bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A definition of theory: research guidelines for different theory‐building research methods in operations management
Authors: Wacker John G
Published: July 2002

This study examines the definition of theory and the implications it has for the theory‐building research. By definition, theory must have four basic criteria: conceptual definitions, domain limitations, relationship‐building, and predictions. Theory‐building is important because it provides a framework for analysis, facilitates the efficient development of the field, and is needed for the applicability to practical real world problems. To be good theory, a theory must follow the virtues (criteria) for ‘good’ theory, including uniqueness, parsimony, conservation, generalizability, fecundity, internal consistency, empirical riskiness, and abstraction, which apply to all research methods. Theory‐building research seeks to find similarities across many different domains to increase its abstraction level and its importance. The procedure for good theory‐building research follows the definition of theory: it defines the variables, specifies the domain, builds internally consistent relationships, and makes specific predictions. If operations management theory is to become integrative, the procedure for good theory‐building research should have similar research procedures, regardless of the research methodology used. The empirical results from a study of operations management over the last 5 years (1991–1995) indicate imbalances in research methodologies for theory‐building. The analytical mathematical research methodology is by far the most popular methodology and appears to be over‐researched. On the other hand, the integrative research areas of analytical statistical and the establishment of causal relationships are under‐researched. This leads to the conclusion that theory‐building in operations management is not developing evenly across all methodologies. Last, this study offers specific guidelines for theory‐builders to increase the theory's level of abstraction and the theory's significance for operations managers.
On equivariant $p$-harmonic maps
Authors: Fardoun Ali
Published: July 2002

In the first section of this paper we study the Dirichlet problem for equivariant (rotationally symmetric)

p

-harmonic maps from the Euclidean ball

B^m

to the closed upper ellipsoid

E^m_+ (b)

(

p ≥ 2

,

m ≥ 3

): in particular, we establish a condition which is necessary and sufficient for the existence of an equivariant smooth solution with prescribed boundary values. In the last section, we obtain existence results for equivariant

p

-harmonic maps between spheres and ellipsoids.

Dans la première partie de cet article nous étudions un problème de Dirichlet pour les applications

p

-harmoniques, équivariantes (rotationnellement symétriques), de la boule euclidienne

B^m

à valeurs dans la partie supérieure fermée de l’ellipsoïde

E^m_+ (b)

(

p ≥ 2

,

m ≥ 3

): en particulier, nous déterminons une condition nécessaire et suffisante pour l’existence d’une solution équivariante de classe

C^∞

avec données initiales au bord. Dans la dernière partie de l’article, nous obtenons des résultats d’existence pour les applications

p

-harmoniques équivariantes entre sphères ou ellipsoïdes.
A Hydrogel Platform that Incorporates Laminin Isoforms for Efficient Presentation of Growth Factors – Neural Growth and Osteogenesis
Authors: Dobre Oana , Oliva Mariana A. G. , Ciccone Giuseppe , Trujillo Sara , Rodrigo‐Navarro Aleixandre , Venters Douglas Cormac , Llopis‐Hernandez Virginia , Vassalli Massimo , Gonzalez‐Garcia Cristina , Dalby Matthew J. , Salmeron‐Sanchez Manuel
Published: March 2021

Laminins (LMs) are important structural proteins of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The abundance of every LM isoform is tissue‐dependent, suggesting that LM has tissue‐specific roles. LM binds growth factors (GFs), which are powerful cytokines widely used in tissue engineering due to their ability to control stem cell differentiation. Currently, the most commonly used ECM mimetic material in vitro is Matrigel, a matrix of undefined composition containing LM and various GFs, but subjected to batch variability and lacking control of physicochemical properties. Inspired by Matrigel, a new and completely defined hydrogel platform based on hybrid LM‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels with controllable stiffness (1–25 kPa) and degradability is proposed. Different LM isoforms are used to bind and efficiently display GFs (here, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP‐2) and beta‐nerve growth factor (β‐NGF)), enabling their solid‐phase presentation at ultralow doses to specifically target a range of tissues. The potential of this platform to trigger stem cell differentiation toward osteogenic lineages and stimulate neural cells growth in 3D, is demonstrated. These hydrogels enable 3D, synthetic, defined composition, and reproducible cell culture microenvironments reflecting the complexity of the native ECM, where GFs in combination with LM isoforms yield the full diversity of cellular processes.
Piezoelectric‐Driven Self‐Sensing Leaf‐Mimic Actuator Enabled by Integration of a Self‐Healing Dielectric Elastomer and a Piezoelectric Composite
Authors: Pan Min , Yuan Chenggang , Pickford Tom , Tian Jianhui , Ellingford Christopher , Zhou Ning , Bowen Christopher , Wan Chaoying
Published: March 2021

Soft robots and devices exploit highly deformable materials that are capable of changes in shape to allow conformable physical contact for controlled manipulation. While soft robots are resilient to mechanical impact, they are susceptible to mechanical damage, such as tears and punctures. The development of self‐healing materials and actuators continues to attract increasing interest, in particular, with respect to integrating self‐healing polymers to create bioinspired soft self‐healing devices. Herein, a novel piezoelectric‐driven self‐healing leaf‐motion mimic actuator is designed by combining a thermoplastic methyl thioglycolate–modified styrene–butadiene–styrene (MGSBS) elastomer with a piezoelectric macrofiber composite (MFC) for self‐sensing applications. This article is the first demonstration of a self‐sensing and self‐healing actuator‐sensor system, which is driven by a piezoelectric actuator and can mimic leaf motion. The leaf‐motion actuator combines built‐in dynamic sensing and room‐temperature self‐healing capabilities to restore macroscale cutting damage with an intrinsically high bandwidth of up to 10 kHz. The feasibility and potential of the new actuator for use in complex soft autonomous systems are demonstrated. These new results help to address the emerging influence of self‐healing soft actuators and the challenges of sensing, actuation, and damage resistance in soft robotics.
A Convenient Route to Prepare Reactive Azobenzene‐Containing Liquid Crystal Polymers and Photodeformable Fibers
Authors: Chen Yan , Liu Quan , Theato Patrick , Wei Jia , Yu Yanlei
Published: March 2021

Azobenzene‐containing liquid crystal polymers (azo‐LCPs) with reactive groups attract much attention due to the combined properties of liquid crystallinity, photoresponsivity and reactivity, which make them promising in designing intelligent photo‐driven soft actuators. Herein, a post‐polymerization modification strategy is used to prepare a series of reactive azo‐LCPs using the trans‐esterification reaction of poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate) with functional alcohols. These reactive azo‐LCPs show good capabilities in fabricating fibers via a simple thermal‐drawing method and subsequent crosslinking reaction with diamine under mild conditions. Furthermore, the prepared fibers exhibit reversible deformation behaviors under the alternate irradiation of UV and visible light (365/530 nm). This facile synthetic strategy is expected to open up new possibilities for fabricating photo‐driven actuators.
R3HDM1 haploinsufficiency is associated with mild intellectual disability
Authors: Fukushi Daisuke , Inaba Mie , Katoh Kimiko , Suzuki Yasuyo , Enokido Yasushi , Nomura Noriko , Tokita Yoshihito , Hayashi Shin , Mizuno Seiji , Yamada Kenichiro , Wakamatsu Nobuaki
Published: March 2021

R3HDM1 (R3H domain containing 1) is an uncharacterized RNA‐binding protein that is highly expressed in the human cerebral cortex. We report the first case of a 12‐year‐old Japanese male with haploinsufficiency of R3HDM1. He presented with mild intellectual disability (ID) and developmental delay. He had a pericentric inversion of 46,XY,inv(2)(p16.1q21.3)dn with breakpoints in intron 19 of R3HDM1 (2q21.3) and the intergenic region (2p16.1). The R3HDM1 levels in his lymphoblastoid cells were reduced to approximately half that of the healthy controls. However, the expression of MIR128‐1, in intron 18 of R3HDM1, was not affected via the pericentric inversion. Knockdown of R3HDM1 in mouse embryonic hippocampal neurons suppressed dendritic growth and branching. Notably, the Database of Genomic Variants reported the case of a healthy control with a 488‐kb deletion that included both R3HDM1 and MIR128‐1. miR‐128 has been reported to inhibit dendritic growth and branching in mouse brain neurons, which directly opposes the novel functions of R3HDM1. These findings suggest that deleting both R3HDM1 and MIR128‐1 alleviates the symptoms of the disease caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in R3HDM1 only. Thus, haploinsufficiency of R3HDM1 in the patient may be the cause of the mild ID due to the genetic imbalance between R3HDM1 and MIR128‐1.
Oxygen Bridged Bimetallic CuMoO4Nanocatalyst for Benzylic Alcohol Oxidation; Mechanism and DFT Study
Authors: Behera Pradyota Kumar , Choudhury Prabhupada , Sahu Santosh Kumar , Sahu Rashmi Ranjan , Harvat Alisha N. , McNulty Caitlin , Stitgen Abigail , Scanlon Joseph , Kar Manoranjan , Rout Laxmidhar
Published: March 2021

Though concept of oxygen bridged bimetallic catalyst for organic reaction is not well understood. Herein, we have tried to explain the concept by experimental as well as its support by full DFT study. We report here a competent protocol for dehydrogenative oxidation of benzylic alcohol using an oxygen bridged bimetallic CuMoO4nano catalyst. Careful demonstration reveals that oxidation is not effective either with mono‐metallic Cu (II) or Mo(VI); instead combination of both the metals through the oxygen bridge [Cu−O−Mo] unexpectedly and interestingly catalyzed the reaction efficiently. The new concept is strongly supported by computational DFT study. DFT study reveals dehydrogenative oxidation is preferred at copper centre over molybdenum and aromatic benzyl alcohols are greatly stabilised. Interaction barrier energy of monometallic CuO and MoO3catalyst is much higher than bimetallic CuMoO4. Hydrogen transfer has larger barrier heights for CuO (31.5 kcal/mol) and MoO3(40.3 kcal/mol) than bimetallic CuMoO4.
Recent Advances in Regenerative Tissue Fabrication: Tools, Materials, and Microenvironment in Hierarchical Aspects
Authors: Ratri Monica Cahyaning , Brilian Albertus Ivan , Setiawati Agustina , Nguyen Huong Thanh , Soum Veasna , Shin Kwanwoo
Published: March 2021

As part of regenerative medicine, artificial, hierarchical tissue engineering is a favorable approach to satisfy the needs of patients for new tissues and organs to replace those with defects caused by age, disease, or trauma or to correct congenital disabilities. However, the application of tissue engineering faces critical issues, such as the biocompatibility of the fabricated tissues and organs, the scaffolding, the complex biomechanical processes within cells, and the regulation of cell biology. Although fabrication strategies, including the traditional bioprinting, photolithography, and organ‐on‐a‐chip methods, as well as combinations of fabrication processes, face many challenges, they are methods that can be used in hierarchical tissue engineering. The strategic approach to synthetic, hierarchical tissue engineering is to use a combination of several technologies incorporating material science, cell biology, additive manufacturing (AM), on‐a‐chip strategies, and biomechanics. Herein, in a review, the current materials and biofabrication strategies of various artificial hierarchical tissues are discussed based on the level of tissue complexity from nano to macrosize and the adaptive interactions between cells and the scaffolding surrounding the incorporated cells.
Surface Grafting “Band‐Aid” for “Everyone”: Filter Paper‐Assisted Surface‐Initiated Polymerization in the Presence of Air
Authors: Li Wei , Sheng Wenbo , Li Bin , Jordan Rainer
Published: March 2021

We report herein a facile and generalized approach to the modification of solid surfaces with polymer brushes under ambient conditions: filter paper‐assisted surface‐initiated Cu0‐mediated controlled radical polymerization (PSI‐CuCRP). The polymerization solution wetted filter paper is sandwiched between a copper plate and an initiator‐modified substrate, which allows the creation of a surface‐initiated polymerization (SIP) “band‐aid” so that everyone can perform the surface grafting selectively with good control over the quality of the polymer brushes employing low concentration and microliter amounts of the monomer solution. The versatility of this method is demonstrated by grafting different homo‐, block‐, and multicomponent polymer brushes by using the same activation system and reaction conditions, the polymerization process can be precisely controlled to yield uniform polymers and show high chain‐end functionality which is exemplified by in situ tetra‐copolymerization. The combination of photolithography and paper cutting enables to prepare arbitrary three‐dimensional patterned polymer brushes on the surface.
Syntheses and Physical Properties of Cationic BN‐Embedded Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Gotoh Hajime , Nakatsuka Soichiro , Tanaka Hiroki , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Haketa Yohei , Maeda Hiromitsu , Hatakeyama Takuji
Published: March 2021

Cationic BN‐embedded polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (BN‐PAH+s) were synthesized from a nitrogen‐containing macrocycle via pyridine‐directed tandem C−H borylation. Incorporating BN into PAH+resulted in a remarkable hypsochromic shift due to an increase in the LUMO energy and the symmetry changes of the HOMO and LUMO. Electrophilic substitution or anion exchange of BN‐PAH+possessing tetrabromoborate as a counter anion (BN+[BBr4−]) afforded air‐stable BN‐PAH/PAH+s. Of these,BN+[TfO−]allowed reversible two‐electron reduction and the formation of two‐dimensional brickwork‐type π‐electronic ion pair with 1,2,3,4,5‐pentacyanocyclopentadienyl anion, demonstrating the potential application of BN‐PAH+as electronic materials.
Application of Cocultures of Fungal Mycelium during Solid‐State Fermentation of Canola Meal for Potential Feed Application
Authors: Alhomodi Ahmad F. , Zavadil Andrea , Berhow Mark , Gibbons William R. , Karki Bishnu
Published: March 2021

In this study, the mono‐, bi‐, and tri‐cultivation of Aureobasidium pullulans, Neurospora crassa, and Trichoderma reesei in solid‐state fermentation were applied to improve the nutritional values of hexane extracted canola meal (HECM) along with the reduction of antinutritional factors for animal feed applications. Static fermentation trials of 50% moisture content HECM were conducted in 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks for 168 hours at 30 °C. The results showed that fungal cultivation had positive effects on the level of protein, fiber, and, glucosinolates (GLS). Monoculture of N. crassa exhibited the highest protein level of 49%. The combination of A. pullulans and N. crassa provided the highest reduction of crude fiber, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber by 21.9%, 1.7%, and 9.1%, respectively. Bi‐culture of A. pullulans and T. reesei resulted in the best GLS reduction by 81.3% (0.3 vs. 1.6 μM g−1 GLS of uninoculated control). These results indicate that each fungal strain possesses different enzymatic ability and selectively can work with other fungi in synergistic relationship for better fungal conversion of canola meal.
Effects of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution on creep properties of polypropylene homopolymer
Authors: Kurt Gökçe , Kasgoz Alper
Published: March 2021

The molecular weights of the industrial‐grade isotactic polypropylene (i‐PP) homopolymers samples were determined by the melt‐state rheological method and effects of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution on solid and melt state creep properties were investigated in detail. The melt‐state creep test results showed that the creep resistance of the samples increased by Mw due to the increased chain entanglements, while variations in the polydispersity index (PDI) values did not cause a considerable change in the creep strain values. Moreover, the solid‐state creep test results showed that creep strain values increased by Mw and PDI due to the decreasing amount of crystalline structure in the polymer. The results also showed that the amount of crystalline segment was more effective than chain entanglements that were caused by long polymer chains on the creep resistance of the polymers. Modeling the solid‐state viscoelastic structure of the samples by the Burger model revealed that the weight of the viscous strain in the total creep strain increased with Mw and PDI, which meant that the differences in the creep strain values of the samples would be more pronounced at extended periods of time.
Preparation and properties of wear‐resistant and flame‐retardant polyphenylsulfoneurea/monomer casting nylon copolymers
Authors: Lang Feng , Song Ling , Lin Yi , You Yilan , Li Duxin , Jiang Qibin
Published: March 2021

A poly(phenylsulfone)‐urea (PPSUU) macro‐activator is synthesized by in situ anionic polymerization of 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone and hexamethylene diisocyanate. The PPSUU segment is embedded into the nylon molecular chain through copolymerization to improve the wear resistance and flame retardancy of monomer cast nylon 6 (MC PA6) materials. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, friction and wear properties and combustion heat release rate of copolymers with different macro‐activator contents are tested. Results indicate that a small amount of PPSUU can improve the wear resistance and impact properties of nylon materials. The wear loss of MC nylon is 54.8% less than pure MC nylon from 1.049 × 10−8 to 0.474 × 10−8 g/Nm with 6 wt% PPSUU. Moreover, better flame retardancy is verified. The peak of HRR reduced 36.8% from 654 to 413 kw/m2 with 4 wt% PPSUU, accompanied by advanced ignition time and flame extinction time, thus reducing the risk of fire.
Extracting flavonoid from Ginkgo biloba using lignocellulolytic bacteria Paenarthrobacter sp. and optimized via response surface methodology
Authors: Han Sihai , Chio Chonlong , Ma Tianxiao , Mokale Kognou Aristide Laurel , Shrestha Sarita , Chen Feifei , Qin Wensheng
Published: March 2021

Ginkgo biloba flavonoids are important natural bioactive compounds with strong physiological effects. To develop an eco‐friendly and effective method for extracting flavonoids from plants, a microbial method involving lignocellulose‐degrading bacterial enzymes was developed to improve flavonoid extraction from Ginkgo biloba leaves. In this study, a newly isolated bacterial strain, Paenarthrobacter sp. S1.3, was employed for the fermentation processing of Ginkgo biloba leaf powder. The enzymatic characteristics of xylanase, CMCase, polygalacturonase, and β‐glucosidase from Paenarthrobacter sp. S1.3 were also investigated. The major fermentation parameters for the microbial extraction of Ginkgo biloba flavonoids were optimized using response surface methodology. Under optimal conditions (30.6 °C, initial pH 7.6, and fermentation time 25 h), a total flavonoid yield of 34.15 ± 0.52 mg g−1 dry weight was obtained, which was 2.11 fold and 1.42 fold higher than the yields obtained from the unfermented and ethanol extraction methods, respectively. The optimized results also suggest that the polygalacturonase and β‐glucosidase might play an important role in flavonoid extraction. Fermentation utilizing lignocellulose‐degrading bacteria was a feasible green approach to improve the extraction of natural compounds from plants. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The role of extracellular DNA in the formation, architecture, stability, and treatment of bacterial biofilms
Authors: Panlilio Hannah , Rice Charles V.
Published: March 2021

Advances in biotechnology to treat and cure human disease have markedly improved human health and the development of modern societies. However, substantial challenges remain to overcome innate biological factors that thwart the activity and efficacy of pharmaceutical therapeutics. Until recently, the importance of extracellular DNA (eDNA) in biofilms was overlooked. New data reveal its extensive role in biofilm formation, adhesion, and structural integrity. Different approaches to target eDNA as anti‐biofilm therapies have been proposed, but eDNA and the corresponding biofilm barriers are still difficult to disrupt. Therefore, more creative approaches to eradicate biofilms are needed. The production of eDNA often originates with the genetic material of bacterial cells through cell lysis. However, genomic DNA and eDNA are not necessarily structurally or compositionally identical. Variations are noteworthy because they dictate important interactions within the biofilm. Interactions between eDNA and biofilm components may as well be exploited as alternative anti‐biofilm strategies. In this review, we discuss recent developments in eDNA research, emphasizing potential ways to disrupt biofilms. This review also highlights proteins, exopolysaccharides, and other molecules interacting with eDNA that can serve as anti‐biofilm therapeutic targets. Overall, the array of diverse interactions with eDNA is important in biofilm structure, architecture, and stability.
Studies on effect of Tongfengxiaofang in HUM model mice using a UPLC–ESI–Q‐TOF/MS metabolomic approach
Authors: Chen Renhao , Wang Qi , Li Zhifeng , Wang Dongxu , Yang Shilin , Feng Yulin
Published: March 2021

Hyperuricemia (HUM) is a major risk factor for the development of gout. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) complex prescription Tongfengxiaofang (TFXF) is composed of a variety of TCMs. To study the therapeutic effect of TFXF on HUM mice and the mechanisms by which it exerts a therapeutic effect, the biochemical indices were measured and qPCR technique was used. In addition, plasma metabolomics analysis was carried out based on UPLC–Q‐TOF/MS to evaluate the characteristics of the metabolic spectrum changes. TFXF significantly downregulated the contents of uric acid, urea nitrogen and creatinine in serum and the concentration of xanthine oxidase in liver of HUM mice. In addition, TFXF significantly inhibited the overexpression of uric acid transporter 1 and glucose transporter 9 and upregulated the expression of organic anion transporter 1 in the kidney. A total of 152 metabolites were identified and 11 key biomarkers were further selected from these pathways to understand the mechanism of TFXF on the arginine biosynthesis, galactose metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and the citrate cycle (TCA cycle). The results of this confirmed the effect of TFXF on HUM and revealed the metabolic activity mechanism.
Hypoxia‐induced cofilin 1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating the PLD1/AKT pathway
Authors: Yao Bowen , Li Yazhao , Chen Tianxiang , Niu Yongshen , Wang Yufeng , Yang Yuanyuan , Wei Xinyu , Liu Qingguang , Tu Kangsheng
Published: March 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth fatal malignant tumour type worldwide. However, the exact molecular mechanism involved in HCC progression remains unclear.

Methods

Three pairs of HCC and matched portal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT) tissue samples were analysed by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) assay to investigate the differentially expressed proteins. Real‐time quantitative PCR, immunostaining, and immunoblotting were performed to detect cofilin 1 (CFL1) in HCC and non‐tumour tissues. CCK8 and EdU, and Transwell assays, respectively, determined cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Further, subcutaneous and tail vein injection were performed in nude mice for investigating HCC growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Regulatory effect of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) on CFL1 was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Finally, interaction between CFL1 and phospholipase D1 (PLD1) was studied using immunoprecipitation (IP) assay.

Results

The iTRAQ analysis identified expression of CFL1 to be significantly upregulated in PVTT than in HCC tissues. Increased expression of CFL1 was closely associated with unfavourable clinical features, and was an independent risk predictor of overall survival in HCC patients. The knockdown of CFL1 inhibited cell growth viability, invasiveness, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in HCC cells. Furthermore, CFL1 silencing significantly suppressed the growth and lung metastasis of HCC cells in nude mice. Next, HIF‐1α directly regulated CFL1 transcription by binding to the hypoxia‐responsive element (HRE) in the promoter. Moreover, we disclosed the interaction between CFL1 and PLD1 in HCC cells using IP assay. Mechanistically, CFL1 maintained PLD1 expression by repressing ubiquitin‐mediated protein degradation, thereby activating AKT signalling in HCC cells. Notably, the CFL1/PLD1 axis was found mediating the hypoxia‐induced activation of the AKT pathway and EMT.

Conclusion

The analysis suggests that hypoxia‐induced CFL1 increases the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in HCC by activating the PLD1/AKT pathway.
Spatially clustered count data provide more efficient search strategies in invasion biology and disease control
Authors: Stevens Michael C. A. , Faulkner Sally C. , Wilke André B. B. , Beier John C. , Vasquez Chalmers , Petrie William D. , Fry Hannah , Nichols Richard A. , Verity Robert , Le Comber Steven C.
Published: March 2021

Geographic profiling, a mathematical model originally developed in criminology, is increasingly being used in ecology and epidemiology. Geographic profiling boasts a wide range of applications, such as finding source populations of invasive species or breeding sites of vectors of infectious disease. The model provides a cost‐effective approach for prioritizing search strategies for source locations and does so via simple data in the form of the positions of each observation, such as individual sightings of invasive species or cases of a disease. In doing so, however, classic geographic profiling approaches fail to make the distinction between those areas containing observed absences and those areas where no data were recorded. Absence data are generated via spatial sampling protocols but are often discarded during the inference process. Here we construct a geographic profiling model that resolves these issues by making inferences via count data, analyzing a set of discrete sentinel locations at which the number of encounters has been recorded. Crucially, in our model this number can be zero. We verify the ability of this new model to estimate source locations and other parameters of practical interest via a Bayesian power analysis. We also measure model performance via real‐world data in which the model infers breeding locations of mosquitoes in bromeliads in Miami‐Dade County, Florida, USA. In both cases, our novel model produces more efficient search strategies by shifting focus from those areas containing observed absences to those with no data, an improvement over existing models that treat these areas equally. Our model makes important improvements upon classic geographic profiling methods, which will significantly enhance real‐world efforts to develop conservation management plans and targeted interventions.
Climate policy integration viewed through the stakeholders' eyes: A co‐production of knowledge in social‐ecological transformation research
Authors: Plank Christina , Haas Willi , Schreuer Anna , Irshaid Jenan , Barben Daniel , Görg Christoph
Published: March 2021

Climate policy integration (CPI) is regarded in the literature as key to combatting climate change. It has been critically discussed to what extent climate policy is integrated in different policy fields at the European and the national level. In this paper, we analyze the expectations toward CPI from the perspective of stakeholders focusing on two fields in Austria — energy and land use. We combine CPI approaches with social‐ecological transformation research, which highlights obstacles for CPI, which can be found in the polity, leading to conflicts between different actor groups or institutions. More specifically, we examine, through a process of co‐production of knowledge together with stakeholder groups, how CPI functions in its categories of horizontal and vertical policy integration, cooperation and conflict, reporting, vision, uncertainties, and reflexivity. Results show that policy integration remains contested, alternative visions to economic growth are needed and communication with policy‐makers needs to be improved. Furthermore, reflexive learning is central for the success of CPI. Finally, it matters who has access and who plays a role in governance structures. Co‐production of knowledge can play a crucial role, but faces a challenging tension between being inclusive and losing its transformative capacities. A shift from a narrow focus on policy making to consider the limiting or enabling structural conditions for interaction between a wide variety of stakeholders is required. Instead of reflexive learning how to best accommodate the powerful interest groups, this could increase the space for reflexive and adaptive policy integration aimed at achieving normative climate targets.
Effect of Chelate Ring Size of Binuclear Copper(II) Complexes on Catecholase Activity and DNA Cleavage
Authors: Homrich Alana M. , Farias Giliandro , Amorim Suélen M. , Xavier Fernando R. , Gariani Rogério A. , Neves Ademir , Terenzi Hernán , Peralta Rosely A.
Published: March 2021

Catecholase activity of dicopper(II) complexes containing different numbers of chelate members in the pyridine groups of the ligand was studied to identify a functional model for copper enzyme catechol oxidase. Complexes [CuII(μ‐OH)CuII(L1)](ClO4) (1), [CuII(μ‐OH)CuII(L2)](ClO4) (2), and [CuII(μ‐OH)CuII(L3)](ClO4) (3) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and electrochemistry. Their catalytic activity in the oxidation of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol was determined. Changing the number of members of the chelate rings altered the catalytic activity. Complex 2 showed the highest catalytic activity due to a high turnover rate, with efficiency of 3.40±0.61. Mechanistic investigations indicate that the catalytic reaction occurs through the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) with formation of hydrogen peroxide. The spectroscopic and catecholase activity were further rationalized through DFT and TD‐DFT calculations. Interestingly, all three complexes also showed DNA binding properties, which were also corroborated via molecular docking studies.
Effect of yeast culture feed supply on growth, ruminal pH, and digestibility of fattening calves
Authors: Maamouri Omar , Ben Salem Mondher
Published: March 2021

This study was carried out to predict the effects of yeast culture on growth, intake, and digestibility in vitro of calves for fattening. The trial involved 16 fattening calves divided into two homogeneous groups (n = 8), based on the initial body weight (414 ± 25.1 kg and 416 ± 24.4 kg) (p = .96) for the control group (C) and the experimental group (Y). The ration is wheat straw and concentrate. Group Y additionally receives a quantity of 10 g/calf/day of yeast culture. The quantity of feed was 5 kg DM/calf/day of wheat straw and 8kg DM/calf/day of concentrate. This trial lasted 112 days. We measure the weights every two weeks with a cattle scale and also the rejected quantities of wheat straw at each measure. A significant increase (p < .01) in total average daily gain (adgT) during the trial was observed at 200g/calf. In addition, an increase (p < .01) in the final weight gain (FWG) was observed at 19 kg/calf for group Y compared with group C. Intake does not vary with the yeast culture. The feed conversion rate (FCR) was lower for group Y compared with group C (7.8 ± 0.2 versus 9.6 ± 0.5, p < .01). We observed a notable increase in ruminal pH for group Y compared with group C.
Civic Learning When the Facts Are Politicized: How Values Shape Facts, and What to Do about It
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: March 2021

Social debates about highly technical topics are often driven by values yet dwell on facts. The debate about whether genetically modified organisms are acceptable in food, for example, focuses on causal claims about consumers’ health or the environment, but the language and imagery surrounding it often point to underlying misgivings about the human relationship to nature or the use of science. In such cases, it is not always possible to resolve the factual disputes simply by articulating the facts better. Because of various features of human reasoning—cognitive biases and heuristics, the very nature of facts, and the central role of social trust in how people learn—facts cannot be fully disentangled from values. Three lessons can then be drawn. First, values sometimes need to be discussed at the outset of debate, before or while addressing facts. Second, factual issues can and should sometimes be framed in less politicized ways. Third, factual claims that have a limited evidentiary basis may nonetheless need to be aired and discussed.
DFT Simulations as Valuable Tool to Support NMR Characterization of Halide Perovskites: the Case of Pure and Mixed Halide Perovskites
Authors: Quarti Claudio , Furet Eric , Katan Claudine
Published: March 2021

Solid state NMR spectroscopy is swiftly emerging as useful tool to characterize the structure, composition and dynamic properties of lead halide perovskites. On the other hand, interpretation of solid state NMR signatures is often challenging, because of the potential presence of many overlapping signals in small range of chemical shifts, hence complicating the extraction of detailed structural features. Here, we demonstrate the reliability of periodic Density Functional Theory in providing theoretical support for the NMR characterization of halide perovskite compounds, considering nuclei with spin I=1/2. For light 1H and 13C nuclei, we predict NMR chemical shifts in good agreement with experiment, further highlighting the effects of motional narrowing. Accurate prediction of the NMR response of 207Pb nuclei is comparably more challenging, but we successfully reproduce the downshift in frequency when changing the halide composition from pure iodine to pure bromine. Furthermore, we confirm NMR as ideal tool to study mixed halide perovskite compounds, currently at the limelight for tandem solar cells and color‐tunable light emission.
Barriers and motivators for preschoolers playing and walking with their dog: Results from qualitative research
Authors: Coci Melissa , Saunders Julie , Christian Hayley
Published: March 2021

Issues Addressed

A large proportion of preschoolers do not meet the recommended three hours of daily physical activity. A potential source of daily physical activity could be that provided via the family dog.

This qualitative study aimed to explore the barriers and motivators to preschoolers playing with their dog and participating in family dog walks.

Methods

Twelve in‐depth interviews were conducted with parents of preschoolers who owned a dog. A semistructured interview guide was used, and transcripts were analysed thematically.

Results

Factors influencing preschoolers playing with their dog and participating in family dog walks included parents' level of attachment to their dog, parental history of dog ownership, parent modelling of safe dog play, type of play the family dog enjoys and proximity to dog‐ and child‐friendly destinations. Other factors such as the size, level of socialisation and perceived exercise requirements of the dog, physical environment factors such as backyard size and individual factors such as time and existing commitments were also reported.

Conclusions

A number of dog, individual and physical environment specific factors should be considered when promoting preschooler physical activity through dog walking and play.

So what?

A large proportion of preschoolers do not meet the recommended three hours of daily physical activity. In Australia, 43% of Australian households with children aged four to five own a dog. Dog‐facilitated physical activity through family dog walks and active play could be an effective strategy for increasing preschooler physical activity.
Daphnetin exerts an anticancer effect by attenuating the pro‐inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Pei Qiang , Hu Peng , Zhang Haixi , Li Huiyuan , Yang Tonghua , Liu Rui
Published: March 2021

Leukemia is a malignant tissue‐forming disease, which induces the overproduction of large numbers of immature blood cells entering the peripheral blood. It is well documented that inflammation plays a crucial role in the expansion of leukemia. Daphnetin has confirmed anti‐inflammatory effects against various diseases. In this experimental study, we evaluated the anti‐leukemia and anti‐inflammatory effect of daphnetin against benzene‐induced leukemia in rats and explored the underlying mechanism. Benzene was used for inducing leukemia in experimental rats. The rats were divided into different groups and the body weight, hematological parameters, bone marrow cells, cytokines, and inflammatory mediators were estimated. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used for estimating the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor‐1. Daphnetin‐treated rats showed upregulation of body weight compared to other groups. Moreover, Daphnetin reduced blasts in leukemic rats. It also altered hematological parameters such as red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils, respectively. Daphnetin‐treated rats showed a reduction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐2, IL‐6, and inflammatory mediators including nuclear factor‐κB. RT‐PCR showed upregulated mRNA expression of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor‐1 of daphnetin‐treated group rats compared to other groups. The current study showed that the anti‐inflammatory effect of daphnetin against the benzene‐induced leukemia via alteration of cytokines.
Drupin, a thrombin‐like protease prompts platelet activation and aggregation through protease‐activated receptors
Authors: Manjuprasanna Vaddarahally N. , Urs Amog P. , Rudresha Gotravalli V. , Milan Gowda Mallanayakanakatte D. , Jayachandra Krishnegowda , Hiremath Vilas , Rajaiah Rajesh , Vishwanath Bannikuppe S.
Published: March 2021

Hemostasis is a proteolytically regulated process that requires activation of platelets and the blood coagulation cascade upon vascular injury. Activated platelets create a thrombogenic environment and amplify the coagulation process. Plant latex proteases (PLPs) have been used as therapeutic components to treat various ailments by folk healers. One of the main applications of plant latices is to stop bleeding from minor injuries and to enhance wound healing activity. Although many studies have reported the pro‐coagulant activities of PLPs, an in‐depth investigation is required to understand the mechanism of action of PLPs on platelets. Here, the effect of PLPs on platelet aggregation was studied systematically to validate the observed pharmacological effect by folk healers. Among 29 latices from the Ficus genus tested, Ficus drupacea exhibited potent pro‐coagulant and thrombin‐like activity. Drupin, a thrombin‐like cysteine protease responsible for platelet aggregation was purified from F. drupacea latex. Drupin exhibits pro‐coagulant activity and reduces the bleeding time in mice tail. It induces platelet aggregation by activating mitogen‐activated protein kinases and the nuclear factor‐κB and PI3K/Akt signalling cascade, which, in turn, phosphorylats, cytosolic phospholipase A2 leading to the release of thromboxane A2 from the granules to activate the nearby platelets to aggregate. Furthermore, we investigated the involvement of protease‐activated receptors in drupin‐induced platelet aggregation using specific protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) and PAR4 receptor antagonists. The results confirmed that the drupin‐induced platelet aggregation was mediated by both PAR1 and PAR4, synergistically. Overall, drupin reduces the bleeding time by exerting pro‐coagulant activity and induces platelet aggregation by activating the intracellular signalling cascade.
Social networks and subjective wellbeing of adults in a Housing First program
Authors: Addo Reuben , Yuma Paula , Barrera Irán , Layton Danielle
Published: March 2021

This study explored the social network properties and the correlates between social networks and subjective wellbeing of adults (N = 80) in a Housing First (HF) program. Using structured interviews, participants’ social network properties were assessed. Bivariate correlations and backward multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between social networks and subjective wellbeing. Findings indicate a combination of years of homelessness, years in housing, frequency of contact, intimate relationship, and perceived social support significantly predicted subjective wellbeing (F (5, 74) = 2.74, p = 0.025). While perceived social support was positively associated with subjective wellbeing, frequency of contact was negatively associated with subjective wellbeing. It is recommended that service providers develop strengths‐focused perspectives of the social networks of HF residents as potential contributors to subjective wellbeing. Service providers may need to pay more attention to HF residents with frequent contacts with network members, as they may have more distress.
Reference Values for Ventricular Volumes and Pulmonary Artery Dimensions in Pediatric Patients with Transposition of the Great Arteries After Arterial Switch Operation
Authors: Voges Inga , Boll Christien , Caliebe Amke , Gabbert Dominik , Uebing Anselm , Krupickova Sylvia
Published: March 2021

Background

Pulmonary artery (PA) anatomy in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after arterial switch operation (ASO) with Lecompte manoeuvre is different compared to healthy subjects, and stenoses of the PA are common. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent imaging modality to assess PA anatomy in TGA patients. However, disease‐specific reference values for PA size are scarce.

Purpose

To establish disease‐specific reference ranges for PA dimensions and for biventricular volumes and mass.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

A total of 69 pediatric patients with TGA after ASO (median age 12.6 years; range 5–17.8 years; 13 females and 56 males).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T, steady‐state free precession (SSFP) and gradient echo cine sequences and four‐dimensional time‐resolved magnetic resonance angiography with keyhole.

Assessment

Right and left PA (RPA, LPA) were each measured at three locations during its course around the aorta. Ventricular volumes, mass, and ejection fraction were measured from a stack of short axis cine images.

Statistical Tests

The lambda‐mu‐sigma (LMS) method of Cole and Green, univariate and multivariate linear models, and t‐test.

Results

Centile graphs and tables for PA dimensions, biventricular volumes, mass, and ejection fraction were created. Univariate linear analysis showed significant associations (P < 0.05) between body surface area (BSA), height, and weight with systolic MPA and RPA diameter. In multivariate linear analysis, only BSA remained a strong predictor for main PA and RPA diameters. For biventricular volumes, the univariate linear model revealed a strong influence of BSA, height, weight, and age (all P < 0.05). On multivariate linear analysis, only body height remained associated.

Data Conclusion

Uni‐ and multivariate linear analyses showed a strong association between BSA and PA diameters, as well as between height and biventricular volumes, and therefore, centile tables and graphs are presented accordingly. Our data may improve MR image interpretation and may serve as a reference in future studies.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
How much change in pelvic sagittal tilt can result in hip dislocation due to prosthetic impingement? A computer simulation study
Authors: Pour Aidin Eslam , Schwarzkopf Ran , Patel Kunj Paresh Kumar , Anjaria Manan P. , Lazennec Jean Yves , Dorr Lawrence D.
Published: March 2021

Developing spinal pathologies and spinal fusion after total hip arthroplasty (THA) can result in increased pelvic retroversion (e.g., flat back deformity) or increased anterior pelvic tilt (caused by spinal stenosis, spinal fusion or other pathologies) while bending forward. This change in sagittal pelvic tilt (SPT) can result in prosthetic impingement and dislocation. Our aim was to determine the magnitude of SPT change that could lead to prosthetic impingement. We hypothesized that the magnitude of SPT change that could lead to THA dislocation is less than 10° and it varies for different hip motions. Hip motion was simulated in standing, sitting, sit‐to‐stand, bending forward, squatting and pivoting in Matlab software. The implant orientations and SPT angle were modified by 1° increments. The risk of prosthetic impingement in pivoting caused by increased pelvic retroversion (reciever operating characteristic [ROC] threshold as low as 1–3°) is higher than the risk of prosthetic impingement with increased pelvic anteversion (ROC threshold as low as 16–18°). Larger femoral heads decrease the risk of prosthetic impingement (odds ratio {OR}: 0.08 [932 mm head]; OR: 0.01 [36 mm head]; OR: 0.002 [40 mm head]). Femoral stems with a higher neck‐shaft angle decrease the prosthetic impingement due to SPT change in motions requiring hip flexion (OR: 1.16 [132° stem]; OR: 4.94 [135° stem]). Our results show that overall, the risk of prosthetic impingement due to SPT change is low. In particular, this risk is very low when a larger diameter head is used and femoral offset and length are recreated to prevent bone on bone impingement.