bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioconservation of iron and enhancement of antioxidant and antibacterial properties of chicken gizzard protein hydrolysate fermented by Pediococcus acidilacticiATTC 8042
Authors: Ali Ali Muhammed Moula , Gullo Maria , Rai Amit Kumar , Bavisetty Sri Charan Bindu
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The poultry industry is one of the fastest growing sectors, and it generates considerable quantities of chicken gizzards (CG) every day. However, due to their hard texture and high microbial load, and due to cultural beliefs, they are not preferred by consumers. Chicken gizzards are a substantial source of proteins, iron, and other nutrients, which can be used effectively to produce nutraceuticals, rich in peptides (antioxidants and antibacterial), bio‐iron, essential free amino acids, and fatty acids vital for human health.

RESULTS

Lactic acid fermentation of CG by Pediococcus acidilactici ATTC 8042 increased the antioxidant activity of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiaziline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) by up to 26 times compared with unfermented CG (P < 0.05). The amount of hydrolysis and solvents (ethanol and water) used for extracting protein hydrolysates significantly affected the antioxidant properties. Moreover, fermented CG showed a negligible reduction in bio‐iron (2–3%) compared with heat‐processed CG (85 °C for 15 min), in which bio‐iron was reduced by up to 20.3% (P < 0.05). The presence of unsaturated fatty acids such as C20:4 and C22:4 n‐6 indicated a low level of lipid oxidation.

CONCLUSION

Fermented CG, with its reasonably high antioxidant and antibacterial activity, together with a substantial amount of bio‐iron and other nutritional components can serve as a functional food or feed additive to reduce oxidative stress and to treat iron deficiency. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of unsaturation of free fatty acids and phytosterols on the formation of esterified phytosterols during deodorization of corn oil
Authors: Bai Ge , Ma Chuan‐Guo , Chen Xiao‐Wei
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Phytosterols are partly removed during oil refining, and the magnitude of phytosterols loss largely depends on the refining conditions applied and the molecular conformation. The aim of this research was to study the effect of deodorization conditions and molecular unsaturation on the esterification of phytosterols during deodorization of corn oil.

RESULTS

In the chemical model, free fatty acids (FFAs) were the major provider of acyl groups during the formation of phytosteryl fatty acid esters (PEs) under deodorization conditions. Among the main parameters of the deodorization, temperature played a role in the formation of PEs with a time‐dependent manner. In comparison, saturated palmitic acid had a higher capability of esterifying free phytosterols (FPs) to PEs than unsaturated oleic acid and linoleic acid. Moreover, the influence of FFA unsaturation on the degradation of FPs depended on temperature. Besides, the formation of stigmasteryl ester had a competitive advantage over that of sitosteryl ester by quantum chemistry simulation.

CONCLUSION

For laboratory‐scale deodorization of corn oil, saturated fatty acids and deodorization process with steam as stripping gas could obviously esterify FPs to PEs. FPs were abundantly enriched in distillate during the deodorization process with nitrogen as stripping gas, whereas FPs and PEs were distilled simultaneously during the deodorization process with steam. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Natural occurrence of Alternaria mycotoxins in wheat and potential of reducing associated risks using magnolol
Authors: Jiang Dongmei , Wei Dizhe , Li Hongtao , Wang Liuqing , Jiang Nan , Li Yunchao , Wang Meng
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Wheat is one of three major food crops in China. Alternaria species can cause spoilage of wheat with consequent mycotoxin accumulation. Alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), and tenuazonic acid (TeA) are the most common and frequently studied mycotoxins. There are limited regulations placed on Alternaria mycotoxin concentrations worldwide due to the lack of toxicity data available. More data on the levels of mycotoxin contamination are also needed. It is also important to reduce the risks of Alternaria mycotoxins.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty‐two wheat samples were collected from Hebei Province, China, and analyzed for AOH, AME, and TeA. Tenuazonic acid was found to be the predominant Alternaria mycotoxin, especially in flour samples. Studying Alternaria species that cause black‐point disease of wheat indicated that Alternaria alternata and Alternaria tenuissima were the dominant species. Most of the Alternaria strains studied produced more than one mycotoxin and TeA was produced at the highest concentration, which may have resulted in the high level of TeA contamination in the wheat samples. Furthermore, magnolol displayed obvious antifungal and antimycotoxigenic activity against Alternaria. This is the first report on the antimycotoxigenic activity of magnolol against Alternaria species.

CONCLUSION

The Alternaria mycotoxin contamination levels in wheat and wheat products from Hebei Province, China, were correlated with the toxigenic capacity of the Alternaria strains colonizing the wheat. Considering its safety, magnolol could be developed as a natural fungicide in wheat, or as a natural alternative food preservative based on its strong antifungal and antimycotoxigenic activity against Alternaria strains. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Time to surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer impacts residual cancer burden, recurrence, and survival
Authors: Sutton Thomas L. , Schlitt Alexander , Gardiner Stuart K. , Johnson Nathalie , Garreau Jennifer R.
Published: October 2020

Background

The impact of length of time to surgery (TTS) on oncologic outcomes following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients is unclear. We investigated the relationship between TTS on residual cancer burden (RCB) score and oncologic outcomes.

Methods

Patients with breast cancer receiving NAC from 2011 to 2017 were identified. The association of TTS with recurrence‐free survival (RFS), overall and disease‐specific survival (OS, DSS), and RCB score was examined with Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analysis, adjusting for relevant clinicopathologic factors.

Results

We identified 463 patients. Median TTS was 29 days (range 11–153). Median follow‐up was 57 months (range, 2–93 months). Five‐year local recurrence‐free survival, locoregional RFS, OS, and DSS was 86%, 96%, 89%, and 91%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, TTS >6 weeks was independently associated with worse RFS (HR [hazard ratio] 3.45; p < .001) and DSS (HR 2.82; p < .05), while TTS >6 weeks was independently associated with a positive size of the effect on RCB score of 0.59 (p < .0001).

Conclusion

Prolonged TTS is a modifiable risk factor for adverse oncologic outcomes following NAC for breast cancer, possibly mediated by increasing RCB score overtime after NAC. In the absence of contraindications, surgery should be performed within 6 weeks following NAC for optimal oncologic outcomes.
Patient‐reported functional outcomes in a cohort of hand and foot sarcoma survivors treated with limb sparing surgery and radiation therapy
Authors: Ahmed Safia K. , Kaggal Suneetha , Harmsen William S. , Sawyer Jessica W. , Houdek Matthew T. , Rose Peter S. , Petersen Ivy A.
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives

Describe patient‐reported functional outcomes for hand and foot sarcoma survivors treated with limb‐sparing surgery and radiation therapy (LSS + RT).

Methods

Fifty‐four patients with hand/wrist and foot/ankle sarcomas treated with LSS + RT from 1991 to 2015 were identified. Survivors ≥18 years old without subsequent amputation completed self‐assessed functional surveys: Toronto upper extremity salvage score (TESS‐UE) and Michigan hand outcomes (MHQ) surveys for hand; TESS lower extremity (TESS‐LE) and Foot and Ankle Outcomes (FAOS) surveys for foot. Scoring scales: 0–100, MHQ and TESS; ‐26 to 56 and 25‐59, FAOS core and shoe comfort, respectively. Higher scores denote superior function.

Results

Five‐year local tumor control was 88%. Fourteen of 24 hand (58%) and 14/18 foot (78%) survivors completed surveys. Mean TESS‐UE and MHQ scores were 89.4 and 72.8, respectively. Mean TESS‐LE, core FAOS, and shoe comfort scores were 92.4, 46.19, and 53.1, respectively. No factors correlated with outcomes. TESS‐UE and MHQ scores strongly correlated (r = .87). TESS‐LE and FAOS scores were associated with a poor correlation (r = .02 and r = .69).

Conclusions

The largest patient‐reported functional outcomes analysis for hand and foot sarcoma survivors treated with LSS + RT demonstrates excellent local tumor control and acceptable functional outcomes. Further exploration of optimal functional assessment tools is needed given the potential scope differences.
A clinicopathologic examination of myxofibrosarcoma. Do surgical margins significantly affect local recurrence rates in this infiltrative sarcoma subtype?
Authors: Dadrass Farnaz , Gusho Charles , Yang Fan , Culvern Chris , Bloom Julie , Fillingham Yale , Colman Matthew , Gitelis Steven , Blank Alan
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is an aggressive soft tissue tumor with an unpredictable recurrence pattern. We sought to (a) determine whether margin status in MFS is correlated to rates of local recurrence (LR) and (b) identify demographic and treatment variables associated with disease‐related outcomes in this population.

Methods

This retrospective study identified 42 surgically treated patients with MFS over 10 years at a single institution. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, intraoperative variables, and disease‐related outcomes were recorded.

Results

Thirty‐three (83%) patients had negative surgical margins and seven (18%) had positive margins. Four of 32 patients (13%) with negative margins developed subsequent LR compared to six of seven (86%) patients with positive margins (p < .001). Three patients (75%) with metastatic disease were deceased at the end of the study, while five (15%) without metastasis were deceased (p = .024).

Conclusions

Positive margin procedures for MFS were associated with LR. However, negative surgical margins demonstrated a relatively high rate of LR compared to other soft tissue sarcoma subtypes. Furthermore, though MFS tends to locally recur and have a propensity for distant metastasis, patients are observed to have a higher probability of death from other causes.
Monitoring of priority pollutants chlorophenols in water and milk by headspace solid‐phase microextraction based on electrospun polycaprolactam nanofibers decorated with cadmium oxide‐carbon nanotubes
Authors: Afsharsaveh Zahra , Sereshti Hassan , Nodeh Hamid Rashidi
Published: October 2020

Priority pollutants chlorophenols are broadly used chemicals that are persistent in the environment and causing serious human health hazards. The current study introduces a novel adsorbent for the extraction of chlorophenols from river water, surface water, and milk by headspace solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography. The adsorbent composite was prepared by blending polycaprolactam (nylon‐6) mat and newly synthesized carbon nanotubes decorated with cadmium oxide nanoparticles followed by electrospinning technique to produce based nanofiber. The proposed nanofiber was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction techniques. The main parameters that affect extraction efficiency, including ionic strength, extraction time, desorption time, and extraction temperature, were investigated and optimized. The linear range was 0.05–5 ng/mL; the limits of detection (signal/noise=3) were 0.02–0.04 ng/mL. The relative recoveries for real samples (river water, surface water, and milk) were in the range of 84–114%.
Estimating Coyote Densities with Local, Discrete Bayesian Capture‐Recapture Models
Authors: Woodruff Susannah P. , Eacker Daniel R. , Waits Lisette P.
Published: October 2020

Recent advances in noninvasive genetic sampling and spatial capture‐recapture (SCR) techniques are particularly useful for monitoring cryptic wildlife species such as carnivores. In southern Arizona, USA, coyotes (Canis latrans) are thought to negatively affect endangered Sonoran pronghorn (Antilocapra americana sonoriensis), although no estimates of coyote abundance or monitoring programs exist. Sonoran pronghorn are provided supplemental feed and water in this region, resulting in areas where pronghorn and other species are congregated. Because of the higher density of artificial water sources for Sonoran pronghorn on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge (CPNWR), we predicted that coyote density would be higher relative to the Barry M. Goldwater Range (BMGR), where artificial water sources are less dense. We used discrete Bayesian SCR models in a local evaluation approach to provide baseline estimates of coyote abundance and understand how coyote density varied between 2 contrasting areas of land use. We identified 106 individuals from scat samples across 3 sessions in 2013 and 2014 and achieved high genotyping and individual identification success rates (~78%). Encounter rates at water catchments were nearly 11 times higher compared to road and trail transects. As predicted, we found that coyote density was on average 2 times higher on the CPNWR (11.2 coyotes/100 km2) compared to the BMGR (5.3 coyotes/100 km2). The local evaluation approach significantly reduced computational time, making the discrete Bayesian approach more practical to implement across a large study area. Our study represents an important contribution towards developing a robust monitoring program for coyotes. We hope that our novel implementation of the local evaluation approach increases the ability of wildlife managers to understand the effects of land use and other ecological influences on large carnivore populations. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
A Pragmatic Approach for Determining Otter Distribution from Disparate Occurrence Records
Authors: Powers Kelly M. , Petracca Lisanne S. , Macduff Andrew J. , Frair Jacqueline L.
Published: October 2020

Opportunistic records of animal occurrence may be problematic for inferring species distribution and habitat requirements because of unknown and uncontrolled sources of sampling variance. In this study, we used occurrence records for river otters (Lontra canadensis) derived from sign surveys, road kills, trapper bycatch, and opportunistic sightings (n = 185 records collected 2001–2012) to assess the potential distribution and habitat relationships of otters across central and western New York, USA. To mitigate for obvious observation biases, we standardized observation intensity across regions a priori and restricted inference to readily accessible areas (i.e., ≤700 m from the nearest road). Model selection, and the direction of covariate effects, proved robust to these sampling biases although effect sizes varied −7.1% to +48.0% after bias correction, with the coefficient for the proportion of available shoreline being the most unstable. Ultimately, the top bias‐corrected model proved a reliable index for otter probability of occurrence given a strong, positive, and linear relationship with a withheld set of standardized survey records for otters collected in winter 2016–2017 (n = 57; R2 = 0.90). This model indicated that approximately 20% of the study area represented high probability of otter occurrence. We demonstrated that reliable inference on wildlife habitat requirements can be obtained from disparate records of animal occurrence provided that data biases are known and effectively mitigated. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Estimation of reaction kinetics for aromatic and heterocycles nitration in mixed acids through computational chemistry approach
Authors: Jadhav Pandurang M. , Pandey Raj K. , Kulkarni Amol A.
Published: October 2020

Nitration of aromatic compounds and heterocycles in mixed acid environment is one of the regularly performed large‐scale reactions in the chemical industry. Although the reaction mechanism of nitration of aromatics in mixed acid is well established, the development of a methodology for the evaluation of kinetics of exothermic aromatic nitrations in a simplified and accurate way is necessary. Here we evaluate the applicability of a kinetic evaluation methodology based on Hammett's acidity function, acidity function, and empirical activity coefficient for the nitration reaction. The contributions from the functional groups on the aromatic ring and quantitative structure‐activity relationships technique are considered for these evaluations. Natural bond orbital and magnetic index nucleus independent chemical shift analyses were carried out to obtain the substitution constants. The rate constant and activation energy values were evaluated at various temperatures and sulfuric acid strengths. The results were validated by comparing with the experimental data from the literature for several molecules. The effect of various functional groups (viz carbonyl, carboxyl, methyl, and amine) substituted on the benzene ring was also evaluated. For a few identified substrates, the data were used for estimation of residence time needed for complete conversion in continuous stirred tank reactor and in a plug flow reactor to quantify the effect of substitution constant and strength of sulfuric acid. The approach will help select a suitable reactor.
Lp‐Estimates for the ∂¯b‐equation on a class of infinite type domains
Authors: Khanh Tran Vu , Raich Andrew
Published: October 2020

We prove estimates, , for solutions to the tangential Cauchy–Riemann equations on a class of infinite type domains . The domains under consideration are a class of convex ellipsoids, and we show that if is a ‐closed (0,1)‐form with coefficients in , then there exists an explicit solution u satisfying . Moreover, when , we show that there is a gain in regularity to an f‐Hölder space.

We also present two applications. The first is a solution to the ‐equation, that is, given a smooth (0,1)‐form ϕ on with an L1‐boundary value, we can solve the Cauchy–Riemann equation so that where C is independent of and ϕ. The second application is a discussion of the zero sets of holomorphic functions with zero sets of functions in the Nevanlinna class within our class of domains.
Task Specific Tremor Subsequently Developing into Parkinson's Disease: Case Series
Authors: Koneru Vindhya , Ondo William G.
Published: October 2020

Background

Parkinson's Disease (PD) can present with dystonia or essential tremor but task specific tremor (TST) preceding PD has been only rarely reported. The relationship between TST and PD is unclear. We report a series of 12 patients with TST who later developed PD.

Cases

Patients with TST and PD were identified from our database. Records and imaging were reviewed and descriptive statistics presented. Twelve patients were identified. All 11 patients who had TST of arm developed rest tremor ipsilateral to the TST arm. DaTscan showed reduced dopaminergic uptake in all 11 patients who were scanned. The TST improved with STN and VIM DBS (3/12) and partially to dopaminergic medications (N = 3) and trihexyphenidyl (N = 2).

Conclusion

Rest tremor consistently occurring ipsilateral to TST, positive DaTscan, and partial response to dopaminergic medications but not to ET medications suggests TST is a precursor to PD in this population rather than chance occurrence.
Beyond Typical Ataxia Telangiectasia: How to Identify the Ataxia Telangiectasia‐Like Disorders
Authors: Raslan Ivana Rocha , de Assis Pereira Matos Paula Camila Alves , Boaratti Ciarlariello Vinícius , Daghastanli Karyme Hussein , Rosa Augusto Bragança Reis , Arita Juliana Harumi , Aranda Carolina Sanchez , Barsottini Orlando Graziani Povoas , Pedroso José Luiz
Published: October 2020

Background

Ataxia telangiectasia is one of the most common causes of autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias. However, absence of telangiectasia, normal levels of alpha‐fetoprotein and negative genetic test may direct to alternative diagnosis with similar phenotypes such as ataxia telangiectasia‐like disorders (ATLD).

Cases

We report two instructive cases of ATLD: the first case with ataxia telangiectasia‐like disorder type 1 related to MRE11A gene, and the second case with ataxia telangiectasia‐like disorder type 2 related to PCNA gene.

Literature Review

ATLD is an unusual group of autosomal recessive diseases that share some clinical features and pathophysiological mechanisms with ataxia telangiectasia (AT). ATLD may be associated with mutations in the MRE11A (ATLD type 1) and PCNA (ATLD type 2) genes. ATLD belongs to the group of chromosomal instability syndromes. The reason for the term ATLD is related to the similar pathophysiological mechanisms observed in AT, which is characterized by chromosomal instability and radiosensitivity.

Conclusions

In this review, the main clinical features, biomarkers, brain imaging and genetics of ATLD are discussed. Mutations in the MRE11A and PCNA genes should be included in the differential diagnosis for early onset cerebellar ataxia with absence of telangiectasia and normal levels of alpha‐fetoprotein.
Mind/body interventions catching on as part of patient wellness activities
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2020

Unique programs and services centered around wellness and mindfulness are cropping up across the country and providing consumers with a creative means of addressing mental health and “emotional fitness.” During a time of increasing anxiety and stress, observers say such activities are especially relevant.
Out to improve children's outcomes, Ohio hospital launches integrated model
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2020

The treatment landscape in Ohio should suggest high‐quality care for children with complex needs, as the state has six children's hospitals and generally pays more per capita for health care services than most other states. But access hasn't translated to outcome, with data showing that Ohio consistently lags behind in performance. This has inspired one of the children's hospitals to transform its approach to child mental health care under a model that its leaders vow will be unlike any other nationally.
Action Alliance promotes accurate stories about suicide
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2020

In observance of its 10th anniversary, the National Action Alliance on Suicide Prevention hosted a virtual press event with influential leaders from diverse industries to prioritize suicide prevention at the national level, including changing the conversation about suicide.
A variable‐order fractional p(·)‐Kirchhoff type problem in ℝN
Authors: Zuo Jiabin , Yang Libo , Liang Sihua
Published: October 2020

This paper is concerned with the existence and multiplicity of solutions for the following variable s(·)‐order fractional p(·)‐Kirchhoff type problem

where N > p(x, y)s(x, y) for any
,
is a variable s(·)‐order p(·)‐fractional Laplace operator with
and
,
for
, and M is a continuous Kirchhoff‐type function, g(x, v) is a Carathéodory function, and μ > 0 is a parameter. Under the weaker conditions, we obtain that there are at least two distinct solutions for the above problem by applying the generalized abstract critical point theorem. Moreover, we also show the existence of one solution and infinitely many solutions by using the mountain pass lemma and fountain theorem, respectively. In particular, the new compact embedding result of the space
into
will be used to overcome the lack of compactness in
. The main feature and difficulty of this paper is the presence of a double non‐local term involving two variable parameters.
Technical Note: Implications of using EGSnrc instead of EGS4 for extracting electron stopping powers from measured energy spectra
Authors: Tessier Frédéric , Ross Carl K.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

NRC Report PIRS‐0626 (https://doi.org/10.4224/40000364) describes how measured electron energy deposition spectra can be used to determine the electronic stopping power. The stopping power is obtained by comparing measured spectra with spectra calculated using Monte Carlo techniques. The stopping powers reported in PIRS‐0626 were obtained using the EGS4 Monte Carlo code. Since then, the EGSnrc code has been released which has more accurate electron transport algorithms. We calculate the effect on the measured stopping powers of using EGSnrc instead of EGS4.

Method

The EGS4 spectra calculated in PIRS‐0626 were based on primary electron histories. We first show that those spectra, calculated in 1997, are consistent with current EGS4 spectra calculated using histories. EGSnrc spectra are also calculated using histories and these high‐precision spectra are compared to extract any energy difference. The energy differences between the spectra are used to estimate the effect on the measured electronic stopping powers.

Results

The energy differences depend on the absorber material, the absorber thickness and the beam energy. The improved electron elastic scattering cross section of EGSnrc accounts for only part of the difference between the two codes. The effect on the extracted stopping power is largest for the lowest electron energies and can be as large as 0.9%. The calculated spectra show differences for lower energies, with the EGSnrc spectra having a larger proportion of low‐energy electrons.

Conclusion

The differences introduced by using EGSnrc instead of EGS4 can affect the estimated stopping power by almost 1% in the worst case but generally the effect is much smaller. We report corrections that can be applied to all the stopping power data in PIRS‐0626. An experiment to measure the average energy to create an ion pair in air, , using aluminum detectors will provide an interesting test of the aluminum stopping power data as reported in PIRS‐0626 and revised by this work.
Mechanism of Bi−Ni Phase Formation in a Microwave‐Assisted Polyol Process
Authors: Smuda Matthias , Damm Christine , Ruck Michael , Doert Thomas
Published: October 2020

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Michael Ruck and Thomas Doert at the Technische Universität Dresden (Germany). The cover picture shows the transformation of a Bi‐Ni core‐shell particle into a homogenous intermetallic BiNi particle. To understand the mechanism for the BiNi formation in the polyol process, various methods such as X‐ray and electron diffraction, HR‐TEM, mass spectrometry and FT‐IR spectroscopy were employed. In a microwave‐assisted one‐pot synthesis at first Bi‐particles emerge by reduction of a Bi‐salt. The reduction of the Ni‐salt most likely occurs on the surface of these particles, followed by a complete encasement of the Bi‐core (blue) with a shell of Ni‐particles (green). As the reaction continues, the Ni‐atoms diffuse into the Bi‐core until the homogeneous BiNi particle is attained. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.202000236.
Electropolymerizations of two novelEDOT‐BODIPYzincoxide nanocomposites andevaluation of their in vitro antibacterial activities
Authors: Kilavuz Esra , Turac Ersen , Ilk Sedef , Sahmetlioglu Ertugrul
Published: October 2020

Boron containing materials as novel classes of antibacterial agents have been widely used in coating or medical applications due to their excellent functionality against microorganisms. In this study, two different boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)/zinc oxide based P(M1‐co‐Edot)/ZnO and P(M2‐co‐Edot)/ZnO nanocomposite copolymer materials were prepared. The BODIPY/ZnO nanocomposite films were synthesized using potentiostat. ZnO nanoparticles were used to increase the strength and conductivity of the obtained semiconducting materials. Spectroelectrochemical analysis show that the copolymers, P(M1‐co‐Edot)/ZnO and P(M2‐co‐Edot)/ZnO, have electronic band gaps at 1.56 and 2.51 eV and optical band gaps at 2.11 and 2.00 eV, respectively. The synthesized nanocomposite films were characterized by Raman, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and FT‐IR spectroscopies. The optical properties of the synthesized monomers and their nanocomposite copolymers were demonstrated using UV‐Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. SEM and AFM images show the surface morphologies of nanocomposite copolymer films and surface roughness of P(M1‐co‐Edot)/ZnO and P(M2‐co‐Edot)/ZnO were calculated as Ra = 84.6 nm Rq = 106 nm and 120 nm, respectively. Antibacterial activities of the obtained nanocomposite films prepared in ultrapure water with different concentrations (2.5‐0.25 mg/mL) were discovered against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria by using disc diffusion method. The antibacterial activities of obtained films were found to be higher against Gram negative bacteria compared to that of Gram positives. Obtained results show that synthesized nanocomposites with easy production and nontoxic properties can be used as functional bioengineering materials for antibacterial electrochromical materials.
Evaluation of autonomic modulation of lung function and heart rate in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Teixeira de Carvalho Etiene F. , Aletti Federico , Costa Ivan P. , Gomes Evelim L. F. D. , da Silva Natalia P. , Damasceno Neiva , Muramatu Lucia H. , dos Santos Alves Vera L. , Ferrario Manuela , Cahalin Lawrence P. , Sampaio Luciana M. M.
Published: October 2020

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an important role in modulating bronchial smooth muscle contractility, which is altered in cystic fibrosis (CF). A convenient approach to probe ANS regulation is the quantitative analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). The purpose of this study was to evaluate ANS regulation in children with CF and to investigate the influence of colonization by Pseudonomas aeruginosa via assessment of HRV in colonized CF (CCF) children and noncolonized CF (NCCF) children. Sixteen children with CF (7 CCF and 9 NCCF) and seven healthy age‐matched control children were enrolled in the study. Heart rate was recorded for 10 min at rest in the supine and standing positions and HRV analysis was carried out using autoregressive spectral analysis. The CCF group was characterized by lower forced expiratory volume than NCCF, indicating an impairment of respiratory function. The HRV parameters further confirmed the possible sympathetic overactivity in CCF. Children with CF exhibited hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. In particular, the CCF group presented a greater impairment of ANS modulation. Both CCF and NCCF children showed lower supine vagal activation in the HRV indices related to sympathetic activation and reduction of indices indicating vagal activity with the postural change from supine to standing when compared to the NCCF group.
Synthesis and Investigation of 2,4,6‐Trinitropyridin‐3‐ol and its Salts
Authors: Zhang Xingcheng , Zou Fangfang , Yang Pei , Gao Chang , Zhang Chunxiao , Zou Mingxin , Cao Xinhua , Hu Wenxian , Zhou Qiuju
Published: October 2020

A series of novel energetic salts of 2,4,6‐trinitropyridin‐3‐ol have been prepared and confirmed structurally. These compounds can be prepared by means of a facile synthetic procedure and show outstanding properties (detonation velocity, detonation pressure, sensitivity toward mechanical stimuli, and temperature of decomposition). They were isolated and characterized by means of elemental analysis, multinuclear (1H, 13C) NMR spectroscopy. The structures in the crystalline state were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction at 296 K. From the calculated standard molar enthalpy of formation (CBS‐4 M) and the densities, the Chapman‐Jouguet detonation properties were predicted by using the EXPLO5 V6.02 thermochemical computer code. Their sensitivities towards impact and friction were also determined.
Impact ofCYP2C19,CYP3A4,ABCB1, andFMO3genotypes on plasma voriconazole in Thai patients with invasive fungal infections
Authors: Chuwongwattana Sumonrat , Jantararoungtong Thawinee , Prommas Santirat , Medhasi Sadeep , Puangpetch Apichaya , Sukasem Chonlaphat
Published: October 2020

Voriconazole is the first‐line antifungal choice in the treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in drug‐metabolizing and transporter genes may affect voriconazole pharmacokinetics. This study aimed to determine the frequency of theCYP2C19rs4244285, rs4986893, rs72552267, and rs12248560,CYP3A4rs4646437,ABCB1rs1045642, andFMO3rs2266782 alleles and determine the association between these genetic variants and voriconazole concentrations in Thai patients with invasive fungal infections. The study comprised 177 Thai patients with IFIs in whom seven SNPs inCYP2C19,CYP3A4,ABCB1,andFMO3were genotyped usingTaqMan real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) 5´ nuclease assays, and voriconazole plasma concentrations were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Of the 177 patients included, 31 were <12 years and 146 were ≥12 years. TheCYP2C19allele frequencies were 0.29 for*2, 0.060 for*3, 0.003 for*6, and 0.008 for*17. The allele frequency ofCYP3A4(rs4646437) was 0.26,ABCB1(rs1045642) was 0.36, andFMO3(rs2266782) was 0.16. The median voriconazole dose/weight was significantly lower in patients aged ≥12 years when compared to the patients aged <12 years (P < .001). Patients aged <12 years withCYP2C19*1/*2exhibited significantly higher median voriconazole plasma concentrations than those with theCYP2C19*1/*1(P = .038). However, there were no significant differences in median voriconazole plasma concentrations among theCYP2C19genotypes in the patients aged ≥12 years. There was a lack of association observed among theCYP3A4, ABCB1, andFMO3 genotypes on the plasma voriconazole concentrations in both groups of patients. Our findings indicate that voriconazole plasma concentrations are affected by theCYP2C19*2allele in patients aged <12 years but not in patients aged ≥12 years.
The ameliorative effects of capsidiol isolated from elicited Capsicum annuum on mouse splenocyte immune responses and neuroinflammation
Authors: Yang Eun‐Ju , Song Kyung‐Sik
Published: October 2020

Capsidiol, is an anti‐fungal phytoalexin produced by plants of Solanaceae. Capsidiol was examined in cultures of primary splenocytes (SPLCs) isolated from healthy C57BL/6 mice and from those with induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as a mouse model for autoimmune neurodegenerative multiple sclerosis (MS). We also examined the impact of capsidiol in IFN‐γ‐stimulated mouse BV2 microglial cells. Capsidiol resulted in a significant reduction in the anti‐CD3/CD28 (αCD3/CD28)‐induced IFN‐γ+CD4+ (Th1) and IFN‐γ+CD8+ (Tc1) populations as well as in the production of cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐17A, IL‐6, IL‐2, TNF‐α, and IP‐10). Specifically, the CD4+ and CD8+ populations (T‐bet+IFN‐γ−, T‐bet+IFN‐γ+, and T‐bet−IFN‐γ+) and cytokine production mediated by Th1/Tc1 polarization were diminished by 25 μM capsidiol. MOG35‐55 restimulation of SPLCs from EAE mice resulted in an increase in antigen‐specific T cells, including Th1, IL‐17A+CD4+ (Th17), and IL‐17A+CD8+ (Tc17) populations. By contrast, capsidiol resulted in a decrease in the proportions of Th17 and Tc17 cells; MOG35‐55‐specific cytokine production was also diminished by capsidiol. Capsidiol treatment resulted in diminished levels of IFN‐γ‐induced nitric oxide and IL‐6; expression of iNOS and COX‐2 were suppressed by 50 μM capsidiol in IFN‐γ‐stimulated BV2 cells. This is the first report of capsidiol‐mediated immunomodulatory and antineuroinflammatory activities that may serve to prevent neurodegeneration.
Robotic limited local resection of duodenal juxta‐ampullary neoplasms
Authors: Cho Hye Jung , Jang Jae Young , Jeong Sung Yub , Kang In Cheon , Lee Sung Hwan , Choi Sung Hoon
Published: October 2020

Background

The unique and complex anatomical location of duodenal juxta‐ampullary neoplasms complicates selection of the appropriate surgical strategy. For benign or borderline tumours, surgical local resection can be an appropriate treatment option, and robotic surgical systems can help perform minimally invasive local resection of these lesions.

Methods

Between December 2014 and December 2019, 10 patients who underwent robotic local resections for duodenal juxta‐ampullary tumours were reviewed.

Results

All patients successfully underwent robotic local resection of the duodenum, preserving the ampulla of Vater without conversion. The mean tumour size was 2.2 cm. Final pathology consisted of gastrointestinal stromal tumour, neuroendocrine tumour, low grade and high grade dysplasia, ectopic pancreas, and well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma (T1a). There were no postoperative complications or recurrences.

Conclusion

With accurate preoperative diagnosis and careful selection of patients, local resection of the duodenum for juxta‐ampullary benign or borderline tumours using robotic surgical system is an attractive treatment option.
Modification of structure and surface morphology in various ZnO facets via low fluence gold swift heavy ion irradiation
Authors: Jagerová Adéla , Malinský Petr , Mikšová Romana , Lalik Ondřej , Cutroneo Mariapompea , Romanenko Oleksandr , Szökölová Kateřina , Sofer Zdenek , Slepička Petr , Čížek Jakub , Macková Anna
Published: October 2020

The influence of low fluence high‐energy ion irradiation on the modification of the ZnO surface structure and optical properties has been studied. ZnO samples of various orientations, namely, c‐plane (0001), a‐plane (11–20) and m‐plane (10–10), have been implanted with 30‐MeV Au ions with fluences ranging from 5 × 109 to 5 × 1011 cm−2. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry in the channelling mode (RBS‐C) and Raman spectroscopy has shown the distinct damage accumulation in the irradiated surface layer about 1 μm depending on the ZnO facet being to larger extent evidenced in the m‐plane ZnO. Contrary, the a‐plane ZnO has been exhibited the lowest Zn disorder. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), a complex morphology was detected on the irradiated samples containing grains and exhibiting increased roughness, both growing with the Au implantation fluence mainly in m‐plane ZnO. Positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) has shown distinct defect accumulation at the Au‐ion fluence of 5 × 1011 cm−2, where RBS‐C and Raman spectroscopy indicated sudden disorder increase in the irradiated layers, probably the creation of more complex clusters of Zn and O vacancies 4VZn + 8VO initiated in connection with an overlap of individual ion impacts. Photoluminescence measurements have shown a distinct near‐band‐edge (NBE) luminescence, developing with the increasing Au‐ion fluence in various ZnO orientations. The m‐plane ZnO had the most progressively suppressed NBE in comparison with the other orientations.
Salicylic Acid Appended Naphthalene Diimide Organic Linkers: A Systematic Investigation towards Electronic Aspects
Authors: Kalita Anamika , Upadhyaya Samiran , Sen Sarma Neelotpal
Published: October 2020

A series of organic linkers (NDI‐1, NDI‐2, NDI‐3) constructed from electron‐deficient naphthalene diimide (NDI) ligand equipped with two terminal salicylic acid having carboxylic and hydroxyl functionality located at different positions provided NDI linkers as a structural platform with tunable properties is presented here. Evaluating the structure and functional relationship offered by prepared NDI organic linkers is a topic of interest related to the design of functionally active building blocks. In this study, synthesis and characterization of all the designed organic linkers were investigated and their photo‐physical properties along with computational studies were performed to establish a correlation between structural design, self‐assembly and intrinsic properties like electrical conductivity and so on. The hydrogen‐bonding assisted conducting properties of the linkers were presented which revealed the possible application of linkers as electro‐active building blocks.
Linear Optical Absorption, Emission Properties and Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics of Aqua‐chloro‐bis(1,10‐phenanthroline)manganese(II) 4‐formylbenzoate Trihydrate
Authors: Yüksek Mustafa , Elif ÖztürkkanÖzbek Füreya , Sertçelik Mustafa , Karatay Ahmet , Necefoğlu Hacali , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: October 2020

In this study, the synthesis, Hirshfield surface analysis, linear absorption, fluorescence properties and carrier dynamics of [Mn(1,10‐phenanthroline)2(H2O)Cl].(4‐formylbenzoate)(H2O)3 complex were reported. To determine of the structure the complex, elemental analysis, FT‐IR Spectra, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis were done. The linear optical absorption and emission measurements of the complex in DMSO solvent at 0.5 g/L concentration were recorded by UV‐Vis and fluorescence spectrophotometers, respectively. The carrier dynamics of the complex was obtained by using time‐resolved transmission pump‐probe spectroscopy. In the light of the obtained optical results, it can be said that the complex is linear optically ultraviolet absorber, nonlinear optically excited state absorber and wide range emitter with fast response time. The intermolecular interactions which are occurred in the complex were investigated by Hirshfeld surface analysis. Three dimensional dnorm and two dimensional fingerprints plots of the complex were obtained from Hirshfeld surface analysis. In this way, the amounts of the chemical bounds, taking place in the structure were determined and used to support of the discussion of the linear optical absorption and emission results which were experimentally obtained.
Preparation, Optimization and Release Behaviour Evaluation of Carbamide Peroxide Microcapsules Integrated with Eudragit RS
Authors: Xu Qian , Li Pengfei
Published: October 2020

Slow‐release microcapsules were prepared by solvent evaporation method under different conditions with carbamide peroxide (CP) and Eudragit RS (EuRS) as core material and shell material respectively. Encapsulation efficiency (EE), release control, particle size and particle surface were characterized by UV spectrophotometer, light microscope, laser diffraction analysis (LDA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that CP microcapsules possessed a relatively regular spherical morphology. The particle size of microcapsules was generally distributed between 150∼500 μm. CP was in EuRS microcapsules in crystal phase. And magnesium stearate (MS) was used as stabilizer agent in emulsion, and it would also prolong the release time. The optimum condition of preparation was under 20°C, stirring rate was slightly higher than 400 rpm, and to obtain better release control, the optimal ratio of CP/EuRS was 1/3, MS proportion was 9.3 g/100 mL, and MS particle size was smaller than 32 μm. The maximum %EE was 94.59 %, the longest release duration was about 180 min, and the longest available storage of CP microcapsules was about 20 days under refrigeration. The release behavior of CP microcapsules can be explained by First‐order‐kinetic model.
1,2,3‐Triazol‐1,4‐diyl‐Fluoroionophores for Zn2+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ based on Fluorescence Intensity Enhancements in Water
Authors: Schwarze Thomas , Sprenger Tobias , Riemer Janine
Published: October 2020

Herein, we represent cation‐responsive fluorescent probes for the divalent cations Zn2+, Mg2+ and Ca2+, which show cation‐induced fluorescence enhancements (FE) in water. The Zn2+‐responsive probes Zn1, Zn2, Zn3 and Zn4 are based on o‐aminoanisole‐N,N‐diacetic acid (AADA) derivatives and show in the presence of Zn2+ FE factors of 11.4, 13.9, 6.1 and 8.2, respectively. Most of all, Zn1 and Zn2 show higher Zn2+ induced FE than the regioisomeric triazole linked fluorescent probes Zn3 and Zn4, respectively. In this set, ZN2 is the most suitable probe to detect extracellular Zn2+ levels. For the Mg2+‐responsive fluorescent probes Mg1, Mg2 and Mg3 based on o‐aminophenol‐N,N,O‐triacetic acid (APTRA) derivatives, we also found that the regioisomeric linkage influences the fluorescence responds towards Mg2+ (Mg1+100 mM Mg2+ (FEF=13.2) and Mg3+100 mM Mg2+ (FEF=2.1)). Mg2 shows the highest Mg2+‐induced FE by a factor of 25.7 and an appropriate Kd value of 3 mM to measure intracellular Mg2+ levels. Further, the Ca2+‐responsive fluorescent probes Ca1 and Ca2 equipped with a 1,2‐bis(o‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N’,N’‐tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) derivative show high Ca2+‐induced FEs (Ca1 (FEF=22.1) and Ca2 (FEF=23.0)). Herein, only Ca1 (Kd=313 nM) is a suitable Ca2+ fluorescent indicator to determine intracellular Ca2+ levels.
Application of Facial Symmetrical Characteristic to Transfer Learning
Authors: Zou Min , You Mengbo , Akashi Takuya
Published: October 2020

Most face detection and recognition tasks are based on the training of intact facial images and corresponding labels. Both the three‐dimensional (3D) structure and two‐dimensional (2D) appearance from the frontal view of human faces are bilaterally symmetrical in general. However, sometimes, illumination on the left and right halves of faces is uneven. In such cases, the symmetrical characteristic of human faces can facilitate expressing distinct identity information. This is because even if one side of the facial image is corrupted by noise, the opposite side can still be used for feature extraction. This paper proposes an automatic selection of the better half of the face using only a half‐face for identity recognition. Unlike the MegaFace challenge of recognizing millions of identities in the wild, this paper focuses on building recognition systems for a small number of people with fewer training images; the recognition system can, for example, build access control systems for research laboratory members or family members. This paper proposes an artificial face image construction method and a half‐face training strategy for transfer learning of pretrained conventional neural network models. Extensive experimental results show that the proposed method improves the performance of state‐of‐the‐art models by utilizing the symmetrical characteristics of human faces. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Developing conceptual metaphor–based tasks in the teaching and learning of idiomatic expressions
Authors: Upadhaya Baburam , Sudharshana N. P.
Published: October 2020

Given the positive effect of teaching idiomatic expressions using the conceptual metaphor (CM) view, and the many benefits of using language tasks in English as a second or foreign language context, this article aims to help teachers design and develop tasks on the basis of CM and task‐based language teaching (TBLT). In this study, a series of tasks was designed around idiomatic expressions derived from the CM ANGER IS A HEATED FLUID IN A CONTAINER using the three‐phase TBLT framework: pretask, main task, and posttask. The pretask phase is meant to introduce the target anger expressions to learners, the main task phase to give learners the opportunity to use these expressions, and the posttask phase to raise learners’ consciousness about these expressions. The objective of these tasks is to promote interaction among learners and as such facilitate negotiation of meaning and form, leading to the learning of the anger expressions in a natural manner. The tasks were designed in such a way that teachers can easily create and implement them in actual classroom settings, especially in those Asian countries where teacher‐centric teaching style is still prevalent.