bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endopolyploidy is associated with leaf functional traits and climate variation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Pacey Evan K. , Maherali Hafiz , Husband Brian C.
Published: July 2020

Premise

Endopolyploidy is widespread throughout the tree of life and is especially prevalent in herbaceous angiosperms. Its prevalence in this clade suggests that endopolyploidy may be adaptive, but its functional roles are poorly understood. To address this gap in knowledge, we explored whether endopolyploidy was associated with climatic factors and correlated with phenotypic traits related to growth.

Methods

We sampled stem and leaf endopolyploidy in 56 geographically separated accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana grown in a common garden to explore species variation and to determine whether this variation was correlated with climatic variables and other plant traits.

Results

Stem endopolyploidy was not associated with climate or other traits. However, leaf endopolyploidy was significantly higher in accessions from drier and colder environments. Moreover, leaf endopolyploidy was positively correlated with apparent chlorophyll content and leaf dry mass.

Conclusions

Endopolyploidy may have a functional role in the storage of chloroplasts and starch, and it may offer an adaptive avenue of tissue growth in cold and dry environments.
“This Isn't Just a Police Issue”: Tensions between Criminal Justice and University Responses to Sexual Assault among College Students
Authors: Javorka McKenzie , Campbell Rebecca
Published: July 2020

Sexual assault among college students is both a crime and a civil rights violation under U.S. federal Title IX policy, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational institutions. The current study sought to understand the extent to which the criminal justice system influences university Title IX proceedings, as well as potential consequences of this influence. For this study, we conducted in‐depth qualitative interviews with a sample of 22 multidisciplinary, nationally‐recognized subject matter experts in the area of campus sexual assault response. The results indicated that criminal justice concepts and goals are indeed being conflated with and influencing university Title IX proceedings. Participants also reported that criminal investigations are often prioritized over or seen as higher quality than Title IX investigations. As a result, participants described diminished educational and civil rights protections for survivors. We discuss how the community psychology values of social justice, promoting health and well‐being, and accountability to oppressed groups can guide future efforts to reduce the spread of criminal justice influence into Title IX, improve existing Title IX proceedings, and explore alternative models of accountability beyond traditional criminal and civil approaches.
A Macrocyclic Gold(I)–Biphenylene Complex: Triangular Molecular Structure with Twisted Au2(diphosphine) Corners and Reductive Elimination of [6]Cycloparaphenylene
Authors: Tsuchido Yoshitaka , Abe Ryota , Ide Tomohito , Osakada Kohtaro
Published: July 2020

The digold(I) complex [Au2Cl2(Cy2PCH2PCy2)] reacts with 4,4′‐diphenylene diboronic acid to form a triangular macrocyclic complex with twisted Au‐P‐C‐P‐Au groups at the three corners. The synthesis of the complex and its chemical oxidation produced [6]cycloparaphenylene ([6]CPP) in 59 % overall yield.
Alkylation‐Terminated Catellani Reactions Using Alkyl Carbagermatranes
Authors: Jiang Wei‐Tao , Xu Meng‐Yu , Yang Shuo , Xie Xiu‐Ying , Xiao Bin
Published: July 2020

The Catellani reaction has received substantial attention because it enables rapid multiple derivatization on aromatics. While using alkyl electrophiles to achieve ortho‐alkylation was one of the earliest applications of the Catellani reaction, ipso‐alkylation‐terminated reactions with β‐H‐containing reactants has not been realized to date. Herein, we report alkylation‐terminated Catellani reaction using alkyl carbagermatranes (abbreviated as alkyl‐Ge) as nucleophiles. The reactivity of alkyl‐Ge and alkyl‐B(OH)2 in this reaction is discussed. This approach enables efficient dialkylation with β‐H‐containing reactants, which was previously inaccessible by Catellani reactions.
Liquid Organic Frameworks: A Liquid Crystalline 8‐Connected Network with Body‐Centered Cubic Symmetry
Authors: Chen Changlong , Poppe Marco , Poppe Silvio , Tschierske Carsten , Liu Feng
Published: July 2020

Liquid state self‐assembly is important for the understanding of the complex structures developed in abiogenesis and biogenesis as well as for numerous potential technological applications. Herein we report the first body‐centered cubic liquid crystalline phase with 8‐connected network topology and open octahedral network structure. It is formed by dynamic soft self‐assembly of X‐shaped polyphiles with oligo(para‐phenylene‐ethynylene) cores. The π‐conjugated rods with perfluorinated inner benzene rings form networks conjoined by eight‐way junctions, which are formed by nano‐segregated spheres involving hydrogen‐bonded polar end groups, while the branched aliphatic chains at opposite sides of the cores fill the continuum. This novel cubic phase is based on the I‐WP minimal surface separating the frameworks of polyaromatic cores from the most disordered chain segments. It can also be considered as a dense sphere packing. Such liquid organic frameworks, representing hybrids of sphere packings and networks could be of interest for organic photonics and other technologies.
The Cupin Protein Pac13 is Suggested by the Data to Be a Homodimer
Authors: Zhang Rundong
Published: July 2020

Cupin proteins share a double‐stranded β‐helix fold, form one of the largest protein superfamilies, and possess remarkable functional diversity. They usually exist in homooligomeric states. Goss and co‐workers recently reported that the cupin protein Pac13, which is a dehydratase that mediates the formation of the 3′‐deoxy nucleoside of pacidamycins, is an unusual small monomer. However, a careful analysis of the biophysical and structural data provided by the authors suggests that Pac13 is in fact a homodimer, similar to many other cupin proteins.
A Paramagnetic NMR Spectroscopy Toolbox for the Characterisation of Paramagnetic/Spin‐Crossover Coordination Complexes and Metal–Organic Cages
Authors: Lehr Marc , Paschelke Tobias , Trumpf Eicke , Vogt Anna‐Marlene , Näther Christian , Sönnichsen Frank D. , McConnell Anna J.
Published: July 2020

The large paramagnetic shifts and short relaxation times resulting from the presence of a paramagnetic centre complicate NMR data acquisition and interpretation in solution. As a result, NMR analysis of paramagnetic complexes is limited in comparison to diamagnetic compounds and often relies on theoretical models. We report a toolbox of 1D (1H, proton‐coupled 13C, selective 1H‐decoupling 13C, steady‐state NOE) and 2D (COSY, NOESY, HMQC) paramagnetic NMR methods that enables unprecedented structural characterisation and in some cases, provides more structural information than would be observable for a diamagnetic analogue. We demonstrate the toolbox's broad versatility for fields from coordination chemistry and spin‐crossover complexes to supramolecular chemistry through the characterisation of CoII and high‐spin FeII mononuclear complexes as well as a Co4L6 cage.
Janus Face All‐cis 1,2,4,5‐tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)‐ and All‐cis 1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexakis(trifluoromethyl)‐ Cyclohexanes
Authors: Yu Cihang , Kütt Agnes , Röschenthaler Gerd‐Volker , Lebl Tomas , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Bühl Michael , O'Hagan David
Published: July 2020

We report the synthesis of all‐cis 1,2,4,5‐tetrakis (trifluoromethyl)‐ and all‐cis 1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexakis (trifluoromethyl)‐ cyclohexanes by direct hydrogenation of precursor tetrakis‐ or hexakis‐ (trifluoromethyl)benzenes. The resultant cyclohexanes have a stereochemistry such that all the CF3 groups are on the same face of the cyclohexyl ring. All‐cis 1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexakis(trifluoromethyl)cyclohexane is the most sterically demanding of the all‐cis hexakis substituted cyclohexanes prepared to date, with a barrier (ΔG) to ring inversion calculated at 27 kcal mol−1. The X‐ray structure of all‐cis 1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexakis(trifluoromethyl)cyclohexane displays a flattened chair conformation and the electrostatic profile of this compound reveals a large diffuse negative density on the fluorine face and a focused positive density on the hydrogen face. The electropositive hydrogen face can co‐ordinate chloride (K≈103) and to a lesser extent fluoride and iodide ions. Dehydrofluorination promoted decomposition occurs with fluoride ion acting as a base.
Thermochemical conversion of oil palm Fiber‐LDPE hybrid waste into biochar
Authors: Adelodun Adedeji A. , Adeniyi Adewale G. , Ighalo Joshua O. , Onifade Damilola V. , Arowoyele Lois T.
Published: July 2020

Typical municipal solid waste (MSW) is composed mainly of biomass and polymers. In this study, the co‐conversion of a feedstock obtained from a mixture of both constituent materials is investigated. The goal of this study was to determine the suitability of a low‐temperature process for achieving biochar with properties that can make it amenable to multiple energy and environmental applications. Co‐carbonization of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) fiber (OPF) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) was conducted at a peak temperature of 529 °C for 80 min in a top‐lit updraft biomass conversion reactor using retort heating. The biochar yields for OPF and OPF‐LDPE were 15.9 wt% and 62.7 wt%, respectively, with the higher yield of the latter attributed to a polymer effect. The OPF and OPF‐LDPE biochars were mesoporous with relatively large specific surface areas of 352.9 and 391.4 m2 g−1, respectively. The addition of LDPE to the OPF feedstock was observed to be advantageous as it improved the biochar yield, carbon content, specific surface area, and pore volume. Consequently, the technology of choice for solid waste management offers key environment‐friendly benefits such as no electrical power requirement, an excellent waste‐to‐wealth approach, and the capacity to be used globally (in remote locations). © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The assessment of the balance system in cranial artery stenosis
Authors: Dorobisz Karolina , Dorobisz Tadeusz , Zatoński Tomasz
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Vertigo and balance disorders are a significant clinical problem, especially in elderly patients. The narrowing of cranial vessels may be asymptomatic or produce neurological symptoms. Very often nonspecific signs of ischemia occur, such as headache, vertigo, or dizziness.

Objective

The objective of the study was to assess the effect of carotid and vertebral arteries stenosis on the function of the equilibrium organ on the basis of electronystagmography and posturography.

Material

The study was conducted in 63 patients, presenting with carotid and vertebral arteries stenosis. The control group consisted of 32 healthy persons.

Methods

All patients were subjected to precise audiological and otoneurological diagnostic examinations. Prior to being qualified for the study, patients were subjected to the assessment of arteries by means of Doppler ultrasonography. The vestibular organ was assessed by means of physical examination as well as by electronystagmography and posturography testing.

Results and conclusions

The study revealed statistically significant reduction in the results of the equilibrium organ assessments in patients with carotid and vertebral arteries sclerosis as compared to the control group. Abnormal ENG records in the study group patients were observed particularly in the pendulum test, optokinetic test, and the assessment of positional nystagmus, possibly indicating disturbances within the central part of the equilibrium system. Disturbed blood flow in arteries had also an important impact on spinovestibular reflexes and resulted in disturbed postural stability control. On the basis of the conducted studies, it is concluded that diagnostic examinations for carotid and vertebral artery stenosis should be performed in patients with equilibrium system disorders.
Cold agglutinin disease following SARS‐CoV‐2 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae co‐infections
Authors: Moonla Chatphatai , Watanaboonyongcharoen Phandee , Suwanpimolkul Gompol , Paitoonpong Leilani , Jantarabenjakul Watsamon , Chanswangphuwana Chantiya , Polprasert Chantana , Rojnuckarin Ponlapat , Putcharoen Opass
Published: July 2020

SARS‐CoV‐2 and other respiratory co‐infections may occur. As Mycoplasma pneumoniae and various viruses can cause cold agglutinin disease (CAD), the presence of CAD in COVID‐19 patients should indicate the need of investigations for those pathogens.
A child with a foreign body in bronchus misdiagnosed as asthma
Authors: Chaudhary Nagendra , Shrestha Sandeep , Kurmi Om P.
Published: July 2020

Foreign body ingestion should be considered as an important differential in a child with difficult asthma. We report an 11‐year‐old male child with foreign body aspiration who initially was diagnosed and treated as difficult asthma. Later on, he was diagnosed to have a foreign body in the right bronchus, which was successfully removed by flexible bronchoscopy.
SMART‐Reactors: Tailoring Gas Holdup Distribution by Additively Manufactured Lattice Structures
Authors: Spille Claas , Lyberis Anastasios , Maiwald Maria Isabelle , Herzog Dirk , Hoffmann Marko , Emmelmann Claus , Schlüter Michael
Published: July 2020

In chemical process engineering, fast gas‐liquid reactions often suffer from an inefficient distribution of gas and therefore mixing and mass transfer performance. This study deals with the possibility of influencing the local gas holdup and bubble size distribution in a gas‐liquid process using additively manufactured lattice structures (AMLS). The used measuring technique to study bubble size, velocity, and the local gas holdup is a photo‐optical needle probe. By using AMLS, a significant radial homogenization of the local gas holdup and the mean bubble size is achieved. Furthermore, it can be demonstrated that the bubble size can be tailored by the geometry of the inserted structure. It is illustrated that the mean bubble velocities are lowered within the lattice resulting in a higher residence time of the dispersed phase with an impact on the mass transfer performance within the AMLS.
Cardiorespiratory fitness improves prediction of mortality of standard cardiovascular risk scores in a Latino population
Authors: Acevedo Mónica , Valentino Giovanna , Bustamante María José , Orellana Lorena , Adasme Marcela , Baraona Fernando , Corbalán Ramón , Navarrete Carlos
Published: July 2020

Background

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a powerful predictor of mortality. This study evaluated the predictive value of CRF for mortality in Chilean subjects without atherosclerotic disease compared with the Framingham, European Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), and 2013 ACC/AHA risk scores and determined the incremental predictive value of CRF when added to these scores.

Hypothesis

CRF improves prediction of all‐cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)‐related mortality of the standard international risk scores.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study, which evaluated 4064 subjects between 2002 and 2016. Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, anthropometric and biochemical parameters, and blood pressure were measured. CRF was determined by metabolic equivalents during maximum stress test. The Framingham, SCORE, and ACC/AHA risk scores were calculated for all subjects. After a median follow‐up of 9 years, all‐cause and CVD‐related mortality were assessed. Receiver operating curves were built to determine mortality prediction for CRF, the risk scores, and CRF added to the scores.

Results

As of August 2016, 99 deaths were reported, 33 of which were CVD‐related. All risk scores and CRF predicted CVD‐related mortality, with CRF identified as the best predictor: CRF: C = 0.88 (95% CI: 0.82‐0.93) vs Framingham: C = 0.68 (95% CI: 0.60‐0.76), SCORE: C = 0.76 (95% CI: 0.70‐0.83), and ACC/AHA: C = 0.79 (95% CI: 0.73‐0.85). Predictive power of the three scores improved when CRF was added to the model, but this was only significant for the Framingham score.

Conclusions

CRF is a good predictor of both, all‐cause and CV mortality and a better predictor of CVD‐related deaths than standard risk scores in this population.
Identifying inbred lines with resistance to endemic diseases in exotic maize germplasm
Authors: Rossi Ezequiel A. , Ruiz Marcos , Bonamico Natalia C. , Balzarini Mónica G.
Published: July 2020

Mal de Rio Cuarto (MRC) and common rust (CR), caused by Mal de Rio Cuarto virus (MRCV) and Puccinia sorghi, respectively, are endemic diseases affecting maize (Zea mays L.) production in Argentina. Exotic maize germplasm is an important source of resistance to these diseases. The aim of this work was to identify maize lines that exhibit MRC and CR resistance. A multienvironment trial was performed to phenotypically assess a diverse panel of inbred lines from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). The maize lines were evaluated using a disease severity index (DSI) for MRC and CR in the central area of Argentina. A multitrait mixed linear model (MLM) was used to identify the lines with the best performance for both diseases and estimate genetic parameters. No correlation of resistance between MRC and CR was found among the tested lines. Additionally, best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs) of genotypic effects were used as response variable to perform a genome‐wide association study (GWAS). The GWAS revealed promising alleles for maize breeding, two associated with MRC and three with CR. Lines with lower DSI for MRC and CR were identified as novel materials for incorporating resistance to the local germplasm.
Make active choices to recruit, retain excellent faculty
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2020

When Carol Fierke, Ph.D., joined Texas A&M University as the Provost and Executive Vice President, she brought with her a wealth of experience in recruiting and retaining a diverse and dedicated pool of faculty from her work at previous institutions. In 2005, at the University of Michigan, Fierke unexpectedly stepped into the role of department chair for the chemistry department and remained department chair for a decade.
Long‐term and interactive effects of different mammalian consumers on growth, survival, and recruitment of dominant tree species
Authors: Cushman J. Hall , Saunders Laura E. , Refsland Tyler K.
Published: July 2020

Throughout the world, numerous tree species are reported to be in decline, either due to increased mortality of established trees or reduced recruitment. The situation appears especially acute for oaks, which are dominant features of many landscapes in the northern hemisphere. Although numerous factors have been hypothesized to explain reductions in tree performance, vertebrate herbivores and granivores may serve as important drivers of these changes. Here, using data from 8‐ and 14‐year‐old exclosure experiments, we evaluated the individual and interactive effects of large and small mammalian herbivores on the performance of three widespread oak species in California—coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), California black oak (Q. kelloggii), and Oregon white oak (Q. garryana). Although impacts varied somewhat by species and experiment, herbivory by black‐tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) reduced the height and survival of juvenile coast live oaks and altered their architecture, as well as reduced the abundance of black oak seedlings, the richness of woody species and the cover of nonoak woody species. Small mammals (Microtus californicus and Peromyscus maniculatus) had even more widespread effects, reducing the abundance of black oak seedlings and the height and cover of all three oak species. We also detected numerous interactions between small mammals and deer, with one herbivore having positive or negative effects on oak abundance and cover when the other herbivore was either present or absent. For example, deer often had negative effects on seedling abundance only when, or even more so when, small mammals were present. In summary, mammalian consumers play crucial roles in limiting oak recruitment by reducing seedling abundance, maintaining trees in stunted states, and preventing them from reaching sapling stages and becoming reproductive. Interactions between large and small mammals can also alter the intensity and direction of their effects on trees.
Temperature‐Sensitive Structural Speciation of Cobalt‐Iminodialcohol‐(N,N'‐Aromatic Chelator) Systems: Lattice Architecture and Spectrochemical Properties
Authors: Matsia Sevasti , Menelaou Melita , Hatzidimitriou Antonios , Tangoulis Vassilis , Lalioti Nikolia , Ioannidis Nikolaos , Blömer Laura , Kersting Berthold , Salifoglou Athanasios
Published: July 2020

Temperature‐sensitive crystalline phases, pertaining to discrete clusters of binary and ternary Co(II,III):iminodipropanol:(N,N'‐aromatic binder) systems, were prepared. The rich structural speciation of such systems in alcoholic media and their unique structural, magnetic, and spectroscopic profiles have been demonstrated. The need to understand the chemical reactivity of such complex ternary Co(II)‐(1,1'‐iminodi‐2‐propanol) systems, in the presence of N,N'‐aromatic chelators 2,2'‐bipyridine and 1,10‐phenanthroline and aromatic binder 4,4'‐bipyridine in methanol, led to the synthetic development of well‐defined hybrid metal‐organic materials with discrete spectroscopic, structural, electrochemical, and magnetic properties. The surprisingly plethoric family of the prepared mononuclear‐trinuclear‐tetranuclear Co(II,III) clusters was characterized through elemental analysis, FT‐IR, and X‐ray crystallography. Enrichment of their physicochemical profile originated from electrochemical, optical (UV/Vis, luminescence), magnetic, and EPR studies, unequivocally supporting their structural formulation. Collectively, the experimentally and theoretically (Bond‐Valence‐Sum, Hirshfeld) perused structures project the influence of molecular stoichiometry and temperature on targeted synthetic efforts toward crystal engineering of discrete Co(II,III)‐center assemblies, exemplifying structure‐reactivity correlations and magneto‐optical‐structural attributes.
Proton‐Switched Emission Behavior of Hexanuclear Molyb‐denum(II) Clusters Bearing Terminal Pyridine Carboxylate Ligands
Authors: Fujii Sho , Tanioka Erina , Sasaki Kohei , Horiguchi Taishiro , Akagi Soichiro , Kitamura Noboru
Published: July 2020

We designed and synthesized a new and novel octahedral hexamolybdenum(II) cluster bearing terminal pyridine‐3‐carboxylate (3L) or pyridine‐4‐carboxylate ligands (4L), [{Mo6Br8}(3L)6]2– (3) or [{Mo6Br8}(4L)6]2– (4), to demonstrate proton‐switched emission behaviour of the cluster. X‐ray crystal analysis of 4 demonstrated that the O‐atom in the carboxylate group of 4L coordinates to each Mo atom in the {Mo6Br8}4+‐core, indicating that the N‐atom of 4L in 4 is open for protonation. Reflecting such structural characteristics of the cluster, both 3 and 4 showed proton‐switched emission behaviour owing to the changes in the electron‐donating abilities of the relevant terminal ligands upon protonation to the pyridine N atoms: blue shifts of the emission spectra and increases in the emission lifetimes of the clusters.
Electrochemical Enzymatic Biosensing of Neotame Supported by Computational Methods
Authors: Lephalala Matshidiso , Kanchi Suvardhan , Sabela Myalowenkosi I. , Bisetty Krishna
Published: July 2020

Herein a highly sensitive electrochemical enzymatic biosensor for the detection of neotame in soft drinks was developed based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with aloe vera‐derived gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and carboxyl esterase (CaE) enzyme to support the wave strengthening strategy. The electrochemical biosensor revealed high sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 27 μg L−1 and 83 μg L−1 respectively. The calibration curve showed a linear dependence of the cathodic peak current on the neotame concentration profile with a correlation factor of 0.9829, signifying an improved electrocatalytic property of the electrode. The good feasibility of the proposed strategy was confirmed by assessing the interactions between the analyte and the enzyme using computational tools. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations of neotame reveal a HOMO‐LUMO energy gap of −0.46618 eV, suggesting a great tendency to act as an electron donor. Furthermore, adsorption and analyte‐enzyme docking studies were carried out to better understand the redox mechanisms. These results revealed that neotame form hydrogen bonds with LEU 249 and GLU251 and other amino acids of the hydrophobic channel of the binding sites, thereby facilitating the redox reaction for the detection of neotame. These outcomes confirm that the aloe vera‐derived AuNPs are good platforms for immobilizing CaE because of its high surface area, promoting the electron transfer from neotame to form an enzyme‐substrate complex, contributing to an enhanced biosensing signal. Furthermore, the enhanced catalytic activity of this enzymatic biosensor for the detection of neotame in soft drinks has huge potential in the food and beverage industry.
Chemical composition and in vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils from different species of Juniperus (section Juniperus)
Authors: Najar Basma , Pistelli Luisa , Mancini Simone , Fratini Filippo
Published: July 2020

The essential oils (EOs) obtained from leaves belonging to three species of Juniperus (section Juniperus) collected in different localities of Italy (six samples of J oxycedrus, one sample of J deltoides and three samples of J macrocarpa), as well as three samples of commercial EOs extracted from Juniperus communis berries, were analysed for their volatile constituents by GC‐MS. The antimicrobial activity of these EOs was tested against both Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica Tiphymurium) and Gram‐positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) ATCC strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The volatile leaf and berry oils were dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (from 39.7% of J oxycedrus to 79.0% J macrocarpa) characterized by high amounts of α‐pinene (an average of 41.3%, 43.0% and 27.6% in J macrocarpa, J oxycedrus and J communis, respectively). On the contrary, limonene was the most abundant compound (20.0%) in J deltoids. The Gram‐positive bacteria evidenced a sensitivity versus EOs extracted from J oxycedrus and J communis, while a moderate susceptibility was showed against J macrocarpa EO J deltoides EO showed the lowest activity between the tested EOs against all the tested strains.
Tide‐induced head fluctuations in coastal aquifers of variable thickness
Authors: Cuello Julián Eduardo , Guarracino Luis
Published: July 2020

In this work, a new analytical solution to describe tide‐induced head fluctuations in aquifers of variable thickness is presented. The proposed model assumes a finite and confined aquifer with a thickness that increases or decreases quadratically with the distance to the coast. A closed‐form analytical solution is obtained by solving a boundary‐value problem with both a separation of variables method and a change of variables method. This solution is a generalization of the solution obtained by Cuello et al., Hydrogeological Journal, 2017, 25, 1509–1515. The analytical solution is expressed in terms of the wedging parameter, a parameter that depends on the length and thicknesses at the coast and at the inland edge of the aquifer. Positive values of the wedging parameter describe aquifers with increasing thickness towards land and negative values describe aquifers with a decreasing thickness in the inland direction. The comparison of the new solution and the solution for a finite aquifer with constant thickness indicates that the sign of the wedging parameter enhances or decreases the amplitude of the tide‐induced signal. However, the differences in time‐lag between both solutions are negligible near the coast. The slope factor, which quantifies the inconsistencies between aquifer diffusivities estimated from attenuation and time‐lag data, is computed and analysed. Near the coast, slope factor values greater than one are obtained for negative wedging parameters while slope factor values less than one are obtained for positive wedging parameters. The analysis of the new solution also indicates that more reliable estimates of the hydraulic diffusivity can be obtained from time‐lag data.
Providing women’s health care during COVID‐19: Personal and professional challenges faced by health workers
Authors: Green Lindsey , Fateen Dahlia , Gupta Devanshi , McHale Thomas , Nelson Tamaryn , Mishori Ranit
Published: July 2020

Health providers for women have experienced challenges during the COVID‐19 pandemic but there are ways to address these challenges.
In vivo dynamic characterization of the human tympanic membrane using pneumatic optical coherence tomography
Authors: Won Jungeun , Porter Ryan G. , Novak Michael A. , Youakim Jon , Sum Ada , Barkalifa Ronit , Aksamitiene Edita , Zhang Anqi , Nolan Ryan , Shelton Ryan , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: July 2020

Decreased mobility of the human eardrum, the tympanic membrane (TM), is an essential indicator of a prevalent middle ear infection. The current diagnostic method to assess TM mobility is via pneumatic otoscopy, which provides subjective and qualitative information of subtle motion. In this study, a handheld spectral‐domain pneumatic optical coherence tomography system was developed to simultaneously measure the displacement of the TM, air pressure inputs applied to a sealed ear canal, and to perform digital pneumatic otoscopy. A novel approach based on quantitative parameters is presented to characterize spatial and temporal variations of the dynamic TM motion. Furthermore, the TM motions of normal middle ears are compared with those of ears with middle ear infections. The capability of noninvasively measuring the rapid motion of the TM is beneficial to understand the complex dynamics of the human TM, and can ultimately lead to improved diagnosis and management of middle ear infections.
Stem cell therapies for COVID‐19: Strategy and application
Authors: Darabi Radbod , Li Yong
Published: July 2020

In this perspective, the potential application of stem cells for the treatment of COVID‐19 related pneumonia and their potential mechanism of action have been overviewed.
Ambient air pollution, meteorology, and COVID‐19 infection in Korea
Authors: Hoang Tung , Tran Tho Thi Anh
Published: July 2020

The outbreak of novel pneumonia coronavirus disease has become a public health concern worldwide. Here, for the first time, the association between Korean meteorological factors and air pollutants and the COVID‐19 infection was investigated. Data of air pollutants, meteorological factors, and daily COVID‐19 confirmed cases of seven metropolitan cities and nine provinces were obtained from 3 February 2020 to 5 May 2020 during the first wave of pandemic across Korea. We applied the generalized additive model to investigate the temporal relationship. There was a significantly nonlinear association between daily temperature and COVID‐19 confirmed cases. Each 1°C increase in temperature was associated with 9% (lag 0‐14; OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.03‐1.15) increase of COVID‐19 confirmed cases when the temperature was below 8°C. A 0.01 ppm increase in NO2 (lag 0‐7, lag 0.14, and lag 0‐21) was significantly associated with increases of COVID‐19 confirmed cases, with ORs (95% CIs) of 1.13 (1.02‐1.25), 1.19 (1.09‐1.30), and 1.30 (1.19‐1.41), respectively. A 0.1 ppm increase in CO (lag 0‐21) was associated with the increase in COVID‐19 confirmed cases (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04‐1.16). There was a positive association between per 0.001 ppm of SO2 concentration (lag 0, lag 0‐7, and lag 0‐14) and COVID‐19 confirmed cases, with ORs (95% CIs) of 1.13 (1.04‐1.22), 1.20 (1.11‐1.31), and 1.15 (1.07‐1.25), respectively. There were significantly temporal associations between temperature, NO2, CO, and SO2 concentrations and daily COVID‐19 confirmed cases in Korea.
Proportion of asymptomatic coronavirus disease 2019: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: He Jingjing , Guo Yifei , Mao Richeng , Zhang Jiming
Published: July 2020

We aim to systematically review the characteristics of asymptomatic infection in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). PubMed and EMBASE were electronically searched to identify original studies containing the rate of asymptomatic infection in COVID‐19 patients before 20 May 2020. Then mate‐analysis was conducted using R version 3.6.2. A total of 50 155 patients from 41 studies with confirmed COVID‐19 were included. The pooled percentage of asymptomatic infection is 15.6% (95% CI, 10.1%‐23.0%). Ten included studies contain the number of presymptomatic patients, who were asymptomatic at screening point and developed symptoms during follow‐up. The pooled percentage of presymptomatic infection among 180 initially asymptomatic patients is 48.9% (95% CI, 31.6%‐66.2%). The pooled proportion of asymptomatic infection among 1152 COVID‐19 children from 11 studies is 27.7% (95% CI, 16.4%‐42.7%), which is much higher than patients from all aged groups. Abnormal CT features are common in asymptomatic COVID‐19 infection. For 36 patients from 4 studies that CT results were available, 15 (41.7%) patients had bilateral involvement and 14 (38.9%) had unilateral involvement in CT results. Reduced white blood cell count, increased lactate dehydrogenase, and increased C‐reactive protein were also recorded. About 15.6% of confirmed COVID‐19 patients are asymptomatic. Nearly half of the patients with no symptoms at detection time will develop symptoms later. Children are likely to have a higher proportion of asymptomatic infection than adults. Asymptomatic COVID‐19 patients could have abnormal laboratory and radiational manifestations, which can be used as screening strategies to identify asymptomatic infection.
Implantation of a Cardiac resynchronization therapy system in a patient with an unroofed coronary sinus
Authors: Groudeva Violeta , Iovev Svetoslav
Published: July 2020

The unroofed coronary sinus (URCS) is a spectrum of cardiac anomalies in which part or all of the common wall between the coronary sinus and the left atrium is absent. Rarely, it is associated with coronary sinus atresia. The diagnosis of this lesion is important for the prognosis of the patient, especially in cases when cardiac interventions such as CRT implantation needs to be performed. It is found incidentally because of nonspecific clinical features. We report a case of a complete URCS and CS atresia during a computed tomographic investigation performed following prior impossibility of LV lead to be implanted.
Projections of tropical cyclone rainfall over land with an Eulerian approach: Case study of three islands in the West Indies
Authors: Cantet Philippe , Belmadani Ali , Chauvin Fabrice , Palany Philippe
Published: July 2020

The latest version of the atmospheric general circulation model ARPEGE‐Climat was used to perform 5‐member ensemble simulations for both present and RCP8.5 scenario climates (mid‐21st century). The rotated/stretched configuration enables a local horizontal resolution of less than 15 km over the tropical North Atlantic basin. Moreover, a tracking algorithm was used to extract tropical cyclones (TCs) simulated by the model. Through an Eulerian approach, this paper focuses on the relationships between TCs and rainfall over three French islands in the West Indies. Although the model underestimates the occurrence of TCs over this latitude band, especially in September, precipitation rates during TC days are realistic. Indeed, the model shows a good capacity to reproduce different relationships between island rainfall and TC characteristics such as proximity and intensity. In addition to rainfall distribution, the TC contribution to annual cumulative rainfall is also well captured by the model. We used three different series characterizing precipitation at the island scale to underline that the model overestimates the area that is impacted by TC rainfall. According to the simulations, the number of minor TCs tends to decrease in the future (about −15%) over the study domain (50–70°W × 10–25°N) despite a +1.6°C over ocean warming. In contrast, no trend was detected in the number of major hurricanes. Except for annual precipitation that decreases significantly in the future (about −15%), no significant change was detected in the relationships between TC properties and island rainfall.
Defining a textbook surgical outcome for patients undergoing surgical resection of intermediate and high‐grade soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities
Authors: Lazarides Alexander L. , Cerullo Marcelo , Moris Dimitrios , Brigman Brian E. , Blazer Dan G. , Eward William C.
Published: July 2020

Background

Quality measures for the surgical management soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity are limited. The purpose of this study was to define a textbook surgical outcome (TO) for soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities (STS‐E) and to examine its associations with hospital volume and overall survival.

Methods

All patients in the National Cancer Database undergoing resection of primary STS‐E between 2004 and 2015 were identified. The primary outcome was a TO, defined as: hospital length of stay (LOS) <75th percentile, survival >90 days from the date of surgery, no readmission within 30 days of discharge, and negative surgical margins (R0 resection).

Results

Overall, 7658 patients met criteria for inclusion; a TO was achieved in 4291 (56%) patients. Of patients who did not achieve TOs, 51.9% (n = 1748) had an extended LOS, and 47.3% (n = 1591) did not have negative margins. Older age, more medical comorbidities, and non‐white or black race were independently associated with not receiving a TO (P = .034). With respect to tumor and treatment characteristics, larger tumor size, lower extremity location and higher grade were independently associated with not receiving a TO (P < .001). Hospital volume was not associated with a TO. TOs conferred a significant survival benefit (hazrds ratio = 0.71 [0.65‐0.78], P < .001). A TO was associated with a 27.5% longer survival time (P < .001).

Conclusions

This study defined a TO in intermediate and high‐grade STS‐E and demonstrated that this outcome measure is associated with overall survival. Facility volume was not associated with a TO.
Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis
Authors: Shin Jin A. , Sun Meixiang , Jeong Jong‐Moon
Published: July 2020

In the present study, we demonstrated that borage (Borago officinalis L.) seed oil subjected to immobilized lipase pretreatment are enriched with linoleic acid (LNA, 18:2n‐6), γ‐linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3n‐6), and oleic acid (OLA, 18:1n‐9). We further showed that lipase‐treated borage oil (LT‐BOL) regulates the activity and degradation of tyrosinase, an important enzyme implicated in the synthesis of melanin in murine melanocytes, B16F10. LT‐BOL and its free fatty acid components reduced the levels of melanin and tyrosinase in melanocytes with GLA exerting similar or stronger effects compared with LNA and OLA. The brightening efficacy of LT‐BOL on melanin metabolism in humans was tested by an 8‐week, double‐blind, randomized clinical trial, which enrolled 21 Korean female adults (mean age 48.57 ± 3.28). Visual evaluation showed that cream containing 1% LT‐BOL significantly decreased (p < 0.05) melasma on the treated skin area after 6 and 8 weeks. The analysis of the skin brightness using Chromameter CR‐400 confirmed that the brightness of the treated area was significantly increased (p < 0.01) after 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Together, our results suggest that LT‐BOL may be suitable as a natural skin whitening cosmeceutical product.
Control the Mechanical Properties and Degradation of Poly(Glycerol Sebacate) by Substitution of the Hydroxyl Groups with Palmitates
Authors: Ding Xiaochu , Chen Ying , Chao Corson Andrew , Wu Yen‐Lin , Wang Yadong
Published: July 2020

Mechanical properties and degradation profile are important parameters for the applications of biodegradable polyester such as poly(glycerol sebacate) in biomedical engineering. Here, a strategy is reported to make palmitate functionalized poly(glycerol sebacate) (PPGS) to alter the polymer hydrophobicity, crystallinity, microstructures and thermal properties. The changes of these intrinsic properties impart tunable degradation profiles and mechanical properties to the resultant elastomers depending on the palmitate contents. When the palmitates reach up to 16 mol%, the elastic modulus is tuned from initially 838 ± 55 kPa for the PGS to 333 ± 21 kPa for the PPGS under the same crosslinking conditions. The elastomer undergoes reversible elastic deformations for at least 1000 cycles within 20% strain without failure and shows enhanced elasticity. The polymer degradation is simultaneously inhibited because of the increased hydrophobicity. This strategy is different with other PGS modifications which could form a softer elastomer with less crosslinks but typically lead to a quicker degradation. Because the materials are made from endogenous molecules, they possess good cytocompatibility similar to the PGS control. Although these materials are designed specifically for small arteries, it is expected that they will be useful for other soft tissues too.
Gum Acacia‐cl‐poly(acrylamide)@carbon nitride Nanocomposite Hydrogel for Adsorption of Ciprofloxacin and its Sustained Release in Artificial Ocular Solution
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Thakur Bharti , Kumar Amit , Sharma Shweta , Naushad Mu. , Stadler Florian J.
Published: July 2020

In the present work, a nanocomposite hydrogel is designed consisting of gum acacia, poly(acrylamide) and carbon nitride by facile microwave approach. This nanocomposite hydrogel is sensitive to environmental stimuli which is essential for its application in environmental remediation and as a drug delivery system. The effects of carbon nitride percentage and microwave Watt variation on swelling capacity of gum acacia‐cl‐poly(acrylamide)@carbon nitride (Ga‐cl‐PAM@C3N4) nanocomposite hydrogel are analyzed. The structural characterizations are considered by numerous techniques such as FTIR (Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy), X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and elemental mapping. Batch experiment is performed for remediation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) drug from water. Various parameters such as effect of ciprofloxacin doses, Ga‐cl‐PAM@C3N4 nanocomposite hydrogel dosage, pH, time and temperature for adsorption of CIP on gum acacia‐cl‐poly(acrylamide)@carbon nitride nanocomposite hydrogel is examined. Maximum adsorption capacity of Ga‐cl‐PAM@C3N4 nanocomposite hydrogel observed is 169.49 mg g−1 at pH 6.4. The drug loading and drug release capacity of Ga‐cl‐PAM@C3N4 nanocomposite hydrogel is investigated for ciprofloxacin. Drug release is monitored in artificial ocular solution (pH 8), saline (pH 5.5), acetate buffer (pH 2.2), and distilled water. Maximum drug release is observed in artificial ocular solution.
Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of PA6 Blending with Talcum for Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: Guo Zhengchuan , Peng Xingshuang , Sang Lin
Published: July 2020

The objective of this work is to fabricate polyamide 6 (PA6) composite filament with enhanced mechanical properties and low cost for fused deposition modeling (FDM). The composite filaments are obtained by compounding PA6 and talcum fillers and then single screw extruding. Virgin PA6 and commercial e‐PA6 are set as controls. First, the rheological behaviors and thermal properties of PA6/talc, PA6, and e‐PA6 pellet materials are investigated, including viscosity, melting temperature, crystallinity, and decomposition temperature, which are important parameters for fabricating filament feedstocks. The results show that 10 wt% addition of talcum content accelerates the increase of the viscosity among the processing temperature. Accordingly, virgin PA6 and PA6/talc5 with good flowability are produced and subsequently evaluated by tensile and flexural tests. It is notable that the introduction of talcum increases the diameter constant and shape stability of PA6‐based filament. Also, it is found that both PA6 and Pa6/talc5 filaments exhibit superior tensile properties to the commercial e‐PA6 counterparts. Especially, PA6/talc5 filaments achieve the maximum tensile yield strength of 67.1 MPa and modulus of 3.10 GPa. Finally, auxetic lattice parts are successfully printed via FDM using lab‐made PA6, PA6/talc5, and commercial e‐PA6 filaments, and PA6/talc5 exhibits remarkable loading and energy absorption capability.
A novel CACNA1A variant in a child with early stroke and intractable epilepsy
Authors: Gudenkauf Franciska J. , Azamian Mahshid S. , Hunter Jill V. , Nayak Anuranjita , Lalani Seema R.
Published: July 2020

Background

CACNA1A variants have been described in several disorders that encompass a wide range of neurologic phenotypes, including hemiplegic migraine, ataxia, cognitive delay, and epilepsy. To date, ischemic stroke caused by a CACNA1A variant has only been reported once in the literature.

Methods

We describe a 4‐year‐old female with recurrent ischemic strokes beginning at 6 weeks of age, intractable epilepsy, and significant global developmental delay. Exome sequencing (ES) was completed for her evaluation.

Results

We found a novel de novo, likely pathogenic variant, p.Leu1692Gln in CACNA1A by ES. The substitution affects a leucine residue that is highly conserved in species from fish to primates.

Conclusion

We present the second case of recurrent ischemic strokes in a patient with CACNA1A mutation. Our findings expand the phenotypic heterogeneity related to Cav2.1 (P/Q‐type) calcium channel dysfunction and suggest consideration of CACNA1A disorder in evaluation of pediatric strokes.
Surface‐dependent growth kinematics in euclidean 3‐space
Authors: Öncül Sezen , Özdemir Zehra , Gök İsmail
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we investigate the surface‐dependent growth model in Euclidean 3‐space. The surface‐dependent model is developed for modeling the kinematics of surface growth for objects that can be generated by the curves on the surface, such as parasites and plants. This paper includes two main purposes for this model. The first is to parameterize this model using quaternions and homothetic motions, while expressing matrix representations of the surface‐dependent growth model. The second one is to construct the surface‐dependent growth model by using the growth velocity components related to the Darboux frame at each point of the generating curve. Moreover, to support the theory studied in the paper, various examples are illustrated.