bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rumen bacterial community profile and fermentation in Barki sheep fed olive cake and date palm byproducts
Authors: Rabee Alaa Emara , Kewan Khalid Z. , Sabra Ebrahim A. , El Shaer Hassan M. , Lamara Mebarek
Published: November 2021

Rumen bacteria make the greatest contribution to rumen fermentation that enables the host animal to utilize the ingested feeds. Agro-industrial byproducts (AIP) such as olive cake (OC) and date palm byproducts (discarded dates (DD), and date palm fronds (DPF)) represent a practical solution to the deficiency in common feed resources. In this study, thirty-six growing Barki lambs were divided into three groups to evaluate the effect of untraditional diets including the AIP on the growth performance. Subsequently, nine adult Barki rams were used to evaluate the effect of experimental diets on rumen fermentation and rumen bacteria. Three rations were used: common concentrate mixture (S1), common untraditional concentrate mixture including OC and DD (S2), and the same concentrate mixture in S2 supplemented with roughage as DPF enriched with 15% molasses (S3). The animals in S2 group showed higher dry matter intake (DMI) and lower relative growth rate (RGR) as compared to the animals in S1 group. However, the animals in S3 group were the lowest in DMI but achieved RGR by about 87.6% of that in the S1 group. Rumen pH, acetic and butyric acids were more prevalent in animals of S3 group and rumen ammonia (NH3-N), total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), propionic acid were higher in S1. Rumen enzymes activities were higher in S1 group followed by S3 and S2. The bacterial population was more prevalent in S1 and microbial diversity was higher in the S3 group. Principal coordinate analysis revealed clusters associated with diet type and the relative abundance of bacteria varied between sheep groups. The bacterial community was dominated by phylum Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes; whereas, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, and Butyrivibrio were the dominant genera. Results indicate that diet S3 supplemented by OC, DD, and DPF could replace the conventional feed mixture.
El futuro perfecto y los predicados estativos
Authors:   Universidad de Córdoba (España), Martínez-Atienza María
Published: November 2021

En este trabajo analizamos el significado aspectual que recibe el futuro compuesto cuando se combina con predicados estativos desde el punto de vista del aspecto léxico o modo de acción. Como demostramos, la variedad expresada en estos casos es el denominado perfecto experiencial, de acuerdo con la cual se expresa la experiencia del sujeto en el momento de la enunciación o en un determinado punto de referencia como resultado de un evento que ha tenido lugar al menos en una ocasión. Estudiaremos para ello las dos interpretaciones que recibe la forma verbal objeto de nuestro estudio: de anterioridad respecto a un evento posterior al momento de la enunciación (con carácter relativo) y de modalidad epistémica (con carácter absoluto).
CD47‐ and Integrin α4/β1‐Comodified‐Macrophage‐Membrane‐Coated Nanoparticles Enable Delivery of Colchicine to Atherosclerotic Plaque
Authors: Li Yuyu , Che Junyi , Chang Lei , Guo Meng , Bao Xue , Mu Dan , Sun Xuan , Zhang Xin , Lu Wen , Xie Jun
Published: November 2021

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease and the major pathological factor of most cardiovascular diseases, leading to ≈1/3 of deaths worldwide. Improving local delivery of anti‐inflammatory drugs to the site of atherosclerosis has significant promise to prevent the development of atherosclerotic plaque clinically. Here, a modified‐macrophage‐membrane‐coated nanoparticle drug delivery able to transport colchicine to the atherosclerotic site is reported. This hybrid system efficiently targets endothelial cells under an inflammatory environment while escaping the endocytosis of macrophages. Furthermore, the anti‐inflammatory effect of the modified‐macrophage‐membrane‐coated nanoparticles on foam cells is studied. In vivo, the migration of the modified‐macrophage‐membrane‐coated nanoparticles to atherosclerotic lesions is confirmed in a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque mouse model. Intravenous injections of the hybrid system successfully reduce the lipid plaque load and improve the plaque stability. This strategy provides a potential therapeutic system for the targeted delivery of anti‐inflammatory drugs to the atherosclerotic site for the treatment of atherosclerosis in cardiovascular diseases.
Hydrogen Sulfide: An Emerging Precision Strategy for Gas Therapy
Authors: Ding He , Chang Jinhu , He Fei , Gai Shili , Yang Piaoping
Published: November 2021

Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the rapid development of stimuli‐responsive therapeutic nanomaterials for precision gas therapy. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a significant gaseous signaling molecule with intrinsic biochemical properties, which exerts its various physiological effects under both normal and pathological conditions. Various nanomaterials with H2S‐responsive properties, as new‐generation therapeutic agents, are explored to guide therapeutic behaviors in biological milieu. The cross disciplinary of H2S is an emerging scientific hotspot that studies the chemical properties, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic effects of H2S. This review summarizes the state‐of‐art research on H2S‐related nanomedicines. In particular, recent advances in H2S therapeutics for cancer, such as H2S‐mediated gas therapy and H2S‐related synergistic therapies (combined with chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and chemodynamic therapy) are highlighted. Versatile imaging techniques for real‐time monitoring H2S during biological diagnosis are reviewed. Finally, the biosafety issues, current challenges, and potential possibilities in the evolution of H2S‐based therapy that facilitate clinical translation to patients are discussed.
Photosynthetic Oxygenation‐Augmented Sonodynamic Nanotherapy of Hypoxic Tumors
Authors: Lu Shuting , Feng Wei , Dong Caihong , Song Xinran , Gao Xiang , Guo Jinhe , Chen Yu , Hu Zhongqian
Published: November 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been employed as a powerful therapeutic agent for eradicating tumor via oxidative stress. As an emerging ROS‐involving noninvasive anticancer therapeutic modality, sonodynamic therapy (SDT) with high tissue penetration depth and benign remote spatiotemporal selectivity has been progressively utilized as the distinct alternative for ROS‐based tumor treatment. However, the hypoxic tumor microenvironment substantially restricts the sonodynamic effect. In this work, an oxygen self‐sufficient hybrid sonosensitizer on the basis of photosynthetic microorganisms cyanobacteria (Cyan) integrated with ultrasmall oxygen‐deficient bimetallic oxide Mn1.4WOx nanosonosensitizers, termed as M@C, is designed and engineered to overcome the critical issue of hypoxia‐induced tumor resistance and strengthen the SDT effect. The sustained photosynthetic oxygen production by Cyan under light illumination can promote Mn1.4WOx nanosonosensitizers to produce more ROS against cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo under ultrasound (US) irradiation. Especially, the sustained oxygen evolution for suppressing the gene expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1alpha (HIF‐1α) further boosts and augments the SDT efficiency. Thus, this work provides the paradigm that the rationally engineered biohybrid microorganism‐based multifunctional sonosensitizers can serve as an effective bioplatform for augmenting the therapeutic efficiency of SDT, particularly for the treatment of hypoxic tumors.
Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Cathode with Dual Energy‐Storage Mechanism for Ultrahigh‐Rate and Ultralong‐Life Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Xuemei , Cao Xinxin , Yao Mengli , Shan Lutong , Shi Xiaodong , Fang Guozhao , Pan Anqiang , Lu Bingan , Zhou Jiang , Liang Shuquan
Published: November 2021

The exploitation of cathode materials with high capacity as well as high operating voltage is extremely important for the development of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs). Yet, the classical high‐capacity materials (e.g., vanadium‐based materials) provide a low discharge voltage, while organic cathodes with high operating voltage generally suffer from a low capacity. In this work, organic (ethylenediamine)–inorganic (vanadium oxide) hybrid cathodes, that is, EDA‐VO, with a dual energy‐storage mechanism, are designed for ultrahigh‐rate and ultralong‐life ZIBs. The embedded ethylenediamine (EDA) can not only increase the layer spacing of the vanadium oxide, with improved mobility of Zn ions in the V–O layered structure, but also act as a bidentate chelating ligand participating in the storage of Zn ions. This hybrid provides a high specific capacity (382.6 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1), elevated voltage (0.82 V) and excellent long‐term cycle stability (over 10 000 cycles at 5 A g−1). Assistant density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate the cathode has remarkable electronic conductivity, with an ultralow diffusion barrier of 0.78 eV for an optimal Zn‐ion diffusion path in the EDA‐VO. This interesting idea of building organic–inorganic hybrid cathode materials with a dual energy‐storage mechanism opens a new research direction toward high‐energy secondary batteries.
Sonochemical Synthesis of Ga/ZnO Nanomaterials from a Liquid Metal for Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Oloye Olawale , Fernando Joseph F. S. , Golberg Dmitri , O'Mullane Anthony P.
Published: November 2021

The effective degradation of synthetic dyes via photocatalysis using abundant cheap materials is an ongoing challenge. Often photocatalysts are costly and employ complex fabrication processes that give limited efficiency which therefore inhibits widespread industrial proliferation. To address this issue, a simple room temperature alloying process followed by sonication for the preparation of photocatalytically active GaZnO nanosheets confined on a metallic GaZn core is reported. The material is characterized with X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical techniques. These analyses confirm the presence of a metallic GaZn core decorated with GaZnO nanosheets. The resultant GaZn/GaZnO catalyst exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange. A high degradation efficiency of 73% is achieved under solar simulated conditions which is attributed to the GaZn core acting as an electron sink allowing for effective charge carrier separation at the surface confined GaZnO sheets and the production of reactive oxygen species.
Regulation of Morphology and Electronic Structure of FeCoNi Layered Double Hydroxides for Highly Active and Stable Water Oxidization Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Yan Feng , Ma Xinzhi , Zhu Chunling , Wang Yue , Xie Ying , Chou Shu‐Lei , Huang Youju , Chen Yujin
Published: November 2021

Highly efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are very important for various energy storage and conversion systems such as water splitting devices and metal‐air batteries. However, developing OER electrocatalysts with high activity and excellent stability at a high current density remains a considerable challenge. Herein, a facile room‐temperature‐stirring strategy is described to obtain FeCoNi layered double hydroxide nanocages (FeCoNi‐LDHs) using a metal–organic framework as a precursor. The FeCoNi‐LDHs have hollow features, while their walls are assembled with ultrathin layered hydroxide nanosheets. By designing a unique structure and tuning the composition, high activity and robust long‐term stability of the FeCoNi‐LDHs for the OER outperform IrO2, used as the reference catalyst. The as‐obtained high electrochemically active surface area and the decreased transfer resistance are ascribed to the significantly improved activity. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the introduction of Fe can fine‐tune the electronic structure and decrease the Gibbs free energy difference of the rate‐determining step (ΔG3), improving the intrinsic activity of FeCoNi‐LDHs toward the OER. Furthermore, the proposed room‐temperature‐stirring strategy can be easily scaled up to more than 10 grams of nanocages through a single batch reaction process, demonstrating the large‐scale applicability of the catalysts.
A test of the reproductive assurance hypothesis inIpomoea hederacea: does inbreeding depression counteract the benefits of self‐pollination?
Authors: Delgado‐Dávila Ruth , Martén‐Rodríguez Silvana
Published: November 2021

Premise

Darwin proposed that self‐pollination in allegedly outcrossing species might act as a reproductive assurance mechanism when pollinators or mates are scarce; however, in natural populations, the benefits of selfing may be opposed by seed discounting and inbreeding depression. While empirical studies show variation among species and populations in the magnitude of reproductive assurance, little is known about the counterbalancing effects of inbreeding depression.

Methods

By comparing the female reproductive success of emasculated and open‐pollinated flowers, we assessed the reproductive assurance hypothesis in two Mexican populations ofIpomoea hederacea. In one population, we assessed temporal variation in reproductive assurance for three years. We evaluated inbreeding depression on seed production, seedling germination, and dry plant mass by contrasting self‐ and cross‐hand pollination treatments in one population for two years.

Result

The contribution of self‐pollination to female reproductive success was high and consistent between populations, but there was variation in reproductive assurance across years. Inbreeding depression was absent in the early stages of progeny development, but there was a small negative effect of inbreeding in the probability of germination and the mass of adult progeny.

Conclusions

Self‐pollination provided significant reproductive assurance inI. hederaceabut this contribution was variable across time. The contribution of reproductive assurance is probably reduced by inbreeding depression in later stages of progeny development, but this counter effect was small in the study populations. This study supports the hypothesis that reproductive assurance with limited inbreeding depression is likely an important selective force in the evolution of self‐pollination in the genusIpomoea.
The association of motoric cognitive risk with incident dementia and neuroimaging characteristics: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Gomez Gabriela T. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Palta Priya , Gross Alden L. , Soldan Anja , Albert Marilyn S. , Sullivan Kevin J. , Jack Clifford R. , Knopman David S. , Windham B. Gwen , Walker Keenan A.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Motoric cognitive risk (MCR), a clinical syndrome characterized by slow gait speed and subjective cognitive complaints, has been associated with dementia risk. The neuropathological features underlying MCR remain poorly understood.

Methods

The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) community‐based cohort study classified participants using standardized criteria as MCR+/– and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)+/– at study baseline (2011–2013). We examined the 5‐year dementia risk and baseline brain structural/molecular abnormalities associated with MCR+ and MCI+ status.

Results

Of 5023 nondemented participants included, 204 were MCR+ and 1030 were MCI+. Both MCR+ and MCI+ participants demonstrated increased dementia risk. The pattern of structural brain abnormalities associated with MCR+ differed from that of MCI+. Whereas MCI+ was associated with comparatively smaller volumes in brain regions vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease pathology, MCR+ status was associated with smaller volumes in frontoparietal regions and greater white matter abnormalities.

Discussion

MCR may represent a predementia syndrome characterized by prominent white matter abnormalities and frontoparietal atrophy.
Sequential Metal Catalysis towards 7‐Oxostaurosporine and Its Non‐Natural Septanose Analogue
Authors: Seo Kyeongdeok , Jang Seok Hyeon , Rhee Young Ho
Published: November 2021

We report sequential metal catalysis towards indolocarbazole glycosides. The signature event is highlighted by i) Pd0‐catalyzed addition of indolocarbazole to alkoxyallene combined with ring‐closing‐metathesis; ii) Ru‐catalyzed chemoselective olefin migration; iii) PdII‐catalyzed oxidative cyclization to build the bicyclic core structure of the target compounds. This approach gave access to both natural pyranose‐ and non‐natural septanose glycosides. A short formal synthesis of 7‐oxostaurosporine was achieved via this strategy.
Photophysics of Perylene Diimide Dianions and Their Application in Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Li Han , Wenger Oliver S.
Published: November 2021

The two‐electron reduced forms of perylene diimides (PDIs) are luminescent closed‐shell species whose photochemical properties seem underexplored. Our proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates that straightforward (single) excitation of PDI dianions with green photons provides an excited state that is similarly or more reducing than the much shorter‐lived excited states of PDI radical monoanions, which are typically accessible after biphotonic excitation with blue photons. Thermodynamically demanding photocatalytic reductive dehalogenations and reductive C−O bond cleavage reactions of lignin model compounds have been performed using sodium dithionite acts as a reductant, either in aqueous solution or in biphasic water–acetonitrile mixtures in the presence of a phase transfer reagent. Our work illustrates the concept of multi‐electron reduction of a photocatalyst by a sacrificial reagent prior to irradiation with low‐energy photons as a means of generating very reactive excited states.
Peaked sources and narrow‐line Seyfert 1s: A love story
Authors: Berton Marco , Järvelä Emilia
Published: November 2021

The first similarities between peaked sources (PS) and narrow‐line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies were noticed already 20 years ago. Nowadays, it is known that several sources can share both classifications, and that part of the parent population of γ‐ray emitting NLS1s could be hiding among PS. In this brief review, we describe how and why this orientation‐based unification was developed. We also show how the recent discovery of absorbed radio jets in NLS1s basically invisible at frequencies below 10 GHz, could impact our knowledge of PS and, in particular, render the widely used radio‐loudness parameter obsolete.
Fear increases likelihood of seeking decisional support from others when making decisions involving ambiguity
Authors: Ferrer Rebecca A. , Ellis Erin M. , Orehek Edward , Klein William M. P.
Published: November 2021

Individuals often turn to others for decision‐making advice, which has the potential to improve decision‐making outcomes when advice is drawn from a reliable source. Because seeking advice is a kind of information seeking, it is likelier to occur when decisions involve ambiguity or when full information about outcomes is unavailable. We examined whether experimentally induced incidental fear, known to increase information seeking, increased intentions to seek decision‐making advice and whether this effect was stronger for decisions involving ambiguity. In Study 1, fear increased the likelihood of seeking advice about an ambiguous decision in which both options carried some risk, compared to neutral emotion (and anger). In Study 2, a 2 (emotion) by 2 (minimal vs. extensive information) design, fear increased the likelihood of seeking advice about palliative care only after a simple definition of palliative care (minimal information), but not after more comprehensive (extensive) information about its nature, benefits, and efficacy. These findings suggest that incidental fear may encourage people to seek advice about decisions involving ambiguity or when full information to make the decision is not available.
Supply chain firm performance in circular economy and digital era to achieve sustainable development goals
Authors: Nayal Kirti , Kumar Shashank , Raut Rakesh D. , Queiroz Maciel M. , Priyadarshinee Pragati , Narkhede Balkrishna E.
Published: November 2021

Digitalization of the supply chain (SC) has received plenty of attention from practitioners and researchers in recent years to address the challenges of the business environment and assist firms in achieving a circular SC. Implementing circularity in business operations is a practice of achieving sustainability which is of utmost significance for achieving sustainable development goals established by the United Nations. This study empirically examines the relation among flexibility, AI–IoT adoption, and SC firm performance under the circular economy (CE) environment based on resource orchestration theory (ROT), an integrated version of the extended‐resource‐based view, and dynamic capability theory (DCT). Data were collected from Indian manufacturing firms through a questionnaire‐based survey and examined using “structural equation modeling (SEM).” The study results show that information flexibility and organizational flexibility have the highest impact on AI–IoT adoption. Organizational flexibility shows full mediation with AI–IoT, which would influence the SC firm performance directly. The analysis also indicates that CE will affect the relation between organizational flexibility and AI–IoT adoption. These findings pave the way for cross‐country analysis, formation of practical strategies, and policies related to AI–IoT and CE implementations.
Evaluating Assessment Tools in Child Protection: A Conceptual Framework of Internal and Ecological Requirements
Authors: Lätsch David Cyrill , Voll Peter , Jung Rebecca , Jud Andreas
Published: November 2021

Despite substantial evidence on the higher predictive validity of empirically derived instruments compared to clinical judgement, the controversy on the best direction in child protection assessment is far from over. We introduce a conceptual framework that may help explain why this controversy continues. The framework distinguishes between internal and ecological requirements of assessment tools. First, existing frameworks have primarily focused on internal requirements that refer to the psychometric qualities of a tool, which are theoretically independent of the organisational context. For these internal requirements, we suggest a distinction between three types of validity: construct validity, predictive validity, and indicative validity. Second, the degree of fit with the ecological requirements determines how well the tool works in a specific organisation: for example, whether a tool makes sense to practitioners, whether they readily adopt or tacitly adapt it, or how well it fits with the objectives of the organisation and the goals of individual workers. We define four such requirements: adequacy, organisational suitability, practicality and utility. The framework is illustrated with data from an ethnographic study in Switzerland. The framework leads to questions that may guide managers and frontline workers in developing, implementing and evaluating standardised risk assessment in child protection.

Key Practitioner Messages

The value of an assessment tool in child protection practice only partly depends on the tool's internal qualities, such as the tool's validity in predicting future child maltreatment.

In addition, the tool must meet ecological requirements: it must be oriented towards an adequate definition of child maltreatment, must support and be supported by organisational procedures and workers' competencies and must support workers in carrying out their goals effectively.

When services consider implementing an existing tool or developing a new one, they should assess the tool's internal and ecological qualities with equal care. Paying attention to one set of requirements alone may be a costly mistake.

‘The controversy on the best direction in child protection assessment is far from over’
Spin‐Spin Coupling Controls the Gas‐Phase Reactivity of Aromatic σ‐Type Triradicals
Authors: Ding Duanchen , Feng Erlu , Kotha Raghavendhar R. , Chapman Nathan C. , Jiang Hanning , Nash John J. , Kenttämaa Hilkka I.
Published: November 2021

Examination of the reactions of σ‐type quinolinium‐based triradicals with cyclohexane in the gas phase demonstrated that the radical site that is the least strongly coupled to the other two radical sites reacts first, independent of the intrinsic reactivity of this radical site, in contrast to related biradicals that first react at the most electron‐deficient radical site. Abstraction of one or two H atoms and formation of an ion that formally corresponds to a combination of the ion and cyclohexane accompanied by elimination of a H atom (“addition‐H”) were observed. In all cases except one, the most reactive radical site of the triradicals is intrinsically less reactive than the other two radical sites. The product complex of the first H atom abstraction either dissociates to give the H‐atom‐abstraction product and the cyclohexyl radical or the more reactive radical site in the produced biradical abstracts a H atom from the cyclohexyl radical. The monoradical product sometimes adds to cyclohexene followed by elimination of a H atom, generating the “addition‐H” products. Similar reaction efficiencies were measured for three of the triradicals as for relevant monoradicals. Surprisingly, the remaining three triradicals (all containing a meta‐pyridyne moiety) reacted substantially faster than the relevant monoradicals. This is likely due to the exothermic generation of a meta‐pyridyne analog that has enough energy to attain the dehydrocarbon atom separation common for H‐atom‐abstraction transition states of protonated meta‐pyridynes.
Preservation of sedimentary plant DNA is related to lake water chemistry
Authors: Jia Weihan , Liu Xingqi , Stoof‐Leichsenring Kathleen R. , Liu Sisi , Li Kai , Herzschuh Ulrike
Published: November 2021

Little is currently known about preservation of plant DNA in lake sediments. Most prior information originates from laboratory experiments while systematic field‐based studies are still lacking. Here, we used the “g” and “h” universal primers for the P6 loop region of the chloroplast trnL (UAA) intron to amplify plant DNA from 219 lake surface sediments from China and Siberia. We introduce (i) the percentage of sequence counts with the best identity ≥95%, (ii) weighted average identity, (iii) weighted average DNA fragment length, and iv) rarefied richness of terrestrial seed plants of plant DNA metabarcoding as proxies for sedimentary DNA preservation and relate them to five environmental variables (lake water conductivity, lake water pH, mean July air temperature, and sampling depth, lake size) using boosted regression tree (BRT) analyses. Our results suggest that lake water chemical characteristics, that is, electrical conductivity and pH, are the most important variables for the preservation of plant DNA in lake sediments. Intermediate water conductivities (100–500 μS cm−1) and neutral to slightly alkaline water pH (7–9) may facilitate plant DNA preservation. Furthermore, deep lakes seem to support plant DNA preservation as indicated by relatively high rarefied richness. We also find high rarefied richness in small lakes compared with large lakes, but this result needs to be assessed by more studies in the future. None of our BRT models shows that mean July air temperature is a key variable to limit plant DNA preservation. To conclude, our results suggest that sedimentary DNA studies can preferentially select deep lakes characterized by intermediate water conductivities and neutral to slightly alkaline pH conditions.
Transforming wood as next‐generation structural and functional materials for a sustainable future
Authors: Farid Tanveer , Rafiq Muhammad Imran , Ali Amjad , Tang Weihua
Published: November 2021

Wood as an ecofriendly and renewable natural material has been extensively modified through various delignification protocols to preserve its natural structure and fiber direction. The increased porosity and permeability of wood scaffold thus provide excellent opportunities for material infiltration and densification. Wood features in hierarchical structure and biocompatibility are combined with cutting‐edge processings to overcome the weaknesses for vast applications. These new modifications have explored the great potentials of wood as a next‐generation structural and functional material. This review updates the state‐of‐the‐art physicochemical modifications and strategies to prepare versatile wood hydrogels, aerogels, membranes, and fibers with different physicochemical features. Discussion is elaborated to explore the immense breadth of wood as next‐generation material for applications in biomedical, energy storage, sensors, separation, and buildings. Finally, the main challenges of wood scaffold engineering are represented along with potential solutions and directions for developing wood‐based high‐performance structural and functional materials.

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A research of service quality perceptions and patient satisfaction: Case study of public hospitals in Romania
Authors: Radu Florin , Radu Valentin , Turkeș Mirela Cătălina , Ivan Oana Raluca , Tăbîrcă Alina Iuliana
Published: November 2021

The quality of medical services provided by public hospitals has become a crucial principle in health. Awareness and satisfaction of patients are increasing in pace with technological processes and therapeutic procedures. Therefore, Romania's public hospitals must provide quality to patients and assure medical staff's efficiency and professionalism, a high level of satisfaction, and patient safety. This paper aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction measures used in Romania's Healthcare System. Between January and February 2019, an exploratory study was conducted. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews based on a questionnaire only with patients who used the health system last year. The results showed that only 39.71% of Romanians are satisfied with the quality of medical services, which means that 61.29% of respondents are disappointed by the health system. Because it is free of charge, the public sector is the only option available for a wide range of patients. The study's results may be an essential basis in developing and successfully improving marketing research on the quality of medical services provided through public hospitals especially considering that Romania must improve the health care system perception. Findings suggest that traditional patient satisfaction measures fail, and new ways must be taken into consideration.
Influence of eight ABCB1 polymorphisms on antidepressant response in a prospective cohort of treatment‐free Russian patients with moderate or severe depression: An explorative psychopharmacological study with naturalistic design
Authors: Geers Lisanne M. , Ochi Taichi , Vyalova Natalya M. , Losenkov Innokentiy S. , Paderina Diana Z. , Pozhidaev Ivan V. , Simutkin German G. , Bokhan Nikolay A. , Wilffert Bob , Touw Daniël J. , Loonen Anton J.M. , Ivanova Svetlana A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Many antidepressants are substrates of P‐glycoprotein, an efflux transporter in the blood‐brain‐barrier encoded by the ABCB1 gene. Genetic variations might influence the transport rate of antidepressants and hence their pharmacological effects. This study investigates the influence of eight polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene on antidepressant treatment response.

Method

152 patients were included from psychiatric departments of the Mental Health Research Institute in Tomsk. The difference in Hamilton‐Depression‐Rating‐Scale (HAMD‐17)‐scores between baseline and week two, week two and four, and baseline and week four was used to estimate timing of improvement of depression. Associations between the ABCB1 gene‐polymorphisms and reduction in HAMD‐17 score were assessed using independent t‐test and multiple linear regression.

Results

Tricyclic antidepressants were associated with a higher reduction of HAMD‐17 score when compared to SSRIs. The SNP rs2235040 A‐allele had a significant positive influence on the ΔHAMD‐17(0→2W) score but a significant negative influence on the ΔHAMD‐17(2→4W) score. The rs4148739 G‐allele had a significant negative influence on the ΔHAMD‐17(0→2W) score but a significant positive influence on the ΔHAMD‐17(2→4W) score. The SNP rs2235015 T‐allele is significant negatively related to the ΔHAMD‐17(2→4W) score.

Conclusion

ABCB1 Genetic variations appear to affect speed but not magnitude of antidepressant drug response.
Comparison of neonatal outcomes with and without the administration of betamethasone in late preterm births
Authors: Bulut Ayca N. , Cundubey Cevat R. , Ceyhan Venhar , Aydin Emine
Published: November 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effects of antenatal steroid administration on neonatal outcomes in late preterm births.

Methods

Demographic and neonatal data from women who gave birth between May 2018 and March 2021 at 34+0–36+6 weeks of gestation were screened from the information system of the hospital. The patients were assigned to two groups: those who were and those who were not given steroids. All parameters were compared between the two groups.

Results

The 1‐minute (9 versus 8) and 5‐minute (10 versus 9) Apgar scores, need for a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay (23.7% versus 27.8%), length of stay (Day) in the NICU (1.97 ± 0.24 versus 2.45 ± 0.16), rate of transient tachypnea of the newborn (3.3% versus 7.8%), respiratory distress syndrome (2.5% versus 5.2%), need for mechanical ventilation (1.2% versus 3.8%), and neonatal sepsis (1% versus 2.6%) were lower in the group that received betamethasone compared with the group that did not; the differences between the two groups were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Based on the results of the present study, we believe that antenatal steroid administration would be beneficial before late preterm births occurring between 34+0 and 36+6 weeks of pregnancy, considering the significant reduction in various respiratory complications, especially in respiratory distress syndrome and the need for an NICU stay.
A practical introduction to conducting and using case‐control studies
Authors: Jackevicius Cynthia A.
Published: November 2021

Case‐control studies are a commonly encountered observational study design in pharmacy practice and pharmacotherapy research. This practical introduction to conducting and using case‐control studies focuses on the key risk of bias concepts related to the selection of cases and controls and measurement of the exposure. This article also explains how to calculate and interpret odds ratios for exposure in the context of case‐control studies. Finally, considerations for the applicability of case‐control study findings are provided in the context of clinical decision‐making around harmful exposures. Practical checklists are provided for users and researchers conducting case‐control studies.
Moufang sets generated by translations in unitals
Authors: Grundhöfer Theo , Stroppel Markus J. , Van Maldeghem Hendrik
Published: November 2021

We consider unitals of order with two points which are centers of translation groups of order . The group generated by these translations induces a Moufang set on the block joining the two points. We show that is either (as in all classical unitals and also in some nonclassical examples), or , or a Suzuki, or a Ree group. Moreover, is semiregular outside the special block.
Study on perinatal‐related factors of maternity and newborn in parturients with intrapartum fever in part of Eastern China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fan Yuru , Fan Chong , Mao Pengyuan , Rui Can , Wang Xinyan , Hou Wenwen , Luan Ting , Dong Zhiyong , Li Ping , Feng Shanwu , Zeng Xin
Published: November 2021

Background

Maternal intrapartum fever has a serious impact on mother and child. However, the corresponding study seems to be in short.

Methods

The role of inflammatory cells in patients who were diagnosed with intrapartum fever lived in part of Eastern China was evaluated. The obstetrics outcomes, complete blood cell count (CBC) and thereby converted neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio, monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and vaginal secretion were compared in different groups.

Results

Prepartum values of white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and hemoglobin (Hb) were all a little higher in the febrile group than in the afebrile group, and postpartum WBC in the afebrile group was still higher while postpartum RBC and Hb were inferior to non‐fever maternity. Postpartum NLR and MLR were all higher in the fever group but not preferred overtly difference before delivery. Additionally, the comparison of WBC, RBC, Hb, platelets, neutrophils, and monocytes in prepartum and postpartum all showed significant differences.

Conclusion

The parturition could bring about the value change of CBC and intrapartum fever might aggravate or alleviate this change. Besides, the intrapartum fever might not be caused mainly by infection and the difference between bacteria and fungus could reflect in the CBC.
Comparative growth characteristics and interspecific competitive interaction of two cyanobacteria, Phormidium autumnale and Nostoc sp.
Authors: Yadav Seema , Anam Giridhar Babu , Ahn Young‐Ho
Published: November 2021

This study examined the growth characteristics and competitive interaction of two cyanobacteria, Phormidium autumnale GJ_2B_I1 and Nostoc sp. DS_2B_I1, which were newly isolated from a southeast river (Nakdong) during the cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (CyanoHAB) season in Korea. As major environmental parameters, water temperature (25 and 30 °C) and alkalinity (19–78 mg CaCO3 L–1) and nitrate concentration (1.5–3.5 mg NO3–N L–1) were selected based on the water environmental monitoring data during the CyanoHAB season. Unlike P. autumnale, Nostoc sp. has a relatively high growth rate under both monoculture and co‐culture and prefers the maximum environmental conditions (30 °C and 78 mg CaCO3 L–1; pH 9) during the CyanoHAB season. In addition, the growth of P. autumnale is relatively unaffected by alkalinity. Nitrogen (N) stress also has a limiting effect in the interspecific interactions of both cyanobacterial strains. All other cases except for Nostoc sp. in a co‐culture showed a considerable increase in growth rate with increasing N content (1.5–3.5 mg NO3–N L–1), showing 20–64% under the minimum field conditions (25 °C and 19 mg CaCO3 L–1; pH 7) and 18–140% under the maximum field conditions. The results show that the growth of P. autumnale can be stimulated by enhanced N stress. On the other hand, Nostoc sp. is less affected by N stress compared with P. autumnale. Therefore, it has excellent potential to be a major group of CyanoHABs because of their relatively high growth rate, particularly in the range of N tested.
A novel compound heterozygous variant linked to hematuria in a family with hereditary factor VII deficiency
Authors: Hu Ya‐Nan , Gan Yu‐Mian , Zhang Yan‐Ping , Ruan Dan‐Dan , Zhu Yao‐Bin , Lin Xin‐Fu , Fang Zhu‐Ting , Liao Li‐Sheng , Tang Fa‐Qiang , Luo Jie‐Wei
Published: November 2021

Background

Hereditary factor VII deficiency (FVIID) is a rare congenital autosomal recessive bleeding disorder. In clinical manifestations, its onset is caused by variant of the F7 gene (NM_019616) with strong heterogeneity. We identified a family with hematuria caused by a novel F7 compound heterozygous variant and investigated the FVIID‐dependent mechanism impacted by these variants.

Methods

Coagulation factors in the proband were functionally verified. We located pathogenic variants in relevant genes using next‐generation sequencing after target enrichment and verified them by Sanger sequencing. We examined the coagulation activity and secretion pattern of recombinant FVII variants expressed in cells and observed their location and stability by immunofluorescence.

Results

We found a missense variant c.1207G>A (p.Gly403Ser) and a frameshift variant c.154_155del (p.Arg53fs) in the F7 gene of the proband. FVII activity tests showed that the variants significantly decreased its presence in the cell culture supernatant. Moreover, the R53fs mutant lacked the FVII functional domain and had no detectable activity. Immunofluorescence indicated that the p.Gly403Ser variant was distributed to the cell membrane and cytoplasm, whereas the FVII R53fs variant was not detected. Deficient FVII protein function and severe coagulation disorder are the likely causes of hematuria and other bleeding symptoms in the proband.

Conclusions

The newly discovered F7 gene variants enrich the spectrum of hereditary FVII deficiency and provide a new foundation for the diagnosis and treatment of this type of coagulation disorder.
Dentin hardness differences across various mammalian taxa
Authors: Geissler Elise , McGraw W. Scott , Daegling David J.
Published: November 2021

Differences in dentin microstructure have been used as a tool for dietary reconstruction; however, the extent that diet is associated with this aspect of dental morphology has yet to be empirically tested. We conducted microhardness tests of mammalian dentin sections, hypothesizing that species with adaptations to particularly hard diets would have softer dentin, owing to a higher proportion of soft intertubular dentin. Species adapted to abrasive diets, in contrast, should have harder dentin, resulting from a higher proportion of hypermineralized peritubular dentin. We examined molar dentin hardness in ten mammalian taxa with durophagous diets, abrasive diets, and a comparative “control” group of mechanical generalists. Samples included six primate taxa and four non‐primate species representing various dietary regimes. Our results reveal significant variation among taxa in overall hardness, but the data do not distinguish between hard and abrasive diets. Several taxa with generalized (i.e., mechanically diverse) diets resemble each other in exhibiting large variance in hardness measurements and comparably soft dentin. The high variation in these species appears to be either a functional signal supporting the niche variation hypothesis or indicate the absence of sustained unidirectional selective pressure. A possible phylogenetic signal of dentin hardness in the data also holds promise for future systematic investigations.
Poly(arylene ether sulfone) Membrane Crosslinked with Bi‐Guanidinium for Vanadium Flow Battery Applications
Authors: Qu Chao , Zhang Hongzhang , Wang Changsheng , Li Xianfeng
Published: November 2021

A membrane with low vanadium ion permeability and excellent electrochemical stability is crucial for a vanadium flow battery (VFB). Herein, a highly stable anion exchange membrane based on a bi‐guanidinium crosslinking quaternized poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PSF) is reported. The positively charged guanidinium groups can not only form continuous and smooth ion transport channels but also prevent the mutual penetration of vanadium electrolyte at positive and negative sides, respectively, based on the Donnan exclusion effect. Moreover, the crosslinking structure endows the membrane high mechanical strength to meet the requirements of the harsh environment of VFBs. As a result, the anion exchange membrane fabricated by the poly(arylene ether sulfone) crosslinked with bi‐guanidinium (BG‐PSF) shows an impressive VFB performance with a coulombic efficiency of 99.8% and an energy efficiency of above 85.8% at a current density of 80 mA cm−2, which is much higher than that of Nafion115. Furthermore, this battery can continuously work for over 200 cycles at a current density of 80 mA cm−2, indicating good stability of the membrane. Therefore, the rationally designed BG‐PSFs are promising for VFB applications.
Prediction of chemical shift in NMR: A review
Authors: Jonas Eric , Kuhn Stefan , Schlörer Nils
Published: November 2021

Calculation of solution‐state NMR parameters, including chemical shift values and scalar coupling constants, is often a crucial step for unambiguous structure assignment. Data‐driven (sometimes called empirical) methods leverage databases of known parameter values to estimate parameters for unknown or novel molecules. This is in contrast to popular ab initio techniques that use detailed quantum computational chemistry calculations to arrive at parameter estimates. Data‐driven methods have the potential to be considerably faster than ab inito techniques and have been the subject of renewed interest over the past decade with the rise of high‐quality databases of NMR parameters and novel machine learning methods. Here, we review these methods, their strengths and pitfalls, and the databases they are built on.
An historical overview of the field of study of human remains in South Korean archaeology
Authors: Pang Min‐kyu
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study is to present the current status of research into human remains excavated from archaeological sites in South Korea following its liberation from Japanese colonial rule and to examine the improvements potentially needed to conduct adequate archaeological research on human remains in South Korea in the near future. Human remains, as archaeological data, can provide various types of information, such as the biological characteristics of past groups of people. They also provide direct data that can shed light on many aspects of cultural evolution, and discussions regarding how to properly use data from human remains excavated from archaeological sites in Korea are still in their preliminary stages. Continued developments in science and technology are expected to reveal more information than can currently be obtained from ancient human skeletal remains. To gather information on the cultures of ancient people, which is the ultimate goal of archaeology, there has to be a shared understanding that ancient human skeletal remains must be treated ethically before being viewed simply as potential sources of archaeological data. Further, to increase the value of the collected data, there is a need for a higher degree of interdisciplinary research through mutual collaboration with multiple archaeologists as well as other experts in the fields of anthropology, genetics, and biochemistry.
Electrophysiological study of Arabidopsis ABCB4 and PIN2 auxin transporters: Evidence of auxin activation and interaction enhancing auxin selectivity
Authors: Deslauriers Stephen D. , Spalding Edgar P.
Published: November 2021

Polar auxin transport through plant tissue strictly requires polarly localized PIN proteins and uniformly distributed ABCB proteins. A functional synergy between the two types of membrane protein where their localizations overlap may create the degree of asymmetric auxin efflux required to produce polar auxin transport. We investigated this possibility by expressing ABCB4 and PIN2 in human embryonic kidney cells and measuring whole‐cell ionic currents with the patch‐clamp technique and CsCl‐based electrolytes. ABCB4 activity was 1.81‐fold more selective for Cl− over Cs+ and for PIN2 the value was 2.95. We imposed auxin gradients and determined that ABCB4 and PIN2 were 12‐fold more permeable to the auxin anion (IAA−) than Cl−. This measure of the intrinsic selectivity of the transport pathway was 21‐fold when ABCB4 and PIN2 were co‐expressed. If this increase occurs in plants, it could explain why asymmetric PIN localization is not sufficient to create polar auxin flow. Some form of co‐action or synergy between ABCB4 and PIN2 that increases IAA− selectivity at the cell face where both occur may be important. We also found that auxin stimulated ABCB4 activity, which may contribute to a self‐reinforcement of auxin transport known as canalization.
My first publication
Authors: Perrin Charles L.
Published: November 2021

An undergraduate lab course in the physics department was what led me to a 50+ ‐year career in physical organic chemistry, solving a wide range of puzzles regarding chemical reactivity.