bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of [13C6]‐ibrutinib
Authors: Kriegelstein Michal , Hroch Miloš , Marek Aleš
Published: September 2021

Convenient and straightforward synthesis of ibrutinib labeled by carbon‐13 isotope is reported. Isotopically labeled building block is introduced in the last step of reaction sequence affording sufficient isolated yield (7%) of [13C6]‐ibrutinib calculated towards starting commercially available [13C6]‐bromobenzene.
Effects of Levodopa Therapy on Cerebral Arteries and Perfusion in Parkinson's Disease Patients
Authors: Xiong Yuhui , Ji Lanxin , He Le , Chen Li , Zhang Xue , Chen Zhensen , Li Xuesong , Zhao Huilin , Shirakawa Manabu , Yuan Chun , Ma Yu , Guo Hua
Published: September 2021

Background

Levodopa is the most‐commonly used therapy for Parkinson's Disease (PD). Imaging findings show increased cerebral blood flow (CBF) response to levodopa, but the artery morphological change is less studied.

Purpose

To investigate the effect of levodopa on cerebral arteries and CBF.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

57 PD patients (56 ± 10 years, 26 males) and 17 age‐matched healthy controls (AMC, 57 ± 9 years, 9 males) were scanned at baseline (OFF). Patients were rescanned 50 minutes after taking levodopa (ON).

Field strength and sequence

3 T; Simultaneous noncontrast angiography intraplaque imaging (SNAP) based on turbo field echo; Pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL) based on echo‐planner imaging.

Assessment

The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS‐III) was used to assess the disease severity. Length and radius of arteries were measured from SNAP images. CBF was calculated from PCASL images globally and regionally.

Statistical tests

Mann Whitney U tests were conducted in comparing PD vs. AMC. Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed rank tests were used in comparing OFF vs. ON, and the more‐affected vs. the less‐affected hemisphere in PD. Linear regressions were performed to test the correlations of neuroimaging findings with behavioral changes. Significance threshold was P < 0.05 with Bonferroni correction.

Results

PD patients were identified with significantly lower CBF (PD OFF Mean = 40.15 ± 5.99, AMC Mean = 43.48 ± 6.21 mL/100 g/min) and shortened total artery length (PD OFF Mean = 5851.07 ± 1393.45, AMC Mean = 7479.16 ± 1335.93 mm). Levodopa elevated CBF of PD brains (PD ON Mean = 41.48 ± 6.32 mL/100 g/min) and expanded radius of proximal arteries. Artery radius change significantly correlated with CBF change in corresponding territories (r = 0.559 for Internal Carotid Arteries, r = 0.448 for Basilar Artery, and r = 0.464 for Middle Cerebral Artery M1). Global CBF significantly related to UPDRS‐III (r = −0.391) post‐levodopa.

Data conclusion

Levodopa can increase CBF by dilating proximal arteries.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

4
Persistence of financial efficiency in tourism and hospitality firms
Authors: Sharma Sharad , Jaisinghani Dinesh , Joshi Mahesh , Goyal Jatin , Aggarwal Arun
Published: September 2021

This paper analyses the nature and degree of persistence of the financial efficiency of the tourism and hospitality industry in China. Efficiency scores and the degree of persistence of firm efficiency are estimated using data envelopment analysis and dynamic panel regression, respectively. The results confirm significant and positive persistence of the financial efficiency of sample firms over 9 years, and support the ‘performance‐persistence’ theory. The findings of this study can help new industry entrants formulate market‐entry strategies and make investment decisions. In addition, existing firms can use the findings as a guide to increase their financial efficiency and sustainability.
Rooting Out Genetic Structure of Invasive Wild Pigs in Texas
Authors: Mangan Anna M. , Piaggio Antoinette J. , Bodenchuk Michael J. , Pierce Courtney F. , Smyser Timothy J.
Published: September 2021

Invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa), also called feral swine or wild hogs, are recognized as among the most destructive invasive species in the world. Throughout the United States, invasive wild pigs have expanded rapidly over the past 40 years with populations now established in 38 states. Of the estimated 6.9 million wild pigs distributed throughout the United States, Texas supports approximately 40% of the population and similarly bears disproportionate ecological and economic costs. Genetic analyses are an effective tool for understanding invasion pathways and tracking dispersal of invasive species such as wild pigs and have been used recently in California and Florida, USA, which have similarly long‐established populations and high densities of wild pigs. Our goals were to use molecular approaches to elucidate invasion and migration processes shaping wild pig populations throughout Texas, compare our results with patterns of genetic structure observed in California and Florida, and provide insights for effective management of this invasive species. We used a high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to evaluate population genetic structure. Genetic clusters of wild pigs throughout Texas demonstrate 2 distinct patterns: weakly resolved, spatially dispersed clusters and well‐resolved, spatially localized clusters. The disparity in patterns of genetic structure suggests disparate processes are differentially shaping wild pig populations in various localities throughout the state. Our results differed from the patterns of genetic structure observed in California and Florida, which were characterized by localized genetic clusters. These differences suggest distinct biological and perhaps anthropogenic processes are shaping genetic structure in Texas. Further, these disparities demonstrate the need for location‐specific management strategies for controlling wild pig populations and mitigating associated ecological and economic costs. © 2021 The Wildlife Society. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Bacterial taxa and fungal diversity are the key factors determining soil multifunctionality in different cropping systems
Authors: Zhang Jiangzhou , Li Tengteng , Jia Jiyu , Zhang Junling , Zhang Fusuo
Published: September 2021

Soil microbes in the topsoil have long been the centre of cropping systems, yet the influence of subsoil microbes on soil functions remains elusive. Sustainable crop management will require an in‐depth understanding of interactions of cropping patterns, soil microbials and multifunctionality. This study aimed to explore the relationships between soil microbials and multifunctionality in both topsoil and subsoil of different cropping systems. We did paired samplings from four cash crops and adjacent wheat/ maize rotation system fields at 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depths on calcareous soils: cotton (C)‐wheat (WC), grape (G)‐wheat (WG), vegetable (V)‐wheat (WV) and watermelon (W)‐wheat (WW). The results showed that soil multifunctionality in topsoil was higher than in subsoil across all soil samples. In topsoil, soil multifunctionality in W was significantly higher than other cash crops, and the highest and lowest values were in the WG and WC, respectively. In the subsoil, soil multifunctionality in the C was significantly lower than other cash crops. Across the wheat fields, soil multifunctionality were significantly higher in WG and WW than in WC and WV. The structural equation model showed that soil organic carbon, bacterial community composition and fungal diversity were positively correlated with soil multifunctionality in both soil depths. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes in topsoil were the important drivers, while Firmicutes and Gemmatimonadetes were in the subsoil. Our results suggest that microbes in both topsoil and subsoil should be integrated into agricultural management practices. The alteration of fungal diversity and bacterial community composition may significantly affect soil multifunctionality in intensive agroecosystems.
Responses of extreme high temperatures to urbanization in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration in the context of a changing climate
Authors: Wang Yujie , Ren Yuyu , Song Lianchun , Xiang Yang
Published: September 2021

Extreme high‐temperature event is one of the most urgent climate issues faced by coordinated development of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region (BTH) in the future due to global warming and urbanization. Based on the homogenized daily temperatures from 174 meteorological observation stations, six extreme hot events were detected. The results revealed the spatiotemporal change characteristics of the extreme high temperature in the BTH. The acquired evidence showed the maximum daily minimum temperature (TNx), high‐temperature days (SU35), hot night days (TR25), and heatwave spell durations (HWDI) have significantly increased, while the daily temperature range (DTR) has significantly decreased (p < 0.01) during 1961–2018. The SU35, TR25 and HWDI in 2010s were 68%, 2.8 times and 2.1 times higher than that in 1980s, respectively. Moreover, since 1961, the high‐temperature season in the BTH has been getting longer at a rate of 7.4d/10a. The study also revealed the contribution of urbanization on high‐temperature indices depends on city size and location in the BTH. The magnitudes of the indices change in the downtown area of Beijing, Tianjin and Shijiazhuang ranked top in the 13 cities of the BTH, which are closely related to the urban development. The mean contribution of urbanization on maximum daily maximum temperature (TXx), TNx, SU35 and TR25 was 68%, 45% and 27% in Beijing, Tianjin and Shijiazhuang, respectively. The socio‐economic driving factors have an important impact on the change rates of the extreme high‐temperature indices, which means that controlling population, city size and reducing energy consumption could effectively alleviate the urban heat island (UHI) effect and slow down the high‐temperature events in the BTH. In the future, it is vital to further study and investigate the mechanism of the extreme high‐temperature changes through numerical simulations and to research their impact and response in this region.
Public–private engagement (PPE) in hydromet services and the role of the academic sector
Authors: Frei Thomas
Published: September 2021

National meteorological and hydrological services (NMHSs) play a key role in gathering data and in providing services like early warnings, basic weather forecasts or climate analysis. In most developing countries, NMHSs are public services facing hindering financial constraints and shortages of skilled personnel. Both the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and academia play a long‐standing role in creating, innovating and fostering technology and services in meteorology and hydrology (hydromet services). At the same time, the role of the private sector in weather service provision is strongly growing all around the world. In order to maximize socio‐economic benefits from hydromet services, it is necessary that countries are considering how to strategically embrace the benefits that the private and academic sectors can offer without jeopardizing the provision of public services. A recent World Bank report suggests that public–private engagement (PPE) can create and sustain effective hydromet value chains. Moving towards PPE not only creates opportunities for the academic sector but in many instances critically depends on it for capacity building, to further develop trust relationships between the sectors, to provide spaces in which collaboration between the sectors can be tested and last but not least serve as a source and conduit for new technologies. This paper intends to stimulate discussion on PPE and the role that academics and academic institutions can take to foster sustainable hydromet value chains.
LncRNA‐H19 gene plays a significant role in regulating glioma cell function
Authors: Liu Ping , Huang Xinqiong , Wu Haijun , Yin Guoling , Shen Liangfang
Published: September 2021

Background

Glioma is an aggressive adult primary cancer, and is characterized by low cure rate, poor prognosis, and high recurrence. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of lncRNA‐H19 gene silencing on glioma cell function.

Methods

lncRNA‐H19 interference vector (LV3‐si‐H19) and negative control vector (LV3‐NC) were stably transfected into U251 and U87‐MG cells, respectively. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) was performed to investigate the expression of lncRNA‐H19. Cell proliferation capacity was tested by adopting cell counting kit (CCK8), and propidium iodide (PI) was used for cell cycle analysis. Meanwhile, flow cytometry (FCM) method was used to investigate cell apoptosis, cell migration capacity was detected via wound healing and transwell experiments, and sphere‐forming ability was examined in serum‐free suspension culture. Additionally, glioma animal models were conducted through injecting U251 cells to estimate the effects of lncRNA‐H19 on glioma growth in vivo.

Results

Knocking down lncRNA‐H19 gene could effectively suppress the proliferation of U251 and U87‐MG cells. The knockdown of lncRNA‐H19 remarkably inhibited the migration and blocked cycle progressions of U251 and U87‐MG cells, yet, no obvious changes were observed in cell apoptosis. Besides, inhibiting lncRNA‐H19 expression could attenuate sphere‐forming function of U251 and U87‐MG cells. Additionally, tumor volume and weight were significantly reduced in rats injected with U251 LV‐si‐H19 cell line compared to untransfected and negative controls, when survival time was obviously prolonged in U251 LV‐si‐H19 injection groups.

Conclusion

LncRNA‐H19 gene plays a carcinogenic role in glioma progression via enhancing aggressive behavior of glioma cells.
A phased array applicator based on open ridged‐waveguide antenna for microwave hyperthermia
Authors: Aram Morteza Ghaderi , Aliakbarian Hadi , Trefná Hana Dobšíček
Published: September 2021

Radiative hyperthermia is a clinically applied cancer treatment modality where antenna design is crucial to achieving therapeutic goals. Serving as the building block of a phased‐array configuration, antennas are typically arranged in a cylindrical or elliptical array called applicator. This short communication proposes an elliptical phased array applicator based on a compact, UWB design from the category of double‐ridged horn antennas customized for hyperthermia systems. The performance of the antenna, named open ridged‐waveguide, has been experimentally assessed based on the quality metrics of the hyperthermic community. The proposed design achieves an ultra‐wideband range of operation from 400 to 800 MHz with an aperture size of 3 by 4 cm. Moreover, thanks to the shielding provided by the metallic housing, the design proves good isolation better than −30 dB throughout the band. The power deposition capability of the proposed applicator followed by the thermal analysis is also investigated for a realistic head and neck patient model. The results indicate very good quality metrics achieved in the treatment planning of the patient.
Ankyrin‐repeat and SOCS box‐containing protein 9 (ASB9) regulates ovarian granulosa cells function and MAPK signaling
Authors: Nosratpour Soma , Ndiaye Kalidou
Published: September 2021

Ankyrin‐repeat and SOCS box‐containing proteins (ASB) interact with the elongin B‐C adapter via their SOCS box domain and with the cullin and ring box proteins to form E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes within the protein ubiquitination pathway. ASB9 in particular is a differentially expressed gene in ovulatory follicles (OFs) induced by the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge or hCG injection in ovarian granulosa cells (GC) while downregulated in growing dominant follicles. Although ASB9 has been involved in biological processes such as protein modification, the signaling network associated with ASB9 in GC is yet to be fully defined. We previously identified and reported ASB9 interactions and binding partners in GC including PAR1, TAOK1, and TNFAIP6/TSG6. Here, we further investigate ASB9 effects on target binding partners regulation and signaling in GC. CRISPR/Cas9‐induced inhibition of ASB9 revealed that ASB9 regulates PAR1, TAOK1, TNFAIP6 as well as genes associated with proliferation and cell cycle progression such as PCNA, CCND2, and CCNE2 while CCNA2 was not affected. Inhibition of ASB9 was also associated with increased GC number and decreased caspase3/7 activity, CASP3 expression, and BAX/BCL2 ratio. Furthermore, ASB9 induction in OF in vivo 24 h post‐hCG is concomitant with a significant decrease in phosphorylation levels of MAPK3/1 while pMAPK3/1 levels increased following ASB9 inhibition in GC in vitro. Together, these results provide strong evidence for ASB9 as a regulator of GC activity and function by modulating MAPK signaling likely through specific binding partners such as PAR1, therefore controlling GC proliferation and contributing to GC differentiation into luteal cells.
Protocols for multi‐site trials using hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI for imaging of ventilation, alveolar‐airspace size, and gas exchange: A position paper from the 129Xe MRI clinical trials consortium
Authors: Niedbalski Peter J. , Hall Chase S. , Castro Mario , Eddy Rachel L. , Rayment Jonathan H. , Svenningsen Sarah , Parraga Grace , Zanette Brandon , Santyr Giles E. , Thomen Robert P. , Stewart Neil J. , Collier Guilhem J. , Chan Ho‐Fung , Wild Jim M. , Fain Sean B. , Miller G. Wilson , Mata Jaime F. , Mugler John P. , Driehuys Bastiaan , Willmering Matthew M. , Cleveland Zackary I. , Woods Jason C.
Published: September 2021

Hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe MRI uniquely images pulmonary ventilation, gas exchange, and terminal airway morphology rapidly and safely, providing novel information not possible using conventional imaging modalities or pulmonary function tests. As such, there is mounting interest in expanding the use of biomarkers derived from HP 129Xe MRI as outcome measures in multi‐site clinical trials across a range of pulmonary disorders. Until recently, HP 129Xe MRI techniques have been developed largely independently at a limited number of academic centers, without harmonizing acquisition strategies. To promote uniformity and adoption of HP 129Xe MRI more widely in translational research, multi‐site trials, and ultimately clinical practice, this position paper from the 129Xe MRI Clinical Trials Consortium (https://cpir.cchmc.org/XeMRICTC) recommends standard protocols to harmonize methods for image acquisition in HP 129Xe MRI. Recommendations are described for the most common HP gas MRI techniques—calibration, ventilation, alveolar‐airspace size, and gas exchange—across MRI scanner manufacturers most used for this application. Moreover, recommendations are described for 129Xe dose volumes and breath‐hold standardization to further foster consistency of imaging studies. The intention is that sites with HP 129Xe MRI capabilities can readily implement these methods to obtain consistent high‐quality images that provide regional insight into lung structure and function. While this document represents consensus at a snapshot in time, a roadmap for technical developments is provided that will further increase image quality and efficiency. These standardized dosing and imaging protocols will facilitate the wider adoption of HP 129Xe MRI for multi‐site pulmonary research.
Citric acid functionalized cellulose monolith for continuous‐flow removal of cationic dye in water
Authors: Xie Zhengtian , Li Linxuan , Hsu Yu‐I , Asoh Taka‐Aki , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

Developing efficient yet cost‐effective material from bioresources for dye removal is promising in both economic and environmental protection aspects. Here, a monolithic cellulose material functionalized with citric acid is reported as an absorbent for continuous‐flow removal of cationic dye. The functionalization process is realized by a direct esterification reaction between citric acid and cellulose without any other additions. The obtained monolithic absorbent possesses a 3D connected porous structure, which enables the application of the product in a continuous‐flow fashion. Results indicate that the produced monolith has a good adsorption ability to methylene blue. Moreover, the product can be reused after a fast desorption process by flowing with a salt solution. This work provides a simple strategy for fabricating green absorbents based on biofriendly cellulose and citric acid, which exhibits a potential of industrial application for water treatment.
N‐doped carbon nanotube sponges and their excellent lithium storage performances
Authors: Zhu Qi , Botello‐Méndez Andrés R. , Cheng Luhua , Fajardo‐Diaz Juan , Muñoz‐Sandoval Emilio , López‐Urias Florentino , Wang Jiande , Gohy Jean‐François , Charlier Jean‐Christophe , Vlad Alexandru
Published: September 2021

Preparation, analysis and lithium storage performance of a series of nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotube sponges (CNX) is presented in this work. The synthesis was performed using an aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) in a bi‐sprayer system by using various carbon and nitrogen precursors made of mixtures of benzylamine with toluene, urea, pyridine and 1,2‐dichlorbenzene, with ferrocene as catalyst. A series of physico‐chemical analysis techniques are used to characterize the composition and the morphology of the obtained materials, and a correlation of these with the lithium storage performances is attempted. The samples reveal an interconnected core‐shell CNX fiber morphology with a CNT‐core surrounded by an amorphous carbon shell. Appealing lithium storage performances are attained, while also considering aspects of safety, low potential, and long‐term cycling stability. The best performing sponges display a high specific capacity (223 mAh g−1) when cycled in a practically relevant voltage window (0.01–1V vs. Li), high first cycle (90%) and long‐term cycling (99.3%) coulombic efficiencies and excellent capacity retention after 1500 cycles. This study further analyses the interplay between the morphology and the physico‐chemistry of nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotube materials for Lithium storage and provides guidelines for future developments.
Boost Your Career With a One AWWA Operator Scholarship
Authors: Hektor Michelle , Macler Bruce
Published: September 2021

If you're a water operator wanting to learn more to get ahead and need money to do it, we encourage you to apply for a One AWWA Operator scholarship. Different from a traditional AWWA academic scholarship, a One AWWA Operator scholarship helps fund continuing education for water and wastewater operators and encourages students to enter the field of water operations. The scholarship funds can be used for conference attendance, vocational/technical school, community college or university tuition, or books and materials for continuing education and certification
Operators Need to Know Basic Microbiology
Authors: Adams Hunter , Reeder Sam , Barker Randall , Ash Steve , Williams Kriston , Southard Mark
Published: September 2021

The data produced in water treatment plants contain a wealth of information on how well processes perform, but the key is how well the information is understood and applied. With a fundamental knowledge of microbiology and chemistry, plant operators are better equipped to get the most out of test results to help ensure high‐quality water.
Parliamentary democracy and citizen's welfare in Nigeria: The case of National Assembly
Authors: Nwanolue Bonn Obiekwe , Iwuoha Victor Chidubem , Uwaechie Onyinyeomachukwu Gift , Albert Okorie
Published: September 2021

This study examined how National Assembly's legislation has facilitated or enhanced citizen's social welfare in Nigeria. Based on qualitative research methods and post‐colonial theory, the study argued that the National Assembly has primarily elevated its private interests (including the interests of the executive arm) above qualitative pro‐people legislation that could enhance citizen's social welfare. Between 2015 and 2018, only 12 out of the 86 bills passed and assented to by the President were related to, and had direct effects on citizen's social welfare in Nigeria. Hence, an estimated 86.9 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty. Unemployment rate increased from 10.57% of total labor force in 2012 to 22.56% in 2018. Key challenges include: poor communication between lawmakers and the citizens, frequent turnover of legislators, lack of experience/technical capacity, corrupt tendencies and executive–legislative crisis. Thus, citizens' engagement via town hall meetings and public interactions is imperative for the enactment of qualitative pro‐people legislation that improves people's lives and social welfare.
Large deformation bending of single‐ply fabric reinforced polymer composite
Authors: Gao Jifeng , Chen Wujun , Chen Jubing , Hu Jianhui , Zhao Bing , Zhang Daxu , Fang Guangqiang , Peng Fujun
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the large deformation bending properties of a single‐ply fabric reinforced polymer composite (SpFRPC) by the innovative counterweight balanced column bending test (CWB‐CBT) and microscopic analysis. The influences of temperatures and asymmetric weave structure on SpFRPC's bending properties are emphasized. In glassy state at 15°C, SpFRPC failed in a brittle manner, with the ultimate moment and initial bending stiffness per width 19.16 Nmm and 448.61 Nmm2. The bending capacity decreased to negligible at 40°C in the rubbery state but vice versa for deformability, reaching the curvature of 0.135 mm−1 within maximum accommodation of this CWB‐CBT fixture. The asymmetric weave structure enabled larger deformability when bent outward than inward, resulting in more significant stiffness and ultimate moment inward than outward. The transverse yarns' gaps were the weak locations of bending fracture, especially at weave intersection edges. In general, the present work provides an exploratory study for understanding the folding mechanical properties of the SpFRPC.
The effect of simultaneous heat/fire and impact on carbon fibril and particle release from carbon fiber‐reinforced composites
Authors: Chapple Robert , Kandola Baljinder K. , Myler Peter , Ferry Laurent , Lopez‐Cuesta José‐Marie , Chivas‐Joly Carine , Erskine Emmajane L.
Published: September 2021

A novel laboratory scale testing equipment has been designed and developed, which combines impact and heat/fire conditions to enable the testing of composite laminates, including the ability to capture debris/particles released during the test. This incorporates a pendulum impactor to create impact whilst the sample is exposed to a cone heater at a particular heat flux for a specified period of time. A protocol for testing samples under different conditions and capturing particles released, both from the front and back faces, along with effluents has been provided. A carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composite was impacted whilst being exposed to different heat fluxes for a range of time periods. A loss of stiffness related to the heating exposure time was found to affect the damage type. At lower heat fluxes, the captured particles included broken carbon fibers, decomposed resinous particles and resin coated fibers. Quantitative and morphological analyses of captured particles demonstrated that the sizes of decomposed resin particles and fibers reduced with longer exposure time or increased heat flux. This information could be useful to provide insight into potential health hazards of components of the composites.
Images carried before the fire: The power, promise, and responsibility of latent phenotyping in plants
Authors: Feldmann Mitchell J. , Gage Joseph L. , Turner‐Hissong Sarah D. , Ubbens Jordan R.
Published: September 2021

Understanding the genetic basis of plant traits requires comprehensive and quantitative descriptions of the phenotypic variation that exists within populations. Cameras and other sensors have made high‐throughput phenotyping possible, but image‐based phenotyping procedures involve a step where a researcher selects the traits to be measured. This feature selection step is inherently prone to human biases. Recently, a set of phenotyping approaches, which are referred to collectively as latent phenotyping techniques, have arisen in the literature. Latent phenotyping techniques isolate a latent source of variance in the data, such as stress or genotype, and then quantify the effect of this latent source of variance using latent variables without defining any conventional traits. In this review, we discuss the differences between, and challenges of, both traditional and latent phenotyping.
Stability investigations of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes immediately after death in a pig model support the applicability of postmortem hepatic CYP quantification
Authors: Pedersen Kata W. , Hansen Jakob , Hasselstrøm Jørgen B. , Jornil Jakob R.
Published: September 2021

Quantification of drug‐metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms using LC–MS/MS has been proposed as a potential way of estimating antemortem CYP levels using postmortem tissue, but the postmortem stability of CYP proteins is incompletely investigated. If one can use data obtained from the analysis of postmortem specimens to inform physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models this greatly increases the access to rare specimens among special subpopulations. In this study, we developed and validated an LC–MS/MS method for targeted CYP protein quantification in a porcine animal model to study postmortem stability. We measured 19.9–28.3 pmol CYP1A2, 50.3–66.2 pmol CYP2D25, 132.9–142.7 pmol CYP2E1, and 16.8–48 pmol CYP3A29 protein per mg PLM in nondegraded tissue. In tissue stored at 4°C, we found that the CYP protein levels were unaffected by degradation after 72 h. At 21°C CYP1A2, CYP2D25, and CYP2E1 protein levels were nearly unaffected by degradation after 24 h, whereas a loss of approximately 50% was seen after 48 h. At 21°C CYP3A29 had a loss of 50% at 24 h and 70% at 48 h exhibiting less postmortem stability. In vitro enzyme activity measurements in the same tissue stored at 21°C showed a 50% decrease after 24 h and a complete loss of enzyme activity after 48 h. When stored at 4°C, the in vitro enzyme activity decreased to 50% activity after 96 h. In conclusion, measuring CYP levels by an LC–MS/MS approach was clearly less affected by postmortem changes than an activity‐based approach. The found postmortem stability for 24 h at 21°C for 3 out of 4 CYP isoforms supports the use of properly stored postmortem tissue to inform PBPK models.
Modeling of UAV/RPAS data traffic in space, air, and ground networks
Authors: Ilnytska Svitlana , Grekhov Andrii , Kondratiuk Vasyl
Published: September 2021

Remotely piloted air systems (RPASs) are increasingly used for data transmission in the space‐air‐ground integrated networks (SAGINs). That is why it is important to know the possibilities and ways of integrating existing space, air and terrestrial networks for effective interaction with RPASs. This paper studies the issues of ensuring the required quality of service during heavy traffic in SAGIN and the choice of the necessary data transmission modes for this. Models of communication channels were created, including line‐of‐sight transmission (Model 1), public terrestrial network (PTN) (Model 2), low‐orbit satellite transmission (Model 3) and PTN plus satellite transmission (Model 4). The relationships between models' performance and traffic parameters, channel bandwidths, bit errors, lost packets and models' topology were investigated using NetCracker Professional 4.1 software. The dependencies of the average utilization on the transaction size and the time between transactions with different statistical distribution laws were analyzed. The effect of different bandwidths was investigated. The influence of the bit error rate and the probability of packet fail chance on the channel performance was studied. The traffic characteristics in all models were compared.
Associations between self‐reported respiratory symptoms and non‐specific psychological distress following exposure to a prolonged landscape fire
Authors: Samuel Riana , Carroll Matthew T. C. , Ikin Jillian F. , Gao Caroline X. , Del Monaco Anthony , McFarlane Alexander , Berger Emily , Maybery Darryl , Broder Jonathan , Brown David , Sim Malcolm R. , Walker Judi , Abramson Michael J.
Published: September 2021

We investigated the association between respiratory symptoms and psychological distress in the context of a prolonged smoke event, and evaluated whether smoke exposure, or pre‐existing respiratory and mental health conditions, influenced the association. Three thousand ninety‐six residents of a rural town heavily exposed to smoke from the 6‐week Hazelwood coal mine fire, and 960 residents of a nearby unexposed town, completed Kessler's psychological distress questionnaire (K10) and a modified European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Logistic regression models evaluated associations between distress and respiratory symptoms, with interactions fitted to evaluate effect modification. Smoke exposed participants reported higher levels of distress than those unexposed, and participants reporting respiratory symptoms recorded higher levels of distress than participants without respiratory symptoms, irrespective of exposure. 5‐unit increments in K10 scores were associated with 21%–48% increases in the odds of reporting respiratory symptoms. There were significant interactions with pre‐existing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and mental health conditions, but not with smoke exposure. Although participants with pre‐existing conditions were more likely to report respiratory symptoms, increasing distress was most strongly associated with respiratory symptoms among those without pre‐existing conditions. Communities exposed to landscape fire smoke could benefit from interventions to reduce both psychological and respiratory distress.
A study of refactorings during software change tasks
Authors: Eilertsen Anna M. , Murphy Gail C.
Published: September 2021

Developers frequently undertake software change tasks that could be partially or fully automated by refactoring tools. As has been reported by others, all too often, these refactoring steps are instead performed manually by developers. These missed opportunities are referred to as occasions ofdisuseof refactoring tools. We perform an observational study in which 17 developers with professional experience attempt to solve three change tasks with steps amenable to the use of refactoring tools. We found that the strategies developers use to approach these tasks shape their workflow, which, in turn, shape the opportunities for refactoring tool use. We report on a number of findings about developer strategies, demonstrating the difficulty of aligning the kind of refactoring steps that emerge during a change task based on the strategy with the tools available. We also report on findings about refactoring tools, such as the difficulties developers face in controlling the scope of application of the tools. Our findings can help inform the designers of refactoring tools.
Combining Modulated Techniques for the Analysis of Photosensitive Devices
Authors: Alvarez Agustin O. , Ravishankar Sandheep , Fabregat‐Santiago Francisco
Published: September 2021

Small‐perturbation techniques such as impedance spectroscopy (IS), intensity‐modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS), and intensity‐modulated photovoltage spectroscopy (IMVS) are useful tools to characterize and model photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical devices. While the analysis of the impedance spectra is generally carried out using an equivalent circuit, the intensity‐modulated spectroscopies are often analyzed through the measured characteristic response times. This makes the correlation between the two methods of analysis generally unclear. In this work, by taking into consideration the absorptance and separation efficiency, a unified theoretical framework and a procedure to combine the spectral analysis of the three techniques are proposed. Such a joint analysis of IS, IMPS, and IMVS spectra greatly reduces the sample space of possible equivalent circuits to model the device and allows obtaining parameters with high reliability. This theoretical approach is applied in the characterization of a silicon photodiode to demonstrate the validity of this methodology, which shows great potential to improve the quality of analysis of spectra obtained from frequency domain small‐perturbation methods.
College entrance exam‐taking strategies in Georgia
Authors: Bloem Michael D. , Pan Weixiang , Smith Jonathan
Published: September 2021

Using administrative data from Georgia, we provide the first study of the full set of college entrance exam‐taking strategies, including who takes the ACT and the SAT (or both), when they take the exams, and how many times they take each exam. We have several main findings. First, one‐third of exam takers take both the ACT and SAT. Second, we see pronounced disparities in several measures of exam‐taking strategy by free‐ and reduced‐price lunch status, even after including a rich set of controls, but not by underrepresented minority status. Third, we find evidence that taking more total exams leads to higher admissions‐relevant test scores and a higher likelihood of enrolling in colleges with relatively high graduation rates and earnings. However, these relationships with test scores and college enrollment are smaller for those who take both the ACT and SAT, as opposed to retaking the same exam multiple times.
The role of consumer confidence in forecasting consumption, evidence from Florida
Authors: Sandoval Hector H. , Walsh Anita N.
Published: September 2021

Consumers' attitudes about the direction of the economy influence their decisions about discretionary purchases, saving, and investment. This paper uses data from Florida's consumer sentiment index to study the role and accuracy of consumer confidence in forecasting consumption, as well as the mechanism behind such a relationship. Spending on durable goods tends to be more discretionary in nature and it is frequently done using credit, thus potentially more sensitive to changes in consumer attitudes. Our results indicate that the in‐sample predictive power of the index and its questions is limited to predicting spending on durable goods, particularly, on autos. Furthermore, consumer confidence does not improve the out‐of‐sample forecast beyond the forecast from a baseline model, which considers economic fundamentals. Finally, the evidence shows that the relationship between shocks in consumer confidence and economic activity arises because confidence measures contain information about the state of the economy, thus rejecting animal spirits.
Succinylated Starch Nanocapsules Loaded with the Polyphenolic Extract from Arugula (Eruca sativa) Leaves: Colloidal, Chemical, and Structural Properties
Authors: García‐Gurrola Adriana , Escobar‐Puentes Alberto A. , Rincón Susana , Martínez‐Bustos Fernando , Zepeda Alejandro
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study is to incorporate the polyphenolic‐rich extract from Eruca sativa leaves into succinylated starch nanocapsules. Synthesis of the nanocapsules is carried out using an industrial/scale ultrasonic equipment, and the dynamic light scattering (DLS), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and microscopy (FE‐SEM) techniques are used for determining the colloidal, chemical, and structural properties, respectively. Non succinylated nanocapsules and succinylated nanocapsules with two degrees of substitution (DS; 0.01 and 0.03) are synthetized. The unloaded nanocapsules exhibits a hydrodynamic size ranging from 50 to 69 nm, but the nanoencapsulation has a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the colloidal properties of loaded nanocapsules. All of the three loaded nanocapsules demonstrates hydrodynamic sizes ranging from 259 to 268 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.361 to 0.390, ζ‐potential values of −11.43 to −15.98 Mv, and encapsulation efficiencies (EE) of 16%. FTIR results show hydrophobic interactions between E. sativa polyphenols and nanoparticles. Additionally, the XRD results suggest the formation of slight inclusion complexes between E. sativa polyphenols and nanoparticles. The starch nanoparticles are efficient to encapsulate a polyphenolic‐rich ethanolic extract and the succinylation influences the nanoparticle‐extract molecular interactions and arrangements but not EE.
Treatment of bovine respiratory disease with a single administration of tulathromycin and ketoprofen
Authors: De Koster Jenne , Tena Jezaniah‐Kira , Stegemann Michael R.
Published: September 2021

Background

The therapeutic strategy of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) often involves a combination of an antibiotic with an anti‐inflammatory agent. Aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of a new combination product containing tulathromycin and ketoprofen for the treatment of naturally occurring BRD.

Methods

Two hundred and eighty animals were randomized upon diagnosis of BRD. One hundred forty animals each were treated once subcutaneously with tulathromycin‐ketoprofen or tulathromycin. Rectal temperature of each animal was measured at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 h post‐treatment. Individual respiration and depression scores were determined at 6 h post‐treatment. Daily rectal temperature, respiration and depression scores were recorded from day 2 to 14 and on day 21.

Results

The tulathromycin‐ketoprofen and tulathromycin treatment group demonstrated a treatment success rate of 94.2% and 95.0%, respectively and a relapse rate of 3.8% and 4.0%, respectively. Tulathromycin‐ketoprofen demonstrated superior pyrexia control compared to tulathromycin within the first 24 h following treatment. Tulathromycin‐ketoprofen‐treated animals demonstrated faster improvement of their clinical symptoms (respiration and depression score).

Conclusion

Efficacy of tulathromycin‐ketoprofen for the treatment of BRD was non‐inferior to tulathromycin. The combination product clearly exhibited more pronounced fever control than tulathromycin which is considered beneficial for animal welfare.
Magnetic properties and structural analysis on spinel MnFe2O4 nanoparticles prepared via non‐aqueous microwave synthesis
Authors: Simon Christopher , Blösser André , Eckardt Mirco , Kurz Hannah , Weber Birgit , Zobel Mirijam , Marschall Roland
Published: September 2021

Phase‐pure 6 nm spinel MnFe2O4 nanoparticles with high specific surface area of 145 m2 g−1 were successfully prepared via microwave‐assisted non‐aqueous sol‐gel synthesis. The phase evolution during postsynthetic thermal treatment was investigated systematically by various methods, including powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), pair distribution function (PDF) analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. Our results show that the material decomposes to non‐spinel binary compounds α‐Mn2O3 and α‐Fe2O3 at temperatures between 400 and 600 °C. The application potential of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles with 3d5 Mn(II) and Fe(III) ions with respect to the magnetic properties was demonstrated by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry, with the as‐synthesized nanoparticles reaching a high saturation magnetization of 2.62 μB per formula unit (63.5 Am2 kg−1) at 10 K. We further highlight the visible‐light response of synthesized powders, making the materials promising for light‐related applications, e. g. photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. An important additional feature of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles is their good dispersibilty in polar or non‐polar media, as a result of postsynthetic colloidal stabilization with betaine hydrochloride, oleic acid combined with oleylamine, or citric acid.
Immunocontraception of male and female giraffes using the GnRH vaccine Improvac®
Authors: Schwarzenberger Franz , Krawinkel Pia , Jeserschek Sophia‐Maria , Schauerte Nicole , Geiger Christina , Balfanz Folko , Knauf‐Witzens Tobias , Sicks Florian , Martinez Nevado Eva , Anfray Gwendoline , Hein Anna , Kaandorp‐Huber Christine , Marcordes Sandra , Venshøj Betina
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to develop protocols for contraception in both sexes of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) by using the GnRH vaccine Improvac®. We evaluated the success of immunization by analyzing fecal reproductive hormone metabolites in female (n = 20) and male (n = 9) giraffes. Endocrine analysis provided the basis for the successful immunization protocol, as well as for assessing long‐term effects. Reliable reduction of fecal steroid metabolites to baseline levels in female giraffes was achieved with three, and in males with four or five injections at 4‐week intervals. Effective booster injections were administered at 2‐month intervals in the first year of treatment and at three to 4‐month intervals in the following years. In addition to endocrine analysis, we determined vaccination efficacy in bulls by assessing testicular atrophy. Long‐term (>2 years) use in females was often accompanied by prolonged periods of persistent corpus luteum activity, although normal cycles were not observed. Problems might occur with reversibility, because in a few males and females, even after more than 2 years since treatment had been stopped, fecal hormone metabolites have not returned to pretreatment levels. The results are somewhat ambiguous, as reproduction can be suppressed by use of Improvac®, but the question of reversibility remains unsolved.
Methods and Tools for Overcoming the Barriers to Servitization and Service Excellence
Authors: West Shaun , Gaiardelli Paolo , Saccani Nicola
Published: September 2021

In this chapter we tell you about the methods and tools that have helped many people overcome the barriers to servitization and achieve service excellence. Some of these methods and tools may be new to you, and some we hope you will be familiar with. There are many other aids that are available, and we are sure you have some tools that your firm uses. Our objective was not to tell you what to use but rather to provide you with a set of equipment that can help you achieve what is important for you. The tools are listed from A to Z and categorized into different groups to help you to identify when you might want to use a particular tool. We have not provided detailed instructions on how to use each tool, as there are more than enough other books that can help you here, but rather provided a list of what we think are most useful. You will find many similar templates at https://www.mural.co/ that are easy to use and share with colleagues.
Entropy Solutions of Doubly Nonlinear Fractional Laplace Equations
Authors: Grossekemper Niklas , Wittbold Petra , Zimmermann Aleksandra
Published: September 2021

In this contribution, we study a class of doubly nonlinear elliptic equations with bounded, merely integrable right-hand side on the whole space $$\mathbb {R}^N$$

R

N

. The equation is driven by the fractional Laplacian $$(-\varDelta )^{\frac{s}{2}}$$

(
-
Δ
)

s
2

for $$s\in (0,1]$$

s
∈
(
0
,
1
]

and a strongly continuous nonlinear perturbation of first order. It is well known that weak solutions are in genreral not unique in this setting. We are able to prove an $$L^1$$

L
1

-contraction and comparison principle and to show existence and uniqueness of entropy solutions.