bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change in Physicochemical Parameters during Traditional Processing of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) into Attiéké (Cassava semolina)
Authors: Bedel Fagbohoun Jean , Gbocho Ekissi Elvis Serge , Constant Yapi Jocelyn , Patrice Kouame Lucien
Published: May 2021

Attieke has become one of the most consumed foodstuffs and very popular among the populations of Côte d'Ivoire. It is a steamed cassava semolina with a long transformation process involving different fermentation times. Physicochemical and biochemical analyses have shown that attiéké has many nutritional potentials. Physicochemical parameters (pH, lactic and acetic acids, ethanol, starch, sugars (total and reducing) and vitamin C) were analysed during the process of transforming cassava (Manihot esculenta C.) into attieke. Moisture levels ranged from 61.5% (fresh pulp) to 45% (Attieke). The pH of the fresh cassava (6.1) decreases and reaches 4.7 on the third day of fermentation while that of the attiéké is 5. The acetic (0.48%) and lactic (0.72%) acid contents increase and are respectively 2.40 and 3.60% in the attieke. The ethanol content, which does not exist in the fresh pulp, appears during the fermentation and then decreases from 0.86% (24 hours of fermentation) to 2.40 (attieke). The starch content of cassava pulp decreased from 41.1 (fresh pulp) to 39.5% (fresh Attieke). The vitamin C content of the fresh pulp (69mg/100g) decreases and represents only 1 mg/100g in the fresh attieke.
Policy Implementation to Improve Tourism Destination Based on Local Wisdom in Gunungkidul Regency Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Atmaji Dwi , Qodir Zuly
Published: May 2021

Aims: To describe the implementation of policies to increase tourist destinations based on local wisdom which comes from various types of reading such as previous research, news articles and others.target indicator setmore towards material things.

Study Design: Literature study model.

Place and Duration of Study: Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, between Oct 2020 and Jan 2021.

Methodology: Qualitative method with a Literature study model. Several articles were collected from various sources with the theme of policies to increase tourist destinations based on local wisdom and tourism policies in Gunungkidul Regency. About 50 articles of national and international scientific journals, online mass media and laws and regulations were obtained.

Results: The current policy for increasing tourist destinations in Gunungkidul Regency has not prioritized the value base of local wisdom. Furthermore, it discusses the implementation and obstacles faced in relation to policies to increase tourist destinations based on local wisdom. The implementation of policies in terms of resources leads to the value of local wisdom in developing human resources which ultimately leads to material benefits. There has been no implementation that leads to local wisdom values ​​of natural resource conservation, social, ethical and moral meanings. The implementation of policies in terms of communication between the public and the government is good enough, however, among tourism business actors is not optimal.

Conclusion: Based on the above discussion, it can be concluded that policy implementation in terms of resources leads to the value of local wisdom in developing human resources which ultimately leads to material benefits. There has been no implementation that leads to local wisdom values ​​of natural resource conservation, social, ethical and moral meanings. The implementation of policies in terms of communication between the community and the government is quite good, but among tourism business actors is not optimal.
Performance of Yeast Microbial Fuel Cell Integrated with Sugarcane Bagasse Fermentation for COD Reduction and Electricity Generation
Authors: Christwardana Marcelinus , Joelianingsih J. , Yoshi Linda Aliffia
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the efficiency of the Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) system incorporated with the fermentation process, with the aim of reducing COD and generating electricity, using sugarcane bagasse extract as a substrate, in the presence and absence of sugarcane fibers. There is a possibility of turning bagasse extract into renewable bioenergy to promote the sustainability of the environment and energy. As a result, the integration of liquid fermentation (LF) with MFC has improved efficiency compared to semi-solid state fermentation (S-SSF). The maximum power generated was 14.88 mW/m2, with an average COD removal of 39.68% per cycle. The variation margin of the liquid fermentation pH readings remained slightly decrease, with a slight deflection of +0.14 occurring from 4.33. With the absence of bagasse fibers, biofilm can grow freely on the anode surface so that the transfer of electrons is fast and produces a relatively high current. Experimental data showed a positive potential after an effective integration of the LF and MFC systems in the handling of waste. The product is then simultaneously converted into electrical energy. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Responsive neurostimulation for focal motor status epilepticus
Authors: Yang Jimmy C. , Harid Nitish M. , Nascimento Fábio A. , Kokkinos Vasileios , Shaughnessy Abigail , Lam Alice D. , Westover M. Brandon , Leslie‐Mazwi Thabele M. , Hochberg Leigh R. , Rosenthal Eric S. , Cole Andrew J. , Richardson Robert M. , Cash Sydney S.
Published: May 2021

No clear evidence‐based treatment paradigm currently exists for refractory and super‐refractory status epilepticus, which can result in significant mortality and morbidity. While patients are typically treated with antiepileptic drugs and anesthetics, neurosurgical neuromodulation techniques can also be considered. We present a novel case in which responsive neurostimulation was used to effectively treat a patient who had developed super‐refractory status epilepticus, later consistent with epilepsia partialis continua, that was refractory to antiepileptic drugs, immunomodulatory therapies, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. This case demonstrates how regional therapy provided by responsive neurostimulation can be effective in treating super‐refractory status epilepticus through neuromodulation of seizure networks.
Deciphering Interfacial Chemical and Electrochemical Reactions of Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Wang Changhong , Hwang Sooyeon , Jiang Ming , Liang Jianwen , Sun Yipeng , Adair Keegan , Zheng Matthew , Mukherjee Sankha , Li Xiaona , Li Ruying , Huang Huan , Zhao Shangqian , Zhang Li , Lu Shigang , Wang Jiantao , Singh Chandra Veer , Su Dong , Sun Xueliang
Published: May 2021

Large interfacial resistance resulting from interfacial reactions is widely acknowledged as one of the main challenges in sulfide electrolytes (SEs)‐based all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). However, the root cause of the large interfacial resistance between the SEs and typical layered oxide cathodes is not fully understood yet. Here, it is shown that interfacial oxygen loss from single‐crystal LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 (SC‐NMC532) chemically oxidizes Li10GeP2S12, generating oxygen‐containing interfacial species. Meanwhile, the interfacial oxygen loss also induces a structural change of oxide cathodes (layered‐to‐rock salt). In addition, the high operation voltage can electrochemically oxidize SEs to form non‐oxygen species (e.g., polysulfides). These chemically and electrochemically oxidized species, together with the interfacial structural change, are responsible for the large interfacial resistance at the cathode interface. More importantly, the widely adopted interfacial coating strategy is effective in suppressing chemically oxidized oxygen‐containing species and mitigating the coincident interfacial structural change but is unable to prevent electrochemically induced non‐oxygen species. These findings provide a deeper insight into the large interfacial resistance between the typical SE and layered oxide cathodes, which may be of assistance for the rational interface design of SE‐based ASSLBs in the future.
Reprogrammable 3D Liquid‐Crystalline Actuators with Precisely Controllable Stepwise Actuation
Authors: Chen Qiaomei , Li Weiwei , Wei Yen , Ji Yan
Published: May 2021

Liquid‐crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are considered ideal soft actuator materials for a wide range of applications, especially the thriving soft robotics. However, 3D LCE actuators capable of precisely controllable stepwise actuation, which can enhance functionality and versatility of LCE robots for multifarious complicated applications, are still in urgent need for the reported LCE actuators mainly exploit the one‐step actuation upon the liquid‐crystallin (LC)‐isotropic phase transition temperature (Ti). Herein, a catalyst‐free LC‐vitrimer actuator with supercritical behavior is designed, which can perform precisely controllable stepwise actuation with extraordinary shape stability over a broad temperature range of about 70 °C. Moreover, supercritical behavior enables the actuator to be used in nematic phase, imparting the actuator with some extra advantages, such as higher mechanical strength and actuation stability, over the one used above Ti. Furthermore, the LCE can be reprogrammable into arbitrary 3D actuators, which can further be integrated into single‐material actuators with complex stepwise actuation, offering a generalized strategy of LCE actuators for sophisticated practical soft robots.
Air−Liquid Interface Cultures of the Healthy and Diseased Human Respiratory Tract: Promises, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Baldassi Domizia , Gabold Bettina , Merkel Olivia M.
Published: May 2021

Air−liquid interface (ALI) culture models currently represent a valid instrument to recreate the typical aspects of the respiratory tract in vitro in both healthy and diseased state. They can help reducing the number of animal experiments, and hence support the 3R principle. This review discusses ALI cultures and co‐cultures derived from immortalized as well as primary cells, which are used to study the most common disorders of the respiratory tract, in terms of both pathophysiology and drug screening. The article displays ALI models used to simulate inflammatory lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, and viral infections. It also focuses on ALI cultures described in literature studying respiratory viruses such as SARS‐CoV‐2 causing the global Covid‐19 pandemic at the time of writing this review. Additionally, commercially available models of ALI cultures are presented. Ultimately, the aim of this review is to provide a detailed overview of ALI models currently available and to critically discuss them in the context of the most prevalent diseases of the respiratory tract.
Development of a Borane–(Meth)acrylate Photo‐Click Reaction
Authors: Aubry Bérengère , Canterel Rémi , Lansalot Muriel , Bourgeat‐Lami Elodie , Airoudj Aissam , Graff Bernadette , Dietlin Céline , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Blahut Jan , Benda Ladislav , Pintacuda Guido , Lacôte Emmanuel , Lalevée Jacques
Published: May 2021

In the development of 3D printing fuels, there is a need for new photoinitiating systems working under mild conditions and/or leading to polymers with new and/or enhanced properties. In this context, we introduce herein N‐heterocyclic carbene–borane complexes as reagents for a new type of photo‐click reaction, the borane–(meth)acrylate click reaction. Remarkably, the higher bond number of boranes relative to thiols induced an increase of the network density associated with faster polymerization kinetics. Solid‐state NMR evidenced the strong participation of the boron centers on the network properties, while DMA and AFM showed that the materials exhibit improved mechanical properties, as well as reduced solvent swelling.
A Green Fluorescent Nitrogen‐Doped Aromatic Belt Containing a [6]Cycloparaphenylene Skeleton
Authors: Zhang Fan , Du Xu‐Sheng , Zhang Da‐Wei , Wang Yin‐Feng , Lu Hai‐Yan , Chen Chuan‐Feng
Published: May 2021

The design and synthesis of nitrogen‐doped aromatic belts with conjugated structures still remain a challenge. Here, we report the first nitrogen‐doped aromatic belt with a [6]cycloparaphenylene skeleton, which is conveniently synthesized from the easily available calix[3]carbazole. The aromatic belt has a rigid conjugated structure and deep cavity, and it can encapsulate one dichloromethane both in solution and in the solid state. Interestingly, the aromatic belt shows strong green fluorescence with a quantum yield of 0.39 and exhibits a narrow HOMO–LUMO energy gap of 2.02 eV. The belt‐shaped conjugated structure composed of three carbazole subunits has specific optoelectronic properties that will promote wide applications in supramolecular chemistry and materials science.
Rhodium‐katalysierte dealkenylierende Arylierung von Alkenen mit Arylboronverbindungen
Authors: Tan Guangying , Das Mowpriya , Maisuls Iván , Strassert Cristian A. , Glorius Frank
Published: May 2021

Die C‐C‐Bindungsbildungsreaktion stellt eine fundamentale und wichtige Transformation in der Synthesechemie dar, und die Erforschung neuer Arten von C‐C‐Bindungsbildungsreaktionen gilt als reizvoll, aber auch als Herausforderung. Hier wird das erste Beispiel einer Rhodium‐katalysierten dealkenylierenden Arylierung von Alkenen mit Arylboronverbindungen vorgestellt, die einen unkonventionellen Zugang zu Bi(hetero)arylen mit exzellenter Chemoselektivität ermöglicht. Bei dieser Methode können C(Aryl)‐C(Alkenyl)‐ und C(Alkenyl)‐C(Alkenyl)‐Bindungen in verschiedenen Alkenen und 1,3‐Dienen über eine Hydrometallierung und einen anschließenden β‐Kohlenstoff‐Eliminierungsweg für Suzuki‐Miyaura‐Reaktionen gespalten werden. Darüber hinaus wurde eine Reihe neuartiger organischer fluoreszierender Moleküle mit exzellenten photophysikalischen Eigenschaften effizient hergestellt.
A Distannylated Monomer of a Strong Electron‐Accepting Organoboron Building Block: Enabling Acceptor–Acceptor‐Type Conjugated Polymers for n‐Type Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Dong Changshuai , Deng Sihui , Meng Bin , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: May 2021

Acceptor–acceptor (A‐A) copolymerization is an effective strategy to develop high‐performance n‐type conjugated polymers. However, the development of A‐A type conjugated polymers is challenging due to the synthetic difficulty. Herein, a distannylated monomer of strong electron‐deficient double B←N bridged bipyridine (BNBP) unit is readily synthesized and used to develop A‐A type conjugated polymers by Stille polycondensation. The resulting polymers show ultralow LUMO energy levels of −4.4 eV, which is among the lowest value reported for organoboron polymers. After n‐doping, the resulting polymers exhibit electric conductivity of 7.8 S cm−1 and power factor of 24.8 μW m−1 K−2. This performance is among the best for n‐type polymer thermoelectric materials. These results demonstrate the great potential of A‐A type organoboron polymers for high‐performance n‐type thermoelectrics.
Identification of protein related to dietary vitamin B3 deficiency in Mediterranean fruit fly larvae
Authors: Cho Il Kyu , Lee Sung‐Eun , Chang Chiou Ling , Li Qing X.
Published: May 2021

Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is among the most destructive agricultural pest. The sterile insect technique (SIT) can effectively control medfly populations. To rear healthy medflies for the purpose of SIT, it is essential to supplement B vitamins in the diet. However, the function of the dietary B vitamins in C. capitata larvae is not known. With the microscopic analysis, several organs in the head were examined and the spiracle formation and sensory organs were normally formed between the niacin‐supplied and niacin‐absent groups. However, formation of the ocular depression was differently developed between the two groups, although the hypostomal sclerite was formed properly. These results signify that niacin deficiency maybe interrupt development of medfly larvae ocular depression. Proteomic analyses using LC MS/MS detected a total of 1845 proteins in two flies. A total of 607 of the 1845 proteins were overexpressed and one third (598 proteins) were downexpressed in the niacin‐deficient larvae, while about one third were similarly expressed. Overexpressed proteins in the niacin‐deficient larvae included ryanodine receptor 44 F, intergrin‐PS, spalt‐major homeotic protein, and chiffon protein. One of important overexpressed proteins was optomotor‐blind protein in relation to wing development in the niacin‐deficient medfly larvae.
Men’s experiences of help‐seeking for female‐perpetrated intimate partner violence: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Hogan Kevin F. , Clarke Victoria , Ward Tony
Published: May 2021

The subject of female‐perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV) against men has been one of controversy, with well‐rehearsed arguments surrounding both the nature and existence of female‐perpetrated abuse against men. The aims of this study were to explore men's help‐seeking experiences and/or their perceptions of utilising support services/support networks following IPV victimisation. Consequently, this study explored the help‐seeking experiences of 26, largely British, men who self‐identified as having experienced female‐perpetrated IPV. As the focus was on subjective experiences, a qualitative design was employed. Participation was invited from men who had sought help for their IPV victimisation from a range of sources and those who had not sought help at all. Semi‐structured interviews explored the men's experiences of seeking help, and barriers to seeking help, following IPV. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Some of the participants who took part in this study had received formal support for their experiences of IPV (i.e. counselling, calling IPV helplines and support services, contact with social workers or the police) and informal support (e.g. speaking to work colleagues, family and friends). Five participants had never spoken to anybody about their experiences prior to taking part in the interview. A range of barriers prevented the men from seeking help. First and foremost, the importance of maintaining a sense of masculinity consistently underpinned the participants’ narratives. The men's fear of being judged negatively by others was often not unfounded. Negative help‐seeking experiences included being treated with suspicion and contempt. Positive help‐seeking experiences facilitated the men in recognising their relationship as abusive, which for some of the men was influential in their decision to leave or seek help. The lack of recognition and understanding of male IPV within society was of concern to most of the men. Some expressed a desire to use their own experiences in order to help other men in abusive relationships. These results have important implications for the development of appropriate support for male victims, including the need for practitioners to be non‐judgemental whilst assisting men in recognising their relationship as abusive.
Wischnewski spots in a case of accidental hypothermia
Authors: Flabouris Katerina , Russell Patrick , Wills Stephen
Published: May 2021

Accidental hypothermia can be fatal, and is often associated with confusion and paradoxical undressing. Wischnewski spots are a classic manifestation of hypothermia at autopsy.
A case report of Kuttner tumor mimicking a malignant tumor, leading to overtreatment
Authors: Baba Daisuke , Sotome Keiichi , Maeda Ichiro , Takabayashi Kosuke , Kiyomizu Kensuke , Nakayama Meiho , Ogawa Kaoru
Published: May 2021

Preoperative diagnosis with multimodal approaches might lead to overtreatment. Cautious understanding of cytology and dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is required when a Kuttner tumor is cited as differential diagnosis.
When rotational atherectomy is not enough
Authors: Atefi Negar , Elbarouni Basem , Ravandi Amir , Allen David W.
Published: May 2021

Extreme coronary calcification may require rotational atherectomy to create a navigable intravascular lumen followed by intravascular lithotripsy to fracture areas of deep calcification to allow for successful percutaneous coronary intervention.
Effect of Dissolution of Extracted Hydrocarbons of Oily Sludge on Petroleum Products
Authors: Hamidi Yasser , Ataei Seyed Ahmad , Sarrafi Amir
Published: May 2021

The influence of dissolution of hydrocarbons extracted by different solvents from oily sludge on petroleum products was studied by ASTM quality control tests. The results indicated that utilizing a shaker provided a higher extraction percentage than a mixer. Besides, chloroform held the highest extraction of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). The extracted TPH by solvents had almost an undesired effect on the color quality index. After dissolving the extracted TPH in the initial gas oil, no significant change was observed in the density of gas oil. The influence of the dissolution of extracted TPH by solvents was greater than their effect on the specific gravity of the initial gas oil. It can be concluded that mixing the extracted petroleum hydrocarbons was suitable for re‐addition to gas oil.
Model Predictive Control of a High‐Purity Internal Thermally Coupled Distillation Column
Authors: Zangina Ja'afar Sulaiman , Wang Wenhai , Qin Weizhong , Gui Weihua , Zhang Zeyin , Xu Shenghu , Yang Chunhua , Wang Yalin , Liu Xinggao
Published: May 2021

The energy‐saving potential of the internal thermally coupled air separation column (ITCASC) is well‐established, but distinct dynamic characteristics and control loop interactions make it inflexible to control. To take care of high‐purity ITCASC control complications, a state‐space model predictive control (MPC) was formulated. A direct finite‐horizon control approach was exploited to align the dynamic states with the model predictions. MPC‐I and MPC‐II were developed, and further compared to a previous adaptive multivariable generalized prediction control (AM‐GPC). The results obtained show that the control performance of the proposed MPC‐II is superior to that of MPC‐I and AM‐GPC.
Evaluation of fungicide application timing on soybean yield, quality, and economic return
Authors: Floyd Chase A. , Irby J. Trenton , Allen Tom W. , Catchot Angus L. , Dodds Darrin M. , Sarver Jason M. , Maples Will E. , Scholtes Alanna B. , Carver Shane M.
Published: May 2021

The need for profitable soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production practices grows as input costs rise and profit margins decline. In the mid‐southern United States, a prophylactic fungicide application at the initiation of pod development (R3 growth stage) is a common practice to protect yield potential in soybean. Experiments were conducted during 2017 and 2018 to determine optimal fungicide application timing in the absence of disease, while assessing multiple fungicide options and the resulting impact on soybean yield, quality, and partial return. Fungicide treatments included azoxystrobin as Quadris (Syngenta Crop Protection), azoxystrobin + difenoconazole as Quadris Top SBX (Syngenta Crop Protection), and the combination of fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin as Priaxor (BASF) and tetraconazole as Domark 230ME (Gowan). Fungicides were applied in single applications at R3 (three‐sixteenth‐inch long pod development), R4 (three‐fourth inch long pod development), R5 (beginning seed), or R6 (completely developed seed) growth stages or as two applications applied at R3 and again at R5. Based on results, soybean treated with Quadris Top SBX or Priaxor + Domark 230ME produced greater yield than non‐treated soybean. The growth stage when fungicides were applied did not influence soybean yield, confirming the value of current management strategies while also allowing flexibility in the application timing in situations that warrant application during later growth stages. These data suggest an application of Quadris Top SBX to soybean can protect yield while resulting in partial return at a market price of at least US$8.00 bu−1. Adoption of prophylactic, multiplemode of action fungicide applications during fruiting development may sustain yields and improve net returns.
Effectiveness of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin‐9 monoclonal antibody treatment on plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations in patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) attending a clinic
Authors: Chakraborty Anindita , Pang Jing , Chan Dick C. , Barnett Wendy , Woodward Ann Marie , Vorster Mary , Watts Gerald F.
Published: May 2021

Background

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) is a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin‐9 monoclonal antibodies (PCSK9mAbs) can lower Lp(a) levels in clinical trials, but their effects in patients with elevated Lp(a) in clinical practice remain unclear.

Aims

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of PCSK9mAbs in lowering plasma Lp(a) in patients with elevated Lp(a) concentrations in a lipid clinic.

Methods

This was an open‐label study of 53 adult patients with elevated Lp(a) concentration (≥0.5 g/L). Clinical, biochemical, and safety data were collected before and on treatment with evolocumab or alirocumab over a mean period of 11 months.

Results

Treatment with a PCSK9mAb resulted in a significant reduction of 0.29 g/L (−22%) in plasma Lp(a) concentration (p<.001). There were also significant reductions in low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) (−53%), remnant‐cholesterol (−12%) and apolipoprotein B (−43%) concentrations. The change in Lp(a) concentration was significantly different from a comparable group of 35 patients with elevated Lp(a) who were not treated with a PCSK9mAb (−22% vs. −2%, p<.001). The reduction in Lp(a) concentration was not associated with the corresponding changes in LDL‐C, remnant‐cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B (p>.05 in all). 7.5% and 47% of the patients attained a target concentration of Lp(a) <0.5 g/L and LDL‐C <1.8 mmol/L, respectively. PCSK9mAbs were well tolerated, the common adverse effects being pharyngitis (9.4%), nasal congestion (7.6%), myalgia (9.4%), diarrhoea (7.6%), arthralgia (9.4%) and injection site reactions (11%).

Conclusion

PCSK9mAbs can effectively and safely lower plasma Lp(a) concentrations in patients with elevated Lp(a) in clinical practice; the impact of the fall in Lp(a) on ASCVD outcomes requires further investigation.
Photo‐Responsive Behavior of Azobenzene Based Polar Hockey‐Stick‐Shaped Liquid Crystals
Authors: Kaur Supreet , Begum Nazma , Mohiuddin Golam , Kumar Pal Santanu
Published: May 2021

A study on the photoswitching behavior of azobenzene‐based polar hockey‐stick‐shaped liquid crystals (HSLCs) has been presented. Two new series of five phenyl rings based polar HSLCs have been designed and synthesized. Solution state photoisomerization of the synthesized materials was investigated thoroughly via UV‐visible and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques, whereas solid‐state photochromic behavior was elucidated via physical color change of the materials, solid‐state UV‐visible study, powder XRD, and FE‐SEM techniques. The materials exhibited decent photochromic behavior for different potential applications. The thermal phase behavior of the superstructural assembly has been characterized via polarizing optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and temperature‐dependent small and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) studies. Depending upon the length of the terminal alkyl chain, nematic (N) and partially bilayer smectic A (SmAd) phases were observed. DFT calculations revealed the favorable anti‐parallel arrangement of the polar molecules that substantiate the formation of SmAd phase.
A novel scheme of cross‐network radio resources scheduling in SAGN based on unified resources mapping and genetic algorithm
Authors: Li Zhongguo , Yang Fuxing , Lin Wenliang , Wang Ke , Deng Zhongliang , Yu Xiaoyi , Fan Liangliang , Gu Lei
Published: May 2021

To decrease human deaths in the disaster and ensure the efficiency of emergency aid, high accuracy logistics can play an important role. To achieve this target, anytime and anywhere communications would contribute to rapid information interaction on situation monitoring of logistics. Space‐air‐ground network (SAGN) is the network combined with satellite network, aerial network, and territorial network, which can achieve global communication coverage. That means it would be a heterogeneous network, in which each network providing with different radio communication resources. If we would like to exploit the SAGN to achieve reliable support of communication, we have to solve the problems of the unified mapping of different radio communication resources. Besides, we should further design the exact scheduling scheme for the communication service of emergency logistics with global heterogeneous networks. Therefore, we propose a novel scheme of cross‐network radio resources scheduling in SAGN based on unified resources mapping and genetic algorithm. First, we build the system model for SAGN in the scenario of emergency logistics. Second, the unified resource mapping method is proposed, which achieves global cross‐network resources virtualization by the quality of service (QoS) bearer matching. Third, the multi‐population genetic algorithm is introduced to relate with each network resource to achieve available virtual global radio communication resource scheduling. The simulation results show that the resource efficiency of this proposed scheme has a better performance compared with the other resource scheduling method, which increased by 11.8% compared with bottom‐left (BL) algorithm.
Disorder specific rewarding stimuli in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Kogel Ann‐Kathrin , Herpertz Stephan , Steins‐Loeber Sabine , Diers Martin
Published: May 2021

Objective

To enhance our understanding of reward stimuli in anorexia nervosa (AN) and to provide a basis for future research on reward processes, disorder specific reward stimuli as well as primary and secondary reinforcers were investigated.

Method

We developed a set of pictures with “disorder specific reward” stimuli, with the six subcategories “sport,” “losing weight,” “healthy food,” “discipline,” “thin bodies,” “appreciation of others,” and evaluated reward ratings of these “disorder specific reward” stimuli as well as “erotic,” “high caloric,” and “neutral” stimuli in 25 patients with AN and 25 participants in the comparison group (CG).

Results

We found a significant main effect for picture category and a significant interaction. The reward ratings were higher in patients with AN compared with CG for the “disorder specific reward” stimuli. In the reward subcategories, patients with AN had higher reward ratings compared with CG in all categories except of healthy food. The “disorder specific reward” stimuli of the categories “sport,” “losing weight,” and “healthy food” showed higher reward ratings compared with the categories “discipline,” “thin bodies,” and “appreciation of others” in patients with AN.

Discussion

The previously used category “thin bodies” used to investigate the reward system might be less effective compared with stimuli from the categories “sport,” “losing weight,” and “healthy food.”
An index for measuring functional extension and evenness in trait space
Authors: Zhang Tao , Domke Grant M. , Russell Matthew B. , Lichstein Jeremy W.
Published: May 2021

Most existing functional diversity indices focus on a single facet of functional diversity. Although these indices are useful for quantifying specific aspects of functional diversity, they often present some conceptual or practical limitations in estimating functional diversity. Here, we present a new functional extension and evenness (FEE) index that encompasses two important aspects of functional diversity. This new index is based on the straightforward notion that a community has high diversity when its species are distant from each other in trait space. The index quantifies functional diversity by evaluating the overall extension of species traits and the interspecific differences of a species assemblage in trait space. The concept of minimum spanning tree (MST) of points was adopted to obtain the essential distribution properties for a species assembly in trait space. We combined the total length of MST branches (extension) and the variation of branch lengths (evenness) into a raw FEE0 metric and then translated FEE0 to a species richness‐independent FEE index using a null model approach. We assessed the properties of FEE and used multiple approaches to evaluate its performance. The results show that the FEE index performs well in quantifying functional diversity and presents the following desired properties: (a) It allows a fair comparison of functional diversity across different species richness levels; (b) it preserves the essence of single‐facet indices while overcoming some of their limitations; (c) it standardizes comparisons among communities by taking into consideration the trait space of the shared species pool; and (d) it has the potential to distinguish among different community assembly processes. With these attributes, we suggest that the FEE index is a promising metric to inform biodiversity conservation policy and management, especially in applications at large spatial and/or temporal scales.
Biomimetic Total Syntheses of Amorfrutins A, B, (S)‐D and (R)‐D and Formal Synthesis of Amorfrutin C
Authors: Mies Thomas , Patel Calum , Parsons Philip J. , Barrett Anthony G. M.
Published: May 2021

Bibenzyl natural products, such as the amorfrutins, contain a heavily substituted aromatic core and display a diverse range of biological activities (anti‐tumor, anti‐diabetic, antimicrobial, and antibiotic). In this study, we report unified syntheses of amorfrutin A to D either through total or formal synthesis by employing a dual biomimetic strategy of polyketide aromatization followed by remote terpene functionalization. The key core structures were synthesized from β‐keto dioxinone esters through a magnesium(II) mediated regioselective C‐acylation, palladium catalyzed decarboxylative allylic rearrangement, and dehydrative cyclization.
Bendable ultra‐high frequency radio‐frequency identification tag antenna for retail garments using nonuniform meandered lines
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Sharma Ashwani , Garcia Zuazola Ignacio J.
Published: May 2021

A bendable ultra‐high frequency (UHF) radio‐frequency identification (RFID) tag antenna using nonuniform meandered lines for retail garments in the textile industry is presented. Based on an earlier UHF RFID tag antenna using nonuniform meandered lines, the proposed tag is fully bendable and aimed to be embedded in retail garments for long‐life cycles. As a result, a relatively low cost, wideband, compactness, and good conjugate matching with good dipole‐like read range is presented. Results showed an antenna with a wide bandwidth of 900 MHz and a long read range of 10.1 m making the UHF RFID tag antenna using nonuniform meandered lines a potential candidate for retail garments in bendable applications of the textile industry. Simulations are corroborated by measurements and are in fairly agreement.
Bayesian estimation of heterogeneous environments from animal movement data
Authors: Tishkovskaya Svetlana V. , Blackwell Paul G.
Published: May 2021

We describe a flexible class of stochastic models that aim to capture key features of realistic patterns of animal movements observed in radio‐tracking and global positioning system telemetry studies. In the model, movements are represented as a diffusion‐based process evolving differently in heterogeneous regions. In this article, we extend the process of inference for heterogeneous movement models to the case in which boundaries of habitat regions are unknown and need to be estimated. Data augmentation is used in reconstructing the partition of the heterogeneous environment. The augmentation helps to diminish the impact of uncertainty about when and where the animal crosses habitat boundaries, and allows the extraction of additional information from the given observations. The approach to inference is Bayesian, using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, allowing us to estimate both the parameters of the diffusion processes and the unknown boundaries. The suggested methodology is illustrated on simulated data and applied to real movement data from a radio‐tracking experiment on ibex. Some model checking and model choice issues are also discussed.
Eating behaviour and symptom trajectories in patients with a history of binge eating disorder during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Giel Katrin E. , Schurr Marisa , Zipfel Stephan , Junne Florian , Schag Kathrin
Published: May 2021

Objective

A history of an eating disorder (ED) might constitute a risk for symptom deterioration and relapse during COVID‐19 pandemic. This longitudinal study investigates ED symptom trajectories until the first COVID‐19 lockdown in Spring 2020 in patients with a history of binge eating disorder (BED).

Method

Participants of the randomised‐controlled BED treatment trial IMPULS participated in a re‐assessment directly after the first COVID‐19 lockdown in Germany. We used expert‐rated clinical interviews and self‐report to investigate binge eating (BE) frequency, ED and general psychopathology, distress, emotion regulation and sense of coherence. Symptom trajectories were analysed for baseline when entering the trial, end of trial participation and the time point directly after lockdown. BE frequency was assessed on a recall basis for 4 weeks directly before lockdown and 4 weeks during lockdown.

Results

BE frequency, general ED pathology and depressive symptoms markedly increased after as compared to before the COVID‐19 outbreak. Individuals scoring high on reappraisal as emotion regulation strategy and sense of coherence scored lower on general ED pathology.

Conclusion

Individuals with a history of an ED are at risk for symptom deterioration and relapse during the pandemic. Intervention and service dissemination strategies are needed to support vulnerable groups throughout the pandemic.
Selective rounding for pyramid peaks and valleys improves the performance of SHJ solar cells
Authors: Du Junlin , Meng Fanying , Fu Haoxin , Sun Lin , Zhang Liping , Han Anjun , Shi Jianhua , Xie Yi , Liu Zhengxin
Published: May 2021

The first step in the fabrication of SHJ (silicon heterojunction) solar cells is forming random pyramids on the Si wafer surfaces. The pyramid profile would affect the following amorphous silicon deposition. Two CP (chemical polishing) solutions consist of HNO3 + HF and O3 + HF, respectively, are used to modify the pyramid profile. It is found that these two solutions have selective rounding effects on the pyramid profiles. The first one rounds the pyramid valleys and the second one rounds the pyramid peaks. The combination of the two CP methods improves the passivation quality of amorphous silicon and promotes the conversion efficiency of SHJ cells.
Quantifying the influence of rainfall, vegetation and animals on soil erosion and hillslope connectivity in the monsoonal tropics of northern Australia
Authors: Hancock Greg , Lowry John
Published: May 2021

Erosion of soil by water is facilitated by both diffusive and fluvial processes. Here we examine three different soil redistribution processes operating at very different spatial and temporal scales in the monsoonal tropics of northern Australia. The first process, rainsplash, operates across the entire catchment. This process, while subject to annual and seasonal variations in rainfall amount and intensity, can be considered a constant forcing and redistributes on average 9 t ha−1 year−1 (range −0.9 to 19 t ha−1 year−1). The second process, bioturbation, where in this study soil is disturbed by feral pigs (wild boar), occurs in selected areas throughout each year. Pigs exhume 3 to 36.0 t ha−1 year−1 (average ~11 t ha−1 year−1). The effect of this disturbance may last for many years afterwards. The third process is the disturbance of the soil surface by tree throw and creation of pit–mound topography (also a form of bioturbation), together with the resultant placement of the tree superstructure (above ground biomass) on the ground, which may form debris dams. Tree throw at the scale examined here is likely to occur only once every 50–100 years, with the influence of this single event lasting for at least 10 years post event. Tree throw in a single event exhumed ~5 t ha−1 (1.1–9.5 t ha−1) of soil. In contrast to rainsplash, pig disturbance and tree throw events are largely point‐based phenomena. Field observation suggests that it takes many years for the disturbance from both pigs and tree throw to be removed. We find here that in terms of relative soil redistribution, rainsplash has the largest influence, with any erosional disturbance by pigs and tree throw being within the variability of rainsplash. However, the disruption of surface flow by the pig digs and tree throw disrupts sedimentological and hydrological connectivity.
The effect of food ration bar enriched with β‐alanine, L‐arginine, and Nigella sativa on performance and inflammation following intense military training: A double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hadi Saeid , Miryan Mahsa , Soleimani Davood , Amani Reza , Mazaheri Tehrani Mostafa , Hadi Vahid , Esmaiil Zali Morad , Mosalmanzadeh Negin , Askari Gholamreza
Published: May 2021

Background

There are growing interests in using dietary supplements to improve athletic performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the food ration bar enriched with β‐alanine, L‐arginine, and Nigella sativa on athletic performance and inflammation following intense military training.

Methods

This double‐blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted on 54 new cadets. Eligible participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive food ration bars enriched with arginine (2 g/day), β‐alanine (2 g/day), and Nigella sativa (2 g/day) or nonenriched food ration bars during a 2‐week military training. Aerobic and anaerobic performances were evaluated by the Cooper and RAST tests, respectively.

Results

A significant increase in anaerobic powers (min, mean, and max) and a significant reduction in fatigue index were observed in the intervention group as compared to the control group, even after the adjustment for confounding factors. Also, increased levels of hs‐CRP and TNF‐α following military training were significantly lower in the intervention group as compared to the control group (hs‐CRP: 0.55 ± 0.1 versus 2.43 ± 0.1 mg/L; p‐value: 0.01; TNF‐α: 0.12 ± 0.04 versus 0.62 ± 0.04 pg/ml; p‐value: 0.03). No significant changes were observed in VO2 max in both groups.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the combination of β‐alanine, L‐arginine, and Nigella sativa can improve anaerobic performance and reduce inflammation following intense physical activities. Further studies with long‐term duration are needed to confirm the cumulative/synergic effects of these ingredients in trained and nontrained subjects.
Assessment of captive rearing conditions on loggerhead hatchlings: Effect of handling frequency and stocking density
Authors: Usategui‐Martín Alejandro , Liria‐Loza Ana , Valverde Roldán A. , Pinós‐Crosas Judit , Tuya Fernando , Carbajal Annaïs , López‐Bejar Manel , Montero Daniel
Published: May 2021

Frequently, stranded sea turtles require rehabilitation under controlled conditions. Currently, few publications have described the conditions under which rehabilitation is to take place, particularly with respect to the hatchling life stage. To address this paucity of data, we conducted some experiments to assist rehabilitating facilities assess their handling of hatchlings. While in captivity, hatchlings are routinely handled, for example, for data collection and cleaning. Standardization of handling and housing protocols is necessary to define the most adequate rearing conditions to maintain hatchling welfare. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to assess plasma circulating corticosterone (Cort) concentration and growth, as a biomarker for the stress of hatchling loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) under controlled conditions. We performed two experiments to analyze handling frequency and stocking density. In both, Cort was measured and correlated with variations in animal weight and length. In handling experiments, Cort exhibited no significant increase when hatchlings were handled once a week, whereas Cort was significantly elevated when hatchlings were handled once every 2 weeks, suggesting that hatchlings have the ability to acclimate to frequent handling. However, hatchlings exhibited similar growth and mortality, regardless of handling regime. In stocking density experiments, hatchling isolation induced a significant elevation of Cort, in comparison with hatchlings placed with conspecifics at increasing densities. Growth increased in singly housed hatchlings, while mortality increased in tanks with three or more hatchlings. The results obtained suggest that Cort, growth, and mortality should be measured to assess hatchling welfare when kept under controlled conditions.
Diagnostic accuracy of fecal calprotectin in predicting significant gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Kan Yee Man , Chu Sin Yan , Loo Ching Kong
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim

It is often unreliable to triage patients for timely endoscopic investigations based on symptoms alone. We need an objective assessment to differentiate between organic gastrointestinal diseases and functional bowel symptoms. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of fecal calprotectin (FC) in predicting organic gastrointestinal diseases.

Methods

In a prospective observational study, consecutive patients referred for colonoscopy to the Department of Medicine and Geriatrics at the Kwong Wah Hospital in Hong Kong were recruited. Stool samples were collected within 24 h before colonoscopy. FC was measured by a commercial kit. Upper endoscopy investigations were then proceeded if normal colonoscopy but elevated FC.

Results

Two hundred and seventy out of 429 patients had FC above 50 μg/g. Eighty‐six out of 270 with elevated FC had significant colonoscopy pathological findings. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of FC test for diagnosing a significant organic colonoscopy or upper endoscopy disease were 91.7, 55.6, 57.0, and 91.2%, respectively. The NPV of FC for colorectal cancer, high risk polyp, and colon inflammation were 98.7, 96.2, and 98.1%, respectively. The NPV of FC in the condition of altered bowel habit or abdominal pain in predicting colorectal cancer and inflammation were 93.8 and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

FC is a reliable marker of ruling out organic bowel diseases. A single negative FC test could be used as a triage tool to prioritize the need and urgency of further investigation, particularly in the setting of altered bowel habits and abdominal pain.