bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Encapsulated Human Islet Cells Implantation on Insulin Dependency in Diabetes Mellitus: An Innovative Approach
Authors: Usmani Hina , Kant Ravi , Mirza Anissa Atif , Meshram Ravi Prakash
Published: July 2022

Background: Globally, the number of diabetic patients has quadrupled in last 30 years and diabetes mellitus (DM) is among the major causes of death with rank 9 worldwide. Approximately there is 1 patient with DM in 11 people worldwide. Asia is among the major areas of where T2DM is rapidly emerging into global epidemic. In Asian countries China and India are top two epicenters for this rapidly emerging epidemic. Studies have shown that without immunosuppression in diabetic animal model, normoglycemia is maintained after implantation of encapsulation technique (macro/micro-encapsulation) containing islets at different sites in body. If this study could work well, it will be possible to implant a capsule in diabetic patient reducing dependency on insulin from outside using other methods like multi-layer-by-layer encapsulation. Purpose of this study will be to determine whether encapsulation of pancreatic β-cell in subcutaneous region could protect human islets from rejection and autoimmune destruction in diabetic patients, by overall decreasing insulin dependency in T2DM patients without immunosuppression.

Methods and analysis: Protocol will be based on multi-layer-by-layer encapsulation procedure.

Discussion: To our knowledge, there are no such studies which are performed in phases making this study to be a best example of evidence based protocol. Appropriate subgroup analysis has been planned while performing animal experimentation. Routine postoperative monitoring have been planned to ensure Ethics and dissemination. Analysis of encapsulation in different conditions i.e. in-vitro and in-vivo will provide diverse data on effects of encapsulated islet cells on different environmental conditions. In-vitro data will be compared with in-vivo data in order to find out detailed successful results. According to this protocol, if we will be able to develop encapsulated human islet cells that will produce insulin and decrease insulin dependency then this study will be a novel interventional research to decrease burden of insulin therapy in low income population such as of India.
Thiol‐disulfide oxidoreductase PDI1;1 regulates actin structures in Oryza sativa root cells
Authors: Onda Yayoi , Okino Tomoya
Published: July 2022

The polarized and dynamic actin cytoskeleton is essential for root cell growth. Here, we report the key role of thiol‐disulfide oxidoreductase PDI1;1 in actin structures. Microscopic analyses revealed that after Oryza sativa roots were exposed to H2O2, both actin and PDI1;1 were depolarized and arranged in a meshwork. In H2O2‐exposed cells, actin formed intermolecularly disulfide‐bonded high‐molecular‐weight structures, which were thiol‐trapped by PDI1;1. Recombinant PDI1;1 exhibited the ability to recognize actin in an in vitro binding assay. During recovery from H2O2 exposure, the amount of disulfide‐bonded high‐molecular‐weight structures of actin decreased over time, but deficiency of PDI1;1 inhibited the decrease. These results suggest a PDI1;1‐dependent pathway that reduces disulfide bonds in high‐molecular‐weight structures of actin, thus promoting their degradation.
Multi‐Level Anti‐Counterfeiting and Optical Information Storage Based on Luminescence of Mn‐Doped Perovskite Quantum Dots
Authors: Feng Xuying , Sheng Yuhang , Ma Kewei , Xing Fangjian , Liu Cihui , Yang Xifeng , Qian Hongqiang , Zhang Shude , Di Yunsong , Liu Yushen , Gan Zhixing
Published: July 2022

Traditional fluorescent anti‐counterfeiting labels can be easily cloned due to the lack of sufficient security. Therefore, multilevel anti‐counterfeiting techniques with higher security need to be constantly explored. This study reports a multilayer composite structure containing Mn doped CsPbCl3 (Mn:CsPbCl3) perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) layer and CsPbBr3 PQDs layer. The encrypted information is patterned on the Mn:CsPbCl3 PQDs layer with weak orange fluorescence, which is concealed by the brighter green fluorescence of CsPbBr3 PQDs at the upper layer. Based on the well‐separated photoluminescence (PL) peak positions, inverse PL temperature‐dependences and distinct PL lifetimes of these two PQDs, the encrypted information can be read out by adding cut‐off filter, heating and using ultrafast camera (UCA)/pulsed excitation (PE). This multilevel anti‐counterfeiting label significantly increases the difficulties of imitation meanwhile no expensive equipment is required for the verification of authenticity. Moreover, two bits of binary numbers that can be represented by dual emissions of the Mn:CsPbCl3 PQDs by changing the doping content, which significantly increases the information storage capacity, are also demonstrated.
Acute myeloid leukemia and dilated cardiomyopathy in a pediatric patient with D‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria type I
Authors: Murphey Kristen , George Paul E. , Pencheva Bojana , Porter Christopher C. , Wechsler Stephanie Burns , Gambello Michael J. , Li Hong
Published: July 2022

D‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria (D‐2‐HGA) is a rare neurometabolic disease with two main subtypes, caused by either inactivating variants in D2HGDH (type I) or germline gain of function variants in IDH2 (type II), that result in accumulation of the same toxic metabolite, D‐2‐hydroxyglutarate. The main clinical features of both are neurologic, including developmental delay, hypotonia, and seizures. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a unique feature thus far only reported in type II. As somatic variants in IDH2 are frequently identified in several different types of cancer, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a link between cancer and this metabolic disease has been proposed; however, there is no reported cancer in patients with either type of D‐2‐HGA. Murine models have demonstrated how D‐2‐hydroxyglutarate alters metabolism and epigenetics, a potential mechanism by which this metabolite may cause cancer and cardiomyopathy. Here, we report the first case of both AML and dilated cardiomyopathy in a pediatric patient with D‐2‐HGA type I, who was treated with an anthracycline‐free regimen. This report may expand the clinical spectrum of this rare metabolic disease and provide insight on long‐term surveillance and care. However, this case is complicated by the presence of a complex chromosomal rearrangement resulting in a 25.5 Mb duplication of 1q41 and a 2.38 Mb deletion of 2q37.3. Thus, the direct causal relationship between D‐2‐HGA and leukemogenesis or cardiomyopathy warrants further scrutiny.
Neural Correlates of Optimal Deep Brain Stimulation for Cervical Dystonia
Authors: Loh Aaron , Elias Gavin J.B. , Germann Jürgen , Boutet Alexandre , Gwun Dave , Yamamoto Kazuaki , Sarica Can , Azevedo Paula , Zemmar Ajmal , Pinto Jessica , Naheed Asma , Kalia Suneil K. , Hodaie Mojgan , Munhoz Renato P. , Lozano Andres M. , Fasano Alfonso
Published: July 2022

A total of 15 individuals with cervical dystonia and good outcome after pallidal deep brain stimulation underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging under three conditions: stimulation using a priori clinically determined optimal settings (ON‐Op), non‐optimal settings (ON‐NOp), and stimulation off (OFF). ON‐Op > OFF and ON‐Op > ON‐NOp were both associated with significant deactivation within sensorimotor cortex (changes not seen with ON‐NOp > OFF). Brain responses to stimulation were related to individual long‐term clinical improvement (R = 0.73, R2 = 0.53, p = 0.001). The relationship was consistent when this model included four additional patients with generalized or truncal dystonia. These findings highlight the potential for immediate imaging‐based biomarkers of clinical efficacy. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:418–424
Formation of NaF‐Rich Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Na Anode through Additive‐Induced Anion‐Enriched Structure of Na+Solvation
Authors: Wang Huaping , Zhu Chunlei , Liu Jiandong , Qi Shihan , Wu Mingguang , Huang Junda , Wu Daxiong , Ma Jianmin
Published: July 2022

High‐capacity sodium (Na) anodes suffer from dendrite growth due to the high reactivity, which can be overcome through inducing a stable NaF‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Herein, we propose an additive strategy for realizing the anion‐enriched structure of Na+solvation to obtain a NaF‐rich SEI. The electron‐withdrawing acetyl group in 4‐acetylpyridine (4‐APD) increases the coordination number of PF6−in the Na+solvation sheath to facilitate PF6−to decompose into NaF. Thus, the NaF‐rich SEI with high mechanical stability and interfacial energy is formed to repress the growth of Na dendrites. With the 4‐APD‐contained electrolyte, the symmetric Na||Na cells show excellent cycling performance over 360 h at 1.0 mA cm−2. Meanwhile, excellent stability is also achieved for Na||Na3V2(PO4)2O2F full cells with high Coulombic efficiency (97 %) and capacity retention (91 %) after 200 cycles.
Recent Progress in the Construction of Artificial Nanochannels for Biosensing
Authors: Li Chonglu , Guan Xiaofang , Sun Yao , Li Junrong
Published: July 2022

There are many biological channels in nature that play a vital role in life process. Inspired by biological nanochannels, researchers have developed artificial nanochannels for basic research and practical applications. In recent years, artificial nanochannels have not only been constructed for various ionic, small‐molecule and macromolecular biosensors, but have also been used to investigate the transfer behavior of ions and molecules. This review discusses the basic principles and ionic current characteristics of artificial nanochannels, deliberates on several functionalization approaches for artificial nanochannels, and highlights the applications in ion and small molecule detection. Importantly, this review provides the insight and perspective for the future development of artificial nanochannels.
Sustainability in large food and beverage companies and their supply chains: An investigation into key drivers and barriers affecting sustainability strategies
Authors: Adams David , Donovan Jerome , Topple Cheree
Published: July 2022

Food and beverage companies have a very significant environmental and social impact, and this has become a global issue. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the drivers and barriers to implementing sustainability in large food and beverage companies and their supply chains. A total of 21 semistructured interviews were undertaken with 16 large food and beverage companies operating in Australia, including 11 multinationals. Institutional theory and extended resource‐based view (ERBV) were applied to evaluate the companies' responses to the external pressures that they faced. The lack of a government regulatory and environmental framework was seen as a major barrier, while top management commitment was generally strong across the sample companies and was seen as a key internal driver. In order to develop an effective sustainability strategy, it is important that a company understands the drivers and barriers to sustainability implementation so that the appropriate actions can be taken. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is first time that the drivers and barriers to sustainability of large food and beverage manufacturers have been evaluated.
Bio‐functional hydrogel with antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory dual properties to combat with burn wound infection
Authors: Xiong Yahui , Xu Yingbin , Zhou Fei , Hu Yanke , Zhao Jingling , Liu Zhonghua , Zhai Qiyi , Qi Shaohai , Zhang Zhaoqiang , Chen Lei
Published: July 2022

Burn infection delays wound healing and increases the burn patient mortality. Consequently, a new dressing with antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory dual properties is urgently required for wound healing. In this study, we propose a combination of methacrylate gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel system with silver nanoparticles embed in γ‐cyclodextrin metal–organic frameworks (Ag@MOF) and hyaluronic acid‐epigallocatechin gallate (HA‐E) for the burn wound infection treatment. Ag@MOF is used as an antibacterial agent and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has exhibited biological properties of anti‐inflammation and antibacterial. The GelMA/HA‐E/Ag@MOF hydrogel enjoys suitable physical properties and sustained release of Ag+. Meanwhile, the hydrogel has excellent biocompatibility and could promote macrophage polarization from M1 to M2. In vivo wound healing evaluations further demonstrate that the GelMA/HA‐E/Ag@MOF hydrogel reduces the number of the bacterium efficiently, accelerates wound healing, promotes early angiogenesis, and regulates immune reaction. A further evaluation indicates that the noncanonical Wnt signal pathway is significantly activated in the GelMA/HA‐E/Ag@MOF hydrogel treated group. In conclusion, the GelMA/HA‐E/Ag@MOF hydrogel could serve as a promising multifunctional dressing for the burn wound healing.
A generational comparison for unfavorable cancer of unknown primary in a single institute over 20 years
Authors: Tang Cheng‐Yu , Hang Jen‐Fan , Hung Yi‐Ping , Chiu Nai‐Chi , Lai Jiun‐I , Chen Ming‐Huang , Liu Chun‐Yu , Yang Muh‐Hwa , Chao Yee , Chang Peter Mu‐Hsin
Published: July 2022

Background

The prognosis of unfavorable cancer of unknown primary is extremely poor. This is the first report to compared the treatment results between generations of CUP and examined prognostic factors.

Methods

This retrospective single‐center cohort study enrolled 68 patients with newly diagnosed unfavorable cancer of unknown primary at Taipei Veteran General Hospital from 2017 to 2020 as study cohort and 167 patients from 2000 to 2009 as historical cohort.

Results

The median overall survival was 4.3 months in the study cohort (95% CI, 2.7–6.2 months) and 4.5 months in the historical cohort (95% CI, 3.0–5.5 months; p = 0.858). Eleven patients in the study cohort received immunotherapy. The disease control rates were 45%. Multivariate analysis showed that an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score > 1 and a C‐reactive protein level > 1 correlated with poor survival. A new prognostic stratification model was constructed by using Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score and C‐reactive protein values. The good‐, intermediate‐, and poor‐risk groups had distinct median overall survival of 18.3, 7.0 and 1.2 months, respectively (area under the curve, 0.817; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The outcome of unfavorable cancer of unknown primary has not changed much over the last 20 years. The application of a new prognostic stratification model can further stratify unfavorable cancer of unknown primary.
Positive behavioral change during the COVID‐19 crisis: The role of optimism and collective resilience
Authors: Guèvremont Amélie , Boivin Caroline , Durif Fabien , Graf Raoul
Published: July 2022

While the issue of behavioral change is of increasing interest to academics and practitioners, an understanding of its drivers remains limited. Consistent with the possibility that destabilizing events can trigger the implementation of beneficial changes in one's life, this research studies the COVID‐19 pandemic and its influence on the adoption of positive habits. More specifically, it focuses on positive health and lifestyle‐related behavioral changes observed within the confined population, as well as the antecedents of such changes. Two surveys conducted 1 month apart in an urban setting severely affected by the pandemic confirm the role of optimism toward the crisis as an antecedent to four changes: slowdown in pace of life, decluttering of personal space, reflection on consumption habits and adoption of healthy behaviors. Collective resilience, social support and anxiety are identified as determinants of optimism. Results suggest an evolution of certain relations including the increase of collective resilience effect on optimism over time.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress‐Induced Apoptotic Effects of Novel 1‐Pyrroline (3,4‐Dihydro‐2H‐pyrrole) Derivatives on Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Atmaca Harika , Ilhan Suleyman , Korkmaz Esra , Zora Metin
Published: July 2022

Heterocyclic compounds have emerged as promising and appealing scaffolds for developing effective antitumor agents. Here, the effects of synthesized 24 different 1‐pyrroline derivatives (PDs) containing substituted aryl sulfide moiety were investigated on human breast cancer cell lines. The viability of cells was assessed via MTT assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was analyzed via fluorescent dye CM‐H2DCFDA. Apoptotic cells were determined via flow cytometry. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐associated protein levels were analyzed via western blot analysis. Four of the PDs (PD‐12, ‐14, ‐16 and ‐17) had great cytotoxic selectivity against breast cancer cells. Apoptotic cell death was induced by PDs via the generation of ROS. PDs significantly increased the GRP78, p‐PEAK, p‐eIF2α, and CHOP protein levels indicating ER stress in breast cancer cells. These results imply that newly synthesized PDs may be potential anticancer agents as they selectively inhibit breast cancer cells.
4‐Oxo‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidine Derivatives: Design, Synthesis, Insecticidal Assay and Binding Mode Studies
Authors: Li Guanglong , Xiao Keya , Shi Man , Shuai Jing , Xu Zhiping , Li Zhong , Cheng Jiagao
Published: July 2022

A series of 4‐oxo‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidine derivatives were designed and synthesized based on the fipronil low energy conformation by scaffold hopping strategy. Physicochemical properties calculation, insecticidal assay and binding mode studies were also performed. It was found that the target compounds displayed lower insecticidal activities than fipronil. The differences in binding modes between these compounds and fipronil may be the major reason for reduced insecticidal activities.
Three New Compounds from Delphinium kamaonense Hunth and Their in Vitro Cytotoxic and Potential Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Gong Chang , Zhou Guangxin , Jing Di , Song Huijie , Xu Jixuan , Meng Dali
Published: July 2022

A new amide (1), two new phenylpropanoid derivatives (2, 3), along with three new natural products, including three nitrogen chirality compounds, N‐(3‐methoxy‐1,3‐dioxopropyl)‐D‐phenylalanine methyl ester (4), N‐(3‐methoxy‐1,3‐dioxopropyl)‐L‐phenylalanine methyl ester (5), and N‐acetyl‐L‐phenylalanine methyl ester (6), as well as dimethyl (2R,3R)‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐(((E)‐3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)acryloyl)oxy)succinate (7) and dimethyl (S,E)‐2‐((3‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)acryloyl)oxy)succinate (8) were isolated from Delphinium kamaonense Hunth. Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS experiments, and the absolute configurations were determined by comparative analysis of specific optical rotation. Compound 1 exhibited a moderate cytotoxicity effect against Hep‐3B cancer cell lines (IC50 41.39±0.13 μM) and an excellent antioxidant activity (IC50 0.527±0.06 μM in ABTS assay, and 1.235±0.09 μM in DPPH assay, respectively), which was superior to vitamin C in ABTS (IC50 1.670±0.07 μM) and DPPH (IC50 19.10±0.40 μM) methods.
The Revitalization of ‘the Closer the Better’ in Zeolite‐Tailored Bifunctional Catalysts for Biomass Valorization
Authors: He Jiang , Lin Lu , Luo Wenhao
Published: July 2022

Zeolite‐tailored bifunctional catalysts are at the heart of the petro‐refining industry, which are intensively employed and investigated with great efforts in the valorization of biomass sources and derived platform molecules for the production of value‐added chemicals and fuels. Herein, intimacy criterion referring to the distance between metal and acid sites has been reviewed for the recent breakthroughs in the zeolite‐tailored bifunctional catalysts. Emphasis is put on the renewed interest in the site intimacy for optimal performance and current progress in biomass valorization. Promising characterization approaches for the validation of site intimacy, especially for the case of the closest proximity, are discussed, as well as the emerging insights into the synergistic effect on the enhanced performance, in order to provide a comprehensive overview. The perspectives and open opportunities regarding the in‐depth understanding of the additional benefits of site intimacy are provided for guiding the future efforts in biomass conversions.
Synthesis of N/P/S Co‐Doped 3D Cross‐Linked Carbon Nanosheets by Double Activation Method for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Wei Yuchen , Chen Zhipeng , Yang Lei , Li Hongqiang , He Xiaojun
Published: July 2022

It is still a challenge to prepare heteroatoms‐doped carbon materials for supercapacitors by an acid‐free and alkali‐free synthesis method. Herein, the N/P/S co‐doped carbon nanosheets (NPS‐CNs) were synthesized by an in‐situ K2CO3 and Na2S2O3 ⋅ 5H2O double activation method from pyrene as carbon source, melamine‐phytic acid supramolecular aggregate as N and P source without the presence of acid and alkali. The as‐prepared NPS‐CN featured three‐dimensional cross‐linked nanosheets with abundant pores, boosting the stability of carbon skeleton and promoting the transfer of ion and electron. The abundant micropores together with high heteroatom content (15.09 %) provided abundant active sites and defects for ion adsorption. Benefitting from these merits, the NPS‐CN electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 485.1 F g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 as well as good rate performance of 350.3 F g−1 at 20 A g−1 in three electrode system. Simultaneously, the specific capacitance of the NPS‐CN capacitor reached 305.0 F g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 and retained 201.2 F g−1 at 100 A g−1 in two electrode system. Importantly, NPS‐CN capacitor presented an excellent cycle stability (93.4 % of initial capacitance after 30,000 charge/discharge cycles). This work opened a less harmful route to prepare NPS‐CNs from small polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for energy storage devices.
Causal inference: Critical developments, past and future
Authors: Moodie Erica E. M. , Stephens David A.
Published: July 2022

Causality is a subject of philosophical debate and a central scientific issue with a long history. In the statistical domain, the study of cause and effect based on the notion of “fairness” in comparisons dates back several hundreds of years, yet statistical concepts and developments that form the area of causal inference are only decades old. In this article, we review the core tenets and methods of causal inference and key developments in the history of the field. We highlight connections with traditional “associational” statistical methods, including estimating equations and semiparametric theory, and point to current topics of active research in this crucial area of our field.
Coulomb logarithm and the Dreicer field in a dense semiclassical plasma
Authors: Seisembayeva Madina M. , Reinholz Heidi , Shalenov Erik O. , Jumagulov Murat N. , Dzhumagulova Karlygash N.
Published: July 2022

We obtained an expression for the Coulomb logarithm for a dense semiclassical plasma based on momentum transport cross sections using an effective interaction potential. It was shown that for densities and temperatures corresponding to the dense semiclassical plasma our results are in good agreement with MD simulations. We applied the Coulomb logarithm for the calculation of the Dreicer field. The case of dense non‐thermal Lorentzian semiclassical plasma was considered, too.
Computational characterization of capacitive coupled HBr/Cl2/O2 plasma
Authors: Gul Banat , Iqbal Abid , Khan Majid , Ahmad Iftikhar
Published: July 2022

A self‐consistent two‐dimensional fluid model was used to study HBr/Cl2/O2 plasma discharge. A comprehensive set of 150 reactions comprising different processes (i.e., dissociation, ionization, and excitation) in tandem with 32 plasma species were considered in the computational model. The results revealed that the plasma reactions were dominated by 11 species (i.e., Cl, Cl+, Cl2+, H, H2, HCl, HCl+, Br, Br+, Br2, and HBr+), where the neutral species outnumbered the charged species. The density of charged species in the plasma reactor followed a bell shaped while the neutral species followed a double humped shaped distribution. The increase in plasma O2 concentration resulted in an initial decrease, followed by a gradual increase in the generation of Cl, Br, H, Cl+, and Br+ in the plasma discharge. A lower/higher concentration of oxygen in the plasma stimulated the densities of neutral/charged species, which facilitated the chemical/physical etching pathway. These findings provide new insights into the type of etching species and their optimization in the HBr/Cl2/O2 plasma discharge, with potential applications in the semiconductor industry.
Advantages to use graphene oxide thin targets in forward ion acceleration using fs lasers
Authors: Torrisi Lorenzo , Torrisi Alfio
Published: July 2022

Advanced targets based on thin foils of graphene oxide (GO) covered by metallic layers show many advantages with respect to others because permit high proton and light ion acceleration using high intensity pulsed lasers in Target‐Normal Sheath‐Acceleration (TNSA) regime. GO foils contain parallel micrometric graphene sheets, have low density, show high penetration, and low scattering by energetic electrons accelerated by laser, inducing electron channelling effects. They contain high concentrations of hydrogen, water, and functional oxygen groups, can be realized as thin films with high mechanical resistance, and show high photon absorbance for laser beams. In this work, we present experimental results obtained by our research group using thin GO targets covered by thin gold films, prepared in our laboratories. Advanced targets have been irradiated in TNSA regime with 40 fs laser pulses at the intensity of the order of 1019 W/cm2, using a laser spot of about 10 microns diameter, permitting to accelerate ions at energies of the order of 6 MeV per charge state. The electric field of ion acceleration can be increased by optimizing the irradiation conditions and the GO and Au film thicknesses. The novel findings of this work concern the high forward ion acceleration obtained using thin targets containing GO which induces the effect of electron channelling and production of high‐density forward plasma. The plasma diagnostics are developed with fast SiC semiconductor detectors connected in time‐of‐flight (TOF) configuration. The fast semiconductor detector response permits to optimize the ion acceleration conditions by changing the distance of the laser focus with respect to the target surface, the incidence angle and the laser parameters.
Human land‐use effects on mammalian mesopredator occupancy of a northeastern Connecticut landscape
Authors: Zamuda Kimberly M. , Duguid Marlyse C. , Schmitz Oswald J.
Published: July 2022

Mammalian mesopredators—mid‐sized carnivores—are ecologically, economically, and socially important. With their adaptability to a variety of habitats and diets, loss of apex predators, and forest regrowth, many of these species are increasing in number throughout the northeastern United States. However, currently the region is seeing extensive landscape alterations, with an increase in residential and industrial development, especially at the expense of existing forest and small‐scale farmland. We sought to understand how important an existing mosaic of working lands (timberland and farmland) in a forested landscape is to mesopredator species. We did this by studying mesopredator occupancy across three land uses (or habitat types): forest reserve (protected), timber harvest (shelterwood cuts), and field (both crop yielding and fallow) in and around a 3200‐ha forest in northeastern Connecticut. We examined coyote (Canis latrans), bobcat (Lynx rufus), fisher (Pekania pennanti), and raccoon (Procyon lotor) occupancy using paired camera traps across juxtaposed reserve, shelterwood, and field units from April 2018 to March 2019. We created a priori habitat variable models for each species and season, as well as analyzed the impact of habitat types on each species. Throughout the year bobcats were positively associated with foliage height diversity and had the highest use in shelterwoods and lowest use in fields. Land use utilization varied seasonally for coyotes and raccoons, with higher use of fields than reserves and shelterwoods for half the year and no difference between land uses and the other half. Both species were not strongly associated with any particular habitat variables. Reserve forest was moderate to highly used by all species for at least half the year, and highly use year‐round by fishers. Our findings reveal that a mosaic of intact forest and working lands, timber harvest, and agriculture can support mesopredator diversity.
Asymmetrical intraguild interactions with coyotes, red foxes, and domestic dogs may contribute to competitive exclusion of declining gray foxes
Authors: Morin Dana J. , Lesmeister Damon B. , Nielsen Clayton K. , Schauber Eric M.
Published: July 2022

Species coexistence is governed by availability of resources and intraguild interactions including strategies to reduce ecological overlap. Gray foxes are dietary generalist mesopredators expected to benefit from anthropogenic disturbance, but populations have declined across the midwestern USA, including severe local extirpation rates coinciding with high coyote and domestic dog occurrence and low red fox occurrence. We used data from a large‐scale camera trap survey in southern Illinois, USA to quantify intraguild spatial and temporal interactions among the canid guild including domestic dogs. We used a two‐species co‐occurrence model to make pairwise assessments of conditional occupancy and detection rates. We also estimated temporal activity overlap among species and fit a fixed‐effects hierarchical community occupancy model with the four canid species. We partitioned the posterior distributions to compare gray fox occupancy probabilities conditional on estimated state of combinations of other species to assess support for hypothesized interactions. We found no evidence of broadscale avoidance among native canids and conclude that spatial and temporal segregation were limited by ubiquitous human disturbance. Mean guild richness was two canid species at a site and gray fox occupancy was greater when any combination of sympatric canids was also present, setting the stage for competitive exclusion over time. Domestic dogs may amplify competitive interactions by increasing canid guild size to the detriment of gray foxes. Our results suggest that while human activities can benefit some mesopredators, other species such as gray foxes may serve as bellwethers for habitat degradation with trophic downgrading and continued anthropogenic homogenization.
Warming temperatures affect meadow‐wide nectar resources, with implications for plant–pollinator communities
Authors: McCombs Audrey L. , Debinski Diane , Reinhardt Keith , Germino Matthew J. , Caragea Petrutza
Published: July 2022

Nectar production may be a point of sensitivity that can help link primary and secondary trophic responses to climate shifts, and is therefore important to our understanding of ecosystem responses. We evaluated the nectar response of two widespread native forbs, Balsamorhiza sagittata and Eriogonum umbellatum, to experimental warming in a high‐elevation sagebrush meadow in the Teton Range, WY, USA, over two years, 2015 and 2016. Warming treatments reduced the occurrence of nighttime freezing and nectar volume but increased sugar concentration in nectar in both species in both years. Warming effects were also evident in a consistent increase in the number of flowers produced by B. sagittata. Our research suggests that warming associated with climate change has the potential to induce shifts in the nectar‐feeding community by changing nectar characteristics such as volume and sugar concentration to which nectar feeders are adapted.
How can processing technologies boost the application of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) proteins in food production?
Authors: Boukid Fatma , Castellari Massimo
Published: July 2022

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) has attracted increasing interest as a high source of proteins for human nutrition. However, the application of faba bean proteins is still limited due to their low functional properties. Several processing technologies were used to enhance these features starting with the selection of the appropriate pretreatments to favorize protein extractability and to ensure their safety by removing/degrading the antinutritional factors; extraction methods (dry fractionation or wet extraction) and posttreatments to produce multifunctional protein ingredients. In this frame, this review aims to provide a better understanding of the production chain of faba proteins and discuss the impact of processing on protein characteristics based on a recent critical compilation of scientific literature. The different processing applied to faba proteins impacted different degrees of nutritional, functional, sensory, and biological properties. Depending on the final food product, a combination of technologies can be designed to meet specific properties. It must be kept in mind that besides quality, price, sustainability, and scaling up feasibility are relevant factors to consider in the selection of processing.
BLITZ‐HF: a nationwide initiative to evaluate and improve adherence to acute and chronic heart failure guidelines
Authors: Gulizia Michele Massimo , Orso Francesco , Mortara Andrea , Lucci Donata , Aspromonte Nadia , De Luca Leonardo , Di Tano Giuseppe , Leonardi Giuseppe , Navazio Alessandro , Pulignano Giovanni , Colivicchi Furio , Di Lenarda Andrea , Oliva Fabrizio ,   BLITZ‐HF Investigators
Published: July 2022

Aims

To assess adherence to guideline recommendations among a large network of Italian cardiology sites in the management of acute and chronic heart failure (HF) and to evaluate if an ad‐hoc educational intervention can improve their performance on several pharmacological and non‐pharmacological indicators.

Methods and results

BLITZ‐HF was a cross‐sectional study based on a web‐based recording system with pop‐up reminders on guideline recommendations used during two 3‐month enrolment periods carried out 3 months apart (Phase 1 and 3), interspersed by face‐to‐face macro‐regional benchmark analyses and educational meetings (Phase 2). Overall, 7218 patients with acute and chronic HF were enrolled at 106 cardiology sites. During the enrolment phases, 3920 and 3298 patients were included, respectively, 84% with chronic HF and 16% with acute HF in Phase 1, and 74% with chronic HF and 26% with acute HF in Phase 3. At baseline, adherence to guideline recommendations was already overall high for most indicators. Among acute HF patients, an improvement was obtained in three out of eight indicators, with a significant rise in echocardiographic evaluation. Among chronic HF patients with HF and preserved or mid‐range ejection fraction, performance increased in two out of three indicators: creatinine and echocardiographic evaluations. An overall performance improvement was observed in six out of nine indicators in ambulatory HF with reduced ejection fraction patients with a significant increase in angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor prescription rates.

Conclusions

Within a context of an already elevated level of adherence to HF guideline recommendations, a structured multifaceted educational intervention could be useful to improve performance on specific indicators. Extending this approach to other non‐cardiology healthcare professionals, who usually manage patients with HF, should be considered.
Oxidative Cleavage of Methyl Epoxystearate over Al‐MCM‐41‐Assisted WO3∙nH2O for Aldehyde Products
Authors: Xing Kainan , Cao Minghe , Zhu Qinkai , Yin Haojie , Lu Meizhen , Ji Jianbing
Published: July 2022

Vegetable oils and their derivatives are of great interest because of their abundance and renewability. This paper prepares nonanal (N) and methyl 9‐oxonanoate (M) from methyl epoxystearate (ME) with WO3∙0.33H2O, WO3∙H2O, and WO3∙2H2O as catalysts and H2O2 as the oxidant without the use of organic solvent. The reaction temperature, catalyst amount, H2O2 amount, and reaction time effects on ME conversion and N/M yield are investigated. The results show that WO3∙H2O has the best catalytic performance. The optimal reaction conditions are: reaction temperature 60 °C, reaction time 40 min, ME/H2O2/WO3∙H2O molar ratio 1/1.2/0.4, under which the ME conversion and N/M yield reach 95% and 70%, respectively. WO3∙nH2O reacts with H2O2 to form soluble tungsten anions, resulting in severe tungsten loss. Al‐MCM‐41 materials with different silicon to aluminum molar ratios are added to the reaction system as adsorbents to recover the catalyst by effective adsorption of tungsten anions. The adsorption performance improves as the Si/Al ratio decreases, however, the ME conversion and N/M yield decrease. Thus, 50 is the most suitable Si/Al ratio. The ME conversion and N/M yield can still reach 90% and 60% after four times of use.

Practical applications: The nonanal has a natural fragrance and can be used in the cosmetic industry as well as in the preparation of bio‐based surfactants. The methyl 9‐oxonanoate can be converted into polymer monomers by hydrogenation or amination. The results show that WO3∙nH2O has good catalytic activity, and a satisfying yield of aldehyde products is obtained under mild reaction conditions.
Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: July 2022

I received a text recently from a former colleague. She said, “I need a pep talk. My imposter syndrome is flaring up.” Dictionary.com defines imposter syndrome as “anxiety or self‐doubt that results from persistently undervaluing one's competence and active role in achieving success.”
Keep applications flexible, easy and publicize nationally to boost enrollment
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2022

In February 2019, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the state goal of increasing the percentage of adults with a postsecondary degree or certification from 45% in 2019 to 60% by 2030. To do that, Whitmer developed the Michigan Reconnect program, which offers eligible students (those aged 25 years or above) the chance to earn an associate degree or Pell‐eligible skill certificate for free at their in‐district community college. Michigan Reconnect was awarded $30 million in funding by bipartisan support to help achieve that goal.
New system designed for monitoring of solar radiation in urban areas
Authors: Iwase Osamu , Takenaka Hideaki
Published: July 2022

This study describes the estimation of solar radiation from photovoltaic (PV) power generation in smart streetlights (SSL) with a heat transfer model. The distribution of solar radiation is important for managing PV power generation. In particular, the demand for electricity for air conditioners and lighting in urban areas is large, so it is a major target for reducing greenhouse gases by introducing PV power. Solar radiation data that includes information on building shadows and reflections can be obtained by high‐density sampling in urban areas using SSL. These data, which include the three‐dimensional effects of urban structures such as buildings, can help urban planning to incorporate PV power generation. Diverse monitoring data in addition to urban canopy top solar radiation data will accelerate the introduction of PV power. The thermal state of the PV panel is an uncertain factor that links solar radiation and PV power generation. Here, we investigate an hourly constant model, a steady‐state model, and two nonsteady state models with daily and monthly intervals for predicting solar radiation from PV power generation at two locations over one winter month. Solar radiation is estimated by evaluating solar cell temperature, except for the hourly constant model. For the nonsteady‐state model, two types of heat transfer model, which consider only wind speed or both wind speed and direction for convection, are used. The model that includes wind speed and direction calculated by a Joukowski transform is effective, and the highest model accuracy is a mean absolute percentage error of less than 6.3% for the monthly average.
Metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition of anatase titania on multiwalled carbon nanotubes for electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Mombeshora Edwin T. , Muchuweni Edigar , Davies Matthew L. , Nyamori Vincent O. , Martincigh Bice S.
Published: July 2022

In practice, the capacitance from the electrochemical double layer formation on porous carbon‐based electrodes is still below preferred values, limiting their use in electrochemical capacitors. The current drive is to innovate ways that generate additional capacitance in the electrochemical double layer capacitive nature of carbon nanomaterials towards both a high specific energy density (Es) and power density (Ps). Herein we report the use of metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) to coat multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) to induce pseudocapacitive charge storage characteristics on a carbon‐based electrode. The study shows that MWCNTs were coated in bundles, and targeted TiO2 loadings were successfully attained, though the TiO2 agglomerates also increased with TiO2 wt.%. The 10 wt.% TiO2 TiO2‐MWCNT material displayed the best capacitive behavior with associated specific discharge capacitance (Cd), Es, and Ps values of 907 F kg−1, 55.56 Wh kg−1, and 2.78 W kg−1 at 0.1 A g−1, respectively, due to the synergistic effect of the two components of the composite. Additionally, the integral capacitance (Cs) of the 20 wt.% TiO2 material was enhanced more than 5000‐fold relative to that of the 5 wt.% TiO2 TiO2‐MWCNT composite at higher scan speeds of 100 and 200 mV s−1. Electrochemical measurements further demonstrated the possible positive tuning of capacitive characteristics (charge/discharge rates, Cd and Cs) with TiO2 wt.% control. The MOCVD synthesis method imparted the TiO2‐MWCNT composites with suitable traits that showed high potential in improving physicochemical processes favorable in electrical energy storage.
Optimum parameters extraction of proton exchange membrane fuel cells using Fractional‐Order Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Ren Xiaohui , Eslami Mahdiyeh
Published: July 2022

This study proposes a novel metaheuristic‐based technique for optimum parameters' estimation of the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). To provide better results with more reliability and accuracy, a Fractional Order‐based design of the Whale Optimizer Algorithm (FO‐WOA) is designed. A validation test showed that the proposed method provides a good trade‐off between accuracy and convergence speed. Performing the algorithm for multiple independent runs also shows that the proposed method delivers reliable results toward some other comparative metaheuristic algorithms. This algorithm is then used for the minimization of the sum of square deviation between the experimental voltage‐current polarization and the optimal achieved results by the model based on FO‐WOA. The method is validated by considering two practical case studies, which are the Nexa PEMFC and 250 W PEM system, and its achievements are put in comparison with some approaches to indicate the higher effectiveness of the proposed method toward the others. The experimental results on the Nexa PEMFC indicate that the proposed FO‐WOA‐based method with 12 sum square errors (SSE) provided the minimum error toward the other. Also, the experiments on the 250 W PEM Stack indicated that for 250 W PEM Stack with 3/5 bar and 80°C, the proposed method with 0.01 SSE provides the fittest profile with the experimental data, and finally, the experiments on the same stack with 3/5 bar and 80°C showed the higher accuracy of the proposed method with the least SSE value (0.16) toward the others.
Observations of the incipient and penultimate stages of Holocene marine terrace development
Authors: Dickson Mark E. , Omidiji Jokotola , Litchfield Nicola J. , Norton Kevin P. , Matsumoto Hironori , Krier‐Mariani Raphael L. , Horton Sophie L. , Acharya‐Chowdhury Lovleen , McLean Aidan D. , Hurst Martin D. , Stephenson Wayne J.
Published: July 2022

Flights of Holocene marine terraces are useful for reconstructing past earthquakes, but coastal erosion can remove terraces from the landscape, potentially leading to incorrect estimates of earthquake magnitude and frequency. Relatively little effort has been afforded to studying terrace erosion processes, and this paper presents the first field evidence that we are aware of documenting terrace erosion rates. Two case studies from New Zealand provide a unique opportunity to observe the beginning and end phases of terrace development. We present downwear and backwear erosion measurements, showing that both sets of processes are important. Micro‐erosion meter measurements from Kaikōura Peninsula, South Island, confirm that downwear processes are modifying new marine terraces that were created when the peninsula was uplifted about 1 m during the 2016 earthquake. Erosion rates were high immediately following uplift as the relatively barren intertidal rock shore platform rapidly transformed into an incipient marine terrace with cover deposits. However, the Kaikōura earthquake uplifted shore platforms only a small distance above the upper tidal limit and ongoing downwear and backwear erosion may begin to remove parts of this terrace in future decades. We explored this prospect with a case study at Māhia Peninsula, North Island, where 100–300 years have elapsed since the last terrace‐forming earthquake. Historical photographs were used to document about 80 years of backwear erosion. Terrace erosion rates have been nearly constant through this period, and extrapolation implies that the terrace will be removed in places by 2030. The erosion data in this paper provide new insights into how terraces can be removed from the landscape, but there are many complicating factors. To help understand these factors we present a new conceptual model of marine terrace creation and destruction for soft‐rock coasts.
A study on Li‐ion battery and supercapacitor design for hybrid energy storage systems
Authors: Çorapsiz Muhammed Reşit , Kahveci Hakan
Published: July 2022

This paper discusses a generic design of lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) batteries and supercapacitors, which are important sources for energy storage systems (ESS). The main contribution of this study is to compare the available and experimental models for batteries and supercapacitors operating under continuous charge or discharge conditions. Even though the available models show similar behavior to the experimental ones in short‐term or pulsed discharge conditions, this situation may be different in continuous discharge conditions. For this purpose, the optimal electrical equivalent circuits of energy storage devices were constituted and modeled in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. Then, the electrical equivalent circuit parameters were approximately calculated with the help of dynamic equations. Finally, the model parameters were estimated using Nonlinear Least Squares Method (NLSM) and Trust Region Reflective Algorithm (TRRA). When the obtained results were evaluated together, it has been observed that the electrical equivalent circuit models (EECM) more accurately reveal the transient and steady states of energy storage devices compared to the available models, especially under continuous discharge conditions.