bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between internal morphology and physiological quality of pepper seeds during fruit maturation and storage
Authors: de Medeiros André Dantas , Zavala‐León Manuel Jesús , da Silva Laércio Junio , Oliveira Ariadne Morbeck Santos , Dias Denise Cunha Fernandes dos Santos
Published: January 2020

The improvement of existing analyses that access the physiological quality of seeds and the inclusion of nondestructive techniques represent significant progress to the seed sector. Despite being prominent, the use of x‐ray is hindered by the fact that radiographic images are, in general, analyzed subjectively. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the relationship between the seed internal morphology, accessed via x‐ray images, and the physiological quality of habanero pepper seeds. The seeds were harvested from fruits at three maturity stages and then kept in post‐harvest storage for different periods. Initially, radiographs were generated and subjected to automated image analysis, using the ImageJ software. The parameters area, perimeter, circularity, relative density, integrated density, and percentage of seed filling were evaluated. After the x‐ray testing, the seeds were tested for germination and vigor. It was observed that postharvest storage increased the relative density of seed tissues, as well as seed filling and germination for all stages of maturity. Positive and significant correlations were found between tissue density parameters, evaluated by image analysis, with seed germination, germination speed and seed viability, while negative correlations were observed with seed dormancy. In general, the automated radiograph analysis of habanero pepper seeds is a promising method to obtain physical variables of seeds, such as relative density, integrated density, and seed filling. Habanero pepper seeds obtained from yellow and orange fruits exhibit higher physiological quality. The storage of these fruits after harvested before seed extraction is a good alternative to improve the seed physiological quality.
A Regenerative Medicine Approach to the Treatment of Hearing, Balance, and Olfactory Disorders: What Is in the Future for Otolaryngology?
Authors: Van De Water Thomas R.
Published: January 2020

Regenerative medicine is being applied to many fields of medicine and is now starting to be considered and developed for application to treat hearing, balance, olfaction, and voice disorders. This special issue of the Anatomical Record with a series of over 20 papers covers many aspects of gene and stem cell therapies as they are developed for clinical applications in both in vitro and in vivo laboratory studies. These studies cover a wide range of approaches from gene editing in zebrafish with the latest technology (i.e., CRISPR/Cas9) to the isolation of human inner ear progenitor cells, to tracking transplanted human umbilical cord stem cells in mini pigs, to the in vitro building of graft tissues to repair tracheal defects with adipose tissue‐derived stem cells. Anat Rec, 303:385–389, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Negative regulation of CDK6 expression by microRNA‐126‐5p and its influence on the proliferation and invasion of esophageal cancer cells
Authors: Gu Jian‐Fa , Liu Song‐Ge , Pan Qiong , Qin Fengying , Li Yan‐Yan
Published: January 2020

The present study aimed to investigate the expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) and microRNA‐126‐5p (miR‐126‐5p) in esophageal cancer tissues and cells, and their effect on esophageal cancer cell proliferation and invasion, and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms. The relative expression levels of CDK6 and miR‐126‐5p in esophageal cancer tissue, paracancerous tissue, and HEEC and EC109 cells were determined and compared using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). A miR‐126‐5p overexpression vector was constructed and a stable EC109 cell line expressing miR‐126‐5p was established. The EC109 cell line was transfected with a CDK6 small interfering RNA sequence. The rate of cell proliferation was determined using the WST‐8 method, and cell invasion was determined using a Transwell assay. In addition, the relative expression levels of genes were determined using RT‐qPCR; the relative expression levels of proteins were determined by western blot analysis; the binding sites of CDK6 and miR‐126‐5p were analyzed using TargetScan software; and the interaction of CDK6 and miR‐126‐5p was verified using dual‐fluorescence reporter gene expression. Esophageal tissues and EC109 cells expressed higher levels of CDK6 but significantly lower levels of miR‐126‐5p compared with adjacent tissues and HEEC cells, and their correlation coefficient between esophageal tissues and matched adjacent tissues was −7.526. The overexpression of miR‐126‐5p and CDK6 knockdown in the EC109 cell line inhibited cell proliferation and invasion compared with the control and NC (negative control) groups. miR‐126‐5p overexpression reduced the relative expression level of CDK6, and CDK6 knockdown by siRNA increased the expression of miR‐126‐5p. miR‐126‐5p regulated CDK6 expression by binding to the 3′‐untranslated region of its mRNA. Overexpression miR‐126‐5p inhibited the proliferation and migration of esophageal cancer cells by targeting CDK6 and negatively regulating its expression. These findings contribute to the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanism of esophageal cancer.
Overall risk and risk factors for metachronous peritoneal metastasis after colorectal cancer surgery: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Ravn S , Heide-Jørgensen U , Christiansen C F , Verwaal V J , Hagemann-Madsen R H , Iversen L H
Published: January 2020

Background

This study aimed to identify the cumulative incidence and risk factors of metachronous peritoneal metastasis (M-PM) from colorectal cancer in patients who had intended curative treatment.

Methods

Patients with colorectal cancer were identified using the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database for 2006–2015. The Danish Pathology Registry and the Danish National Patient Registry were used to identify M-PM to 2017. Risk factors were estimated by multivariable absolute risk regression, treating death and other cancers as competing risks. Overall risk and risk differences (RDs) were estimated at 1, 3 and 5 years.

Results

In 22 586 patients with colorectal cancer, the overall risk of M-PM was reported to be 0·9 (95 per cent c.i. 0·8 to 1·0) per cent at 1 year, 1·9 (1·8 to 2·1) per cent at 3 years and 2·2 (2·0 to 2·4) per cent at 5 years. Advanced tumour category ((y)pT4 versus (y)pT1) increased the RD of both M-PM (2·9 (95 per cent c.i. 2·1 to 3·7) at 1 year and 6·0 (4·9 to 7·2) at 3 years) and lymph node involvement ((y)pN2 versus (y)pN0) (2·5 (1·8 to 3·2) at year and 4·3 (3·2 to 5·3) at 3 years). No further increase in risk was observed at 5 years. In a subanalysis, tumour-involved resection margin (R1 versus R0) was associated with M-PM with a RD of 3·9 (1·6 to 6·2) at 1 year and 5·9 (2·6 to 9·3) at 3 years.

Conclusion

The overall risk of M-PM in patients with colorectal cancer is low, but is increased in advanced T and N status. Follow-up of at least 3 years after colorectal cancer surgery may be necessary, given the potential curative treatment of early diagnosed M-PM.
Four New Chromone Derivatives from Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Luo You‐Ping , Song Xiao‐Ping , Zheng Cai‐Juan , Chen Guang‐Ying , Luo Xu–Xia , Han Jing‐Xian
Published: January 2020

Four previously unreported chromones, 5‐hydroxy‐2‐(hydroxymethyl)‐8‐methoxy‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one (1), (5R,7S)‐5,7‐dihydroxy‐2‐propyl‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one (2), (5R,7S)‐5,7‐dihydroxy‐2‐methyl‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one (3), and (5R,7S)‐5,7‐dihydroxy‐2‐[(E)‐prop‐1‐en‐1‐yl]‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one (4), as well as one known analogue 5‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one (5) were isolated from the fermentation broth of the endophytic fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides derived from the mangrove Ceriops tagal. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configurations of 2–4 were determined by comparison the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compound 2 showed cytotoxic activity against A549 cell line with the IC50 value of 0.094 mm.
New Constituents from the Low Polar Fraction of the Fruits of Crataegus dahurica and Their Anti‐Inflammatory Activity in RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Wang Bo‐Bo , Gao Yang , Chen Li‐Ya , Zhang Chang‐Long , Zhang Xiao‐Qing , Zhang Hai‐Long
Published: January 2020

The fruit of Crataegus dahurica Koehne was used to treat the disease of infantile indigestion and dyspepsia as an ethnic medicine and food. As a continuous work on finding the active constituents from the edible herbs, four new biphenyl derivatives (1–4), together with two known compounds (5 and 6), were obtained from the petroleum ether fraction of the fruits of C. dahurica. Their structures were determined by the extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectra and HR‐MS spectrometry. Furthermore, the anti‐inflammatory activities of all the isolated compounds were investigated, in which compound 4 showed moderately inhibitory effects on NO production in RAW264.7 cells without inducing cytotoxicity.
Underpotential‐Assisted Electrodeposition of Highly Crystalline and Smooth Thin Film of Bismuth
Authors: Giurlani Walter , Cavallini Massimiliano , Picca Rosaria Anna , Cioffi Nicola , Passaponti Maurizio , Fontanesi Claudio , Lavacchi Alessandro , Innocenti Massimo
Published: January 2020

In this work, the electrodeposition of smooth bismuth thin films was investigated. Bismuth is known for its peculiar magnetic, thermal and electrical properties but the deposition of a uniform and flat film, which are features required for its application in electronic devices, is not trivial. We investigated the morphology of Bi film electrodeposited at increasing overpotential on a monocrystalline silver electrode. We found that the presence of an underpotential deposition (UPD) layer, previously deposited on the surface, drives the overpotential deposition to a smoother growth. The samples were investigated by means of different techniques: atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) to study the morphology, X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) to assess the composition and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) to check the crystallinity. We also found an unexpected form birefringence behaviour, which has been preliminary investigated with cross polarized light microscopy (CPL).
Kinetics of Oxygen Reduction by a Beta Barrel Heme Protein on Hyrid Bioelectrodes
Authors: Nazemi Zahra , Prasad Pallavi , Chakraborty Saumen
Published: January 2020

Efficient catalysts are required to activate O2 at low overpotentials with improved reaction kinetics. The kinetics of electrocatalytic oxygen reduction by a β‐barrel, the nitrobindin heme protein (NBHP), is investigated using protein‐film electrochemistry. Structure‐guided strategies were developed to covalently attach NBHP and enable efficient interfacial electron transfer (ET) between the protein and electrode. The reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) with a rate constant ks of 25 s−1 is invoked as the rate‐limiting step of the catalytic process, as opposed to a proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) process. Further kinetic analyses revealed a complete 4e− reduction of O2 to H2O at lower pH, attributable to a higher H+ availability and more facile reduction of the heme in acidic conditions compared to the basic conditions where an incomplete 2e− reduction to H2O2 was observed. The rate constants kORR, k0, and the turnover numbers demonstrate that NBHP is an efficient biocatalyst for O2 electrolysis.
Synthesis of Homogeneous Hollow Co3O4 Microspheres for Enhanced Cycle Life and Electrochemical Energy Storage Performance
Authors: Yang Yaxiu , Chen Xin , Cao Yali , Zhou Wanyong , Sun He , Chai Hui
Published: January 2020

How to achieve a balance between excellent pseudocapacitive performance and simplicity of the synthetic pathway of Co3O4 is still a challenge. Herein, hollow Co3O4 microspheres were synthesized through a facile template‐free solvothermal approach with a following calcination treatment. The synthetic Co3O4 exhibited remarkable electrochemical properties in terms of high specific capacity 922.7 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, superior rate capability with 67.7 % capacitance retention (1–20 A g−1), as well as excellent cycling stability (105.6 % retention after 10000 cycles). A hybrid supercapacitor device is also successfully assembled consisting of a Co3O4 cathode and a reduced graphene oxide anode with a wide potential window of 0–1.65 V, which delivers a high energy density and an outstanding cycle lifetime. These superior electrochemical properties will render the hollow Co3O4 microsphere material as an attractive material for promising application in high‐performance electrochemical energy storage systems.
Design and Hydrodynamic Characterization of a Draft Tube Baffle Tank for Lab‐Scale
Authors: Schmalenberg Mira , Nocon Anna‐Katharina , Kockmann Norbert
Published: January 2020

For process development on lab‐scale, it is necessary to have equipment that represents the industrial apparatuses as similar as possible to offer short time‐to‐market. Accordingly, a draft tube baffle (DTB) crystallizer was scaled down from typical m3‐scale to 1 L filling volume. The suspension characteristics were determined for fluidized crystals in saturated solution. For further characterization of the DTB tank, the residence time of the liquid and solid phases were experimentally determined for the continuous operation mode. Additionally, the classifying behavior of the particles in the DTB was investigated.
Multifunctions of Polymer Nanocomposites: Environmental Remediation, Electromagnetic Interference Shielding, And Sensing Applications
Authors: Wei Huige , Wang Hui , Li Ang , Cui Dapeng , Zhao Zinian , Chu Liqiang , Wei Xin , Wang Lin , Pan Duo , Fan Jincheng , Li Yingchun , Zhang Jiaoxia , Liu Chuntai , Wei Suying , Guo Zhanhu
Published: January 2020

Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs), i. e. nanofillers dispersed in a polymer matrix, have become a prominent area of current research promoted by rapid developments in the polymer science and nanotechnology. As a promising alternative to conventional composites which are reinforced with micro‐scale fillers, PNCs exhibit substantially improved overall performance and simplified processing at much lower nanofiller loadings. PNCs have great potentials for a broad range of applications, e. g. environmental remediation, energy storage/conversion, transportation, and national defense. In this regard, the most recent advances in PNCs for the environmental remediation, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and sensing & actuation applications are presented. Challenges and perspectives of PNCs are also discussed.
Neoteric Conjugative Electrospinning towards Alloplastic Nanofiber Yarns Affording Enhanced Upconversion Luminescence and Tailored Magnetism
Authors: Sheng Yuqi , Tian Jiao , Xie Yunrui , Yang Xiuling , Qi Haina , Ma Qianli , Yu Wensheng , Dong Xiangting , Yu Hui , Liu Guixia
Published: January 2020

Upconversion luminescent‐magnetic [Y2O3:Yb3+, Er3+/polyacrylonitrile (PAN)]//[CoFe2O4/PAN] alloplastic nanofiber yarns (ANYs) are successfully prepared by a novel conjugative electrospinning. The ANYs consist of two different kinds of nanofibers, respectively called as [CoFe2O4/PAN] magnetic nanofibers and [Y2O3:Yb3+, Er3+/PAN] upconversion luminescent nanofibers, and the two kinds of nanofibers are combined together and twisted to form ANYs. Pumped by 980‐nm laser, the ANYs exhibit excellent upconversion luminescence (UCL) and orange‐red fluorescence. ANYs demonstrate tailored saturation magnetization by modulating CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) content. The influence mechanism of magnetic CoFe2O4 NPs on the UCL of ANYs is detailedly explored. The relationship between mechanical properties and twist for ANYs is explored through the tensile test. Compared with the counterpart coessential nanofiber yarns (CNYs), ANYs exhibit about 10 times stronger UCL intensity owing to the complete separation of the upconversion luminescent substance from the magnetic substance and thereby great reduction of impact of the magnetic substance on the upconversion luminescent substance. Thus, concurrent enhancive upconversion luminescence (UCL) and tunable magnetism of the ANYs are successfully achieved. The detailed formation mechanism of ANYs is advanced and a novel fabrication technique of yarns is established and can be popularized to prepare other bi‐ and multi‐functional nanofibrous yarns.
Tuning the Electronic Properties of Atomically Precise Graphene Nanoribbons by Bottom‐Up Fabrication
Authors: Hao Zhenliang , Zhang Hui , Ruan Zilin , Yan Cuixia , Lu Jianchen , Cai Jinming
Published: January 2020

Graphene, a monolayer of graphite, is predicted to be one of the most promising materials to replace silicon in future electronic instruments. Despite its extraordinary electronic and thermal properties, the lack of an electronic band gap severely hampers its potential for applications in digital electronics. In contrast, narrow stripes of graphene, so called graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are semiconductors, due to the quantum confinement with the tunable band gap by variation with the width and edge structure that is armchair, zigzag or the combination of both edges. This review covers the recent progress in bottom‐up approaches based on the surface‐catalyzed assembly of molecular precursors and tuning of the electronic properties of GNRs by fabricating atomically precise GNRs of different widths, various edge structures as well as doped structures. In addition, this review also indicates the challenges ahead and possible promising ways to finely tune the electronic structures of GNRs through slight modifications of the molecular configurations of the precursors.
Modelling the Earth's geomagnetic environment on Cray machines using PETSc and SLEPc
Authors: Brown Nick , Bainbridge Brian , Beggan Ciarán , Brown William , Hamilton Brian , Macmillan Susan
Published: January 2020

The British Geological Survey's global geomagnetic model, Model of the Earth's Magnetic Environment (MEME), is an important tool for calculating the strength and direction of the Earth's magnetic field, which is continually in flux. While the ability to collect data from ground‐based observation sites and satellites has grown rapidly, the memory bound nature of the original code has proved a significant limitation on the size of the modelling problem required. In this paper, we describe work done replacing the bespoke, sequential, eigensolver with that of the PETSc/SLEPc package for solving the system of normal equations. Adopting PETSc/SLEPc also required fundamental changes in how we built and distributed the data structures, and as such, we describe an approach for building symmetric matrices that provides good load balance and avoids the need for close coordination between the processes or replication of work. We also study the memory bound nature of the code from an irregular memory accesses perspective and combine detailed profiling with software cache prefetching to significantly optimise this. Performance and scaling characteristics are explored on ARCHER, a Cray XC30, where we achieved a speed up for the solver of 294 times by replacing the model's bespoke approach with SLEPc.
Ring‐Strain‐Promoted Ultrafast Diaryltetrazole–Alkyne Photoclick Reactions Triggered by Visible Light
Authors: Jiang Shichao , Wu Xueting , Liu Hui , Deng Jiajie , Zhang Xiaocui , Yao Zhuojun , Zheng Yuanqin , Li Bo , Yu Zhipeng
Published: January 2020

By exploiting the scope of dipolarophiles, we discovered that endo‐bicyclo[6.1.0]non‐4‐yn‐9‐ylmethanol (BCN) is an appropriate chemical reporter for the 2,5‐diaryltetrazole (DATet) based photoclick reaction, which proceeds via an ultrafast cycloaddition rate (∼105 M−1 s−1). Introduction of a 2,6‐(CF3)2phenyl moiety on the C5‐position of the tetrazole core brings a significant improvement of the chemical selectivity toward BCN without loss of reactivity. The high selectivity benefits from a combination of the steric and the electrostatic sheltering effect of a nitrile imine (NI) intermediate generated from photolysis of the DATet. In the absence of BCN, the oligothiophene moiety on the N2‐position of the tetrazole was found to induce self‐quenching of the NI intermediate instead of nucleophilic addition by 10 mM glutathione, demonstrating the fidelity of the DATet reagent. We also investigated the bioorthogonality of the DATet‐BCN photoclick chemistry for covalent bioconjugation toward BCN tags on proteins with visible‐light illumination.
The Chemistry and Kinetics of Polyethylene Pyrolysis: A Process to Produce Fuels and Chemicals
Authors: Zhao Dongting , Wang Xianhua , Miller James B. , Huber George W.
Published: January 2020

The annual global production of plastics reached 335 million metric tons in 2016. Most waste plastics are landfilled or enter the natural environment in an uncontrolled manner. Pyrolysis can convert waste plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), to smaller hydrocarbons that can be used as fuels or chemicals. In this work, pyrolysis of PE was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and in a fluidized‐bed reactor. A kinetic model based on two parallel first‐order random‐scission steps was developed on the basis of the TGA results. PE was pyrolyzed in a fluidized‐bed reactor over the temperature range of 500–600 °C and at residence times of 12.4–20.4 s. The yield of gas‐phase products increased from 8.2 to 56.8 wt %, and the yield of liquid‐phase products decreased from 81.2 to 28.5 wt % as the temperature increased from 500 to 600 °C. Detailed analysis of the gas‐ and liquid‐phase products revealed their potential as precursors for production of fuels and chemicals. Gas‐phase products included hydrogen, C1–C4 paraffins, C2–C4 olefins, and 1,3‐butadiene. The major liquid‐phase products were mono‐olefins and cycloalkanes/alkadienes with smaller amounts of n‐paraffins, isoparaffins, and aromatics. The carbon‐number distribution of the fluidized‐bed pyrolysis products suggested contributions of nonrandom reactions of random‐scission fragments at low conversion.
Investigation of the double input power converter with N stages of voltage multiplier using PSO‐based MPPT technique for the thermoelectric energy harvesting system
Authors: Thankakan Rakesh , Samuel Nadar Edward Rajan
Published: January 2020

This research work presents a thermoelectric energy harvesting system comprises of a double input DC‐DC converter with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique under varying temperature conditions (VTCs). The converter has two inputs with N stages of diode‐capacitor to boost the output voltage. It has the advantages of higher voltage gain and flexibility of power‐sharing by both the independent sources. The perturb and observe (P&O)‐based MPPT algorithm is an efficient and simple method to track the maximum power. However, the power‐current (P‐I) characteristics of the thermoelectric modules exhibit multiple peaks at VTCs; it fails to identify the global peak point (GPP) and gets track the local peak point. To overcome the drawback of the P&O technique, a particle swarm optimization (PSO)‐based MPPT technique is implemented to track the GPP. A comparison is performed between the P&O and PSO technique in terms of MPPT tracking efficiency and oscillation around the maximum power point. From the acquired results of simulation and experiment, it is recommended that the PSO‐based MPPT technique has furnished better overall performance.
Optimising learning opportunities for students in complementary classroom and museum settings
Authors: Ziebell N. , Suda L.
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this project was to create a unique educational experience in order to understand the extent to which excursions can be used to complement and extend classroom‐based curricula. The project facilitated a genuine school‐museum‐university partnership to plan and implement curriculum that supports learning before, during and after museum experiences. A key focus was on developing strategies and designing curriculum that enhanced students' learning of key knowledge and skills through targeted classroom teaching and museum experiences. The findings provide insights into teachers' and learners' perspectives leading to considerations for strengthening collaborative practice. The outcome is a set of principles for planning optimal integration of classroom and museum experiences.
Passive Direct Methanol–Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Cell with Reduced Graphene Oxide–Supported Prussian Blue as Catalyst
Authors: Lu Biaowu , Yuan Wei , Su Xiaoqing , Zhuang Ziyi , Ke Yuzhi , Tang Yong
Published: January 2020

Herein, a reduced graphene oxide–supported Prussian Blue (rGO‐PB) composite as the cathode catalyst for a passive direct methanol–hydrogen peroxide fuel cell (DMHPFC) is used. Unlike the conventional passive direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) with a cathodic catalyst of noble metal platinum (Pt), the new fuel cell uses hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. This nonnoble metal catalyst has a low cost, high catalytic activity, and high conductivity due to its 3D conductive network. The fuel cell has a theoretical voltage of 1.76 V (higher than 1.21 V related to the traditional DMFC) and can be used in an oxygen‐free environment. Results show that the cell shows good performance with a peak power density of 20.5 mW cm−2 at a higher temperature of 85 °C. The polarization and impedance curves indicate that as the temperature increases, the cell performance improves continuously with the decrease in mass transfer resistance. The discharging tests show a stable cell performance under continuous operation. The cell voltage has an instant response to the change in the current output.
Content of free and protein‐binding Nε‐carboxymethyllysine and Nε‐carboxyethyllysine in different parts of braised chicken
Authors: Zhu Zongshuai , Fang Rui , Cheng Yiqun , Khan Iftikhar Ali , Huang Jichao , Li Bin , Huang Ming
Published: January 2020

In order to illustrate the levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in Chinese traditional braised chicken, the distribution of free and protein‐binding Nε‐carboxymethyllysine (CML) and Nε‐carboxyethyllysine (CEL) in four parts of processed chicken including chest (X), leg (T), skin (P), and the mixed whole body (M) was investigated. Our results showed that the content of free CML was 1,186.63–1,795.43 ng/g meat and protein‐binding CML was 11,693.91–16,122.90 ng/g meat. Differently, the content of free CEL was 24.81–41.62 ng/g meat and protein‐binding CEL was 270.11–385.49 ng/g meat. It was found that the total contents of CML were 31.5–56.8 folds higher than those of CEL. Protein‐binding AGEs (CML + CEL) were 6.6–9.9 times higher than those of free AGEs (CML + CEL). Pearson's correlation of AGEs and oxidation in four parts of braised chicken were also investigated, and the results showed that oxidation had a significant effect on levels of CEL; especially, the protein carbonyl was negatively correlated with free CEL (p < .05). TBARs value was significantly positively correlated with protein‐binding and total CEL (p < .01). In conclusion, our findings are important for better understanding of the AGEs formation in braised meat.
Archaeology and paleogeography of a Lake‐Wetland complex: Modeling the postglacial evolution of the Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Authors: Conolly James
Published: January 2020

This study uses a combination of isostatic rebound, hydrological flow, and sedimentation models to generate predictions about the postglacial evolution (from ca. 12.0 ka cal BP to the modern‐day) of the Kawartha Lakes region of central Ontario, Canada. Changes in shoreline and wetland configuration are mapped and quantified so as to inform understanding of the environmental history of the region and illuminate the manner of its evolution. This knowledge is discussed in the context of the human history of the region, particularly the relationship between ancestral Indigenous communities and their relationship to lakes and wetlands. Areas of significant shoreline transgression are identified and thus where inundated archaeological sites are likely to exist. The scale of loss of wetland areas as a result of 19th‐century dam construction is also estimated along with the impacts of settler dams on Michi Saagigg Nishaabeg First Nations traditional harvesting practices.
Late Cenozoic magnetostratigraphy of the Yuncheng Basin, central North China Craton and its tectonic implications
Authors: Yan Jiyuan , Hu Jianmin , Gong Wangbin , Liu Xiaobo , Yin Yanguang , Tan Cheng
Published: January 2020

Yuncheng Basin, the southernmost basin in the Shanxi Graben System, is considered to be one of the earliest formed in this region. However, due to the insufficient study on the strata and the lack of drilling data, the initial time of the Yuncheng Basin has not been accurately constrained, which heavily restricts our understanding about the formation and evolution of the Shanxi Graben System. In this study, borehole SG‐1, which penetrated through the entire Late Cenozoic sediments and reached the basement bedrock, was obtained in the northern part of the Yuncheng Basin, and a detailed magnetostratigraphic study has been carried out on the samples selected from the borehole SG‐1. Results show that the borehole SG‐1 records 17 normal (N1–N17) and 16 reversed (R1–R16) polarity zones which can correspond to the chron C1n‐C4An.1n of the global geomagnetic polarity timescale (GPTS). The bottom of the borehole SG‐1 is within chron C4An, and the age of the bottom can be extrapolated to 9.1 Ma according to the sediment accumulation rates calculated by two lowermost major polarity transition boundaries. This age provides precise limitation for the initiation of the Yuncheng Basin and the formation of the Shanxi Graben System. The sediment accumulation rates of the Borehole SG‐1 was calculated by major polarity boundaries of chrons and subchrons in the borehole SG‐1 and showed significant changes at 9.1, 3.6, and 1.2 Ma. Unlike other basins around the Ordos Block which formed much earlier under the influence of western subduction of the Pacific Ocean, the initiation and evolution of the Shanxi Graben system were mainly controlled by the uplift and outward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau after the Late Miocene. The initiation of the Shanxi Graben System indicates that the far‐field effect of the uplift and outward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau reached the central North China Craton by at the latest 9.1 Ma. The effect posed a persistent impact on the evolution of the Yuncheng Basin since 9.1 Ma and led to significant changes of the sediment accumulation rates and sedimentary facies at 9.1, 3.6, and 1.2 Ma in the Yuncheng Basin which correspond well to the prologue of the Qingzang Movement, phase A of the Qingzang Movement, and Kunhuang Movement.
Palliative chemotherapy with or without cetuximab in recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Indian tertiary care retrospective analysis
Authors: Bahl Ankur , Bhatia Komal , Choudhary Pragati , Singhla Suhas , Shrivastava Gunjan , Bal Jaspriya , Anand Anil K. , Chaturvedi Harit , Dua Bharat
Published: January 2020

Background

We report our experience with Indian patients who received palliative chemotherapy with/without cetuximab for recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN).

Methods

Data from 229 R/M SCCHN patients treated with cetuximab and chemotherapy (n = 140) or chemotherapy alone (n = 89) were retrospectively analyzed for response rate (RR), progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.

Results

Patients receiving cetuximab with chemotherapy demonstrated significant increase in RR (77.1% vs 44.9%, P = .0001), PFS (8.1 vs 6.1 months, P = .039), and OS (11.8 vs 8.0 months, P = .002) compared with patients receiving chemotherapy alone. Continuing cetuximab and changing chemotherapy combination (second line and beyond) in fit patients doubled OS (13.5 vs 6.1 months, P = .001). Adverse effects, except skin reactions (more in the cetuximab with chemotherapy group; P = .001), were similar in both groups.

Conclusion

Adding cetuximab to chemotherapy improved ORR, PFS, and OS in Indian R/M SCCHN patients, and cetuximab was well tolerated.
Extracellular matrix decorated polycaprolactone scaffolds for improved mesenchymal stem/stromal cell osteogenesis towards a patient‐tailored bone tissue engineering approach
Authors: Silva João C. , Carvalho Marta S. , Udangawa Ranodhi N. , Moura Carla S. , Cabral Joaquim M. S. , L. da Silva Cláudia , Ferreira Frederico Castelo , Vashishth Deepak , Linhardt Robert J.
Published: January 2020

The clinical demand for tissue‐engineered bone is growing due to the increase of non‐union fractures and delayed healing in an aging population. Herein, we present a method combining additive manufacturing (AM) techniques with cell‐derived extracellular matrix (ECM) to generate structurally well‐defined bioactive scaffolds for bone tissue engineering (BTE). In this work, highly porous three‐dimensional polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds with desired size and architecture were fabricated by fused deposition modeling and subsequently decorated with human mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)‐derived ECM produced in situ. The successful deposition of MSC‐derived ECM onto PCL scaffolds (PCL‐MSC ECM) was confirmed after decellularization using scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, and immunofluorescence. The presence of cell‐derived ECM within the PCL scaffolds significantly enhanced MSC attachment and proliferation, with and without osteogenic supplementation. Additionally, under osteogenic induction, PCL‐MSC ECM scaffolds promoted significantly higher calcium deposition and elevated relative expression of bone‐specific genes, particularly the gene encoding osteopontin, when compared to pristine scaffolds. Overall, our results demonstrated the favorable effects of combining MSC‐derived ECM and AM‐based scaffolds on the osteogenic differentiation of MSC, resulting from a closer mimicry of the native bone niche. This strategy is highly promising for the development of novel personalized BTE approaches enabling the fabrication of patient defect‐tailored scaffolds with enhanced biological performance and osteoinductive properties.
Indomethacin and juglone inhibit inflammatory molecules to induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells
Authors: Seetha Alagesan , Devaraj Halagowder , Sudhandiran Ganapasam
Published: January 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common fatal cancer. Indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, is known to reduce the occurrence of CRC. This study evaluated the potential anticolon cancer effects of juglone (5‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone) in combination with indomethacin. Human colon adenocarcinoma cells (HT29) were subjected to treatment with indomethacin, juglone, and a combination of both. Morphological analysis, cell cycle regulation, and dual staining using acridine orange and ethidium bromide in control and treated cells revealed the apoptotic potential of these compounds. Bcl2 and inflammatory molecules (tumor necrosis factor‐α, nuclear factor kappa B, and Cox‐2) were found to be decreased with a concomitant increase in the expression of proapoptotic molecules (Bad, Bax, cytochrome c, and PUMA) as a result of the molecular regulation of Wnt, Notch, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ signaling. Treatment with juglone was not as effective as with indomethacin; however, a combination of both was shown to be more effective, suggesting that juglone may be considered for therapeutic intervention of colon cancer.
Neuroprotective activity of different monosaccharide‐modified gastrodin analogs
Authors: Xu Kun‐Lun , Yu Lan
Published: January 2020

Gastrodin is a very important and well‐known bioactive glycoside compound in Chinese medicine. It is also known as a drug with neuroprotective function. Here, a practical diversified synthesis of a series of gastrodin analogs was reported, which involved four‐step procedures consisting of bromination, oxidation, etherification, and reduction. Various gastrodin analogs were obtained in good yields. The compound 4c in this study has a good neuroprotective function: it can significantly downregulate tumor necrosis factor‐α and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein levels. The results of this study can provide a research basis for the development of neuroprotective drugs.
The clinical significance of serum chitinase 3‐like 1 in hepatitis B–related chronic liver diseases
Authors: Jiang Zhenluo , Wang Shuwei , Jin Jiancheng , Ying Sheng , Chen Zhigang , Zhu Dedong , Xiao Bingxiu , Hu Yaoren , Qian Yunsong , Cai Ting , Fu Liyun
Published: January 2020

Aim

In the present study, we purposed to determine serum chitinase 3‐like 1 (CHI3L1) expression characteristics in chronic liver diseases monoinfected with hepatitis B virus and analyze its diagnostic value in liver fibrosis.

Methods

A total of 467 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, 312 liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, and 104 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients at our institution were enrolled, and clinical indicators were analyzed.

Results

Our data have shown that the expression level of serum CHI3L1 was steadily increased from CHB to LC to HCC (P < .001). Serum CHI3L1 expression levels were positively associated with liver stiffness measurement (LSM), fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index, aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), and HCC stage. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve proved that serum CHI3L1 was superior to other noninvasive methods (LSM, FIB‐4, and APRI) with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.97 in diagnosing significant fibrosis.

Conclusions

Serum CHI3L1 harbors significant clinical value in chronic liver diseases infected with hepatitis B virus, especially in the diagnosis of fibrosis.
Molybdenum modified Montmonrillonite clay as an efficient catalyst for low temperature NH3‐SCR
Authors: Chen Dingsheng , Feng Jinxi , Sun Jingxiang , Cen Chaoping , Tian Shuanghong , Yang Juan , Xiong Ya
Published: January 2020

Background

Selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia (NH3‐SCR) is an effective method for the nitrogen oxides (NOx) removal. This study aimed to develop a highly efficient NH3‐SCR catalyst using the naturally available Montmonrillonite (Mt) clay as the catalyst support.

Results

Mt was processed into PILC by Al/Zr intercalations, impregnated with MnCe mixed active components and loaded with transition metals to achieve X‐AlZr‐PILC‐MnCe (X = V, W, Co or Mo) catalysts. The optimized Mo‐AlZr‐PILC‐MnCe showed the best NH3‐SCR performance with a NO conversion rate of nearly 100% in the temperature range of 240–300 °C, and N2 selectivity of above 85% in the range of 140–300 °C.

Conclusions

The catalysts were characterized by SEM, BET, XRD, XPS, H2‐TPR, NH3‐TPD to define the relationships between structure, chemical properties and catalytic activity. The enhanced catalytic performance of Mo‐AlZr‐PILC‐MnCe was mainly owing to the increased acidity and better redox ability. In situ DRIFT studies indicated the deposition of Mo changed the reaction from the E‐R to the L‐H mechanism. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Control of extractive distillation processes with intermediate impurities removed as a side withdrawal from the extractive distillation column
Authors: He Yongchao , Li Ye , Jiang Yanan , Li Weisong , Xu Chunjian
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

The design and control of extractive distillation (ED) for separating azeotropes has been widely investigated. However, most researches only deal with simple binary azeotropes without considering impurities. In fact, in industrial practices, intermediate impurities can be removed as a side withdrawal from the extractive distillation column. The dynamic control of such processes has not been investigated. Furthermore, there are many heat‐integrated alternatives of basic ED sequence. When considering impurities withdrawn, the dynamic control of these alternatives may face some difficulties. Thus, this article aims to establish the effective control structures of ED processes for separating azeotropes with intermediate impurities, including basic sequence and heat‐integrated alternatives. Ethanol dehydration is selected to be explored, including a basic sequence (BS), a heat‐integrated sequence (HIS) which combines the pre‐concentration column and the entrainer recovery column into one column and the thermodynamic equivalent sequence of the HIS (TEHIS). Overall assessment of the dynamic performances of these sequences is implemented.

RESULTS

For all the sequences, the dynamic performance with entrainer recycling stream being proportional to the extractive distillation column (EDC) feed is better than being proportional to the fresh feed. Meanwhile, large negative transient deviations in the water product purity and intensive fluctuations of sensitive‐stage temperatures can be observed for the HIS, but not for the TEHIS.

CONCLUSIONS

The TEHIS is the best sequence considering both economics and dynamics. These sequences and the analyses of their dynamic controllability are valuable in practice for multicompoent azeotropes purification. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A study of digital image analysis on the acrylamide derivative monomers induced apoptosis in rat cerebrum
Authors: Ünver Saraydin Serpil , Saraydin Dursun , Şahin İnan Zeynep Deniz
Published: January 2020

Nowadays, apoptosis is mostly evaluated visually in histological studies. By using the quantitative digital image analysis, this study aimed to investigate the effect of acrylamide‐based monomers (acrylamide [AAm], methacrylamide [MAAm], N‐isopropylacrylamide [NIPAm]) on the cerebrum tissues in rats, which are the most common water‐soluble monomers in the production of polymeric hydrogels used as biomaterials. The Wistar albino rats weighing ~220–240 g were divided into control and three test groups. The control group received 1 mL of saline, and the test groups received 1 mL of aqueous 50 mg/kg/day intramuscular injection of AAm, MAAm, and NIPAm, respectively. At the end of the experiments, brain tissues of all rats euthanized by intramuscular injection of sodium pentobarbital were removed. Terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick and labeling (TUNEL) method was applied to brain tissue sections. The monomers have been shown to cause apoptosis due to oxidative stress in cerebrum tissue. Based on apoptosis by tunneling method, quantitative digital image analysis of cell fragments was performed with Olympus cellSens Dimension 1.15 software, and the number, total count area, selected area, average area, and ROI% values of the fragments were found. In addition, the total area and ROI% values of the fragments increased linearly with increasing the molar mass of monomers from the digital image analysis data. Quantitative digital image analysis can facilitate the monitoring of apoptosis caused by the oxidative stress of monomers used in the production of the biomaterials.
Synthesis and antibacterial activity of chalcone derivatives containing thioether triazole
Authors: Chen Ying , Li Pu , Chen Mei , He Jun , Su Shijun , He Ming , Wang Hua , Xue Wei
Published: January 2020

The infection of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo), Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Citri (Xac) has become a major problem in agricultural production. In this study, a series of novel chalcone derivatives containing thioether triazoles were designed and synthesized. The structures of the novel compounds were systematically characterized via 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and HRMS. Moreover, the antibacterial activity results showed that E10, E11, E15, and E16 have adequate antibacterial activities against Xoo, Rs, and Xac. Among the different compounds, E15 exhibited remarkable inhibitory effect against Xac with an EC50 of 9.1 μg.mL‐1, which was better than that of commercial agent bismerthiazol (54.9 μg.mL‐1). In addition, the possible antibacterial mechanism of the target compound E15 against Xac was studied via scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Effectiveness of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation according to heart failure etiology
Authors: Black‐Maier Eric , Steinberg Benjamin A. , Trulock Kevin M. , Wang Frances , Lokhnygina Yuliya , O'Neal Wanda , Al‐Khatib Sana , Atwater Brett D. , Daubert James P. , Frazier‐Mills Camille , Hegland Donald D. , Jackson Kevin P. , Jackson Larry R. , Koontz Jason I. , Lewis Robert K. , Sun Albert Y. , Thomas Kevin L. , Bahnson Tristram D. , Piccini Jonathan P.
Published: January 2020

Background

Catheter ablation is an important rhythm control therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with concomitant heart failure (HF). The objective of this study was to assess the comparative efficacy of AF ablation patients with ischemic vs nonischemic heart failure.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study of patients with HF who underwent AF ablation. Outcomes were compared based on HF etiology and included in‐hospital events, symptoms (Mayo AF Symptom Inventory [MAFSI]), and functional status (New York Heart Association class) and freedom from atrial arrhythmias at 12 months.

Results

Among 242 patients (n = 70 [29%] ischemic, n = 172 [71%] nonischemic), patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy were younger (mean age 64 ± 11.5 vs 69 ± 9.1, P = .002), more often female (36% vs 17%, P = .004), and had higher mean left‐ventricular ejection fraction (47% vs 42%, P = .0007). There were no significant differences in periprocedural characteristics, including mean procedure time (243 ± 74.2 vs 259 ± 81.8 minutes, P = .1) and nonleft atrial ablation (17% vs 20%, P = .6). All‐cause adverse events were similar in each group (15% vs 17%, P = .7). NYHA and MAFSI scores improved significantly at follow‐up and did not differ according to HF etiology (P = .5; P = .10‐1.00 after Bonferroni correction). There were no significant differences in freedom from recurrent atrial arrhythmia at 12‐months between ischemic (74%) and nonischemic patients (78%): adjusted RR 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.33‐1.19.

Conclusions

Catheter ablation in patients with AF and concomitant heart failure leads to significant improvements in functional and symptom status without significant differences between patients with ischemic vs nonischemic HF etiology.