bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reabilita: Durabilité Et Éducation Dans L'apprentissage En Ligne Dans Le Contexte De l'Agenda Brésilien 2030
Authors: Pazos Valmor Cerqueira , Menezes Érika Stella Silva , Pantoja João Da Costa , Gregorio Luiz Claudio , Borges Livia Lins Cardoso
Published: January 2025

Le Cours de Post-Graduation en Réhabilitation Environnementale Urbaine et Architecturale Durable (Reabilita),
proposé en mode e-learning, a pour mission de former des professionnels de divers domaines, tels que
l'architecture, l'urbanisme, l'ingénierie, la géographie, l'environnement et la construction, afin de relever les défis
des complexités socio-environnementales contemporaines. L'objectif principal du programme est de promouvoir
une réflexion critique sur l'Éducation à la Durabilité, envisagée comme un thème transversal à tous les niveaux
d'enseignement. Cet article examine l'impact du programme Reabilita sur la pratique professionnelle de ses
diplômés, en mettant un accent particulier sur les questions liées à la durabilité sociale et environnementale.
Basée sur une méthodologie mixte, combinant des analyses qualitatives, quantitatives, documentaires et une revue bibliographique, la recherche s'appuie sur des données collectées par le biais de questionnaires adressés
Potassium Bisulfite As A Preservative: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: . .
Published: January 2025

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Synthesis And Biological Evaluation Of Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Sati Maneesha D. , Sati S. C.
Published: January 2025

Benzimidazoles are a class of heterocyclic compounds in which a benzene ring is fused to the 4 and 5 positions
of an imidazole ring. Benzimidazole refers to the parent compound, while benzimidazoles are a class of
heterocyclic compounds having similar ring structures, but different substituents. Benzimidazole derivatives
possess a wide range of bioactivities including antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antiviral, anticancer, and
antihypertensive activities. Many compounds possessing a benzimidazole skeleton have been employed as drugs
in the market. The application of benzimidazoles in other fields has also been documented. The synthesis of
benzimidazole derivatives has attracted much attention from chemists and numerous articles on the synthesis of
this class of heterocyclic compound have been reported over the years. Present abstract deals with synthesis of
benzimidazole derivatives. All the compounds were characterized by UV, IR, 1H NMR, mass spectral data and
CHN elemental analysis. The synthesized derivatives were screened for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. All the compounds showed significant effect at 100 mg/kg p.o. and the experimental data are statistically significant at p < 0.01 level
Maternal flower color, ultraviolet protection, and germination in Ipomopsis aggregata (Polemoniaceae)
Authors: DiBiase Charlotte , Godtfredsen Elsa , Dahl Julian , Shapiro Alex , Brown Keirsten , Martin Amanda , Wermuth Anna , Heschel M. Shane
Published: January 2022

Transgenerational interactions between flower color, seed quality, and seedling performance have rarely been investigated. The ecological model, Ipomopsis aggregata, is a great candidate for examining the maternal effects of flower color because it is a mostly scarlet‐flowering plant which shows color polymorphism within natural populations. Anthocyanin, the red flavonoid pigment which gives these flowers color, has been shown to act as an ultraviolet (UV) protectant by shielding chloroplasts and acting as an antioxidant. This study was conducted on scarlet‐ and fuchsia‐flowering maternal plants and their seeds from natural populations in Colorado. Dark‐flowering (scarlet) maternal plants from these populations had consistently higher foliar anthocyanin content, photosystem efficiency, and chlorophyll content than light‐flowering (fuchsia) plants over a 3‐year period in the field. Seeds from a subset of these maternal plants were counted, weighed, and germinated in a growth chamber. Photosystem efficiency, vegetative anthocyanin content, chlorophyll content, and biomass were measured on germinated seedlings after the germination census was completed. Dark‐flowering maternal plants yielded seeds and seedlings with higher biomass than light‐flowering ones. Seeds from dark‐flowering maternal plants also germinated faster than those from light‐flowering maternal plants and seedlings had higher vegetative anthocyanin content. The hereditary nature of anthocyanin content thus suggests that higher anthocyanin levels (both floral and vegetative) are potentially linked to measures of fitness such as increased seed weight, germination rate, and seedling biomass. These data suggest that UV protection provided by anthocyanins potentially increases the realized fitness of maternal plants, thereby influencing life history.
TP53 inhibitor PFTα increases the sensitivity of arsenic trioxide in TP53 wildtype tumor cells
Authors: Wang Haiwei , Wang Xinrui , Xu Liangpu , Zhang Ji
Published: January 2022

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been shown to be effective in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia. TP53 mutated/null tumor cells are more sensitive to ATO treatment compared to tumor cells carrying wildtype TP53 gene copies. However, it is unclear whether TP53 inhibitors can increase the sensitivity of TP53 wildtype tumor cells to ATO. Here we show that breast, colon, and lung cancer cell lines with mutated/null TP53 are more sensitive to ATO‐induced cell growth inhibition than cells with wildtype TP53. Moreover, inhibition of TP53 by a TP53 inhibitor, PFTα, increased the ATO sensitivity of TP53 wildtype tumor cells, coincident with ATO‐induced cell growth arrest and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, combined treatment with ATO and PFTα synergistically inhibited tumor growth in mouse xenografts in vivo. Through microarray transcriptional analysis, we found that ATO‐regulated genes were associated with TP53 and cell cycle signaling pathways. Cotreatment with PFTα enhanced ATO‐induced dynamic transcriptional changes. Overall, our results provide evidence for using TP53 chemical inhibitors to enhance the ATO‐mediated therapeutic response against TP53 wildtype tumor cells.
Finite‐time adaptive control for port‐controlled Hamiltonian systems with parametric perturbations
Authors: Wei Airong , Wang Zi‐Ming , Mu Rui , Zhang Xianfu
Published: January 2022

In this article, finite‐time boundedness (FTB) and control are addressed for a class of port‐controlled Hamiltonian (PCH) systems with parametric perturbations. Based on adaptive state feedback control strategies, sufficient conditions are obtained for FTB of the PCH systems with parametric perturbation and external disturbances. Furthermore, another adaptive state feedback controller is applied to compensate the parameter perturbation and attenuate the external disturbances, and finite‐time control conditions are acquired for the PCH systems with parametric perturbation and external disturbances. In addition, the FTB and finite‐time control conditions are also given for uncertain nonlinear systems via the Hamiltonian realization method. Finally, the numerical simulations are presented to verify the feasibility of the proposed results.
Evictions and tenant‐landlord relationships during the 2020–2021 eviction moratorium in the US
Authors: Tsai Jack , Huang Minda , Blosnich John R. , Elbogen Eric B.
Published: January 2022

This study provisionally examined the effects of the US eviction moratorium instituted in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Three waves of data collected May 2020–April 2021 from a nationally representative sample of middle‐ and low‐income US tenants (n = 3393 in Wave 1, n = 1311 in Wave 2, and 814 in Wave 3) were analyzed. Across three waves, 4.3% of tenants reported experiencing an eviction during the moratorium and 6%–23% of tenants reported delaying paying rent because of the moratorium. Multivariable analyses found that tenants who delayed paying their rent, were female, or had a history of mental illness or substance use disorder were more likely to report the eviction moratorium had a negative effect on their landlord relationship. COVID‐19 infection was not predictive of eviction but tenants with a history of homelessness were more than nine times as likely to report an eviction than those without such a history. Together, these findings suggest the eviction moratorium may have had some unintended consequences on rent payments and tenant‐landlord relationships that need to be considered with the end of the federal eviction moratorium.
Metal‐free and One‐pot for the Synthesis of Indolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline Aldehyde via a Free Radical Cascade Pathway followed by Direct Hydrolyzation
Authors: Pan Youlu , Gong Xiaomeng , Hao Rongrong , Zeng Shenxin , Xu Jinghao , Shen Zhengrong , Huang Wenhai
Published: January 2022

As one of the most versatile intermediate group in synthetic chemistry, the introduction of an aldehyde group into a specific moiety is important for the transformation of molecular structures. Herein, we provided a metal‐free, regioselective and one‐pot formylation of the indolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline moiety. This strategy features an oxidative coupling process using commercially available 1,3‐dioxolane as a formylated reagent followed by direct hydrolyzation without a separation process. This reaction can be carried out under common reaction conditions and displays broad functional group tolerance.
Technical note: Mapping of trabecular bone anisotropy and volume fraction in 3D using μCT images of the human calcaneus
Authors: Reznikov Natalie , Liang Huilin , McKee Marc D. , Piché Nicolas
Published: January 2022

Trabecular bone anisotropy, describing preferential trabecular co‐alignment, is a proxy for its long‐term loading history. Trabecular anisotropy varies locally, thus rendering averaged calculations across an entire bone inutile. Here we present a 3D trabecular anisotropy mapping method using vector fields where each vector reflects the extent of local co‐alignment of the elementary units of surface. 3D anisotropy maps of hundreds of thousands of vectors were visualized by their magnitude and direction. Similarly, volume fraction was mapped as 3D scalar fields. We constructed anisotropy and volume fraction maps using micro‐computed tomography of four presumably nonpathologic human calcanei and compared their anisotropy signature with pathologically loaded calcanei in club foot and calcaneonavicular ankylosis. In the nonpathologic calcaneus, a pattern of four anisotropy trajectories (bands) was consistently identified as dorsal, plantar, Achilles', and peroneal bands. Both pathologic specimens deviated from the nonpathologic maps. The calcaneus in the congenitally disused club foot showed very low local anisotropy values, no co‐oriented bands, and low volume fraction. The ankylosed calcaneus showed lower anisotropy than the nonpathologic calcaneus, but not to the same extent as the club foot, and showed patchy high volume fraction. The directionality of co‐oriented bands was barely discernable in the ankylosed calcaneus as compared to nonpathologic calcaneus. The anisotropy signature of the nonpathologic calcaneus is consistent with a kinetic loading pattern attributable to walking. The loss of this kinetic loading results in an absent/vanishing anisotropy signature. Such 3D mapping adds new dimensions to quantitative bioimaging of bone and the understanding of skeletal adaptation.
Activatable Persistent Luminescence from Porphyrin Derivatives and Supramolecular Probes with Imaging‐Modality Transformable Characteristics for Improved Biological Applications**
Authors: Duan Xingchen , Zhang Guo‐Qiang , Ji Shenglu , Zhang Yiming , Li Jun , Ou Hanlin , Gao Zhiyuan , Feng Guangxue , Ding Dan
Published: January 2022

Persistent luminescence without excitation light and tissue autofluorescence interference holds great promise for biological applications, but is limited by available materials with long‐wavelength emission and excellent clinical potential. Here, we report that porphyrin derivatives can emit near‐infrared persistent luminescence over 60 min after cessation of excitation light or on interaction with peroxynitrite. A plausible mechanism of the successive oxidation of vinylene bonds was demonstrated. A supramolecular probe with a β‐sheet structure was constructed to enhance the tumor targeting ability and the photoacoustic and persistent luminescence signals. Such probes featuring light‐triggered function transformation from photoacoustic imaging to persistent luminescence imaging permit advanced image‐guided cancer surgery. Furthermore, peroxynitrite‐activated persistent luminescence of the supramolecular probe also enables rapid and precise screening of immunogenic cell death drugs.
Dynamics of luminescence characteristics ofHaematococcus lacustriscultures in different cultivation conditions
Authors: Erokhin Vladislav E. , Minyuk Galina S. , Gordienko Alla P. , Kapranov Sergey V.
Published: January 2022

Luminescence of microalgae cultures is a valuable property for the fast diagnostics of their physiological state; however, it has been rarely used in algaculture practice. In this work, luminescence spectrum characteristics of two‐stage batch cultures of the green carotenogenic microalga Haematococcus lacustris (Girod‐Chantrans) Rostafinski 1875 (Chlorophyceae, Chlamydomonadales) under conditions of autotrophic and mixotrophic growth were investigated. The dynamics of the heterotrophy indices in cultures at different stages of their development in different growth media was determined. The transition of H. lacustris cultures from the initially autotrophic to mixotrophic growth regime was registered during the induction of the astaxanthin biosynthesis by complex physicochemical stressing, including nutritional deficiencies, exposure to high concentrations of sodium acetate and chloride and increased illuminance and temperature. The applicability of luminescence spectrometry in vivo for a rapid assessment of the state of H. lacustris cultures in various growth media and with different methods of secondary carotenogenesis induction was shown. The results obtained can be used in experimental studies on optimizing cultivation methods for this species, as well as for the express control of the physiological state of its industrial cultures.
Continuous and intermittent theta burst stimulation to the visual cortex do not alter GABA and glutamate concentrations measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Stoby Karlene S. , Rafique Sara A. , Oeltzschner Georg , Steeves Jennifer K. E.
Published: January 2022

Background

Theta burst stimulation (TBS), a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), uses repeated high‐frequency bursts to non‐invasively modulate neural processes in the brain. An intermittent TBS (iTBS) protocol is generally considered “excitatory,” while continuous TBS (cTBS) is considered “inhibitory.” However, the majority of work that has led to these effects being associated with the respective protocols has been done in the motor cortex, and it is well established that TMS can have variable effects across the brain.

Objectives and method

We investigated the effects of iTBS and cTBS to the primary visual cortex (V1) on composite levels of gamma‐aminobutyric acid + co‐edited macromolecules (GABA+) and glutamate + glutamine (Glx) since these are key inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters, respectively. Participants received a single session of cTBS, iTBS, or sham TBS to V1. GABA+ and Glx were quantified in vivo at the stimulation site using spectral‐edited proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) at 3T. Baseline pre‐TBS GABA+ and Glx levels were compared to immediate post‐TBS and 1 h post‐TBS levels.

Results

There were no significant changes in GABA+ or Glx following either of the TBS conditions. Visual cortical excitability, measured using phosphene thresholds, remained unchanged following both cTBS and iTBS conditions. There was no relationship between excitability thresholds and GABA+ or Glx levels. However, TBS did alter the relationship between GABA+ and Glx for up to 1 h following stimulation.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that a single session of TBS to the visual cortex can be used without significant effects on the tonic levels of these key neurotransmitters; and add to our understanding that TBS has differential effects at visual, motor, and frontal cortices.
Construction of a competition practice system for robotics engineering based on a competency model
Authors: Zhang Ziqiang , Ning Meng , Wu Zhi , Liu Chunqi , Li Jun
Published: January 2022

Competition practice is of great significance for improving the engineering ability of undergraduates majoring in robotics engineering, and it occupies an important position in practical teaching systems. However, most existing competitions are spontaneously participated by students, and problems, such as poor systemicity, unclear ability‐training goals, and lack of an effective evaluation system, occur, resulting in limited improvement in students' ability. In this paper, a competency model for robotics engineering was proposed. It includes four dimensions: knowledge, skills, dispositions, and evaluation. The first three dimensions comprise multiple secondary and tertiary indices. On this basis, a competition practice system was established. The system includes four practical course groups and a final competition, and the competency model runs through before, during, and after practice. The competition practice system based on the competency model was applied to two groups of students. The analysis results show that students have a clear understanding of their own ability, and their comprehensive ability has been improved. This finding provides a reference for the construction of practice systems for other engineering majors.
Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots Modified Dioxin‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks for Superior Lithium Storage
Authors: Wang Han , Zhao Lu , Tang Xuxu , Lv Li‐Ping , Sun Weiwei , Wang Yong
Published: January 2022

Covalent organic framework, as an emerging porous nano‐frame structure with pre‐designed structure and custom properties, has been demonstrated as a prospective electrode for rechargeable Li‐ion batteries. For improving the reversible capacity and long‐term cycle stability of COF materials, we propose a GQDs modified COF material (COF‐GQDs) and apply it as the anode for LIBs for the first time. This COF‐GQDs electrode delivers enhanced long‐term cycling performance with a large capacity of ∼820 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 100 mA g−1 and an improved rate performance. The enhanced lithium‐storage performance, in terms of obvious‐shortened activation process and high reversible capacities, can be attributed to the modification of carboxyl GQDs, which would activate more active sites (activated C=C groups from benzene rings) for lithium‐storage, and provide fast lithium‐ion transportation kinetic. Besides, the decreased interphase resistance, enhanced electronic conductivity, and prevented aggregation of needle‐flake COF structure, originated from the addition of GQDs, which lead to the enhanced improved cycling stability of the COF‐GQDs electrode. This manuscript can promote the further exploration on the design of COF‐related materials with modification of functionalized carbonaceous materials to achieve enhanced lithium‐storage properties for next‐generation energy storage.
Improved beetle swarm optimization algorithm for energy efficient virtual machine consolidation on cloud environment
Authors: Bhagavathi Hariharan , Rathinavelayatham Siva , Shanmugaiah Kaliraj , Kanagaraj Kamaraj , Elangovan Dinesh
Published: January 2022

In cloud computing, virtual machine (VM) consolidation and migration are significant schemes to enhance the energy efficiency and costs of the cloud environment. The process of VM consolidation is to execute a more number of tasks with less power consumption. However, due to unreliable physical resources, energy consumption is increased. So, to solve this issue, improved beetle swarm optimization (IBSO) algorithm based on energy‐aware VM consolidation is presented in this article. IBSO algorithm joins together beetle swarm optimization (BSO) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The proposed algorithm is defined with the effective representation of solution and multi‐objective functions such as power consumption, resource wastage, and SLA violation. Results of the work are depicted that the proposed approach outperformed different previous methods in terms of different evaluation measures.
Triple‐Decker Sandwich Cultures of Intestinal Organoids for Long‐Term Live Imaging, Uniform Perturbation, and Statistical Sampling
Authors: Cambra Hailey M. , Tallapragada Naren P. , Mannam Prabhath , Breault David T. , Klein Allon M.
Published: January 2022

Three‐dimensional organoid cultures enable the study of stem cell and tissue biology ex vivo, providing improved access to cells for perturbation and live imaging. Typically, organoids are grown in hydrogel domes that are simple to prepare but that lead to non‐uniform tissue growth and viability. We recently developed a simple alternative culture method to embed intestinal organoids in multilayered hydrogels, called “triple‐decker sandwiches,” that align organoids in a common z‐plane with uniform access to medium. This culture configuration improves the growth and survival of organoids over a wide working area and facilitates long‐term confocal imaging and molecular perturbation. Here, we present protocols for preparing organoids in triple‐decker sandwich cultures and using them for live imaging, immunostaining, and single‐cell RNA sequencing. We have tested our methods on mouse and human intestinal organoids and expect them to be useful for other highly proliferative three‐dimensional cell cultures. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Pre‐coating plates with PolyHEMA to prepare them for triple‐decker sandwich culture

Support Protocol 1: Preparing PolyHEMA solution to coat glass‐bottom dishes

Basic Protocol 2: Embedding intestinal organoids in triple‐decker sandwiches

Alternate Protocol 1: Seeding single cells or organoids at low density in triple‐decker sandwiches

Support Protocol 2: Embedding intestinal organoids in hydrogel domes

Support Protocol 3: Production of Wnt3a‐conditioned medium

Support Protocol 4: Production of Rspo1‐conditioned medium

Basic Protocol 3: Live imaging of mouse intestinal organoids in triple‐decker sandwich cultures

Alternate Protocol 2: Live imaging of vital dye–treated mouse intestinal organoids in triple‐decker sandwich cultures

Basic Protocol 4: Immunofluorescence imaging of mouse organoids liberated from triple‐decker sandwich cultures

Alternate Protocol 3: Liberating and fixing mouse intestinal organoids from dome cultures

Support Protocol 5: Measuring cell proliferation by EdU staining of mouse intestinal organoids

Basic Protocol 5: Single‐cell RNA sequencing and analysis of mouse intestinal organoids
Measuring Play Fighting in Rats: A Multilayered Approach
Authors: Pellis S. M. , Pellis V. C. , Burke C. J. , Stark R. A. , Ham J. R. , Euston D. R. , Achterberg E. J. M.
Published: January 2022

Rough‐and‐tumble play or play fighting is an important experience in the juvenile period of many species of mammals, as it facilitates the development of social skills, and for some species, play fighting is retained into adulthood as a tool for assessing and managing social relationships. Laboratory rats have been a model species for studying the neurobiology of play fighting and its key developmental and social functions. However, play fighting interactions are complex, involving competition and cooperation; therefore, no single measure to quantify this behavior is able to capture all its facets. Therefore, in this paper, we present a multilayered framework for scoring all the relevant facets of play that can be affected by experimental manipulations and the logic of how to match what is measured with the question being asked. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Use of Arabinonucleosides for Development and Implementation of a Novel 2′‐O‐Protecting Group for Efficient Solid‐Phase Synthesis and 2′‐O‐Deprotection of RNA Sequences
Authors: Takahashi Mayumi , Cawrse Brian M. , Grajkowski Andrzej , Beaucage Serge L.
Published: January 2022

The implementation of protecting groups for 2′‐hydroxyl function of ribonucleosides is very demanding in that synthetic RNA sequences must be highly pure to ensure the safety and efficacy of nucleic acid–based drugs for treatment of human diseases. A synthetic approach consisting of a condensation reaction between 2′‐O‐aminoribonucleosides with ethyl pyruvate has been employed to provide stable 2′‐O‐imino‐2‐methyl propanoic acid ethyl esters. Conversion of these esters to fully protected ribonucleoside phosphoramidite monomers has allowed rapid and efficient incorporation of 2′‐O‐protected ribonucleosides into RNA sequences while minimizing the formation of process‐related impurities during solid‐phase synthesis. Two chimeric 20‐mer RNA sequences have been synthesized and then exposed to a solution of sodium hydroxide to saponify the 2′‐O‐imino‐2‐methyl propanoic acid ethyl ester protecting groups to their sodium salts. When subjected to ion‐exchange conditions at 65°C and near neutral pH, fully deprotected RNA sequences are isolated without production of alkylating side‐products and/or formation of mutagenic nucleobase adducts. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of uridine 2′‐O‐imino‐2‐propanoic acid ethyl ester and its fully protected 3′‐O‐phosphoramidite

Basic Protocol 2: Synthesis of N6‐protected adenosine 2′‐O‐imino‐2‐propanoic acid ethyl ester and its fully protected 3′‐O‐phosphoramidite

Basic Protocol 3: Synthesis of N4‐protected cytidine 2′‐O‐imino‐2‐propanoic acid ethyl ester and its fully protected 3′‐O‐phosphoramidite

Basic Protocol 4: Synthesis of N2‐protected guanosine 2′‐O‐imino‐2‐propanoic acid ethyl ester and its fully protected 3′‐O‐phosphoramidite

Basic Protocol 5: Automated solid‐phase RNA synthesis and deprotection using 2′‐O‐imino‐2‐proponate‐protected phosphoramidites
A design for switched capacitor and single‐switch DC–DC boost converter by a small signal‐based PI controller
Authors: Ertekin Davut , Bulut Kübra , Tekin Hakan , Moschopoulos Gerry
Published: January 2022

In this study, a switched capacitor (SC)‐based single‐switch DC–DC boost converter structure operating under the high voltage gain and the low duty ratio is proposed using the PI control technique. High current and voltage stresses across the power switches and power diodes can be reduced by using the projected SC block. In addition, the proposed converter can achieve high voltage gain through shorter duty cycles, which directly reduces the voltage stress and dynamic losses in the power semiconductors. On the other hand, because the proposed converter includes a single power switch under different output powers and different loads, the control process is simpler than multiswitch structures. With the proposed converter, an output voltage of 10 times greater rather than the input voltage is obtained at 0.57 of the duty cycle. In this study, the fundamental functions of the proposed converter and the controller design steps are analyzed mathematically and tested in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the proposed topology works with a high performance at high frequency and variable load ranges. To validate the proposed converter and theoretical calculations, a 200‐W prototype was established under a continuous conduction mode (CCM) working state, with 48‐VDC input voltage and 400‐VDC output voltage. Finally, the simulation results were tested and verified through the experimental results.
Cattle grazing results in greater floral resources and pollinators than sheep grazing in low‐diversity grasslands
Authors: Cutter Jasmine , Hovick Torre , McGranahan Devan , Harmon Jason , Limb Ryan , Spiess Jonathan , Geaumont Benjamin
Published: January 2022

Land‐use and land‐cover change associated with agriculture is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss. In heavily modified agricultural landscapes, grazing lands may be the only areas that can provide essential resources for native grassland species. Management decisions, such as choice of livestock species, affect the extent to which grazing lands provide suitable habitat for native species such as pollinators.

Our study compared how sheep versus cattle herbivory affected floral resources and butterfly abundance across low‐diversity, former Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) pastures managed with patch‐burn grazing.

Across all years (2017–2019), flowering species richness and abundance were significantly higher in cattle pastures than sheep pastures. On average, we recorded 6.9 flowering species/transect in cattle pastures and 3.8 flowering species/transect in sheep pastures. The average floral abundance per transect was 1278 stems/transect in cattle pastures and 116 stems/transect in pastures grazed by sheep.

Similarly, we observed higher butterfly species richness, diversity, and abundance in cattle than in sheep pastures. In cattle pastures, we observed an average of 75 butterflies and 6.75 species per transect, compared with an average of 52 butterflies and 3.37 species per transect in sheep pastures. However, the butterfly community composition did not significantly differ between grazing treatments likely because agricultural‐tolerant, habitat generalists comprised the majority of the butterfly community. Five generalist butterflies comprised 92.3% of observations;Colias philodicewas the most abundant (61% of observations).Speyeria idaliaandDanaus plexippus, two butterflies of conservation concern, comprised less than 0.5% of butterfly observations.

Our results, which are among the first attempt quantifying butterfly use of post‐CRP fields grazed by livestock, show that increased precipitation and cattle grazing promoted higher forb abundance and richness. However, additional interventions may be needed to enhance floral resources to sustain and improve pollinator diversity in these landscapes.
Trans‐specific polymorphism and the convergent evolution of supertypes in major histocompatibility complex class II genes in darters (Etheostoma)
Authors: Million Kara M. , Lively Curtis M.
Published: January 2022

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes are one of the most polymorphic gene groups known in vertebrates. MHC genes also exhibit allelic variants that are shared among taxa, referred to as trans‐specific polymorphism (TSP). The role that selection plays in maintaining such high diversity within species, as well as TSP, is an ongoing discussion in biology. In this study, we used deep‐sequencing techniques to characterize MHC class IIb gene diversity in three sympatric species of darters. We found at least 5 copies of the MHC gene in darters, with 126 genetic variants encoding 122 unique amino acid sequences. We identified four supertypes based on the binding properties of proteins encoded by the sequences. Although each species had a unique pool of variants, many variants were shared between species pairs and across all three species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the variants did not group together monophyletically based on species identity or on supertype. An expanded phylogenetic analysis showed that some darter alleles grouped together with alleles from other percid fishes. Our findings show that TSP occurs in darters, which suggests that balancing selection is acting at the genotype level. Supertypes, however, are most likely evolving convergently, as evidenced by the fact that alleles do not form monophyletic groups based on supertype. Our research demonstrates that selection may be acting differently on MHC genes at the genotype and supertype levels, selecting for the maintenance of high genotypic diversity while driving the convergent evolution of similar MHC phenotypes across different species.
Incomplete recovery of seeds from scatterhoards by granivorous rodents: Implications for plant establishment
Authors: Geluso Keith , Longo Peter C. , Harner Mary J. , White Jeremy A.
Published: January 2022

Granivorous rodents are important components of ecosystems not only because they consume seeds but also because some aid in seed dispersal through seed‐caching behaviors. Some rodents bury seeds in shallow pits throughout territories, called scatterhoards, that individuals recover, pilfer, or transfer to other caches. We suspect some single‐seed caches in environments represent missed seeds from reclaiming or pilfering caches. We documented the sloppiness of seed removal from scatterhoards of soapweed yucca (Yucca glauca) seeds by Ord's kangaroo rats (Dipodomys ordii). We quantified the frequency and location of seeds remaining. In an experiment with artificial caches of three sizes, kangaroo rats harvested 51% of caches after one night, and 53% had incomplete recovery with at least one seed remaining. The greater the number of seeds in caches, the greater frequency of incomplete recovery. In another experiment with natural and artificial caches, 75% of caches were excavated after 8 days, with at least 70% having at least one seed remaining. Regardless of original cache size, a single seed represented the mode for seeds remaining. Incomplete recovery of seeds likely benefits plant establishment, potentially significantly in some systems. Remaining seeds, especially those buried at bottoms of caches, likely will stay undetected in landscapes, yielding propagules for subsequent plant generations. Soapweed yucca has large but light, flat wind‐dispersed seeds, and removal of caches with smaller seeds might have greater frequency of missed seeds during recovery and pilfering by rodents. Our results suggest that scatter‐hoarding granivores also contribute to plant establishment by leaving limited numbers of seeds behind when removing caches, at least in some systems.
Recent progress in self‐powered multifunctional e‐skin for advanced applications
Authors: Chen Yunfeng , Gao Zhengqiu , Zhang Fangjia , Wen Zhen , Sun Xuhui
Published: January 2022

Electronic skin (e‐skin), new generation of flexible wearable electronic devices, has characteristics including flexibility, thinness, biocompatibility with broad application prospects, and a crucial place in future wearable electronics. With the increasing demand for wearable sensor systems, the realization of multifunctional e‐skin with low power consumption or even autonomous energy is urgently needed. The latest progress of multifunctional self‐powered e‐skin for applications in physiological health, human–machine interaction (HMI), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) is presented here. Various energy conversion effects for the driving energy problem of multifunctional e‐skin are summarized. An overview of various types of self‐powered e‐skins, including single‐effect e‐skins and multifunctional coupling‐effects e‐skin systems is provided, where the aspects of material preparation, device assembly, and output signal analysis of the self‐powered multifunctional e‐skin are described. In the end, the existing problems and prospects in this field are also discussed.
Comprehensive lipidomic analysis of the lipids extracted from freshwater fish bones and crustacean shells
Authors: Lv Shuang , Xie Suya , Liang Yunxia , Xu Long , Hu Liangbin , Li Hongbo , Mo Haizhen
Published: January 2022

A comprehensive lipidomic analysis of the lipids extracted from grass carp bones, black carp bones, shrimp shells, and crab shells was performed in this study. First, HPLC analysis revealed that the lipids extracted from shrimp and crab shells contained 60.65% and 77.25% of diacylglycerols, respectively. Second, GC‐MS analysis identified 18 fatty acid species in the lipids extracted from fish bones and crustacean shells, in which polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were highly enriched. PUFAs were present at 45.43% in the lipids extracted from shrimp shells. Notably, the lipids extracted from shrimp and crab shells contained a considerable amount of eicosapentaenoic acids and docosahexaenoic acids. Finally, multidimensional mass spectrometry‐based shotgun lipidomics showed that various lipids including acetyl‐L‐carnitine, sphingomyelin (SM), lysophosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were all identified in the lipid samples, but PC and SM were the most abundant. Specifically, the total content of PC in shrimp shells was as high as 6.145 mmol/g. More than 35 species of PC were found in all samples, which were more than other lipids. This study is expected to provide a scientific basis for the application of freshwater fish bones and crustacean shells in food, medicine, and other fields.
Analysis of the gel properties, microstructural characteristics, and intermolecular forces of soybean protein isolate gel induced by transglutaminase
Authors: Huang Zhanrui , Sun Jing , Zhao Liangzhong , He Wanying , Liu Teyuan , Liu Binbin
Published: January 2022

Soybean protein isolate (SPI) is a high‐quality plant protein that is primarily used to process various soybean products coagulated by transglutaminase (TGase). In this study, the degree of hydrolysis (DH), sulfhydryl content (SH), surface hydrophobicity (H0
), secondary structural constitution, and microstructure of TGase‐treated soybean protein (SPI, 7S, and 11S) were determined, as well as the effects of NaCl, urea, and SDS on the properties and intermolecular forces of SPI gel were analyzed. The results show that the H0
and SH content of SPI, 7S, and 11S decreased significantly with TGase treatment time (p < .05), while the DH gradually increased and reached its highest value (3.72%, 7.41%, and 1.27%, respectively) at 30 min. As the concentration of these two secondary structures exhibited an inverse relationship, the degradation of β‐turns resulted in the increase in β‐sheets. The microstructures of SPI and 11S gels were similar, being denser and more ordered than 7S gel. The low concentration of NaCl solution (0.2 mol/L) enhanced gel properties and intermolecular forces, promoting the formation of SPI gel, whereas a high concentration (0.4–0.8 mol/L) had a significant inhibitory effect. Urea and SDS solutions substantially inhibited the formation of SPI gel, leading to significant decreases in the water holding capacity and hardness as well as a considerable increase in the coagulation time (p < .05). The results revealed that hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions were the main intermolecular forces responsible for the gel formation. This study provides adequate technical support and a theoretical basis for soybean protein gel products.
Risk‐neutral skewness and commodity futures pricing
Authors: Fuertes Ana‐Maria , Liu Zhenya , Tang Weiqing
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates the predictive content of risk‐neutral skewness (RNSK) for the dynamics of commodity futures prices. A trading strategy that buys futures with positive RNSK and sells futures with negative RNSK generates a significant excess return. Unlike traditional commodity risk factors' signals, the positive return generated from the RNSK signal is more pronounced in the contango phase. After controlling traditional commodity risk factors, the RNSK signal exhibits a more stable and prolonged predictive ability. The directional‐learning hypothesis explains the RNSK impact when commodity futures show higher idiosyncratic risks and illiquidity (positive RNSK) and overpriced (negative RNSK).
A critical review: Application of methanol as a fuel for internal combustion engines and effects of blending methanol with diesel/biodiesel/ethanol on performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of engines
Authors: Pandey Shyam
Published: January 2022

This article presents a comprehensive overview of methanol as a potential oxygenated fuel for internal combustion engines. Here two approaches have been examined to evaluate the utilization of methanol, namely blending with diesel/biodiesel/methanol and premixing with intake air or fumigation. In conventional compression ignition engines, up to 95% and 25% diesel can be replaced by methanol through fumigation and blending, respectively. Higher latent heat of vaporization of alcohol led to lower peak in‐cylinder pressure and NOx; however, it negatively affects thermal efficiency and hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. Fumigation of alcohol requires modifications in the existing engine, whereas blending needed surfactants or additives to produce stable alcohol–diesel blends. High injection pressure and late direct injection, methanol–diesel blends have shown lower emissions and proved their potential as a suitable replacement for ethanol–diesel blends from the components durability perspective.
A worldwide evaluation of trophic magnification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Miranda Daniele de A. , Peaslee Graham F. , Zachritz Alison M. , Lamberti Gary A.
Published: January 2022

A review of the published literature on the trophic magnification factor (TMF) for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was conducted to assess how biomagnification varies across aquatic systems worldwide. Although the TMF has been recognized as the most reliable tool for assessing the biomagnification of organic contaminants, peer-reviewed studies reporting TMFs for PFAS are few and with limited geographical distribution. We found 25 published studies of the biomagnification of 35 specific PFAS, for which the TMF was generated through linear regression of individual log-PFAS concentration and the δ15N-based trophic position of each organism in the food webs. Studies were concentrated mainly in China, North America, and Europe, and the most investigated compound was perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which was frequently shown to be biomagnified in the food web (TMFs ranging from 0.8 to 20). Other long-chain carboxylates displayed substantial variation in trophic magnification. Observed differences in the TMF were associated with length of the food web, geographic location, sampling methodologies, tissue analyzed, and distance from known direct PFAS inputs. In addition to biomagnification of legacy PFAS, precursor substances were observed to bioaccumulate in the food web, which suggests they may biotransform to more persistent PFAS compounds in upper trophic levels. This review discusses the variability of environmental characteristics driving PFAS biomagnification in natural ecosystems and highlights the different approaches used by each study, which can make comparisons among studies challenging. Suggestions on how to standardize TMFs for PFAS are also provided in this review. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1500–1512. © 2022 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) studies using the trophic magnification factor (TMF) were concentrated mainly in China, North America, and Europe. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the main compound analyzed over the 20 years of international concern regarding its potential to accumulate in biota. Long-chain PFAS compounds showed considerable variation in their bioaccumulation through the food web, which was associated with differences not only in biological characteristics of the sampled organisms but also in methodologies among studies. The presence of PFAS precursors in the studied environments was highlighted as a potentially important factor in amplifying TMF values for legacy compounds.
Clinical observation of low‐dose combination chemotherapy in refractory/recurrent paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria patients: A single‐center retrospective analysis
Authors: Li Liyan , Liu Hui , Wang Honglei , Liu Zhaoyun , Chen Yingying , Liu Chunyan , Zhao Xiaoyu , Li Lijuan , Wang Huaquan , Shao Zonghong , Fu Rong
Published: January 2022

Background

We performed a retrospective analysis to investigate the clinical characteristics and therapeutic strategies of 20 refractory/recurrent PNH patients, including the clinical efficacy of chemotherapy treatment, safety, and survival.

Methods

The clinical data of 20 classic PNH patients who were refractory/recurrent or had glucocorticoid dependence in our hospital were analyzed, including clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, treatment efficacy, and survival.

Results

Seventeen patients had a marked improvement in anemia after chemotherapy, 14 patients acquired blood transfusion independence, and the Hb of 3 patients increased to normal levels. Although 6 patients still needed blood transfusion, the transfusion interval was significantly prolonged. The percentages of LDH, TBIL, and RET, which are indicators of hemolysis, were significantly lower than those before chemotherapy. The dosage of adrenal glucocorticoids was reduced by more than half compared with that before chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Chemotherapy can reduce PNH clones, promote normal hematopoiesis, and control hemolytic attack. It is a promising and widely used therapeutic method.
Human neural cell type‐specific extracellular vesicle proteome defines disease‐related molecules associated with activated astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease brain
Authors: You Yang , Muraoka Satoshi , Jedrychowski Mark P. , Hu Jianqiao , McQuade Amanda K. , Young‐Pearse Tracy , Aslebagh Roshanak , Shaffer Scott A. , Gygi Steven P. , Blurton‐Jones Mathew , Poon Wayne W. , Ikezu Tsuneya
Published: January 2022

In neurodegenerative diseases, extracellular vesicles (EVs) transfer pathogenic molecules and are consequently involved in disease progression. We have investigated the proteomic profiles of EVs that were isolated from four different human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived neural cell types (excitatory neurons, astrocytes, microglia‐like cells, and oligodendrocyte‐like cells). Novel cell type‐specific EV protein markers were then identified for the excitatory neurons (ATP1A3, NCAM1), astrocytes (LRP1, ITGA6), microglia‐like cells (ITGAM, LCP1), and oligodendrocyte‐like cells (LAMP2, FTH1), as well as 16 pan‐EV marker candidates, including integrins and annexins. To further demonstrate how cell‐type‐specific EVs may be involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we performed protein co‐expression network analysis and conducted cell type assessments for the proteomes of brain‐derived EVs from the control, mild cognitive impairment, and AD cases. A protein module enriched in astrocyte‐specific EV markers was most significantly associated with the AD pathology and cognitive impairment, suggesting an important role in AD progression. The hub protein from this module, integrin‐β1 (ITGB1), was found to be significantly elevated in astrocyte‐specific EVs enriched from the total brain‐derived AD EVs and associated with the brain β‐amyloid and tau load in independent cohorts. Thus, our study provides a featured framework and rich resource for the future analyses of EV functions in neurodegenerative diseases in a cell type‐specific manner.
Booster vaccination strategy: Necessity, immunization objectives, immunization strategy, and safety
Authors: Meng Hanyan , Mao Jianhua , Ye Qing
Published: January 2022

At present, the global COVID‐19 epidemic has not been completely controlled, and epidemic prevention and control still face severe challenges. As there is no specific treatment for COVID‐19, promoting roll‐out vaccinations and building herd immunity are still the most effective and economic measures to control the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, the neutralizing antibody level in the recipients decreases with time, and the vaccine's protective efficacy gradually weakens. It is still inconclusive whether it is necessary to carry out booster vaccination to strengthen the immune barrier to infection. In this paper, we combined the existing data on the effectiveness and persistence of COVID‐19 vaccines. We found that it is necessary to carry out a booster vaccination strategy. However, not all subjects need to receive one more dose of vaccine 6 months after the initial immunization. Priority should be given to the high‐risk groups, such as the elderly and people with immunodeficiency. A heterologous booster can induce higher immune responses and enhance immune protection than homologous vaccinations. However, more scientific data and clinical studies are needed to verify the safety of heterologous vaccination strategies.