bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rotation anomaly of the Sun
Authors: Kotov Valery A.
Published: March 2020

Does the Sun always rotate correctly? On the basis of the measurements of its mean magnetic field (more than 27 thousand daily values, obtained by seven observatories during 1968–2018) and resonance relations of the solar system, the sidereal spin period of the Sun as a star is determined as 25.165(6) days and that of the solar equator as 25.081(7) days. After 1993, however, a remarkable violation of the solar equatorial rate, through an unknown cause, has happened: the spin coherency of the mean field disintegrated and made way for nearly chaotic variations with quasi‐periods of 24.7–25.4 days. The phenomenon is thought to be tied to anomaly of the Wolf cycles 23 and 24, accompanied presumably by a global change of the Earth's climate (with unclear mechanism of the Sun–Earth influence).
Biotechnological synthesis of water‐soluble food‐grade polyphosphate with Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Christ Jonas Johannes , Smith Stephanie A. , Willbold Sabine , Morrissey James H. , Blank Lars Mathias
Published: March 2020

Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is the polymer of phosphate. Water‐soluble polyPs with average chain lengths of 2–40 P‐subunits are widely used as food additives and are currently synthesized chemically. An environmentally friendly highly scalable process to biosynthesize water‐soluble food‐grade polyP in powder form (termed bio‐polyP) is presented in this study. After incubation in a phosphate‐free medium, generally regarded as safe wild‐type baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) took up phosphate and intracellularly polymerized it into 26.5% polyP (as KPO3, in cell dry weight). The cells were lyzed by freeze‐thawing and gentle heat treatment (10 min, 70°C). Protein and nucleic acid were removed from the soluble cell components by precipitation with 50 mM HCl. Two chain length fractions (42 and 11P‐subunits average polyP chain length, purity on a par with chemically produced polyP) were obtained by fractional polyP precipitation (Fraction 1 was precipitated with 100 mM NaCl and 0.15 vol ethanol, and Fraction 2 with 1 final vol ethanol), drying, and milling. The physicochemical properties of bio‐polyP were analyzed with an enzyme assay, 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, among others. An envisaged application of the process is phosphate recycling from waste streams into high‐value bio‐polyP.
Downscaling screening cultures in a multifunctional bioreactor array‐on‐a‐chip for speeding up optimization of yeast‐based lactic acid bioproduction
Authors: Totaro Damiano , Rothbauer Mario , Steiger Matthias G. , Mayr Torsten , Wang Hsiang‐Yu , Lin Yu‐Sheng , Sauer Michael , Altvater Martin , Ertl Peter , Mattanovich Diethard
Published: March 2020

A key challenge for bioprocess engineering is the identification of the optimum process conditions for the production of biochemical and biopharmaceutical compounds using prokaryotic as well as eukaryotic cell factories. Shake flasks and bench‐scale bioreactor systems are still the golden standard in the early stage of bioprocess development, though they are known to be expensive, time‐consuming, and labor‐intensive as well as lacking the throughput for efficient production optimizations. To bridge the technological gap between bioprocess optimization and upscaling, we have developed a microfluidic bioreactor array to reduce time and costs, and to increase throughput compared with traditional lab‐scale culture strategies. We present a multifunctional microfluidic device containing 12 individual bioreactors (Vt = 15 µl) in a 26 mm × 76 mm area with in‐line biosensing of dissolved oxygen and biomass concentration. Following initial device characterization, the bioreactor lab‐on‐a‐chip was used in a proof‐of‐principle study to identify the most productive cell line for lactic acid production out of two engineered yeast strains, evaluating whether it could reduce the time needed for collecting meaningful data compared with shake flasks cultures. Results of the study showed significant difference in the strains' productivity within 3 hr of operation exhibiting a 4‐ to 6‐fold higher lactic acid production, thus pointing at the potential of microfluidic technology as effective screening tool for fast and parallelizable industrial bioprocess development.
On the Electrochemical Reduction of 4‐(Thiazol‐2‐ylazo)‐Substituted 1‐Chloronaphthalenes: Formation and Characterization of Stable Radical Anions
Authors: Dmitrieva Evgenia , Popov Alexey A. , Yu Xiuling , Hartmann Horst
Published: March 2020

The electrochemical reduction of two chloro‐substituted 4‐(thiazol‐2‐ylazo)has been studied by means of spectroelectrochemistry and simulated with the DFT method. Whereas the 1‐chloro‐4‐(4‐chlorothiazol‐2‐ylazo)forms both a stable radical anion and a dianion, the dianion of 1‐chloro‐4‐(thiazol‐2‐ylazo)is instable. In the radical anion of both compounds, the spin densities are high not only at the azo moiety but also at C3 in the naphthalene and at C5 in the thiazole moiety. This is in agreement with former experimental results demonstrating the remarkable reactivity of these positions towards thiols which can act as nucleophiles as well as electron donors.
Na3V2(PO4)3‐Supported Electrospun Carbon Nanofiber Nonwoven Fabric as Self‐Standing Na‐Ion Cell Cathode
Authors: Meligrana G. , Ferrari S. , Lucherini L. , Celè J. , Colò F. , Brugger J. , Ricciardi C. , Ruffo R. , Gerbaldi C.
Published: March 2020

Sodium‐ion technology is a reliable alternative to lithium‐ion for large‐scale energy storage because of the abundance of sodium sources and related low cost. In this work, we report about a simple fabrication of self‐standing electrodes based on electrospun carbon nanofiber (CNF) loaded with Na3V2(PO4)3 with NASICON framework, which is a promising cathode material that has shown good electrochemical performance when its electrical conductivity is enhanced by a conductive medium. The proposed method is simple, low cost, potentially scalable to fabricate and load cathode support with active materials. The electrochemical tests confirmed the stable cycling performances and the high C‐rate capability of the NVP/CNFs composites, with hundreds of cycles without major degradation of performances. Our work demonstrates that stable, self‐supported, long‐term performing NIB electrodes, ready to use without addition of any performance enhancer, can be obtained by using fast and cost‐efficient procedures suitable to be scaled‐up at an industrial level.
Non‐Flammable Fluorinated Phosphorus(III)‐Based Electrolytes for Advanced Lithium‐Ion Battery Performance
Authors: von Aspern Natascha , Leissing Marco , Wölke Christian , Diddens Diddo , Kobayashi Takeshi , Börner Markus , Stubbmann‐Kazakova Olesya , Kozel Volodymyr , Röschenthaler Gerd‐Volker , Smiatek Jens , Nowak Sascha , Winter Martin , Cekic‐Laskovic Isidora
Published: March 2020

In the quest for ever higher energy and power densities of lithium‐based batteries, numerous functional materials are being utilized, however in many cases their highly reactive nature is likely to increase the risk of danger in case of battery failures. This especially affects the aprotic non‐aqueous organic carbonate‐based electrolyte, still considered as the state‐of‐the‐art (SOTA) and its volatile and highly flammable components. Efforts to identify different forms of flame‐retardants or nonflammable electrolyte solvents/co‐solvents to reduce the risk of fire or explosion are inevitably followed by a trade‐off between the improved safety and deteriorated overall cycling performance of a battery. Here, we report on a smartly tailored, multifunctional nonflammable electrolyte formulation comprising 15.0 wt.% 2‐(2,2,3,3,3‐pentafluoro‐propoxy)‐4‐(trifluormethyl)‐1,3,2‐dioxaphospholane (PFPOEPi‐1CF3), significantly advancing the cycling performance of the NMC111||graphite cells by formation of an effective interphase on/at both anode and cathode and correlate its performance to the 2‐(2,2,3,3,3‐pentafluoropropoxy)‐1,3,2‐dioxaphospholane (PFPOEPi) containing electrolyte counterpart by establishing a strong structure‐reactivity‐performance‐relationship.
Anion‐Anion Complexes Established between Aspartate Dimers
Authors: Miranda Matias O. , Duarte Darío J. R. , Alkorta Ibon
Published: March 2020

Stable dimers aspartate‐aspartate have been studied in aqueous and gas phase through theoretical simulations. The polarizable continuum model (PCM) has been applied to simulate the effect of the hydration on monomers and complexes. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and the interacting quantum atoms (IQA) scheme has been used to inquire into if, in the aqueous phase, individual hydrogen bonds have attractive electrostatic components. In all cases a spontaneous formation of the complexes in the aqueous phase are observed, while in the gas phase a considerable energy barrier must be overcome (between 100.8 to 263.2 kJ mol−1). The intermolecular distance at which this barrier is indicates when the hydrogen‐bond interactions begin to take importance between the dimers and the corresponding molecular recognition among them. The IQA analysis shows that in aqueous phase, the hydrogen bonds N−H⋅⋅⋅O are mainly electrostatic in nature with a certain covalent character which increases linearly with the decrease of internuclear distances H⋅⋅⋅O. The H⋅⋅⋅H interactions observed are stabilizing and they are mainly quantum in nature.
How important are Phase 1 interventions for complex interpersonal trauma? A pilot randomized control trial of a group psychoeducational intervention
Authors: Mahoney Adam , Karatzias Thanos , Halliday Kirsty , Dougal Nadine
Published: March 2020

Although psychoeducational interventions are recommended as Phase 1 interventions for complex trauma, there is limited evidence on their efficacy. This pilot randomized control trial (RCT) investigated the efficacy of a pure psychoeducational intervention for complex trauma. A brief 10‐session intervention was delivered to n = 44 female prisoners in a compressed format to accommodate short sentence lengths and was compared with usual care (n = 42). Results from an intent‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the two arms across the three assessment time points (including 1‐month postintervention) for the main outcomes (Behavioural Assessment Checklist‐Revised, β = 4.60, 95% CI [−1.60, 10.88], p = .148; posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] Checklist, β = −1.47, 95% CI [−4.30, 1.36], p = .303). Post hoc reliable change analyses suggested twice the number of adequate dose participants made progress in addressing PTSD symptoms compared with usual care (30.3% vs. 17.6%, OR 2.03, 95% CI [.64, 6.43]). Although further work in this area is required, initial results, overall, suggest that psychoeducational group‐based treatment modalities achieve only small effect sizes in comparison with usual care.
Reversible Anion Insertion in Molecular Phenothiazine‐Based Redox‐Active Positive Material for Organic Ion Batteries
Authors: Rajesh Murugesan , Dolhem Franck , Davoisne Carine , Becuwe Matthieu
Published: March 2020

The increasing demand for rechargeable batteries induces the development of greener and better devices. Significant advances have been made in the last decade together with a renewed interest in organic electrode materials. Thus, stable electron‐donating organic materials are candidates for “greener” molecular batteries (metal‐free). Herein, we report the design of a monomeric p‐type N‐substituted phenothiazine salt as an efficient anionic host structure working reversibly in a dual‐ion cell configuration using lithium as the negative electrode. Investigation of different electrolyte salts, LiClO4, LiPF6, and LiTFSI in PC (propylene carbonate), reveals that lithium 4‐(10H‐phenothiazin‐10‐yl) benzoate (LiPHB) exhibits a high operating potential (≈3.7 vs. Li+/Li) corresponding to a one‐electron process with a reversible specific capacity of 86 mAh g−1 in a LiClO4‐based electrolyte, exhibiting an extraordinary cycling stability over 500 cycles at 0.2 C. Such impressive results are rendering LiPHB a promising scaffold for developing next‐generation molecular organic batteries.
Smart Assembly of Sulfide Heterojunction Photocatalysts with Well‐Defined Interfaces for Direct Z‐Scheme Water Splitting under Visible Light
Authors: Li Jin , Liu Xianming , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2020

A Z‐scheme photocatalytic water‐splitting system is an effective approach to integrate the advantages both hydrogen‐ and oxygen‐evolution photocatalysts. The interfacial properties of the heterojunctions have a great influence on the efficiency through the crystal orientation and the charge kinetics. In this study, a general chemical vapor deposition process and a gentle cation‐exchange method were combined to assemble Z‐scheme photocatalysts between CdS and MnS. As a result of the well‐defined heterojunction interfaces and distinctive structural benefits, without cocatalysts, the 1 D CdS/MnS hybrid photocatalyst exhibited a significantly increased photocatalytic H2evolution rate of 1595 μmol h−1 g−1(apparent quantum efficiency of 22.6 % atλ=420 nm), which is over 10.5 times higher than that of CdS. Moreover, a better photocatalytic stability is demonstrated over particulate (42 h cycling measurement) and photoelectrochemical (3000 min continuous measurement) systems. Overall, this work provides a unique experimental insight into high‐quality heterojunction interface design and new Z‐scheme photocatalyst synthesis.
Cobalt(II) Tetraaminophthalocyanine‐modified Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes as an Efficient Sulfur Redox Catalyst for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Xia , Du Wen‐Zheng , Li Xu‐Ting , Zhang Yang , Qian Zhao , Biggs Mark James , Hu Cheng
Published: March 2020

An efficient Li–S redox catalyst consisting of MWCNTs covalently modified by cobalt(II) tetraaminophthalocyanines (TaPcCo‐MWCNTs) is developed. Effective lithium polysulfide (LiPS) capturing is enabled by the lithiophilic N‐containing phthalocyanine rings and the sulfiphilic Co central atoms. This adsorption geometry utilizes the Co unoccupied d‐orbitals as electron super‐exchange highways. Elevated kinetics of LiPSs reactions in the liquid phase as well as liquid–solid transitions were revealed by electrochemical measurements and density functional theory calculations. Uniform deposition of Li2S films was also observed, which preserves cathode integrity and sulfur utilization during cell cycling. The catalyzed sulfur redox is also significantly facilitated by the fast electron and Li‐ion transport to and from the reaction sites through the conductive MWCNT skeletons and the lithiophilic substituent amino groups on TaPcCo. With 6 wt % addition of TaPcCo‐MWCNT in the cathode coatings, high sulfur utilization is achieved with areal sulfur loadings of up to 7 mg cm−2. Stable long‐term cycling is achieved at 1 C at a sulfur loading of 5 mg cm−2, with an initial areal capacity of 4.4 mAh cm−2 retention of 3.5 mAh cm−2 after 500 cycles. Considering the high structural diversity of phthalocyanines macromolecules, this study provides opportunities for a new class of Li–S catalysts.
The collision frequency of electron‐neutral‐particle in the weakly ionized plasma with the power‐law velocity distribution
Authors: Sun Futao , Du Jiulin
Published: March 2020

We study the collision frequency of electron‐neutral‐particle in the weakly ionized plasma with the power‐law velocity q‐distribution and derive the formulation of the average collision frequency. We find that the average collision frequency in the q‐distributed plasma also depends strongly on the q‐parameter and thus is generally different from that in the Maxwell‐distributed plasma, which therefore modifies the transport coefficients in the previous studies of the weakly ionized plasmas with the power‐law velocity distributions.
Report reveals millennial graduates’ satisfaction with college investment, careers
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: March 2020

There's a popular narrative that college is not worth the time and money. Even a Gates Foundation initiative is examining the value of higher education, said Larry Chiagouris, a Professor in the Lubin School of Business at Pace University and author of The Secret to Getting a Job After College. But how do recent graduates feel about the investment they made, especially as it relates to their career?
β‐Mannosylation through O‐Alkylation of Anomeric Cesium Alkoxides: Mechanistic Studies and Synthesis of the Hexasaccharide Core of Complex Fucosylated N‐Linked Glycans
Authors: Meng Shuai , Bhetuwal Bishwa Raj , Nguyen Hai , Qi Xiaotian , Fang Cheng , Saybolt Kevin , Li Xiaohua , Liu Peng , Zhu Jianglong
Published: March 2020

Several structurally diverse d‐mannose‐derived lactols, including various deoxy‐d‐mannoses and conformationally restricted bicyclic d‐mannoses, have been synthesized and investigated in mechanistic studies of β‐mannosylation through Cs2CO3‐mediated anomeric O‐alkylation. It was found that deoxy mannoses or conformationally restricted bicyclic d‐mannoses are not as reactive as their corresponding parent mannose. This type of β‐mannosylation proceeds efficiently when the C2‐OH is left free, and protection of that leads to inferior results. NMR studies of d‐mannose‐derived anomeric cesium alkoxides indicated the predominance of the equatorial β‐anomer after deprotonation. Reaction progress kinetic analysis suggested that monomeric cesium alkoxides be the key reactive species for alkylation with electrophiles. DFT calculations supported that oxygen atoms at C2, C3, and C6 of mannose promote the deprotonation of the anomeric hydroxyl group by Cs2CO3 and chelating interactions between Cs and these oxygen atoms favor the formation of equatorial anomeric alkoxides, leading to the highly β‐selective anomeric O‐alkylation. Based on experimental data and computational results, a revised mechanism for this β‐mannosylation is proposed. The utilization of this β‐mannosylation was demonstrated by an efficient synthesis of the hexasaccharide core of complex fucosylated N‐linked glycans.
Model for Collaborative Evaluations as a Framework to Foster a Community of Collaborators
Authors: Rodríguez‐Campos Liliana , Mitchell Michael E. , Rincones‐Gómez Rigoberto
Published: March 2020

The Model for Collaborative Evaluations (MCE) denotes an evaluation framework that supports a collaborative community. The six components of the MCE were designed to identify the situation, clarify the expectations, establish a collective commitment, ensure open communication, encourage effective practices, and follow specific guidelines to support collaboration. These six components instill strong relationships and trust among the stakeholders, fostering a community of collaborators that ensures the evaluation will be effective. The MCE uses a systems engineering approach to ensure the collaborative processes of the evaluation run optimally. As an exemplar of the applicability of the MCE, this chapter describes an evaluation of a grant‐funded project, Increasing Diversity in Engineering (IDE), an effort to increase female industrial engineering students’ motivation to complete their programs of study and promote their interest in healthcare engineering. The authors employed two conceptually related phases of the MCE. The formative phase provided feedback to the clients early in the evaluation process, affording an increased chance of achieving a positive outcome at the completion of the project. The summative phase of the evaluation provided information about the value of the project. Professors created a new course, entitled “Healthcare Engineering” and reconfigured the curricula of two existing courses to include material that highlighted healthcare engineering and case studies. In addition, workshops were offered to raise awareness of opportunities in the healthcare engineering field, and a seminar series was produced to focus upon women engineers from local healthcare agencies. The MCE and its application to this project provides lessons learned for evaluators working with collaborative communities and coalitions.
Combined Effect of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 Variants on Risk of Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the General Population
Authors: Gellert‐Kristensen Helene , Richardson Tom G. , Davey Smith George , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Tybjærg‐Hansen Anne , Stender Stefan
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

We hypothesized that a genetic risk score (GRS) for fatty liver disease influences the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Three genetic variants (patatin‐like phospholipase domain–containing protein 3 [PNPLA3] p.I148M; transmembrane 6, superfamily member 2 [TM6SF2] p.E167K; and hydroxysteroid 17‐beta dehydrogenase 13 [HSD17B13] rs72613567) were combined into a risk score, ranging from 0 to 6 for risk‐increasing alleles.

Approach and Results

We examined the association of the risk score with plasma markers of liver disease and with cirrhosis and HCC in 110,761 individuals from Copenhagen, Denmark, and 334,691 individuals from the UK Biobank. The frequencies of risk scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 or 6 were 5%, 25%, 41%, 23%, 5.5%, and 0.5%, respectively. A higher GRS was associated with an increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level of 26% in those with score 5 or 6 versus 0. In meta‐analysis of the Copenhagen studies and the UK Biobank, individuals with scores 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 or 6 had odds ratios (ORs) for cirrhosis of 1.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3, 1.9), 2.0 (95% CI, 1.8, 2.2), 3.1 (95% CI, 2.7, 3.5), 5.2 (95% CI, 4.2, 6.4), and 12 (95% CI, 7.7, 19), respectively, as compared with those with a score of 0. The corresponding ORs for HCC were 1.2 (95% CI, 0.9, 1.7), 1.0 (95% CI, 0.7, 1.3), 2.4 (95% CI, 1.9, 3.0), 3.3 (95% CI, 2.2, 5.0), and 29 (95% CI, 17, 51).

Conclusion

A GRS for fatty liver disease confers up to a 12‐fold higher risk of cirrhosis and up to a 29‐fold higher risk of HCC in individuals from the general population.
Comparing predictive accuracy in small samples using fixed‐smoothing asymptotics
Authors: Coroneo Laura , Iacone Fabrizio
Published: March 2020

We consider fixed‐smoothing asymptotics for the Diebold and Mariano (Journal of Business and Economic Statistics, 1995,13(3), 253–263) test of predictive accuracy. We show that this approach delivers predictive accuracy tests that are correctly sized even when only a small number of out‐of‐sample observations is available. We apply the fixed‐smoothing asymptotics to the Diebold and Mariano test to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF) and of the European Central Bank Survey of Professional Forecasters (ECB SPF) against a simple random walk. Our results show that the predictive abilities of the SPF and of the ECB SPF were partially spurious.
Peripheral vascular access for therapeutic plasma exchange: A practical approach to increased utilization and selecting the most appropriate vascular access
Authors: Barth David , Sanchez Amber , Thomsen Anna‐Marie , Garcia Alicia , Malachowski Roman , Weldon Rebecca , Mayhew Michaela , Mudie Kari , Faller Dawn , Schwartz Joseph
Published: March 2020

Background

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is used in the treatment of many diseases. At present, peripheral vascular access (PVA) is an underutilized method of vascular access in TPE. It should be considered more frequently due its relatively low risk for adverse events, particularly infections.

Methods

The Advancing Vascular Access in Apheresis Working Group met in December 2017 for an extensive review and discussion of vascular access for TPE and developed a “road map” providing detailed information regarding clinical situations in which PVA‐based TPE would and would not be appropriate.

Results

The road map is consistent with current recommendations that PVA should be used in combination with TPE whenever possible. PVA should be considered for patients who do not have existing central lines and who are stable. The patient should have peripheral veins that will allow for adequate treatment and must be able to comply with the process of achieving and maintaining peripheral access. There should be expert clinical assessment of veins, and this evaluation may include ultrasound and/or near infrared evaluation. Conditions that would prompt a switch from PVA to an alternate method of venous access include loss of venous access, patient preference, or development of a requirement for very frequent treatment over a long period of time.

Conclusions

While PVA is not suitable for all patients requiring TPE, it has significant safety advantages over other approaches and should be employed whenever possible.
Association between anorexia of ageing and sarcopenia among Japanese older adults
Authors: Tsutsumimoto Kota , Doi Takehiko , Nakakubo Sho , Kim Minji , Kurita Satoshi , Ishii Hideaki , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: March 2020

Background

Malnutrition plays an essential role in the mechanism of pathogenesis for sarcopenia. In late life, both food consumption and energy intakes decline. One of key factors for reduced energy intakes is anorexia of ageing. The aim of this study is to examine the association between anorexia of ageing and sarcopenia among community‐dwelling elderly Japanese individuals.

Methods

This uses population‐based, cross‐sectional cohort study of elderly Japanese individuals. Anorexia of ageing was assessed via a simplified nutritional appetite questionnaire. Handgrip strength and walking speed were tested, and skeletal muscle mass was assessed using a bio‐impedance analysis device. Subjects with sarcopenia were defined as those who met the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The association between anorexia of ageing and sarcopenia was then analysed via multiple regression analysis.

Results

In total, 9,496 elderly Japanese individuals were evaluated (mean age 74.1 ± 5.4 years; male, 47.0%). The prevalence of anorexia of ageing was 9.8% (n = 927) in the present study. The prevalence of sarcopenia in men was 1.1%, 1.8%, 6.1%, 10.1%, and 21.2% and was 1.6%, 3.3%, 3.6%, 4.8%, and 7.4% in women aged 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, and 85 years and older, respectively. The prevalence of anorexia also showed an age‐dependent increase in both sexes (P < 0.001, respectively). The prevalence of anorexia in men was 8.3%, 6.3%, 9.8%, 13.6%, and 12.9% and was 7.9%, 9.4%, 10.5%, 17.6%, and 17.1% in women aged 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, and 85 years and older, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for the covariates except for albumin, anorexia of ageing was independently associated with sarcopenia (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.95; P = 0.015). This significant association remained even after adjusting for all covariates including nutritional status (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.92, P = 0.020).

Conclusions

Anorexia of ageing is associated with sarcopenia among Japanese elderly individuals. Further studies are needed to determine whether a causal association exists between anorexia and sarcopenia.
Antibacterial efficacy and remineralization capacity of glycyrrhizic acid added casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate
Authors: Sahin Feride , Oznurhan Fatih
Published: March 2020

The aim was to evaluate remineralization capacity and antibacterial efficiency of Tooth Mousse and various amounts of glycyrrhizic acid added Tooth Mousse on primary tooth enamel. Three groups were formed; Group 1 (CPP‐ACP), Group 2 (CPP‐ACP + 5% glycyrrhizic acid), and Group 3 (CPP‐ACP + 10% glycyrrhizic acid) in order to evaluate remineralization capacity. Enamel samples were immersed in demineralization solution and then remineralization agents were applied. Surface microhardness and SEM analyses were performed at the beginning, after demineralization and remineralization. For antibacterial tests, four groups were formed; Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 and Group 4 (control). Biofilms were then exposed to 10% sucrose eight times per day for 7 days. After biofilm growth period, samples were treated with materials to evaluate antibacterial efficiency except control group. After application of materials, samples were incubated 2 more days at 37°C and at the end of this period, absorbance values of biofilms were determined and data were analyzed. An increase in microhardness values was Group 2 > Group 3 > Group 1, respectively, but there were no significant differences. After remineralization, microhardness values showed significant increases when compared to demineralized groups, but there was no significant difference. All groups showed decreased absorbance value of biofilm when compared with control group but they were insignificant. It was observed that both in Group 2 and Group 3, glycyrrhizic acid did not have a negative effect on remineralization and although they have an increase, it was insignificant. Although glycyrrhizic acid added CPP‐ACP groups showed increased antibacterial activity, they were not statistically significant.
Reappraisal of the advantages of laparoscopic liver resection for intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma within a stage migration perspective: Propensity score analysis of the differential benefit
Authors: Ratti Francesca , Cipriani Federica , Fiorentini Guido , Catena Marco , Paganelli Michele , Aldrighetti Luca
Published: March 2020

Objective

The aim of the present study was to analyze the outcome of laparoscopic approach specifically in patients with Intermediate‐stage disease and to define the differential benefit with Early‐stage patients.

Methods

Six hundred twenty‐two resections for HCC were dichotomized according to staging (Early and Intermediate) and to approach and then matched in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores to obtain four groups (E‐MILS and E‐Open, including 104 patients respectively; Int‐MILS and Int‐Open, including 142 patients, respectively). The differential benefit associated with the minimally invasive technique was evaluated between intermediate‐stage and early‐stage patients taking into account blood loss and morbidity rate as outcome indicators.

Results

Laparoscopic approach resulted in a statistically significant lower blood loss, reduced morbidity, reduced incidence of hepatic decompensation and shorter time for functional recover and length of stay. The evaluation of the differential benefit showed a greater advantage of laparoscopic approach in Intermediate‐stage patients compared with Early‐stage patients, both in terms of blood loss and morbidity rate.

Conclusions

The favorable biological scenario associated with laparoscopic approach allows to obtain enhanced benefits in the setting of more advanced liver disease. The push towards minimal invasiveness and the incremental benefit associated with it could potentially promote stage migration in suitable patients.
Field applicable detection of hepatitis B virus using internal controlled duplex recombinase‐aided amplification assay and lateral flow dipstick assay
Authors: Bai Xueding , Ma Xuejun , Li Minghui , Li Xinna , Fan Guohao , Zhang Ruiqing , Wang Ruihuan , Duan Qingxia , Shen Xinxin , Xie Yao , Rong Xiuge
Published: March 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a widespread blood‐borne pathogen associated with the complication of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly in south‐east Asian and African countries where HBV is highly endemic and the budget and resources are limited. Therefore, simple, rapid, and portable field detection methods are crucial to efficiently control HBV infection. In this study, using heat‐treated DNA, we developed two‐field applicable detection assays for HBV based on recombinase‐aided amplification (RAA). One was an internal controlled duplex RAA assay using a portable real‐time fluorescence detection device, another was an instrument‐free visual observation assay using lateral flow dipsticks. The entire experimental time was greatly shortened to less than 40 minutes at 39.0°C. The sensitivities, specificities, and clinical performance of both assays were evaluated. Compared with quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay as a reference, our results demonstrated that the two RAA‐based assay obtained 97.18% and 95.77% of sensitivity, respectively, and the specificity was 100%, by testing a total of 157 serum samples with HBsAg positive. We conclude that the advantages of rapidity, simplicity, portability, and visualization of proposed two assays make them great potentials in point‐of‐care testing of HBV infection by untrained people in resource‐limited situations.
Nonlinear parameter of heart rate variability can diagnose early cardiac autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Dubey Pramita , Verma Manish , John Nitin Ashok , Gutch Manish
Published: March 2020

This is a case of a 63‐year‐old female presenting with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and postmenopausal osteoporosis with findings showing abnormal AFT with reduced heart rate variability (HRV) and multiple lobed Poincaré plot, pointing to premature atrial contractions.
Thousands of Australian academics on the editorial boards of journals run by predatory publishers
Authors: Downes Mike
Published: March 2020

A total of 966 allegedly ‘predatory’ open access publishers were examined to determine the nature of their ethical or unethical practices and the extent to which Australian academics were included on the editorial boards of their journals. An estimated 4,000 Australian academics (ca. 7% of the academic population) are on these journal boards. Of the publishers, 240 proved to be overtly fraudulent, the ethical status of the others remaining unresolved. About 86% of the Australian academics identified appeared on the editorial boards of journals belonging to those 240 publishers. Despite two decades of advocacy from librarians, there remains widespread ignorance of the existence of such fraudulent publishers, and more severe action is required. Reform proposals include naming the publisher in all references and in academic profiles and curriculum vitae. Universities are encouraged to take responsibility for publishing journals that replace those currently causing the problem. Institutions are urged to augment their current warnings and advice with formal policies, which will probably require a blacklist of unacceptable publishers. New formal policies for dealing with predatory publishers are currently being developed in some Australian universities.
Phenethyl isothiocyanate synergistically induces apoptosis with Gefitinib in non–small cell lung cancer cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress‐mediated degradation of Mcl‐1
Authors: Zhang Qicheng , Chen Mengmeng , Cao Limin , Ren Yinghui , Guo Xueru , Wu Xiang , Xu Ke
Published: March 2020

Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are natural compounds abundant in cruciferous vegetables. Numerous studies have shown that ITCs exhibit anticancer activity by affecting multiple pathways including apoptosis and oxidative stress, and are expected to be developed into novel anticancer drugs. In our previous studies, we demonstrated that ITCs effectively inhibit the proliferation of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, also induce apoptosis and autophagy. In the present study, we found that phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) had significant synergistic effects with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor Gefitinib in NSCLC cell lines NCI‐H1299 and SK‐MES‐1; and the degradation of antiapoptotic factor myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl‐1) caused by PEITC treatment played key roles in the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to Gefitinib. We further illustrated that PEITC regulated the expression of Mcl‐1 through protein kinase RNA‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)‐eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α‐CHOP‐Noxa pathway by a posttranscriptional modulation. Pretreatment with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid and knockdown of PERK expression attenuated the degradation of Mcl‐1 caused by PEITC. In in vivo study, nude mice bearing NCI‐H1299 xenograft were administrated with PEITC (50 mg/kg, ip) and Gefitinib (50 mg/kg, ig) for 15 days, the PEITC‐Gefitinib combination treatment resulted in a significant synergistic reduction in tumor growth, and significantly induced both ER stress and Mcl‐1 degradation in tumor tissues. In conclusion, we explored the prospect of PEITC in improving the efficacy of targeted drug therapy and demonstrated the synergistic effects and underlined mechanisms of PEITC combined with Gefitinib in NSCLC cells treatment. This study provided useful information for developing novel therapy strategies by combination treatment of PEITC with targeted drugs.
Identification and characterization of novel SCR7‐based small‐molecule inhibitor of DNA end‐joining, SCR130 and its relevance in cancer therapeutics
Authors: Ray Ujjayinee , Raul Sanjay Kumar , Gopinatha Vindya K. , Ghosh Dipayan , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S. , Mantelingu Kempegowda , Raghavan Sathees C.
Published: March 2020

Targeting DNA repair with small‐molecule inhibitors is an attractive strategy for cancer therapy. Majority of DNA double‐strand breaks in mammalian cells are repaired through nonhomologous end‐joining (NHEJ). It has been shown that small‐molecule inhibitors of NHEJ can block efficient repair inside cancer cells, leading to cell death. Previously, we have reported that SCR7, an inhibitor of NHEJ can induce tumor regression in mice. Later studies have shown that different forms of SCR7 can inhibit DNA end‐joining in Ligase IV‐dependent manner. Recently, we have derivatized SCR7 by introducing spiro ring into core structure. Here, we report the identification of a novel inhibitor of NHEJ, named SCR130 with 20‐fold higher efficacy in inducing cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines. SCR130 inhibited DNA end‐joining catalyzed by rat tissue extract. Specificity analysis revealed that while SCR130 was specific to Ligase IV, it showed minimal or no effect on Ligase III and Ligase I mediated joining. Importantly, SCR130 exhibited the least cytotoxicity in Ligase IV‐null cell line as compared with wild type, confirming Ligase IV‐specificity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that SCR130 can potentiate the effect of radiation in cancer cells when used in combination with γ‐radiation. Various cellular assays in conjunction with Western blot analysis revealed that treatment with SCR130 led to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential leading to cell death by activating both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Thus, we describe a novel inhibitor of NHEJ with higher efficacy and may have the potential to be developed as cancer therapeutic.
High surface area benzimidazole based porous covalent organic framework for removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions
Authors: Rahmanian Omid , Falsafin Molood , Dinari Mohammad
Published: March 2020

In this study, a highly thermally stable benzimidazole based covalent organic framework (bCOF) was synthesized by the reaction of perlin‐tetracarboxylic anhydride, 5‐aminoisophthalic acid and diaminobenzidine in polyphosphoric acid medium. The synthesized porous bCOF was identified by different techniques. From CO2 adsorption, the micropore surface area of the bCOF was found to be 856 m2 g−1; this synthesized bCOF has a widespread netting construction, and it has various porosity. The TGA results displayed the high thermal strength of the synthesized bCOF. After characterization, the bCOF was used for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution, and the essential parameters such as pH of the solution, contact time and initial concentration were assessed. The maximum adsorption capacity of the bCOF for removal of methylene blue was 63.29 mg g−1 after only 40 min contact time at a pH of 6. Two kinetics and adsorption models were used for interpretation, and the outcomes showed that the pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir models respectively were better fitted to the results. According to the results, the novel bCOF can be applied to remove methylene blue from aqueous solution. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Anticandidal activity of synthetic peptides: Mechanism of action revealed by scanning electron and fluorescence microscopies and synergism effect with nystatin
Authors: Lima Patrícia G. , Souza Pedro F.N. , Freitas Cleverson D.T. , Oliveira Jose T.A. , Dias Lucas P. , Neto João X.S. , Vasconcelos Ilka M. , Lopes José L.S. , Sousa Daniele O.B.
Published: March 2020

Candida albicans has emerged as a major public health problem in recent decades. The most important contributing factor is the rapid increase in resistance to conventional drugs worldwide. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) have attracted substantial attention as alternatives and/or adjuvants in therapeutic treatments due to their strong activity at low concentrations without apparent toxicity. Here, two SAMPs, named Mo‐CBP3‐PepI (CPAIQRCC) and Mo‐CBP3‐PepII (NIQPPCRCC), are described, bioinspired by Mo‐CBP3, which is an antifungal chitin‐binding protein from Moringa oleifera seeds. Furthermore, the mechanism of anticandidal activity was evaluated as well as their synergistic effects with nystatin. Both peptides induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell wall degradation, and large pores in the C. albicans cell membrane. In addition, the peptides exhibited high potential as adjuvants because of their synergistic effects, by increasing almost 50‐fold the anticandidal activity of the conventional antifungal drug nystatin. These peptides have excellent potential as new drugs and/or adjuvants to conventional drugs for treatment of clinical infections caused by C. albicans.
Disaster Risk and the Prospect of Enhancing the Resilience of the African Community in Auckland
Authors: Odiase Osamuede , Wilkinson Suzanne , Neef Andreas
Published: March 2020

Many urban communities have emerged in Auckland as a result of international migration. A significant concern for these communities is the relocation from an environment of known risks and familial support to an unfamiliar environment. The concern is essential because of the hazardous landscape of Auckland and the expected impact of climate change, which is anticipated to increase the vulnerability of at‐risk communities. This research investigates how the African community could enhance its resilience to the challenges that may be posed by a potential disaster. Interviews with participants from two African communities were the source of data collection. The interview data were analyzed using the general inductive method for qualitative data analysis. The research discusses emergent themes in line with prior research on community resilience. This research suggests an improvement in community risk awareness, compensation mechanism, capacity building, and community cohesion to improve resilience. The success of these findings depends on the extent to which government agencies address them in future planning for resilience.
Combined Experimental and Density Functional Theoretical Studies of Am3+ and Eu3+ Extraction and Complexation with Different Nitrilotriacetamide (NTA) Derivatives
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arunasis , Mohapatra Prasanta K. , Kanekar Avinash S. , Dai Kun , Egberink Richard J. M. , Huskens Jurriaan , Verboom Willem
Published: March 2020

N,N,N′,N′,N“,N”‐hexaalkylnitrilotriacetoamide (HRNTA) derivatives were found to be promising for the separation of trivalent actinides from lanthanides, which is a burning topic in the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle. In the present work, separation of Am3+ from Eu3+ was studied using the N,N,N’,N’,N’’,N’’‐hexa‐2‐ethylhexylnitrilotriacetamide (H2EHNTA) derivative and the role of the diluent medium to control the extractable complex was demonstrated. The effect of alkyl chain length and branching in the alkyl chain of different HRNTA (R=methyl, n‐butyl, n‐hexyl, n‐dodecyl and 2‐ethylhexyl) derivatives on their complexation with Eu3+ were investigated using steady‐state and time‐resolved luminescence studies. Different species formed at different ligand to metal ratios were identified from the luminescence titration experiments and their lifetime values measured. The experimental results were corroborated with the help of density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations on Am3+ and Eu3+ complexes of HRNTA derivatives with varying alkyl chain length and branching.
Spiro‐Indole‐Coumarin Hybrids: Synthesis, ADME, DFT, NBO Studies and In Silico Screening through Molecular Docking on DNA G‐Quadruplex
Authors: Khanna Leena , Singhal Sugandha , Jain Subhash C. , Khanna Pankaj
Published: March 2020

New series of hybrids were synthesized by combination of 4‐hydroxycoumarin with spiro[indol‐indazole‐thiazolidine]‐diones and spiro[indol‐pyrazole‐thiazolidine]‐diones, via hitherto unknown Schiff bases. The effects of substituents, such as ‐F, ‐Br and ‐CH3, on the crucial characteristics pertaining to the hybrids were investigated through computational studies. In silico or virtual screening through molecular docking studies on the library of 22 compounds, including reference compounds, precursors, non‐hybrid and hybrid derivatives, was performed on DNA G‐quadruplex of the human genome. All six freshly synthesized hybrids showed high binding energy as compared to non‐hybrids as well as reference compounds. The presence of substituents at 5‐position of indole enhanced the binding tendency of the ligand. ADME studies indicated good oral bioavailability and absorption of these compounds. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of hybrids were done at B3LYP/6‐311G++(d,p) level of computation. Their HOMO and LUMO energy plots reflected the presence of high charge transfer and chemical potential. Natural bond order (NBO) calculations predicted hyperconjugative interactions. The Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) surface plots showed possible electrophilic and nucleophilic attacking sites of the hybrids. Compound 10 a (5‐fluoro‐spiro[indol‐indazole‐thiazolidine]‐dione‐coumarin hybrid), on the basis of global reactivity descriptors, was filtered to be chemically most reactive with the highest binding energy of −8.23 kcal/mol with DNA G‐quadruplex. The synthesized hybrid coumarin derivatives in correlation with theoretical docking studies validate that hybrid derivatives are more reactive compared to their non‐hybrid counterparts.
Novel Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Inhibitors: New Target to Overcome Bacterial Resistance
Authors: El Sayed Mardia T. , Sarhan Alaadin E. , Ahmed Entsar , Khattab Reham R. , Elnaggar Mohamed , El‐Messery Shahenda M. , Shaldam Moataz A. , Hassan Ghada S.
Published: March 2020

In the present investigation, some novel nitro Mannich bases derived from Michael type addition of activated nitro olefin, β‐nitrostyrene with various amines either primary or secondary including some amino sugars were designed and synthesized. The produced Mannich bases have been full characterized through different spectroscopic techniques. Antimicrobial evaluation has been performed against the Gram positive S. aureus and methicillin‐resistant S. aurues (MRSA) infections. 5 of the synthesized compounds represent the best candidates in the biological screening, they have exhibited good activity with MIC values range from 100 to 250 μg/ml. The active agents have been tested for pyruvate kinase inhibition activity with % of inhibition range from 30 to 79 % with IC50 in a nano molar range. They also exhibited significant Pyruvate kinase inhibition in nanomolar range with IC50 of 1066, 662, 1887, 418 and 1128 ng/ml, respectively (versus 196 ng/ml for AZD7545). Molecular docking calculations for active agents were performed. A complete conformational analysis molecular modeling utilizing Gaussian 09 program (HF/DFT) was used to verify the mode of bonding through the optimized geometries as well as essential quantum parameters were calculated using frontier energies (EHOMO & ELUMO) for the active candidates indicating the overall stability of the structure.