bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Root Rot (Rhizoctonia solani) of Okra Through Novel Combined Formulations of Fungicides
Authors: Meena Ranjana , Ghasolia R. P. , Chand Kewal , Bunker Raja Ram , Yadav Shankar Lal , Anupriya
Published: October 2024

Lady’s finger or okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is known as “Bhindi” in Hindi, is one of the most important summer vegetables of Rajasthan as well as India and belongs to the family Malvaceae. This crop suffers harshly from the vagary of diseases caused by fungi and important one is root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani, which is an important constraint to the crop and causes significant economic losses and fungicides are the major tool to overcome the disease incidence. During investigation, seven systemic and non-systemic fungicides were evaluated In vitro an d in vivo conditions for two consecutive years. All the tested fungicides showed highly inhibitory response at 100, 200 and 300 ppm concentrations. By treating the seeds with these fungicides, the highest disease reduction (85.91%), increased yield (30.65%) and maximum ICBR (1:215.89) was recorded with captan + hexaconazole (@ 0.2%) followed by tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin (81.59%, 30.10%, 1:140.55), penflufen + trifloxystrobin (78.82%, 29.11%, 1:209.08), fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin (75.58%, 27.67%, 1:111.12), hexaconazole (73.80%, 26.32%, 1:197.84), azoxystrobin (71.68%, 24.52%, 1:180.36) and least effective was copper hydroxide (69.38%, 22.75%, 1:169.18, respectively) over control. It is concluded that the use of combined formulations of fungicides may be the most powerful tools in managing root rot of okra with economical yield returns.
Evaluating Seasonal Dynamics of Water Quality and Embankment Soil along the Gorai River in Kushtia, Bangladesh
Authors: Lima Miss. Nushrat Jahan , Hossain Md. Kamrul , Khatun Most. Suria , Molla Mohammad Omar Faruk , Kabir Md. Anisul
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: Water and soil are fundamental components of ecosystems, crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. This study aims to observe the seasonal dynamics of water quality and embankment soil along the Gorai River, Kushtia, Bangladesh.
Methods: A total of 15 water samples and 15 embankment soil samples were collected along the river for both dry (January- February 2024) and wet (July- August 2023) seasons following random sampling techniques. The water and soil samples were analyzed at the Environmental Analysis Laboratory of Islamic University, Kushtia, and the regional laboratory of SRDI, Kushtia, Bangladesh respectively. To identify the relationship among variables, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA) were computed for this study.
Results: The results show that some parameters of water samples such as turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and electrical conductivity (EC) exhibit significant differences for both dry and wet seasons except dissolved oxygen (DO) and hardness; whereas, pH, EC, calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) of soil samples show differences for both seasons. The correlation analysis reveals a robust correlation between EC and TDS and turbidity and TSS in water samples from both the dry and wet seasons. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation exists between organic matter (OM) and total nitrogen (N2), and both seasons show a positive correlation between Cu and Fe. The PCA analysis indicates that salinity-related factors such as EC and TDS greatly influence water quality during the dry season. In contrast, there is greater variability during the wet season, with N2, phosphorus (P), and OM playing significant roles due to increased moisture and nutrient dynamics of soil samples.
Conclusion: This study’s outcomes revealed that electrical conductivity (EC) showed significant differences for both soil and water samples in dry and wet seasons. This study will contribute to sustainable water and soil resource management by identifying the key seasonal elements affecting water quality and soil fertility in the Gorai River region.
Effect of Sowing Dates and Varieties on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Central Plain Zone of U.P, India
Authors: Patel Avnish , Kumar Sanjeev , Siddiqui M. Z. , Saxena Prateek , Das Abhisek Kumar
Published: October 2024

In Kanpur, a field experiment was carried out in sandy loam soil during the Rabi season of 2022–2023. Nine treatment combinations total—three sowing dates (November 23, November 8, and December 23) and three cultivars (K-307, K-9107, and HD-2967)—were used in the experiment. Because variety HD-2967 had higher grain ear-1, grain weight ear-1, and test weight than varieties K-307 and K, it yielded more. The date of sowing has a big impact on the grain yield and yield-contributing features. In comparison to the sowings on December 8 (36.34 q ha-1) and December 23 (33.26 q ha-1), the largest grain yield (41.66 q ha-1) was reported on November 23rd. The research verified that planting after November 23rd considerably reduces production, irrespective of varieties.
Oceanic Uptake of Oxygen During Deep Convection Events Through Diffusive and Bubble‐Mediated Gas Exchange
Authors: Sun Daoxun , Ito Takamitsu , Bracco Annalisa
Published: October 2017

The concentration of dissolved oxygen (O2) plays fundamental roles in diverse chemical and biological processes throughout the oceans. The balance between the physical supply and the biological consumption controls the O2 level of the interior ocean, and the O2 supply to the deep waters can only occur through deep convection in the polar oceans. We develop a theoretical framework describing the oceanic O2 uptake during open‐ocean deep convection events and test it against a suite of numerical sensitivity experiments. Our framework allows for two predictions, confirmed by the numerical simulations. First, both the duration and the intensity of the wintertime cooling contribute to the total O2 uptake for a given buoyancy loss. Stronger cooling leads to deeper convection and the oxygenation can reach down to deeper depths. Longer duration of the cooling period increases the total amount of O2 uptake over the convective season. Second, the bubble‐mediated influx of O2 tends to weaken the diffusive influx by shifting the air‐sea disequilibrium of O2 toward supersaturation. The degree of compensation between the diffusive and bubble‐mediated gas exchange depends on the dimensionless number measuring the relative strength of oceanic vertical mixing and the gas transfer velocity. Strong convective mixing, which may occur under strong cooling, reduces the degree of compensation so that the two components of gas exchange together drive exceptionally strong oceanic O2 uptake.
Projected Response of Low‐Level Convergence and Associated Precipitation to Greenhouse Warming
Authors: Weller Evan , Jakob Christian , Reeder Michael J.
Published: October 2017

The parameterization of convection in climate models is a large source of uncertainty in projecting future precipitation changes. Here an objective method to identify organized low‐level convergence lines has been used to better understand how atmospheric convection is organized and projected to change, as low‐level convergence plays an important role in the processes leading to precipitation. The frequency and strength of convergence lines over both ocean and land in current climate simulations is too low compared to reanalysis data. Projections show a further reduction in the frequency and strength of convergence lines over the midlatitudes. In the tropics, the largest changes in frequency are generally associated with shifts in major low‐latitude convergence zones, consistent with changes in the precipitation. Further, examining convergence lines when in the presence or absence of precipitation results in large spatial contrasts, providing a better understanding of regional changes in terms of thermodynamic and dynamic effects.
Identifying Ultra Low Frequency Waves in the Lunar Plasma Environment Using Trajectory Analysis and Resonance Conditions
Authors: Howard S. K. , Halekas J. S. , Farrell W. M. , McFadden J. P. , Glassmeier K.‐H.
Published: October 2017

Recent studies show that localized crustal magnetic fields on the lunar surface can reflect a significant portion of the incoming solar wind protons. These reflected ions can drive a wide range of plasma waves. It is difficult to determine the intrinsic properties of low‐frequency waves with single‐spacecraft observations, which can be heavily Doppler shifted. We describe a technique to combine trajectory analysis of reflected protons with the Doppler shift and resonance conditions to identify ultralow‐frequency waves at the Moon. On 31 January 2014 plasma waves were detected by one of the Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) probes as it approached the lunar wake; these waves were not detected by the second ARTEMIS probe located upstream in the undisturbed solar wind. The observed waves had a frequency below the local ion cyclotron frequency and had right‐hand circular polarization in the reference frame of the Moon. By solving the Doppler shift and the cyclotron resonance equations, we determined the conditions for reflected ions to excite the observed waves. Simulated trajectories of reflected ions correspond to ARTEMIS ion observations and support the hypothesis that reflected ions are the primary driver of the waves. By combining trajectory analysis with the resonance conditions, we identify scenarios where ions that satisfy the resonance conditions are present in the right location to generate the observed waves. Using this method, we can uniquely identify the observed waves as upstream propagating right‐hand polarized waves, subject to the assumption that they are generated by cyclotron resonance with ions.
Magnetospheric Ion Evolution Across the Low‐Latitude Boundary Layer Separatrix
Authors: Vines S. K. , Fuselier S. A. , Trattner K. J. , Burch J. L. , Allen R. C. , Petrinec S. M. , Anderson B. J. , Webster J. M. , Ergun R. E. , Giles B. L. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Russell C. T.
Published: October 2017

On 20 September 2015, the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft crossed the dusk magnetopause after a compression of the magnetosphere. Enhanced densities and fluxes of both colder (≤10 eV) and hotter (>1 keV) magnetospheric and magnetosheath heavy ion species were observed reaching the magnetopause. The evolution of the velocity distributions for H+, He+, and O+ measured by the Hot Plasma Composition Analyzer on MMS during this magnetopause crossing is presented. In particular, this study focuses on the changes in the species' distribution functions as MMS passes from the magnetosphere through the electron edge of the low‐latitude boundary layer (LLBL) separatrix and then into the LLBL. Two types of processes are suggested to play a role in the heating of colder magnetospheric ions across the LLBL separatrix in the region between the separatrix and the electron and ion edges of the LLBL. One mechanism leads to the formation and enhancement of ring distributions in this layer of the LLBL as the magnetospheric ions propagate across the separatrix. A second mechanism leading first to perpendicular heating and then to parallel heating of colder protons may arise from a possible two‐stream instability as the magnetospheric ions first encounter the warmer magnetosheath electrons in the electron layer and then the warmer magnetosheath ions between the electron and ion edges of the LLBL separatrix. Perpendicular heating of He+ and O+ is seen more so in the main reconnection exhaust, due to nonadiabatic behavior of these ions as they are accelerated up to the bulk flow speed.
Quantifying the Precipitation Loss of Radiation Belt Electrons During a Rapid Dropout Event
Authors: Pham K. H. , Tu W. , Xiang Z.
Published: October 2017

Relativistic electron flux in the radiation belt can drop by orders of magnitude within the timespan of hours. In this study, we used the drift‐diffusion model that includes azimuthal drift and pitch angle diffusion of electrons to simulate low‐altitude electron distribution observed by POES/MetOp satellites for rapid radiation belt electron dropout event occurring on 1 May 2013. The event shows fast dropout of MeV energy electrons at L > 4 over a few hours, observed by the Van Allen Probes mission. By simulating the electron distributions observed by multiple POES satellites, we resolve the precipitation loss with both high spatial and temporal resolutions and a range of energies. We estimate the pitch angle diffusion coefficients as a function of energy, pitch angle, and L‐shell and calculate corresponding electron lifetimes during the event. The simulation results show fast electron precipitation loss at L > 4 during the electron dropout, with estimated electron lifetimes on the order of half an hour for MeV energies. The electron loss rate shows strong energy dependence with faster loss at higher energies, which suggest that this dropout event is dominated by quick and localized scattering process that prefers higher energy electrons. The improved temporal and spatial resolutions of electron precipitation rates provided by multiple low‐altitude observations can resolve fast‐varying electron loss during rapid electron dropouts (over a few hours), which occur too fast for a single low‐altitude satellite. The capability of estimating the fast‐varying electron lifetimes during rapid dropout events is an important step in improving radiation belt model accuracy.
Incremental Costs in Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Mounié Michael , Costa Nadège , Sailler Laurent , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Bourrel Robert , Savy Nicolas , Molinier Laurent , Pugnet Grégory
Published: October 2017

Objective

To assess and compare direct costs between giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients and matched controls and to identify incremental cost drivers.

Methods

We carried out a population‐based, retrospective cohort study using the French National Health Insurance System database. Cost analysis was performed from the French health insurance perspective and took into account direct medical and nonmedical costs (2014, €). Costs were evaluated according to different cost components and divided into periods of 6 months for the accurate assessment of care consumption. Longitudinal multivariate regression analyses using generalized estimating equations were used to adjust the effect of GCA on the mean cost over time.

Results

Analyses were performed on 96 incident GCA patients and 563 matched controls. The cumulative incremental cost due to GCA was €6,406 and €7,236 for 3 and 5 years, respectively. Total incremental costs were significant for the first 18 months, amounting to €1,342 for the first 6 months, €1,498 between 6 and 12 months, and €1,165 between 12 and 18 months (P = 0.012, P = 0.065, and P = 0.029, respectively). The most important cost drivers were paramedical procedures, inpatient stays, medication, and medical procedures. Multivariate analysis shows the significant effect of GCA on mean cost during the first 3 years of followup (relative risk [RR] 1.72 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.31–2.27], P < 0.001) with significant cost reductions (RR 0.70 [95% CI 0.49–0.99], P = 0.05) at the end of followup.

Conclusion

This study provides an accurate assessment of GCA costs during a 5‐year period and gives useful information for future cost‐effectiveness studies based on new expensive biotherapies.
Patterns of Biologics Utilization and Discontinuation Before and During Pregnancy in Women With Autoimmune Diseases: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Tsao Nicole W. , Lynd Larry D. , Sadatsafavi Mohsen , Hanley Gillian , De Vera Mary A.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To characterize patterns of biologics use and discontinuation before and during pregnancy in women with autoimmune diseases in British Columbia, Canada.

Methods

Women with ≥1 autoimmune diseases, as identified by International Classification of Diseases Ninth/Tenth Revision codes, who had pregnancies ending in deliveries between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2012, and had ≥1 prescription for a biologic drug 1 year before pregnancy or during pregnancy, were included. Secular trends, patterns of biologics use, and risk of biologics discontinuation before and during pregnancy were examined. Associations between drug discontinuations and various factors were investigated using multilevel logistic regression models, fitted with binomial generalized estimating equations.

Results

Of 6,218 women (8,431 pregnancies) with autoimmune diseases, 131 women (144 pregnancies) were exposed to a biologic before or during pregnancy. The use of biologics in this cohort increased from 0% in 2002 to 5.7% by 2012 (P < 0.001). Within the first trimester of pregnancy, 31% of women (34/110) discontinued their biologic treatment, and 38% (30/79) discontinued use in the second trimester, while 98% of those receiving treatment in the second trimester (50/51) continued treatment in the third trimester. Women with rheumatoid arthritis had three times higher odds (odds ratio 3.40 [95% confidence interval 1.33–8.71]) of discontinuing biologics during pregnancy, compared to those with inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusion

Given the increased use of biologics and high odds of discontinuation during pregnancy in certain populations, more research is needed to improve our understanding of the risks and benefits of biologics for fetal and maternal health.
Flares After Withdrawal of Biologic Therapies in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Clinical and Laboratory Correlates of Remission Duration
Authors: Simonini Gabriele , Ferrara Giovanna , Pontikaki Irene , Scoccimarro Erika , Giani Teresa , Taddio Andrea , Meroni Pier Luigi , Cimaz Rolando
Published: October 2017

Objective

To assess the time in remission after discontinuing biologic therapy in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

We enrolled 135 patients followed in 3 tertiary‐care centers. The primary outcome was to assess, once remission was achieved, the time in remission up to the first flare after discontinuing treatment. Mann‐Whitney U test, Wilcoxon's signed rank test for paired samples, chi‐square tests, and Fisher's exact test were used to compare data. Pearson's and Spearman's correlation tests were used to determine correlation coefficients for different variables. To identify predictors of outcome, Cox regression model and Kaplan‐Meier curves were constructed, each one at the mean of entered covariates.

Results

The majority of enrolled patients flared after stopping treatment with biologics (102 of 135, 75.6%) after a median followup time in remission off therapy of 6 months (range 3–109 months). A higher probability of maintaining remission after discontinuing treatment was present in systemic‐onset disease compared to the rest of the JIA patients (Mantel‐Cox χ2 = 8.31, P < 0.004). In analysis limited to children with JIA with polyarticular and oligoarticular disease, patients who received biologics >2 years after achieving remission had a higher probability of maintaining such remission off therapy (mean ± SD 18.64 ± 3.3 months versus 11.51 ± 2.7 months [P < 0.009]; Mantel‐Cox χ2 = 9.06, P < 0.002). No other clinical variable was significantly associated with a long‐lasting remission.

Conclusion

Children with oligoarticular and polyarticular JIA who stop treatment before 2 years from remission have a higher chance of relapsing after biologic withdrawal.
Efficient Cobalt‐Catalyzed Methylation of Amines Using Methanol
Authors: Liu Zhenghui , Yang Zhenzhen , Yu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Hongye , Yu Bo , Zhao Yanfei , Liu Zhimin
Published: October 2017

The methylation of amines using methanol is a promising route to synthesize N‐methylamines, and the development of cheap and efficient catalytic system for this reaction is of great significance. Herein, we reported a cobalt (Co)‐based catalytic system, which was in situ formed from commercially available Co precursor and a tetradentate phosphine ligand P(CH2CH2PPh2)3 combined with K3PO4. This catalystic system was very effective for the selective production of dimethylated products from aliphatic amines and monomethylated ones from aromatic amines. The reaction mechanism was further investigated by control and isotope labelling experiments.

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Iron‐catalyzed C(5)−H Imidation of Azole with N‐Fluorobenzenesulfonimide
Authors: Wang Xiaojiao , Lei Bowen , Ma Lifang , Jiao Huixuan , Xing Wenhua , Chen Jiaming , Li Ziyuan
Published: October 2017

An iron(II)‐catalyzed direct imidation of oxazole and thiazole with N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) through C(5)−H bond cleavage is disclosed, providing C5‐imidated azoles in moderate to excellent yields with broad substrate scope. This reaction represents the first iron‐catalyzed C−H imidation of arene where NFSI serves as the imidation reagent, and potentially constitutes an efficient access to C5‐functionalized azole with great medicinal significance.

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Arterial Blood Supply to the Spinal Cord in Animal Models of Spinal Cord Injury. A Review
Authors: Mazensky David , Flesarova Slavka , Sulla Igor
Published: October 2017

Animal models are used to examine the results of experimental spinal cord injury. Alterations in spinal cord blood supply caused by complex spinal cord injuries contribute significantly to the diversity and severity of the spinal cord damage, particularly ischemic changes. However, the literature has not completely clarified our knowledge of anatomy of the complex three‐dimensional arterial system of the spinal cord in experimental animals, which can impede the translation of experimental results to human clinical applications. As the literary sources dealing with the spinal cord arterial blood supply in experimental animals are limited and scattered, the authors performed a review of the anatomy of the arterial blood supply to the spinal cord in several experimental animals, including pigs, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice and created a coherent format discussing the interspecies differences. This provides researchers with a valuable tool for the selection of the most suitable animal model for their experiments in the study of spinal cord ischemia and provides clinicians with a basis for the appropriate translation of research work to their clinical applications. Anat Rec, 300:2091–2106, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EZH2 Modulates the DNA Methylome and Controls T Cell Adhesion Through Junctional Adhesion Molecule A in Lupus Patients
Authors: Tsou Pei‐Suen , Coit Patrick , Kilian Nathan C. , Sawalha Amr H.
Published: October 2017

Objective

EZH2 is an epigenetic regulator that mediates H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and modulates DNA methylation. The aim of this study was to characterize the role of EZH2 in CD4+ T cells in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

EZH2 expression levels were determined in CD4+ T cells isolated from lupus patients and healthy controls. The epigenetic effects of EZH2 overexpression in CD4+ T cells were evaluated using a genome‐wide DNA methylation approach. Gene expression profiles and microRNAs (miRNAs) were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, while protein expression was examined by Western blotting. A cell adhesion assay was used to assess adhesion of CD4+ T cells to human microvascular endothelial cells.

Results

EZH2 and H3K27me3 levels were increased in CD4+ T cells from lupus patients compared to healthy controls. T cell production of EZH2 was down‐regulated in the presence of miR‐26a and miR‐101, and levels of both miRNAs were reduced in lupus CD4+ T cells. Overexpression of EZH2 induced in CD4+ T cells resulted in significant DNA methylation changes. Genes involved in leukocyte adhesion and migration, including F11R (which encodes junctional adhesion molecule A [JAM‐A]), became hypomethylated in CD4+ T cells when EZH2 was overexpressed. Overexpression of EZH2 resulted in increases in JAM‐A expression and CD4+ T cell adhesion. Preincubation of EZH2‐transfected CD4+ T cells with neutralizing antibodies against JAM‐A significantly blunted cell adhesion. Similarly, CD4+ T cells from lupus patients overexpressed JAM‐A and adhered significantly more to endothelial cells than T cells from healthy controls. Blocking JAM‐A or EZH2 significantly reduced the capacity of lupus CD4+ T cells to adhere to endothelial cells.

Conclusion

The results of this study identify a novel role of EZH2 in T cell adhesion mediated by epigenetic remodeling and up‐regulation of JAM‐A. Blockade of EZH2 or JAM‐A might have therapeutic potential by acting to reduce T cell adhesion, migration, and extravasation in patients with lupus.
An Atomically Precise Alkynyl‐Protected PtAg42 Superatom Nanocluster and Its Structural Implications
Authors: Shen Hui , Mizuta Tsutomu
Published: October 2017

The synthesis and structure determination of an alkynyl‐protected Pt‐doped Ag superatom nanocluster, [PtAg42(C≡CC6H4CH3)28](SbF6)6 (1), are reported. The metallic core of this cluster can be viewed as a concentric three‐shell Russian doll comprising Pt@Ag12@Ag30, in which the missing icosidodecahedral Ag30 shell and a new structural unit, M43, have been observed. On the surface of 1, 28 alkynyl groups and 4 SbF6− anions were found co‐protecting it. The protective role of SbF6− in nanoclusters is unprecedented. Moreover, of the 28 alkynyl ligands, 12 are connected not only with the outermost Ag30 shell, but also the inner Ag12 shell through the twelve pentagonal faces of the outermost icosidodecahedral Ag30 shell. Overall, by determining the crystal structure of 1, we discovered the missing icosidodecahedral Ag30 shell and the protective effect of SbF6− anions and demonstrated a novel M43 structural unit and the unique penetrability of pentagonal faces.
Molybdenum Disulfide–Alumina/Nickel‐Foam Catalyst with Enhanced Heat Transfer for Syngas Sulfur‐Resistant Methanation
Authors: Lu Zhenpu , Zhang Hegui , Tang Siyang , Liu Changjun , Yue Hairong , Liang Bin
Published: October 2017

Sulfur‐resistant CO methanation by using MoS2‐based catalysts possesses potential to produce synthetic natural gas from the direct use of un‐desulfurized syngas with a low H2/CO ratio in industry. However, hotspots raised in the high exothermic reaction lead to catalyst deactivation and an uncontrollable reactor temperature, both of which hinder industrial applications. A metal‐structured MoS2‐Al2O3/Ni‐foam catalyst with stable MoS2 active species and high heat‐transfer efficiency was synthesized to resist deactivation and to remove the heat of the reaction through a hydrothermal synthesis process. This catalyst exhibited superior activity and stability in the sulfur‐resistant methanation of syngas and has potential applications in highly exothermic and endothermic reactions.
(Anilino)anthraquinone Nickel‐Catalyzed Random Copolymerization of Norbornene and Ethylene
Authors: Cheng Hailong , Cai Zhengguo
Published: October 2017

Nickel complexes bearing an (anilino)anthraquinone ligand with different electron‐donating substituents were synthesized and shown to have unique properties for the random copolymerization of norbornene with ethylene. The nickel catalysts exhibited high activity (380–750 kg mol−1 h−1) and thermal stability in the production of cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs). The norbornene content of the obtained COCs could be controlled over a wide range (63.7–92.2 mol %) by changing the comonomer concentration in the feed. The glass transition temperature value increased linearly from 182 to 322 °C as a function of the norbornene content regardless of the nickel complex used.
The Drosophila melanogaster Eip74EF‐PA transcription factor directly binds the sciarid BhC4‐1 promoter
Authors: Frank Henrique Oliveira , Sanchez Danilo Garcia , de Freitas Oliveira Lucas , Kobarg Jörg , Monesi Nadia
Published: October 2017

The DNA puff BhC4‐1 gene of Bradysia hygida (Diptera, Sciaridae) is amplified and expressed in the salivary glands at the end of the last larval instar. Even though there are no BhC4‐1 orthologs in Drosophila melanogaster, the mechanisms that regulate BhC4‐1 gene expression in B. hygida are for the most part conserved in D. melanogaster. The BhC4‐1 promoter contains a 129bp (‐186/‐58) cis‐regulatory module (CRM) that drives developmentally regulated expression in transgenic salivary glands at the onset of metamorphosis. Both in the sciarid and in transgenic D. melanogaster, BhC4‐1 gene expression is induced by the increase in ecdysone titers that triggers metamorphosis. Genetic interaction experiments revealed that in the absence of the Eip74EF‐PA early gene isoform BhC4‐1‐lacZ levels of expression in the salivary gland are severely reduced. Here we show that the overexpression of the Eip74EF‐PA transcription factor is sufficient to anticipate BhC4‐1‐lacZ expression in transgenic D. melanogaster. Through yeast one‐hybrid assays we confirm that the Eip74EF‐PA transcription factor directly binds to the 129 bp sciarid CRM. Together, these results contribute to the characterization of an insect CRM and indicate that the ecdysone gene regulatory network that promotes metamorphosis is conserved between D. melanogaster and the sciarid B. hygida.
ASC and NLRP3 impair host defense during lethal pneumonia caused by serotype 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae in mice
Authors: van Lieshout Miriam H.P. , de Vos Alex F. , Dessing Mark C. , de Porto Alexander P.N.A. , de Boer Onno J. , de Beer Regina , Terpstra Sanne , Florquin Sandrine , van't Veer Cornelis , van der Poll Tom
Published: October 2017

Streptococcus (S.) pneumoniae is the most common cause of community‐acquired pneumonia. The Nod‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, consisting of NLRP3, ASC (the adaptor apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD) and caspase‐1, has been implicated in protective immunity during pneumonia induced by high doses of S. pneumoniae serotype 2. Here we investigated the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the host response during lethal airway infection with a low dose of serotype 3 S. pneumoniae. Mice were euthanized at predefined endpoints for analysis or observed in survival studies. In additional studies, Tlr2−/−/Tlr4−/− mice and Myd88−/− mice incapable of Toll‐like receptor signaling were studied. In stark contrast with existing literature, both Nlrp3−/− and Asc−/− mice showed a strongly improved host defense, as reflected by a markedly reduced mortality rate accompanied by diminished bacterial growth and dissemination. Host defense was unaltered in Tlr2−/−/Tlr4−/− mice and Myd88−/− mice. These results show that the NLRP3 inflammasome impairs host defense during lethal pneumonia caused by serotype 3 S. pneumoniae. Our findings challenge the current paradigm that proximal innate detection systems are indispensable for an adequate host immune response against bacteria.
Shear treatment of starter culture medium improves separation behavior of Streptococcus thermophilus cells
Authors: Jaros Doris , Mende Susann , Häffele Florian , Nachtigall Carsten , Nirschl Hermann , Rohm Harald
Published: October 2017

A central step in the production of starter cultures is the separation of the cells from the fermentation medium, which is usually achieved by disk centrifuges. In case of microorganisms which produce exopolysaccharides (e.g., various strains of lactic acid bacteria), the properties of the respective exopolysaccharides may interfere with this separation step. By using six strains of Streptococcus thermophilus the hypothesis was tested that a shear treatment of the fermented culture medium improves subsequent cell separation markedly. Depending on the type of exopolysaccharides (freely present in the medium, or as capsules around the cells) an energy input of up to 2.5 kJ/mL generated with an Ultra‐Turrax affected cell chain length of the strains and viscosity of fermentation medium differently. For bacteria producing capsular exopolysaccharides, space‐ and time‐resolved centrifugation experiments revealed an increase of sedimentation velocity after shear treatment. In general, viability of the microorganisms, detected by flow cytometry measurements and fermentation experiments, was not affected by the shearing procedure. The results therefore indicate that strain‐targeted shearing is helpful to improve the separability of cells from the fermented media.
Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Mechanical Energy Harvesting
Authors: Kaur Navjot , Pal Kaushik
Published: October 2017

Energy is the essential requirement of daily life. Due to the diminution of the energy sources, it is necessary develop devices that can harvest the wasted energy that exists in the ambient environment. To address this, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been developed as an innovative paradigm for energy harvesting. They can harvest the various forms of mechanical energy, including vibrations, walking, ocean waves, human motion, rain drops, flowing water, the motion of an automobile, wind, rotational energy, and mechanical triggering. TENGs can combine the contact electrification and electrostatic induction for energy conversion and operate on four fundamental modes for conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy to power small‐scale electronics including mobile phones and sensors. The electrical outputs obtained from TENGs depend on the friction of materials that are selected from the triboelectric series on the basis of their electronegativity and electropositivity. Here, a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of nanogenerators, various operating modes of TENGs and the design of devices that include them, and the performance improvement of this recently emerged technology is presented.
Analysis of food‐energy‐water nexus based on competitive uses of stream flows of BeiChuan River in eastern QingHai‐Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: Zhao Xia , Harbor Jon , Engel Bernie , Theller Lawrence , Yu Feng , Cao GuangChao , Cui YuXiang , Tang WenJia , Zhang MeiTing
Published: October 2017

Rapid urbanization and industrial development in the eastern region of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau is imposing significant and interdependent pressures on food, energy, and water. A long‐term assessment of the regional water balance reveals a complex interaction of factors that are altering the available water, including changes in the locally grown food supply and hydropower generation. Within the main watershed of Xining City, increasing urbanization results in increased runoff to streams and increased withdrawals from surface water reservoirs. Withdrawals have also been increasing as a result of growth in irrigated agriculture. A hydrologic modeling approach on a watershed scale was used to analyze the long‐term implications of these factors and to quantitatively assess the trade‐offs between water supply and food production within this semi‐arid watershed. The policy implications of the findings in a Food‐ Energy‐Water nexus framework for the region will be provided to regional decision makers to aid in future watershed management. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 62–72, 2018
Experimental study on the thermal performance and heat transfer characteristics of solar parabolic trough collector using Al2O3 nanofluids
Authors: Subramani J. , Nagarajan P.K. , Wongwises Somchai , El‐Agouz S.A. , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar
Published: October 2017

The present work investigated thermal performance and heat transfer characteristics of a solar parabolic trough collector using Al2O3/DI‐H2O nanofluids. Nanofluids of varying concentrations (0.05% ϕ ≤ 0.5%) with mass flows (0.0083–0.05 kg/s) were considered for turbulent regime (2401 ≤ Re ≤ 7202) analysis. Experiments were carried out as per ASHRAE 93(2010) standards. By thermal performance analysis using Al2O3 nanofluid, it was understood that the collector efficiency improved up to 56% at a maximum volume concentration of ϕ = 0.5% and flow rate of 0.05 kg/s. The heat transfer study comparing Al2O3 nanofluid with pure water showed appreciable reduction in temperature gradient and surface temperature of the absorber. The heat transfer characteristics such as Nusselt number and friction factor relating to Reynolds number fits the experimental and predicted data and found within the limits of ±5.35% and ±9.61% for Nusselt number and friction factor respectively. Moreover, a similar empirical correlation was developed for collector efficiency, which was identified to be within the limit of ±1.02%. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1149–1159, 2018
Idelalisib plus rituximab is effective in systemic AL amyloidosis secondary to chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Visentin Andrea , Briani Chiara , Imbergamo Silvia , Frezzato Federica , Angelini Annalisa , Fedrigo Marny , Cacciavillani Mario , Altinier Sara , Piazza Francesco , Semenzato Gianpietro , Adami Fausto , Trentin Livio
Published: October 2017

Light chain amyloidosis is characterized by the progressive deposition of immunoglobulin light chains into the extracellular tissue, leading to organ dysfunction. Usually, it is associated with an underlying clonal plasma cell dyscrasia and rarely with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Herein, we described the first report of a patient with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia harbouring TP53 abnormalities who developed, histologically proven, systemic light chain amyloidosis who was treated with the PI3K inhibitor, idelalisib, and rituximab. Unfortunately, the patient had sudden death during sleep, likely caused by arrhythmia secondary to amyloid cardiomyopathy. Idelalisib was at least effective in reducing secretory free light chain, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia burden, and to improve the survival of patient.
Survival from tumours of the central nervous system in Danish children: Is survival related to family circumstances?
Authors: Erdmann Friederike , Winther Jeanette Falck , Dalton Susanne Oksbjerg , Zeeb Hajo , Krøyer Anja , Bautz Andrea , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Schüz Joachim
Published: October 2017

Little is known about social inequalities in childhood cancer survival. We investigated the impact of family circumstances on survival from paediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumours in a nationwide, register‐based cohort of Danish children. All children born between 1973 and 2006 and diagnosed with a CNS tumour before the age of 20 years (N = 1,261) were followed until 10 years from diagnosis. Using Cox proportional hazards models, the impact of various family characteristics on overall survival was estimated. Hazard ratios (HRs) for all CNS tumours combined did not show strong associations between survival and any family characteristic. Analyses by CNS tumour subtypes showed reduced survival for children with glioma when living outside of Copenhagen (HR 1.55; CI 1.03; 2.35). For embryonal CNS tumours, the number of full siblings was associated with worse survival (HR for having 3+ siblings 3.60; CI 1.52; 8.53) and a trend of better survival was observed for children with parents of younger age at child's diagnosis and poorer survival of children with parents of older age. Despite free and uniform access to health care services, some family circumstances appear to affect survival from specific CNS tumour types in Danish children. Further research is warranted to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of family factors on childhood cancer survival in other populations and to elaborate underlying mechanisms and pathways of those survival inequalities observed.
Determinants of long‐ versus short‐term bank credit in EU countries
Authors: Anderson Haelim Park , Ruiz‐Ortega Claudia , Tressel Thierry
Published: October 2017

This paper empirically examines the determinants of credit at different maturities across countries of the European Union during the last decade. We document the lengthening of maturities since the early 2000s and whether these patterns were driven by similar factors in advanced and emerging market economies. Before the 2008 crisis, long‐term credit expanded faster than short‐term credit in most countries of our sample and contracted less than short‐term credit after 2008. We find that foreign liabilities were more important sources of funding in emerging market countries than in advanced economies. In addition, aggregate demand mattered less for credit extension to firms in emerging market countries than in advanced countries.
Antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and enzyme inhibitory activity of natural plant flavonoids and their synthesized derivatives
Authors: Nile Shivraj Hariram , Keum Young Soo , Nile Arti Shivraj , Jalde Shivkumar S. , Patel Rahul V.
Published: October 2017

The synthesized flavonoid derivatives were examined for their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, xanthine oxidase (XO), urease inhibitory activity, and cytotoxicity. Except few, all the flavonoids under this study showed significant antioxidant activity (45.6%–85.5%, 32.6%–70.6%, and 24.9%–65.5% inhibition by DPPH, ferric reducing/antioxidant power, and oxygen radical absorption capacity assays) with promising TNF‐α inhibitory activity (42%–73% at 10 μM) and IL‐6 inhibitory activity (54%–81% at 10 μM) compared with that of control dexamethasone. The flavonoids luteolin, apigenin, diosmetin, chrysin, O3Ꞌ, O7‐dihexyl diosmetin, O4Ꞌ, O7‐dihexyl apigenin, and O7‐hexyl chrysin, showed an inhibition with IC50 values (4.5‐8.1 μg/mL), more than allopurinol (8.5 μg/mL) at 5 μM against XO and showing more than 50% inhibition at a final concentration (5 mM) with an IC50 value of ranging from 4.8 to 7.2 (μg/mL) in comparison with the positive control thiourea (5.8 μg/mL) for urease inhibition. Thus, the flavonoid derivatives may be considered as potential antioxidant and antigout agents.
Development of synthetic perfluorinated photobioreactor system for simultaneous carbon dioxide separation and promotion of microalgae growth and productions
Authors: Lee Yu‐Hsiang , Weng Tsu‐Chun
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

CO2 is the primary impurity in many fuel gases and may reduce the efficiency of fuel combustion and generate incomplete residues in the product, leading to energy waste and environmental issues after emission. Currently although plants/microalgae‐mediated approaches have been widely used for CO2 separation/digestion, they usually emphasize CO2 removal efficacy for the purpose of environment protection, but give less consideration to subsequent CO2 manipulation for cell culture that restricts their effectiveness thereafter. To address the above issues, a perfluorinated photobioreactor system (PPBRS) enabling CO2 separation and controlled microalgae cultivation was developed in this study.

RESULTS

Results showed that the PPBRS provided >85% CO2 separation efficiency from 60%‐N2/40%‐CO2 within 5 days by using perfluorocarbon as the CO2 absorbent. Nannochloropsis oculata cultured with 20 mL min‐1 perfluorocarbon containing 2% CO2 isolated from the gas mixture exhibited 2‐fold higher cell concentration and yielded 1.8‐, 2.5‐, and 2‐fold (P < 0.05 for all) increased productions of biomass, lipid, and eicosapentaenoic acid, respectively, compared with the group with air aeration without PFC for 5 days.

CONCLUSION

Perfluorocarbon is recyclable and all procedures including CO2 extraction, collection of purified gas, and delivery of isolated CO2 to cell culture are a continuous process without need for additional handling. The PPBRS thus provides an efficacious, easy‐to‐use, and cost‐effective means for simultaneous CO2 separation and enhanced microalgae production that can be applied for use in industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel protein therapeutic joint retention strategy based on collagen‐binding Avimers
Authors: Hulme Joanne T. , D'Souza Warren N. , McBride Helen J. , Yoon Bo‐Rin Park , Willee Angela M. , Duguay Amy , Thomas Melissa , Fan Bin , Dayao Maria Rosalyn , Rottman James B. , Merriam Kim , Xie Jiansong , Smith Richard , Alba Benjamin M. , Case Ryan B. , Dang Khue , Montalvan Anielka , Grinberg Natalia , Sun Hong , Black Roy A. , Gabel Christopher A. , Sims John E. , Moore Kevin , Bakker Alice , Li Peng
Published: October 2017

Designing drugs to treat diseases associated with articular joints, particularly those targeting chondrocytes, is challenging due to unique local environmental constraints including the avascular nature of cartilage, the absence of a closed joint compartment, and a highly cross‐linked extracellular matrix. In an effort to address these challenges, we developed a novel strategy to prolong residence time of intra‐articularly administered protein therapeutics. Avimer domains are naturally found in membrane polypeptides and mediate diverse protein–protein interactions. Screening of a phage Avimer domain library led to identification of several low affinity type II collagen‐binding Avimers. Following several rounds of mutagenesis and reselection, these initial hits were transformed to high affinity, selective type II collagen‐binding Avimers. One such Avimer (M26) persisted in rat knees for at least 1 month following intra‐articular administration. Fusion of this Avimer to a candidate therapeutic payload, IL‐1Ra, yielded a protein construct which simultaneously bound to type II collagen and to IL‐1 receptor. In vitro, IL‐1Ra_M26 bound selectively to cartilage explants and remained associated even after extensive washing. Binding appeared to occur preferentially to pericellular regions surrounding chondrocytes. An acute intra‐articular IL‐1‐induced IL‐6 challenge rat model was employed to assess in vivo pharmacodynamics. Whereas both IL‐1Ra_M26 and native IL‐1Ra inhibited IL‐6 output when co‐administered with the IL‐1 challenge, only IL‐1Ra_M26 inhibited when administered 1 week prior to IL‐1 challenge. Collagen‐binding Avimers thus represent a promising strategy for enhancing cartilage residence time of protein therapeutics. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1238–1247, 2018.
Strengthening links between waterfowl research and management
Authors: Roberts Anthony , Eadie John M. , Howerter David W. , Johnson Fred A. , Nichols James D. , Runge Michael C. , Vrtiska Mark P. , Williams Byron K.
Published: October 2017

Waterfowl monitoring, research, regulation, and adaptive planning are leading the way in supporting science‐informed wildlife management. However, increasing societal demands on natural resources have created a greater need for adaptable and successful linkages between waterfowl science and management. We presented a special session at the 2016 North American Duck Symposium, Annapolis, Maryland, USA on the successes and challenges of linking research and management in waterfowl conservation, and we summarize those thoughts in this commentary. North American waterfowl management includes a diversity of actions including management of harvest and habitat. Decisions for waterfowl management are structured using decision analysis by incorporating stakeholder values into formal objectives, identifying research relevant to objectives, integrating scientific knowledge, and choosing an optimal strategy with respect to objectives. Recently, the consideration of the value of information has been proposed as a means to evaluate the utility of research designed to meet objectives. Despite these advances, the ability to conduct waterfowl research with direct management application may be increasingly difficult in research institutions for several reasons including reduced funding for applied research and the lower perceived value of applied versus theoretical research by some university academics. In addition, coordination between researchers and managers may be logistically constrained, and communication may be ineffective between the 2 groups. Strengthening these links would help develop stronger and more coordinated approaches for the conservation of waterfowl and the wetlands upon which they depend. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.