bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Nash equilibrium seeking of aggregative games under networked attacks
Authors: Shao Guangru , Wang Xue‐Fang , Wang Rui
Published: April 2021

This paper investigates the distributed Nash equilibrium seeking problem of aggregative games in the presence of networked attacks. A switched algorithm with the fast estimate dynamics is proposed to explore the effect of attacks on seeking a Nash equilibrium. To guarantee the convergence of this algorithm, such a switched strategy is modeled as a hybrid system by using the hybrid automaton and time‐ratio conditions. Then, by constructing an appropriate Lyapunov function, we can prove that the hybrid dynamical system is exponentially stable and the Nash equilibrium can be achieved exponentially though the communication network is affected by attacks. Finally, a Nash–Cournot game is provided to verify the main results.
Switching DCAFs: Beyond substrate receptors
Authors: Jang Sang‐Min , Redon Christophe E. , Aladjem Mirit I.
Published: April 2021

Deciphering how DCAFs (DDB1‐CUL4 Associated Factors) modulate a broad spectrum of cellular processes, including cell cycle progression and maintenance of genomic integrity is critical to better understand cellular homeostasis and diseases. Cells contain more than 100 DCAFs that associate with the Cullin‐Ring Ubiquitin Ligase 4 (CRL4) complex that target specific protein substrates for degradation. DCAFs are thought to act as substrate receptors that dictate the specificity of the ubiquitination machinery (“catalytic DCAFs”). However, recent studies have suggested that some DCAFs might play a different role by targeting CRL4 complexes to distinct cellular compartments (“structural DCAFs”). Once localized to their correct cellular domains, these CRLs dissociate from the structural DCAFs prior to their association with other, substrate‐specific catalytic DCAFs. Thus, we propose that DCAF switches can provide a mechanistic basis for the degradation of proteins that regulate cell growth and proliferation at precise points in space and time.
Improvement of Mesoporosity on Supercapacitive Performance of Activated Carbons Derived From Coffee Grounds
Authors: Lee Ui‐Won , Yang Guijun , Park Soo‐Jin
Published: April 2021

Activated carbons with different porosities derived from coffee, which prepared by the potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation method, are used as electrode for supercapacitors. The prepared materials indicated a well‐designed porous structure that provides countless adsorption sites, leading to high supercapacitor performance. Mesopores allow rapid diffusion of electrolyte ions, while micropores usually provide abundant adsorption sites for ions. Therefore, appropriate control over pore‐size distributions is a key factor for good electrochemical performance. The porosity and surface structure of activated coffee grounds (ACGs) are highly dependent on both the activation temperature and KOH/carbonized materials weight ratio. The ACGs were characterized using N2 adsorption at 77 K. The specific surface area increased from 1.75 to 3065 m2/g. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests were employed in the evaluation of the electrochemical behavior of each sample. The ACG materials have a high specific capacitance of 127.8 F/g and cycle stability after 2500 cycles.
Enhanced Reaction Rate via Different Mechanisms for the Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles in Glycerol by Eco‐friendly Manipulations
Authors: Lim Jong Kuk , Liu Tianhao , Park Jin Seong
Published: April 2021

In a recently published study (T. Liu et al., ACS Omega, 2020, 5, 16246), we reported that silver nanoparticles can be synthesized in a complete green pathway, in which the silver nanoparticles are synthesized in a glycerol solvent at room temperature (~298 K) under ambient pH conditions without any extra chemicals or energies. Although this method is very simple and environmentally benign, the synthesis has a very low reaction rate and usually takes several days. In this study, we attempt to enhance the reaction rate during the synthesis of silver nanoparticles in glycerol using eco‐friendly manipulations such as ultrasonic wave treatment, visible light irradiation, mild heating, and lowering the viscosity of the reaction media. It is discovered that all manipulations enhance the formation rate of silver nanoparticles, but via different pathways, which are discussed based on the mechanism proposed in our previous literature.
Sustaining brand loyalty: The moderating role of green consumption values
Authors: Rizomyliotis Ioannis , Poulis Athanasios , Konstantoulaki Kleopatra , Giovanis Apostolos
Published: April 2021

Environmental issues are massively emerging in the current agendas of governments, businesses and consumers all over the globe. Consumers increasingly adopt a more energetic role in the environmental discussion and employ product consumption to manifest their contribution to the debate. Equally, a growing number of businesses try to affect positive social change, whereas others strategically approach green opportunities; at the same time, they persistently intensify their branding offerings to sustain loyalty. This article brings into discussion green consumption values as the authors aim to shed light into the way the latter moderate the effect of brand related factors, namely, brand experiences and brand personality, on brand loyalty. Based on data received from 413 participants and using the wearable technologies industry as the focal context, the study underscores the significance of green consumption values. Findings are discussed, and implications for managers are provided.
Boost effectiveness, compliance of Title IX team training
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2021

As legal requirements shift and change, it becomes more challenging to provide effective annual training for your institution's Title IX coordinators, investigators, and hearing officers. The training must equip your team to fairly and properly handle Title IX investigations and hearings while complying with your institution's procedures and federal requirements. Meanwhile, most institutions need to conserve financial resources while also managing the logistical challenges resulting from the pandemic. Institutions that fail to provide sufficient Title IX training can expect to face a significant risk of legal ramifications.
Comparison of Phytochemical Profile and Bioproperties of Methanolic Extracts from Different Parts of Tunisian Rumex roseus
Authors: Chelly Meryam , Chelly Sabrine , Occhiuto Cristina , Cimino Francesco , Cristani Mariateresa , Saija Antonina , Muscarà Claudia , Ruberto Giuseppe , Speciale Antonio , Bouaziz‐Ketata Hanen , Siracusa Laura
Published: April 2021

The genus Rumex (Polygonaceae) is distributed worldwide and the different species belonging to it are used in traditional medicine. The present study aimed at the evaluation of the phytochemical profile and the biochemical properties of methanolic extracts from different parts (roots, stems, and leaves) of Rumex roseus, a wild local Tunisian plant traditionally used as food.

 The phytochemical analysis on the extracts was performed using standard colorimetric procedures, HPLC‐DAD, and HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐MS; then, several in vitro cell‐free assays have been used to estimate their antioxidant/free radical scavenging capability (TAC‐PM, DPPH, TEAC, FRAP, ORAC, SOD‐like activity, and HOCl‐induced albumin degradation). Additionally, anti‐inflammatory effect of these extracts was evaluated in an in vitro model of acute intestinal inflammation in differentiated Caco‐2 cells. The results showed that the methanolic extracts from stems and, especially, leaves contain substantial amounts of flavones (apigenin and luteolin, together with their derivatives), while the extract from roots is characterized by the presence of tannins and quinic acid derivatives. All the extracts appeared endowed with excellent antioxidant/free radical scavenging properties. In particular, the extract from roots was characterized by a remarkable activity, probably due to its different and peculiar polyphenolic composition. Furthermore, both Rumex roseus roots and stems extracts demonstrated an anti‐inflammatory effect in intestinal epithelial cells, reducing TNF‐α‐induced gene expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8. In conclusion, R. roseus methanolic extracts have shown to be potential sources of bioactive compounds to be used in the prevention and treatment of pathologies related to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Interplay in 1,2,4‐Triazole‐ or Carboxylate‐Based Molybdenum(VI) Oxide Hybrids: A Step Toward Development of Reaction‐Induced Self‐Separating Catalysts
Authors: Lysenko Andrey B. , Senchyk Ganna A. , Domasevitch Kostiantyn V. , Neves Patrícia , Valente Anabela A. , Pillinger Martyn , Gonçalves Isabel S.
Published: April 2021

2‐(4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)acetic acid (trglyH) and (dl)‐4‐methyl‐2‐(4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)pentanoic acid (trleuH) were used as ligands for the development of MoO3 coordination hybrids for catalytic applications. Coordination polymers [Mo2O6(Htrgly)] ⋅ H2O (1) and [MoO3(trleuH)] ⋅ 0.5H2O (2) were prepared and structurally characterized. Compound 1 adopts a structure in which edge‐sharing MoO6 octahedra are organized in a ribbon motif via μ3‐O bridges. The Htrgly ligand exists as a zwitterion: −CO2− links two MoVI in a μ2‐η1 : η1 mode, while positively charged triazolium is left uncoordinated. In 2, Mo atoms are joined in a chain through μ2‐O. The more hydrophobic trleuH appears in a nonionized form and its [N−N] sites serve as a “clamp” for supporting the [−OMo(O)2−OMo(O)2(tr)2]n sequence. The complexes were explored for liquid phase catalytic epoxidation of cis‐cyclooctene, using H2O2 or tert‐butylhydroperoxide as oxidants. The hybrids showed good catalytic activity, and 2 behaved as a reaction‐induced self‐separating catalyst for olefin epoxidation with H2O2, presenting advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis.
New [2,2]Fluorenophanes Give Insights into Asymmetric Charge Transfer‐Mediated Exciton Delocalization along the π‐π Packing Direction
Authors: Wang Chi‐Shin , Wei Yu‐Chen , Pan Ming‐Lun , Wu Cheng‐Ham , Chou Pi‐Tai , Wu Yao‐Ting
Published: April 2021

A series of new [2,2]fluorenophanes has been synthesized and characterized; among them, molecules of crystallographically asymmetric anti‐[2.2](1,4)(4,1)fluorenophane (K2C‐2) aggregate to form one‐dimensional supramolecular chain structures through effective intermolecular π‐π overlapping. This, in combination with the synergistic intramolecular π‐π interaction, leads to prominent dual emission mediated by charge transfer (CT) exciton delocalization. Support of this new insight is given by mapping the transition density along the π‐π packing direction where the intramolecular excitation and intermolecular CT coexist in K2C‐2.
Rediscovering Sulfinylamines as Reagents for Organic Synthesis
Authors: Davies Thomas Q. , Willis Michael C.
Published: April 2021

Sulfinylamines (R−N=S=O), monoaza analogues of sulfur dioxide, have been known for well over a century, and their reactivity as sulfur electrophiles and in Diels‐Alder reactions is well‐established. However, they have only rarely been used in organic synthesis in recent decades despite the increasing prominence of compounds containing N=S=O functionality, such as sulfoximines and sulfonimidamides. This Minireview aims to bring wider visibility to the unique chemistry enabled by this class of compounds. We focus on advances from the last 10 years, including the first examples of their use in the one‐pot syntheses of sulfoximines and sulfonimidamides. Also covered are the reactions of sulfinylamines with carbon‐centred radicals, their use for formation of heterocycles through cycloadditions, and catalytic enantioselective allylic oxidation of alkenes via a hetero‐ene reaction. These examples highlight the different reactivity modes of sulfinylamines and their underappreciated potential for forming molecules which contain high‐ or low‐valent sulfur, or even no sulfur at all.
Chiral Chromium Salen@rGO as Multipurpose and Recyclable Heterogeneous Catalyst
Authors: Abd El Sater Mariam , Mellah Mohamed , Dragoe Diana , Kolodziej Emilie , Jaber Nada , Schulz Emmanuelle
Published: April 2021

The first immobilization of a pyrene‐tagged chromium salen complex through π‐π noncovalent interactions on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is described. A very robust supported catalytic system is obtained to promote asymmetric catalysis in repeated cycles, without loss of activity or enantioselectivity. This specific behavior was demonstrated in two different catalytic reactions (up to ten reuses) promoted by chromium salen complexes, the cyclohexene oxide ring‐opening reaction and the hetero‐Diels‐Alder cycloaddition between various aldehydes and Danishefsky's diene. Furthermore, the chiral chromium salen@rGO has been found to be compatible with a multi‐substrate type use, in which the structure of the substrate involved is modified each time the catalyst is reused.
Formic Acid Dehydrogenation for Hydrogen Production Promoted by Grubbs and Hoveyda‐Grubbs Catalysts†
Authors: Wang Qian , Xia Yihao , Cheng Fanrui , Chen Zhijian , Wang Yifan , Zhu Xiaofei , Qin Lei , Zheng Zhiping
Published: April 2021

Main observation and conclusion

In this work, we screened three Grubbs catalysts and two Hoveyda‐Grubbs catalysts for the production of H2 by dehydrogenation of formic acid (FA). The best results were achieved with the use of a first‐generation Hoveyda‐Grubbs catalyst. With a catalyst loading of mere 0.5 μmol, a maximum TON of 36356 was obtained within 3 h. Two key intermediates were identified by using 1H NMR and high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESI‐MS), based on which a mechanism possibly responsible for the observed catalysis was proposed.
Chiral Coordination Metallacycles/Metallacages for Enantioselective Recognition and Separation
Authors: Zhang Liyan , Liu Huiping , Yuan Guozan , Han Ying‐Feng
Published: April 2021

In recent years, chiral discrete supramolecular coordination complexes have attracted increasing interest as simple enzyme mimetics owing to their aesthetic architectures and potential applications in chiral science. This review summarizes the recent advances on chiral coordination metallacycles/metallacages with inherent cavities for enantionselective recognition and separation, including their design principles and synthesis, the introduction of chirality and functionality, structural adaptability, and host‐guest bonding in enantioselective process. Finally, the perspectives on the remaining challenges and future opportunities are presented.
Rainfall flow optimization based K‐Means clustering for medical data
Authors: Jaya Mabel Rani Antony , Pravin Albert
Published: April 2021

In the present trend, availability of data increases more and more in all the fields in more complex way. It is very difficult for handling in an effective way with best scalability for proper decision making of knowledge extraction. K‐Means algorithm is the most familiar extensive old‐style partitioned and faster clustering algorithm than other clustering methods. But it is very subtle for initial centroids and it can be simply surrounded. So, in need of effective optimum centroid with faster clustering, this paper proposed Rainfall Flow Optimization (RFFO) based on K‐Means algorithm. RFFO is a new flood optimization technique like other optimization methods such as PSO, ACO, BCO, and so forth. RFFO is based on the nature of rainfall flow with various environments and its behavior of flow from shallow to depth. Scientific calculations are also used to find flow of data from one location to another location by its present location of waterfall, its velocity, and its most neighboring flow depth. This water storage mainly depends on nearest storage location, maximum depth, size of the storage area, and condition of the storage location. RFFO has some of the unique features than other optimization methods like speed of flow, total quantity of flow, location of flow, and so forth, that determines the optimal centroid. The performance of this proposed RFFO technique is measured with Accuracy, Jaccard Coefficient, Random Coefficient, and also compared with other existing methods using medical data set to cluster risk factor of heart disease with 300 data set.
A brief review on integration between wireless sensor networks and Cloud
Authors: Liazid Hidaya , Lehsaini Mohamed
Published: April 2021

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are an interconnection between hundreds to thousands of geographically distributed sensor nodes often called motes. WSNs are deployed in various fields for collecting data; they are used in healthcare monitoring, weather service, civil and military applications, and so on. WSNs are faced with many challenges due to their lack of computational resources, restrained storage capacities, and limited energy resources. The apparition of Cloud computing technology with its many advantages led the idea of integration between these two technologies. In this article, we will present an overview of works related to the interconnection between WSNs to the Cloud. After analyzing the contents of the published works, we established their classification according to the subjects treated. Four items are therefore selected, namely storage and computation, security, application and finally integration for Internet of Things (IoT). This brief review of the literature shows that the development of WSNs‐Cloud interconnection solves the problem of minimizing energy consumption at the sensor level, the problem of data storage, as well as the problem of access to the medium.
Identifying the Interunit Linkages Connecting Free Phenolic Terminal Units in Lignin
Authors: Saito Kaori , Makimura Yutaka , Nishimura Hiroshi , Watanabe Takashi
Published: April 2021

Understanding the linkages connecting phenolic terminal and nonphenolic units in complex branched polymer, lignin, is crucial to facilitate efficient and selective valorization of lignin. In this study, the interunit linkages connecting phenolic units are identified by premethylation of the phenolic hydroxy groups and thioacidolysis‐desulfuration. Interestingly, the phenolic units are found to be connected by only β‐5, β‐1, and β‐O‐4 linkages. The phenolic unit abundance is approximately 20 %. The result reveals that lignin polymerization terminates with the three linkages by a coupling between a monomer and the polymer terminus, which is reasonably explained by the radical coupling mechanism. Unexpectedly, 5‐5, 4‐O‐5, and β–β linkages connecting the phenolic units are not detected, indicating that these units are further elongated to form nonphenolic units. This study reveals the linkage types connecting phenolic and nonphenolic units and their elongation mechanisms.
An automated prescriptive domain data preprocessing algorithm to support multilabel‐multicriteria classification for Indian coastal dataset, crop dataset, and breast cancer dataset
Authors: Mehfooza M. , I Haroon Basha
Published: April 2021

In many real‐world applications, the problem of machine learning is based on multicriteria. The multicriteria learning process becomes problematic with data classification involving multiple class labels. The multilabel‐multicriteria classification (MLMCC) is an emerging research area among the data science community, and it has applications in many domains like sciences, computer vision, government, business, and engineering domains. Most of the existing classification techniques learn single criteria and fail to focus with the multicriteria‐based internal information. In order to overcome the above research problem, we propose an expert‐based pattern driven multilabel learning algorithms (E‐PDMLAs) to handle MLMCC. The whole framework is supported with expert knowledge observed as multicriteria, and it is summarized into three broad categories of linguistic terms, namely, MoreThan(>=), LessThan(<=), and Between(‐). Also, the top level of data analytics is to unfold the prescriptive analysis on the data. In this work, prescribing data is supported with linguistic terms, namely, Critical, Feasible, and Strong. In support of E‐PDMLA, the data have been preprocessed and prescribed into linguistic terms for the better insight of information. In this paper, we propose a novel automated prescriptive and fuzzy‐based preprocessing algorithm (prescriptive fuzzy‐based domain data preprocessing technique [PF‐DDPT]) for all the above three categories. The experimental study has been carried out with Indian coastal dataset, crop dataset, and breast cancer dataset, and the results have been compared with normal and modeling technique. The analysis manifests the strength of our proposed algorithm (PF‐DDPT) over accuracy on preprocessing and prescription based on expert perception.
A rare case of primary effusion lymphoma in HIV negative patient: Diagnostic challenges and literature review
Authors: Malik Preeti , Khader Samer N. , Asiry Saeed
Published: April 2021

We present a rare case of primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) in a 75 year old, HIV‐negative male patient with multiple comorbidities. Imaging studies revealed a massive right pleural effusion and a significant lung collapse with multiple plural soft tissue nodules. Immediate thoracentesis was performed. Cytologic evaluation of the pleural fluid showed abnormally large cell with increased nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, irregular nuclear contours and prominent nucleoli, with phenotypic expression of HHV‐8, CD138, CD30, and MUM1 markers and negative staining for epithelial and mesothelial markers. PEL is a rare and aggressive large B‐cell lymphoma often affecting immunocompromised adults and is mostly associated with human herpes virus 8/Kaposi sarcoma‐associated herpes virus (HHV‐8/KSHV). However, cases in immunocompetent elderly patients have been reported. The cytomorphologic features of PEL overlaps with those of aggressive lymphomas such as diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, plasmablastic lymphoma, and anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma. Also, mesothelioma, metastatic carcinoma or melanoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Hence, PEL should be kept in mind in the diagnostic algorithm of cytological evaluation of serosal fluid not only in HIV positive patients but also HIV‐negative elderly patients. In this report, we aim to highlight the cytologic and immunohistochemical staining pattern of this rare entity to increase awareness of this entity among cytopathologists.
Reactivity of 5‐(Alkynyl)dibenzothiophenium Salts: Synthesis of Diynes, Vinyl Sulfones, and Phenanthrenes
Authors: Kafuta Kevin , Rugen Christian J. , Heilmann Tobias , Liu Tianshu , Golz Christopher , Alcarazo Manuel
Published: April 2021

The reactivity of 5‐(alkynyl)dibenzothiophenium salts 1 is explored in the presence of different nucleophiles, dienes, and under photochemical conditions. Reaction with lithium acetylides affords diynes in moderate yields; while depending on the substitution pattern, the reaction with sulfinates delivers either the alkyne transfer products, alkynyl sulfones, or β‐(sulfonium) vinyl sulfones through addition to the C−C triple bond. Similar behavior is observed when tosylamines are used as nucleophiles. Salts of general formula 1 also react with dienes to render the corresponding Diels‐Alder cycloadducts. The vinyl sulfonium salts obtained by these routes further react with nucleophiles through a Michael addition, dibenzothiophene elimination sequence. Alternatively, they also engage in photoinduced radical cyclizations to produce substituted phenanthrenes. Attempts to use this specific addition/radical cyclization sequence for the construction of the 6a,7‐dehydroaporphine skeleton present in several families of alkaloids are also described.
Who benefits from corruption; the private individual or the public purse?
Authors: Tawiah Vincent , Zakari Abdulrasheed , Xede James
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we examine the impact of corruption on wealth distribution between the public purse and private individuals conditioned on the institutional quality of a country. We used panel data on 83 countries from 2000 to 2017. Our results indicate that corruption helps private individuals to accumulate more wealth at the expense of the public purse in countries with low‐quality institutions. However, corruption increases the wealth in the public purse in countries with high‐quality institutions. Our results, therefore, imply that the institutional quality of a country significantly shapes how corruption affects the wealth of private individuals and the public purse. The results are pronounced in developing countries and robust to alternative measurements and endogeneity test.
Comparison of water productivity and crop performance in hydroponic and soil cultivation using AquaCrop software*
Authors: Sabzian Mahmoud , Rahimikhoob Ali , Mashal Mahmoud , Aliniaeifard Sasan , Dehghani Tahmine
Published: April 2021

Soil cultivations are widely being replaced by soil‐less methods for growing plants in greenhouses. In the present study, we compared the normalized water productivity (WP*) of lettuce plants under soil and hydroponic cultivation methods. Furthermore, the AquaCrop model was assessed for the simulation of yield and water productivity (WP) of lettuce in the soil and hydroponic cultivation methods. Productivity parameters of normalized water were different for the soil and hydroponic cultivations. The AquaCrop model was applied using 14.3 and 15.8 g m−2, respectively, as obtained for WP* for soil and hydroponic cultivation methods in the first cultivation. Biomass was simulated during the growth period and was compared with the measured data from the first cultivation. The results indicated that the AquaCrop model simulates the performance of lettuce with a remarkable accuracy during the growth period using the calibrated values of WP*. In both cultivations, WP was also measured and simulated for the plants grown with the hydroponic and soil cultivation methods. WP of plants cultured in the hydroponic system was higher than the WP of soil‐grown plants. Canopy cover was measured for both cultivation methods and was simulated by the model. The model simulated the canopy covers remarkably well for both cultivation methods (coefficient of determination R2 > 0.95). Therefore, this model can be considered reliable in investigating the effect of cultivation methods on WP and biomass in lettuce plants.
Effects of combined shade and drought stress on turf‐type bermudagrasses
Authors: Chhetri Manoj , Fontanier Charles , Moss Justin Q. , Wu Yanqi
Published: April 2021

Shade and drought commonly occur together in turfgrass systems due to competition with trees for light and soil water. Two greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of combined drought and shade stress on bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] and hybrid bermudagrass [C. dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy] physiology. ‘Latitude 36 Turf Bermudagrass’ (Latitude 36TM) hybrid bermudagrass and ‘Riley's Super Sport’ (Celebration®) bermudagrass were selected for Experiment 1, while ‘Patriot’ hybrid bermudagrass was added as a shade‐sensitive cultivar in Experiment 2. Washed plugs of each cultivar were planted in growth tubes (10 cm diameter by 46 cm length polyvinyl chloride pipe with a flat bottom cap) filled with a 1:1 topsoil/sand root‐zone. Each experiment was conducted as a completely random design with two factors (cultivar and irrigation) repeated under two light environments. Light environment was defined as either adequate light (20.8–26.8 mol m–2 d–1) or low light (9.7–10.1 mol m–2 d–1) conditions. Irrigation was applied by hand to achieve either 100% (well‐watered) or 50% (drought) replacement of evapotranspiration (ET). Under drought conditions, low light resulted in a gradual decline in ET rate, whereas adequate light showed a sharp decline in ET rate over time. Under adequate light, Patriot consumed the most water among cultivars for either well‐watered or drought conditions. In contrast, Patriot (well‐watered) had the lowest water use in the low light environment, suggesting shade tolerance could potentially influence drought response under low light environments.
Disaster Preparedness
Authors: Ritchie G. N.
Published: April 2021

AN EXAMINATION OF THE FUNCTION AND NATURE OF THE PRE‐DISASTERPLANNING AND ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH CAN ENSURE SPEEDY ANDCOST‐EFFECTIVE RELIEF IN DISASTER
Measurement of expansion factor and distortion for expansion microscopy using isolated renal glomeruli as landmarks
Authors: Zhu Chen , Wang Aidong , Chen Lili , Guo Liangsheng , Ye Jiajia , Chen Qilin , Wang Qi , Yao Guojia , Xia Qin , Cai Tianyu , Guo Jiayun , Yang Zhenyu , Sun Zhenglong , Xu Yuwei , Lu Guoyuan , Zhang Zexin , Cao Jingyuan , Liu Ying , Xu Huizhong
Published: April 2021

Expansion microscopy has enabled super resolution imaging of biological samples. The accurate measurement of expansion factor and distortion typically requires locating and imaging the same region of interest in the sample before and after expansion, which is often time‐consuming to achieve. Here we introduce a convenient method for relocation by utilizing isolated porcine glomeruli as landmarks during expansion. Following heat denaturation and proteinase K digestion protocols, the glomeruli exhibit expansion factor of 3.5 to 4 (only 7%‐16% less expanded than the hydrogel), and 1% to 2% of relative distortion. Due to its appropriate size of 100 to 300 μm, the location of the glomerulus in the sample are visible to eyes, while its detailed shape only requires bright field microscopy. For expansion factors ranging from 3 to 10, the region in the vicinity of the glomerulus can be easily re‐identified, and sometimes allows quantification of expansion factor and distortion under bright field without fluorescent labels.
Tibial Macrostructure and Microarchitecture Adaptations in Women During 44 Weeks of Arduous Military Training
Authors: O'Leary Thomas J. , Wardle Sophie L. , Gifford Robert M. , Double Rebecca L. , Reynolds Rebecca M. , Woods David R. , Greeves Julie P.
Published: April 2021

Bone adapts to unaccustomed, high-impact loading but loses mechanosensitivity quickly. Short periods of military training (≤12 weeks) increase the density and size of the tibia in women. The effect of longer periods of military training, where the incidence of stress fracture is high, on tibial macrostructure and microarchitecture in women is unknown. This observational study recruited 51 women (age 19 to 30 years) at the start of 44 weeks of British Army Officer training. Tibial volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), geometry, and microarchitecture were measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT). Scans of the right tibial metaphysis (4% site) and diaphysis (30% site) were performed at weeks 1, 14, 28, and 44. Measures of whole-body areal bone mineral density (aBMD) were obtained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Blood samples were taken at weeks 1, 28, and 44, and were analyzed for markers of bone formation and resorption. Trabecular vBMD increased from week 1 to 44 at the 4% site (3.0%, p < .001). Cortical vBMD decreased from week 1 to 14 at the 30% site (−0.3%, p < .001). Trabecular area decreased at the 4% site (−0.4%); trabecular bone volume fraction (3.5%), cortical area (4.8%), and cortical thickness (4.0%) increased at the 4% site; and, cortical perimeter increased at the 30% site (0.5%) from week 1 to 44 (p ≤ .005). Trabecular number (3.5%) and thickness (2.1%) increased, and trabecular separation decreased (−3.1%), at the 4% site from week 1 to 44 (p < .001). Training increased failure load at the 30% site from week 1 to 44 (2.5%, p < .001). Training had no effect on aBMD or markers of bone formation or resorption. Tibial macrostructure and microarchitecture continued to adapt across 44 weeks of military training in young women. Temporal decreases in cortical density support a role of intracortical remodeling in the pathogenesis of stress fracture. © 2021 Crown copyright. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). This article is published with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen's Printer for Scotland.
RANKL-Induced Increase in Cathepsin K Levels Restricts Cortical Expansion in a Periostin-Dependent Fashion: A Potential New Mechanism of Bone Fragility
Authors: Bonnet Nicolas , Douni Eleni , Perréard Lopreno Geneviève , Besse Marie , Biver Emmanuel , Ferrari Serge
Published: April 2021

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κΒ ligand (RANKL) is necessary and sufficient to promote osteoclastogenesis and a key pathogenic factor in osteoporosis. Failure of periosteal apposition to compensate for bone loss due to endosteal resorption further contributes to bone fragility. Whether these two processes are biologically related, however, remains unknown. Using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), we first examined cortical bone parameters at distal radius and tibia in postmenopausal women (PMW) as well as in cadaveric human adult humeri. Increases in medullary area were negatively correlated with cortical bone volume but positively with total bone volume, and this relationship was stronger in the dominant arm, suggesting a mechanically driven process. To investigate the role of RANKL in this dual process, we used mice overexpressing huRANKL (huRANKLTg+). Trabecular and cortical bone volume (Ct.BV) are reduced in these mice, whereas cortical total volume (Ct.TV) is increased. In these bones, Sost mRNA levels are downregulated and periostin (Postn) mRNA levels upregulated, hence providing a positive message for periosteal bone formation. In turn, genetic deletion of Postn in huRANKLTg+ mice prevented the increase in Ct.TV and aggravated bone fragility. In contrast, cathepsin K (Ctsk) ablation improved Ct.TV in both huRANKLTg+ and wild-type (WT) mice and stimulated periosteal bone formation, while augmenting Postn protein levels. Therefore, bone strength in huRANKLTg+/Ctsk−/− mice was restored to WT levels. These findings suggest that high levels of RANKL not only induce endosteal bone loss but may somewhat restrict periosteal bone formation by triggering periostin degradation through cathepsin K, hence providing a biological mechanism for the observed limited increase in cortical area in postmenopausal women. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Effectiveness of placental volume measured by virtual organ computer‐aided analysis in prediction of fetal hemoglobin Bart's disease in late first trimester
Authors: Bootchaingam Phenphan , Charoenratana Cholaros , Tongsong Theera , Luewan Suchaya
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of placental volume measured by virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL) at 12 to 14 weeks of gestation in predicting fetal hemoglobin (Hb) Bart's disease among pregnancies at risk.

Methods

This study involves 3‐dimensional ultrasound (3D‐US) volume datasets derived from pregnancies at risk of fetal Hb Bart's disease at 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. VOCAL technique was used to measure and calculate placental volume by the authors, who did not know the fetal diagnosis. Placental thickness was also measured. The diagnostic values of placental volume and placental thickness in prediction of fetal Hb Bart's disease were calculated.

Results

Sixty‐five volume datasets, including 22 datasets of the affected fetuses and 43 unaffected fetuses, were included. The mean placental volume (±SD) of the affected cases was significantly higher than that of the unaffected ones, 85.35 ± 20.84 cm3 vs 52.24 ± 19.01 cm3 (Student's t test, P < .001). In predicting Hb Bart's disease, placental volume and placental thickness had sensitivities of 77.3% and 72.7% respectively as well as specificities of 88.37% and 76.7% respectively.

Conclusion

Of fetuses at risk of Hb Bart's disease, 3D‐US VOCAL placental volume may be useful in early detection of affected fetuses. Its effectiveness is superior to that of conventional placental thickness measurement.
Resistance to extinction versus extinction as discrimination
Authors: Bell Matthew C. , Baum William M.
Published: April 2021

The hypothesis that response strength might be measured by persistence of responding in the face of extinction was discredited in the 1960s because experiments showed that responding persists longer following intermittent reinforcers than following continuous reinforcers. Instead, researchers proposed that the longer persistence following intermittent reinforcers arises because intermittent reinforcement more closely resembles extinction—a discrimination theory. Attention to resistance to extinction revived because one observation seemed to support the persistence hypothesis: Following training on a multiple schedule with unequal components, responding usually persisted longer in the formerly richer component than in the formerly lean component. This observation represents an anomaly, however, because results with single schedules and concurrent schedules contradict it. We suggest that the difference in results arises because the multiple‐schedule procedure, while including extensive training on stimulus discrimination, includes no training on discrimination between food available and food unavailable, whereas comparable single‐ and concurrent‐schedule procedures include such training with repeated extinction. In Experiment 1, we replicated the original result, and in Experiment 2 showed that when the multiple‐schedule procedure includes training on food/no‐food discrimination, extinction following multiple schedules contradicts behavioral momentum theory and agrees with the discrimination theory and research with single and concurrent schedules.
Structural, nonlinear electrical characteristics, and stability against DC‐accelerated aging stress behavior of Er‐doped 20 nm ZnO–Bi2O3–Mn2O3‐based varistors
Authors: Sendi Rabab Khalid
Published: April 2021

In this research, ZnO–Bi2O3–Mn2O3 varistors manufactured from 20 nm ZnO powder and doped with different amounts of Er2O3 were fabricated via the conventional ceramic processing method. The effect of various Er2O3 concentrations (0.5–2.0 mol%) on the sintered density, structural improvement, and nonlinear behavior of the 20 nm ZnO–Bi2O3–Mn2O3 varistors was discussed. Different Er2O3 concentrations exerted considerable influence on the varistors. The addition of large amounts of Er2O3 led to the inhibition of grain growth by increasing the amount of the Er2O3‐rich spinel phase. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the addition of Er2O3 to the varistor systems led to the development of Er2O3‐rich phases during sintering. During sintering, the considerable surface area of the nanoparticle powder resulted in numerous interactions in the surfaces of the ceramics manufactured from 20 nm ZnO powder. The electrical behaviors of the varistors were substantially influenced by Er2O3. E1 mA evidently increased from 2,144.7 to 5,482.2 V/mm with the increment in doping amount. The nonlinear coefficient also dramatically increased with the increase in Er2O3 content. The ZnO nanoparticle–Bi2O3–Mn2O3 varistors doped with 1.0–2.0 mol% Er2O3 possessed high voltage and nonlinearity and were stable against DC‐accelerated aging stress.
Neuroimmune regulatory networks of the airway mucosa in allergic inflammatory disease
Authors: Jean E Evonne , Good Olivia , Rico Juan M Inclan , Rossi Heather L , Herbert De'Broski R
Published: April 2021

Communication between the nervous and immune systems serves a key role in host-protective immunity at mucosal barrier sites including the respiratory tract. In these tissues, neuroimmune interactions operate in bidirectional circuits that can sense and respond to mechanical, chemical, and biologic stimuli. Allergen- or helminth-induced products can produce airway inflammation by direct action on nociceptive afferents and adjacent tissues. The activity of nociceptive afferents can regulate innate and adaptive immune responses via neuropeptides and neurotransmitter signaling. This review will summarize recent work investigating the role of neuropeptides CGRP, VIP, neuromedins, substance P, and neurotransmitters dopamine and the B2-adrenoceptor agonists epinepherine/norepinepherine, each of which influence type 2 immunity by instructing mast cell, innate lymphoid cell type 2, dendritic cell, and T cell responses, both in the airway and the draining lymph node. Afferents in the airway also contain receptors for alarmins and cytokines, allowing their activity to be modulated by immune cell secreted products, particularly those secreted by mast cells. Taken together, we propose that further investigation of how immunoregulatory neuropeptides shape respiratory inflammation in experimental systems may reveal novel therapeutic targets for addressing the increasing prevalence of chronic airway disease in humans.
The molecular basis of Rac-GTP action—promoting binding of p67phoxto Nox2 by disengaging the β hairpin from downstream residues
Authors: Bechor Edna , Zahavi Anat , Berdichevsky Yevgeny , Pick Edgar
Published: April 2021

p67phox fulfils a key role in the assembly/activation of the NADPH oxidase by direct interaction with Nox2. We proposed that Rac-GTP serves both as a carrier of p67phox to the membrane and an inducer of a conformational change enhancing its affinity for Nox2. This study provides evidence for the latter function: (i) oxidase activation was inhibited by p67phox peptides (106–120) and (181–195), corresponding to the β hairpin and to a downstream region engaged in intramolecular bonds with the β hairpin, respectively; (ii) deletion of residues 181–193 and point mutations Q115R or K181E resulted in selective binding of p67phox to Nox2 peptide (369–383); (iii) both deletion and point mutations led to a change in p67phox, expressed in increased apparent molecular weights; (iv) p67phox was bound to p67phox peptide (181–195) and to a cluster of peptides (residues 97–117), supporting the participation of selected residues within these sequences in intramolecular bonds; (v) p67phox failed to bind to Nox2 peptide (369–383), following interaction with Rac1-GTP, but a (p67phox-Rac1-GTP) chimera exhibited marked binding to the peptide, similar to that of p67phox deletion and point mutants; and (vi) size exclusion chromatography of the chimera revealed its partition in monomeric and polymeric forms, with binding to Nox2 peptide (369–383) restricted to polymers. The molecular basis of Rac-GTP action entails unmasking of a previously hidden Nox2-binding site in p67phox, following disengagement of the β hairpin from more C-terminal residues. The domain in Nox2 binding the “modified” p67phox comprises residues within the 369–383 sequence in the cytosolic dehydrogenase region.
K27-linked noncanonic ubiquitination in immune regulation
Authors: Zhou Qingqing , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2021

Ubiquitination is a common form of posttranslational modification that has been implicated in regulating considerable immune signaling pathways. The functions of canonic K48- and K63-linked ubiquitination have been well studied. However, the roles of noncanonic ubiquitination remain largely unexplored and require further investigations. There is increasing evidence suggesting that K27-linked noncanonic ubiquitination turns out to be indispensable to both innate immune signaling and T cell signaling. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest findings related to K27-linked ubiquitination, and highlight the crucial roles of K27-linked ubiquitination in regulating antimicrobial response, cytokine signaling and response, as well as T cell activation and differentiation. We also propose interesting areas for better understanding how K27-linked ubiquitination regulates immunity.
Purification of linarin and hesperidin from Mentha haplocalyx by aqueous two‐phase flotation coupled with preparative HPLC and evaluation of the neuroprotective effect of linarin
Authors: Zeng Jiajia , Hu Weilun , Li Hao , Liu Jiangang , Zhang Peng , Gu Yanxiang , Yu Yingchun , Wang Wenjuan , Wei Yun
Published: April 2021

The volatile oil of Mentha haplocalyx is widely used in medicine, food, and cosmetics. However, a large amount of its residue after steam extraction of volatile oil is abandoned, resulting in a waste of resources. The method of aqueous two‐phase flotation coupled with preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography was established for the separation and purification of nonvolatile active compounds from Mentha haplocalyx for the first time. The parameters of the two‐phase aqueous flotation were optimized. Under the optimal conditions including flotation solvent PEG 1000 aqueous solution (1:1, w/w), pH 5, (NH4)2SO4 concentration of 350 g/L in aqueous phase, N2 flow rate of 20 mL/min, and flotation time of 20 min, the flotation efficiency of linarin, hesperidin, and didymin was 82.24, 76.38, and 89.33%, respectively. The linarin and hesperidin with the high purities of 95.8 and 97.2%, respectively, were obtained by using preparative high performance liquid chromatography. The neuroprotective effect of linarin against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in rat hippocampal neurons was investigated. The experimental result indicated that linarin could alleviate H2O2‐induced oxidative stress. The work indicated that the combination of aqueous two‐phase flotation and preparative high performance liquid chromatography is a feasible and practical method for the purification of nonvolatile active substances from Mentha haplocalyx, which would provide a reference process for the comprehensive utilization of M. haplocalyx. Especially, linarin might be used as a good source of natural neuroprotectants.
Bifurcation and stability analysis of a cross‐diffusion vegetation‐water model with mixed delays
Authors: Xiong Zixiao , Zhang Qimin , Kang Ting
Published: April 2021

With desertification becoming more and more serious all over the world, it is crucial to understand the intrinsic relationship between vegetation and water (soil water and surface water). In this paper, a cross‐diffusion model with mixed delays is established to describe the dynamics of vegetation, soil water, and surface water in the case of water shortage. The local stability conditions of positive equilibrium point is established by using Routh–Hurwitz criterion. Then, the conditions for generating Hopf bifurcation are studied. In the end, numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
A new model for investigating the transmission of infectious diseases in a prey‐predator system using a non‐singular fractional derivative
Authors: Ghanbari Behzad
Published: April 2021

During past decades, the study of the interaction between predator and prey species has become one of the most exciting topics in computational biology and mathematical ecology. In this paper, we aim to investigate the stability of a diseased model of susceptible, infected prey and predators around an internal steady state. To this end, the fractional derivatives based on the Mittag‐Leffler kernels in the Liouville‐Caputo concept has been taken into consideration. The existence and uniqueness of the acquired solutions to the model are also studied in this paper. In order to investigate the effects of the fractional‐order along with other existing parameters in the model, several possible scenarios have been examined. As it is seen in the proposed graphical simulations, the employed fractional operator is capable of capturing all anticipated theoretical features of the model. The numerical technique employed in this contribution is precise and efficient and can be easily adopted to investigate many fractional‐order models in biology. It is found that new proposed operators of fractional‐order can describe the real‐world phenomena even better than integer‐order differential equations because of their memory‐related properties.