bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enzyme Immobilization on Synthesized Nanoporous Silica Particles and their Application in a Bi‐enzymatic Reaction
Authors: Engelmann Claudia , Ekambaram Narendhiran , Johannsen Jens , Fellechner Oliver , Waluga Thomas , Fieg Georg , Liese Andreas , Bubenheim Paul
Published: January 2020

The application of enzymes presents a great advantage regarding highly selective reactions; however, it involves also challenges due to their sensitivity. Immobilization offers one strategy to overcome those challenges enabling enzyme stabilization, as well as retention. In the present study, covalent attachment on hydrophilic amino‐functionalized carriers is found to be the most promising immobilization method for the investigated reaction system. To achieve this, a novel method for preparation of silica particles with subsequent amino‐functionalization is developed to prepare spherical carriers for enzyme immobilization, whereby high porosities are obtained based on polymerization. With these particles, immobilization of an alcohol dehydrogenase and a formate dehydrogenase is realized with residual activities of 70 and 80 % after 12 consecutive batches, respectively. The two immobilized enzymes are used in the reduction of cinnamyl aldehyde with in situ cofactor regeneration, obtaining a conversion of 100 % and up to 10‐fold higher turnover numbers compared to the free enzyme.
Catalytic Methylation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons using CO2/H2 over Re/TiO2 and H‐MOR Catalysts
Authors: Ting Kah Wei , Kamakura Haruka , Poly Sharmin S. , Toyao Takashi , Hakim Siddiki S. M. A. , Maeno Zen , Matsushita Koichi , Shimizu Ken‐ichi
Published: January 2020

A combined catalyst comprising TiO2‐supported Re (Re(1)/TiO2; Re=1 wt%) and H‐MOR (SiO2/Al2O3=90) was found to promote the methylation of benzene using CO2 and H2. This catalytic system exhibited high performance with regard to the synthesis of methylated benzenes and gave high yields of total methylated products (up to 52 % benzene‐based yield and 42 % CO2‐based yield) under the reaction conditions employed in this study (pCO2=1 MPa; pH2=5 MPa; T=250 °C; t=20 h) in a batch reactor. Catalyst screening demonstrated that a combination of Re(1)/TiO2 and H‐MOR (SiO2/Al2O3=90) exhibited superior performance compared to other combinations of supported metal catalysts and zeolites in terms of both yield and selectivity for methylated benzenes.
Effectiveness of Amine Concentration and Circulation Rate in the CO2Removal Process
Authors: George Emily C. , Riverol Carmen
Published: January 2020

Optimization of an amine‐based method is vital to ensure product quality, equipment safety, and system efficiency. Here, the effectiveness of amine concentration and circulation rate is evaluated for a diglycolamine (DGA)‐based facility. The performance is measured using the concentration of carbon dioxide in the treated gas and the net acid gas loading of the amine solution. Both amine concentration and circulation rate were observed to affect the system efficiency. An optimal operating range was identified for the gas plant studied established on the performance criteria. The analysis is based on a proprietary mass transfer‐based process simulator of an amine‐based acid gas treating facility and field data.
Cost‐Saving Opportunities in the Energy Management of Papermaking Processes
Authors: Janošovský Ján , Variny Miroslav , Mierka Otto
Published: January 2020

Energy consumption optimization belongs to the main agendas in sustainable industries. Here, cost‐saving opportunities in the pulp and paper industry as one of the largest industrial energy consumers worldwide are in the focus. Energy‐saving measures are proposed employing a large‐scale mathematical model of a paper machine based on mass and energy balances supported by real‐time experiments in paper machine operation. The presented measures are based on the optimization of paper stock pumping and a drying section operation. The total energy‐saving effect of the four proposed measures accounted for a reduction in specific heat and electricity consumption by more than 2 %. The proposed procedures require no or low investment costs with the overall simple rate of return of less than one year.
Cyclometalated Ruthenium Pincer Complexes as Catalysts for the α‐Alkylation of Ketones with Alcohols
Authors: Piehl Patrick , Amuso Roberta , Alberico Elisabetta , Junge Henrik , Gabriele Bartolo , Neumann Helfried , Beller Matthias
Published: January 2020

Ruthenium PNP pincer complexes bearing supplementary cyclometalated C,N‐bound ligands have been prepared and fully characterized for the first time. By replacing CO and H− as ancillary ligands in such complexes, additional electronic and steric modifications of this topical class of catalysts are possible. The advantages of the new catalysts are demonstrated in the general α‐alkylation of ketones with alcohols following a hydrogen autotransfer protocol. Herein, various aliphatic and benzylic alcohols were applied as green alkylating agents for ketones bearing aromatic, heteroaromatic or aliphatic substituents as well as cyclic ones. Mechanistic investigations revealed that during catalysis, Ru carboxylate complexes are predominantly formed whereas neither the PNP nor the CN ligand are released from the catalyst in significant amounts.
Rare‐Earth Metal Alkyl Complexes with 3‐Arylamido‐Functionalized Indolyl Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity†
Authors: Zhu Xiancui , Jiang Yuzhe , Chen Jun , Wang Shaowu , Huang Zeming , Zhu Shan , Zhao Xu , Yue Wenrun , Zhang Jun , Wu Weikang , Zhong Xiangyang
Published: January 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A series of dinuclear rare‐earth metal alkyl complexes {[μ‐η2:η1:η1‐3‐(LNCH)(CH2SiMe3)Ind]RE(CH2SiMe3)(THF)}2 (L1 = 2‐tBuC6H4, RE = Y, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb; L2 = 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2, RE = Dy, Er; Ind = indolyl) and {[μ‐η2:η1:η1‐3‐(LNCH2)Ind]RE(CH2SiMe3)(THF)}2 (L1, RE = Y, Dy, Er, Yb; L2, RE = Er, Yb) bearing 3‐arylamido functionalized indolyl ligands having diverse bonding modes with metal ions were synthesized either by the insertion reaction of the imino group to the RE—C bond or by the alkane elimination reaction. In the preparation of above complexes, rare‐earth metal alkyl complexes [μ‐η5:η1:η1‐3‐(L2NCH)(CH2SiMe3)Ind]Gd(CH2SiMe3)(THF)}2 with a μ‐η5:η1:η1 coordination mode to the gadolinium ion and {[μ‐η3:η1:η1‐3‐(L2NCH2)Ind]Dy(CH2SiMe3)(THF)}2 with a μ‐η3:η1:η1 coordination mode to the dysprosium ion were unexpectedly isolated. The reactions of 3‐(L2N=CH)Ind with Er(CH2SiMe3)3(THF)2 at room temperature, generated a tetranuclear imino‐indolyl erbium intermediate {[μ‐η1:η1‐3‐(L2N=CH)Ind]Er(CH2SiMe3)2(THF)}4, which can transform into the amido functionalized indolyl erbium complex in hot toluene. Moreover, the reactivities of the newly synthesized ytterbium complex with N‐heterocyclic compounds were investigated, affording the corresponding products of the mixed pyridyl‐indolyl, imidazolyl‐indolyl, and ortho‐metalated complexes. The yttrium complexes showed a high regioselectivity and steroselectivity for the isoprene polymerization with 1,4‐trans selectivity up to 91.7% and 1,4‐cis selectivity up to 96.1% in the presence of cocatalysts, respectively.
E‐cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury: What is the role of cytologic assessment?
Authors: Saqi Anjali , Mukhopadhyay Sanjay , Butt Yasmeen , Doxtader Erika , Heymann Jonas J. , Larsen Brandon T. , Moreira Andre L. , Patel Ami , Reynolds Jordan P. , Sung Simon , Crapanzano John P.
Published: January 2020

Greater than 2000 cases of vaping‐associated pulmonary injury and 39 deaths reported in the United States have heightened public awareness and assumed major public health significance over recent months. Currently, knowledge of the effects of various vaping agents on the respiratory tract is in its infancy. Additional understanding of the agents implicated in these lung injuries as well as a correlation between bronchoalveolar lavage and lung biopsy samples is required.
Self‐compassion, trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Winders Sarah‐Jane , Murphy Orlagh , Looney Kathy , O'Reilly Gary
Published: January 2020

Self‐compassion has emerged as an important construct in the mental health literature. Although conceptual links between self‐compassion and trauma are apparent, a review has not been completed to examine whether this association is supported by empirical research findings. To systematically summarize knowledge on the association between trauma and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self‐compassion. Searches were conducted in PsycINFO, PubMed, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and PILOTS databases, and papers reporting a direct analysis on the relationship between these constructs were identified. The search yielded 35 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Despite considerable heterogeneity in study design, sample, measurement, and trauma type, there was consistent evidence to suggest that increased self‐compassion is associated with less PTSD symptomatology and some evidence to suggest that reduced fear of self‐compassion is associated with less PTSD symptomatology. There was tentative evidence to suggest that interventions based, in part or whole, on a self‐compassion model potentially reduce PTSD symptoms. Although findings are positive for the association between increased self‐compassion and reduced PTSD symptoms, the precise mechanism of these protective effects is unknown. Prospective and longitudinal studies would be beneficial in clarifying this. The review also highlighted the variability in what is and should be referred to as trauma exposure, indicating the need for further research to clarify the concept.
Side‐View Operando Optical Microscopy Analysis of a Graphite Anode to Study Its Kinetic Hysteresis
Authors: Kang Sujin , Yeom Su Jeong , Lee Hyun‐Wook
Published: January 2020

Operando analyses have provided several breakthroughs in the construction of high‐performance materials and devices, including energy storage systems. However, despite the advances in electrode engineering, the formidable issues of lithium intercalation and deintercalation kinetics cannot be investigated by using planar observations. This study concerns side‐view operando observation by optical microscopy of a graphite anode based on its color changes during electrochemical lithiation. Since the graphite color varies according to the optical energy gap during lithiation and delithiation, this technique can be used to study the corresponding charge–discharge kinetics. In addition, the cell configuration uses liquid electrolytes similar to commercial cells, allowing practical application. Furthermore, this side‐view observation has shown that microscale spatial variations in rate and composition control the insertion and deinsertion, revealing the kinetics throughout the whole electrode. The results of this study could enhance the fundamental understanding of the kinetics of battery materials.
Assessing the Viability of Recovery of Hydroxycinnamic Acids from Lignocellulosic Biorefinery Alkaline Pretreatment Waste Streams
Authors: Karlen Steven D. , Fasahati Peyman , Mazaheri Mona , Serate Jose , Smith Rebecca A. , Sirobhushanam Sirisha , Chen Mingjie , Tymokhin Vitaliy I. , Cass Cynthia L. , Liu Sarah , Padmakshan Dharshana , Xie Dan , Zhang Yaoping , McGee Mick A. , Russell Jason D. , Coon Joshua J. , Kaeppler Heidi F. , de Leon Natalia , Maravelias Christos T. , Runge Troy M. , Kaeppler Shawn M. , Sedbrook John C. , Ralph John
Published: January 2020

The hydroxycinnamic acids p‐coumaric acid (pCA) and ferulic acid (FA) add diversity to the portfolio of products produced by using grass‐fed lignocellulosic biorefineries. The level of lignin‐bound pCA in Zea mays was modified by the alteration of p‐coumaroyl‐CoA monolignol transferase expression. The biomass was processed in a lab‐scale alkaline‐pretreatment biorefinery process and the data were used for a baseline technoeconomic analysis to determine where to direct future research efforts to couple plant design to biomass utilization processes. It is concluded that future plant engineering efforts should focus on strategies that ramp up accumulation of one type of hydroxycinnamate (pCA or FA) predominantly and suppress that of the other. Technoeconomic analysis indicates that target extraction titers of one hydroxycinnamic acid need to be >50 g kg−1 biomass, at least five times higher than observed titers for the impure pCA/FA product mixture from wild‐type maize. The technical challenge for process engineers is to develop a viable process that requires more than 80 % reduction of the isolation costs.
Widespread freshwater carbonate in the Olduvai Basin, a precursor to a major eruption in the East African Rift System
Authors: Ashley Gail M. , de Wet Carol B. , Houser Leah M. , Delaney Jeremy S.
Published: January 2020

Freshwater limestones are uncommon in the sedimentary record of the East African Rift System. Recent research in the Olduvai Basin, Tanzania has revealed an extensive carbonate unit ca 1.8 Ma in age that varies spatially in thickness, petrography, trace element and rare earth geochemistry, C and O isotope values and freshwater microfossils. Five distinct lithologies are recognized. Four reflect deposition in carbonate‐rich environments that occurred at the same time in a catena‐like pattern over a heterogeneous landscape: spring, wetland, freshwater lake/pond and saline playa lake. The fifth is carbonate nodular soil that formed by paedogenesis on areas of topographically higher terrane. The δ18O of the carbonate, as negative as −6.5‰, indicates that the groundwater is meteoritic derived. The origin of the carbonate comprising this thick, extensive, isochronostratigraphic deposit has not been determined, but it is believed that carbonatite volcanism may have supplied elevated levels of carbonate to the basin which then entered the groundwater system. The carbonate was deposited just prior to a major trachyte‐phonolite eruption of Mount Olmoti, and the deposition of a basin wide tuff, Tuff IF. The region is seismically active today and seismic events were likely associated with Olmoti volcanism. The widespread carbonate unit may have preceded the Olmoti eruption and formed from a recurring seismically induced increase in aquifer porosity and permeability. The carbonate‐enriched groundwater episodically discharged onto the land surface, interacting locally with both fresh and saline ponded water.
Quantifying water requirements of African ungulates through a combination of functional traits
Authors: Kihwele Emilian S. , Mchomvu Victor , Owen‐Smith Norman , Hetem Robyn S. , Hutchinson Matthew C. , Potter Arjun B. , Olff Han , Veldhuis Michiel P.
Published: January 2020

Climate and land use change modify surface water availability in African savannas. Surface water is a key resource for both wildlife and livestock and its spatial and temporal distribution is important for understanding the composition of large herbivore assemblages in savannas. Yet, the extent to which ungulate species differ in their water requirements remains poorly quantified. Here, we infer the water requirements of 48 African ungulates by combining six different functional traits related to physiological adaptations to reduce water loss, namely minimum dung moisture, relative dung pellet size, relative surface area of the distal colon, urine osmolality, relative medullary thickness, and evaporation rate. In addition, we investigated how these differences in water requirements relate to differences in dietary water intake. We observed strong correlations between traits related to water loss through dung, urine and evaporation, suggesting that ungulates minimize water loss through multiple pathways simultaneously, which suggests that each trait can thus be used independently to predict water requirements. Furthermore, we found that browsers and grazers had similar water requirements, but browsers are expected to be less dependent on surface water because they acquire more water through their diet. We conclude that these key functional traits are a useful way to determine differences in water requirements and an important tool for predicting changes in herbivore community assembly resulting from changes in surface water availability.
Reactive fibrosis precedes doxorubicin‐induced heart failure through sterile inflammation
Authors: Tanaka Ryo , Umemura Masanari , Narikawa Masatoshi , Hikichi Mayu , Osaw Kohei , Fujita Takayuki , Yokoyama Utako , Ishigami Tomoaki , Tamura Kouichi , Ishikawa Yoshihiro
Published: January 2020

Aims

Doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced heart failure has a poor prognosis, and effective treatments have not been established. Because DOX shows cumulative cardiotoxicity, we hypothesized that minimal cardiac remodelling occurred at the initial stage in activating cardiac fibroblasts. Our aim was to investigate the initial pathophysiology of DOX‐exposed cardiac fibroblasts and propose prophylaxis.

Methods and results

An animal study was performed using a lower dose of DOX (4 mg/kg/week for 3 weeks, i.p.) than a toxic cumulative dose. Histological analysis was performed with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labelling assay, picrosirius red staining, and immunohistochemical staining. The mechanism was analysed in vitro with a low dose of DOX, which did not induce cell apoptosis. Microarray analysis was performed. Differentially expressed genes were confirmed by enrichment analysis. Mitochondrial damage was assessed by mitochondrial membrane potential. The production of inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis markers was assessed by western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and ELISA. A phosphokinase antibody array was performed to detect related signalling pathways. Low‐dose DOX did not induced cell death, and fibrosis was localized to the perivascular area in mice. Microarray analysis suggested that DOX induced genes associated with the innate immune system and inflammatory reactions, resulting in cardiac remodelling. DOX induced mitochondrial damage and increased the expression of interleukin‐1. DOX also promoted the expression of fibrotic markers, such as alpha smooth muscle actin and galectin‐3. These responses were induced through stress‐activated protein kinase/c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase signalling. A peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPARγ) agonist attenuated the expression of fibrotic markers through suppressing stress‐activated protein kinase/c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase. Furthermore, this molecule also suppressed DOX‐induced early fibrotic responses in vivo.

Conclusions

Low‐dose DOX provoked reactive fibrosis through sterile inflammation evoked by the damaged mitochondria.
Characteristics and outcomes of transitions among heart failure categories: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Gu Jun , Yin Zhao‐fang , Zhang Hui‐li , Fan Yu‐qi , Zhang Jun‐feng , Wang Chang‐qian
Published: January 2020

Aims

Patients with heart failure (HF) are typically designated as having reduced, mid‐range, or preserved ejection fraction (EF) (HFrEF, HFmrEF, or HFpEF, respectively) because of the importance of left ventricular EF (LVEF) on therapeutic decisions and prognosis. However, such designations are not necessarily static, as there are many transitions among the three HF phenotypes during follow‐up. This prospective longitudinal cohort study sought to examine the HF transitions over time and their clinical characteristics, prognosis, and response to medical therapy.

Methods and results

We identified 1920 patients from a prospective cohort with a primary diagnosis of HF between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2012. The enrolled HF patients were re‐classified into three groups on the basis of baseline and 1 year follow‐up echocardiography: HF with improved EF (HFiEF), HF with deteriorated EF (HFdEF), and HF with unchanged EF (HFuEF). The primary outcome was 5 year all‐cause mortality. According to 1 year follow‐up echocardiography, 490 (25.5%) were diagnosed as HFiEF, 179 (9.3%) as HFdEF, and 1251 (65.2%) as HFuEF. Ischaemic heart disease was an independent predictor of HFdEF, and beta‐blocker prescription was an independent predictor of HFiEF. During the 5 year follow‐up, patients with HFdEF had higher mortality, whereas patients with HFiEF had lower mortality. After adjustment, HFiEF, compared with HFuEF, was associated with a 62.1% decreased risk for mortality. Finally, the use of beta‐blockers was associated with improved prognosis of patients with HFiEF and HFuEF.

Conclusions

In this cohort of patients with HF, LVEF is a dynamic factor related to coexisting conditions and drug therapy. HFiEF and HFdEF are distinct HF phenotypes with different clinical outcomes than other phenotypes.
Synthesis of Two Monomeric Tri‐Substituted γ*‐Dawson‐Type Polyoxotungstates
Authors: Li Ning , Zhang Sufang , Zhao Jianguo , Pan Qiliang , Xing Baoyan , Li Jingwei , Jiang Shang , Qu Wenshan
Published: January 2020

Two novel tri‐substituted γ*‐Dawson‐type polyoxotungstates H12[P2W15O59{Co(H2O)}3]·15H2O (1) and H12[P2W15O59{Ni(H2O)}3]·15H2O (2) have been successfully synthesized under conventional solution conditions, and characterized in the solid state by powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis. Structural analysis indicates that they are the tri‐substituted γ*‐Dawson isomers, which are very rare in Dawson‐type polyoxometalates. The magnetic properties of both compounds were studied. In addition, the electrochemical properties of both compounds have also been investigated in H2SO4 aqueous solution.
Columnar Propeller‐Like 1,3,5‐Triphenylbenzenes: Probing the Effect of Chlorine on the Suzuki Cross‐Coupling and Liquid Crystalline Properties
Authors: Grunwald Marco André , Wöhrle Tobias , Forschner Robert , Baro Angelika , Laschat Sabine
Published: January 2020

Suzuki cross‐couplings either between chlorinated N‐methyliminodiacetic acid (MIDA)‐protected aryl boronates and 1,3,5‐tribromobenzene or between chlorinated aryl bromides and phenyltrisboronic species to star‐shaped 1,3,5‐triphenylbenzenes with different substitution patterns and chloro substituents at the outer phenyl rings were studied. The chlorinated precursors required for the respective reaction were synthesized and characterized. Depending on the used coupling reaction target triphenylbenzenes were isolated in yields between 42 % and 88 %. Their mesomorphic properties were influenced by the substitution pattern and number of peripheral chlorine atoms. Triphenylbenzene with 3,5‐alkoxy substitution and H in para‐position self‐assembled into either columnar hexagonal (Colh) mesophases or a soft crystal. While threefold chloro substitution in meta‐position of the outer phenyl rings led to stable room temperature Colho phases, triphenylbenzenes with threefold para‐chloro or 3,5‐dichloro substitution were non‐mesomorphic. Based on X‐ray diffraction data a helical packing model for the observed phases similar to that of related alkoxy‐substituted triphenylbenzenes was proposed.
MVF Sensor Enables Analysis of Nucleic Acids with Stable Secondary Structures
Authors: Foguel Marcos V. , Balcarcel Angelica M. , Reed Mark A. , Calvo‐Marzal Percy , Gerasimova Yulia V. , Kolpashchikov Dmitry M. , Chumbimuni‐Torres Karin Y.
Published: January 2020

One major challenge in nucleic acids analysis by hybridization probes is a compromise between the probe's tight binding and sequence‐selective recognition of nucleic acid targets folded into stable secondary structures. We have been developing a four‐way junction (4WJ)‐based sensor that consists of a universal stem‐loop (USL) probe immobilized on an electrode surface and two adaptor strands (M and F). The sensor was shown to be highly selective towards single base mismatches at room temperature, able to detect multiple targets using the same USL probe, and have improved ability to detect folded nucleic acids. However, some nucleic acid targets, including natural RNA, are folded into very stable secondary and tertiary structures, which may represent a challenge even for the 4WJ sensors. This work describes a new sensor, named MVF since it uses three probe stands M, V and F, which further improves the performance of 4WJ sensors with folded targets. The MVF sensor interrogating a 16S rRNA NASBA amplicon with calculated folding energy of −32.82 kcal/mol has demonstrated 2.5‐fold improvement in a signal‐to‐background ratio in comparison with a 4WJ sensor lacking strand V. The proposed design can be used as a general strategy in the analysis of folded nucleic acids including natural RNA.
Spectrum sensing in optical wireless communication network
Authors: Wu Wei‐Chiang
Published: January 2020

The main focus of this paper is on the issue of spectrum sensing or channel awareness in an optical wireless scattering communication network. We propose two spectrum sensing algorithms to detect M‐ary pulse‐position modulation signal under Poisson channel statistic. The first algorithm premises on symbol‐by‐symbol block processing, in which the photon‐counting receiver collects the received photons during a symbol interval and a Neyman‐Pearson decision rule is developed to determine the optimum decision threshold, whereas the second algorithm is based on chip‐level sequential as well as diversity detection. Performances of both algorithms are extensively analyzed in terms of the detection probability, the false alarm probability, the average detection delay, and the average false alarm run length. Simulation results demonstrate that scheme 2 outperforms scheme 1 under different scenarios. We also analyze the existing algorithm on the considered signal model and verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms over existing spectrum sensing algorithm.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate modulates the diversity of gut microbiota in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Zhang Beilin , Wang Jinpeng , Wei Qiyan , Liu Yi , Zhang Huiwen , Chen Xiaohui , Xu Kun
Published: January 2020

Epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate (EGCG) exists as one of the major active components of green tea and has been studied extensively; however, the relationship between EGCG and the changes in the gut microflora of ovariectomized (OVX) rats as a model of menopause women have not yet been studied. Female Wistar rats were fed on a maintenance material diet and underwent either ovariectomy or SHAM surgery. The ovariectomized rats were divided into OVX group with the treatment of placebo or EGCG group which was treated with EGCG by oral gavage. After 8 weeks of treatment, anxiety‐like behaviors were assessed using elevated plus maze test (EMP) and open field test (OFT). The serum estradiol concentration was assayed through ELISA. High‐throughput V3–V4 16S rDNA sequencing was conducted to assess the microbial diversity in fecal samples collected from all rats. EGCG, at a concentration of 10 mg/kg, caused behavioral changes in rats similar to anxiety. In EPM, OVX rats spent less time in open arms than SHAM group rats and EGCG group rats (F = 16.043, p < .01). In OFT, the total travelled distance and the number of entries for EGCG group were higher compared with OVX group (F = 30.939, H = 13.107, respectively; p < .01). In addition, the distribution and composition of intestinal microflora in rats changed after ovariectomy. EGCG modulated the diversity of gut microbiota in OVX group at the phylum and the genus levels. Our results suggested that the composition of gut microbiota and anxiety in OVX rats were simultaneously affected by EGCG, and therefore, the two conditions might be strongly related, yet the deeper mechanistic links need further exploration.
A cross‐checked global monthly weather station database for precipitation covering the period 1901–2010
Authors: Castellanos‐Acuna Dante , Hamann Andreas
Published: January 2020

Comprehensive monthly weather station databases are the foundation for many gridded climate data products, and they are widely used to characterize regional climate conditions, track climate change and research the impact of climate on natural and managed ecosystems. However, weather station databases are often regional in coverage, and they can have extensive gaps in station coverage over time. They may also contain errors in climate records, station coordinates or elevation. Here, we assemble a comprehensive monthly weather station database for precipitation from multiple reputable data sources. We use digital elevation models and nearby stations to search for inconsistencies in reported station locations and recorded precipitation values. We also estimated missing values in weather station time series using a linear model approach based on interpolated anomaly surfaces. The resulting station records were ranked into ten classes, according to the completeness of records, the reliability of missing value estimations and other criteria. We corrected incomplete or erroneous location and elevation information for 12% of all available station records. A total of 23% of monthly records that had missing values could be estimated with high or moderate confidence. We sub‐sampled our global database of more than 80,000 stations with various spatial filters, so that only the highest quality station for a given area was retained. Our contribution significantly enhances global data coverage compared to individual databases currently available. Even when accepting only the stations within the top two quality ranks in our combined database, and applying the coarsest spatial filter of one station per approximately 1,600 km2, the remaining station count of more than 20,000 stations exceeds the largest alternative database (without a spatial filter applied) by more than 50%.
Optically stimulated luminescence chronology and geomorphic imprint of Xiazangtan landslide upon the upper Yellow River valley on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Guo Xiaohua , Wei Jiuchuan , Song Zhaojun , Lai Zhongping , Yu Lupeng
Published: January 2020

Landslides provide a means to study tectonic and climate forcing on hillslopes in mountainous terrain. Landslides are common in the upper Yellow River valley on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, some of which even blocked the Yellow River. However, uncertainty remains on the trigger factors for these palaeolandslides, and emplacement timing of palaeolandslides could be essential to resolve these issues. In this study, single aliquot regeneration protocols of quartz was applied to a perched lake overlying Xiazangtan landslide mass. Optically stimulated luminescence ages at the basal of this lacustrine lake constrained a minimum age for this landslide, reflecting that Xiazangtan landslide that occurred at or before 44.9 ± 3.2 ka, the marine isotope stage (MIS) 3. Wetter conditions and extensive rainfall in MIS 3 may have resulted in a rapid growth of pore pressure and loss of the apparent cohesion of thin soils, eventually causing the failure of Xiazangtan landslide, while earthquake could not be ruled out in such a tectonically active area. Xiazangtan landslide plays a significant role in shaping mountainous topography. This landslide, for instance, reduced hillslope gradients along the slope profile, added noise to river longitudinal profile development, and interrupted the formation of fluvial terraces by slowing down fluvial bedrock incision.
Discussion of Yang et al. (2017, Acta Geologica Sinica 91:749–750) A new discovery of the Early Cretaceous supercritical hyperpycnal flow deposits on Lingshan Island, East China
Authors: Shao Zhufu , Zhao Bing , Howell John , Luan Xiwu , Maxwell Gail , Ran Weimin , Liu Zexuan , Zhang Wenxin
Published: January 2020

Yang et al., Acta Geologica Sinica‐English Edition, 91(2), pp. 749–750 claim that they discovered supercritical hyperpycnal flow deposits in the Early Cretaceous strata on Lingshan Island, East China. We would like to discuss this paper under the following topics: (a) the terminology of “supercritical hyperpycnal flow,” (b) hyperpycnal flow deposition, and (c) supercritical flow deposition. Our aim is twofold in that the following debate will help unravel the complexities associated with the controversy around the paleosedimentary environment and sediment dynamic processes of the early Cretaceous deposits on Lingshan Island, in addition to providing an understanding of hyperpycnal flow and supercritical flow deposits. The Beilaishi section deposits on Lingshan Island are more likely storm‐induced tempestites within the lacustrine basin delta front and associated deep lacustrine turbidites. Frequent earthquakes due to tectonic‐magmatic activity are the most likely triggers for lacustrine storms.
Implementation of altered provider incentives for a more individual‐risk‐based assignment of dental recall intervals: evidence from a health systems reform in Denmark
Authors: Gabel Frank , Kalmus Olivier , Rosing Kasper , Trescher Anna‐Lena , Listl Stefan
Published: January 2020

Equipping health systems with suitable incentives for efficient resource allocation remains a major health policy challenge. This study examines the impacts of 2015 regulatory changes in Danish dental care which aimed at effectuating a transition from six‐to‐twelve‐monthly dental recall intervals, for every patient, towards a model where patients with higher need receive dental recalls systematically more frequently than patients with lower need. Exploiting administrative data from the years 2012‐2016 from the Danish National Health Insurance database containing 72,155,539 treatment claims for 3,759,721 unique patients, we estimated a series of interrupted time‐series regression models with patient‐level fixed‐effects. In comparison to the pre‐reform period, the proportion of patients with recall intervals of up to 6 months was by 1.2%‐points larger post‐implementation; that of patients with 6‐12‐monthly recalls increased by 0.7%‐points; that of patients with more than 12‐monthly dental recalls decreased by 1.9%‐points. The composition of care shifted more substantially: the proportion of treatment sessions including preventive care increased by 31.5%‐points (95%‐CI: 31.4;31.6); that of sessions including scaling increased by 24.1%‐points (24.0;24.2); that of sessions including diagnostics decreased by 34.5%‐points (34.4;34.6). These findings suggest that dental care providers may have responded differently to regulatory changes than intended by the health policy.
Executive function and screen‐based media use in preschool children
Authors: Jusienė Roma , Rakickienė Lauryna , Breidokienė Rima , Laurinaitytė Ilona
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to explore associations between time spent using various media devices and executive abilities in preschoolers. Participants were 190 children (44.2% female; mean age 58.75 months, SD = 7.27). The Shape School, the Missing Scan and the Head and Feet tasks were administered to children to assess three core executive functions (mental set shifting, working memory, and inhibitory control). Parents provided information on the daily time children spent watching television and using smartphones, tablets, and computers. Parental education was also taken into consideration. Results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that separate executive abilities were not predicted by use of any type of screen. To conclude, our findings suggest that screen time is not related to executive functions in typically developing low social risk preschoolers who are not overusing screens.

Highlights

This study explored the links between time spent using various screen‐media devices and executive abilities in four‐ and five‐year‐olds.

TV, computer, smartphone and tablet use were not related to inhibitory control, working memory and shifting in preschoolers from low‐risk backgrounds.

Future research should take into consideration screen exposure time and content, and analyse relationships between screen use and executive functions longitudinally.
Fetal bone mineralization defects following maternal inadvertent exposure to thiazolidinediones in pregnancy
Authors: Ganie Mohd Ashraf , Krishnamurthy Aishwarya , Salem Mohammad , Rashid Aafia , Wani Imtiaz Ahmad , Gojwari Tariq
Published: January 2020

Data on the efficacy of thiazolidinediones in pregnancy is limited. The present study highlights two cases of fetal bone mineralization defects following maternal exposure to thiazolidinedione.
ACTUAL WATER USE OF YOUNG DATE PALM TREES AS AFFECTED BY AMINOLEVULINIC ACID APPLICATION AND DIFFERENT IRRIGATION WATER SALINITIES
Authors: Abdelhadi A.W. , Salih A.A. , Sultan K. , Alsafi A. , Tashtoush F.
Published: January 2020

The Arabian Gulf countries are facing unprecedented water management challenges owing to limited water resources and salinization of the soil. Date palm trees represent a crucial socio‐economic asset in the region. Improving water productivity and tolerance to salinity are the most viable options. A split plot experiment was conducted on 4‐year‐old date palm trees in concrete lysimeters. The objective was to study the effects of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and different irrigation water salinities (EC) on actual water use (ET) and irrigation efficiency (IE). Low: < 1, medium: 12–15 and high: 18–20 (dS m‾¹) EC were used as main plots while zero and 5 ml per tree of ALA represent the subplots. Data were collected during the period between June 2016 and September 2017. Results indicated that ALA application significantly increased tree ET by about 7%. Medium and high EC levels masked the effect of ALA on ET. EC significantly reduced ET by about 70 and 83% for high and medium EC respectively. The highest ET was obtained under low EC with ALA. Highest IE (63%) was obtained under low EC with ALA, followed by 48% for low EC without ALA. All ALA treatments resulted in higher IE compared with no ALA. © 2020 The Authors. Irrigation and Drainage published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Commission for Irrigation and Drainage
Biodistribution and organ oxidative damage following 28 days oral administration of nanosilver with/without coating in mice
Authors: Gan Junying , Sun Jindu , Chang Xiaoru , Li Wenhua , Li Jiangyan , Niu Shuyan , Kong Lu , Zhang Ting , Wu Tianshu , Tang Meng , Xue Yuying
Published: January 2020

This study evaluated the biodistribution and organ oxidative effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) coated with/without polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (AgNP‐20 and AgNP‐PVP) in mice; these were administered by gavage at a dose of 10‐250 mg/kg body weight per day for 28 days. The results showed that both the AgNPs could induce subacute toxicity and oxidative damage to mice and were mainly accumulated in the liver and spleen and excreted by feces. AgNPs could be absorbed into blood and might cross the blood‐brain barrier, and be distributed extensively in mice. The malondialdehyde content in the liver, lungs and kidneys increased in both AgNP groups, while the content of glutathione decreased, and the activity of superoxide dismutase increased at first and then decreased along with the increased doses. Inflammatory pathological changes in the lung and liver at high dose of both AgNPs were consistent with increases in glutamate pyruvic transaminase, glutamate oxaloacetic transaminase and the total protein in serum detection. The Ag content was detected in organs, with the highest content in the liver, followed by spleen, while the Ag content in feces was about 500 times higher than that in urine. AgNP‐PVP could induce higher oxidative stress and subacute toxicity than AgNP‐20 at the same dose, which might be related to the higher concentrations and more Ag+ ions released in mice after AgNP‐PVP exposure. The data from this research provided information on toxicity and biodistribution of AgNPs following gavage administration in mice, and might shed light for future application of AgNPs in daily life.
Bta‐miR‐885 promotes proliferation and inhibits differentiation of myoblasts by targeting MyoD1
Authors: Elsaeid Elnour Ibrahim , Dong Dong , Wang Xiaogang , Zhansaya Toremurat , Khan Rajwali , Jian Wang , Jie Cheng , Chen Hong
Published: January 2020

The proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts are essential for the regeneration and development of skeletal muscles. However, the process of skeletal muscle development in cattle is complex and needs to be further investigated. The microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, small noncoding RNAs that play a critical role during skeletal muscle development. In this study, we evaluated the function of miR‐885 in muscle development in cattle. The results found that the expression of miR‐885 was gradually upregulated during myoblast proliferation, whereas progressively downregulated during myoblast differentiation. The overexpression of miR‐885 promoted cell proliferation of myoblast in cattle. Moreover, we further noted that the overexpression miR‐885 triggered the expression level of various marker genes involved in cell proliferation, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), and cyclin B1 (CCNB1). Furthermore, it was observed that overexpression of miR‐885 inhibited cell differentiation, and significantly decreased messenger RNA and protein expression levels of myogenic differentiation 1 (MyoD1) and myogenin (MyoG) in primary bovine myoblasts. Moreover, the miR‐885 inhibitor revealed that miR‐885 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell differentiation. In addition, the overexpression of miR‐885 markedly decreased MyoD1 expression in primary bovine myoblasts. The luciferase reporter assay, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot (WB) further indicated that miR‐885 directly binding to 3′ UTR of MyoD1 gene during transcriptional regulation. Conclusively, these results signified that miR‐885 could be critical for the proliferation and differentiation in primary bovine myoblast cells by targeting the MyoD1 gene in cattle.
CFTR deletion affects mouse osteoblasts in a gender‐specific manner
Authors: Orlando Valérie , Morin Geneviève , Laffont Alisson , Lénart Déborah , Solórzano Barrera Carolina , Mustafy Tanvir , Sankhe Safiétou , Villemure Isabelle , Mailhot Geneviève
Published: January 2020

Advancements in research and care have contributed to increase life expectancy of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). With increasing age comes a greater likelihood of developing CF bone disease, a comorbidity characterized by a low bone mass and impaired bone quality, which displays gender differences in severity. However, pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this gender difference have never been thoroughly investigated. We used bone marrow‐derived osteoblasts and osteoclasts from Cftr+/+ and Cftr−/− mice to examine whether the impact of CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) deletion on cellular differentiation and functions differed between genders. To determine whether in vitro findings translated into in vivo observations, we used imaging techniques and three‐point bending testing. In vitro studies revealed no osteoclast‐autonomous defect but impairment of osteoblast differentiation and functions and aberrant responses to various stimuli in cells isolated from Cftr−/− females only. Compared with wild‐type controls, knockout mice exhibited a trabecular osteopenic phenotype that was more pronounced in Cftr−/− males than Cftr−/− females. Bone strength was reduced to a similar extent in knockout mice of both genders. In conclusion, we find a trabecular bone phenotype in Cftr−/− mice that was slightly more pronounced in males than females, which is reminiscent of the situation found in patients. However, at the osteoblast level, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this phenotype differ between males and females, which may underlie gender differences in the way bone marrow–derived osteoblasts behave in absence of CFTR.
Fabrication and characterization of graphene oxide–polyethersulfone (GO–PES) composite flat sheet and hollow fiber membranes for oil–water separation
Authors: Junaidi Nurul Fatin Diana , Othman Nur Hidayati , Shahruddin Munawar Zaman , Alias Nur Hashimah , Marpani Fauziah , Lau Woei Jye , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

In this work, a series of graphene oxide–polyethersulfone (GO–PES) composite flat sheet (FS) and hollow fiber (HF) membranes were fabricated by blending 0.5 and 1.0 wt% of GO into the PES matrix and utilized for oil–water separation. GO was first prepared and characterized by using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) before being used as membrane fillers.

RESULTS

Interestingly, although similar dope composition was used for the fabrication of HF and FS membranes, their morphology and pore size varied significantly owing to the way the membranes were fabricated. Significant enhancement of hydrophilicity was observed for both composite FS and HF membranes, where the water contact angle value decreased from 74.8° to 42.2° and 71.4° to 49.8°, respectively. The flux of the composite membranes increased up to 150% of the bare membranes especially when 1.0 wt% of GO was added. Although higher oil rejection (~99%) was observed for HF membranes that possess smaller pores, the permeation flux was maintained due to the improved flow dynamic. Lower oil rejection (up to 50%) was observed for FS membranes, which might be due to its big pore sizes particularly at the bottom surface. As more oil droplets formed on the membrane surface and prevented water molecules to pass through the membrane, fouling might occur rapidly.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in this work suggest that surface hydrophilicity, pore size of membranes and oil–water separation performances was greatly affected by membrane shape. Owing to many advantages of HF membranes, this type of membrane has great potential for commercial applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Classification of stomach infections: A paradigm of convolutional neural network along with classical features fusion and selection
Authors: Majid Abdul , Khan Muhammad Attique , Yasmin Mussarat , Rehman Amjad , Yousafzai Abdullah , Tariq Usman
Published: January 2020

Automated detection and classification of gastric infections (i.e., ulcer, polyp, esophagitis, and bleeding) through wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is still a key challenge. Doctors can identify these endoscopic diseases by using the computer‐aided diagnostic (CAD) systems. In this article, a new fully automated system is proposed for the recognition of gastric infections through multi‐type features extraction, fusion, and robust features selection. Five key steps are performed—database creation, handcrafted and convolutional neural network (CNN) deep features extraction, a fusion of extracted features, selection of best features using a genetic algorithm (GA), and recognition. In the features extraction step, discrete cosine transform, discrete wavelet transform strong color feature, and VGG16‐based CNN features are extracted. Later, these features are fused by simple array concatenation and GA is performed through which best features are selected based on K‐Nearest Neighbor fitness function. In the last, best selected features are provided to Ensemble classifier for recognition of gastric diseases. A database is prepared using four datasets—Kvasir, CVC‐ClinicDB, Private, and ETIS‐LaribPolypDB with four types of gastric infections such as ulcer, polyp, esophagitis, and bleeding. Using this database, proposed technique performs better as compared to existing methods and achieves an accuracy of 96.5%.