐zirconia supported mono and bi‐metallic transition metal oxide clusters containing Fe, Cu, and Ni are synthesized by dry impregnation. Through XRD, H2‐TPR, NH3‐TPD, pyridine adsorption followed by FTIR spectroscopy and XAS, the well‐dispersed nature of the transition metal oxide clusters is revealed, and the Lewis acidity of the catalysts is assessed. In‐situ FTIR spectroscopy is used to monitor the methane activation on catalyst surfaces. All catalysts activate methane at 250 °C forming methyl, alkyl, and methoxy species on the catalyst surface. By co‐feeding steam and oxygen together with methane, continuous direct oxidation of methane to methanol can be achieved, with the complete oxidation to CO2 as the other reaction path. Methoxy species are found to be a key intermediate for methanol production. Lowering the methane conversion improves the methanol selectivity. By extrapolation, it is estimated that methanol selectivity close to unity can be achieved below a threshold of methane conversion at about 0.002 %. The formation of CuO and NiO mixed metal oxides produces stronger Lewis acid sites and yields higher methanol selectivity.
Quality‐Indicator‐Based Preprocessing for the Distribution of Relaxation Times Method
Authors: Schlüter Nicolas , Bergmann Tobias , Ernst Sabine , Schröder Uwe
Published: March 2021

The deconvolution of impedance data to their respective distribution of relaxation times (DRT) is accompanied by an increase in the resolution of the frequency domain and is, thus, advantageous. Yet, most of the techniques used for computing DRT spectra from experimental data are valid only for impedance spectra that solely show polarization processes. Therefore, most experimental electrochemical impedance spectra must be corrected from perturbing inductive, capacitive, or diffusive contributions. This preprocessing is time consuming, and its quality has an enormous impact on the obtained DRT spectra. It also prohibits using the DRT method within an automated impedance evaluation. In this work, we propose a software‐aided approach for deriving optimal preprocessing. For this purpose, we first introduce a quality indicator that reflects the quality of a certain preprocessing. Based on this quality indicator, we furthermore introduce a new batch fitting approach for deriving the optimal equivalent electrical circuit within the preprocessing of experimental impedance spectra. Besides, the batch fitting displays the optimal frequency range for modeling the unwanted impedance fractions. Based on this information, the considered impedance data can finally be optimally corrected from any non‐polarization processes. The new methods and their application are tested for simulated data and experimental impedance data of a lithium‐ion cell.
Porous monoliths of 3D graphene for electric double‐layer supercapacitors
Authors: Zeng Jinjue , Xu Chenyang , Gao Tian , Jiang Xiangfen , Wang Xue‐Bin
Published: March 2021

For delivering the nanoscaled extraordinary characteristics in macroscopical bulk, it is essential to integrate two‐dimensional nanosheets into three‐dimensional (3D) porous monoliths, alternatively called as 3D architectures, 3D networks, or aerogels. The intersupported structure of porous monolithic 3D graphene (3DG) can prevent aggregation or restacking of graphene individuals, and the interconnected sp2 network of 3DG not only can provide the highway for the transport of electron/phonon but also can present continual cavities/channels for mass transfer. This review summarizes the synthesis methodology of 3DG porous monoliths and highlights the application for electric double‐layer capacitors. Present challenges and future prospects about the manufacture and application of 3DG are also discussed.
Efficient Computation of Geometries for Gold Complexes
Authors: Leach Isaac F. , Belpassi Leonardo , Belanzoni Paola , Havenith Remco W. A. , Klein Johannes E. M. N.
Published: March 2021

Computationally obtaining structural parameters along a reaction coordinate is commonly performed with Kohn‐Sham density functional theory which generally provides a good balance between speed and accuracy. However, CPU times still range from inconvenient to prohibitive, depending on the size of the system under study. Herein, the tight binding GFN2‐xTB method [C. Bannwarth, S. Ehlert, S. Grimme, J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2019, 15, 1652] is investigated as an alternative to produce reasonable geometries along a reaction path, that is, reactant, product and transition state structures for a series of transformations involving gold complexes. A small mean error (1 kcal/mol) was found, with respect to an efficient composite hybrid‐GGA exchange‐correlation functional (PBEh‐3c) paired with a double‐ζ basis set, which is 2–3 orders of magnitude slower. The outlined protocol may serve as a rapid tool to probe the viability of proposed mechanistic pathways in the field of gold catalysis.
VLP‐factory™ and ADDomer©: Self‐assembling Virus‐Like Particle (VLP) Technologies for Multiple Protein and Peptide Epitope Display
Authors: Sari‐Ak Duygu , Bufton Joshua , Gupta Kapil , Garzoni Frederic , Fitzgerald Daniel , Schaffitzel Christiane , Berger Imre
Published: March 2021

Virus‐like particles (VLPs) play a prominent role in vaccination as safe and highly versatile alternatives to attenuated or inactivated viruses or subunit vaccines. We present here two innovations, VLP‐factory™ and ADDomer©, for creating VLPs displaying entire proteins or peptide epitopes as antigens, respectively, to enable efficient vaccination. For producing these VLPs, we use MultiBac, a baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) that we developed for producing complex protein biologics in insect cells transfected with an engineered baculovirus. VLPs are protein assemblies that share features with viruses but are devoid of genetic material, and thus considered safe. VLP‐factory™ represents a customized MultiBac baculovirus tailored to produce enveloped VLPs based on the M1 capsid protein of influenza virus. We apply VLP‐factory™ to create an array of influenza‐derived VLPs presenting functional mutant influenza hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein variants. Moreover, we describe MultiBac‐based production of ADDomer©, a synthetic self‐assembling adenovirus‐derived protein‐based VLP platform designed to display multiple copies of pathogenic epitopes at the same time on one particle for highly efficient vaccination. © 2021 The Authors.

This article was corrected on 20 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: VLP‐factory™ baculoviral genome generation

Basic Protocol 2: Influenza VLP array generation using VLP‐factory™

Basic Protocol 3: Influenza VLP purification

Basic Protocol 4: ADDomer© BioBrick design, expression, and purification

Basic Protocol 5: ADDomer© candidate vaccines against infectious diseases
Plasmonic Enhancement in Water Splitting Performance for NiFe Layered Double Hydroxide‐N10TC MXene Heterojunction
Authors: Wang Jin , Wei Xiaoqing , Song Wenwu , Shi Xu , Wang Xunyue , Zhong Weiting , Wang Minmin , Ju Jianfeng , Tang Yanfeng
Published: March 2021

MXene‐based material has attracted wide attention due to its tunable band gap, high conductivity and impressive optical and plasmonic properties. Herein, a hetero‐nanostructured water splitting system was developed based on N‐doped Ti3C2 (N10TC) MXene and NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets. The oxygen evolution reaction performance of the NiFe‐LDH significantly enhanced to approximately 8.8‐fold after incorporation of N10TC. Meanwhile, the Tafel slope was only 58.1 mV dec−1 with light irradiation, which is lower than pure NiFe‐LDH nanosheets (76.9 mV dec−1). All results manifested the vital role of the N10TC MXene induced plasmonic hot carriers via electrophoto‐excitation in enhancing the full water splitting performance of the as‐prepared system. This work is expected to provide a platform for designing various plasmonic MXenes‐based heterogeneous structures for highly efficient catalytic applications.
Urban living influences the nesting success of Darwin’s finches in the Galápagos Islands
Authors: Harvey Johanna A. , Chernicky Kiley , Simons Shelby R. , Verrett Taylor B. , Chaves Jaime A. , Knutie Sarah A.
Published: March 2021

Urbanization is expanding worldwide with major consequences for organisms. Anthropogenic factors can reduce the fitness of animals but may have benefits, such as consistent human food availability. Understanding anthropogenic trade‐offs is critical in environments with variable levels of natural food availability, such as the Galápagos Islands, an area of rapid urbanization. For example, during dry years, the reproductive success of bird species, such as Darwin's finches, is low because reduced precipitation impacts food availability. Urban areas provide supplemental human food to finches, which could improve their reproductive success during years with low natural food availability. However, urban finches might face trade‐offs, such as the incorporation of anthropogenic debris (e.g., string, plastic) into their nests, which may increase mortality. In our study, we determined the effect of urbanization on the nesting success of small ground finches (Geospiza fuliginosa; a species of Darwin's finch) during a dry year on San Cristóbal Island. We quantified nest building, egg laying and hatching, and fledging in an urban and nonurban area and characterized the anthropogenic debris in nests. We also documented mortalities including nest trash‐related deaths and whether anthropogenic materials directly led to entanglement‐ or ingestion‐related nest mortalities. Overall, urban finches built more nests, laid more eggs, and produced more fledglings than nonurban finches. However, every nest in the urban area contained anthropogenic material, which resulted in 18% nestling mortality while nonurban nests had no anthropogenic debris. Our study showed that urban living has trade‐offs: urban birds have overall higher nesting success during a dry year than nonurban birds, but urban birds can suffer mortality from anthropogenic‐related nest‐materials. These results suggest that despite potential costs, finches benefit overall from urban living and urbanization may buffer the effects of limited resource availability in the Galápagos Islands.
Fish pass use by shads (Alosa alosa L. and Alosa fallax [Lacépède, 1803]): Implications for monitoring and management
Authors: Belo Ana F. , Cardoso Gabriela , Pereira Esmeralda , Quintella Bernardo R. , Mateus Catarina S. , Alexandre Carlos M. , Batista Carlos , Telhado Ana , Quadrado Maria Felisbina , Almeida Pedro R.
Published: March 2021

Fish pass monitoring is essential to ensure the device's effectiveness as a mitigation measure for river impoundment, guaranteeing the longitudinal continuity of rivers, which is particularly important for diadromous fish that depend on obligatory migrations to freshwater reproduction (anadromous) or feeding areas (catadromous) to complete their life cycle. The upstream migration of the anadromous allis (Alosa alosa L.) and twaite (Alosa fallax Lacépède, 1803) shad in the River Mondego, Central Portugal, is being monitored at the Coimbra Dam fish pass since 2013, using visual counts. Statistical models were used to evaluate shad passage and to identify the main environmental variables that seem to condition their behaviour. A total of 26,561 shad were recorded in this infrastructure during the study period (2013–2017), with 96.5% of the total counted fish being counted between April and June. Overall, water temperature and river flow are the environmental predictors that consistently influence the number of shad using the fish pass, although its individual contribution changed between years. The models (Boosted Regression Trees) obtained were robust with an average explained deviance of 0.79 (R2), despite the poorer results associated with the 2015 spawning season, that were possibly related with the low number of adult fish observed that year. Results from this study contribute to better understand the dynamics associated with fish pass use by Alosa sp. and can help the conservation and management of these species through the improvement of fish pass attractiveness and, consequently, the overall efficiency of fish pass devices targeting shads.
Ru(II)‐Catalyzed Regioselective Hydroarylative Coupling of Indolines with Internal Alkynes by C−H Activation
Authors: Raziullah  , Kumar Mohit , Khan Afsar Ali , Dutta Himangsu Sekhar , Ahmad Ashfaq , Vaishnav Jayanti , Kant Ruchir , Ampapathi Ravi Sankar , Koley Dipankar
Published: March 2021

We have developed a regioselective hydroarylative coupling of indolines with internal alkynes by the activation of C−H bond using inexpensive Ru(II)‐catalyst. This redox‐neutral, atom‐economical, and scalable C−H functionalization has been accomplished using easily removable weakly coordinating directing group. Diverse unsymmetrically substituted alkynes appended with pharmacologically important heterocycles were coupled with various indolines and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolines to furnish the corresponding trisubstituted alkenes with very high regioselectivity. The application of the method has been demonstrated with a number of alkyne‐containing drug molecules, natural products, carbohydrates, amino acids, steroids, and other heterocycles. Preliminary mechanistic interrogation revealed that the C−H activation proceeds through base‐assisted internal electrophilic‐type substitution process.
Subcutaneous tanezumab for osteoarthritis: Is the early improvement in pain and function meaningful and sustained?
Authors: Berenbaum Francis , Langford Richard , Perrot Serge , Miki Kenji , Blanco Francisco J , Yamabe Takaharu , Isogawa Naoki , Junor Rod , Carey William , Viktrup Lars , West Christine R , Brown Mark T , Verburg Kenneth M
Published: March 2021

Background

To evaluate if early improvements in pain and function with subcutaneous tanezumab are meaningful and sustained over 24 weeks.

Methods

Patients with moderate‐to‐severe osteoarthritis (hip or knee) in Europe and Japan were randomized to placebo, tanezumab 2.5 mg or tanezumab 5 mg (baseline, Week 8 and Week 16). Outcomes included: average daily index joint pain score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) subscales, rescue medication use, WOMAC responders (within‐patient ≥30% reduction in WOMAC Pain or Physical Function), Outcome Measures in Rheumatology‐Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OMERACT‐OARSI) responders (within‐patient) and Patient‐reported Treatment Impact Assessment‐Modified questionnaire.

Results

Patients received placebo (n = 282), tanezumab 2.5 mg (n = 283) or tanezumab 5 mg (n = 284). Changes from baseline in average daily index joint pain (within the first week) and WOMAC subscales (Week 2 through Week 24) were greater for each tanezumab group versus placebo (least squares [LS] mean, unadjusted p ≤ .05). Rescue medication use (days/week) was lower for each tanezumab group versus placebo from Week 2 through Week 12 (LS mean, unadjusted p ≤ .05) but not at Week 16 or 24. A higher proportion of each tanezumab group than placebo achieved ≥30% reduction from baseline in WOMAC Pain or Physical Function, or OMERACT‐OARSI response (Week 2 through Week 24, unadjusted p ≤ .05), or were satisfied with treatment at Week 24 (unadjusted p ≤ .05).

Conclusions

Subcutaneous tanezumab, compared with placebo, reduced pain within the first week, and pain and function were improved throughout 24 weeks. The proportions of responders and patients satisfied were higher with tanezumab than placebo.

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02709486.

Significance

This exploratory analysis of data from a placebo‐controlled, Phase 3 study of patients with moderate‐to‐severe osteoarthritis of the hip or knee for whom standard analgesics were not effective or could not be taken, found that onset of efficacy of subcutaneous tanezumab was within the first week, and efficacy was maintained through the 24‐week treatment period. Tanezumab was effective in those patients with the most radiologically severe osteoarthritis.
Methylmercury Production and Degradation under Light and Dark Conditions in the Water Column of the Hells Canyon Reservoirs, USA
Authors: Eckley Chris S. , Luxton Todd P. , Knightes Christopher D. , Shah Vishal
Published: March 2021

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a highly toxic form of mercury that can bioaccumulate in fish tissue. Methylmercury is produced by anaerobic bacteria, many of which are also capable of MeHg degradation. In addition, demethylation in surface waters can occur via abiotic sunlight-mediated processes. The goal of the present study was to understand the relative importance of microbial Hg methylation/demethylation and abiotic photodemethylation that govern the mass of MeHg within an aquatic system. The study location was the Hells Canyon complex of 3 reservoirs on the Idaho–Oregon border, USA, that has fish consumption advisories as a result of elevated MeHg concentrations. Our study utilized stable isotope addition experiments to trace MeHg formation and degradation within the water column of the reservoirs to understand the relative importance of these processes on the mass of MeHg using the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program. The results showed that rates of MeHg production and degradation within the water column were relatively low (<0.07 d–1) but sufficient to account for most of the MeHg observed with the system. Most MeHg production within the water column appeared to occur in the spring when much of the water column was in the processes of becoming anoxic. In the surface waters, rates of photodemethylation were relatively large (up to –0.25 d–1) but quickly decreased at depths >0.5 m below the surface. These results can be used to identify the relative importance of MeHg processes that can help guide reservoir management decisions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1827–1837. © 2021 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Winemaking Characteristics of Red‐Fleshed Dragon Fruit from Three Locations in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Yu Zhi‐Hai , Li Jin‐Qiang , He Shu‐Cheng , Zhou Xian‐Can , Wu Jia‐Sheng , Wang Qing , Huang Ming‐Zheng , Liu Xiao‐Zhu , Liu Xiao‐Hui , Gong Xun , Tang Wei‐Yuan , Xu Cun‐Bin , Jiang Xiao‐Lin , Hardie William James
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to identify the locations and harvest months in Guizhou province, China, producing the most suitable red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) for winemaking. Fruit from Guanling, Luodian and Zhenfeng counties was harvested separately from successive fruit cycles in August, September and October, respectively. The key traits measured were fruit weight, pulp yield, soluble solids content, and titratable acid. Wine characteristics measured were alcohol content, total carbohydrates, titratable acidity, volatile acidity, and betacyanin content. The overall suitability of fruit from each location for winemaking was evaluated using a multi‐factor, unweighted, scorecard. On that basis, fruit from Guanling county harvested in August was the most suitable. Fruit from Luodian, and Zhenfeng was most suitable when harvested in August and September, and September, respectively. These results provide a preliminary guide for the sourcing of red dragon fruit from Guizhou for wine production.
Dietary diversity and practice of pregnant and lactating women in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bitew Zebenay Workneh , Alemu Ayinalem , Ayele Ermias Getaneh , Worku Teshager
Published: March 2021

The dietary diversity of pregnant and lactating women remains unacceptably poor in resource‐limited countries such as Ethiopia. Despite the presence of inconsistent and inconclusive small‐scale studies, it is difficult to portray an actual picture of dietary diversity and dietary practices of women in Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of dietary diversity, dietary practice, and dietary patterns of pregnant and lactating women in Ethiopia. Electronic and gray literature sources were explored. A total of 3,256 articles were found, of which 38 were included in the final analysis. The data were analyzed by using STATA version 15. The pooled estimates were presented using random‐effects models due to considerable heterogeneities among studies. In this study, 16,412 pregnant and lactating women were included. The pooled prevalence of low, medium, and high dietary diversity scores of pregnant women was 37.1%, 41.55%, and 39.3%, respectively. Likewise, low, medium, and high dietary diversity scores of lactating women were 50.31%, 41.22%, and 9.1%, respectively. The mean dietary diversity of pregnant and lactating women was 3.99 ± 0.20. Regarding the minimum dietary diversity, 56.6% of pregnant women and 50.21% of lactating women were found to have inadequate dietary diversities. Two‐third (65.7%) of pregnant women were found to have poor dietary practice. Starchy foods were the main staple foods of study subjects, whereas organ meats were least consumed food types. The dietary diversity score, minimum dietary diversity, and dietary practices of women are suboptimal and below WHO and FAO recommendations. This could lead to both macro‐ and micronutrient deficiencies. Policymakers, program managers, healthcare workers, and stakeholders need to redesign nutrition promotion and intervention programs to alleviate this issue.
Geochronology and trace elements of zircon in the Southern Chinese Altay: Implications for tectonic setting
Authors: Niu Lei , Hong Tao , Xu Xing‐Wang , Wang Xue‐Hai , Li Hang , Ke Qiang , Ma Yin‐Ce
Published: March 2021

Zircon (ZrSiO4) trace elements are commonly used to distinguish the tectonic settings of their host rocks. The Chinese Altay is a key area for deciphering the accretionary history of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), and its tectonic setting during the Devonian is debated. In this study, we describe the systematic investigations of the magmatic and metamorphic rocks from the Qiemuerqieke and Qinghe areas situated to the west and east of Southern Altay, respectively. In doing so, we present the first attempt to elucidate the Devonian tectonic setting of the Southern Altay based on zircon trace elements. Zircon U–Pb geochronological studies on the magmatic and metamorphic rocks in Southern Altay yielded ages of 395–360 Ma, which indicate that these metamorphic rocks formed in the Devonian rather than the Precambrian. Furthermore, most of the zircons from these rocks were concentrated in the arc‐related orogenic setting of the discrimination diagrams of Th/U versus Nb/Hf and Th/Nb versus Hf/Th, and in the continental field of the discrimination diagrams of Yb versus U, Hf versus U/Yb, Y versus U/Yb, and Nb/Yb versus U/Yb. These results are consistent with the geochronology and whole‐rock geochemistry of Devonian granitoids in Southern Altay. Therefore, we propose that the continental arc along the Southern Chinese Altay was triggered by the active continental margin of the Altay‐Mongolian Terrane during the Devonian.
Revealing the mechanisms behind novel auditory stimuli discrimination: An evaluation of silent functionalMRIusing looping star
Authors: Damestani Nikou L. , O'Daly Owen , Solana Ana Beatriz , Wiesinger Florian , Lythgoe David J. , Hill Simon , de Lara Rubio Alfonso , Makovac Elena , Williams Steven C. R. , Zelaya Fernando
Published: March 2021

Looping Star is a near‐silent, multi‐echo, 3D functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique. It reduces acoustic noise by at least 25dBA, with respect to gradient‐recalled echo echo‐planar imaging (GRE‐EPI)‐based fMRI. Looping Star has successfully demonstrated sensitivity to the cerebral blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) response during block design paradigms but has not been applied to event‐related auditory perception tasks. Demonstrating Looping Star's sensitivity to such tasks could (a) provide new insights into auditory processing studies, (b) minimise the need for invasive ear protection, and (c) facilitate the translation of numerous fMRI studies to investigations in sound‐averse patients. We aimed to demonstrate, for the first time, that multi‐echo Looping Star has sufficient sensitivity to the BOLD response, compared to that of GRE‐EPI, during a well‐established event‐related auditory discrimination paradigm: the “oddball” task. We also present the first quantitative evaluation of Looping Star's test–retest reliability using the intra‐class correlation coefficient. Twelve participants were scanned using single‐echo GRE‐EPI and multi‐echo Looping Star fMRI in two sessions. Random‐effects analyses were performed, evaluating the overall response to tones and differential tone recognition, and intermodality analyses were computed. We found that multi‐echo Looping Star exhibited consistent sensitivity to auditory stimulation relative to GRE‐EPI. However, Looping Star demonstrated lower test–retest reliability in comparison with GRE‐EPI. This could reflect differences in functional sensitivity between the techniques, though further study is necessary with additional cognitive paradigms as varying cognitive strategies between sessions may arise from elimination of acoustic scanner noise.
Groundwater–surface water connectivity in a chain‐of‐ponds semiarid river
Authors: Lamontagne Sébastien , Kirby Jason , Johnston Caroline
Published: March 2021

Semiarid rivers are often characterized by chains of small pools connected by riffles and wet meadows. The pools can be maintained by wet season surface runoff, groundwater discharge, or some combination thereof. Using synoptic surveys for several environmental tracers (δD and δ18O of H2O, specific electrical conductance at 25°C [EC], chloride and 222Rn), we evaluated the groundwater—surface water connectivity of the Light River (South Australia) along an 8 km section in the vicinity of a proposed mining development. In all three surveys (representing spring, summer and winter conditions), the pools were maintained by regional groundwater discharge based on an elevated surface water EC (9–12 dS m−1) similar to regional groundwater, elevated radon‐222 activities (0.09–3.0 Bq L−1) and low rainfall. Most pools were perennial, either because they directly received groundwater discharge or, indirectly, had an inflow originating from upstream groundwater‐fed pools. The elevated salinity of regional groundwater is a key factor for the maintenance of perennial pools in the Light River because the potential for baseflow depletion by groundwater pumping is more limited.
Comparing training methods to improve volunteer skills during therapeutic horseback riding: A randomized control trial
Authors: St. Peter Claire C. , Shuler Natalie J. , Jones Stephanie H. , Bradtke Sarah , Hull Sydney L. , Browning Bethany , VanGilder Stephanie , Petitto Carol
Published: March 2021

Although in‐vivo behavioral skills training (BST) is often effective, it may be too resource‐intensive for organizations that rely on volunteers. Alternatives to in‐vivo BST include video models or interactive computer training (ICT), but the utility of these procedures for training volunteers remains largely unknown. We used a randomized control trial to teach multiple skills to new volunteers at a therapeutic riding center. A total of 60 volunteers were assigned to one of three groups using block randomization. Depending on group assignment, volunteers received instructions and modeling through in‐vivo interactions, a video model, or ICT. All volunteers completed in‐vivo role plays with feedback. Skills were measured by unblinded observers during role plays. There were no statistically significant differences in accuracy of role‐play performance between volunteers in the in‐vivo BST and ICT groups, but both outperformed the video‐model group. The ICT and video model required statistically significantly less time from a live instructor than did in‐vivo training. Thus, although in‐vivo BST remains best practice, ICT may be a viable alternative when training resources are limited.
Engineering students' noncognitive and affective factors: Group differences from cluster analysis
Authors: Scheidt Matthew , Godwin Allison , Berger Edward , Chen John , Self Brian P. , Widmann James M. , Gates Ann Q.
Published: March 2021

Background

Noncognitive and affective (NCA) factors (e.g., belonging, engineering identity, motivation, mindset, personality, etc.) are important to undergraduate student success. However, few studies have considered how these factors coexist and act in concert.

Purpose/Hypothesis

We hypothesize that students cluster into several distinct collections of NCA factors and that identifying and considering the factors together may inform student support programs and engineering education.

Design/Method

We measured 28 NCA factors using a survey instrument with strong validity evidence. We gathered responses from 2339 engineering undergraduates at 17 U.S. institutions and used Gaussian mixture modeling (GMM) to group respondents into clusters.

Results

We found four distinct profiles of students in our data and a set of unclustered students with the NCA factor patterns varying substantially by cluster. Correlations of cluster membership to self‐reported incoming academic performance measures were not strong, suggesting that students' NCA factors rather than traditionally used cognitive measures may better distinguish among students in engineering programs.

Conclusions

GMM is a powerful technique for person‐centered clustering of high‐dimensional datasets. The four distinct clusters of students discovered in this research illustrate the diversity of engineering students' NCA profiles. The NCA factor patterns within the clusters provide new insights on how these factors may function together and provide opportunities to intervene on multiple factors simultaneously, potentially resulting in more comprehensive and effective interventions. This research leads to future work on both student success modeling and student affairs–academic partnerships to understand and promote holistic student success.
Exploring parents’ perceptions of the value of pediatric genetic counseling patient letters: A qualitative study presenting lessons learned
Authors: Brown Courtney , Head Katharine J. , Hartsock Jane , Burns Katelyn , Wilson Theodore E. , Prucka Sandra
Published: March 2021

Genetic counseling patient letters are a valuable supplement to genetic counseling practice. As the demand for genetic services increases, improving efficiency in daily tasks such as letter writing could improve genetic counselor workflow. Additionally, understanding the value recipients place on the content of these letters prior to creating efficiencies is essential toward ensuring that the utility of these letters is not lost. To better understand parents’ perceptions of the letter's value in the pediatric genetic counseling setting, we employed a qualitative design involving thirteen parents of children who received a patient letter following their diagnosis. Parents participated in a semi‐structured focus group, interview, or phone interview, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. In addition to gathering perceptions of their child's letter, we sought to learn preferences for letter length, formatting, and level of detail by asking for verbal and written feedback on three different letter formats created for a fictional patient. We used self‐determination theory (SDT) framework to create the sample letters, which states that an individual's experience of autonomy, competence, and relatedness can impact their ability to engage in activities. This includes caring for a child with special medical needs. While the findings from this work reinforced the importance of written communication for patients as seen in previous research, this work uncovered three major themes about the letter's value: (a) elements such as readability and content impact parent feelings of autonomy and improve competence moving forward with their child's care; (b) parents value written acknowledgment of the emotional impact of the diagnosis; and (c) parents use the letter as a tool to communicate their child's diagnosis with others. These results can be used for creating comprehensible patient letters that support autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
Do remote areas benefit from economic growth? Evidence from Uganda
Authors: Daniels Lisa , Minot Nicholas
Published: March 2021

One of the most universal patterns in the spatial distribution of poverty in developing countries is that the incidence of poverty is lower in urban areas than in rural areas. It is widely accepted, though less well documented, that remote rural areas tend to be poorer than areas with good market access. Furthermore, there is concern that remote rural areas may not benefit equally from economic growth. In this paper, we examine poverty trends in rural Uganda to test whether remote rural areas benefit from economic growth to the same degree as better connected rural areas. Applying a variant of small‐area estimation methods to household survey data and several Demographic and Health Surveys carried out over 10 years, we confirm that remote rural areas are poorer than better connected rural areas, but find no evidence that they have fallen further behind over this period.