bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of rice planting date and optimal planting window for Southwest Louisiana
Authors: Cerioli Tommaso , Gentimis Thanos , Linscombe Steven D. , Famoso Adam N.
Published: January 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield and grain quality are highly influenced by the planting date; thus, it is crucial to determine the optimal planting window for an area of cultivation. In this study, date of planting experiments conducted at the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter Rice Research Station from 2011 to 2018 were analyzed to quantify the effect of planting date, genotype, and year on key agronomic traits. Planting date was strongly associated with yield across every year, explaining 55.6% of the overall phenotypic variation. A clear relationship was observed between later plantings and reduced yields; and the highest yields were observed during plantings between 11 and 31 March. Rice planted after the optimal planting window displays a yield reduction following a cubic regression trend. Planting date was associated with milling yield, explaining 28.6% of the phenotypic variation, however the effect size varied year to year. Milling yields were highest with the early and late planting dates, while reduced milling yields were observed in plantings between mid‐April and early June. Days to heading and days to seedling emergence were strongly associated with planting date; with planting date explaining, on average, 86 and 96% of the variation, respectively. Plant height was less influenced by planting date, with genotype being the largest source of variation. The results from this study highlight the importance of choosing the optimal planting date and identifies an optimal planting window to maximize grain and milling yield for Southwest Louisiana.
Clinical diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type I in multiple family members due to cosegregation of a unique balanced translocation with disruption of the NF1 locus: Testing considerations for accurate diagnosis
Authors: Smith Rebecca B. , Solem Emily P. , Metz Emma C. , Wheeler Ferrin C. , Phillips John A. , Yenamandra Ashwini
Published: January 2021

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder that causes a predisposition to develop tumors along the peripheral nervous system. The NF1 gene, located at 17q11.2, has the highest mutation rate among known human genes and about half of NF1 patients have de novo pathogenic variants. We present a case of clinical NF1 diagnoses in multiple family members with phenotypes ranging from mild to severe. Chromosome analysis of the 3‐year‐old female proband with NF1 resulted in an abnormal karyotype that was inherited from her mother: 46,XX,t(4;17)(q21.3;q11.2) mat. However, no NF1 genetic variants were identified by either NGS analysis of NF1 DNA coding regions, deletion‐duplication studies, or by cytogenomic microarray copy number analysis. Follow‐up chromosome studies of the proband's two male siblings demonstrated cosegregation of the same balanced translocation and a clinical diagnosis of NF1. Based on the cosegregation of the translocation with the NF1 clinical presentation in this family, we hypothesized that the NF1 gene may have been disrupted by this unique rearrangement. Subsequent fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of the metaphase cells of an affected sibling revealed a disruption of the NF1 gene confirming the underlying basis of the clinical NF1 presentation in this family. The utilization of traditional cytogenetic as well as evolving molecular methods was not only pivotal in the diagnosis of NF1 and management for this family, but is also pertinent to other patients with a family history of NF1.
A New Type of Supramolecular Fluid Based on H2O–Alkylammonium/Phosphonium Solutions
Authors: López‐Bueno Carlos , Herreros‐Lucas Carlos , Suárez‐Rodríguez Manuel , Bittermann Marius R. , Amigo Alfredo , Woutersen Sander , Giménez‐López María , Rivadulla Francisco
Published: January 2021

Here we show that by adjusting the concentration of tetrabutyl ammonium and phosphonium salts in water (≈1.5–2.0 m), hydrophobic solvation triggers the formation of a unique, highly incompressible supramolecular liquid, with a dynamic structure similar to clathrates, involving essentially all H2O molecules of the solvent. Despite the increasing local order, the thermal diffusivity, and compressibility of these supramolecular liquids is strongly decreased with respect to bulk water due to slower relaxation dynamics. The results presented in this paper open an avenue to design a new family of supramolecular fluids, stable under atmospheric conditions, which can find important technological applications in energy storage and conversion.
Synthesis and performance of piperidinium‐based ionic liquids as catalyst for alkylation of p‐xylene with 1‐hexadecene
Authors: Ge Sujuan , Zhou Yuming , Sheng Xiaoli , Mao Chunfeng , Zhao Lina , Xu Jianxing , Qiu Lei
Published: January 2021

Piperidinium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) were synthesized under mild conditions by coordinating N‐alkyl‐N‐methylpiperidinium bromide ([Pip1,x]Br) with anhydrous AlCl3. The weak basicity of N‐methylpiperidine had little impact on downstream problems from proton impurities and catalyst poisoning. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (27Al NMR) confirmed that the active components in [Pip1,x]Br‐2AlCl3 (χ = 0.67) were [Al3Cl9Br]− and [Al2Cl6Br]−. Besides, the reaction performance of [Pip1,8]Br‐2AlCl3 under different conditions was carried out by single‐factor experiment and further confirmed by orthogonal experimental method. Among these reaction conditions, the optimal combination was the reaction temperature of 40°C, ILs/O molar ratio of 0.2:1, px/O molar ratio of 12:1, and the reaction time of 30 min. Furthermore, [Pip1,8]Br‐2AlCl3 had excellent stability and can be recycled 14 times. It was the high‐efficiency catalytic activity and prominent recyclability that made continuous industrial production possible.
MeCP2: latest insights fundamentally change our understanding of its interactions with chromatin and its functional attributes
Authors: Vincent John B. , Ausió Juan
Published: January 2021

Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) was initially isolated as an exclusive reader of DNA methylated at CpG. This recognition site, was subsequently extended to other DNA methylated residues and it has been the persisting dogma that binding to methylated DNA constitutes its physiologically relevant role. As we review here, two very recent papers fundamentally change our understanding of the interactions of this protein with chromatin, as well as its functional attributes. In the first one, the protein has been shown to bind to tri‐methylated histone H3 (H3K27me3), providing a hint for what might turn out to be the first described chromodomain‐containing protein reader in the animal kingdom, and unequivocally demonstrates the ability of MeCP2 to bind to nonmethylated CpG regions of the genome. The second paper reports how the protein dynamically participates in the formation of constitutive heterochromatin condensates. Histone H3K27me3 is a critical component of this form of chromatin.
XCT 790 is a pharmacological aggrephagy inducer in a yeast model of proteotoxicity
Authors: Suresh S. N. , Jayaprakash Rao Monala , Manjithaya Ravi
Published: January 2021

Aggrephagy is a selective autophagic degradation intracellular mechanism that clears toxic misfolded protein aggregates such as α‐synuclein. Here, we identify and demonstrate that the small molecule, XCT 790 alleviates α‐synuclein‐mediated adverse effects in a yeast model of proteotoxicity. XCT 790 induced general autophagy and also enhanced starvation‐induced autophagy. Mechanistically, we showed that XCT 790 clears toxic α‐synuclein aggregates in an autophagy‐dependent manner. Interestingly, XCT 790 did not demonstrate a synergistic effect on autophagy induction in the presence of another autophagy inducer such as 6‐Bio.
Treating obsessive‐compulsive disorder in the presence of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Sarawgi Shivali
Published: January 2021

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a frequent comorbidity (about 17%) for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite this, clear modifications and utilization of evidence‐based techniques for the treatment of comorbid OCD have not been widely disseminated; to date, there have been no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of modifications in OCD treatment for children and adolescents with comorbid ASD and only one RCT for modifications of a targeted OCD treatment in adults with ASD. Adapted approaches to CBT for anxiety in ASD are not always appropriate; indeed, some modified therapies for comorbid anxiety and ASD specifically advise against using those treatments for comorbid OCD. This article seeks to elucidate methods or modifications, founded in evidence‐based principles, for treating OCD in children and adolescents with ASD.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2021

Prevention campaign for teen substance use

The link between early trauma and heart attacks in young adults

How to help children with sleep problems
Not all lymphoid aggregates in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients are due to CLL!
Authors: Mahapatra Lily , Wang Tianjiao , Lee Yi‐Shan , Frater John L.
Published: January 2021

Infection is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and should be considered when examining bone marrow specimens to identify a potentially treatable pathogen.
A theory‐based examination of self‐care behaviours among psychologists
Authors: Wong Hou Jun , White Katherine M.
Published: January 2021

The present study examined psychological, spiritual, physical/leisure and social self‐care behaviours among psychologists using a major model of predicting human behaviour, the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The study used a mixed method approach with two stages of data collection. Psychologists (N = 200) completed an online questionnaire assessing TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and intention) and additional constructs of action planning, coping planning, peer and supervisor norms and organizational climate. Two weeks later, participants (n = 110) completed a follow‐up questionnaire assessing their self‐care behaviour. Results indicated general support for the standard TPB constructs in predicting self‐care intentions for psychologists and the additional construct of action planning mediated the intention‐behaviour relationship across most self‐care dimensions. Findings from the current research provide further understanding of the factors influencing self‐care engagement among psychologists and can be used to inform development of strategies to foster greater engagement in self‐care behaviour.
Design, synthesis, and structure–activity relationship study of O‐prenylated 3‐acetylcoumarins as potent inhibitors of soybean 15‐lipoxygenase
Authors: Zerangnasrabad Sara , Jabbari Atena , Khavari Moghadam Elahe , Sadeghian Hamid , Seyedi Seyed Mohammad
Published: January 2021

In this work, the design, synthesis, and structure–activity relationships of a novel array of geranyloxy and farnesyloxy 3‐acetylcoumarins were reported as potent soybean 15‐lipoxygenase inhibitors. Among the prepared coumarins, 7‐farnesyloxy‐3‐acetylcoumarin (12b) was found to be the most potent inhibitor by IC50 = 0.68 μM while O‐geranyl substituents at positions 5 and 6 of 3‐acetylcoumarin (10a and 11a) were not inhibitors. Using docking studies, the binding affinity and the preferred pose of synthetic compounds were considered. It was found that lipoxygenase inhibitory activity and prenyl length chain were directly related. The hydrophobic cavity of the enzyme was more effectively occupied by the farnesyl moiety of the potent inhibitor 12b rather than other derivatives. Also, with this pose of farnesyl chain in 7‐farnesyloxy‐3‐acetylcoumarins, the acetyl group could be directed to the hydrophilic pocket in the active site.
Unsupervised cluster analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes reflects its geographic progression and identifies distinct genetic subgroups of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus
Authors: Hahn Georg , Lee Sanghun , Weiss Scott T. , Lange Christoph
Published: January 2021

Over 10,000 viral genome sequences of the SARS‐CoV‐2virus have been made readily available during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic since the initial genome sequence of the virus was released on the open access Virological website (http://virological.org/) early on January 11. We utilize the published data on the single stranded RNAs of 11,132 SARS‐CoV‐2 patients in the GISAID database, which contains fully or partially sequenced SARS‐CoV‐2 samples from laboratories around the world. Among many important research questions which are currently being investigated, one aspect pertains to the genetic characterization/classification of the virus. We analyze data on the nucleotide sequencing of the virus and geographic information of a subset of 7640 SARS‐CoV‐2 patients without missing entries that are available in the GISAID database. Instead of modeling the mutation rate, applying phylogenetic tree approaches, and so forth, we here utilize a model‐free clustering approach that compares the viruses at a genome‐wide level. We apply principal component analysis to a similarity matrix that compares all pairs of these SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleotide sequences at all loci simultaneously, using the Jaccard index. Our analysis results of the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome data illustrates the geographic and chronological progression of the virus, starting from the first cases that were observed in China to the current wave of cases in Europe and North America. This is in line with a phylogenetic analysis which we use to contrast our results. We also observe that, based on their sequence data, the SARS‐CoV‐2 viruses cluster in distinct genetic subgroups. It is the subject of ongoing research to examine whether the genetic subgroup could be related to diseases outcome and its potential implications for vaccine development.
White matter hyperintensities induce distal deficits in the connected fibers
Authors: Liu Yanpeng , Xia Yiwei , Wang Xiaoxiao , Wang Yanming , Zhang Du , Nguchu Benedictor Alexander , He Jiajie , Wang Yi , Yang Lumeng , Wang Yiqing , Ying Yunqing , Liang Xiaoniu , Zhao Qianhua , Wu Jianjun , Liang Zonghui , Ding Ding , Dong Qiang , Qiu Bensheng , Cheng Xin , Gao Jia‐Hong
Published: January 2021

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are common in elderly individuals and cause brain network deficits. However, it is still unclear how the global brain network is affected by the focal WMH. We aimed to investigate the diffusion of WMH‐related deficits along the connecting white matters (WM). Brain magnetic resonance imaging data and neuropsychological evaluations of 174 participants (aged 74 ± 5 years) were collected and analyzed. For each participant, WMH lesions were segmented using a deep learning method, and 18 major WM tracts were reconstructed using automated quantitative tractography. The diffusion characteristics of distal WM tracts (with the WMH penumbra excluded) were calculated. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed. We found that a high burden of tract‐specific WMH was related to worse diffusion characteristics of distal WM tracts in a wide range of WM tracts, including the forceps major (FMA), forceps minor (FMI), anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), cingulum cingulate gyrus (CCG), corticospinal tract (CST), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), superior longitudinal fasciculus‐parietal (SLFP), superior longitudinal fasciculus‐temporal (SLFT), and uncinate fasciculus (UNC). Furthermore, a higher mean diffusivity (MD) of distal tracts was linked to worse attention and executive function in the FMI, right CCG, left ILF, SLFP, SLFT, and UNC. The effect of WMH on the microstructural integrity of WM tracts may propagate along tracts to distal regions beyond the penumbra and might eventually affect attention and executive function.
Inequality in survival of people with head and neck cancer: Head and Neck 5000 cohort study
Authors: Ingarfield Kate , McMahon Alex D. , Hurley Katrina , Toms Stu , Pring Miranda , Thomas Steve J. , Waylen Andrea , Pawlita Michael , Waterboer Tim , Ness Andy R. , Conway David I.
Published: January 2021

Background

Explanations for socioeconomic inequalities in survival of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients have had limited attention and are not well understood.

Methods

The UK Head and Neck 5000 prospective clinical cohort study was analyzed. Survival relating to measures of socioeconomic status was explored including area‐based and individual factors. Three‐year overall survival was determined using the Kaplan–Meier method. All‐cause mortality was investigated via adjusted Cox Proportional Hazard models.

Results

A total of 3440 people were included. Three‐year overall survival was 76.3% (95% CI 74.9, 77.7). Inequality in survival by deprivation category, highest education level, and financial concerns was explained by age, sex, health, and behavioral factors. None of the potential explanatory factors fully explained the inequality associated with annual household income or the proportion of income of benefits.

Conclusion

These results support the interventions to address the financial issues within the wider care and support provided to HNC patients.
Periosteal expansion osteogenesis using an innovative, shape‐memory polyethylene terephthalate membrane: An experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Imoto Kazuhiro , Yamauchi Kensuke , Odashima Kenji , Nogami Shinnosuke , Shimizu Yoshinaka , Kessler Peter , Lethaus Bernd , Unuma Hidero , Takahashi Tetsu
Published: January 2021

Periosteal expansion osteogenesis (PEO) results in the formation of new bone in the gap between periosteum and original bone. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membrane as an activation device. A dome‐shaped PET membrane coated with hydroxyapatite/gelatin on the inner side was inserted between the elevated periosteum and bone at the rabbit calvaria. In the experimental group, the membrane was pushed, bent, and attached to the bone surface and fixed with a titanium screw. In control group, the membrane was only inserted and fixed with titanium screw at original shape under the periosteum. After 7 days, the screw was removed and the mesh was activated in the experimental group. Three animals per group with or without setting a latency period for activation were sacrificed at 3 and 5 weeks after surgery. Bone formation was evaluated via micro‐computed tomography and determined by histomorphometric methods and histological evaluation. No PET membrane‐associated complications were observed during this study. The quantitative data by the area and the occupation of newly formed bone indicated that the experimental group had a higher volume of new bone than the control group at 3 weeks after surgery. Histologically, bone formation progressed to areas adjacent to the cortical perforations; many sinusoidal vessels ran from the perforations to overlying fibrous tissue via the new bone. No bone or obvious inflammatory cells were observed over the membrane. The PET membrane has biocompatible device for PEO that induces a natural osteogenic response at the gap between the original bone and periosteum.
miR‐218 contributes to drug resistance in multiple myeloma via targeting LRRC28
Authors: Chen Haifei , Cao Weiling , Chen Jiao , Liu Danbo , Zhou Lingyun , Du Fang , Zhu Feiqi
Published: January 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant neoplasm featured by obvious drug resistance and poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs with crucial roles in many biological processes including cancer initiation and progression. The current study aims to investigate the pathogenic role and molecular mechanism of miRNAs in MM drug resistance. In the present study, The expression profile of miRNAs in MM samples was analyzed by microarray and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expressions were detected by Western blot analysis. Cell apoptosis was detected by the Annexin V staining assay. The interaction between miRNA and the targeting mRNA was assessed using Dual luciferase reporter assay. Herein, we show that expression profile of miRNAs is deregulated in MM. miR‐218, one of the most aberrational miRNAs in MM, is significantly decreased in MM cells compared to peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC). Genetic manipulation reveals miR‐218 control the response of MM cells to anticancer drug bortezomib (BTZ). Overexpression of miR‐218 causes a significant aberrant genes expression including leucine rich repeat containing 28 (LRRC28). Mechanistic study shows that miR‐218 control the drug response through mediating the expression of LRRC28 in MM cells. Overexpression of LRRC28 significantly reserves miR‐218‐mediated cell response to BTZ. Taken together, miR‐218 is decreased in MM that contributes to BTZ resistance via targeting LRRC28, which might be used as a novel therapeutic target for multiple myeloma.
Prognostic significance of hedgehog signaling network‐related gene expression in breast cancer patients
Authors: Kuehn Julia , Espinoza‐Sanchez Nancy Adriana , Teixeira Felipe C. O. B. , Pavão Mauro S. G. , Kiesel Ludwig , Győrffy Balázs , Greve Burkhard , Götte Martin
Published: January 2021

Breast cancer continues to be a serious public health problem. The role of the hedgehog pathway in normal development of the mammary gland as well as in carcinogenesis and progression of breast cancer is the subject of intense investigation, revealing functional interactions with cell surface heparan sulfate. Nevertheless, its influence on breast cancer prognosis, and its relation to specific sulfation motifs in heparan sulfate have only been poorly studied in large patient cohorts. Using the public database KMplotter that includes gene expression and survival data of 3951 patients, we found that the higher expression of SHH, HHAT, PTCH1, GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 positively influences breast cancer prognosis. Stratifying patients according to the expression of hormone receptors, histological grade, lymph node metastasis, and systemic therapy, we observed that GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 expression, as well as co‐expression of SHH and ELP1 were associated with worse relapse‐free survival in patients with HER2‐positive tumors. Moreover, GLI1 expression in progesterone receptor‐negative tumors and GLI3 expression in grade 3 tumors correlated with poor prognosis. SHH, in a panel of cell lines representing different breast cancer subtypes, and HHAT, PTCH1, GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 were mostly expressed in cell lines classified as HER2‐positive and basal‐like. Expression of SHH, HHAT, GLI2, and GLI3 was differentially affected by overexpression of the heparan sulfate sulfotransferases HS2ST1 and HS3ST2 in vitro. Although high HS2ST1 expression was associated with poor prognosis in KMplotter analysis, high levels of HS3ST2 were associated with a good prognosis, except for ER‐positive breast cancer. We suggest the GLI transcription factors as possible markers for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of breast cancer especially in HER2‐positive tumors, but also in progesterone receptor‐negative and grade‐3 tumors. The pathway interaction and prognostic impact of specific heparan sulfate sulfotransferases provide novel perspectives regarding a therapeutical targeting of the hedgehog pathway in breast cancer.
The potential antitumor effect of chrysophanol in relation to cervical cancer cells
Authors: Trybus Wojciech , Król Teodora , Trybus Ewa , Stachurska Anna , Król Grzegorz
Published: January 2021

Chrysophanol is an anthraquinone with proven antitumor activity against several tumor cell lines. However, its effect on cervical cancer cells is still unknown. Therefore, HeLa cells were exposed to various concentrations of chrysophanol and then subjected to biochemical, ultrastructural, and morphological analysis. It has been shown using flow cytometry and MTT reduction assay that chrysophanol has been shown to inhibit cell viability and arrest cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Using Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, a significant increase in apoptosis was found after chrysophanol treatment on HeLa cells, and this process was mediated by caspases 3/7 with a clear inactivation of the antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 family protein. However, the demonstrated increased number of cells with double‐stranded DNA breaks suggests that chrysophanol also causes DNA damage. By means of electron and fluorescence microscopy, a clear effect of chrysophanol on the intensification of degradation processes, on changes in the structure of the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria was demonstrated. The changes visible in the mitochondria may be related to the increase in the level of free radicals induced by chrysophanol, which induces apoptosis, inter alia, by increasing the permeability of mitochondrial membranes. The range of observed changes depended on the concentration of anthraquinone was tested.
Synthesis of new Schiff bases; Investigation of their in situ catalytic activity for Suzuki CC coupling reactions and antioxidant activities
Authors: Yılmaz Özgür
Published: January 2021

New series of Schiff bases have been synthesized from the reaction between cyclohepta‐2,4,6‐trien‐1‐ylmethanamine and different aldehydes, and characterized via using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, and GC–MS. After the successful synthesis, the in situ catalytic activity of all Schiff bases have been examined for the Suzuki CC cross‐coupling reactions using phenylboronic acid, aryl bromides, and PdCl2 as a catalyst. Before starting these investigations, reaction conditions were optimized using different bases and solvents. At the end of these reactions, the best efficiency was obtained in Et3N and EtOH. In addition to catalytic investigations, antioxidant activities of all synthesized Schiff bases were examined using DPPH and Iron (Fe2+) chelation methods, and IC50 values were calculated. While many molecules show various amounts of antioxidant activity, especially molecules 8e and 8g showed the best activity compared to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), which were used as positive controls, in DPPH and Iron chelating methods, respectively.
Continuous culture of Nitrosomonas eutropha and biomethanol production using whole cell biotransformation
Authors: Sabale Tushar , Babu Mohan , Panchwagh Shruti , Ghosalkar Anand
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Nitrosomonas eutropha is a chemolithoautotrophic organism with an ability to oxidize ammonium to nitrite and nitrate. Continuous culture with and without cell recycling was used to enhance production of N. eutropha cell biomass using a 40‐L bioreactor. Whole cell biotransformation was used to convert methane (CH4) present in the biogas into biomethanol using N. eutropha.

RESULTS

The maximum biomass production rate of N. eutropha was increased by three‐fold with provision of cell recycling in the continuous culture. Removal of nitrite from the continuous culture resulted in high activity of ammonia monooxygenase enzyme responsible for conversion of CH4 to biomethanol. Use of ammonium sulfate as a source of electrons for biotransformation reaction with N. eutropha resulted in a maximum 119.86 mg L−1 of biomethanol production.

CONCLUSION

Our research provides an efficient process for biomass production of N. eutropha using continuous culture. We have demonstrated improvement in CH4 to biomethanol conversion using biogas as feedstock. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Retrospective prediction of the epidemic trend of COVID‐19 in Wuhan at four phases
Authors: Li Mengyuan , Guo Xiaonan , Wang Xiaosheng
Published: January 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) began in December 2019 and was basically under control in April 2020 in Wuhan. To explore the impact of intervention measures on the COVID‐19 epidemic, we established susceptible–exposed–infectious–recovered (SEIR) models to predict the epidemic characteristics of COVID‐19 at four different phases (beginning, outbreak, recession, and plateau) from January 1st to March 30th, 2020. We found that the infection rate rapidly grew up to 0.3647 at Phase II from 0.1100 at Phase I and went down to 0.0600 and 0.0006 at Phase III and IV, respectively. The reproduction numbers of COVID‐19 were 10.7843, 13.8144, 1.4815, and 0.0137 at Phase I, II, III, and IV, respectively. These results suggest that intensive interventions, including compulsory home isolation and rapid improvement of medical resources, can effectively reduce the COVID‐19 transmission. Furthermore, the predicted COVID‐19 epidemic trend by our models was close to the actual epidemic trend in Wuhan. Our phase‐based SEIR models demonstrate that intensive intervention measures can effectively control COVID‐19 spread even without specific medicines and vaccines against this disease.
Non‐destructive sugar content assessment of multiple cultivars of melons by dielectric properties
Authors: Liu Dayang , Wang Enfeng , Wang Guanglai , Wang Pan , Wang Congcong , Wang Zhuanwei
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Non‐destructive determination of the internal quality of fruit with a thick rind and of a large size is always difficult and challenging. To investigate the feasibility of the dielectric spectroscopy technique with respect to determining the sugar content of melons during the postharvest stage, three cultivars of melon samples (160 melons for each cultivar) were used to acquire dielectric spectra over the frequency range 20–4500 MHz. The three cultivars of melons were divided separately into a calibration set and a prediction set in a ratio of 3:1 by a joint x–y distance algorithm. Partial least squares (PLS) and extreme learning machine (ELM) methods were applied to develop individual‐cultivar and multi‐cultivar models based on full frequencies (FFs) and effective dielectric frequencies (EDFs) selected by the successive projection algorithm (SPA).

RESULTS

The results showed that ELM models demonstrated a better performance than PLS models for the same input dielectric variables. Most of the models built based on the EDFs selected by SPA had a slightly worse performance compared to those based on FFs. For both PLS and ELM methods, the models for multi‐cultivars demonstrated a worse calibration and prediction performance compared to those for individual cultivars. When individual‐cultivar and multi‐cultivar samples were used to build sugar content determination models, the best model was FFs‐ELM (Rp = 0.887, RMSEP = 0.986), FFs‐ELM (Rp = 0.870, RMSEP = 1.028), FFs‐PLS (Rp = 0.882, RMSEP = 1.010) and FFs‐ELM (Rp = 0.849, RMSEP = 1.085) for ‘Hongyanliang’, ‘Xinzaomi’, ‘Manao’ and multi‐cultivar melons, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present study indicates that it is possible to develop both individual‐cultivar and multi‐cultivar models for determining the sugar content of melons based on the dielectric spectroscopy technique. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasonographic Subclinical Signs of Inflammation of the Lacrimal, Parotid, and Submandibular Glands in Users of Cosmetic Fillers
Authors: Wortsman Ximena , Moll‐Manzur Catherina , Ramírez‐Cornejo Cristian , Alfaro‐Sepúlveda Daniela , Mellado‐Francisco Gonzalo , Rezende Juliana , Vera‐Kellet Cristian
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To detect ultrasonographic inflammatory signs in the lacrimal, parotid, and submandibular glands in cosmetic fillers (CFs) users.

Methods

A prospective and cross‐sectional ultrasound study of the glands in cases with CFs was performed. The sample included users of hyaluronic acid, silicone oil, polymethylmethacrylate, polycaprolactone, calcium hydroxyapatite, and polyacrylamide.

Abnormalities of the parenchyma and hypervascularity signs of the glands were compared with a control group (n = 10), evaluated by 2 observers, and correlated with the type, number, and location of the facial CFs. Cohen's kappa test and logistic regression models with odds ratios (OR) adjusted by age with 95% CI were performed.

Results

Sixty‐three patients with CFs met the criteria. Parotid and submandibular glands had the highest percentage of parenchymal involvement: 87.3 and 88.9%, respectively (p <.01). Abnormalities of the echostructure of the parenchyma and hypervascularity of the glands were detected with all kinds of fillers without significant differences per type. A significant substantial interrater kappa (0.61) with an agreement of 90% for all glands among observers was found.

Conclusion

Users of common types of CFs frequently present subclinical ultrasonographic signs of inflammation of the lacrimal, parotid, and submandibular glands. Further research on the topic seems necessary.
Effects of narrow‐band UVB on nasal symptom and upregulation of histamine H1 receptor mRNA in allergic rhinitis model rats
Authors: Kamimura Seiichiro , Kitamura Yoshiaki , Fujii Tatsuya , Okamoto Kentaro , Sanada Nanae , Okajima Natsuki , Wakugawa Tomoharu , Fukui Hiroyuki , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki , Takeda Noriaki
Published: January 2021

Background

Phototherapy with narrow‐band ultraviolet B (narrow‐band UVB) is clinically effective treatment for atopic dermatitis. In the present study, we examined the effects of intranasal irradiation with narrow‐band UVB on nasal symptom, upregulation of histamine H1 receptor (H1R) gene expression and induction of DNA damage in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis (AR) model rat.

Methods

AR model rats were intranasally irradiated with 310 nm of narrow‐band UVB. Nasal mucosal levels of H1R mRNA were measured using real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)‐PCR. DNA damage was evaluated using cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) immunostaining.

Results

In toluene 2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI)‐sensitized rats, TDI provoked sneezes and H1R gene expression in the nasal mucosa. Intranasal pre‐irradiation with 310 nm narrow‐band UVB at doses of 600 and 1400, but not 200 mJ/cm2 significantly inhibited the number of sneezes and upregulation of H1R gene expression provoked by TDI. CPD‐positive cells appeared in the nasal mucosa after intranasal narrow‐band UVB irradiation at a dose of 1400, but not 200 and 600 mJ/cm2. The suppression of TDI‐provoked sneezes and upregulation of H1R gene expression lasted 24 hours, but not 48 hours, after narrow‐band UVB irradiation with a dose of 600 mJ/cm2.

Conclusions

Intranasal pre‐irradiation with narrow‐band UVB dose‐dependently inhibited sneezes and upregulation of H1R gene expression of the nasal mucosa in AR model rats, suggesting that the inhibition of nasal upregulation of H1R gene expression suppressed nasal symptom. The suppression after narrow‐band UVB irradiation at a dose of 600 mJ/cm2 was reversible without induction of DNA damage. These findings indicated that low‐dose narrow‐band UVB phototherapy could be effectively and safely used for AR treatment in a clinical setting.

Level of Evidence

NA.
Ring‐Expansion Copolymerization of l‐Lactide and Glycolide
Authors: Weidner Steffen M. , Kricheldorf Hans R. , Scheliga Felix
Published: January 2021

1:1 Copolymerizations of glycolide (GL) and l‐lactide (LA) are performed in bulk at 100 C and at 160 C with four cyclic tin catalysts. The resulting copolyesters are characterized by size exclusion chromatography measurements, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. At 160 °C and longer reaction time (22 h), nearly complete conversion of both monomers is achieved, and cyclic copolymers with nearly random sequences are formed. At shorter times (0.5–3.0 h, depending on catalyst) the conversion of LA is incomplete, and only cyclics having even numbers of lactyl units are obtained. At 100 C and 22 h again cycles mainly consisting of even numbered lactyl units are formed, but with even and odd numbers of glycolyl units. Copolymerization of lactide at 160 C with small amounts of GL show that formation of high Tm crystallites (Tm > 190 C) is hindered even when only >2% of GL is added. For polyglycolide containing a smaller amount of lactide complete solubility in hexafluoroisopropanol is only observed around and above 20 mol% of lactide.
The Calderón–Zygmund estimates for a class of nonlinear elliptic equations with measure data
Authors: Liang Shuang , Zheng Shenzhou
Published: January 2021

We study a class of nonlinear elliptic equations involving measure data
where μ is a Radon measure. Under the main assumption of that there exists a constant such that
where for some integrable index , we obtain the Calderón–Zygmund estimates in the Sobolev–Morrey spaces for refined fractional‐order derivatives of distributional solutions depending on α.
Modeling hyperpolarized lactate signal dynamics in cells, patient‐derived tissue slice cultures and murine models
Authors: Ahamed Fayyaz , Van Criekinge Mark , Wang Zhen J. , Kurhanewicz John , Larson Peder , Sriram Renuka
Published: January 2021

Determining the aggressiveness of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) noninvasively is a critical part of the diagnostic workup for treating this disease that kills more than 15,000 people annually in the USA. Recently, we have shown that not only the amount of lactate produced, as a consequence of the Warburg effect, but also its efflux out of the cell, is a critical marker of RCC aggressiveness and differentiating RCCs from benign renal tumors. Enzymatic conversions can now be measured in situ with hyperpolarized (HP) 13C magnetic resonance (MR) on a sub‐minute time scale. Using RCC models, we have shown that this technology can interrogate in real time both lactate production and compartmentalization, which are associated with tumor aggressiveness. The dynamic HP MR data have enabled us to robustly characterize parameters that have been elusive to measure directly in intact living cells and murine tumors thus far. Specifically, we were able to measure the same intracellular lactate longitudinal relaxation time in three RCC cell lines of 16.42 s, and lactate efflux rate ranging from 0.14 to 0.8 s−1 in the least to the most aggressive RCC cell lines and correlate it to monocarboxylate transporter isoform 4 expression. We also analyzed dynamic HP lactate and pyruvate data from orthotopic murine RCC tumors using a simplified one‐compartment model, and showed comparable apparent pyruvate to lactate conversion rate (kPL) values with those measured in vitro. This kinetic modeling was then extended to characterize the lactate dynamics in patient‐derived living RCC tissue slices; and even without direct measurement of the extracellular lactate signal the efflux parameter was still assessed and was distinct between the benign renal tumors and RCCs. Across all these preclinical models, the rate parameters of kPL and lactate efflux correlated to cancer aggressiveness, demonstrating the validity of our modeling approach for noninvasive assessment of RCC aggressiveness.
Social norms and recognition in social fundraising campaigns: The moderating role of self‐construal
Authors: Minguez Ana , Sese Francisco Javier
Published: January 2021

Developing effective solicitation campaigns has become a priority for nonprofit organizations to raise funds. To do so, they have begun to introduce social information and recognition mechanisms in their campaigns to encourage donations, yet our current understanding of the effectiveness of these interventions is limited. This study intends to contribute to a better understanding of the effectiveness of these campaigns by investigating the role played by social norms, recognition, and their interplay in charitable giving. In addition, the study also investigates the extent to which these effects are moderated by self‐construal, an important individual psychological trait. This empirical investigation conducted an experimental design between subjects on a sample of 261 participants. A two‐stage correction approach was used to estimate two dependent variables. The effectiveness of social norms and recognition varies depending on the decision in play (whether to donate, or how much to donate) as well as on an individual's self‐construal (independent or interdependent). Strategies that combine several of these mechanisms should take into account their objective, that is, whether it is focused on boosting symbolic support or on incentivizing significant contributions. This article contributes by demonstrating that the type of social norm and the type of recognition matter, as they produce significant different effects on both the donation decision and the donation amount.
Preparation and characterization of microencapsulated aluminum hypophosphite and its performance on the thermal, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties of epoxy resin
Authors: Li Yang , Jiang Juncheng , Chen Zhiquan , Chen Zhongwei , Ni Lei
Published: January 2021

A novel microcapsule flame retardant microencapsulated aluminum hypophosphite (MAHP) was introduced. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the shell material on the surface of MAHP. The water contact angle (WCA) experiments show that the WCA of MAHP (71.4°) is significantly larger than that of aluminum hypophosphite (34.4°). And the interfacial free energy between MAHP and epoxy resin (EP) is only 7.89 mJ/m2, which results in good compatibility with EP. The results from differential scanning calorimeter test indicate that the addition of MAHP can improve the heat resistance of EP matrix. Thermogravimetric (TG) tests show that EP/MAHP has the largest amount of residue (32.03 wt%). The combustion behaviors of flame‐retardant EP (FR‐EP) composites were evaluated by limiting oxygen index, UL‐94, and cone calorimetry. The results show that the microencapsulation to AHP in this study can significantly improve the flame retardancy of EP. Thermogravimetric infrared analysis was used to investigate the gas‐phase products. Surface morphology and structure of char residues of EP and FR‐EP was also studied. The carbon layer became quite dense and continuous when MAHP was added. On the premise of improving the flame retardancy, the mechanical properties of the material are retained. The tensile strength and bending strength of EP/MAHP‐3 were 23.98 and 50.75 MPa, respectively.
Effects of chlorantraniliprole residual on Helicoverpa zea in Bt and non‐Bt cotton
Authors: Babu Arun , Reisig Dominic D , Pes Maiquel P , Ranger Christopher M , Chamkasem Narong , Reding Michael E
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Helicoverpa zea is managed with foliar applications of chlorantraniliprole in cotton varieties that do not express the Vip3Aa19 toxin in the US Cotton Belt. Foliar insecticides and Bt could interact to influence larval susceptibility. Therefore, it has been suggested that chlorantraniliprole can be used as a tool for Bt resistance management. We designed field and laboratory studies to test the hypothesis that the interaction of Bt toxin and chlorantraniliprole application would result in lower H. zea larval survival when compared to the individual effect of Bt or chlorantraniliprole alone. We also tested for these interactions over time, since chlorantraniliprole residual has not been studied in cotton.

RESULTS

Results from two field experiments and two laboratory experiments were similar. We found no interactions with Bt and chlorantraniliprole using data not corrected for natural mortality in untreated plots, indicating that these factors did not interact to influence survival. Moreover, we found that Bt and chlorantraniliprole did not interact to influence larval weight and instar. Chlorantraniliprole had lethal and sublethal effects on H. zea larval growth parameters feeding on cotton leaves up to 22 days after application, the final time period that we tested. Finally, concentration of chlorantraniliprole in the leaf was associated with larval survival for the duration of this study, but not larval growth or instar.

CONCLUSION

Our findings complement the recommendation to use chlorantraniliprole for managing H. zea in cotton, given its long‐residual effects. However, the utility of chlorantraniliprole as a Bt‐resistance management tool for H. zea remains unclear. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Improvements in tropical precipitation and sea surface air temperature fields in a coupled atmosphere–ocean data assimilation system
Authors: Fujii Yosuke , Ishibashi Toshiyuki , Yasuda Tamaki , Takaya Yuhei , Kobayashi Chiaki , Ishikawa Ichiro
Published: January 2021

A coupled atmosphere–ocean data assimilation system, the Meteorological Research Institute‐Coupled Data Assimilation System Version 1 (MRI‐CDA1), was developed based on the coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation model and separate atmosphere and ocean analysis routines operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). To implement coupled atmosphere–ocean data assimilation, 6‐hr data assimilation cycles with the coupled model in the outer loop are adopted in atmospheric data assimilation, whereas incremental analysis updates with 10‐day data assimilation cycles are adopted in ocean data assimilation. A coupled data assimilation (reanalysis) experiment (CDA‐Exp) is conducted using MRI‐CDA1 along with an uncoupled reanalysis experiment (UCPL‐Exp) in which the same atmospheric component of the coupled model is forced by prescribed sea surface temperature (SST) similarly to the JMA reanalysis, JRA‐55. Climatological precipitation and variations in precipitation and sea surface air temperature (SAT) are better represented in CDA‐Exp than in JRA‐55, which is brought about by the modification of the atmosphere model physics of the coupled model to better represent climate states. In CDA‐Exp, the SST adjustment to the atmosphere amplifies the lead/lag correlations between subseasonal variations of SST and precipitation. The atmosphere–ocean coupling generates SST variations associated with tropical instability waves, and the SAT field responds to SST variations. The SST–precipitation and SST–SAT relationships on the weather timescale are also recovered in CDA‐Exp, although they are hardly seen in UCPL‐Exp. The coupled model physics generates weather‐timescale SST variations consistent with the atmospheric state, and the atmospheric parameters respond to the SST variations through the coupled model physics. This study suggests that the benefits of coupled data assimilation would be more evident if the ability of MRI‐CDA1 to represent SST variations and its interaction with the atmosphere are improved.
Innate immune evasion mediated by picornaviral 3C protease: Possible lessons for coronaviral 3C‐like protease?
Authors: Ng Chen Seng , Stobart Christopher C. , Luo Honglin
Published: January 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 is the etiological agent of the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease‐2019, a multi‐organ disease that has triggered an unprecedented global health and economic crisis. The virally encoded 3C‐like protease (3CLpro), which is named after picornaviral 3C protease (3Cpro) due to their similarities in substrate recognition and enzymatic activity, is essential for viral replication and has been considered as the primary drug target. However, information regarding the cellular substrates of 3CLpro and its interaction with the host remains scarce, though recent work has begun to shape our understanding more clearly. Here we summarized and compared the mechanisms by which picornaviruses and coronaviruses have evolved to evade innate immune surveillance, with a focus on the established role of 3Cpro in this process. Through this comparison, we hope to highlight the potential action and mechanisms that are conserved and shared between 3Cpro and 3CLpro. In this review, we also briefly discussed current advances in the development of broad‐spectrum antivirals targeting both 3Cpro and 3CLpro.