bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Update of Synthetic Approaches and Structure‐Activity Relationships of Various Classes of Human MAO‐B Inhibitors
Authors: Sharma Pratibha , Singh Manjinder , Mathew Bijo
Published: February 2021

The selective MAO‐B inhibition is greatly influenced by the degradation pathways of various biogenic amines. So the design and development of diverse class of MAO‐B inhibitors are considered as an effective adjuvant therapy of various neurodegenerative disorders. Recent studies documented that introduction of an electron rich linker between two aryl or heteroaryl rings explored as a promising structural framework of the inhibition of MAO‐B. The electrophilicity and flexibility character of the linker can anchor different orientation of binding mode in both entrance and substrate cavity of MAO‐B. The current review focus on the design aspect, synthetic route and structure activity relationships (SARs) various class of selective MAO‐B inhibitors like chalcones, coumarins, chromones, pyrazolines, xanthines, isatins, FDA approved analogs etc.
Synthesis and Magneto‐Structural Study of Distorted Octahedral CoII Complexes with Picolinamide and Azide (μ1,1)‐Bridge
Authors: Pastor‐Ramírez Cándida , Zamorano‐Ulloa Rafael , Vazquez‐Lima Hugo , Hernández‐Anzaldo Samuel , Reyes‐Ortega Yasmi
Published: February 2021

Two compounds [Co2(pa)2(μ1,1‐N3)2]n (1) and [Co4(pa)6(μ1,1‐N3)6] (2), (pa=picolinamide) were obtained and studied by electronic and magnetic spectroscopies. 1 is a polymer and 2 is a tetramer of mixed‐valence CoII/III. The N3− anions act as bridges between cobalt ions in the μ1,1 coordination mode. UV‐Vis spectrum analysis showed the octahedral distortion of the compounds. ESR solution spectra revealed a low‐spin ground state, s=1/2 (
) for CoII. The energy gap was J>
between levels,
to
, of 2; consequently, its transition would not be observed. 1 showed zero‐field splitting of the excited level
with D∼0.31 cm−1. Hyperfine (59Co, I=7/2) and superhyperfine (14N, I=1) couplings were observed. Magnetic susceptibility studies (3–300 K) revealed antiferromagnetic exchange interactions in 1 and 2 with exchange coupling constants, J1=−108 cm−1 and J2=−20 cm−1, g=2 and s=
, for the Co(2)‐Co(2) magnetic exchange pathways.
New Anticancer Agents: Design, Synthesis, Biological Activity, and Molecular Docking of Bicyclic Phloroglucinol Derivatives
Authors: Yan Pei , Lai Qingfu , Li Ming , Jin Xiaobao , Wie Gao , Chen Weiqiang , Ye Lianbao
Published: February 2021

Bicyclic phloroglucinol is a phenolic compound which mainly exist in Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott with antiinflammatory, antithrombotic, antifungal and antitumor activity. Although a series of anticancer agents target various tumors under clinical trials, different limitations hinder their clinical development and novel targeting chemical agents are required. Herein, we have made a number of modifications around the scaffold of the phloroglucinol. The results of antitumor activities reveal that compound A5 against A549 cells and compound A3 against HepG2 and McF‐7 cells were best with a degree of concentration dependence, which stronger than that of positive control 5‐FU, and compound A3 and A5 display lower cytotoxicity to normal cells. The molecule docking studies indicate protein Bcl‐xl and Mcl‐12 may be a potential target of these compounds. In general, A3 and A5 with potent binding affinity and good efficacy have the potential to develop into antitumor lead compounds which also deserve further study.
Synthesis of 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐pyridinone Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant/Anticancer Activities
Authors: Hamama Wafaa S. , Ghaith Eslam A. , Ibrahim Mona E. , Sawamura Masaya , Zoorob Hanafi H.
Published: February 2021

A simple approach was applied for the regioselective synthesis of various pyridine‐2‐one derivatives or annulated pyridine as novel heterocyclic systems from the reaction of dehydroacetic acid (DHA) with mono‐ or bidentate nucleophile as with benzylamine and/or phenylenediamines in dichloromethane followed by transformation with different halo‐compounds in refluxing 1,4‐dioxane has been achieved in moderate to excellent yields (48‐93 %). In addition, DFT studies of the key synthesized compounds were carried out for confirmed proposed mechanisms. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for their in‐vitro inhibition activities against mammary gland breast cancer (MCF‐7) and human prostate cancer (PC‐3) using the MTT colorimetric method. Also, the target synthesized compounds were evaluated as antioxidant agents.
Long‐Range Surface‐Assisted Molecule‐Molecule Hybridization
Authors: Castelli Marina , Hellerstedt Jack , Krull Cornelius , Gicev Spiro , Hollenberg Lloyd C. L. , Usman Muhammad , Schiffrin Agustin
Published: February 2021

Metalated phthalocyanines (Pc's) are robust and versatile molecular complexes, whose properties can be tuned by changing their functional groups and central metal atom. The electronic structure of magnesium Pc (MgPc)—structurally and electronically similar to chlorophyll—adsorbed on the Ag(100) surface is investigated by low‐temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, non‐contact atomic force microscopy, and density functional theory. Single, isolated MgPc's exhibit a flat, fourfold rotationally symmetric morphology, with doubly degenerate, partially populated (due to surface‐to‐molecule electron transfer) lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs). In contrast, MgPc's with neighbouring molecules in proximity undergo a lift of LUMOs degeneracy, with a near‐Fermi local density of states with reduced twofold rotational symmetry, indicative of a long‐range attractive intermolecular interaction. The latter is assigned to a surface‐mediated two‐step electronic hybridization process. First, LUMOs interact with Ag(100) conduction electrons, forming hybrid molecule‐surface orbitals with enhanced spatial extension. Then, these delocalized molecule‐surface states further hybridize with those of neighbouring molecules. This work highlights how the electronic structure of molecular adsorbates—including orbital degeneracies and symmetries—can be significantly altered via surface‐mediated intermolecular hybridization, over extended distances (beyond 3 nm), having important implications for prospects of molecule‐based solid‐state technologies.
Immune Cell Membrane‐Coated Biomimetic Nanoparticles for Targeted Cancer Therapy
Authors: Oroojalian Fatemeh , Beygi Mohammad , Baradaran Behzad , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad , Shahbazi Mohammad‐Ali
Published: February 2021

Nanotechnology has provided great opportunities for managing neoplastic conditions at various levels, from preventive and diagnostic to therapeutic fields. However, when it comes to clinical application, nanoparticles (NPs) have some limitations in terms of biological stability, poor targeting, and rapid clearance from the body. Therefore, biomimetic approaches, utilizing immune cell membranes, are proposed to solve these issues. For example, macrophage or neutrophil cell membrane coated NPs are developed with the ability to interact with tumor tissue to suppress cancer progression and metastasis. The functionality of these particles largely depends on the surface proteins of the immune cells and their preserved function during membrane extraction and coating process on the NPs. Proteins on the outer surface of immune cells can render a wide range of activities to the NPs, including prolonged blood circulation, remarkable competency in recognizing antigens for enhanced targeting, better cellular interactions, gradual drug release, and reduced toxicity in vivo. In this review, nano‐based systems coated with immune cells‐derived membranous layers, their detailed production process, and the applicability of these biomimetic systems in cancer treatment are discussed. In addition, future perspectives and challenges for their clinical translation are also presented.
Biodegradable Silica‐Based Nanotheranostics for Precise MRI/NIR‐II Fluorescence Imaging and Self‐Reinforcing Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Zheng Ziliang , Jia Zhuo , Qu Chunrong , Dai Rong , Qin Yufei , Rong Shuo , Liu Yulong , Cheng Zhen , Zhang Ruiping
Published: February 2021

Multi‐modality cancer diagnosis techniques based on the second near‐infrared window fluorescence (NIR‐II FL, 1000–1700 nm) imaging have become the focus of research attention. For such multimodality probes, how to take advantage of the tumor microenvironments (TME) characteristics to better image diseases and combine efficient therapeutics to achieve theranostics is still a big challenge. Herein, a novel TME‐activated nanosystem (FMSN‐MnO2‐BCQ) employing degradable silica‐based nanoplatform is designed, adjusting the ratio of intratumoral hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/glutathione (GSH) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/NIR‐II FL imaging and self‐reinforcing chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Innovative bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐modified fusiform‐like mesoporous silica nanoparticles (FMSN) is fabricated as a carrier for NIR‐II small molecule (CQ4T) and MRI reporter MnO2. Remarkably, the BSA modification helped to achieve the dual‐functions of high biocompatibility and enhance NIR‐II fluorescence. The FMSN‐MnO2‐BCQ with FMSN framework featuring a stepwise degradability in tumor interior released MnO2 and BCQ nanoparticles. Through the specific degradation of MnO2 by the TME, the produced Mn2+ ions are effectively exerted Fenton‐like activity to generate hydroxyl radical (•OH) from endogenous H2O2 to eradicate tumor cells. More importantly, the GSH depletion due to the synergistic effect of tetrasulfide bond and MnO2 in turn induced the oxidative cytotoxicity for self‐reinforcing CDT.
Performance‐enhancement of high‐strength strain‐hardening cementitious composite by nano‐particles: Mechanism and property characterization
Authors: Ding Yao , Yu Kequan , Mao Weihao , Zhang Shuo
Published: February 2021

Nano‐SiO2 (NS), due to its prominent nucleation and pozzolanic effects, holds the promise to effectively enhance the tensile and compressive properties of high‐strength strain‐hardening cementitious composite (HS‐SHCC) at both early age (1d, 3d) and normal curing age (28d). The influence of nano‐SiO2 (NS) on the hydration, microstructure and mechanical properties of HS‐SHCC with different dosages (i.e., 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% by mass of cement) were explored in this research. The nucleation effect of NS particles accelerated the hydration process, and the pozzolanic reaction tended to improve the hydration degree of matrix at the micro‐scale. The addition of NS particles decreased the porosity and refined the pore structure of the matrix. Single‐fiber pullout tests (meso‐scale) showed a remarkable improvement of interfacial bond stress with the incorporation of NS particles and consequently on the macro‐scale mechanical strengths enhancement of HS‐SHCC. The linkage between meso‐ and macro‐scale properties was established based on the micro‐mechanical model. The combination of filler effect, acceleration effect and pozzolanic reaction of NS particles enhanced the microstructures and mechanical properties of HS‐SHCC. The increase in compressive and tensile strength of NS‐modified HS‐SHCC could reach to 45% (1d) and 30% (1d), respectively, compared to those values of the reference specimen without NS addition. This research provided an effective way to enhance the tensile performance of HS‐SHCC, especially for the early‐age tensile property.
Is Solanum fructu‐tecto validly published? Article 23 and epithets in the ablative case
Authors: Garland Mark A.
Published: February 2021

Both botanical tradition and codes of nomenclature have held that specific epithets that are Latin phrases in the ablative case are unacceptable. Solanum fructu‐tecto, in Article 60 Example 41, has an epithet that is a phrase in the ablative case, so it too should be unacceptable. But because Article 23 now apparently prohibits only nomina specifica legitima (the polynomial phrase names, usually in the ablative case, used by Linnaeus and other early botanists), the status of Solanum fructu‐tecto and of other names with binomial epithets (Linnaeus's nomina trivialia) in the ablative case is unclear. The Code should return to tradition and prohibit specific epithets in the ablative case.
Bioactive 1,2,3‐Triazoles: An Account on their Synthesis, Structural Diversity and Biological Applications
Authors: da S. M. Forezi Luana , Lima Carolina G. S. , Amaral Adriane A. P. , Ferreira Patricia G. , de Souza Maria Cecília B. V. , Cunha Anna C. , de C. da Silva Fernando , Ferreira Vitor F.
Published: February 2021

The triazole heterocycle is a privileged scaffold in medicinal chemistry, since its structure is present in a large number of biologically active molecules, including several drugs currently in the market. Due to their vast applications, a wide variety of methods are described for their preparation, such as the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition and processes involving diazo compounds and diazo transfer reactions. Considering the significant number of contributions from our research group to this chemistry in recent decades, in this account we discuss both the development of new methods for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles and the preparation of new triazole‐functionalized biologically active molecules using classical approaches.
A Trend of Home and Consumer Appliances in Japan: The Past 50 Years and the Future
Authors: Omori Hideki , Kanouda Akihiko
Published: February 2021

Most of home appliances were put into practical use in the United Kingdom and the United States before early 20th century. However, in Japan, the production of the home appliances began in the 1950s. Home and consumer appliances market had been expanded and developed growing with high growth of Japan in 1950–1970. They are applied by power electronics for improvement of performance and energy saving in 1970s–1990s. After 2000, power generation equipment has been put in practical use. Distributed power systems like a smart house and a virtual power plant are spotlighted now. Internet of things (IoT) technology will make new generation of appliances. In this article, a trend of home and consumer appliances in Japan is explained and discussed viewing the past 50 years and the future. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Contact Spots Analysis of Sealed Relay Contact Pair Based on Contact Difference‐Plane
Authors: Li Wenhua , Li Qizhe , Zhao Zhengyuan , Pan Ruzheng , Lu Wenjiang
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this paper is to deeply study the actual contact state of sealed relay contact surface, restore the contact spots of contact pair, and make up for the deficiency of establishing contact model of contact pair only by theoretical simulation. In this paper, the electrical contact high‐speed camera system is selected to record the kinematic parameters during the pull‐in process of the contact, and the deflection angle and deformation amount when the contact is complete are calculated. The surface height of the contact surface is collected through the non‐contact morphology scanner, and the actual contact morphology is corrected and restored. Finally, the actual contact spots are analyzed by reconstructing the contact difference‐plane. The method studied in this paper can provide a reference for the further study of contact analysis. Establishing the actual contact state of the contact pair of the micro level has a certain guiding role in the establishment of the contact resistance model. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Coefficients Quantization for SeparableTwo‐Dimensional FIRFilter
Authors: Li Weiqi , Wang Hao , Cheng Xinmin , Guo Chunsheng
Published: February 2021

A separable two‐dimensional (2‐D) finite impulse response (FIR) filter can be implemented using an efficient parallel structure. The continuous coefficient separable 2‐D FIR filter has already been well studied. In this study, the quantization of the coefficients of a separable 2‐D FIR filter is addressed for the first time. Two (iterative) schemes [two‐step integer linear programming algorithm (2‐step‐integer‐LP) and two‐step integer linear programming neighborhood search algorithm (2‐step‐integer‐LP‐neighbor)] for quantizing the coefficients are proposed, which have the same core idea: fixing some coefficients and optimally quantizing the other coefficients. Simulation experiment is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed quantization schemes. The experimental results reveal that the two schemes both outperform the direct rounding method in terms of the design error. 2‐Step‐integer‐LP performs slightly better than 2‐step‐integer‐LP‐neighbor. However, the former may not work, in some case, due to the large number of optimization variables. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Sanguinarine improved nutrient digestibility, hepatic health indices and productive performance in laying hens fed low crude protein diets
Authors: Bavarsadi Masoumeh , Mahdavi Amir Hossein , Ansari‐Mahyari Saeed , Jahanian Elaheh
Published: February 2021

A major mean to minimize feeding costs and faecal nitrogen excretion on poultry farms is to decrease the supplied dietary protein content. This, however, is associated with the declines in productive performance and systemic health indices. Sanguinarine may improve protein efficiency via decreasing the intestinal amino acid decarboxylation and stimulating the tryptophan‐serotonin pathway. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of sanguinarine on the performance, egg yolk biochemical parameters, serum enzyme activities, nutrient digestibility, ovarian follicles, and hepatic health indices in laying hens fed decremental levels of crude protein (CP). For this purpose, 180 laying hens were allocated into nine dietary treatments with four replicates of five birds each. The experimental treatments consisted of three levels of CP (85.0%, 92.5%, and 100% of Hy‐Line W‐36 manual recommendation) and three levels of sanguinarine (0.00, 3.75, and 7.50 mg/kg) in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement administered during a 70‐day feeding trial. Results showed that the decremental levels of CP led to significant increases in serum aspartate aminotransferase (p < .05), alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase (p < .01) activities, egg yolk cholesterol concentration (p = .064), and hepatic fat and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (p < .05). It also caused the significant declines in ileal dry matter (DM) digestibility (p < .05) and eggshell strength (p < .05), and also tended to decrease CP digestibility (p = .071), Haugh unit (p = .057) and egg production percentage (p = .062). The interaction effects of the experimental factors indicated that dietary supplementation of sanguinarine, especially at 7.50 mg/kg, led to significant improvements in serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities (p < .01), egg yolk cholesterol (p < .001) and triglyceride (p < .05) concentrations, eggshell strength (p < .001), Haugh unit (p < .05), hepatic fat (p < .001) and MDA (p = .059) contents, ileal DM and CP digestibility (p < .01) as well as egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio (FCR; p < .05) in birds receiving decremental levels of CP. Taken together, the results indicate that dietary administration of sanguinarine could enhance productive performance via improving nutrient digestibility, hepatic health indices and fortifying systemic antioxidant capacity in laying hens fed low‐CP diets.
A novel MLSA allelic profile ‘A15’ of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp mycoides in Niger
Authors: Yansambou Mahamadou Seyni , Souley Maman Moutari , Diallo Alpha Amadou , Abotseng Molefhi , Alambedji Rianatou Bada
Published: February 2021

Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) is the aetiological agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP). The aim of the present study was to identify the profiles of the Mmm strains isolated in Niger using the ‘Multilocus Sequence Analysis’ (MLSA) typing technique based on polymorphism analysis of housekeeping and non‐coding genes. The investigation was conducted on samples (n=22) comprising of lung tissues, lymph node and pleural fluids. Following classical PCR, Mmm positive amplicons (n=6) were identified. These positive amplicons were then amplified using eight loci of the PG1 reference strain (LocPG1‐0001, Loc‐PG1‐0103, Loc‐PG1‐0287, Loc‐PG1‐0431, Loc‐PG1‐0489, Loc‐PG1‐0523, Loc‐PG1‐0710 and Loc‐PG1‐0827). Sequencing followed by the determination of the profile of each strain by the combination of the allele numbers revealed three different MLSA profiles namely; A11, E01 and A15. The profiles A11 and E01 were previously identified. The novel profile identified in this study was named profile A15. The difference was detected while comparing sequences of non‐coding loci. This novel profile was named ‘A15’ according to the similarities with African reference strain profile ‘A00’ at the seven loci level (loc‐0103, loc‐0287, loc‐0431, loc‐0489, loc‐0523, loc‐0710 and loc‐0827). For CBPP control measures, identification and molecular characterization of Mmm strains is very important. Thus, the use of MLSA technique is relevant to identify profiles of Mmm circulating in Niger. Other countries where CBPP is still endemic are encouraged to use a MLSA scheme to address this issue and, most importantly, to rapidly trace back the origin of outbreaks, which will help reduce the transmission and spread of the disease. In addition, mapping the profiles of strains circulating in each of the countries of the sub‐region is necessary for effective control of CBPP.
Toward high‐resolution agronomic soil information and management zones delineated by ground‐based electromagnetic induction and aerial drone data
Authors: von Hebel Christian , Reynaert Sophie , Pauly Klaas , Janssens Pieter , Piccard Isabelle , Vanderborght Jan , van der Kruk Jan , Vereecken Harry , Garré Sarah
Published: February 2021

Detailed knowledge of the intra‐field variability of soil properties and crop characteristics is indispensable for the establishment of sustainable precision agriculture. We present an approach that combines ground‐based agrogeophysical soil and aerial crop data to delineate field‐specific management zones that we interpret with soil attribute measurements of texture, bulk density, and soil moisture, as well as yield and nitrate residue in the soil after potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation. To delineate the management zones, we use aerial drone‐based normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), spatial electromagnetic induction (EMI) soil scanning, and the EMI–NDVI data combination as input in a machine learning clustering technique. We tested this approach in three successive years on six agricultural fields (two per year). The field‐scale EMI data included spatial soil information of the upper 0–50 cm, to approximately match the soil depth sampled for attribute measurements. The NDVI measurements over the growing season provide information on crop development. The management zones delineated from EMI data outperformed the management zones derived from NDVI in terms of spatial coherence and showed differences in properties relevant for agricultural management: texture, soil moisture deficit, yield, and nitrate residue. The combined EMI–NDVI analysis provided no extra benefit. This underpins the importance of including spatially distributed soil information in crop data interpretation, while emphasizing that high‐resolution soil information is essential for variable rate applications and agronomic modeling.
Dual‐permeability modeling of preferential flow and snowmelt partitioning in frozen soils
Authors: Mohammed Aaron A. , Cey Edwin E. , Hayashi Masaki , Callaghan Michael V. , Park Young‐Jin , Miller Killian L. , Frey Steven K.
Published: February 2021

The infiltrability of frozen soils modulates the partitioning of snowmelt between infiltration and runoff in cold regions. Preferential flow in macropores may enhance infiltration, but flow dynamics in frozen soil are complicated by soil heat transfer processes. We developed a dual‐permeability model that considers the interacting effects of freeze–thaw and preferential flow on infiltration and runoff generation in structured soils. This formulation was incorporated into the fully integrated groundwater–surface water model HydroGeoSphere, to represent water–ice phase change in macropores such that porewater freezing is governed by macropore–matrix heat exchange. Model performance was evaluated against laboratory experiments and synthetic test cases designed to examine the effects of preferential flow on snowmelt partitioning between infiltration, runoff, and drainage. Simulations were able to reproduce experimental observations of rapid infiltration and drainage behavior due to macropores very well, and approximated soil thaw to an acceptable degree. Simulation of measured data highlighted the importance of macropore hydraulic conductivity, as well as macropore–matrix heat and water transfer, on controlling preferential flow dynamics. Test cases replicated a range of snowmelt partitioning behavior commonly observed in frozen soils, including subsurface conditions that produce rapid infiltration and deeper drainage, the contrast between limited vs. unlimited infiltration responses to snowmelt, and the temporal evolution of runoff generation. This study demonstrates the important influence that water freezing along preferential flowpaths can have on infiltrability and runoff characteristics in frozen soils and provides a physically based description of this mechanism that links infiltration behavior to hydraulic and thermal properties of structured soils.
Potential microbial functions and quorum sensing systems in partial nitritation and anammox processes
Authors: Feng Zhaolu , Gu Mengqi , Sun Yuepeng , Wu Guangxue
Published: February 2021

Diverse microbial communities coexist in the partial nitritation–anaerobic ammonium oxidation (PNA) process, in which nitrogen metabolism and information exchange are two important microbial interactions. In the PNA process, the existence of diverse microorganisms including nitrifiers, anammox bacteria, and heterotrophs makes it challenging to achieve a balanced relationship between anaerobic ammonium oxidation bacteria and ammonia oxidizing bacteria. In this study, potential microbial functions in nitrogen conversion and acyl‐homoserine lactones (AHLs)‐based quorum sensing (QS) in PNA processes were examined. Candidatus_Kuenenia and Nitrosomonas were the key functional bacteria responsible for PNA, while Nitrospira was detected as the dominant nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB). Heterotrophs containing nxr might play a similar function to NOB. The AHLs‐QS system was an important microbial communication pathway in PNA systems. N‐octanoyl‐L‐homoserine lactone, N‐decanoyl homoserine lactone, and N‐dodecanoyl homoserine lactone were the main AHLs, which might be synthesized by nitrogen converting microorganisms and heterotrophs. However, only heterotrophs had the potential to sense and degrade AHLs, such as Saccharophagus (sensing) and Leptospira (degradation). These results provide comprehensive information about the possible microbial functions and interactions in the PNA system and clues for system optimization from a microbial perspective.

Practitioner points

Potential functions of anammox bacteria, nitrifiers, and heterotrophs were revealed.

Diverse nitrogen conversion and AHLs‐quorum sensing related genes were detected.

Anammox bacteria and AOB played important roles in the AHLs synthesis process.

Heterotrophs could sense and degrade AHLs during information exchange.
ctmmweb: A Graphical User Interface for Autocorrelation‐Informed Home Range Estimation
Authors: Calabrese Justin M. , Fleming Christen H. , Noonan Michael J. , Dong Xianghui
Published: February 2021

Estimating animal home ranges is a primary purpose of collecting tracking data. Many widely used home range estimators, including conventional kernel density estimators, assume independently‐sampled data. In stark contrast, modern animal tracking datasets are almost always strongly autocorrelated. The incongruence between estimator assumptions and empirical reality often leads to systematically underestimated home ranges. Autocorrelated kernel density estimation (AKDE) directly models the observed autocorrelation structure of tracking data during home range estimation, and has been shown to perform accurately across a broad range of tracking datasets. However, compared to conventional estimators, AKDE requires additional modeling steps and has heretofore only been accessible via the command‐line ctmm R package. Here, we introduce ctmmweb, which provides a point‐and‐click graphical interface to ctmm and streamlines AKDE, its prerequisite autocorrelation modeling steps, and a number of additional movement analyses. We demonstrate ctmmweb's capabilities, including AKDE home range estimation and subsequent home range overlap analysis, on a dataset of four jaguars from the Brazilian Pantanal tracked between 2013 and 2015. We intend ctmmweb to open AKDE and related autocorrelation‐explicit analyses to a wider audience of wildlife and conservation professionals. © 2021 The Authors.Wildlife Society Bulletinpublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Dynamic organization of intracellular organelle networks
Authors: Li Wenjing , Zhang Shuhao , Yang Ge
Published: February 2021

Intracellular organelles are membrane‐bound and biochemically distinct compartments constructed to serve specialized functions in eukaryotic cells. Through extensive interactions, they form networks to coordinate and integrate their specialized functions for cell physiology. A fundamental property of these organelle networks is that they constantly undergo dynamic organization via membrane fusion and fission to remodel their internal connections and to mediate direct material exchange between compartments. The dynamic organization not only enables them to serve critical physiological functions adaptively but also differentiates them from many other biological networks such as gene regulatory networks and cell signaling networks. This review examines this fundamental property of the organelle networks from a systems point of view. The focus is exclusively on homotypic networks formed by mitochondria, lysosomes, endosomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum, respectively. First, key mechanisms that drive the dynamic organization of these networks are summarized. Then, several distinct organizational properties of these networks are highlighted. Next, spatial properties of the dynamic organization of these networks are emphasized, and their functional implications are examined. Finally, some representative molecular machineries that mediate the dynamic organization of these networks are surveyed. Overall, the dynamic organization of intracellular organelle networks is emerging as a fundamental and unifying paradigm in the internal organization of eukaryotic cells.

This article is categorized under:

Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
The effective action of superrotation modes
Authors: Nguyen Kévin , Salzer Jakob
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Starting from an analysis of four-dimensional asymptotically flat gravity in first order formulation, we show that superrotation reparametrization modes are governed by an Alekseev-Shatashvili action on the celestial sphere. This two-dimensional conformal theory describes spontaneous symmetry breaking of Virasoro superrotations together with the explicit symmetry breaking of more general Diff($$ {\mathcal{S}}^2 $$

S
2

) superrotations. We arrive at this result by first reformulating the asymptotic field equations and symmetries of the radiative vacuum sector in terms of a Chern-Simons theory at null infinity, and subsequently performing a Hamiltonian reduction of this theory onto the celestial sphere.
Manifestation of lipopolysaccharide-induced tolerance in neuro-glial primary cultures of the rat afferent somatosensory system
Authors: Nürnberger Franz , Leisengang Stephan , Ott Daniela , Murgott Jolanta , Gerstberger Rüdiger , Rummel Christoph , Roth Joachim
Published: February 2021

Objective

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may contribute to the manifestation of inflammatory pain within structures of the afferent somatosensory system. LPS can induce a state of refractoriness to its own effects termed LPS tolerance. We employed primary neuro-glial cultures from rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the superficial dorsal horn (SDH) of the spinal cord, mainly including the substantia gelatinosa to establish and characterize a model of LPS tolerance within these structures.

Methods

Tolerance was induced by pre-treatment of both cultures with 1 µg/ml LPS for 18 h, followed by a short-term stimulation with a higher LPS dose (10 µg/ml for 2 h). Cultures treated with solvent were used as controls. Cells from DRG or SDH were investigated by means of RT-PCR (expression of inflammatory genes) and immunocytochemistry (translocation of inflammatory transcription factors into nuclei of cells from both cultures). Supernatants from both cultures were assayed for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by highly sensitive bioassays.

Results

At the mRNA-level, pre-treatment with 1 µg/ml LPS caused reduced expression of TNF-α and enhanced IL-10/TNF-α expression ratios in both cultures upon subsequent stimulation with 10 µg/ml LPS, i.e. LPS tolerance. SDH cultures further showed reduced release of TNF-α into the supernatants and attenuated TNF-α immunoreactivity in microglial cells. In the state of LPS tolerance macrophages from DRG and microglial cells from SDH showed reduced LPS-induced nuclear translocation of the inflammatory transcription factors NFκB and NF-IL6. Nuclear immunoreactivity of the IL-6-activated transcription factor STAT3 was further reduced in neurons from DRG and astrocytes from SDH in LPS tolerant cultures.

Conclusion

A state of LPS tolerance can be induced in primary cultures from the afferent somatosensory system, which is characterized by a down-regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. Thus, this model can be applied to study the effects of LPS tolerance at the cellular level, for example possible modifications of neuronal reactivity patterns upon inflammatory stimulation.
A concept map to support the planning and evaluation of artifacts in the initial phases of PSS design
Authors: Rosa Maiara , Wang Wei Min , Stark Rainer , Rozenfeld Henrique
Published: February 2021

Designing Product-Service Systems (PSS) is associated with multiple problems and challenges, usually derived from its multidisciplinarity and partially intangible nature. One particular issue is the high likelihood of ignoring the creation of relevant information regarding one or more PSS elements during the early design phases. Proceeding to later stages (e.g., detailed design) without generating the required information regarding all PSS elements and their relationships may lead to rework and lack of integration. Dealing with this problem requires adequate planning and evaluation of the artifacts (such as documents and models) created in the initial design phases. As a fundamental theoretical basis to support the creation of solutions that may help project managers dealing with this challenge, this paper presents a concept map to structure the concepts that compose artifacts resulting from the initial stages of PSS design and how those concepts interrelate. This concept map aims to structure which classes of information should be defined in the early phases of the design process before proceeding to a detailed design. The concept map was created by extracting concepts and relationships proposed in classifications, taxonomies, ontologies, meta-models, and concept maps in the PSS and servitization fields. Those documents were identified through a comprehensive systematic literature review. The resulting concept map was verified for completeness against formal documentation of two retrospective PSS design projects. The final proposed concept map is composed of 143 concepts interconnected through 278 relationships. In its current format, the concept map may be used as a checklist to support project managers in planning and evaluating early phases of PSS design based on information completeness. Researchers may also employ it to deploy ontologies, approach further knowledge and information-related challenges in PSS design, or structure PSS-related model-based systems engineering approaches. In future research, this concept map shall be deployed in a meta-model based on artifacts commonly used in PSS design, structuring a computational tool to allow and support practical application on planning and evaluating PSS design projects.
The value of firm linkages in the age of industry 4.0: a qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Barzotto Mariachiara , De Propris Lisa
Published: February 2021

Over the years, manufacturing in advanced economies has been the object of intense reorganization driven crucially by the international strategies of multinational enterprises (MNEs), and more recently, by technological disruptions powering a new manufacturing model, defined as Industry 4.0 (I4.0). This paper aims to explore firm-based, place-based and global drivers that can determine high levels of companies’ performance in the context of the emerging manufacturing model ‘I4.0’. In particular, our article tests the relative importance of and balance between three determinants of MNEs’ performance: (i) MNEs’ internal operations and R&D capabilities; (ii) reliance on local external economies and co-location with high-value service and technological competence; and (iii) the extent of MNEs’ production in terms of spread across global value chains. We empirically address this issue by surveying top managers of MNEs operating in four advanced manufacturing industries (biotech, engineering, fashion, and new materials) and located in five European countries (Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom). We adopt fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, a configurational, case-oriented approach. MNEs can be highly profitable when they follow different, but equally successful, paths. Our findings shed light on which balance between firm-based, place-based and global drivers positively impacts on companies’ performance in European advanced manufacturing sectors. In particular, we find that companies that collaborate with local suppliers of enabling technologies linked to I4.0 - with regard to the variety and intensity of collaborations- show high levels of performance. Policy implications are drawn in the concluding remarks.
The effect of preoperative pelvic floor muscle training on urinary and colorectal-anal distress in women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mathew Seema , Nyhus Maria Øyasæter , Salvesen Øyvind , Salvesen Kjell Åsmund , Stafne Signe Nilssen , Volløyhaug Ingrid
Published: February 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) improves urinary incontinence and mild pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative PFMT on urinary and colorectal-anal distress and related quality of life (QoL) in women with severe POP scheduled for surgery.

Methods

Randomized controlled trial of 159 women scheduled for POP surgery (intervention = 81, controls = 78). Intervention consisted of daily PFMT from inclusion to the day of surgery. Symptoms and QoL were assessed at inclusion, day of surgery and 6 months postoperatively using the Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI-8), Urinary Impact Questionnaire (UIQ) and Colorectal-Anal Impact Questionnaire (CRAIQ) (range 0–100). Mixed model statistical analyses were used.

Results

One hundred fifty-one (95%) women completed the study (intervention = 75, controls = 76). Mean waiting times until surgery and follow-up were 22 and 28 weeks. There was no difference in mean postoperative symptom and QoL scores (95% CI) between the intervention and control group: UDI-6 16 (12–21) vs. 17 (13–22), CRADI-8 15 (11–18) vs. 13 (10–16), UIQ 11 (7–15) vs. 10 (6–13) and CRAIQ 5 (2–7) vs. 6 (4–9), all p > 0.05. Overall mean scores were reduced from baseline to postoperative follow-up: UDI-6 37 (33–41) vs. 17 (14–20), CRADI-8 22 (19–25) vs. 14 (11–16); UIQ 28 (24–32) vs. 10 (7–13) and CRAIQ 16 (12–19) vs. 5 (3–7), all p < 0.01.

Conclusions

We found no added effect of preoperative PFMT on symptoms or QoL related to urinary and colorectal-anal distress in women scheduled for POP surgery. They achieved symptomatic improvement postoperatively regardless of PFMT.

Clinical trial registration

The study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov: NCT 03,064,750.
Establishment of conidial fusion in the asexual fungus Verticillium dahliae as a useful system for the study of non-sexual genetic interactions
Authors: Vangalis Vasileios , Knop Michael , Typas Milton A. , Papaioannou Ioannis A.
Published: February 2021

Cell-to-cell fusion is a fundamental biological process across the tree of life. In filamentous fungi, somatic fusion (or anastomosis) is required for the normal development of their syncytial hyphal networks, and it can initiate non-sexual genetic exchange processes, such as horizontal genetic transfer and the parasexual cycle. Although these could be important drivers of the evolution of asexual fungi, this remains a largely unexplored possibility due to the lack of suitable resources for their study in these puzzling organisms. We thus aimed at the characterization of cell fusion in the important asexual fungus Verticillium dahliae via Conidial Anastomosis Tubes (CATs), which can be useful for the analysis of parasexuality. We optimized appropriate procedures for their highly reproducible quantification and live-cell imaging, which were used to characterize their physiology and cell biology, and to start elucidating their underlying genetic machinery. Formation of CATs was shown to depend on growth conditions and require functional Fus3 and Slt2 MAP kinases, as well as the NADPH oxidase NoxA, whereas the GPCR Ste2 and the mating-type protein MAT1-2-1 were dispensable. We show that nuclei and other organelles can migrate through CATs, which often leads to the formation of transient dikaryons. Their nuclei have possible windows of opportunity for genetic interaction before degradation of one by a presumably homeostatic mechanism. We establish here CAT-mediated fusion in V. dahliae as an experimentally convenient system for the cytological analysis of fungal non-sexual genetic interactions. We expect that it will facilitate the dissection of sexual alternatives in asexual fungi.
Do intuitive ideas of the qualities that should characterize involuntary and voluntary memories affect their classification?
Authors: Barzykowski Krystian , Mazzoni Giuliana
Published: February 2021

It is assumed that the difference between voluntary and involuntary autobiographical memories lies in the intentionality to retrieve a memory assigned by the experimenter. Memories that are retrieved when people are instructed to do so in response to cues are considered voluntary (VAMs), those that pop up spontaneously are considered involuntary (IAMs). VAMs and IAMs so classified are also found to differ in terms of phenomenological characteristics, such as perceived accessibility, vividness etc. These differences are assumed to be due to differences in intentionality and the different retrieval processes at play. It is possible, however, that these differences (which are subjective attributions of phenomenological characteristics) are the result of metacognitive beliefs of what IAMs and VAMs should be. In two experiments, we investigated the possible role of these metacognitive beliefs. Participants rated IAMs and VAMs on a number of phenomenological characteristics in two conditions, when these memories were presented in blocks that specified whether they were retrieved in a voluntary or involuntary task, or when presented in a mixed list with no information provided. If metacognitive beliefs influence the reporting of memory properties, then the block presentation would increase the differences between the characteristics of the two types of memories. The results showed that, besides replicating the characteristics of IAMs and VAMs already observed in the literature, there were almost no differences between the blocked and the mixed lists. We discuss the results as supporting the idea that the difference in characteristics attributed to IAMs and VAMs reflect a genuine difference in the nature of the retrieval and is not the result of pre-existing metacognitive belief on what a voluntary and an involuntary memory should be.
Comparison of antemortem clinical diagnosis and post-mortem findings in intensive care unit patients
Authors: Rusu Stefan , Lavis Philomène , Domingues Salgado Vilma , Van Craynest Marie-Paule , Creteur Jacques , Salmon Isabelle , Brasseur Alexandre , Remmelink Myriam
Published: February 2021

Autopsy is an important quality assurance indicator and a tool to advance medical knowledge. This study aims to compare the premortem clinical and postmortem pathology findings in patients who died in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), to analyze if there are any discrepancies between them, and to compare the results to two similar studies performed in our institution in 2004 and 2007. Between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018, 888 patients died in the ICU and 473 underwent post-mortem examination (PME) of whom 437 were included in the present study. Autopsies revealed discrepancies between clinical diagnosis and pathologic findings according to in 101 cases (23.1%) according to Goldman classification. Forty-eight major discrepancies (class I and class II) were identified in 44 cases and the most frequent identified discrepancies were pulmonary embolism (3/12) as class I and malignancies (13/35) as class II. They were more frequent in patients hospitalized for less than 10 days then in the group with more than 10 days of hospitalization (13.8% vs 4.5%; p = 0.002). No statistical difference has been noticed concerning age, gender, and ICU stay. We observed an increase of performed autopsies and a total discrepancy rate similar to the studies performed in the same institution in 2004 (22.5%) and 2007 (21%). In conclusion, discrepancies between clinical and PME diagnoses persist despite the medical progress. Secondly, the autopsy after a short hospital stay may reveal unexpected findings whose diagnosis is challenging even if it may be suspected by the intensivist.
Collateral impact of COVID-19: why should children continue to suffer?
Authors: Nagakumar Prasad , Chadwick Ceri-Louise , Bush Andrew , Gupta Atul
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-COV-2 virus fortunately resulted in few children suffering from severe disease. However, the collateral effects on the COVID-19 pandemic appear to have had significant detrimental effects on children affected and young people. There are also some positive impacts in the form of reduced prevalence of viral bronchiolitis. The new strain of SARS-COV-2 identified recently in the UK appears to have increased transmissibility to children. However, there are no large vaccine trials set up in children to evaluate safety and efficacy. In this short communication, we review the collateral effects of COVID-19 pandemic in children and young people. We highlight the need for urgent strategies to mitigate the risks to children due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is Known:• Children and young people account for <2% of all COVID-19 hospital admissions• The collateral impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children and young people is devastating• Significant reduction in influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in the southern hemisphere

What is New:• The public health measures to reduce COVID-19 infection may have also resulted in near elimination of influenza and RSV infections across the globe• A COVID-19 vaccine has been licensed for adults. However, large scale vaccine studies are yet to be initiated although there is emerging evidence of the new SARS-COV-2 strain spreading more rapidly though young people.• Children and young people continue to bear the collateral effects of COVID-19 pandemic