bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The population genetics of nonmigratory Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin sedentarius) following a recent mainland colonization
Authors: Myers Brian M. , Burns Kevin J. , Clark Christopher J. , Brelsford Alan
Published: January 2021

Allen's Hummingbird comprises two subspecies, one migratory (Selasphorus sasin sasin) and one nonmigratory (S. s. sedentarius). The nonmigratory subspecies, previously endemic to the California Channel Islands, apparently colonized the California mainland on the Palos Verdes Peninsula some time before 1970 and now breeds throughout coastal southern California. We sequenced and compared populations of mainland nonmigratory Allen's Hummingbird to Channel Island populations from Santa Catalina, San Clemente, and Santa Cruz Island. We found no evidence of founder effects on the mainland population. Values of nucleotide diversity on the mainland were higher than on the Channel Islands. There were low levels of divergence between the Channel Islands and the mainland, and Santa Cruz Island was the most genetically distinct. Ecological niche models showed that rainfall and temperature variables on the Channel Islands are similar in the Los Angeles basin and predicted continued expansion of nonmigratory Allen's Hummingbird north along the coast and inland. We also reviewed previous genetic studies of vertebrate species found on the Channel Islands and mainland and showed that broad conclusions regarding island–mainland patterns remain elusive. Challenges include the idiosyncratic nature of colonization itself as well as the lack of a comprehensive approach that incorporates similar markers and sampling strategies across taxa, which, within the context of a comparative study of island–mainland relationships, may lead to inconsistent results.
Phylogeography and ecological niche modeling reveal evolutionary history of Leiolepis ocellata (Squamata, Leiolepidae)
Authors: Promnun Pattarapon , Tandavanitj Nontivich , Kongrit Chalita , Kongsatree Kritsayam , Kongpraphan Phinit , Dongkumfu Wuttipong , Kumsuan Detanan , Khudamrongsawat Jenjit
Published: January 2021

Leiolepis ocellata is a lizard species distributing in topographically diverse habitats in northern Thailand. To explore its evolutionary history, 113 samples of L. ocellata were collected from 11 localities covering its distributional range in northern Thailand, and sequenced for mtDNA fragments (Cyt b and ND2). Pairwise comparisons across sampling localities yielded significant genetic differentiation (FST and Jost's D) but no clear pattern of isolation by distance could be demonstrated based on the Mantel test. Phylogenetic and network analyses highlighted six haplogroups. Their divergence times were estimated to occur during the Pleistocene, much more recent than major orogenic events affecting northern Thailand. Instead, the results suggested that lineage divergences, of particularly eastern and western haplogroups of the region, coincided with the major rivers in the region (Yom river and Ping river, respectively), indicating vicariance in response to riverine barriers. Furthermore, ecological niche modeling suggested an expansion of suitable habitats of L. ocellata, when LGM‐liked conditions. This expansion potentially facilitated their dispersal among adjacent localities leading to lineage diversification and genetic admixture, after the riverine divergence.
Seasonality in soil temperature may drive the seasonal dynamics of carbonate‐derived CO2 efflux in a calcareous soil
Authors: Sun Yongyu , Fu Linyu , Tang Guoyong , Zhang Chunhua , Liu Fangyan
Published: January 2021

Carbonates in soils may act as a potential source of CO2 efflux from calcareous soils to the atmosphere. However, its seasonal dynamics and relationships with soil temperature or soil moisture are not well‐understood. A 5‐yr warming experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of symmetric (all season) and asymmetric (seasonal) warming on soil organic fraction (SOC)‐derived efflux and carbonate‐derived CO2 efflux (partitioned by δ13C signature) from a calcareous soil in the karst region of southwest China. In region where precipitation mostly falls during summer, an average of 2.0°C warming under both symmetric and asymmetric warming scenarios produced 6–34% and 11–14% increases in the SOC‐derived efflux and carbonate‐derived efflux, respectively. The SOC‐derived efflux in the symmetric warming scenario was 1.6 times that of the asymmetric warming scenarios, but no changes were found for the carbonate‐derived efflux. The SOC‐derived efflux was positively correlated with both soil temperature and soil moisture, suggesting an entailment with biotic processes. In contrast, the carbonate‐derived efflux was positively correlated with soil temperature, but was poorly correlated with soil moisture. Thus, the seasonal dynamics of the carbonate‐derived efflux in calcareous soils were likely driven by abiotic processes.
Projecting long‐term impacts of a mortality event on vertebrates: incorporating stochasticity in population assessment
Authors: Nur Nadav , Bradley Russell W. , Lee Derek E. , Warzybok Pete , Jahncke Jaime
Published: January 2021

Wildlife managers must be able to assess the long‐term, population‐wide impacts of mortality events on long lived vertebrates, taking into account the stochastic nature of population fluctuations. Here, we present a case study of the potential impacts on Western gulls (Larus occidentalis) of a single, non‐target mortality event, potentially resulting from exposure to rodenticide directed at eradicating house mice (Mus musculus) on the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Firstly, we conducted a population viability analysis based on over 25 yr of Farallon Western gull demographic data to model future population trends under varying environmental conditions. Future population trends for Farallon Western gulls, independent of any potential mouse eradication‐related mortality, depend on the frequency of years with near‐failure in reproductive success, as was observed in 2009, 2010, and 2011. We modeled population trends under three environmental scenarios defined by the probability of near‐failure in future breeding: optimistic (probability of near‐failure = 0.0), realistic (probability = 0.115), or pessimistic (probability = 0.25). Secondly, we determined the maximum level of additional mortality,C, that would result in a population outcome distribution that cannot be effectively distinguished from a no additional mortality scenario after 20 yr (defined as 95% overlap in the two frequency distributions). We determined the threshold of detection to be an additional mortality of 3.3% beyond normally observed levels under the realistic scenario, 2.8% under the optimistic scenario, and 4.2% under the pessimistic scenario. Results demonstrate that the greater the background stochasticity, the greaterCmust be to be able to discriminate a long‐term effect of the mortality event against the backdrop of environmental variability. We demonstrate that incorporation of stochasticity is critical for evaluating one‐time mortality events given the high degree of variability characterizing many ecosystems; deterministic projections alone may provide poor guidance. While the need to account for stochasticity in Population Viability Analysis models is well established, this study is innovative in addressing how to evaluate a future or retrospective one‐time mortality event in the context of stochasticity. Our approach can help resource managers' plan for both best‐case and worst‐case scenarios when evaluating impacts of mortality events.
Modelling three‐dimensional space to design prey refuges using video game software
Authors: Lennon Ox , Wittmer Heiko U. , Nelson Nicola J.
Published: January 2021

Refuges can be ecologically important, allowing access only to some species or individuals and providing prey protection from predators. Creation of refuges can be used to protect threatened species from introduced predators, which can have large negative impacts that are difficult to attenuate via other means. To design refuges for conservation purposes, refuge accessibility to different species must be understood. Traditional techniques are not adequate to measure or describe complex three‐dimensional spaces which are often important refuges. We designed a novel predictive method for modeling three‐dimensional refuge space using video game software that simulates real‐world physics (Unity, PhysX). We use the study system of endemic New Zealand skinks (Oligosoma spp.), their introduced predators, house mice (Mus musculus), and the habitat of interstitial spaces within rock piles to demonstrate how this modeling technique can be used to inform design of habitat enhancement for conservation. We used video game software to model realistic rock piles and measure their interstitial spaces, and found that the spaces we predicted matched those we measured in real rock piles using computed tomography (CT) scanning. We used information about the sizes of gaps accessible to skinks and mice and the results of our modeling to determine the optimal size of rocks to create refuges which would protect skinks from mice. We determined the ideal rock size to be those with graded diameters of 20–40 mm. The approach we developed could be used to describe interstitial spaces in habitats as they naturally occur, or it could be applied to design habitats to benefit particular species.
Conspecific negative density dependence and why its study should not be abandoned
Authors: LaManna Joseph A. , Mangan Scott A. , Myers Jonathan A.
Published: January 2021

Recent studies showing bias in the measurement of density dependence have the potential to sow confusion in the field of ecology. We provide clarity by elucidating key conceptual and statistical errors with null‐model approaches used in recent studies of density dependence. Importantly, we show that neither a relabeling null model nor a more biologically appropriate null model reproduces differences in density‐dependent recruitment between tropical and temperate forests, indicating that the latitudinal gradient in negative density dependence is not an artifact of statistical bias. We also suggest a path forward that combines observational comparisons of density dependence in multiple fitness components across localities with mechanistic and geographically replicated experiments.
A Sandwich‐Shaped Hexanuclear Silver Complex with a Giant Cavity Constructed from a Macrocycle with Inward Chelating Units
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Feng Rui Yun , Nabeshima Tatsuya
Published: January 2021

The formation of a macrocyclic hexanuclear silver complex with a giant cavity (diameter ∼16.5 Å) is reported. Six silver centers are sandwiched by two molecules of a macrocyclic ligand possessing six pap (2‐[(pyridin‐2‐ylmethylene)amino]phenol) chelating units, and the metals are arranged on the wall of the internal cavity. Various analytical techniques revealed that each pap binds to the silver as an NN bidentate ligand.
Mindful Self‐Compassion program for chronic pain patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Torrijos‐Zarcero Marta , Mediavilla Roberto , Rodríguez‐Vega Beatriz , Del Río‐Diéguez María , López‐Álvarez Inés , Rocamora‐González Cristina , Palao‐Tarrero Ángela
Published: January 2021

Background

Although evidence‐based psychological treatments for chronic pain (CP) have been demonstrated to be effective for a variety of outcomes, modest effects observed in recent reviews indicate scope for improvement. Self‐compassion promotes a proactive attitude towards self‐care and actively seeking relief from suffering. Consequently, more compassionate people experience better physical, psychological and interpersonal well‐being.

Methods

We conducted a single‐blind, randomized, controlled trial to examine the effects of a Mindful Self‐Compassion program (MSC) on relevant clinical outcomes in patients with CP. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the two intervention arms: MSC or cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT). The protocols of both intervention arms were standardized and consisted of a 150‐min session once a week during 8 weeks formatted to groups of no more than 20 participants. The primary outcome was self‐compassion, measured with the Self‐Compassion Scale (SCS). The secondary outcomes were other pain‐related scores, quality‐of‐life measures, and anxiety and depression scores.

Results

In all, 62 and 61 patients were assigned to the MSC and CBT groups, respectively. The MSC intervention was more effective than CBT for self‐compassion (average treatment effect [ATE] = 0.126,p < 0.05). The secondary outcomes, pain acceptance (ATE = 5.214,p < 0.01), pain interference (ATE = −0.393,p < 0.05), catastrophizing (ATE = −2.139,p < 0.10) and anxiety (ATE = −0.902,p < 0.05), were also favoured in the experimental arm (MSC). No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

Mindful Self‐Compassion is an appropriate therapeutic approach for CP patients and may result in greater benefits on self‐compassion and emotional well‐being than CBT.

Significance

This randomized controlled trial compares the novel intervention (MSC program) with the gold standard psychological intervention for CP (CBT). MSC improves the levels of self‐compassion, a therapeutic target that is receiving attention since the last two decades, and it also improves anxiety symptoms, pain interference and pain acceptance more than what CBT does. These results provide empirical support to guide clinical work towards the promotion of self‐compassion in psychotherapeutic interventions for people with CP.
Widely targeted metabolic analysis revealed the changed pigmentation and bioactive compounds in the ripening Berchemia floribunda (Wall.) Brongn. fruit
Authors: Shuai Liang , Liu Huan , Liao Lingyan , Lai Tingting , Lai Ziying , Du Xinxin , Duan Zhenhua , Wu Zhenxian , Luo Tao
Published: January 2021

Berchemia plants were important materials for Chinese traditional medicines due to their special secondary metabolites. Unlike the root, stem and leaf tissues, Berchemia floribunda (Wall.) Brongn. fruit was lacked of systematic metabolic investigation. Biochemical analysis found that the total flavonoid and total phenolic content of Berchemia fruit pulp showed a peak value at red ripe stage, and then decreased, but the total anthocyanin content sharply increased along with the coloration. By widely targeted metabolomic analysis, 644 metabolites were identified and categorized into 23 groups mainly including flavonoid, organic acids, amino acids, lipids, phenylpropanoid, nucleotides, alkaloids, carbohydrates, alcohols, anthocyanins & proanthocyanidins, vitamins, terpenes, polyphenols, phenolamides, quinones, indole derivatives, and sterides. Among them, 111 metabolites and 123 metabolites respectively showed up‐ and down‐regulation from break stage to full mature. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that active secondary metabolism such as biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, flavonoid, and alkaloids happened during Berchemia fruit ripening. More importantly, Cyanidin‐3‐O‐galactoside and other 3 cyanidins were found to be the predominant pigments in mature Berchemia fruit and increased cyanidins and pelargonidins but decreased anthocyanins might be contributed to the purple pigmentation of Berchemia fruit. Interestingly, 29 pharmaceutical compounds previously reported in other Berchemia tissues were also detected in ripening Berchemia fruit pulp: 8 flavonoid, 2 quinones & sucrose showed up‐regulated accumulation while 6 polyphenols, 5 flavonoid, 3 phenylpropanoid, 2 organic acids, 1 quinones and β‐sitosterol showed down‐regulated accumulation In conclusion, our first comprehensive metabolic fingerprint will promote the further study of B. floribunda fruit and its medical and food application.
A diverse gastropod fauna from the shallow marine carbonate platform of the Yangou section (south China) in the immediate aftermath of the Permian–Triassic mass extinction
Authors: Sun Xin , Qiu Xincheng , Tihelka Erik , Yang Hao , Sun Dongying , Tong Jinnan , Tian Li
Published: January 2021

The Permian–Triassic mass extinction (PTME), the most devastating extinction event in Phanerozoic history, has witnessed the demise of almost 80% of marine gastropod genera. Despite the vast scale of the extinction event, the recovery of some groups of marine gastropods has been curiously fast, contrasting with the delayed recovery of many other marine clades. Understanding the rapid recovery of gastropods after the PTME represents a major palaeobiological conundrum, since oxygen‐dependent taxa are expected to have been severely impacted by anoxic oceanic conditions of the PTME. The controversial microbialite refuge hypothesis has been proposed as a potential explanation of this pattern, arguing that marine invertebrates were associated with oxygen‐producing microbial mats during the PTME, which provided a suitable microhabitat for survival within hostile anoxic conditions. To better understand the dynamics of gastropod recovery after the PTME, we studied a gastropod fauna collected from the basal Daye Formation (earliest Triassic) at the Yangou section in Leping County, Jiangxi Province, south China, allowing us to capture a snapshot of the marine fauna immediately after the PTME. Altogether, 13 microgastropod species belonging to 12 genera were recorded, representing the most diverse Induan (earliest Triassic) gastropod fauna in the world known to date. The fact that the Yangou assemblage, along with the second most diverse Griesbachian gastropod fauna from the Wadi Wasit section in Oman, is not associated with microbial buildups implies that microbial mats probably did not play a key role as refuges for marine invertebrates during the PTME. On the other hand, the Yangou fauna suggests that non‐anoxic shallow lagoon systems were more likely to have acted as refuges for marine invertebrates during the PTME.
Effects of heat and mass transfer on MHD nonlinear free convection non‐Newtonian fluids flow embedded in a thermally stratified porous medium
Authors: Tharapatla Gladys , RajKumari Pamula , Ramana Reddy Gurrampati V.
Published: January 2021

This communication examines heat alongside mass transport in a nonlinear free convection magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) non‐Newtonian fluid flow with thermal radiation and heat generation deep‐rooted in a thermally stratified penetrable medium. The Casson and Williamson fluid considered in this communication flos simultaneously across the boundary layer and are mixed together. The model of heat alongside mass transport is set up with chemical reaction and thermal radiation alongside heat generation to form a system of partial differential equations (PDEs). Appropriate similarity variables are used to simplify the PDEs to obtain systems of coupled ordinary differential equations. An efficiently developed numerical approach called the spectral homotopy analysis method was used in providing solutions to the transformed equations. A large value of Casson term is observed to degenerate the velocity plot while the Williamson parameter enhances the velocity profile. The parameter of thermal stratification is found to enhance the rate of heat transport within the boundary layer. An incremental value of the magnetic parameter declines the velocity of the fluid and the entire boundary layer thickness. The present result was compared with previous studies and was seen to be in good agreement.
Radiation and slip effects on MHD Maxwell nanofluid flow over an inclined surface with chemical reaction
Authors: Shah Sajid , Atif Shahzada M. , Kamran Abid
Published: January 2021

The numerical solutions of the upper‐convected Maxwell (UCM) nanofluid flow under the magnetic field effects over an inclined stretching sheet has been worked out. This model has the tendency to elaborate on the characteristics of “relaxation time” for the fluid flow. Special consideration has been given to the impact of nonlinear velocity slip, thermal radiation and heat generation. To study the heat transfer, the modified Fourier and Fick's laws are incorporated in the modeling process. The mass transfer phenomenon is investigated under the effects of chemical reaction, Brownian motion and thermophoresis. With the aid of the similarity transformations, the governing equations in the ordinary differential form are determined and then solved through the MATLAB's package “bvp4c” numerically. This study also brings into the spotlight such crucial physical parameters, which are inevitable for describing the flow and heat transfer behavior. This has been done through graphs and tables with as much precision and exactitude as is possible. The ascending values of the magnetic parameter, the Maxwell parameter and the angle of the inclined stretching sheet cause decay in the dimensionless velocity while an assisting behavior of the thermal and concentration buoyancy parameters is noticed.
The effectiveness of the abdominal binder in relieving pain after cesarean delivery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Abd‐ElGawad Mohamed , Said Ali Ahmed , Abdelmonem Mohamed , Elshamy Norihan H. , Abdeltawab Ahmed K. , Abd el‐Shafea Mahmoud , Rund Nancy M. A. , Fadlalmola Hammad A. , Ashour Ahmed S. A. , Almohamady Maged
Published: January 2021

Background

Abdominal binder is a non‐pharmacological method of relieving pain after surgical procedures.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of the abdominal binder in relieving pain and distress scores after cesarean delivery (CD).

Search strategy

The following terms were searched: cesarean section, cesarean, caesarean, abdominal deliveries, C‐section, abdominal delivery, abdominal binding, binder, and abdominal binder.

Selection criteria

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with patients undergoing CD receiving an abdominal binder compared with non‐users of the abdominal binder.

Data collection and analysis

Five electronic databases were searched until November 2019. Records were screened for eligibility. Data were extracted independently and analyzed. The main outcomes were pain and distress scores.

Results

The final analysis included six RCTs. Overall effect estimate favored the abdominal binder group over the control group in the following outcomes: VAS pain scores after 24 h (mean difference [MD] −1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] −3.14 to −0.39; P = 0.01), VAS scores after 48 h (MD −1.21; 95% CI −1.51 to −0.90; P < 0.001), distress score after 24 h (MD −1.87; 95% CI −3.01 to −0.73; P = 0.001), and distress score after 48 h (MD −1.87; 95% CI −3.07 to −0.67; P = 0.002).

Conclusion

The abdominal binder could be an effective, simple, non‐pharmacological option of relieving pain and distress after CD.
Reframing the narrative: Black maternal mental health and culturally meaningful support for wellness
Authors: Parker Amittia
Published: January 2021

Black mothers with young children have encountered pernicious, multidetermined, racial disparities in the United States for centuries. However, disorders, risks, and stressors among Black mothers with young children are presented in the extant literature with little attention to their strengths, supports, or culturally appropriate ways to intervene and this furthers racism and White supremacy. Further, incomplete and negative narratives about Black mothers are perpetuated. Therefore, this article uses the Afrocentric perspective to better understand the state of Black maternal mental health and supports for mental health. Culturally centered recommendations are presented to move the field of infant mental health toward racial justice‐oriented practice, policy, and research.
Stability of preference and reinforcing efficacy of edible, leisure, and social attention stimuli
Authors: Butler Courtney , Graff Richard B.
Published: January 2021

Behavior analysts have developed an extensive technology of assessing preferences, but little research has evaluated the extent to which preferences change over time. In this study, monthly paired‐stimulus edible, leisure, and social preference assessments and bimonthly reinforcer assessments were conducted over a 1‐year period with 4 individuals with developmental disabilities. Across participants, short‐term (i.e., month to month) preference was most stable for edible items (average Spearman rank‐order correlation coefficient = 0.79) and less stable for leisure items (average = 0.66) and social stimuli (average = 0.50). Long‐term stability of preference was evaluated by comparing the first preference assessment to the final assessment, 12 months later. Across participants, average Spearman rank‐order correlation coefficients were 0.63 for edible items, 0.33 for social stimuli, and 0.19 for leisure items. For all participants, edible items were associated with the highest response rates during reinforcer assessments. Suggestions for determining the frequency of conducting preference and reinforcer assessments are discussed.
Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in human gingival fibroblast and ions release of endodontic sealers incorporated with nanostructured silver vanadate
Authors: Teixeira Ana B. V. , Moreira Natália C. S. , Takahashi Catarina S. , Schiavon Marco A. , Alves Oswaldo L. , Reis Andréa C.
Published: January 2021

The cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of commercial endodontic sealers (AH Plus, Sealer 26 and Endomethasone N) incorporated with nanostructured silver vanadate decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgVO3 – at concentrations 2.5, 5, and 10%) on human gingival fibroblast (HGF), and the silver (Ag+) and vanadium (V4+/V5+) ions release were evaluated. Cytotoxicity, cell death, and genotoxicity tests were carried out with extract samples of 24‐hr and 7‐days. The release of Ag+ and V4+/V5+ was evaluated. Cytotoxicity in HGF was caused by AH Plus (AP) with 5 and 10% of AgVO3 (83.84 and 67.49% cell viability, respectively) with 24‐hr extract (p < 0.05), as well as all concentrations of AP with 7‐days extract (p < 0.05 –AP 0% = 73.17%; AP 2.5% = 75.07%; AP 5% = 70.62%; AP 10% = 68.46% cell viability). The commercial sealers Sealer 26 (S26) and Endomethasone N (EN) were cytotoxic (p < 0.05 – S26 0% = 34.81%; EN 0% = 20.99% cell viability with 7‐days extract). AP 10% with 7‐days extract induced 32% apoptotic cells in HGF (p < 0.05). Genotoxic effect was not observed. The AP groups released more Ag+, while S26 and EN released more V4+/V5+ in 24 hr. The Ag+ can be cytotoxic. In conclusion, the cytotoxicity caused to HGF can be attributed by the commercial sealers and enhanced by incorporation of AgVO3, was not observed genotoxic effect, and apoptosis was induced only by AH Plus 10% 7‐days extract. Ag+ can influence cell viability.
Stille coupling for the synthesis of isoflavones by a reusable palladium catalyst in water
Authors: Chang Ya‐Ting , Liu Ling‐Jun , Peng Wen‐Sheng , Lin Lin‐Ting , Chan Yi‐Tsu , Tsai Fu‐Yu
Published: January 2021

Isoflavones were synthesized from the reaction of 3‐bromochromone derivatives and aryltributylstannanes via Stille coupling catalyzed by a water‐soluble and reusable PdCl2(NH3)2/2,2′‐cationic bipyridyl system in aqueous solution. For prototype 3‐bromochromone, the coupling reaction was performed at 80°C for 24 hr with 2.5 mol% catalyst in water in the presence of tetrabutylammonium fluoride. After the reaction, the aqueous solution could be reused for several runs, indicating that its activity was only slightly decreased. For substituted 3‐bromochromones, the addition of NaHCO3 and a higher reaction temperature (120°C) were required to gain satisfactory outcomes. In addition, naturally occurring products, such as daidzein, could be obtained by this protocol via a one‐pot reaction.
A comprehensive biotechnological and molecular insight into plastic degradation by microbial community
Authors: Priya Anshu , Dutta Kasturi , Daverey Achlesh
Published: January 2021

Environmental pollution by petrochemical plastic is a matter of serious global concern. Several microbes have the potential to degrade synthetic polymers with the aid of various genes, enzymes, and metabolic pathways. However, the biodegradation of petrochemical plastics by natural microbes is inherently slow. The slow rate of degradation stems from the high molecular weight, strong chemical bonding, and extremely hydrophobic nature of polymer, all of which hinder biodegradability. Nevertheless, the role of genes, enzymes, and interactions between microbes and plastic as a substrate has been inadequately explored. Notably, several biotechnological approaches (such as synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and bioinformatics tools) have been developed for the efficient biodegradation of synthetic polymers. Further, exploiting the degradative potential of microbes, plastic wastes can be utilized as feedstock for the production of high value compounds. This will not only avert environmental pollution but would also facilitate waste management and circular economy. However, the major limitations to these approaches are lack of experimental validations in real world. In this regard, the present review provides a comprehensive assessment of the biotechnological and molecular advancement in plastic biodegradation to facilitate a better understanding of the role of microbes, genes, enzymes, and biodegradation pathways in plastic mineralization. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Mitochondrial dysfunction, mitophagy, and role of dynamin‐related protein 1 in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Medala Vijay Krishna , Gollapelli Buchaiah , Dewanjee Saikat , Ogunmokun Gilbert , Kandimalla Ramesh , Vallamkondu Jayalakshmi
Published: January 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia and progressive neurodegenerative disease. The presence of β‐amyloid (Aβ) plaques and phosphorylated Tau tangles are considered to be the two main hallmarks of AD. Recent findings have shown that different changes in the structure and dynamics of mitochondria play an important role in AD pathology progression. Mitochondrial changes in AD are expressed as enhanced mitochondrial fragmentation, altered mitochondrial dynamics, and changes in the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis genes in vitro and in vivo models. Therefore, targeting mitochondria and associated mitochondrial proteins seems to be a promising alternative instead of targeting Aβ and Tau in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. The dynamin‐related protein (Drp1) is one such protein that plays an important role in the regulation of mitochondrial division and maintenance of mitochondrial structures. Few researchers have shown that inhibition of Drp1 GTPase activity in neuronal cells rescues excessive mitochondrial fragmentation. In addition, the growing evidence revealed that Drp1 can interact with both Aβ and Tau protein in human brain tissues and mouse models. In this review, we would like to update existing knowledge about various changes in and around mitochondria related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, with particular emphasis on mitophagy and autophagy.
Purification of hypocrellins from Shiraia bambusicola by coordinated high‐speed countercurrent chromatography using cupric chloride as a complexing agent
Authors: Dong Hongjing , Yao Xue , Guo Lanping , Yu Shuai , Duan Wenjuan , Liu Wei , Wang Xiao
Published: January 2021

Hypocrellins are anthraquinone that can act as excellent photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. In the present work, we found that high‐speed countercurrent chromatography using cupric chloride as a complexing agent effectively separated hypocrellins from Shiraia bambusicola extract. The optimal two‐phase solvent system consisted of petroleum ether/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (7:3:5.5:4.5, v/v/v/v), with 0.01 mol/L cupric chloride in the lower phase at pH of 2.45. This lower phase served as the mobile phase, whereas the upper phase acted as the stationary phase. Employing a continuous separation mode, three continuous injections were found to allow the purification of 1.2 g of crude extract in approximately 12 h. Hypocrellin B (10.8 mg), hypocrellin A (16.2 mg), and hypocrellin C (15.6 mg) were obtained from this process. Simulation of complexation of hypocrellin A with divalent copper ion by computational chemistry calculations indicated that three pairs of hydroxyl and carbonyl groups in hypocrellin A had similar binding energies, and demonstrated that hypocrellin A and B owned different metal‐to‐ligand ratios as compared to hypocrellin C. These factors could modify the partitioning of these compounds in two‐phase solvent system, and resulting in a suitable separation factor. This method would also be used to purify other anthraquinones from natural products.
Computational formulas and identities for new classes of Hermite‐based Milne–Thomson type polynomials: Analysis of generating functions with Euler's formula
Authors: Kilar Neslihan , Simsek Yilmaz
Published: January 2021

The aim of this paper is to construct generating functions for a new family of polynomials, which are called parametric Hermite‐based Milne–Thomson type polynomials. Many properties of these polynomials with their generating functions are investigated. These generating functions give us generalization of some well‐known generating functions for special polynomials such as Hermite type polynomials, Milne–Thomson type polynomials, and Apostol type polynomials. Using the Euler formula, functional equation method for generating function, and differential operator technique, we give relations among parametric Hermite‐based Milne–Thomson type polynomials, the Bernoulli numbers, the Euler numbers, the Chebyshev polynomials, the Bernstein basis functions, homogeneous harmonic polynomials, and parametric kinds of Apostol type polynomials. Moreover, some computational formulas for these polynomials are derived. Finally, using Wolfram Mathematica version 12.0, some of these polynomials and their generating functions are illustrated by their plots under the special conditions. Potential relationships and connections of this paper's results with the results of previous and future research are pointed out.
A non‐iterative domain decomposition method for the interaction between a fluid and a thick structure
Authors: Seboldt Anyastassia , Bukač Martina
Published: January 2021

This work focuses on the development and analysis of a partitioned numerical method for moving domain, fluid–structure interaction problems. We model the fluid using incompressible Navier–Stokes equations, and the structure using linear elasticity equations. We assume that the structure is thick, that is, described in the same dimension as the fluid. We propose a non‐iterative, domain decomposition method where the fluid and the structure subproblems are solved separately. The method is based on generalized Robin boundary conditions, which are used in both fluid and structure subproblems. Using energy estimates, we show that the proposed method applied to a moving domain problem is unconditionally stable. We also analyze the convergence of the method and show convergence in time and optimal convergence in space. Numerical examples are used to demonstrate the performance of the method. In particular, we explore the relation between the combination parameter used in the derivation of the generalized Robin boundary conditions and the accuracy of the scheme. We also compare the performance of the method to a monolithic solver.
Amelioration of pancreatic fat accumulation in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients treated with sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: a retrospective study
Authors: Horii Tomomi , Kozawa Junji , Fujita Shingo , Hosokawa Yoshiya , Kimura Takekazu , Fujita Yukari , Tokunaga Ayumi , Fukui Kenji , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: January 2021

Background

Prior reports have suggested that pancreatic fat is related to type 2 diabetes. Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors are expected to reduce ectopic fat accumulation.

Aim

This study assessed the effect of SGLT‐2 inhibitors on pancreatic and liver fat accumulations in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analyses of indices of pancreatic and liver fat accumulations were conducted in 22 type 2 diabetes outpatients who were receiving SGLT‐2 inhibitors for more than 12 weeks. The differences between the pancreatic (P) or liver (L) and splenic (S) computed tomography values were evaluated.

Results

Fatty pancreas was defined as P−S < −8 Hounsfield Unit (HU), and the number of patients with fatty pancreas was 11 (50%). Fatty pancreas significantly improved after SGLT‐2 inhibitor use (median, −20.8; IQR, −34.8 to −14.3 HU vs. median, −14.6; IQR, −29.5 to −7.8 HU; p = 0.041). Fatty liver was defined as L−S ≤ 3.9 HU, and the number of patients with fatty liver was 11 (50%). Fatty liver significantly improved after SGLT‐2 inhibitor use (median, −4.3; IQR, −23.0 to 3.0 HU vs. median, −0.7; IQR, −5.2 to 6.3 HU; p = 0.016).

Conclusion

Pancreatic fat and liver fat accumulations might be reduced after treatment with SGLT‐2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes patients with intense cumulative fat depositions in these organs.
Comparison of epoxidation methods for biobased oils: dioxirane intermediates generated from Oxone versus peracid derived from hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Setien Raul A , Ghasemi Shokoofeh , Pourhashem Ghasideh , Webster Dean C
Published: January 2021

A study was carried out to compare the epoxidation of unsaturated vegetable oils using dioxirane intermediates generated in situ using Oxone to that by the peracid/hydrogen peroxide method. Epoxidized oils are typically synthesized using hydrogen peroxide, as well as acetic or formic acid. This synthesis requires heating and catalysts and generates acidic waste. Recently, advances have been made in the process of using Oxone (potassium peroxymonosulfate) and ketones to generate in situ dioxiranes to epoxidize alkenes. The dioxirane method allows for room temperature reactions and eliminates the use of peroxides and acids. Epoxidation of soybean oil, hempseed oil and sucrose soyate using in situ generated dioxiranes was carried out and parameters such as molar ratios and addition rates were studied. The data show that optimum reaction conditions are reached when molar ratios of Oxone and unsaturation are 1.6:1 and the Oxone addition rate is 1 mL min–1. As a comparison, epoxidations using the acetic acid/hydrogen peroxide method were carried out and cured materials were prepared from the epoxidized compounds. Negligible differences were identified in the materials prepared from both synthetic pathways. An environmental sustainability assessment using green chemistry principles was also conducted for both methods to evaluate their safety and efficiency with respect to multiple criteria including minimizing waste generation and energy consumption. The analysis shows that, although the peracid method is atom economic and generates less waste, the dioxirane method offers better occupational safety and requires less energy, demonstrating the tradeoffs involved with either pathway if one is to be selected. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Solution Lithography for Colloidal Crystal Patterning: Revisiting Flory–Huggins Interaction Parameters and Co‐Nonsolvent Systems
Authors: Kim Jung Yeon , Song Ji Eun , Choi Yeon Jae , Pyun Seung Beom , Cho Eun Chul
Published: January 2021

For fundamental studies and practical applications, colloidal crystal patterns on substrates are typically fabricated through etching and conventional lithography. However, a wet‐chemical based method is necessary for simplifying the procedure, preserving the substrate structure, and reproducibly fabricating the colloidal crystal patterns. The present study demonstrates that colloidal crystal patterns can be conveniently generated using thermodynamic relationships between a polymer colloid and surrounding solvents. Close‐packed colloidal monolayers in good solvents that cause colloidal swelling spontaneously transform into non–close‐packed crystal patterns when non‐solvents that cause their shrinkage replace the good solvents. The colloid diameter in the close‐packed monolayer decreases significantly when the polymer in the colloid is passing thermodynamic theta conditions (when Flory–Huggins interaction parameters increase to higher than ≈0.5). The close‐packed monolayers also transform into the patterns in co‐nonsolvent conditions. The “solution lithography” might be particularly useful for patterning colloids on curved microstructures and plastic/flexible films. The colloidal shapes in the patterns vary with the solvent pairs and substrates. The method does not require special facilities to reproducibly fabricate the patterns. The study further suggests methods simultaneously fixing the patterns. The patterns exhibit anti‐reflection properties. Therefore, the solution lithography is applicable to optics, electronics, analytical science, and energy systems.
Facile and Scalable Synthesis of Si@void@C Embedded in Interconnected 3D Porous Carbon Architecture for High Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Jingyun , Tan Hua , Liu Hong , Chao Yimin
Published: January 2021

Si‐based materials possess huge potential as an excellent anode material for Li‐ion batteries. However, how to realize scalable synthesis of Si‐based anode with a long cycling life and high‐performance is still a critical challenge. Here a water‐in‐oil microemulsion process followed by UV illumination, calcination, and hydrothermal method to produce yolk‐shell Si@void@C embedded in interconnected 3D porous carbon network architecture using silicon nanoparticles is reported. As a result, the sample Si@void@C/C‐2 electrode has achieved a reversible capacity of 1160 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 300 cycles and a stable long cycling life of 480 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 1000 cycles. A full battery with the synthesized anode shows a capacity of 128 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 as well as good cycling stability after 1100th cycles. Such excellent electrochemical performance is ascribed to its unique structure, the yolk‐shell void space, highly robust carbon shells and interconnected porous carbon nets that can improve the conductivity of the electrode, buffer the volume expansion, and also suppress Si nanoparticles stress variation. This water‐in oil system makes it possible for mass production of environmentally friendly synthesis of core–shell structure.
Cystic fibrosis patients of minority race and ethnicity less likely eligible for CFTR modulators based on CFTR genotype
Authors: McGarry Meghan E. , McColley Susanna A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators are disease‐modifying medications for cystic fibrosis (CF) and are shown to be efficacious for only specific CFTR mutations. CFTR mutation frequency varies by ancestry, which is different from but related to demographic racial and ethnic group. Eligibility for CFTR modulator therapy has not been previously reported by race and ethnicity.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of patients in the 2018 CF Foundation Patient Registry. We analyzed the percentage of patients in each US Census defined racial and ethnic group eligible for CFTR modulators based on CFTR mutations approved by the US FDA and then based on both mutations and FDA approval by age. We compared lung function based on CFTR modulator eligibility and prescription.

Findings

Based on CFTR mutations alone, 92.4% of non‐Hispanic White patients, 69.7% of Black/African American patients, 75.6% of Hispanic patients, and 80.5% of other race patients eligible for CFTR modulators. For each CFTR modulator, Black/African American patients were least likely to have eligible mutations, and non‐Hispanic White patients were most likely. There was no difference in the disparity between racial and/or ethnic groups with the addition of current FDA approval by age. The lowest pulmonary function in the cohort was seen in non‐Hispanic White, Black/African American, and Hispanic patients not eligible for CFTR modulators.

Interpretation

Patients with CF from minority groups are less likely to be eligible for CFTR modulators. Because people with CF who are racial and ethnic minorities have increased disease severity and earlier mortality, this will further contribute to health disparities.
Oncologic outcome of radical prostatectomy versus radiotherapy as primary treatment for high and very high risk localized prostate cancer
Authors: Emam Ahmed , Hermann Gregory , Attwood Kristopher , Ji Wenyan , James Gaybrielle , Kuettel Michael , Mohler James L.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To compare the oncologic outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) versus external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) ± androgen deprivation therapy for primary treatment of high risk localized prostate cancer (CaP).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively‐populated database for cases who underwent primary treatment for high risk localized CaP, had more than 2 years follow‐up, and were treated since 2006. A total of 335 cases were studied of whom 291 underwent RP and 44 underwent EBRT. Clinical characteristics, biochemical progression‐free survival (BPFS), metastasis‐free survival (MFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were compared.

Results

EBRT cases were older (p < .01; mean 71 years vs. 61 years) and had longer PSA doubling time (PSADT) (p = .03; median 4.8 years vs. 3.5 years) than RP. Race, pretreatment PSA and biopsy Gleason score were similar. Median follow‐up was 5.1 (range: 2.3–12.8) years for RP versus 3.3 (range: 2–12.4) years for EBRT. Three‐ and 5‐year BPFS were 42% and 36% after RP versus 86% and 75% after EBRT (p < .01). The rate of adjuvant/salvage therapy was 58% after RP versus 20% after EBRT (p < .01). Three‐ and 5‐year MFS were 80% and 77% after RP versus 91% and 91% after EBRT (p = .11). Three‐year CSS was 98% in both groups and OS was 97% after RP versus 94% after EBRT (p = .73).

Conclusions

RP had higher rates of biochemical failure and adjuvant or salvage treatment versus EBRT in high risk localized CaP. MFS trended toward benefit after EBRT, but CSS and OS remained high in both groups.
Radar reflectivity assimilation using hourly cycling4D‐Varin the Met Office Unified Model
Authors: Hawkness‐Smith L. D. , Simonin D.
Published: January 2021

A new method has been developed to directly assimilate volume scans of radar reflectivity data with 4D‐Var in the Met Office Unified Model. The method has been demonstrated in the convective‐scale hourly‐cycling UKV forecast model. Reflectivity observations from 18 C‐band radars in the British Isles are assimilated. This article describes the method of observation processing and quality control, the observation operator, and assimilation method. The assimilation method uses a minimum threshold rainwater content in the forward operator to give sensitivity to reflectivity observations where there is no rain in the background. Furthermore, the use of the Huber norm in the observation penalty function allows the use of observations with large innovations in the assimilation. A change was made to the precipitation efficiency in the microphysics scheme of the linear perturbation forecast model to ensure stability of the scheme. A case‐study is presented which demonstrates how the inclusion of reflectivity observations enhances convergence through analysis increments to the wind field, leading to improvements to the location of convective precipitation features in the forecast. Two‐month trials for summer and winter seasons demonstrate significant improvements to rain forecasts in the nowcasting range.