bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New advances in catalytic performance of erbium‐folic acid‐coated CoFe2O4 complexes for green one‐pot three‐component synthesis of pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidinone and dihydropyrano[3,2‐c]chromenes compounds in water
Authors: Sorkhabi Serve , Mozafari Roya , Ghadermazi Mohammad
Published: April 2021

In the current research, much attention is paid to heterogenized nanostructure. Herein, we report the green synthesis magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of cobalt ferrite by the immobilization of erbium (Er) coated with folic acid (FA) which show effective catalytic properties and recyclability. Full characterizations with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray atomic mapping, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES), and Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy techniques were undertaken to uncover structural properties of the prepared magnetic catalyst. The obtained nanohybrid complexes as efficient, recyclable, and green heterogeneous systems pave the way for producing pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidinone and dihydropyrano[3,2‐c]chromenes derivatives by the one‐pot three‐component condensation reaction of various aldehydes, malononitrile, and hydroxycoumarin or barbituric acid in green condition. This easily prepared organometalic catalyst presents many superiorities such as operational simplicity, high yield, short reaction time, utilization of commercially available or easily accessible starting materials, eco‐friendly properties, and excellent purity. Most importantly, erbium‐FA‐coated CoFe2O4 can be easily separated and recycled from the reaction system using an external magnetic field. The magnetically recoverable biocatalyst can be recycled and reused six times while maintaining high activities. The activity of the magnetic catalyst can be maintained at more than 80% of that of the previous cycle. This research solves the recovery problem encountered in industrial applications of biocatalysts and presents a clean and green method for preparing pyrimidinones and chromenes.
Radiation synthesis of Fe3O4/SiO2/glycidyl methacrylate/acrylonitrile nanocomposite for adsorption of basic violet 7 dye: Kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic study
Authors: Gad Yasser H. , Elbarbary Ahmed M.
Published: April 2021

New functional nanocomposites (Fe3O4/SiO2/GMA/AN) were synthesized by γ‐irradiation copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and acrylonitrile (AN) of different ratios onto the surface of Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles. The chemical structure and morphology of the nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influences of GMA/AN composition ratios (75/25, 50/50, and 25/75 v/v) of nanocomposites on the adsorption of basic violet 7 dye from aqueous solutions was investigated. The Fe3O4/SiO2/GMA/AN nanocomposite with GMA/AN compositions ratio of (25/75 v/v) provides maximum adsorption capacity, and thus it was selected as the suitable ratio for modification by amidoximation reaction. The influences of contact time, pH, temperature, initial concentration, and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption of dye onto Fe3O4/SiO2/GMA/AN‐amidoxime were evaluated. The adsorption capacity of poly (GMA/AN), Fe3O4/SiO2/GMA/AN, and Fe3O4/SiO2/GMA/AN‐amidoxime was 18.7, 114.1, and 181.3 mg/g, respectively. The optimum removal efficiency (90.65%) of dye by Fe3O4/SiO2/GMA/AN‐amidoxime was obtained after 120 min contact time, 200 mg/L dye concentration, and pH 7. The adsorption of dye onto the Fe3O4/SiO2/GMA/AN‐amidoxime follows pseudo‐second‐order adsorption kinetics and fits Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and the adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous. The prepared Fe3O4/SiO2/GMA/AN‐amidoxime confirmed their possible use as a successful adsorbent for the adsorption of basic violet 7 from wastewater.
Preparation and characterization of cellulose sulfate/Pd nanocatalsysts with remarkable efficiency for Suzuki–Miyaura reaction
Authors: Jokar Mitra , Naeimi Hossein , Nabi Bidhendi Gholamreza
Published: April 2021

Heterogeneous catalysis with noble metal NPs are quite attractive due to unique surface chemistry and tuneable physicochemical properties. In this work, an efficient and simple method was used to synthesize palladium nanoparticles supported on cellulose sulfate. The resulted composites were characterized using various techniques such as X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), FT‐IR, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to verify the chemical structure and morphological properties of nanocatalysts. Next, the synthesized catalyst was utilized in Suzuki–Miyaura reaction between aryl bronic acid and different aryl halides. The catalysis reaction was carried out under atmospheric pressure where high efficiency, unique and simple work‐up procedure as well as excellent yields were achieved.
Measurements of High Oleic Purity in Peanut Lots Using Rapid, Single Kernel Near‐Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Davis Brittany I. , Agraz Catherine B. , Kline Mark , Gottschall Emma , Nolt Michael , Whitaker Thomas B. , Osborne Jason A. , Tengstrand Erik , Ostrowski Kamil , Teixeira Rita , Davis Jack P.
Published: April 2021

High oleic peanuts have improved shelf life vs. conventional peanuts. Purity (percentage of high oleic peanuts within a lot) is critical to ingredient performance and final lot value. Contamination can result from unintentional mix‐ups at the breeder/seed level, improper production handling, or due to physiologically immature high oleic kernels. Therefore, industry groups have established unofficial sampling plans to monitor purity. Assuming equivalent measurement performance and simple random sampling, increasing the sample size decreases variance among replicated sample test results and increases the precision of estimated lot purity. A novel instrument (QSorter Explorer by QualySense AG) using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy was evaluated for high speed (20 kernels per second) high oleic purity measurements. The study objectives were to assess instrument performance in: (1) measuring oleic acid (%) in runner peanuts and (2) estimating the true high oleic purity of artificially mixed peanut lots. Three grades (Jumbo, Medium, and No 1) of US Runner mini‐lots each at seven different contamination levels (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, and 100%) were prepared. Oleic acid (%) of individual kernels was measured by scanning replicated samples of 10, 50, 100, and 500 kernels using the QSorter Explorer. The variance associated with each sample size and lot contamination level on returned purity values is discussed in the context of binomial sampling. Overall, the demonstrated measurement performance and capacity of the QSorter Explorer to process much larger sample sizes suggest this instrument can better identify true high oleic peanut lot purity vs. other currently available technologies.
Influences of nanoparticle content on electrical and thermal performances of micro‐nano hybrid composites for packaging materials
Authors: Dai Chao , Chen Xiangrong , Meng Fanbo , Jiang Tie , Paramane Ashish , Tanaka Yasuhiro
Published: April 2021

This paper presents electrical and thermal properties of a novel type of micro‐nano hybrid composites to be potential for packaging. The micro‐nano hybrid composites contain 20 wt% of micro‐aluminium nitride (AlN) with 1, 3, and 5 wt% of nano‐AlN, respectively. Electrical measurement and thermal analysis are used to analyze the performances. The results show that the nano‐AlN in the hybrid composites can suppress the space charge accumulation near the cathode and facilitate the conversion of hetero charge into the homo‐charge accumulations near the anode. No apparent electric field distortion can be observed in the M20N3 sample, whereas it exhibits a minimum electrical conductivity and highest thermal conductivity amongst all samples. Furthermore, the nano‐filler addition can enhance the DC breakdown strength and the thermal stability of the hybrid composites. The thermal and electrical conduction mechanism of the micro and nano fillers in the hybrid composites is also elucidated.
3D‐printed wood‐polylactic acid‐thermoplastic starch composites: Performance features in relation to biodegradation treatment
Authors: Lee Danbee , Sun Yufeng , Youe Won‐Jae , Gwon Jaegyoung , Cheng Huai N. , Wu Qinglin
Published: April 2021

In view of the current public concern about microplastics, biodegradability of 3D‐printed polymeric materials is an important issue. In this work, we studied the effects of soil‐burial biodegradation treatment on wood‐polylactic acid (PLA) blends with three different thermoplastic starch (TPS) contents (i.e., 0, 10, and 20 wt%). The wood‐PLA‐TPS composites were 3D‐printed through the fused deposition modeling technique. The use of TPS led to reduced mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composites. Biodeterioration of the composites was clearly observed for the composite with high TPS content after the soil burial test. Thermal decomposition temperature, activation energy, and degree of crystallinity of biodegradation treated composites increased for composites with higher TPS content. The observed behavior was due to decomposed TPS and wood in the composites from biodegradation treatment, resulting in increase in the relative PLA content level. Also, the weight loss percentage of composites increased from 3.2% to 18.5% after the soil burial test as the TPS content in the composites increased from 0 to 20 wt%. The presence of TPS and wood helped improve the biodegradation of the 3D printed PLA composites, while PLA itself is not easily bio‐degraded.
Mechanically improved superhydrophobic nanofibrous polystyrene/high‐impact polystyrene membranes for promising membrane distillation application
Authors: Niknejad Ali Sallakh , Bazgir Saeed , Kargari Ali
Published: April 2021

Robust membranes for commercial applications of membrane distillation (MD) are nearly the Achilles ankle of the process. Despite from high hydrophobicity requirements of the MD membranes, they must have enough mechanical and thermal stabilities. In this regard, flexible, superhydrophobic, and high‐productive nanofibrous membranes were fabricated using mixed dope solutions made of polystyrene (PS) and high‐impact PS (HIPS) through the electroblowing process. Although the PS nanofibers can be designed to have hierarchically rough surfaces to show superhydrophobicity, the inherent brittleness of this polymer still remains a big issue for practical application for a longer period of time. Upon adding HIPS into the PS‐containing dope solution, the rigid PS membrane turned into a more flexible one with improved elongation at break from 5.83% to 14.89%. Also, excellent direct contact membrane distillation performance was achieved using high saline (up to 150 g/L) and 0.1 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate/35 g/L NaCl feed solutions during 96 and 24 h, respectively. Superhydrophobicity (˃160°) and high LEP value (up to 173.2 kPa) gifted membranes with outstanding wetting resistance. Our proposed procedure can pave the route for the facile fabrication of robust MD membranes using cost‐effective materials and a high‐throughput fabrication process.
Circular economy and sustainability: The role of organizational behaviour in the transition journey
Authors: Bertassini Ana Carolina , Ometto Aldo Roberto , Severengiz Semih , Gerolamo Mateus Cecilio
Published: April 2021

Implementing circular economy (CE) requires complex and dynamic changes in technical and behavioural aspects. Few studies spend efforts to understand the organizational behavioural side of CE transition. Thus, this study proposes a theoretical framework that addresses the requirements for the transition towards CE from the organizational perspective. We conducted a systematic review aiming to identify the relations between CE and organizational culture. As a result, we developed a theoretical framework composed of five building blocks (mindsets, values, behaviours, capabilities and competences) that guide the transition towards a CE‐oriented culture aiming to achieve sustainability in business. We also identified several gaps for future researches. We concluded that the framework could enrich the literature discussion in the field and be used by practitioners for the identification of paths to implement CE from the organizational culture perspective. In addition, the use of this framework could lead to the achievement of the sustainable development.
Reaction Network Analysis of the Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Dimethoxymethane
Authors: Leopold Max , Siebert Max , Siegle Alexander F. , Trapp Oliver
Published: April 2021

Due to the growing interest in dimethoxymethane (DMM) as formaldehyde synthon and fuel additive, new and more efficient routes toward the formaldehyde analog are being investigated. One approach is the reductive transformation of carbon dioxide using a ruthenium phosphine catalyst and a Lewis acid additive in methanol. In the present work, we investigated the underlying reaction network, consisting of several intermediates, equilibria and side products, through in situ IR spectroscopy. We determined rate constants and activation parameters for the hydrogenation steps. Their temperature‐dependent differences can be used to influence the product selectivity in this catalysis. To favor DMM formation, the acetalization equilibrium and especially the amount of water formed were identified as promising optimization opportunities. Simulation of concentration profiles on the basis of the proposed kinetic model enables the prediction of experimental product distributions for various reaction parameters, demonstrating the power of reaction network analysis for process optimization.
Experience from the world: The accuracy of salivary gland FNA and reliability of the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology in a large study from the Netherlands
Authors: Rossi Esther Diana , Faquin William C.
Published: April 2021

In this issue of Cancer Cytopathology, researchers from the Netherlands detail their experience with the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology by evaluating more than 12,800 fine‐needle aspiration specimens obtained from the Dutch Pathology Registry database. Their findings support the overall effectiveness and utility of the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology.
A Simple and Efficient Model to Determine the Photonic Parameters of a Photopolymerizable Resin Usable in 3D Printing
Authors: Champion Aymeric , Metral Boris , Schuller Anne‐Sophie , Croutxé‐Barghorn Céline , Ley Christian , Halbardier Lucile , Allonas Xavier
Published: April 2021

This study provides insight into the relationship between the photochemical reactivity and the photonic parameters of an acrylate formulation usable in digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing. First the photoreactivity of riboflavin tetrabutyrate (RFT) used as a non‐toxic photoinitiator is assessed by laser flash photolysis in the absence and in the presence of an amine as co‐initiator. RFT alone is able to photopolymerize the acrylate formulation at a rate which is drastically increased when the co‐initiator is added. Then, the depth of light penetration (Dp) and the critical energy (Ec) to form a polymer film were measured and compared to those determined from the Bouguer‐Lambert‐Beer law for Dp and from the Stockmayer equation and photopolymerization experiments for Ec. A new proposed model is able to predict the in‐depth acrylate conversion within a printed part with a relatively low input of experimental parameters. Confocal Raman microscopy is used to discuss the effect of the photobleaching of RFT in the absence of co‐initiator on the photopolymerized films. Finally, it is shown that this formulation performs quite well for 3D printing with a resolution close to the best performance of the DLP printer.
Similarity Calculation, Enrichment Analysis, and Ontology Visualization of Biomedical Ontologies using UFO
Authors: Nguyen Quang‐Huy , Le Duc‐Hau
Published: April 2021

The rapid growth of biomedical ontologies observed in recent years has been reported to be useful in various applications. In this article, we propose two main‐function protocols—term‐related and entity‐related—with the three most common ontology analyses, including similarity calculation, enrichment analysis, and ontology visualization, which can be done by separate methods. Many previously developed tools implementing those methods run on different platforms and implement a limited number of the methods for similarity calculation and enrichment analysis tools for a specific type of biomedical ontology, although any type can be acceptable. Moreover, depending on each application, methods have distinct advantages; thus, the greater the number of methods a tool has, the better decisions that users make. The protocol here implements all the analyses above using an advanced popular tool called UFO. UFO is a Cytoscape app that unifies most of the semantic similarity measures for between‐term and between‐entity similarity calculation for biomedical ontologies in OBO format, which can calculate the similarity between two sets of entities and weigh imported entity networks, as well as generate functional similarity networks. The complete protocol can be performed in 30 min and is designed for use by biologists with no prior bioinformatics training. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 27 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol: Running UFO using a list of input Gene Ontology, Disease Ontology, or Human Phenotype Ontology data
Can optimizing seeding rate and planting density alleviate the yield loss of double‐season rice caused by prolonged seedling age?
Authors: Huang Liying , Wang Fei , Liu Yi , Tian Xiaohai , Zhang Yunbo
Published: April 2021

Prolonged seedling age (PS) caused by delayed transplanting frequently occurs in double‐season rice (Oryza sativa L.), leading to a significant grain yield loss. However, it is not clear whether optimizing the seeding rate in the nursery and planting density in the field could compensate for this yield loss. Field experiments with two seedling age, two planting density, and two seeding rate treatments were conducted in the early and late growing seasons of 2013 and 2014 in Wuxue County, Hubei Province, China. Increasing the planting density significantly increased grain yield but couldn't completely alleviate the negative effect of PS on grain yield in both early and late growing seasons. Reducing the seeding rate in the nursery significantly increased the grain yield in both seedling age treatments in the late season with an average of 4.4% across treatments and years. There was a significant interaction effect between seedling age and seeding rate on grain yield in the early season, suggesting that yield loss could be significantly mitigated by reducing seeding rate. In conclusion, optimizing seeding rate and planting density could partially compensate for the yield loss caused by PS.
In ovo electroporation of chicken limb bud ectoderm
Authors: Tomizawa Reiko Rachel , Tabin Clifford James , Atsuta Yuji
Published: April 2021

Background

Deciphering how ectodermal tissues form, and how they maintain their integrity, is crucial for understanding epidermal development and pathogenesis. However, lack of simple and rapid gene manipulation techniques limits genetic studies to elucidate mechanisms underlying these events.

Results

Here we describe an easy method for electroporation of chick limb bud ectoderm enabling gene manipulation during ectoderm development and wound healing. Taking advantage of a small parafilm well that constrains DNA plasmids locally and the fact that the limb ectoderm arises from a defined site, we target the limb ectoderm forming region by in ovo electroporation. This approach results in focal and efficient transgenesis of the limb ectodermal cells. Further, using a previously described Msx2 promoter, gene manipulation can be specifically targeted to the apical ectodermal ridge (AER), a signaling center regulating limb development. Using the electroporation technique to deliver a fluorescent marker into the embryonic limb ectoderm, we show its utility in performing time‐lapse imaging during wound healing. This analysis revealed previously unrecognized dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and lamellipodia formation at the edges of the wound. We find that the lamellipodia formation requires activity of Rac1 GTPase, suggesting its necessity for wound closure.

Conclusion

Our method is simple and easy. Thus, it would permit high throughput tests for gene function during limb ectodermal development and wound healing.
Effects of ignoring survey design information for data reuse
Authors: Foster Scott D. , Vanhatalo Jarno , Trenkel Verena M. , Schulz Torsti , Lawrence Emma , Przeslawski Rachel , Hosack Geoffrey R.
Published: April 2021

Data are currently being used, and reused, in ecological research at an unprecedented rate. To ensure appropriate reuse however, we need to ask the question: “Are aggregated databases currently providing the right information to enable effective and unbiased reuse?” We investigate this question, with a focus on designs that purposefully favor the selection of sampling locations (upweighting the probability of selection of some locations). These designs are common and examples are those designs that have uneven inclusion probabilities or are stratified. We perform a simulation experiment by creating data sets with progressively more uneven inclusion probabilities and examine the resulting estimates of the average number of individuals per unit area (density). The effect of ignoring the survey design can be profound, with biases of up to 250% in density estimates when naive analytical methods are used. This density estimation bias is not reduced by adding more data. Fortunately, the estimation bias can be mitigated by using an appropriate estimator or an appropriate model that incorporates the design information. These are only available however, when essential information about the survey design is available: the sample location selection process (e.g., inclusion probabilities), and/or covariates used in their specification. The results suggest that such information must be stored and served with the data to support meaningful inference and data reuse.
Chloral hydrate as an accelerant for the Weissler reaction
Authors: Pan Hsin‐Yu , Chen Nelson G.
Published: April 2021

The Weissler reaction, in which a potassium iodide aqueous solution is oxidized to produce triiodide ion, is a conventional means of quantifying ultrasound‐induced inertial cavitation. The reaction is commonly accelerated by saturating the solution with carbon tetrachloride, thereby increasing triiodide ion yields for any given ultrasound exposure. Chloral hydrate, being less toxic and easier to handle, is an alternative accelerant that was characterized. Observed triiodide ion levels were around 11–15% of that produced with carbon tetrachloride. Chloral hydrate was shown to be less susceptible to accelerant exhaustion for prolonged measurements. Spectrophotometric measurement of triiodide ion is typically performed through absorbance measurements at 350 nm; however, there is a separate absorption peak at 288 nm. Measurements at 288 nm were strongly correlated with 350 nm measurements. Due to the greater molar absorptivity at 288 nm, Weissler reaction measurements in the future may be preferably conducted at this alternative wavelength regardless of the means of acceleration.
Synthesis and characterization of potential impurities of Oxcarbazepine drug substance: An antiepileptic agent
Authors: Velugula Siva Rama Kasibabu , Reddy Aaramadaka Sunil Kumar , Misra Nimesh Chandra , Reddy Pindi Santhosh , Chavakula Ramadas , Guduri Anil Kumar , Douglas Sanasi Paul
Published: April 2021

Oxcarbazepine is a drug substance used to treat epilepsy. During its bulk synthesis of various impurities formation will be observed. Herein we describe the formation, synthesis and characterization of four potential impurities, namely, N‐acetyl Oxcarbazepine, N‐formyl Oxcarbazepine, N‐carbamoyl Oxcarbazepine, and Oxcarbazepine dimer. These impurities are listed in several Pharmacopoeias and the control of these impurities below the threshold level is essential. Our study will be a guide for making these reference standards.
Surface temperature‐related variations in the East Asian summer monsoon during three warming stages
Authors: Huang Weizhi , Qiao Yunting , Jian Maoqiu
Published: April 2021

The global mean surface temperature has experienced different warming stages, but there is less work on discussion of the regional climate changes under the background of different global warming rates. This study investigated the surface temperature (ST)‐related trends in the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and underlying mechanisms during three warming stages, with a view to develop a new understanding of the responses of the EASM to global warming. Based on the statistical method of piecewise linear regression (PLR) to ST anomaly time series, the ST variation process from 1958 to 2014 has been divided into three stages with different linear trends: 1958–1975 (hiatus), 1976–1997 (acceleration) and 1998–2014 (slowdown). During the first stage, accompanied by two anomalous lower‐level cyclones, a weakening trend of the southerly winds over eastern China is observed. The enhanced cyclone over the Yellow Sea, with local ST cooling, is associated with the CGT‐like (circumglobal teleconnection) pattern, while the other one over the Philippines can be attributed to the local sea surface temperature (SST) warming. The ST‐related anomalous EASM circulation exhibits an enhanced lower‐level anticyclone over the northern Philippine Sea during the second stage. The warming around Lake Baikal and the phase change of the East Atlantic/Western Russia (EAWR) pattern can weaken upper‐level East Asian jet stream (EAJS) and then provide a favourable condition for the descent related to the lower‐level anticyclonic anomaly. As for the third stage, the anomalous ST and related EASM circulation both display a dipole pattern. Through influencing the meridional thermal contrast and distribution of convergence over East Asia (EA), the interaction between anomalous ST and EASM circulation may be the major mechanism that results in the increased (decreased) ST and enhanced barotropic anticyclone (cyclone) over southern (northern) EA.
A miniaturized wideband antenna using hybrid L/T‐shaped metasurface structure
Authors: Che Qizhou , Chen Dongxu , Che Wenquan
Published: April 2021

A novel miniaturized wideband antenna based on a hybrid L/T‐shaped metasurface structure is proposed, which is fed by an aperture coupling through a microstrip line. To realize the miniaturization of the metasurface antenna, the hybrid L/T‐shaped metasurface structure composed of several L‐shaped metal patches and T‐shaped metal patches is firstly presented. By placing the L‐ and T‐ shaped metal patches with an inverted arrangement, the capacitances caused by interdigital‐like capacitors can be introduced accordingly, which can decrease the resonance frequency and then realize obvious size reduction. The fabricated antenna prototype exhibits a wide impedance bandwidth of 44.0% (5.93 ~ 9.28 GHz) with reflection coefficient ≤ −10 dB and peak gain of 6.57 dBi within a compact radiation aperture size of 0.32λ0 × 0.39λ0.
Genetics of Obesity: What We Have Learned Over Decades of Research
Authors: Bouchard Claude
Published: April 2021

There is a genetic component to human obesity that accounts for 40% to 50% of the variability in body weight status but that is lower among normal weight individuals (about 30%) and substantially higher in the subpopulation of individuals with obesity and severe obesity (about 60%‐80%). The appreciation that heritability varies across classes of BMI represents an important advance. After controlling for BMI, ectopic fat and fat distribution traits are characterized by heritability levels ranging from 30% to 55%. Defects in at least 15 genes are the cause of monogenic obesity cases, resulting mostly from deficiencies in the leptin‐melanocortin signaling pathway. Approximately two‐thirds of the BMI heritability can be imputed to common DNA variants, whereas low‐frequency and rare variants explain the remaining fraction. Diminishing allele effect size is observed as the number of obesity‐associated variants expands, with most BMI‐increasing or ‐decreasing alleles contributing only a few grams or less to body weight. Obesity‐promoting alleles exert minimal effects in normal weight individuals but have larger effects in individuals with a proneness to obesity, suggesting a higher penetrance; however, it is not known whether these larger effect sizes precede obesity or are caused by an obese state. The obesity genetic risk is conditioned by thousands of DNA variants that make genetically based obesity prevention and treatment a major challenge.
Nonlinear fracture assessment and nanomechanical deformation of elastomeric composites: Development of finite element model and experimental validation
Authors: Goswami Mohit , Ghorai Sanjoy Kumar , Sharma Sujit , Chakraborty Goutam , Chattopadhyay Santanu
Published: April 2021

In this article, Mode‐I fracture and nanomechanical deformation of elastomeric composites are studied using nonlinear fracture mechanics implicating computer modeling techniques like finite element analysis, and the models developed are verified experimentally. The effect of low notch‐to‐width ratios (NWR) on failure properties like J‐integral, geometry factor, crack tip opening displacement (CTOD), crack advancement, and R‐curves is investigated. The geometry factor is found to be decreasing by 96% when NWR is increased from 0.06 to 0.34. An empirical relationship between CTOD and crack advancement for hybrid elastomeric composites depending on NWR is developed and has been verified analytically. Optimization of silica in 10 phr carbon black filled styrene butadiene rubber is performed, and several characterization techniques are used to justify the outcome. The applicability of mechanical properties like stress contours and factor of safety in fracture characterization of composites is explained briefly. A mesh sensitivity based finite element model has been developed for calibrating the nanoindentation test of elastomeric composites and verified experimentally.
Upper urinary tract surgery and radical prostatectomy with Senhance® robotic system: Single center experience—First 100 cases
Authors: Kastelan Zeljko , Hudolin Tvrtko , Kulis Tomislav , Knezevic Nikola , Penezic Luka , Maric Marjan , Zekulic Toni
Published: April 2021

Background

The Senhance® robotic surgery system is a novel robotic platform used in several European and World centres. We present our experience in urologic surgery using this platform.

Patients and Methods

From May 2019 to December 2020, we performed 30 operations of upper urinary tract (UUT) and 70 extraperitoneal radical robotic prostatectomies (RRP). Relevant data were prospectively collected for key outcomes.

Results

The median age for UUT was 51, and for RRP 65 years. The average estimated blood loss for UUT was 30, and for RRP 200 ml. The average operating time for UUT was 160, and for RRP 200 min. In‐hospital stay for UUT was on average 4, and for RRP 5 days. In UUT group, one patient had Clavien–Dindo complication grade II and one had IIIb. In RRP, three patients had grade I complications and three patients had grade II complications. Catheter was removed on average 8 days after RRP.

Conclusion

The Senhance® robotic system is a safe and feasible approach to urological surge.
Development of whole‐genome prediction models to increase the rate of genetic gain in intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) breeding
Authors: Crain Jared , Haghighattalab Atena , DeHaan Lee , Poland Jesse
Published: April 2021

The development of perennial grain crops is driven by the vision of simultaneous food production and enhanced ecosystem services. Typically, perennial crops like intermediate wheatgrass (IWG)[Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R Dewey] have low seed yield and other detrimental traits. Next‐generation sequencing has made genomic selection (GS) a tractable and viable breeding method. To investigate how an IWG breeding program may use GS, we evaluated 3,658 genets over 2 yr for 46 traits to build a training population. Six statistical models were used to evaluate the non‐replicated data, and a model using autoregressive order 1 (AR1) spatial correction for rows and columns combined with the genomic relationship matrix provided the highest estimates of heritability. Genomic selection models were built from 18,357 single nucleotide polymorphism markers via genotyping‐by‐sequencing, and a 20‐fold cross‐validation showed high predictive ability for all traits (r > .80). Predictive abilities improved with increased training population size and marker numbers, even with larger amounts of missing data per marker. On the basis of these results, we propose a GS breeding method that is capable of completing one cycle per year compared with a minimum of 2 yr per cycle with phenotypic selection. We estimate that this breeding approach can increase the rate of genetic gain up to 2.6× above phenotypic selection for spike yield in IWG, allowing GS to enable rapid domestication and improvement of this crop. These breeding methods should be transferable to other species with similar long breeding cycles or limited capacity for replicated observations.
Genome‐wide association analysis for response of Senegalese sorghum accessions to Texas isolates of anthracnose
Authors: Ahn Ezekiel , Prom Louis K. , Hu Zhenbin , Odvody Gary , Magill Clint
Published: April 2021

Anthracnose disease of sorghum is caused by Colletotrichum sublineola, a filamentous fungus. The genetic basis of resistance to anthracnose in sorghum is largely unclear, especially in Senegalese sorghum germplasm. In this study, 163 Senegalese sorghum accessions were evaluated for response to C. sublineola, and a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identify genetic variation associated with response to C. sublineola using 193,727 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) throughout the genome. Germplasm diversity analysis showed low genetic diversity and slow linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay among the Senegalese accessions. Phenotypic analysis resulted in relatively low differences to C. sublineola among the tested population. Genome‐wide association study did not identify any significant association based on a strict threshold for the number of SNPs available. However, individual analysis of the top eight SNPs associated with relative susceptibility and resistance identified candidate genes that have been shown to play important roles in plant stress tolerance in previous studies. This study identifies sorghum genes whose annotated properties have known roles in host defense and thus identify them as candidates for use in breeding for resistance to anthracnose.
Exploring ‘beyond‐food’ opportunities for biocultural conservation in urban forest gardens
Authors: Hemmelgarn Hannah L. , Munsell John F.
Published: April 2021

Urban agroforestry efforts have focused primarily on food production, but these dynamic, multiple‐strata systems can host a much broader set of functions. This exploratory synthesis describes opportunities and considerations for urban forest gardens’ (UFG) capacity to include diverse, biologically important, and culturally relevant nontimber forest species that have medicinal properties, provide decorative and landscaping products, supply raw material for crafts, and other valuable outputs. Literature relevant to social and ecological aspects of design for ‘beyond‐food’ specialty forest crops in urban forest gardens reveals a need for collaborative, participatory, and culturally relevant UFG decision making that addresses access inequities, potential contamination from urban pollutants, and a continued need for education and awareness of UFG multifunctionality. These production spaces can serve as both a biological and cultural repository for species that may be otherwise overlooked in a narrowly oriented food garden, though case study examples indicating contextual elements of implementation are needed to understand specific cultural and health sovereignty benefits. Currently, traditional tropical homegardens serve as a model for biocultural diversity in small‐scale urban green spaces. Incorporating conservation goals into urban agroforestry initiatives at varying scales holds potential for growing interest in and commitment to building capacity for this emergent land use.
Horse owners' attitudes towards and motivators for using complementary and alternative veterinary medicine
Authors: Keller P , Vanwesenbeeck I , Hudders L , Decloedt A
Published: April 2021

Background: Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) is becoming increasingly popular in horses.

Methods: Online, cross‐sectional survey in 1532 horse owners. Attitude towards CAVM, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and intention for future CAVM use were measured based on the theory of planned behaviour. Structural equation modelling was performed to characterize factors influencing intention to use CAVM.

Results: Past use of CAVM, predominantly manual therapies and herbal supplements, was reported by 72.5% of all participants. Frequently reported indications were improving horse's well‐being, illness which did not resolve after conventional treatment and chronic illness. The attitude towards CAVM was positive with a median (interquartile range) score of 6 of 7 (4.75–7.00). Predictors for past CAVM use were higher owner age, alternative medicine self‐use and higher education (non‐university). The strongest predictor of future CAVM usage was perceived behavioural control and perceived CAVM efficacy, as well as positive attitude towards and perceived knowledge about CAVM. The veterinarian was reported as a source of information about CAVM by 86.4% of all participants.

Conclusions: Horse owners showed a high intention to use CAVM with the owners' perceived behavioural control and perceived CAVM efficacy as the strongest predictor. Veterinarian‐client communication is important to inform horse owners correctly.
The development of regional smart energy systems in the World and China: The concepts, practices, and a new perspective
Authors: Zhao Yunlong , Ma Linwei , Li Zheng , Ni Weidou
Published: April 2021

To realize a low‐carbon and sustainable energy transition, smart energy systems (SES) assisted by data and information technology are regarded as promising solutions for energy system integration (ESI) and have been put into regional practices. However, there is still lacking attention on the development of multiregional smart energy systems (MRSES), which include three or more areas. This article aims to analyze concepts and practices of SES and enlighten a new perspective of MRSES. The conceptual evolution and regional practices of SES in the world were first reviewed, and it was found out that SES does not means the end of the conceptual evolution of ESI. Current regional practices are still limited in small areas, being typically remote areas, urban areas, and industrial areas. Secondly, the review of concepts and practices of SES in China indicate that the understanding of SES concepts are still confusing in national scale, and the apparent regional disparity in China is calling attention on the development of MRSES. Finally, a preliminary concept of MRSES was proposed and its perspective in China and the world, which is composed by four connected sub‐SES and named as a coordinated development of “smart energy farms + smart energy towns + smart energy industrial parks + smart energy transportation networks” was discussed. The former three sub‐SES are identified according to various economic characteristics and resources endowment in different regions, and they are all connected by the forth sub‐SES. Although this concept is still preliminary, it provides an imagination of future large‐scale SES, and the realization of this concept needs further breakthrough of data technology.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Industry Specific Applications

Application Areas > Government and Public Sector

Application Areas > Society and Culture
Food support provision in COVID-19 times: a mixed method study based in Greater Manchester
Authors: Oncini Filippo
Published: April 2021

COVID-19 has brought to light the severity of economic inequalities by testing the capacity of the poorest families to make ends meet. Food insecurity has in fact soared all over the UK, with many people forced to rely on food support providers to not go hungry. This paper uses a unique dataset on 55 food support organizations active in Greater Manchester during the first COVID-19 wave, and 41 semi-structured interviews with food aid spokespersons and stakeholders, to shed light on what they overcame, the complications and drawbacks of the food emergency response plan put in place. The results indicate that food aid organizations that remained open were surprisingly effective despite the growth in user demand and the decrease in volunteers. However, the necessity to maintain a timely supply food at all costs came with important drawbacks. The lockdown measures that followed COVID-19 not only affected the financial stability and management of the organizations, and the availability of food, but undermined the ways in which food support providers used to operate. Owing to physical distancing measures and to the increasing numbers of users, more or less intangible forms of support such as financial advice, empathic listening and human warmth were partially lost, probably when they were needed more than ever.
Comparison of in vitro biocompatibility and antibacterial activity of two calcium silicate-based materials
Authors: Liu Mingxiang , He Lu , Wang Hongyuan , Su Wenpei , Li Hong
Published: April 2021

This study is aimed at comparing and evaluating the biocompatibility and antibacterial activities of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and iRoot BP Plus as novel retro-filling materials. Discs of both materials were prepared and incubated for 72 h to obtain material extracts in medium. Flow cytometry and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay were used to assess the rate of apoptosis and proliferation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) when exposed to eluates of both materials. The expression levels of alkaline phosphatase, collagen type I, osteocalcin, Runt-related transcription factor-2, and Osterix were tested for evaluating the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs. The antibacterial activities of both materials were compared by the direct contact test. The hPDLSCs stimulated by MTA or iRoot BP Plus eluates showed significantly higher cell viability than that of the control group with no eluates. No significant differences were observed among the percentages of necrotic and apoptotic cells stimulated by MTA and iRoot BP Plus eluates and the control group. The expression of all osteogenic differentiation markers of hPDLSCs in both experimental groups were significantly higher than those of the control group, while the increment values in MTA group were significantly higher than those of the iRoot BP Plus group. The antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis showed no significant difference between MTA and iRoot BP Plus. Therefore, both materials may be suitable for retro-filling applications.
Seismic risk management through insurance and its sensitivity to uncertainty in the hazard model
Authors: Gkimprixis Athanasios , Douglas John , Tubaldi Enrico
Published: April 2021

Acknowledging the devastating consequences of past earthquakes, current research efforts focus on the development of tools for assessing and controlling the risk and losses associated with future earthquakes, in addition to trying to minimize construction costs. Apart from providing a control of these levels, earthquake engineering can also provide solutions to manage the financial implications of the expected hazardous events. The first part of this article focuses on the management of the expected losses through the mechanism of transfer of the financial risk via earthquake insurance. Various insurance models are explained and applied in different case studies, and numerous analyses are performed across Europe, for a benchmark four-storey reinforced-concrete frame building. The results highlight significant variation in the premiums with seismicity, design practices and properties of the insurance model. It is crucial that any mitigation or transfer framework should use probabilistic methods to consider the uncertainties inherent in the hazard and structural response estimates. For example, different studies for the same region often indicate considerable differences in seismic hazard estimates. The uncertainty inherent in the hazard input model is transferred to and affects the results of the structural design and the performance assessment. Thus, the second part of the article investigates the impact of the epistemic uncertainty in the hazard model on the structural design and consequently the estimated future losses and risk levels, again for the benchmark building. First, a comparison is performed between the hazard data from two studies for different locations in Italy, in order to assess the possible range of variation in estimated hazard levels amongst different studies. The effects of these hazard variations on the seismic design and risk and loss metrics for the benchmark building are also investigated for these locations. Finally, a simplified approach for modelling hazard uncertainty is introduced and various sensitivity analyses are performed to investigate the effects of the hazard uncertainty across Europe. It is shown that hazard uncertainty can be of differing importance for the various involved stakeholders.
Do senior faculty members produce fewer research publications than their younger colleagues? Evidence from Ph.D. granting institutions in the United States
Authors: Savage William E. , Olejniczak Anthony J.
Published: April 2021

The aging of the professoriate throughout the end of the twentieth century and the early years of the 2000′s (both before and after the end of mandatory retirement in the United States, ca. 1994) has become a source of concern for some scholars and research administrators, who posit that the “greying” of the academy results in lower research activity and a decline in scientific advancement. Some published opinions concur that senior scholars’ research programs do not keep pace with those of their younger colleagues, but little quantitative evidence has been presented to evaluate that claim. In this study, we quantify senior faculty publication activity in six broad fields, comparing their publication rates to their younger colleagues across four modes of knowledge dissemination: journal articles, conference proceedings, books, and book chapters. Career publication activity does not follow the “peak and decline” pattern described in earlier studies. In most fields, journal article publication rates do not decline substantively with age (and in some cases article publication rates are higher among senior scholars), conference proceeding publication rates tend to decline with age, while book and chapter publication rates increase markedly with age. Overall, senior scholars maintain publishing activity levels and tend to shift their focus to the development and evolution of ideas through the publication of longer-format works as books and book chapters.