bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fragmentation reactions of protonated α,ω‐diamino carboxylic acids: The importance of functional group interactions
Authors: Grossert J. Stuart , White Robert L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractProtonated members of a homologous series of biologically significant α,ω‐diamino carboxylic acids were subjected to collision induced dissociation (CID). The resulting fragmentation patterns were studied using isotopic labeling, quantum mechanical computations, and pseudo MS3 experiments conducted primarily on an ion trap mass spectrometer. Each protonated α,ω‐diamino acid showed a primary neutral loss of either ammonia or water; a clear explanation was developed for the observed variation of the two losses within the series. Protonated 2,3‐diaminopropanoic acid, 2,4‐diaminobutanoic acid, and 2,7‐diaminoheptanoic acid gave secondary losses of water, carbon monoxide, and a loss of water plus carbon monoxide, respectively. In the parallel pathways characterized for the fragmentations of protonated ornithine and lysine, the α‐nitrogen of the diamino acid was maintained in the cyclic iminium product formed by successive losses of NH3 and (H2O + CO), whereas the side‐chain nitrogen was retained by consecutive losses of H2O and (CO, NH3). The 1‐piperideine ion from protonated lysine was fragmented further, losing ethylene from carbons 4 and 5. Protonated 2,6‐diaminopimelic acid fragmented by analogous reactions. Detailed mechanistic schemes for the fragmentation of both protonated 2,3‐diaminopropanoic and ornithine were generated from MP2/DFT computations. This work highlights the participation of the side‐chain amino group, which distinguishes the gas‐phase chemistry of protonated α,ω‐diamino acids from the well‐documented fragmentation reactions of protonated α‐amino acids bearing a hydrogen atom or an alkyl side chain. In general, the results further illustrate the importance of intramolecular separations affecting the specific interactions between functional groups leading to the fragmentation of multifunctional ions.
Why not this destination? The effects of travel constraints of independent travelers on destination image formation
Authors: Kim Sung‐Eun , Kim Hyelin (Lina) , Yang Sung‐Byung 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn spite of diverse measures by national governments and destination marketing organizations (DMOs), the statistics related to international tourist destinations, including those of independent travelers, show that the rankings of the most popular tourist destinations have undergone minimal changes over the past decade. The aim of this study is to understand the factors that prevent independent travelers from selecting smaller regions (i.e., relatively less popular destinations) and examine the impact of these constraint factors on destination image formation. Using both qualitative and quantitative data collected from independent travelers, this study found that intrapersonal, interpersonal, structural, and awareness constraints are the major constraint factors. Intrapersonal constraints were found to be negatively associated with the cognitive and affective image of a destination, while awareness constraints were found to be negatively associated with the cognitive image of a destination. Cognitive and affective images were also found to be significant antecedents of conative image. The study includes a discussion of theoretical and managerial implications of these findings and directions for future research.
Accurate Diagnosis of Adnexal Torsion—Not Only for Expert Sonographers
Authors: Silber Michal , Gilboa Yinon , Perlman Sharon , Krispin Eyal , Sukenik Shai , Shochat Tzippy , Hadar Eran , Bardin Ron 
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and sonographic parameters associated with a correct or incorrect diagnosis of adnexal torsion made by resident/attending physicians who are not expert sonographers.MethodsA retrospective study design included women who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) of a tertiary medical center between 2010 and 2019 with acute lower abdominal pain, who were subsequently diagnosed laparoscopically with adnexal torsion. Women who were correctly diagnosed in the ED by an obstetrician‐gynecologist who was not an expert sonographer were compared for clinical and sonographic parameters with women who were initially incorrectly diagnosed and underwent a second ultrasound examination by an expert sonographer following admission.ResultsOf 118 women with surgically proven adnexal torsion, 76 were correctly diagnosed in the ED and 42 were initially incorrectly diagnosed. The correctly diagnosed group was characterized by a significantly shorter mean time from admission to surgery, higher rate of vomiting, shorter duration of abdominal pain, and higher rate of prior torsion (P < .05). Physicians who made the correct diagnosis utilized more sonographic parameters than those who did not, namely ovarian size, ovarian edema, and Doppler flow. The correctly diagnosed group had a higher rate of bluish‐black (ischemic) adnexa at laparoscopy, but a higher rate of recovery following detorsion.ConclusionsPhysicians in the ED should be alerted to the need to address some basic sonographic features when adnexal torsion is suspected. The diagnostic accuracy of adnexal torsion can be improved by utilizing simple sonographic markers, even in the ED setting.
Transoral Laser Microsurgical Excision of a Laryngeal Schwannoma Located in the Paraglottic Space
Authors: Tritter Andrew G. , Sadoughi Babak 
Published: May 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTo report the first case of transoral excision of a paraglottic laryngeal schwannoma.MethodsCase report.ResultsLaryngeal schwannomas are rare tumors, with approximately 75 cases reported to date worldwide. Most cases involve superficial supraglottic tumors excised transorally, and some have been found in deeper compartments and treated using transcervical approaches. This report describes the first excision of a schwannoma of the paraglottic space via endoscopic laser laryngotomy. The procedure allowed return to normal function, without recurrence within 8 months, after which the patient was lost to follow‐up.ConclusionsTransoral excision of benign paraglottic tumors is safe and feasible.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:2729–2731, 2021
Safety and Efficacy of a Beverage Containing Lupine Protein Hydrolysates on the Immune, Oxidative and Lipid Status in Healthy Subjects: An Intervention Study (the Lupine‐1 Trial)
Authors: Cruz‐Chamorro Ivan , Álvarez‐Sánchez Nuria , Álvarez‐Ríos Ana Isabel , Santos‐Sánchez Guillermo , Pedroche Justo , Millán Francisco , Carrera Sánchez Cecilio , Fernández‐Pachón María Soledad , Millán‐Linares María Carmen , Martínez‐López Alicia , Lardone Patricia Judith , Bejarano Ignacio , Guerrero Juan Miguel , Carrillo‐Vico Antonio 
Published: May 2021

ScopeWe have previously demonstrated the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties of in vitro administered Lupinus angustifolius protein hydrolysates (LPHs) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a beverage containing LPHs (LPHb) on the immune, oxidative and metabolic status of healthy subjects.Methods and ResultsIn this open‐label intervention, 33 participants daily ingest a LPHb containing 1 g LPHs for 28 days. Biochemical parameters are assayed in fasting peripheral blood and urine samples before, during (14 days) and after LPHb ingestion. Participants’ health status and the immune and antioxidant responses of PBMCs are also evaluated throughout the trial. The LPHb ingestion is safe and effective in both increasing the anti‐/pro‐inflammatory response of PBMCs and improving the cellular anti‐oxidant capacity. LPHb also reduces the low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C)/high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) atherogenic index. LPHb effect is particularly beneficial on decreasing not only the LDL‐C/HDL‐C index but also serum total cholesterol levels in the male cohort that shows the highest baseline levels of well‐known cardiovascular risk factors.ConclusionThis is the first study to show the pleiotropic actions of a lupine bioactive peptides‐based functional food on key steps of atherosclerosis including inflammation, oxidative stress, and cholesterol metabolism.
Sinusoidal‐slotted aperture‐coupled wide‐band circularly polarized cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna
Authors: Kumari Reena , Gangwar Ravi Kumar , Chaudhary Raghvendra Kumar 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA novel dual‐cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (CDRA) structure is proposed for dual‐band circular polarization applications. Two DRs coupled to a sinusoidal and a rectangle typed slot for circular polarization (CP) operation. The 3‐dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth can be easily tuned by varying the rectangular slot width without disturbing the impedance bandwidth response. The proposed antenna archetype has been developed and experimentally tested to verify the simulation results. The experimental results show that the |S11| and AR bandwidth of (3.84–5.03) GHz and (3.9–4.8) & (4.95–5.16) GHz, respectively, and measured gain of 3.4 dB are achieved by the proposed dual CDRA. The AR frequency range is completely matched to the impedance frequency range.
Near‐infrared triggered drug delivery of Imatinib Mesylate by molybdenum disulfide nanosheets grafted copolymers as thermosensitive nanocarriers
Authors: Mohammadi Kalakoo Mina , Heydarinasab Amir , Moniri Elham , Ahmad Panahi Homayon , Khoshneviszadeh Rabea 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA simple and facile approach has been applied for the synthesis of molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MNs). Molybdenum disulfide nanosheets were prepared by mix‐solvent reflux exfoliation technique of bulk MoS2 with ethanol/water as the solvent. In this paper, a novel nano sorbent is reported for the surface grafting of poly [N‐Vinyl caprolactam‐co‐Vinyl Acetate] copolymer onto molybdenum disulfide nanosheets. The MNs@ p (NVCL‐co‐VAc) was modified by 3, 4‐diaminobenzoic acid (DABA) to enhance its adsorption capacity. The ability of MNs@ p (NVCL‐co‐VAc)‐DABA was estimated as a nanocarrier for the delivery of Imatinib Mesylate (IM) as an anticancer drug. The polymer grafted MNs@ p (NVCL‐co‐VAc)‐DABA was characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, and X‐ray powder diffraction. The effect of the experimental parameters, such as pH, contact time, and the temperature was evaluated. In vitro controlled drug release and phototherapy under near‐infrared (NIR) light irradiation are also discussed. In vitro release of IM from IM/MNs@ p (NVCL‐co‐VAc)‐DABA nanocarriers in the simulated blood fluid (pH = 7.4) shown that the release of IM was faster at 50°C than that at 37°C. The drug release amount under NIR light irradiation reached up to 98% over 15 min, which was about 12 times that without NIR light irradiation. The existence of absorbed NIR energy causes shrinkage of thermosensitive polymer chains and successfully caused the drug release. The sorption process was described by the Langmuir model and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic. The drug release kinetics was examined using Zero‐order, First‐order, Korsmeyer–Peppas, and Higuchi mathematical models.
Influences of fiber reinforced polymer layer on the dynamic deflection of concrete pipes containing nanoparticle subjected to earthquake load
Authors: Motezaker Mohsen , Kolahchi Reza , Rajak Dipen Kumar , Mahmoud S. R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA numerical solution for dynamic analysis induced by earthquake load in concrete pipes containing SiO2 nanoparticles warped by fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) layer is utilized in the present paper on the basis of Mori–Tanaka model. The FRP layer is used as reinforcement for the concrete pipe. Utilizing the cylindrical higher order shell theory, the concrete pipe is mathematically simulated and the related governing relations are derived based on. Utilizing numerical methods of Newmark and Galerkin, the dynamic displacement of the concrete pipe is obtained. The influence of FRP layer and its thickness, volume fraction and agglomeration of nanoparticle, boundary conditions and length to radius ratio of the concrete pipe is studied on the dynamic deflection of the concrete pipe. Numerical outcomes illustrate that the FRP layer can reduces the dynamic deflection significantly.
Voicing Rivers through ontopoetics: A co‐operative inquiry
Authors: Kurio Jacqueline , Reason Peter 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA co‐operative inquiry was established to explore the experience of a panpsychic world of sentient beings rather than inert objects, a world in which mind—sentience, subjectivity, and the will of self‐realization—is a fundamental aspect of matter, just as matter is a fundamental aspect of mind. The nature of worldviews, the fundamental basis of our perceiving, thinking, valuing, and acting, is addressed and a brief outline of living cosmos panpsychism offered. The inquiry asks, could we humans, through intentional engagement, relate to the rivers as beings, subjects, or other‐than‐human persons in their own right? How might we engage with the rivers through personal relationship, ceremony, and invocation? What are the possibilities for reciprocal communication? In short, how might rivers speak?
Simultaneous Improvement of Efficiency and Stability of Organic Photovoltaic Cells by using a Cross‐Linkable Fullerene Derivative
Authors: Hong Ling , Yao Huifeng , Cui Yong , Yu Runnan , Lin You‐Wei , Chen Tsung‐Wei , Xu Ye , Qin Jinzhao , Hsu Chain‐Shu , Ge Ziyi , Hou Jianhui 
Published: May 2021

AbstractImproving power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and stability are two main tasks for organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. In the past few years, although the PCE of the OPV cells has been considerably improved, the research on device stability is limited. Herein, a cross‐linkable material, cross‐linked [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric styryl dendron ester (c‐PCBSD), is applied as an interfacial modification layer on the surface of zinc oxide and as the third component into the PBDB‐TF:Y6‐based OPV cells to enhance photovoltaic performance and long‐term stability. The PCE of the OPV cells that underwent the two‐step modification increased from 15.1 to 16.1%. In particular, such OPV cells exhibited much better stability under both thermal and air conditions because of the decreased number of interfacial defects and stable interfacial and active layer morphologies. The results demonstrated that the introduction of a cross‐linkable fullerene derivative into the interfacial and active layers is a feasible method to improve the PCE and stability of OPV cells.
Characterization of Corn Starch‐Calcium Alginate Xerogels by Microscopy, Thermal, XRD, and FTIR Analyses
Authors: Lozano‐Vazquez Gustavo , Alvarez‐Ramirez Jose , Lobato‐Calleros Consuelo , Vernon‐Carter Eduardo Jaime , Hernández‐Marín Nancy Y. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlginate‐based hydrogels supplemented with corn starch (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% relative to total solids) are obtained as a preliminary step to fabricate the corresponding xerogels. Microscopy showed that starch incorporated porosity to xerogels, while alginate tended to form layered structures. X‐ray analysis showed that the relative crystallinity is small (non‐higher than 5%), indicating the xerogels are basically amorphous structures. Thermal analysis revealed that starch induced reductions of the disintegration enthalpy, which might be ascribed to a disordered entanglement between starch chains and alginate molecules. FTIR analysis is used to characterize the structure (i.e., bonding) of water molecules in the xerogel structure. Starch increases the formation of clusters of strongly bonded water molecules. Overall, the results show that the addition of gelatinized corn starch result in the formation of a more stable crosslinked alginate structure mediate by the stronger interaction between the water molecules and alginate chains.
Impacts of Climate Change to Poultry Production in Africa: Adaptation Options for Broiler Chickens
Authors: Abioja M. O. , Abiona J. A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGlobal climate change poses a great threat to poultry production. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are released through both natural and anthropogenic sources into the atmosphere. Though poultry production contributes little to the release of GHGs, the subsector has been shown to be greatly affected by climate change and global warming. Poultry production as a major subsector of agriculture has provided the teeming population with a supply of needed animal protein in terms of meat and egg production all over the world. It is yet a major global employer of labor. Though it occupies a vantage position in meeting human needs, it is being threatened by climate change, especially in Africa where necessary structure to tackle the menace is nonexistent. Broiler chickens that are reared mainly for chicken meat cannot tolerate the high ambient temperature that prevails mostly in the tropical environment. Chickens are homeotherms that homeostatically regulate core body temperature within a narrow range. Elevated ambient temperature above thermal comfort zone, such as envisaged in climate change scenarios, will trigger series of neuroendocrine modulations that are detrimental to the welfare and productivity in broiler chickens. Such birds are said to be undergoing heat stress (HS). Negative effects of HS include reduced feed consumption, growth rate, feed digestion and efficiency, immunity, welfare, and survivability. Various adaptive measures that could be harnessed by broiler farmers, ranging from housing, feeding, watering, stocking, breeding for thermo-tolerant strains, thermal conditioning, use of phytochemicals, and much more, are reviewed upon in this chapter.
Uncertainties in Rainfall and Water Resources in Maghreb Countries Under Climate Change
Authors: Meddi Mohamed , Eslamian Saeid 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe vulnerability of the climate change in the South of the Mediterranean’s south regions varies depending on the part of their climate which is sensitive to the economy. In Tunisia, agriculture represents 16% of the workforce and 12% of GDP in 2006. In Algeria, agriculture represents 20% of the workforce and 8% of GDP in 2009. In Morocco, agriculture accounts for 40% of the workforce and 17.7% of GDP in 2006. The agriculture is directly related to the availability of water which in turn is directly related to rainfall. The drought has affected all countries of the Maghreb. It is considered the most severe in the history of these countries. The drought has forced the agricultural sector in Morocco to the limitation of annual crops which are not needed, the prohibition of any new tree planting and the ban on vegetable crops in dry years. During the years 1987, 1988, and 1989, Tunisia has experienced the most critical drought. It led to a water deficit of around 30%. For Morocco the rainfall shows a negative trend at national and regional scales, and spring rainfall has declined by over 40% since the 1960s. For Algeria, the western region has recorded a considerable reduction in rainfall. The winter rains have decreased between 40% and 70%. Contributions to dams have decreased between 30% and 50%. These changes had a negative influence on the water resource and crop yield. Many programs have been initiated since then to meet the growing demand.
Transformative Adaptations for Health Impacts of Climate Change in Burkina Faso and Kenya
Authors: Yeboah Edmund , Bunker Aditi , Dambach Peter , Mank Isabel , Sorgho Raïssa , Sié Ali , Munga Stephen , Bärnighausen Till , Danquah Ina 
Published: May 2021

AbstractClimate change strongly affects the health of sub-Saharan African populations. Effective adaptation strategies are required in order to enhance their limited adaptive capacities. The DFG-funded Research Unit (RU) “Climate change and health in sub-Saharan Africa” unites nine research institutions from Burkina Faso, Kenya, Germany, and Switzerland that will design, implement, and evaluate four different adaptation projects in these two African countries from 2020 until 2022.First, the effectiveness of an agro-biodiversification and nutrition program will be established for the reduction of child undernutrition of climate-sensitive nutrients in rural Burkina Faso and Kenya. Two respective cluster-randomized controlled trials (cRCT) will be conducted, each consisting of 2 × 600 children. Second, another cRCT will be conducted among 2 × 300 households in rural Burkina Faso to investigate how sunlight-reflecting cool-roof coatings affect human health outcomes, including cardiovascular and heat-related outcomes. Further outcomes comprise indoor temperature, carbon footprint, and productivity. Third, an index-based weather insurance (IBWI) will be introduced in rural Burkina Faso. The effects of IBWI on childhood nutritional status, dietary behavior, and healthcare seeking will be determined in 2 × 20 villages. Fourth, microbial larviciding has been evaluated as a promising environmental control for malaria vectors in Burkina Faso. Here, the interactions between climatic factors and the effectiveness of the intervention will be tested using spatiotemporal models.
Addressing Climate Change Vulnerability Through Small Livestock Rearingin Matobo, Zimbabwe
Authors: Phiri Keith , Ndlovu Sibonokuhle , Mpofu Moreblessings , Moyo Philani , Evans Henri-Count 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLivestock rearing is a popular climate change adaptation strategy among farmers in Matobo District, Zimbabwe. In this chapter we reveal how farmers in Matobo District have benefited immensely from rearing small livestock in response to climate change. Although the descriptor “small livestock” generically refers to different types of livestock, in this chapter we limit it to goat and sheep rearing. The purpose of the chapter is (1) to discuss the efficacy of small livestock rearing as a response to climate change and (2) to use smallholder farmer’s narratives to evaluate the success of government interventions in enhancing small livestock production. Utilizing an inductive approach, data was gathered through five (5) key informants, five (5) focus group discussions, and 50 in-depth semi-structured interviews. Our study reveals that small livestock are suitable and adaptable to climate change impacts in Matobo. We recommend that government and its development partners prioritize and avail funds for the increased uptake of small livestock rearing among smallholder farmers in Matobo District and beyond.
Evidence-Based Policy Development: National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change for Nigeria (NASPA-CCN)
Authors: Onyeneke Robert Ugochukwu , Nwajiuba Chinedum Uzoma , Tegler Brent , Nwajiuba Chinyere Augusta 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEvidence-based policies are recommended for the enhanced chances of efficacy in achieving policy goals. Achieving this in the policy development process may however require approaches that are not as simple especially in less developed countries, where the research-policy linkage is not commonly the case. This chapter provides a guide to a practical approach that could assist policy makers in similar societies based on the steps adopted in the development of the National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change (NASPA-CCN) for Nigeria. The NASPA–CCN has been acknowledged as among the models of climate change policy development that other countries could aim for. It is therefore positioned to offer lessons on policy development in a less developed country environment. The focus in this chapter however is not so much on the subject of climate change but the practical experiences and lessons learnt from the process involved in developing the NASPA-CCN providing lessons learned to mainstream climate change research evidence into policy.