bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal imaging and genetic characteristics of Chinese patients with USH2A‐associated nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Chen Chong , Sun Qiao , Gu Mingmin , Qian Tianwei , Luo Dawei , Liu Kun , Xu Xun , Yu Suqin
Published: September 2020

Background

To determine the clinical characteristics and molecular genetic background responsible for USH2A mutations associated with nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in five Chinese families, a retrospective cross‐sectional study was performed.

Methods

Data on detailed history and comprehensive ophthalmological examinations were extracted from medical charts. Genomic DNA was sequenced by whole‐exome sequencing. The pathogenicity predictions were evaluated by in silico analysis. The structural modeling of the wide‐type and mutant USH2A proteins was displayed based on the I‐Tasser software.

Results

The ultra‐wide‐field fundus imaging showed a distinctive pattern of hyperautofluorescence in the parafoveal ring with macular sparing. Ten USH2A variants were detected, including seven missense mutations, two splicing mutations, and one insertion mutation. Six of these variants have already been reported, and the remaining four were novel. Of the de novo mutations, the p.C931Y and p.G4489S mutations were predicted to be deleterious or probably damaging; the p.M4853V mutation was predicted to be neutral or benign; and the IVS22+3A>G mutation was a splicing mutation that could influence mRNA splicing and affect the formation of the hairpin structure of the USH2A protein.

Conclusions

Our data further confirm that USH2A protein plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of photoreceptors and expand the spectrum of USH2A mutations that are associated with nonsyndromic RP in Chinese patients.
Mediterranean Diet and Atherothrombosis Biomarkers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hernáez Álvaro , Castañer Olga , Tresserra‐Rimbau Anna , Pintó Xavier , Fitó Montserrat , Casas Rosa , Martínez‐González Miguel Ángel , Corella Dolores , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi , Lapetra José , Gómez‐Gracia Enrique , Arós Fernando , Fiol Miquel , Serra‐Majem Lluis , Ros Emilio , Estruch Ramón
Published: September 2020

Scope

To assess whether following a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) improves atherothrombosis biomarkers in high cardiovascular risk individuals.

Methods and results

In 358 random volunteers from the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea trial, the 1‐year effects on atherothrombosis markers of an intervention with MedDiet, enriched with virgin olive oil (MedDiet‐VOO; n = 120) or nuts (MedDiet‐Nuts; n = 119) versus a low‐fat control diet (n = 119), and whether large increments in MedDiet adherence (≥3 score points, versus compliance decreases) and intake changes in key food items are associated with 1‐year differences in biomarkers. Differences are observed between 1‐year changes in the MedDiet‐VOO intervention and control diet on the activity of platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase in high‐density lipoproteins (HDLs) (+7.5% [95% confidence interval: 0.17; 14.8]) and HDL‐bound α1‐antitrypsin levels (−6.1% [−11.8; −0.29]), and between the MedDiet‐Nuts intervention and the control arm on non‐esterified fatty acid concentrations (−9.3% [−18.1; −0.53]). Large MedDiet adherence increments are associated with less fibrinogen (−9.5% [−18.3; −0.60]) and non‐esterified fatty acid concentrations (−16.7% [−31.7; −1.74]). Increases in nut, fruit, vegetable, and fatty fish consumption, and decreases in processed meat intake are linked to enhancements in biomarkers.

Conclusion

MedDiet improves atherothrombosis biomarkers in high cardiovascular risk individuals.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides Protect against Necrotizing Enterocolitis by Activating Intestinal Cell Differentiation
Authors: Li Bo , Wu Richard You , Horne Rachael G. , Ahmed Abdalla , Lee Dorothy , Robinson Shaiya C. , Zhu Haitao , Lee Carol , Cadete Marissa , Johnson‐Henry Kathene C. , Landberg Eva , Alganabi Mashriq , Abrahamsson Thomas , Delgado‐Olguin Paul , Pierro Agostino , Sherman Philip M.
Published: September 2020

Scope

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating gastrointestinal emergency and currently the leading cause of mortality in preterm infants. Recent studies show that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) reduce the frequency and incidence of NEC; however, the molecular mechanisms for their protection are largely unexplored.

Methods and results

To address this gap, a genome‐wide profiling of the intestinal epithelial transcriptome in response to HMOs using RNA‐sequencing is performed. It is found that HMOs alter the host transcriptome in 225 unique target genes pertaining to cell proliferation and differentiation, including upregulation of stem cell differentiation marker HMGCS2. To validate these results, differentiation in Caco‐2Bbe1 (Caco‐2) intestinal cells is verified by Alcian Blue staining and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) recordings. Furthermore, an in vivo model of NEC is also employed whereby neonatal pups are gavage fed HMOs. Interestingly, HMOs‐fed pups show enhanced cell MUC2 differentiation and HMGCS2 expression.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate HMOs protect against NEC in part by altering the differentiation of the crypt‐villus axis. In addition, this study suggests that pooled HMOs directly induce a series of biological processes, which provide mechanistic insights to how HMOs protect the host intestine.
Broadband linearizer based on equivalent power‐dependent impedance function of diode and load match network
Authors: Hao Peng , He Songbai , You Fei , Ge Jun
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a broadband linearizer based on equivalent power‐dependent impedance function (PDIF) of diode and load match network (LMN). A method to measure the PDIF is proposed, then the broadband LMN can be synthesized by using the PDIF and the transfer characteristic of the amplifier to realize a broadband linearizer. To verify the proposed method, a linearizer for a 100 W traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) is designed and measured from 29 to 31 GHz. By using the linearizer, the output 1‐dB compression point (OP1dB) has increased by more than 1.2 dB, and phase error has reduced by more than 16.9°. Then a two‐tone signal with 100 MHz spacing is used for test, the results show that 12.2 to 14.6 dB suppression of third‐order intermodulation distortion (IMD3) is achieved over the working frequency range without bias tuning.
Response to the paper by H. Zia, B. Lecampion “Explicit versus implicit front advancing schemes for the simulation of hydraulic fracture growth” (Int. J. Numer.Anal. Methods Geomech., 2019, 43 (6), 1300–1315)
Authors: Linkov Aleksandr
Published: September 2020

The response presents three comments, which (i) explain theoretical background for the success of the explicit front advancing scheme by Zia and Lecampion (comment 1), (ii) suggest possible extensions (comment 2), and (iii) pay attention on expected limitations of the scheme to be checked by the authors in numerical experiments (comment 3). The response does not intend to present novel results: it is entirely based on known results published in the references cited.
Large‐scale zone‐based evacuation planning—Part I: Models and algorithms
Authors: Hafiz Hasan Mohd. , Van Hentenryck Pascal
Published: September 2020

In zone‐based evacuation planning, the region to evacuate is divided into zones, and each zone must be assigned a path to safety and departure times along the path. Zone‐based evacuations are highly desirable in practice because they allow emergency services to communicate evacuation orders and to control the evacuation more precisely. Zone‐based evacuations may also be combined with contraflows (to maximize the network capacities) and may impose additional constraints on the evacuation path (e.g., path convergence) and the departure times (e.g., non‐preemption). This paper synthesizes existing models and algorithms for large‐scale zone‐based evacuation planning and complements them with some new ones to fill some of the gaps in the design space. Each model and algorithm is also extended to accommodate contraflows. A companion paper evaluates them on a real, large‐scale case study, both from a macroscopic standpoint and through microscopic simulations under a variety of assumptions.
On the numerical solution of ill‐conditioned linear systems by regularization and iteration
Authors: Spigler Renato
Published: September 2020

We propose to reduce the (spectral) condition number of a given linear system by adding a suitable diagonal matrix to the system matrix, in particular by shifting its spectrum. Iterative procedures are then adopted to recover the solution of the original system. The case of real symmetric positive definite matrices is considered in particular, and several numerical examples are given. This approach has some close relations with Riley's method and with Tikhonov regularization. Moreover, we identify approximately the aforementioned procedure with a true action of preconditioning.
Simultaneous topology and fastener layout optimization of assemblies considering joint failure
Authors: Ambrozkiewicz Olaf , Kriegesmann Benedikt
Published: September 2020

This article provides a method for the simultaneous topology optimization of parts and their corresponding joint locations in an assembly. Therein, the joint locations are not discrete and predefined, but continuously movable. The underlying coupling equations allow for connecting dissimilar meshes and avoid the need for remeshing when joint locations change. The presented method models the force transfer at a joint location not only by using single spring elements but accounts for the size and type of the joints. When considering riveted or bolted joints, the local part geometry at the joint location consists of holes that are surrounded by material. For spot welds, the joint locations are filled with material and may be smaller than for bolts. The presented method incorporates these material and clearance zones into the simultaneously running topology optimization of the parts. Furthermore, failure of joints may be taken into account at the optimization stage, yielding assemblies connected in a fail‐safe manner.
Discontinuous Galerkin method for the coupled Stokes‐Biot model
Authors: Wen Jing , Su Jian , He Yinnian , Chen Hongbin
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a semi‐discrete scheme and a fully discrete scheme of the Stokes‐Biot model are proposed, and we analyze the semi‐discrete scheme in detail. First of all, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the semi‐discrete scheme, and a‐priori error estimates are derived. Then, we present the same conclusions for the fully discrete scheme. Finally, under both matching and non‐matching meshes some numerical tests are given to validate the analysis of convergence, which well support the theoretical results.
How Does the Probability of Purchasing Moderately Sugary Beverages and 100% Fruit Juice Vary Across Sugar Tax Structures?
Authors: Acton Rachel B. , Kirkpatrick Sharon I. , Hammond David
Published: September 2020

Objective

Sugar‐sweetened beverage taxes are increasingly used to discourage sugar intake; however, the impact on consumer preferences for particular products is largely unknown. This study explored the impact of two tax structures (tiered vs. nontiered and inclusive vs. exclusive of 100% fruit juice) on participants’ probability of purchasing moderately sugary beverages and 100% fruit juice.

Methods

A sample of 3,584 Canadians aged 13 years and older completed a series of beverage purchasing tasks, each corresponding to a different tax condition, within an experimental marketplace. Tax conditions included a no‐tax control, plus four taxes varying by structure (tiered vs. nontiered) and whether or not 100% fruit juice was included.

Results

The odds of purchasing a moderately sugary beverage were higher under tiered versus nontiered taxes. Purchases of higher sugar beverages differed little across tiered versus nontiered structures. Odds of purchasing 100% fruit juice were lower when these products were taxed versus not taxed.

Conclusions

Results suggest that two key tax structures are likely to function as expected; taxes including 100% fruit juice products may lead to lower probability of purchasing fruit juice, and taxes incorporating multiple tiers may be more likely to encourage purchases of moderately sugary products than nontiered formats.
Adrenomedullin Attenuates Inflammation in White Adipose Tissue of Obese Rats Through Receptor‐Mediated PKA Pathway
Authors: Dai Hang‐Bing , Wang Fang‐Zheng , Kang Ying , Sun Jing , Zhou Hong , Gao Qing , Li Zhen‐Zhen , Qian Pei , Zhu Guo‐Qing , Zhou Ye‐Bo
Published: September 2020

Objective

Adrenomedullin (ADM) possesses therapeutic potential for inflammatory diseases. Consequently, the effects of ADM on inflammation in visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) of obese rats or in adipocytes were explored in this study.

Methods

Male rats were fed a high‐fat diet for 12 weeks to induce obesity, and obese rats were implanted with osmotic minipumps providing constant infusion of ADM (300 ng/kg per hour) and continued to be fed a high‐fat diet for 4 weeks.

Results

When compared with the control group, endogenous protein expression of ADM and ADM receptors in vWAT and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated adipocytes was markedly increased. ADM significantly decreased the protein expression of the inflammatory mediators TNFα, IL‐1β, cyclooxygenase‐2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in vWAT of obese rats and in adipocytes stimulated by LPS. It also inhibited the activation of the inflammatory signaling pathways MAPK and NF‐κB induced by LPS in adipocytes. These effects of ADM in adipocytes were inhibited by the administration of ADM receptor antagonist and cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) activation inhibitor.

Conclusions

ADM can inhibit inflammation in WAT in obesity, which may be mediated by the activation of ADM receptors and PKA.
International migration remittances and economic growth in Kerala: An econometric analysis
Authors: Aneja Ranjan , Praveen Anandu
Published: September 2020

This study examines the trend and pattern of international migration and the resulting inflow of remittances to Kerala for the period 1998–2018 and also analyzes the impact of international migration remittances on the economic growth of Kerala. It uses time series data set on Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) of Kerala at constant prices as a proxy for economic growth and remittances in the form of NRI deposits. The methodology adopted in this study uses Augmented Dickey Fuller Test (ADF) for stationarity, Johansen Cointegration test followed by the vector error correction model (VECM). The result of the study reveals that there exists a unidirectional long‐run relationship between remittances and economic growth of Kerala. Also, the study confirms that remittance has a positive impact on the NSDP of Kerala in the long‐run.
Conservation concern among Australian undergraduates is associated with childhood socio‐cultural experiences
Authors: Pinder Jessica , Fielding Kelly S. , Fuller Richard A.
Published: September 2020

Fostering widespread concern for conservation problems requires a robust understanding of the life experiences that positively contribute to an individual's conservation attitudes and behaviours. However, few studies have assessed a comprehensive range of social and experiential predictors of conservation concern.

Using survey responses from 391 undergraduate students enrolled in various course disciplines across Australia, we describe the relationships between five major constructs of early‐life experiences and two measures of conservation concern: a preference for a conservation career and positive conservation attitudes.

We find that conservation career preferences are positively associated with childhood preferences for nature‐related books, movies and school subjects, biospheric family value orientations and environmental volunteering. Conservation attitudes were positively associated with biospheric family value orientations and environmental volunteering.

Both constructs were negatively associated with egoistic family values and childhood experiences of nature were not a significant factor in either of our models.

This suggests that limited nature experiences do not necessarily impede the development of conservation concern in young Australians, and that family values and experiences with environmental organizations, nature‐related storylines and school subjects may help to foster greater conservation concern.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Tonic pupil size and its variability are associated with fluid intelligence in adolescents aged 11–14 years
Authors: Lu Runhao , Zhang Xingli , Shi Jiannong
Published: September 2020

Tonic pupil size and its variability are sensitive to cognitive abilities (such as fluid intelligence [Gf]) among individuals. The present study aimed to examine this relationship in a new sample set (i.e., adolescents aged 11–14 years) with several important factors considered. We conducted two task‐free tasks (the blank‐screen viewing task and the scene viewing task) to measure tonic pupil size and its variability in 11–14‐year‐old adolescents with different Gf levels and preliminarily tested the role of task type and stimuli's luminance on this relationship. The results found that high‐Gf adolescents showed smaller tonic pupil size in both tasks but showed larger variability of tonic pupil size in the blank‐screen viewing task. Task type and stimuli's luminance could influence tonic pupil size and its variability in different ways. Cognitive and underlying neural mechanisms of these results are discussed to provide an explanation and suggestions for future studies.
Using real‐world evidence for pharmacovigilance and drug safety‐related decision making by a resource‐limited health authority: 10 years of experience in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Wen‐Wen , Lin Chih‐Wan , Huang Wei‐I , Chao Pi‐Hui , Gau Churn‐Shiouh , Hsiao Fei‐Yuan
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Real‐world evidence has become increasingly relevant in regulatory decision making. Compared to large regulatory bodies, the national pharmacovigilance system in Taiwan is still under development, and the aim of this study is to demonstrate how a resource‐limited health authority utilizes real‐world evidence in decision making.

Methods

We described different sources of real‐world data available in Taiwan and illustrated the structural framework that integrates real‐world evidence into Taiwan's national pharmacovigilance system. Additionally, we reviewed real‐world studies conducted in the past 10 years and provided examples to show how these studies influenced drug safety‐related decision making in Taiwan.

Results

During the past 10 years, real‐world evidence used when making drug safety‐related regulatory decisions in Taiwan was mainly generated from nationwide claims databases, but other sources of real‐world data, such as national registries and large electronic hospital databases, also became available recently. Different types of real‐world evidence, including drug utilization studies, risk evaluation studies, and risk minimization measure evaluation studies, have been used to support regulatory decisions in Taiwan.

Conclusions

Through collaborations between the government and academics, Taiwan has started to integrate real‐world evidence into the national pharmacovigilance system. However, future efforts, including linkages between different sources of real‐world data and improvements in procedural and methodological practices, are needed to generate more regulatory‐quality real‐world evidence.
Validity of diagnosis and procedure codes for identifying neural tube defects in infants
Authors: Cheetham T. Craig , Dublin Sascha , Pocobelli Gaia , Bobb Jennifer F. , Andrade Susan , Hechter Rulin C. , Portugal Cecilia , Munis Mercedes , Albertson‐Junkans Ladia , Salgado Gladys , Wong Lawrence , Maarup Timothy J. , Carroll Kecia , Griffin Marie R. , Raebel Marsha A. , Smith David , Li De‐Kun , Pawloski Pamala A. , Toh Sengwee , Taylor Lockwood , Hua Wei , Dinatale Miriam , Ceresa Carrie , Trinidad James P. , Boudreau Denise M.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The use of validated criteria to identify birth defects in electronic healthcare databases can avoid the cost and time‐intensive efforts required to conduct chart reviews to confirm outcomes. This study evaluated the validity of various case‐finding methodologies to identify neural tube defects (NTDs) in infants using an electronic healthcare database.

Methods

This analysis used data generated from a study whose primary aim was to evaluate the association between first‐trimester maternal prescription opioid use and NTDs. The study was conducted within the Medication Exposure in Pregnancy Risk Evaluation Program. A broad approach was used to identify potential NTDs including diagnosis and procedure codes from inpatient and outpatient settings, death certificates and birth defect flags in birth certificates. Potential NTD cases were chart abstracted and confirmed by clinical experts. Positive predictive values (PPVs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) are reported.

Results

The cohort included 113 168 singleton live‐born infants: 55 960 infants with opioid exposure in pregnancy and 57 208 infants unexposed in pregnancy. Seventy‐three potential NTD cases were available for the validation analysis. The overall PPV was 41% using all diagnosis and procedure codes plus birth certificates. Restricting approaches to codes recorded in the infants' medical record or to birth certificate flags increased the PPVs (72% and 80%, respectively) but missed a substantial proportion of confirmed NTDs.

Conclusions

Codes in electronic healthcare data did not accurately identify confirmed NTDs. These results indicate that chart review with adjudication of outcomes is important when conducting observational studies of NTDs using electronic healthcare data.
CPRD Aurum database: Assessment of data quality and completeness of three important comorbidities
Authors: Persson Rebecca , Vasilakis‐Scaramozza Catherine , Hagberg Katrina Wilcox , Sponholtz Todd , Williams Tim , Myles Puja , Jick Susan S.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) now provides a new medical record database, CPRD Aurum. This is the second of several studies being undertaken to assess the quality of CPRD Aurum data for research.

Methods

We included patients aged 20+, with at least one lab test result of any type from a random sample of 50 000 patients in CPRD Aurum. We assessed whether diagnosis codes for type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and iron deficiency or unspecified anemia were accompanied by supporting codes including lab results and treatments (correctness) and whether lab results, treatments, or other codes indicate a missing diagnosis record (completeness).

Results

Among 37 502 patients in CPRD Aurum, correctness of type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and anemia diagnoses was high (99%, 93%, and 97%, respectively). Completeness was only high for type 2 diabetes (94%‐98%); completeness for hypercholesterolemia and anemia diagnoses was modest even when the presence of treatments and lab results indicated the conditions were likely present (51%‐59% and 58%‐70%, respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that for studies of type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and iron deficiency or unspecified anemia, the diagnosis code is likely to be correct where present. However, a significant proportion of cases of hyperlipidemia or anemia will be missed if only diagnosis codes are used to select patients with these conditions. Researchers should consider using treatments, supporting codes, and, when available, lab data to supplement diagnosis codes and enhance case capture when including these conditions in studies using CPRD Aurum.
Urinary Peptides Significantly Associate with COVID‐19 Severity: Pilot Proof‐of‐Principle Data and Design of a Multicentric Diagnostic Study
Authors: Wendt Ralph , Kalbitz Sven , Lübbert Christoph , Kellner Nils , Macholz Martin , Schroth Stefanie , Ermisch Jörg , Latosisnka Agnieszka , Arnold Benjamin , Mischak Harald , Hartmut Beige Joachim , Metzger Jochen
Published: September 2020

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection results in a mild‐to‐moderate disease course in most patients, allowing outpatient self‐care and quarantine. However, in ≈10% of cases a two‐ or three‐phasic critical disease course with starting from day 7 to 10 is observed. To facilitate and plan outpatient care, biomarkers prognosing such worsening at an early stage appear of outmost importance. In this accelerated article, the identification of urinary peptides significantly associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and the development of a multi‐marker urinary peptide based test, COVID20, that may enable prognosis of critical and fatal outcomes in COVID‐19 patients is reported. COVID20 is composed of 20 endogenous peptides mainly derived from various collagen chains that enable differentiating moderate or severe disease from critical state or death with 83% sensitivity at 100% specificity. Based on the performance in this pilot study, testing in a prospective study on 1000 patients has been initiated.
Association between physical activity and short‐term physical function changes after hip fracture: An observational study
Authors: Taylor Nicholas F. , Peiris Casey L. , Thompson Anne L. , Prendergast Luke A. , Harding Katherine E. , Hau Raphael , Shields Nora
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose

To investigate whether physical activity levels are predictive of short‐term changes in physical function for people discharged to independent living in the community following withdrawal of rehabilitation services after hip fracture; and to describe short‐term recovery in physical activity, physical function, walking confidence, health‐related quality of life and walking participation.

Methods

This prospective cohort study comprised 57 older adults (39 females, mean age 80.4, SD 8.4 years) living independently in the community after hip fracture. Accelerometer‐based physical activity, physical function (Functional Independence Measure [FIM], de Morton Mobility Index, Frenchay Activities Index and Participation in outdoor walking), walking confidence and health‐related quality of life were measured after discharge from rehabilitation services (baseline) and 12 weeks later. Multiple linear regression analyses determined the ability of physical activity (daily steps), walking self‐confidence, health‐related quality of life and demographic factors (age, sex and time since fracture) to predict Week 12 physical function using Week 0 physical function as a covariate.

Results

Participants at baseline averaged 4439 daily steps which did not change 12 weeks later. There were small increases in all measures of physical function and walking confidence, but not health‐related quality of life. Increased walking self‐confidence was associated with an increase in FIM total, FIM mobility and de Morton Index scores. Physical activity did not predict change in measures of physical function.

Conclusions

Walking confidence of adults discharged from rehabilitation services after hip fracture had a greater association with short‐term recovery of physical function than level of physical activity. Community‐dwelling adults continue to make small short‐term improvements in physical function and walking confidence after discharge home and withdrawal of rehabilitation services.
Cover Image, Volume 76, Issue 10
Authors: Qu Ren‐Yu , Yang Jing‐Fang , Chen Qiong , Niu Cong‐Wei , Xi Zhen , Yang Wen‐Chao , Yang Guang‐Fu
Published: September 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article Fragment‐based discovery of flexible inhibitor targeting wild‐type acetohydroxyacid synthase and P197L mutant by Ren‐Yu Qu et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5739.

image
Insecticidal activity of the extract, fractions, and pure steroidal saponins of Trillium govanianumWall. ex D. Don for the control of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostellaL.) and aphid (Aphis craccivoraKoch)
Authors: Dolma Shudh K , Suresh Patil S , Singh Prithvi P , Sharma Upendra , Reddy Sajjalavarahalli G E
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Plutella xylostella L. is the major pest of crucifers globally, causing significant yield loss. Aphis craccivora Koch is the main sucking pest of legumes that transmit viral diseases, leading to economic yield reduction. To minimize loss due to pests, farmers/growers use synthetic insecticides frequently for their control, which led to insecticide resistance, detrimental to natural enemies of pest, environment, etc. Therefore, in this study, the insecticidal activity of plant extract, fractions, and pure steroidal saponins from Trillium govanianum was evaluated for their bio‐efficacy against targeted pests.

RESULTS

Parent extract was found more effective (LC50 = 1541.2 mg L−1) against larvae of P. xylostella after 96 h than n‐butanol, n‐hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions (LC50 = 3030, 3578 and 3878.1 mg L−1, respectively). For A. craccivora, ethyl acetate fraction (LC50 = 2186.3 mg L−1) was most effective after 96 h than n‐hexane fraction (LC50 = 2234.6 mg L−1), n‐butanol fraction (LC50 = 2696.3 mg L−1) and parent extract (LC50 = 3709.1 mg L−1). Among pure molecules, govanoside B was found more effective (76% mortality, LC50 = 3279.5 mg L−1) followed by borassoside E (74%, LC50 = 3467.1 mg L−1) against A. craccivora after 96 h.

CONCLUSION

Parent extract/fractions of T. govanianum showed promising efficacy against larvae of P. xylostella and A. craccivora. Further, field study is required for its bio‐efficacy against targeted pests for validation and formulation development.
Rosmarinic acid exerts an antagonistic effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating the YAP1/TAZ‐PPARγ/PGC‐1α signaling pathway
Authors: Luo Chunxu , Sun Huijun , Peng Jinyong , Gao Cong , Bao Liuchi , Ji Renpeng , Zhang Chi , Zhu Wenhan , Jin Yue
Published: September 2020

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a water‐soluble phenolic compound extracted from Boraginaceae and Lamiaceae. This study was designed to investigate the role and mechanism of action of RA in improving nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Male SD rats maintained on a high fat diet and L02 cells stimulated with oleic acid were treated with RA. Our results showed that RA significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde levels and increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, superoxide dismutase and adenosine triphosphate levels both in vivo and in vitro. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and oil red O staining showed that RA had a good lipid‐lowering effect and substantial protective effects on liver injury. Transmission electron microscopy and JC‐1 fluorescence results showed that RA could improve mitochondrial damage in hepatocytes. Additionally, flow cytometry results indicated that RA inhibited ROS generation and apoptosis in L02 cells. The impaired hepatocytes were restored by using RA in NAFLD models characterized by down‐regulating YAP1 and TAZ, meanwhile up‐regulating PPARγ and PGC‐1α. When YAP1 was over‐expressed, RA reduced the expression of YAP1; however, the action of RA was significantly blocked by silencing YAP1. The experimental results indicated that RA markedly alleviated NAFLD by repairing mitochondrial damage and regulating the YAP1/TAZ‐PPARγ/PGC‐1α signaling pathway.
Infrared Fourier Spectrometer 2 (IKFS‐2) radiance assimilation at ECMWF
Authors: Eresmaa Reima
Published: September 2020

Meteorological satellites launched as part of the Russian space programme have not been widely used in global numerical weather prediction (NWP) to date. There is particular interest in the Meteor‐M series of sun‐synchronous spacecraft, as it is anticipated that future launches will operate in currently unobserved orbital planes complementary to those occupied by Europe, the United States, and China. One of the sensors carried on board these satellites is the Infrared Fourier Spectrometer 2 (IKFS‐2), which observes a spectrum of atmospheric radiation over the wavenumber range 660–2,000.5 cm−1. The IKFS‐2 is thus similar to earlier hyperspectral sensors such as the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) and the Cross‐track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), both of which have been used operationally at the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) for many years. This study investigates the quality of IKFS‐2 radiance measurements from the Meteor‐M‐N2 satellite and performs assimilation experiments to assess the impact of these data on the ECMWF analysis and forecasting system. Measured by statistical indicators of the observation fit to short‐range forecasts, the IKFS‐2 performs as well as IASI and CrIS amongst channels sensitive to stratospheric and tropospheric temperature. The assimilation experiments indicate up to 0.5% improvement in headline forecast scores, although the medium‐range impact is mixed and for most parts nonsignificant. One factor that currently limits the impact of IKFS‐2 is poor data timeliness and availability: observations are available for assimilation typically only 75% of the time during the test periods. It is expected, though, that such logistical problems can be overcome, and efforts are already underway to improve data dissemination.
Evaluation of adjoint‐based observation impacts as a function of forecast length using an Observing System Simulation Experiment
Authors: Privé N.C. , Errico Ronald M. , Todling Ricardo , El Akkraoui Amal
Published: September 2020

Adjoints of numerical weather prediction models may be employed for forecast sensitivity to observations (FSO) in order to monitor the contribution of ingested observation data on short‐term forecast skill. However, the calculation of short‐term forecast error is difficult, due to the lack of a truly independent dataset for verification. In an Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) framework, the Nature Run is able to provide a true and complete verification dataset and allows accurate evaluation of short‐term forecast errors. In this work, an OSSE developed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Global Modeling and Assimilation Office is used to explore the impact of observational data on forecasts in the 6–48 hour range. An adjoint of the Global Earth Observing System model is employed to compare the observation impacts estimated using both self‐analysis verification and the true Nature Run verification. Self‐analysis verification is found to inflate the estimated forecast‐error growth during the early forecast period, resulting in overestimations of observation impacts, particularly in the 6–12 hour forecast range. By 48 hours, the self‐analysis verification estimates of forecast error and observation impacts match the true values more closely. The fraction of beneficial observations is also overinflated at short forecast times when self‐analysis verification is used. The progression of impacts of an individual observation or data type depends on the character of growth of the initial‐condition error that each observation affects.
Prediction of the quasi‐biennial oscillation with a multi‐model ensemble of QBO‐resolving models
Authors: Stockdale Timothy N. , Kim Young‐Ha , Anstey James A. , Palmeiro Froila M. , Butchart Neal , Scaife Adam A. , Andrews Martin , Bushell Andrew C. , Dobrynin Mikhail , Garcia‐Serrano Javier , Hamilton Kevin , Kawatani Yoshio , Lott Francois , McLandress Charles , Naoe Hiroaki , Osprey Scott , Pohlmann Holger , Scinocca John , Watanabe Shingo , Yoshida Kohei , Yukimoto Seiji
Published: September 2020

A multi‐model study is carried out to investigate the ability of models to predict the evolution of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) up to 12 months in advance. All models are initialised from common reanalysis data, and forecasts run for a common set of 30 start dates over 15 years. All models have high skill in predicting the phase evolution of the QBO at 20–30 hPa, with slightly more variable results at higher and lower levels. Other aspects of the predicted QBO are of variable quality, and in some cases are consistently poor. QBO easterlies are too weak in all models at 20–50 hPa, while westerlies can be either too strong or too weak. This results in both a reduced amplitude of the QBO and a westerly bias in zonal‐mean winds, notably at 30 hPa. At 70 hPa models tend to have reduced QBO amplitude and an easterly bias. Despite these failings, a multi‐model ensemble of bias‐ and variance‐corrected forecasts can be used to give accurate and reliable QBO forecasts up to at least a year ahead. Analysis of the zonal momentum budget during the first month of the forecast shows that large‐scale forcing from Eliassen–Palm flux divergence and vertical advection are handled fairly well by the models, although vertical advection terms tend to be weaker than reanalysis estimates. Total tendencies show common errors, suggesting common failings in gravity‐wave drag treatments. Teleconnections from the QBO to Northern Hemisphere winter circulation are also examined, and do not appear to be realistic beyond the first month. Analysis of initialised forecasts is a powerful tool for diagnosing the accuracy of model processes driving the QBO.
A mixed HWMA‐CUSUM mean chart with an application to manufacturing process
Authors: Abid Muhammad , Mei Sun , Nazir Hafiz Zafar , Riaz Muhammad , Hussain Shahid
Published: September 2020

Memory‐type control charts play a significant role to identify slight changes in the parameters of the production process. In this article, we have proposed a new cumulative sum chart that utilizes the statistic of the homogeneously weighted moving average chart. The performance of the proposed chart is studied using Monte Carlo simulations. The proposed chart is compared with some existing charts under different run length profiles. The run length profile comparisons reveal that the proposed chart performs superior as compared to the existing control charts. A real‐life application using a manufacturing process dataset is also part of this study.
Unique features and emerging in vitro models of human placental development
Authors: Shibata Shun , Kobayashi Eri H. , Kobayashi Norio , Oike Akira , Okae Hiroaki , Arima Takahiro
Published: September 2020

Background

The placenta is an essential organ for the normal development of mammalian fetuses. Most of our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of placental development has come from the analyses of mice, especially histopathological examination of knockout mice. Choriocarcinoma and immortalized cell lines have also been used for basic research on the human placenta. However, these cells are quite different from normal trophoblast cells.

Methods

In this review, we first provide an overview of mouse and human placental development with particular focus on the differences in the anatomy, transcription factor networks, and epigenetic characteristics between these species. Next, we discuss pregnancy complications associated with abnormal placentation. Finally, we introduce emerging in vitro models to study the human placenta, including human trophoblast stem (TS) cells, trophoblast and endometrium organoids, and artificial embryos.

Main findings

The placental structure and development differ greatly between humans and mice. The recent establishment of human TS cells and trophoblast and endometrial organoids enhances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying human placental development.

Conclusion

These in vitro models will greatly advance our understanding of human placental development and potentially contribute to the elucidation of the causes of infertility and other pregnancy complications.
River connectivity restoration for upstream‐migrating European river lamprey: The efficacy of two horizontally‐mounted studded tile designs
Authors: Lothian Angus J. , Tummers Jeroen S. , Albright Atticus J. , O'Brien Pat , Lucas Martyn C.
Published: September 2020

Many rivers are heavily fragmented, resulting from anthropogenic cross‐channel structures. Cost‐effective solutions are needed to restore habitat connectivity for migratory fishes, including those of conservation concern, such as the European river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis). Studded material is becoming increasingly used as a low‐cost retrofit solution for lamprey passage at sloping weirs, although little is known about the efficacy of the material or what stud arrangements may be most effective. This study tested whether expanding a single‐density studded tile (SDT) lane from 1 to 2‐m width increased passage success (nreleased = 133), and also compared the passage performance between a SDT lane and a dual‐density studded tile (DDT) lane (nreleased = 115) at a sloping weir, using PIT telemetry. No passage was recorded (nattempted = 89) at the 2‐m wide SDT lane, but 61.6% (npassed/attempted = 53/86) passed using DDT/SDT lane combination. However, increased passage efficiency was likely a result of high river flow (Q2.0‐Q30.6) during DDT/SDT comparison versus low (Q8.3‐Q88.5) while the 2‐m wide SDT lane was employed. There was no evidence that passage occurred using solely one stud configuration. It is, therefore, hypothesised that passage of river lamprey at weirs is more dependent on flow regime than the provision of either stud configuration. However, with 46.1% (npassed/released = 53/115) of those released during DDT/SDT comparison passing on the instrumented section (10.5% of weir face), the provision of studded tiles may aid in lamprey passage at high flows, presumably as the tiles generate a low‐velocity boundary layer that can be utilised as lamprey swim above the studs.
Adsorption removal of methyl violet from aqueous solution by chromium phosphovanadate
Authors: Zhai Haoying , Zou Jinshan , Liu Fuming , Chen Fangyuan , Yan Xingrong , Zhou Wen‐Jun
Published: September 2020

An effective adsorbent for methyl violet (MV), chromium phosphovanadate (named as Cr‐PV) nanomaterials, was prepared by a simple coprecipitation strategy. The microstructure and morphology of as‐synthesized Cr‐PV were characterized by SEM, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), respectively, which was confirmed as nanosheet shapes. The adsorption behavior for MV from aqueous solutions was systematically investigated. The kinetic and equilibrium results indicate that the adsorption process follows pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm, respectively. Compared with PV and commercially available activated carbon, Cr‐PV has preferable adsorption property to MV. The maximum adsorption capacity can reach 123.81 mg g−1 at room temperature. The thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy (ΔGο), enthalpy (ΔHο), and entropy change (ΔSο) show that the adsorption of MV is an endothermic and spontaneous process. Moreover, the adsorptive behavior between Cr‐PV and MV is monolayer adsorption and electrostatic interaction mechanism. Cr‐PV, as a promising adsorbent with high adsorption capacity and fast adsorption rate, shows great potential for the removal of MV from wastewater.
Investigation of surface and thermogravimetric characteristics of carbon‐coated iron nanopowder
Authors: Manchili Swathi K. , Wendel Johan , Cao Yu , Hryha Eduard , Nyborg Lars
Published: September 2020

Demand for high‐density press and sinter components is increasing day by day. Of the different ways to improve the sinter density, the addition of nanopowder to the conventional micrometer‐sized metal powder is an effective solution. The present investigation is aimed at studying the surface chemistry of iron nanopowder coated with graphitic carbon, which is intended to be mixed with the conventional iron powder. For this purpose, iron nanopowder in the size range of 30 nm to submicron (less than 1 micron) was investigated using thermogravimetry at different temperatures: 400°C, 600°C, 800°C, 1000°C, and 1350°C. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR‐SEM) were used for characterizing the powder as well as samples sintered at different temperatures. The presence of iron, oxygen, carbon, chromium, and zinc were observed on the surface of the nanopowder. Iron was present in oxide state, although a small metallic iron peak at 707 eV was also observed in the XPS spectra obtained from the surface indicating the oxide scale to be maximum of about 5 nm in thickness. For the sample treated at 600°C, presence of manganese was observed on the surface. Thermogravimetry results showed a two‐step mass loss with a total mass loss of 4 wt.% when heated to 1350°C where the first step corresponds to the surface oxide reduction.
Spectroscopic Determination of Ice‐Induced Interfacial Strain on Single‐Layer Graphene
Authors: Kattel Subash , Scougale William R. , Murphy Joseph R. , Pasco Samuel R. , Ackerman John , Alvarado Vladimir , Rice William D.
Published: September 2020

Reliably determining the physical properties of ice (e.g., crystal structure, adhesion strength, interfacial state, and molecular orientation) has proven to be both challenging and highly dependent on experiment‐specific conditions, including surface roughness, ice formation, water purity, and measurement method. Here, non‐destructive measurements of single‐layer graphene (SLG) interfaced with bulk ice are used to determine temperature‐dependent, ice‐induced strain and estimate ice‐created strain elastic density in SLG. The use of SLG enables the precise study of interfacial strain by monitoring the 2D Raman mode. Upon ice formation, a clear, ≈2 cm−1 decrease in the 2D mode frequency is observed, which is ascribed to a 0.012% biaxial tensile shear strain at the ice–SLG interface. From this shear strain value, the ice‐created SLG elastic strain energy density is estimated to be 2.4 μJ m−2. In addition to these Raman strain measurements, intentionally ionized water is used to show that water‐mediated charging of the SLG surface manifests itself in a distinctly different manner than ice‐induced strain. Finally, the localized nature of the Raman probe is used to map SLG regions with and without ice, suggesting that this method cannot only determine ice‐induced interfacial strain, but also correlate ice adhesion properties with surface roughness and topology.
Cascade Reactions Catalyzed by Planar Metal–Organic Framework Hybrid Architecture for Combined Cancer Therapy
Authors: Mu Jing , He Liangcan , Fan Wenpei , Tang Wei , Wang Zhantong , Jiang Chao , Zhang Dongyang , Liu Yijing , Deng Hongzhang , Zou Jianhua , Jacobson Orit , Qu Junle , Huang Peng , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: September 2020

Chemical transformation in cellular environment is critical for regulating biological processes and metabolic pathways. Harnessing biocatalytic cascades to produce chemicals of interest has become a research focus to benefit industrial and pharmaceutic areas. Nanoreactors, which can act as artificial cell‐like devices to organize cascade reactions, have been recently proposed for potential therapeutic applications for life‐threatening illnesses. Among various types of nanomaterials, there is a growing interest in 2D metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). By virtue of the ultralarge specific surface area, high porosity, and structural diversity, 2D MOF nanosheets hold great promise for a broad spectrum of biomedical use. Herein, a unique planar MOF‐based hybrid architecture (GMOF‐LA) is introduced by incorporating ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) as nanozyme and l‐Arginine (l‐Arg) as nitric oxide (NO) donor. The prepared Au NPs enable oxidation of glucose into hydrogen peroxide, which drives biocatalytic cascades to covert l‐Arg into NO. Interestingly, the well‐designed nanosheets not only possess excellent catalytical activity for NO generation, resulting in gas therapeutic effect, but also serve as a desired photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy. This study establishes a good example of exploring bioinspired nanoreactors for cooperative anticancer effect, which may pave the path for future “bench‐to‐bedside” design of nanomedicine.