bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thorough QT/QTc Evaluation of the Cardiac Safety of Enarodustat (JTZ‐951), an Oral Erythropoiesis‐Stimulating Agent, in Healthy Adults
Authors: Pai Sudhakar M. , Yamada Hiroyuki , Kleiman Robert B. , Zhuo Rui , Huang Qingtao (Mike) , Koretomo Ryosuke
Published: June 2021

This study evaluated the effect of enarodustat on cardiac repolarization in healthy subjects. Enarodustat (20 and 150 mg [supratherapeutic dose]), placebo, and moxifloxacin (positive control, 400 mg) were administered orally to males and females (N = 54) in a crossover fashion. Continuous 12‐lead Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) data were obtained before and after dosing, and blood samples were obtained for pharmacokinetic assessments of enarodustat, its circulating metabolite (R)‐M2, and moxifloxacin. Central tendency analysis was performed for relevant ECG parameters, the relationship between individual‐corrected interval from beginning of the QRS complex to end of the T wave in the frontal plane (QTcI, the primary end point) and plasma concentrations of enarodustat and (R)‐M2 were assessed, and ECG waveforms were evaluated for morphological changes. The supratherapeutic dose resulted in 7‐ and 9‐fold higher geometric mean maximum concentrations for enarodustat and (R)‐M2, respectively, than the 20 mg dose. Based on time point analysis, the upper bound of the 2‐sided 90% confidence interval (CI) for QTcI did not exceed 10 milliseconds at any of the time points for either dose. Based on QTcI‐concentration analysis, the slopes for enarodustat and (R)‐M2 were not statistically different than 0, and the upper bounds of the 2‐sided 90% CI for QTcI at the geometric mean maximum concentrations for the supratherapeutic dose were 1.97 and 1.68 milliseconds for enarodustat and (R)‐M2, respectively. The lower bound of the 2‐sided 90% CI for moxifloxacin was ≥5 milliseconds, demonstrating assay sensitivity. The study demonstrated no clinically relevant effect of enarodustat and (R)‐M2 on cardiac repolarization. There was no evidence of any clinically significant effect on the PR interval and QRS duration, and ECG waveforms showed no new clinically relevant morphological changes.
Base and Covariate Population Pharmacokinetic Analyses of Dupilumab in Adolescents and Children ≥6 to <12 Years of Age Using Phase 3 Data
Authors: Kovalenko Pavel , Kamal Mohamed A. , Davis John D. , Huniti Nidal , Xu Christine , Bansal Ashish , Shumel Brad , DiCioccio A. Thomas
Published: June 2021

Population pharmacokinetic (PK) base and covariate analyses were conducted using data from adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and children ≥6 to <12 years of age with severe AD. Two phase 3 studies were analyzed (165 adolescents and 241 children on active treatment). A 2‐compartment model with linear and Michaelis‐Menten elimination and 3 transit compartments describing lag time in absorption was utilized. Weight, albumin, body mass index, and Eczema Area and Severity Index score were statistically significant covariates in at least 1 of the age populations. Only body weight had a consequential effect on central volume. Although an absorption rate and target‐mediated clearance somewhat decreased with age, no dose adjustment was needed in addition to the adjustment for weight already implemented in the phase 3 studies. Otherwise, population PK parameters and covariates were similar across the 2 pediatric subpopulations and in adults. No allometric changes in elimination rate and beta half‐life were observed with weight. Parameterization of models in terms of rates was a useful alternative to parameterization in terms of clearances, allowing for an absence of repeated covariates and preventing overparameterization. The model adequately described dupilumab pharmacokinetics in the pediatric populations.
Photoactivatable Circular Caged Oligonucleotides for Transcriptome In Vivo Analysis (TIVA)
Authors: Yang Linlin , von Trentini Dora , Kim HyunBum , Sul Jai‐Yoon , Eberwine James H. , Dmochowski Ivan J.
Published: June 2021

Light activation is an effective way to impart spatiotemporal control over oligonucleotide probes that are widely applied for gene expression regulation and target function investigation. Among the major oligonucleotide caging strategies, cyclization with a photocleavable linker is an elegant design, which affords both atom efficiency and stability in many biological environments. Here, we introduce an improved protocol for circular oligonucleotide synthesis requiring only one round of HPLC purification. With a series of poly‐U oligonucleotide strands of different sizes and backbone modifications, the pre‐photolysis caging stability and post‐photolysis target binding affinity were studied through a denaturing gel assay and melting temperature measurements. A 14 U 2'‐OMe RNA probe was selected, with strong potential application in transcriptome in vivo analysis (TIVA) for mRNA isolation.
Practical Methods for Expression of Recombinant Protein in the Pichia pastoris System
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Roghayeh , Karbalaei Mohsen , Soleimanpour Saman , Mosavat Arman , Rezaee Seyed Abdolrahim , Ghazvini Kiarash , Farsiani Hadi
Published: June 2021

One of the most critical challenges of genetic engineering is the expression of recombinant proteins using biological expression systems. Nowadays, different expression systems from bacteria to mammalian tissue culture cells are available for the production of recombinant proteins for medical and industrial purposes. Among various choices, yeast expression systems such as Pichia pastoris are promising candidates. The P. pastoris expression system is a standard tool for the production of biopharmaceuticals and industrial enzymes. It is also considered a unique host for the expression of subunit vaccines which could significantly affect the growing market of medical biotechnology. Using P. pastoris as an expression system for heterologous proteins, this article provides detailed basic protocols for cloning of a recombinant cassette into a suitable expression vector, the transformation of foreign vector DNAs into the yeast by electroporation, and expression and purification of desired recombinant protein. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Cloning of a recombinant cassette into a suitable expression vector

Basic Protocol 2: Transformation of P. pastoris and selection of transformants

Basic Protocol 3: Optimization and large‐scale expression of recombinant proteins

Basic Protocol 4: Purification of recombinant proteins
Sheath formation in the presence of non‐extensive electron distribution
Authors: Moulick Rakesh , Garg Anuj , Kumar Mukesh
Published: June 2021

The main aim of this article is to recognize the sheath formation in the presence of non‐extensive electron distribution. The role of ion–neutral collision parameterKand the non‐extensive parameter “q” has been discussed. Existing literature suggests that the presence of non‐extensive electrons potentially modifies the plasma sheath behaviour. However, numerical calculations over the full plasma range, jointly addressing the sheath and presheath, are rare. Sheath formation, being a very fundamental phenomenon, deserves enough investigation in the region of non‐extensive distribution of particles. This study attempts to bridge the gap in understanding the formation of the sheath in collisional plasma in the light of both Boltzmann andq‐distributed non‐extensive electrons.
Undersampling correction methods to control γ‐dependence for comparing β‐diversity between regions
Authors: Cao Ke , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Yan Chuan , Zhang Jintun , Mi Xiangcheng , Ma Keping
Published: June 2021

Measures of β‐diversity are known to be biased by differences in γ‐diversity (i.e., γ‐dependence), making it challenging to compare β‐diversity across regions. Undersampling corrections have been designed to reduce effects of γ‐dependence on β‐diversity arising from the problem of incomplete sampling. However, no study has systematically tested the effectiveness of these corrections or examined how well they reflect β‐diversity patterns across ecological gradients. Here, we conduct these tests by comparing two undersampling corrections with the widely used individual‐based null model approach, using both simulated communities along an ecological gradient and empirical data across a wide range of γ‐diversity and sample sizes. We found that undersampling corrections using diversity accumulation curves were more effective than the null‐model approaches in removing γ‐dependence. In particular, the corrected β‐Shannon diversity index was least dependent on γ‐diversity, and was the most reflective of the β‐diversity pattern along a simulated ecological gradient. Moreover, a corrected Jaccard–Chao index applied to null model results removed γ‐dependence more effectively than either the correction alone or the null model alone. Undersampling corrections are effective tools for removing γ‐dependence bias, thus facilitating comparisons of β‐diversity across regions.
Proper environmental DNA metabarcoding data transformation reveals temporal stability of fish communities in a dendritic river system
Authors: Laporte Martin , Reny‐Nolin Emilie , Chouinard Victoria , Hernandez Cécilia , Normandeau Eric , Bougas Bérénice , Côté Caroline , Behmel Sonja , Bernatchez Louis
Published: June 2021

Protecting freshwater biodiversity is considered an ultimate challenge but depends on reliable surveys of species distribution and abundance which eDNA metabarcoding (environmental DNA metabarcoding) may offer. To do so, a better understanding of the sources of temporal variation among species eDNA abundance and of data transformation in eDNA metabarcoding studies is needed. Here, we show that transformation based on relative abundance is critical to suitable analyses of eDNA metabarcoding data and that Hellinger transformation performed slightly better than other methods. Furthermore, we show that site localities significantly explain eDNA metabarcoding variation, while no variation is explained by time of sampling. This indicates that species communities vary more spatially than temporally within a dendritic system composed of small rivers. We then further documented the community structure in the St. Charles River (Québec City, Canada) and six of its tributaries. This revealed the existence of eight species communities explaining 82.1% of eDNA read variation within this river network. Moreover, variation in environmental variables among sites explained 53.0% of eDNA reads, while sampling events and temporal environmental variation explained no eDNA metabarcoding variation. Altogether, this supports the claim that eDNA metabarcoding is a powerful tool to document and monitor fish communities in watersheds composed of small river dendritic systems.
The rising stars of social innovations: How do local governments facilitate citizen initiatives to thrive? The case of waste management in Brussels and Hong Kong
Authors: Chin Wing Yee , Mees Heleen L.P.
Published: June 2021

Waste management is an important issue in cities. The achievement of a zero‐waste future relies on the collective actions of individual households. Indeed, citizens are initiating social innovations in waste management in their communities. However, citizen initiatives (CIs) encounter strategic and operational barriers in the process of social innovation. They often seek support from local governments to overcome these barriers. These initiatives need a “facilitative” local government that is responsive and enables the initiatives to thrive without too much interference from them. Yet, there is a lack of conceptual and empirical understanding of such a new facilitative role of local governments. Furthermore, we do not know whether and how this facilitative role differs between different types of CIs and between different policy contexts. Based on 24 in‐depth interviews with CIs and government officials, this study explores the various facilitative practices offered by the Brussels and Hong Kong local governments, explains patterns of facilitative practices between different types of CIs, and clarifies how divergence in policy contexts influences what, why, and how much the local government can facilitate CIs. This study finds that common facilitative practices include financial and administrative assistance, but certain barriers requiring actions from the government and other actors remain unresolved. Local governments need to review their facilitative role to provide more effective support to CIs as new agents of sustainable urban development at the community level.
Heterogeneity pursuit for spatial point pattern with application to tree locations: A Bayesian semiparametric recourse
Authors: Jiao Jieying , Hu Guanyu , Yan Jun
Published: June 2021

Spatial point pattern data are routinely encountered. A flexible regression model for the underlying intensity is essential to characterizing the spatial point pattern and understanding the impacts of potential risk factors on such pattern. We propose a Bayesian semiparametric regression model where the observed spatial points follow a spatial Poisson process with an intensity function which adjusts a nonparametric baseline intensity with multiplicative covariate effects. The baseline intensity is piece‐wise constant, approached with a powered Chinese restaurant process prior which prevents an unnecessarily large number of pieces. The parametric regression part allows for variable selection through the spike‐slab prior on the regression coefficients. An efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is developed for the proposed methods. The performance of the methods is validated in an extensive simulation study. In application to the locations of Beilschmiedia pendula trees in the Barro Colorado Island forest dynamics research plot in central Panama, the spatial heterogeneity is attributed to a subset of soil measurements in addition to geographic measurements with a spatially varying baseline intensity.
Constructing policy narratives for transnational mobilization: Insights from European Citizens’ Initiatives
Authors: Tosun Jale , Schaub Simon
Published: June 2021

One of the European Union (EU) institutions’ responses to the alleged “democratic deficit” in the EU is the introduction of the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI). The ECI provides an agenda‐setting tool accessible to different advocacy groups. This study investigates the narrative strategies of ECI organizers to mobilize citizens across the EU. Which storytelling characteristics are present in the policy narratives used by ECIs? To address this question theoretically, we rely on the Narrative Policy Framework. Empirically, we examine 59 ECIs registered between 2012 and 2020. The analysis concentrates on three dimensions of policy narratives: the mentioning of (i) story characters and (ii) cost‐benefit frames as forms of narrative strategy to increase public attention, and (iii) evidence as a means of persuasion. Our findings show that ECIs predominantly make use of the devil shift in their policy narratives and use cost‐benefit frames and evidence to expand the scope of conflict.
Modeling interval trendlines: Symbolic singular spectrum analysis for interval time series
Authors: de Carvalho Miguel , Martos Gabriel
Published: June 2021

In this article we propose an extension of singular spectrum analysis for interval‐valued time series. The proposed methods can be used to decompose and forecast the dynamics governing a set‐valued stochastic process. The resulting components on which the interval time series is decomposed can be understood as interval trendlines, cycles, or noise. Forecasting can be conducted through a linear recurrent method, and we devised generalizations of the decomposition method for the multivariate setting. The performance of the proposed methods is showcased in a simulation study. We apply the proposed methods so to track the dynamics governing the Argentina Stock Market (MERVAL) in real time, in a case study over a period of turbulence that led to discussions of the government of Argentina with the International Monetary Fund.
Comparative analysis of the microbial community and nutritional quality of sufu
Authors: Li Xingjiang , He Ying , Yang Wei , Mu Dongdong , Zhang Min , Dai Yilong , Zheng Zhi , Jiang Shaotong , Wu Xuefeng
Published: June 2021

Sufu is a type of fermented food with abundant nutrients and delicious taste. It is made from the fermentation of tofu by various microorganisms. In this study, three types of sufu were prepared through natural fermentation: (NF), single‐strain fermentation (SF), and mixed‐strain fermentation (MF). Microbial species, amino acids, and fatty acids were identified to investigate dynamic changes in nutritional quality and microbial flora in sufu. The results showed that the number of microbial species in NF sufu was the highest (n = 284), whereas that in SF sufu was the lowest (n = 194). Overall, 153 microbial species were found in all three types of sufu. Relative abundance analysis also revealed that Tetragonococcus, Bacillus, Acinetobacter, and Staphylococcus were the main bacteria in sufu. However, there was a large number of harmful bacteria such as Enterococcaceae in NF sufu. The levels of various nutrients were low in SF sufu, whereas the contents of protein and soy isoflavones were higher in NF and MF sufu. Seventeen kinds of amino acids were detected, comprising seven essential amino acids and ten other amino acids. The contents of essential amino acids and essential fatty acids were higher in MF sufu than the other two types, resulting in its high nutritional value. The sufu produced through the three fermentation methods differed significantly (p < .05) in terms of microbial flora and nutritional quality.
Smoothing of digital elevation models and the alteration of overland flow path length distributions
Authors: Van Nieuwenhuizen Nigel , Lindsay John B. , DeVries Ben
Published: June 2021

DEM smoothing is a common pre‐processing technique used to remove undesirable roughness from a DEM. However, it is hypothesized that smoothing straightens and reduces the length of overland flow paths, which is an important factor controlling modelled time‐to‐peak flow. Currently, there is a lack of research comparing how different smoothing techniques alter the distribution of overland flow path length. Four low‐pass filtering techniques were applied to three fine‐resolution LiDAR DEMs of varying relief: the mean filter, the median filter, the Gaussian filter, and the feature‐preserving DEM smoothing (FPDEMS) filter, each with different degrees of smoothing. Downslope‐distance‐to‐stream distributions were then derived using D8 and D∞ flow directions and statistically compared to distributions derived from the unsmoothed DEM for each study site. The results indicate that the alteration of flow path length distributions as a result of smoothing is complex. Mean flow path lengths may decrease or increase in response to smoothing, depending on landscape relief and the derivation of flow directions, and generalized flow paths may become longer. The largest increase in mean flow path lengths was 19.2 m using the 21 × 21 median filter and D8 flow directions in the high‐relief study site, relative to an unsmoothed mean length of 138.6 m in this site. The largest decrease in mean flow path length was 48.9 m using the 21 × 21 mean filter and D∞ flow directions in the low‐relief study site, relative to an unsmoothed mean length of 290.9 m in this site. Furthermore, minimal flow path length alterations were achieved with the Gaussian filter when gentle smoothing is required, and with the FPDEMS filter when moderate to aggressive smoothing is required. These results suggest that an appropriate smoothing method should be chosen based on the relief of the landscape and the degree of smoothing required.
The measurement of ocular axial length in normal human eyes based on an improved Twyman‐Green interferometer
Authors: Wang Cheng , Huangfu Shengnan , Zhou Qi , Li Yanrui , Xiang Huazhong , Chen Minghui , Zheng Gang , Zhuang Songlin , Zhao Jie , Zhang Dawei
Published: June 2021

In order to meet the demands of myopia prevention, as well as the increasing needs of measurement for refractive and cataract operations in China, a new axial length (AL) measurement system combining an improved Twyman‐Green interferometer with digital signal processing has been established. The ALs of 33 eyes of different optical refractive subjects (−8.50 ~ 0.50 D) were measured with the New AL and intraocular lens (IOL) master. The repeatability of measurements with the New AL was assessed using coefficient of variation (CoV) and intra‐group correlation coefficient (ICC). Comparison, correlation, linear regression and agreement of AL between devices were analyzed. There was good repeatability (CoV = 0.0617%, ICC = 0.9999) with the New AL and great agreement has been obtained with both devices. These show that the New AL is capable of providing precise AL values over the normal AL range compared to the IOL master, and indicate that the New AL developed can be used for routine clinical AL measurements.
Synthesis, characterization, and visible–near infrared properties of some perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxylic bisimide derivatives
Authors: Kamal Arash , Abdouss Majid , Mazhar Majid
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Perylene bisimide pigments are one of the high performance pigment categories that are utilized in near infrared reflective coatings. The relationship between structure and near infrared activity in the perylene pigments has been unknown to date.

RESULTS

Some of the factors suggested by previous researchers as affecting the near‐infrared (NIR) reflectance of perylene‐bisimide derivatives were investigated in this study and some are validated, while some others are rejected. In the visible region, there are substantial differences between the absorption spectra of the pigments in their solid‐state and dissolved form, indicating that crystallochromic phenomenon present in the pigments. The NIR properties of the synthesized pigments are investigated and the results exhibit an obvious correlation between the imide substitution structure and NIR properties of the pigments. However, a direct relationship cannot be established. Aliphatic substituted PDIs usually exhibit lower reflectance values in comparison to aromatic substituted ones but there are some exceptions in this regard. The results of UV‐visible–NIR reflectance spectra of each pigment were reported in both white and black substrates and, in this regard, the synthesized pigments were classified. All the PDIs fall into the absorbent‐transparent category in the NIR region. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates that all the PDIs have a heat resistance of at least 200 °C.

CONCLUSION

The structure‐NIR reflectance relationship of the five synthesized perylene pigments is evaluated and the results illustrate that the N‐substitution of the imide group can significantly influence the cool activity of the pigments. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Degradation of dexamethasone in water using BDD anodic oxidation and persulfate: reaction kinetics and pathways
Authors: Grilla Eleni , Taheri Mir Edris , Miserli Kleopatra , Venieri Danae , Konstantinou Ioannis , Mantzavinos Dionissios
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The presence of micro‐pollutants in conventional wastewater treatment plants raises environmental concerns due to their insufficient removal. Non‐biological methods are needed to treat such compounds and this work demonstrates the use of electrochemical oxidation for the degradation of the drug dexamethasone (DEX).

RESULTS

A cell consisting of a boron‐doped diamond anode and a stainless steel or carbon cloth cathode was employed, with Na2SO4 being the electrolyte. DEX degradation rate, at the low level of mg L−1 (0.25–2 mg L−1), increases with increasing current (0.02–0.2 A m−2), as well as in the presence of sodium persulfate (50–250 mg L−1); the latter is electrochemically activated to produce additional oxidants and enhances degradation in a synergistic way. A rate constant of 0.194 min−1 was recorded for 0.5 mg L−1 DEX degradation at 0.2 A m−2 with 150 mg L−1 persulfate. The water matrix had little effect on performance compared to experiments in pure water; the only exception was the presence of chloride (50–250 mg L−1), which substantially improved rates due to the formation of active chlorine species (up to about five times). Carbon cloth accelerated DEX removal by up to three times compared to stainless steel and this was partly due to its adsorptive capacity; similarly, reactions involving DEX transformation products (TPs) also occurred faster. Seven TPs were identified and profiles were followed; reaction pathways involve hydroxylation, oxidation, decarboxylation and ring‐opening reactions, followed by fluorine release in the liquid phase.

CONCLUSION

A hybrid technology based on electrochemical oxidation and persulfate activation is proposed for the treatment of residual pharmaceuticals in environmental matrices. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A laboratory and field investigation of aerobic biodegradation of sulfolane in groundwater
Authors: Mulder D'Arcy W , Yu Linlong , Achari Gopal
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Sulfolane has recently emerged as a contaminant of concern in and around oil and gas processing sites in North America and elsewhere. In this research, a comprehensive laboratory study was conducted to investigate the importance of several factors (nutrient levels, aeration methods and inoculants) involved in aerobic biodegradation of sulfolane in groundwater. The aerobic biodegradation of sulfolane was also evaluated under field conditions, which can provide useful information for future field application.

RESULTS

A lag period of 40–141 h and a zero‐order rate of 0.6–6 mg L−1 h−1 for sulfolane degradation were observed under different laboratory conditions. The aerobic biodegradation rates observed in the field in Alberta, Canada were 4–6 mg L−1 day−1. A C:N:P ratio of 100:5:1 was determined to be suitable for aerobic degradation of sulfolane. The introduction of sediments from sulfolane‐contaminated sites can shorten the lag period from 141 to 74 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Sulfolane can be effectively degraded in groundwater using aerobic biodegradation in both laboratory and field conditions. A negative correlation was obtained between adenosine triphosphate and sulfolane concentration when it started to degrade. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Quantification of the nonlinear susceptibility of the hydrogen and deuterium stretch vibration for biomolecules in coherent Raman micro‐spectroscopy
Authors: Boorman Dale , Pope Iestyn , Masia Francesco , Watson Peter , Borri Paola , Langbein Wolfgang
Published: June 2021

Deuterium labelling is increasingly used in coherent Raman imaging of complex systems, such as biological cells and tissues, to improve chemical specificity. Nevertheless, quantitative coherent Raman susceptibility spectra for deuterated compounds have not been previously reported. Interestingly, it is expected theoretically that –D stretch vibrations have a Raman susceptibility lower than –H stretch vibrations, with the area of their imaginary part scaling with their wavenumber, which is shifted from around 2900 cm−1 for C–H into the silent region around 2100 cm−1 for C–D. Here, we report quantitative measurements of the nonlinear susceptibility of water, succinic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and deuterated isoforms. We show that the –D stretch vibration has indeed a lower area, consistent with the frequency reduction due to the doubling of atomic mass from hydrogen to deuterium. This finding elucidates an important trade‐off between chemical specificity and signal strength in the adoption of deuterium labelling as an imaging strategy for coherent Raman microscopy.
Can nonlinear agrometeorological models estimate coffee foliation?
Authors: de Oliveira Aparecido Lucas Eduardo , Lorençone João A , Lorençone Pedro A , de Souza Rolim Glauco , de Meneses Kamila C , da Silva Cabral de Moraes José R , Torsoni Guilherme B
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The loss of coffee leaves caused by the attack of pests and diseases significantly reduces its production and bean quality. Thus this study aimed to estimate foliation for regions with the highest production of arabica coffee in Brazil using nonlinear models as a function of climate. A 25‐year historical series (1995–2019) ofCoffea arabicafoliation (%) data was obtained by the Procafé Foundation in cultivations with no phytosanitary treatment. The climate data were obtained on a daily scale by NASA/POWER platform with a temporal resolution of 33 years (1987–2019) and a spatial resolution of approximately 106 km, thus allowing the calculation of the reference evapotranspiration (PET). Foliation estimation models were adjusted through regression analysis using four‐parameter sigmoidal logistic models. The analysis of the foliation trend of coffee plantations was carried out from degrees‐day for 70 locations.

RESULTS

The general model calibrated to estimate the arabica coffee foliation was accurate (mean absolute percentage error = 2.19%) and precise (R2adj = 0.99) and can be used to assist decision‐making by coffee growers. The model had a sigmoidal trend of reduction, with parametersymax = 97.63%,ymin = 9%,Xo = 3517.41 DD, andp = 6.27%, showing that foliation could reach 0.009% if the necessary phytosanitary controls are not carried out.

CONCLUSION

Locations with high air temperatures over the year had low arabica coffee foliation, as shown by the correlation of −0.94. Therefore, coffee foliation can be estimated using degree days with accuracy and precision through the air temperature. This represents great convenience because crop foliation can be obtained using only a thermometer. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The effects of depth perception viewing on hand–eye coordination in virtual reality environments
Authors: Cheng Lai‐Yu , Lin Chiuhsiang Joe
Published: June 2021

Virtual reality (VR) has been applied to many fields such as visualization, architecture, education, medical science, and sports simulation. Recent VR advancements allow direct manipulation of three‐dimensional (3D) objects in interactive displays, but problems of inefficiency in movement due to inaccuracy in depth perception have been reported. As human interaction in virtual environments (VE) is being realized, factors that may affect depth perception and movement need to be addressed. This study investigated the effects of viewing angle, stereo viewing technology, and visual cues on hand movement performance in a 3D movement task. Ten right‐handed participants performed continuous Fitts' pointing tasks using a computer mouse. Participants were asked to move a cursor to a target ball as quickly as possible. Fitts' law was employed to test effects to capture differences while the hand was moving in the 3D space under three factors, angle of declination, visual depth, and space cue and with varied index of difficulty (ID). Movement time (MT), error rate, and throughput (TP) were recorded as dependent variables. This study found significant effects of angle of declination, visual depth, space cue, and ID. This study investigated the effectiveness of hand movements in 3D environments for a further immersive VE using a two‐dimensional (2D) mouse. Potential applications of this research include the design of interactive 3D display interfaces in which fast and accurate selection is required and the manipulation of 3D objects in 3D environments may be expected.
A new look for TWS publications
Authors: Krausman Paul R. , Collier Bret , Ben‐David Merav , Cox Allison S. , Knipps Anna C. S. , Levengood Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2021

The appearance of The Wildlife Society (TWS) publications (i.e., Journal of Wildlife Management [JWM], Wildlife Monographs [WM], Wildlife Society Bulletin [WSB]) has changed over the years. In 2021, a new journal design (NJD) will be implemented for TWS publications following months of discussion with Council and the journal editors. The scope of the articles and the mission of the journals will not change, but the format and layouts will be modified to simplify typesetting, assist with online reading, and provide a contemporary look for the publications of TWS.
Option pricing with illiquidity during a high volatile period
Authors: El‐Khatib Youssef , Hatemi‐J Abdulnasser
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with the valuation of options in markets without liquidity and under stress. More precisely, a European option is considered when the dynamic of the underlying asset is governed by a Brownian motion. Following Liu and Young (2005), a term related to the number of invested stocks is embedded into the model. Moreover, the volatility of the asset is augmented by a separate function that models the abnormal increase of the volatility. Under these settings, we deal with the evaluation of European options. Dealing with illiquidity during a financial crisis is an important issue in terms of financial risk management, which has not been tackled with in the literature to the best of our knowledge. It is during these non‐normal periods that volatility in the financial markets is very high and tools for reducing the underlying risk are urgently needed for hedging purposes. In this work, the PDE of the option price within this context is derived, which is a generalization of the PDE of Liu and Young (2005). Moreover, the hedging strategy to replicate the price of the option is obtained. Numerical simulations for the underlying asset price are conducted. The illustrations support several stylized facts of the model that seem to reflect what is operational in the real financial markets.
Well‐posedness of initial‐boundary value problem for a coupled Benjamin–Bona–Mahony–Schrödinger system
Authors: Guo Boling , Wu Jun
Published: June 2021

We derive the well‐posedness results concerning the initial‐boundary value problem for a class of coupled Benjamin–Bona–Mahony (BBM)–Schrödinger system. More precisely, we obtain the existence of local smooth solutions of (1) for initial and boundary data in the energy space Hm × Hm for
. Depending on a priori estimates, we also prove that the solutions exist global in time in the energy space H2 × H2.
Matrix‐free room‐temperature phosphorescence graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots based on halogen bond interactions for security applications
Authors: Kong Yuelin , He Yu , Wang Yaping , Song Gongwu
Published: June 2021

Herein, we first designed a one‐step strategy to achieve matrix‐free room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials by low temperature solid phase synthesis, using sodium citrate as carbon source and urea as nitrogen source. The NaF, NaCl, NaBr, and NaI were chosen as the inducer source of halogens to effective trigger the RTP emission from graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (CNQDs) denoted F‐CNQDs, Cl‐CNQDs, Br‐CNQDs and I‐CNQDs. All the doped‐CNQDs emitted bright fluorescence upon 365 nm irradiation. After the 365 nm UV lamp is off, only the Br‐CNQDs showed green phosphorescence which can be observed by naked eye. The phosphorescence emission of Br‐CNQDs is excitation‐dependent from 510 to 610 nm with the average RTP lifetime of 70 milliseconds, which indicated Br‐CNQDs could exhibit color‐tunable phosphorescence. When 365 nm UV is off, Br‐CNQDs emitted green afterglow for about 3 seconds observed naked eye, while the Br‐CNQDs presented visible yellow afterglow for about 3 seconds with ceasing off 395 nm irradiation. The absolute phosphorescence quantum yield (PQY) of the Br‐CNQDs powder reaches up to 3.64%. Thus, the color change and long lifetime of phosphorescence from the excitation‐dependent feature could provide a security application for counterfeiting and information protection systems.
Sarcopenic dysphagia following COVID‐19 infection: A new danger
Authors: Can Büşra , İsmagulova Narkiza , Enver Necati , Tufan Aslı , Cinel İsmail
Published: June 2021

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is one of the complications of endotracheal intubation. As expected, cases of dysphagia following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) reported to date have all been intubated. We here report a case of sarcopenic dysphagia following severe COVID‐19 pneumonia in a nonintubated older adult. The patient was an 85‐year‐old male who was readmitted to the hospital with dysphagia and subsequent aspiration pneumonia in the first week after his discharge from the COVID‐19 unit. On physical examination, the patient was sarcopenic and malnourished. Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) revealed aspiration into the airway. Enteral feeding was initiated and the infusion rate gradually increased to achieve the desired protein‐energy targets. Control FEES 2 months after discharge showed recovery of swallowing function, with no apparent penetration or aspiration. Clinicians caring for patients with COVID‐19 should be aware that dysphagia, which is associated with increased mortality in older adults, may occur even in the absence of intubation. We recommend that the evaluation of dysphagia be part of the clinical assessment in older COVID‐19 patients with malnutrition or sarcopenia.
Bilateral fabella in the mummy of the Blessed Jean Bassand (c. 1360–1445): A unique description in ancient human remains
Authors: Ventura Luca , Bruno Federico , Barile Antonio , Masciocchi Carlo
Published: June 2021

Objectives

We report an ancient case of bilateral fabella, diagnosed in the mummified body of the Blessed Jean Bassand, dating back to the 15th century.

Materials and Methods

The mummy belonged to an elderly subject and underwent canonical recognition by external inspection, digital radioscopic and X‐ray examination and computed tomography (CT) scanning.

Results

Plain films, CT scans and visual inspection displayed two bilateral, discrete, rounded osseous structures with regular cortical profile, projecting in the posterosuperior aspect of the lateral femoral condyles. Based on the location and anatomical features, the structures were identified as fabellae.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the first description of fabella in ancient human remains, as well as the most ancient documented report of this sesamoid bone in human history, dating back the condition to the 15th century.
Regio‐, stereo‐, and site‐selectivities of 1,3‐dipolar Cycloaddition reaction of benzonitrile oxide with unsymmetrically substituted norbornenes and norbornadienes: A computational study
Authors: Abdullah Harun , Tia Richard , Adei Evans
Published: June 2021

In this computational study, density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the M06/6‐311G(d,p) level of theory were employed to study the regio‐, stereo‐, and site‐selectivities of 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions of benzonitrile oxide (BNO) with unsymmetrically substituted norbornenes and norbornadienes. The reactions between BNO and unsymmetrically‐substituted 2‐norbornes and unsymmetrically‐substituted 2‐norbornadienes proceed with the oxygen of the BNO attacking the more hindered side of the double bond in all cases except when strong EWGs are introduced. For the reaction between BNO and unsymmetrically‐substituted 2‐norbornadienes, varying degrees of selectivities are observed depending on the substituent, indicating that site‐selectivity is largely influenced by nature of substituents. Generally, the regio‐isomers in which the oxygen of the BNO is bonded to the more hindered side of the double bond are favored except when strong EWGs are introduced, and exo stereo‐isomers are generally favored over the endo stereo‐isomers. Electrophilic (Pk+) and nucleophilic (Pk‐) Parr functions computations are in complete agreement with the selectivity predicted by the activation barrier trends.
Design, synthesis, and herbicidal activity of novel phenoxypyridine derivatives containing natural product coumarin
Authors: Zhao Li‐Xia , Wang Zhi‐Xin , Peng Jian‐Feng , Zou Yue‐Li , Hui Yong‐Zhuo , Chen Yong‐Zheng , Gao Shuang , Fu Ying , Ye Fei
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

In recent years, protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO, EC 1.3.3.4) inhibitors have been widely studied as important agricultural herbicides. Our research focused on the design and synthesis of novel PPO inhibitor herbicides, through linking of a diphenylether pyridine bioisostere structure to substituted coumarins, which aims to enhance environmental and crop safety while retaining high efficacy.

RESULTS

A total of 21 compounds were synthesized via acylation reactions and all compounds were characterized using infrared, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and high‐resolution mass spectra. The respective configurations of compounds IV‐6 and IV‐12 were also confirmed using single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The bioassay results showed that the title compounds displayed notable herbicidal activity, particularly compound IV‐6 which displayed better herbicidal activity in greenhouse and field experiments, crop selectivity and safety for cotton and soybean compared with the commercial herbicide oxyfluorfen.

CONCLUSION

The work revealed that compound IV‐6 deserves further attention as a candidate structure for a novel and safe herbicide. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Atomic Layer Deposition of AlN on Graphene
Authors: Beshkova Milena , Deminskyi Petro , Hsu Chih‐Wei , Shtepliuk Ivan , Avramova Ivalina , Yakimova Rositsa , Pedersen Henrik
Published: June 2021

Graphene is a material with great promise for several applications within electronics. However, using graphene in any such application requires its integration in a stack of thin layers of materials. The ideal structure of graphene has a fully saturated surface without any binding sites for chemisorption of growth species, making film growth on graphene highly challenging. Herein, an attempt to deposit very thin layers of AlN using an atomic layer deposition approach is reported. It is demonstrated using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy that Al–N are formed in the films deposited on graphene and shown by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy that the films have an island morphology. These results may be considered promising toward the development of a growth protocol for AlN on graphene and possibly also for 2D AlN fabrication.
Influence of Acceptor Defects on the Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Sputtered NiO Thin Films
Authors: Guillén Cecilia , Herrero José
Published: June 2021

NiO thin films have many applications due to the versatility of their optical and electrical characteristics, which can be controlled by the deposition parameters and/or subsequent heating. To achieve proper control, understanding their behavior, it is necessary to establish the influence of acceptor defects on the electronic characteristics of the films in relation to the preparation procedure. For this purpose, polycrystalline NiO thin films are grown by reactive DC sputtering on unheated glass substrates, with different acceptor defects depending on the oxygen partial pressure in the sputtering gas mixture. Their structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties are analyzed comparatively in the as‐grown conditions and after heating in air at 400 °C. The results indicate that nickel vacancies along with hole carriers are effectively increased in films prepared at high oxygen ratios, increasing the electrical conductivity and the optical absorption at low energies, while distorting the crystalline lattice and decreasing the mean crystallite size. The heat treatment improves the crystallinity, bringing the different samples toward an equilibrium state that equates their optical and electrical characteristics. The intrinsic equilibrium constant is in the order K
i ≈ 1022 cm−6, whereas the hole effective mass is found dependent on the carrier concentration.
Quercetin as a protective agent for liver diseases: A comprehensive descriptive review of the molecular mechanism
Authors: Zhao Xingtao , Wang Jing , Deng Ying , Liao Li , Zhou Mengting , Peng Cheng , Li Yunxia
Published: June 2021

Quercetin is the major representative of the flavonoid subgroup of flavones, with good pharmacological activities for the treatment of liver diseases, including liver steatosis, fatty hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. It can significantly influence the development of liver diseases via multiple targets and multiple pathways via antifat accumulation, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, as well as the inhibition of cellular apoptosis and proliferation. Despite extensive research on understanding the mechanism of quercetin in the treatment of liver diseases, there are still no targeted therapies available. Thus, we have comprehensively searched and summarized the different targets of quercetin in different stages of liver diseases and concluded that quercetin inhibited inflammation of the liver mainly through NF‐κB/TLR/NLRP3, reduced PI3K/Nrf2‐mediated oxidative stress, mTOR activation in autophagy, and inhibited the expression of apoptotic factors associated with the development of liver diseases. In addition, quercetin showed different mechanisms of action at different stages of liver diseases, including the regulation of PPAR, UCP, and PLIN2‐related factors via brown fat activation in liver steatosis. The compound inhibited stromal ECM deposition at the liver fibrosis stage, affecting TGF1β, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERs), and apoptosis. While at the final liver cancer stage, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and spread via the hTERT, MEK1/ERK1/2, Notch, and Wnt/β‐catenin‐related signaling pathways. In conclusion, quercetin is an effective liver protectant. We hope to explore the pathogenesis of quercetin in different stages of liver diseases through the review, so as to provide more accurate targets and theoretical basis for further research of quercetin in the treatment of liver diseases.
Achieving High‐Quality Freshwater from a Self‐Sustainable Integrated Solar Redox‐Flow Desalination Device
Authors: Ramalingam Karthick , Wei Qiang , Chen Fuming , Shen Kaixiang , Liang Mengjun , Dai Jinhong , Hou Xianhua , Ru Qiang , Babu Ganguli , He Qinyu , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: June 2021

Solar‐assisted electrochemical desalination has offered a new energy–water nexus technology for sustainable development in recent studies. However, only a few reports have demonstrated insufficient photocurrent, a low salt removal rate, and poor stability. In this study, a high‐quality freshwater level of 5–10 ppm (from an initial feed of 10 000 ppm), an enhanced salt removal rate (217.8 µg cm−2 min−1 of NaCl), and improved cycling and long‐term stability are achieved by integrating dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and redox‐flow desalination (RFD) under light irradiation without additional electrical energy consumption. The DSSC redox electrolyte (I−/I3−) is circulated between the photoanode (N719/TiO2) and intermediate electrode (graphite paper). Two DSSCs in parallel or series connections are directly coupled to the RFD device. Overall, this hybrid system can be used to boost photo electrochemical desalination technology. The energy–water nexus technology will open a new route for dual‐role devices with photodesalination functions without energy consumption and solar‐to‐electricity generation.
Broadband Photodetector Based on Inorganic Perovskite CsPbBr3/GeSn Heterojunction
Authors: Cong Hui , Chu Xinbo , Wan Fengshuo , Chu Zema , Wang Xiaoyu , Ma Yao , Jiang Jizhong , Shen Liang , You Jingbi , Xue Chunlai
Published: June 2021

Photodetectors with broadband response spectrum have attracted great interest in many application areas such as imaging, gas sensing, and night vision. Here, a high performance broadband photodetector is demonstrated with inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3/GeSn heterojunction, detection range can be covered from 450 to 2200 nm. The responsivity of heterojunction device can achieve as high as 129 mA W−1 under illuminated light of 532 nm, which is 4.92 times larger than that of a GeSn based device. As the CsPbBr3 can also act as anti‐reflective coating for infrared wavelength, the infrared band responsivity at wavelength of 2200 nm can also be raised by 1.42 times. In addition, the device with all inorganic components is showed good stability, while keeping in the dry environment, the device can sustain its 90% original after 550 h storage. These results show the inorganic perovskite/GeSn heterojunction device is of great potential in broadband photodetection with high responsivity.