bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal mediation analysis in nested case‐control studies using conditional logistic regression
Authors: Kim Young Min , Cologne John B. , Jang Euna , Lange Theis , Tatsukawa Yoshimi , Ohishi Waka , Utada Mai , Cullings Harry M.
Published: July 2020

The paper proposes an approach to causal mediation analysis in nested case‐control study designs, often incorporated with countermatching schemes using conditional likelihood, and we compare the method's performance to that of mediation analysis using the Cox model for the full cohort with a continuous or dichotomous mediator. Simulation studies are conducted to assess our proposed method and investigate the efficiency relative to the cohort. We illustrate the method using actual data from two studies of potential mediation of radiation risk conducted within the Adult Health Study cohort of atomic‐bomb survivors. The performance becomes comparable to that based on the full cohort, illustrating the potential for valid mediation analysis based on the reduced data obtained through the nested case‐control design.
Preparation and luminescence properties of Gd2(MoO4)3:Eu3+ red phosphors with high colour purity
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Wang Xigui
Published: July 2020

Gd2(MoO4)3:Eu3+ red phosphors assigned to different crystal systems were prepared using a sol–gel method with ammonium molybdate, Gd2O3, and Eu2O3 as starting materials. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that when annealing temperature was 700°C or 800°C, Eu3+ doping concentration was the main factor affecting sample structure. When the Eu3+ doping concentration was 0–2.00 mol%, samples had a monoclinic structure, but when the Eu3+ doping concentration was increased to 4.00–10.00 mol%, the samples changed to a mixed crystal structure (with existence of both monoclinic and orthorhombic structures). When the annealing temperature was increased to 900°C, annealing temperature became the main factor affecting sample structure, that is sample structure did not change with change in Eu3+ doping concentration, and all samples could be assigned to the orthorhombic system. Change in structure also affected the luminescence properties of the samples. Gd2(MoO4)3:Eu3+ phosphors with different crystal systems could be effectively excited by blue light (466 nm wavelength); red light at 614 nm wavelength gave better colour purity and color stability, corresponding to the Eu3+5D0→7F2 transition. Finally, when Eu3+ concentration was 0.02 mol, the luminescence intensity of the orthorhombic system was higher than that of the monoclinic system; when the concentration was 0.04 mol, the luminescence intensity of the mixed system was almost the same as that of the orthorhombic system.
Effects of environmental tobacco smoke exposure on brain functioning in never‐smoking adolescents
Authors: Dieleman Joyce , Kleinjan Marloes , Otten Roy , van Schie Hein T. , Heuvelmans Vivian , Luijten Maartje
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Brain functioning, as indexed by event‐related potentials (ERPs) representing smoking cue reactivity, inhibitory control, and reward processing, has been found to be compromised in smokers. However, whether environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in never smokers results in similar brain changes is unknown. This question is particularly relevant during adolescence, given ongoing brain maturation and a high risk of smoking initiation. The present study tested the associations between ETS exposure and ERPs reflecting cue reactivity (P3, LPP), inhibitory control (N2, P3), and reward processing (anticipation P3 (P3), feedback‐related negativity (FRN)) among never‐smoking adolescents.

Methods

Eighty‐four never‐smoking adolescents (nonexposed = 32, exposed = 52) performed a smoking cue reactivity, a Go/NoGo, and a monetary incentive delay (MID) task while ERPs were measured.

Results

Exposed and nonexposed groups did not differ in ERPs reflecting smoking cue reactivity, inhibitory control, and reward processing. A negative correlation between ETS exposure and the anticipatory P3 suggests reduced anticipatory reward sensitivity for nondrug rewards with increased levels of ETS exposure. However, since this effect was not consistent across analyses, no strong conclusions can be formulated. In the current study, few participants reported high levels of ETS exposure; therefore, further study is necessary.

Conclusions

Nevertheless, from this study, it can be concluded that low‐to‐moderate exposure to ETS during adolescence does not result in functional brain changes related to smoking cue reactivity, inhibitory control, and reward processing.
Fetal eye movements in response to a visual stimulus
Authors: Donovan Tim , Dunn Kirsty , Penman Amy , Young Robert J. , Reid Vincent M.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

In 2D ultrasound, the lens of the fetal eye can be distinguished as white circles within the hypoechoic eyeball, and eye movements can be visualized from about 15 weeks' gestation. It has been shown that from 31 weeks gestational age the fetal sensory system is capable of directed vision if enough light is available.

Methods

We have developed a light source for delivering visual stimuli to be seen by the fetal eye, using laser dot diodes emitting at 650 nm. The 2D component of 94 fetal ultrasound scans (mean gestational age 240 days), where the light stimulus was presented, was coded to determine whether the eyes moved in response to the stimuli independent of any head movement.

Results

The light stimulus significantly provoked head and eye movements, but after the light was withdrawn the head stopped moving, yet the eyes continued to move.

Conclusion

This provides evidence for visual attention mechanisms that can be controlled through eye movements that are independent of head movements prior to birth.
Tescalcin is an unfavorable prognosis factor that regulats cell proliferation and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Zhou Zhong‐Guo , Chen Jin‐Bin , Zhang Rong‐Xin , Ye Ling , Wang Jun‐Cheng , Pan Yang‐Xun , Wang Xiao‐Hui , Li Wen‐Xuan , Zhang Yao‐Jun , Xu Li , Chen Min‐Shan
Published: July 2020

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem and a primary cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Although great advances have achieved recently by large‐scale high‐throughput analysis, the precise molecular mechanism underlying HCC progression remains to be clearly elucidated. We investigated the relationship between Tescalcin (TESC), a candidate oncogene, and clinicopathological features of HCC patients and explored the role of TECS in HCC development.

Methods

To identify new genes involved in HCC development, we analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas liver cancer database, and TESC was selected for further investigation. HCC tissue microarray analysis for TESC and its association with clinicopathological features were performed to investigate its clinical significance. TESC was knocked down by using short‐hairpin RNAs. Cell proliferation was analyzed by WST‐1 assay and cell counting. Cell apoptosis was tested by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. A subcutaneous xenograft tumor model in nude mice was established to determine the in vivo function of TESC. Affymetrix microarray was used to identify its molecular mechanism.

Results

TESC was significantly increased in HCC tissues compared with the adjacent normal liver tissues. High expression of TESC was detected in 61 of 172 HCC patients by tissue microarray. Large tumor (> 5 cm) and elevated total bilirubin were associated with high TESC expression (both P < 0.050). In multivariate analysis, TESC was identified as an independent prognostic factor for short overall survival of HCC patients. TESC knockdown impaired HCC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. TESC knockdown significantly increased cell apoptosis in HCC cell lines. Furthermore, Affymetrix microarray analysis revealed that TESC knockdown inhibited tumor proliferation‐related pathways while activated cell death‐related pathways.

Conclusion

TESC was identified as an independent prognostic factor for short overall survival of HCC patients, and was critical for HCC cell proliferation and survival.
Addressing food waste: How to position upcycled foods to different generations
Authors: Zhang Jintao , Ye Hongjun , Bhatt Siddharth , Jeong Haeyoung , Deutsch Jonathan , Ayaz Hasan , Suri Rajneesh
Published: July 2020

Food waste is a global crisis that paradoxically exists alongside food scarcity. A promising solution to these connected problems of food insecurity and food waste is upcycled foods. Upcycled foods are made from ingredients that are usable but generally discarded. While upcycled foods can help reduce food waste, little is known about the best market strategy for these foods. This research investigates how consumers from different generations perceive upcycled foods. Our findings show that Gen Z, Gen Y, and Baby Boomers have higher intentions to purchase upcycled foods while Gen X shows lower intentions to purchase because of quality concerns. The present research also explores lifestyle patterns of each generation. Based on lifestyle analyses, positioning strategies for upcycled foods are proposed.
Feasibility and safety of a fully percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve replacement program
Authors: Costa Giulia , Bieliauskas Gintautas , Fukutomi Motoki , Ihlemann Nikolaj , Søndergaard Lars , De Backer Ole
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of conducting an entire transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) program by using percutaneous techniques only.

BACKGROUND

Surgically assisted transthoracic TAVR has been reported to be associated with more complications and longer hospital stays.

METHODS

During 2019, all TAVR at a single center were performed by standard transfemoral (TF), intravascular lithotripsy‐assisted TF, transaxillary (TAx), or transcaval approach using percutaneous techniques only. No patients were denied TAVR because of access. Procedural and clinical endpoints were categorized using Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 criteria.

RESULTS

In total, 306 consecutive TAVR patients were enrolled (mean age 78.9 ± 7.2 years). Most patients were treated by TF approach (94.8%)—of these, nine (2.9%) were pre‐treated with intravascular lithotripsy. A percutaneous TAx and transcaval approach were used in 12 (3.9%) and four patients (1.3%), respectively. There were no procedural deaths and one peri‐procedural stroke. Valve performance was satisfying in 298 patients (97.4%); six patients had a moderate aortic regurgitation and two patients had a mean gradient ≥20 mmHg following valve‐in‐valve procedure. The 30‐day major vascular complication and major bleeding rate was 2.3% and 3.9%, respectively. A new permanent pacemaker was implanted in 41 patients (13.4%). Of all patients, 81% were discharged within two days post‐TAVR, including 11 out of 12 TAx patients and all transcaval cases.

CONCLUSIONS

A fully percutaneous TAVR program is feasible and safe with favorable immediate and early clinical outcomes and allowing a short hospital stay.
Cooperative Catalysis of Copper, Silver, and Brønsted Acid for Three‐Component Carboamination of Arylalkenes with Allylic Alcohols and Nitriles
Authors: Ahmed Waqar , Zhang Sheng , Feng Xiujuan , Yu Xiaoqiang , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Bao Ming
Published: July 2020

The cooperative catalysis of copper, silver, and Brønsted acid is presented as a new strategy for the intermolecular carboamination of arylalkenes. The catalytic regio‐ and chemoselective intermolecular carboamination of arylalkenes with allylic alcohols and nitriles provided a straightforward and efficient approach for preparing N‐acyl 4,5‐unsaturated amines. These amines can be used as synthetic organic synthons for the preparation of nitrogen‐containing five‐ and six‐membered heterocycles. During the functionalization reaction, synthetically useful functional groups, such as Cl, Br, and chloromethyl, remained intact.
Effect of pore former (saw dust) characteristics on the properties of sub‐micron range low‐cost ceramic membranes
Authors: Chakraborty Sushma , Uppaluri Ramagopal , Das Chandan
Published: July 2020

This article addresses the effect of pore former (saw dust) characteristics on the properties (pore size and porosity) of low‐cost ceramic membranes. Two approaches were considered to reduce the average membrane pore size. Firstly, the variation was observed by varying saw dust concentration in the overall membrane mixture and lowest achievable pore size was noted. Secondly, further reduction in the pore size was achieved by reducing the saw dust average particle size. Dead‐end filtration mode was utilized for the determination of pore size, and porosity was determined using Archimedes' principle. Permeabilities of the membranes were also calculated. The pore size and porosities of the membranes significantly reduced with variation in the saw dust characteristics. Mathematically, the relationship between variations in average pore size and porosity with saw dust average particle size and concentration variation fits well with the predicted empirical model.
Azatruxene‐Based, Dumbbell‐Shaped, Donor–π‐Bridge–Donor Hole‐Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Illicachi Luis A. , Urieta‐Mora Javier , Calbo Joaquín , Aragó Juan , Igci Cansu , García‐Benito Inés , Momblona Cristina , Insuasty Braulio , Ortiz Alejandro , Roldán‐Carmona Cristina , Molina‐Ontoria Agustín , Ortí Enrique , Martín Nazario , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: July 2020

Three novel donor–π‐bridge–donor (D‐π‐D) hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) featuring triazatruxene electron‐donating units bridged by different 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) π‐conjugated linkers have been synthesized, characterized, and implemented in mesoporous perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The optoelectronic properties of the new dumbbell‐shaped derivatives (DTTXs) are highly influenced by the chemical structure of the EDOT‐based linker. Red‐shifted absorption and emission and a stronger donor ability were observed in passing from DTTX‐1 to DTTX‐2 due to the extended π‐conjugation. DTTX‐3 featured an intramolecular charge transfer between the external triazatruxene units and the azomethine–EDOT central scaffold, resulting in a more pronounced redshift. The three new derivatives have been tested in combination with the state‐of‐the‐art triple‐cation perovskite [(FAPbI3)0.87(MAPbBr3)0.13]0.92[CsPbI3]0.08 in standard mesoporous PSCs. Remarkable power conversion efficiencies of 17.48 % and 18.30 % were measured for DTTX‐1 and DTTX‐2, respectively, close to that measured for the benchmarking HTM spiro‐OMeTAD (18.92 %), under 100 mA cm−2 AM 1.5G solar illumination. PSCs with DTTX‐3 reached a PCE value of 12.68 %, which is attributed to the poorer film formation in comparison to DTTX‐1 and DTTX‐2. These PCE values are in perfect agreement with the conductivity and hole mobility values determined for the new compounds and spiro‐OMeTAD. Steady‐state photoluminescence further confirmed the potential of DTTX‐1 and DTTX‐2 for hole‐transport applications as an alternative to spiro‐OMeTAD.
Dinuclear Complexes of Flexidentate Pyridine‐Substituted Formazanate Ligands
Authors: Mu Ge , Jiang Chenggang , Teets Thomas S.
Published: July 2020

The utility of flexidentate pyridyl‐substituted formazanate ligands for assembling dinuclear coordination complexes with iridium(III) and/or platinum(II) building blocks is demonstrated herein. The dinuclear complexes are prepared either via a stepwise strategy, adding one metal unit at a time, or via one‐pot self‐assembly. Eight of the new complexes, including both mononuclear precursors and dinuclear products, are structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy, revealing several distinct binding modes of the formazanates. All complexes are characterized by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The frontier orbitals are primarily localized on the formazanate ligand, and a characteristic, intense formazanate‐centered π→π* absorption band is observed in the absorption spectra.
Meet the Cerium(IV) Phosphate Sisters: CeIV(OH)PO4 and CeIV2O(PO4)2
Authors: Kozlova Taisiya O. , Mironov Andrey V. , Istomin Sergey Y. , Birichevskaya Karina V. , Gippius Andrey A. , Zhurenko Sergey V. , Shatalova Tatyana B. , Baranchikov Alexander E. , Ivanov Vladimir K.
Published: July 2020

Two new cerium(IV) phosphates were obtained: cerium(IV) hydroxidophosphate, Ce(OH)PO4, and cerium(IV) oxidophosphate, Ce2O(PO4)2, which were shown to complement the classes of isostructural compounds M(OH)PO4 and R2O(PO4)2, where M=Th, U and R=Th, U, Np, Zr. Ce2O(PO4)2 oxidophosphate is formed by elimination of H2O from the crystal structure of Ce(OH)PO4 during its thermal decomposition. The structures of Ce(OH)PO4 and Ce2O(PO4)2 are related to each other with the same Cmce space group and similar unit cell parameters (a=6.9691(3) Å, b=9.0655(4) Å, c=12.2214(4) Å, V=772.13(8) Å3, Z=8; a=7.0220(4) Å, b=8.9894(5) Å, c=12.544(1) Å, V=791.8(1) Å3, Z=4, respectively).
Single Cu Atoms as Catalysts for Efficient Hydrazine Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Zhang Chaoxiong , Yuan Wenjuan , Wang Qian , Peng Xianyun , Liu Xijun , Luo Jun
Published: July 2020

The development of cost‐effective electrocatalysts is vital for promoting the practical application of hydrazine as a viable energy carrier. However, the catalytic performance of the single‐atom Cu catalyst has not been evaluated with regard to the hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR). Herein, single Cu atoms anchored on the surface of the P‐doped C3N4 substrate (Cu−SA/PCN) have been synthesized using a simple method that involved pyrolysis and phosphorization. The as‐obtained Cu−SA/PCN catalyst is observed to demonstrate a suitable efficiency for the electrocatalytic hydrazine oxidation at the anode in an alkaline aqueous solution. Remarkably, the catalyst exhibits an excellent electrolytic activity and strong durability for 30 h. Further, it displays a current density of 100 mA cm−2 at a low applied potential of 0.336 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. Therefore, this study provides a strategy to manufacture single atom catalysts for an efficient HzOR in alkaline media.
The search‐based scheduling algorithm HP* for parallel tasks on heterogeneous platforms
Authors: Dietze Robert , Rünger Gudula
Published: July 2020

Scheduling is a widely used method in parallel computing, which assigns tasks to compute resources of a parallel environments. In this article, we consider independent parallel tasks to be scheduled onto a heterogeneous execution platform consisting of a set of multicores of different architecture. Each parallel task has an internal potential parallelism which allows a parallel execution on any multicore processors. However, the execution time may differ due a different computation speed of different multicores. In this article, we propose a new search‐based scheduling algorithm Heterogeneous Parallel task scheduling based on A* (called HP*) to solve the problem of scheduling independent parallel tasks onto heterogeneous multicore platforms. Specifically, we propose a heuristic cost function needed for an informed search. Also, three pruning techniques are proposed, which are shown to significantly reduce the search space of HP*. Performance measurements on a heterogeneous platform are performed and the results of HP* are compared to scheduling results of other popular scheduling methods. The performance results with benchmark tasks from the SPLASH‐3 benchmark suite demonstrate the good scheduling results and the improvements achieved by HP*.
A Reductive Supramolecular Hydrogel: A Platform for Facile Fabrication of Diverse Metal‐Nanoparticle‐Decorated Conductive Networks with Spatiotemporal Control
Authors: Wang Peng , He Guokang , Ji Jingwei , Li Jian , Zhou Kang , Tian Li , Feng Kai , Sun Fuwei , Li Guangtao
Published: July 2020

Nanoparticle‐hydrogel hybrid composites have a great potential for a broad range of applications, such as antibacterial materials, stimuli‐responsive materials and catalysis. A novel supramolecular hydrogel system was developed using an amino acid based amphiphile containing a terminal pyrrole moiety as a gelator. The pyrrole moiety could serve as both reducing agent and monomer, and a variety of metal precursors penetrating into the hydrogel could be reduced in situ into metal nanoparticles while the pyrrole moieties preorganized in hydrogel were oxidized into polyprroles, affording metal‐nanoparticle‐decorated covalent conductive networks. This strategy allows the facile fabrication of diverse mono‐ or multimetallic nanoparticle‐polymer networks from one hydrogel by a simple reaction‐diffusion approach. More importantly, besides homogeneous composites, unique multisegment heterogeneous systems with spatiotemporal control were also easily accessible. Furthermore, based on the same multifunctional molecule, the fabrication of hierarchically pore‐structured metal‐nanoparticles‐polymers as well as metal‐nanoparticles‐carbon structures was also realized.
Recommendations: Are Yours Defensible?
Authors: Hopkins Bryan G.
Published: July 2020

What we know is important, but being able to prove recommendations is critical in an increasingly regulated and litigious society. As agronomy, crop, soil, and environmental advisers and scientists, it is essential that our data and recommendations are defensible. CPSS/CPSC can earn 1 CEU in Ethics and CCA/CPAg can earn 1 CEU in Professional Development by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.soils.org/education/classroom/classes/839 (for CPSS/CPSC) or www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/839 (for CCA/CPAg).
General rational approximation of Gaussian wavelet series and continuous‐timegm‐C filter implementation
Authors: Li Mu , Sun Yichuang
Published: July 2020

A general method of rational approximation for Gaussian wavelet series and Gaussian wavelet filter circuit design with simplegm‐C integrators is presented in this work. Firstly, the multiorder derivatives of Gaussian function are analyzed and proved as wavelet base functions. Then a high‐accuracy general approximation model of Gaussian wavelet series is constructed, and the transfer function of first‐order derivative of Gaussian wavelet filter is obtained using quantum differential evolution (QDE) algorithm. Thirdly, as an example, a fifth‐order continuous‐time analog first‐order derivative of Gaussian wavelet filter circuit is designed based on multiple loop feedback structure with a simplegm‐C integrator as the basic blocks. Finally, simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method is an excellent way for the wavelet transform implementation. The designed first‐order derivative of Gaussian wavelet filter circuit operates from a 0.53‐V supply voltage and a bias current 2.5 nA. The power dissipation of the wavelet filter circuit at the basic scale is 41.1 nW. Moreover, the high‐accuracy QRS detection based on the designed wavelet filter has been validated in application analysis.
The diagnosis of primary thyroid lymphoma by fine‐needle aspiration, cell block, and immunohistochemistry technique
Authors: Huang Cong‐Gai , Li Meng‐Ze , Wang Shao‐Hua , Zhou Tie‐Jun , Haybaeck Johannes , Yang Zhi‐Hui
Published: July 2020

Aim

Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is a rare malignant disease. Its prognosis depends on early diagnosis. The role of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA), including smear cytology, cell block (CB) techniques, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) sections in the diagnosis of PTL is still unclear. Here we reported 19 cases of PTL and literature review to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy for lymphoma by cytology.

Methods

Our study retrospectively reviewed 19 patients diagnosed with PTL at the affiliated hospital of Southwest Medical University in China from June 2011 to May 2019. According to the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology, the CB sections were evaluated for the presence of single tumor cells. IHC was performed on CB.

Results

The diagnostic accuracy for PTL of FNA, CB with smears, and the joint application of the three methods (FNA + CB + IHC) of our study with 19 cases was 68.4% (13/19), 83.3% (15/18), and 100% (17/17), respectively.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that FNA has low sensitivity in diagnosing PTL, but the joint application of FNA, CB, and IHC might provide high diagnostic accuracy for lymphoma and should be applied in all cases where the clinical suspicion is high regardless of the FNA findings.
Metabolism of MMB022 and identification of dihydrodiol formation in vitro using synthesized standards
Authors: Watanabe Shimpei , Wu Xiongyu , Dahlen Johan , Konradsson Peter , Vikingsson Svante , Kronstrand Robert , Gréen Henrik
Published: July 2020

MMB022 (methyl 3‐methyl‐2‐[1‐(pent‐4‐en‐1‐yl)‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxamido]butanoate) is a new synthetic cannabinoid with an alkene at the pentenyl side chain, a rare functional group for synthetic cannabinoids. Metabolite identification is an important step for the detection of synthetic cannabinoids in humans, since they are generally extensively metabolized. The aims of the study were to tentatively identify in vitro phase I metabolites, to confirm major metabolites using synthesized metabolites, to examine metabolic pathways thoroughly, to study metabolic stability and to suggest metabolites appropriate for urine screening. MMB022 and its synthesized metabolites were incubated with human liver microsomes (HLM) and the supernatants were analyzed by liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Sixteen metabolites were identified, which were generated via dehydrogenation, dihydrodiol formation, ester hydrolysis, hydroxylation, and combinations thereof. A major biotransformation of the alkene at the pentenyl side chain was confirmed to be dihydrodiol formation. The major metabolites were ester hydrolysis (M15) and dihydrodiol (M8) metabolites, whereas the metabolite derived from the combination of ester hydrolysis and dihydrodiol (M5) was the fourth most abundant metabolite. The metabolic pathways were investigated using synthesized metabolites and revealed that M5 is an end product of the pathways, indicating that it might become a more abundant metabolite in vivo depending on the rate of metabolism in humans. The major pathway of MMB022 to M5 was determined to be via M8 formation. Intrinsic clearance of MMB022 was determined to be 296 mL/min/kg and t1/2 was 2.1 min, indicating a low metabolic stability. M15, M8, and potentially M5 are suggested as suitable urinary targets.
Phenotypic responses to temperature in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Weber de Melo Vanessa , Lowe Robert , Hurd Paul J. , Petchey Owen L.
Published: July 2020

Understanding the effects of temperature on ecological and evolutionary processes is crucial for generating future climate adaptation scenarios. Using experimental evolution, we evolved the model ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila in an initially novel high temperature environment for more than 35 generations, closely monitoring population dynamics and morphological changes. We observed initially long lag phases in the high temperature environment that over about 26 generations reduced to no lag phase, a strong reduction in cell size and modifications in cell shape at high temperature. When exposing the adapted populations to their original temperature, most phenotypic traits returned to the observed levels in the ancestral populations, indicating phenotypic plasticity is an important component of this species thermal stress response. However, persistent changes in cell size were detected, indicating possible costs related to the adaptation process. Exploring the molecular basis of thermal adaptation will help clarify the mechanisms driving these phenotypic responses.
Inverse relationship of subjective daytime sleepiness to mortality in heart failure patients with sleep apnoea
Authors: Kasai Takatoshi , Taranto Montemurro Luigi , Yumino Dai , Wang Hanqiao , Floras John S. , Newton Gary E. , Mak Susanna , Ruttanaumpawan Pimon , Parker John D. , Bradley T. Douglas
Published: July 2020

Aims

Patients with sleep apnoea (SA) and heart failure (HF) are less sleepy than SA patients without HF. HF and SA both increase sympathetic nervous system activity (SNA). SNA can augment alertness. We previously showed that in HF patients, the degree of daytime sleepiness was not related to the severity of SA but was inversely related to SNA. Elevated SNA is associated with increased mortality in HF. Therefore, we hypothesized that in HF patients with SA, the degree of daytime sleepiness will be inversely related to mortality.

Methods and results

In a prospective cohort study, 218 consecutive patients with systolic HF had overnight polysomnography. Among them, 80 subjects with SA (apnoea–hypopnoea index ≥15) were followed for a mean of 28 months to determine all‐cause mortality rate. Subjective daytime sleepiness was assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). During follow‐up, 20 patients died. The 5 year death rate in patients with ESS less than 6 (i.e. less sleepy) was significantly higher than in patients with an ESS at or above the median of 6 (i.e. sleepier) [21.3 deaths/100 patient‐years vs. 6.2 deaths/100 patient‐years, unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20 to 7.20, P = 0.018]. After adjusting for confounding factors that included sex, history of hypertension, and mean arterial oxyhaemoglobin saturation, compared with the sleepier patients, less sleepy patients had greater risk of mortality (HR 2.56, 95% CI 1.01 to 6.47, P = 0.047). As a continuous variable, ESS scores were inversely related to mortality risk (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.98, P = 0.022).

Conclusions

In patients with HF and SA, the degree of subjective daytime sleepiness is inversely related to the mortality risk, suggesting that among HF patients with SA, those with the least daytime sleepiness are at greater risk of death. They may therefore have greater potential for mortality benefit from therapy of SA than those with greater daytime sleepiness.
Exploring the Labile Nature of 2,4,6‐Trimethoxyphenyl Moiety in Allylic Systems under Acidic Conditions
Authors: Paul Dipankar , Chatterjee Paresh Nath
Published: July 2020

An investigation of the unexpected lability of the Csp³–Csp² bond connecting 2,4,6‐trimethoxyphenyl group and an allylic moiety is carried out. We observed that the catalytic presence of either Lewis or Brønsted acid can render such 2,4,6‐trimethoxyphenyl group labile. Several nucleophiles were found to substitute the labile C–C bond in mild reaction conditions resulting in very good yields of the allylated products. Even in the absence of a nucleophile, intramolecular cyclization of the parent substrate under acidic activation caused the labile C–C bond to cleave. A major motivation of this study is to understand the lability of electron‐rich aryl group in acidic medium, employing 2,4,6‐trimethoxyphenyl moiety as a case study. A plausible mechanism is proposed after carrying out several control reactions as well as UV/Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopic studies. This work provides an insight into the activation of electron‐rich arenes as a labile entity in acidic medium while also adding a conceptually novel C–C bond breaking approach to the vast literature of allylation of arenes.
Tuning the Chemoselectivity of Dehydroacetic Acid Derived Enones by Isoniazid and Phenylhydrazines: An Efficient Access to 3‐Styryl Pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazolones
Authors: Swarnkar Sumedha , Ansari Mohd Yeshab , Kumar Atul
Published: July 2020

The first‐time reported nitrogen source‐based chemoselectivity of dehydroacetic acid (DHA)‐derived enones has been tuned by isoniazid (INH), and phenylhydrazines respectively. When INH a first‐line antitubercular drug, was employed as a new surrogate for nitrogen source, preferentially unconventional 1,3‐dicarbonyl addition occurred, providing a series of fused 3‐styryl pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazolones in good yields. While in the presence of phenylhydrazines and molecular iodine, the reaction was proceeded via oxidative annulation across enone framework, resulting in the efficient and straightforward access to 3‐pyrazolyl pyranones.
Triethylamine Hydroiodide as a Bifunctional Catalyst for the Solvent‐Free Synthesis of 2‐Oxazolidinones
Authors: Nishiyori Ryuichi , Okuno Ken , Shirakawa Seiji
Published: July 2020

Among the wide variety of heterocycles, 2‐oxazolidinones are recognized as some of the most important heterocyclic compounds in medicinal chemistry. Therefore, the development of a practical method for their synthesis would be an important development. Herein, we report an efficient method for the synthesis of 2‐oxazolidinones under solvent‐free conditions using triethylamine hydroiodide as a simple and effective bifunctional organocatalyst.
Synthesis and Configuration of a p‐Aminoacetophenonic Acid Isolated from Endophyte of the Mangrove Plant Kandel candel
Authors: Xiong Xin , Wu Yikang , Liu Bo
Published: July 2020

Two diastereomers of the title compound were synthesized through an enantioselective route, with the stereogenic center at the C‐2 derived from a commercially available reagent and the one at the C‐4 installed via Evans asymmetric aldol condensation. By comparison of 1H and 13C NMR spectra as well as optical rotation, the configuration of the natural product was as assigned as (‐2R,4R). Some interesting issues such as suppression of the undesired yet dominating formation of cyclic ethers associated with deprotection of a TBS protected terminal hydroxyl group and the previously unknown differences in 1H NMR and IR between the end product separated by normal phase chromatography and that by reverse phase chromatography are also presented.
Acid‐Mediated Three Component Assembly of 4‐Fluoropyrazoles from α‐Fluoronitroalkenes, Hydrazines, and Aldehydes
Authors: Motornov Vladimir A. , Tabolin Andrey A. , Nelyubina Yulia V. , Nenajdenko Valentine G. , Ioffe Sema L.
Published: July 2020

A new approach for the synthesis of highly pharmaceutically relevant 4‐fluoropyrazoles via oxidative annulation of α‐fluoronitroalkenes with in situ prepared hydrazones was developed. The reaction is efficiently promoted by trifluoroacetic acid while atmospheric oxygen was used as an oxidant. Broad substrate scope was demonstrated, using both electron‐rich and electron‐deficient nitroalkenes as well as different hydrazones derived from aromatic aldehydes. The mechanistic details were also outlined.
High‐throughput, aseptic production of injectable Tetra‐PEG hydrogel microspheres for delivery of releasable covalently bound drugs
Authors: Henise Jeff , Yao Brian , Hearn Brian R. , Schneider Eric L. , Ashley Gary W. , Santi Daniel V.
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this work was to develop equipment and procedures for large‐scale aseptic production of injectable microsphere (MS) drug conjugates. The two major challenges were (a) to prepare sufficient amounts of MSs for clinical trials, and (b) to prepare the MS‐drug product under aseptic conditions. The approach was to prepare the MS‐drug conjugate in two stages. Stage 1 was the preparation of monodisperse tetra‐PEG amine derivatized MSs (amino‐MS) from two soluble PEG prepolymers under low to no bioburden conditions. To accomplish this, custom‐engineered equipment compatible with both aqueous and organic solvents was fabricated for parallel microfluidic preparation of amino‐MS. The system was capable of preparing up to ∼2 L of high quality 50 μm diameter amino‐MS per day. Stage 2 was the sterilization of the starting amino‐MS and aseptic production of the MS‐drug conjugate. The amino‐MS were first sterilized by autoclaving then transferred to a custom‐engineered autoclave‐sterilized washer‐reactor. This apparatus allowed for activation of the amino‐MS and attachment of a linker‐drug under aseptic conditions to give the sterile MS‐drug conjugate drug substance. The final drug product was produced by addition of excipients to form a homogeneous suspension. The entire process is exemplified by an engineering production run of a sterile MS‐peptide drug product.
Tuned inerter dampers with linear hysteretic damping
Authors: Deastra Predaricka , Wagg David , Sims Neil , Akbar Mahesa
Published: July 2020

This paper explores the influence of linear hysteretic damping on the performance of passive tuned‐inerter devices. An inerter is a device that produces a force proportional to the relative acceleration across its two terminals; devices incorporating inerters have received widespread attention in the earthquake engineering community, because they offer the ability to improve the seismic response of structures. However, the majority of this research has assumed that the damping components within the tuned‐inerter device exhibit viscous, rather than hysteretic, damping. This restriction imposes an essential question on how the hysteretic damping model will change the performance of the device compared with the viscous damping model. It is shown that the response of viscous and hysteretic inerter systems have significant differences in displacement amplitude due to the frequency dependency of the damping. Therefore, a new formulation for obtaining the optimum loss factor of the hysteretic damping in the inerter system is proposed. Next, the challenges associated with accurately predicting the time‐response of a hysteretically damped system are discussed. A numerical time‐integration method is extended to address these challenges, using a new formulation that has the benefit of being broadly applicable to multidegree‐of‐freedom hysteretic linear systems and nonstationary random signals. The results show that the earthquake responses from the hysteretic damping model can differ significantly from the ones obtained via the viscous model.
What to Survey? A Systematic Review of the Choice of Biological Groups in Assessing Ecological Impacts of Metals in Running Waters
Authors: Namba Hiroki , Iwasaki Yuichi , Heino Jani , Matsuda Hiroyuki
Published: July 2020

Which biological groups (in the present study, periphyton, macroinvertebrates, and fishes) are surveyed is a fundamental question in environmental impact assessment programs in metal-contaminated rivers. We performed a systematic review of 202 studies that investigated the ecological impacts of metal contamination on aquatic populations and communities in streams and rivers to examine 1) which biological groups were surveyed, 2) whether their responses were correlated with each other, and 3) which biological group was most responsive to changes in metal contamination level. In these studies, published from 1991 to 2015, benthic macroinvertebrates were most frequently chosen throughout the period (59–76% in different 5-yr periods), followed by periphyton and fishes, and the number of studies that surveyed at least 2 or 3 biological groups was very limited (10%). Pearson's correlation coefficients calculated between the metrics of different biological groups were often low, emphasizing the importance of investigating multiple biological groups to better understand the responses of aquatic communities to metal contamination in running waters. Despite the limited data collected, our meta-analysis showed that, in most cases, biological metrics based on macroinvertebrates were more responsive to changes in metal contamination level than those based on periphyton or fishes. This finding suggests that benthic macroinvertebrates could be a reasonable choice to detect the ecological impacts of metal contamination on a local scale. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1964–1972. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Which biological groups (periphyton, macroinvertebrates, or fishes) are surveyed is a fundamental question in environmental impact assessment programs in metal-contaminated rivers.
Physicochemical and functional properties of dried okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) seed flour
Authors: Ofori Jemima , Tortoe Charles , Agbenorhevi Jacob K.
Published: July 2020

The physicochemical and functional properties of dried okra seed flour of two genotypes Agbagoma and Balabi were evaluated. The samples Agbagoma and Balabi had 8.90%–9.00% moisture, 16.80%–17.40% protein, 47.80%–48.00% fat, 7.70%–7.80% ash, and 18.20%–18.40% carbohydrate. The mean values of functional properties revealed significant differences (p < .05) between okra seed flour samples studied. The samples’ bulk density range was 0.80–0.83 g/ml. Water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity ranged from 511.65% to 504.32% and 88.38 to 160.67%, respectively. The solubility was 14.10% for Agbagoma and 10.97% for Balabi, whereas swelling power was 16.37% and 14.68% for Agbagoma and Balabi, respectively. All pasting properties except peak time and pasting temperature of Agbagoma seed flour were higher than those of Balabi seed flour. The study revealed that dried okra seed flour is rich in nutrients, which could be used for baking and fortification of foods.
MiR‐125b Loss Activated HIF1α/pAKT Loop, Leading to Transarterial Chemoembolization Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wei Xiyang , Zhao Lei , Ren Ruizhe , Ji Fubo , Xue Shuting , Zhang Jianjuan , Liu Zhaogang , Ma Zhao , Wang Xin W. , Wong Linda , Liu Niya , Shi Jiong , Guo Xing , Roessler Stephanie , Zheng Xin , Ji Junfang
Published: July 2020

Background and Aims

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a standard locoregional therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with a variable overall response in efficacy. We aimed to identify key molecular signatures and related pathways leading to HCC resistance to TACE, with the hope of developing effective approaches in preselecting patients with survival benefit from TACE.

Approach and Results

Four independent HCC cohorts with 680 patients were used. MicroRNA (miRNA) transcriptome analysis in patients with HCC revealed a 41‐miRNA signature related to HCC recurrence after adjuvant TACE, and miR‐125b was the top reduced miRNA in patients with HCC recurrence. Consistently, patients with HCC with low miR‐125b expression in tumor had significantly shorter time to recurrence following adjuvant TACE in two independent cohorts. Loss of miR‐125b in HCC noticeably activated the hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha subunit (HIF1α)/pAKT loop in vitro and in vivo. miR‐125b directly attenuated HIF1α translation through binding to HIF1A internal ribosome entry site region and targeting YB‐1, and blocked an autocrine HIF1α/platelet‐derived growth factor β (PDGFβ)/pAKT/HIF1α loop of HIF1α translation by targeting the PDGFβ receptor. The miR‐125b‐loss/HIF1α axis induced the expression of CD24 and erythropoietin (EPO) and enriched a TACE‐resistant CD24‐positive cancer stem cell population. Consistently, patients with high CD24 or EPO in HCC had poor prognosis following adjuvant TACE therapy. Additionally, in patients with HCC having TACE as their first‐line therapy, high EPO in blood before TACE was also noticeably related to poor response to TACE.

Conclusions

MiR‐125b loss activated the HIF1α/pAKT loop, contributing to HCC resistance to TACE and the key nodes in this axis hold the potential in assisting patients with HCC to choose TACE therapy.
Coronavirus disease 2019: Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pregnant women in a tertiary hospital in Abakaliki, southeast Nigeria
Authors: Anikwe Chidebe C. , Ogah Christian O. , Anikwe Ifeyinwa H. , Okorochukwu Bartholomew C. , Ikeoha Cyril C.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of antenatal attendees towards COVID‐19 in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was carried out among 430 consenting pregnant women attending antenatal clinics between March 1 and May 30, 2020, using pretested questionnaires.

Results

The mean age and mean gestational age of the respondents were 30.04 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 28.9–31.1) and 26.3 weeks (95% CI 23.3–29.3), respectively. More than four‐fifths (82%) of the women believed that COVID‐19 is real and their main source of information was mass media. The majority had adequate knowledge of COVID‐19. More than half of the respondents said COVID‐19 is a curable disease and that chloroquine can be used. The majority showed a good attitude and preventive practice of COVID‐19 disease; however, one‐fourth (24%) thought that infected individuals should be killed to prevent the spread of the virus.

Conclusion

The study population has good knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID‐19 disease. However, it is worrisome that some respondents thought that infected individuals should be killed. Proper education must be given to the populace to avert these negative attitudes while promoting a positive preventive attitude.

The study population has adequate knowledge, good attitude, and preventive practice of COVID‐19; however, community education is needed to reduce anxiety among the populace.
Raman spectroscopy‐based detection of RNA viruses in saliva: A preliminary report
Authors: Desai Sanket , Mishra Saket V. , Joshi Asim , Sarkar Debashmita , Hole Arti , Mishra Rohit , Dutt Shilpee , Chilakapati Murali K. , Gupta Sudeep , Dutt Amit
Published: July 2020

Several non‐invasive Raman spectroscopy‐based assays have been reported for rapid and sensitive detection of pathogens. We developed a novel statistical model for the detection of RNA viruses in saliva, based on an unbiased selection of a set of 65 Raman spectral features that mostly attribute to the RNA moieties, with a prediction accuracy of 91.6% (92.5% sensitivity and 88.8% specificity). Furthermore, to minimize variability and automate the downstream analysis of the Raman spectra, we developed a GUI‐based analytical tool “RNA Virus Detector (RVD).” This conceptual framework to detect RNA viruses in saliva could form the basis for field application of Raman Spectroscopy in managing viral outbreaks, such as the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. (http://www.actrec.gov.in/pi-webpages/AmitDutt/RVD/RVD.html).
Influence of nano‐hydroxyapatite coating implants on gene expression of osteogenic markers andmicro‐CTparameters. An in vivo study in diabetic rats
Authors: de Oliveira Paula Gabriela Faciola Pessôa , de Melo Soares Mariana Sales , Silveira e Souza Adriana Maria Mariano , Taba Jr Mário , Palioto Daniela Bazan , Messora Michel Reis , Ghiraldini Bruna , Nunes Felipe Anderson de Sousa , de Souza Sérgio Luís Scombatti
Published: July 2020

This study evaluated the response of a nano‐hydroxyapatite coating implant through gene expression analysis (runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (Alp), osteopontin (Opn), osteocalcin (Oc), receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B (Rank), receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (Rank‐L), and osteoprotegerin (Opg)). Three‐dimensional evaluation (percent bone volume (BV/TV); percent intersection surface (BIC); bone surface/volume ratio (BS/BV); and total porosity (To.Po)) were also analyzed. Mini implants were surgically placed in tibias of both healthy and diabetic rats. The animals were euthanized at 7 and 30 days. Evaluating all factors the relative expression of Rank showed that NANO surface presented the best results at 7 days (diabetic rats). Furthermore the levels of Runx2, Alp, Oc, and Opn suggest an increase in osteoblasts proliferation, especially in early stages of osseointegration. %BIC in healthy and diabetic (7 days) depicted statistically significant differences for NANO group. BV/TV, BS/BV and To.Po demonstrated higher values for NANO group in all evaluated time point and irrespective of systemic condition, but BS/BV 30 days (healthy rat) and 7 and 30 days (diabetic rat). Microtomographic and gene expression analyses have shown the benefits of nano‐hydroxyapatite coated implants in promoting new bone formation in diabetic rats.