bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioglycerol (C3) upgrading to 2,3‐butanediol (C4) by cell‐free extracts of Enterobacter aerogenes NCIM 2695
Authors: Parate Roopa , Borgave Mrunal , Dharne Mahesh , Rode Chandrashekhar
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Production of biobased chemicals from renewable resources is a green starring approach that serves as a substitute to petroleum derivatives. Bioglycerol, with its growing production as a co‐product of biodiesel, is an attractive low‐cost feedstock for the synthesis of platform chemicals by microbial fermentation. 2,3‐butanediol (2,3‐BDO) is amongst the top biorefinery platform chemicals that can be produced by glycerol fermentation.

RESULTS

The ‘Circular Economy’ concept is demonstrated by converting the by‐product bioglycerol using a cell‐free extract of Enterobacter aerogenes NCIM 2695 (National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms, NCIM), yielding 22 g L−1 2,3‐BDO, in 96 h, 98% atom economy and 0.4 g/g E factor. The cell‐free bioglycerol conversion to 2,3‐BDO was proved using a modified procedure for determining glycerol dehydrogenase enzyme assay by protein analysis and it was also shown to be cell‐bounded.

CONCLUSION

Our study offers an effective utilization of the leftover material (i.e. cell‐free extract) that biocatalysed C3 to C4 diol, which adds value to the overall economics of the process using only crude glycerol (C3) itself as a fermentative medium. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Incidental sonographic finding of a concealed placental abruption leading to delivery at 37 weeks' gestation
Authors: Sherer David M. , Kheyman Mila , Benayoun Jacqueline , Dalloul Mudar
Published: December 2020

Placental abruption occurs clinically in approximately 1% of births although placental pathology assessment suggests a higher incidence. Ultrasound rarely plays a role in the diagnosis or clinical management of patients with suspected placental abruption. A patient with an incidental sonographic finding of a large concealed abruption at 36 weeks' gestation, led to induction of labor. This case and the established association of increased stillbirth with placental abruption among patients of advanced maternal age, suggest that at term, following sonographic findings of abruption, consideration should be given to elective delivery of these patients even in the absence of clinical symptomatology.
Application of multimicroscopic techniques (LM and SEM) in comparative palynological study of Asteroideae members, inhabited in Pakistan
Authors: Younis Sidra , Shaheen Shabnum , Harun Nidaa , Abbas Moneeza , Ahmad Mushtaq , Hussain Khadim , Khan Farah
Published: December 2020

In the present study light and scanning electron microscopic approaches were used to study the palynological variations among 30 Asteroideae members. Variety of qualitative and quantitative palynological characters like pollen shape and type, pollen sculpturing, pollen size, P/E ratio, exine and intine thickness, interspecific difference, colpi size, pore size, spines length, spine width, and pollen fertility were observed. Results reported remarkable variations among pollen characters of studied taxa. The shape of pollen grains in polar and equatorial views varied from specie to specie such as spheroidal, prolate, oblate, subspheroidal, oblate spheroidal, prolate spheroidal, suboblate, and sub prolate. Bidens pilosa L. showed maximum pollen size in both polar and equatorial views, whereas minimum pollen size in polar view was found in Tetraneuris scaposa (DC.) Greene. (i.e., 30.5 μm) and in equatorial view was found in Cosmos sulphureus Cav. (25.5 μm).The highest P/E ratio (1.39 μm) was measured in Glebionis coronaria L. The values of exine and intine thickness also varied. Tricolporate, tetracolporate, trizonocolporate, pentoporate, and polypentoporate pollen types were examined. Spinateand echinate pollen sculpturingobserved under SEM. Variations in spine length and width also recorded. The maximum pollen fertility (98%) was measured in Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. and the lowest (56%) was recorded in Thymophylla tenuiloba (DC.) Small. It was concluded that the variations in qualitative and quantitative characters were seemed to be valuable for the taxonomic investigations of Asteroideae taxa.
DATAMAN: A global database of nitrous oxide and ammonia emission factors for excreta deposited by livestock and land‐applied manure
Authors: Beltran Ignacio , van der Weerden Tony J. , Alfaro Marta A. , Amon Barbara , de Klein Cecile A. M. , Grace Peter , Hafner Sasha , Hassouna Mélynda , Hutchings Nicholas , Krol Dominika J. , Leytem April B. , Noble Alasdair , Salazar Francisco , Thorman Rachel E. , Velthof Gerard L.
Published: December 2020

Nitrous oxide (N2O), ammonia (NH3), and methane (CH4) emissions from the manure management chain of livestock production systems are important contributors to greenhouse gases (GHGs) and NH3 emitted by human activities. Several studies have evaluated manure‐related emissions and associated key variables at regional, national, or continental scales. However, there have been few studies focusing on the drivers of these emissions using a global dataset. An international project was created (DATAMAN) to develop a global database on GHG and NH3 emissions from the manure management chain (housing, storage, and field) to identify key variables influencing emissions and ultimately to refine emission factors (EFs) for future national GHG inventories and NH3 emission reporting. This paper describes the “field” database that focuses on N2O and NH3 EFs from land‐applied manure and excreta deposited by grazing livestock. We collated relevant information (EFs, manure characteristics, soil properties, and climatic conditions) from published peer‐reviewed research, conference papers, and existing databases. The database, containing 5,632 observations compiled from 184 studies, was relatively evenly split between N2O and NH3 (56 and 44% of the EF values, respectively). The N2O data were derived from studies conducted in 21 countries on five continents, with New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Kenya, and Brazil representing 86% of the data. The NH3 data originated from studies conducted in 17 countries on four continents, with the United Kingdom, Denmark, Canada, and The Netherlands representing 79% of the data. Wet temperate climates represented 90% of the total database. The DATAMAN field database is available at http://www.dataman.co.nz.
Microwave‐assisted synthesis and antimicrobial activity of novel spiro 1,3,4‐thiadiazolines from isatin derivatives
Authors: da Costa Daniel Pereira , de Castro Aleff Cruz , da Silva Girlyanderson Araújo , Lima‐Junior Claudio Gabriel , de Andrade Júnior Francisco Patricio , de Oliveira Lima Edeltrudes , Vaz Boniek Gontijo , da Silva Lidya Cardoso
Published: December 2020

This work describes the synthesis of spiro 1,3,4‐thiadiazolines from isatin‐β‐thiosemicarbazone acetylation, using microwave irradiation as a source of heating the reaction medium. N‐substituted isatin derivatives were used as substrates to obtain thiosemicarbazones by adding thiosemicarbazide to the isatin ketone carbonyl. The final synthetic step was the reaction of thiosemicarbazones with acetic anhydride under microwave irradiation to get the spiro compounds. Reaction times ranged from 6 to 18 minutes resulting in yields of up to 90%. Biological assays have shown promising antibacterial and antifungal activity, especially spiro thiadiazolines derived from allylated isatins. All the proposed molecules proved to be potential drug candidates based on the results of the in silico investigation, with satisfactory drug‐likeness and drug‐score, respecting Lipinski's rule. The use of the microwave reactor was efficient for the synthesis of thiosemicarbazones and spiro compounds, resulting in a significant reduction in reaction times with conventional heating. Taking into account the threat of antimicrobial resistance, this work presents a series of bioactive molecules that are easily obtained via microwave reaction.
An automated real‐time PCR assay for synovial fluid improves the preoperative etiological diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection and septic arthritis
Authors: Yang Fan , Choe Hyonmin , Kobayashi Naomi , Tezuka Taro , Oba Masatoshi , Miyamae Yushi , Morita Akira , Abe Koki , Inaba Yutaka
Published: December 2020

Synovial fluid is important for the preoperative etiological diagnosis of suspected periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) or septic arthritis (SA). GENECUBE, an automated real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, was used to detect bacterial mecA (methicillin resistance) and was compared with microbiological cultures for preoperatively diagnosing PJI and SA in 74 patients suspected of these infections and thus earmarked for surgery. PJI and SA were diagnosed in 21 and 6 cases, respectively, using modified ICM 2018 diagnostic criteria. Microbiological cultures determined methicillin‐resistant staphylococcus (MRS) as the causative organism in six samples, which were all positive in the GENECUBE assay. Significantly also, the GENECUBE assay detected six MRS infections in culture‐negative but infection‐diagnosed patients, and in one inconclusive case, suggesting a higher sensitivity of this assay. Compared with microbiological culture, the sensitivity and specificity of the GENECUBE assay for mecAwas 100% and 92.2%, respectively. However, GENECUBE also produced invalid results in three cases, suggesting possible PCR inhibitors in the synovial fluid samples. We additionally validated the accuracy of pan‐bacterial real‐time PCR targeting 16S rRNA and other tests. Pan‐bacterial real‐time PCR was as effective as preoperative bacterial culture testing, although the α‐defensin assay had the highest sensitivity at 100%. Hence, fully automated real‐time PCR targeting of the bacterial mecA gene improves the etiological diagnosis of PJI and SA by reducing the testing time and lowering the false‐positive detection rates. A screening approach for α‐defensin followed by bacterial mecA gene testing in synovial fluids is therefore a more efficient method of preoperatively diagnosing PJI and SA.
Ultrasonic and enzymatic pretreatments of Monascus fermentation byproduct for a sustainable production of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Zhang Chen , Zhang Feipeng , Wang Yang , Shi Xiangzhu , Fan Rong , Ni Li
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Monascus fermentation byproduct (MFB) is a biowaste generated after food colorants are extracted. Using MFB to produce probiotics (Bacillus subtilis) is a sustainable way for the entire production to be used as food or animal feed additives. However, due to the rigidity of the Monascus mycelium cell wall, B. subtilis cannot sufficiently utilize the nutrients in MFB, leading to low biomass production efficiency. We studied the effects of ultrasonic treatment, papain, β‐glucanase, and chitosanase, and their combinations on improving the levels of soluble components from MFB. The effects of these treatments on mycelium cell walls were visualized using scanning electron microscopy, and their influence on B. subtilis production was analyzed.

RESULTS

Ultrasonic treatment increased the soluble components by 210 g kg−1, including 50 g kg−1 protein and 120 g kg−1 carbohydrates. An enzyme mixture increased the soluble components by 160 g kg−1, including 30 g kg−1 protein and 90 g kg−1 carbohydrates. The combination of the two methods achieved the highest increase of soluble components (up to 400 g kg−1) leading to a maximum B. subtilis production of 1 × 1011 colony‐forming unit mL−1. This yield was about 20 times greater than that using untreated MFB and about eight times greater than treatments using only ultrasonic or enzymatic methods.

CONCLUSION

The productivity of B. subtilis production using MFB as the sole medium can be greatly improved by ultrasound or enzymes, which cause the release of intercellular components or cell wall components. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The sustainability of rice‐crayfish coculture systems: a mini review of evidence from Jianghan plain in China
Authors: Hou Jun , Styles David , Cao Yuxian , Ye Xinxin
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Rice‐crayfish coculture (RC) uses 10% of the paddy field area for crayfish ditches, with rice cultivated in the remaining area, providing staple carbohydrates alongside fish rich in protein and essential oils. These systems rely on complex interactions, involving nutrient cycling, fish feeding, soil physicochemical modification, and insect‐pest predation, and have important socio‐economic effects. Past studies have considered only one or a few of these aspects pertinent to food system sustainability, and there remains a need for an integrated assessment of RC systems. In this mini‐review, we collate data from two field experiments and three field surveys published across eight papers to synthesize the overall sustainability of RC systems in Jianghan Plain in China.

RESULTS

In deep groundwater fields, the RC rice yield was 30–55% lower than for typical rice‐rapeseed (RR) rotations, while CH4 emission and pesticide use were 41–96% and 50% lower, respectively. In shallow groundwater fields, RC rice yield was similar to typical rice monoculture (RM) cultivation, while CH4 emission and pesticide use were 28–41% and 17% lower for RC cultivation. Field survey data indicated that RC can improve soil nutrient and organic matter content significantly compared with RM cultivation, and also increase the diversity of fauna and flora in the paddy field whilst reducing the incidence of chilo suppressalis (a major rice pest). Feed inputs to RC systems increased crayfish yield by 31–71% and reduced the fraction of N inputs lost to the environment from 71% to 41%.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that RC systems with feed inputs in areas with shallow groundwater can deliver improved food security, sustainability, and resilience through ecological intensification. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of high pressure pre‐treatment on raw ewes' milk and on subsequently produced cheese throughout ripening
Authors: Inácio Rita S , Pinto Carlos A , Saraiva Jorge A , Gomes Ana MP
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Raw ewe's milk, as used to manufacture Serra da Estrela Protected Designation of Origin cheese, was pre‐treated by high pressure processing (HPP), using previously optimized conditions (121 MPa for 30 min), aiming to evaluate its effect on milk technological properties for subsequent cheese production, namely the impact on resulting curd, whey and cheese throughout ripening.

RESULTS

The cheese yield increased 10.4% as a result of milk pre‐treated by HPP, which also yielded inactivation of beneficial microbial groups. After 60 days of ripening, both treated and control cheeses showed no significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) with respect to quantified microbial load or basic physicochemical quality parameters.

CONCLUSION

HPP appears to be a promising non‐thermal treatment for ewes' milk to inactivate contaminant bacteria but with no negative effect on lactic acid bacteria, which is very important for the unique characteristics of Serra da Estrela cheese. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of climate change and mechanized harvesting on maize (Zea mays L.) planting and northern limits in northeast China
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Li , Yin Xiaogang , Zou Xiaoman , Chen Fu
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Northeast China is one of the most important maize producing areas in China. Due to limitations on crop growth resulting from temperature, whether this area can realize mechanical kernel harvesting maize (MKHM) will directly affect the stable development of maize in the region. The effects of climate change on the northern limits of early maturing MKHM were also analyzed in the study.

RESULTS

The mean temperature during the maize growth period increased at a rate of 0.22 °C/10a from 1960 to 2018. The average growth periods for early, middle‐ and late‐maturing common harvest maize (CHM) were 123, 135, and 140 days, respectively, and the accumulated temperature above 10 °C (AAT10) was 2400 °C, 2800 °C, and 3100 °C. The early maturing MKHM growth period was about 20 days longer than that of early maturing CHM, and thus the AAT10 of the MKHM was 2700 °C. From 2000–2018, the northern limits for the early maturing CHM maize planting were located from south of Nenjiang and Wudalianchi (47° 98′ N–49° 74′ N), while the northern limits for the early maturing MKHM maize were located in south Keshan, Nehe, and Hailun (46° 32′ N–48° 70′ N), which was about 148 km southward compared to the northern limits of the early maturing CHM maize.

CONCLUSION

This study not only confirmed the northern limits of early maturing MKHM maize but also indicated that the development of MKHM offsets the influences of climate change on the northern limits of maize planting. This is very important for the sustainable development of maize in the region. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Anatomy and physiology of the sentinel lymph nodes of the upper extremity: Implications for axillary reverse mapping in breast cancer
Authors: Coroneos Christopher J. , Woodward Wendy A. , Wong Franklin C. , Caudle Abigail S. , Shaitelman Simona F. , Kuerer Henry M. , Schaverien Mark V.
Published: December 2020

Background

This study characterizes the physiological drainage of the normal upper extremity using single‐photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) lymphoscintigraphy axillary reverse lymphatic mapping (ARM).

Methods

A consecutive series of patients assessed with SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy ARM of the upper extremity were included. Anatomical localization of the axillary sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) was completed in normal axillae in relation to consistent anatomic landmarks. Retrospective case note analysis was performed to collect patient demographic data.

Results

A total of 169 patients underwent SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy, and imaging of 182 normal axillae was obtained. All patients (100%) had an axillary SLN identified: 19% had a single contrast‐enhanced SLN in the axilla and the remainder had multiple. The SLN(s) of the upper extremity was located in the upper outer quadrant (UOQ) of the axilla in 97% of cases (177 axillae). When the SLN(s) was found in the UOQ of the axilla, second‐tier lymph nodes were found predominantly in the upper inner quadrant (50% of cases).

Conclusions

The upper extremity SLN(s) is located in a constant region of the axilla. This study provides the most complete investigation to date and results can be directly applied clinically to ARM techniques and adjuvant radiation planning.
CASC2 inhibits the growth, migration, and invasion of thyroid cancer cells through sponging miR‐18a‐5p/FIH1 axis
Authors: Liu Qi‐Yu , Gao Ling‐Yi , Xu Lin , Zhang Xiao‐Long , Zhang Li‐Jun , Gong Xiao‐Lei , Luo Shi‐Bi , Zhao Rong , Cheng Ruo‐Chuan
Published: December 2020

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Cancer Susceptibility 2 (CASC2) has been proved to contribute to the development of cancers. However, the mechanism behind the action of CASC2 in thyroid cancer is not quite clear. We demonstrated that CASC2 was downregulated in thyroid cancer. We noted that CASC2 overexpression restrained the growth, migration, and invasion of thyroid cancer cells, whereas CASC2 depletion caused opposite trends. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha inhibitor (FIH‐1) was potentially targeted by miR‐18a‐5p, which was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Upregulation of FIH‐1 abrogated the promotive effect of miR‐18a‐5p on the growth and invasion of thyroid cancer cells. In addition, CASC2 serves as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and a ''sponge'' for miR‐18a‐5p, thereby regulating the expression of FIH‐1. These data elucidated the CASC2/miR‐18a‐5p ceRNA network in thyroid cancer pathogenesis.
Elevated serum miR‐3129‐5p contributes to the progression of coronary heart disease via targeting mTOR
Authors: Wang Zhen‐Yu , Zhao Ting , Zhou Jing , Gao Feng
Published: December 2020

The current study aims to explore the miRNA changes that occur in the serum of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and healthy controls using a microarray technique, thereby exploring the potential biomarkers in the diagnosis of CHD and the underlying mechanism. Clinical data were reviewed, and venous blood samples were collected from 66 cases of CHD and 58 cases of healthy controls. MicroRNA‐wide expression profiling identified 16 miRNAs that were aberrantly decreased by ~2‐fold in the serum of patients with CHD compared to that of healthy controls. RT‐PCR analysis indicated that the expression of miR‐3129‐5p was increased the most in patients with CHD compared with that of controls. Moreover, serum miR‐3129‐5p was found to be highest in the severe stenosis group, followed by the moderate stenosis group and mild stenosis group. ROC analysis showed that serum miR‐3129‐5p could differentiate patients with CHD from controls. Further study showed that mTOR was a target gene of miR‐3129‐5p. Western blot assays demonstrated that miR‐3129‐5p significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of S6 but increased LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1 levels. Consistently, GFP‐LC3 and TEM assays indicated that miR‐3129 increased autophagy puncta in H9C2 cells. More importantly, silencing mTOR significantly decreased the expression of p‐S6 but increased LC3II/LC3I and Beclin expression even in H9C2 cells transfected with miR‐3129‐5p inhibitor, indicating that miR‐3129‐5p‐induced cell autophagy was mediated via mTOR in H9C2 cells. In summary, elevated serum miR‐3129‐5p contributes to CHD by targeting mTOR signaling and may be a therapeutic target in the treatment of CHD.
MiR‐10a‐5p restrains the aggressive phenotypes of ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting HOXA1
Authors: Liu Li‐Jun , Sun Xiao‐Yan , Yang Chen‐Xi , Zou Xiao‐Yan
Published: December 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are dysregulated in human ovarian carcinoma (OC). But the mechanism underlying miR‐10a‐5p in regulating the progression of OC need deeply explored. In the current study, we observed that miR‐10a‐5p was down‐expressed in OC samples and OC cell lines. In addition, miR‐10a‐5p restrained the viability, colony formation, migration ability and invasiveness of OC cells. We further ascertained Homeobox A1 (HOXA1) was a downstream gene of miR‐10a‐5p. Furthermore, HOXA1 was distinctly upregulated in OC samples. Finally, upregulation of HOXA1 abolished the suppressive effects of miR‐10a‐5p on OC cells. These observations suggested that miR‐10a‐5p suppressed the aggressive phenotypes of OC cells via regulating HOXA1.
Future thinking: A marketing perspective on reducing wildlife crime
Authors: Rayburn Steven W. , Anderson Sidney , Sierra Jeremy J.
Published: December 2020

This paper discusses how, using both a futures studies perspective and social contract theory, marketing is uniquely positioned to help reduce crimes against wildlife. The futures studies perspective involves predicting probable, preferable, and possible futures. Moreover, marketers have an obligation (i.e., a social contract) to society—wildlife included—to meet consumer needs through well‐rounded, morally robust strategies. Using face‐to‐face and digital data collection methods, a broad set of consumers were asked about their perspectives on the future wildlife. Grounded theory was used to analyze responses until a point of thematic saturation. The results indicate that consumers take a broad, inclusive view of wildlife crime. Participants describe the immediate probable future where micro‐, meso‐, and macrolevel wildlife crimes persist, and a preferred future of wildlife, including among others, reduced wildlife crime, decreased animal cruelty, and human–wildlife symbiosis. Respondents expressed a desire to reduce what they view as wildlife crime and presented viable paths to reduce such crimes. Theoretical and managerial implications are offered.
Reducing crimes against wildlife through promoting animal–human continuity beliefs: The role of consumers' religiosity
Authors: Minton Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2020

Wildlife crime is a worldwide issue, but marketing research has been mostly silent on the topic. In particular, research has yet to understand how a consumer's level of religiosity may help to explain views toward and participation in crimes against wildlife. Thus, through three studies, these challenges are addressed. Study 1 shows that religiosity positively influences acceptability views and participation in crimes against wildlife, and this relationship is mediated by animal–human continuity beliefs (i.e., believing animals and humans are one of the same). Study 2 primes religion to show that religiously primed consumers are more likely to view crimes against wildlife as acceptable, thereby supporting religiosity as a primary mechanism in explaining crimes against wildlife. Additionally, animal–human continuity beliefs again mediate this relationship, with religiously primed consumers reporting lower animal–human continuity beliefs. Lastly, Study 3 provides practical implications through marketing messaging aimed at reducing attitudes toward and participation in crimes against wildlife. Findings reveal that religious‐based messaging is the most effective. Findings build on belief congruence theory and provide implications for marketing practice and the preservation of wildlife.
Drivers of credit union penetration: An international analysis
Authors: Adusei Michael , Adeleye Ngozi , Okafor Anthony
Published: December 2020

We investigate the drivers of credit union penetration with data from 90 countries for the period 2005–2017. Generally, the results show that the number of credit unions, the level of financial development of a country, the level of industrialization of a country, and the institutional environment are significantly supportive of credit union penetration. We conclude that the elimination of restrictions on the formation of credit unions (if any), the adoption of industrialization as development path, the implementation of sound monetary and fiscal policies that promote financial development, and the pursuit of good public governance are crucial for credit union penetration.
On a variable metric iterative method for solving the elastic net problem
Authors: Liu Liya , Qin Xiaolong , Sahu D. R.
Published: December 2020

Based on a hybrid steepest‐descent method and a splitting method, we propose a variable metric iterative algorithm, which is useful in computing the elastic net solution. A solution theorem is established in the framework of Hilbert spaces. Numerical results are conducted on the signal processing to demonstrate the capacity and effectiveness of our algorithm.
Design of wideband AMC integrated monopole antenna with enhanced radiation performances for off‐body systems
Authors: Hazarika Bidisha , Basu Banani , Nandi Arnab
Published: December 2020

A low‐profile, wideband, high gain artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) integrated monopole antenna is proposed in the letter. The bowl‐shaped stair styled monopole with defected round type partial ground is integrated with the AMC containing 2 × 2 unit‐cells to broaden the impedance bandwidth by 92.7%/66.2%/53.9% at the three resonating notches at 6/8.4/10.3 GHz respectively. The AMC has covered ±90° reflection phase bandwidth from 6.20 to 7.44 GHz (18.56%). The planar AMC proffers mu‐negative (MNG) properties and polarization independent behavior. Introduction of AMC beneath the monopole achieves wideband from 5.39 to 10.95 GHz. The AMC integrated monopole provides peak gain up to 10.6 dB which is 66.8% better than that of the only monopole. The integrated antenna offers low‐profile features with unidirectional radiation behavior, up to 18.6 dB front to back ratio (FBR) and >90% efficiency. The proposed design reduces 1‐g averaged Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) at 1 mm distance up to 96.6% at the respective bands.
Recent progress in solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance of half‐integer spin low‐γ quadrupolar nuclei applied to inorganic materials
Authors: Smith Mark E.
Published: December 2020

An overview is presented of recent progress in the solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) observation of low‐γ nuclei, with a focus on applications to inorganic materials. The technological and methodological advances in the last 20 years, which have underpinned the increased accessibility of low‐γ nuclei for study by solid‐state NMR techniques, are summarised, including improvements in hardware, pulse sequences and associated computational methods (e.g., first principles calculations and spectral simulation). Some of the key initial observations from inorganic materials of these nuclei are highlighted along with some recent (most within the last 10 years) illustrations of their application to such materials. A summary of other recent reviews of the study of low‐γ nuclei by solid‐state NMR is provided so that a comprehensive understanding of what has been achieved to date is available.
How to address the wants and needs of your audience in this ‘new normal’
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: December 2020

A few marketing columns from earlier this year addressed how the COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted our work. One was about the shift to managing teams remotely, another focused on how to promote the online learning experience in a more engaging way, and a third looked at changing trends in our industry.
Development of a LC–HRMS based approach to boost structural annotation of isomeric citrus flavanones
Authors: He Ying‐Jie , Zhou Ying , Qin Yan , Zhou Zhong‐Shun , Zhu Meng , Zhu Yan‐Yan , Wang Zhao‐Jie , Xie Tian‐Zhen , Zhao Li‐Xing , Luo Xiao‐Dong
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The structural annotation of target relies on high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) information resulting in dubious identities in most cases. The accurate annotation of isomeric structures is still challenging to be confirmed with significant bottleneck.

Objective

This study focused on the improvement of structural annotation of candidate structures via four pairs of isomeric flavanone‐7‐O‐diglucosides and their basic flavanone aglycones commonly detected in citrus products.

Method

An integrated liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) approach merging retention time, accurate mass, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) information (diagnostic ions), ion ratio at selected collision energy was established successfully.

Results

Feasibility of this approach was validated confidently in biological samples with relative standard deviation (RSD) of ion ratio range from 3.91 to 12.28%. Differences of fragmentation patterns of citrus flavanones were illustrated reasonably. MS/MS fragments of (S)‐hesperetin and (S)‐isosakuranetin were complicated and showed typical radical ion [1,2A – H]•– (m/z 164) in negative ESI mode due to the methoxyl group on B‐ring, which showed huge difference with (R)‐hesperetin and (R)‐isosakuranetin.

Conclusion

This study integrated multiple levels to boost the confidence of structural annotation relied on LC–HRMS, and provided important values in practice for precise identification of citrus flavanones in biological matrices.
A social perennial vision: Transdisciplinary inquiry for the future of diverse, perennial grain agriculture
Authors: Streit Krug Aubrey , Tesdell Omar Imseeh
Published: December 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Plant scientists around the planet are working to develop new perennial grains and learn how to grow them in diverse agroecosystems. Perennial grain agriculture could accomplish long‐term sustainability by providing food for humans without degrading the ecosystem processes on which food productivity depends. However, more research is needed to understand how to pursue perennial grain food system transformation that builds justice within diverse human societies. We use a case study from Palestine to explore why this research should encompass many academic disciplines and go beyond them to engage communities. By paying attention to deeper agricultural systems of relationship that shape change, researchers may better develop and integrate the knowledge necessary to help realize a “social perennial vision.”

Summary

Research across plant science domains is foundational to the development of novel grain agroecosystems that feature perenniality and diversity. Because agriculture is social as well as biophysical, research is also needed to address how to make just and fair human community arrangements and socioeconomic relationships within diverse, perennial grain agroecosystems.

As a first step, we draw on agroecology as well as critical concepts from the social sciences and humanities in order to identify dominant systems of relationship in agriculture, recognize their past and present impacts in the ecosphere, and envision alternatives. To ground our analysis, we use a case study of a research group in Palestine that engages communities in co‐producing plant knowledge.

Our social perennial vision recognizes the effort required by human communities to find ways to endure in agricultural landscapes. Alternative systems of relationship are both necessary and possible to build diverse, perennial grain agroecosystems. The scientific and social knowledge required for positive agricultural transformation may be gained through more integrated research efforts.

The social perennial vision that we characterize affirms the importance of transdisciplinary inquiry for the development of diverse, perennial grain agriculture. We highlight the ethical and practical values of participatory approaches and accessible tools for future research.
d‐Amino acid substitutions and dimerization increase the biological activity and stability of an IL‐15 antagonist peptide
Authors: Rodríguez‐Álvarez Yunier , Cabrales‐Rico Ania , Diago‐Abreu David , Correa‐Arguelles Elianys , Reyes‐Acosta Osvaldo , Puente‐Pérez Pedro , Pichardo‐Díaz Dagmara , Urquiza‐Noa Dioslaida , Hernández‐Santana Amalia , Garay‐Pérez Hilda E.
Published: December 2020

Interleukin (IL)‐15 plays an important role in several inflammatory diseases. We have previously identified an IL‐15 antagonist called P8 peptide, which binds specifically to IL‐15 receptor alpha subunit. However, the P8 peptide rapidly degraded by proteases, limiting its therapeutic application. Thus, we replaced each P8 peptide l‐amino acid by its corresponding d‐isomers. First, we determined the biological activity of the resulting peptides in a proliferation assay by using CTLL‐2 cells. The substitution of l‐Ala by d‐Ala ([A4a]P8 peptide) increased the inhibitory effect of the P8 peptide in CTLL‐2 cells in five‐fold. In addition to that, the [A4a]P8 peptide dimer showed the most inhibitory effect. To protect the [A4a]P8 peptide and its dimer against exopeptidase activity, we acetylated the N‐terminal of these peptides. At least a three‐fold reduction in antagonist activity of acetylated peptides was exhibited. However, the substitution of the N‐terminal l‐Lys residue of [A4a]P8 peptide and its dimer by d‐Lys ([K1k;A4a]P8 peptide) did not affect the antagonist effect of the aforementioned peptides. The [K1k;A4a]P8 peptide dimer was stable to the degradation of trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pepsin up until 48 min. Also, the safety and immunogenicity studies in healthy BALB/c mice demonstrated that the administration of this peptide did not affect the clinical parameters of the animals nor generated antipeptide antibodies. Our findings reveal that two distinct d‐amino acid substitutions and dimerization increase the biological activity and stability of P8 peptide. The resulting peptide constitutes a novel IL‐15 antagonist with potential applicability in inflammatory diseases.
Dressing‐Shaped Rabi Oscillation of Photon Pairs in Hot Atomic Ensemble
Authors: Li Kangkang , Li Sifan , Li Changbiao , Cai Yin , Li Feng , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: December 2020

The nonclassical states of light serve as potential candidates for emerging quantum information processes. A quantum information unit with higher information capacity is interesting and useful in large quantum information systems, such as quantum computations. The most mature way to increase information capacity is to employ a post‐selection or cascaded method with the biphoton state and polarizing beam splitters to increase the qubits of the entangled state. Another promising processing is shaping the temporal correlations of entangled state to high‐dimensional entangled states to increase the superposed states of each qubit. Based on the photon pair state in a hot atomic ensemble, experiments are conducted to shape its temporal correlations to multi‐periodic Rabi oscillations and nonlinear phase shifts. By employing the external dressing field to quantum transitions, the nonlinear interaction produces multiple frequency modes, shaping the temporal correlation of photon pairs to multi‐periodic Rabi oscillation and proposing a 3D energy–time‐entangled qubit for photon pair state. Interestingly, the maximum peak of the periodic Rabi oscillation can migrate with a longer correlation time because of a nonlinear phase shift. Wave shaping of the photon pair state, therefore, has the potential for applications in quantum information processes with higher information capacity and quantum memory.
Satellite integration into 5G: Accent on testbed implementation and demonstration results for 5G Aero platform backhauling use case
Authors: Goratti Leonardo , Herle Supreeth , Betz Tobias , Temprado Garriga Elisenda , Khalili Hamzeh , Khodashenas Pouria Sayyad , Brunel Alain‐Pierre , Chau Duy‐Kha , Ravuri Srikant , Vasudevamurthy Ramesh , Gal Avi , Dodge Menachem , Liolis Konstantinos
Published: December 2020

The first true multitechnology communication system is 5G, which is expected to have a large impact on society and industry. The European Commission funded H2020 5G‐PPP Phase 2 project SaT5G addressed the plug‐and‐play integration of satellite communication into 5G. One of the SaT5G use cases corresponds to the delivery of 5G connectivity services to moving platforms such as aircraft via GEO/MEO satellite backhauling. With focus on this use case, this paper elaborates on the practical implementation and measurement results obtained within the 5G Aero testbed developed as part of the SaT5G project. The 5G Aero testbed activities focus on the next generation of connectivity and content distribution services to airplanes through satellite and terrestrial integration in 5G at the user, control and management planes. Software‐defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualisation (NFV) are key enablers to develop a powerful end‐to‐end testbed that can accelerate the adoption of multi‐access edge computing (MEC) for the next‐generation in‐flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) services, which use geostationary (GEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite backhauling technologies. Hence, measurement results obtained from both over‐the‐air demonstration over the O3b MEO satellite constellation and in‐lab validation over an emulated GEO satellite link are presented, towards the next‐generation 5G‐enabled IFEC services.
In Situ Inkjet Printing Patterned Lead Halide Perovskite Quantum Dot Color Conversion Films by Using Cheap and Eco‐Friendly Aqueous Inks
Authors: Shi Shuchen , Bai Wenhao , Xuan Tongtong , Zhou Tianliang , Dong Guoyan , Xie Rong‐Jun
Published: December 2020

Inkjet‐printed perovskite quantum dot (PQD) color conversion films (CCFs) have great potentials for mini/micro‐LED displays because of their ultrahigh color purity, tunable emissions, high efficiency, and high‐resolution. However, current PQD inks mainly use expensive, toxic, and flammable organic substances as solvents. In this work, water is proposed to be used as the solvent for inkjet printing PQD/polymer CCFs. The green‐emitting patterned MAPbBr3/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films are in situ prepared by using halides and the PVA‐based aqueous ink. The as‐printed CCFs exhibit a high‐resolution dot matrix of 90 µm with a bright green emission (λem = 526 nm), a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 85%, and a narrow full width at half maximum of 22 nm. They have both air‐ and photo‐stabilities under ambient conditions, and each pixel of CCFs is relatively uniform in morphology and fluorescence when the substrate temperature is 80 °C. The patterned blue‐emitting MAPbClxBr3‐x/PVA and red‐emitting Cs0.3MA0.7PbBrxI3‐x/PVA can also be printed by aqueous inks. These results indicate that the designed aqueous inks are promising for in situ inkjet printing high resolution and reliability PQD CCFs for mini/micro‐LED displays.
Instandsetzung eines Fähranlegers nach Schiffsanprall
Authors: Fechner Max , Wingeß Olaf
Published: December 2020

Durch einen Schiffsanprall am Anleger 6a des Skandinavienkais in Lübeck‐Travemünde wurde die Hauptdeckbrücke schwer beschädigt. Infolge der Wucht des Anpralls wurden Frontquerträger, Hubquerträger und Lagerverbindungen teils stark deformiert und waren anschließend nicht mehr voll trag‐ und funktionsfähig. Über Nachrechnungen und die Integration der aufgetretenen Schadensbilder in das Berechnungsmodell konnten die Auswirkungen auf die Gesamttragfähigkeit analysiert werden. Neben der Wiederherstellung des Urzustands lag das Hauptaugenmerk auf der Verstärkung der durch Beulverformungen beeinträchtigten Stegbleche des Hubquerträgers. Nach einer Zeit mit eingeschränkter Nutzung konnte durch die Instandsetzungsmaßnahmen die vollständige Betriebsfähigkeit wieder gewährleistet werden.
Kirenol inhibited the cell survival and induced apoptosis in human thyroid cancer cells by altering PI3K/AKT and MAP kinase signaling pathways
Authors: Wang Yulong , Xu Jia , Alarifi Saud , Wang Huanjun
Published: December 2020

The thyroid cancer, especially papillary thyroid cancers are very common among population with high intake of iodine or iodine uptake. Even though several treatment options are available, there is still complication and side effects are still persistent. The role of signaling molecules in cancer signaling is very vast and their significance in progression of disease was increasing which leads to mortality of the patient. The major key players are PI3K, AKT and MAP kinase, involves in cell survival, proliferation, and inhibition of apoptosis and are the promising candidate for cancer treatment target, several researchers focuses these molecule to treat various acute and chronic diseases like cancer. On the other side, various literatures propose that natural compounds derived from plant source are shown potent anticancer property against several cancers. In our study we are looking in to one such active principle obtained from plant source, a diterpenoid compound kirenol, and its role thyroid cancer. Here, we report that kirenol role on various cellular mechanisms like induction of apoptosis, enhancing ROS indirectly by inhibiting antioxidants, altering the signaling mechanism of cell survival and apoptosis. Our study proposes that kirenol involved in the cancer cell cytotoxicity by inducing apoptosis and inhibition of cancer cell survival. Thus, targeting this signaling molecule with kirenol definitely favors and may lead to a therapeutic modality for thyroid cancer.
Study of meat quality and flavour in different cuts of Duroc‐Bamei binary hybrid pigs
Authors: Chen Guoshun , Cai Yu , Su Yingyu , Wang Dong , Pan Xiaolong , Zhi Xijun
Published: December 2020

Background

Meat quality and flavour are important criteria for judging fresh pork and processed products. However, there have been few studies on meat quality and volatile flavour substances of different parts of binary hybrid pigs.

Objective

To study the differences in meat quality and volatile flavour substances between different cuts of pork, which could provide the basis for consumer decision‐making when purchasing pork.

Methods

Twenty Du‐Ba binary hybrid pigs (first filial [F1] generation) bred from Duroc and Bamei pigs were used. This study systematically compared and analysed the basic nutritional components, amino acid composition, fatty acid composition and flavour profiles of longissimus dorsi, rib muscle and tendon meat of four Du‐Ba binary hybrid pigs; all assays were repeated in triplicate.

Results

Crude protein, calcium and phosphorus content in tendon meat were higher than that in the longissimus dorsi. The intramuscular fat content of the rib muscle was higher than that in the longissimus dorsi and tendon meat (p < 0.05). The amino acid content was highest in the tendon meat. The levels of essential amino acids and flavour‐associated amino acids per kilogram of longissimus dorsi were higher than those in the rib muscle and tendon meat. Moreover, the content of aspartic acid, serine and cystine were higher in the longissimus dorsi than in the other two parts. The type of saturated fatty acids and the type and content of unsaturated fatty acids in tendon meat were higher than in the longissimus dorsi and rib muscle. The total content of volatile flavour compounds was higher in the longissimus dorsi than in the rib muscle and tendon meat.

Conclusion

The rib muscle contains high deposits of fat, and tendon meat has a relatively high nutritional value, while the longissimus dorsi has a stronger flavour.
Large eddy simulations of wind turbine wakes in typical complex topographies
Authors: Liu Zhenqing , Lu Shengyu , Ishihara Takeshi
Published: December 2020

There is a need to clarify the coupling characteristics of terrain‐induced wind fields and wind turbine‐induced wake in wind farm micrositing. However, research investigating the effect of hill shape on this interaction is lacking. In addition, during the optimization of the layout of the turbines over topographies, the flow behind the turbines should be predicted in a fast way. After obtaining the wake flow of the turbine mounted on flat terrain and the flow over the topographies, there are mainly two superposition methods to predict the turbine wake flow over the topographies. One is to add the wind deficit following the location with a vertical distance of the hub height (D‐line). The other is to add the wind deficit following the streamline starting from the turbine center (B‐line). It remains unknown to what extent these two superposition methods can be adopted. Therefore, the effects of hill shape, wind turbine size, and turbine location are investigated. When the wind deficit, obtained from modeling the wake flow of the turbine mounted on flat terrain, is superposed following B‐line, the results are overall better than those when following D‐line.