bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humans optimally anticipate and compensate for an uneven step during walking
Authors: Darici Osman , Kuo Arthur D
Published: January 2022

The simple task of walking up a sidewalk curb is actually a dynamic prediction task. The curb is a disturbance that could cause a loss of momentum if not anticipated and compensated for. It might be possible to adjust momentum sufficiently to ensure undisturbed time of arrival, but there are infinite possible ways to do so. Much of steady, level gait is determined by energy economy, which should be at least as important with terrain disturbances. It is, however, unknown whether economy also governs walking up a curb, and whether anticipation helps. Here, we show that humans compensate with an anticipatory pattern of forward speed adjustments, predicted by a criterion of minimizing mechanical energy input. The strategy is mechanistically predicted by optimal control for a simple model of bipedal walking dynamics, with each leg’s push-off work as input. Optimization predicts a triphasic trajectory of speed (and thus momentum) adjustments, including an anticipatory phase. In experiment, human subjects ascend an artificial curb with the predicted triphasic trajectory, which approximately conserves overall walking speed relative to undisturbed flat ground. The trajectory involves speeding up in a few steps before the curb, losing considerable momentum from ascending it, and then regaining speed in a few steps thereafter. Descending the curb entails a nearly opposite, but still anticipatory, speed fluctuation trajectory, in agreement with model predictions that speed fluctuation amplitudes should scale linearly with curb height. The fluctuation amplitudes also decrease slightly with faster average speeds, also as predicted by model. Humans can reason about the dynamics of walking to plan anticipatory and economical control, even with a sidewalk curb in the way.
ACE2 pathway regulates thermogenesis and energy metabolism
Authors: Cao Xi , Shi Ting-Ting , Zhang Chuan-Hai , Jin Wan-Zhu , Song Li-Ni , Zhang Yi-Chen , Liu Jing-Yi , Yang Fang-Yuan , Rotimi Charles N , Xu Aimin , Yang Jin-Kui
Published: January 2022

Identification of key regulators of energy homeostasis holds important therapeutic promise for metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes. ACE2 cleaves angiotensin II (Ang II) to generate Ang-(1-7) which acts mainly through the Mas1 receptor. Here, we identify ACE2 pathway as a critical regulator in the maintenance of thermogenesis and energy expenditure. We found that ACE2 is highly expressed in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and that cold stimulation increases ACE2 and Ang-(1-7) levels in BAT and serum. Ace2 knockout mice (Ace2-/y) and Mas1 knockout mice (Mas1-/-) displayed impaired thermogenesis. Mice transplanted with brown adipose tissue from Mas1-/- display metabolic abnormalities consistent with those seen in the Ace2 and Mas1 knockout mice. In contrast, impaired thermogenesis of Leprdb/db obese diabetic mice and high-fat diet-induced obese mice were ameliorated by overexpression of Ace2 or continuous infusion of Ang-(1-7). Activation of ACE2 pathway was associated with improvement of metabolic parameters, including blood glucose, lipids, and energy expenditure in multiple animal models. Consistently, ACE2 pathway remarkably enhanced the browning of white adipose tissue. Mechanistically, we showed that ACE2 pathway activated Akt/FoxO1 and PKA pathway, leading to induction of UCP1 and activation of mitochondrial function. Our data propose that adaptive thermogenesis requires regulation of ACE2 pathway and highlight novel potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
Kassetekstens didaktikk. Korte prosatekster i klasserom og auditorium
Authors: Auklend Morten
Published: January 2022

Å bruke korte prosatekster (såkalte «kassetekster») i litteraturundervisningen har store fordeler, både i videregående skole og i høyere utdanning. Kortformatet – anvendt i kortprosa, lynfiksjoner og prosalyrikk – er nemlig kjent for unge, utrente lesere ettersom det blir brukt i e-poster, nyhetsartikler, Twitter-tekster, Snapchat-beskjeder og andre kulturtekster, også muntlige. Ved å utnytte et velkjent format (og dette formatets økonomiske språk), og dermed gjøre formatet til en didaktisk ressurs, kan litteraturundervisere lettere utdanne elever og studenter fordi de allerede har foreliggende kunnskaper om tekst, form, estetikk og språk. De vil likevel trenge teori om og undervisning i kortformatet.
Hva kan et forfatterstudium være?
Authors: Oterholm Anne
Published: January 2022

(No English abstract available.)
Faglegheit i litteraturundervisninga? Nokre litteraturlærarmodellar til diskusjon
Authors: Kjelen Hallvard
Published: January 2022

Denne artikkelen er eit bidrag til debatten om litteraturundervisningas legitimering og status i den rådande utdannings- og fagpolitiske konteksten. Innleiingsvis presenterer artikkelen nokre av dei viktigaste utfordringane for litteraturundervisninga i skulen: ei tilnærming til litteraturundervisninga som er for dårleg fagleg forankra, og ei tilnærming som rett nok har ei fagleg forankring, men som likevel ikkje kan klare å hente ut litteraturundervisninga sitt fulle potensial. Artikkelen presenterer til slutt nokre litteraturdidaktiske posisjonar som kan peike mot moglege løysingar.
Validity and reliability evidence for the Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire with Romanian professional athletes
Authors: Alexe Cristina Ioana , Alexe Dan Iulian , Mareş Gabriel , Tohănean Dragoş Ioan , Turcu Ioan , Burgueño Rafael
Published: January 2022

Background

Despite the importance attributed to athletes’ motivation in sports performance and well-being; no measures of motivation toward sport were found in the Romanian sport context.

Objective

Grounded in self-determination theory, this research aimed to adapt and to gather validity and reliability evidence supporting the use of the Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (BRSQ) in the Romanian sport domain.

Method

The participants were 596 Romanian professional athletes (age: M = 22.91, SD = 5.84; sports experience: M = 11.14, SD = 5.03), who 273 practiced individual sports and 323 team sports. They completed an online questionnaire survey assessing their perception of behavioral regulation, resilience and burnout in sport.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis supported the six-factor correlated model, which was invariant across age and sport. Correlations among latent factors configured a simplex structure, underpinning the self-determination continuum. Average variance extracted values from .50 to .70 endorsed convergent validity. Scores for heterotrait-monotrait ratio of correlations as high as .88, as well as 95% confidence intervals of each interfactor correlation that did not include 1.00 supported discriminant validity. Values over .70 for Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega and Raykov’s coefficients showed a good level of reliability for each factor. Linear regression analysis revealed that while intrinsic motivation, integrated regulation and identified regulation positively predicted resilience, introjected regulation, external regulation and amotivation positively predicted burnout.

Conclusions

The BRSQ is shown to be a valid and reliable measure of the six types of behavioral regulation in the Romanian sport context.
The Effect of Vaping and Nicotine-containing Liquids to Suppress the Immune System: A Pilot Study
Authors: Anand Sanjana , Wilkerson Madeline , Malkin Robert
Published: January 2022

Aims: We present a pilot study to illustrate how the impact of vaping can be quickly and conclusively documented in a large population and appropriate subpopulations.

Methods: It has been predicted that with longer duration and higher frequency of vaping, there would be a higher frequency of, a longer duration of, and more severe flu and cold symptoms — indicating a negative impact on the immune system. Studies have linked electronic cigarettes and vaping to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, drastic changes in blood pressure, and the reduced function of tissues and cells in the lungs, but only in small populations, making generalization to the entire population less convincing. A sample of 120, 18–22-year-olds in northern California were asked to complete a 14-question, two-minute, anonymous survey. Those with pre-existing respiratory ailments or a family history of respiratory ailments were excluded from the study along with those who smoke cigarettes or have smoked cigarettes in the past. The survey collected the frequency and time spent vaping and the severity, frequency, and longevity of the flu and cold symptoms. Responses were converted into numerical values and analyzed.

Results: Those who vaped more often had more severe flu and cold symptoms (p<0.005). However, no strong trends were present as can be expected from a pilot study. A power analysis based on this pilot data suggests that only 667 subjects would be required to answer the short survey to reach statistical significance.

Conclusion: A quick survey was created to show the negative effects of vaping on a general population. Showing effects generalizable to the entire population would require a very reasonably sized sample and could easily allow analysis of subpopulations.
Effectiveness of Exposure to Virtual Learning before Cadaveric Dissection to Study Anatomy for Students in Health Sciences at DMIMSU Wardha, Maharashtra
Authors: Fulmali Darshna , Thute Preeti P. , Keche Harsha Atul , Chimurkar Vilas K.
Published: January 2022

Background: Anatomage dissection table offers detailed and interactive anatomical images which complement the anatomy textbook and the cadaveric studies. In this regard, the study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of exposure to virtual learning on the Anatomage table before cadaveric dissection and to assess the perception of students about the virtual dissection.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 first phase medical students  from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Science, Sawangi, Meghe, Wardha. Study participants were divided into two groups, group A and group B. Group A performed dissection of the triangle of the neck on the Anatomage table before performing the traditional dissection of the same region while group B performed traditional only. Pre and post-tests were conducted for both group participants using a pre-validated questionnaire. 5 point Likert scale was used for obtaining feedback from study participants. The student's t-test was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Observation Post-test score in group A, exposed to virtual dissection prior to cadaveric dissection was 9.18 (Std = 0.84) as compared to the post-test score of 7.11 (Std = 7.01) in group A which was not exposed to the virtual dissection table. 144 (72 %) of students agreed that virtual dissection helps in better understanding of the complex relation of structure with each other and 152 (76 %) students feel that prior exposure to virtual dissection develops an interest in cadaveric dissection. 

Conclusions: Exposure to virtual dissection before cadaveric dissection was very effective way to learn anatomy for students of first MBBS as students were used to enjoy learning anatomy when virtual dissection was complemented with used before real cadaveric dissection.
Awareness of Emergency Eye Diseases and Red Flag Symptoms in Population of Western Province
Authors: Shehri Abdulaziz , Alharthi Atheer Ayad , Alshehri Bushra Faisal , Aljuaid Ahlam Mohammed , Alhuthali Hanan Rizieq , Alzahrani Khames T.
Published: January 2022

Background: Emergency eye disease can lead to visual loss when the patient delay seeking medical care quickly due to poor knowledge and awareness of red flags and symptoms that eventually end by late diagnosis then possibly devastating outcomes for example permanent visual loss. This study aims to examine the level of awareness and knowledge regarding different emergency eye diseases in Western Province, kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: This is a cross sectional study conducted via online questionnaire and approved by research ethics of Taif university. SPSS version 25 was used for statistical analysis. Chi-squared, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were applied, and a P-value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. 

Result: A total of 702 participants to the online questionnaire from the western province of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with 565 (80.5%) females and 137 (19.5%) males. Regarding the awareness of different emergent ocular diseases, acute angle closure glaucoma has the highest awareness level (41.7%) and the least was giant cell arteritis (12.4%).

Conclusion: This study reflected the awareness and knowledge of retinal detachment, giant cell arteritis and central retinal occlusion in average population of the western province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which was extremely low. This will have an impact on seeking medical care early with delay in diagnosis and implementation of treatment that results in significant visual complications. So, we need to raise awareness of society about different emergency ocular conditions and red flags to help overcome the negative outcomes.
Fatostatin ameliorates inflammation without affecting cell viability
Authors: Ma Shuhe , Murakami Kosaku , Tanaka Kazune , Hashimoto Motomu , Tanaka Masao , Kitagori Koji , Akizuki Shuji , Nakashima Ran , Yoshifuji Hajime , Ohmura Koichiro , Morinobu Akio , Mimori Tsuneyo
Published: January 2022

The mature form of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein (SREBP)1 is a transcription factor involved in lipid synthesis, which participates in toll like receptor 4‐triggered inflammatory pathways during the resolution phase of inflammation in macrophages. SREBP1 has thus attracted interest as a candidate target molecule for ameliorating inflammation. Fatostatin is a small molecule that inhibits the maturation and function of SREBP, and its role in regulating inflammation is poorly understood. To evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effect of fatostatin, we compared body weight, footpad and hock dimensions, and arthritis scores between K/BxN serum‐induced arthritis mice treated with fatostatin and those treated with dimethyl sulfoxide as the vehicle control. We performed hematoxylin and eosin staining of joints of distal paws to assess tissue inflammation. Moreover, inflammatory cytokine production levels and cell viability were measured in lipopolysaccharide‐responsive human embryonic kidney 293 cells (293/hTLR4A‐MD2‐CD14 cells) after fatostatin administration. In K/BxN serum‐induced arthritis mice, fatostatin treatment significantly reduced the arthritis scores and hyperplasia. In vitro analysis revealed that fatostatin significantly inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines from cells activated with lipopolysaccharide, without affecting cell viability. This is the first study to demonstrate that fatostatin is an anti‐inflammatory agent that modulates the processing of lipid transcription factors without affecting cell viability. Accordingly, the study reveals the potential of anti‐inflammatory therapeutics that link lipid regulation and inflammation.
Rapid Plastic Deformation of Cancer Cells Correlates with High Metastatic Potential
Authors: Yan Zishen , Xia Xingyu , Cho William C. , Au Dennis W. , Shao Xueying , Fang Chao , Tian Ye , Lin Yuan
Published: January 2022

Metastasis plays a crucial role in tumor development, however, lack of quantitative methods to characterize the capability of cells to undergo plastic deformations has hindered the understanding of this important process. Here, a microfluidic system capable of imposing precisely controlled cyclic deformation on cells and therefore probing their viscoelastic and plastic characteristics is developed. Interestingly, it is found that significant plastic strain can accumulate rapidly in highly invasive cancer cell lines and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from late‐stage lung cancer patients with a characteristic time of a few seconds. In constrast, very little irreversible deformation is observed in the less invasive cell lines and CTCs from early‐stage lung cancer patients, highlighting the potential of using the plastic response of cells as a novel marker in future cancer study. Furthermore, author showed that the observed irreversible deformation should originate mainly from cytoskeleton damage, rather than plasticity of the cell nucleus.
Quantifying Efficiency Limitations in All‐Inorganic Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yuan Ye , Yan Genghua , Hong Ruijiang , Liang Zongcun , Kirchartz Thomas
Published: January 2022

While halide perovskites have excellent optoelectronic properties, their poor stability is a major obstacle toward commercialization. There is a strong interest to move away from organic A‐site cations such as methylammonium and formamidinium toward Cs with the aim of improving thermal stability of the perovskite layers. While the optoelectronic properties and the device performance of Cs‐based all‐inorganic lead‐halide perovskites are very good, they are still trailing behind those of perovskites that use organic cations. Here, the state‐of‐the‐art of all‐inorganic perovskites for photovoltaic applications is reviewed by performing detailed meta‐analyses of key performance parameters on the cell and material level. Key material properties such as carrier mobilities, external photoluminescence quantum efficiency, and photoluminescence lifetime are discussed and what is known about defect tolerance in all‐inorganic is compared relative to hybrid (organic–inorganic) perovskites. Subsequently, a unified approach is adopted for analyzing performance losses in perovskite solar cells based on breaking down the losses into several figures of merit representing recombination losses, resistive losses, and optical losses. Based on this detailed loss analysis, guidelines are eventually developed for future performance improvement of all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells.
Flexible Construction of Functionalized‐Pyrroles under Palladium or Copper Catalysis in the Presence of BF3 ⋅ Et2O
Authors: Liu Yin , Liu Teng , Yan Biwei , Wei Kun , Guo Wusheng
Published: January 2022

We have developed a flexible approach enabling the access to highly functionalized pyrroles under palladium or copper catalysis in the presence of BF3 ⋅ Et2O. This catalytic methodology utilizes commercially available amines as reaction partners, and features ample scope, scalable and friendly operations with the generation of only water as byproduct. The generality of this protocol is demonstrated by the successful preparation of a range of di‐, tri‐, tetra‐ and pentasubstituted pyrroles. This methodology is amenable for the synthesis and derivatization of bioactive compounds.

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Winter annual grass control and crop safety in quizalofop‐resistant wheat cultivars
Authors: Hildebrandt Curtis , Haley Scott , Shelton Chad W. , Westra Eric P. , Westra Philip , Gaines Todd
Published: January 2022

Winter annual grass species such as jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica Host), downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.), and feral rye (Secale cereale L.) negatively affect winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields. To generate a novel in‐crop selective herbicide trait for winter annual grass control, mutagenesis was used to generate multiple winter wheat lines resistant to the acetyl co‐A carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor quizalofop p‐ethyl (QPE). Field trials were performed to assess crop safety for wheat lines with one or two homoeologous mutations and to assess winter annual grass control with QPE treatments. Crop safety parameters including visual injury rating, plant height, grain yield, and kernel weight were evaluated following QPE treatment at multiple growth stages. The susceptible winter wheat cultivar Hatcher displayed 100% crop injury when treated at tillering in early spring or at jointing in late spring. Single‐gene lines generally had crop injury and yield loss, especially at the jointing application timing. The two‐mutation cultivars Incline AX and LCS Fusion AX had low to no injury or yield loss from QPE applications at all timings and no injury from high rate QPE applications (93 and 185 g ha−1) in either the fall or the spring. Control of downy brome and feral rye was highest (92–99%), while jointed goatgrass control ranged from a low of 73% at 93 g a.i. ha−1 to a high of 98% at 109 a.i. ha−1 QPE. Our data indicate that the targeted winter annual grass weeds are controlled by QPE at rates that have acceptable crop safety for two‐mutation QPE‐resistant wheat cultivars.
Backaction Evading and Amplification of Weak Force Signal in an Optomechanical System
Authors: Chao Shi‐Lei , Wang Da‐Wei , Yang Zhen , Zhao Cheng‐Song , Peng Rui , Zhou Ling
Published: January 2022

A scheme of backaction evading and amplification of weak force signal is presented in an optomechanical system. By introducing the frequency modulation of the cavity field, the system can achieve the quantum nondemolition measurement interaction so that the backaction evading can be reached. With the help of the mechanical squeezing, the weak force signal can be amplified, which equals to amplifying the mechanical response function, reducing additional noise as well as thermal noise of mechanical oscillator. The current scheme opens up an alternative method for simultaneously surpassing the standard quantum limit and enhancing the mechanical response, and also reducing the mechanical thermal noise.
Highly Efficient Conversion of Propargylic Alcohols and Propargylic Amines with CO2 Activated by Noble‐Metal‐Free Catalyst Cu2O@ZIF‐8
Authors: Gu Ai‐Ling , Zhang Ya‐Xin , Wu Zhi‐Lei , Cui Hui‐Ya , Hu Tian‐Ding , Zhao Bin
Published: January 2022

The cyclization reactions of propargylic alcohols and propargylic amines with CO2 are important in industrial applications, but it was a great challenge that non‐noble‐metal catalysts catalyzed both reactions under mild conditions. Herein, the catalyst Cu2O@ZIF‐8 was prepared by encapsulating Cu2O nanoparticles into robust ZIF‐8, and it can effectively catalyze the cyclization of both propargylic alcohols and propargylic amines with CO2 into valuable α‐alkylidene cyclic carbonates and oxazolidinones with turnover numbers (TONs) of 12.1 and 19.6, which can be recycled at least five times. The mechanisms were further uncovered by NMR, FTIR, 13C isotope‐labeling experiments and DFT calculations, in which Cu2O and DBU can synergistically activate the C≡C bond and the hydroxy/amino group of substrates. Importantly, it is the first example of a noble‐metal‐free catalyst that can catalyze both propargylic alcohols and propargylic amines with CO2 simultaneously.
Flexible silicone‐hollow glass microballoon syntactic foams for application in fire protective clothing
Authors: Tripathi Manorama , Parthasarathy Surekha , Yadav Raju , Roy Prasun Kumar
Published: January 2022

This work deals with the development of flexible syntactic foams based on silicone and hollow glass microballoons (HGMs) for potential application as a lightweight thermal cum vapor barrier in fire‐protective ensembles. HGMs offer excellent thermal insulation and their inclusion into silicone leads to significant weight reduction, while improving the level of protection. Flexible silicone foams containing different types and loadings of HGMs were prepared and it was observed that high‐density microballoons (K46) survived compression molding process, due to their superior crushing strength (6000 psi) as compared to K15 (300 psi). The specific quasi‐static mechanical properties increased proportionally to the extent of loading. The inclusion of HGMs did not alter the curing behavior of silicone resin. Syntactic foams (40% HGMs) were coated onto glass fabric (GF) to prepare composites and thermal protective performance tests were performed to establish their effect on heat transfer. The protection level was higher for syntactic foam containing K46 glass microballoons, as compared to K15. The second‐degree burn time increased from 6.4 s (neat GF) to 10s for syntactic foam‐coated GF. Our studies demonstrate the potential of the developed syntactic foam‐coated GFs as a vapor cum thermal barrier in fire protective clothing.
What Does the Latest Adoption of the Model Non‐Profit Corporations Act Mean for Board Leaders?
Authors: Richard Kyle N.
Published: January 2022

Kyle N. Richard is a principal with Foster Garvey, a Seattle‐based law firm. In this article, he explores new provisions in state and national guidelines that will impact various aspects of non‐profit board activities and responsibilities.
Knowledge and perception of middle school students regarding COVID‐19 disease at the start of the pandemic
Authors: Azevedo Maria Manuel , Saraiva Elisa , Baltazar Fátima
Published: January 2022

Facing recent threats of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), an educational strategy was designed and applied to middle school students in order to reinforce related knowledge and behaviors. A group of 65 middle school students (14–18 years old) developed several designed online curricular activities. After the intervention, students answered a questionnaire to assess if they: (a) were familiar with the terms COVID 19 and SARS‐CoV‐2; (b) were conscious about the importance of preventive measures to stop the spread of this disease; (c) were engaged in these activities; (d) were motivated to research on health‐related issues. This study was a first to attempt to evaluate student's perceptions about SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and support education regarding COVID‐19, mainly on the reinforcement of preventive measures.
The pro‐proliferative effect of insulin in human breast epithelial DMBA‐transformed and non‐transformed cell lines is PI3K‐, mTOR‐ and GLUT1‐dependent
Authors: Silva Cláudia , Andrade Nelson , Guimarães João Tiago , Cardoso Emília , Meireles Catarina , Pinto Vanessa , Paiva Joana , Martel Fátima
Published: January 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. We aimed to investigate how T2DM‐associated characteristics (high levels of glucose, insulin, leptin, inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress) influence breast cancer carcinogenesis, in DMBA‐treated (MCF‐12ADMBA) and non‐treated breast epithelial (MCF‐12A) cell lines. Insulin (50 nM) promotes cell proliferation, 3H‐DG uptake and lactic acid production in both cell lines. The stimulatory effects of insulin upon cell proliferation and 3H‐DG uptake were hampered by rapamycin, LY294001 and BAY‐876, in both cell lines. In conclusion, hyperinsulinemia, one important characteristic of T2DM, contributes to the initiation of breast cancer by a PI3K‐ and mTOR‐dependent mechanism involving increased GLUT1‐mediated glucose uptake.

Significance

The pro‐proliferative effect of insulin in human breast epithelial DMBA‐transformed and non‐transformed cell lines is PI3K‐, mTOR‐ and GLUT1‐dependent.
A Negative Effect of Niobium‐Doped Ceria on Soot Oxidation Activity‡
Authors: Patil Sunaina S. , Naik Sahana , Ramesh Madhura D. , Dasari Harshini , Dasari Hari Prasad
Published: January 2022

Niobium‐doped ceria catalysts were synthesized to study soot oxidation activity. X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analysis of the samples revealed the presence of a fluorite structure of CeO2 for all the doped samples. The T50 temperature of the pure CeO2 sample was more significant than that of bare soot. The high catalytic activity of the CeO2 catalyst can be attributed to the low crystallite size, high facet ratio, and the large Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area as compared to Nb‐doped samples. The activation energy calculated by both Ozawa and KAS methods were found to be low for CeO2 when compared to Nb‐doped samples. CeO2 resulted in better soot oxidation activity with low activation energy.
Wheat in Ontario Rotations Increases Row Crop Yields and Profits
Authors: Ernst Matt
Published: January 2022

Producers may hesitate to add wheat to corn–soybean rotations because of wheat’s comparatively lower net returns. But a well‐managed wheat crop potentially increases returns from rotated row crop systems, mainly because of corn and soybean yield boosts after wheat, according to new research in Agronomy Journal. The study analyzed yield and return impacts of wheat in rotations at Elora and Ridgetown, ON, Canada and underscores the importance of analyzing returns from the entire crop rotation cycle. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Field establishment of little bluestem populations selected for improved laboratory seed germination in simulated dry conditions
Authors: Springer Tim L. , Carr Brandon
Published: January 2022

Successful field establishment begins with superior plant genetics, quality seeds, land preparation, sowing depth, weed control, and moisture. Our research examined the field‐establishment plant density of six populations of little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash] and three selection generations at three locations over a 3‐yr period. Recurrent selection was used to develop C1 and C2 populations from six improved C0 populations (NU1, NU2, UC1, UC2, UO1, and UO2). In Cycle 1, open‐pollinated seeds from each C0 population were geminated in water of −0.8 MPa potential for 7 d. For each C0 population, seeds that germinated in 7 d were selected to create six C1 populations. Cycle 2 selection was identical to Cycle 1, except that C1 populations were used to create the six C2 populations. Plant density (number of plants m‒2) was determined using a frequency grid method at 30, 60, and 90 d after planting (DAP). The plant density of little bluestem varied with location (L), population (P), selection generation (G), DAP, L × P, L × G, P × G, and L × DAP interactions (P < .01). Averaged over generations and DAP, plant density averaged 7.6, 6.6, 6.5, 7.1, 6.6, and 7.1 plants m‒2 among populations NU1, NU2, UC1, UC2, UO1, and UO2, respectively. Averaged over populations and DAP, plant density averaged 5.9, 6.6, and 8.2 plants m‒2 for generations C0, C1, and C2, respectively. Thus, recurrent selection for increased laboratory seed germination in simulated dry conditions results in greater establishment plant densities of little bluestem.
Corporate social and financial performance: Revisiting the role of innovation
Authors: Busch Timo , Schnippering Maximilian
Published: January 2022

R&D intensity has been highlighted as an important factor in analyzing the relationship between corporate social (CSP) and corporate financial performance (CFP). However, the underlying mechanisms of how R&D intensity influences the CSP‐CFP relationship have caused a great deal of confusion: first, while controlling for R&D intensity, studies have continued to report ambiguous results and, second, many studies have found R&D intensity to be negatively related to CFP. Motivated by insights from the innovation literature, we revise the functional relationship and examine moderation effects of R&D intensity. Accordingly, we find a u‐shaped relationship between R&D intensity and CFP. We conclude that this functional relationship is an essential finding for future CSP‐CFP studies in order to avoid misspecifications. Further, we cannot find empirical support for a moderation effect of R&D intensity. Thus, we conclude that R&D intensity and CSP should not be considered to be mutually reinforcing drivers of CFP.
5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural and Furfural Chemistry Toward Biobased Surfactants
Authors: Yue Xiaoyang , Queneau Yves
Published: January 2022

The use of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), furfural, and furan as scaffolds for designing alternative surfactants is a rapidly developing research area. This Review gathers recent examples highlighting the variety of methods for grafting the necessary polar and non‐polar appendages, exploiting the specific chemical reactivity of each of these platform molecules. While the furan (or tetrahydrofuran) backbone is maintained in some targeted amphiphiles, alternatives using rearranged HMF or furfural such as cyclopentanols or furanones have also been reported. This topic is an illustration of the diversification of the use of HMF and other biobased furanic platform molecules in the field of fine and specialty chemicals. The surfactants sector, which concerns some of the most largely consumed chemicals in everyday life, and still mostly produced from fossil resources, will benefit from such alternatives enabling increased renewable carbon content and structural innovation.
Endoscopic and histopathologic features of Anti‐PD‐1‐related collagenous colitis
Authors: Kikuchi Hidezumi , Sakuraba Hirotake , Akemoto Yui , Hosoi Kazuhiro , Murai Yasuhisa , Hoshi Kentaro , Fukutoku Yukari , Asari Taka , Sawada Yohei , Hasui Keisuke , Tatsuta Tetsuya , Hiraga Hiroto , Chinda Daisuke , Mikami Tatsuya , Fukuda Shinsaku
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors occasionally show persistent diarrhea accompanied by endoscopic features of ulcerative colitis. The endoscopic mucosal inflammation may appear mild in some patients compared to the clinical severity, which can make choosing a treatment challenging. In this study, we evaluated the factors that support the continuation of chemotherapy by assessing the endoscopic and histopathological characteristics of patients who experienced diarrhea after immune checkpoint inhibitor administration.

Methods

This study included eight patients who were diagnosed with collagenous colitis based on pathological assessments. We retrospectively investigated these patients’ backgrounds, laboratory data, and computed tomography images that were extracted from their medical records. We also summarized their endoscopic and pathologic findings.

Results

All eight patients were being treated with anti‐programmed cell death‐1/programmed cell death‐ligand 1 therapeutic agents and had a recent history of oral proton pump inhibitor therapy. The anti‐programmed cell death‐1‐related collagenous colitis in these cases was characterized by endoscopically mild mucosal inflammation, high fecal calprotectin levels, and a lower frequency of intestinal wall thickening on computed tomography. Histological assessments showed CD8+ lymphocytes predominantly infiltrating the lamina propria and crypts of the colonic mucosa. Suspending the proton pump inhibitor therapy relieved the patients’ symptoms and allowed the continuation of the anti‐programmed cell death‐1/programmed cell death‐ligand 1 therapy.

Conclusions

Anti‐programmed cell death‐1‐related collagenous colitis is reversible; appropriate diagnosis of adverse events is crucial for the continuation of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Screening‐guided spironolactone treatment of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction for heart failure prevention in at‐risk patients
Authors: Potter Elizabeth , Stephenson Georgia , Harris Joanne , Wright Leah , Marwick Thomas H.
Published: January 2022

Aims

Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) is a prelude to symptomatic heart failure (HF). We hypothesised that screening‐guided treatment with spironolactone would prevent incident HF in at‐risk patients.

Methods and results

We randomised asymptomatic, community‐dwelling subjects aged ≥65 years old, with at least one non‐ischaemic HF risk factor (hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity) to echocardiography‐guided therapy or usual care. Spironolactone therapy was triggered by the detection of subclinical LVD (global longitudinal strain [GLS] ≤16%) or diastolic abnormalities (at least one of E/e′ >15, E/e′ >10 with left atrial enlargement [LAE] or impaired relaxation [E/A < 0.8, IR], LAE with IR), or borderline GLS (17%) with IR or borderline GLS with LAE. The primary outcome was incident HF at 24 months. Secondary outcomes were change in 6‐min walk test (6MWT) and change in left ventricular function. LVD was identified in 161 (46%) of 349 participants (age 70 [68–73] years, 201 [58%] women). The trial was stopped because of a 55% rate of spironolactone discontinuation, due primarily to decline in renal function. Incident HF developed in 11 (3.5%) of 310 participants completing follow‐up, with no difference between usual care and intervention (4 [2.5%] vs. 7 [4.7%], p = 0.29), decline in 6MWT distance (p = 0.28), persistent or new LVD (p = 0.58), nor change in GLS with intervention (p = 0.15). A per‐protocol analysis of 131 patients with baseline LVD and a follow‐up echocardiogram, showed resolution of LVD with spironolactone therapy (59% vs. 33%, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The study was underpowered to determine whether screening‐guided spironolactone therapy reduced incident HF because spironolactone was frequently discontinued due to renal function criteria. However, LVD resolved in more patients treated with spironolactone than in untreated patients. Future trials should use less conservative renal criteria for spironolactone discontinuation.
International student enrollment in the U.S. 2021–2022: Analysis and trends
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: January 2022

Although the title of this article refers to current international student enrollment in the United States, I think it is important to analyze current enrollment in light of the past years’ statistics and trends.
Support degree reclamation with disaggregated data, degree mining
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2022

About 36 million adults in the United States have accrued some college credits but have not yet earned a degree. Degrees When Due, an initiative out of the Institute for Higher Education Policy, a nonprofit nonpartisan research and advocacy organization, seeks to empower colleges and universities by offering administrators tools to help degree reclamation efforts.
Boost enrollment with innovative approaches, teamwork
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2022

In fall 2021, Cornell College in Iowa enrolled its largest class in 18 years. A focus on recruitment and retention embedded in a new administrative structure resulted in that success at a time when many small liberal arts colleges are struggling with enrollment.
Ni nanoparticles‐loaded ZnO nanowire as an efficient and stable catalyst for reduction of 4‐nitrophenol
Authors: Lin Chaoyu , Luo Gan , Zhou Huiqin , Feng Anlin , Zeng Li , Li Qingyang
Published: January 2022

An amorphous Ni nanoparticles‐loaded ZnO nanowire array is controllably constructed on stainless steel mesh through combined electrodeposition and hydrothermal reaction. Its nano‐arrayed structure not only provides a platform to achieve stable and good dispersion of Ni nanoparticles, but also helps improve their ability to adsorb 4‐nitrophenolate ions and to capture hydrogen radicals, thereby accelerating the hydrogen transfer from metal hydride complex to 4‐nitrophenol. Benefiting from the abovementioned unique features, it outperforms most Ni‐based catalysts. While a 30‐s re‐electrodeposition of Ni can provide it extra 150 min of high catalytic activity towards the reduction of waste 4‐nitrophenol to valuable 4‐aminophenol, further demonstrating its outstanding reusability. The highly general methodology reported here paves the way to economically and effectively synthesize various other metal nanoparticles‐loaded ZnO nanowire arrays on different conductive substrates, which not only enrich the nanowire‐arrayed catalysts, but also significantly promote their practical utilizations in a wide range of environment‐related fields.

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Wind speed prediction for small sample dataset using hybrid first‐order accumulated generating operation‐based double exponential smoothing model
Authors: Yousuf Muhammad Uzair , Al‐Bahadly Ibrahim , Avci Ebubekir
Published: January 2022

Wind power generation has recently emerged in many countries. Therefore, the availability of long‐term historical wind speed data at various potential wind farm sites is limited. In these situations, such forecasting models are needed that comprehensively address the uncertainty of raw data based on small sample size. In this study, a hybrid first‐order accumulated generating operation‐based double exponential smoothing (AGO‐HDES) model is proposed for very short‐term wind speed forecasts. Firstly, the problems of traditional Holt's double exponential smoothing model are highlighted considering the wind speed data of Palmerston North, New Zealand. Next, three improvements are suggested for the traditional model with a rolling window of six data points. A mixed initialization method is introduced to improve the model performance. Finally, the superiority of the novel model is discussed by comparing the accuracy of the AGO‐HDES model with other forecasting models. Results show that the AGO‐HDES model increased the performance of the traditional model by 10%. Also, the modified model performed 7% better than other considered models with three times faster computational time.
Toddler teachers' responses to tantrums and relations to successful resolutions
Authors: Shafer Ashley E. , Wanless Shannon B. , Briggs Jennifer O.
Published: January 2022

Toddler tantrums are a typical part of child development but can cause stress to the teacher–child relationship (Schindler et al., 2015). Understanding how to resolve tantrums is an important skill, yet there is little research to guide teachers. The present study observed two toddler‐classrooms, examining teachers' responses to 46 tantrums, and the results of these responses. Exploratory analysis examined the applicability of a popular framework for conceptualizing tantrums as emotional or cognitive. Results suggest when toddler teachers used a combination of emotionally supportive strategies, 91% of tantrums were resolved. The use of controlling strategies suggests teachers need support on effective responses to tantrums. The ability to categorize tantrums suggests a framework many practitioners endorse could be useful in communicating effective strategies.
Desert bighorn sheep habitat selection, group size, and mountain lion predation risk
Authors: Jones Andrew S. , Rubin Esther S. , Clement Matthew J. , Harding Larisa E. , Mesler Jacob I.
Published: January 2022

Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) evolved for thousands of years in the presence of numerous predators, including mountain lions (Puma concolor). Bighorn sheep have presumably developed predator avoidance strategies; however, the effectiveness of these strategies in reducing risk of mountain lion predation is not well understood. These strategies are of increasing interest because mountain lion predation on bighorn sheep has been identified as a leading cause of mortality in some sheep populations. Therefore, we investigated how mountain lions affect both bighorn sheep habitat selection and risk of mortality in Arizona, USA. We used 2 approaches to investigate the predator‐prey relationship between mountain lions and bighorn sheep. We fit 103 bighorn sheep (81 females and 22 males) with global positioning system radio‐collars in 2 Arizona populations from 2013 to 2017, and used a negative binomial resource selection probability function to evaluate whether bighorn sheep selected for habitat features in accordance with presumed predator avoidance strategies, including terrain ruggedness, slope, topographic position, and horizontal obstruction, in 2 seasons (winter and summer). We then estimated how habitat features such as terrain ruggedness, slope, horizontal obstruction, and group size, influence the risk of mortality due to mountain lion predation using an Andersen‐Gill proportional hazards model. Generally, both sexes selected areas with lower horizontal obstruction and intermediate ruggedness and slope, but selection patterns differed between seasons and sexes. The use of more rugged areas and steeper slopes decreased the risk of mortality due to mountain lion predation, consistent with presumed predator avoidance strategies. Increased group size decreased risk of bighorn sheep mortality due to mountain lion predation but this effect became marginal at approximately 10 individuals/group. We did not identify a relationship between horizontal obstruction and bighorn sheep mortality risk. Our findings can be used in habitat and population management decisions such as the prioritization of habitat restoration sites or selection of translocation sites. In addition, we suggest that augmentation of low‐density bighorn sheep populations may reduce mountain lion predation risk by increasing group size, and that releasing large groups of bighorn sheep in population augmentation and reintroduction efforts may help to reduce mountain lion predation.
Clarifying the Effect of Drafting Conditions on Structure and Properties of Polyimide Fibers at Molecular Dynamic Level
Authors: Lin Daolei , Jiang Ming , Li Runyue , Qi Shengli , Wu Dezhen
Published: January 2022

A series of pyromellitic dianhydride/4,4′‐oxydianiline orientation models are constructed by molecular dynamic simulation, and the effects of drafting rate, drafting temperature, and imidization degree on structure and mechanical properties of polyimide fibers are studied. The high drafting rate is conducive to the orientation of molecular chains along the axis, but it is easy to form defects inside of the fibers, so the tensile modulus of the orientation model at a draft ratio of 6 is decreased from 21.6 to 9.8 GPa with increasing the drafting rate. The high drafting temperature reduced the intermolecular interaction, which is not conducive to the orientation of the molecular chain along the axis, the tensile modulus of orientation models at a draft ratio of 6 decreased from 21.6 to 11.7 GPa with the drafting temperature increasing from 298 to 598 K. Besides, the molecular chains of PI fibers drawn from the high imidization degree are arranged more regularly along the axis due to the PI units have greater rigidity than the polyamic acid units. This work provides guidance for the optimization of PI fibers heat‐drafting process from the perspective of molecular chain conformational evolution.
Redefining disoriented knots and diagrammatic methods
Authors: Altıntaş İsmet , Parlatıcı Hatice
Published: January 2022

Altıntaş (2018) introduced a new concept with the name of disoriented knot. He defined a disoriented knot as an embedding of a disoriented circle with two arcs into
. In this paper, we redefine a disoriented knot as an embedding of a disoriented circle with 2n arcs into
and expand the diagrammatic invariants and methods of classical knot theory such as connected sum, Reidemeister moves, Gauss codes, and Gauss diagrams to disoriented knot theory. Thus, we create the basic diagrammatic invariants and methods of disoriented knot theory.
A simultaneous multi‐slice T2 mapping framework based on overlapping‐echo detachment planar imaging and deep learning reconstruction
Authors: Li Simin , Wu Jian , Ma Lingceng , Cai Shuhui , Cai Congbo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Quantitative MRI (qMRI) is of great importance to clinical medicine and scientific research. However, most qMRI techniques are time‐consuming and sensitive to motion, especially when a large 3D volume is imaged. To accelerate the acquisition, a framework is proposed to realize reliable simultaneous multi‐slice T2 mapping.

Methods

The simultaneous multi‐slice T2 mapping framework is based on overlapping‐echo detachment (OLED) planar imaging (dubbed SMS‐OLED). Multi‐slice overlapping‐echo signals were generated by multiple excitation pulses together with echo‐shifting gradients. The signals were excited and acquired with a single‐channel coil. U‐Net was used to reconstruct T2 maps from the acquired overlapping‐echo image.

Results

Single‐shot double‐slice and two‐shot triple‐slice SMS‐OLED scan schemes were designed according to the framework for evaluation. Simulations, water phantom, and in vivo rat brain experiments were carried out. Overlapping‐echo signals were acquired, and T2 maps were reconstructed and compared with references. The results demonstrate the superior performance of our method.

Conclusion

Two slices of T2 maps can be obtained in a single shot within hundreds of milliseconds. Higher quality multi‐slice T2 maps can be obtained via multiple shots. SMS‐OLED provides a lower specific absorption rate scheme compared with conventional SMS methods with a coil with only a single receiver channel. The new method is of potential in dynamic qMRI and functional qMRI where temporal resolution is vital.