bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Back and to the Future: From Neurotoxin‐Induced to Human Parkinson's Disease Models
Authors: Airavaara Mikko , Parkkinen Ilmari , Konovalova Julia , Albert Katrina , Chmielarz Piotr , Domanskyi Andrii
Published: February 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age‐related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor, slowness of movement, rigidity, and postural instability, as well as non‐motor features like sleep disturbances, loss of ability to smell, depression, constipation, and pain. Motor symptoms are caused by depletion of dopamine in the striatum due to the progressive loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Approximately 10% of PD cases are familial arising from genetic mutations in α‐synuclein, LRRK2, DJ‐1, PINK1, parkin, and several other proteins. The majority of PD cases are, however, idiopathic, i.e., having no clear etiology. PD is characterized by progressive accumulation of insoluble inclusions, known as Lewy bodies, mostly composed of α‐synuclein and membrane components. The cause of PD is currently attributed to cellular proteostasis deregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, which are likely interdependent. In addition, neuroinflammation is present in brains of PD patients, but whether it is the cause or consequence of neurodegeneration remains to be studied. Rodents do not develop PD or PD‐like motor symptoms spontaneously; however, neurotoxins, genetic mutations, viral vector‐mediated transgene expression and, recently, injections of misfolded α‐synuclein have been successfully utilized to model certain aspects of the disease. Here, we critically review the advantages and drawbacks of rodent PD models and discuss approaches to advance pre‐clinical PD research towards successful disease‐modifying therapy. © 2020 The Authors.
Partner with law enforcement on events to engage community members with disabilities
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2020

When law enforcement officials encounter individuals with physical or mental disabilities, it is often a stressful situation, said Mark Barley, a Sergeant in the Police Department at Santa Fe College. He and others in the department created the annual Run with the Cops event to help members of that population to see officers as people like anyone else, Barley said. The noncompetitive event invites them to run, walk, or roll in wheelchairs alongside officers.
Vegetation structure and ground cover attributes describe the occurrence of a newly discovered carnivorous marsupial on the Tweed Shield Volcano caldera, the endangered black‐tailed dusky antechinus (Antechinus arktos)
Authors: Riordan Caitlin E. , Pearce Coral , McDonald Bill J. F. , Gynther Ian , Baker Andrew M.
Published: February 2020

The black‐tailed dusky antechinus (Antechinus arktos) is a recently discovered, endangered, carnivorous marsupial mammal endemic to the Tweed Shield Volcano caldera, straddling the border between Queensland and New South Wales in eastern Australia. The species' preference for cool, high‐altitude habitats makes it particularly vulnerable to a shifting climate as these habitats recede. Aside from basic breeding and dietary patterns, the species' ecology is largely unknown. Understanding fine‐scale habitat attributes preferred by this endangered mammal is critical to employ successful conservation management. Here, we assess vegetation attributes of known habitats over three sites at Springbrook and Border Ranges National Parks, including detailed structure data and broad floristic assessment.

Floristic compositional assessment of the high‐altitude cloud rainforest indicated broad similarities. However, only 22% of plant species were shared between all sites indicating a high level of local endemism. This suggests a diverse assemblage of vegetation across A. arktos habitats.

Habitat characteristics were related to capture records of A. arktos to determine potential fine‐scale structural habitat requirements. Percentage of rock cover and leaf litter were the strongest predictors of A. arktos captures across survey sites, suggesting a need for foraging substrate and cover. Habitat characteristics described here will inform predictive species distribution models of this federally endangered species and are applicable to other mammal conservation programs.
Fish life history trends indicate increasing flow stochasticity in an unregulated river
Authors: Hitt Nathaniel P. , Rogers Karli M. , Kelly Zachary A. , Henesy Josh , Mullican John E.
Published: February 2020

Life history theory provides a framework to understand environmental change based on species traits that capitalize on stable, predictable, or stochastic environmental conditions. We evaluated life history strategies and temporal trends in abundance from 1975 to 2017 for 28 fish species within the Potomac River of eastern North America. Multivariate analysis identified life history strategies defined by small‐bodied species with extended spawning seasons and early maturation (opportunistic strategists), large‐bodied species with delayed maturation and long lifespans (periodic strategists), and intermediate‐sized species exhibiting parental care (equilibrium strategists). Linear mixed models detected temporal trends in abundance for 13 species (46%), of which nine increased and four decreased over time. Increasing species were characterized by opportunistic life history strategies (e.g., banded killifish, Fundulus diaphanous; mosquito fish, Gambusia holbrooki), whereas decreasing species were characterized by periodic or equilibrium strategies (e.g., smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu; river chub, Nocomis micropogon). Recent introductions can account for temporal increases in some cases, but most increasing species are native to the study area. Observed increases in opportunistic native species and decreases in periodic and equilibrium species indicate that environmental conditions have become less stable and less predictable over time, consistent with observed increases in spring peak flows in the study area. Our study indicates the importance of environmental stochasticity for fish community responses to land use and climate change and demonstrates the utility of life history theory in this regard.
Prevalence of elevated liver enzymes and its association with type 2 diabetes: A cross‐sectional study in Bangladeshi adults
Authors: Islam Shiful , Rahman Sadaqur , Haque Tangigul , Sumon Abu Hasan , Ahmed AZ Mahbub , Ali Nurshad
Published: February 2020

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major public health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. The relationship between liver enzymes and T2D has been reported in limited studies; however, there is still a lack of evidence for the Bangladeshi population. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of elevated liver enzymes and examine its association with the prevalence of T2D in Bangladeshi adults.

Methods

A total of 270 individuals (110 diabetic and 160 nondiabetic) were enrolled in the study. Alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT, AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities were measured in blood serum collected from them. T2D was defined as fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥126 mg/dL or self‐reported recent use of insulin or antidiabetic medications. Association between liver enzymes and T2D was evaluated by multinomial logistic regression analysis.

Results

Overall, 61.2% of participants in T2D and 37.1% of participants in the nondiabetes group had at least one or more elevated liver enzymes. The mean concentrations of serum ALT, AST, ALP and GGT were significantly higher in the T2D group compared to the nondiabetes group. The prevalence of elevated liver enzymes was significantly higher in the diabetes group compared to the nondiabetes group (P < .01). In regression analysis, serum GGT activity showed an independent association with the prevalence of T2D.

Conclusions

A high prevalence of elevated liver enzymes was observed in subjects having diabetes. Increased serum GGT activity was independently associated with the prevalence of T2D among Bangladeshi adults. More studies of this nature should be carried out in developing countries to get proper insights into the involvement of liver enzymes in T2D.
An integrated smoothed particle hydrodynamics model for complex interfacial flows with large density ratios
Authors: Zhu G. X. , Zou L.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, an integrated smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model for complex interfacial flows with large density ratios is developed. The discrete continuity equation and acceleration equation are obtained by considering the time derivative of the volume of particle and Eckart's continuum Lagrangian equation. A continuum surface force model is used to meet the fact that surface force may not be distributed uniformly on each side of the interface. An improved boundary condition is imposed to model wall free‐slip and no‐slip condition for interfacial flows with large density ratios. Particle shifting algorithm (PSA) is added for interfacial flows by imposing the normal correction near the interface, called as Interface‐PSA. Then four representative numerical examples, including droplet deformation, Rayleigh‐Taylor instability, dam breaking, and bubble rising, are presented and compared well with reference data. It is demonstrated that inherent interfacial flow physics can be well captured, including surface tension and the dynamic evolution of the complex interfaces.
An adaptive moving finite element method for steady low Mach number compressible combustion problems
Authors: Sun Zhen , Braack Malte , Lang Jens
Published: February 2020

This work surveys an r‐adaptive moving mesh finite element method for the numerical solution of premixed laminar flame problems. Since the model of chemically reacting flow involves many different modes with diverse length scales, the computation of such a problem is often extremely time‐consuming. Importantly, to capture the significant characteristics of the flame structure when using detailed chemistry, a much more stringent requirement on the spatial resolution of the interior layers of some intermediate species is necessary. Here, we propose a moving mesh method in which the mesh is obtained from the solution of so‐called moving mesh partial differential equations. Such equations result from the variational formulation of a minimization problem for a given target functional that characterizes the inherent difficulty in the numerical approximation of the underlying physical equations. Adaptive mesh movement has emerged as an area of intense research in mesh adaptation in the last decade. With this approach, points are only allowed to be shifted in space leaving the topology of the grid unchanged. In contrast to methods with local refinement, data structure hence is unchanged and load balancing is not an issue as grid points remain on the processor where they are. We will demonstrate the high potential of moving mesh methods for effectively optimizing the distribution of grid points to reach the required resolution for chemically reacting flows with extremely thin boundary layers.
Power calculation for the general two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Deng Lu , Zhang Han , Yu Kai
Published: February 2020

Mendelian randomization (MR) study has become a powerful approach to assess the potential causal effect of a risk exposure on an outcome. Most current MR studies are conducted under the two‐sample setting by combining summary data from two separate genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), with one providing measures on associations between genetic markers and the risk exposure, and the other on associations between genetic markers and the outcome. We develop a power calculation procedure for the general two‐sample MR study, allowing for the use of multiple genetic markers, and shared participants between the two GWAS. This procedure requires a few easy‐to‐interpret parameters and is validated through extensive simulation studies.
Prognostic value of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐inducing transcription factors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wan Yuehan , Liu Haichao , Zhang Ming , Huang Zhengxian , Zhou Han , Zhu Yue , Tao Yifan , Xie Nan , Liu Xiqiang , Hou Jinsong , Wang Cheng
Published: February 2020

Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in cancer progression and is primarily regulated by several EMT‐inducing transcription factors (EMT‐TFs), including TWIST1, TWIST2, SNAI1, SNAI2, ZEB1, and ZEB2. However, the prognostic value of EMT‐TFs remains controversial in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Studies on the prognostic role of EMT‐TFs in HNSCC were searched for in the Web of Science, Science Direct, Proquest, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. Meta‐analysis was performed by using Revman 5.2 software. The pooled analysis showed that overexpression of EMT‐TFs indicated a poor overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.67‐2.23) of HNSCC. Subgroup analysis for individual EMT‐TFs revealed that overexpression of TWIST1 (HR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.29‐2.02), SNAI1 (HR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.63‐2.88), SNAI2 (HR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.38‐2.62), and ZEB1 (HR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.61‐4.53) were significantly associated with poor OS of HNSCC. These findings support the hypothesis that overexpression of EMT‐TFs indicates a poor prognosis for HNSCC patients.
Dividend announcements signaling role in financial reporting certification
Authors: Akron Sagi , Barak Ronen , Taussig Roi D.
Published: February 2020

This paper demonstrates a crucial signaling role for dividend announcements in the certification of corporate financial reporting. In light of the great financial reporting scandals of the 2000s, we adjust a price‐diffusion model to asymmetric information friction, such that first‐stage unexpected earnings announcements are conditionally absorbed by the market, depending on the corporate governance—level of the firm's transparency. In the second stage, the firm undertakes a complement dividend announcement‐signaling act, certifying the first‐stage earnings surprise announcement, in light of the firm's transparency. We conjecture theoretically and confirm empirically that the dividend announcement's cumulative abnormal return (CAR) is negatively and statistically significant, depending on the interaction between the unexpected earnings announcement's magnitude and the corporate transparency level. Hence, the study demonstrates a key role of dividend announcement, signaling the market about the initial financial reporting credibility. Specifically, low transparency level firms are incentivized to certify their preliminary financial reporting by dividend announcements, to alleviate the market hesitant absorption of their positive earnings surprise.
ROR2 promotes the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition by regulating MAPK/p38 signaling pathway in breast cancer
Authors: Xu Jin , Shi Junfeng , Tang Weiwei , Jiang Peng , Guo Muhong , Zhang Bin , Ma Ge
Published: February 2020

Receptor tyrosine kinase‐like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2) is a tyrosine‐protein kinase receptor highly implicated in the growth plate and cartilage development, which may be involved in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer (BC) cells. Although ROR2 is known to promote the migration of BC cells, the detailed mechanism of this event is still not clear. Here, we found that ROR2 expression was significantly increased in BC lymphatic metastatic tissue as well as BC samples compared to normal adjacent breast tissues. A higher expression of ROR2 in MDA‐MB‐231 and a lower expression of ROR2 in MCF‐7 cells were observed. MDA‐MB‐231‐siROR2 cells with ROR2 knockdown inhibited MDA‐MB‐231 cell invasion, migration, and clonal formation, while MCF‐7‐OvROR2 cells with overexpression showed the opposite results. The underlying mechanisms involved in ROR2‐induced EMT in MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells were further investigated. ROR2 may activate EMT progression in BC cells by altering MAPK kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6) expression. The expressions of transforming growth factor‐β, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), and MMP‐9, which were related to tumor cell invasion activities, were notably increased in MCF‐7‐OvROR2 cells. The EMT markers, including snail, N‐cadherin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1, and vimentin, were significantly upregulated in MCF‐7‐OvROR2 cells. On the contrary, E‐cadherin was obviously reduced expressed in MCF‐7‐OvROR2 cells. ROR2 may regulate the malignant phenotype of BC cells possibly via activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/p38 signaling pathway. Collectively, ROR2 promotes BC carcinogenesis by mediating the MAPK/p38 pathway, which is independent of Wnt5α.
Meta‐stereotypes among women living homeless: Content, uniformity, and differences based on gender in Madrid, Spain
Authors: Vázquez José Juan , Panadero Sonia
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the content and degree of uniformity of meta‐stereotypes among women living homeless in Madrid, Spain, and the differences with their male counterparts. The study was conducted utilizing a structured interview with a representative sample of men living homeless (n = 158) and a convenience sample of a similar size (n = 138) of women living homeless. The results show that the meta‐stereotypes of women living homeless in Madrid are characterized by mainly negative (e.g., consumers of alcohol, drug users, lazy, criminals) or indulgent (e.g., physically and psychologically worn out, rejected by society, sick) contents, with very limited positive (e.g., courteous, respectful, polite) contents, and a high degree of uniformity. There are no major differences in the content of meta‐stereotypes of the female interviewees in terms of their age, academic background, motherhood, or nationality. Compared to men in the same situation, a larger percentage of women living homeless agree with negative and indulgent meta‐stereotypes, and a smaller percentage agree with positive meta‐stereotypes.
A 16‐mRNA signature optimizes recurrence‐free survival prediction of Stages II and III gastric cancer
Authors: Peng Ke , Chen Erbao , Li Wei , Cheng Xi , Yu Yiyi , Cui Yuehong , Li Qian , Wang Yan , Xu Xiaojing , Tang Cheng , Gan Lu , Yu Shan , Liu Tianshu
Published: February 2020

High‐throughput messenger RNA (mRNA) analysis has become a powerful tool for exploring tumor recurrence or metastasis mechanisms. Here, we constructed a signature to predict the recurrence risk of Stages II and III gastric cancer (GC) patients. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method Cox regression model was utilized to construct the signature. Using this method, a 16‐mRNA signature was identified to be associated with the relapse‐free survival of Stages II and III GCs in training dataset GSE62254 (n = 194). Then this signature was validated in an independent Gene Expression Omnibus cohort GSE26253 (n = 297) and a dataset of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; n = 235). This classifier could successfully screen out the high‐risk Stages II and III GCs in the training cohort (hazard ratio [HR] = 40.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.58–299.7; p < .0001). Analysis in two independent validation cohorts yielded consistent results (GSE26253: HR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.17–2.43,; p = .0045; TCGA: HR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.13–3.56, p = .0146). Cox regression analyses revealed that the risk score derived from this signature was an independent risk factor in Stages II and III GCs. Besides, a nomogram was constructed to serve clinical practice. Through gene set variation analysis, we found several gene sets associated with chemotherapeutic drug resistance and tumor metastasis significantly enriched in high‐risk patients. In summary, this 16‐mRNA signature can be used as a powerful tool for prognostic evaluation and help clinicians identify high‐risk patients.
Retracted: The lncRNA SNHG3 accelerates papillary thyroid carcinoma progression via the miR‐214‐3p/PSMD10 axis
Authors: Sui Guoqing , Zhang Butian , Fei Dan , Wang Hui , Guo Feng , Luo Qiang
Published: February 2020

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (SNHG3) is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), which is known to promote oncogenesis in many cancers but its role in human papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains poorly understood. We therefore assessed SNHG3 expression in PTC tissues via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We additionally knocked down SNHG3 in PTC cells using short‐hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) to explore its functional roles in PTC. The ability of SNHG3 to bind to specific microRNAs (miRNAs) was predicted using a bioinformatics tool, and this binding was confirmed via dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. We then used a tumor xenograft model to assess the relevance of SNHG3 in vivo. We determined SNHG3 expression to be elevated in PTC tissues relative to controls, with advanced tumor‐node‐metastasis stage and lymph node metastasis being associated with this expression. Knocking down SNHG3 significantly reduced in vitro PTC cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and colony formation, and it further slowed the growth of tumors in vivo. We found that SNHG3 could bind to miR‐214‐3p as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for this miRNA, thereby regulating proteasome 26S subunit non‐ATPase 10 (PSMD10) expression, a miR‐214‐3p target. These results thus indicate that SNHG3 is an oncogenic lncRNA in PTC, acting at least in part via the miR‐214‐3p/PSMD10 axis.
Ultrasonic accelerated efficient synthesis of aminobenzochromenes using Ag2Cr2O7 nanoparticles as a reusable heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Ebrahimi Mitra , Abdolmohammadi Shahrzad , Kia‐Kojoori Reza
Published: February 2020

Ag2Cr2O7 nanoparticles were found to be an exceedingly effective catalyst for the mild and green synthesis of aminobenzochromenes. The reaction was performed under ultrasonic irradiation as an innocuous tool and in water as a green solvent at room temperature. This method encompasses several sustainable and economic benefits.
Synthesis, biological screening, in silico study and fingerprint applications of novel 1, 2, 4‐triazole derivatives
Authors: Khan Ghouse , Sreenivasa Swamy , Govindaiah Shivaraja , Chandramohan Vivek , Shetty P Raghurama
Published: February 2020

A series of novel 1,2,4 triazole derivatives were synthesized by treating 4‐bromo‐2‐(4H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐yl)aniline (4) with different substituted benzene sulfonyl chlorides 5(a‐f) and benzyl bromides 7(a‐e). IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and mass analysis confirmed the structures of the newly synthesized compounds. All derivatives were screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against two bacterial strains viz Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans, anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma and also cytotoxicity activity against MDA‐MB 231 and A375 cancer cell lines. It was found that some of the derivatives showed significant antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, and cytotoxic activities when compared to respective standard drugs. Molecular docking studies have assisted the theoretical binding mode of the target molecules. Compounds were also explored for fingerprint application.
DNA damage and repair in Parkinson's disease: Recent advances and new opportunities
Authors: Gonzalez‐Hunt Claudia P. , Sanders Laurie H.
Published: February 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common movement neurodegenerative disorder. Although our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis in PD has greatly expanded, this knowledge thus far has failed to translate into disease‐modifying therapies. Therefore, it is of the utmost urgency to interrogate further the multifactorial etiology of PD. DNA repair defects cause many neurodegenerative diseases. An exciting new PD research avenue is the role that DNA damage and repair may play in neuronal death. The goal of this mini‐review was to discuss the evidence for the types of DNA damage that accumulates in PD, which has provided clues for which DNA repair pathways, such as DNA double‐strand break repair, are dysfunctional. We further highlight compelling data for activation of the DNA damage response in familial and idiopathic PD. The significance of DNA damage and repair is emerging in the PD field and linking these insights to PD pathogenesis may provide new insights into PD pathophysiology and consequently lead to new therapies.
Lipid Emulsion Use in Pediatric Patients Requiring Long‐Term Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Goulet Olivier J. , Cai Wei , Seo Jeong‐Meen
Published: February 2020

The ability to deliver nutrients via parenteral nutrition (PN) has markedly improved the prognosis of infants and children with intestinal failure. Technical refinements and advances in knowledge have led to the development of highly sophisticated PN solutions that are tailored to meet the needs of pediatric patients. However, children who require long‐term PN have an increased risk of complications such as catheter‐related sepsis, liver disease, and bone disease. Although the pathogenesis of intestinal failure associated liver disease (IFALD) is multifactorial, studies have identified a possible link between the dose of lipid emulsions based on soybean oil and cholestasis, shown to occur with a significantly higher frequency in patients receiving >1 g lipids/kg/d. Potential contributing factors include oxidative stress, high ω‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and phytosterol content, and relatively low α‐tocopherol levels. Lipid emulsions containing fish oil offer potential advantages compared with traditional emulsions with a high soybean oil content, such as decreased ω‐6 and increased ω‐3 PUFA concentrations, high concentrations of α‐tocopherol, and reduced phytosterol content. Studies in PN‐dependent children at risk for IFALD have shown that lipid emulsions containing fish oil reduce the risk of cholestasis and improve biochemical measures of hepatobiliary function compared with pure soybean oil emulsions. This review summarizes evidence regarding the role of lipid emulsions in the management of pediatric patients with intestinal failure requiring long‐term PN, with a particular focus on the prevention and treatment of IFALD.
Analysis of temperature‐dependent Raman spectra of minerals: Statistical approaches
Authors: Pankrushina Elizaveta A. , Kobuzov Aleksandr S. , Shchapova Yuliya V. , Votyakov Sergey L.
Published: February 2020

The application of statistical methods to Raman spectroscopy is due to the need to analyse arrays of poorly resolved mineral spectra having low symmetry, large unit cells, and so forth. For the diagnosis of spectral changes under the influence of an external factor, as well as for the determination of critical values, statistical methods for the treatment of the spectrum profile provide more accuracy than a peak‐fitting procedure. The following algorithms for calculating statistical ξ parameters are used to parameterise I(ν,T) arrays of temperature‐dependent Raman spectra: Pearson correlation coefficient characterising the similarity/difference of signals; autocorrelation function, proposed earlier for estimating the weighted average width of spectral lines; and skewness and kurtosis, the parameters of the distribution of signal intensity. The ξ(T) relations were analysed for the synthetic and experimental spectra of natural zircon, titanite, and synthetic quartz in the range of T = 80–870 K. For zircon, the differences in the anharmonic behaviour of modes having various properties and symmetry are shown through the use of ξ(T). For quartz, at the temperatures preceding the displacive α–β phase transition, statistical analysis reveals the spectral region of soft modes, allowing their T‐behaviour to be analysed. For titanite, the critical temperature range corresponding to the displacive α–βγ phase transition is determined by differentiating ξ(T). The results show the potential of using a statistical approach for the rapid detection of spectral and temperature regions responding differently to an external effect, as well as for evaluating the critical values of an external parameter.
How rootstock/scion combinations affect watermelon fruit quality after harvest?
Authors: Fallik Elazar , Ziv Carmit
Published: February 2020

Grafting of vegetable seedlings is a unique horticultural technology, practiced for more than five decades, aiming to overcome problems associated with intensive cultivation on limited arable land. Grafting can protect vegetables against soil‐borne diseases and nematodes; against abiotic stresses such as high or low temperatures, salinity, drought or excessive soil‐water content; and against elevated soil concentrations of heavy metals and organic pollutants. Watermelon is one of the most popular vegetables to be grafted, and more than 90% of the plants worldwide are commercially grafted. This mini review aims to summarize the latest available information about the effects of rootstock/scion combinations with respect to enhancing or impairing watermelon fruit‐quality. A better understand of the influence of rootstock/scion compatibility or incompatibility on fruit‐quality parameters will facilitate decision‐making by growers and direct breeding programs to produce high‐quality grafted fruits in a cost‐effective manner. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of Maillard reaction product of xylose–pea protein enzymatic hydrolysate in 3D printing
Authors: Zhou Quancheng , Wang Meng , Li Hui , Wang Sai , Sun Wanting , Chen Xuanhong , Dong Leichao , Ruan Zheng
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

This paper aims to provide a basis for the application of Maillard reaction products and ideas for 3D printing of functional food.

RESULTS

We evaluated the effects of pea protein enzymatic hydrolysate–xylose Maillard reaction products (xMRPs) on the printability of 3D printing materials and the structure using various techniques. It was found that compared with the addition of enzymatic hydrolysate, the materials with xMRPs and 3D printing could significantly improve the structure, physical properties, formability of 3D printing materials and 3D print products, among which the xMRPs with 6 g of xylose had the most significant effect.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has important scientific value and practical significance for the high‐valued application of Millard reaction products and the promotion of the practical application of 3D printing technology in the food industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A homozygous missense variant of SUMF1 in the Bedouin population extends the clinical spectrum in ultrarare neonatal multiple sulfatase deficiency
Authors: Staretz‐Chacham Orna , Schlotawa Lars , Wormser Ohad , Golan‐Tripto Inbal , Birk Ohad S. , Ferreira Carlos R. , Dierks Thomas , Radhakrishnan Karthikeyan
Published: February 2020

Background

Multiple sulfatase deficiency (MSD, MIM #272200) is an ultrarare congenital disorder caused by SUMF1 mutation and often misdiagnosed due to its complex clinical presentation. Impeded by a lack of natural history, knowledge gained from individual case studies forms the source for a reliable diagnosis and consultation of patients and parents.

Methods

We collected clinical records as well as genetic and metabolic test results from two MSD patients. The functional properties of a novel SUMF1 variant were analyzed after expression in a cell culture model.

Results

We report on two MSD patients—the first neonatal type reported in Israel—both presenting with this most severe manifestation of MSD. Our patients showed uniform clinical symptoms with persistent pulmonary hypertension, hypotonia, and dysmorphism at birth. Both patients were homozygous for the same novel SUMF1 mutation (c.1043C>T, p.A348V). Functional analysis revealed that the SUMF1‐encoded variant of formylglycine‐generating enzyme is highly instable and lacks catalytic function.

Conclusion

The obtained results confirm genotype‒phenotype correlation in MSD, expand the spectrum of clinical presentation and are relevant for diagnosis including the extremely rare neonatal severe type of MSD.
Vascularized pedicled bone graft from the distal radius supplied by the anterior interosseous artery for treatment of ulnar shaft nonunion: An anatomical study of cadavers and a case report
Authors: Hasegawa Hideo , Shimizu Takamasa , Omokawa Shohei , Kawamura Kenji , Sananpanich Kanit , Mahakkanukrauh Pasuk , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: February 2020

Background

A vascularized distal radius graft can be a reliable solution for the treatment of refractory ulnar nonunion. The aim of this study is to establish the anatomical basis of a vascularized bone graft pedicled by the anterior interosseous artery and report its clinical application, using cadaveric studies and a case report.

Methods

Fourteen fresh frozen cadaveric upper limbs were used. The branches of the anterior interosseous artery (the 2, 3 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery and the fourth extensor compartment artery) were measured at the bifurcation site. The anatomical relationship between the anterior interosseous artery and motor branches of the posterior interosseous nerve was investigated. An anterior interosseous artery pedicled bone flap was used in a 48‐year‐old woman with refractory ulnar nonunion.

Results

There were two variations depending on whether the 2,3 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery branched off distally or proximally from the terminal motor branch of the posterior interosseous nerve. The proximal border of the graft was located at an average of 10.5 cm (range, 6.5–12.5 cm) from the distal end of the ulnar head in the distal type (57%) and 17.5 cm (range, 9.5–21.5 cm) in the proximal type (43%). In the clinical application, successfully consolidation was achieved 4 months post‐surgery. The patient had not developed any postoperative complications until the 2‐year postoperative follow‐up.

Conclusions

The anterior interosseous artery‐pedicled, vascularized distal radius bone graft would be a reliable alternative solution for the treatment of an ulnar nonunion located within the distal one‐third of the ulna.
Aporphinoid Alkaloids Derivatives as Selective Cholinesterases Inhibitors: Biological Evaluation and Docking Study
Authors: Cavallaro Valeria , Murray Ana Paula , Pungitore Carlos Rodolfo , Gutiérrez Lucas Joel
Published: February 2020

Alzheimer's dementia is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the elderly population and causes memory impairment and cognitive deficit. Manifestation of this disease is associated to acetylcholine decrease; thus, Cholinesterase inhibition is the main therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

In the present study, a series of aporphinoid alkaloids were tested as potential acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors in vitro. Alkaloids liriodenine (3) and cassythicine (10) were the best inhibitors of both cholinesterases with IC50 values lower than 10 μM. In addition, these alkaloids demonstrated better inhibition of BChE than reference drug galantamine.

In addition, some alkaloids showed selective inhibition. Laurotetatine clorhydrate (13) selectively inhibit AChE over BChE. On the contrary, pachyconfine (7) interacted more efficiently with BChE active site.

Molecular modelling studies were performed in order to illustrate key interactions between most active compounds and the enzymes and to explain their selectivity. These studies reveal that the benzodioxole moiety exhibits strong interactions due to hydrogen bonds that form with the Glu201 (AChE) and Tyr440 (BChE) residues, which is reflected in the IC50 values.
One‐dimensional consolidation of soil under multistage load based on continuous drainage boundary
Authors: Tian Yi‐‐> , Wu Wenbing , Jiang Guosheng , El Naggar M. Hesham , Mei Guoxiong , Xu Meijuan , Liang Rongzhu
Published: February 2020

In engineering practice, a rapid loading rate can result in ground failure when the strength of soft soils is relatively low, and a multistage loading scheme is always utilized to deal with this situation. Firstly, under a multistage load and the continuous drainage boundary, an analytical solution of excess pore‐water pressure and consolidation degree is obtained by virtue of the superposition formula of excess pore‐water pressure, and a more general continuous drainage boundary under arbitrary time‐dependent load is developed. Then, a comparison with existing analytical solutions is conducted to verify the present solution. A preliminary attempt on applying the continuous drainage boundary into the finite element model is made, and the feasibility of the numerical model for the one‐dimensional consolidation under the continuous drainage boundary is verified by comparing the results calculated by FEM with that from present analytical solution. Finally, the consolidation behavior of soil is investigated in detail for different int erface parameters or loading scheme. The results show that, in land reclamation projects, a horizontal drain should be placed close to the boundary with a smaller interface parameter to improve the consolidation efficiency. The degree of consolidation is also related to the applied time‐dependent load and interface parameters.
Simulated vaginal delivery causes transients vaginal smooth muscle hypersensitivity and urethral sphincter dysfunction
Authors: Callewaert Geertje , Monteiro Carvalho Mori Da Cunha Marina Gabriela , Dewulf Karel , Albersen Maarten , Deprest Jan
Published: February 2020

Background

Although pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) has a multifactorial etiology, pregnancy and childbirth are considered crucial events predisposing to urinary incontinence as well as pelvic organ prolapse, which are highly prevalent. Rats are the most frequently used animal model and pudendal nerve crush (PNC) and vaginal distension (VD) are often used to mimic vaginal delivery.

Objective

To document the time course of events after simulated vaginal delivery (SVD) on the urethral sphincter and the vaginal smooth muscle layer.

Materials and Methods

Virgin female Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to SVD (PNC + VD) or sham surgery and evaluated at 7, 14, 21, and 42 days after the injury. Urethral function was determined in vivo by microultrasound during cystometry and vaginal smooth muscle layer was harvested for in vitro pharmacologic investigation by isometric tension recording. Furthermore, vaginal and urethral samples were investigated by immunohistochemistry and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Microultrasound showed no bursting of the urethral sphincter in the SVD group at 7 days with a functional recovery starting at 14 days, and normal bursting at 21 and 42 days. Vaginal smooth muscle showed higher sensitivity to carbachol at 14 and 21 days after injury; however, at 42 days, its sensitivity decreased when compared with sham.

Conclusion

SVD induces urethral dysfunction and a shift in vaginal smooth muscle contractile responses to carbachol.
Design/upgrade of a transparent optical network topology resilient to the simultaneous failure of its critical nodes
Authors: Barbosa Fábio , de Sousa Amaro , Agra Agostinho
Published: February 2020

This paper addresses two related problems in the context of transparent optical networks. In the network design problem, the aim is to identify a set of fiber links to connect a given set of nodes. In the network upgrade problem, the aim is to identify a set of new fiber links to add to a given network topology. For a given fiber length budget, the aim in both problems is to maximize the network resilience to the simultaneous failure of its critical nodes. The resilience is evaluated by the average 2‐terminal reliability (A2TR) against a set of critical node failures and the critical nodes are the ones that minimize the A2TR of the network. So, the design/upgrade problem is a bi‐level max‐min optimization problem. Recently, a multi‐start greedy randomized heuristic was proposed for both problems. Here, we propose an alternative method based on a greedy deterministic algorithm and we provide computational results showing that the new method obtains better solutions. The results show that the resiliency difference between existing network topologies and the best network design solutions is very high but this difference can be significantly reduced by network upgrades with small fiber length budgets.
Multi‐informant assessment of treatment integrity in the classroom
Authors: Dart Evan H. , Collier‐Meek Melissa A. , Chambers Caitlyn , Murphy Ashley
Published: February 2020

Assessing the degree to which interventions are implemented in school settings is critical to making decisions about student outcomes. School psychologists may not be available to regularly conduct observations of intervention implementation, however, their data may be used alongside other methods for multi‐informant assessment. Teacher self‐report is a commonly used and feasible assessment method. Students have been trained to implement interventions with their peers in instances where traditional adult interventionists were unavailable. This exploratory study investigated the accuracy with which classroom teachers and middle and high school students assessed implementation of the Good Behavior Game and the impact of performance feedback on their accuracy. Results indicated that most students and teachers were able to provide accurate assessments of treatment integrity compared to researcher direct observation; however, some required performance feedback to do so. These findings suggest that multi‐informant assessment may be a feasible and accurate way for school psychologists to collect formative treatment‐integrity data in the classroom. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Working toward equitable gifted programming: The school psychologist's role
Authors: Ottwein Jessica K.
Published: February 2020

As culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse students continue to be underrepresented in gifted programs, the beliefs that frame teacher perceptions of giftedness remain an important area of focus. Literature indicates that a lack of gifted‐specific coursework in teacher preparation programs may sustain ill‐formed preconceptions regarding giftedness, leading new teachers to rely on bias and stereotypic thinking when nominating students for gifted identification. Furthermore, deficit thinking and colorblind racial attitudes may interfere with the implementation of culture‐fair identification practices and the implementation of multicultural pedagogy meant to elicit unique strengths and engage culturally diverse students. This article explores these barriers to equitable programming and concludes with broad recommendations for school psychologists in advocating for traditionally underrepresented gifted students.
Influence of Type D personality on quality of life in university students: The mediating effect of health‐promoting behavior and subjective health status
Authors: Kim Sung Reul , Nho Ju‐Hee , Kim Hye Young
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to test a hypothetical path model estimating the influence of Type D personality on health‐promoting behaviors (HPB), subjective health status, and quality of life (QoL) in university students, and to verify the mediating effects of HPB and subjective health status between Type D personality and QoL. A structural equation model involving 380 university students was used. Data were collected between November and December 2018 via structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and Amos 23.0. The model's fit indices were adequate. Type D personality had a direct effect on QoL and an indirect effect on QoL via HPB and subjective health status. Type D personality, HPB, and subjective health status explained 67.6% of the total variance in QoL. Intervention programs that consider Type D personality, HPB, and subjective health status may be useful to improve university students' QoL.
Pulmonary hypertension in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Bush Douglas , Galambos Csaba , Dunbar Ivy David
Published: February 2020

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have an increased risk of developing pulmonary hypertension (PH). In this review, we explore the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of PH in the population with DS and examine genetic, molecular and clinical contributions to the condition. The presence of an additional copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21) increases the risk of developing PH in children with DS through many mechanisms, including increased hemodynamic stress in those with congenital heart disease, hypoxemia through impaired ventilation to perfusion matching secondary to developmental lung abnormalities, pulmonary hypoplasia from pulmonary vascular endothelial dysfunction, and an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance often related to pulmonary comorbidities. We review recent studies looking at novel biomarkers that may help diagnose, predict or monitor PH in the population with DS and examine current cardiopulmonary guidelines for monitoring children with DS. Finally, we review therapeutic interventions specific to PH in individuals with DS. Contemporary work has identified exciting mechanistic pathways including the upregulation of antiangiogenic factors and interferon activity, which may lead to additional biomarkers or therapeutic opportunities. Throughout the manuscript, we identify gaps in our knowledge of the condition as it relates to the population with DS and offer suggestions for future clinical, translational, and basic science research.
Longitudinal muscular column in the prostatic urethral wall: Its form, shape, and possible function based on mathematical simulation in ejaculation
Authors: Hur Mi‐Sun , Lee Hye Won , Yang Hun‐Mu , Kwon Hyun‐Jin , O Jehoon , Lee Seunggyu , Oh Chang‐Seok
Published: February 2020

Background

The shape and function of the longitudinal muscular column (LMC) of the prostate have not been established in detail. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the roles of the LMC of the posterior wall of the prostatic urethra (PSU) in the emission phase of ejaculation by investigating the form and muscular arrangement of the LMC.

Methods

Prostates and urinary bladders were obtained from 14 Korean adult cadavers. Nine specimens were histologically analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and Verhoeff‐van Gieson staining. Two specimens were scanned using microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT), and all scanned images were reconstructed into a three‐dimensional model.

Results

At the proximal level of the prostate, the ejaculatory ducts (EDs) and prostatic utricle (PU) together were surrounded by circular smooth‐muscle fibers. However, at the seminal colliculus (SC) where the EDs and PU opened, they were mainly surrounded by an abundance of longitudinal fibers. The longitudinal fibers posterior to the EDs and PU formed a distinctive LMC in the posterior urethral wall. In histologic sections and micro‐CT images, the LMC extended distally from the level of the SC to the level of the membranous urethra (MBU). We simulated a potential mechanism of LMC using a mathematical model of its movements.

Conclusions

Comprehensive analyses based on in‐depth assessment of histologic characteristics and micro‐CT images demonstrated extension of the LMC from the level of the SC to the level of the MBU, enabling a better understanding of ejaculation physiology involving the LMC. These results suggest that the LMC in the posterior wall of the PSU is a critical component of ejaculation by facilitating the ejection of seminal vesicle fluid into the PSU via well‐coordinated contractions.