bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Northern pike (Esox lucius) young‐of‐year gut microbiota and associations with wetland nursery water microbial communities in the St. Lawrence River
Authors: Gallo Benjamin D. , Farrell John M. , Leydet Brian F.
Published: August 2022

The core‐microbiome hypothesis postulates that key fish gut microbiota develop independently from the environment they exist in. Fish nursery habitats serve as critical environments early in ontogeny that support fish growth and development, but their relationship to the development of gut microbiota is poorly understood. We compared gut microbiota of first growing season northern pike (Esox lucius) and source water from two spatially distinct nursery wetlands to examine their potential association and as a field test of the core‐microbiome hypothesis. Microbial communities within the pike hindguts and associated water column samples were characterized through metabarcoding and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. As expected, community level non‐metric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed significant separation in microbial community composition between fish and water samples. Unifrac distances indicated no significant dissimilarity among fish gut and source water combinations compared to fish gut samples pairwise tested with non‐source water samples, suggesting similar patterns of in vivo selection of the gut microbiome. This was consistent among habitats for three of four dominant hindgut bacterial genera (Aeromonasspp.,Clostridium sensu stricto, andPlesiomonasspp.).Cetobacteriumspp. was an exception, where they dominated fish guts in one wetland system. Because these four‐core gut microbiota were only minor components of the source water environment, it is possible that environmental exposure is a selective process in the developing fish gut. Further experimental and field research with examination of the influence of diet is needed to isolate mechanisms involved in gut microbiome development in freshwater fishes.
The largest aluminum molecular rings: Phenol‐thermal synthesis, photoluminescence, and optical limiting
Authors: Wang San‐Tai , Liu Ya‐Jie , Feng Cheng‐Cheng , Fang Wei‐Hui , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2022

It is of great interest to modulate the photophysical properties by atomically precise chemical control. The incorporation of conjugated ligands into crystalline materials provides a platform for molecular‐level interpretation of the structure‐activity relationship. Herein, we reported the phenol‐thermal and scale‐up synthesis of a new family of remarkably stable aluminum molecular rings. They are assembled by twenty AlIII ions with large conjugated ligands and phenols, representing the currently largest sizes (up to 4 nm in diameter) in the field of main group metal oxo clusters. Phenols are not only reaction medium but also auxiliary bridging ligands on the surface of macrocyclic molecules. In addition, they are either parallel to the center of the molecular ring or inserted into the molecular ring, or form dimers/tetramers that bind macrocyclic molecules to form supramolecular structures. These macrocyclic rings are hydrophobic and ultra‐stable, evidenced by retaining their morphology and crystalline when exposed to air for more than a year. Compared with the pristine conjugated ligands, they exhibit coordination‐enhanced fluorescence. By dispersing them into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix, we prepared transparent and flexible PDMS thin films for coupling flexible display and nonlinear optical application. Our discovery of such atomically precise rings provides a platform for the fine‐tuning of photo‐related performances.
Additive‐Free Visible‐Light‐Initiated Three‐Component Cyanation and Azidation
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Hao Jindong , Lv Yufen , Qu Chengming , Yue Huilan , Wei Wei
Published: August 2022

A simple and green visible‐light‐initiated strategy for the installation of cyano and azido groups has been established through multi‐component reaction of α‐diazoesters, cyclic ethers and TMSCN/TMSN3. A number of structurally diverse organic nitriles and azides could be efficiently obtained at room temperature without adding any external metal reagent, strong oxidant, base and photocatalyst. The synthetic transformations of the reaction products to some functionalized molecules were carried out to highlight the potential utility of this method.
Light‐Driven Hydrodefluorination of Electron‐Rich Aryl Fluorides by an Anionic Rhodium‐Gallium Photoredox Catalyst
Authors: Moore James T. , Dorantes Michael J. , Pengmei Zihan , Schwartz Timothy M. , Schaffner Jacob , Apps Samantha L. , Gaggioli Carlo A. , Das Ujjal , Gagliardi Laura , Blank David A. , Lu Connie C.
Published: August 2022

An anionic Rh−Ga complex catalyzed the hydrodefluorination of challenging C−F bonds in electron‐rich aryl fluorides and trifluoromethylarenes when irradiated with violet light in the presence of H2, a stoichiometric alkoxide base, and a crown‐ether additive. Based on theoretical calculations, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), which is delocalized across both the Rh and Ga atoms, becomes singly occupied upon excitation, thereby poising the Rh−Ga complex for photoinduced single‐electron transfer (SET). Stoichiometric and control reactions support that the C−F activation is mediated by the excited anionic Rh−Ga complex. After SET, the proposed neutral Rh0 intermediate was detected by EPR spectroscopy, which matched the spectrum of an independently synthesized sample. Deuterium‐labeling studies corroborate the generation of aryl radicals during catalysis and their subsequent hydrogen‐atom abstraction from the THF solvent to generate the hydrodefluorinated arene products. Altogether, the combined experimental and theoretical data support an unconventional bimetallic excitation that achieves the activation of strong C−F bonds and uses H2 and base as the terminal reductant.
Optimization of annular distributor for industrial riser reactor with weakened catalyst attrition
Authors: Lv Guojun , Zou Xuyang , Wang Jiangzhang , Chen Yan , Wang Tao , Zhang Xubin , Wang Fumin
Published: August 2022

Catalyst attrition and nonuniform gas–solid distribution were observed in an oil refining and chemical enterprise with straight pipe as C4 mixture gas feed zone, which induced unfavored catalytic reaction and unqualified products. In this work, a fluidized attrition experiment circulating system consisting of a riser reactor at a bench scale was constructed to implement fluidized attrition experiment. Four annular pipe distributors were designed as C4 mixture gas feed zones and compared with traditional straight pipe in order to gain insight into the catalyst attrition condition in the riser reactor. At the same time, computational fluid dynamic technique was applied to investigate the gas–solid mixing situation in the riser reactor with five different C4 mixture gas feed zones. Structure four of annular distributor with nine nozzles distributed as well as an inclination of 30° displayed a catalyst attrition of 5.7% in 12 h of fluidized circulation and possessed the best gas–solid mixing condition as well as the highest catalyst volume fraction distribution in the main catalyst reaction space. Therefore, structure four was selected as C4 mixture gas feed zone for industrial riser reactor. Flow behavior in the industrial riser reactor with the optimized C4 annular distributor was further investigated via numerical simulation and compared with traditional straight pipe as C4 mixture gas feed zone so as to provide reference for the optimization of industrial riser reactor. When annular distributor was applied, propylene yield enhanced to 19.86%, and meanwhile, enhancement of catalyst particle with size smaller than 40 μm obviously decreased in comparison with traditional riser reactor.
Research on the gas–solid corrosion characteristics of 316L alloy fiber filter bags in halogen hydride atmosphere
Authors: Chen Kuixu , Cheng Haoqiang , Huang Yaji , Ding Shouyi , Xu Ligang , Zhu Zhicheng
Published: August 2022

Incineration is an effective means of solid waste disposal, but the acidic components in the complex flue gas generated by incineration put pressure on the dust removal, which also puts higher requirements on the corrosion resistance of the filter media. In this work, aiming at the gas–solid corrosion characteristics of 316L alloy fiber filter bag, the corrosion behavior of 316L alloy fiber filter materials in halogen hydride atmosphere was studied using fixed‐bed simulation corrosion experiments, and the mechanical properties of the filter materials after corrosion were analyzed. For the 316L alloy fiber filter bag, the influence of flue gas composition (O2 and H2O) and its concentration on the corrosion characteristics was explored. The corrosion mechanism was studied by combining the microscopic morphology and element distribution of the filter material before and after corrosion. The results show that halogen hydride has a significant corrosive effect on 316L alloy filter material, especially the catastrophic damage of 316L alloy fiber filter material in oxygen‐containing atmosphere. The addition of H2O has an obvious inhibitory effect on the reaction. Due to the circulation of the corrosive gas source, the mechanical properties of the 316L alloy fiber filter material were severely damaged and the tensile strength was greatly reduced.
Hydrophobic chitosan/salicylic acid blends film with excellent tensile properties for degradable food packaging plastic materials
Authors: Liu Jin , Wang Tianhao , Hu Canmin , Lei Li , Liang Yu , Gao Zideng , Ren Xueqin , Hu Shuwen
Published: August 2022

Degradable plastic materials made from biopolymer Chitosan (CS) present one of the alternatives to plastic bags for food packaging, but the stability and durability limits its application. Herein, we demonstrated a facile method of producing hydrophobic CS/salicylic acid (SA) film in organic phase for the first time. SA, which can destruct hydrogen bonds of CS was initially blended with CS in N, N‐dimethylacetamide using a catalyst. On this basis, CS/SA blend was crosslinked via isocyanate to the hydrophobic CS‐SA film. The derivatives structures were characterized using SEM, FTIR, UV‐Vis, and fluorescence spectrum. The film‐forming ability of CS was maintained, while the hydrophobicity, mechanical strength, and thermal stability of films were improved. These dramatic improvements occurred with the blending effects of CS and SA and the crosslinking effects of organic isocyanate cross linker. The permeabilities to water vapor and water‐soluble substances of film were promoted, which are conducive to the application of the film as food packaging. The demonstration of bacteriostatic and grape preservation properties featured the super performance of the synthetic CS/SA film. Our work provides novel food preservation materials, which can replace the commonly used packaging materials and promote the development of the degradable food packaging plastic bags field.
Flexible epoxy‐dispersed liquid crystal membranes of intrinsic thermal conductivity with high voltage orientation molding
Authors: Li Ying , Gong Changdan , Hou Zhenzhong , Zhou Wenying , Liu Chao , Peng Longgui , Wu Yi , Shi Qin , Cheng Qiwei
Published: August 2022

Flexible epoxy‐dispersed liquid crystal membranes (EDLC‐v membranes) with high thermal conductivity were successfully prepared by using of high voltage orientation molding. Liquid crystal monomer (LCM) was uniformly dispersed into flexible epoxy polymers cured by trimethylolpropane tris(3‐mercaptopropionate) (TTMP) or pentaerythritol tetra(3‐mercaptopropionate) (PETMP). In‐plane thermal conductivity (TC//) of EDLC‐v membranes reached to 1.47 W m−1 K−1 with LCM content of 30 wt%, which was 5.65 times higher than that of epoxy polymers without LCM (0.26 W m−1 K−1). In addition, the tensile strength and elongation at break of EDLC‐v membranes were up to 27.9 MPa and 92.8%, respectively. The main reasons for high TC// and flexibility of EDLC‐v membranes are molecular chains' ordered arrangement, crosslinking in epoxy polymers, hydrogen bond interaction, and high voltage orientation molding. This work provided a new and feasible way to prepare intrinsic high thermal conductive polymer materials, as well as flexible epoxy polymers.
Advanced Computational Design – digitale Methoden für die frühe Entwurfsphase
Authors: Wimmer Michael , Kovacic Iva , Ferschin Peter , Rist Florian , Hensel Michael , Schinegger Kristina , Rutzinger Stefan , Kaufmann Hannes , Kilian Martin , Müller Christian , Izmestiev Ivan , Nawratil Georg , Füssl Josef , Stavric Milena , Hahn David , Suter Georg
Published: August 2022

Im SFB Advanced Computational Design werden Entwurfswerkzeuge und ‐prozesse durch multi‐ und interdisziplinäre Grundlagenforschung entwickelt. Das Ziel ist, durch eine neue Generation von Computational‐Design‐Methoden höhere Entwurfsqualität und effizientere Prozesse in Architektur und Bauwesen zu ermöglichen. Die Forschung wird in drei Bereichen durchgeführt: Entwurfsmethodik (A1), visuelle und haptische Entwurfsinteraktion (A2) und Formfindung (A3). Der Bereich A1 umfasst die konzeptionelle Grundlage für neuartige digitale Entwurfsmethoden basierend auf Lernmethoden. Zudem werden die in den Bereichen A2 und A3 entwickelten Computational‐Design‐Werkzeuge und ‐Methoden in einer Plattform verknüpft. Der Bereich A2 eröffnet Designern neuartige Feedback‐Kanäle in digitalen Werkzeugen durch Lichtsimulation und haptisches Feedback. Im Bereich A3 werden die Randbedingungen im Formfindungsprozess hinsichtlich Geometrie, Material, Mechanik und Statik untersucht. Die Schwerpunkte liegen in der Unterteilung von komplexen Flächen in Paneele, der Analyse von formaktiven Strukturen sowie der Modellierung und experimentellen Analyse von neuartigen Kompositmaterialien. Die Exploration von Entwürfen in Interaktion mit intelligenten Materialmodellen und Algorithmen zur Bewertung der Tragstruktur dient einerseits der Entwicklung eines methodischen Ansatzes für die Entdeckung von neuen Möglichkeiten in der Formfindung und ermöglicht andererseits die experimentelle Validierung.
Demonstrate and evaluate lab activity about antimicrobial sensitivity
Authors: Koumpena Valentina E. , Stasinakis Panagiotis K.
Published: August 2022

Lab activities in primary and secondary education are essential to promote students' scientific skills. In this article, we propose a lab activity where different antimicrobial agents are used to the microorganisms' susceptibility to them. Moreover, we produce a rubric, a scoring tool, to quantify students' replies and evaluate the whole activity. We concluded that using the scoring rubric, we have been able to evaluate students' replies and students' benefit.
CRISPR in butterflies: An undergraduate lab experience to inactivate wing patterning genes during development
Authors: Thulluru Aamani , Saad Luisa , Nagah Abdou Yasmin , Martin Arnaud , Kee Hooi Lynn
Published: August 2022

CRISPR is a technique increasingly used in the laboratory for both fundamental and applied research. We designed and implemented a lab experience for undergraduates to carry out CRISPR technology in the lab, and knockout the wing patterning genes optix and WntA in Vanessa cardui butterflies. Students obtained spectacular phenotypic mutants of butterfly wings color and patterns, awakening curiosity about how genomes encode morphology. In addition, students successfully used molecular techniques to genotype and screen wild‐type caterpillar larvae and butterflies for CRISPR edits in genes. Student feedback suggests that they experienced a meaningful process of scientific inquiry by carrying out the whole CRISPR workflow process, from the design and delivery of CRISPR components through microinjection of butterfly eggs, the rearing of live animals through their complete life cycle, and molecular and phenotypic analyses of the resulting mutants. We discuss our experience using CRISP genome editing experiments in butterflies to expose students to hands‐on research experiences probing gene‐to‐phenotype relationships in a charismatic and live organism.
Exploring the relationship between environmental collaboration and business performance with mediating effect of responsible consumption and production
Authors: Mishra Ruchi , Singh Rajesh Kr , Subramanian Nachiappan
Published: August 2022

This study aims to examine the relationship between inter‐organisational and intraorganisational environmental collaboration practices and business performance. It also investigates the mediating role of responsible consumption and production practices on various environmental collaboration and business performance relationships. Drawing from the relational view and resource‐based view, a model to analyse environmental collaboration, responsible consumption and production practices and business performance relationships is theorised and examined using a sample of 249 from manufacturing firms. Direct and mediating relationships between constructs have been assessed through structural equation modelling technique. Environmental collaboration with suppliers, customers and logistics providers directly influences firms' business performance. However, mediation analysis suggests the direct relationship between environmental collaboration practices with suppliers and business performance weakened in the presence of responsible consumption and production practices, indicating partial mediation between environmental collaboration with suppliers and business performance relationship. Also, direct relationships between environmental collaboration with customers and logistics providers and business performance become nonsignificant in the presence of responsible consumption and production practices, indicating the full mediating effect of responsible consumption and production practices. This study extends supply chain collaboration and sustainable development goal literature by offering valuable insights into environmental collaboration, responsible consumption and production and business performance relationships. The findings can assist practitioners in improving business performance through environmental collaboration and responsible consumption and production practices.
Comparison of the long‐term outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria treated by ablation, resection, or transplantation
Authors: Zhang Ning‐Ning , Zheng Jian , Wu Ying , Lv Jia‐Yu , Zhang Shu‐Wen , Zhang Ya‐Min , Jiang Wen‐Tao , Song Tian‐Qiang , Kim Victoria , Tohme Samer , Liu Tian , Zhang Wei , Gu Jie , Wang Ze‐Yu , Suo Yu‐Hong , Wang Shuai , Li Wang , Zhang Li , Xie Yan , Zhou Yong‐He , Liu Jian‐Yong , Qiu Yi‐Bo , Shen Zhong‐Yang , Hao Ji‐Hui , Geller David , Lu Wei
Published: August 2022

Background

Liver transplantation (LT), resection (LR), and ablation (LA) are three curative‐intent treatment options for patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to develop a prognostic calculator to compare the long‐term outcomes following each of these therapies.

Methods

A total of 976 patients with HCC within the Milan criteria who underwent LT, LR, and LA between 2009 and 2019 from four institutions were evaluated. Multistate competing risks prediction models for recurrence‐free survival (RFS), recurrence within the Milan criteria (RWM), and HCC‐specific survival (HSS) were derived to develop a prognostic calculator.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 51 months, 420 (43%) patients developed recurrence. In the multivariate analysis, larger tumor size, multinodularity, older age, male, higher alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), higher albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) grade, and the presence of portal hypertension were significantly associated with higher recurrence and decreased survival rates. The RFS and HSS were both significantly higher among patients treated by LT than by LR or LA and significantly higher between patients treated by LR than by LA (all p < 0.001). For multinodular HCC ≤3 cm, although LT had better RFS and HSS than LR or LA, LA was noninferior to LR. An online prognostic calculator was then developed based on the preoperative clinical factors that were independently associated with outcomes to evaluate RFS, RWM, and HSS at different time intervals for all three treatment options.

Conclusions

Although LT resulted in the best recurrence and survival outcomes, LR and LA also offered durable long‐term alternatives. This prognostic calculator is a useful tool for clinicians to guide an informed and personalized discussion with patients based on their tumor biology and liver function.
Oxoplatin‐Based Pt(IV) Lipoate Complexes and Their Biological Activity
Authors: Liu Xiao , Barth Marie‐Christin , Cseh Klaudia , Kowol Christian R. , Jakupec Michael A. , Keppler Bernhard K. , Gibson Dan , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: August 2022

α‐Lipoic acid, known for its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activity, represents a promising ligand for Pt(IV) prodrugs. Three new Pt(IV) lipoate complexes were synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 195Pt), mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Due to the low solubility of the complex containing two axial lipoate ligands, further experiments to examine the biological activity were performed with two Pt(IV) complexes containing just one axial lipoate ligand. Both complexes exhibit anticancer activity and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell lines tested. Especially, the monosubstituted complex can be reduced by ascorbic acid and forms adducts with 9‐methylguanine (9MeG), which is favorable for the formation of DNA‐crosslinks in the cells.
Hyponatremia‐induced generalized seizure after taking polyethylene glycol for colon preparation—A case report and brief review of the literature
Authors: Seyrafian Shiva , Sebghatollahi Vahid , Bastani Bahar
Published: August 2022

Severe hyponatremia is life‐threatening in hospitalized patients. We present an elderly female who developed severe hyponatremia, seizure, and loss of consciousness after taking polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution before colonoscopy. The risk of hyponatremia with PEG for colon preparation in elderly susceptible patients is high. We review the relevant literature.
Insights into Tripodal Tris(pyrazolyl) Compounds as Ionophores for Potentiometric Ammonium Ion Sensing
Authors: Colozza Noemi , Casanova Ana , Fernández‐Pérez Bibiana M. , Crespo Gaston A. , Flores Gabriel A. , Kavallieratos Konstantinos , de Gracia Juan , Ahlquist Mårten , Cuartero Maria
Published: August 2022

The decentralisation of accurate determination of the ammonium ion (NH4+) is relevant for environmental monitoring (i. e., nitrogen cycle) and certain clinical applications (e. g., kidney and liver diseases). Potentiometric ionophore‐based sensors are one alternative for these purposes in terms of versatile implementation, though the potassium ion (K+) is known to be a major source of interference. We herein investigate the use of three different tripodal tris(pyrazolyl) compounds derived from 1,3,5‐triethylbenzene as NH4+ ionophores. A complete set of potentiometric experiments together with theoretical simulations reveals suitable analytical performance while demonstrating a suppression of the K+ interference given the formation of an adequate cavity in the ionophore to host NH4+ over K+ in the membrane environment. The results support the use of these electrodes in the analytical detection of NH4+ in a wide range of samples with variable contents.
Theoretical and Experimental Research on the Preparation of Ordered Diamond Nanoarrays by the Al Mask Method
Authors: Sun Shiyang , Che Xuanmo , Zhang Junhao , Tan Xin , Xu Pingping , Ren Yuan , Yang Qiao
Published: August 2022

The metal mask method is widely used for preparing diamond nanowires but has the problem of random structure distribution and inaccurate size control. This paper presents the first‐principle calculations for Al atoms’ adsorption and migration behavior on diamond surfaces. The results show that the adsorption energy of Al atom is 0.2 eV, and the activation energy is 0.01 eV, resulting in the instability of the diamond/Al interface. The metal Al at the interface forms nanospheres at high temperatures. Similarly, its size and distribution depend on the diamond surface topography. Therefore, the anodic aluminum oxide template micro‐etching method is adopted to improve the metal mask preparation method and realize diamond nanoarrays’ size and distribution control.
Long‐term response of wetland plant communities to management intensity, grazing abandonment, and prescribed fire
Authors: Sonnier Grégory , Boughton Elizabeth H. , Whittington Ruth
Published: August 2022

Isolated, seasonal wetlands within agricultural landscapes are important ecosystems. However, they are currently experiencing direct and indirect effects of agricultural management surrounding them. Because wetlands provide important ecosystem services, it is crucial to determine how these factors affect ecological communities. Here, we studied the long‐term effects of land‐use intensification, cattle grazing, prescribed fires, and their interactions on wetland plant diversity, community dynamics, and functional diversity. To do this, we used vegetation and trait data from a 14‐year‐old experiment on 40 seasonal wetlands located within seminatural and intensively managed pastures in Florida. These wetlands were allocated different grazing and prescribed fire treatments (grazed vs. ungrazed, burned vs. unburned). Our results showed that wetlands within intensively managed pastures have lower native plant diversity, floristic quality, evenness, and higher nonnative species diversity and exhibited the most resource‐acquisitive traits. Wetlands embedded in intensively managed pastures were also characterized by lower species turnover over time. We found that 14 years of cattle exclusion reduced species diversity in both pasture management intensities and had no effect on floristic quality. Fenced wetlands exhibited lower functional diversity and experienced a higher rate of community change, both due to an increase in tall, clonal, and palatable grasses. The effects of prescribed fires were often dependent on grazing treatment. For instance, prescribed fires increased functional diversity in fenced wetlands but not in grazed wetlands. Our study suggests that cattle exclusion and prescribed fires are not enough to restore wetlands in intensively managed pastures and further highlights the importance of not converting seminatural pastures to intensively managed pastures. Our study also suggests that grazing levels applied in seminatural pastures maintained high plant diversity and prevented tree and shrub encroachment and that in the absence of grazing, prescribed fire became crucial to maintaining higher species evenness.
Seed germination thermal niche differs among nine populations of an annual plant: A modeling approach
Authors: Maleki Keyvan , Baskin Carol C. , Baskin Jerry M. , Kiani Mohadeseh , Alahdadi Iraj , Soltani Elias
Published: August 2022

Germination timing is an important determinant of survival and niche breadth of plants. The annual plant Nigella sativa occurs in diverse environments along a steep temperature gradient and thus is a suitable model for the study of germination behavior in response to temperature. We used a modeling approach to compare the germination thermal niche of seeds of nine populations of N. sativa produced in a common garden. Germination time courses were obtained by a newly developed process‐based model, and thermal niche was visualized by plotting germination breadth as a function of after‐ripening time. Seeds were sampled five times: immature (2 weeks before maturity), mature, and afterripened for 1, 2, and 5 months. Immature and mature seeds had a greater depth of dormancy than afterripened seeds, as estimated by lower values of high‐limit temperatures (Th). Afterripening increased germination percentage, synchrony, and thermal niche breadth of all nine populations. The highest asynchrony was for immature and mature seeds, and afterripening enhanced synchrony. Based on the new graphical method, N. sativa has Type 1 nondeep physiological dormancy, and thus, the germination niche is narrow at seed maturity, leading to a delayed germination strategy that is highly dependent on thermal time accumulated during afterripening. Our findings show that there is considerable variation in the germination thermal niche among populations. Temperature regimes in the natural habitats of N. sativa have played a significant role in shaping variation in thermal niche breadth for seed germination of this annual species. The models used in our study precisely predict germination behavior and thermal niche under different environmental conditions. The germination synchrony model also can estimate germination pattern and degree of dormancy during the year, suggesting a useful method for quantification of germination strategies.
Occupancy data improves parameter precision in spatial capture–recapture models
Authors: Jiménez José , Díaz‐Ruiz Francisco , Monterroso Pedro , Tobajas Jorge , Ferreras Pablo
Published: August 2022

Population size is one of the basic demographic parameters for species management and conservation. Among different estimation methods, spatially explicit capture–recapture (SCR) models allow the estimation of population density in a framework that has been greatly developed in recent years. The use of automated detection devices, such as camera traps, has impressively extended SCR studies for individually identifiable species. However, its application to unmarked/partially marked species remains challenging, and no specific method has been widely used. We fitted an SCR‐integrated model (SCR‐IM) to stone marten Martes foina data, a species for which only some individuals are individually recognizable by natural marks, and estimate population size based on integration of three submodels: (1) individual capture histories from live capture and transponder tagging; (2) detection/nondetection or “occupancy” data using camera traps in a bigger area to extend the geographic scope of capture–recapture data; and (3) telemetry data from a set of tagged individuals. We estimated a stone marten density of 0.352 (SD: 0.081) individuals/km2. We simulated four dilution scenarios of occupancy data to study the variation in the coefficient of variation in population size estimates. We also used simulations with similar characteristics as the stone marten case study, comparing the accuracy and precision obtained from SCR‐IM and SCR, to understand how submodels' integration affects the posterior distributions of estimated parameters. Based on our simulations, we found that population size estimates using SCR‐IM are more accurate and precise. In our stone marten case study, the SCR‐IM density estimation increased the precision by 37% when compared to the standard SCR model as regards to the coefficient of variation. This model has high potential to be used for species in which individual recognition by natural markings is not possible, therefore limiting the need to rely on invasive sampling procedures.
Evidence of reduced abundance, density, and survival of coyotes under federal management for red wolf recovery
Authors: Hinton Joseph W. , Chamberlain Michael J.
Published: August 2022

To mitigate coyote (Canis latrans) introgression in the wild red wolf (Canis rufus) genome, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Red Wolf Recovery Program used a combination of reproductive sterilization and lethal removal of coyotes to minimize hybridization and increase the endangered red wolf population. Although sterilization assisted in limiting coyote introgression to ≤4% in the wild red wolf genome, its potential negative effect on coyote and hybrid abundance and density is unknown. Using long‐term capture–mark–recapture and radio‐telemetry data collected on red wolves, coyotes, and hybrids under the USFWS Red Wolf Adaptive Management Plan implemented during 2000–2013, we explored three areas of research: (1) spatial modeling to correlate land cover characteristics with the relative probabilities of capture for red wolves, coyotes, and hybrids; (2) survival analysis of radio‐marked canids; and (3) annual population estimates for the three Canis taxa. We detected no differences in the relative probability of capture among Canis taxa. Red wolves, coyotes, and hybrids were most frequently captured in areas proximate to road networks with low canopy cover (i.e., cropland) and away from coastal bottomland forests. Annual apparent survival for red wolves and hybrids was greater than survival for coyotes; however, wolves and hybrids exhibited similar annual survival. Mortality of coyotes and hybrids was predominately attributed to deliberate take through lethal control by the USFWS biologists and harvest by hunters and trappers. We observed annual densities of coyotes ranging between 2.5 and 21.5 coyotes/1000 km2, with densities annually increasing during 2005–2013 when the red wolf population plateaued before declining after 2013. Despite the increase in coyote density, our density estimates are less than most estimates reported throughout the coyote's geographic range, and similar to those reported in areas where coyote populations are limited by extreme environments such as their northern range limits in Alaska, United States, and Canada. Our findings indicate that red wolf presence and federal management of coyotes using fertility control may have limited coyote densities in northeastern North Carolina.
Populism unrestrained: Policy responses of the Orbán regime to the pandemic in 2020–2021
Authors: Ádám Zoltán , Csaba Iván
Published: August 2022

The paper provides a case study on how the Orbán regime in Hungary has dealt with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in 2020–2021. Despite having led worldwide rankings in pandemic‐related death rates since the second part of 2020, the government was not politically shaken by COVID‐19. Institutionally unrestrained, the governing majority periodically renewed emergency legal regimes to control public discourses and curtail the financial resources of opposition‐led local governments. The policy conduct of the regime is discussed in the context of authoritarian populism, which is conceptualized along a strategy‐based approach to populism. In this, authoritarian populism is seen to generate democratic legitimacy for dismantling the institutional foundations of liberal democracy and the rule of law. This had been happening in Hungary well before COVID‐19 kicked in, but the pandemic provided enhanced opportunities for this strategy. Meanwhile, fiscal policies became increasingly expansionary, signalling a partial return to the practice of preelection overspending.
Microstructure analysis of microwave and conventionally fired porcelain
Authors: Santos Tiago A. C. , Costa Vítor A. F. , Costa Luís M. C. M.
Published: August 2022

The evolution of porcelain closed porosity during microwave and electric fast‐firing is investigated and compared with that of conventionally gas‐fired porcelain (taken as reference). Samples were fired in less than 70 min and are considered to be fast‐fired as their processing takes less than one‐half of the conventional heating time (~210 min). The closed porosity relationship with the porcelain functional properties explains some of the observed differences between microwave and electrically fired porcelain. Electrically‐fired samples at 1100°C present a microstructure like that of the biscuit reference, fired at ~1000°C in 460 min, whereas microwave‐fired samples already show some vitrification at this temperature. The samples microwave fired between 1300°C and 1380°C, in 70 min, present a microstructure similar to that of reference samples fired at 1380°C in 210 min. Electric fast‐firing requires ~80°C higher firing temperatures (between 1350°C and 1380°C) than microwave fast‐firing to reach similar features. Both electrically and microwave fast‐fired porcelain show similar microstructure evolutions and densifications (~95% of the real density, equal to 2.57 g.cm−3), the microwave‐fired samples presenting a more developed microstructure state for the same firing temperature.
Fiber‐enriched botanicals: A therapeutic tool against certain metabolic ailments
Authors: Khalid Waseem , Arshad Muhammad Sajid , Jabeen Ayesha , Muhammad Anjum Faqir , Qaisrani Tahira Batool , Suleria Hafiz Ansar Rasul
Published: August 2022

Plant‐based foods are natural sources including vegetables, fruits, cereals and legumes. These foods consist of various types of nutrients in which carbohydrate is the basic component. However, some plant‐based diets contain carbohydrates in the form of fiber. The fiber is usually a nondigestible polysaccharide that is not digested in the human body. It is present in the form of soluble or insoluble in different part of foods like peel, bran, pulp and grain. Pectin, beta‐glucan, mucilage, psyllium, resistant starch and inulin are soluble fiber, and cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are insoluble fiber attained from plant foods. The major function enhances immunity by creating gastrointestinal barrier, mucus production, immune cell activity and IgA level. Previous evidences showed that peoples with strong immunity have fewer chances of viral disease. A recent viral disease named COVID‐19 spread in the world and millions of peoples died due to this viral disease. Coronavirus mostly attacks humans that suffer with weak immune system. It is due chronic diseases like diabetes and CVD (cardiovascular disease). The current review shows that fiber‐containing plant‐based foods boost immunity and aid human against COVID‐19. The therapeutic role of fiber in the human body is to control the risk of hypertension and diabetes because a high‐fiber diet has the ability to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Fibers aid in GIT (gastrointestinal tract) and prevent constipation because it absorbs water and adds bulk to stool.
The principles of person‐centredness in quality patient care–Evaluation of the Community Pharmacy Services Quality Guidelines in Estonia
Authors: Sepp Kristiina , Cavaco Afonso , Volmer Daisy
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Person‐centredness is considered a key component of quality healthcare and the core competence of all healthcare professionals. However, person‐centred care (PCC) is not often considered a priority for improving the quality of healthcare. This study aimed to evaluate to what extent the PCC principles are included in the Community Pharmacy Services Quality Guidelines (CPSQG) in Estonia.

Methods

The deductive content analysis was performed using the PCC framework developed by Santana et al.

Results

Approximately 2/3 (n = 78) of the CPSQG indicators (n = 126) in the practical guide used in Estonian community pharmacies support PCC principles. These results demonstrate that quality service itself includes some PCC components, as it forms an integral part of quality care and is directly related to its development. More than half (61.6%) of the CPSQG indicators were divided into process (covering the interaction of pharmacists and patients), one fourth into structure (mainly represented as environment and operation topics), and one tenth into outcome category (access to care). This result is in line with the situation of pharmacies in Estonia, where the current focus is on developing and implementing quality services (e.g., quality guidelines, e‐tools supporting dispensing, restructuring of counselling area for private consultations) and finding the necessary resources for described activities.

Conclusions

To support a more effective application of PCC principles in the community pharmacy practice, the CPSQG should be supplemented with indicators identifying patients' individual preferences, values, and needs. Additionally, interactions with other healthcare professionals should be encouraged, and they should be engaged in developing the CPSQG.
Desaturases: Structural and mechanistic insights into the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Cerone Michela , Smith Terry K.
Published: August 2022

This review highlights the key role of fatty acid desaturases in the synthesis of naturally occurring, more common and not unsaturated fatty acids. The three major classes of fatty acid desaturases, such as acyl‐lipid, acyl‐acyl carrier protein and acyl‐coenzyme A, are described in detail, with particular attention to the cellular localisation, the structure, the substrate and product specificity and the expression and regulation of desaturase genes. The review also gives an insight into the biocatalytic reaction of fatty acid desaturation by covering the general and more class‐specific mechanistic studies around the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids Finally, we conclude the review by looking at the numerous novel applications for desaturases in order to meet the very high demand for polyunsaturated fatty acids, taking into account the opportunity for the development of new, more efficient, easily reproducible, sustainable bioengineering advances in the field.
Strengthening the research–practice loop in applied animal behavior: Introduction to the special issue
Authors: Alligood Christina , Edwards Timothy , Mahoney Amanda
Published: August 2022

Though operant learning has been applied to socially significant animal behavior for many years, connections between these practical applications and the basic science that supports them have weakened over time. There is a need for replications and extensions of technologies derived from basic research to applied animal settings, and for practical questions to be taken back to the lab where they can be modeled and studied under controlled conditions before incorporating the results in applied behavior‐change research and practice. This special issue highlights ways that behavior analysis can contribute to and support the development of evidence‐based applications with animals. Articles in this issue provide context for the relationship between basic research and practice in animal behavior, apply basic principles to animal behavior practice, and investigate practical problems using basic research techniques. Each of these is important for a robust interchange between basic science and practice. Here we comment on the contributions of each article to the literature and identify directions for future research.
Proactive approach to minimize lithium pollution
Authors: Chow Alex T.
Published: August 2022

With the advancements in lithium‐ion battery technology, lithium has been extensively used in many electronic products. Lithium usage is expected to increase in the coming decades. Elevated levels of lithium in the environments, including source water and biota, have been recently reported. Lithium can cause soil dispersion and aggerate swelling and can be readily taken up by plants and filter‐feeders, potentially causing toxicity to plants, organisms, and human. As learnt from the reactive approach of the Clean Water Act, many emerging pollutants have not been recognized until they have been widespread and reached dangerous levels in the environments. Aftermath cleanup costs are huge, and many of these damages are irreversible. To avoid lithium being the next global contaminant of emerging concern, environmental agencies shall implement proactive regulation and education soon.
Immunohistochemical analysis of intestinal biopsies in individuals with celiac disease
Authors: Alhabbal Adel , Abou Khamis Imad
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

The immunohistochemical application of CD3 (T lymphocytes) and CD20 (B lymphocytes) markers in duodenal biopsy can facilitate the detection of the number and distribution of intraepithelial lymphocytes along the villi, which is regarded as a key factor for accurate diagnosis of celiac disease. This study aims at finding a relationship between CD3 and CD20 immunohistochemical and histopathological alterations of celiac disease, and at investigating whether the application of those immunohistochemical stainings would improve the detection of lymphocytosis within the epithelium and add advantages to celiac disease diagnosis.

Methods

Biopsies were obtained from 100 individuals and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). They were then evaluated according to the Marsh classification. After that, staining for CD3 and CD20 was individually done and assessed.

Results

The overall mean intraepithelial lymphocyte count per 100 enterocytes for H&E was 23.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 19.52–26.68), and for immunohistochemistry by CD3 and CD20 was 27.84 (95% CI = 24.31–31.38). The difference was highly significant, P = 0.001. The expression of CD3 immunohistochemically was as follows: Less‐than‐half staining pattern was reported in 16% cases, and half staining pattern was seen in 26%, while most cases 58% had more than half staining pattern. This discovery was consistent with the histological classification of March III among most cases. The expression of CD20 immunohistochemically was as follows: mild crypt involvement was observed in 16% of cases, while moderate crypt involvement and intense crypt involvement were seen in 43% and 41% of cases, respectively.
Investigation of fragmentation pathways of protonated 2‐methoxypyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Zu Chengli , Wang Nick X. , Brown Christopher J. , Yang Qiang , Gilbert Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2022

Several representative pyrimidine derivatives were selected to undergo electrospray ionization (ESI) followed by collision‐induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (CID MS/MS) experiments. Two competitive pathways were found to govern the formation of major fragment ions from protonated species of these molecules. The pathways were largely affected by the 2‐O‐methyl group but not significantly influenced by the substitution on C‐5 site of the pyrimidine ring. These findings were supported by both deuterium labeling CID MS/MS experiments and theoretical calculations. The deuterium labeled pyrimidine ion molecules were generated in‐source in ESI from the fully deuterated hydrazinyl pyrimidines, which were readily obtained through hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange when dissolved in deuterium oxide (D2O).
A novel design approach for T‐XOR gate in ternary quantum‐dot cellular automata circuits
Authors: Ghadamgahi Seyed Mahdi , Sabbaghi‐Nadooshan Reza , Navi Keivan
Published: August 2022

Reducing the size of transistors to nano‐dimensions has brought new problems and challenges to the semiconductor field‐effect transistor industry. Therefore, quantum cells are considered as an alternative technology to solve these problems. The efforts of the past few years on the earth of nano‐electronics circuits have focused more on minimizing the cost of hardware by processing more than two values per basic action. In this paper, for the first time, the ternary XOR circuit has been designed and simulated in ternary quantum cells (TQCA) technologies. The proposed ternary XOR‐based on TQCA with 369 cells, area‐delay cost (m2 − scc) is 136.76, power equal to 1704.7 × 10−20 J equivalent to 106.4 eV, area 0.074128 μm2, and a delay of 1.25 clock was designed and simulated for validation with TQCAsim software. In addition, the ternary decoder circuit was simulated with 14 cells, cost (m2 − scc) is 0.0339, area 0.0021 μm2, and delay of one clock cycle. The comparison indicates that TQCA technology has unique behaviors and advantages in various criteria such as low power consumption, delay reduction, reduction of occupied space, and a significant increase in working frequency.