bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herbicide Resistance in Brazil: Status, Impacts, and Future Challenges
Authors: Alcántara-de la Cruz Ricardo , Moraes de Oliveira Guilherme , Bianco de Carvalho Leonardo , Fátima das Graças Fernandes da Silva Maria
Published: February 2020

Brazil is a large producer and exporter of crops in global terms. Weeds may be responsible for ~14% of crop losses, depending on the crop system. Herbicides occupy 58% of the Brazilian pesticide market; however, the continuous use of these products and the high selection pressure have led to the emergence of weeds resistant to herbicides. Today, there are 51 weed species reported as being resistant to herbicides in Brazil, of which 17 involves cross and multiple-resistance. Acetolactate synthase (ALS), acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) and 5-enolpiruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPs) inhibitors are the herbicidal groups with the most resistance cases. Soybean, corn, rice, wheat and cotton present 30, 12, 10, 9 and 8 cases, respectively, occurring mainly in herbicide-resistant crop fields from the Southern and Central West regions of the country. To better understand the dimensions of herbicide resistance, in this chapter, we will explore the size of agricultural activity in Brazil, the pesticide market and the use of herbicides in the main crops. In addition, the agronomic, scientific-technical and economic aspects that have contributed, directly or indirectly, to the selection of resistant weeds will be discussed in order to have an overview of the economic impact of herbicide resistance management.
Climate Models Accumulated Cyclone Energy Analysis
Authors: Oliveira Guimarães Sullyandro
Published: February 2020

Looking at the connection between tropical cyclones and climate changes due to anthropogenic and natural effects, this work aims for information on understanding and how physical aspects of tropical cyclones may change, with a focus on accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), in a global warming scenario. In the present climate evaluation, reasonable results were obtained for the ACE index; the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models with lower horizontal and vertical resolution showed more difficulties in representing the index, while Max Planck Institute model demonstrated ability to simulate the climate with more accurate, presenting values of both ACE and maximum temperature close to NCEP Reanalysis 2. The MPI-ESM1-2-HR projections suggest that the seasons and their interannual variations in cyclonic activity will be affected by the forcing on the climate system, in this case, under the scenario of high GHG emissions and high challenges to mitigation SSP585. The results indicate to a future with more chances of facing more tropical cyclone activity, plus the mean increase of 3.1°C in maximum daily temperatures, and more heavy cyclones and stronger storms with more frequency over the North Atlantic Ocean may be experimented, as indicated by other studies.
El segundo sexo, de Simone de Beauvoir, y el feminismo contemporáneo
Authors: Morant Isabel
Published: February 2020

El  segundo  sexo, de Simone  de Beauvoir, publicado en 1947,  fue un   libro  revolucionario que hoy seguimos leyendo,  como un clásico  del pensamiento  feminista.  En el texto  se analiza  la historia de este libro;  el contexto  intelectual  que lo inspiro,   la novedad  de  su  pensamiento y  el escándalo  que  su aparición  produjo, en determinados  sectores  de  la sociedad  francesa y española. No se nace mujer; se llega a serlo , la conocida frase  de la autora  que, el feminismo  de los años  setenta   adoptaría  como  eslogan,   resumen bien  el valor epistemológico y político de un  libro, que ofrecía  un nuevo  enfoque  para  pensar   la diferencia  de los sexos y   la  dominación   de las  mujeres , a la vez que  abría  una esperanza de cambio  para las vidas  femeninas.
Synergy in the systemic approach to architectural performance
Authors: Davidova Marie
Published: February 2020

This article integrates a series of diverse projects that together exemplify and interpret the Systemic Approach to Architectural Performance (SAAP) that has been developed by the author. SAAP is a fusion of several process-based fields and their media and agency, namely: a) Systems oriented design; b) Performance oriented architecture; 3) Prototypical urban interventions; d) Time-based design; e) Service design; and f) Co-design, co-creation and DIY. The article presents SAAP’s relations to these fields and concludes with their integration and synergy in a ‘Real Life Co-Design Laboratory’, where collaborative and collective processes are seen as the resulting design objects or rather, objectives.
Modelling the effective reproduction number of vector-borne diseases: the yellow fever outbreak in Luanda, Angola 2015–2016 as an example
Authors: Zhao Shi , Musa Salihu S. , Hebert Jay T. , Cao Peihua , Ran Jinjun , Meng Jiayi , He Daihai , Qin Jing
Published: February 2020

The burden of vector-borne diseases (Dengue, Zika virus, yellow fever, etc.) gradually increased in the past decade across the globe. Mathematical modelling on infectious diseases helps to study the transmission dynamics of the pathogens. Theoretically, the diseases can be controlled and eventually eradicated by maintaining the effective reproduction number, (${\mathcal{R}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$), strictly less than 1. We established a vector-host compartmental model, and derived (${\mathcal{R}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$) for vector-borne diseases. The analytic form of the (${\mathcal{R}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$) was found to be the product of the basic reproduction number and the geometric average of the susceptibilities of the host and vector populations. The (${\mathcal{R}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$) formula was demonstrated to be consistent with the estimates of the 2015–2016 yellow fever outbreak in Luanda, and distinguished the second minor epidemic wave. For those using the compartmental model to study the vector-borne infectious disease epidemics, we further remark that it is important to be aware of whether one or two generations is considered for the transition “from host to vector to host” in reproduction number calculation.
The Effect of Self-directed Learning Strategies on e-Learning Pre-learning of Nursing Students: Focusing on the Flow Experience
Authors: Park Ju Young
Published: February 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self-directed learning strategies on e-learning pre-learning focusing on the flow experience.Methods: A structured self-report questionnaire was used to measure learning outcome achievement, pre-learning satisfaction, learning persistence, flow experience, and self-directed learning strategies. Data were collected from September 3~7, 2018. Participants were 150 nursing students studying at a university in D city. Data were analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple linear regression with the SPSS/WIN 23.0 program.Results: The flow experience had a partial mediating effect between self-directed learning strategies and pre-learning satisfaction (β=.73, p<.001). Also the flow experience had a partial mediating effect between self-directed learning strategies and learning outcome achievement (β=.17, p=.020) and learning persistence (β=.24, p=.001).Conclusion: Results suggest that flow experience has a positive effect as a mediating effect in the relationship between self-directed learning strategy and pre-learning satisfaction, learning outcome achievement, and learning persistence. Therefore, it is necessary to identify education methods that include flow experience with self-directed learning strategies.
Physiological Adaptation and Plant Growth Promoting Functional Traits of Bacillus altitudinis FD48 under In vitro Osmotic Stress
Authors: Narayanasamy Shobana , Thankappan Sugitha , Uthandi Sivakumar
Published: February 2020

To develop an osmotolerant microbe, as a bioinoculant to mitigate drought it is vital to understand the impact of osmotic stress on their growth and plant growth promoting functional traits. The present study was aimed to evaluate the physiological adaptations and plant growth-promoting traits of a phyllosphere bacterium Bacillus altitudinis FD48 under osmotic stress conditions. The FD48 strain isolated from rice (cultivar ADT43) phyllosphere obtained from Biocatalysts laboratory, Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. In vitro bioassay was conducted to evaluate the osmotolerant potentials of FD48. B. altitudinis FD48 grown in LB supplemented with PEG 6000 and grown for 48 hrs. Physiological adaptation to osmotic stress was observed by assessing the osmolytes and free amino acids content produced by FD48 under induced stress. Further the plant growth promoting traits under osmotic stress also asceratined. The growth pattern of FD48 strain decreased with the increase in PEG concentrations. The lower level of osmotic stress enhanced the growth of FD48 but at higher concentration exhibited a decline in growth. Enhanced levels of IAA (25 µg g-1 of protein) and EPS (9.76 mg mg-1 protein) production were recorded in the FD48 strain at lower levels of osmotic stress. Furthermore, an increase in osmotic stress had a deleterious effect on IAA production and ACC deaminase activity while the exopolysaccharide production was enhanced. Growth of FD48 under osmotic stress also increased the accumulation of proline and compatible sugars that will protect the FD48 strain by maintaining the turgor potential of cells and stabilizes the membrane proteins. Hence, the results of our study suggesting that, B. altitudinis FD48 strain has the potential to tolerate osmotic stress and might be used as a newer bio-inoculant for triggering moisture deficit stress resilience in plants.
Network diffusion modeling predicts neurodegeneration in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Poudel Govinda R. , Dominguez D Juan F. , Verhelst Helena , Vander Linden Catharine , Deblaere Karel , Jones Derek K. , Cerin Ester , Vingerhoets Guy , Caeyenberghs Karen
Published: February 2020

Objective

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a heterogeneous disease with multiple neurological deficits that evolve over time. It is also associated with an increased incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, clinicians need better tools to predict a patient’s long‐term prognosis.

Methods

Diffusion‐weighted and anatomical MRI data were collected from 17 adolescents (mean age = 15y8mo) with moderate‐to‐severe TBI and 19 healthy controls. Using a network diffusion model (NDM), we examined the effect of progressive deafferentation and gray matter thinning in young TBI patients. Moreover, using a novel automated inference method, we identified several injury epicenters in order to determine the neural degenerative patterns in each TBI patient.

Results

We were able to identify the subject‐specific patterns of degeneration in each patient. In particular, the hippocampus, temporal cortices, and striatum were frequently found to be the epicenters of degeneration across the TBI patients. Orthogonal transformation of the predicted degeneration, using principal component analysis, identified distinct spatial components in the temporal–hippocampal network and the cortico‐striatal network, confirming the vulnerability of these networks to injury. The NDM model, best predictive of the degeneration, was significantly correlated with time since injury, indicating that NDM can potentially capture the pathological progression in the chronic phase of TBI.

Interpretation

These findings suggest that network spread may help explain patterns of distant gray matter thinning, which would be consistent with Wallerian degeneration of the white matter connections (i.e., “diaschisis”) from diffuse axonal injuries and multifocal contusive injuries, and the neurodegenerative patterns of abnormal protein aggregation and transmission, which are hallmarks of brain changes in TBI. NDM approaches could provide highly subject‐specific biomarkers relevant for disease monitoring and personalized therapies in TBI.
Bimetal Schottky Heterojunction Boosting Energy‐Saving Hydrogen Production from Alkaline Water via Urea Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Chao , Lu Haoliang , Mao Zeyang , Yan Chenglin , Shen Guozhen , Wang Xianfu
Published: February 2020

Hydrogen production via water electrocatalysis is limited by the sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) that requires a high overpotential. In response, a urea‐assisted energy‐saving alkaline hydrogen‐production system has been investigated by replacing OER with a more oxidizable urea oxidation reaction (UOR). A bimetal heterostructure CoMn/CoMn2O4 as a bifunctional catalyst is constructed in an alkaline system for both urea oxidation and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Based on the Schottky heterojunction structure, CoMn/CoMn2O4 induces self‐driven charge transfer at the interface, which facilitates the absorption of reactant molecules and the fracture of chemical bonds, therefore triggering the decomposition of water and urea. As a result, the heterostructured electrode exhibits ultralow potentials of −0.069 and 1.32 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode) to reach 10 mA cm−2 for HER and UOR, respectively, in alkaline solution, and the full urea electrolysis driven by CoMn/CoMn2O4 delivers 10 mA cm−2 at a relatively low potential of 1.51 V and performs stably for more than 15 h. This represents a novel strategy of Mott–Schottky hybrids in electrocatalysts and should inspire the development of sustainable energy conversion by combining hydrogen production and sewage treatment.
Novel Insoluble Organic Cathodes for Advanced Organic K‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hu Yang , Tang Wu , Yu Qihang , Wang Xinxin , Liu Wenqiang , Hu Jiahui , Fan Cong
Published: February 2020

Organic redox‐active molecules are inborn electrodes to store large‐radius potassium (K) ion. High‐performance organic cathodes are important for practical usage of organic potassium‐ion batteries (OPIBs). However, small‐molecule organic cathodes face serious dissolution problems against liquid electrolytes. A novel insoluble small‐molecule organic cathode [N,N′‐bis(2‐anthraquinone)]‐perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxydiimide (PTCDI‐DAQ, 200 mAh g−1) is initially designed for OPIBs. In half cells (1–3.8 V vs K+/K) using 1 m KPF6 in dimethoxyethane (DME), PTCDI‐DAQ delivers a highly stable specific capacity of 216 mAh g−1 and still holds the value of 133 mAh g−1 at an ultrahigh current density of 20 A g−1 (100 C). Using reduced potassium terephthalate (K4TP) as the organic anode, the resulting K4TP||PTCDI‐DAQ OPIBs with the electrolyte 1 m KPF6 in DME realize a high energy density of maximum 295 Wh kg−1cathode (213 mAh g−1cathode × 1.38 V) and power density of 13 800 W Kg−1cathode (94 mAh g−1 × 1.38 V @ 10 A g−1) during the working voltage of 0.2–3.2 V. Meanwhile, K4TP||PTCDI‐DAQ OPIBs fulfill the superlong lifespan with a stable discharge capacity of 62 mAh g−1cathode after 10 000 cycles and 40 mAh g−1cathode after 30 000 cycles (3 A g−1). The integrated performance of PTCDI‐DAQ can currently defeat any cathode reported in K‐ion half/full cells.
MoS2‐Based Nanomaterials for Room‐Temperature Gas Sensors
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Zheng Wei , Liu Xianghong , Zhang Jun , Kumar Mahesh
Published: February 2020

In gas sensor technology, current research efforts are focused on developing a high performance miniaturized gas sensor operating at room temperature. In recent years, layered semiconducting material MoS2 has gained vast attention in sensing field owing to the detection of a variety of analytes at room temperature, high surface‐to‐volume ratio, and also provided substantial advantages in emerging flexible and wearable sensing field. Herein, a state‐of‐art overview of the utilization of burgeoning MoS2 research in gas sensing applications is provided. The synthesis of some exciting different nanostructures and hybrids of the MoS2 on a rigid as well as flexible substrate is summarized, as they play an important role in tuning the gas sensing characteristic of the MoS2. The gas sensing performance of the MoS2 sensors with proposed mechanisms is discussed in the context of a wide range of different morphologies/nanostructures, nanocomposites, van der Waals heterostructures, and photoactivation effects. Moreover, rapid advances and growing significance of the MoS2 on the emerging flexible gas sensing platform are also highlighted. Finally, some insights into new challenges and future perspectives in the promising MoS2 research for gas sensing applications are presented.
By Rejecting Evaluation, Maryland's New Mediator Standards Present Significant Practice Issues for Commercial Cases
Authors: Trueman Jeff
Published: February 2020

The Maryland Court of Appeals adopted new standards of conduct for court‐appointed and non‐court‐appointed mediators, effective Jan. 1, 2020. Although the new practice standards are the same for both groups, different links appear on the Maryland Judiciary's website: for court‐designated mediators at http://bit.ly/2FCBIY9, and for non‐court appointed mediators at http://bit.ly/2tMLeVV.
Coverage‐Controlled Superstructures of C3‐Symmetric Molecules: Honeycomb versus Hexagonal Tiling
Authors: Jasper‐Tönnies Torben , Gruber Manuel , Ulrich Sandra , Herges Rainer , Berndt Richard
Published: February 2020

The competition between honeycomb and hexagonal tiling of molecular units can lead to large honeycomb superstructures on surfaces. Such superstructures exhibit pores that may be used as 2D templates for functional guest molecules. Honeycomb superstructures of molecules that comprise a C3 symmetric platform on Au(111) and Ag(111) surfaces are presented. The superstructures cover nearly mesoscopic areas with unit cells containing up to 3000 molecules, more than an order of magnitude larger than previously reported. The unit cell size may be controlled by the coverage. A fairly general model was developed to describe the energetics of honeycomb superstructures built from C3 symmetric units. Based on three parameters that characterize two competing bonding arrangements, the model is consistent with the present experimental data and also reproduces various published results. The model identifies the relevant driving force, mostly related to geometric aspects, of the pattern formation.
Enhanced flame retardancy of unsaturated polyester resin composites containing ammonium polyphosphate and metal oxides
Authors: Gao Wei , Yu Yuan , Chen Tingting , Zhang Qingwu , Chen Zhongwei , Chen Zhiquan , Jiang Juncheng
Published: February 2020

Three metal oxides (MOs) (Fe2O3, Sb2O3, Al2O3) were incorporated into blends of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR)/ammonium polyphosphate (APP) composites with the aim of studying and comparing their synergistic effect on flame retardancy with APP. The UPR‐APP/MOs composites were prepared, then the thermal stability and flame‐retardant properties of the UPR composites were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), and cone calorimetry test (CCT). Besides, residues after CCT were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and laser Raman spectroscopy. The LOI values of the UPR composites with 0.5 wt% MOs increased to around 40%. However, the CCT results indicated that the incorporation of Sb2O3brought an increase in the total heat release. Moreover, these three MOs had different effects on the process of thermal degradation of UPR composites from the TGA results. Based on the above results, Al2O3provided a best promotion on flame retardancy among three MOs.
A mechanistic investigation of the directional entrapping modification on the semicrystalline polypropylene surface
Authors: Xia Yichen , Tan Xiaochun , Zhu Meng , Huang Jian , Wang Xiaolin , Guo Zijian
Published: February 2020

This article concerns a detailed mechanistic investigation of the directional entrapping modification on the polypropylene (PP) surface, when stearyl‐alcohol poly(ethylene oxide) ether (AEO) was applied as the modifier. The results of swelling degree and contact angle are found to exhibit similar evolutions as functions of swelling temperatures and swelling time, revealing that the modifier implantation is closely related to the swelling level of swollen PP. A solvent‐induced crystallization (SINC) and a subsequent crystalline collapse are indicated to occur during surface swelling. Both the amorphous regions on PP surfaces and the microvoids induced by SINC are suggested to contribute to surface swelling and to provide embedding sites for modifier implantation. XRD and DSC analyses reveal a considerably homogeneous distribution of the stearyl segments of AEO in modified surfaces and confirm that the stearyl chain is partially compatible with PP. A thermodynamically stable phase‐mixed structure of modified PP is proposed. The mechanistic investigation gives comprehensive insights into the directional entrapping modification and is significant for the extensive applications of the entrapping method for semicrystalline polymers.
Tetracationic Bis‐Triarylborane 1,3‐Butadiyne as a Combined Fluorimetric and Raman Probe for Simultaneous and Selective Sensing of Various DNA, RNA, and Proteins
Authors: Amini Hashem , Ban Željka , Ferger Matthias , Lorenzen Sabine , Rauch Florian , Friedrich Alexandra , Crnolatac Ivo , Kenđel Adriana , Miljanić Snežana , Piantanida Ivo , Marder Todd B.
Published: February 2020

A bis‐triarylborane tetracation (4‐Ar2B‐3,5‐Me2C6H2)‐C≡C−C≡C‐(3,5‐Me2C6H2‐4‐BAr2[Ar=(2,6‐Me2‐4‐NMe3‐C6H2)+] (24+) shows distinctly different behaviour in its fluorimetric response than that of our recently published bis‐triarylborane 5‐(4‐Ar2B‐3,5‐Me2C6H2)‐2,2′‐(C4H2S)2–5′‐(3,5‐Me2C6H2‐4‐BAr2) (34+). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data on the neutral bis‐triarylborane precursor2 Nconfirm its rod‐like dumbbell structure, which is shown to be important for DNA/RNA targeting and also for BSA protein binding. Fluorimetric titrations with DNA/RNA/BSA revealed the very strong affinity of24+and indicated the importance of the properties of the linker connecting the two triarylboranes. Using the butadiyne rather than a bithiophene linker resulted in an opposite emission effect (quenching vs. enhancement), and24+bound to BSA 100 times stronger than34+. Moreover,24+interacted strongly with ss‐RNA, and circular dichroism (CD) results suggest ss‐RNA chain‐wrapping around the rod‐like bis‐triarylborane dumbbell structure like a thread around a spindle, a very unusual mode of binding of ss‐RNA with small molecules. Furthermore,24+yielded strong Raman/SERS signals, allowing DNA or protein detection at ca. 10 nmconcentrations. The above observations, combined with low cytotoxicity, efficient human cell uptake and organelle‐selective accumulation make such compounds intriguing novel lead structures for bio‐oriented, dual fluorescence/Raman‐based applications.
Affinity Maturation of Macrocyclic Peptide Modulators of Lys48‐Linked Diubiquitin by a Twofold Strategy
Authors: Huang Yichao , Nawatha Mickal , Livneh Ido , Rogers Joseph M. , Sun Hao , Singh Sumeet K. , Ciechanover Aaron , Brik Ashraf , Suga Hiroaki
Published: February 2020

Messenger RNA display of peptides containing non‐proteinogenic amino acids, referred to as RaPID system, has become one of the leading methods to express libraries consisting of more than trillion‐members of macrocyclic peptides, which allows for discovering de novo bioactive ligands. Ideal macrocyclic peptides should have dissociation constants (KD) as low as single‐digit values in the nanomolar range towards a specific target of interest. Here, a twofold strategy to discover optimized macrocyclic peptides within this affinity regime is described. First, benzyl thioether cyclized peptide libraries were explored to identify tight binding hits. To obtain more insights into critical sequence information, sequence alignment was applied to guide rational mutagenesis for the improvement of their binding affinity. Using this twofold strategy, benzyl thioether macrocyclic peptide binders against Lys48‐linked ubiquitin dimer (K48‐Ub2) were successfully obtained that display KD values in the range 0.3–1.2 nm, which indicate binding two orders of magnitude stronger than those of macrocyclic peptides recently reported. Most importantly, this macrocyclic peptide also showed an improved cellular inhibition of the K48‐Ub2 recognition by deubiquitinating enzymes and the 26S proteasome, resulting in the promotion of apoptosis in cancer cells.
Synthesis of poly(phenylacetylene)s containing chiral phenylethyl carbamate residues as coated‐type CSPs with high solvent tolerability
Authors: Zhou Yanli , Zhu Ruiqi , Zhang Chunhong , Liu Xudong , Wang Zhongpeng , Zhou Zhengjin , Liu Lijia , Dong Hongxing , Satoh Toshifumi , Okamoto Yoshio
Published: February 2020

Two novel helical poly(phenylacetylene) derivatives containing chiral phenylethyl carbamate residues in the end of each side chain (PPA‐S and PPA‐R) were synthesized by polymerization of the corresponding phenylacetylene monomers using Rh(nbd)BPh4 as a catalyst in DMF. The enantioseparation properties of the polymers were evaluated as coated‐type chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Under the same chromatographic conditions, PPA‐S and PPA‐R showed different enantioseparation properties, indicating that the different interactions between the analytes and the polymers, which result from the different chiral phenylethyl carbamate groups in the end of each side chains. Racemates 1, 7, and 8 could be better resolved on PPA‐S, while racemate 6 was separated on PPA‐R more efficiently. In addition, the coated‐type CSPs showed good solvent tolerability and could work without any damage by introducing the polar solvents, such as CHCl3 and THF, in eluent. Moreover, some racemates could be better resolved on these coated‐type CSPs with the addition of THF to the eluent.
P53 in RhoA regulation
Authors: Barabutis Nektarios
Published: February 2020

Recent evidence suggest that dysregulation of the tumor suppressor P53, in combination with disharmonious activities of the small GTPase RhoA, may lead to irreversible progression of human disease. The purpose of the present study is to communicate the most recent information regarding the highly interrelated P53/RhoA network. Laborious investigations in the association between both components, may reveal new targets for opposing severe human disease, including the acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Rates of Ring Opening of Radical Cation Intermediates Govern Differences in Thermoluminescence between 1‐ and 2‐Naphthyl‐Substituted Methylenecyclopropanes
Authors: Matsui Yasunori , Shimono Kazuki , Takae Kosuke , Namai Hayato , Sera Toshiki , Ogaki Takuya , Ohta Eisuke , Mizuno Kazuhiko , Ikeda Hiroshi
Published: February 2020

The front cover artwork is provided by the group of Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ikeda in Osaka Prefecture University (Japan). The picture represents the difference in reactivity between 1‐ and 2‐naphthyl‐substituted methylenecyclopropanes. The weak bond in the former substance can be broken even by a small samurai resulting in pink fluorescence, whereas the strong bond in the latter cannot be broken even by a big samurai (resulting in green phosphorescence). Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/cptc.201900230.
Modeling and experimental validation of parasitic capacitance effects on emulated bioimpedance measurements with high‐impedance residuals
Authors: Mathews Robert Joseph , Freeborn Todd J.
Published: February 2020

Parasitic capacitances and high‐residual impedances (typical of electrode/tissue interfaces) have significant effects on estimated electrical impedances of tissues under study. This leads to deviations (especially at high frequency) from the true tissue impedance. This work outlines the circuit theory describing estimation errors occurring when one and two parasitic capacitances are present in tetrapolar electrode configurations typical for bioimpedance measurements. The described circuit theory was validated using both simulations and measurements of a fabricated printed circuit board that implemented the tetra‐polar model. Using the presented model, correction procedures using (a) measurements of the source and sink excitation currents and (b) averaging measurements of forward and reverse electrode configurations have been validated in simulation showing reductions in the estimation errors at frequencies greater than 1 MHz.
Recognition of Anions, Monoamine Neurotransmitter and Trace Amine Hydrochlorides by Ureido‐Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene Ditopic Receptors
Authors: Teixeira Filipa A. , Ascenso José R. , Cragg Peter J. , Hickey Neal , Geremia Silvano , Marcos Paula M.
Published: February 2020

Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene‐based receptors (phenylurea 4a, phenylthiourea 4b and tert‐butylurea 4c) were synthesised and obtained in the partial cone conformation in solution. Phenylurea 4a was also obtained in the cone conformation and its X‐ray crystal structure is reported. Their binding properties towards several anions of different geometries were studied by 1H NMR titrations. The data showed that phenylurea cone 4a is the best anion receptor, displaying a very high affinity for the carboxylates AcO– and BzO– anions (log Kass = 4.12 and 4.00, respectively). Phenylurea partial cone 4a and phenylthiourea 4b, although weaker, are still reasonably good receptors, showing the same trend as cone 4a. tert‐Butylurea 4c exhibited very low affinity for all the anions, confirming that the association constants strongly depend on the nature of the substituent (aryl/alkyl) at the urea moiety. In addition, cone and partial cone 4a derivatives were also tested in the recognition of n‐alkylammonium salts and cone 4a also as a ditopic receptor for biogenic amine hydrochlorides by 1H NMR titrations. Cone 4a showed an outstanding affinity for the guest alkylammonium and amines, even at 298 K and in a more competitive solvent such as CDCl3/[D6]DMSO mixture. DFT calculations corroborated the NMR observations.
Low‐frequency mechanical vibration induces apoptosis of A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells
Authors: Anggayasti Wresti L. , Imashiro Chikahiro , Kuribara Taiki , Totani Kiichiro , Takemura Kenjiro
Published: February 2020

Cancer research is increasingly focused on discovering strategies to induce cancer cell apoptosis without affecting surrounding normal cells. One potential biocompatible method is mechanical vibration, which has been developed as part of the emerging field of mechanomedicine. Previous studies of mechanical vibration have employed high‐frequency vibration, which damages healthy cells. In this study, we examined the effects of brief (1 h) low‐frequency (20 Hz) mechanical vibration on glucose consumption and survival (apoptosis, necrosis, HMGB1 release) of the human epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431. We found that apoptosis, but not necrosis, was significantly increased at 48 h after mechanical vibration compared with cells maintained in static culture. In keeping with this, extracellular release of HMGB1, a necrosis marker, was lower in cultures of A431 cells subjected to mechanical vibration compared with control cells. Glucose consumption was increased in the first 24 h after mechanical vibration but returned to control levels before the onset of apoptosis. Although the precise intracellular mechanisms by which low‐frequency mechanical vibration triggers apoptosis of A431 cells is unknown, these results suggest a possible role for metabolic pathways. Mechanical vibration may thus represent a novel application of mechanomedicine to cancer therapy.
A Markovian reliability approach for offshore wind energy system analysis in harsh environments
Authors: Adumene Sidum , Okoro Aghatise
Published: February 2020

For an effective monitoring strategy of offshore energy systems in harsh environments, it is vital the system reliability dynamics be fully understood. This article presents the application of a Markovian process for dynamic reliability prediction of an offshore energy system. In the proposed approach, a three‐state Markovian process is developed for the analysis of the subsystem states, which dynamically determines the overall system reliability performance, overcoming the static limitation of fault tree analysis. The multistate subsystems are discretized into normal, degraded, and failed states to demonstrate the performance dynamics of the system for condition monitoring. The proposed approach is tested on a case study and the most critical influencing elements are identified. The application of the methodology efficiently identifies the system vulnerability path so as to assist in system integrity management and to provide a guide to early remedial action against total failure and downtime in offshore energy generation.
Aboveground soil supports high levels of biological activity in oil palm plantations
Authors: Potapov Anton , Bonnier Roman , Sandmann Dorothee , Wang Simin , Widyastuti Rahayu , Scheu Stefan , Krashevska Valentyna
Published: February 2020

Oil palm plantations are expanding rapidly throughout Southeast Asia due to increasing global food demand, thereby putting greater pressure on local ecosystems. These plantations usually replace rainforests, resulting in major losses of soil structure and fertility, and belowground biodiversity. However, despite causing soil degradation, oil palms may provide a novel microhabitat for soil biota in suspended soil that accumulates in the axils of cut palm fronds attached to the trunks of these trees. We examined soil communities belowground and in frond axils in a 16‐year‐old oil palm plantation in Sumatra, Indonesia. Community metabolism of small arthropods, nematodes, and testate amoebae (protists) per gram of soil was much higher in axils (suspended soil) than in belowground soil, and accounted for approximately 28% of total soil fauna metabolism at the plantation scale (considering the top 5 cm of soil). Preserving these aboveground microhabitats of suspended soil as hotspots of biological activity during plantation management may therefore partly offset the detrimental impacts of oil palm plantations on soil‐borne processes and biodiversity.
On the forecasting of high‐frequency financial time series based on ARIMA model improved by deep learning
Authors: Li Zhenwei , Han Jing , Song Yuping
Published: February 2020

Through empirical research, it is found that the traditional autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model has a large deviation for the forecasting of high‐frequency financial time series. With the improvement in storage capacity and computing power of high‐frequency financial time series, this paper combines the traditional ARIMA model with the deep learning model to forecast high‐frequency financial time series. It not only preserves the theoretical basis of the traditional model and characterizes the linear relationship, but also can characterize the nonlinear relationship of the error term according to the deep learning model. The empirical study of Monte Carlo numerical simulation and CSI 300 index in China show that, compared with ARIMA, support vector machine (SVM), long short‐term memory (LSTM) and ARIMA‐SVM models, the improved ARIMA model based on LSTM not only improves the forecasting accuracy of the single ARIMA model in both fitting and forecasting, but also reduces the computational complexity of only a single deep learning model. The improved ARIMA model based on deep learning not only enriches the models for the forecasting of time series, but also provides effective tools for high‐frequency strategy design to reduce the investment risks of stock index.
The Patatin‐Like Phospholipase Domain Containing Protein 7 Facilitates VLDL Secretion by Modulating ApoE Stability
Authors: Wang Xiuyun , Guo Min , Wang Qian , Wang Qingjie , Zuo Shasha , Zhang Xu , Tong Hui , Chen Jizheng , Wang Huimin , Chen Xiaowei , Guo Junyuan , Su Xiong , Liang Hui , Zhou Hongwen , Li John Zhong
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

The regulation of hepatic very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion is vital for lipid metabolism whose pathogenetic status is involved in fatty liver disease and dyslipidemia seen in hepatic steatosis. Accumulated evidence suggest that apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is closely related to hepatic VLDL secretion. Here, we report that the expression of patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing protein 7 (PNPLA7) is strongly induced by hepatic steatosis and positively correlates with plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) levels in the human subjects, whereas the role of PNPLA7 in hepatic VLDL secretion is unknown.

Approach and Results

Herein, with genetic manipulation in the mice, the deficiency of hepatic PNPLA7 expression resulted in reduced VLDL secretion accompanied by enhanced hepatic lipid accumulation and decreased hepatic ApoE expression. Furthermore, knockdown of PNPLA7 in the livers of the db/db mice also resulted in significant reduction in plasma TAG level but aggravated hepatic steatosis. Importantly, we observed that PNPLA7 interacted with ApoE and presumably at the site of endoplasmic reticulum. Mechanistically, we have shown that PNPLA7 could modulate polyubiquitination and proteasomal‐mediated degradation of ApoE. Overexpressed ApoE restored the impaired VLDL‐TAG metabolism in PNPLA7‐knockdown primary hepatocytes.

Conclusion

PNPLA7 plays a critical role in regulating hepatic VLDL secretion by modulating ApoE stability through its interaction with ApoE.
The distribution of hepatitis B virus surface antigen polymorphisms at positions associated with vaccine escape
Authors: Raheel Mahad , Choga Wonderful T. , Blackard Jason T.
Published: February 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects over 250 million people worldwide. Vaccination is effective at preventing infection, although several mutations within the “a” determinant region of the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) are associated with vaccine escape. We evaluated the frequency, genotype, and global distribution of polymorphisms at sites associated with vaccine escape in 4244 unique full‐length HBV genomes. The “a” determinant within the Surface gene was inspected for polymorphisms at sites identified previously associated with vaccine escape. Nearly, 268 (6.3%) sequences from 36 countries contained a polymorphism at a site associated with vaccine escape including 22 genotype A, 99 genotype B, 93 genotype C, 32 genotype D, 14 genotype E, 3 genotype F, 2 genotype G, and 3 genotype I. In genotype A, the most common polymorphism occurred at M133. In genotype B, Q129 and M133 occurred 45 and 51 times, respectively, accounting for 94% of polymorphisms. Polymorphisms at G145 were most frequent in genotype C, while P120 was most common in genotype D. Among all genotypes, polymorphisms at M133 were the most common and accounted for 30.9% of polymorphisms. Polymorphisms at T116, P120, F134, K141, and P142 occurred in geographically diverse locations, whereas polymorphisms at Q129, M133, D144, and G145 were concentrated in East Asia. While the sample size is large, this approach relied on convenience sampling within each country, and many countries have no data available, thereby highlighting the need for additional routine surveillance of surface antigen mutations associated with vaccine escape.
Evolutionary history, potential intermediate animal host, and cross‐species analyses of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Li Xingguang , Zai Junjie , Zhao Qiang , Nie Qing , Li Yi , Foley Brian T. , Chaillon Antoine
Published: February 2020

To investigate the evolutionary history of the recent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in China, a total of 70 genomes of virus strains from China and elsewhere with sampling dates between 24 December 2019 and 3 February 2020 were analyzed. To explore the potential intermediate animal host of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, we reanalyzed virome data sets from pangolins and representative SARS‐related coronaviruses isolates from bats, with particular attention paid to the spike glycoprotein gene. We performed phylogenetic, split network, transmission network, likelihood‐mapping, and comparative analyses of the genomes. Based on Bayesian time‐scaled phylogenetic analysis using the tip‐dating method, we estimated the time to the most recent common ancestor and evolutionary rate of SARS‐CoV‐2, which ranged from 22 to 24 November 2019 and 1.19 to 1.31 × 10−3 substitutions per site per year, respectively. Our results also revealed that the BetaCoV/bat/Yunnan/RaTG13/2013 virus was more similar to the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus than the coronavirus obtained from the two pangolin samples (SRR10168377 and SRR10168378). We also identified a unique peptide (PRRA) insertion in the human SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, which may be involved in the proteolytic cleavage of the spike protein by cellular proteases, and thus could impact host range and transmissibility. Interestingly, the coronavirus carried by pangolins did not have the RRAR motif. Therefore, we concluded that the human SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, which is responsible for the recent outbreak of COVID‐19, did not come directly from pangolins.
Temperature dependence of strain–phonon coefficient in epitaxial Ge/Si(001): A comprehensive analysis
Authors: Manganelli C.L. , Virgilio M. , Skibitzki O. , Salvalaglio M. , Spirito D. , Zaumseil P. , Yamamoto Y. , Montanari M. , Klesse W.M. , Capellini G.
Published: February 2020

We investigate the temperature dependence of the Ge Raman mode strain–phonon coefficient in Ge/Si heteroepitaxial layers. By analyzing the temperature‐dependent evolution of both the Raman Ge─Ge line and of the Ge lattice strain, we obtain a linear dependence of the strain–phonon coefficient as a function of temperature. Our findings provide an efficient method for capturing the temperature‐dependent strain relaxation mechanism in heteroepitaxial systems. Furthermore, we show that the rather large variability reported in the literature for the strain–phonon coefficient values might be due to the local heating of the sample due to the excitation laser used in μ‐Raman experiments.
Improvement of texture properties and syneresis of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) starch gels by using hydrocolloids (guar gum and xanthan gum)
Authors: da Silva Costa Rafael Alves , Bonomo Renata Cristina Ferreira , Rodrigues Luciano Brito , Santos Leandro Soares , Veloso Cristiane Martins
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

The incorporation of hydrocolloids into starch dispersions modifies their techno‐functional properties, such as gelatinization, retrogradation, syneresis, and texture, among others. Their main function is to improve these properties and to promote greater stability of starch gels. Thus, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding colloids (guar gum and xanthan gum) on the texture properties (hardness, elasticity, cohesiveness, and gumminess) and syneresis of the starch gels made from the common variety of arrowroot. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression were carried out to analyze the effects of the treatments and variables with their respective interactions.

RESULTS

The addition of guar gum and xanthan gum influenced the stability of the starch gels studied, and it was capable of reducing syneresis even at low concentrations, with a greater effect for xanthan gum. Both gums were capable of inhibiting syneresis at concentrations above 0.5%, throughout the storage time studied (5 days). The addition of these hydrocolloids was also shown to influence the following texture parameters: hardness, cohesiveness, and gumminess, but showed no effect on gel elasticity.

CONCLUSION

The addition of hydrocolloids was shown to be an alternative way of increasing the stability and enhancing the textural properties of the starch gels in arrowroot. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Topical capsaicin cream with moderate exercise protects against hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia and increased blood pressure in hypoestrogenic obese rats
Authors: de Lourdes Medina‐Contreras Juana Maria , Mailloux‐Salinas Patrick , Colado‐Velazquez Juventino III , Gómez‐Viquez Norma Leticia Gomez Viquez , Velázquez‐Espejel Rodrigo , del Carmen Susunaga‐Notario Ana , Arias‐Chávez David Julian , Bravo Guadalupe
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of capsaicin (Cap), moderate exercise (Ex), and their combination on arterial blood pressure (BP) and metabolic complications in hypoestrogenic (HE) obese (HEOb) rats. Female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and given 300 g L−1 sucrose solution (HEOb), or purified water (HE) ad libitum, for 28 weeks. After shaving the abdominal skin, cold cream vehicle was applied to sedentary (Sed) and exercise (Ex) groups, and 0.75 g kg−1 Cap cream was applied to Ex groups. Ex groups ran on a treadmill every day for 20 min at speeds from 0.15 to 0.3 m s−1. For combination groups (Cap + Ex), topical Cap was applied 90 min before Ex. The treatments were performed for 6 weeks, and BP was recorded before and at the end of the experimental protocol. The animals were killed by decapitation, and blood and tissues were obtained to perform oxidative profile, as well as to undertake biochemical and histologic studies.

RESULTS

Compared with individual treatments, the combined therapy (Cap + Ex) in HEOb rats caused a higher reduction in the caloric intake, body weight, abdominal fat percentage, oxidative stress, and hepatic steatosis. In HEOb groups, Cap was the only treatment that reduced BP and prevented dyslipidemia and oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

The present data show that Cap improves the metabolic alterations induced by obesity and hypoestrogenism, suggesting that Cap can be considered as an excellent candidate for therapy of these clinical conditions. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Real‐time near‐infrared fluorescence imaging mediated by blue dye in breast cancer patients
Authors: Jiang Lili , Liu Taiyuan , Wang Xuan , Li Jun , Zhao Haidong
Published: February 2020

Background

Near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging has recently been introduced to the sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping because of the benefits of the SLN biopsy, such as providing real‐time and high‐resolution optical guidance. Methylene blue is available and less expensive as an SLN mapping tracer. Our study aims to identify SLN through the NIR fluorescence imaging system mediated by blue dye.

Methods

Early‐stage breast cancer patients were prospectively enrolled. All participants received a subareolar or peritumoral injection of 1 mL methylene blue (MB) before surgery. The MB fluorescence system was set immediately after injection. SLNs were searched and removed under the guidance of fluorescence and blue dye.

Results

We identified SLN adequately with the help of real‐time lymphography and blue dye. Symbolic lymphatic drainage patterns were also observed.

Conclusion

NIR fluorescence imaging mediated by blue dye has benefits on the identification of lymph vessels, the location of SLN, and the patterns of breast lymphatic flow.
Hexagonal ring electromagnetic band gap‐based slot antenna for circular polarization and performance enhancement
Authors: Verma Alka , Singh Anil Kumar , Srivastava Neelam , Patil Shilpee , Kanaujia Binod Kumar
Published: February 2020

In this article, a hexagonal ring electromagnetic band gap (HREBG) structure‐based circularly polarized (CP) slot antenna for improving performance is proposed. The proposed antenna has a compact structure with a low profile of 0.517λo × 0.517λo × 0.055λo (λo stands for the free space wavelength at 5.10 GHz), is coplanar waveguide fed, and comprises of a circular microstrip patch with a T‐shaped slot. An inclined coupling slot loaded feed line is used on the ground for the generation of CP. Furthermore, eight HREBG's are implemented on the substrate to enhance the performance of the antenna, thereby achieving a measured impedance bandwidth of 18%, 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth of 6.4%, and a peak gain of 5.93 dBi in the operating bandwidth. A close agreement is reached between the experimental results and the simulated results to verify the proposed antenna's performance.