bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus increases the risk of hepatic fibrosis in individuals with obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Barb Diana , Repetto Enrico M. , Stokes Michael E. , Shankar Sudha S. , Cusi Kenneth
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study assessed the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with advanced fibrosis prevalence in adults with overweight or obesity in the United States.

Methods

Participants (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] 2015‐2016 database) included 834 middle‐aged patients with DM (21.7%) and 3,007 without DM (78.3%). NAFLD was defined by Fatty Liver Index (FLI) ≥ 60 or United States FLI (USFLI) ≥ 30. Moderate‐to‐high and high risk of advanced fibrosis was defined by fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) ≥ 1.67 and ≥ 2.67, respectively, and NAFLD fibrosis scores > 0.676 also indicated a high risk.

Results

NAFLD prevalence increased with BMI. Steatosis was higher in individuals with overweight with DM versus without DM (USFLI ≥ 30: 48.3% vs. 17.4%; p < 0.01) and in individuals with obesity with DM versus without DM (USFLI ≥ 30: 79.9% vs. 57.6%; p < 0.01). DM significantly increased the proportion of individuals at moderate‐to‐high risk of fibrosis (FIB‐4 ≥ 1.67: 31.8% vs. 20.1%; p < 0.05). In the high risk of advanced fibrosis group (FIB‐4 ≥ 2.67), the risk almost doubled (3.8% vs. 7.1%). Among individuals with obesity, DM increased the proportion of adults with moderate and high risk of fibrosis by 1.8‐ and 2.5‐fold, respectively (p < 0.01 and p = 0.39, respectively, vs. without DM).

Conclusions

In this US cohort, DM modestly impacted steatosis, which was primarily obesity‐driven. DM added a significant risk of fibrosis to individuals with overweight or obesity, suggesting that screening is imperative in adults with DM.
Effect of ideal protein versus low‐fat diet for weight loss: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fernandez Camilo A. , Potts Kaitlin , Bazzano Lydia A.
Published: September 2021

Background

Current guidelines call for peer‐reviewed evidence of efficacy and safety for commercial weight loss programs to be recommended as options for those seeking to lose weight.

Objectives

This study investigated the Ideal Protein (IP) system, a commercial weight loss program, compared to a guideline‐based, low‐calorie/low‐fat (LCLF) dietary behavioral intervention on body weight and CVD risk factors in adults with obesity.

Methods

In this randomized, assessor‐blinded, parallel‐group trial, 192 participants with body mass index (BMI) ≥30 and ≤49 kg/m2 were assigned to either the IP Phase I diet or LFLC diet interventions. The IP Phase I is focused on lean protein and vegetables with avoidance of fruit and dairy, while the LFLC diet goals include <30% of daily energy from fat, <7% from saturated fat, 55% from carbohydrate, and an energy deficit of 500 kcal/day. The primary endpoint was change in body weight at 3 months. Secondary endpoints included change in waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose (FG), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

Results

The mean ± SD of change in weight at 3 months was −9.6 ± 12.7 kg in the IP group as compared to −1.6 ± 27.2 kg in the LFLC group. The mean between‐group difference in change at 3 months was −8.1 kg (95% confidence interval [CI] −16.6 to 0.6; p = 0.05). Additional significant between‐group differences included WC, HC, TC, and TG levels, all favoring the IP group. There were no serious adverse events during the intervention period.

Conclusions

The present findings demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the IP weight loss program as compared to a guideline‐based LCLF dietary behavioral intervention among black and white adults with obesity and CVD risk factors, providing support for the effectiveness of the program.
Identification of two Eleusine indica (goosegrass) biotypes of cool‐season turfgrass resistant to dithiopyr
Authors: Elmore Matthew T , Diehl Katherine H , Di Rong , Chen Jinyi , Patterson Eric L , Brosnan James T , Trigiano Robert N , Tuck Daniel P , Boggess Sarah L , McDonald Steven
Published: September 2021

Background

Turfgrass managers reported poor Eleusine indica control following applications of the mitosis‐inhibiting herbicide dithiopyr in cool‐season turfgrass. Field, glasshouse, and laboratory experiments were conducted to understand the response of these biotypes to dithiopyr and prodiamine.

Results

In field experiments at two locations with putative dithiopyr‐resistant E. indica, preemergence applications of dithiopyr provided no E. indica control. Single applications of the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)‐inhibitor, oxadiazon, provided > 85% control at these locations. When subjected to agar‐based bioassays, root growth of putative resistant biotypes planted with 0.01 mmol L−1 dithiopyr was slightly reduced (< 25%) whereas roots were completely inhibited in the susceptible biotype. Glasshouse whole plant rate‐response experiments found that the cytochrome P450 inhibitor, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), did not increase the sensitivity of these putative resistant biotypes to dithiopyr. Sequencing of α‐tubulin 1 (TUA1) revealed a Leu‐136‐Phe substitution in both dithiopyr‐resistant populations.

Conclusion

Eleusine indica biotypes with resistance to dithiopyr are present in cool‐season turfgrass systems in the United States. Resistance is possibly related to a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of an α‐tubulin gene. If turfgrass managers suspect resistance to dithiopyr, oxadiazon can still be an effective alternative for preemergence control. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Efficient computation of matrix–vector products with full observation weighting matrices in data assimilation
Authors: Hu Guannan , Dance Sarah L.
Published: September 2021

Recent studies have demonstrated improved skill in numerical weather prediction via the use of spatially correlated observation error covariance information in data assimilation systems. In this case, the observation weighting matrices (inverse error covariance matrices) used in the assimilation may be full matrices rather than diagonal. Thus, the computation of matrix–vector products in the variational minimization problem may be very time‐consuming, particularly if the parallel computation of the matrix–vector product requires a high degree of communication between processing elements. Hence, we introduce a well‐known numerical approximation method, called the fast multipole method (FMM), to speed up the matrix–vector multiplications in data assimilation. We explore a particular type of FMM that uses a singular value decomposition (SVD‐FMM) and adjust it to suit our new application in data assimilation. By approximating a large part of the computation of the matrix–vector product, the SVD‐FMM technique greatly reduces the computational complexity compared with the standard approach. We develop a novel possible parallelization scheme of the SVD‐FMM for our application, which can reduce the communication costs. We investigate the accuracy of the SVD‐FMM technique in several numerical experiments: we first assess the accuracy using covariance matrices that are created using different correlation functions and lengthscales, then investigate the impact of reconditioning the covariance matrices on the accuracy, and finally examine the feasibility of the technique in the presence of missing observations. We also provide theoretical explanations for some numerical results. Our results show that the SVD‐FMM technique can compute the matrix–vector product with good accuracy in a wide variety of circumstances and, hence, has potential as an efficient technique for assimilation of a large volume of observational data within a short time interval.
Study on explosion risk assessment of low‐concentration gas safe combustion system based on FAHP‐fuzzy fault tree
Authors: Zheng Xiaoliang , Chen Hualiang , Xue Sheng , Zheng Chunshan , Qi Feilong
Published: September 2021

Explosion is the most dangerous accident during direct combustion of low‐concentration gas. Few investigations have focused on explosion risk assessment of low‐concentration gas safe combustion system. This study aims to analyze explosion risk of above system. Due to insufficient accident data for calculating the failure probability of explosion, expert evaluation method and fuzzy algorithm were adopted to obtain the failure probability of basic events (BEs) and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy (FAHP) Process method used to improve the calculation of expert weights. Then qualitative and quantitative analysis was carried out using fault tree analysis. Results show that the failure probability of system explosion is 0.085%. Events with high‐risk probability are mainly on equipment management and personnel behavior norms. Safe combustion system has excellent performance on tempering prevention, explosion resistance and explosion relief. The outcomes of this study are expected to help the safety professionals while formulating safety management measures for low‐concentration gas safety combustion system.
From tensions to synergy: Causation and effectuation in the process of venture creation
Authors: Galkina Tamara , Atkova Irina , Yang Man
Published: September 2021

Research Summary

This article examines previously neglected tensions between causation and effectuation in the process of new venture creation. We studied 41 episodes of new venture creation by entrepreneurs in Finland and Denmark, who we followed applying the diary method. We reveal tense relations between the respective causation and effectuation principles at multiple levels, and identify the corresponding mechanisms for their resolution, which, in turn, lead to the synergy. This study enriches the effectuation research by offering a dynamic perspective on causation‐effectuation interplay and categorizing three modes of their interaction, that is, separation, hybrid synergy, and tensions.

Managerial Summary

Venture creation is a complex process that involves different decision‐making logics. While combining the goal‐driven logic of causation and non‐goal driven logic of effectuation is essential for the success of a start‐up, the road to their synergy can be paved with different tensions. Our study of 41 episodes of new venture creation by entrepreneurs in Finland and Denmark shows that these tensions can occur at the individual, organizational and inter‐organizational levels. We also show four different mechanisms of how entrepreneurs can overcome these tensions within their ventures and in relations with other stakeholders.
An Environmentally Benign Solid Acid Nanocatalyst for the Green Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Ester
Authors: Ahmad Irshad , Shagufta  , Dhar Rahul , Hisaindee Soleiman , Hasan Kamrul
Published: September 2021

Green and sustainable chemistry have gained substantial attention worldwide, and the efforts have been greatly appreciated for the substitution of Brønsted acid catalysts from homogeneous to heterogeneous phases. In this perspective, a sulfonic acid‐functionalized silica nanospheres (SAFSNS) catalyst was prepared by organosilylation‐sulfonation on the surface of well‐ordered silica nanospheres as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst. The physicochemical properties of nanocatalyst were well characterized by powder XRD, IR, TGA, DSC, NH3‐TPD, N2 sorption, EDAX, and SEM techniques. The attainment of the anchoring of SO3H functionalization involving the Brønsted acidities was found up to 0.35 mmol H+/g. The synthesized SAFSNS nanocatalyst ascertain the replacement of the highly toxic liquid phase acids to a stable, solid acid catalyst for the green esterification of carboxylic acids under solvent‐free reaction conditions, showed reasonable to excellent esters yield (63–94 %) in 3.5 hours at 100 °C with five times reusability without substantial diminution in catalytic proficiency.
Progress of the Elements Doped NaFeO2Cathode Materials for High Performance Sodium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Yiyao , Li Laishi , Wu Yusheng , Fang Yingjiao , Xie Hongwei
Published: September 2021

Layered metal oxide NaFeO2has been recognized is a promising cathode material for high‐energy sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to its low cost and high capacity. However, its poor structural stability during the Na+insertion/extraction results in capacity degradation and a short cycle life. Elemental doping is a very promising method to improve its performance. Here, layered iron‐based oxides (NaFeO2or NaFeMeO2[Me=manganese, nickel, and so on]) were doped with different elements (manganese, nickel, copper, fluorine, etc.) and their performance as cathode materials of SIBs are reviewed and analyzed. We found that synergistic doping with multiple cations can improve sodium storage performance. Moreover, anionic doping is also worth exploring to improve the crystal structure and the sodium storage of these materials.
Unexpected Intramolecular Phosphite‐Mediated Amide Coupling To Yield 3,5‐Dioxo‐1‐Piperazines
Authors: Heim Philipp , Twamley Brendan , O'Brien John , McDonald Aidan R.
Published: September 2021

The synthesis of tripodal carboxamide ligands using one‐pot phosphite coupling reactions with nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and 4‐substituted anilines is well established. Generation of such tripodal ligands using ortho‐substituted anilines (2,6−RArNH2, R=F, Me, iPr) has proven to be challenging. The reaction between NTA and 2,6−RArNH2 using triphenylphosphite as a coupling reagent did not yield the desired tripodal carboxamide. Rather, the formation of 3,5‐dioxo‐1‐piperazine intramolecular coupling products N‐(2,6‐difluorophenyl)‐3,5‐dioxo‐1‐piperazine‐N‐(2,6‐difluorophenyl)acetamide (1), N‐(2,6‐dimethyphenyl)‐3,5‐dioxo‐1‐piperazine‐N‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)acetamide (2) and N‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3,5‐dioxo‐1‐piperazine‐N‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)acetamide (3) was observed. All three compounds have been extensively characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier‐transform infra‐red and mass spectrometry. X‐ray diffraction analysis yielded solid state structures of 2 and 3. Substituents at the ortho position of aniline thus favours intramolecular cyclization over the formation of tripodal carboxamide ligands, preventing preparation of the desired bulky ligand.
Recent Developments on Catalyst‐Free, Visible‐Light‐Triggered Synthesis of Heterocyclic Scaffolds and Their Mechanistic Study
Authors: Goswami Munmee , Dutta Arup , Paul Pooja , Nongkhlaw Rishanlang
Published: September 2021

In recent years, visible‐light promoted reactions have become a powerful tool for organic synthesis by activating small molecules. This review presents an overview of the catalyst‐free synthesis of heterocyclic compounds with one or more than one heteroatoms under visible‐light irradiation in various solvents or solvent‐free conditions reported from 2013 on.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed Substitution of Allenoates with Oxindoles: An Approach to 3‐Allenic or 3‐Dienoic Oxindoles
Authors: Yang Ze‐ren , Gui Hou‐ze , Shi Min
Published: September 2021

A new method for substitution of allenoate using oxindoles as nucleophilic reagents has been disclosed in this paper upon phosphine catalysis under mild conditions to afford 3‐allenic or 3‐dienoic oxindoles in moderate to good yields depending on the substituent at the aromatic ring of oxindole. According to the previous works, the plausible reaction mechanisms have been proposed.
Institutional protection of minority employees and entrepreneurship: Evidence from the LGBT Employment Non‐Discrimination Acts
Authors: Conti Raffaele , Kacperczyk Olenka , Valentini Giovanni
Published: September 2021

Research Abstract

A diverse workforce has long been associated with multiple firm benefits, but this is sometimes difficult to achieve due to employer discrimination. Although multiple institutional arrangements have been put in place to ban discriminatory behavior, the effects of such regulations remain relatively unexplored, often neglecting start‐ups. We propose that institutional changes aiming to outlaw employment discrimination will trigger two main effects: they will (a) depress start‐up founding rates through enhancement of wage‐work appeal, and (b) increase the average start‐up quality due to a higher threshold for leaving wage‐work. We test our predictions by exploiting the staggered enactment of Employment Non‐Discrimination Acts in the U.S. Consistent with our theory, we find that this institutional protection reduced the quantity of entrepreneurship but increased its quality.

Managerial Summary

Do laws that protect traditionally oppressed groups from discrimination in the workplace affect the propensity of workers to leave their company and start an entrepreneurial venture? Our study shows that legislative changes that ban the discrimination against members of the LGBT community in the labor market have a two‐fold effect on entrepreneurship. First, they reduce the workers' propensity to start a new venture (thus reducing the loss of human capital) because of an increased relative appeal of the workplace. Second, they increase the overall quality of the startups founded in the region, increasing the overall welfare. Additionally, we find that these effects are more likely to be present when litigation against employment discrimination is more frequent and when the protected minorities are more prevalent.
Delivery of Cationic Platinum Prodrugs via Reduction Sensitive Polymer for Improved Chemotherapy
Authors: Chen Hao , Wang Yushu , Liu Yulin , Tang Lin , Mu Qingchun , Yin Xiangye , Zheng Liuchun , Chen Youbai , Liu Chaoyong
Published: September 2021

A cationic monofunctional platinum anticancer drug, phenanthriplatin (PhenPt(II)), exhibits promising anticancer effect on various cancer cell lines. Unlike the conventional platinum(II) drugs, PhenPt(II) is more likely to bind the N7 adenosine base of DNA in situ, and consequently resulting in a unique cellular response profile and unusual potency. However, since this drug is positively charged, it can easily bind to plasma protein that leads to rapid systematic clearance and deleterious toxicities, which greatly limits its in vivo application. Herein, a lipophilic phenanthriplatin (PhenPt(IV)) prodrug is synthesized. To further reduce its toxicity, a negatively charged polymer P1 with reduction responsiveness is assembled with PhenPt(IV) to form PhenPt(IV) NPs. In comparison to cisplatin, PhenPt(IV) NPs exhibit up to 30 times greater in vitro potency against various cancer cell lines. Additionally, in vivo, no obvious side effect is found on PhenPt(IV) NPs. Significant enhancement in tumor accumulation and improvement of drug efficacy in 4T1 tumor model are demonstrated. Taken together, this study provides a promising strategy for the clinical translation of phenanthriplatin.
Rational Design of Yolk–Shell ZnCoSe@N‐Doped Dual Carbon Architectures as Long‐Life and High‐Rate Anodes for Half/Full Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Feng Jian , Luo Shao‐hua , Yan Sheng‐xue , Zhan Yang , Wang Qing , Zhang Ya‐hui , Liu Xin , Chang Long‐jiao
Published: September 2021

Transition‐metal selenides (TMSs) have emerged as prospective anode materials for sodium ion batteries (SIBs), owing to their considerable theoretical capacity and intrinsic high electronic conductivity. Whereas, TMSs still suffer from poor rate capability and inferior cycling stability induced by sluggish kinetics and severe volume changes during de/sodiation processes. Herein, a hierarchical composite consisting of a zinc‐cobalt bimetallic selenide yolk and nitrogen‐doped double carbon shell (denoted as ZnCoSe@NDC) is engineered and fabricated successfully. The architecture of the as‐fabricated material improves the Na‐ion storage performance via increasing the electron transfer kinetics, accommodating volume expansion, and mitigating the generation of by‐products. As expected, the ZnCoSe@NDC electrode delivers superior sodium storage performance with long cycling stability (344.5 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1 over 2000 long‐term cycles) and high‐rate performance (319.2 mAh g−1 at 10.0 A g−1). Meanwhile, the NVP@C//ZnCoSe@NDC full SIB cells are constructed successfully, retaining 96.3% of its initial capacity at 0.5A g−1 after 200 loops. The outstanding electrochemical performance and the construction of hybrid SIBs will have far‐reaching influences on the development of the various rechargeable batteries.
Activatable Biomineralized Nanoplatform Remodels the Intracellular Environment of Multidrug‐Resistant Tumors for Enhanced Ferroptosis/Apoptosis Therapy
Authors: Wang Xuan , Zhao Yuanyuan , Hu Yan , Fei Yang , Zhao Youbo , Xue Chencheng , Cai Kaiyong , Li Menghuan , Luo Zhong
Published: September 2021

Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated cell death with significant therapeutic prospect, but its application against drug‐resistant tumor cells is challenging due to their ability to effuse antitumor agents via p‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and anti‐lipid peroxidation alkaline intracellular environment. Herein, an amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)‐based nanoplatform is reported for the targeted combinational ferroptosis/apoptosis therapy of drug resistant tumor cells by blocking the MCT4‐mediated efflux of lactic acid (LA). The nanoplatform is fabricated through the biomineralization of doxorubicin‐Fe2+ (DOX‐Fe2+) complex and MCT4‐inhibiting siRNAs (siMCT4) and can release them to the tumor cytoplasm after the hydrolysis of ACP and dissociation of DOX‐Fe2+ in the acidic lysosomes. siMCT4 can inhibit MCT4 expression and force the glycolysis‐generated lactic acid (LA) to remain in cytoplasm for rapid acidification. The nanoplatform‐induced remodeling of the tumor intracellular environment can not only interrupt the ATP supply required for P‐gp‐dependent DOX effusion to enhance H2O2 production, but also increase the overall catalytic efficiency of Fe2+ for the initiation and propagation of lipid peroxidation. These features could act in concert to enhance the efficacy of the combinational ferroptosis/chemotherapy and prolong the survival of tumor‐bearing mice. This study may provide new avenues for the treatment of multidrug‐resistant tumors.
Air Bubble Bridge‐Based Bioinspired Underwater Adhesion
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Liwen , Guo Yurun , Gan Yang , Liu Guang , Zhang Deyuan , Chen Huawei
Published: September 2021

Wet adhesion is greatly demanded in fields of wearable devices, wound dressings, and smart robotics. However, reusable, noninvasive and convenient adhesive pads in the liquid environment have remained a challenge. Here, a novel concept of underwater adhesion inspired by the diving beetle, which utilizes the air bubbles as an adhesive to realize nondestructive and repeatable adhesion working across a wide range of scales is shown. The mechanism of underwater bubble adhesion is revealed by the capillarity of air‐bubble bridge, of which the property depends on the dynamic bubble contact angles and the gap distance. The design principle of the air bubble‐based underwater adhesion is proposed and validated to tune the interfacial acting force by theoretical and experimental results. Finally, a strong, reusable surface adhesive based on air bubble bridges is demonstrated from macro‐ to microscales in applications of particle manipulation and particle self‐assembly. This unique view of underwater bubble adhesion provides new ideas for broader applications.
In Vivo Near‐Infrared Imaging Using Ternary Selenide Semiconductor Nanoparticles with an Uncommon Crystal Structure
Authors: Yao Jingke , Lifante José , Rodríguez‐Sevilla Paloma , de la Fuente‐Fernández María , Sanz‐Rodríguez Francisco , Ortgies Dirk H. , Calderon Oscar Gomez , Melle Sonia , Ximendes Erving , Jaque Daniel , Marin Riccardo
Published: September 2021

The implementation of in vivo fluorescence imaging as a reliable diagnostic imaging modality at the clinical level is still far from reality. Plenty of work remains ahead to provide medical practitioners with solid proof of the potential advantages of this imaging technique. To do so, one of the key objectives is to better the optical performance of dedicated contrast agents, thus improving the resolution and penetration depth achievable. This direction is followed here and the use of a novel AgInSe2 nanoparticle‐based contrast agent (nanocapsule) is reported for fluorescence imaging. The use of an Ag2Se seeds‐mediated synthesis method allows stabilizing an uncommon orthorhombic crystal structure, which endows the material with emission in the second biological window (1000–1400 nm), where deeper penetration in tissues is achieved. The nanocapsules, obtained via phospholipid‐assisted encapsulation of the AgInSe2 nanoparticles, comply with the mandatory requisites for an imaging contrast agent—colloidal stability and negligible toxicity—and show superior brightness compared with widely used Ag2S nanoparticles. Imaging experiments point to the great potential of the novel AgInSe2‐based nanocapsules for high‐resolution, whole‐body in vivo imaging. Their extended permanence time within blood vessels make them especially suitable for prolonged imaging of the cardiovascular system.
Levelized Cost of Hydrogen Calculation from Off‐Grid Photovoltaic Plants Using Different Methods
Authors: Lehmann Jonathan , Wabbes Andreas , Miguelañez Gonzalez Enrique , Scheerlinck Stijn
Published: September 2021

In 2018, the production of hydrogen from fossil fuel feedstocks for industrial use emitted around 830 million tons of carbon dioxide. The development of green hydrogen production from renewable energy is a promising solution to decrease the carbon footprint caused by hydrogen production. Herein, the impact of the variability of the power output simulated from a single‐point irradiance measurement on levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) calculations is studied. The analysis is carried out using 7 month of 1 min power and plane‐of‐array irradiance historical data from a 36 MWp photovoltaic (PV) plant located in Brazil. LCOHs calculated using historical power production will be compared with LCOHs calculated using power production simulated by two different methods. The difference between the two methods lies in the extent to which the variability of the power output of the PV plant is considered. The focus is set on off‐grid electrolyzers directly powered by PV solar plants.
Enantiomeric Isopulegol as the Chiral Pool in the Total Synthesis of Bioactive Agents
Authors: Minh Le Tam , Szakonyi Zsolt
Published: September 2021

Isopulegol, a pool of abundant chiral terpene, has long served as the starting material for the total synthesis of isopulegol‐based drugs. As an inexpensive and versatile starting material, this compound continues to serve modern synthetic chemistry. This review highlights the total syntheses of terpenoids in the period from 1980 to 2020 in which with isopulegol applied as a building block.
School subjects' synergy and teacher knowledge: Do biology and chemistry teachers benefit equally from their second subject?
Authors: Welter Virginia Deborah Elaine , Herzog Stefanie , Harms Ute , Steffensky Mirjam , Großschedl Jörg
Published: September 2021

German preservice teachers always study two teaching subjects instead of only one. This offers an almost paradigmatic approach for the investigation of effects of specific subject combinations on professional competence. So far, few studies focused on potential beneficial effects or risks on preservice teachers' motivational orientations, beliefs, and professional knowledge. In our exploratory study, we chose a cross‐sectional quasi‐experimental design to compare preservice teachers studying a combination of biology and chemistry to those who study only one of these two subjects and any other, as it is expected that the differences between less similar subjects (such as chemistry and art) are greater than those between two science subjects. A total ofN = 570 preservice teachers with a minimum of one of their subjects being biology or chemistry were recruited in 12 universities in Germany. Nonparametric analyses using Westenberg–Mood's median test show that preservice teachers studying both biology and chemistry score significantly different on some central aspects of professional competence compared to those who study only one of the two subjects and any other. However, advantages regarding motivational orientations and professional knowledge can only be found for the domain of biology, whereas in the domain of chemistry it does not seem to matter which second subject is studied beside chemistry. Furthermore, students taking both sciences show a significantly lower educational motivation and corresponding self‐concept, suggesting that dual science students' teaching and learning beliefs are less education‐focused than those of students combining one science with a social or language subject. Our findings regarding synergy effects of the dual study of different natural sciences on aspects of professional knowledge can be relevant beyond the specific German context, that is, they can help to supplement or restructure a university curriculum.
An equivocation in the simple argument for downward causation
Authors: Rellihan Matthew ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: September 2021

I argue that Kroedel's 'Simple Argument' for downward causation fails and that this failure has consequences for any attempt to establish the reality of downward causation by appealing to counterfactual theories thereof. A central premise in Kroedel's argument equivocates. On one reading, it is true but renders the argument invalid; on another, it renders the argument valid but is likely false. I dedicate most of my efforts to establishing the second of these two claims. I show that the purported physical effects of mental properties do not counterfactually depend upon the total realizers of these properties. If counterfactual dependence is necessary for causation, it follows that mental properties are not causes. If counterfactual dependence is merely sufficient for causation, it follows that no appeal to counterfactuals will by itself succeed in showing that mental properties are causes.
Combined lead and zincoxide‐nanoparticlesinduced thyroid toxicity through8‐OHdGoxidative stress‐mediated inflammation, apoptosis, and Nrf2 activation in rats
Authors: Khayal Eman El‐Sayed , Ibrahim Hanaa M. , Shalaby Amany Mohamed , Alabiad Mohamed Ali , El‐Sheikh Arwa A.
Published: September 2021

A human is exposed to a chemical mixture rather than a single chemical, particularly with the wide spread of nanomaterials. Therefore, the present study evaluated the combined exposure of lead acetate (Pb) and zinc oxide‐nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) compared to each metal alone on the thyroid gland of adult rats. A total of 30 adult male albino rats were divided into four groups, group I (control), group II received Pb (10 mg/kg), group III received ZnO‐NPs (85 mg/kg) and group IV co‐administrated the two metals in the same previous doses. The materials were gavaged for 8 weeks. The toxicity was assessed through several biochemical parameters. Our results revealed significant body weight reduction relative to increased thyroid weights, decreased both of serum‐free triiodothyronine (FT3), tetra‐iodothyronine (FT4), increased thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), increased serum and thyroid levels of Pb and zinc, significant elevation in tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), reduction in interleukin 4 (IL4), upregulation of Bax, and downregulation of Bcl‐2 genes. Additionally, there was significant overexpression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2(Nrf2), 8‐Hydroxydeoxyguanosine(8‐OHdG), the elevation of tissues malondialdehyde (MDA), reduction of tissues total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and disruptive thyroid structural alterations in all metals groups with marked changes in the combined metals group. In conclusion, the combined exposure of Pb and ZnO‐NPs induced pronounced toxic thyroid injury, pointing to additive effects in rats than the individual metal effects through different significant changes of disruptive thyroid structural alterations related to the loading of thyroid tissues with Pb and zinc metals producing oxidative stress that mediated inflammation and apoptosis.
Exploring farmers’ understanding of and responses to endemic animal health and welfare issues in the UK
Authors: Mahon Niamh , Clark Beth , Proctor Amy , Holloway Lewis
Published: September 2021

Background

This paper uses two endemic health conditions to explore farmer understandings of and responses to livestock health and welfare issues.

Methods

The findings are based on a survey of 42 livestock farmers in the north of England, exploring how they manage lameness in sheep and cattle and bovine viral diarrhoea in cattle. We identify similarities and differences in their approaches.

Results

Two themes emerge. (1) The importance of difference between animal types (i.e., beef cattle, dairy cattle and sheep), which highlights the ‘complex’ and ‘multifactorial’ nature of animal health and welfare. It is necessary to unpack this to understand the interplay of animal, resource and management issues in farmer responses. (2) Previous research has identified ‘lack of knowledge’ as a key welfare issue. Our findings reveal farmers are in fact seeking, acquiring and sharing knowledge on practices related to the management of animal health however individual circumstance and context influence how this translates in practice.

Conclusion

Our research highlights the importance of integrating different perspectives and knowledges as a way of understanding and responding to animal health and welfare concerns. Facilitating knowledge exchange both within and between different groups and sectors is vital in achieving this.
Fe-doped effects on phase transition and electronic structure of CeO2 under compressed conditions from ab initio calculations
Authors: Sathupun Karnchana , Kotmool Komsilp , Tsuppayakorn-aek Prutthipong , Pluengphon Prayoonsak , Majumdar Arnab , Bovornratanaraks Thiti
Published: September 2021

Ab initio study of high-pressure phase transition and electronic structure of Fe-doped CeO2 with Fe concentrations of 3.125, 6.25, and 12.5 at% has been reported. At a constant-pressure consideration, the lattice constants and the volume of the supercell were decreased with an increasing concentration of Fe. The average bond length of Fe–O is lower than that of Ce–O. As a result, Fe doping induces the reduced volume of the cell, which is in good agreement with previous experiments. At high pressure (~ 30 GPa), it was found that the transition pressure from the fluorite to the cotunnite orthorhombic phase decreases at a higher concentration of Fe, indicating that the formation energy of the compound is induced by Fe-doping. Furthermore, compression leads to interesting electronic properties too. Under higher pressures, the bandgap increases in the cubic structure under compression and then suddenly plummets after the transition to the orthorhombic phase. The 3d states of Fe mainly induced the impurity states in the bandgap. In both the undoped and Fe-doped systems, the bandgap increased in the cubic phase at high pressure, while the gap and p-d hybridization decrease in the orthorhombic phase.
Predicting motor behavior: an efficient EEG signal processing pipeline to detect brain states with potential therapeutic relevance for VR-based neurorehabilitation
Authors: McDermott Eric J. , Metsomaa Johanna , Belardinelli Paolo , Grosse-Wentrup Moritz , Ziemann Ulf , Zrenner Christoph
Published: September 2021

Virtual reality (VR)-based motor therapy is an emerging approach in neurorehabilitation. The combination of VR with electroencephalography (EEG) presents further opportunities to improve therapeutic efficacy by personalizing the paradigm. Specifically, the idea is to synchronize the choice and timing of stimuli in the perceived virtual world with fluctuating brain states relevant to motor behavior. Here, we present an open source EEG single-trial based classification pipeline that is designed to identify ongoing brain states predictive of the planning and execution of movements. 9 healthy volunteers each performed 1080 trials of a repetitive reaching task with an implicit two-alternative forced choice, i.e., use of the right or left hand, in response to the appearance of a visual target. The performance of the EEG decoding pipeline was assessed with respect to classification accuracy of right vs. left arm use, based on the EEG signal at the time of the stimulus. Different features, feature extraction methods, and classifiers were compared at different time windows; the number and location of informative EEG channels and the number of calibration trials needed were also quantified, as well as any benefits from individual-level optimization of pipeline parameters. This resulted in a set of recommended parameters that achieved an average 83.3% correct prediction on never-before-seen testing data, and a state-of-the-art 77.1% in a real-time simulation. Neurophysiological plausibility of the resulting classifiers was assessed by time–frequency and event-related potential analyses, as well as by Independent Component Analysis topographies and cortical source localization. We expect that this pipeline will facilitate the identification of relevant brain states as prospective therapeutic targets in closed-loop EEG-VR motor neurorehabilitation.
Recovery of right ventricular function and strain in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and concurrent chronic total occlusion
Authors: van Veelen Anna , Elias Joëlle , van Dongen Ivo M. , Hoebers Loes P. C. , Claessen Bimmer E. P. M. , Ramunddal Truls , Laanmets Peep , Eriksen Erlend , van der Schaaf René J. , Nijveldt Robin , Henriques Jose P. S. , Hirsch Alexander
Published: September 2021

The right ventricle (RV) is frequently involved in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) when the culprit or concurrent chronic total occlusion (CTO) is located in the right coronary artery (RCA). We investigated RV function recovery in STEMI-patients with concurrent CTO. In EXPLORE, STEMI-patients with concurrent CTO were randomized to CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or no CTO-PCI. We analyzed 174 EXPLORE patients with serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging RV data (baseline and 4-month follow-up), divided into three groups: CTO-RCA (CTO in RCA, culprit in non-RCA; n = 89), IRA-RCA (infarct related artery [IRA] in RCA, CTO in non-RCA; n = 56), and no-RCA (culprit and CTO not in RCA; n = 29). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV ejection fraction (RVEF), RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS) were measured. We found that RV strain and TAPSE improved in IRA-RCA and CTO-RCA (irrespective of CTO-PCI) at follow-up, but not in no-RCA. Only RV FWLS was different among groups at baseline, which was lower in IRA-RCA than no-RCA (− 26.0 ± 8.3% versus − 31.0 ± 6.4%, p = 0.006). Baseline RVEF, RV end-diastolic volume and TAPSE were associated with RVEF at 4 months. RV function parameters were not predictive of 4 year mortality, although RV GLS showed additional predictive value for New York Heart Association Classification > 1 at 4 months. In conclusion, RV parameters significantly improved in patients with acute or chronic RCA occlusion, but not in no-RCA patients. RV FWLS was the only RV parameter able to discriminate between acute ischemic and non-ischemic myocardium. Moreover, RV GLS was independently predictive for functional status.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Parents Following Their Child’s Single-Event Trauma: A Meta-Analysis of Prevalence Rates and Risk Factor Correlates
Authors: Wilcoxon Lucy A. , Meiser-Stedman Richard , Burgess Aaron
Published: September 2021

Evidence suggests parents of children who experience a trauma may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can have significant consequences for their own and their child’s functioning. As such, identifying the rates and possible correlates for the development of PTSD in parents is of clinical and theoretical importance, and would enhance our understanding of how best to support families in the aftermath of trauma. This meta-analysis of 41 studies (n = 4370) estimated the rate of PTSD in parents following their child’s single-incident trauma to be 17.0% (95% CI 14.1–20.0%); when removing samples which were mixed, or not exclusively single-incident traumas the prevalence estimate dropped to 14.4% (95% CI 10.8–18.5%). Pooled effect sizes of 32 potential correlates for parents developing PTSD were also identified. Medium-to-large effects were found for factors relating to the parent’s post-traumatic cognition, psychological functioning and coping strategies alongside child PTSD. Small effects were found for pre-trauma factors, objective trauma-related variables and demographic factors for both parent and child. Results are consistent with cognitive models of PTSD, suggesting peri- and post-trauma factors are likely to play a substantial role in its development. These findings indicate the clinical need for screening parents most vulnerable to adverse post-traumatic reactions within the context of child trauma and tailoring interventions to include the family where necessary.
Genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis in Asian and European Asparagus subgenus species
Authors: Mousavizadeh Seyyed Javad , Gil Juan , Castro Patricia , Hassandokht Mohammad Reza , Moreno Roberto
Published: September 2021

Garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalisL.) is a diploid (2n = 2x = 20), perennial and dioecious species belonging toAsparagussubgenus and worldwide cultivated as a vegetable crop. A narrow genetic base has been pointed out for the current cultivars. Crop wild related species (CWR) could be a valuable genetic resource in this crop but they have been underused up to now. To investigate the phylogenetic relationships between CWR asparagus species from different origin andA. officinalisL., 12 EST-SSR markers were used to assess the genetic variability of 20 accessions. These accessions belong to 10Asparagusspp. fromAsparagussubgenus including wild and naturalizedA. officinalisL. (2x, 4x, 8x, 10x) and CWR species with European (A. tenuifoliusLam. (2x),A. pseudoscaberGrec. (6x),A. macrorrhizusPedrol & al. (12x), A. prostratusDumort (4x),A. brachyphyllusTurcz. (6x),A. maritimus(L.) Mill. (6x)) and Asian distribution (A. verticillatusL. (2x), A. persicusBaker (2x),A. breslerianusSchult. & Schult. (8x)).A. albusL. (2x) from theProtasparagussubgenus was used as outgroup. As a result, a total of 248 alleles were obtained and specific alleles of accessions were detected among them. After cluster analysis the accessions did not group by their geographical origin. All wild polyploid accessions with European and Asian distributions were grouped together withA. officinalisL. Hence, that cluster could be considered as the ‘officinalisgroup’ suggesting a monophyletic origin. The diploid accessions ofA. verticillatusL. andA. persicusBaker clustered together and were the most genetically distant respect to ‘officinalisgroup’. The results obtained in this study may provide useful information to design new crosses among accessions aimed to develop new asparagus germplasm or pre-breeding populations.
Provisioning an Early City: Spatial Equilibrium in the Agricultural Economy at Angkor, Cambodia
Authors: Klassen Sarah , Ortman Scott G. , Lobo José , Evans Damian
Published: September 2021

A dominant view in economic anthropology is that farmers must overcome decreasing marginal returns in the process of intensification. However, it is difficult to reconcile this view with the emergence of urban systems, which require substantial increases in labor productivity to support a growing non-farming population. This quandary is starkly posed by the rise of Angkor (Cambodia, 9th–fourteenth centuries CE), one of the most extensive preindustrial cities yet documented through archaeology. Here, we leverage extensive documentation of the Greater Angkor Region to illustrate how the social and spatial organization of agricultural production contributed to its food system. First, we find evidence for supra-household-level organization that generated increasing returns to farming labor. Second, we find spatial patterns which indicate that land-use choices took transportation costs to the urban core into account. These patterns suggest agricultural production at Angkor was organized in ways that are more similar to other forms of urban production than to a smallholder system.
Recent advances in electromagnetic interference shielding properties of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer composites—a topical review
Authors: Mikinka E. , Siwak M.
Published: September 2021

Using carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding has become a rapidly emerging field. This state-of-the-art review summarises all the recent research advancements in the field of electromagnetic shielding properties of CFRP composites, with exclusive attention paid to experimental work. It focuses on (1) important mechanisms and physical phenomena in the shielding process for anisotropic carbon-fibre composites and (2) shielding performance of CFRP materials as reported in the literature, with important performance-affecting parameters. The key properties which directly influence the shielding performance are identified, the most critical being the carbon-fibre concentration along with length for discontinuous carbon-fibre-filled polymers and the lay-up for continuous carbon-fibre-reinforced composites. The effect of adding conductive inclusions such as metal or carbon nanotubes is also reviewed. It is emphasised that processing conditions are strongly linked with the shielding properties of a composite. This is a first review, which covers all the recent advancements in the field of shielding properties of carbon-fibre-reinforced composites, with detailed analysis of factors influencing these properties and clear distinction between continuous and discontinuous reinforcement. It is shown that CFRP composites make a good candidate as an EMI shielding enclosure material.
Studying Chinese Foreign Policy Narratives: Introducing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Conferences Corpus
Authors: Mochtak Michal , Turcsanyi Richard Q.
Published: September 2021

The paper presents an original corpus of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs press conferences. The dataset is a unique source of information on official positions and diplomatic narratives of China mapping almost two decades of its foreign policy discourse. The corpus contains almost 23,000 question – answer dyads from 2002 to 2020 ready to be used for analytical purposes. We argue the dataset is an important contribution to the scholarship on Chinese foreign policy stimulating further research using corpus based methods while employing both qualitative and quantitative strategies. We demonstrate possible applications of the corpus with two case studies: first maps the diplomatic discourse towards the US under the presidency of Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping (employing quantitative tools), while second analyzes narratives concerning the South China Sea disputes (employing more qualitative approach).