bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Foods Go Downstream: Exploring the Spatial Factors Driving U.S. Food Manufacturing
Authors: Low Sarah A. , Bass Martha , Thilmany Dawn , Castillo Marcelo
Published: July 2020

Manufacturing, specifically food and beverage production, is a key employer in rural areas and has linkages to the agricultural sector. Using data drawn from the National Establishment Time‐Series for 2013–15, we explore what entrepreneurship, farm marketing channel innovations, and more traditional spatial factors influence the location decisions of food and beverage manufacturing establishment start‐ups in the U.S. We find that traditional spatial decision factors still matter but, in addition, proxies for farm adoption of downstream innovations are also related to start‐ups. We conclude by discussing implications of our findings for food market dynamics and rural economic development policy.
Programmable Photoelectric Memristor Gates for In Situ Image Compression
Authors: Berco Dan , Ang Diing Shenp , Kalaga Pranav Sairam
Published: July 2020

Integrated circuits designed to perform mathematical operations, such as Fourier transforms and matrix multiplications, in artificial visual perception and intelligent image processing are mainly constructed of conventional logic gates. However, Boolean logic is probably not the most optimal approach for brain‐inspired computing due to the fuzzy nature of biologic neural networks. This work demonstrates an application based on programmable fuzzy‐logic gates capable of combined photoelectric computations. Such an apparatus may be used to perform image compression immediately upon acquisition without having the need to rely on interaction between separate processor and sensor modules. It is based on resistive memory devices capable of state transitions in response to both electronic and light stimulations. Material nonimplication and logical true operations are first presented. A more complex functionality for material nonimplication of a logic conjunction is then demonstrated. These gates are then used as building blocks in the design and simulation of a configurable matrix multiplication unit that effectively implements in situ image compression. A membership function (FUZZIFY) that may be used to map strict logic levels to incremental fuzzy analog ones is also shown. Finally, an approach for integrating conventional logic with a fuzzy computation is discussed.
Cephalopelvic disproportion as primary diagnosis for cesarean section: Role of neonatal birthweight in relation to maternal height at a Hospital in Merida, Mexico
Authors: Mendez‐Dominguez Nina , Vazquez‐Vazquez Gumersindo Gaspar , Laviada‐Molina Hugo Antonio , de Jesus Inurreta‐Diaz Martin , Fajardo‐Ruiz Lizbeth Sabrina , Azcorra Hugo
Published: July 2020

Objective

To analyze the association between newborn and maternal characteristics and the risk for cesarean section (CS) due to cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) and non‐CPD causes compared to vaginal deliveries (VD) in a sample of infants and mothers from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

Methods

The final sample consisted of 3453 single, live, and term infants born between January 2016 and May 2017 at the Maternal‐Infant Hospital in Merida and their mothers (aged ≥19 years). The mode of delivery was established as the dependent variables: (a) VD, (b) CS due to CPD, and (c) non‐CPD CS. Independent variables were maternal height and weight, the number of previous VD, newborn weight, and neonatal birthweight (BW) index/maternal height index. A multinomial regression model was used to analyze the association between newborn and maternal characteristics and outcome variable.

Results

By mode of delivery, 2124 (62%) births corresponded to VD, 1042 (30%) to non‐CPDCS, and 287 (8%) to CS due to CPD. Mothers who had CS due to CPD weighed more at the end of their pregnancy and were shorter. Maternal age and weight increased the risk for having CS due to CPD compared to VD and maternal height, and the number of previous VD reduces the risk for experiencing CS due to CPD compared to vaginal births. The relative risk ratio for higher neonatal BW/maternal height index was significant for CS due to CPD and non‐CPD CS.

Conclusion

According to our results from a public hospital in Merida, Mexico, CPD is a result of the interrelation of maternal and fetal size, rather than an independent result of maternal height or BW.
Is 2020 the year when primatologists should cancel fieldwork? A reply
Authors: Trivedy Chet
Published: July 2020

The aim of this article is to explore the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic on primate‐related conservation work. The withdrawal of primatologists and conservation staff from field research can lead to a number of detrimental effects not just on conservation but also on local communities in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Inequalities in access to health and financial insecurities may be drivers for the illegal wildlife trade and the lack of tourism and research activity may allow poachers to work with greater ease. The paper also looks at how conservation organizations and research bodies should modify their field protocols by developing robust occupational health policies that will not only make field work safer but also support local staff as they are likely to face the greatest threats to their physical health, psychological health, and economic loss from COVID‐19. By adopting a One Health approach that considers the complex interactions between human and primate health, researchers will be able to find new ways of working not only to protect primates but understand how they adapt to the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Assessing tissue transcription biomarkers of chronic rhinosinusitis: a comparison of sampling methodologies
Authors: Hoggard Michael , Douglas Richard G. , Taylor Michael W. , Biswas Kristi
Published: July 2020

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a spectrum of complex inflammatory conditions of the sinonasal mucosa. Identification of biomarkers that enable classification and improved delineation among CRS endotypes is of increasing interest. However, the extent to which less invasive sampling methods identify genuine tissue inflammatory patterns is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate mucosal swab and cytobrush sampling as less invasive proxies for tissue transcription levels of putative biomarkers of CRS.

Methods

Expression levels of 21 biomarkers of interest were assessed via custom TaqMan array cards from mucosal biopsy, cytobrush, and swab samples, in 32 patients with CRS. Reported expression levels were compared between each of the 3 sample types within each patient.

Results

Reported transcription levels from swab samples for IL33, MUC5AC, IL1RN, CXCL8 (IL‐8), TNF, IFNG, IL5, OSM, IL1A, and IL17C, and cytobrush levels for IL33, MUC5AC, IL5RA, IL1RN, CXCL8 (IL‐8), and IL5 were significantly different to tissue levels from matched biopsy samples.

Conclusion

Reported expression via swab and cytobrush sampling differed from patterns observed in matched tissue for 10 of 21 and 6 of 21 markers, respectively. Non–biopsy‐based studies for these particular markers may therefore not adequately represent tissue inflammatory processes and should be interpreted with caution. Cytobrush samples largely tracked tissue patterns for the remaining target biomarkers. In these cases, cytobrush sampling appears to adequately reflect tissue patterns for several putative biomarkers of CRS, supporting their use in clinical and research settings as a less‐invasive proxy for the assessment of mucosal tissue inflammatory transcription patterns.
Photoinduzierte Rutheniumkatalysierte C‐H‐Arylierungen bei Umgebungstemperatur
Authors: Korvorapun Korkit , Struwe Julia , Kuniyil Rositha , Zangarelli Agnese , Casnati Anna , Waeterschoot Marjo , Ackermann Lutz
Published: July 2020

Rutheniumkatalysierte C‐H‐Arylierungen wurden bei Umgebungstemperatur durch sichtbares Licht ohne zusätzlichen Photokatalysator ermöglicht. Die Robustheit dieser rutheniumkatalysierten C‐H‐Funktionalisierung wurde in einer breiten Auswahl von sensitiven funktionellen Gruppen und synthetisch nützlichen Pyrazolen, Triazolen und empfindlichen Nucleosiden und Nucleotiden sowie durch mehrfache C‐H‐Funktionalisierungen verdeutlicht. Biscyclometallierte Rutheniumkomplexe wurden als Schlüsselintermeditate in der Photoredox‐Rutheniumkatalyse durch detaillierte rechnerische und experimentelle mechanistische Studien identifiziert. Berechnungen deuten darauf hin, dass eine in situ gebildete, photoaktive Rutheniumspezies vorzugsweise einen Inner‐Sphere‐Elektronentransfer durchläuft.
Aggregations‐induzierte Emission (AIE): Eine historische Betrachtung
Authors: Würthner Frank
Published: July 2020

Die durch Aggregation induzierte Emission (AIE, aggregation‐induced emission) hat in den letzten zwanzig Jahren große Beachtung erfahren. Im Gegensatz zu den zahlreichen Übersichtsartikeln, welche AIE als sehr spezifisches Phänomen beschreiben, vermittelt dieser Essay eine breitere Sichtweise und hebt frühere Beobachtungen im Zusammenhang mit AIE hervor, die lange vor der Einführung dieses Begriffs gemacht wurden. Hierzu werden anschauliche Beispiele aus dem 20. Jahrhundert gezeigt, in denen die Fluoreszenzverstärkung von Farbstoffen infolge einer Versteifung in viskosen oder festen Umgebungen oder durch die Bildung von J‐Aggregaten studiert wurde. Es wird gezeigt, dass sich bereits unter diesen Beispielen typische AIE‐Luminogene wie Tetraphenylethylen (TPE), Stilbene sowie Oligo‐ und Polyphenylenvinylene und ‐ethinylene finden, welche in den 1990er Jahren wichtige Festkörperfluoreszenzmaterialien in der OLED‐Forschung wurden. Weitere Beispiele sind Cyanin‐Farbstoffe wie Thioazol Orange (TO) oder dessen Dimere (TOTOs), welche breite Anwendung als molekulare Sonden fanden. Die bis zu 10 000‐fache Fluoreszenzverstärkung solcher Farbstoffe bei ihrer Einlagerung in doppelsträngige DNA kann auf das Konzept der eingeschränkten intramolekularen Bewegung (RIM, restricted intramolecular motion) zurückgeführt werden. Darauf basieren zahlreiche kommerzielle Produkte für die Bildgebung von biologischem Material und die Fluoreszenzsensorik aus den frühen 1990er Jahren.
New Hydrazide based Tricyclic Pentacoordinate Siliconium Ions –A Facile Route to the Synthesis of Spherical Shaped Sr5(PO4)2SiO4
Authors: Suman Pothini , Bhat Haamid R. , Janardan Sannapaneni , Bortamuli Sidhartha Protim , Jha Prakash C. , Sivaramakrishna Akella
Published: July 2020

Hydrazide based phosphine linkers were prepared by the condensation reaction of hydrazide of the type RC(O)NHNH2 (R = t‐BuPh) with dppe (1,2‐bis (diphenylphosphino)ethane) to produce the corresponding product of the type RCONHN=PPh2CH2CH2PPh2 = NNHCOR (2). The silylation product RC (OSiMe3) = N‐N=PPh2‐CH2CH2PPh2 = N‐N=C (OSiMe3)R (3) derived from 2 reacts with halosilanes to yield novel hypercoordinate silicon (IV) complexes (4–7). All the products are well characterized by the spectroscopic and analytical data. The DFT calculations indicate that both charge density and electronegativity of the atoms surrounding a magnetically active nucleus have an effect on the chemical shift values. An increase in the electronegativity of the substituted atoms is reflected by the natural hybrids, which causes deshielding of the magnetic Si and P nuclei from the external magnetic field to an increasing level. As a consequence of this, the 29Si and 31P NMR chemical shifts increase for 4–7 thus augmenting the experimental interpretations. Since the phosphorus hydrazide based hypercoordinate Si (IV) complexes are the rich sources of P, and Si directly from a single molecule, the present work also demonstrates the preparation of spherically shaped strontium phosphosilicate (Sr5(PO4)2SiO4) by the sol–gel method.
Impact of inhibitor loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles on waterborne coating performance in various corrosive environments
Authors: Židov Bruno , Lin Zhifeng , Stojanović Ivan , Xu Likun
Published: July 2020

This article is a contribution to the development of the smart, self‐healing solutions in the context of corrosion protection of metallic materials based on nanotechnology. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and loaded with two different corrosion inhibitors, 1‐hydroxybenzotriazole and 8‐hydroxyquinoline. Loaded particles were embedded in different concentrations in waterborne epoxy coating, and as such applied to low carbon steel substrates. A continuous immersion test in 3.5% NaCl solution, humidity chamber exposure, and salt spray exposure were performed. Successful synthesis of silica nanoparticles has been demonstrated using scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy characterization techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the loading of inhibitors, while the quantity of loaded inhibitors was determined by thermogravimetric method. Anticorrosive performance of intact composite coatings was determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and open‐circuit potential measurements. Adhesive properties were determined using the pull‐off test (ISO 4624). Significant improvement in corrosion protection performance has been demonstrated for coatings containing inhibitor‐loaded nanoparticles.
Tailoring the thermal and mechanical properties of injection‐molded poly (lactic acid) parts through annealing
Authors: Li Guili , Yang Beijing , Han Wenjuan , Li Haimei , Kang Zhan , Lin Jun
Published: July 2020

The effect of cold‐crystallization on poly (lactic acid) (PLA) injection‐molded parts was systemically investigated at different annealing temperatures (80/100/120°C) and annealing times (0.5/1/1.5/2 hr). The relative crystallinity (Xc) and crystal form (α' and α) of samples was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide X‐ray angle diffraction (WAXD). The dependence of the thermal and mechanical performance on relative crystallinity and crystal form/morphology was discussed in detail. A linear relationship between the increment of heat distortion temperature (HDT) and that of Xc was found. The tensile strength, tensile modulus and storage modulus all increased with annealing time and annealing temperature, while the tensile toughness presented a different behavior. The elongation at break for specimens reached a maximum value of 16.9% after annealing at 80°C for 2 hr, which is a threefold improvement compared to PLA samples prepared without annealing. This work suggests that annealing is an effective method for tailoring the physical properties of PLA products.
Characterization of glutathione proteome in CHO cells and its relationship with productivity and cholesterol synthesis
Authors: Chevallier Valentine , Schoof Erwin M. , Malphettes Laetitia , Andersen Mikael R. , Workman Christopher T.
Published: July 2020

Glutathione (GSH) plays a central role in the redox balance maintenance in mammalian cells. Previous studies of industrial Chinese hamster ovary cell lines have demonstrated a relationship between GSH metabolism and clone productivity. However, a thorough investigation is required to understand this relationship and potentially highlight new targets for cell engineering. In this study, we have modulated the GSH intracellular content of an industrial cell line under bioprocess conditions to further elucidate the role of the GSH synthesis pathway. Two strategies were used: the variation of cystine supply and the direct inhibition of the GSH synthesis using buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). Over time of the bioprocess, a correlation between intracellular GSH and product titer has been observed. Analysis of metabolites uptake/secretion rates and proteome comparison between BSO‐treated cells and nontreated cells has highlighted a slowdown of the tricarboxylic acid cycle leading to a secretion of lactate and alanine in the extracellular environment. Moreover, an adaptation of the GSH‐related proteome has been observed with an upregulation of the regulatory subunit of glutamate–cysteine ligase and a downregulation of a specific GSH transferase subgroup, the Mu family. Surprisingly, the main impact of BSO treatment was observed on a global downregulation of the cholesterol synthesis pathways. As cholesterol is required for protein secretion, it could be the missing piece of the puzzle to finally elucidate the link between GSH synthesis and productivity.
Lessons from the unexpected adoption of online teaching for an undergraduate genetics course with lab classes
Authors: Zhou Chun
Published: July 2020

In the spring semester of 2020, colleges and universities adopted online teaching as the primary modality due to campus closure for social distancing. While lectures could be more readily converted to online classes, biology labs were challenging to handle since students could not physically conduct experiments in lab classrooms. In the present report, various online teaching materials, including educational and research videos, simulation labs, and real research data, were utilized to achieve the learning objectives of the originally in‐person lab classes of an upper‐level undergraduate genetics course. Furthermore, certain advantages of online teaching, such as detailed and high‐quality annotation of lecture slides using the Apple Pencil and iPad, were observed. While online teaching has its unique strengths, it could not provide students with hands‐on experience in performing real biology experiments to master technical skills; the latter are essential for students to develop a career in conducting research in an academic or industrial laboratory setting. Hence, a well‐designed hybrid modality of using online teaching to complement conventional face‐to‐face instruction may allow for better teaching in undergraduate biology courses.
COVID‐19 lessons can help limit future legal liability
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2020

To help college and university administrators identify legal issues brought to the forefront by the COVID‐19 pandemic, higher ed attorneys offered guidance in a webinar hosted by the Employment Law Alliance.
Rivaroxaban thromboprophylaxis in ambulatory patients with pancreatic cancer: Results from a pre‐specified subgroup analysis of the randomized CASSINI study
Authors: Vadhan‐Raj Saroj , McNamara Mairéad G. , Venerito Marino , Riess Hanno , O'Reilly Eileen M. , Overman Michael J. , Zhou Xiao , Vijapurkar Ujjwala , Kaul Simrati , Wildgoose Peter , Khorana Alok A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Pancreatic cancer patients are at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE); the value of thromboprophylaxis has not been definitively established.

Methods

This trial randomized cancer patients initiating a new regimen and at high risk for VTE (Khorana score ≥2) to rivaroxaban 10 mg or placebo up to day 180. This analysis examined the subset of pancreatic cancer patients. The primary efficacy endpoint was the composite of symptomatic deep‐vein thrombosis (DVT), asymptomatic proximal DVT, any pulmonary embolism, and VTE‐related death. The primary safety endpoint was International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis–defined major bleeding.

Results

In total, 49/1080 (4.5%) patients enrolled had baseline VTE on screening, with higher rates (24/362 [6.6%]) in pancreatic cancer and they were not randomized. Of 841 randomized patients, 273 (32.5%) had pancreatic cancer; 155/273 (57% in each arm) completed the double‐blind period. The primary endpoint occurred in 13/135 (9.6%) patients in the rivaroxaban group and in 18/138 (13.0%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.34‐1.43; P = .328) in up‐to‐day‐180 period and 5/135 (3.7%) patients receiving rivaroxaban and 14/138 (10.1%) receiving placebo in the intervention period (HR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13‐0.97; P = .034). Major bleeding was similar (2 [1.5%] receiving rivaroxaban and 3 [2.3%] receiving placebo). Correlative biomarker studies demonstrated significant decline in D‐dimer (weeks 8 and 16) in patients randomized to rivaroxaban compared to placebo (P < .01).

Conclusions

In ambulatory pancreatic cancer patients, rivaroxaban did not result in significantly lower incidence of VTE or VTE‐related death in the 180‐day period. During the intervention period, however, rivaroxaban substantially reduced VTE without increasing major bleeding, suggesting benefit of rivaroxaban prophylaxis in this setting.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02555878.
Inhibin, beta A regulates the transforming growth factor‐beta pathway to promote malignant biological behaviour in colorectal cancer
Authors: He Zhijun , Liang Jun , Wang Biao
Published: July 2020

Inhibin, beta A (INHBA) is a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF‐β) family. The carcinogenic mechanisms of INHBA during the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. In the present study, we further elucidated the role of INHBA in CRC. We analysed the expression of INHBA in CRC and its relationship with patient prognosis using data from public databases. INHBA expression was evaluated in CRC tissues and cell lines using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. After inhibiting the expression of INHBA, the effect of INHBA on the function of CRC cells was evaluated in vitro. We found that INHBA was upregulated in CRC. High INHBA expression is closely related to poor prognosis in patients with CRC. Knockdown of INHBA in vitro can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. In terms of mechanism, we found that high INHBA expression activates the TGF‐β pathway.

Significance of the study:

INHBA acts as an oncogene in the progression of CRC and may, therefore, be a potential therapeutic target for CRC.
Platelet‐rich plasma inhibits osteoblast apoptosis and actin cytoskeleton disruption induced by gingipains through upregulating integrin β1
Authors: Mo Weiyan , Wu Juan , Qiu Qihong , Zhang Fuping , Luo Haoyuan , Xu Na , Zhu Wenjun , Liang Min
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of platelet‐rich plasma on gingipain‐caused changes in cell morphology and apoptosis of osteoblasts. Mouse osteoblasts MC3T3‐E1 cells were treated with gingipain extracts from Porphyromonas gingivalis in the presence or absence of platelet‐rich plasma. Apoptosis was detected with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling staining. F‐actin was determined by phalloidin‐fluorescent staining and observed under confocal microscopy. Western blot analysis was used to detect integrin β1, F‐actin, and G‐actin protein expressions. A knocking down approach was used to determine the role of integrin β1. The platelet‐rich plasma protected osteoblasts from gingipain‐induced apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner, accompanied by upregulation of integrin β1. Platelet‐rich plasma reversed the loss of F‐actin integrity and decrease of F‐actin/G‐actin ratio in osteoblasts in the presence of gingipains. By contrast, the effects of platelet‐rich plasma were abrogated by knockdown of integrin β1. The platelet‐rich plasma failed to reduce cell apoptosis and reorganize the cytoskeleton after knockdown of integrin β1. In conclusion, platelet‐rich plasma inhibits gingipain‐induced osteoblast apoptosis and actin cytoskeleton disruption by upregulating integrin β1 expression.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement and percutaneous coronary intervention versus surgical aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with severe aortic stenosis and concomitant coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kotronias Rafail A. , Bray Jonathan H. , Scarsini Roberto , Rajasundaram Skanda , Terentes‐Printzios Dimitrios , De Maria Giovanni L. , Kharbanda Rajesh K. , Mamas Mamas A , Bagur Rodrigo , Banning Adrian P.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the early and midterm outcomes of patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) against patients who had transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

Contemporary guidelines suggest that surgical or percutaneous revascularization of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) is a reasonable strategy.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of Medline and Embase to identify studies comparing a percutaneous transcatheter versus a surgical approach. Random effects meta‐analyses using the Mantel–Haenszel method were performed to estimate the effect of percutaneous compared surgical strategies using aggregate data.

Results

Six studies reporting on 1770 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. There were no significant differences in effect estimates for early and midterm mortality (OR: 0.78; 95% CI, 0.50–1.20 and OR: 1.09; 95% CI, 0.80–1.49, respectively) or myocardial infarction (OR: 0.52; 95% CI, 0.20–1.33 and OR: 1.34; 95% CI, 0.67–2.65, respectively). No significant difference was shown for peri‐procedural stroke (OR: 0.80; 95% CI, 0.35–1.87). A transcatheter approach had a higher rate of major vascular complications (OR: 14.44; 95% CI, 4.42–47.16), but a lower rate of acute kidney injury (OR: 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19–0.91).

Conclusion

Our analysis suggests that a percutaneous transcatheter approach confers similar outcomes compared to a surgical approach in patients with severe AS and CAD. However, our findings are based on low quality studies and should serve as hypothesis generating. In the absence of adequately powered studies yielding high level evidence, individualized decision making should be based on surgical risk assessment.
Conversion of Methane Facilitated by Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Liu Kefeng , Meng Fei , Zhu Di , Wang Zi , Lou Shujie , Zhao Jing , Xiao Haicheng , Tang Yongchun
Published: July 2020

A novel Fe‐Al/SiO2 catalyst for direct non‐oxidative conversion of methane to ethylene, benzene, and naphthalene was synthesized. An Fe‐Al/SiO2 catalyst integrated solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) membrane reactor design is further developed. It could be successfully demonstrated that the SOEC enabled the in situ removal of H2, which helps to shift the chemical equilibrium of the methane conversion reaction to enhance the conversion efficiency.
Therapeutic dilemma in the repression of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 proteome
Authors: Sadia Aatika , Basra Muhammad Asim Raza
Published: July 2020

Currently, the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has unprecedentedly captivated its human hosts by causing respiratory illnesses because of evolution of the genetic makeup of novel coronavirus (CoV) known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS CoV‐2). As much as the researchers are inundated for the quest of effective treatments from available drugs, the discovery and trials of new experimental drugs are also at a threshold for clinical trials. There has been much concern regarding the new and targeted drugs considering the comprehensive ambiguity regarding the mechanism and pathway of the drug action with respect to the new and unpredictable structural and nonstructural proteins (NSPs) of SARS CoV‐2. This study was aimed to discuss functional pathways related to NSPs in CoVs with updated knowledge regarding SARS CoV‐2, mechanisms of action of certain approved and investigational drugs for correct orientation regarding the treatment strategies, including nucleotide analog mechanism, receptor analog mechanism, and peptide–peptide interactions, along with the impact of COVID‐19 on a global scale. Although there is a dire need for targeted drugs against SARS CoV‐2, the practical achievement of its cure is possible by only using effective drugs with appropriate mechanisms to eliminate the disease.
Linking preschoolers’ parasympathetic activity to maternal early adversity and child behavior: An intergenerational perspective
Authors: Glackin Erin B. , Hatch Virginia , Drury Stacy S. , Gray Sarah A. O.
Published: July 2020

Increasing evidence suggests intergenerational effects of maternal early adversity on offspring self‐regulation. Prior work has demonstrated associations between maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and infant respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), a parasympathetic biomarker associated with emotional and behavioral self‐regulation. The present study examined these associations and additional potential pathways including children's violence exposure and maternal psychopathology among 123 biological mother‐child dyads. Families were low‐income and oversampled for violence exposure; children were 3–5 years old. RSA was examined during dyadic interaction using latent growth curve modeling (LGCM). On average, females exhibited greater RSA reactivity. Greater RSA withdrawal across the interaction was associated with greater child negative affect during the interaction, linking RSA reactivity to concurrent child behavior. Consistent with previous findings among infants, high maternal ACEs were associated with lower child RSA at task initiation but not with RSA reactivity across the interaction. Findings suggest that the association between high maternal ACEs and a lower set point for offspring RSA persists into the early childhood period, beyond the influence of maternal psychopathology and children's own violence exposure. These data provide further evidence for the biological embedding of maternal early adversity across generations as well as for the relevance of RSA to child behavioral regulation.
Disposable Bienzymatic Choline Biosensor Based on MnO2 Nanoparticles Decorated Carbon Nanofibers and Poly(methylene green) Modified Screen Printed Carbon Electrode
Authors: Kaçar Ceren
Published: July 2020

In this study, utilization of MnO2 nanoparticles decorated carbon nanofibers (CNF‐MnO2) and poly(methylene green) (PMG) to create a bienzymatic biosensor for choline determination is described. Choline oxidase (ChOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were co‐immobilized onto the CNF‐MnO2/PMG/SPCE by glutaraldehyde crosslinking. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to investigate the morphology and electrochemical behavior of the modified electrodes. Upon optimized conditions, ChOx‐HRP/CNF‐MnO2/PMG/SPCE had a wide working range of 4.0×10−6–9.0×10−3 M with a sensitivity of 2.44 μA mM−1 and detection limit of 8.1×10−7 M. The proposed biosensor exhibits high repeatability (RSD 2.7 %) and retained 97 % of its initial activity after stored 15 days at +4 °C. The applicability of the biosensor in infant formula was demonstrated.
The security of vulnerable senior citizens through dynamically sensed signal acquisition
Authors: Wang Xuanming , Srivastava Gautam
Published: July 2020

Traditional signal recognition methods generally use biosensors for signal acquisition. With senior citizens, sensor signal acquisition will be affected by their movements. These signal fluctuations are large, and if the signal area cannot be fixed, it may result in problems such as data loss. The most important issue caused by data loss is the safety for vulnerable seniors. Therefore, here we study abnormal behavior recognition based on dynamic sensing. In this paper, we look to improve the problems that exist in traditional methods. Using the SW‐520D sensor, activity signals of the elderly are first collected. By comparing the received signal strength sets, dynamic sensor data flow of the abnormal behavior for senior citizens can be determined. A multiple linear regression estimation method is used to solve the problem of data loss in dynamic sensor data flow environments. We obtain system parameter thresholds in both area isolation and segmentation using the stochastic resonance method. From this, a direct notch is constructed that enters the dynamic sensor data stream, and the interference component filtering of abnormal behavior signals is processed. The amplitude‐frequency response feature extraction method is used for high‐precision isolation and segmentation of abnormal behavior signal areas such as falls, improving the accuracy of senior behavior signal recognition, and realizing safety monitoring for the elderly. The improved method was used to identify the signals of abnormal behaviors of young people. The minimum recognition error rate was only 2%, the recognition accuracy rate was as high as 98%, and the calculation time was only 19 ms.
Loss of ecologically important genetic variation in late generation hybrids reveals links between adaptation and speciation
Authors: Walter Greg M. , Richards Thomas J. , Wilkinson Melanie J , Blows Mark W. , Aguirre J. David , Ortiz-Barrientos Daniel
Published: July 2020

Adaptation to contrasting environments occurs when advantageous alleles accumulate in each population, but it remains largely unknown whether these same advantageous alleles create genetic incompatibilities that can cause intrinsic reproductive isolation leading to speciation. Identifying alleles that underlie both adaptation and reproductive isolation is further complicated by factors such as dominance and genetic interactions among loci, which can affect both processes differently and obscure potential links between adaptation and speciation. Here, we use a combination of field and glasshouse experiments to explore the connection between adaptation and speciation while accounting for dominance and genetic interactions. We created a hybrid population with equal contributions from four contrasting ecotypes of Senecio lautus (Asteraceae), which produced hybrid genomes both before (F1 hybrid generation) and after (F4 hybrid generation) recombination among the parental ecotypes. In the glasshouse, plants in the second generation (F2 hybrid generation) showed reduced fitness as a loss of fertility. However, fertility was recovered in subsequent generations, suggesting that genetic variation underlying the fitness reduction was lost in subsequent generations. To quantify the effects of losing genetic variation at the F2 generation on the fitness of later generation hybrids, we used a reciprocal transplant to test for fitness differences between parental ecotypes, and F1 and F4 hybrids in all four parental habitats. Compared to the parental ecotypes and F1 hybrids, variance in F4 hybrid fitness was lower, and lowest in habitats that showed stronger native-ecotype advantage, suggesting that stronger natural selection for the native ecotype reduced fitness variation in the F4 hybrids. Fitness trade-offs that were present in the parental ecotypes and F1 hybrids were absent in the F4 hybrid. Together, these results suggest that the genetic variation lost after the F2 generation was likely associated with both adaptation and intrinsic reproductive isolation among ecotypes from contrasting habitats.
Qigong for the treatment of depressive symptoms: Preliminary evidence of neurobiological mechanisms
Authors: Lu Erin Yiqing , Lee Posen , Cai Shuhe , So Wendy Wing Yan , Ng Bacon Fung Leung , Jensen Mark P. , Cheung Wai Ming , Tsang Hector W. H.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Qigong has been shown to effectively reduce depressive symptoms in older adults with chronic physical illness. Here, we sought to evaluate the effects of qigong on serotonin, cortisol, and Brain‐derived Neurotropic Factors (BDNF) levels and test their roles as potential mediators of the effects of qigong on depressive symptoms.

Methods

Thirty older adults with chronic physical illness participated in a randomized clinical trial. They were randomly assigned to a qigong group (n = 14) or a control group for cognitive training of executive function and memory (n = 16). The participants provided blood and saliva samples at baseline and post‐intervention. Levels of cortisol were measured from the salvia samples, and serotonin and BDNF were measured from the blood samples.

Results

Consistent with the study findings presented in the primary outcome paper, a significant Group × Time interaction effect emerged on depressive symptoms, explained by greater reductions in the qigong group than the control group. Qigong participants had significantly larger increases in serotonin and BDNF, and decreases in cortisol levels, compared with control group participants. Moreover, treatment‐related changes in cortisol levels (but not serotonin or BDNF) fully mediated the beneficial effects of qigong on depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

The findings provide preliminary evidence that treatment‐related changes in cortisol may mediate the benefits of qigong on depressive symptoms. Given the limitation of small sample size of the present study, future studies with larger sample sizes and more extended follow‐up assessment are warranted to determine the reliability of these findings.
Transsexuality: Legal and ethical challenges
Authors: Dickens Bernard M.
Published: July 2020

Sex‐change procedures, better described as gender‐change procedures, involve preparing patients psychologically and surgically for gender transition to treat their gender dysphoria. Physical treatment might include hysterectomy for female to male transition, and post‐castration fashioning of an artificial vagina for male to female transition. Conservative opposition to accommodating and recognizing such procedures remains in some countries, and where treated, transgender individuals might face social hostility and oppression. However, human rights laws increasingly provide for transgender non‐discrimination and government re‐issue of official documents such as birth certificates and social insurance cards in the changed gender. A UK legal decision required a transgendered male who retained his ovaries and uterus to be registered as mother on the birth certificate of the child he bore. Most challenging are decisions on adolescents’ requests for gender transition, especially over parents’ objections. Laws increasingly recognize that legal minors with sufficiently evolved intellectual and emotional capacity can make decisions for themselves.
Double‐sided surface functionalization: An effective approach to stabilize and modulate the electronic structure of graphene‐like borophene
Authors: Tang Xiao , Gu Jinxing , Shang Jing , Chen Zhongfang , Kou Liangzhi
Published: July 2020

Graphene‐like borophene was theoretically proposed and recently synthesized on Al (111) surface, however, how to conquer its structural instability is still an open question. By means of density functional theory computations, we theoretically predicted that honeycomb borophene can be well stabilized by double‐sided surface passivation with monovalent functional groups (X = F, Cl, Br, I, OH, and NH2) due to the electron redistributions. The system undergoes the transition from metallic to semiconducting upon functionalization, while the energy gap depends on the choice of functional groups. Under external strain, the gap values can be manipulated over a broad range. Our further calculations indicated that the functionalized borophene possesses moderate and anisotropic carrier mobility, which is comparable to or even higher than some 2D materials such as MoS2 and phosphorene. Our work provides a feasible strategy to effectively stabilize the graphene‐like borophene and tune the electronic properties with great potentials for electronic applications.

Double‐sized functionalization by monovalent functional groups (F, Cl, Br, I, OH, and NH2) is predicted to be an effective and feasible way to stabilize the graphene‐like borophene and modulate the electronic properties. The functionalized borophenes are semiconductors with a wide range of gaps, which can be further tuned by external strains, thus are promising for various nanoelectronics applications.

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A neural‐network‐based decision‐making model in the peer‐to‐peer lending market
Authors: Babaei Golnoosh , Bamdad Shahrooz
Published: July 2020

This study proposes an investment recommendation model for peer‐to‐peer (P2P) lending. P2P lenders usually are inexpert, so helping them to make the best decision for their investments is vital. In this study, while we aim to compare the performance of different artificial neural network (ANN) models, we evaluate loans from two perspectives: risk and return. The net present value (NPV) is considered as the return variable. To the best of our knowledge, NPV has been used in few studies in the P2P lending context. Considering the advantages of using NPV, we aim to improve decision‐making models in this market by the use of NPV and the integration of supervised learning and optimization algorithms that can be considered as one of our contributions. In order to predict NPV, three ANN models are compared concerning mean square error, mean absolute error, and root‐mean‐square error to find the optimal ANN model. Furthermore, for the risk evaluation, the probability of default of loans is computed using logistic regression. Investors in the P2P lending market can share their assets between different loans, so the procedure of P2P investment is similar to portfolio optimization. In this context, we minimize the risk of a portfolio for a minimum acceptable level of return. To analyse the effectiveness of our proposed model, we compare our decision‐making algorithm with the output of a traditional model. The experimental results on a real‐world data set show that our model leads to a better investment concerning both risk and return.
Effects of vitamin K dietary supplementation in pulmonary dysfunction induced by 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in rat
Authors: Dosumu Oluwatosin A. , Rotimi Solomon O. , Akintunde Jacob , Adeleye Oluwagbemiga O. , Sani Latifah O. , Omotosho Oluwatosin O. , Osinuga Kehinde T. , Taiwo Odunayo A. , Ojo Oluwafemi A.
Published: July 2020

One of the well‐known toxicants of the mammary tissue is 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). This study was carried out to investigate the possible prophylactic's role of increased dietary intake of vitamin K on the induction of toxicity in the lung tissue. Twenty‐eight Wistar albino rats (120‐150 g) were randomly divided into different groups. Group 1 served as the control and were fed with a normal diet (containing the recommended daily allowance of vitamin K (0.0075%)). Groups 2 and 3 received a single dose of DMBA (80 mg/kg body weight) intragastically. In addition, group 3 rats were maintained on surplus vitamin K diet (0.075% diet) as against the group 2 animals that were on a normal diet. Group 4 rats were on surplus vitamin K diet (0.075% diet) throughout the experimental period of 16 weeks. Our results revealed that supplementation of diet with surplus vitamin K significantly increased the activities of catalase. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, and glutathione peroxidase were significantly increased in the serum and lungs when compared with the DMBA‐treated group, which was maintained on a normal diet. Significant alterations in malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, and interleukin 17F were observed in rats challenged with DMBA‐fed normal diets but were normalized in rats with surplus vitamin K. These alterations and reversal were confirmed by histopathology studies. This suggests the prophylactic benefit of increased dietary intake of vitamin K without any observed deleterious effect on DMBA‐induced pulmonary toxicity.
The pain of grief: Exploring the concept of psychological pain and its relation to complicated grief, depression, and risk for suicide in bereaved adults
Authors: Frumkin Madelyn R. , Robinaugh Donald J. , LeBlanc Nicole J. , Ahmad Zeba , Bui Eric , Nock Matthew K. , Simon Naomi M. , McNally Richard J.
Published: July 2020

Objective

Emotional or psychological pain is a core symptom of complicated grief (CG), yet its correlates are largely unexamined among bereaved individuals.

Method

Bereaved adults (N = 135) completed self‐reports regarding psychological pain, CG, depression, and suicidality. We assessed correlations among these variables and tested whether psychological pain was elevated among individuals with CG and individuals with current or past suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Using logistic regression, we also assessed psychological pain, depression, and CG symptom severity as predictors of suicide risk.

Results

Psychological pain was strongly associated with both CG and depression severity and was elevated among subjects reporting current or past suicidality. CG and depression were not statistically significant predictors of suicidal ideation after accounting for the effects of psychological pain.

Conclusions

Psychological pain is strongly associated with bereavement‐related psychopathology and warrants further investigation in studies examining the nature and treatment of CG.
Role of panic appraisal in predicting the severity of panic and agoraphobic symptoms
Authors: Cho Yongrae , Choi Younghee , Kim Sunyoung
Published: July 2020

Objective

The present study examined the contribution of panic appraisal (PA) dimensions to the prediction of panic and agoraphobic symptoms, above and beyond anxiety sensitivity (AS), among patients with panic disorder. PA dimensions consist of anticipated panic, perceived panic consequences, and panic coping efficacy.

Method

Panic disorder patients (N = 84, 60.7% female, M = 38 years) completed self‐report measures of panic and agoraphobic symptoms, three dimensions of PA, AS, anxiety, and depression symptoms.

Results

PA dimensions significantly contributed to the prediction of overall and all facets of panic and agoraphobic symptoms, as well as anxiety symptoms, but not depressive symptoms, above and beyond AS. Of the three PA dimensions, both anticipated panic and panic coping efficacy uniquely contributed to agoraphobic avoidance after controlling for AS and the other dimensions of PA.

Conclusion

PA dimensions may emerge as an important predictor of panic and agoraphobic or anxiety symptoms.
Etoposide‐based treatment of adult HLH is associated with high biochemical response but poor survival outcomes
Authors: Nicholson Matthew C. , Naeije Leonie , Hayden Anna R. , Mattman Andre , Dix David , Chen Luke Y.C.
Published: July 2020

Etoposide‐based treatment is the standard of care for adult HLH in many centers, yet there remains a paucity of data regarding treatment outcomes. We conducted a retrospective study of 23 adults treated with etoposide‐based therapy compared to 10 pediatric HLH cases at a single center. At diagnosis, the median serum ferritin was 20,071 µg/L and 937 µg/L in adults and children, respectively; median sIL‐2r was 14,524 U/mL and 4,478 U/mL. Biochemical response to treatment was high, with 21/23 adults achieving >75% reduction in serum ferritin, but one year survival was only 7/21 compared to 7/10 in pediatric cases.
Green synthesis of pyrrolo isoquinolines using in situ synthesis of 4‐hydroxycumarines: Study of antioxidant activity
Authors: Mousavi Seyyedeh Fatemeh , Hossaini Zinatossadat , Rostami‐Charati Faramarz , Nami Navabeh
Published: July 2020

In this research, synthesis of pyrrolo isoquinoline derivatives in excellent yields was performed using the multicomponent reaction of isoquinoline, alkyl bromides, 2‐hydroxyacetophenone, or its derivatives, dimethyl carbonate as a green reagent and KF/clinoptinolite nanoparticles as a catalyst in the aqueous media at 80°C. The Punica granatum peel water extract was used as the green media for the synthesis of PG‐KF/clinoptilolite nanoparticles in high yield. The PG‐KF/clinoptilolite nanoparticles show a significant basic catalytic role in these reactions in preparing the product in high yield and used for several times. In addition, for studying the antioxidant ability of some of the synthesized compounds, diphenyl‐picrylhydrazine (DPPH) radical trapping and power of ferric reduction tests are employed. The short time of the reaction, high yields of the product, easy separation of the catalyst and products are some of the advantages of this procedure.