bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid accumulation capability of typical non‐acclimated activated sludge microbial consortia using methane gas as secondary carbon source
Authors: Fortela Dhan Lord B. , Sharp Wayne , Revellame Emmanuel , Chistoserdov Andrei , Holmes William , Gang Daniel , Hernandez Rafael , Zappi Mark E.
Published: March 2020

This work experimentally demonstrates that wastewater activated sludge microbial consortia can utilize methane resulting in lipid content enhancement. Activated sludge was cultivated using a synthetic wastewater as culture media. After initial purging with air, analytical grade methane gas was added in the culture headspace. The cultures were cultivated in batch‐mode for 120 hours at 25°C in 500‐mL bioreactors with 125‐mL working liquid volume. Results indicate that methane gas was utilized by activated sludge microbial consortia under a similar pattern of microbial respiration as the control cultivated only with air. The activated sludge in the methane‐purged bioreactors showed lipid enhancement (0.123 ± 0.037 mg lipid per mg biomass) and biomass growth (0.626 ± 0.163 mg biomass per mg glucose plus methane), which were higher than those in the control runs (0.009 ± 0.034 mg lipid per mg biomass and 0.225 ± 0.133 mg biomass per mg glucose).
Tanycyte ablation in the arcuate nucleus and median eminence increases obesity susceptibility by increasing body fat content in male mice
Authors: Yoo Sooyeon , Cha David , Kim Soohyun , Jiang Lizhi , Cooke Patrick , Adebesin Mobolanie , Wolfe Andrew , Riddle Ryan , Aja Susan , Blackshaw Seth
Published: March 2020

Tanycytes are radial glial cells located in the mediobasal hypothalamus. Recent studies have proposed that tanycytes play an important role in hypothalamic control of energy homeostasis, although this has not been directly tested. Here, we report the phenotype of mice in which tanycytes of the arcuate nucleus and median eminence were conditionally ablated in adult mice. Although the cerebrospinal fluid‐hypothalamic barrier was rendered more permeable following tanycyte ablation, neither the blood‐hypothalamic barrier nor leptin‐induced pSTAT3 activation in hypothalamic parenchyma were affected. We observed a significant increase in visceral fat distribution accompanying insulin insensitivity in male mice, without significant effect on either body weight or food intake. A high‐fat diet tended to accelerate overall body weight gain in tanycyte‐ablated mice, but the development of visceral adiposity and insulin insensitivity was comparable to wildtype. Thermoneutral housing exacerbated fat accumulation and produced a shift away from fat oxidation in tanycyte‐ablated mice. These results clarify the extent to which tanycytes regulate energy balance, and demonstrate a role for tanycytes in regulating fat metabolism.
MicroRNA miR‐204 regulates proliferation and differentiation of oligodendroglia in culture
Authors: Wittstatt Jan , Weider Matthias , Wegner Michael , Reiprich Simone
Published: March 2020

Oligodendrocytes wrap and physically shield axons of the central nervous system with myelin sheaths, resulting in rapid signal transduction and accurate neuronal function. The complex oligodendroglial development from immature oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) to myelinating oligodendrocytes (OLs) is profoundly dependent on the activity of transcription factors of the Sox protein family. Target genes of the crucial regulator Sox10 have recently been expanded to microRNAs. Here, we report miR‐204 as a novel transcriptional target of Sox10. Regulatory regions of miR‐204 show responsiveness to and binding of Sox10 in reporter gene assays and electromobility shift assays. Once expressed, miR‐204 inhibits OPC proliferation and facilitates differentiation into OLs in the presence of Sox10 as evident from overexpression in primary rat and mouse oligodendroglial cultures. Phenotypes are at least in part caused by miR‐204‐dependent repression of the pro‐proliferative Ccnd2 and the differentiation inhibiting Sox4. These findings argue that the transcriptional activator Sox10 forces oligodendroglial cells to exit the cell cycle and start differentiation by gene inhibition via miR‐204 induction.
Critical roles of astrocytic‐CCL2‐dependent monocyte infiltration in a DJ‐1 knockout mouse model of delayed brain repair
Authors: Choi Dong‐Joo , Yang Hajie , Gaire Sushil , Lee Keon Ah , An Jiawei , Kim Byung Gon , Jou Ilo , Park Sang Myun , Joe Eun‐Hye
Published: March 2020

Monocyte‐derived macrophages play a role in the repair of the injured brain. We previously reported that a deficiency of the Parkinson's disease (PD)‐associated gene DJ‐1 delays repair of brain injury produced by stereotaxic injection of ATP, a component of damage‐associated molecular patterns. Here, we show that a DJ‐1 deficiency attenuates monocyte infiltration into the damaged brain owing to a decrease in C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) expression in astrocytes. Like DJ‐1‐knockout (KO) mice, CCL2 receptor (CCR2)‐KO mice showed defects in monocyte infiltration and delayed recovery of brain injury, as determined by 9.4 T magnetic resonance imaging analysis and immunostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase and glial fibrillary acid protein. Notably, transcriptome analyses showed that genes related to regeneration and synapse formation were similarly downregulated in injured brains of DJ‐1‐KO and CCR2‐KO mice compared with the injured wild‐type brain. These results indicate that defective astrogliosis in DJ‐1‐KO mice is associated with decreased CCL2 expression and attenuated monocyte infiltration, resulting in delayed repair of brain injury. Thus, delayed repair of brain injury could contribute to the development of PD.

Main Points

A DJ‐1 deficiency attenuates infiltration of monocytes owing to a decrease in CCL2 expression in astrocytes, which in turn led to delay in repair of brain injury.
Behind the internationalization of family SMEs: A strategy tripod synthesis
Authors: Lahiri Somnath , Mukherjee Debmalya , Peng Mike W.
Published: March 2020

Research Summary

We review and synthesize the growing literature concerning the internationalization of small and medium‐sized family enterprises (family SMEs) around a strategy tripod framework. In doing so, we identify various resource‐based, institution‐based, and industry‐based factors that contribute to family SME internationalization endeavors. We also pinpoint possible home‐country‐level and host‐country‐level institutional and industry‐based structural–cultural contingencies that may interact with family SME resource‐based factors to accentuate or impede their internationalization. Moreover, we highlight different behavioral orientations as crucial missing links that characterize the family SME internationalization scholarship. Overall, our comprehensive synthesis of the literature sheds light on how internationalization strategies of family SMEs vary based on important drivers and contextual influences captured in our tripod framework.

Managerial Summary

Family SMEs are distinct in that they possess the attributes of family businesses (family ownership and control) as well as those of SMEs (smallness, flexibility, and resource constraints). Managing these attributes may be difficult when it comes to executing important strategies such as internationalization. Family SMEs, therefore, need to be cognizant of various factors that can potentially impact their internationalization planning and success. The strategy tripod framework that we develop can provide guidance to managers in considering how resource‐based, institution‐based, and industry‐based factors drive family SME internationalization. Our integrative framework endeavors to help managers realize how their internationalization strategies and the resultant outcomes will vary depending on how they manage the three factors.
Molecular Mechanism for Protection Against Liver Failure in Human Yellow Fever Infection
Authors: Lemos Fernanda de Oliveira , França Andressa , Lima Filho Antônio Carlos Melo , Florentino Rodrigo M. , Santos Marcone Loiola , Missiaggia Dabny G. , Rodrigues Gisele Olinto Libanio , Dias Felipe Ferraz , Souza Passos Ingredy Beatriz , Teixeira Mauro M. , Andrade Antônio Márcio de Faria , Lima Cristiano Xavier , Vidigal Paula Vieira Teixeira , Costa Vivian Vasconcelos , Fonseca Matheus Castro , Nathanson Michael H. , Leite M. Fatima
Published: March 2020

Yellow fever (YF) is a viral hemorrhagic fever that typically involves the liver. Brazil recently experienced its largest recorded YF outbreak, and the disease was fatal in more than a third of affected individuals, mostly because of acute liver failure. Affected individuals are generally treated only supportively, but during the recent Brazilian outbreak, selected patients were treated with liver transplant. We took advantage of this clinical experience to better characterize the clinical and pathological features of YF‐induced liver failure and to examine the mechanism of hepatocellular injury in YF, to identify targets that would be amenable to therapeutic intervention in preventing progression to liver failure and death. Patients with YF liver failure rapidly developed massive transaminase elevations, with jaundice, coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, and usually hepatic encephalopathy, along with pathological findings that included microvesicular steatosis and lytic necrosis. Hepatocytes began to express the type 3 isoform of the inositol trisphosphate receptor (ITPR3), an intracellular calcium (Ca2+) channel that is not normally expressed in hepatocytes. Experiments in an animal model, isolated hepatocytes, and liver‐derived cell lines showed that this new expression of ITPR3 was associated with increased nuclear Ca2+ signaling and hepatocyte proliferation, and reduced steatosis and cell death induced by the YF virus. Conclusion: Yellow fever often induces liver failure characterized by massive hepatocellular damage plus steatosis. New expression of ITPR3 also occurs in YF‐infected hepatocytes, which may represent an endogenous protective mechanism that could suggest approaches to treat affected individuals before they progress to liver failure, thereby decreasing the mortality of this disease in a way that does not rely on the costly and limited resource of liver transplantation.
Elbasvir and grazoprevir for hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection in people with recent injecting drug use (DARLO‐C): An open‐label, single‐arm, phase 4, multicentre trial
Authors: Grebely Jason , Read Phillip , Cunningham Evan B. , Weltman Martin , Matthews Gail V. , Dunlop Adrian , Montebello Mark , Martinello Marianne , Gilliver Rosie , Marks Philippa , Applegate Tanya L. , Dore Gregory J. ,   the DARLO‐C Study Group
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

Direct‐acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is effective, but few prospective studies among people with ongoing injecting drug use exist. This study evaluated the efficacy of elbasvir/grazoprevir in people with HCV genotype 1/4 (G1/4) infection and recent injecting drug use. An exploratory aim evaluated the feasibility of fingerstick point‐of‐care HCV RNA testing prior to and following treatment.

Methods

DARLO‐C (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02940691) is an open‐label phase 4 trial. Participants were recruited between May 2017 and March 2018 from two drug treatment clinics, two hospital clinics, and one community clinic in Australia. Inclusion criteria included recent injection drug use (previous 6 months) and HCV G1/4 infection. Exclusion criteria included prior HCV treatment and decompensated liver disease. Participants received elbasvir/grazoprevir once‐daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was undetectable HCV RNA 12 weeks post‐treatment (SVR). Fingerstick whole‐blood samples were tested using the Xpert HCV Viral Load Fingerstick (Xpert HCV VL Fingerstick) assay and compared to the Aptima HCV Quant Dx Assay on plasma samples.

Results

Of a planned 150 participants, 32 were enrolled due to slower than anticipated recruitment [median age 46 years, 10 (31%) female, 29 (91%) G1a]. Eighteen (56%) were receiving opioid agonist therapy and 29 (91%) injected in the previous month. Twenty‐six (81%) of 32 completed treatment (lost to follow‐up, n = 5; incarceration, n = 1). There were no virological failures. Twenty‐four (75%, 95% CI 59%‐91%) of 32 achieved SVR. Two participants who completed treatment did not have SVR (loss to follow‐up, n = 1; refused test, n = 1). Among paired samples (n = 36), sensitivity of the Xpert HCV VL Fingerstick assay for HCV RNA detection was 100.0% (95% CI 75.3%‐100.0%) and specificity was 95.7% (95% CI 78.1%‐99.9%).

Conclusion

Elbasvir/grazoprevir is effective among people with HCV G1 with recent injecting drug use. Implementation of point‐of‐care HCV RNA testing was feasible, but the high error rate requires investigation.
Magnetic nanoparticles of Ga‐substituted ε‐Fe2O3 for biomedical applications: Magnetic properties, transverse relaxivity, and effects of silica‐coated particles on cytoskeletal networks
Authors: Královec Karel , Havelek Radim , Koutová Darja , Veverka Pavel , Kubíčková Lenka , Brázda Petr , Kohout Jaroslav , Herynek Vít , Vosmanská Magda , Kaman Ondřej
Published: March 2020

Magnetic nanoparticles of ε‐Fe1.76Ga0.24O3 with the volume‐weighted mean size of 17 nm were prepared by thermal treatment of a mesoporous silica template impregnated with metal nitrates and were coated with silica shell of four different thicknesses in the range 6–24 nm. The bare particles exhibited higher magnetization than the undoped compound, 22.4 Am2 kg−1 at 300 K, and were characterized by blocked state with the coercivity of 1.2 T at 300 K, being thus the very opposite of superparamagnetic iron oxides. The relaxometric study of the silica‐coated samples at 0.47 T revealed promising properties for MRI, specifically, transverse relaxivity of 89–168 s−1 mmol(f.u.)−1 L depending on the shell thickness was observed. We investigated the effects of the silica‐coated nanoparticles on human A549 and MCF‐7 cells. Cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and the arrangement of actin cytoskeleton were assessed, as well as formation and maturation of focal adhesions. Our study revealed that high concentrations of silica‐coated particles with larger shell thicknesses of 16–24 nm interfere with the actin cytoskeletal networks, inducing thus morphological changes. Consequently, the focal adhesion areas were significantly decreased, resulting in impaired cell adhesion.
Treatment with bisphosphonates to mitigate calcification of elastin‐containing bioprosthetic materials
Authors: Zhuravleva Irina Y. , Polienko Yuliya F. , Karpova Elena V. , Timchenko Tatyana P. , Vasilieva Maria B. , Baratova Ludmila A. , Shatskaya Svetlana S. , Kuznetsova Elena V. , Nichay Nataliya R. , Beshchasna Natalia , Bogachev‐Prokophiev Alexander V.
Published: March 2020

This study evaluated the ability of bisphosphonates (BPAs) of different molecular structures to mitigate the calcification of porcine aortic wall (PAW) and bovine jugular vein wall (BJVW). Tissues cross‐linked with glutaraldehyde (GA) or diepoxide (DE) were modified with pamidronic acid (PAM), alendronic acid (ALE), neridronic acid (NER) (type 1 BPAs); 2‐(2′‐carboxyethylamino)ethylidene‐1,1‐bisphosphonic acid (CEABA), 2‐(5‐carboxypentylamino)ethylidene‐1,1‐bisphosphonic acid (CPABA) (type 2); and zoledronic acid (ZOL) (type 3). After implanting the tissue samples subcutaneously in 100 rats, calcification was examined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (60‐day explants) and light microscopy after von Kossa staining (10‐ and 30‐day explants). The calcium contents in GA‐BJVW and GA‐ and DE‐PAW increased up to 100–120 mg/g after 60 days, while being 3 times lower in DE‐BJVW. In modified and nonmodified PAW samples, calcium phosphates appeared by day 10 and were associated with elastic fibers and devitalized cellular elements. In all groups of BJVW samples, mineralization began in elastic fibers near the subendothelial layer. In addition, calcified collagen was found in the GA‐BJVW samples. Minimal calcification was found in GA‐PAW treated with type 1 BPAs and CEABA. For DE‐PAW and GA‐BJVW, the calcium level significantly decreased with PAM and CEABA. Meanwhile, ALE and NER were effective for DE‐BJVW.
A Comparison of Bone-Targeted Exercise Strategies to Reduce Fracture Risk in Middle-Aged and Older Men with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: LIFTMOR-M Semi-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Harding Amy T , Weeks Benjamin K , Lambert Conor , Watson Steven L , Weis Lisa J , Beck Belinda R
Published: March 2020

The Lifting Intervention For Training Muscle and Osteoporosis Rehabilitation for Men (LIFTMOR-M) trial examined efficacy and safety of two novel exercise programs in older men with low BMD. Men with low hip and/or LS BMD were randomized to high-intensity progressive resistance and impact training (HiRIT) or machine-based isometric axial compression (IAC) and compared to a nonrandomized matched control (CON). Outcomes included: hip and LS BMD; calcaneal ultrasound parameters; anthropometry; body composition; function (timed up-and-go [TUG], five-times sit-to-stand [FTSTS]); back extensor strength (BES); leg extensor strength (LES); compliance and adverse events. Ninety-three men (67.1 ± 7.5 years; 82.1 ± 11.6 kg; 175.2 ± 6.7 cm; FN T-score −1.6 ± 0.6) were randomized to HiRIT (n = 34) or IAC (n = 33), or allocated to CON (n = 26). HiRIT improved trochanteric BMD (2.8 ± 0.8%; −0.1 ± 0.9%, p = .024), LS BMD (4.1 ± 0.7%; 0.9 ± 0.8%, p = .003), BUA (2.2 ± 0.7%; −0.8 ± 0.9%, p = .009), stiffness index (1.6 ± 0.9%; −2.0 ± 1.1%, p = .011), lean mass (1.5 ± 0.8%; −2.4 ± 0.9%, p = .002), TUG, FTSTS, BES, and LES (p < .05) compared with CON. IAC improved lean mass (0.8 ± 0.8%; −2.4 ± 0.9%, p = .013) and FTSTS (−4.5 ± 1.6%; 7.5 ± 2.0%, p < .001) compared with CON. HiRIT improved LS BMD (4.1 ± 0.7%; 2.0 ± 0.7%, p = .039), stiffness index (1.6 ± 0.9%; −1.3 ± 0.9%, p = .025), and FTSTS (−10.7 ± 1.6%; −4.5 ± 1.7%, p = .010) compared with IAC. Exercise compliance was high (HiRIT 77.8 ± 16.6%; IAC 78.5 ± 14.8%, p = .872). There were five minor adverse events (HiRIT, 2; IAC, 3). HiRIT was well-tolerated and improved bone, function and fracture risk more than CON or IAC. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Is Associated With Aberrant Endplate Remodeling and Reduced Small Molecule Transport
Authors: Ashinsky Beth G , Bonnevie Edward D , Mandalapu Sai A , Pickup Stephen , Wang Chao , Han Lin , Mauck Robert L , Smith Harvey E , Gullbrand Sarah E
Published: March 2020

The intervertebral disc is the largest avascular structure in the body, and cells within the disc rely on diffusive transport via vasculature located within the vertebral endplate to receive nutrients, eliminate waste products, and maintain disc health. However, the mechanisms by which small molecule transport into the disc occurs in vivo and how these parameters change with disc degeneration remain understudied. Here, we utilize an in vivo rabbit puncture disc degeneration model to study these interactions and provide evidence that remodeling of the endplate adjacent to the disc occurs concomitant with degeneration. Our results identify significant increases in endplate bone volume fraction, increases in microscale stiffness of the soft tissue interfaces between the disc and vertebral bone, and reductions in endplate vascularity and small molecule transport into the disc as a function of degenerative state. A neural network model identified changes in diffusion into the disc as the most significant predictor of disc degeneration. These findings support the critical role of trans-endplate transport in disease progression and will improve patient selection to direct appropriate surgical intervention and inform new therapeutic approaches to improve disc health. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Improved performances of lithium carbonate coated graphite in the piperidinium‐based hybrid electrolyte for lithium‐ion battery
Authors: Gao Kun , Li Shu‐Dan
Published: March 2020

The lithium carbonate (Li2CO3)‐coated carbon microbead composites (LCO/CMB‐T) with the coating amount of 1.07, 2.88, and 7.39% are prepared by the impregnation process (IP). Three LCO/CMB‐T samples are first used in the piperidinium‐based hybrid electrolyte. It is found that the long charge–discharge cycles did not result in the decomposition or exfoliation of Li2CO3 coating. They can effectively prevent graphite electrode from exfoliation and suppress the graphite/electrolyte interfacial reaction. In three tested samples (IP‐1.07%, IP‐2.88% and IP‐7.39% for short), the IP‐2.88% sample showed the best cell performances and the highest capacity retention (82.9%) after 50 cycles. This work gives a new design method for the application of graphite materials in the ionic liquid‐based electrolyte.
Assessing vascular characteristics of the fetal descending aorta: A feasibility study
Authors: Evanoff Nicholas G. , Dengel Donald R. , Narasimhan Shanti
Published: March 2020

Research describing fetal arterial structure and function is lacking within the literature. This study's purpose was to measure intima‐media thickness (IMT), compliance and distensibility of 24‐ to 25‐week fetuses' abdominal aortas using conventional ultrasonography from 16 diabetic (DM) and 25 non‐diabetic mothers (NDM). We found no significant differences in fetal abdominal aorta IMT (P = .68), diameter distensibility (P = .22), or cross‐sectional distensibility (P = .23). However, both fetal abdominal aortic diameter compliance (P = .03) and cross‐sectional compliance (P = .005) were greater in DM than in NDM (P = .005). This study demonstrates that it is possible and potentially useful to measure fetal abdominal aorta biometrics and biomechanical characteristics.
Exploring the barriers preventing Indigenous Australians from accessing cancer genetic counseling
Authors: Gonzalez Tina , Harris Rebecca , Williams Rachel , Wadwell Rose , Barlow‐Stewart Kristine , Fleming Jane , Buckman Melissa
Published: March 2020

In Australia, individuals of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent (Indigenous Australians) have poorer health outcomes than the general population, including higher incidence of cancer and reduced life expectancy up to 14 years compared to non‐Indigenous Australians. Although differences in engagement with healthcare and beliefs about disease/cancer exist between Indigenous communities, a number of common barriers have been identified hindering attendance at mainstream health services. To inform exploration of barriers that may impact access to a cancer genetic counseling service, consultations with Aboriginal stakeholders were undertaken. Ethical principles for studies that engage Indigenous communities were followed throughout the research endeavor. Using a stakeholder‐endorsed focus group approach, the views of an Aboriginal Elders group (n = 9) were sought with additional semi‐structured interviews with social science and genetics researchers working with Indigenous communities in Australia (n = 7). Thematic analysis of the results identified three themes: explanatory models of illness, barriers to keeping well and attending services, and recommendations for improvements to access/attendance. Barriers common to accessing both mainstream health services and clinical genetic services were identified, including attributions of illness and cancer. Specific genetic counseling barriers included the cultural inclusivity and accessibility of services, and a lack of awareness of genetic counseling both in the community and by clinicians unfamiliar with genetics. Recommendations included developing flexible service delivery models and culturally appropriate resources for Indigenous patients. These findings may inform future studies to improve Indigenous health outcomes and promote a more accessible, culturally appropriate approach to provision of cancer genetics services for Australia's First Peoples.
Microwave assisted synthesis, docking and antimalarial evaluation of hybrid PABA‐substituted 1,3,5‐triazine derivatives
Authors: Adhikari Nayana , Kashyap Ankita , Shakya Anshul , Ghosh Surajit Kumar , Bhattacharyya Dibya Ranjan , Bhat Hans Raj , Singh Udaya Pratap
Published: March 2020

A series of novel PABA‐substituted 1,3,5‐triazine derivatives were developed via microwave assisted synthesis and subsequently tested for antimalarial activity against chloroquine sensitive 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum using chloroquine as standard. Antimalarial screening result showed that synthesized compounds exhibited IC50 in the range of 4.46 to 79.72 μg mL−1. Among the tested compounds, 4c and 4f showed significant antimalarial activity with low binding energies (BE) ‐172.32 and 160.41 kcal mol−1 via interacting with Arg122 through the involvement of COOH of the phenyl linked to 1,3,5‐triazine. In conclusion, these core scaffolds can be used for future antimalarial drug development.
A new and green approach for regiospecific synthesis of novel chromeno‐triazolopyrimidin using tungstic acid immobilized MCM‐41 as a reusable catalyst
Authors: Akrami Sedigheh , Karami Bahador , Farahi Mahnaz
Published: March 2020

A novel, eco‐friendly and fast route has been developed for the synthesis of new and known triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidin fused chromone derivatives via a one pot three‐component reaction of 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazoles, aromatic aldehydes and 4‐hydroxycoumarin in aqueous medium at room temperature. These reactions are catalyzed by MCM‐41‐HWO4 as a safe and recyclable mesoporous solid acid. It combines successfully the synergistic effect of green chemistry with nanocatalysis. The yields are high and the products were characterized by 1H NMR, 13CNMR spectra and elemental analysis.
Influence of the tropical Atlantic Ocean and its Walker circulation cell on October–December rainfall variability over Tanzania
Authors: Limbu Paul Tilwebwa Shelleph , Guirong Tan
Published: March 2020

The study investigates the influence of the tropical Atlantic Ocean and its Walker circulation cell on October–December (OND) rainfall variability over Tanzania. The first two SVD modes contribute 95.3% of the total covariance with the strongest (positive) and significant correlation (
r ≅ .7) at the 99% confidence level showing a close relationship between OND rainfall and MAM tropical Atlantic SST anomalies. Significant positive running correlation observed between MAM Atlantic SSTs and OND rainfall indicates the variability of rainfall observed during the OND season is influenced by variability of Atlantic Ocean SSTs anomaly. Both SVD modes captured the positive phase of the South Atlantic Ocean Dipole (SAOD) which is characterized by warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the southwest pole (SWP) and cool SST anomalies in the northeast pole (NEP). The Walker circulation cell observed is due to inhomogeneous warming over the tropical Atlantic Ocean with ascending limb where it is relatively warm in the SWP and descending limb where it is relatively cool in the NEP. Nonsignificant low correlation is observed between the Atlantic Walker circulation index and the Oceanic Indices (dipole mode index [DMI] and Niño3.4). This indicates that the Atlantic Walker circulation cell is an independent system resulting from local ocean–atmosphere interaction and does not depend on the influence of the tropical Indian or Pacific Oceans. Above average rainfall in Tanzania during the OND season is associated with the ascending limb of the Atlantic Walker circulation cell which is enhanced by convection in the western Atlantic Ocean and the latent heat released through the condensation in the mid‐level which is advected by westerly winds aloft towards the study region, enhancing warming, and ultimately enhancing rainfall over Tanzania.
Cover Image, Volume 100, Issue 5
Authors: Mahmood Mubarik , Petri Renée Maxine , Gavrău Ana , Zebeli Qendrim , Khiaosa‐ard Ratchaneewan
Published: March 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article Betaine addition as a potent ruminal fermentation modulator under hyperthermal and hyperosmotic conditions in vitro by Mubarik Mahmood et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.10255.

image
Comparing cellular bone matrices for posterolateral spinal fusion in a rat model
Authors: Lin Cliff , Zhang Nianli , Waldorff Erik I. , Punsalan Paolo , Wang David , Semler Eric , Ryaby James T. , Yoo Jung , Johnstone Brian
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Cellular bone matrices (CBM) are allograft products that provide three components essential to new bone formation: an osteoconductive scaffold, extracellular growth factors for cell proliferation and differentiation, and viable cells with osteogenic potential. This is an emerging technology being applied to augment spinal fusion procedures as an alternative to autografts.

Methods

We aim to compare the ability of six commercially‐available human CBMs (Trinity ELITE®, ViviGen®, Cellentra®, Osteocel® Pro, Bio4® and Map3®) to form a stable spinal fusion using an athymic rat model of posterolateral fusion. Iliac crest bone from syngeneic rats was used as a control to approximate the human gold standard. The allografts were implanted at L4‐5 according to vendor specifications in male athymic rats, with 15 rats in each group. MicroCT scans were performed at 48 hours and 6 weeks post‐implantation. The rats were euthanized 6 weeks after surgery and the lumbar spines were harvested for X‐ray, manual palpation and histology analysis by blinded reviewers.

Results

By manual palpation, five of 15 rats of the syngeneic bone group were fused at 6 weeks. While Trinity ELITE had eight of 15 and Cellentra 11 of 15 rats with stable fusion, only 2 of 15 of ViviGen‐implanted spines were fused and zero of 15 of the Osteocel Pro, Bio4 and Map3 produced stable fusion. MicroCT analysis indicated that total bone volume increased from day 0 to week 6 for all groups except syngeneic bone group. Trinity ELITE (65%) and Cellentra (73%) had significantly greater bone volume increases over all other implants, which was consistent with the histological analysis.

Conclusion

Trinity ELITE and Cellentra were significantly better than other implants at forming new bone and achieving spinal fusion in this rat model at week 6. These results suggest that there may be large differences in the ability of different CBMs to elicit a successful fusion in the posterolateral spine.
Two high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry methods for determination of edaravone and taurine in human plasma: Application to drug–drug interaction and pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Li Le , Zhao Shunbo , Xu Lingyan , Su Yuwen , Ding Li
Published: March 2020

Two high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry methods were developed and validated for the quantification of edaravone (method A) or taurine (method B) in human plasma. After protein precipitation, separations were achieved on an Ultimate XB‐C8 (2.1 × 50 mm, 3.0 µm) column for edaravone and a ZORBAX SB‐Aq column (2.1 × 100 mm, 3.5 µm) for taurine, respectively. The detection used electrospray ionization source via multiple reaction monitoring in positive‐ion mode for edaravone and negative‐ion mode for taurine, respectively. The lower limits of quantification were 10.0 ng/mL for edaravone and 3.00 μg/mL for taurine. The selectivity, accuracy, and precision of the methods were all within acceptable limits. Two methods were successfully applied to a drug–drug interaction study and a pharmacokinetic study of edaravone and taurine in healthy Chinese volunteers after intravenous infusion of single or compound injection. The results showed that co‐administration of edaravone with taurine increased the Cmax and AUC0‐24 of taurine in human plasma while taurine did not affect the systemic exposure of edaravone. Edaravone and taurine have the dose‐dependent pharmacokinetic profiles in human.
Wolverine Occupancy, Spatial Distribution, and Monitoring Design
Authors: Lukacs Paul M. , Evans Mack Diane , Inman Robert , Gude Justin A. , Ivan Jacob S. , Lanka Robert P. , Lewis Jeffrey C. , Long Robert A. , Sallabanks Rex , Walker Zack , Courville Stacy , Jackson Scott , Kahn Rick , Schwartz Michael K. , Torbit Stephen C. , Waller John S. , Carroll Kathleen
Published: March 2020

In the western United States, wolverines (Gulo gulo) typically occupy high‐elevation habitats. Because wolverine populations occur in vast, remote areas across multiple states, biologists have an imperfect understanding of this species' current distribution and population status. The historical extirpation of the wolverine, a subsequent period of recovery, and the lack of a coordinated monitoring program in the western United States to determine their current distribution further complicate understanding of their population status. We sought to define the limits to the current distribution, identify potential gaps in distribution, and provide a baseline dataset for future monitoring and analysis of factors contributing to changes in distribution of wolverines across 4 western states. We used remotely triggered camera stations and hair snares to detect wolverines across randomly selected 15‐km × 15‐km cells in Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming, USA, during winters 2016 and 2017. We used spatial occupancy models to examine patterns in wolverine distribution. We also examined the influence of proportion of the cell containing predicted wolverine habitat, human‐modified land, and green vegetation, and area of the cluster of contiguous sampling cells. We sampled 183 (28.9%) of 633 cells that comprised a suspected wolverine range in these 4 states and we detected wolverines in 59 (32.2%) of these 183 sampled cells. We estimated that 268 cells (42.3%; 95% CI = 182–347) of the 633 cells were used by wolverines. Proportion of the cell containing modeled wolverine habitat was weakly positively correlated with wolverine occupancy, but no other covariates examined were correlated with wolverine occupancy. Occupancy rates (ψ) were highest in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (ψ range = 0.8–1), intermediate in the Cascades and Central Mountains of Idaho (ψ range = 0.4–0.6), and lower in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (ψ range = 0.1–0.3). We provide baseline data for future surveys of wolverine along with a design and protocol to conduct those surveys. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Magnetic Octupole Response of Dielectric Quadrumers
Authors: Terekhov Pavel D. , Evlyukhin Andrey B. , Redka Dmitrii , Volkov Valentyn S. , Shalin Alexander S. , Karabchevsky Alina
Published: March 2020

The development of new approaches to tuning the resonant magnetic response of simple all‐dielectric nanostructures is very important in modern nanophotonics. Here, it is shown that a resonant magnetic octupole (MOCT) response can be obtained by dividing a solid rectangular silicon block to a quadrumer structure with the introduction of narrow gaps between four nanocubes. The spectral position of the MOCT resonance is controlled and tuned by varying the distance between the nanocubes. It is demonstrated that several magnetic hot‐spots related to the MOCT resonance can be located in the gaps creating a strong magnetic field gradient in free space. It is observed that the resonant excitation of the MOCT moment leads to a significant enhancement of light absorption in the system at the spectral region, where light absorption in bulk silicon is weak. The results of this work can be applied to design new composite antennas and metamaterials based on complex building blocks, energy harvesting devices, and molecular trapping with magnetic hot‐spots.
Local weak presaturation of the strongly non‐stationary ideal
Authors: Shioya Masahiro , Yamaura Naoki
Published: March 2020

We give a model of set theory in which the strongly non‐stationary ideal over is weakly presaturated below some canonical set. Here μ is a regular uncountable cardinal. The model is the forcing extension with the Lévy collapse of a Woodin cardinal to the successor of μ. This improves on results of Goldring and of the first author.
Tacticity Effects on Polymer Glass Transition Revisited by Coarse‐Grained Simulations
Authors: Wu Chaofu
Published: March 2020

Molecular dynamics simulations have been extensively carried out to study glass transition of polymers for over 20 years, in which a central but still open question is how to quickly and reliably determine the glass transition temperature (Tg). To address this issue, the two “moderate big” bulk model systems comprised of the mono‐disperse isotactic or syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) (iPMMA, sPMMA) chains have been separately simulated with the chemically specific coarse‐grained potentials. The model systems are first equilibrated at an enough high temperature and then cooled to an enough low temperature with three different rates. It is demonstrated that the densities and non‐bonded interaction energies qualitatively reveal glass transition whereas the reorientation functions of bond vectors quantitatively locate the Tg. Despite all, consistent result is yielded that sPMMA exhibits a higher Tg than iPMMA, which is in good agreement with the experimental observation. More importantly, the tacticity effects can be well dictated by the activation energy for the fast relaxation mode identified in the rubbery domain, which paves the way for quick assessment of polymer Tg.
Tricholomines A and B, two new amides from the fruiting bodies of Tricholoma bakamatsutake
Authors: Zhang Feng‐Ming , Wang Yue‐Hu , Yu Fu‐Qiang , Hua Yan
Published: March 2020

Two new amides tricholomines A (1) and B (2), along with nine known compounds, were isolated from the dried fruiting bodies of Tricholoma bakamatsutake. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis or comparison with the data in the literatures. The absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.
A multi spin echo pulse sequence with optimized excitation pulses and a 3D cone readout for hyperpolarized 13C imaging
Authors: Somai Vencel , Wright Alan J. , Fala Maria , Hesse Friederike , Brindle Kevin M.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Imaging tumor metabolism in vivo using hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate is a promising technique for detecting disease, monitoring disease progression, and assessing treatment response. However, the transient nature of the hyperpolarization and its depletion following excitation limits the available time for imaging. We describe here a single‐shot multi spin echo sequence, which improves on previously reported sequences, with a shorter readout time, isotropic point spread function (PSF), and better signal‐to‐noise ratio.

Methods

The sequence uses numerically optimized spectrally selective excitation pulses set to the resonant frequencies of pyruvate and lactate and a hyperbolic secant adiabatic refocusing pulse, all applied in the absence of slice selection gradients. The excitation pulses were designed to be resistant to the effects of B0 and B1 field inhomogeneity. The gradient readout uses a 3D cone trajectory composed of 13 cones, all fully refocused and distributed among 7 spin echoes. The maximal gradient amplitude and slew rate were set to 4 G/cm and 20 G/cm/ms, respectively, to demonstrate the feasibility of clinical translation.

Results

The pulse sequence gave an isotropic PSF of 2.8 mm. The excitation profiles of the optimized pulses closely matched simulations and a 46.10 ± 0.04% gain in image SNR was observed compared to a conventional Shinnar–Le Roux excitation pulse. The sequence was demonstrated with dynamic imaging of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate and [1‐13C]lactate in vivo.

Conclusion

The pulse sequence was capable of dynamic imaging of hyperpolarized 13C labeled metabolites in vivo with relatively high spatial and temporal resolution and immunity to system imperfections.
Preparation of porous monoliths via CO2‐in‐water HIPEs template and the in situ growth of metal organic frameworks on it for multiple applications
Authors: Yang Yongxia , Li Jing , Dong Yong , Wang Jide , Cao Liqin
Published: March 2020

Monolithic porous copolymers with 3D structure were prepared via CO2‐in‐water high internal phase emulsions template by graft copolymerization of sodium methacrylate (MAANa) on to methyl cellulose (MC) backbone. The yielded copolymer monoliths are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical instrument, the swelling degree of MC‐g‐PMAANa monoliths with different crosslinker in diverse pH were investigated. The adsorption performance of monolith to Cu(II) were conducted to explore its adsorption capacity to heavy metal ions from the wastewater. Then, a strategy of in situ growth of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) on MC‐g‐PMAANa that adsorbed with metal ions was proposed first. The X‐ray powder diffraction, SEM, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area result of MC‐g‐PMAANa/MOFs composites indicated that the MOFs nanoparticles were grown uniformly on the monolith wall without destroying its original 3D porous structure. Compared with MOFs nanoparticle, MC‐g‐PMAANa/MOFs composites have advantages of easy operation and handle, which more conform to practical application. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of MC‐g‐PMAANa/MOFs was evaluated by disk agar diffusion and optical density methods. In addition, MC‐g‐PMAANa/Cu‐BTC composite was applied to dye adsorption, which has proved the underlying application of such composites in dye removal.
Physico‐chemical characterization of alginates isolated from a Tunisian Padina pavonica algae as a sustainable biomaterial
Authors: Faidi Adel , Farhat Farhat , Boina Dhahabia Abdallah , Touati Mouna , Le‐Nouen Didier , Stumbé Jean‐François
Published: March 2020

This study focuses on the physico‐chemical characterization of an alginate extracted from seaweed (Padina pavonica) collected on the Tunisian coast. Since alginates display a broad variety of applications, especially in the food and pharmaceutical fields, their quality requires a high certain standard of purity and an accurate knowledge of their composition and structure. With this aim, once extracted the Na‐alginate was purified and then characterized for comparison with a commercially available alginate. Thermal analyses (TGA and DSC) were performed to evaluate the water content, i.e. the moisture loss and the thermal stability of this polysaccharide. Spectroscopic investigations demonstrated similarities but also significant differences between the two samples. NMR spectroscopy enabled determination of the mannuronic/guluronic (M/G) ratio, which happened to be lower for the alginate extracted from P. pavonica algae. SEC, performed in water as eluent, was implemented for determination of the average molecular weight of these water‐soluble polymers and revealed 6‐fold higher molecular weights (Mn and Mw) than the commercial reference. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Study on the influence of electron angular distribution on mask pattern damage in plasma etching
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhang Lidan , Xu Lan
Published: March 2020

The perfect pattern transfer from mask to substrate during the plasma‐etching process is strongly limited by the charging effect on the mask surface, which is increased by the accumulation of negative charges on the surface. These are mainly caused by high‐velocity isotropic electrons impinging on the mask surface faster than ions. These anisotropic ions thus bombard the undesired locations of the mask under the influence of the electric field (E‐field) established by electrons. This problem leads to significant damages to the mask pattern and causes deformations of etched features due to failure pattern transfer. This study examined that electron angular distribution (EAD; relative to the vertical direction, which can be regulated by voltage waveform tailoring) displays a close relationship with the mask pattern damage. Based on a modeling framework that consists of a surface etching module, a surface charging module, and a profile evolution module, the effects of changing the EAD on distributions of spatial E‐field and etching rate were studied focusing on an isolated rough mask hole surface. It is revealed that by narrowing the EAD shape, the E‐field strength and the etching rate around the mask hole edge can be reduced strongly, meanwhile, the number of electrons penetrating into the bottom of the trench can be greatly increased. These developments will supposedly reduce the mask‐pattern damage and improve the etching of high‐aspect‐ratio (HAR) features into the substrate. The simulated evolution rates of profile of a rough mask hole and the profile of E‐field strength inside the hole under various EAD shapes verify the above conclusions. The mechanism behind these results was analyzed systematically. This study provides a significant point for further investigation into the optimization of the etching technique.
Putting deep learning in perspective for pest management scientists
Authors: Clark Robert D
Published: March 2020

‘Deep learning’ is causing rapid technological changes in many fields of science, and conjectures about its potential for transforming everyone's work and lives is a matter of great debate. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to apply it as a ‘black box’ tool with little consideration of its potential limitations, especially when the data it is being applied to is less than perfect. In this Perspective, I try to put deep learning into a broader mechanistic and historical context by showing how it relates to older forms of artificial intelligence; by providing a general explanation of how it operates; and by exploring some of the challenges involved in its implementation. Examples wherein it has been applied to pest management problems are provided to illustrate how the technology works and the challenges deep learning faces. At least in the near term, its biggest impact on agrochemical development seems likely to come in automating the tedious work involved in assessing agrochemical efficacy, but getting there will require major investments in building large, well‐curated data sets to work from and in providing the expertise required to assess the resulting model predictions in real‐world scenarios. Deep learning may also come to complement the machine learning methodologies already available for use in pesticide discovery and development, but it seems unlikely to supplant them. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Finding a Hamilton cycle fast on average using rotations and extensions
Authors: Alon Yahav , Krivelevich Michael
Published: March 2020

We present an algorithm CRE, which either finds a Hamilton cycle in a graph G or determines that there is no such cycle in the graph. The algorithm's expected running time over input distribution G∼G(n,p) is (1+o(1))n/p, the optimal possible expected time, for . This improves upon previous results on this problem due to Gurevich and Shelah, and to Thomason.