bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability in tree water uptake determined with stable water isotopes in an African tropical montane forest
Authors: Hahn Melanie , Jacobs Suzanne Robin , Breuer Lutz , Rufino Mariana C. , Windhorst David
Published: January 2021

Ecohydrological processes in tropical rainforests are insufficiently understood, and existing studies yield contradictory results. We investigated relative contributions of different soil depths to tree water uptake of 83 trees and possible species‐specific differences in a 50 × 50 m forest plot at four dates in a tropical montane forest in Kenya using stable water isotopes and the Bayesian mixing model framework MixSIAR. We found distinct individual tree differences (e.g. Drypetes gerrardii taking 75% of its water from <0.5 m, or a rather large shift in uptake patterns based on the climatic conditions, that is the fourth sampling date), but no consistent species‐specific or small‐scale spatiotemporal patterns in water uptake and depth contributions. Soil water δ18O showed a lateral variation of up to 6‰, which was accounted for by a spatial interpolation of soil water isotopes and enabled us to improve allocations of water uptake sources to individual trees. Our results show that ignoring the lateral variability of water isotope signatures in soils complicates the applicability of a mixing model in this context and might be a widespread constraint reducing the validity and comparability of mixing model results. Further research on underlying processes of water fluxes in forest ecosystems is urgently needed and we point out the need for considering large individual differences in water uptake patterns and small‐scale variability of soil water isotopic composition despite homogeneous soil characteristics.
Celebrating 40 Years of the Giacomo Ciamician Medal
Authors: Farinola Gianluca M.
Published: January 2021

To celebrate the 40 year anniversary of the Giacomo Ciamician Medal EurJOC invited the past awardees of this prestigious prize to contribute an article to this Special Collection. Guest Editor ­Gianluca M. Farinola introduces the significance of the Giacomo Ciamician Medal.
2,3‐Dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ)‐Mediated Tandem Oxidative Annulation for Preparing 2,2‐Disubstituted 2,3‐Dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones
Authors: Cheng Dongping , Yan Xianhang , Pu Yueqi , Shen Jing , Xu Xiaoliang , Yan Jizhong
Published: January 2021

An efficient tandem oxidative annulation for the synthesis of 2,2‐disubstituted 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones via DDQ‐mediated dual cross‐dehydrogenative‐coupling (CDC) reactions is described. This transformation proceeds from easily available o‐aminobenzamides and 1,3‐diarylpropenes under mild conditions, and the corresponding products are obtained in moderate to excellent yields.
Mechanical behavior of hollow proppants based on finite element model
Authors: Liao Zijia , Yang Zhaozhong , Xue Qi , Li Xiaogang , Li Huabin , Li Wenhong
Published: January 2021

Proppants are being increasingly used in hydraulic fracturing, which keep the fractures open. Progress has been made in developing hollow proppants that can be transported to the far end of the fractures to improve propped fracture conductivity. Two primary mechanisms by which proppants are damaged under closure stress are embedment and crushing, leading to a remarkable reduction in fracture conductivity. In this study, finite element model (FEM), considering rock plasticity, was used to study the embedment and crushing of a hollow proppant. After comparison with the existing model and experimental data, the proposed FEM was employed to conduct sensitivity studies. The effects of the following parameters on embedment and crushing were analyzed: closure stress, distance coefficient, Young's modulus of rock and proppant, proppant size, and hollow structure. The results show that the most sensitive environmental factor is the distance coefficient, followed by closure stress and Young's modulus of rock. The embedment depth increases approximately linearly with the proppant size, and proppants with different sizes have similar crushing rates. The hollow structure has little effect on proppant embedment but significantly affects proppant crushing. Based on the data normalization method, the optimal ratio of hollow radius to proppant radius was designed to be 0.7. These results can guide the preparation of hollow proppants.
Video monitoring of in‐channel wood: From flux characterization and prediction to recommendations to equip stations
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Ghaffarian Hossein , MacVicar Bruce , Vaudor Lise , Antonio Aurélie , Michel Kristell , Piégay Hervé
Published: January 2021

Wood flux (piece number per time interval) is a key parameter for understanding wood budgeting, determining the controlling factors, and managing flood risk in a river basin. Quantitative wood flux data is critically needed to improve the understanding of wood dynamics and estimate wood discharge in rivers. In this study, the streamside videography technique was applied to detect wood passage and measure instantaneous rates of wood transport. The goal was to better understand how wood flux responds to flood and wind events and then predict wood flux. In total, one exceptional wind and seven flood events were monitored on the Ain River, France, and around 24,000 wood pieces were detected visually. It is confirmed that, in general, there is a threshold of wood motion in the river equal to 60% of bankfull discharge. However, in a flood following a windy day, no obvious threshold for wood motion was observed, which confirms that wind is important for the preparation of wood for transport between floods. In two multi‐peak floods, around two‐thirds of the total amount of wood was delivered on the first peak, which confirms the importance of the time between floods for predicting wood fluxes. Moreover, we found an empirical relation between wood frequency and wood discharge, which is used to estimate the total wood amount produced by each of the floods. The data set is then used to develop a random forest regression model to predict wood frequency as a function of three input variables that are derived from the flow hydrograph. The model calculates the total wood volume either during day or night based on the video monitoring technique for the first time, which expands its utility for wood budgeting in a watershed. A one‐to‐one link is then established between the fraction of detected pieces of wood and the dimensionless parameter “passing time × frame rate”, which provides a general guideline for the design of monitoring stations.
Traditional and recent development of pretreatment and drying process of grapes during raisin production: A review of novel pretreatment and drying methods of grapes
Authors: Patidar Arvind , Vishwakarma Siddharth , Meena Deepoo
Published: January 2021

Raisins are highly produced value‐added products that are extracted from grape processing. The most important unit operations in raisin production are pretreatment, followed by drying. Due to the presence of waxy layer, the drying cannot be used alone; however, the layer can be removed by pretreating the grapes with chemicals or physical abrasion. The food safety and environmental issue with the chemicals have forced to find alternative methods. The physical method, such as surface abrasion, is explored but showed negative effect of color. The nonthermal methods such as microwave (MW) heating, pulsed electric field, ultrasound, and ohmic heating are observed, and their outcomes are discussed in this review. Carbonic maceration, high‐humidity hot air impingement blanching, and MW hydrodiffusion and gravity are the novel methods that showed promising results. In the latter part, the traditional drying process of grapes is discussed, where shade drying is found to be used remarkably in raisin production. However, the time of drying was long, and the process required large land area. Alternatively, novel methods such as hot air, MW, vacuum, and infrared drying provide higher drying rate and good‐quality raisins. However, the combined drying methods such as MW‐assisted air drying, pulsed vacuum drying, and MW vacuum drying have shown better results than single drying. Pretreatment and drying cause changes in physical and chemical properties of grapes, such as changes in color, size, nutrient content, and polyphenol content. Overall, the review covered the crux output with the advancement in raisin development, which could be useful for novel research on grape processing.
A conforming discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for the Stokes problem on polytopal meshes
Authors: Ye Xiu , Zhang Shangyou
Published: January 2021

A new discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for the Stokes equations is developed in the primary velocity‐pressure formulation. This method employs discontinuous polynomials for both velocity and pressure on general polygonal/polyhedral meshes. Most finite element methods with discontinuous approximation have one or more stabilizing terms for velocity and for pressure to guarantee stability and convergence. This new finite element method has the standard conforming finite element formulation, without any velocity or pressure stabilizers. Optimal‐order error estimates are established for the corresponding numerical approximation in various norms. The numerical examples are tested for low and high order elements up to the degree four in 2D and 3D spaces.
Extinction and discrimination in a Bayesian model of context fear conditioning (BaconX)
Authors: Krasne Franklin B. , Zinn Raphael , Vissel Bryce , Fanselow Michael S.
Published: January 2021

The extinction of contextual fear is commonly an essential requirement for successful exposure therapy for fear disorders. However, experimental work on extinction of contextual fear is limited, and there little or no directly relevant theoretical work. Here, we extend BACON, a neurocomputational model of context fear conditioning that provides plausible explanations for a number of aspects of context fear conditioning, to deal with extinction (calling the model BaconX). In this model, contextual representations are formed in the hippocampus and association of fear to them occurs in the amygdala. Representation creation, conditionability, and development of between‐session extinction are controlled by degree of confidence (assessed by the Bayesian weight of evidence) that an active contextual representation is in fact that of the current context (i.e., is “valid”). The model predicts that: (1) extinction which persists between sessions will occur only if at a sessions end there is high confidence that the active representation is valid. It follows that the shorter the context placement‐to‐US (shock) interval (“PSI”) and the less is therefore learned about context, the longer extinction sessions must be for enduring extinction to occur, while too short PSIs will preclude successful extinction. (2) Short‐PSI deficits can be rescued by contextual exposure even after conditioning has occurred. (3) Learning to discriminate well between a conditioned and similar safe context requires representations of each to form, which may not occur if PSI was too short. (4) Extinction‐causing inhibition must be applied downstream of the conditioning locus for reasonable generalization properties to be generated. (5) Context change tends to cause return of extinguished contextual fear. (6). Extinction carried out in the conditioning context generalizes better than extinction executed in contexts to which fear has generalized (as done in exposure therapy). (7) BaconX suggests novel approaches to exposure therapy.
Disease‐duration based comparison of subsets of immune cells in SARS CoV‐2 infected patients presenting with mild or severe symptoms identifies prognostic markers for severity
Authors: Kulkarni‐Munje Archana , Palkar Sonali , Shrivastava Shubham , Lalwani Sanjay , Mishra Akhilesh C. , Arankalle Vidya A.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 leads to a spectrum of symptoms. Understanding the basis for severity remains crucial for better management and therapy development. So far, older age, associated‐comorbidities, and IL‐6 have been associated with severity/mortality.

Materials and Methodology

As a primary step, we analyzed the frequency and functional profile of innate immune cells (NK cells/dendritic cells/monocytes) and adaptive immunity‐driving lymphocytes (B cells/T cells/follicular T helper cells) by flow cytometry. Sixty cases of SARS CoV‐2 infection (25 severe, 35 mild) and ten healthy subjects without SARS CoV‐2 IgG were included. Disease‐duration based analysis of immune profile was explored for early events differentiating the two disease forms. Neutralizing antibody titers were determined by PRNT.

Results and Conclusion

Disease severity was found to be associated with impaired maturation of mDCs and hyperactivation of NK, follicular T helper cells, and CD8 T cells. Lower IL‐21 receptor expression on memory B cells indicated an imbalance in IL‐21/IL‐21 R ratio. Lower BCMA positive plasmablast cells in severe cases did suggest a probable absence of long‐term humoral immunity. Multivariate analysis revealed a progressive association of PD‐1+CD4 T cells with PRNT50 titers. Thus, in addition to identifying probable prognostic markers for severity, our study emphasizes the definite need for in‐depth viral antigen‐specific functional analyses in a larger patient cohort and with multiple sampling.
Smartphones in the nursery: Parental smartphone use and parental sensitivity and responsiveness within parent–child interaction in early childhood (0–5 years): A scoping review
Authors: Braune‐Krickau Katrin , Schneebeli Larissa , Pehlke‐Milde Jessica , Gemperle Michael , Koch Ramona , von Wyl Agnes
Published: January 2021

The omnipresence of smartphones has not stopped at the door to the nursery. It is especially important to better understand the impact of parental smartphone use on relationships at the beginning of children's lives. Babies and toddlers are essentially dependent on caregivers’ sensitive and responsive behaviors within the context of the development of attachment patterns. Disturbances in parental sensitivity can have a negative impact on attachment‐related interactional processes between parents and children and on child outcomes, such as self‐regulatory capacity. The goal of this review is to compile existing research on the impact of parental mobile device use through technoference or absorption on parental sensitivity and responsiveness within parent–child interactions in the early years (0–5). We conducted a thorough search of the databases PsycInfo and PubMed, additionally consulting data sources such as Google Scholar and Google. In this review, we included 12 studies with a variety of methodical approaches. The research so far indicates that parental smartphone use may be associated with changes in parental sensitivity and responsiveness. Absorption in the device appears to contribute to this association more strongly than short interruptions of relating per se (technoference). However, to better understand these processes, more in‐depth, longitudinal research is needed.
Interface issues of lithium metal anode for high‐energy batteries: Challenges, strategies, and perspectives
Authors: Han Yiyao , Liu Bo , Xiao Zhen , Zhang Wenkui , Wang Xiuli , Pan Guoxiang , Xia Yang , Xia Xinhui , Tu Jiangping
Published: January 2021

Lithium (Li) metal is considered as one of the most promising anode materials for next‐generation high‐energy‐density storage systems. However, the practical application of Li metal anode is hindered by interfacial instability and air instability due to the highly reactivity of Li metal. Unstable interface in Li metal batteries (LMBs) directly dictates Li dendrite growth, “dead Li” and low Coulombic efficiency, resulting in inferior electrochemical performance of LMBs and even safety issues. In addition, its sensitivity to ambient air leads to the severe corrosion of Li metal anode, high requirements of production and storage, and increased manufacturing cost. Plenty of efforts in recent years have overcome many bottlenecks in these fields and hastened the practical applications of high‐energy‐density LMBs. In this review, we focus on emerging methods of these two aspects to fulfill a stable and low cost electrode. In this perspective, design artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers, construct three‐dimensional conductive current collectors, optimize electrolytes, employ solid‐state electrolytes, and modify separators are summarized to be propitious to ameliorate interfacial stability. Meanwhile, ex situ/in situ formed protective layers are highlighted in favor of heightening air stability. Finally, several possible directions for the future research on advanced Li metal anode are addressed.
Predictive Value of DXA Appendicular Lean Mass for Incident Fractures, Falls, and Mortality, Independent of Prior Falls, FRAX, and BMD: Findings from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI)
Authors: Harvey Nicholas C , Kanis John A , Liu Enwu , Cooper Cyrus , Lorentzon Mattias , Bea Jennifer W , Carbone Laura , Cespedes Feliciano Elizabeth M , Laddu Deepika R , Schnatz Peter F , Shadyab Aladdin H , Stefanick Marcia L , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Crandall Carolyn J , Johansson Helena , McCloskey Eugene
Published: January 2021

In the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), we investigated associations between baseline dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) appendicular lean mass (ALM) and risk of incident fractures, falls, and mortality (separately for each outcome) among older postmenopausal women, accounting for bone mineral density (BMD), prior falls, and Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) probability. The WHI is a prospective study of postmenopausal women undertaken at 40 US sites. We used an extension of Poisson regression to investigate the relationship between baseline ALM (corrected for height2) and incident fracture outcomes, presented here for major osteoporotic fracture (MOF: hip, clinical vertebral, forearm, or proximal humerus), falls, and death. Associations were adjusted for age, time since baseline and randomization group, or additionally for femoral neck (FN) BMD, prior falls, or FRAX probability (MOF without BMD) and are reported as gradient of risk (GR: hazard ratio for first incident fracture per SD increment) in ALM/height2 (GR). Data were available for 11,187 women (mean [SD] age 63.3 [7.4] years). In the base models (adjusted for age, follow-up time, and randomization group), greater ALM/height2 was associated with lower risk of incident MOF (GR = 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83–0.94). The association was independent of prior falls but was attenuated by FRAX probability. Adjustment for FN BMD T-score led to attenuation and inversion of the risk relationship (GR = 1.06; 95% CI 0.98–1.14). There were no associations between ALM/height2 and incident falls. However, there was a 7% to 15% increase in risk of death during follow-up for each SD greater ALM/height2, depending on specific adjustment. In WHI, and consistent with our findings in older men (Osteoporotic Fractures in Men [MrOS] study cohorts), the predictive value of DXA-ALM for future clinical fracture is attenuated (and potentially inverted) after adjustment for femoral neck BMD T-score. However, intriguing positive, but modest, associations between ALM/height2 and mortality remain robust. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The next best thing: Social presence and accountability's impact on auditor professional skepticism
Authors: Sorensen Kate , Ortegren Marc
Published: January 2021

Audit fieldwork is shifting from the client site to remote environments due to generational preferences, budget restrictions, and health mandates as seen with the COVID‐19 pandemic. This may negatively impact professional skepticism without purposeful safeguards. Based in Social Presence Theory (SPT), our experiment uses Big 4 senior auditors to examine how the perceived level of social presence (high vs. low) influences an auditor's professional skepticism and how increasing one's feeling of accountability can increase auditor skepticism in a remote audit environment. We predict and find that auditors who feel a greater degree of social presence with their client are more skeptical. We also find that increasing an auditor's feelings of accountability can increase skepticism, and that increasing accountability in a low social presence environment can mitigate lower feelings of professional skepticism. This finding offers an effective and efficient method to help auditors remain skeptical in remote audit environments.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder as a moderator of transdiagnostic, residential eating disorder treatment outcome trajectory
Authors: Scharff Adela , Ortiz Shelby N. , Forrest Lauren N. , Smith April R. , Boswell James F.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Residential treatment for severe eating disorders (EDs) is associated with primarily positive outcomes. However, less is known about the moderators of treatment response. Comorbid post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis is associated with increased ED symptom severity. This study investigated whether PTSD moderated outcomes of transdiagnostic, residential ED treatment based upon the Unified Protocol.

Method

Female patients (N = 1055) in residential ED treatment completed a clinical interview to assess PTSD diagnosis and self‐reported ED, depression, and anxiety symptoms, anxiety sensitivity, experiential avoidance, and mindfulness. We tested whether PTSD moderated trajectories of symptom change from treatment admission to discharge and 6‐month follow‐up using multilevel models.

Results

PTSD moderated change in ED symptoms, depression severity, and experiential avoidance. Patients with PTSD showed steeper symptom improvements from admission to discharge. However, PTSD was associated with greater symptom recurrence after residential treatment.

Conclusions

Patients with comorbid PTSD demonstrated more improvement during residential treatment, but experienced steeper posttreatment symptom recurrence.
Targeting the TXNIP‐NLRP3 interaction with PSSM1443 to suppress inflammation in sepsis‐induced myocardial dysfunction
Authors: Wang Linhua , Zhao Hongsheng , Xu Huifen , Liu Xiangxin , Chen Xinlong , Peng Qingyun , Xiao Mingbing
Published: January 2021

Sepsis‐induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD), a deadly symptom in sepsis patients, is mainly caused by cardiovascular inflammation. However, it remains unclear how systemic inflammation triggers and aggravates cardiovascular inflammation in the pathogenesis of SIMD. This study found that proinflammatory cytokines and H2O2 concentrations were significantly induced in SIMD‐mice. In particular, a microarray analysis of CD63+ exosomes isolated from sham‐ and SIMD‐monocytes revealed a significant induction of thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) and NLR family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3). We proved that oxidative stress caused the disassociation of the TXNIP‐TRX2 (thioredoxin 2) complex and the assembly of the TXNIP‐NLRP3 complex. In addition, this finding showed that the latter complex could be embedded into CD63+ exosomes and traffic from monocytes to the resident heart macrophages, where it activated caspase‐1 and cleaved inactive interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18. Furthermore, using an amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay (Alpha) with GST‐TXNIP and His‐NLRP3, we obtained a small molecule named PSSM1443 that could disrupt the TXNIP‐NLRP3 interaction in vitro, impairing NLRP3 downstream events. Of note, after administering PSSM1443 to the SIMD‐mice, we found the small molecule could significantly suppress the activation of caspase‐1 and the cleavage of pro‐IL‐1β and pro‐IL‐18, reducing inflammation in the SIMD‐mice. Collectively, our results reveal that monocyte‐derived exosomes harbor the overexpressed TXNIP‐NLRP3 complex, which traffics from circulating monocytes to local macrophages and promotes the cleavage of inactive IL‐1β and IL‐18 in the macrophages, aggravating cardiovascular inflammation. PSSM1443 functions as an inhibitor of the TXNIP‐NLRP3 complex and its administration can decrease inflammation in SIMD‐mice.
Acid mine drainage treatment and sequential metal recovery by means of bioelectrochemical technology
Authors: Leon‐Fernandez Luis Fernando , Medina‐Díaz Hassay Lizeth , Pérez Omar González , Romero Luis Rodríguez , Villaseñor José , Fernández‐Morales Francisco Jesús
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

This work studied the treatment of and metal recovery from a synthetic acid mine drainage (AMD) containing 500 mg L−1 copper (Cu2+) and iron (Fe+3), and 50 mg L−1 nickel (Ni2+) and tin (Sn2+) by using a bioelectrochemical system (BES). The presence of electroactive bacteria improved the performance of such reactor configuration, by contrast with systems with abiotic anodes.

RESULTS

Operating as a microbial fuel cell (MFC), all of the Fe3+ was reduced to Fe2+ in about 24 h and Cu2+ was electrodeposited onto the cathodic surface, a Cu electrode, obtaining pure Cu0. Almost all of the Cu in the catholyte was recovered after four days. The maximum current density and power attained in this stage were 0.136 mA cm−2 and 0.0134 mW cm−2, respectively. Subsequent operation as a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) allowed simultaneous recovery of the Fe2+, Ni2+ and Sn2+ by fixing the cathode potential at −0.7 V versus Ag/AgCl. The electrode material in this stage was titanium. The tin was completely deposited onto the cathodic surface after one day of electrolysis. After three days, 77% and 60% of Ni and Fe, respectively, was recovered.

CONCLUSION

It was possible to recover Cu0 while generating electricity at the same time using a BES. The cell voltage required for the metal electrodeposition of Fe2+, Ni2+ and Sn2+ was low in the case of the BES because of the contribution of the electroactive bacteria. Sequential metal deposition is possible by adjusting the operating parameters of the BES reactors. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of marginal integrity in dentistry composite fillings with flow layer under compression test
Authors: Ostapiuk Monika , Tarczydło Janusz , Łuszczewska‐Sierakowska Iwona , Śledź Radosław , Tymczyna‐Borowicz Barbara
Published: January 2021

Currently, composite materials dominate among the restorative materials used for direct aesthetic filling. Reinforcement of composites with glass fibers allows for the transfer of greater loads and better durability between the tooth tissue and the filling polymer. New approach to bonding liquid materials with composite with glass fillers is to introduce an additional protective barrier to load a higher force that is, compression test. So, the aim of the study was to analyze the structure of composite fillings, their integrity with tooth tissues and evaluation on the influence of the liquid composite layer on the strength of strength in the compression test. Moreover, the influence of thermal shocks on the bonding with the tooth tissues in the compression test was investigated. According to the results obtained in current research, using the flow composite as a combination with the fiber composite leads to a significant increase in mechanical properties, particularly in the compression test.

Highlights

If flow‐type composite fluid material are, the greater is strength of composite fillings.

Glass fibers composite increase the mechanical strength.
A brief introduction of meta‐analyses in clinical practice and research
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Meng , Zhang Xi‐Ru , Li Zhi‐Hao , Zhong Wen‐Fang , Yang Pei , Mao Chen
Published: January 2021

With the explosive growth of medical information, it is almost impossible for healthcare providers to review and evaluate all relevant evidence to make the best clinical decisions. Meta‐analyses, which summarize all existing evidence and quantitatively synthesize individual studies, have become the best available evidence for informing clinical practice. This article introduces the common methods, steps, principles, strengths and limitations of meta‐analyses and aims to help healthcare providers and researchers obtain a basic understanding of meta‐analyses in clinical practice and research.
Cyclizations and fragmentations in the alkylation of 6‐chloro‐5‐hydroxy‐4‐aminopyrimidines with aminoalkyl chlorides
Authors: Picazo Edwige M. H. , Heptinstall Amy B. , Wilson David M. , Cano Céline , Golding Bernard T. , Waring Michael J.
Published: January 2021

Substituted aminopyrimidines are an important class of compounds, in part because they frequently show biological activity. Facile synthesis of polysubstituted aminopyrimidines is highly desirable for the synthesis of screening libraries. We describe a route to 4,6‐diamino‐5‐alkoxypyrimidines via a SNAr‐alkylation‐SNAr sequence from readily available 4,6‐dichloro‐5‐methoxypyrimidine, which allows the synthesis of such compounds with regiochemical control. The extension of this approach to alkylating agents bearing amino substituents led to unexpected and, in some cases, unprecedented products resulting from intramolecular SNAr cyclization and subsequent fragmentation.
Challenging or hindering? The roles of goal orientation and cognitive appraisal in stressor‐performance relationships
Authors: Ma Jie , Peng Yisheng , Wu Bo
Published: January 2021

Stress transactions are influenced by the properties of the stressful situation and those of the individual. Much research has focused on the differential effects of challenge and hindrance stressors on job performance, but few studies have explored individual differences in the cognitive appraisal of stressors, which is the central component of stress transactions. Therefore, the present study examined the moderating effect of employee goal orientation (i.e., learning, performance prove, and performance avoidance goal orientation) on stressor‐appraisal relationships and tested whether goal orientation further moderates the indirect relationships of stressors with job performance via appraisals. We tested the hypothesized model at both between‐ and within‐person levels and obtained convergent results across two studies with multisourced data. Goal orientation was found to be an important boundary condition of the stressor‐appraisal relationships. Specifically, the challenge stressor‐challenge appraisal relationship was strengthened by learning goal orientation and performance‐prove goal orientation. The hindrance stressor‐hindrance appraisal relationship was strengthened by performance‐prove goal orientation and performance‐avoidance goal orientation, but weakened by learning goal orientation. On this basis, employee goal orientation also moderated indirect relationships between stressors and task performance/work proactivity via appraisals. Theoretical contributions and practical implications are discussed.
Identification of the variety of maize seeds based on hyperspectral images coupled with convolutional neural networks and subregional voting
Authors: Zhou Quan , Huang Wenqian , Tian Xi , Yang Yi , Liang Dong
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Maize is one of the most important food crops in the world. Many different varieties of maize seeds are similar in size and appearance, so distinguishing the varieties of maize seed is a significant research topic. This study used hyperspectral image processing coupled with convolutional neural network (CNN) and a subregional voting method to recognize different varieties of maize seed.

RESULTS

First, visible and near‐infrared (NIR‐visible) hyperspectral images were obtained. Savitzky–Golay (SG) smoothing and first derivative (FD) were used to pretreat the raw spectra and highlight the spectral differences of samples of different varieties. Second, the region of interest (ROI) of each sample was divided into several subregions according to the shape and the number of pixels. Then, a method was proposed for reshaping the images of pixel spectra for the CNN and the training model was established. Finally, using subregional voting, one prediction result was generated from the prediction results of several original subregions in one sample. The results showed that, for six varieties of normal maize seeds, the tests identified embryoid and non‐embryoid forms with 93.33% and 95.56% accuracy, respectively. For six varieties of sweet maize seeds, the test accuracy in embryoid and non‐embryoid forms was 97.78% and 98.15%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The maize seed was identified accurately. The present study demonstrated that the CNN model for spectral image coupled with subregional voting represents a new approach for the identification of varieties of maize seed. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Supplementation of fruit peel pellet containing phytonutrients to manipulate rumen pH, fermentation efficiency, nutrient digestibility and microbial protein synthesis
Authors: Wanapat Metha , Viennasay Bounnaxay , Matra Maharach , Totakul Pajaree , Phesatcha Burarat , Ampapon Thiwakorn , Wanapat Sadudee
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Phytonutrient pellet, a new rumen enhancer, was formulated from various tropical fruit peels containing phytonutrients (condensed tannins and saponins) and named MARABAC. To substantiate the MARABAC supplementation effect, it was supplemented with low and high levels of concentrate supplementation in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement using beef cattle. Based on this investigation, interesting findings were highlighted and are reported herein.

RESULTS

The high level of concentrate supplementation (HCS) reduced rumen pH remarkably, but was buffered and enhanced by MARABAC supplementation. Rumen pH was reduced to 5.74 at 8 h, post feeding upon receiving HCS, and was buffered back to 6.19 with MARABAC supplementation. The supplementation exhibited an additional pronounced (P < 0.01) effect on improving nutrient digestibility and efficiency of microbial nitrogen supply, mitigating rumen methane production and reducing protozoal population. Rumen and fermentation end‐products, especially propionate production, were enhanced (P < 0.05), while rumen methane production was subsequently mitigated (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

MARABAC is a new promising dietary rumen enhancer for future replacement of chemicals and antibiotics used to enhance the rumen fermentation. Nevertheless, more in vivo feeding trials should be further conducted to elucidate the insight impacts. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Intra‐ and Interobserver Variability of 4D Ultrasound Examination of the Infrarenal Aorta
Authors: Derwich Wojciech , Wiedemann Antonia , Wittek Andreas , Filmann Natalie , Blase Christopher , Schmitz‐Rixen Thomas
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The four‐dimensional ultrasound (4D‐US) enables imaging of the aortic segment and simultaneous determination of the wall expansion. The method shows a high spatial and temporal resolution, but its in vivo reliability is so far unknown for low‐measure values. The present study determines the intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility of 4D‐US in the atherosclerotic and non‐atherosclerotic infrarenal aorta.

Methods

In all, 22 patients with non‐aneurysmal aorta were examined by an experienced examiner and a medical student. After registration of 4D images, both the examiners marked the aortic wall manually before the commercially implemented speckle tracking algorithm was applied. The cyclic changes of the aortic diameter and circumferential strain were determined with the help of custom‐made software. The reliability of 4D‐US was tested by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

The 4D‐US measurements showed very good reliability for the maximum aortic diameter and the circumferential strain for all patients and for the non‐atherosclerotic aortae (ICC >0.7), but low reliability for circumferential strain in calcified aortae (ICC = 0.29). The observer‐ and masking‐related variances for both maximum diameter and circumferential strain were close to zero.

Conclusions

Despite the low‐measured values, the high spatial and temporal resolution of the 4D‐US enables a reliable evaluation of cyclic diameter changes and circumferential strain in non‐aneurysmal aortae independent from the observer experience but with some limitations for calcified aortae. The 4D‐US opens up a new perspective with regard to noninvasive, in vivo assessment of kinematic properties of the vessel wall in the abdominal aorta.
Effect of Pre‐Harvest Mortality on Harvest Rates and Derived Population Estimates
Authors: Cooch Evan G. , Alisauskas Ray T. , Buderman Frances E.
Published: January 2021

Banding waterfowl, in combination with the citizen science provided by hunters that report marks from harvested birds, is a long‐standing, institutionalized practice for estimating probabilities of survival and exploitation (i.e., legal harvest from such populations). Range‐wide population abundance can also be estimated by combining the number of banded individuals with the number harvested from the population. Waterfowl marking with uniquely identifiable bands done during late summer in North America is often referred to as pre‐season banding. For example, mass capture of arctic geese for pre‐season banding is normally done in July (nonbreeders) or August (failed breeders and breeders with young) during flightless molt of respective groups. An important assumption for proper inference about harvest probability provided from such samples is that there is no mortality, natural or otherwise, during the interval between when individuals are marked and when hunting seasons begin. We evaluated the effect of variable mortality that could occur between marking and subsequent hunting seasons on estimates of survival, recovery, and harvest probabilities using simulation pertinent to a typical waterfowl species. We fit a Brownie tag‐recovery model to the simulated data and calculated the estimator bias that resulted from various pre‐harvest mortality scenarios. There was no effect on survival probability during the interval between annual banding in subsequent years, but recovery probability, and thus estimated harvest probability, was directly and inversely related to pre‐harvest mortality of juveniles. The magnitude of negative bias in harvest probability of juveniles increased further as the fraction of the population sampled declined. If the probability of pre‐harvest mortality differs between marked and unmarked individuals, the negative bias in harvest probability results in overestimates of derived abundance that increases as the proportion of marked individuals in the population declines. We used our observed results to propose an explanation for occasional biologically improbable estimates of abundance of juvenile lesser snow geese (Anser caerulescens). © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Synthetic Simulator for Surgical Training in Tracheostomy and Open Airway Surgery
Authors: Deonarain Ashley R. , Harrison Robert V. , Gordon Karen A. , Looi Thomas , Agur Anne M.R. , Estrada Marvin , Wolter Nikolaus E. , Propst Evan J.
Published: January 2021

Objective(s)

To create and validate a synthetic simulator for teaching tracheostomy and laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) using anterior costal cartilage and thyroid ala cartilage grafts.

Methods

A late adolescent/adult neck and airway simulator was constructed based on CT scans from a cadaver and a live patient. Images were segmented to create three‐dimensional printed molds from which anatomical parts were casted. To evaluate the simulator, expert otolaryngologists ‐ head and neck surgeons performed tracheostomy and LTR using anterior costal cartilage and thyroid ala cartilage grafts on a live anesthetized porcine model (gold standard) followed by the synthetic simulator. They evaluated each model for face validity (realism and anatomical accuracy) and content validity (perceived effectiveness as a training tool) using a five‐point Likert scale. For each expert, differences for each item on each simulator were compared using Wilcoxon Signed‐Rank tests with Sidak correction.

Results

Nine expert faculty surgeons completed the study. Experts rated face and content validity of the synthetic simulator an overall median of 4 and 5, respectively. There was no difference in scores between the synthetic model and the live porcine model for any of the steps of any of the surgical procedures.

Conclusion

The synthetic simulator created for this study has high face and content validity for tracheostomy and LTR with anterior costal cartilage and thyroid ala cartilage grafts and was not found to be different than the live porcine model for these procedures.

Level of Evidence

5 Laryngoscope, 131:E2378–E2386, 2021
Accuracy of Fibula Reconstruction Using Patient‐Specific Cad/Cam Plates: A Multicenter Study on 47 Patients
Authors: Zavattero Emanuele , Bolzoni Alessandro , Dell'Aversana Giovanni , Santagata Mario , Massarelli Olindo , Ferri Andrea , Della Monaca Marco , Copelli Chiara , Gessaroli Manlio , Valsecchi Stefano , Borbon Claudia , Beltramini Giada Anna , Ramieri Guglielmo , Valentini Valentino , Tartaro Gian Paolo , Cocchi Roberto , Varazzani Andrea , Califano Luigi , Baj Alessandro
Published: January 2021

Objectives

This prospective study evaluated the accuracy of mandibular reconstruction using free fibular flaps (by comparing virtual plans to the three‐dimensional postoperative results), and the extent of bone‐to‐bone contact after computer‐assisted surgery.

Methods

We included 65 patients who underwent partial‐continuity mandibular resections from February 2013 to January 2017, and evaluated virtual planning, surgical techniques, and accuracy.

Results

Forty‐seven patients were analysed. A total of 112 fibular segments received 54 implants. We measured 227 distances between landmarks to assess the accuracy of reconstruction. Postoperative reconstruction accuracy ranged from 0.5 to 3 mm.

Conclusion

Virtual surgical planning very accurately translated simulation into reality, particularly in patients requiring large, complex mandibular reconstructions using multiple fibular segments.

Level of evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2169–E2175, 2021
Digestive n‐6 Lipid Oxidation, a Key Trigger of Vascular Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis in the Western Diet: Protective Effects of Apple Polyphenols
Authors: Bolea Gaëtan , Philouze Clothilde , Dubois Mathilde , Risdon Sydney , Humberclaude Anaïs , Ginies Christian , Charles Anne‐Laure , Geny Bernard , Reboul Cyril , Arnaud Claire , Dufour Claire , Meyer Grégory
Published: January 2021

Scope

A main risk factor of atherosclerosis is a Western diet (WD) rich in n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) sensitive to oxidation. Their oxidation can be initiated by heme iron of red meat leading to the formation of 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4‐HNE), a cytotoxic aldehyde. An increased 4‐HNE production is implicated in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. By contrast, a diet rich in proanthocyanidins reduces oxidative stress and arterial diseases. This study evaluates the effects of a WD on vascular integrity in ApolipoproteinE (ApoE−/−) mice and the protective capacity of apple extract and puree rich in antioxidant proanthocyanidins.

Methods and results

ApoE‐/‐ mice are fed during 12 weeks with a WD with or without n‐6 PUFAs. Moreover, two WD + n‐6 PUFAs groups are supplemented with apple puree or phenolic extract. An increase in digestive 4‐HNE production associated with a rise in plasmatic 4‐HNE and oxidized LDL concentrations is reported. Oxidizable n‐6 PUFAs consumption is associated with a worsened endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Interestingly, supplementations with apple polyphenol extract or puree prevented these impairments while reducing oxidative stress.

Conclusion

n‐6 lipid oxidation during digestion may be a key factor of vascular impairments. Nevertheless, an antioxidant strategy can limit 4‐HNE formation during digestion and thus durably protect vascular function.
A diplexer with direct coupled resonant junction
Authors: Ogbodo Eugene A. , Ngobigha Felix , Obadiah Ali Nyangwarimam , Atuba Sunday
Published: January 2021

Conventionally, diplexers are designed by connecting two filters of different frequencies using a transmission T‐line junction which acts as a distribution network serving the individual filters. Here, a novel diplexer has been proposed and designed to utilize a directly coupled resonator as the distribution network. The directly coupled resonator is designed using two square open‐loop resonators of the same resonant frequency of 1.95 GHz. Coupling of the two resonators is achieved using a λ/4 transmission line to directly couple them. This process made the resonator pair to possess a dual‐mode resonator function, resonating at 1.85 and 2.05 GHz. Two bandpass filters are then designed in the corresponding modes of the resonator pair with 5% fractional bandwidth and coupled accordingly. This technique allowed the resonator pair to contribute to the resonant poles of the diplexer while functioning as the distribution network.
Fibroglandular tissue distribution in the breast during mammography and tomosynthesis based on breast CT data: A patient‐based characterization of the breast parenchyma
Authors: Fedon Christian , Caballo Marco , García Eloy , Diaz Oliver , Boone John M. , Dance David R. , Sechopoulos Ioannis
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To develop a patient‐based breast density model by characterizing the fibroglandular tissue distribution in patient breasts during compression for mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) imaging.

Methods

In this prospective study, 88 breast images were acquired using a dedicated breast computed tomography (CT) system. The breasts in the images were classified into their three main tissue components and mechanically compressed to mimic the positioning for mammographic acquisition of the craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views. The resulting fibroglandular tissue distribution during these compressions was characterized by dividing the compressed breast volume into small regions, for which the median and the 25th and 75th percentile values of local fibroglandular density were obtained in the axial, coronal, and sagittal directions. The best fitting function, based on the likelihood method, for the median distribution was obtained in each direction.

Results

The fibroglandular tissue tends to concentrate toward the caudal (about 15% below the midline of the breast) and anterior regions of the breast, in both the CC‐ and MLO‐view compressions. A symmetrical distribution was found in the MLO direction in the case of the CC‐view compression, while a shift of about 12% toward the lateral direction was found in the MLO‐view case.

Conclusions

The location of the fibroglandular tissue in the breast under compression during mammography and DBT image acquisition is a major factor for determining the actual glandular dose imparted during these examinations. A more realistic model of the parenchyma in the compressed breast, based on patient image data, was developed. This improved model more accurately reflects the fibroglandular tissue spatial distribution that can be found in patient breasts, and therefore might aid in future studies involving radiation dose and/or cancer development risk estimation.